“When you get any vaccine from a doctor or pharmacist, you talk through risks and benefits and get your questions answered. It’s no different than before.”
AVEGNO, director of the New Orleans Health Department
DR JENNIFER
COVID vaccines become easier to find in Louisiana
Pharmacies and
Updated CDC guidance eases confusion
BY EMILY WOODRUFF Staff writer
After weeks of confusion about access to the latest COVID-19 vaccine and murky guidance from federal officials, Louisiana residents should now find it much easier to get a shot. Pharmacies and clinics across the state are offering the updated vac-
cines without a prescription, following new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released earlier this month. The agency said that anyone 6 months and older can receive the vaccine through “shared clinical decisionmaking” with a provider essentially, a conversation between patients and their providers about personal risk and benefit.
In practical terms, that shouldn’t look any different from the usual process of getting a vaccine from a provider, whether that’s in a pharmacy or at a doctor’s office, said Dr Jennifer Avegno, director of the
New Orleans Health Department.
“When you get any vaccine from a doctor or pharmacist, you talk through risks and benefits and get your questions answered,” said Avegno. “It’s no different than before.” The clarification marked the end of several weeks of uncertainty over who could get the updated vaccine and how After the Food and Drug Administration approved this fall’s updated COVID-19 shots on Aug. 27, it narrowed use to seniors 65 and older and to people from 6
Feds link Lafayette resident to massacre
BY CLAIRE TAYLOR Staff writer
A man living and working in Lafayette who federal authorities say is a member of a terrorist organization and participated in the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel appeared in court for the first time Friday Gaza-born Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi, 33, also known as Abu Ala, was arrested on a federal warrant and jailed in St. Martin Parish on Thursday He faces federal charges of supporting a terrorist organization and visa fraud for providing false information June 26, 2024, on his visa application to enter the United States and obtain legal permanent resident status. He allegedly indicated he had not ever served in a paramilitary or terrorist group. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in
Man accused of participating in Hamas-led attack in Israel makes court appearance ä See MASSACRE, page 5A
State leaders mull how to implement AI in classrooms
Committee formed to guide students at every grade level
BY ELYSE CARMOSINO Staff writer
A group of education leaders in Louisiana will spend the next few months studying and making recommendations about how K-12 schools should implement artificial intelligence as it rapidly upends everyday life.
The committee will be composed of nearly 30 people from across the state, including members of the education board and Education Department, as well as national artificial intelligence experts.
ä See VACCINE, page 4A ä See CLASSROOMS, page 4A
Trump tells Zelenskyy he’s reluctant to sell him missiles
President had previously warned Russia he might
BY AAMER MADHANI, SEUNG MIN KIM and MICHELLE L. PRICE Associated Press
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump signaled to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday that he’s leaning against selling him long-range Tomahawk missiles, while offering optimism that the war is moving toward an end that would mitigate a need for the powerful weapon. Zelenskyy at the start of the
White House talks said he had a “proposition” in which Ukraine could provide the United States with its advanced drones, while Washington would sell Kyiv the Tomahawk cruise missiles that Ukrainian officials say they desperately need to motivate Russian President Vladmir Putin to get serious about peace talks.
But Trump said he was hesitant to tap into the U.S. supply a turnabout after days of suggesting he was seriously weighing sending the missiles to help Ukraine beat back Russia’s invasion.
“I have an obligation also to make sure that we’re completely stocked up as a country, because you never know what’s going to happen in war and peace,” Trump
said He added, “We’d much rather have them not need Tomahawks. We’d much rather have the war be over to be honest.”
Following the meeting, Trump called on Kyiv and Moscow to “stop where they are” and end the war
“Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts,” Trump said in a Truth Social post “They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!”
Zelenskyy told reporters after the meeting it was time for a ceasefire and negotiations, but appeared to stop short of embracing Trump’s call for an immediate end
ä See MISSILES, page
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALEX BRANDON Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, sits before a meeting with President Donald Trump, from right, Vice President JD Vance and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in the White House on Friday
5A
STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRAD KEMP
clinics across the state are offering the updated COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription, following new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released earlier this month.
Slovak leader’s party
expelled from group
BRUSSELS Europe’s main center-left political group on Friday kicked out the party of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is accused of cozying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin and undermining the rule of law in his own country
The Party of European Socialists voted unanimously to expel Fico’s Smer party for taking political positions in recent years that contradict “severely and deeply the values and principles our family stands for,”
Secretary-General Giacomo Filibeck said.
“This is a unanimous, clear message. If you belong to the PES family, you share the values that we all do,” Filibeck said after the vote at a group congress in Amsterdam.
Fico said he was disappointed by the decision. “If they want to punish us because we have defined marriage as a unique union between a man and a woman, that we said there are only two sexes and that we said that in these issues our law takes precedence over European law, if that’s why we have to be expelled, then it’s an honor for us,” he said In May Fico was the only leader of an EU country to travel to Moscow for festivities marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, despite EU calls for a boycott.
DNA from discarded cup leads to man’s arrest
NEW YORK A Georgia man accused of sexually assaulting five women during a New York City crime spree in the early 1990s was linked to the cases by DNA authorities obtained from a discarded cup, prosecutors said Michael Benjamin, 57, of Conyers, was arraigned Thursday after being extradited to New York and was ordered held without bail due to his high flight risk, prosecutors said.
While officers escorted Benjamin from a New York police station Thursday he told reporters he was innocent of the allegations “I didn’t do this! I didn’t do none of this!” he screamed. “What witness? What fingerprints? I didn’t do this!”
The assaults occurred between July 1995 and February 1997, with the attacker entering the residences through a window prosecutors said. The victims ranged in age from 21 to 42 — including one woman who was assaulted on two separate occasions. Each victim was also robbed of money and valuables. Benjamin was linked to the assaults by DNA obtained last year from a discarded cup he had used inside the Rockdale County Sheriff’s office, prosecutors said It was submitted for testing and matched DNA retrieved at the time the assaults occurred.
Benjamin was arrested in Georgia on Sept. 22. He faces 17 counts, including sexual assault and burglary charges
Father pleads in murder of missing 7-month-old RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The father of a 7-month-old boy missing in Southern California pleaded guilty to second-degree murder of his son after a monthslong investigation that has failed to locate the child’s remains.
Jake Haro on Thursday also pleaded guilty to assault on a child under 8 that results in death, paralysis or a comatose state, and a misdemeanor count of filing a false report.
Haro, 32, and his wife Rebecca Haro, 41, attracted national attention this summer after reporting their son Emmanuel Haro had been kidnapped outside a store in San Bernardino County on Aug. 14.
Rebecca Haro told authorities that she was attacked outside a store in Yucaipa while changing her son’s diaper and was left unconscious. Authorities said Haro told them that when she awoke, her son was gone. Rebecca Haro was later confronted by authorities about inconsistencies in her account and refused to continue to cooperate, the sheriff’s department said.
The couple was charged with the murder of Emmanuel Haro and making a false report. They’ve each been held on $1 million bail.
Prince Andrew gives up titles
BY JILL LAWLESS and PAN PYLAS
Associated Press
LONDON Prince Andrew said Friday he is giving up his royal title of the Duke of York and other honors after his friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein returned to the headlines.
Andrew, younger brother of King Charles III, said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace that “the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family.”
“With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me,” Andrew said in his statement Friday “As I have said previously, I vigorously
deny the accusations against me.”
It’s the latest fall from grace for the 65-year-old prince, who had already stepped down from public life in 2019 over his links to Epstein despite his denials of any wrongdoing.
News that he will be ditching his title came in the wake of the release of excerpts of an upcoming posthumous memoir from Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who has alleged she was trafficked by Epstein and had sex with Andrew when she was 17. The memoir is due to be published Tuesday Giuffre died by suicide in April at the age of 41. In the memoir, she details alleged encounters with
Prince Andrew, who she sued in 2021. Andrew denied her claims and said he didn’t recall having met her Andrew, once second in line to the British throne, has long been a source of tabloid fodder because of his links to Epstein, other questionable characters and money woes.
His attempt to refute Giuffre’s allegations backfired during a November 2019 BBC interview Viewers saw a prince who proffered curious rebuttals — such as disputing Giuffre’s recollection of sweaty dancing by saying he was medically incapable of perspiring — and showed no empathy for the women who said Epstein abused them.
Within days of the interview, Andrew stepped down from his royal duties. Giuffre sued him and the
Remains of another hostage to be returned
BY WAFAA SHURAFA Associated Press
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip
The Red Cross on Friday received the remains of another hostage to be returned to Israel from Gaza, the Israeli military said, after Hamas worked to shore up a tenuous ceasefire by using bulldozers to help search for bodies the group says remain trapped under rubble.
The army said the coffin of a deceased hostage was on the way to Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip
The handover came after Hamas’ military wing said it would hand over the body of a hostage that was pulled out earlier in the day to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The statement from the Qassam Brigades said the remains were that of an “occupation prisoner,” suggesting they belonged to an Israeli rather than one of the hostages of several other nationalities also taken by Hamas.
The Israeli military and Shin Bet security service, in a joint statement, said official identification of the remains would first be provided to the families, before adding: “Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the deceased hostages.”
Hamas has said it was committed to the terms of the ceasefire deal, including the handover of bodies. This week, Hamas, in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross, has handed over to Israel the remains of nine hostages along with a 10th body that Israel said wasn’t that of a hostage.
The effort to find bodies followed a warning from President Donald Trump
that he would green-light Israel to resume the war if Hamas doesn’t live up to its end of the deal and return all hostages’ bodies, totaling 28.
In a statement earlier Friday, Hamas said some hostages’ remains were in tunnels or buildings that were later destroyed by Israel and that heavy machinery is required to dig through rubble to retrieve them. It blamed Israel for the delay, saying it had not allowed any new bulldozers into the Gaza Strip.
Most heavy equipment in Gaza was destroyed during the war, leaving only a limited amount as Palestinians try to clear massive amounts of rubble across the territory
Hamas urged mediators to increase the flow of aid into Gaza, expedite the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt and start reconstruction. It also called for work to “start immediately” on setting up a committee of Palestinian independents who will run the Gaza Strip and for Israeli troops to continue pulling back from agreed-upon areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel “will not compromise” and demanded that Hamas fulfill the requirements laid out in the ceasefire deal about the return of hostages’ bodies.
Hamas has assured the U.S. through intermediaries that it’s working to return dead hostages American officials say retrieval of the bodies is hampered by the scope of the devastation, coupled with the presence of dangerous, unexploded ordnance.
Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages on Monday In exchange, Israel freed around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Trump administration appeals bar on deployment of Guard in Chicago area
BY MARK SHERMAN Associated Press
WASHINGTON The Trump administration on Friday asked the Supreme Court to allow the deployment of National Guard troops in the Chicago area, escalating President Donald Trump’s conflict with Democratic governors over using the military on U.S. soil.
The emergency appeal to the high court came after a judge prevented, for at least two weeks, the deployment of Guard members from Illinois and Texas to assist immigration enforcement. A federal appeals court refused to put the judge’s order on hold.
The conservative-dominated court has handed Trump repeated victories in emergency appeals since he took office in January, after lower courts have ruled
against him and often over the objection of the three liberal justices. The court has allowed Trump to ban transgender people from the military, claw back billions of dollars of congressionally approved federal spending, move aggressively against immigrants and fire the Senate-confirmed leaders of independent federal agencies, In the dispute over the Guard U.S. District Judge April Perry said she found no substantial evidence that a “danger of rebellion” is brewing in Illinois during Trump’s immigration crackdown.
But Solicitor General D. John Sauer Trump’s top Supreme Court lawyer, urged the justices to step in immediately. Perry’s order, Sauer wrote, “impinges on the President’s authority and needlessly endangers federal personnel and property.”
case was settled in 2022 for an undisclosed sum. A statement filed in court said that the prince acknowledged Epstein was a sex trafficker and Giuffre was “an established victim of abuse.”
As well as no longer using the title of the Duke of York, a longestablished title that was gifted to him by his mother Queen Elizabeth II at his wedding to Sarah Ferguson in 1986, Andrew will also give up other titles: Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter He will remain a prince, which he has been entitled to since birth. Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will also no longer use the title of Duchess of York Their children, Beatrice and Eugenie, will remain princesses.
Trump says he has commuted Santos’
sentence
By The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Friday he had commuted the sentence of former U.S. Rep. George Santos, who is serving more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges.
The New York Republican was sentenced in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people — including his own family members — to make donations to his campaign.
He reported to Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey, on July 25 and is being housed in a minimum security prison camp with fewer than 50 other inmates.
“I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump posted on his social media platform.
A prominent former House colleague, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, also urged the White House to commute his sentence, saying in a letter sent just days into his prison bid that the punishment was “a grave injustice” and a product of judicial overreach
The judge in Santos’ case had agreed with federal prosecutors that a stiffer sentence was warranted because Santos didn’t seem remorseful, despite what he and his lawyers claimed.
Santos became the first openly gay Republican elected to Congress in 2022, flipping a House seat representing parts of Queens and Long Island. But Santos served less than a year in office after it was revealed that he had fabricated much of his life story, which in turn led to investigations into how the then-unknown politician had funded his winning campaign.
Santos had appealed to the Trump administration to intercede within hours of receiving his sentence, insisting in social media posts and interviews that it was overly harsh and politically motivated.
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ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LEO CORREA Buildings that were destroyed during the Israeli ground and air operations stand in the northern Gaza Strip during sunrise Friday.
Andrew
Santos
Trump shows little interest in shutdown talks
Democrats call on president to get more involved with negotiations
BY JOEY CAPPELLETTI and SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is showing little urgency to broker a compromise that would end the government shutdown, even as Democrats insist no breakthrough is possible without his direct involvement.
Three weeks in, Congress is at a standstill. The House hasn’t been in session for a month, and senators left Washington on Thursday frustrated by the lack of progress. Republican leaders are refusing to negotiate until a short-term funding bill to reopen the government is passed, while Democrats say they won’t agree without guarantees on extending health insurance subsidies.
For now Trump appears content to stay on the sidelines.
He spent the week celebrating an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal he led, hosted a remembrance event for conservative activist Charlie Kirk and refocused attention on the Russia-Ukraine war Meanwhile, his administration has been managing the shutdown in unconventional ways, continuing to pay the troops while laying off other federal employees
Asked Thursday whether he was willing to deploy his dealmaking background on the shutdown, Trump seemed uninterested
“Well, look, I mean, all we want to do is just extend. We don’t want anything, we just want to extend, live with the deal they had,” he said in an exchange with reporters in the Oval Office. Later Thursday, he criticized Democratic health care demands as “crazy,” adding, “We’re just not going to do it.”
Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that Democrats must first vote to reopen the gov-
ernment, “then we can have serious conversations about health care.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune echoed that approach before leaving for the weekend, saying Trump is “ready to weigh in and sit down with the Democrats or whomever, once the government opens up.” Thune said he’d also be willing to talk but only after the shutdown ends. “I am willing to sit down with Democrats,” Thune posted on social media Friday
“But there’s one condition: End the Schumer Shutdown. I will not negotiate under hostage conditions, nor will I pay a ransom,” he added Frustration is beginning to surface among rank-and-file Republicans, with bipartisan conversations breaking out on the Senate floor as members look for ways to move things forward. Still, even those Republicans admit little hap-
pens in Congress without Trump’s direction.
While Congress has been paralyzed by the shutdown, Trump has moved rapidly to enact his vision of the federal government.
He has called budget chief Russ Vought the “grim reaper,” and Vought has taken the opportunity to withhold billions of dollars for infrastructure projects and lay off thousands of federal workers, signaling that workforce reductions could become even more drastic.
At the same time, the administration has acted unilaterally to fund Trump’s priorities, including paying the military this week, easing pressure on what could have been one of the main deadlines to end the shutdown.
Some of these moves, particularly the layoffs and funding shifts, have been criticized as illegal and are facing court challenges. A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked the administration
Bolton pleads not guilty in case accusing him of sharing secrets
BY ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press
GREENBELT, Md. — John Bolton pleaded not guilty Friday to charges accusing the former Trump national security adviser turned critic of emailing classified information to family members and keeping top secret documents at his Maryland home.
Bolton was ordered released from custody after making his appearance before a judge in the third Justice Department case brought in recent weeks against an adversary of President Donald Trump. The case accusing Bolton of putting the country’s national security at risk is unfolding against the backdrop of growing concerns that the Trump administration is using the law enforcement powers of the Justice Department to pursue his political foes. Bolton has signaled he will argue he is being targeted because of his criticism of the president, describing the charges as part of a Trump “effort to intimidate his opponents.”
The investigation into Bolton, however, was already well underway by the time Trump took office a second time this past January and appears to have followed a more conventional path toward indictment than other recent cases against perceived Trump foes, who were charged by the president’s hand-picked U.S. attorney in Virginia over the concerns of career prosecutors.
Bolton is accused of sharing with his wife and daughter more than 1,000 pages of notes that included sensitive information he had gleaned from meetings with other U.S. government officials and foreign leaders or from intelligence briefings. Authorities say some of the information was exposed when operatives believed to be linked to the Iranian government hacked Bolton’s email account he used to send diary-like notes about his activities to his relatives.
Bolton, 76, is a longtime fixture in Republican foreign policy circles who became known for his hawkish views on American power and who served for more than
a year in Trump’s first administration before being fired in 2019. He later published a book highly critical of Trump.
Bolton suggested the criminal case was an outgrowth of an unsuccessful Justice Department effort after he left government to block the publication of his 2020 book “The Room Where It Happened,” which portrayed Trump as grossly misinformed about foreign policy
Bolton’s lawyers have said he moved forward with the book after a White House National Security Council official, with whom Bolton had worked for months, said the manuscript no longer had classified information.
Bolton’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement that the “underlying facts in this case were investigated and resolved years ago.”
He said the charges stem from portions of Bolton’s personal diaries over his 45-year career in government and included unclassified information that was shared only with his immediate family and was known to the FBI as far back as 2021.
from firing workers during the shutdown, ruling that the cuts appeared politically motivated and were carried out without sufficient justification.
And with Congress focused on the funding fight, lawmakers have had little time to debate other issues.
In the House, Johnson has said the House won’t return until Democrats approve the funding bill and has refused to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. Democrats say the move is to prevent her from becoming the 218th signature on a discharge petition aimed at forcing a vote on releasing documents related to the sex trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. So far, the shutdown has shown little impact on public opinion.
An AP-NORC poll released Thursday found that 3 in 10 U.S. adults have a “somewhat” or “very” favorable view of the Democratic Party, similar to an
AP-NORC poll from September Four in 10 have a “somewhat” or “very” favorable view of the Republican Party, largely unchanged from last month.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have said Republicans have shown little seriousness in negotiating an end to the shutdown.
“Leader Thune has not come to me with any proposal at this point,” Schumer said Thursday Trump has no plans to personally intervene to broker a deal with Democrats, according to a senior White House official granted anonymity to discuss private conversations. The official added that the only stopgap funding bill that Democrats can expect is the one already on the table.
“The President is happy to have a conversation about health care policy, but he will not do so while the Democrats are holding the American people hostage,” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said Thursday In his second term, Trump has taken a top-down approach, leaving little in Congress to move without his approval.
“What’s obvious to me is that Mike Johnson and John Thune don’t do much without Donald Trump telling them what to do,” said Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. His hold is particularly strong in the GOP-led House, where Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, effectively owes his job to Trump, and relies on his influence to power through difficult legislative fights. When Republicans have withheld votes on Trump’s priorities in Congress, he’s called them on the phone or summoned them to his office to directly sway them. When that doesn’t work, he has vowed to unseat them in the next election It’s led many Democrats to believe the only path to an agreement runs through the White House and not through the speaker’s office. Both parties also see little reason to fold under public pressure, believing they are winning the messaging battle.
FEMA staff sound alarm on disaster preparedness
BY GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA Associated Press
Current and former staff of the Federal Emergency Management Agency demonstrated against workforce and program cuts during a “FEMA Solidarity Rally” on Friday, a potentially risky act of protest because some of the same staffers were placed on leave after signing a public dissent letter in August.
Several dozen people gathered outside the FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C., calling on President Donald Trump to stop dismantling the agency charged with managing the federal disaster response. They warned that eliminating FEMA, something the president suggested he would consider, would put lives at risk and hurt communities.
“It’s clear these disasters are becoming more frequent and more intense,” Jeremy Edwards, the agency’s deputy director of public affairs under President Joe Biden, said at the rally “Our country needs FEMA now more than ever And right now, FEMA needs us, too.”
The demonstration also was a call to support FEMA staff members who have been on paid administrative leave for nearly two months after signing a public letter of dissent in August. That letter criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other Trump officials for cutting staff and programs.
“Try as they might to run us over, we are not backing down, and we are putting up one hell of a fight,” said Phoenix Gibson, one of the few current FEMA employees who publicly signed the dissent letter FEMA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the rally
Demonstrators waved signs that said “FEMA Saves Lives” and “Hands off FEMA” while speakers paid tribute to FEMA’s staff and mission, which they said has been under attack by the Trump administration.
Organizers said they want Noem to reinstate signers of the August declaration, for acting administrator David Richardson to resign and for FEMA staff to no longer be required to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By J SCOTT APPLEWHITE
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Benton, center, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, depart Friday after addressing reporters at the Capitol in Washington on the 17th day of the government shutdown
They are expected to explore ways that schools can teach students at every grade level about responsible and ethical AI use, determine what age-appropriate lessons should look like and publish and update warnings on the technology’s risks.
The group’s creation comes after the state education board in August called on Louisiana’s Education Department to research AI and to develop a game plan for implementing the technology in classrooms. Gov Jeff Landry also issued an executive order this week that prohibits public schools from using AI programs that were developed by certain countries, including China The governor said the rule will protect students, universities and state agencies from the influence of “hostile foreign governments.”
Proponents of the effort to expedite AI use in Louisiana schools cite the technology’s growing importance in the global economy
But ensuring students, teachers and staff are prepared for an AIfilled future is a “stunningly complex challenge,” said Louisiana Tech University President Jim Henderson on Tuesday Henderson was appointed to lead the new team.
Henderson pointed to AI’s rapid advancement, which he said makes it difficult to develop education policy around the technology that can withstand the test of time He also acknowledged concerns over protecting student data — an issue state education leaders and experts have warned could put student privacy at risk.
Still, he said, it’s crucial that Louisiana get ahead of the game if the state wants to establish itself as a nationwide leader in AI education
“AI is here,” he said. “It’s something that’s going to continue to
develop, and having a framework for the state allows us to empower our people to take advantage of it.”
Some education experts, however, warn there has not been enough research on the technology’s long-term impact, and that there’s no evidence so far to suggest it improves student learning.
Critics also point out that AI can sometimes give users incorrect information.
At least 85% of teachers and 86% of students across the country said they used AI last school year, according to a report released this month by the nonprofit Center for Democracy and Technology But students also reported that using
AI in class made them feel less connected to their teachers, while educators voiced concerns that AI weakened their students’ critical thinking and research skills.
Louisiana introduced its first set of AI standards for K-12 schools last fall. They included suggestions on how to incorporate AI into class instruction, how to train teachers to use and teach AI and ways to protect student data and privacy The standards also noted challenges with AI in classrooms, such as an increased potential for plagiarism, and gave guidance on how to combat those problems.
Board member Preston Castille
also asked Henderson’s team to look into developing school programs that teach students how to create AI platforms, saying that Louisiana “shouldn’t just be consumers of the technology, but we should be designers, innovators.”
Louisiana’s Education Department has already rolled out the use of certain AI-powered learning tools, including Khanmigo and Amira, in some schools to see how they work for students and educators, state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said. He added that the state wants to develop a system to vet new AI programs for districts.
The work group will present its suggestions, which are also expected to include new policy recommendations for lawmakers, at the state board of education’s March 10 meeting next year
State education leaders didn’t “have the internal horsepower to move this initiative very far, very quickly,” state school board president Ronnie Morris said. With external help from the new committee, however, the state can ensure its students “are even more competitive and better prepared for careers and college.”
Email Elyse Carmosino at ecarmosino@theadvocate.com.
months to 64 years old with certain high-risk conditions.
In Louisiana, that was interpreted by some pharmacies to mean prescriptions were necessary for everyone or for at least some groups of people, which created barriers and confusion.
On Sept. 19, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, reshaped under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., voted to make COVID-19 vaccination an “individualbased” or “shared clinical decision-making” choice for everyone 6 months and older The CDC formally accepted the recommendation in October, and major chains resumed giving shots without prescriptions nationwide.
CVS pharmacies will give the COVID-19 vaccine to ages 5 and up without a prescription, said Amy Thibault, a spokesperson. Walgreens will provide it for ages 3 and up, according to Carly Kaplan, a Walgreens spokesperson.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 6 months to 23 months receive a CO-
VID-19 vaccine, saying that babies and toddlers in this age group are at higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization compared to other children. For older kids, it recommends vaccination for those with underlying risk factors and also says parents should decide if healthy kids get a shot Younger kids typically receive immunizations from their pediatrician. As of fall 2025, three COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for children in the United States, though eligibility varies by age.
The Moderna vaccine is cleared for children 6 months and older The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which in past seasons covered those as young as 6 months, is now authorized only for ages 5 and older under the FDA’s 2025-26 update. For older children and teens 12 and up, the Novavax vaccine, a protein-based, nonmRNA option, is also available. There is no authorized COVID-19 vaccine for infants under 6 months.
Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans has the COVID-19 vaccine available both at the hospital and in community clinics, according to Dr Mark Kline, physician in chief Ochsner Health, which has clinics and hospitals across
the state, also has updated pediatric and adult vaccines available. The Louisiana Department of Health will have vaccines available at parish health units and will administer it “in accordance with the latest CDC recommendations,” said spokesperson Emma Herrock. Louisiana has low uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Roughly 5.7% of kids in the state received it in the past respiratory virus season. Nationally, the rate was 13%, according to the CDC. Among adults, the rate is 12.5% in Louisiana compared with 23% nationally
Still, some families see it as essential protection, said Dr Nora Oates, of Hales Pediatrics. She’s heard from parents of healthy kids who are eager to find the vaccine because they live with someone who’s immunocompromised.
“There’s other reasons — an indication for a newborn coming in (to the family),” Oates said “Our families are expressing frustration over the delay in recommendations and the contradictory messages.”
In Louisiana, Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham has publicly criticized COVID-19 vaccines, calling them “dangerous.” Gov. Jeff Landry echoed that when
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge and a physician, suggested the state put in a standing order for the vaccine, a common practice that makes a medication available over the counter Earlier this year, the state Health Department changed a
yearslong practice of offering mass vaccination fairs and instructed employees not to recommend seasonal vaccinations. The New Orleans Health Department continues to hold community vaccination events, offering flu, COVID-19, shingles and pneumonia shots. At a recent Bug Fest event in mid-October, nearly 200 people were vaccinated, Avegno said. Email Emily Woodruff at ewoodruff@theadvocate. com.
STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD
Students use computers for a problem-solving assignment during class at Noble Minds Institute on Sept. 5
to the war
“The president is right we have to stop where we are, and then to speak,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy and his top aides huddled with Trump and his team over lunch, aday after the U.S. president and Putin held alengthy phone call to discuss the conflict. Themeeting, which went more than twohours,lastedmuchlonger than planned.
Zelenskyy congratulated Trump over landing last week’s ceasefire andhostage deal in Gazaand said Trump now has “momentum” to stop the Russia-Ukraine conflict
“President Trump now has abig chance to finish thiswar,” Zelenskyy added.
Trump’sshiftingrhetoricon
Tomahawks is certainly disappointing to the Ukrainians.Inrecent days, Trump had shownan openness to selling Ukrainethe Tomahawks, even as Putin warned that such amove would further strain theU.S.-Russianrelationship.
But following Thursday’scall with Putin, Trump began downplaying the prospects of Ukraine getting the missiles, which have a range of about 995 miles.
Zelenskyy had been seekingthe Tomahawks, which wouldallow Ukrainian forces to strike deep into Russian territory and target key military sites, energy facilities and critical infrastructure. Zelenskyy has arguedthat the potential forsuch strikes would help compel Putin to take Trump’scallsfor
directnegotiationstoend the war more seriously Putin warned Trump during the call that supplyingKyiv withthe Tomahawks “won’tchange the situation on thebattlefield, but would cause substantialdamagetothe relationship between our countries,” according to Yuri Ushakov,Putin’s foreign policy adviser
Ukrainian Foreign Minister An-
drii Sybiha said that talk of providing Tomahawks had already served apurpose by pushing Putin into talks. “The conclusion is that we need to continue with strong steps. Strength can truly create momentumfor peace,”Sybiha said on the social platformX late Thursday It is the fourth face-to-face meeting for Trump andZelenskyy since theRepublican returned to office
in January,and their second in less than amonth.
Trump announced on Thursday following his callwithPutin that he would soon meet with him in Budapest, Hungary,todiscuss ways to end thewar.The twoalso agreed that their senior aides, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio,would meet next week at an unspecified location.
The president said Friday it was
“tobedetermined”ifZelenskyy would be involved in the talks in Hungary —suggesting a“double meeting” with the warring countries’ leaderswas likely the most workable option for productive negotiations.
“These two leaders do not like each other, andwewanttomake it comfortable foreverybody,” Trumpadded.
Before hiscallwith Putin,Trump had shown signs of increased frustration with the Russian leader Lastmonth,Trump announced that he believedUkraine could win back allterritory lost to Russia, a dramatic shift from his repeated calls for Kyiv to make concessions to end the war.
Trump, going back to his2024 campaign,insistedhewould quickly end the war,but his peace efforts appeared to stall following adiplomatic blitz in August, when he held asummit withPutin in Alaska and aWhite House meeting with Zelenskyy and European allies.
Trump emerged from those meetings certain he was on track to arranging direct talks between Zelenskyy and Putin. But the Russian leader hasn’tshownany interest in meeting with Zelenskyy and Moscow has only intensifiedits bombardment of Ukraine.
Asked Friday if he wasconcerned that Putinwas stringing himalong, Trumpacknowledged it wasapossibility but said he was confident he could handle the Russian leader
“I’vebeenplayedall my life by the best of them, and Icame out pretty well,” Trump said. He added, “I think I’mpretty good at this stuff.”
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByALEX BRANDON
President DonaldTrump greets Ukraine’sPresident Volodymyr Zelenskyyatthe White House on Friday.
Alaska evacuees maybeawayfor months
Damage to remote villages is extreme, governor says
BY MARK THIESSEN andGENE JOHNSON Associated Press
ANCHORAGE, Alaska Damage to remote Alaska villages hammered by flooding last weekendisso extreme that many of the more than 2,000 people displaced won’t be abletoreturn to their homes for at least 18 months, Gov.Mike Dunleavy said in arequest to the White House for amajor disaster declaration. In one of the hardest hitvillages, Kipnuk, an initial assessment showed that 121homes —or90% of the total —have been destroyed, Dunleavy wrote. In Kwigillingok, wherethree dozen homes floated away,slightly more than one-third of the residences are uninhabitable. TheremnantsofTyphoon Halong struck the areawith the ferocity of aCategory 2hurricane, Dunleavy said, sending asurge of high surf into the low-lying region. One person was killed, tworemain
missing, and rescue crewsplucked dozens of peoplefromtheir homes as they floated away
Officials have been scrambling to airlift people from the inundated Alaska Native villages. More than 2,000 people across the region have taken shelter —inschools in their villages, in larger communities in southwest Alaska or have been evacuated by militaryplanes to Anchorage. Dunleavy said he eventually expectsmore than 1,500 people to berelocated to major cities in thestate.
In the state’slargest city,about 575 have been airlifted by the Alaska National Guardtoa sports arenaora convention center with additional flights expected Friday andSaturday. Officialsare working on figuring out how to move peopleout of sheltersand into short-term and thenlonger-term housing.
“Duetothe time,space, distance, geography,and weather in the affected areas, it is likely thatmany survivors will be unable to return to theircommunities this winter,” Dunleavy said. “Agencies are prioritizing rapid repairs but it is likelythat some damagedcommunities will not be viable to support
winter occupancy,inAmerica’s harshest climate in theU.S.Arctic.”
The federal government already has been assisting withsearch and rescue, damage assessments, environmental response and evacu-
ation support. Amajor disaster declarationbyPresident Donald Trumpcould provide federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure, including money foremergency and per-
manent work.
The three members of Alaska’s congressionaldelegationonFriday sent aletter to Trump, urging swiftapproval.
The stormsurgepummeleda sparsely populated region off the state’smain road system where communitiesare reachable only by air or water this time of year The villages typically have just a fewhundredresidents, who hunt and fish for much of their food, and relocating to the state’smajor citieswill bring avastly different lifestyle.
Alexie Stone, of Kipnuk, arrived in Anchorage in amilitary jet with his brothers, children andmom, after his home wasstruck by the flooding.They’vebeenstaying at theAlaskaAirlines Center at the University of Alaska, where the Red Cross provided evacuees with cots, blankets andhygiene supplies.
At least for the foreseeable future, he thinks he might try to find ajob at agrocery store; he used to work in one in Bethel.
“It’sgoing to be,try to lookfor aplace and find ajob,” Stonesaid Friday.“We’re starting anew life here in Anchorage.”
BY KONSTANTINTOROPIN and LISA MASCARO Associated Press
WASHINGTON The United States took survivors into custody after itsmilitarystruckasuspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean —the first attack that anyoneescaped alive since President Donald Trump began launching deadly strikes in the region last month, adefense officialand another person familiar with the matter said Friday Trump later confirmedthe attack. “Weattacked asubmarine, and that wasadrug-carrying submarinebuilt specifically for thetransportation of massive amounts of drugs”Trump said while hosting the Ukrainianpresident at the White House.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not dispute that there were survivors, but he repeatedly said details would be forthcoming
The strike Thursday brought the death toll from the Trump administration’smilitary action against vessels in the region to at least 28
It is believed to be at leastthe sixth strike in the waters off Venezuelasince early September,and thefirst to result in survivors who were picked up by the U.S. military.Itwas not immediately clear what would be done with the survivors, who the people saidwere beingheldonaU.S.Navy vessel.
They confirmed thestrikeand the seizingofsurvivors on the conditionof anonymity because theattack had not yetbeen publiclyacknowledged by Trump’s administration.
Trump hasjustified thestrikes by asserting that theUnited States is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drugcartels, relying on the same legal authority used by the Bush administration when it declared awar on terrorafter the Sept.11attacks. That includes the ability to capture and detain combatantsand to use lethal force to take out their leadership. Some legal expertshave questioned the legality of the approach. Thepresident’suse of overwhelmingmilitary force to combat the cartels, along withhis authoriza-
tionofcovert action inside Venezuela, possibly to oust President Nicolás Maduro, stretches the bounds of international law, legal scholars said this week.
Trump on Friday appeared to confirm reports that Maduro has offered astake in Venezuela’soil andother mineral wealthinrecent months to try to stave off mounting pressure from theUnited States.The New York Times last week first reportedabout the effort by theMaduro government.
Venezuelan government officials have also floated aplanin which Madurowould eventually leaveoffice, according to aformer Trump administration official. That plan was also rejected by the WhiteHouse, the AP reported.
“He’soffered everything,”
Trump said in an exchange with reporters at the start of his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.“Youknow why? Because he doesn’twant to f*** around with theUnited States.”
The White House did not commentonthe strike.
Meta adds parental controls forteens’interactionswithAI
driven sometosuicide.
BY BARBARA ORTUTAY AP technologywriter
Metaisadding parental controls for kids’ interactionswithartificial intelligence chatbots —including the ability to turn off one-on-one chatswithAIcharacters altogether —beginning early next year
But parents won’tbeable to turn off Meta’sAIassistant, which Meta sayswill “will remain available to offer helpful information and educationalopportunities, withdefault, age-appropriate protections in place to help keep teens safe.”
Parents who don’twant to turn off all chats with all AI characters will also be able to block specific chatbots. And Meta said Friday thatparents will be able to get“insights” about what their kids are chatting about with AI characters —although they won’tget access to thefull chats. AI chatbots are drawing scrutiny over theirinteractions with children that lawsuits claim have
Even so, more than 70% of teens have usedAIcompanions andhalf use them regularly, according to a recent studyfrom Common Sense Media, anonprofit that studies and advocates forusing screens and digital media sensibly
On Tuesday,Meta announced thatteenaccountsonInstagram will be restricted to seeing PG-13 content by default andwon’t be able to change their settings without aparent’spermission. This means kids using teen-specific accounts will see photos and videos on Instagram that are similar to what they would see in aPG-13 movie —nosex, drugs or dangerous stunts.
“Meta’snew parental controls on Instagram are an insufficient, reactive concession that wouldn’t be necessary if Meta hadbeen proactive about protecting kids in thefirst place,” said James Steyer, Common Sense Media founder and CEO.
PHOTO PROVIDED By JACQUI LANG
Adog is rescued in Kipnuk, Alaska, Wednesday, to be flowntoananimal shelter in Bethel, Alaska, as its owner had evacuated.
ASPECIAL CELEBRATION
Lafayette’soldestbank helpsAcadiana organizationsthrough employee-ledgiving
BY JOANNA BROWN Staffwriter
This week, adiverse assortment of schools,charitable organizations and community nonprofits gathered at the Home Bank headquarters in Lafayette for aspecialcelebration They had all been selected to receive grants through “Home Bank Helps,” agiving program managed entirely by employeesthatisseparate from the financial institution’s
corporate giving. Home Bank was chartered in Lafayette Parishin 1908, and is still headquartered in Lafayette. According to Acadiana market president Kevin Latiolais,serving the communityhas always been acorevalue forHomeBank. On Thursday,the bank honored representatives from more than 20 local organizations withover $60,000 in awards. “The generosityofour employees
is incredible,”said Natalie Lemoine, HomeBank chief administrative officer.“This is comingstraight from the hearts and pocketbooks of our people.”
Lafayette nonprofitssuch as the Tool Library andthe Confidence Campaign received awards this year,along withthe 4A’s Sisters Club, alupussupport andawareness group. Lupus is achronic
ä See CELEBRATION, page 2B
Scotthouse fire leaves twoinjured,dog dead
BY JA’KORI MADISON Staff writer
Afire in Scott left two people injured and one dog dead on Thursday,according to firefighters. At about 2:58 p.m. on Thursday,the Scott Fire Department respondedtoa residential fire in the 200 block of Pope Drive. On arrival, crews saw heavy fire coming from the structure. Lafayette Parish sheriff’s deputies already on scene confirmed
thatanoccupant was still inside thehome. Firefighters located the occupant near the rear door and pulled himtoasafe area in the yard, where additional firefighters immediately began administering medicalaid. Adog was also located inside, who was also brought outside for medical treatment. Unfortunately, the dogremovedfromthe residence didnot survive. Whilegathering information for the investigation, firefight-
erslearned that before theirarrival, aLafayette Parish sheriff’s deputy located the victim in the rear hallway and was able to pull theunconscious victim to the doorway as smoke intensified. His courageous actions were instrumental in helpingfirefighters quickly locatethe victim, significantly increasing the victim’s chances of survival, thedepartment said in astatement. The occupant rescuedfrom the structure has burns to historso
and severe smoke inhalation; he is expected to survive.A second occupant, who escaped before the arrival of emergency personnel, is also expected to recover An investigation determined thefire originatedfromanimproperly discardedcigaretteon the porch which spread to the home.
Email Ja’koriMadisonat jakori.madison@theadvocate. com.
Country artist remains in BR hospital
Mark Chesnutt misses RiverCentershow
BY JUDYBERGERON Staff writer
Country singer-songwriter
Mark Chesnutt remained in aBaton Rouge hospital on Friday after being admitted on Thursday morning soon after his plane landed in Louisiana. Chesnutt was scheduled to open for veteran country artists Alabamaata concert Thursday night at the Raising Cane’sRiver Center Arena. Chesnutt’sband, New SouthBand, went on as scheduled, with another band mem ber on vocals.
“He is still there for testing on alow sodium count an veryhigh bloodpres sure,” according to his publicist, DonMurry Grubbs. Grubbs said Chesnutt’sshow on Saturday night in Portales, New Mexico, has been canceled, and there is no newsonany other future shows being affected.
“Mark wants to apologize to the fans who cametosee him last night and also to those whohad planned to see him tomorrow in New Mexico,” Grubbs said. “He hopes to be back in both cities in the very near future.” Tour personnel requested that the RiverCenterpostthe following notice on allentrances before theshow, according to Alysia Guin, director of marketing andpartnerships at the River Center: “Mark Chesnutt has been admitted to alocal hospital for medical reasons. Fortunately,Mark Chesnutt’s band will perform in his place at 7p.m. Thank you, Alabama.” Chesnutt, 62, was forced to cancel showsinJune 2024 after undergoing an emergency quadruple bypass surgery
His top hits include “Bubba Shot the Jukebox,” “Brother Jukebox,” “Too Cold at Home,” “It’saLittle Too Late” and “Blame It on Texas.”
legacy foranimallovers
BY JA’KORI MADISON Staff writer
The St. Martin Parish Animal Shelter has anew space where stray cats can playand interact with residents who might be interestedinadopting them
The building donation was inspired by alocal family knownfor compassion and care foranimals. Aplane crash took the lives of siblings Giselle andJean-Luc Doucet and their father,Lucius J. Doucet III, last May.The two siblings were LSU students whowere set to graduate this year,while their father,Lucius, was aplastic surgeon in Baton Rouge.According to the university database, Giselle Doucet studied veterinary medicine, and Jean-Luc studied chemical engineering. “The family often fostered cats and dogs, eveniftheycouldn’tkeepthem long term,” said Dr.Megan Simon, a veterinarian at Country Place Veterinary Clinic. “They loved interacting
ä See SHELTER, page 2B
Home Bank held areception and grant award ceremonyfor recipients of their employeecommunity grant program on Thursday.
PHOTOSByROBIN MAy
Natalie Lemoine, HomeBank chief administrativeofficer,left, begins the HomeBank CommunityGrant AwardceremonyonThursday at the bank’sheadquartersinLafayette.
Cassidy touts Trump energy policies
Senator supports clean energy innovation efforts
BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy on Thursday offered a full-throated defense of President Donald Trump’s energy policies, saying the administration seeks to foster the development of new clean energy technologies without forcing taxpayers to subsidize industries that aren’t ready to stand on their own.
Cassidy, a Baton Rouge Republican facing a tough reelection battle next year, said Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by Congress in July, puts sensible limits on clean energy subsidies while supporting advances in carbon capture and storage, high-tech fuels and other energy innovation.
“The Biden administration created overly generous subsidies for industries that would lower the carbon footprint,” Cassidy said in an
interview in New Orleans during a break at the Louisiana Energy Security Summit. “President Trump and the Republican Congress said this can’t just be a money grab for industry It has to be something that gets you on your feet, and then you become commercially viable.”
He added that the president’s efforts to reopen shuttered nuclear power plants also will create more carbon-free energy to fuel domestic demand driven by the advent of powerhungry AI data centers.
America’s energy production and supply chain, manufacturing momentum in Louisiana, and how the state’s oil and gas industry strengthens U.S. leadership.
land-based wind farms in the state yet, at least five utility-scale wind projects are in development.
neighboring Southern states.
Thursday’s energy summit was hosted by the American Council for Capital Formation, a probusiness think tank that advocates for free market policies.
More than 250 energy industry executives gathered for presentations and networking at the Higgins Hotel in the Warehouse District.
Cassidy provided opening and closing remarks, bookending presentations about China’s threat to
Cassidy’s comments defending Trump come three months after passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act enshrined into law dramatic changes to the nation’s energy policy, which emphasizes increased domestic oil and gas production at the expense of cleaner and renewable energy sources.
Trump’s bill slashed Biden-era tax breaks designed to boost wind and solar power, threatening billions in investments in Louisiana and, critics have said, slowing the state’s efforts to grow its clean energy industry at a time when greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to climate change.
Currently, Louisiana has more than a dozen utility-scale solar farms. Though there aren’t any
EBR Parish Metro Council questions use of autopen
Control of tool in Mayor-President’s Office reviewed
BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER
Staff writer
Several East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council members are questioning whether an autopen in Mayor-President Sid Edwards’ office has been misused by a top aide, citing the potential of unauthorized pay increases and alarm over who controls the tool.
In an email sent to the mayor Thursday, council members Jen Racca, Mayor Pro Tempore Brandon Noel, Carolyn Coleman and Aaron Moak asked about the procedures in place for using the autopen — a device used to replicate the mayor’s signature — and cited worries over the “integrity of official documents submitted for council approval.”
of the autopen. She can still approve documents for the departments that she oversees under the direction of Mayor-President Edwards.”
Racca said she and other council members had received reports of possible unauthorized employee pay increases approved with the autopen without the mayor’s knowledge, though she did not provide additional details.
“Personally, I do not believe the mayor would authorize multiple large pay raises in a short 10-month period with the impending budget issues we are facing,” she said. In their email to the mayor, the council members asked for a copy of the office’s autopen policy and a list of all contracts the device has been used to sign since Edwards took office.
On Friday, Racca said in a statement that she and her colleagues are particularly concerned about whether the device has been used by Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Monique Appeaning, who came under fire after another City Hall staffer accused her of misconduct last week.
Asked for comment about the autopen, Edwards’ spokesperson Falon Brown said the device’s signature card is kept in a lockbox that only the mayor’s executive assistant, chief of staff and chief administrative officer currently have access to. The machine is not operable without the signature card, she added. Brown said Appeaning had full authorization to use the autopen in the past, but that has recently changed.
“Recently, our office has made the executive decision to limit the use of the autopen and reduce the number of people who are authorized,” Brown said “In addition to other staffers, Ms. Appeaning’s responsibilities have been adjusted to limit the overall use
SHELTER
Continued from page 1B
with cats, and this is a way for their legacy to live on.
“Gigi would call me if she accidentally hit a squirrel, and we’d make sure it was cared for properly They cared for the underdogs,” she said.
Although Simon led the project, the donation was a community effort, she said, funded by friends, family, veterinary staff, and community members who knew the Doucets.
The need for a new building became clear after Simon says she saw firsthand the cramped conditions the cats were living in. The new building replaces an older, worn-out cat house, allowing the previous building to be repurposed
“The possibility that staff may have unrestricted access to sign your name, with or without your explicit authorization, is deeply troubling and demands immediate clarification,” the four council members wrote.
City-parish procedure requires council approval for any contract over $50,000. Contracts under that threshold are not regularly seen by the Metro Council.
The four noted that they are often asked by the Mayor’s Office to approve agreements over $50,000 without seeing the attached contract. In such cases, they are “simply signatories on your behalf,” they told the mayor. Brown said the Mayor’s Office uses the autopen to sign contracts over $50,000 that the council has approved. Those under that threshold are “approved through the Parish Attorney’s Office and Mayor-President Edwards,” she added.
The same council members who signed the letter called for an investigation into Appeaning last week after the mayor’s chief service officer, Yolanda Burnette-Lankford, filed a complaint against her Burnette-Lankford accused Appeaning of creating a “toxic, intimidating and emotion-
ally distressing environment” and using a slur against an employee, as well as other verbal harassment.
The Mayor’s Office declined to comment last week when asked about the allegations against Appeaning, whose responsibilities were overseeing Human Resources, Finance, Information Services, Purchasing and the Office of Community Development departments.
Multiple government sources have told The Advocate that Appeaning’s department oversight has since been reduced to just the Office of Community Development.
Racca added that the council is not targeting Appeaning or anyone else by questioning the use of the autopen.
“The council is not accusing any specific individual, nor is this a ‘witch hunt,’” Racca said “Rather, it is an exercise of our responsibility to perform due diligence and ensure transparency and accountability within city-parish operations.”
Coleman said she and her council colleagues have a fiduciary responsibility to the city-parish, and it was important for the mayor to be made aware of their concerns regarding the autopen.
“We’re talking about approving contracts,” she said. “We need to know, is this the mayor’s signature or is unauthorized use taking place?”
Council member Laurie Adams, who said she’d seen the email, praised her colleagues for sending it, and added that “the best way to answer questions, concerns and correct and mistakes moving forward is through transparency.”
Brown, the mayor’s press secretary, said thousands of documents are signed by the autopen. She called it a “timesaving tool” utilized by government offices throughout the country and said the administration ensures it is used appropriately
“While we understand that some council members may wish to review the use of this technology, we are confident that such a review will confirm there have been no violations or cause for concern,” Brown said.
The new cat building also offers a controlled, air-conditioned environment where highly adoptable kittens can interact and learn social cues. “By putting these kittens together letting them play and learn boundaries from each other,
The administration has kept in place some tax breaks for hydrogen, battery storage and nuclear plants projects.
Evolving energy industry
Cassidy is gearing up for a 2026
U.S. Senate race that has attracted several competitors who believe the state’s senior senator is vulnerable because of his 2021 vote to convict Trump during a second impeachment trial. The race will be Louisiana’s first closed primary in decades.
Among Cassidy’s challengers are state Treasurer John Fleming, state Sen. Blake Miguez of Lafayette, Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta and St. Tammany Parish Council member Kathy Seiden. All are highlighting their devotion to Trump.
During the interview, Cassidy said Louisiana needs more jobs, better protection from extreme weather cheaper insurance and better schools to keep up with
“The bayou regions have lost population because, after Ida, the cost of housing went up, families felt insecure and they moved out, so we’ve got to make our state more secure from things like hurricanes and flooding,” Cassidy said, citing the 18.5-mile, nearly $4 billion hurricane protection system that will stretch from the Bonnet Carre Spillway to Garyville as an important step in the right direction.
Cassidy also highlighted a bill he co-sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, that he said would help build domestic energy production of all types. The latest version of the bill, introduced in April, would place a fee on high-pollution imports from international competitors. It is under review by a Senate committee.
The senator said taking advantage of an evolving energy industry is a way to help the state’s economy grow its population.
“Louisiana has a real opportunity, but it’s not like that couldn’t be squandered,” he said “We have to nurture it.”
CELEBRATION
Continued from page 1B
autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects Black women, and is frequently misunderstood by doctors and community members.
“Lupus can affect any part of your body, and it’s very hard to diagnose,” said Gail Lee, treasurer of the 4A’s Sisters Club. “Sometimes it can take years.
“This award is going to help us go out and do more work in the community Every fourth Thursday we have a support group for our lupus warriors, and we give stipends at the end of the year to applicants that meet certain qualifications It helps us take care of more people.”
Other grant recipients, such as the Lafayette Parish Council on Aging and the Faith House of Acadiana, also plan to use the funding to expand their reach and programming. Koridea Phillips, nutrition coordinator for the Council on Aging, helps with a meals-on-wheels program that delivers food five days a week to at-risk seniors across the parish. She said that the money will help them hire another driver to expand the program.
Faith House of Acadiana runs a domestic violence crisis center and shelter that serves women and children, across seven parishes in central and southwest Louisiana.
The money awarded will help them expand their fundraising efforts to improve the lives of domestic violence survivors according to Faith House nurse practitioner Mary Neiheisel
2025 HOME BANK HELPS ACADIANA
Ush One See recently held its 10th annual 5K and fun run in River Ranch to raise funds to support Acadiana residents with Usher Syndrome, and promote research into treatments. They also send local children to camps held around the country that help deaf and blind kids socialize and learn independence skills.
“They get to spend a week with kids who have the same experiences and same struggles with vision loss an hearing loss. And they’re taught self-advocacy skills,” said founder Elise Faucheaux, whose son, Hunter, was born with Usher Syndrome type 1C in 2011.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to send more local kids to camp so they can share their stories and connect.”
Acadiana organization Ush One See, Inc. also received a Home Bank Helps grant this year This group is focused on Usher Syndrome type 1C, a genetic mutation that causes deafness and blindness, and is primarily carried in the Acadian community of Louisiana.
they’re better prepared for life in a home,” Simon said.
While the shelter cares for both dogs and cats, Simon chose to focus on cats because she says dogs typically receive more community support, noting that cats frequently come to her clinic after being shot with BB pellets or bullets.
“People see dogs on Facebook and immediately donate food or supplies,” she said. “Cats are kind of left on the wayside. St. Martinville has a problem with stray cats, and they often end up injured or worse.”
The donated building not only focuses on honoring the Doucet family but also expands the shelter’s capacity and creates a safer, healthier and more interactive environment for cats and the community, she said. Visitors and volunteers are encouraged to stop by the shelter to interact with
the cats.
“Residents get the joy and stress relief of spending time with animals, while the cats become more adaptable and better adjusted to family life,” said Simone. The St. Martin Parish Animal Shelter hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m to 2 p.m Saturday, and closed on Sundays.
Email Ja’kori Madison at jakori. madison@theadvocate.com.
PROVIDED PHOTO
A newly donated building at the St. Martin Animal Shelter for cats in honor of the Doucet family
PHOTO By ROBIN MAy
Lakisha Varner, from left, Koridea Phillips, Rico Rice and JAHmilah Sekhmet prepare to receive their grants at the Home Bank Community Grant Award ceremony at Home Bank in Lafayette
Thursday
Cassidy Trump
Edwards
Racca
CSX investorsfocus on newCEO’sdirection
Investors looked past a22% drop in CSX’sthird quarter earningsThursday and focused on the direction the railroad’s new CEO might take it and the possibility of any strategic deals.
CEO Steve Angel promised to focus on makingCSX thebestperforming railroad. Without promising amerger,Angelsaid he would consider any strategic opportunities that make sense forshareholders. The railroad is under pressurefrom investors to findanother railroad to merge with, so CSX can better compete with the merged Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern railroad if that $85 billion deal gets approved. But both of CSX’slikelymergerpartners
—BNSF andCPKC railroads have said they aren’tinterested in adeal because they believe theindustrycan better serve customers through cooperative agreements and avoid all the potential headaches that come with amerger
Most observers believe CSX and BNSF will be at adisadvantage if the Union PacificNorfolk Southern merger is approved. That transcontinental railroad will be able to shave more than aday off delivery times because it won’thave to hand off shipments between railroads in the middle of the country
TheJacksonville,Floridabased companysaid Thursday it earned $694 million, or 37 cents per share, in the quarter.That’s down from $894 million, or 46 cents per share ayearago. But withouta$164million goodwill impairmentcharge, the railroad wouldhave earned$818 million, or 44 cents per share.
Ford recalls more than 290K F-series trucks
Ford is recalling morethan 290,000 vehicles in the U.S. because the rearview camera system maynot displayimages properly in certain lighting conditions,which could increase therisk of acrash.
The recall includes certain 2020-22 F-250SD, F-350SD, and F-450 SD vehicles.
The National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration’ssafety recall report said thatFord reviewed customer complaint data and warranty information to understand customer occurrences.The automakersaid that as of Sept. 20, it was aware of 10 reports, withthe first reportoccurring on Jan. 20, 2022.
The automaker’sdealers will update the image processing module software of the impacted vehicles forfree.
Interim letters are expected to be sent to vehicle ownerson Oct.20. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, which is anticipated for March 2026. Vehicleowners may call Ford customer service at (866)436-7332. Individuals mayalso contact theNHTSA vehiclesafety hotline at (888)3274236 or go to www.nhtsa.gov
Publix recalls ice cream for egg allergenissue
Publix recalled one lotofice cream in six states because the product insidedoesn’tmatch the container
The container is for Publix Rich&Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream.That doesn’thave egg, which is an allergen. What’s inside the recalled lot might be Rich &Creamy French Vanilla Ice Cream. That has egg. So, ice cream with an allergen might be in acontainer that doesn’t list egg among the allergens.
“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs may run the risk of serious or life-threateningallergic reactions if they consume this product,”Publix’srecall announcement states. The recall covers the lotof Rich &Creamy Vanilla Ice Creamwith aJune 19, 2026, sell-by date.The lid on the ice creammight have the lid for the French Vanilla flavor. This recall covers stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky South Carolina and Tennessee.
BUSINESS
Market risesasbankstocksstabilize
Wall Street cruises to the finish of a winning week
BY STAN CHOE Associated Press
NEW YORK Wall Street cruised to thefinish of awinning week on Friday after banks recovered some of theirsharp lossesfrom theday before The S&P 500 rose 0.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 238 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaqcompositeclimbed 0.5%.
Thegains capped the best week forthe S&P 500 since early August, but it was aroller-coaster ride.Indexes careened through several jarring swings as worries built about the financial healthof
smalland midsizedbanks, as well as the souring trade relationship between the United States and China.
Someofthe nervousness around U.S.-China trade tensions eased on Friday after President Donald Trumpsaid that very high tariffs he threatened to put on Chinese imports are not sustainable.
Trumpalso told Fox News Channel’s“SundayMorningFutures” that he would meet with China’s leader,XiJinping, at an upcoming conference in South Korea. That’scounter to an earlier,angry posting he made on social media, where he said there seemed to be “no reason” for such ameeting.
Bank stocks, meanwhile, stabilized on Friday after several reportedstronger profit forthe latestquarter than analysts expected, including Truist Financial,
FifthThird Bancorp and Huntington Bancshares. That helped steady the group, aday after tumbling on worriesabout potentially bad loans.
The twobanks at the center of Thursday’saction also rose to trim some of their sharp losses.
Zions Bancorp., which is charging off $50 million of loans where it found “apparent misrepresentationsand contractualdefaults” by the borrowers, climbed 5.8% following its 13.1% loss.
Western Alliance Bancorp, whichissuing aborrower due to allegations of fraud, rose 3.1% after its 10.8% fall on Thursday Scrutiny is rising on the quality of loans that banks and other lendershavebroadly made following last month’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing of First Brands Group, asupplierofaftermarket
auto parts.
The question is whether the lenders’ problems are just acollectionofone-offs or asignalof something larger threatening the industry.Uncertaintyishighfollowing along stretch where many borrowers were abletostay in business, even with the weight of higher interest rates. And with prices soaring to records forall kindsofinvestments, theappetite forrisk may have gotten too high. In thebondmarket, Treasury yieldssteadied followingtheir sharp slidesfromThursday, which came as investors rushedinto investments seen as safer
The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged up to 4.00% from 3.99% late Thursday Gold also pulledback from its latest record as morecalm seeped through the market.
Target leansintocollabs
Brands rangefrom Taylor SwifttoWoolrich forholiday season
CARSON HARTZOG
The Minnesota Star Tribune (TNS)
Taylor Swift. “Wicked.” “Stranger Things.” Woolrich.
Target is rolling out astring of exclusive collaborations and in-store experiences to spur holiday spending at atime of coolingconsumer confidence.
Surveys point to lower spending already, as Target enters theall-important holiday season withinconsistent sales andfallingstoretraffic.
TheMinneapolis-based retailer is betting the steady stream of promotions will help attract finicky consumers. The chain also released 20,000 items under $20.
“Every week throughout the entire holiday season, consumers will see hundreds ofnew items,which will just keep us really fresh,keep us really exciting, keep us really relevant,” said Jill Sando, Target’schief merchandising officer
PwC’sannual Holiday Outlook survey, released in September,found shoppers planned to cut theirholiday budgets by an averageof5%—the first notable de-
BY SIBI ARASU and JENNIFER MCDERMOTT Associated Press
With trade threatsfromPresident Donald Trump, theU.S. derailed theworld’sfirst globalcarbon fee on shipping as an international maritime meeting adjourned Fridaywithout adopting regulations. Earlier this year,amidmuch fanfare, the world’slargest maritime nations agreed on the regulations, whichwouldimpose afee on carbonpollution to clean up shipping. The next step of the process adopting theregulations—during theInternational Maritime Organization meetinginLondonthis
cline since 2020.
Deloitte’sholiday retail survey showed expected spendingisdown10% from last year,and morethan half of consumers expect theeconomy to weaken in thenext six months, marking the lowest point since thefirm began tracking sentimentin1997.
That could makeTarget’sweekly push of new merchandise atough sell as consumers grow moreconcerned about tariffs and job security
Arecent Goldman Sachs research note estimated U.S. consumers will likely shoulder 55% of tariffcostsbythe end of the year.That figure doesn’tinclude the potential impact of PresidentDonald Trump’slatest threat to raise levies on China to 100%.
“Weknowright nowconsumers are really seeking out newness, and Iwould say,relevant newness,” Sando said. “We feel very bullish about thelevel of newness we’re delivering andwhat that will do to drive traffic to our different channels.”
Analysts have previously pointed to Target’srelianceonemotional appeal as areason for its business fluctuations.
While Walmartand Costco emphasize low prices, Target’s executivesoften use words like “joy” and “celebrate” to describe new product launches.
Thatframing lands best when “root-
weekwas widely expected to be a formality
Instead, after muchpressure from Trump, along with Saudi Arabia and ahandful of other countries, delegates decided to postpone the decision by ayear and adjourn. In the interim, nations will continue to negotiateand work toward consensus.
The development underscored how theinfluence of Trump, who recently called climate change a “con job,” extends globally to policies aimed at combating climate change.
“Faced with pressure, too many governments chose politicalcompromise over climatejustice, and in
ed in authenticity,shared rituals and a brand’sidentity, notjustsentiment,” Furman said.
Woolrich, the American luxury clothing company knownfor its buffalo plaid and heritage style, is Target’slatest collaboration,rollingout Saturday.The collection spans several categories, including clothing, outdoor gear,and food and beverage.
It followsrecent partnerships such as thecrossoverwithKateSpade in April, whichexpandedbeyond apparel to include party décor,cornhole games and a designerbicycle.Targetlater said it was the biggest in-store debut for alimitedtimecollection in the past decade.
Part of Target’spush to boost store visits involves creating more “experiential” retail moments, such as opening select stores forthe midnight release of Swift’s latest album.For the Woolrich collaboration, certain stores will have displays that “immerse guests in aworld of buffalo check,” according to anews release.
“When we build these programs, it’s not just the product, but it’sthe product and the experience,” Sando said. “When youwalk in ourstore, like thedisplay, theexperiencethat yousee,whenyou go on our app, when you see our social media posts, we really want it to pull you into that experience.”
doing so, abandoned the countries bearing thebrunt of theclimate crisis,” said Emma Fenton, senior director forclimate diplomacy at aU.K.-based climate change nonprofit, Opportunity Green. U.S.Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailedthe development as “another hugewin” for Trump.
“Thanks to his leadership, the United States prevented amassive U.N. tax hike on American consumers that would have funded progressive climate petprojects,” Rubio wrote on X. “Our country will continue to lead the way and put AmericaFIRST.” Trump had urged countries to vote “No,” posting on his social me-
diaplatform Truth Social on Thursday that “the United States will not stand for this global green new scam tax on shipping.” The U.S. had threatened to retaliate with tariffs, visa restrictions and port levies if nations supported it. The regulations, or “Net-Zero Framework,” would set amarine fuelstandard that decreases, over time,the amount of greenhouse gas emissions allowed from using shipping fuels. The regulations also would establish apricing system that would impose fees forevery ton of greenhousegases emitted by ships above allowable limits, in whatiseffectively the first global tax on greenhouse gas emissions.
PROVIDED PHOTOByCARLOS GONZALEZ
HasaU.S. president everbeenmore pro-Israel?
Donald Trump has heldmany rallies, but never one in the parliament of aforeignnation.
Trump’sspeech to the Knessetwas araucous, celebratory affair with the audienceofIsraeli lawmakersshoweringhim with adulation
Rich Lowry
Trump’sreceptionmade it a little like aState of the Union address with no Democrats in attendance (although there was one disruption).
For all the focus onTrump as the dyspeptic voiceof“American carnage” —and there’s no doubt that he can be excoriating about his political enemies —he is anatural at the vauntingly optimistic pep talk. His speech was utterly characteristic upbeat Trump. It was amusing, boastful, discursive and full of over-the-top praisefor everyone in his charmed circle.
Itsideologicalsignificance wasTrump’s ringing endorsement of the Jewish state. Certainly, no American president hasevergivena more lavishly pro-Israel speech. It wasespecially notable coming at atime wheninternational opinion has swung hard againstIsrael and when anti-Zionism and even anti-Semitismhave been on theriseinthe United States, both oncollege campuses and among MAGA influencers.
Some of the most powerful podcastersonthe Right areprobably workshopping conspiracy theories for how Trump hasbeen manipulatedby dark forces into becoming atool of theJewsas we speak.
One thing we’ve learned in recent months is that isolationists and malicious enemies of Israel are part of Trump’scoalition, but the president absolutely does not numberhimself among them. “I love Israel,” Trump said at the endofthis speech. “I’mwithyou allthe way.”
Again andagain, he emphasized thistheme.He boasted of being thebestfriend Israel hasever had. He bragged about how much aidhe’sgiven Israel and the lethality of the weapons he’s sold to the Jewish state. He hailedclose U.S.-Israel military cooperation, and went on at length about the brilliance of the mutualU.S.-Israel attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
He said the United States and Israelshare the same values, andwewill always be vitalallies.
He celebrated the achievements ofthe Jewishpeopleand marveled at how much Israelhas been able to accomplish onasmall speckofland in the Middle East.
Sometimes Trump lacks subtlety,and one wishes he’d be more circumspect, while sometimeshelacks subtlety and one marvels athis willingnesstospeak the truth ofthe matter in a way no one else will.The Knessetspeechwas an instance of the latter,and willlongberemembered as adeep-felt statement of the unique bond between America and the Jewish state
Trump pushed back against the image of himself as awarmonger,and instead argued— with alot evidence now —thathe’smuchmore interested in peace.It’sa testament to Trump’s real estate background thathis foreignpolicyis based to alarge extent on deal making and economicdevelopment. Andit’snoaccident thathe tapped two men with backgrounds in real estate, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner,tocinch the Gaza deal.
Trump offered avision of aMiddle East newly focused on building in his speech, and theGaza dealdoesindeed open up avista ofextending the historic AbrahamAccords in momentous ways Still, there is much hard work ahead thatwill requireU.S.commitmentand stayingpower How will Hamas, which is already undertaking violent reprisals against its internal enemies,be disarmed and displaced from power inGaza? Who will provide security in the portions ofGazanot controlledbyIsrael? Will Qatar and Turkey, who have done so much to support malignactorsinthe region, get on board aTrumpianvisionof peace andprosperity—ofnormality —for theregion? Theseand other questions will do muchtodetermine the future of the Middle East, but there’s no question, as far as Trump is concerned, about the U.S. commitment to its Israeli ally Rich Lowry is on X, @RichLowry.
Despite what Kennedysays, worry remainsfor La.Medicaidrecipients
Sen. John Kennedywrote a guestcolumn saying that the provisions in the “BigBeautiful Bill” will enhance, not harm, Medicaid. If that’sso, why did theLouisiana state Senatepass “Senate ConcurrentResolution No. 32” in June, requesting theU.S. Congressavoid cuts to the Medicaid program?
The resolution states that Medicaid currentlycovers 1.6 million Louisiana citizens, including 70% of all nursing home residents and 50% of all births. Some estimates suggest 190,000 Louisiana Medicaid recipientswill losecoverage, through no fault of their own, merely due thenew onerous reporting requirements. The state Senateresolution infers thebill’seffects on rural hospitals,already heavily dependent on Medicaid reimbursements, will be crushing, leaving many rural areas with far worse medical outcomes. Concomitantly,the uncompensated costs due to thewithdrawal of
Medicaid funds to these rural hospitals will “result in higher privateinsurance premiums and weaken the broader health care delivery system.” For therecord, Louisiana has the secondhighestpercentage of residentsonMedicaid in the country
The BBB includes a$50 billion “Rural Health Transformation Program” spread over five years to cushion theeffects of thefunding withdrawals. For reference, $18.7 billion was spent in 2024 alone on Louisiana’sMedicaid program; of that, 75% came from thefederal government. The $50 billion from theRural Health Transformation Program divided by 50 states over five yearsseems like arather flaccid attempt to help shore up rural hospitals.Itwouldn’t begin to cover themajor costs. It appears Louisiana will be facing some significant health care funding issues very soon.
GERALD
GREINER NewOrleans
Iamdeeply concerned about the newspaper’slack of coverage of Mike Johnson’sobstruction of the democratic process.
In April, “Speaker” Johnson (quotation marks added because the speaker of the House has rarely served as the president’s mouthpiece in such adisgraceful manner as Johnson) swore in twoRepublican representatives during apro formasession. He has refused to swear in an elected Democratic representative fornearly amonth. Why? Because she’sthe last vote to release the Epstein files. Why is Johnson disrespecting our democracy to hide the misdeeds of the elite? And why aren’tyou calling on him to do so?
But let’sadd one moretruth, specifically about how much he hates his homestate. He claims the Republicans are the party for health care, but he voted to cut funding for Louisianians on Medicaid. Iget that companies throw around their money,but honest journalists don’tkowtow to the moneyed elite. Why are you, as the editorial board, ignoring or sugarcoating his actions? He is the highest ranked House member from Louisiana, and he is making this state look like amore of joke than it alreadyis. Yet, you keep silent. Are you afraid to tell the truth? Wasn’titajournalist whoonce said their job was to “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable?”
Maybe y’all are too afraid of being the victim of “affliction,” but whoshould you be moreaccountable to: your advertisers and vengeful politicians or the people whoread your articles?
Quin Hillyer’swordsmithing blaming theDemocrats for the shutdown goes down adirty political alley Democrats, who have sought budgetnegotiations for months, are not to blame. If the Republicans’ planisaccepted, thenthousands of citizens could not afford health care. The smokescreen being blown by Republicans that the Democratswant to give free medicalcare to people who are in this country illegally is alie.
If, however,anundocumented person seekscare at an emergency room, then via abill passed by theReagan administration, doctors are obligated to treat the patient The blame sits with thetwist-
ed logic of the White House, which wants the shutdown to further reduce thefederal workforce. That might sound good on the surface until you need help from agovernmental agency and no one is there to takeyour call, or you get arecording.
If you have ahealthy relationship withyour wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, neighbors or work colleagues then you have learned the value of compromise.
How can you have ahealthy relationship when the president says at amemorial service, “I hatemyopponents.”
Hateiswhy we are in this dark political alley
CHARLEYVANCE
Amite
The Republican politicians whoare spying on teachers and employees fail to understand one of Charlie Kirk’snon-hateful ideas. “Hate speech does not exist legally in America. There’sugly speech, There’sgross speech, there’sevil speech. And ALL of it is protected by the First Amendment. KeepAmerica free.” he wrote on XinMay 2024.
If you don’twant to be called afascist don’t act like one. Go spy on yourself
DOUGLAS BREWSTER Covington
LSu AT vAnderbiLT • 11 A.m. SATurdAy • Abc
FOOTBALL ‘SOLDIER’
Mansoor Delane needed some help. His life in Baton Rouge would get busier once football season began. There would be practices to attend, agent meetings to schedule, NIL deals to manage, classes to prepare for and, most importantly, a crucial senior season that required the vast majority of his time and effort. He even needed someone to help him take care of his dog, Nola.
Unlike many Division I athletes who juggle a similar workload, Delane had an ace up his sleeve, someone who could help manage his expanding workload as an LSU cornerback preparing for what is likely his last collegiate season before entering the NFL draft. It was his older brother
“A lot was happening in the NIL space for all college athletes, and I just saw a need for Mansoor in terms of handling things outside of football,” his older brother, Zayd, said. “And I kind of realized, I was like, ‘I don’t even know how they expect football players to manage all of this.’ “
For seven years, LSu cb delane has made difficult decisions on and off the field to help him get to the nFL ä See LSU, page 2C
LSU GAMEDAY
LSU at Vanderbilt
11 a.m Saturday, FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, Tenn.
TV: ABC | Line: Vanderbilt by 2½ Radio: WDGL-FM, 98.1; WWL-AM, 870; WWL-FM, 105.3; KLWB-FM, 103.7
LSU
LSU
Continued from page 1C
The brothers came to an agreement over the summer for Zayd, 24, to work for Mansoor in Baton Rouge. Since moving into his brother’s place in August, Zayd has been responsible for communicating with agents, financial advisers and certified public accountants on Mansoor’s behalf, among other responsibilities.
He also takes care of Nola when Mansoor isn’t home.
“It comes down to simple things, too handling things in terms of his cars and registrations,” Zayd said. “And so it’s a little bit of everything handling recovery and scheduling doctors’ appointments and following up with them.”
Zayd was prepared to take on the role as Mansoor’s business manager/personal assistant. He worked at JPMorgan as a financial analyst in New York, helping individuals with their wealth planning and management.
“I’ve been met with praise every single time I’ve met with an agency,” Zayd said. “They’ve just praised me so much for being in that position and being there for Mansoor I think they definitely value that.”
Mansoor hiring his brother as his own assistant shouldn’t come as a surprise. Every decision he and his father, Jafau, have made has been geared toward preparing him for the next step in his football journey
The next stop comes Saturday when LSU travels to Nashville, Tennessee, to take on Vanderbilt (11 a.m., ABC).
“All of my kids, because they all played football the idea is they are soldiers to the game,” Jafau said. “They love the game. They’re soldiers to the game, meaning that if you tell me to go left, because that’s where we need to go, I’m going left.”
This is the path Mansoor’s been on since the end of his freshman year of high school, when he decided to change schools and live away from home to do so.
It also drove his decision to transfer to LSU a school stacked with former players now in the NFL — after three seasons at Virginia Tech. And it’s why he hired his brother to handle his fi-
Reed Darcey
nances and day-to-day responsibilities outside of football.
So far, his plan has worked to perfection Mansoor has allowed just six receptions for 77 yards on 22 passes thrown in his direction this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Critical lategame pass breakups helped clinch wins over Clemson and South Carolina. He’s also broken up six passes this season.
Mansoor has helped revitalize an LSU defense that had struggled in recent seasons. Through his play, his future seems destined for the NFL. “He wants to be a first-round pick,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said. “He wants to be the best corner in the country and he wants to be seen as such.”
The first transfer
Discovering that self-confidence never has been an issue for Mansoor He’s been betting on himself since he was a high school freshman at Landon School, a private school in Bethesda, Maryland. It was the same high school Zayd attended for four years, but Mansoor’s goals were tied to the football field, and Landon was known more for its lacrosse program than football.
During the spring after his freshman season, Landon didn’t hold offseason football workouts. And even when it attempted to host them, Mansoor was the only player who showed up on two occasions.
He wants to be a first-round pick. He wants to be the best corner in the country, and he wants to be seen as such.”
BRIAN KELLy, LSU coach, on cornerback Mansoor Delane
The LSU defense is better It has and will continue to win games for these Tigers, who look like they’re slowly figuring things out on offense Garrett Nussmeier did a great job of not letting pressure turn into sacks against South Carolina — an under-the-radar factor behind last
Zach Ewing VANDERBILT 24,
The
“I said, ‘What happened?’ (Mansoor) says, ‘Nobody showed up,’ “ Jafau said. “So he’s like, ‘I can’t do this. These dudes don’t want to play football.’ “ Mansoor needed to find another school that would better prepare him for college. That’s when Jafau found Archbishop Spalding. Archbishop Spalding is a Catholic private school in Severn, Maryland. With the help of Paul Smith, a family friend who coached with Jafau with the Columbia Ravens youth football organization, the Delanes realized that Spalding was the right fit. The only problem was the school was an hour away from their home. That’s when Smith, also known as “Coach Paul,” volunteered to have Mansoor live with him during the weekdays so he could attend Spalding.
“He’s always been a mentor to me,” Mansoor said of Smith. “In high school, we already had so much trust in him. As a kid, I
Scott Rabalais
20
My heart says to pick the Commodores to win, but my head just can’t wrap itself around the idea that the Tigers won’t beat Vandy once again It’s LSU And it’s Vandy you know what I mean? The Tigers finally
Koki Riley LSU 21, VANDERBILT
STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane makes a hit on Ole Miss wide receiver Winston Watkins in the third quarter of their game on Sept 27 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss.
slept over his houseall the time,all thattype of stuff. So it was kind of an easy transition, like ano-brainer.”
Jafauhad known Smithsince Mansoorwas in his first year playing youth footballasa 6 year old. He remembers the times he and Smith spent watching filmtogether on Fridaysbefore games. Once thesessionsended, theirconversations would often dovetail into their family and personallives.
“As(my kids are) goingthroughsomechallenges, (where) they’re thinking thattheyknow best, and I’m trying to parent and say,‘No, that’s not agood decision,’ you’vegot some disagreements here and there,” Jafau said. “SoI would always bounce those ideas with Paul, and he would do the same thing as he’sgoing through issues with his family and stuff like that.”
Smithdiedlast year becauseofkidneyfailure, but his mentorship of Mansoor and the bond formed between himand Jafau went beyond just coaching.
At one point, Jafau donated akidneytoSmith. Hiskindness helped Smith get to watch his son and daughter graduate from high school and college, respectively “I feel like he’sinabetter place now,”Mansoor said. “So Ifeel like he’s at ease, andhewas really fighting.”
Smith’sselflessnessallowed Mansoortotake advantage of histime at Spalding, which he did under coachKyle Schmitt and defensive coordinator Tyrone Forby Schmitt and Forby run their team as if it’sa college program. Mansoor remembers practices being styled very similarly to what he experiences now “Even meeting-wise, we met alot as aback end and as adefense,” Mansoor said. “Solike, coming into college, it wasn’treally that big of asurprise.”
Mansoor’sexperience at Spaldingwent smoothly,for the most part.Hewas benchedat onepoint during his sophomore yearfor “playing abit outside of our system (alittle bit).” “He studies filmrelentlessly,” Forby said.“So things thathe’ssaw on film at his age, asophomore in high school, weren’tnecessarily things he needed to be concerning himself with.” Mansoor took the benchingpersonally.Since then, he’sdeveloped thicker skin for hard coaching and yelling.
“(My dad and I) came to realize it was just hard coaching, and it was nothing against me. It was just that Ihad to learn to really be coachable,” Mansoor said. “And ever since then, Iget yelled at and everything(and) it doesn’tfaze me. Ijust take it as constructive criticism.”
Schmitt noticed positive changes inMansoor afterhis sophomore year. The programwas in the midst of COVID, but Mansoorhad come back stronger and more confident thanever. By the time his senior year concluded, hebecame one of the best defensive players Schmitt has ever coached. He also helped setthe standard for aprogram that won three consecutive state championshipsafter he graduated and headed to Virginia Tech.
“I think the thing Iwould alwaysgoback to with him is he cared alot about his craft, Schmitt said, “and that wassomething that was really apparent to me early on.”
Abiggerstage
Jafau and Mansoorwere asking questions, but they weren’tgetting the answers they needed. The last three seasons undercoach BrentPry at Virginia Tech hadnot gonethe way they had hoped, even as Mansoor started as afreshman, playing both cornerback andsafety. Things the Hokies would practice during the week wouldn’tbeused during the games, Jafau said. Scouting and preparation for opponents also were subpar,and Pry wasstretched thin to the point he apologized to Mansoor after his junior year
“He obviously admitted there werealot of problems,” Jafau said. “The defensive coordinator wasn’treally doing his job. Alot offirst times for them —first-time head coach, first-timeDC.”
Those issues, in part, ledtoMansoorseriously considering entering the NFLdraft after hisjunior year.But after Mansoor spoke with anNFL liaisonregardinghis prospects inthe draft, the feedback he received was negative in nature. He wanted to be afirst-round pick, but the league was projecting him to be athird- or fourth-round player
“Some of the commentswere (about) what he wasn’t doing enoughof, or what theydidn’t see enough of,” Jafau said. “Anditwas noknock on him, per se. They just didn’trun thatdefense at Virginia Tech.” To prepare for the nextlevel, Mansoorwant-
REPORT SAYS LB WHIT WEEKS DOUBTFUL VS.VANDY
LSUjunior linebacker Whit Weeks is doubtful to play Saturday against Vanderbilt according to an ESPN report.
Weeks,per the report,has been limited at practice throughout the week. The star linebacker isexpected to attempttowarmupbeforethe game, buthe“faces long odds to play.”
LSUcoach Brian Kelly said on his radio show Thursdaythat Weeks is dealing with abone bruise on his ankle. The injuryisanaftereffect of the ankle injuryhesufferedagainst Baylor in the TexasBowl.
Kelly also said he was agame-time decision Saturday.
“They’re making progress,”Kelly said on Thursday, also including fifth-year senior edge rusher Jimari Butlerasagame-time decision for Saturday.“We’reseeing that there’s achance that these guys could be readyonSaturday “Wethink we’vegot alittle bit more time.”
AlsoonFriday,LSU ruled out defensivetackle Bernard Gooden. He was listed as doubtful on Wednesday Koki Riley
ed moreresources andconnections —two things that Virginia Tech lacked. The program didn’teven have enough graduate assistantsto helphim train in the offseason while members of thecoachingstaff were recruiting.
“Wejust got to thepoint where we said, ‘Hey we don’tknow if we can really get ready for the NFL under this kind of structure,’ ”Jafau said. “You’re going to have too manyquestions going into the league.”
Mansoor entered his name into thetransfer portal on Dec. 12, six days after it had opened. He metwith Ohio Stateunofficially first, but his first official visit was at LSU.
The trip to Baton Rouge ended up as his only official visit,despite having planned stops at Ole Miss the next dayand Alabama after that. His LSU visit came on his birthday,and theTigers were determined not to let him leave thebuilding.
“It was aone-sided conversation, quite frankly,” Kelly said. “Once we hada connection where he wanted to be here, we did everything to consummate that deal.”
Avariety of factors sealed the deal for Mansoor,but theconversation he had regarding X’s and O’swithdefensive coordinator Blake Baker playedamajor role in his decision.
“That conversation with coach Baker, and how he wanted to really highlight the defense and really sort of his aggressive way,” Jafau said, “it really resonated with Mansoor.”
He and Jafau also expressedtrust in secondary coach Corey Raymondand Kelly’s experience as acoach.Theyalso likedthe national stageLSU would provide himand the connections it hadwithin the NFL.
Financially,LSU was willingtomatch theNIL price he was asking for. Mansoorwas taking arisk forgoing his third-round valuation. The money, in his mind, was asecurity blanket “‘Hey,ifI’m going to go to theleague, if I’m going to go third round, this is what I’m going to make,’ ”Jafau said of thethought process. “Wedid somemathequation, and thenwe said, ‘OK, that’sthe number.Ifweget that number,we’regood.’ Andwegot thenumber.”
Through his playalone,Mansoor is earning himself more moneyinthe NFL. ESPN’slatest mock draft hashim projected as afirstround pick.The Athletic’sDaneBrugler also listed him as oneofhis top three cornerbacks in the draft.
The job still isn’tdone. LSU is competing for aspotinthe College FootballPlayoff, and Mansoor will have to prove himself in matchupsagainst the likes of Texas A&M and Alabama.
But everydecision he has made for thepast seven years hasled him to this moment, getting ready for the next level of his football journey
“I’ve alwaysjustwanted the most for myselfand to be at the highest level, compete against the best competition,” Mansoor said.
“(I’m a) very competitive personinevery aspect of my life.”
Email Koki Riley at Koki.Riley@theadvocate.com.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
12Geo. Tech (6-0) at Duke(4-2), 11 a.m. No. 13ND(4-2) vs.No. 20 USC (5-1), 6:30 p.m. No. 14Oklah.(5-1) at S. Car,(3-3), 11:45 a.m. No. 15BYU (6-0) vs.No. 23 Utah (5-1), 7p.m. No. 16 Missou. (5-1) at Auburn (3-3), 6:45 p.m. No. 18Virg. (5-1) vs.Wash. St. (3-3), 5:30 p.m. No. 19S.Florida (5-1) vs.FAU (3-3),6:30 p.m. No. 21Texas (4-2) at Kentucky (2-3), 6p.m. No. 22Memphis (6-0) at UAB(2-4), 3p.m. No. 24Cincinn. (5-1) at Oklah. St. (1-5),7 p.m.
EAST Merrimack (3-4) at Harvard(4-0), 11 a.m.
R.Morris (1-5) at LIU Brooklyn (1-5), 11 a.m.
Uconn (4-2) at Boston College(1-5), 11 a.m.
Stonehill (2-4) at Yale (2-2), 11 a.m.
Princeton (2-2) at Brown(3-1), 11 a.m.
Colgate(2-4) at Georgetown (3-3), noon Dartmouth (3-1) at Fordham (1-5), noon Bucknell (4-3) at Cornell (0-4), noon Hampton (2-5) at Villanova (4-2), noon
S. Brook (3-3) at Monmouth (NJ) (5-1), noon Penn (3-1) at Columbia (1-3), 12:30 p.m. Buffalo (3-3) at Umass (0-6), 1:30 p.m. TexasState (3-3) at Marshall (3-3), 2:30 p.m.
R.Island (5-2) at Albany(NY) (1-5),2:30 p.m.
CCSU(4-3) at Wagner (1-5), 4p.m. Duquesne (4-3) at Mercyhurst (3-4),5 p.m. Oregon (5-1) at Rutgers (3-3), 5:30p.m. Pittsburgh (4-2) at Syracuse (3-3), 6:30 p.m.
SOUTH Georgia Tech (6-0) at Duke (4-2), 11 a.m. Furman (4-2) at Wofford(1-5), 11 a.m. Oklahoma (5-1) at SouthCarolina(3-3), 11:45a.m Stetson (3-4) at Presbyterian (6-0), noon West Virginia (2-4) at UCF (3-3), noon UT Martin (2-5) at Gardner-Webb (4-2),
12:30 p.m. ETSU (3-4)atChattanooga (2-4), 12:30 p.m. Samford(0-6) at VMI (1-5), 12:30 p.m. Holy Cross(0-6) at Richmond(4-3), 1p.m. Marist (3-3)atMorehead St. (2-5), 1p.m. W. Carolina (4-3) at The Citadel (3-3), 1p.m. LincolnUniversity (CA) (0-3)atMVSU(0-5), 2p.m. Coastal Carolina (3-3)atAppalachian St. (4-2), 2:30 p.m. New Hampshire (3-4)atCampbell (2-5), 2:30 p.m. Temple (3-3)atCharlotte (1-5), 2:30 p.m. Elon (4-3)atWilliam &Mary (3-3), 2:30 p.m. Ole Miss (6-0)atGeorgia (5-1), 2:30p.m. SMU (4-2)atClemson(3-3), 2:30 p.m. Old Dominion (4-2)atJames Madison(5-1), 2:30 p.m. Memphis(6-0) at UAB(2-4), 3p.m. Alcorn St. (1-5)atFloridaA&M (1-4), 3p.m. Mississippi St. (4-2)atFlorida(2-4), 3:15 p.m. Northwestern St. (1-5)atSELouisiana (4-2), 4p.m. Howard (3-3)atTennessee St. (1-5), 4:30 p.m. Washington St. (3-3)atVirginia (5-1), 5:30 p.m. S. Dakota St. (6-0)atMurraySt. (0-6), 6p.m. E. Kentucky (3-3)atNorth Alabama (1-5), 6p.m. Houston Christian (2-4)atMcNeese St.(1-5), 6p.m. Texas(4-2) at Kentucky (2-3), 6p.m. Georgia St. (1-5)atGeorgia Southern (2-4), 6p.m. FAU(3-3) at South Florida(5-1), 6:30 p.m. Tennessee (5-1)atAlabama (5-1), 6:30 p.m.
Missouri (5-1) at Auburn (3-3), 6:45 p.m. MIDWEST Butler (4-3) at Dayton (5-1), 11 a.m. Cent. Michigan(3-3) at BowlingGreen (3-3) 11 a.m. Washington (5-1)atMichigan (4-2),11a.m. E. Michigan (2-5) at Miami (Ohio) (3-3), 11 a.m. Davidson (1-5) at Drake(3-2),noon N. Dakota St. (6-0)atIndiana St.(2-4),noon Valparaiso(1-5) at St. Thomas(Minn.) (3-3) 1p.m. Tennessee Tech (6-0)atLindenwood (Mo.) (3-3), 1p.m. Kent St. (2-4)atToledo(3-3),1p.m. South Dakota (4-3)atN.Iowa(2-4),1p.m. Purdue (2-4)atNorthwestern(4-2),2 p.m. North Dakota (4-2)atS.Illinois(4-2),2 p.m. E. Illinois(3-3) at SE Missouri (2-4), 2p.m. Youngstown St. (3-3)atIllinoisSt. (4-2) 2p.m. Michigan St. (3-3)atIndiana (6-0), 2:30 p.m. Ohio St. (6-0) at Wisconsin (2-4),2:30 p.m. Akron (2-5)atBallSt. (2-4),2:30 p.m. N. Illinois (1-5) at Ohio (3-3),
THENATION
THINGS TO WATCHINWEEK8
Who,
HUGE GAME FORBULLDOGS, REBELS Ole Miss beat Georgia in a28-10 homewin last season. But winning at Georgia is more difficult. Its 33-game home winning streak under coach KirbySmart ended Sept. 27 against Alabama. It was theBulldogs’ first home loss since 2019. Missouri transfer Kewan Lacy has emerged as thedominant lead running back for No. 5Ole Miss.The sophomore has 126 carries for 587 yards andeight touchdowns. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is second on the team with 61 carries for287 yards.
1
STORIEDRIVALSTIDE, VOLS TO MEET
Sixth-ranked Alabama and No. 11 Tennessee meet forthe 108th time in one of the Southeastern Conference’smost storied series on SaturdayatBryant-Denny Stadium,a showdown that includes league and College FootballPlayoff implications. The Vols have scored on their opening possession in every game this season —four touchdowns and two field goals. In Tuscaloosa, QB Ty Simpson has emerged as aHeisman Trophyfrontrunner He’s completing71% of hispasseswith 16 touchdowns and one interception.
2
3
IN-STATE BATTLE FORUTAH, BYU No. 23 Utah and No. 15 ByU have followed asimilartemplate in buildingtheir football programs.The Utes rank second in scoring defense and fourth in total defense in the Big 12, while the Cougars are third and second, respectively. ByU quarterback Bear Bachmeier has thrown for1,220 yards, eight touchdowns and threeinterceptions this season. Utah receiver Ryan Davishas 39 catches for416 yards and twotouchdowns. Utah is 8th in the FBSinred-zone offense scoring on 96.6% of trips.
—AssociatedPress
1. TEXASA&M
By REED DARCEy
Record: 6-0 overall, 3-0 SEC
Previous rank:3
Last week: DefeatedFlorida 34-17
Thisweek: at Arkansas, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN)
2. ALABAMA
Record: 5-1 overall, 3-0 SEC
Previous rank: 2
Last week: DefeatedMissouri27-24
In late October 1937, afilm drew aprivate screening at Baton Rouge’sold Paramount Theater on Third Street for LSU football coach Bernie Moore, his staff and several local sportswriters.
It wasn’tone of that year’s blockbusters like “Topper” or “Snow White.” It was grainy newsreel footage of atrick play Vanderbilt usedaweek earlier to stun LSU in Nashville,Tennessee
The play,conceived by and named after Vandy assistant and later Tulane coach Henry Frnka, involved fooling the LSU defense into chasing Commodores quarterback Dutch Reinschmidt (oh, those 1930s football names) while tackle Greer Ricketson picked up the ballhidden behind guard Bill Hays. Ricketsonthen sprinted 50 yards to atouchdown withoutaTiger in sight. Moore was convinced Ricketson touched a knee to the ground as he knelt to pick up the ball, but this was afew decades before instant replay
The touchdown, resulting in a7-6 Vandy victory,was the only blemish on the Tigers’ 10game regular-season schedule, and may well have separated LSU from winning its first wire service-era national championship. Saturday,when the Tigers return to Nashvilletotakeon the Commodores, Vandy won’t need any trickeration to havea legitimate shot at victory. This isn’tyour father’s Vanderbilt team, orinthe context of the 1937 game, not even your great-grandfather’s. These Commodorescome into the game (11 a.m., ABC)ranked No. 17 and 5-1 overall,1-1 in the Southeastern Conference, setting the scene for ahistoric matchup. It’sthe first time No. 10 LSU (5-1, 2-1 SEC)faces aranked Vanderbilt team since way back in 1947. And, in more things from StuffBrianKelly Doesn’tWantToThinkAbout com, the Commodores are favoredover the Tigers for the first time since 1948, according to CBSSports.com. Ontop of that, Vandy has never been favored over atop-10 teamgoing back to 1978, astring of 77 straight games. The ‘Dores have been the SEC’sdoormat practically forever,better at dominating debates or reciting Latin declensions than winning football games. The only charter member of the SEC still in the
STAFF FILE PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK
LSUcoach Brian Kelly speaks with quarterbackGarrett Nussmeier in the second half of the Tigers’ 24-17 win over Vanderbilt on Nov. 23 at TigerStadium. Saturdaymarks the first time LSU has faced a ranked Vanderbilt team since 1947.
league that has never won the conference championship, Vandy has afeeble 143-462-18 all-time SEC record.That’s a .245 winning percentage, folks, or putanother way,arobust .755 losingpercentage.
But thepast couple of years, Vandy has ditched thedoormat and started knocking teams off their feet, mostnotably with astunning upsetofthen-No. 1 Alabama in Nashville in 2024. Ledbyswagger-filled quarterbackDiego Pavia, apoor man’s JohnnyManziel, theCommodoreshave fed off hisenergy andattitudeunder coach Clark Lea.
Lea, aVandygrad, is aleaf offofthe Kelly tree, once his defensive coordinator at Notre Dame.Kelly is proud of his protégé —tothispoint,anyway
“They took their lumps early on,” Kelly said of Lea’s Vandy program. “But Clark hasnever swayed from the vision he had. That’shard to do. You’vegot so many peoplesaying you can’t win there. He’sstayed steadfast in hisbeliefs. It’sa great lesson for other coaches.”
Kelly has been steadfast in hisbelief that this, his fourth team at LSU, is his most tal-
ented. Ateam built to makethe Tigers’ first trip to theCollege Football Playoff since winning the2019 national championship.
That’sfine in theory.Now it’s time to put that theory to the test.
LSUpassed thefirst testwith amistake-filled but nonetheless dominant 20-10 win this past Saturday over SouthCarolina. The Gamecocks were ahighly ranked preseason team,like their cross-state rival Clemson that LSU beat in theseason opener,but that time has passed. The SouthCarolina gameturned out tobemerely a warm-up act for the headliner games tocome. This is the first of three straight games for the Tigers against ranked opponents, withcurrent No. 4Texas A&M and No. 6Alabama waiting in the wings. There is much at risk for LSU. If theTigers can win these next three games, they’d practically be penciled intothe CFP field. If they lose Saturday, it’ll be hard to envision LSU running thetable to get to 102, arecord likely needed for a CFP berth. If theTigers aren’tconfident,
they aren’tshowing it. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier,battered and dinged this season but seemingly rounding into 2024 form, is bringing his own swagger to Nashville.
“I enjoy playingonthe road,” Nussmeier said. “There’snothing like taking the lifeout of a stadium.Big roadgames are fun.”
“Big road game” doesn’t quitecompute given we’re talking about LSU-Vandy.The Tigers have beaten the ‘Dores 10 straight times and are 14-1 against Vandy since 1976. But this is abig road game, no doubt It was in Nashville in 1990 that LSU lost to Vandy forthe last time, 24-21, aloss that was thebeginning of the end for then-coach Mike Archer.If theTigers lose Saturday,there could be asimilar vibe for Kelly It’sthat big. Probably the biggest LSU-Vanderbilt gameever Maybe LSUshould pack a trick play or two, just in case.
For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/ lsunewsletter
Thisweek: vs.Tennessee, 6:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC)
3. OLEMISS
Record: 6-0 overall, 3-0 SEC
Previous rank: 1
Last week: DefeatedWashington State 2421
Thisweek: at Georgia, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC)
4. GEORGIA
Record: 5-1 overall, 3-1 SEC
Previous rank: 4
Last week: DefeatedAuburn20-10
Thisweek: vs.Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC)
5. LSU Record: 5-1 overall, 2-1 SEC
Previous rank: 5
Last week: DefeatedSouthCarolina 20-10
Thisweek: at Vanderbilt,11a.m. Saturday (ABC)
6. TENNESSEE
Record: 5-1 overall, 2-1 SEC
Previous rank: 7
Last week: DefeatedArkansas 34-31
Thisweek: at Alabama, 6:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC)
7. MISSOURI
Record: 5-1 overall, 1-1 SEC
Previous rank: 8
Last week: Lost to Alabama 27-24
Thisweek: at Auburn, 6:45 p.m. Saturday (SECNetwork)
8. VANDERBILT
Record: 5-1 overall, 1-1 SEC
Previous rank: 11
Last week: Idle
Thisweek: vs.LSU,11a.m. Saturday(ABC)
9. TEXAS
Record: 4-2 overall, 1-1 SEC
Previous rank: 12
Last week: DefeatedOklahoma 23-6
Thisweek: at Kentucky,6 p.m. Saturday (ESPN)
10.OKLAHOMA
Record: 5-1 overall, 1-1 SEC
Previous rank: 6
Last week: Lost to Texas 23-6
Thisweek: at South Carolina, 11:45 a.m. Saturday(SECNetwork)
11.SOUTH CAROLINA
Record: 3-3 overall, 1-3 SEC
Previous rank: 9
Last week: Lost to LSU20-10
Thisweek: vs.Oklahoma, 11:45 a.m. Saturday(SECNetwork)
12.FLORIDA
Record: 2-4 overall, 1-2 SEC
Previous rank: 10
Last week: Lost to Texas A&M 34-17
Thisweek: vs.Mississippi State, 3:15 p.m. Saturday(SECNetwork)
13.MISSISSIPPI STATE
Record: 4-2 overall, 0-2 SEC
Previous rank: 13
Last week: Idle
Thisweek: at Florida, 3:15 p.m. Saturday (SECNetwork)
14.AUBURN
Record: 3-3 overall, 0-3 SEC
Previous rank: 14
Last week: Lost to Georgia20-10
Thisweek: vs.Missouri, 6:45 p.m. Saturday (SECNetwork)
15.ARKANSAS
Record: 2-4 overall, 0-2 SEC
Previous rank: 15
Last week: Lost to Tennessee34-31
Thisweek: vs.TexasA&M, 2:30 p.m. Saturday(ESPN)
16.KENTUCKY
Record: 2-3 overall,
Previous rank: 16
Last week: Idle
Thisweek: vs.Texas, 6p.m.
SECRATINGS
Scott Rabalais
SINGULAR FOCUS
In a battle ripe for storylines, Cajuns’ sole objective is getting a Sun Belt win
BY KEVIN FOOTE Staff writer
There is almost too many storylines in the 4 p.m. homecoming clash Saturday between Southern Mississippi and the UL at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium. Many are focusing on Southern Miss coach Charles Huff returning to Lafayette after his Marshall squad defeated the Cajuns 31-0 for last season’s Sun Belt championship Huff brought most of his coaching staff and more than 20 players with him from Marshall to Southern Miss in the offseason.
Then there’s offensive coordinator Blake Anderson, who is familiar with Lafayette. In addition to being the offensive coordinator for former Sun Belt team Middle Tennessee State from 2002-04 and the head coach at Arkansas State from 2014-20, Anderson was the UL offensive coordinator in 2007. His quarterback was none other than
UL coach Michael Desormeaux, whose 1,141 yards rushing led all quarterbacks nationally and helped the Cajuns become the first Sun Belt team to rush for more than 3,000 yards as a team.
Southern Miss cornerback Anthony Richard was a four-time state champion at Lafayette Christian in high school. All of that is secondary to the assignment at hand. The Cajuns are off to a disappointing 2-4 and 1-1 start while Southern Miss (4-2, 2-0) is tied for first place in the Sun Belt West race with Troy The Cajuns don’t need outside motivation for this contest.
“Around the locker room, it’s just kind of the guys reassuring each other that this is where it really counts,” UL defensive end Jordan Lawson said. “It comes down to the West.” Saturday’s game is the first of six consecutive games against Sun Belt West Division teams.
“That’s what we want,” Desormeaux said. “There’s no quit. There’s a lot of fight in this group. No matter what happens, they fight and they compete and they want it really bad because they’ve worked really hard for it. So, yeah,
See CAJUNS, page 7C
Saints running back Kendre Miller tries to pull away from Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett William on Sept. 7 at the Caesars Superdome.
BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer
Kendre Miller did not play much during his first two NFL seasons, and that contributed to the unwelcome thoughts that would sometimes pop into his head when he did see the field.
“It was kind of a ‘What’s next?’ kind of thing in my head,” Miller said. “There were so many different things happening, and when I made it out of a game
final days, possibly weeks, with the Gators. He seems resigned to the ending, whether he’s fired Saturday night, Sunday morning or in the very near future. He’s been a total pro about it. He’s not
including Penn State’s James Franklin and Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy, already have been shown the door
“It’s what we sign up for,” said Napier, who is getting paid $7.5 million in 2025. “They compensate us well. So these are challenging jobs, in today’s climate in particular We’re all men. We’re all competitors. We understand we live in a production world, and you got to produce. There’s no running from that. If you’re at a place that doesn’t have high expectations, then how much fun is that? The challenge of playing against the best is why you do it as a competitor, to see if you can do it.” Napier has failed to get it done in Gainesville. The Gators are 2123 in Napier’s four seasons heading into Saturday’s homecoming game against Mississippi State (4-2, 0-2 Southeastern Conference). And with an
job while seven college football coaches,
STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRAD KEMP
UL defensive end Jordan Lawson, second from left, celebrates a stop against Rice on Aug. 30 at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium. Lawson and the Cajuns continue their longtime rivalry against Southern Miss in a Sun Belt Conference game starting at 4 p.m Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium.
Chiefs WR
Rice ready for wait
to end
BY DAVE SKRETTA AP sports writer
KANSAS CITY Mo. Rashee Rice
knows almost to the day how long it’s been since he played in a game for the Kansas City Chiefs. The countdown is almost over The top Kansas City wide receiver has missed the first six game this season while serving an NFL suspension for violating its personal-conduct policy, the punishment handed down for his role in a high-speed car crash in Dallas in March 2024. And he missed most of last season after tearing his ACL in Week 4, when Patrick Mahomes collided with him after an interception.
“I’ve been looking forward to this, I think it’s been 380-something days since I have played in a regular-season game,” Rice said Friday, following a final practice for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. “I mean, it’s been a long time coming.”
Rice recovered sufficiently from his knee injury in time to participate in the Chiefs’ offseason program, and he was able to take part in all of training camp But once the season began, Rice had to remain away from the team, a punishment he agreed to when all parties decided it was in his best interest to get the six-game suspension out of the way Rice said he spent most of the time away in Florida, where the heat and humidity helped him stay in shape He would work out Monday through Friday, then do another workout Sunday, as he tried to replicate what a typical game week is like.
The games themselves, Rice said, he would watch with family members. Kansas City lost its first two but has since won three of four, including a dominant victory last week over the Detroit Lions, widely considered a Super Bowl contender “I mean, the best thing for me is to be around the guys. I got leaders in each room, even on defense, that help me on and off the field,” Rice said “That’s the best part about being on a team like this. You have everybody to support you.
MILLER
Continued from page 5C
Miller has not put up huge numbers. While his 186 yards rushing are a career-high, Miller is just 39th in the NFL through six weeks. His 4.0 yards per carry rank 32nd among running backs with at least 20 carries.
But he has been there for every practice and every game, which is something he could not say before. It has him feeling different when he does take the field
“It allows me to play faster,” Miller said. “Ultimately, that was my setback in the previous years. I’m worried about injuries; I hadn’t had as many reps as other people have had. That just sets you back, and hesitation could be you making a play I’m able to play way faster, and I’m out there doing my thing now.”
This week, specifically, carries an interesting subplot as Miller tries to establish himself as a player The Saints are traveling to face the Chicago Bears, whose defense is coordinated by former Saints head coach Dennis Allen Allen was in place when the Saints drafted Miller in 2023, and Allen never minced words in public when speaking about Miller’s inability to stay on the field After Miller’s injury in training camp last season, Allen offered
ä College football TV PAGE 4C
11:30
SAINTS NOTEBOOK
Saints looking healthy for game against Bears
BY LUKE JOHNSON AND MATTHEW PARAS Staff writers
Seven weeks into the season, the New Orleans Saints will almost have their entire roster at their disposal when they face the Chicago Bears.
The only Saints players who carry any injury designation ahead of the Week 7 matchup are defensive back Isaac Yiadom (hamstring) and defensive tackle John Ridgeway (shoulder), both of whom are questionable.
Ridgeway is not on the active roster at the moment, as the Saints have until Wednesday to determine whether to activate him off of injured reserve. If New Orleans does want to use him Sunday in Chicago, it will have to make a roster move to activate him
Yiadom hasn’t played in two weeks because of his injury He opened the season as the team’s starting outside cornerback in sub defensive personnel, but he has been passed up by rookie Quincy Riley
Speaking Friday, Saints coach
Kellen Moore said if Yiadom is able to play Sunday, Riley still likely would start Yiadom did not return to practice until Thursday this week
Running back Alvin Kamara who missed Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury, was a full participant in Friday’s session and carried no injury designation.
The Bears ruled out two players in kicker Cairo Santos (thigh) and linebacker Noah Sewell (concussion).
The main player to keep an eye on for Chicago is running back D’Andre Swift, who popped up on the injury report Thursday with a groin issue and is questionable against the Saints.
Doyle grateful
Dennis Allen isn’t the only former member of the Saints coaching staff who is now a coordinator for the Bears.
Declan Doyle, who is just 29 years old, got his start in the NFL when former Saints coach
Sean Payton hired him as an offensive assistant in 2019. Doyle spent four seasons with the franchise before joining Payton in Denver
He became the Bears offensive coordinator this year
“I have a special place in my heart for New Orleans,” Doyle said. “That was obviously where I got started Sean hired me when I was 22 and I moved down there and I kind of grew up in the NFL in that way in my career My now wife moved down there with me and we spent four years there.
“That organization is top class. Mrs. (Gayle Benson) and Mickey Loomis and all the people still there who are working, I have nothing but great things to say about and the most respect for.”
Tush Push done?
At times earlier this season when the Saints faced a shortyardage situation, Moore leaned on his experience from last season. Moore, who came to the Saints from the Philadelphia Eagles, brought the so-called “Tush Push” play with him to New Orleans. The Saints even managed to keep the play under wraps,
a blunt critique, saying, “That’s a player that’s going to have to figure out how to stay healthy, because it’s hard to make the team from the training room.” About a month later, Allen doubled down.
“All I can go off of is what I’ve been able to evaluate and, quite frankly since we drafted him there hasn’t been a whole lot of new information other than what I saw on the college tape, because he hasn’t been available,” Allen said in August 2024. “He’s talented. I know he’s talented. But I
don’t know if he can learn the system, I don’t know if he can pick up the system, because I haven’t seen him out there.”
The Saints fired Allen after seven straight losses dropped them to 2-9 last season. Miller was given a clean slate by the interim coaching staff, but he did little with it, rushing 30 times for 96 yards and a touchdown in his final four games before a concussion ended his season in Week 17. New Orleans cleaned house this offseason, hiring head coach Kellen Moore and an almost entirely
U.S. women’s soccer star Rodman sprains her MCL
Washington Spirit and U.S. national team forward Trinity Rodman has a Grade 1 MCL sprain in her right knee with no timeline for her return.
Spirit coach Adrián González announced Rodman’s diagnosis on Friday ahead of the team’s match Saturday at home against the Orlando Pride.
“Right now we need to focus on day by day, try to help her to recover, to heal as best as possible, and let’s see how she’s progressing every day,” González said. Rodman was injured Wednesday in a CONCACAF W Champions Cup game against Mexican club Monterrey Earlier in the day, she was named to the U.S. roster for upcoming matches against Portugal and New Zealand. The United States had not yet announced her withdrawal.
U.S. shutdown may force basketball game to relocate No. 1 UConn’s season opener against No. 20 Louisville in women’s basketball that is supposed to be played at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on Nov 4 is in jeopardy of being moved because of the U.S. government shutdown.
A person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press that if the shutdown continues until Monday the game will be played at a neutral site in the U.S. on the same day
A Louisville spokesperson said the school is deferring to ESPN, which is putting on the game and would be the one to make the call. The network would need time to move its equipment to Germany and set up the aircraft hangar on the base to host the contest.
Fleetwood grabs one-shot lead during India event
never running it during a period of practice that was open to media viewing. Something, though, was lost in translation when the Saints tried to run the play the Eagles have perfected.
Twice this season, the Saints lined up in the Tush Push formation, and twice the play was called back because of a procedural penalty Last week against New England, the Saints went with a traditional quarterback sneak instead. So is the Tush Push dead in New Orleans? Maybe, maybe not.
The Saints haven’t been the only team that was called for a penalty when trying to run the somewhat controversial play this season, as referees have officiated it more tightly
“You can do either,” Moore said. “By game plan, it varies from game to game, and you also have to be conscious of the way that play has been policed the last few weeks. We did feel there was an opportunity there to run a more traditional sneak.
“You’ve just got to be aware of (the way it’s officiated). By no means is it gone forever or anything like that.”
new staff. Miller changed jersey numbers, going from No. 25 to No. 5. He lost weight and bought into the new offensive system.
Most importantly, he has stayed on the field, letting the new staff see more of the good things he can do while keeping at bay the thing that has hurt him the most.
“Kendre’s just done a phenomenal job since I’ve been here,” Moore said. “I’ve really enjoyed this guy He’s an awesome player, his play style is awesome, he’s a really physical runner And he’s earned more and more opportunities.”
While Miller hasn’t put up huge rushing numbers, the underlying statistics are encouraging.
According to Next Gen Stats, Miller is averaging 4 yards after contact per rushing attempt matching his overall yards per carry. He’s turned five of his 46 carries into gains of 10-plus yards. Through Week 4, he’d forced a missed tackle on more than 50% of his rush attempts, which was the highest rate of any ball carrier with at least 25 carries.
“It’s just confidence, you know?” running back Alvin Kamara said.
“Confidence comes with reps and it comes with success, and he’s having some success. It starts to get fun when you have success consistently and you get to play some more and open up your game.”
Email Luke Johnson at ljohnson@theadvocate.com.
Tommy Fleetwood kept up his strong finish to the season Friday by shooting 8-under 64 to take a one-stroke lead at the halfway point of the DP World India Championship in New Delhi.
Over the last two months, Fleetwood has won the Tour Championship for his first PGA Tour title and been the top points scorer at the Ryder Cup retained by Team Europe.
Now the Englishman is leading perhaps the most prestigious golf tournament ever to be staged in India after making eight birdies in a bogey-free second round to jump to 12-under par for the week. Fleetwood is one clear of former British Open champions Shane Lowry (69) and Brian Harman (65), who were tied for second place.
Kim takes a one-shot lead into LPGA weekend
Sei Young Kim followed up her opening 10-under 62 with a 66 Friday to take a one-stroke lead into the weekend at the BMW Ladies Championship. Kim had a two-round total of 16-under 128 on the Pine Beach Golf Links. She had a bogey and seven birdies, including three in a row on the front nine.
American Brooke Matthews was in second place after a 64, the low round of the day Hyo Joo Kim had a 68 and was tied for third with Rio Takeda (66), three behind Kim.
The bogey-free round by Matthews, a former University of Arkansas player, included birdies on her opening two holes and on 17 and 18.
NHL teams Sharks, Wild trade 22-year-olds
The Minnesota Wild acquired forward Oskar Olausson from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Kyle Masters on Friday Olausson will report to the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League.
The 22-year-old Olausson recorded 26 points, including two power-play goals and two gamewinners, in 62 games with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles during the 2024-25 season The Swede has played in four career NHL games, all with the Colorado Avalanche. He made his NHL debut on Nov 23, 2022, against Vancouver He was originally drafted by Colorado in the 2021 first round. Masters, 22, skated in 27 games with the Iowa Heartlanders in the ECHL in 2024-25, recording 13 points. He also played 16 games with the Iowa Wild last season.
STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD Saints running back Kendre Miller stiff-arms Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado on Sept. 7 in the Caesars Superdome.
STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD
New Orleans Saints cornerback Isaac yiadom, right, stops Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride on Sept. 7 in the Caesars Superdome. yiadom is one of the few Saints players listed on the injury report ahead of Sunday’s game against Chicago.
Rice
PASSING
Daniel Beale
50.0%, 385yards,1TD, 4INTs
70 carries, 335yards,4.8 avg,
League certaintyupinair
BY KEVIN FOOTE Staff writer
Just whenitappeared Old Dominion hadtaken abig step forward, the Monarchssufferedone of those performances that always seem to haunt coach Ricky Rahne’sclub.
Perhaps looking ahead to the bigSun Belt East showdown with James Madison on Saturday,Old Dominion coughed theballup fivetimes in a48-24loss against Marshall to suffer its first league setback of the season.
Obviously,arebound winover
James Madison would fix alot of the damage done by the poor effort, but it’sgoing to take mental toughness.
On the flip side, it’simpressive how quickly Marshall has bounced back from itsturbulent offseason. It doesn’tfeel like it because thecoach andsomany players left, butthe Thundering Herd are thereigningSun Beltchampions and played like it against Old Dominion.
Take away UL’s incredible second-halfcomeback againstthe ThunderingHerd and Marshall easily could be4-2 and 2-0.
There’sanother six-game schedulethisweekend, so we’llsee if there’sanother big upset looming in the Sun Belt.
1. JamesMadison
Records: 5-1 overall, 3-0 Sun Belt
Previous rank: 1
Last week: Defeated UL 24-14
This week: vs. Old Dominion, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPNU)
UL running back
ZylanPerry,left, gets readytostiff-arm Marshalldefensive backJosh PierreLouisonhis wayto atouchdown earlier thisseason. The Ragin’ Cajuns host the Golden Eaglesat 4p.m. Saturday
STAFF FILE PHOTOBy BRAD KEMP
Previous rank: 5
8. UL
1FF
SOUTHERN MISS 30, UL 24: It wouldn’t
Extrapoints: After scoring just 38 combined points in wins over Georgia State and UL, theDukes’ offensive production is alegit concern. Penalties are abig part of theexplanation, but theULdefensealsoforced keyturnovers But the James Madison defense is nastyagainst the run.
Extrapoints:The Mountaineers seemlike they have solved their quarterback questions. For the second straight game, J.J. Kohl stood out,completing 21 of 32 passes for 309yardsand four touchdowns. App State hadas many unknownsunderanew coaching staff as anyone in the league, but the Mountaineers seem tobeinmidseason form
5. Troy
Records: 4-2 overall, 2-0 Sun Belt
Previous rank: 8
Last week: Defeated TexasState, 48-41 (OT)
This week: at UL-Monroe, 2p.m. Saturday (ESPN+)
2. Southern Miss
Records: 4-2 overall, 2-0 Sun Belt
Previous rank: 3
Last week: Defeated Georgia Southern, 38-35
This week: at UL, 4p.m.Saturday (ESPN+)
Extrapoints: The Golden Eagles keep climbing up the Sun Belt rankings. Southern Miss is extremely aggressive on defense, and quarterback Braylon Braxton hadhis way with the UL defense last December as theMarshall QB.The battle along the line of scrimmage could play akey role in the outcome
3. OldDominion
Records: 4-2 overall, 1-1 Sun Belt
Previous rank: 2
Last week: Lost to Marshall, 48-24
This week: at James Madison, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPNU)
Extrapoints: The Monarchs were trailing 41-10 in thethird quarter against Marshall. Colton Joseph threw two interceptions—one apick-six —and theMonarchs lost three fumbles. The Monarchs were only4of14onthird down and 1of4 on fourth down.It’sreally tough to run the ball on James Madison, so Joseph will have to be very creative to bounce back.
4. AppalachianState
Records: 4-2 overall, 1-1 Sun Belt
Previous rank: 7
Last week: Defeated Georgia State,41-20
This week: vs. Coastal Carolina, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN+)
CAJUNS
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that’sthe vision. “I tell them every day,you’re trying to keep the dream alive.”
Alot of recenttrends will need to be reversed forthatdream to become morereal for the Cajuns.
TheUL defense will need to slow down Southern Miss quarterback Braylon Braxton (1,473 yards passing, 13 TDs, 3INTs). He was the biggest get for Southern Miss in the transfer portal after leading the Herd to theSun Belt title last season.
“He’sdefinitely gotten better,” UL secondary coach George Barlowsaid. “He’sstill the same guy —hecan run it, he can throw it and he competes on every down. Buthelookslike he’sthrowing it a little better.It’sgoing to be atough
Extrapoints: Troy quarterback Tucker Kilcreaseisonfire,throwing for 415 yards and five touchdownsagainst TexasState. Incredibly,the Trojans ran for only 43 yards while scoring 48 points. Defensively,Troy gave up 574 yards in the game,including 326 yardsonthe ground. It’sdifficult to figure out Troy’s long-term prognosis, but 2-0 in the Sun Belt is 2-0.
6. Marshall
Records: 3-3 overall, 1-1 Sun Belt
Previous rank: 9
Last week: Defeated Old Dominion, 48-24
This week: vs.Texas State, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN+)
Extrapoints: Quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson was dynamic in the win over Old Dominion with 219 yards passing andtwo touchdowns to go along with 95 yards rushing and twomore scores. Wide receiverDemarcusLacey had eight receptions for 121 yards and atouchdown. It’sofficially time to delete allthe preseason doubts about this transition season for the Herd.
7. TexasState
Records: 3-3 overall, 0-2 Sun Belt
Previous rank: 4
Last week: LosttoTroy,48-41 (OT)
This week: at Marshall, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN+)
Records: 2-4 overall, 1-1 Sun Belt
Previous rank: 6
Last week: Lost to James Madison, 24-14
This week: vs.SouthernMiss, 4p.m. Saturday (ESPN+)
Extrapoints: After Saturday’sloss at James Madison, UL is out of mulligans if it wantstoredeem the season. While UL won’tface another defense as good as James Madison, more explosive offenses are on the horizon. The next two games are against teams ahead of UL in these rankings in Southern Missand Troy.Two wins andthe outlook for the season changes dramatically
9. CoastalCarolina
Records: 3-3 overall, 2-1 Sun Belt
Previous rank: 14
Last week: Beat UL-Monroe, 23-8
This week: at App State, 2:30 p.m Saturday (ESPN+)
Extrapoints:Each timeitappears theChanticleersare boundfor the Sun Belt cellar,they come up with asurprising effort to hint that they areundervalued. UL-Monroe entered the game as one of the top rushing defenses in theSun Belt, but Coastal rushed for286 yards to control the gamefrom start to finish.
10.ArkansasState
Records: 3-4 overall, 2-1 Sun Belt
Previous rank: 13.
Last week: Open date
This week: Defeated SouthAlabamaonTuesday,15-14
Extrapoints: The Red Wolves easily could be 1-6 right now.Instead, ArkansasState somehow pulled off unlikely last-playcomeback wins over TexasState andSouth Alabama to get right back in the Sun Belt West race. Theoffense was only 4of17onthird downs against the Jaguars, but Arkansas State hit on all three fourth-down conversions and limited the Jags to 118 yards passing.
11.UL-Monroe
Extra points: One week after letting oneslip away at Arkansas State, theBobcats led21-0and 31-14at halftime only to lose 48-41 in overtime against Troy.The Bobcats put up 574 total yards, but giving up 415 yardspassing begins to explain how they lost. It’sthe kind of frustration manySun Beltteams hoped the Bobcats would experience during their last season in theleague.
challenge for us.”
Running back Jeffery Pittman (74-346, 6TDs)isalso apotential problem,and the Eagles have three receiving targets —Carl Chester (16-267, 2TDs),Tychaun Chapman (12-223, 1TD) andElijah Metcalf (18-206) —with more than 200 yards receiving.
“Pittman is areally patient back as arunner,” Desormeaux said. “I think he does agreat job running alot of gap plays, and he’spatient behind the pullersand he’s gota really good burst to go.”
The UL defense hopes last week’s three-turnoverperformance will open the floodgates for moretakeaways.
“We’ve got to be intentional attacking the ball,”Lawson said. “Nobody’sjust goingtogive you theball. It’ssomething you’ve got to create. Whether you’repunching the ball out, you’ve got to take theball —astrip-sack, you’ve got
Records: 3-3 overall, 1-1 Sun Belt
to attack the ball —ball in the air for theDBs. They’ve got to attack and come downwith it.”
The UL quarterback situation is an interesting one as well. Lunch Winfield made his first start at James Madison last Saturdaybut is still hampered by an ankle injury.The originalstarter Walker Howard wasback at practice this week after having surgery on his oblique.
DesormeauxsaidWinfieldstill “has some stuffgoing on,” so he remains questionable.Left guard Kaden Moreau is out, andtrue freshman JakobyIsom will start in his spot. On theplus side, leading rusher Zylan Perry (59-411, 5TDs)isexpected back forthe Cajuns as is key defender Maurion Eleam The problem with injuries along the offensive line is that the Eagles defense is very aggressive, leading theSun Belt with 20 sacks
Last week: Lost at Coastal Carolina, 23-8
This week: vs. Troy,2 p.m. Saturday (ESPN+)
Extrapoints: Just when it looked like ULMwas making progress in the Sun Belt race, the Warhawks didn’t complete well in aloss at Coastal Carolina. Offensively,the Warhawks were 1of13onthird down and 1of4 on fourth down. After getting gashed on thegroundlast week, ULM nowmust prepare for one of the hottest passing games in the league in Troy
12.South Alabama
Records: 1-6 overall, 0-3 Sun Belt
Previous rank: 12
Last week: Open date
This week: Lost to Arkansas State on Tuesday,15-14
Extrapoints: It’s been along, frustrating season forthe Jaguars. SouthAlabama led14-3onTuesday going into the fourth quarter only to lose on a38-yard field goal on thegame’sfinalplay. TheJaguars managed only 16 first downs and 278 total yards.
13.Georgia Southern
Records: 2-4 overall, 0-2 Sun Belt
Previous rank: 13
Last week: Lost to Southern Miss, 38-35
This week: vs. Georgia State, 6p.m. Saturday (ESPN+)
Extrapoints: In alast-ditch effort to salvage adisappointing season, the Eaglesawait state rival Georgia State on Saturday. We’ll seeif Georgia Southern can stay away from thepenalties andturnovers that typically hurt their chances to win.
14.Georgia State
Records: 1-5 overall, 0-2 Sun Belt
Previous rank: 11
Last week: Lost to Appalachian State, 41-20
This week: at Georgia Southern, 6p.m. Saturday (ESPN+) Extrapoints: The thought wasthe Panthers werebetter than their record indicated after anear-miss loss to James Madisonintheir Sun Belt opener.Inthe second game, Georgia State was down 31-0to App State before rallying with 20 points in the secondhalf. Cameran Brown mayhave earnedmore playing timeatQBafter throwing for212 yards and two scores.
and 38 stops behind the line.
“Different team,but it’s the same similar schemes,” Desormeaux said.“Theirrun game (blitzes) gave us aproblem last year.And last week, we didn’t handlethose movementsvery well, so it’s coming. Itoldthem earlier this week, what you put on tape gets repeated.
“Sowe’ve gottohandlethe movements, we have got to be abletoget movement on the double teams and things like that against somebig bodies.” Southern Miss leadsthe league with 11 interceptionsand 13 total takeaways.
“A lot of defenseshaveopportunities to getinterceptions and make plays on theball, but alot of themdon’tfinish on the ball,” Desormeaux said.“Theseguys do.”
Email KevinFoote at kfoote@ theadvocate.com.
Sugar, spice and all things nice
BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer
When Louisiana’s fall months hit 85 degrees with no
changing leaves, autumn-lovers must turn to other avenues of celebration. A sweet treat is always the answer. These locally owned businesses around Baton Rouge offer a plethora of fall-themed options from coffee to cheesecake to crepes. These treats are perfect for a morning coffee run or a Halloween date night with your boo: Satisfy need of fall-themed treats with local options
PROVIDED PHOTO
The Spice Girl from Rêve Coffee Lab
Coffee and tea beverages
Brew Ha-Ha, 711 Jefferson Highway, is featuring 12 fall drinks The Pumpkin Potion is a spiced chai with pumpkin spice cold foam. If you’re not a pumpkin fan, try the apple jack, a cinnamon brown sugar iced latte with apple cold foam, or the dragonfly, a creamy green tea with brown sugar boba. All of the drinks pair well with the coffee shop’s pumpkin spice or cinnamon apple pie cake balls. Rêve Coffee Lab, 8211 Village Plaza Court, has a fall menu with the spice girl, a pumpkin pie latte with fall spices, pecan bitters and crushed roasted pecans. The menu also includes the autumn orchard, a chai latte with caramel apple syrup, steamed milk a sprinkle of allspice and topped with a chocolate-dipped dried apple slice. City Roots, 1509 Government St., has the pumpkin de crema, a pumpkin pie-flavored cold brew with vanilla sweet cream and sprinkled cinnamon on top.
Cherry Bomb Coffee, 136 W. Chimes St., also has a pumpkin cream cold brew along with a few other seasonal beverages: the pumpkin pie latte, banana bread latte and apple pie chai. The fall drinks at Lighthouse Coffee 257 Lee Drive, include the harvest berry latte with ube cold foam, a salted caramel pumpkin latte, cinnamon roll latte and London fog latte. At Magpie Cafe 3205 Perkins Road, the fall menu includes a tiramisu iced latte, banana bread chai and salted maple pecan cappuccino.
Pies and cheesecake
Ambrosia Bakery, 8546 Siegen Lane, likely has the most classic fall treat: A caramel apple rolled in crunchy pecans. Folks can also grab whole pecan, pumpkin and apple pies as well.
ä See TREATS, page 10C
PROVIDED PHOTOS
FINE START
BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer
Ana Andricain has worn many hats.
She has acted, sang and danced across Broadway stages. Then she mastered the art of crafting jewelry Now she’s mentoring others on how to turn their craft into cash.
“When I was an actor, I never bought into this starving artist thing,” Andricain said. “I never starved. I did what I set out to do. I just don’t believe in that mindset.”
Since 2006, Andricain has coached entrepreneurs, but she decided to make it official it in July with the start of the Artist Business Lab, an online operation teaching the business side of selling art
She teaches basics like pricing, networking and booth design but also provides advice on dealing with hagglers, creating newsletters or running social media accounts. This way, artists don’t have to just keep their passion as a side hobby They can quit their day job and actually make a living off their art, Andricain said.
Bill Wood created a wine pitcher, which is wheel-thrown and altered with texture. It’s one of the many pottery pieces he sells through his Baton Rouge-based business, Treehouse Pottery.
“You want to inspire people to come back and have this little piece of you that will become something for them and their family to treasure,” she said.
The art business is not about one transaction, Andricain said. Instead, it’s about building relationships. She believes collectors are the lifeblood of business, and con-
necting with them is the best way to get repeat business.
“If you know what to do before, during and after that show,” she said, “you can develop relationships with true collectors that will bring their friends to you when they come back and tell other people about you.”
‘One to watch and emulate’
Bill Moore, owner of Treehouse Pottery, met Andricain at the Baton Rouge Arts Market, an event on the first Saturday of every month.
Moore said it’s a friendly atmosphere of about 40 vendors where everybody helps each other out.
“Immediately I knew from the appearance of her booth and the way she conducted herself and the crowds that congregated at her booth that she was one to watch and emulate,” Moore said about Andricain.
After meeting her, he learned about her workshop, From Booth to Business, where artists learn the steps for the before, during and after stages of starting a business.
BR pizza restaurant in Mid City closes doors
BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer
Ana Andricain, owner of Jewel of Havana, creates a jewelry piece at her studio.
Southeastern to celebratea centennial homecoming
Southeastern LouisianaUniversity will reveal its 2025 homecoming queen and king duringhalftime of the Hammond school’sfootball game againstNorthwestern State University on Saturday
The Lions will take on theDemons at 4p.m.inStrawberry Stadium.
Fourteen students are on this year’s centennial court as SLU celebrates its100th anniversary.The queen and king were the topjunior or senior vote-getters in the recent online campus election.
Members of the queen court are:
n SeniorKaylie Anderson, Lafayette,apsychology major
n Senior Shaina Keller,Kentwood, majoring in communication sciences and disorders
n Senior Emily Lidikay, Hammond, apsychology major
n Senior Mackynzie Mannino, Tickfaw,majoringinstrategic communication
n Senior Magnolia McCarty,St. Amant, acriminal justice major
n SeniorIna Pegues, Jackson,
Mississippi,a businessadministration major
n Sophomore Nevaeh Armstrong, LaPlace, majoring in nursing.
Kingcourt members are:
n SeniorMekhi Batiste, Lacombe, apsychology major
n SeniorWalker Peyton, DenhamSprings, majoring in accountingand finance
n Junior Ethan Benton, Denham Springs, akinesiology major
n Junior Gregory Binder,Metairie, majoring in occupational safety,health and environment
n Junior Jacob Matherne, Franklinton, acomputer science major
n SeniorDaniel Sinclair,Pearl River,an accounting major
n Sophomore Zachary Edwards, Franklinton, majoring in chemistry
Formore information about Southeastern homecoming events, contact Southeastern Alumni at (985) 549-2150 or (800) SLU-ALUM or visit www.southeastern.edu/ homecoming.
RELIGION BRIEFS FROM
STAFFREPORTS
Spiritual retreat at Church of the Nativity
The Episcopal Church of theNativity, 15615Laurel St., Rosedale, will host aspiritual retreat,led by Deacon Charles deGravelles, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday,Nov.1
This free retreat willexplore techniques to deepen one’sspiritual life,including the role of personal and communal prayer,interior silence, praying with devotion,and principles of intercessoryand healing prayer.The session in-
cludes timefor practice, discussion, and will conclude with lunch Thepublic is invited. To RSVP, contact Charlie.degravelles@gmail.com. FreemanBaptist
observes anniversary Freeman Baptist Church, 4628 La. 955, Ethel, will hold an usher anniversary event at 8:30a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Guest willbethe Rev LeReginald Jones, pastor of MountPleasant Baptist Church. All are invited
TODAYINHISTORY
By The Associated Press
Today is Saturday, Oct. 18, the 291st day of 2025. There are 74 days left in the year
Todayinhistory:
On Oct. 18, 1977, Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in Game 6ofthe World Series to lead the New York Yankees to an 8-4 win and a4-2 Series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers; his success in the Fall Classic earned him the nickname “Mr.October.”
Also on this date:
In 1867, the United States took formal possession of Alaska from Russia.
In 1898, the American flag was first raised in Puerto Rico, shortly before Spain formally relinquished control of the island to the U.S.
In 1931, inventor Thomas Edison died at his home in West Orange New Jersey,atthe age of 84. In 1954, Texas Instruments unveiled the Regency TR-1, the first commercially produced transistor radio.
In 1962, James D. Watson, Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins were awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiologyfor determining the double-helix molecular structure of DNA.
In 1968, American Bob Beamon shattered the previous long jump world record by nearly two feet, leaping 29 feet, 2¼ inches at the Summer Olympics in Mexico City
In 1972, Congress passed the Clean Water Act, overriding President Richard Nixon’sveto.
PIZZA
Continued from page9C
chef DannyWilson headed the kitchen and developed the menu. Var’sPizza used fresh dough from St. Bruno Bread Company Some of the menu items included the “Mid-City” pizza, which featured fig, prosciutto, red onions and abalsamic reduction,and the “Julio” pizza with salsa,
In 1977, West German commandos stormed ahijacked Lufthansa jetliner on the ground in Mogadishu, Somalia, freeing all87hostages and four crewmembersand killing three of the four hijackers; the Lufthansa flight had been hijacked five days earlier by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and made multiple stops before the rescue raid.
In 2007, twobombs exploded near amotorcade carrying former Pakistan Prime MinisterBenazir Bhutto in Karachi hours after her return from eight years in exile,killing more than 130 people; Bhutto herself was unhurt but would be assassinated in December 2007. In 2018, President Donald Trump threatened to close the U.S. border with Mexico if authorities could not stopacaravan of migrants from Central America.
Today’sbirthdays: Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka is 86. Composer Howard Shore is 79. Actor Joe Morton is 78. Author TerryMcMillan is74. Tennis Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova is 69. Boxing Hall of Famer Thomas Hearns is 67. Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme is 65. Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis is 64. MusicianNe-Yo is 46. Olympic gold medal skier Lindsey Vonn is 41. Jazz singer-musicianEsperanza Spalding is 41. Actor Freida Pinto is 41. Actor Zac Efronis38. WNBA center Brittney Grineris 35. Actor Tyler Poseyis 34. Actor Barry Keoghan is 33.
ground meat, tomato,black olives, sourcream, lettuce, cheddar cheese, jalapeños and Cholula hot sauce. Var’sPizza’sname was a spinoff of next-door neighbor Ivar’sSportsBar & Grill, with both businesses sharing investors Chad Hughes, CathyMelancon and Edwin Edwards, grandson of thelateformer Gov.EdwinEdwards. None of the owners would provide commentonthe closure.
Members of the 2025 Southeastern Louisiana University Homecoming Queen Courtare, front row, from left, Navaeh Armstrong,ofLaPlace; Kaylie Anderson, of Lafayette; and Mackynzie Mannino, of Tickfaw; back row, from left, Ina Pegues, of Jackson, Miss.; Magnolia McCarty,ofSt. Amant; Emily Lidikay, of Hammond;and Shaina Keller,ofKentwood
Members of the 2025 SoutheasternLouisiana University Homecoming King Courtare, front row, from left,ZacharyEdwards, of Franklinton; Mekhi Batiste, of Lacombe; and Jacob Matherne, of Franklinton; backrow,from left,Ethan Benton, of Denham Springs; Daniel Sinclair,ofPearlRiver;GregoryBinder,of Metairie; and Walker Peyton, of Denham Springs.
Navigating parent friendshipswithkids
Dear Miss Manners: My daughter acted poorly and has now been distancing herself from one of her good friends. This is thesecond time in afew years she has done this.
I’ve spoken to her for weeks, trying to get her to apologize and mend their relationship. My daughter has now reached out toher friend, saying she wants to be friends again. The friend said OK.
I’m close with themom of this child, but now Ifeel like there is astrain on my parent friendship because
my child was the one who acted poorly.Idon’tknow how to approach the mom since this transpired. Ihaven’tseen her in afew weeks. Ihave afeeling she is upset with me for my daughter’sbehavior, and she has aright to be. Do Ireach out to themom? Do Iwait until Isee her in person at aschool event? I’m normally really good at reading asituation, but this one is confusing me.
Gentlereader: It is easy to blamethe parentsfor a child’sbehavior.Sometimes
JEWEL
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Thecoursetookacoupleof hours, Mooresaid, and he learnedseveral things that he’staken to heart.
“She’sa master at building contacts by asking customers to sign up for an email listsothat shecan communicatedirectly with them in afairlynonintrusive way what she’smaking, what she’s doing, where she’sgoing to be selling,”hesaid. “And she’sreally honed that intoa prettypowerful driver for her business.”
For Moore, creating an email list and newsletter meanshedoesn’thave to solely rely on social media platformsthat may have unpredictable algorithms.
Anothertip he learned was to display large format photographyofhim crafting pottery for the purpose of immediately answering the frequent question, “Are you theartist?”
With his new boothenhancements, Moore set up shoponSept. 6atthe Baton Rouge Arts Marketand had one of the best shows he’s ever had in sales.
Providinghope, reassurance
Not all of Andricain’sclients are in Louisiana. Colorado-based Isabella Day coowns Daydream Studio, aceramics business she started this year withher sister that sells sculptures andhandpainted plates and bowls.
When Day lost her jobin late 2024, hermother gifted herAndricain’sFrom Booth to Business workshopasmo-
tivationtofurther pursue art.
“(Andricain) came into my life at avery opportune time,” Day said. She said the class gave herhopeduring atimeshe really neededit, noting that is was especially reassuring to hear that it’s possible to make acomfortable living from creating art.
“I feel like it’savery rare thing to meet artists who have that ambition and business acumen,” Day said. Additionally,the workshop’sguidance on building
it is their fault. Sometimes, however,children remind us that they are their own people and act independently —despite one’sbest efforts and proper upbringing. It is agood and wise parent friend whocan tell the difference.
Miss Manners suggests that you help this one along on the journey.Reach out to your friend to clear the air, telling her that you were appalled by your daughter’s behavior and have had manylong talks about how it affects her friend. You might even say that if she sees your daughter acting this wayagain, to tell you at
TREATS
Continued from page9C
Thenewly opened CheesecakeLab, 7970 Jefferson Highway, hasa caramel apple crumble cheesecake, while Les Amis BakeShoppe, 11826 CourseyBlvd.,has sweet potato and pecan pralinecheesecakeavailable by the slice or whole.
Crepes,cookies,cream BonjourPour l’amourduChocolat, 5727 Essen Lane, hasa pumpkin spice and Oreo crepe crafted in perfect Hal-
community and relationships with clients stood out to Day.Customers may buy oneproduct, walk away and neversee theartist again, something that happens at alot of art shows, Andricainsaid, so it’s important to enjoy the human connection andrelationships built through the business.
Achievingdreams
Andricainoffersafew services,including one-onone coaching where clients can getdirect mentorship on
once and you will address it. Your friend may attempt to rekindle the friendship or she may not. But the chances of the situation being reversed at somepoint in her own child’sinteractions are high. So she would be wise to be generous with you.
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.
loween colors. Caroline’sCookies, 10001 Perkins Road,introduced five cookies with its October cookie menu, including the DulcedeLeche,a snickerdoodle stuffed with dulce de leche, rolled in cinnamon sugarand toppedwithbuttercream Craving ice cream?The LSUDairy Store, 118S.Campus Drive, hassome haunted flavors like the Spooky Smores, avanilla base with graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolatechunks. There’s also the Tiger Blood ice cream, aTigerBitebase with raspberry ripple
what they need advice on. Clients can also join awaitlist for upcoming classes and workshops like From Booth to Business, or they can purchase arecording of the workshop. Those interested can joina VIPlist where they can click topics they’re interested in and receive email updates.
“I want peopletogoafter their dreams,”Andricain said. “And Iwantpeople to understand that it is 100% possible to be an artist and makeagood living.”
SLUUNIVERSITy MARKETING &COMMUNICATIONS PHOTOS By RANDyBERGERON
Judith Martin MISS MANNERS
PROVIDED PHOTO
Sweet Potato and Pecan PralineCheesecakefrom Les Amis BakeShoppe
LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Treat everyone fairly andspeak up when you feel an injustice arises. Work alone, and don't reveal your intentionsuntil everything is in place. Focusonmaintenance and completion, and you will succeed.
scoRPIo(oct. 24-nov.22) Followyour instincts, use your intelligence and participate in eventsoractivities that benefit youmost. It's atimetodiscover and adjusttothe changestaking place aroundyou.
sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Take a moment to getyour thoughts, facts and bearings before you engagein talks, implementchange or make professional or domestic decisions. Take your time and explore every angle.
cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Fact-checking is mandatory. Listen carefully, question everything andlook for loopholes andunique alternatives that will help you bypass any potential problem you foresee.
AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Put more emphasis on contracts, investments andhealth issues. Alifestyle change will benefit you more than you anticipate. Make plans with someonespecial.
PIscEs (Feb.20-March 20) Test the waters, consider the possibilities and adjust as you go. Nothingisfor sure, so before making acommitment, check all theboxes andconsider what's importanttoyou.
ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Focus on creativity and innovativeapproaches to
problem-solving. Work with people who share your sentiments, and you'll gain leverage in situations that require backup.
tAuRus (April20-May 20) Apersonal or professional change will turn out better than anticipated. Go with the flow, and you'lldiscover how to access people whocan help you move forward.
GEMInI(May21-June 20) Achangewill provide the energy you need to make your wayforward. Whether you visit aplace thatinspires you or take time to rejuvenate andreevaluate, positive results will unfold.
cAncER (June 21-July 22) Choose intelligence. Clarity is theway forward. If you meet with opposition, you are on thewrong path. Revise your wish list and scheduletomeet your needs.
LEo(July23-Aug. 22) Tone down and simplify your life. Consider what and who matter most to you. Love, personal growth, physical self-improvement and letting go will give you the strength to restart your journey.
VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Ask, andyou shall receive. Effectivecommunication andfollowingthrough will help you achieve your goals. Social events will offerinsight into what's important to those you care about most.
The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. ©2025 by NEA, Inc.,dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication
FAMILYCIrCUS
CeLebrItY CIpher
better or For WorSe
SALLYForth
beetLe bAILeY
Mother GooSe And GrIMM
LAGoon
bIG nAte
Sudoku
InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. Theobject is to place the numbers 1to9inthe empty squaressothat each row, each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.
Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer
nea CroSSwordS
TimeS CroSSword
THe wiZard oF id
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS CurTiS
Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer
By PHILLIP ALDER Bridge
At the bridge table, never base your plays on unrealistic assumptions, as this could lead to adecrease in your trick total. In today’s deal, it is not so much acase of an unrealistic assumption as being careful not to jump to aconclusion that could be inaccurate.South is in four spades. Westleads the heart nine. How should East planthe defense? The auction was straightforward. South smelledagame, so bid that game. The defense looks so easy. East wins with the heartace (the unnecessarily high cardbeginning asuit-preference signal for diamonds),cashes the heart king, and continues with the heart 10 (a secondsuit-preference signal). West ruffs higherthanthe dummy and shifts to adiamond. East wins with his ace and leads anotherheart, perhaps promoting asecondtrump trick forWest. Well, thatisthe plan, but West cannot ruff higherthanthe dummy. South wins thethirdtrick, draws trumps, and runs the clubs foranovertrick. East should take asafety-play. At trick three, he shouldcash the diamond ace. Here,West encourages withhis 10, and
wuzzles
East leadsasecond diamond to defeat the contract. ButifWest has aspade higher than dummy’s seven, he would discourage, and East would go back to hearts.
Try to maximize your chances of success. ©2025 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication
Each Wuzzle is aword riddle which creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON
Previous answers:
game
InstRuctIons: 1. Words mustbeoffour or more letters.2.Words that acquire four letters by theaddition of “s,”such as “bats”or“dies,” arenot allowed. 3. Additional wordsmade by adding a“d” or an “s” maynot be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words,orvulgar or sexually explicit words arenot allowed.
toDAy’s WoRD stARtLE: STAR-til: To frighten or surprise suddenly.
Average mark 31 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can youfind 51 or more words in STARTLE?
yEstERDAy’s WoRD —BRAcKEn
today’s thought “Whom God has raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be held of it.” Acts 2:24
loCKhorNs
Deathcould nothold
marmaduKe
Bizarro
hagar the horriBle
Pearls Before swiNe
garfield
B.C.
PiCKles
