The Acadiana Advocate 11-01-2025

Judges orderTrump to payfor SNAP

Ruling says administrationmustuse emergencyreservesduringshutdown

BY MICHAELCASEY, GEOFF MULVIHILL and KIMBERLEE KRUESI Associated Press

BOSTON Twofederaljudges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that PresidentDonald

Trump’sadministration must continue to pay for SNAP,the nation’s biggest foodaid program, using emergency reserve funds during the government shutdown. The judgesinMassachusetts and Rhode Islandgavethe administration leeway on whether to fund

ä Shutdown made people rethink what to hand outfor Halloween PAGE 3A

theprogram partially or in full for November.That also brings uncertainty about how things will unfold

INSECT DETECTIVES

Amongbones andmaggots,LSU researchersbuild database to help solvecrimes

AlexaFigueroa, Ph.D.candidate, left,and RabiMusah, chemist and Patrick F. Taylor

LSU, check the development of maggots on Wednesdayinthe days-old corpse of

BY EMILYWOODRUFF Staff writer

By the time the coyote had been in the field in Clinton for six days, there was little left but teeth, fur and bone. But when Alexa Figueroa, an LSU doctoral student,liftedup the leathered skin, awrithingmass of maggots revealed another world, very much alive, beneath thesurface Onebug,a smallblack beetle with ridges along its back, caught the attention of entomologistStephen Baca. He identified it immediately as Oiceoptima inaequale,the ridged carrion beetle, fromhis encyclopedic

knowledgeofbugs.

As it skitteredacrossbone, fur and achurning heap of bugs, Baca plucked it out and dropped it in a vial.It’satype of beetle they haven’t found before on the dozen or so animal carcasses they’ve set out to decompose at the BobR.Jones Idlewild ResearchStation,all part of aproject to document the bugs that start flocking to cadaverswithin minutes of death

“Oh,that’sfantastic,” said Rabi Musah,a chemist and professor at LSU, as she hovered over the

N.O. gets UNESCO designation

Global recognitionhonorscity’smusical efforts

BY KEITH SPERA Staff writer

It’sofficial: NewOrleansisa world-class “Creative City of Music.”

Capping off ayearslong effort by local tourism leaders,the

UnitedNationsEducational,Scientificand CulturalOrganization, or UNESCO, has made New Orleans a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network The Creative Cities Network has 350 member cities in more than 100 countries. New Orleansisonly the10th American city Of those 10, only New Orleans and Kansas City earned UNESCO’s “Creative City of Music”designation The application processcommenced threeyears ago and was facilitated by NewOrleans and

and will delay payments formany beneficiarieswhose cards would normallyberecharged earlyin the month. The U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freezepaymentsto the SupplementalNutrition Assistance Program starting Saturday becauseitsaiditcould no longer keep funding it due to the shutdown.The program serves about 1in8Americans and is amajor pieceofthe nation’s social safety net— anditcosts about$8billion per month nationally

U.S. Sen. AmyKlobuchar,aMinnesota Democrat andthe ranking

BY KRISTIN ASKELSON Staff writer

Abodyfound in awooded area of St.Martinville hasbeen positively identified as the remains of aSt. Martin Parish manwho went missing in 2023. Deputies with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to areport of potential human remains offBanker Road in St. Martinville on Dec. 29, 2024.

TheLSU Faces Laboratory this week confirmed the remains were the body of Willard Daspit Jr., according to SheriffBecket Breaux.

Acause of death has not yet been determinedand the investigation remains ongoing.

Daspit wasreported missing on Sept. 10, 2023. The 58-year-old had lefthome on his motorcycle to check on aproperty along Bayou AlexanderHighwayinCoteau Holmes, about 10 milesnorth of Loreauville, the St.MartinParish Sheriff’sOffice said at the time. Lara Vergenal, Daspit’swife, said he leftSunday morning on his dirt bike to go check on his camp three houses downthe road. When he didn’treturn that night, she assumed his dirt bike broke down. She went to the camp to check, but the gate was locked.

She found his bike that Monday in aditch 100 yards fromtheir

ä See BODY, page 5A

Festivalgoers danceto the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band at the French Quarter Festival in NewOrleans on April10.

STAFF PHOTOSByJAVIER GALLEGOS

EndowedChair in EnvironmentalChemistryat

acoyote that wasleft to decompose.

Abeetle found in the decayingremains of acoyote crawls on the hand of AlexaFigueroa.

STAFFFILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

ä See SNAP, page 5A

Daspit

Multiple arrests made in Halloween attack plot

DEARBORN, Mich. — Multiple people who had been allegedly plotting a violent attack over the Halloween weekend were arrested Friday in Michigan, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a social media post. The law enforcement effort was focused on suburban Detroit Investigators believe the plot was inspired by Islamic State extremism and are investigating whether those in custody were potentially radicalized online, according to two people briefed on the investigation who could not publicly discuss details. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity FBI and state police vehicles were in a neighborhood near Fordson High School in Dearborn. People wearing shirts marked FBI walked in and out of a house, including one person who collected paper bags and other items from an evidence truck. The investigation involved discussion in an online chatroom involving at least some of the suspects who were taken into custody, people familiar with the investigation told AP The group had discussed carrying out an attack around Halloween, referring to “pumpkin day,” according to one of the people. The other person briefed on the investigation confirmed that there had been a “pumpkin” reference. It wasn’t immediately clear if the group had the means to carry out an attack, but the reference to Halloween prompted the FBI to make arrests Friday, one of the people said.

Combs transferred to different federal facility

Almost a year after being arrested in his federal sex crimes trial, Sean “Diddy” Combs is getting a change of scenery TMZ first reported.

In July, Combs was convicted on two prostitution-related charges and acquitted on the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

Combs will serve the remainder of his 50-month sentence at FCI Fort Dix, a minimum security facility in southern New Jersey, located on a massive Air Force base about 40 miles from Philadelphia. The Bureau of Prisons has updated his transfer on its website. The rapper had been incarcerated at notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September 2024 arrest.

The federal correctional institution, which also houses accused United Healthcare CEO’s murderer Luigi Mangione, is notorious for its harsh conditions. Combs’ lawyers have been complaining for months about how unhappy their client was, even claiming he saw maggots in his food.

Citizenship directive rejected

Trump trying to add requirement to federal voter registration form

BY ALI SWENSON and NICHOLAS RICCARDI Associated Press

NEW YORK President Donald Trump’s request to add a documentary proof of citizenship requirement to the federal voter registration form cannot be enforced, a federal judge ruled Friday

U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly in Washington, D.C., sided with Democratic and civil rights groups that sued the Trump administration over his executive order to overhaul U.S. elections.

She ruled that the proof-of-citizenship directive is an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers, dealing a blow to the administration and its allies who

have argued that such a mandate is necessary to restore public confidence that only Americans are voting in U.S. elections.

“Because our Constitution assigns responsibility for election regulation to the States and to Congress, this Court holds that the President lacks the authority to direct such changes,” Kollar-Kotelly wrote in her opinion.

She further emphasized that on matters related to setting qualifications for voting and regulating federal election procedures “the Constitution assigns no direct role to the President in either domain.”

Kollar-Kotelly echoed comments she made when she granted a preliminary injunction over the issue.

The ruling grants the plaintiffs a partial summary judgment that prohibits the proof-of-citizenship requirement from going into effect It says the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, which has been considering adding the re-

quirement to the federal voter form, is permanently barred from taking action to do so.

In a statement, Sophia Lin Lakin of the ACLU, one of the plaintiffs in the case called the ruling “a clear victory for our democracy President Trump’s attempt to impose a documentary proof of citizenship requirement on the federal voter registration form is an unconstitutional power grab.”

A message seeking comment from the White House was not immediately returned.

While a top priority for Republicans, attempts to implement documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting have been fraught. The U.S. House passed a citizenship mandate last spring that has stalled in the Senate, and several attempts to pass similar legislation in the states have proved equally difficult.

Such requirements have created problems and confusion for voters

Unidentified remains of 3 people transferred to Israel

BY WAFAA SHURAFA and JULIA FRANKEL Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip The Red Cross

said it transferred the unidentified remains of three people to Israel late Friday but they were still being examined and may not be those of missing hostages, an Israeli military official said.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak to the media, said the remains had earlier been turned over to the Red Cross by Hamas in Gaza.

The handover follows Israel’s return Friday of the bodies of 30 Palestinians to authorities in Gaza. That completed an exchange after militants turned over remains of two hostages, in a sign that the tense Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement is edging forward

The incremental progress came despite Israeli strikes on Gaza this week that killed more than 100 people following the killing of an Israeli soldier

The bodies were also transferred with the Red Cross serving as intermediary.

The return of the Palestinian remains was confirmed by a doctor at Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis, where medical workers were striving to identify them.

Photos showed the remains, in white body bags arranged in rows inside the grounds of Nasser Hospital Health officials have struggled to identify bodies without access to DNA kits.

The handover brings the number of

Palestinian bodies returned by Israel to 225, only 75 of which have been identified by families, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry It is unclear if those returned were killed in Israel during the Oct 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war, died in Israeli custody as detainees or were recovered from Gaza by troops during the war

The bodies returned had been “torn apart and exhumed,” Munir al-Bursh, director general of Gaza’s Health Ministry, said in a post on X. “Their flesh had melted, their faces erased by fire, leaving behind only bones and teeth,” he said.

The Israeli military has previously told The Associated Press that all bodies returned so far are those of combatants, a claim the AP was unable to verify The military has said it operates in accordance with international law

Al-Bursh said recently that many of the bodies handed over appear to be fighters or others killed during the 2023 attack Several relatives who have identified the bodies of family members said they weren’t fighters.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said late Thursday that the remains returned by Palestinian militants had been confirmed as those of Sahar Baruch and Amiram Cooper, both taken hostage during the 2023 attack.

Hamas has now returned the remains of 17 hostages since the start of the ceasefire, with 11 others still in Gaza and set to be turned over under the terms of the agreement.

Trump says Nigerian Christians face ‘existential

BY MATTHEW LEE AP diplomatic writer

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump has opened the door for sanctions to be imposed on Nigeria for allegedly failing to rein in the persecution of Christians in the West African country.

Trump announced Friday that he would designate Nigeria “a country of particular concern” as it relates to religious freedom, a move that had been pushed by some U.S. lawmakers. The designation does not necessarily mean that sanctions, which could include a ban on all non-humanitarian aid, will be imposed, but it is one step ahead of that.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump said in a social media post. “Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN.’”

The Nigerian government vehemently rejects the claims, and analysts say that while Christians are among those targeted, the majority of victims of armed groups are Muslims in Nigeria’s Muslim-majority north, where most attacks occur.

Trump said he would be asking several U.S lawmakers to look into the matter and report back on what the response to the designation

should be.

“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!” Trump said.

Designating a “country of particular concern” under the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act is an executive prerogative that normally follows recommendations from both the congressionally mandated U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and the State Department. The State Department usually releases its annual

threat’

Report on International Religious Freedom in the spring, but has not yet done so this year The report may or may not include “particular concern” designations, which can be done at any time. And, such designations, which authorize U.S. penalties, do not necessarily impose sanctions.

The State Department’s most recent religious freedom reports cover 2023 and were released last year under the Biden administration. These reports, like others on broader human rights and human trafficking, cover the previous calendar year and are often late in being submitted.

when they have taken effect at the state level. It presents particular hurdles for married women who have changed their name, since they might need to show birth certificates and marriage certificates as well as state IDs Those complications arose earlier this year when a proof-of-citizenship requirement took effect for the first time during local elections in New Hampshire.

In Kansas, a proof-of-citizenship requirement that was in effect for three years created chaos before it was overturned in federal court. Some 30,000 otherwise eligible people were prevented from registering to vote.

The lawsuit brought by the DNC and various civil rights groups will continue to play out to allow the judge to consider other challenges to Trump’s order That includes a requirement that all mailed ballots be received, rather than just postmarked, by Election Day

U.N.

rights chief: Boat strikes violate international law

BY CLAIRE HEDDLES Miami Herald (TNS)

The Trump administration’s deadly bombing campaign of alleged drugrunning vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean violate international law and should be investigated, the United Nations’ top human rights official said Friday

“These attacks — and their mounting human cost are unacceptable,” High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said in a statement Friday “The U.S. must halt such attacks and take all measures necessary to prevent the extrajudicial killing of people aboard these boats.”

Türk is also calling for “prompt, independent, and transparent investigations into these attacks.”

The rebuke comes after the U.S. military struck more than a dozen boats and at least one submarine, killing 61 people over the last two months.

The White House has insisted that the strikes are part of an effort to curb

drugs coming to the United States, despite the fact that most drugs don’t come through Atlantic sea routes, according to government officials and reports.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly accused the U.N. of “running cover for evil narcoterrorists trying to murder Americans,” in a statement to the Herald.

“The President acted in line with the laws of armed conflict to protect our country from those trying to bring poison to our shores.”

The U.N. accused President Donald Trump’s administration of providing little to no evidence to back up its claims of “armed conflict.”

The U.S. military has sent war ships to the Caribbean, increasing its presence off the coast of Venezuela. The Trump administration has also selected targets for potential strikes in Venezuela, sources told the Miami Herald.

Trump denied plans for strikes inside the country when asked by reporters on Air Force One, en route to Mar-a-Lago, Friday

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ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ABDEL KAREEM HANA Palestinian children look into a Red Cross vehicle carrying the bodies of two people believed to be deceased hostages handed over by Hamas making their way toward the Kissufim border crossing with Israel, to be transferred to Israeli authorities, in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Thursday.

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

An FBI agent stands by an Evidence Response Team truck outside a home in a Dearborn, Mich., neighborhood on Friday.

Trump’sdemandtoscrap filibuster rejected

BY LISA MASCARO and MARYCLARE JALONICK Associated Press

WASHINGTON— President Donald Trump threw himself into the shutdown debate, calling on theSenate to scrap the filibuster and reopen the government, an idea swiftly rejected Friday by Republican leaders who have long opposedsucha move.

Trump pushed his Republican Party to get rid of the Senate rule that requires 60 votes to overcome objections and gives the minority Democrats acheck on GOP power In the chamber that’s currently split, 53-47, Democrats have had enoughvotes to keep the government closed while they demand an extension of health care subsidies. Neither party has seriously wanted to nuke the rule.

“THE CHOICE IS CLEAR —INITIATETHE ‘NUCLEAR OPTION,’

GET RID OF THE FILIBUSTER,”

Trump saidinalate night social mediapost Thursday

Trump’ssuddendecision to assert himself into theshutdown nowinits 31st day— with his highly charged demand to endthe filibuster— is certainto set the Senate on edge. It couldspur senatorstowardtheir own compromise or send the chamber spiraling toward anew sense of crisis. Or,itmight be ignored.

Republican leaders responded quickly,and unequivocally,setting themselves at odds with Trump, a president few have dared to publicly counter

Senate MajorityLeader John Thune,R-S.D., has repeatedly said he is not considering changing the rules to endthe shutdown, arguing that it is vital to the institution of theSenateand has allowed them to halt Democratic policies when they are in theminority

Theleader’s“position on the im-

portance of the legislative filibusterisunchanged,” Thune spokesman Ryan Wrasse said Friday Aspokespersonfor Wyoming Sen. JohnBarrasso, theNo. 2Republican, said his position opposing afilibusterchange also remains unchanged. And former GOP leader Mitch McConnell, who firmlyopposed Trump’sfilibuster pleas in his first term,remains in the Senate.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, RBenton,also defended thefilibuster Friday,while conceding“it’s not my call,” from his chamber across the Capitol.

“The safeguard in the Senate has alwaysbeen thefilibuster,” Johnsonsaid, adding that Trump’scomments are “the president’s anger at thesituation.”

Even if Thune wanted to change thefilibuster,hewould not currentlyhave the votes to do so in thedivided Senate.

“The filibuster forces us to find

common ground in theSenate,”

Republican Sen. John Curtisof Utah posted on XFriday morning, responding to Trump’scomments andechoing the sentiments of many of his Senate Republican colleagues. “Power changes hands, but principles shouldn’t. I’mafirm no on eliminating it.”

Debate has swirled around the legislative filibuster foryears.

Many Democratspushed to eliminate it when they had full power in Washington, as the Republicans do now,four years ago. But ultimatelyenough Democratic senatorsopposed the move, predicting such an action would come back to haunt them.

Trump’sdemand comes as he has declined to engage with Democratic leadersonwaystoend the shutdown, on track to becoming the longest in history

He saidinhis post that he gave a“great deal”ofthought to his

choice on his flight home from Asia and that one question that kept coming up during histripwas why“powerful Republicansallow” the Democrats to shut down parts of the government.

But later Friday he did not mentionthe filibusteragain as he spoke to reporters departing Washington and arriving in Florida foraweekend at his Mar-a-Lago home. While quiet talks are underway, particularlyamong bipartisan senators, Trumphas not been seriously involved. Democrats refuse to vote to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate an extension to the health care subsidies. The Republicanssay they won’tnegotiate untilthe governmentisreopened.

The House remains closed under Johnson withnoplans to resume thesession,and senators left for the weekend and are due back Monday

Airtraffic controller shortagesleadtobroader flight delays

BY RIO YAMAT AP airlines and travel writer

Continued staffing shortages in air traffic control facilities around thecountry were again causing delays at airports on Friday as the government shutdown neared the one-month mark U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffyhas been warning that travelers would start to see more flights delayedorcanceled as the nation’scontrollers continue to work without pay during the shutdown, which began Oct. 1.

“Every day there’sgoing to be more challenges,” Duffy told reporters Thursday outside the White House after aclosed-door meeting with Vice President JD Vance and aviation industry leaders to talk about the shutdown’s impact on U.S. travel

The Federal Aviation Administration reported staffing-related delays Friday at anumber of airports,including in Boston, New York City,Nashville, Houston, Dallas and Newark, New Jersey.The airports in Boston, Nashville and New York City were experiencing de-

lays averaging two hoursor longer Aviation analytics firm Cirium says flightdata showed a“broader slowdown” Thursday across the U.S. aviation system for the

first time since theshutdown began, suggesting staffingrelated disruptions maybe spreading. On Thursday,manymajor U.S.airports reported below-average on-timeper-

formance, with fewer flights departing within 15 minutes of their scheduled departure

times,according to Cirium. The data does notdistinguish between the different causes of delays, such as staffing shortages or bad weather

Staffing-related delays at Orlando’sairport on Thursday,for example, averaged nearly four and ahalf hours for some time, according to the FAA.

Most controllers are continuing to workmandatory overtimesix days aweek during the shutdownwithout pay,the National Air Traffic Controllers Association has said. Thatleaves little time fora side job to help cover bills, mortgage andother expenses unless controllers call out.

Duffy said controllers are also struggling to get to workbecause they can’t afford to fill up theircars withgas. Controllers missed their first full paycheckon Tuesday

“For this nation’sair traffic controllers, missing just one paycheck can be asignificant hardship, as it is for all working Americans. Asking them

to go without afull month’s pay or more is simply not sustainable,” Nick Daniels, president of NATCA,said Friday in astatement.

Lastweekend, ashortage of controllers led to the FAA issuing abrief ground stop at Los Angeles International Airport, one of the busiest in the world. Flights were held at their originating airports for about two hours Sunday until the FAAlifted the ground stop. Some U.S. airports have steppedintoprovidefood donations and other support forfederal aviation employees working without pay, including controllers and Transportation Security Administration agents. Before theshutdown, the FAAwas already dealing with ashortageofabout 3,000 air traffic controllers.

BY HALLIE GOLDEN Associated Press

When KC Neufeld announced on herDenver neighborhood’sFacebook page that her family would be handing out ramen and packs of macaroni and cheese in additionto candy this Halloween, she wasn’texpecting much of aresponse.

The mother of twin 4-year-olds was just hoping to make asmall difference in her working-class neighborhood as food aid funding for tens of millions of vulnerable Americans was expected to end Friday due to thegovernmentshutdown.

Within two days, nearly 3,000 people had reacted to Neufeld’spost, some thanking her andothersannouncingtheywould followsuit.

“This post blew up way more than Iever anticipatedand I’mseverelyunprepared,” said Neufeld, 33, explaining that shewas heading back to the storetoget more food despite her family hitting theirgrocery budget for the week.

“I wish Icould just buy out this wholeaisle of Costco,” she added. “I can’t. But I’lldo what Ican.” Neufeld is one of manypeopleacrossthe U.S. who shifted plans to give out shelfstable foods to trick-or-treaters this year to preparefor looming cuts to theSupplementalNutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, that wereput on hold at thefinal hour by two judges. They ruled Friday that President Donald Trump’sadministration must keep paying for SNAP through emergency reserve funds, but it’sunclear how things will unfold and many beneficiaries are expected to have their payments delayed regardless.

Aflurry of widely shared postspopped up over the week as many people looked for ways to help offsetthe surgeinneed.Some posts suggested foods to giveout while others showed recently acquiredstocksof cheese sticks, mini cereals, canned soupor even diapers ready for trick-or-treaters.

Emily Archambault, 29, andher sister-inlaw Taylor Martin, 29,inLaPorte, Indiana, were putting out pasta andsauce, peanut butter and jelly,cerealand other foods, along with diapers and wipes on Halloween. They’re also collecting donations from members of their church.

Their plan was to set everythingout ona table away from where they’regiving out candy,sofamiliescan take what they need without worrying about judgment

“It kind of takes alittle bit of pressure

off of theparents,” said Martin. “You’re out and about trick or treating and it’s there and your kids probably won’teven notice you’re takingit.”

Archambault saidshe relied on theSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,Infants, and Children, known as WIC, after herson’smedical complicationsforced hertostop working temporarily

“Wehave to band together,” shesaid. “I am grateful to have receivedbenefits, and Iamevenmore grateful to be able to give backnow.”

Erika Dutka,who depends on SNAP to feed herself and her three children in Archbald,Pennsylvania, went to atrunk-or-treat Sunday with peoplegivingout candy from thetrunks of cars. She said she was relieved to get packs of ramen, oatmeal, juice, pretzels andfruit snacks in addition tosweet treats.

The 36-year-old —who workstwo jobs andgoes to school full time —said the food means she’ll have plenty of school snacks for her children the rest of theweek andcan save her last $100 of SNAP funds.

“It buys me more time,” she said. “Maybe things will change. Maybe it’ll get turned back on.”

Neufeld, the Denver mom stockpiling shelf-stable items for trick-or-treaters, said she relied on afood bank at her college to get throughschool. She saidmostpeople would never have known she was really struggling. And now,with SNAP drying up, she wants people to remember not to assume anything about others.

“You truly don’t know what otherpeople aregoingthrough,” shesaid. “Soevenif they don’t ‘look like they need help,’it’sstill important to just give when you can because it

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PAUL SANCyA

Mich.

Court:BorderPatrolofficialwon’t have to briefjudge

Government continuesimmigration crackdowninIllinois

BY CHRISTINE FERNANDO Associated Press

CHICAGO An appeals court ruled in favor of the Trump administration Friday and stopped ajudge from trying to get daily updates from aBorder Patrol official about thegovernment’simmigration crackdown in the Chicagoarea.

The court said the order from U.S. DistrictJudge Sara Ellisput her “in position of an inquisitor rather than that of aneutraladjudicator” and would have turned her into asupervisor of Greg Bovino, aviolation of the separation of powers.

Ellis, concerned about allegations of excessive force andthe use of tear gas against protesters, wanted daily updates from Bovino, starting Wednesday.But the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals intervenedthat day and suspended the order before further freezing it Friday Meanwhile, Illinois advocates in adifferent case Friday suedfederal authorities for whattheydescribed as “inhumane” conditions at aChicago-areaimmigration facility

Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois and the MacArthur Justice Center say U.S.Immigration andCustoms Enforcement agents have denied people being held at theBroadview facility private calls with attorneys and have blocked members of Congress, faith leaders and journalists from entering the building, creating a“black box”

they say has allowed authorities to act “with impunity.”

Agents have alsoallegedly coerced peopleheldatthe processingcenter to signpaperwork they don’tunderstand, leading them to unknowingly relinquish their rightsand face deportation, accordingtothe lawsuit.

Alexa VanBrunt, director of the MacArthur Justice Center’sIllinois office and lead attorney for the lawsuit, said community members are“being kidnapped off the streets, packed in hold cells, deniedfood, medical care, andbasic necessities, and forced to sign

away their legal rights.”

“Everyone, no matter their legal status, hasthe right to accesscounseland to not be subject tohorrific and inhumane conditions,” shesaid.

Homeland SecurityDepartment Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin denied the assertions andsaidsuchallegationshavecontributed to an increase in death threatsagainst immigration officers. She said people are held only briefly before being transferred to detention facilities.

“Any claimsthere are subprime conditions at the Broadview ICE facility are false. All detainees are

providedwith 3meals aday,water, and have access to phones to communicate with theirfamilymembers andlawyers,” the statement said. “Noone is denied access to proper medical care. There is a privacy wall aroundthe toilet for detainees.”

Attorneys accuse ICE, DHSand U.S. Customs andBorderProtection of violating detainees’ constitutionalrightstodue process and access to alawyer and have asked thecourt to force the agencies to improve thefacility’sconditions.

The 76-page lawsuit paints ableak picture of the facility,

which attorneys say is “extremely cramped”and “smells strongly of feces, urine, and body odor,” while insects were found in the sinks and clogged toilets led to urine on the floor.One man describedpeople lying on top of each other and in the bathroom,unable to find space to sleep.

“Theytreated us likeanimals, or worse than animals, because no one treats their pets like that,” one womansaid in the lawsuit.

Several people said they were detained at the processing center fordurationsranging fromacouple days to three weeks.

Advocates have for months raised concerns about conditions at the facility, whichhas drawn scrutiny from members of Congress, political candidates and activist groups. Lawyers and relativesofpeople held therehave called it adefacto detention center,saying up to 200 people have been held at atimewithout access to legal counsel.

The Broadview center has also drawn demonstrations, whichhave led to the arrests of numerous protesters. The protests are at the centerofa separate lawsuit from acoalition of news outlets and protesters who claimfederal agents violated their First Amendment rights by repeatedly using tear gas and other weapons on them Ellis sided with the coalition earlier this month, requiring federal agents in the Chicago area to wear badges and banning them from using certain riot control techniques againstpeacefulprotestersand journalists. Later,Ellis also required body cameras for agents who have themafter raising concerns abouther initialordernot being followed.

Poll:1 in 4‘strongly’opposed to changing clocks,manyindifferent

BY DEEPTI HAJELA and LINLEY SANDERS Associated Press

NEW YORK Yes, you’ll get a shot at an extra hour’s sleep. But even with that, it might be one of the most dreaded weekends on the American calendar: the end of daylight saving time. Only 12% of U.S. adults favor the current system of daylight saving time, which has peopleinmost states changingthe clocks twice a year,according to anew APNORC poll, while 47% are opposed and 40% are neutral. Around the country,the clocks will go back one hour at 2a.m. Sunday to mark the return to standard time and more daylight in the mornings. The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that for many Americans, it’sanunwelcome change —and if forced to choose, most would prefer to

keep that extrahourofdaylight in the evening. Pranava Jayanti is among those who strongly oppose the switch. The 31-year-old LosAngeles resident grew up in India,where the clocks don’tchange.Whenhecame to the United States forgraduate school, some relatives made sure he knewabout it

He thought he was prepared, “but when it actually happened,itstill took me by surprise,”Jayanti said,because of how quickly it got dark in the latterhalfofthe day.

There have been callsfor the U.S. to stop making the twice-yearlychanges, including apiece of legislation that stalledafter theSenate passed it in 2022. Among those urgingthatthe countrysticktoone time forthe entire year are the American Medical Association and American AcademyofSleep Medicine,aswell as President Donald Trump, who

issued asocial media post about it earlier this year

Permanentdaylight saving (not daylight savings, as manypeople saycolloquially) would be unpopularwitha significant chunk of people, though, the poll found —particularly those who prefer mornings.

The United States first started using thetime shift over acentury ago, during World WarI,then again in World WarII. Congress passed alaw in 1966 that allowed states to decide if they would have it or not, but required their choices to be uniform across their territories. All states except Arizona andHawaii make the time shifts; those two statesremain on standard time year-round.

Time changesare also undertaken in some other parts of the world, like Canada and Europe, but not in others, like Asia. Europe and North America change the

clocks aweek apart, resultingina short periodwhere thetime difference between theregions is an hour shorter than the rest of the year

Butalthough about half of U.S. adultsare opposed to theswitch —including 27% whoare “strongly” opposed —many don’tcare one way or another.That’sparticularly true of adults under 30, with 51% saying they neither favor nor oppose the practice. Thoseover 30 are more likely to be opposed to it, with about half saying they dislike thetwice-a-year switching of clocks.

If theyhad to choose one time for the countrytouse, more thanhalf of adults— 56% —prefer making daylight saving time permanent, with less light in the

morning and more light in the evening. About 4in10 prefer standard time, with morelight in the morning and less in the evening. Those whoconsider themselves“night people”are much morepartial to permanent daylight saving time: 61% of them say this would be their choice.

“Morning people” were just aboutevenly split, with 49% of thempreferring permanent daylight saving time, and 50% wanting permanent standard time.

Newresearch from Stanford Universityhas found that at least when it comes to humans and our internal clocks—our circadian rhythm —having asingle time wouldbebetter for health thanswitching. It also

BY MAX REINHART

The Detroit News (TNS)

DETROIT The man who attacked Grand Blanc Township churchgoers last month, leaving four dead, was acting on anti-Mormon beliefs, federal authorities announced Friday

“Based upon thefacts, circumstances and information obtained in this case, I am confirming that this is atargeted act of violence believed to be motivatedby the assailant’santi-religious beliefs against the Mormon religious community,” Jennifer Runyan, specialagent in charge of the FBI’sDetroit Field Office, said in a videostatement.

Runyandid not explain howinvestigators arrived at their conclusion,noting that federal Department of Justice policies prohibitthe FBI from providing detailsregardinginvestigators’ specificactionsand techniques.

“This motivation was determinedbased upon countless hoursofinvestigative effortsbyour team,aswell as the cooperationoflaw enforcement partners, the community and the U.S. Attorney’sOffice forthe Eastern District of Michigan,” Runyansaidinthe statement On the morningof Sept. 28, Thomas “Jake” Sanford of Burtonallegedlyset fire to

theLatter-day Saints church building on McCandlish Road in Grand Blanc.Police say he also fired several rounds, striking 10 people.

Twopeople died from gunshots and two bodieswere foundinthe rubble left by theblaze. Sanfordwas shot and killed by law enforcement officers after they arrived on the scene.

Sanford, 40, was aformer U.S. Marine who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

One Burton resident who hadpreviously met Sanford told reporters that theassailant had shared withhim anti-Mormon sentiments, including saying that “Mormonsare theAntichrist.”

found that standard time had slightly better health benefitsthandaylight saving time.

“The more light you have earlier in the morning, the morerobust your clock is,” said JamieZeitzer, oneof thestudy authors andcodirector of the Centerfor Sleep and Circadian Sciences at Stanford. But that’sonly one aspect, he added. There are arange of others, fromeconomics to people’s personalpreferences. “This is something that people feel very passionate about, and theirpassion is usually driven by …themselves, whatthey would prefer,” he said. “Thereis no time policy that you can have that will make everyone happy.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByNAM y. HUH

Protesters gatheroutsideanICE processing facility Friday in the Chicagosuburb of Broadview, Ill.

decomposing coyote.

Deep in the pine forests of Idlewild, two clearings have been transformed into what the research team jokingly refers to as a pet cemetery Donated by Louisiana authorities after being found as roadkill or killed by other causes, the bodies of a coyote, a pregnant deer, a bear, fox, rabbit, a feral hog, raccoons, rodents and other animals serve as bait for the blowflies, beetles and other insects that arrive in predictable waves of decay

The animals are proxies for humans. The team hopes their slow disintegration will one day help solve crimes.

The goal is to capture the chemical signatures of each bug in each stage of development. Over time, those profiles could form a kind of forensic catalog, allowing investigators to match insect activity at a crime scene to how long a body has been dead.

“If somebody robs you, you can dust for prints, take the image of the print, screen it against your database and get a hit, right?” Musah said. “You can do the same thing for the chemical profile of a living thing.” Musah would know She developed a similar catalog for psychoactive plants. But for 10 years, she’s been working on cataloging bugs. On the coyote carcass, the bugs and eggs they lay mostly look the same. But the artificial intelligence-

SNAP

Continued from page 1A

member of the Senate Agriculture committee that oversees the food aid program, said Friday’s rulings from judges nominated to the bench by former President Barack Obama confirm what Democrats have been saying: “The administration is choosing not to feed Americans in need, despite knowing that it is legally required to do so.” Trump posted on social media Friday blasting congressional Democrats for the shutdown and suggesting the government would comply with the rulings but also that it needed more clarity first: “If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the

BODY

Continued from page 1A

home. Daspit was wearing a helmet, but it was found at the wreckage along with his prescription glasses. Daspit suffered from glaucoma and dealt with poor vision all his life, stemming from an accident when he was younger, she said.

“We don’t understand. He wrecked 100 yards from the house,” Vergenal said, “We have dogs, and he walked right past the barking dogs. We don’t understand it. He must have hit his head.”

Vergenal was sent footage from residents on Facebook of Daspit walking near the Coteau Holmes volunteer fire station, nearly 3 miles away from their home. There were later reports that he was seen near Banker Road about 5 miles away

UNESCO

Continued from page 1A

Co., the local tourism industry’s official destination marketing and sales organization.

“Not only does this designation fortify our seat at the global table, but it opens avenues for our culture bearers to connect with others in the industry in a way never before possible,” Walt Leger III, president and CEO of New Orleans & Company said in a prepared statement.

“This recognition for our music community is well-deserved and will help ensure New Orleans’ rightful place as the most unique, remarkable and welcoming destination in the world.” In a news release, New Orleans Mayor LaToya

Arthopod Museum; and Will Forbes, research associate coordinator at the Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station, pose on Wednesday over the remains of a bear that decomposed inside the cage.

powered database they are building will be able to tell the difference between two rice-sized eggs that look identical to the human eye. As the egg matures, its chemical signature evolves, providing a timeline that can help estimate the time since death Musah brought up the case of Casey Anthony, the Florida mother acquitted in 2011 for the death of her toddler in a nationally watched trial. Investigators debated whether the maggots found in the car’s trunk had come from a decomposing body or from trash, as Anthony claimed. With the kind of chemical testing Musah’s team is developing, the investigators could have determined exactly what the mag-

Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding.”

Democratic state attorneys general or governors from 25 states, as well as the District of Columbia, challenged the plan to pause the program, contending that the administration has a legal obligation to keep it running in their jurisdictions.

The administration said it wasn’t allowed to use a contingency fund of about $5 billion for the program, which reversed a USDA plan from before the shutdown that said money would be tapped to keep SNAP running. The Democratic officials argued that not only could that money be used, but that it must be. They also said a separate fund with around $23 billion is available for the cause.

In Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. District Judge

Searches and flyers asking for tips were common immediately after his disappearance. The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, local residents and hunters and other volunteer groups joined together to comb the fields and woods of the tiny town equipped with drones, fourwheelers and dogs. Multiple searches turned up no clues.

Social media speculation arose shortly after Daspit’s disappearance. Facebook users unearthed a “Dr Phil” episode that shows Daspit and Vergenal discussing marriage issues. Users suggested either Daspit ran away or that Vergenal played a role in his disappearance. Vergenal reached back out to “Dr Phil” again in an effort to bring awareness to her missing husband but has not received a response, she said.

“If you watch the whole video, Bill clearly states he

Cantrell said, “Getting this designation is a tremendous achievement for the city of New Orleans Becoming a UNESCO Creative City of Music opens doors to our culture bearers and will help us further amplify the positive social and economic impacts of New Orleans’ music industry.”

The campaign got a big boost in February when NO&C officials received word that New Orleans is one of two cities, from two different creative fields, that the U.S. Mission to UNESCO selected to receive a letter of support from the State Department. That letter essentially confirmed New Orleans as one of the United States’ official applicant cities to the UNESCO program.

UNESCO launched its network program in 2004 as part of the organization’s

gots had been feeding on.

In other instances, when so much time has passed that all soft tissues are gone and just bones and teeth are left, casings from the eggs laid by flies during the early decomposition stages could date the body

“Those are little time capsules that have the potential to tell you a lot,” Musah said.

Current practices require crime labs to take the egg from a crime scene — if any are left — then rear it to maturity to identify the adult through DNA. Most crime labs can’t do that, Musah said.

“With this database, if someone were to send us one maggot, we could screen it and tell them, in less than a minute, what species it

John J. McConnell ruled from the bench in a case filed by cities and nonprofits that the program must be funded using at least the contingency funds, and he asked for an update on progress by Monday

Along with ordering the federal government to use emergency reserves to backfill SNAP benefits, McConnell ruled that all previous work requirement waivers must continue to be honored. The USDA during the shutdown has terminated existing waivers that exempted work requirements for older adults, veterans and others. There were similar elements in the Boston case, where U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled in a written opinion that the USDA has to pay for SNAP, calling the suspension “un-

loves me.” Vergenal said, “I emailed Dr Phil three years before that episode.”

After the remains were identified as Daspit’s, his family launched a page at gofundme.com to help raise money to have his remains buried.

“For over two years his family searched, prayed, and hoped for answers. In December 2024, remains were discovered, and this week, they were officially identified as Bill,” a family member wrote on the fundraising site.

“Our hearts are shattered, but at least now, his wife and loved ones have the answer they waited so long for However, the emotional toll and the unexpected costs of bringing Bill home and laying him to rest have become overwhelming.”

Staff writers Stephen Marcantel and Caitie Zeilman contributed to this report.

mission to facilitate global peace through cultural exchange and cooperation. It covers seven creative fields: design, film, music crafts and folk art, literature, media arts and gastronomy

The designated cities form a sort of mutual support system, with the hope being that they work together to promote culture and creativity The UNESCO designation can also be used to market New Orleans to potential international visitors. An advisory board that supported New Orleans’ bid included musicians Jon Batiste, Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, Mia Borders and Robin Barnes, Roots of Music founder Derrick Tabb, French Quarter Festival president/CEO Emily Madero and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival producer/ director Quint Davis.

is,” Musah said.

The group needs hundreds of samples of each bug and egg at different stages in the life cycle.

The chemical fingerprint can also pinpoint regional differences among the same species — a fly from Louisiana would look slightly different from the same type of fly from upstate New York, Musah said.

The analysis could eventually identify other characteristics, such as whether the bug has evidence of drugs or toxicity, indicating an overdose or poisoning. At Idlewild, the grounds are rife with opportunity for chemists. Louisiana’s climate allows for nearly year-round collection of samples. While Figueroa scans the maggots for new species, Musah’s eyes widen mid-sentence as she spots something in the distance.

“Oh, is that a mushroom?” she said, her melodic voice bright with excitement.

By the end of the sampling collection, she’s got a half dozen mushrooms in hand for another project. She calls them “adorable” three times over the course of the hourlong sampling session, noting that they may also be highly toxic.

She has big plans to extract their molecules and test them against viruses and bacteria.

“Fungi are lovely little biorefineries in terms of molecules that they synthesize,” Musah said “And who knows whether any of the molecules in this mushroom might cure disease?”

Where others might see a mushroom, Musah sees potential. That’s how she got interested in chemistry

lawful.” She ordered the federal government to advise the court by Monday as to whether they will use the emergency reserve funds to provide reduced SNAP benefits for November or fully fund the program “using both contingency funds and additional available funds.

“Defendants’ suspension of SNAP payments was based on the erroneous conclusion that the Contingency Funds could not be used to ensure continuation of SNAP payments,” she wrote. “This court has now clarified that Defendants are

Musah was born in Chicago but moved to Ghana in West Africa when she was 5.

“In Ghana, when you were sick, an old lady would go out to the woods and bring back some tree bark and boil it up and give you something God-awful to ingest, but you would get better,” Musah said.

From a young age, she wanted to know what was in the plant that made her recover

“I didn’t know what that was called, but I wanted to study that,” she said.

In a new clearing, Baca set out a frozen raccoon, which will defrost and decompose over the next couple of days. The raccoons smell the worst, said Figueroa, but she’s lost most of her squeamishness after being finger-deep in maggots a few times.

“The first couple times we went out into the field, and I started seeing the huge maggot masses, I definitely did have a dream or two about the masses. But then I got used to it,” Figueroa said with a laugh.

They’ve been out to the field about 30 times since the spring, sometimes sweating through the dogged heat of summer as it intensified the scent of rotting flesh, crafting their own cages out of wire when a bear was too big for the cage or the rodents were too small.

On the way back to Baton Rouge, Figueroa turned to her colleagues in the truck.

“What if we always smell like dead things, but we just don’t know it?” she asked.

“I think that probably happens,” Baca said.

required to use those Contingency Funds as necessary for the SNAP program.”

No matter how the rulings came down, the benefits for millions of people will be delayed in November because the process of loading cards can take a week or more in many states. The administration did not immediately say whether it would appeal the rulings.

States, food banks and SNAP recipients have been bracing for an abrupt shift in how low-income people can get groceries. Advocates and beneficiaries say

halting the food aid would force people to choose between buying groceries and paying other bills.

The majority of states have announced more or expedited funding for food banks or novel ways to load at least some benefits onto the SNAP debit cards. Across the U.S., advocates who had been sounding the alarm for weeks about the pending SNAP benefits cut off let out a small sigh of relief on Friday as the rulings came down, while acknowledging the win is temporary and possibly not complete.

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

From left, Alexa Figueroa, Ph.D candidate; Rabi Musah, chemist; Stephen Baca, professor of entomology and director of the Louisiana State

BY KATE PAYNE and CODYJACKSON

Associated Press

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. SouthFlori-

da was spared adirect blow from Hurricane Melissa, butthe massivestorm still hit home for the millions of residentsthere who have deep rootsinthe Caribbean. Now,the Caribbean diaspora from Miami to New York City is turning its heartbreakinto action: filling warehouses with emergency supplies to send to communities across Jamaica, Cuba, Haitiand the Bahamas that were battered by Melissa, one ofthe strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record Centers of global wealth —and vibrant exile communities that run generations deep—both cities are cultural melting potsthat have long been major pointsofentry for immigrants. Miami-Dade County, Florida’slargestcounty, is now home to more immigrants than native-born Americans. More immigrants have moved into the NewYork and Miamiareas so far this decade than any other U.S. metro areas, 721,000 people and 553,000 people respectively For many in Miami, the city

is an unofficial capitalofLatin America —where thesalsa clubs of Little Havana and the roosterfilled streets of LittleHaiti feel physically andculturally closer to theCaribbeanthanthe rest of the mainland U.S. Across Florida, there are more than amillion foreign-born Cubans and 231,000 foreign-born Jamaicans, while NewYork state is home to 22,800 foreign-born Cubans and 225,000 foreign-born Jamaicans, according to the U.S. CensusBureau.

Many Haitian Americans are all too familiarwith the painofwatchinga catastrophe unfoldfromafar, with Melissa being the latest in a long line of crises. Butmembersof the diaspora do their best to support loved ones back home,said Carine Jocelyn, Chief Executive Officer of Brooklyn-based Diaspora Community Services. Thefeeling of “donation fatigue” doesn’tapply to Haiti,she said, adding, “we don’treally gettosay that.” Even as gangviolence continues to disrupt transportation in the capital of Port-au-Prince, Jocelyn saysshe hopes resources will still be able to getinthrough theCap-

Haïtienand Les Cayes airports. Sheurged donors to give to verifiedHaitian nonprofitstoensure aid reaches communities mostinneed.

Nonprofit groups told The Associated Press that cash is the best waytohelp, andexperts recommend using sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise GivingAlliance to check out unfamiliar charities before donating.

Eugene Lapaine,president of therural development and civic engagement organization Association desPaysansHaut Douzieme, is leading arescue mission in communities near his mountainside city of Petit-Goâve in southern Haiti.

“Peopleare leaving their homes to seek shelter,” Eugene said. “We are doing our best as acommunity to help each other through this.”

At abustling warehouse in the suburban Broward County Florida,city of Coconut Creek on Thursday, volunteers with thehungerand povertyrelief organizationFood ForThe Poor hustled to assemble emergency care kits and load dozens of palates of food, water andpersonal hygiene products. Susan James-Casserly, who

BY SARAHELDEEB and JAMEY KEATEN Associated Press

CAIRO— Groupsofgunmen who reportedly killed at least 460 people at ahospital in Sudan attackedinseveral waves,abducting doctors and nurses, then gunning down staff,patients and people sheltering there, the World Health Organization said Friday The attack Tuesday in the country’sDarfur region was part of areportedrampage by theRapid SupportForces, apowerful paramilitary group, as it captured the keycity of el-Fasher after besieging it for 18 months Witnesses have reported fighters going house-tohouse, killing civilians and committing sexual assaults.

Many details of thehospital attack and other violence in the city have been slow to emerge, and the total death toll remains unknown.

Thefallofel-Fasher heraldsanew phase of the brutal, two-yearwar between the RSFand the military in Africa’sthird-largest country Thewar has killed more than 40,000 people, accordingtoU.N.figures, butaid groups say that is an undercount and thetrue number could bemanytimes higher Thewar has displaced more than 14 millionpeopleand fueled outbreaks of diseases believed to have killed thousands. Famine has been declared in parts of Darfur, a region the size of Spain, and other parts of thecountry Communications aredown in el-Fasher,located deep in asemi-desert region some 500miles southwestofKhartoum, the capital. Aid groups that had been operatingthere have largely beenforced out.

Some survivors have staggered into arefugee camp about40 miles away in the town of Tawila.

Caribbeandiasporafuels HurricaneMelissa relief work

comes from alongline of Jamaican cattlefarmers, wasborn on theisland but came to South Florida in 1978,and shenow worksfor thecharity.She’s flying outnext week to help with the on-site relief effort in her homecountry,where many were still recovering from last year’s HurricaneBeryl when Melissa showed up on the radar

“Jamaicans are very strong and resilient. I’m afraid of what I’m going to see. But one of the things I know is that we are ready to help,” she said.

Kivette Silvera, whowas born in Jamaicaand nowlivesinSouth Florida, was amongthe Food For ThePoorteamwho rode outthe storm on the island, huddled in prayer as she listened to the winds howl and watched the trees bend.

“Words can’texpress what they’regoing throughright now It’sdevastating. It is devastating,” shesaid in an interview from the organization’soffice in the city of Spanish Town, west of the capital Kingston.

In the BrowardCounty suburb of Miramar —where every member of thecity council is either aCaribbean immigrantorthe child of

More than 62,000 people arebelieved to have fled elFasher between Sunday and Wednesday,the U.N. migration agency said. But far fewer have made it to Tawila. The Norwegian Refugee Council, which manages the

camp, put the number at around 5,000 people, raising fears over thefate of tens of thousands.

Fatima Abdulrahim, 70, fled el-Fasher with her grandchildren afew days before it was captured to

one —residents have also sprung into action.

Local officialshave organized acitywide relief effort to collect and deliver essentialsuppliesto the islands. Residents can drop off itemslike shelf-stable food, water tarps, flashlights and sleeping bags at designated donation sites at fire departments and police stations, 24 hours aday In Cooper City, Brittany and Dwayne Wolfe have offered up their homeasadrop-off site for diapers and other necessities. The couple arethe cofounders of The Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank, and manyofthe organization’svolunteers and supporters grew up in Jamaica or still have family on the island.

Dwayne Wolfe,who wasbornin the centralJamaican city of Mandeville,still hasn’tbeen able to reach cousins, friends and loved ones there in the aftermath of the storm. But while he waits for acall, he can focus on gathering moredonations.

“I truly feel that alot of folks that live in South Florida can really relate,” he said, “because we’re so close.”

escapethe siege.She described to The Associated Pressa harrowing five-day journeytoreachTawila, hiding in trenches, dodging bullets and gunmen behind walls and empty buildings.

“Weran on the streets, hiding for 10 minutes behind the berm,then charging out, running until we made it out,” she said, adding that she kept falling andgetting up amidgunfire andshelling. Her companions carried herattimes,she said.

“Thirst almost killed us,” she said, describing picking grass to eat from the side of the road.

Along the way, she said she also witnessed militiamen shoot andkill young men trying to bring food into the city

At least 450 people have been admitted to the hospital in Tawila,somesuffering fromsevere malnutrition and sexual violence, said AdamRojal,spokesperson for alocal group that works

with displaced people in Darfur ChristianLindmeier,a WHO spokesman, provided new details about the killings at el-Fasher’sSaudi Hospital, which had been the only hospital in the city still providing limited services during the siege.

Gunmen returned to the facility at least threetimes, Lindmeier told aU.N. press briefinginGeneva. At first, the fighters came andabducted anumberofdoctors and nurses, and at least six are still being held, he said. They later returned and “started killing,” he said.

The RSF denied committing killings at the hospital. On Thursday, it postedonsocial media avideo filmed at the hospital, showing what it said weresome patients at the facility.Aperson speaking in thevideo saidRSF fighters were caring for thepatients, offering them change of wounds and food.

UNICEFPHOTO By MOHAMMED JAMMAL

Displaced children and families from el-Fasher gather at a displacement camp where they sought refugefrom fighting between governmentforces and the Rapid SupportForces on MondayinTawila, Darfur region, Sudan.

Voters head to pollsontax renewals

BY ASHLEY WHITE Staff writer

Voters in Lafayette Parish will

once again vote on property tax renewals this November.

The two millagesprovide about $23 million annuallyfor the Lafayette Consolidated Governmentto

fund road and bridge maintenance and public health and safety projects. Both are “critical,” Mayor-PresidentMonique Bouletsaid during an informationalpanel in September. They fundwhat shecalled “very basicservices” for the parish. The

first goes toward roadway servicing, bridge replacement and grass mowing forpublic areas. The second goes towarddrainage,the animal shelter,rural firedepartments,and theCoroner’s Office. Voters will be asked on Nov. 15 whether to renew aroad and bridge maintenance millage of

4.47 mills, which generates about $12.7 million annually.They will also be askedwhether to renew a public health and safety millage of 3.381 mills, which generates about $10.8 million

This will be the second time Lafayette voters will considerthese renewals. They appeared on the March ballot but failed to pass. Boulet said at the timeitwas like-

which included four state constitutional amendments. Despite alow turnout, Lafayette voters decided to renew two

SEEKING TREATS

ABOVE: People line up Thursday to go trick or treating during the Lafayette Police Department’sTrunk or Treat at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium in Lafayette.Candy and treats were handed out from the trunks of police cars and other community service vehicles. LEFT: Police Officer Kylie Bruno, right,hands candy to princess Carsyn Butler, 6, center,while princessAngelique Roberson, 6, waitsher turn.

BYCLAIRE

Officials: MissingBaker girl found

She wasfound in basement of Pittsburgh home

BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer

A13-year-old Baker girl who was reported missing last week was found alive Thursday in Pittsburgh, and three suspects have been arrested.

The girl was found in the basement of ahome withthe assistanceofthe FBI, Pittsburgh Police Department, and Allegheny County Juvenile Probation Office. Thegirlwas found with an adult male and a woman from the Washington, D.C., area. Medical

personneldeterminedshe had been sexually assaulted, according to theU.S. Marshals Service. Ki-Shawn Crumity,26, wasarrested on multiple charges, including trafficking in individuals, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviatesexual intercourse, sexual assault and selling or furnishing alcohol to minors, according to an affidavitfrom Pittsburgh police.Hehas been denied bail. Crumity admitted to officers that he had sexwith the girlmultiple times,according to the affidavit.

Thegirltold police she met CrumityonSnapchat. Investigators determined the girl had traveled on a bus from Columbus, Geor-

gia, to Pittsburgh. At the time of her disappearance, thegirlhad been seen at theGreyhound bus station in Baton Rouge.

When thegirlwas reported missing, theLouisiana’s Attorney General’sOffice Cyber Crime Unit reported to theMarshals Service that thechild may have had onlinecontact with an unknown adult male.

On Monday,a62-year-old male, notidentified in the news release, was arrested in New Orleans by marshals on acount of contributing to thedelinquency of ajuvenile.

While questioning the subject, it was discovered thathewas withthe child at the Greyhound stationa few days earlier

Investigatorslearned the childwas with another subject, later identified as Ronald Smith, also 62, who was located and arrested in Columbus, Georgia, for simple kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of ajuvenile.

The investigation is ongoing.

“Further arrests are pending and additional charges are forthcoming,” the service said in arelease.

“Ourpreciousmissing child has been found and is safe,” the Baker Police Department said in an online postFriday

EmailEllyn Couvillion at ecouvillion@theadvocate. com.

Early voting begins Saturdayfor the Nov. 15 election. Voters in Lafayette Parish will

renewals.

ELECTION

Continued from page1B

property taxes in October

One of those funds is about $22 million annually for the Lafayette Parish school system and another generates about$2million for

CLINIC

Continued from page1B

center, all in the Acadiana area.

“We’re thrilled to con-

theBayou Vermilion River District.Only7.7% of voterscastballots in October compared with the 16% who turned out in March If the renewals fail to pass again, LCGwill have one more opportunity to bring theissue before voters before the millagesexpire. Early voting is from Nov.

tinue growing alongside the Youngsville community by bringing comprehensive orthopedic care closer to home,” acompany spokespersonsaidina news release Wednesday afternoon. The clinic’s urgent care

1-8, excluding Sunday Polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6p.m. at three locations —downtown Lafayette, 1010 Lafayette St.; the MLKRec Center, 309 Cora St.; andthe East RegionalLibrary,215 La Neuville Road. Polls are open on election dayfrom 7a.m. to 8p.m.

facilities provide various forms of musculoskeletal carethat range from sprains and fractures to shoulder, knee and hip injuries. Additionally,facilities are capable of providing casting, bracing and splinting services

Afreshly sanded and primed fire hydrant standsWednesdaynear the intersection of West Congress Street and BrooksideDriveinLafayette.

HYDRANTS

Continued from page1B

The most recent work, which includes the Saint streets, started in early October,she wrote, and is expected to finish by midNovember

The workstarted in2024 in the northern part of thesystem and is proceeding south. Work is expected to move

intothe downtown area of Lafayette this weekend. Next year,LUS is expected to work on fire hydrants along Johnston Street and Pinhook Road. Email Claire Taylor at ctaylor@theadvocate. com.

Pooler II, Benjamin St.BarnabasEpiscopalChurch,400 Camellia BoulevardinLafayette at 10:30am.

Williams,Classie St.JosephCathedral,401 Main Street in BatonRouge,at11a.m

Obituaries

Williams,Classie Belle

ClassieBelle Williams, 95, passedawayOctober 18, 2025. BornOctober 1, 1930 in New Iberia,LA, to MarthaCurtis and Trinity Williams.She wasthe youngestoffivechildren andgrewupinthe closeknitcommunity of "Neco Town."She wasa proud SouthernUniversity graduatewith adegree in businessand worked forAmerican Bankfor many years. AdevoutCatholic.She was activewith the Ladies of Auxiliary at Immaculate Conception, an Adorer at Our Lady of Mercy, anda volunteer with the Catholic Diocese. Sheissurvivedby her sister,Ethel Mouton (103 yearsold), daughters Judy TauriacLondon and Andrea Batiste Hopkins (spouse Reginald),six grandchildren, four great grandchildren, andahost of nieces,nephews cousins, and dear friends Sheispreceded in death by her parents, siblings

9:00-10:55

and AMass

beginat11:00 AM on 11-12025,

Joseph Cathedral, 401 Main Street, Baton Rouge, LA. ACommittal/Burialwill immediatelyfollowatSouthern MemorialGardens, 3012 Blount Road, Baton Rouge, LA.

To find avoting precinct,see sample ballots, check voter registration or find other voting information, visit geauxvote com.

EmailAshley White at ashley.white@

LOTTERY

THURSDAY,OCT.30, 2025 PICK 3: 3-9-7 PICK 4: 6-7-1-5 PICK 5: 1-3-6-0-7

STAFF PHOTO By LESLIE WESTBROOK

STAFF FILE PHOTO By LESLIE WESTBROOK

once again vote on propertytax

Pharma company recalls blood pressure meds

A pharmaceutical company has initiated a voluntary recall of more than half a million bottles of its blood pressure medication distributed in the U.S., after finding that the bottles contained higher than acceptable levels of a carcinogen.

Teva Pharmaceuticals has recalled more than 580,000 bottles of prazosin hydrochloride capsules, a medication used to manage hypertension, a report by federal regulators shows. The company is headquartered in Israel, but the recall is connected to its U.S operations.

The recall, according to a page on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website, impacts three different dosages: 1, 2 and 5 mg. The recalled bottles have expiration dates ranging from October 2025 through February 2027. The impacted bottles contain higher than acceptable levels of a carcinogenic substance. The FDA classified the risk as Class II. That class of risk, according to the FDA indicates that the recalled medication “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” or that “the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” The full list of the recalled lot numbers can be found on the FDA’s website.

Disney pulls ABC, ESPN, more from YouTube TV

YouTube TV viewers can no longer see Disney channels including ABC and ESPN after the two sides failed to agree on a new content distribution deal.

Other channels that vanished from Google’s pay TV platform include the Disney Channel, FX and Nat Geo.

The breakdown could impact coverage of some college football games on Saturday, as well as NBA, NFL and NHL games.

YouTube is the largest internet TV provider in the U.S. with more than 9 million subscribers. Hulu, owned by Disney, is next, with about half that many subscribers. Viewers have become aware of the dispute in recent weeks because of warnings being scrolled across their screens.

YouTube said Disney used the threat of a blackout as a negotiating tactic that would have resulted in higher prices for its subscribers. Disney’s move to take down its content also benefits its own streaming products Hulu + Live TV and Fubo, YouTube said.

YouTube said it would give subscribers a $20 credit if Disney content unavailable “for an extended period of time.” YouTube TV’s base subscription plan costs $82.99 per month

Disney said that YouTube TV is refusing to pay fair rates for its channels and has chosen to “deny their subscribers the content they value most,” pointing out the number of Top 25 teams playing this weekend.

Pfizer sues drugmaker to stop rival bid

Pfizer is suing over some unsolicited competition in its nearly $5 billion bid to buy the drugmaker Metsera.

New York-based Pfizer said Friday after markets closed that it was suing Metsera and a third drugmaker, Denmark’s Novo Nordisk, over a bid for Metsera that Novo announced Thursday Novo said it planned to buy Metsera in a deal that could be worth up to $9 billion, and Metsera said the offer appeared to be superior to Pfizer’s bid, which was announced in September

Metsera Inc. has no products on the market, but it is developing potential oral and injectable treatments. That includes some potential treatments that could target lucrative fields for obesity and diabetes.

Novo already has the treatments Wegovy and Ozempic on the market in those respective categories

Pfizer said the offer from Novo cannot be considered superior to its bid because it carries significant regulatory risk that makes it unlikely to be completed.

Pfizer also said Novo’s offer represents “an illegal attempt by a company with a dominant market position to suppress competition.”

Amazon carries market to winning week

erage added 40 points, or 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6%.

BY STAN CHOE and ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP business writers

NEW YORK Amazon led the U.S.

stock market on Friday to the finish of another winning week and month

The S&P 500 rose 0.3% and pulled closer to its all-time high set on Tuesday It closed out a third straight winning week and a sixth straight winning month, its longest monthly winning streak since 2021.

The Dow Jones Industrial Av-

Amazon led the way and jumped 9.6%. The retail giant was by far the strongest force lifting the market after reporting profit for the latest quarter that blew past analysts’ expectations. CEO Andy Jassy said growth for its booming cloud-computing business has accelerated to a pace it hasn’t seen since 2022. Amazon’s massive size of roughly $2.4 trillion means its stock movements carry more weight on the S&P 500 than almost any other company’s. Without it, the S&P 500 would have been down for the day Analysts are analyzing Ama-

zon’s results to get insight into how shoppers are spending heading into the holiday season and how the online behemoth is managing cost increases from President Donald Trump’s tariffs. But Amazon, based in Seattle, is also under pressure to shore up confidence among investors that its computing arm Amazon Web Services is just as powerful as Microsoft’s Azure and Google’s Google Cloud Platform. Amazon delivered better-than-expected 20% growth for AWS, following a 17.5% growth in the fiscal second quarter Andy Jassy, president and CEO of Amazon, noted in a statement that AWS is growing at a

pace it hasn’t seen since 2022. Late last month, Amazon unveiled a new robotics system — being tested in South Carolina — for its warehouses that coordinates multiple arms to perform picking, stowing, and consolidating tasks simultaneously This technology effectively collapses three assembly lines into one, the company said.

Elsewhere on Wall Street, online message board Reddit jumped 7.5% to erase losses from earlier in the week after reporting stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Coinbase Global rose 4.6% after the crypto exchange’s profit likewise topped expectations.

BY DEE-ANN DURBIN Associated Press

Instacart said Friday it will offer customers who receive SNAP benefits 50% on their next grocery order to ease strain as the government prepares to cut off food aid payments.

Instacart said any customer who placed an order in October using a SNAP/EBT card will be eligible for the discount, which will be available even if the government makes the payments as planned on Nov 1. Instacart said it is also expanding the number of food banks it supports through online food drives from 100 to 300.

The San Francisco-based grocery delivery company said both programs amount to $5 million in direct relief.

“As SNAP funding faces unprecedented disruption and food banks brace for longer lines, we’re focused on practical, immediate

BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP technology writer

SAN FRANCISCO Apple’s iPhone sales growth decelerated during its summertime quarter, but the company still delivered financial results that exceeded analyst projections while the trendsetting company continued to catch up to its Big Tech peers in the artificial intelligence race.

The performance announced Thursday was driven largely by strong initial demand for the premium models of the iPhone 17

solutions: helping families who use SNAP stretch their grocery dollars and helping food banks stock up to support their communities,” said Dani Dudeck, Instacart’s chief corporate affairs officer

Instacart is one of several big companies reacting to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to freeze payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on Nov 1 due to the government shutdown. Gopuff, a Philadelphia-based company that provides fast delivery of food and other convenience items, said it will provide $50 worth of free groceries in November to customers who have a SNAP/EBT card connected to their Gopuff account Gopuff said it will spend up to $10 million on the program.

San Francisco-based DoorDash said it would waive service and delivery fees for an estimated 300,000 orders for SNAP recipients in November. DoorDash said Friday that 25 grocery companies, including Sprouts, Dollar General, Giant Eagle, Stop & Shop, Winn-Dixie, BJ’s Wholesale Club and ShopRite, are partnering with DoorDash to cut those fees.

lineup that went on sale last month.

Although the iPhone 17 lacks the AI wizardry featured in rival devices recently introduced by Samsung and Google, Apple spruced up its latest models with a redesign highlighted by a sleek “liquid glass” appearance on the display screens. Apple also largely maintained its pricing on its latest iPhones, despite being squeezed by President Donald Trump’s trade war that imposed tariffs on the U.S. devices that the company mostly makes in India and China. The formula apparently was enough to win over consumers, particularly in the United States, and deliver iPhone sales totaling $49 billion during the July-September period, a 6% from the same time last year That was slightly below

DoorDash said it would also deliver 1 million meals from food banks for free. The company said more than 2.4 million of its customers have a SNAP/EBT card linked to their DoorDash account.

Zip Co., a “buy now pay later” app that lets users set up installment plans to pay for purchases, said Friday it will offer temporary, no-fee installment payment options for SNAP recipients who need help buying groceries if the government doesn’t make payments on Nov 1. Eligible customers need to fill out a form in the Zip app, the company said. Zip, which is based in Australia, said it was partnering with Forage, a company that processes government payments for retailers. Zip said it has 4.25 million active users, but it wouldn’t say how many are SNAP recipients.

Instacart does not disclose how many of its customers receive SNAP benefits. The company began accepting online SNAP payments in 2020. It offers discounted memberships for SNAP recipients and zero delivery fees on orders over $35.

the 8% increase in iPhone sales that had been anticipated by analysts, and less than the 13% bump in sales during the April-June period.

Buoyed by the iPhone results, Apple earned $27.5 billion, or $1.85 per share, nearly doubling its profit from a year ago. Revenue climbed 8% from a year ago to $102.5 billion. Both the earnings and revenue eclipsed the analyst forecasts that steer the stock market.

Apple’s stock has been on a tear since a report earlier this month from the research firm International Data Corp. telegraphed the quarterly results with a preliminary analysis that concluded the company had set a new July-September record for iPhone sales. The rally catapulted Apple’s market value above $4 trillion for the first time

earlier this week and now the stage is set for the shares to hit another new high during Friday’s regular trading session.

But Apple has been widely seen as a laggard in the AI craze, one of the reasons that Nvidia — a chipmaker whose processors power the technology — became the first company to be valued at $5 trillion earlier this week. Apple had promised a wide array of AI features would be rolling out on last year’s iPhone models, but was only able to deliver a few of them. The missing upgrades included a smarter and more versatile version of its frequently flummoxed Siri virtual assistant — a makeover that Apple now doesn’t expect to complete until next year

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By STEPHANIE SCARBROUGH Produce, which is covered by the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will be harder to obtain by SNAP recipients as the government prepares to cut off food aid payments.

ANOTHERVIEW

Tuesday’s elections will revealclues

Party strategists are watching Tuesday’sgubernatorial contests in Virginia and New Jersey —battles that traditionally attract national attention. Held midway between presidential and congressional elections, they sometimeshint at wherenational politics is headed.

ARTISTS’ VIEWS

In the 2009 and 2017 gubernatorial races, one party swept both states, and that same party went on to do well in the next year’smidterm balloting. Even when the states split by party,results have revealed useful clues about the developing national mood.

Ron Faucheux

This year, theytake on added importance as the first major statewide elections since Donald Trump began his second term. Both races arelargely nationalized, with each side relying upon off-the-rack partisan messaging in addition to locally targeted campaigning Democrats are desperate to spot acanary in the coal mine —asign that Trump’s strength is collapsing. Republicans, meanwhile, want to prove Trump’smandate is expanding. KamalaHarris won both states with 52% last year

In Virginia, where governors are limited to asingle term, Democratic U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger,46, faces Republican Lt. Gov.Winsome Earle-Sears, 61. Three of the state’slast five governors have beenDemocrats and two have been Republicans. (I’ve often wondered whether Virginia’sone-term limit is the reasonwhy the state usually produces pretty goodgovernorsfrom both parties.)

Spanbergerisaformer CIA officer who tracked terrorism and nuclear proliferation. Earle-Sears is a Marine Corps veteran and businesswoman knownfor adirect, no-nonsense style. Spanberger has spent$60 million on the campaign, nearly double what of Earle-Sears has spent. Polling averages put Spanberger ahead by eight points. That’sdespite the firestorm sparkedbytext messages in which the Democratic candidate for attorney general, Jay Jones, talked about shooting aformer Republican state House speaker —“two bullets to the head” —and wishing death to the speaker’schildren. Jones’appalling comments damaged his own candidacy, as you’d expect, but don’tappear to have significantly hurt ticket-mate Spanberger’s chances. Republican candidates for both attorney general and lieutenant governor in Virginia are polling better than their gubernatorial nominee, Earle-Sears. Republicans are now spending more on the attorney general’srace than on the governor’scontest. Spanbergerhas worked

diligently throughout her career to hold votersonthe left while getting as close to the center as possible Her balancing act appears to be paying off this year: She’swinning 97% of Democrats and leading independents 48% to 42%, according to the Wason Center poll. Spanberger’s coalition is typical of national Democratic candidates; she’swinning women, Blacks and college graduates by wide margins. Democrats have carried Virginiainthe last five presidential elections

In New Jersey,Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, 53, faces Republican Jack Ciattarelli, 63,abusinessman and former state legislator.Sherrill is aformer naval officer,helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor.More than $200 million has been spent by the campaigns, with tens of millions pouring in from outside sources.

Ciattarelli, who came surprisinglyclose to unseatingDemocraticGov Phil Murphy four years ago, has Trump’sendorsement. He hopes to energize Republicans in astate that has elected only one GOP governor (Chris Christie) since 2001.

Polling averages give Sherrill amodest threepoint lead, putting Ciattarelli within striking distance of an upset. Both candidates are attracting nearunanimous supportfrom their own party’svoters, according to the Rutgers poll, although Sherrill leads independents. The state’s voter coalitions follow national party trends, similar to Virginia.

Control of the presidency has been the best predictor of these states’ gubernatorial races —ina reverse sort of way.Inseven of the last eight Virginiaand New Jersey elections for governor,the party occupying the White House at the time lost. With aRepublican now in the Oval Office, you do the math.

Winning Virginiaisalways good news foreither party.Their gubernatorial races are usually expensive and competitive. Winning New Jersey —astate that Democratic presidential candidates have carried nine times in arow —would be an even bigger victory forRepublicans this year Democratic wins in both states wouldfeed anational narrative that votersare bucking Trump. Republican victories would do the opposite —proving their party, under Trump’sdominance, can win tough fights even in blue states. Whatever happens,both sides will be working hard on election night, spinning the results their way

Ron Faucheux is a nonpartisan political analyst, pollster and writer based in Louisiana.

Interim A.D.: ‘LSU is not broken’

Ausberry confident

BY WILSON ALEXANDER

Staff writer

As LSU collapsed in the second half of a blowout home loss to Texas A&M and fans poured out of Tiger Stadium last weekend, longtime athletic official Verge Ausberry looked at the sideline and into the stands. Not much time had passed since LSU held a halftime lead, and now the stadium was being taken over by opposing fans.

school will hire ‘right’

football coach

“(Former Ohio State coach) Woody Hayes always said the worst word in the dictionary is apathy. This program cannot have apathy in no way or means We have to win.”

VERGE AUSBERRy, LSU interim athletic director

“I saw empty seats, empty suites,” Ausberry said. “I saw our stadium, Tiger Stadium, halfway empty That’s not a good thing. Woody Hayes always said the worst word in the dictionary is apathy This program cannot have apathy in no way or means. We have to win We have to be successful.”

In the week since that 49-25 defeat, the LSU athletic department has been

thrown into unprecedented turmoil. Head coach Brian Kelly was fired the day after the loss, and athletic director Scott Woodward was ousted Thursday night, a day after Gov Jeff Landry made it clear that Woodward would not hire the next football coach.

That responsibility now falls in part on Ausberry, a former LSU linebacker who has worked in the department for 24 years. LSU Board of Supervisors member John Carmouche, the chair of its athletic committee, said at a news conference Friday morning that Ausberry has “full authority” as the interim athletic director “That includes leading the search for our next head coach and hiring our next head coach,” Carmouche said.

ä See AUSBERRY, page 5C

MIRROR IMAGES

UL

an interception against Southern Miss on Oct. 18 at Our Lady of

in the running for bowl eligibility with a victory at South Alabama on Saturday in Mobile

and

UL, South Alabama in similar spots as stretch run arrives

BY KEVIN FOOTE Staff writer

MOBILE, Ala. — Two programs that have a lot in common meet when UL travels to challenge South Alabama at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

There’s the most obvious comparison with both the Ragin’ Cajuns and Jaguars sporting the same 2-6, 1-3 in the Sun Belt campaigns.

“I think you got to go try to find a way to win this game,” UL coach Michael Desormeaux said. “You know, it’s really what it’s all about.” Both teams must win their final four games to gain bowl eligibility. For the Cajuns, there’s plenty of motivation to keep going

MORE ON PAGE 3C

ä Sun Belt Conference power rankings

ä UL statistics

ä Kevin Foote’s prediction

“Just being able to back a guy like coach Des,” sophomore guard Andrew Martinez said. “He’s a guy that I love to fight for every day — just have that belief and earn our respect and show them what we’re capable of.

“Also, just to get that extra game for those seniors, you know? I mean, they’ve worked hard.”

In the last four meetings between UL and South Alabama, they have split 2-2 with the road team winning each meeting.

“You’re right in the mix every game,” Desormeaux said. “They’ve been the same way I know everybody’s tired of hearing it, but it’s just those handful of critical plays that it seems like this year and neither of us have made them.”

A year ago, South Alabama jumped out to a 24-3 lead at half and held on for dear life for a 24-22 win over the Cajuns. Both offenses have battled mistakes, with many self-inflicted.

In the Sun Belt, South Alabama is 11th in scoring offense, ninth in total offense and 12th in passing offense.

The Cajuns are 10th in scoring offense and 11th in the other two offensive categories.

ä See CAJUNS, page 3C

LSU coach ‘heartbroken’, assistant Starkey says

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

Coach Kim Mulkey was “heartbroken” after LSU announced it was parting ways with athletic director Scott Woodward during her team’s exhibition win over Langston on Thursday night, associate coach Bob Starkey said. LSU and Woodward finalized a separation agreement, sources confirmed Thursday evening. His departure came a day after Gov Jeff Landry criticized him at a news conference for the size of the contract he negotiated with coach Brian Kelly, who was fired on Sunday eight games into the fourth season of his tenure at LSU. Starkey filled in for Mulkey at the postgame news conference and said the LSU women’s basketball team has had “conversations” about the recent turmoil within the school’s athletic department.

“I think one of the things that gets overshadowed,” Starkey said, “is that these are people and human beings that are going through these situations, and they have families, and it always, always gives us pause. If you’ve been in it long enough, you’ve gone through it yourself. I’ve had to go through it.” Starkey who’s in his second stint with the Tigers, worked with Woodward at both LSU and Texas A&M. Woodward was the LSU chancellor’s liaison to the athletic department from 2000-04. He then served as the athletic director at Texas A&M from 2016-19, which included Starkey’s tenure as an assistant coach for the Aggies women’s basketball program.

“(In) 40 years of collegiate coaching, I’ve worked for two phenomenal athletic directors,” Starkey said. “One was Skip Bertman. The other one was Scott Woodward. Scott has a deep love for coaches and student-athletes and the people that work for him.

“He works incredibly hard to make sure that we have resources. He has a passion and love about this university and about this state, and we and me, personally, are a whole lot better for (having known) him.” LSU fired Kelly after the Tigers lost 4925 at home to No. 3 Texas A&M and fell to 5-3, losing whatever was left of their already faint College Football Playoff hopes. LSU went 34-14 during Kelly’s tenure, but it never came close to contending

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

LSU interim athletic director Verge Ausberry listens during a news conference Friday that focused on the change in leadership in the LSU athletic department.

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

LSU coach Kim Mulkey gestures during an exhibition game against Langston on Thursday night at the PMAC

STAFF PHOTO By BRAD KEMP

safety Tyree Skipper returns

Lourdes Stadium. Skipper

the Cajuns can remain

Ala.

ä See MULKEY, page 5C

Erath nails down first ever 9-0 start

NEAL MCCLELLAND

Contributing writer

The only thing that could have made Erath’s win over Kaplan on Thursday night any better is if was at home. But even on the road, beating a Vermilion Parish rival 50-8 to secure a key District 5-3A victory in school-record fashion was a great feeling.

“It would have been nice to do it at home but a win is a win, and that’s the important thing,” Erath coach Eric LeBlanc said after the first 9-0 start in school history.”I can’t put into words just exactly

what this means to me, the team, the school and the community I had several people come up to me after the game and tell me just how special this season and this team has been for them.

“That tells me just how important what we have been able to do so far is to everyone.”

Erath can wrap up its first undefeated regular season with a win over rival Abbeville next week.

Senior quarterback Jack Landry threw three touchdown passes and senior linebacker Jahlil Charles had a interception return for a score as the Bobcats jumped out to an early lead and never looked

back to beat the Pirates.

“This senior class has really stepped up,” LeBlanc said. “They have really taken charge and been key players and leaders for us this year.”

Aiden Bourque and Landon Lemaire each scored a touchdown for the Bobcats as Erath scored 50 points for the first time this season, but it scored more than 40 points in a game for the fifth straight week. “It’s not just one person,” LeBlanc said. “It has truly been a team effort. Every person contributes to the success that we have had this year.”

One thing that has worked for the Bobcats has been that everyone focuses on the task at hand.

“They have focused on the opponent that week,” LeBlanc said “They haven’t really looked past anyone.”

Now Erath turns its attention to completing a perfect regular season.

“We are going to talk to the kids about it extensively this week,” LeBlanc said. “We want them to understand that what we are doing is great, but we need to stay focused on what we are doing right and what we need to correct ourselves on.”

Southside’s run attack too much for Carencro

BY ERIC NARCISSE Staff writer

Southside admittedly didn’t like the narrative that District 3-5A had become a two-team race following the Sharks’ loss to Acadiana High a week ago. And considering they were set to face one of the hottest teams in the state and a district title contender in Carencro on Thursday, the Sharks wanted to send a message that they are still a team to be reckoned with.

Message received.

Behind a rushing attack that was unstoppable, and a defense that played a lot better than the final score would indicate, the Sharks (7-2) imposed their will on the Bears en route to claiming a 70-35 road win against Carencro (6-3).

“People just forgot about us after losing a game that we were leading with a minute left,” Sharks coach Jess Curtis said in reference to Southside’s 17-14 loss to the Rams. “We are a really good football team, and we have the potential to play with anyone. This (performance) shows our potential, and it shows what we are capable of. We’ll be scary.”

Offensively, the Sharks were downright scary, as they dominated the Bears defense en route to recording 682 yards rushing The Sharks had five running backs to rush for at least 60 yards, including three who totaled more than 100 yards on the ground

“It was just a great job by our offensive coordinator,” Curtis said “He did a great job of scheming up, and the kids did a great job of executing.”

Quarterback Parker Dies headlined the rushing attack for the Sharks, rushing for a game-high 297 yards and two touchdowns on

12 carries.

“This is a credit to the whole team,” Dies said. “Our offensive line played amazing. It all starts up front, and it was because of them that we were able to get so many yards. It felt like I was running for miles.”

Dies rushed for 167 yards and a touchdown in the first half before adding another 130 on five carries and a second score in the second half, despite not playing the last 5:48 in the fourth quarter

“Parker is a special kid,” Cur-

tis said. “I tell him that he’s the best player on the field, and every week he ought to think that way.”

In addition to Dies, running back Justin Williams finished as the second-leading rusher for 145 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries, while Kollen Francois contributed 107 yards and two

touchdowns on eight carries. Running backs Coby Broussard (5-64, 1 TD) and Jayden Moncrieffe (263, 1 TD) also got in on the action in the fourth quarter

“We want to play physical and take over football games,” Curtis said. “That’s exactly what happened.”

What made the performance even more special was the fact that the Sharks only attempted three passes and were 11 of 12 on third-down conversions. Southside, who only didn’t convert on third down during its opening possession, had eight conversions that came when it was 5 yards or more to go for a first down.

“Again, we want to be physical, and for us, third down is the money down,” Curtis said. With the offense rocking, the Sharks defense began rolling.

LSU women get first Class of 2026 pledge

The LSU women’s basketball team picked up its first commitment of the 2026 recruiting cycle. Lola Lampley, a 6-foot-2 forward from Indianapolis, announced Friday she had chosen the Tigers, giving coach Kim Mulkey’s program another pledge from a high-profile recruit.

According to ESPN rankings, Lampley is the 29th-best prospect in her class. She visited LSU the weekend of Oct. 10 alongside another top recruit — California guard Jerzy Robinson, ESPN’s fifth-best 2026 prospect.

LSU has landed the nation’s top signing class in two of the last three cycles. Four of the five freshmen on this season’s roster Grace Knox, ZaKiyah Johnson, Divine Bourrage and Bella Hines — were top-35 national recruits.

Commanders QB Daniels to return Sunday night

Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels will start for the Commanders against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night.

Daniels, hampered by an injured right hamstring, missed his third game of the season on Monday night when the Commanders fell 28-7 to the Kansas City Chiefs Washington dropped to 3-5 with its third straight loss Daniels did his rehab work with the training staff and practiced in full this week, including a windblown session on Friday That was enough for coach Dan Quinn to commit to the dual-threat QB. Washington, beset by injuries all season, has already ruled out wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) for Sunday’s critical game against the Seahawks (5-2), who share first place in the NFC West.

Jaguars place two-way player Hunter on the IR

The Jacksonville Jaguars placed two-way star Travis Hunter on injured reserve Friday because of a knee injury Coach Liam Coen announced the move a day after Hunter injured his right knee in practice. Coen called it a noncontact injury — it happened while he was going through defensive drills and said the team is “still assessing” whether Hunter will play again this season.

The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner caught eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown in his last game, and the Jaguars (4-3) were planning to use him as their No. 1 receiver this week at the Las Vegas Raiders (2-5) partly because Brian Thomas leads the league with nine dropped passes.

Rangers

After Southside fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter Southside outscored Carencro 49-0 to take a 49-14 lead with 11:40 remaining in the fourth quarter

During that scoreless drought for the Bears, Southside’s defense held Carencro to 40 yards of total offense on six possessions (five punts, one fumble lost).

For the game, the Sharks defense stifled the Bears passing attack. Carencro quarterback Carson Gurzi completed only 8 of 37 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns. However, 89 of those yards came in a six-minute span over three possessions in the fourth quarter

“They jumped out on us, and it was the same way last year,” Curtis said. “They are an explosive team. They are one of the best teams, and they have been a juggernaut. Those guys are scary, but we played, man. Our guys can cover, and that’s why we played teams like Madison Prep and Westgate. Our secondary covered well.”

Nicholls State commit Chantz Babineaux finished as the Bears’ top receiver with four receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown, while running back Christopher Baham led Carencro’s rushing attack with 87 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries.

With the win, the Sharks can earn a share of the district title if the Bears can defeat the Rams, who they face in Week 10. If the Bears win, it would be a three-way tie for the district title between the Sharks, Bears and Rams. However if the Rams beat the Bears, then Acadiana would win the district title outright.

“This is a huge win for us,” Dies said. “This was a big game for us, and to come out and do this (score 70), that was big.”

pitching coach Maddux leaves organization

Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux is leaving the organization.

The 64-year-old Maddux helped guide the Rangers to a World Series title in 2023 and to a leagueleading 3.41 ERA in 2025. But he chose to leave after the Rangers mutually parted ways with manager Bruce Bochy and replaced him with Skip Schumaker

“The Texas Rangers are forever grateful to Mike for his contributions here,” said Chris Young, the team’s president of baseball operations. “Mike has played a major role for some of the best teams in Rangers history, including the franchise’s first World Series title in 2023. We wish him the best.”

Davis out of Mexico City game for the Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis will miss Saturday’s game against the Detroit Pistons in Mexico City with a left leg injury, the team announced Friday

Davis traveled with the Mavericks and attended practice before Dallas said an MRI revealed a low grade left calf strain.

The 32-year-old Davis suffered the lower leg injury in the first quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Indiana Pacers. Davis, a 10-time All-Star, has been plagued by injuries throughout his career Last season, after being traded from the Los Angeles Lakers for Luka Doncic, he got injured and missed 18 games but returned for the

PHOTO By ROBIN MAy

Justin Williams of Southside, center, runs up the middle for a score during Southside’s win over Carencro on Thursday

STAFF PHOTO By LEE BALL

Erath coach Eric LeBlanc has now led the Bobcats to the school’s first 9-0 start ever

PASSING

LunchWin

51.1%,671yards,5TDs,4INTs

50.0%,395yards,1TD,4INTs

81carries,487yards,6.0avg,6TDs

93carries,417yards,4.5avg,3TDs

16catches,246yards,15.4avg SheltonSampson 13catches,224yards,17.2avg,1TD DEFENSE

73tackles,6forloss,1sack,1FF

Terrance Williams

53tackles,2forloss,1sack,1FF

SunBeltdivides aregrowing

BY KEVIN FOOTE Staff writer

During Sun Belt Conference footballmedia daysinJuly, there was alot of talkofparity andunpredictability in theleague.

The unpredictable part was right. Every week, there’satleast one league game that makes you scratch your head at what took place.

As for the parity part, that hasn’t happened. There’sa pretty clear line between the top three teams and everybodyelse.The hardest team to figure out is Coastal Carolinaafter it had another impressive win last week, then turned aroundand beatMarshall on Thursday night,topush for that upper tier

Arkansas State is another team onebig win away from potentially entering that picture with aroad game atTroy on Saturday If that upset doesn’ttakeplace, thegap will continue to widen between thehaves and have-nots.

1. JamesMadison

Records: 7-1 overall, 5-0 Sun Belt

Previous rank: 1

Last week: Open date

This week: Defeated TexasState 52-20 on Tuesday

Extrapoints: TheDukes delivered another dominating winalong way from home in San Marcos, Texas. James Madison piled up 511 yards and converted 6of11on third down.Quarterback Alonza Barnett was fabulousagain with 264 yardspassing and four touchdowns and 98more yards rushing andascore.With some breaks elsewhere, theDukes will start to get national recognition.

2. Southern Miss

Records: 6-2 overall, 4-0 Sun Belt

Previous rank: 2

Last week:DefeatedUL-Monroe, 49-21

This week: Open date

Extrapoints:After afairly modest offensive game against the Cajuns, theGolden Eagles posted some better numbersagainst ULMonroe. Southern Miss used a big-playapproach with five touchdowns that came outside the red zone while putting up 445 total yards.BraylonBraxton threw for 248 yardsand four scores.

3. Troy

Records: 6-2 overall, 4-0 Sun Belt

Previous rank: 3

Last week: Defeated UL 35-23

This week: vs. Arkansas State, 7p.m. Saturday (ESPNU)

Extrapoints: Troy was testedmore than somemight have thought in thefirst half by theCajuns, who trailed only 28-23 midway through the fourthquarter.But the Trojans have been among the nation’sbest at corralling picksixes in this decade, and they pulled off anotherone to turn the tide againstUL. TheTrojans get another home game this week, with allsigns pointing toward Troy staying tied forfirst in the West.

4. CoastalCarolina

Records: 5-3 overall, 4-1 Sun Belt

Previous rank: 5

Last week: Open date

This week: Defeated Marshall 4427 on Thursday

Extrapoints: No team’s rise from the seasonopener until now has been moresurprising and impressive as theChanticleers. Early on, Coastal was struggling to find any offense. Insert former UL backup quarterbackSamari Collierand things shifted. His stats haven’t been glittering, but he helped the

Chanticleers roll up 20 pointsin the third quarter to beat Marshall. Collier threw for 196 yards and two TDson8-of-20 passing and ran for 75 yards withtwo scores.

5. Marshall

Records: 4-4 overall, 2-2 Sun Belt

Kevin Foote

8. AppalachianState

Records: 4-4 overall, 1-3 Sun Belt

Previous rank: 7

Last week: Lost at Old Dominion 24-21

This week: Open date

Previous rank: 4

Last week: Open date

This week: LosttoCoastal Carolina 44-27 on Thursday

Extrapoints: Marshall’srise up the Sun Beltrankings looked like it would continue in the third quarterofThursday’s 17-point loss to Coastal Carolina. The Thundering Herd held a27-17 lead, but the Chanticleers tallied the final 27 points in the game.Marshall outgained Coastal 432-410 but had five turnovers.

6. OldDominion

Records: 5-3 overall, 2-2 Sun Belt

Previous rank: 6

Last week: Defeated Appalachian State24-21

Thisweek: at UL-Monroe, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN+)

Extrapoints: It wasn’t the Monarchs’ most impressive win of the season, but it was ahuge one to get back on track after the secondhalf debacle against James Madison. The Monarchs picked off two AppState passes to complement another big game from quarterback Colton Joseph, who threw for370 yards andthree TDs. The Monarchs controlled the clock with 35:19 possession time.

7. Arkansas State

Records: 4-4 overall, 3-1 Sun Belt

Previous rank: 8

Last week: Defeated Georgia Southern 34-24

This week: at Troy,7 p.m.Saturday (ESPNU)

Extrapoints: The RedWolves are verymuch in theWest Division title race after pullingoff several unlikely wins. Now Arkansas State faces areally big opportunityatfirst-place Troy.The Red Wolves played old-school UL football in beating Georgia Southern with apair of 100-yard rushers in Kenyon Clay (17-124, 1TD) and Devin Spencer (14-123) to bring a different element totheir attack.

CAJUNS

Continued from page1C

“If youkeepholding on to what’sbehind you, you’re never going to reach for what’sinfront of you and for us,”Desormeaux said. “I thinkthe realityofitis, youknow,look, what’shappened has happened. UL has onlysix passing touchdowns on theseason to 11 for the Jaguars. Bothteamshaverushed for15 scores, and both have struggled on third down —37% for UL and 41% for theJaguars. Offensively,South Alabama is ledbyquarterback Bishop Davenport (130-194, 1,461 yds, 11

TDs, 4INTs).

“He’s not quiteasbig as some of theother quarterbacks we played, but he looks like he’sgot aburst,” Desormeaux said. “He can really go.And if you’re outofposition, it’s aproblem. So yougot to keep himbottledupand trytomake himthrow from thepocket.” Davenport’stop weaponsinclude running back Kentel Bullock (144-681, 8TDs), and receiversDevin Voisin (48-642, 4TDs) and Jeremy Scott (10-210, 2TDs).

“He’sverypatient,and if he’s gotacrease, he’sgoingtoget in it,” Desormeauxsaid of Bullock’s running. “So we got to do areally good job upfront, and we got to condense the gaps. That’sprobably my biggest concern.” In last week’sloss to Troy,the

Extrapoints: Just when it looked like theMountaineers were stable at quarterback, J.J. Kohl had his first bad gameofthe season at 19of-37 passing with two interceptions and only 138 yards. AJ Swann reentered thepicture with12-of16 passing for140 yards andtwo scores. The Mountaineers have lostsome close games to exit the East Division race, but they still arefighting for bowl eligibility

9. TexasState

Records: 3-5 overall, 0-4 Sun Belt

Previous rank: 9

Last week: Open date

This week: Lost to James Madison 52-20 on Tuesday

Extrapoints: Yes, the Bobcats are winlessinSun Beltplaysofar in their farewell season to the delight of teamsacross the league. Andno, they didn’t dropany further in this Sun Belt ranking. The truth is no one below them did much to earn apromotion, and the Bobcats should be 3-1 or at least 2-2 in theleague. Texas State has more offensive firepower than the clubs below it.

10.UL

Records: 2-6 overall, 1-3 Sun Belt

Previous rank: 10

Last week: Lost at Troy 35-23

This week: at South Alabama, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN+)

Extrapoints:Even with another offensive linemangoing down early in the road loss to Troy and no passing game to speak of, the Cajuns fought hard andtrailed only 28-23 midway through the fourth. The defensecouldn’tget offthe fieldonthird downand the offense hadtosettle forthreefield goals. UL hastorun the table to get bowl eligible. At least Bryant Williams is back at left tackle as UL enters the softest part of the league schedule.

11.UL-Monroe

Records: 3-5 overall, 1-3 Sun Belt

Previous rank: 11

Last week: Lost at Southern Miss 49-21

This week: vs. Old Dominion, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN+)

UL defense allowedthe Trojans to convert 9of13onthird down. Desormeauxsaid it was different mistakes on each drive, ranging from having “a linebacker pushed out over areceiver” to coverage being “way too soft” in onered-zonetripto“notunderstanding thedownand distance in the red zone.

TheULoffensehas struggled mostofthe year with mostofthe 18 freshmen UL has been forced to play coming on that side of the ball. Redshirt sophomorequarterback Lunch Winfield seems to be gettinghealthier by the week. He ran for 139 yards and passed for another 187 at Troy “It seemed like he ran better last week,” Desormeaux said.

Extrapoints: The Warhawks had astrange boxscore in theirloss to Southern Miss. Playing without starting quarterbackAiden Armetta, UL-Monroeled in time of possession 34:01 to 24:59 and was 9of16onthird down. But defensively,ULM gave up the big play all game, allowing five Southern Miss touchdowns from outside the red zone.

12.Georgia Southern

Records: 3-5 overall, 1-3 Sun Belt

Previous rank: 12

Lastweek: Lost at Arkansas State 34-24

This week: Open date

Extrapoints: There were no turnovers and quarterback JC French played pretty well with 18-of-24 passing for208 yards and two scores. Still, the Eagles couldn’t overcome the Red Wolves on the road. Nine penalties for103 yards didn’thelp. Neither did the defense allowing 266 yards rushing.

13.South Alabama

Records: 2-6 overall, 1-3 Sun Belt

Previous rank: 13

Last week: Defeated Georgia State 38-31 (OT)

This week: vs. UL, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN+)

Extrapoints: TheJaguars claimed an overtime winoverlast-place Georgia State to prove it can win aclose game, kind of like the Cajuns did against Marshall earlier this season. Running back Kentrell Bullock remains athreat, and quarterback BishopDavenport threw for 280 yards. Nowcomes the challenge of trying to duplicate it against an equally desperate UL squad.

14.Georgia State

Records: 1-7 overall, 0-4 Sun Belt

Previous rank: 14

Last week: Lost to South Alabama 38-31 (OT)

This week: Open date.

Extrapoints: There’snot alot more than can be said aboutthe Panthers. Their quarterback threw for four touchdowns last week and they still couldn’tpull out awin. Georgia State also has one of the league’smost dangerous receivers in TedHurst. The Panthers also limited James Madison to 14 points, yet still no wins.

Email KevinFoote at kfoote@ theadvocate.com.

“Yeah, Ithink his legs are awhole lot morehealthy.I think he’sfeeling better,asarunner

“He saidhefeelsgood withit, so, you know,it’sobviously agood thing forus.”

Redshirt senior defensive lineman Maxie Baudoin said the Cajuns are still motivated.

“I think everybody just believed in what we got over here,” Baudoin said. “Wehad acouple of tough losses, gamesthatshould have went our way that didn’tgo away.And Ithink we just know what we areasagroup,and we just all motivate each other and push each other to comeevery day.”

Email KevinFoote at kfoote@ theadvocate.com.

STAFFFILE PHOTOByBRAD KEMP

Arkansas State quarterback Jaylen Raynor (left), pictured last season at Cajun Field, has the Red Wolves 3-1 in SunBelt playand hoping for aroad upset of Troy on Saturday.

THENATION

THINGS TO WATCH IN WEEK 10

BULLDOGS BEGIN PLAYOFF PUSH

No.5 Georgia faces Florida on Saturdayinthe rivalryknown as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.”Georgia has wonfour in a rowand sevenofeight in the neutral-site series playedin Jacksonville. Florida fired coach Billy Napier followingits last game, a23-21 home victory against MississippiState, and used abye week to rally behind interim coach Billy Gonzales. Florida will be without twoofits best receivers,Vernell Brown and Aidan Mizell. TheBulldogs rank last in the SEC witheight sacks and 14th in third-down defense.

NO.1BUCKEYES HOST PENN STATE Penn Statedefensivecoordinator Jim Knowles’ returntoOhio Stadium on Saturday is one of the fewremaining interesting storylines from amatchup manythought two months agowould be between the top twoteams in the Big Ten. Ohio State has kept up its end, but Penn State’sseason imploded with four straight losses.The Buckeyes have wontheir past eight over the NittanyLions, but the games were close. OhioState has given up only 41 points, theleast allowedbyanFBS team through seven games since Florida State allowed38in1993.

OU DEFENSE MEETS VOLS OFFENSE

The SEC’stop offense and defense go headto-head this weekend as No. 18 Oklahoma travels to Neyland Stadium to takeonNo. 14 Tennessee.The Sooners have heldopponents to an average of 12.1 points per game, while Tennessee’soffense has thrived underquarterback Joey Aguilar averaging over45points per game.OUhas lost twoofthree after its 5-0 start, and neither team canafforda loss to keep aliveany faintplayoff hopes

Pavia, No.9 VandyfaceNo. 20 Texas

Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. “And obviously this one is incredibly meaningful for so many reasons And it gives us achancetokeep aimingtowards our long-term goals.”

good of an opportunity as anybody to play in the SEC championship game andbepartofthe College Football Playoff.”

yards againstMississippi State. Niblettwas atrack standout in high school, where he ranthe 100 meters in 10.41 seconds.

1. TEXASA&M

Record: 8-0 overall, 5-0 SEC

Previous rank: 2

Last week: DefeatedLSU 49-25

Thisweek: Idle

2. ALABAMA

Record: 7-1overall, 5-0 SEC

Previous rank: 1

Last week: DefeatedSouth Carolina 29-22

Thisweek: Idle

3. GEORGIA

Record: 6-1overall, 4-1 SEC

Previous rank: 3

Last week: Idle

Thisweek: vs.Florida, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC)

4. OLEMISS

Record: 7-1overall, 4-1 SEC

Previous rank: 4

Last week: DefeatedOklahoma 34-26

Thisweek: vs.South Carolina, 6p.m. Saturday(ESPN)

5. VANDERBILT

Record: 7-1overall, 3-1 SEC

Previous rank: 5

Last week: DefeatedMissouri 17-10

Thisweek: at Texas, 11 a.m. Saturday(ABC)

6. TENNESSEE

Record: 6-2 overall, 3-2 SEC

Previous rank: 6

Last week: DefeatedKentucky 56-34

BY JIM VERTUNO Associated Press

AUSTIN,Texas As the football season pushes into November, No.9Vanderbilt continues its march through what could be a special onefor theCommodores.

Ashot at both the Southeastern Conference championship and aCollege Football Playoff berth are stilleasily within sight. Such things are new in Nashville,but quarterback Diego Pavia and this groupof Commodores have changed the goals and the very idea of what’spossible.

Beat No. 20 Texas (6-2, 3-1) on Saturday andVanderbilt(7-1, 3-1) will continue itsclimb toward the highest AP ranking in school history— No.7 during the1937 season.

“We’ve played to alevel that’s put us in aposition to play in some really exciting games,”

Pavia has emerged as aHeismanTrophy contender and leads the second-highest scoringoffenseinthe SEC. He will face one of the best defenses in the country

“The quarterback is the tipof the spear,” Texascoach Steve Sarkisiansaid of Pavia. “He makes plays at critical moments when they need to have it. All the praise he’s gettingis well deserved.”

Texas began theseason with its own playoff andchampionship expectations. The Longhorns were the preseason No. 1with quarterback Arch Manning the betting favorite for the Heisman. But Texas was unranked after aragged 3-2 start. The national title talkdisappeared.

Athree-game win streak, including two in overtime, has rescued hopes for the season

“Wehave four games left,” Sarkisian said. “If we can handleour business,wehaveas

Manning spent the week in concussion protocol after being injured in the overtime period in lastweek’svictoryover Mississippi State.

Sarkisian saidThursday that Manning was “makinggood progress,” but his statusfor the game remained uncertain.

Caldwell couldget thecall

Matthew Caldwell is the top backup QB for Texas. AtransferfromTroy, he wasthe hero last week against Mississippi State when he came on for Manning in overtime andthrew the game-winning touchdown pass.

Return to sender

The breakout player of Octoberfor Texaswas punt returner Ryan Niblett, who has dabbled at wide receiver,running back and even abriefstint in the spring at defensive back. He’s been electric as apunt returner over the past three games witha38-yardaverage and second-half touchdowns of 75 yards againstOklahomaand 79

“The punt returner is dynamic,” Lea said. “Wegot to really have some answers for that.”

Pass protection

Well before he suffered the concussion, Manning had been taking abeating behind arebuilt offensive line that has struggledinpass protection. Texas has allowed18sacks and Manning has often been on the runtoavoid more. Vanderbilt ranks fourth nationally in most tackles for loss.

Irresistible forcevs. immovableobject

The Commodores average 6.2 yards perrush,third best in the nation. Pavia leads the way.He’stheir leading rusher, averaging 5.4 yardsper carry. Texas allows just 2.41 yards per carry.Tracking Pavia will be linebacker Anthony Hill and edge rusherColin Simmons. They are preseason All-Americans who have combined for 9.5 sacksand 12 tacklesfor loss.

Thisweek: vs.Oklahoma, 6:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC)

7. TEXAS

Record: 6-2overall, 3-1 SEC

Previous rank: 9

Last week: DefeatedMississippi State 45-38

Thisweek: vs.Vanderbilt, 11 a.m. Saturday (ABC)

8. MISSOURI

Record: 6-2 overall, 2-2 SEC

Previous rank: 7

Last week: Lost to Vanderbilt 17-10

Thisweek: Idle

9. OKLAHOMA

Record: 6-2 overall, 2-2 SEC

Previous rank: 8

Last week: Lost to Ole Miss 34-26

Thisweek: at Tennessee, 6:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC)

10.SOUTH CAROLINA

Record: 3-5overall, 1-5 SEC

Previous rank: 11

Last week: Lost to Alabama 29-22

Thisweek: at Ole Miss, 6p.m. Saturday (ESPN)

11.AUBURN

Record: 4-4overall, 1-4 SEC

Previous rank: 14

Last week: DefeatedArkansas 33-24

Thisweek: vs.Kentucky,6:30 p.m. Saturday (SECNetwork)

12.LSU

Record: 5-3overall, 2-3 SEC

Previous rank: 10

Last week: Lost to Texas A&M 49-25

Thisweek: Idle

13.FLORIDA

Record: 3-4overall, 2-2 SEC

Previous rank: 12

Last week: Idle

Thisweek: vs.Georgia, 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC)

14.MISSISSIPPI STATE

Record: 4-4overall, 0-4 SEC

Previous rank: 13

Last week: Lost to Texas 45-38

Thisweek: at Arkansas, 3p.m. Saturday (SECNetwork)

15.ARKANSAS

Record: 2-6 overall, 0-4 SEC

Previous rank: 15

Last week: Lost to Auburn33-24

Thisweek: vs.Mississippi State,3 p.m. Saturday(SECNetwork)

16.KENTUCKY

Record: 2-5 overall, 0-5 SEC

Previous rank: 16

Last week: Lost to Tennessee56-34

Thisweek: at Auburn, 6:30 p.m.

(SECNetwork)

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By WADE PAyNE

Vanderbilt quarterback DiegoPavia, right,celebrates with tight end Eli Stowers after scoring

Missouri on Oct. 25 in Nashville, Tenn.

LSUboard chairman detailsWoodwarddeparture

BY KOKI RILEY

Staff writer

Gov.Jeff Landry was not involved with LSU’sdecision to part ways with athletic director Scott Woodward, LSU Board of Supervisors chairman Scott Ballard said in anews conferenceFriday

“The governor is worried about the state of Louisiana,” Ballard said. “His concern hadtodowith the state contract. The LSUBoard of Supervisors and Mr.Woodward decided jointly to part ways.”

In anewsconferenceWednesday,Landry was extremelycritical of Woodward, stating thathe’d rather have Donald Trump choose the next LSU football coach than allow Woodward to do so.

“No. Ican tell you right now, Scott Woodward is not selecting the next coach,” Landry said.

Landry’scritique came just days after LSU fired football coach Brian Kelly on Sunday,less than 24 hours after the Tigers’ 49-25 lossto Texas A&M, which dropped their recordto5-3 on the season andes-

Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater scans the field on the opening driveagainst the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 30, 2018, at the Superdome.

Bridgewater completed 14 of 22 passes for 118 yards in his first Saints start, a 33-14 loss to the Panthers.

sentially eliminated LSU fromCollege FootballPlayoffcontention for thefourth time under Kelly LSUisonthe hooktopay Kelly’s nearly$54 million buyout.Landry’s critique of Woodward also included hisdecision to hirethen-Texas A&M coachJimbo Fisher when he wasthe athletic director in College Station. Fisher eventually was fired by the Aggies in 2023,and the program paid a$77 millionbuyout to move on from the national championship-winning coach.

Even though Fisher’smassive buyout happened in largepartbecause of an extension he received yearsafter Woodwardhad left Texas A&M to become the athletic directoratLSU, it wasstill enough for Landry to deemWoodward as incapable ofchoosing the next coach

“Weare notgoing down afailed path, and Iwant to tellyou something: This is apattern,” Landry said. “The guy that’s herenow that wrotethatcontractcostTexas A&M 70-some million dollars.

Right now,we’ve got a$53 million liability.We are not doing that

again.”

Even after stating that Landry was notinvolved in Woodward’s ouster,Ballard —alongside LSU Board of Supervisors athletic committee chairman JohnCarmouche andinterim athletic director Verge Ausberry —did notprovide aclear explanation as to why Woodward was no longer the LSUathletic director

“It was amutual agreement after conversations andwithall thethings that come into that,” Ballard said, “energy and family and what you’re doing. Nothing’s offthe table (as to) why Scott and LSU hada mutualagreement (to part ways).”

Woodward spent six years as the LSU athleticdirector.Hehired threenational championship-winning coaches in gymnastics (Jay Clark),women’sbasketball (Kim Mulkey) and baseball (Jay Johnson), andLSU won six national titles under his leadership.

“Scott is agreat human being. Scottisa good Baton Rouge, LSU Tiger,”Ballard said. “It had noth-

Saints QB starting debuts have notbeensosmooth

BY RODWALKER Staff writer

Tyler Shough gets his first start as the New Orleans Saints quarterback Sunday at SoFiStadium against the Los Angeles Rams. The rookie replaces Spencer Rattler, who started the firsteight games.

Shough will be the 10th different quarterback not named Drew Brees to start agamefor theSaints over the past 10 seasons. Hereis alook back at how the previous quarterbacks not named Brees fared in their debut as the starter TeddyBridgewater (Dec.30, 2018)

Lost to Carolina Panthers 33-14:The Saints already had clinched the No. 1seed in the playoffs,so Bridgewater got the start in the regular-season finale.Bridgewater was making his first startsince the 2015 season, when he played for the Minnesota Vikings.Bridgewatercompleted14of22passesfor 118 yards in his first Saints start. He threw atouchdown and an interception and was sacked twice in ameaningless game that saw Sean Payton sit several starters.

“It felt good to get back out there again,but it wasn’tthe results we were looking for,” Bridgewater said afterward. “But thebeauty about all of this is we get to move forward to the postseason and focus on the goals we have set for this year.Itwas adecent performance given the circumstances.” Bridgewaterfilled in foraninjured Breesthe nextseason and won all five of his starts.

Taysom Hill (Nov.22, 2020)

Beat the Atlanta Falcons 24-9:Hill replaced Brees, who was dealing with acollapsed lung and several broken ribs suffered the week before in agame against the San Francisco 49ers.

Hill completed 18 of 23 passes (78.3%) for 233 yards.Although he didn’tthrow atouchdown, he rushed 10 times for 49 yards and apair of touchdownstobeat the rival Falcons in the Dome.

“It was gratifying more than anything, because Ihave so much love and respect for Drew and my otherteammates that Iwanted to make sure Idid my part,” Hill said.

Jameis Winston(Sept.12, 2021)

Beat the Green BayPackers 38-3:Winston, in the season opener played in Jacksonville,Florida,because of Hurricane Ida, completed 14 of 20 passes for 148 yards and five touchdowns. Winston also rushed six times for 37 yards.

“That wasfor thecity,”Winston said.“…Weknewhow much it would mean to get agreat victory Theyhave been through so much. For us to be abletocelebrate that victory with them, hats off to them for their resiliency.They motivated us, they inspired us to come out there and ball.”

Trevor Siemian(Nov. 7, 2021)

Lost to AtlantaFalcons 27-25:Siemian replaced Winston, who suffered aknee injury the week beforeon Halloween against theTampa Bay Buccaneers.Siemian completed25 of 41 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns inthe loss.

“I just felt like we were one play away numerous times from getting it rightinthe first half,” Siemiansaid.“Unfortunately,wejust didn’tget it done, especially early.”

IanBook(Dec. 27,2021)

Lost to Miami Dolphins 20-3:Book got the start after both Hill and Siemian tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week. In all, the Saints were missing22players because of COVID. Book struggled, completing 12 of 20 passes for135 yards. He also threwtwo interceptions and was sacked eight times. “Can’t take that many sacks,” Book said. “Can’tdothat to theOline. Just got to throw it away and be smart. Itriedtodoa littletoo much.”

Andy Dalton (Oct.2,2022)

Lost to Minnesota Vikings 28-25

Dalton filled in for an injured Winston, who wasdealing with a back and ankle injuries. Dalton got hisfirst start as aSaint in London. He completed20of28passes for 236 yardsand atouchdown. He had acostly fumble late when the Saints had achance to tie or win thegame. “It’s tough,” Dalton said. “Be-

STAFF FILE PHOTOByHILARy

LSU director of athleticdevelopment JakeFlint, left,greets senior associate athleticdirector over football administration Austin Thomas, center,and athletic director Scott Woodward on March27.

ing to do with any of that (and) had everything to do with the path of both (sides and their) conversations, and they mutually agreed that it was time (to move on). It

AUSBERRY

Continued from page1C

Thereare expected to be multiple people involved, however, and Ausberry said he has formed acommittee. It includes Carmouche, LSU board chair Scott Ballard, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System CEO EJ Kuiper,former LSU offensive lineman and major donorBen Bordelon and another unnamed person. LSU’snextfull-time president, who will be elected Tuesday,also could have asay

“We’re notslowing down for that,” Ballard said. “Verge is going to move forward andknows what he needs to do. But dependingonhow thatworks out and when thenew president starts, thenew president will absolutely have input.”

Ausberry,anative of New Iberia, deflected aquestion about hisinterest in thefull-time job, saying his concern is on hiring the next football coach and stabilizing theathleticdepartment. Ballard added there is “not a timeline” on hiring Woodward’s replacement. For LSU, the priority is the football coach.

wasn’tanLSU thing; it wasn’ta Scott thing.”

Email Koki RileyatKoki.Riley@ theadvocate.com.

and Landry has been involved in certain partsofthe decisionmaking process.

“I want ourfan base to know one thing:LSU is notbroken,” Ausberry said. “LSU’sathletic department is not broken. Ithink we have the best athleticdepartmentinthe country.”

In Landry’sremarks this week, he also described what he wants to see in the next coach’scontract. He took issue with Woodward over the nearly $54 million buyout that LSU owes Kelly,pending negotiations or mitigation, andhe expressed that he would prefer a deal that includes moreperformance incentivesthan guaranteed money It’s unclear whether that will happen.

“Our job, Iwas told, is to get the best football coach there is and don’tworry about thatat all,” Ausberry said. “Whatever it takes to get that person here, we will do.”

Ausberry setanexpectationfor the next coach, saying “LSUhas to be in theplayoffs everyyear in football.”

cause you go back and look at this game and feel like youplayed really well. Andyou can go back and look at it and say, ‘Man, if Icould just have one play back.’”

DerekCarr(Sept.10, 2023)

Beat the Tennessee Titans 16-15

Carr was signed in theoffseason to be thefranchise’sfuture. He completed 23 of 33 passes for 305 yards withone touchdown and an interception in his debut and was also sacked four times. Buthegot thewin.

“Being able to play with adefense like that, we can win alot of games, especially when we (the offense) get going,” Carr said.

SpencerRattler (Oct.13, 2024)

Lost to TampaBay Buccaneers 51-27

Rattler, arookie at the time, got hisfirst start after Carrsuffered an oblique strain the week before in aMondaynight game against theKansas City Chiefs. Rattler,a fifth-round draft pick, completed 22 of 40 passesfor 243 yards with onetouchdown andtwo interceptions. He was sacked fivetimes.

“The first half was really good forall of us,” Rattlersaid. “We came outand were sloppy as a group throughout thewhole second half.

“Couldn’treally get anything going, shot ourselves in thefoot afew times. Starting with myself, gotta play better.”

Jake Haener (Dec.15, 2024)

Lost to Washington Commanders 20-19

Haener completed just 4of10 passes for 49 yards and was sacked three times before being replaced by Rattler in the second half. Haener also threw an interception.

“Obviously,I’m disappointed,” Haener said.

TylerShough(Nov. 2, 2025)

At Los Angeles Rams On Sunday,Shoughgetstoadd his name to the list when theSaints (1-7) take on theRams (5-2).

“It was agood feeling,” Shough said Wednesday about being named the starter.“Butalso in the samebreathwehave alot of work to do. That’s my mindset.”

Email RodWalker at rwalker @theadvocate.com.

“The full concentration is to find acoach, find the best coach,” Ballardsaid. “Period. That processhas already started, as Verge said,withthe team, theathletic department. It truly is not somethingwe’re even going to address until we get that done.”

Ausberry tried to project confidence Fridayafter the events of the week caught the attention of the entire college sports industry, andnot necessarily in agood way. LSU nowhas an interimpresident,aninterim athletic director andaninterim footballcoach,

MULKEY

Continued from page1C

for anational championship like the school hoped it wouldwhen it lured the former Notre Dame coach to Baton Rouge with a10year,$100 million contract. LSU owes Kelly roughly $54 million. That amount —the second-largest buyoutinthe history of college football —could be mitigated if Kelly takes ajob in coaching, administration or media.

The two sides are also negotiating the terms of the buyout, LSU said Sunday On Wednesday,Landry said Woodward would not choose Kelly’ssuccessor.The school’s board of supervisors, he said, will instead form acommittee that will conduct asearch.

Woodward hiredbothKelly and Mulkey,aswell as baseball coach JayJohnson and gymnastics coach Jay Clark.Mulkey, Johnson andClark have ledtheir respective LSU programs to national titles.

“I just think we do agood job aboutbeing honest,” Starkey said.

“(Mulkey) doesn’tsweep any-

Kelly didnot come close during his four seasons. As LSUlooksfor areplacement, Ausberry said his phone has continued to ring with interest in the job, even after all the upheaval.

“A lot of people still want to cometoLSU,” Ausberry said.

“It’sone of the best jobs in the country

“Itisthe best job in the country at this time. We’re going to find the right person, andIdon’tsee any problems getting the right person to be theheadcoach at LSU.”

For more LSUsports updates signupfor ournewsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter

“I justthink we do agood job about being honest. (Mulkey) doesn’tsweep anything under therug.She makes surewe have conversations about it, and Ithink that really helps.”

BOBSTARKEy,LSU assistant coach

thing under therug. Shemakes sure we have conversations about it, and Ithink that really helps.”

Longtime athletic administrator Verge Ausberry is the LSU athletic director on an interim basis, the school said.

Starkey was asked about how important this time was for LSU, which will hire anew president, athletic director and footballcoach in thespanofa few months.

“I don’thaveananswer for that,” Starkey said. “I think I’m going to do the intelligent thing and stay in my lane on this one.” Wilson Alexander contributed to this report.

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

SCHEINUK

RoyPetitfils

Helping teenshavea healthypace in romantic relationships

When Iwas in high school in the 1980s, if Iwanted to have aprivate conversation, I’d have to wait until Igot home after school. Then I’d haveto “unhook” the receiver from the wall phone and stretch itslong cordinto another room, where Iwould stuff towels under the door to mask the sound. It was aprocess. I, like most teens my age, had atime limit, because there was only one phone line, and my mom often needed to use it or didn’twant the line busy if someone important called Today,teenscan have totally private conversations sitting right next to you in the car on the ride to school, and often in school and for hours after school. Some teens even fall asleep whilethey are on FaceTime with each other Due to technological advances, young people have unprecedented access to one another and incredible amounts of privacy.Assuch, they get to know one another very deeply andvery quickly.But it takes time to really get to know someone.

Awise marriage therapist friend often quips, “You don’t really know someone in less than ayear.You need to go through all four seasons with someone before you really get to know them.”

What today’steens can know about each other in three months would have taken us Gen Xers ayear or more. There are benefits to this. They can vet people more quickly and discern more quickly whothey really want to know better —and those they don’t. But the “data”sharing isonly partofahealthy relationship Trust is equally,ifnot more, important, and trust can only be formed over time. Many young people are sharingtoo much about themselves in too short an amount of time.

Iregularlysee relationships with two years of intimacy stacked on topofasix-month trust bridge. This createsthe possibility of very intense breakups, which leave adults wondering, “How can they be so distraught? They’ve only been dating six months.”

It’sbecause their six months is equivalent to what two years would have beenfor us. Here are afew practical tips forhelping teens pace themselves in romantic relationships.

On attraction,infatuation

Toooften Ihear adults say, “You’re just infatuated.” That’s apatronizing statement. Teens will be more open to guidancewhen you validate their experiencerather than dismissing it as a“puppy love” phase. Infatuation is anormal, wonderful phase early in a relationship. Instead, say,“It’s normal and healthy to feel so strongly about someone.”

Askthemthinkingquestions

It’snormal in aromantic relationship to have strong feelings become the center of focus. We can help teens to havea more balanced view by asking them:

n What is it that you like about that person?

n What do you think they like about you?

Bards playmusic together as crowds walk past at the

Ye Olde Festival!

BY JOYHOLDEN Staff writer

For six weeks in November and December,16wooded acres in Hammond transform into a16thcentury London hamlet called Albright. This year marks25years of Louisiana RenaissanceFestival revelry in those woods.

Awalkthrough thegates at the Renaissance Festival transports visitors intoaworld of fairies, knights, queens, troubadours, falconers, jestersand artisans.

Each weekend from Nov. 1to Dec. 7, the Louisiana Renaissance Festival is the destination to leave all worries behind, become immersed in the medievalexperience, engage with vaudevillian entertainers and discover highquality crafted goods. The village of Albrighthosts more than 600 artisans, entertainers and demonstrations to usher visitors back in time to the16th century Alvon Brumfield, owner of the Louisiana Renaissance Festival, says each year only happens with alot of help, alot of sweat and alot of prayer

ing it. It takes all year to find the people and theresources to make it what it is.”

“It’s ahuge community of people to help make this happen,” Brumfield said.“From themerchants to theartiststothe glassblower to the blacksmithtothe entertainers, it’s alot of talentthatgoes into mak-

One much-loved artisan will be missed thisyear —Mark Haller, a professional glassblowerwho was renown for his storytelling, instruction andphilosophical presence. Haller passed away in January Brumfield says that one of Haller’sfriends will be joining the festival this year,Dragon’sBreath Entertainment’sJeremyThomas, a master glassblower Turkey legs,bread bowls, more Brumfield also touts the variety of food available at the festival, saying that newvendorsare coming this year with new flavors, like Korean corndogs. From turkey legs to soup in abread bowl, the Renaissance classicswill be back, but so will Mexican, Thai, Greek, vegetarian and Caribbean flavors. Nottomention the desserts, from friedOreostochocolate-dipped cheesecake. Gnarly BarleyBrewing in Hammondhas created acelebratory

Congregation

Hoffpauir Studio’s design for the newchurch at St Luke’sembraces thechurch’spast while also creating something spiritually renewed.

STAFFFILE

PHOTOByJAVIER GALLEGOS

2024 Louisiana RenaissanceFestival in Hammond

PROVIDED PHOTO

Jacques Ze Whipper,aTikTok sensation, whowill be performing the first weekend.

No onelikes beingfact-checkedinrealtime

Dear Miss Manners: Acousin and hiswife, whoare close to me, have an annoying habit of clickclicking on their phones while we are talking. Iamabout 20 years older than them. Ihave abackground in the arts and culture, and was once known as atrivia whiz, which Idon’tpublicize. But this couple constantly fact-checks everything I say.And when they “correct” me, they are not always using accurate websites. Ithink this is rude, and, as aformer editor,Ilearned alongtime ago to keep my mouth shut. What is the best way to handle this? Iamsure othershavethe

Celebration at Jubilee Christian Jubilee Christian Center Church, 14595 Florida Blvd., BatonRouge, invites the community to aweekend of Christ-centered celebration filled with dynamic services, family activities andheartfelt fellowship.

The Rev.Joseph Hollins and Lady Casey Hollins will lead reflectiononGod’s goodness overthe past year and alookforward with joy and hope. Sunday worship is at 10 a.m. Wednesday night prayer begins at 6p.m. Healthy Churches holds online event

The Balm In Gilead, Inc. will host the 12th annual Healthy Churches 2030 Virtual Conference from Nov 17-19. This three-day online event aims to educate, empower and advocate for healthier behaviorsand outcomes within African American communities

The conference will feature plenary sessions, symposiums and panel discussions led by faith leaders, medical professionals,public health experts and community advocates. Topics will include:

n Cancer diagnosis and treatment

n Alzheimer’sdisease n Mental health n Men’sand women’s health

Judith Martin MISS MANNERS

same problem. Gentle reader: There is no fighting with the internet. Miss Manners suggests you not even try What you can do is stop talking while your cousin and his wife are clickclicking,telling them that you will pause while they attendtowhat must be important. When they inevitably tell you what it is —factchecking—you may sheepishly say,“Ithought we were just havingaconversation.” It may not successfully shame them, but it will makeyou feel abit better Dear Miss Manners: Ilive in agreat neighborhood with wonderful

RELIGION BRIEFS FROM STAFFREPORTS

n HIV prevention and care n Clinical trials n HereditaryATTR Amyloidosis (hATTR) n Fitness, nutrition and more. Registration is $37 per person and includes live access to allsessions plus six months of on-demandaccess. Faith Institution Partners can register their members at adiscountedrateof $15 per person

To register or learnmore aboutthe conference speakers and schedule, visit HC2030.org.

Youthfederation ‘Reunion’ event

The Berean and FaithSeventh-day Adventist churches arehosting the South Louisiana Youth Federation on Saturday,witheventstaking place at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church,9700 Scenic Highway,Baton Rouge. Themed“Reunion,” the day begins with DivineWorship from 9:30 a.m. to noon, honoring current leaders and former pastors, youth directors, pathfinder leaders and federation officers who have shaped the spiritual and community life of youth in southLouisiana. Guestspeakersinclude former Southwest Region Conferenceyouthdirectors the Revs. Roger Bernard, James Black and Billy Wright.Musicwillbeprovidedbythe “Reunion”choir At the same time, Children’sWorship,10:30 a.m. to

neighbors. Afew of the ladies in my cul-de-sac have become close: looking out for each other,picking up delivered packages if they’re out of town, bringing back souvenirs from vacations, etc. We also occasionally go out to dinner to celebrate birthdays, special occasions or just because.

While Iconsider these outings for just our group, one of my neighbors (whoissingle, as am I) always invites afriend or two of hers to join us. No one else in the group does this

The other women she invites are always pleasant and engaging, so I’m not sure why her doing this bothers me. Ihaven’tbrought this uptoher or myother neighbors.

12:30 p.m., will feature “Everybody’sWelcome in God’s House.” Through stories and games, children will explore the “Architect Jesus’ Master Plan” and discoverwhether “the wrecker” can demolish God’sblueprintfor theirlives Snacks will be provided.

Afterlunch, the community is invited to the 3p.m to 5p.m. “Old vs New Drill Down” parade, beginning at Mount Pilgrim Church and followinga route along Scenic Highway,Chinn Street, Central Road,and returning to thechurch.

The celebration concludes withfreeevening recreational events starting at 7:20 p.m., including abasketball tournament, bowling and more, with snacks available. The public is invited.

Free gospel concertonNov.7

The Rev.Mike Vaughn will lead a“Southern andCountryGospel Fest” at 5:30 p.m Friday,Nov.7,atGood News Fellowship Church, 13101 La. 442 West,Tickfaw Doorswill open at 5:30 p.m., and singing will start at 6:30 p.m. withVaughn, followed by Southern Sound Quartet at 7:30 p.m.

This is afreeconcert, but alove offering will be received.A concession stand will serve desserts. For further information, contact Barbara Vaughn at (985) 974-0507 or mvmgoodnews.com

in 2024.

ST.LUKE’S

Continued from page7C

with hope and healing —a sign that, with God’shelp, we’re getting closer to rebuilding our spiritual home. Celebrating baptisms on thesame day makes it even more special. It’sabeautiful reminder that new life is springing up all around us as we honor our pastand build for the future.”

The 10 a.m. Mass at 8833 Goodwood Blvd. will also mark All Saints’ Day (officially on Nov.1). Following the service, attendees will moveout to the church slab where the ground will be ceremoniallyturned. The slab will be brokenupshortly after,marking the physical start of construction

The festivities will continue back at Witter Hall with acommunitypotluck lunch.

“Almostnothing inside the church survived the fire, but what did, the cremains of our

loved ones in the columbarium, afew sacredvessels and across warped by flame,will now become part of the new space,” Owen said. “These remnants remind us notonly of what we’ve endured, but of thefaith that continuesto carry usforward ” Hoffpauir Studio,the architect forthe new church, worked with the church’s buildingcommittee to design the space to look and feel like St. Luke’s,while also embracingthe opportunity to create something spiritually renewed,refreshed and updated. The committee prioritized improvementstokey functional areas, including the narthex,sanctuary and choir space, as well as the addition of acommercial-grade kitchen and enlarged, accessible restrooms in Pope Hall, accordingtoanews release.

“When Iwoke up and heard about the fire, Iwas devastated. Iwondered how something like this couldhappen to aplace that had been a

part of my life forsolong,” said Steve Jackson, longtime parishioner andhead of the building committee. “The church wasn’tjust damaged, it was gone. Many thanks to the Hoffpauir team for hearing the needs of our building committeeand parishioners, then turning those thoughts and ideas into abeautiful bricks-and-mortar reality.”

Bishopofthe Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana ShannonRogers Duckworth offered words of encouragementand blessing ahead of thegroundbreaking.

“I look forward to the day when thesedoors will open and we bless this building to God’sglory andservice,” she said. At this point, atarget date for completion of thenew church is fluid.

“But we arehopingand praying we might be back in anew church by Christmas 2026,” Owen said.

For moreabout St.Luke’s andits building project, visit stlukesbr.org.

Is her behavior bad manners, and should Ibemiffed?

Gentlereader: It bothers you, Miss Manners is guessing, because these outingsare achance forthe neighborhood ladiestobond and connect.Ifmembers of thegroup are going to invite just anyone, who will be next? Husbands? Dates?!

Of course, as these intruders happen to be pleasant and engaging, you could look at this as an opportunity to makenew friends. Or you could be miffed because what you really want to do is gossip about thenew mailperson and exchange neighborhood secrets.

If it miffs you enough, Miss Manners suggests you say to your friend, “Lacey and Hannah were adorable. Iwould love to get to

By The Associated Press

Today is Saturday, Nov.1,the 305thday of 2025. There are 60 days left in the year

Todayinhistory:

On Nov.1,1938, in a two-horse match,Seabiscuit defeated the favored Triple Crown winner War Admiral by four lengths in what was dubbed the “Race of the Century” at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

Also on this date:

In 1765, theStamp Act, passed by theBritish Parliament, went into effect, prompting stiff resistance from American colonists.

In 1861, during theCivil War, President Abraham Lincoln named Maj.Gen. George B. McClellan General-in-Chief of the Union armies, succeeding Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott.

In 1894, Nicholas II became Emperor of Russia, succeeding his latefather Alexander III.

In 1936, in aspeech in Milan, Italy,Benito Musso-

RENFEST

Continuedfrom page7C

addition for the 25thanniversary —aspecialbeer calledthe Tart Jester.The citrusy beerisaclassic BerlinerWeissthat has a strongorange and tangerine flavor,and it will be sold at the festival. Each weekendoffersa distincttheme, bringing the Renaissance Festival to life withimmersive entertainment,delectable festival food and handcrafted treasures:

n All Hallows Weekend (Nov.1-2): Dress in costume for spooky funand mystical vibes.

n PiratesWeekend (Nov 8-9): Swashbuckling adventures with piratesrule the realm

n Celtic Weekend (Nov 15-16):CelebrateCeltic heritagewith kilts,bagpipes and highland revelry

n Wizards&Legends Weekend (Nov.22-23): Entera world of magic, mythical creatures andlegendary tales

n Viking Weekend (Nov 28-30): Embrace thewarrior spirit withViking battles and Nordic flair

n Yuletide Market(Dec 6-7):Wrapupthe season with holidaycheer,unique gifts and adazzling fireworks finale.

The theme weekends extendtothe entertainment. Tommy Zadoyko,a Pennsylvania actor and performer at theLouisiana Renaissance Festivalsince 2007, is also the entertain-

TEENS

Continuedfrom page7C

n In addition to thepositivetraits you see in them, what are some qualities you don’tlike?

n What do you think about the pace of the relationship?

n Areyou comfortable with the pace?

n What could you do to slow it down abit if you wanted or needed to?

know them better.Ijust feel bad that they will be left out if we start talking about neighborhood stuff. Maybe we could get together with them in adifferent context?” But please have this conversation with her before approaching the other neighbors, lest your friend becomes the new subject of neighborhood gossip —orbefore you do, if your opinion is in the minority

Sendquestions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mailtoMiss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City,MO 64106.

lini described the alliance between his country and Nazi Germanyasan“axis” running between Rome and Berlin.

In 1950, two Puerto Rican nationalists tried to force their way into Blair House in Washington, D.C., in a failed attempt to assassinate President Harry S. Truman. (One of the pair was killed, along with a White House police officer.)

In 1982, the first Japanese car produced in the U.S. rolled off the assembly line at the Honda manufacturing plant in Marysville, Ohio.

In 1989, East Germany reopened its border with Czechoslovakia, prompting tens of thousands of refugees to flee to the West. East Germanywould announce on Nov. 9that it was opening its border crossings with West Berlin, prompting the fall of the Berlin Wall.

In 1993, The Maastricht Treaty takes effect, formally establishing the European Union and anew

era of integration and economic cooperation among its member states. In 1995, peace talks opened in Dayton, Ohio, with leaders of Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia present. The talks would lead to the formal signing the next month in Paris of the Dayton Peace Accord, signaling an end to the more than 3-year-old Bosnian warthat erupted after the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. Today’sbirthdays: Golf Hall of Famer Gary Player is 90. Football Hall of Famer TedHendricks is 78. Music producer David Foster is 76. Musician Lyle Lovett is 68. Apple CEO TimCook is 65. Rock singer Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers) is 63. Country singer “Big Kenny” Alphin (Big and Rich) is 62. Actor Toni Collette is 53. Actor-TV host Jenny McCarthy is 53. Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is 52. Football Hall of Famer Steve

Paolo Garbanzo, ajuggling jester whohas traveled the world.

Zadoyko says that the affordable live entertainment at the festival is one of the many reasonswhy the Louisiana Renaissance Festival is aspecial place. The variety cannot be beat.

“Renaissancefairs in general arethe last bastionof livetheater and vaudeville that is readily accessible to everyone,” Zadoyko said.

“The Renaissance fair is very immersive and interactive.We(the performers) aregoing to seeyou sitting in the audience, and we will talk to you. It’snot like you’re just sitting and watching ascreen.

ment director.Hetravels all over the country yearround working at Renaissance festivals, and he’ll perform his pirate swordfighting show during Pirate Weekend on Nov.8and 9. He keeps performing anddiscovering newtalent because of his love for the community thathehas developed over the years.

“I’ve been involved with it for so long, that alot of these people have become my friends over the years —the people that Iwork with, the people that Iwork for, the guests that come in, even just the people in the community in the general vicinity,” Zadoyko said.

Twoofhis compatriots are huge drawsatthe festival—JacquesZeWhipper, aTikTok sensation whowill be performing hiswhipcracking spectacle during All Hallows Weekend, and

Help them understand

Ask them about afriend they have had for along time. Ask them about how muchthey trusted that person when they first met them. Ask “What more do you know about them now, ayear or two later,than you did when you first met?”

Help them to understand that trust is alayered process over time, and it is often compartmentalized. Just because Itrust my doctor to care formyphys-

“The variety acts at this fair include sword fighting, juggling,magic,music, an escape artist, atrained dogshow. Allthatisinone place. Youwill see stuff at arenaissance fair that you will not see anywhere else in the world.” Festival details

n Dates: Every weekend from Nov. 1through Dec. 7

n Location: Louisiana RenaissanceFestival, 46468 River Road, Hammond n Hours: 9:45 a.m. to 5p.m. (rain or shine)

n Tickets: Adults $30, Children $15 (ages 6-12), Children 5years and under are free. Alltickets must be bought online, available at Renfest.net.

n The rideshare drop-off area is anew addition this year

Email Joy Holdenatjoy holden@theadvocate.com.

ical health, doesn’tmean I’dallow her to invest my retirement funds. The sameistrue for everyone else in our lives. Help them envision what trust looks like at one month, three months and even ayear This gets their brains working on looking at the relationship from abigger perspective.

Petitfils is alicensed professional counselorin Youngsville

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS JoeCrusas hammers rivets to fasten pieces of leather armor together at the Inner Beast Leather tent at the Louisiana Renaissance FestivalinHammond.

scoRPIo(oct. 24-nov. 22) Youcan sit aloneorshare your thoughts with others. Interaction will stimulate your mind andnudge you to exploit your talents andturn your ideas into something tangible

sAGITTARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Stop, think and evaluate the outcome beforeyou initiate achange. Time is on your side, andpatience is avirtue. Reservejudgment,verifyinformation and rethink your objective.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Put your energywhere it counts,and you will make adifference. Use your imagination andlet your discipline and determination push youtowardyour goal. Market yourself forsuccess.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Achange at home will be uplifting.Invest time, moneyand energy in yourself, both emotionally and physically, and you'll reap theresults that lead to success.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Putyour energytowork for you. Engage in learning, travel or more significant involvement in activities that put a smile on your face. Take the initiative andenjoy theride.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Address personal affairs andkeep your secrets private. Avoid events thatfavor excessiveorindulgent behavior. Tie up loose ends, address contracts and payattention to overdue debt.

TAuRus (April 20-May 20) Nurture meaningful relationships. Go the extra mile

to pleaseothers. Showing compassion will lead to open communication and the discoveryofnovel ways to resolve issues.

GEMInI (May21-June 20) Enrich your life by attending seminars, going to reunions or traveling to interesting places.Achange of scenerywill give you food forthought. Engage in new cultural experiences.

cAncER(June 21-July22) Mix business with pleasure, and you'll make headway. Networking events will give you adifferent outlook on the possibilities It'stime to diversify how you useyour skills and knowledge.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Youmay receive misinformation thatcan lead you astray. The bestchange you can make is one thatinvolves only yourself Discover how you can enhance your awarenessand acquirenew skills.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept.22) Shareyour plans with anyonewho willbeaffected by them. Offeringcompensation will help you gain support, making it easier to complete your mission LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Preparation is everything when you aretrying to advance. Review your profile, check your reputation and ensure everything is in top shape. Ask and you shall receive.

Thehoroscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. ©2025 by NEA, Inc., dist. By AndrewsMcMeel Syndication

Celebrity Ciphercryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Eachletter in thecipher stands for another.

ToDAy'scLuE: JEQuALsW

FAMILY CIrCUS

CeLebrItY CIpher

For better or For WorSe

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

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bIG nAte

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle basedona 9x9 gridwith severalgiven numbers The object is to place thenumbers 1to9inthe emptysquares so that each row,eachcolumn and each 3x3 box contains thesame number onlyonce.The difficultylevelofthe Sudoku increasesfromMonday to Sunday

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

nea CroSSwordS La TimeS CroSSword

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By PHILLIP ALDER Bridge

In the lasttwo days,wehavelooked at deals in which alot of errors were made. Let’s endthe week with onewhere the bidding was sane and the defenseexcellent. After three passes, North opened because herhandsatisfied the Rule of 15. If high-card points plus spade length equal at least 15, open; otherwise, pass out the deal South, who wouldhaverespondedtwo hearts anyway, was even happier here because he wasa passed hand; North wasn’t going to assume that his partner had alot of points. West contested with two spades (a makablecontract), and North competed to threehearts with four-card support, despite herminimum count and flat hand.Southpassed,knowingthatifgame was good, North would have bid it. Westled the diamondace. Then she didvery well, shifting to the spade 10, denying the jack.That made it easy for East to winwithhis king and return the diamondjack.West won with herking andledanotherdiamond,whichdeclarer ruffed South drew two rounds of trumps endingonthe board and called forthe spade nine. East went in with his ace, but what didhedonext?

Someplayers would have shifted fatally to aclub. ButEast workedout declarer’s distribution. South was known to havestartedwithtwospades,fivehearts, two diamonds and, therefore, four clubs East couldnot gain by leading aclub, so he returned aspade and waited for his club queen to defeat the contract ©2025 by NEA, Inc., dist. By

Each Wuzzleisa wordriddlewhich creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. Forexample: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON

Previous answers:

InsTRucTIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire

Andrews McMeel Syndication

loCKhorNs

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles