The Advocate 11-18-2025

HOUSE CALLS

Riveroaks Elementary employs Harry Potter-esque system to promote student motivation

BY CHARLES LUSSIER Staff writer

It was only her fifth day of school and Zury Murcia found herself standing in front of a strange, multicolored wheel with an auditorium full of her new Riveroaks Elementary classmates cheering her on.

“You’re going to spin the wheel, and it’s going to land on a color,” explained music teacher Corey Hill “Whatever color it is, that’s what house you’re going to be in, all right?”

This Baton Rouge elementary school has four houses — Altruismo, Amistad, Isbindi and Reveur — and each has its own signature colors — black, red, green and blue, respectively These houses compete with each other continuously throughout the year, amassing points when students achieve academically and behaviorally They include adults as well as children.

This Harry Potter-esque “house system,” developed by the Atlantabased Ron Clark Academy has taken quick root this school year at Riveroaks. And it’s most on display every Friday at the neighborhood school’s weekly “house meeting.”

“Through the house system they feel like they belong, and that sense of belonging motivates them,” Principal Angela Oquin said.

While Zury on Friday was wearing her burgundy-and-black school uni-

form, the other Riveroaks students this Friday afternoon were wearing T-shirts in their house colors. But before she could join her

ä See HOUSE, page 4A

Rouses acquires 10 Winn-Dixie locations

CEO says stores will be converted early next year

BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer

Rouses Markets is purchasing 10 Winn-Dixie locations in Louisiana and Mississippi from the Florida-based chain’s parent company, continuing its yearslong regional expansion and adding to its share of the local grocery market. Terms of the deal, announced on

Monday were not disclosed. But Rouses CEO Donny Rouse Jr said the stores including a location on Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans East that is one of the few grocery stores in the underserved area will be converted to Rouses Markets early next year All Winn-Dixie employees who meet Rouses’ hiring criteria will be offered jobs.

“It’s a big opportunity for us and will be great for the community,” Rouse said Monday by phone. In addition to the store on Chef Menteur Highway locations that are part of the deal include two Jefferson Parish

stores (one in Kenner and one in Marrero), three on the northshore, and one each in Destrehan, Gramercy, Central and Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

“Some locations will be new markets for us,” said Rouse, the third-generation CEO of the company founded by his grandfather in 1960. “Others are existing markets where we already do well and wanted to expand.”

The deal comes two months after Robert Fresh Market, another local chain, acquired the century-old

ä See ROUSES, page 4A

Health insurance cost hikes forecast

extension, ACA premiums likely to soar for Louisiana residents

BY EMILY WOODRUFF Staff writer

tax credits to lapse after 2025. The enhanced credits — beefed-up subsidies first created during the COVID-19 pandemic — helped drive marketplace enrollment to record highs and brought average premiums down to about $73 a month in Louisiana.

The ACA’s premium tax credits lower the monthly cost of health insurance for people who buy coverage on the federal marketplace and have low or moderate incomes.

See INSURANCE, page 5A

BY MARK BALLARD and GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA Staff and Associated Press writers

SAN DIEGO The acting chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency left his job Monday after just six months, according to the Department of Homeland Security, the latest disruption in a year of mass staff departures, program cuts and policy upheaval at the agency charged with managing federal

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

The Winn-Dixie on Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans East is one of 10 locations in the region acquired by Rouses.

STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON

House Rêveur leader Osman Tabora gets ready to spin the wheel to see the reward that his house will receive for reaching a goal at Riveroaks Elementary on Friday.

Brook Wells, of house Altruismo, reads information about the food drive at Riveroaks Elementary on Friday.

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

Israeli settlers torch West Bank village

TEL AVIV, Israel Israeli settlers on Monday rampaged through a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank, torching homes and cars in the latest in a string of settler attacks in recent weeks. The violence drew a rare condemnation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top leaders.

Israel’s military said soldiers and police were sent to al-Jab’a, a small village southwest of Bethlehem, after reports of fires and vandalism. The attack came hours after clashes between Israeli security forces and settlers defending an unauthorized outpost on a nearby hill facing evacuation and demolition on Monday, according to COGAT, the Israeli military body that deals with civilians in the West Bank. Israeli police said earlier that six suspects were arrested in confrontations during the demolitions, where dozens of Israeli settlers were entrenched and hundreds rioted, throwing stones and metal bars and burning tires.

The Monday night attack in alJab’a was the latest in a growing wave of settler violence to hit West Bank villages, which has surged this fall as Palestinians take part in their annual olive harvest. Violence carried out by settlers and Palestinian militants have both spiked as the Israeli military has stepped up operations in the occupied West Bank since the onset of the IsraelHamas war

The U.N. Humanitarian office reported that October saw the highest number of Israeli settler attacks since tracking began with more than 260 incidents causing injuries or property damage. That’s on top of 2,660 settler attacks documented this year through the end of September Six hundred ninety Palestinians and 38 Israelis have been killed this year during the uptick in violence across the territory Netanyahu called the settlers “a handful of extremists” and urged law enforcement to pursue them for “the attempt to take the law into their own hands.” Man charged in death of Oakland coach

OAKLAND, Calif. A 27-year-old man was charged Monday with murder in the shooting death of celebrated former football coach John Beam, who died Friday after being shot in the head on the junior college campus in Oakland where he worked.

Cedric Irving faces 50 years to life if convicted, Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson said at a Monday press conference. Irving also faces enhancement charges alleging he personally fired a gun that caused great bodily injury and that the victim was particularly vulnerable, possibly due to age, according to the charging complaint.

Beam, 66, was a giant in the local community, a father figure who forged deep relationships with his players while fielding a team that regularly competed for championships. The Netflix docuseries “Last Chance U” focused on Beam and the Laney Eagles in its 2020 season. He’d most recently been serving as the school’s athletic director after retiring from coaching last year

“He really is the best of Oakland — was the best of Oakland,” Jones Dickson said. “His spirit is still here.”

The district attorney said Irving had no criminal record He is being held without bail, and is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday The Alameda County Public Defender’s Office said it has not been appointed to represent Irving and declined to comment.

U.N. approves U.S. Gaza plan

Resolution endorses international stabilization force

BY EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS The Trump administration’s blueprint to secure and govern Gaza won strong approval at the United Nations on Monday, a crucial step that provides international support for U.S. efforts to move the devastated territory toward peace following two years of war

The U.S. resolution that passed the U.N. Security Council authorizes an international stabilization force to provide security in Gaza, approves a transitional authority to be overseen by President Donald Trump and envisions a possible future path to an independent Palestinian state.

“This will go down as one of the biggest approvals in the History of the United Nations, will lead to further Peace all over the World, and is a moment of true Historic proportion!” Trump posted on social media.

The vote endorses Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan and builds on the momentum of the fragile

ceasefire he helped broker with allies. It marks a key next step for American efforts to outline Gaza’s future after the IsraelHamas war destroyed much of the territory and killed tens of thousands of people.

The proposal calls for a yet-to-be-established Board of Peace as a transitional authority that Trump would head. It also provides a wide mandate for the international stabilization force, including overseeing the borders, providing security and demilitarizing the territory. Authorization for the board and force expire at the end of 2027. Arab and other Muslim

countries that expressed interest in providing troops for an international force had signaled that U.N. authorization was essential for their participation. Russia, which had circulated a rival resolution, abstained along with China on the 13-0 vote after fears Moscow might use its veto in the Security Council. However, Hamas opposed the resolution, saying in a statement that it does not meet the “Palestinian people’s political and humanitarian demands and rights.” U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz said the resolution “represents another significant step towards a stable Gaza that will

be able to prosper and an environment that will allow Israel to live in security.”

It came about following nearly two weeks of negotiations, when Arab nations and the Palestinians pressed the United States to strengthen language about Palestinian self-determination But the proposal still gives no timeline or guarantee for an independent state, only saying it’s possible after advances in the reconstruction of Gaza and reforms of the Palestinian Authority, which now governs parts of the West Bank.

The U.S. revised the resolution to say that after those steps, “the conditions may finally be in place for

a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”

“The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence,” it adds.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes Palestinian statehood and repeated that position Sunday at a time when his hard-line governing partners have expressed concern about the resolution’s endorsement of a “pathway” to Palestinian independence.

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told reporters before the vote that Israel was grateful to Trump “for leading peace to the Middle East.” Algeria’s U.N. Ambassador Amar Bendjama the Arab representative on the council, thanked Trump for his instrumental role in bringing about the ceasefire, but said “genuine peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without justice, justice for the Palestinian people.”

A key to the resolution’s adoption was support from Arab and other Muslim nations that had been critical to the ceasefire and potentially could contribute to the international force.

Judge scolds DOJ over missteps in Comey case

BY ERIC TUCKER Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department engaged in a “disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps” in the process of securing an indictment against former FBI Director James Comey, a federal judge ruled Monday in directing prosecutors to provide defense lawyers with all grand jury materials from the case.

the grand jury that indicted Comey in September, the use of potentially privileged communications during the investigation and unexplained irregularities in the transcript of the grand jury proceedings.

Those problems, wrote Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick, include “fundamental misstatements of the law” by a prosecutor to

“The Court recognizes that the relief sought by the defense is rarely granted,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “However the record points to a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps, missteps that led an FBI agent and a prosecutor to potentially undermine the integrity of the grand jury proceeding.”

The 24-page opinion is the

most blistering assessment yet by a judge of the Justice Department’s actions leading up to the Comey indictment. It underscores how procedural missteps and prosecutorial inexperience have combined to imperil the prosecution pushed by President Donald Trump for reasons separate and apart from the substance of the disputed allegations against Comey The Comey case and a separate prosecution of New York Attorney General Letitia James have hastened concerns that the Justice Department is being weaponized in pursuit of Trump’s political opponents. Both defendants have filed multiple motions to dismiss the cases

Governor: Immigration crackdown ‘stoking fear’

BY ERIK VERDUZCO, GARY D ROBERTSON and BRIAN WITTE Associated Press

CHARLOTTE,N.C. U.S. immigration agents arrested more than 130 people in a weekend sweep through North Carolina’s largest city, a federal official said Monday, as the governor warned that the crackdown is simply “stoking fear.”

The Trump administration has made Charlotte, a Democratic city of about 950,000 people, its latest focus for an immigration enforcement surge it says will combat crime, despite fierce objections from local leaders and declining crime rates. City residents reported encounters with immigration agents near churches, apartment complexes and stores.

“We’ve seen masked, heavily armed agents in paramilitary garb driving unmarked cars, targeting American citizens based on their skin color, racially profiling and picking up random people in parking lots and off of our sidewalks,” Gov Josh Stein, a Democrat, said in a video statement late Sunday “This is not making us safer It’s stoking fear and dividing our community.”

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that Border Patrol officers had arrested “over 130 illegal aliens who have all broken” immigration laws. The agency said the records of those arrested included gang membership, aggravated assault shoplifting and other crimes, but it did not say

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MATT KELLEy Shana Blake sits in a cage dressed as the Statue of Liberty on Monday to protest federal law enforcement presence in Charlotte, N.C.

how many cases had resulted in convictions, how many people had been facing charges or any other details.

Stein acknowledged that it was a stressful time, but he called on residents to stay peaceful If people see something they feel is wrong, he said they should record it and report it to local law enforcement.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Customs and Border Protection, has said it is focusing on North Carolina because of so-called sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation between local authorities and immigration agents. However most North Carolina county jails have long honored “detainers,” or requests from federal officials to hold an arrested immigrant for a limited time so agents can take custody of them. But some common, noncooperation policies have existed in a handful of places in the state, including Charlotte, where the police do not help with immigration enforcement. In Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, the jail did not honor detainer requests for several years, until after state law effectively made it mandatory starting last year DHS alleged that about 1,400 detainers across North Carolina had not been honored, putting the public at risk. U.S. courts have repeatedly upheld the legality of sanctuary laws.

against them before trial, arguing that the prosecutions are improperly vindictive and that the prosecutor who filed the charges, Lindsey Halligan, was illegally appointed

A different judge is set to decide by Thanksgiving on the challenges by Comey and James to Halligan’s appointment.

Though grand jury proceedings are presumptively secret, Comey’s lawyers had sought records from the process out of concern that irregularities may have tainted the case. The sole prosecutor who defense lawyers say presented the case to the grand jury was Halligan, a former White House aide with no prior

prosecutorial experience who was appointed just days before the indictment to the job of interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. In his order Monday, Fitzpatrick said that after reviewing the grand jury transcript himself, he had come away deeply concerned about the integrity of the case.

“Here, the procedural and substantive irregularities that occurred before the grand jury, and the manner in which evidence presented to the grand jury was collected and used, may rise to the level of government misconduct resulting in prejudice to Mr Comey,” Fitzpatrick said.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ABDEL KAREEM HANA

A Palestinian man carries bags of firewood after collecting them Saturday from the rubbish in Khan younis, southern Gaza Strip.

Trump not ruling out military action against Venezuela

President floats possible talks

BY REGINA GARCIA CANO and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Monday did not rule out military action against Venezuela despite bringing up a potential diplomatic opening with leader Nicolás Maduro, who has insisted that a U.S. military buildup and strikes on alleged drug boats near his South American country are designed to push him out of office.

Trump reiterated that he “probably would talk to” Maduro, but underscored that he is not taking off the table the possibility of military action on Venezuelan territory

“I don’t rule out that I don’t rule out anything,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office a day after he first floated the possibility of having “discussions” with Maduro. Trump, however, sidestepped questions about whether Maduro could say anything to him that would lead

meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington.

to the U.S. backing off its military show of force

“He’s done tremendous damage to our country,” said Trump, tying Maduro to drugs and migrants coming into the U.S. from Venezu-

ela. “He has not been good to the United States, so we’ll see what happens.”

The comments deepened the uncertainty about the Trump administration’s next steps toward

In reversal, Trump says House GOP should vote to release Epstein files

BY KEVIN FREKING and CHRIS MEGERIAN Los Angeles Times (TNS)

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said House Republicans should vote to release files involving the Jeffrey Epstein case, a startling reversal after months of fiercely fighting the proposal.

“We have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics in order to deflect from the Great Success of the Republican Party,” Trump wrote on social media shortly after landing at Joint Base Andrews on his return to Washington after a weekend in Florida.

Democrats and some Republicans have been pushing a measure that would force the Justice Department to make public more documents from the case.

The president’s shift is an

implicit acknowledgment that supporters of the measure have enough votes to pass the House, although it has an unclear future in the Senate

His remarks came hours after Republican proponents of releasing the files predicted that “a deluge of Republicans” would be joining Democrats in voting for a bill to do so, despite what had been persistent opposition by Trump and GOP leadership.

The bill would force the Justice Department to release all files and communications related to Epstein, as well as any information about the investigation into his death in federal prison. Information about Epstein’s victims or ongoing federal investigations would be allowed to be redacted.

“There could be 100 or more” votes from Republicans, said Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., among the lawmakers discussing the

legislation Sunday news show appearances. “I’m hoping to get a veto-proof majority on this legislation when it comes up for a vote.”

Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., introduced a discharge petition in July to force a vote on their bill. That is a rarely successful tool that allows a majority of members to bypass House leadership and force a floor vote.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, had panned the discharge petition effort and sent members home early for their August recess when the GOP’s legislative agenda was upended by the clamoring for an Epstein vote.

Democrats also contend that the seating of Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., was stalled to delay her becoming the 218th member to sign the petition and gain the threshold needed to force a vote She became the 218th signature moments after taking the oath of office last week.

President says he plans to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia despite concerns

BY AAMER MADHANI Associated Press

WASHINGTON President

Donald Trump said Monday he will sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia despite some concern within the administration that such a sale could lead to China gaining access to the U.S. technology behind the advanced weapon system. The announcement came on the eve of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s highly anticipated Washington visit, his first to the United States in more than seven years.

“I will say that we will be doing that,” Trump said when

asked if he would sell the jets to Saudi Arabia.

“We’ll be selling F-35s.”

The crown prince had been expected to arrive with a wish list that includes receiving formal assurances from Trump defining the scope of the U.S. military protection for the kingdom and an agreement to buy U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, one of the world’s most advanced aircraft.

The Republican administration, however, has been wary about upsetting Israel’s qualitative military edge over its neighbors, especially at a time when Trump is depending on Israeli support for the success of his Gaza peace plan.

Another long-standing concern, which also derailed a potential similar sale to the United Arab Emirates, is that the F-35 technology could be stolen by or somehow transferred to China, which has close ties to both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, according to three administration officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations on the matter

The Saudis and China last month held joint naval exercises hosted by the kingdom And Beijing in 2023 helped mediate an agreement between the Saudi Arabia and Iran to reopen their embassies and exchange ambassadors amid ongoing tensions.

Maduro’s government. The U.S has ratcheted up the pressure in recent days, saying it was expecting to designate as a terrorist organization a cartel it says is led by Maduro and other high-level Venezuelan government officials.

The USS Gerald R. Ford and accompanying warships arrived in the Caribbean this weekend just as the U.S. military announced its latest in a series of strikes against vessels suspected of transporting drugs.

The administration says its actions are a counterdrug operation meant to stop narcotics from flowing to American cities, but some analysts, Venezuelans and the country’s political opposition see them as an escalating pressure tactic against Maduro.

The Trump administration has shown it “can turn policy on a dime,” said Geoff Ramsey, an expert on U.S. policy toward Venezuela who is a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. He pointed to the diplomatic talks the administration held with Iran “right up until the point” that the U.S. military targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities in June.

But, Ramsey added, the timing of Trump’s remarks — after Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of the impending terrorist designation of the Cartel de los Soles underscores that the administration does not want to repeat failed attempts at dialogue.

“They really want to negotiate from a place of strength, and I think the White House is laying out an ultimatum for Maduro,” Ramsey said. “Either he engages in credible talks about a transition, or the U.S. will have no choice but to escalate.” Maduro has negotiated with the U.S. and Venezuela’s political opposition for several years, most notably in the two years before the July 2024 presidential election. Those negotiations resulted in agreements meant to pave the way for a free and democratic election, but Maduro repeatedly tested their limits, ultimately claiming victory despite credible evidence that he lost the contest by a 2-to-1 margin.

Among the concessions the U.S. made to Maduro during negotiations was approval for oil giant Chevron Corp. to resume pumping and exporting Venezuelan oil.

BY JULIE WATSON Associated Press

Hundreds of National Guard troops deployed to Chicago and Portland, Oregon, are being sent home, and those who will remain will continue to stay off the streets amid court battles over their domestic mission by the Trump administration, a defense official said Monday

The withdrawal of soldiers — sent from California and Texas — is part of a larger change to troop deployments after President Donald Trump began his immigration crackdown in various cities with Democratic leadership. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss the issue and requested anonymity.

U.S. Northern Command said in a statement Sunday it was “shifting and/or rightsizing” units in Portland, Los Angeles and Chicago, although it said there would be a “constant, enduring, and long-term presence in each city.”

In the coming days, all 200 California National Guard troops currently deployed to Portland will be sent home, the official said. The military also plans to cut the number of Oregon National Guard troops on deployment there from 200 soldiers to 100, the official said.

About 200 Texas National Guard troops in Chicago also are being sent home and about 200 soldiers will be on standby at Fort Bliss, an Army base that stretches across parts of Texas and

New Mexico, the official said.

About 300 Illinois National Guard troops will remain in the Chicago area, also doing training, but they currently are not legally allowed to conduct operations with the Department of Homeland Security the official said. The official said the upcoming holiday season may have played a role in the change in deployments. Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a spokesperson for California Gov Gavin Newsom, applauded the return of all California National Guard troops in Oregon, saying Trump “never should have illegally deployed our troops in the first place.”

“We’re glad they’re finally coming home,” she wrote in an email. “It’s long overdue!”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EVAN VUCCI

President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters Monday during a

peers, Zury had to spinthe wheel

Sherecalled being nervous “because everybody was screaming,” but the 10-year-old already knew what color she wanted,red, and the house it represented, Amistad. Sheevendreamed that the wheel would land on that color

Amistad is ahouse thatcenters around friendship. So it’snosurprise that Amistad members were among the first to befriend Zury, doing so on her first day ather new school.

“Wehad to play games andIasked her if she wanted to join,and that’s how we started to be friends,” said fellow student Escarleth Reyes, 10, and also in fifth grade.

Zury,however,was not guaranteed to join Amistad, thankstothe uncertainty of randomselection.

Ron Clark Academy gives that phenomenon amore mystical spin.

“You don’tchoose the house,” Escarlethexplained. “The house chooses you.”

When it finally came time, Zury grabbed the wheel and gave it a fateful spin that lasted 12 seconds.

As the wheel spun clockwise, the students continued chanted and, at the end, screaming.

It landed on red. Just as Zury dreamed it would.

Riveroaks Elementary,a neighborhood school withmorethan 450 students, is located at 950 Fountainbleau Drive. Oquin hasworked here forthe past 15 yearsand is in her fourth year as its principal.

The principal creditedthe house system with transforming the school.

“Weare alreadyseeinga lotof benefits from it,” she said. “The

ROUSES

Continued from page1A

Langenstein’sand converted its locations to Roberts, underscoring further consolidation in the local grocery market.

For its part, Rouses hasgrown in recent years into aregional grocery giant. In 2010, the Schriever-based companyhad 37stores. When the Winn-Dixie purchase is finalized early next year, Rouses will have 76 locations in the Gulf South between Lake Charles and Orange Beach, Alabama,and 8,000 employees Thecompany nowhas thesecond-largest share of the grocery market in the New Orleans area behind Walmart, with about1in3 New Orleanians buying groceries from Rouses. Rouses is purchasing the WinnDixie stores from Southeastern Grocers,which alsoownsHarveys Supermarket. Southeastern

numberofbehavioral referrals hasdroppedsignificantly.”

Student attendance has also improved.

“They want to be here,” Oquin said.

RonClark is acelebrated teacher,named Disney’snational teacher of the year in 2000. His story was portrayed in aTVmovie, “The Ron Clark Story,” starring Matthew Perry.Through his selfnamedacademy, Clark has turned his ideas about teaching —get to know your students,make lessons excitingand fosterbetter manners in children —into avariety of educational programsand training

has been downsizing and refocusinginrecentyears amid changing market conditions and increased competition. In early 2024, it sold400 stores across the region to Aldi, thediscountchain known for its popular house brands. It then bought back 170 of thelocationsthrough anew partnershipless thanayear later Last month, itannounced it wouldbepulling outofits nonFlorida locations and rebranding as The Winn-Dixie Company Among thelocal locationsthat will be shutting down is thelongtime Winn-DixieonTchoupitoulas Street Uptown.

Winn-Dixie did notannounce plans for two of its busiestlocationsinthe local market —on NorthCarrolltonAvenue in MidCity and Veterans Boulevard in Metairie.Rouse said they were not offered for sale. The 10 locations his company is buying were on offer,and those werethe ones that made strategicsense.

That’sparticularly true of the

materials.

Oquin heard about Ron Clark Academy years ago, but she did not consider checking it out further until theacademy came up in aconversation she hadlastyear with East Baton Rouge Parish schools Superintendent LaMont Cole. Cole suggested the academy as away to improve student motivation at Riveroaks.

Oquin endeduptaking atrip to Atlanta in Aprilwitheight of her teachers. They returned energized.

“It was amazing,” Oquin recalled. “I can’teven begin to explain how inspiring it is just to go

store in New Orleans East,parts of whichqualify as a“food desert,”anareawithlimited access to fresh food. The Chef Menteur Highway store will be Rouses’ first in that part of themarket andthe deal announcingthe store comes over ayear after several Dollar General stores pulled out of theEast. Rouses officials in the past had cited the stores’ presence there as an impediment to their expansion.

“Wewant to be successful in that area and know what it will do for economic development,” Rouse said, adding that the company is encouraged by commitments from Mayor-elect HelenaMorenotofocusoneconomic development in New Orleans.

“Wehad conversations with her about her goals and plans for New Orleans East and making surewe had supportfrom her and the city to operate there,” he said.

Melanie Thompson, president of the Kingswood Neighborhood Association, said she welcomes

and see it.” Ron Clark Academy’shouse system hasbeen adopted by many schoolsacross the country,but has alimited foothold in Louisiana.

To start, Riveroaks bought the program’ssignature spinning wheel. It also purchasedtwo “leader boards” that show which of theschool’sfour houses are in the lead; adragon makes an appearance every time the lead changes. Thewinning house will get an endof-the-year celebration, but the entireschool will participate.

Oquin and the eight teachers whowent to Atlanta spun the wheel thereand wereassigned

any grocery store to the East, but Rouses in particular is awin.

“I’vealways gone to the oneon Franklin (Avenue). Rouseshas more local brands and that’srefreshing,” she said. Thompson said she prefers the store because of its wider selection of vegetables and meats she can’t find elsewhere.

Thesentiment was echoed by Eva Washington, president of the Donna Villa Neighborhood Association and amember of New Orleans East Matters. She said it was “a blessing” to have aRouses.

“It’s very much needed. It’s gonna be an asset forthe subdivision andthe community,” Washington said.

Rouses will begin converting and rebrandingits new stores in January,takingthem over one at atime andspending two weeks on the transition at each location. During thatperiod, each store will be closed for six or seven days while it is repainted and freshened up with new lighting and decor

The company plans major re-

houses. The rest of the faculty and staffwere sorted in May.Noadult was excluded.

AmberAdebutu, athird grade scienceteacher,saidshe’s happy to be part of house Amistad.

“I feel like I’malways willing to help outeverybody …sothat’s right,” Adebutu said. “Andplus,I love the color red.”

In August, when school started, studentsgot theirchance at the wheel. Riveroakshas decidedto limit participationtostudents in third, fourth and fifth grades. Oquinsaidittooktwo hourstosort these 200-plus students.

“They were excited the whole time,” Oquin said.

Younger students in prekindergarten to secondgrade assume the house of their homeroom teacher, at least until they areold enough to spin the wheel themselves.

When it’snot being spun, the school surrounds the wheelwith red ropes and it can’tbetouched.

“The littleones, they truly believe it’smagic,” the principalsaid. Ron Clark Academy specifies thatonceyou join ahouse,you can’tchange houses. The randomness of thespinning wheel also can result in very different houses.

For instance, Oquin’shouse, Rêveur,has themostmembers, about 70, but fewer adults than the other houses. Ron Clark Academy compensates by weighting the points awarded based on housesize.

Theweeklyhouse meeting is a chance for students who do well during the week to spin the wheel and add points fortheir house.

Oquin said students aremuch more confident these days when it’stheir turn to spin the wheel.

“They were really shy about coming up and getting to spin the wheel,” Oquin said. “But now they wantit.”

models at the Central and Hattiesburg locations and will begin working on those plans after the transition.

The projectswill include upgrades to store layouts, equipment and design. Over the next few years, all10stores will be remodeled.

“Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible,” Rouse said.

The10Winn-Dixielocationsbeing purchased by Rouses are: n 9701 Chef Menteur Highway, NewOrleans n 4627 Westbank Expressway, Marrero n 12519 Airline Highway,Suite A, Destrehan n 2104 WilliamsBlvd., Kenner n 70431 La. 21, Covington n 4100 La. 59, Mandeville n 731 Washington St., Franklinton n 1803 La. 3125, Gramercy n 10974 Joor Road, Baton Rouge n 4400 Hardy St., Hattiesburg. StaffwriterJoniHesscontributed to this report.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

cheer as house Rêveur receives points on Friday.

Before the pandemic, eligibility for subsidies was limited to households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, with the amount tied to how much of their income they were expected to spend on a benchmark plan. Pandemic-era changes expanded the credits, lowered required premium contributions and temporarily allowed people above the old income cutoff to qualify. But those changes are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress extends them.

According to estimates from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research group that supports extending the subsidies, marketplace enrollees in every Louisiana congressional district would face steep premium hikes if Congress lets the enhanced tax credits expire.

Across the state, a 45-yearold earning $32,000 would see their annual premium more than triple, according to the analysis.

FEMA

Continued from page 1A

departure.

“The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security extend their sincere appreciation to the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, David Richardson, for his dedicated service and wish him continued success in his return to the private sector,” a DHS spokesperson told The Associated Press.

A former Marine Corps officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and also led the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office, Richardson had no previous emergency management experience when he assumed the role of “senior official performing the duties of administrator” in May

Former Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves said Monday he’s not interested in becoming the new head of FEMA.

Speaking moments after Richardson’s resignation became public, Graves said, “That job is critical. The agency is a mess and does need fundamental reform — including the states playing a beefier role in disaster prevention and response.

But I’m not a good bureaucrat, don’t have patience for slow change and would get fired within a few weeks. So, I’m just going to jump to the conclusion and not get fired.”

Representing hurricaneprone south Louisiana, Graves, a Republican representative, became wellversed in FEMA’s protocols and procedures.

Members of the Trump administration spoke to him about leading FEMA Graves stepped down from his House seat at the begin-

The steepest increases appear in U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins’ 3rd District, though the pattern is consistent across the state. There, annual premiums for a typical family earning $130,000 would rise by more than $16,000, and a 60-year-old couple could see a $29,000 jump, a 406% surge that represents the most dramatic scenario in the state. Higgins’ office did not respond to a request for comment.

According to Keep Americans Covered, a coalition of health care groups, over 281,000 Louisianans selected a marketplace plan for 2025 coverage through the federal platform.

Before the subsidy expansion, roughly 100,000 residents were enrolled through the marketplace.

SarahJane Guidry, director of policy and advocacy at CrescentCare, a federally qualified health center said her staff is already hearing from patients discovering that a plan with a monthly premium of a couple hundred dollars is now closer to $1,000.

“For people who don’t qualify for Medicaid and don’t get insurance through

a job, there are very, very few options,” she said. Those options, she added, often boil down to going uninsured, relying on free clinics, or “compromising your family budget to compensate for these increased costs, because you cannot go without health insurance.”

Rob Harrison, a 44-yearold licensed clinical social worker in New Orleans, is feeling the hikes on both sides. As a therapist in private practice, he’s had his own health insurance through the ACA for a few years and also treats clients who depend on it.

The plan he currently pays about $300 a month for — after a roughly $300 tax credit will jump to about $850 a month. His deductible would climb from $3,000 to $7,500.

“Obviously because of this, I’m going to have to go

ning of this year

President Donald Trump who has said he might shut down the agency, appointed a task force to recommend changes to the agency that takes the lead in helping communities prepare for and rebound from natural disasters.

Meanwhile, Rep Sam Graves, R-Mo. and chair of the House Transportation Committee on which Garret Graves served, has prepared legislation that would remove FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security and elevate the FEMA head to a Cabinet position along with other changes to revamp the agency

“When disaster strikes, like we saw at Camp Mystic, Louisiana needs a rapid, toptier federal response I look forward to working with the next FEMA Director to make it stronger,” said U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge.

Upon replacing Hamilton, who was fired one day after telling a House Appropriations Committee that he did not think FEMA should be eliminated, Richardson affirmed his commitment to Trump’s goal to push more disaster recovery responsibilities to the states and told

FEMA employees he would “run right over” any staff who tried to obstruct that mission.

“In Louisiana, we know better than anyone that storms are getting stronger and lasting longer I’ve been critical of FEMA, and believe it needs reforms, but gutting this agency and leaving it without real leadership is reckless and dangerous,” said U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, D-New Orleans. “I hope the Trump administration starts taking this role seriously and actually takes the time to nominate a qualified and experienced candidate for Senate confirmation.”

But Richardson’s effectiveness in leading the agency was questioned by members of Congress and FEMA staff.

When asked by a House committee why he did not arrive on the ground until one week after deadly July floods killed at least 136 people in central Texas, Richardson said he stayed in Washington, D.C., to “kick down the doors of bureaucracy,” but also said he was camping with his sons when the floods first hit over the July 4 weekend and initially helped manage the response from inside his truck.

up on my rates a little bit,” said Harrison, who specializes in trauma therapy and worries his clients will have to prioritize other expenses, or that their deductibles will be too high for them to get therapy “It has this cascading effect.”

The timing is particularly harsh for Louisiana, where tens of thousands have already been removed from Medicaid as the state began rechecking eligibility for the first time since the pandemic.

In focus groups and community meetings, Guidry said she’s hearing more stories of people making major life decisions solely to preserve health coverage.

Some Louisiana workers avoid raises or turn down full-time hours because earning more would push their family above subsidy limits. Others delay getting married to keep household income low enough to qualify for assistance, she said.

The Senate has plans for a December vote on the

subsidies, but it’s not clear whether House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, will bring an extension bill to the floor

On Friday, he told Fox Business that he has not committed to bringing a vote, characterizing the enhanced credits as a “COVIDera boondoggle” created by Democrats and designed to expire. He said any extension would require “massive reforms,” including income caps and Hyde Amendment restrictions, which prevents the use of federal funds for abortions except in some circumstances.

In October news interviews, U.S Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Metairie, indicated he did not support extending the subsidies. In statements on social media, Higgins said he supports the end of the subsidies.

If the credits were extended in some form, the Louisiana Department of Insurance has previously warned that without direction from

Congress, it cannot force insurers to adjust 2026 rates midyear, even if an extension passes later That means families may be stuck paying higher premiums all year In New Orleans, McQuillen is trying to figure out what to do as his family adjusts to a new baby

He could chase a full-time job with benefits, walking away from the flexibility of sound-engineering work in the city’s music scene. He could also drop his own coverage and keep only a stronger plan for his wife and baby Still, he considers his family lucky, because he has contacts that could turn into a job with insurance. He worries that many gig workers will just go without. “We’re gonna make it,” he said. “We might have to have an employment shake-up or two, but we’ll be OK.

Email Emily Woodruff at ewoodruff@theadvocate. com.

Falling stars drag stock market lower

The U.S. stock market sank Monday as Nvidia and other superstars created by the frenzy around artificial-intelligence technology dimmed some more.

The S&P 500 fell 0.9% and pulled further from its all-time high set late last month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 557 points, or 1.2%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 0.8%.

Nvidia was the heaviest weight on the market, as it’s often been in its last couple of tumultuous weeks. The chip company fell 1.8%, while losses for other AI winners included a 6.4% slide for Super Micro Computer.

Other areas of the market that had been high-momentum winners also sank. Bitcoin fell below $92,000, down from nearly $125,000 last month, for example. That helped drag down Coinbase Global by 7.1% and Robinhood Markets by 5.3%.

Critics have been warning that the U.S. stock market could be primed for a drop because of how high prices have shot since April, leaving them looking too expensive. Critics point in particular to stocks swept up in the AI mania, which have been surging at spectacular speeds for years.

Wegovy prices cut but challenges remain

Novo Nordisk is chopping prices again for Wegovy, but doctors say the expense will remain challenging for patients without insurance.

The drugmaker said Monday that it has started selling higher doses of the injectable obesity treatment for $349 a month to patients paying the full bill. That’s down from $499, and in line with terms of a drug pricing agreement outlined earlier this month by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Novo also started a temporary offer of $199 a month for the first two months of low doses of Wegovy and the drug’s counterpart for diabetes, Ozempic. The new pricing will be available at pharmacies nationwide, through home delivery and from some telemedicine providers.

Rival Eli Lilly also plans price breaks for its weight-loss drug Zepbound once it gets a new, multi-dose pen on the market. Lilly has said it will sell a starter dose of Zepbound for $299 a month and additional doses at up to $449. Both represent $50 reductions from current prices for sales directly to patients.

Suit claims Costco’s tequilas are low-grade

A new lawsuit alleges that some of Costco’s Kirklandbrand tequilas aren’t as premium as their labels might suggest.

Some Kirkland tequila brands that claim to contain only alcohol distilled from the blue agave plant actually include other, lesser-quality alcohols, according to a suit filed Friday on behalf of 13 aggrieved tequila drinkers in Washington and eight other states

Tests found that some of the Kirkland-brand tequilas were so adulterated they didn’t even qualify as tequila under Mexican law, according to the suit. The case, which follows similar litigation in other states, drags Costco into a high-spirited, if little-known, controversy involving claims of deceptive marketing, duped American consumers and outraged Mexican agave farmers.

This case “exposes a highstakes deception at the heart of the growing and increasingly popular premium tequila market,” declares the suit, which was filed in U.S. District Court Costco did not respond to questions.

Mexican law allows tequila to contain up to 49% alcohol from nonagave sources, such as cane sugar or corn syrup. However, products made from 100% agave command a higher price and are big sellers in the U.S. spirits market.

Japan’s economy contracts, data reveals

Company’s exports get hit by U.S. tariffs

BY YURI KAGEYAMA AP business writer

TOKYO Japan’s economy contracted at a 1.8% annual pace in July-September as President Donald Trump’s tariffs hit exports and private residential investment plunged.

Data released by the government Monday showed that on a quarter-by-quarter basis, Japan’s gross domestic product, the sum value of its goods and services, slipped 0.4%, the first contraction in six quarters. The annualized rate shows what

the economy would have done if the same rate were to continue for a year In the April-June quarter, the Japanese economy grew 0.6% on quarter, while in the JanuaryMarch period, it grew 0.2%.

Exports fell 4.5% in annual terms in the three months through September As Trump implemented higher tariffs on imports from many countries earlier this year, businesses ramped up their exports to try to beat higher costs. That inflated some of the earlier data for exports.

Imports for the third quarter slipped 0.1% Private consumption edged up 0.1% during the quarter Analysts said a 9.4% quarter-on-

quarter drop in private residential investment which translates to a 32.5% drop in annualized terms, was mainly due to revisions of Japan’s building code that caused housing starts to plunge after they took effect in April, the start of Japan’s fiscal year

Tariffs are a major blow to Japan’s export-reliant economy, led by powerful automakers like Toyota Motor Corp., although many manufacturers have moved production abroad to avert the impact from tariffs and other trade controls

The U.S. imposes a 15% tariff surcharge on nearly all Japanese imports. That’s down from Trump’s earlier plan for a 25% tariff.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office in October has vowed to revive the economy and is expected to boost government spending, among other policies. That could complicate the central bank’s efforts to rein in inflation by raising interest rates from their longstanding level near zero. The lackluster level of activity in the last quarter means a possible rate hike in December is unlikely, Marcel Thieliant of Capital Economics said in a report. But initial data for this quarter and surveys of business sentiment suggest the economy may improve in coming months, and the Bank of Japan may resume raising interest rates early in 2026, he said.

U.S. consumers falling behind on utility bills, analysis shows

Delinquencies may be an indication of bigger troubles

BY JOSH BOAK Associated Press

WASHINGTON — More people are falling behind on paying their bills to keep the lights on and heat their homes, according to a new analysis of consumer data — a warning sign for the U.S. economy and another political headache for President Donald Trump.

Past due balances to utility companies jumped 9.7% annually to $789 between the April-June periods of 2024 and 2025, said The Century Foundation, a liberal think tank, and the advocacy group Protect Borrowers. The increase has overlapped with a 12% jump in monthly energy bills during the same period.

Consumers usually prioritize their utility bills along with their mortgages and auto debt, said Julie Margetta Morgan, the foundation’s president. The increase in both energy costs and delinquencies may suggest that consumers are falling behind on other bills, too.

“There’s a lot of information out there about rising utility costs, but here we can actually look at what that impact has been on families in terms of how they’re falling behind,” Margetta Morgan said.

Troubles paying electricity and natural gas bills reflect something of an economic quandary for Trump, who is promoting the buildout of the artificial intelligence industry as a key part of an economic boom he has promised for America. But AI data centers are known for their massive use of electricity, and threaten to further increase utility bills for everyday Americans.

These troubles also come as Trump faces political pressure from voters fed up with the high cost of living.

Ever since Republicans saw their fortunes sag in off-year elections this month and affordability was identified as the top issue, Trump has been trying to convince the public that prices are falling. Fast-rising electricity bills could be an issue in some congressional battlegrounds in next year’s midterm elections. Trump has put a particular emphasis on prices at the pump.

Gasoline accounts for about 3% of the consumer price index, slightly less than the share belonging to electricity and natural gas bills — meaning that possible savings on gasoline could be more than offset by higher utility bills.

The president maintains that any troubling data on inflation is false and that Democrats are simply trying to hurt his administration’s reputation.

ASSOCIATED

More people are falling behind on paying their bills to keep the lights on and heat their homes, according to a new analysis of consumer data.

“In fact, costs under the TRUMP ADMINISTRATION are tumbling down, helped greatly by gasoline and ENERGY,” Trump posted on social media Friday “Affordability is a lie when used by the Dems.”

Nearly 6 million households have utility debt “so severe” that it will soon be reported to collection agencies, according to the foundation’s analysis, drawn from the University of California Consumer Credit Panel.

During Trump’s first six months in office, there was a 3.8% increase in households with severely overdue utility bills.

“Voters are frustrated and families are hurting because these tech giants are cutting backroom deals with politicians, and it’s causing their power bills to go up,” said Mike Pierce, executive director of Protect Borrowers. “If the Trump administration doesn’t want to do its job and protect families and make life more affordable, I guess that’s its choice.”

Both Margetta Morgan and Pierce previously worked at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a government agency formed in part to track trends in household borrowing to prevent potential abuses. The Trump administration has essentially shut down the bureau. The administration has so far said it has no

responsibility for any increases in electricity prices, since those are often regulated by state utility boards. The White House maintains that utility costs are higher in Democratic states that rely on renewable forms of energy

“Electricity prices are a state problem,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told ABC News this month. “There are things that the federal government can control. Local electricity prices are not one of them.”

The new analysis of utility bills by the groups counters that the Trump administration is contributing to higher utility costs “by impeding renewable energy generation” including solar and wind power

While that analysis is a warning sign, other economic analyses on consumers suggest their finances are stable despite some emerging pressures. The New York Federal Reserve has said delinquency rates of 90 days or more for mortgages, auto loans and student debt have each increased over the past 12 months, though it said mortgage delinquencies are “relatively low.”

An analysis of debit and credit card spending by the Bank of America Institute showed that consumers’ “overall financial health looks sound.”

BY JON GAMBRELL Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates The biennial Dubai Air Show opened on Monday with hometown airline

Emirates ordering 65 of Boeing’s upcoming 777-9 aircraft, as the carrier looks to increase its fleet with record earnings and unending demand for flights through this East-West travel hub.

Emirates valued the deal with Boeing and GE Engines at $38 billion at list prices, although airlines often negotiate lower prices in major orders.

The announcement brings the total of Boeing 777-9s on order for Emirates to 270, making it Boeing’s largest customer for the aircraft, even as the plane has suf-

fered repeated delays in entering service.

Emirates relies heavily on the double-decker Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777, and has also started flying the Airbus A350.

“It’s a long-term commitment that supports hundreds of thousands of high-value factory jobs, and it reinforces our 40-year partnership with Boeing and GE,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman and chief executive of Emirates.

“Emirates is already the world’s largest operator of the 777 all powered by the GE engines — and after today’s order, I expect to remain the biggest 777 operator for the years to come.”

Sheikh Ahmed added that Emirates continued to encourage man-

ufacturers to build larger aircraft with more capacity as air travel is only expected to grow However he smiled and looked at Boeing when putting forward his hopedfor timeline for putting the 777-9 in service for Emirates.

“We look forward to receiving delivery of our first 777-9s starting from the second quarter of 2027,” he said. Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, offered no timeline for the plane’s entry to service in her brief remarks.

“The 777-9 will further support Emirates’ mission to connect people and places around the globe like never before,” she said.

The officials took no questions from journalists after the an-

nouncement. Meanwhile, Boeing announced a firm order of 11 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft by Ethiopian Airlines and Air Côte d’Ivoir made a firm order of four Embraer E175 aircraft. Air Senegal later ordered nine Boeing 787-8 MAX

No jail for pilot who tried to cut engines midair

BY CLAIRE RUSH Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore.

— A former Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to cut the engines of a passenger flight in 2023 while riding off-duty in the cockpit will serve no prison time, a federal judge ruled Monday, bringing an end to a case that drew attention to the need for more mental health support for pilots

U.S. District Court Judge Amy Baggio sentenced Joseph Emerson to credit for time served and supervised release for three years at a hearing in Portland, Oregon. Federal prosecutors had asked for one year in prison, while his attorneys had sought probation.

“Pilots are not perfect. They are human,” she said. “They are people, and all people need help sometimes.”

Emerson was subdued by the flight crew after trying to cut the engines of a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco on Oct. 22, 2023, while he was riding in an extra seat in the cockpit. The plane was diverted to Portland, where it landed safely with more than 80 people on board After his arrest, Emerson told police he was despondent over a friend’s recent

death, had taken psychedelic mushrooms about two days earlier, and hadn’t slept in over 40 hours. He has said he believed he was dreaming at the time and that he was trying to wake himself up by grabbing two red

handles that would have activated the plane’s fire suppression system and cut off fuel to its engines Baggio said it “offers a cautionary tale worth telling beyond the confines of this case.”

Before she announced the sentence, Emerson spoke and said he regretted the harm he caused to society

“I’m not a victim. I am here as a direct result of my actions,” he told the court.

“I can tell you that this very tragic event has forced me to grow as an individual.”

He hugged his attorneys and shared a tearful embrace with his wife after the judge announced his sentence.

Multiple people spoke on Emerson’s behalf at the hearing, including his wife, Sarah Stretch, who told the judge how the incident had impacted their family

“I am so sorry for those that it’s impacted as much as it has. But I am extremely proud to be here with this man today, because the growth that he has had from this terrible experience has not only helped him, but benefited all that surround him,” she said through tears.

“I just hope people realize that it’s not necessarily the mistake itself but how you respond to it. He has

responded with courage, strength and demonstration of extreme resiliency.” Emerson had pleaded guilty or no-contest to all charges against him in September as part of agreements with state and federal prosecutors. Emerson, of Pleasant Hill, California, was charged in federal court with interfering with a flight crew. A state indictment in Oregon separately charged him with 83 counts of endangering another person and one count of endangering an aircraft He was released from custody pending trial in December 2023, with requirements that he undergo mental health services, stay off drugs and alcohol, and keep away from aircraft. A state court sentenced him to 50 days in jail with credit for time served, plus five years of probation, 664 hours of community service — eight hours for each person he endangered and over $60,000 in restitution, nearly all of it to Alaska Air Group.

Gunmen abduct 25 girls from high school in Nigeria

BY OPE ADETAYO and DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYAN Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria Gunmen attacked a high school in northwestern Nigeria before dawn on Monday, taking 25 schoolgirls and killing at least one staffer, authorities said of the latest abduction of students in the region

No group immediately claimed responsibility for abducting the girls from the boarding school in Kebbi state, and their motivation was unclear Nigeria is facing a multidimensional security challenge, specifically from amorphous groups of armed bandits who specialize in kidnapping for ransoms — sometimes totaling thousands of dollars — and have been responsible for several high-profile abductions across Nigeria’s northern region. Kidnappings, attacks on villages and along major roads have become common

because of the limited security presence. Those bandits are not connected to militant groups such as Boko Haram and the splinter group Islamic State West Africa Province, whose attacks on communities and government installations are motivated by religion.

Police said the boarding schoolgirls were taken from their dorms at 4 a.m. Monday The school is in Maga, in the state’s Danko-Wasagu area, police spokesperson Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi said. The assailants were armed with “sophisticated weapons” and exchanged fire with guards before abducting the girls, Kotarkoshi said.

Drone strikes tanker in Ukraine’s Odesa

BY ILLIA NOVIKOV

Associated Press

KYIV,Ukraine A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze on Monday in southern Ukraine’s Odesa region, officials said, a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a deal to import U.S. liquefied natural gas through the area.

The MT Orinda was hit during the offloading of liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, Turkey’s Directorate for Maritime Affairs said All 16 crew on board evacuated and

no one was hurt, it said. Russia has used drones, missiles and artillery to repeatedly batter the Odesa region, especially its Black Sea ports, since its full-scale invasion of its neighbor nearly four years ago There was no immediate Russia comment Monday Ukrainian officials didn’t comment specifically on the tanker, although regional military administration head Oleh Kiper said Russian drones attacked the Odesa region overnight and damaged energy and port

infrastructure in several cities.

The attack sparked multiple fires and damaged an unspecified number of civilian vessels, Kiper said, adding that one person was injured.

Izmail lies on a Black Sea estuary and is one of a string of ports that are vital for Ukrainian imports and exports. With Russia also targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Zelenskyy is trying to ensure gas and other energy imports that can help see his country through the approaching winter

EPA

moves to limit scope of clean water law to reduce wetlands covered

BY MATTHEW DALY Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday it is redefining the scope of the nation’s bedrock clean water law to significantly limit the wetlands it covers, building on a Supreme Court decision two years ago that removed federal protections for vast areas. When finalized, the new “Waters of the United States” rule will ensure that federal jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act is focused on relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water, such as streams, oceans,

rivers and lakes, along with wetlands that are directly connected to such bodies of water, the EPA said.

The proposal is among dozens of environmental regulations being rolled back by the Trump administration as part of what EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says is a concerted effort to accelerate economic prosperity while putting “ a dagger through the heart of climate change religion.”

Critics call the water rule a giveaway to ranchers and industry

Zeldin, a former Republican congressman who has led a drive to roll back regulations perceived as climatefriendly, said Democratic administrations had long “weaponized the definition of navigable waters to seize more power from American farmers, landowners and families.”

At a news conference at agency headquarters, Zeldin said the new rule will fully implement the direction provided by the Supreme Court in a case known as Sackett v. EPA. The 2023 ruling sharply limited the federal government’s authority to police water pollution into certain wetlands, and boosted property rights over concerns about clean water in a ruling in favor of Michael and Chantell Sackett, an Idaho couple who sought to build a house near a lake.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DEENI JIBO

The dormitories where gunmen kidnapped schoolchildren sit empty Monday in Kebbi, Nigeria.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MOLLy J SMITH

Former Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson, center, walks into U.S District Court on Monday in Portland, Ore.

Your hearing is an integral part of your overall health and wellbeing. Studiesshow that untreated hearingloss has been linked to many health issues, including cognitivedeclineand dementia.1

We are hosting aSpecial Eventduring the month of March! During this event, we will be offering these FREE services:

•FREE Hearing Consultations

•FREE Video Otoscope Exam: Hearinglossorjust earwax?

•FREE Clean &Check on currenthearing aids

•FREE Baseline Audiogram Assessment

•FREE Familiar Voice Test

•FREE Demo of Audibel’s latest hearing technology!

AreYou or Anyone YouKnow Experiencing the Following?

1. Asking people to speak up or repeat themselves?

2. Turning theTVuploud tounderstandwhat is being said?

3. Ringing or noises in your ears?

4. Hearing but not understandingcertain words?

Audibelis NOW Offering...

•Hearingaids at NO COST to those who qualify!•

• That’s Right...No Co-Pay!NoExamFee! No AdjustmentFee! If youhavethiscard, youmay qualifyfor free hearing aids! Call today to verifyyour benefits

Simply call one of our officesbelowtoschedule yourFREE hearing test.

Appointments areavailable on afirst-come, first-served basis and thereisNOCOST for these services.

JanRisher

LOUISIANA AT LARGE

‘The steamboat made it what it is’

My husband and Ihave been visiting the town of Washington’s Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall in St. Landry Parish for more than 20 years —long enough that walking through its doors feels like stepping into afamiliar yet slightly dusty,slightly magical space.Everytime we go, Ithink, “Weshould come here more often

Most recently,wedrove to Washington to meet friends for lunch. They were comingfrom Pineville and Lafayette. Washingtonseemed like the perfect midpoint. We metatthe Old Courtableau Café and had the kindoflunch that turns intoan early afternoonwithout anyone noticing. At various points through the years, Washingtonhas struck me as aplace that hovers between itsglorious past and an uncertain present, buildings with personality —chipped columns, sagging porches, stories in everywindow. But this time, something felt different. There was alightness. Paint actual fresh paint. There was a sense that Washington hadtaken adeep breath and was sitting up alittle straighter Walking downtown after lunch, my friends and Iwandered into Hotel Klaus, the new boutique hotelowned by Stephen Ortego. And then —intrue Louisiana fashion —webumpedinto Ortego himself. He was headed toward the pool carrying afamily-size bag of Tostitos like it was completely normal. He was getting ready for apool party he was hosting that afternoon. We recognized each other,and suddenly we were getting atour of the nine-room hotel andthe soon-to-open-this-weekend Portrait Gallery and Lounge. Even under construction, the lounge made me stopand blink. Old portraits were leaning against the walls —some elegant, some stern,some a little wild-eyed —gazing out like they’d been waiting for company “Wewere tryingtorecycle furniture and needed artwork,” Stephen explained. “Someone offered their mother’sportrait Then alady in town said, ‘Why don’tyou just ask people for their portraits?’”

We couldn’ttake our eyes off the portraits. The randomness somehow made the room feel intentional.

It was just the right amount of whimsy and community

“People have these old pictures they don’twant staring at them in their own house,” he said. “But they’ll happily hang themina bar —sothey can come toast their mom.”

Seeing him again bent time in that strange way reunions do. He’s41now,but Ifirst met him in 2007, when he was acollege student who walked into the newsroom with the confidence only a 23-year-old can pull off and announced he was running for the state Legislature.

He lost that first race but won the next at 27, served four years, and eventually shifted intoa different kind of public service the kind that involves restoring old buildings, starting businesses and believing asmall town still has potential.

When we spoke again by phone this week, he slipped easily from hotel owner to historian.

“Washington was established in 1720,” he said. “A lot happened here in the 1820s when the steamboat became amode of

EBRbudgetcutsbegin

200positions maybeeliminated afterThriveplanfailure

BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer

After all threeofEast Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards’ Thrive tax rededication measures failed to get voter approval Saturday,his office began theprocess of laying off city-parish employees —starting with his own staff.

Edwardssent alettertoall cityparish employees Monday saying “we must now move forward with the difficult, butnecessary,pro-

cess of apermanentworkforce reduction that may impact approximately 200 positions.”

“Weare committedtoapproaching this processwith care,” the letter states.

In astatement, Edwards said the cuts “would start within my own office,” and that fourstaffers were laid off Monday

Edwards did not name themayoral staffers getting laid off, but said it was oneof“the most difficult days Ihave faced” since taking office.

“These were people Icare about, respect, and who worked tirelessly to make adifference for our city-parish,” he said.

Departments slatedfor budget cuts must submit workforce reduction plans by Dec.1.Edwards’ proposed budgetwould notcut the Baton Rouge Police Department or Baton Rouge Fire Department.

The announcement comes after Baton Rouge voters said “no”to Edwards’ three-fold Thrive tax rededication plan over the week-

end. The city-parish is trying to close abudgetgap for 2026 brought on by lost sales tax revenue that now funds the city of St. George If allthreepropositions would have passed, Edwards’ Thrive planwould have generated more than $20 million in city-parish revenue.

Edwards is working to cut12% of his office’sbudget, the same amount he proposes to be cut from nearlyall city-parishdepartments before next year

Golden hour

EBRrecords detail traffickingcase

BYQUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

Aman who authoritiessay worked for ahumantrafficking operationled by aBaton Rouge married couple —including collecting money fromthe women forced to have sex with clients —claims he didn’tknow what kind of workhewould be doing before taking thejob, according to police. Edyn “Chupito” Arevalo, 52, wasbooked into the parish prison last week on onecount each of promoting prostitution, pandering and conspiracytocommit human trafficking, according to records from the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Arevaloworked under Maurilio “Primo” Vargas, 40, making $700 aweek to facilitate meetups betweenclients andVargas’ trafficked women, according to authorities.Vargas and his wife, Zabdi Guzman-Diaz, 40, were also arrested last week.

In an interviewwithauthorities, Arevalo said the women were typically paid $50 minimumper client.Theywere allowed to keep $25, with the other half beingcollected by Arevalo to be delivered to Vargas, according to police. Overall, recordsfor Arevalo’s arrest shedlight on how authorities say the prostitution and trafficking operationworked on aday-to-day level.

Theauthorities description of the operation also shares similarities with the “El Perro” trafficking operation, which the Sheriff’sOffice busted at the

Auditfinds nearly $50K stolen from Police Jury Moneytaken from St.Helena department’s COVID relief funds

BY CLAIREGRUNEWALD Staff writer

Almost$50,000 in COVID-19 relief funds were stolen electronically from the St. Helena Parish Police Jury in 2024, an audit says. In May 2024, about $48,000 was stolen from the Police Jury’sAmerican Rescue Plan Act checking account via a fraudulent email, according to theLouisiana Legislative Auditor’sOffice. The ARPA,also knownasthe COVID-19 Stimulus Package, was a2021 measure used to fund post-pandemic recovery efforts throughoutthe country

The Police Jury at that time received aphone callfromavendor who said apayment had not been

received, causing the department to discover that afraudulent email had previously been sent to theoffice requesting electronic transfer of funds, the audit said. The discovery led to an investigation showingthatthe Police Jury’semail accounts had been hacked.

Thedepartment, through insurance, wasabletofully recover the amount of fundsstolen, Police Jury management said in the audit.

“This means thepublic hasnot lost any money,”management said.

The incident caused the St. Helena Parish Police Jury to review and improve its cybersecurity and technology methods. The PoliceJury management said it will implement better policies, invest in advanced technology and run astrong training program foremployees.

Email Claire Grunewaldat claire.grunewald@theadvocate. com.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Thesunsetlights up the State Capitol on Sunday in Baton Rouge.

Swimmer who drowned Saturday

ID’d

BY JENNA ROSS Staff writer

A swimmer pulled from the Pearl River on Saturday was a 19-yearold man who was “so full of life,” his mother said.

The Coroner’s Office identified the swimmer Monday as Christopher Michrina, of Hammond, who drowned near Lock One, where people swim and fish.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call at 2:15 p.m. Saturday that a man had gone under the water and did not resurface, said Lt. Suzanne Carboni, public information officer A fisherman with sonar had an idea of where on the river the man was located, helping the office’s marine division pull him from the water.

“They tried CPR, but I think he had been under for a while,” Carboni said.

The officers brought him to Slidell Memorial Hospital, where he was declared dead.

Chris Michrina wasn’t a strong swimmer, said his mother, Jennifer Michrina, though he’d had lessons.

Despite a difficult childhood, Michrina was a goofy kid who loved to laugh, said his mother, who adopted Chris when he was 7. He cheated at board games but always got caught He played pranks, but poorly.

“He wasn’t very good at it,” Jennifer Michrina said, chuckling, “but he tried very hard.”

Chris Michrina adored his family including his two brothers He was scared of roller coasters, but when his 10-year-old “baby brother” Jeremy wanted to ride one, Chris Michrina took him on it again and again. He met the dog who would become his beloved Oscar at the humane society when he was 9. Later that day, playing pull tabs at the Franklinton Free Fair, his family won $100. Chris Michrina insisted that they use it to adopt the beagle mix.

Chris Michrina held no grudges and could be coaxed out of a bad mood, his mother said

“The moment you could get a smirk out of him,” she said, “that was it, it was over.”

Contact reporter Jenna Ross at jenna.ross@theadvocate.com.

DeRidder man drowns while duck hunting

Report: Survivors cling to overturned boat for hours

BY AIDAN MCCAHILL Staff writer

A DeRidder man drowned over the weekend while duck hunting in Beauregard Parish, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

John F. Lowe, 58, was found in Bundick Lake about 12:30 p.m Saturday, according to a department release.

Agents responded to the scene at 3 a.m. Saturday and learned that Lowe and three others were duck hunting in a 14-foot aluminum boat on the lake. The vessel began taking in water and eventually capsized.

The three survivors told authorities that everyone in the group had been wearing life jackets, but at some point Lowe took his off in order to take off his waders. When the group jumped in the water, Lowe was not wearing his life jacket

The three survivors were able to cling to the capsized boat until another boater rescued them.

The department is continuing to investigate the incident.

RISHER

Continued from page 1B

transportation. The steamboat made it what it is.” Cotton, cattle, sugar molasses — all of it passed through Washington. The town’s history claims that, at its height, it was the largest steamboat port between New Orleans and St. Louis.

The prosperity brought Jewish merchants who built businesses, including the original Hotel Klaus. And then it ended The last steamboat left around 1900, the railroad took over and Washington paused in place, like someone hit the historic-preservation button.

What’s striking now is how many people are trying to unfreeze it — Ortego’s hotel, the recent purchase of an old car dealership, the bank redoing the post office. There’s talk of a kayak vending machine on the bayou. The sense that something is stirring on those hilly streets. My hunch about the direction of the town was right. Dwight

RECORDS

Continued from page 1B

same time last week. Both involved a rotating “menu” of women of Latin American nationalities, shared through WhatsApp chats each week, according to records. When speaking with confidential informants who were working with the Sheriff’s Office and other authorities — multiple women said they weren’t allowed to leave the residences and were kept in Baton Rouge for only a week before being trafficked out of state, according to police.

Menus of women

Detectives received a tip that Vargas and his wife had been operating brothels on Holt Avenue since August 2024 Vargas would advertise trafficking victims as available for sex acts on a weekly menu shared through WhatsApp, according to records Included in the messages was each woman’s age, typically between 23 and 30, and nationality, including Salvadoran, Honduran, Venezuelan, Panamanian and Dominican, according to police Interested clients would then receive an address to go to meet the women Hours of surveillance on the locations showed that clients were most often Hispanic males, 18 to 60 years old.

Landreneau, the mayor of Washington, sent me a statement, “The Town of Washington, home to approximately 1,100 residents, has made significant strides in strengthening its financial position over the past few years. In 2020, the town carried a debt of over $750,000. Through careful fiscal management and a collaborative approach between the Town Council and the Mayor, that debt was fully retired approximately three months ago.”

And, at its core, the thing that kept going all these years: the Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall, still open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday Still full of treasures. Still priced right. Still the place where my husband and I inevitably find little treasures. After this most recent trip, though, I left feeling the way I love to feel when I visit a small town — like this is a place that is using its smarts to build a hopeful future.

I left thinking the same thing I said at the antique mall: “We should come here more often.”

Email Jan Risher at jan. risher@theadvocate.com.

In May, the first of multiple confidential informants, wearing a wire, was tasked with entering one of the brothels to collect information, according to arrest records.

This confidential informant, as well as all others involved in the investigation, was given funds by detectives to use while surveilling inside the brothels, according to records. While money was given to the victims, the informants did not engage in sex acts while taking part in the investigation, according to police.

The informant in May was texted one of two Holt Avenue addresses by Vargas and was led to a bedroom with a woman when he arrived, police said.

As the informant left, they said they witnessed the woman give a portion of the money to Vargas.

In October, the Sheriff’s Office again sent an informant to the brothels on Holt Avenue. This time, the informant was let into the building by Vargas’ wife, Guzman-Diaz, according to records.

Inside, the informant spoke with two women who had been seen on Vargas’ “menu,” one who said she was from Honduras and the other who said she was from Panama.

The informant also witnessed that a child was inside the residence, playing in the living room.

Later in October, another confidential informant was sent into

a Kenner residence believed to be operated as a brothel by Vargas, according to records. Vehicles registered to Vargas, and which he had been seen driving, were located outside the residence, police said. The informant said they saw only Vargas and a woman inside.

Again, the woman described the services being offered and the related prices before confirming to the informant that she wasn’t allowed to leave the residence. The alleged victim said she was originally from Puerto Rico, but came from Miami to work.

Speaking to Vargas, the informant learned that clients paid for 15-minute sessions, usually costing $25, according to police. The victims were available from 11 a.m to 11 p.m., with Saturdays the busiest days, the informant said. Vargas also told the informant that the women were sent to Kenner from Baton Rouge, usually one at a time, because there were fewer clients in Kenner, police said.

Vargas and Guzman-Diaz were arrested on Nov 6 when police executed a search warrant on a residence on Holt Avenue in Baton Rouge. Inside the house were also two women from Mexico and two children. During the search, detectives spoke with Arevalo at a residence across the street, but police said they were unaware at the time that he was involved in the trafficking operation. He

was arrested at the same residence on Thursday

Police said Arevalo admitted in an interview that he had been approached by Vargas with a job opportunity He told police he was unaware of the kind of work he would be doing, but drove with Vargas to New Orleans anyway There, he learned that his job would consist of providing security and collecting the money from the women at the brothel, police said. Arevalo told police he would either receive a text or hear a knock from a client, let them in and then leave while the sexual service was being provided. He added that he wouldn’t go far as he didn’t “want anything to happen to the women.”

Victims would see between 10 and 13 clients a day, with Arevalo collecting half of what the women collected for each session, he told police He would then deliver the funds to Vargas in Baton Rouge each week, he said.

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

STAFF PHOTOS By JAN RISHER

The old gym still has the basketball goals and the free-throw lines, now covered with antiques, at the Old Schoolhouse Antiques Mall in the town of Washington in St. Landry Parish.

Hot Wheels abound at the Old Schoolhouse Antiques Mall

Ardoin, Phyllis

St.JohnCatholic Church,Lacassine at 10:00am

Barrett, June Harry McKneely& SonFuneral Home- Ponchatoula, 100 W. Magnolia St Ponchatoula, Louisianaat11am.

Cherbonnier,Maria

St.Jude theApostle Catholic Church 9150 HighlandRoad, BatonRouge at 11:00am.

Cook, Robert OasisChristian Church,4524E Brookstown Driveat11am.

Miley, Mary ResthavenFuneralHome, 11817

theEvangelistCatholic Church,Plaquemineat12pm

Obituaries

Margaret EvelynTullier Berthelot lived and loved abundantly. She passed away peacefullyather home on her beloved husbands birthday, Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the age of 96. Margaret was a nativeofPlaquemine and lived in Addis, Louisiana for over 50 years. She was afounding member of the Ladies Auxiliary for the VFW and amember of the Homemaking Society with some of her best friends. Margaret was the middle child of 15 children and the Matriarch of our large family. She enjoyed working the polls for the elections and encouraged her family members to do the same. Margaret modeled what it is to serve family, community, church, and Jesus. This devotion to others was athread that ran through her life; she always gave of her time, talent, and money to whatever and whomever needed it most. Margaret had an incrediblememory of people, their birthdays, their anniversaries, and their stories, which undoubtedly led to her obsession with ensuring everyone correctly wore their name tagsat Diocesan Youth Conferences.Her legacywill live on through her children, Riley"Peewee" Berthelot Jr. (Susie), Ted Berthelot (Karen), Terry Jarreau (Brett) and Jeffery Berthelot, Sr.; her grandchildren, Missy DeVillier (Bill), Jay LeBlanc (Stacy), Ralph LeBlanc (Leigh), Toby Berthelot (Alexis), Todd Berthelot (Heidi), Rachel Felder (Bradley), Reagan Berthelot, Rebecca LeBlanc (Jeffery) ,Shanay Landry (Sawyer),Beth Kirby (Blake), Jeremy Vaughn (Jordan), Jeffery Berthelot, Jr. (Anna), Joshua Berthelot (Peggy)and Kristine Berthelot; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Margaret is preceded in death by her husband,Riley "R.L." Berthelot, Sr.; parents, Andrew and Laura Robeau Tullier; daughter, Peggy Ann Berthelot LeBlanc; siblings, Leona Gourgues, Eva Mae Flood, Laura Hebert, Lois Falcon, Esther Chamberlain, James "J.P.", Andrew "Brother", Ambrose, Roland, Gene, Ignace, Gloria,Betty, and Willis Tullier. Visitation will be held at St. John the Baptist CatholicChurch, Brusly on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 9:15am until Mass of Christian Burialat 11am, celebrated by Father Arun John. Interment will follow at Grace Memorial Park, Plaquemine. In lieu of flowers as per Margarets request please consider bringing acan good to placeinthe barrels at church for the food bank or donate to the bereavement committee. Please share sympathies, condolences, and memories online at www.wilbertservices.com.

Aresident of Baton Rouge,Louisiana, Cooky passed awaypeacefully at home on November 15, 2025. She was 82 and anativeofGibsland, Louisiana. Born on December12, 1942, she was agraduate of Gibsland High School and LSU. Cooky was precededin deathbyparents, Colton PenningtonShafferand MaryFrances Shaffer,sister,AnitaKayeShaffer, brothers, Vernon(Buck) Shaffer (Bobbie) and Harvey(Harv) Shaffer(Sue). Sheissurvived by her husband of 63 years, William M. Coffey,children, Pamela Coffey Williams (Ben), Blake Coffey (Laura), two grandchildren, Julia and Colton Coffey, sister, Joyce Lilly (Roy, dec.) and anumber of niecesand nephews. Cookywas employedasa bookkeeperbySchool Aids for28years.A memberof First UnitedMethodist Church forover 50 years, she was activeinUnited MethodistWomen (UMW), Covenant Sunday School Class, ChurchCouncil,and Board of Trustees. As a member of the Mission Outreach Committee she participated in thatarm of thechurch by sharing God's love in Cambodia, SouthAfrica,and Kenya. Shewas aUMW Circle leader formany yearsand participated as longasshe was physicallyable.

VisitationwillbeatFirst United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, from 10:00to 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 20th, immediately followed by the service and inurnment at 11:00.Inlieuofflowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 930 North Blvd, Baton Rouge,LA, 70802.

Cress, James Richard 'Jim'

James"Jim" Cress

JamesRichard "Jim" Cress, age84was bornDecember8th, 1942inBen Hur,Virginia. Jimpassed awayofcancer in his home in Mesquite, Nevada, November 8, 2025. Jim was the eldest of three,brother Johnny Cressand sister Linda Cress Robbins. Son to deceased parents Walker and Helen Cress. Jim grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he attended High School at Central High, later attended South EasternLouisiana University whereheplayedbasketballfor 2years. Heearned his Associatesdegreebeforemoving on to Semi-pro basketball. He met his first wifeJane Waldron of 60 years whileattending college.Jim and Jane gave birth to Mark now 62 then followed by Teri who is deceased at 40. Jim is survived by his son Markand wifeSue,his grand children Cory Cress andCody Carlson, and his wife KathieCress. "Big Jim"as he was referred to by some, was loved by many and had agiftof "gab"in which he shared his storieswithothers, especially with his friends from the Senior Center in Thayne. He rarely met someone he did not like,and wouldgo out his way to meet new people! He was called the "Mayor" because of his gift. His greatest accomplishments weremany but his greatest was his first wifeJane,his children,his grandchildren, and his newly wedded wife Kathie, sadly just 1year. Jimand Kathie aremembersofthe Emmanuel Bible Church in Thayne, Wyoming. Please noflowers, donations may be made to the Thayne SeniorCenter,POBox 1033, Thayne, Wyoming 83127. A "CelebrationofLife" will be held at the Emmanuel Bible Church on US Highway 89, Thayne, Wyoming t10:30

Frank PeterGriffin Jr., 91, passedaway peacefully on November 14, 2025, in BatonRouge,Louisiana BornonJanuary 2, 1934, in NewOrleans, Louisiana, Frank liveda long and accomplishedlifemarked by dedicationtohis family and entrepreneurial spirit Frank was honored to servehis country as a member of theNavyReserve. Adedicated supporter of theGreen Wave, he remained aloyal Tulane football fan throughout his life.Frank beganhis professional journey as a manager at GulfStates Screw Products, where he developed theexpertise and leadershipskills that wouldlaterdefine his career. In 1974, drawing on this experience and driven by avisionfor innovation and growth, he founded DeltaBoltLLC. Under his guidance,the company grew intoa respected name in thefastener industry, reflecting Frank's commitment to excellence and hardwork. Frank is survivedbyhis loving wife of 71 years, Carol Songy Griffin;his daughter, Janelle Griffin Hyde (Elvis); and his son, Frank P. Griffin III(Terri). Hislegacy continues through his grandchildren, Melissa Sutton Counts (Chris) and Christopher Griffin; great-granddaughters, TaylorFlowers Willbanks (Nicholas) and BrittneeFlowers;and great -great-grandson, Wesley Willbanks.Frank was preceded in deathbyhis parents, Frank P. Griffin Sr and RuthBurkhart Griffin, andhis sisters, Doris, Miriam, and Helena. The family wouldliketoextend their sincere appreciationtothe dedicatedcaregivers of Frank and Carol. Avisitation willbeheldon Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, from10:00 am to 11:00 am at Greenoaks Funeral Home &Memorial Park, Chapel, located at 9595 FloridaBlvd, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70815. The funeral service willfollowat11:00 am at the same location. May the memory of Frank Peter Griffin Jr.bring comfort to those who knew him and serveasa lasting tribute to alife well lived. In lieu of flowers,the family requests that donations be madetothe Alzheimer's Association, acause that was closetoFrank's heart.

Hebert,Mary Lee

Mary LeeHebert,78, a nativeofDonaldsonville and residentofBaton Rouge, LA,passedaway on Friday, November 14, 2025. She was adevoted wife, mother, grandmother,sister, and friend. She leaves behind her cherished husband of 56 years, Marvin Hebert; son, Jason Hebert (Cherie); grandchildren Claire (Jason)and Blaine; sisterJoAnn Smith;sisterin-law Georgiana Rome; her loyal dog Penny; and a multitudeoffamily and friends. She devoted her life to loving her family and friends with all her heart Whenshe wasn'tregaling everyone with her fishing talesand thefriendly reminder that she caught the biggestfish in thelake, she enjoyed showing off her

dance moves, painting birdhouses, playing Pokeno, and making lasting memories withloved ones. She's preceded in death by her parents, Camilleand Bonnie"Libby" Rome brotherand sister-in-law Anthony "Tony" Rome (Marlene), brother Ronald "Ronnie" Rome, and brother-in-law SteveSmith.Special thanks to thestaff of PinnacleHospice and The Crossing fortheir care, support, and kindness. Family and friends are invitedtoattend thevisitation at St.Judethe Apostle Catholic Church, 9150 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 9:30AM to 11AM. Mass of ChristianBurial willbe held at 11AM with aprivate entombment to follow. In lieu of flowers,memorial donations may be madeto St.Judethe Apostle Catholic Church, Baton Rouge, LA

Lawrence, EugeneAllan

EugeneAllan Lawrence Jr. passedaway peacefully on November 5, 2025, at theage of 88 in Ocala, Florida. An onlychild, he was born on September 11, 1937, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Allan proudly served his country as amember of theUnitedStatesAir Force, joining at theage of seventeen and dedicating twenty years of service,achieving the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring. He returned home to Baton Rouge upon retirement from theAir Forcein1974 and establishedtwo additional careers, oneata local television stationand lastly at Our Ladyofthe Lake Regional Medical Center before retiring again.

He was aman of many hobbiesand interests. If he didn't knowhow to do something -hecouldalways figure it out. He was an avid gardenerfor many years and lovedworking with his hands. One of his laterhobbies in life was buildingand flying Remote Controlled Airplanes, and he spent many days at the airfield.

He is preceded in death by hisparents, Eugene AllanLawrence Sr.and CamilleRogers Lawrence. Allan is survivedbyhis wife, Cholaine Lawrence, Children: Mark (Karen) Lawrence, Kathleen(Todd) Smith, and Barbara (Travis) Johnston, Stepchildren:Miles (Angel) Frisvold andChristina (Shane) Starns, and many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In memory of Allan Lawrence,his family celebrates alonglife welllived. Aprivatememorial servicefor family willbe held at alaterdate.

Sarradet, Dorothy Crowson 'Dot'

Dorothy "Dot" Crowson Sarradetalovingwife, mother, grandmother,sisterand friend passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the ageof86. She wasa resi-

When youneed thenews. Wherever youreadthe news

dent of Brusly and anative of Plaquemine,LA. Visitation will be held at Wilbert Funeral Home, Port Allen on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 9am untilreligiousservicesat12pm, conductedbyPastor Jeremy Coffey. Intermentwill follow at St.Johnthe Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery, Brusly. Dotissurvived by herhusbandof65 years, JamesSarradet, Sr.; children, JamesSarrdet, Jr andwife Deana, Melissa Sarradet, andMary Beth Devillier andhusbandGuy; grandchildren, DeannaChiasson andboyfriend, Kevin andDakota Chiasson, and PhilipDevillier;great grandchildren, Dallas Tullier,RaeLynnSwarner,and MiaDevillier;siblings, Anna C. Hubbs,and Pearl C. Tate andhusbandDavid; sisters-in-law, Mary Anita Tullier,and Mardell Loup andhusbandRaymond; numerousnieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Andrew "Dully" andFlorence"Doll" Mendoza Crowson; siblings, Lloyd Crowson and AndrewCrowson,Jr. and wife Gloria; niece, JulieS Lemoine;nephew; Allen Cedotal; granddaughter-inlaw,Lindsey Barrilleaux Deviller; andbrothers-inlaw,JohnL.Sarradet and wife Margaret, andPaul "Cutchie" Sarradet, Jr.and wife Sarah Ann, andAllen Tullier.Pallbearers will be JamesSarradet, Jr., Guy Devillier,PhilipDevillier, Dakota Chiasson, Craig Sarradet, andDallas Tullier.Dot lovedtocook and have herfamilytogether everySundayfor Sunday Dinner.She also lovedto read, sew, listen to music and work in herflower beds. Special thanks to the staff at West Towneand Audubon Home Health. Please share sympathies, condolences, and memories online at www.wilbertservices.com.

REMEMBERING THE LOVEFOR CHARLASMITH

Charla waslaidtorest on Saturday, November 1,2025. At theservice we were asked to please limit speaking to 3minutes. Beingobedient to the church's request Iwould nowliketoencourageand represent thelove shown by herfather,mybrother CharlieHaile,whomI love dearly. He andhis Baby Girlhad abond that only death could break, Charlie lovedand didall he could for herfromday one. He wouldworklong hourson thejob,thengotothe hospital andwould sometimes spendall nightwith little to no rest, but GOD kept him. He agreat support team behind himProverbs 18:22 says "A man Who Finds aWife finds aGood Thing" Mrs. Juanita FlowersHaile is just that, truly sent by GOD She has helped raisedCharla& Charlie. She hasalways supported Charliealong with herkids Madison, Jerome& Deshawn,sisters Carlotta, andPatricia, brothers Tyrone, Kenneth Darrell,Donnie& theirfam-

ilies; nieces, nephews, cousins, along with the church family, co-workers, former bosses, and friends. Charla was blessed with twomothers Cassandra andJuanita; twofathersCharlieand Nick;a sister Charquincya, anda brotherCharlie. I wouldliketosay thanks to Haile,Davis, Seymore, Pitts, Coats, andSmith Families. Special thanks to Mrs. Ava Conrad, thegifted soloist,for always showing love andsupport for the family. Thanks everyone for loving my beautiful nieceCharla BKA my Nun Nunand supportingCharlie.

Thomas Savoy,Janet L.

Janet L. Thomas Savoy aresident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at OLOL Regional Medical Center,Baton Rouge,LA.

Janet was born on November 14, 1963 in Baton Rouge,LAtoher parents, Miller Thomas,Jr., andthe lateDorothyJ.Thomas. Janet was alifetime memberofBeech Grove UMC, Clinton,LA, baptizedatan early age.

Janet was aformer employee of OLOL Regional Medical Center whereshe workedinCentral Supply. Sheloved cooking, spendingtimewithher grandchildrenand family, hostingthemonmultiple occasions.

Janet is survivedbyher husband, JamesSavoy of Baton Rouge,LA, 3bonus children, SimerneciaDickerson, JamesSavoy Jr.and Jaylyn Savoy,grandchildren Ja'shayla &Journee Dickerson, JamesSavoy III, andJyirah Williams, Baton Rouge,LA; belovedsisterin-law,Belinda Thomas Baker, LA; father,Miller Thomas,Jr., Baker, LA, bonus dad,RobertL.Jackson,Zachary, LA; brothers, Ralph M. Thomas (Sheila), East PaloAlto, CA, Miller Thomas,III (Tanaka), Gonzales,LA; Sisters, Carondelette Thomas,Baker, LA, Jannifer Moses (Corey), Port St.Lucie,FL; Aunts, Hazel Coleman, Zachary, LA, LindaWilliams, Baker, LA, Rev. InitaSmith (Leonard), Baton Rouge, LA; uncles,Percy D. Johnson, Greenwellsprings,LA, KennethColeman, Sycamore, IL; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Janet is preceded in death by hermother, Dorothy Thomas;Brother, Troy D. Thomas;Grandparents, LeoMillerThomas, Sr.and CarolineThomas; JamesJohnson,Jr. andIda Fisher Johnson.

Coffey, Gloria Shaffer 'Cooky'

Griffin,FrankPeter

Berthelot, Margaret Evelyn Tullier

Smith, Charla Monique

Some rare good news on theinsurance front

It’seasy for Louisiana residents to feel hopelessoverthe high priceofinsuring their homes against extreme weather.The state gotlucky this hurricane season, butweknowthat storms in recent years have strengthened quickly as they approached the coast andstayed strong as they came ashore,a dangerous andcostly trend. Andofficial efforts to reduce regulation to attract morecompetition haveyet to bear significant fruit.

So we’re encouragedbythe growing adoption of what seems to be the best strategy to simultaneouslyprotecthomes andgive homeownersa needed financial break: theuse of fortifiedroofs And we’re glad that Insurance Commissioner TimTemple is now joiningthe chorusinfavor of requiring insurers to providespecific discounts to customers who putthese new stormresistant roofs on their homes.

Temple, who’d previously resisted requiring specificfortified roof discounts, said recently that hisofficeisworking on arule to seta “benchmark” discount that insurersmust give to homeowners. The law now requiresonly that insurers offer adiscount that is “actuarially justified,” so the actual price breaks vary widely,and some insurers offer little in the way of relief.

Temple has in the past foughtlegislative attemptstomandate a20% fortified roof discount, arguingitwould make theLouisiana market lessattractive for companiesthat mightdo business here. By comparison, Alabama,whichpioneered the use of fortifiedroofs, sets abenchmark of 25%to30%, thoughinsurers can go through aprocess to offer asmaller discount. What’schanged, Temple said recently,isthat Louisiana is reaching the pointwhere it has critical mass.

In fact, his shift came as heannouncedsome rare good news:10,000 Louisianansnow have fortified roofs, up from about1,000 thistime last year,putting the state in third placebehind Alabamaand North Carolina

“Louisiana is the fastest-growing state whenit comes to putting fortified roofs on in the country,”Temple said.

Some homeowners have benefited from generous state grants awarded by lottery.The Department of Insuranceisnow acceptingregistration for the latest roundofgrants through Wednesday at 5p.m. In this round,1,000 applicants will be randomly selected to win grants of up to $10,000.

But residents who install fortified roofs on their own without state grants also benefitfrom the promise of lower rates —not to mentionbetter protection thatcan prevent thesortofwater intrusion that might force them from their homes for long periods. Communitiesbenefit from the widespread use of fortified roofs as well, in the form of more favorable communitywide ratings.

Like Temple, we believe encouragingresidentstoput on roofs meeting thefortified standard is the best hope to keep ourareaaffordable.

This program is awin for residents andthe industry alike. When it comes toinsurance, it’s not often that we get to say that.

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE

HERE AREOUR

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

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

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE

Cassidyhas yet anotherchanceto pass integritytest

Although Inow live in Florida, having recentlymoved after living in Baton Rouge for 75 years, Istill try to keep up withthe news from my former state. Ihave followed the case of the missing ancient cypress boardand the indictment of former state legislator Clay Schexnayder by Attorney General Liz Murrill for stealing it Although Idon’tknow Schexnayder or Murrill, Iwould make these comments about the case. If theAGfelt shehad enough to indict Schexnayder,she certainly had enough to get asearch warrant for his properties,looking for the board, which shedid not do. Apparently,the state did not want it

anymore, which would, in my opinion, lead Schexnayder to assume that it was given to him. Murrill made no attempt to communicate with Schexnayder aboutthe item beforeshe indictedhim. Since he vacated his office with state propertyinit, the fact that it is no longer there is woefully insufficient evidence to convict him on. He may have taken it, but what has been published about the case leads me to believe that the state is going to be hard-pressed to prove it. If Iwere an attorney,IthinkIwould prefer to defend him rather thanprosecute him.

ERNESTGREMILLION Tallahassee, Florida

WhenBaton Rouge Jaycees added acarnival midway to their annual trade show in 1964, they couldn’thave imagined what would follow: 61 years of the region’slargest volunteerpowered event, investing nearly $5 million in ourchildren andcommunity through the Baton Rouge State Fair Foundation.

Here’swhatthe volunteer andprofit reinvestment effort lookslike: Since 1987, our foundation hasfundedmore than 80 local organizations, including BREC, Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, BR General Foundation’sCamp Catahoula for pediatric burn survivors andTeach for America. This year alone, we distributedapproximately$110,000 in Worthy Cause Grants to regional charities focused on children and youth.

We’ve established$710,000 in endowed scholarships at 10 area institutions and awarded $400,000 in

Iagreewith Cynthia Litz’scomments about publishedletter selection in your newspaper Ialsodetect astrong biasagainst President Donald Trump, U.S.Sen John Kennedy and U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins in your editorials. Youalso run a

volunteer scholarships to more than 800 high school seniors. Each year for the past 50 years, we’ve welcomed more than 1,500 students with special needsfor afree, fun-filled day we call Buster Brown Day.All of this from an 11-day fairrun entirely by volunteers on 139 acres.

On behalf of theBaton Rouge State Fair Foundation, Iwant to thank everyone who made 2025 possible: Our sponsors, our dedicated volunteers and especially ourvolunteer board members who work year-round without asingle salary —toensure every dollarofprofit supports our community Thefair continues the Jaycees’ vision of service and community impact. Applications for 2026 Worthy Cause Grants open in January.We’re already planning next year’sfair STAN PRUTZ chair,Baton RougeState Fair Foundation

full-page ad asking for donated funds. We liveina red state. Wouldn’tit make sense to try to be more balanced and maybe getsomefunds from your Republican readers?

HERMAN J. MAYEUX Rayne

When U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy had the chance to stand up for evidence-based science, he folded to pressure from President Donald Trumpand voted to confirm an anti-vaccine charlatan to the most important health care position in the country When Cassidy had the chance to stop the confirmation of Trump’s pick forSecretary of Defense, he instead voted to confirm the manifestly unfit, spectacularly unqualified Pete Hegseth. When he was asked by areporter about Trump’splan to shake downthe U.S. taxpayer for$230 million as compensation forthe Jan. 6and classified documents investigations, he refused to comment. Now,hewill have the chance to vote to release the Epstein files and expose adecadeslong child rape and sex-trafficking ring. Iknow that he likes to speak “as adoctor.” My question to him, since he is adoctor,isthis: Is there aprocedure to reinsert your spine before Trumpsuccessfully covers up the entire disgusting criminal enterprise? Or is he going to join the cover-up?

We the people are awaiting his response.

JAMES TAYLOR Baton Rouge

Nothinggoodcan come of Kelly’slawsuit

Brian Kelly will regret the day he turned downLSU’s generous settlement offer.Instead of collecting a$30 million buyout, he’s signed on formonths, and even years, of nasty,stressful and expensive litigation.

Winorlose, Kelly’slawsuit will tarnish his legacy as one of the nation’smost successful college football coaches, not to mention the very real possibility that the lawsuit could makehim unemployable. After all, whowants to hire atop-dollar coach with ahistory of litigiousness?

Of course, all parties to this tawdry soap opera may come to their senses and quietly settle the lawsuit out of court. That would be my advice if Iwere Kelly’s lawyer

RICHARD FOSSEY Baton Rouge

Thrive defeatshows EBR

It’s time to stop calling Sid Edwards “Coach.”

No matter how much he embraces the moniker,the East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President has left the sidelines behind. Now he’sonthe field but it’snot aFriday night gridiron tilt, it’sfull-on, knockdown, drag-out politics. And parish voters on Saturday delivered the longtime high school coach amajor political loss. They rejected all threeof histax rededicationproposals, which he had branded Thrive EBR. Thrive was the product of months of negotiations and stumbles. It wasEdwards’ first major policy initiative. It was an attempt to capitalize on all the goodwill he generatedduring hisupbeat andrefreshing campaign.The changes were vital, Edwards said, to continue providing services now thatthe city of St. George is established and diverting revenue that once went to the city-parish. And it failed acrossthe board

to Baton Rouge that created mistrust right atthe time Edwards was asking folkstofollow his lead; widespread love forthe parish’s stellar librarysystem, which was being asked to give up tens of millions of dollars; or his budgetproposal, which came earlier this monthand,withits major cuts and layoffs, felt likeathreat of what would happen if voters didn’tdoashewanted them to.

like will be delayed. In addition, the systemwillhavetogobackbeforevoters next year in the hopesofgetting anew dedicated tax passed.

Edwards bears some of theblame for that.

Butnow,looking backward is not as important as trying to figure out how theparish moves forward.

First and foremost, Edwards will confronta vexing financial problem.If Thrivehad passed,the city-parishwould have gotten $52 million to pay down debt andanother$20 million annually for the general fund. But without it, the shortfallcreated largely by St. George taking its share of sales tax revenue will yawn even wider

Already theeffects are being telegraphed:Edwards’proposed2026budget lays out steep cuts and hundreds of layoffs.

Mosquito Abatementand the Council on Aging will keeptheir millages, which weren’tset to expire this year,asthe library’swas.

Politically,Edwards long ago left the honeymoon period. After this,hewill likely face arestive Metro Council whose members will be emboldened to challenge the Mayor-President’soffice now that they have seen him go all in for something and fail.

Others will also feel freetooppose him directly and see if he’sgot thepolitical mettle to face them down.

The marginswere not as large as some feared, but the statementwas clear: Edwards has lost the goodfeelings from earlyinhis tenure.

Thedefeatwasn’tasurprise.Inrecent weeks,evenpolitical insiders were convinced Thrive was doomed.

There are plenty of explanations for thedefeat: the clunky way the plan was initially rolled out, whichsparked furiouspushback and arevision to get to thisversion; turmoil and turnover in Edwards’ top staff ranks; ill-advisedtexts regarding apotential ICE deployment

Edwardswillhavetonegotiatewith St.Georgeleaders over thenew city’s contributiontothe constitutional offices, like district attorney and coroner, and retirement costs foremployees who once served the St. George area.

It’salsoworth noting that because of Thrive’sfailure, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library system is without adedicated revenue stream forthe first time in ageneration. Libraryleaderswill be abletorelyonthe system’s nine-figure reserve fund for at least next year,but certainly some capital projects andthe

In other words, he’sgot to leave the “coach”behind and become the MayorPresident. Baton Rouge needsapolitical leader willing and able to confront these challenges head-on. It needs someone willing to getintothe nutsand bolts of parish government, to collaborateand communicate with theMetro Council and to throw afew sharp elbows when necessary This is politics, and sometimes you can’twin by being nice.

None of this will be easy.Itwill require hard work and disciplined messaging. It will require difficult questions and honestanswers.Itwill requirefocus and staff unity East Baton Rouge Parishdoesn’tneed acoach. It needs much morethan that.

Email Faimon A. Roberts III at froberts@theadvocate.com.

For decades Ihave been hearing the old courtroom saying about how agrand jury would indict aham sandwich if given the chance, but Inever expected to see it happen. What the saying conveys is that grand juries, which approve or reject charges to go to trial, only hear from one side, the prosecution, and only have to find probable cause to believe a crime happened, which is avery low fence for any prosecutor to get over

But leave it to the Justice Department of President Donald Trumptofail at that elementary first step, and then to try to charge the ham sandwich on a lesser offense, and finally to fail at trial to makeeven that charge stick.

That’swhat culminated not in the trial of asandwich but rather of aman whothrew one at aU.S. Customsand Border Protection agent patrolling the streets of Washington D.C.

According to the charging documents and video of the incident, Sean Charles Dunn, 37, came upon the group of federal agents, cursed at them and called them “fascist” before heaving the sandwich into the ballistic vest of CBP AgentGreg Lairmore.

Dunn, likemanyresidents of thenation’scapital, wasupset by the surge of federal agents and National Guard soldiers into the city to do the workthat normally falls to beat cops.

After leading federal agents on amerry chase downthe street, Dunn was apprehended and charged with something like assault by hoagie. Afederal grand jury rejected afelony charge, so the office of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro had to settle foramisdemeanor charge.

The case of “the sandwich guy” wentviral and becameastunning example in manyminds of how the Trumpadministration’ssupposedly serious immigration crackdown, now in its third month, has run amok. Dunn was fired from his job as aparalegal at the Justice Department, which is atough break, although he did gain minor hero status among Americans fedupbythe lawlessness and arrogance of the Trumpadministration in turning pleasant neighborhoods into scenes of apolice state.

Among other signs of public outrage, street art appeared drawninthe style of the guerilla artist Banksy of amasked youth heaving a sandwich instead of aMolotov cocktail.

In the trial itself,itwas revealed that Lairmorecould barely feel the impact through his tactical vest, and that the greatest injury he suffered wasthe smell of onions and mustards. And the ridicule of his CBP partners. The jury voted to acquit.

Twofriends email from London about the editing scandal that ledtothe resignation of two top officials from the British Broadcasting Corporation.The resignations followed exposure of thesplicing together of two parts of aspeech by President Donald Trump on Jan. 6, 2021. Theedits made it look and sound like the president was urging his followerstoviolently attack the Capitol

tance and took other actions in support of thewar effort. This was accurately depictedinthe film “The Longest Day.” In recent years, theBBC has seen its level of trust decline.

One emailer said the first “B” in BBC should stand for bias. That remindedmeofwhatsome conservatives called CNN during theClinton administration (the Clinton News Network), because of their perceived bias.

The second writer saidthe editwas only a“mistake.” It wasn’t amistake It was deliberate and it was made with the intention of havingviewers accept theirdesired negative opinion of Trump. In another country andin another era, this would be called propaganda. If this sounds likethe editing of the CBS “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris to make her sound articulate, it should. Both flowed from the same liberal worldview.

Kudos to the London Daily Telegraph for practicing real journalism andexposing the edit of the Trumpspeech

During World WarIIthe BBC was a trusted source of information.It sent coded information to the French resis-

Asurvey conducted by David PickeringofThe Conversation, anews organization that calls itself “dedicated to facts and evidence,” noted that “Trust in theBBC is heavily conditioned by political identity.” The surveyof11,170 people in theUK “showed striking differences between howpeople with left-wing and right-wing party affiliations felt about the broadcaster.”

Theediting incident isn’tthe first time thecredibility of the BBC has been called intoquestion. Several internal studies have found theorganization to have reported unfairly on the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. The studies changed nothing as the pro-Palestinian bias has continued. It is thesame when it comes to their reportingon“climate change.”

AWall Street Journal editorial notes the BBC has had an LGBTQ desk within its London headquarters to make sure stories were favorable about transgender issues. Stories that did not reflect theBBC’s“liberal orthodoxy” were suppressed, notes the Journal. On top of this, streamers and owners of television sets are required to pay an

annual TV license fee of 174.50 (about $230) per year for acolor license and 58.50 ($77) for ablack-and-white license, acompulsorypayment used primarily tofund the BBC’stelevision, radio and online services. Does anyone still own ablack-andwhite TV? Andontop of this, viewers must watch endless commercials, someofwhich are moreentertaining and creative than the programs.

Efforts by some conservative members of Parliament toeliminate the TV license fee have failed. As in America, politicians are reluctant togive up money TimDavie, the now-resigned director general of the BBC said in astatement: “This narrative will not just be given by our enemies. It’s our narrative. We own things.”

Right there you have thereason so much of themedia in the UK and the U.S. are held in low regard. They think they “own things,” instead of exercising aresponsibility to serve thepeople fairly and accurately.Aswith other exposures of bias, Isuspect little will change within the BBC unless it follows the example of the new president of CBS News and begins hiring reporters with aconservative worldview who will presumably report conservative ideas fairly and accurately Email Cal Thomasattcaeditorstribpub.com

Like manyAmericans, I’mamused by the episode, but not because Idon’tlike cops or don’t care about law and order.Quite the opposite, I am appalled by the harm Trumpand his Justice Department are doing to law and order in this country

Unfortunately,despite his administration’s promise to go after the “worst of the worst” offenders, Trump’spolicies to tighten immigration enforcement appear to have done moreto create disorder,divide families and frighten small children than makeany of us feel safer

Some of theworst exampleshavecome from, of all people, Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, the official tasked with leading the Chicago crackdown.

He admitted to avery serious offense, lying about arock-throwing incident used to justify deploying tear gas against protestors. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis issued apreliminary injunction limiting the use of force during immigration arrests and protests.

For example, video showed him throwing agas canister at protesters in Chicago’sLittle Village neighborhood without giving so muchasa “look out below,” despite the judge’searlier temporary restraining order limiting the use of force Stories like these remind me of how Trump recently suggested using our cities, which he specified as “Democrat-run cities,” to train our military troops. Train them to do what? Create disorder?

Americans see what Trumpisdoing, and they don’tlike it. Trumpmay not want to believe it, but that’swhat voters told him in the last elections.

Email Clarence Page at clarence47page@ gmail.com.

Faimon Roberts

Cal Thomas

Clarence Page

ASSOCIATED PRSS FILEPHOTO By KIN CHEUNG

The BBC apologized last week to President Donald Trumpoveramisleading edit of his speechonJan. 6, 2021, butsaid it had not defamedhim

PICKINGA LANE

Sourcessay Kiffinfocus of LSUsearchasfamilytours BatonRouge

BY WILSON ALEXANDER

Staff writer

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin remainsa top target and is thecurrent focus of LSU’scoaching search, multiple sources told The Advocate.

LSU officials arrangedfor aprivate plane to pick up several of Kiffin’s family members Monday morning in Oxford, Mississippi, sources said,and they flew to BatonRougetotourthe city

Kiffin, 50, emerged early on as aprimary target as LSU looks for Brian Kelly’sreplacement. Kelly wasfired in the midst of his fourth seasonwith a 34-14 overall record.

Ole Miss has worked on acontractextension in an effort to persuade Kiffinto stay,according to multiple reports, butit has not been signed. Ole Miss gave Kiffin an ultimatum to decidehis future before the Nov.28Egg BowlagainstMissis-

sippi State, TheAthletic reported Floridaalsomade Kiffin atop target in itssearch for anew coach after firing BillyNapier. AccordingtoOn3,Kiffin’s family visited Gainesville, Florida, on Sunday Ole Miss hasanopendate this week before playing arch-rivalMississippi State in the EggBowl. At 10-1 overall, the Rebels likely will make the College Football Playoff for the first time. They were ranked No. 7last week and areexpected to move up onespotafter Alabama lost to Oklahoma.Iftheyare not in thetop fourofthe final CFP rankings,they likely will hostafirst-round playoff game Dec. 19 or 20.

Kiffin has said repeatedly that he feelshappy at OleMiss, buthehas not made any definitive statements about whether or not he will stay in Oxford. Ole Miss fans chanted “WewantLane” near theend of the Rebels’34-24 win Saturday night over Florida.

“I love what we’redoing here,” Kiffin said Saturday.“Today was awesome. To even talkabout it right now would be so disrespectful to our players and how well they played today.We’ve got alot of things going here. Doing really well, andI loveithere.”

Kiffin has a54-19 overall record in six seasonsatOle Miss. TheRebelshave won at least 10 games in four of the past five years, and he guided them to the first 11-win season in program history UnderKiffin, Ole Miss won 10 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1959-60. This season, Kiffin is the 11th-highest-paid coach in thecountry at $9 million per year,according to USAToday His current contract at Ole Miss runs through 2031.

For more LSU sportsupdates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/ lsunewsletter

LSUwomen startstrongand defeat Tulane

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

On one fast-break chance, MiLaysia Fulwiley threaded a longbounce pass to assist one of Flau’jae Johnson’sopen-court layups.

On another,the transfer guard popped ano-look pass over her head and down to Mikaylah Williams,who capped the kind of easy transition chance that the LSU women’sbasketball team hasfound throughout thefirst five games of its new season

The No. 5Tigers (5-0) breezed through their first four matchups, then traveled to New Orleans on Monday and defeated

the Tulane GreenWave (2-2), winning 101-71 in agame that was decided in the first quarter In Devlin Fieldhouse,LSU raced out to a27-4 lead —anadvantage wide enough to withstand what turned into amore even battle across thesecond,third and fourthquarters.

It also was enough to please coach Kim Mulkey even after a game in which her team lost the rebounding battle.

“Thething they’re doing so good right now,” Mulkey said, “is they’resharing the basketball.”

Tulane hung with Missouri in an eight-point loss onNov.6,then

ä See LSU WOMEN, page 5C

LSUaims to make coaching decision soon

The LSUfootballcoaching search apparently has shifted into ahigher gear

Our Wilson Alexander reported Monday afternoon that Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffinisthe focus of LSU’ssearch to replace Brian Kelly as its coach. Significantly, membersofKiffin’sfamily were flown by private jet Monday to BatonRouge to tour the city

keep it rolling.

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

ä Falcons at Saints, 3:25 P.M.SUNDAy,FOX

The bye week arrived at the wrong time for Cam Jordan. Yes, he andthe New Orleans Saintsplayed 10 straight games to begin the season Andyes, th er e were plenty of players dealing with bumps and bruises —including Jordan,who hasbeen dealing withanankle injury for thelast two weeks. But to take awhole week off after theSaints’ best game of the season? Jordan wanted to

“Wedidn’t(need abreak), he said. “I don’tknow.Wejust won. Come on,now.I’m trying to build upon good times. Andnow we’reinThe Hate Week.”

Needed or not, the Saints return from theirscheduled off week to preparefor aHate Week that looks much different than usual. Sunday’smatchup between the Saints andthe Atlanta Falcons will notonly be a battle for last place in the NFC South —a rarity for thesetwo clubs —but theFalcons will be withoutstartingquarterback

ä See SAINTS, page 4C Saints’schedulesoftens afterbrutalstart to season

ä Western Kentucky at LSU, 6:45 P.M.SATURDAy,SECN

Let’sall assume they were not just here for the chargrilled oysters. Over the weekend, things we have been hearing about theLSU search —aswell as developments in Mississippi begantomove in asignificant direction. Here’swhatwe’vebeen hearing regarding the search since late Sunday night:

Kiffin’soptions

Kiffin looks like he hasthree major options: stay at Ole Miss, leave for LSU or leavefor Florida.Healso could be in playwiththe NewYorkGiants, but we’ll leave that aside for now.Whatever he does, Kiffin is likely to emerge as the highest paid coach in college football. According to USA Today,that currently is Georgia coach Kirby Smart at just over $13.2 millionayear Howbig of acontract?

Despite Gov.Jeff Landry decrying the state of coaches’contracts these days (something we don’tdisagreeon), LSU will have theability —and willingness —tocompete with and possibly surpass an offerbyeitherOle Miss or Florida As of late Sundaynight,noofficial offers had been made to any candidate. But I am told LSU will do what it needs to do financially,which is significant.

LSUstabilizes

Even with all of the controversy surrounding Landry’sstatements, including those that ledtothe firing of LSU athletic director Scott Woodward, you will notice things have calmed down on that front sinceWadeRousse was namedpresident andfinallyconfirmed that Verge Ausberry would be the LSU athleticdirector.That hasled to alot of interest from sitting head coaches around the country,coaches who apparently haven’tbeen turned off by the political situation surrounding LSU.

Search standards

Everyperson LSUhas picked to be itsfootballcoach dating back to 1991 with its hiring of Curley Hallman from Southern Mississippi hashad priorhead coachingexperience. To that end, LSU should be expected to seek another current head coach,but if circumstances dictate it, the school could consider someone from the coordinator ranks.

Time frame

When would LSU ideally like to hire a coach? This is acriticalpoint with the College Football Playoff running from Dec. 19 through Jan. 19. Even more critical from LSU’sperspective is the start of the early signing period on Dec. 3. LSU clearly would like to have anew coach in place by then, meaning this coaching search will have to move quickly

Otheroptions

If not Kiffin —and obviously he could go any number of ways —then who for LSU?Two of the names to consider right now appear to be Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz andTulane coach Jon Sumrall.The GreenWavecoach will notbe discountedinthe coaching search the way former UL and Florida coach Billy Napier was whenLSU hired Kelly four years ago just because he coaches at an in-state school.Bear in mind thatTulane (8-2,5-1 American Conference)isstill very much alive for the College Football Playoff as well, ahalf-game behind firstplace Navy in the conference standings. WaitingonKiffin Thefocus, of course,will continueto

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffintalks withthe officials in

12, 2024, at TigerStadium.

Scott Rabalais

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Saints coach Kellen Moore and others watcha third-down play against the NewEngland Patriots during the first half at theCaesars Superdome on Oct. 12.

STAFF PHOTO By ENAN CHEDIAK

LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson, right, drives to the paint past Tulane guard Sadie Shores during the second half of agame at Devlin Fieldhouse on Monday. LSU won101-71.

Michigan, TCU climb into top 10

LSU stays at No. 5; SEC has eight ranked teams

BY DOUG FEINBERG Associated Press

Michigan and TCU vaulted into the top 10 of The Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll on Monday after big victories over ranked opponents.

The sixth-ranked Wolverines climbed eight spots after routing then-No 18 Notre Dame 93-54 on Saturday No. 10 TCU moved up seven places as the Horned Frogs topped then-No. 10 N.C. State on the road Sunday 69-59. Michigan’s win over Notre Dame was its biggest ever over a Top 25 team. The Wolverines, who were last ranked this high on Feb. 21, 2022, have a matchup with No. 1 UConn on Friday night in the Hall of Fame Showcase at

Mohegan Sun.

“Connecticut is really, really good,” Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico said. “I think our kids want to compete against the best. I always have a stomach ache when those games are on our schedule.”

The Huskies remained the top team after receiving 28 firstplace votes from a national media panel. South Carolina was second, fresh off a 69-52 victory over then-No. 8 USC. The Gamecocks got three first-place votes and No. 3 UCLA received the other top ballot after double-digit wins over Oklahoma and North Carolina last week. Texas was fourth and LSU fifth. Baylor was seventh and the Sooners fell one place to eighth with Maryland ninth.

In and out

West Virginia made its Top 25 debut at No. 23 after beating Duke 57-49 on Friday night in a game

marred by an on-court confrontation. The Mountaineers had six players ejected at the half due and played the second half with just five players. Duke fell out of the poll, ending a 24-week run in the Top 25 that was the ninth-longest active streak.

Conference supremacy

The Southeastern Conference has eight teams in the rankings this week, including three of the top five. The Big Ten has seven schools in the poll, the Big 12 five and the Atlantic Coast Conference four The Big East has one.

Games of the week

No 19 Iowa vs No 7 Baylor Thursday The two schools will play in the WBCA Showcase at Disney World. It’s the Hawkeyes’ first trip outside the state this season while the Bears have played in Paris and Las Vegas. No. 11 USC at No. 24 Notre

BY DAVE SKRETTA Associated Press

Purdue moved back to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll Monday ahead of Houston, which spent a single week there after leapfrogging the Boilermakers It’s hardly a two-team race for the top, though. UConn, Arizona and Duke also got No 1 votes from the 61-member media panel in a poll that also saw No. 6 Louisville and No. 8 Illinois jump into the top 10. The Boilermakers got 44

Four teams from last season.

“We have a great group of guys,” said Purdue coach Matt Painter, who also picked up his 500th career win last weekend, “and just trying to go from one game to the other I think is really hard after you have such an emotional, big win on the road like we had.” UConn remained No. 3 with three first-place votes after beating then-No. 7 BYU 86-84 on Saturday That started a tough road for the Huskies that includes games against No. 4 Arizona on Wednesday and Illinois and No 24 Kansas down the road. The Wildcats swapped spots with Duke this week, moving up with two first-place votes thanks in part to a win over then-No. 15 UCLA. The Blue Devils received the remaining No. 1 vote ahead of their

Bengals receiver Chase suspended for spitting Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was suspended without pay for one game on Monday for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey Chase spat on Ramsey during a confrontation in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game. Ramsey grabbed Chase by the face mask and punched him, which resulted in Ramsey’s ejection.

In announcing the suspension, the NFL said Chase was disciplined under a rule that applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”

Chase denied having spat after the Bengals’ 34-12 loss, but a Cincinnati television station had video of the incident. Chase did not speak to reporters in the Bengals’ locker room on Monday

Commanders release Gay, sign Moody from Bears

Kicker Matt Gay was released by the Commanders on Monday, a day after he missed two field-goal attempts in a 16-13 overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins in Spain, and a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that Washington replaced him by signing Jake Moody off the Chicago Bears’ practice squad. Washington’s six-game losing streak began with a 25-24 defeat to Chicago on Oct. 13 that ended with Moody making a 38-yard field goal for the Bears on the last play That was Moody’s first game with Chicago after the San Francisco 49ers cut him for missing two kicks in Week 1 this season.

He was a third-round draft pick by the 49ers in 2023 and played for them in a Super Bowl. Gay made 13 of 19 field-goal tries this season, a 68.4% accuracy rate.

Naylor agrees to 5-year contract with Mariners

SEATTLE First baseman Josh Naylor and the Seattle Mariners finalized a five-year contract on Monday Naylor, 28, became a free agent following a season in which the Mariners lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Soon after Seattle’s season ended, president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto stressed the importance of re-signing Naylor after acquiring him from the Arizona Diamondbacks and called it a priority to bring the first baseman back. In 54 games with the Mariners, Naylor hit .299 with nine home runs, 33 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. In 12 postseason games, Naylor batted .340 with three home runs, five RBIs and two stolen bases.

LeBron returns to practice, unsure of when he’ll play EL SEGUNDO Calif. — LeBron James returned to practice with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, and he is waiting to see how he feels after the workout before deciding whether to make his season debut Tuesday

When James returns to Los Angeles’ lineup, he will become the first player in NBA history to play in 23 seasons. The Lakers host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, but they don’t have another game until Sunday

“Just trying to get back to where I feel like myself again,” James said. “Got to see how the body responds over the next 24 hours-plus.” James, 40, hadn’t worked out with the Lakers since he developed sciatica before the start of training camp in late September, and he missed a season opener for the first time in his basketball life.

Arizona secures $60M naming rights for stadium TUCSON,Ariz. Arizona has secured a $60 million, 20-year naming rights agreement for its football stadium, the largest deal in Big 12 history

The deal with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe announced Monday calls for Arizona Stadium to be known as Casino Del Sol Stadium.

The naming partnership will include new exterior and interior branding, field logos, digital platforms and expanded integration into national television broadcasts. Arizona Athletics is pursuing multiyear facilities upgrades as part of the deal, including

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JESSICA HILL

UConn guard Blanca Quinonez, right celebrates with forward Sarah Strong left, during a game against Ohio State on Sunday in Hartford,

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

SchoolsappealLHSAA districting

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

In the second LHSAA classification meeting, 30 schools issued appeals for their district placement. Of the30schools, five high schools submitted appeals, and the Livingston and Ascension parish schools requestedtokeep District 5-5A as is.

Ascension, Livingston schools

Live Oak principal Gary Jones and EastAscension principal LaurenLambertStephens spoke at themeeting Monday in an effort to keep District 5-5A unchanged.

In the past classification cycle, District 5-5A consisted of DenhamSprings, Dutchtown,East Ascension, Live Oak, Prairieville, St. Amant and Walker

The LHSAA’s proposed district plan would move Denham Springs, Live Oak and Walker intoDistrict

4-5A with Catholic, Zachary,Central andSt. Joseph’s. Woodlawn andLiberty would join EastAscension, Dutchtown St. Amant and Prairieville in District 5-5A.

Jones said their proposal to keep District 5-5A had nothing to do withany other schools thatwere not there before.

“It was just really focused on the camaraderiethatwe’ve built withinour district,” Jones said.

“Our superintendents, Iswear,I think theyprobably talk at least once aweek.”

He said thecurrent schoolswithin District 5-5A arealikeintheir attendance zones,transfer rules and student-athletes. He added that they work together notjust on theathletic side but on the academic sideaswell.

Looking at football, thepast four seasonshaveprovided four different district champions. Jones

pointedtothattoshowthe competitive balance the current makeup of District 5-5A provides.

“It’sone of those that your students nevergoinfeeling like, ‘Well, we’re beat before we even start,’ ”Jones said. “It’snot that we’re trying to shy away from anything elsebecausewethink it’s one of the best districts in the state as far as just thelevel of competition.”

West Feliciana

West Feliciana principalKarolyn Taylor proposed that the high school move from District 6-3A to District 7-3A.

In the current plan,West Felicianawould be in adistrictwith Baker,Belaire, GeoNextGeneration,Glen Oaks and Istrouma.

In Taylor’s proposed plan, the Saintswould compete against Collegiate BatonRouge, Helix Mentorship, PortAllen and University

High. Another option Taylor offered is an agreement between West Feliciana and Helix Mentorship Academy to swap districts due to Helix sharing training facilities with the Baker school system

The main reasoning forWest Feliciana’sproposal was due to the lack of baseball and softball teams in District 6-3A. Taylor said competing in District 7-3A would allow West Feliciana to compete fordistrict honors and have moreconsistentcompetitive opportunities.

Southern Lab, East Iberville, CentralPrivate,ThriveAcademy

In Class 1A,Southern Lab and Central Private submitted ajoint proposal. East Iberville and Thrive Academy also submitteda separateproposed plan.

In the LHSAA’s current plan, District9-1A features Ascension

Catholic, Ascension Christian, East Iberville,North Iberville,St. John and White Castle. District 10-1A would feature Capitol,Catholic-PC, CentralPrivate, East Feliciana,False River, Kentwood,Southern Lab and Thrive.

Southern Lab/Central Private’s proposal would moveSouthern Lab and Capitol into District 9-1A, keep CentralPrivate in District101A, and moveAscension Christian and Ascension Catholic to District 11-1A.

Southern Lab principal Herman Brister said the moves makemore geographical sense, while Central Private principal Dana Russell pointed to the moveallowing Central Private’ssoftball team to compete fordistrict honors. East Iberville/Thrive’s proposal would moveThrive and Capitol into District 9-1A andmoveAscension Catholic to District 11-1A.

Parkview Baptistgirls,Episcopal boys winstate titles

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

The 2025 LHSAA state cross country meet took place Monday Across the five divisions, the ParkviewBaptist girls team took home itssecond straight Division III title, while the Episcopal boys teamwon theDivision III team title in back-to-back years. The state meet took place at the Walter P. LedetTrack Complex at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

Hungry formore

Afterwinning theDivision III state title last season, Parkview Baptist was hungry to get right back to the top of the podium this season.

TheEagles’ motivation for atrophy was boosted by the fact that Parkview Baptist’s volleyball team won the Division III state title on Saturday.

“The girls were definitely riding high on the volleyball victory,” Eagles coach Kate Cramer said, “and hoping that we could come out and do the same thing just like their friends did.” Parkview Baptist finished first on thegirls side with a team score of 27.Episcopal finished just behind in secondwith 39,withNewman finishing third with ascore

LHSAAcross country state championships At Northwestern State Boys Division I Team scores: 1. Jesuit, 29, 2. Brother Martin, 93, 3. Catholic-BR, 105, 4. Parkway,140, 5. Ruston, 171. Individuals: 1. Brady Monahan Jesuit, 14:59.7. 2. BrennanRobin, Parkway,15:05.7. 3. NickAccardo, Jesuit, 15:18.3. 4. Augustin Juneau Catholic-BR, 15:20.9. 5. Jayden Williams, Airline, 15:25.6. 6. Shrey Shah, Dutchtown, 15:31.6.7.Connor Fanberg, Jesuit, 15:37.2. 8. David Quintana, Jesuit, 15:38.3. 9. Brayden Berglund, Mandeville, 15:44.6. 10. Nicholas Braud, Jesuit, 15:47.1. Division II Team scores: 1. E.D.White, 87,2.St. Thomas More, 93. 3. West Ouachita, 93. 4. Teurlings Catholic, 133, 5. Belle Chasse, 136. Individuals: 1. Barrett Richards, David Thibodaux, 15:38.1. 2. John Henry Fitzgerald, St. Thomas More 15:48.6.3.Emerson Cullen, David Thibodaux, 15:57.6. 4. Jack Kelley, West Ouachita, 16:00.0. 5. Joshua Guidry,South Lafourche,16:00.9. 6. William Ledet, E.D.White,16:07.8. 7. Jack Pattillo, Caddo Magnet, 16:09.7. 8. Liam Kelso, Vanderbilt Catholic 16:09.9. 9. Matthew Plaisance, E.D White, 16:24.6. 10. Aaron May, West Ouachita, 16:27.5. Division III Team

scores: 1. Episcopal, 39, 2. Newman, 87, 3. Parkview Baptist, 91, 4. John Curtis, 139, 5. Erath, 163. Individuals: 1. Andrew Watts, Parkview Baptist,15:55.8. 2. Maximos Tsolakis, University Lab 16:04.9. 3. WilliamFoster Lambert, Episcopal, 16:06.1. 4. Logan Degruy Newman, 16:08.5. 5. Cooper Hunt, Parkview Baptist, 16:11.5. 6. Jacob Hutchinson-Johnson, Episcopal, 16:23.6. 7. Mason Kelly,Episcopal, 16:31.0.8.Dominik D’avignon,Sterlington, 16:35.3. 9. BlakeBordelon John Curtis, 16:35.5. 10. AidenGrassmann, Episcopal, 16:45.8. Division IV Team scores: 1. Houma Christian, 87, 2. Lafayette Christian, 99, 3. Dunham, 112,4.Avoyelles Public

of 136.

CROSSCOUNTRY STATECHAMPIONSHIPS

Five of the Eagles’runners finished in thetop 10. Sophomore Molly Cramer took first overall witha time of 18:19.5. Senior Georgia Theriot placed third with a time of 18:44.3. Junior Lucy Cramer was fourth with a time of 19:19.8.

SophomoreBrynlie Monistere andfreshman Quinn

Saucier wereninth and 10th with timesof20:54.2and 21:01.7, respectively

“Our goal was to go out prettysmooth, buttomake sure that matchup-formatchup, we could stay ahead,” Kate Cramer said.

On the boys side, the Eagles finished third overall in theDivision III standings, with ascore of 91. They finished just behind Newman, which had 87 points.Episcopal was first with 39 points

Kate Cramer knew it would betoughtochallenge Episcopal, but she looked for herteam to keep pace with Newman.

“They were fighting today,” KateCramer said about the boys team. “Our strategy and goal was just to keep our guys running matchup-for-matchup with Newman.”

JuniorAndrew Wattsfinished firstwith atime of 15:55.8.

“Andrew had the race of

Charter, 125, 5. Country Day, 145. Individuals: 1. Talan Sievers, Lafayette Christian,15:30.6. 2. Chimaobi Okechukwu,Westminster Christian, 16:31.9. 3. LukeAlexander, Cedar Creek, 16:38.1. 4. Jackson Soileau, Sacred Heart, 16:43.1. 5. Lawson Juneau, Avoyelles Public Charter, 16:46.6. 6. Hudson Cormier, St Thomas Aquinas, 16:48.0. 7. August Fesi, Houma Christian,17:08.8. 8. Parker Gautreau, Lafayette Christian, 17:10.9. 9. Austin Siebeneicher, Menard, 17:13.8. 10. Zack Whitaker, Houma Christian, 17:17.7. Division V Team scores: 1. Highland Baptist, 60 2. Hackberry,84. 3. Plainview,105, 4. Christ Episcopal School, 158. 5. Georgetown,163. Individuals: 1. Tyler Blissett, Highland Baptist, 15:45.0. 2. David Nowakowski, Highland Baptist, 17:45.5. 3. Devin Murphy,Hackberry,18:04.5. 4. Kendan Maricle, Plainview,18:09.0. 5. RichardNowakowski, Highland Baptist,18:13.8. 6. Omar Hijazi, St Martin’s Episcopal, 18:15.7. 7. Carl Fortenberry,Mt. Hermon, 18:32.6. 8. Colton Crum, Harrisonburg,18:45.2. 9. John Bickel, Simpson,18:52.4. 10. Noah Clark, Christ Episcopal, 18:58.0. Girls Division I Team scores: 1. MountCarmel, 55. 2. St. Joseph,89. 3. Ruston, 136. 4. Dominican,176. 5. C.E. Byrd, 227. Individuals: 1. Grace Keene, Northshore, 17:21.7. 2. Stella Junius Mount Carmel, 17:42.3. 3. Lucy Thomas, Baton RougeHigh, 18:11.1 4. Eden Dawsey,Ruston, 18:14.9 5. Hannah Schneider, St. Joseph 18:21.3. 6. KeiraMelan, Dutchtown, 18:39.6. 7. LucyQuintana, Mount Carmel, 18:40.1. 8. Ella Willoughby St.Amant,18:43.4. 9. Grace Schneider, Dominican,18:53.3. 10. Lila Silk, Denham Springs, 18:55.2. Division II Team scores: 1. E.D.White, 61. 2. AcademyofSacredHeart, 64. 3. St. Thomas More, 86. 4. TeurlingsCatholic, 120. 5. WillowSchool, 157. Individuals: 1. Emma AldanaHuelga, WillowSchool, 18:28.0. 2. Abigail Leger, TeurlingsCatholic, 18:57.3. 3. Leah Varisco, AcademyofSacred Heart, 19:08.9. 4. MiaCestia, St.

his life, and the best kick I think we saw all day,” Kate Cramer said. “I’m so proud of him. He said he averaged over a203 heart rate theentirerace, which shows aton of heart on his side.

It runs in thefamily

ForParkview Baptist, Lucy and Molly Cramer have been astaple for the Eagles running under their coach and mother,Kate Cramer

Molly Cramer delivered thefirst-place individual finish forthe Eagles at state, while LucyCramer took fourth.

“Lucy and Georgia (Theriot) were running really well with Molly,” Kate Cramer said. “Molly hada lot more in her today.When we could tell that Georgiaand Molly werefading off abit,Molly just took it from thereand wenttomakesure thatshe could get that championship and that one point for our team.”

KateCramersaidLucy and Molly Cramer love running together. The sisters, alongwith Theriot, excel at packrunning,which is crucial for success in cross country

“Theyfeed off of that,” Kate Cramer said. “Today, when Molly could feel with hersisternot having the

Thomas More, 19:12.6. 5. Caroline Molaison, E.D.White, 19:16.9. 6. Finley Buhler,AcademyofSacred Heart, 19:22.5.7.Caroline Varisco, AcademyofSacred Heart, 19:28.9. 8. Katie Guidry, E.D.White, 19:39.3. 9. AbbyMendoza,St. Thomas More, 19:41.2. 10. Jacklyn McMenamin, Hannan, 19:47.3. DivisionIII Team scores: 1. Parkview Baptist, 27. 2. Episcopal, 39. 3. Newman, 136.4 Buckeye,171. 5. Haynes, 201. Individuals: 1. Molly Cramer, Parkview Baptist, 18:19.5.2.Neva Lambert,Episcopal, 18:33.6. 3. Georgia Theriot, Parkview Baptist, 18:44.3 4. Lucy Cramer, Parkview Baptist, 19:19.8. 5. AdaMere, Episcopal, 19:42.8. 6. LaurenBradford, Episcopal, 19:52.0. 7. Sophia Feritta, Loyola Prep, 20:09.0. 8. Sophie Nguyen, Newman, 20:45.5. 9. Brynlie Monistere, Parkview Baptist, 20:54.2.10. Quinn Saucier,Parkview Baptist, 21:01.7. DivisionIV Team scores: 1. Country Day, 75. 2. LouiseMcGehee, 106. 3. Episcopal School of Acadiana, 116. 4. Bell City 146. 5. Ascension Episcopal, 177. Individuals: 1. VarenkaZhuk, CountryDay,18:19.9. 2. Sawyer Kaitlyn Hathaway,18:30.8. 3. Mary Claire Leckert,Louis McGehee, 18:39.5. 4. Celia Adams, St. Thomas Aquinas 18:46.9. 5. Bella Biggerstaff, Ascension Episcopal, 19:20.1. 6. RachelHill, St. Federick, 19:38.3. 7. Jiya Lodha, Episcopal School of Acadiana, 19:40.4. 8. Kaylee Siebeneicher, Menard, 19:48.0. 9. Colette Alvarado, Country Day, 19:55.4. 10: Sophia Acevedo, Anacoco, 20:00.1. DivisionV Team scores: 1. St. Martin’s Episcopal, 55. 2. Highland Baptist, 68.3 Christ Episcopal,99. 4. Pitkin, 122. 5. Evans, 132. Individuals: 1. Reese Jeane, Evans, 18:37.4. 2. Madalynn Salsman, Highland Baptist,19:18.5. 3. Kate Ellzey,Florien, 19:21.8. 4. Ella Blake, Highland Baptist,19:49.4. 5. Noah Watson, Christ Episcopal,20:24.6. 6. OliveDiaz, St. Martin’s Episcopal, 20:46.4. 7. Juliet Whitaker,St. Martin’s Episcopal,20:47.5. 8. Lydia Wisby,Pitkin, 20:55.1. 9. NiaNorton, St. Martin Episcopal,20:57.6. 10 Tabitha Dry,Montgomery, 21.37.3.

race she wanted andwith her teammate Georgia fallingoff,thatshe needed to go.Theyknowit’sthe low score in cross country wins.”

Episcopalboyswin again

After their streak of 25 straight team titles was snappedin2021, the Episcopal boys team has found a return to form with its second straight team titleafter winning Division III.

The Knightsfinished with 39 points, ahead of Newman, which finishedwith87 points, andParkview Baptist, which had 91. They finished just behind Newman, which had 87 points.

All sevenofEpiscopal’s runners finished inside the top20. Senior William Foster Lambert was thirdwith atime of 16:06.1. Senior JacobHutchinson-Johnson

placed sixth with atime of 16:23.6. Junior Mason Kelly wasseventh witha time of 16:31.0. Senior Aiden Grassmann was 10th withatime of 16:45.8.

“I thoughtweran very smart,” Episcopal coach Claney Duplechin said.

“I thought they pushed throughout the whole race.”

Duplechinsaidhis team’s three-year title drought was humbling after 25 years of dominance.

“When you win 25 in a row,it’skind of like, ‘Oh, my gosh,’”Duplechin said. “The first one we lost was by one point. Butthathumbled us, and we were hungry to try to get back to those winning ways.”

After winning last year’s team title by just twopoints over Newman, Duplechin called Monday’smeet at state agreat run after their dominant win.

He saidthe conditionsat

the meet werewarmer than expected,which affected race times, but overall, he was happy withhow his teamsran.

“Itwas agreat day to be a Knight,”hesaid. “Theycompetedhard. Iwas very proud of them.”

St.Joseph’sstreakends

In the Division Igirls race, Mt. CarmeldethronedSt. Joseph’sAcademy Mt. Carmel finished first withateam score of 55 points. The Redstickers were secondwith ateam scoreof89points. The second-place finish snaps anine-year streak of state titles forSt. Joseph’s. The streak was thelongest streak in thestate before being snappedonMonday.

St. Joseph’sfreshman Hannah Schneider finished fifth with atimeof18:21.3 forthe team’s top finish.

You knowhim well.Scotthas been covering LSU since 1992. He is theauthor of three highly acclaimed booksonLSU and was chosen as an LSU Expertfor ESPN’s SEC 150 Documentary

Each Monday,Scottwill puthis thoughts on the last week’sgameand thenextweek’sgame into avideo essayplacing the game in its context anddrawing historical parallels.

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C

Michael Penix, who was placed on injured reserve Monday with a knee injury

Facing the Falcons, at 3-7 and with backup Kirk Cousins, starts a stretch for the Saints that looks very favorable.

The Saints still have one of the league’s worst records at 2-8 — and teams are equally likely to look at the black and gold as a winnable game on the schedule — but New Orleans’ slate over the final seven weeks includes:

• Five opponents with records under .500.

• Four division games.

• Two teams on pace to pick in the top five of next year’s draft Put it all together and the Saints have the easiest strength of schedule remaining, as their opponents have a combined 347 winning percentage.

“There’s always an opportunity,” Saints safety Justin Reid said.

“The NFL is craziness. All the predictions you look at the AFC West and what’s happening with Kansas City and that division, with the Broncos being picked last and they’re on top.

The Chicago Bears are No. 1 in their division right now

“You can’t write a better script than what happens in the NFL. Anything can happen. But the only way for us to do anything is to take one game at a time.”

A 17-7 win over the Carolina Panthers before the bye does not mean the Saints will run the table, but players and coaches were encouraged by what that performance meant for the progress they had made as a team.

The Saints believe that game was the first all year in which they were able to play complementary football. Quarterback Tyler Shough, in just his second start, played well enough for the offense to take the lead, and the defense responded by shutting down a hot Panthers rushing attack and quarterback Bryce Young who’d go on to throw for 448 yards against Atlanta a week later

“We did it in all three phases of the game,” Saints defensive end Chase Young said about the win over the Panthers.

Saints coach Kellen Moore

“There’s always an opportunity

The NFL is craziness. All the predictions — you look at the AFC West and what’s happening with Kansas City and that division, with the Broncos being picked last and they’re on top. The Chicago Bears are No 1 in their division right now.”

JUSTIN REID, Saints

safety

said the Saints used their bye week wisely. The time off allowed players to rest both physically and mentally, he said. Moore added that he and the coaching staff used the week to self-scout each unit, emerging with a better understanding of what was working and what needed to improve.

But he also liked what he saw when players returned to the facility Monday There was a “juice and an energy” when they hit the field and weight room, he said “They’re ready to get back to playing football,” Moore said.

When the NFL released the schedule in May New Orleans’ back half seemed lighter than the first half. But in retrospect, the first half of the Saints’ schedule proved to be much tougher than most expected.

The New England Patriots (9-2), Los Angeles Rams (8-2) and Seattle Seahawks (7-3) are among the league’s best. The Chicago Bears (7-3) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4) sit atop their divisions, while the San Francisco 49ers (7-4) and Buffalo Bills (7-3) remain in the playoff chase.

Of the Saints’ eight losses this season, only one defeat has been to a team currently under .500 — to the 3-7 Arizona Cardinals in the season opener That’s not to excuse how poorly the Saints have played at times. And if the roster was in better shape, perhaps the Saints would have swung some of those contests.

But starting Sunday, the Saints have an opportunity to evaluate themselves against opponents closer to their level.

“Hopefully we can get this thing going,” Moore said.

Email Matthew Paras at matt. paras@theadvocate.com

for a play as his offense battles LSU in the first quarter on Sept. 27 at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss.

RABALAIS

Continued from page 1C

be on Kiffin unless he announces he is accepting a contract extension from Ole Miss. There appears to be growing pressure in Mississippi for him to make a decision before the No. 5-ranked Rebels (10-1) earn an assumed berth in the 12-team CFP. Ole

Miss has an open date this week, then plays at rival Mississippi State on Nov 28 to end the regular season. Even an upset loss to the Bulldogs probably wouldn’t keep the highly ranked Rebels out of the CFP, potentially forcing Kiffin, and Ole Miss, to make a decision.

For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter

LSU could play Saturday with just one scholarship QB

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

LSU faced Arkansas on Saturday with only one active scholarship quarterback.

The Tigers (6-4) may have to do so again in their matchup with Western Kentucky on Saturday, if Garrett Nussmeier‘s lingering abdominal injury forces him to sit a second straight contest and if Colin Hurley‘s absence carries into a third week of games.

Interim coach Frank Wilson said Monday that he was unsure of Nussmeier’s status for the game against the Hilltoppers (8-2). He also characterized Hurley’s absence as a “temporary leave for personal-related matters.”

“I know (Nussmeier’s) gonna want to (play),” Wilson said.

“We’re going to defer to our medical staff, our trainers, our doctors, to do what’s best for him. If there’s any way that he can, I know he’s gonna want to do so, but I don’t have those answers just yet.”

If starter Michael Van Buren had to miss snaps, then LSU likely would play running back Ju’Juan Johnson at quarterback, Wilson said. The sophomore has played as a tailback all season, but he worked as a quarterback in spring practices, at the start of preseason camp and during in-season practices as well while Nussmeier was battling his injury Wilson also said he has confidence in Emile Picarella, a freshman preferred walk-on and former star at University High

“We have a contingency plan that we feel confident in,” Wilson said.

If Van Buren appears in the game against Western Kentucky, then he can no longer take a redshirt for the 2025 season. He’s already appeared in four games The win

over Arkansas was his first start of the season and the ninth of his career which he began last year as a true freshman at Mississippi State.

Nussmeier aggravated his injury in practice Thursday LSU ruled him out of the matchup with the Razorbacks shortly before kickoff. On Saturday, Van Buren completed 21 of 31 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked four times, but he also scrambled for a 35-yard gain that helped the Tigers seal the win on their last drive.

“I thought Michael’s body of work was imperfect,” Wilson said, “but yet something that we can certainly build on.”

Weeks update

LSU linebacker Whit Weeks has missed four consecutive games with the bone bruise that he first suffered in his ankle late in a Sept. 27 loss to Ole Miss. Will the star junior try to play Saturday against Western Kentucky? Or on the road at Oklahoma in the Tigers’ regular-season finale?

“I sure hope he would,” Wilson said Monday LSU listed Weeks as questionable to play against the Razorbacks on the availability reports it released Wednesday and Thursday Wilson then said he’d be given a game-time designation on Saturday, but he was instead ruled out of action Friday This season, Weeks has appeared in only six games, and he’s played a full share of snaps in just five. In LSU’s Week 3 win over Florida, he was flagged for targeting and ejected on the first defensive series of the contest. Weeks recorded 125 tackles in

2024. This year, he has only 29. Without him, the LSU defense struggled in games against Vanderbilt and Texas A&M. But it was stingier in its matchups with Alabama and Arkansas. The Razorbacks entered Saturday’s game with one of the three best statistical offenses in the SEC, but the Tigers forced them into three turnovers and held them to only 15 points when subtracting a blocked punt for a touchdown.

Weeks can declare for the 2026 NFL Draft or play college football — at LSU or elsewhere for one more year Wilson said he spoke with the linebacker Monday, and he said Weeks wants to “finish this season the right way.”

“He makes us better,” Wilson said. “I’m respectful and understanding of his injury, of his future and the things that he’s trying to attain. I think if there’s a possibility of him being able to play, he’s going to position himself to do so. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened in the last couple of weeks, several weeks.

“We’ll try again this week.” Kickoff time

LSU’s regular-season finale at Oklahoma will kick off at 2:30 p.m. Nov 29 on either ESPN or ABC.

The Tigers (6-4) play Western Kentucky on Saturday after winning 23-22 over Arkansas last weekend. They’re now 1-1 under Wilson.

The No. 8 Sooners (8-2) defeated No. 10 Alabama 23-21 on the road Saturday. They’re still in the mix for a spot in the College Football Playoff, and they will be when they face LSU if they beat Missouri at home this Saturday

Falcons quarterback Penix to miss at least four games

BY CHARLES ODUM AP sportswriter

ATLANTA Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix will be placed on injured reserve and will miss at least four games with a left knee injury, leaving Kirk Cousins as the starter Penix suffered the injury in Sunday’s 30-27 overtime loss to Carolina, extending the Falcons’ losing streak to five games. Cousins will make his second start of the season when the Falcons (3-7) play at New Orleans (28) on Sunday. Atlanta’s top wide receiver, Drake London, also could miss at least one week with a knee injury Coach Raheem Morris on Monday said London’s status is “week to week.” Penix left in the third quarter with Atlanta leading 21-16. Penix

missed the Falcons’ 34-10 loss to Miami on Oct. 26 with a bone bruise on his left knee. He may have suffered a more significant injury when he was hit by Panthers safety Tre’von Moehrig after throwing an incomplete pass.

Morris said Penix was seeking a second opinion after having an MRI on the knee Monday morning. Morris would not confirm there is concern Penix has damage to his anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. Penix had two ACL injuries in his college career at Indiana and Washington.

“I don’t want to say that because that’s just not my place to say that yet,” Morris said. “. I want to make sure before I actually confirm anything.”

Morris said he did not know whether the new injury was related to the bone bruise.

Morris said he spoke with the

man,” Morris said, adding Penix was “really finding his groove.”

Penix, the team’s 2024 firstround pick, was 13 of 16 for 175 yards against Carolina after completing only 12 of 28 passes in a 31-25 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin, Germany, on Nov 9.

“I like how he took a lot of ownership on it last week and really was ready to have a bounce-back week,” Morris said.

Following the hit from Moehrig, Penix started to walk off the field, then sat down and waited for the athletic training staff. He then walked to the sideline under his own power and was examined in the injury tent.

the starter now returns to the lead role for at least four games and possibly the remainder of the season.

The Falcons offense struggled in Cousins’ first start of the season in the loss to Miami. Morris noted there was uncertainty at quarterback in practice leading up to the game against the Dolphins, but this week Cousins will have the advantage of taking all the first-team snaps.

“He will go through all the rotations this week,” Morris said. “He’ll go through everything that we need to get done in order for him to go out there and, you know get a win for the football team.”

team and then spoke individually with Penix on Monday

“I really hurt for the young

Cousins completed only 6 of 14 passes for 48 yards and could not move the team into the end zone against Carolina. The veteran who opened the 2024 season as

Morris said it was fair to assume there will be a heavy emphasis on Bijan Robinson and the running game with the offense missing both Penix and London.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin waits

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By BRyNN ANDERSON

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix walks off the field after overtime against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in Atlanta.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, left, pats wide receiver Aaron Anderson on the head on the sideline in the second quarter of the game against Arkansas on Saturday at Tiger Stadium.

LSU men off to best offensive start in 30 years

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

Points are coming easily for LSU basketball.

After scoring 96, 93 and 98 in its first three games, coach Matt McMahon’s team has accomplished something to start a season that hasn’t happened in more than three decades. LSU scored 90 points or more in the first three games for the first time since the 1990-91 season.

Then-coach Dale Brown’s team kept that streak going for nine games behind sophomore Shaquille O’Neal, who led the Southeastern Conference in points (27.6), rebounds (14.7) and blocks (5.0) that season.

This iteration of the Tigers will have a good chance to continue their 90-point scoring streak when they face Alcorn State at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Pete Maravich Assembly LSU is also winning games by an average margin of 29.4 points, which ranks second in the SEC. Four SEC teams, including LSU, haven’t played a power-conference opponent yet, but the style in which McMahon’s team is succeeding against lesser competition is worthy of analysis.

The team is frequently playing uptempo. After most missed shots and some makes, LSU is getting past the half-court line quickly Its

conductor is pass-first point guard

Dedan Thomas, who is averaging 13.3 points and 7.3 assists (tied for eighth in the country).

“The ball is going to be in his hands and trust him to make the decisions,” McMahon said about Thomas after the season opener

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ANTONIO CALANNI

Italy’s Jannik Sinner, left, and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz hug after the final tennis match of the ATP Tour Finals in Turin, Italy, on Sunday

Sinner, Alcaraz well above rest of men’s pro tennis

BY ANDREW DAMPF

AP sportswriter

Jannik Sinner draped his left arm and his racket around Carlos Alcaraz’s neck. Alcaraz then put his right arm on Sinner’s shoulder The friendly greeting between the two players after the latest in a series of high-stakes matches was a fitting image for the year in men’s tennis.

Sinner and Alcaraz are dominating the game and their levels are so close that they keep alternating who wins the biggest titles.

Alcaraz beat Sinner in a fifth-set tiebreaker in the French Open final; Sinner got revenge at Wimbledon; Alcaraz won again at the U.S. Open; and then Sinner defended his ATP Finals title before his home fans in Turin, Italy on Sunday. Alcaraz sealed the year-ending No. 1 ranking, while No. 2 Sinner goes into the offseason coming off a confidence-boosting victory over his rival.

“The facts are they’re a level above everyone,” said Felix Auger-Aliassime, who was beaten by both Sinner (in the group stage) and Alcaraz (in the semifinals) at the season-ending event for the top eight players. “The ranking doesn’t lie. They’re the two best players. That’s the facts.

“Different game styles, but both put extreme pressure on their opponent in different ways They keep showing up and playing good, so credit to them.”

Added ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi: “These two guys are really incredible for our sport, both on and off the court.”

It was the most-watched tennis match in Italian TV history with 7 million viewers, according to numbers released by the national ratings service Monday Sinner, who also won the Australian Open, reached the final of all four Grand Slams — despite missing three months near the start of the year after settling a doping case. “I feel to be a better player than last year,” Sinner said. “All

the losses I had, I tried to see the positive thing and trying to evolve me as a player I felt like this happened in a very good way.”

Alcaraz acknowledged a year ago when he won only one match during the group stage at the ATP Finals that he still had to learn how to play indoors.

Well, consider him adept at the surface now

“I didn’t doubt about playing and fighting toe-to-toe with Jannik on indoor court,” Alcaraz said. “I’m pretty sure that it’s going to keep growing up, my level on indoor court.”

After the loss to Alcaraz at the U.S. Open, Sinner said he wanted to improve his serve and the results were evident in Turin where he dropped his serve only once — in the opening game of the second set against Alcaraz.

“He’s actually pumped up the miles per hour and he is getting the ball closer to the line, which means he gets a lot more free points,” Darren Cahill, one of Sinner’s coaches, said of the Italian’s first serve

There was also a big 187 kph (116 mph) second serve from Sinner that helped him save a set point against Alcaraz late in the second set.

“I had already served two or three second serves in the same way (in that game) and I kept on losing the point. So I had to come up with something different. I decided for the riskiest option,” Sinner said. “Sometimes you need a bit of courage and some luck. I would rather lose that point then have him win it.”

Added Alcaraz, “That surprised me.”

While Alcaraz was heading to Bologna to represent Spain in the Davis Cup finals this week, Sinner was starting his offseason and already focusing on 2026.

Sinner will be the two-time defending champion at the Australian Open and then will attempt to win the French Open for the first time.

“Clay is going to be a big target for us next year,” Cahill said.

“We’ll keep working on that.”

“Teammates love playing with him. I’d love to play on his team. He’s gonna get you the ball right where you need it.”

The junior transfer from UNLV said the fast-paced style of play is what McMahon preached throughout the offseason.

“Coach has been really encouraging us to push the ball, get downhill, just play with pace,” Thomas said after the season opener. “He don’t want to call that many plays this year He doesn’t want to slow the game down possession by possession. He really wants to get out

and run.”

Thomas doesn’t want to take all the credit for the offense’s proficiency because he has teammates who are skilled at putting the ball in the basket. LSU has five players averaging at least 12 ppg. The leading scorer is center Mike Nwoko at 17.3 ppg.

“It’s like a breath of fresh air playing with them,” Thomas said. “Everyone knows how to make plays. Everyone’s about winning. Everyone can do a lot of different things. So I mean, they make it easy on me. They hit open shots. They make plays on their own. They get me open.”

McMahon said games against Tarleton State in the season opener and Florida International were scheduled with intentionality McMahon wanted his team to play teams adept at forcing turnovers, which was a weakness last year

Tarleton and FIU were among the best 27 teams at forcing turnovers per game last season LSU had a combined 30 turnovers in those games, which is an area the Tigers have “got to get better at,” McMahon said. The Tigers hope fewer turnovers will fuel their fast offensive start even more.

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren scores against the Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Monday.

Thunder buries Pels from start

BY LES EAST Contributing writer

The New Orleans Pelicans’ coaching change didn’t produce much of an improvement in the first game.

The second game might have been worse.

The Pelicans followed their 124-106 loss to Golden State in their first game under interim coach James Borrego on Sunday night with a 126-109 thrashing at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night in the Smoothie King Center

New Orleans allowed a seasonworst 44 first-quarter points against Golden State, then topped that by allowing 49 in the first quarter against Oklahoma City

The Pelicans’ 21 turnovers against the Warriors led to 27 points, and their 22 turnovers against the Thunder led to 31 points.

The loss was New Orleans’ sixth straight and came 15 days after a 137-106 loss to the Thunder in

LSU WOMEN

Continued from page 1C

competed with LSU for threefourths of the game it played Monday It lost the last three quarters by only seven points.

But by the end of the night, the Green Wave still found itself on the business end of another lopsided LSU victory The Tigers now have eclipsed the century mark in all five contests they’ve played this season — enough to match the Southeastern Conference record for consecutive 100-point outings that their national championship team set at the start of the 202223 season. “These kids play with an entertainment piece to their game,” Mulkey said. “They can do things that people want to come see.”

LSU turned 22 turnovers into 31 points. It shot 55% from the field and 6 of 14 (43%) from 3-point range. It also received 42 points from the bench and had four contributors score in double figures. Johnson keyed the hot start. She either scored or assisted on

Oklahoma City while Willie Green was still the team’s coach.

The Pelicans (2-12) will try to salvage one win from their fivegame home stand in the finale at 7 p.m. Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets.

New Orleans played without Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain), who was a game-time decision but missed his eighth consecutive game, and Saddiq Bey, who was a late addition to the injury report with a sprained left ankle. Jordan Poole remained sidelined by a quad strain.

Rookie Jeremiah Fears scored a season-high 24 point for the Pelicans, Trey Murphy had 18, rookie Micah Peavy had a season-high 16, Jordan Hawkins scored 11 and Karlo Matkovic chipped in 10.

Borrego opted to start New Orleans’ tallest lineup of the season by pairing 6-foot-11 Yves Missi and 6-10 rookie Derik Queen.

The Pelicans finished with a 3835 disadvantage on the boards even though they grabbed just

14 points in the opening period, then finished with a game-high 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Fulwiley added 20 points, eight steals, six assists and three blocks in the 25 minutes she played off the bench. Williams chipped in 16 points after she shot 6 of 13 from the field and 3 of 5 from beyond the arc.

Tulane’s leading scorer was freshman guard Mecailin Marshall. She notched 20 points on 6-of-15 shooting. The Green Wave outrebounded LSU 47-43, thanks to the 24 boards it grabbed off the offensive glass.

Tulane turned those opportunities into 17 second-chance points, and in doing so, prevented the Tigers from picking up another 40-point win. The Tigers missed 12 layups and 12 free throws.

“I thought our players played as hard as they could,” Tulane coach Ashley Langford said. “I thought they really focused after the first quarter, and to me, a lot of teams would’ve folded after the first quarter being down 30 or 40 or whatever we were down.” LSU next will host Alcorn State at 7 p.m. Thursday before tak-

three rebounds in the first quarter when Oklahoma City missed just 7 of 22 shots.

Chet Holmgren scored 26 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 23, Luguentz Dort had 17, Isaiah Hartenstein added 16 Isaiah Joe had 14 and Ajay Mitchell put in 11 for the reigning NBA champion Thunder (14-1).

Oklahoma City removed any lingering doubt about the outcome when it started the third quarter with a 24-11 spurt that produced a 93-67 lead midway through the period on its way to a 106-80 cushion entering the fourth quarter

Fears scored the Pelicans’ first six points, but the Thunder made four consecutive 3-pointers to race to a 20-6 lead after less than five minutes. Oklahoma City led by as many as 27 on its way to a 4924 lead at the end of the quarter Murphy scored 11 points in the second quarter, and Fears’ threepoint play trimmed the lead to 6956 at halftime.

ing a week off to gear up for its Thanksgiving trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands. There, the Tigers will face Marist and either MiamiOhio or Washington State in the Reef Division of the Paradise Jam Tournament.

Tulane is playing in that event as well, but it was placed in the Harbor Division with Elon, North Dakota and Boise State. Before that trip, the Green Wave will fly to a road game against North Dakota State at 7 p.m. Friday

“I think, for us,” Williams said, “we started out strong We had a lot of energy But I think the biggest thing we need to take away from this game is being able to continue that through the ups and downs. I think we got outrebounded. I think we got outscored one quarter, and I think that’s just unacceptable for the places we want to be at the end of the season.”

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

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

The LSU men’s basketball team huddles before heading to the locker room prior to a game against UNO on Nov. 12 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center

Atlanta Braves pitcher Cole Hamels throws a pitch to the Baltimore Orioles on Sept. 16, 2020,in Baltimore.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

Hamels,Braun,Kemp join Hall of Fameballot

Associated Press

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y.— Cole Hamels, Ryan Braun and Matt Kemp are among 12 newcomers on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot released Monday,and Carlos Beltrán heads 15 holdovers after falling 19 votes shyin2025 balloting. Howie Kendrick, Daniel Murphyand Rick Porcelloalsoare among the first-time eligibles, joined by Shin-Soo Choo, Edwin Encarnación, Gio González, Alex Gordon, Nick Markakis and Hunter Pence.

Beltrán received 277 of 394 votes for 70.3% in the2025 balloting, when IchiroSuzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagnerwere elected.

Anine-time All-Star,Beltránhit .279 with 435 homers and 1,587 RBIs over 20 seasons withKansas City (1999-2004), Houston (2004, 2017), the New York Mets (200511), San Francisco (2011), St.Louis (2012-13), the New York Yankees (20014-16) and Texas (2016). He received 46.5%support in hisfirstballot appearance in 2023, then roseto57.1% in his second.

Beltrán was the only player citedbynameinbaseballcommissioner Rob Manfred’s2020 reportconcluding the Astros used electronics in violation of rulesto

steal signs during Houston’srun to the2017 World Series title and againinthe 2018 season. Three days afterthe report was issued, the NewYorkMets said Beltrán was out as their manager,just 21/2 months afterhewas hired.

Otherholdovers include steroids-tainted stars Alex Rodriguez (146 votes, 37.1%)and Manny Ramirez (135,34.3%) alongwith Andruw Jones(261, 66.2%), Chase Utley(157, 39.8%),Andy Pettitte (110, 27.9%), FélixHernández (81, 20.6%),Bobby Abreu (77, 19.5%), Jimmy Rollins (71, 18%),Omar Vizquel (70, 17.8%), Dustin Pedroia(47, 11.9%), Mark Buehrle (45, 11.4%),Francisco Rodríguez (40, 10.2%), David Wright (32, 8.1%) andTorii Hunter (20, 5.1%). Pettitte is on the ballot for the eighth timeafter doubling support from 13.5% in 2024. Aplayer canappear on theballotupto10 times.

BBWAA memberswith 10 or moreconsecutive years of membership are eligible to vote.Ballots must be postmarked by Dec. 31 and results will be announced Jan. 20.Anyone elected will be inducted on July 26 along with anyone chosen Dec. 7bythe hall’s contemporary baseball era committeeballot considering eight players whose greatest contributions to thesport were from 1980 on.

Virginia Tech hiresformer

Penn Statecoach Franklin

BY JIMMY ROBERTSON

Associated Press

BLACKSBURG, Va.— JamesFrank-

lin was hired as the Virginia Tech head coach on Monday,alittle more than amonth after he was fired during his 12th season at Penn State.

The Hokiesbecamethe first Power Four football program to fill acoaching vacancy this season. Franklin is set to be formally introduced at anews conference Wednesday morning.

He was firedbythe NittanyLions on Oct. 12, aday after they lost at home to Northwestern to fall to 3-3.

The 53-year-old Franklin went 104-45 at PennState, winning a Big Tenchampionship (in the 2016 season),a Fiesta Bowl (2017) anda Rose Bowl (2022).Last season, he led the Nittany Lions to two College Football Playoff victories and the semifinals, where they fell to Notre Dame.

“I’mhonored and humbled to join the Hokie family,” Franklin said in astatement. “Myvision is simple: to restore unmatched excellence, to build something that lasts, and to serve this university, the Commonwealth of Virginia and our amazing fan base with honor, integrity,and passion. Ilook forward to getting to work with our players, our staff, and the entire Virginia Tech community.”

TermsofFranklin’scontract were not released. Before he was hired by Virginia Tech, Penn State had been on the hook for abuyout worth nearly $50 million.

Franklinhas a128-60 overall record, including histhreeseasons at Vanderbilt.InBlacksburg, he takesover for hisformer Nittany Lions defensive coordinator, Brent Pry,who was fired Sept.14 after theHokies lost their first three games by an average of 18.7 points.Virginia Tech started0-3 for thefirst time since 1987.

Pry went 16-24, including 10-13 in ACC play,inhis three-plus sea-

sons. The Hokies (3-7, 2-4 ACC) since have been led by interim coach Philip Montgomery Franklin was malignedatPenn Statefor not winning big games he went 4-21 against teams ranked in thetop 10 of the AP poll —but he brings credibility to aVirginia Tech program that has struggled sinceFrank Beamer retiredin 2015 after 29 years at the helm

Athletic director Whit Babcock first hired JustinFuenteand then Pryinhopes of continuing the success enjoyed by Beamer,but both coaches floundered.Thatprompted Virginia Tech President Tim Sands to form asearch committee to hire thenext coach and limit the scope of Babcock’srole.

The Hokies have just four winning seasons since Beamer’sretirementand six sinceBabcock became the AD in 2014.

The committee landed on Franklin, whose Penn State teams won at least 10 games six times during histenure. Franklin also showed

SCOREBOARD

(126) Dort 5-9 3-317, Holmgren 10-14 3-426, Hartenstein 7-10 2-316, Gilgeous-Alexander 5-9 10-10 23,

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING—Detroit, Gibbs 12-39,Montgomery 6-27, J.Williams 1-9,Stuard1-0, Goff

1). Philadelphia, Barkley 26-83,Bigsby

Hurts 10-31. PASSING—Detroit, Goff 14-37-1-255. Philadelphia, Hurts 14-28-0-135.

RECEIVING—Detroit, Gibbs 5-107, J.Williams 4-88, St. Brown2-42,Wright 2-8,Montgomery 1-10. Philadelphia, A.Brown7-49,Dotson 2-43, Goedert 2-24,D.Smith 1-8,Barkley

Granson 1-4. MISSED FIELD GOALS—None. Pro basketball

EASTERN CONFERENCE

3-10 0-07,Dieng 0-10-0 0, Jay.Williams 0-20-0 0, Carlson 2-52-4 7, Barnhizer1-1 0-02,Joe 5-11 0-014, Mitchell 4-14 3-4 11, Youngblood 1-10-0 3. Totals 4387 23-28 126. NEW ORLEANS (109) MurphyIII 6-9 2-218, Queen 3-10 3-4 9, Missi 3-6 0-06,Fears 9-16 4-524, Jones 1-8 2-25 Matkovic 4-5 0-010, Peavy7-9 0-016, Alvarado 3-9 0-0 6, Hawkins5-110-0 11, McGowens 1-3 2-24.Totals 42-86 13-15 109. Oklahoma City 49 20 36 21 —126 New Orleans 24 32 24 29 —109 3-Point Goals—Oklahoma City 17-42 (Dort 4-6, Joe 4-10, Gilgeous-Alexander 3-5, Holmgren 3-6, Youngblood 1-1, Carlson 1-3, Wallace1-4, Dieng 0-1, Hartenstein 0-1, Jay. Williams 0-1, Mitchell 0-4),New Orleans 1228 (MurphyIII 4-5, Matkovic 2-3, Peavy2-3, Fears 2-5, Jones1-3,Hawkins1-5, Alvarado 0-4). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Oklahoma City 38 (Holmgren 9),New Orleans 35 (Queen 8). Assists—Oklahoma City 30 (Gilgeous-Alexander8), New Orleans21 (Hawkins 6) Total Fouls—Oklahoma City 20, New Orleans 26. A—13,757 (16,867) College football Tuesday MIDWEST Akron (4-7)atBowlingGreen (3-7), 6p.m. Umass (0-10) at Ohio (6-4), 6p.m. W. Michigan (6-4)atN.Illinois(3-7),6p.m. College basketball State men’s schedule Monday Lamar 79, Louisiana-Monroe 66 Tuesday Grambling at SanDiego, 6p.m. Alcorn at LSU,7p.m. UNO at Pepperdine,8p.m. Southern at Washington, 8:30 p.m. Northwestern State at San Francisco,9p.m. UL at Stanford, 9p.m. National scores EAST Colgate 72, Siena69 Le Moyne 74, Niagara68 Pennsylvania 83, Saint Joseph’s 74 Pittsburgh 84, Bucknell50 West Virginia 81, Lafayette 59 SOUTH Drake71, Charleston 62 Florida Atlantic92, Coastal Georgia63 Georgia 87, Florida A&M 57 High Point 93, Canisius 50 Liberty 98, Carolina46 North Carolina State 85, VCU79 UAB112, Rhodes 56 UCF 87, Oakland 83 West Georgia 61, Tennessee Tech 59 SOUTHWEST RogersState 77, Ozarks59 FARWEST BlackHills State 89, TexasA&M Int’l 57 TexasRio Grande Valley 110, Southwestern Adventist53 State women’s schedule Sunday UL-Monroe 79, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 50 McNeese 49, Tarleton State 47 Arizona 85, Grambling64 Monday LSU 101, Tulane 71 LSU (5-0) Koval0-4 2-2 2, ZaKiyahJohnson 5-7 4-714, Flau’Jae Johnson9-132-4 22, Richard 2-4 1-1 5, Williams6-131-2 16, Joyner 5-82-5 12, Knox2-5 0-04,Yarnevich 0-00-0 0, Bourrage 0-0 0-00,Fulwiley 7-12 5-720, Gilbert 2-31-1 5, Hines 0-0 1-21,Totals38-69 19-31 101 TULANE (2-2) Mabry 4-11 0-08,Brown 2-80-0 4, Daniel 4-13 0-2 9, Shores 2-60-0 5, Sneed2-6 2-28 Hanna 3-4 0-06,Weaver2-5 0-04,Marshall 6-15 4-4 20, Mays 1-40-0 2, Robinson 2-9 1-1 5, Totals 28-81 7-971 LSU 33 25 20 23 —101 Tulane 10 24 18 19 —71 3-Point Goals—LSU6-14(F.Johnson 2-3, Richard0-2, Williams 3-5, Fulwiley1-4),Tulane 8-32 (Mabry 0-5, Brown0-4,Daniel 1-6, Shores 1-2, Sneed 2-2, Marshall 4-8, Mays

an abilitytorecruitinVirginia. In 2023, he signed six of the top 10 prospects in the state, according to various recruiting services, andone of his best players in the past five yearswas TylerWarren, a tight end from the Richmond area whowas afirst-round NFLdraft pick by the Indianapolis Colts this spring andisflourishing as a rookie.

“His experience, passion, and record of success embodyour commitment to compete at the highest level,” Sands said of Franklin in astatement. “His selection is the resultofunprecedented collaboration by our athletic administration with university leaders, esteemed alumni, including former NFL coaches and players, and our most dedicated supporters.

“James will provide the leadership and inspiration our studentathletes need, and the performance on the field that our university community,alumni, and fans expect and deserve.”

ASSOCIATEDPRESS FILEPHOTO By BARRy REEGER

James Franklin watches the action during Penn State’sloss to NorthwesternonOct. 11 in State College, Pa.Penn State fired Franklinas head coach after the loss, and VirginiaTech hired him on Monday.

CASHING IN

BY MATTHEW HAINES

Contributing writer

Imagine receiving aphone call one afternoon from an unfamiliar voice notifying you that you aredue $12,218. Adding to your suspicion, they say they want to presentyou with the money at a public check ceremony.

This is the call Karla Houston received thispast February. Shewas sitting in her doctor’s waitingroom,her husband beside her “My husband whisper-yelled, ‘This is ascam! Hang up! This is ascam!” which is obviously the explanation that makes the most sense,” recalled Houston, who works in the Transportation Safety Department at LouisianaState University. “But,also, part of me wondered, ‘What if it’sreal?’”

Sympathetic to her wariness, the mysterious caller encouraged Houston to contact the State Treasurer’sOffice. When she did, Houston learned she was owed money from stock her father had purchased for her decades ago.

“It was the only stock I’dever owned

Food,shelter

Lots of people are interested in attracting wildlife to their landscapes. Whether you are an avid bird watcher or simply delight in seeing squirrels frolic in the trees, there are things you can do to make an area more enticing to all sorts of

Jessie Hoover,anLSU AgCenterhorticulture agent based in the Feliciana Parishes,has advice on how you can transform your backyard or another piece of property into awildlife haven. Food “The first thing that Irecommend is that you plant diverse plants in your landscape,” Hoover said. “So, you want to look for things with berries, seeds, acorns and nuts that will attractall different types of wildlife.” Trees are wonderful produc-

Thestate treasurer’sUnclaimed Properties department has$1.4billion to distribute to theproperowners. Areyou oneofthem?

outside of my retirement plan, andI guess Iforgotabout it,” she said. “The company must have been sold or it did asplit or something, Idon’tknow what happened.

Tenyears ago, Houston said she moved around thecorner from her formerhomeinBaton Rouge. Notall of her mail was forwarded.Whenthe company attempted to payher,they hadnoway to get in touch.

According to experts, this story and many like it —are far more commonthan you would think. Houston learned that the department reaching out to her was the Unclaimed Properties department, adivision within the office of the state treasurer “Once Iunderstoodwhatwas going on, Iagreed to do thecheck presentation ceremony,” Houston said. “It was a way forthem to get theword out about their program.”

That program,according to its director,Kathleen“Kitty”Lobell, currently has an astronomical $1.4billioninits possession.

But Lobell and her department’s

charge is not to hang ontothat funding.

It is to find thethousands of Louisianans who are owed aportion of it, and to distributethe money to them.

“Thatiswhy we exist,”saidLobell,

who hasworkedatthe department for more than 38 years. “Some people are owed aliteralpenny or two —maybe from some small stockdividends while others are owed several millions of dollars through things like oil rights. We want to get you your money.”

Othersources of funding include winnings from sports bets, insurance claims,inactive bankaccountsand inheritance.

“It’sbasically every source of income you can imagine andmanyyou can’t,” Lobell added. Residents can find money they are owed by visiting unclaimedproperty la.gov and simply typing in your name, city and ZIP code.

Lobell said she encourages everyone she knows to check for themselves on thesite, using multiple spellings of their nameincase there is atypo. Also, if you have moved,itisimportanttoenter past cities and ZIP codes.

“My sonfound money owed to him once, and Igave him the toughest time.

ers

“It

MARGARET DELANEY Staff writer

PROVIDED PHOTO

Karla Houston received an unclaimed property check from the State Treasurer’sOffice.

By The Associated Press

Today is Tuesday, Nov 18, the 322nd day of 2025. There are 43 days left in the year Today in history:

On Nov 18, 1978, U.S.

Rep. Leo J. Ryan of California and four others were killed on an airstrip in Jonestown, Guyana, by members of the Peoples Temple; the killings were followed by a night of mass murder and suicide, resulting in the deaths of more than 900 cult members.

Also on this date:

In 1928, “Steamboat Willie,” the first cartoon with synchronized sound as well as the first release of the character Mickey Mouse, debuted on screen at the Colony Theater in New York.

In 1987, an underground fire broke out in the King’s Cross St. Pancras subway station in London, causing 31 deaths.

In 1991, Shiite Muslim kidnappers in Lebanon freed Anglican Church envoy Terry Waite and Thomas Sutherland, the American dean of agriculture at the American University of Beirut.

In 1999, 12 people were killed and dozens injured when a bonfire under construction at Texas A&M University collapsed. The stack of thousands of logs more than 50 feet tall gave way ahead of an annual bonfire tradition marking a Texas A&MTexas rivalry football game in College Station.

In 2005, eight months after Robert Blake was acquitted of murdering his wife at a criminal trial, a civil jury decided the actor was behind the killing and ordered him to pay $30 million to Bonny Lee Bakley’s children.

In 2021, more than half a century after the 1965 assassination of Malcolm X, two of his convicted killers were exonerated; a New York judge dismissed the convictions of Muhammad Aziz and the late Khalil Islam after prosecutors and the men’s lawyers said a renewed investigation had found new evidence that undermined the case against them.

Today’s Birthdays: Author Margaret Atwood is 86

Actor Linda Evans is 83 Actor Delroy Lindo is 73. Comedian Kevin Nealon is 72 Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon is 69. Actor Oscar Nunez is 67. Actor Elizabeth Perkins is 65. Rock musician Kirk Hammett (Metallica) is 63 Author and lecturer Brené Brown is 60 Actor Romany Malco is 57. Actor Owen Wilson is 57. Commentator Megan Kelly is 55. Actor Chloë Sevigny is 51. Baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz is 50. Rapper Fabolous is 48. NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin is 45. Actor-comedian Nasim Pedrad is 44. Actor Damon Wayans Jr is 43 Olympic track and field gold medalist Allyson Felix is 40. Fashion designer Christian Siriano is 40.

CASHING

Continued from page 1D

Maxwell’s Market

6241 Perkins Road and 7620 Corporate Blvd.

Maxwell’s Market is already thinking in the future with a full holiday menu, a craft they have perfected for the past 25 years.

The Market’s popular oyster dressing is available, as well as their chicken and andouille and shrimp and okra gumbos. Entrees available include a 14- to 16-pound roasted turkey turkey breasts, beef tenderloins and prime rib roasts.

Traditional sides available include garlic Parmesan mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, spinach Maxwell creamy macaroni and cheese, gravy, cranberry sauce and bourbon sweet potato, sweet corn and green bean casseroles. All sides come in two sizes: small at $29 that serves 6 to 8 people, and large at $42 that serves 10 to 12 people.

All orders are available for pickup on Nov 25 and 26.

Bergeron’s City Market 8200 Jefferson Highway

Bergeron’s holiday menu has everything and more. From hot crab dip to Boursin cheese balls to crabmeat and eggplant casserole, the market’s menu is vast

On top of traditional sides and turkey options, Bergeron’s has butternut squash and tasso soup, chicken and sausage gumbo, jumbo cocktail shrimp, potatoes au gratin, boneless Coca-Cola glazed carving ham, cane syrup glazed pork tenderloin and fresh-baked rolls by the dozen.

The market also has whole roasted turkey, sliced dark and white turkey meat, deep fried turkey breast, turkey gravy and cranberry relish available.

Orders for the holidays can be made by email, to info@chefdonb. com, or by phone at (225) 927-3998.

City Pork

2921 Government St. City Pork Catering and Events is providing Baton Rouge families with three separate Thanksgiving dinner packages, as well as an a la carte menu:

n The smoked whole turkey package includes a Cajun-injected and smoked turkey with gravy cranberry sauce and a choice of two sides. This option serves 10 to 12 people for $169.99.

n The whole spiral cut bone-in ham package includes the star ham and a choice of two sides. This option serves 10 to 12 people for $189.99.

n The third package includes three sides and a dessert of choice. Side options include sweet potato casserole, creamed spinach, macaroni and cheese, green beans, smoked corn grits, cauliflower au gratin and boudin rice dressing. Dessert options include chocolate cream, pumpkin, southern pecan and apple lattice pies for $159.99.

All orders are picked up cold with reheating instructions included. Orders are due by noon Nov 21.

WILDLIFE

Continued from page 1D

even browse on red mulberry.” Mayhaw is another native species that feeds wildlife.

“That’s a great native tree that provides a berry that is a food source for a lot of songbirds,” Hoover said. “I’ve even seen box turtles eating mayhaws that fall to the ground.”

Hollies are great choices, too. They provide wildlife with food throughout the winter, and with a wide range of cultivars on the market, there’s a

‘Keep up with your finances and have your mail forwarded,’ I told him!” she laughed “But he’s my son. I won’t give you a tough time if you find your name. We’ll be happy for you!”

Making a big difference

Lobell and her Unclaimed Properties team use a variety of methods to connect recipients with their funding Public events like Karla Houston’s check ceremony are one example an attempt to raise awareness for the program as are events at public libraries and nursing homes. The department also pays for ads on various in-print and online media. For larger accounts, they make individual phone calls.

Houston said she is thankful Unclaimed Properties took the time to contact her “This money made a big differ-

Owner Galen Iverstine looks at their selection of sausage

turkeys as well as an entire Thanksgiving feast to go.

Gourmet Girls

1660 Lobdell Ave., Suite 100

Gourmet Girls is taking Thanksgiving by storm with its new menu featuring green bean and mushroom casserole, pumpkin and crab bisque, cranberry and satsuma sauce with Grand Marnier, brown butter pumpkin macaroni and cheese, bourbon fig brie en creote, pumpkin mousse cake, chocolate bourbon pecan pie and more.

The boutique catering company also has the perfect pickup for party appetizers with a family-size charcuterie board and fruit and cheese display available.

Orders for Thanksgiving catering at Gourmet Girls must be made by Saturday, Nov 22. Orders can be placed online, by emailing gourmetgirlsbr@yahoo.com or calling (225) 252-0999.

Rouses All grocery store locations

The Louisiana-born grocery store has turkeys available by the pound, both uncooked and precooked. Rouses also offers full-service dinners like the “Heat and Eat Traditional Dinner,” featuring a choice of protein with cornbread dressing, green bean casserole with fried onions, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry orange relish and dinner rolls.

For more information or to place an order, call local stores.

Alexander’s Highland Market

18111 Highland Market Drive

Alexander’s Highland Market is ready for the holiday season with their “Season’s Greetings” readymade dinners.

Two dinners — a choice between traditional turkey and roasted pork tenderloin come with andouille cornbread dressing, garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, dinner rolls, an additional vegetable or casserole dish and a pie each for $169.99.

The market also has deep-fried turkey, pork roast, smoked ham,

holly tree or shrub to suit practically any landscape. Native shrubs such as American beautyberry and elderberry also are food sources for wildlife. And don’t forget to include nectar-rich flowers for hummingbirds and other pollinators. When choosing plants for wildlife food, think about what time of year their fruit and flowers mature. Try to create a year-round buffet that will serve a variety of animals

Shelter

For wildlife to feel comfortable on your property, they need places to hide, rest and nest.

ence for my family,” she said. “Our heater wasn’t working, and while that’s usually OK in Louisiana, it can also get really cold here during the winter This funding allowed us to buy a new central heating unit.”

The department is the result of a 1972 Louisiana law, requiring companies to report any uncollected funds to the state. For years, if unclaimed property sat in the state’s accounts for more than a year, it would be swept into the government’s general fund. As of 2018, that is no longer the case.

“That created a huge liability, as you can imagine,” Lobell explained. “Because no matter how long it takes them to find us, when an individual discovers they are owed money, they can collect and we need to have that money available for them.”

It isn’t always individuals, however, who are owed money In some cases, organizations such as nonprofits can find unclaimed funds on the site, as well.

This was the case with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdi-

ocesan Council of New Orleans, who discovered they were owed approximately $14,500 through a variety of sources.

The nonprofit is estimated to have assisted more than 18,000 Louisianans in 2025, primarily in the New Orleans area, through programs that provide food, housing, clothing, emergency assistance, education, and even burials for loved ones. Funding is always a challenge, so executive director Michael Bourg says that every dollar raised is an opportunity to help more local residents.

“Of course, when I got the call from Unclaimed Properties, I didn’t believe it at first,” he said “People don’t just call you and say they have money for you. But that is exactly what happened.”

“We are so thankful,” Bourg added. “This money is going to be used to help a whole lot of people.”

Find your friends and family

Each year, the amount of money left uncollected in the Unclaimed Properties division grows. Despite

Eye

prime rib with au jus, shrimp and Mirliton dressing, crawfish and poblano pepper casserole, bacon pecan stuffing, crawfish cornbread, chocolate peanut butter pie and more.

Alexander’s holiday menu also includes a Thanksgiving pairing of 18 wines. If customers mix and match a case, they get an extra 10% off. To place a holiday dinner order with Alexander’s Highland Market, call (225) 615-7800.

CounterspaceBR

5621 Government St. Although known for their takeand-bake desserts and chocolate chip cookies, CounterspaceBR is changing its tune with the Thanksgiving pre-order menu. The shop will serve up classic pies — including flavors like brown sugar chess, pumpkin, pecan, apple, cold brew and apple sage Gouda as well as take and bake cinnamon rolls, bacon and spinach quiche and biscuits for

“That can be a tree, or you can use manmade shelters,” Hoover said.

Thanksgiving brunch.

In addition to the brunch and sweet treats, for every corn casserole and sweet potato casserole sold, CounterspaceBR will donate one to the community fridge.

All items must be ordered by Nov 21.

Frank’s Restaurant

17425 Airline Highway, Prairieville

Catering options at Frank’s Restaurant include spiral sliced glazed ham, crab, shrimp and corn bisque and turkeys starting at $119. Frank’s has four different styles of turkey: Cajun spicy fried turkey, Cajun lighter-spice fried turkey, hickory smoked turkey or herb-baked turkey All fried turkey options are fried in peanut oil.

Franks also has full Thanksgiving dinner packages including dressings, rolls, cranberry sauce, traditional sides and a dessert of choice. Hate having to deal with the carving and mess that comes with it? The restaurant also offers carving services for $15.95 per turkey Order online at www.franksrestaurantla.com.

Elsie’s Plate and Pie 3145 Government St. Elsie’s Plate and Pie, which was recently recognized by the Michelin Guide, has 11 pies available for preorder for Thanksgiving: Eye of the Tiger, apple, chocolate cream, lemon ice box, turtle, chocolate pecan, coconut cream, s’mores, pumpkin streusel and almond joy

The Thanksgiving menu also features a take-and-bake crawfish queso macaroni and cheese, chicken and sausage cornbread dressing and Parmesan whipped potatoes. Orders can be made online at www.elsiespies.com.

Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@theadvocate. com.

Do a little research on what kinds of shelter are preferred by the species you’re interested in attracting. You may want to build some birdhouses and bat boxes. Some animals like to hole up in piles of brush and logs. Many types of wildlife — along with the insects they feed on — appreciate dead plants. Some take advantage of past-their-prime plants and leaf litter for shelter Birds and small mammals weave the material into their nests. As plants in your landscape turn brown this winter, consider leaving them — they’re still providing a valuable service. Water

Out of the three essentials for life, water is arguably the most critical. You can supply fresh water in birdbaths or other containers. Just keep in mind that stagnant water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and algae — so be sure to regularly clean and refill water dishes or use some sort of pump or agitator

Moving sources of water like fountains are best. Animals’ ears perk up at the sound of flowing water, and the movement helps keep the water fresh.

the department’s best efforts, the staff does not have the resources to locate the vast majority of individuals and organizations owed funding.

Lobell encourages everyone not just to look for themselves on the site, but also to look for friends, family members and co-workers.

That is exactly what Tara Tolford-Marthaller a researcher at the University of New Orleans’ Transportation Institute, did.

“When I heard about the program back in 2020, I figured I must be owed money,” she laughed. “I’ve lived here since 2003, moved eight times, and have this hyphenated last name. Surely some company has tried to track me down with money I was owed and not been able to find me.”

Unfortunately, despite several attempts using multiple iterations of her last name, Tolford-Marthaller’s search came up empty She decided to turn her disappointment into a quest: “to find someone, anyone I knew on the site.”

This, it turned out, was very easy

“I started with my partner and ‘Bam!’ he was owed money from four different sources,” she said. “Then I went to close friends who lived here, close friends who moved away, my partner’s family members, my ex-boyfriends, colleagues, Facebook friends, anyone!”

“So many of them were owed money,” Tolford-Marthaller continued, “and with a little prodding, they claimed their checks. Some small and some not-so-small.” She even learned you can search for money owed to you in other states on missingmoney.com. And, although Tolford-Marthaller said none of her luckier friends have yet to so much as buy her a cup of coffee for her help, she is driven to continue by a sense of duty to help those who aren’t in front of a computer as often as she is.

“But, mostly,” she said, “it’s a way to feel good about procrastinating for 20 minutes every now and then.”

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

meats at Iverstine Butcher on Oct. 7 Iverstine offers

PROVIDED PHOTO

of the Tiger pie is one of 11 pies available for preorder for Thanksgiving at Elsie’s Plate and Pie.

scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) It's essential to fulfill your needs and take responsibility for your happiness if you want to satisfy your soul. A chance meeting or conversation that moves you will impact your next step.

sAGIttARIus (nov 23-Dec. 21) Explore the possibilities. A change that offers greater freedom to use your skills and experience will encourage you to expand your knowledge and techniques.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Participate in events that offer insight into something or someone of interest. Acting and being part of the solution will lead to an interesting turn of events.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Embrace what makes you happy and confident and helps you set goals. Refuse to let someone else's drama cloud your vision, causing you to miss a valuable opportunity.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Focus your energy where it counts, be meticulous about learning and prioritize your health. Research what's available and choose the path that satisfies your soul.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Offering more than you can afford or physically do will put you in a vulnerable position Choose your words wisely and know your worth. It's up to you to make wise life choices and changes.

tAuRus (April 20-May 20) You're in a better position than you realize. Don't let what others do or say lead you astray.

Don't be shy when it comes to change, partnerships and doing things differently.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Get the lowdown, abide by the rules and bring about changes that will offset any negativity in your life. Know your strengths when dealing with others, and you'll come out on top.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) A positive approach to work, money and health will enable you to make better choices. Pick and choose what puts a smile on your face and renews your faith in what's yet to come.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) You'll gain perspective by stepping out into the mainstream and observing how others are coping. Trust your instincts and put your energy toward something that offers concrete results.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) A destination that offers a unique alternative to your current lifestyle will be eye-opening. Looking back can help you see what lies ahead as history repeats itself

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Charm meets honesty when conversing. You can make a difference to the outcome of a situation if you choose your words wisely. Looking at a situation from a different angle will provide insight.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2025 by NEA, Inc., dist.

By Andrews McMeel Syndication

FAMILY CIrCUS

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

toDAy's cLuE: E EQuALs Z

CeLebrItY CIpher

For better or For WorSe

peAnUtS

zItS

And erneSt

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM SherMAn’S LAGoon

nea CroSSwordS

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. Theobject is to place the numbers 1to9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of theSudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

THewiZard oF id

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS CurTiS

By PHILLIP ALDER Bridge

Henri-Frederic Amiel,a 17th-century Swissphilosopherandpoet,said,“Doing easily what others find difficult is talent;doing whatisimpossible for talent is genius.”

Yesterday’s deal wasdifficult; today’s requires genius. But as you have been warned to look for something unusual, maybe you will see thewinning play for South.Heisinthreeno-trumpafterEast has overcalled in hearts. West leads the heart jack and East encourages withhis nine. What should declarer do?

South’snegativedoubleshowedexactly four spades. Hissecond-roundjump to three no-trumpwas atad precipitate. He shouldhave made agame-forcing two-heartcue-bid.Then,perhaps,NorthSouth would have reached five clubs, which would have been bulletproof with this layout.(Even four spades can be made!)

South starts with eight toptricks: four spades, one heart (given trick one), two diamonds and one club. Obviously, numerous more winners are available from the clubs.

AndifEasthasthecourtesytoholdthe kingforhisovercall,Southmighttakeall 13 tricks. However, note what happens if declarer makes thenatural-looking play of winning the first trick, playing aspade to dummy’s king, and running the club 10 (or playing low to his jack).

West produces the club king, then leads his second heart. East takes four tricks in that suit for downone.

Tomakehiscontract,Southmustduck (lose) the first trick! Yes, West may lead his second heart and Eastcan win with his ace, but dummy’s10isstill astopper. AndEast has no entry card.

©2025 by NEA,Inc., dist.

By Andrews McMeel Syndication

Each Wuzzle is awordriddlewhich creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of fourormore letters. 2. Words that acquire fourletters by the addition of “s,”such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.3 Additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit wordsare not allowed toDAy’s WoRD DIssuADEs: dih-SWADES: Advises againstsomething.

Average mark 14 words

Timelimit 25 minutes

Can you find 19 or morewords in DISSUADES?

wuzzles

loCKhorNs

God lovesus. When He corrects us it will bless us and makeusa blessing. G.E. Dean

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles

hidato

mallard fillmore

1T.November 18, 2025

METROPOLITANCOUNCIL GREATER BATONROUGE AIRPORT

AUTHORITY EAST BATON ROUGE SEWERAGE COMMISSION

CAPITOL IMPROVEMENTS DISTRICT CITY OF BATON ROUGE AND PARISH OF EAST BATONROUGE Wednesday,October 22, 2025 4:00 PM

The Metropolitan Council of the Parish of East Baton Rouge and the City of Baton Rouge convened in regular session on Wednesday,October 22, 2025at4:00 PM, in the Council Chambersofthe Governmental Building, Room 348, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Meeting was called to order by the Presiding Officer and the following members werepresent: Present: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Absent: None

CONDEMNATIONS

MELVIN RAYMOTON AND THE ESTATEOFMILDREDMOTON 3355

CONRAD DR. (HOUSE AND REAR SHED), LOT 224+ (224 &225), FAIRWOODS SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7–HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motionwas made by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer theproposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on January 28, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

GARYPATUREAU AND KATHLEENBOONE PATUREAU 10721

SANDRINGHAM AVE. (HOUSEAND ALL ABANDONEDVEHICLES), LOT 356,WEST SHERWOOD FOREST SUBDIVISION-COUNCIL DISTRICT 6-DUNN JR.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on November 25, 2025. AYea andNay vote was called for andresultedas follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

LULLA COATS, JOSEPH C. PAYNE,RITAHARRIS PAYNE,BRENDA H. JOHNSON, CHERYL H. JENKINS, LEONARD R. HARRIS, DAVID R. DUNBAR, LEONARD COATS, KARLA BURGESS, DANA MORGAN, SHERRY D. LOMAX, DAWN MATTHEWS, ANTHONY JERELL PAYNE, EVELYN P. CHRISTOPHER, TYRONE DUNBAR, ROBERTCORNELL DUNBAR, WILMER BARRETT,OLIVETTE C. O’CONNOR, ASHLEY HARRIS CARTER, SPAHNE JENKINS, MICHAELR.HARRIS, DEVEETA SIMS, DEKEETASIMS ROLLINS, DONALD R. DUNBAR, JR., HOWARD C. BURGESS, JR., DANIELLE ANDERSON, RENEE BURGESS-RUFFIN, JOY B. DIXON, MARVA HASTINGS, DARRELW.COATS, AND EDNA COLEMAN 2113 KANSAS ST., LOT 56, SQ. 10, SOUTH BATON ROUGE

SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on theabove condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on December 10, 2025. AYea andNay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

THE ESTATEOFMOSES RICHARD AND THE ESTATEOF VIRGINIA W. RICHARD located at 4356 Noah St. (House, Rear Shed, &Old Car), Lot 18, Sq. 24, Greenville Extension Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11657

EDWARD A. WISHAM 1771 OLIVEST.,LOT 21 PT+ (S ½OF LOTS 21, 22, &23), SQ. 1, O’CONNOR PLACE SUBDIVISION- COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 -COLEMAN

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or againstthe proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on December 10, 2025. A“Yea” and “Nay” vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

DAVID R. DUNBAR AND BEVERLYPARKERDUNBAR 1823 ARKANSAS ST LOT 4, SQ. 20, SOUTH BATONROUGE SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 -COLEMAN

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was norder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on December 10, 2025. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

BRITTANI WASHINGTON AND SHANA WHITFIELD located at 1580 N 48th St. (House and Any Auxiliary Structure), Lot 45, Sq. 31, Greenville Extension Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11658

COLLIS B. TEMPLE JR. AND SOUNDRA JOHNSON 926 EAST BLVD. (PINK HOUSE WITH 926 ON FRONT BY DOOR), LOT 11, SQ.247, SUBURB SWARTOLD PLATBOOK SUBDIVISION-COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

MELISSA MARIE MANSON 3958 NFOSTER DR. (REAR SHED ONLY) LOT 130 (LESS PT.TO PARISH), EAST DAYTON SUBDIVISIONCOUNCIL DISTRICT 7–HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to delete theproposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

MICHAEL D. AMBEAU 6414 KINCAID AVE., LOT 55, BIRD STATION

SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7– HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the councilmeeting on November 25, 2025. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

COLLIS B. TEMPLE, JR. &SOUNDRA JOHNSON 940 EAST BLVD. (BLUE

HOUSE, SOUTHERNMOST HOUSE ON THE LOT), LOT 11, SQ. 247,

SUBURB SWARTSUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 -COLEMAN

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RONALD JOHNSON INVESTMENTS LLC 1079 OSPREY AVE. AND 1072

TOWNSLEY ST., LOT 11, SQ. 1, UNIVERSITY CITY SUBDIVISIONCOUNCILDISTRICT 2-KENNEY

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on November 25, 2025. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

BETTY K. PATIN, CEDRIC D. PATIN, PATIN FAMILY TRUST,THE SUCCESSION OF JOSEPH CARNEY PATIN, SR., AND THE SUCCESSION OF NICOLE T. PATIN 1429 THOMAS H. DELPIT DR. (BUILDING LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THOMAS H. DELPIT DR. AND BURNSDR.), LOT 14, ADDITION TO SUBURB SWARTSUBDIVISIONCOUNCIL DISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the councilmeeting on December 10, 2025. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

DEBRA ANN VAUGHNlocated at 480 Tuscaloosa Ave., Lot 10, Sq. 5, Suburb Georgetown Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11659

ROSANNAHAMPTON FORREST 1232 DARE ST LOT 16, SQ. 2, HERO PARK SUBDIVISION,- COUNCILDISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on November 25, 2025. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

WILLIE FRANKLIN AND RUBY FRANKLIN located at 535 S16th St., Lot 17, Roseberry Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11660

DAVID CURTIS BERGERON &CHERRLYN W. BERGERON located at 2376 Mississippi St., Lot 12, Sq. 2, Valley Park Annex Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11661

FREDERICA N. PATRICK, PATRICIA MARIE PATRICKBARNES-BANKS, TONYAFAYEPATRICK, KARINAY PATRICK,KIMBERLEE PAYNE, AUGUST PAYNE, JR., SHELTON PAYNE, THE ESTATEOFMYRTIS PATRICK, THE ESTATEOFMILDRED JACKSON, AND THE ESTATEOF

JEFFERYPATRICKlocated at 1306 N47th St. (House and All Auxiliary Structures Including Shed and Attached Parking Cover), Lot 17, Sq. 55, Greenville Extension Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11662

NADIA J. RAUDALES MENDEZ 3155 CHARLOTTE DR. (HOUSE, REAR SHED, POOL HOUSE, AND OPEN SWIMMING POOL),LOT 98, OAKCREST SUBDIVISION,3RD FILING, -COUNCIL DISTRICT6 -DUNN

JR. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on November 25, 2025. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

JOHN HARLAN ANDERSON 11015 CHALICEDR. (ANY AND ALL OUTBUILDINGS, ABANDONED VEHICLES, AND TRAILERS) LOT 207, NORTH RED OAK SUBDIVISION -COUNCILDISTRICT 6- DUNN JR.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on theabove condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on November 25, 2025. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

TADARYL SCHEXNAYDER &COREY J. COLTON 3625 PRESCOTT RD. (HOUSE AND AUXILIARYBUILDINGS), LOT 7-B (RESUB. OF LOT

defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on November 25, 2025. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as

follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso,

Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to

PROP 14-T4SR1E), C.D. TURNER TRACT -COUNCIL DISTRICT 1– NOEL The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion wasmade by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on January 28, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

EDWIN NAUM AVILA located at 1047 Cardinal St., Lot 26, Sq. 19, North Baton Rouge Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11664

VERSATILE INVESTMENT GROUP LLC located at 1040 OwlAve.(House and Rear Shed), Lots 4, 5, 6, &7,Sq. 4, University City Subdivision,Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11665

TINA LESLIE BERNARD, NICOLE BERNARD WASHINGTON, JARRICK T. BERNARD, AND JOHN G.

BBPAHOLDINGS, LLC 2949 &2951 BOGAN WALK, LOT 14, SQ. 11, SUBURB BOGAN SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7-HARRIS The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on December 10, 2025. A“Yea” and “Nay” vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

EUGENE B. MIMS 1444 COLUMBUS DUNN DR. (HOUSE AND REAR SHED), LOT 4, SQ. 36, GREENVILLEEXTENSION SUBDIVISIONCOUNCIL DISTRICT 7–HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on January 28, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

T.M. CAPITAL LLC located at 4082 Provost St. (Main Structureand All Abandoned Vehicles and Trailer), Lot 7, Sq. 9, Greenville Extension Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11671

JACQUES CHRISTOPHER DANIELS located at 823 N47th St., Lots 31 &32, Sq. 48, Greenville Extension Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11672

JOHN CHRISTOPHER PILLEY AND CLINTON T. FRANCIS 5836 BYRON ST LOT 13, SQ. 2, WHITE PLAINS SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7-HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on November 25, 2025. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion wasadopted.

VALLERYLOMAS located at 6866 WinbourneAve Lot 12, Victoria Gardens Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11673 THE ARKANSAS CONFERENCE ASSOCIATION OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS, THE LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS, COREY J. COLTON, AND TADARYL

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or againstthe proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on November 25, 2025. AYea andNay vote was called for andresultedas

follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

ISAAC HORACE PATTERSONSR., EDNA MCCRAY, MICHELLE PATTERSON, KWAN JOHNES, JUANITAJOHNES, BOBBIE AUGUSTUS, ISAAC H. PATTERSON JR., JEAN PATTERSON, TERRYPATTERSON, AND PAMELA WILSON 2663 DAYTON ST LOT1,SQ. 2, DAYTON

SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Kenney to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on November 25, 2025. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

PUBLIC HEARING /MEETING PROPOSED RESOLUTION RESCINDING COUNCIL RESOLUTION58620, AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR OLD HAMMOND HIGHWAY- SEGMENT 1S FLANNERYTOGOODWOOD, BEING PROJECT NO.12-CS-HC-0043A-5, TO RICHARD PRICE CONTRACTING CO., LLC AND AWARDING THE CONTRACT TO THE NEXTLOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, COMMAND CONSTRUCTIONINDUSTRIES, LLC, IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,553,099.50 (ACCOUNT NO. 9217100034-4360 00106-0000000000653100; 9217100034-4370 00000-0000000000-653100).

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Moak and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to delete the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58975

ARESOLUTION TO AMEND THE DUE DATEFOR THE LOCAL HOSPITAL ASSESSMENT PAYMENTS FORTHE EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH LOCAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PARTICIPATIONPROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr.Gaudet to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58976

ASUPPLEMENTAL SALES TAXBOND RESOLUTION AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING GENERAL SALESTAX BOND RESOLUTION NO. 44609 AND AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FORTHE ISSUANCE, SALE AND DELIVERYBYTHE PARISH OF EAST BATONROUGE,STATEOF LOUISIANA,OFITS ROAD AND STREETIMPROVEMENT SALESTAX REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES2025; PRESCRIBING THE FORM, FIXING THE DETAILS AND PROVIDING FORTHE PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ONSUCH BONDS; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Racca and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58977

ARESOLUTION APPROVING AN ANNUAL PAYMENT IN LIEUOFTAX TO THE SHERIFF OF EAST BATONROUGE PARISH IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500 IN ACCORDANCE WITH AMEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CAPITAL AREAFINANCE AUTHORITY AND HOUSING PRESERVATION, INC.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. An interested citizen submitting an emailed comment against the proposed resolution was Phillip Lillard. Amotion was made by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58978

ARESOLUTION APPROVING AN ANNUAL PAYMENT IN LIEUOFTAX TO THE SHERIFF OF EAST BATONROUGE PARISH IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,500 IN ACCORDANCE WITH AMEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEENTHE CAPITAL AREA FINANCE AUTHORITY AND HOUSING PRESERVATION, INC.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. An interested citizen submitting an emailed comment against the proposed resolution was Phillip Lillard. A motion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Mr.Gaudet to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58979

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 1TOTHE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BENJAMIN BEYCHOK (CONTRACT 800006785) FORCURATOR

SERVICES FOR CONDEMNATION PROCEEDING TO PROVIDE FORAN

INCREASE OF $20,000 IN THE CONTRACT AMOUNT,FOR ATOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED$70,000.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above

resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris,

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58980

AUTHORIZINGTHE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO ACCEPT AGRANT AWARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,758.00 TO ENHANCECOLLABORATIVE

MASS DISPENSE RESPONSE PLANNINGWITH THE STATEOF

LOUISIANA’SOFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH BUREAU OF COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AND EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH UNDER THE STRATEGIC NATIONAL STOCKPILE (SNS) / CITIES READINESS INITIATIVE(S) (CRI). THIS ITEM WASAPPROVED BY THE GRANTS REVIEW COMMITTEE ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2025. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms.Racca to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZINGTHE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO AMEND THATCERTAIN CONTRACTFOR PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES WITH BRIAN BLACKWELL OF BLACKWELL &BULLMAN, LLC, FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF AFORMER BRPD OFFICER, TO INCREASE THE CONTRACTBY$30,000.00, FOR ATOTAL COMPENSATION NOT TO EXCEED $130,000.00. SAID AGREEMENT SHALL BE APPROVED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PARISH ATTORNEY AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY THIS MATTER MAYBEDISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Interested citizens submitting emailed comments against the proposed resolution wereAndrew Smith, Jordan Mathers, James Johnson, Dejariee Johnson, Kate Stewart, and Doug Moore.A motionwas made by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Mr.Hudson to defer the proposed resolution to the council meeting on November 25, 2025. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58981

AUTHORIZINGTHE MAYOR-PRESIDENT,ONBEHALF OF THE BATON ROUGE POLICEDEPARTMENT,TOENTER INTO AN OPERATING SERVICESCONTRACTWITH STAR SERVICES TO PROVIDE HVAC SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX. THE ESTIMATED COMPENSATION OF THE AGREEMENTISNOT TO EXCEED $435,000

EFFECTIVE JANUARY1,2025, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025. THE AGREEMENT BE FUNDED BY THE 2025 ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET POLICEGENERAL FUND.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Mr.Hudson to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58982

RESOLUTION TO ADOPT AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT ADHERING TO THE REQUIRED CDBGDR PROGRAM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES; ACKNOWLEDGING CDBG-DR PROGRAM FUNDS BE ADMINISTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OCD GRANTEE ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL; APPOINTING VARIOUSCOORDINATORS/OFFICERS; AUTHORIZINGINDIVIDUALS TO EXECUTE REQUESTS FOR PAYMENT;ADOPTING ALANGUAGE

ACCESS PLAN; AND AUTHORIZINGEXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58983

AUTHORIZINGTHE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO ENTER INTO AND EXECUTE AGREEMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICEOFCOMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENTWITH THE FOLLOWINGAGENCIES IN COORDINATION WITH FUNDINGRECEIVED FROM THELOUISIANAOPIOID ABATEMENT SETTLEMENT TO EXPAND THE ADDICTION TREATMENT WORKFORCE BY TRAININGNEW COUNSELORS; TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR PROFESSIONAL TRAININGAND LICENSING FOR PEER RECOVERY SPECIALISTS; TO PROVIDE INFRASTRUCTURE AND STAFFING FOR COORDINATION OF CARE INVOLVING CLINICAL SUPERVISORS AND STAFF/LEADERSHIP TRAININGINTHE AMOUNT OF $186,350.08 (LASACT-LOUISIANAASSOCIATION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELORS AND TRAINERS); TO PROVIDE TREATMENT,RECOVERY AND OUTREACHACTIVITIES TO SUPPORTEAST BATON ROUGE PARISH WITH AIDING&PROVIDINGRESOURCES TO THE HOMELESS COMMUNITYEXPERIENCING MENTALHEALTH ISSUES AND/OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER. ALSO, SUPPORTING THE BATON ROUGE HOT TEAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000.00 (UNITED BR/THE GROVE) AND AUTHORIZINGTHE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION HEREWITH The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: Hurst Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 11 yeas, 0nays, 1abstaining, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58984

AUTHORIZINGTHE MAYOR-PRESIDENT,ONBEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENT, TO AMEND CONTRACT800007223

BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, AND FRANKLIN ASSOCIATES, LLC, TO INCREASE THE CONTRACTAMOUNT BY $19,500.00, FOR AREVISED TOTAL NOTTO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $64,499.00. THIS AMENDMENTALSO EXTENDS THE CONTRACTTERM THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025, AND AUTHORIZES THE EXECUTION OF ALL RELATED DOCUMENTS. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Harris and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted. RESOLUTION 58985

AUTHORIZINGTHE MAYOR-PRESIDENT,ONBEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT,TOAMEND CONTRACT 800006826 BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE,

the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 58986

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH THE STATEOF LOUISIANA AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000 FOR CRITICAL BUILDING NEEDS AND IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER, FROM FUNDING PROVIDED IN ACT 1OFTHE 2025 REGULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION. (BUDGET SUPPLEMENT 9125).

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. Hakeem Mohammed spoke without favor or opposition to the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr Hudson and seconded by Ms. Racca to adopt the proposed resolution. A Yeaand Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 58987

AMENDING THE 2025 ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET FOR PRIDE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT SO AS TO APPROPRIATE $359,283.60 FROM THE DISTRICT’S FUND BALANCE –UNASSIGNED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PRIDE FIRE DISTRICT #8 INDIAN MOUND STATION. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Noel and seconded by Mr.Moak to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 58988

AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT OF THE MATTER ENTITLED “LINDA WHITE V. ENTERGY,ETAL,” SUIT NO. 733,613 ON THE DOCKET OF THE 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000.00, PLUS COURTCOSTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $298.00 FOR ATOTAL AMOUNT OF $50,298.00, WHICH AMOUNT SHALL BE PAID FROM THE ACCOUNT DESIGNATED “INSURANCE -GENERAL LIABILITY” (1000.4700.10.0550.0000.0000. 000000.644110). *THIS MATTER MAY BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Moak and seconded by Ms. Racca to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Adams, Amoroso, Hurst With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 58989

RESCINDING AND DIRECTING THE CLERK OF COURTTOCANCEL THE NOTICE TO ATTEND RECORDED ON OCTOBER 23, 2024, AT ORIGINAL 485 OF BUNDLE 13339, AND THE DECISION AND ORDER RECORDED ON MARCH 14, 2025, AT ORIGINAL 777 OF BUNDLE 13360 IN THE MATTER OF “CITY OF BATON ROUGE VS. HERMAN L. PEELER” -CONDEMNATION PROCEEDING NO. 11495 (5155 GREENWELLST. (HOUSE, ALL OUTBUILDINGS AND ALL ABANDONED VEHICLES), LOT 7, CRESTVIEW PLACE SUBDIVISION).

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Moak and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Kenney Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Adams, Amoroso, Hurst With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 58990

RESCINDING AND DIRECTING THE CLERK OF COURTTOCANCEL THE NOTICE TO ATTEND RECORDED ON JUNE 30, 2025, AT ORIGINAL 248 OF BUNDLE 13379, AND THE DECISION AND ORDER RECORDED ON AUGUST 15, 2025, AT ORIGINAL 502 OF BUNDLE 13387 IN THE MATTER OF “CITY OF BATON ROUGE VS. ALEXIS D. HUNT”CONDEMNATION PROCEEDING NO. 11625 (1956 N. ACADIAN THWY W. (HOME AND REAR GARAGE), LOT 211, BELFORTSUBDIVISION.) REASON FOR RESCINDING: PROPERTY OWNER HAS PLANS TO SELL THE PROPERTY The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Harris and seconded by Mr.Moak to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Adams, Amoroso, Hurst With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 58991

RESCINDING AND DIRECTING THE CLERK OF COURTTOCANCEL

THE NOTICE TO ATTEND RECORDED ON MAY14, 2025, AT ORIGINAL 386 OF BUNDLE 13371, AND THE DECISION AND ORDER RECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2025, AT ORIGINAL 751 OF BUNDLE 13390 IN THE MATTER OF “CITY OF BATON ROUGE VS. RAYMOND BRAGGS” -CONDEMNATION PROCEEDING NO. 11632 (5139 JEAN ST.(HOUSE AND REAR SHED), LOT 89, SOUTH DAYTON SUBDIVISION).

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Harris and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Adams, Amoroso With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 58992

RESCINDING AND DIRECTING THE CLERK OF COURTTOCANCEL

THE NOTICE TO ATTEND RECORDED ON FEBRUARY28, 2024, AT ORIGINAL 777 OF BUNDLE 13299, AND THE DECISION AND ORDER RECORDED ON JULY1,2024, AT ORIGINAL 921 OF BUNDLE 13319 IN THE MATTER OF “CITY OF BATON ROUGE VS. PEREZ ROBERSON” -CONDEMNATION PROCEEDING NO. 11364 (2355 MARYLAND ST (HOUSE, ALL ABANDONED VEHICLES, AND REAR SHED), LOT 28, SQ. 41, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION).

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Ms. Harris to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None Abstains: None

DidNot Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58993

AMENDING THE 2025 CURRENT EXPENSESBUDGETAND CAPITAL

BUDGET SO AS TO APPROPRIATE THE PROCEEDS, NOT TO EXCEED

$55,000,000, OF THE ROAD AND STREETIMPROVEMENT SALESTAX REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES2025, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CURRENT REFUNDING THE ROAD AND STREETIMPROVEMENT SALES TAXREVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES2015, AND THE LOUISIANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES AND COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SUBORDINATE LIEN REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES2015; AND PAYING THE COSTS OF ISSUANCE AND RELATED DEBT SERVICE. (BUDGETSUPPLEMENT 9126). The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Ms. Coleman to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58994

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT ON BEHALF OF THE DIVISION OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT& SERVICES HEAD STARTPROGRAM TO ACCEPT ONE-TIME SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING FROM THE ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDRENAND FAMILIESFOR THE PURCHASE OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, AND EQUIPMENT IN ITS NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR ATOTAL OF $628,275.86 AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58995

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTTOEXECUTE A SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT #1 FOR$263,963.22 WITH GAS UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1OFEAST BATONROUGE PARISH FORUTILITY SERVICE RELOCATIONS WITH MOVEBR PROJECT MCHOST ROAD IMPROVEMENTS, BEING CITY-PARISH PROJECT NO. 20-EN-HC-0107, BRINGING THE TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT TO NOT EXCEED $460,817.94. (ACCCOUNT NO.9217100032-4370.00000-0000000000651160)

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58996

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTTOEXECUTE THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATEOF LOUISIANA VIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION&DEVELOPMENT AND THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE/PARISH OFEAST BATONROUGE, IN CONNECTION WITH STATEPROJECT NO. H.015551, DETOUR ROUTE FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENTON CATALINA AVENUE,BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58997

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT

TOTHE CURRENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KASTEL ENTERPRISES MK, LLC, BEING CITY-PARISH CONTRACT NO. A23-0637 /MUNIS CONTRACT 800005638, TO EXTEND FORA TERM OF NOVEMBER 1, 2025 THROUGH OCTOBER31, 2026 TO PROVIDE SANITATION SERVICES FOR CITY-PARISH APPROVEDEVENTS IN AN ANNUAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED$50,934.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Coleman to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES

ORDINANCE 19654

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT P, SQUARE 23, NORTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION, MUSE STREET, PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZETHE SALE OF SAID LOT TO ROLAND KING HIS/HERAGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $3,400.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFERALONG WITH ACERTIFIEDCHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for oragainst the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19655

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 107, COLONIAL HILL SUBDIVISION, NORTH ACADIAN THRUWAY, PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTYAND TO AUTHORIZETHE SALE OF SAID LOT TO CHARLES ELLIS BELL JR. HIS/HERAGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $5,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HEROFFERALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and

was adopted. ORDINANCE 19656

AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT C, SQUARE 14, ABRAMSON SUBDIVISION,FUQUA STREET,PREVIOUSLY

ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH,LOUISIANASURPLUS

PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO ANDRE RICHARD, SR. HIS/HER AGENTORASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION

OF $300.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/

HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THEAMOUNT OF $950.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19657

AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT A, SQUARE 14, ABRAMSON SUBDIVISION,FUQUA STREET,PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH,LOUISIANASURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO ANDRE RICHARD, SR. HIS/HER AGENTORASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $300.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/ HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $855.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above

ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19658

AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITAN COUNCILTODECLARE LOT 66, SQUARE 14, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION,GEORGIA STREET

PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH LOUISIANASURPLUSPROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO MONICA JONES-TURNER HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $3,300.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $850.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19659

AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITAN COUNCILTODECLARE LOT 38, KELLYSUBDIVISION,GASSIE STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH,LOUISIANASURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO XENIO WALLACEHIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH,OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THEAMOUNTOF $950.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. A“Yea” and “Nay” vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19660

AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 10, SQUARE 28, EDEN PARK SUBDIVISION,NORTH 38TH STREET PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANASURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO LAGRITS PROPERTY,LLC HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $4,500.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $855.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19661

AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITAN COUNCILTODECLARE LOT 17 &18, BANK SUBDIVISION,71ST AVENUE, PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH,LOUISIANASURPLUSPROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO SONDRA WALKER HIS/HER AGENTORASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATIONOF$2,500.00 CASH,ORTOTHE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $650.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19662

AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITAN COUNCILTODECLARE LOT 18, FAIRFIELDS SUBDIVISION,WASHINGTON AVENUE, PREVIOUSLY

ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO CONNIE JACKSON HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $7,700.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/ HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above

0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion

ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANASURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO PHAROAH JOHNSON,III HIS/HER AGENTORASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $10,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS

HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains,

TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO XENIO WALLACE HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/ HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion wasadopted.

ORDINANCE 19665

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 11, SQUARE A, SUNSET HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION, WINCHESTER AVENUE, PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO XENIO WALLACE HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposedordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion wasadopted.

ORDINANCE 19666

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 231, FAIRLANE SUBDIVISION, LANDIS DRIVE, PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO 17th AND BANKS HIS/ HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $11,900.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion wasadopted.

ORDINANCE 19667

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 5, SQUARE 37, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION, E. POLK STREET PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO JACKSON HAYNES HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $3,700.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion wasadopted.

ORDINANCE 19668

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 17 SOUTHERN GARDENS, CARVER STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DONATION OF ITS INTEREST IN SAME TO THROUGH HIS EYES MINISTRY, THROUGH THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM WITH THE PAYMENT OF THE ADVANCED COSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT, AS AN IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROPERTY PURSUANT TO LA. R.S. 47:2201 ET SEQ., THE LOUISIANA CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 7, SECTION 14, AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL ESTABLISHING THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion wasadopted.

ORDINANCE 19669

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 180 LA BELLE AIRE SUBDIVISION, LA MARGIEAVENUE, PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DONATION OF ITS INTEREST IN SAME TO THROUGH HIS EYES MINISTRY, THROUGH THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM WITH THE PAYMENT OF THE ADVANCED COSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT,ASANINMYFATHER’S HOUSE PROPERTY PURSUANT TO LA. R.S. 47:2201 ET SEQ., THE LOUISIANA CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 7, SECTION 14, AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL ESTABLISHING THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Racca

With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion wasadopted.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER ITEMS

RESOLUTION 58998

ACCEPTING ALL WORK DONE BY THE CONTRACTOR UNDERTHE CONTRACT FOR NEW EMS STATION NO. 9(RESTART), PROJECT NO. 21-ASC-CP-1495. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Harris to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Racca

With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 58999

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO. 2, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTEDBETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OFEAST BATONROUGE AND CAPITOL CONSTRUCTION, LLC, FOR PROJECT,BEING PROJECT NO.21-ASCCP-1495. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Harris to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

APPOINTMENTS

BOARD OF APPEALS:

Concurring in the Mayor-President’sreappointment or replacement of Dominick Sparacino. This is athree (3) year term.

Current Ballot

Dominick Sparacino (Mayor-President requested reappointment)

Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Mr.Hurst to concur in the Mayor-President’sreappointment of DominickSparacino. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Racca

With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

BOARD OF APPEALS:

Concurring in the Mayor-President’sreappointment or replacement of Marcus Williams This is athree (3) year term.

Current Ballot

Marcus Williams (Mayor-President requested reappointment)

Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Mr.Hurst to concur in the Mayor-President’sreappointment of Marcus Williams.A Yeaand Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Racca With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

ITEMS

CHANGE ORDERS

RESOLUTION 59000

AIRPORTAUTHORITY RESOLUTION 10-22-25-01

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO. 2, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTEDBETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND HENDRICK CONSTRUCTION, INC., FOR NORTH AIRPARK UTILITY CORRIDOR BEING PROJECT NO. FP&C 50-N-41-12-01/F.0000732.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Moak and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59001

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTEDBETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISHOFEAST BATONROUGE AND CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION, LLC., FOR NEW EMS STATION NO.9 (RESTART), BEING PROJECT NO. 21-ASC-CP-1495.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Moak and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59002

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO. 2, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTED BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE,PARISH OF EAST BATONROUGE AND LAP SERVICES, LLC, FOR PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX H2 ROOFRECOVER, BEING PROJECT NO. 21-ASC-CP-1567.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Moak and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59003

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTED BETWEEN THE CITYOFBATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATONROUGE AND LA CONTRACTING ENTERPRISE, LLC, FORI-12 @SHERWOOD FOREST PED/BIKE SAFETY,BEING PROJECT NO. 20-EN-HC-0027.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Moak and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains,

20-EN-HC-0030. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Moak and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59005

AUTHORIZINGEXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACTEXECUTED BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND HAWK

INDUSTRIES HOLDINGCOMPANY LLC DBA TL HAWK LLC, FOR BR DOWNTOWN GREENWAY MULTI-USE PATH, BEING PROJECTNO. 11-SW-US-0056 SP #H.009783. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Moak and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso

With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59006

AUTHORIZINGEXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE

ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACTEXECUTED BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND SHAVERS-WHITTLE CONSTRUCTIONLLC, FOR CAL ROAD &MOSS SIDE LN BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS, BEING PROJECTNO. 13-BR-US0016/H.011791. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Moak and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay

vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

FINAL ACCEPTANCES

RESOLUTION 59007

AIRPORTAUTHORITY RESOLUTION 10-22-25-02

ACCEPTINGALL WORK DONE BY THE CONTRACTOR UNDER THE CONTRACTFOR APPROVINGFINAL ACCEPTANCE FOR BATON ROUGE METRO AIRPORT-NORTH AIRPARK UTILITY CORRIDOR, PROJECTNO. 800005715.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Coleman to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Gaudet, Racca With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59008

ACCEPTING ALL WORK DONE BY THE CONTRACTOR UNDER THE CONTRACTFOR HIDDEN BIKE PATH, PROJECTNO. 20-EN-HC-0030.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Coleman to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Gaudet, Racca With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59009

ACCEPTINGALL WORK DONE BY THE CONTRACTOR UNDER THE CONTRACTFOR BR DOWNTOWN GREENWAY MULTI-USE PATH, PROJECTNO. 11-SW-US-0056 SP #H.009783.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Coleman to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Gaudet, Racca With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59010

ACCEPTING ALL WORK DONE BY THE CONTRACTOR UNDER THE CONTRACTFOR CAL ROAD &MOSS SIDE LN BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS, PROJECTNO. 13-BR-US-0016/H.011791.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Coleman to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Gaudet, Racca With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion was adopted.

ACCEPTANCE OF LOW BIDS

RESOLUTION 59011

EBROSCORESOLUTION 8742

AWARDINGTHE CONTRACTFOR LABOR ONLYFOR PLUMBING &

SEWER SERVICES FOR EBR FACILITIES, BEING PROJECTNO. A2591060, TO THE LOWEST BIDDER THEREFOR, LOUIS MECHANICAL; AND DIRECTING THE EXECUTION OF THE CONTRACTCOVERING SUCH WORK.The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed resolution. A Yeaand Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Gaudet, Racca With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59012

AIRPORTAUTHORITY RESOLUTION 10-22-25-03 AWARDINGTHE CONTRACTFOR ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR THE BATON ROUGE METROPOLITAN AIRPORTPHASE II, TAXIWAY L EXTENSION AND DECOMMISSIONING RUNWAY

was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Gaudet, Racca With 9yeas,

RESOLUTION

EBROSCO

BEING PROJECT NO. A25-0800, TO THE LOWEST BIDDER THEREFOR, CM LAND SERVICES, LLC; AND DIRECTING THE EXECUTION OF THE CONTRACT COVERING SUCH WORK. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Amoroso, Gaudet, Racca With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 59014

EBROSCO RESOLUTION 8744

AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR SWWTP Snail Screen Procurement, BEING PROJECT NO. 25-006745, TO THE LOWEST BIDDER THEREFOR, HYDRO-DYNE ENGINEERING, INC.; AND DIRECTING THE EXECUTION OF THE CONTRACT COVERING SUCH WORK. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Gaudet, Racca With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 59015

AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR SALES TAXSTREET AND ROAD REHABILITATION PROGRAM PROJECT 19-2 HIGHLAND RD, SOUTH QUAD DR, &BLUEBONNET BLVD, BEING PROJECT NO. 24-CRST-0010, TO THE LOWEST BIDDER THEREFOR, R. J. DAIGLE &SONS CONTRACTORS, INC.; AND DIRECTING THE EXECUTION OF THE CONTRACT COVERING SUCH WORK.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Gaudet, Racca

With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 59016

AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR OLD HAMMOND HIGHWAY SEGMENT 2(MILLERVILLE -O’NEAL), BEING PROJECT NO. 06-CS-HC0028A, TO THE LOWEST BIDDER THEREFOR, KCR CONTRACTORS, LLC; AND DIRECTING THE EXECUTION OF THE CONTRACT COVERING SUCH WORK.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Gaudet, Racca

With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

OTHER ITEMS

RECEIVING AN ANNUAL REPORTFROM THE BRIDGE CENTER FOR HOPE.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. The report wasreceived.

OTHER ITEMS TO BE ADOPTED (EMERGENCY)

RESOLUTION 59017

AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT AND/OR CHAIRMAN OF THE AIRPORTCOMMISSION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH RAISER, LLC., FOR TRANSPORTSERVICES FOR PASSENGERS AT THE BATON ROUGE AIRPORTFOR APERIOD OF 5YEARS AT A RATE OF $5.00 PER PICK UP

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 59018

ARESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025 AS “DYSAUTONOMIA AWARENESS MONTH” IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Mr.Moak to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion wasadopted.

ADJOURNMENT

Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr.Noel to adjourn.

AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Amoroso, Gaudet, Racca With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted. The Presiding Officer declared the meeting adjourned

Council Administrator/Treasurer Mayor-President Pro-Tempore 166873-582958-nov18-1t

AND

RAILROAD eventsscheduled for Friday,October 17th with music by Tuxedo Speedo and Friday,November 7th with music by Ryan Foret &Foret Tradition.

OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS ARPAPROJECT PHASE I–TULLIER SERVICES (ADDIS LANE &FIRST STREET) PAY APP NO. 3:Amotion to approve Tullier Services Application forPayment No. 3inthe amount of $246,478.50 for First Street sewer pump station improvements was made by CouncilorKelley, seconded by Councilor Parrish and adopted unanimously. Amotion to approve Tullier Services Application for Payment No. 3inthe amount of $89,608.50 for Addis Lane sewer pump station improvementswas made by Councilmember Bernard, seconded by Councilmember LeBlanc and adopted unanimously

ARPAPROJECT PHASE II –BARKER BROTHERS PAY APP NO. 3: Amotion to approve Barker Brothers Application for Payment No.3 in the amount of

$31,741.89 for Addis Back-up Pumps project was made by Councilmember Kelley,seconded by Councilmember Hebert and adopted unanimously

APPOINTMENT OF TOWN ATTORNEY: MayorToupsannounced that longserving Town Attorney Dana Larpenteur will be retiring from the position, and this meeting marks his last serving in that capacity.Members of the Council expressed their gratitude for his professionalism, legal expertise, and commitment to the Town of Addis throughout the years. MayorToupsthen recommended the appointment of Karen White as the new Town Attorney for the Town of Addis. He advised that Mrs. White, formerly of the Louisiana Municipal Association, bringsextensive experience in municipal law and governance. Amotion to appoint Karen White as Town Attorney was made byCouncilmember LeBlanc, seconded by Councilmember Bernard, and adopted unanimously

APPOINTMENT OF MAGISTRATE: MayorToupsdiscussed the directionof the Addis Mayor’sCourt and noted that he believes it is time to establish a magistrate position. He recommended appointing Dana Larpenteur as the Town Magistrate at arate of $500 per month. Amotiontocreate the magistrate court was made by Councilmember Hebert, seconded by Councilmember Kelley.Amotion to appoint Dana Larpenteur as the Magistrate for the Town of Addis at $500 per month was then made by Councilmember Bernard, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, and carried unanimously

2025 ADDIS ROAD REHAB PROJECT –REVIEW OF CONSTRUCTION

PLANS &COST ESTIMATE: JasonEllis with Novus Reb Engineering presented the construction plans and cost estimate for the 2025 Road Rehabilitation Project. The project includes improvementsto14streets within theTown of Addis: Union Drive, BayouPlantation Drive, Clarkland Blvd. West, Clarkland Blvd. East, Belle VueDrive, Little Hope Drive, Old Highway 1, West Frontage Road, BirdHeights Avenue, Myhand Street,Peter Messina Road, Molaison Street, Mary Street, and George Bookish Drive. Improvements will vary by location, ranging from minor pothole repairs to full reconstruction of roadswith extensive wear and deterioration. The total estimated construction cost, including Base Bid and Alternate No.1 with a10% contingency,is $880,059.56.Mr. Ellis will submit the bid advertisement to The Advocate, with the bid opening scheduled for Wednesday,October 15th. MayorToups advisedthat he would like the reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) from the project to be kept and stored for use in afutureproject. Mr.Ellis stated that he would add that to the plans. The constructionplans and cost estimate were reviewed and approved on amotionbyCouncilmember LeBlanc, seconded by Councilmember Hebert, and adopted unanimously

NOVEMBER 2025 COUNCIL MEETING –CONSIDERATION OF RESCHEDULING: Amotion to reschedule the November 2025 Council meeting to Monday,November 10th, due to the Veterans Day holiday,was made by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Hebert, and adopted unanimously

MONTHLYREPORTS

ENGINEER:Mayor Toups stated that at the last meeting he announced that, through Act 2ofthe 2025 Regular Session –Capital Outlay Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, the Town of Addis had secured funding from the Louisiana Office of Facility Planning and Control for two important community projects: Town Hall Planning and Construction –$2,900,000 (Priority 5) and Peter Messina Road Extension Project –$7,600,500 ($760,000 Priority 2and $6,840,500 Priority5). He asked JasonEllis with Novus Reb Engineering to provide additional details about the proposed Peter Messina Road Extension, which would continue on the east side of the railroad tracks and extend north to the back of Sugar Mill Subdivision. The approximately 6,200-foot extension is intended to provide an alternative route for residents between thetwo Peter Messinacrossings, including Sugar HollowSubdivisionand Acadian Crossing Subdivision, improving safety and emergency access when rail yardoperations block crossings for extended periods. The Town would have to allocate approximately $2.2 millionasalocal match, with part of that potentially covered using land already donated within the Sugar Mill area The estimated five-year project timeline includes potential wetland permitting delays, drainage crossings requiring parish approval, propertyacquisition from private landowners, and coordination with the railroad. Next steps include activating the Priority 2funding through the StateBond Commission within the next two months to begin preliminary surveys, environmental studies, and property negotiations, with constructionfunding (Priority 5) anticipated later PLANNING &ZONING COMMISSION: I.PUBLIC HEARING |SUBDIVSION OF PROPERTY REQUEST: Steve LeBlanc represented propertyowners Blayze Olano,Sandi Gunnels, Jennifer Drinkwater,Donald Drinkwater,BrennonHebert, and Skylar Bass, who applied for SubdivisionofPropertywith aVariance. The request involves an 11.2-acrelot to be divided into four smaller lots: three (3) lots of 2.5 acres each and one (1) lot of 3.7 acres. The larger lot contains an Entergy utilityservitude with overhead electrical wires, under which a225-foot area cannot be developed, limiting full use of the fourth lot. Access tothe proposed lots would be from Georgette Street via a35-foot access road. Mayor Toups opened thepublic hearing. After hearing commentsfromthe public, the hearing was closed and turned over to the Council for review and discussion. Councilmember Hebert, who attended the Planning &Zoning meeting, stated that he does not believe the subdivision would negatively impact existing homes in the area. Councilmember LeBlanc noted that the property owners would need to install modular sewer systems, as the Town does not have sewer infrastructureinthis area. It was also recommended that the property owners establish aprivate road agreement. Amotiontoapprove the Preliminary Plat for the Subdivision of PropertyRequest with variance, increasing the servitude from 35 feet to 50 feet and requiring the proper filing of aprivate access agreement, was made by Councilmember Bernard, seconded by Councilmember Hebert, and adopted unanimously PARISH COUNCIL: No report

POLICE: The August 2025 police report, given by Assistant Chief Ray Lejeune, consisted of 181 trafficcitations issued; 177 calls for service; 6misdemeanor arrests; 4felony arrests; and 14 auto accidents

PUBLIC WORKS &WASTEWATER: During the month of August 2025, the Public Works and Sewer Department addressed atotal of 43 residential and commercial control panel issues, 36 residential and commercial tank

Councilmember Hebert and adopted unanimously by those present. ii. Monthly Budget to Actual Reports: The monthly budget to actual reports werereviewed with no comments

POLICE: None

PERSONNEL: Mrs.Simpson informed the Council that she is reviewing potential dates to hold the Annual Employee Meeting, considering the week beforeThanksgiving, and will coordinate with stafftodetermine the most suitable date. Amotion to expend funds for the meeting was made by Councilmember LeBlanc, seconded by Councilmember Kelley,and adopted unanimously

SEWER: None

DRAINAGE: None

BUILDINGS: None

STREETS AND ROADS: None

EXECUTIVE SESSION Amotion to go into an executive session to discuss police personnel was made by Councilmember Hebert; seconded by Councilmember Parrish and adopted unanimously.A motion to returntoregular session was made by Councilmember Kelley;seconded by Councilmember LeBlanc and adopted unanimously.Asaresult of ExecutiveSession and upon the recommendation of Chief Langlois, amotion was made by Councilor Hebert, seconded by Councilor Parrish, to accept the resignation of Officer Alycia Primus effective July 22, 2025. The motion was adopted unanimously ANY OTHER BUSINESS None

ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned on amotion by Councilor Parrish; seconded by Councilor LeBlanc and adopted unanimously

/s/ Jade V. Simpson /s/ David H. Toups

JADE V. SIMPSON, TOWN CLERK

DAVID H. TOUPS, MAYOR

TOWN OF ADDIS MINUTES

OCTOBER 14, 2025 –REGULAR MEETING

The regular meeting of the Mayor and Town Council for the Town of Addis was called to order by Mayor David Toups at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday,October 14, 2025, at the Addis Municipal Center.The Pledge to the flag was led by Karen White. Mayor Toups asked for amoment of silence for the Iberville Parish Sheriff Department deputies and their families affected by the recent tragedy that took place on October 6th.

ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Toups; Councilors Rusty Parrish, Bliss Bernard, Rhonda Kelley,Dustin Hebert Absent: Kevin LeBlanc

MINUTES: The September 9, 2025, regular meeting minutes wereapproved on amotion by Councilor Kelley; seconded by Councilor Hebert and adopted unanimously by those present.

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA

Amotion to add the following item to the agenda under New Business was made by Councilor Bernardand seconded by Councilor Parrish: ·ARPAProject Phase I(First Street Pump Station Improvements) –Tullier

Services Pay Application No. 4

The motion to amend the agenda was approved unanimously

PUBLIC COMMENTS WBR SCHOOLS TAXRENEWAL: Dr.Chandler Smith, Superintendent of West Baton Rouge Parish Schools, provided an overview of the upcoming school millage renewals that will appear on the November 15th ballot. He explained that the ballot includes two (2) millage renewals, each at 12 mills, which directly support teacher and staffsalaries and benefits. The renewal period is for 10 years. Dr.Smith noted that, despite rising operational costs, the WBR School Boardhas voted to roll back millages, and the total millage rate for WBR Schools remains middle-of-the-pack among regional school districts. He also highlighted significant academic performance improvements within the district. WBR Schools is now ranked 22nd out of 69 school districts statewide. In 2024, WBR moved up seven (7) spots in district performance scores and recorded the highest growth of all school districts in Louisiana. WBR was one of only 25 districts to show growth in Mastery+ across all tested subjects, marking the thirdconsecutive year of increasing percentages of students scoring at Mastery or above. Additionally,students in grades 3–8 demonstrated major gains in mathematics, and K–3 literacy proficiency increased from 57% to 68%. Dr.Smith encouraged the public to participate in the election. Early Voting will be held November 1–8, and Election Day is November 15, with polls open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM at local precincts.

CORRESPONDENCE

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS COLLECTION DAY: Mayor Toups reminded the public that Hazardous Materials Collection Day will take place on Saturday, October 25th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Alexander Park in Brusly Residents areencouraged to use this opportunity to properly dispose of items such as paint, batteries, chemicals, and tires that should not be placed in regular household trash due to safety &environmental concerns.

ROCKIN’ ON THE RAILROAD: Mayor Toups reminded everyone of the upcoming Rockin’ on the Railroad events scheduled for Friday,October 17th and Friday,November 7th. He encouraged the community to attend and enjoy the live music, food, and free activities for children.

NOVEMBER 2025 COUNCIL MEETING: Mayor Toups reminded everyone thatthe November 2025 Council Meeting has been rescheduled to Monday November 10th due to the Veterans Day holiday and the closureofoffices on Tuesday,November 11th.

NOVEMBER 15TH ELECTION: Mayor Toups encouraged residents to participate in the upcoming election on Saturday,November 15th, noting that several parish-wide tax renewals will be on the ballot, including the WBR Schools Teacher Pay &Benefits, West Baton Rouge Library,and West Baton Rouge Parish Drainage. He reminded voters that early voting will be held November 1–8 at the Registrar of Voters Office, Courthouse Annex Building, 883 7th Street, Suite A, Port Allen, and at the Waterworks District Office, 158 East St. Francis Street, Brusly. Election Day will take place on November 15th with polling hours from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM at each voter’slocal precinct.

OLDBUSINESS None

NEW BUSINESS WBR DRAINAGE TAXRENEWAL: WBR Parish President Jason Manola provided an overview of the upcoming drainage tax renewal. He explained that the renewal is a10-year,7.2-mill levy generating nearly $6 million to support critical drainage projects, improvements, and maintenance that protect families and businesses across West Baton Rouge Parish. The millage serves as the sole funding source for the Drainage Department, which is responsible formaintaining over 700 miles of waterways, strengthening infrastructuretosafeguardbusinesses, schools, and critical facilities, and proactively addressing problem areas to mitigate flooding. President Manola also discussed recently completed projects as well as upcoming initiatives. He encouraged residents to vote, noting that early voting will be held November 1–8, and Election Day is November 15th.

PUBLIC HEARING |FINAL PLATSUBDIVISION OF PROPERTY (LOT MH2): The Council reviewed the final plat showing the subdivision of lot MH-2 into lots MH-2-A, MH-2-B, MH-2-C, and MH-2-D, as requested by Blayze M. Olano, Sandi J. Gunnells, Donald and Jennifer Drinkwater,and Brennon M. Hebert. The 11.2-acreproperty is being divided into four lots: three of 2.5 acres each and one of 3.7

PARISH COUNCIL: No

arrests, 8felony arrests, and investigated 16 auto accidents. Misdemeanor arrests included: 2warrants, 1DWI (assisted by Louisiana State Police), 1battery of adating partner,1

of

protection order,and 1criminal trespass. Felony arrests included:4felony warrants, 1aggravated flight from an officer,2 possessions of Schedule II drugs (methamphetamine and oxycodone), 1domestic abuse battery with child endangerment, and 1purse snatching.

PUBLIC WORKS &WASTEWATER:

the Tract(s) listed below arewithout warranty of any kind, either express, implied or statutory including, but not limited to, title or the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for aparticular purpose. An error or omission in the nominating party’sTract description may requirethat aState mineral lease(s) or geophysical agreement(s) be modified, canceled or abrogated due to the existence of conflicting leases, operating agreements, private claims or other future obligations or conditions within the Tract(s) described. In such case, however theMineral Board shall not be obligated to refund any consideration paid by the Lessee prior to such modification, cancellation or abrogation including, but not limited to, bonuses, rentals and royalties.

Tract(s) available for leasing may be situated in the Louisiana Coastal Zone as defined in Act 361 of the Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature of 1978 (promulgated as LSA-R. S. 49:213) and may be subject to the guidelines and regulations promulgated by the

Office of Coastal Management of the Department of Conservation and Energy for operations in the Coastal Zone.

Further,in accordance with Article XII, Section 10 of the Constitution of Louisiana, and notwithstanding any language herein to the contrary,any mineral rights granted by the Mineral and Energy Boardto the tract(s) advertised herein are subject to the surface usage for integrated coastal protection or hurricane and flood protection projects promulgated, funded and effected through the State of Louisiana, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority the Louisiana Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration, and the Department of Conservation and Energy and its divisions, whether solely or in conjunction with other state, local or federal governmental agencies or with private individuals or entities.

Bids may be for the whole or any particularly described portion of the land advertised, but no bids will be accepted that does not equal the Minimum Royalty as set forth in La. R.S. 30:127 or which are not in compliance with the provisions of Sub-part Aof Chapter 2, Title 30 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, other applicable laws or the guidelines established by the Boardthrough the Office of State Resources. The Minimum Royalty is not to be construed as an amount acceptable to the Mineral Board, it being the policy of the Mineral Boardto reject any bid which does not reflect tract potential. The Board considers bonus, royalty percentage and also compares royalty granted to landowners in the area

Multiple portion bids on the same tract may be accepted by the Mineral Board, even though they overlap. In the case of overlapping portion bids on the same tract, each of which is otherwise acceptable to the State, the Mineral Boardhas the sole discretion, to determine which one of the multiple bids on the same tract is most advantageous and in the best interest of the State. The Mineral Board may base it decision on factors such as but not limited to the royalty,per acrecash payment, bonus, any additional consideration. The selected bid, (referred to as “Bid A”), will be given priority in having alease issued. The Mineral Board will also indicate the acceptability of other portion bids on the same tract, if any in the order of their acceptance (referred to respectively as “Bid B”, “Bid C”, etc.). Once the plat of “Bid A” ‘s portion

has been rendered as accurately as possible, “Bid B” will be contacted and given an option to take alease on the remaining portion of his portion bid acreage not overlapping “Bid A” ‘s bid portion, at “Bid B’ ‘s per acrebid price (both as to bonus and rental); and thereafter, each successive bidder whose bid is otherwise acceptable will be given the option to take a lease on whatever portion remainsofhis portion bid acreage at his respective per acrebid price, less and except any prior portion bid acreage on which the successful bidder has opted to take alease.

The Mineral and Energy Boarddoes not obligate itself to accept any bid, and that acceptance is at the sole discretion of the Mineral Board which reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to grant a lease on any portion of the tract advertised and to withdraw the remainderofthe tract.

Additional requirements to be included in all sealed bids submitted to the Office of State Resources and additional tract information associated with each tract advertised can be found at the Office of State Resources website titled “Notice of Publication” located at: https://www.denr. louisiana.gov/ page/notice -ofpublication-202512. It is the bidders’ responsibility to properly complete the bid package pursuant to the requirements stated in both the public notice and the Notice of Publication.

The rights to geotherma l resources, free sulphur,potash, lignite, salt and other solid minerals aretobeexcluded from any oil or gas mineral lease and any bid purporting to include those rights will be disregarded as to the extent of those rights only

If you require accommo dat io ns due to adisability in order to attend or participate in a meeting, please notify the Office of State Resources at P.O. Box2827, Baton Rouge, LA 708212827 or 225-3424615 at least two (2) working days before the meeting date.

OFFSH ORE

TRACTS(Tract No. 45986 herein cannotspecify a lease primaryterm exceeding five (5) years).

TRACT 45986Portion of Blocks 17, 5, and 6, South Pass Area, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana The beds and bottomsofall water bodies belonging to the State of Louisiana located in Blocks 17, 5, and 6, South Pass Area, together with any present lands formed by accretion to the shoreline

or islands formed therein, located in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, owned by and not presently under mineral lease as of December 10, 2025, from the State of Louisiana, the geographical area of which is morefully described as follows: Beginning at apoint having Coordinates of X=2,735,400.00 and Y= 154,200.00; thence North 10,292.35 feet to a point on the boundary of the Pass-A-Loutre Wildlife Management Area having Coordinates of X= 2,735,400.00 and Y =164,492.35; thence North 27 degrees 15 minutes 54 seconds East 9,661.00 feet along the boundary of said Pass-A-Loutre

Wildlife Management Area to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,739,825.75 and Y =173,080.00; thence South 6,180.00 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,739,825.75 and Y =166,900.00; thence East 2,274.25 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,742,100.00 and Y =166,900.00; thence South 12,700.00 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,742,100.00 and Y=154,200.00; thence West 6,700.00 feet to the point of beginning, containing ap pr oxima tely 2,145.04 acres.

PA SS-A-LOU TR E

TRACTS (Tract Nos. 45987 through 45990 inclusive, herein cannot specify a lease primary term exceeding three (3) years).

TRACT 45987Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana All Stateowned lands and water bottoms located within the boundaries of the Pass- A-Loutr e Wildlife Management Area as defined by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries incorporating atitle opinion from the Office of the Governor dated August 3, 1998, not presently under mineral lease by the State of Louisiana on December 10, 2025, all as set forth following: Beginning at apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,716,400.00 and Y =176,900.00; thence East 9,701.00 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,726,101.00 and Y =176,900.00; thence South 10,000.00 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,726,101.00 and Y =166,900.00; thence West 9,701.00 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,716,400.00 and Y =166,900.00; thence North 10,000.00 feet to the point of beginning, LESS AND EXCEPT any privately owned land that may be located within the above described Tract, if any,said tract containing ap pr ox ima tely 2,227.04 acres.

NOTE: This tractis located in the PassA-LoutreWildlife Management Area under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries which

has promulgated rules and regulations for the protection of game and wildlifeon the aforesaid Tract and, therefore,shall be subject to said rules and regulations, acopy of which may be obtained from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. In addition to the specificrules and regulations applicable, the following shall apply regarding operations under this mineral lease:

1. No activities will be allowed without written authorization from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

2. Proposed projects will be evaluated on acase by case basis. Modifications to proposed project features, including, but not limited to access routes, spoil placement, well sites, flowlines and appurtenant structures may be required by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

3. Compensatory mitigation will be required to offset unavoidable wetland impacts.

4. Removal of all structures, facilities and equipment will be required within 120 days of abandonment unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

5. No activities will be allowed during the hunting season unless approved by the Department

6. Compliance with the said WMA regulations will be required unless otherwise specified by the Department

7. Prior to submitting applicationsfor wetland permits to Federal and State permitting agencies the leaseholder shall coordinate project detailswith the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Contact person for the Department will be Mike Perot at (225)765-3978.

8. Additionally,the Department will requireaMinimum royalty for years 1-3 is 18.5% (rate will run for 3years on 1st production). After 3 years of production, royalty will increase to 2% over the accepted bid rate. Production must begin within 24 months after execution of lease; otherwise royalty will increase to 4% over the accepted bid rate.

TRACT 45988Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana All Stateowned lands and water bottoms located within the boundaries of the Pass- A-Loutr e Wildlife Management Area as defined by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries incorporating atitle opinion from the Office of the Governor dated August 3, 1998, not presentlyunder mineral lease by the State of Louisiana on December 10, 2025, all as set forth

following: Beginning at apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,726,101.00 and Y =173,080.00; thence East 13,724.75 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,739,825.75 and Y =173,080.00; thence South 27 degrees 15 minutes 54 seconds West 9,661.00 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X=

2,735,400.00 and Y =164,492.35; thence North 2,407.65 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,735,400.00 and Y =166,900.00; thence West 9,299.00 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,726,101.00 and Y =166,900.00; thence North 6,180.00 feet to the point of beginning, LESS AND EXCEPT any privately owned land that may be located within the above described Tract, if any,said tract containing ap pr ox ima tely 1,755.54 acres.

NOTE: This tractis located in the PassA-LoutreWildlife Management Area under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries which has promulgated rules and regulations for the protectionof game and wildlifeon the aforesaid Tract and, therefore, shall be subject to said rules and regulations, acopy of which may be obtained from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. In addition to the specificrules and regulations applicable, the following shall apply regarding operations under this mineral lease:

1. No activities will be allowed without written authorization from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

2. Proposed projects will be evaluated on acase by case basis. Modifications to proposed project features, including but not limited to access routes, spoil placement, well sites, flowlines and appurtenant structures may be required by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

3. Compensatory mitigation will be required to offset unavoidable wetland impacts.

4. Removal of all structures, facilities and equipment will be required within 120 days of abandonment unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

5. No activities will be allowed during the hunting season unless approved by the Department

6. Compliance with the said WMA regulations will be required unless otherwise specified by the Department

7. Prior to submitting applicationsfor wetland permits to Federal and State permitting agencies the leaseholder shall coordinate

project details with the Department of Wildlife andFisheries. Contact person for the Department will be Mike Perotat (225)765-3978.

8. Additionally,the Department will requirea Minimum royalty for years 1-3 is 18.5% (rate will run for 3years on 1st production). After 3 years of production, royalty will increase to 2% overthe accepted bid rate. Production must begin within 24 months after execution of lease; otherwise royalty will increase to 4% over the acceptedbid rate.

TRACT45989Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana All State owned lands andwater bottoms located within the boundaries of the Pass-A-Loutr e Wildlife Management Area as defined by the Department of Wildlife andFisheries incorporating atitle opinion from the Office of the Governor dated August 3, 1998, not presently under mineral lease by the State of Louisiana on December 10, 2025, allasset forth following: Beginning at apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,706,700.00 andY =163,800.00;thence East 12,100.00 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,718,800.00 andY =163,800.00;thence South 7,400.00 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,718,800.00 andY =156,400.00;thence West 12,100.00 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,706,700.00 andY =156,400.00;thence North 7,400.00 feet to the point of beginning, LESSAND EXCEPT anyprivately owned land thatmay be located within the above described Tract,ifany,said tract containing appr ox im at el y 2,055.56 acres NOTE: This tract is located in the PassA-LoutreWildlife Management Area underthe jurisdiction of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife andFisheries which haspromulgated rules andregulations for the protection of game andwildlife on the aforesaidTract and, therefore, shall be subject to said rules andregulations, acopy of whichmay be obtained from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. In addition to the specificrules andregulations applicable,the following shall apply regarding operations underthis mineral lease:

1. No activitieswill be allowedwithout writtenauthorization from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife andFisheries.

2. Proposedprojects will be evaluated on acase by case basis. Modifications to proposed project features, including, but not limitedto, access routes, spoil placement, well sites, flowlines andappurtenant structures maybe

required by the Department of Wildlife andFisheries.

3. Compensatory mitigation will be required to offset unavoidable wetland impacts.

4. Removal of all structures, facilities andequipment will be required within 120 days of abandonment unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Department of Wildlife andFisheries.

5. No activitieswill be allowed during the hunting season unless approvedby the Department.

6. Compliance with the said WMA regulations will be required unless otherwise specified by the Department.

7. Prior to submitting applicationsfor wetland permits to Federal andState permitting agencies the leaseholder shall coordinate project details with the Department of Wildlife andFisheries. Contact person for the Department will be Mike Perotat (225)765-3978.

8. Additionally,the Department will requirea Minimum royalty for years 1-3 is 18.5% (rate will run for 3years on 1st production). After 3 years of production, royalty will increase to 2% overthe accepted bid rate. Production must begin within 24 months after execution of lease; otherwise royalty will increase to 4% over the acceptedbid rate.

TRACT45990Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana All State owned lands andwater bottoms located within the boundaries of the Pass-A-Loutr e Wildlife Management Area as defined by the Department of Wildlife andFisheries incorporatinga title opinion from the Office of the Governor dated August 3, 1998, not presently under mineral lease by the State of Louisiana on December 10, 2025, allasset forth following: Beginning at apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,718,800.00 andY =166,900.00; thence East 7,301.00 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,726,101.00 andY =166,900.00; thence South 12,700.00 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,726,101.00 andY =154,200.00; thence West 7,301.00 feet to apoint having Coordinates of X= 2,718,800.00 andY =154,200.00; thence North 12,700.00 feet to the point of beginning, LESS AND EXCEPT any privately owned land thatmay be located within the above described Tract,ifany,said tract containing appr oxi ma te ly 2,128.62 acres

NOTE: This tract is located in the PassA-LoutreWildlife Management Area underthe jurisdiction of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife

andFisheries which haspromulgated rules andregulations for the protection of game andwildlife on the aforesaidTract and, therefore, shall be subject to said rules andregulations, acopy of whichmay be obtained from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. In addition to the specificrules andregulations applicable,the following shall apply regarding operations under this mineral lease:

1. No activitieswill be allowed without writtenauthorization from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife andFisheries.

2. Proposedprojects will be evaluated on acase by case basis. Modifications to proposed project features, including, but not limitedto, access routes, spoil placement, well sites, flowlines andappurtenant structures maybe required by the Department of Wildlife andFisheries.

3. Compensatory mitigation will be required to offset unavoidable wetland impacts.

4. Removal of all structures, facilities andequipmentwill be required within 120 days of abandonment unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Department of Wildlife andFisheries.

5. No activitieswill be allowedduring the hunting season unless approvedby the Department.

6. Compliance with the said WMA regulations will be required unless otherwise specified by the Department.

7. Prior to submitting applications for wetland permits to Federal andState permitting agencies the leaseholder shall coordinate project details with the Department of Wildlife andFisheries. Contact person for the Department will be Mike Perotat (225)765-3978.

8. Additionally,the Department will requirea Minimum royalty for years 1-3 is 18.5% (rate will run for 3years on 1st production). After 3 years of production, royalty will increase to 2% overthe accepted bid rate. Production must begin within 24 months after execution of lease; otherwise royalty will increase to 4% over the accepted bid rate.

164930-576580Nov.18-1t $571.84

When youneed thenews. Wherever youreadthe news Thenewspaper of record for BatonRouge