Most school districts in the Baton Rouge Rouge region improved their overall academic performance last year, with local districts holding five of the 10 top spots in the state, including West Feliciana Parish, which is leading Louisiana for the second year in a row
That’s the picture that emerges from annual performance scores and letter grades for Louisiana schools and school districts that were issued Thursday It’s a picture that will change next year when the state rolls out a newer, tougher school grading system. Indeed, 30 out of 70 districts would get a different letter grade under the new system, for which state leaders released simulated results. Four of the 16 districts in the Baton Rouge region would have different grades, all lower West Feliciana Parish rose to the top of the state rankings in 2024, displacing longtime leader Zachary Hollis Milton, West Feliciana’s superintendent, said the parish sets a “standard of excellence in Louisiana.” He credited the “extraordinary commitment of our students, teachers, staff, families and community partners who work together every day to create a culture of excellence.”
“Thank you to our entire West Feliciana family
See SCHOOLS, page 5A
Baton Rouge area school performance scores
The official 2025 grades are based on 2024-25 school year performance data. The unofficial simulated grades show how districts would do under the state’s revised rating system, which takes effect in 2026
Source: Louisiana Department of
La. officials back plan to increase Gulf oil fields
Proposal would bring millions of dollars into the state
BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump proposed Thursday a five-year plan that would open about 1.27 billion acres to oil and gas exploration and hold seven lease sales off Louisiana’s Gulf coast, leading to acclaim from state officials.
Trump’s plan will “boost domestic exploration and production in the Gulf of America and provide much-needed predictability,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson. Under provisions Scalise inserted into the law Louisiana will get a larger portion of the millions of dollars the federal government shares with states from the bids and royalty payments.
The 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, when enacted, would replace the existing five-year plan released under the President Joe Biden administration. The current five-year plan sharply curtailed development of oil and gas deposits in the Gulf and elsewhere as part of the former president’s efforts to address climate change.
Trump proposes to hold 34 offshore oil and gas lease sales between the years 2026 and 2031. His five-year plan also would open up waters off
ä See GULF, page 6A
energy
La. solar farm
BY JOSIE ABUGOV Staff writer
A multinational energy company has completed construction of its first solar farm in Louisiana, a project outside Monroe that will generate enough electricity to power 17,000 homes and use a flock of 600 sheep as on-site lawn mowers.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, will buy the renewable energy, though the solar project is not directly tied to the massive artificial intelligence data center the tech giant is building in northeast Louisiana. The renewable
Sheep to serve as lawn mowers ä See SOLAR, page 6A
Recording of defendant details motive in 2017 killings
Sharpe faces trial for murder charges
BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer
It sounded like a peculiar plot twist in a science fiction thriller But it was a tragedy with real-life consequences. When Ryan Joseph Sharpe sat down with homicide detectives after being captured following a string of killings in 2017, he told investigators he was ensnared in a cabal involving several different federal agencies that forced him to kill. He claimed he shot and killed
former BREC Commissioner Carroll Breeden Sr and two other men after he got a “surprise phone call” from “federal police” and two agents directed him to “earn tags” either by killing deer or people. If he didn’t follow the orders, Sharpe said, his friends, family and loved ones would be captured and taken to a “federal hotel,” where other prisoners were being detained in a “big federal case” involving “cop killings.”
“I don’t go around shooting people just for the fun of it,” Sharpe told East Feliciana Parish sheriff’s deputies in an interrogation video.
“All of this goes back to this federal hotel where all these people are under this big federal case.”
Sharpe, 44, alleged the conspiracy involved the FBI, special forces, State Police and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. But it was all a figment of his imagination.
Sharpe is being tried for second-degree murder this week in Breeden’s Sept. 19, 2017, killing. If a jury of six men and eight women finds him guilty of the murder count, he’ll face another life sentence. Sharpe was already sentenced to life in prison last year for killing Brad DeFranceschi, a 48-yearold Boy Scout leader outside his East Feliciana Parish home. That
ä See RECORDING, page 4A
STAFF FILE
PHOTO By BILL FEIG
Law enforcement officers escort convicted killer Ryan Sharpe from the East Feliciana Parish courthouse after his 2019 trial ended.
Staff graphic
STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS
Mary Price reaches out to hug a student while watching over breakfast during the first day of school at Progress Elementary on Aug. 7.
BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS
Death toll reaches 33 in Israeli strikes in Gaza
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Israeli strikes in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis early Thursday killed five people, hospital officials said, bringing the death toll from airstrikes in the Palestinian territory over a roughly 12hour period to 33, mostly women and children. The strikes have been some of the deadliest since Oct. 10 when a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect.
The renewed escalation came after Israel said that its soldiers had come under fire in Khan Younis on Wednesday Israel said that no soldiers were killed and that the military responded with strikes.
Four Israeli airstrikes on tents sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis late Wednesday and early Thursday killed 17 people, including five women and five children, according to officials at Nasser Hospital In Gaza City two airstrikes on a building killed 16 people, including seven children and three women, according to officials at the Al-Shifa hospital in the northern part of the city where the bodies were taken
The Hamas militant group condemned the Israeli strikes as a “shocking massacre.” In a statement, Hamas denied firing toward Israeli troops.
Ex-congressional staffer accused of faking attack
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J A former staffer for a Republican congressman claimed she was attacked by three armed men who tied her up, slashed her and scrawled an anti-President Donald Trump statement on her stomach, according to authorities. But federal prosecutors are now accusing her of making the whole thing up and staging the bloody scene, including hiring someone to cut her skin.
The 26-year-old woman, who worked for U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, of New Jersey, made her initial court appearance Wednesday on charges that she conspired to perpetrate a hoax and made false statements to federal law enforcement
The woman and a friend staged the fake attack July 23 at a nature preserve in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The friend called 911 saying the attackers had a gun, knew the woman’s name and that she worked for Van Drew, a strong supporter of Trump.
Responding police found the woman lying in a wooded area with her shirt pulled over her head and her hands and feet zip tied, according to prosecutors. She had several cuts on her face, neck, chest and shoulder, while slogans criticizing Trump and Van Drew were written with black marker on her stomach and back.
The woman later repeated her claims about the attack while being interviewed by police and FBI agents, according to prosecutors. But authorities allege the story soon started to unravel when they searched the woman’s Maserati and found zip ties and duct tape inside.
Stepbrother suspected in cruise ship death
TITUSVILLE, Fla. — The 16-yearold stepbrother of the Florida high school senior who died this month on a Carnival cruise ship has been identified as a suspect in her death, according to court documents filed by his parents. The disclosures — contained in motions filed in an ongoing custody dispute — offer the clearest public indication that federal investigators are scrutinizing a member of the victim’s own blended family
The documents show both parents acknowledging that their middle child identified in court only by his initials “T.H.” — is under FBI investigation in connection with the death of Anna Kepner, a high school cheerleader from Florida’s Space Coast. Her death aboard the ship has drawn international attention and remains shrouded in uncertainty Neither the FBI nor Carnival has said publicly how Kepner died, whether a crime occurred, or what led agents to focus on the teen.
DHS says Charlotte crackdown continues
Sheriff said immigration operation was over
BY GARY D ROBERTSON and JOHN SEEWER Associated Press
RALEIGH, N.C.
A federal immigration crackdown centered around North Carolina’s largest city of Charlotte appeared to be tapering off Thursday, local law enforcement leaders said, but a Homeland Security official insisted the arrests would not let up.
The North Carolina operation that began last weekend was the most recent phase of Republican President Donald Trumps aggressive mass deportation efforts that have sent the military and immigration agents into Democratic-run cities from Chicago to Los Angeles.
“The operation is not over and it is not ending anytime soon,” said Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.
Both the local sheriff and police department said earlier in the day that the crackdown, which has resulted in hundreds of arrests, appeared to be over less than a week after it began Federal officials have offered few details about those arrested, or when and where agents will show up next.
But even as confusion swirled over whether Operation Charlotte’s Web was on or off in North Carolina, immigration enforcement actions are taking place nationwide, often with far less media atten-
tion than the Border Patrol surges. In one
example, the Department of Homeland Security said Thursday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement had arrested roughly 3,500 people over a six-week span in Houston.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden said in a statement that federal officials confirmed that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection operation ended, but that agents would continue operating as they have in the past
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police posted on social media Thursday that it received “reliable information” that Border Patrol personnel involved with the operation had departed that morning.
Another statement attributed to an unnamed Homeland Security spokesperson said that federal agencies “continue to target some of the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens as Operation Charlotte’s Web progresses,” and that about 370 people have been arrested over the past five days Federal agents are expected to descend next on New Orleans for operation “Swamp Sweep,” a monthslong crackdown in southeast Louisiana. As many as 250 federal troops could arrive as soon as Friday for the operation expected to kick off at the beginning of December In North Carolina, agents some heavily armed in tactical gear and unmarked vehicles — have carried out arrests in the Charlotte area and near the capital city of Raleigh.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, a Democrat, said Thursday she was hopeful the enforcement operation was winding down.
U.S., Russia draw up peace plan for war in Ukraine
Proposal includes major concessions from Kyiv
BY ILLIA NOVIKOV, AAMER MADHANI and CHRIS MEGERIAN Associated Press
KYIV Ukraine President Donald Trump’s plan for ending the war in Ukraine would cede land to Russia and limit the size of Kyiv’s military according to a draft obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.
The proposal, originating from negotiations between Washington and Moscow, appeared decidedly favorable to Russia, which started the war nearly four years ago by invading its neighbor If past is prologue, it would seem untenable for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has opposed Trump’s previous calls for territorial concessions.
There has also been resistance from European leaders, who are likely to decry the U.S. peace push as rewarding Russian President Vladimir Putin for his aggression, leaving him emboldened rather than defeated.
For example, the proposal would not only bar Ukraine from joining NATO but would also prevent the alliance’s future expansion. Such a step would be a significant victory for Moscow, which views NATO as a threat.
Putin would also gain ground he has been unable to win on the battlefield. Under the draft, Moscow would hold all the eastern Donbas region, even though approximately 14% still remains in Ukrainian hands. Ukraine’s military, currently at roughly 880,000 troops, would be reduced to 600,000.
The proposal opens the door to lifting sanctions on Russia and returning it to what was formerly known as the Group of Eight, which includes many of the world’s biggest economies. Russia was suspended from the annual gathering in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea, a strategi-
cally important peninsula on the northern coast of the Black Sea that is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.
The U.S. team began drawing up the plan soon after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Rustem Umerov, a top adviser to Zelenskyy, according to a senior administration official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The official added that Umerov agreed to the majority of the plan, after making several modifications, and then presented it to Zelenskyy
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was also in Kyiv on Thursday and discussed the latest draft with Zelenskyy according to a senior administration official Zelenskyy offered a measured statement on social media about it but did not directly speak to the substance of the proposal.
“Our teams of Ukraine and the United States — will work on the provisions of the plan to end the war We are ready for constructive, honest and swift work,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has informed the White House he’ll leave his post in January according to two senior administration officials.
Kellogg was initially named special envoy for Ukraine and Russia during Trump’s presidential transition. But his role shrunk as Witkoff, a real estate developer turned diplomat, emerged as the president’s chief interlocutor with Putin and his advisers.
Under the proposal, Russia would commit to making no future attacks, something the White House views as a concession In addition, $100 billion in frozen Russian assets would be dedicated to rebuilding Ukraine.
However, handing over territory to Russia would be deeply unpopular in Ukraine. It also would be illegal under Ukraine’s constitution. Zelenskyy has repeatedly ruled out such a possibility.
Trump: Democrats’ video to military is ‘seditious behavior’
BY MEG KINNARD Associated Press
President Donald Trump on Thursday accused half a dozen Democratic lawmakers of sedition “punishable by DEATH” after the lawmakers — all veterans of the armed services and intelligence community — called on U.S. military members to uphold the Constitution and defy “illegal orders.”
The 90-second video was first posted early Tuesday from Sen. Elissa Slotkin’s X account. In it, the six lawmakers — Slotkin, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and Reps Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander and Chrissy Houlahan speak directly to U.S. service members, whom Slotkin acknowledges are “under enormous stress and pressure right now.”
“The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution,” Slotkin wrote in the X post. Along with the Michigan senator, the other lawmakers appearing in the video are seen as possible future aspirants for higher office, who now, thanks to the video’s wide exposure, have elevated their own political profiles.
Trump on Thursday reposted messages from others about the video, amplifying it with his own words. It marked another flashpoint in the political rhetoric that at times has been thematic in his administrations, as well as among some in his MAGA base. Some Democrats accused him of acting like a king and trying to distract from the soon-to-be-released files about disgraced financier and sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein.
With pieces of dialogue spliced together from different members, the lawmakers introduce themselves and their background. They go on to say the Trump administration “is pitting our uniformed military against American citizens.” They call for service members to “refuse illegal orders” and “stand up for our laws.”
Although the lawmakers
didn’t mention specific circumstances in the video, its release comes as the Trump administration continues attempts at deployment of National Guard troops into U.S. cities for various roles, although some have been pulled back, and others held up in court.
Troops, especially uniformed commanders, have a specific obligation to reject an order that’s unlawful, if they make that determination. However, while commanders have military lawyers on their staffs to consult with in helping make such a determination, rank-and-file troops who are tasked with carrying out those orders are rarely in a similar position.
Broad legal precedence holds that just following orders, colloquially known as the “Nuremberg defense” as it was used unsuccessfully by senior Nazi officials to justify their actions doesn’t absolve troops. However the U.S. military legal code, known as the Uniform Code of Military Justice, will punish troops for failing to follow an order should it turn out to be lawful.
On Thursday, Trump reposted to social media an article about the video, adding his own commentary that it was “really bad, and Dangerous to our Country.”
“SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!!” Trump went on. “LOCK THEM UP???” He called for the lawmakers’ arrest and trial, adding in a separate post that it was “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH.”
Asked during a White House briefing on Thursday about the intent of Trump’s messages, press secretary Karoline Leavitt instead honed in on the Democrats’ message, which she posited “perhaps is punishable by law.” Leavitt went on to say that any incitement to “defy the chain of command, not to follow lawful orders” is “a very dangerous thing for sitting members of Congress to do, and they should be held accountable, and that’s what the president wants to see.”
U.S. Border Patrol commander at large Gregory Bovino takes a phone call on Monday in Charlotte, N.C.
Respectfor Cheney from Bush, Biden, past VPs
Trumpexcluded from funeral
BY CALVIN WOODWARD Associated Press
WASHINGTON They gathered at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday
—former presidents, vice presidents, sworn political foes and newfound friends
—inashow of respect and remembrance for Dick Cheney,the consequential and polarizing vicepresident who became an acidicscold of President DonaldTrump.
Trump, who has beenpublicly silent about Cheney’s death Nov.3,was not invited to the memorial service.
Twoex-presidents came:
Republican George W. Bush, who eulogized the man who served him as vice president, and Democrat Joe Biden, who once called Cheney “the most dangerous vice president we’ve had probably in American history” but now honors his commitmentto his family and to his values.
“Solid and rare and reliable,” Bush said at the service of his vice president, praising aman whose talent and restraint” exceeded his ego. “Smart and polished, without airs.”
Bush and others noted the understated demeanor of aman who nevertheless wielded great influence in government. “Above all,” Bush said, “I wanted someone with the ability to step into thepresidency without getting distracted by the ambition to seek it.”
Among the eulogists, Liz Cheney,the eldest daughter, only obliquely addressed what amounted to afatherdaughter feud with the president —a man her dad had called a“coward” for trying to overturn his loss in the
2020 election Shespoke of herfather’s conviction that when confrontedwitha choice betweendefendingthe country and apolitical party, the country must come first.
“Bonds of party must always yield to the singlebond we share as Americans,” she said.
Liz Cheney is aformer high-ranking Housemember whose Republican political careerwas shredded by aMAGA movement angered by her investigation of the Jan.6,2021, riot at the Capitol. Thursday,she chose not to speak directlyof Trump. She spoke of seeing clouds in the shape ofangels just before her fatherdied.
Moments beforethe servicebegan, figures of recent but now receded power mingled: Bush and Bidenand their wives sitting in arow together,former Vice Presidents Kamala Harris and Mike Pence chatting side by side in their pew with Al Gore andDan Quayle together behind them.
Biden greeted Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, theformer longtime Senate leader,and hiswife, former labor and transportation secretary Elaine Chao. Behind them sat Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who spent time talking with another former House speaker,Republican John Boehner.All gatheredamong the soaring interior columns of the grand cathedral known as “a spiritual home for thenation.”
Others delivering tributes at Thursday’sfuneralwere Cheney’slongtime cardiologist, Dr.Jonathan Reiner; former NBC News correspondent Pete Williams, who was Cheney’sspokesman at thePentagon;and several of the former vice president’s
Update contradicts scientificevidence
BY MIKE STOBBE Associated Press
NEW YORK ACenters for Disease Control and Prevention website has been changed to contradict the longtime scientific conclusion that vaccines do not cause autism, spurring outrage amonga number of public health andautismexperts.
The CDC “vaccine safety” webpage was updated Wednesday,saying “the statement ‘Vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim.”
The change is the latest move by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to revisit —and foster uncertainty about —longheld scientific consensus about the safety of vaccines and other pharmaceutical products. It was decried by scientists and advocates who have long
been focused on finding the causesofautism.
“Weare appalled to find that thecontent on the CDC webpage‘Autism and Vaccines’ has been changed and distorted, and is nowfilled with anti-vaccinerhetoric and outright lies aboutvaccines and autism,” the Autism Science Foundationsaid in astatement Thursday.
Widespread scientific consensus and decades of studies have firmlyconcluded there is no link between vaccinesand autism.“Theconclusion is clear andunambiguous,” saidDr. Susan Kressly,presidentofthe American AcademyofPediatrics, in a statement Thursday
“Wecall on the CDC to stop wasting government resources to amplify false claims that sow doubt inone of the best tools we have to keep children healthyand thriving:routine immunizations,” she said.
TheCDC has, until now, echoed the absence of alink in promoting Foodand Drug
grandchildren.
“I’m happy to report that Ihaven’t given many eulogies,” Reiner saidinhis remarks. “Nobody wants a doctor who is great at funerals.”
Reiner recalled doctors tellingCheneydecades ago, after thefirst of multiple heart attacks, that he should abandon his political ambitionsthen. Yethekept winning elections as aWyoming congressmanfor yearsafter that.
Cheney,hesaid, wasalways the “calmest person in theroom.”
Cheney hadlivedwith heartdisease fordecades and, after the Bush administration, with aheart transplant. He diedatage 84 from complications of pneumonia andcardiac andvascular disease, his family said.
Trump’svicepresident, JD Vance, on stage at another event in the morning, was asked aboutCheney and said: “Obviously there’s some political disagree-
Vance was also not invited to thefuneral,according to a person familiar with the de-
tails whowas not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity
The White House lowered its flags to half-staff after Cheney’sdeath, as it said thelaw calls for, but Trump did notissue the presidential proclamation that often accompanies the death of notable figures, norhas he commented publicly on his passing.
The deeply conservative Cheney’sinfluence in the Bush administration was legendary and, to his critics, tragic.
He advocated for the U.S. invasion of Iraq on the basis of what proved to be faulty intelligence and consistently defended the extraordinary tools of surveillance, detention and inquisition employed in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Bush credited him with helping to keep the country safe and stable in aperilous time.
Administration-licensed vaccines
But anti-vaccines activists —including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whothis year became secretary of Health and Human Services —have long claimed thereisone.
It’sunclear if anyone at CDC was actually involved in thechange, or whether it was done by Kennedy’sHHS, which oversees the CDC.
Many at CDCwere surprised.
“I spoke withseveral scientists at CDC yesterday andnonewere awareofthis change in content,”saidDr. DebraHoury,who waspart of agroup of CDC top officials who resignedfromthe agency in August. “When scientists are cut out of scientific reviews, then inaccurate and ideologic informationresults.”
The updated page does not citeany new research. It instead argues that past studiessupporting alinkhave been ignoredbyhealth authorities.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByMATTROURKE
Former presidents, front rowfrom left, GeorgeW.Bush, withLaura Bush; and JoeBiden, with Jill Biden, look on as ajoint services body bearer team arriveThursday with the casket of former Vice PresidentDick Cheneyatthe Washington National Cathedral in Washington.
ments there but he was a guy who served his country
Immigration and Customs Enforcement sent atransgender immigrant being held in Louisiana to Mexico despite amonths-old judge’sorder blocking her deportation there because she would be at risk of being torturedorkilled, according to court records.
Britania UriosteguiRios, 47, was removed fromLouisiana to Texas on Nov. 11, and then takenacross theborder to Mexico, according to alawsuit filed in federal court Monday by her attorneys.
An official for the Department of Justice admitted ICE removed Uriostegui Rios “inadvertently” andsaidshe wouldbeallowed back into the U.S. if she could makeittoa bordercheckpoint, according to emails filed withthe lawsuit.
ICE said it would takeher back into custody upon entry.Her attorneys hadrequestedthat she be released on an order of supervision, per theemails In court documents, legal advocates describe how Uriostegui Rios went into hiding after returning to Mexico and was terrified of making it backtothe border safely due to her gender identity
Oneadvocate stated that ICE deported Uriostegui Rios without her medications, identification,money or acellphone.
Lawyers for Uriostegui Rios described her case as an example of abroader problem as President Donald Trump’sadministration aggressively tries to ramp up deportations.
“If Defendants had not been caught by counsel red-handed, violating the judicial decree at issue, Britania would be just another
the (interrogation), when he demonstrated significant and clearmemoryofall the events that led to his current charges in exquisitedetail.”
shooting tookplace 20 days after Breeden was gunned down outside his multiacre property offPortHudsonPride Road in the northern territories of East Baton Rouge Parish.
Both men were doing yard work outside their homes when they were killed.
Authorities say Sharpe also shot and killed 62-yearold Tommy Bass outsidehis East Feliciana Parish home on La. 960 in July 2017 while he was in his carport working on his truck. He was also chargedwithwounding Scott “Buck” Hornsby as Hornsby exercised on his property near La. 63 aweek beforeBreeden’sdeath.
Prosecutors on Thursday played the 2017 video statementwhere Sharpe laid out the details of the shootings and the elaborate plot he claimed motivated him to shoot strangers near their homes in ruralportions of East BatonRouge andEast Feliciana parishes.
“I was running out of time,” he said, claiming he had amandate to collect five so-called tags. “You know what happens when Irun out of time. They start picking people up.”
But Jose Artecona, aforensicpsychiatrist who evaluated Sharpe, testified that the Clinton man never showed any signs of major mental illness orpsychological defect.
When the doctor interviewed Sharpe months afterhis arrest, he said Sharpe claimed he couldn’t rememberthe killings or the statements he made to investigators. Sharpehad also forgottencalling 911 twice to report that he was DeFranceschi’skiller and a police chase near his home when he was captured.
“The only things he didn’t remember was stuff that could be incriminating,” Artecona told jurors Thursday. “Hedidn’tremember allthe stuffhesaidduring
Notingthat Sharpe was diagnosed with severe alcoholism, Artecona saidhe believed Sharpe was either suffering from an “alcoholinduced psychosis”when he made his confession to deputies or he was simply making the entirestory up to avoid prosecution.
“He remembered alot of things in this interview with detectives that,tome, showed he was aperson with apretty excellent memory,” Artecona testified. “But then all of asudden, he can’trememberwhathesaid. That’s not theway memory works.”
The question of Sharpe’s mentalhealthiskey to the case.His attorney,Thomas Damico, told jurors during the opening dayoftestimony Wednesday that Sharpehad amental break and trulybelievedhis friends and family would be in peril if he didn’t carry out the missionconjuredinhis altered reality Sharpe has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity Damico said he was notin control of his actions at the time,inastate of delusion where he couldn’tdistinguish rightfrom wrong Damico asked Artecona if it’spossible that Sharpe didn’trepeat his outrageous claims to the doctororoth-
casualty (the number of which at this juncture remains unknown) of amass deportation campaign running roughshod of the law at innumerable turns,” they said in thelawsuit.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, did not answer multiple questions about Uriostegui Rios’ case, including about howthe deportation occurred and why she was being detained.
Instead, in astatement, Tricia McLaughlin,the agency’s deputy secretary,emphasized Uriostegui Rios’criminalrecordand said the mix-up did not mean she would be allowed to stay in the U.S.
“The end result will be thesame —Rios will not be able to remain in theU.S.and will be removed,” McLaughlin said.
Uriostegui Rios would be sent to adifferent country,according to McLaughlin.
ersbecausehewas afraid.
During his interrogation video, Sharpe said he’dbeen ordered not to tellanyone about his efforts to earn “kill tags.” He reluctantly revealed thesupposedplot to detectives only after the deputies convinced him they would report the killings to federalagents so he could get his “tags.”
“Could it be thatbecause he was told not to talk about it by someone, he chose not to?”Damico asked about the memory lapses while crossexamining Artecona.
“But you can’treliably determine thislack of memory,orwhy he claimshehas alack of memory,can you?” Damico pressed.
“Tome, it doesn’tmake anysense why somebody would fail to remember anything out of that interview,yet you remember one little tidbit about telling detectives that he was going to an auto-parts store to geta radiator cap,” Arteconasaid.
“But that’sassuming he doesn’tremember,” Damico asked. “If he chooses not to talk about it,isthat different?”
“If he chose to, Iguess that would be different,” said Artecona.
Email MattBruce at matt bruce@theadvocate.com.
In astatementincluded in the court filing,anICE official said Uriostegui Rios hadmultiple criminal convictions, including a2009 conviction of sexual solicitation anda 2023 conviction of assault with adeadly weapon. Uriostegui Rios cametothe U.S. in 2003 and becamealawful permanent resident in 2012, according to the statement. Ajudge ordered her removed to Mexico on March 14 but simultaneously blocked that removal underthe Convention Against Torture, the official said. It is common forimmigration judges to issue deferred removal orderswhen immigrants are at riskofbeing persecutedor harmed in theirhomecountry
The ICEofficialsaid the agency had tried to remove Uriostegui Rios to multiple thirdcountries, including Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador.Costa Rica and Honduras both rejected theapplication,hesaid.
Uriostegui Rios’ case is the second prominent example in recent weeks of the federal government sendinga Louisiana ICEdetainee to another country after being ordered not to do so.
In October,officials put Chanthila Souvannarath on aplane to Laos the day after ajudge temporarily blocked his deportationbecause of his American citizenship claim. In court filings, government lawyers saidthey did not learn of the judge’sorder untilhours after they put him on the plane.
Souvannarath was taken to a Laos jail, according to his lawyers, whosaid in court documents that he is only abletocontactthem when he is occasionally allowed to borrow aguard’sphone. They have asked ajudge to order him returned to the United States.
Uriostegui Rios was detained by ICEinApril 2024 and sent to Winn Correctional Center,anICE facility in Winnfield, in June, according to court records.
forbelieving in our mission, supporting our schools, and pushing us to be better each year,” Milton said. “This recognition belongs to all of us.”
Under the current system, Ascension Parish camein third in the state. Zachary and Central ranked fifth and sixth while Livingston Parish schools ranked in ninth place.All five would have maintained Agrades under the new system.
“Maintaining an Arating reflects more than numbers —itshowcases the hard work of our students, the passion of our educators, and the unwavering support of our community,” said Livingston ParishSuperintendent Jody Purvis.
Seven districts in the Baton Rouge region did better than the statewide average, 80.9 out of apossible 150 points. That’sthe best score the state has had since 2018, whenitlast reworked its school accountability formula. The score rates aBletter grade on the state’sscoring scale. The state has had aB grade since 2016 and would maintainaBunderthe new system, according to the simulation.
East Baton Rouge Parish, the second-largest traditional school district in Louisiana, grew 2.3 points. The improvementgives the district its highest score since the currentaccountability system began. That boost was spurred in part by agraduationrate of 76.1%, the highestsince the state began calculating it. The improvementwas not enough, though,toliftthe district letter grade of aC East Baton Rouge would have had aCunder the new system as well.
“Weare encouraged by the growth reflected in this year’sschoolperformance scores, and Iwant to recognize the students, educators andfamilies who made this progress possible,” saidSuperintendent LaMont Cole.
“District leaders are part-
nering closely with school leadershiptomake deeper, moremeaningful impacts in classrooms every single day,”Cole said Thefastest-growing district in the region is Pointe Coupee Parish, whichimproved by 6.2 points compared with the prior year It maintained aCand would have had the same under the new system The Baton Rouge region hasthreedistricts with Dletter grades, but all improved compared with the prior year.City of Baker schools grew enough to move from an FtoaD.The school district, located just north of Baton Rouge, recently converted to an all charter-run school district.
St. James Parish schools saw the biggest decline in theregion, dropping 4.2 points comparedwith the year before.
The scores released Thursday are based mostly on how students performed on LEAP 2025 testsearlier this year,which measure what students know about math, English, science and social studies.
High school grades include otherfactors such as graduation rates, ACT resultsand the amount of college and career-oriented courses schools offer.Many of those extra highschool factors, though, are being jettisoned under thenew state accountabilitysystem
Of the 68 grade-earning schools in the Baton Rouge region withhighschoolstudents, more thantwo thirds wouldhavereceivedalower letter grade if the newaccountability systemwere already in place. Fifteen of those schoolswould have dropped two letter grades. Not all schools would have dipped. For instance, Louisiana Key Academy,acharter school in Baton Rouge that focused on children with dyslexia and which recently opened ahigh school, would have improved from an Fto aD
Elementary and middle schools in Louisiana stand to do better under thenew system since it’s closer to how they are currently measured. Andschools that do a better job of lifting up the lowest performing students will benefit as well. About 30% of schools with elementary andmiddleschoolgrade students in theBaton Rouge region would have changedgrades if thenew system had been in place this year.Slightly more thanhalf would have hadlower grades, but the rest would have had better grades.Woodland ParkMagnetinHammondwould have improved two letter grades, from an FtoaC As far as individual schools underthe current system, BatonRouge MagnetHighranks sixthstatewide in overallacademic
performance andremains topsinthe Baton Rouge regions. The selective magnet school has an Aletter grade and would have maintained an Aunder thenew system. LSU Lab andMayfair Lab schools followed by Live Oak High arethe next highest performing schoolsin theregion. Live Oakisthe
highest performing nonselective neighborhood school in the region, while BASIS BatonRouge Materra is the highest performing charter school.
Forty-nine schools in the Baton Rouge region earned Alettergrades. Themost, 17, are in Ascension Parish, includingits newschool, Prairieville High, which earned an A. Nextare Livingston Parish, with12 A-rated schools, and East Baton Rouge Parish, with seven Aschools.
Three of the four schools in West Feliciana Parish have As. Only West Feliciana Middle School has aB Thattotal of 49 Aschools, however,would shrink to 39 if schools were already being graded under the new accountability system
Conversely,the number of F-rated schools in the region would have grown from 11 to 18. That includes four schoolsthatcurrently have Cletter grades. Those schools are Broadmoor High and Capitol High, both in Ba-
ton Rouge, as well as Northeast High in Pride and St. HelenaCollege andCareer Academy in Greensburg. ForCapitolHigh, the shift would eraserecentgains that lifted the school this year from an FtoaC Underthe current system,10schools in the region improvedbymorethan10 points compared with the previous year.They were ledbyCollegiate Baton Rouge, acharter school, which climbed 17.2 points, jumping from aDtoaBletter grade.Collegiate would have returnedtoaDunder the new system Four schoolsinthe Baton Rouge area declinedby10 points or more. The steepest fall was at Brownfields Elementary in Baton Rouge, which dropped almost 20 points. It slippedfromaB to aCgrade. Under the new system,Brownfields would have fallen further,toaD Email Charles Lussier at clussier@theadvocate. com.
California andFlorida, as well as in the Arctic.
The federal government estimates 68.8 billion barrels of oil and 229trillion cubic feet of naturalgas are yet to be discovered on the outer continental shelf.
Environmentalists oppose the plan. Increased “drillingputs coastal economies, communities andwildlife at risk,” saidTaryn Kiekow Heimer,ofthe Natural Resources Defense Council.
At aclimate conferenceinBrazil held by the United Nations, which called for aphaseout of fossil fuels, California Gov.Gavin Newsom said his state opposes drilling off itsPacific coast and that any attempt to do so is “dead on arrival.”
ButLouisiana relies on oiland gas exploration and productionfor jobs and funds to counteract the state’sdisappearing marshlands
Much of the offshore activity is organized out of Port Fourchon, which has felt the impactfrom thelack of offshore leasesales, said Greater Lafourche Port Commission Executive Director Chett Chiasson.
“This new five-year plan brings back thecertainty we need to regain our energyindependence,
SOLAR
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energy is part of Meta’sbroader sustainability goals, aspokespersonfor the company said. Meta has separately committedtobring an additional 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy to the grid through its contract with Entergy, the state’slargest utility
The 550-acre project called Lafitte Solar,located in Ouachita Parish 4miles south of Monroe, is the latest solar announcement in Louisiana tied to Meta. Electricity from the 100-megawattsite will start flowing to the regional grid by the end of the year.RWE Clean Energy,the U.S. subsidiary of the German-based energy company,is the developer “This is the culmination of al-
strengthen our local economy with good-paying jobs anddeliver more resources forour hurricane protection projects,” Chiasson added. Lafourche Parish President Mitch Orgeron, whose constitu-
ents include many in the energy industry,agreed, saying,“We are settoreceive millions more in revenue-sharing dollars to protect and rebuild our coast for years to come.”
The InteriorDepartment’sBureau of Ocean Energy Managementreported in September managing 2,073 active offshore oil and gasleases covering about11.2 million acres —production that
accounts for roughly 15% of the nation’sdomestic oil output.
The NationalOcean Industries Association, aWashington-based trade association for offshore energy interests, says the Gulf produces nearly2 million barrelsof oil per day
“A clearleasingschedule gives companiesthe certainty to invest, strengthenssupplychains, bolsterscommunities,and keepsthe U.S.competitiveinarapidly evolving global energy landscape,” said NOIA President Erik Milito.
“The Trump administration’sdraft five-year offshore leasing planputs Louisiana to work,” said Louisiana Mid-Continent Oiland GasAssociation President Tommy Faucheux. “President Trump is creating jobs, strengthening energy security and delivering vital funding to restore Louisiana’scoastline.”
GNO Inc. President Michael Hechtadded: “Notonly will this plan solidify billions in economic impact, including high-wage jobs for our region over the next five years, but it also offersthe stability this industry needs to continue to invest and grow forthe future.”
Public comments about Trump’s proposal will begin to be taken for 60 days once the planisofficially released on Monday
Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate.com.
most seven years of work,” said Cody Hoffman, project lead for RWE’sproject near Monroe. “It’s really great to see allthatwork come together.”
Earlierthis month, Meta signed adeal with another developer to build two large-scalesolar farms in rural Morehouse and Sabine parishes. The three projects will total 485 megawatts, enough electricity to power around 100,000 homes.
“Projects like Lafitte Solar are essential to achieving our clean energy goals while strengthening communities,”Amanda Yang, headofclean energy at Meta, said in aprepared statement.
Joe Holyfield,chairman of the Ouachita Parish Industrial Development Board, said the more than $100 million solar project positively impacted the local economy.The solar farm saw around
“Sheep are the best animal that candograzing amongst these solar panels. Cowscan damagethe panels, goats willclimb on everything and chew on everything.Sheep are docile and calm, and they just like to eat grass.”
CODyHOFFMAN, RWEprojectlead
150 construction jobs at its peak andisexpectedtogenerate$32 million in taxrevenue over its lifetime. Hoffman said thecompany cannot disclosethe duration of itspower-purchase agreement with Meta.
Property taxrevenue increased when the former agricultural land was changedtoindustrialuse,
Holyfield said. He also observed workers with the construction contractor,McCarthy,visiting local restaurants, hardware stores and other local businesses.
“They’ve been good partners in ourcommunity,” said Holyfield, whoattended aNov.13ribboncuttingevent forthe project alongside solar developers and other local officials.
Butthe solar farm faced some opposition fromnearby residents, Holyfield said, whichthe developers addressed by installing barriers between houses andthe solar farm.
“You’d probably rather look at a pretty fieldthan asolar farm,but you’ve also got to create energy for growth in our communityand all of northeast Louisiana,” Holyfield said.
The former farmland will soon be transformed even furtherwhen
aflock of around 600 sheep will arrive to graze around the solar panels. The project marks RWE’sfirst Louisiana development,but not its first time deploying the woolly mammal lawnmowers.
“Sheep arethe best animal that can do grazing amongst these solar panels,” Hoffmansaid. “Cows can damage the panels, goats will climboneverythingand chew on everything. Sheep are docile andcalm, andtheyjustlike to eat grass.”
Thesheep present agreener way to maintain the vegetation, which cangrowwildinthe north Louisiana climate.
“You can mow it,and it’s expensive, and you’re just burning gasoline and nobody likes it,” Hoffman said.
The sheep grazing will be managed by alocal contractor,the company said.
STAFF FILE PHOTOBySOPHIA GERMER
The NationalOceanIndustries Association says theGulf produces nearly 2million barrels of oilper day.
Officials: Crashedplane hadcracksinenginemount
2021.
14 killed when UPSaircraft crashed
in Kentucky
BY JOSH FUNK and ED WHITE Associated Press
Federal investigators released dramatic photos Thursday of an engineflying off adoomed UPS cargo plane that crashed two weeks ago in Kentucky,killing 14 people, and said there was evidence of cracks in the left wing’sengine mount.
Aseries of six photos showed the rear of the engine starting to detach before it flew up and over the wing as flames erupted. The next image shows the wing engulfed by fire as the burning engine flies above it. The last image shows the plane starting to get airborne. But the MD-11 plane only
got 30 feet offthe ground, theNational Transportation Safety Board said,citingthe flight data recorder in its first formal butpreliminary report aboutthe Nov. 4disaster in Louisville, Kentucky Three pilots on the plane were killed along with 11 morepeopleonthe ground
near MuhammadAli International Airport
TheNTSBsaid theplane was not due yet for adetailed inspection of key engine mount parts that had fractures. It still needed to complete nearly 7,000 more takeoffs and landings.Itwas last examined in October
Israel announcesplantoseize historical site in theWestBank
BY JULIA FRANKEL Associated Press
JERUSALEM Israel plansto seize parts of amajor West Bank historic site, according to agovernment document, and settlers putupa new outpost overnight, even as the country faces pressure to crack down on settler violence in the Palestinian territory Israel’s Civil Administration announced its intention to expropriate large swaths of Sebastia, amajor archaeological site in the West Bank, in the document obtained by The Associated Presson Thursday.Peace Now,an anti-settlementwatchdog group, said the site is around 450 acres —Israel’slargest seizure of archaeologically
important land. The move came as Israeli settlers celebratedthe creation of anew,unauthorized settlement near Bethlehem, and aPalestinianlawyer said aWest Bankactivist has been detained and hospitalized.
Meanwhile,HumanRights Watch saidIsrael may have committed war crimeswhen it forcibly expelled32,000 Palestinians from three West Bankrefugeecamps this year. The Israeli order released Nov.12lists parcels of land it intends to seize in the Sebastia area. Peace Now,which provided thedocument to AP, saidthe popular archaeological site, wherethousands of olivetrees grow,belongsto the Palestinians.
The capitalofthe ancient Israelitekingdom Samaria is thought to be beneaththe ruins of Sebastia,and Christiansand Muslimsbelieve it’s where John the Baptist was buried.
Israel announcedplansto developthe site into atouristattraction in 2023. Excavations havealready begun and the government has allocated more than $9.24 million to developthe site, according to Peace Now andanother rights group. The order gives Palestinians 14 days to object to the declaration.
Thelargest parcelofhistorical land previously seized by Israel was 70 acres in Susya, avillage in thesouth of the West Bank, Peace Now said.
“It appearsUPS was conducting this maintenance within the required time frame, but I’m sure the FAAisnow going to ponder whether that time frameis adequate,”formerfederal crash investigator JeffGuzzetti toldThe Associated Press after reading the report It’s not clear when the cracksstarted to develop on the 34-year-old planeand whether they could have been missed in that earlier inspection.Another aviation expert, John Cox, described fatigue cracks as “normal wear and tear on an aircraft.”
He said ametal part, like the engine mount that vibrates every timethe plane flies,will eventually develop cracks. Cox noted it’s just a question of howoften those parts need to be inspected andwhatmaintenanceisrequired.
The NTSB report revealed the first new details since board member Todd Inman briefedreporters on Nov 7. He said the cockpit voice recorder captured an alarm bellgoing offabout37seconds afterthe UPScrew called for takeoff thrust. “It’sone thingtobeinvolved in anatural disaster and another thing to be involved in aman-made, humanerror tragedy,and that’s whatwebelieve this is,” said Sean Garber,who looked at the report and whose auto salvage yard near theairport took adirect hit.
All MD-11s usedbyUPS, FedEx and Western Global —along with afew related DC-10s —weregrounded after the crash until they can be inspected and repaired, but the Federal Aviation Administration hasn’tsaid what will be required.
Coxsaidthose aircarriers“aregoing to have to
makesome harddecisions” because they were already planning to retire the planes in the next few years.
“Ifyou have to pull the engines off and do some sort of visualinspectionorreplacement, that’sgoing to run into asignificant cost,” he said. MD-11aircraft makeup about 9% of the UPS fleet and4%ofthe FedEx fleet, the companies have said.
Earlier this week,Bill Moore, president of UPS Airlines, an arm of UPS, said the company is working with investigators to determine the key cause of the crash.
“Oncewedeterminethat, then they’llbeable to develop an inspection plan,” Moore said at anews conferenceinLouisville. “Can we inspect it?Ifso, howdo we repair it? Howdoweput it back together? And then eventually return the fleet to service. But that’s notgoing to happen quickly.”
PHOTO PROVIDED By NATIONAL TRANSPORTATIONSAFETy BOARD
Debris is scattered on Nov. 6atthe site of aUPS plane crash in Louisville,Ky.
BY BRIAN SLODYSKO, ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press
WASHINGTON The Justice Department is examining the handlingofthe mortgage fraud investigation into Sen. Adam Schiff,including thepotential involvement of peoplewho claimed to be acting at the behest or direction of two Trump administration officials who have been pushingthe probe of theCalifornia Democrat, accordingtoa document reviewed by The Associated Press Federal authorities involved in the Schiff investigation in Maryland interviewed aRepublican congressionalcandidate on Thursday whohas promoted the mortgage fraud allegations against the lawmaker and quizzedher about any communications she may have had with JusticeDepartment official Ed Martin and Federal HousingFinanceAgency Director Bill Pulte. The interview came after the woman received asubpoena seeking information about communications she may have had with people claiming to be working at the direction of Pulte and Martin.
Christine Bish, areal estate agent who is running for acongressional seat in California, told theAPthatshe was prepared to speak to investigators about her own yearslong effort to draw attention to mortgages held by Schiff, who has homes in California and Maryland. But authorities instead were focused on potential interactions she has had with Pulte and Martin, Bish said.
“I expected to be askedquestions, alot of questions, about, ’How did you come aboutinvestigating Adam Schiff and what wereyourfindings?”Bish said. “What they wanted to know was if Iwas in communication with Ed Martin or Director Pulte and Iwas not.”
Bish said she kept trying to return to the Schiff allegations, butthat the officials “are trying
to,inmyopinion,investigate the investigators.”
The revelationthatauthorities areturning theirattention to the handling of theSchiff investigation is likely to bring fresh scrutiny to the already criticizedpush by Pulte and Martin to investigate Trump politicalfoesfor mortgage fraud. Their effort has beenplagued by missteps,including overhyped allegations that were easily refuted, as wellasthe disclosure that ethicsofficials at the agency Pulte leads wereinvestigating whether he andhis allieshad improperly accessed mortgagedatafor those he has accusedoffraud.
In recent months, Bish had been contactedbymultiple times by Robert Bowes,who worked in the first Trump administration and purported to work for Pulte, according to a person familiar with theconversationswho spokeonthe condition of anonymity due to concern aboutretribution.
Bowes, who is listed on the subpoena,asked Bish to investigate the mortgages of multiple people, theperson said. On one occasion, Bowes asked Bish to serveasa source to a nationalnews outlet heclaimed was working on anegative story about mortgages held by DeputyAttorney General Todd Blanche, the personsaid.
Bowes did not respondtoa requestfor comment Thursday Pulte did notrespond to a message seeking comment. A message seeking comment was also left with aspokesperson forMartin. The JusticeDepartment declined to comment. In August, thedepartment namedMartin as aspecial pros-
The Justice Departmentis examining the handling of the mortgage fraud probe into Sen.Adam Schiff, D-Calif. ASSOCIATED PRESS FILEPHOTO
ecutor to help conduct investigationsintoSchiff andNew York Attorney General Letitia James. Prosecutors have separately issuedsubpoenas as part of amortgage fraud investigation into LisaCook, the Federal ReservegovernorwhomTrump has sought to fire. Lastweek, Pulte also referred RepEric Swalwell, aCalifornia Democrat, to the Justice Department for investigation.
All four deny theallegations.
Theinvestigation into Schiff is beingconducted by prosecutors in Maryland, though the statusofthe inquiryisunclear The investigation intoJames resulted in criminal charges last month in Virginia.She has pleaded not guiltyand, in afilingthisweek,her lawyersdecried what they saidwas “outrageous” government conduct thatresulted in her indictment.
Bish said she submitted her workonSchiff to congressional ethics officials,but that nothing came of it. After Pulte put out acall formortgage fraudtips, she resubmitted her research to the agencyheleadsaswell as the FBI. Pulte called her and left avoicemail asking formore information, she said, butBish said she has never had aconversationwithhim.
The subpoena Bish received seeks anycommunicationsshe may have had with Pulte or any persons claiming to be working at his“behest,” including anyone claiming to be Pulte’schief of staff. It alsoseeksinformation aboutcommunications with anyone “claiming to be working for or at thedirection of” the JusticeDepartment or “anyone claiming to be acting at the direction or request of” Martin.
Crain, VanHookget past Senate committee
BY MARKBALLARD Staff writer
WASHINGTON —The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursdayrecommendedthe full Senate confirm two Louisiana nominees for lifetime appointmentstothe federal bench. Without discussion, the committee forwardedthe nominationsofState Supreme Court Justice William J. Crain, who was nominated to sit in the Eastern District headquarteredinNew Orleans,and AlexanderC.Van Hook, former acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, to becomeafederaljudge in that district,which sits in Lafayette, Shreveport, Monroe and Alexandria Their nominations nowwill be put on the calendar for consideration by thefull Senate.
able to the oil and gas industry in his rulings.
Crain replied Louisiana elects its judges and campaign contributions are handled by aseparate committeesothat candidates don’tknowfrom whom the donationscame. He addedthathis rulings follow the law
Though nothing was said foror against either nominee in Thursday’s meeting, Crain’snomination was forwardedona strictpartyline vote of 12-10.
“My guess is they’ll be confirmed maybe after Thanksgiving, beforethey(the Senate) break for the holidays at the end of December,” said Carl Tobias, aprofessor at theUniversity of Richmond School of Law who closelyfollows federal judicial nominations. “If not, it would be then when they comeback in early January.But Ithink they’ll be confirmed pretty soon.”
That Democrats on the committee didn’tspeak outThursday against Crain came as something of asurprise. The committeehearing started out with the chair,Chuck Grassley,R-Iowa, and Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin,the highestranking Democrat on the panel, sniping at each other overthe quality of judicial candidateschosenbyRepublican President Donald Trump.
Grassley said astudy showed that nominees from Trump’sfirst term operatedonthe benchproductively and independently.Durbin countered that when Republicans took over in January as the majority on the committee, they voted to end the decades-old practice of seekingthe opinions of theAmerican Bar Association, the nation’spreeminent professional legal organization.
During the committee hearing in October,Democrats closely questioned Crain about contributions his campaign accepted from litigants before his court and accused him of being overly favor-
Tobias noted that Crain was a trial lawyer for 23 years, then a judge on thestate levelfor 16 years before being nominated to the federal bench.
“Democrats probably didn’t think he wassobad that they could score points,” Tobias said.“So,astheysay,theykept their powder dry for someother folks.”
Crain was elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2019 after spendinga decadeasjudge on the state’s1st Circuit Court of Appeal and on the 22nd Judicial District bench covering the communities on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.
ABogalusanative,Craingraduated from LSU in 1983, then received his juris doctorate in 1986 fromLSU’sPaul M. Hebert Law Center He practiced law for two decades before running for the bench.
VanHook was recommendedon16-6 vote.
“That’sapretty strong vote,” Tobias said. “He was apretty strong candidate, is my sense. He was acareer prosecutor type and that probably served him well.”
VanHook spent 25 years in Shreveport as an assistantU.S. Attorneyfor the Western District of Louisiana focusing on public corruption, organized crime, drug enforcement prosecutions, money laundering, white-collar crimeand asset forfeitures. He became acting U.S. AttorneyinJanuary andstayed in that capacity until Trumpchose Zachary A. Keller forthe position andlater nominated VanHook for the federal bench. He graduated in 1993 from Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport, then got his law degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU in 1997.
Crain
VanHook
BREC eyes master plan for parks
Commission OKs contracts for park design, guidance
BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT
BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer
proved a $600,000 contract with Sasaki Associates. That firm will create the master plan for City-Brooks Park, the design of Wampold Park and a structure for guiding the University Lakes system. The commission also unanimously approved a $156,000 contract to design renovations to the CityBrooks Historic Clubhouse and a $1.3 million contract to design a new Contemporary Arts Center at the park. Both contracts are with NANO, a New Orleans-based architecture firm. Before the Sasaki vote on Wednesday, some attendees spoke against the proposal. Peter Davis, a board member for the group Friends of City Park, argued that City-Brooks Park should not be considered part of the University Lakes system.
“City-Brooks Park is not part of the University Lakes system, and BREC has no business making it so,” he said. “These costs should
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD
STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
Horsevirus traced to out-of-state events
Owners advised to isolateanimals
BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer
Horse owners who have been to Texas or Oklahoma in the last three weeks for equine events are being advised to contact their veterinarian and isolate their animals, as an outbreak of an equine herpes virus there is being monitored, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry said Thursday
Those horseowners should also “implement twice daily temperature monitoring, under the guidance of their veterinarian,” the ag department said. “If elevated temperature, respiratory or other (virus) clinicalsigns are noticed, owners should contact their veterinarian.
Horses
be at risk of aequine herpes virus, the state
COUNCIL
Continued from page1B
his District 5council office oversees,spent $70,000 morethanitwas allotted “It’sjust aslapinthe face,”saidcouncil member Jen Racca. “Notonly to us thatutilize ourdollars in a manner that is conservative and correct, but also to the taxpayers. And not just them, but to the 4,000 employees that are sitting therewondering whether or notthey’re going to have jobs next week.”
Hurst acknowledged the budget went over,but shot back, saying their comments were out of line because his community centerhas different needsthanothers
Earlierthis year,Hurst came underscrutiny after he bought an off-road vehicle for $36,000 with his district’smoney,which was seen parked at his house. Hurst saidhedidn’tbreak anyrulesindoing so,and he usesitfor district-related work
The Equine Herpesvirus Type 1isa highlycontagious virus that causes upper respiratory distress and abortions or stillbirths in horses.
TARGET
Continued from page1B
TheJuban Crossing area has aRouses, Barnes &Noble and ahandful of other
PLAN
Continued from page1B
be split out. Youshould have aLakescost, and youshould have …aCity-Brooks Park cost.”
Twonew members
Murelle G. Harrison and Joseph Ortego —also joined the commission following their appointment by the Baton Rouge Metro Council last week. During the two-hour meeting, the commission deferred action on avote to renew contracts for BREC interim Superintendent Janet Simmons, interim Chief Operating Officer Maurice Velasquez and interim Chief Human ResourcesDirector Johanna Landreneau. Afew residents spokein opposition to renewing the contract without aformal search for asuperintendent, and the commission seta workshop sessionfor Dec. 4 to discuss the contracts
Debate over past months
The master plan project has drawn controversy since it first emerged in October, when the commission considered authorizinganoutside grouptomanage the project.
The rejected proposal would have had Sasaki directedbythe Civic Collaborative Foundation, led by Chris Meyer,president and CEO of the BatonRouge Area Foundation. Under the rejected proposal, BREC would have paid amaximum fee of $300,000, with the Civic Collaborative Foundation covering the rest.
Residents whoattended that meeting objected to involving BRAF in the proj-
The virus is spread from horse tohorse through nasal discharge or droplets, and the incubation period is two to 10 days,“meaning ahorse can appear normal
retail stores
The Livingston Parish Planning and Development Department didnot respond to requests for confirmation on theproposed location. Thedepartment transferred the request to the Livingston
while still shedding the virus and acting as acarrier,” theagdepartment said.
People can spread thevirus from horse to horse,too, by contaminated hands and clothing. Horsescan also pick up thevirus from con-
Parish government administration,which also did not respond to requestsfor commentatthe time of publication.
The Juban Crossing team said it couldnot comment on the request for information.
ect and saidthey feared theeventualplan willtry to removethe City Park Golf Course or change the historic nature of City-Brooks Community Park. After more than an hour of discussion, commissioner Carl Stages motioned for BREC to solely fund the plan. It passed 7-4, with Michael Polito, Central Mayor Wade Evans, St.George Mayor Dustin Yates and commissioner Lon Vicknair voting no
Some ofthe sameresidents raised similar concerns earlier this month whenthe com-
missioncreated acommittee to lead the project. Arepresentative from an association of homeowners along the lakeshore and board members of Friends of CityPark, including Davis, asked to be included on thecommittee. Thecommission rejected those requests. Instead, the committee will include commissioners Clarice Gordon andCarlStages, the BREC superintendent, the chair of BREC’sSelection of Professionals Committee andthe head of BREC golf. It will alsohave one representative each from theLSU Foun-
taminated surfaces such as stalls,water,fee,tackand transport vehicles
Moreinformation can be had at the Louisiana Department of Agriculture Facebook page,www.facebook com/LaAgandForestry
Thereare two Targetlocations in the Baton Rouge region, on Siegen Lane and Millerville Road
Email Claire Grunewald at claire.grunewald@ theadvocate.com.
dation,BRECFoundation, Knock Knock Children’sMuseum,BRAF,Baton Rouge Gallery and Mayor-President Sid Edwards.
Beforethat vote, Polito told membersofFriends of City Parkthat not being on the committee wouldn’tlimit their input.
“This committeeismanaging, andguiding,and keeping it on track andmaking sure it goes to all cornersofthe community to find outwhat people want in this park,” he said. “So, your input is not limited by notbeingonthis committee.”
“I appreciate the commentary from other people with community centers that don’thaveany services that really serve thepublic,” Hurst saidsarcastically
Hurstsaidthe center feeds about100 people every Monday,Wednesday and Friday,washes the same amount of loads of laundry and gives around 40-60 showers to unhousedpeople aweek
In the past, those needs were supported by one-time American Rescue Plan Act funds,Hurst said. Hisbudget went over because that money ranout
“Folks arelosing their jobs, and he’sgoing to the mayor asking for more money.It’sunacceptable,” said council member Twahna P. Harris Councilmember Cleve Dunn said more stopgaps and accountability need to be put in place so this doesn’thappen again. The community center’s2025 budget was $338,800. The $70,000 overspenthad to be made up for with general fund dollars, said Angie Savoy, thecityparish’s financedirector More than 200 city-parish employees arelikelytobe laid offincoming months to account for$15.5 million in cuts. Before the meeting ended, council memberLaurie Adamscalled Mayor-President Sid Edwards’ Chief Administrative Officer Christel Slaughter to thepodium.
“May Iask you one question? We are, of course, about to make millions of dollars’ worth of cuts to budgets and agencies. Is it OK if theygooverbudgetnext year?” sheasked “No,” Slaughter replied.
Hurst
STAFFPHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON Interstate 10 rolls west toward downtown over City Park Lake in Baton Rouge. The BREC Commission is set to launcha master plan project to studythe University Lakes region and City-Brooks Park.
BRIEFS
Katoen Natie starts $25M BR expansion
Katoen Natie has started construction of a $25 million expansion of its North Baton Rouge Polymers Terminal, a move that will create 13 new jobs
The expansion of the operation is expected to add nine indirect jobs and retain the 29 current workers at the warehouse and distribution facility off Airline Highway, according to Louisiana Economic Development.
The Belgian company has operated the plastics storage, packaging and distribution center since 2017. The expansion, scheduled to begin operations in a year, will involve building a 300,000-square-foot warehouse to store and repackage titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is a white pigment used in coating, plastics and other industrial applications.
To get Katoen Natie to expand its operations, LED offered the company incentives, including FastStart, the department’s workforce recruitment and training software, and a $200,000 performance-based grant for site infrastructure improvements.
U.S. home sales rise in October on lower rates
Sales of previously occupied U.S homes increased last month to the fastest pace since February as lower mortgage rates helped pull more homebuyers into the market.
Existing home sales rose 1.2% in October from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.10 million units, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday Sales climbed 1.7% compared with October last year
The latest sales figure topped the roughly 4.09 million pace economists were expecting, according to FactSet October’s home sales were likely limited by the federal government shutdown, which could have delayed some transactions that would have closed last month.
The national median sales price increased 2.1% in October from a year earlier to $415,200, an all-time high for any October on data going back to 1999. Home prices have risen on an annual basis for 28 months in a row
The U.S. housing market has been in a slump since 2022, when mortgage rates began climbing from historic lows.
Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank last year to their lowest level in nearly 30 years.
Verizon cutting more than 13,000 jobs
NEW YORK Verizon is laying off more than 13,000 employees in mass job reductions that arrive as the telecommunications giant says it must “reorient” its entire company
The job cuts began on Thursday, per to a staff memo from Verizon CEO Dan Schulman In the letter, which was seen by The Associated Press, Schulman said Verizon’s current cost structure “limits” the company’s ability to invest — pointing particularly to customer experiences
“We must reorient our entire company around delivering for and delighting our customers,” Schulman wrote. He added that the company needed to simplify its operations “to address the complexity and friction that slow us down and frustrate our customers.”
Verizon had nearly 100,000 full-time employees as of the end of last year, according to securities filings. A spokesperson confirmed that the layoffs announced Thursday account for about 20% of the company’s management workforce, which isn’t unionized.
Verizon has faced rising competition in both the wireless phone and home internet space — particularly from AT&T, TMobile and other big market players. New leadership at the company has stressed the need to right the company’s direction
Big swings keep rocking market
U.S. stocks drop sharply after erasing a morning surge
BY STAN CHOE Associated Press
NEW YORK Jarring swings keep rocking Wall Street, and U.S. stocks erased a big morning gain to drop on Thursday as the market remains skittish following weeks of doubts and erratic moves.
After initially soaring toward what seemed like its best day since
May with an early surge of 1.9%, the S&P 500 erased all of it and fell 1.6%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 386 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 2.2%.
The sharpest losses again hit what used to be the market’s biggest winners. Nvidia, cryptocurrencies and other areas that had soared with nearly relentless momentum, as traders feared missing out on more gains, forced the market lower Bitcoin dropped below $87,000, down from nearly $125,000 last month. The market had been shaky com-
ing into Thursday largely because of twin worries: Nvidia and other superstar stocks caught up in the frenzy around artificial-intelligence technology may have simply shot too high, and the Federal Reserve may be done delivering the invigorating cuts to interest rates that Wall Street loves. Nvidia initially appeared to tamp down the worries about a bubble for AI stocks after reporting a big profit for the summer, along with a forecast for coming revenue that easily cleared analysts’ expectations. By delivering strong profits and indicating more are coming,
Nvidia can justify its stock’s price gains and make it look less expensive.
Given Nvidia’s forecasts, “it is very hard to see how this stock does not keep moving higher from here,” according to analysts at UBS led by Timothy Arcuri. They also said “the AI infrastructure tide is still rising so fast that all boats will be lifted.”
Nvidia jumped to an early gain of 5% but then dropped to a loss of 3.2%. Because it’s the biggest company in the U.S. market by value, Nvidia’s stock has more pull on the S&P 500 than any other company’s
Trump administration announces drilling off California, Florida coasts
BY MATTHEW DALY and MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press
WASHINGTON The Trump administration announced on Thursday new oil drilling off the California and Florida coasts for the first time in decades, advancing a project that critics say could harm coastal communities and ecosystems, as President Donald Trump seeks to expand U.S. oil production.
The oil industry has been seeking access to new offshore areas, including Southern California and off the coast of Florida, as a way to boost U.S. energy security and jobs. The federal government has not allowed drilling in federal waters in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, which includes offshore Florida and part of offshore Alabama, since 1995, because of concerns about oil spills. California has some offshore oil rigs, but there has been no new leasing in federal waters since the mid-1980s.
Since taking office for a second time in January, Trump has systematically reversed former President Joe Biden’s focus on slowing climate change to pursue what the Republican calls U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Trump, who recently called climate change “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world,” created a
National Energy Dominance Council and directed it to move quickly to drive up already record-high U.S. energy production, particularly fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has blocked renewable energy sources such as offshore wind and canceled billions of dollars in grants that supported hundreds of clean energy projects across the country Even before it was released, the offshore drilling plan met strong opposition from California Gov Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who is eyeing a 2028 presidential run and has emerged as a leading Trump critic. Newsom pronounced the idea “dead on arrival” in a social media post. The proposal also is likely to draw bipartisan opposition in Florida. Tourism and access to clean beaches are key parts of the economy in both states.
The administration’s plan proposes six offshore lease sales between 2027 and 2030 in areas along the California coast. It also calls for new drilling off the coast of Florida in areas at least 100 miles from that state’s shore. The area targeted for leasing is adjacent to an area in the Central Gulf of Mexico that already contains thousands of wells and hundreds of drilling platforms.
The five-year plan also would compel more
than 20 lease sales off the coast of Alaska, including a newly designated area known as the High Arctic, more than 200 miles offshore in the Arctic Ocean.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in announcing the sales that it would take years for the oil from those parcels to get to market.
“By moving forward with the development of a robust, forward-thinking leasing plan, we are ensuring that America’s offshore industry stays strong, our workers stay employed, and our nation remains energy dominant for decades to come,” Burgum said in a statement.
The American Petroleum Institute said in response that the announced plan was a “historic step” toward unleashing vast offshore resources. Industry groups have pointed to California’s history as an oil-producing state and say it already has infrastructure to support more production.
Sen. Rick Scott, a Florida Republican and Trump ally, helped persuade Trump officials to drop a similar offshore plan in 2018 when he was governor Last week, Scott and fellow Florida Republican Sen. Ashley Moody co-sponsored a bill to maintain a moratorium on offshore drilling in the state that Trump signed in his first term.
U.S. employers add surprisingly solid 119K jobs in September
BY PAUL WISEMAN AP economics writer
22,000 as originally reported. Altogether, revisions shaved 33,000 jobs off July and August payrolls. The economy had also shed jobs in June, the first time since the 2020 pandemic that the monthly jobs report has gone negative twice in one year And more than 87% of the September job gains were concentrated in two industries: health care and social assistance, and leisure and hospitality
“We’ve got these strong headline numbers, but when you look underneath that you’ll see that a lot of that is driven by health care,” said Cory Stahle, senior economist at the Indeed Hiring Lab. ”At the end of the day, the question is: Can you support an economic expansion on the back of one industry? Anybody would have a hard time arguing everybody should become a nurse.” The unemployment rate rose to 4.4% in September, highest since October 2021 and up from 4.3% in August, the Labor Department said Thursday The jobless rate rose partly because 470,000 people entered the labor market — either working or looking for work — in September and not all of them found jobs right away The data, though late, was welcomed by businesses, investors,
policymakers and the Federal Reserve. During the 43-day shutdown, they’d been groping in the dark for clues about the health of the American job market because federal workers had been furloughed and couldn’t collect the data. The report comes at a time of considerable uncertainty about the economy The job market has been strained by the lingering effects of high interest rates and uncertainty around Trump’s erratic campaign to slap taxes on imports from almost every country on earth. But economic growth at midyear was resilient.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By JENNy KANE
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum speaks in June during the annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference in Anchorage, Alaska.
Arceneaux, Dianne
St.John theEvangelistCatholic Church at 12:30 p.m
Austin,Wilfred FountainMemorialFuneralHome, 1010PandoraStreet in Lafayette,at11
Vidrine, Deborah Rabenhorst FuneralHomeEast, 11000 FloridaBlvd.,Baton Rouge,LA at 11am
Obituaries
Amacker, Meghan Alyse
Meghan Alyse Amacker entered into eternal rest on Monday, November 17, 2025 as the result of an automobileaccident. She was a29-year old nativeof Baton Rouge, Louisiana; a resident of Zachary Louisiana; and an employee ofLouisiana State University. AFellowship with her familywill be held at Miller &Daughter Mortuary on Monday, November 24, 2025 from 4-6 pm; ACelebrationofLife Service will be held at Rocky Hill A.M.E. Church, 151 Rocky Hill Road, Amite, Louisiana 70422 at 11:00 am conducted by Rev. Joe Chaney. Survivors include her son, Amar Rayshad Washington; parents, Elvin and Sallie Amacker; siblings, Reaghan and Devin Amacker; Lenara Jackson and Tiffany Chester; other relatives and friends.
MorrisAnthony Babin
departed this life on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. He was 83, anative of White Castle, LA and resident of St. Gabriel, LA. Visitation on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Williams and Southall Funeral Home, 101 Loop 945, Donaldsonville, LA from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Religious services on Saturday, November 22, 2025,at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, 32615 Bowie St., White Castle, LA at 11:00am followed by Mass of Christian Burialat 11:30am. Interment in the church cemetery. Arrangements by Williams & Southall Funeral Home, 101 Loop 945, Donaldsonville, LA 70346. (225) 473-1900.To sign the guest book or offer condolences, visit our website at www.williamsa ndsouthallfuneralhome.co m.
He was precededin death by his parents, Fellman and Mattie (Gautreau) Blouin. Jim was the oldest of seven children andis survived by his sisters -Jo Ann O'Neal, JewellPourciau and Sister PaulaMarie Blouin, SSND; and his brothers -Matthew "Buck" Blouin, Michael "Mike" Blouinand Paul Blouin
Jim lovedplaying golf, and the firstthing he did when he moved back to Baton Rouge in 1978,was to join Fairwood Country Club. Fairwood becamehis home awayfromhome, and if he wasn't at work or at home,that'swhere he could be found. He lovedto travelaround the country, playinggolfcourses that many onlydream about playing.
The only thingsheloved more than golf, were his four daughters -Kelly BlouinFrank, Elizabeth "Lizz" Blouin Street,Tracy BlouinUrdiales and Jamie BlouinCalloway. They were the light of hislife, and in his lateryears, he told anyone who wouldlisten about them. His girls willmiss him terribly, but they know that he is in a much better place -pain free and rejoicing with Jesus and his parents. Jim also leaves behind six grandchildren, sixgreat grandchildren, and his sons-in-law.
Visitationwillbeheldat ResthavenFuneralHome, 11817Jefferson Hwy in Baton Rouge, on Sunday, November23, 2025,from 3:00 p.m.to6:00p.m.and again at St. Thomas More CatholicChurch, 11441 Goodwood Dr. in Baton Rouge, on Monday,November 24, 2025,at12:00p.m. A Mass of ChristianBurial willbeheld at thechurch on Monday, November 24, 2025,at1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at ResthavenGardens of Memory Pallbearerswillbehis grandsons and great grandsons. Family and friends may signthe online guestbook or leave apersonal note to the family at www.resthav enbatonrouge.com
Chabreck, Merle Tabary
Baton Rouge, LA -Marie Merle TabaryChabreck, a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Lousiana, departed this earth on Thursday, November6 2025, at the ageof91. Shewas borninNew Orleans, Louisiana whereshe was a graduateofSt. Joseph's Academy. Shewas the daughter of the late Fernand Joseph and WillieLouise CoxTabary. She leavesbehindtocherishher memoryher sons, David Chabreck (Michele),James Chabreck (Leigh), Thomas Chabreck (Ruth), daughter,Brenda Chabreck Gardner (Rick), her brother-in-law,PeteJabbia,10grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. RobertChabreck, her brother,Fernand Tabary, Jr.and sisters,Estelle Raymond, MarieLynch, Rosemary Touzetand Claire Chabreck. Merle was adevout parishionerofSt. AloysiusCatholicChurch in Baton Rouge where she servedmany years on the AltarSociety. Merle enjoyedreadingand was a longtime member of Skimmer Bookclub. Shewas also memberofthe Campus Club at Louisiana State University. Merle had asweet tooth anda sweeter spirit,and her kitchenalwayssmelled of roux. Shewas always dressedtothe nines with her hairjustright and anyone who knewher loved her.The family would like to thank Hospice of Baton Rouge and FidelisCare Group fortheir wonderful, compassionatecareof Merle. Services willbeheld at alaterdate.
Favorite, Alvin 'Top Cat'
Alvin"TopCat"Favorite, aresident of Vacherie,departed this life on Sunday, November 9, 2025. He was 77.
Visitation willbeheldon Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 9am until thehour of serviceat11am at Highway Baptist Church in Vacherie. Interment in First Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Favoriteleavesto cherish his memories,his belovedchildren, daughter, JaVon Favorite(Ronald Reid)son, Jamar Favorite, Lamar Favorite(Johniekquia); sisters, Rose Butler, Sedonia Chiquet, GlendaBreaux, Charlene Williams (Leo), Cindy Long (Alton, Jr.); brothers: Darryl and Rev. Dr. LeonardFavorite(Cheryl);3 grandchildren: Treasure,Trjiniss and Nae'Lhanni;3bonus grandchildren: Imari, Jayden and Marques ;and ahost of nieces, nephews, otherrelatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, Esther"Tuna" Mae Favorite and Royal Favorite, Sr.;sister,Carol "Mutt" Favorite; brothers: Michael, Calvin, and Royal FavoriteJr; niece, Giavonia K. Celestine Kennedy Funeral Home is honored to servethe Favorite Family.
LawandaD.Jasmin, Funeral Director in charge.
EricLeonard "Ricky" Francewar, Sr., 60, departed this life at University of Texas Medical Center Branch (UTMB) hospital on November 12, 2025. Anative of Baton Rouge, LA and aresident of League City, TX. Survived by his wife, Joyce "Lane" Johnson -Francewar;son, EricL Francewar, Jr.; sister, Valerie(Darryl)Washington; sisterinlaw, MalindaJohnson and his brotherinlaw, Charles (Juliet) Lane. Visitation willbeheldatHall's CelebrationCenter,9348 Scenic Hwy. on Saturday November 22, 2025, from 10:00 am until Servicesat 11:00 am with Pastor AntroyGavin officiating ServicesEntrustedtoHall Davis and SonFuneralServices. www.halldavisandson.com
Giddens, Darrell Gaylen 'DG'
Darrell Gaylen Giddens passed away on Wednesday, November 5, concluding adynamic and adventurous life
Darrell, affectionately known as "DG,"was born on August 30, 1935, on acotton farm in north Texas at theheight of the Dust Bowl.His family was poor even by thestandardsofthe day, and in 1942 they fled drought-stricken Texas and litout for Californiainthe back of astranger's station wagon, with room foronly one suitcase
WhenDG's draftnumbers came up in 1957, he enlisted in theNavy, and it was immediatelyapparent that he was an exceedingly talented pilot. He amassed14,000 flight hoursand completed700 carrier landings. His call signwas "Grinder," duetothe relentless grind of marching off demerits he earnedwith his distaste forthe rigidity of military rules.Throughnumerous deployments, including twoWestPacific cruisesaboard theUSS Ticonderoga, DG defied greatodds, serving his country throughthe turbulent years of theVietnam War. DG's final activedutyassignment
in
On theground,hewas a devoted son, brother,husband, father, and friend. He was inordinately proud of his children,and taught dozens of their friendstowater ski at thefamily's summer camp.Hewas an ambitious businessman, serving as President of Printer'sSupplyMart and Copy Mart,and partner in Number One Fundraising, among other ventures. Known forhis readylaugh, twinkling blue eyes, and sharp sense of humor, he delighted in classic country music and off-color jokes. He was an excellent dancer, an avid reader, askilled gardener, and aclassic oldschool gentleman,whose bearing and humility cultivated affection and respect in everyone who knew him.
DG spent thirty happy years with his second wife, Mary Helen Neck, on theshores of False River, tending his roses, feeding the hummingbirds,and watching thelongsunsets.
In 2013, DG was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and he beat back the disease with characteristic, uncomplaining toughness, outliving all expectations. He spent thelast five years of his life in Jackson, MS, under thelovingcare of his devotedson John. The family is forever grateful to John and his wife Sandra,aswellasthe attentivestaff at The Blake--especially theincomparable Inez Porter,whose daily loving care for DG was truly invaluable
DG's near miraculous resilience, relentless work ethic, and profound generosity of spirit will endure in his family for generations to come. We are truly lucky to havelived in his tailwind
DG is predeceased by hisparents, Lois and Ellen Giddens; his first wife, Martha Ann Duffy Giddens; their sonJames Giddens; and his second wife, Mary Helen Neck. He is survived by his sisters Jana Beth (Paul)Klasse and Ann (Ronnie) York; his children, Michael (Shedell) Giddens, John (Sandra) Giddens, Brian (Karen) Giddens, and Elizabeth (Dan) Giddens; his grandchildrenAshford, Abigail, George, Garrison, Caroline,Ava,Alex, Bradley, and Finbar; and hisgreat-grandchildren Riverand Sage.
The family willcelebrate DG's life at amemorialservice this spring in Jarreau, Louisiana. To honor hismemory,donations may be madeto theParkinson's Foundation (parkinson.org) or SemperFi& America's Fund (thefund.org).
If youeverfind yourself in Pensacola,stopbythe Naval AirMuseum
to see afittingtribute to DG's squadron,VA-52, aka The Knightriders. DG's belovedplane,the AD Skyraider, is displayed there,along withportraits of the brave young pilots he served with--many of whom nevermade it home
Greene, DeLoriesAudrice 'Ms. Dee'
DeLoriesAudrice
Greene, "Ms. Dee" age 85, passed away in Baton Rouge,LA. Born June 16, 1940, in NewOrleans,she wasanhonorsgraduate of Iberville High andSouthern University. Ms. Deetaught advanced mathematicsin NewYorkfor over 30 years. Shewas amember of the Hebrew Israelite Congregation in Brooklyn and Temple Beth El (House of God)in Suffolk, VA.She will be dearlymissedbyher loving friends andfamily.
Arrangements by Church Funeral &Crematory. Memorial details will follow andpost on their website
Olivia TheresaJohnson Tucker,lovingly knownas "T.T",passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at OchsnerMedical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the ageof75. Shedevoted herlifetoJehovahGod, wasbaptized, andfaithfully served as oneofJehovah's Witnesses for 35 years. Sheleaves fond memories to share with herchildren,Willie E. "Wil"Tucker III (Neddra) andValleen Ashlyn Tucker Hayes; grandchildren, Willie E Tucker IV,Nyddia GTucker,and Jeremy DBessixJr, siblings, Harry Reno Johnson Jr., Edmonia Johnson Robertson, Harry LeeJohn-
son and Wanda AnnThibodeauxWiltz of St.Martinville LA; DebraJohnson of Breaux Bridge, LA and Sheila JohnsonofBaton Rouge,LAand ahostof relativesand friends. Memorial service will be held on Saturday November22, 2025, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 12842 Plank Rd Baker, La 70714 at 12 noon
Arrangements entrusted to MJRFriendlyService FuneralHome
Jones, Antoinette MarySalemi
Awonderfuland loving wife, mother,sister,Gammy, andfriend, Antoinette Mary SalemiJones passed away peacefullyon November 15, 2025, surroundedbyher familyand strengthened by herdeep Catholic faith. Shewas 85, alifelongresident of Baton Rouge,Louisiana, and a 1958 graduate of Baton Rouge High School. She wasa chartermember of St.PatrickCatholic Church anda woman of unwaveringfaith, grace, and love Shefound joyincaringfor herfamily, and herdevotion to theBlessed Mother wasaninspiration to all whoknewher.Her kindness, gentleness and generosity willberememberedbyeveryoneblessed to have been partofher life. Those sheleaves behind to cherish hermemory are herchildren, Mark Jones (Ashley) of Baton Rouge,LA; KelliMena(Allan)ofTrophyClub, TX; Laura Potier (Tim) of Daphne, AL;and Kevin Jones (Kim) of Prairieville, LA; grandchildrenAnna Claire,Drake,and Alex Potier;Haydenand Hunter Mena;Mindyand Benjamin Jones; andAndrewJones. Sheisalso survivedbyher brothers-in-law TomJones (Julie) of Isle of Wight, England, andMichael Jones (Ann)ofLiverpool, England; and beloved nieces andnephews: Debra Wethey, Ricky Rinaudo, Randy Rinaudo, Michael LaFleur, Scott LaFleur, Paul Donnelly,AdamJones, Stephen Jones, PeterBurton Jones, Sarah Thorne, Claire Alderson, Cathy Jones, Alexandra Masterman andMichael Jones. Shewas preceded in death by herbeloved husband of
Johnson Tucker, Olivia Theresa
Francewar Sr., Eric Leonard 'Ricky'
Babin, Morris Anthony
Blouin, James Joseph Jim James "Jim" Blouin,a
31 years, Edward Jones; her parents, Benjamin and Rose Salemi; her sisters, Catherine Rinaudo (Joseph Jr.), her twin, Lorraine LaFleur (Rohan), and Lorrine Salemi; her sisters-inlaw, Peggy Donnelly (Chris), Anne Alderson (Joe), and Patricia Jones; her brother-in-law, Davie Jones; her nephew, Michael Donnelly; and her nieces, Michelle DeVille (Donald) and Jennifer LaFleur. Pallbearers will be her sons, Mark and Kevin Jones; her sons-inlaw, Tim Potier and Allan Mena; her grandsons,Haydenand Hunter Mena, Drake and Alex Potier, and Benjamin Jones; and her nephew, Ricky Rinaudo. Honorary pallbearers will be nephews, Michael and Scott LaFleur. Visitation will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burialat1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Garden of Memories.The family would like to offer aspecial thank you to Geraneisha Young and LaVasha Norris with @Homecare of Louisiana for their loving care and compassion for Mom over the past couple of years. Additional thanks to Tanner Wilson of Audubon Hospice of Baton Rouge; Dr. Adrian Landry and Dr. Pedro Oliveira of The Baton Rouge Clinic; Dr.Andrew Rees with Louisiana Cardiology Associates; and Dr. James Yegge with Renal Associates of Baton Rouge. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Antoinette's name to acharity close to your heart.
Alice S. Leonard aresident of BatonRouge, LA. passed away Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the age of 80. Visitation willbe held Saturday, November 22, 2025, 9AM until religious services at 11AM Greater St. James Baptist Church 1919 Arizona St. Baton Rouge, LA., Pastor Levi Wright Jr. Interment will take place at Winnfield Memorial Park. Services areentrusted to Deselle Funeral Home 263 Eddie Robinson Sr. Drive, Baton Rouge, LA. 70802
Mouille, Darlene Joy
Aresident of New Roads, LA passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, November 17, 2025 at the age of 69. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, 9:30 A.M. until Religious Service at 11:30 A.M.,A Wesley Funeral Home, 10810 VentressDrive, Maringouin, LA 70757, conducted by Deacon Thomas Robinson of St.Mary of False River Catholic Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church in New Roads, LA. Survived by: two sons; AnthonyT.Campanile and Kevin Campanile, five grandchildren; Anthony A. Nicholas, Caleb, Jacob, and Isabella Campanile, five sisters; Patricia Bihm (companion-Herman Tinkie), Carol Grayson, Glinda Mouille, Vickie (husbandScottie) Roberie, and Wendy LeFeaux, three brothers; Leroy Mouille,Jr, Rod, and Todd Mouille, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceded in death by: parents; EssieV and Leroy C. Mouille, Sr., one sister; Terry Rose three brothers;Jerry, Bobby, and DonaldMouille, Sr.
Frank James Noble Jr., fondly known as "Frankie", passed awayonSunday, November 16, 2025 atthe ageof76. His quick-witted humorstayed with himuntil the very end. He was the lovinghusband of Debbie Carpenter Noble for56 years. Adevoted father to JeremyNoble (Angel), Blake Noble (Jodi)and Leah N. Petite(Rhett) and amazing "Poppy" to 12 grandchildren, 12 greatgrandchildrenand one on the way. He is alsosurvived by his sister Linda Welbornand numerous family membersand friends. He has now gone to join those who have passed beforehim; his parents, Frank and Lena Noble;his brothers, Jesse &John and hisgranddaughterJon-ClairPetite and his great-granddaughterLundy Claire Petite. Frankie was aproud memberofthe Local 198, where he served as apast President. He loved spending time with his family and being abeloved husbandand father,but when he was promoted to "Poppy" he was overjoyed. He enjoyedhis chats with the grandchildrenoneverything from sports, grades, work and making sure they knew the importanceofinvestingina 401K. He would always brag about how wonderful the grandchildrenweredoing. Frankie was an avid LSU Tigers fan; itdidn'tmatter aboutthe sporthewas always watchingand supporting. His kind heart,warm smile and love forhis familywill surely be missed. Family and friends are invited to attend avisitation at St. John the EvangelistCatholic Church, located at 15208 Highway73, Prairieville, Louisiana, 70769, on November 22, 2025,from10:00 am with a Mass of ChristianBurial following at 11:30am. Frankie willbelaidtorest at Serenity Oaks Cemetery in Prairieville, LA. In honorofFrankie's favorite team, we invite everybody to wear purple and gold. Fondmemories and words of condolences can be expressed at www.OursoFH.comfor the Noble family.
degree in History.Hewas a dedicatedmember of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.,forming lifelong bonds throughscholarship and brotherhood Skooter's passion for basketball reflected the way he approached life fullofenergy, joy, and resilience. He also loved traveling,exploring new foods,and cooking meals for thepeople he cared about.
His greatest devotion was to his children, Nahla Marie Gayle Owens and Valerian G. Owens Jr. Thoughtheir mother, Jennifer,preceded himin death, he honored her memory through theunwavering love and care he poured intotheir lives.
He is lovingly remembered by his mother, Pearl DeanAndrews; father, Ronald DeanOwens; sister, Jawatha Shannon Forrest; and brothers, Jeffery L. Shannon and Keino K. Shannon. His legacy of kindness,laughter, and loyaltywillbecarriedon by his family,friends, and fraternitybrothers.
In lieu of flowers,contributions may be madetoa fund supporting his children's future dreams via Zelleat(225) 382-7278(VJ Owens).
Aviewing willbeheld on Friday, November 21, 2025, from9:00 to 10:00 AM at Shiloh Baptist Church, 185 Eddie Robinson Sr. Drive, followedbya CelebrationofLifeat10:00 AM
Anativeand lifelong resident of GrosseTete, he entered into eternal rest on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at theage of 85. Funeral services willbeheld on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at New Mt.Olive Baptist Church, 76625 Garner Ln., Grosse Tete, LA 70740. Interment willfollow in thechurch cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to SchafferFamilyFuneralHome.
7.24.1961 -11.13.2025
Native &resident of Fordoche, La passed away November 15, 2025 at the ageof80. Visitation service Thursday November 20, 2025 at A. Wesley's Faith Center 152 Hwy 30350 Morganza, La from 4pmto 8pm. Religious servicesFridayNovember 21, 2025 at St.Ann Catholic Church located 182 Church St. Morganza, La 70759. Viewing at 9:45am till religious services at 11am. Conducted by Rev. BabuVareeth Celebrent. Interment ZionTravelers Baptist Church Cemetery 9339 Ravenswood Rd, Fordoche,La. Lorraine was known forher compassion love forbowling, being a part of the"high stepper" majorettes, and her caring nature. An employeeof Westvaco papercompany and busdriver forPointe Coupee parish, she dedicated over 40 years to her work.
Morris "Tut"Thompson, Jr.departed this life on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Landmark of Plaquemine.Hewas 83, anativeof Napoleonville, LA and a resident of BelleRose, LA. Visitation on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Williams &SouthallFuneral Homefrom 2:00pmto 4:00pm. Visitation on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Bright Morning Star Bap-
tist Church, from 9:00am to religiousservice at 11:00am. Intermentinthe church cemetery. Arrangements by Williams & Southall Funeral Home, Napoleonville,LA(985) 3697231. To sign the guest book or offer condolences, visit ourwebsiteat www.williamsandsouthall funeralhome.com.
Williams, Rosa Henderson 'Mae Mae'
Rosa "Mae-Mae" Henderson Williams aresident of Grosse Tete anda native of Addis, she transitioned on,Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital in Humble, TX at the blessed age of 76. Shewas retiredand afaithfulmemberofFamilyWorship Center. Cherishing hermemories are herchildren, Troy D. Henderson, Charles Johnson, Jr.(Cassandra), Sonya L. Johnson,Kevin K. Johnson(Josie),and Frank P. Johnson(Shemaine); onestepson,Joshua Williams; 13 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; siblings, HerbertHenderson (Deborah), ClydeHenderson (Stephanie), Sallie Henderson, Wanda Brown, and Patricia Henderson; 2 god-daughters, Kimberly Henderson and Krishun Radford;2 sisters-in-law, Rosemaryand Marilyn Henderson; and ahostof relativesand friends who lovedher deeply. Sheis preceded in death by her husband, Lionel Williams; parents, Johnnie andRose LeeFrye Henderson; brothers, Henry, Albert, Kirby andMelvin Henderson. A CelebrationofLife Service will be held at Hall'sCelebration Center,9348 Scenic Hwy., on Saturday, November22, 2025, from 1:00 pm until3:00 pm. ServicesEntrustedtoHallDavis and SonFuneral Services. www.halldavisandson.com
Williams, Zadie A.
ZadieA.Williams, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025. Those left to cherish hermemory are threedevoted daughters, Zelma Jones, Narva Williams, and NedraWashington.Foursons, Eddie Williams, Jr.(Gail), Ronald Williams, CurtisWilliams, andRussell Williams. She also leaves behindeight grandchildren, fivegreatgrandchildren, astep-sister, Mary Thompson,a step-brother,David Jones, anda special cousin, Patsy Smith. Visitation will be on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 3359 Jackson St Darrow, LA 70725 from 5PM -7PM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at NewHopeful Worship Center,39067 LA-22, Darrow, LA 70725, Pastor Earl J. Bell Officiating.Interment willbeinNew HopefulWorship Center Cemetery Lawson &RollinsPurple Shield Funeral Home In Charge.511 West Toby Ave Gonzales, Louisiana 70737 Mrs. ZadieWilliams's favorite color wasblack andGray.
ACelebrationofLife will be Saturday, November 22, 2025 at AgapeMissionary Baptist Church 1689 75th Avenue,Baton Rouge, LA witha Public Viewing at 9:00 AM &Funeral at 11:00 AM Owens, Valerian Giovanni 'Skooter' ValerianGiovanni "Skooter"Owens, 45, passed awayonNovember 11, 2025. Born January 15, 1980, in Baton Rouge,he was known forhis warmth, humor,and generous spirit. Agraduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette,heearnedhis
Noble Jr.,Frank 'Frankie'
Sterling, Lorraine Marie
Robertson, John Douglas 'JD'
Thompson, Morris 'Tut'
Leonard, Alice S.'Ms. Ann'
Rosaya, Gregory Wayne
OPINION
National debt is thebiggest risk U.S. faces
What is the largest risk investors face today? The answer may be surprising. There are many possible answers:inflation, interestrates, high stock valuations,global warming, artificial intelligence and nuclear war
All are certainly risks; however, Isuggest atwodimensional approach to risk, considering the probability as well as the severity of each risk.
rupt the country
That risk is the national debt
Take nuclear war,a major risk since World WarII. The severityishigh and could bring the end of civilization, but what is the probability? There are many opinions on this, but for the last 80 years it has remained in check, so the probability must be something less than 100%. There is one risk that has a 100% probability of occurring and aseverity that could bank-
Approaching $40 trillion, the interest expense alone is $900 billion per year, surpassing thenational defense as the highest discretionary budget item. Ironically,wemust borrow more money to pay the interest on the money we have already borrowed.
We do this by printing money, which Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedmansaid is themajor cause of inflation. Friedman researched inflation backtothe Romans who inflated their currency,the silver denarius coin,by diluting thesilvercontent. Hard to pay your Romanlegions with diluted denarius. Although with much larger deficits recently, the debthas been growing at 8% for 100 years. At
8%, the debt doubles every nine years, so at that rate, thedebt will be $80 trillion in nine years, $160 trillion in 18 years, etc. Assuming a5%interestrate, the annual interest expense on the debt will be $4 trillion in nine years, and $8 trillion in 18 years. Thetotal budget today is only $5.2 trillion, and we borrow an additional $1.8 trillion as deficit spending, which adds to the debt. Both political parties participate in thespending. Ourrecent deficit spending is particularly shocking.
According to theU.S. Treasury Department, from 2020-2025, the U.S. deficit spending was $12.4 trillion, which is larger than the spending for the Civil War, World WarI,World WarII, Vietnam, Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan wars in today’sdollars combined. At some point,the interestexpensealone for thedebt may re-
It’s time to end40years of race-based districting
quirethe entire budget, leaving no money for allthe othersocial services.The discretionary budget is only 40% of the total budget and ignores the entitlement programs of Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security andSNAP,which are60% of the totalbudget. I always assumedthis debt would be aproblem for ourgrandchildren, but these numbers suggest otherwise.
The best analogyfor this situation is an insidious, fast-growing financial cancer.Unfortunately there is no financial chemotherapy.Itmeansthe country has to go underthe scalpel and cut spending in ordertocut the debt. It is ahard pill to swallow and political suicide for politicians to even touch this. We Americans have grown accustomed to the wasteful spending andwill vote them outofoffice.
Elon Musk stressedthe loom-
ing possibility of aU.S. bankruptcy with DOGE. He received severe backlash. The government shutdown was over an additional $1.5trillionofdeficit spending, which hadbeen removed from the budget, but some members of Congress wanted it added back in. The spending backlash gotmuchwider, shutting down the government. Glad60% of the senators finally came to their senses.
The probability of this risk is 100% because it is already here. The severity is mounting andwill go up each year until we admit it andreverse course,orface the consequencesofbankruptcy like the SovietUnionexperienced when it collapsedin1991.
David Thomasisaninvestment managementconsultantat EquitasCapital Advisors in New Orleans.
Sexual violence crisis is easing,but it’s notover
On Oct. 15, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in Louisiana v. Callais. The Supreme Court has off-ramps that it can take to decide this case without reaching the constitutional question of whether Louisiana’scongressionalmap violates the 14th or 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Even so, future redistricting litigants are likely to raise it if the court does not address it in Callais. The Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965, but redistricting litigation like this case is the product of the 1980s in two significant ways. It remains mired in that decade, 40 years on. Change is needed.
First, in 1982, Congress amended the Voting Rights Act to add an “effects” test that has come to dominate redistricting litigation. These “effects” replaced astandard that required “intentional discrimination” fordistricts to be ruled invalid.
Second, in “Thornburg v. Gingles,” in 1986, the court set out athree-part test for identifying when amajorityminority district should be created.
The first of those factors is whether the minority population is sufficiently large and geographically compact to form amajority in asinglememberdistrict.
Those “Gingles” tests were then supplemented by a“totality of the circumstances” test consisting of seven “typical factors” and three factors drawn from case law.One such factor is the state’shistory of discrimination in the voting registration process, which Louisiana Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga observed the states “can never outrun,” even when minority voter participation is roughly equal to that of the majority Another “typical” factor that recurs every redistricting cycle is “the extent to which members of the mi-
noritygroup in the stateor political subdivision bear the effects of discrimination in such areas as education, employment and health, which hinder their abilitytoparticipate effectively in thepolitical process.”
None of these Gingles inquiry “factors” can be found in the Voting RightsAct
Even so, in the Allen v. Milligancase from Alabama in 2023, the Court rejected Alabama’sattempt to modify the Gingles standard.
ChiefJustice John Roberts, joinedbyJustices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Kentanji Brown Jackson, ruled thatAlabama’s position conflicted withthe court’s precedent.
Justice BrettKavanaugh, writing for himself on this issue, thought it was up to Congress to change theGingles standard. Even so, at the close of his opinion, Justice Kavanaugh suggested that even if race-based districting couldbeimposed in 1982, there should be alimit to its use.
Four justices dissented. Thomas, joinedinfull by Justice Neil Gorsuch and in part to differing extents by Justices Amy ConeyBarrett and Samuel Alito,criticized the “logically unbounded totality-of-the circumstances inquiry.”Alito,joined by Gorsuch, suggested thatthe case could be decided under Gingles, with reversal following
becauserace predominated in thedrawing of the second majority-minority district.
Twoyears later,inCallais, Kavanaugh asked Janai Nelson,lawyer for the Robinson parties, how long thecourt should continue to allow the “intentional useofrace,” observing that race-based remedies were“permissible for atime” but could not be “indefiniteand should have an end point.” Nelson twice asserted that there should not be atime limit
Gingles has been in effect for almost 40 years, and minorities arestill saidtolag themajority,even though race-based redistricting has been facilitated during that time.
That suggests thelack of acausal link between the creation of majority-minority districts andactual change. Maybe theissueispolitical, not racial.
The answer is to jettison race in redistricting. Interpret the first Gingles factor in arace-neutral way so that districts are drawn where people live. Some of those districts will be majorityminority,but race will have nothing to do withtheir creation.
Jack Park is an attorney who has participated in redistricting litigation in Alabamainthe 1990, 2000, and 2010 redistricting cycles.
Louisianaisseeing progress in the fight against sexual violence, but the latest data showwestill have along way to go.
According to theLouisiana Study on Violence Experiences across the Lifespan (LaVEX 2025), released this week by The Newcomb Institute, nearly half of Louisiana adults (47%) have experienced someform of sexual violence in their lifetime.
That’sabout 1.7 million people —our friends, colleagues and neighbors. Onein10adults, or roughly 350,000 Louisianans, experienced sexual harassmentorassault in the past year alone.
Sexual violence in Louisiana mostoften takes theform of sexual harassment, but the moresevere forms —physically aggressive harassment, sexual exploitation and forced sex are not uncommon. In the past year alone, about 32,500 Louisiana women experienced sexual exploitation by being pressured or coerced into sex in exchange for money,housing or opportunities, and 18,000 womenwere forced into sex against their will.
There is, however,reason forcautious optimism. Since 2023, sexual violence has declined forboth women and men.Amongwomen, past-year rates fell from 17% to 13%; among men,from 14% to 8%. These reductions suggest that prevention education, workplace reforms, university initiatives and community advocacy may be beginning to makeanimpact. In the past decade, schools and workplaces across Louisiana have strengthened policies to prevent sexual misconduct. Universities have expanded Title IX compliance and survivor support. Advocacy and awareness campaigns have improved public understanding of consent and accountability Increased visibility of survivor voices and community action has also shifted social norms, reducing tolerance forharassment and exploitation.
Verbaland cyber sexual harassment, while theymay not involve direct physical contact, also cause serious emotional and psychologicalharm.
Taken together,these findings make clear that sexual violence is not asingle act,but aspectrum of behaviors that undermine safety,dignity and well-being across our state, especially for women and girls.
More than 6in10women in Louisiana report lifetime experiences of sexual violence, compared with 3in 10 men. While much sexual harassment occurs from strangers and in public places, severe sexual violence against women is mostoften committed by partners (48%) or acquaintances (51%), where severe sexual violence against men can often come from family members (27%). These findings challenge thecommon belief that sexual assault is mainly acrime of strangers. In Louisiana, it is far moreoften aviolation of trust —occurring in homes, workplaces and community settings. The mental health consequences are serious.
Nearly half of women (48%) and 4in 10 men (38%) who experienced sexual violence reported symptomsofanxiety or depression. Suicidal thoughts were reported by 13% of womenand 7% of men, yet only asmallshare sought help. The silence surroundingthese experiences remains one of our greatest barriers to recovery and prevention.
Yetsustaining that progress will require confronting apersistent gap in how Louisiana invests in solutions. Much of the state’sviolenceprevention funding rightly supports domestic and intimate partner violence programs, but as noted above, sexual violence is not limited to intimaterelationships. Many survivors are harmed by acquaintances, family members or strangers.
Without dedicated attention and resources forthese formsofsexual violence, Louisiana’sprogress will stall. Prevention and support efforts must extend beyond the homeand into workplaces, schools and community spaces where these things occur
Sexual violence is not just acriminal or legal matter.Itisasocial and public health issue that affects mental well-being, economic stability and community trust.
Each act of harassment or assault leaves lasting damage, both forindividuals and forthe communities that surround them.Continued investment in prevention education, survivor support and mental health services will not only reduce harm but strengthen Louisiana’sresilience and stability
Progress is possible, as the LaVEX data show The challenge now is ensuring that Louisiana’scommitment to ending sexual violence keeps pace with the scope of the problem,and that every survivor,regardless of where or how they wereharmed, is seen, supported and safe.
AnitaRaj,a public health researcher basedinNew Orleans, is executive director of TheNewcomb Institute.
Anita Raj GUEST COLUMNIST
ASSOCIATEPRESS PHOTO By CLIFF OWEN
Louisiana Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga, right, joins Attorney General Liz Murrill as theyspeak withthe media after departingthe SupremeCourtonOct. 15 in Washington, D.C.
ISSUE OF THE WEEK THEEPSTEIN FILES
The sagaofconvicted sexoffender Jeffrey Epstein, whodied in prison, continues to have far-reaching implications as politicians face public pressure to release more information related to the case.While then-candidate Donald Trumppledged to release all the Epstein files if elected, hisadministration later changed course, dismissing the furor as ahoax.This week, the House advanced adischargepetition to force avote to require theJustice Department to releasethe files, winningsupportfrom somebreakawayRepublicans despite the president’s opposition.The measure passed theHouseoverwhelmingly after Trumpdropped hisobjections. Rep. ClayHiggins, R-Lafayette, was the sole no vote.The Senate sent the bill to Trump, whosigned it.What does this continued wranglingoverthe Epstein filesmeanfor Trump’spresidency and for both political parties? Here are two perspectives:
Case exposes divisions in unityof MAGA Epstein’sresentment toward Donald Trump
He’sback!
Just when you might havethought we would not have the late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to talk aboutanymore, he plunged back into headlines —and hisformerclose friend and associate, President Donald Trump, was not happy about it. Epstein is asore subject forTrump and hisloyalists in Congress,but it wasnot always thus He was arrested in 2019 and charged with sex trafficking,but he died in asuspected suicide in prison while awaiting trial. Duringthe Biden interregnum, Trump supporters developed various conspiracy theories aboutEpstein and the Democratic administration’ssupposed efforts to hush up theJustice Department’s investigation, including suppressing an Epstein client list. After Trump was reelected, his attorney general, Pam Bondi, promised to publish the “list,” evenavowing that it was sitting on her desk. Then, when it became clear that anymeaningful release of files relating to the Epstein investigation would likely embarrass or even implicate Trump, MAGAwas forced to do an about-face. The problem was thatahandfulofRepublicans did not wish to move along with their eyes averted. When the longsummer recess in Congress began in July, Rep. Thomas Massie, the maverick Republican of Kentucky,had almostadozen members of the House from his sideofthe aisle ready to sign on to adischargepetition that would allow the Epstein Files Transparency Actout of committee and onto the House floor for avote.
was “almostnonexistent” between 2010 and 2019.
An exchange of particular interest was from 2011, in which Epstein wrote to Maxwell, “i want you to realize that that dogthat hasn’tbarked is trump.. VICTIM spent hours at my house withhim,, he has never oncebeen mentioned.” (Appalling punctuation is Epstein’s.) Maxwell replied, “I’ve been thinking about that...”
For his part,Trumppushed back, accusing Democrats of bringing up Epstein to “deflect”from their handling of the government shutdown.
Which brings us back to Massie’s petition, which as theHouse went into recess was one vote short to go through. For months, Speaker Mike Johnson held up swearing in a newlyelected Democratic member from Arizona, Adelita Grijalva, by keeping the House in recess, simply to prevent the petition from gaining its 218th signature.
Yetinorder to end the government shutdown, Congress had to reconvene and Johnson had to swear in Rep.Grijalva.
Meanwhile, theWhiteHouse leaned on thedissident GOP lawmakers, warning them that signing on to thedischarge petition would be “a very hostile act.” Among the Republicans who had broken from their usualMAGA loyalties before the recess were three famously conservative Republican women.
Thestalwarts were Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Lauren Boebert of Colorado, astaunchly conservative trio whosaid they saw theEpstein affair as too sordid to ignore.
There’snodoubt Jeffrey Epstein thought he was avery,very smart guy “He always thought he wasthe smartest person in theroom,” said one associate. Another said Epstein “thought he was smarter than the next guy.” In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to procurement of aminor for prostitution; his defense asked for leniency based on his “unique intellect.”
Someone withsuch high self-regard can become deeply disturbed if afriend or associate, or aformer friend or associate, achieves more, makes moremoney,and rises higher up society’sladder than the person who feels he is thesmartestguy in the room.ReadingthroughEpstein’semails released by Republicans on the House Oversight Committee, one gets the impression that Epstein wastroubled by thesuccess of his former friend Donald Trump, as he watched Trumptake a wildly improbable path from successful developer to television star to president of the United States. At the sametime, of course, Epstein was pleading guilty to sex crimes, struggling to recover,and then finding himself charged with even moreserious sex crimes. Suicide in a jail cell was in his future while Trump was in the White House.
that Trumpwas living rent-free in Epstein’shead. “The emails suggest that Trumpremained afixation forEpstein,” CNNwrote, “as he’sfrequently mentioned numerous times over aspan of nearly adecade —including long after their friendship ended.”
Things took aturn for theworse for Trump recently when Democratsonthe House Oversight Committee released more than 20,000 pages of Epstein’s emails, which were received from Epstein’sestate. The Democratic committee members highlighted several emails that mentioned Trump, and journalistsspent days poring overthe trovetogain insight into Epstein’sties to Trump andotherluminaries.
Among the insights revealed were that Epstein and his convicted associate,Ghislaine Maxwell, coordinatedtheir public response to a2015 lawsuit broughtbyan anonymous woman who later was revealed to be Virginia Roberts Giuffre. Giuffre died by suicideinApril2025. Maxwell told the JusticeDepartment this year that her relationshipwithEpstein
Despite the administration’sbest efforts, which included corralling Boebert in ameeting in the White House Situation Room, the three Republican women held firm. The vote on Massey’sbill took place Tuesday
The “Epstein files” have emerged from thefoggyprecinctsofconspiracy theory and now raise genuine concerns about an administration that has not been shy about using thepowers of office to persecuteits political adversaries.
The allegations and victims deserve to be taken seriously —and so do abuses of power —regardless of which partyor which exalted dignitary is affected. The public has aright to see theEpstein files. EmailClarence Page at clarence47page@ gmail.com.
By the way,remember when Elon Musk, breaking with Trump, breathlessly announced that Trumpwas “in the Epstein files?” Of course Trumpisinthe Epstein files; he’s all over this set of Epstein files because he wassodeeply in Epstein’shead. Trumpwill be in other Epstein files, too, because Epstein apparently could not stop thinking and talking about him
“President Trump’slong friendship with Jeffrey Epstein came to an apparent end in the mid-2000s,” wrote The New York Times.“But Mr.Epstein remained intently focused on Mr.Trump for years afterward, seeking to exploit theremnants of their relationship up until his arrest on federal sex-trafficking charges in 2019.” As Trumprose, the Times said, Epstein tried to regain statusby“casting himself as the ultimate Trumptranslator.” But the smartest guy in the room was fuming over the success of someone he feltwas so clearly inferior to himself.
“Your world does not understand how dumb[Trump] really is,” Epstein wrote to former Treasury secretary and Harvard president Lawrence Summersin May 2017, Trump’sfourth month in office. When, in July 2017, former Obama WhiteHouse counsel Kathryn Ruemmler wrote, “Trumpistruly stupid,” Epstein replied with aone-word answer: “Duh.” It would be an understatement to note
Finally,one problem with reading the Epstein emails today is that Epstein was, in the words of one recent assessment in The Atlantic, a“notorious liar.” It is reasonable to take Epstein’s statements of opinion at face value he appeared to really think Trumpwas dumb—but not his statements of fact. So when Epstein says that victim Virginia Giuffre“spent hours at my house with [Trump],” there’snocompelling reason to believe him.Giuffre, now dead, wrote abook that said no such thing about Trump, and she also testified under oath that Trump“didn’tpartake in any sex with us [and] never flirted with me.” Giuffresaid she never saw Trumpand Epstein together.She was asked, “Did you ever see Donald Trump at Jeffrey’shome?” and answered, “Not that Iremember.” In addition, she said she did not remember seeing Trump at Epstein’sisland, or his house in New Mexico, or his house in NewYork. So what to makeofit? First, even though he wasafriend of Epstein’sfor several years up to around 2004, there is still no evidence linking Donald Trump to any wrongdoing. And second, Trump is nevertheless everywhere in the Epstein files because Jeffrey Epstein was out of his mind with resentment toward aformer friend whonot only succeeded in business but becamepresident of the United States, even as Epstein raced toward ruin.
Byron York is on X, @Bryon York. Email himatbyronyork@yorkcomm. com.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByROD LAMKEy
U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky,speaks during anewsconference regarding the release of the JeffreyEpstein files, on Capitol Hill on Sept. 3.
Clarence Page
Byron York
SPORTS
LSUsetsrecordinwin over Alcorn St.
Tigers become firstSEC team to score100 points in sixconsecutive games
BY REED DARCEY Staff writer
The LSUwomen’s basketball team has gotten off to strong starts before. Afew of them, in fact, since coach Kim Mulkey’stenurebegan in 2021.
But the Tigers have never rattledoff six straight 100-point games. No SECteam had ever accomplishedthat feat until Thursday, when LSU defeated AlcornState 112-49 in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center to continue its blisteringstarttothe 2025-26 season.
With the win, the No. 5Tigers (6-0) also tied the NCAA recordfor consecutive
100-point
outings. Louisiana Tech has that mark, which has stoodfor over40years
The Lady Techsters set it in 1982 —during Mulkey’splaying career
“Thesekids just work,” Mulkeysaid. “They just go to work.They takecoaching. They do catch on to thingsquicker thanyou might imagine. They’ve played alot of basketball.”
LSUhit the centurymarkinits first four games with relative ease. It scored at least 108points in each of its winsoverHouston Christian,Southeastern Louisiana, Georgia Southern, and Charlotte.
The fifth 100-point game, however,was a bitharder to attain.
On Monday,the Tigersfaced Tulane on theroad and won 101-71. Alate 13-2 run, which they threwtogether acrossthe last fourminutes of the game, gotthemoverthe
ä See 100, page 2C
Alcorn State forward Jazlyn Johnson pressures LSUguard Mikaylah Williams during their game on Thursday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center
By
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By RUSTy JONES
CarolinaPanthers running backRico Dowdle is tackled by Saints safety Jonas Sanker,cornerback Alontae Taylor and safety Justin Reid during their game on Nov. 9inCharlotte, N.C.
‘BATTLETESTED’
Facing
BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer
Themostimpressivepartabout what theNew Orleans Saints did to Bryce Young is what theCarolina Panthers quarterback did next.
Last week against the Atlanta Falcons, Young threw for acareer-high 448 yards— seven daysafterthe Saints held him to 124 yards. NewOrleansalso heldits NFCSouthrival to just seven points, aseason-low “I feel like we had agreat plan,”Saints cornerback KoolAid McKinstry said. “Weunderstoodthe assignment. We had great energy.”
Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley said theperfor-
mance was his unit’sbest of theyear,and it was hard to argue otherwise. Before Carolina, the defense hadplayed well in spurts but occasionally looked overmatched. TheSaints’ problems couldbeattributedtothe bumps and bruises that come with learning anew system, though it wouldn’ttell thewhole story.The qualityofopposition mattered,too. The Saints have faced sixofthe league’stop 12 offenses by expected pointsadded (EPA) per play thisseason, astat thatmeasures efficiency.The results haven’tbeen pretty, either.The SeattleSeahawks hung44points, 37 of which were allowed by the defense. The Los Angeles Rams scored
ä See SAINTS, page 5C
CB Delane fightsthrough pain forLSU
BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer
BY TOYLOYBROWN III Staff writer
Marquel Sutton catapulted for an offensive rebound after ateammate’smissed free throw
The 6-foot-9 LSU forward dodged abox out of one UNO player on his right and then ripped the ball away as he soared above another UNO player from his left. Sutton was fouled as he crashed to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center floor and was rewarded with twofree throwsthat he made. The hustle play happened when LSU had a25-point lead with 10:47 left in the game.
ä Omaha at LSU 7P.M. FRIDAy,SECN+
Sutton’smotor is nonstop. Coach Matt McMahon describes the Omaha transfer as a“warrior” forhow he “livesinthe gym” andplays so hard
Sutton calls his will the “dog” in him.Early into his LSU (4-0) career,the fifth-year senior has been called upon to score and hustle as he is averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and is shooting 42.3% from 3-point range. He plans on continuing the strong play when he faces his former team, Omaha (23), at 7p.m. Friday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center “It’sgonna be crazy, becauseIplayedwith mostofthose guys forthe past three years, and now Ihave to play against them,”Sutton said. “So it’sgonna be surreal, but I’m excited and ready to play ‘em.”
Last season, Sutton becamethe first Omaha player to earn SummitLeague Player of theYear honors andled theMavericks to their first NCAA Tournament berth after they were picked to finish eighth in the conference preseason poll.
LSUassistantcoach Jalen Courtney-Williams has been blown away by Sutton’ssingularfocustodowhateverittakes to win since he arrived on campus.
“He is full throttleall day, everyday
LSU senior cornerback Mansoor Delane is playing through “a core muscle injury” that he’sdealtwith sinceWeek 4ofthis season, Delane told reporters this week. Theinjury hasaffected Delanetothe point where he was not supposed to finishlast Saturday’s game against Arkansas. The Virginia Tech transfer had to ask LSU secondary coach Corey Raymond to insert him back into the gamefor what turned outtobethe Tigers’finaldefensive possession. “I really was supposed to be out the rest of the game,but then Iwas like,‘Nah,’” Delane said. “‘They’re about to throw the ball. Ineed to be in there with thegroup.
I’mabout to play in this gameright now We can’tlose this one.” Delane’sdecision to return paid off for the Tigers. He batted down quarterback Taylen Green’s third-down passtoset up a48-yard field goal attemptthatwas missed. After the kickwas no good, the LSU offense salted away the final 5:08 to secure a23-22 win.
“(Coach Raymond) was like, ‘If you can go,you can go. If youcan’t,you can’t.’ And Iwas just like, ‘Let’sdoit.’ Andthen when Iwent in the game, Iwas like ‘DJ (Pickett), PJ (Woodland), somebody get out.’
“I wastakingmedicine andI wasletting thingskick in andwhatnot, warming up the wholetime,” Delane said.“Butbythat
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LSUforward
Marquel Sutton STAFFPHOTO
By
HILARy SCHEINUK
STAFFPHOTO
HILARy SCHEINUK
BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS
4
5
9:55 p.m. Formula 1: Qualifying ESPN2 MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
noon Utah St. vs.Tulane ESPN2
1 p.m Butler vs. South Carolina CBSSN
2:30 p.m. Davidson vs. Boston College ESPN2
3 p.m. Wisconsin vs. ByU PEACOCK
4 p.m Northwestern vs.Virginia CBSSN
5:30 p.m. Detroit Mercy at Michigan St. BTN
LSU
Continued from page 1C
every drill,” Courtney-Williams said. “He treats it all like the rep that’s going to change his life. It’s so fun coaching dudes like that.”
While the path to Baton Rouge materialized after a dream third season at a mid-major, just as crucial to the 22-year-old’s journey was his time as an unknown high school player from Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a couple of junior-college offers.
His dad, Marques Sutton, informed his son that his journey wasn’t going to be seamless.
“If you’re waiting on the easy bus, I said, ‘You’re gonna be standing outside for years,’ ” Marques Sutton said. “ ‘Get on this hard bus. Learn how to deal with things when they’re hard.’ ” Sutton is the epitome of a late bloomer in game and physicality
He entered his freshman year at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa at 5-7. The younger Sutton grew to 6-2 at the start of his sophomore year, 6-5 as a junior and 6-7 as a senior Along with having a slender frame that could be pushed around, he had to develop his skills. He played on the freshman and junior varsity teams his first two years.
“It’s just like a deer that was out there,” Marques Sutton said. “They got these long legs, and they got to learn how to walk. That’s how it was for Marquel.” Marquel Sutton became a starter on varsity as a junior, and his skill gap shrank once he started working with Ed Daniels, a former overseas pro and basketball trainer That helped lead to his breakout high school senior season, averaging 20 points, 12 rebounds two blocks and three assists. But his season was cut short because of the COVID-19 pandemic This ended any hopes of playoff success and squashed his potential chance of earning a late Division I offer.
One coach who saw Sutton was Bill Muse of Connors State. The 34-year Cowboys coach was impressed with his talent and grit. Sutton committed to the Oklahoma junior college, which was about an hour from where he lived.
His tireless work ethic not only remained but also grew stronger as he had sights on making it to Division I. The blue-collar manner he played with is also a reflection of what he saw in the people in his life. He watched his dad raise two
Continued from page 1C
mark again, allowing them to tie the SEC record that their national title team set at the start of the 2022-23 season.
LSU’s win over Alcorn State shook out more like the first four games of the season. The Tigers raced out to an early 20-point lead, then kept adding to that advantage throughout the game. They hit the 100-point mark at the 4:24 mark of the fourth quarter, a point at which they led by 59 points.
The Braves committed 31 turnovers and shot just 38% from the field. They began the game ranked sixth in the country in 3-point percentage (40%), but the Tigers held them to just five long-range field goals on 16 attempts.
LSU, on the other hand, shot 58% from the field and 6 of 16 from 3-point range. Five contributors scored in double figures, including the star trio of Flau’jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley
“I feel like the team that we are,” freshman forward Grace Knox said, “there was just a lot of things that we could have done better (against Tulane), and even though it was a win, it wasn’t the way that we wanted, so (Mulkey) definitely got on us as she should,
“If you’re waiting on the easy bus, I said, ‘You’re gonna be standing outside for years. Get on this hard bus. Learn how to deal with things when they’re hard.’ ”
MARQUES SUTTON, LSU forward Marquel Sutton’s father
sons and four daughters as a single father for most of his life. Marques Sutton, 48, spent many nights working late throughout his kids’ lives, making a living as a professional barber at Tee’s Barbershop and as a barber instructor Marquel Sutton drew inspiration from his grandmother, Dorothy Sutton-Jones, who is in her 45th year of working at American Airlines. The work ethic she still displays never prevented her from
but, yeah, we had a lot to improve on that game.”
Fulwiley finished with 18 points and five steals, while Williams added 15. Johnson notched 18 of her own.
Sophomore center Kate Koval — a Notre Dame transfer who came off the bench for the first time this season on Thursday — scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Against Tulane, she missed all four of her field-goal tries, then tallied only two points and two rebounds in 17 minutes of action.
Mulkey slotted East Carolina transfer Amiya Joyner into the starting lineup in Koval’s place, and she scored nine points on 2-of-3 shooting, to pair with nine rebounds and two steals.
LSU also received a nice contribution from freshman forward Grace Knox. She scored 12 points in the 18 minutes she logged off the bench
Every scholarship player saw the floor on Thursday, with the exception of senior guard Kailyn Gilbert. She was not spotted in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, and Mulkey said she was “dealing with family issues.”
LSU will next fly down to the U.S. Virgin Islands to play in the Paradise Jam Tournament. If the Tigers defeat Marist next Friday, then they’ll take on either MiamiOhio or Washington State on Saturday
ued growth helped him average 16.6 points and 9.1 rebounds in his one season at Connors State.
Extra seeds of motivation are still planted by his dad, who used to off him $20 for every dunk he achieved early in high school.
Marques Sutton has since sent texts before college games that motivate and challenge his son to play with the same tenacity he had in Tulsa.
Muse is proud of Sutton’s dedication to getting better and stronger now in a sturdy 230-pound frame.
His dad is pleased with how his son embraced his difficult path and achieved playing at the highest level of college basketball.
being a pillar for the family She actively helped raise Sutton and his siblings, and she taught them the value of love and faith in God. Relentlessness is the Sutton way Those examples and contin-
“He dealt with adversity ever since juco,” Marques Sutton said. “He didn’t cry about where he was at. He gutted it out. He said, ‘All I need is a chance, Dad, all I need is an opportunity I can show people what I can do.’ And that was the best choice that he could have made.”
LSU soccer’s 2nd-round NCAA match postponed
The LSU soccer team’s secondround NCAA Tournament game on Thursday was pushed back a day because of the weather forecast in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Tigers (14-5-4) and Iowa Hawkeyes (12-4-4) now will play at 3 p.m. Friday at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex. The winner will advance to take on the the survivor of Vanderbilt-Clemson, which was pushed back to 6 p.m. Friday, in the NCAA quarterfinals at 2 p.m. Monday in Nashville.
LSU thumped Houston Christian 4-1 Friday to start the NCAA Tournament with Sariyah Bailey, a freshman forward from Canada, leading the way with two goals. LSU’s lone loss in the last 12 games came Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament championship game, which was decided on penalty kicks.
Mariners set date to retire LHP Johnson’s number Hall of Fame left-hander Randy Johnson will have his No. 51 retired by the Seattle Mariners during a pregame ceremony on May 2, the club announced Thursday In June, the Mariners said Johnson’s No. 51 would become the fifth number retired by the franchise, joining Ken Griffey Jr (No. 24), Edgar Martinez (No. 11) and Ichiro Suzuki, who had his No. 51 retired this summer All MLB teams have retired Jackie Robinson’s No. 42. Johnson went 130-74 with a 3.42 ERA across 10 seasons with the Mariners.
“I’m happy that my contributions over the 10 years that I was there are being acknowledged now,” the 62-year-old Johnson said via Zoom in June. “It’s been a long time, that’s for sure.”
Baylor athletic director Rhoades resigns after leave
Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades resigned Thursday, a week after he took a leave of absence for personal reasons.
Rhoades also stepped down last week from his role as chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee.
Linda Livingstone, the school president, said in a letter Thursday that Rhoades had informed her of his decision to step away from his position at Baylor After Rhoades took his leave of absence, the school said it was investigating unspecified allegations against him. The status of that investigation, or if it is still ongoing, was not immediately clear after he left the job.
The school said last week that allegations against Rhoades did not involve Title IX, studentathlete welfare or NCAA rules violations.
Browns extend DE Wright’s contract by three years
Defensive end Alex Wright has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday worth $33 million, including $21 million guaranteed. Wright, a third-round pick in the 2022 draft, is in the final year of his rookie contract. He is third on the Browns with three sacks and is tied for seventh with 23 tackles along with eight quarterback pressures. Wright missed most of last season after suffering a triceps injury
“He is a physical presence in the run game. He’s got great size. You know, some of our best plays on the edge are Alex taking on pullers and knocking tight ends back. And, those are things we really value,” defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said.
Lee shoots 64 to open $4M quest on LPGA Tour NAPLES, Fla. Somi Lee decided to change her putting grip to be like Lydia Ko and it paid off in a big way Thursday in the CME Group Tour Championship, where the South Korean opened with an 8-under 64 for a two-shot lead in the chase for a $4 million payoff. Lee began to pull away when she went down one club to a 5-iron because of the warm conditions and set up an eagle on the par-5 17th.
Even so, she was two shots clear of former U.S Women’s Open champion Allisen Corpuz.
Jeeno Thitikul, the No. 1 player and frontrunner for LPGA player of the year, had six birdies in her round of 67, tied with three other players.
STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
LSU forward Marquel Sutton takes a shot against Florida International in the first half of their game on Nov. 13 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center
PROVIDED PHOTO By MARQUES SUTTON Marquel Sutton celebrates Connor State winning a regional championship to advance to the NJCAA Tournament during his freshman season.
STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK
LSU guard ZaKiyah Johnson drives to the basket between Alcorn State guard Kiarra Henderson, left, and guard Jeanee Anderson on Thursday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center
Jokicseesabit of himself in Pelicans rookie Queen
BY RODWALKER Staff writer
For anyone wondering how De-
rik Queen got that “Baby Jokic” nickname that’sdisplayed on his profile page on the Basketball Reference website, the answer came Wednesday night as he shared the court withNikola Jokic himself.
While Jokic and the Denver Nuggetsgot the 125-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, a 20-year-old rookie wasshowing off asimilar skill set to arguably the best player in the world.
Queen stuffed the stat sheet with acareer-best 30 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocked shots.
“That was an impressive first go at Jokic,” Pelicans interim coach James Borrego said. Borrego anticipated the matchup beforethe game tipped off.
“He’slooked up to this guy for many years, andhe’ll geta crack at himtonight,” Borrego said pre-game. “It’sawesome going against the guy you have great respectfor and you mimic your game after. This can’tbe agoout there andbeinawe of this guy. You’ve got to go out there and compete against him. You’ve gottogo impose your willand be aggressive.”
Queen did just that,and Borrego wasn’tthe only one impressed.
So was Jokic.
“He’sanamazing player,”Jokic said. “You can see some similarities(to me). Idon’t want people to see him and tell him he’ssomething like me. He’sagood enough playertohave his own story.” It’sastory that started unfolding
ä Pelicans at Mavericks
7:30P.M. FRIDAy,WAFB
last week with Queen’sbreakout performance of 26 points,seven rebounds andfour assistsinaloss to the Portland TrailBlazers, but forget about that breakout performance. Thereal one cameWednesday against Jokic, the three-time MVP whomsome have compared Queen’s game to.The way Jokic described Queen after the game, it almost sounded like Jokic was describing himself “He’sgood,”Jokic said. “He has some moves.He’sdefinitely crafty He’ sunorthodox. He has great touch anda feel for thegame. He’s really good.It’sgood to see somebody different.”
Queen shot 12 of 18 from the floor and became the first rookie in franchise historytoscore30points with at least five rebounds and two blockedshots in agame.
ThePelicans’ 13th overalldraft pick also became one of just two rookiestohave30points, nine rebounds, four assists, twoblocks and two steals in 31 minutes or less in agame. Victor Wembanyamaof theSan Antonio Spurs was the other one two seasons ago. Wembanyama diditin his66th NBA game. Queen did it in his 15thgame.
Even more impressive is that Queen is playingthis well despite not going through training campor playing in the preseason. He tore a ligament in his left wrist in aSummerLeague game in LasVegas and missed all of the preseason.
Youwouldn’thaveknownitbythe
wayheattacked thebasket against Jokic. He alsoknocked down a 3-pointer,his secondoftheseason
Queen, who played at Maryland, had one 30-point game in college againstMichigan. Now he has his
first one in the NBA.
Is he surprised it came so soon?
“After Igot afew games under my belt, Iwas like,‘It’s kinda easy,’ “Queen said.
Jokic was his usual dominant self, finishing with28points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds beforefouling out with 2:44 remaining. Jokic had nine turnovers.
“Just alittle bit of pressure on both ends,” Queen said about the matchup. “On the defensive end, trying to turn him over.And on the offensive end, just going at him trying to get him in foul trouble.”
Queen really started paying attention to Jokic’sgame last year
“WhenI gottocollege —because Iknew Iwas going to get(to the NBA) —Iwatched him alittle bit more,” Queen said.
Jokic said he notices some similarities.
“I think I’m alittle bittaller,” said Jokic,who at 6-11 is 1inch taller.“But Ithink thereisthat style. Crafty. Ican see it.”
Jokic,inhis 11th NBA season, hasplayedin759 games. Queen has played 15.
“I just gotta keep on building,” he said. “(This was) definitely a confidencebooster because he’s athree-timeMVP and an NBA champion. I’ve just gotta keep on going. Don’tget too high. Don’tget toolow.Just keep on getting better every day.”
Lakers fireBussbrothersfromfront
positionsafter ownershipchange
BY GREG BEACHAM AP sportswriter
LOS ANGELES Joey Bussand Jesse Buss are no longer working in theLos AngelesLakers’ frontoffice after the franchise’srecent ownership change, aperson with knowledgeofthe movetoldThe Associated Press on Thursday
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the Lakers didn’tpublicly announce the firings of the two children of longtime Lakers owner JerryBuss, who died in 2013. TheLakersare also overhauling the scouting staff that worked with the brothers.
TheBuss brothers confirmed their departure in astatement issued to ESPN,although both will retain their inherited minority ownership stakes under new controlling owner Mark Walter Jesse Buss was an assistant general manager,while Joey Busswas the Lakers’ alternate governor and vice president of research and development
“Weare extremely honored to have been part of this organization for the last 20 seasons,” Joey and Jesse Buss said in theirstatement. Thank you to Laker Nationfor embracingour family every step of the way. We wish things could bedifferent with theway
our timeended with the team. At times like this, we wishwecould ask our Dadwhat he would think about it all.”
Jerry Buss had at leastseven children, and six of them worked for theLakers at some point duringhis ownership.
Jeanie Buss became the Lakers’ governorwhen their father died. Jim Buss was the Lakers’executive vice president of basketball operations until Jeanie oustedher brother in 2017, alsofiring general manager Mitch Kupchak and turningover the basketball side of the business to Magic Johnson and current general manager RobPelinka.
No.25NCState is winningearly, coach Wade pushingfor more
BY AARON BEARD AP basketball writer
RALEIGH, N.C. Will Wade promised immediate results in taking over at N.C. State.That has begun with afast start that has the Wolfpack ranked nationally and headingtothe prestigious Maui Invitational in Hawaii.
“I think our foundation’sstrong enough right nowtowithstand some adversity,” Wade saidduring aThursdaynews conference.
“Whatever’sgoing to come at us, Ithink we’re built forit. Ithink we’re going to find that out about ourselves as we go through the tournament.”
N.C. State cracked the AP Top 25 on MondayatNo. 25, which has the Wolfpack(4-0) as the lone ranked team as of now for Maui —still atradition in college basketball’s odetowarmer climes during theThanksgiving holiday week.
Qualitystart
As of Wednesday’sgames, N.C. State ranks fourth in DivisionIin scoringaverage (100.8) and 11th in shooting percentage (.538). The Wolfpack’soffense checks in at No.15inKenPom foradjusted efficiency (120.6 points per 100possessions), while also ranking ninthfrom Bart Torvik and 16th by Evan Miyakawa in their advanced metrics.
Theclosest call came Monday with an 85-79 home win against VCU,the preseason favorite in theAtlantic 10.
Meanwhile, Wade’s roster overhaul is paying offwith TexasTechtransfer andpreseasonACC player of the year Darrion Williams averaging 23.2 points, portaladditions TreHolloman (13.5) and Quadir Copeland(13.2) averaging in double figures, and returnee Paul Neill Jr.(15.2) elevating his game as a sophomore.
As aresult, N.C. State is ranked in theregularseason foronlythe third time since the 2018-19 season. And this is the first timethe program has appeared in the AP Top25inthe season’sopening month since the 2012-13 season.
Identifyingconcerns
Wade took over the program with confidence in promising the Wolfpack would be an immedi-
ate winner.Thatincludedtalking about “a reckoning” coming for the ACC and the sport nationally and promising: “You’re going to have to deal with us.” That remains pure music to the ears of Wolfpack fans, arabid fanbase that has long yearned to seethe on court playrealign with the program’stradition-rich past. There has been success in NCAA Tournament bids and 20winseasons, but often in fits and starts. Eventhe program’smost glorious moment since the Jim Valvano era —animprobable and electric run to the 2024 ACC Tournament titlefollowedbyan even wilderride to the Final Four —was followedbyacrash-out last year that led to thefiring of Kevin Keatts and Wade’sarrival. The early results this year have offered the first glimpsesofwhat Wade’svision looks like, notably with high-end offensive efficiency behind his staff’s lean-in on analytics. It also offers plenty for Wade to focus on when it comes to improvements.
“We’re still giving away way too many possessions,” Wade said. “What we did against VCU, we have to understand, it’snot sustainable. We took 19% of our shots from midrange, which is way over our number
“Overhalfofour shots were off the bounce. There was one team that made the NCAA Tournament last year that took 46% of theirshots offthe bounce one team. So what we did against them was an outlier.”
Positive news
Still,the data also showed a “pleasant surprise” on the glass. “Welook like we’re holding on for dear life sometimes rebounding, because we areagainst some of these bigger teams,”Wade said. “But ourrebounding —defensive rebounding —numbers are better than we were anticipating, and we wereanticipating abit low.” Wade had one other piece of positive news Tuesday. Houston transfer guard Terrance ArceneauxshouldplayinMauiafter he had missed the past two games due to Achilles soreness.
“I’m pleased we’ve won, that’s good,” Wade said of the first four games. “But we’ve got alot of work, alot of workahead.”
NorthCarolinaState coachWillWade reacts to acall during the first half of agame against VirginiaCommonwealth on MondayinRaleigh, N.C.
ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOByBEN MCKEOWN
PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER
NewOrleansPelicans forwardDerik Queen spreadshis arms wide asheattempts alay up around Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic in the final minutes of thePelicans loss on Wednesday at the Smoothie King Center
THE VARSITY ZONE
By PATRICK DENNIS
Checking off goals
Parkview RB Franklin has met personal marks, but state title remains
BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer
Marquise Franklin is a focused
guy
“If I have a goal, I won’t stop un-
til I can get it,” Franklin said. “I won’t stop until I’m satisfied.”
The Parkview Baptist sophomore’s goals heading into this season were a state championship and to run for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He’s blown past one goal with 1,745 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns on 224 carries. He’s been a part of an offense that has run for 2,817 total yards and 40 touchdowns to reach 6-5 on the season
In the Eagles’ 42-28 first-round Division III select playoff win over D’Arbonne Woods, Franklin piled up 380 yards and six touchdowns on 31 carries.
Now the sole focus is on that second goal of winning a state championship.
Connection fueling success
When Franklin thinks about what makes his team special, it’s the chemistry his teammates share.
“Our biggest weapon is our connection,” he said. “We are the most connected team playing. We’re going to do what we do, and if you can’t stop it, we’re going to keep doing it.”
The Eagles aren’t built on flash. They stick to their fundamentals and look to beat teams that way First-year coach Devin Ducote said one of the team’s core philosophies is to be the most connected team playing.
“There’s no fancy this and that,” Franklin said. “We’re playing oldschool, dirty, smash-mouth football, and that’s our strength.” The team’s mentality every week is to play its brand of football. He said his team won’t let opponents dictate how Parkview Baptist is going to play football.
“If you know what we’re going to do, that’s fine,” Franklin said. “You have to stop it. You’re not going to.” Franklin has a relationship with all of his offensive linemen outside of school and football. The bonds built with them have paid dividends on the field.
Senior offensive lineman Willie Williams said the bond was built in the weight room, sand pit, locker room and in the offseason.
“It’s the best environment I’ve been in the last four years,” Williams said. “We have a great team.” Ducote said his team is selfless, and that foundation starts with the offensive line.
“I just trust them out there,” Franklin said. “I trust them with my life.”
Franklin’s focus
When Ducote initially evaluated Parkview Baptist’s roster Franklin’s work ethic stood out.
“It was awesome to see a guy that hungry for success and really had just a burning desire to be the best that he could be,” Ducote said. “He’s a football player, and he wants to play.”
Franklin noted his vision and focus as strengths, but he wants to keep improving his speed and elusiveness.
With two years left of high school football, Franklin feels like he’s on the right path toward becoming an elite player
“If he commits to the process and continues to stay hungry, and continues to work really, really hard like he has in the past,” Ducote said, “he’ll have future opportunities for himself.”
Franklin got into football when he was 7 years old, watching his cousin play for the BREC team the Bulldogs.
He said he wasn’t good at first, but he kept working until he found more opportunities to compete. He played mostly defense until his eighth-grade year, when he started playing running back
He loves the toughness aspect of the sport and what it reveals about someone.
“There’s nothing fake about football,” Franklin said “You can’t fake it. You have to be tough.
You’ve just got to have the swagger When you step on a field, you just know that it’s you and another man. It’s you and another team I know that my guys up front are going to come through.” Mature for age
Despite being only a sophomore, Franklin is one of three team captains along with seniors Logan Sorrel and Williams.
Franklin feels like he’s a good leader, but he knows there are still aspects he can improve on, like being more patient and compassionate.
He may be an underclassman, but he feels ready for the privilege of team captain.
“I was always born a leader,”
Franklin said “I’m not afraid to speak up. Not afraid to tell you if you’re wrong and vice versa, I want to be held accountable. We’re all working on one common goal.”
He’s always felt different from other kids growing up. Franklin didn’t always fit in and didn’t always have fun doing what other
Several BR-area teams to square off Friday
BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer
The regional round of the high school football playoffs is here for the Baton Rouge area.
Several Baton Rouge-area schools will continue their quest for a state title, and these are five games we’re following closely Friday night:
East Ascension at Central No 5 Central (9-2) hosts No. 12 East Ascension (8-3) in the regional round of the Division I nonselect playoffs.
The Wildcats defeated Dutchtown 52-24 in the first round. The Spartans took down West Ouachita 57-17 in the first round. Central is finding its groove at the right time. The Wildcats have won four straight, three by double figures. In the Wildcats’ win over Dutchtown, five different players ran for touchdowns.
East Ascension will look to build on its three-game winning streak. The offense has scored at least 30 points in its last three games, including its playoff game, and will try to keep up with the Central offense.
The winner will face the victor of Denham Springs/Zachary Zachary at Denham Springs No. 4 Denham Springs (8-2) will host No. 13 Zachary (7-3) on Friday night.
The Yellow Jackets have been one of the hottest teams in the Division I nonselect bracket. Denham Springs closed out the regular season on a six-game winning streak. The Yellow Jackets averaged 52.2 points per game across that stretch. They were the lone Baton Rouge-area school to earn a first-round bye in Division I nonselect.
Zachary went into the playoffs on a two-game losing streak. The Broncos found their old form in their first-round win over Salmen. Zachary won 48-15, and running backs Tylek Lewis and Jeremy Patton each ran for three touchdowns.
West Feliciana at Brusly
Another all-Baton Rouge matchup will take place Friday when No. 6 Brusly (10-1) hosts
No. 11 West Feliciana (7-4) in the Division II nonselect regional round.
Brusly defeated Albany 42-6 in the first round. The Panthers’ lone loss came in Week 4, a 20-12 defeat to Plaquemine.
West Feliciana defeated Bossier 49-6 in the regional round. The Saints have won four straight games. The two sides met in Week 7 of the regular season at West Feliciana. Brusly won the first edition of this matchup 2113.
The winner will face the winner of No. 3 Belle Chasse/No. 19 Opelousas in the quarterfinals. John F. Kennedy at Madison Prep
No. 5 Madison Prep (8-2) hosts No. 12 John F. Kennedy (7-4) at Glen Oaks High School on Friday in the Division II select regional round.
The Chargers averaged 42.1 points per game this season. Madison Prep’s two losses came to Southside in Week 3 by a score of 35-22 and 14-8 to University High in Week 9.
John F. Kennedy has won six of its last seven games, with its only loss during that stretch being a narrow 26-25 loss to L.B. Landry in the regular-season finale.
The winner faces the victor of No. 13 Booker T. WashingtonShreveport/No. 4 University High, which could lead to a potential rematch between Madison Prep and U-High.
Northlake Christian at Dunham No. 5 Dunham (9-1) begins its playoff run with No. 12 Northlake Christian (6-3).
The Tigers’ lone loss came against St. Charles in Week 3 by a score of 27-21. The Dunham defense has allowed just 11.7 points per game, while the Tigers have averaged 42.6 points per game. Dunham went unbeaten in District 8-2A play
Northlake Christian won five of its final six games. The five wins came by double digits and the defense had three shutouts. The winner will play the winner of No. 13 Holy Savior Menard/No. 4 Newman in the quarterfinals.
people did.
“I like doing my own thing,” he said. “I was never afraid to stand up for what I wanted to do.”
Franklin’s faith
He said it’s a great honor to be a team captain, and he sees the role as an opportunity to be a servant for his team and God.
Franklin also uses the role of captain to express his faith to his teammates, which is a core aspect of his life. He wants to be a bright light for others and show that to everyone.
“God can use me as a vessel for my good deeds and my good actions,” Franklin said. “What I do to glorify him because at the end of the day that’s all I want to do.”
Ducote said when the school held a spiritual emphasis on campus a couple of weeks ago, Franklin approached him, asking his coach to hold him accountable to help build a stronger relationship in his faith.
“Understanding where your true identity is found is important in life,” Ducote said. “That goes to show that God’s going to bless the fruits of your labor if you’re doing it for the right reasons.”
It can be a struggle for him to shut out the outside noise, whether that be negativity or the ego that can come with hype. He staves off those distractions by reading his Bible.
“I try to focus on what I can control,” Franklin said. “Realize that I only have one life, so I’m going to focus on what I can. I’m going to be me.”
He uses his faith to guide his life both on and off the field. He pointed to the armor of God, talked about in the book of Ephesians.
“The only thing that isn’t covered is your back,” Franklin said. That’s why I try to walk forward, not turn around, look at the past, and try to look at the negative things I try to be brave in what I have to do and be strong with it, and walk forward.”
BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer
The LHSAA has released its second plan for redistricting after hearing appeals at the second classification meeting Monday Here are the proposed district plans for Baton Rouge-area schools, with the third classification meeting set for Dec. 3.
After the Ascension-Livingston parish schools requested to stay in the same district, the LHSAA has kept District 4-5A and District 5-5A the same as the current makeup in this classification cycle. Denham Springs, Live Oak and Walker will stay with Dutchtown, East Ascension, Prairieville and St. Amant in District 5-5A. Woodlawn and Liberty will remain with Catholic, Baton Rouge High School, Zachary, Central and St. Joseph’s in District 4-5A. West Feliciana appealed to be moved from District 6-3A to District 7-3A. The Saints appeal was approved, and they will join Collegiate Baton Rouge, Parkview Baptist, Port Allen and University High.
The LHSAA’s first districting plan featured 11 total districts in Class 1A, with two districts featuring Baton Rouge-area schools. District 9-1A featured Ascension Catholic, Ascension Christian, East Iberville, North Iberville, St. John and White Castle. District 10-1A consisted of Capitol, Catholic-PC, Central Private, East Feliciana, False River, Kentwood, Southern Lab and Thrive. After hearing two joint appeals, the LHSAA’s second districting plan consolidated Class 1A back to 10 districts. The LHSAA’s second proposed district plan puts Capitol, Southern Lab and Thrive Academy with East Iberville, North Iberville, St. John and White Castle in District 8-1A. District 9-1A features CatholicPC, Central Private, East Feliciana, False River, Kentwood and Varnado. Ascension Catholic and
sion
PHOTOS
Parkview running back Marquise Franklin, right, breaks free for a long gain as D’Arbonne Woods’ Hayden Mejia defends in a Division III select playoff game on Friday at Parkview Baptist.
Parkview running back Marquise Franklin fights for yardage as D’Arbonne Woods defenders bring him down Friday in a Division III Select playoff game at Parkview Baptist.
WR Tipton will get chance to impress
BY MATTHEW PARAS AND LUKE JOHNSON Staff writers
Before he was granted his release from the New Orleans Saints, Brandin Cooks gave Mason Tipton a heads-up that the move was in the works. The two wide receivers had developed a close friendship as teammates, and so the conversation didn’t catch Tipton by surprise.
Tipton said he had “an idea” that Cooks wanted out.
“He was like, ‘Look, little bro, it’s that time,’ ” Tipton said.
“That time” also means a lot for Tipton.
“Naturally, Tipton is going to play a ton of football now,” Saints coach Kellen Moore said A second-year wideout from Yale, Tipton has played just 60 snaps this season and does not have a catch. But after being buried on the depth chart, the 25-year-old will get a chance to show what he can do in an expanded role and see if he can build on what was a productive summer In three preseason contests, Tipton recorded 158 yards on eight catches with one touchdown. He burned defenders with crafty double moves and game-changing speed. Tipton performed so well that quarterback Tyler Shough called him the MVP of training camp. But when the season started, Tipton still was the fifth receiver in the team’s pecking order That meant he was hardly going to see the field.
“It wasn’t easy, but it’s professional football, bro,” Tipton said. “It’s the business side of things, and that’s just how it goes, man. So at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is when the opportunities come, that you’re ready, and that’s how I am That’s how I’ve been treating it.
DELANE
Continued from page 1C
time, (in that) situation in the game, it was like, you knew they were going to pass the ball. And I felt like I couldn’t let my teammates down.” Delane didn’t clarify whether the injury will require offseason surgery or how it will affect his draft preparation. Delane is a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He did say that it’s an ailment he’ll have to address once the season is over “It’s hard to rehab It’s more so like, just go (play) as much as you can,” Delane said. “It’s a hard little issue to deal with. I think it’s more mental for me. It’s just being able to fight through it, being able to play.” Delane hopes he can stay on the field for the rest of the season.
“I’m just ready to take it.”
Tipton believes he’s in a better position to seize the moment this time around. A year ago, the Saints inserted Tipton into the lineup after they were decimated by injuries, but the undrafted rookie didn’t take advantage. He finished the year with just 14 catches for 99 yards in 11 games. That experience, he said, gave him perspective. He realized how long an NFL season can be and that he had to “keep his mind right” to be ready He also credited Cooks, who gave him advice every week.
“He’s doing it at a high level for a long time, man,” Tipton said of Cooks “I’m just super thankful for him. But as we all know, things move on. I’ve been preparing for this the whole season.”
Jimmy’s return Goal posts beware: Jimmy Graham will be back in the Caesars Superdome this week.
The Saints’ great is returning Sunday for the rivalry game against the Atlanta Falcons to serve as the Legend of the Game. He’ll be in the building at the same time as his longtime quarterback, as future Hall of Famer Drew Brees also will be present as the color commentator for the Fox broadcast Graham spent only six of his 13 NFL seasons with the Saints — split over two stints, from 2010-14 and again in 2023 — but he established himself as one of the best skill position players in franchise history
New Orleans drafted Graham in the third round of the 2010 draft, seeing potential in a former college basketball player who had only one season of high-level college football on his resume.
He quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s most dangerous tight ends.
In his second season, Graham caught 99 passes for 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Saints’ recordsmashing 2011 offense. That was the start of something big, as Graham averaged 89 receptions for 1,099 yards and 11 touchdowns from 2011-14.
New Orleans traded Graham to the Seattle Seahawks after the 2014 season because of a contract dispute But Graham came out of retirement to play one more season for New Orleans in 2023, when he turned four of his six catches into touchdowns.
He ranks among the franchise leaders in every major receiving category, and he owns every major receiving record by a tight end in franchise history
Fuaga practices
Saints tackle Taliese Fuaga returned to practice Thursday, participating in his first session since suffering an ankle injury that kept him out of the team’s Nov 9 win over the Carolina Panthers.
Fuaga got hurt during a Nov 2 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and was replaced by Asim Richards The 23-yearold has missed a total of two games this season, also sitting out Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks with a back and knee injury
The Saints officially listed Fuaga as limited.
If he can play Sunday, it would boost an offensive line that has been down three starters Center Erik McCoy suffered a season-ending biceps injury in an Oct. 19 loss to the Chicago Bears, and the Saints traded left guard Trevor Penning to the Los Angeles Chargers earlier this month.
With Fuaga back, the Saints had near-perfect practice attendance Thursday as Davon Godchaux who took his planned weekly rest day — was the only player to sit out.
NUSSMEIER OUT,WEEKS PROBABLE VS.WKU
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will not play Saturday night against Western Kentucky, interim coach Frank Wilson said.
Nussmeier recently aggravated an abdominal injury,Wilson has said, and he did not play last week in a 23-22 win over Arkansas
“He will not participate,”Wilson said.“He will be out for the game.”
With Nussmeier out, sophomore Michael Van Buren will start for the second straight game.Van Buren went 21 of 31 for 221 yards and one touchdown against Arkansas. He also rushed 10 times for 36 yards
LSU plays Western Kentucky at 6:45 p.m inside Tiger Stadium
LSU linebacker Whit Weeks is “probable” to play against Western Kentucky Wilson said Thursday Weeks missed the past four games with an ankle injury. He did not practice fully Thursday and has continued to wear a walking boot, but Wilson said he does not feel as sore.
“He’s had a good week of practice ushering in and out and popping around,”Wilson said.“I thought he showed tremendous progress. I would say he’s probable.
“I’ll handle all that stuff with my agent,” he said. “And (now) working through some with the trainers right now just putting myself in the best position (to play).
BY MAURA CAREY AP sportswriter
While competition heats up in the final weeks of the college football season, a handful of SEC teams are getting their annual gift: a late-season cupcake before rivalry week and the postseason.
Undefeated and No 3 Texas A&M hosts
Samford (1-10), No 4 Georgia welcomes Charlotte (1-9), No. 10 Alabama welcomes Eastern Illinois (3-8) and LSU hosts Western Kentucky (8-2).
Whether these games promise a stressfree Saturday is up for debate, but they were scheduled with the intention of giving projected contenders a breather before the home stretch. This is a longtime scheduling feature in the SEC, helped somewhat by a schedule that requires only eight conference games. That comes to an end next season. In August, the SEC announced a switch to nine conference games in 2026, which has left coaches fearing a lot more is at stake than the loss of an easy late-season win.
“I’ve already been on the record saying it makes no sense to go to nine games in the SEC,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said Wednesday “Everybody outside of our league, of course they want us to. They want us to devour each other like we’re doing. Makes no sense.”
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian is near the end of his second year coaching in the SEC. The Longhorns competed in the Big 12 for his first three seasons.
“In the National Football League right now, today, there are 451 active players from the Southeastern Conference,” Sarkisian said. “The next closest conference with players in the NFL is the Big Ten with 288, then the ACC with 218, and then the Big 12 with 207. So that should just speak to the volume of quality players that are in this league.”
Strength of schedule
The Big Ten and Big 12 already play nine-game conference schedules and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey made clear
SAINTS
Continued from page 1C
34. The Buffalo Bills ended up with 31. Only one of New Orleans’ eight losses has come against a team currently under 500.
The Saints took their lumps early, but they believe they’ve benefitted from the slate “in a big way,” Staley said.
“(We’re) battle tested, for sure,” said Staley, who called the quality of competition “premium” through 10 games. “Our guys have gotten a really good taste of what it’s like to compete at the highest level.”
To Staley, the Panthers game was an example of the Saints putting it all together He was proud of the team’s tackling, specifically with how the defense eliminated space in the lead-up to the tackles. Staley said his players flourished at the point of attack, then had several players ready to pounce to stop the play Staley even called their tackling “elite,” a phrase the coordinator rarely has used in a news conference setting this year
One game, of course, isn’t proof the Saints have turned around their defense.
But quietly, the Saints are tied for 10th in fewest yards allowed per game. And, as pointed out by Fantasy Life’s Ian Hartitz, they’re the only NFL team this year to not allow a player to reach more than 100 yards receiving in a game. Some of that may be explained by opposing offenses not needing to push the pace when holding significant leads throughout the game, but according to Next Gen Stats, the Saints still rank 14th in defensive EPA per play
The Saints also have made meaningful strides in areas that plagued them last season. After giving up an explosive play rate of 11.6% in 2024, the 10th-highest in the
the reason for the move, noting “our requirement to play an additional power opponent ensures SEC teams are well prepared to compete and succeed in the College Football Playoff.” A month later, the ACC made the move as well, albeit with some wrinkles. All conferences are looking for ways for their teams to spruce up their CFP resumes. Still, Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz criticized the selection process, which this fall added more emphasis on a team’s schedule strength. The CFP committee this week ranked Notre Dame (9) ahead of Alabama (10), a decision that turned heads. Both teams have two losses, but the Crimson Tide have four ranked wins compared to Notre Dame’s one ranked win against USC.
“The level of inconsistencies that have been created is hard to ignore, and we were all given the promise there’s gonna be a strength of schedule metric factored in didn’t happen,” Drinkwitz said. What about the cupcake games?
Nine-game conference schedules won’t eliminate all so-called guarantee games from the schedule. Most power conference teams play 12 regular-season games and strive for 10 of those to be against their peers, leaving room for two other games that will almost certainly be against Championship Subdivision or Group of Five teams. Payouts for FCS games are usually less than Group of Five matchups. This season, Bowl Subdivision teams are 118-4 against FCS opponents with a margin of victory of 34.5 points, according to Sportradar Within that, power conference teams are 56-0, winning by an average of 42.7 points. They are virtually guaranteed wins and that can be attractive to team schedule-makers looking at seasons that can stretch to 16 games when the CFP is included.
Kentucky is out of the playoff picture, and Missouri and Texas are in the lower half of the CFP rankings with three losses apiece. But it’s not just those on the outside looking in who have complaints.
league, the Saints have cut it to just 8.6% in 2025 — the fourth-lowest. The run defense, as inconsistent as it has been, ranks 21st in yards allowed after ranking 31st last year
Coach Kellen Moore said over the last month, he’s seen the secondary start to gel, and Staley agreed Though the Rams’ outing was particularly “tough” for the group, Staley said it was a useful game for teaching the secondary how it needed to play
The coordinator noted the little things their cornerbacks and safeties have done better of late, from using their eyes to playing with the right technique.
The secondary has established veterans such as Alontae Taylor and Justin Reid, but a trio of young players in McKinstry, rookie cornerback Quincy Riley and rookie safety Jonas Sanker also are coming on fast.
“Man, we’re just getting to know each other,” said McKinstry, a 2024 second-round pick. “We’re knocking out those kinks. We’re building chemistry I feel like that’s important. Being able to play with your brother and not being able to play with a teammate, those are two different things.”
McKinstry said the defense took pride in facing top offenses early in the season, adding that the unit learned from each experience. The losses, he said, didn’t break the Saints. Reid, in his eighth season, said the defense wants to test itself against the best.
“We’ve seen a lot of talented offenses,” Reid said. “We just get to use that experience to build, especially (having) so many young players getting valuable experience playing on the field, playing against these high-caliber offenses. As a defense, as a team, we continue to take strides week in and week out.
“We’re just continuing to build this thing the way we want to build it.”
Wilson Alexander
But we have to see how it all plays out.”
Email staff writer Koki Riley at koki.riley@ theadvocate.com
STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE
Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the first half of a game on Oct. 12 at the Caesars Superdome.
MID CITY CELEBRATION
The 28thannual White Light Night will take place from 6p.m.to10p.m.Friday along GovernmentStreet. The open-house style market event will feature art, live music, food and shopping.Presented by Mid City Merchants, the evening is familyfriendly and free. midcitymerchantsbr.org
ROCK ROYALTY
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND
OPERA LOUISIANE’S
‘OPERA ROYALE’
5p.m. Sunday l First Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, 529 Convention St. l $75-$150 l operalouisiane.com
‘There’s
World-renowned sopranoreturning to Louisiana
BY ROBINMILLER Staff writer
Returning home for aperformance definitely has benefits for Lisette Oropesa.
Of course, family takespriority,along with the food that can be found only in Louisiana. And then there’sthe humidity. Don’t knock it; Oropesa certainly doesn’t.
“Humidity is so good for the voice and the skin,” she said.
“Everything is so dry where I live in Madrid, and after growing up in humidity,the weather in Spain took some getting used to. So,Imiss Louisiana’sclimate onceina while. Iknowthat it seemsvery hot there, and Idon’talways like the heat, but at this time of year,Imiss Baton Rouge. This is when it’satits best —it’scool and sunny and clear and fresh. It’s just lovely.”
Butthat’snot allOropesa misses.
“I miss the coffee,” she said. “I miss the food. There’snothing likeit. Iget so spoiled by just going to the grocery store when Igohome. The fact that you can get all these chili sauces and Mexican foods that are properlymade. And then you come to Europe, and you can’t find it. They have atotally differentcuisine.”
Texas music legends ZZ Top(“LaGrange,” “Sharp Dressed Man”) will bring their signature mixofrock and blues to the Raising Cane’sRiver Center Theatre for Performing Arts on Friday. The Rockand Roll Hall of Famers’concert, their first in Baton Rougesince 2015, starts at 7:30 p.m. $79 and up. ticketmaster.com.
TAKE ASTROLL
Looking for exercise,mental clarityora peaceful moment? Greenwood Community Park opens its trail walk from 6a.m.to 6p.m.Saturdayand Sundayfor afree community wellness walk for all ages and fitness levels. Reconnect with your health, your neighbors, and the beauty of the outdoors, BREC says. brec.org
KennyNeal, his grandson Wyatt Jackson-Nealand
Good Food Driveand concertthis weekend,
FORA GOODCAUSE
BY JOHN WIRT
Contributing writer
Whenmembers of the National Beta Club chapter at Northwestern Middle School learnedthatthe cupboard at the Zachary Food Pantry was running low,theybegan asking their family membersfor donations.
FEEL GOOD FOOD DRIVE
Neal,the NealBrothers, Lil’ Ray Neal, Syreeta Neal, Rockin’ Mozart School,Scenic Highway, DJ Vonand the Juke Joint Juniors. Because Wyatt plays bass with the Juke Joint Juniors, he’ll be part of Sunday’sthree generations of Neals on stage.
Beta Club memberWyatt Jackson-Neal called his maternal grandfather first. Their discussion gave Kenny Neal,the entrepreneurialpatriarch of theNeal familyofblues musicians, abigger idea —stage abenefit concertat his outdoor event venue, Nealville. The Neals’ brainstorming comes to fruition with theFeel Good Food Driveand concert, happening from 1p.m. to 5p.m. Sunday at Nealville, 5251 Evangeline St., Baton Rouge. The price of admission is acanned or nonperishable food item.The
Featuring KennyNeal, the Neal Brothers, Lil’ RayNeal, Syreeta Neal,Rockin’MozartSchool,Juke JointJuniors, Scenic Highway, DJ Vonand others l 1p.m. to 5p.m.Sunday l Nealville 5251 Evangeline St., Baton Rouge l Admission is acanned or nonperishable food item l Parking available in the lotacross fromNealville; parking will be directed as well.
Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank will be there to collect the food and accept monetarydonations through QR codes. Performersatthe Feel Good Food Driveconcert include Kenny
Wyatt’soriginalgoal to collect food forthe Zachary FoodPantry expanded after his mother —singer andmusic educator Syreeta Neal— contacted theGreater BatonRouge Food Bank. Serving East BatonRouge Parish and10surrounding parishes, theFood Bank delivers food to 140 mostly faithbased agencies fordistribution. The need forfooddonations is great, said Elizabeth Delee, development coordinator at the Food Bank.
“Our phones have been ringing offthe hook,” shesaid. “Demand Well-known BatonRouge family puts together food driveand aconcert to rallycommunity
BY JUDYBERGERON Staff writer
Comedy recording artist
“Weird Al” Yankovic will hit the road in 2026, bringing his extended ‘Bigger &Weirder Tour” to Baton Rouge
PHOTO By JOHN WIRT
his daughter Syreeta Neal will allbeperforming at the Feel
representing three generations of the musical Neal family
By The Associated Press
Today is Friday,Nov.21, the 325th day of 2025.There are 40 days left in the year
Todayinhistory: On Nov.21, 1980, 85 people died,most from smoke inhalation, after afire broke out at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Also on this date: In 1920, on “Bloody Sunday,” the Irish Republican Army killed 14 suspected British intelligence officers in the Dublin area; British forces responded by raiding asoccer match, killing 14 civilians.
In 1980, an estimated 83 million TV viewers tuned in to the CBS prime-time soap opera “Dallas” to find out “who shot J.R.” (The shooter turned out to be J.R. Ewing’ssister-in-law, Kristin Shepard.)
In 2017, Zimbabwe’s
FOOD DRIVE
Continued from page1D
is high because the need has grown significantly.”
The Food Bank, Delee added, is very excited about the Feel Good Food Drive at Nealville.
“In Baton Rouge, we’re in averyspecial place,” she said. “When the needis there, our community rallies around the cause. Thisis the perfectexample of that.”
“I’m so proudofWyatt,” Kenny Neal said of his 13-year-old grandson. “He’s going out there and doing something that’sreally worthwhile.It’sa good cause. Of course, whenhecalled me, Iwas 150%onboard. And it could be the beginning of something big and annual. That’swhat we need to do.”
Kenny Neal joined forces with Wyatt for the food
SOPRANO
Continued from page1D
Oropesa will be home in Baton RougeonSundayas the featured soloist in Opera Louisiane’s“Opera Royale” concert. The show starts at 5p.m. in First Baptist Church of BatonRouge, 529 Convention St.
“Lisette is the No. 1soprano in the world right now,” said Paul Groves, the company’sgeneral director.“I’ve known her since she was 4, and in my 40 years of experience,she’sone of themost gracious singers and finest sopranos I’ve ever heard.” Oropesa originally was set to share the stage with fellow soprano Susan Graham, who had to cancel because of health reasons. Groves said the opera company is looking for areplacement before the concert.
In the meantime, Oropesa is preparing for her spotlight, in which she’ll sing title character Norma’saria from Vincenzo Bellini’sopera “Casta Diva” and an aria from “I Puritani,” also by Bellini.
93-year-old president,Robert Mugabe, resigned;he was facingimpeachment proceedings andhad been placedunderhouse arrest by the military.His resignation ended a37-year rule beginning with Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980. In 2021, an SUV sped throughbarricades andinto marchers in aChristmas parade in the Milwaukee suburb of Waukesha,killing six peopleand injuring several others. Ajudge the followingyear sentenced Darrell BrooksJr. to life in prison without parole for his conviction on firstdegree intentional homicide and other counts. In 2022,NASA’s uncrewed Orion capsule reachedthe moon, whipping around the far sideand buzzing the lunarsurface on an orbit that broke the record for distancetraveledbya space-
drive and concert with one condition—his grandson must be theevent’s official producer.Wyatt’swork for theFeel Good Food Drive includeshosting the event contacting city officials and creatingapromotional flyer, as well as performing with theJukeJoint Juniors, theband associatedwith the West Baton Rouge Museum’s BluesAfter School program
Kenny Neal previously collected food donations for theFood Bank at the Neal Family &Friends Blues& Southern Soul Festival he presented for yearsinPort Allen.
“I always asked people to bring canned goods,” he said.“And then I’d pick up two or three barrels of canned goodsand deliver them to the Food Bank on Mondaymorning. Idid it for along time, so Wyatt was talking my talk right
Oropesa willbe singing the partofElvirainthe Metropolitan Opera House’s production of “I Puritani” in December
She performed in Munich on Thursdaybeforeheading to Louisiana.
Born in New Orleans and growing up in BatonRouge, she earned her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance fromLSU,thenwon theMet Opera National Council Auditions, after whichshe entered theLindemann Young Artist Development Programand moved to NewYork Oropesa performed her first majorroleonthe Met stageatage 22 as Susanna in “LeNozze diFigaro ”She’s since sung inmore than 140 performances and appeared in concert halls throughout theworld
In between performances, Oropesa runs marathons. She’salready completed six races while advocatingfor health andfitness. The lasttime Oropesa sanginLouisianawas in 2023 with the New Orleans Opera in the Mahalia Jackson Theatre.
“Actually,werehearsed in Baton Rouge,thenbrought
craft designed to carry humans.The mission marked the first time an American capsule visited the moon sinceNASA’s Apollo program ended ahalf-century earlier Today’sbirthdays: Actor Marlo Thomas is 88. Basketball Hall of Famer Earl Monroe is 81. Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois is 81. Actor Goldie Hawn is 80. Republican Sen. John N. Kennedy of Madisonville is 74. Journalist Tina Brown is 72. Actor Cherry Jones is 69. Gospel musician Steven Curtis Chapman is 63. Musician Björkis60. Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman is 59. Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr.is 56. Football Hall of FamerTV host Michael Strahan is 54. Actor Jena Malone is 41. Actor-comedian Ronny Chieng is 40. Pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen is 40.
there. And when Ipass by the Food Bankand seethat huge lineup, it’s amazing to seethat right in my town, Baton Rouge. So, we just want to help.”
Kenny Neal, amultiawardwinning and Grammy-nominated performerand recording artist, is the eldest of Shirley Neal and the late RafulNeal’s10musical children. Sharing is aNeal family tradition.
“Weget that from Raful and them,” Kenny Neal said.
“When somebody came to visit the house, theycome in andeat. Idon’t care who came by,the doorswere alwaysopenand we were sharing. That comes from us being from abig family, too. Youhad to share when we were coming up. So, now we can share with the folks around us.”
Email John Wirt at j_wirt@ msn.com.
it to New Orleans,” she said. “It wasaconcertoffour singers. Butit’sbeen awhile sinceI’ve performed in BatonRouge.Itwas in 2016at theRiver Center.”
The thought of herlast performance sparks asudden thought. Oropesa has recorded aCDsince her last Louisiana show.The title, “Lucia di Lammermoor ” was released on Oct. 31.
Oropesa has sung thelead roleinGaetano Donizetti’s opera several times in her career. It’s apart she truly loves, and she was joined by three other principal singersinrecording theopera, accompanied by theOrchestraand Chorus of the Teatro Massimo BellinidiCatania.
“I just received abox of newCDs in the mail,” Oropesa said. “I wonderif Paul would be open toaCD signing after the concert?”
And what is Groves’ reaction?
“I think that would be wonderful,”hesaidina later conversation. “I love the idea.”
Email RobinMiller at romiller@theadvocate. com.
SHOWSTOWATCH —ACADIANA
per,Arnaudville,7p.m.
FRIDAY
DUELING PIANOS —SPARKY
86: Jim Deggy’s Brick Oven Pizza&Brewery,Lafayette, 6p.m
LATE BLOOMIN: Prejean’s, Broussard, 6p.m
MELISSASINGS: Adopted Dog Brewing, Lafayette, 6p.m
megahits by artists of the last four decades, from Madonna to TaylorSwift.His hits include “Amish Paradise,” “Eat It,” “Like aSurgeon,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “Word Crimes” and the
MONDAY
PATRICIO LATINO SOLO: Cafe Habana City, Lafayette, 11 a.m.
WEDNESDAY DULCIMERJAM: St. Landry VisitorCenter,Opelousas, 10 a.m.
GRAYWALKER TRIO: Adopted Dog Brewing, Lafayette, 6p.m.
MICHALIS: CharleyG’s, Lafayette, 6p.m.
CHARLES &WENDYTRICHE: Whiskey& Vine,Lafayette, 6p.m.
DUSTIN GASPARD: Park Bistro, Lafayette, 6p.m.
RORYSUIRE: SHUCKS!, Abbeville,6:30 p.m
JOSH TAYLOR: TapRoom, Youngsville,6:30 p.m KEITH FRANK&THE SOILEAU BAND: The Ruins Lounge, Lafayette, 7p.m.
CAJUN JAM: Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette, 8p.m.
THURSDAY COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE: MoncusPark, Lafayette, 6p.m.
CompiledbyMarchaund Jones.Want yourvenue’s music listed? Email info/ photos to showstowatch@ theadvocate.com. The deadline is noon FRIDAY forthe following Friday’s paper
Spanish Town home in January2024. Afrontyard concertfrom2 p.m. to 4p.m.Saturday at 625 University Walk will be acelebration of the 87th anniversaryofthe lateAnders’birth.
FRIDAY
“UNSCRIPTED”: 7:30 p.m., Cary Saurage Community Arts Center, 233St. Ferdinand St. An improv showfeaturing Just In The Femur Improv Troupe. $15. 225theatrecollective.com.
FRIDAY NIGHT LECTURE:
7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., BREC’s Highland Road Park Observatory,13800 Highland Road Skygazing tips,physics phenomena, space programs and famous events arecovered. Forages 14 and older. Free. hrpo.lsu.edu. Also, evening sky viewing from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
SATURDAY RED STICK FARMERS MARKET:
8a.m.-noon, Fifth and Main streets, downtown. Farmfresh produce, goods, cooking demonstrations. breada. org.
FAMILY-HOUR STARGAZING:
10 a.m., Irene W. Pennington Planetarium at the Louisiana Art &Science Museum, 100 S. River Road. Learn about the stars and constellations in the local nighttimesky followedbyanall-ages show lasm.org.
GREATER BATONROUGE
MODEL RAILROADERS: 10 a.m. to 2p.m., Republic of West Florida Historical Museum, 3406 College St Jackson Electric trains of all sizes will be running on fivedifferent layouts. Free admission and parking.
ROSE HILL CHURCH POP-UP
SHOP: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Rose Hill Church Gym,3213Groom Road, Baker. Featuring more than 50 small businesses from the BatonRouge and surrounding areas. Free. rosehillchurch.org.
PRIDE’S-GIVING: noon-3 p.m., The Trademark on Third, 326 N. ThirdSt. Family-friendly event presented by Baton Rouge Pride. Free food, bingo and prizes; cashbar. Bring an unwrapped gift to support Youth Oasis this holidayseason. brpride.org.
2X MONSTER TRUCKS: noon-4 p.m., Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, 9039 S. St. Landry Ave., Gonzales.An action-packed monster truck experience. Catch the legendary lineup featuring Bounty Hunter, Jekyll &Hyde, Shark Bite, and Roarin’ Rex in ahigh-flying, car-crushing showdown. $18.50 and up in advance. https://www lamardixonexpocenter.com/
AROUND BATONROUGE
event/2x-monster-trucks/.
SMILEY’SBIRTHDAY CEL-
EBRATION: 2p.m.-4 p.m., 625 University Walk. Front yard concert featuringthe FloridaStreet Blowhards and in honor of thelateThe Advocate columnist Smiley Anders. Bring lawn chairs, libations and tips forthe band, theBlowhards say.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
BASF’SKIDS’ LAB: 11 a.m 1p.m. and 3p.m.Saturday and 1:30 p.m. and 3p.m. Sunday, LouisianaArt &Science Museum, 100S.River Road. Explorethe science of chemistry duringa45-minutehands-on workshop for scientists ages 6-12 and theiraccompanyingadults. Included with paid admission. lasm.org.
SUNDAY 225 THEATRE COLLECTIVE
MOVING EVENT: 10:30 a.m.4p.m., 7338HighlandRoad. Volunteersneeded.Communityservice hoursavailable and students welcome. Also looking for useofatruck, dolly or sparemovingboxes. Coffeeand doughnuts will be provided. RSVPorreach out through Facebook or Instagram. 225theatrecollective.com.
TUESDAY
RED STICK FARMERS MARKET: 3p.m.-6 p.m., Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 Goodwood Blvd. Farm-freshproduce, goods, cooking demonstrations.breada.org.
BATONROUGE CHESS CLUB: 6p.m.-8 p.m., La DivinaItalian Cafe,3535 PerkinsRoad, Unit 360. Achance to playand learn; all levels welcome. Free.
TRIVIA NIGHT: 6:30 p.m., Burgersmith,18303 Perkins Road. Collect your team and jockey for first place. loom. ly/y-CKtQ4.
“HADESTOWN” TRAVELING PRODUCTION: 7:30 p.m Raising Cane’s RiverCenter Performing Arts Theatre,240 St. Louis St. WinnerofeightTony Awards and aGrammy, the stageshowoffers apowerful journey to the underworld and back. $69 andup. ticketmaster.com.
WEDNESDAY
RED STICK FARMERS MARKET: 9a.m.-noon, ExxonMobil YMCA, 7711 Howell Blvd
Farm-fresh produce, goods and more. www.facebook com/redstickfarmersmarket.
TRIVIA NIGHT: 6:30 p.m. Burgersmith,27350 Crossing Circle, Suite 150, Denham Springs. Collect your team and jockey for first place. loom.ly/y-CKtQ4.
THURSDAY
RED STICK FARMERS MARKET: 8a.m.-noon,Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road. Farm-fresh produce, goods and more. facebook.com/redstickfarmersmarket.
WEEKLYSOCIAL BIKERIDE: 7p.m GeauxRide, 521 N. ThirdSt.,Suite A. Free. fareharbor.com.
ONGOING
ARTGUILD OF LOUISIANA: Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd. “A HolidayRetrospective—AGL Member Show2025,”through Jan. 8. (225) 773-8020 or artguildlouisiana.org
CAPITOLPARK MUSEUM: 660 N. Fourth St.“Billy Cannon: They Called Him Legend,” through Jan. 10. “Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation” and “The Louisiana Experience:Discovering the Soul of America,”permanent exhibits. (225) 342-5428 or louisianastatemuseum.org
CARY SAURAGE COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER SHELL
GALLERY: 233 St.Ferdinand St.“Picturethe Power,”a statewide juried photography competition and traveling exhibition highlighting Louisiana’s ongoing fight for voting rights and democratic participation, through Nov. 28. Hours arefrom9a.m.to 4p.m.weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2p.m.Saturday. artsbr.org.
LOUISIANA ART&SCIENCE
MUSEUM: 100 S. River Road.
“Crossroads &Connections: ACentury of the Railway in Baton Rouge,”now in the Republic Finance Gallery. “Landscapes Along the Railway:The ArtofJohn Cleaveland,” SoupçonGallery; “Going Places: Transportation Toys of thePast,” Discovery Gallery; and “Shelf Queens: Model Train Masterpieces,” Colonnade Gallery.(225) 3445272 or lasm.org
LOUISIANA STATEARCHIVES
GALLERY: 3851 Essen Lane. “Associated Women in the Arts All-Member Exhibition,” through Dec. 1.Free. Gal-
leryhours arefrom8a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
LSU MUSEUM OF ART: Shaw Center forthe Arts, 100 Lafayette St.“The Sculpture of Scott, Payton, Hayden, and Bechet,” through Jan. 25. “A BayouState of Mind,” highlighted by the exhibition “The BayouCollection,” aseries of 40 paintingsbyGeorge Rodrigue, through Jan. 4. (225) 389-7200 or lsumoa.org.
MANSHIP THEATRE JONES
WALKER FOYER: 100 Lafayette St.“Composition-ColorPattern” by artist KevinBabb, through Dec. 31.Freeand open during regular Shaw Center building hours unless thereisaprivate event.
LSU TEXTILE &COSTUME MUSEUM: Human Ecology Building,TowerDrive,LSU campus. “Dressing Louisiana Histoires de la mode de la Louisiane,” through March 6.(225) 5785992 or emailtextile@lsu.edu
MAGNOLIAMOUND MUSEUM +HISTORIC SITE: 2161 Nicholson Drive. Guided and selfguided tours. Hours arefrom 10 a.m. to 4p.m.MondaySaturdayand from 1p.m.to 4p.m.Sunday. brec.org/facility/MagnoliaMound.
OLD GOVERNOR’SMANSION: 502 North Blvd. Open for tours. Hours arefrom9a.m to 4p.m.Monday-Friday. Free admission. oldgovernorsmansion.com.
OLD STATECAPITOL: 100 North Blvd. “Vietnam Experience: 50th Anniversary of the End of theWar,” through Dec. 20. Free. louisianaoldstatecapitol.org.
USS KIDD VETERANS MUSEUM: 305 S. River Road. Displays of avariety of artifacts that celebrate veteran and navalmilitaryhistory.Note: Vessel is in Houma for dry dock repairs. usskidd.com.
WEST BATONROUGE MUSEUM: 845 N. Jefferson Ave. Port Allen. “AnAmerican War in Vietnam,” through Dec. 30. (225) 336-2422 or westbatonrougemuseum.org.
Compiled by Judy Bergeron. Have an open-to-the-public event you’d like to promote? Emaildetails to red@theadvocate.com. Deadline is 5p.m.Friday for the following Friday’s paper
FRIDAY KEEPIN’TIME BAND: T’Quilas, Zachary,6 p.m
MIKE HOGAN: BLDG 5, 6p.m.
BO BURKESDUO: Crowne Plaza, 6p.m.
THE LONGNECK SOCIETY: T’Quilas, Denham Springs 6p.m.
BENBELL&THE STARDUST BOYS: The Brakes Bar, 7p.m. THE BISHOP ELLIS TRIO: HayrideScandal, 7p.m. HENRYTURNER JR. &ALLSTARS: Henry TurnerJr.’s Listening Room, 8p.m. MIKE HOGAN: IcehouseTap Room, 8p.m.
N’TUNE: Churchill’s, 9p.m.
BLUESJAM: Phil Brady’s, 9p.m.
HEATHRANSONNET: The Vineyard,9 p.m
CompiledbyMarchaund Jones.Want yourvenue’s music listed? Email info/ photos to showstowatch@ theadvocate.com. The deadline is noon FRIDAY forthe following Friday’s paper
STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS
Members of the Prancing Babycakes spend an evening with The Advocate columnist SmileyAndersathis
scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Getout and meet and greet. Social events will broaden your outlook and help you connect with upward and mobile individuals. Stop sitting back when you have so much to offer.
sAGITTARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) It'snecessary that the changes youwish to make start and stop with you. Stay on top of your budget,stick to the rules and set aroutine that contributes to ahealthy lifestyle.
cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) How you proceed will depend on the type of impact youwanttohaveand how much time andeffort you want to contribute.Put time aside for personal gain, growth and self-improvement.
AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb.19) You'll face opposition and interference. Take this as asigntorethink your current position and where you see yourselfheading. It's timetolet go of what's no longer working for you and move on.
PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Use your intelligence andyourabilitytofollow through to pursue your dreams. Monitor every move; set abudget, time and place to launch your plans. Put emotions aside.
ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Apply yourself, concentrate on learning and gain insightinto situations andpursuitsyou want to explore. Thoughts followed by actions will leadtosatisfaction,peace of mindand anew leaseonlife.
TAuRus (April 20-May 20) Timing, organization and keeping things small are
in your best interests. Clearing your space will have an emotional impact on howyou feel aboutyourself andyour future.
GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Stop secondguessing yourself and followthrough. Too much information can lead you down the wrong path. Hit the reset button, take adeep breath and start again.
cAncER (June 21-July 22) The less you have hanging over you, the easier it will be to have fun. Consider what makes you happy andfollow thepath most likely to put asmile on your face.
LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Ahands-on approach will get you where you want to go. Put your energy where it counts, and do not holdback. Play to win,and success willbeyours. Set aside differences whenunity is essential
VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Atouch of genius, imagination and alittle class will helpyou outshine any competition youencounter.Yourpersistenceand patience can help you adjust to whatever comes your way.
LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Share your feelings, thoughts and considerations with people who can broaden your awareness, but don'texpect others to do the work for you. Putyour desirestothe test.
CelebrityCipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people,pastand present. Each letter in the cipher stands foranother.
ToDAy's cLuE:I EQuALs B
CIpher
Sudoku
InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1to9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the samenumber only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.
Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer
THewiZard oF id
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS
By PHILLIP ALDER Bridge
Darin Weinberg, aresearch sociologist, said, “It matters notwhether you win or lose;whatmatters is whether I win or lose.”
That is agood mantra foreverybody, although no one wins all of the time.
In bridge, winning and losingtricksin theright order is often important. In this deal, after the most common auction of all,Southisinthreeno-trump.Westleads afourth-highest heartfour. How should declarerplay?
South has five top tricks: four spades andoneheart.Healsoseemstohaveseveral establishable tricks: one or twoin hearts, one or two in diamonds andthree in clubs.What could go wrong?
Well, the originaldeclarer, expecting the opening lead to be away from the king, played low from the board. He planned to win with hisjack, drive out theclub ace and coast home with at least oneovertrick.However,Southwassadly disappointed. East produced theheart king, then accurately shifted to thediamond four.
Whendeclarerdroveout the club ace, West returned his seconddiamond and East took four tricks in thesuitfor down two Nowlet’stry winning thefirst trick and playing on clubs.What happens?
Thecontract succeeds.South has four spades,oneheartandthreeclubs.IfWest
leadsback either redsuit, declarer gains aninth trick there. And if West returnsa black suit, South plays aheart himself Yes, this
