The Advocate 12-19-2025

Walt Handelsman speaks on his love for drawing as he hangs up his pen Commentary 7B

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Southern names interim president

Judge upholds La. pre-K rule

New state licensing regulations affect private preschools

Orlando McMeans to lead school as search begins

BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

law’s requirements, the judge wrote.

Passed unanimously by the state Legislature this year, Act 409 establishes some standards that apply to all preschool programs, such as minimum staffing levels. But only pre-K programs at private schools are required to obtain an “early learning center” license, subjecting the schools to dozens of child care regulations and mandatory inspections.

The lawsuit took aim at that portion of the statute, which imposes the licensing requirement on private school pre-K programs — about 80% of which are religiously affiliated in Louisiana — while exempting public schools and Montessori schools.

Southern University’s Board of Supervisors on Thursday named Orlando McMeans the university system’s new interim president.

McMeans has been the chancellor of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center and dean of the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences since 2019.

“I will hold down this seat until we find a new president to lead this great university,” McMeans said at the board meeting Thursday. “Thank you for McMeans having confidence in me.”

McMeans will serve as interim president starting Jan. 1. As chancellor and dean, he has overseen enrollment and retention increases, as well as partnerships with organizations like the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.

He said he was overwhelmed and excited to accept the presidency in the interim.

“It is an honor to represent the only HBCU system in the nation,” McMeans said. “Most people don’t know, prior to coming here, I turned down the presidency. So this definitely was not a part of my trajectory, but I’m happy to be here today.”

A committee is expected to begin the search for a permanent president in January.

The appointment of McMeans follows last month’s announcement that the board would part ways with President Dennis Shields, who has led the system since 2022. His departure came as a surprise to many colleagues and

ä See PRE-K, page 8A

ä See SOUTHERN, page 9A

STAFF FILE PHOTO

A new state law requires pre-K programs at private schools to obtain an ‘early learning center’ license, subjecting the schools to dozens of child care regulations and mandatory inspections.

BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer

Private preschools in Louisiana must apply for day care licenses by Jan. 1 after a federal judge rejected an effort by two Christian schools to block the new licensing rule, which they argue overly burdens and discriminates against religious schools.

U.S. District Court Judge Terry Doughty denied the schools’ request to halt enforcement of the licensing requirement in Act 409, a new law that imposes sweeping regulations on prekindergarten programs. Doughty ruled that the harms the schools cited, including tuition increases or even pre-K closures due to compliance costs, are “speculative” and that

religious schools are not unconstitutionally targeted.

“This is not a law created to singleout religious institutions,” Doughty wrote in his Monday decision, adding that the law is “justified by a neutral and compelling state interest in child safety and welfare.”

Doughty, who is chief U.S. district judge for the Western District of Louisiana and was nominated to the court by President Donald Trump, also noted that schools do not have to be in full compliance with the law by next month. While pre-K owners must clear a criminal-background check before the Jan. 1 deadline to apply for a license, site inspections will take several months to complete, giving schools extra time to meet the

Suspect in Brown University shooting found dead in N.H.

BY KIMBERLEE KRUESI, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKER Associated Press

PROVIDENCE,R.I.— A man who is suspected of killing two and wounding several others at Brown University has been found dead in a New Hampshire storage facility where he had rented a unit, officials said.

Claudio Neves Valente, 48, a former Brown student and Portuguese national, was found dead Thursday evening from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Col. Oscar

WEATHER HIGH 63 LOW 42 PAGE 8B

Perez, the Providence police chief, said at a news conference. Perez said as far as investigators know, the suspect acted alone.

Investigators believe Valente is responsible for both the shooting at Brown and the killing of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor who was fatally shot in his Brookline home Monday, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. Authorities have not formally confirmed a connection between the two shootings.

The official could not publicly discuss details of the ongoing in-

A woman lights a candle at a memorial on Thursday at Brown University in Providence, R.I.

vestigation and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

Brown University President Christina Paxson said Valente was enrolled at Brown from the fall of 2000 to the spring of 2001. He was admitted to the graduate school to study physics beginning in September 2000. “He has no current affiliation with the university,” she said.

Two people were killed and nine were wounded in the mass shooting Saturday at Brown University.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

ä See SUSPECT, page 9A

Business ......................3B Commentary ................7B Nation-World................2A Classified .....................7D Deaths .........................4B Opinion ........................6B Comics-Puzzles .....4D-6D Living............................1D Sports ..........................1C

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Democrats won’t publish 2024 election review

ATLANTA — Democrats will not issue a postelection report on their 2024 shellacking after all.

The Democratic National Committee head has decided not to publish a formal assessment of the party’s defeat that returned Donald Trump to power and gave Republicans complete control in Washington.

Ken Martin, a Minnesota party leader who was elected national chair after Trump’s election, ordered a thorough review of what went wrong and what could be done differently, with the intent they would circulate a report as Republicans did after their 2012 election performance. Martin now says the inquiry, which included hundreds of interviews, was complete but that there is no value in a public release of findings that he believes could lead to continued infighting and recriminations before the 2026 midterms when control of Congress will be at stake.

“Does this help us win?” Martin said in a statement Thursday.

“If the answer is no, it’s a distraction from the core mission.”

Martin’s decision, first reported by The New York Times, spares top Democrats from more scrutiny about their campaigns, including former President Joe Biden, who withdrew from the race after announcing his second-term run, and his vice president, Kamala Harris, who became the nominee and lost to Trump.

Keeping the report under wraps also means Martin does not have to take sides in the tugof-war between moderates and progressives or make assessments about how candidates should handle issues that Trump capitalized on, such as transgender rights. “We are winning again,” Martin said.

Martin’s announcement follows a successful string of 2025 races, both in special elections and off-year statewide votes, that suggest strong enthusiasm for Democratic candidates.

Man sentenced to death in metro Phoenix killings PHOENIX — An Arizona jury on Thursday sentenced a man to death in a string of killings in metro Phoenix during a threeweek span in 2017.

Cleophus Cooksey Jr., 43, was found guilty in late September of murder in eight killings. He also was convicted of kidnapping, armed robbery and attempted sexual assault charges stemming from the attacks.

Jurors sentenced Cooksey to death in six of the eight killings for which he was convicted of murder. The jury was undecided on the punishment for his convictions in the killings of his mother and stepfather.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell is considering whether to seek a sentencing retrial on the two murder convictions involving Cooksey’s mother and stepfather or drop the effort to seek the death penalty and let a judge impose life sentences on those two counts.

The victims included two men found dead in a parked car, a security guard shot while walking to his girlfriend’s apartment and a woman who was kidnapped, her body found in an alley after police say she was sexually assaulted.

Authorities say they linked Cooksey to the killings through evidence found at his mother’s apartment. That evidence included a gun used in several of the killings, vehicle keys belonging to another victim and a victim’s necklace that Cooksey was wearing when he was arrested, investigators said.

Authorities never offered a motive.

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7 killed in N.C. plane crash

tion safety expert Jeff Guzzetti Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, wife, and two children were aboard said.

It has two engines and typi-

BY ALLEN G. BREED and GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated Press

STATESVILLE, N.C. — A business jet carrying seven people, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family, crashed Thursday at an airport in North Carolina, killing everyone aboard, authorities said.

The Cessna C550 erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground. It had departed Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte, but soon crashed while trying to return and land, North Carolina Highway Patrol said.

Flight records show the plane was registered to a company run

by Biffle.

“Although the post-crash fire prevents us from releasing a definitive list of the occupants at this time, it is believed that Mr. Greg-

ory Biffle and members of his immediate family were occupants of the airplane,” state police said.

He was on the plane with his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder and Emma. Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.

NASCAR said it was devastated by the news. “Greg was more than a champion driver; he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,” NASCAR said. “His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.”

The plane, bound for Florida, took off from the Statesville airport shortly after 10 a.m., according to tracking data posted by FlightAware.com.

Golfers playing next to the airport were shocked as they witnessed the disaster, even dropping to the ground at the Lakewood Golf Club while the plane was overhead. The ninth hole was covered with debris. “We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,’ ” said Joshua Green of Mooresville. “It was scary.”

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration were investigating. AccuWeather says there was some drizzle and clouds at the time of the crash.

The Cessna plane, built in 1981, is a popular mid-sized business jet with an excellent reputation, avia-

cally seats six to eight passengers.

In 2024, Biffle was honored for his humanitarian efforts after Hurricane Helene struck the U.S., even using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to flooded, remote western North Carolina.

“The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were,” U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., said.

Wadsworth was Biffle’s friend and helped him with odd jobs, including delivering supplies to places hit by Hurricane Helene, roommate Benito Howell said.

“He didn’t know how to say no,” Howell said of Wadsworth, who had worked for several NASCAR teams. “He loved everybody. He always tried to help everybody.”

U.S. announces package of arms sales to Taiwan

BY MATTHEW LEE and SIMINA MISTREANU Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EVAN VUCCI

President Donald Trump displays an executive order reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug Thursday in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington.

Trump order could reclassify marijuana

BY LINDSAY WHITEHURST and BILL BARROW Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that could reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug and open new avenues for medical research, a major shift in federal drug policy that inches closer to what many states have done.

The switch would move marijuana away from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD. Cannabis would instead be a Schedule III substance, like ketamine and some anabolic steroids.

Reclassification by the Drug Enforcement Administration would not make it legal for recreational use by adults nationwide, but it could change how the drug is regulated and reduce a hefty tax burden on the cannabis industry.

The Republican president said he had received a deluge of phone calls supporting the move and its potential to help patients. “We have people begging for me to do this. People that are in great pain,” he said.

Medical marijuana is now allowed by 40 states and Washington, D.C., and many states have also legalized it for recreational use. But U.S. laws have remained stricter, potentially leaving people subject to federal prosecution.

The Justice Department under Trump’s Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, previously proposed reclassifying marijuana to a Schedule III substance. Unlike Biden, Trump did not have open encouragement from across his party for the move. Some Republicans have spoken out in opposition to any changes and urged Trump to maintain current standards.

Such a switch typically requires an arduous process, including a public com-

ment period that has drawn tens of thousands of reactions from across the U.S. The DEA was still in the review process when Trump took office in January. Trump ordered that process to move along as quickly as legally possible, though an exact timeline remained unclear.

Polling from Gallup shows Americans largely back a less restrictive approach: Support for marijuana legalization has grown from just 36% in 2005 to 64% this year.

Trump’s order also calls for expanded research and access to CBD, a legal and increasingly popular hemp-derived product whose benefits to treat things like pain, anxiety and sleep issues are debated by experts.

A new Medicare pilot program would allow older adults to access legal hempderived CBD at no cost, if recommended by a doctor, said Dr. Mehmet Oz, who heads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Still, the marijuana changes are not universally welcomed. More than 20 Republican senators signed a letter this year urging the president to keep marijuana a Schedule I drug.

Led by North Carolina Sen. Ted Budd, the group argued that marijuana continues to be dangerous and that a shift would “undermine your strong efforts to Make America Great Again.” They argued, too, that marijuana negatively affects users’ physical and mental health, as well as road and workplace safety.

In the early days of the second Trump administration, the Justice Department showed little interest in discussing marijuana rescheduling, which had encountered strong resistance from inside the DEA under Biden, according to a former U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity in an effort to avoid retaliation.

Federal judge denies request to close ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

BY MIKE SCHNEIDER

Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal judge on Thursday denied a request for a preliminary injunction to close an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” saying a detainee who asked for the order hadn’t shown he was suffering irreparable harm at the facility.

U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek said the detainee, known as M.A. in court papers, hadn’t met the high burden

required for a preliminary injunction while his challenge to the facility is litigated in federal court in Fort Myers, Florida.

“While there may indeed be deficiencies at Alligator Alcatraz that ultimately justify its dissolution, plaintiff has not made the extraordinary showing needed to justify immediate relief of such magnitude,” said Dudek, who was nominated by President Donald Trump.

M.A.’s lawsuit is one of three federal lawsuits challenging practices at the

immigration detention center that was built this summer at a remote airstrip in the Florida Everglades by the administration of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

His lawsuit claims immigration is a federal issue, and Florida agencies and private contractors hired by the state have no authority to operate the facility under federal law. Detainees who enter the facility disappear from the normal detainee tracking system and have difficulty accessing legal help, the lawsuit said.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion that includes medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones, drawing an angry response from China.

The State Department announced the sales late Wednesday during a nationally televised address by the president, who made scant mention of foreign policy issues. U.S.-Chinese tensions have ebbed and flowed during Trump’s second term, largely over trade and tariffs but also over China’s aggressiveness toward Taiwan, which Beijing has said must reunify with the mainland.

If approved by Congress, it would be the largest-ever U.S. weapons package to Taiwan, exceeding the total amount of $8.4 billion in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan during President Joe Biden’s administration.

The eight arms sales agreements announced Wednesday cover 82 highmobility artillery rocket

systems, or HIMARS, and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, worth more than $4 billion. They also include 60 self-propelled howitzer systems and related equipment worth more than $4 billion and drones valued at more than $1 billion.

Other sales in the package include military software valued at more than $1 billion, Javelin and TOW missiles worth more than $700 million, helicopter spare parts worth $96 million and refurbishment kits for Harpoon missiles worth $91 million.

The eight sales agreements amount to $11.15 billion, according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry.

The State Department said the sales serve “U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability.”

China’s Foreign Ministry said the move would violate diplomatic agreements between China and the U.S.; gravely harm China’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity; and undermine regional stability.

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Administration moves to cut off trans care for minors

BY ALI SWENSON, MATTHEW PERRONE and DEVI SHASTRI

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday unveiled a series of regulatory actions designed to block access to gender-affirming care for minors, building on broader Trump administration restrictions targeting transgender Americans.

The sweeping proposals — the most significant moves this administration has taken so far to restrict the use of puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgical interventions for transgender children — include cutting off federal Medicaid and Medicare funding from hospitals that provide gendera f f i r m i n g Kennedy care to children and prohibiting federal Medicaid dollars from being used to fund such procedures.

“This is not medicine, it is malpractice,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said of gender-affirming procedures in a news conference on Thursday. “Sexrejecting procedures rob children of their futures.”

Thursday’s announcements would imperil access in nearly two dozen states where drug treatments and surgical procedures remain legal and covered by Medicaid, which is funded by federal and state dollars.

The proposals run counter to the recommendations of major U.S. medical societ-

ies. And advocates for transgender children strongly refuted the administration’s claims about gender-affirming care, saying Thursday’s moves would put lives at risk.

Medicaid programs in slightly less than half of states currently cover gender-affirming care. At least 27 states have adopted laws restricting or banning the care. The Supreme Court’s recent decision upholding Tennessee’s ban means most other state laws are likely to remain in place.

The proposals announced

by Kennedy and his deputies are not final or legally binding. Officials must go through a lengthy rulemaking process, including periods of public comment and document rewrites, before the restrictions become permanent. They are also likely to face legal challenges.

But the proposed rules will likely further discourage health care providers from offering gender-affirming care to children and many hospitals have already ceased such care in anticipation of federal action.

Hannah Edwards, executive director of Transforming Families, a support organization for families of transgender youth in Minnesota, said she expects some patients will still be able to get care at private clinics that don’t participate in Medicaid and Medicare.

But that won’t be a solution for all kids seeking care.

Edwards has a 15-year-old transgender daughter and said that there’s a growing sense of fear because of federal government actions, even in a state that’s become

a destination for families with transgender children.

“The conversation that constantly happens for my family personally is: Where is our red line when we need to flee the country?” she said.

Nearly all U.S. hospitals care for patients enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, the federal government’s largest health plans that cover seniors, people with disabilities and low-income Americans. Losing access to those payments would imperil most U.S. hospitals and medical providers.

The same funding restrictions would apply to a smaller health plan, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, when it comes to care for people under the age of 19, according to a federal notice posted Thursday morning.

Kennedy also announced Thursday that the HHS Office of Civil Rights will propose a rule excluding gender dysphoria from the definition of a disability. Gender dysphoria is a formal medical diagnosis that describes the distress felt when someone’s gender expression does not match their sex assigned at birth.

Young people who persistently experience gender dysphoria are first evaluated by a team of professionals. Some may try a social transition, involving changing a hairstyle or pronouns.

Some may later also receive hormone-blocking drugs that delay puberty, followed by testosterone or estrogen to bring about the desired physical changes sought by patients. Surgery is rare for minors.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the admin-

istrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, on Thursday called transgender treatments “a Band-Aid on a much deeper pathology,” and suggested children with gender dysphoria are “confused, lost and need help.”

Polling shows many Americans agree with the administration’s view. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey conducted in May found that about half of U.S. adults approved of how Trump was handling transgender issues.

Chloe Cole, a conservative activist known for speaking about her gender-transition reversal, spoke at the news conference to express appreciation. She said cries for help from her and others in her situation, “have finally been heard.”

But the approach contradicts the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, which has urged states not to restrict transgender care and services.

The American Academy of Pediatrics called on HHS to reverse course Thursday, saying “children and families will bear the consequences.”

“These rules are a baseless intrusion into the patient-physician relationship.

Patients, their families, and their physicians—not politicians or government officials —should be the ones to make decisions together about what care is best for them,” said Dr. Susan Kressly, AAP president.

The announcements build on a wave of actions Presi-

dent Donald Trump, his administration and Republicans in Congress have taken to target the rights of transgender people nationwide.

On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that declared the federal government would recognize only two immutable sexes: male and female. He also has signed orders barring transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports and

cutting federal spending for transition-related care, which prompted Thursday’s announcement.

On Wednesday, a bill that would open transgender health care providers to prison time if they treat people under the age of 18 passed the U.S. House and heads to the Senate. On Thursday, House lawmakers passed a different bill intended to ban Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care for children.

Tennessee governor pardons Jelly Roll

In another run-in in 2008, Jelly Roll’s convictions try music with the 2023 alSinger has spoken include robbery and drug bum “Whitsitt Chapel” and police found marijuana and He has said a par- crossover songs like “Need a crack cocaine in his car, about his past, felonies. don would make it easier for Favor.” He has won multiple leading to eight years of him to travel internationally CMT Awards, a CMA Award court-ordered supervision. redemption for concert tours and to per- and also picked up seven ca-

BY JONATHAN MATTISE Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee’s governor pardoned country star Jelly Roll on Thursday for his criminal past in the state, acknowledging the Nashville native’s long road back from drugs and prison through soul-searching, songwriting and advocacy for second chances.

The rapper-turneds i n g e r , Deford whose legal name is Jason Deford, has spoken for years about his redemption arc before diverse audiences, from people serving time in correctional centers to concert crowds and even in testimony before Congress.

Republican Gov. Bill Lee issued the pardon after friends and civic leaders of the Grammy-nominated musician joined in an outpouring of support.

form Christian missionary work without requiring burdensome paperwork.

He was one of 33 people to receive pardons Thursday from Lee, who for years has issued clemency decisions around the Christmas season. Lee said Jelly Roll’s application underwent the same monthslong thorough review as other applicants.

The state parole board gave a nonbinding, unanimous recommendation for Jelly Roll’s pardon in April.

“His story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for,” Lee told reporters, adding he hopes to meet Jelly Roll for the first time soon.

A Tennessee pardon serves as a statement of forgiveness for someone who has already completed a prison sentence. Pardons offer a path to restoring certain civil rights such as the right to vote, although there are some legal limitations, and the governor can specify the terms.

Jelly Roll broke into coun-

reer Grammy nominations.

Much of his music deals with overcoming adversity, like the song “Winning Streak” about someone’s first day sober. Or the directand-to-the-point, “I Am Not Okay.”

“When I first started doing this, I was just telling my story of my broken self,” he told The Associated Press in an interview.

“By the time I got through it, I realized that my story was the story of many. So now I’m not telling my story anymore. I’m getting to pull it right from the crevices of the people whose story’s never been told.”

Jelly Roll’s most serious convictions include a robbery at 17 and drug charges at 23. In the first case, a female acquaintance helped Jelly Roll and two armed accomplices steal $350 from people in a home in 2002. Because the victims knew the female acquaintance, she and Jelly Roll were quickly arrested. Jelly Roll was sentenced to one year in prison plus probation.

B AT O N R O U G E B A L L E T T H E AT R E P R E S E N T S

with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Torns

December 20-21, 2025 at 2 pm & 6 pm Baton Rouge River Center Theatre T I C K E T S S TA RT I N G AT $ 4 0 BatonRougeBallet.org 225.766.8379 P H OTO C R E D I T TO E Y E WA N D E R P H OTO

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TikTok signs deal to form new U.S. unit

BY BARBARA ORTUTAY AP technology writer

SAN FRANCISCO — TikTok has signed agreements with three major investors — Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX — to form a new TikTok U.S. joint venture, ensuring the popular social video platform can continue operating in the United States.

The deal is expected to close on Jan. 22, according to an internal memo seen by The Associated Press. In the communication, CEO Shou Zi Chew confirmed to employees that ByteDance and TikTok signed the binding agreements with the consortium.

Half of the new TikTok U.S. joint

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venture will be owned by a group of investors — among them Oracle, Silver Lake and the Emirati investment firm MGX, who will each hold a 15% share. 19.9% of the new app will be held by ByteDance itself, and another 30.1% will be held by affiliates of existing ByteDance investors, according to the memo.

The U.S. venture will have a new, seven-member majorityAmerican board of directors, the memo said. It will also be subject to terms that “protect Americans’ data and U.S. national security.”

U.S. user data will be stored locally in a system run by Oracle.

TikTok’s algorithm — the secret sauce that powers its addictive

video feed — will be retrained on U.S. user data to “ensure the content feed is free from outside manipulation,” the memo said.

The U.S. venture will also oversee content moderation and policies within the country.

American officials have warned that ByteDance’s algorithm is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who can use it to shape content on the platform in a way that’s difficult to detect.

The algorithm has been a central issue in the security debate over TikTok. China previously maintained the algorithm must remain under Chinese control by law. But the U.S. regulation passed with bi-

partisan support said any divestment of TikTok must mean the platform cuts ties — specifically the algorithm — with ByteDance.

The deal marks the end of years of uncertainty about the fate of the popular video-sharing platform in the United States.

After wide bipartisan majorities in Congress passed — and President Joe Biden signed — a law that would ban TikTok in the U.S. if it did not find a new owner in the place of China’s ByteDance, the platform was set to go dark on the law’s January 2025 deadline.

For several hours, it did. But on his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to

keep it running while his administration tries to reach an agreement for the sale of the company.

Three more executive orders followed, as Trump, without a clear legal basis, continued to extend the deadline for a TikTok deal. The second was in April, when White House officials believed they were nearing a deal to spin off TikTok into a new company with U.S. ownership that fell apart after China backed out following Trump’s tariff announcement. The third came in June, then another in September, which Trump said would allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States in a way that meets national security concerns.

EU delays free-trade deal with South American bloc

BY SAM McNEIL

roads around the key institutions of the EU. The Mercosur deal would be “bad for farmers, bad for consumers, bad for citizens and bad for Europe,” said Vromann, who raises cattle and grains in the nearby Belgian city of Waterloo.

Associated Press

BRUSSELS — The European Union is delaying a massive free-trade deal with South American countries after fiery protests by farmers and last-minute opposition by France and Italy threatened to derail the pact, seen by its backers as an important geopolitical move for both continents.

Top EU officials had hoped to sign the EU-Mercosur deal in Brazil this weekend, after 26 years of negotiations. Instead, European Commission chief spokesperson Paula Pinho confirmed that the signature had been put off until January.

Experts say the delay could dent the EU’s negotiating credibility globally as it seeks to forge new trade ties amid commercial tensions with the U.S. and China. Once ratified, the trade deal would cover a market of 780 million people and a quarter of the globe’s gross domestic product, and progressively remove duties on almost all goods traded between the two blocs.

French farmers unions, who fear the deal would undercut their livelihoods, welcomed the postponement. France had led opposition to the deal between the EU and the five active Mercosur countries — Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia. Italy raised new reservations Wednesday.

Reservations about deal growing

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MARIUS BURGELMAN

Protesters burn tires during a demonstration of European farmers outside the EU summit meeting in Brussels on Thursday.

water cannons.

The farmers brought potatoes and eggs to throw and waged a furious back-and-forth with police.

Protesters burned tires and a faux wooden coffin bearing the word “Agriculture.” Their fire unleashed a black cloud that swirled with white tear gas. The European Parliament evacuated some staff due to damage caused by protesters.

Chaos in the streets of Brussels “We are fighting to defend our The decision came hours after jobs,” said Armand Chevron, a 23farmers in tractors blocked roads year old French farmer.

Hundreds of farmers like Pierre and set off fireworks in Brussels to protest the trade deal, prompting Vromann, 60, had arrived on tracpolice to respond with tear gas and tors, which they parked to block

Thursday’s agreement for a delay was reached between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa on the sidelines of an EU summit with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, on the condition that Italy would vote in favor of the agreement in January, an EU official said.

In recorded message, Reiner urges resiliency for Holocaust survivors

BY MELANIE LIDMAN Associated Press

JERUSALEM — In a video message recorded weeks before he was killed, Hollywood icon Rob Reiner urged Holocaust survivors participating in a Hanukkah ceremony on Thursday to “be resilient” during difficult times.

Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found stabbed to death Sunday at their home in Los Angeles, law enforcement officials said. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Reiner, who was Jewish, recorded the message for the Hanukkah event in the beginning of October. He noted that his wife’s extended family was killed at Auschwitz during the Holocaust, giving the ceremony special meaning for him.

“We’re living in a time where what’s happening in our country is scary and reminiscent of what we’ve seen happen in the past, and we just hope that we can all survive this and that we can hold on to our democracy,” Reiner said in his message.

The video was broadcast as part of a virtual candle lighting ceremony honoring Holocaust survivors internationally on the fifth night of Hanukkah. The event is an initiative of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, an organization that advocates for Holocaust survivors.

Around 100 Holocaust survivors gathered at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Thursday afternoon for a candle-lighting ceremony.

In Hebrew, Hanukkah means “dedication,” and the holiday marks the rededica-

tion of the Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C., after a small group of Jewish fighters liberated it from occupying foreign forces. Jews celebrate the eightday holiday, which this year began on Sunday, by lighting a nightly candle in honor of the tiny supply of ritually pure oil that they found in the Temple that lasted for eight nights, instead of just one.

Many Jewish communities are reeling from the attack on a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia, where 15 people were killed.

In addition to Reiner, Barbra Streisand, Billy Crystal, Jason Alexander, Julianna Margulies, Debra Messing, Adam Arkin and Jamie Lee Curtis were among those who made prerecorded videos for the event. Journalists Wolf Blitzer and Dana Bash also recorded messages.

French President Emmanuel Macron dug in against the Mercosur deal as he arrived for Thursday’s EU summit, pushing for further concessions and more discussions in January. He said he has been in discussions with Italian, Polish, Belgian, Austrian and Irish colleagues among others about delaying it.

“Farmers already face an enormous amount of challenges,” he said, as farmer protests over the trade deal and a cattle disease roil regions around France. “We cannot sacrifice them to this accord.”

Worried by a surging far right that rallies support by criticizing the deal, Macron’s centrist government has demanded safeguards to monitor and stop large economic disruption in the EU, increased regulations in the Mercosur nations like pesticide restrictions, and more inspections of imports at EU ports.

Italy’s Meloni told the Italian Parliament on Wednesday that signing the agreement in the coming days “would be premature.”

“This doesn’t mean that Italy in-

tends to block or oppose (the deal), but that it intends to approve the agreement only when it includes adequate reciprocal guarantees for our agricultural sector,” Meloni said.

Von der Leyen needs the backing of at least two-thirds of EU nations. Italy’s opposition would give France enough votes to veto von der Leyen’s signature.

In Greece, farmers have set up roadblocks along highways across the country for weeks, protesting delays in agricultural subsidy payments as well as high production costs and low product prices that they say are strangling their sector and making it impossible to make ends meet.

South America’s agitation The political tensions that have marked Mercosur in recent years — especially between Argentina’s far-right President Javier Milei and Brazil’s center-left Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the bloc’s two main partners — have not deterred South American leaders from pursuing an alliance with Europe that will benefit their agricultural sectors.

Lula has been one of the most fervent promoters of the agreement. He was betting on closing the deal Saturday and scoring a major diplomatic achievement ahead of next year’s general elections. He said he was surprised by Italy’s hesitancy.

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Peter Arnett, who reported on Vietnam and Gulf wars, dies

BY JOHN ROGERS Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Peter Arnett, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who spent decades dodging bullets and bombs to bring the world eyewitness accounts of war from the rice paddies of Vietnam to the deserts of Iraq, has died. He was 91.

Arnett, who won the 1966 Pulitzer Prize for international reporting for his Vietnam War coverage for The Associated Press, died Wednesday in Newport Beach and was surrounded by friends and family, said his son Andrew Arnett. He had been suffering from prostate cancer.

“Peter Arnett was one of the greatest war correspondents of his generation — intrepid, fearless, and a beautiful writer and storyteller. His reporting in print and on camera will remain a legacy for aspiring journalists and historians for generations to come,” said Edith Lederer, who was a fellow AP war correspondent in Vietnam in 1972-73 and is now AP’s chief correspondent at the United Nations.

Arnett was born Nov. 13, 1934, in Riverton, New Zealand.

As a wire-service correspondent, Arnett was known mostly to fellow journalists when he reported in Vietnam from 1962 until the war’s end in 1975. He became something of a household name in 1991, however, after he broadcast live updates for CNN from Iraq during the first Gulf War. While almost all Western reporters had fled Baghdad in the days

continued to speak, air-raid sirens blared in the background.

“I think that took out the telecommunications center,” he said of another explosion. “They are hitting the center of the city.”

until the capital, Saigon, fell to the Communist-backed North Vietnamese rebels in 1975. In the time leading up to those final days, he was ordered by AP’s New York headquarters to begin destroying the bureau’s papers as coverage of Reporting from Vietnam the war wound down.

Instead, he shipped them to his It was not the first time Arnett had gotten dangerously close to apartment in New York, believing they’d have historic value somethe action.

In January 1966, he joined a bat- day. They’re now in the AP’s artalion of U.S. soldiers seeking to chives. rout North Vietnamese snipers and was standing next to the bat- A star on cable news talion commander when an officer Arnett remained with the AP unpaused to read a map. til 1981, when he joined the newly“As the colonel peered at it, I formed CNN. heard four loud shots as bullets Ten years later he was in Baghtore through the map and into his dad covering another war. He not chest, a few inches from my face,” only reported on the front-line Arnett recalled during a talk to fighting but won exclusive, and the American Library Association controversial, interviews with in 2013. “He sank to the ground at then-President Saddam Hussein my feet.” and future 9/11 mastermind OsaHe would begin the fallen sol- ma bin Laden.

Arnett resigned from CNN in dier’s obituary like this: “He was the son of a general, a West Pointer 1999, months after the network and a battalion commander. But Lt. retracted an investigative report Colonel George Eyster was to die he did not prepare but narrated allike a rifleman. It may have been leging that deadly Sarin nerve gas the colonel’s leaves of rank on his had been used on deserting Americollar, or the map he held in his can soldiers in Laos in 1970. hand, or just a wayward chance He was covering the second Gulf ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO that the Viet Cong sniper chose War for NBC and National GeoEyster from the five of us standing graphic in 2003 when he was fired Associated Press correspondent Peter Arnett stands with gear that he in that dusty jungle path.” for granting an interview to Iraqi carries out in the field while covering the Vietnamese army in 1963 in Arnett had arrived in Vietnam state TV during which he critiSaigon, Vietnam. just a year after joining AP as its cized the U.S. military’s war stratIndonesia correspondent. That job egy. His remarks were denounced before the U.S.-led attack, Arnett near me, you may have heard,” would be short-lived after he re- back home as anti-American.

Within a week, he had been hired stayed. As missiles began raining he said in a calm, New Zealand- ported Indonesia’s economy was on the city, he broadcast a live ac- accented voice moments after in shambles and the country’s en- to report on the war for stations in Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates count from his hotel room. the loud boom of a missile strike raged leadership threw him out.

“There was an explosion right rattled across the airwaves. As he Arnett would stay in Vietnam and Belgium.

Gerard, ‘Buck Rogers’ star who was a hero to late-’70s kids, dies

BY CHRISTIE D’ZURILLA Los Angeles Times (TNS)

LOS ANGELES — Gil Gerard, the actor who became a childhood hero to many for his lead performances in the 1979 movie “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” and its subsequent TV incarnation, died early Tuesday, his wife announced on social media. He Gerard was 82.

“Early this morning Gil — my soulmate — lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer,” Janet Gerard wrote Tuesday evening on Facebook. “From the moment when we knew something was wrong to his death this morning was only days.”

She was by Gerard’s side when he died in hospice care, she added as she placed another post — a prewritten message from the actor to his family, friends and fans — on her husband’s Facebook page.

“If you are reading this, then Janet has posted it as I asked her to,” the actor wrote. “My life has been an amazing journey. The opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve met and the love I have given and received have made my 82 years on the planet deeply satisfying.”

The post was followed by myriad comments in which fans spontaneously recalled Gerard’s work as Buck Rogers and shared the influence he had on their lives.

“Your time as Buck Rogers was way too short but it has stayed with me in my childhood memories for 45+ years,” one man wrote. “Your hero was brave, macho, but also kind, compassionate, and fair. I feel as if that was representative of the man you truly were. Thank you for being the kind of ‘make

believe’ hero that we should all want to be in real life.”

Wrote another, “Like many here, I grew up watching Gil as Buck Rogers. He was cool… and he was funny… and he was nice. I was happy to find him here after all these years… still cool… still funny… still nice. It was a highlight when he ‘liked’ one of my comments. We’ll keep an eye out for you…

500 years into the future!”

Gerard discussed the allure of “Buck Rogers” with The Times in 2010.

“With our show, the reason people liked it was the humor and the fact that it was colorful and upbeat and it had heroes in it,” he said, chatting at a comic convention in Anaheim.

“It was family entertainment. I think it’s great to deal with more serious issues, but you can do it with humor — look at what ‘All in the Family’ dealt with. You can be serious without being relentlessly dark and heavy.”

Gilbert Cyril Gerard was born Jan. 23, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and trekked to New York City in 1969 to give acting a shot, studying at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

He drove a taxi to pay the bills and, according to his website, one day a fare told him to show up on the set of the movie “Love Story.” Ten weeks of work on the film followed and his career took off.

At first Gerard appeared primarily in commercials, until he landed the role of former POW Dr. Alan Stewart on NBC’s “The Doctors.”

He put on the white coat and stethoscope for more than 300 episodes of that daytime drama from 1973 to 1976.

Then an agent lured him to the West Coast, where auditions got him noticed

by NBC. NBC’s interest led to his casting in the title role in Universal Pictures’ “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” starring alongside Erin

Gray as Col. Wilma Deering and Pamela Hensley as Princess Ardala.

As William “Buck” Rogers, Gerard played a 20th century astronaut who had come out of suspended animation 500 years in the future, only to discover a planet in ruins. In 1979 dollars, the film earned more than $21 million worldwide, or about $100 million when adjusted for inflation.

His career outside of “Buck Rogers” included appearances on mainstream shows abundant in that era — “Baretta,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “CHiPs” and “Little House on the Prairie” among them — as well as more obscure TV movies with delightful titles: “Reptisaurus,” “Nuclear Hurricane” and “Bone Eater.”

Gerard was married and divorced four times before exchanging vows with Janet Gerard in the 2010s. Among his wives was model and actor Connie Sellecca, whom he was married to from 1979 until their divorce was finalized in 1987. They had one child, a son.

In addition to addictions to alcohol and drugs, the actor battled his weight starting in the 1980s, with the once-trim leading man eventually seeing his health suffer as he topped 300 pounds, according to a 1990 interview with People. He later chronicled his 2005 mini gastric-bypass surgery in the 2007 Discovery Health special “Action Hero Makeover.”

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Trump’s handpicked board votes to rename Kennedy Center

BY DARLENE SUPERVILLE and JESSICA GELT Associated Press and Los Angeles Times

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s handpicked board voted Thursday to rename Washington’s leading performing arts center as the Trump Kennedy Center, the White House said, in a move that made Democrats fume, saying the board had overstepped its legal authority.

Congress named the center after President John F. Kennedy in 1964, after his assassination. Donald A. Ritchie, who served as Senate historian from 2009-15, said that because Congress had first named the center it would be up to Congress to “amend the law.”

Ritchie said that while Trump and others can “informally” refer to the center by a different name, they couldn’t do it in a way “that would (legally) stick.”

But the board did not wait for that debate to play out, immediately changing the branding on its website to reflect the new name.

Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations for the center, confirmed the news of the name change.

“The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to name the institution the Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,” Daravi said in a state-

ASSOCIATED PRSS PHOTO By RAHMAT GUL

The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted Thursday to rename Washington, D.C.’s leading performing arts center as ‘The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.’ ment. “The unanimous vote recognizes that the current Chairman saved the institution from financial ruin and physical destruction. The new Trump Kennedy Center reflects the unequivocal bipartisan support for America’s cultural center for generations to come.”

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the vote on social media, attributing it to the “unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving

the building. Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters that a name change requires legislative action.

“Only Congress can rename the Kennedy Center,” said the New York Democrat, who serves on the board as an ex officio member because of his position in Congress.

Trump, who’s chairman of the

board, said at the White House that he was “surprised” and “honored” by the vote. “The board is a very distinguished board, most distinguished people in the country and I was surprised by it and I was honored by it,” he said.

The news rattled the arts world but was not unexpected. Ever since Trump fired the existing board in early February and installed himself as chairman, rumors have circulated that a name change might be imminent, and the president has repeatedly hinted at it. The legality of changing the name of the center through a simple board vote remains unclear. The Kennedy Center was established as a living memorial by federal statute, making congressional approval a requirement for an official name change.

“Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future!

The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur,” Leavitt concluded in her post.

Trump had already been referring to the center as the “Trump Kennedy Center.” Asked Dec. 7 as he walked the red carpet for the Kennedy Center Honors program whether he would rename the venue after himself, Trump said such a decision would be up to the board.

The proposed name change is part of a series of sweeping

changes that Trump and his newly appointed board, including board president Richard Grenell, have enacted. When the president first announced the changes, he said he was eliminating all those “who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.”

A number of Trump’s closest allies were appointed to the board including chief of staff Susie Wiles, attorney general Pam Bondi, second lady Usha Vance and conservative TV host Laura Ingraham.

Major stars soon pulled out of leadership positions at the center, including TV producer Shonda Rhimes, musician Ben Folds and opera star Renée Fleming; and a variety of high-profile touring shows such as “Hamilton” canceled upcoming engagements.

Maria Shriver, a niece of John F. Kennedy, referred to the legislation introduced in Congress to rebrand the Kennedy Center as the Donald J. Trump Center for the Performing Arts as “insane” in a social media post in July.

“It makes my blood boil. It’s so ridiculous, so petty, so small minded,” she wrote. “Truly, what is this about? It’s always about something.

‘Let’s get rid of the Rose Garden.

Let’s rename the Kennedy Center.’

What’s next?”

Trump earlier this year turned the Kennedy-era Rose Garden at the White House into a patio by removing the lawn and laying down paving stones.

Judge found guilty of obstruction for helping immigrant evade federal agents

BY TODD RICHMOND

Associated Press

MILWAUKEE — A jury found a Wisconsin judge accused of helping a Mexican immigrant dodge federal authorities guilty of obstruction Thursday, marking a victory for President Donald Trump as he continues his sweeping immigration crackdown across the country.

Federal prosecutors charged Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan with obstruction, a felony, and concealing an individual to prevent arrest, a misdemeanor, in April.

The jury acquitted her on the

concealment count, but she still faces up to five years in prison on the obstruction count.

The jury returned the verdicts after deliberating for six hours.

Dugan and her attorneys left the courtroom, ducked into a side conference room and closed the door without speaking to reporters.

According to a court filings that include an FBI affidavit and a federal grand jury indictment, immigration authorities traveled to the Milwaukee County courthouse on April 18 after learning 31-yearold Eduardo Flores-Ruiz had reentered the country illegally and was scheduled to appear before Dugan for a hearing in a state bat-

tery case.

Dugan learned that agents were in the corridor outside her courtroom waiting for Flores-Ruiz. She left the courtroom to confront them, falsely telling them their administrative warrant for FloresRuiz wasn’t sufficient grounds to arrest him and directing them to go to the chief judge’s office.

While the agents were gone, she addressed Flores-Ruiz’s case off the record, told his attorney that he could attend his next hearing via Zoom and led Flores-Ruiz and the attorney out a private jury door.

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced in November he had been deported.

The case inflamed tensions over Trump’s immigration crackdown, with his administration branding Dugan an activist judge and Democrats countering that the administration was trying to make an example of Dugan to blunt judicial opposition to the operation.

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MINNESOTA

Official: Half of $18B in federal funds may have been stolen

BY HANNAH FINGERHUT and GIOVANNA DELL’ORTO Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Half or more of the roughly $18 billion in federal funds that supported 14 Minnesota-run programs since 2018 may have been stolen, a federal prosecutor said Thursday, describing the massive and multilayered fraud schemes as staggering.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said the scale of fraud puts services at risk for people who need them, including adults leaving addiction treatment centers who needed help finding a stable place to live and children with autism who were seeking one-on- Thompson one therapy.

While prosecutors typically see fraud manifest as providers overbilling, Thompson said during a news conference in Minneapolis that companies have been created to provide zero services while submitting claims to Medicaid and pocketing federal funds for international travel, luxury vehicles and lavish lifestyles.

“The magnitude cannot be overstated,” Thompson said.

“What we see in Minnesota is not a handful of bad actors committing crimes. It’s staggering, industrial-scale fraud.”

The investigators’ new findings may bolster President Donald Trump in his claims that Minnesota is a “hub of fraudulent money laundering activity” under Gov. Tim Walz, who was the Democrats’ vice presidential nominee in last year’s election.

Trump has capitalized on the fraud cases to target the Somalia diaspora in Minnesota, which has the largest Somali population in the U.S. Eighty-two of the 92 defendants in the child nutrition, housing services and autism program schemes are Somali Americans, according

to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota.

In October, Walz initiated a third-party audit of and paused payments to the 14 high-risk Medicaid programs for 90 days.

“We will not tolerate fraud, and we will continue to work with federal partners to ensure fraud is stopped and fraudsters are caught,” Walz said in a statement Thursday.

Walz last week appointed a director of program integrity, who is tasked with finding and preventing fraud statewide. It’s not stopped his Republican counterparts from criticizing his administration for failure to protect Minnesota’s taxpayer dollars.

The announcements Thursday follow years of investigation that began with the $300 million Feeding Our Future scheme, for which 57 defendants have been convicted. Prosecutors said the Feeding Our Future nonprofit was at the center of the country’s largest COVID-19-related fraud scam, when defendants exploited a state-run, federally funded program intended to provide food for children.

Thompson said the investigation into a state program to support children on the autism spectrum, the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention benefit, grew out of Feeding Our Future.

“Roughly two dozen or so Feeding Our Future defendants were getting money from autism clinics,” Thompson said. “That’s how we learned about the autism fraud.”

Prosecutors on Thursday named a new defendant accused of defrauding the program, alleging he approached parents in the Somali community to “recruit their children” for the clinic and paid them kickbacks to drive up enrollment, according to court filings.

His clinic ultimately submitted $6 million worth of claims for Medicaid reimbursement, prosecutors say.

One woman previously charged for exploiting that

program pleaded guilty Thursday morning. Prosecutors allege she received $14 million in Medicaid reimbursements.

Five new defendants were charged Thursday in connection with a Minnesota housing services fraud, in which they stole the money instead of helping Medicaid recipients find stable housing, Thompson said. One defendant fled the country after his company received a federal grand jury subpoena, the prosecutor said.

The five charged include two Philadelphia residents who have been accused of “fraud tourism,” Thompson said, because they saw the Minnesota Housing Stability Services Program as a source of “easy money.”

They are accused of submitting $3.5 million in fraudulent claims.

They join eight others who were charged in September for their alleged roles in the scheme to defraud the program, which has been shuttered entirely.

Authorities also served a search warrant Thursday in an investigation of a third state-run program, Integrated Community Supports, which was intended to support adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Payments to providers are on track to reach $180 million this year — exponentially more than when the state program was introduced in 2021 — leading prosecutors to believe it’s another program that has been abused.

“Every day, we look under a rock and find a new $50 million fraud scheme,” Thompson said.

Trump’s rhetoric against Somalis in Minnesota has intensified since a conservative news outlet, City Journal, claimed last month that taxpayer dollars from defrauded government programs have flowed to the Somali militant group al-Shabab, an affiliate of al-Qaida.

While Thompson said money sent to Somalia might have indirectly gotten into the hands of al-Shabab, he

emphasized that there was no evidence that defendants were sending money to or otherwise supporting terrorist organizations.

Still, Trump has referred to the Somali community as “garbage” and said he doesn’t want immigrants from the East African country in the U.S., rhetoric that has stoked fear and frustration among many in the community.

Thompson said a significant amount of the fraudulently obtained funds have been sent abroad, and much of it has been used to purchase real estate in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, which has a large Somali diaspora.

“There’s no indication that the defendants that we’ve charged were radicalized or seeking to fund al-Shabab or other terrorist groups,”

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Thompson said.

Instead, one Feeding Our Future defendant spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on an aircraft in Nairobi. Another wired $1.5 million to China and Kenya, prosecutors said, and sent a text message claiming to have invested $6 million in Kenya. And one man bought Mediterranean coastal property in Alanya, Turkey.

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AP transportation writer The U.S. government admitted Wednesday that the actions of an air traffic controller and Army helicopter pilot played a role in causing a collision last January between an airliner and a Black Hawk near the nation’s capital, killing 67 people.

The official response to the first lawsuit filed by one of the victims’ families said that the government is liable in the crash partly because the air traffic controller violated visual separation procedures that night. Plus, the filing said, the Army helicopter pilots’ “failure to maintain vigilance so as to see and avoid” the airline jet makes the government liable.

But the filing suggested that others, including the pilots of the jet and the airlines, may also have played a role. The lawsuit also blamed American Airlines and its regional partner, PSA Airlines, for roles in the crash, but those airlines have filed motions to dismiss.

And the government denied that any air

traffic controllers or officials at the Federal Aviation Administration or Army were negligent.

The government’s lawyers said in the filing that “the United States admits that it owed a duty of care to plaintiffs, which it breached, thereby proximately causing the tragic accident.”

The lawsuit had accused the airlines of not doing enough to mitigate the risks of flying so close to helicopters around Washington, D.C., and not adequately training their pilots to handle it.

The National Transportation Safety Board will release its report on the cause of the crash early next year, but investigators have already highlighted a number of factors that contributed, including the helicopter flying 78 feet higher than the 200-foot limit on a route that allowed only scant separation between planes landing on Reagan’s secondary runway and helicopters passing below.

Plus, the NTSB said, the FAA failed to recognize the dangers around the busy airport even after 85 near misses in the three years before the crash.

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8A ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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$1,776 ‘Warrior Dividend’ coming from Pentagon funds Trump claimed tariffs would pay for it

to give Americans dividends ever since he imposed them in April.

But these new payments are being disbursed by the Pentagon from a $2.9 billion military housing supplement that was part of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” to augment existing housing allowances, according to a senior administration official who requested anonymity to describe the payments.

The amount of the payments is a nod to next year’s 250th anniver-

sary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In total, the measure is expected to cost $2.6 billion.

Trump’s announcement comes as he’s faced pressure to show he’s working to address rising costs for Americans, with prices remaining stubbornly high as the president has imposed double-digit tariffs on imports from almost every country. Trump has promised to lower prices, but he has struggled to do so. Inflation hit a four-decade high

in June 2022 during Joe Biden’s presidency and then began to fall.

But inflation has stayed elevated under Trump in part because of his tariffs.

Separately, members of the U.S. Coast Guard will be getting a similar one-time payment, the Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday. The “Devotion to Duty” payments, authorized by Secretary Kristi Noem a day earlier, will be $2,000 because, unlike the “Warrior Dividend,” they are subject to taxes.

The amount Coast Guard members take home will be closer to $1,776.

The payments, according to the Coast Guard, will be classified as “special duty pay.” They will be paid for with money in a measure Trump signed in November, after a 43-day shutdown, that funds the government through January.

Sending money to voters is a timeworn tool for politicians and one that Trump has repeatedly tried to use, including this year.

Trump has for months suggested every American could receive a $2,000 dividend from the import taxes — an effort that seemed designed to try to shore up support for tariffs, which the president has said protect American industries and will lure manufacturing back from overseas.

But that particular pledge appeared to exceed the revenues

down its pre-K program.

The plaintiffs are disappointed in the ruling and discussing next steps with their attorneys, said Sydney Petite, spokesperson for the Louisiana-based Pelican Institute for Public Policy, one of two conservative advocacy groups representing the plaintiffs. The other is the Center for American Rights, a national nonprofit based in Chicago.

“They are committed to working on a solution that protects religious liberties and preserves education choice for Louisiana families,” Petite added.

Act 409 was inspired by the testimony of a Metairie couple who said their daughter was assaulted by another student at a private preschool which, at the time, did

not need a state license. The school denies the allegations and says it complies with all state laws.

State Sen. Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, said she aimed to close the regulatory gap with the legislation, which Gov. Jeff Landry signed into law. While the law’s new safety standards took effect in October without much fanfare, the licensing requirement has provoked an outcry from the roughly 250 private schools with pre-K programs that now must comply with rules previously reserved for standalone preschools and day cares.

The schools will have to undergo State Fire Marshal’s Office and Health Department inspections, assign employees to monitor all school visitors, keep pre-K students separate from older children

at recess and employ a dedicated pre-K director who is on site at all times, among other regulations.

The lawsuit says schools will struggle to hire additional teachers and administrators to meet the new requirements.

“Classrooms will close, children will be forced out of school, and parents will be left stranded without child care during working hours,” it states.

But attorneys for the state said the situation is not as dire as the plaintiffs suggest.

The state Department of Education granted some schools waivers giving them an extra year to meet the new staffing requirements, and the state Department of Health will not conduct new inspections until 2027, said court filings by

BY JOSH BOAK and MICHELLE L. PRICE Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The “Warrior Dividend” that President Donald Trump announced during his televised address to the nation Wednesday is not a Christmas bonus made possible by tariff revenues, as the president suggested.

Instead, the $1,776 payments to troops are coming from a congressionally-approved housing supplement — money they were already set to receive — that was a part of tax cut extensions and expansions bill signed into law in July.

Trump’s administration identified the source of the “dividend” payments Thursday.

In his remarks, Trump alluded to his “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” playing a role, but suggested that tariffs were largely responsible for the payments already on the way to 1.45 million members of the military.

“We made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs and the bill helped us along.

Nobody deserves it more than our military,” he said in announcing what he described as a “dividend.”

Trump has teased the idea of using his sweeping tariffs on imports

PRE-K

Continued from page 1A “This the Constitution does not allow,” the lawsuit says, adding that “religious schools cannot be burdened while politicians pick favorites for a free pass.”

The legal challenge was brought

by Providence Classical Academy in Bossier City and The Dunham School in Baton Rouge, along with a couple whose child attends Providence’s pre-K program. In court filings, The Dunham School said complying with the new law would cost $600,000 in staffing, training, background checks and other expenses, which could force the school to raise tuition or shut

NEW yORK TIMES PHOTO By DOUG MILLS

President Donald Trump announced a ‘Warrior Dividend’ for military members during a speech Wednesday.

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being generated by his tariffs, according to a November analysis by the right-leaning Tax Foundation.

The analysis estimated that the $2,000 payments being promised to taxpayers could add up to between $279.8 billion and $606.8 billion, depending on how they were structured.

The analysis estimated that Trump’s import taxes would produce $158.4 billion in total revenue during 2025 and another $207.5 billion in 2026. That’s not enough money to provide the payments as well as reduce the budget deficit, which Trump has also claimed his tariffs are doing.

Earlier this year, as his Department of Government Efficiency was slashing the U.S. government and its workforce, Trump had briefly proposed sending a DOGE “dividend” back to U.S. citizens.

Neither the tariff dividend or DOGE dividend has come to fruition, and members of Trump’s own party as well as officials in his administration have expressed some skepticism about the idea. There is also the risk that the payments being promised by Trump could push up inflation, as they would likely spur greater consumer spending.

Republican lawmakers argued in 2021 that the pandemic relief package from then-President Biden — which included direct payments — helped trigger the run-up in inflation.

the state Attorney General’s Office, which defended the law. The Education Department will begin inspecting schools that apply for pre-K licenses in January, but the process will take about six months, and schools will have a chance to fix deficiencies or apply for waivers, the state said.

The state also disputed the claim that religious schools were unfairly burdened, noting that the new safety standards apply to all pre-K programs and that Montessori and public schools are heavily regulated.

The law “equalizes regulation” across all pre-K programs, wrote Assistant Solicitor General Caitlin Huettemann, in “a laudable attempt by the State to protect our little ones.”

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ 9A

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Hurricane-force winds down lines, fan fires in Colorado

BY MEAD GRUVER Associated Press

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Crews were mopping up Thursday but still bracing for more after hurricaneforce wind downed power lines and fanned wildfires along the Colorado Front Range and onto the Great Plains.

Wind that in places topped 100 mph late Wednesday arrived after Xcel Energy protectively cut off power through much of its eastern Colorado service areas. The goal was to prevent downed lines

SUSPECT

Continued from page 1A The investigation had shifted Thursday when authorities said they were looking into a connection between the Brown mass shooting and an attack two days later near Boston that killed 47-year-old MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro.

Valente and Loureiro are believed to have attended the same university in Portugal, officials said.

The FBI previously said it knew of no links between the cases.

A second individual who

SOUTHERN

Continued from page 1A alumni.

“I’ve been heartened by the mostly positive reaction to the work that I’ve done over the past three and a half years,” Shields said in the days after the news broke. “My view is my record will stand for itself.”

Board of Supervisors Chair Tony Clayton said this month that the university will pursue a new direction focused on partnerships with industry and greater

from starting fires — and power lines were indeed blown down in several areas.

By Thursday afternoon, power was about 60% restored to the almost 700 miles of power lines the utility de-energized. Some 37,000 Xcel customers on the Front Range and into the Rocky Mountains were still without power.

Another round of outages was expected Friday, however, with a forecast for even stronger winds over a longer period.

While crews worked to restore power to customers already af-

fected, even longer outages were likely Friday, the head of Xcel Energy-Colorado cautioned in a news conference.

“The power will not come back on the moment the wind event ends because we have to inspect the lines,” said the utility’s president, Robert Kenney.

In central Denver, the power was out overnight, furniture was blown off apartment balconies, at least one apartment window was blown out and the ground was littered with blown-down branches Thursday.

was identified in proximity to the suspect came forward after Wednesday’s news conference and helped “blow the lid” off the case, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said.

“When you crack it, you crack it. That person led us to the car, led us to the name,” Neronha said.

Neronha said the suspect stuck a Maine license plate over his Florida plate to help conceal his identity.

Valente’s last known address was in Miami.

There are still “a lot of unknowns” in regard to motive, Neronha said. “We don’t know why now, why Brown, why these students and why

this classroom,” he said.

Frustration had mounted in Providence that the person behind the attack managed to get away and that a clear image of their face hadn’t emerged.

Although Brown officials say there are 1,200 cameras on campus, the attack happened in an older part of the engineering building that has few, if any, cameras.

And investigators believe the shooter entered and left through a door that faces a residential street bordering campus, which might explain why the cameras Brown does have didn’t capture footage of the person.

In such targeted and high-

competitiveness for state and federal funding, as well as a shift away from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

“I’m looking for a person who has an educational background that’s inextricably intertwined with business,” Clayton said. “To operate this system, we need a more general philosophy in terms of moving this school to a higher level.”

McMeans said he will work to continue Southern University’s momentum.

He plans to focus on funding, student success and research as president, he said.

“We have to start working

right here, today, right now, to move that needle, whatever those metrics are to meet,” McMeans said.

Shields praised McMeans at the board meeting, saying the new president is beloved by his peers.

“I think it’s hard for this board to understand, because I have the opportunity to see this, how widely and broadly and deeply he’s respected across his peers,” Shields said, adding that McMeans had resisted pursuing the presidency previously. “The fact you talked him into it means he’s extraordinarily committed to the success of this institu-

Winds on Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday fanned wildfires of still-undetermined cause in eastern Colorado, burning at least 14,000 acres in Yuma County, local emergency management officials said in a Facebook post.

A grass fire on the south side of Cheyenne, Wyoming, prompted a neighborhood’s evacuation for several hours Wednesday evening. No structures burned, however.

Powerful gusts Thursday prompted closures of Interstates 25 and 80 in southeastern Wyoming to lightweight, high-profile

ly public attacks, the shooters typically kill themselves or are killed or arrested by police, said Katherine Schweit, a retired FBI agent and expert on mass shootings. When they do get away, searches can take time.

In the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, it took investigators four days to catch

vehicles though not other traffic.

Unladen tractor-trailers whose drivers ignore such warnings are often seen blown over on the windy state’s highways, prompting jokes that the trucks are just taking a rest.

“If your commercial hauler is in need of a good night’s sleep we would highly recommend the windblown plains of I-80, I-25, or I-90,” the Wyoming Highway Patrol joked on Facebook, adding: “For the low, low cost of a Driving on Closed Roads Citation ($1,000+).”

up to the two brothers who carried it out. In a 2023 case, Army reservist Robert Card was found dead of an apparent suicide two days after he killed 18 people and wounded 13 others in Lewiston, Maine.

The man accused of killing conservative political figure Charlie Kirk in September turned himself in

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about a day and a half after the attack on Utah Valley University’s campus. And Luigi Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan last year, was arrested five days later at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.

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Mourners grieve 10-year-old killed in mass shooting Australian PM vows new hate crime laws

BY CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-MCLAY, KRISTEN GELINEAU and TRISTAN LAVALETTE Associated Press

SYDNEY — Hundreds of mourners bearing bright bouquets and clutching each other in grief gathered at a funeral in Sydney on Thursday for a 10-year-old girl who was gunned down in an antisemitic massacre during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach.

Matilda, whose last name is being withheld at the request of her family, was enjoying a petting zoo at the festivities on Sunday just before she was killed along with 14 other people in a mass shooting targeting Jews. The suspects, a father and son, were inspired by the Islamic State group, Australian authorities have said.

Beaming photos of Matilda have become a focal point for Australia’s grief at one of the worst hate-fueled attacks ever committed in the country. The massacre has prompted a national reckoning about antisemitism and questions about whether the country’s leaders took seriously enough the threat to Australian Jews.

Matilda’s parents, who arrived in Australia from Ukraine, “moved away from war-torn Eastern Europe to come here for a good life,” Rabbi Dovid Slavin told The Associated Press as he entered the service.

“They did something that a parent is OK to do, take their child to a family event at Bondi beach,” he added. “If it ended this way, it’s something for collective responsibility for every adult in this country.”

Albanese vows to enact laws Speaking to reporters in Australia’s capital Canberra at the same Matilda’s service began, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a tranche of legislative plans he said would curb radicalization and hate.

Among his proposals were measures to broaden the definition of hate speech offenses for preachers and leaders who promote violence, to bolster punishments for

A mourner holds bumblebee balloons at the funeral of Bondi Beach mass shooting victim 10-year-old Matilda on Thursday.

Mourners attend many funerals

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS By STEVEN MARKHAM

Family members carry the coffin following a service for Bondi Beach mass shooting victim 10-year-old Matilda, whose last name is being withheld at the request of her family, Thursday in Sydney. such crimes, to designate some groups as hateful, and to allow judges to consider hate as an aggravating factor in cases of online threats and harassment.

Officials would have greater powers to reject or cancel visas “for those who spread hate and division in this country, or would do so if they were allowed to come here,” Albanese added. He didn’t suggest a timeline for the reforms, citing their legal complexity.

“There have been organizations which any Australian would look at and say their behavior, their philosophy and what they are trying to do is about division and has no place in Australia,” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told reporters.

“And yet for a generation, no government has been able to successfully take action against them because they have fallen just below the legal threshold.”

The announcement followed Albanese’s pledge to tighten Australia’s gun controls, which are already some of the toughest in the world.

On Friday, Albanese told reporters his government would work

thorities earlier divulged that the younger shooting suspect, Naveed Akram, 24, was investigated for six months by Australia’s security services in 2019.

The older shooter, Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot dead on Sunday, had amassed the guns used in the massacre legally. His gun license was granted in 2023, after his son came to the attention of authorities.

Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año told The Associated Press on Thursday that there was no indication that the two received any training for the attack in the Philippines. He said that the suspected gunmen had stayed in a budget hotel in downtown Davao city for the whole of their visit in November.

Naveed Akram is being treated at a Sydney hospital and was charged Wednesday with 59 offenses, including murder and comProbe into suspects unfolds mitting a terrorist act. He has not Meanwhile, investigators con- entered a plea and many details tinued to probe the suspected gun- of the case against him are supmen’s links in Australia and their pressed by a judge. travel to the Philippines before Health authorities said Friday the attack, said Krissy Barrett, that 15 other people are being the country’s police chief. Au- treated in hospitals across Sydney.

with states and territories on a buyback scheme for banned and illegal guns.

Still, the fact that Albanese has not attended the funerals of Matilda or other victims — with local media reporting he has not been invited, despite the presence of other political leaders — hints at the fury among some Australian Jews feel toward the leader.

Albanese said measures his government has already enacted, including a ban in February on Nazi salutes, show that he has taken the threat of antisemitism seriously.

“I of course acknowledge that more could have been done and I accept my responsibility for the part in that as prime minister of Australia,” Albanese said Thursday. “But what I also do is accept my responsibility to lead the nation and unite the nation.”

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As the investigations unfolded, Sydney’s closely-knit Jewish community made their way to funeral after funeral. As well as the service Thursday for the youngest person killed, Matilda, mourners attended a funeral for the oldest, 87-year-old Alex Kleytman.

The Holocaust survivor was protecting his wife when he was shot dead, she told reporters outside a hospital this week. Others killed included rabbis, a man shot while throwing bricks at one of the gunman, and a married couple who were fatally shot when they tried to tackle one shooter as he got out of his car to begin the attack.

At Matilda’s funeral, a rabbi read a tribute from teachers at the 10-year-old’s school, who described her as “our little ray of sunshine.”

Matilda, who had been delighted to win a national literacy prized two days before she died, “had an incredible gift to bring joy to those around her,” her school’s tribute said.

Grief overflowed as the coffin was carried out of the hall. Around the mourners, bumblebee balloons bobbed in the afternoon breeze, a reference to her family nickname Matilda Bee. Mourners and reporters alike were handed stickers featuring a smiling cartoon bumblebee holding a menorah. Above the image was Matilda’s name printed in purple, her favorite color.

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1bN

La. data centers energy plan OK’d

Streamlined policy comes with risks, opponents say

BY JOSIE ABUGOV

Opponents of the plan warned that it puts existing ratepayers — including residents and large companies Louisiana electricity regulators on — at risk of higher electricity costs.

Wednesday approved a streamlined The policy approved by the Louiprocess for large projects such as siana Public Service Commission data centers to access the energy comes in the wake of projects like they need to operate, arguing it will Meta’s $27 billion data center anhelp position the state for economic nounced last year and a facility for development opportunities.

Anthropic announced Wednesday.

Staff writer

Gov. Jeff Landry’s “Lightning Speed” executive order to reduce red tape inspired the new amendment. Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan proposed the initiative as a way to “accelerate the timelines required for major employers to invest, build and grow in Louisiana.”

“We have been last in so many things for far too long, and we’re

seeing some material success in growth across sectors,” Coussan said at the commission’s monthly meeting.

This change will exempt utilities trying to build new infrastructure for data centers from going through a process that requires them to prove the new generation is the cheapest and most reliable option on the market. It also directs the regulators to vote on new projects within eight months of an applica-

tion, faster than the typical yearlong timeline.

In order for a project to qualify for the streamlined process, a company must meet requirements, including a letter from the state’s economic development agency “confirming the customer’s interest and the importance of power availability” and a contract of at least 15 years.

The amendment passed by a 4-1

ä See PLAN, page 2B

BREC extends interim contracts Group plans new superintendent by June

BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT

Staff writer

SETTING THE SCENE

ABOVE: Parishioner Jacob Wilbert plugs in Christmas lights from a hydraulic lift as other parishioners finish the Nativity scene and other decorations in St. John the Evangelist Church in Plaquemine on Monday.

LEFT: Parishioners finish off the Nativity scene at St. John the Evangelist Church.

STAFF PHOTOS

By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Man with knife detained at Baton Rouge City Hall

A man with a large knife was confirmed that Baton Rouge seen outside Mayor-President Police Department Lt. Chuck Sid Edwards’ office on the third Karras, Edwards’ chief securifloor of Baton Rouge ty officer, apprehended City Hall on Thursday, the man. but Edwards’ security CRIME In a statement, Eddetail was able to stop BLOTTER wards’ office said the him, officials said. man “appeared to be Asked about the in- staff mentally ill and intoxicated.” cident, a spokesperson reports Police Chief TJ for Edwards’ office Morse said no one was confirmed that employees saw the man enter a bath- attacked. Morse added that room around 11 a.m., at which no one was injured in the incipoint Edwards’ security detail dent, and no criminal charges made contact, safely removed are being filed. the knife and detained him.

“After questioning, it was Multiple City Hall officials determined that the individual

was not an immediate threat to himself or others,” Edwards’ spokesperson said. “For that reason, the best course of action was to remit the individual to his family so he could receive proper treatment.”{/ span} Edwards thanked all members of his BRPD security detail “for their swift action keeping all parties safe.”

Man arrested in fatal shooting of student A man has been arrested in the shooting death of a 21-year-

Following a recent workshop discussing the future of East Baton Rouge parks, the BREC Commission unanimously approved extending contracts for top interim administrators through September.

The commission approved extending the contracts for interim Superintendent Janet Simmons, interim Chief Operating Officer Maurice Velasquez and interim Chief Simmons Human Resources Officer Johanna Landreneau at a Wednesday evening meeting.

The contracts are set to run to Sept. 30, and the commission plans to select a new superintendent by June 30.

The commission also approved hiring MGT Impact Solutions to conduct the Velasquez search for the next superintendent.

Simmons became interim superintendent earlier this year following the departure of former Superintendent Corey Wilson, and she has presided over the organization as a state law has changed the Landreneau makeup of its commission.

No members of the public commented on the items. Before the vote, commission Chair Michael Polito explained the transition plan.

“The concept, as I could say simply, is basically three months to search, maybe three

ä See BREC, page 2B

OMV back up after outage State of emergency previously declared for system

BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer

old Southern University student during a home invasion earlier this month, Baton Rouge police said.

Zion Buck, 20, was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish jail Wednesday on counts of first-degree murder, home invasion and armed robbery.

The victim, Donovan Pugh, was fatally shot during a Dec. 4 break-in shortly before 6 p.m. in the 7800 block of Scenic Highway. Pugh, a New Orleans resident, was a sophomore at Southern.

Operations at Office of Motor Vehicles customer service centers across Louisiana went down for several hours Thursday before being restored, the latest disruption in a system that has experienced frequent outages over the past year.

The outage Thursday was reported about 9 a.m. and was resolved shortly after noon.

“All customer service centers are now able to process transactions,” the OMV said in an online post.

The OMV has faced frequent outages over the past year, making it difficult for drivers to get their licenses renewed, register vehicles or reinstate their insurance. In some cases, disruptions went on for weeks.

ä See BLOTTER, page 2B

ä See OUTAGE, page 2B

2B ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

Accused terrorist ordered held until trial New Iberia man plotted attacks, officials say

BY CLAIRE TAYLOR Staff writer

A New Iberia man accused of plotting a terrorist attack in New Orleans has been ordered to remain in jail until his trial.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Carole Whitehurst, of the Western District of Louisiana in Lafayette, on Thursday ordered federal

officials to detain Micah Legnon, 28, a former U.S. Marine from New Iberia, who was arrested Dec. 12 and charged with threats in interstate commerce.

Based on the evidence submitted at the detention hearing, Whitehurst wrote, “The court finds that no condition or combination of conditions can reasonably assure the safety of the com-

Front in California, which was planning terrorist attacks on New Year’s Eve. Legnon was allegedly munity (if Legnon were released), communicating with the Turtle Isdespite the testimony of the pro- land group via an encrypted app in the group Order of the Black posed third party custodian.”

Legnon allegedly posted a mes- Lotus.

FBI agents conducting surveilsage on social media saying it is “time to recreate Waco, tx” as lance witnessed Legnon load an well as derogatory comments assault rifle and body armor into about Border Patrol agents. his vehicle on or around Dec. 12.

His comments are supposedly He then sent a message to the app related to activities of members indicating he was on his way to of the Turtle Island Liberation New Orleans and attached a video

NEW ORLEANS

Cantrell punts unfinished road projects to Moreno Move could jeopardize access to emergency fund

That latest deadline to spend the roughly $500 million that remains of those grants is Dec. 31.

Though Cantrell’s administration has asked for a deadline extension, it’s unclear if FEMA will grant it or when a decision might come.

BY BEN MYERS If work continues past the deadStaff writer line, the city will either need to pay Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s outgo- from its own coffers or stiff coning administration will reverse tractors. The City Council passed course and continue work on over a resolution on Thursday warning $300 million in road projects even contractors not to proceed with though the city has no money to work under the current FEMA pay for them — punting the prob- deadline.

Waguespack, who autholem to Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, who takes over at rizes drawdowns from the City Hall in January. $125 million payroll fund, If work proceeds, it said he could block the could drain the city’s gencity’s next drawdown if he finds significant harm eral funds and jeopardize to the general fund from its ability to access a $125 continued roadwork. He million emergency payplans to make a decision roll fund, said Louisiana Cantrell on that front by Dec. 23.

Legislative Auditor Mike “I need to quantify those Waguespack, who overdollars of risk being put sees the fund and is monion the general fund. The toring city finances. reasons they gave us in Cantrell’s about-face the email is really not subcomes a week after her administration vowed to stantial enough or detailed stop work on the costly enough,” Waguespack projects, citing the city’s said, referring to Hasan’s lack of funds to see them Moreno email on Wednesday. through. Moreno agreed Cantrell’s final-hour exwith the decision. ecutive decision underscores the “Mayor Cantrell has determined complexities of leadership transithat this Administration will not tions in a city where mayors carry engage in any contract suspen- significant power and there is only sions or terminations due to the ever one mayor at a time. Though nature of the unintended conse- Moreno wasn’t immediately availquences and impacts to residents,” able for comment Thursday, GiarDeputy Chief Administrative Of- russo, her pick to oversee the city’s ficer LaNitrah Hasan wrote in a budget, panned Cantrell’s move.

“My greatest fear is that people Wednesday email to Waguespack and incoming Chief Administra- start work now or next week that they know is going to continue tive Officer Joe Giarrusso.

“Based on your prior recommen- through the beginning of next dation to terminate (the FEMA- year, and there are no funds to funded road projects), this de- pay for that. There just will not be termination will need to be made payment for that,” Giarrusso said. by the Moreno Administration at “The fact that there’s mixed signoon on January 12th.” nals helps neither the contractors Cantrell’s initial decision came nor the community.” with its own set of complications, such as dozens of roads ripped up City blocks closed indefinitely with no plans for reDozens of city blocks are curpairs to resume. But her reversal rently closed to traffic as the city throws a major wrench in an al- has attempted to spend down the federal grants, and many are in ready complex problem.

New Orleans was awarded $1.7 disarray with torn up roads, heavy billion in Federal Emergency Man- equipment and construction fencagement Agency funds for street ing lining residential areas. repairs, but the city cannot access The road repairs include seven those funds unless the Louisiana FEMA-funded projects that the agency that stewards them, the Cantrell administration kicked Governor’s Office of Homeland Se- off within the last months, with curity and Emergency Prepared- no guarantee that FEMA would ness, thinks the cash can be spent extend their spending deadline.

Several others in progress are lagby a FEMA-imposed deadline.

OUTAGE

The situation got so bad that in March, Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency, waiving late Continued from page 1B fees for Louisianans who missed deadlines to renew their Class E driver’s licenses. Most regular Officials blamed the problems drivers hold a Class E license.

The state of emergency also alon the amount of traffic going into the 50-year-old computer sys- lowed the state to speed up the tem, including queries from other timetable for choosing a new states seeking information about company to replace the computer system.

Louisiana drivers.

ging past their completion dates.

And Cantrell’s administration recently told residents in neighborhoods with planned projects that work would soon begin.

All told, city officials say there is roughly $300 million of work in the pipeline that will take three more years to complete. There is some money in hand: The governor’s Homeland Security office approved a $52 million drawdown in November, and City Hall has about $31 million of it left. But the rest of the grant money is unavailable without an extension to the Dec. 31 deadline.

Cantrell requested a deadline extension in August, and Moreno and other city officials have been working the phones to lobby for one. But there’s no guarantee that FEMA — an agency that has faced restructuring, layoffs and other issues in recent months — will grant it.

In a Dec. 10 meeting with Waguespack, Giarrusso and others, Cantrell administration officials said they would prepare stopwork notices this week, according to three people who attended and a document showing the outgoing administration’s plans.

“It felt like everybody knew this was not a question of if, but when. And then yesterday, you get the email countermanding that completely. It’s a tough way to do business,” said Giarrusso, who attended the meeting.

Hasan said on Wednesday that Cantrell is hopeful FEMA will provide the extension before Dec. 31.

PLAN

Continued from page 1B vote, with only Commissioner Davante Lewis opposing. Lewis called the new policy a “dangerous precedent” that “lowers the standards” for projects trying to get new infrastructure on the grid. He noted that the new policy criteria are less stringent than the power plan approved for Meta, a monthslong regulatory process that faced significant pushback from environmental, consumer and industrial groups.

Meta’s northeast Louisiana data center, the company’s biggest yet, will require roughly three times the amount of electricity that New Orleans uses on an annual basis. Entergy is building three new gas-fired power plants to meet the demand.

The commission meeting grew tense at times, with commissioners talking over and interrupting each other.

What’s the new rule?

In July, the state signed a $54 million contract with CHAMP Titles to install a new computer system for OMV. CHAMP has worked with states such as West Virginia, Kentucky, New Jersey and Illinois.

While officials said it will take two years to fully install the system, the hope was that the driver’s license component could be ready in one year.

REASON 90

Thanks to donor support, we’ve expanded our healthcare coverage statewide with highlights on innovative solutions for a healthier Louisiana.

that the public interest is considered in a transparent and deliberative process, while balancing economic development, improving grid reliability, and protecting affordable rates.” It was deferred to the next commission meeting, with all four of the other regulators voting to delay.

‘Sharply increasing bills’ Advocacy groups opposed Coussan’s proposal, arguing that the policy removes needed guardrails and fails to give regulators enough time to assess the impact of future projects. Logan Burke, who runs the Alliance for Affordable Energy, said that removing protections will mean “decades of sharply increasing bills.”

“Understanding the amount of pressure that you are receiving from other elected bodies, but you are five duly elected decision makers who get to make these decisions,” Burke said.

A coalition of some of the largest industrial users in the state, including chemical manufacturers and oil companies, also objected to key aspects of the new policy. Randy Young, a lawyer for the Louisiana Energy Users Group, wrote a letter to the regulators earlier this week saying that waiving the typical regulatory process “adds significant risk and potential costs to the ratepayers.”

Regarding the Meta deal, Entergy says the new power plants will not lead to higher bills for average ratepayers. Advocacy groups point to risks in the agreement as well as data centers in other states that have ended up costing other energy users.

A utility can go through the fasttracked “lightning” route as long as the customer pays for half of its infrastructure costs, the new rule stipulates. Meta, for instance, is paying for the full annual revenue of the electricity plants that will power the facility, though not for all of the new infrastructure needed.

Lewis was the only commissioner to vote against the plan for Meta’s center, on the grounds that the agreement left fundamental questions on the table, including the lack of a competitive bid process. On Wednesday, he proposed a separate framework to address issues that large-scale data centers are presenting to regulators.

Email Josie Abugov at josie.

That proposal aims to “ensure abugov@theadvocate.com.

BLOTTER

Continued from page 1B

Auditor asks for more info FEMA has extended the city’s deadline on multiple occasions, most recently from March to the end of this year. The Cantrell administration dipped into city’s general fund to cover roadwork while awaiting the most recent extension earlier this year, but the fund was replenished once the extension was approved, according to Waguespack.

Still, the general fund was depleted by unbudgeted overtime expenses and other deficit spending, and Cantrell administration officials announced in October there wasn’t enough money to cover payroll, forcing the city borrow $125 million. The loan required the State Bond Commission’s sign-off, and state authorities initially said the city would need to surrender control of its purse to get the money.

showing guns and body armor in his car.

Agents initiated warrants at his home, finding sniper training materials, SWAT training materials, assault rifles and ammunition.

They found in his car body armor, guns and a gas canister.

His phone indicated a previous message from Legnon to the Order of the Black Lotus group offering to provide training to the group in urban tactics and combat shooting.

Buck was captured by the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force, police said.

BR man accused of assaulting agents A Baton Rouge man was indicted on Wednesday by a federal grand jury for allegedly assaulting two Border Patrol agents with a vehicle outside of Albasha Greek &

Lebanese restaurant on Bluebonnet Boulevard.

Evodio Merida-Tavera, 42, was booked into the East Baton Rouge Prison on Dec. 11, hours after he allegedly assaulted the two agents with his vehicle about 11:30 a.m., according to court records.

On Wednesday, the grand jury indicted Merida-Tavera, whose place of birth is listed as Mexico on arrest documents, on a felony count of assaulting officers.

The indictment added that the officers were engaged with Border Patrol duties during the time of the assault.

BREC

board compliance piece.”

“I’ve really enjoyed coming to BREC and being able to help with Continued from page 1B really restructuring and having that continuity, and very much months for a transition, a hard look forward to continuing that transition with a new superinten- with the new superintendent,” she dent, and three months to kind of said. get things smoothed over,” he said.

“So that’s the game plan.”

Before the votes, commission LOTTERY Treasurer Carl Stages invited Velasquez and Landreneau to WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17, 2025 briefly discuss their roles and PICK 3: 1-7-7 plans for the remaining months.

PICK 4: 3-8-8-1 Velasquez said his goal has been to PICK 5: 9-1-8-3-4 establish “lean principles” within BREC and ensure the organization EASY 5: 3-7-9-24-31 remains effective once he departs.

LOTTO: 4-7-25-26-33-34 Landreneau said that when her POWERBALL: contract started with BREC, she 25-33-53-62-66 (17) “came into a situation where HR really needed a culture shift, and Unofficial notification, keep your tickets. to move to more of an across-the-

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BUSINESS

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ 3B

T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M/news/business

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FROM WIRE REPORTS

Wall Street rises on inflation update

NEW YORK — U.S. stocks rose on Thursday following an encouraging report on inflation that could help the Federal Reserve keep cutting interest rates next year.

Some relief came from a report showing that inflation was less bad last month than economists expected. That could soothe nerves at the Fed, which is responsible for keeping inflation low and for keeping the job market strong. Micron Technology, the seller of memory and storage for computers, rallied 10.2% after reporting better profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said each of the company’s business units enjoyed stronger revenue and made more in profit off each $1 of that revenue.

Darden Restaurants, the company behind Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, climbed 1.8% even though its profit for the latest quarter fell short of expectations. Its growth in revenue topped forecasts, benefiting from both the opening of new restaurants and increased revenue at its older locations.

CarMax dropped 4.2% even though the auto retailer reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It said it may make less profit from each $1 of revenue in sales of used autos during the current quarter, as it tries to get more competitive in the market.

Instacart to pay $60M in settlement with FTC Delivery company Instacart will pay $60 million in customer refunds under a settlement reached with the Federal Trade Commission over alleged deceptive practices.

The FTC said Thursday that Instacart has been falsely advertising free deliveries. The San Francisco-based company isn’t clearly disclosing service fees, which add as much as 15% to an order and must be paid for customers to receive their groceries, the FTC said.

Instacart has also failed to clearly disclose that customers who enroll in a free trial for its Instacart+ program will be charged membership fees at the end of the trial. The FTC said hundreds of thousands of customers have been charged but have received no benefits from memberships or refunds.

Instacart+ offers members free deliveries on most orders for $99 per year.

The FTC said Instacart also advertises a “100% satisfaction guarantee,” but customers who experience late deliveries or unprofessional service are typically only offered a small credit that can be used toward a future order and not a refund.

Jeep apologizes to recalled 4xe owners Jeep’s CEO on Tuesday apologized and promised $100 gift cards in a note to owners of the brand’s plug-in hybrids, who have dealt with as many as three recalls over battery fire risk in the past two years.

Bob Broderdorf said most of the brand’s Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe hybrids aren’t affected by the battery problems but acknowledged the recalls — which most recently have asked 320,065 owners to stop charging and park away from structures — could be “unsettling.” He asked owners to “Please accept our sincerest apologies.”

The apology came as the Stellantis NV brand also released details to dealers for how to fix the Wrangler plug-in hybrids, though not yet the Grand Cherokee versions, after the battery recall was issued in late October.

The fix, as with the prior two Jeep battery recalls, doesn’t involve immediately replacing the battery. Instead, it involves a software update that is supposed to be able to detect if there is damage in a battery component called a separator.

If an issue is detected, battery charging will be disabled, the company said, at which point the battery will be replaced.

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U.S. says price increases eased

“It’s likely a bit distorted,” said last month’s numbers were sus- month.

Data may be distorted that The inflation report was delayed Diane Swonk, chief economist at pect because they’d been delayed and likely distorted by the 43-day eight days by the shutdown, which the tax and consulting firm KPMG. and Americans federal shutdown. And most Ameri- also prevented the Labor Depart- “The good news is that it’s cooling. cans have not felt any letup in the ment from compiling overall num- We’ll take a win when we can get it.” aren’t feeling it Still, Swonk added: “The data is high prices they are paying for food, bers for consumer prices and core

BY PAUL WISEMAN and ANNE D’INNOCENZIO

insurance, utilities and other basic necessities.

The Labor Department reported AP business writers Thursday that its consumer price WASHINGTON — At a time when index rose 2.7% in November Americans are frustrated and from a year earlier. Yet, year-overangry over the high cost of living, year inflation remains well above the government released a report the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

Thursday showing that inflation had Americans, dismayed by high priccooled unexpectedly in November. es, handed big victories to DemoBut economists quickly warned crats in local and state elections last

inflation in October and disrupted the usual data-collecting process.

Thursday’s report gave investors, businesses and policymakers their first look at CPI since the September numbers were released on Oct. 24.

Consumer prices had risen 3% in September from a year earlier, and forecasters had expected the November CPI to match that yearover-year increase.

truncated, and we just don’t know how much of it to trust.” By disrupting the economy — especially government contracting — the shutdown may have contributed to a cooling in prices, she said.

Many economists don’t expect to get a reliable read on inflation until next month when the Labor Department releases CPI numbers for December.

Landry troubleshooter at DOTD tapped to lead Port of South La. Julia Fisher-Cormier’s return to agency comes just months after she was named deputy secretary at DOTD

BY ANTHONY McAULEY Staff writer

Julia Fisher-Cormier, a former senior executive at the Port of South Louisiana who more recently emerged as one of Gov. Jeff Landry’s key government troubleshooters, has been named the port’s next executive director.

The move comes only months after she was tapped to help overhaul the state Department of Transportation and Development.

The Port of South Louisiana’s Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Fisher-Cormier following a national search, the port announced Thursday. She replaces Paul Matthews, who resigned in August after a disagreement with the board, ending a three-year tenure marked by both a return to growth and several high-profile setbacks.

A surprise move from Baton Rouge Fisher-Cormier’s appointment brings a familiar face back to one of Louisiana’s most important economic engines. Though she had long expressed an interest in the top job at the port, the timing was forced by the sudden departure of Matthews, which came just as she was transitioning into her role at the state transportation department. FisherCormier said her bosses were aware of her interest in the job and blessed her departure for the new role.

“As a lifelong resident of the River Parishes, returning to the Port of South Louisiana as its leader is both an honor and a responsibility that I embrace,” Fisher-Cormier said in a statement. “My passion for public service has deepened my commitment to build a more resilient and competitive infrastructure and logistics network that has historically been the backbone of our region.”

Port Commission Chair Joey Murray said the board was drawn to Fisher-Cormier’s blend of private-sector logistics experience and statewide leadership.

“After a thorough national search, the commission proudly voted unanimously to appoint a River Parish native as executive director,” Murray said. “We are confident she will accelerate the port’s strategic priorities and strengthen our position as an economic engine for Louisiana and America.”

PROVIDED PHOTO

Julia Fisher-Cormier, a former senior executive at the Port of South Louisiana, has been named the port’s next executive director. The port’s Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Fisher-Cormier following a national search, the port announced Thursday. she previously served as chief commercial officer, a role in which she was credited with helping reverse a decadelong decline in tonnage.

During that period, the port launched more than $1 billion in new foreign direct investment, retained and expanded anchor tenants, and revitalized the Globalplex Intermodal Facility at Reserve.

The Port of South Louisiana spans 54 miles of the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, encompassing St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes.

It is the largest port in Louisiana and ranks second in the Western Hemisphere by tonnage handled, serving as the nation’s top grain export port and a major hub for energy transfers.

he was hired in 2022, stepped down by mutual agreement with the board in August.

While his tenure saw consecutive years of increased cargo volumes and revenue after a prolonged slump caused by tariffs, the pandemic and supply-chain disruptions, it was also marked by controversy.

Among the most significant setbacks was the collapse of a proposed $400 million grain terminal project in Wallace after sustained local opposition and permitting delays, as well as the port’s abandoned $455 million bid to purchase Avondale Global Gateway.

That deal drew intense scrutiny from public officials and industry observers, who questioned both the price and the strategic rationale, and was ultimately shelved after consultants concluded it did not make financial sense.

Since Matthews’ departure, deputy chief Port leadership turnover Brian Cox has served as interim executive Fisher-Cormier’s return comes after a director. period of leadership turbulence at the port.

Return to familiar role Matthews, who became the first Black chief Email Anthony McAuley at tmcauley@ Fisher-Cormier returns to the port where executive of a major Louisiana port when theadvocate.com.

Trump Media to merge with firm that wants to power AI

BY MATT O’BRIEN and JENNIFER MCDERMOTT

Associated Press

The parent company of President Donald Trump’s Truth Social media platform is merging with a fusion power company, an unusual pairing of the Trump name with a futuristic clean energy venture that aims to power the next wave of artificial intelligence. Trump Media & Technology announced its merger with TAE Technologies in an all-stock deal that the companies said Thursday is valued at more than $6 billion.

The combined company says it plans to find a site and begin con-

struction next year on the “world’s first utility-scale fusion power plant,” with aims to provide the electricity needed for artificial intelligence.

Nuclear fusion is seen as a promising solution to climate change caused by burning fossil fuels, but one that is a long way off compared to today’s clean technologies like wind and solar. It will need huge investment as well as regulation to advance, which makes Trump’s ties a major conflict, said Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer in the George W. Bush administration.

“He’s jumping into this industry just like he jumped into crypto-

currency a couple of years ago,” Painter said. “Just as the United States government is gonna get all involved in it. And it’s so obvious that there’s a huge conflict of interest.”

Devin Nunes, the Republican congressman who resigned in 2021 to become the CEO of Trump Media, will be co-CEO of the new company with TAE CEO Michl Binderbauer.

Shares of Trump Media & Technology, the parent company of Truth Social, have tumbled 70% this year but jumped 34% in afternoon trading Thursday.

Backed by Google and other investors, TAE is a private company

and the merger with Trump Media would create one of the first publicly traded nuclear fusion companies.

“We’re taking a big step forward toward a revolutionary technology that will cement America’s global energy dominance for generations,” Nunes said in a prepared statement.

TAE focuses on nuclear fusion, a technology that combines two light atomic nuclei to form a single heavier one. It releases enormous amount of energy, a process that occurs on the sun and other stars, according to the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency.

4B ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

Funerals Today

Bell Sr., Charles L.

Battley, Columbus

St. Augustine Catholic Church, 809 New Roads St. in New Roads, at 11 a.m.

Lanoux, Betty

Greenoaks Funeral Home, Florida Boulevard, at noon.

9595

Weston, Shirley

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 3912 Gus Young Avenue, at 10 a.m.

Wiesepape, Larry

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2021 Tara Boulevard, at 11 a.m.

Obituaries Addison, Evelyn Louise 'Jessie'

Evelyn Louise "Jessie" Addison departed this life on December 12, 2025, at her residence, at the age of 90. She was the beloved daughter of the late Percy and Creola Atkins Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her children: Bobby Johnson, Terry Foster, Alice Ayro, Betty (Lawrence) Rodgers, Jewell, Trace, Ricky and Bernadine Addison; 26 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and 12 great-greatgrandchildren.

Viewing will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Rocky Hill AME Church, 151 Rocky Hill Rd., Amite City, La 70422 at 12 noon until the religious service at 1 pm. Rev. Beverly Swinney will be officiating the service. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home

Charles L. Bell, Sr., entered into eternal rest at his residence in Baker, Louisiana on Saturday, December 6, 2025. He was an 80-year old native of Woodville, Mississippi.

Viewing at Little Zion Baptist Church on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 9:00 am until Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 am conducted by Pastor Marcus Jackson; interment in Oak Grove Cemetery. Survivors include his loving wife, Joan Hollins Bell; children, Larissa and Robert Bell, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Mary Claiborne(Lee), Centerville, Mississippi; bonus children, Jocelyn Bonvillain(Gregory), Denham Springs, Louisiana; Harvey Freeman, II(Yolanda), Zachary, Louisiana; Phillip Freeman(Laurel), Maurice, Louisiana; and Kendrick Freeman, Baton Rouge; siblings, Rev. Willie, Sr., Robert(Louvenia), Alex(Patri), Myrtis and Laverne Bell, all of Baton Rouge and Ethel Ruth Bell, Natchez, Mississippi; McArthur Bell(Millie), Baker; and Emma Jean Bell, Natchez; eight grandchildren; bonus grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; preceded in death by his parents; four siblings; two children.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller & Daughter Mortuary

Hatchell, Irene Middlebrooks 'Maw Maw'

and Addie Laughlin Middlebrooks; her husband, Darrell E. Hatchell; her siblings, Elva Tenney, "Boot" Middlebrooks, Verbie Sandefer, Mary Lou Taylor, Merle Bertrand, Herman Middlebrooks, and Shirley Middlebrooks; her sons-inlaw, Robert Landsberger and Harold Boyd; a grandchild, Katherine Elaine Hatchell; and Abbie Thibodeaux. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Victoria Smith Fairchild for her love and companionship over the past five years, and to the compassionate team at Compassus Hospice Care for their exceptional support. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation at Christ's Community Church of Denham Springs, Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 12:30 PM until her celebration of life begins at 2:00 PM. Bro. Willis Easley will be officiating services. Burial will follow immediately in Denham Springs Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Wesley Hatchell, Adam Graves, Brett Friedheim, Grant Friedheim, Dustin Smith, Isaiah Shoemake, Christopher Gomez, and Leroy Scott Jr. (Bro. Scottie). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made in Maw Maw's memory to the Children's Ministry at Christ Community Church of Denham Springs, 26574 Juban Road, Denham Springs, LA 70726. Arrangements have been entrusted to McLin Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclinfuneralhome.co m

beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend. Ernest received his education in the public school system of East Baton Rouge Parish. Ernest was introduced to the Lord at an early age and continued steadfast in his faith.

Ernest enjoyed working with his hands and took great pride in his work. He was employed with Watkins and Williams Stucco Company and Crump Construction.

Ernest leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Carolyn West; his stepfather, Tracy West; three brothers, Adonis Meyers, Trent Meyers, and Christian West (Ernesha); four daughters, Anailah Henderson, Kaleyah Meyers, Alayah Meyers, and Abriana Meyers; one son, Matthias Meyers; and a host of aunts, uncles, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Meyers, Jr.; his paternal grandfather; and his maternal grandparents.

A public viewing shall be held in his honor on Saturday, the 20th of December, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Winnfield Funeral Home. The celebration of life services shall follow at 11:00 AM. His earthly remains shall be laid to rest at Winnfield Memorial Park. The distinguished & solemn arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Winnfield Funeral Home of Baton Rouge & C. D. Slaughter, FDIC.

Ogden, Ann Jackson

Jackson, Minnie Lou Kirkwood

Campo, Savina Parrino

Baker Sr., Dalton

A U.S. Air Force Veteran transitioned on Thursday, December 4, 2025 in Springfield, MA. Visitation: Friday, December 19, 2025, 4pm-7pm, A. Wesley Faith Center, 152 LA-3050, Morganza, LA 70759. Visitation resumes on Saturday, December 20, 2025, 9am until Religious Service at 11am, Little Zion Baptist Church, 7959 LA-HWY 418, Batchelor, LA 70715, Rev. Larry Oliver, Pastor, Rev. Charles Dixon, Officiating. Interment in church cemetery followed by Military Honors. Survived by his only son; Dalton Baker, Jr (wifeLakedra), other relatives and friends.

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Campo, Sr. and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Jennie Triolo Parrino and parents-in-law, Joseph John Campo, Sr. and Fannie Schittone Campo, and sisters Catherine Sirchia, Teresa Statham Husser, and brother Frank Parrino.Friends and family are invited to her Visitation on Friday, December 19th from 5:00 to 8:00pm with Rosary at 6:00pm, McKneely Funeral Home,110 E. Factory St. Amite, LA. Visitation: Saturday, December 20, from 7:30am 9:30am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall 122 S. First Street, Amite, La. Interment will take place at Amite Cemetery on Hwy 16 East. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St Helena Catholic Church building fund and God's Store House. Mother and our family were thankful to the Helpers who assisted her over 7 years in her home, including Oschner Egan Hospice, and especially her granddaughter Cara Campo, LPN, and son Anthony, who lived with Mother and gave her health and personal care. St. Helena Catholic Church is appreciated for giving her Holy Communion and prayer through the assistance of Judy Williams and Ramona Labarbera. "Well done, my good and faithful servant"

Savina Parrino Campo, 92, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her beloved children. She was born on April 10, 1933 to Tony Parrino and Jennie Triolo Parrino in Independence, Louisiana. She married Steve J. Campo and they established a family home on Mulberry Street. They raised nine children in their family home, enjoying 68 years of marriage. Savina and Steve were married October 22, 1950. On June 8, 2018, Steve passed away at home, surrounded by his devoted wife and children, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease at the age of 90. She is survived by her children: Stephanie Fay Campo, Kathryn Kirkhart, JoAnn Campo Beach, Peter Beach, Steve Joseph Campo, Jr, Loreta Genco Campo, Anthony Campo, Joseph John Campo, Sr., Alice Foulks Campo, Jennie Campo Littlewood, Steven Littlewood, Mark Campo, Nancy Smith Campo, Samuel Vincent Campo, Sr., Brynn Hastings Campo, and Frank Mario Campo, Sr., Tammy Gaeta Campo. Savina was the proud grandmother to 65 beloved grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She is survived by her sister Carol Parrino Campo and her brother in law John Joseph

Irene Middlebrooks Hatchell, lovingly known as "Maw Maw", passed away peacefully at the age of 98½ on December 18, 2025, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family. She shared her final years living with her devoted grandson, Darrell, and his wife, Brandi, whose loving care and companionship brought her great joy. She was born on March 28, 1927, at home in Church Point, Louisiana, Maw Maw graduated from Acadia Baptist Academy and later moved to Baton Rouge, where she worked as a telephone operator for Southern Bell. While raising her children, she joined her sister at Verbie's Flower Shop, sharing her love of flowers with the community until her retirement. Maw Maw's passions included puzzles, travel, and—above all—the children in her life. Her warmth, wisdom, and gentle spirit touched generations. She is survived by her children, Darylon Landsberger; Lin Friedheim (Jim); Dandra Boyd; and Darrell E. Hatchell (Dara); her grandchildren, Lisa Villar (Tim), Darrell D. Hatchell (Brandi), Jackie Hyde (Daniel), Adam Graves, Wesley Hatchell, Jamie Bahm (Vince), Grant Friedheim (Airi), and Brett Friedheim; her greatgrandchildren, Brittany Gomez (Christopher), Isaiah Shoemake, Dustin Smith (Callon), Hudson Hyde, and Meadow Bahm; her great-great-grandchildren, Caydence Gomez, Aria Smith, Carmyn Gomez, and Sawyer Smith; and her sister, Pearl Mosley. Maw Maw is preceded in death by her parents, David Sr.

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Minnie Lou Kirkwood Jackson, a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. She was 100 and 1/2 years old. She was retired from Albermarle with 30 years of service,.

Visitation will be at Zachary United Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 from 1pm until service time at 3pm. Private Burial at Port Hudson National Cemetery in Zachary. She is survived by her daughter, Delira Jackson Maney and husband, Jeff and her brother, Ira Lane Kirkwood. Share sympathies, condolences, and memories at wwww.Charle tFuneralHome.com.

Meyers III, Ernest

Ernest "Lil Boogie" Meyers, III, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away on December 10, 2025. He was born on April 24, 1984, to Ernest Meyers, Jr. and Carolyn Black West. He was a

Ann Jackson Ogden, 84, went to be with her Lord peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and devoted service to her family and community.

Born on June 22, 1941, in Texarkana, Texas, Ann grew up in her hometown of Atlanta, Texas before later making Baton Rouge, Louisiana her lifelong home. It was there she built a life grounded in deep faith, strong family bonds, and meaningful community involvement.

Ann was devout in her faith and steadfast in her walk with the Lord. Her faith guided her life and was reflected in the kindness, grace, and compassion she showed to everyone she met. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Randolph, a loving mother, a cherished grandmother, and a treasured friend. Committed to a life of service to others, Ann served as President of the JayCee Janes for many years as well as a former Inter-Civic Council of Baton Rouge member. She dedicated her time and leadership to bettering the community. Ann found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved Christmas, painting, traveling, and playing the piano. You could always find her home filled with warmth, creativity, and love. Her joyful spirit and generous heart touched all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Onie Jackson, her daughter, Kenanne Dooley, her granddaughter, Kelli Varnado, her first husband, Rev. Kenneth D. Norton, and her beloved cat, Katrina. Ann is survived by her loving hus-

Politz, Samuel Charles

Samuel Charles Politz, a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was born on December 4, 1929, and passed away on December 16, 2025, at the age of 96.

Known as the kindest, most generous man you could ever meet, Samuel touched the lives of all who knew him through his quiet strength, humility, and unwavering faith.

Samuel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He worked faithfully as a Plant Operator at Kaiser Aluminum for 38 years, demonstrating dedication and a strong work ethic throughout his career. A devout Catholic, Samuel was an active member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, where he served as a church usher and was a member of the Holy Name Society. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joanne Caruso Politz; his parents, Sam Politz Jr. and Mary Territo Politz; and his brothers, Joseph "Bubba" Politz and Marion Politz.

Samuel is survived by his loving wife, Mary Rinaudo Politz; his children, Pamela Ann Abelseth, Cathy Politz, Donna (Darryl) Gaudin, Stephen Politz, Christopher (Holli) Politz, and Joseph Politz; his grandchildren, Nicholas (Malinda) Abelseth, Joshua Abelseth, Brandon Abelseth, and Derek (Alex) Gaudin; his great-grandchildren, Jayden Abelseth, Elleyana Abelseth, Austin Abelseth, Emma Abelseth, Cameron Rohde, and Aiden Jacobs; and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, located at 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806, on December 20, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the same location. The committal service will take place at St. George Catholic Cemetery, 7808 St. George Dr., Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809, at 2:30 p.m. Pallbearers hon-

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band, Randolph Ogden, her son Russell Norton, her son -in-law Tom Dooley, her stepchildren Vondel Stone (Jeffrey), Coleen Powell (Wally), Fran Ogden, Randy Ogden, John Ogden (Marti), Natalie Raymond (John), Margaret Kidder (Chad), and her 34 grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom she loved fiercely with her whole heart and who brought her immense joy and pride. Ann's life was a testament to her faith and love for all of those in her life. Although she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on through the many lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on 12/22/ 2025 at First United Methodist Church, 930 North Blvd. A funeral service will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on 12/22/ 2025 at First United Methodist Church, 930 North Blvd.

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ored to serve are Keith Ruiz, Darryl Gaudin, Tommy LaPorte, Nicholas Abelseth, Kerry Ruiz, and Derek Gaudin. Honorary pallbearers are Brandon Abelseth, Scott Politz, Tommy Politz, and Marcus Politz. The family extends special thanks to his caregivers, Rachel Walz and Esther Wilson, Eucharistic Minister, for their compassion and devoted care.

Sharpe, Rebecca Holt

Rebecca Holt Sharpe, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and woman of deep faith, passed away on December 17, 2025. She was born on February 12, 1956 in Eldorado, Arkansas. Becky was a proud graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education. For over 25 years, she dedicated her career to teaching, touching the lives of countless students with her patience, kindness, and passion for learning. A talented musician, Becky sang in the choir most of her life, her love of music was shown by participating in the community choirs and the choir at First Baptist Church of Denham Springs.

She was also a faithful Sunday School teacher, sharing her strong Christian faith with others.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Clay and Anne Marie Holt. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Kenneth Sharpe; her daughter, Ashley Stark (Keith); her sons, Adam Sharpe (Ali) and Austin Sharpe (Beth); her cherished grandchildren, Bennett Judice, Haleigh Hart, Layla Sharpe, and Leif Sharpe; her sister, Karen Keeton; and numerous nieces and nephews. Becky's legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Serving as pallbearers will be Bennett Judice, Steven Keeton, Thomas Naquin, Daniel Naquin, Leslie Sharpe, Corey Sharpe, and Mike Sommer.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at First Baptist Church of Denham Springs, 27735 Hwy 16, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 9:00 AM until the funeral service at 12:00 PM, officiated by Brother Leo Miller. The graveside service and burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park, in Denham Springs, LA.

Smith, Eric

Weston, Shirley N.

Eric Smith, age 54, a resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025. He is survived by his parents, Charley Smith, Jr. and Emma K. Smith; sister, Erika Smith-Hogan; nephews, Darius Harrison and Da'Marcus Hogan; niece, Ami'ya Hogan; godsister, Amelia Williams-Fuller; and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Hall's Celebration Center, 9348 Scenic Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA. Pastor Larry James officiating. Interment at Southern Memorial Gardens. Services entrusted to Hall Davis and Son Funeral Services.

Shirley N. Weston, 71, of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025. Visitation will be held Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 3912 Gus Young Ave., Baton Rouge, from 8:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Services entrusted to Hall Davis and Son Funeral Services.

Tyson, Todd Michael

Todd Michael Tyson was born on Wednesday, April 20, 1977, to the union of the late Ralph Eric Tyson, Sr. and Patricia Jordan Tyson at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He entered eternal rest on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

He was baptized at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church where he also made his First Communion and Confirmation.

Todd was the second of the four Tyson children and enjoyed the countless birthday parties, road trips, and playdates that anchored their rich and beautiful childhood. Like those of his siblings, Todd's friends regularly filled the Tyson home, contributing to deeply treasured childhood memories and bonds that endure to this day. Todd was an animal lover and pushed his parents to take in a stray cat who he named "Tracy."

Tracy was the family pet for many years. As an adult he adopted several pets that he passionately cared for.

Todd began his education in pre-Kindergarten at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School

and Martha Jeanne Grasaffi; mother-in-law, Marguerite Baronne; brothersin-law, Ray Thorpe and Paul Baronne; sister-inlaw, Pat; daughter in law, Julia; and nephews, James and Nikiya. Jerry was "one heck of a guy," whose favorite things in life were driving, cars, family, faith, music, and coffee. He loved conversation and never knew a stranger. Jerry was happy to impart his wisdom and knowledge on anyone who would listen.

He was even keeled, kindhearted, and loved by everyone who knew him.

While driving across the country, Jerry became enamored with southwestern history, scenery, and culture, and honed his excel-

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ 5B

lent dashboard piano skills. Jerry was a no-fuss individual, with the exception of his shoe and hat collections. His endearing demeanor was unforgettable to all who met him, creating humor in all situations even when unintentional. He was content with his happy home life and enjoyed eating traditional food and taking care of his yard and garage. He would want everyone to know that he had no regrets, loved his life, and will be looking forward to seeing everyone again down the road. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Resthaven Funeral Home in Baton Rouge. Visitation will be from 12 pm to 2 pm,

with service at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of choice. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthav enbatonrouge.com.

Dream Address Awaits

Willson, Jeryl 'Jerry'

After exhibiting exemplary strength and courage while facing multiple illnesses, Jeryl (Jerry) Glen Willson passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 14, 2025. He was Born March 25, 1955, in Bunkie, Louisiana to James Lee Willson and Martha Jeanne Grasaffi. He is survived by wife, Linda Baronne Willson; stepchildren of 32 years, Chris (Molly), Jeni, and Amy; grandchildren, Leon, Remy, and Eugi; brothers, James "Jimmie" (Liz) and Joel (Vickie); sister, Sandra; sisters-in-law, Toni (John), Charlotte, and Kathy (Roger); brother-inlaw, Jay; nieces and nephews, Angie, Chris (Sam), Leigh (Matt), Joel Paul, Daniel (Leanne), Hannah (Andrew), Luke (Alyssa), Josiah, Katy, Stephen, Eric, Greg, Gina, Kevin, Kaley, Christy, and Sandra; and stepchildren from a previous marriage, Brandi, Tommie, and Tony.

He is preceded in death by parents, James Lee Willson

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6B ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

OPINION lll

T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M/opinions

Tulane’s victories are wins for all of La.

FILE PHOTO By SCOTT THRELKELD

Fireworks ignite near the Gramercy levee bonfires along the Mississippi River on Dec. 24, 2022.

Greet the season, and season everything, y’all Down here in Louisiana, the holimysteriously moves from Frenchdays don’t just stroll in politely; they men to Royal Street overnight. stomp the levee like they own Hanukkah rolls in, quiet but the place. One minute, the full of flavor. Candles flicker Mississippi’s calm and quiet, in windowsills, latkes fry with the next, bonfires are towera crawfish étouffée twist and powdered sugar ends up eving along the levee, kids are waving sparklers like they’re erywhere, sometimes on your Kateb conducting a bayou orchestra hair, sometimes on the dog, Shunnar sometimes in the wrong hands and somewhere a neighbor’s cooking smells so good it entirely.

GUEST makes you rethink every life Families sing, pray and occaCOLUMNIST choice you ever made. sionally argue over who forgot Hanukkah candles flicker the olive oil. Somewhere near in shotgun houses, Kwanzaa feasts the river, a faint shadow nudges a threaten to collapse under their own candle ever so slightly, and you swear weight, fireworks pop off like the you saw a grin in the flames. Yep, river’s trying out for Broadway and that’s Père Fouettard still checking you feel it in your chest: messy, loud, who’s paying attention. magical. And if you squint just right, Kwanzaa struts in draped in red, maybe even a little ghostly. black and green. Seven nights devotChristmas Eve kicks off proper ed to family, heritage and values but with the bonfires on the levees. Gialso seven nights of dodging cousins trying to snag the biggest slice of pie. ant towers of logs, some shaped like The Karamu feast is glorious chaos: pelicans, alligators and occasionally gumbo, jambalaya, cornbread, sweet like your cousin’s busted-up riverpotato pie stacked higher than your boat, light up the night sky. Families patience. gather, passing gumbo, eggnog and And somewhere in the mess, a stories taller than the flames themshadow slips past, making sure the selves. Kids scream, grown folks celebrations don’t get too predictable. dodge flying embers and somewhere in the shadows drifts Père Fouettard. Spoiler: That’s probably Père FouNow, if you ain’t from ’round here, ettard, just enjoying the show. you might be wondering, “Who the New Year’s Eve? That’s when heck is Père Fouettard?” Well, he’s Louisiana really cuts loose. The fleurLouisiana’s own spirit of holiday mis- de-lis drops at Jackson Square, firechief and good tidings, drifting along works light up the river, brass bands the rivers from Christmas Eve to Jan. fill the streets and strangers hug like 6. Some say he rides the currents of long-lost cousins. Resolutions are the Mississippi, Red and Atchafalaya whispered, Champagne is spilled and rivers, popping up to sprinkle blessconfetti finds its way into hair, shoes ings, leave little surprises and maybe and possibly your cat. If something moves on its own or if sugar packets shuffle a king cake or two. mysteriously migrate across the He ain’t Santa; he’s more like that table, you can bet Père Fouettard had cousin who sneaks the best piece of a hand in it, laughing somewhere in pie before dinner, leaves you laughthe background. ing and vanishes before anyone can New Year’s Day smells like blackscold him. Folks swear he’s the reaeyed peas, cabbage and a little son your sugar bowl seems empty in “please, somebody pass the coffee bethe morning, or why the king cake

fore I collapse.” Mama insists you eat peas for luck, and heaven help you if you argue. Every bite reminds you holidays aren’t just about decorations or gifts, they’re about community, belly laughs and stories that make you cry and chuckle in the same breath. And if a tiny sugar crystal shifts mysteriously into your pocket?

Yep, Père Fouettard strikes again.

By Jan. 6, Twelfth Night, the king cakes appear all over Frenchmen and Royal Street, signaling Mardi Gras season sneaking up like it owns the place. Now, down here, we don’t just stop at New Year’s, we have a little lagniappe holiday, because let’s be real: those resolutions? Ha! They last about 96 hours, if you’re lucky.

By the time Twelfth Night rolls around, you’re already diving headfirst into king cake, sugar in your hair, beads tangled in your shoes and the good times just rolling like the floats on Canal Street. It’s chaos, it’s sweetness, it’s laughter spilling out into the streets, and that’s exactly how we like it.

Louisiana knows how to celebrate.

Y’all, we pack flavor, fun and a little mischief into every holiday, and then we keep the party going just for lagniappe. So whether you’re watching bonfires dance across the levee, lighting candles, feasting until your chair groans, dodging fireworks or slicing into a king cake with delight, Louisiana knows how to celebrate. Loudly.

Proudly. Messily. With sass, spirit and a whole lotta sweetness. Every shout, laugh and cheer carries the memory of a state that refuses to let a season pass quietly. And honestly, would you want it any other way?

Kateb Shunnar, a native of New Orleans, is the author of the upcoming book, “Provisions for Your Thoughts: Chronicles and Inspirations.”

“Congratulations, New Orleans!” proclaimed the on-air commentator as the confetti descended and the American Conference Championship trophy was held aloft by members of the victorious Green Wave football team on a magical evening in Yulman Stadium.

Indeed, the ascendancy of Tulane football is cause for celebration for all New Orleanians and everyone throughout our state. The Green Michael Wave made gridiron history by reA. Fitts turning to the American Conference Championship for the fourth consecGUEST utive year and entering the College COLUMNIST Football Playoff for the first time.

Our student-athletes have excelled in sports throughout our athletics program this year and continue to represent the university at its best, both on and off the field. In addition to the intrinsic value athletics bring to a campus, from increased school spirit to national exposure, the Green Wave’s 2025 championship season also mirrors the current unprecedented upward trajectory of Tulane in every measure of university success.

This is good news for everyone who calls Louisiana home, because the discoveries of Tulane faculty working in our growing research mission, the academic achievement of Tulane’s students, the healing compassion of Tulane doctors and the historic physical expansion of our campuses have positive benefits for all.

Soaring academic achievement is attracting the best and brightest students to our state while inspiring our homegrown talent to build their careers, launch startups and pursue their dreams right here at home. Tulane’s more than 75% increase in research funding over the past decade is bringing more cures, treatments and disease preventions to our city and world.

Our expanding operations, capital investments, scientific breakthroughs and other activities touch every segment of Louisiana financially as well, supporting more than 30,000 jobs statewide and contributing an astounding $5.2 billion every year to the Louisiana economy.

While the Green Wave’s historic entrance into the College Football Playoff has turned a national spotlight on New Orleans, so have the efforts of Tulane faculty. This includes the advancements of biomedical engineering professor J. Quincy Brown, whose groundbreaking work in imaging technology will save lives by making cancer easier to detect, understand and treat.

The amazing faculty in our Creative Writing program are capturing national attention, too, as they continue to pen bestsellers and garner top recognition with National Book Awards, Guggenheim fellowships, MacArthur “Genius Grants” and other prestigious honors. These are just a few examples; Tulane faculty working in all disciplines are making news and making a difference in lives throughout our state and world.

There are also students like senior Dylan Murray, who has co-founded a startup that is developing a rapid at-home test to determine if a tick carries the pathogen that causes Lyme disease.

Other students are pursuing innovations in crystal growth, material properties and cell growth in microgravity that could be used in future space travel. The list goes on.

In many ways, Tulane is just getting started.

We, along with all of New Orleans, are on the rise — especially downtown — with plans to transform the former Charity Hospital building into a vibrant hub of discovery and bioscience entrepreneurship that has the potential to bring about even more lifesaving discoveries while strengthening the regional economy as a high-tech ecosystem.

This is all happening as our city is welcoming new leadership and transformative economic projects are underway throughout the state.

Nothing brings people together like cheering on a winning team. Tulane is proud to be on the same team with our city and state. The drive that’s carrying our team on the field also fuels our collective capacity to attract and cultivate talent, deepen our contributions to the city and state and move forward together to victory.

Roll Wave and Roll Louisiana!

Michael A. Fitts is the president of Tulane University.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ 7B

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COMMENTARY ON THE RECORD WITH WALT HANDELSMAN

‘People in Louisiana have a great sense of humor’ After more than four decades as a cartoonist — including two separate stints at this paper — Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Walt Handelsman is embarking on his next chapter, a wellStephanie earned retirement.

Grace We’ll miss him terribly, and we know our readers will too. Handelsman recently sat down with columnist Stephanie Grace to talk about his long, storied career and his love of all things Louisiana (even when the Saints are losing). This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Grace: What were the big news stories when you first arrived here?

Handelsman: I came in ’89 and one of my earliest memories is the David Duke stuff.

Grace: He was elected to the Legislature in ’89.

Handelsman: That had passed, and then he ran statewide for the Senate. So that was one of my first memories, that and just sort of the vibe of New Orleans. I was doing the Picayune Toons comic strip, so that was a great way to immerse myself in the actual cultural stuff going on in New Orleans, because that tended not to be too political.

I arrived in the summer, and one thing I remember was a toon about a flood. It had a character in his car with a boat on the top in the first panel. On the second panel, he’s coming back, and he’s in the boat with the car on the top.

Grace: Did you start doing Saints cartoons right away?

Handelsman: I started doing Saints cartoons pretty quickly. I recognized that that was of great importance to readers, and it was fun.

Grace: Do you remember the toon you drew when you came back after your time in New York?

Handelsman: I looked at it the other day. It was a cartoon of a massive crowd in front of the Superdome, and at the very top was Santa’s sleigh. But Santa was missing; he’d stopped his delivery duties to go to the game. And they won!

Grace: Do you feel like your style has changed over the time that you’ve been doing this?

Handelsman: It’s definitely changed from when I first started.

I just think my ability to draw things is better from doing it thousands of times. Also, I’ve changed, I think, three times the implement that I use. When I first started, I used to dip a quill pen in ink, and it was great, because it had a cool line to it. But it was difficult when you made a turn, and it would sometimes catch and ink would go all over the cartoon.

And then when I was at Newsday, they went to full color. So that’s when I started using Photoshop, scanning my cartoons in and coloring them. And over time, I got pretty good at Photoshop, but coloring still takes well over an hour, depending on how much detail you want to put in. But it’s way better on a computer, because if you make a mistake, you just Ctrl-Z and go back a step.

Grace: Who’s your favorite person to draw?

Handelsman: Obviously, as a political cartoonist, the president is always the main character. Some presidents are way more low-key than what we have now. But in general, that’s where the big political news is coming from, and also the governor and locally, the mayor.

Grace: So it’s not that there’s like a particular person and you think: That person is great to draw because they have certain characteristics. It’s more like where they are in the narrative?

Handelsman: And people often say, “Oh, this person must be so much fun to draw,” but you’re trying to make a point in the cartoons. You’re not just trying to draw a face. If you can combine the two, that’s awesome.

Grace: So how do you draw Donald Trump?

Handelsman: I learned to draw on my own, and my technique was

FILE PHOTO

Longtime Times-Picayune editorial cartoonist Walt Handelsman, who won two Pulitzer Prizes over the course of his career, is retiring at the end of 2025.

to use shapes. So when I’m drawing Trump, it’s a rectangular sort of box. And then on top, you have that big hair. I never really draw the eyes because they’re kind of tucked in underneath the hair, under the eyebrows.

When I drew Barack Obama, it was the long, narrow face and big ears, and a long chin. Bill Clinton had kind of an oval-shaped face with everything kind of pushing in the middle, with a long chin and a little cotton ball haircut.

George H.W. Bush was more like a diamond shape, with the ears.

But that all comes way after the idea. That’s the fun part. The hard part is, what are you trying to say? How can you say it as quickly as possible? How can you make it interesting, whether it’s visually or with words, or usually a combination.

Grace: So aside from the shape of the face, you’re looking for their most distinctive physical characteristic? So again, with Trump, there’s the hair.

Handelsman: Obama, it was the ears and the eyebrows.

Grace: Is there anyone you think of that you were a little stumped on how draw them?

Handelsman: The better looking someone is. It’s very hard to draw someone who’s kind of classically attractive. Dan Quayle was kind of like that back in the day. I mean, I’m drawing George

PROVIDED PHOTO

In 1991, the office of President George H.W. Bush called to request the original of a cartoon Walt Handelsman had drawn of the president and Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. The president then sent Handelsman a personal note of thanks.

H.W. Bush, who had this very high hairline, wore glasses, had a strong chin, lots of features. And here’s Dan Quayle. It’s like, what are you going to draw? John Bel Edwards has a sort of pointed nose. That was a big feature in his face — and glasses, and also a high forehead, if you will. And Bobby Jindal also had a sort of pointy nose and the ears.

Grace: What about, drawing David Duke?

What was that like?

Handelsman: Well, I think I only drew David Duke once, because I drew David Duke in a hood. That was not very popular with many of the readers. Didn’t bother me in the least.

Grace: Did you like drawing Edwin Edwards?

Handelsman: He was like the classic rogue. You know, he had a great sense of humor. People liked him, even though they knew that he may not be doing the right thing for them. I think my favorite cartoon that I did of him was when they wanted to have a

constitutional convention. And he said, “Not everything I do is about gambling.” And in the last panel, he said, “We can hold it in Vegas.”

Grace: How has the environment you work in changed over the decades you’ve been doing this?

Handelsman: It’s changed tremendously. I think everyone in the country and around the world can feel it. When I first started cartooning, Ronald Reagan was president. I used to go to the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists convention every year, and in 1986, we had our convention in Washington, D.C., and Reagan invited the cartoonists to come to the Rose Garden for a presentation. There were probably 250 of us, and Reagan came out, and there was an easel next to him, and Reagan spent a fair amount of time talking about how much he enjoyed cartoons, and that it was an important thing for journalism to have cartoons.

Grace: And I’m sure that this group was often very tough on him. Like, mocking.

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Handelsman: Very, very tough.

Yeah, you know, funny drawings of him and knocking him for any scandal, but he understood what journalism was about, and he admired satire.

Trump does not like satire, obviously. So when you ask about the arc of my career, those are the two points on either end of the spectrum. It used to be that politicians of both sides had a better sense of humor with satire. They understood it. And, you know this is as a columnist. You meet people, and you enjoy their company, but you’re still gonna knock them when they do something bad, and you’re gonna praise them when they do something good, right?

Honestly, I think that up until Trump, that was the way it was, even locally. And I think also that the whole tone has changed, not just for the politicians but for the readers. People get very aggravated when they see you making fun of someone that they really support.

Grace: Why do you think your toon contest was so popular?

Handelsman: I think the reason it’s popular is because people in Louisiana have a great sense of humor. That’s the No. 1 default.

Everyone’s a character. Everyone has a story. Everyone will invite you over to their house. It’s just great. So the caption contest: I did it in New York a couple of times with OK success. But I just thought when I came down here, I said, this might really be fun to do here. And I started in 2014, and even in the beginning, we got over 100 entries, and I’m like, “Wow, that’s incredible. That’s more than in New York.”

Some of the early ones were political, but over time, I started seeing, wow, these are getting really negative. I don’t want to run these in the paper. They’re nasty, they’re not funny, they’re just kind of mean-spirited. So it slowly morphed into more fun stuff and stuff about, you know, seasonal things and things that people in the state look forward to. And I did stuff about graduations, and I did stuff about the LSU Tigers and about Tulane and about the Saints, and it just started blowing up. People wrote and said, “You know, this is like a fun reprieve from the news.”

Grace: You’ve worked in Pennsylvania, New York and Louisiana twice. Is this a better environment for a cartoonist?

Handelsman: I think Louisiana is a particularly good place to draw cartoons because we’ve got quirky characters.

There’s also a love of the culture here. You don’t get that in some places. They love it, the food, the whole thing.

It’s just filled with topics and ideas and craziness, and people have a great sense of humor. So it’s a win-win.

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Baton Rouge Weather TODAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Crisp

Mostly sunny

Muggy, showers - 30%

Spotty showers - 20%

Lots of sun

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

LOW

63° 42°

LOW

74° 60°

LOW

76° 58°

LOW

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76° 57°

ALMANAC

WEDNESDAY Weather News by Chief Meteorologist Dr. Josh Eachus

Friday will be the “cool” day of the week, but even then, it will be pleasant and seasonable. Look for highs in the low 60s with plenty of sunshine. The good news for the plants and pipes is this latest front will not bring freezing temperatures. Though Saturday morning will be the chilliest of the Storm Station 7-Day Forecast, lows will hang around 40 degrees. Take a jacket if you’re heading out for some Christmas cheer, but that might be the last time you need it before the holiday. As we head into the final weekend before Christmas, the warm air will return in full force. Saturday highs will charge into the low to mid-70s beneath mostly sunny skies. By Sunday, it will start to feel a little more humid.

Warm

LOW

HIGH

77° 56°

LOW

78° 55°

AROUND THE REGION

THE NATION

BATON ROUGE THROUGH 5 P.M. THURSDAy

TEMPERATURE

High/low Normal high/low Record high Record low

81°/54° 64°/43° 84° in 1908 20° in 1979

PRECIPITATION

Longview 62/45

GOOD

GOOD

READING 41 MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

FLOOD STAGE 24-HOUR STAGE CHANGE Memphis 34 -6.40 +0.73 Vidalia-Natchez 48 12.90 -0.54 Red River Landing 48 17.40 -0.40 Baton Rouge 35 6.50 +0.10 Donaldsonville 27 3.80 +0.20 Reserve 22 2.88 +0.31 New Orleans 17 2.00 +0.18 MISSISSIPPI

OHIO

Cairo

40

7.93

-1.55

19

-1.36

-0.06

18 29 8

-0.51 11.14 1.76

-0.23 -0.08 +0.32

13 15

2.97 1.40

-0.08 -0.15

47 34 29 20 12 6

5.38 3.67 3.48 2.82 1.90 2.68

+0.12 +0.13 +0.11 +0.15 +0.10 +0.16

COMITE

Near Olive AMITE

Near Darlington Denham Springs Port Vincent TICKFAW

Montpelier Holden

Shown are areas of precipitation and high temperatures for the day.

Houma 64/41

Forecasts and graphics, except WBRZ forecasts, provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2025

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

TODAY City

Austin Boston Dallas Fairbanks Honolulu Houston Las Vegas Louisville Miami Minneapolis

TIDES HIGH

FT.

LOW

Lake Pontchartrain (Tchefuncte River) 6:27a 0.6 Shell Beach 12:20a 1.5 South Point, Marsh Island 5:41p 1.6 Cypremort Point 8:38p 1.7 Grand Isle (Barataria Pass) 8:50p 1.1 Mississippi River (Southwest Pass) 8:06p 1.4 Wine Island 9:58p 1.3

NEW

FT.

6:23p -0.2 11:56a -0.3 7:21a -0.7 11:18a -0.2 7:37a -0.5 5:49a -0.5 8:39a -0.6

SUN AND MOON Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

HIGH

FT.

--------11:53p 1.5 -----------------

LOW

FT.

--------8:27p 1.5 -----------------

Hi

Lo W

67 46 s 58 30 r 63 49 s -25 -33 c 80 70 sh 67 49 s 66 46 pc 37 29 s 85 68 pc 22 16 c

SATURDAY Hi

FULL

LAST

DEC 19 DEC 27

JAN 3

JAN 10

MAJOR

10:14a 11:06a 11:30a 12:28a 1:23a 2:16a 3:07a

MINOR

MAJOR

4:01a 10:40p 4:53a 11:32p 5:46a ---6:41a 12:53p 7:35a 1:47p 8:28a 2:39p 9:19a 3:30p

TODAY City

Nashville New Orleans Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Raleigh St. Louis San Diego Tampa

SATURDAY

Hi

Lo W

Hi

Lo W

46 61 82 61 79 44 67 39 68 77

29 s 46 s 52 c 29 r 53 s 20 sn 29 s 35 s 54 s 53 pc

60 73 77 40 79 45 56 56 65 76

38 s 60 c 58 s 34 pc 54 s 31 c 38 s 27 pc 52 pc 59 s

63 52 51 70 49 33 68 53 62 47 54

46 pc 39 pc 44 r 44 pc 16 r 31 c 48 pc 44 sh 46 pc 41 r 44 pc

65 49 52 71 29 34 68 50 61 46 61

47 s 44 pc 42 sh 46 pc 26 pc 32 c 51 c 46 r 42 pc 32 pc 57 sh

THE WORLD

The solunar period schedule allows planning days so you will be fishing in good territory or hunting in good cover during those times. Major periods begin at the times shown and last for 1.5 to 2 hours. The minor periods are shorter.

Today Sat. Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu.

Lo W

76 54 pc 40 33 pc 77 48 s -24 -40 pc 82 72 sh 81 65 s 68 49 pc 58 31 pc 82 71 sh 30 1 sf

SOLUNAR TABLE

6:57 a.m.

5:07 p.m.

6:48 a.m.

4:41 p.m.

FIRST

ATCHAFALAYA

Simmesport Melville Krotz Springs Butte La Rose Bayou Sorrel Morgan City

New Orleans 61/46

Lake Charles 63/44

Port Arthur 62/52

RIVER STAGES

10s 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s 100s 110s

Baton Rouge 63/42

Lafayette 64/43

Beaumont 64/47

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

0s

Hattiesburg 60/34

Alexandria 61/41

Many 61/40

AIR QUALITY TODAY

-0s

Jackson 56/39

24 hours through 5 p.m. Thu. Trace Month to date (normal) 5.88” (2.83”) year to date (normal) 59.18” (59.45”)

YESTERDAY

-10

Monroe 56/39

Shreveport 61/44

MINOR

4:27p 5:19p 6:12p 7:06p 7:59p 8:51p 9:41p

Amsterdam Bangkok Barcelona Berlin Brussels Cairo Dublin Frankfurt Havana Hong Kong Jerusalem

53 90 60 51 54 70 48 49 84 75 58

39 c 72 pc 52 pc 41 s 39 r 53 pc 43 pc 42 c 67 sh 67 sh 43 pc

45 92 59 47 48 73 50 48 84 78 58

43 c 71 s 48 sh 39 c 45 r 58 pc 38 sh 38 pc 67 s 68 pc 42 s

Kuwait City London Madrid Mexico City Montreal Moscow New Delhi Paris Rome Stockholm Tokyo

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

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F r i d ay, d e c e m b e r 19, 2025

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PL AYOFF

T U L A N E A T O L E M I S S • 2 : 3 0 P. M . S A T U R D A y • T N T

TAKE

TWO

OVERTIME PELS

Pelicans-Rockets ended after this edition went to press. For complete coverage, visit theadvocate.com 1cN

Fuaga’s struggles fit in with draft class peers year 2 hasn’t gone as planned for Saints tackle

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

Taliese Fuaga hasn’t had the season he wanted.

Moved from left to right tackle, the New Orleans Saints offensive lineman went into the year trying to readjust to the position he previously played in college. But that change has been the least of his concerns.

These days, Fuaga has spent more time focused on his health. First, there was a knee injury — followed by a back flare-up that caused him to miss Week 3. ä Jets at Later in the year, he suffered Saints NOON a high-ankle sprain that kept him out for two contests, only SUNDAy, FOX to return and then roll the other foot and sit out again for another outing. He’s missed four games total.

“The injuries, that’s something obviously he didn’t have last year and it’s tough for him,” offensive line coach Brendan Nugent said. “But man, when he’s in there, it’s a difference in there.”

To Nugent’s point, the Saints’ offensive line still greatly benefits when Fuaga is on the field. But even then, Fuaga has looked less than 100% throughout the season — which explains why he hasn’t taken the jump many expected after a promising rookie year.

ä See SAINTS, page 6C

Saints OT Taliese Fuaga

Ole Miss running back Damien Taylor, right, runs the ball as Tulane linebacker TJ Smith follows in pursuit during the second half of a game on Sept. 20 in Oxford, Miss. AP PHOTO By VASHA HUNT

STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Keys to a Tulane turnaround in CFP rematch with Ole Miss

BY GUERRY SMITH Contributing writer

As bad as Tulane played at Ole Miss in September, the line of scrimmage was not a mismatch on either side of the ball.

The Green Wave rushed for 178 yards while allowing zero sacks. It limited Kewan Lacy, who became the SEC’s second-leading rusher, to 68 yards on 18 carries with a long gain of 12.

The problems in the 45-10 loss came overwhelmingly on the perimeter, giving the Wave more hope for the College Football Playoff rematch against the Rebels (2:30 p.m., TNT) than if it had been dominated up front.

“I used that in our meeting today,” coach Jon Sumrall said after Thursday morning’s practice at Yulman Stadium. “I showed them seven or eight clips from the game that were good for us.”

He then challenged the guys on the perimeter to play better. When the teams met in September, four of the five secondary members were less than a month into their

first year as starters after Micah Robinson, Johnathan Edwards and Caleb Ransaw graduated to the NFL, Jalen Geiger exhausted his eligibility and Rayshawn Pleasant transferred to Auburn.

The receivers were in entirely new roles, too, with Mario Williams, Dontae Fleming, Yulkeith Brown and tight end Alex Bauman (transferred to Miami) accounting for 146 catches, 2,311 yards and 18 touchdowns in their final seasons compared to 16 receptions, 235 yards and two scores from the returning players.

Combine that fact with a transfer quarterback, Jake Retzlaff, who had been on campus for less than two months, and the blueprint for a bludgeoning was there.

“It was their fourth start,” Sumrall said. I told them this week will be your 14th start. They are 10 games more mature. I’m not saying it answers all the issues we had in Game 1, but those guys were trying to figure out how to play still.”

ä See TULANE, page 3C

UL assistant coach Kyle Caskey.

Southern is also expected to hire Florida State graduate assistant Ben Miles, the son of former LSU head coach Les Miles, as its tight ends coach, according to a CBS Sports report.

Both Johnson and Lyght have connections to Faulk during either his college or NFL playing career. Johnson, 64, successfully recruited Faulk, a Pro Football Hall of Fame running back, to San Diego State (1991-93) as the wide receivers coach.

Lyght, 56, was an NFL defensive back and played with Faulk on the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams 1991-2000. His time with the team overlapped with Faulk’s starting in 1996. They won Super Bowl XXXIV together with the Rams during

Santa’s sleigh is full of LSU-related football news this week.

Let’s go up tempo and get right to it: n The coaches and staffers flying back and forth between LSU and Ole Miss are nothing short of remarkable. It started, of course, with Lane Kiffin coming to Baton Rouge, along with much of his offensive staff and general manager Billy Glasscock.

Now former LSU GM Austin Thomas is heading back to Ole Miss, and apparently, LSU interim/running backs Scott coach Frank Wilson as well, Rabalais after the Tigers’ Texas Bowl appearance Dec. 27 against Houston. Wilson is a popular ä Texas coach, especially in his naBowl LSU tive New Orleans, where he vs: Houston is a near deity among high 8:30 P.M. school coaches. He coached DEC. 27, ESPN under Kiffin at Tennessee in 2009, but LSU’s new head coach appears eager to bring Ole Miss running backs coach Kevin Smith with him after Smith finishes helping coach the Rebels in the College Football Playoff. I have mixed feelings about Wilson’s departure. One, his reputation as a stellar

ä See SOUTHERN, page 4C

ä See RABALAIS, page 4C

Faulk adding familiar faces to Southern coaching staff

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

Southern has made multiple additions to Marshall Faulk’s coaching staff for the 2026 football season.

A university official confirmed the first-year coach is expected to hire former Tulane head coach Curtis Johnson as the team’s general manager and exNFL star Todd Lyght as the defensive coordinator.

On the Southern University board meeting agenda for Thursday, it stated STAFF FILE PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER that Johnson will be the offensive coordinator. The listed salaries show that Tulane coach Curtis Johnson reacts to call Johnson will earn $150,000 and Lyght during a game against SMU on Oct. 13, $125,000.

2012, at the Superdome. Johnson will join At that meeting, Faulk called Johnson the Southern staff as the team’s general his assistant head coach and said the team’s offensive coordinator would be manager.

Sifting through a sleigh full of LSU news

2C ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS On TV MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 4 p.m.

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Villanova vs. Wisconsin FOX 8:30 p.m. Abilene Christian at ByU TNT 8:30 p.m. Cal Poly at UCLA BTN 10:30 p.m.Washington at Seattle U. ESPN2

COLLEGE FOOTBALL 10 a.m. Kennesaw St. vs. W. Michigan ESPN 1:30 p.m. Memphis vs. NC State ESPN 7 p.m.

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Knicks coach wants schedule change

BY MICHAEL MAROT AP sportswriter

INDIANAPOLIS — New York Knicks coach Mike Brown believes that while there are benefits to winning the NBA Cup, league officials should address the posttournament scheduling in the future.

The first-year coach rattled off the grueling stretch the Knicks now face after beating San Antonio 124-113 on Tuesday night in Las Vegas. The eight-day run that features five games in three different cities is capped by a noon tip at home Christmas Day against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“Basically, I’ve been here for a week praising the NBA. The Cup is fun and first class and all that other staff,” Brown said before Thursday’s game at Indiana. “But somehow, some way they need to take a look at the back end of the schedule — at least for anybody who’s in the final game — because it’s almost like you getting penalized for winning it, sched-

AP PHOTO By IAN MAULE

New york Knicks head coach Mike Brown watches his team play against the San Antonio Spurs during an NBA Cup championship game Tuesday in Las Vegas.

ule wise.”

Brown detailed what it meant for the Knicks — immediately flying to Indiana, then head-

ing home for games Friday against Philadelphia and Sunday against Miami. Then the Knicks are off to Minnesota for Tuesday’s game before Thursday’s matinee.

It’s not just the schedule causing issues for the Knicks, though.

In the first matchup between last season’s Eastern Conference finalists, both teams were short-handed.

Four injured players will continue to sit out for the Pacers — guards Tyrese Haliburton and Ben Sheppard along with forwards Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin. New York, meanwhile, will play without centers Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson as well as guards Josh Hart, Deuce McBride and Landry Shamet.

All nine are out with injuries.

Plus, Brown acknowledged he didn’t follow his minutes limitations sheet as closely as he normally does during the most recent Cup games because he

wanted to win the championship. Now, he plans to revert to his more traditional regularseason philosophy.

“Now we’re back to our regular-season games, so minutes will go down to what I think they should be at for the rest of the season,” Brown said. “So I’ll go back to watching guys’ minutes more carefully, which is going to give other guys an opportunity.”

As for the Knicks’ decision not to hang a banner, Brown called it an “organizational” decision.

But he certainly thinks there’s value to earning the title of Cup champs.

“What I did tell them was exactly what I just said, ‘Hey, heck of a month. Cherish this. We can talk about this for the rest of our lives, we can talk about this with our grandkids,’ ” Brown said.

“But there’s more to this season.

This is a taste of what we can do. We can’t afford to get comfortable because of winning it.

We’ve got to go back to work.”

LSU’s physicality is key to competitive play

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

Southeastern Conference play in January is quickly approaching for coach Matt McMahon’s group.

LSU (9-1) most recently played the two toughest opponents of its nonconference slate. It lost 82-58 to No. 19 Texas at a neutral site in Texas on December 7 and then enjoyed an 89-77 victory against SMU, a top-45 team on KenPom, on December 13 at the Smoothie King Center.

After five consecutive games away from Baton Rouge, LSU is back at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for its next contest against Southeastern Louisiana at 7:30 p.m. Friday. With a 10-game sample size against varying competition levels, here are the three items to know.

LSU’s strength is size This team’s biggest collective change compared to last season’s is vastly improved size and physicality. Even with Jalen Reed’s seasonending left Achilles tendon injury, McMahon still plays four frontcourt players with size, experience and the ability to physically overwhelm opponents.

At the same point last season, when LSU coincidentally lost to SMU by 10 points in the 10th game, the Tigers played three forwards — two were freshmen and the other a redshirt junior who weighed 200 pounds.

ä Southeastern at LSU. 7 P.M.

FRIDAy, ESPN.

LSU’s smallest forward is 6-foot7, 206-pound Pablo Tamba, who arguably is the team’s best all-around athlete and plays as hard as any forward the team will see in the SEC. The UC Davis graduate student transfer proved that against SMU with 14 points, 10 rebounds and three steals.

Along with junior Mike Nwoko, fifth-year senior Marquel Sutton and sophomore Robert Miller, LSU has bigs with the motors and bulk it needed last season.

True floor general Dedan Thomas has been everything LSU was hoping for when it acquired him in the transfer portal. The 20-year-old from UNLV is averaging 15.3 points and leading the SEC with 6.9 assists to only 1.6 turnovers per game.

More than the boxscore can show is the way he pressures defenses off the dribble. When he slashes, he makes smart decisions and makes scoring easier for those he shares the court with.

McMahon gave the highest praise he could to his point guard.

“I love his mentality, I love his ability to make everyone around him better,” the fourth-year coach said. “I said it from Day 1, I mean, I love getting to coach DJ Thomas.

He’s a terrific player, and I think you’ll just see him keep getting

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Louisiana State Tigers coaching staff, Tigers center Michael Nwoko, center left, guard Rashad King, center right, and guard Jalen Reece, right, react to a play against the Southern Methodist University Mustangs during a game at the Smoothie King Center on Saturday. better.”

Less 3-point shooting LSU differs from most SEC teams in how little it relies on production from the 3-point line.

The Tigers are last in the conference in makes from beyond the arc (6.7) and second-to-last in attempts (20.5).

This is a tradeoff LSU accepts, as it has more rim finishers and a point guard who attacks the basket often. McMahon also has his

team mainly attempting catchand-shoot 3s instead of pull-ups.

Outsourcing opponents in the paint and trying to get to the freethrow line is central to the team’s winning formula. McMahon said he still wants the requisite level of marksmanship from outside the arc to keep up with high-octane offenses. Shooting guard Max Mackinnon and small forward Sutton are the heavy-minute players most tasked with that responsibility, making 35 of LSU’s 61 3s.

Bucks’ Antetokounmpo says focus is his health

BY STEVE MEGARGEE AP sportswriter

MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo said Thursday he’s focused on getting healthy and helping the Milwaukee Bucks turn their season around, not on rumors about his future plans.

Antetokounmpo spoke to reporters for the first time since a Dec. 3 ESPN report indicated that he and his agent, Alex Saratsis, were talking with Bucks officials about whether he’s best suited to stay in Milwaukee or get traded. Antetokounmpo strained his right calf in a victory over the Detroit Pistons that night and hasn’t played since.

“There’s going to be conversations that are going to be made between (my agent) and the Bucks, and him and his other players, and him and other teams and other GMs, executives around the league,” Antetokounmpo said during the 24-minute media session. “I’m still locked in, locked in on my teammates. Most importantly, locked in on me getting back healthy.”

The speculation regarding Antetokounmpo’s future has picked up as the Bucks have struggled through the last month. Milwaukee carried an 11-16 record into its Thursday night game against the Toronto Raptors. That included a 2-8 mark in games Antetokounmpo hadn’t played.

Antetokounmpo missed four games with a left adductor strain last month and hurt his calf in his fourth game back from that injury. Antetokounmpo, who turned 31 on Dec. 6, believes his rapid return from the adductor issue may have led to the calf problem.

“Maybe it was a mistake of me coming back a little bit earlier, because once I come back, now you’re overcompensating,” Antetokounmpo said. “The only way you can pop your soleus is by overcompensating and then having an extreme amount of load or play a lot of games in a short period of time.”

This is a critical season for the Bucks because of all the concerns about Antetokounmpo’s future.

ESPN reported before the sea-

son that the Bucks and New York Knicks engaged in trade talks regarding Antetokounmpo in August but never gained traction on a potential deal. Antetokounmpo spoke to reporters one day later and said he’s “locked in” with the Bucks but acknowledged the possibility he could eventually change his mind.

The idea that Antetokounmpo could request a trade has been the talk of the NBA ever since.

“This is the most I’ve been ever talked about in my career,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m in my house with my kids and all that and I’m opening the TV and it’s like, ‘Oh, Giannis is going to the Memphis Grizzlies,’ or ‘Giannis is going to the Detroit Pistons.’ Which, hey man, I’m not going to lie, I’m the hottest chick in the game right now. No, I’m joking.”

Antetokounmpo said all this conjecture about his future is tough on his family and on the team. Antetokounmpo said he’s had informal conversations with his teammates to offer encouragement and reassurance.

“I think I’ve had the conversation with the coach about it. I think I’ve had the conversation with individual players about it.

I’ve been approached by teammates and asked about the rumors because it also might affect their own life and their own career. I’m straight with them, whatever that answer might be.”

When he spoke to reporters about his future back in October, Antetokounmpo expressed hope he wouldn’t have to address the issue for the rest of the season.

Now he says he understands the topic is going to keep coming up because “when people see cracks, they see opportunity to get in through those cracks.”

But the nine-time All-NBA forward said he’s not thinking about that issue. He’s more concerned with returning to the floor and getting the Bucks to start winning consistently again.

“At the end of the day we’re fighting for our lives,” Antetokounmpo said. “Like, we’ve got to win a game. So, rumors won’t help us win a game.”

Kilambi joins Nationals as General Manager

WASHINGTON — Ani Kilambi joined the Nationals as their new general manager on Thursday, making the 31-year-old who had been with the Philadelphia Phillies the latest young face to join president of baseball operations Paul Toboni in Washington.

Kilambi has been an assistant general manager for the Phillies, working with that club since 2021.

Before that, he was with the Tampa Bay Rays for more than five years.

Kilambi takes over a job that was held for more than a decade and a half by Mike Rizzo, who became the GM in Washington in 2009 and added the title of president of baseball operations in 2013. Rizzo was fired in July during the Nationals’ sixth consecutive losing season. Manager Dave Martinez also was fired then.

Kentucky adds Leftwich, Price to coaching staff

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky coach Will Stein announced two more coaching staff hires on Thursday, including bringing another person with him from Oregon.

Stein said Cutter Leftwich will be Kentucky’s offensive line coach and Joe Price III the wide receivers coach. Leftwich currently is Oregon’s assistant offensive line coach and run game coordinator. Stein already hired Pat Biondo from Oregon as general manager.

Both Stein, Oregon’s offensive coordinator, and Leftwich will be coaching Saturday night when the Ducks host James Madison in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Price currently is helping the Roadrunners prepare for the First Responder Bowl on Dec. 26 in Dallas.

Timberwolves plan to retire Garnett’s jersey

MINNEAPOLIS — Kevin Garnett will finally have his No. 21 formally retired by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves announced on Thursday they’ve hired the Hall of Fame member and franchise icon as a team ambassador, with a plan to honor Garnett in a jersey-raising ceremony at Target Center on a future date.

The fifth pick in the 1995 draft, who played the first 12 of his 21 seasons in the NBA for Minnesota before returning in 2015 for a farewell year, has essentially been estranged.

“I’m thrilled to be back home,” Garnett said in a statement distributed by the Timberwolves.

Garnett won an NBA championship in 2008 with the Celtics, who retired his No. 5 jersey there in 2022.

Rams WR Nacua apologizes for gesture

Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua has apologized for performing a gesture that plays upon antisemitic tropes on an internet livestream.

“I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people,” Nacua said Thursday in an Instagram post. “I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”

The statement is posted on a blue square, the logo for the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate.

Nacua appeared on a livestream earlier in the week hosted by internet personality Adin Ross, who suggested that Nacua perform the gesture as a touchdown celebration.

McIlroy wins BBC award after victories in 2025

SALFORD, England — Rory McIlroy was voted as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Thursday, capping a year that saw him win the Masters to complete the career Grand Slam and then an away Ryder Cup with Team Europe.

The 36-year-old McIlroy won the public vote for the BBC prize ahead of England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup-winning star, Ellie Kildunne, and new Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris.

He is the first golfer to win the award since Nick Faldo in 1989 — the year McIlroy was born.

McIlroy came close to winning the accolade in 2014, losing out to F1 driver Lewis Hamilton despite capturing the British Open and PGA Championship titles that year.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ 3C

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Area prep basketball teams off to strong start

TULANE NOTEBOOK

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

The high school basketball season is well underway, and storylines have already emerged.

Here are three takeaways for Baton Rouge-area girls and boys prep basketball teams.

Top contenders in usual form Central and Zachary played in last year’s Division I boys non-select state title game.

The Broncos won it all 44-37.

Through the first few weeks, both sides have gotten off to hot starts in their long road back to the title game.

Central (7-0) has won six of its seven games by double figures, including a big 52-34 win over University High on Dec. 12.

In the Wildcats’ last game, Central defeated Walker 70-36.

Zachary (9-1) has won its last five games after a 53-46 loss to U-High on Dec. 3. The Broncos have won six games by double figPHOTO By PATRICK DENNIS ures this year.

Broncos junior guard Ian Edmond is aver- Central’s Jace Conrad goes up for a score as aging 20 points, three assists, 1.5 steals and Walker’s Nicholas Cornelius defends in the three rebounds to start the year. first half of their game Tuesday in Walker.

Another team to watch is Denham Springs (9-1). The Yellow Jackets fell to Central in the semi-finals of the Division I non-select group this would be their hardest year yet.

“Your target’s on your back the whole playoffs last year. Denham Springs lost its season opener to Independence, but has won time,” McClure said. “Even though you’re not the team that won it last year, everyone nine straight since. wants to come after you.”

Zachary girls look to reload She emphasized that the team has to bring The Broncos won the Division I girls non- their best every game, and through nine select title last year. Zachary lost several se- games, the Broncos have remained unblemniors, but with a new-look squad, the Bron- ished. cos haven’t missed a step.

The team features 12 freshmen and soph- Parkview Baptist off to strong start omores this year, but has still gotten off to The Eagles have risen up the power ratan 8-0 start. Zachary’s latest win came in ings to start the season. Through the first a 43-37 victory over Southern Lab (9-2) at few weeks, Parkview Baptist is No. 3 in the home.

Division II select power ratings.

The team does return McNeese State comParkview Baptist (7-3) has taken three mit Ava Raymond, who scored 12 points in losses to Class 5A schools in Central, East Ascension and Denham Springs. All seven the win over the Kittens.

“Besides Ava, we’re really young,” Bron- of the Eagles’ wins have come by double cos coach Tami McClure said. “It’s growing figures.

The Eagles took down West Feliciana 62pains right now for this group, but they love the competition, and they come to play ev- 38 in their last game. If the Eagles can keep their early-season form into the new year, ery day.”

Raymond said she had to adjust to being a then a higher seeding might help Parkview leader, but now, a few weeks into the season, Baptist make a deeper run in the playoffs, after being bounced in the second round last she feels accustomed to the role.

Coming off a state title, McClure told her year.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By VASHA HUNT

Tulane defensive linemen Santana Hopper pressures Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss during their game on Sept. 20 in Oxford, Miss.

TULANE

up in time against the Rebels, who rank 19th in plays per second — one spot behind Continued from page 1C North Texas, another Tulane victim.

Keeping up with SEC talent at that rapid rate is a more difficult task, of course. Ole Assuming Tulane closes the gap on the Miss punted once and scored eight times outside in the rematch, here is what else it on its first nine series.

“We just have to communicate better and needs to do to give itself a chance to pull a handle tempo better,” linebacker Sam Howmassive upset as a 171/ 2-point underdog. ard said. “They just got on us fast and we 1. Win on third down just didn’t make the plays we were supposed The Wave converted four of its first six to make. We have to get lined up with better third-down opportunities in September but communication.” had critical breakdowns. Dropped passes on third-and-6 and third-and-4 forced punts on 3. Tackle Chambliss the opening two series, and a false start on Chambliss’s 112 yards rushing in the first third-and-7 from the Rebels’ 14 led to a field meeting were an outlier — nearly double goal on the third. his total in any other game — but his speed From there, Tulane went two of eight the caused all kinds of problems for the Tulane rest of the way. defense. Linebacker Sam Howard sacked “We had a couple of things that we him once for a 1-yard loss. A front four missed and a couple things didn’t scheme that has improved substantially since then up right, so we have to be better on third came up empty. down,” offensive coordinator Joe CradThe Wave sacked North Texas’s Drew dock said. “We have to stay on the field Mestemaker four times in a span of three and keep the ball away from their offense possessions in the American championa little bit.” ship game. He was easy to bring down Conversely, Tulane’s defense could not get when the rushers reached him. Only two off the field. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad teams (Washington State, Florida) sacked Chambliss set the tone with a 42-yard run Chambliss more than once, and both were on the first third down he faced, setting up in the game until late in the fourth quarter. a touchdown pass on third-and-goal, and the “He’s a really good vertical scrambler,” Rebels finished seven of 11.

Sumrall said. “He’ll get on the perimeter “We had some chances to make plays to some, but when he climbs the pocket and gets end drives and just didn’t make them,” de- through the A and B gaps going north and fensive coordinator Greg Gasparato said. south fast is where he is glaringly different “When we watched the film, we said, man, than a lot of guys. We have our hands full with we had a lot of opportunities.” him.”

Winning the turnover battle and finishing 2. Handle the tempo drives in the red zone will be key, but those Since facing Ole Miss, Tulane has gone are vital in every matchup. The overriding against the first-, third- and fifth-fastest factor for Tulane is flipping the script from offenses in pace of play, beating Florida September in the passing game, when the Atlantic, Tulsa and East Carolina without Rebels threw for 307 to the Wave’s 104.

Without that, the rematch will not be wintoo many issues. That experience should help because the Wave struggled to line nable.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Tulane wide receiver Bryce Bohanon catches a pass and scores a touchdown against Army during the second half of a game on Oct. 18 at yulman Stadium

Tulane WR Bohanon upgraded to ‘questionable’

BY GUERRY SMITH Contributing writer

Injured redshirt senior wide receiver Bryce Bohanon, an inspirational leader for Tulane all season, could return to make an impact on the field in the College Football Playoff.

After Thursday’s practice in preparation for Saturday’s game at Ole Miss (2:30 p.m., TNT), coach Jon Sumrall said Bohanon would be upgraded from doubtful to questionable on the official availability report.

“He might play a little bit” Sumrall said. “It won’t be substantial, but the trainers and him will let me know what he might be able to do a couple of snaps up.”

Bohanon, who along with safety Bailey Despanie is one of two significant contributors remaining from Tulane’s 2-10 team in 2021, was enjoying a breakout season when he suffered a knee injury in practice before the Wave’s regular-season finale against Charlotte. His 31 catches were second on the team.

His first career touchdown grab on fourth down against Army, just past the two-minute timeout, was the Wave’s most significant play of the year.

Before this year, Bohanon had 24 career catches with a high of 10 last season.

Quarterback Jake Retzlaff handed off to Bohanon so he could take a knee on the final play of Tulane’s 3421 American Conference championship game victory against North Texas.

“Bryce is an unbelievable player and just an unbelievable human being,” Retzlaff said. “The effect he has on this team has made this team what it is. This is his last year and has grinded his tail off and is embedded in this team.”

Even if Bohanon’s role turns out to be minimal on Saturday, his presence will be felt.

Sumrall added he understands criticism of two Group of Five schools getting in the field — Sun Belt champion James will play at Oregon on Saturday night — but not Tulane.

“The way they set the rules up right now, it’s the highest five-ranked conference champions,” he said.

“Well, we beat Duke, so we should be in. The ACC Champ change champion didn’t beat us. We Increased success gener- beat them.” ates increased support, a reality that was made clear Uncertain future in one post on X from TuOle Miss senior quarterlane athletic director David back Trinidad Chambliss said Harris on Wednesday. this week he had not gotten With the Green Wave an answer from the NCAA getting ready for its first about an extra year of eliCollege Football Playoff gibility, but he demurred appearance, he wrote the about his next move if his athletic program received appeal was approved. $1.68 million in donations Stay at Ole Miss under from 519 donors between new coach Pete Golding?

Nov. 12 and Dec. 16, repre- Transfer to LSU to be resenting an 83% increase in united with Lane Kiffin? donors and a 373% increase “I’d have to consider what in dollars from the same the best situation is for me,” time period last year.

Chambliss said. “What I Considering that dramatic feel most comfortable with. rise, the $8.1 million Tulane Who I trust the most. Just will get in its CFP payout, get a feel for every possibilSumrall’s approximate $5 ity, really. There’s a lot that million buyout, according to goes into that.” sources and even Sumrall’s Chambliss, who has $100,000 donation to the thrown for 3,016 yards and Green Wave Talent Fund, the 18 touchdowns with only program is as flush with cash three interceptions after as it has ever been — win or transferring from Division lose against Ole Miss.

II Ferris State, is not considered a likely first-round Quick response NFL draft pick.

Sumrall clapped back immediately when he was Lagniappe asked on a video conferFormer Tulane coach ence with national report- Curtis Johnson, whose hiring ers about criticism of Tu- of Sumrall as co-defensive lane being included in the coordinator in 2012 began College Football Playoff for Sumrall’s love affair with a matchup against a team New Orleans and the Wave, will be the new offensive that had already beaten it.

“Alabama’s playing Okla- coordinator at Southern homa, right?” Sumrall under Marshall Faulk. It is asked. “I don’t hear any- Johnson’s first time every body whining about that, so as a coordinator. … Having let’s cut that out from the stayed in Tupelo, Missisjump.” sippi, before its September Alabama lost at home to meeting with the Rebels, Oklahoma, 23-21, on Nov. 15 Tulane will stick to Memand will play the Sooners in phis for the rematch after a rematch on Friday night flying there Friday afterin Norman, Oklahoma. noon.

“It’s just having that Bryce Bohanon mentality,” fellow wideout Shazz Preston said. “We all understand the mindset we have to have and just feed off the energy that Bryce had. He’s definitely keeping us in check still and is on our tail about film and being here on time.

It’s a plus having a guy like him in our room.”

YEARS

11 teams. 6 conferences. 1 state.

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RABALAIS

Continued from page 1C

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane breaks up the pass intended for Arkansas wide receiver Raylen Sharpe on Nov. 15 at Tiger Stadium. Delane was named unanimous All-American on Thursday.

LSU CB Delane becomes unanimous All-American

BY SCOTT RABALAIS Sportswriter

Mansoor Delane has joined one of the most exclusive clubs in LSU football history.

The senior cornerback was named Thursday as a first-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America.

The honor makes Delane just the 14th unanimous All-American at LSU, with first-team honors from all five major teams: Associated Press, Walter Camp, The Sporting News, American Football Coaches Association and FWAA. A total of 13 players nationally were named unanimous first-team All-Americans this season.

Only three other LSU defensive backs have been unanimous

All-Americans: Patrick Peterson (2010), Morris Claiborne (2011) and Grant Delpit (2018). The list also includes 1959 Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon and 2019 Heisman winner Joe Burrow but not 2023 Heisman recipient Jayden Daniels, illustrating the difficulty of attaining unanimous All-American status.

A transfer from Virginia Tech, Delane immediately made his presence felt on the LSU defense with an interception and three passes defended in the season opener at Clemson. Delane would go on to tally 45 tackles and lead the Southeastern Conference in passes defended (13) and passes broken up (11).

Delane started 11 games, playing most of the season with an

abdominal injury. Despite that, he was a lockdown corner, not allowing a passing touchdown and being targeted only 9.8% of the time. Opponents had a completion percentage of 37.1% on passes thrown in Delane’s direction. In 358 snaps, he allowed just 13 receptions for 147 yards and six first downs.

Delane helped LSU lead the SEC in pass efficiency defense. The Tigers were also the only unit in the conference to have more interceptions (17) than touchdowns allowed (10), the fewest surrendered by LSU since 2016 (nine).

LSU interim coach Frank Wilson said Delane will not play in the Texas Bowl. The Tigers take on the Houston Cougars at 8:15 p.m.

Dec. 27 at NRG Stadium in Houston.

LSU’S UNANIMOUS ALL-AMERICANS Year 1936 1958 1959 1961 1962 1987 2007

Player (Position) Gaynell Tinsley (End) Billy Cannon (Back) Billy Cannon (Back) Roy “Moonie” Winston (Linebacker) Jerry Stovall (Back) Nacho Albergamo (Center) Glenn Dorsey (Defensive line)

2010 2011 2018 2019 2019 2023 2025

Patrick Peterson (Defensive back) Morris Claiborne (Defensive back) Grant Delpit (Defensive back) Joe Burrow (Quarterback) Ja’Marr Chase (Wide receiver) Malik Nabers (Wide receiver) Mansoor Delane (Defensive back)

recruiter is well earned. That said, Kiffin, like any incoming coach, must be allowed to make his own decisions about who he wants on his staff. Did the fact that LSU’s only 1,000-yard rusher in Wilson’s past four seasons was quarterback Jayden Daniels play a part? Perhaps. Anyway, Wilson deserves to be lauded for his dedication to LSU, especially since being named interim coach after Brian Kelly’s firing in October, just as much as Kiffin deserves to be able to decide who he wants on his staff. n The latest two LSU players to declare for the transfer portal — offensive lineman Carius Curne and backup quarterback Colin Hurley — are the first two portal entries this season that really hurt the Tigers. Curne played a lot out of necessity as a freshman all across the LSU line in 2025 and stood a great chance to be a starter next season. Hurley never played a snap, but his departure hurts the Tigers’ depth as they currently have only one scholarship quarterback in Michael Van Buren.

Injured former starter Garrett Nussmeier was declared out of the Texas Bowl and is out of eligibility after this season. n LSU’s wafer-thin numbers at quarterback add extreme urgency to something we already knew: that Kiffin must land a quarterback once the transfer portal opens Jan. 2.

The Tigers really need two quarterbacks and could use three, because who knows if Van Buren will want to stick around after seeing who LSU gets in the portal. Remember also that LSU did not sign a high school quarterback during the early signing period earlier this month or in the 2024-25 recruiting cycle. n So who could Kiffin try to land in the January portal? Two potentially top names are current Ole Miss quarterbacks Trinidad Chambliss and the Rebels’ signal caller he “Wally Pipped” earlier this season, Austin Simmons.

Chambliss must win an appeal to get a year back from when he was at Division II Ferris State.

He said Monday he hoped to get an answer from the NCAA before Saturday’s CFP game against Tulane. Other big-name quarterbacks in the portal include Florida’s DJ Lagway, Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt, Brendan Sorsby of Cincinnati and Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola. There will be others. It seems impossible, given Kiffin’s reputation as a quarterback developer paired with LSU’s need and resources, that the Tigers won’t land a difference-maker in this cycle. Someone will want to come to Baton Rouge with visions of being LSU’s next Joe Burrow or Daniels. The question is whether Kiffin can land multiple QBs. n According to a report from The Athletic, a team source said

SOUTHERN

Continued from page 1C the 1999 season.

Johnson has been a college assistant coach at several schools, a position coach for the New Orleans Saints and was the head coach at Tulane from 2012-15. He was on staff when the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV during the 2009-10 season.

Lyght played in the NFL from 1991 to 2002, picking up 37 interceptions and four touchdowns. He began his coaching career in 2009 and held positions such as Vanderbilt’s cornerbacks coach in 2015.

He was also the defensive backs coach at Notre Dame, his alma mater, from 2015-19.

Southern’s new assistant coach finished 15-34 in his four seasons with Tulane. He led the Green Wave to their first bowl game in 11 years in 2013. Johnson was most recently a coach in the USFL, leading the Houston Gamblers/Roughnecks from 2023-24.

Johnson was born in New Orleans and grew up in St. Rose.

He attended St. Charles Catholic High School in LaPlace and played college football at Idaho.

He began his coaching career in 1984 as the wide receivers coach at Lewiston High School in Idaho, spending three seasons there before going to the college ranks.

He was the wide receivers coach at Idaho (1987-88), San Diego State University (1989-93), SMU (1994), California (1995) and Miami (1996-2005). He had two separate stints as the Saints’ wide receivers coach.

After Johnson’s firing from Tulane, he was the wide receivers coach for the Chicago Bears in 2016 and rejoined the Saints staff in 2017 as a senior offensive assistant. He also became

PHOTO By APRIL BUFFINGTON

New Southern football coach Marshall Faulk speaks at his introductory news conference on Dec. 1. Faulk is quickly putting together a coaching with familiar faces.

He was the fifth overall pick in the 1991 NFL draft and was selected by the Rams. He made the Pro Bowl and earned All-Pro honors in 1999.

Southern’s new offensive coordinator, Caskey, had been a senior offensive analyst for UL since 2024, following other stops as a college assistant and a 12-year tenAP FILE PHOTO By DONNA MCWILLIAM ure in different coaching roles in the NFL. The Daingerfield, Texas St. Louis Rams defensive back Todd Lyght, right, hoists the Vince native was also the running backs Lombardi trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning Super coach and special teams coordinaBowl XXIV on Jan. 30, 2002, in Atlanta. Lyght will join the Southern staff tor for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League. as defensive coordinator.

Caskey played football for two seasons at Texas A&M, starting the wide receivers coach in 2021 ships in 2009 and 2010.

His first college job was as Or- in 1997. His first coaching job before going to the USFL in 2023.

Faulk’s new defensive coordina- egon’s defensive secondary intern was as a defensive graduate astor also possesses high school, col- (2011-12). He moved on to the NFL sistant position at UL-Monroe lege and pro coaching experience. as the Philadelphia Eagles’ assis- (2004-06). He was an assistant Lyght, who was born in the tant defensive backs coach (2013- coach and recruiting coordinaKwajalein, Marshall Islands, and 14) and returned to the college tor at Indiana State (2006-09) and raised in Flint, Michigan, began level at Vanderbilt and then his was a defensive analyst at Ole Miss (2009-10). his coaching career as an assistant alma mater.

Caskey moved to the NFL Lyght was a two-time consenat Bishop Gorman High School in Nevada, helping that football team sus All-American player at Notre ranks, assuming an offensive quality control coaching position win back-to-back state champion- Dame in 1989 and 1990.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU interim coach Frank Wilson walks on the field during a game against Arkansas on Nov. 15 at Tiger Stadium. Wilson will join the Ole Miss coaching staff after coaching LSU in the Texas Bowl.

members of the Ole Miss player leadership council voted 9-3 to allow Kiffin and his offensive staff to coach the Rebels through their run in the College Football Playoff. If correct, this contradicts the notion that Ole Miss players were overwhelmingly against Kiffin coaching the team in the CFP. Certainly, there was no unanimous support for Kiffin within the Rebels’ ranks. But it now appears that if the decision were left up to the players and not the Ole Miss administration, Kiffin might well be coaching Saturday, something LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry said he supported. But that would have been a public relations boost for LSU, and that was something Ole Miss simply could not tolerate. n Junior linebacker Whit Weeks said recently on a podcast sponsored by local lawyer and LSU megabooster Gordon McKernan that he was torn about whether to return to the Tigers in 2026.

That’s certainly understandable.

Weeks was a preseason AllAmerican and figured he would be turning professional right now.

But injuries and reinjuries, starting with last season’s Texas Bowl, basically wrecked his plans. LSU seriously needs to retain Weeks as the centerpiece of its defense, and he should come back to boost his draft stock for next year. There is, of course, the risk of another injury, but the money high-profile college athletes like Weeks earn now mitigates a significant amount of that risk. n Found a great Kiffin story online as told by former Ole Miss and current New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart: “Let’s just say LK is different. Whether it’s him throwing up his hands for a touchdown before the ball is even snapped, or him chucking the clipboard when the ball is in the air … I remember against Alabama my first year (at Ole Miss) I’d just completed a back shoulder throw to Malik Heath. (Kiffin is) talking crap to the corner telling him, ‘We’re going to run the exact same play and we’re going to run it at you again.’ And we did it the next play. I threw it at him again.”

with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010. He was promoted to running backs coach in 2014 before joining the Detroit Lions as a running backs coach (2019-21).

He was an offensive analyst for LSU for four months in 2021.

Ben Miles was hired at Florida State in January of 2024 and worked with FSU’s offensive line.

This season was his second year with the team.

Miles was at Texas A&M, serving as a graduate assistant in 2022 and an analyst in 2023, previously. In those roles, he worked with the team’s offensive coaches on practice plans, game plans and analyzing film.

The son of the former LSU coach played at Texas A&M, redshirting in 2017 and playing one game in 2018. He moved on to Kansas, where he spent three seasons. He was an honorable mention All-Big 12 fullback in 2019 and a first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection in 2020.

Les Miles coached at LSU from 2005-16, winning the national title in 2007.

Southern’s previous defensive and offensive coordinators were Henry Miller and Mark Frederick, respectively. Miller joined in 2022 under coach Eric Dooley and Frederick joined coach Terrence Graves’ staff in 2024.

Frederick, who played at Southern, became the co-offensive coordinator with Fred McNair, who was elevated from quarterbacks coach. McNair held the title and assumed play-calling duties after three games before becoming interim coach when Terrence Graves was fired on Oct. 20.

Frederick had two earlier stints at Southern: wide receivers coach in 2017 and running backs coach (2006-09) and defensive line coach (2010). Miller also spent time previously with the program as the secondary coach from 2000-05.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ 5C

lll

WNBAPA authorizes negotiators to call for strike

BY DOUG FEINBERG

AP basketball writer

NEW YORK — WNBA players have authorized their union’s executive council to call a strike if necessary, the union announced Thursday as it continues to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the league.

The WNBPA and league have been negotiating a new agreement for the past few months, extending the deadline a couple of times with the latest one set to expire Jan. 9.

The move gives union negotiators another tool to use in talks.

“The players’ decision is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations with the WNBA and its teams,” the union said in a statement. “Time and again, the players’ thoughtful and reasonable approach has been met by the WNBA and its teams with a resistance to change and a recommitment to the draconian provisions that have unfairly restricted players for nearly

AP FILE PHOTO By ANGELINA KATSANIS

A fan holds a “Pay the Players” sign from the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association during a playoff game between the Phoenix Mercury and the New york Liberty on Sept. 17 in New york. three decades.”

The union said there was overwhelming support in the vote to allow the executive council to call for a strike when it sees fit. With 93% of players voting, 98% voted yes to authorize a strike if needed.

“The players’ vote is neither a

call for an immediate strike nor an intention to pursue one. Rather, it is an emphatic affirmation of the players’ confidence in their leadership,” the statement said.

A strike could delay the WNBA expansion draft and the beginning of free agency that usually starts in

late January. The season itself isn’t expected to begin until late April or early May. Players and owners have been meeting regularly to negotiate. Increased salaries and revenue sharing are two big areas that the sides aren’t close on.

The WNBA said in a statement it was aware of the players’ decision but “remains steadfast in its commitment to reaching an agreement as soon as possible and delivering a 30th season for the players, fans, teams, and partners.”

“While we acknowledge the players’ right to authorize a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s characterization of the current state of negotiations, which fundamentally misrepresents the ongoing discussions taking place at the bargaining table,” the league said. “It is difficult to understand claims that the league is resistant to change, particularly given that we are proposing numerous CBA modi-

fications including significant immediate salary increases and a new uncapped revenue-sharing model that would ensure continued salary growth tied to revenue growth.”

The league’s most recent offer would guarantee a maximum base salary of $1 million in 2026 that could reach $1.3 million through revenue sharing. That’s up from the current $249,000 and could grow to nearly $2 million over the life of the agreement, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The average salary in 2026 would be more than $530,000, up from its current $120,000, and grow to more than $770,000 over the life of the agreement. The minimum salary would grow from its current $67,000 to more than $250,000 in the first year, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the details were to remain private.

SCOREBOARD Odds College Football Friday

Myrtle Beach Bowl Conway, S.C. FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG W. Michigan 1½ 3½ (49½) Kenne. St Gasparilla Bowl Tampa, Fla. FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG NC State 1½ 4½ (58½) Memphis College Football Playoff First Round — Game 1 Norman, Okla.

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG Alabama 2½ 1½ (40½)Oklahoma

Saturday

College Football Playoff First Round — Game 2 College Station, Texas FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG Texas A&M 3½ 3½ (51½) Miami(FL) College Football Playoff First Round — Game 3 Oxford, Miss.

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG Ole Miss 16½ 17½ (56½) Tulane College Football Playoff First Round — Game 4 Eugene, Ore. FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG Oregon 20½ 21½ (49½)J. Madison

Monday

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Boise, Idaho FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG Utah State 1½ 2½ (52½) Wash. St

Tuesday

Boca Raton Bowl Boca Raton, Fla. FAVORITE OPEN Louisville 9½ New Orleans Bowl New Orleans FAVORITE OPEN W. Kentucky 3½ Frisco Bowl Frisco, Texas FAVORITE OPEN UNLV 3½

Wednesday

Hawai’i Bowl Honolulu FAVORITE OPEN Cal 1½

NBA

Belmont at BYU at S. MARY’S (CA) at CAL at UCLA at UCSD at LOYOLA MARY. Washington

NHL

1½ 34½ 13½ 26½ 26½ 14 9½ 7½

at UC IRVINE Abilene Christian Florida Atlantic Morgan State Cal Poly San Diego North Alabama at SEATTLE U

TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 4½ (55½) Sou. Miss

FAVORITE LINE at N.Y ISLANDERS -142 Carolina -124 at COLORADO -249 at UTAH -137 Dallas -111

UNDERDOG Vancouver at FLORIDA Winnipeg New Jersey at ANAHEIM

LINE +119 +104 +202 +115 -108

College basketball State men’s schedule Wednesday’s games

Nicholls 79, Houston Christian 64 Tulane 61, Louisiana Tech 53 South Alabama 96, UL-Monroe 92, OT

Thursday’s games

Southern Miss 62, UL 54 Grambling 80, Norfolk State 68

Friday’s games

Grambling vs. Hampton, at Atlanta, GA., 4 p.m.

Southeastern at LSU, 7 p.m.

Saturday’s games

SUNO at Northwestern State, TBA UL at UL-Monroe, 2 p.m.

Portland State at Tulane, 6:30 p.m.

Friday

O/U UNDERDOG (OFF) Philadelphia (OFF) Miami (OFF) San Antonio (242½) Chicago (OFF) Oklahoma City

COLLEGE BASKETBALL Friday

FAVORITE LINE at SACRED HEART 1 at NAVY 19½ at MILWAUKEE PK at PROVIDENCE 2½ at HIGH POINT 13½ at AKRON 16½ at FLORIDA STATE 40½ at DREXEL 5 Tulsa 1½ at LSU 23½ at WISCONSIN 4½ at TARLETON STATE 14 at BAYLOR 35½

UNDERDOG Dartmouth Coppin State South Dakota State Seton Hall La Salle Eastern Michigan Miss. Valley State Mount St. Mary’s at W. KENTUCKY SE Louisiana Villanova Florida A&M Alcorn State

.214

226

332

W 12 10 6 2

L 2 4 8 12

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .857 .714 .429 .143

PF 342 315 328 196

PA 261 284 268 363

W 9 6 4 2

L 5 7 10 12

T 0 1 0 0

Pct .643 .464 .286 .143

PF 320 407 291 300

PA 271 420 375 396

W 7 7 5 4

L 7 7 9 10

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .500 .500 .357 .286

PF 327 264 281 226

PA 354 317 341 332

T 0 1 0 0

Pct .714 .679 .571 .429

PF 365 348 428 289

PA 338 281 345 307

W L T x-L.A. Rams 11 3 0 Seattle 11 3 0 San Francisco 10 4 0 e-Arizona 3 11 0 e-eliminated from playoffs x-clinched playoff spot

Pct .786 .786 .714 .214

PF 420 405 344 302

PA 261 242 293 388

x-Denver L.A. Chargers e-Kansas City e-Las Vegas

NATIONAL CONFERENCE Philadelphia Dallas e-Washington e-N.Y. Giants South

Tampa Bay Carolina e-Atlanta e-New Orleans North

W 10 9 8 6

L 4 4 6 8

Saturday’s games

Pro basketball

NFL

NBA Conference glance

New England Buffalo e-Miami e-N.Y. Jets South

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Jacksonville Houston Indianapolis e-Tennessee North Pittsburgh Baltimore e-Cincinnati

W 11 10 6 3

L 3 4 8 11

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .786 .714 .429 .214

PF 382 411 296 276

PA 276 324 324 397

W 10 9 8 2

L 4 5 6 12

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .714 .643 .571 .143

PF 376 323 392 225

PA 292 228 303 394

W 8 7 4

L 6 7 10

T 0 0 0

Pct .571 .500 .286

PF 336 335 314

PA 326 320 437

Charlotte 133, Atlanta 126 New York 114, Indiana 113 Miami 106, Brooklyn 95 Oklahoma City 122, L.A. Clippers 101 San Antonio 119, Washington 94 Toronto 111, Milwaukee 105 New Orleans 133, Houston 128, OT Detroit at Dallas, n Golden State at Phoenix, n L.A. Lakers at Utah, n Orlando at Denver, n Sacramento at Portland, n

Detroit New York Toronto Boston Orlando Philadelphia Miami Cleveland Atlanta Chicago Milwaukee Charlotte Brooklyn Indiana Washington

W 21 19 17 15 15 14 15 15 15 11 11 9 7 6 4

L 5 7 11 11 11 11 12 13 13 15 17 18 19 21 21

WESTERN CONFERENCE

W 24 22 21 16 20 17 15 17 17 13 15 13 12 13 13 13

99 106 91 103 105 105 103 102

104 103 96 106 104 108 112 120

L OT Pts 2 7 55 7 5 49 9 5 47 6 10 42 12 2 42 12 6 40 10 9 39 14 3 37 16 3 37 15 8 34 16 2 32 15 6 32 13 6 30 16 4 30 17 4 30 17 3 29

GF 133 115 109 97 121 119 88 102 111 88 98 94 77 93 87 92

GA 77 90 89 92 112 119 90 113 106 125 100 105 98 115 103 112

Carolina at Florida, 7 p.m.

Vancouver at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m.

New Jersey at Utah, 9 p.m.

Winnipeg at Colorado, 9 p.m.

Dallas at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

Transactions BASEBALL

Conway, S.C. Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Tampa, Fla. Memphis vs N.C. State, 1:30 p.m. (ESPN)

College Football Playoff

First Round No. 11 Alabama (10-3) at No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2), 7 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)

Pro hockey NHL Conference glance EASTERN CONFERENCE W 22 19 19 19 17 18 20 18

GP 33 34 35 32 34 35 34 34 36 36 33 34 31 33 34 33

39 38 38 37 36 35 34 34

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1 2 4 9 4 5 4 6

Friday’s games

Friday’s games Myrtle Beach Bowl

GP 33 34 34 35 33 34 35 34

Colorado Dallas Minnesota Vegas Anaheim Edmonton Los Angeles San Jose Utah St. Louis Winnipeg Chicago Seattle Nashville Calgary Vancouver

14 13 15 10 13 13 14 14

Washington 4, Toronto 0 Ottawa 4, Pittsburgh 0 Montreal 4, Chicago 1 Edmonton 3, Boston 1 Minnesota 5, Columbus 2 Los Angeles 2, Tampa Bay 1 Buffalo 5, Philadelphia 3 N.Y. Rangers 2, St. Louis 1, OT Seattle at Calgary, n Dallas at San Jose, n

Xbox Bowl Frisco, Texas Arkansas State vs. Missouri State, n

Carolina Washington N.Y. Islanders Detroit Philadelphia Montreal Boston Tampa Bay

19 18 17 14 16 15 15 14

Thursday’s games

Thursday’s game

GB — 2 5 6 6 6½ 6½ 7 7 10 11 12½ 14 15½ 16½

34 33 36 33 33 33 33 34

Florida 3, Los Angeles 2 Utah 4, Detroit 1 St. Louis 1, Winnipeg 0 Carolina 4, Nashville 1 New Jersey 2, Vegas 1, SO

Gasparilla Bowl

Pct .808 .731 .607 .577 .577 .560 .556 .536 .536 .423 .393 .333 .269 .222 .160

New Jersey Florida N.Y. Rangers Pittsburgh Ottawa Toronto Buffalo Columbus

Wednesday’s games

Cure Bowl Orlando, Fla. Old Dominion 24, South Florida 10 68 Ventures Bowl Mobile, Alabama Delaware 20, UL 13

San Francisco at Indianapolis, 7:15 p.m.

Pro football East

Thursday’s games

Wednesday’s game

Monday’s game

AMERICAN CONFERENCE

Chicago 127. Cleveland 111 Memphis at Minnesota, n

College football

Buffalo at Cleveland, noon Cincinnati at Miami, noon Kansas City at Tennessee, noon L.A. Chargers at Dallas, noon Minnesota at N.Y. Giants, noon N.Y. Jets at New Orleans, noon Tampa Bay at Carolina, noon Atlanta at Arizona, 3:05 p.m.

Jacksonville at Denver, 3:05 p.m.

Las Vegas at Houston, 3:25 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Detroit, 3:25 p.m.

New England at Baltimore, 7:20 p.m.

Delaware State at Tulane, noon UL-Monroe at Texas State, noon UL at Southern Miss, 1 p.m.

Memphis at Southeastern, 1 p.m.

Central Baptist at Louisiana Tech, 2 p.m.

GB — 5 5½ 6 7 8 10½ 12 12 14 14½ 15 18½ 19 20

Philadelphia at Washington, 4 p.m.

Green Bay at Chicago, 7:20 p.m.

Sunday’s games

UIW 79, UNO 68 Nicholls 70, Houston Christian 47 Baylor 77, Southern 60

Wednesday’s games

Pct .926 .760 .731 .720 .696 .630 .538 .481 .481 .400 .385 .370 .231 .222 .185

L.A. Rams at Seattle, n

Saturday’s games

Arkansas State 79, UL-Monroe 58 Rice 71, Grambling State 47 Alabama 81, Tulane 52 Texas State 62, UL 55 Louisiana Tech 70, Central Arkansas 55 Northwestern State at Texas, n

L 2 6 7 7 7 10 12 14 14 15 16 17 20 21 22

Miami at Boston, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia at New York, 7 p.m.

Chicago at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

San Antonio at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Minnesota, 9:30 p.m.

Thursday’s game

Wednesday’s games

W Oklahoma City 25 Denver 19 San Antonio 19 L.A. Lakers 18 Houston 16 Minnesota 17 Phoenix 14 Golden State 13 Memphis 13 Utah 10 Portland 10 Dallas 10 Sacramento 6 L.A. Clippers 6 New Orleans 5

Friday’s games

Pittsburgh 28, Miami 15

None scheduled.

FAVORITE LINE at NEW YORK OFF at BOSTON OFF at ATLANTA OFF at CLEVELAND 8½ at MINNESOTA OFF

0

Monday’s game

Friday’s games

TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 1½ (54½) Hawaii

11

Chicago Green Bay Detroit e-Minnesota West

Thursday’s games

TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 4½ (62½) Ohio

3

East

Friday

State women’s schedule

TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 7½ (44½) Toledo

e-Cleveland West

L OT Pts 9 2 46 11 4 42 12 3 41 13 3 41 10 6 40 12 4 40 15 0 40 13 3 39

GF GA 112 91 110 88 102 96 108 115 99 94 110 118 114 109 107 90

Major League Baseball American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Acquired OF Tristan Peters from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

TEXAS RANGERS — Agreed to terms with INF Jonah Bride, INF Andrew Velazquez, RHP Gavin Collyer, LHP Anthony Veneziano, C Jose Herrera, UTL Tyler Wade, and C Cooper Johnson on minor league contracts.

National League CINCINNATI REDS — Agreed to terms with LHP Caleb Ferguson on a 1-year contract.

MIAMI MARLINS — Agreed to terms with INF Christopher Morel on a one-year contract.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES — Agreed to terms with RHP MT Morrissey on a minor league contract.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Hired Anirudh Kilambi as general manager.

FOOTBALL

National Football League CAROLINA PANTHERS — Signed OLB Jamil Muhammad to the practice squad.

THURSDAY’S FAIR GROUNDS RESULTS Also Ran: American Vision, Boy Boy, Byword.

Race Time: 1:43.35 Daily Double (4-3) $6.70; Exacta (3-2) $6.80; Superfecta (3-2-5-1) $8.53; Trifecta (3-2-5) $17.95; Pic 3 (1-4-3) $10.10

POST TIME: 12:45 PM Track Condition: fast

First Race — Purse $14,000, Claiming $5,000, 3 yo’s & up, Six Furlongs

1-Madame Markievicz (Hernandez C.) $5.60 $2.60 $2.10 2-Menty B (Curtis B.) $2.20 $2.10 3-Little Bit O Storm (Pedroza, Jr. M.) $2.10 Also Ran: Slim Causeway, Maylen.

Race Time: 1:12.53 Exacta (1-2) $4.60; Superfecta (1-2-3-4) $1.16; Trifecta (1-2-3) $3.25

Second Race — Purse $20,000, Claiming $25,000, 3 yo’s & up, One Mile

4-Becky’sgottahaveit (Hernandez C.) $6.00 $3.00 $2.40 2-Factor of Time (Murrill M.) $4.60 $3.00 3-Ostrica (Loveberry J.) $9.00 Also Ran: Snazzy Gal, Back Street Baby, Vanna G, Sweet Thirteen, Mallory Unbridled, Moneyforwednesday.

Late Scratches: Delightful Halo Race Time: 1:38.20 Daily Double (1-4) $8.20; Exacta (4-2) $10.60; Superfecta (4-2-3-8) $46.81; Trifecta (4-2-3) $48.95

Third Race — Purse $18,000, Claiming $15,000, 3 yo’s & up, One Mile Seventy Yards

3-C Mac Da Boss (Lopez P.) $4.80 $2.80 $2.40 2-Sand Cast (Concepcion A.) $3.60 $2.80 5-No Take Backs (Murrill M.) $4.80

Fourth Race — Purse $54,000, Maiden special weight, 2 yo, One Mile

6-Mischievous Cindy (Murrill M.) $12.80 $6.40 $2.80 7-Clearly My Star (Castillo I.) $11.60 $5.20 3-Fade to Gold (Ortiz J.) $2.10 Also Ran: C C Fanta C, It’s Just Simple, Cookie Brookie, Lost Art, Oldfashlovesong, Oh Baby.

Late Scratches: Miss Super Mo Race Time: 1:38.39 Daily Double (3-6) $18.00; Exacta (6-7) $61.30; Superfecta (6-7-3-4) $41.50; Trifecta (6-7-3) $57.45; Pic 3 (4-3-6) $21.35

Fifth Race — Purse $54,000, Maiden special weight, 3 yo’s & up, Six Furlongs

7-Mister Banderas (Ortiz J.) $2.40 $2.10 $2.10 3-Remi (Pedroza, Jr. M.) $4.00 $2.80 4-Shot Gun Shack (Concepcion A.) $2.60 Also Ran: Jus Surprise Me, Alwaysfreaky, Humor Me Boy, Such a Pickle, First Samaritan.

Race Time: 1:10.06 Daily Double (6-7) $8.90; Exacta (7-3) $6.30; Superfecta (7-3-4-2) $4.83; Trifecta (7-3-4) $6.85; Pic 3 (3-6-7) $13.80; Pic 4 (4/9-3-6-7) $32.90; Pic 5 (1-4/9-3-6-7) $119.95

Sixth Race — Purse $22,000, Maiden Claiming $30,000, 2 yo, One Mile

9-Clearly Authentic (Ortiz J.) $9.40 $4.00 $2.80 6-Cloudy Lass (Loveberry J.) $3.40 $2.60 10-Truly an Honor (Curtis B.) $2.60 Also Ran: Birkin Elegance, Danzig’s Dora, Improve Position, Amazing Lady, Tia Lupe, Gatsby’sgreenlight, Flower Girl.

Late Scratches: Plantain, Honor Azteca, Lady Blast Race Time: 1:38.07 Daily Double (7-9) $5.50; Exacta (9-6) $15.90; Superfecta (9-6-10-2) $108.37; Trifecta (9-6-10) $29.15; Pic 3 (6-7-9) $22.15 Claimed: Truly an Honor ($30,000.00, Owner: Winners Circle Partners XII, Trainer: Joe Sharp)

Seventh Race — Purse $56,000, AOC $50,000, 3 yo’s & up, Six Furlongs

6-Built (Loveberry J.) $6.60 $3.60 $2.40 3-Save the Trees (Lopez P.) $3.40 $2.40 7-Honky Tonk Highway (Concepcion A.) $3.60 Also Ran: Island Cruiser, Brodeur, Cultivate, Carambaso.

Race Time: 1:09.50 Daily Double (9-6) $13.50; Exacta (6-3) $9.40; Superfecta (6-3-7-4) $9.52; Trifecta (6-3-7) $19.80; Pic 3 (7-9-6) $8.40

Eighth Race — Purse $56,000, AOC $50,000, 3 yo’s & up, Five And A Half Furlongs 8-Petcoff (Curtis B.) $13.60 $7.80 $4.40

12-That’s Right (Lopez P.) $6.20 $4.80 2-Monsieur Candy (Loveberry J.) $4.20 Also Ran: Warheart, Vacation Dance, Go Captain, Mister Mmmmm, News At Nine, Covey (GB).

Late Scratches: Baxley, Fit to Fly, Higgins Boat Race Time: 1:02.58 Daily Double (6-8) $19.70; Exacta (8-12) $61.00; Superfecta (8-12-2-7) $172.45; Trifecta (8-12-2) $176.40; Pic 3 (9-6-8) $54.85

Ninth Race — Purse $56,000, AOC $20,000, 3 yo’s & up, Six Furlongs

1-Smash It (Curtis B.) $10.80 $6.00 $2.40 2-Dapper Moon (Hernandez, Jr. B.) $5.00 $2.40 5-Voila Magic (Lopez P.) $2.10 Also Ran: Sounds Like Power, Speightful One, Avery’s Gem, Late September, Sono, Pop’s Peppysteper.

Late Scratches: Myglorybee, Young Tuscan Race Time: 1:10.55 Daily Double (8-1) $51.80; Exacta (1-2) $20.80; Superfecta (1-2-5-8) $9.44; Trifecta (1-2-5) $13.10; Consolation Double (8-4) $6.80; Pic 3 (6-8-1) $47.60; (6-8-4) $9.35; Pic 4 (9-6-8-1) $236.50; Pic 5 (7-9-6-8-1) $428.55; Pic 6 (6-7-96-8-1) $1,349.68 Claimed: Sounds Like Power ($20,000.00, Owner: Darrin Dares, Trainer: Randy Degeyter, Jr.) Attendance: Handle: $0

FRIDAY’S FAIR GROUNDS ENTRIES Post Time:12:45PM

First Race, $19,000, Claiming $15,000, 3 yo’s & up Six Furlongs 01 02 03 04 05 06 07

Indian Cat Big Salt Lick Concentration Upturned Brim American City Bernin Tune Sawyer Fox

(J Ortiz119 (P Lopez121 (E Nieves124 (M Pedroza, Jr.121 (C McMahon119 (B Curtis121 (J Loveberry121

Second Race, $54,000, Maiden special weight, 2 yo Five And A Half Furlongs

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

Joey D Antiphon Dirty Straight Up Parole Drama Thebabeslayer Lil Henry Code of Parapluie Dr. My Eyes Vitruvius

(B Curtis120 (I Castillo120 (A Concepcion120 (C McMahon120 (J Ortiz120 (E Nieves120 (C Hernandez120 (M Pedroza, Jr.120 (P Lopez120

4-1 7-2 6-1 6-1 3-1 9-2 6-1

6-1 6-1 8-1 20-1 2-1 30-1 8-1 8-1 4-1

Third Race, $14,000, Maiden Claiming $10,000, 3 yo’s & up Six Furlongs 01 02

Jayjayjay Runner Runner

(P Lopez122 (D Magnon124

4-1 15-1

03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

Beach Trippin Ocean Voyager Bayou Time Charlie Gamer Custom Spark Louisiana Star My Man Brandon Taurean

(C McMahon122 (J Riquelme124 (J Rodriguez122 (C Hernandez122 (M Murrill122 (E Murray122 (B Curtis122 (M Pedroza, Jr.124

12-1 10-1 9-2 10-1 6-1 10-1 7-2 12-1

05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12

Visionista Chapellete Lady Star Clearsugar Clearly Creeps Run Bambi Run Diva Beach Starsnmotion

(D Cannon121 (H Rea116 (P Lopez121 (C McMahon118 (E Nieves121 (J Loveberry121 (A Concepcion118 (I Castillo121

12-1 15-1 4-1 12-1 12-1 12-1 7-2 10-1

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

Beach Invasion Mister O Too Cold At Home Cajun Swagger Purple Heart Pakula Daredevil Doug El Maximo Lunar Mine

(P Lopez122 (I Castillo124 (J Mudd117 (J Riquelme122 (J Graham122 (J Loveberry122 (M Murrill122 (T Albert122 (J Ortiz122

8-1 7-2 20-1 12-1 3-1 9-2 6-1 12-1 6-1

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

Carthage Cajun All West Master Game Daryl’s Bolt Proven Hope Impeccability Regimental Soul Coaxing Crimson Storm Overanalytical

(D Cannon120 (C McMahon120 (J Ortiz120 (P Lopez123 (I Castillo123 (S Vives120 (M Murrill120 (M Pedroza, Jr.120 (J Rodriguez120 (H Rea115

15-1 5-1 6-1 6-1 7-2 15-1 20-1 4-1 8-1 10-1

01 02 03 04

Birdie Call Awree Grace Hazel Deroutante

(D Magnon121 (M Pedroza, Jr.121 (B Curtis121 (M Murrill121

8-1 6-1 6-1 20-1

01 02 03

Belle of Liberty P. O. S. H. Posh Veracious

(B Curtis120 (J Graham120 (J Ortiz120

8-1 10-1 5-1

Fourth Race, $15,000, Maiden Claiming $12,500, 3 yo’s & up Six Furlongs

Fifth Race, $55,000, AOC $12,500, 3 yo’s & up, F & M (fillies and mares) One Mile

Sixth Race, $15,000, Claiming $5,000, 3 yo’s & up One And One Sixteenth Miles

Seventh Race, $30,000, Maiden optional claiming $50,000, 2 yo, F (fillies) Five And A Half Furlongs

04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11

Pam’s Friend Mo Town Renee Happy Keira Auntie Vodka Alrosa Constructively Look At Me Nah Vienna Waits

(M Murrill120 (E Murray120 (I Castillo120 (J Loveberry120 (A Concepcion120 (P Lopez120 (D Cannon120 (D Magnon120

10-1 8-1 20-1 7-2 15-1 9-2 6-1 20-1

Eighth Race, $14,000, Maiden Claiming $10,000, 3 yo’s & up, F & M (fillies and mares) Six Furlongs

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14

Wosiemaks Meg’s Ladybug Expect a Guitar Mary Claire Charlie Brahms Naykesh Mom’s Hands Global Value Francesnfriends Platinum Midnight El Tintineos Southern Love Kisses for Cooper Vickie’s Halo

(M Pedroza, Jr.122 (T Albert124 (H Rea117 (S Vives122 (J Rodriguez122 (E Murray124 (J Riquelme122 (J Mudd117 (C McMahon124 (D Magnon122 (A Concepcion122 (C Meche117 (T Albert122 (E Nieves122

7-2 10-1 12-1 6-1 12-1 12-1 5-1 15-1 9-2 8-1 15-1 20-1 6-1 10-1

6C ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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SAINTS NOTEBOOK

Saints to sign kicker Smyth to active roster

BY LUKE JOHNSON AND ZACH EWING Staff writers

Charlie Smyth made the decision easy for the New Orleans Saints.

Head coach Kellen Moore said Wednesday that the team will sign Smyth to the active roster at some point this week — an obvious conclusion after Smyth’s 47-yard game-winner in the closing seconds last week against the Carolina Panthers.

“He earned the right to keep kicking for us,” special teams coordinator Phil Galiano said.

In three games, Smyth has made four of his five field goal attempts, with a long of 56, and each of his five extra points. His lone miss came from 48 yards in a driving rain in Tampa.

While he hasn’t been officially signed to the active roster yet, when it happens, it will represent a significant step in Smyth’s career.

He’s spent his entire time with the Saints to this point on the practice squad — something that has been made possible because of the roster exemption the Saints have received because of Smyth’s status as an international player.

The Saints elevated Smyth from the practice squad for each of the last three games — necessitating the decision to sign him to the active roster, because he is now out of elevation options.

Had Smyth not been successful during that three-game stretch, the Saints could have easily saved the active roster spot by choosing to elevate fellow practice squad kicker Cade York for the final three games instead. But Smyth made that option a non-starter with his play, and the Saints released York from the practice squad Thursday.

Smyth became the first Saints kicker to make a go-ahead field goal in the final 10 seconds of regulation or in overtime since Wil Lutz made a 35-yarder against the Chicago Bears to clinch an overtime win in the 2020 season.

The native Irishman entered the NFL through the International Player Pathway, which opened its ranks to specialists before the 2024 season. Smyth is the second kicker to come from Ireland through the IPP to kick in a game, joining Jude McAtamney, and the first to make the

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C But he’s not alone.

Remember how vaunted the 2024 NFL draft was at tackle? That was the year that tied a league record with eight tackles — including Fuaga — taken in the first round. But now, many of those eight are having a year they might want to forget.

That doesn’t mean the class is — or will be — a letdown, either. It just goes to show that growth isn’t always linear in the NFL, and that sometimes an off-year can also be instrumental in shaping a player’s development.

“It’s a good experience just to understand how to handle these situations,” Fuaga said. “When this stuff happens — at first, when I got injured, I’m like, ‘Man, it’s the end of the world. This is horrible.’ But I think it’s a good way to understand how to handle these situations.”

“It’s an up-and-down year,” he said later.

Here’s a further look at that tackle class and how Year 2 hasn’t gone as planned for many of them.

Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers: The fifth pick in 2024, Alt has emerged as one of the league’s best — when

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By BUTCH DILL

Saints kicker Charlie Smyth kicks a field goal during the second half of a game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome. leap directly from Ireland without American college experience.

“It’s a great story,” Galiano said.

“We just want him to keep going and executing. … I’m excited for him, and I want him to keep making kicks. It’s good for everybody.”

Neal to IR

for 11 yards on three carries and had three receptions for 39 yards against Carolina.

The Saints also have Evan Hull available at running back, and on Wednesday they signed veteran Nyheim Hines to the practice squad for depth.

Transactions

The Saints have placed rookie running back Devin Neal on injured reserve with a hamstring injury he suffered during Sunday’s victory over the Carolina Panthers.

The move will end Neal’s season.

With Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller already sidelined with knee injuries, Neal had taken over as the Saints’ primary running back for the past three weeks. He finishes his rookie season with 206 yards on 57 carries for 3.6 yards per carry and two touchdowns. He also caught 17 passes for 104 yards receiving.

Neal’s final carry was his second touchdown, a 4-yard scoring run in the second quarter against the Panthers. Afterward, he went to the locker room with the hamstring injury and did not return to the game. Coach Kellen Moore ruled him out for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets after Wednesday’s practice.

With Miller and Neal both out for the season and Kamara yet to return to practice, Audric Estimé figures to be New Orleans’ starting running back against the Jets. He ran

With Devaughn Vele already ruled out because of a shoulder injury, the Saints signed Kevin Austin to the active roster and added another big-bodied receiver to the practice squad to help make up for his absence.

Austin had spent time on the active roster already this season, but he made his biggest impact as a pass catcher last week after Vele’s injury, catching three passes for 33 yards with a long of 18.

Elijah Cooks took Austin’s spot on the practice squad. The 6-foot-4 Cooks last played for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, appearing in two games without a target. He spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this season, but did not play in a game.

In 11 career games, all with the Jaguars, he caught three passes for 38 yards.

New Orleans also made the signing of running back Hines official.

To make room for Hines on the practice squad, the Saints terminated York’s contract.

healthy. Unfortunately for him and the Chargers, Alt required seasonending ankle surgery after reinjuring the sprain that limited him to just six games.

J.C. Latham, Tennessee Titans: Like Fuaga, Latham played left tackle as a rookie, but was then moved to right tackle in the offseason. Latham, the seventh overall pick, has also missed four games and has allowed a league-high eight sacks in 2025.

Olu Fashanu, New York Jets: Fashanu was heavily linked to the Saints in the pre-draft process, but the Jets — this week’s opponent for New Orleans — snatched him up with the 11th overall pick, three spots ahead of New Orleans. According to Next Gen Stats, Fashanu has allowed a pressure rate of 14.4% this season, third-highest among left tackles with at least 150 snaps.

Taliese Fuaga, New Orleans Saints: Pro Football Focus grades aren’t everything — and are highly subjective — but, interestingly, Fuaga’s pass-blocking grade of 62.2 is exactly the same as it was as a rookie. The charting service has him giving up pressure on 6.8% of his pass-blocking snaps, which ranks fourth among the eight first-round tackles taken.

Amarius Mims, Cincinnati Bengals: Considered one of the rawest pros-

pects with an intriguing amount of upside, the 6-foot-7, 340-pound Mims is finding his stride. His pressure rate, according to Pro Football Focus, has improved from 6.4% to 5.9% in 2025. The Bengals picked him 18th overall last year.

Troy Fautanu, Pittsburgh Steelers: Though some draft analysts questioned whether he was better suited for guard, Fautanu is showing that he can be a quality NFL tackle. Despite missing all but one game of his rookie season, the former No. 21 overall pick has given up only one sack in 14 games this year. He’s been solid.

Jordan Morgan, Green Bay Packers: Drafted 25th overall, Morgan was moved to guard this season after losing a competition to start at left tackle in training camp.

Though he has started nine games in 2025 — including one at right tackle — he was benched in Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings and hasn’t played since.

Tyler Guyton, Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have a great track record of hitting on offensive linemen in the draft, but the jury is out on whether Guyton can meet that high standard. He’s had a shaky season with a 8.1% pressure rate allowed and four games missed due to injury.

Richardson cleared to practice, but Colts plan to keep Rivers as starter

BY MICHAEL MAROT AP sportswriter

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson returned to practice Thursday, marking the first time in two months he’s taken snaps.

He’s still not ready to challenge 44-year-old Philip Rivers for the starting job.

Coach Shane Steichen said Richardson’s fractured orbital bone has healed sufficiently enough for him to be cleared for practice but that he would not be activated before Monday night’s crucial game against the San Francisco 49ers and it’s still unclear whether Richardson will be activated before the end of this season.

“He has some vision limitations in his eye, but we’re going to get him back on the practice field, get him throwing, doing some scout team,” Steichen said. “So it’s something that he’s going to have to manage.”

Steichen said earlier this week that the Colts didn’t sign Rivers to sit on the bench.

Richardson has been on injured reserve since mid-October when he was injured in a freak locker room accident while stretching with a band as part of his pregame warmup routine. The Colts (8-6) now have 21 days to activate Richardson or to shut him down for the rest of the season.

The Colts took Richardson with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft because of his tantalizing size, arm strength and mobility.

But injuries have limited Richardson to just 15 starts and 17 total appearances out of 48 possible games. He made only four starts as a rookie before needing

season-ending surgery on his throwing shoulder. He missed six games in 2024 with back and hip injuries and dislocated his pinkie during a preseason game this year before losing the quarterback battle to Daniel Jones.

Richardson hasn’t just struggled to stay on the field.

He’s also had trouble with accuracy. His completion percentage, 47.7%, in 2024 was the lowest of any starter in the NFL. And in three seasons, he’s compiled an 8-7 record, a completion percentage of 50.6% with 11 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. So Richardson is eager for a fresh start — even if it doesn’t come till next season.

“I feel normal, able to see, able to drive, walk around, not bump into anything so I feel normal,” said Richardson, who plans to continue wearing a visor underneath his face mask. “Sitting at home, it’s not fun. It’s really boring not being in the building as much when it first happened, not being around my teammates, not being able to go to the stadium and all that was really boring. But I thank God for being able to go out there and practice.”

Yet Rivers will continue to start after coming out of retirement last week when Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon and backup quarterback Riley Leonard, a rookie, arrived at the team complex with an injured right knee.

Rivers joined Indy’s practice squad last Tuesday and five days later was taking his first snaps in an NFL game in nearly five years.

He nearly led the Colts to a comefrom-behind victory at Seattle but the Seahawks kicked a late field goal to hand Indy its fourth consecutive loss, 18-16.

NFL players not worried about dry needling despite LB Watt’s collapsed lung

BY JAY COHEN AP sportswriter

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride heard about what happened to Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt — and McBride plans to continue his weekly dry-needling sessions.

“It’s something I do frequently.

I’ve never had an issue like that,” he said. “But with every treatment, everything that you get done, I mean, there’s risk to everything.”

Dry needling is a treatment used by physical therapists and acupuncturists to treat pain and movement issues, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The medical professionals insert needles under the skin to target trigger points — knotted or tender areas — in muscles.

“I think there is some of that classic acupuncture muscle tension effect,” said Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman, who has the treatment five to 10 times per year. “I’ve always used that in terms of soft tissue-type issues.”

The risk that goes along with dry needling — at least in certain areas — caught many off guard last week when Watt was sent to the hospital with a partially collapsed lung sustained during the procedure. The 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is out indefinitely after having surgery.

Dry needling gives relief Dry needling is often part of

a larger pain management plan, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The treatment is designed to alleviate tightness and tender areas in muscles by increasing blood flow to the area. It also can spark the release of endorphins that help with the pain.

The treatment is called dry needling because the thin needles don’t have any medication.

“It just releases tight muscles,” New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke said. “Obviously you have some fascial tension, so it helps release some of the fascia, too. It can kind of give you like a targeted trigger-point release where massage might not be able to get the muscle to release or different stretching techniques might not. Sometimes you stick a needle deep into that area, and it just gets it to relax.”

Two of the most common techniques are superficial — when the practitioner inserts the needle into the bottom layer of skin above the trigger point — and deep — when the needle is inserted deep into the muscle to penetrate the trigger point. There is also the pistoning technique, when the practitioner quickly moves the needle up and down through the tissue.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dry needling is approved for use in 37 states and Washington, D.C. Training and certification can vary by state. Pennsylvania does not explicitly allow or ban the practice.

For All Your Outdoor Needs 8630 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 | 225-766-1200 | www.bowieoutfitters.com Store hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm Saturday, 9am-7pm

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

‘RODRIGUE’ RESPITE

Cangelosi Dance Project’s “Holiday Nutcracker” is at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Saturday at Brown-Holt Theatre, and Baton Rouge Ballet’s “The Nutcracker — A Tale from the Bayou” is at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the River Center Theatre for Performing Arts. cangelosidanceproject.com/ or batonrougeballet.org/.

Take a break from holiday shopping with a stop at downtown’s LSU Museum of Art in the Shaw Center for the Arts, where “A Bayou State of Mind,” highlighted by the exhibition “The Bayou Collection,” a series of 40 paintings by George Rodrigue, is on display through Jan. 4. lsumoa.org.

SWEET SEASONAL SOUNDS

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

The Baton Rouge Chorus of Sweet Adelines will present “Christmas Express: A Journey Through Time,” a holiday concert, at 6 p.m.

Saturday at the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium. Timeless Christmas favorites will blend with immersive, custom-designed visual projections on the planetarium dome.

BatonRougeChorus.org.

T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M

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F r i d ay, d e c e m b e r 19, 2025

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Morgan Wallen, ‘I’m the Problem’ PROVIDED PHOTO By CATHy SMART

A scene unfolds in a past production of Opéra Louisiane’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors.’

SZA, ‘Lana’

A holiday miracle

TRACK

Joshua Thomas joins Opéra Louisiane’s rich storytelling of special journey in ‘Amahl’

BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer

Joshua Thomas’ bass-baritone voice is as rich when he speaks as when he sings the part of Balthazar on stage.

He’ll be playing that character when Opéra Louisiane opens its Christmas production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” at 7:30 p.m.

Friday at the Manship Theatre.

The performance will mark the second time Thomas will sing the part of the Wise Man for Opéra Louisiane, which he likens to a homecoming.

“I went to LSU, and Opéra Louisiane was where I performed in my first opera,” he said. “I was a freshman, and I was in the chorus for the operetta ‘H.M.S. Pinafore.’”

Then came his Thomas sophomore year, when Thomas was cast in “Amahl” and eventually stepped into the role of Balthazar, one of the three Wise Men who stop for the night at the home of Amahl and his widowed mother.

The boy and his mom are poor, but they offer what little they have to these royally dressed men who say they’re being guided by a star to the birthplace of the newborn savior.

The opera is a one-act production

by Gian Carlo Menotti. It was commissioned by the NBC television network, where the NBC Opera Theatre premiered it on Dec. 24, 1951, in Studio 8H. Yes, the same Studio 8H, in New York’s Rockefeller Center, that’s been home to “Saturday Night Live” since 1975.

The main character of the live production back then was Amahl, a disabled boy who walks with the aid of a wooden crutch.

Madi Diaz, ‘Fatal Optimist’

Dijon, ‘Baby’

STARS

From Jensen McRae to Mariah Carey — the 25 best albums of 2025

BY MIKAEL WOOD

Los Angeles Times (TNS) LOS ANGELES — Piling on, stripping down, looking back, pushing ahead: Musicians found all sorts of uses for the album form this year, long after the jukebox in your pocket first threatened its existence. Here are the 25 LPs that held together the shards of my attention span in 2025. n 1. Jensen McRae,“I Don’t Know How but They Found Me!” The year’s sharpest pop songwriting

PROVIDED PHOTOS

came from an overachieving L.A. native who understands at 28 that romantic relationships don’t live — and certainly don’t die — between just two people. In chatty yet carefully measured tunes with nearly as many hooks as words, McRae illuminates the accumulated humiliations and misunderstandings against which every couple flails. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll wonder whether her ex’s sister had any luck with the baby. n 2. SZA,“Lana” The only dishonest thing about “Lana,” which arrived just before Christmas last

Bad Bunny, ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos’ year as 15 new songs slipped under the wrapping of 2022’s “SOS,” is that SZA says it’s not an album. n 3. Madi Diaz,“Fatal Optimist” Nothing to lose and nowhere to hide. n 4. Morgan Wallen,“I’m the Problem” It’s his party, and he’ll cry if he wants to. n 5. Dijon,“Baby” An album about new parenthood that feels like new parenthood. n 6. Bad Bunny,“Debí Tirar Más Fotos”

ä See ALBUMS, page 2D

ä See MIRACLE, page 2D

Randy Travis has 3 La. dates on next tour Bayou Chicot native to join him on stage

BY JUDY BERGERON Staff writer

PROVIDED PHOTO

Country Music Hall of Famer Randy Travis has recruited a Louisiana talent for his ‘More Life Tour.’

Country icon Randy Travis will bring his “More Life Tour” to Louisiana in late March and early April, and it will be a homecoming for his guest vocalist James Dupré.

The tour will stop in Monroe on March 26 for a 7:30 p.m. show at the WL Jack Howard Theatre; in

Baton Rouge on March 27 for a 7:30 p.m. concert at the Raising Cane’s River Center Theatre for Performing Arts; and April 18 also at 7:30 p.m. to play the Lake Charles Civic Center’s Rosa Hart Theatre.

Tr a v i s h a n d picked Bayou Chicot native Dupré to join him on the Dupré tour to sing all 16 of Travis’ No. 1 singles, including “On The Other Hand,” “For-

ever and Ever, Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.” Travis will engage with the audience and take part in the concerts in other ways, according to a news release.

A major stroke in 2013 left Travis, 66, with limited speech and vocal abilities, although he can and does sing short parts on the tour.

Through artificial intelligence technology, Travis’ baritone voice has been recreated and he’s released new music, including this year’s single “Horses in Heaven.”

Dupré, 41, rose in the music

world following appearances on YouTube, “Ellen” and “The Voice.” Now living in Nashville, Dupré, also a baritone, released his first EP, “Perfect Time,” and full-length album, “It’s All Happening” this year. He’ll also perform Dec. 28 at the Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge as part of the theatre’s “Home for the Holidays” show.

Sign up for presale tickets, starting at $62, at randytravis.com.

Email Judy Bergeron at jbergeron@theadvocate.com.

2D ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

Solving the mystery of linens that turn ‘battleship gray’ Dear Heloise: My mother alInstead of putting used ways complained her daughand damp dish towels into ter-in-law, Sally, did not know the laundry basket, he how to do laundry. Her dish would hang them up to dry. towels were always dingy.

The dried-out towel would Ma called them “battleship be used day after day. The gray.” This was 50 years ago. Hints from grime from day one would Heloise be compounded by mulNow, after a few decades of married life myself, I know tiday use until Sally had how this dull color came about. It enough laundry to fill the washer. was not Sally who caused the prob- No amount of bleach could cut through all those dried-out layers lem. It was my brother, Louie.

SHOWS TO WATCH — ACADIANA

of compounded grime. — Catherine R., in New Orleans Catherine, it could also be your water. If it has a heavy mineral content or your laundry soap is not strong enough to remove residue, it can cause a buildup that’s hard to eliminate over time. — Heloise

Bye-bye, fruit fly Dear Heloise: How do we get rid of those pesky tiny bugs that fly over

MIRACLE

‘AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS’

Continued from page 1D

PROVIDED PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK

Acadiana cover band Krossfyre takes the stage at Rock ’n’ Bowl in Lafayette at 9 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $12.

FRIDAY

LIVE MUSIC: Cane River Pecan Company Pie Bar, New Iberia, 5 p.m.

BLAKE LUQUETTE: Prejean’s, Broussard, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY NIGHT JAM: La Maison de Begnaud, Scott, 6 p.m.

JULIE WILLIAMS: Charley G’s Seafood Grill, Lafayette, 6 p.m.

MELISSA SINGS: Adopted Dog Brewing, Lafayette, 6 p.m.

RIVER SMOOTH DUO: Buck & Johnny’s, Breaux Bridge, 6:30 p.m.

THE TAILGATORS: Silver Slipper, Arnaudville, 7 p.m.

BAJAA JAZZ: Whiskey & Vine, Lafayette, 7 p.m.

CHÈRE ELISE CHRISTMAS SHOW: Hideaway on Lee, Lafayette, 8 p.m.

HAS BEANS: Artmosphere, Lafayette, 8 p.m.

MAS DONKEY: Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette, 8 p.m.

BOBBY DWYER & HONKY TONK NONC: Toby’s Lounge, Opelousas, 8:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

CJ VEDELL & THE ZYDECO GRAPHERS: Buck & Johnny’s, Breaux Bridge, 8 a.m.

CAJUN JAM: Moncus Park, Lafayette, 9 a.m.

CAJUN JAM: Tante Marie, Breaux Bridge, 11 a.m.

JAMMIN’ ON THE BAYOU: St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, Opelousas, 1 p.m.

CAJUN FRENCH MUSIC JAM: Vermilionville, Lafayette, 1 p.m.

CAJUN JAM SESSION: Touchet’s Bar, Maurice, 2 p.m.

DUSTIN DALE GASPARD: Prejean’s, Broussard, 6 p.m.

JULIE WILLIAMS: Charley G’s Seafood Grill, Lafayette, 6 p.m.

SUGAR JAM FEATURING PINK TRAILER BAND: Sugar Mill Pond, Youngsville, 6 p.m.

DAVID HENRY: Silver Slipper, Arnaudville, 7 p.m. ”THE CREOLE NUTCRACKER”: Heymann Center, Lafayette, 7 p.m.

CLOSE ENOUGH CHRISTMAS: Artmosphere, Lafayette, 8 p.m.

JULIAN PRIMEAUX: Hideaway on Lee, Lafayette, 8 p.m.

MSB’S HOLIDAY HONKY TONK SPECIAL: Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette, 8 p.m.

HIGH PERFORMANCE: La Poussiere, Breaux Bridge, 8 p.m.

GREGG MARTINEZ & DELTA KINGS: Toby’s Lounge, Opelousas, 8:30 p.m.

KROSSFYRE: Rock ’n’ Bowl, Lafayette, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY

GLENN ZERINGUE: Whiskey & Vine, Lafayette, 11 a.m.

LIVE MUSIC: Tante Marie, Breaux Bridge, 11 a.m.

LES FRERES MICHOT: Prejean’s, Carencro, 11:30 a.m.

LE BAL DU DIMANCHE — KEVIN HUVAL’S CAJUN/CREOLE DANCE BAND: Vermilionville, Lafayette, 1 p.m.

CAJUN JAM: Bayou Teche Brewing, Arnaudville, 2 p.m.

OPEN MIC NIGHT: Adopted Dog Brewing, Lafayette, 3 p.m.

ALONG THE RIVER ROAD: Warehouse 535, Lafayette, 6 p.m.

MICHALIS: Charley G’s Seafood Grill, Lafayette, 6 p.m.

CHILI DOG CHRISTMAS: Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette, 8 p.m.

MONDAY

PATRICIO LATINO SOLO: Cafe Habana City, Lafayette, 11 a.m.

SAM SPHAR: Charley G’s Seafood Grill, Lafayette, 6 p.m.

BLUEGRASS JAM: Cité des Arts, Lafayette, 6:30 p.m.

CARNELIAN + AMELIE CECIL: Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY

GROOVE ROOM: Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette, 6 p.m.

MICHALIS: Charley G’s Seafood Grill, Lafayette, 6 p.m.

PAUL TASSIN: Whiskey & Vine, Lafayette, 6 p.m.

TERRY HUVAL & FRIENDS: Prejean’s Restaurant, Lafayette, 6 p.m. ”MRS. DOUBTFIRE”: Heymann Center, Lafayette, 7:30 p.m.

His mother fears that he will become a beggar after her eventual death. That’s when she notices the bright star lighting up the sky. And the star brings the Magi, who, in turn, bring Amahl to the newborn Christ, where the boy witnesses a miracle.

Singer Thomas lives in Houston these days, where he not only grew up but now teaches at the University of Houston while working on his doctorate degree. In the spring, he’ll be singing the part of Sarastro in the university’s production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.”

“We’ve been rehearsing on the Manship Theatre stage (for ‘Amahl’), and tonight (Monday) we’ll be rehearsing in costumes,” he said. “I know the part, but a couple of days before coming here, I was reviewing the music, there were some things that I didn’t remember. I said, ‘Let me get this back in my brain.’”

But things seemed to click once

ALBUMS

Continued from page 1D After the adventure, the homecoming. n 7.Tobias Jesso Jr.,“Shine” A pop-star whisperer takes a moment to listen to himself. n 8. Parker McCollum,“Parker McCollum” Beware the Nashville authenticity play — and admit that sometimes it works. n 9. Gigi Perez,“At the Beach, In Every Life” Like an emo-folk snowglobe. n 10. Justin Bieber,“Swag” On which, having survived teenpop stardom, he flicks another ash out on the old patio. n 11. Geese,“Getting Killed” Rock is safe in the hands of the 25-and-unders.

Compiled by Marchaund Jones.

Want your venue’s music listed? Email info/photos to showstowatch@theadvocate. com. The deadline is noon FRIDAY for the following Friday’s paper.

An Opéra Louisiane presentation

7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday ● Manship Theatre, Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge ● $41.50-$61.50 ● operalouisiane. com ALSO: Hands-on family activities will take place in the lobby before each performance, where young guests can decorate their own star ornaments to take home.There also will be complimentary treats throughout the weekend, including cookies, hot chocolate and coffee. On Sunday, Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit patrons in the lobby.

breaks the water tension, killing the gnats.

Follow this by pouring some bleach down the kitchen drain pipes to kill any gnats hiding in there. Also, don’t leave fruit on the kitchen countertop. Gnats love to gather around these tasty treats.

— Heloise Send a hint to heloise@heloise. com.

“When you have an opportunity on stage to tell a story as special as this one, which has all these in intricacies in this journey from the beginning, where you meet this curious little kid that just doesn’t have much, to the climax of the mother trying to take the gold just to be able to feed her family, to Amahl’s giving up the one thing he has, to the story of a miracle unfolding. It’s just one of the most beautiful stories you could tell in opera. There’s just nothing like it,” Thomas said.

Meanwhile, he is enjoying his time in Baton Rouge in the days leading up to the performances.

“It feels so good to be back,” he said. “It’s been four years since I’ve been able to come back to Louisiana. I’ve been doing a lot of traveling and performing in other places, but coming back to Baton Rouge feels just like home. To come back as a professional singer and just seeing the old stomping grounds, it’s really a blessing to be back.”

he joined the cast in stage rehearsals. Thomas’ rich bass-baritone immediately brought Balthazar to life in a story that’s special to him.

“I’d say it’s special because of Email Robin Miller at romiller@ the story,” he said. theadvocate.com.

n 12.Alemeda,“But What the Hell Do I Know” Seriously. n 13. Sam Fender,“People Watching” A pint hoisted in the heartland. n 14. Lady Gaga,“Mayhem” The second (third?) life of a showgirl. n 15. Bon Iver,“Sable, Fable” “I could leave behind the snow/ For a land of palm and gold.” n 16. Sabrina Carpenter,“Man’s Best Friend” Every himbo has his day. n 17. CMAT,“Euro-Country” Hungry for love, hungry for sex, hungry for anything not cooked by Jamie Oliver. n 18. Haim,“I Quit” Lots of breakup albums seek comfort in certainty; Haim’s lives on the slippery surface of doubt. n 19. Lucy Dacus,“Forever Is a Feeling” Sensual or cerebral is a false dichotomy.

n 20. Summer Walker,“Finally Over It” A sculpted eyebrow arched in perpetuity. n 21. Lily Allen,“West End Girl” [Flush-faced emoji] n 22. Bruce Springsteen,“Streets of Philadelphia Sessions” From the Boss’ “Tracks II” trove of lost albums, a more vivid depiction of Bummed-Out Bruce than director Scott Cooper’s leaden “Deliver Me From Nowhere.” n 23. Zach Top,“Ain’t in It For My Health” Nashville’s friskiest traditionalist. n 24. Eddie Chacon,“Lay Low” Shimmering slow-mo psychedelia. n 25. Mariah Carey,“Here for It All” Crinkly ’70s soul, jumping slapbass gospel, a faithful cover of Wings’ wonderfully gloopy “My Love”: As its title promises, Carey’s 16th studio album opens its doors to a little bit of everything.

TODAY IN HISTORY

WEDNESDAY

”MRS. DOUBTFIRE”: Heymann Center, Lafayette, 1 p.m.

ALYSSA MCMURRAY: Charley G’s Seafood Grill, Lafayette, 6 p.m.

DONALD WRIGHT: Whiskey & Vine, Lafayette, 6 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC: Park Bistro, Lafayette, 6 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC: Tap Room, Youngsville, 6:30 p.m.

CAJUN JAM: Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette, 8 p.m.

our kitchen counter and around our faces? I thought cooler weather would take care of them, but they popped up again. I don’t want to use bug spray. — Cecelia P., in Kenosha, Wisconsin Cecelia, take some apple cider vinegar and dish soap, and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and poke holes in the cling wrap. The gnats will be attracted to the vinegar, but the soap

By The Associated Press Today is Friday, Dec. 19, the 353rd day of 2025. There are 12 days left in the year.

Today in history: On Dec. 19, 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives for perjury and obstruction of justice.

(He was subsequently acquitted by the Senate.)

Also on this date: In 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington led his army of more than 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to camp for the winter.

In 1907, 239 workers died in an explosion at the Darr coal mine near Van Meter, Pennsylvania.

In 1960, fire broke out on the hangar deck of the nearly completed aircraft carrier USS Constellation at the New York Naval Shipyard, killing 50 civilian workers.

In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, concluding the Apollo program of crewed lunar landings.

In 2008, citing imminent danger to the national economy, President George W. Bush ordered a $17.4 billion emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry.

In 2011, North Korea announced

the death two days earlier of leader Kim Jong Il; North Koreans marched by the thousands to mourn while state media proclaimed his youngest son, Kim Jong Un, as the nation’s new leader.

Today’s birthdays: Actor Tim Reid is 81. Singer Janie Fricke is 78. Actor Jennifer Beals is 62. Basketball Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis is 61. Olympic skiing gold medalist Alberto Tomba is 59. Actor Kristy Swanson is 56. Model Tyson Beckford is 55. Actor Alyssa Milano is 53. Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp is 53. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal is 45. Actor Annie Murphy is 39.

Journalist Ronan Farrow is 38.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ 3D

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AROUND BATON ROUGE

SHOWS TO WATCH — BATON ROUGE

FRIDAY

Baton Rouge bluesman Jonathon ‘Boogie’ Long is among artists on the bill for Baton Rouge Blues Society Christmas at 3 p.m. Sunday at Phil Brady’s. Neal Brothers Band, Chris LeBlanc Band and Troy Turner will perform. Admission and food are free.

A DULCIMER AND DRUMS HOLIDAY CONCERT: 10 a.m., Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch Library; 2 p.m., Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library; and 6 p.m., South Branch Library. Madam Dulcimer and Lady Chops with holiday music for the whole family. Registration may be required; call library location directly. ebrpl.com.

A NIGHT AT “THE NUTCRACKER”: 6 p.m., River Center Theatre for Performing Arts, 240 St. Louis St. For the first time, Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre is opening up its dress rehearsal for a one-of-a-kind fundraiser. An insiders’ perspective on the production, meet and greet with guest artists, and refreshments. batonrougeballet.org.

BUTTERR & FRIENDS: AN IMPROV COLLIDER SHOW: 7:30 p.m., Hartley/ Vey Studio Theatre, Manship Theatre, 100 Lafayette St. A night of off-the-cuff comedy. Rated R-ish. $14. manshiptheatre.org.

FILE PHOTO

By JOHN OUBRE

FRIDAY

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

BATON ROUGE ZYDECO VS. TOPEKA SCARECROWS (ICE HOCKEY): 7 p.m., Raising Cane’s River Center Arena, 275 S. River Road. $25. raisingcanesrivercenter.com.

FRIDAY-TUESDAY

LOUISIANA LIGHTS: half-hour start times between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., closes 10 p.m. Windrush Gardens, LSU Rural Life Museum, 4560 Essen Lane. Elaborate holiday display where you can wander through enchanting garden rooms illuminated with dazzling lights, where nature blends with artistry.

General admission, $24.76; kids 3 and younger, free. https://www.lsu. edu/rurallife/.

ZOO LIGHTS: 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. (admission gates close at 8 p.m.), Baton Rouge Zoo, 3000 Zoo Circle, Baker. Presented by Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health. Magical wonderland of twinkling lights and animal encounters. Adults/teens, $5; seniors, $4; Zoo members, $3 per person; children (2-12), $3; children (1 and younger), free. brec.org.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS: nightly, Baton Rouge General-Bluebonnet, 8785 Picardy Ave. Thousands of sparkling lights, festive music and a few surprises. Park in the Bluebonnet campus slots near display. Free.

COCA-COLA CHRISTMAS: A MONTH OF MAGIC: Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 S. River Road. An immersive, family-friendly celebration featuring larger-than-life Coca-Cola box displays and joyful programming each Saturday. lasm.org.

THE MERRIEST MILE: 6 p.m.-10 p.m., Livingston Parish Fairgrounds, 19869 Fairgrounds Road. Christmas light drive-through event synchronized to holiday music. $30 and up per vehicle.

SATURDAY

BATON ROUGE ARTS MARKET: 8 a.m.-noon, Fifth and Main streets, downtown. Vendors sell a variety of unique, original works of art including pottery, woodwork, textiles, glass, paintings, sculptures, photographs, handmade soaps, handmade toys, jewelry and more. artsbr.org.

RED STICK FARMERS MARKET: 8 a.m.-noon, Fifth and Main streets, downtown. Farm-fresh produce, goods, cooking demonstrations. breada.org.

A DULCIMER AND DRUMS HOLIDAY CONCERT: 10 a.m., Delmont Gardens Branch Library; 3 p.m., Carver Branch Library. Madam Dulcimer and Lady Chops with holiday music for the whole family. Registration may be required; call library location directly. ebrpl.com.

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 nighttime sky, followed by an all-ages show. lasm.org.

BOOKS AND MUSIC WITH KIDS ORCHESTRA: 11 a.m., Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library. Celebrating the holiday season with a “Nutcracker Suite” freeze dance, some very jingly bells and the book “The Boy Who Said Wow.” All ages.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Check out the work of ceramic artist Bill Moore of Treehouse Pottery at the bonus Baton Rouge Arts Market from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday at Fifth and Main streets in downtown Baton Rouge. It’s the last arts market before Christmas. ebrpl.com.

BOOK OR MOVIE: HOLIDAY EDITION: 2 p.m., Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch Library. Adults are invited to read the book, “A Christmas Carol,” then watch “Scrooged.”

Copies of the book available at the circulation desk and on Libby, the library reading app.

DONALDSONVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE: 5:30 p.m., beginning at Donaldsonville Fairgrounds, turning right on Marchand, and ending at Mississippi Street and Railroad Avenue.

SUNDAY

A DULCIMER AND DRUMS HOLIDAY CONCERT: 3 p.m., Main Library at Goodwood. Madam Dulcimer and Lady Chops with holiday music for the whole family. Registration may be required; call library location directly. ebrpl.com.

SUNDAY-WEDNESDAY

SKATING ON THE RIVER: times vary, Raising Cane’s River Center Arena, 275 S. River Road. Two-hour ice skating sessions; skate rental available. $28 and up. https://raisingcanesrivercenter.com/.

MONDAY

A DULCIMER AND DRUMS HOLIDAY CONCERT: 10 a.m., Baker Branch Library; 2 p.m., Zachary Branch Library; and 6 p.m., Jones Creek Regional Branch Library. Madam Dulcimer and Lady Chops with holiday music for the whole family.

Registration may be required; call library location directly. ebrpl.com.

TUESDAY

A DULCIMER AND DRUMS HOLIDAY CONCERT: 10 a.m., River Center Branch Library; and 3 p.m., Central Branch Library. Madam Dulcimer and Lady Chops with holiday music for the whole family. Registration may be required; call library location directly. ebrpl.com.

WILD KRATTS: A CREATURE CHRISTMAS: AN LPB & PBS KIDS PRESENTATION: 10:30 a.m., Manship Theatre, 100 Lafayette St. Louisiana Public Broadcasting and Films at Manship bring this one-hour special for kids.

Free. manshiptheatre.org.

“DR. SEUSS’ THE GRINCH” (2018): 2 p.m., Manship Theatre, 100 Lafayette St. A grumpy Grinch (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) plots to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville in this updated version of the animated classic. $11.50. manshiptheatre.org.

BATON ROUGE CHESS CLUB: 6 p.m.8 p.m., La Divina Italian Cafe, 3535 Perkins Road, Unit 360. A chance to play and 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.

“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” (1946): 7:30 p.m., Manship Theatre, 100 Lafayette St. A screening of Frank Capra’s beloved classic, including a dinner (at the Hilton) and a movie option, plus caroling by Opera Louisiane. $9.50, film only; $61.50, film and dinner. manshiptheatre.org.

CIRQUE MUSIC HOLIDAY WONDERLAND: 8 p.m., Raising Cane’s River Center Theatre for Performing Arts, 296 St. Louis St. World-class circus artistry, favorite holiday music, breathtaking acrobatics, soaring aerial performances in an all-new production. $60 and up. raisingcanesrivercenter.com.

ONGOING

ART GUILD OF LOUISIANA: Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd. “A Holiday Retrospective — AGL Member Show 2025,” through Jan. 8. (225) 773-8020 or artguildlouisiana.org.

BATON ROUGE GALLERY CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART: 1515 Dalrymple Drive. Exhibitions by Sarah House and Craig McCullen, through Sunday. batonrougegallery.org.

CAPITOL PARK MUSEUM: 660 N. Fourth St. “Billy Cannon: They Called Him Legend,” through Jan. 10.

“Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation,” “The Louisiana Experience: Discovering the Soul of America,” “African American History,” “Music and Musicians” and “Mardi Gras,” permanent exhibits.

(225) 342-5428 or louisianastatemuseum.org.

CARY SAURAGE COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER SHELL GALLERY: 233 St. Ferdinand St. “Continuum” by David Bruner, through Jan. 10. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. artsbr.org.

ELIZABETHAN GALLERY: 680 Jefferson Highway. Group show. Call (225) 924-6437 or follow the gallery’s Facebook page.

THE GALLERY AT MANSHIP: 100 Lafayette St. “A New Frame of Mind,” group exhibition that challenges the traditional role of the picture frame. through Jan. 31. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Compiled by Judy Bergeron.

Have an open-to-the-public event you’d like to promote?

Email details to red@ theadvocate.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. FRIDAY for the following Friday’s paper.

Tis the Season for Fresh Flowers

ll to Order Today Call Today!

(225) 383-8383

Located in Town Center and Denham Springs 7450 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge (Jefferson at Lobdell) 121 Bass Pro Blvd., Denham Springs

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STUART HADDAD: The Colonel’s Club, 5 p.m.

THOMAS CAIN: Crowne Plaza, 6 p.m.

ERIC BASKIN: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 6 p.m.

CONNOR UNDERWOOD: Stab’s Restaurant, 6 p.m.

ERIC STELLY: Agave Blue, Zachary, 6 p.m.

KENDALL SHAFFER: Galvez Seafood, Prairieville, 6 p.m.

JEFF BAJON PROJECT: BLDG 5, 6 p.m.

KEEPIN’ TIME BAND: T’Quilas, Zachary, 6 p.m.

KAITLYN WALLACE: Mi Padres, Dutchtown, 6 p.m.

RYAN LEBLANC: Court To Table, 6 p.m.

DANIEL BAILEY: Le Chien Brewing Co., Denham Springs, 6:30 p.m.

THE LEE SERIO BAND: T’Quilas, Denham Springs, 6:30 p.m.

THE LONGNECK SOCIETY: El Paso, Denham Springs, 6:30 p.m.

ACOUSTICRATS: The Brakes Bar, 7 p.m.

DIZZY: Bin 77, 7 p.m.

RHODES, MAURER & FRIENDS: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 7 p.m.

RHETT ANTHONY: 18 Steak at L’Auberge, 7 p.m.

CHRISTMAS JAZZ: Rally Cap Brewing Company, 7 p.m.

THE CHAMBER: Mid City Ballroom, 8 p.m.

KILEY MCDONNEL: The Colonel’s Club, 8 p.m.

GARRETT REMSON: Spanky’s, Prairieville, 8 p.m.

HENRY TURNER JR. & ALL-STARS: Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, 8 p.m.

2 DOMESTIC 1 IMPORT: O’Hara’s Irish Pub, 8 p.m.

TAYLOR NAUTA: Spanky’s, Dutchtown, 8 p.m.

WILL WESLEY: Riverbend Terrace II at L’Auberge, 8 p.m.

CHRIS LEBLANC: The Vineyard, 8 p.m.

CONNOR MARTIN: Court To Table, 8:30 p.m.

BEN RAGSDALE: Swamp Chicken Daiquiris, St. Amant, 9 p.m.

ANNA CLAIRE & BRADY GEORGE: Sandy’s Daiquiris, Port Allen, 9 p.m.

SPANK THE MONKEY: Coop’s on 621, Gonzales, 9 p.m.

RYAN FORET & FORET TRADITION: Southern Rhythm, Denham Springs, 9 p.m.

JOEY HOLAWAY & BO: Fat Cat Saloon, Prairieville, 9 p.m.

CORNER POCKET: Churchill’s, 9 p.m.

ISSY: The Edge Bar at L’Auberge, 9 p.m.

BRIAN RITTENHOUSE: Frozen Assets Daiquiris, Gonzales, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY

BRIAN & THE BANDITS: Classic Vinyls, 2 p.m.

RUSTY YATES: The Colonel’s Club, 5 p.m.

IAN WEBSTER DUO: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 5:30 p.m.

PAPO Y SON MANDAO: Pedros, Denham Springs, 6 p.m.

JIM PAYNE: Court To Table, 6 p.m.

ARNETT HAYES: Stab’s Restaurant, 6 p.m.

MIKE HOGAN: BLDG 5, 6 p.m.

TONI TERRY: T’Quilas, Denham Springs, 6 p.m.

MATT WILLIAMS: Rally Cap Brewing Company, 6 p.m.

ROCKIN’ ROUGE: T’Quilas, Zachary, 6 p.m.

DON POURCIAU & KONSPIRACY: Pedro’s-Siegen, 6 p.m.

DERRICK LEMON: Le Chien Brewing Co., Denham Springs, 6:30 p.m.

MELISSA SINGS: El Paso, Denham Springs, 6:30 p.m.

2 DOMESTIC 1 IMPORT: Curbside Burgers, 7 p.m.

JAY PARKER & CHARLES PIERCE: Bin 77, 7 p.m.

DIZZY: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 7 p.m.

THE LEE SERIO BAND: The Legacy, 7 p.m.

CAM PYLE: 18 Steak at L’Auberge, 7 p.m.

GRAND COUNTRY JUNCTION: Suma Crossing Theatre, Satsuma, 7 p.m.

T-BOY & JUST US: Coop’s on 621, Gonzales, 8 p.m.

MJ & THE REDEEMERS: Backstreet Lounge, 8 p.m.

BUBBA PLAUCHÉ: Riverbend Terrace II at L’Auberge, 8 p.m.

ACOUSTIC SATURDAY WITH THE LANDFORD 10: Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, 8 p.m.

JOEL COOPER & SCOTT JORDAN: Spanky’s, Dutchtown, 8 p.m.

COTEAU GROVE: Court To Table, 8:30 p.m.

ON TAP: Swamp Chicken Daiquiris, St. Amant, 9 p.m.

ANNA CLAIRE & BRADY GEORGE: The Vineyard, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY

ERIC BASKIN: Watermark Hotel, 10 a.m.

MIKE HOGAN: Galvez Seafood, Prairieville, 10:30 a.m.

JOVIN WEBB: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 11 a.m.

JUSTIN BURDETTE TRIO: Superior Grill MidCity, 11 a.m.

BATON ROUGE BLUES SOCIETY CHRISTMAS: Phil Brady’s, 3 p.m.

SONGWRITER SUNDAYS: La Divina Italian Cafe, 5 p.m.

GEORGE BELL AND FRIENDS: The Edge Bar at L’Auberge, 6:30 p.m.

OPEN MIC JAM: Fat Cat Saloon, Prairieville, 7 p.m.

MONDAY

CAM PYLE: Superior Grill-MidCity, 6 p.m.

MIKE ESNEAULT: Stab’s Restaurant, 6 p.m.

NICK PERKINS: El Paso, Denham Springs, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY

PERIQUE: BLDG 5, 5:30 p.m.

MIKE ESNEAULT: Stab’s Restaurant, 6 p.m.

KATIE KENNEY: Superior Grill-MidCity, 6 p.m.

EDDIE SMITH: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

JEFF BAJON PROJECT: Superior GrillMidCity, 6 p.m.

Compiled by Marchaund Jones.

Want your venue’s music listed? Email info/photos to showstowatch@theadvocate. com. The deadline is noon FRIDAY for the following Friday’s paper.

4D ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

FrAnK And erneSt

bIG nAte

zItS

lll

zodIAC sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Take the long route if it will help you perfect what you want to achieve. Time is on your side, making the journey worthwhile. Trust your ability to handle matters your way.

CAPRICoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Put your energy where it counts, and you will make headway. Going into a new year with a positive attitude and a plan in place will give you something to celebrate this festive season.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) A change will do you good. Visit a place that evokes fond memories, and consider how you can apply that feeling to strengthen relationships with the people you love.

PIsCEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Pursuing a change of scenery or participating in events with those who love and protect you will give you the time you need to rejuvenate and rethink how you want to move forward. Choose stability and consistency.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) An open mind and heart will help you fulfill your aspirations. Communication followed by action will lead to a realization that enables you to adopt lifestyle changes. tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Refuse to let what others choose to do confuse you.

Pick the lane that sparks your imagination and offers a crystal-clear message, guiding you in the most compatible direction.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Push forward with strength and courage. It's how you promote yourself with charm and

eloquence that will get people on board with your plans. Trust your instincts.

CAnCER (June 21-July 22) Take advantage of an opportunity to communicate with people who can help you advance.

Innovative input, combined with dedication and a disciplined approach to authenticity and staying up to date, will pay off.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Learn from experience and prepare to use work-related functions to make headway in your chosen field. Offer people intriguing information, and you'll make an impression that pays off.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Bypass situations that you cannot change. Distance yourself from drama and people with big egos trying to outmaneuver everyone they encounter. It's up to you to choose positive alternatives.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Exaggeration will lead to trouble. Communication can make or break a relationship. Don't make promises unless you plan to follow through immediately. Your best bet is to be fun, kind and informative. sCoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Get on the fast train, adjust on the fly and learn as you go. Look at the big picture and your long-term plans, and associate with people who can offer valuable introductions.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2025 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

For better or For WorSe WonderWord

peAnUtS

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY CeLebrItY CIpher Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

toDAy's CLuE: L EQuALs K

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ 5D

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CurTiS

Hi and LoiS

Sudoku InstructIons: Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers.

The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

BaBY BLueS

BLondie

THe wiZard oF id

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La TimeS CroSSword

6D ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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B.C.

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER Victor Mollo wrote humorous stories featuring his “menagerie” of bridge players. When he died in 1987, everyone assumed that would be that. However, many unpublished articles have been found among his papers. These have been put into a series of books. “The Hog Takes to Precision” came out in 2011, “Diamonds Are the Hog’s Best Friend” appeared in 2013, and others are available. All are published by Master Point Press.

The Rueful Rabbit is a poor player who always lands on his feet. This deal is a typical example. North has a problem over two no-trump. He might pass; or he could respond three clubs, Stayman, planning on either bidding four hearts if a 4-4 fit is disclosed, or settling for three no-trump and hoping the diamonds run.

In this auction, North-South had agreed to use transfer bids, but North forgot. So he assumed South’s three-heart rebid indicated length in that suit.

Against four hearts, West led the spade king (luckily not a trump). The Rueful Rabbit ruffed in the dummy, played a diamond to his ace, trumped another spade, returned to the diamond king, ruffed a third spade, and took two club tricks ending on the board.

After a brief pause, R.R. trumped a diamond with his heart jack. West had

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

to discard a spade. Then a fourth spade ruff was followed by another diamond.

With this coup en passant, East could not stop South from scoring his heart king.

Four hearts bid and made!

If you have never read any of these stories, start with the original book, “Bridge in the Menagerie.” © 2025 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

wuzzles Each Wuzzle is a word riddle which creates a disguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD = GOOD AFTERNOON

PiCKles

Previous answers:

mallard fillmore

word game InstRuCtIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3.

Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

toDAy’s WoRD — VACuousnEss: VAK-yoo-us-ness: Lacking content.

Bizarro

marmaduKe

Average mark 25 words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 40 or more words in VACUOUSNESS? yEstERDAy’s WoRD — ECCEntRIC enter entice entire erect erne cent center centric cite nice nicer

niece niter teen tern tier tine tire tree trice recent recite

rein rent retie rice rite inert inter

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “Chasten your son while there is hope, and let not your soul spare for his crying.” Proverbs 19:18

Consistent loving discipline is what every child needs. — G.E. Dean

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ 7D

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AREA 5 655 North St. Subsidized eff Apts cpabr.org 225-383-5551.

TDD/TTY /711RELAY

CAMPING GEAR Camp Tent 9x9 Dome, Canopy, Slp Bag, 2 Lant, 2 Burner Stv, 48qt Ice Chest & All Access. Retail for $375 selling for $275 225-610-8411 after 2:00pm

FIREWOOD Dry seasoned firewood (225) 5293133 $100-300 (225) 224-5651

FOOD PRODUCTS Fruitcake-Old Fashioned moist fruitcake made with lots nuts and fruits - 1lb $15.00 (225)933-5254

classifieds.theadvocate.com | 225-383-0111 IN THE PARISH OF: West Feliciana 170985-Dec 18-19, 2t $190

Announcements Anyone knowing the whereabouts of any heirs of Mary Jean Peeples contact Laura Tracy:(504)-275-6308.

170813-Dec 17-19, 3t $73 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of any heirs of Tangier Thompson contact Laura Tracy:(504)-275-6308 170853-12/17-18-19-3t $73.00 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of LILLIAN BLANTON YOUNG, please contact Natalie Lonergan, Attorney at Law, at (225) 255-0677.

171033-Dec 18-20, 3t $85 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of MYKIRA IZHANEEK NORWOOD, please contact Natalie Lonergan, Attorney at Law, at (225) 255-0677.

171035-Dec 18-20, 3t $85

PUBLIC NOTICE: LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION. I AM (WE ARE) APPLYING TO THE OFFICE OF ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO CONTROL OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA FOR A PERMIT TO SELL BEVERAGES OF LOW AND/OR HIGH ALCOHOLIC CONTENT AT RETAIL AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: ADDRESS: 7188 US Highway 61 NAME OF APPLICANT(S): Sean W Madewell II of Madewell Nutrition LLC (D/B/A) The Liquor Hole

Pursuant to the lien granted by the Louisiana Self-Service Storage Facility Act LA RS:479, Storage Post will sell at public auction on December 29, 2025, personal property belonging to the following tenants to the highest bidder: Joseph Cormier: P2: 2005 Gold Dodge Van VIN 2D4GP44L15R243046 FOR PARTS ONLY; Deloris Dorsey: 146: dresser, washer, ref, lug; Clyde Washington: 230: 2019 Jeep Exp Overland VIN 1J8HG68228C19942 FOR PARTS ONLY; Oakley Lewis: 613: iron pot, shoes, boxes; Clifford Waller: 618: matts, TV, lug, dresser; Valerie Martinez: 649: ref, TV stand, van seats; Christopher M Palmer: 659: boxes, sofa, matts, night stand; Ashley Baldwin: 707: sofa set, air comp, chairs, shop vac; Nisheia R Washington: 722: bags, mail box, sofa set, fryer. The sale shall be held at 8118 Tom Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70815, 225-926-9081, commencing at approximately 1:00 PM. All sales are subject to prior cancellation. Rules and regulations are available at the time of sale.

170815-Dec 19, 1t $212.80

CLASSIFIEDS.THEADVOCATE.COM

MISC FOR SALE LADIES SMALL BLACK LEATHER COAT LIKE NEW $40 225-752-7273

Merchandise

MISC FOR SALE SMALL SOLID BLACK THROW PILLOWS MANY AVAILABLE! EACH $5 225-752-7273

Baton Rouge Real Estate For Sale

WANT TO BUY I buy old bourbon bottles. Wild Turkey, Weller, Old Grand Dad etc.

Call or text $300 (225)456-3434

AREA 2 5723 Hartford Ave. Glen Oaks Area Off Greenwell St., Comp. Updated!

3BR 1.5BA, w/New C H/A New Light Fixtures & Windows Freshly Painted Int/Ext, & Ceramic FLR throughout Call Charles for your showing @ 225-266-4078 Roy Carter Realty 225-357-6436 AREA 4

16849 Monitor Avenue Newly Updated! A Must See! Lg 4BR/2.5BA w/New Vanity Counter Top Cent H/A, Painted Int & Ext, Ceramic FL Thru out, Den w/FP Kit Cab w/New Cook Top & DW, New Light Fix & Doors Rear Dbl Carport & Lg Fenced b.y.

Call Charles for your showing @ 225-266-4078 Roy Carter Realty, 225-357-6436

WANT TO BUY Old Records 33's, 45's & 78's. All types of music. Call 985-259-1889

NEWS 24/7 ON

Looking for the right hire?

225-388-0111

HAPPY HOLIDAY

The Classified Advertising Department will be closed on Thursday, December 25 to observe the Christmas holiday

EARLY DEADLINES FOR OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

AREA 5 Doctors, Lawyers & Hunters; Form your own club, 1100acres of prime hunting land near Baton Rouge, Hunt mink to alligators, ducks to trophy deer. Comprehensive road network, price is $4.2 million, potential carbon credits or wetland mitigation credits. Text 225-4453108.

Baton Rouge Rental

DISPLAY ADS 24 HOURS EARLIER

You may place your ad 7 days a week, 24 hours a day online at www.theadvocate.com or call Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

225-383-0111 Public Notices

Auctions

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE. Notice is hereby given that PODS Enterprises, LLC (PODS), located at 2056 Wooddale Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, will sell the contents of certain containers at auction to the highest bidder to satisfy owner’s lien. Auction will be held online at www.Storage Treasures.com starting on December 31, 2025 and ending on January 7, 2026. Contents to be sold may include general household goods, elec‐ tronics, office & business equipment, furniture, clothing and other mis‐ cellaneous property. The name of the occupants, respective container number(s), and the re‐ spective item(s) to be sold are as follows: El Wright (475B18) couch, piano or pipe organ, and miscella‐ books, neous household items; Marlene Large (125A70) clothing, and miscella‐ neous items; Robert Edens (36B18) ceiling fan, extension cords, wood, gym bag, and miscella‐ neous items; Rodeshia Truitt (10392BX) chair, suit cases, totes, boxes, and miscellaneous items; Bethany Bissell (21086VX) wood, mat‐ tress, basket, and miscel‐ laneous items; Ronica Jackson (71966BX) totes, clothing, and miscella‐ neous items; Jennifer Everding (123685BX) weights, dog crate, mat‐ tress, floor lamps, chairs, cooler, and household miscellaneous items.

AREA 4 FREE RENT 225-351-7449 AREA 4 NO CREDIT CHECK/LEASE! Fully furnished apartments ALL BILLS PAID including premium cable & WIFI. Pet Friendly. Stay where you're appreciated! Call 225-434-4161 AREA 5 1 & 2 BR Apts, W/D, C A/H, Starting at $850/mo Deps vary 225-315-0930

Applications for the wait list will be accepted starting December 22, 2025, at 8:00 AM (CT).

The EBRPHA will stop accepting applications on December 26, 2025, at 4:30 PM (CT).

Apply online at https://www.ebrpha.org.

AREA 5 1BR $550, 2BR $650 Tigerland. $500 Deposit. 225-475-1737

PETS • SUPPLIES • SERVICES • OBITUARIES • LOST & FOUND

170839 Dec. 19, 1t $145.90

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Bids will be received by the Office of Purchasing, Room 213 Thomas Boyd Hall, Louisiana State Uni‐ versity and Agricultural and Mechanical College 70803 until 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. ** Refer to www.centerlinebidco nnect.com for bid sub‐ mission instructions. All bids must be submitted via email to lsubids@lsu. edu ** ANY PERSON REQUIRING SPECIAL ACCOMMODA‐ TIONS SHALL NOTIFY LOUISIANA STATE UNI‐ VERSITY, OFFICE OF PUR‐ CHASING OF THE TYPE(S) OF ACCOMMODATION RE‐ QUIRED NOT LESS THAN SEVEN (7) DAYS BEFORE THE BID OPENING. FOR: Furnish Labor and Materials for LSUA Park‐ ing Lot No. 5 Reconstruc‐ tion

LSU SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFQ-0000002669 Complete Bidding Docu‐ ments for this project may be obtained from: www.centerlinebidco Printed nnect.com. copies are not available from the Designer, but arrangements can be made to obtain them through most repro‐ graphic firms.

Contractors unable to access bidding docu‐ ments at www.centerl inebidconnect.com should contact

Monceaux-Buller & Associates, LLC 610 Desoto Street Alexandria, LA 71301

DOGS Adorable CKC Reg. Teddy Roosevelt Terriers (short legged Rat Terriers) Rdy for Christmas $400 call (225)251-2380

right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In ac‐ cordance with La. R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(b), the pro‐ visions and requirements of this Section, those stated in the advertise‐ ment for bids, and those required on the bid form shall not be considered as informalities and shall not be waived by any public entity.

p p y surplus as shown in the latest A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. The Bid Bond shall be in favor of the Louisiana State Uni‐ versity and Agricultural and Mechanical College, and shall be accompa‐ nied by appropriate power of attorney. No Bid Bond indicating an oblig‐ ation of less than five percent (5%) by any method is acceptable.

Best’s Key Rating Guide nor fifteen percent of policyholder’s surplus as shown by surety’s most recent financial state‐ ments filed with the Louisiana Department of Insurance.

The Bond shall be signed by the surety’s agent or attor‐ ney-in-fact.

A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD

10:00 AM, Tuesday, Janu‐ ary 6, 2026 LSU-Alexandria, Facility Services Building Confer‐ ence Room, 8209 Acorn Drive, Alexan‐ dria, LA 71302 Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2163 for the classification of HIGH‐ WAY, STREET AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION. Bidder is required to comply with provisions and re‐ quirements of LA R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(c). No bid may be withdrawn for a period of thirty (30) days after receipt of bids, ex‐ cept under the provi‐ sions of LA. R.S. 38:2214.

The Owner reserves the

DOGS CKC YORKIES or SHORKIES - (yorkies are with papers) all are vet checked w/shot and worming, will meet in Gulf‐ port $700 (334) 467-3416

DOGS AKC German Shepherd pups. Ready 12/23. $800 Kentwood 985 244-0173

Phone: 318-442-8465 Email: David@monceau xbuller.com

The successful Bidder shall be required to fur‐ nish a Performance and Payment Bond written by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana, in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract amount. Surety must be listed currently on the U.S. Department of Trea‐ sury Financial manage‐ ment Service List (Trea‐ sury List) as approved for an amount equal to or greater than the con‐ tract amount, or must be an insurance company domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana resi‐ dents. If surety is quali‐ fied other than by listing on the Treasury list, the contract amount may not exceed fifteen percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown by surety’s most recent financial state‐ ments filed with the Louisiana Department of Insurance and may not exceed the amount of $500,000.

However, a Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide shall not be subject to the $500,000 limitation, provided that the con‐ tract amount does not exceed ten percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown in the latest A.M.

DOGS AKC Maltese puppies, Ready for Christ‐ mas 1-F. (225) 235-9433 or (225) 235-7619

CATS RAGAMUFFIN & RAGDOLL KITTENS www.CatsByFrancy.com/kittens $700up! Reg. Shots & Guaranty 337-230-3150

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

169544 Dec. 12, 19, 26, 3t $205.95

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Bids will be received by the Office of Purchasing, Room 213 Thomas Boyd Hall, Louisiana State Uni‐ versity and Agricultural and Mechanical College 70803 until 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 22, 2026. ** Refer to www.centerl inebidconnect.com for bid submission instruc‐ tions. All bids must be submitted via email to lsubids@lsu.edu ** ANY PERSON REQUIRING SPECIAL ACCOMMODA‐ TIONS SHALL NOTIFY LOUISIANA STATE UNI‐ VERSITY, OFFICE OF PUR‐ CHASING OF THE TYPE(S) OF ACCOMMODATION RE‐ QUIRED NOT LESS THAN SEVEN (7) DAYS BEFORE THE BID OPENING.

FOR: Furnish Labor and Materials for LSUA Buchanan Bldg HVAC – Utilities Phasing LSU SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFQ-0000002672 Complete Bidding Docu‐ ments for this project may be obtained from: www.centerlinebidco nnect.com.

Printed copies are not available from the Designer, but arrangements can be made to obtain them through most repro‐ graphic firms.

Contractors unable to access bidding docu‐ ments at www.centerl inebidconnect.com should contact

Salas O’Brien, LLC 500 Dover Blvd, Suite 310 Lafayette, LA 70503 Phone: 337-261-9633 Email: doug.dorsey@ salasobrien.com All bids must be accom‐ panied by bid security equal to five percent (5%) of the sum of the base bid and all alter‐ nates, and must be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check or Bid Bond Form written by a surety company licensed to do business in Louisiana, signed by the surety’s agency or attor‐ ney-in-fact. Surety must be listed on the current U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Man‐ agement Service list of approved bonding com‐ panies as approved for an amount equal to or greater than the amount for which it obligates it‐ self in the Bond, or must be a Louisiana domiciled insurance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. If surety qualifies by virtue of its Best’s list‐ ing, the amount of the Bond may not exceed ten percent of policyholders’ l h i h

Applications will ONLY be accepted during the period the Waiting Lists are open. Applications will NOT be accepted in person, via mail, or fax.

Do not call the local Housing Authority to apply! Applications are processed in date/time order received.

The East Baton Rouge Housing Authority is administered in compliance with the EBRPHA’s Administrative Plan and HUD’s rules and regulations. g

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

AD RUN DATES: December 12, 19, 26, 2025

Kelly Terrace *999 Rosenwald Rd. Baton Rouge, La 70807 Zion Terrace *5958 Cadillac St. Baton Rouge, La 70811 Sharlo Terrace *4915 Alvin Dark Dr. Baton Rouge, La 70820 Capital Square *700 N. 17th St. Baton Rouge, La 70802 Duane St. *1701 Duane St. Baton Rouge, La 70802 Scotlandvilla *10666 Scotland Ave. Baton Rouge, La 70807 Monte Sano Village *3002 E. Mason Ave. Baton Rouge, La 70805 Wood Plaza *9990 Ave J. Baton Rouge, La 70807 Clarksdale *801 Swan Ave. Baton Rouge La 70807

5364 Jackson 2BR's 1BA, Rent $500, Dep $300 225-357-6436

PLACE YOUR PET SERVICES INFORMATION IN THE PET SERVICES DIRECTORY TODAY! • IT IS FAST AND EASY! • CALL 225-383-0111

CLASSIFIEDS WORK

When this project is fi‐ nanced either partially or entirely with State Bonds or federal funds, the award of this Contract is contingent upon the granting of lines of credit, the sale of bonds by the Bond Commission or the commitment of federal funds. The Uni‐ versity shall incur no obligation to the Con‐ tractor until the Contract Between Owner and Con‐ tractor is fully executed.

WAITLIST OPENING The EBRPHA will accept applications on December 22, 2025, for the following communities:

AREA 3

Pets / Pet Services Directory

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

All bids must be accom‐ panied by bid security equal to five percent (5%) of the sum of the base bid and all alter‐ nates, and must be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check or Bid Bond Form written by a surety company licensed to do business in Louisiana, signed by the surety’s agency or attor‐ ney-in-fact. Surety must be listed on the current U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Man‐ agement Service list of approved bonding com‐ panies as approved for an amount equal to or greater than the amount for which it obligates it‐ self in the Bond, or must be a Louisiana domiciled insurance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. If surety qualifies by virtue of its Best’s list‐ ing, the amount of the Bond may not exceed ten percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown in the latest A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. The Bid Bond shall be in favor of the Louisiana State Uni‐ versity and Agricultural and Mechanical College, and shall be accompa‐ nied by appropriate power of attorney. No Bid Bond indicating an oblig‐ ation of less than five percent (5%) by any method is acceptable.

ROOMS FOR RENT Furnished Rooms. $125/wk. $500/mo.

225-933-7560

AREA 1 8725 Wilbur St Unit E. 3BR/1BA, AC w/some appliances included. Text (225) 407-6824 & I'll call back.

DEADLINE..........RUN DATE Thurs., Dec 18 - 3pm .......... Wed., Dec 24 Fri., Dec 19 - 3pm............... Thurs., Dec 25 Fri., Dec 19 - 3pm............... Fri., Dec 26 Tues, Dec 23-3pm ............... Sat/Sun Dec 27, 28 Wed., Dec 24 - 3pm ............ Mon., Dec 29 Fri., Dec 26 - 3pm............... Tues., Dec 30

MOBILE HOME 1, 2 & 3 BR mobile homes, $675 & up 6061 Plank Rd. CALL 225-978-4653

The successful Bidder shall be required to fur‐ nish a Performance and Payment Bond written by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana, in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract amount. Surety must be listed currently on the U.S. Department of Trea‐ sury Financial manage‐ ment Service List (Trea‐ sury List) as approved for an amount equal to or greater than the con‐ tract amount, or must be an insurance company domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana resi‐ dents. If surety is quali‐ fied other than by listing on the Treasury list, the contract amount may not exceed fifteen percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown by surety’s most recent financial state‐ ments filed with the Louisiana Department of Insurance and may not exceed the amount of $500,000.

However, a Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide shall not be subject to the $500,000 limitation, provided that the con‐ tract amount does not exceed ten percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown in the latest A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide nor fifteen percent of policyholder’s surplus as shown by surety’s most recent financial state‐ ments filed with the Louisiana Department of Insurance.

The Bond shall be signed by the surety’s agent or attor‐ ney-in-fact.

A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD 10:00 AM, Wednesday, January 7, 2026 LSU-Alexandria, Facility Services Building Confer‐ ence Room, 8209 Acorn Drive, Alexan‐ dria, LA 71302 Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2163 for the classification of ME‐ CHANICAL. Bidder is re‐ quired to comply with provisions and require‐ ments of LA R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(c). No bid may be withdrawn for a period of thirty (30) days after re‐ ceipt of bids, except under the provisions of LA. R.S. 38:2214.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In ac‐ cordance with La. R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(b), the pro‐ visions and requirements of this Section, those stated in the advertise‐ ment for bids, and those required on the bid form shall not be considered as informalities and shall not be waived by any public entity.

When this project is fi‐ nanced either partially or entirely with State Bonds or federal funds, the award of this Contract is contingent upon the granting of lines of credit, the sale of bonds by the Bond Commission or the commitment of federal funds. The Uni‐ versity shall incur no obligation to the Con‐ tractor until the Contract Between Owner and Con‐ tractor is fully executed.

169616-dec 12-19-26-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids will be ac‐

PRINT ADVERTISING

cepted in the Purchasing Department at Fletcher Technical Community College until 2:00 P.M., CST, January 28, 2026, as per the specifications.

Bids must be returned to the Purchasing Office in a sealed envelope marked with the Bid Number and Opening Date and Time. Bids must be submitted on the form enclosed herewith, and in strict conformity with the intent of same with‐ out modifications. Bids must be signed in ink, dated, and title of person signing bid must be shown on bid. Bid Num‐ ber 40004-23059 – Provide HVAC Preventive Mainte‐ nance. Mandatory PreBid Conference on Wednesday, January 8th, 2026 @ 9:00 am, CST. See solicitation for location.

No bid may be with‐ drawn for a period of thirty (30) days after re‐ ceipt of bids. Fletcher Community Technical College reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any in‐ formalities incidental thereto. Complete bid‐ ding documents may be obtained by email – gdoucet@fletcher.edu 170905-dec 19-1t $125.46 PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT OF BID TO BE PUBLISHED-LEGAL: December 19, 2025 & January 5, 2026 BIDS TO BE OPENED: 10am – Tuesday – January 20, 2026 NOTICE The Purchasing Division, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Suite 200, Jackie Cochran Building, Parish of East Baton Rouge will receive sealed bids, until 10am / Tues‐ day – January 20, 2026 for the following: “TRANSPORT TRAILER” At precisely 10am / Tues‐ day – January 20, 2026 they will be publicly opened and read aloud in Suite 200, Jackie Cochran Building. Bid proposals, amendments to bid or re‐ quest for withdrawal of bids received after time specified for bid opening shall not be considered for any cause whatso‐ ever. Bidders or their au‐ thorized representatives are invited to be present.

No other information or tabulations will be avail‐ able until awards are made after all bids are fully checked as to speci‐ fications and accuracy.

We reserve the right to divide items to avail our‐ selves of the low bid.

The bid proposal is firm for a period of sixty (60) days from the opening of the bids and no bid pro‐ posal can be withdrawn for any reason during this period of time.

Full information and bid specifications may be obtained upon request from the Purchasing Divi‐ sion, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, P. O. Box 3277, Baton Rouge, La 70821 by phone at (225) 389-4833, and infor‐ mation also available on‐ line and bids may also be submitted online at https://www.centralbidd ing.com The right to reject all bids and waive informali‐ ties is reserved.

Bid# 1106 EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE Stephin Henderson, Purchasing Department

DOGS Labradoodle - F1B CKC pups Brown Merle, Blue Merle, Black 1 male & 5 fe‐ males $1200 - $1600 Avail for pickup 12/18, (504) 231-9118

Order newspaper page reprints of any day

DOGS Yorkshire Terrier - Small Yorkie pup‐ pies, $1400-F, $1200-M (225) 304-1045

WORKS

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

DOGS German Shepard - CKC German Shep‐ ard Pup 11 Months Old Female Born 12/24/24, very affectionate with a lot of energy, looking for good home $1500 808-292-0842

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT REQUEST FOR BID BID #50016-10348 A.O. WILLIAMS MODULAR CAMPUS OWNER: SOUTHERN UNUVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE BATON ROUGE CAMPUS H/S Project Number 25022 BID OPENING DATE AND TIME: January 23, 2026 at 10:30 AM Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived by Southern Uni‐ versity, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the Pur‐ chasing Department, 8100 James L. Prestage Drive, PO Box 9543, J. S. Clark Administration Building Annex, South Entrance, First Floor East, Baton Rouge, LA 70813.

Bids will be opened and read aloud in a public meeting in the Southern University Purchasing Department.

MAIL, HAND-DELIVER OR ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL TO PURCHASING DEPARTMENT NO LATER THAN 10:30 AM-ON JANUARY 23, 2026

Electronic submittal: Use link to submit bid online: http://www.sus.edu/bid certification Bidders are solely re‐ sponsible for ensuring timely delivery of their bids. The Southern Uni‐ versity Purchasing De‐ partment is not responsi‐ ble for any delays caused by bidders’ chosen means of delivery. Failure to meet the bid deadline submittal date and time shall result in rejection of bid.

Architect Firm: Holly & Smith Architects 2302 Magazine Street New Orleans, LA 70130 Ph.504-585-1315 Emails: rohit@hollyan dsmith.com trent@hollyandsmith. com ALL BID SPECIFICATIONS AND ADDENDA CAN BE OBTAINED BY ACCESSING THE LA STATE PROCURE‐ MENT WEBSITE https://wwwcfprd.doa. louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/ pubMain.cfm.

(Search by bid # 50016-10348) We highly recommend registering your com‐ pany with Louisiana State Procure‐ ment/LAPAC Mandatory Pre-Bid Con‐ ference & Site Visit: Janu‐ ary 6, 2026 at 10:30 AM Conference & Site Visit Location: Physical Plant Building (Southern Uni‐ versity Campus) Physical Plant Department Benjamin H. Kraft Building-515 James L. Hunt Street Southern University Campus Baton Rouge, LA 70813 Site Telephone No. 225-771-4741 or 225-771-6241 Participants shall be in attendance by 10:30 a.m. and sign sheet provided by the Purchasing De‐ partment.

Bidders must visit the site and be familiar with the local conditions under which the work is to be performed. No ad‐ ditional compensation will be granted because of unusual difficulties, which may be encoun‐ tered in the execution of any portion of the work.

Inquiries will be ac‐ cepted until January 16, 2026 by 10:30 AM. In‐ quiries shall be submit‐ ted to Linda Antoine at linda_antoine@subr.edu

171014-dec 19-jan 5-2t $58.72

Responses to inquiries will be posted on LAPACLA State Procurement website on January 20, 2026 by 10:30 AM

CLASSIFIEDS.THEADVOCATE.COM

Any person requiring special accommodation should notify the Pur‐ h i ffi f h

store.nola.com

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

y chasing Office of the type(s) of accommoda‐ tion required not less than seven (7) days be‐ fore the bid opening date. Additional contact is Wilbert Rossett, South‐ ern University Safety De‐ partment at wilbert. rossett@sus.edu or 225771-3101.

p for bid opening, as recorded by date stamp at the Purchasing Office.

Bids received after clos‐ ing time will be returned unopened. Evidence of authority to submit the bid shall be required in accordance with R.S. 38:2212(a)(1)(c) and/or R.S. 39:1594(c)(2)(d).

p.m. Local Time, TUES‐ DAY January 13th, 2026 by the Purchasing Divi‐ sion, Room 826, City Hall, 222 Saint Louis Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802. No bids will be re‐ ceived after 2:00 p.m. on the same day and date.

5% Security All bids must be accom‐ panied by bid security equal to five (5%) per‐ cent of the sum of the base bid and all alter‐ nates if applicable and must be in the form of a certified/official check, cashier’s check or bid bond, made payable to Southern University and A & M College. Surety represents that it is listed on the current U.S. Department of the Trea‐ sury Financial Manage‐ ment Service list of ap‐ proved bonding compa‐ nies and that is listed thereon as approved for amount equal to or greater than the amount for which it obligates it‐ self in this instrument.

No bid bond indicating an obligation of less than five percent (5%) by any method is acceptable.

The Southern University System is a participant in the Louisiana for the Small Entrepreneurships Program (the Hudson Ini‐ tiative) and the Louisiana Initiative for Veterans and Service-Connected Disabled VeteransOwned Business Small Entrepreneurships. Bid‐ ders are encouraged to consider participation. A list of certified vendors and additional informa‐ tion can be obtained http:// from website www.ledsmallbiz.com.

Potential participants may also register at this website.

Performance & Payment Bond Successful Proposer shall be required to fur‐ nish a performance (surety) bond.

The amount will be deter‐ mined during contract negotiations for the pe‐ riod the contract is in ef‐ fect. The Bond should be made payable to South‐ ern University. Any per‐ formance bond furnished shall be written by a surety or insurance com‐ pany currently on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Man‐ agement Service list of approved bonding com‐ panies which is pub‐ lished annually in the Federal Register, or by a Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with at least an A-:VI rating or higher in the latest print‐ ing of the A.M. Best's Key Rating Guide or by an in‐ surance company that is either domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana residents and is licensed to write surety bonds.

No surety or insurance company shall write a performance bond which is in excess of the amount indicated as ap‐ proved by the U.S. De‐ partment of the Treasury Financial Management Service list or by a Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with an A-:VI rating by A.M. Best up to a limit of 10 percent of policyholders' surplus as shown by A.M. Best; companies autho‐ rized by this Paragraph who are not on the trea‐ sury list shall not write a performance bond when the penalty exceeds 15 percent of its capital and surplus, such capital and surplus being the amount by which the company's assets ex‐ ceed its liabilities as re‐ flected by the most re‐ cent financial state‐ ments filed by the com‐ pany with the Depart‐ ment of Insurance.

In addition, any perfor‐ mance bond furnished shall be written by a surety or insurance com‐ pany that is currently li‐ censed or authorized to do business in the State of Louisiana. The bond must be received within twelve (12) working days from the date of notifica‐ tion.

Bidders shall include the following envelopes of choice: company’s name, address, Louisiana con‐ tractor’s license number, bid number, bid opening date and time.

Bids may be withdrawn by written, telegraphic fax notice or email and received at the address or email address desig‐ nated in the Invitation to Bid prior to the time set f bid i

Any questions concern‐ ing bid documents, please contact Mary Jane Spruel, Assistant Di‐ rector of Purchasing at (225) 771-2800 or email to maryjane_spruel@subr. edu and the Architect Firm.

No bid may be with‐ drawn for a period of forty-five (45) days after receipt of bids, except under the provisions of LA. R.S. 38:2214. Bidder is required to comply with provisions and require‐ ments of LA R.S. 38:2212(B)(5).

The University reserves the right to reject all bids and to waive any infor‐ malities incidental thereto.

Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2192 for the classification of 72000000 Building & Construction, 72130000 General Build‐ ing Construction, 712136000 Commercial or Industrial Construction, 300000000 Structures, Building, Construction, MFG COMP; 30230000 Portable Structures; 30231600 Portable Pre‐ fabricated Commercial and Industrial Struc‐ tures; 300000000 Struc‐ tures, Building, Construc‐ tion, MFG COMP; 30200000 Pre-Fabricated Structures; 30201700 Pre‐ fabricated Commercial and Industrial Structures SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY & A&M COLLEGE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Linda A. Antoine, Director of Purchasing DATES ADVERTISED 12/12/2025, 12/19/2025 & 12/29/2025 169976 Dec. 12, 19, 26, 3t $323.43

PUBLIC NOTICE --To be published three times Legal- Dec. 19th, 26th, 2025 & Jan. 2nd, 2026 THE ADVOCATE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS The City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge will receive elec‐ tronic or paper bids for the construction of the following project: US-61 SCENIC HWY. (LA-408 HARDING BOULEVARD TO SWAN AVENUE) CITY-PARISH PROJECT NO. 20-EN-HC-0006 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Grading, earthwork, drainage structure modi‐ fications, asphaltic con‐ crete pavement, lighting, striping, signing, and as‐ sociated items of work Electronic or sealed bids will be received until 2:00

Bid Openings can be in person or via teleconfer‐ ence.

Teleconference Call-in Information Join by phone +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll Access code: 263 373 080 (followed by the # but‐ ton) Alternate numbers to call if number above is not available, which may occur due to network traffic (use the same Ac‐ cess Code, followed by the # button): United States Toll (Boston) +1-617-315-0704 United States Toll (Chicago) +1-312-5358110 United States Toll (Dal‐ las) +1-469-210-7159 United States Toll (Den‐ ver) +1-720-650-7664 United States Toll (Jack‐ sonville) +1-904-900-2303 United States Toll (Los Angeles) +1-213-306-3065 Electronic bids and elec‐ tronic bid bonds for the solicitation will be down‐ loaded by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Pur‐ chasing Division.

Beginning as soon as feasible after the bid closing time all elec‐ tronic bids will be down‐ loaded and publicly read aloud along with all paper bids received, if any, in 806 of City Hall immediately after the 2:00 p.m. bid closing.

Bids, amendments to bids, or request for with‐ drawal of quotations, re‐ ceived after time speci‐ fied for bid opening shall not be considered for any cause whatsoever.

Bids shall be firm for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of bids and no bid shall be withdrawn for any reason during this period of time ex‐ cept as allowed per R.S. 38:2214.C.

Official Bid Documents are available at Central Bidding (www.central bidding.com). Electronic Bids may be submitted at Central Bidding (www. centralbidding.com). For questions related to the electronic bidding process, please call Cen‐ tral Bidding at 225-8104814. Paper copies of the plans, specifications and contract documents are on file and may be ob‐ tained from the Public Works and Planning Cen‐ ter located at 1100 Laurel St., Engineering Division, Room 137 or Post Office Box 1471, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821, upon payment of Ten Dollars ($10.00). (Make NC-2 checks payable to the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge.) Fees for plans, specifications and con‐ tract documents are to cover the cost of repro‐ duction and are non-re‐ fundable in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes.

A Certified Check or Cashier's Check, payable to the Parish of East Baton Rouge or a satis‐ factory Bid Bond exe‐ cuted by the Bidder and an acceptable surety, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid, shall be submitted with each bid.

Bids shall be received electronically via www. centralbidding.com or on solicitation bid forms furnished by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish East Baton Rouge, and only those bids shall be received by the CityParish which is submit‐

8D ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

SIMPLE ELECTRIC

Professional work • Lic/Ins/Bond.

40+ years experience No job too smalll/large Call 225-921 2633

CALL FOR SPECIAL PRICING! INSTALL NEW ROOFS, J-W METAL, ROOFING* SHINGLES, FLAT, & REPAIRS.

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals

ted by those Contractors in whose names the so‐ licitation bid forms and/or specifications were issued. In no event shall paper solicitation forms be issued later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hour and date set for receiv‐ ing proposals.

The City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge has established a Socially and Economi‐ cally Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SEDBE) program in ac‐ cordance with Revised Statute RS 33:2233.4. It is the policy of the Parish to ensure that Eligible Business Enterprises EBE’s, certified in accor‐ dance with the Parish program, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in parish contracts.

For this project the EBR Parish Purchasing office has directed a review of the scope of work and has established a mini‐ mum EBE goal of 14% of the contract amount. All Bidders shall achieve this goal or demonstrate good faith efforts to achieve the goal. Good faith efforts include meeting this EBE goal or providing documentation demonstrating that the Bidder made sufficient good faith efforts in at‐ tempting to meet this goal. Only EBE firms cer‐ tified under the Parish SEDBE Certification Pro‐ gram at the time of sub‐ mittal of the bid will count toward this EBE goal. To be considered responsive, the apparent low bidder must submit EBE Forms 1, 1A, and 2, and Letters of EBE Certi‐ fication, as appropriate within 10 days after bid opening.

All Contractors bidding on this work shall com‐ ply with all provisions of the State Licensing Law for Contractors, R.S. 37:2150-2163, as amended, for all public contracts. It shall also be the responsibility of the General Contractor to as‐ sure that all subcontrac‐ tors comply with this law. If required for bid‐ ding, Contractors must hold an active license is‐ sued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors in the classi‐ HIGHWAY, fication of STREET AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION, and must show their license number on the face of the bid envelope and the Uniform Public Works Bid Form.

In accordance with La. R.S. 38:2214 (B) the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In accor‐ dance with La. R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(b), the pro‐ visions and requirements of this Section, those stated in the advertise‐ ment for bids, and those required on the bid form, shall not be considered as informalities and shall not be waived by any public entity.

For additional informa‐ tion please contact Mr. Joseph Cain III, P.E, Pro‐ ject Manager at joseph. cainsiii@stantec.com.

170907-dec 19-26-jan 2-3t $323.29 PUBLIC NOTICE --To be published three times-Legal December 5, 12, 19, 2025 THE ADVOCATE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS The City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge will receive elec‐ tronic or paper bids for the construction of the following project: TERRACE AVENUE (Highland Road – Perkins Road) PROJECT (CITY PARISH PROJECT NO. 20-EN-HC-0045) PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Asphalt concrete mill and overlay, pavement widening, concrete pave‐ ment patching, curb and gutter, concrete side‐ walks, ADA ramps, drainage improvements, pavement markings, and landscaping Electronic or Sealed bids will be received until 2:00 p.m. Local Time, THURS‐ DAY, January 8, 2026, by the Purchasing Division, Room 826, City Hall, 222 Saint Louis Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802.

No bids will be received after 2:00 p.m. on the same day and date.

Bid Openings can be ob‐ served in person or via teleconference.

Teleconference Call-in In‐ formation Join by phone +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll Access code: 263 373 080 (followed by the # but‐ ton) Alternate numbers to call if number above is not available, which may occur due to network traffic (use the same Ac‐ cess Code, followed by the # button): United States Toll (Boston) +1-617-315-0704 United States Toll (Chicago) +1-312-5358110 United States Toll (Dal‐ las) +1-469-210-7159 United States Toll (Den‐ ver) +1-720-650-7664 United States Toll (Jack‐ sonville) +1-904-900-2303 United States Toll (Los Angeles) +1-213-306-3065 Electronic bids and elec‐ tronic bid bonds for the solicitation will be down‐ loaded by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Pur‐ chasing Division.

Beginning as soon as feasible after the bid closing time all elec‐ tronic bids will be down‐ loaded and publicly read aloud along with all paper bids received, if any, in Room 806 of City Hall immediately after the 2:00 p.m. bid closing.

Bids, amendments to bids, or request for with‐ drawal of quotations, re‐ ceived after time speci‐ fied for bid opening shall not be considered for any cause whatsoever.

Bids shall be firm for a period of Forty-Five (45) days from the date of the opening of bids and no bid shall be withdrawn for any reason during this period of time ex‐ cept as allowed per R.S. 38:2214.C. Official Bid Documents are available at Central Bidding (www.central bidding.com). Electronic Bids may be submitted at Central Bidding (www. centralbidding.com). For questions related to the electronic bidding process, please call Cen‐ tral Bidding at (225) 8104814. Paper copies of the plans, specifications and contract documents are on file and may be ob‐ tained from the Public Works and Planning Cen‐ ter located at 1100 Laurel St., Engineering Division, Room 137 or Post Office Box 1471, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821, upon payment of $20.00. (Make checks payable to the City of Baton Rouge and i h f

Public Notices Bids/Proposals y g Parish of East Baton Rouge.) Fees for plans, specifications and con‐ tract documents are to cover the cost of repro‐ duction and are non-re‐ fundable in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes.

A Certified Check or Cashier's Check, payable to the Parish of East Baton Rouge or a satis‐ factory Bid Bond exe‐ cuted by the Bidder and an acceptable surety, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid, shall be submitted with each bid.

Bids shall be received electronically via www. centralbidding.com or on solicitation bid forms furnished by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish East Baton Rouge, and only those bids shall be received by the CityParish which are submit‐ ted by those Contractors in whose names the so‐ licitation bid forms and/or specifications were issued. In no event shall paper solicitation forms be issued later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hour and date set for receiv‐ ing proposals.

The City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge has established a Socially and Economi‐ cally Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SEDBE) program in ac‐ cordance with Revised Statute RS 33:2233.4. It is the policy of the Parish to ensure that Eligible Business Enterprises EBE’s, certified in accor‐ dance with the Parish program, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in parish contracts.

For this project the EBR Parish Purchasing office has directed a review of the scope of work and has established a mini‐ mum EBE goal of 21% of the contract amount. All Bidders shall achieve this goal or demonstrate good faith efforts to achieve the goal. Good faith efforts include meeting this EBE goal or providing documentation demonstrating that the Bidder made sufficient good faith efforts in at‐ tempting to meet this goal. Only EBE firms cer‐ tified under the Parish SEDBE Certification Pro‐ gram at the time of sub‐ mittal of the bid will count toward this EBE goal. To be considered responsive, the apparent low bidder must submit EBE Forms 1, 1A, and 2, and Letters of EBE Certi‐ fication, as appropriate within 10 days after bid opening.

All Contractors bidding on this work shall com‐ ply with all provisions of the State Licensing Law for Contractors, R.S. 37:2150-2163, as amended, for all public contracts. It shall also be the responsibility of the General Contractor to as‐ sure that all subcontrac‐ tors comply with this law. If required for bid‐ ding, Contractors must hold an active license is‐ sued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors in the classi‐ HIGHWAY, fication of STREET, AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION, and must show their license number on the face of the bid envelope and the Uniform Public Works Bid Form.

In accordance with La. R.S. 38:2214 (B) the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In accor‐ dance with La. R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(b), the pro‐ visions and requirements of this Section, those stated in the advertise‐ ment for bids, and those required on the bid form, shall not be considered as informalities and shall not be waived by any public entity.

Bidders must comply with the SEDBE Program.

Copies of SEDBE Program documents are available upon request from City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge (“City-Parish”) Purchasing Division, 222 St. Louis Street, 8th Floor, Room 826, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. For questions or clarification about the Program, please contact the SEDBE Liaison Officer at the Purchasing Divi‐ sion, at (225) 389-3259.

There will be no pre-bid conference.

For additional informa‐ tion please contact Mr. George Chike, P.E., Pro‐ ject Manager at gchike@ brla.gov. or Mr. William Wall, P.E, Project Man‐ Billy.Wall@ ager at waggonereng.com.

168990-dec 5-12-19-3t $347.56 PUBLIC NOTICE --VOUCHER# 25-011167 TO BE PUBLISHED – LEGAL 12/12/25 & 12/19/25 BIDS TO BE OPENED: 12/30/25 THE ADVOCATE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA NOTICE TO BIDDERS Electronic or sealed bids will be received by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Purchasing Divi‐ sion, City Hall Building, Room 826, 222 Saint Louis Street, 8th Floor, Baton Rouge, La. until 11:00 A.M. December 30 2025, for the following: M11167 CONVENTION HIGH DENSITY STACK CHAIRS AND HAND TRUCKS Official bid documents are available at Central Bidding (https://www. centralauctionhouse. com/rfpc10656-city-ofbaton-rouge.html) or by request from the City of Baton Rouge at dsstew‐ art@brla.gov.

Bids shall be submitted electronically via www. centralbidding.com or on the solicitation bid forms furnished by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge prior to the bidding deadline.

Electronic bids for the solicitation will be down‐ loaded by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Pur‐ chasing Division and paper bids will be opened. Beginning as soon as feasible after the bid closing time all the names of vendor submit‐ ting bids will read aloud.

Note: The City-Parish has elected to use LaPAC, the state's online electronic bid posting and notifica‐ tion system, in addition to its standard means of advertising this require‐ ment. This Invitation to Bid is available in elec‐ tronic form at the LaPAC https:// website wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana. gov/osp/lapac/dspBid. cfm?search=departm ent&term=102.

Bids, amendments to bids or request for with‐ drawal of bids received after time specified for bid openings shall not be considered for any cause whatsoever.

Inquiries will be received up until 5 pm on Decem‐ b

Public Notices Bids/Proposals p p ber 23, 2025.

Full information may be obtained upon request from the above address or by telephoning Dexter Stewart at (225) 389-3259, Ext. 3264, or via email dsstewart@brla.gov.

Any vendor who would like to listen to the open‐ ing of this bid can access the following link, at the date and time of this bid opening:

Join by phone +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll Access code: 263 373 080 (followed by the # but‐ ton) Alternate numbers to call if number above is not available, which may occur due to network traffic (use the same Ac‐ cess Code, followed by the # button): United States Toll (Boston) +1-617-315-0704 United States Toll (Chicago) +1-312-5358110 United States Toll (Dal‐ las) +1-469-210-7159 United States Toll (Den‐ ver) +1-720-650-7664 United States Toll (Jack‐ sonville) +1-904-900-2303 United States Toll (Los Angeles) +1-213-306-3065 These numbers will pro‐ vide you with live audio access to this bid open‐ ing.

169879-dec 12-19-2t $95.78

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

SHERIFF'S SALE (17) 765220 FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION vs COREY A. BRANNON, JR AND SA‐ VANNAH M. WILLIAMS Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, July 14, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: COREY A. BRANNON, JR. AND SA‐ VANNAH M. WILLIAMS One (1) certain lot or par‐ cel of ground, together with all the buildings and improvements thereon, and all of the rights, ways, privileges, servi‐ tudes, appurtenances and advantages there‐ unto belonging or in any‐ wise appertaining, situ‐ ated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as COUN‐ TRY MANOR, FIRST FIL‐ ING, and designated on the official plan thereof, on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as LOT 33, said subdivision, said lot hav‐ ing such measurements and dimensions and being subject to such servitudes and restric‐ tions as are more partic‐ ularly shown on said map.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $227.04 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 725630 CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC vs CRYS‐ TAL V BROWN AND STEPHEN T. JUNEAU Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, December 05, 2022 and to me di‐ rected, I did seize and will, beginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www. bid4assets.com/EBR SOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: CRYSTAL V. BROWN AND STEPHEN T. JUNEAU ONE (1) CERTAIN PIECE OR PORTION OF GROUND, together with all the buildings and improve‐ ments thereon, and all of the rights, ways, privi‐ leges, servitudes, appur‐ tenances and advan‐ tages thereunto belong‐ ing or in anywise apper‐ taining, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as CLOVER‐ HILL, FIRST FILING, and designated on the offi‐ cial plan thereof, on file and of record in the of‐ fice of the Clerk and Recorder of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as Lot Num‐ ber Five (5), said subdivi‐ sion, said lot having such measurements and di‐ mensions and being sub‐ ject to such servitudes as are more particularly described on said subdi‐ vision map.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $229.60 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 728151 UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE, LLC vs AN‐ GELA L. WHITE Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, February 02, 2023 and to me di‐ rected, I did seize and will, beginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www. bid4assets.com/EBR SOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: ANGELA L. WHITE One (1) certain lot or par‐ cel of ground, together with all the buildings and improvements thereon and all the rights, ways, privileges, servitudes and appurtenances be‐ i i l i

Public Notices Sheriff Sales pp longing or in anywise thereto appertaining, sit‐ uated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that sub‐ division thereof known as WINDWOOD, FIRST FIL‐ ING, PART II, and being designated on the offi‐ cial map thereof on file and of record in the of‐ fice of the Clerk and Recorder for East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana as LOT NUMBER EIGHTYFIVE (85), said lot having such measurements and dimensions and being subject to such servi‐ tudes as more particu‐ larly shown on said map; subject to restrictions, servitudes, rights-of-way and outstanding. mineral rights of record affecting the property.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $229.60 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 754234 BANKPLUS VS FREDERICK ALLEN BOWERS Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, September 12, 2025 and to me di‐ rected, I did seize and will, beginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www. bid4assets.com/EBR SOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: FREDERICK ALLEN BOWERS A certain condominium unit described in and designated according to the Condominium Decla‐ ration creating the con‐ dominium regime of WEST PARKER CONDO‐ MINIUM, recorded as 619, Bundle Original 11742, of the official records of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, and the survey, site plans and typical build‐ ing section and individ‐ ual floor plans attached to said Condominium De‐ claration, as Condo‐ minium Unit 105 of WEST PARKER CONDOMINIUM, situated in the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, together with the undivided inter‐ est in the common ele‐ ments, both general and limited, appertaining to said condominium unit under the terms and pro‐ visions of said Condo‐ minium Declaration, and subject to all restric‐ tions, obligations, charges and all other provisions of the Louisiana Condominium Act of 1979, LS.A.- R.S, 9:1121.101 through 9:1148, and all servitudes and restrictions of record.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $250 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 754467 LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVIC‐ ING LLC VS MARQUIS ZARICK WILLIAMS AKA MARQUIS Z. WILLIAMS AKA MARQUIS WILLIAMS Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, November 22, 2024 and to me di‐ rected, I did seize and will, beginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www. bid4assets.com/EBR SOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: MARQUIS ZARICK WILLIAMS AKA MARQUIS Z. WILLIAMS AKA MARQUIS WILLIAMS Two (2) certain lots or parcels of ground, to‐ gether with all the build‐ ings and improvements thereon, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in that subdivision thereof known as Brightside Park Subdivision, Third Filing, and being more particu‐ larly described according to the official map of said subdivision, on file and of record in the of‐ fice of the Clerk and Recorder for the said Parish and State, as Lot Numbers Eighty-four-A (84-A) and Eighty-five-A (85-A), said subdivision, said lots having such measurements and di‐ mensions and being sub‐ ject to such servitudes as shown on the said map.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $224.49 SHERIFF'S SALE

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

g Parish, Louisiana dated August 18, 2003, made by Phillip J. Thomas, Profes‐ sional Land Surveyor, a ·copy of which map is filed for record as Origi‐ nal 76, Bundle 11519 of the official records of the Clerk and Recorder of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, as TRACT G-3G-1 containing 0.68 Acres and Having the measure‐ ments and dimensions and being subject to such servitudes and ded‐ ications as shown on said official map; subject to restrictions, servi‐ tudes, rights-of-way and outstanding mineral rights of record affecting the property.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $255.11 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 758097 LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVIC‐ ING LLC VS EDNA MONIQUE BROWN Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, February 26, 2025 and to me di‐ rected, I did seize and will, beginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www. bid4assets.com/EBR SOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: EDNA MONIQUE BROWN A certain lot or parcel of ground, together with all the buildings and im‐ provements thereon, and all the rights, ways, privi‐ leges, servitudes, appur‐ tenances and advan‐ tages thereunto, belong‐ ing or in anywise apper‐ taining, situated in the parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as MON‐ TERAY SUBDIVISION, SEC‐ TION I, and being desig‐ nated according to the official map thereof on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as LOT NUMBER FORTY-SIX (46), said subdivision, said lot measuring 70 feet front on Laredo A venue, by a depth of 130 feet between parallel lines; said lot being sub‐ ject to a 7.5 foot servi‐ tude across the rear thereof for public utility purposes; subject to re‐ strictions, servitudes, rights-of-way and out‐ standing mineral rights of record affecting the property.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish

MICHAEL G. THOMAS AKA MICHAEL THOMAS

ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $244.89

Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana

SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 759060 HOME BANK, NA vs JONES STREET REDEVEL‐ OPMENT, INC., CHADWICK KYLE, AND NICE FRAMES, LLC Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, March 10, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: JONES STREET REDEVELOPMENT, INC., CHADWICK KYLE, AND NICE FRAMES, LLC A certain tract or parcel of land, together with all the buildings and im‐ provements thereon, and all of the rights, ways, privileges, servitudes, appurtenances and ad‐ vantages thereunto be‐ longing or in anywise ap‐ pertaining, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, and being more particularly de‐ scribed as 0.76 acre tract according to "Map Show‐ ing Survey of a 0, 76 Acre Portion of Lot 69 Suburb North Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana" by Gregory Breaux, PLS, dated June 19, 2000, all as more par‐ ticularly described on said map recorded as Original 164, Bundle 11160 in the official records of East Baton Rouge, Parish, Louisiana, said tract being subject to the servitudes and dedications as set forth on said official map, Par‐ cel ID: 1888854, Property address: 9637 Jones Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70807 TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $247.45 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 759203 NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC VS CARLA LYNNE THOMAS AKA CARLA LYNNE MOORE AKA CARLA L. MOORE AKA CARLA MOORE AKA CARLA LYNNE THOMAS AKA CARLA L. THOMAS AKA CARLA THOMAS AKA CARLA MOORE THOMAS AKA CARLA M. THOMAS AND SHARONDA L. THOMAS AKA SHARONDA THOMAS AND MICHAEL THOMAS, II HEIRS OF

Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, January 30, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: CHRISTOPHER T VICKERS ONE (1) CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, to‐ gether with all improve‐ ments thereon, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, and being des‐ ignated as TRACT G-3-G-1 ROUND OAKS on the Map Showing the Resubdivi‐ sion of Tracts G-3-G and G-4-G Round Oaks Subdi‐ vision, located in Section 10, T-8-S, R-2-E Greens‐ burg Land District East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana into G-3-G-1 and G-4-G-1 Round Oaks Subdivision for E.L. Smith, East Baton Rouge i h i i d d

Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, March 13, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: CARLA LYNNE THOMAS AKA CARLA LYNNE MOORE AKA CARLA L. MOORE AKA CARLA MOORE AKA CARLA LYNNE THOMAS AKA CARLA L. THOMAS AKA CARLA THOMAS AKA CARLA MOORE THOMAS AKA CARLA M. THOMAS AND SHARONDA L. THOMAS AKA SHARONDA THOMAS AND MICHAEL THOMAS, II HEIRS OF MICHAEL G. THOMAS AKA MICHAEL THOMAS One certain lot of ground, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of and being Louisiana, more particularly shown on a map "Showing sur‐ vey of Lot 1-A, being taken from original Tract "A"" of property of Mrs. Anne Belle Hart Ander‐ son, located in Section 75, Township 7 South, Range 1 West, Greens‐ burg Land District of Louisiana, ""prepared by A.B. Williamson, C.E., dated May 8, 1962, a blue print of which is at‐ tached to original B, bun‐ dle 5159, official records of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as lot number ""1-A"", said lot having the fol‐ lowing dimensions, ac‐ cording to said map: Begin at a concrete marker located in the southeast comer of lot thirty-nine (39), Magnolia Terrace; thence run south 1 degrees 42 min‐ utes east along the west side of Iowa Street a dis‐ tance of one hundred eleven and 40/100 (111 .40') feet and comer at an iron rod; thence south 88 degrees 13 feet west a distance of two hundred eight-two and 54/100 (282.54') feet and at an iron rod; thence run north 3 degrees 51 min‐ utes east a distance of one hundred fourteen and 63/100 (114.63") feet and corner at an iron pipe; thence run north 88 degrees 41 minutes east along a line common with the southerly boundary line of lot thirty-nine (39), Magnolia Terrace, a dis‐ tance of two hundred sixty-nine and 37/100 (269.37") and corner at a concrete marker, which marks the point of begin‐ ning.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 759873 NEWREZ LLC OBA SHELL‐ POINT MORTGAGE SER‐ VICING VS WHITNEY ROBERTSON Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, April 04, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: WHITNEY ROBERTSON One (1) certain piece or portion of ground, to‐ gether with all the build‐ ings and improvements thereon. and all of the rights, ways, privileges, servitudes, appurte‐ nances and advantages thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that sub‐ division known as SARA‐ SOTA PLACE, and desig‐ nated on the official plan thereof, on file and of record in the office of the clerk and recorder of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as LOT NUM‐ BER SIXTY SIX (66), said subdivision, said lot hav‐ ing such measurements and dimensions and being subject to such servitudes as arc more particularly described on said subdivision map. (the "Property") TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $224.49 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 760252 LANDMARK BANK vs PRESHETTE YOLANDA AL‐ STON Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, April 14, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: PRESHETTE YOLANDA ALSTON That certain piece or por‐ tion of ground, together with all buildings and im‐ provements therein, and ll h i h i i

ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $372.50

Public Notices Sheriff Sales p all the rights, ways, privi‐ leges, servitudes, appur‐ tenances and advan‐ tages thereunto belong‐ ing or in anywise apper‐ taining, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as MAYFAIR NORTH, FIRST FILING, and designated on the offi‐ cial map of said subdivi‐ sion on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as LOT ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR (144), said subdivision, said lot measuring sixtysix (66') feet front on Theron Drive by a depth between parallel lines of one hundred twenty-five (125') feet; said lot sub‐ ject to a five (5') foot sidewalk servitude across the front and to a seven and 5/10 (7 .5') foot public utility servi‐ tude across the rear; all as shown on the official recorded subdivision map.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $244.89 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 761013 Baton Rouge, LA RELIANCE FIRST CAPITAL, LLC vs STEPHEN J. SMITH AND THE OPENED SUC‐ CESSION OF TAMMY L. SMITH Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, April 23, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: STEPHEN J. SMITH AND THE OPENED SUCCESSION OF TAMMY L. SMITH ONE CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND, TO‐ GETHER WITH ALL BUILD‐ INGS AND IMPROVE‐ MENTS THEREON, AND ALL THE RIGHTS, WAYS, PRIVILEGES, SERVITUDES, AND ADVANTAGES THEREUNTO BELONGING OR IN ANYWISE APPER‐ TAINING, SITUATED IN THE PARISHES OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND EAST FELICIANA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, AND BEING A PORTION OF A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND LYING IN SECTIONS 18, 40, AND 61, T-4-S, R-1-E, AND DESIG‐ NATED AS LOT 1-F-A ON A MAP ENTITLED MAP SHOWING THE RESUBDI‐ VISON OF LOTS 1-8, 3-8, 4B, 1-C, 5-B, 6-B, 1-D, 7-B, 8B, 1-E AND 1-F OF THE C AND M PROPERTIES, INC. PROPERTY INTO LOTS 1-

Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy COASTAL USE PERMITS NOT REQUIRED OF ACTIVITIES EXEMPT FROM PERMITTING AND/OR CORPS AREA OR GENERAL PERMIT NAME CLOUD CONNECTOR, LLC SABINE OUTBACK NORTH. LLC TRANSCONTINENTAL GAS PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC TERRACON CONSULTANTS, INC. TERRACON CONSULTANTS, INC. TERRACON CONSULTANTS, INC. ENTERPRISE PRODUCTS OPERATING LLC AT&T GEOENGINEERS, INC. MARATHON PETROLEUM CORPORATION WAGGONNER & BALL, INC. CPRA

PARISH TERREBONNE CAMERON TERREBONNE ASSUMPTION LAFOURCHE LAFOURCHE IBERIA ACADIA ST. MARY ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST ST. TAMMANY ST. TAMMANY

CUPNO P20250113 P20250818 P20250878 P20250908 P20250909 P20250910 P20250927 P20250928 P20250938 P20250944 P20250955 P20250973

COENO MVN-2025-00133-WB MVN-2025-00942-WB

Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy PERMITS ISSUED WITH CONDITIONS TO MINIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS NAME DECKER OPERATING CO., LLC CAMERON PARISH GRAVITY DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 4 CAMERON LAND VENTURES, LLC BP AMERICA PRODUCTION COMPANY BOUZIGARD, KELLY BOLLINGER SHIPYARDS LOCKPORT, LLC LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT BAYOU BOULLION OPERATING LLC LIVINGSTON PARISH GOVERNMENT MCKINNEY, LOUIS JR. ESTUARY MITIGATION, LLC VENICE GATHERING SYSTEM, LLC HILCORP ENERGY COMPANY MGX EQUIPMENT SHELL PIPELINE COMPANY LP ANR PIPELINE COMPANY (ANR) PONTCHARTRAIN YACHT CLUB ST. TAMMANY PARISH GOVERNMENT LONE OAK ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, LLC THE LOUISIANA LAND & EXPLORATION COMPANY, LLC HARVEST MIDSTREAM COMPANY HILCORP ENERGY COMPANY HILCORP ENERGY COMPANY SFWBP, LLC VERMILLION PARISH POLICE JURY TEXAS PETROLEUM INVESTMENT CO OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION

PARISH CALCASIEU CAMERON

CUPNO P20250746 P20230825

CAMERON CAMERON JEFFERSON LAFOURCHE LAFOURCHE LAFOURCHE LIVINGSTON LIVINGSTON PLAQUEMINES PLAQUEMINES PLAQUEMINES PLAQUEMINES ST. CHARLES ST. MARY ST. TAMMANY ST. TAMMANY TERREBONNE TERREBONNE

P20250771 P20250898 P20250209 P20240027 P20250079 P20250115 P20250779 P20250828 P20210080 P20250628 P20250761 P20250879 P20250902 P20250871 P20250754 P20250847 P20240022 P20250488

TERREBONNE TERREBONNE TERREBONNE VERMILION VERMILION VERMILION VERMILION

P20250709 P20250935 P20250953 P20230676 P20250043 P20250339 P20250810

COENO MVN-2014-02464-WKK

MVN-2025-00691-MM MVN-2005-02501-BZ MVN-2025-00386-CW MVN-2025-00385-WB

MVN-2025-00974-ESG

MVN-2025-00969-SQ MVN-2008-01868-EDM MVN-2025-00962-ENP MVN-2023-00614-WKK MVN 2025-00921 WB MVN-2025-00944-WB MVN-2023-01096-WBB MVN-2025-00150-WLL MVN 2025-00403 WB

Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy

Suit No: (17) 755425 NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING vs CHRISTO‐ PHER T VICKERS

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

PERMITS APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN NAME PARISH GUARDIAN DECOMMISSIONING, INC. PLAQUEMINES NORTH LAFOURCHE LEVEE DISTRICT LAFOURCHE VERTEX REFINING MYRTLE GROVE VERMILION LLC DBA H&H OIL RECOVERY SERVICES W&T OFFSHORE, INC. JEFFERSON

CUPNO P20250272 P20250830 P20250521

COENO

WITHDRAWN DATE 12/03/2025 12/03/2025 MVN-2025-00609-WB 12/12/2025

P20250674

12/09/2025

Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy LOCAL CONCERN PERMIT APPLICATIONS NAME BAUDOT, ROBERT GARY, RANDY MRS COMPANY LLC DUHON, VALERIE LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT AUDUBON INSTITUTE BOLSU PCF, LLC CHS, INC. ATMOS ENERGY VOISIN, BRYANT W & JEANIE RACETRAC, INC

PARISH CAMERON CAMERON CAMERON CAMERON LAFOURCHE ORLEANS PLAQUEMINES PLAQUEMINES ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST TERREBONNE TERREBONNE

CUPNO P20250951 P20250969 P20250976 P20250977 P20250940 P20250967 P20250946 P20250952 P20250958 P20250730 P20250945

170965-596841-Dec. 19-1t $ 210.70

10D ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate Public Notices Sheriff Sales

B-B, 1-B-A, 4-B-A, 1-C-A, 5B-A, 1-D-A, 7-B-A, 1-E-A, 1F-A, AND 1-F-B FOR MEL‐ ROSE PLANTATION CO., INC. BY GREGORY BREAUX. RLS, DATED JUNE 28, 1996, AND RECORDED AS ORIGINAL 67 OF BUNDLE 10702 OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, STATE OF LOUISIANA. SAID LOT 1-FA HAVING THE MEASURE‐ MENTS, AND DIMENSIONS AND BEING SUBJECT TO THE SERVITUDES AND DEDICATIONS AS SET FORTH ON SAID OFFICIAL MAP, Which has the address of 2330 West Avenue, Slaughter, LA 70777 TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $285.74 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 762103 PENNYMAC LOAN SER‐ VICES LLC vs SA'VEON A SOANES A/K/A SA'VEON SOANES Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, May 16, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: SA'VEON A SOANES A/K/A SA'VEON SOANES One (1) certain lot or par‐ cel of ground, together with all the improve‐ ments thereon, including rights in the "Common Areas" situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana in that subdivision known as the Town‐ homes of Park Oaks, sub‐ ject to and including those rights under the Declaration of Protective Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions of the Townhomes of Park Oaks and the exhibits at‐ tached thereto and recorded at Original 369, Bundle 10675, in the of‐ fice of the Clerk and Recorder for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, said Lot being designated as Lot Number Thirty-Three (33), Town homes of Park Oaks, said lot having such measurements and dimensions as shown and described on the final plat for Townhomes of Park Oaks, recorded with the Clerk and Recorder of Mortgage for East Baton Rouge Parish as Original 541, Bundle 10672, prepared by Ferris Engineering and Survey‐ ing, Inc., such lots being a portion of the property formerly described as Lots 47-Aand 48-B-1, Coursey Village Subdivi‐ sion, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

in the Office of the Clerk and Recorder for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as Lot Number One Hundred TwentyFive (125), said subdivi‐ sion, said lot measuring 65' front on Pensacola Drive, by a depth of 125' between parallel lines; said lot being subject to a 5' servitude across the front and a 7.5' servitude across the rear.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $224.49 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 762891 CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC VS THE UNOPENED SUCCESSION OF MICHAEL A. VINCENT, SR. (AKA MICHAEL AN‐ THONY VINCENT) AND WANDA M. VINCENT (AKA MORGAN VINCENT) Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, May 27, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: THE UN‐ OPENED SUCCESSION OF MICHAEL A. VINCENT, SR. (AKA MICHAEL ANTHONY VINCENT) AND WANDA M. VINCENT (AKA MORGAN VINCENT) That certain lot or parcel of ground, together with all the buildings and im‐ provements thereon, and all of the rights, ways, privileges, servitudes, appurtenances and ad‐ vantages thereon be‐ longing or anywise ap‐ pertaining, situated in the Parish of EAST BATON ROUGE, State of Louisiana, in at subdivi‐ sion known as PARK FOR‐ EST EAST, SECOND FIL‐ ING, and being desig‐ nated on the official plan of said subdivision, on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of said Parish and State, as LOT NUM‐ BER ONE HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE (135), said subdivision, said lot hav‐ ing such measurements and dimensions and being subject to such servitudes as shown on said subdivision map, Which has the address of 3965 Pensacola Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70814 TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $252.56 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 762960

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish

U.S. BANK NATIONAL AS‐ SOCIATION vs LILLIAN BLANTON YOUNG

ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $267.85

Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana

SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 762581 STANDARD MORTGAGE CORPORATION VS SALLY JEAN STEIGLER Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, May 16, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: SALLY JEAN STEIGLER A CERTAIN and TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND, to‐ gether with all the ways, improvements thereon, and all of the rights, ways, privileges, servi‐ tudes, appurtenances and advantages there‐ unto belonging or in any‐ wise appertaining, situ‐ ated in Section 82, T7S, R1 E, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, being designated as Lot ThirtyFive-L (35-L) on a map entitled, ""Map Showing Subdivision of a Partition of a Portion of the Rosario Aiello Tract (Tr. J to S), located in Section 82, T7S, R1E for Rosario Aiello"", by Charles A. Cooper, dated November 27, 1957, recorded as Plan Book 32, page 47, Original 8, Bundle 4068 of the offi‐ cial records of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.

Subject to such servi‐ tudes and restrictions as are more particularly shown on said map.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $224.49

Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, May 21, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: LILLIAN BLAN‐ TON YOUNG One certain lot or parcel of ground together with all buildings and im‐ provements thereon, and all the rights, ways, privi‐ leges, servitudes, appur‐ tenances and advan‐ tages thereunto belong‐ ing or in anywise apper‐ taining, being situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as HIGH‐ LAND PARK PLACE, and designated on the offi‐ cial plan thereof, on file and of record in the of‐ fice of the Clerk and Recorder of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as LOT NUMBER TWO (2), SQUARED, said subdivi‐ sion, said lot having such measurements and di‐ mensions and being sub‐ ject to such servitudes as are shown on said subdivision map, LESS AND EXCEPT that portion of the above described lot sold to the Parish of East Baton Rouge, by act recorded at Original 75 of Bundle 7030 in the official records of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana; subject to restrictions, servitudes, rights-of-way and out‐ standing mineral rights of record affecting the property.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $255.11 SHERIFF'S SALE

SHERIFF'S SALE

Suit No: (17) 763664

Suit No: (17) 762625

FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION VS BRAD BROWN

BANKUNITED, NA vs RICHARD BOWMAN AND CORETTA BOWMAN Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, July 24, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: RICHARD BOWMAN AND CORETTA BOWMAN ONE CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, to‐ gether with all the build‐ ings and improvements thereon, and all of the rights, ways, privileges, servitudes, appurte‐ nances and advantages thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining, lo‐ cated in that subdivision known as Park Forest East, Second Filing, and designated on the offi‐ cial map of said subdivi‐ sion on file and of record

Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, July 09, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: BRAD BROWN One (1) certain lot or par‐ cel of ground, together with all the buildings and improvements thereon, and all of the rights, ways, privileges, servi‐ tudes, appurtenances and advantages there‐ unto belonging or in any‐ wise appertaining, situ‐ ated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as Cypress Park, First Filing, and designated on the offi‐ cial plan thereof, on file and of record in the of‐ fice of the clerk and recorder of the Parish of

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as lot num‐ ber eight (8), said subdi‐ vision, said lot having such measurements and dimensions and being subject to such servi‐ tudes and restrictions as are more particularly shown on said map.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $216.82 SHERIFF'S SALE

lll

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

and being subject to such servitudes and building setback lines as are more particularly shown on said resubdivi‐ sion map.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $285.74 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 764594

LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVIC‐ ING LLC VS SHARON B DOUCET

CADENCE BANK F/K/A BANCORPSOUTH BANK vs DUNBAR AND RICHARD‐ SON ENTERPRISE LLC N/K/A ROSE LEGACY LLC AND JERRELL RICHARD‐ SON

Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana

Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, June 12, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: SHARON B DOUCET

Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, June 27, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: DUNBAR AND RICHARDSON ENTER‐ PRISE LLC N/K/A ROSE LEGACY LLC AND JERRELL RICHARDSON

Suit No: (17) 763962

One (1) certain lot or par‐ cel of ground, together with all the buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Parish of EAST BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision thereof known as SPRINGLAKE AT BLUE‐ BONNET HIGHLANDS, FIRST FILING, PHASE Ill, and being more particu‐ larly described according to the official map of said subdivision; on file and of record in the of‐ fice of the Clerk and Recorder for the said Parish and State as LOT NUMBER ONE (1), said subdivision, said lot hav‐ ing such measurements and dimensions and being subject to such servitudes as shown on the said map; subject to restrictions, servitudes, rights-of-way and out‐ standing mineral rights of record affecting the property.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $221.93 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 764092

A certain tract or parcel of land, together with all improvements thereon, situated in the Third Ward of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana being part of Section 75, Township 7 South, Range 1 East, Greensburg Land District of Louisiana, and being a part of the property shown on a map by R. Swart, C.E., dated Sep‐ tember 11, 1945, on file as Original 66, Bundle 1755, of the records of the Clerk of Court of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, the portion of said property being more particularly described as follows, to-wit: Commencing at a point which is the intersection of the West side of Ster‐ ling Drive (now North Foster) and the North side of Choctaw Drive, which point is marked on said map by the letter I (I); thence run North 3 degrees West a distance of 470 feet and corner; thence run South 3 de‐ grees East a distance of 470 feet and corner; thence run North 87 de‐ grees 30' East a distance of 221.4 feet to the point of beginning; LESS AND EXCEPT that portion sold to the Parish of East Baton Rouge for widen‐ ing of Choctaw Road and Foster Drive.

FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORA‐ TION AS TRUSTEE FOR FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2020-1 vs ASHLEY RENETTA WILLIAMS

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana

ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $280.63

Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, June 12, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: ASHLEY RENETTA WILLIAMS One (1) certain lot or par‐ cel of ground, together with all the buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge. State of Louisiana, in that sub‐ division known as CHIDESTER PLACE, and designated on the offi‐ cial map of said subdivi‐ sion on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as LOT NUM‐ BER TEN (10), SQUARE "A", said subdivision, said lot having such measurements and di‐ mensions and being sub‐ ject to such servitudes and building lines as shown on said map, TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $219.38 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 764472 NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MARTGAGE SERVICING vs TERRY JEROME ALLEN, SR. A/KIA TERRY JEROME ALLEN A/KIA TERRY J. ALLEN.SR. A/KIA TERRY J. ALLEN A/KIA TERRY ALLEN, SR. A/KIA TERRY ALLEN AND KEIA JONES AS TRUSTEE OF THE TERRY J. ALLEN IRREVOCBLE TRUST Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, June 25, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: TERRY JEROME ALLEN, SR. A/K/A TERRY JEROME ALLEN A/K/A TERRY J. ALLEN, SR. A/K/A TERRY J. ALLEN A/K/A TERRY ALLEN, SR. A/K/A TERRY ALLEN AND KEIA JONES AS TRUSTEE OF THE TERRY J. ALLEN IRREVOCBLE TRUST One (1) certain lot or par‐ cel of ground, together with all the buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that sub‐ division known as SOUTH HIGHLAND INDUSTRIAL PARK, and being desig‐ nated as LOT TWENTYEIGHT-A (LOT 28-A), ac‐ cording to that resubdivi‐ sion map by Edward E. Evans & Associates, Inc., entitled "Map Showing Resubdivision of Lot 28 South Highland Industrial Park into Lot 28-A & Lot 28-B, Located In Section 41, T8S-R1E, Greensburg Land District, East Baton Rouge Parish, LA for F & S Partnership", filed at Original 328 in Bundle 9343, and any further re‐ visions thereto, in the of‐ fice of the Clerk and Recorder for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana; said lot having such measure‐ ments and dimensions

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish

SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 764922 NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC vs LINDA FAYE CARTER Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, July 09, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: LINDA FAYE CARTER ONE (1) CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, to‐ gether with all the build‐ ings and improvements thereon, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as LONG‐ WOOD SUBDIVISION, and designated on the offi‐ cial plan thereof, on file and of record in the of‐ fice of the Clerk and Recorder of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as LOT NUMBER FORTY-NINE (49), said subdivision, said lot having such measurements and di‐ mensions and being sub‐ ject to such servitudes and restrictions as are. more particularly shown on said map; subject to restrictions, servitudes, rights-of-way and out‐ standing mineral rights of record affecting the property.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $221.93 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 765264 LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVIC‐ ING, LLC vs TRANISE ELAINE SMITH Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, July 10, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: TRANISE ELAINE SMITH THAT CERTAIN PIECE OR PORTION OF GROUND, to‐ gether with all the build‐ ings and improvements thereon, and all the rights, ways, privileges, servitudes, appurte‐ nances and advantages thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining, situated in that subdivi‐ sion of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, known as NORTH MERRYDALE SUB‐ DIVISION, SECOND FILING and being designated ac‐ cording to the official map of North Merrydale Subdivision Second Filing on file and of record in the official records of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana as LOT NINETEEN (19), said sub‐ division lot measuring One Hundred Fifteen and 46/100 (115.46) feet front on Silverleaf Avenue, by a depth of Ninety-four d ( )f

Public Notices Sheriff Sales p y and 50/100 (94.50) feet on its North side line and along Avocado Drive, a depth of One Hundred Twenty-Two and 34/100 (122.34) feet on its South side line and measuring Fifty-Eight and 45/100 (58.45) feet across the rear; said lot being sub‐ ject to a seven and 5/10 (7.5) foot servitude across the rear for public utilities; subject to re‐ strictions, servitudes, rights- of-way and out‐ standing mineral rights of record affecting the property.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law, Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $267.85 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 765300 U.S. BANK NATIONAL AS‐ SOCIATION vs THE UN‐ OPENED SUCCESSION OF AND UNKNOWN HEIRS OF CATHERINE TURNER PLEASANT A/K/A CATHERINE TURNER PLEASANT A/K/A CATHERINE T. PLEASANT A/K/A CATHERINE PLEAS‐ ANT Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, July 21, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: THE UN‐ OPENED SUCCESSION OF AND UNKNOWN HEIRS OF TURNER CATHERINE PLEASANT A/K/A CATHERINE TURNER PLEASANT A/K/A CATHERINE T. PLEASANT A/K/A CATHERINE PLEAS‐ ANT One (1) certain lot or par‐ cel of ground, together with all the buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that sub‐ division known as North Merrydale Subdivision, Fourth Filing, and desig‐ nated on the official plan thereof, on file and of record in the office of the clerk and recorder of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as lot number four hundred six (406), said subdivision, said lot having such measure‐ ments and dimensions and being subject to such servitudes and re‐ strictions as are more particularly shown on said map.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $250 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 765415 CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES LLC VS DALE WAYNE GORDON, JR. AND RAYMONIKK GRANVILLE Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, July 18, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: DALE WAYNE GORDON, JR. AND RAY‐ MONIKK GRANVILLE ONE (1) CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, TO‐ GETHER WITH ALL THE BUILDINGS AND IM‐ PROVEMENTS THEREON, SITUATED IN THAT SUBDI‐ VISION OF THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, KNOWN AS SOUTH BROADMOOR SUBDIVI‐ SION, THIRD FILING, AND BEING DESIGNATED ON THE OFFICIAL SUBDIVI‐ SION MAP, ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OF‐ FICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER FOR SAID PARISH AND STATE, AS LOT NUMBER ONE HUN‐ DRED SEVEN (107), SAID SUBDIVISION; SAID LOT HAVING SUCH MEASURE‐ MENTS AND DIMENSIONS AS SHOWN ON SAID MAP. Which has the address of 9721 Judi Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70815 TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $221.93 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 765441 FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION vs REGI‐ NALD JACKSON AND AZUREE MITCHUM Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, July 18, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: REGINALD JACKSON AND AZUREE MITCHUM LOT 65, MEADOW VIEW SUBDIVISION, PHASE I, "A FINAL PLAT OF MEADOW VIEW SUBDIVISION, PHASE 1 LOTS 1-83, GS-1, GS-2, GS-3, & GEM, Being a Portion of the Tract F-4, Located in Section 68, T4-S, R-1-W, Greensburg Land District, East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pre‐ pared by Collin B. Gravois, P.L.S. Louisiana License No. 5115, dated February 28, 2018, recorded at ORIG #347 BNDL #12875 on March 12, 2018 in the records of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana ("Property").

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $198.97 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 765690 TIDAL LOANS LLC vs FREDERICK HOLDINGS ENTERPRISE LLC AND BRODRICK D. FREDERICK AKA BRODERICK KEVIN FREDERICK Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, July 28, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: FREDERICK HOLDINGS ENTERPRISE LLC AND BRODRICK D. FREDERICK AKA BRODER‐ ICK KEVIN FREDERICK The north half of a cer‐ tain lot or parcel of ground, together with all the buildings and Im‐ provements thereon situ‐ ated in that part of the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, known as SUB‐ URB FAVROT, and resi‐ dent of the plan thereof as Lot Number 24 Square Number 240; said half lot measuring 30 feet front on Fannie Street by a depth of 120 feet be‐ tween parallel lines; sub‐ ject to restrictions, servi‐ tudes, rights-of-way and outstanding mineral rights of record affecting the property.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $216.82 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 765863 WELLS FARGO BANK NA. AS TRUSTEE FOR PARK PLACE SECURITIES, INC. ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-WCW2 vs ES‐ TATE OF REGINA SMITH AKA REGINA HAYES SMITH Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, August 01, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: ESTATE OF REGINA SMITH AKA REGINA HAYES SMITH A certain lot or parcel of ground, together with all the buildings and im‐ provements thereon, lo‐ cated in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana in that subdivision known as KEAN PLACE and being designated ac‐ cording to the official plan thereof, recorded in the official plan records of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana as Lot I of said subdivision. (the "Property") TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $201.53 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 766270 Baton Rouge, LA STANDARD MORTGAGE CORPORATION VS SHONDA L. MOORE AND GLORIA D. ALEXANDER AND THE UNOPENED SUC‐ CESSION OF JOHN ELL ALEXANDER, DECEASED Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, August 11, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: SHONDA L. MOORE AND GLORIA D. ALEXANDER AND THE UN‐ OPENED SUCCESSION OF JOHN ELL ALEXANDER, DECEASED ONE (1) CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, to‐ gether with all the build‐ ings and improvements thereon, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as Cypress Woods Subdivision, and designated on the offi‐ cial map thereof, on file and of record in the Of‐ fice of the Clerk and Recorder of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as Lot Num‐ ber One Hundred TwentySeven (127), said subdivi‐ sion, said lot having such measurements and di‐ mensions and being sub‐ ject to such servitudes as are more fully shown on said map.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $232.15 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 766913 CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC., MORT‐ GAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006--WF1, U.S. BANK NA‐ TIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE vs RAY A. THOMAS AKA RAY THOMAS Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

cause, dated, September 24, 2025 and to me di‐ rected, I did seize and will, beginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www. bid4assets.com/EBR SOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: RAY A. THOMAS AKA RAY THOMAS One (1) lot or parcel of ground, together with all the buildings and im‐ provements thereon and all of the rights, ways, privileges, servitudes, appurtenances. and ad‐ vantages thereunto be‐ longing or in anywise ap‐ pertaining situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana. in that subdi‐ vision known as Suburb lstrouma and being des‐ ignated on the official plan thereof on file and of record in the office of the clerk and recorder for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, as lot num‐ bers one (1) and two (2), square two hundred twenty (220), said subdi‐ vision, said lot having such measurements and dimensions as shown on said map.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $234.71 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 767060 ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/KIA QUICKEN LOANS, LLC VS TRIMANI AN‐ THONY RILEY, SR. A/KIA TRIMANI A. RILEY, SR. AKIA TRIMANI ANTHONY RILEY A/K/A TRIMANI A. RILEY A/K/A TRI MANI RILEY Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, September 16, 2025 and to me di‐ rected, I did seize and will, beginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www. bid4assets.com/EBR SOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: TRIMANI AN‐ THONY RILEY, SR. A/K/A TRIMANI A. RILEY, SR. A/K/A TRIMANI ANTHONY RILEY A/K/ATRIMANI A. RILEY A/K/A TRIMANI RILEY One certain lot or parcel of ground, together with all the buildings and im‐ provements thereon, and all of the rights, ways, privileges, servitudes, appurtenances and ad‐ vantages thereunto be‐ longing or in anywise ap‐ pertaining, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as Bonaire, and being designated ac‐ cording to the official map of said subdivision, on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder for that parish and state, as Lot 58, said lot subject to those servitudes as shown on the said offi‐ cial subdivision map.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $237.23 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 767482 U.S. BANK TRUST COM‐ PANY, NATIONAL ASSOCI‐ ATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATION‐ ALASSOCAITION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC., ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFI‐ CATES, SERIES 2006-HE2 vs LARRY JACKSON (A/KIA KEITH JACKSON, LARRY KEITH JACKSON) AND CASSANDRA W. JACKSON (A/K/A CAS‐ SANDRA WILLIAMS JACK‐ SON, CASSANDRA WILLIAMS) Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, September 19, 2025 and to me di‐ rected, I did seize and will, beginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www. bid4assets.com/EBR SOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: LARRY JACK‐ SON (A/K/A KEITH JACK‐ SON, LARRY KEITH JACK‐ SON) AND CASSANDRA W. JACKSON (A/K/A CAS‐ SANDRA WILLIAMS JACK‐ SON, CASSANDRA WILLIAMS) One certain lot or parcel of ground, together with all the buildings and im‐ provements thereon, sit‐ uated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that sub‐ division known as OAK CREST SUBDIVISION and designated on the offi‐ cial plan thereof, on file and of record in the of‐ fice of the Clerk and re‐ order of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as LOT NUMBER TWENTY-FIVE (25), said subdivision; said lot having such measurements and di‐ mensions and being sub‐ ject to such servitudes as are more particularly described on said subdi‐ vision map.

Which has the address of 3036 Oakcrest Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70814 TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $272.96 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 767542 FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORP vs THE UNOPENED SUCCESSION OF LEE T HAYNES JR AKA LEE TILLMAN HAYNES JR Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, September di d

Public Notices Sheriff Sales p 24, 2025 and to me di‐ rected, I did seize and will, beginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www. bid4assets.com/EBR SOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: THE UN‐ OPENED SUCCESSION OF LEE T HAYNES JR AKA LEE TILLMAN HAYNES JR That certain piece or por‐ tion of ground, together with all the buildings and improvements thereon. situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision thereof known as Holiday Woods, First Fil‐ ing, and designated ac‐ cording to the official map thereof: a copy of which is on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of said Parish and State, as Lot No 56, said subdivi‐ sion, said lot having such measurements and di‐ mensions as are shown on the official subdivi‐ sion map, being subject to such servitudes and restrictions as are of record or are shown on said map.

Which has the address of 6720 East Upland Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70812 TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: SALVADORE CHRISTINA JR. AND AMY VANDEVEER CHRISTINA A/K/A AMY V. CHRISTINA A/K/A AMY CHRISTINA One (1) certain lot or par‐ cel of ground, together with all the buildings and improvements thereon, and all the rights, ways, privileges, servitudes, appurtenances and ad‐ vantages thereunto be‐ longing, or in anywise appertaining, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as Cloverdale, and desig‐ nated on the official plan thereof, on file and of record in the office of the clerk and recorder of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as lot number twelve (12), Square A, said subdivision, said lot having such measure‐ ments and dimensions and being subject to such servitudes as are more particularly de‐ scribed on said subdivi‐ sion map.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish

ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $252.56

ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $229.60

Suit No: (17) 769130

SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 767975 THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COM‐ PANY, NATIONAL ASSOCI‐ ATION FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COM‐ PANY, NA, AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NA, AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET MORTGAGE PRODUCTS, INC., MORTGAGE ASSETBACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-RS4 vs ROSIE LODGE AKA ROSIE MARIE LEE LODGE AKA ROSIE MARIE LEE AKA ROSIE M. LEE AKA ROSIE LEE AKA ROSIE MARIE LODGE AKA ROSIE M. LODGE AKA ROSIE LEE LODGE AKA ROSIE L. LODGE Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, September 29, 2025 and to me di‐ rected, I did seize and will, beginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www. bid4assets.com/EBR SOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: ROSIE LODGE AKA ROSIE MARIE LEE LODGE AKA ROSIE MARIE LEE AKA ROSIE M. LEE AKA ROSIE LEE AKA ROSIE MARIE LODGE AKA ROSIE M. LODGE AKA ROSIE LEE LODGE AKA ROSIE L. LODGE One (1) certain lot or par‐ cel of land together with all of the buildings and improvements thereon, situated in that subdivi‐ sion of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as shown on the official plat of the subdivision filed and made of record in the of‐ fice of the clerk and recorder, Parish of East Baton Rouge as Lot 80, Forest Oaks Subdivision, and having those mea‐ surements as shown on the official plat TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $260.22 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 768436 PENNYMAC LOAN SER‐ VICES, LLC vs ANTOINA BARNES MALONEY AND CARL DANIEL MALONEY Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, October 09, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: ANTOINA BARNES MALONEY AND CARL DANIEL MALONEY Lot 16, SUNSHINE GAR‐ DENS, PHASE 1 a certain parcel of ground, to‐ gether with all the build‐ ings and improvements thereon, and all of the rights; ways, privileges, servitudes, appurte‐ nances and advantages thereunto belonging to or in anywise appertain‐ ing, situated in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as shown on the plat recorded at ORIG: 822 BNDL: 13281, on October 26, 2023, of the Clerk of Courts of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana; subject to restrictions, servitudes, rights-ofway and outstanding mineral rights of record affecting the property.

SHERIFF'S SALE

ROCKET MORTGAGE LLC FKA QUICKEN LOANS LLC FKA QUICKEN LOANS INC vs JEFFREY PAUL BROUS‐ SARD Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, October 20, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: JEFFREY PAUL BROUSSARD ONE (1) CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, to‐ gether with all the build‐ ings and improvements thereon, situated in that subdivision of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, known as BERNARD GROVE, and being desig‐ nated on the official sub‐ division map, on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder for said parish and state, as LOT NUMBER THIRTYFOUR (34), said subdivi‐ sion; said lot having such measurements and di‐ mensions as shown on said map; subject to re‐ strictions, servitudes, rights-of-way and out‐ standing mineral rights of record affecting the property.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $214.27 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 769132 U.S. BANK TRUST NA‐ TIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR TIKI SERIES IV TRUST vs SHAWN L. STE RING AND STACY SHINELL STERLING Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the honorable court aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, October 17, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer for sale at public auction the following described mortgaged property be‐ longing to: SHAWN L. STERING AND STACY SHINELL STERLING ONE (1) CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, to‐ gether with all the build‐ ings and improvements thereon, situated in that Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as PARK FOREST EAST, THIRD FIL‐ ING, and being desig‐ nated on the official plan of said subdivision, on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of said Parish and State, as LOT NUM‐ BER ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (165), said subdivision, said lot hav‐ ing such size, shape and dimensions and being subject to such servi‐ tudes as are shown on said map.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $216.82

TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITHOUT Appraisement and according to law.

Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE December 19, 2025 January 19, 2026 $211.71 SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 768472 FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORA‐ TION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2024-1 vs SALVADORE CHRISTINA JR. AND AMY VANDEVEER CHRISTINA A/K/A AMY V. CHRISTINA A/K/A AMY CHRISTINA

Reporting you can trust on stories that matter

Baton Rouge, LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of court the honorable aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, October 13, 2025 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on January 21, 2026, via an online auction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ 1S

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Stores will close at 7pm Christmas Eve and remain closed Christmas Day. PRICES GOOD WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24TH, 2025

SAVE 70 ¢

USDA GRADE A SANDERSON FARMS

Fresh Whole Chicken

99

LB

¢ LB

LIMIT 2

HALF

Hormel Cure 81 Spiral Sliced Ham

99

¢

SAVE $ 00 2 LB

LB

LIMIT 1

SAVE $ 30 2

LARGE TROPICAL

Golden Pineapples

1

$ 19

16 OZ QUARTERS SALTED OR UNSALTED

Rouses Butter

5

2/$

LIMIT 4

SAVE up $ 58 to 3 When You Buy 2

SAVE up $ 58 to 3

When You Buy 2

8 - 16.3 OZ SELECTED

Pillsbury Crescents, Cinnamon Rolls or Grands Biscuits

4

2/$

24 PACK 12 OZ

Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, Dr. Pepper or Mountain Dew

9

SAVE up $ 02 to 5

$ 97

flip over for more

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Planning an Event?

Rouses is here to help!

Please contact your local Rouses or email catering@rouses.com to place an order.

NOW TAKING ORDERS FOR

HOLIDAY DINNERS! Traditional Dinner Choose a ham or turkey:

10-12 lb.* Spiral Ham (Serves 4-6) 10-12 lb.* Oven Roasted Turkey (Serves 4-6) 10-12 lb.* Cajun Turkey (Serves 4-6) 16-18 lb.* Oven Roasted Turkey (Serves 6-8) 2.5 lb.* Small Turkey Breast (Serves 4-6)

Holiday sides included

2 lbs. Cornbread Dressing 2 lbs. Green Bean Casserole 2 lbs. Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes 1 pint Turkey Gravy 1 pint Cranberry Orange Relish 12 ct. Dinner Rolls

*Weight before cooking. • All dinners are sold as ‘Heat and Eat’ • Food will not be hot when picked up. Dinners take 1 to 2 hours to reheat—Instructions included with dinners.

additional holiday sides Spinach Madeline Cornbread Dressing Oyster Bienville Dressing Shrimp & Mirliton Dressing Cranberry Orange Relish Sweet Potato Casserole Green Bean Casserole Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

Corn Pudding Macaroni & Cheese Dirty Rice Dressing Turkey Gravy Carrot Soufflé Roasted Creole Carrots Garlic Green Beans Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Seafood Eggplant Crawfish Cornbread Dressing

Getting into the holiday spirit 750 ML

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

SAVE SAVE $ 2400 $26 39

59 99

750 ML

Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

6360

$

$

Lowest Price Allowed by Law! 750 ML

Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon

14

$

99

SAVE $ 00 8

750 ML

Pizzolato Organic Prosecco, Rosé or Moscato

1499

$

750 ML

Fireball Cinnamon or Blazin’ Apple Whisky

11

$

99

Jack Daniel’s Black Label

20

Corazon Blanco Tequila

19 99

$

750 ML

750 ML

$

750 ML

47

Glenlivet 12 Year Scotch Whisky

4299

$

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, December 19, 2025 ■ 3S

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4

2/$

32 OZ

Kitchen Basics Stock

40 OZ

Crisco Vegetable Oil

3

$ 99

Rouses Family Recipe

6

$ 49

HALF GALLON

Rouses Egg Nog

8 OZ BAR

Prairie Farms Cream Cheese

5

3/$

Rouses Pineapples

6 - 10.5 OZ

4

6

Rouses Artichoke Hearts

6

2/$

Little Debbie Christmas Cakes

Sister Schubert’s Dinner Rolls

2/$

12 - 14.1 OZ SELECTED

1 - 2 OZ SELECTED

McCormick Extracts

limited time only

7

2/$

10 CT SELECTED

Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables

2/$

20 OZ CAN CRUSHED, SLICED OR CHUNK

4

2/$

10 - 14.4 OZ SELECTED

Rouses Small Sweet Peas

3

$ 99

8 OZ

Hershey’s Cocoa

5

4/$

15 OZ CAN

5

$ 49 *

* when you buy $100 or more in participating gift cards shown below.

OFFER VALID: 11/28/25 - 12/24/25. Subject to availability. See gift cards for details, terms, conditions and (if applicable) fees. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Product may not be available in all states. The gift cards featured are not sponsors or otherwise affiliated with this company. Valid once per transaction. In-Store purchase only.

Rouses gift cards are not included in purchase offer. Gift cards must be purchased with a debit card or cash only. One4all Gift Cards are issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC.

beer, wine & spirits

CRYSTAL CLEAR SPHERES 750 ML

Miller Lite, Coors Light, Bud Light or Yuengling

750 ML

Traveller Blended Whiskey

31

$

750 ML

Belle Glos Dairyman or Frank Family Pinot Noir

34

$

99

750 ML

Don Julio or Casamigos Tequila Reposado

49

$

99

99

$ 99 24

750 ML

Amaretto di Amore or Fireball Yule Nog

11

750 ML

Guesswork Napa Valley Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon

19

$

99

12 PACK 12 OZ

Heineken Premium Lager

17

$

49

SAVE Woodford $ 00 Reserve, 1 1792 Small Batch

24 PACK 12 OZ

$

49

750 ML

Louis Latour Les Pierres Dorees Pinot Noir or Daou Cabernet Sauvignon

21

$

99

12 PACK 11.2 OZ

Stella Artois Lager

16

$

99

or Jefferson’s VSB Bourbon

30

$

99

750 ML SELECTED

Joel Gott Wine or La Griffe de Barreyres Bordeaux

14

$

99

8 PACK 355 ML

High Noon Sun Sips

750 ML

Cabernet Sauvignon

92 POINTS

16

$

99

750 ML

Taittinger or Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label

55

$

99

4 PACK 12 OZ

16

$

SAVE John Sloat $ 00 Napa Valley 6

99

Cutwater Cocktails

9

$ 99

Prices good at Baton Rouge, Zachary, Gonzales, Prairieville, Lafayette, New Iberia and Youngsville locations December 17th thru December 24th, 2025.

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Stores will close at 7pm Christmas Eve and remain closed Christmas Day.

PRICES GOOD WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24TH, 2025

30

30 OFF

$

100% PREMIUM USDA ANGUS CHOICE BEEF

standing Scan For Recipe!

SAVE $ 12 1

1

LB

8

$ 77

LIMIT 2

13

Fresh Louisiana $ Lump Crab Meat

1

99 Boneless

Pork Loin

Yellow Onions

3

2/$

SAVE $ 98 2

When You Buy 2

SAVE up $ 98 to 1

Tasteful Selections Potatoes

6

2/$

When You Buy 2

Blue Plate Mayonnaise

2

$ 87 Louisiana Local 24 - 32 OZ

Edwards Pie

5

$ 97 18.5 - 19 OZ CAN

Progresso Soup

5

3/$

SAVE Community $ 72 1 Coffee

3

$ 99

Fresh Gourmet Bacon Pieces 30 OZ JAR

1

$ 12

5

10 - 12 CT SINGLE SERVE OR 10 - 12 OZ BAG

Brisket

2 LB PACK

Pero Farms Green Beans

6

$ 99

1

12 COUNT PACK

King’s Hawaiian Dinner Rolls

6

2/$

8

10/$

3

$ 97

5

$ 87

Ground Beef

LB

SAVE up $ 10 to 2

SAVE Pecan Pieces $ 00 1

10 OZ CHOPPED OR HALVES

Fisher Walnuts

r in ouUCE D PROpartment de

4

$ 99

$ 99 7 Pecan Halves 2 SAVE PARTY SIZE SAVE $ 11 $ 30 Tostitos, Doritos, 1 2 Fritos or Cheetos 12 OZ ISLAND PECAN COMPANY

8.25 - 15.8 OZ BAG SELECTED

$ 88

Vegetables

When You Buy 3

LB

Fresh Gourmet Crispy Onion Topping

Rouses Chunk, Sliced or Shredded Cheese

SAVE $ 32 Libby’s 2

Tony Chachere’s Injectable Marinade

VALUE PACK

$ 99

3.5 OZ

Louisiana Local

17 OZ

Ground Fresh In Store Several Times Daily!

8 OZ ISLAND PECAN COMPANY

8 OZ PACK

14.5 - 15 OZ CAN SELECTED GREEN BEANS, CORN OR SWEET PEAS

SAVE up $ 78 to 3

LB

Extra Savings through Christmas!

24 OZ BAG

2.5 - 2.8 OZ PACK

LB

LB LB

SAVE

PRIME BEEF $ 47 USDA $ 99 93% Lean Whole Boneless

HALF

EXTRA BONUS DEALS! 3 LB BAG U.S. #1

5

$ 99

LB

LB

LB

10/15 Count Louisiana Shrimp

LB

SAVE $ 00 1

SAVE $ 22 1

8 OZ

SAVE 2

WILD-CAUGHT HEAD-ON

Boneless Top Sirloin Steak $ 00

LB

SAVE $ 00 2

(Minimum 3 bones or more roast)

USDA PRIME BEEF

LB

$ 27

Standing Rib Roast

OFFER VALID DECEMBER 17TH THRU DECEMBER 24TH, 2025

SAVE $ 22 6

Boston Butt Pork Roast

100% PREMIUM USDA ANGUS CHOICE BEEF

Limit one per purchase per customer. Void if altered, reproduced, exchanged, sold, purchased, or where prohibited or restricted by law. No monetary value. Valid at any Rouses location. Coupon valid December 17th thru December 24th, 2025.

With Coupon VALUE PACK

ROUSES STORE COUPON

4

$ 99

SAVE Kraft Deluxe up $ 90 to 4 Mac & Cheese

9.4 - 14 OZ SELECTED

When You Buy 2

or Velveeta Shells & Cheese

SAVE up $ 98 to 2

When You Buy 2

5

2/$ 16 - 32 OZ

Best Choice Half & Half or Heavy Whipping Cream

2

$ 99

Louisiana Local

Prices good at Baton Rouge, Zachary, Gonzales, Prairieville, Lafayette, New Iberia and Youngsville locations December 17th thru December 24th, 2025.