The Advocate 12-20-2025

U.S. STRIKES IN SYRIA ARE ‘DECLARATION OF VENGEANCE’ 3A

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Thousands of Epstein files released Department of Justice admits its disclosure incomplete

BY MICHAEL R. SISAK, ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department released thousands of files Friday about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein but the incomplete document dump did not break significant ground about the

long-running criminal investigations of the financier or his ties to wealthy and powerful individuals.

The files included a small number of photos of President Donald Trump, sparing the White House for now from having to confront fresh revelations about an Epstein relationship that the administration for months has tried in vain to push past.

It did, however, feature a series of never-before-seen photos of Bill Clinton from a trip that the former president appears to have taken with Epstein decades ago.

Reaction to the disclosures broke along mostly partisan lines. Democrats and some Republicans seized on the limited release to accuse the Justice Department of failing to meet a congressionally set dead-

FANCY FEET

line to produce the Epstein files.

White House officials on social media gleefully promoted a photo of Clinton in a hot tub with a person with a blacked-out face. The Trump administration touted the release as a show of its Epstein commitment to transparency, ignoring the fact that the Justice Department just

months ago said no more files would be released. Congress then passed a law mandating it.

The records, consisting largely of pictures but also including call logs, grand jury testimony, interview transcripts and other documents, arrived amid extraordinary anticipation that they might offer the most detailed look yet at nearly two decades worth of government scrutiny of Epstein’s sexual abuse

ä See EPSTEIN, page 5A

Attendance recovering at BR schools Absenteeism spiked during immigration sweeps

BY CHARLES LUSSIER Staff writer

The federal immigration sweep that started in Baton Rouge earlier this month was followed by declines in student attendance, particularly in public schools with high proportions of Hispanic students or students whose native language is not English.

These schools, however, saw many of those students return to class the following week as the shock of the “Catahoula Crunch” operation ebbed.

The pattern is similar to what happened a week earlier in New Orleans when federal law enforcement agents formally launched “Catahoula Crunch.” This is the latest in a series of such actions that have occurred since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January and instituted a wide-ranging, ongoing crackdown on illegal immigrants in the United States.

East Baton Rouge Parish, with more than 38,000 students, is the second-largest traditional school district in Louisiana and the largest district in the Baton Rouge region. About 15% of its students are Hispanic, the highest percentage in the region. And the district has the highest regional percentage, 10%, of students who are not native English speakers — the state labels them as English

ABOVE: Donaela Nickleson, 6, center, works on a shoe for LSU guard Izzy Besselman, right, as patients at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital decorate shoes for the LSU women’s basketball players on Friday. The Tigers will wear the shoes in their game against Texas-Arlington on Sunday.

RIGHT: LSU guard Flau’Jae Johnson, right, smiles as she peers over to look at the handiwork of Sa’Mya Clark on Friday.

ä See SCHOOLS, page 4A

STAFF PHOTOS By HILARy SCHEINUK

Louisiana gets $15M federal grant to expand virtual tutoring Program will help students behind in reading

BY PATRICK WALL

Staff writer

Thousands of Louisiana students will receive reading help from online tutors through a $15 million federal grant meant to expand in-

WEATHER HIGH 74 LOW 60 PAGE 10C

tensive tutoring and study its impact on struggling readers.

The five-year grant will allow about 4,500 students in first and second grades who are behind in reading to be tutored through Air Reading, a company that connects students with live tutors over video. Several Louisiana school districts already use the program, including Jefferson Parish, where a new study found that the tutoring significantly improved struggling

readers’ test scores.

The Department of Education awarded the research grant to the Louisiana Department of Education, which will coordinate the tutoring and track student data.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University will evaluate the effort to see whether gains like those in Jefferson Parish can be replicated on a larger scale — in rural and urban school districts, and in traditional and charter public schools.

If the virtual tutoring program proves effective at a large scale, it could be a valuable tool for school districts that struggle to recruit and pay for in-person tutors — especially those in more remote areas.

“These dollars are essentially the United States Department of Education showing their belief in Louisiana and our efforts and saying, ‘We want to learn more because this could be a model for the

nation,’ ” said state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley.

Louisiana has attracted national attention since the pandemic for its embrace of intensive or “highdosage” tutoring, where trained tutors work with students multiple times each week. The state Education Department launched an ongoing campaign to help every school offer the service, and

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ä See GRANT, page 4A

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Judge orders elections for Miss. Supreme Court

JACKSON, Miss. — A judge on Friday ordered special elections for the Mississippi Supreme Court after earlier finding that the electoral map used to select justices violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock in August ordered Mississippi to redraw the map, which was enacted in 1987, concluding the current configuration dilutes the power of Black voters. The Friday ruling gives the Mississippi Legislature until the end of its 2026 regular session to redraw the map.

Section 2, which is the primary way plaintiffs can push back against racially discriminatory election practices, is currently being challenged at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Once the legislature approves a new map, Aycock wrote that she will move quickly to meet any deadlines necessary to hold the special elections in November 2026.

Aycock also wrote that she will defer deciding which seats will be subject to a special election until after the new map has been adopted.

The order follows a 2022 lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union, which argued the current map cuts Mississippi’s Delta region — a historically Black area — in half, diminishing the Black vote in the Central District.

“Mississippi is nearly 40% Black, but has never had more than one Black Justice on the nine-member Court,” Ari Savitzky, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, wrote in a statement.

“We couldn’t be happier to see justice on the horizon.”

In her August ruling, Aycock noted only four Black people have served on Mississippi’s Supreme Court. All of them held the same seat in the Central District and were first appointed to the position by a sitting governor.

Israeli fire kills at least 5 Palestinians in Gaza DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israeli troops fired over the ceasefire line in the northern Gaza Strip on Friday, killing at least five Palestinians, including a baby, according to a local hospital that received the casualties. The killings came as the tenuous IsraelHamas truce has stalled in recent weeks.

The five died in Tuffah, an eastern neighborhood in Gaza City, said Rami Mhanna, managing director of Shifa Hospital.

Israel’s military said troops identified “a number of suspicious individuals … in command structures west of the Yellow Line,” and fired at them. The incident is under review and the military “regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals,” it added.

The Yellow Line divides the Israeli-held part of Gaza from the rest of the territory, and was drawn under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that went into effect in October.

U.S. says 2 strikes on alleged drug boats kill 5 WASHINGTON — The U.S. military said Thursday that it had conducted two more strikes against boats it said were smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing five people.

U.S. Southern Command posted on social media, “Intelligence confirmed that the vessels were transiting along known narcotrafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” though it did not provide evidence. It posted videos of each boat speeding through water before being struck by an explosion.

The military said three people in one vessel and two in the other were killed.

The attacks brought the total number of known boat strikes to 28 while at least 104 people have been killed, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration.

President Donald Trump has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and asserted the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels.

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3 killed in Taiwan knife attack

By The Associated Press

TAIPEI, Taiwan — A man with at least one knife and smoke grenades attacked crowds indiscriminately in Taiwan’s capital on Friday evening, killing at least three people and injuring nine others, according to the national news agency and the city government. The suspect later fell to his death from a department store building.

Police said that the suspect was declared dead at a hospital after jumping from the building’s sixth floor, the Central News Agency reported.

The suspect, identified as a 27-year-old man named Chang Wen, threw smoke grenades near an underground exit of the Taipei Main metro station, close to the city’s main train station, and randomly attacked people with a “sharp object,” sending pedestrians running, according to media reports.

He then headed north to a popular shopping district, where he threw smoke grenades and stabbed multiple people on the

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CHIANGyING-yING

Police cordon off the scene at a metro station after a knife attack in Taipei, Taiwan, on Friday. first and fourth floors of the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store, primarily in the neck, the news agency said, citing police.

Police later revealed that the suspect, between the two scenes, took an underground path to a hotel, where he fetched some “lethal weapon” — or some kind of edged

weapon — before showing up at a road outside the Zhongshan metro station, near the department store, according to the news agency.

Police said they were yet to find any accomplice and were investigating possible motives. Police said they recovered some “lethal weapons” in both the suspect’s

rental home in Taipei and the hotel room where he had stayed for three nights near Zhongshan.

Video footage aired on local television networks showed the suspect, who was wearing a gas mask and clad in black, dropping at least two smoke grenades at the Taipei Main metro station. He was later seen near Eslite and entering the department store while attacking passersby.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an told local media that a 57-year-old man immediately tried to stop the suspect at the metro station’s exit, but was fatally wounded. National Taiwan University Hospital told the news agency that the fatal wound was “a penetrating injury about five centimeters in length caused by a sharp object that reached from the right lung to the left atrium.”

Taipei Metro said that a staffer was hospitalized after he inhaled excessive smoke while responding to the attack.

Another man died after he was attacked near the department store, according to EBC News.

Fla. woman killed 2 ex-husbands on same day, police say

BY BRIAN NIEMIETZ

New york Daily News (TNS)

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JACQUELyN MARTIN

New signage, The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, is unveiled Friday on the Kennedy Center in Washington.

Trump’s name added to Kennedy Center building

BY DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Kennedy Center on Friday quickly added Donald Trump’s name to the performing arts center Congress designated as a living memorial to John F. Kennedy, a day after the center’s board of trustees voted to make the change.

Blue tarps were hung in front of the building to obscure workers on scaffolding as they executed the transformation.

Hours later it had a new name: The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.

The board of trustees, handpicked by Trump, voted unanimously Thursday to add his name to what was enshrined as a living memorial to the Democratic president. Trump, a Republican, also is the board’s chairman.

Critics of the vote, including Democratic members of Congress who are exofficio board members, as well as some historians, insist that only Congress can change the name.

“The Kennedy Center was named by law. To change the name would require a revision of that 1964 law,” Ray Smock, a former House historian, said in an email.

“The Kennedy Center board is not a lawmaking entity. Congress makes laws.”

Congress named the performing arts center as a living memorial to Kennedy in 1964, the year after he was assassinated. The law explicitly prohibits the board of trustees from making the center into a memorial to anyone else, and from putting another person’s name on the building’s exterior.

The Kennedy Center is the latest building in Washington to have Trump’s name added to it. The U.S. Institute of Peace was recently renamed after him.

Workplace rights agency’s chair urges White men to report discrimination

BY CLAIRE SAVAGE Associated Press

The head of the U.S. agency for enforcing workplace civil rights posted a social media call-out urging White men to come forward if they have experienced race or sex discrimination at work.

“Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex? You may have a claim to recover money under federal civil rights laws,” U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chair Andrea Lucas, a vocal critic of diversity, equity and inclusion, wrote in an X post Wednesday evening with a video of herself.

The post urged eligible workers to reach out Lucas to the agency “as soon as possible” and referred users to the agency’s fact sheet on “DEI-related discrimination” for more information.

Lucas’ post, viewed millions of times, was shared about two hours after Vice President JD Vance posted an article he said “describes the evil of DEI and its consequences,” which also received millions of views. Lucas responded to Vance’s post saying: “Absolutely right @JDVance. And precisely because this widespread, systemic, unlawful discrimination primarily harmed white men, elites didn’t just turn a blind eye; they celebrated it. Absolutely unaccept-

able; unlawful; immoral.”

She added that the EEOC “won’t rest until this discrimination is eliminated.”

A representative for Vance did not respond to a request for comment.

Lucas said Thursday evening that “the gaslighting surrounding what DEI initiatives have entailed in practice ends now.

We can’t attack and remedy a problem if we refuse to call it out for what it is — race or sex discrimination — or acknowledge who is harmed.” She added that “the EEOC’s doors are open to all,” and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 “protects everyone, including White men.”

Since being elevated to acting chair of the EEOC in January, Lucas has been shifting the agency’s focus to prioritize “rooting out unlawful DEI-motivated race and sex discrimination,” aligning with President Donald Trump’s own anti-DEI executive orders. Trump named Lucas as the agency’s chair in November.

Earlier this year, the EEOC along with the Department of Justice issued two “technical assistance” documents attempting to clarify what might constitute “DEI-related Discrimination at Work” and providing guidance on how workers can file complaints over such concerns. The documents took broad aim at practices such as training, employee resource groups and fellowship programs, warning such programs — depending on how they’re constructed — could run afoul of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race and gender.

A 48-year-old Florida woman is accused of killing both of her ex-husbands in separate incidents on the same day.

Manatee County authorities claim Susan Erica Avalon shot one of her victims two times shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday in Bradenton.

Detectives tracked Avalon down and found her at home cleaning her minivan with bleach and rags, according to Florida station WWSB. When authorities told her they had questions about her ex-husband, she reportedly asked, “Which one?”

That led investigators to her other alleged victim, whom they found fatally wounded by multiple gunshot wounds in Tampa.

The back door to his home showed signs of forced entry.

Police said they located

the suspect by reviewing video of her stealing food from the pickup window of a Panera Bread restaurant, which she brought to her first victim’s home.

When he opened the door, she allegedly opened fire.

The 54-year-old victim later died in an area hospital.

Avalon and the unidentified victim had reportedly been divorced for 11 years.

She was said to have been $4,000 behind in child support payments, which she was required to pay in part this month.

Authorities said the suspect had been involved in custody battles with both of her alleged victims.

Avalon was reportedly arrested on a child abuse charge in 2004, but other abuse cases against her were dropped. Avalon’s issues are believed to involve five children from her two marriages.

She was living with a boyfriend at the time of Wednesday’s murders.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ 3A

U.S. launches strikes in Syria against IS lll

The guardsmen killed in operations, said more the terrorist group. side U.S. troops and said province. The group in its Hegseth says tive strikes should be expected.

Trump in a social media al-Sharaa was “extremely statements described al- Syria last Saturday were The attack was conducted post said the strikes were angry and disturbed by this Sharaa’s government and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torresit’s ‘declaration using F-15 Eagle jets, A-10 targeting IS “strongholds.” attack,” which came as the army as “apostates.” While Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, Thunderbolt ground attack He reiterated his support U.S. military is expanding al-Sharaa once led a group and Sgt. William Nathaniel of vengeance’ aircraft and AH-64 Apache for Syrian President Ahmad its cooperation with Syrian affiliated with al-Qaida, he Howard, 29, of Marshallhas had a long-running en- town, according to the U.S. helicopters, the officials Al-Sharaa, who he said was security forces.

BY KONSTANTIN TOROPIN, BEN FINLEY and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration launched military strikes Friday in Syria to “eliminate” Islamic State group fighters and weapons sites in retaliation for an ambush attack that killed two U.S. troops and an American interpreter almost a week ago.

A U.S. official described it as “a large-scale” strike that hit 70 targets in areas across central Syria that had IS infrastructure and weapons.

Another U.S. official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensi-

said. F-16 fighter jets from Jordan and HIMARS rocket artillery also were used, one official said.

“This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on social media.

President Donald Trump had pledged “very serious retaliation” after the shooting in the Syrian desert, for which he blamed IS. The troops were among hundreds of U.S. troops deployed in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting

“fully in support” of the U.S. effort to target the militant group.

Trump also offered an all-caps threat, warning the group against attacking U.S. personnel again.

“All terrorists who are evil enough to attack Americans are hereby warned — YOU WILL BE HIT HARDER THAN YOU HAVE EVER BEEN HIT BEFORE IF YOU, IN ANY WAY, ATTACK OR THREATEN THE U.S.A.,” the president added.

The attack was a major test for the warming ties between the United States and Syria since the ouster of autocratic leader Bashar Assad a year ago. Trump has stressed that Syria was fighting along-

Syria’s foreign ministry in a statement on X following the launch of U.S. strikes said that last week’s attack “underscores the urgent necessity of strengthening international cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms” and that Syria is committed “to fighting ISIS and ensuring that it has no safe havens on Syrian territory and will continue to intensify military operations against it wherever it poses a threat.”

IS has not claimed responsibility for the attack on the U.S. service members, but the group has claimed responsibility for two attacks on Syrian security forces since, one of which killed four Syrian soldiers in Idlib

mity with IS. Syrian state television reported that the U.S. strikes hit targets in rural areas of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces and in the Jabal al-Amour area near Palmyra. It said they targeted “weapons storage sites and headquarters used by ISIS as launching points for its operations in the region.”

Trump this week met privately with the families of the slain Americans at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware before he joined top military officials and other dignitaries on the tarmac for the dignified transfer, a solemn and largely silent ritual honoring U.S. service members killed in action.

Army. Ayad Mansoor Sakat, of Macomb, Michigan, a U.S. civilian working as an interpreter, was also killed.

The shooting nearly a week ago also wounded three other U.S. troops as well as members of Syria’s security forces, and the gunman was killed. The assailant had joined Syria’s internal security forces as a base security guard two months ago and recently was reassigned because of suspicions that he might be affiliated with IS, Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba has said.

When asked for further information, the Pentagon referred AP to Hegseth’s social media post.

Stefanik ends campaign for N.Y. governor, won’t seek reelection Representative had dustup with Speaker Johnson

BY ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE Associated Press

ALBANY, N.Y. — Rep. Elise Stefanik announced Friday that she is suspending her campaign for New York governor and will not seek reelection to Congress, abruptly bowing out of what was expected to be a bruising Republican primary and ending a once-promising tenure in the House.

Stefanik, a Republican ally of President Donald Trump, said Stefanik in a statement that she was confident of her chances in the primary against Bruce Blakeman, a Republican county official in New York City’s suburbs.

But she said, “It is not an effective use of our time” to stay in the race, and that she instead wants to spend more time with her young son and family.

“I have thought deeply about this and I know that as a mother, I will feel profound regret if I don’t fur-

ther focus on my young son’s safety, growth, and happiness — particularly at his tender age,” she said.

Stefanik was set to have a tough Republican primary against Blakeman, with both politicians counting themselves as allies of President Donald Trump and attempting to court his support.

Though, the president had seemed keen on avoiding picking a side in the race, telling reporters recently: “He’s great, and she’s great.

They’re both great people.”

On Friday, Trump, writing on his Truth Social media platform, called Stefanik a “fantastic person and congresswoman.”

“Elise is a tremendous talent, regardless of what she does. She will have GREAT success, and I am with her all the way!” Trump wrote.

Stefanik, who represents a conservative congressional district in northern New York, has been an intense critic of incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is also seeking reelection but faces a primary challenge from her own lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado.

Stefanik was the youngest woman ever elected to Congress when she won her first campaign in 2014 at just 30 years old, representing a

new generation of Republicans making inroads in Washington. She became the chair of the House Republican Conference in 2021.

First viewed as a moderate when she came to Washington, Stefanik became far more conservative as Trump began to dominate the party.

Once someone who refused to say Trump’s name, she became one of his top defenders during his first impeachment inquiry. She would go on to vote against certifying the 2020 election results, even after a violent mob stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Last year, Stefanik was tapped to become the president’s ambassador to the United Nations, though her nomination was later pulled over concerns about her party’s narrow margins in the House. She then began to angle toward a run for governor.

Stefanik’s decision follows a clash with Speaker Mike Johnson, whom she accused of lying before embarking on a series of media interviews criticizing him. In one with The Wall Street Journal, she called Johnson a “political novice” and said he wouldn’t be reelected speaker if the vote were held today.

The tumultuous early December episode appeared to cool when Johnson, R-Ben-

Trump eliminates Space Council

BY SANA PASHANKAR and LOREN GRUSH Bloomberg News (TNS)

President Donald Trump signed an executive order that aims to return astronauts to the moon through NASA’s Artemis space program with an eye toward building a permanent lunar presence.

The directive reinforces NASA’s current plans for sending Americans back to the moon by 2028 and for Americans to begin establishing the outpost by 2030. It also reaffirms NASA’s plans to develop nuclear power in space, including readying reactors for launch by 2030.

Thursday’s order also calls for the elimination of the National Space Council with plans to transition its authority to the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

The National Space Council is a White House body first

created in 1989 to advise the president on issues of space policy and implementation.

The order further seeks to develop next-generation missile-defense technology by 2028 as part of Trump’s Golden Dome project and calls for developing capabilities to detect and track threats to the U.S. from low-Earth orbit and cislunar space.

The directive envisions the U.S. attracting at least $50 billion of additional investment in American space markets by 2028.

Earlier this year, the administration proposed phasing out the current Artemis architecture for returning humans to the moon and replacing it with more costeffective commercial replacements.

A number of Republican and Democratic lawmakers have since rallied around the Artemis program, warning that cutting it would put

the U.S. in a weaker position in its space race with China.

Beijing plans on sending its astronauts to the moon by the end of the decade.

NASA’s Artemis moonlanding program has been criticized by prominent figures like SpaceX Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, who was a billionaire fintech executive before joining the agency.

Both have argued that there are more cost-effective ways to return to the moon.

Artemis, which relies on Boeing’s Space Launch System rocket and Lockheed Martin’s Orion crew capsule, is expected to cost $93 billion by 2025 and has only flown a single mission.

Development of the Artemis architecture supports tens of thousands of jobs in Republican-controlled states like Texas, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida.

ton, said he and Stefanik had a “great talk.”

“I called her and I said, ‘Why wouldn’t you just come to me, you know?’” Johnson said. “So we had some intense fellowship about that.”

Still, Stefanik, the chairwoman of the House Republican leadership, has not fully walked back her criticisms. A Dec. 2 social media post remains online in which, after a provision

she championed was omitted from a defense authorization bill, Stefanik accused Johnson of falsely claiming he was unaware of it, calling it “more lies from the Speaker.”

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GRANT

Continued from page 1A the state Legislature allocated $30 million last year for high-dosage tutoring and passed a bill requiring that it be offered to students in grades K-5 who are behind in math or reading.

“Louisiana is way out in front of other states in the field of tutoring,” said Liz Cohen, an education researcher and author of a new book called “The Future of Tutoring.”

Driven by research showing that tutoring can be one of the most effective ways to boost student learning, thousands of school districts nationwide used emergency federal aid during the pandemic to launch tutoring programs to catch up students who fell behind, Cohen noted. But she said Louisiana stands out for continuing to fund tutoring programs after the pandemic aid ended and by providing guidance, such as a list of approved vendors like Air Reading, in its push to make tutoring available to every elementary school student who needs it.

“They really put their money where their mouth is on tutoring,” said Cohen, who is vice president of policy at 50CAN, a national education advocacy group that promotes tutoring.

At Greenlawn Terrace Elementary School in Kenner, Principal Wilbert Pharr said he’s been impressed by the virtual tutoring program.

Three times a week, students in first, second and third grade pull on headsets, pop open their Chromebooks and start chatting with their Air Reading tutors. Pharr said the

SCHOOLS

Continued from page 1A learners, or EL students.

On Dec. 9, the day that word began to spread about sweeps coming to town, student attendance in the district stood at 90.6%. It steadily declined every day after that until it bottomed out at 85.7% the following Monday. Attendance, however, jumped back up to 90% on Tuesday and Wednesday before dipping again on Thursday, the last day of the fall semester.

Superintendent LaMont Cole acknowledged that the sweeps sparked panic among some families who chose to keep their children at home rather than take the risk of bringing them to school. He said principals have worked hard, with varying success, to persuade families to let their children leave home and come to school.

Cole sent out his own reassuring letter to parents ahead of the sweeps.

“We take all reasonable efforts to see that children are safe, protected, and cared for while in our schools,” Cole wrote.

Cole said he has struggled to separate fact from fiction about how pervasive the sweeps have been and their true impact. Cole said he has seen many unsubstantiated social media posts, including ones created using artificial intelligence.

“Is this concrete informa-

lll

measure the tutors’ impact.

In the Texas district, the roughly 380 students who received one semester of tutoring made reading gains equivalent to a month and a half of learning, the researchers found. The impact was larger in Jefferson Parish, where 170 students at five elementary schools worked with Air Reading tutors throughout the 2024-25 school year.

Those students, who all started out behind in reading, made gains that translate to more than four extra months of learning compared with similar peers who weren’t tutored, according to the study.

“That’s large by what we would expect in tutoring or virtual tutoring,” said Amanda Neitzel, the Johns Hopkins research professor who led the study, who noted that the sample size was relatively small.

Neitzel said the results are promising because they suggest that virtual tutoring, which typically is more affordable than in-person tutoring and offers more scheduling flexibility, can still be academically effective. She also noted that schools sometimes struggle to provide students enough tutoring “doses,” or weekly sessions, but STAFF FILE PHOTO By PATRICK WALL the Jefferson Parish students still As Louisiana looks to ramp up tutoring, some schools are experimenting with virtual tutoring programs, such as made reading gains even if they didn’t receive the recommended Air Reading.

56 or more sessions.

Now, through the federal grant, young students haven’t had trouble said. As a result, the school tripled ing, and the quality of teaching is Neitzel and her colleagues will evaluate Louisiana’s expansion of staying focused during the 30-min- the number of participating stu- top-notch.”

Researchers at Johns Hopkins’ virtual literacy tutoring to elemenute video sessions. dents this year.

“We thought it would be difficult Pharr attributes the success Center for Research and Reform in tary schools across several disfor them to sustain their attention partly to the “phenomenal relation- Education evaluated the Air Read- tricts, at least a quarter of which that long,” he said, “but they love it.” ships” that students develop with ing program in Jefferson Parish will be in rural areas.

Last year, about 30 Greenlawn the human tutors, even though and a rural Texas school district.

“I’m interested to find out,” she Terrace students participated in they only meet through screens.

Both studies used randomized con- said, “can tutoring move the neethe pilot program — and all im“It’s not like an algorithm,” he trolled trials, considered the gold dle when implemented across the proved their reading scores, Pharr said. “This is much more engag- standard in education research, to entire state?”

“We take all reasonable efforts to see that children are safe, protected, and cared for while in our schools.”

LAMONT COLE, East Baton Rouge Parish school superintendent, in a letter to parents tion or is this just what you are hearing and sharing as fact?” Cole said.

At its peak, 85% of the district’s 76 schools suffered attendance declines. After districtwide enrollment recovered, only 62% of district schools still had decreased attendance.

The declines were pronounced at the 15 schools where at least a quarter of the students are Hispanic.

At eight of those 15 schools,

at least a quarter of the students are considered English learners.

These 15 schools, which educate about 7,800 students, saw attendance drop by more than 9% collectively until they recovered earlier this week. The eight schools with large EL populations saw attendance drop by 14.3% at the peak.

Audubon Baton Rouge, a charter school that opened in August, had only 44% of students in school on Dec. 12, an attendance decline of 36 percentage points compared with three days earlier. That same day, Broadmoor High had 223 students absent, giving it an attendance rate of 70.9%, a decline of 12.1 percentage points compared with three days earlier.

Four of the 15 schools managed to return to pre-

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Catahoula Crunch attendance levels by Dec. 17, with Southeast Middle improving its rate the most, up 9.4 percentage points. Of the 11 other schools where attendance was still down, Bridge Academy Baton Rouge, a charter school that opened in August, was down the most with an attendance rate of 80%, or 8.5 percentage points lower than before the immigration sweeps.

Another school in town,

Tara High, made the most remarkable attendance recovery in the district. A diverse place, where 24% of the students are Hispanic and 17% are learning English, the high school on Dec. 12 had only 819 of its 1,053 students come to classes.

By the following Tuesday, more than 200 missing students returned to Tara, and attendance remained high the rest of the week.

Cole credited Principal

John Hayman with persuading families to come back to school for the end of the semester.

Cole said he visited Tara during this period and said he was stopped by a student asking if he was LaMont Cole. Cole said he was. The students then proceeded to thank Cole for helping to make sure that he and other students felt safe at school.

“I got a tear in my eye hearing that,” Cole said.

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lll

EPSTEIN

Continued from page 1A of young women and underage girls. Their release has long been demanded by a public hungry to learn whether any of Epstein’s associates knew about or participated in the abuse.

Epstein’s accusers have also sought answers about why federal authorities shut down their initial investigation into the allegations in 2008.

Yet the release, replete with redactions. seemed unlikely to satisfy the public clamor for information given how many investigative records the department indicated it was continuing to withhold.

In a letter to Congress obtained by The Associated Press, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche wrote that the Justice Department was continuing to review files in its possession and expected additional disclosures by the end of the year.

The department also said it was withholding some documents under exemptions allowed in the law and was redacting names of victims.

The department expects to complete its document production by the end of the year, Blanche said.

Bowing to political pressure from fellow Republicans, Trump on Nov. 19 signed a bill giving the Justice Department 30 days to release most of its files and communications related to Epstein, including information about the investigation into his death in a federal jail. The law’s passage, which set a deadline for Friday, was a remarkable display of bipartisanship that overcame months of opposition from Trump and Republican leadership.

The released files include a small number of photos of Trump, which appear to have been known for decades, including two in which Trump and Epstein are posing with now-first lady Melania Trump in February 2000 at

PROVIDED PHOTO

This redacted photo released by the U.S. Department of Justice shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lying across several people’s laps with Ghislaine Maxwell standing above. an event at Trump’s Palm Beach club, Mar-a-Lago, before the pair’s friendship ruptured.

Trump was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out. Neither he nor Clinton has ever been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and the mere inclusion of someone’s name in files from the investigation does not imply otherwise.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said last month that she had ordered a top federal prosecutor to investigate Epstein’s ties to Trump’s political foes, including Clinton. Bondi acted after Trump pressed for such an inquiry, though he did not explain what supposed crimes he wanted the Justice Depart-

ment to investigate.

In July, Trump dismissed some of his own supporters as “weaklings” for falling for “the Jeffrey Epstein hoax.” But both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, failed to prevent the legislation from coming to a vote.

Trump did a U-turn on the files once it became clear that congressional action was inevitable. He insisted that the Epstein matter had become a distraction to the Republican agenda and that releasing the records was the best way to move on.

After nearly two decades of court action and prying by reporters, a voluminous number of records related to Epstein had already been public well before

Friday, including flight logs, address books, email correspondence, police reports, grand jury records, courtroom testimony and transcripts of depositions of his accusers, his staffers and others.

Senior Trump White House aides took to X to promote photos in the Epstein files that show Clinton with women whose faces are redacted.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, wrote “Oh my!” and added a shocked face emoji in response to a photo of Clinton in a hot tub with a woman whose face was redacted.

“They can release as many grainy 20-plus-year-old photos as they want, but this

isn’t about Bill Clinton,” Clinton spokesman Angel Ureña said in a statement.

“There are two types of people here,” he said. “The first group knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light. The second group continued relationships after that. We’re in the first. No amount of stalling by people in the second group will change that.”

Police in Palm Beach, Florida, began investigating Epstein in 2005 after the family of a 14-year-old girl reported she had been molested at his mansion. The FBI joined the investigation, and authorities gathered testimony from multiple underage girls who said they had been hired to give Epstein sexual massages.

Ultimately, though, prosecutors gave Epstein a deal that allowed him to avoid federal prosecution. He pleaded guilty to state prostitution charges involving someone under age 18 and was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Epstein’s accusers then spent years in civil litigation trying to get that plea deal set aside. One of those women, Virginia Giuffre, accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters, starting at age 17, with numerous other men, including billionaires, famous academics, U.S. politicians and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then known as Britain’s Prince Andrew.

Mountbatten-Windsor denied ever having sex with Giuffre, but King Charles III stripped him of his royal titles this year after Giuffre’s memoir was published after she died.

Prosecutors never brought charges in connection with Giuffre’s claims, but her account fueled conspiracy theories about supposed government plots to protect the powerful. Giuffre died by suicide at her farm in Western Australia in April at age 41.

Federal prosecutors in New York brought new sex trafficking charges against Epstein in 2019, but he killed himself in jail a month after his arrest. Prosecutors then charged Epstein’s longtime confidant, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, with recruiting underage girls for Epstein to abuse.

Maxwell was convicted in late 2021 and is serving a 20-year prison sentence, though she was moved from a low-security federal prison in Florida to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas after she was interviewed over the summer by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Her lawyers argued that she never should have been tried or convicted.

The Justice Department in July said it had not found any information that could support prosecuting anyone else.

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This undated photo released by the U.S. Department of Justice shows former President Bill Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein.

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BROWN UNIVERSITY/MIT SHOOTINGS

Autopsy: Suspect died 2 days before body was found

BY KIMBERLEE KRUESI, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, ERIC TUCKER and HANNAH SCHOENBAUM

Diversity visa program suspended

BY ELLIOT SPAGAT and HALLIE GOLDEN

Associated Press

An autopsy determined that the man suspected in last weekend’s attack at Brown University and the fatal shooting of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor days later had been dead for two days when his body was found, New Hampshire’s attorney general’s office said Friday Authorities found Claudio Neves Valente dead at a New Hampshire storage facility on Thursday night.

The autopsy determined that Neves Valente, a Portuguese national who Neves Valente had been living in the U.S., died on Tuesday, the same day that his countryman, MIT professor Nuno F. G . L o u - Loureiro reiro died at a hospital, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella’s office said in a statement. It didn’t note an exact time of death.

Authorities believe that after killing two students and wounding nine others last Saturday at Brown, where he was a graduate student during the 2000-01 school year, Neves Valente shot Loureiro at his Boston-area home on Monday night.

Investigators on Friday were still trying to sort out why Neves Valente allegedly opened fire on the campus decades after he dropped out and later killed Loureiro, whom he attended school with in Portugal in the 1990s.

Neves Valente, 48, was

Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ROBERT F. BUKATy

Photos of Brown University shooting victims Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, left, and Ella Cook are seen among flowers at a makeshift memorial on Wednesday in Providence, R.I. found dead Thursday night from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, said Providence’s police chief, Col. Oscar Perez.

The discovery of Neves Valente’s body at a New Hampshire storage facility ended the nearly weeklong hunt for the person who killed two students and wounded nine others in a Brown lecture hall last Saturday. Investigators believe the onetime Brown student killed Loureiro in his home in Brookline, a Boston suburb about 50 miles north of Providence, on Monday.

Perez said as far as investigators know, Neves Valente acted alone.

Portugal’s foreign minister, Paulo Rangel, said Friday that the government was taken aback by revelations that a Portuguese man is the main suspect in the mass shooting at Brown and the killing of Loureiro.

Police in Portugal said they were contacted by U.S. authorities Thursday once Neves Valente was named.

Rangel said Portugal has provided “very broad cooperation” in the case.

Suspect’s history Neves Valente and Loureiro attended the same academic program at a university in Portugal between 1995 and 2000, U.S. attorney for Massachusetts Leah B. Foley said. Loureiro graduated from the physics program at Instituto Superior Técnico, Portugal’s premier engineering school, in 2000, according to his MIT faculty page. That same year, Neves Valente was let go from his temporary student support and faculty liaison position at the Lisbon university, according to an archive of a termination notice from the school’s president at the time.

Neves Valente had come to Brown on a student visa.

He eventually obtained legal permanent resident status in September 2017, Foley said.

It wasn’t immediately clear where he was between taking a leave of absence from the school in 2001 and getting the visa in 2017. His last known residence was in Miami.

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tive, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said. “We don’t know why now, why Brown, why these students and why this classroom,” he said.

Tip helped solve case Police credited a person who had several encounters with Neves Valente for providing a crucial tip that led authorities to him.

After police shared security video of a person of interest, the witness — known only as “John” in a Providence police affidavit — recognized him and posted his suspicions on the social media forum Reddit. Reddit users urged him to tell the FBI, and John said he did.

John said he encountered Neves Valente about two hours before the attack in a bathroom in the engineering building, which was where the shooting occurred, and noticed he was wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather, according to the affidavit. Still before the attack, he again bumped into Neves Valente a couple blocks away

President Donald Trump suspended the green card lottery program on Thursday that allowed the suspect in the Brown University and MIT shootings to come to the United States.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on the social platform X that, at Trump’s direction, she is ordering the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to pause the program.

“This heinous individual should never have been allowed in our country,” she said of the suspect, Portuguese national Claudio Neves Valente.

Neves Valente had studied at Brown on a student visa beginning in 2000, according to an affidavit from a Providence police detective. In 2017, he was issued a diversity immigrant visa and months later obtained legal permanent residence status, according to the affidavit.

The diversity visa program makes up to 50,000 green cards available each year by lottery to people from countries that are little represented in the U.S., many of them in Africa. The lottery was created by Congress.

Kica Matos, National Immigration Law Center president, said in response to the decision that the administration is “shamelessly exploiting a national tragedy as cover to eliminate legal pathways for immigrants from non-white majority countries.”

“This is a moment for elected officials and the American public to speak up on behalf of the tens of thousands of people from majority Black and brown countries, who will now be left in limbo as the legality of this move undoubtedly works its way through the courts,” she said in a statement.

Nearly 20 million people applied for the 2025 visa lottery, with more than 131,000 selected when including spouses with the winners. After winning, they must undergo vetting to win admission to the United States.

Portuguese citizens won only 38 slots. and saw him suddenly turn away from a Nissan sedan when he saw John.

“When you do crack it, you crack it. And that person led us to the car, which led us to the name,” Neronha said.

His tip pointed investigators to a Nissan Sentra with Florida plates. That enabled Providence police to tap into a network of more than 70 street cameras operated around the city by surveillance company Flock Safety.

Those cameras track license plates and other vehicle details.

After leaving Rhode Island, Providence officials said Neves Valente stuck a Maine license plate over his rental car’s plate to help conceal his identity.

Investigators found footage of Neves Valente entering an apartment building near Loureiro’s in a Boston suburb. About an hour later, Neves Valente was seen entering the Salem, New Hampshire, storage facility where he was found dead, Foley said. He had with him a satchel and two firearms, Neronha said.

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‘I feel hopeless all the time’

Vilma Palacios, 22, has spent six months in the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center and sees self-deportation as her only way out.

6 years old, and continue waiting for a LSU nursing grad detained by ICE may self-deport soon was resolution of her case.

BY HALEY MILLER

and Customs Enforcement agents and sent to the processing center in Basile — where Staff writer she has been detained for six months.

Palacios, 22, said she was deemed ineliVilma Palacios had just graduated from the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nurs- gible for release on bond and may have no ing and accepted a job with Touro Infirmary choice but to self-deport to Honduras, a when she was arrested by U.S. Immigration country she fled with her parents when she

“The only thing now that I want is my freedom back,” Palacios said. “I don’t want to be enclosed in a space where everything is controlled. I have no power to do anything. I feel hopeless all the time. And nothing is moving to help me.”

PHOTO PROVIDED

By ROSEMARy CORTES

ä See GRAD, page 3B

THE GIVING

SEASON

LEFT: Deputy Dick Loudenslager, left, leads a caravan of bikes out of the LPSO Training Facility to be loaded onto squad cars during the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office Christmas Crusade on Friday. Deputies hand-delivered donated gifts to low-income families across Livingston Parish during the annual event. BELOW: Lt. Chase Carrier hugs Paula-marie LeJeune after delivering her a bag of gifts during the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office Christmas Crusade on Friday. STAFF PHOTOS By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Man gets 15 years in Hanks Drive murder

Woman’s Hospital donates $5M to Southern College of Nursing

He killed ex’s lover while holding his daughter, video shows

Staff writer

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

A man who burst into a Baton Rouge apartment and fatally shot a man while holding his toddler in his arms was sentenced to 15 years in prison this week.

District Judge Gail Horne Ray handed down the prison term for Tyrus Dewayne Watson, 23, during a hearing Monday morning inside the 19th Judicial District Courthouse. She ordered him to serve his sentence without the benefit of parole.

Watson, 23, pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter on Sept. 16. The plea

ä See MURDER, page 2B

Enrollment set to double

BY IANNE SALVOSA Woman’s Hospital will donate $5 million to the Southern University College of Nursing and Allied Health, which university leaders say will allow the school to double its enrollment, ultimately bolstering a workforce poised to strengthen maternal and infant health.

The donation, in partnership with the Southern University System Foundation, was announced at a Board of Supervisors meeting Thursday and will be deployed over three years. Sandra Brown, vice chancellor of health initiatives and dean of the college of nursing, said the nursing program plans to expand its classrooms and laboratories with the additional funds.

Southern University Chancellor John Pierre said the state Legislature has appropriated $10 million that the university needs to match from private sources, and the Woman’s Hospital donation is a part of

Man gets 13 years in 2022 carjacking

the match. He said the school will expand its nursing school building in Baton Rouge, which can accommodate 75 students each year.

He said he hopes the funds will help address the disproportionate impact that maternal and infant health issues have on lower-income individuals.

“We’re trying to intervene by training nurses that are familiar with that,” he said.

Brown thanked Woman’s Hospital CEO Rene Ragas, state Sen. and President Pro Tempore Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, Southern University System Foundation Executive Director Al Harrell, Southern Director of Institutional Advancement Marlin Hollins and state Rep. Dustin Miller, DOpelousas, for their support of the initiative at the meeting.

“While we are not yet naming buildings today, I believe we can all agree that the Dustin Miller School of Nursing certainly has a nice ring to it,” Brown joked at the meeting.

Alkeyvin Ray Ennis outfitted his Kia Soul with red and blue police lights, flashed them at a motorist to pull them over, then got out of his car dressed in a police officer’s uniform with tactical gear.

Ennis, 33, was armed with a stolen gun and radioed for “backup” during what was supposedly a traffic stop. But when the man he duped into pulling over realized Ennis wasn’t an actual law enforcement agent, he tried to get back in his car

ä See DONATION, page 2B

ä See CARJACKING, page 2B

He impersonated a police officer, had flashing lights

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

2B ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

NEW ORLEANS

Council demands answers from Habitat for Humanity Residents face rent increases in wake of sell-off

According to Habitat, the organization had been subsidizing renters to the tune of about $200,000 to $250,000 every year, and the majority of the properties it sold require costly maintenance upgrades.

Musicians’ Village launched in 2006 as a partnership between Habitat and local musicians Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis to provide affordable housing

to the city’s culture bearers facing displacement in Katrina’s wake.

In the years that followed and with great fanfare and celebrity support, the nonprofit built 72 single-family homes and 10 duplex units, plus the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, on the site of a former Upper 9th Ward middle school. The owner-occupied homes are not affected by the recent sale.

Habitat has continued to lease out four doubles to musicians — including blues guitarist Little Freddie King — and other artists who have lived there at affordable rates. Monthly rents have remained approximately unchanged since they were built.

“In retrospect, I suppose, Habitat should have started increasing rents in the Village every year, like every other landlord does, and we didn’t,” Oestreicher said.

Oestreicher said it did not make sense to offer the properties for sale to their present occupants before making the deal with Madi since the current residents would not be able to afford the purchase.

“If they had wanted to be homeowners, they could always have applied to Habitat for the homeownership program, but there were never any homeownership applications,” she said. “Homeownership is a wonderful thing, and we wholeheartedly believe in it, but it isn’t the right fit for everyone.”

But several residents at Green’s meeting said they were willing and able to purchase the properties had Habitat ever given them an opportunity. The sales price that Habitat accepted came out to less than $35,000 per unit.

“Some of us could have bought those buildings. They have people here who said they would have bought the buildings and kept us here. But Habitat said nothing,” said Lolet Boutte, a member of the famous musical family.

Oestreicher said Habitat had attempted to sell its single-unit rentals individually but had only sold about 15 rental properties over the past few years.

“It was a very, very slow process,” she said. “We would list two or three, and it would take six months to a year to sell.”

As news of the sale spread in recent days, council members weighed in, issuing statements of concern about the potential displacement of culture bearers.

The council’s criticism was fueled in part by its decision last year to allocate $2 million to support owners of Habitat homes who faced potential foreclosure due to skyrocketing home insurance.

with a Bachelor of Science in nursing in Louisiana and has graduated more than 2,000 nursing students since 1988.

“Five million coming from Woman’s Hospital is a big deal,” Miller said at the meeting. “They’re not a major hospital system like some of the other health systems in Louisiana.”

The donation builds on the hospital’s relationship with Southern.

The hospital employs more than 115 Southern nursing graduates,

and more than 140 Southern nursing students are currently doing clinical training at Woman’s.

Ragas said Southern has also supported the hospital’s initiatives to encourage women to get annual mammograms.

“We want to continue to grow this partnership and do whatever we can to continue to ensure the next generation of caring, compassionate and highly trained nurses that come from the program,” Ragas said at the meeting.

block of Hanks Drive, just east of Airline Highway.

Continued from page 1B Glasper was dating a former girlfriend of Watson’s who shared a child with the defendant, invesdeal reduced the second-degree tigators said. murder charge Watson originally Surveillance footage showed faced and allowed him to escape Watson drive into La Playa’s parkthe prospect of a mandatory life ing lot and emerge from his car sentence had he been convicted. carrying his 2-year-old daughter Watson fatally shot 31-year-old while toting a pistol in his front Kedrick Glasper during an Aug. right pocket, according to court 15, 2024, dispute at the La Playa records. apartment complex in the 6500 Prosecutors said he walked up a

stairwell and burst into Glasper’s apartment, where he shot and killed the man while still holding his daughter.

Deputies found Glasper dead in a second-floor breezeway with multiple gunshot wounds. A trail of blood led from his body to his nearby apartment, deputies said.

Inside the residence, detectives found a 9 mm cartridge and a bullet projectile, according to prosecutors. Glasper’s bedroom was destroyed.

BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer

City officials are demanding answers from the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate after the nonprofit sold off dozens of its New Orleans rental properties to a forprofit investor in a wholesale transaction.

The properties include four shotgun doubles, eight apartments in all, in Musicians’ Village, where longtime tenants in Habitat’s largest post-Katrina affordable housing development now face the prospect of unaffordable rent hikes under their new landlord, who has pledged not to evict anyone immediately.

At a community meeting Thursday, City Council member Eugene Green, whose district includes the affected properties, told residents that the city had little control over a private real estate transaction, but he and his fellow council members are “deeply concerned” over how the deal was handled.

“I’m disappointed that the opportunity wasn’t given to some of the people who live in these properties to own them,” Green said.

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity leadership said the Musicians’ Village apartments represent a small portion of a 43-building rental portfolio that the nonprofit had been seeking to sell for several years amid rising insurance costs. Habitat’s mission is primarily to build new affordable houses that residents can own, rather than managing rental properties.

“There’s actually nothing untoward going on,” said Marguerite Oestreicher, executive director of the local Habitat affiliate. “Selling the rental portfolio makes sense, so that Habitat can focus on our core mission, which really is about homeownership.”

In September, Habitat sold 32 properties in a pair of transactions for a total of about $1.73 million.

Those properties — 12 single-family homes and 20 duplexes comprising more than 50 rental units — have a total value of more than $4.57 million, according to the Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office.

“This was not a real estate maximization decision. It was a mission protection and financial stabilization decision,” explained Oestreicher, who did not attend Green’s meeting.

DONATION

Continued from page 1B

Strengthening the pipeline

Miller, a graduate of the Southern college of nursing, said the donation positions the university to produce the most Black nurses out of any other college in the nation.

Southern has produced onethird of Black registered nurses

MURDER

‘Make it work’ The issue came to light earlier this month, after the new owner of the properties, Ihsan Madi, notified tenants that he intends to more than double their rents beginning in January. The units, on average, have rented for between $300 and $500 a month for nearly 20 years.

Madi declined to comment for this story, but in an interview last month he said he has been trying to find a way to “make it work” for the current renters and that he made a “commitment” to Habitat to keep the units affordable for low-income renters.

“Obviously, there’s going to be clients who may not be able to pay rents — not all of the units — the vast majority are on government assistance,” he said.

Madi did not attend Green’s meeting, but a statement attributed to the new owners said they are working with tenants to come to “mutually beneficial agreements that ensure stability” for all parties.

“We want to be absolutely clear: We have no intention of evicting anyone,” it said.

Residents and attendees at Thursday’s meeting were skeptical.

“This was a mission-specific neighborhood, and it was never about ‘fair market value,’ ” said Brandi Kelly, a member of Mama Lola’s family of voodoo priestesses, and a sister of a longtime tenant. “It was about bringing back our musicians and culture bearers to New Orleans.”

In an effort to help the affected tenants, the Housing Authority of New Orleans is working on a plan to increase Section 8 vouchers for residents who are already receiving them, HANO Executive Director Marjorianna Willman said. The agency is also looking for ways to extend rental assistance to those who are not.

She also told attendees at Thursday’s meeting that she spoke to Madi and secured a commitment that no one would be evicted for at least a year.

Village history

REASON 91

Our business and innovation coverage looked at what Louisiana can learn from South Carolina’s booming economy.

ICE officer at Basile detention facility accused of sexual abuse

BY CLAIRE TAYLOR Staff writer

An officer at an ICE detention facility in Basile is accused in federal court of sexually abusing a detainee.

A bill of information was handed down Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Lafayette charging David Courvelle with one count of sexual abuse of a ward or individual in federal custody.

Courvelle was a detention officer at the Louisiana ICE Processing Center, a federal facility in Evangeline Parish, according to the bill of information.

From around March 1 to around July 30, the federal document states, Courvelle engaged in sexual acts with an individual detained at the processing center “under

CARJACKING Continued from page 1B

the custodial supervision and disciplinary authority of Courvelle.”

He is scheduled to appear in federal court in Lafayette on Dec. 29 for a plea hearing.

A civil rights complaint was filed in September with the Department of Homeland Security alleging a former assistant warden, prison officers, and ICE employees at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Basile subjected a woman and three transgender people to abuse from 2023 to 2025.

The facility is operated by GEO Group Inc. and houses females and detainees of various gender identities.

The civil rights complaint specifically accuses former assistant warden Manuel Reyes of abusing detainees.

boots,” and a black vest that said “Police,” the report stated.

Ennis ordered the motorist into the back seat of the supposed police cruiser. But the victim realized Ennis wasn’t a real officer and refused. He tried to get back into his Honda and leave the scene, but Ennis got on his walkie-talkie and radioed for “backup.”

Shortly after, another man wearing a ski mask showed up and pointed a gun at the victim.

Ennis then struck the man over the head with his gun, deputies said. The victim fell to the ground, where Ennis used zip ties to bind his hands behind his back. The victim managed to wrestle away from one of the gunmen and ran until he noticed a deputy’s marked vehicle at the gas station on Perkins Road.

Deputies said the two men were gone by the time they arrived. One of the men fled in Ennis’ Kia, and the other sped away in the victim’s car, witnesses reported. During Thursday’s sentencing, Jackson indicated authorities haven’t identified Ennis’ accomplice.

Hours later, a license-plate camera reader on North Ardenwood Drive alerted authorities to the stolen Kia that Ennis used in the carjacking. Baton Rouge police nabbed him after a short chase, when Ennis crashed the Kia into a home on North 49th Street.

When captured, Ennis was wearing a leg holster and clothing matching the victim’s description of the robber. He had police-style lights, a handheld radio and a black “police style” vest in the car, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Two of Ennis’ family members sat in the courtroom Thursday, and he waved goodbye to them before U.S. marshals walked him out of the courtroom.

Jackson noted a handful of letters that loved ones wrote on Ennis’ behalf before the hearing.

“Despite your strong family support, you chose to live a life of crime, and from a particularly young age,” the judge said.

and leave the scene.

When the man refused to give up his Honda Accord, Ennis struck him over the head with the stolen pistol he brandished and zip-tied the man’s hands behind his back. He left the bloodied victim with a gash to the head as he peeled away.

Hours later, he was arrested after leading Baton Rouge police on a high-speed chase that ended with him crashing into an 88-year-old woman’s house, court records indicate.

On Thursday morning, Ennis stood before a federal judge and atoned for one of his crimes.

“I apologize, and I just hope that you can look out for me,” he said.

But citing his past criminal convictions, U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson characterized Ennis as a “violent and dangerous person” and imposed a 158-month sentence. That amounts to 13 years and two months in federal lockup.

“You didn’t have to pistol-whip that man. You didn’t have to zip-tie that man,” Jackson said.

“How you did what you did was completely unnecessary.”

The sentence was only for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a charge to which Ennis pleaded guilty during a Feb. 5 hearing inside the U.S. Middle District of Louisiana Courthouse.

He still has to answer at the state courthouse down the street to several more charges tied to the July 2022 carjacking. According to 19th Judicial District Court records, Ennis has an ongoing case with a slate of charges that include false impersonation of a police officer, armed robbery, aggravated second-degree battery, aggravated flight from an officer and false imprisonment while armed with a weapon.

Jackson ordered Ennis’ sentence to run concurrently with any time he receives in that case or an unrelated case in New Roads.

The carjacking and attack hap- Email Matt Bruce at matt. pened late on the night of July bruce@theadvocate.com.

7, 2022. The battered victim approached an East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff’s deputy at the Circle K in the 13700 block of LOTTERY Perkins Road near Siegen Lane.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18, 2025 He told the deputy he was drivPICK 3: 0-7-4 ing on Metairie Drive in the PerPICK 4: 1-8-9-2 kins Village subdivision when the suspect got behind him in a PICK 5: 6-9-9-0-9 dark-colored Kia Soul SUV and Unofficial notification, keep your tickets. flashed police lights at him. The victim eased his car to side of the road, believing he was being pulled over.

But he said the purported officer got out of his SUV brandishing a gun and pointing the weapon at him, according to an arrest affidavit.

He told deputies the fake officer, later determined to be Ennis, THEADVOCATE.COM/SUBSCRIBE was wearing black pants, “police

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Trump nominees confirmed by Senate vote David Courcelle is U.S. attorney; Paul Hollis to lead U.S. Mint

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON — David I. Courcelle was confirmed as U.S. attorney and Paul Hollis cleared the final hurdle to become director of the U.S. Mint when the U.S. Senate approved 97 nominees at one time Thursday night.

The Senate voted 53-43 to confirm President Donald Trump’s nominees shortly before closing down for 2025. The Senate returns to Capitol Hill in January after the holidays.

The Senate used a special

GRAD

Continued from page 1B As a child, she had applied for asylum. She had requested a work permit, which she had been granted previously, when ICE agents arrested her in June. She did not have any criminal convictions.

“On June 26, 2025, DHS law enforcement arrested Vilma Nicol Palacios-Fuentes, an illegal alien from Honduras,” Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs of the Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement. “She freely admitted to being in the U.S. illegally. She will receive full due process. To be clear, work authorization does not confer legal status.”

Friends, family and advocates have protested her detention, emphasizing her contributions to the community and passion for nursing during a national shortage in the field.

“She’s doing it for the right reasons — she’s doing it be-

procedure that expedites St. Charles, St. James, St. confirmation by taking a sin- John the Baptist, St. Tammagle vote on a large number ny, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne of nominees, said Carl To- and Washington.

A graduate of bias, a University of De La Salle High Richmond law proSchool, the Univerfessor who closely follows judicial nomsity of New Orleans and Loyola College inations. Thursday of Law, Courcelle night’s group had 97 has been a city atnominees, another group in September torney in Harahan had 48 and more than and parish attorney 90 were included in Courcelle in Jefferson Parish. a group approved in He is now a crimiOctober. nal defense lawyer Courcelle will bein his Metairie firm.

Courcelle reprecome the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern sented two defenDistrict of Louisidants previously accused by the Jusana, based in New Orleans and covertice Department of participating in ing 13 parishes in Hollis the pro-Trump Jan. southeast Louisiana: 6 riot at the U.S. Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Capitol. Those charges were Plaquemines, St. Bernard, dropped when Trump took

office.

One of his recent high-profile defendants was Fouad Zeton, a politically engaged businessman whose text messages formed the linchpin of a now-sputtering federal probe of New Orleans’ Democratic Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Prosecutors accused Randy Farrell, a private electrical inspector, in a September indictment of funneling bribes to the mayor through Zeton.

Hollis, of Covington and a lifelong coin collector, represents St. Tammany Parish and parts of Jefferson and Orleans parishes on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. He was a Republican member of the state House of Representatives between 2012 and 2024.

A bureau in the U.S. Trea-

sury, the U.S. Mint makes nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollars — but no longer pennies — at four facilities around the nation. Hollis also now becomes responsible for the nation’s gold reserves held in Fort Knox.

He is the son of the late state Sen. Ken Hollis, RCovington.

Hollis recalls that as a 7-year-old, his grandmother gave him a coin she had saved since the Great Depression in the 1930s. He keeps the coin in his pocket for major life milestones and brought it to Washington when he testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs in October.

He is a member of the American Numismatic Association and wrote a book titled “American Numisma-

cause she wants to care for people,” Matthew Reese, one of Palacios’ nursing instructors, said. “She’s naturally kind of caregiving and has a compassionate disposition.”

Martha Lowe, her immigration attorney, said Palacios feels depleted, which is why she agreed to voluntary deportation despite having few connections to Honduras.

“I’m a Republican, and this just isn’t flying with me,” Lowe said. “This is terrible.”

was confiscated. Over the following months, Palacios and her loved ones oscillated between hope, confusion and disappointment as her case encountered setbacks, Moise said.

“After that, it became a lot,” Moise said. “We went through so much in nursing school together, and for me to be starting off my career without her is just so hard.”

Palacios said she has reached a state of emotional exhaustion after months languishing at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center.

She does not have access to her belongings and spends her days in a dormitory with other detainees, she said.

On multiple occasions, she has had trouble accessing necessities like shampoo and menstrual products, with pads sometimes taking a week to be delivered after requesting them from officers, she said.

“There would be many circumstances like that where we ask for something that we need, and they would just deny it, or we would have to

be constantly explaining why and asking them multiple times and asking different officers,” Palacios said.

In a statement from the Department of Homeland Security, McLaughlin denied the description of the conditions at the detention center.

“Any claim that there are subprime conditions at ICE facilities are FALSE,” McLaughlin said. “All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment — including access to menstrual products, and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers. Ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority at ICE.” A spokesperson for ICE said the agency is regularly audited and inspected.

“This is the best health care that many aliens have received in their entire lives,” a statement from the agency Friday said.

Six months in detention On June 26, Palacios was attempting to get her routine vehicle inspection sticker when she saw an unmarked car pull up behind her.

ICE agents approached and told her she was under arrest, she said. She was not aware her case had been placed back on the active docket, she said.

She texted her friend from nursing school, Fritza Moise, immediately — two quick messages with the information that she had been detained and was on the phone

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LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing grad Vilma Palacios was detained by ICE in June.

with her lawyer. “oh my god, are you by yourself?” Moise texted back, offering to help if she could. “I hope everything’s okay and if you can just give me an update” Soon after, Palacios’ phone

tist,” a history of the United States and the nation’s coinage.

“Our nation’s coinage is far more than just metal; our coins encapsulate America’s history. Every coin carries with it a thoughtfully crafted design that is rooted in our shared heritage,” Hollis said. “Over the past 30 years, I have built a respected career in numismatics, served 14 years in elected public office, and published a book on the history of U.S. coinage.”

Later Thursday night, the Senate approved the final procedure that sets up a confirmation vote on former acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, of Shreveport, to sit as a federal judge on the Western U.S. District of Louisiana bench when the chamber returns after the holidays in January.

granted voluntary departure and “will be scheduled for removal to her home in Honduras.” If nothing changes in her case, Palacios said she was told by the judge at her bond hearing that the action would occur before Jan. 14.

“It’s very terrifying trying to picture how my life would be over there,” Palacios said. “It seems unimaginable.”

She and her family are still hoping for a miracle, she said.

“My dream and priority are still to be in this country and create my future here because it’s the only place I have called home,” Palacios said.

McLaughlin praised the self-deportation option at the end of her statement.

“We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home app,” McLaughlin said. “The American taxpayer is generously of‘Unimaginable’ fering illegal aliens $1,000 A spokesperson for ICE and free flight home for the said Palacios has been holidays.”

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4B ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

Funerals Today Addison, Evelyn

Rocky Hill A.M.E. Church, 151 Rocky Hill Road in Amite City, at 1 p.m.

Baker Sr., Dalton

Little Zion Baptist Church, 7959 LAHwy. 418 in Batchelor, at 11 a.m.

Bell Sr., Charles

Little Zion Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

Campo, Savina

St. Helena Catholic Church Hall, 122 S. First Street in Amite, at 10 a.m.

Duplessis, Glenda

Ourso Funeral Home, 13533 Airline Highway in Gonzales, at 11 a.m.

Evans, Eva

St. Gabriel Catholic Church in St. Gabriel at 11 a.m.

Hall, Imogene

Hall Davis & Sons Funeral Service, 9348 Scenic Highway, at 11 a.m.

Hatchell, Irene

Christ's Community Church Denham Springs at 2 p.m.

of

Higginbotham, Darrel

Gray's Creek Baptist Church in Denham Springs, LA at 2pm.

Hunter, Clara

Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, 3802 Martin Luther King Boulevard in New Orleans, at 10 a.m.

Meyers III, Ernest

Winnfield Funeral Home, 7221 Plank Road, at 11 a.m.

Politz, Samuel

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Avenue, at 1 p.m.

Sharpe, Rebecca

First Baptist Church of Denham Springs, 27735 Highway 16 in Denham Springs, at noon.

Smith, Eric

Hall's Celebration Center, Scenic Highway, at 2 p.m.

9348

Taylor, Iberville

Mount Bethel Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

White, Donovan

Ascension Funeral Home, 426 West New River Street in Gonzales, at noon.

Willson, Jeryl

Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, at 2 p.m.

Obituaries Caldwell, Thelma Louise

Thelma Louise Caldwell, age 109, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at her home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is survived by her daughters, Juon R. Collins and Thelma Louise Caldwell-Johnson; grandchildren, Juon R. Wilson (Glenn) and Angelica Johnson-Smith (Keith); great-grandchildren, Taja Cunningham (Douglas), Arrianna Maia Alexander, Edward D. Williams, Brittany Williams, Jhayce Smith, and Khaleb Smith; and great-great-grandchildren, Zoe Alexander, Ezra Cunningham, Danielle Williams, Hakeem Williams, Edward Williams, and Z'naya Scott. She is also survived by extended family members Ronnie L. Hamilton, Sybil Vincent, Jacqueline Williams, Andre Vincent, Cory Vincent (Whitney), Brandon Vincent, Brian Williams, Anthony Williams (Naomi), Tiffany Johnson (Darren), "The Smith Boys," Alex Gray, John Tate, her godchild, Faydean W. Morris and a host of relatives in Plateau and Mobile, AL. She was preceded in death by her husband, John R. Caldwell, Sr.; her son, John Caldwell, Jr.; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Phillips; her grandson, Edjuardo F. Williams; and her brother, Joseph C. Phillips. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Hall's Celebration Center, 9348 Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor John A. Moore officiating. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Gardens in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Services are entrusted to Hall Davis and Son Funeral Services.

Duplessis, Glenda Nugent

Glenda Ruth Nugent Duplessis, a native resident of Dry Prong, LA and resi-

dent of Duplessis, LA passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the age of 86. Glenda worked for the Ascension Parish School Board from 1963 until she retired in 1996. Glenda was the valedictorian of Dry Prong High School in 1956. She went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Louisiana Tech University.

She later earned a Master's Degree and Doctoral Degree in Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. She was a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and became a member of Alpha Delta Kappa whose mission is to create educational excellence. Glenda moved from classroom teacher to become the Assistant Principal at Gonzales Elementary School. She then became the Principle at Leblanc Special Services Center and finally the Director of Special Education for Ascension Parish before her retirement in 1996.

In addition to her responsibilities in the classroom and as an administrator, she coached the Gonzales Middle School Eighth Grade Girl's Basketball team, leading them to several city championships.

Glenda touched countless lives as an educator and was approached almost everywhere she went by former students who thanked her for the positive impact she had on their lives.

Glenda is survived by her sons, Jeffery Lynn Duplessis and his wife Nelly Duplessis, David Bryan Duplessis and his wife Torrie Amedee Duplessis; grandchildren Bryan, Alyssa (Ross), Peyton, Dru, Tiggy, and Jase Duplessis, sister Cheryl Jean Brinkly, brother Jerry Nugent. Glenda was preceded in death by her parents Glyn Lavel Nugent and Eva Bryant Nugent, and husband, Wilfred Paul "Geefoo" Duplessis.

Visitation will be held at Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 5pm to 8pm. Visitation will also take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, beginning at 9:30 AM with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 AM, celebrated by Father Andrew Merrick. A reception will take place immediately following the graveside service at St. John Community Center, and all are welcome. Pallbearers will be Bris Duplessis, Dale Boudreaux, Patrick Bell, Jr, Brady Bell, Peyton Duplessis, and Bryan Duplessis. Thanks to the staff at His Care Hospice.

Hatchell, Irene Middlebrooks 'Maw Maw'

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

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Maw is preceded in death by her parents, David Sr. 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

Hunter, Clara Lee Williams

Clara Lee Williams Hunter was born on January 26, 1935, to Isaac and Mary B. (Washington) Williams in Centreville, MS. She was the last surviving child of 12 siblings.

Educated at Finch Elem./ High School, Wilkinson County Sch. Sys. She married Clyde Hunter in 1956, they had five children: Clyde Jr., Claudette, Michael, Brenda and Rickey. She loved sharing her blessings with family and friends. Clara accepted Christ at an early age at Beulah Land COGIC, Centreville, MS. She moved to New Orleans, LA in the mid 1950's where she joined First COGIC, later she joined Jerusalem COGIC where she had several positions but her final position was one of the Church Mothers. Mother Clara Lee Williams Hunter departed this earthly life on Monday, December 8, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Hunter, son Rickey Hunter, grandson Rickey Hunter, Jr., God son Silas Brown and eleven siblings.

Cherishing memories are Clyde Hunter, Jr. (Sheila) if River Ridge, LA, Claudette Hunter (David), Michael Hunter, Brenda Burrell (Cornel), all of New Orleans, LA, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great great grandchild, God daughters and a host of other relatives, church members and friends. The Celebration of Life will be Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Jerusalem Church of God In Christ, 3802 Martin Luther King Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70125, Service 10:00 a.m., Visitation 9:00 a.m., Interment St. Vincent #2 Cemetery. Arrangements provided by Dennis Funeral Home, Dignified Personal Service, (504) 899-8252.

Jackson, Barbara M.

ed in Baker, LA. The majority of her professional career was spent at ExxonMobil as an TSF Administrator.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memory her three children: Lawrence Kerwin Lastrapes (Serena) of Champlin, MN; Ebony Jeanine Lastrapes and Ashley Mi'Chelle Jackson, both of Baker, LA. She is also survived by her two granddaughters, Sydni Breonne Sanders and Marlie Arye Lastrapes, both of Baker, LA; her brother, Thomas Mitchell Jr.; and her close cousin, Diane Gray, with whom she was raised. She also leaves to mourn a host of relatives, friends, and colleagues. Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Mitchell Sr.; her mother, Thelma Carter; her sister and best friend, Thelma L. Brown; her brother, Johnny Carter; and two special nephews, Dr. Jeremy A. Brown and Bryan T. Brown.

Ogden, Ann Jackson

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 Christ-

mas, 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 husband, 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.

Watts, Loretta Shaffer

(Jaci), Tyler Watts (Danielle), Kellie Watts, and Macee Watts (Shawn) and ten great grandchildren who brought her endless joy: Remi, Grayson, Mac, Annistyn, Myles, Reese, Caroline, Emmitt, Eli, and Noel. Born and raised in Central, Loretta's roots in the community ran deep. She graduated from Central High School in 1961 and later worked for several years as the Attendance Clerk at Central Middle School, where she was known for her warm smile and steady presence. She went on to own and operate AAS Company for more than 30 years alongside her son Mac, proudly serving customers until the business was sold in 2020.

Loretta's commitment to her community extended far beyond her work. She was a Founder and Board Member of Cooking in Central and served with grace and pride as First Lady during her husband Mac's nine year tenure as Mayor.

Her dedication, hospitality, and quiet leadership touched countless lives.

Above all, Loretta was a devoted wife, mother, Nanna, and great Nanna. She cherished attending school and community events, traveling, and playing golf with Mac and their friends.

In her later years, nothing brought her more happiness than time spent on the family property surrounded by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whether she was working a crossword puzzle, piecing together a jigsaw, or sitting outside watching the little ones play, Loretta found joy in life's simple, beautiful moments. Her legacy of love, service, and family devotion will continue to live on in all who knew her. Visitation will be on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Zoar Baptist Church, Central, from 9:00 am until service time at 12:00 noon. Share sympathies, condolences, and memories at www.Cha rletFuneralHome.com.

Loretta Shaffer Watts, a lifelong pillar of the Central Community, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, at the age of 82. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Rena Mae Shaffer; her brother, Alvin Shaffer (Carol); and her beloved son, Mac Watts. She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Shelton "Mac" Watts; her sister, Gwen Bergeron (Gerald); her son, Wes Watts (Jodie); and her daughter-in-law, Susan Watts Payton (Phil). She leaves behind five grandchildren, Travis Watts (Emily), Austin Watts

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We celebrate the life and legacy of our beloved mother and grandmother, Barbara M. Jackson. Barbara was born on December 29, 1946, to the union of Thomas Mitchell Sr. and Thelma Carter in Scotlandville, Louisiana. She peacefully departed this earthly life to be with the Lord on Friday, December 12, 2025. Barbara was a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, LA, and later resid-

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BUSINESS

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FROM WIRE REPORTS

Sony buys majority stake in ‘Peanuts’

Sony is buying a 41% stake in the Charles M. Schulz comic “Peanuts” and its characters including Snoopy and Charlie Brown from Canada’s WildBrain in a $457 million deal, the two companies said Friday.

The deal adds to Sony’s existing 39% stake, bringing its shareholding to 80%, according to a joint statement. The Schulz family will continue to own the remaining 20%.

“Peanuts” made its debut Oct. 2, 1950, in seven newspapers. The travails of the “little round-headed kid” Charlie Brown and pals including Linus, Lucy, Peppermint Patty and his pet beagle Snoopy eventually expanded to more than 2,600 newspapers, reaching millions of readers in 75 countries.

The strip offers enduring images of kites stuck in trees, Charlie Brown trying to kick a football, tart-tongued Lucy handing out advice for a nickel and Snoopy taking the occasional flight of fancy to the skies. Phrases such as “security blanket,” “good grief” and “happiness is a warm puppy” are a part of the global vernacular. Schulz died in 2000.

Sony acquired its first stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC in 2018 from Toronto-based WildBrain Ltd. In Friday’s transaction, Sony’s music and movie arms signed a “definitive agreement” with WildBrain to buy its remaining stake for $457 million.

Markets rise as AI stocks turn higher NEW YORK — Stocks gained ground on Wall Street Friday for a second straight day, wiping away losses from earlier in the week.

Technology stocks were once again the main force behind the market’s broader moves, especially companies with a focus on artificial intelligence. Both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq closed out the week with gains, despite several stumbles early this week.

Nvidia was the biggest force driving the market higher, with a 3.9% gain. Broadcom jumped 3.2%.

The technology sector has been fueling Wall Street throughout the year as companies with outsized values like Nvidia exert more pressure on markets. But, those pricey stock values have come under more scrutiny from investors wondering whether they are justifiable.

Nike slumped 10.5%, as the impact from tariffs overshadowed an otherwise strong quarterly profit report. Frozen potato maker Lamb Weston fell 25.9%, despite also beating Wall Street’s profit and revenue forecasts.

Wi n n e b a g o I n d u s t r i e s jumped 8.4% after turning in profits and revenue for its latest quarter that easily beat analysts’ estimates.

A survey from the University of Michigan showed that consumer sentiment in December improved slightly from November, but is deeply diminished from a year ago.

Consumer confidence has been weakening throughout the year as persistent inflation squeezes consumers. The job market is also slowing while retail sales weaken.

Ford recalls 270K-plus electric, hybrid vehicles Ford is recalling more than 270,000 electric and hybrid vehicles in the U.S. because of a parking function problem that could lead to them rolling away.

The Detroit automaker said that the recall includes certain 2022-26 F-150 Lightning BEV, 2024-26 Mustang Mach-E, and 2025-26 Maverick vehicles. At issue is the integrated park module, which may fail to lock into the park position when the driver shifts into park.

Ford said that it will implement a park module software update for free.

Vehicle owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332 for additional information.

S&P 500 6,834.50 59.74 0.88%

EURO 1.1711 -0.0013 -0.11%

CRUDE OIL 56.54 0.54 0.96%

GOLD 4,354.00 14.50 0.33%

6-MO T-BILLS 3.61 0.02 0.56%

30-YR T-BONDS 4.83 0.03 0.56%

Trump announces lower drug price deals they charged in other devel- patients who have no insurance launch in January and will allow Nine drugmakers to what coverage and little leverage to ne- people to buy drugs directly from oped countries.

As part of the deal, new drugs gotiate better deals on what they manufacturers. charge Medicaid what made by those companies will also pay. But even steep discounts of Companies such as Merck, GSK charged at the so-called “most- 50% found through the administra- and Bristol Myers Squibb also they charge in other be favored-nation” pricing across the tion’s website could still leave pa- agreed to donate significant supon any newly launched tients paying hundreds of dollars a plies of active pharmaceutical indeveloped countries country medications for all, including com- month for some prescriptions. gredients to a national reserve and

BY SALLY HO

Associated Press U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday that nine drugmakers have agreed to lower the cost of their prescription drugs in the U.S. Pharmaceutical companies Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, GSK, Merck, Novartis and Sanofi will now rein in Medicaid drug prices to match

mercial and cash pay markets as well as Medicare and Medicaid.

Drug prices for patients in the U.S. can depend on a number of factors, including the competition a treatment faces and insurance coverage. Most people have coverage through work, the individual insurance market or government programs like Medicaid and Medicare, which shield them from much of the cost.

Lower drug prices also will help

William Padula, a pharmaceutical and health economics professor at USC, said Medicaid already has the most favorable drug rates which in some cases will be close to what the “most-favored-nation” price is so it remains to be seen what other impacts it could have, such as more research and development.

Trump administration officials said the drugmakers will also sell pharmacy-ready medicines on the TrumpRx platform, which is set to

to formulate and distribute them into medications such as antibiotics, rescue inhalers and blood thinners as needed in an emergency.

Bristol Myers Squibb further announced that it will be giving for free to the Medicaid program its signature blood thinner prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke. Known as Eliquis, it is the company’s top prescribed drug as well as being one of Medicaid’s most widely-used medicines.

House backs bill to speed permitting Change to limit judicial review for new energy and infrastructure projects

BY MATTHEW DALY Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The House approved legislation Thursday aimed at speeding up permitting reviews for new energy and infrastructure projects that now take five or more years to complete, as lawmakers seek to meet growing demand for electricity and other forms of energy.

The bill, dubbed the SPEED Act, would also limit judicial review as Congress seeks to enact the most significant change in decades to the National Environmental Policy Act, a bedrock environmental law that requires federal agencies to consider a project’s possible environmental impacts before it is approved.

The bill was approved, 221-196, and now goes to the Senate.

Republicans and many Democrats believe the 55-year-old environmental policy law has become mired in red tape that routinely results in years-long delays for major projects.

The law requires detailed analysis for major projects and allows for public comments before approvals are issued. A recent study found that environmental reviews often total nearly 600 pages and take nearly five years to complete.

The House bill would place statutory limits on environmental reviews, broaden the scope of actions that don’t require review and set clear deadlines. It also limits who can bring legal challenges and legal remedies that courts can impose.

“The SPEED Act is a focused, bipartisan effort to restore common sense and accountability to federal permitting,” said Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, the bill’s chief sponsor.

Clearing a ‘bureaucratic bottleneck’ While NEPA was passed “with the best of intentions,” it has become unwieldly in the decades since, said Westerman, who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee and has long pushed for permitting reform.

“Unfortunately, what was meant to facilitate responsible development has been twisted into a bureaucratic bottleneck that delays investments in the infrastructure and technologies that make our country run,” Westerman said Thursday on the House floor.

Democrats agreed that the permitting process has become unwieldy, but said the House bill does not address the real causes of delay and undercuts public input and participation while overly restricting judicial review.

“The SPEED Act treats environmental reviews as a nuisance rather than a tool to prevent costly, harmful mistakes,” said California

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By TED SHAFFREy

The House approved legislation Thursday aimed at speeding up permitting reviews for new energy and infrastructure projects, such as data centers housing computer servers and hardware required to support modern internet use, including artificial intelligence.

Rep. Jared Huffman, the top Democrat on the Natural Resources panel.

“Weakening environmental review won’t fix permitting challenges (and) won’t help us build the clean energy future that we need,” Huffman said. “Gutting NEPA only invites more risk, more mistakes, more litigation, more damage to communities that already face too many environmental burdens.”

Eleven Democrats voted for the bill, while one Republican, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, opposed it.

Amendment would block offshore wind Huffman and other critics also complained that the bill could harm wind and solar projects that ae being shut down by the Trump administration. A last-minute change this week allows the administration to continue to block some offshore wind projects, bending to demands by conservatives who oppose offshore wind.

The American Clean Power Association, which represents wind developers, pulled its support for the bill because of the changes, which were demanded by Republican Reps.

Andy Harris of Maryland and Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey.

The GOP amendment “fundamentally changed legislation that represented genuine bipartisan progress on permitting reform,” said Jason Grumet, the group’s CEO. “It’s disappointing that a partisan amendment .... has now jeopardized that progress, turning what should have been a win for American energy into another missed opportunity.”

Harris, who chairs the conservative House Freedom Caucus, defended the change, which he said “will protect legal actions the Trump administration has taken thus far to combat the Biden offshore wind agenda,” including a project in Maryland that the administration has moved to block.

Westerman called the change minor and said that without it, “we probably would not have gotten permitting reform done.”

Environmentalists raise alarm Business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, hailed the vote.

“Permitting reform is not just a business issue — it is a national priority,” said Rodney Davis, senior vice president for government affairs.

“Delays in project approvals hinder economic development, increase costs for consumers and undermine America’s ability to build and maintain critical infrastructure,” Davis said. “Modernizing this process will enable timely construction of projects that deliver affordable and reliable energy ... expand broadband connectivity (and) strengthen our ability to compete in the global race for AI innovation.”

Environmental groups said the bill undermines a fundamental environmental law while empowering the Trump administration to quickly permit polluting projects without adequate review.

“We urgently need to build the infrastructure necessary to address the climate crisis and to transition to a clean energy economy, but this bill is not the solution,” said Stephen Schima, a senior lawyer for Earthjustice Action.

“Far from helping build the clean energy projects of the future, the SPEED Act will only result in an abundance of contaminated air and water, dirty projects and chronic illnesses, with fewer opportunities to hold polluters accountable in court,” he said.

House approval of the permitting measure shifts focus to the Senate, where a broader deal that includes changes to the Clean Water Act to facilitate pipeline projects and transmission lines is being considered.

Home sales rise, but down from 2024 as prices climb million units, the National Associa- year earlier to $409,200, an all-time than a year.

Average long-term tion of Realtors said Friday.

Even so, affordability remains a high for any November on data goSales fell 1% compared with No- ing back to 1999. challenge for many aspiring homemortgage rates Home prices have risen on an an- owners, especially first-time buyers vember last year. The latest sales holding near their low figure came in slightly below the nual basis for 29 months in a row, who don’t have equity from an existmillion pace economists were even as the housing market has ing home to put toward a new home point for the year 4.14 expecting, according to FactSet. been mired in a slump that began purchase.

BY ALEX VEIGA Associated Press

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes rose in November from the previous month, but slowed compared to a year earlier for the first time since May despite average long-term mortgage rates holding near their low point for the year.

Existing home sales rose 0.5% in last month from October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.13

Through the first 11 months of this year, home sales are down 0.5% compared to the same period last year.

“It’s possible that 2025, unless December (sales) figures really improve, we may be technically slightly down from one year ago,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist.

Despite sluggish sales, home prices continued to climb last month.

The national median sales price increased 1.2% in November from a

in 2022 when mortgage rates began climbing from historic lows. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank last year to their lowest level in nearly 30 years.

Sales have been stuck at around a 4 million annual pace now going back to 2023. That’s well short of the 5.2 million annual pace that’s historically been the norm.

Home sales got a boost this fall as the average rate on a 30-year mortgage declined at the end of October to 6.17%, the lowest level in more

A shortage of homes for sale, especially in the more affordable end of the market, continues to weigh especially on first-time homebuyers.

They accounted for 30% of homes sales last month. Historically, they made up 40% of home sales.

An annual survey of homebuyers

by NAR showed first-time buyers accounted for an all-time low 21% of home purchases between July 2024 and June 2025, while the average age of such homebuyers rose to a record-high of 40.

OPINION

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

ANOTHER VIEW

A lot of things you didn’t know about Christmas Christmas is the most celebrated day of the year. But we sometimes forget the holiday’s fascinating milestones.

Did you know? Jesus Christ was born between 6 BC and 4 BC, according to most biblical scholars, but the first Christmas observance sprang up organically between the second and ninth centuries.

During this period, the celebration took form, varying by region, with specific liturgies.

Christmas trees go back to the ancient Romans and Egyptians, who used evergreens during the winter solstice to reRon mind them that spring would soon return.

Faucheux In the Middle Ages, Christmas festivities were often rowdy affairs — not unlike today’s Mardi Gras revelries. In 1223, St. Francis of Assisi assembled the first Nativity scene. Candy canes first made their appearance when they were used by a choirmaster to keep children quiet in church.

In 1863, American political cartoonist Thomas Nast created a heavyset, pipe-smoking, red-faced, whitebearded Santa Claus, based on the olden tales of Saint Nicholas of Myra, a secret gift-giver. A jollier, tidier image was popularized by Coca-Cola in 1931. The story of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” first appeared in 1939, the product of a Montgomery Ward department store copywriter.

Louisiana and Christmas? Alabama was the first state to declare Christmas a holiday in 1836 and Louisiana followed in 1838. It wasn’t until 1870 that President Ulysses Grant made it a national holiday.

In the 19th century, Santa Claus in Louisiana was often called Papa Noel, Kris Kringle or La Christianne.

In Acadiana, German settlers celebrated St. Nicholas Day in early December. In the Barataria region, Trappers Christmas wasn’t celebrated until February. Many French Catholics started Christmas celebration with midnight Mass, followed by a Réveillon Dinner.

X marks the spot? Long before Elon Musk or Twitter, the abbreviation of Christmas as “Xmas” was used.

Christianity was spelled “Xianity” and “X” was the Greek first letter of Christ.

Favorite holiday songs? Though Handel’s “Messiah” made its U.S. premier in 1818, a recent YouGov poll finds that the 10 most popular holiday songs in America are, in order: “Silent Night,” “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “O Holy Night,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “White Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells,” “The Christmas Song” (aka “chestnuts roasting…”), “Mary Did you Know,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “Jingle Bells.”

Jingle Bells started as a Thanksgiving song in the 19th century when it was called “One Horse Open Sleigh.”

The most recorded and copyrighted Christmas song is “Silent Night.” Among the most disliked holiday songs, according to the poll, are “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” “Santa Baby,” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”

The hits keep on coming. Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” recorded in 1958, finally hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 2023 — 65 years after it was released.

Other events that happened on Dec. 25: In 800, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne as Roman Emperor. In 1492, Christopher Columbus’ ship, the Santa Maria, sunk on the north coast of Hispaniola. W.C. Fields, Charlie Chaplin, James Brown, Dean Martin and Eartha Kitt died on Christmas Day — and Issac Newton, Humphrey Bogart, Justin Trudeau, Barbara Mandrell, Cab Calloway, Clara Barton and Jimmy Buffett were born.

General George Washington crossed the Delaware.

The Continental Army was struggling to hang on at the end of 1776. On Christmas Day, Washington led 2,400 troops on a perilous nighttime mission to cross the icy Delaware River. Washington’s forces made it and the next day attacked the Hessian encampment at Trenton, New Jersey.

The Hessians, hired by the British to help them fight, were not prepared for the raid, as they were still groggy from celebrating the holiday. Washington went on to win key battles, providing new hope for the exhausted Continental Army.

World War I’s Christmas truce. In 1914, German, British and French troops in Belgium called a spontaneous, unsanctioned cease-fire. Germans sang “Silent Night” and British troops sang “The First Noel.” They shook hands over bombed-out trenches, shared cigarettes and whiskey and played soccer. It was a rare example of fellowship during a time of war.

What a difference a day makes — especially this one.

Merry Christmas.

YOUR VIEWS

Texas directive on Turning Point USA has ominous echoes

Don’t turn back on those who helped after Katrina The intrusion of Border Patrol and ICE into the New Orleans area is a violation of the sovereignty of local governments to manage their communities.

But the deeper, gut-punching violation is of the bond between citizens and the immigrants who made it possible for New Orleans to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

In the immediate aftermath of the storm in 2005, immigrants were the ones who jumped at the chance to work hard and rebuild our city.

Yes, there were men who gathered in Home Depot parking lots to find work, and there was a lot of work to be done.

While residents struggled to return, these men provided the

muscle to get things done.

In the first months following Katrina, there were predominantly men who arrived with little but a willingness to work hard, which was just what we needed.

Later, wives and children followed and changed the demographics of the area, enriching our population “gumbo” with new people from other countries. New Orleans has always celebrated diversity, and we owe a great debt to the brave men who rebuilt our city.

To think of Border Patrol and ICE prowling around parking lots and businesses to entrap hard-working people seems to be a woefully misguided mission.

Texas’ partnership with Turning Point USA to establish chapters in every Texas high school is reminiscent of Germany’s Hitler Youth, the sole official youth organization in Nazi Germany. Hitler Youth indoctrinated Germany’s youth in Aryanism, a racist philosophy that resulted in the incarceration and murder of millions. While espousing free speech, much of the Turning Point philosophy demonizes others, including Blacks, Hispanics and immigrants.

Gov. Greg Abbott promises “meaningful disciplinary action” against any opposition to Turning Point USA in Texas. Is the right to refuse to participate in a philosophy that many people find abhorrent permanently suspended in Texas?

BRIANN SHEAR Metairie

Scandinavian countries don’t get those freebies for nothing On Thanksgiving, you published a reader’s letter extolling the virtues of the welfare states in the demographically homogenous Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

In it, he implied that those countries have lower taxes on workers and higher corporate taxes than the U.S. In fact, the converse is true. To wit, all three countries have higher marginal income tax rates than the U.S., and rates are over 50% in two of them.

More importantly, those rates kick in at much lower income levels than here. Extrapolated to the U.S., the upper half of the middle class would be paying the highest marginal rate.

Regarding corporate taxes, the U.S. rate is 21% and, when combined with state and local taxes, averages 25.6%. The corporate rate is 22% in Denmark and Norway and 20.6 % in Sweden. How then do those countries complete funding for their single-payer health care and other systems? Like most channeling Bernie Sanders, he does not mention the Value Added Tax.

Ron Faucheux is a nonpartisan political analyst, pollster and writer. A version of this column was first published in 2023.

DEIDRE CHARLOT New Orleans

Trump’s drug war full of contradictions

For the uninitiated, a VAT is a hidden sales tax baked into the price of goods during production rather than at the point of sale. All the countries have a VAT of 25%, which is more than double the highest combined state and local sales taxes in the U.S., e.g., Louisiana, California.

With regard to health care, all three countries have single payer, universal access and, like Canada, Britain and our VA system, they have implicit rationing through the queue and no direct access to specialists.

The dirty secret on health care is that no country can afford unlimited, high-tech health care on demand to all, so the question is not if you ration but how.

Single payer may be desirable in the U.S. and is probably inevitable given the inexorable ratcheting down Hayek’s “road to serfdom” from Obamacare and other entitlements, but the transition won’t be simple, easy or cheap and can’t involve personal choice.

I am confused about President Donald Trump’s fight with the drug lords. We are fighting Venezuela because it is sending drugs to the U.S. We are pardoning a convicted drug distributor from Honduras.

Did the sons of El Chapo plead guilty so they could be pardoned after two years? So what is the message we are sending the world?

PRATIVADI PRASANKUMAR Metairie

Take redistricting out of Legislature’s hands The time has come for the state Legislature to relinquish the responsibility of drawing the congressional redistricting map to an unbiased computer algorithm.

The computer program should be programmed to draw the districts based solely on the population of the entire contiguous parishes.

DALE MORRIS Destrehan

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SATurdAy, december 20, 2025

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1C

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

STAFF FILe PhoTo by SoPhIA Germer

ROAD TO REDEMP TION

retzlaff credits N.o.’s Jewish community with helping in his transition to Tulane

W

BY JEFF DUNCAN Staff writer

hen Jake Retzlaff moved to New Orleans this summer, he knew one person.

Tulane coach Jon Sumrall had recruited him for Troy University a few years ago when Retzlaff was a standout junior-college quarterback in California. Otherwise, Retzlaff knew no one.

As the first Jewish quarterback in Tulane modern football history, he was not a lonely stranger for long. He quickly made friends, many of them through the city’s proud and extensive Jewish community.

The outreach was New Orleans at its best, a vivid example of the city’s renowned hospitality and joie de vie. And it facilitated a transition more seamless than anyone could have imagined after Retzlaff’s controversial midsummer transfer from Brigham Young.

As a result, Retzlaff and Tulane have made history. Since winning the starting job in preseason camp, he’s led the Green Wave to an 11-2 record, the second American Conference championship in school annals and a landmark berth in the College Football Playoff at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Ole Miss.

“God’s got a plan for me, and that’s extremely hard to realize when you’re in the middle of that horrible time and there’s so much uncertainty,” Retzlaff said.

“But here we are now in the College Football Playoff, and I get to meet all these people and create all these relationships (at Tulane and around New Orleans). It’s made me feel like I have a real connection to New Orleans and been super impactful on me.”

Retzlaff arrived at Tulane in July after leaving BYU to avoid a suspension for violating the school’s honor code. His suspension followed allegations of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit that was later dismissed. Retzlaff’s admission that he had engaged in premarital sex, which BYU prohibits, created the domino effect that led him to Tulane.

His road to redemption was anything but smooth.

ä See RETZLAFF, page 3C

2C ■ Saturday Saturday, December Decem 20, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF C

BROADCAST INFORMATION TULANE at OLE MISS 2:30 p.m. Saturday Vaught Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Miss.

TV: TNT | Line: Ole Miss by 17½ (56½) Radio: WKRN-FM, 106.7

TEAM SCHEDULES Tulane Date Opponent 8.30 Northwestern 9.6 at South Alabama 9.13 Duke 9.20 at Ole Miss 9.27 at Tulsa 10.9 East Carolina 10.18 Army 10.30 at UTSA 11.7 at Memphis 11.15 Florida Atlantic 11.22 at Temple 11.29 Charlotte 12.5 North Texas

Ole Miss Time/TV W, 23-3 W, 33-31 W, 34-27 L, 10-45 W, 31-14 W, 26-19 W, 24-7 L, 26-48 W, 38-32 W, 35-24 W, 37-13 W, 27-0 W, 34-21

Date 8.30 9.6 9.13 9.20 9.27 10.11 10.18 10.25 11.1 11.8 11.15 11.28

Opponent Ga. State at Kentucky Arkansas Tulane LSU Washington St. at Georgia at Oklahoma South Carolina The Citadel Florida at Miss. State

Time/TV W,63-7 W, 30-23 W, 41-35 W, 45-10 W, 24-19 W, 24-21 L, 43-35 W, 34-26 W, 30-14 W, 49-0 W, 34-24 W, 38-19

DEPTH CHARTS Tulane

Ole Miss

OFFENSE

OFFENSE

WIDE RECEIVER

1 Omari Hayes 5 Anthony Brown-Stephens -or11 Tre Shackleford

Wide receiver

7 Shazz Preston 16 Garrett Mmahat

WIDE RECEIVER

83 Bryce Bohanon 15 Zycarl Lewis

LEFT TACKLE

76 Derrick Graham 70 Juelz Baptiste

LEFT GUARD

56 Shadre Hurst 74 Landry Cannon

CENTER

58 Jack Hollifield 73 Elijah Baker

RIGHT GUARD

50 Jordan Hall -or73 Elijah Baker

RIGHT TACKLE

78 Reese Baker 77 Darion Reed

TIGHT END

82 Johnny Pascuzzi 85 Anthony Miller -or88 Justyn Reid

QUARTERBACK

12 Jake Retzlaff 6 Brendan Sullivan

RUNNING BACK

25 Jamauri McClure 23 Javin Gordon

5-9 5-10

170 170

So. Jr.

6-1

187

Sr.

6-0 6-0

206 190

Jr. Jr.

5-9 5-10

185 160

Sr. Fr.

6-4 6-5

314 295

Sr. Fr.

6-2 6-4

293 304

Jr. So.

6-4 6-3

300 280

Sr. Fr.

6-4

345

Sr.

6-3

280

Fr.

6-5 6-7

275 318

Fr. So.

6-4 6-5

241 265

Sr. So.

6-5

255

Jr.

6-1 6-4

205 220

Sr. Sr.

5-10 5-10

190 200

Fr. Fr.

WIDE RECEIVER

1 De’Zhaun Stribling 15 Izaiah Hartrup

WIDE RECEIVER

19 Cayden Lee 17 Winston Watkins

LEFT TACKLE

61 Diego Pounds 73 Percy Lewis

LEFT GUARD

51 Delano Townsend 71 PJ Wilkins

CENTER

62 Brycen Saunders 76 John Wayne Oliver

RIGHT GUARD

75 Patrick Kutas 55 Terez Davis

RIGHT TACKLE

50 Jayden Williams 70 Devin Harper

TIGHT END

8 Dae’Quan Wright 85 Trace Bruckler -or4 Caleb Odom

QUARTERBACK

6 Trinidad Chambliss 13 Austin Simmons

RUNNING BACK

5 Kewan Lacy 22 Logan Diggs

6 Kameron Hamilton 9 Jordan Norman

6-4 6-4

292 249

Sr. So.

95 Tre’Von McAlpine 94 Derrick Shepard -or92 Armondous Cooley

6-3 6-3

305 310

Jr. So.

6-3

305

Sr.

52 Will Echoles 96 Jamarious Brown

6-2 6-2

265 290

Jr. Sr.

DEFENSIVE END

6-1

305

So.

NOSE TACKLE

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

29 Santana Hopper 93 Elijah Champaigne -or90 Eliyt Nairne

BANDIT

51 Zxavian Harris 97 Kamron Beavers

4 Suntarine Perkins -or1 Princewill Umanmielen

250

Jr.

6-2

250

Sr.

6 TJ Dottery 38 Tyler Banks

15 Sam Howard 42 Makai Williams

6-2 6-1

220 225

Sr. Jr.

LINEBACKER

4 Chris Rodgers -or42 Makai Williams

6-1

223

Jr.

6-1

225

Jr.

SPUR

30 Jaden Yates 26 Tahj Chambers 32 Chris Graves 9 Ricky Fletcher

170

So.

5-10

175

Jr.

20 Jahiem Johnson 12 KC Eziomume

6-0 6-1

189 198

So. Sr.

1 Jack Tchenchou -or7 Kevin Adams III

5-10

181

So.

14 Kapena Gushiken 29 Nick Cull

5-10

185

So.

SAFETY

32 Bailey Despanie 30 Joshua Moore

6-1 6-2

204 202

Sr. So.

11 E’zaiah Shine 8 Isiaah Wadsworth

6-1 6-0

185 190

Fr. Sr.

STRONG SAFETY CORNERBACK

So.

6-2 6-0

210 185

Sr. Sr.

5-11 5-11

180 185

Jr. Fr.

6-6 6-7

335 380

Sr. Sr.

6-5 6-5

330 340

So. So.

6-6 6-5

310 300

So. Fr.

6-4 6-4

315 310

Jr. So.

6-4 6-4

320 315

Sr. Fr.

6-4 6-3

255 250

Sr. Sr.

6-5

235

So.

6-0 6-4

200 215

Sr. So.

5-11 6-0

210 200

So. Sr.

6-5 6-5

290 265

So. Jr.

6-8 6-3

330 290

Sr. Fr.

6-3 6-2

310 315

So. So.

6-2

220

Jr.

6-5

245

Jr.

6-2 6-2

230 245

Jr. Sr.

6-1 6-2

225 230

Jr. Sr.

6-0 6-3

185 200

Jr. Jr.

6-0 6-0

180 190

Jr. So.

6-0 6-0

190 190

Sr. Jr.

6-2 6-3

210 200

Sr. So.

6-0 6-0

200 200

Sr. Fr.

CORNERBACK 8 Antonio Kite 2 Jaylon Braxton

SAFETY

16 Wydett Williams 7 TJ Banks

SAFETY 3 Sage Ryan 20 Anthony Robinson

SPECIAL TEAMS

SPECIAL TEAMS

PUNTER

180

CORNERBACK

5-10

FREE SAFETY

6-0

LINEBACKER

3 Javion White -or13 TJ Smith

CORNERBACK

Sr.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

6-3

WEAKSIDE LINEBACKER

200

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

5 Harvey Dyson -or0 Mo Westmoreland

MIDDLE LINEBACKER

6-1

DEFENSE 5 Kam Franklin 15 Da’Shawn Womack

PUNTER

38 Alec Clark 34 William Hudlow

6-1 5-11

184 217

So. So.

33 Oscar Bird 89 Mike Baker

6-4 5-9

210 185

Fr. Fr.

91 Patrick Durkin 35 Cooper Helmke

5-10 6-3

175 165

Fr. Fr.

17 Lucas Carneiro 89 Mike Baker

5-11 5-9

195 185

Jr. Fr.

91 Patrick Durkin 35 Cooper Hemke

5-10 6-3

175 165

Fr. Fr.

17 Lucas Carneiro 89 Mike Baker

5-11 5-9

195 185

Jr. Fr.

57 Jason Arredondo

5-10

240

Fr.

93 Carter Short

5-9

195

Sr.

38 Alec Clark

6-1

184

So.

33 Oscar Bird

6-4

210

Fr.

1 Omari Hayes 83 Bryce Bohanon

5-9 5-9

170 185

So. Sr.

2 Harrison Wallace 15 Izaiah Hartrup

6-1 6-0

200 185

Sr. Sr.

13 TJ Smith 2 Zuberi Mobley

5-10 5-10

175 196

Jr. Sr.

15 Izaiah Hartrup 11 Deuce Alexander

6-0 6-0

185 180

Sr. So.

KICKER

KICKOFFS

LONG SNAPPER HOLDER

PUNT RETURNER

KICKOFF RETURNER

KICKER

KICKOFFS

LONG SNAPPER HOLDER

PUNT RETURNER KICKOFF RETURNER

COACHES Jon Sumrall is 20-7 at Tulane entering his final game before taking over at Florida.

Defining moments Five crucial parts of Tulane’s run to CFP

DEFENSIVE END

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE END

WIDE RECEIVER

2 Harrison Wallace -or11 Deuce Alexander

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Tulane defensive backs Jahiem Johnson, left, and Javion White celebrate an interception against Duke on Sept. 13 at yulman Stadium.

Pete Golding is set for his first game as a head coach after taking over for Lane Kiffin.

BY GUERRY SMITH Contributing writer

The process was not always pretty, but Tulane ultimately produced a beautiful result, reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time by going 11-2 and winning the American Conference in coach Jon Sumrall’s second and final year.

Efficiency models hated the Green Wave, which got blown out twice and played with its food a little too much in a few of its victories, but this team is exactly where it wanted to be — getting ready for a rematch with Ole Miss on Saturday at Vaught Hemingway Stadium.

The season began with an easy 23-3 victory at Yulman Stadium against Northwestern of the Big Ten, but truth be told, Wildcats quarterback Preston Stone was awful that day. The Wave defense looked a heck of a lot better than it actually was at that point, forcing five turnovers as a panicky Stone chucked the ball haphazardly when he felt pressure.

Here are the five defining moments that allowed Tulane to make history and keep Sumrall in New Orleans at least two more weeks after he agreed to become the Florida coach: Nickelback Javion White’s interception on South Alabama’s two-point conversion attempt with 59 seconds left on Sept. 6: After Tulane overcame a 14-0 deficit by outscoring South Alabama 33-3, Patrick Durkin missed an extra point that would have given the Wave a three-score lead in the fourth quarter. The Jaguars responded with a pair of touchdowns around a successful twopoint conversion in the final 5:27 and were threatening to send the game into overtime before White stepped up.

“We were in man coverage, and they tried to run a pick play with me and the corner,” he said. “I was pressed to man and got my eyes back and (quarter-

1

back Bishop Davenport) threw the ball right to me.”

A loss to a team that finished 4-8 would have been devastating. White, a sophomore who had intercepted two passes against Northwestern, made sure it did not happen.

The 34-27 win Sept. 13 against Duke and quarterback Darian Mensah: Although the Wave let a big lead shrink with a rough eight-minute stretch surrounding halftime, beating the Blue Devils provided a massive emotional boost.

No one begrudged Mensah leaving for about 10 times the amount of money Tulane could pay him, but it still felt sweet to stick it to his new team, as the wild celebration by the coaches in the press box proved when the final seconds ticked off the clock.

The game was not as tight as the score indicated. Facing a jacked-up, sellout crowd, Duke — which went on to win the ACC — never had the ball with a chance to tie after the first quarter ended.

The tying touchdown pass against Army right after the two-minute timeout on Oct. 18: If the Wave had lost this one at home, it is hard to envision a scenario where it recovered to reach the American championship game.

Army came oh-so-close to pulling off the upset, going ahead 17-10 in the fourth quarter on a methodical, 14-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. With two minutes left, Tulane faced a do-or-die fourth and 8 at the Army 12.

Realizing his route would not work against a zone defense when the Wave had expected man-to-man coverage, senior wideout Bryce Bohanon broke off his route and streaked to the end zone. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff bought enough time to find him and lofted the equalizer.

Army then went three-andout, and Shazz Preston spun

2

3

around for a spectacular, juggling catch off a deflected pass for the winning score with 17 seconds left.

An exquisite first half Nov. 7 at Memphis: Coming off an embarrassing 48-26 defeat at Texas-San Antonio, Tulane bounced back in a big way as an underdog in Memphis.

Retzlaff threw a 65-yard strike to Preston on the Wave’s first offensive snap, setting the tone for an eye-popping first half when he went 14-of-15 passing for 284 yards and three TDs, plus a 33-yard scoring run, as the Wave reached the end zone on five of its six series.

Ahead 35-17 at the break, Tulane barely held on to win 38-32, but the start in a must-win game for both teams was the season’s turning point, according to Sumrall.

“I knew this team was about to hit its stride,” he said. “I felt it.

When you have bad things happen in your season and you respond in the right way, man that gives you hope. That’s when I was really like, OK, we’re about to get rolling here.”

Defensive dominance for long stretches Dec. 5 against North Texas: An underdog on its home field for the American championship game, the Wave spotted the Mean Green an early touchdown and then shut out the nation’s highest-scoring offense until late in the third quarter. It was a defensive tour de force, with an early forced fumbled followed by three sacks in the next two possessions and a pick-six by linebacker Chris Rodgers.

By the time North Texas regained its equilibrium, Tulane led 31-7 while controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The Wave’s 34-21 victory in its most complete performance of the year sent it into the CFP with plenty of hope for a better result than its 45-10 demolition at the hands of Ole Miss in September.

4

5

STAFF PREDICTIONS JEFF DUNCAN

SCOTT RABALAIS

ZACH EWING

GUERRY SMITH

OLE MISS 33, TULANE 30 It’s impossible for Tulane and Jake Retzlaff to play as poorly as they did in the teams’ September meeting. In fact, it would not shock me at all if Tulane pulled off the upset. I expect this game to be much more like the 2023 contest between these teams than the one earlier this year, with Ole Miss wearing down the Green Wave in the fourth quarter to escape with a hard-fought win.

OLE MISS 37, TULANE 14 The path to an upset starts with a distracted Rebels team playing without Lane Kiffin, but that seems unlikely. With Pete Golding in charge, Ole Miss may play a little more of a defensive, close-to-the-vest game, but the truth is it may not matter. Tulane should play better than it did in the first meeting, but that won’t be enough to bridge the very large gap between that result and a surprising win here.

OLE MISS 31, TULANE 21 There is respect between Tulane coach Jon Sumrall and new Ole Miss coach Pete Golding. There had better be respect by the Rebels for the Wave. Ole Miss dismisses Tulane based on their Sept. 20 meeting at its peril. Jake Retzlaff will play better than he did three months ago, and the Rebels offense will be dulled without Lane Kiffin. It’s a one-score game going to the fourth quarter before Ole Miss pulls it out.

OLE MISS 34, TULANE 27 Considering the upheaval in Oxford, Mississippi, caused by Lane Kiffin’s departure for LSU, this should be a much closer affair than the mismatch in September, when Tulane’s passing game and secondary were still a work in progress. The Green Wave is hellbent on atoning for that dreadful performance, but Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. He’s the difference.

lll

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ 3C

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF C

RETZLAFF

OFFENSIVE LEADERS

Continued from page 1C The late move forced him to walk on to the Tulane roster and created a compressed timeline to learn the offense and bond with teammates.

He ingratiated himself with teammates and earned their respect through his work ethic and humble, earnest approach, personally conducting get-to-know-you sessions over meals with as many players as possible.

“Jake lives life by his own set of rules,” said his father, Steve Retzlaff. “He defines himself by his unbelievable personality, drive and ability.

His teammates buy in because they see he genuinely cares and is really just a good guy.

Of the many qualities that Jake has that help him be successful, none are more dominant than his leadership skills.”

Retzlaff won the starting job in a spirited competition with Brendan Sullivan in preseason camp but did not hit his stride until midseason. Along the way, there were subpar performances in ugly losses to Ole Miss (45-10) and TexasSan Antonio (48-26).

Since the UTSA loss, Retzlaff and Tulane have found their groove. The offense has averaged 34 points a game, and the Wave finished the year on a five-game winning streak.

Retzlaff finished the season with 2,862 yards passing and 14 touchdowns while also rushing for team-highs of 610 yards and 16 touchdowns, a school record for quarterbacks.

“Jake’s a seasoned guy,” Sumrall said. “He’s a tough, resilient, competitive dude.

I’m very proud of the way Jake has handled himself as this season’s gone on, and he’s really been a great leader for us.”

Known as “B.Y.-Jew” during his celebrated tenure at Brigham Young, Retzlaff is proud of his Jewish heritage and wears a Star of David amulet on his necklace. He scored a sponsorship deal last year with Manischewitz, the popular Jewish food and wine brand.

He has developed a cult following at Tulane, which has one of the largest Jewish enrollments in the nation, making up roughly 37% of the school’s 13,078 students. He’s a popular guest at the Chabad House, where he meets regularly with Rabbi Yochanan Rivkin. His “Bayou Jew” and “Shabbat Shotgun” T-shirts are among the best sellers at the Campus Connection, an off-campus merchandise shop. One of the school’s Jewish organizations even delivered a gift bag with a menorah before Hanukkah.

“The Jewish community in New Orleans has been unbelievable,” Steve Retzlaff said.

“We had no idea. He went through some unfortunate things, and for him to enjoy such an extraordinary level of success is beyond imagination and truly a blessing. It’s challenging my own concepts about fate.”

The outreach of New Orleans’ Jewish community has

Tulane

Ole Miss

PASSING

Player

Cmp-Att-Pct Yds TD Int

Jake Retzlaff 222-356-62.36 Brendan Sullivan 19-29-65.52

2862 201

RUSHING

Player

Att

Jake Retzlaff Javin Gordon Jamauri McClure Arnold Barnes III

Net

118 122 68 51

14 2

6 2

5.2 4.1 6.7 4.3

16 5 2 0

38 35 35 31 23 12

598 466 463 417 322 184

15.74 13.31 13.23 13.45 14.00 15.33

4 2 1 2 2 1

40

Net

1279 470 168 123

3

Avg TD 5.0 4.0 6.7 7.2

20 6 3 0

Player

Rec Yards Avg TD

Harrison Wallace Deuce Alexander Cayden Lee De’zhaun Stribling Dae’quan Wright Winston Watkins

46 34 33 38 30 24

719 577 537 533 489 363

15.63 16.97 16.27 14.03 16.30 15.13

3 2 3 5 4 1

KICKING Player

XPM XPA FGM FGA

Patrick Durkin

Att

258 118 25 17

18

RECEIVING

KICKING Player

3016

RUSHING

Kewan Lacy Trinidad Chambliss Logan Diggs Deuce Alexander

Rec Yards Avg TD

Shazz Preston A. Brown-Stephens Omari Hayes Bryce Bohanon Zycari Lewis Jr. Tre Shackelford

218-333-65.47

Player

RECEIVING Player

Cmp-Att-Pct Yds TD Int

T. Chambliss

Avg TD

610 505 456 217

PASSING

Player

41

24

27

XPM XPA FGM FGA

Lucas Carneiro

48

48

22

25

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff celebrates after scoring a touchdown against North Texas during the first half of the American Conference championship game on Dec. 5 at yulman Stadium. enhanced Retzlaff’s Tulane experience.

Since arriving in town, he’s sat courtside at a Pelicans game with attorney Morris Bart and mingled in a luxury suite at the Superdome for a Saints-Buccaneers game with Tulane graduate Jill Glazer and her husband, Avie, whose family owns the Buccaneers.

There have been countless meals, including lunches with local business magnate Bill Goldring and a private dinner at Saba hosted by James Beard Award-winning chef Alon Shaya.

“Anybody new moving to town deserves some introductions and support, whether you’re the quarterback of a football team or not,” Shaya said. “That’s very much a Jewish community thing and very much a New Orleans thing. I left my dinner with him thinking this guy has got what it takes from a leadership and confidence standpoint. I know this is just the beginning for him and what he’s going to do for the world.”

Retzlaff even returned the favor by hosting Goldring for Thanksgiving dinner at his Riverbend apartment last month. Goldring, a wealthy philanthropist and longtime Tulane donor, is the chairman of Sazerac Co., one of the largest liquor distributors in the nation.

The dinner, prepared by Jake’s father, was served on paper plates with plastic cutlery and featured beef brisket, roasted potatoes, carrots and asparagus. The red wine was served in red Solo cups.

“I can’t imagine Bill has had many Thanksgivings like that,” Retzlaff said. “But that’s what I like about Bill. He’s just a normal dude. He’s awesome.”

The two met initially at a Super Bowl LIX event sponsored

by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft in New Orleans in February. Goldring was one of the first people to contact Retzlaff after he committed to Tulane and moved to New Orleans.

“He’s just an impressive guy, one of those guys that you meet and you feel like you’ve known him a long time,” Goldring said.

“He gets the respect of the

people he works with. He’s very confident but not arrogant. He’s a leader and just a wonderful guy.

“And, we had a fabulous Thanksgiving meal.”

Retzlaff said his New Orleans connections are just one of many things he’s thankful for this year.

When he steps on the field Saturday at Vaught Hemingway Stadium, he will become the first Jewish quarterback to play in a college football national championship or playoff game, a milestone in a sport that has included Jewish signal callers such as Benny Friedman, Sid Luckman, Jay Fielder and Josh Rosen. “(The CFP) spotlight gives me a platform where I can bring positivity in the Jewish faith and Jewish people, because frankly there’s not enough positive Jewish stories, period,” Retzlaff said.

“I’m proud and confident in the Jewish people. We’ve been through a lot as it is — too much.”

The milestone CFP appearance will further burnish his legacy at Tulane — where he is the first Jewish quarterback to start since Dick Baumbach was under center in 1931 — and in the New Orleans Jewish community, a relationship that he plans to maintain long after he leaves town.

“I definitely dove into the deep end of New Orleans with all the people that make things go around here,” Retzlaff said. “It has actually been pretty crazy.

“A lot of transfers do this all over the country and feel like they’re just getting rented for a year, especially seniors.

They’re going to get in and get out. It’s been anything but that for me. This is a real impact on my life being in New Orleans.”

Retzlaff already has one thing going for him: He’s the first player ever to get Shaya to storm the field, which the chef did after Tulane’s win over North Texas in the American championship game two weeks ago.

“That’s a first for me,” Shaya said. “I went to culinary school. We didn’t have a football team, so it’s meant so much going to games and watching him crush it.”

DEFENSIVE LEADERS TACKLES

TACKLES

Player

Tot Solo Ast TFL Sk

Player

Tot Solo Ast TFL Sk

Jack Tchienchou Chris Rodgers Bailey Despanie Javion White Kevin Adams Sam Howard Jahiem Johnson E’zaiah Shine Makai Williams Dickson Agu Harvey Dyson Tre’von Mcalpine Santana Hopper Kameron Hamilton Joshua Moore Jorden Norman TJ Smith Gerrod Henderson LJ Green Jah’rie Garner

77 75 55 46 45 44 38 38 37 36 35 35 30 29 25 24 23 20 15 14

TJ Dottery Suntarine Perkins Wydett Williams Kam Franklin Will Echoles Jaden Yates Kapena Gushiken Zxavian Harris P. Umanmielen Tahj Chambers Andrew Jones Sage Ryan Antonio Kite Chris Graves Da’shawn Womack Jamarious Brown Jaylon Braxton TJ Banks Nick Cull Ricky Fletcher

77 64 55 53 51 49 46 43 32 31 31 26 25 22 20 18 16 15 11 11

50 49 33 32 31 25 30 30 22 15 16 20 16 11 15 15 20 8 12 5

27 26 22 14 14 19 8 8 15 21 19 15 14 18 10 9 3 12 3 9

2 6.5 1.5 3.5 1 8.5 1 2 3.5 2 10.5 2 9.5 4 0 8 2.5 1.5 0.5 1.5

1 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 0 7 1 4.5 3 0 6 1 0.5 0 0

36 32 34 27 25 14 31 21 12 17 19 18 20 13 9 6 8 7 9 10

41 32 21 26 26 35 15 22 20 14 12 8 5 9 11 12 8 8 2 1

4.5 6.5 1.0 6.5 8 1.5 0.5 7.5 10 0.5 2 0.5 0 0 4 1.5 0 0 0 0

0.5 2.0 0 3.5 4.5 0.5 0 3.0 6.5 0 0 0.5 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

TEAM STATS OFFENSE PER GAME Yards gained: 410.7

OFFENSE PER GAME Yards gained: 498.1

Plays: 66.9

Plays: 74.9

PASS 240.5

RUSH 170.2

PASS 29.9

RUSH 37.0

Turnovers: 1.08 INTERCEPTIONS

FUMBLES

0.62

PASS 309.6 PASS 33.7

INTERCEPTIONS

RUSH 120.4

Turnovers forced: 1.84 INTERCEPTIONS 1.15

FUMBLES 0.69

Yards allowed: 333.1 PASS 182.6

SCORED ALLOWED

INTERCEPTIONS 0.58

FUMBLES 0.25

SCORING PER GAME

SCORED ALLOWED

SCORED ALLOWED 38.6

37.3

22.6

20.6

2025

RUSH 150.5

Turnovers forced: 0.83

35.1

29.1

0.67

DEFENSE PER GAME

SCORING PER GAME

SCORED ALLOWED

FUMBLES

0.33

DEFENSE PER GAME PASS 255.2

RUSH 41.2

Turnovers: 1.00

0.46

Yards allowed: 375.6

RUSH 188.5

20.1

14.4

2025

2024

2024

CONVERSION SUCCESS

CONVERSION SUCCESS

Third down

Fourth down

Third down

57.6%

36.8%

Fail

42.4%

Convert

Fail

63.2%

Convert

46.0%

54.0%

Fail

Convert

Fourth down

33.3% 66.7%

Fail

Convert

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Tuesday’s game

Tuesday’s games

Salute to Veterans Bowl

Boca Raton Bowl

Jacksonville State 17, Troy 13

Wednesday’s games Cure Bowl

Old Dominion 24, South Florida 10

68 Ventures Bowl Delaware 20, UL 13

Thursday’s games Xbox Bowl

Arkansas State 34, Missouri State 28

Friday’s games

Myrtle Beach Bowl

Kennesaw State 41, Western Michigan 6

Gasparilla Bowl

N.C. State 31, Memphis 7

College Football Playoff

First round No. 11 Alabama (10-3) at No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2), n

Saturday’s games

College Football Playoff

First round No. 10 Miami (Fla.) (10-2) at No. 7 Texas A&M (11-1), 11 a.m. (ESPN/ABC) No. 17 Tulane (11-2) at No. 6 Ole Miss (11-1), 2:30 p.m. (TNT/HBO Max) No. 19 James Madison (12-1) at No. 5 Oregon (11-1), 6:30 p.m. (TNT/HBO Max)

Monday’s game

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Boise, Idaho Utah St. vs. Washington St., 1 p.m. (ESPN)

Boca Raton, Fla. Louisville vs. Toledo, 1 p.m. (ESPN)

New Orleans Bowl

New Orleans Western Kentucky vs. Southern Miss, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Frisco Bowl

Frisco, Texas Ohio vs. UNLV, 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Wednesday’s game Hawai’i Bowl

Honolulu Cal vs. Hawaii, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Dec. 26 games

GameAbove Sports Bowl

Detroit Central Michigan vs. Northwestern, noon (ESPN)

Rate Bowl

Phoenix New Mexico vs. Minnesota, 3:30 p.m.

(ESPN)

First Responder Bowl

Dallas FIU vs. UTSA, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Dec. 27 games Military Bowl

Fenway Bowl

Alamo Bowl

Pop-Tarts Bowl

Dec. 31 games

Boston UConn vs. Army, 1:15 p.m. (ESPN) Orlando, Fla. No. 12 BYU vs. No. 24 Georgia Tech, 2:30 p.m.

(ABC)

Arizona Bowl

Tucson, Ariz.

Fresno St. vs. Miami (OH), 3:30 p.m. (CW Network)

ReliaQuest Bowl

Tampa, Fla. No. 13 Vanderbilt vs. No. 23 Iowa, 11 a.m.

(ESPN)

Sun Bowl

New Mexico Bowl

El Paso, Texas Arizona St. vs. Duke, 1 p.m. (CBS)

Gator Bowl

Orlando, Fla. No. 14 Texas vs. No. 18 Michigan, 2 p.m.

(ABC)

Jan. 2 Armed Forces Bowl

Fort Worth, Texas Texas State vs. Rice, noon (ESPN)

Liberty Bowl

Memphis, Tenn.

No. 22 Navy vs. Cincinnati, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Charlotte, N.C. Mississippi St. vs. Wake Forest, 7 p.m.

(ESPN)

Albuquerque, N.M. No. 23 North Texas vs. San Diego St., 4:45 p.m. (ESPN)

Citrus Bowl

Jacksonville, Fla. No. 25 Missouri vs. NO. 20 Virginia, 6:30 p.m.

(ABC)

Las Vegas Bowl

San Diego, Calif.

No. 21 Arizona vs. SMU, 7 p.m. (FOX)

Las Vegas No. 15 Utah vs. Nebraska, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Jan. 8

Houston LSU vs. No. 21 Houston, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)

College Football Playoff

Quarterfinals At Cotton Bowl, Arlington, Texas Miami/Texas A&M winner at No. 3 Ohio St., 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)

College Football Playoff

Semifinals At Fiesta Bowl, Glendale, Ariz.

TBD, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Jan. 1

Jan. 9

Texas Bowl

Dec. 29 game Birmingham Bowl

Birmingham, Ala. Georgia Southern vs. Appalachian State, 1 p.m. (ESPN)

Dec. 30 games Independence Bowl

Annapolis, Md. Pittsburgh vs. East Carolina, 10 a.m. (ESPN)

Shreveport Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana Tech, 1 p.m.

(ESPN)

Bronx, N.Y. Clemson vs. Penn St., 11 a.m. (ABC)

Nashville, Tenn.

Tennessee vs. Illinois, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Pinstripe Bowl

San Antonio No. 16 Southern Cal vs. TCU, 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Music City Bowl

College Football Playoff

Quarterfinals At Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, Fla. James Madison/Oregon winner at No. 4 Texas Tech, 11 a.m. (ESPN) At Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.

Alabama/Oklahoma winner at No. 1 Indiana, 3 p.m. (ESPN) At Sugar Bowl, New Orleans Tulane/Mississippi winner at No. 2 Georgia, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Holiday Bowl

College Football Playoff Semifinals At Peach Bowl, Atlanta TBD, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Jan. 19 College Football Playoff

National Championship At Miami Semifinal winners, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)

4C ■ Saturday Saturday, December Decemb 20, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

C COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF Sumrall mourns his father’s death before Ole Miss game

James Madison’s team celebrates after winning the Sun Belt championship game against Troy on Dec. 5 in Harrisonburg, Va.

By The Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

Bets are off

lists the Buckeyes at +225 to Gambling interest wanes winBetMGM the national championship; Indiana is right behind at +275. Third-seeded Georfor first round of the CFP gia is the next closest at +500.

Bettors have seen this movie. Ohio State went into last season’s playoffs off a conAP sportswriter founding loss to Michigan, but then rolled through the postseason to win the national With the notable exception of Friday championship. Each victory was by double night’s Alabama-Oklahoma showdown, digits.

“Ohio State is the No. 1 most-bet team by bettors weren’t exactly rushing to place wagers on the opening week of the College a wide margin, but their price has been so short all year,” Magee said. “My prediction Football Playoff.

The presence of two Group of Five rep- is Ohio State over Indiana. You saw it last resentatives — 11th-seeded Tulane and year Ohio State losing to Michigan, they 12th-seed James Madison — in matchups lose to Indiana this year, but you see what in which they are big underdogs has taken this team is capable of come playoff time.” a lot of the luster off of the first round.

Sixth-seeded Ole Miss is favored by 171/ 2 Ole Miss a mystery points over Tulane, and No. 5-seeded OrLane Kiffin wanted to remain the Ole egon is a 201/ 2-point favorite over James Miss coach in the playoff after taking the LSU job, but he was told his services were Madison.

“It’s not as hyped up and exciting as it no longer required in Oxford.

What that means for the Rebels’ fortunes has been in years prior,” said Joey Feazel, head of football at Caesars Sportsbook. is tough to know. They were considered “But I’m sure when we get to the next borderline national championship conround, it will be exciting and we’ll garner tenders under Kiffin, but other than an exa lot of handle there.” pected victory in the first round, how far The New Year’s Eve and Day quarter- the Rebels go is far from certain. They are finals could have a number of intriguing listed at 25-1 at BetMGM to win the title, matchups, but there is a real possibility behind eight other teams.

Marshall said quarterback Trinidad this weekend will end with a couple of Chambliss’ growth under Kiffin could be blowouts. difficult to duplicate.

Buckeyes still team to beat “Kiffin was so involved in the mechanics Second-seeded Ohio State might have of that and the play calling, (his absence) lost the Big Ten title game to Indiana, ced- might actually hurt Ole Miss a bit,” CBS ing the top seed to the Hoosiers, but the SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall said. “It could work both ways.” odds still favor the Buckeyes.

BY MARK ANDERSON

Tulane coach Jon Sumrall mourned the death of his father on Friday, a day before the Green Wave makes its College Football Playoff debut against Ole Miss.

Sumrall said his father died in his sleep Thursday night after lengthy health issues. George Sumrall was 77.

“God gave us more time with my dad than we thought we would get,” Sumrall said in a message posted on social media. “Dad was a fighter. I learned so much from him ... being a man of faith, grit, hard work, attitude, service and more.”

Sumrall said he will always remember how his father was well enough to attend Tulane’s 34-21 win over North Texas in the American Con-

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Tulane coach Jon Sumrall hugs his father George Sumrall after a win against Charlotte on Nov. 29 at yulman Stadium.

George Sumrall died Thursday at age 77. ference championship two weeks ago at Yulman Stadium and the news conference held at Gainesville, Florida, announcing Sumrall’s hiring as the new Florida coach.

“He was always there for

me, and I know he will be watching,” Sumrall said.

He then credited his parents for setting great examples and closed his note by writing, “Love you always Dad!”

Archie Manning gives talk to Ole Miss team before big game

BY JEFF DUNCAN Staff writer

Archie Manning spoke to the Ole Miss football team Friday at the invitation of Rebels coach Pete Golding.

Manning, who starred for Ole Miss from 1968-70, said it’s the first time he’s spoken to a team from his alma mater, which hosts Tulane on Saturday in the first round of the College Football Playoff at Vaught Hemingway Stadium.

“I used an old Bum Phillips line, ‘They can kill ya, but they can’t eat ya,’ ” Archie

said. “Bum used to always say that to the kickoff (coverage) team to start the game.”

Manning Manning developed a relationship with Golding a few years ago when he served as the lead recruiter for his grandson, Arch Manning, who eventually signed with Texas. Golding will be making his head coaching debut Saturday after land-

ing the job when Lane Kiffin left for LSU on Nov. 30.

“It was nice of Pete to ask,” the elder Manning said. “Pete’s a good guy and a terrific coach. I’m excited to see him at Ole Miss.”

Manning plans to attend the game with friends and family, including youngest son Eli, who also starred at quarterback for Ole Miss from 2000-03.

“I think it’s going to be a good game,” the elder Manning said. “We’re looking forward to see who wins and goes on to the Sugar Bowl.”

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S at u r d ay, d e c e m b e r 20, 2025

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Glenn returns to Dome after spurning Saints Former N.O. assistant comes back to N.O. as Jets’ head coach

Eleven months ago, Aaron Glenn had some people thinking the New Orleans Saints head coaching job was the worst one in the league.

That’s when Glenn, who played for the Saints and also served as an Rod Walker assistant coach in New Orleans, chose not to even do an in-person interview with the organization. He did a virtual interview, then accepted the gig with the New York Jets, the team that drafted him in 1994.

Choosing the Jets over the Saints stung for New Orleans, especially considering the Jets had missed the playoffs 14 seasons in a row. That’s the longest postseason drought in any of the four

ä Jets at Saints. NOON SUNDAy, CBS

len Moore, whose previous six seasons included offensive coordinator stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers major sports. This year makes and Philadelphia Eagles.

15 straight for the Jets, the team So which team ended up getting Glenn played for during his first the best coach? eight NFL seasons.

The answer to that question Yet that was the job Glenn won’t be known until years down chose, leaving many Saints fans the road, when we get a better saying: “Dang, he chose the Jets sense of how the rebuilding projover us?”

But at the time, the Saints were ects in the Big Apple and the Big more than $50 million over the Easy have gone. salary cap, had a roster that was Both Moore and Glenn have getting old and plenty of longgotten off to rough starts in their term uncertainty at quarterback inaugural seasons. with Derek Carr penciled in as The Saints are 4-10 but are the starter. seemingly trending slowly but Glenn, who spent the past four surely in the right direction. seasons as defensive coordinator The Jets are 3-11 and have of the Detroit Lions, was toward fired their defensive coordinathe top of Saints general manager tor and traded away their two Mickey Loomis’ wish list. ä See WALKER, page 7C Loomis ended up hiring Kel-

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PHELAN M. EBENHACK

New york Jets coach Aaron Glenn speaks during a news conference after Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla. A former Saints assistant coach, Glenn will lead his new team against New Orleans on Sunday in the Caesars Superdome.

LSU 78, SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA 65

Home for holidays

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF

Aggies not happy just being here

Texas A&M looking for breakthrough vs. Miami

BY KRISTIE RIEKEN AP sportswriter

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

LSU guard Max Mackinnon drives the ball around Southeastern Louisiana guard Jalen Forrest on Friday night at the PMAC. Mackinnon, an Australia native, finished with 14 points.

LSU starts fast, holds off Southeastern in return to PMAC

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

LSU enjoyed its first home game in 28 days.

After its most recent game, a 12-point win over SMU at the Smoothie King Center last Saturday, the Tigers replicated that sharp play at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center as

coach Matt McMahon’s team took down Southeastern Louisiana 78-65 on Friday.

“Thrilled to get the win,” McMahon said. “It’s great to be back home.”

LSU (10-1) was led by Marquel Sutton, who had 19 points and nine rebounds. The senior went 7 of 9 from the field. Mike Nwoko had 18 points on 6-of-6

shooting and six rebounds, and Dedan Thomas had 14 points and four assists for the Tigers.

LSU executed at a high level from the onset. The team wanted to play at a fast pace after misses, but it didn’t rush its offensive sets once it crossed the half-court line.

Players patiently found their open teammates, and that

resulted in plays such as an alley-oop dunk by Nwoko, with the pass coming from Max Mackinnon. Another snappy play was a right corner 3-pointer from Sutton coming off a skip pass by Nwoko, who isn’t normally a playmaker, from the top of the key.

ä See LSU, page 10C

Borrego: Practice key to N.O.’s defensive uptick place in a Pelicans top Rockets took span of 23 days, included for third straight win which three sets of back-

BY LES EAST

Contributing writer The New Orleans Pelicans have won three games in a row for the first time this season.

It’s no coincidence that this stretch has come during the least condensed part of the schedule since James Borrego took over as interim head coach last month.

The first 13 games under Borrego (of which 12 were losses)

to-back games.

That left virtually no time for meaningful practices.

But since that Borrego stretch ended, 11 days have passed and Borrego has had six practices surrounding the three victories, including Friday’s workout that was squeezed between a dramatic 133-128 overtime victory against Houston on Thursday and the game against

ä Pacers at Pelicans.

6 P.M. SATURDAy,WAFB

Indiana at 6 p.m. Saturday in the Smoothie King Center.

“We spent a lot of time on the defensive end,” Borrego said before the game against the Rockets. “We’ve been bleeding on that end of the floor.”

Borrego cited “better communication in transition” and rebounding as two areas where the team has been “really digging in.”

“If we can stabilize those two areas, we’re going to have a chance

to guard,” he said. “We’re going to give ourselves a chance.”

Those areas of improvement were evident when New Orleans matched its second-lowest point total allowed this season in a 114104 victory at Chicago on Sunday.

The Pelicans outrebounded the Bulls 43-33, but Borrego was concerned about how the Pelicans would match up with the Rockets — the No. 1 team in the NBA in offensive rebounds, total rebounds and rebounding margin.

Houston easily won the

ä See PELICANS, page 9C

COLLEGE STATION,Texas — Texas A&M coach Mike Elko had to take a moment to compose himself when he was asked whether this season was championship or bust or whether his Aggies were simply happy to reach the College Football Playoff for the first time as they prepared for Saturday’s game against Miami.

“I’m trying to be nice,” Elko said.

Then he continä Miami at ued.

“I don’t know Texas A&M. that you define it 11 A.M. SATURDAy, that way,” he said.

ABC “We’re in Year 2.

We’re trying to establish a championship type of program. We haven’t won a championship around here since 1939, so that’s a lot of busts if that’s the only marker.

“I think we’re obviously in this thing to compete for a national championship, for sure. We believe ... we’re one of the teams that’s capable of going out there and winning it, but I don’t know that you define seasons like that.”

Like the Aggies, the Hurricanes are in the playoff for the first time, though their championship drought is much shorter than Texas A&M’s. Miami has won five national titles with the most recent one coming in 2001.

Seventh-seeded Texas A&M (111) knew it would get a spot in the playoff well ahead of the bracket announcement Dec. 7 after losing its only game in the regular-season finale to rival Texas. For the Hurricanes, there was a lot more consternation, especially considering that they didn’t get a spot last season despite an identical 10-2 record.

The No. 10-seeded Hurricanes

ä See AGGIES, page 8C

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOT

Texas A&M wide receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman, left, reacts with quarterback Marcel Reed after scoring a touchdown against Samford on Nov. 22 in College Station, Texas.

6C ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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North Carolina vs. Ohio St. CBS 3 p.m.

Memphis at Mississippi St. ESPN 3 p.m.

Northwestern vs. Butler Peacock 4:30 p.m. Houston vs. Arkansas CBS 5 p.m.

Bucknell at Iowa BTN 5 p.m.

Maryland at Virginia ESPN 5:30 p.m. Auburn vs. Purdue Peacock 7 p.m.

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Duke vs. Texas Tech ESPN 7 p.m.

Stanford vs. Colorado ESPNU 7:30 p.m. Xavier at Georgetown FS1 7:30 p.m. Marquette at Creighton Peacock 9:30 p.m. San Diego St. vs. Arizona ESPN2 WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 10 a.m. Louisville vs. Tennessee Fox

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FCS semi.: Montana at Montana St. ABC 3 p.m.

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AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open Golf 1:30 p.m. PNC Championship NBC HORSE RACING 1:30 p.m. America’s Day at the Races FS1 NBA 4 p.m.

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Philadelphia at Washington Fox 7:20 p.m. Green Bay at Chicago Fox NHL 11:30 a.m. Detroit at Washington NHLN 6 p.m.

Vancouver at Boston NHLN SKIING/SNOWBOARDING 12:30 p.m. FIS: World Cup CNBC MEN’S SOCCER 6:25 a.m. Coventry City at Southampton CBSSN 6:30 a.m. Chelsea at Newcastle United USA 8:55 a.m. Middlesbrough at Bristol City CBSSN 9 a.m.

West Ham at Man. City USA 11:30 a.m. Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur NBC 2 p.m.

Crystal Palace at Leeds United USA TENNIS 10 a.m. Next Gen Finals: Semifinals Tennis

Special teams key to Seahawks’ season

BY ANDREW DESTIN Associated Press

RENTON, Wash. — If there was a single play that embodied how impactful Seattle’s special teams units have been in 2025, it came midway through the fourth quarter Thursday night with the Seahawks in desperate need of a spark.

Trailing the Los Angeles Rams 30-14, Rashid Shaheed returned a punt 58 yards for a touchdown, and ignited a dormant Lumen Field crowd in the process with 8:03 remaining in regulation.

The Seahawks went on to win 38-37 in overtime.

“It gave us life,” safety Julian Love said. “We felt like for this game, our special was a weapAnalysis teams on. We have a really good unit. When we got Rashid this year, it gave us a whole new sense of focus and energy on special teams, just knowing that he can return a kick at any moment.”

The Seahawks rank fourth in average yards per kick return (15.6) and are tied for fourth in average yards per punt return (27.9).

Seattle is also tied for the league lead in both punt return touchdowns (2) and kickoff return touchdowns (1), and Jason Myers leads the league with the most made field goals (37).

Add all of that to the NFL’s fourth-best scoring offense, and the result is a 12-3 team that has clinched a playoff spot and moved into position for the top seed in the NFC. “I mean, our special teams unit has just been a massive catalyst for us,” coach Mike Macdonald said.

While Seattle’s offense rose to the occasion down the stretch on Thursday, that wasn’t the case last week in a gut-wrenching 18-16 win against the Indianapolis Colts. Myers kicked six field goals that afternoon and converted all of them.

“Our next goal is to win the division,” Macdonald said. “Now, you can’t do that unless you win the

SANTA ANA, Calif. — The Los Angeles Angels reached a confidential settlement Friday with the family of late pitcher Tyler Skaggs after a lengthy trial that detailed drug use by players.

The two-month trial centered on whether the Angels bore responsibility for Skaggs’ 2019 overdose death on a team trip to Texas after he’d been given a counterfeit oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl by the team’s then-communications director, Eric Kay. The last-minute settlement was reached as jurors were nearing the end of their deliberations, they said.

The jury had concluded the Angels were negligent and had moved on to determining what percentage of responsibility the team shared for Skaggs’ death.

NASCAR driver Keselowski breaks right leg on ski trip CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski, a former series champion who is now co-owner of RFK Racing, broke his right leg while on a ski trip, the team announced Friday.

Keselowski underwent surgery Thursday and doctors have told him to expect a quick recovery that will have him back for the season-opening Daytona 500 in February. He is winless in 16 starts in the showcase race as he enters the final years of his driving career.

“Life has a way of reminding you to slow down,” Keselowski posted on social media with photos of him in the hospital surrounded by his wife and children, an image of the break and video of him using a walker.

Royals reunite with Strahm after trade with Phillies ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LINDSEy WASSON

Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed runs for a touchdown against the Rams on Thursday in Seattle. next one, so it’s the same message.

Obviously, really excited to be in the dance. Anything can happen once you get in, but we got a division title on the line that we need to go capture.”

What’s working Tight end AJ Barner has done a fine job as the Seahawks’ No. 1 option at the position while fellow tight end Elijah Arroyo is out with a knee issue. Barner had four receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown, one which allowed the Seahawks to even the score at 30all in the fourth quarter.

The touchdown was Barner’s career-high fifth of the season.

What needs help The Seahawks secondary dealt with its fair share of injuries Thursday, but even before those happened, the Rams had their way through the air.

Despite Los Angeles playing without the NFL’s touchdown receptions leader in Davante Ad-

ams, Matthew Stafford had 457 yards passing — the third-most of his career.

Puka Nacua finished with 12 catches for 225 yards and two TDs. Macdonald acknowledged the Seahawks’ defense, which entered the evening ranking fourth in total yards allowed per game, needed to do better than allow 581 yards of total offense.

“We got to play better and got to game plan better, call it better,” Macdonald said. “I wasn’t good enough on the defensive front. We know that.”

he had 100 yards rushing, his most since galloping for 105 yards in a Week 2 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stock down

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp had three receptions for 39 yards receiving, as well as a two-point conversion catch, on Thursday.

He also fumbled deep in Los Angeles territory late in the second quarter after catching a pass on a post route. Kupp fumbled the ball after absorbing a big hit, and it was his first fumble of the season.

Kupp bounced back with key Stock up catches toward the end of the Running back Kenneth Walker game. rushed for a 55-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, his lon- Injuries gest run since his rookie season.

Macdonald did not have any Walker had a 60-yard run on Jan. updates on safety Coby Bryant 1, 2023, against the New York (knee) or cornerback Riq WoolJets. en (knee), both of whom left the The fourth-year tailback was game early. Both defensive backs limited to season-lows of nine were having imaging done Friday. carries and 17 yards in last week’s Safety Nick Emmanwori cleared win over the Colts. On Thursday, concussion protocol.

Lawrence finally looks like Jags’ generational QB

BY MARK LONG Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Trevor Lawrence spun and rolled left to avoid pressure, squared his shoulders as much as possible with a defender in his face and heaved the ball 50 yards toward the sideline.

It looked like a potential throwaway.

It was actually a perfectly placed pass to Parker Washington, who was sprinting across the field.

Lawrence smiled and shrugged his shoulders toward Jacksonville’s bench — an acknowledgement that it was the second time in as many weeks he turned a busted play into a big gain — and moved on. There really wasn’t much else to say as the best performance of Lawrence’s five-year NFL career unfolded against the New York Jets.

Lawrence finished with 330 yards passing, five touchdowns and a career-high 136.7 passer rating. He also ran for 51 yards and a score. Three days later, Lawrence was named AFC offensive player of the week.

He has a shot at being the league’s conference player of the month for December, especially if he continues to ascend when the surprising Jaguars (10-4) play at stingy Denver (12-2) on Sunday.

“I feel like I’m seeing it really well,” Lawrence said. “I think

Angels settle lawsuit with family of pitcher Skaggs

AP PHOTO By JOHN RAOUX

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence looks on during a game against the New york Jets on Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla. I’m throwing it well. Offensively, in general, it’s never about one guy. As an offense, we’re really synced up right now, especially in the passing game and protecting up front.

“We all have a lot of confidence in what we’re doing. It seems like we’ve got the ball rolling the last few weeks, so it feels good.”

Lawrence has thrown for at least 225 yards and two TDs in four consecutive weeks. He also has no turnovers in his last three games — Lawrence’s longest, mistake-free stretch since the Jaguars drafted him as the top

pick in 2021.

There are reasons for his recent surge.

Coach Liam Coen tops the list.

The play-caller and Lawrence have figured each other out, building a level of consistency and cohesion Lawrence rarely found as a rookie under coach Urban Meyer or in three years under Doug Pederson, who changed passing game coordinators and gave up play-calling duties after his first season in Jacksonville.

Coen has drawn rave reviews inside the team facility for his communication skills and his will-

ingness to adjust — no moves bigger than trading for sure-handed receivers Jakobi Meyers and Tim Patrick, inserting backup left tackle Cole Van Lanen into the starting lineup and remaining committed to a ground game that helps keep Lawrence upright and healthy.

“As you’re building, you just have to make sure you’re doing right by the whole place and putting the best 11 out there,” Coen said. “Individual success is extremely important to us. You want every player to get what they truly deserve and earn. … But it has to come back to the team first.

“Ultimately, everything we’re trying to do is to do that. Put the team first, protect the team and give ourselves the best chance to go win on Sunday.”

The Jaguars have won five in a row and six of seven since their bye, the only loss being the biggest collapse in franchise history.

They are averaging 34.2 points a game during the winning streak, with Lawrence getting — and deserving — much of the credit.

He finally looks like the generational quarterback the Jaguars thought they were getting nearly five years ago when the previously winless Jets beat the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland in consecutive weeks late in the 2020 season to essentially hand the top draft pick to Jacksonville.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals reunited with veteran lefthander Matt Strahm on Friday, acquiring the former All-Star from the Philadelphia Phillies in a trade for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan in a move that each club hopes will improve its bullpen.

The 34-year-old Strahm was drafted by the Royals in 2012 out of Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kansas, and he went on to spend his first two big league seasons with them. Strahm has spent the past three years in Philadelphia.

“We’ve been saying all along we need to address our outfield and raise the floor of our outfield,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said, “but also on our list was our bullpen. We’ve been able to address it probably in a timetable quicker than we thought.”

Wawrinka announces next year to be his last on tour Three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka says 2026 will be his last year on tour.

Since Wawrinka turned pro in 2002, the Swiss has won 16 tour singles titles. He beat the No. 1-ranked player in the finals of the 2014 Australian Open (Rafael Nadal), 2015 French Open (Novak Djokovic) and 2016 U.S. Open (Djokovic).

“One last push,” Wawrinka wrote on social media on Friday. “Every book needs an ending. It’s time to write the final chapter of my career as a professional tennis player.

2026 will be my last year on tour.”

Wawrinka, 40, and Roger Federer won the 2008 Beijing Olympics doubles gold medal and helped Switzerland win its only Davis Cup in 2014.

Chiefs close to leaving for new home in Kansas KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Kansas City Chiefs appear to be mere days away from taking a big step toward a move across the state line and eventually leaving their longtime home at Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri for a new and likely covered stadium in Kansas.

With a year-end deadline approaching, the Legislative Coordinating Council is scheduled to meet Monday in Topeka, Kansas, where it will consider approving bonds that would fund up to 70% of a stadium project to help lure the NFL franchise to the state.

The Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals have played for more than 50 years in side-by-side stadiums in Jackson County, Missouri. But those leases are due to expire in January 2031, and the two franchises have been working for years on their futures.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ 7C

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Garrett sets sights on Bills’ Allen, sack record

SAINTS NOTEBOOK

BY JOE REEDY

AP sportswriter

STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, left, celebrates after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy during the second half of a game on Nov. 30 in Cleveland. Garrett could break the NFL sack record Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

Saints place emerging wide receiver Vele on IR

BY LUKE JOHNSON, MATTHEW PARAS AND JEFF DUNCAN Staff writers

Just as he was starting to become a major piece of the New Orleans Saints offense, Devaughn Vele‘s 2025 season has come to a close.

The Saints placed Vele on injured reserve Friday, clearing a roster spot for kicker Charlie Smyth.

The second-year wide receiver injured his shoulder during last week’s win against the Carolina Panthers.

Vele finished his season with 25 receptions for 293 yards and two touchdowns — production that, on the surface, does not match the price the Saints paid when they traded a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos to acquire Vele before the start of the season.

But in recent weeks, the 6-foot-5 Vele had looked worth the cost.

In the last three weeks, Vele caught 16 of his 19 targets for 202 yards and a touchdown — including an excellent performance in a losing effort against Miami when he caught eight passes for 93 yards and a score in the final two quarters to ignite a rally.

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough clearly trusted Vele in crucial situations. Since Shough took over as the starter in Week 9, he’s completed five of his seven pass attempts intended for Vele on third down.

The only one of those completions that did not go for a first down came when Vele gained 15 yards on third and 17.

In general, Shough had a 111.3 passer rating when targeting Vele since he took over as a starter, completing 20 of 28 pass attempts for 254 yards with a touchdown

and 15 first-down conversions.

Vele still has two years remaining on his rookie contract.

Moore said Kamara’s injury hasn’t “necessarily” lasted longer than the Saints expected. With Kamara out, and backups Devin Neal Kamara out again and Kendre Miller done for the year, Running back Alvin Kamara will running backs Audric Estime and Evan miss his fourth straight game Sun- Hull are expected to take most of day after he and two other Saints the carries against the Jets. players were ruled out ahead of the team’s matchup with the New Smyth signs York Jets.

Smyth has signed a three-year Kamara was listed with knee and contract with the Saints and has ankle injuries, but coach Kellen Moore been elevated to the active roshas said it’s the knee that is pri- ter, his agent, Paul Sheehy, said in a marily bothering the veteran. The social-media post Friday.

Terms of the deal were not re30-year-old landed awkwardly in a Nov. 23 loss to the Atlanta Falcons leased. and was limited to just 11 snaps.

Smyth, a 24-year-old native In addition to Kamara’s absence, Northern Irishman, has made offensive linemen Cesar Ruiz and four of his five field goal attempts, Asim Richards will miss the game with a long of 56, and each of his with ankle injuries. Guard Wil- five extra points since taking over liam Sherman is expected to start in the starting kicking job from Blake Ruiz’s place, while Xavier Truss could Grupe in Week 13. His lone miss be the team’s swing tackle in place came from 48 yards in a driving of Richards — who’s out for the rain in Tampa, Florida.

The Saints elevated Smyth from second straight week.

The Saints also listed wide re- the practice squad for each of the ceiver Mason Tipton (illness), de- last three games, making it necesfensive lineman Nathan Shepherd sary to sign him to the active ros(anke and knee) and tight end ter because he is now out of elevaZaire Mitchell-Paden (knee) as ques- tion options.

Smyth entered the NFL through tionable.

Safety Justin Reid will return from the International Player Pathway. a two-game absence as he was He is the second kicker to come cleared to play after a knee injury. from Northern Ireland through the Though Kamara has been out for IPP to kick in a game, joining Jude the last month, Moore defended McAtamney, and the first to make the the team’s decision not to place the leap directly from Ireland without running back on injured reserve — American college experience.

Smyth has spent his entire time which would have cleared a roster spot and forced Kamara to miss a with the Saints to this point on the practice squad — something minimum of four games.

“We’re just keeping an eye on that has been made possible bethat one,” Moore said. “We’ll cause of the roster exemption the see how it progresses. Time- Saints have received because of lines are different for all these Smyth’s status as an international guys.” player.

WALKER

Continued from page 5C best defensive players (cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams) this season.

The Saints, with the emergence of rookie Tyler Shough, have at least figured out their quarterback situation.

The Jets still haven’t. They will start undrafted rookie Brady Cook on Sunday at Caesars Superdome in a game that is somewhat meaningless other than two bad teams jockeying for draft position.

The fact the Saints have found their quarterback of the future suggests that Loomis may have made the right hire.

Would the Saints have their answer at quarterback if the defensive-minded

Josh Allen has been compared to Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre because of his arm strength and ability to run with the ball despite the high risks at times.

Myles Garrett hopes Allen will draw another similarity to Favre as quarterbacks who were sacked to set the single-season sacks record.

The Cleveland Browns All-Pro pass rusher goes into Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills with 211/ 2 sacks and needs 11/ 2 sacks to pass Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt for the record.

Garrett, who has recorded a sack in eight straight games, said Friday that it would be special if the record came against the reigning NFL MVP. “Absolutely. I mean, he’s a gunslinger himself, so he’s the kind of guy that, guess you would say, Mike got those years ago,” Garrett said. “I think it’s a bit of a funny comparison because those guys have similar styles, and, you know, me and Mike have been compared before, but, yeah, it would mean a lot to go against him.”

Strahan surpassed Mark Gastineau’s mark of 22 sacks in 1984 late in the fourth quarter of the Giants’ 2001 season finale against Green Bay. Favre went down to the ground as Strahan was approaching to set the mark.

Watt tied the record during the final game in 2021 at Baltimore by taking down Ravens QB Tyler Huntley. Sacks became an official NFL statistic in 1982.

Allen is already on the list as one of 51 players Garrett has sacked in his nine-year career.

The two have faced each other twice, with Garrett recording a sack during a 2022 game.

Allen said Wednesday he had not thought about being the quarterback that would get Garrett the record.

“I do like highlight tapes, but I don’t like being a part of other people’s highlight tapes,” Allen said. “His motor is higher than re-

ally anybody else that you’ll ever play. He can beat you with speed and power. I mean, he’s just the all-around football player.”

According to Next Gen Stats, Garrett has converted 33.6% of his pressures into sacks, the second-highest rate by a defender with at least 50 pressures since 2018. Watt’s pressure to sack rate was 34.6% when he tied Strahan’s mark in 2021.

Garrett is averaging a sack every 17.3 pass rushes. At a pace of 11/ 2 sacks per game, he could finish the season with 26 sacks, which is one more than the goal he set at the beginning of the season and wrote on his right wrist tape.

Garrett has lined up on the right edge on 81.5% of his snaps, with 171/ 2 sacks coming from that alignment. Buffalo left tackle Dion Dawkins has allowed four sacks this season, and his 7.7% pressure rate allowed is 10thlowest among left tackles.

Dawkins sounded prepared for the challenge when he appeared on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, hosted by former NFL players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan.

“Sometimes you have to play the Grim Reaper. The world sees it, there ain’t no hiding from it,” Dawkins said about the matchup.

“Games like this show who you are and what type of player you are. We have scheme and a plan in place. Hopefully the plan is executed at its highest level because Myles is coming for that sack title and I’m here to stop it.”

Bills right tackle Spencer Brown said the important thing in preparing for Garrett is “don’t do anything outside your own shell.”

Allen has been sacked 33 times, tied for sixth-most in the league.

That is 19 more than last year and five short of his 2019 career high.

Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said he and the players on defense have been on record watch the past four weeks after Garrett was at 18 sacks after a victory at Las Vegas on Nov. 23. Garrett set a franchise record with five sacks on Oct. 26 at New England.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By SUE OGROCKI

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett celebrates after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy with defensive end Cameron Thomas during the second half of al game on Nov. 30 in Cleveland.

have faced off twice as coordinators.

Two seasons ago, when Moore was with the Chargers and Glenn with the Lions, Detroit won 41-38. Three seasons ago when Moore was in Dallas, the Cowboys beat the Lions 24-6.

“I’ve always had a ton of respect for Aaron, especially from a defensive perspective,” Moore said. “Just the way they play. Play style, the effort, the ball attacking.

“They’ve had such a history of that going STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD back to Detroit. When we’ve played him, Former Saints assistant coach Aaron Glenn it’s been a challenge.

“Obviously, he’s building something directs a drill during training camp on July there. And he’s building it the right way, 27, 2018, in Metairie. and he’s going to build something really special.”

Saints defensive end Jonah Williams Glenn was running the show? played in Detroit under Glenn last season.

Although this will be the first meeting “The first thing that stood out was his between the first-year head coaches, they

energy,” Williams said. “He’s so intense in the meetings, and he demanded a lot of his players. I knew he was capable (of being a head coach) the way he led the room.”

Moore is more laid back.

Saints defensive end Carl Granderson now has been around both. Glenn coached defensive backs for the Saints from 201620, and Granderson was here for the last two years of that span.

“I think it’s a different type of energy between the two,” Granderson said. “Kellen’s energy is more like a happy energy.

AG’s energy is more intense. That’s the only difference.”

Inevitably, the only difference that will matter is wins and losses.

Time will tell.

Email Rod Walker at rwalker@ theadvocate.com.

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NC State hammers Memphis to win Gasparilla Bowl

By The Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ROBERT SIMMONS

James Madison coach Bob Chesney, second from right, and running back Wayne Knight, right, celebrate after winning the Sun Belt championship on Dec. 5 in Harrisonburg, Va. The Dukes face Oregon on Saturday in the College Football Playoff.

Ducks host newcomer to College Football Playoff

BY ANNE M. PETERSON

ä James Madison at Oregon. 6:30 and rushed for 544 yards and 14

more TDs. Named the Sun Belt’s Player of the Year, Barnett has nothing but respect for Oregon.

But that doesn’t mean he fears the Ducks.

“You can’t psych yourself out and lose the game before you start the game,” Barnett said.

“You have to remember from day one why you started playing this game as a kid. I think if you were to ask everybody on this team, especially this generation, who was your favorite football team growing up, people would probably say Oregon. They had the flashy jerseys, Marcus Mariota, Darron Thomas, Kenjon Barner.

I was one of those kids who grew up watching Oregon. This is one of those environments you dream about playing in. If you are who you say you are, you can’t shut down when the lights are bright.”

AP sportswriter

P.M. SATURDAy,TNT

The College Football Playoff is pretty much business as usual for Oregon, which is more accustomed to playing at this level.

The story is different in several ways for James Madison, a newcomer to the playoff.

James Madison coach Bob Chesney will lead the Dukes in Saturday’s first-round game — and possible beyond if the Dukes win — but he’s already been hired as the new head coach at UCLA. His replacement, former Florida head coach Billy Napier, was hired by JMU last week.

“There’s going to be a little juggling that’s going to occur here in my life,” Chesney said in his introductory news conference at UCLA. So an already challenging situation for a first-time participant will be made even more so by the logistics.

Oregon (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) was seeded fifth going into the game at Autzen Stadium. The winner will go on to play fourth-seeded Texas Tech in a quarterfinal game at the Orange Bowl.

James Madison is the No. 12 seed after finishing 12-1 this season and 8-0 in the Sun Belt, capping it off with the program’s first-ever conference championship. The Dukes’ lone loss this season came to Louisville, the team’s only Power Four opponent this year.

“We’re really proud to be one of the 12 teams in this College Football Playoff. It’s rare for teams in the Group of Five to make it and I think to have two in here is pretty exciting,” Chesney said. “Certainly a lot of work went into it, a lot of commitment over the years from our university. We’re excited to get out there, to have a chance to play one of the best teams in the country and we certainly understand

the opportunity and the excitement around it.”

In contrast, the Ducks have been in this position before. Oregon went to the CFP quarterfinals last season but fell at the Rose Bowl to Ohio State. So while the Ducks are hoping to improve on that outcome, nothing is changing about their usual preparation — except they’ve had some 21 days in the run-up to the game.

“I mean, ultimately, the process is the part you have in place,” coach Dan Lanning said. “The process has to be very similar to a normal game, but the stakes are certainly really high, knowing that if you don’t take care of business, you don’t get a redo, you don’t get another opportunity. So there is a difference, but I think that the piece for us is to focus on what allows you to have success and what Ducks receivers returning? creates the result you want. And The layoff between games has that’s maintaining that process.” given Oregon’s depleted receiving staff some time to get healthy, alMore juggling though what that will mean on SatChesney isn’t the only one bal- urday remains to be seen.

Dynamic freshman Dakorien ancing a new job while sticking around for the playoff. Oregon of- Moore has missed four games fensive coordinator Will Stein is with a knee injury, while Gary the new head coach at Kentucky, Bryant Jr. has missed three. Each while defensive coordinator Tosh has caught four touchdown passes Lupoi has been hired to coach Cali- from quarterback Dante Moore. fornia. Both will be with the Ducks Evan Stewart has been out all seathrough the playoffs, however long son. they might last, while also accli“Everybody is closer than they mating themselves to their new were yesterday,” Lanning said, without tipping his hand. All three jobs.

Stein told reporters he’d feel like were at practice earlier in the a “complete fraud” if he bailed on week, although it was unclear how Oregon as it mounted a playoff run. much they participated.

Despite the absences, Dante “The last thing I’d ever do would be Moore has thrown for 2,733 yards to leave these players,” he added. with 24 touchdowns and six interRespect ceptions this season, and is facing James Madison quarterback questions about whether he’ll stay Alonza Barnett III has thrown for at Oregon or declare for the NFL 2,533 yards with 21 touchdowns, draft in the offseason.

AGGIES

Continued from page 5C got the last at-large spot over Notre Dame thanks to their 27-24 win over the Fighting Irish in the season opener.

Miami quarterback Carson Beck, who is in his first season with the team after a transfer from Georgia, said making the playoff “means everything.”

“This is what I came here for,” Beck said. “There’s been a lot of adversity that we’ve had to face as a team, that I’ve had to face individually. In that moment to see The U come up on the TV, I obviously was extremely excited and ready for the opportunity. This team is excited to compete.”

The only common opponent between these teams is the Fighting Irish, who Texas A&M beat 41-40 on Sept. 13 for Notre Dame’s only other loss this season.

The Aggies have pointed to that victory as a key moment in the season that helped build their confidence. It’s a confidence that wasn’t

shaken despite the loss to Texas.

“It was a rough loss, and you hate to lose that game, but we’ve got hopefully four more games left,” right tackle Dametrious Crownover said. “We can’t afford the time to sit and sulk. We had our time off to sit and sulk about it, and now we’ve got to go win a national championship.”

The winner advances to the Cotton Bowl to play No. 2-seeded Ohio State on Dec. 31.

The Hurricanes will have to buck a 20-year trend if they’re going to extend their season.

Going back to November 2005, the Hurricanes are 0-13 when they travel outside of Miami to play a team ranked 10th or better in the AP Top 25 poll. In 10 of those games, Miami wound up losing by at least 13 points.

The Hurricanes are 1-0 against top-10 teams this season with the victory over Notre Dame in first week of the season.

Coach Mario Cristobal called Kyle Field one of the best environments in sports and knows his team will have to be focused to deal with a crowd that’s certain to

exceed 100,000.

“It comes down to your preparation because at the end of the day, this is going to come down to the 22 that are on the field, that are actually executing against each other, and execution is at a premium,” he said.

Texas A&M star running back Le’Veon Moss, an Istrouma graduate, has missed the last six games with an ankle injury and is listed as questionable for Saturday. He had 70 carries for 389 yards and six touchdowns in six games this season, highlighted by a career-high 139 yards in a win over Auburn.

If he can’t go, Texas A&M will continue to rely on Rueben Owens to power the running game.

He leads the team with 618 yards rushing but has managed just 76 yards combined in his last two games.

Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney needs 30 yards to post the eighth 1,000-yard receiving season in school history.

The second-team All-American as a freshman has had 25 catches for 272 yards in his last two games alone.

TAMPA, Fla. — CJ Bailey threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns and scored another on the ground as NC State took down Memphis 31-7 in the Gasparilla Bowl on Friday.

The Wolfpack concluded their season at 8-5 and won a bowl game for the first time since the 2017 Sun Bowl.

Jayden Scott racked up 108 yards rushing to pace the NC State offense. Wesley Grimes led with 48 yards receiving and a score on three catches and six targets.

NC State struck first on its opening drive as Bailey scampered for a 14-yard touchdown run. The Wolfpack scored on all but two of their first-half drives to take a 31-7 lead into halftime.

Grimes hauled in a 31-yard touchdown; Teddy Hoffman took his only catch for a 40-yard score; and Will Wilson tacked on a 1-yard rushing touchdown before time expired in the first half.

The Tigers (8-5) got on the board with Jamari Hawkins’ 28yard reception. Hawkins had four catches for 32 yards.

Myrtle Beach Bowl WESTERN MICHIGAN 41, KENNESAW STATE 6: In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Jalen Buckley ran for 174 yards, and Western Michigan scored on a fumble recovery and a pick-six on its way to rolling

Kennesaw State.

The Broncos finished their season at 10-4 and became the first team in program history to win a conference championship and a bowl game. They reached 10 wins for the second time, joining the 13-1 2016 team.

Western Michigan jumped ahead early on its first play of the game, as Buckley broke free for a 65-yard rushing touchdown for his only score of the game. They scored again less than a minute later as defensive lineman Kershawn Fisher scored on a 47-yard fumble recovery.

Blake Bosma and Mareyohn Hrabowski each caught touchdowns before the end of the first quarter and Devin Miles added a rushing score in the second.

Western Michigan led 34-0 at halftime.

Joey Pope’s 75-yard pick-six to start the third quarter completed the scoring for the Broncos.

Javon Rogers caught an 82yard touchdown pass from Amari Odom to get Kennesaw State (10-4) on the board. Odom was 18of-35 passing for 209 yards and was intercepted twice.

The Myrtle Beach Bowl was the only bowl game this season, outside of the College Football Playoff, to feature two conference champions. Western Michigan beat Miami of Ohio to win the Mid-American Conference and Kennesaw State beat Jacksonville State to win Conference USA.

LSU expects to hire D-line coach from SEC team

BY WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writer

LSU football targeted South Carolina assistant coach Sterling Lucas and expects to hire him onto the defensive staff, multiple sources told The Advocate on Friday.

Though Lucas coached defensive ends and outside linebackers for the past four seasons at South Carolina, a source said he will coach the interior defensive line for the Tigers. LSU already has an edge rushers coach in Kevin Peoples, who’s entering his third season.

The terms of the deal are not yet known.

With LSU defensive line coach Kyle Williams expected to step away after one season as a college coach, LSU initially targeted Syracuse co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Elijah Robinson. There was an expectation at one point that LSU would hire Robinson, a former Texas A&M defensive line coach, but it began interviewing other candidates over the past two weeks.

Lucas, a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, played linebacker at NC State from 2008-12 before he began his coaching career. He spent six years in various roles with the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars before going to South Carolina. He also held the title of defensive run game coordinator last season.

During his time with the Gamecocks, Lucas coached standout defensive ends Dylan Stewart and Kyle Kennard, one of the most productive tandems in the country in 2024. Kennard won the Bronco Nagurski Award as the nation’s top defensive player

that season. Stewart, a former five-star recruit, has amassed 221/ 2 tackles for loss and 11 sacks over the past two years. He was a second-team All-SEC selection this fall.

Under new head coach Lane Kiffin, LSU retained most of its defensive staff after defensive coordinator Blake Baker turned down offers from Tulane and Memphis to stay at LSU with a new contract. With Baker returning, LSU is expected to keep Peoples, safeties coach Jake Olsen and cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond. A role is being discussed for Chris Kiffin, who coached linebackers at Ole Miss this past season.

If Lucas stays for a few years, he may provide continuity to the interior defensive line. LSU hasn’t kept the same defensive line coach in place for two full years in a decade, and it had a different coach at the position every season for the past six years.

Once the hire gets finalized, Lucas will have a rebuilding project on his hands. LSU has to replace three of its top four defensive linemen in sixth-year senior Jacobian Guillory, fifth-year senior Bernard Gooden and sophomore Ahmad Breaux. Guillory and Gooden exhausted their eligibility, and Breaux is entering the transfer portal.

LSU has two defensive tackles who played more than 100 snaps who can return in sophomore Dominick McKinley and freshman Walter Mathis. It has other young defensive tackles and signed five-star Richard Anderson and four-star Deuce Geralds.

But without much returning experience, LSU is expected to look in the transfer portal for defensive linemen.

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SCOREBOARD Odds

Rice Boise State at ARIZONA

Sports Betting Line NFL

NBA

Saturday

Saturday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG Philadelphia 4½ 6½ (44½) at WASH Green Bay 3 1½ (46½) at CHICAGO

Sunday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG Tampa Bay 2½ 3 (45½) at CAR at DALLAS 2½ 1½ (49½) LA Chargers Kansas City 11½ 3½ (37½) at TEN Buffalo 8½ 10½ (42½) at CLE Cincinnati 2½ 1½ (50½) at MIAMI at NO 2½ 4½ (40½) NY Jets Minnesota 1½ 2½ (43½) at GIANTS at DENVER 3 3 (45½) Jacksonville Atlanta 1½ 2½ (47½) at ARIZONA at DETROIT 6½ 6½ (50½) Pittsburgh at HOUSTN 11½ 14½ (37½) Las Vegas at BALT 2½ 2½ (47½) New Eng

Monday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG San Francisco 6½ 5½ (46½) at IND

College Football Saturday

CFP First Round — Game 2 FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG Texas A&M 3½ 3½ (51½) Miami (FL) CFP First Round — Game 3 FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG Ole Miss 16½ 17½ (56½) Tulane CFP First Round — Game 4 FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG Oregon 20½ 21½ (49½) J. Madison

Monday

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U Utah State 1½ 2½ (52½) Tuesday Boca Raton Bowl FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U Louisville 9½ 7½ (44½) New Orleans Bowl FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U W. Kentucky 3½ 4½ (55½) Frisco Bowl FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNLV 3½ 4½ (62½)

Wednesday

1½ 3½ 14½

UNDERDOG Wash St UNDERDOG Toledo UNDERDOG S. Miss UNDERDOG Ohio

Hawai’i Bowl FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG Cal 1½ 1½ (54½) Hawaii

COLLEGE BASKETBALL Saturday

FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG at LOUISVILLE 30½ Montana at MICHIGAN ST 20½ Oakland at KANSAS STATE 21½ South Dakota at DAYTON 9½ Liberty St. John’s 3½ at KENTUCKY at W. MICHIGAN 1 Buffalo at APPALACHIN ST 10½ Georgia State at OLD DOMINION 4½ Coastal Carolina at UTAH STATE 8½ Colorado State Miami (OH) 10½ at BALL STATE Kent State 1½ at UMASS at VIRGINIA TECH 14 Elon at TROY 4½ Marshall at N. ILLINOIS 2½ C. Michigan at N. COLORADO 9½ Denver North Carolina 3½ at OHIO STATE Louisiana 1½ at UL MONROE at TEXAS STATE 1½ South Alabama at OHIO 1½ Bowling Green at WYOMING 2½ Grand Canyon at BUTLER 1½ Northwestern at TENNESSEE TECH 1½ UT Martin at MISSISSIPPI ST 3½ Memphis at E. TENNESSEE ST 11½ Jacksonville St. at SYRACUSE 14½ Northeastern at TENNESSEE ST 1½ S. Missouri St Arkansas State 2½ at SOUTHERN MISS Morehead State 1½ at S. INDIANA at SANTA CLARA 17½ Loyola Chicago at GA SOUTHERN 2½ James Madison at WASHINGTON ST 7½ Mercer Houston 4½ at ARKANSAS at RICHMOND 20½ Citadel at VIRGINIA 16½ Maryland at PURDUE 8½ Auburn at UNLV 7½ Fresno State at UTAH 11½ E. Washington at TULANE 3½ Portland State at RUTGERS 11½ Pennsylvania at DUKE 8½ Texas Tech at COLORADO 2½ Stanford at CAL BAPTIST 13½ Sacramento St at ST. THOMAS 13½ UC Riverside at GEORGETOWN 4½ Xavier at CREIGHTON 7½ Marquette at NEW MEXICO 13½ San Jose State at WEBER STATE 4½ Utah Tech

FAVORITE LINE at DENVER 1 at NEW ORLEANS 2½ at PHILADELPHIA OFF at TORONTO OFF at DETROIT OFF at MEMPHIS OFF at GOLDEN STATE 5½ at UTAH OFF at SACRAMENTO OFF at LA CLIPPERS OFF

O/U UNDERDOG (236½) Houston (235½) Indiana (OFF) Dallas (OFF) Boston (OFF) Charlotte (OFF) Washington (227½) Phoenix (OFF) Orlando (OFF) Portland (OFF) LA Lakers

NHL

Saturday

FAVORITE LINE at WASHINGTON -168 at N.Y RANGERS -136 at OTTAWA -262 at MINNESOTA -122 at BUFFALO -150 at FLORIDA -180 Toronto -126 at BOSTON -161 at MONTREAL -146 at TAMPA BAY OFF at ANAHEIM -114 Vegas -131 at SAN JOSE -115

at PEPPERDINE at NEVADA San Diego State

UNDERDOG Detroit Philadelphia Chicago Edmonton N.Y Islanders St. Louis at NASHVILLE Vancouver Pittsburgh Carolina Columbus at CALGARY Seattle

LINE +141 +114 +211 +102 +126 +149 +105 +135 +122 OFF -106 +110 -105

Pro basketball

New York Toronto Boston Philadelphia Brooklyn

W 19 17 15 14 7

L 7 11 11 11 19

Pct .731 .607 .577 .560 .269

GB — 3 4 4½ 12

Orlando Miami Atlanta Charlotte Washington

W 15 15 15 9 4

L 12 12 13 18 21

Pct .556 .556 .536 .333 .160

GB — — ½ 6 10

Detroit Cleveland Chicago Milwaukee Indiana

W 21 15 11 11 6

L 6 13 15 17 21

Pct .778 .536 .423 .393 .222

GB — 6½ 9½ 10½ 15

Southeast Division

Central Division

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Southwest Division

HOU

FG

FT

Reb

Min M-A M-A O-T A PF PTS

Durant 42:41 12-15 4-4 0-7 2 2 32 Smith Jr. 44:08 5-18 1-2 4-12 2 4 12 Sengun 35:42 11-26 6-10 6-11 8 5 28 Okogie 30:10 3-7 3-3 3-4 3 1 10 Thompsn 40:36 11-14 1-1 3-6 4 2 23 Adams 27:49 2-10 2-5 6-10 3 3 6 Sheppard 26:57 4-12 0-0 0-4 7 1 11 Holiday 10:18 1-3 0-0 0-1 1 2 3 Capela 6:40 1-2 1-2 3-3 0 1 3 Totals 265 50-10718-2725-58 30 21 128 Percentages: FG .467, FT .667.

3-Point Goals: 10-32, .313 (Durant 4-6, Sheppard 3-10, Okogie 1-2, Holiday 1-3, Smith Jr. 1-6, Thompson 0-1, Sengun 0-4).

Team Rebounds: 14. Team Turnovers: 2.

Blocked Shots: 8 (Durant 4, Sengun 2, Adams, Thompson).

Turnovers: 18 (Durant 6, Smith Jr. 4, Thompson 4, Sengun 2, Adams, Capela).

Steals: 6 (Sengun 2, Adams, Durant, Sheppard, Thompson).

Technical Fouls: None.

FG FT Reb

Min M-A M-A O-T A PF PTS

Bey 34:19 11-18 4-4 1-9 1 0 29 Murphy 38:29 9-13 7-7 2-3 2 2 27 Queen 35:21 7-16 2-3 3-12 3 4 16 Fears 20:12 4-8 1-2 1-3 4 0 9 Jones 38:13 7-14 2-2 1-3 3 6 18 Alvarado 30:22 2-5 2-3 1-3 6 3 7 Poole 24:32 5-13 3-3 0-1 2 2 15 Willimsn 21:26 3-9 3-4 2-3 5 3 9 Matkovic 11:07 1-1 0-0 1-2 1 2 3 Missi 6:24 0-0 0-0 1-2 0 1 0 McGowns 4:35 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 Totals 265 49-9724-2813-41 27 24 133 Percentages: FG .505, FT .857.

3-Point Goals: 11-27, .407 (Bey 3-5, Murphy III 2-2, Jones 2-6, Poole 2-7, Matkovic 1-1, Alvarado 1-3, Fears 0-1, Queen 0-2).

Team Rebounds: 7. Team Turnovers: None.

Blocked Shots: 7 (Queen 3, Jones, Matkovic, Murphy III, Williamson).

Turnovers: 12 (Queen 3, Poole 2, Williamson 2, Bey, Fears, Jones, Matkovic, Missi).

Steals: 15 (Jones 8, Poole 3, Bey 2, Alvarado, Murphy III).

Technical Fouls: None.

Houston 33 34 32 20 9 — 128 New Orleans 24 21 38 36 14 — 133 A_16,766 (16,867). T_2:39.

W 19 16 13 11 6

L 7 8 14 17 22

Pct .731 .667 .481 .393 .214

GB — 2 6½ 9 14

Oklahoma City Denver Minnesota Portland Utah

W 25 20 17 11 10

L 2 6 10 16 16

Pct .926 .769 .630 .407 .385

GB — 4½ 8 14 14½

W New England 11 Buffalo 10 e-Miami 6 e-N.Y. Jets 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

L.A. Lakers Phoenix Golden State Sacramento L.A. Clippers

W 19 15 13 6 6

L 7 12 15 21 21

Pct .731 .556 .464 .222 .222

GB — 4½ 7 13½ 13½

Jacksonville Houston Indianapolis e-Tennessee

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

Pittsburgh Baltimore e-Cincinnati e-Cleveland

W 8 7 4 3

L 6 7 10 11

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .571 .500 .286 .214

PF 336 335 314 226

PA 326 320 437 332

W x-Denver 12 L.A. Chargers 10 e-Kansas City 6 e-Las Vegas 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 Philadelphia 9 Dallas 6 e-Washington 4 e-N.Y. Giants 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

L 7 7

T 0 0

Pct .500 .500

PF 327 264

PA 354 317

Pacific Division

Thursday’s Games

Charlotte 133, Atlanta 126 New York 114, Indiana 113 Miami 106, Brooklyn 95 San Antonio 119, Washington 94 Oklahoma City 122, L.A. Clippers 101 Toronto 111, Milwaukee 105 New Orleans 133, Houston 128, OT Denver 126, Orlando 115 Dallas 116, Detroit 114, OT Phoenix 99, Golden State 98 L.A. Lakers 143, Utah 135 Portland 134, Sacramento 133, OT

Pro football

South

North

West

NATIONAL CONFERENCE East

Friday’s Games

Miami at Boston, n Philadelphia at New York, n Chicago at Cleveland, n San Antonio at Atlanta, n Oklahoma City at Minnesota, n

South

Saturday’s Games

Houston at Denver, 4 p.m.

Boston at Toronto, 6 p.m.

Tampa Bay Carolina

0 0

.357 .286

281 226

341 332

W Chicago 10 Green Bay 9 Detroit 8 e-Minnesota 6

L 4 4 6 8

T 0 1 0 0

Pct .714 .679 .571 .429

PF 365 348 428 289

PA 338 281 345 307

W Seattle 12 x-L.A. Rams 11 San Francisco 10 e-Arizona 3

L 3 4 4 11

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .800 .733 .714 .214

PF 443 457 344 302

PA 279 299 293 388

e-Eliminated from playoffs x-clinched playoff spot Thursday’s Games Seattle 38, L.A. Rams 37, OT

Saturday’s Games

Philadelphia at Washington, 4 p.m.

Green Bay at Chicago, 7:20 p.m.

Sunday’s Games

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.

N.C. State 31, Memphis 7

College Football Playoff

First Round No. 11 Alabama at No. 8 Oklahoma, n Saturday’s games EAST FCS Semifinal 1 at Villanova, Pa.: Villanova (12-2) vs. Illinois St. (11-4), 7:30 p.m.

SOUTH

College Football Playoff First Round - Game 3 at Oxford, Miss.: Mississippi (11-1) vs.

Tulane (11-2), 3:30 p.m.

SOUTHWEST

College Football Playoff First Round - Game 2 at College Station, Texas: Texas A&M (111) vs. Miami (10-2), Noon

FAR WEST

FCS Semifinal 2 at Bozeman, Mont.: Montana St. (12-2) vs. Montana (13-1), 4 p.m.

College Football Playoff First Round - Game 4 at Eugene, Ore.: Oregon (11-1) vs. James Madison (12-1), 7:30 p.m.

College basketball State men’s schedule Thursday’s games

Southern Miss 62, UL 54 Grambling 80, Norfolk State 68

Friday’s games

Grambling 81, Hampton 72 LSU 78, Southeastern 68

Saturday’s games

San Francisco at Indianapolis, 7:15 p.m.

SUNO at Northwestern State, 1 p.m.

UL at UL-Monroe, 2 p.m.

Portland State at Tulane, 6:30 p.m.

Late Thursday

State women’s schedule

Seattle 38, L.A. Rams 37, OT

Thursday’s games

Monday’s Games

L.A. Rams 3 10 10 7 7 — 37 Seattle 7 0 7 16 8 — 38 First Quarter Sea_Charbonnet 4 run (Myers kick), 7:09.

LAR_FG Mevis 23, 1:43.

Second Quarter LAR_FG Mevis 28, 12:45.

LAR_Ferguson 3 pass from Stafford (Mevis kick), 3:43.

Third Quarter Sea_Walker 55 run (Myers kick), 12:57.

LAR_FG Mevis 41, 8:37.

LAR_Corum 1 run (Mevis kick), 6:30.

Fourth Quarter LAR_Nacua 1 pass from Stafford (Mevis kick), 13:34.

Sea_Shaheed 58 punt return (Kupp pass from Darnold), 8:03.

Sea_Barner 26 pass from Darnold (Charbonnet run), 6:23.

First Overtime LAR_Nacua 41 pass from Stafford (Mevis kick), 6:27.

Sea_Smith-Njigba 4 pass from Darnold (Saubert pass from Darnold), 3:13.

A_68,853.

NFL AMERICAN CONFERENCE East

9 10

West

San Antonio Houston Memphis Dallas New Orleans

Northwest Division

e-Atlanta 5 e-New Orleans 4

North

Late Thursday New Orleans 133, Houston 128

NO

NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

Dallas at Philadelphia, 6 p.m.

Indiana at New Orleans, 6 p.m.

Charlotte at Detroit, 6:30 p.m.

Washington at Memphis, 7 p.m.

Phoenix at Golden State, 7:30 p.m.

Orlando at Utah, 8:30 p.m.

Portland at Sacramento, 9 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at L.A. Clippers, 9:30 p.m.

LAR Sea First downs 26 22 Total Net Yards 581 415 Rushes-yards 39-124 25-171 Passing 457 244 Punt Returns 1-31 1-58 Kickoff Returns 6-127 0-0 Interceptions Ret. 2-66 0-0 Comp-Att-Int 29-49-0 22-34-2 Sacked-Yards Lost 0-0 4-26 Punts 4-38.75 5-48.0 Fumbles-Lost 0-0 1-1 Penalties-Yards 8-54 5-40 Time of Possession 40:33 26:14 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING_L.A. Rams, K.Williams 23-70, Corum 14-48, Stafford 2-6. Seattle, Walker 11100, Charbonnet 9-32, Shaheed 1-31, Darnold 3-7, Barner 1-1.

PASSING_L.A. Rams, Stafford 29-49-0-457.

Seattle, Darnold 22-34-2-270.

RECEIVING_L.A. Rams, Nacua 12-225, Mumpfield 3-40, Ferguson 3-33, K.Williams 3-15, X.Smith 2-57, Allen 2-34, Parkinson 2-21, Whittington 1-19, Corum 1-13. Seattle, Smith-Njigba 8-96, Barner 4-49, Charbonnet 4-22, Walker 3-64, Kupp 3-39.

MISSED FIELD GOALS_L.A. Rams, Mevis 48.

College football Thursday’s game

Xbox Bowl Frisco, Texas Arkansas State 34, Missouri State 28

Friday’s games Myrtle Beach Bowl

Conway, S.C. Western Michigan 41, Kennesaw State 6

Gasparilla Bowl Tampa, Fla.

UIW 79, UNO 68 Nicholls 70, Houston Christian 47 Baylor 77, Southern 60

Friday’s games None scheduled.

Saturday’s games

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.

Transactions Major League Baseball

American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Hired Carlos Rodriguez as assistant general manager.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS — Acquired LHP Matt Strahm from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for RHP Jonathan Bowlan.

TAMPA BAY RAYS — Acquired C Caden Bodine, OF Slater de Brun, RHP Michael Forret, OF Austin Overn and a competitive balance round A selection (No. 33 overall) in the 2026 first-year player draft from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for RHP Shane Baz. National League ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — Acquired OF Avery Owusu-Asiedu from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for LHP Kyle Backhus.

SAN DIEGO PADRES — Agreed to terms with RHP Michael King on a three-year contract.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS — Agreed to terms with RHP Adrian Houser on a two-year contract.

FOOTBALL

National Football League CINCINNATI BENGALS — Placed DT Kris Jenkins on injured reserve. Activated DE Shemar Stewart from injured reserve.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Signed WR Jakobi Meyers to a three-year contract extension.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Placed LT Christian Darrisaw on injured reserve.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Signed LS Cal Adomitis to the practice squad. Released LB Kana’i Mauga from the practice squad.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Placed WR Devaughn Vele on injured reserve.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS — Recalled C/F Luca Del Bel Belluz from Cleveland (AHL).

EDMONTON OILERS — Transferred C/F Jack Roslovic to long-term injured reserve.

Placed G Tristan Jarry on injured reserve.

MINNESOTA WILD — Assigned C/F Nicolas Aube-Kubel and D David Spacek to Iowa (AHL).

OTTAWA SENATORS — Assigned D Dennis Gilbert to Belleville (AHL).

ST. LOUIS BLUES — Assigned F Matt Luff to Springfield (AHL).

SATURDAY’S FAIR GROUNDS ENTRIES Post Time: 12:45PM First Race, Purse $55,000, Maiden special weight, 2 yo, F (fillies) Five And A Half Furlongs-Turf 01 Hidden Map (C McMahon) 6-1 02 Sonare (B Curtis) 8-1 03 Stellar Knickie (J Mudd) 20-1 04 Spare Me (L Saez) 8-1 05 She’s an Earner (J Graham) 10-1 06 Rani (P Lopez) 9-2 07 Fregata (J Loveberry) 8-1 08 Raging Current (B Hernandez, Jr.) 10-1 09 Bugs Malone (A Concepcion) 10-1 10 Mothertwotheblues (I Castillo) 20-1 11 Acquazurra (J Ortiz) 7-2 12 Baby Hello (M Murrill) 20-1 13 Angelic Katie (J Loveberry) 10-1 14 Sharp Mindset (P Lopez) 6-1 Second Race, Purse $55,000, Maiden special weight, 2 yo, F (fillies) Six Furlongs-Dirt 01 Missin Missy (M Pedroza, Jr.) 3-1 02 Restless Mind (I Castillo) 12-1 03 Miss Shane (D Magnon) 12-1 04 What’s Love (B Hernandez, Jr.) 6-1 05 La Maxima (J Ortiz) 6-1 06 Miss Super Mo (A Concepcion) 9-2 07 Nova Nova Nova (S Vives) 20-1 08 Braken Poppa (P Lopez) 4-1 09 Tied the Knot (J Loveberry) 6-1 10 Longshot Baby (O Chavez) 30-1 Third Race, Purse $55,000, Maiden special

weight, 2 yo Six Furlongs-Dirt 01 Fancy Fairlane (D Cannon) 8-1 02 Easy Munnings (P Lopez) 10-1 03 Golden Tempo (J Ortiz) 4-1 04 Coronado (L Saez) 3-1 05 Opt In (S Vives) 8-1 06 Walkers Creek (C McMahon) 12-1 07 Obelus (A Concepcion) 5-1 08 Samcelot (J Loveberry) 12-1 09 Tapcon (J Graham) 8-1 10 Hot Days Ahead (B Hernandez, Jr.) 10-1 Fourth Race, Purse $55,000, Maiden special weight, 2 yo, F (fillies) Six Furlongs-Dirt 01 M K’s Rockette (L Saez) 9-2 02 Speightress (B Curtis) 15-1 03 Funny Bunny (B Hernandez, Jr.) 8-1 04 Island Flower (J Ortiz) 5-1 05 Irish Punch (A Concepcion) 12-1 06 White Smoke (E Nieves) 6-1 07 Quick Kiss (J Loveberry) 3-1 08 Niche (I Castillo) 8-1 09 Gerber Daisy (D Cannon) 12-1 10 Leedu (P Lopez) 6-1 Fifth Race, Purse $55,000, Maiden special weight, 3 yo’s & up, F & M (fillies and mares) One And One Sixteenth Miles-Turf 01 Enticing Beauty (B Hernandez, Jr.) 10-1 02 Velveteen (M Murrill) 30-1 03 Faded Jeans (GB) (M Pedroza, Jr.) 8-1 04 Eskenforave and Ak (B Curtis) 15-1 05 Classy Beach (C Hernandez) 8-1

06 Channel Check (GB) (I Castillo) 8-1 07 Awesomesauce (P Lopez) 8-1 08 Lady Iva (A Concepcion) 9-2 09 Don’t Come Looking (D Cannon) 6-1 10 Aurora Sky (J Ortiz) 7-2 11 Rodina (J Graham) 20-1 12 Galatina (L Saez) 12-1 13 Cloud Number Nine (J Loveberry) 20-1 Sixth Race, Purse $55,000, Maiden special weight, 2 yo Six Furlongs-Dirt 01 Barracks (C Hernandez) 12-1 02 Throttle (J Graham) 8-1 03 Reagan’s Honor (B Curtis) 8-1 04 Royal Seal (A Concepcion) 8-1 05 Sockdolager (P Lopez) 10-1 06 Trouble Calling (D Cannon) 4-1 07 Cowboy Roy (M Pedroza, Jr.) 5-1 08 Mischief Ride (C McMahon) 20-1 09 Gethsemane (L Saez) 3-1 10 Tapit’s Gunner (B Hernandez, Jr.) 8-1 Seventh Race, Purse $55,000, Maiden special weight, 2 yo One Mile-Turf 01 Look No Mo (H Rea) 15-1 02 He’s a Charmer (C McMahon) 10-1 03 Prepped (B Hernandez, Jr.) 9-2 04 Aces Honor (M Pedroza, Jr.) 10-1 05 Karate Island (B Curtis) 8-1 06 Sweet Retreat (P Lopez) 12-1 07 Rippin (L Saez) 12-1 08 Ramblin (J Graham) 12-1 09 Road Trippin (A Concepcion) 12-1

10 Cruisin Chuck (S Vives) 6-1 11 Prince of Light (J Ortiz) 7-2 12 Matching Funds (J Loveberry) 10-1 13 Shuggy (A Concepcion) 8-1 14 Robert Lee (M Pedroza, Jr.) 20-1 Eighth Race, Purse $100,000, Stakes, 3 yo’s & up One And One Sixteenth Miles-Dirt 01 Komorebino Omoide (JPN) (P Lopez) 4-1 02 Just a Touch (L Saez) 7-5 03 Will Take It (A Concepcion) 20-1 04 Stowaway (J Loveberry) 12-1 05 San Siro (B Curtis) 20-1 06 Sir Greylind (B Hernandez, Jr.) 6-1 07 Not This Boy (J Ortiz) 2-1 08 Number One Dude (C Hernandez) 30-1 Ninth Race, Purse $100,000, Stakes, 3 yo’s & up One And One Sixteenth Miles-Turf 01 Point Proven (T Thornton) 12-1 02 Kupuna (B Curtis) 7-2 03 Secret Chat (C McMahon) 20-1 04 Sand Pipes (P Lopez) 6-1 05 Emmanuel (J Loveberry) 4-1 06 Legalize (B Hernandez, Jr.) 8-1 07 Theismann (L Saez) 6-1 08 Idratherbeblessed (M Pedroza, Jr.) 12-1 09 Gigante (J Ortiz) 3-1 Tenth Race, Purse $100,000, Stakes, 2 yo, F (fillies) One Mile Seventy Yards-Dirt 01 Luv Your Neighbor (A Concepcion) 6-1 02 Have Faith (P Lopez) 9-2 03 Hit Parade (L Saez) 5-2

04 Hurricane Kate (I Castillo) 20-1 05 Funny Bunny (J Loveberry) 12-1 06 Miss Call (B Hernandez, Jr.) 3-1 07 Pashmina (B Curtis) 5-1 08 Actis (J Ortiz) 6-1 Eleventh Race, Purse $100,000, Stakes, 2 yo One And One Sixteenth Miles-Dirt 01 Mesquite (J Ortiz) 9-2 02 Chip Honcho (P Lopez) 9-2 03 Liberty National (B Hernandez, Jr.) 7-2 04 Quality Mischief (M Pedroza, Jr.) 10-1 05 Crown the Buckeye (J Loveberry) 5-1 06 Arabia Wild (A Concepcion) 8-1 07 Very Connected (C Hernandez) 9-2 08 Mister Punch (L Saez) 6-1 Twelfth Race, Purse $55,000, Maiden special weight, 2 yo One And One Sixteenth Miles-Dirt 01 Raaq Tansani (J Graham) 12-1 02 Swerve (C Hernandez) 20-1 03 Thunder Buck (L Saez) 8-1 04 Kelz (B Hernandez, Jr.) 12-1 05 Market Runner (D Cannon) 8-1 06 Ocelli (B Curtis) 8-1 07 Maximum Effort (I Castillo) 8-1 08 Special Ops (P Lopez) 12-1 09 Awesome Gun (J Loveberry) 8-1 10 Black Hornet (M Pedroza, Jr.) 8-1 11 Liberty Valance (A Concepcion) 4-1 12 Roguishness (J Ortiz) 5-1

FRIDAY’S FAIR GROUNDS RESULTS First Race - $19,000, Claiming $15,000, 3 yo’s & up, Six Furlongs Upturned Brim (Pedroza) $21.80 $8.40 $3.40 American City (C. McMahon) $6.40 $3.40 Indian Cat (J. Ortiz) $2.60 Finish Time: 1:10.56 Exacta (4-5) $64.80; Superfecta (4-5-1-2) $32.22; Trifecta (4-5-1) $104.15 Late Scratches: Bernin Tune Second Race - $54,000, Maiden special weight, 2 yo, Five And A Half Furlongs Dr. My Eyes (M. Pedroza) $30.00 $5.00 $2.80 Thebabeslayer (J. Ortiz) $2.10 $2.10 Vitruvius (P. Lopez) $2.20 Finish Time: 1:02.64 Daily Double (4-8) $193.50; Exacta (8-5) $30.80; Superfecta (8-5-9-2) $21.30; Trifecta (8-5-9) $35.45

PELICANS

Continued from page 5C rebounding battle, 58-41, on Thursday but the Pelicans held their own after a first half in which the Rockets were plus-15 on the boards and grabbed a 22-point halftime lead.

Additionally, after Houston took a 25-point lead one minute into the third quarter, New Orleans outscored the Rockets 86-56 the rest of the way.

“We were getting stops,” Borrego said Friday of the turnaround.

“Then we get out and run. It’s tough to score in transition if you’re not

Third Race - $14,000, Maiden Claiming $10,000, 3 yo’s & up, Six Furlongs My Man Brandon (Curtis) $6.60 $4.40 $2.60 Bayou Time (J. Rodriguez) $5.80 $4.80 Taurean (M. Pedroza, Jr.) $8.60 Finish Time: 1:12.56 Daily Double (8-9) $60.00; Exacta (9-5) $14.20; Superfecta (9-5-10-8) $177.02; Trifecta (9-510) $83.50; Consolation Double (8-2) $13.20; Pic 3 (4-8-9) $388.20; (4-8-2) $114.30 Late Scratches: Beach Trippin, Runner Runner Fourth Race - $15,000, Maiden Claiming $12,500, 3 yo’s & up, Six Furlongs Purple Heart (J. Graham) $4.20 $3.20 $2.80 (dh)Daredevil Doug (M. Murrill) $3.80 $3.60 (dh)El Maximo (S. Vives) $11.20 $7.60 Finish Time: 1:11.47 Daily Double (9-5) $9.70; Exacta (5-7) $7.70;

Exacta (5-8) $29.40; Superfecta (5-7-8-4) $146.86; Superfecta (5-8-7-4) $379.80; Trifecta (5-7-8) $72.15; Trifecta (5-8-7) $142.30; Pic 3 (8-9-5) $79.55; (8-2-5) $22.05 Fifth Race - $55,000, AOC $12,500, 3 yo’s & up, One Mile Clearsugar (C. McMahon) $25.60 $10.20 $6.80 Diva Beach (A. Concepcion) $4.60 $4.40 Run Bambi Run (J. Loveberry) $18.00 Finish Time: 1:37.17 Daily Double (5-8) $22.20; Exacta (8-11) $61.60; Superfecta (8-11-10-2) $739.43; Trifecta (8-11-10) $565.50; Pic 3 (9-5-8) $47.85; Pic 4 (8-9-5-8) $1,206.10; Pic 5 (4-8-9-5-8) $10,918.85 Sixth Race - $15,000, Claiming $5,000, 3 yo’s & up, One And One Sixteenth Miles Proven Hope (I. Castillo) $3.80 $2.80 $2.10

Daryl’s Bolt (P. Lopez) $6.00 $2.80 Soul Coaxing (M. Pedroza, Jr.) $2.60 Finish Time: 1:45.26 Daily Double (8-5) $20.50; Exacta (5-4) $9.60; Superfecta (5-4-8-7) $31.75; Trifecta (5-4-8) $11.45; Consolation Double (8-1) $9.20; Pic 3 (5-8-5) $30.75; (5-8-1) $13.70 Late Scratches: Overanalytical, Carthage Cajun, Master Game Seventh Race - $30,000, Maiden optional claiming $50,000, 2 yo, Five And A Half Furlongs P. O. S. H. Posh (Graham) $29.40 $13.20 $8.00 Mo Town Renee (E. Murray) $12.80 $8.80 Look At Me Nah (D. Cannon) $8.20 Finish Time: 1:03.70 Daily Double (5-2) $24.70; Exacta (2-5) $149.50; Superfecta (2-5-10-3) $1,533.75; Trifecta (2-5-10) $836.80; Pic 3 (8-5-2) $152.25;

(8-1-2) $86.60 Late Scratches: Pam’s Friend Eighth Race - $14,000, Maiden Claiming $10,000, 3 yo’s & up, Six Furlongs Wosiemaks (M. Pedroza, Jr.) $4.00 $2.80 $2.60 Francesnfriends (C. McMahon) $4.60 $4.40 Mary Claire (S. Vives) $5.00 Finish Time: 1:14.44 Daily Double (2-1) $47.10; Exacta (1-9) $10.50; Superfecta (1-9-4-7) $17.34; Trifecta (1-9-4) $26.15; Consolation Double (2-12) $14.10; Consolation Double (2-5) $14.10; Pic 3 (5-2-1) $39.30; (5-2-12) $13.95; (5-2-5) $13.95; Pic 4 (8-1/3/5/10-2-1/5/12/13/14) $324.50; Pic 5 (5-8-1/3/5/10-2-1/5/12/13/14) $786.85; Pic 6 (9-5-8-1/3/5/10-2-1/5/12/13/14) $2,286.30 Late Scratches: Southern Love, Vickie’s Halo, Charlie Brahms, Kisses for Cooper

getting stops. Your pace is limited.

You’re taking it out, feeling sorry for yourself, heads are hanging.

“When you’re aggressive and you’re getting stops and getting out and running, good stuff happens. We tend to share it more too when we’re getting stops. You tend to play more as a team when you’re getting stops.”

Herb Jones, a former NBA AllDefensive first-team selection, was the catalyst for the defensive turnaround. He had a career-high eight steals, which Borrego called “elite.”

The steals not only prevented Houston from scoring on eight

possessions but also led directly to 10 points for New Orleans.

“That’s a massive momentum swing,” Borrego said. “We can’t just steal the ball. We’re trying to convert those into easy points the other way, and we did that. Herb was phenomenal.”

The Pelicans tied a franchise record by winning a game in which they trailed by as many as 25 points, and they overcame that margin in the second half for the first time in franchise history.

But Borrego noted the flip side to the historic comeback: “We’ve got to get off to better starts.”

“We take a punch and then we

find our way back, which is a great characteristic to have in a team,” he said. “You want that resiliency, that toughness to be an elite team, which is where we want to get to. “(But) we want to be more steady. We want to be more consistent where we’re hitting them for 48 minutes, and we’re not just reacting when we’re down 15, 20, 25 points and then we become the aggressor.

“I don’t want to live in that world.

That’s not sustainable.”

Borrego acknowledged that even in the game against Chicago the defense “still had some breakdowns.”

“One-on-one defense is one of the areas we’re really identifying for our guys where there’s accountability on guarding your guy oneon-one,” he said. “There’s no hiding from it. You can watch the video and say, did I guard my guy or did I not?

“And these guys are seeing their numbers there. There’s no excuse behind it. You’ve got to be able to guard one-on-one, and there’s got to be a pride in that one-on-one defense.”

The Pelicans (6-22) will try to extend their winning streak against the Pacers (6-21) before closing this three-game home stand against Dallas on Monday night.

10C ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

Baton Rouge Weather TODAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Crisp to warm

Isolated t-showers - 40%

Lingering clouds - 20%

Near-record highs

Warm

Mostly sunny

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

LOW

74° 60°

LOW

76° 58°

LOW

HIGH

74° 57°

LOW

HIGH

79° 56°

ALMANAC

LOW

HIGH

78° 55°

LOW

77° 55°

TEMPERATURE

High/low Normal high/low Record high Record low

65°/39° 64°/43° 82° in 2008 16° in 1901

PRECIPITATION

THE NATION

Longview 75/58

TODAY

MODERATE

GOOD

READING 51 MAIN POLLUTANT Nitrogen oxide

MAIN POLLUTANT Nitrogen oxide

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

RIVER STAGES FLOOD STAGE 24-HOUR STAGE CHANGE Memphis 34 -6.80 -0.40 Vidalia-Natchez 48 12.20 -0.70 Red River Landing 48 16.80 -0.60 Baton Rouge 35 6.60 +0.10 Donaldsonville 27 4.20 +0.40 Reserve 22 2.90 +0.02 New Orleans 17 2.50 +0.47 MISSISSIPPI

OHIO 40

8.98

+1.05

19

-1.38

-0.02

18 29 8

-0.71 10.82 1.76

-0.20 -0.32 none

13 15

2.92 1.28

-0.05 -0.12

47 34 29 20 12 6

4.95 3.45 3.69 2.81 2.40 3.00

-0.43 -0.22 +0.21 -0.01 +0.50 +0.32

COMITE AMITE

Near Darlington Denham Springs Port Vincent TICKFAW

Montpelier Holden ATCHAFALAYA

Simmesport Melville Krotz Springs Butte La Rose Bayou Sorrel Morgan City

-0s

0s

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

Jackson 71/59

Baton Rouge 74/60

Lafayette 76/64

Beaumont 77/64 Port Arthur 74/64

Hattiesburg 73/57

Alexandria 74/63

Many 75/61

AIR QUALITY YESTERDAY

-10

Monroe 71/59

Shreveport 75/61

24 hours through 5 p.m. Fri. 0.01” Month to date (normal) 5.89” (3.01”) year to date (normal) 59.19” (59.63”)

Near Olive

As we head into Saturday, winds will shift back to the south, quickly dragging warm, humid air from the Gulf. Expect a beautiful start to the weekend with plenty of sunshine and highs bouncing right back into the low 70s. By Sunday, it will start to feel a little more humid as a stalling front to the north draws some moisture inland from the Gulf. That feature could aid in isolated showers out there in the second half of the weekend, but it certainly won’t be a washout. If you have outdoor travel plans or family gatherings, know that there could be a nuisance shower or even a rumble of thunder. Also, don’t be fooled by the fact that it will be the first day of astronomical winter, highs will be in the mid-70s!

AROUND THE REGION

BATON ROUGE THROUGH 5 P.M. FRIDAy

Cairo

Weather News by Chief Meteorologist Dr. Josh Eachus

New Orleans 74/62

Lake Charles 76/65

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

Houma 76/63

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.

TIDES HIGH

FT.

Lake Pontchartrain (Tchefuncte River) 7:07a 0.6 Shell Beach 1:09a 1.5 South Point, Marsh Island 6:19p 1.6 Cypremort Point 9:23p 1.6 Grand Isle (Barataria Pass) 9:31p 1.1 Mississippi River (Southwest Pass) 8:46p 1.4 Wine Island 10:39p 1.3

LOW

SUN AND MOON Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

FT.

7:03p -0.2 12:47p -0.3 7:55a -0.7 11:53a -0.2 8:19a -0.5 6:29a -0.6 9:21a -0.6

HIGH

FT.

LOW

---------------

---------------

--------8:09p 1.5 -----------------

FT.

TODAY City

Austin Boston Dallas Fairbanks Honolulu Houston Las Vegas Louisville Miami Minneapolis

Hi

Lo W

76 53 pc 40 34 pc 76 48 s -26 -40 pc 82 73 sh 80 67 s 66 49 pc 56 32 pc 84 70 sh 28 2 c

SUNDAY Hi

70 55 s 46 24 c 58 52 r -30 -39 s 82 74 sh 78 64 c 69 48 pc 44 27 s 84 70 s 25 14 pc

SOLUNAR TABLE

6:57 a.m.

5:08 p.m.

7:40 a.m.

5:36 p.m.

FIRST

FULL

LAST

NEW

DEC 27

JAN 3

JAN 10

JAN 18

MAJOR

MINOR

MAJOR

TODAY City

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

SUNDAY

Hi

Lo W

Hi

Lo W

60 74 77 40 78 47 53 55 64 76

40 s 62 c 56 s 34 pc 53 s 29 c 35 s 27 pc 50 pc 60 s

54 74 80 48 81 35 61 42 66 79

33 c 61 sh 59 s 26 pc 54 s 19 s 29 s 31 pc 55 pc 60 s

64 50 50 72 29 34 68 50 61 45 61

47 s 45 pc 42 sh 45 pc 26 pc 31 c 51 c 47 c 43 pc 34 pc 57 sh

66 50 46 71 33 34 69 51 60 40 65

47 s 46 sh 32 r 49 pc 9 c 32 c 51 pc 44 r 49 c 28 s 47 r

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 Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri.

Lo W

MINOR

11:06a 4:53a 11:32p 5:19p 11:30a 5:46a ---- 6:12p 12:28a 6:41a 12:53p 7:06p 1:23a 7:35a 1:47p 7:59p 2:16a 8:28a 2:39p 8:51p 3:07a 9:19a 3:30p 9:41p 3:56a 10:07a 4:18p 10:29p

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

46 92 58 46 48 73 51 48 84 77 58

44 sh 72 s 46 sh 41 c 45 r 56 pc 40 sh 39 c 67 s 70 pc 43 pc

50 90 59 45 52 74 49 46 84 79 59

39 c 72 s 42 pc 38 c 37 c 55 pc 41 sh 35 pc 70 t 63 pc 40 pc

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.

Freshmen help Prairieville NBA tweaks its rules take down South Lafourche on reporting injuries

BY WILLIAM WEATHERS Contributing writer

An influx of freshmen, three of whom are starters, have accelerated the development of Prairieville’s second-year girls basketball program.

A year after a first-round playoff game, the Hurricanes have exhibited the potential for a higher ceiling with the latest example taking place in Friday’s 57-21 home victory over South Lafourche.

“They have great post play, great guard play,” said South Lafourche coach Kathy Luke, a former state champion coach at Vandebilt Catholic and LABC Hall of Famer. “They’ve got all of the ingredients they need to be a championship team.”

Three of the team’s leading scorers for Prairieville (10-3) were freshmen.

Guard Aubrey Theriot scored eight points in each half and led the Hurricanes with 16. Fellow guard Kailey Miles had 11, and forward KK Snyder Kemp added 10.

“I felt we played at their pace in the first half,” Prairieville coach Chase Delrie said. “We were too much in the halfcourt set, we were using our hands too much defensively and putting them on the free-throw line. Once Aubrey

LSU

Continued from page 5C Sutton made 3 of 4 of his 3-pointers, which is an improvement after going 1 of 8 in the previous two games.

“Just getting the reps after practice, before practice,” Sutton said on his better shooting. “We do it every day, all the wings, everybody, you know, shoot on their own. So it’s the reps every day, and my teammates have confidence in me.”

LSU started the game making 6 of 7 shots to take a 14-6 lead with 15:45 remaining in the first half.

“Loved our start to the game,”

BY TIM REYNOLDS

gets going, she’s tough to keep in front.”

Prairieville, relying on a fullcourt zone press in the first quarter, forced 23 turnovers in all and held South Lafourche (8-2) to six field goals in 36 attempts for 17% shooting.

Kinsley Terrebonne was her team’s lone double-figure scorer with 10. The Tarpons lost starting forward Claire Rebstock to an injury two minutes into the game, and leading scorer Nyla Lyons was plagued by foul problems and fouled out early in the fourth quarter with four points.

“We were fortunate, one of their big post players got in foul trouble and the other post player went down with an injury early in the game,” Delrie said. “That probably made it complicated for Coach to try and adjust. The key

for us is to use our athleticism and speed with on-ball pressure to create as much chaos and dictate their eyes offensively.”

Prairieville held South Lafourche without a field goal for first 91/2 minutes, helping to create an early 11-2 lead when Miles scored on her own putback.

The Hurricanes heated up after a 2-for-18 opening quarter to open a 25-9 lead with 2:41 left until halftime when Miles made the front end of a two-shot free throw, rebounded her own miss and hit a runner from the lane.

Prairieville closed the half on a 18-4 run — holding South Lafourche without a field goal the last 51/2 minutes — for a 3112 halftime advantage. Cailyn Sheets’ 3-pointer was part of the late-quarter surge that included a fast-break layup from Theriot and Snyder Kemp’s free throw.

St. Amant senior transfer Rhian Comery expanded Prairieville’s lead to 49-19 with 7:32 remaining, which grew to 36 points. Theriot converted a pass to Miles for a baseline drive and was on the receiving end of an assist from Gatlin in transition.

“It was a close game in the first quarter with the rough start,” Theriot said. “We learned what was going on, learned about the other team and what they were doing and adjusted to them.”

The NBA reminded its teams on Friday that it wants to control which types of bets are offered on its games, an indicator that it will continue negotiating with sportsbooks and regulatory agencies to make that happen.

The moves come about two months after the arrests of Miami guard Terry Rozier and Portland coach Chauncey Billups on separate gambling-related charges, and the league acknowledged that what was announced Friday was to “further promote understanding of and adherence to the league’s betting rules.”

In a memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the league detailed a list of changes it will implement as part of its policies regarding injury reporting, the issue of “tanking,” safety measures and more.

Among the changes: n Except on the second day of back-to-back games, teams will be required to resubmit injury reports on game days. The league said the move would “further promote transparency regarding players’ game participation status, and thereby diminish the value of confidential information that could be ‘tipped’” to bettors or others.

Rozier is accused of disclosing to friends that he would be leaving a

game early when he was with the Charlotte Hornets in March 2023, prompting bettors to make successful “under” wagers on his prop bet values for that night. n The league said more “training touchpoints” would be made to educate all league and team personnel on betting rules. The NBA also plans to have new “compliance measures (for) individuals who are not employed by a team and may have access to confidential team information.” n The league will update its Fan Code of Conduct “to better protect NBA players, coaches, and other team personnel from harassment or threats by sports bettors.” Players and coaches have long said that fans often voice displeasure when they make unsuccessful wagers.

The league said it’ll make more moves to protect coaches and players, including advocating for “stronger anti-harassment protections” in federal or state laws. n Tanking remains a major concern, and the NBA is again reviewing potential policy changes. None were announced Friday. n The league will do more, it said, to better utilize artificial intelligence and other tools to protect the game from unusual betting activity. It also will continue pushing for changes on the so-called “prop bets,” which the NBA hopes will reduce the risk of having player performances manipulated.

McMahon said. “Thought our guys were really dialed in. We were able to get out in transition. Really executed well offensively.”

Mackinnon, the team’s best outside shooter, came off an elite 3-point shooting game as he made 6 of 7 3-pointers to score 22 points against SMU. The Australian who transferred from Portland remained hot, opening Friday’s game by making his first two 3s. He finished with 14 points and was 3 of 5 from the 3-point line.

LSU opened the game 9 of 10 from the field, but the offense cooled off once its floor general, Thomas, was substituted out with 11:38 remaining in the first half.

When backup freshman point

guard Jalen Reece entered alongside wings Rashad King and Ron Zipper, the scoring efficiency dwindled. The team started to shoot more shots later in the shot clock, and the quality of looks was not as high.

The Tigers had a 27-11 lead when Thomas went to the bench. When he returned at the 5:31 mark, they were up 35-24.

Southeastern (4-8) wasn’t able to get within single digits at halftime, trailing 50-36.

In the second half, LSU remained dominant when its starters were on the court. Nwoko proved to be too daunting physically at 6-foot-10, 261 pounds. The junior Mississippi State transfer either scored through contact or

was fouled often. The 66.7% freethrow shooter went 6 of 7 from the line.

After LSU led by as many as 18 points two minutes into the second half, Southeastern clawed back thanks to increased intensity on both ends. The Lions cut the deficit to eight points, trailing 65-57 with eight minutes remaining.

“We got the lead and kind of let up,” Sutton said. “We can’t do that if we want to compete in the SEC. We just got to be better and compete for 40 minutes.”

After only one turnover in the first half, LSU had five in the second half at that point.

The Tigers were 4 of 12 from the field as well.

“Southeastern was able to chip

away and get back into the game,” McMahon said. “They got a really scrappy team. Coach (David) Kiefer does a terrific job. Just never really could bury our opponent tonight, and that’s a credit to them.”

Nwoko was the one to settle the team down with back-to-back post scores with his nondominant left hand.

The run increased to 7-0 once Sutton drilled a left corner 3-pointer. Sutton, last year’s Summit League Player of the Year, put the finishing touches on the game as he tacked on five more points to give LSU a 16-point lead with about two minutes left.

LSU’s next game is against Prairie View at 6 p.m. Monday at the PMAC.

PREP REPORT Basketball Boys Friday’s games

Port Allen 54, Live Oak 53 Grace Christian 51, False River 17 Woodlawn 52, Northshore 51 Northeast 44, Glen Oaks 43

Girls Friday’s games

Catholic High Pointe Coupee 43, Ascension Christian 37 St. Joseph 68, Lafayette Renaissance 18 Livonia 53, Glen Oaks 51 Ascension Catholic 72, Donaldsonville 58 Prairieville 57, South Lafourche 21

Associated Press

LIVING

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

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S at u r d ay, d e c e m b e r 20, 2025

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THE BEST THINGS WE ATE IN 2025

Dishes to go back to in new year Staff report The news team has the pleasure of going about the Baton Rouge area to try all sorts of different foods — sharing our favorites each week. From a surprising cauliflower dish to shrimp and grits and a Chicago dog, there are so many culinary delights around town.

Looking back at the past year, here are seven dishes that we couldn’t stop thinking about.

PROVIDED PHOTOS FROM LINDSEy SMITH

Actors with Lindsey Smith’s fabricated tobacco leaves for a tobacco auction scene in ‘Lynchburg at War.’

Historic perspective

Sushi

n Sushi Yama, 7731 Perkins Road,

Baton Rouge

If there’s ever a wait at Sushi Yama, persist.

To get a little taste of everything, I ordered the soft-shell crab roll, Philadelphia roll and samba roll. The soft-shell crab roll was made with avocado and masago, topped with eel sauce.

The Philadelphia is a triedand-true favorite of mine with smoked salmon, avocado and cream cheese. And the samba roll proved to be the favorite, made with tempura shrimp, avocado, tuna, crunchies and masago in soy wrap topped with eel sauce. It was fresh and provided a symphony of flavors.

— Lauren Cheramie, features coordinator

As design lead on Civil War documentary, BR artist tells history through craft

BY JOY HOLDEN Staff writer

For Louisiana native Lindsey Shiflett Smith, art has always been her go-to for expression. Design and creativity comes naturally to her, and years of working in visual marketing have perfected her instincts into a well-honed craft.

Smith, who is from Baton Rouge but now lives in Lynchburg, Virginia, has parlayed her skills into a new venture: documentary production design.

Daniel Dixon, the producer of “Lynchburg at War,” asked Smith if she wanted to help out on set because he knew she loved history and had an art background. She helped on the first shoot, and now, she’s been around since February.

“When you’re doing a documentary, there’s an extra layer of responsibility and challenge to do things accurately,” Smith said.

“There’s so many small things within the larger scope of it that you have to dig in and figure out and make sure that it’s correct.

That’s the point of this thing, we’re telling these stories that have never been told before.”

Smith knew she was in deep when, by the second shoot, she was

STAFF PHOTO By LAUREN CHERAMIE

The soft-shell crab roll, left, Philadelphia roll, right, and samba roll, top, at Sushi yama in Baton Rouge.

Shrimp and Grits

n Cecilia’s Creole Bistro, 421 N.

Third St., Suite B, Baton Rouge

Cecilia’s Creole Bistro was the perfect destination for a recent celebratory dinner with its intimate and charming atmosphere.

For my entree, I chose the shrimp and grits because I wanted something homey and flavorful. The corn grits were extra creamy and topped with New Orleans-style barbecue butter shrimp and green onions. The luscious butter sauce was dark and seasoned well, and the shrimp were large and cooked to the right temperature. The shrimp and grits were served with a pistolette, made for dipping into the barbecue butter sauce.

— Joy Holden, Louisiana Inspired coordinator

3 Sisters sandwich

n The Vintage Baton Rouge, 333

Laurel St.

For an impromptu date night, my husband and I stepped into The Vintage just in time for their last call for food. We ordered quickly and then took a seat outside to enjoy the balmy night air.

ä See BEST, page 3D

Lindsey Smith on set of the documentary ‘Lynchburg at War.’ making 2,000 fake tobacco leaves for a tobacco auction scene.

Stepping into another century A Redemptorist High School alumna, Smith graduated from Louisiana Tech University in fashion merchandising and then went on to work for the Perkins Rowe Anthropology store as the visual merchandiser and visual manager.

“When you do that, you learn different techniques, like distress-

ing things and making things look old or other different processes,” Smith said. “When I started working on the documentary, it felt like coming back full circle to that. And I’ve been using a lot of those skills that I learned way back then on this project.”

Working on “Lynchburg at War” has allowed Smith to step into another century. By “sourcing fabric

ä See SMITH, page 2D

BR getting a new coffee shop and grocery spot Las Brujas Coffee & Grocery, pictured here on Dec. 17, aims to open in February.

STAFF PHOTO By MADDIE SCOTT

BY MADDIE SCOTT

it’s also been a pop-up in places around the city like Red Stick Spice Co. and Iverstine Butcher.

“It’s going to be a great little boBetween Elsie’s Plate & Pie and Radio Bar, a vacant spot has new dega spot where you can hang out, signs hanging on the windows. do work, have business meetings, At 3101 Government St. in Ba- have a cup of coffee, get a loaf of ton Rouge, Las Brujas Coffee & bread and natural wine for dinGrocery aims to open in Febru- ner,” said owner David Villa. “It’ll ary once permitting is approved. really be a community spot.

The brick-and-mortar spot The business began nine years ago, selling products online and will serve a coffee menu with running a podcast called Coffee ä See LAS BRUJAS, page 3D Upside Down. In the past year, Staff writer

2D ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

RELIGION BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Freeman Baptist holds Christmas service

Freeman Baptist Church, 4628 La. 955, Ethel, will host a special Christmas worship service at 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

The guest speaker will be Hilton Rawls III, a 15-yearold prolific speaker, minister, orator and actor from Brooklyn, New York. All are welcome.

TODAY IN HISTORY

By The Associated Press Today is Saturday, Dec. 20, the 354th day of 2025.

There are 11 days left in the year.

Today in history: On Dec. 20, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States.

Also on this date: In 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union on a vote of delegates at a secession convention, emboldening other Southern states to follow suit and helping to trigger the American Civil War. In 1946, the classic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater in New York City.

In 1986, three Black men were attacked by a group of White youths in the Howard Beach neighborhood of Queens, New York, resulting in the death of one of the men, Michael Griffith.

In 1987, more than 4,300 people were killed when the Doña Paz, a Philippine passenger ship, collided with the tanker Vector off Mindoro island.

In 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of Gen. Manuel Noriega.

In 1995, American Airlines Flight 965 from Miami to Cali, Colombia, crashed into a mountain near Buga, Colombia, at night while descending into the Cali area, killing all but four of the 163 passengers and crew aboard.

In 2019, the United States Space Force was established when President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2020.

In 2024, a car slammed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, killing six people and injuring more than 200. The suspect, who was arrested, was a doctor originally from Saudi Arabia who had expressed anti-Muslim views and support on social media for a far-right party.

Today’s Birthdays: Rock drummer Peter Criss (Kiss) is 80.

Producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order”) is 79. Musician Alan Parsons is 77. Author Sandra Cisneros is 71. Actor Michael Badalucco is 71. Rock singer Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes) is 59. Filmmaker Todd Phillips is 55. Actor Jonah Hill is 42. Soccer player Kylian Mbappé is 27.

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Weddings lead to too much scorekeeping social media influencer and Dear Miss Manners: In 2023, they are worth millions.

I gave my husband’s niece They live in a mila lovely wedding shower at a restaulion-dollar home.

Fast-forward to rant. It included our son’s wedding in lunch and mimosas.

2024. It was in a town The luncheon was near where they all about $1,500 with live. My son and his gratuity. I also paid Judith wife did not have for the cake, favors Martin a wedding shower. and game prizes, to MISS They do well themthe tune of another MANNERS $500. I also gave a selves. My family gift ($100). Later came in from out of that year, my husband gave state and paid for their own the bride and groom anoth- hotel rooms, airfare and car rentals. My husband’s famer gift from their registry.

Our son (a cousin of the ily, niece included, drove to bride) and his then-fiancée the wedding. lived in the same town as My family, with less this couple, and they occaresources, still managed sionally had dinner together. to give small gifts. Other Our son and his fiancée gave than one nephew, none of my husband’s family gave a wedding gift to the bride. gifts. The wedding cost my The niece/bride is an atson and his wife over $200 torney, her husband is a

per person.

When opening gifts after the honeymoon, my son and his wife were hurt that the niece and her husband gave nothing. But they had two gifts from the registry that didn’t have cards, so he called the niece and asked if either of those were from the niece and her husband.

The niece said, “No, we didn’t get you anything.”

So, fast-forward again: The niece is pregnant and is having a baby shower. It will be in her hometown, near my son. I do not plan to attend. I do not plan to give a gift.

I would like to say something to her about reciprocity, but don’t know if it is inappropriate, or if I should say something to the neph-

ew (the one who gave a gift). What do you think?

Gentle reader: That there is an awful lot of tallying up of who is owed what in this situation. And despite your repeatedly stating so, not enough fast-forwarding.

Reciprocity in giving presents is expected, but it is not obligatory.

The niece’s frank response, however, was rude.

Miss Manners will therefore sign off on your not attending her baby shower or getting her a present. But please spare both the niece and the unwitting nephew a lecture. The latter already behaved well, and the former does not care.

Dear Miss Manners: We have a close friend who gives gifts we are not wild about, but display anyway. If she

SMITH

Lindsey Smith adjusts the costumes of an actor during filming of the ‘Lynchburg at War’ documentary. district in Civil War Lynchburg, which included a saloon and lots of costuming.

She designed and oversaw a set in a Civil War hospital, dressing the actors playing wounded soldiers, dressing the women acting as nurses and applying makeup to replicate wounds. This vignette tells the story of

Send questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners. com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail. com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Lindsey Smith in the middle of the actors for the batteaux scene of ‘Lynchburg at War.’ cuses on period and battle specific headwear for films Continued from page 1D and televisions. Dixon owns a construction company and raises cattle, but he also that holds weight, building builds sets, oversees proprops that feel worn by duction and even acts in the time and framing scenes documentary. that echo with memory,” Smith wrote, she has “con- Thinking ahead nected to the reverence for Starbuck says Smith has the handmade — history felt raised the bar on set, servthrough craft.” ing as the production deThe documentary takes signer, art director, key cosa critical look at untold sto- tumer and props artist.

“There’s just a synergy ries from the city before, during and after the Civil there,” Starbuck said. “She War. The one-hour docu- anticipates what we need, mentary was produced by and she handles so many Historic Sandusky, Lion- different aspects, from cosheart Filmworks and the tuming to make up to logisUniversity of Lynchburg tics to being an actress to under the leadership of helping plan food for people Dixon, the producer, and di- to helping with set construcrector Greg Starbuck. tion. She’ll get out there and Starbuck, the execu- carry and build and use a tive director of Historic hammer or a paintbrush Sandusky, has led historic quicker than some of the preservation and restora- men.”

Smith designed and fashtion efforts there for more than 20 years. He also has ioned the Buzzard’s Roost, a niche business that fo- a rough and seedy red light

does not see her gift when here, she will ask about it: where is it, don’t you like it, etc.

She is a sweet lady, but so needy. So we take down art we enjoy and put up the cat-in-the-bathtub picture.

No sense hurting her feelings, right? Your thoughts?

Gentle reader: That you are a rare, good friend. Consider that every time you have to look at the cat in the bathtub.

teaux — boats for transporting tobacco down the James River. Smith was in charge of set design, costuming and props for these scenes.

The batteaux shoot involved filming on the river with three period-accurate batteau boats loaded down with 22 tobacco hogsheads.

“Lynchburg at War” is a labor of love for its crew — a love for history, Lynchburg and the common person who is not mentioned in the well-known military history. Stories that center women and enslaved people are a large part of the film.

“We’re really excited about where this one is going,” Starbuck said. “We’ve gotten a lot more interest and support and involvement in this one. Our team is about putting out a good project, treating people well, and also, we have a lot of fun while we do it.”

the Ladies Relief Hospital founded by Captain Lucy Mina Otey, which cared for Confederate soldiers.

Two other lesser-known stories of Lynchburg included teenage girls, the Gunpowder Girls who worked in a munitions factory, and the enslaved Black Email Joy Holden at joy. men who operated the bat- holden@theadvocate.com.

Places of Worship Directory Places of Worship Baha'i Faith Baton Rouge Baha'i Faith Public Informational Meeting 2nd Sunday of Each month 2:30-3:30 pm Goodwood Library Room B Visit bahai.org, bahai.us and bahai-br.us

SHOP TODAY! Something for everyone.

store.nola.com

Baptist

Bapt-Southern

Mount Zion First Baptist Church Dr. Rene’ F. Brown, Pastor 356 T. J. Jemison Blvd.

Sunday School: 8:30 am Sun. Service: 9:30am Wednesday Bible Study: 12 noon & 7:15 pm Communion Service First Sunday: 6pm Broadcast: 11am 106.5 FM www.mtzionfirstbaptist.com

TRUE LIGHT CHURCH Rev.BAPTIST Dennis R. Hebert, Pastor 3836 North Street Phone 383-3912 Sunday School – Sunday Worship – 9:00 10:00A.M. Wed. Prayer Service &A.M. Bible Study – 6:00 P.M. Communion Service 2nd Sunday 10:00 A.M.– Place a Classified ad?

225-388-0111

Methodist

Presbyterian

Quakers

UNIVERSITY PRESBYTERIAN Dalrymple @ State St www.upcbr.org Church School 9:30 Worship 11:00 In person and on Facebook

B.R. FRIENDS MEETING Worship 11:30 AM SUNDAYS Information 225-665-3560

Facebook.com/universitypresbyterian

930 North Boulevard (Corner of North & T.J. Jemison) 225-383-4777 Rev Brady Whitton Senior Pastor www.firstmethodist.org Sunday Worship Sanctuary 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM America Street - 9:45 AM First Baptist Church Baton Rouge 529 Convention Street Sunday School 9:15 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am.

Broadcast live stream of Sunday Worship on Youtube and Facebook.

Wednesday Prayer meeting and Bible Study 5:30 pm www.fbcbr.com

Sunday School (for all ages) - 9:40 AM Services Broadcast Sunday 9:30 AM WBXH (Cox Channel 16, Digital Channel 39, Dish TV Ch. 39) 10:30 AM WAFB Channel 9 Radio Broadcast 5:30 AM- WYNK 101.5 FM 8:00 AM- THE RIVER 96.1 FM

Mugs, shirts, hats, posters, books.

Something for everyone at the Advocate Store!

STORE.ADVOCATE.COM

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ 3D

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Neighbor wants to help stressed-out mom do something for her, but I do not Dear Harriette: My next-door have the time or capacity to babyneighbor has two young children and often seems to be stressed sit. I also don’t want to just sit out. She is married, and there and do nothing when her husband helps out I can see that she needs some, but most of the work help. Any recommendafalls to her. I see her looktions? — Stressed-Out Neighbor Dear Stressed-Out Neighbor: Do ing exhausted all the time. you know what they eat?

The lights are on in her Could you offer to make a house before dawn. I can Harriette platter of food for the famsee her cooking from my Cole kitchen window. There’s ily one night? Or pay for a SENSE AND always a pot on and dishes food delivery so she gets a SENSITIVITy to wash. I see her doing break from cooking? homework with the kids The holidays are coming and being attentive. After they go up. Perhaps you can offer to pay to sleep, I see her moving about for a babysitter so she and her and doing chores. She is a good husband can have a date — or so mom, and it is a lot. I would like to she can just have time off to do

nothing. The gesture will likely be appreciated, and she may take you up on it. Do you enjoy wrapping gifts? You could offer to do that for her to take one thing off of her to-do list. There are so many small tasks she does every day, and if you cover even one of them, you’ll make her day brighter.

Dear Harriette: My best friend and I have always given each other gifts for Christmas. It is something we have looked forward to doing for years. In the recent past, we have gone all out. We have saved up on occasion to be able to buy the perfect present. My problem this year is that I have extremely limited resources. I have been barely work-

BEST

The hearty bites of the hot dog paired well with the kick of onions and fresh tomato. I love pickles, so that added bonus points.

Some mustard stained my shirt, but I wasn’t even that mad, because how could I be mad in a state like this?

I’ll have to try the chili dog on my next visit.

— Maddie Scott, features reporter

Continued from page 1D I ordered the 3 Sisters sandwich, which had sweet fig spread, melty Brie, salty capi ham and bright arugula. The flavors combined to produce a luscious bite of food that I will not soon forget. The sandwich was filling and accompanied with perfect truffle fries.

The Vintage may have great drinks and coffee, but the food is also tasty.

— Joy Holden, Louisiana Inspired coordinator

Gobi Lasuni

n Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine,

5160 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge

I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t expecting much from a vegetable-centric appetizer, and since then, I’ve learned not to judge a book by its cover. This dish came as fried cauliflower in a mild sauce, garnished with cilantro.

Myself and two other friends at the table were entranced. The cauliflower hijacked our conversation, and for a good couple minutes, we all kept commenting on how dang tasty it was.

The sauce was sweet and a little spicy with ginger notes. Though fried, the batter for the cauliflower

LAS BRUJAS

Continued from page 1D classics like espresso, americano, blended cold brew and specialty lattes, as well as a selection of locally baked pastries with glutenfree options. There’ll also be matcha, chai and organic loose-leaf hot teas.

The beans will be airroasted in a fluidized bed of air rather than being turned on a drum roaster. This process roasts the coffee more evenly, Villa said, making it taste cleaner and sweeter.

ing, and it’s hard enough for me to pay my rent, let alone purchase a gift for anyone. Still, I don’t want to kill off this special experience that the two of us share. How can I address my limitations and get creative to be able to continue our tradition? — Holiday Gift Dear Holiday Gift: My guess is that your best friend already has an inkling of how tight your budget is. Don’t you two talk about your lives? It’s good for you to want to manage expectations this year.

Know, too, that your friend may already have your gift since Christmas is almost here.

Speak up and state your reality: Funds are limited, so you will

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JENNIFER BROWN

At Roberto’s River Road Restaurant, the stuffed fish is the catch of the day, stuffed with a seafood dressing, baked and finished with beurre blanc and served over mashed potatoes with the vegetable of the day, green beans.

Stuffed catch of the day

n Roberto’s River Road Res-

taurant, 1985 La. 75, Sunshine

Tucked away in a nearly 200-year-old building on River Road in the Iberville Parish town of Sunshine, lowasn’t too heavy. ed in a coconut ginger lime cated next to St. Gabriel, is — Maddie Scott, dressing, which is punchy, Roberto’s River Road Resfeatures writer zesty and divine. taurant. Open for lunch and The whole thing is bright dinner during the week, and and refreshing, with each only dinner on Saturdays, bite being a new burst of this spot is well-known flavors and herbs. among those who live and n The Overpass Merchant, — Lauren Cheramie, work in the area.

2904 Perkins Road, Baton On this night, the stuffed features coordinator Rouge catch of the day caught my eye. The fresh catch was Not only was this dish the striped bass stuffed with best thing I had this week, n Frankie’s Dawg House, 2318 a seafood dressing, baked, but it was the best thing Cedardale Ave., Baton Rouge and then lightly covered I had two weeks in a row with a beurre blanc sauce. because I loved it so much Usually after work, I’m It was served over creamy that I ordered it twice. pretty tired and go straight mashed potatoes and tender The Thai peanut shrimp home to wind down for the yet crisp green beans. salad is made with a base of evening, but on this day, I The fish was light, and the shredded cabbage and carfelt ravenous for a hot dog. rots, then topped with toma- After a quick Google search, stuffing wasn’t too dense and somehow matched the joyous Frankie’s Dawg House toes, peanuts, cilantro and atmosphere of the restaurant. looked like the place to be. sesame seeds and served — Jennifer Brown, I ordered the Chicago with a lemongrass shrimp skewer. Everything is coat- dawg, and it hit the spot. senior editor

Thai peanut shrimp salad

Chicago dog

“I just really want people to experience what amazing coffee can taste like and the difference in the air roasting,” he said. “I want all the ingredients that are in the cup to be thoughtful. First and foremost, the milk.”

Everything is made from scratch using organic ingredients, he said. Milk options include A2 milk (a type of milk that’s easier to digest), goat milk and homemade coconut milk for those who are lactose intolerant.

The other half of the business is dedicated to selling grocery products to support community needs with

goods like fresh bread, local milk, pastured eggs, honey and natural wines. Currently, there are 12 vendors lined up to sell products, including St. Bruno Bread Co. and Bayou Sarah Farms.

The business name pays homage to Villa’s family farm, called Las Brujas, in Envigado, Colombia, where he was born. When he was one year old, his family moved to Baton Rouge, where he was raised, or as he puts it, “smushed into the swamp.”

“I graduated from Baton Rouge High. I went to LSU,” Villa said. “Mid City is all

my people.”

The lease on the Government Street spot starts on Jan. 1, and Villa plans for the space to have a simple, cozy feel with incandescent lighting, thrifted furniture and a kids’ corner with a vintage wooden rocking chair. He also plans to sell ceramics, plants, art and apothecary items.

“Everything I do, I really want people to feel at home, warm,” Villa said. “It’ll be thrifted, vintage, woodwork, leather, plants, warm, not homogenous by any means.”

Hours are expected to be from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. six days a week, and may expand.

8.69 ACRES WITH POND

have to get creative this year. Ask if you can do Christmas on a budget or even Christmas on no budget. Rather than spending money on each other, create a gift or design an experience. What does your best friend like to do that you can do together that is free or low cost? For example, dancing at the museum on Friday evening (when entry is free), or hiking in a nearby park and photographing the vista. Think outside the box.

Send questions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Using a tray to carry a laptop Dear Heloise: I like to move around when I use my laptop computer. I put it on a cafeteria tray to keep it steady and the airflow clear. I can put handy things there like glasses, pencils, sticky notes, earbuds, and a flash drive.

I’m good to go! — A Reader, via email

patch is a testament to your hard work! — Heloise

Banana bonanza

Dear Heloise: My mother-inlaw keeps telling me to use banana peels in my garden to help my plants grow. Does this really work? — Briana, in Winslow, Indiana Briana, your mother-in-law is Wrinkle remover right! One way is Hints from to simply boil the Dear Heloise: I had Heloise peelings from two several cotton/polyor more bananas in ester blouses that about a gallon of water for were wrinkled. Instead of 5 minutes. Put the entire dragging out the ironing mixture in the refrigeraboard, I spritzed each one with cold water from a tor in a covered container spray bottle. The wrinkles for two days, then water fell out, and the blouses your plants with this nutriwere ready to wear when ent-rich tea. they dried. — Sue, via email Another method is to cut up the peelings and add Clean mouse pad them to the root system of the plant as it’s being Dear Heloise: My mouse pad has become discolored planted. The banana peel decays and feeds the plant due to contact with skin oils. Do I have any hope of in the process.

A third method is to getting it clean? — Jennifer, in dry out the peelings, then Los Angeles Jennifer, there is always grind them up (maybe in a blender), and add this hope. How about a quick to the soil as a fertilizer. — swipe of either rubbing Heloise alcohol or witch hazel on a cotton pad? The mouse pad may not come out per- Send a hint to heloise@ heloise.com. fectly clean, but its worn

OAKLAND CROSSING SUBDIVISION S Custom Building Packages available to build your “Dream Home”!

LOTS FOR SALE

• COMMUNITY POOL • SIDEWALKS & WALKING TRAIL • SPORTS PLEX/ BASKETBALL & PICKLEBALL COURTS • SOCCER FIELD

Exclusively Marketed by

23220 ZEB CHANEY ROAD ZACHARY

4 Bed - 3.5 Bath - 2,534 Sq. Ft. List Price - $699,000.00

ROBIN HEBERT REALTOR

®

225.975.3434

www.robinheberthomes.com

Dianne Adams D 225.806.8979

Eaton, CRS CRS, GRI GRI, SRS Baarbara Anne Eaton Asssociate Broker • 225-733-6874

225-615-7755

Merry Have a tmas!

Chris

Find us on Instagram Facebook @oaklandcrossing Each office independently owned and operated Licensed REALTORs in the State of Louisiana

UNIVERSITY CLUB PLANTATION | BATON ROUGE

3128 TRAD TRADITION AVENUE | $1,050,000 TRADI

SOLD

Merry Christmas

WISHING YOU THE BEST OF THE SEASON AND LisaBusceme A WONDERFUL 2026!

Realtor® 225-931-4112

LisaB@coldwellbankerone.com • www.BatonRougehomeswithLisa.com

Santa, please bring me this beautiful home in University Club Plantation. 3128 Tradition 5 bedrooms 5.5 bath over 5,000 living area. This is a custom home on the 18th hole overlooking a beautiful lake. Heart of pine and brick floors downstairs, 2 staircases, Bonus room with balcony overlooking yard and lake. This is a must see! Estate Sale going on this weekend.

Check out Fecit Estate Sales

LLIBBY AMMON

CRS, ABR

225-938-3176 • SoldbyLibby.com Each office independently owned and operated.

Merry Christmas May your holidays be bright and your New Year full of new beginnings.

Charisse Hanchey y REALTOR®,CRS, ABR

225.315.0512

www.charissehanchey.com

4D ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

FrAnK And erneSt

bIG nAte

zItS

lll

zodIAC SAGIttARIuS (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Pay attention to your surroundings. Don't overlook something you depend on deteriorating right before your eyes. Honesty and durability will lead to good results. cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Pick up the pace and do your own thing. Refuse to let anyone stand in your way or lead you astray. Make your own opportunities instead of waiting for someone else to do it for you.

AQuARIuS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Attend functions that offer insight into something that concerns you. Don't share your secrets or your plans with anyone until you have everything in place.

PIScES (Feb. 20-March 20) Put your energy to good use. Do your research, sign up for courses that keep you up to date, and put yourself on the short list for future advancement. It's how you play the game that counts. = ARIES (March 21-April 19) Make each moment count and every decision worthwhile. Use your intellect, talk to experts and get things right the first time. Clarify, simplify and go about your business. tAuRuS (April 20-May 20) You can bend a little, but don't give in when dealing with something that matters to you or affects your integrity. Attitude is everything when it comes to getting along with others.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) People who can lead you astray will capture your attention. Ask questions, proceed with cau-

tion and choose not to buy into or donate to something you know little about. cAncER (June 21-July 22) Give some thought to your prospects and consider what might help you fulfill your dreams. Be true to yourself, put your energy where it counts and explore what intrigues and excites you.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) It's up to you to initiate change. If you wait for someone to make the first move, you'll fall behind.

Your attitude and demeanor will set the tempo, and your actions will seal the deal.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Take flight.

Spending less time at home will provide insight into what isn't working in your personal or domestic lives. Embrace pastimes that elevate you and bring you in contact with like-minded people.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-oct. 23) Making a move or rearranging your surroundings to facilitate your pursuits will give you the push you need to follow through with your plans. You'll discover who is on your team by the help and support you receive.

ScoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Put a cap on your spending. Leave nothing to chance when working to get what you want. It's time to size up situations and make your move.

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: y EQuALS u

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ 5D

lll

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

nea CroSSwordS

La TimeS CroSSword

6D ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

B.C.

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER Defense is the hardest part of the game, as we all know. But most pairs spend little time discussing it, preferring to concentrate on bidding.

If you feel your partner’s basic defense needs sharpening, buy her or him “Defensive Play at Bridge: A Quizbook”

by Barbara Seagram and David Bird (Master Point Press). This book is aimed at near-beginners and intermediates.

The book starts with 10 pages of basic instruction. Then there are four pages specifically about no-trump contracts, followed by 34 quiz questions on a righthand page with the full deal and answer on the next left-hand page. Next, there are two pages about suit contracts, followed by 30 quizzes. Finally, there is a glossary. In addition, there are valuable “points to remember” on each question and each answer page.

The book is excellent for its market.

Here is one of the no-trump questions.

Look only at the North and West hands.

South is in three no-trump. West leads the spade six. East wins with his queen and returns the spade 10, South playing the five and the eight. How should West defend?

South must be holding up the spade ace.

But it is the only unseen spade. So, West should overtake his partner’s 10 with the

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

king (or jack) and lead another spade to dislodge that ace. Then, with this layout, the contract can no longer be made.

If West does not overtake, East will have to shift. Then South has time to dislodge West’s diamond king and take one spade, three hearts, four diamonds and one club. © 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 — GREEDILy: GREED-ih-lee: Selfishly; with a desire for wealth

Bizarro

marmaduKe

and possessions.

Average mark 40 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 57 or more words in GREEDILY? yEStERDAy’S WoRD — VAcuouSnESS vacuous vane vase venous acne cane canoe case cause cave census

cone cove coven cuss usance uvea oases ocean once onus ounce

oven sane sans sauce save scan scone season sensuous sone souse

suave nauseous nave ness nevus noes nova

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2 Real Christians want to please the Lord by living for him. — G.E. Dean

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ 7D

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classifieds.theadvocate.com Search Search& &Place PlaceAds AdsOnline Onlineatatclassifieds.theadvocate.com classifieds.theadvocate.com* Call * Call -Friday Us Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM at 225-383-0111 8AM-5PM at 225-383-0111 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

Announcements Anyone knowing the whereabouts of any heirs, successors, and/or assigns of Delois Bertucci please contact Tammy Bowden at 225-2664873.

171366-Dec 20-22, 3t $97 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of any heirs, successors, and/or assigns of Mary Paracello Catalanotto please contact Tammy Bowden at 225-266-4873.

171370-12/20-21-22-3t $97.00 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of any heirs, successors, and/or assigns of Clarke Horne and/or Doris Horne please contact Tammy Bowden at 225-266-4873.

171320-Dec 20-22, 3t $97 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of any heirs, successors, and/or assigns of Ray A. Vittorio please contact Tammy Bowden at 225-2664873.

171340-12/20-21-22-3t $97.00 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of any heirs of V.L. Lavergne please contact attorney Larry McAlpine at 225-317-1956 171326-12/20-21-22-3t $85.00 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 Raied Khaled and/or Callie Burnett contact Laura Tracy: (504)-275-6308.

171205-Dec 20-22, 3t $85 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the Heirs of or the Unopened Succession of Joseph Ambrose, please contact Creighton B. Abadie, Attorney, at (225) 924-5150.

171203-12/20-21-22-3t $97.00 Asian Super LLC d/b/a Asian Supermarket is applying to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana for a permit to sell beverages of high and low alcohol content at retail in the parish of East Baton Rouge at the following address: 11244 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge LA 70815.

Asian Super LLC Asian Supermarket Member: Yue Feng Chen, Qing Ling Cheng Gui Chen 171372-12/20-1t $118.90 WE ARE APPLYING TO THE COMMISSIONER OF ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO CONTROL OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA FOR A PERMIT TO SELL BEVERAGES OF LOW & HIGH ALCOHOL CONTENT AND TOBACCO RETAIL IN THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE OF THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: GS EXPRESS, LLC 9396 GREENWELL SPRINGS RD BATON ROUGE, LA 70814

MEMBER: DIAB HAMED 171373-Dec 20, 1t $112.64

Baton Rouge Real Estate For Sale

Employment GENERAL HELP The Diocese of B.R. Child Nutrition Pro‐ gram is seeking FT school Cafeteria Mgrs., Cooks, & Porters. HS Diploma or Equiv. and BG Check req. Apply at www.cnpbr.org/employment.

Merchandise

WANT TO BUY Old Records 33's, 45's & 78's. All types of music. Call 985-259-1889 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

FOOD PRODUCTS Fruitcake-Old Fashioned moist fruitcake made with lots nuts and fruits - 1lb $15.00 (225)933-5254 MISC FOR SALE LADIES SMALL BLACK LEATHER COAT LIKE NEW $40 225-752-7273

MISC FOR SALE SMALL SOLID BLACK THROW PILLOWS MANY AVAILABLE! EACH $5 225-752-7273

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

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 AREA 1 8725 Wilbur St Unit E. 3BR/1BA, AC w/some appliances included. Text (225) 407-6824 & I'll call back.

Garage Sales

AREA 4 FREE RENT 225-351-7449

AREA 3 3015 Washington Ave., Sat 9a-3p, Sun 11a-4p, 2 Houses & Bldg.

Packed, a bit of Everything, Low Prices, must call after Sun sale cont. till end of month (225) 497-9319

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

SIGN UP TODAY

NEWS 24/7 ON

AREA 5 1 & 2 BR Apts, W/D, C A/H, Starting at $850/mo Deps vary 225-315-0930

HAPPY HOLIDAY

The Classified Advertising Department will be closed on Thursday, December 25 to observe the Christmas holiday

EARLY DEADLINES FOR OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

Pets / Pet Services Directory

AREA 5 1BR $550, 2BR $650 Tigerland. $500 Deposit. 225-475-1737

PETS • SUPPLIES • SERVICES • OBITUARIES • LOST & FOUND

PLACE YOUR PET SERVICES INFORMATION IN THE PET SERVICES DIRECTORY TODAY! • IT IS FAST AND EASY! • CALL 225-383-0111

AREA 5 655 North St. Subsidized eff Apts cpabr.org 225-383-5551.

TDD/TTY /711RELAY

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

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

Public Notices Conservation

PUBLIC NOTICE ---1RED RIVER BULL BAYOU FIELD 26-20 thru 26-23 LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF LOUISIANA, DE‐ PARTMENT OF CONSER‐ VATION AND ENERGY, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA. In accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, and with par‐ ticular reference to the provisions of Title 30 of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, a public hearing will be held in the Hearing Room, 1st Floor, LaSalle Building, 617 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026, upon the application of AZUL OPERATING, LLC. At such hearing the De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy will con‐ sider evidence relative to the issuance of Orders pertaining to the follow‐ ing matters relating to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, in the Red River Bull Bayou Field, DeSoto Parish, Louisiana.

1. To permit applicant to drill, designate and uti‐ lize one cross unit hori‐ zontal u-turn well to serve as an alternate unit well for HA RA SU80, HA RA SUXX, and HA RA SU83 and as a unit well or alternate unit well for HA RA SU81, at the loca‐ tions and in the general manner shown on the plat submitted with the application, in exception to the spacing provisions of the Department of Conservation and Energy 109-X Series of Orders, provided there are no perforations in the well‐ bore closer than 330’ to any unit boundary, ex‐ cept for the common unit boundary between said units; 100’ from any unit boundary in the direction of the horizontal well‐ bore closest to the top of perforations or base of perforations; and 200’ be‐ tween wells in adjacent competitive units for the Haynesville Zone, Reser‐ voir A. 2. To specifically find that the proposed cross unit horizontal u-turn well for HA RA SU80, HA RA SUXX, HA RA SU81 and HA RA SU83 is reasonable and in the interest of conserva‐ tion and necessary to ef‐ ficiently and economi‐ cally drain portions of the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, underlying said units, which cannot be efficiently and eco‐ nomically drained by any existing well within such units.

3. To provide that with re‐ spect to such horizontal well drilled to the Hay‐ nesville Zone, Reservoir A, within or to serve HA RA SU80, HA RA SUXX, HA RA SU81 and HA RA SU83, where the horizontal por‐ tion of the well is cased and cemented back above the top of the Hay‐ nesville Zone, Reservoir A, the distance to any unit boundary and offset well(s) should be calcu‐ lated based on the dis‐ tance to the nearest per‐ foration in the well and not on the penetration point or terminus.

4. To provide that unit production from the por‐ tion of the proposed cross unit horizontal uturn well along the com‐ mon unit line shall be al‐ located equally between HA RA SU80 and HA RA SUXX and HA RA SU81

Public Notices Conservation

and HA RA SU83, as ap‐ plicable, in the same pro‐ portion as the perforated length of lateral within 330’ of the common unit boundary between HA RA SU80 and HA RA SUXX and HA RA SU81 and HA RA SU83 bears to the total length of perforated lateral as determined by an “as drilled” survey performed after such cross unit horizontal uturn is drilled and com‐ pleted, provided that unit production should con‐ tinue to be shared on a surface acre basis of par‐ ticipation.

5. To confirm applicant as the operator of HA RA SU80, HA RA SUXX, HA RA SU81 and HA RA SU83 and the cross unit hori‐ zontal u-turn well pro‐ posed hereunder.

6. To permit the operator of HA RA SU80, HA RA SUXX, HA RA SU81 and HA RA SU83 to produce the unit allowable for each from either the unit well, any alternate unit well, or from any combi‐ nation thereof, at its dis‐ cretion.

7. To provide that pro‐ duction from the pro‐ posed cross unit horizon‐ tal u-turn well should be separated and metered individually, and this in‐ formation should be re‐ ported in the manner prescribed by the De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy.

8. To continue in force and effect, except to the extent contrary herewith, the pertinent provisions of Order No. 109-X, effec‐ tive June 25, 2008, as amended and supple‐ mented by the 109-X Se‐ ries of Orders, and all ap‐ plicable Statewide Or‐ ders.

9. To consider such other matters as may be perti‐ nent.

The Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A was defined in Order No. 109-X, effec‐ tive June 25, 2008.

A plat is available for in‐ spection in the Depart‐ ment of Conservation and Energy in Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana. http://dnr.louisiana.gov/ conshearings All parties having inter‐ est therein shall take no‐ tice thereof.

BY ORDER OF: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY Baton Rouge, LA 12/17/25;12/20/25 S lck IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE AT THE HEARING, PLEASE CON‐ TACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY AT P.O. BOX 94275, BATON ROUGE, LA 70804-9275 IN WRITING WITHIN TEN (10) WORK‐ ING DAYS OF THE HEAR‐ ING DATE. 171166 Dec. 20, 1t $87.93 PUBLIC NOTICE ---2RED RIVER BULL BAYOU FIELD 26-24 and 26-25 LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF LOUISIANA, DE‐ PARTMENT OF CONSER‐ VATION AND ENERGY, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA. In accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, and with par‐ ticular reference to the provisions of Title 30 of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, a public hearing will be held in the Hearing Room, 1st Floor, LaSalle Building, h d

CATS RAGAMUFFIN & RAGDOLL KITTENS www.CatsByFrancy.com/kittens $700up! Reg. Shots & Guaranty 337-230-3150

DOGS Adorable CKC Reg. Teddy Roosevelt Terriers (short legged Rat Terriers) Rdy for Christmas $400 call (225)251-2380 DOGS AKC German Shepherd pups. Ready 12/23. $800 Kentwood 985 244-0173

g 617 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026, upon the application of AZUL OPERATING, LLC. At such hearing the De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy will con‐ sider evidence relative to the issuance of Orders pertaining to the follow‐ ing matters relating to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, in the Red River Bull Bayou Field, DeSoto Parish, Louisiana.

1. To permit applicant to drill, designate and uti‐ lize one cross unit hori‐ zontal u-turn well to serve as an alternate unit well for HA RA SU80 and HA RA SUXX, at the locations and in the gen‐ eral manner shown on the plat submitted with the application, in excep‐ tion to the spacing provi‐ sions of the Department of Conservation and En‐ ergy 109-X Series of Or‐ ders, provided there are no perforations in the wellbore closer than 330’ to any unit boundary, ex‐ cept for the common unit boundary between said units; 100’ from any unit boundary in the direction of the horizontal well‐ bore closest to the top of perforations or base of perforations; and 200’ be‐ tween wells in adjacent competitive units for the Haynesville Zone, Reser‐ voir A. 2. To specifically find that the proposed cross unit horizontal u-turn well for HA RA SU80 and HA RA SUXX is reasonable and in the interest of conser‐ vation and necessary to efficiently and economi‐ cally drain portions of the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, underlying said units, which cannot be efficiently and eco‐ nomically drained by any existing well within such units.

3. To provide that with re‐ spect to such horizontal well drilled to the Hay‐ nesville Zone, Reservoir A, within or to serve HA RA SU80 and HA RA SUXX, where the horizon‐ tal portion of the well is cased and cemented back above the top of the Haynesville Zone, Reser‐ voir A, the distance to any unit boundary and offset well(s) should be calculated based on the distance to the nearest perforation in the well and not on the penetra‐ tion point or terminus.

4. To provide that unit production from the por‐ tion of the proposed cross unit horizontal uturn well along the com‐ mon unit line shall be al‐ located equally between HA RA SU80 and HA RA SUXX in the same pro‐ portion as the perforated length of lateral within 330’ of the common unit boundary between HA RA SU80 and HA RA SUXX bears to the total length of perforated lateral as determined by an “as drilled” survey per‐ formed after such cross unit horizontal u-turn is drilled and completed, provided that unit pro‐ duction should continue to be shared on a surface acre basis of participa‐ tion.

5. To designate applicant as the operator of HA RA SU80 and HA RA SUXX and the cross unit hori‐ zontal u-turn well pro‐ posed hereunder.

6. To permit the operator of HA RA SU80 and HA RA SUXX to produce the unit allowable for each unit from either the unit well, any alternate unit well, or from any combination thereof, at its discretion.

7. To provide that pro‐ duction from the pro‐ posed cross unit horizon‐ tal u-turn well should be

Public Notices Conservation

separated and metered individually, and this in‐ formation should be re‐ ported in the manner prescribed by the De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy.

8. To continue in force and effect, except to the extent contrary herewith, the pertinent provisions of Order No. 109-X, effec‐ tive June 25, 2008, as amended and supple‐ mented by the 109-X Se‐ ries of Orders, and all ap‐ plicable Statewide Or‐ ders.

9. To consider such other matters as may be perti‐ nent.

The Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A was defined in Order No. 109-X, effec‐ tive June 25, 2008.

A plat is available for in‐ spection in the Depart‐ ment of Conservation and Energy in Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana. http://dnr.louisiana.gov/ conshearings All parties having inter‐ est therein shall take no‐ tice thereof.

BY ORDER OF: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY Baton Rouge, LA 12/17/25;12/20/25 S lck IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE AT THE HEARING, PLEASE CON‐ TACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY AT P.O. BOX 94275, BATON ROUGE, LA 70804-9275 IN WRITING WITHIN TEN (10) WORK‐ ING DAYS OF THE HEAR‐ ING DATE. 171196 Dec. 20, 1t $84.79 PUBLIC NOTICE ---8BANCKER FIELD 26-26 and 26-27 LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF LOUISIANA, DE‐ PARTMENT OF CONSER‐ VATION AND ENERGY, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA. In accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, and with par‐ ticular reference to the provisions of Title 30 of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, a public hearing will be held in the Hearing Room, 1st Floor, LaSalle Building, 617 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026, upon the application of DUNN EXPLORATION COMPANY, LLC. At such hearing the De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy will con‐ sider evidence relative to the issuance of Orders pertaining to the follow‐ ing matters relating to the 12,000’ Zone, Reser‐ voir A and 12,000’ Zone, Reservoir B, in the Bancker Field, Vermilion Parish, Louisiana.

12,000’ ZONE, RESERVOIR A (ORDER NO. 446-N) 1. To permit the applicant to drill, designate and utilize its four additional alternate unit wells for the 12000 RA SUA, said wells to be at the loca‐ tions shown on the plat submitted with the appli‐ cation.

2. To permit the operator to produce the unit al‐ lowable from the existing unit well, the existing al‐ ternate unit wells, or the proposed additional al‐ ternate unit wells, or from the combination of the wells at its option. fi d h h

DOGS Cairn terriers - 2 females shots and wormed 8 months old. $150.00 (985) 222-4354 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

PRINT ADVERTISING

WORKS

NEWS 24/7 ON

Public Notices Conservation

DOGS AKC Maltese puppies, Ready for Christ‐ mas 1-F. (225) 235-9433 or (225) 235-7619

Public Notices Conservation p 3. To find that the pro‐ posed additional alter‐ nate unit wells are nec‐ essary to economically and efficiently drain re‐ serves from the 12000 RA SUA which cannot be economically and effi‐ ciently recovered by any existing well within such unit.

4. To provide that pro‐ duction should be allo‐ cated equally between the 12000 RA SUA and the 12000 RB SUA for the reentry of the Faciane No. 3 Well which falls on a common unit boundary between the 12000 RA SUA and the 12000 RB SUA. 5. To provide that opera‐ tions on and production from the re-entry of the Faciane No. 3 Well should be considered operations on and production from both the 12000 RA SUA and the 12000 RB SUA. 6. Except to the extent herein designated, to continue in full force and effect the provisions of the Department of Con‐ servation and Energy Order No. 446-N. 7. To consider such other matters as may be perti‐ nent.

The 12,000’ Zone, Reser‐ voir A was fully defined in Order No. 446-N, effec‐ tive February 25, 2025.

12,000’ ZONE, RESERVOIR B (ORDER NO. 446-N) 1. To permit the applicant to drill, designate and utilize two additional al‐ ternate unit wells for the 12000 RB SUA, said wells to be at the locations shown on the plat sub‐ mitted with the applica‐ tion.

2. To permit the operator to produce the unit al‐ lowable from the existing unit well, the existing al‐ ternate unit wells, or the proposed additional al‐ ternate unit wells, or from the combination of the wells at its option.

3. To find that the pro‐ posed additional alter‐ nate unit wells are nec‐ essary to economically and efficiently drain re‐ serves from the 12000 RB SUA which cannot be economically and effi‐ ciently recovered by any existing well within such unit.

4. To provide that pro‐ duction should be allo‐ cated equally between the 12000 RA SUA and the 12000 RB SUA for the reentry of the Faciane No. 3 Well which falls on a common unit boundary between the 12000 RA SUA and the 12000 RB SUA. 5. To provide that opera‐ tions on and production from the re-entry of the Faciane No. 3 Well should be considered operations on and production from both the 12000 RA SUA and the 12000 RB SUA. 6. Except to the extent herein designated, to continue in full force and effect the provisions of the Order No. 446-N. 7. To consider such other matters as may be perti‐ nent.

The 12,000’ Zone, Reser‐ voir B was fully defined in Order No. 446-N, effec‐ tive February 25, 2025.

Plats are available for in‐ spection in the Office of Conservation in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana. http://dnr.louisiana.gov/ conshearings All parties having inter‐ est therein shall take no‐ tice thereof.

BY ORDER OF: DEPARTMENT OF CON‐ SERVATION AND ENERGY Baton Rouge, LA 12/17/25;12/20/25 L lck IN

ACCORDANCE

WITH

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THE PUBLIC NOTICE OR PUBLIC HEARING MAIL‐ ING LIST, OR SUBMIT TO OTHER PUBLIC PARTICI‐ PATION RELATED QUES‐ TIONS BY CONTACTING THE ENGINEERING DIVI‐ SION BY CALLING (225) 3425540, BY EMAIL TO: INJEC‐ TION-MINING@LA.GOV, OR BY MAIL TO:

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OFFICE OF PERMITTING AND COMPLIANCE ENGINEERING DIVISION P.O. BOX 94275 BATON ROUGE, LA 708049275

Public Notice _______________ NOTICE OF INTENT OFFICE OF PERMITTING AND COMPLIANCE ENGINEERING DIVISION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA AND PAR‐ TICULAR REFERENCE TO THE PROVISIONS OF LA R.S. 30:4, AND THE PROVI‐ SIONS OF STATEWIDE ORDER NO. 29-M-3 (LAC 43:XVII, SUBPART 5) AND STATEWIDE ORDER NO. 29-M (LAC 43:XVII. SUBPART 3) AS AMENDED AND ADOPTED BY THE OFFICE OF PERMITTING AND COMPLIANCE OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA, EGAN HUB STORAGE, LLC 915 N ELDRIDGE PKWY HOUSTON, TX 77079 337-824-6100 WILL BE APPLYING TO THE OFFICE OF PERMIT‐ TING AND COMPLIANCE, ENGINEERING DIVISION FOR PERMIT TO DRILL TWO CLASS III – SOLUTION MINING WELL IN THE JEN‐ NINGS SALT DOME. THIS PERMIT APPLICATION WILL INCLUDE TWO CAV‐ ERN WELLS IN THE JEN‐ NINGS SALT DOME. PUB‐ LIC NOTICE IS BEING GIVEN THAT THESE SALT CAVERNS WILL BE CRE‐ ATED FOR LATER CON‐ VERSION TO CLASS II HY‐ DROCARBON STORAGE WELLS.

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THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE AT THE HEARING, PLEASE CON‐ TACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY AT P.O. BOX 94275, BATON ROUGE, LA 70804-9275 IN WRITING WITHIN FIVE (5) WORK‐ ING DAYS OF THE HEAR‐ ING DATE.

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MOBILE HOME 1, 2 & 3 BR mobile homes, $675 & up 6061 Plank Rd. CALL 225-978-4653

WHEN CORRESPONDING PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE APPLI‐ CANT, THE PROPOSED WELL NAME AND NUM‐ BER, SALT DOME NAME, AND THE WELL SERIAL NUMBER (IF APPLICA‐ BLE).

171361 Dec. 20, 1t $364.84

PUBLIC NOTICE --(NOTICE OF INTENTION TO INTRODUCE RETIREMENT BILL) Public notice is hereby given, in compliance with Section 29(C), Article X of the Louisiana Constitu‐ tion, that there will be in‐ troduced at the forth‐ coming session of the Legislature of Louisiana, which will be convened on March 9, 2026, a bill relative to the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana, to provide with respect to tax quali‐ fication for the system; to provide for an effec‐ tive date; and to provide for related matters.

171088-dec 20-21-2t $158.54 PUBLIC NOTICE --(NOTICE OF INTENTION TO INTRODUCE RETIREMENT BILL) Public notice is hereby i i li i h

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y given, in compliance with Section 29(C), Article X of the Louisiana Constitu‐ tion, that there will be in‐ troduced at the forth‐ coming session of the Legislature of Louisiana, which will be convened on March 9, 2026, a bill relative to the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana, to provide for the determination of re‐ quired employer contri‐ butions; to provide for actuarial calculations; to provide for an effective date; and to provide for related matters.

171086-dec 20-21-2t $168.76

PUBLIC NOTICE --(NOTICE OF INTENTION TO INTRODUCE RETIREMENT BILL – LOUISIANA STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS) Public notice is hereby given, in compliance with Section 29(C), Article X of the Louisiana Constitu‐ tion, that there will be in‐ troduced at the forth‐ coming session of the Legislature of Louisiana, which will be convened on March 9, 2026, a bill relative to the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana, to provide rel‐ ative to the reemploy‐ ment of retired teachers; and to provide for re‐ lated matters.

171084-DEC 20-21-2T $163.64 PUBLIC NOTICE --Notice is hereby given that a public hearing was held on December 16, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. at the District Six Fire Depart‐ ment located at 7878 Prescott Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the adop‐ tion of the proposed bud‐ get of the District Six Fire Department for the fiscal year ending December

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31, 2026.

Colin Dunn Fire Chief 171367 Dec. 20, 1t $31.79 PUBLIC NOTICE --Notice is hereby given that CF Industries Blue Point, LLC has applied for a 401 Water Quality Certi‐ fication to clear, grade, excavate, and place fill to construct a greenfield low carbon ammonia manufacturing facility that includes an ammo‐ nia plant, cooling towers, carbon dioxide compres‐ sion, plant utility equip‐ ment, and storage and loading facilities. ln addi‐ tion, a marine terminal, a pipe rack consisting of a pipeline and associated infrastructure, a heavy haul road, process sup‐ port facilities, a tank farm, and emergency flares will be con‐ structed.

Material dredged from the Missis‐ sippi River during con‐ struction will initially be placed in a previously permitted disposal area.

All work will occur on the right descending bank of the Mississippi River off LA-405 near Modeste and northwest of Donald‐ sonville in Ascension Parish. CF Industries Blue Point, LLC is applying to the Louisiana Depart‐ ment of Environmental Quality, Office of Environ‐ mental Services for a Water Quality Certifica‐ tion in accordance with statutory authority con‐ tained in the LAC 33:IX.1507.A-E and provi‐ sions of Section 40 I of the Clean Water Act. Comments concerning this application can be filed with the Water Per‐ mits Division within ten days of this notice by ref‐ erencing WQC 251124-0 I, AI 249433 to the following address: Louisiana Department of i l li

THE PROPOSED WELLS AND SALT CAVERN WILL BE IN SECTION 47, TOWN‐ SHIP 09S, RANGE 02W, JENNINGS FIELD, ACADIA PARISH, LOUISIANA. THE WELLS WILL BE IDENTI‐ FIED AS EGAN GAS STOR‐ AGE No. 006 AND EGAN GAS STORAGE No. 007.

THE WELLS WILL BE DRILLED TO A DEPTH OF 7,000 APPROXIMATELY FEET. THE TOP OF THE EGAN GAS STORAGE No. 006 SOLUTION-MINED CAVERN IS PROPOSED TO BE AT APPROXIMATELY 3,850 FEET WITH THE CAVERN BASE AT AP‐ PROXIMATELY 6,500 FEET INTO THE SALT. THE TOP OF THE EGAN GAS STOR‐ AGE No. 007 SOLUTIONMINED CAVERN IS PRO‐ POSED TO BE AT APPROX‐ IMATELY 3,700 FEET WITH THE CAVERN BASE AT AP‐ PROXIMATELY 6,500 FEET INTO THE SALT. ONCE SUBMITTED, THE APPLICATION WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPEC‐ TION FROM 8:00 AM TO 4:15 PM, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY IN THE ENGINEERING DIVISION OFFICE, ROOM 817, LASALLE BUILDING, 617 NORTH THIRD STREET, BATON ROUGE, LA. INTERESTED PARTIES MAY REQUEST TO RE‐ CEIVE NOTICE WHEN THE APPLICATIONS ARE SUB‐ MITTED, BE INCLUDED ON

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Legal Notices

p Environmental Quality Water Permits Division P.O. Box 4313 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4313 Attn: Water Quality Certifications

Q y cation to clear, grade, ex‐ cavate, and place fill for construction of a Race‐ Trac retail store, fuel store, and associated in‐ frastructure at North Market Street in Shreve‐ port, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act and LAC 33:IX.1507.A–E. Written comments may be sub‐ mitted within ten days of this notice to the

Comments may be sub‐ mitted by email to DEQWaterOualityCertifica‐ tions@la.gov.

A copy of the application is available for inspec‐ tion and review at the LDEQ Public Records Center at 602 North Fifth Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The available information can also be accessed electronically on the Electronic Docu‐ ment Management Sys‐ tem (EDMS) on the LDEQ public website at www. deq.louisiana.gov".

171233 Dec. 20, 1t $257.67 PUBLIC NOTICE --Notice is hereby given that Six G’s, LLC has ap‐ plied for a 401 Water Quality Certification to clear, grade, excavate, and place fill to con‐ struct a 67-lot residential development and associ‐ ated infrastructure in the northeast quadrant of the intersection of O’Neal Lane and Old Hammond Highway in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish.

Six G’s, LLC is applying to the Louisiana Depart‐ ment of Environmental Quality, Office of Environ‐ mental Services for a Water Quality Certifica‐ tion in accordance with statutory authority con‐ tained in the LAC 33:IX.1507.A-E and provi‐ sions of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. Comments concerning this application can be filed with the Water Per‐ mits Division within ten days of this notice by ref‐ erencing WQC 250819-01, AI 248377 to the following address: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Water Permits Division P.O. Box 4313 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4313 Attn: Water Quality Certifications Comments may be sub‐ mitted by e-mail to DEQWaterQualityCertifica‐ tions@la.gov.

A copy of the application is available for inspec‐ tion and review at the LDEQ Public Records Center at 602 North Fifth Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The available information can also be accessed electronically on the Electronic Docu‐ ment Management Sys‐ tem (EDMS) on the LDEQ public website at www. deq.louisiana.gov.

171291-dec 20-1t $201.53 PUBLIC NOTICE --Notice is hereby given that SJC Ventures has ap‐ plied to the Louisiana De‐ partment of Environmen‐ tal Quality for a Section 401 Water Quality Certifi‐ i l d

LDEQ Water Permits Division, referencing WQC 251029-03, AI 249071, by mail to P.O. Box 4313, Baton Rouge, LA 708214313, or by email to DEQ-WaterQuali‐ tyCertifications@la.gov.

The application is avail‐ able for public review at the LDEQ Public Records Center, 602 North Fifth Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and electroni‐ cally through the LDEQ Electronic Document Management System at www.deq.louisiana.gov.

171249 Dec. 20, 1t $142.83 PUBLIC NOTICE --The City of St. George Planning & Zoning Com‐ missions will hold public hearings on Monday, Jan‐ uary 5, 2026, at 6:00 pm at St. George City Hall, 14100 Airline Hwy, St. George, LA 70817, to con‐ sider the following: Planning Commission S25-21-P Preliminary Plat at 7958, 8022 and 8044 Antioch Rd: This 26.89acre property is located on Lot E, Lot C-1-A-1-A, Lot B of the James A. Sin‐ gleton Tract, in Sec. 4, T8S, R2E, GLD, EBR. The applicant requests a pre‐ liminary plat for the Haven subdivision, with 87 developable lots, six non-developable lots for greenspace and private detention ponds, 1 pump station tract, new public streets with sidewalks and subsurface drainage, and public sewer lines, in the R Rural Zoning Dis‐ trict. (Applicant: Greg Bauer, Lynn Levy Land Company, LLC) S-25-0101 Exchange of Property at 19551 Fair‐ way Oaks Ave and Tract E-1-A: This combined 2.09-acre properties is comprised of Lot 505 and Tract E-1-A and of the Santa Maria subdivision in Sec. 54, T8S-R2E, GLD, EBR, LA. The applicant re‐ quests an exchange of property between two lots in the R Rural Zoning District.

(Applicant: James Falgout, Earles & Associates, LLC, on be‐ half of Sarah Domingue and Santa Maria HOA) S-25-0102 Subdivision at 8966 Hill Dr: This 0.67acre property is located on Lot 375-A, in Sec. 58, T7S, R1E, GLD, EBR. The applicant requests a pre‐ liminary/final plat to subdivide one lot into two lots, including a flag lot, in the A1 Single Fam‐ ily Residential Zoning District.

(Applicant: Melinda Krebs, Richmond W. Krebs & Associates, LLC, on behalf of Victor Szegfu)

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S-25-0107 Exchange of Property at 17630 Perkins Rd & 17731 Highland Rd: This combined 4.54-acre properties is comprised of Lots Y-1-A and A-1-A-1 of the Rufus D. Hayes Tract in Sec. 56, T8S-R2E, GLD, EBR, LA. The appli‐ cant requests an ex‐ change of property be‐ tween two lots in the R Rural Zoning District.

(Applicant: Robert Over‐ all, Centerline Engineer‐ ing & Land Surveying, on behalf of Beth Clay‐ bourn)

property is described as follows: 4 Bel Aire Avenue, Merrimack, New Hampshire, Hillsborough County The Court ORDERS: PHH Mortgage Corpora‐ tion s/b/m Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC shall give notice United Companies Lending Corporation of this action by publishing a verified copy of this Ci‐ tation for Publication once a week for three successive weeks in The Advocate, a newspaper of general circulation.

The last publication shall be on or before January 15, 2026.

Also, ON OR BEFORE 30 days after the last publi‐ cation United Companies Lend‐ ing Corporation shall electronically file an Ap‐ pearance and Answer or responsive pleading with this court. A copy of the Appearance and Answer or other responsive pleading must be sent electronically to the party/parties listed below.

February 5, 2026 PHH Mortgage Corpora‐ tion s/b/m Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC shall elec‐ tronically file the Return of Publication with this Court. Failure to do so may result in this action being dismissed without further notice.

Notice to United Compa‐ nies Lending Corpora‐ tion: If you are working with an attorney, they will guide you on the next steps. If you are going to represent your‐ self in this action, go to the court's website: www.courts.state.nh.us, select the Electronic Ser‐ vices icon and then se‐ lect the option for a selfrepresented party. Com‐ plete the registration/log in process then select "I am filing into an existing case”. Enter the case number above and click Next. Follow the instruc‐ tions to complete your filing.

Once you have re‐ sponded to the Com‐ plaint, you can access documents electronically filed through our Case Access Portal by going to https://odypa.nhecourt. us/portal and following the instructions in the User Guide. In that process you will register, validate your email, re‐ quest access and ap‐ proval to view your case.

After your information is validated by the court, you will be able to view case information and documents filed in your case.

If you do not comply with these requirements, you will be considered in de‐ fault and the Court may issue orders that affect you without your input.

Send copies to: Tracy A. Kish, Esq., Korde & Associates, P.C., 900 Chelmsford St, Ste 3102, Lowell, MA 01851

BY ORDER OF THE COURT December 1, 2025 Amy M. Feliciano Clerk of Court (126954)

Zoning Commission Z-25-0100 R to LC2 at 14050 Tiger Bend Rd: This 2.59-acre property is lo‐ cated on Tract X-1 of the Harelson Property in Sec. 60, T7S-R2E, GLD. The ap‐ plicant requests to re‐ zone from R Rural to LC2 Light Commercial Two Zoning District. (Appli‐ cant: Kevin Pearson, Louisiana Cheer Force, on behalf of Power House Enterprises, LLC) 171285-dec 20-27-jan 3-3t $135.31

PUBLIC NOTICE --The Louisiana Deferred Compensation Commis‐ sion (“LDCC”) and Em‐ power Trust Company, LLC (“ETC”) have agreed to amend the “Agree‐ ment for Recordkeeping and Communication Ser‐ vices for Louisiana De‐ ferred Compensation Commission” dated Jan‐ uary 1, 2013 (the “Agree‐ ment”). The amendment includes an extension to the term of the Agree‐ ment as well as fee/rate changes. Pursuant to La. R.S. 42:1307, LDCC must provide public notice of its intention to amend a contract with a plan ad‐ ministrator at least ten days prior to the adop‐ tion of an amendment.

For additional informa‐ tion, please contact Justin Lester, Assistant Attorney General at (225) 326-6000.

171080-dec 20-1t $9.48 PUBLIC NOTICE --The State of New Hampshire Judicial Branch Superior Court Hillsborough Superior Court Southern District 30 Spring Street Nashua NH 03060 Telephone: 1-855-212-1234 TTY/TDD Relay: (800) 735-2964 http://www.courts.state. nh.us Citation for Publication Complaint to Quiet Title Superior Court Rule 4(d) Case Name: PHH Mortgage Corporation s/b/m Ocwen Loan Ser‐ vicing, LLC v United Com‐ panies Lending Corpora‐ tion, et al Case Number: 226-2025-CV-00447 Date Complaint Filed: Au‐ gust 7, 2025 A Complaint to Quiet Title to a certain tract of land with any attached buildings located in Mer‐ rimack, in the State of New Hampshire has been filed with this court. The

169452 Dec. 6, 13, 20, 3t $1,136.38

Public Notices Nat Res Coastal

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE the La. Dept. of Conservation and Energy, Office of Permitting and Compliance (OPC) has received the following application(s) for a Coastal Use Permit (CUP) in accordance with the State and Local Coastal Resources Management Act of 1978, as amended, (La. R.S. 49:214.21-214.41), and the rules and regula‐ tions of the Coastal Re‐ sources Program. Appli‐ cations for the proposed work may be inspected at 617 North 3rd Street, Room 1078, Baton Rouge, LA or on the OPC web page at: http://dnr. louisiana.gov/index.cfm? md=pagebuilder& tmp=home&pid=591.

Copies may be obtained upon payment of cost of copying. Written com‐ ments, including sugges‐ tions for modifications or objections to the pro‐ posed work and stating the reasons thereof, are being solicited from the public. Comments must be received within 25 days of the date of publi‐ cation of this notice.

Comments should be up‐ loaded to our electronic record, but may be mailed or emailed to the designated OPC Re‐ viewer. All comments must contain the appro‐ priate application num‐ ber and the commenter's full name and contact in‐ formation. Any person may request, in writing, within the comment pe‐ riod specified in this no‐ tice, that a State or Fed‐ eral public hearing be held to consider this ap‐ plication. Requests for public hearings shall state, with particularity, the reasons for holding a public hearing and must contain the name and contact information of the requester. Below are the referenced applica‐ tion(s): *********OPC; P. O. Box 44487, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4487; Phone: (225) 342-6862; Email: andi.zachary@la. gov; OPC Reviewer: Andi Zachary; CUP NUMBER: P20241009 (Revised) Name: Venture Global Calcasieu Pass, Llc c/o Providence Engineering And Environmental Group Llc 1201 MAIN STREET BATON ROUGE, LA 70820 Attn: Chad Turner Location: Cameron Parish, LA; Pro‐ ject Center @ Lat. 29-4840.72N / Long. 93- 176.10W; Calcasieu Pass, LLC LNG Terminal (CP1 LNG) to Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge (CPNWR) East Cove Unit; Cameron, LA. Descrip‐ tion: Proposed long- term maintenance dredging for the CP1 LNG marine berthing area (previously authorized under P20150857). A hydraulic dredge will be used to re‐ move accumulated sedi‐ ment within the existing marine berthing area. A temporary 9.7- mile-long, large-diameter slurry pipeline will be installed from the marine berthing area to transport dredged material and beneficially place it within 518.6 acres of open water and highly fragmented marsh within the CPNWR over a threephased dredging cycle. It is anticipated that the l db d i

Public Notices Nat Res Coastal

Public Notices Nat Res Coastal

p same land-based portion of the slurry pipeline to be installed for Calcasieu Pass Loop maintenance dredging (P20230391) and CP2 LNG (P20211131) marine facilities con‐ struction will be used for the proposed CP1 main‐ tenance dredging. Ap‐ proximately 2,596,854 cubic yards of waterbot‐ tom material will be hy‐ draulically dredged and used beneficially to cre‐ ate marsh. REVISION 1: Proposed expansion of the beneficial use of dredged material (BUDM) placement area on the CPNWR East Cove Unit.

The additional volume capacity for BUDM is needed for CP2 LNG (P20211131) berthing area construction, while retaining sufficient short-term capacity for BUDM associated with maintenance dredging at the CP1 LNG marine berthing area (P20150857). The pro‐ posed expansion will allow for hydraulically dredged material from both CP1 maintenance dredging and/or CP2 con‐ struction dredging to be placed beneficially within an additional 729 acres of open water and highly fragmented marsh within the CPNWR. De‐ tails for the proposed ex‐ pansion are illustrated on Sheets 5a and 5b of the plats. ************OPC; P. O. Box 44487, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4487; Phone: (225) 342-9083; Email: melissa. sherman2@la.gov; OPC Reviewer: Melissa Sher‐ CUP NUMBER: man; P20250974 Name: Texas Petroleum Investment Co 101 LA RUE FRANCE SUITE 406 LAFAYETTE, LA 70508 Attn: Cypress Melville Lo‐ cation: Plaquemines Parish, LA; Lat 29-5-29.5N, Long 89-17-6.5W; Section 17, T23S-R31E; Southwest Pass. Description: On 11/11/25 TPIC had a flow‐ line leak (approx. 50bbls of crude oil) off the USA 15 #2 flowline which was contained within tidally influenced Roseau cane. The well was shutin and absorbent booms were deployed.

On 11/15/25 a control burn of approx. 0.832 acres were burned. No excava‐ tion was required. EUA 25-046 was issued for this activity.

j the proposed work and stating the reasons thereof, are being so‐ licited from the public.

Comments must be re‐ ceived within 10 days of the date of publication of this notice. The sole rea‐ son for not allowing ex‐ tension based upon pub‐ lic comment shall be that there has been a change in the conditions of the area affected by the per‐ mit since the permit was originally issued. Com‐ ments should be up‐ loaded to our electronic record, but may be mailed, faxed or emailed to the designated OPC Reviewer. All comments must contain the appro‐ priate application num‐ ber and the commenter's full name and contact in‐ formation. OPC, P.O. Box 44487, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4487, Phone: (225) 342-4515, Email: selena. brown@la.gov, OPC Re‐ viewer: Selena Brown, CUP NUMBER: P20240048 (Extended) Name: Lafourche Parish Govern‐ ment, c/o Graham, Scott 209 Southpark Road Suite G Lafayette, La 70808 Attn: Scott Graham Loca‐ tion: Lafourche Parish, LA; Lat 29-25-53.88N, Long 90-9-2.42W; N. of Bayou L'Ours; Lafourche Parish, LA. Description: Coastal restoration pro‐ ject proposal to con‐ struct 43,000LF of earthen marsh terraces in shallow open water to provide emergent marsh habitat and protect ex‐ isting marsh habitat. Ap‐ prox. 585,031 cy of mater‐ ial will be excavated and placed onsite.

************************ NOTICE the La. Dept. of Conservation and Energy, Office of Permitting and Compliance (OPC) has received a request to ex‐ tend for the referenced Coastal Use Permit in ac‐ cordance with the State and Local Coastal Re‐ sources Management Act of 1978, as amended, (Louisiana R.S. 49:214.21214.41), and the rules and regulations of the Coastal Resources Pro‐ gram. Application for the proposed work may be inspected at 617 North 3rd Street, Room 1078, Baton Rouge, LA or on the OPC web page at: http://dnr.louisiana.gov/ index.cfm?md=pagebui lder&tmp=home& pid=591. Copies may be obtained upon payment of cost of copying. Writ‐ ten comments, including suggestions for modifi‐ cations or objections to h d k d

171240 Dec. 20, 1t $81.22 PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE the La. Dept. of Conservation and Energy, Office of Permitting and Compliance (OPC) has received a request to ex‐ tend for the referenced Coastal Use Permit in ac‐ cordance with the State and Local Coastal Re‐ sources Management Act of 1978, as amended, (Louisiana R.S. 49:214.21214.41), and the rules and regulations of the Coastal Resources Pro‐ gram. Application for the proposed work may be inspected at 617 North 3rd Street, Room 1078, Baton Rouge, LA or on the OPC web page at: http://dnr.louisiana.gov/ index.cfm?md=pagebui lder&tmp=home& pid=591. Copies may be obtained upon payment of cost of copying. Writ‐ ten comments, including suggestions for modifi‐ cations or objections to the proposed work and stating the reasons thereof, are being so‐ licited from the public.

Comments must be re‐ ceived within 10 days of the date of publication of this notice. The sole rea‐ son for not allowing ex‐ tension based upon pub‐ lic comment shall be that there has been a change in the conditions of the area affected by the per‐ mit since the permit was originally issued. Com‐ ments should be up‐ loaded to our electronic record, but may be mailed, faxed or emailed to the designated OPC Reviewer. All comments

Public Notices Nat Res Coastal

must contain the appro‐ priate application num‐ ber and the commenter's full name and contact in‐ formation. OPC, P.O. Box 44487, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4487, Phone: (225) 342-4766, Email: bryan. alleman2@la.gov, OPC Reviewer: Bryan Alleman, CUP NUMBER: P20231001 (Extended) Name: Hilcorp Energy Company, c/o Coastal Resource Consulting, Llc P. O. Box 52370 Lafayette, La 70505 Attn: Jeremy Griffith Lo‐ cation: Terrebonne Parish, LA; Lat 29-0653.31N, Long 9028-56.16W (see plats for additional coordinates); Section 13 T23S R19E; Section 18 T23S R20E; Caillou Island Field. De‐ scription: Proposal to drill 5 well locations (Adobe Peak Prospects #1 -5) and, if successful, install 4" flowlines and 3" gas lift lines (2,358' in length) a min. of 3' below the mudline. Approx. 602 cy will be displaced by jetting operations. Ap‐ prox. 63 cy of sand bags will be used as fill at pipeline crossings. The drilling rig will be mobi‐ lized to locations during high tide only.

171075-dec 20-1t $27.77

Public Notices Successions

PUBLIC NOTICE --IN RE: THE SUCCESSION OF CHARLES CALVIN HOLDE‐ MAN, JR PROBATE NO. P-117966 25 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE . STATE OF LOUISIANA NOTICE OF FILING PETI‐ TION FOR AUTHORITY AND FINAL TABLEAU OF DISTRIBUTION Notice is hereby given to the creditors of this es‐ tate and to all other in‐ terested persons to show cause within seven (7) days from the publica‐ tion of this notice, if they have or can, why the Pe‐ tition for Authority and Final Tableau of Distribu‐ tion filed by Rebecca Lic‐ cardi Easley, Executrix of the Succession of Re‐ becca Liccardi Easley, should not be homolo‐ gated and the funds dis‐ tributed in accordance with it. Any opposition must be filed prior to ho‐ mologation.

By: Rebecca Liccardi Easley, Executrix Through her Attorney of Record Christopher J. Bridges ATTORNEY AT LAW 714 N. Burnside Ave. Gonzales, LA. 70737 chris@bridges.legal Telephone: 225-644-7250 Fax: 225-647-8111 171330-DEC 20-1T $44.93

Public Notices Successions

PUBLIC NOTICE --NINETEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FOR THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE STATE OF LOUISIANA DOCKET NO. P-116966 DIV. 32 SUCCESSION OF CAR‐ OLYN A. TUGWELL FILED_____ ___________ DEPUTY CLERK NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AUTHORITY TO SELL IMMOVABLE PROPERTY NOTICE IS GIVEN that Judith H. Bassett and Janice H Charrier, Co- Ex‐ ecutrixes of the Succes‐ sion of Carolyn A. Tug‐ well are applying for au‐ thority to sell at private sale, on terms of Three Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollas ($325,000) cash, the im‐ movable property owned by the Succession of Car‐ olyn A. Tugwell described as follows; That certain tract or par‐ cel of land, together with all the rights, ways, privi‐ leges, servitudes, appur‐ tenances, and advan‐ tages thereunto belong‐ ing, or in anyway apper‐ taining to, located; In the Parish of East Baton Rouge, in the Broadmore Subdivision, Lot 219, 5th Filing.

Having the municipal ad‐ dress of 10429 Firelight Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815.

An order authorizing Ju‐ dith H. Bassett and Jan‐ ice H Charrier to sell this property may be issued after seven days from the date of second publi‐ cation of this notice. An opposition to the appli‐ cation may be filed at any time prior to the is‐ suance of such an order.

By Order of the Court, ______________ CLERK OF COURT ATTORNEY: Wayne J. Jablonowski (LSBN 23141) PUBLICATION: The Advocate, Baton Rouge ADDRESS: 3705 Pontchartrain Drive Slidell, Louisiana 70458 TELEPHONE: (985)646-1300 171346 Dec. 20, 2025, Jan. 10, 2026 2t $87.00

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At the Matrimonial Part 51 of the Supreme Court of the State of New York held in and for the County of Queens, at the Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on the 12th day of December 2025.

PRESENT: HON. JODI ORLOW, J.S.C. ________________________x TAMALY CHAKRABARTY, Plaintiff, -against-

Index No.: 1244/2024 ORDER FOR ALTERNATIVE SERVICE

SHAMAR CHAKRABARTY, Defendant. ________________________x Upon the reading and filing of the affidavit of the plaintiff, Tamaly Chakrabarty, the affidavit of process server Scott Frank, along with a copy of the results from the Investigative Report, United States Postal Service, Department of Defense, Department of Motor Vehicles, social media search, undeliverable e-mail attempt to defendant at chakrabartyshamar80@gmail.com, and non-responsive text message to defendant at 347-615-5191 and it appearing therefrom to the satisfaction of the Court that the plaintiff has a good and meritorious cause of action against the defendant for a divorce and that the plaintiff has not and cannot locate the defendant with due diligence within or outside the State of New York, and that service cannot be made any other prescribed method. Further based on the results of the investigation, defendant’s last know address was in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Now upon the motion, of the plaintiff, Tamaly Chakrabarty, it is hereby ORDERED, that service of the Summons, Verified Complaint, and all required matrimonial notices in the above entitled action, be made by publication thereof in accordance with CPLR §313, CPLR §316 and Domestic Relations Law §232, in one newspaper which will be in the English Language to wit: The Advocate, published in East Baton Rouge Parish, the State of Louisiana, once a week for three consecutive weeks, together with a notice to the defendant and a brief statement of the object of the action, said newspaper being designated as most likely to give notice to the defendant; and it is further ORDERED that a copy of the Summons, Verified Complaint, this Order, all required Matrimonial notices, and papers on which the Order is based shall additionally be text messaged to the defendant at 347-6155191; and it is further ORDERED that the first publication and the text message to the defendant of the Summons, Verified Complaint, along with all required Matrimonial Notices, shall be made within thirty (30) days of the date of this order; and it is further ORDERED that the Summons, Verified Complaint, this Order, all required Matrimonial notices, and papers on which the order is based, shall be filed on or before the first day of publication; and it is further ORDERED that the Court being satisfied that a place where the defendant would receive mail cannot with due diligence be ascertained, the mailing of the copies of the Summons with Notice and Matrimonial Notices, pursuant to CPLR Section 316(b), to the defendant shall be discarded.

This constitutes the decision and order of this Court.

Dated: December 12, 2025 Hon. Jodi Orlow, J.S.C.

171073-597166-dec 20-27-jan 3-3t $ 10,395.00

10D ■ Saturday, December 20, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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