The Advocate 12-22-2025

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Insurers seem uninterested in dropping policyholders via new law Lone company taking advantage of repeal of the ‘three-year rule’

BY SAM KARLIN Staff writer

STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Donald Schexnayder walks past the storage silos that hold soybeans at R Schexnayder & Sons LLC in Erwinville on Thursday. President Donald Trump’s $12 billion payments come as Louisiana farmers face serious headwinds.

‘ONLY A FIRST STEP’ Louisiana farmers see $12B relief payments as a lifeline

Donald Schexnayder holds a handful of soybeans from one of the storage silos in Erwinville on Thursday.

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON — With about half of Louisiana’s — and the nation’s — farmers facing dire financial straits, agricultural communities are hoping the $12 billion short-term relief ordered by President Donald Trump earlier this month will be enough to offset losses from trade wars, tariffs, depressed commodity prices and increased planting costs.

“We’re struggling,” Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain said Tuesday, after returning from a weeklong trip to London in search of new markets to sell Louisiana’s crops. “About 50% of our farmers are facing significant challenges.”

China stopped buying American soybeans in retaliation for tariffs Trump imposed. Though China recently agreed to start purchasing soybeans again, “Louisiana experienced the greatest absolute decline, with agricultural exports to China down $1.85 billion,” the digital publication Farm Flavor noted in its analysis of U.S. Department of Agriculture export data.

“The commodity prices, what the farmer receives, has declined dramatically since 2021, 2022,” Strain said. “But on the other side, production expenses, the cost of production, is still continuing to rise; it’s 12% above that five-year average. So, the cost has gone up, but the price the farmers receive went down.”

ä See FARMERS, page 3A

Louisiana lawmakers passed a controversial law last year that gave insurance companies more leeway to drop policyholders, part of a fierce debate over how to tame ever-rising homeowners insurance rates that have reached crisis levels.

Consumer advocates and Democrats warned at the time that the state could expect mass cancellations of policies, exacerbating a crisis that has already hammered Louisiana homeowners.

Insurance executives and Republicans, meanwhile, argued the change was needed to bring Louisiana more in line with other states and to invite competition into the market.

New data shows little has changed after the state repealed the policy known as the “threeyear rule,” which banned insurers from dropping policyholders who had been customers for three years.

Documents from the Louisiana Department of Insurance show that nearly a year after the change went into effect, only one company has filed the paperwork necessary to cancel policyholders who

ä See INSURERS, page 4A

Keeping the culture alive Everyday spaces reshape traditions for Lao immigrants in Iberia Parish

BY JA’KORI MADISON Staff writer

When Phanat Xanamane was growing up in New Iberia, the Lao community didn’t gather primarily at a temple. Instead, people gathered on porches, in garages and around gardens, everyday spaces remade from memories of a homeland left behind.

For Xanamane, those informal spaces are more than childhood memories. They are the foundation of his research and the message he hopes to share: That culture is not preserved only in monuments or institutions, but in the ordinary places where people live, gather and adapt. Through his work, Xanamane seeks to show how immigrant communities sustain identity not by resisting

ä See CULTURE, page 4A

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2A ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Israel’s Cabinet OKs 19 West Bank settlements

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel’s Cabinet has approved a proposal for 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, the farright finance minister said Sunday, as the government pushes ahead with a construction binge in the territory that further threatens the possibility of a Palestinian state.

That brings the total number of new settlements over the past few years to 69, a record, according to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has pushed a settlement expansion agenda in the West Bank. The latest ones include two that were previously evacuated during a 2005 disengagement plan.

The approval increases the number of settlements in the West Bank by nearly 50% during the current government’s tenure.

In 2022, there were 141 settlements across the West Bank. After the latest approval, there are 210, according to Peace Now, an anti-settlement watchdog group.

Settlements are widely considered illegal under international law. Smotrich’s office said the Cabinet approval came Dec. 11 and that the development had been classified until now.

The approval comes as the U.S. pushes Israel and Hamas to move ahead with the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which took effect Oct. 10. The U.S.-brokered plan calls for a possible “pathway” to a Palestinian state, something the settlements are aimed at preventing.

The Cabinet decision included a retroactive legalization of some previously established settlement outposts or neighborhoods of existing settlements, and the creation of settlements on land where Palestinians were evacuated, the Finance Ministry said. Settlements can range in size from a single dwelling to a collection of high-rises.

The ministry said two of the settlements in the latest approval are Kadim and Ganim, which were two of the four West Bank settlements dismantled in 2005, as part of Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. There have been multiple attempts to resettle them after Israel’s government in March 2023 repealed a 2005 act that evacuated the four outposts and barred Israelis from reentering the areas.

Power restored to most in S.F. after big outage Power was restored Sunday morning to the bulk of the 130,000 homes and businesses in San Francisco impacted by a massive outage a day earlier that caused major disruptions.

The Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s outage map showed more than 16,000 customers remained without power. PG&E said earlier its crews were working Sunday to restore electricity in several neighborhoods and small areas of downtown San Francisco following Saturday’s outage.

PG&E said it could not provide a precise timeframe for when the power would be fully restored.

The outage left a large swath of the northern part of the city without power that began to grow in size. At its peak, the outage represented roughly onethird of the utility company’s customers in the city.

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U.S.: Ukraine talks ‘productive’

White House envoy, European representatives continue peace negotiations in Fla.

By The Associated Press A White House envoy said Sunday he held “productive and constructive” talks in Florida with Ukrainian and European representatives to end the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine.

Posting on social media, Steve Witkoff said the talks aimed at aligning on a shared strategic approach between Ukraine, the United States and Europe.

“Our shared priority is to stop the killing, ensure guaranteed security, and create conditions for Ukraine’s recovery, stability, and long-term prosperity. Peace must be not only a cessation of hostilities, but also a dignified foundation for a stable future,” U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy said.

The talks are part of the Trump administration’s monthslong push for peace. Trump has unleashed an extensive diplomatic push to end

the war, but his efforts have run into sharply conflicting demands

by Moscow and Kyiv. Putin has recently signaled he is digging in on his maximalist demands on Ukraine, as Moscow’s troops inch forward on the battlefield despite huge losses.

Witkoff’s assessment comes as negotiations have been proceeding with Russia as well. A Kremlin envoy said Saturday that the talks were pressing on “constructively” in Florida.

“The discussions are proceeding constructively. They began earlier and will continue today, and will also continue tomorrow,” Kirill Dmitriev told reporters in Miami on Saturday. There were no immediate updates on the talks with Russia on Sunday.

Dmitriev met with Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported.

For Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram Sunday that diplomatic efforts were “moving forward quite quickly, and our team in Florida has been working with the American side.”

The Kremlin denied Sunday that trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. were under discussion, after Zelenskyy said Saturday that Washington had proposed the idea of three-way discussions.

“At present, no one has seriously discussed this initiative, and to my knowledge it is not being prepared,” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said, according to Russian state news agencies.

In Ukraine, the country’s human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets on Sunday accused Russian forces of forcibly removing about 50 Ukrainian civilians from the Ukrainian Sumy border region to

Russian territory.

Writing on Telegram, he said that Russian forces illegally detained the residents in the village of Hrabovske on Thursday, before moving them to Russia on Saturday.

Lubinets said he contacted Russia’s human rights commissioner, requesting information on the civilians’ whereabouts and conditions, and demanding their immediate return to Ukraine.

The French presidency on Sunday welcomed Putin’s willingness to speak with President Emmanuel Macron, saying it would decide how to proceed “in the coming days.”

“As soon as the prospect of a ceasefire and peace negotiations becomes clearer, it becomes useful again to speak with Putin,” Macron’s office said in a statement.

“It is welcome that the Kremlin publicly agrees to this approach.”

Multiple gunmen open fire at pub in S. Africa, killing 9

BY MICHELLE GUMEDE and ALFONSO NQUNJANA Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ANTHONy UPTON

People celebrate the winter solstice sunrise Sunday at Stonehenge, a world-famous prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain, England.

Thousands cheer sunrise on winter solstice at Stonehenge

By The Associated Press LONDON — Thousands of people cheered and danced around Stonehenge as the sun rose over the prehistoric stone circle on Sunday, the winter solstice.

The crowds, many dressed as druids and pagans, had gathered before dawn, waiting patiently in the dark and cold field in southwest England. Some sang and beat drums, while others took time to reflect among the huge stone pillars.

Many make the pilgrimage to the stone circle every summer and winter and consider it a spiritual experience. The ancient monument, erected between 5,000 and 3,500 years ago, was built to align with the movement of the sun on the solstices — key dates in the calendar for ancient farmers.

English Heritage, the organization that manages Stonehenge, said some 8,500 people celebrated Saturday at the monument

GET IN TOUCH

PA PHOTO By ANDREW MATTHEWS

People take part in the winter solstice celebrations Sunday at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. on Salisbury Plain, about 75 miles southwest of London.

It added that its livestream of the festivities drew over 242,000 views from around the world.

Sunday is the shortest day of the year north of the equator, where the solstice marks the start of astronomical winter. It’s the

opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is the longest day of the year and summer will start.

The winter solstice is when the sun makes its shortest, lowest arc, but many celebrate it as a time of renewal because days will get a little longer every day until late June.

One of last Pearl Harbor survivors dies at 105

BY JENNIFER PELTZ and JAIMIE DING

Associated Press

World War II Navy veteran Ira “Ike” Schab, one of the dwindling number of survivors of the 1941 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, has died. He was 105.

Daughter Kimberlee Heinrichs told The Associated Press that Schab died at home early Saturday in the presence of her and her husband.

Schab With his passing, there remain only about a dozen survivors of the surprise attack, which killed just over 2,400 troops and propelled the United States into the war.

Schab was a sailor of just 21 at the time of the attack, and for decades he rarely spoke about the experience.

But in recent years, aware that the corps of survivors was dwindling, the

BEKKERSDAL, South Africa — Nine people have died and at least 10 others were wounded after a group of gunmen carried out a shooting at a South African pub during the early hours of Sunday, authorities said.

The incident occurred in the township of Bekkersdal, 28 miles west of Johannesburg. It is the second mass shooting in South Africa in three weeks.

About 12 unknown suspects in a white minibus and a silver sedan opened fire at pub patrons at KwaNoxolo tavern, in the Tambo section of Bekkersdal and continued to shoot randomly as they fled the scene, according to police.

Maj. Gen. Fred Kekana, the acting provincial commissioner of Gauteng, told the AP at the scene that the gunmen, some of whom wore balaclavas, had one

AK-47 rifle and several 9-millimeter pistols.

Police did not release information about the victims, but police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that an e-hailing driver was among those caught in the crossfire. She said the driver had just dropped off a client. “He was shot and killed,” she told The Associated Press.

The motive for the shooting is unknown. A manhunt for the suspects in the multiple gunshot event has been initiated by Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations in collaboration with the Crime Detection Tracing Unit.

There have been several mass shootings at bars — sometimes called shebeens or taverns in South Africa — in recent years, including a mass shooting carried out by multiple suspects in an unlicensed bar that left at least 12 people dead and 13 injured earlier this month.

centenarian made a point of traveling from his home in Beaverton, Oregon, to the annual observance at the Hawaii military base. “To pay honor to the guys that didn’t make it,” he said in 2023.

This year he did not feel well enough to attend, and less than three weeks later, he passed away.

Born July 4, 1920, in Chicago, Schab was the eldest of three brothers. He joined the Navy at 18, following in the footsteps of his father, he said in a February interview for Pacific Historic Parks.

On what began as a peaceful Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, Schab, who played the tuba in the USS Dobbin’s band, was expecting a visit from his brother, a fellow service member assigned to a nearby naval radio station. Schab had just showered and donned a clean uniform when he heard a call for fire rescue.

He went topside and saw another ship, the USS Utah, capsizing. Japanese planes roared through the air.

“We were pretty startled. Startled

and scared to death,” Schab recalled in 2023. “We didn’t know what to expect, and we knew that if anything happened to us, that would be it.”

He scurried back below deck to grab boxes of ammunition and joined a daisy chain of sailors feeding shells to an antiaircraft gun above. His ship lost three sailors, according to Navy records.

Schab spent most of the war with the Navy in the Pacific, going to the New Hebrides, now known as Vanuatu, and then the Mariana Islands and Okinawa, Japan.

After the war he studied aerospace engineering and worked on the Apollo spaceflight program as an electrical engineer for General Dynamics, helping send astronauts to the moon.

Speaking at a 2022 ceremony, Schab asked people to honor those who served at Pearl Harbor.

“Remember what they’re here for.

Remember and honor those that are left. They did a hell of a job,” he said.

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U.S. seizes another oil tanker in Caribbean Sea Trump intensifies targeting of Venezuelan government vessels

BY AAMER MADHANI Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard on Sunday was pursuing another sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea as the Trump administration appeared to be intensifying its targeting of such vessels connected to the Venezuelan government.

The pursuit of the tanker, which was confirmed by a U.S. official briefed on the operation, comes after the U.S. administration announced Saturday it had seized a tanker for the second time in less than two weeks.

The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly about the ongoing operation and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Sunday’s pursuit involved “a sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion.”

The official said the vessel was

FARMERS

Continued from page 1A

Trouble for La. farms Strain is trying to persuade the financial community that, despite several unprofitable harvests for Louisiana farmers, the Trump money could be used to reduce producers’ debts and help obtain the loans necessary to plant next year’s crop in February and March.

Only about 46% of Louisiana farms are expected to be profitable in 2026, Strain said, citing a recent American Bankers Association survey of the lenders who write agricultural loans. That percentage has dropped each year from 80% in 2023, according to the report.

The loans, of course, vary depending on the size of the spread, but average up to $1.5 million, Strain said.

Without the money to continue, more Louisiana farmers will leave the fields.

Louisiana already is losing farms — down to about 25,006 individual farms in census data from 2022, the latest available, before commodity prices declined and planting costs increased.

That’s why the banks will end up with the largest share of the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program money.

The money comes from the proceeds of tariffs and is aimed at helping farmers who have struggled to sell crops because of “unfair market disruption,” Trump said Dec. 8.

“This relief will provide much-needed certainty as they get this year’s harvest to market and look ahead to next year’s crops,” Trump said during the White House announcement.

Trump won voters living in rural areas by 40 points, 69% of the rural total, in the 2024 presidential election, according to the Pew Research Center.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law July 4, provides stronger protection for row crop farmers.

But those aspects of the law don’t take effect until October 2026, noted U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Where does the money go?

The assistance will provide up to $11 billion of the $12 billion to be sent in February to producers who farm row crops, such as soybeans, corn, cotton and rice.

The rest will go to specialty crops like sugar cane.

The exact amounts each farmer receives, up to $155,000, will be based on how many acres are planted with a particular crop using a formula. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will release the payment rates Monday.

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew was appreciative of the Trump initiative but warned it may not be enough.

“Short-term payments,

flying a false flag and under a judi- Maduro.

This past week Trump demanded cial seizure order.

The Pentagon and Department that Venezuela return assets that of Homeland Security, which over- it seized from U.S. oil companies sees the U.S. Coast Guard, deferred years ago, justifying anew his questions about the operation to the announcement of a “blockade” against oil tankers travelWhite House, which did not offer comment on the oping to or from the South American country that eration. face American sanctions.

Saturday’s predawn seiTrump cited the lost U.S. zure of a Panama-flagged investments in Venezuvessel called Centuries targeted what the White ela when asked about his House described as a newest tactic in a pressure “falsely flagged vessel Trump campaign against Maduro, operating as part of the suggesting the Republican Venezuelan shadow fleet to administration’s moves traffic stolen oil.” are at least somewhat moThe Coast Guard, with tivated by disputes over oil assistance from the Navy, investments, along with acseized a sanctioned tanker cusations of drug traffickcalled Skipper on Dec. 10, ing. Some sanctioned tankanother part of the shadow ers already are diverting fleet of tankers that the away from Venezuela.

U.S. says operates on the Maduro U.S. oil companies domifringes of the law to move nated Venezuela’s petrosanctioned cargo. It was not even leum industry until the country’s flying a nation’s flag when it was leaders moved to nationalize the seized by the Coast Guard. sector, first in the 1970s and again President Donald Trump, after in the 21st century under Maduro that first seizure, said that the U.S. and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. would carry out a “blockade” of Compensation offered by VenezuVenezuela. It all comes as Trump ela was deemed insufficient, and in has ratcheted up his rhetoric to- 2014, an international arbitration ward Venezuelan President Nicolás panel ordered the country’s social-

while important, are only a first step,” Larew said in a statement. “What we truly need are long-term structural fixes that restore viability and stability to family farms and ranches for generations to come. In real time, we are experiencing the consequences of farm policy that is woefully outdated. The farm safety net can’t keep up with today’s economic realities. Input costs remain high, trade relationships are uncertain, access to affordable health care is in danger and the stress on rural communities continues to grow.”

The American Farm Bureau in October calculated that farmers have lost up to $50 billion in 2025 because of increased costs and lower prices. Breaking down losses per acre, per crop, the report concluded that, for instance, soybeans lost about $154 per acre.

Louisiana plants about 1.2 million acres of soybeans, most of which are sold to China.

Farmers in southwest Louisiana predominantly plant rice, and are experiencing significant losses per acre, according to the American Farm Bureau report. In north Louisiana, producers primarily grow corn, soybeans and cotton, also at a loss for the past two years.

In south central Louisiana, the main crop is sugar cane, which is doing better.

West Baton Rouge Parish farmer Donald Schexnayder

ist government to pay $1.6 billion to ExxonMobil.

Maduro said in a message Sunday on Telegram that Venezuela has spent months “denouncing, challenging and defeating a campaign of aggression that goes from psychological terrorism to corsairs attacking oil tankers.”

He added: “We are ready to accelerate the pace of our deep revolution!”

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who has been critical of Trump’s Venezuela policy, called the tanker seizures a “provocation and a prelude to war.”

“Look, at any point in time, there are 20, 30 governments around the world that we don’t like that are either socialist or communist or have human rights violations,” Paul said on ABC’s’ “This Week.” “But it isn’t the job of the American soldier to be the policeman of the world.”

The targeting of tankers comes as Trump has ordered the Defense Department to carry out a series of attacks on vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean that his administration alleges are smuggling fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the United States and beyond.

At least 104 people have been killed in 28 known strikes since

early September. The strikes have faced scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and human rights activists, who say the administration has offered scant evidence that its targets are indeed drug smugglers and that the fatal strikes amount to extrajudicial killings.

Trump has repeatedly said Maduro’s days in power are numbered.

White House chief of staff Susie Wiles said in an interview with Vanity Fair published last week that Trump “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle.”

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday that Trump’s use of military to mount pressure on Maduro runs contrary to Trump’s pledge to keep the United States out of unnecessary wars.

Democrats have been pressing Trump to seek congressional authorization for the military action in the Caribbean.

“We should be using sanctions and other tools at our disposal to punish this dictator who is violating the human rights of his civilians and has run the Venezuelan economy into the ground,” Kaine said.

“But I’ll tell you, we should not be waging war against Venezuela. We definitely should not be waging war without a vote of Congress.”

chemicals, fertilizer, chemi- a profit,” DeLiberto said.

His recent study of Louical applications — whether that’s from an airplane or a siana agriculture paints the sprayer, and irrigation costs, picture of farmers juggling said Michael DeLiberto, an low commodity prices, high agricultural economist at input costs, inflation along LSU. “That’s not counting with market disruptions, machinery financing, that’s trade uncertainty and a lack not considering family living of competitiveness of U.S. expenses, that’s not consider- exports overseas.

Many of those issues are ing land rent.”

For example, he said, a being addressed. But the Louisiana farmer may spend question is how fast.

“No farmer is set up to $1,000 to grow 190 bushels of corn per acre. The market weather consecutive four or price needs to be between five years of tight to nonex$3.86 per bushel to pay mini- istent or negative margins,” mal expenses and $5.42 to DeLiberto said. “Farmers are optimistic, but I think, STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON cover all expenses, he said.

The price per bushel for if 2026 is as challenging as Donald Schexnayder holds soybeans from one of the delivery in December is 2025 was, 2027 is going to be storage silos at R Schexnayder & Sons LLC in Erwinville on very, very concerning for $4.80.

Thursday.

“He’s going to be able to farm survivability.” cover direct costs and his says he and his two brothers can survive.” machinery costs. But he’s not Email Mark Ballard at primarily grow soybeans, Direct costs of operation able to cover general over- mballard@theadvocate. corn and some sugar cane. include fuel, labor, seed, head. He’s not going to make com.

They plan to use the Bridge Assistance to offset the increasing expenses.

“Everything from fertilizer to insurance to machinery has gone up. So, this is going to help bridge some of that gap,” he said.

The son of a farmer, Schexnayder’s dad had instilled in his sons to set aside money for down times, powered by Neighbors FCU which come every seven or eight years.

“You plan for it,” Schexnayder said. “We’re not going to be spending money on new equipment or replacing equipment that needs to be replaced. … I think we can survive and others like us

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4A ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

INSURERS

Continued from page 1A were previously protected by the three-year rule.

That company, Foremost Insurance, an affiliate of Farmers Insurance, canceled under 5% of its three-year-rule policies, meaning it doesn’t need approval from the Insurance Department. Insurers are only required to notify the department, but do not need approval, if they want to cancel policies under the three-year-rule.

Foremost, which has about 2% of Louisiana’s home insurance market, has also raised rates on several thousand homeowner policies in the past year.

Spokesperson Luis Sahagun said the increase reflected the risk level of the homes, along with inflation and other factors.

“As part of an ongoing risk management program, we have notified LDI of our plan to nonrenew a small portion of our existing customers,” Sahagun said.

It’s not clear why other companies are not yet taking advantage of the law,

CULTURE

Continued from page 1A

change, but by reshaping their surroundings to make room for tradition.

Born in a refugee camp in Thailand and raised in New Iberia, Xanamane grew up learning the story of how his parents fled Laos as refugees in the 1970s and immigrated to the United States in 1981.

“Growing up surrounded by our community, I saw how people didn’t just survive, they recreated home where they could,” Xanamane said.

Like many Lao families who eventually settled in Iberia Parish, his family was sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Lafayette, which established one of Louisiana’s most concentrated Lao communities.

That history shaped Xanamane’s path as a scholar, he said. His work examines how Lao immigrants have maintained cultural identity in an unfamiliar place like south Louisiana, focusing on how everyday American spaces are reshaped to recover what was lost when families have to leave their homeland.

He refers to that process as “architectural prosthesis,” the idea that buildings and landscapes act as cultural extensions.

“When immigrants come here, they lose certain cultural functions,” Xanamane said. “Architecture becomes a way to recapture that. It’s not a perfect copy. Just like a prosthetic isn’t a real arm, but it helps people continue.”

Xanamane’s family helped establish the local Buddhist temple and operated an Asian grocery store that became both a cultural and commercial hub for immigrants.

“That store wasn’t just a place to buy food,” he said.

“It was where people shared

and some could still cancel policyholders in the coming years. State Farm and SureChoice, the two largest insurers doing business in the state, declined to comment.

But the lack of interest in using the new law is the latest indication that Louisiana’s insurance crisis has, for the most part, remained stubbornly unchanged more than four years after Hurricane Ida sent the market into turmoil.

State Rep. Gabe Firment, who sponsored the law repealing the three-year rule, said he wasn’t aware that only one company had used it so far. Still, he said the law was part of a package of changes having a positive impact on the market.

He noted that even if companies aren’t canceling policyholders, they benefit from new policies not being subject to the three-year rule.

Firment, a Pollock Republican, said homeowners should shop around with different insurers and agents, saying some find lower rates by comparing policies.

“Things have improved slower than what we hoped,” he said. “But if

lll

you look at the affordability crisis across all sectors … that’s impacting people.

If groceries are more and gas is more and electricity is more, then man, when insurance is still so high, it just hurts that much more.”

Flurry of changes After he took office in 2024, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple pushed for a slew of changes to address the state’s “heavyhanded” regulations on insurance companies. Temple, a Republican, is a former insurance executive.

His predecessor, Jim Donelon, championed the three-year rule as a way to help ensure continued coverage for policyholders who otherwise could be dropped.

Donelon also used tax incentives to lure smaller insurers to the state, but many of them went belly-up after the particularly busy 2020 and 2021 hurricane seasons.

The Legislature, which is dominated by Republicans, passed Firment’s bill in 2024 to phase out the three-year rule on a largely party-line vote. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, who took a back seat on homeowners insurance issues last year,

signed the bill into law, though he has since said the pro-industry reforms aren’t working.

The bill went into effect in January 2025. By then, lawmakers had also suspended the 10% surcharge adding to the cost of homeowners’ insurance with Citizens, the insurer of last resort. Temple and other Republican leaders embraced the move to bring down the costs of Citizens in part to prevent an influx of homeowners from having to pay more after being canceled by their insurer.

John Ford, spokesperson for the Insurance Department, said the three-year rule hurt Louisiana’s market by making insurers and reinsurers hesitant to invest here. And he noted that Louisiana was the only state with such a law.

“Insurers move slowly, and the three-year rule nonrenewal plan submission process is new as of this year,” Ford said. “We may see more insurers go through that process as they learn more about it, but now that insurers can effectively manage their risk, they are likely more comfortable with their overall books of

business.”

Little change to crisis Meanwhile, though, homeowners’ insurance rates have continued rising since Temple’s package of bills became law. While the Insurance Department recently touted SureChoice’s decision to cut rates for homeowners, that same company had raised rates by a larger amount months earlier. State Farm raised rates this fall, citing hurricane risk. And through November, homeowners across the state saw an average rate hike of about 5%.

And Landry’s strategy — a controversial new law that allows Temple to reject “excessive” rate increases — has also not made a difference. Temple has vowed not to use the new authority, saying it would harm the market.

Rodney Braxton, head of the industry group Insurance Council of Louisiana, said insurers likely don’t feel the need to cancel more policies under the three-year rule because the market is stabilizing.

But while Louisiana hasn’t had a major hurricane in four years, he added that insurance costs go up every

year, regardless of whether there’s a catastrophe, because of inflation and other factors. Homeowners will likely continue to see small increases in costs in the coming years, he said.

“A lot of people were scared there would be a wholesale dropping of clients,” he said. “It’s just something that offers insurance companies more ability to manage their risk.”

Andreanecia Morris, head of the nonprofit HousingNOLA, lobbied against the repeal of the three-year rule in 2024, warning it would hurt policyholders.

Now, Morris said the data showing only one company has canceled policies under the new law shows the threeyear rule “was not the problem.”

Instead, Louisiana should dedicate more funding to building stronger roofs, which have led to lower insurance premiums for thousands of people and gotten them off the rolls of Citizens, she said.

“Ending three-year rule, ending consumer protections,” she said. “Are we going to see in 2026 a Legislature that’s ready to take the next step?”

“We want people to enjoy cern. While many traditions beyond academic research. themselves, but also to be remain strong, fewer young He has documented Lao culrespectful. These aren’t just people speak Lao fluently, ture for the Library of Confestivals; they’re ancestral complicating intergenera- gress, helped organize the traditions.”

Lao New Year festival and is tional teaching.

Globalization and digital “That’s where design and applying for state grants to culture have also reshaped community planning come support elders passing tradihow younger generations in,” Xanamane said. “Do we tions to younger generations. connect to Lao identity, create educational spaces?

For Xanamane, his reXanamane said. Many now Do we design places that in- search goal isn’t just about learn about their heritage vite younger generations to keeping traditions alive. He through YouTube, TikTok engage?” wants people to understand or social media influencers A recent addition to the that identity isn’t fixed but rather than elders. While that monastery reflects that built in everyday actions and access has helped some re- shift: An open-air pavilion spaces.

“I hope my work becomes connect, it has also flattened built near the entrance was designed not for ritual but as an entry point,” he said. “A cultural meaning. way for people to begin their “You can watch someone a welcoming space.

“It’s the first structure own journey of cultural reFILE PHOTO By LEE BALL cook a Lao dish online,” he said, “but that doesn’t teach built with outsiders in mind,” awakening to ask who they Traditional finger dancing is performed during a parade you how to grow the ingre- Xanamane said. “And outsid- are and where they come celebrating the Lao New year at the Lao community of dients, raise the chickens or ers don’t just mean non-Lao from.” understand why that food people. It also means youngLanexang Village in Broussard in April. matters.” er generations who feel dis- Email Ja’kori Madison Language loss remains the connected.” information, language and a the Buddhist temple at the at jakori.madison@ heart of Lan Xang Village, community’s biggest consense of belonging.”

Xanamane’s work extends theadvocate.com.

Today in Iberia Parish, sits in a rural neighborhood that adaptation appears in where Iberia, St. Martin and garages turned into gather- Lafayette parishes meet. ing spaces, extended porches Home to about 400 people, used as kitchens and meeting the community transforms places, and homes designed on weekends and during for indoor-outdoor living major festivals, becoming a practices made possible by gathering place that draws south Louisiana’s subtropical visitors from across the reclimate. A Buddhist temple gion. placed in a rural neighborLao people have mainhood, a backyard garden that tained a presence in Iberia Get a FREE full gutter inspection is full of herbs and peppers, Parish for more than 40 and estimate: 1-877-855-8610 and a porch that functions as years, and the temple stands both living room and meet- as both a spiritual anchor and 1.We Clean 2.We Reinforce 3.We Install ing hall: These all serve as a symbol of how the first genreminders of life in Laos, re- eration preserved traditions shaped in Acadiana, accord- while building new lives in Acadiana. ing to Xanamane.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ 5A

lll

Official defends partial release of Epstein files

BY AAMER MADHANI and ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday defended the Justice Department’s decision to release just a fraction of the Jeffrey Epstein files by the congressionally mandated deadline as necessary to protect survivors of sexual abuse by the disgraced financier.

Blanche pledged that the Trump administration eventually would meet its obligation required by law. But he stressed that the department was obligated to act with caution as it goes about making public thousands of documents that can include sensitive information.

Friday’s partial release of the Epstein files has led to a new crush of criticism from Democrats who have accused the Republican administration of trying to hide information.

Blanche called that pushback disingenuous as Presi-

dent Donald Trump’s administration continues to struggle with calls for greater transparency, including from members of his political base, about the government’s investigations into Epstein, who once counted Tr u m p a s well as several political leaders and Blanche business titans among his peers.

“The reason why we are still reviewing documents and still continuing our process is simply that to protect victims,” Blanche told NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “So the same individuals that are out there complaining about the lack of documents that were produced on Friday are the same individuals who apparently don’t want us to protect victims.”

Blanche’s comments were the most extensive by the administration since the file dump, which included pho-

tographs, interview transcripts, call logs, court records and other documents.

But some of the most consequential records expected about Epstein were nowhere to be found, such as FBI interviews with survivors and internal Justice Department memos examining charging decisions. Those records could help explain how investigators viewed the case and why Epstein was allowed in 2008 to plead guilty to a relatively minor statelevel prostitution charge.

Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a fallingout, tried for months to keep the records sealed. Though Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, he has argued there is nothing to see in the files and that the public should focus on other issues.

Federal prosecutors in New York brought sex trafficking charges against Epstein in 2019, but he killed himself in jail after his arrest.

But Democratic lawmakers on Sunday hammered Trump and the Justice Department for a partial release.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., argued that the Justice Department is obstructing the implementation of the law mandating the release of the documents not because it wants to protect the Epstein victims.

“It’s all about covering up things that, for whatever reason, Donald Trump doesn’t want to go public, either about himself, other members of his family, friends, Jeffrey Epstein, or just the social, business, cultural network that he was involved in for at least a decade, if not longer,” he said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

Blanche also defended the department’s decision to remove several files related to the case from its public webpage, including a photograph showing Trump, less than a day after they were posted.

The missing files, which were available Friday but no longer accessible by Saturday, included images of paintings depicting nude women, and one showed a series of photographs along a credenza and in drawers. In that image, inside a drawer among other photos, was a photograph of Trump, alongside Epstein, Melania Trump and Epstein’s longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Blanche said the documents were removed because they also showed victims of Epstein. Blanche said that Trump photo and the other documents will be reposted once redactions are made to protect survivors.

“It has nothing to do with President Trump,” Blanche said. “There are dozens of photos of President Trump already released to the public seeing him with Mr. Epstein.”

The thousands of Epsteinrelated records posted publicly offer the most detailed look yet at nearly two decades worth of government scrutiny of Epstein’s sexual abuse of young women and underage girls. Yet Friday’s release, replete with redactions, has not dulled the clamor for information given how many records had yet to be released and because some of the materials had already been made public.

AUSTRALIA

Thousands mourn victims of attack

BY ROD McGUIRK Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia — Thousands of mourners gathered under tight police security at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday evening to mark a week since two gunmen targeting a Jewish festival killed 15 people. Since then, Australian governments have been galvanized into action on countering antisemitism and tightening already strict national gun controls.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, his predecessors John Howard and Scott Morrison, and Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who represents Australia’s head of state King Charles III, were among the dignitaries at the commemoration that drew more than 10,000 people.

“This has to be the nadir of antisemitism in our country,” New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip told the crowd. “This has to be the moment when light starts to eclipse the darkness.”

The crowd booed Albanese when Ossip acknowledged his presence. Opposition leader Sussan Ley, who had said that a conservative government led by her would reverse a decision made by Albanese’s center-left Labor Party government this year to recognize a Palestinian state, was cheered.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out at Albanese over the attack on the Hannukah celebration, saying “your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the antisemitic fire.”

Netanyahu has repeatedly sought to link widespread calls for a Palestinian state, and criticism of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza fol-

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MARK BAKER

People attend a ceremony to mark the National Day of Reflection for victims and survivors Sunday at Bondi Beach in Sydney following the shooting on Dec. 14. lowing Hamas’ 2023 attack, to growing incidents of antisemitism worldwide.

Images of the victims, aged 10 to 87, were projected at the commemoration.

“Waltzing Matilda” was sung in honor of the youngest victim, whose Ukrainian parents gave their Australian-born daughter what they described as the most Australian name they knew.

A widely acclaimed hero of the massacre, Ahmed al Ahmed, sent a message of support from his hospital bed. The Syrian-born immigrant was shot after wrestling a shotgun from one of the gunmen.

“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted. Today I stand with you, my brothers and sisters,” he wrote.

Beyond the famous beach, people around Australia united with Sydney’s stricken Jewish community by lighting candles and observ-

ing one minute of silence at their homes at 6:47 p.m. to remember the moment the massacre unfolded. Television and radio networks across Australia also fell silent.

The federal and New South Wales state governments declared Sunday a national Day of Reflection to mark Australia’s worst mass shooting since 35 died in Tasmania state in 1996.

Albanese had earlier announced a review of federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies following the attack, which was inspired by the Islamic State group.

Indigenous leaders held a traditional smoking ceremony on Sunday morning at the waterfront Bondi Pavilion, where an impromptu memorial has grown as flowers and heartfelt messages have accumulated. The memorial is to be cleared on Monday.

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METRO NEWS N.O. Police Department fires 2 veteran officers Men both have histories of suspensions, arrests

BY MISSY WILKINSON Staff writer

The New Orleans Police Department confirmed two senior police officers were terminated Thursday following disciplinary hearings.

Christopher Jennings, a 16-year NOPD veteran, and Reginald Koeller, a 21-year NOPD veteran, were both dismissed.

“The department takes allegations of misconduct seriously and addresses them through established disciplinary processes to maintain public trust,” Officer Reese Harper, NOPD’s director of communications, said in an emailed statement. “The NOPD remains committed to accountability, professionalism and upholding the highest standards of conduct.”

The NOPD declined to furnish details about the terminations, citing the law and departmental policy.

Both former officers had lengthy disciplinary histories and prior arrests. Jennings was booked in May 2024 on accusations of theft and malfeasance tied to payroll fraud after being paid for Walmart details he allegedly did not work. Koeller was arrested in April 2022 on counts of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and illegally carrying a weapon while in possession of the drug.

The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office accepted Jennings’ 13 charges following a screening review — six involving theft, six for first-degree injuring public record and one for malfeasance — and refused them in March, court records show. A source familiar with the case said the District Attorney’s Office referred prosecution to the U.S. Department of Justice and refused the state case. A formal federal referral was made March 18.

Jennings’ disciplinary history includes suspensions for use of force in 2015, failure to report misconduct in 2016 and neglect of duty in 2021. He was also the subject of payroll fraud investigations in 2023 and 2024.

Koeller was arrested after a tipster told NOPD’s Public Integrity Bureau that Koeller failed to surrender a Glock Model 17 discarded by a subject during a chase.

Police said Koeller kept the pistol for what he called “his collection.”

A joint NOPD-FBI search of Koeller’s Little Woods apartment uncovered more than 100 firearms and ammunition stored in multiple safes, as well as a prescription bottle allegedly containing crack cocaine.

However, a crime lab report revealed no illegal drugs in the evidence, according to a source familiar with the case, and the District Attorney’s Office refused charges in June 2022.

Koeller also had a long history of misconduct, with multiple suspensions and disciplinary letters for infractions ranging from failing to disclose crucial information to his supervisor to failing to report criminal damage to property.

STAFF PHOTOS By JAVIER GALLEGOS

SEASON OF GIVING TOP: Drivers receive their free turkeys during the annual Christmas turkey giveaway at the Louisiana Leadership Institute on Saturday.

ABOVE: U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, gives a thumbs-up during the giveaway.

RIGHT: Volunteers hand out turkeys and direct traffic.

‘Forfeited honor’ Their firings are just two of many at the NOPD this year. Other dismissed officers include Lt. Anthony Bakewell, who was fired in March after being accused of sexually harassing a fellow officer; Sgt. Michael Stalbert, fired in May after being accused of kidnapping a crime lab employee; and Officer Gerry Paul, fired in November after being accused of raping a crime scene technician.

Jennings and Koeller had been reassigned pending the outcome of their criminal and administrative investigations.

NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told WDSU that in the future, officers who are criminally charged will face emergency suspension hearings.

“I am very happy to see Chief Kirkpatrick is continuing to clean house,” said whistleblower and University of New Orleans forensic science instructor Skip Gallagher, whose NOPD payroll analyses prompted internal investigations of Koeller and Jennings and also led to broader federal inquiries. “It is just a shame that the city of New Orleans continued to pay Officer Koeller over $95,000 each of these last three plus years.”

Kirkpatrick denied in October that her goal is to “clean house,” saying instead that she seeks to impose discipline to get officers “back on track” after a fair investigation. In some cases, however, findings result in termination.

“Some events are so egregious, you forfeited the honor of wearing an NOPD badge. That was your decision,” she said.

“And all I’m doing is saying, ‘You forfeited the honor of that, so you will not remain here.’ ”

Sheriff’s Office: Shooter fled from party Staff report Detectives with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office are searching for the person who fled the scene of an early morning fatal shooting Sunday near a house party in Denham Springs.

Deputies were called to the scene on Longwood Drive around 3 a.m. Sunday, according to a release from the Sheriff’s Office.

There, they found 22-year-

old Tyree Lionel Worthy, of Baton Rouge, suffering from gunshot wounds. First responders transported him to a hospital, where he died from the injuries, the release says. ”Right now, we know there was an overnight gathering/ party at one of the homes near the shooting incident.

Based on the information we have at this time, this shooting was not a random act.

It appears to be an isolated incident,” Livingston Parish

Sheriff Jason Ard said in a statement.

Detectives said the shooter is male and fled in a 2019 Chevrolet Impala, which did not belong to him, which Louisiana license plate 658CUG. The Sheriff’s Office asks for anyone with information to call (225) 686-2241 extension 1, submit a tip via the Sheriff’s Office’s app or call Crime Stoppers at (225) 344STOP for a possible cash reward.

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Unity, discord at Turning Point conference Vance refuses to set red lines over bigotry

Hall's Celebration Center, Scenic Highway, at 10 a.m.

9348

Ogden, Ann

First United Methodist Church, 930 North Boulevard, at 11 a.m.

PHOENIX — Vice President JD Vance said Sunday the conservative movement should be open to everyone as long as they “love America,” declining to condemn a streak of antisemitism that has divided the Republican Party and roiled the opening days of Turning Point USA’s annual convention.

After a long weekend of debates about whether the movement should exclude figures such as bigoted podcaster Nick Fuentes, Vance came down firmly against “purity tests.”

“I didn’t bring a list of conservatives to denounce or to de-platform,” Vance said during the convention’s closing speech.

Turning Point leader Erika Kirk, who took the helm after the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, has endorsed Vance as a potential successor to President Donald Trump, a helpful nod from an influential group with an army of volunteers.

But the tension on display at the four-day gathering foreshadowed the treacherous political waters that Vance, or anyone else who seeks the next Republican presidential nomination, will need to navigate in the coming years.

Top voices in the “Make America Great Again” movement are jockeying for influence as Republicans begin considering a future without Trump, and there is no clear path to holding his coalition together.

Defining post-Trump GOP The Republican Party’s identity has been intertwined with Trump for a decade, but he’s constitutionally ineligible to run for reelection despite his musings about serving a third term. Tucker Carlson said people are wondering, “who gets the machinery when the president exits the scene?”

So far, it looks like settling that question will come with a lot of fighting among conservatives. The Turning Point conference featured arguments about antisemitism, Israel and environmental regulations, not to mention rivalries between leading commentators.

Ben Shapiro, co-founder of the conservative media outlet Daily Wire, used his speech on the conference’s opening night to denounce “charlatans who claim to speak in the name of principle but actually traffic in conspiracism and dishonesty.”

“These people are frauds and they are grifters and they do not deserve your time,” Shapiro said. He specifically called out Carlson for hosting Fuentes for a friendly interview on his podcast.

Carlson brushed off the criticism when he took the stage barely an hour later, and he said the idea of a Republican “civil war” was “totally fake.”

“There are people who are mad at

Watts, Loretta

Zoar Baptist Church in Central at noon.

Obituaries Ferguson, Marie Ardell

Louisiana. A Memorial Celebration will be held at Miller & Daughter Mortuary on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 10:00 am conducted by Rev. Gregory Coates; interment at Port Hudson National Cemetery. Survivors include her children, Kevin Brisco, Los Gatos, California; Tewanda Brisco, Eilleen Thompson(Melvin), Kristine and Sharita Robertson; bonus children, Troy(Darlene) and Sherryl Robertson; four siblings; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; five great-greatgrandchildren; preceded in death by her husband; parents; foster parents; bonus son; and six siblings.

Turner, Linda

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JON CHERRy

Erika Kirk greets Vice President JD Vance during Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest 2025 Sunday in Phoenix.

JD Vance, and they’re stirring up a lot of this in order to make sure he doesn’t get the nomination,” he said.

Carlson described Vance as “the one person” who subscribes to the “core idea of the Trump coalition,” which Carlson said was “America first.”

Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet framed the discord as a healthy debate about the future of the movement, an uncomfortable but necessary process of finding consensus.

“We’re not hive-minded commies,” he wrote on social media. “Let it play out.”

Vance: U.S. always ‘Christian nation’ Vance acknowledged the controversies that dominated the Turning Point conference, but he did not define any boundaries for the conservative movement besides patriotism.

“We don’t care if you’re white or black, rich or poor, young or old, rural or urban, controversial or a little bit boring, or somewhere in between,” he said.

Vance didn’t name anyone, but his comments came in the midst of an increasingly contentious debate over whether the right should give a platform to commentators espousing antisemitic views, particularly Fuentes, whose followers see themselves as working to preserve America’s white, Christian identity.

Fuentes has a growing audience, as does top-rated podcaster Candace Owens, who routinely shares antisemitic conspiracy theories.

“We have far more important work to do than canceling each other,” Vance said.

Vance ticked off what he said were the accomplishments of the administration as it approaches the one-year mark, noting its efforts at the border and on the economy. He emphasized efforts to end diversity, equity and inclusion policies, drawing applause by saying they had been relegated to the “dustbin of history.”

“In the United States of America, you don’t have to apologize for being white anymore,” he said.

Vance also said the U.S. “always will

be a Christian nation,” adding that “Christianity is America’s creed, the shared moral language from the Revolution to the Civil War and beyond.”

Those comments resonated with Isaiah White-Diller, an 18 year-old from Yuma, Arizona, who said he would support Vance if he runs for president. “I have my right to be Christian here, I have my right to say whatever I want,” White-Diller said.

Turning Point USA backs Vance Vance hasn’t disclosed his future plans, but Erika Kirk said Thursday that Turning Point wanted Vance “elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible.” The next president will be the 48th in U.S. history.

Turning Point is a major force on the right, with a nationwide volunteer network that can be especially helpful in early primary states, when candidates rely on grassroots energy to build momentum. In a surprise appearance, rapper Nicki Minaj spoke effusively about Trump and Vance.

Vance was close with Charlie Kirk, and they supported each other over the years. After Kirk’s assassination on a college campus in Utah, the vice president flew out on Air Force Two to collect Kirk’s remains and bring them home to Arizona. The vice president helped uniformed service members carry the casket to the plane.

Emily Meck, 18, from Pine City, New York, said she appreciated Vance making space for a wide variety of views. “We are free-thinkers, we’re going to have these disagreements, we’re going to have our own thoughts,” Meck said.

Trump has spoken highly of both Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors, even suggesting they could form a future Republican ticket. Rubio has said he would support Vance.

Asked in August whether Vance was the “heir apparent,” Trump said “most likely.”

“It’s too early, obviously, to talk about it, but certainly he’s doing a great job, and he would be probably favorite at this point,” he said.

Administration removes nearly 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial positions WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is recalling nearly 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial and other senior embassy posts as it moves to reshape the U.S. diplomatic posture abroad with personnel deemed fully supportive of President Donald Trump’s “America First” priorities.

The chiefs of mission in at least 29 countries were informed last week that their tenures would end in January, according to two State Department officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal personnel moves.

All of them had taken up their posts in the Biden administration but had survived an initial purge in the early months of Trump’s

Caldwell, Thelma

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lakeland at 10 a.m.

Associated Press

AP diplomatic writer

Funerals Today Jarreau, Wayne

BY JONATHAN J. COOPER and SEJAL GOVINDARAO

BY MATTHEW LEE

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ 7A

second term that targeted mainly political appointees.

That changed on Wednesday when they began to receive notices from officials in Washington about their imminent departures.

Ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president although they typically remain at their posts for three to four years. Those affected by the shake-up are not losing their foreign service jobs but will be returning to Washington for other assignments should they wish to take them, the officials said.

The State Department declined to comment on specific numbers or ambassadors affected, but defended the changes, calling them “a standard process in any administration.” It noted that an ambassador is “a personal representative of the president and it is the presi-

dent’s right to ensure that he has individuals in these countries who advance the America First agenda.”

Africa is the continent most affected by the removals, with ambassadors from 13 countries being removed: Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia and Uganda.

Second is Asia, with ambassadorial changes coming to six countries: Fiji, Laos, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Vietnam affected.

Four countries in Europe (Armenia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Slovakia) are affected; as are two each in the Middle East (Algeria and Egypt); South and Central Asia (Nepal and Sri Lanka); and the Western Hemisphere (Guatemala and Suriname).

REASON 93

The lack of meaningful public service journalism creates a power vacuum while leaving the community voiceless.

Marie Ardell Ferguson, a resident of Baton Rouge, LA and native of Port Allen, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the age of 83. She is survived by her husband, Charles Ferguson, Sr.; daughters, Tracy Ferguson, Kem Ferguson, and Jamie McIntyre (Ra'Mier); siblings, Joycelon Dupart, Ronald Young, Joshua Young, Youlon Young, Jr., and Kenneth Young; grandchildren, Ryan McIntyre and Charles McIntyre; and a host of relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Charles Ferguson, Jr.; parents, Mildred and Youlon Young, Sr.; and sister, Eula Jenkins. Visitation will be held at Hall's Celebration Center, 9348 Scenic Hwy. on Friday, December 26, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be at Louisiana National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Hall Davis and Son Funeral Services.

Linda S. Turner, age 75, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025. She was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and a resident of Baker, Louisiana.

She is survived by her sisters Ruth Jackson and Beulah Jefferson, and her brother Levy Spears Jr..

She is also preceded in death by her parents Levy and Clara Spears and her sisters Mary Harris, Gloria Parker, and Eloise Spears.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Hall's Celebration Center, 9348 Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Wendell Parker officiating. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Gardens in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Services are entrusted to Hall Davis and Son Funeral Services.

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Audrey Brisco Robertson entered into eternal rest Capitol Oaks Nursing Home on December 11, 2025. She was an 83-year old native of Baton Rouge,

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

White Christians aren’t putting MAGA before God I write this letter in response to the opinion of Linda Meredith of Monroe in the Dec. 8 edition titled “White Christians can’t serve God, MAGA.” Meredith states that, “You can no longer call yourself a Christian while supporting MAGA policies,” and that “White Christians who support President Trump are doomed to eternal punishment.”

Since Meredith chose to quote Scripture in her admonishment of White Christians, a few passages come to mind I would like to share with her: “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matt 7:1), “Or how can you say to your brother, Let me remove the speck from your eye; and look, a plank is in your own eye” (Matt 7:4).

As a “White Christian,” I do not serve Trump; I serve only God, my Creator and Savior. We would all be better served to pray for our elected officials for God’s wisdom and guidance and replace hate with love, since love conquers all.

STEVE FECKE Baton Rouge

Compassion for immigrants must be tempered by reason Americans have always been a caring, generous people. Recently, this is quite evident in the many letters in support of illegal immigrants. However, our caring and generosity must be tempered with common sense.

Being here illegally is a crime.

You can’t have a country without vetting and processing those who would like to come in. First and foremost, do they want to be Americans? If not, they don’t belong here.

Secondly, few, if any, illegal immigrants contribute to the tax base. They’re paid in cash and Uncle Sam sees naught. Yet, they get tremendous benefits from the federal government, utilizing a huge amount of our tax money.

Let them apply for citizenship properly and contribute as they should, and we will welcome them with open arms!

KERRY P. REDMANN Mandeville

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE ARE OUR GUIDELINES: Letters are

published identifying name and the writer’s city of residence. The Advocate | The Times-Picayune require a street address and TO SEND US A LETTER, phone number SCAN HERE for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor, The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@theadvocate.com.

Arguments for Commandments in classrooms ignore precedent

FILE PHOTO

Several major auto insurance businesses are reducing rates in Louisiana as fewer drivers are on roadways commuting to work.

Louisiana never learns right lessons on insurance Guest columnist André Comeaux’s suggestion that Louisiana should fix its auto insurance crisis by repeating the 1975 Medical Malpractice Act is the kind of idea that makes you wonder if some people look at a decades-long train wreck and think, “Let’s do that again — but faster.”

As a patient rights advocate, permit me to point out the obvious: the 1975 Medical Malpractice Act is not a model. It’s a disaster, propped up only by the insurance industry’s fond memories of how well it worked out for them.

In 1975, the act was hawked as the miracle cure for high malpractice premiums that would also improve patient access to care.

Fifty years later, premiums remain among the highest in the land, access among the worst, and Louisiana proudly boasts one of the most cruel, most restrictive malpractice systems in the United States.

If the goal was to prove that caps don’t work, congratulations — we nailed it.

The American Medical Association repeatedly ranks Louisiana among the

most expensive states for malpractice insurance. Their 2020 Tort Reform Report noted that while caps reduce payouts, they “have not stabilized premiums in highlitigation-risk states such as Louisiana.” A masterpiece of efficiency — if you’re an insurance carrier. And deception.

Independent broker MedPLI reports the same: Louisiana remains a premium hot zone. The 1975 act didn’t reduce or even stabilize premiums; it simply shifted the burden onto our most catastrophically injured victims.

And the medical malpractice cap doesn’t only limit “pain and suffering.”

Louisiana caps economic damages too.

Lost income. Lifetime earnings. Taxpayers now support these victims instead of the negligent health care providers and their insurers.

Comeaux’s siren song has too often waylaid Louisiana’s legislators into the rocks of folly while enriching the already rich.

Don’t fall for it again.

CHIP WAGAR attorney and director of the Patient Rights Advocacy Forum

Vote for Trump was not a vote for terrorizing hard-working immigrants As a proud American, a man of faith and someone who deeply loves this country, I feel compelled to speak out about something happening right here in Kenner — something that should concern every person who believes in fairness, justice and compassion.

I have supported President Donald Trump since the moment he came down the escalator at Trump Tower. I believed in his message of restoring American strength, securing our borders and removing violent criminals from our communities. Like many Republicans, I still support strong borders and sensible immigration enforcement. But what we are seeing unfold locally goes far beyond the mission of keeping Americans safe.

In Kenner, an entire Latino community — made up of hardworking families, churchgoers, taxpayers and parents of Americanborn children — is living in fear. Many were admitted under the previous administration, granted work permits and told they could build a life here. Now, despite having clean records and deep ties to the community, they are being treated as targets simply because of their skin color or heritage.

These are not rapists, gang members or violent offenders. They are our co-workers, neighbors and friends — people who contribute to our economy and our churches.

Many are married to U.S. citizens.

Many have lived here for years. And yet

STAFF PHOTO By ENAN CHEDIAK

Candles are lit during an interfaith prayer vigil for immigrants in the St. Charles Center for Faith and Action in New Orleans on Dec. 4. they find themselves terrified of losing everything they have built.

As a lifelong Republican and a Trump supporter, I never believed my vote would contribute to this kind of suffering. I believed we were going after “the worst of the worst,” not peaceful families trying to live honest lives.

It is time for us as a nation to demand a humane, reasonable and responsible approach. Those who can be vetted, who have clean records and who contribute to their communities deserve a pathway to stability — not fear.

TIMOTHY JAMES Kenner

Andrea Picciotti-Bayer’s guest column claiming that mandatory Ten Commandments displays are “well within American tradition” ignores both constitutional precedent and the realities of today’s public schools.

The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled on this issue. In Stone v. Graham (1980), the Court struck down a nearly identical law, ruling that posting the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms violates the Establishment Clause because it lacks a secular purpose. A federal appeals court recently reached the same conclusion regarding Louisiana’s newest mandate. Tradition does not outweigh the Constitution.

The article also assumes that because early American education sometimes included religious content, the government may now promote specific religious doctrine in public schools.

But historical practice is not a free pass for state endorsement of religion.

Our constitutional system has developed precisely to protect the religious freedom of every student including those who are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, nonreligious or belong to smaller faith communities.

Public schools must remain neutral spaces. Requiring a sacred text in every classroom does not simply teach moral values; it effectively elevates one religious tradition above all others.

Children who do not share that tradition can feel singled out or excluded, especially in a setting where attendance is mandatory.

We can absolutely teach ethics, respect and responsibility without treating a particular religion’s commandments as the state’s official moral code.

Civic values do not require government endorsement of religious doctrine.

No one is trying to remove religion from society. However, the government should not be in the business of instructing students directly or indirectly on which religious beliefs are correct.

Protecting religious liberty means ensuring that public institutions do not favor one faith.

Mandatory religious displays are neither constitutional nor inclusive, and they have no place in our classrooms.

KARL ALBRITTON Central

What does LSU football have to show for the millions?

The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results.

Whoever is responsible for hiring Lane Kiffin is the poster child of stupidity. In 2021, Brian Kelly was offered a 10-year contract for $95 million. At the time, Notre Dame was 11-2 and headed to a bowl game. Today, we are on the hook for $54 million as a payout while Kelly is laughing all the way to the bank. Incidentally, we just made the final payment to Ed Orgeron, completing his $16 million buyout.

Fast forward to 2025. Lane Kiffin gets offered a similar contract: $91 million for seven years. Ole Miss is 11-1 and made it to the College Football Playoff. Kiffin jumps ship and is headed to LSU. Ring any bells yet? To add insult to injury, if Ole Miss goes deep into the playoffs, LSU is on the hook to pay Kiffin an extra $150,000 to $1 million, depending on how far Ole Miss goes. Is this the definition of insanity?

They say that tax dollars are not used to pay him. I guarantee that game tickets, parking, concessions and student fees for the Tiger Athletic Fund will all increase exponentially. Is a national championship really that important? And don’t forget the amount of money ($30 million) Kiffin will get for the transfer portal.

DAVID BOHNET Slidell

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HIGH NOTE RECORD: 5-10 UP NEXT: AT TENNESSEE TITANS, NOON SUNDAy, CBS

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Saints wide receiver Chris Olave scores a touchdown on a 23-yard pass from quarterback Tyler Shough as New york Jets safety Dean Clark follows during the second half on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome. The Saints won the last home game of the season 29-6.

Shough, Saints dismantle Jets in most complete game of the year

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

Here is how far the New Orleans Saints have come in recent weeks: They are now salting away wins by trying to get their beloved players big moments late in games that have already been wrapped up.

So, after referees nullified an 18yard Taysom Hill touchdown catch in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 29-6 win against the New York Jets, head coach Kellen Moore just kept going

back to the well.

“Opportunities were certainly going his way toward the end of the game, yes,” Moore said with a smile.

The Saints’ next five offensive plays all featured Hill in some way. There were two more passes thrown his way. After a defensive stop, the next drive started with two Hill runs.

It was the fifth one that finally did the trick: Lined up at quarterback on third and 5, Hill faked a handoff,

ä See SAINTS, page 4B

New Orleans’ home finale win points to better things to come winnable games against the The Who Dat chants started Tennessee Titans and Atlanta with about nine minutes left Falcons up next.

Sunday, which tells you all Those two games are on the you need to know about what road, though. the New Orleans Saints did to This was the Saints’ last the New York Jets.

Rod chance to give the home The surging Saints needed a Walker crowd something to feel good convincing beatdown win like about in a season where that this one in their final home hasn’t always been the case. This game of the season. was one last time to make the type The 29-6 victory was the third in of impression that would make a row for the Saints, with a chance of ending the season on a five-game ä See WALKER, page 5B winning streak with potentially

Pelicans look to extend win streak vs. Mavs

Outgoing Tulane trio sees the good through rough ending

Staff writer

A historic season ended very badly for outgoing Tulane coach Jon Sumrall and senior leaders Jake Retzlaff and Sam Howard, but they were able to look past the hurt of Saturday’s 41-10 College Football Playoff demolition at the hands of Ole Miss and savor the good times.

For Sumrall, the weekend was exponentially tougher because of the death of his father, George, on Thursday night. Already handling two jobs at the same time (Florida and Tulane), he had to deal with the grief of losing a loved one.

“It’s been hard,” he said. “I’m not going to deny it.”

Sumrall found out about his father’s death when he called his mother while driving to his office on Friday morning. He asked her what he could do, and she said she was handling it and would come to the

BY GUERRY SMITH Contributing writer

BY ROD WALKER

Yes, James Borrego was thrilled to see his New Orleans Pelicans push their winning streak to four with Saturday’s 128-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

But the Pelicans’ interim ä Mavs at head coach wants more.

Pelicans 7 P.M. “Pleased, but never satisfied,” Borrego said. “That’s MONDAy,WAFB the mentality right now.”

The Pelicans had just one four-game winning streak last season.

Now they have a chance to make it five in a row Monday night when they host the Dallas Mavericks. A win would give the Pelicans their first five-game winning streak since the 2022-23 season.

ä See PELICANS, page 2B

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Tulane coach Jon Sumrall walks on the sideline during the first half of a College Football Playoff game against Ole Miss on Saturday in Oxford, Miss.

game, where she joined his wife and his brother to support him.

“I loved my dad,” he said. “I’m a lot of who I am because of how he raised me, and I can smile knowing that I’m going to live a life that’s going to honor my dad. He watched us today. He’s probably got some questions about how we played, just like I do. I just don’t have to hear them tonight from him. I’m sure I’ll hear them from my mom, though.”

Sumrall’s next game will be as coach of Florida against familiar American Conference foe Florida Atlantic on Sept. 5, but he celebrated what Tulane accomplished in winning the American Conference despite returning only five starters from 2024.

“While the outcome tonight sucks — I’m not happy with it, and there’s nothing about it I feel good about — I still feel good about this football team because we

ä See TULANE, page 3B

2B ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate H

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Fifth-ranked LSU women score 100 again

BY REED DARCEY

Staff writer

It took the LSU women’s basketball team only about five minutes to take control of the game it played on Sunday against TexasArlington — the penultimate nonconference tune-up of its season.

The No. 5 Tigers (13-0) built a quick 17-point lead over the Mavericks in the first quarter and eventually won 110-45, crossing over the century mark for the 10th time this season and winning by more than 60 points for the fifth time this year. No other Division I team has scored at least 100 points more than six times.

“The defense was better,” coach Kim Mulkey said. “We just didn’t shoot the ball good.”

A pair of frontcourt players led LSU back over the 100-point mark. Freshman Grace Knox scored a career-high 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting and grabbed 12 rebounds. Senior East Carolina transfer Amiya Joyner notched 14 points and 11 boards to post her fourth double-double of the season.

The Tigers also received 23 energetic minutes from MiLaysia Fulwiley. She scored 23 points, pulled down seven rebounds, blocked four shots and stole away five possessions, providing a spark during a game in which LSU shot an efficient 49% from the field. But that field-goal percentage is the second-lowest the Tigers have posted this season.

“We just missed too many open looks,” Mulkey said, “but I thought we were trying to stop straight-line drives and keep people out of the paint, and I thought for the most part we did better.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson, right, drives past UT-Arlington center Jeanne Rodriguez in the first quarter on Sunday at the PMAC. But man, it would be fun to shoot the ball better and play a little bit better defense and see what we really could look like.”

LSU started to pull away from the Mavericks around the time Fulwiley — the star South Carolina transfer guard — first checked into the game. The Tigers led 13-7 halfway through the first.

Then Joyner grabbed an offensive rebound and flipped a pass to Flau’jae Johnson, who stepped into an open 3-pointer from the right wing. Fulwiley took a 3 of her own on the next possession, then found a way to rebound her own miss and turn it into a layup.

Fulwiley later drove the lane, spun around and dished to Joyner,

setting her up to convert a threepoint play. Knox then notched six quick points, which she scored either at the rim or from the freethrow line, to officially put LSU on pace to score 100 again. “(Knox) is just an athlete,” Mulkey said. “Good lord, you can’t block her out. You can’t keep her from flying to the boards. She finishes in traffic. She works really hard defensively for a freshman.

She’s going to make mistakes, but her mistakes are done with effort.

“She might have had her best game here, since she’s been at LSU.” The Tigers hit the century mark in each of the first eight games they played this season, setting

an NCAA record in the process.

All those performances were balanced, efficient offensive showings — just like the one LSU put together on Sunday.

Seven Tigers scored at least five points, and five finished with at least 10. Johnson (14 points) and sophomore point guard Jada Richard (10 points) joined Knox, Joyner and Fulwiley in double figures. Richard also tallied a careerhigh four steals.

Star junior Mikaylah Williams had an uncharacteristically cold shooting day. She finished with seven points after shooting only 1 of 6 from the field and missing all four 3-pointers she attempted.

UTA shot only 23% from the field and turned the ball over 34 times. Only two Mulkey-era LSU opponents have given away more possessions than the Mavericks did on Sunday, and just four have posted a lower field-goal percentage.

LSU has now scored at least 110 points in seven games — more than twice as many as the Division I team with the second-most 110-point games (Texas).

Every active LSU player saw the floor against UTA except ZaKiyah Johnson, a freshman forward who took part in pregame warm-ups but watched the game from the bench. Mulkey characterized her absence as a slap on the wrist, saying “it ain’t a big deal.”

Mulkey said ZaKiyah Johnson will return to the floor when LSU wraps up nonconference play next Sunday at home against Alabama State. The Tigers’ 16-game SEC slate begins Jan. 1 with a home matchup against No. 12 Kentucky.

Baylor scores 71 in second half, routs Southern yessoufou has 28 points, 8 rebounds for the Bears

By The Associated Press

committing five turnovers and not making a basket for nearly four minutes. Skillings capped the run with consecutive 3-pointers.

By the final media timeout, the lead was 37 after a Yessoufou dunk as Baylor went on to outscore Southern in the second half 71-36. Yessoufou scored 16 second-half points.

Baylor went over 100 points on consecutive 3-pointers by Will Kuykendall. This was the third 100-point game this season for the Bears, who came in leading the Big 12 in scoring offense at 91.2 ppg.

Baylor led 40-31 at halftime with Yessoufou and Carr scoring 12 points apiece. Carr scored in double figures in the opening half for the 10th straight game.

WACO, Texas — Tounde Yessoufou had 28 points, eight rebounds and six assists as Baylor used a 71-point second half to beat Southern 111-67 on Sunday.

Cameron Carr added 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Dan Skillings scored 17 points, Obi Agbim had 12 and Isaac Williams 11. Caden Powell grabbed 15 rebounds.

Michael Jacobs scored 20 points to lead the Jaguars (4-8) and Malek Abdelgowad added 19.

Baylor (9-2) has won 52 consecutive home nonconference games, the second-longest active Up next streak behind Auburn with 63.

Southern plays at Illinois on Leading by nine, Baylor opened Dec. 29. the second half by outscoring Baylor is at home against ArSouthern 21-4 with the Jaguars lington Baptist on Monday.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Southern guard Michael Jacobs, right, shown during a game against Prairie View last season, led the Jags in scoring with 20 points in a loss to Baylor on Sunday in Waco, Texas.

Continued from page 1B

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Pelicans center Derik Queen shoots over Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson during the first half on Saturday at the Smoothie King Center.

The Pelicans are coming off two of their more impressive wins.

They rallied from a 25-point deficit to beat the Houston Rockets on Thursday and followed that up with a win over Indiana, where they almost led wire-to-wire. The only time the Pelicans trailed was 4-3 early in the game. The Pelicans scored 44 points in the first quarter.

“You want to be a team when

CHICAGO — The rebuilding Chicago White Sox added Munetaka Murakami to their lineup on Sunday, agreeing to a $34 million, two-year contract with the Japanese slugger.

Murakami, 25, joins a promising group of young hitters that also includes Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel and Chase Meidroth. The White Sox finished last in the AL Central this year with a 60-102 record, a 19-game improvement from the previous season.

Murakami gets a $1 million signing bonus payable within 30 days and salaries of $16 million next year and $17 million in 2027.

Murakami hit 56 homers in 2022 to break Sadaharu Oh’s record for a Japanese-born player in Nippon Professional Baseball while becoming the youngest player to earn Japan’s Triple Crown.

Blackburn staying with Yankees for $2 million

NEW YORK — Right-hander Paul Blackburn is remaining with the New York Yankees, agreeing Saturday to a $2 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

A former All-Star, Blackburn can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses for innings: $100,000 each for 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120.

Blackburn, 32, gives the Yankees pitching depth for a rotation that will be without Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón at the start of the season. Cole is expected to return to the Yankees in May or June following Tommy John surgery on March 11, and Rodón is projected back in late April or May after surgery on Oct. 15 on his left elbow.

Bell signs $7 million, 1-year contract with Twins

MINNEAPOLIS — First baseman Josh Bell and the Minnesota Twins have finalized their $7 million, one-year contract.

The sides agreed to terms Monday, pending a physical, and the Twins announced the deal Friday.

Bell gets a $250,000 signing bonus payable by Feb. 1 and a $5.5 million salary in 2026. The contract includes a $10 million mutual option for 2027 with a $1.25 million buyout for Bell, who also gets a hotel suite on road trips.

A durable switch-hitter with power, Bell projects to help fill a void at first base and designated hitter for the Twins in his 11th major league season. He hit .237 with 22 home runs and 63 RBIs this year for Washington.

Humphries Armbruster ends Germans’ streak

PELICANS

Not even the 49-win team in 2023-24 reeled off five consecutive victories. They did put together six different four-game win streaks, though.

The Pelicans improved to 7-22 with Saturday’s win. The average margin of victory during the winning streak is 14 points.

“I’m pleased with the progress, and I’m pleased with these four games,” Borrego said. “I’m proud of the group. They are putting in the effort. This is not (the time) to pat ourselves on the back and be satisfied. That’s not the process we are talking about. The goal is that every day we are pounding the rock and getting better. Then on to the next challenge.”

The next challenge is a Mavericks team that has won seven of its past 10 games. The Pelicans and Mavs (11-18) split their first two games in Dallas. The Pels squeaked out a 101-99 victory in early November, but the Mavs got revenge two weeks later with a 118-115 win.

White Sox add Murakami with $34M, 2-year deal

Zion Williamson, in his third straight game coming off the bench after returning from his injury, tied a season-high with 29 points in Saturday’s win. The game before that, it was Saddiq Bey with a season-high 29 against the Rockets. Last Sunday, it was Trey Murphy and Jeremiah Fears, each scoring 20 points, that put the Pels over the Chicago Bulls.

“We’ve got a lot of guys who can make it happen,” Williamson said.

“With the talent we’ve got, it can be anybody’s night.”

The four-game winning streak is the second-longest active streak in the NBA, trailing only the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have won five straight heading into their game Sunday against the Washington Wizards.

“It’s not easy winning in the NBA,” Williamson said. “When you do get wins, you enjoy them for that night and go on to the next game.”

Monday’s game is a chance for the Pelicans to do something they were unable to do the past two seasons.

someone is in your house, you throw the first punch,” Borrego said after Saturday’s win. “And we need to get there. We want to be a team that throws the first punch and keeps punching. I felt that today. We had a couple lighter blows, but we were in general trying to throw some punches that landed. In general, from start to Email Rod Walker at finish, we did that.” rwalker@theadvocate.com.

Kaillie Humphries Armbruster has won dozens of races in her bobsled career. The victory she got Sunday was like none of the others. It was her first since she turned 40. And it was her first since becoming a mother.

With the Milan Cortina Olympics less than two months away, Humphries Armbruster seems to be hitting her best form once again. She teamed with Emily Renna to win a World Cup two-woman race in Sigulda, Latvia, her first victory on the circuit since winning a monobob race on that same track on Feb. 18, 2023.

The victory by Humphries Armbruster also snapped a 20-race World Cup winning streak for Germany in the two-woman event, dating back to Jan. 22, 2023, in Altenberg.

Schwarz scores World Cup giant slalom victory

ALTA BADIA, Italy — Marco Schwarz won the World Cup giant slalom Sunday on the classic Gran Risa course where Marco Odermatt, the dominant skier of his generation, had won five of the past six giant slaloms.

Schwarz got a wire-to-wire win by protecting his first-run lead to finish 0.18 seconds ahead of Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil.

“This victory means a lot to me,” said Schwarz, who missed almost a full year of racing through injury since his previous win in a slalom in December 2023. “It’s good for the soul, good for the whole team,” he said, after hugging thirdplaced Austria teammate Stefan Brennsteiner in the finish area.

Odermatt placed sixth, trailing 0.82 behind Schwarz’s two-run time.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ 3B

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL JMU puts up fight, but Group of 5 teams still have much to prove

BY ANDREW DESTIN AP sportswriter

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ROGELIO V. SOLIS

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss dives into the end zone for an 8-yard rushing touchdown against Tulane during their game in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday in Oxford, Miss.

Ole Miss embraces rematch with Georgia at Sugar Bowl

BY CHRIS BURROWS

ä Georgia vs Ole Miss.

OXFORD, Miss. — The Mississippi Rebels head into a second successive rematch in the College Football Playoff — this time facing the only team to beat them this season.

Ole Miss (12-1) defeated Tulane 41-10 Saturday in the opening round, nearly matching a 45-10 regular season home triumph over the Green Wave in the fourth week of the regular season.

Next up for the sixth-seeded Rebels is a clash with third-seeded Georgia (12-1), the Southeastern Conference champs, in the quarterfinal round at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Jan. 1.

The Bulldogs defeated visiting Ole Miss in a 43-35 shootout on Oct. 18, rallying from a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

“We’re looking forward to playing them again,” said wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, who had his team-high sixth touchdown catch of the season against Tulane.

“Georgia is impressive. But there were things in that game that we could have done better.”

Unlike the first meeting, the Rebels have been through extensive changes, topped by Pete Golding replacing Lane Kiffin as coach two days after the final game of the regular season.

Kiffin departed for LSU on Nov. 30, opening the door for Golding,

who had served three years as the Rebels’ defensive coordinator.

Ole Miss made a seamless transition in Golding’s head coaching debut in the lopsided home win over Tulane. The Rebels will be hoping for a carryover effect in the Sugar Bowl, a neutral site with historical ties for both programs.

“I know how much it means to be playing in New Orleans,” said Golding, who grew up not far from the Big Easy in Hammond, Louisiana. “We will enjoy this one tonight and tomorrow we start preparing for Georgia.”

While the Bulldogs began the season as a favorite for a CFP berth, Ole Miss’ emergence was less predictable.

Early uncertainty regarding the Rebels’ prospects stemmed from the fact they had to replace 20 starters — and then move former Division II quarterback Trinidad Chambliss to the starting role after an early season injury to opening week starter Austin Simmons.

“We never doubted that we were a playoff team when the summer practice started,” Chambliss said.

“There were doubters that thought we would be a mid-tier SEC team, maybe. We knew we were a playoff team.”

Georgia and Ole Miss now join Alabama and LSU as the only

Associated Press

7 P.M. JAN. 1, ESPN

teams to appear in the Sugar Bowl at least 10 times. But this Sugar Bowl will be the first in 60 years featuring two SEC squads.

That 1964 game also featured Ole Miss. Their opponent was Alabama, with a 12-7 win in the old Tulane Stadium during snowy weather — which doesn’t happen in New Orleans that often.

Postseason history aside, the Ole Miss players and coaches were quick to dismiss words and phrases such as revenge or payback in the postgame news conference.

Instead, the theme focused on opportunity and respect.

In the regular season contest, both offenses combined for 10 touchdowns and more than 850 yards of total offense. The Rebels scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions while Georgia never faced a punting situation — a fact not lost on Ole Miss defenders such as defensive tackle Will Echoles.

“We’ve talked about that, and we talked about it again tonight after the game. I mean, we’ve got to do everything better,” Echoles said.

“That was a bad game for our defense — a really bad game. Period.

We know we will have to play our best game.”

TJ Dottery, the leading tackler for the Rebels, added: “Physicality. That’s what Georgia brings. But that’s what I look forward to, is the physicality of the game.”

Oregon bracing for stiffer test from Texas Tech

TULANE

Continued from page 1B hoisted a championship trophy two weeks ago,” he said. “I told them that in 30 or 40 years, they’ll bring them back for a celebration.

I’ll probably need a cane to walk around and celebrate with them, but I’m going to celebrate.”

Retzlaff, who transferred from BYU in late July, and Howard, who played the latter part of the season with a fractured fibula, will be part of that celebration.

Retzlaff’s last game with the Wave was a three-turnover performance, but Tulane would have been nowhere near the CFP without him after he set a school record for quarterbacks with 16 touchdowns rushing.

“To get to come here, it’s been just an unbelievable blessing,” he said. “The way they took a chance on me so late, when they could have easily said no, they said, yeah, bring it on. Everybody in the program embraced me. I’m so grateful for that because it didn’t feel like I was showing up to a new team the first day of school. It felt like I was showing up to a bunch of guys who wanted me to be around.

It made my transition so easy.”

Howard made six tackles as he and his teammates tried in vain to slow down a prolific Rebels offense that hung more than 40 points on the Wave for the second time this year.

“Tulane has been one of the highlights of my life so far,” he said after a journey that took him from original walk-on status at FCS Austin Peay to 113 tackles and 20 wins in two years with the Wave. “We’re going to live forever, man. They’re like my brothers. Jake is like my brother. We just met in August but we feel like we’ve been together

EUGENE, Ore. — Perhaps it was James Madison going for it twice on fourth down on its first drive of the game.

Or, maybe it was coach Bob Chesney calling for a wide receiver pass on the Dukes’ second series of the evening. Even 12thranked James Madison successfully pulling off a fake punt could have adequately explained what the scoreboard failed to convey.

It was clear that the fifth-ranked Oregon Ducks were in a different class than their visitors in a 51-34 win in a College Football Playoff first round matchup Saturday at Autzen Stadium. Oregon led 48-13 midway through the third quarter before the Dukes added three late touchdowns to make the final score appear closer than the game really was.

“I think the scoreboard itself, every time we got down there we kind of shot ourselves in the foot,” Chesney said. “If we did not do that, if we did not end with 13 penalties, is this a little bit of a different game? Maybe. But at the same point in time, that’s a tough offense to stop, and I think it’s tough for a lot of teams in the entire country to stop.”

With James Madison’s loss, Group of Five teams fell to 0-4 all-time in CFP games. No. 17 Tulane fell 41-10 to No. 6 Mississippi on Saturday, too, while Penn State beat Boise State 31-14 in last year’s Fiesta Bowl. Alabama topped Cincinnati 27-6 in a 2022 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl.

Following their loss to Ole Miss, Green Wave head coach Jon Sumrall brushed aside any notion of his team not belonging among the last 12 standing.

“We’re our conference champion and the rules are what they were, and I think there should be access for at least one G5 team moving forward,” Sumrall said. “I do. I think you should have given the American champion an opportunity before the ACC champion this year because we beat the ACC champion. So Duke won the ACC Championship; we beat them.”

To Sumrall’s point, Tulane beat a pair of Power Four teams in Northwestern and Duke, but those schools combined to go 1411 in 2025.

James Madison, meanwhile,

lost to its only Power Four opponent this season, with Louisville beating it 28-14 in a game in which the Dukes mustered just 263 yards of total offense. Most of the season, James Madison ran with the ball with ease against its opponents, rushing for over 300 yards in a game five times and over 200 yards in a game nine times.

But on Saturday, the Dukes mostly abandoned the run after quickly falling behind, and instead often turned to Sun Belt Player of the Year and quarterback Alonza Barnett III, who attempted a career-high 48 passes in the contest. Even so, Barnett was confident his team belonged in the CFP over other Power Four schools.

“I believe people saw that we were meant to be on this level.

When you look at the Power Four teams and whatever, the destiny is really — the ball is in your court.

You control your own destiny,” Barnett said. “Most of those teams that didn’t make it, they controlled their own destiny, and we handled what we could handle and we didn’t give into outside noise.”

Among Group of Five schools, James Madison did fare the best of any of them on offense in the CFP. The other three programs scored a combined 30 points in their respective playoff games, a total James Madison eclipsed against the nation’s eighth-ranked scoring defense.

But where the Dukes fell flat was slowing down the Ducks’ ninth-ranked scoring offense.

Oregon ran the ball with ease, averaging more than 7.7 yards per attempt against James Madison’s run defense that entered the contest allowing the second-fewest yards per game in the country.

As has often been the case in matchups between Power Four and Group of Five teams, the greatest discrepancies existed in the trenches. To a man, James Madison could not adequately match up with Oregon, just as Tulane couldn’t with Ole Miss and many other Group of Five programs before them both failed to do.

“I think there were moments today where I feel like we could play with them,” Chesney said. “ And I think that today, the complimentary football, and us playing in the way we needed to just did not exist.”

BY ANDREW DESTIN

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Tulane linebacker Sam Howard, left, and quarterback Jake Retzlaff hug following a College Football Playoff loss to Ole Miss on Saturday in Oxford, Miss.

“Tulane has been one of the highlights of my life so far. ... We’re going to live forever, man.”

SAM HOWARD, Tulane linebacker forever because this team is that special.”

Howard played a huge role in making the Wave’s season special.

“He’s the heartbeat of this team,” defensive coordinator Greg Gasparato said. “It’s just a good reminder to everybody, that’s what you recruit. You recruit warriors that are going to hold everybody to their highest level.”

The overmatched Wave could not find that level against Ole Miss, falling behind by double digits midway through the first quarter, never getting closer than 11 and

watching the game really get out of hand in the second half.

“I love those guys,” offensive coordinator Joe Craddock said.

“It’s really hard to look at some of them knowing that it might be the last time they ever play college football or football in general and maybe the last time I get to coach them.”

Craddock and Gasparato almost certainly will not return — both are expected to join Sumrall at Florida — but they saw a bright future for the program. Just as Tulane used its loss to Army in the 2024 American Championship game as motivation for winning it this season, it expects the playoff defeat to be a galvanizing force in 2026.

“Moving forward, our guys know what it feels like,” Gasparato said.

“We got where we wanted to go, and now when we get there (again), what are we going to do with it?”

ä Oregon vs. Texas Tech.

AP sportswriter

7 P.M. JAN. 1, ESPN

COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. — Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi did not mince words when assessing the fifth-ranked Ducks’ defensive performance in a 51-34 win over No. 12 James Madison in a College Football Playoff game.

While three of James Madison’s touchdowns came after Oregon built a 48-13 lead, Lupoi was still upset with the Ducks allowing a whopping 509 yards of offense.

“It’s a bittersweet feeling that we get to move on and very thankful for that,” Lupoi said. “But if we played anywhere remotely close this next game the way we did in the second half, we’re going to have a disappointed feeling after the game.”

What looms next for Oregon (121) is a bout with Texas Tech in a quarterfinal game at the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1. The Ducks opened as a 1 1/2-point favorite, per BetMGM College Football odds.

The fourth-ranked Red Raiders (12-1) should pose a much stiffer test for Oregon than James Madison did, considering they have the top run defense in the country and one of the best defenses in the nation overall.

Only three opponents have rushed for over 100 yards in a game against Texas Tech this season, and no team has rushed for over 200 yards against them since Arizona State did so in a 26-22 loss to the Sun Devils on Oct. 18.

“Texas Tech is a really great team, a really good defense,” wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan said.

“Keeping our composure, everybody just going out there and doing our (job) should be the key for us.”

It’ll be critical for Oregon to avoid

some of the mistakes that plagued it against James Madison, albeit none of them too consequential. While the Ducks established the run against a defense that ranked second in the nation in total yards allowed per game on the ground and Oregon quarterback Dante Moore threw four touchdown passes, he also tossed a pair of interceptions.

Moore, who has started all of 13 games for the Ducks in his Oregon career, has quickly learned of the standard coach Dan Lanning expects of his team, and that his latest performance left plenty of room for nitpicking ahead of a critical clash with the Red Raiders.

“Everybody knows how Coach Lanning is. He’s psycho,” Moore said. “He’s going to make sure he’s going to pressure us at practice. He’s going to put that fire under us and it’s needed.”

No fly zone Oregon’s secondary struggled a bit in the second half against Sun Belt Player of the Year Alonza Barnett III, who completed 23 of 48 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns. The 323 total yards passing allowed by the Ducks was their second-most yielded all year. USC had 330 on Nov. 22 in a 42-27 win.

Oregon’s third-ranked pass defense will be challenged again in the Orange Bowl by Texas Tech, which is led by fifth-year quarterback Behren Morton and features the second-ranked scoring offense. Morton leads the Big 12 in completion percentage (67%) and has tossed 22 touchdowns against just four interceptions.

4B ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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SAINTS 29, JETS 6

BY THE NUMBERS

SAINTS NOTEBOOK

New Orleans 29, N.Y. Jets 6 N.Y. Jets 3 3 0 0 — 6 New Orleans 3 6 7 13 — 29 First Quarter NYJ—FG Folk 29, 10:38. Drive: 8 plays, 26 yards, 4:01. Key Plays: Cook 12 pass to I.Williams; Cook 4 pass to I.Williams on 3rdand-12. N.Y. Jets 3, New Orleans 0.

NO—FG Smyth 35, 6:31. Drive: 13 plays, 43 yards, 4:07. Key Plays: Hill 1 run on 3rdand-1; Shough 10 pass to Ju.Johnson on 3rd-and-5; Shough 6 pass to Tipton on 3rdand-10. N.Y. Jets 3, New Orleans 3.

Second Quarter NO—FG Smyth 49, 14:18. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:59. Key Plays: Shough 20 pass to Olave; Shough 17 pass to Hill. New Orleans 6, N.Y. Jets 3.

NYJ—FG Folk 36, 12:38. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 1:40. Key Play: Cook 25 pass to I.Davis.

N.Y. Jets 6, New Orleans 6.

NO—FG Smyth 36, 1:31. Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards, 5:46. Key Plays: Shough 15 pass to Austin; Shough 9 pass to Olave on 3rdand-10; Hill 2 run on 4th-and-1; Shough 15 pass to Ju.Johnson; Shough 12 pass to Tipton. New Orleans 9, N.Y. Jets 6.

Third Quarter NO—Olave 23 pass from Shough (Smyth kick), :41. Drive: 12 plays, 93 yards, 5:20. Key Plays: Shough 12 pass to Estime; Shough 18 pass to Olave; Estime 4 run on 3rd-and-3.

New Orleans 16, N.Y. Jets 6.

Fourth Quarter NO—FG Smyth 50, 11:09. Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards, 1:36. Key Play: Tipton 12 run. New Orleans 19, N.Y. Jets 6.

NO—FG Smyth 39, 5:17. Drive: 10 plays, 23 yards, 3:51. Key Plays: Sanker 29 interception return to N.Y. Jets 44; Estime 5 run on 3rd-and-3; Shough 11 pass to Olave on 3rdand-9; Shough 7 pass to Hill on 3rd-and-18.

New Orleans 22, N.Y. Jets 6.

NO—Olave 38 pass from Hill (Smyth kick), 1:54. Drive: 3 plays, 44 yards, 00:56. New Orleans 29, N.Y. Jets 6.

A—70,043.

NYJ NO FIRST DOWNS 12 23 Rushing 5 6 Passing 6 17 Penalty 1 0 THIRD DOWN EFF 2-15 8-17 FOURTH DOWN EFF 2-4 1-2 TOTAL NET YARDS 195 412 Total Plays 63 78 Avg Gain 3.1 5.3 NET YARDS RUSHING 64 84 Rushes 20 25 Avg per rush 3.2 3.36 NET YARDS PASSING 131 328 Sacked-Yds lost 8-57 3-18 Gross-Yds passing 188 346 Completed-Att. 22-35 33-50 Had Intercepted 1 0 Yards-Pass Play 3.047 6.189 KICKOFFS-EndZone-TB 3-0-0 8-8-6 PUNTS-Avg. 5-46.2 1-46.0 Punts blocked 0 0 FGs-PATs blocked 0-0 0-0 TOTAL RETURN YARDAGE 76 83 Punt Returns 0-0 2-10 Kickoff Returns 2-76 2-44 Interceptions 0-0 1-29 PENALTIES-Yds 7-54 3-30 FUMBLES-Lost 1-1 1-1 TIME OF POSSESSION 28:42 31:18 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—N.Y. Jets, Hall 16-54, Davis 3-8, Cook 1-2. New Orleans, Hill 12-42, Estime 5-19, Tipton 1-12, Shough 2-8, Hull 5-3.

PASSING—N.Y. Jets, Cook 22-35-1-188. New Orleans, Shough 32-49-0-308, Hill 1-1-0-38.

RECEIVING—N.Y. Jets, Smartt 5-34, Davis 4-52, I.Williams 4-25, A.Mitchell 3-43, Ruckert 2-14, Hall 2-9, T.Johnson 1-7, Metchie 1-4.

New Orleans, Olave 10-148, Johnson 8-89, Hill 4-36, Tipton 4-29, Estime 3-17, Austin 2-18, Moreau 1-5, Stoll 1-4.

PUNT RETURNS—N.Y. Jets, None. New Orleans, Pettis 2-10.

KICKOFF RETURNS—N.Y. Jets, I.Williams 1-42, Nwangwu 1-34. New Orleans, Pettis 2-44.

TACKLES-ASSISTS-SACKS—N.Y. Jets, Sherwood 7-4-1, Q.Williams 6-5-0, Moore 5-3-0, J.Clark 3-2-0, Stiggers 3-2-0, McDonald 3-1-1, D.Clark 3-1-0, Walker 2-5-0, Phillips 1-4-0, Stephens 1-4-0, Saunders 1-2-0, J.Johnson 1-1-0, McGregor 1-1-0, Briggs 1-0-1, King 1-0-0, Tufele 0-1-0. New Orleans, Taylor 5-2-1, Jordan 4-0-2, Reid 3-6-0, McKinstry 3-2-0, D.Davis 2-6-0, Stutsman 2-3-0, Shepherd 2-1-1, Godchaux 2-0-0, Sanker 1-4-0, Ridgeway 1-3-0, Granderson 1-2-0, Rumph 1-1-1, C.Young 1-1-1, Riley 1-1-0, Werner 1-1-0, Stalbird 1-0-1, Williams 1-0-1, Ford 0-2-0, Bresee 0-1-0, Bullard 0-1-0.

INTERCEPTIONS—N.Y. Jets, None. New Orleans, Sanker 1-29.

MISSED FIELD GOALS—New Orleans, Smyth 61.

OFFICIALS—Referee Clay Martin, Ump Steve Woods, HL Jerod Phillips, LJ Brian Perry, FJ Dave Hawkshaw, SJ Alonzo Ramsey, BJ Greg Wilson, Replay Bryant Thompson.

SAINTS

Continued from page 1B then dropped back and saw a wide open Chris Olave — Olave only being in that position because he heard what the play call was and demanded to be on the field for it.

Hill’s 38-yard touchdown pass to Olave in the closing minutes capped off the Saints’ win in style.

That play had little to do with the outcome of the game, but probably says just as loud as anything else how much has changed since a difficult start to the season.

New Orleans is riding a threegame win streak, which is a modest achievement until viewed through the lens of what has happened here lately.

There have been 32 win streaks of at least three games in the NFL this season. But for the Saints, it’s the first three-game win streak in three years.

Some of the traditional winning football things have powered this turnaround. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough continued his excellent play, throwing for a careerhigh 308 yards. A consistently tough defense made life miserable for the opposing quarterback, undrafted rookie Brady Cook, sacking him eight times and forcing a pair of turnovers.

But there also exists an undeni-

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth kicks a 39-yard field goal as Kai Kroeger holds the ball during the second half of the game against the New york Jets on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome.

Kicker Smyth ties Saints record

BY MATTHEW PARAS, ROD WALKER AND LUKE JOHNSON Staff writers

Charlie Smyth might have been the only person in the Caesars Superdome disappointed when Taysom Hill threw a touchdown bomb to Chris Olave late in Sunday’s 29-6 win for the New Orleans Saints. Well, besides those on, or rooting for, the New York Jets, of course.

Hill’s touchdown cost the Irish kicker a chance at setting his own Saints record.

“I didn’t know the circumstances for Taysom, so whenever I heard that, I was super pumped up for him,” Smyth said, referring to the possibility that Sunday’s contest could have been his teammate’s last home game.

The 24-year-old will have to settle for a tie instead.

In just his fourth game with New Orleans, Smyth tied a franchise record with five field goals made. He still had a shot to break the record beyond Hill’s score, but he missed a 61-yarder before halftime.

Still, it was an impressive day for Smyth, whose makes came from 35, 49, 36, 50 and 39 yards.

Smyth, who didn’t start kicking

able other. For as bad as this team has been at times this year, it never fractured. Several players praised the head coach and the culture in the locker room for keeping this season on the rails when it could have gone sideways.

“The reality is there’s been, there’s been no quit in anybody in that locker room, and everyone’s still competing and playing for one another,” Hill said. “And, God, that’s a fun environment to be in.”

They also sense the beginning of something brewing.

Shough is a big part of that. The rookie played a large part in delivering a win for the fourth time in his seven starts. Sunday, he needed to elevate an offense that was playing without its top three running backs, its starting right guard and the receiver he’s come to lean on in recent weeks.

So New Orleans leaned on Shough. He dropped back to pass more than 50 times against the Jets, completing 32 of his 49 attempts for 308 yards and a score.

After the game, Shough was lamenting the missed opportunities.

“We left a lot out there, quite frankly,” Shough said.

It took the Saints almost three full quarters to find the end zone, which they did when he hit Olave for a 23-yard score on a beautifully designed play in which Olave beat man coverage by running a wheel route underneath two in-breakers

an American football until August 2023, also nailed his two extra points.

During the game, the team’s public address announcer revealed Smyth’s record to the crowd and the kicker was seen making a hand gesture that indicated he wanted “one more” shot to make Saints history.

He didn’t get it, but reiterated that he was happy for Hill. The feat was last done by Blake Grupe in 2023.

“It’s been unreal,” Smyth said.

Another milestone for Olave Chris Olave joined some elite company Sunday.

Late in the third quarter, Olave caught his 90th pass of the season.

He is one of just five players in Saints history to catch that many passes in a season.

He joins Michael Thomas, Jimmy Graham, Marcus Colston and Joe Horn.

Thomas did it four times, including the 2019 season when he caught an NFL record 149 passes.

Horn caught 90 passes in a season twice, while Colston and Graham did it once.

That wasn’t the only milestone for Olave.

Olave also eclipsed the 1,000-

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough runs the ball against the New york Jets on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome. Shough threw for a career-high 308 yards.

from the inside position in a threeman bunch.

Olave finished with 10 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns — all either matching previous career bests or setting new ones.

But while Shough was not satisfied, the fact is that he led 10 drives and all but three of them ended with a scoring opportunity. New

yard mark for the season. It’s the third time the fourth-year receiver has had 1,000 receiving yards in a season. He also did it in his first two seasons after finishing with just 400 yards last season, when he played in just eight games.

The only other Saints’ pass catchers to have three such seasons are Colston (5), Thomas (4), Eric Martin (3), and Horn.

Injury report

Orleans punted just one time Sunday, a feat they’ve only managed twice since Drew Brees retired.

And Shough did not have to do it alone, either.

Though the offense too frequently bogged down in Jets territory, kicker Charlie Smyth was there to pick them up.

New Orleans turned to Smyth earlier this season after its patience with incumbent kicker Blake Grupe had worn thin. Smyth has been a revelation since, and that was especially true Sunday.

In his fourth game of American football at any level, Smyth matched a franchise record by successfully knocking five field goals through the uprights Sunday. His only miss came from 61 yards out at the end of the half, a kick that had plenty of leg but sailed wide to the left of the uprights. He has now made nine of his 11 attempts this season.

The Saints defense didn’t need everything Smyth and the Saints offense provided.

New Orleans allowed just 195 net yards of offense against the Jets. Just two of New York’s 63 offensive plays gained more than 20 yards, and its long run went for 7 yards. Meanwhile, the Saints stacked the negative plays against the Jets.

Cam Jordan recorded sacks on consecutive plays, continuing his late-career resurgence. Nathan Shepherd, whom the Jets drafted

in 2018, got one back against his old team with a strip sack of Cook.

Chase Young got one, but so too did corner Alontae Taylor, linebacker Isaiah Stalbird and reserve defenders Jonah Williams and Chris Rumph. That is eight sacks in total, accounting for 57 lost yards.

“The shout-outs took a while in the locker room, because there was a bunch of guys making plays today,” Moore said.

And when the Jets were finally able to get the ball going forward, the Saints were there to make them pay for that, too.

Rookie safety Jonas Sanker spent a good chunk of the game waiting for the Jets to run a particular route out of a particular formation. He knew he had to drive on it hard when he saw it.

Sure enough, in the fourth quarter, New York tried it on a fourth-down play and Sanker jumped the route for his second career interception.

It all added up to the Saints’ most convincing win of the season. The 29 points scored represented the offense’s best output this season.

Ditto for the six points allowed by the defense.

There won’t be a playoff matchup waiting for this team at the end of the regular season. But with two games left to play, it is clear it is playing for something else.

Tight end Foster Moreau and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee both left Sunday’s game with injuries and did not return.

Moreau left in the third quarter with an ankle issue that stemmed from what coach Kellen Moore described as a “hip drop” tackle.

Bresee left the game with a knee injury on the ensuing Jets drive, as he had to be helped off the field Streak snapped by the athletic training staff after The Saints finally won their first the Saints recorded a third-down game in their black alternate hel- stop.

Moore said he’d have more submets, which debuted in 2022.

Before Sunday’s win against the stantive updates Monday for both New York Jets, the Saints were of his injured players.

0-6 in their black helmets. Starting with a 28-25 loss to the Min- Odds and ends nesota Vikings in London, they Cam Jordan led the final Who Dat proceeded to lose their next five chant of the season … New York games in the alternates by an av- finished Sunday’s game with 195 net yards of offense. It was the erage of 8.8 points per game.

Maybe Sunday’s win was a re- second time this season the Saints sult of a completely new uniform held a team below 200 yards of tocombination: New Orleans wore tal offense … Three Saints rookthe gold alternate jerseys that ies received fines from last week’s they’d debuted in Week 1 against win against Carolina: Devin Neal was the Arizona Cardinals, but this fined $5,015 for a violent gesture, uniform featured matching gold Kelvin Banks was fined $11,593 for pants. New Orleans wore black taunting and Danny Stutsman was pants in its Week 1 loss. fined $6,095 for illegal use of the helmet.

Email Luke Johnson at ljohnson@theadvocate.com.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ 5B

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SAINTS 29, JETS 6 THREE AND OUT: JEFF DUNCAN’S TOP THREE TAKEAWAyS FROM SAINTS’ LAST HOME GAME OF THE SEASON

1

SHOUGH WAS OFFENSIVE CATALYST Saints quarterback Tyler Shough carried the offense for the second consecutive week, completing 32 of 49 passes (61%) for 308 yards and a touchdown. It was the first 300-yard passing game of Shough’s NFL career. The rookie sliced and diced the Jets defense with a high-precision, short passing game. Saints coach Kellen Moore has leaned heavily on this offensive strategy in recent weeks and Shough has proven to be effective at finding open receivers with quick, short strikes.

2

JORDAN IS AN AGELESS WONDER Saints defensive end Cam Jordan keeps defying Father Time. The Saints veteran continues to have a breakout season at the age of 36. He single-handedly derailed the Jets’ final drive before halftime with back-to-back sacks. He now has a team-high 81/2 sacks on the season. This is the ninth season of his 15-year career with at least eight sacks. His 130 career sacks moved him ahead of Rickey Jackson (128) for 17th on the NFL’s all-time list.

3

THE DEFENSE DOMINATED It was another strong performance by the Saints defense, which held the Jets without a touchdown and sacked rookie quarterback Brady Cook a season-high eight times. Seven different Saints defenders recorded sacks. The Saints limited the Jets to just 12 first downs and 195 yards total offense while holding them to 2 of 15 thirddown conversions. The defense has made a striking improvement in the second half of the season under first-year coordinator Brandon Staley.

‘A SPECIAL DAY’

Possible final Dome game sees Jordan, Hill deliver for Saints

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

Before they played in Sunday’s win over the New York Jets, Cam Jordan and Taysom Hill processed what could have been their last game at the Caesars Superdome almost entirely differently.

Jordan was well-prepared for the possibility. The 36-year-old defensive end received a whopping 24 field passes for his family and friends, so they could enjoy the moment with him. Another 10 to 15 or so got access to his suite, he said. His sister flew in from Germany. His brother came from Arizona. Throw in his dad, cousins, agent and manager in the mix. Jordan knew it was going to be a party.

Hill? His family was there, too. But the moment didn’t hit the 35-year-old until he was driving on the way to the stadium, thinking about the last nine years and what they had meant.

Hours later, recalling his commute, Hill started to cry.

“You just try to take it all in,” Hill said. “We had a great experience here tonight. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but it was a special day for me and my family.”

If this was it for Jordan and Hill in the Dome, they delivered quite the performances to go out on.

Jordan had back-to-back sacks on Jets quarterback Brady Cook and climbed his way up the all-time sack leader standings, while Hill threw a 38-yard touchdown and set an NFL record in the Saints’ home finale of the 2025 season.

The two will be free agents after the year, but have not made a decision — at least publicly — on whether they want to keep playing. The Saints would also need to show interest in retaining them, something that remains to be seen.

But on a day when rookie quarterback Tyler Shough topped 300 yards for the first time, and the Saints received contributions from a long list of young players, Jordan and Hill — two of the team’s oldest players — reminded plenty of people not to count them out just yet.

“Those guys are the best,” coach Kellen Moore said. “They’ve done this for a very long time in this league. They are the ultimate lead-by-example guys, and for them, the effort they put into

reached new levels last year due to a position coach he disliked, former defensive line coach Todd Grantham, and his reduced role. But the two sides have since smoothed their relationship thanks to a new staff and a role that better suits him. Though he’s played less than half the snaps since Chase Young’s return, Jordan is happy the Saints are at least using him at edge rusher.

“Apparently, I’m not a nose tackle,” said Jordan, who is now 17th on the NFL’s official all-time sack list.

Hill’s performance, by contrast, was more unexpected. Since coming back from a serious knee injury, and combined with his age, Hill had lacked his usual explosiveness and wasn’t nearly as effective when called upon. That again looked like it was going to be the case Sunday when he fumbled on the Saints’ opening drive and the Jets recovered.

But fittingly, Hill made up for that mistake by contributing in a number of ways. He converted a fake punt. The quarterback caught four passes for 36 yards, becoming the first player in the Super Bowl era to have at least 1,000 yards passing, rushing and receiving.

STAFF PHOTOS By DAVID GRUNFELD He even appeared to haul in a touchSaints tight end Taysom Hill runs up the middle for a first down against the New down, though the score was wiped out york Jets during the first half of the game on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome. by a penalty.

Then there was the touchdown pass, this season … it’s really, really special. possibly the quarterback’s last. Moore “You even watch it on the field: These said afterward that he was determined guys are playing really good football to get Hill a score once his receiving right now.” touchdown was negated, something Between the two, Jordan’s day was Hill said he could tell by the play calls less of a surprise. The pass rusher that immediately followed. had already shown throughout the Others recognized the gesture, as year that he could contribute. His 81/ 2 well. Up late in the fourth, Chris Olave was supposed to be out of the game sacks lead the Saints, and with his two when he learned that the Saints were sacks Sunday, Jordan earned another about to call the play for Hill to air it $800,000 as part of a contract bonus out. from his reworked deal in the offseaOlave wasn’t going anywhere. son. Jordan considers the payment a “I definitely wanted to be a part of “recouping” of what he was owed, in that,” Olave said. part because he believes he can still “Honestly, I was a little bit surprised perform at a high level. He has long when it came in,” Hill said with a smile, said he only needs an opportunity to later adding, “God, it was a great way show what he can do. to seal a game.”

Even if Jordan never lost confidence When the game was over, both playalong the way, his year has changed perceptions. Instead of wondering ers made sure to soak in the moment if Jordan will — or should — retire, a little while longer — just in case this Saints fans likely wonder what it will was it. Jordan posed for photos on the cost to bring the pass rusher back for Superdome turf with his family, who a 16th season. New Orleans has needed were holding up multiple “fat heads” his production, which is at its highest Saints defensive end Cam Jordan of Jordan’s head shots throughout his since 2022, when he also finished with 15-year career. Hill also lingered with starts the Who Dat chant before a 8.5 sacks. his group, though he stopped to take Jordan even saw the dynamic shift game against the New york Jets on pictures with security guards and othfirsthand by how those closest to him Sunday. er workers. approached his potential final game in Then, eventually, they made their the Dome — a storyline he admittedly man, the way I almost body-slammed way to the exits, unsure if they’d be went through in 2024. a coach.’ I said, ‘Hey man, it might be here again next year.

“This year, everybody texted me headed this way.’ And then now, every(for tickets),” Jordan said. “Last year, body’s trying to parktake.”

Email Matthew Paras at matt.

I was texting everybody. I said, ‘Hey, Jordan’s frustration with the Saints paras@theadvocate.com

RESULTS

Sept. 7

L

20-13

Sept. 14

L

26-21

Sept. 21

L

44-13

Sept. 28

L

31-19

Oct. 5

W

26-14

Oct. 12

L

25-19

Oct. 19

L

26-14

Oct. 26

L

23-3

Nov. 2

L

34-10

Nov. 9

17-7 W Nov. 23

L

24-10

Nov. 30

L

21-17

Dec. 7

WALKER

Continued from page 1B fans want to return to the Dome next season and make the building as loud as it used to be. This was a chance to show Saints fans that the future is indeed bright.

First-year Saints head coach Kellen Moore knew how important that was, which is why he made finishing up in the Dome with a bang a point of emphasis all week.

“Let’s finish off the right way,” Moore said. “This has been an awesome place for building something really special. When we play in this Dome, special things can happen.

We’ve allowed the last couple wins to help the crowd get into it and we can build from there.”

Let’s be clear.

Beating the lowly Jets (3-12) won’t have the national media raving about the Saints on Monday morning. And it shouldn’t.

But if you’re a Saints fan, you can probably stick your chest out a little further this offseason knowing that Moore seems to have this team heading in the right direction. You’ll be

able to talk a little bit more smack this summer than you did this past one. The Saints took care of business against the Jets, which hasn’t always been the case. Moore somehow steadied the ship. A team that was once 1-8 has now won four of its past six games to improve to 5-10.

With two games remaining, the Saints have already exceeded the 4.5 over/under on wins that the oddsmakers in Vegas projected.

And they probably have exceeded the expectations of first-year Jets coach Aaron Glenn.

Glenn, who played for the Jets and Saints and was once a Saints assistant, only did a virtual interview with the team in January when the head coaching position was open. Instead, he accepted the Jets’ job.

But Sunday made one thing clear.

The Saints are in a much better position than the Jets. The Saints have found their quarterback in rookie Tyler Shough, who threw for over 300 yards for the first time in his career.

The Jets, meanwhile, will go into the offseason still trying to find theirs.

The Saints sacked Jets undrafted rookie Brady Cook eight times and intercepted him once.

The Saints’ defense and the devel-

opment of Shough look promising.

Especially considering Shough was playing behind a makeshift offensive line and with very few of the weapons the Saints started the season with.

The Saints led just 9-6 at halftime, but outscored the Jets 20-0 the rest of the way. The day went so well for the Saints that Moore couldn’t even remember how many game balls he passed out after the game.

“I’ll have to tally them up later,” Moore said. “It was a healthy list.”

It ended up being 13. They ranged from old timers like Cam Jordan (2 sacks) and Taysom Hill (1 TD pass, 42 rushing yards, 36 receiving yards) to rookies like Shough (308 passing yards) and kicker Charlie Smyth, who had never played in an NFL game until three weeks ago. Smyth tied a franchise record with five field goals.

“I see a bright future with all the guys we have,” Jordan said. “I’m mad it took us this long to find some success. Once you find some success, you find out how to win. Winning, for some reason, feels better. The drinks, lemonade or whatever you like to drink, goes down smoother.”

And the Who Dat chants become a little louder. And sometimes when the game gets out of hand, those chants

come a little sooner. This time, they came just moments after rookie Jonas Sanker picked off a pass with 9:17 left to pretty much seal this win. The Saints were leading 22-6 at the time, plenty of cushion against a team like the Jets.

“It’s momentum,” said Saints safety Justin Reid. “We are building something here. We are not tucking away. We are not coasting. We can attack the offseason feeling confident in who we are and what our identity is, so we can come in next year and dominate the division. We are the best team in the NFC South right now. Unfortunately, we can’t make the playoffs.”

But in a season that started with so much frustration, they can still give the fans something to cheer about.

Reid was born and raised in Louisiana, so he knows how important that is.

“When you win, the whole city glows,” Reid said. “The whole city is happy. Everyone has a great time.

The bars are going to be full tonight.”

A win like Sunday’s should have the Dome full, too, when the Saints return home next season.

Email Rod Walker at rwalker@theadvocate.com.

W

24-20

Dec. 14

W

20-17

Dec. 21

29-6 W

Dec. 28 at Titans Noon

Jan. 4 Falcons TBD

6B ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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PRO FOOTBALL NFL ROUNDUP

Lawrence’s 4 TDs propel Jaguars past Broncos

By The Associated Press DENVER — Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score, leading Jacksonville to a resounding 34-20 win that snapped Denver’s 11-game winning streak.

The AFC South-leading Jaguars (11-4) won their sixth straight game and handed the Broncos (12-3) their first loss since Week 3. It was also Denver’s first loss at home since Oct. 13, 2024, snapping the Broncos’ 12-game home winning streak.

The Broncos’ lead over the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West was sliced to a single game. The teams play in Week 18.

After Broncos rookie RJ Harvey pinballed his way for a 38yard touchdown to tie it at 17 on the opening drive of the second half, it was all Jacksonville.

Lawrence scored on a 1-yard keeper, then hit Parker Washington for 63 yards to set up Travis Etienne Jr.’s 10-yard TD catch.

After Bo Nix fumbled his exchange with running back Jaleel McLaughlin, Lawrence drove Jacksonville on its fifth consecutive score, a 26-yard field goal by Cam Little that made it 34-17 early in the fourth quarter.

Parker caught six passes for a career-best 145 yards and a TD. CHARGERS 34, COWBOYS 17: In Arlington, Texas, Justin Herbert threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score and Los Angeles closed in on a playoff spot with a victory over Dallas.

The Chargers’ fourth consecutive victory gave them a chance later in the day to clinch their second postseason berth in two seasons under coach Jim Harbaugh.

LA (11-4) would be in with a loss or tie by either Indianapolis or Houston.

Dak Prescott had TD passes on his first two drives but couldn’t find the end zone again for Dallas, which was eliminated from the playoffs for the second year in a row with Philadelphia’s NFC East-

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DAVID ZALUBOWSKI

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence runs for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in Denver on Sunday. clinching victory at Washington on Saturday.

VIKINGS 16, GIANTS 13: In East Rutherford, New Jersey, J.J. McCarthy ran for a touchdown before leaving with an injury to his right, throwing hand, and backup quarterback Max Brosmer helped Minnesota win its third game in a row, beating New York in a matchup of teams eliminated from playoff contention.

McCarthy was injured on a strip sack by Brian Burns in the final minute of the first half, when it appeared the Vikings (7-8) were going to let the clock run out. Instead, Burns forced McCarthy to fumble with a crushing hit and Tyler Nubin returned it 27 yards for a touchdown.

Brosmer led a go-ahead scoring drive in the fourth quarter that ended with Will Reichard making a 30-yard field goal. The rookie

completed 7 of 9 passes for 52 yards in his fourth NFL appearance and first since throwing four interceptions Nov. 30 in a 26-0 loss at Seattle.

BENGALS 45, DOLPHINS 21: In Miami Gardens, Florida, former LSU star Joe Burrow rebounded from his first time being shut out to throw for 309 yards and four touchdowns as Cincinnati routed Miami.

Miami (6-9) and Cincinnati (5-10) were both eliminated from playoff contention last week, but the teams insisted they were still motivated for the final three games of the season.

It appeared that way in the first half. Cincinnati held a 17-14 halftime lead before blowing the game open with 28 points off four straight Dolphins turnovers.

BILLS 23, BROWNS 20: In Cleveland, James Cook rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns, Josh Allen

played through a foot injury and the Buffalo Bills drew closer to a playoff berth with a victory over Cleveland.

Ty Johnson also had a rushing score for the Bills (11-4), who have won four straight and five of six.

Allen played the second half despite injuring his right foot during the second quarter.

TITANS 26, CHIEFS 9: In Nashville, Tennessee, Cam Ward threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, and Tennessee snapped an 11game home skid by beating Kansas City.

The Titans (3-12) improved to 1-7 at home this season with their first win at Nissan Stadium since Nov. 3, 2024. The skid matched the franchise’s worst since moving to Tennessee in 1997.

With two games left, the Chiefs (6-9) are assured of their first losing record since 2012 — their most

recent season without Andy Reid as their coach. Kansas City has lost four straight, its longest skid since 2017, and six of seven.

FALCONS 26, CARDINALS 19: In Glendale, Arizona, Bijan Robinson gained 171 yards from scrimmage and had a touchdown catch, Kirk Cousins threw two TD passes and ran for a score, and Atlanta held on to beat Arizona.

The Falcons (6-9) won for the second straight week, with both coming on the road.

Arizona’s defense made a fourthdown stop at its own 40-yard line with 2:05 left, setting up a chance to tie the game or take the lead, but Atlanta’s C.J. Henderson made a diving interception of Jacoby Brissett’s pass with 1:30 remaining to seal it.

TEXANS 23, RAIDERS 21: In Houston, C.J. Stroud threw a touchdown pass, Derek Stingley returned an interception for a score and Houston beat Las Vegas for their seventh straight victory and the Raiders’ ninth loss in a row.

Houston (10-5) has its longest winning streak since a nine-game run in 2018. The Texans remain a game behind first-place Jacksonville — a winner in Denver on Sunday — in the AFC South. The Raiders are 2-13.

Stingley’s touchdown came in the first quarter, and Ka’imi Fairbairn made three field goals to help the Texans to the win on a day when their offense struggled.

STEELERS 29, LIONS 24: In Detroit, Pittsburgh pushed Detroit to the brink of elimination from the playoffs, holding on for a win when Jared Goff’s touchdown on the final play was negated by an offensive pass-interference penalty on Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Goff threw a fourth-down pass to St. Brown just short of the goal line. The receiver pushed off cornerback Jalen Ramsey to get free, and before the Steelers could bring St. Brown to the ground, he threw the quarterback a lateral to set up an apparent score.

Panthers beat Bucs and Eagles eye bigger goals after take over the NFC South winning another NFC East title

By The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The playoffstarved Carolina Panthers left the locker room Sunday happy, but not yet satisfied.

The Panthers finally figured out a way to beat Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a 23-20 victory that gave them sole possession of first place in the NFC South with two games remaining. But they are well aware they may need to do it again in Week 18 to earn their first division title in a decade and snap a seven-year playoff drought.

Carolina (8-7) could wrap up with the NFC South next Sunday with a win over Seattle and a Tampa Bay (7-8) loss to Miami. However, if the Bucs beat the Dolphins, Carolina would need to beat Tampa Bay in the regular-season finale to end the Bucs’ four-year reign as division champions.

Panthers coach Dave Canales said the team’s locker room is filled with “hope and belief” that the franchise’s fortunes could be about to change.

“Everything is right in front of us still,” Canales said. “To give ourselves a chance to play meaningful football at this time of the year, those guys have earned that. They have earned because of the work they put in and being accountable to each other.”

And because third-year quarterback Bryce Young continues to make big plays when it matters most.

Young threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns, and rookie safety Lathan Ransom intercepted Mayfield with 42 seconds left. Of Young’s 14 wins as an NFL starter, 12 have come on game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime.

“We have the utmost confidence in Bryce,” said tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, who caught a 6-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter after Young eluded three defenders in the pocket. “He isn’t our quarterback for no reason. Everything he has gone through to get to this point today, the resilience and the mental toughness and the way he carries himself, it all plays a part in that.”

BY AARON BRACY Associated Press

AP PHOTO By JACOB KUPFERMAN

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan celebrates after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in Charlotte, N.C.

It was the third straight loss for the reeling Buccaneers, who were hoping the return of injured wide receiver Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan might spark a playoff run.

“The biggest thing is our confidence is good and our camaraderie is good,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said. “But that’s not enough right now. It’s the execution that we’re lacking and missing a few things here and there. ... Hopefully, in two weeks we get a chance to see them again and play for something.”

The Panthers were coming off a heartbreaking loss last Sunday to New Orleans on a last-second field goal, aided by a late hit by Ransom on sliding quarterback Tyler Shough on the final drive. The flag pushed the Saints safely into field goal range for the win.

But Ranson got his redemption on Sunday.

With the Bucs down 23-20 and driving for the go-ahead score — or at least the tying field goal — there was a miscommunication on a second-and-9 pass play at the Carolina 42 between Mayfield and Evans, and Ransom made a sliding catch for the interception.

“I was trying to find a lane to step through and make a throw to him,” Mayfield said. “(Evans) thought I was going to scramble, which based on some of the scrambles earlier to that, so you can’t blame him.”

The Philadelphia Eagles have their sights on something bigger after becoming the first repeat NFC East champion in 20 years with their win over Washington.

The defending Super Bowl champs played one of their most complete games of the season offensively and defensively against the Commanders to clinch the division, marking the first time since Philadelphia won four in a row between 2001–04 that any NFC East team captured consecutive titles.

“Obviously, in this division, we’ve seen the data says it’s hard to repeat as winners in this division,” coach Nick Siranni said.

“We’ll celebrate it. We’ve got a lot to clean up. And then we got a lot more goals on our mind.”

Namely, a second straight Lombardi Trophy.

Two weeks ago, that would have been laughed off by even the most ardent Eagles fans after three straight losses had Philadelphia looking nothing like the team that defeated Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. But things can change quickly in the NFL and the Eagles followed a 31-0 get-well home blowout of the hapless Raiders on Dec. 14 with a really strong showing at Washington.

Jalen Hurts looked as good as he has all season while throwing for 185 yards and a pair of touchdowns, with a 111.1 passer rating, and rushing for 40 more yards.

The same can be said for running back Saquon Barkley, who gained 132 yards and a score on 21 carries, including a punishing 12yard TD run in the fourth quarter during which he broke at least five tackles to reach the end zone. He later broke off a 48-yard scamper to help ice the game.

Afterward, their comments about winning the division were muted compared to the outstanding performances they had just put forth.

“There’s a first time for everything,” Hurts said. “So, I’m just

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By STEPHANIE SCARBROUGH

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts talks to the media during a news conference following a game on Saturday in Landover, Md. happy we were able to check that off the box.”

Said Barkley: “It’s a big deal. But it’s kinda like, you enjoy it for — you’re going to enjoy it now, take the day off, and then right back to work.”

What’s working Offense and defense. Hurts looked as sharp as he has all season in connecting with receivers, eluding the pass rush and finding running lanes when the pass protection broke down. He found A.J. Brown plenty, too, hitting the star receiver nine times for 95 yards on 12 targets in a season that has seen Brown disgruntled at times by what he felt like was a diminished role. But the two are back to making plays like they did on Philadelphia’s championship run last season.

Barkley won’t reach 2,000 yards on the ground this season like a year ago, but he now has rushed for 1,072 yards and appears to be finding his stride after admittedly saying he was in a funk earlier in the season. Tight end Dallas Goedert has been consistent all season and made a stellar, leaping 15-yard touchdown with 3:27 left in the third quarter that put Philadelphia ahead for good.

Defensively, the Eagles held Washington to 130 passing yards, making it three consecutive games in which opposing offenses have

failed to reach 150 yards through the air. Defensive back Cooper DeJean had a key interception of third-stringer Josh Johnson with 32 seconds left in the third quarte.

Defensive tackle Jordan Davis made six tackles, four of which were solo, and stuffed the Commanders’ rushing attack.

What needs help Special teams. Will Shipley fumbled the opening kickoff return, setting Washington up for a chip-shot field goal to open the scoring. Of even bigger concern was the play of Jake Elliott. The normally reliable kicker officially missed two field goals, from 43 and 52 yards, and didn’t connect on a 57-yarder that was nullified due to penalty. All three were wide left.

Stock up Goedert. After making his 10th touchdown reception, he’s one away from breaking the singleseason club record by tight ends, set by Pete Retzlaff in 1965.

Stock down Tush Push. Philadelphia’s once seemingly unstoppable shortyardage play has suddenly bottomed out. The Eagles were unsuccessful on all three tries against the Commanders, getting stopped once and twice being pushed back 5 yards by their own false starts.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ 7B

lll

Rivers, Colts ready to take on the 49ers

BY MICHAEL MAROT AP sportswriter

INDIANAPOLIS — The last time Philip Rivers suited up inside Lucas Oil Stadium, he and his Indianapolis Colts teammates clinched a playoff spot.

A lot has changed in those five years.

Rivers left the NFL, started coaching high school football in Alabama, became a grandfather and shocked the ä 49ers at Colts, world by 7:15 P.M. MONDAy, ESPN coming out of retirement and nearly leading the Colts to a victory last week in Seattle.

He returned to his former team with old friend Shane Steichen calling the plays for a franchise under new ownership. And on Monday night, he’ll be playing in front of a near capacity home crowd — something he didn’t get to do during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic year.

Still, two things have not changed: Rivers remains stuck on 134 career wins and the Colts haven’t reached the playoffs since he was Indy’s starter the last time.

The 44-year-old quarterback believes he can achieve both over the next three weeks or he wouldn’t be

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LINDSEy WASSON

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers throws against the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 14 in Seattle. playing.

“I know the NFL is a big deal and this, and it can be whatever it can be,” Rivers said after rejoining the Colts. “But to me, it’s like ‘Hey, you get to play football, potentially, for four more weeks and maybe then some.’ And as long as I can live with the results, both good or

bad, and go back home and move on, then I was willing to go for it, and I was able to get to that place mentally.”

While many around the league — from Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Tennessee defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons — lauded Rivers’ effort to make a

comeback, most were intrigued to see how Rivers would play.

Yes, he does have some physical limitations, and, yes, concerns about his mobility, his ability to throw deep and the long layoff prompted Steichen to take a safer approach in last week’s 18-16 loss at Seattle.

While Indy leaned heavily on its ground game and a short passing game to protect Rivers from taking needless hits, he still went 18 of 27 with 120 yards and threw an interception on Indy’s final offensive play.

The Colts (8-6) lost their fourth straight game to remain one spot outside the AFC’s seven-team playoff field, and Rivers acknowledged this week he must be better over the final three games to save Indy’s fading playoff hopes.

Still, the 49ers (10-4) know what they’re up against. Three years ago, when San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan was looking for stability at quarterback, he reached out to Rivers. Because the need didn’t actually arise until the NFC championship game, Rivers never signed.

But after studying last week’s tape, Shanahan believes Rivers still has what it takes.

“I see a guy who knows how to

play the position as good as anyone,” Shanahan said. “I think he had 27 throws in that game and every ball goes right to the exact spot. He attacked their coverages great. He played against a very good pass rush and was able to get rid of the ball. He’s one of the best quarterbacks I’ve ever watched, and he definitely helped that team.”

This week might not look much different despite Rivers getting a full week of practice and an extra day to study game tape.

The reason: San Francisco has struggled recently against the run because of a rash of injuries to its front seven. But Steichen and Rivers both acknowledged this week that Indy needs to be more aggressive this week.

Can Rivers get it done at his age?

Only time will tell.

“I don’t really feel any limitations pushing the ball down the field. I’m not going to throw it 60 yards, but I can’t name many times that I did that anyway,” Rivers said Thursday. “Obviously, the name of the game is winning and so, obviously, we moved past (last week’s game) and I know the guys have been great already this week.

“We’ll be fired up for this one on Monday night.”

SCOREBOARD Odds Sports Betting Line NFL Monday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O-U UNDERDOG San Francisco 6½ 5½ (46½) at IND

College Football

L.A. Chargers 34, Dallas 17 Minnesota 16, N.Y. Giants 13 New Orleans 29, N.Y. Jets 6 Tennessee 26, Kansas City 9 Atlanta 26, Arizona 19 Jacksonville 34, Denver 20 Houston 23, Las Vegas 21 Pittsburgh 29, Detroit 24 New England at Baltimore, n San Francisco at Indianapolis, 7:15 p.m.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O-U UNDERDOG Utah State 1½ 2½ (52½) Wash St

Tuesday

College football Tuesday’s game

Boca Raton Bowl FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O-U UNDERDOG Louisville 9½ 7½ (44½) Toledo New Orleans Bowl FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O-U UNDERDOG W. Kentucky 3½ 4½ (55½) S. Miss Frisco Bowl FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O-U UNDERDOG UNLV 3½ 4½ (62½) Ohio

Salute to Veterans Bowl

Hawai’i Bowl FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O-U UNDERDOG Cal 1½ 1½ (54½) Hawaii

Xbox Bowl

Wednesday

Friday

GameAbove Sports Bowl FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O-U UNDERDOG Northwstrn 12½ 10½ (43½) C. Michigan Rate Bowl FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O-U UNDERDOG Minnesota 3½ 2½ (47½)New Mexico First Responder Bowl FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O-U UNDERDOG UTSA 8½ 8½ (59½) Florida Intl

Jacksonville State 17, Troy 13

Wednesday’s games Cure Bowl

Old Dominion 24, South Florida 10

68 Ventures Bowl

Delaware 20, UL 13

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 34, No. 8 Oklahoma 24

AMERICAN CONFERENCE East

Monday’s game

New England Buffalo e-Miami e-N.Y. Jets

W 11 11 6 3

L 3 4 9 12

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .786 .733 .400 .200

PF 382 434 317 282

PA 276 344 369 426

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Jacksonville Houston Indianapolis e-Tennessee

W 11 10 8 3

L 4 5 6 12

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .733 .667 .571 .200

PF 410 346 392 251

PA 312 249 303 403

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

Pittsburgh Baltimore e-Cincinnati e-Cleveland

W 9 7 5 3

L 6 7 10 12

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .600 .500 .333 .200

PF 365 335 359 246

PA 350 320 458 355

Frisco Bowl

x-Denver L.A. Chargers e-Kansas City e-Las Vegas

W 12 11 6 2

L 3 4 9 13

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .800 .733 .400 .133

PF 362 349 337 217

PA 295 301 294 386

W y-Philadelphia 10 e-Dallas 6 e-Washington 4 e-N.Y. Giants 2

L 5 8 11 13

T 0 1 0 0

Pct .667 .433 .267 .133

PF 349 424 309 313

PA 289 454 404 412

W Carolina 8 Tampa Bay 7 e-Atlanta 6 e-New Orleans 5

L 7 8 9 10

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .533 .467 .400 .333

PF 287 347 307 255

PA 337 377 360 338

W 11 9 8 7

L 4 5 7 8

T 0 1 0 0

Pct .733 .633 .533 .467

PF 387 364 452 305

PA 354 303 374 320

W L T x-Seattle 12 3 0 x-L.A. Rams 11 4 0 x-San Francisco 10 4 0 e-Arizona 3 12 0 e-Eliminated from playoffs x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division

Pct .800 .733 .714 .200

PF 443 457 344 321

PA 279 299 293 414

West

NATIONAL CONFERENCE East

South

North

x-Chicago Green Bay Detroit e-Minnesota

West

Thursday’s games

Seattle 38, L.A. Rams 37, OT

Saturday’s games

Philadelphia 29, Washington 18 Chicago 22, Green Bay 16, OT

Sunday’s games

Buffalo 23, Cleveland 20 Carolina 23, Tampa Bay 20 Cincinnati 45, Miami 21

Bradley 73, Southern Illinois 69 Drake 66, Evansville 65 Illinois State 85, Indiana State 65 Iowa State 91, Long Beach State 60 Michigan 102, La Salle 50 Milwaukee 81, Cleveland State 71 Minnesota 78, Campbell 50 Murray State 85, Valparaiso 79 Purdue Fort Wayne 72, Notre Dame 69 Saint Louis 93, New Hampshire 79 UConn 72, DePaul 54 Wichita State 88, Eastern Kentucky 57

SOUTHWEST

Saturday’s games

First round No. 10 Miami (Fla.) 10, No. 7 Texas A&M 3 No. 6 Ole Miss 41, No. 17 Tulane 10 No. 5 Oregon 51, No. 19 James Madison 34

NFL Glance

Alabama 92, Kennesaw State 81 Charleston 85, Northern Kentucky 74 Charlotte 88, UIC 76, OT Chattanooga 73, Alabama A&M 66 Clemson 68, Cincinnati 65 Florida 90, Colgate 60 Furman 84, Charleston Southern 76 George Mason 86, Loyola (Md) 79 Miami (FL) 105, North Florida 67 Middle Tennessee 74, Cumberland University 58 North Carolina State 76, Ole Miss 62 Radford 97, VMI 90 South Florida 94, UMBC 69 Tennessee 94, Gardner-Webb 52 UAB 72, UNC Asheville 47 UNC Greensboro 131, Virginia-Lynchburg 53 Vanderbilt 98, Wake Forest 67 Winthrop 107, Clinton College 41

MIDWEST

Thursday’s games

College Football Playoff

Pro football

North

SOUTH

Monday’s games

Monday

South

Monmouth 76, Lehigh 62 Mount St Marys 73, Penn State-Brandywine 42 Navy 70, Rosemont College 23 Pittsburgh 80, Penn State 46

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

Tuesday’s games Boca Raton Bowl

New Orleans Bowl

Baylor 111, Southern University 67 Incarnate Word 90, Northern Arizona 66 Oklahoma State 94, Cal State Fullerton 89 SMU 99, Central Arkansas 82 Stephen F. Austin 103, Dallas 55 TCU 80, Florida A&M 56 Texas A&M 118, East Texas A&M 77 UC Irvine 74, North Dakota State 73

FAR WEST

California 74, Columbia 56 Gonzaga 91, Oregon 82 New Mexico State 87, Sam Houston 78 Oregon State 78, Arizona State 75 Pacific 95, Nicholls State 82 San Francisco 94, Morgan State 64 UC Davis 93, Idaho State 83 USC 102, UC Santa Cruz 63

State women’s schedule

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

Saturday’s games

Tulane 76, Delaware State 44 Texas State 79, UL-Monroe 69 Southern Miss 76, UL 58 Memphis 70, Southeastern 66 Louisiana Tech 97, Central Baptist 42

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

Wednesday’s game

Sunday’s games

Hawai’i Bowl

Mercer-Detroit 70, Tulane 67 Northwestern State 60, Lamar 57 LSU 110, Texas-Arlington 45 Southern Methodist 74, Southern 62

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)

FCS Playoffs

Villanova (12-2) vs. Illinois St. (11-4), n Montana St. 48 Montana 23

College basketball State men’s schedule

Saturday’s games

Northwestern State 108, SUNO 55 UL 76, UL-Monroe 62 Tulane 63, Portland State 61

Sunday’s games

Baylor 111, Southern 67 Nicholls at Pacific, n

Monday’s games

Dallas Christian at Louisiana Tech, 1 p.m.

Prairie View A&M at LSU, 6 p.m.

Men’s National scores Sunday’s games EAST

Boston University 88, UMass Lowell 76 Cornell 83, Albany 75 Delaware State 73, Holy Family 61 Drexel 74, Maine 56 Hofstra 74, Quinnipiac 66 Manhattan 87, Presbyterian 81 Marist 70, Stony Brook 51

Monday’s games

LeTourneau University at Grambling, noon

Women’s National scores Sunday’s games EAST

Akron 94, Le Moyne 68 Albany 52, Hofstra 43 American 65, UMBC 61 Bryant 72, Franklin Pierce 45 Duquesne 84, Pittsburgh 69 Fairfield 84, Merrimack 65 Fordham 86, St. Francis (PA) 61 George Washington 75, Northwestern 62 Holy Cross 78, UMass Lowell 56 Loyola (MD) 65, Morgan State 58 Maine 59, Harvard 57 Mount St Marys 65, Iona 55 Providence 68, Georgetown 61, OT Quinnipiac 76, Marist 67 Richmond 70, Penn State 54 Sacred Heart 61, Rider 59 Saint Joseph’s 73, Delaware 66 Saint Peter’s 81, Niagara 72 Siena 73, Canisius 56 West Virginia 101, Houston 46

SOUTH

Alabama 77, Troy 59 Bradley 62, Northern Kentucky 61 Clemson 84, North Florida 62 Cleveland State 82, Puerto Rico-Bayamon 45 Detroit Mercy 59, Delaware State 46 East Carolina 81, Campbell 59 East Tennessee State 51, Charlotte 50 Elon 58, Norfolk State 41 Georgia 82, Coppin State 55 Jacksonville State 74, Presbyterian 39 LSU 110, UT Arlington 45 Longwood 98, UNC Wilmington 72 Mercer 70, Tulane 67, OT

Miami (FL) 85, Kennesaw State 55 North Carolina 93, Charleston Southern 74 North Carolina State 68, Davidson 59 Northwestern State 60, Lamar 57 South Florida 86, Navy 74 Tulsa 74, Florida 67 Virginia Tech 79, Radford 47 West Georgia 72, Florida A&M 57

MIDWEST

Dayton 75, Evansville 66 Indiana 71, Western Carolina 44 Iowa State 79, Kansas 76 Lindenwood 87, Eastern Illinois 55 Michigan 97, Oakland 54 Michigan State 115, Indiana State 66 Minnesota 68, Drake 43 Missouri 84, North Alabama 57 Nebraska 87, California Baptist 56 Northern Iowa 58, St. Thomas 40 Notre Dame 110, Bellarmine 38 Oklahoma State 91, Cincinnati 63 Purdue 93, Jackson State 62 Texas 70, South Dakota State 51 Wisconsin 81, IUPUI 72

Sunday’s games

Chicago 152, Atlanta 150 Brooklyn 96, Toronto 81 New York 132, Miami 125 Minnesota 103, Milwaukee 100 San Antonio 124, Washington 113 Houston at Sacramento, n

Monday’s games

Charlotte at Cleveland, 6 p.m.

Indiana at Boston, 6:30 p.m.

Dallas at New Orleans, 7 p.m.

Utah at Denver, 8 p.m.

Memphis at Oklahoma City, 8:30 p.m.

Detroit at Portland, 9 p.m.

Orlando at Golden State, 9 p.m.

SOUTHWEST

SMU 74, Southern University 62 Santa Clara 84, North Texas 72 Texas A&M 93, Prairie View A&M 60 Texas Tech 61, Baylor 60

Late Saturday

New Orleans 128, Indiana 109

FAR WEST

INDIANA (109)

Arizona State 79, Colorado 63 Gonzaga 68, UC Riverside 62 Loyola Marymount 76, Southern Utah 68 Portland 98, Portland State 53 San Jose State 61, Sacramento State 56 Stanford 64, Oregon 53 Washington 90, Pacific 50 Weber State 74, Omaha 61

Mathurin 2-9 0-0 4, Siakam 6-14 8-11 22, Huff 3-8 3-3 9, Nembhard 2-11 2-2 7, Q.Jackson 1-3 0-2 2, I.Jackson 1-4 2-4 4, Walker 2-11 2-3 7, Wiseman 3-5 0-0 6, Furphy 7-10 3-3 18, Mathews 2-2 1-2 7, McConnell 8-10 0-0 16, Thompson 3-7 0-0 7. Totals 40-94 21-30 109.

No. 5 LSU 110, Texas-Arlington 45

TEXAS-ARLINGTON (6-6)

Mila Reynolds 2-10 2-2 6, Kira Reynolds 1-7 5-6 7, Atchison 2-10 0-0 6, Haizlip 1-3 2-2 5, Amiyah Reynolds 1-4 1-2 3, Bello 0-2 0-0 0, Rodriguez 1-1 2-3 4, Goudeau 0-4 1-2 1, Robinson 2-7 3-5 7, Sellers 2-4 2-2 6, Totals 12-52 18-24 45

LSU (13-0)

Joyner 6-7 2-3 14, Koval 2-7 3-3 7, Johnson 6-10 0-2 14, Richard 3-6 3-4 10, Williams 1-6 5-8 7, Knox 10-18 5-6 25, Yarnevich 1-3 2-5 4, Bourrage 0-2 0-0 0, Fulwiley 9-15 5-8 23, Hines 2-8 1-1 6, Totals 40-82 26-40 110 Texas-Arlington 10 11 14 10 — 45 LSU 27 30 26 27 — 110 3-Point Goals—Texas-Arlington 3-15 (M.Reynolds 0-5, Atchison 2-6, Haizlip 1-1, Goudeau 0-3), LSU 4-16 (Johnson 2-3, Richard 1-2, Williams 0-4, Fulwiley 0-3, Hines 1-4). Assists—Texas-Arlington 5 (M.Reynolds 2), LSU 18 (Johnson 4). Fouled Out—Texas-Arlington Bello, LSU Koval. Rebounds—Texas-Arlington 29 (Atchison 5), LSU 62 (Knox 12). Total Fouls—Texas-Arlington 28, LSU 22. Technical Fouls—Texas-Arlington Team 1. A—11,163.

Pro basketball NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division Detroit New York Boston Philadelphia Orlando Toronto Cleveland Miami Atlanta Chicago Milwaukee Charlotte Brooklyn Indiana Washington

W 22 20 17 16 16 17 15 15 15 13 11 9 8 6 5

L 6 8 11 11 12 13 14 14 15 15 18 19 19 22 22

Pct .786 .714 .607 .593 .571 .567 .517 .517 .500 .464 .379 .321 .296 .214 .185

GB — 2 5 5½ 6 6 7½ 7½ 8 9 11½ 13 13½ 16 16½

L 3 7 7 8 8 10 13 15 15 16 18 17 21 22 22

Pct .893 .750 .741 .704 .680 .655 .536 .483 .464 .429 .379 .370 .250 .241 .214

GB — 4 4½ 5½ 6½ 6½ 10 11½ 12 13 14½ 14½ 18 18½ 19

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division Oklahoma City San Antonio Denver L.A. Lakers Houston Minnesota Phoenix Golden State Memphis Portland Dallas Utah L.A. Clippers New Orleans Sacramento

W 25 21 20 19 17 19 15 14 13 12 11 10 7 7 6

Saturday’s games

Houston 115, Denver 101 Boston 112, Toronto 96 Philadelphia 121, Dallas 114 New Orleans 128, Indiana 109 Detroit 112, Charlotte 86 Washington 130, Memphis 122 Orlando 128, Utah 127, OT Portland 98, Sacramento 93 L.A. Clippers 103, L.A. Lakers 88 Golden State 119, Phoenix 116

NEW ORLEANS (128)

Bey 6-14 5-5 18, Murphy III 5-8 5-5 17, Queen 8-8 0-0 17, Fears 2-6 1-2 5, H.Jones 2-6 0-0 5, Williamson 9-14 11-13 29, Matkovic 3-5 0-0 6, Peavy 3-4 0-0 8, Missi 2-3 0-0 4, Alvarado 1-5 0-0 3, Hawkins 0-2 0-0 0, Poole 4-10 7-9 16.

Totals 45-85 29-34 128.

Indiana 27 22 30 30 — 109 New Orleans 44 20 34 30 — 128 3-Point Goals—Indiana 8-42 (Mathews 2-2, Siakam 2-7, Furphy 1-3, Nembhard 1-4, Thompson 1-5, Walker 1-8, McConnell 0-2, Q.Jackson 0-2, Huff 0-4, Mathurin 0-5), New Orleans 9-27 (Peavy 2-2, Murphy III 2-5, Queen 1-1, H.Jones 1-2, Alvarado 1-4, Bey 1-4, Poole 1-7, Fears 0-1, Matkovic 0-1). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Indiana 42 (Huff 6), New Orleans 49 (Queen 10). Assists—Indiana 28 (McConnell 8), New Orleans 25 (Poole 6). Total Fouls—Indiana 26, New Orleans 25.

A—16,434 (16,867)

Transactions BASEBALL

Major League Baseball American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Agreed to terms with INF Munetaka Murakami on a two-year contract.

CLEVELAND GUARDIANS — Agreed to terms with RHP Shawn Armstrong.

BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association NBA — Fined Minnesota coach Chris Finch $35,000 for directing inappropriate language towards game officials and failing to leave the court in a timely manner in the Dec. 19th game vs. Oklahoma City.

SAN ANTIONIO SPURS — Signed G Stanley Umude to a Two-Way contract. Waived G Kyle Mangas.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League COLORADO AVALANCHE — Recalled D Ilya Solovyov from Colorado (AHL).

DETROIT RED WINGS — Reinstated F Mason Appleton from injured reserve.

EDMONTON OILERS — Sent F Quinn Hutson to Bakersfield (AHL). Reinstated F Jack Roslovic from long-term injured reserve.

Transferred D Connor Clattenburg from injured reserve to long-term injured reserve.

MINNESOTA WILD — Recalled F Ben Jones from Iowa (AHL).

MONTREAL CANADIENS — Recalled F Sammy Blais from Laval (AHL). Placed F Jake Evans on injured reserve.

NEW JERSEY DEVILS — Loaned F Nathan Legare to Utica (AHL).

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING — Sent F Jakob Pelletier to Syracuse (AHL).

COLLEGE

KANSAS — Suspended men’s basketball assistant coach Joe Dooley for three weeks.

SUNDAY’S FAIR GROUNDS RESULTS POST TIME: 12:45 PM Track Condition: fast

First Race — Purse $14,000, Claiming $5,000, 3 yo’s & up, Six Furlongs

1-Gold Plus (Lopez P.) $4.20 $3.20 $2.40 5-Thisoneisforyou (Pedroza, Jr. M.) $4.20 $3.20 3-Foxy Zorra (Castillo I.) $3.00 Also Ran: Spicy Italian, Sister Saint, She’s Extra.

Race Time: 1:11.60 Exacta (1-5) $8.90; Superfecta (1-5-3-6) $5.72; Trifecta (1-5-3) $11.45 Claimed: Spicy Italian ($5,000.00, Owner: L and G Racing Stables, Trainer: Cesar Govea)

Second Race — Purse $14,000, Claiming $5,000, 3 yo’s & up, Six Furlongs

8-Tap the Tequila (Castillo I.) $115.20 $35.00 $16.80 1-Sir Mack (Murray E.) $4.80 $3.60 4-Catchin Drama (Rea H.) $6.80 Also Ran: Righteous Freedom, Cash Holiday, Half Way There, Patek, Seeking a Soldier, Pasketee, Queen’s Knight.

Race Time: 1:12.79 Daily Double (1-8) $99.30; Exacta (8-1) $406.00; Superfecta (8-1-4-10) $1,516.13; Trifecta (8-1-4) $961.85 Claimed: Half Way There ($5,000.00, Owner: Thomas Ajubita and Sturges Ducoing, Trainer: Sturges Ducoing)

Third Race — Purse $54,000, Maiden special weight, 2 yo, Five And A Half Furlongs

7-Geaux Crazy (Hernandez, Jr. B.) $16.80 $6.20 $3.60 5-Paradise Ridge (Vives S.) $6.40 $3.80 $2.10 6-Bright Note (Loveberry J.) Also Ran: Love Getaway, Lil Bit Forgotten, Custom Value, Mo Simple, Bistineau Beauty.

Late Scratches: Annala Race Time: 1:03.45 Daily Double (8-7) $240.70; Exacta (7-5) $68.20; Superfecta (7-5-6-1) $58.86; Trifecta (7-5-6) $113.25; Pic 3 (1-8-7) $886.85

Fourth Race — Purse $22,000, Maiden Claiming $30,000, 3 yo’s & up, Six Furlongs 5-To the Chief (Riquelme J.)

$57.80 $21.40 $8.60

8-Wizard of Yester (Ortiz J.) $6.00 $3.80 3-Somekinda Mischief (Curtis B.) $3.20 Also Ran: (dh)Lemon Sohn, (dh)Spielman, Mazilynn, Faith’s Spirit.

Late Scratches: One Grand Slam Race Time: 1:10.38 Daily Double (7-5) $236.50; Exacta (5-8) $89.60; Superfecta (5-8-3-4) $95.66; Superfecta (5-8-3-6) $136.93; Trifecta (5-8-3) $164.05; Pic 3 (8-7-5) $2,685.05

Fifth Race — Purse $54,000, Maiden special weight, 3 yo’s & up, Six Furlongs

4-Kin to the Wicked (Ortiz J.) $3.40 $2.60 $2.20 6-Southern Queen (Graham J.) $14.20 $11.20 1-All You (Concepcion A.) $9.00 Also Ran: It’s Been Real, The Rain Is Gone, Bronze Legacy, John’s June, My Other Half, Totally Mitole.

Race Time: 1:11.42 Daily Double (5-4) $113.70; Exacta (4-6) $34.40; Superfecta (4-6-1-8) $94.32; Trifecta (4-6-1) $150.80; Pic 3 (7-54) $1,254.45; Pic 4 (8-7-5-4) $8,615.00; Pic 5 (1/4-8-7-5-4) $39,859.80

Sixth Race — Purse $30,000, Maiden optional claiming $50,000, 2 yo, One Mile Seventy Yards

1-Different Gravy (Curtis B.) $6.80 $4.00 $3.60 2-Flash of Chaos (Hernandez, Jr. B.) $3.20 $2.80 3-Athletic Like (Castillo I.) $7.60 Also Ran: Election Night, One Tough Road, Graceful Standard, Improbable Dream, Orville’s Map. Late Scratches: Liberty’s Champion Race Time: 1:43.18 Daily Double (4-1) $9.90; Exacta (1-2) $7.80; Superfecta (12-3-9) $31.35; Trifecta (1-2-3) $24.25; Pic 3 (5-4-1) $225.40

Seventh Race — Purse $60,000, Allowance, 3 yo’s & up, Five And A Half Furlongs

6-Heart Headed (Ortiz J.) $5.00 $3.40 $2.40 1-(dq)Usually Wrong (Castillo I.) $3.60 $3.00 $5.20 5-Henro (Pedroza, Jr. M.) Also Ran: Mondogetsbuckets, Champlin, High Front.

Race Time: 1:01.96 Daily Double (1-6) $9.80; Exacta (6-1) $9.90; Superfecta (61-5-4) $28.63; Trifecta (6-1-5) $29.15; Pic 3 (4-1-6) $11.90 Handle: $0

8B ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

Baton Rouge Weather TODAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Isolated t-showers - 40%

Mostly sunny

A.M. fog, p.m. sun

A.M. fog, p.m. sun

A.M. fog, p.m. sun

A.M. fog, p.m. sun

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

LOW

76° 56°

LOW

79° 56°

LOW

78° 57°

LOW

77° 59°

ALMANAC

LOW

78° 61°

LOW

78° 60°

TEMPERATURE

79°/66° 63°/43° 81° in 1967 22° in 1901

PRECIPITATION

THE NATION

Longview 74/66

TODAY

MODERATE

GOOD

READING 56 MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

RIVER STAGES FLOOD STAGE 24-HOUR STAGE CHANGE Memphis 34 -7.70 -0.19 Vidalia-Natchez 48 11.80 -0.04 Red River Landing 48 16.50 -0.60 Baton Rouge 35 5.90 -0.10 Donaldsonville 27 3.70 none Reserve 22 2.21 -0.12 New Orleans 17 2.30 +0.01 MISSISSIPPI

OHIO 40

13.06

+5.17

19

-1.40

-0.01

18 29 8

-0.83 10.54 1.86

-0.06 -0.12 none

13 15

2.84 1.14

-0.03 -0.06

47 34 29 20 12 6

4.53 3.03 3.08 2.24 2.60 2.34

-0.70 -0.56 -0.25 -0.36 none +0.17

COMITE

Near Olive 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 70/57

Baton Rouge 76/56

Lafayette 77/59

Beaumont 76/64 Port Arthur 74/62

Hattiesburg 71/52

Alexandria 74/59

Many 74/61

AIR QUALITY YESTERDAY

-10

Monroe 72/63

Shreveport 73/67

24 hours through 5 p.m. Sun. Trace Month to date (normal) 5.89” (3.37”) year to date (normal) 59.19” (59.99”)

Cairo

After another round of morning fog for many, expect clouds to linger for much of the day. Isolated showers will remain a possibility, but even so, highs will still manage to hit the mid-70s. Partial clearing late Monday will set up a mostly clear night. A pocket of dry air moving in overnight will help keep fog at bay early Tuesday. Tuesday looks mostly clear from start to finish with highs climbing just shy of 80 after a morning low in the mid-50s. Fog will become more likely again later in the week with pockets of dense fog possible each morning starting on Christmas Eve. Afternoons will be sunnier, allowing highs to reach the upper 70s. This pattern will carry through Christmas and into the weekend.

AROUND THE REGION

BATON ROUGE THROUGH 5 P.M. SUNDAy

High/low Normal high/low Record high Record low

Weather News by Meteorologist Malcolm Byron

New Orleans 74/59

Lake Charles 76/59

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

Houma 76/57

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) 8:25a 0.6 Shell Beach 2:54a 1.5 South Point, Marsh Island 1:06a 1.5 Cypremort Point 10:49p 1.6 Grand Isle (Barataria Pass) 10:46p 1.0 Mississippi River (Southwest Pass) 10:01p 1.3 Wine Island 11:54p 1.3

LOW

SUN AND MOON Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

FT.

8:22p -0.2 1:54p -0.4 9:06a -0.7 1:04p -0.2 9:35a -0.5 7:48a -0.5 10:37a -0.6

HIGH

FT.

LOW

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TODAY City

Austin Boston Dallas Fairbanks Honolulu Houston Las Vegas Louisville Miami Minneapolis

Hi

Lo W

74 65 pc 33 29 s 73 63 pc -28 -38 s 83 75 sh 79 67 c 66 49 pc 54 50 sh 80 72 pc 39 27 pc

TUESDAY Hi

79 65 pc 34 31 sn 79 64 pc -14 -21 s 80 72 sh 79 65 c 63 52 pc 62 48 c 79 68 pc 33 24 c

SOLUNAR TABLE

6:58 a.m.

5:09 p.m.

9:09 a.m.

7:34 p.m.

FIRST

FULL

LAST

NEW

DEC 27

JAN 3

JAN 10

JAN 18

MAJOR

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MAJOR

TODAY City

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

TUESDAY

Hi

Lo W

Hi

Lo W

58 74 78 41 81 40 51 54 66 79

53 pc 59 c 62 pc 33 pc 55 s 34 pc 35 s 45 pc 57 c 64 s

62 76 80 42 77 46 61 61 68 79

57 c 59 s 58 pc 37 r 60 c 32 r 46 pc 48 pc 64 sh 61 s

70 52 44 68 20 35 68 52 61 35 52

51 pc 42 c 33 c 50 pc 17 sn 11 c 52 pc 38 c 51 pc 26 pc 40 sh

71 47 46 68 24 13 70 43 61 32 52

55 pc 39 c 34 pc 50 pc 19 sn 9 c 50 pc 36 pc 48 sh 23 c 41 s

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 Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun.

Lo W

MINOR

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 4:43a 10:54a 5:05p 11:17p 5:28a 11:40a 5:53p ----

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

45 91 51 42 46 71 51 41 82 74 60

38 pc 75 s 43 c 33 c 34 c 53 pc 44 c 35 c 70 s 64 s 42 c

41 92 51 37 42 69 49 44 82 75 56

32 c 75 s 45 c 28 c 30 c 53 pc 43 c 32 c 64 t 66 sh 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.

Kuchar ends year with emotional PNC win with son

BY DOUG FERGUSON

Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. — Matt Kuchar couldn’t imagine a better ending to a year when he lost his father than to finally win the PNC Championship with his son. There was no stopping them Sunday in a record-smashing performance that led to an 18-under 54 and a whopping seven-shot victory.

The tournament that is all about family and fun ended with Kuchar wiping away tears as his voice cracked while speaking about how much it meant without his father, who died in February.

The finish was simply surreal to him.

Cameron Kuchar, who was able to use one tee box forward as a high school student, hammered another drive and watched his father hit 7-iron to 18 inches.

Kuchar gave his son the honor of tapping in for the final touch on an unforgettable week for the Kuchar family.

“I don’t know if you believe in karma, if you believe in fate, whatever you believe in, there’s something magical that does exist,” Kuchar said as tears began to form. “I’m a believer in God that Dad is up above looking down,

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PHELAN M. EBENHACK

Matt Kuchar, right, and his son Cameron Kuchar hold the championship belts after winning the PNC Championship on Sunday in Orlando, Fla. and what happened on 18, I could hardly stand up and hit a shot.

For me to hit it to a foot, makes me think there’s something more out there. Just miss Pops.”

Peter Kuchar, who at one time was the top-ranked doubles tennis player in Florida, first became a presence on the golf scene when he caddied for his son when Kuchar won the U.S. Amateur in 1997, and when he was low ama-

teur at the Masters and U.S. Open the following year.

He played with Kuchar at the PNC Championship before yielding the stage to Kuchar’s sons.

Peter Kuchar died in February of a heart attack while swimming when he was on a Caribbean cruise with his wife, Meg, to celebrate her birthday.

Kuchar and his son each got the Willie Park Trophy, a red belt that

Kuchar jokingly said would wear well with his tartan jacket he won from Harbour Town at the RBC Heritage.

The PNC Championship, which began in 1995 as the Father-Son Challenge, is for major champions and their children. It has been expanded over the years to include The Players Championship winners, senior and LPGA major champions. Players have also brought parents or daughters.

Kuchar, who won The Players Championship in 2012, said he keeps photos to go with the trophies from most of his nine PGA Tour victories. In early victories, he could hold both sons. And then they were too big to hold. The most recent photo taken Sunday afternoon leaves him heartbroken.

“And now to have this shot with the family, it’s clearly missing ... missing one,” he said, pausing because his voice was so choked with emotion. “But it’s special, very special.”

So was their golf, and it was a runaway from the start. Cameron Kuchar, who has signed to play for TCU next year, birdied the first hole and his father hit hybrid to 12 feet for eagle on the third.

They made only two pars in the scramble format and countered that with two eagles. They finished at 33-under 111 to break the tournament record by five shots.

Lee Trevino delivered the highlight when the 86-year-old holed out from the fairway with a lob wedge for eagle on the 13th hole.

John Daly and John Daly II, a senior at Arkansas and the Southern Amateur champion, made eagle on the last hole for a 59 to tie for second with Davis Love III and Dru Love (58). Nelly Korda and her father, and Steve Stricker and his daughter, finished another shot behind.

All of them looked at scoreboards coming in and saw there was no chance of catching the Kuchars, certainly not on this day.

“If they end up getting to 30 (under), you’re talking about only six holes missed in 36 holes. That’s remarkable,” Duval said.

Turns out the Kuchar duo was even better — 36 holes, 33 under.

Fate or otherwise, it was some remarkable golf. Twice before, they held the lead going into the final day and didn’t hold it. On Sunday they started with a two-shot lead and ran away with it. It was their time.

Masters field at 86 players with 13 coming from OWGR

BY DOUG FERGUSON Associated Press

Ryan Gerard made his 10,000mile trip worth the effort Sunday when he was runner-up at the Mauritius Open, good enough for him to join 13 other players who qualified for Masters invitations by finishing the year in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking.

That brings the field to 86 players who are likely to compete — a list that includes Tiger Woods, who has not announced whether he is playing — going into the new year.

Players can still earn invitations by winning a PGA Tour event (opposite-field events excluded) or getting into the top 50 a week before the Masters.

While the final world ranking will not be published for another week, there are no other tournaments that affect the top 50 and the OWGR already has projected the top 50. Sam Stevens will finish at No. 50 by a narrow margin over

Taylor Pendrith of Canada.

Alex Noren at No. 11 is the highest-ranked player who was not already eligible, courtesy of two wins in England, including the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Kristoffer Reitan of Norway (Nedbank Golf Challenge), Michael Kim (French Open), Sami Valimaki of Finland (RSM Classic) and Michael Brennan (Utah Championship) all won tournaments in the fall that helped secure their spots in the world ranking.

The others who will finish in the top 50 are Aaron Rai, Max Greyserman, Rasmus Hojgaard, Min Woo Lee, Si Woo Kim and Johnny Keefer.

Brennan and Keefer present unique cases. Brennan spent most of 2025 on the PGA Tour Americas circuit, two steps down from the PGA Tour. He won three times and had nine other top-10 finishes. And then he received a sponsor exemption to the Bank of Utah Championship and won his first PGA Tour

title that moved him into top 50.

Keefer was on the Korn Ferry Tour and won twice, allowing him to break into the top 50 and narrowly hold down his spot.

The Masters altered its criteria this year, eliminating an invitation to the FedEx Cup Fall events and replacing that with national opens around the world. Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen of Denmark got in by winning the Australian Open, while Marco Penge (Spanish Open) and Tom McKibbin of LIV Golf (Hong Kong Open) also qualified.

The Masters is keen on keeping the field under 100 players — not since 1966 has it exceeded that number — and it would appear to be on track to stay that way. Two spots will be filled by the Latin America Amateur Championship in January and the South African Open in February.

There are 12 main PGA Tour events before the Masters on April 9-12, with four of them big events

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

Rory McIlroy reacts after winning in a playoff at the Masters on April 13 in Augusta, Ga. The 2026 event runs from April 9-12. in which most of the field already will be eligible.

Gerard was at No. 57 in the world when he chose to go to Mauritius, a small island in the Indian Open, for

a tournament co-sanctioned by the European tour and Sunshine Tour of South Africa. He needed to finish fourth and lost in a playoff to Jayden Schaper.

ALZHEIMER’S Q&A

LIVING

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

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M o n d ay, d e c e M b e r 22, 2025

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Caregivers should be observant of patients’ feet How important is proper foot care for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia?

Rome opens long-awaited Colosseum subway station, with displays of unearthed artifacts

BY DAVID BILLER Associated Press

bureaucratic and funding delays and, crucially, the archaeological excavations necessary, given the underground ruins of imperial Roman and medieval

ä See COLOSSEUM, page 2C

AP PHOTO By ALESSANDRA TARANTINO

A view of the remains of Roman barracks are on display in the Porta Metronia new subway station designed as a museum.

GETTY IMAGES PHOTO

ROME — Rome opened two subway stations in December — one deep beneath the Colosseum — that mix the modernity of high-tech transport with artifacts from an ancient era.

Commuters and tourists entering the station beside the iconic amphitheater can view displays of ceramic vases and plates, stone wells and suspended buckets, as well as the ruins of a cold plunge pool and thermal bath from a first-century dwelling. Screens show the excavation process — serving both to delight archaeology enthusiasts, and justify why it has taken so long to open the station.

The multibillion-euro Metro C subway line has been in the works for two decades but has been slowed by

THE QUEEN OF DISCO

Donna Summer receives posthumous Hall induction

BY MARIA SHERMAN

the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the hall said.

Summer, who died in 2012 at NEWYORK — There are giants, and age 63, was welcomed into the then there is Donna Summer. The Songwriters Hall Dec. 16 at a cerQueen of Disco and then some, emony at The Butterfly Room at known for such timeless tunes as Cecconi’s in Los Angeles. It was “Love to Love You Baby,” “I Feel led by Academy Award-winning Love,” “Bad Girls,” “Dim All the songwriter Paul Williams. SumLights,” “On the Radio” and “She mer’s husband, Bruce Sudano and Works Hard for the Money,” has ä See SUMMER, page 2C been posthumously inducted into

AP music writer

Donna Summer performs at the Nobel Peace concert in Oslo, Norway, on Dec. 11, 2009.

AP FILE PHOTO By JOHN McCONNICO

As we age, our feet flatten and become wider and the fatty padding wears down, leaving bones and joints more exposed to wear and tear.

Injuries can occur from a simple blister to bunions and calluses and conditions such as neuropathy, ingrown toenails and skin breaks can compromise other health conditions.

Foot disorders can lead to a diminishing gait and a potential fall risk in persons with Alzheimer’s, which is why proper foot care should not be ignored.

Since most people with Alzheimer’s cannot verbalize if they are experiencing foot discomfort, it is helpful for the caregiver to be observant in any changes in physical or emotional well-being. The caregiver should watch the pattern of their loved one’s walking; i.e., does he or she seem unsteady, walking more slowly, or even shuffling while walking. Since skin on the feet becomes more fragile with aging, bunions, corns and calluses can form on the feet, in addition to being prone to ingrown toenails or fungal infections. These conditions can cause soreness and discomfort, making the affected individual reluctant to walk.

Additionally, if the person with Alzheimer’s is also a diabetic, the caregiver should be vigilant in proper foot care because even a small cut on the foot can lead to a severe infection, which could become very serious.

Comfortable, well-fitting shoes can make all the difference in the affected person’s mobility so a good pair of walking shoes that are precisely measured and fit for the individual is recommended. Oftentimes, older adults and affected individuals are inclined to wear slippers all day, which encourages shuffling rather than walking and can also be a source of slips and falls.

Caregivers can make a regular habit of washing their loved one’s feet nightly with warm soap and water, drying the feet fully, then applying moisturizer and finishing by covering the feet with breathable cotton socks for comfort and warmth.

This practice can promote relaxation prior to sleep.

Additionally, keeping toenails trimmed is another important element of foot care, and if trimming toenails causes the affected individual to experience fear or anxiety, the caregiver can try creating a spa-like environment, using lavender aromas, soft music, and possibly giving something to the affected person to distract him or her. If the caregiver is uncomfortable or is having difficulty trimming toenails, he or she can go to a local nail care clinic that specializes in caring for senior feet or seek a podiatrist who offers these types of foot care services.

Lastly, caregivers should monitor any foot sores. The heels of the feet are a common location for bedsores because the affected individuals are resting their feet on a footstool, mattress or other surface that leads to tissue breakdown from skin irritation and pressure on the heels. To prevent this type of condition, caregivers can prop the ankles on a foot rest so that the heels of the feet are not touching anything.

In any case with foot conditions, a visit to the podiatrist or primary care physician is recommended.

Dana Territo is an Alzheimer’s advocate and author of “What My Grandchildren Taught Me About Alzheimer’s Disease.”

She hosts “The Memory Whisperer.” Email her at thememorywhisperer@gmail. com.

2C ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Morton’s neuroma causes sensation of pressure Dear Doctors: This weird thing keeps happening where it feels like the sock in my left shoe has gotten wadded up underneath the ball of my foot. Every time I check, nothing is wrong. Is something wrong? My health insurance isn’t very good, so deciding to see a doctor is a big deal.

Dear reader: The dilemma in your letter — whether or not you can afford to see a doctor — is unfortunately not uncommon. For many people, the first response to a possible illness is the mental mathematics of how it will play out in their budget. But it’s important to know that delaying a visit runs the risk that a small or manageable problem can escalate into something more serious. In the end, this can be even more

Dr. Elizabeth Ko Dr. Eve Glazier ASK THE DOCTORS

expensive. We hope that the information we share here can help you in your final decision.

The sensation that you have described of a lump or mass beneath the ball of the foot sounds like a condition known as Morton’s neuroma. People with this diagnosis often use the same image of a wrinkled or balled-up sock that you shared with us. It’s

caused by a pinched nerve in the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. The pressure on the nerve causes it to send faulty data to the brain, including sensations of fullness, pressure and constriction. The brain then offers a logical interpretation: There’s an object beneath your foot.

There are multiple causes of Morton’s neuroma. Physical injury to the forefoot is one. It could be the effects of ill-fitting shoes, including those that are too tight, too loose or with heels that are too high. It can also be caused by biomechanical problems such as flat feet or high arches, which require specialized support for stability.

Conditions such as hammer toe and bunions are also considered

Continued from page 1C

SUMMER

Continued from page 1C their daughters Brooklyn Sudano and Amanda Sudano Ramirez were in attendance.

“Donna Summer is not only one of the defining voices and performers of the 20th century; she is one of the great songwriters of all time who changed the course of music,” said Williams in a statement. “She wrote timeless and transcendent songs that continue to captivate our souls and imaginations, inspiring the world to dance and, above all, feel love.”

Summer’s smooth blend of R&B, soul, pop, funk, rock, disco and electronica launched numerous chart-

become an option.

If you have Morton’s neuroma, your activities, the mechanics of your gait or your choice of footwear may unknowingly worsen the condition. For this reason, we urge you to see your doctor. They can assess the possible causes of the condition and offer a diagnosis. And if you share your financial concerns, most doctors will work with you on a solution that will address the problem and also protect your budget.

Send your questions to askthedoctors@mednet.ucla. edu, or write: Ask the Doctors, c/o UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1450, Los Angeles, CA, 90024.

Dryer sheets wreak havoc

COLOSSEUM civilizations in its way.

“The challenge was ... building it under such a large amount of groundwater and at the same time preserving all the archaeological finds that we found during the excavation, and all this while preserving everything that is above,” said Marco Cervone, construction manager for the consortium building the subway line, led by Webuild.

The total cost of the line’s 31 stations — three-quarters of which are now operational — will reach around $8.3 billion and be completed by 2035, according to the press office of the city-owned company that has contracted the works.

Rome inaugurated another station this month, Porta Metronia, located one stop away from the one beside the Colosseum and likewise at a depth of about 100 feet.

It features a nearly 260foot military barracks dating to the start of the second century, found at a depth between 22 and 39 feet, according to Simona Moretta, the scientific director of the excavation.

“Surety that it was a military building is given by the fact that the entrances to the rooms are not facing each other, but are offset, so that the soldiers could leave the rooms and get in line without colliding in the corridor,” the archaeologist told reporters.

Soldiers would either have been part of the emperor’s

risk factors for this condition.

The repetitive impact that is a part of sports such as running, tennis and basketball can also give rise to a neuroma.

A reason to see a doctor is to rule out a stress fracture or a break. This would be done with an X-ray. The neuroma itself may be identified with a physical exam to locate the source of the tenderness or the presence of a mass.

Some people find the condition improves with a change of footwear.

Flat-soled shoes with a padded insole and a roomy toe box prevent constriction. Custom shoe inserts, known as orthotics, can also offer relief. In some cases, medications to manage inflammation or pain may be prescribed. When the condition is severe, surgery may

AP PHOTO By ALESSANDRA TARANTINO

Ancient Roman finds dating back to the second century B.C. are on display in the ‘Colosseo’ new subway station, designed as a museum to showcase the archaeological finds uncovered during its construction, in Rome. guard or stationed there for city security, she added.

There’s also a home with well-preserved frescoes and mosaics. A museum within the station will be opened in the future, Moretta said.

Digging near the center of Rome means coming in the contact with three millennia of civilizations built atop one another. So far, the consortium building Line C has found more than 500,000 artifacts, according to WeBuild.

In order to work in the delicate archaeological area, the company has employed techniques including freezing the ground to stabilize soil, as well as so-called sacrificial diaphragms — concrete walls built perpendicular to perimeter walls that are demolished as excavation advances.

As the subway line continues onward past the Colosseum, it will run underneath more of the world’s most important cultural heritage

sites — Trajan’s Column and the Basilica of Maxentius, the largest building in the Roman Forum — as well as some of Rome’s prized Renaissance palaces, churches and the Vatican.

The next stop along the line is Piazza Venezia, the veritable heart of Rome’s center. Subway cars will arrive at a depth of 157 feet when it opens in 2033, Cervone said.

Once completed, Line C will run a total of 18 miles, of which 12 miles will be underground, and carry up to 800,000 passengers daily.

Tourists planning to visit the Colosseum and other sites in Rome’s historic center will be able to bypass the eternal city’s notoriously snarled surface traffic — made even worse in recent years by the construction projects themselves.

topping hits in the ’70s and ’80s as well as three multiplatinum albums. She won five Grammys. She was unstoppable — both as a performer and a writer.

“It’s important to me because I know how important it was for Donna,” said Sudano in a news release. “The backstory is, with all the accolades that she received over her career, being respected as a songwriter was always the thing that she felt was overlooked. So, for her to be accepted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame I know that she’s very happy … somewhere.”

The Songwriters Hall of Fame was established in 1969. A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20

years after the first commercial release of a song.

The annual Songwriters Hall of Fame gala does not usually include posthumous inductions; those are reserved for separate events.

Songwriter Pete Bellotte — known for his work with Summer on “Hot Stuff,” “I Feel Love” and “Love To Love You Baby” — is a current nominee for the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame class. “Love To Love You Baby” was co-written with Summer and producer Giorgio Moroder. One of Summer’s best-known hits, the song has been sampled many times, including in tracks by Beyoncé, LL Cool J and Timbaland.

The 2026 inductees will be announced early next year.

works as well as a dryer Dear Heloise: I wish you ball. — Heloise wouldn’t keep printing hints that use dryer Cheese clumps sheets. Dryer sheets are not our friends.

Dear Heloise: How Not only do they add do you prevent to our landfills, they grated cheese in a wreak havoc on our zip-close bag from dryers and leave a lumping up in the Hints from refrigerator? — Jack waxy trail. (Not to Heloise R., in Garland,Texas mention the smell of cheap perfume that Jack, add a little they leave on our clothes.) cornstarch or flour to the I don’t use them and don’t grated cheese and seal the need to iron my clothes. bag very tightly. — Heloise Just don’t leave your Dirt-free nails clothes sitting in the dryer for long periods of time. — Dear Heloise: I keep a bar of Lois M., via email soap in my shed and scrape Lois, many people today my nails with it so that I have very busy schedules. have soap under my nails.

Taking time to iron clothThen I put on my gloves and do yard work this way. ing, pillowcases, sheets When you wash your hands and other items takes up afterward, your nails will time that they don’t have. be clean. — Barbara G., via email Personally, I don’t use dryer sheets very often.

Sunblock I save money, do not increase the landfill, and stay Dear Heloise: Perhaps some up late sometimes to get other reader has already my blouses ironed. But this responded to the sunblock is my choice. hint, but using a sunblock Some people prefer to with a SPF of 15 or higher use dryer balls, and I have is a little low. Dermatoloone friend who uses a gists recommend a SPF of tennis ball and swears it 30 or higher to protect

yourself against skin cancer, and they say that you should reapply it every two hours (or more frequently if you are sweating or swimming). — Fred S., via email

Wall safe Dear Heloise: We had a wall safe and kept our valuables in it in a house in Turks and Caicos. The house was broken into, and the burglars tore the safe out of the wall and took it as well as our valuables. A wall safe is not reliable. — Larry R., via email Larry, an in-floor safe is harder to pull out. (As some of readers have assured me.) But actually, the safest place would be a safety deposit box at a bank. Thieves find a number of hiding places in the home and don’t seem to care if they do an enormous amount of damage while looking for your valuables. People who make a living by stealing know of all the secret hiding places. — Heloise Send a hint to heloise@ heloise.com.

Start Your Move Today

Paolo Santalucia contributed to this report.

addressbatonrouge.com

TODAY IN HISTORY U.S. Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe rejected a GerToday is Monday, Dec. 22, man demand for surrender, the 356th day of 2025. writing “Nuts!” as his ofThere are nine days left in ficial one-word reply. Allied the year. forces, at a heavy cost, Today in history: would decisively turn back On Dec. 22, 1984, New the Germans’ last major York City resident Bernhard offensive on the western Goetz shot and wounded front in Europe. four young Black men on a In 1990, Lech Walesa Manhattan subway, allegtook the oath of office as Poland’s first popularly ing they were about to rob him. (Goetz, a White man in elected president.

In 2010, President Barack what became known as the Obama signed a law allow“Subway Vigilante” case, was later acquitted of ating gay, lesbian and bisexual tempted murder and assault Americans to serve openly in the military for the first charges but convicted on a time, repealing the “don’t weapons possession charge ask, don’t tell” policy that and served eight months of allowed gay and lesbian sera one-year sentence.)

Also on this date: vice members to serve as In 1944, during the World long as their sexual orientaWar II Battle of the Bulge, tion was not public.

By The Associated Press

In 2018, a 34-day federal government shutdown began in Donald Trump’s first presidency, following a stalemate between Congress and the White House on appropriations matters including funding for Trump’s proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Today’s birthdays: Actor Hector Elizondo is 89. Baseball Hall of Famer Steve Carlton is 81. Broadcast journalist Diane Sawyer is 80. Golf Hall of Famer Jan Stephenson is 74. Rapper Luther “Luke” Campbell is 65. Actor Ralph Fiennes is 63. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is 55. Actor and singer Vanessa Paradis is 53. Actor Brooke Nevin is 43. Singer-actor Jordin Sparks is 36.

Get your FREE accurate home evaluation today.

DRE#01901536 This website is a marketing and information program that sends all inquiries to state-licensed real estate professionals.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ 3C

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FrAnK And erneSt

bIG nAte

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zodIAC cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Put your energy where it brings the highest returns. Today is about acknowledging your attributes and putting them to work for you. Change is up to you; don't sell yourself short.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Combine energy and creativity, and you'll come up with a plan to launch in the new year.

Change is within reach if you use your skills to align with your dreams, hopes and wishes.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Think twice before you jeopardize your chance to advance. Personal and professional gain begins with a positive attitude, insight and knowing how to work a crowd.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Reach out and connect with people who have something to offer you. Don't sit back when you have so much to gain by participating. Focus on turning an opportunity into a new beginning. tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Observe what's happening around you. Take advantage of an opportunity to participate in something that can broaden your awareness or point you in a worthwhile direction.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Find something you feel passionate about and sign up to help. Volunteering at this time of the year can be rewarding and connect you to a group that will have an impact on how you live. cAncER (June 21-July 22) Address issues that have not been dealt with, and take

a firm position. Don't fear opposition; offer solutions and get the ball rolling.

It's time to leave the past behind you.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Enjoy the festivities. Take every opportunity to share your vision and to drum up support.

Change is on the horizon if you are willing to step up and do your part, but don't neglect loved ones or take them for granted.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Say less and do more. Closely observe how others react to a tricky situation, and take physical action to clear a passage forward for those who share your beliefs.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Stop and rethink your plans. Too much of anything will work against you. Overspending, making unrealistic promises or letting your emotions lead the way should be avoided. scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Focus on whatever you feel passionate about. It's up to you to make your own opportunities and to go the distance to ensure your plans gain momentum and attract the right people. sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Keep an open mind, but don't cave under undue pressure. Listen dutifully, but be ready to defend your thoughts, perspective and choices. Honesty is the best policy.

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: P EQuALs F

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

4C ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

CurTiS

Hi and LoiS

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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.

Saturday’s Puzzle Answer

BaBY BLueS

BLondie

THe wiZard oF id

nea CroSSwordS

La TimeS CroSSword

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ 5C

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B.C.

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER Thomas Fuller, a prolific English writer who died in 1661, said, “Learning makes a man fit company for himself.”

Bridge learning makes a man or woman fit company for partner.

Bridge bidding also revolves around fit — fit is fantastic; misfit is miserable.

For example, look only at the North hand.

West opens one spade, North passes, East raises to two spades, South makes a takeout double, and West jumps to four spades.

What should North do?

The North hand is good news and bad news. It has 10 high-card points when it might have had none. And all of those points are in the suits where partner has promised length. But the balanced nature of the hand and doubleton spade suggest that there might be three or four losers.

However, bidding has two potential pluses: Five of a minor might make; and even if it would not, perhaps the opponents will misjudge and bid five spades, which surely will be too high.

So North ought to bid — but what?

He should advance with four no-trump, showing at least two places to play and asking partner to select the trump suit.

(It cannot be Blackwood; how could North be thinking about a slam?)

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

Here, South would bid five clubs. If left there, South will probably ruff the spade-king lead, draw trumps ending in his hand, play a diamond to dummy’s queen, and return a diamond to his 10. If so, he will make the contract.

And if West bids five spades, North can double and collect 500 for down two. © 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 — LAZuLItE: LAH-zhu-lite: An azure-blue mineral.

Bizarro

marmaduKe

Average mark 13 words Time limit 25 minutes Can you find 19 or more words in LAZULITE? sAtuRDAy’s WoRD — GREEDILy geld gelid gild gilder gird girdle girl glee glide glider greed

greedy grey greyed grid gyre reed reedy reel relied rely ride

ridge rile edge edger edgier edgily edgy eerily eery eider elder

elegy elide eyed eyelid deer deli diel dire dirge dreg drily

dyer idle idler idly ledge ledger leer leery lied liege liger

lyre yield

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “I will bless the Lord, who has given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” Psalms 16:7-8 The Lord speaks to me through the night. It’s a blessing. He is always speaking.

Are we listening? — G.E. Dean

6C ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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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

Announcements 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 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 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 any property owner, heir or other related person, in regard to the properties listed below, please contact the East Baton Rouge CityParish, Department of Development

– Neighborhood Revitalization Office at 225-389-8680.

1319 N 49TH ST LUCILLE FLEMING 1106 W GARFIELD ST THE ESTATE OF ROBERT LEE GINN JR 10288 WHITE OAK DR ETM ENTERPRISES, LLC 2462 AUBIN LN AUBIN PROPERTIES, LLC 1143 W GARFIELD ST BROTHERS & OTHER PROPERTIES, LLC 425 S 17TH ST EDDIE G ROBINSON 1713 SPAIN ST PELICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP, LLC 2525 NORTH ST RAY J'S COLLEGE OF HAIR, LLC 2517 SPAIN ST JOSEPH ALEXANDER, SR 8273 RAINBOW DR TRIMANI ANTHONY RILEY, SR 11606 SEWANEE DR JASMINE R SLAN 6130 CRESTWAY AVE ECLECTIC HOME DESIGNS, LLC 2825 WASHINGTON AVE ADRIENNE S VICTORIAN 11404 STAN AVE ROBINS RENTALS, LLC 904 N ACADIAN THWY E DON LEWIS WHITFIELD 7435 BANBURY CT LUCILLE HARRINGTON 341 N 23RD ST EMERSON J RUSSELL 2343 ERIE ST C/O ROBERT W MORGAN 388 W JOHNSON ST ROBERT HENDERSON 805 ARCADIA DR RONALD G. BATES 1217 N 44TH ST WILMA JACKSON MCCLAIN 702 CORMORANT ST RANDALL HARVEY 2162 75TH AVE THOMAS GUERIN, JR 338 S 12TH ST

HAPPY HOLIDAY

The Classified Advertising Department will be closed on Thursday, December 25 to observe the Christmas holiday

EARLY DEADLINES FOR OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

ALAN W JUDERJAHN 1143 NORTH ST BATON ROUGE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD 1826 THERON ELVIN STERLING 1806 THERON ELVIN STERLING 5748 HENDERSON AVE GEORGE L SEVERAN CO MAVIS DURR 753 FLICKER LEON WALKER, JR 5470 SATINWOOD DR CAREY FORD 3681 GREENTREE CATRICE SCOTT 10625 BERTHA ST JERONIMA S CRUZ 1724 HARCO PSB CREDIT SERVICES, INC 5432 MADISON AVE JAMES W WILLIAMS 1595 N 44TH LINDA HAWKINS GRIFFIN 226 W POLK MITCHELL W AND JULIA MAE W ROBINSON 1944 ARIZONA ST CONRAD ENTERPRISES, INC 706 N 19TH ST COLLIS B TEMPLE, JR. 1902 HEMLOCK ST DAVID J EVERITT 288 NANCY DR TIFFANY O PRATER 6325 CELIA AVE REGGIE J DAVIS, JR 3336 AMARILLO ST IRIS M. MONTGOMERY 3808 HOLLYWOOD ST CANDANCE LEDET 4612 BYRON ST JACKIE J PUTMAN 5912 LINDEN ST ROBYN KIRKLAND 343 LOFASO ST FRANK G. SMITH, III. 1453 N 46TH ST DWANDA MICHELLE GAGE 1031 N 40TH ST LINDA SUE RAY 1217 N 44TH ST

WILMA JACKSON MCCLAIN 10588 GOODWOOD BLVD SUZETTE PEARL GASTON

Merchandise

171213-Dec 22-28, 7t $2,818

Baton Rouge Real Estate For Sale

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of JACK E. ALLEN, JR., please contact Attorney ALLISON B. COSTANZA, 225-664-4335 acostanzalaw@gmail.com.

171531-12/22-23-24-3t $97.00 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 RELATIVES/HEIRS OF EMIT J. CROWDER, please contact Attorney ALLISON B. COSTANZA, 225-664-4335 acostanzalaw@gmail.com.

171506-Dec 22-24, 3t $97

WANT TO BUY I buy old bourbon bottles. Wild Turkey, Weller, Old Grand Dad etc.

Call or text $300 (225)456-3434

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 Please be advised that Deon Sumer Guidry, Esq. has been appointed to represent Celso Sanchez Juarez in the matter of LORENA RAMOS RUBIO VS. CELSO SANCHEZ JUAREZ Docket # 189,990 Div. J of the 21st JDC in Livingston, Louisiana. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Celso Sanchez Juarez, please contact Mrs. Guidry at (225) 363-8300 or legal@deonsumerguidry.com.

171532-Dec 22-24, 3t $181

WANT TO BUY Old Records 33's, 45's & 78's. All types of music. Call 985-259-1889

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

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

FURNITURE Queen Bed w/Hollywood Frame w/Maple Headboard, Innerspring Matt (2) Box Spr.$400 (225) 658-8456

Looking for the right hire?

225-388-0111

AREA 3

5364 Jackson 2BR's 1BA, Rent $500, Dep $300 225-357-6436

AREA 4

Pets / Pet Services Directory 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

FREE RENT 225-351-7449 AREA 4 NO CREDIT CHECK/LEASE! Fully furnished apartments ALL BILLS PAID including premium cable & WIFI. Pet Friendly. Stay where you're appreciated! Call 225-434-4161 AREA 5 1 & 2 BR Apts, W/D, C A/H, Starting at $850/mo Deps vary 225-315-0930

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

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

AREA 5 1BR $550, 2BR $650 Tigerland. $500 Deposit. 225-475-1737

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

Place a Classified ad?

225-388-0111

DOGS AKC Maltese puppies, Ready for Christ‐ mas 1-F. (225) 235-9433 or (225) 235-7619

DOGS Cairn terriers - 2 females shots and wormed 8 months old. $150.00 (985) 222-4354

AREA 5 655 North St. Subsidized eff Apts cpabr.org 225-383-5551.

TDD/TTY /711RELAY DOGS German Shepard - CKC German Shep‐ ard Pup 11 Months Old Female Born 12/24/24, very affectionate with a lot of energy, looking for good home $1500 808-292-0842

DOGS CKC YORKIES or SHORKIES - (yorkies are with papers) all are vet checked w/shot and worming, will meet in Gulf‐ port $700 (334) 467-3416

DOGS Labradoodle - F1B CKC pups Brown Merle, Blue Merle, Black 1 male & 5 fe‐ males $1200 - $1600 Avail for pickup 12/18, (504) 231-9118

CLASSIFIEDS WORK

DOGS Yorkshire Terrier - Small Yorkie pup‐ pies, $1400-F, $1200-M (225) 304-1045

MOBILE HOME 1, 2 & 3 BR mobile homes, $675 & up 6061 Plank Rd. CALL 225-978-4653

ROOMS FOR RENT Furnished Rooms. $125/wk. $500/mo.

225-933-7560

For the latest news, sports and entertainment, download the Advocate app

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ 7C

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SIMPLE ELECTRIC

Professional work • Lic/Ins/Bond.

40+ years experience No job too smalll/large Call 225-921 2633

CALL FOR SPECIAL PRICING! INSTALL NEW ROOFS, J-W METAL, ROOFING* SHINGLES, FLAT, & REPAIRS.

MILITARY DISCOUNTS

STOP ALL LEAKS! CARPENTRY & PAINTING Lic/Ins. 225-205-9537 *Senior Citizen Discount

40 years experience

House calls | NoFixNoPay $125 First Visit - 1 Computer

225-803-8241 | THECOMPUTERDOCTORx.com

Swimming Pool Fill-In’s FIBERGLASS - GUNITE - LINER 20 Years of Experience - Licensed and Insured

Call Casey For a Free Estimate

225-329-9502

pooldemolitionbycasey.com

STEVE ROBINS

We are your go to company for your Gutter and Patio Top installations

HEATH WISE

VETERAN OWNED

WISE GUY’S GUTTERS & PATIOS DENHAM SPRINGS, LA 70726 WISEGUYSGUTTERSANDPATIOLA.COM GOLDDOG3447@YAHOO.COM

CALL 225-305-3776 FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

Call 225.925.0610 Reasonable Rates for Quality Work!

Quality Care Q

INSURED

Roofing & Maintenance R

(225) 603-2125

• All Types Roofing & Repairs • Fllashings • Sheet Metal • Dry Wall • Painting • Masonry • Carpentry C • Flooring • Electrical Spe cialty Ventilation and Insulation

KEVIN ROBERTS La. Lic. # 64014

(225) 603-2125 Cell KMRNBR55@GMAIL.COM

HandyMan

Doug’s Tree Svs.

$50 Almost Any Tree removed minus stump.

Most stumps $20.

FIREWOOD Free Est. • 225-333-8593 • Lic/Ins.

JOHNNIE BOYS

APPLIANCE REPAIR Window Air Conditioners, Washers & Dryers, Freezers & Refrigerators

ALL Work Guaranteed.

Thank You for Your Consideration

Call 225-301-7575

DISCOUNT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

225-290-1980 / 225-993-9204

tree trimming/flower bed clean up/flower bed designs/irrigation/ lighting pathways/prune & mulch/weeding/drainage/sod/pergola deck/power washing/stump grinding/consulting available

FREE ESTIMATES

ON ALL TV’S THAT NEED REPAIR WHEN BROUGHT INTO THE SHOP!!

SHERWOOD TV & APPLIANCES *In-Home major appliances serviced at a charge.

WASHERS, DRYERS, REFRIGERATORS, FREEZERS, ELECTRIC & GAS RANGES

SHERWOOD MINI-STORAGE

MINI-WAREHOUSE (CLIMATE & REGULAR), MOTOR HOMES & BOAT STORAGE UP TO 45’ DEEP

11756 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge 70815

225-275-6900

FIND AND FIX LEAKS ON ANY ROOF

Member of the BBB Licensed & Insured FREE Verbal Estimates to BR Residents 50 Years Experience Pruning & Trimming of Large Trees Small Tree Removal

Denham Springs & Gonzales

LIGHTING 15% OFF! READY FOR GAME DAYS!

LEAK SPECIALIST

tree service

Doors & Door Hardware

Install & Repair Commercial • Residential Call Daniel 225-436-2759

WINTER SPECIAL YEAR-ROUND HOLIDAY

THE COMPUTER DOCTORx

Home Repairs

Call For A Free Estimate • I Look Forward To Working With You

• Doors • Tile • Painting • Windows & Door Awnings • Pressure Washing • Bathroom & Kitchen Repairs • Porch Roof and Metal Patio Covers

225-733-1560

All work 35+ years of guaranteed experience No job to locally! big or small • Flashing • Gutters • Siding • Tree Pruning • Carpentry • Fences

FREE ESTIMATE!

RUSSELL CARPENTER ZACH CARPENTER

225-338-6922

ROOF LEAKS STOPPED Free Estimates Licensed & Insured

No Job Too Big or Too Small James Wells DBA

Big Jim Construction

N R f or Repairs R i on Any A Type T R f New Roofs Roof Roofing • Painting • Carpentry

Over 50 Years Experience

225.338.6809

All Work Warrantied

Brothers Carpentry and Flooring LLC

ATTIC STAIRS • DOORS • Installation & Replacement • Fully Insulated Units • Licensed & Insured • FREE Estimates • Senior & Military Discounts

CALL TODAY! [225-252-8331]

SEASONED A1 CONCRETE FIREWOOD

Remove & Replace Driveways, Patios and Parking Lots.

Install culverts.

New Construction & Commercial

25 Years Experience

$180 a half cord, delivered Call 225-272-5614 225-505-3907 Please leave a message

Call 225-803-8013

To advertise here, please call 225-383-0111

Professional Chimney Sweep & Inspections Chimney Cleaning • Pest Guards New Chimney Cap Installation • Fire Box Crack Repair Insured

10% OFF 225-503-5681

To advertise here, please call 225-383-0111

8C ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate Public Notices

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived for the Gas Utility District #1 of East Baton Rouge, by GD Architec‐ ture, LLC until 2:00 P.M., JANUARY 27, 2026, at the following address: GD Architecture, LLC 3112 Valley Creek Drive, Suite H Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (O) 225/383-3915 ANY PERSON REQUIRING SPECIAL ACCOMMODA‐ TIONS SHALL NOTIFY GD ARCHITECTURE, LLC, OF THE TYPE(S) OF ACCOM‐ MODATION REQUIRED NOT LESS THAN SEVEN (7) DAYS BEFORE THE BID OPENING. For: Gas Utility District #1 of East Baton Rouge – Office Addition and Inte‐ rior Renovation GD Architecture Project #: 25002 Complete Bid Documents for this project are avail‐ able in electronic form.

They may be obtained without charge and with‐ out deposit from Letter‐ man’s Blueprint and Sup‐ ply through their online public plan room at the following URL: https:// www.centerline.co/ bidding/login Printed copies are not available from the De‐ signer, but arrangements can be made to obtain them through most re‐ prographic firms. Plan holders are responsible for their own reproduc‐ tion costs. Questions about this procedure shall be directed to Gary Dunn at: PHONE (225) 383-3915.

All bids shall be accom‐ panied by bid security in an amount of five per‐ cent (5.0%) of the sum of the base bid and all al‐ ternates. The form of this security shall be as stated in the Instructions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project.

The successful Bidder shall be required to fur‐ nish a Performance and Payment Bond written as described in the Instruc‐ tions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project.

A NON-MANDATORY PREBID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD at 10:00 am on JANUARY 14, 2026 at the GUD#1 Ad‐ ministration Building (1633 Greenwell SpringsPort Hudson Road, Zachary, LA 70791).

Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2192 for the classification of Building Construction. Bidder is required to comply with provisions and require‐ ments of LA R.S. 38:2212(B)(5). No bid may be withdrawn for a pe‐ riod of forty-five (45) days after receipt of bids, except under the provisions of LA. R.S. 38:2214. The Owner re‐ serves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In accordance with La. R.S. 38:2212(B) (1), the provisions and requirements of this Sec‐ tion; and those stated in the bidding documents shall not be waived by any entity. The Owner shall incur no obligation to the Contractor until the Contract Between Owner and Contractor is fully executed.

171160 Dec. 22, 29, 2025, Jan. 5, 2026, 3t $988.95

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids for the fol‐ lowing will be received by the Louisiana Depart‐ ment of Transportation and Development, Pro‐ curement Section, 1201 Capitol Access Road, 4th Floor, East Wing Room S447, Headquarters Ad‐ ministration Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, l h b

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

g Telephone number (225/379-1444) on date(s) shown below, until 10:00 A.M. No bids will be ac‐ cepted after this hour. At 10:00 A.M. of the same day and date, they will be publicly opened and read in Headquarters Ad‐ ministration Building, 4th Floor, East Wing S-447.

Evidence of authority to submit the bid shall be required in accordance with R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(c) and/or R.S. 39:1594 (C)(2) (D).

g of East Baton Rouge, Pur‐ chasing Division. Begin‐ ning as soon as feasible after the bid closing time all electronic bids will be downloaded and publicly read aloud along with all paper bids received, if any, in Room 806 immedi‐ ately after the 11:00 a.m. bid closing. Bidders or their authorized repre‐ sentatives are invited to be present.

y y Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Pur‐ chasing Division. Begin‐ ning as soon as feasible after the bid closing time all electronic bids will be downloaded and publicly read aloud along with all paper bids received, if any, in Room 806 immedi‐ ately after the 11:00 a.m. bid closing. Bidders or their authorized repre‐ sentatives are invited to be present.

BID TO BE OPENED January 8, 2026 DOTD Concrete Bin Blocks RFx 3000025753 Full information may be obtained upon request from the above address.

The Department reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities.

GLENN P. LEDET, JR. SECRETARY, LADOTD JULIE KENNISON, CPPB, NIGP-CPP DOTD PROCUREMENT DIRECTOR 171439 Dec. 22, 1t $15.77 PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS SP# 926 Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived by the Procure‐ ment Section of the Divi‐ sion of Administration, 1201 N. 3rd. St., 2nd.

Floor, Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 10:00 A.M. for the follow‐ ing: RFx 3000025742, Hydro Jetter Trailer for DOTD, 01/07/26 Bid proposal forms, in‐ formation and specifica‐ tions may be obtained by accessing the bid num‐ ber in LaPac at www.doa.

Louisiana.gov/osp or from the procurement section listed above. No bids will be received after the date and hour specified. The right is re‐ served to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities.

Tom Ketterer Director of State Procurement FAX (225) 342-8688 171218 Dec. 22, 1t $11.48

PUBLIC NOTICE --VOUCHER# 26-91036 BIDS TO BE OPENED: 01/13/26 NOTICE TO BIDDERS Electronic or sealed bids will be received by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Purchasing Divi‐ sion, City Hall Building, Room 826, 222 Saint Louis Street, 8th Floor, Baton Rouge, La. until 11:00 A.M. January 13, 2026 for the following: A26-91036 AIR HANDLING UNITS FOR EBRP LIBRARIES A mandatory prebid con‐ ference and mandatory job site visits will be held on December 30, 2025 at 9:30 A.M at the East Baton Rouge Parish Li‐ brary, 7711 Goodwood Boulevard – 3rd Floor Board Room, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. The mandatory job site visits will begin immediately following the pre-bid conference. Only compa‐ nies represented at the pre-bid conference and job site visits shall be considered for award through this Invitation to Bid.

Note: The City-Parish has elected to use LaPAC, the state's online electronic bid posting and notifica‐ tion system, in addition to its standard means of advertising this require‐ ment. This Invitation to Bid is available in elec‐ tronic form at the LaPAC website https:// wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana. gov/osp/lapac/dspBid. cfm?search=departm ent&term=102.

Bids, amendments to bids or request for with‐ drawal of bids received after time specified for bid openings shall not be considered for any cause whatsoever.

Inquiries will be received up until 5 pm on January 6, 2026.

Full information may be obtained upon request from the above address or by telephoning Dexter Stewart at (225) 389-3259, Ext. 3264, or via email dsstewart@brla.gov.

Any vendor who would like to listen to the open‐ ing of this bid can access the following link, at the date and time of this bid opening: NOTE: The only vendor information shared at the bid opening will be the reading of the names of those vendors who submitted bids.

Join by phone +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll Access code: 263 373 080 (followed by the # but‐ ton) Alternate numbers to call if number above is not available, which may occur due to network traffic (use the same Ac‐ cess Code, followed by the # button): United States Toll (Boston) +1-617-315-0704 United States Toll (Chicago) +1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Dallas) +1-469-210-7159 United States Toll (Denver) +1-720-650-7664 United States Toll (Jacksonville) +1-904-900-2303 United States Toll (Los Angeles) +1-213-306-3065 These numbers will pro‐ vide you with live audio access to this bid open‐ ing.

170172 Dec. 15, 22, 2t $117.34

Note: The City-Parish has elected to use LaPAC, the state's online electronic bid posting and notifica‐ tion system, in addition to its standard means of advertising this require‐ ment. This Invitation to Bid is available in elec‐ tronic form at the LaPAC website https:// wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana. gov/osp/lapac/dspBid. cfm?search=departm ent&term=102.

Bids, amendments to bids or request for with‐ drawal of bids received after time specified for bid openings shall not be considered for any cause whatsoever.

Inquiries will be received up until 5 pm on January 6, 2026.

Full information may be obtained upon request from the above address or by telephoning Dexter Stewart at (225) 389-3259, Ext. 3264, or via email dsstewart@brla.gov.

Any vendor who would like to listen to the open‐ ing of this bid can access the following link, at the date and time of this bid opening: NOTE: The only vendor information shared at the bid opening will be the reading of the names of those vendors who submitted bids.

Join by phone +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll Access code: 263 373 080 (followed by the # but‐ ton) Alternate numbers to call if number above is not available, which may occur due to network traffic (use the same Ac‐ cess Code, followed by the # button): United States Toll (Boston) +1-617-315-0704 United States Toll (Chicago) +1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Dallas) +1-469-210-7159 United States Toll (Denver) +1-720-650-7664 United States Toll (Jacksonville) +1-904-900-2303 United States Toll (Los Angeles) +1-213-306-3065 These numbers will pro‐ vide you with live audio access to this bid open‐ ing.

170204 Dec. 15, 22, 2t $103.20

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

Legal Notices

VOUCHER# 26-91036 BIDS TO BE OPENED: 01/13/26 NOTICE TO BIDDERS Electronic or sealed bids will be received by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Purchasing Divi‐ sion, City Hall Building, Room 826, 222 Saint Louis Street, 8th Floor, Baton Rouge, La. until 11:00 A.M. January 13, 2026 for the following: A26-91036 AIR HANDLING UNITS FOR EBRP LIBRARIES

Official bid documents are available at Central (https://www.

Bidding centralauctionhouse. com/rfpc10656-city-ofbaton-rouge.html) or by request from the City of Baton Rouge at dsstew‐ art@brla.gov.

Official bid documents are available at Central (https://www.

Bidding centralauctionhouse. com/rfpc10656-city-ofbaton-rouge.html) or by request from the City of Baton Rouge at dsstew‐ art@brla.gov.

Bids shall be submitted electronically via www. centralbidding.com or on the solicitation bid forms furnished by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge prior to the bidding deadline.

Bids shall be submitted electronically via www. centralbidding.com or on the solicitation bid forms furnished by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge prior to the bidding deadline.

Electronic bids for the solicitation will be down‐ loaded by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish f

Electronic bids for the solicitation will be down‐ loaded by the City of

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 hi i h l

Legal Notices

p 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) 342-7941, Email: sarah. robert@la.gov, OPC Re‐ viewer: Sarah Robert, CUP NUMBER: P20230865 (Extended) Name: Shell Pipeline Company Lp, 150 N Dairy Ashford Houston, Tx 77079 Attn: Rodney Boudreaux Location: Saint John The Baptist Parish, LA; Lat. 30-0431.95N, Long.

-90-3701.79W; (see plats for ad‐ ditional coordinates); Section 66, T11S-R06E; Section 18, T11S-R08E; Sections 12 & 97, T11SR07E; Garyville & Laplace, LA. Description: Proposed installation of cathodic protection at 3 sites along the 24" Ben‐ gal pipeline. In addition, a platform will be in‐ stalled at the LaPlace Valve site. Approx. 183 cy of excavation is required.

171444 Dec. 22, 1t $25.77 PUBLIC NOTICE --Request for Scenic River Permit on Bayou St. John The Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) as Administrator of the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers System is currently considering the application of Walt Leger III to build a home and dock on Bayou St. John. Copies of the appli‐ cation can be reviewed at the LDWF main office, 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA. The public is invited to comment on this permit request for a period of forty-five (45) days. Responses should be mailed to LDWF Scenic Rivers Program, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000.

171440 Dec. 22, 1t $74.43

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

PUBLIC NOTICE --IBERVILLE PARISH COUNCIL ADVISORY BOARD FOR PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT MINUTES REGULAR MEETING, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025 The Advisory Board for Planning & Development of the Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana, met in Regular Session, in the Council Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Courthouse Building, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana, on the 18th day of November, 2025.

Advisory Board Chair‐ man Dunn called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. followed by the roll call with the following members in attendance: Randy LaPrairie, Randall Dunn, Maxie Gray, Coun‐ cilwoman Shalanda Allen, Councilman Thomas Dominique, Councilman Bart Morgan, Councilwoman Chasity Easley.

Absent: Simpson.

A quorum was present and due notice had been published on the 13th day of November, 2025 in The Advocate, and on the Iberville Parish website.

Others present: Parish Engineer, Seneca Tous‐ sant.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon a motion by Easley, and seconded by Allen, the Advisory Board voted to suspend the reading of the minutes of Octo‐ ber 21, 2025 and approve as is.

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

Yeas: All present.

Nays: None.

Absent: Simpson.

The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board.

NEW BUSINESS A. Introduction of re-sub‐ division for Lisha Messina (This item was passed on) B. Introduction of re-sub‐ division for Buhler & Warthen (This item was passed on) C. Introduction of re-sub‐ division for Texas Williams D. Introduction of re-sub‐ division for Peerliss Property Management On a motion by Do‐ minique, seconded by LaPrairie, the Advisory Board voted to set these items for hearing on De‐ cember 16, 2025.

Yeas: All present.

Nays: None.

Absent: Simpson.

The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board.

OLD BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF VARIANCE FOR DONNIE BUJOL On a motion by Allen, seconded by Easley, the Advisory Board voted to approve as is. The survey was prepared by Brad‐ ford Engineering and Ser‐ vices, LLC. The map re‐ flects the survey and subdivision of Lot 1, into Lot 1-A and Lot 1-B, lo‐ cated in Section 16, T-9S, R-11-E, Southeast Land District, West of the Mis‐ sissippi River, Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana for Donnie Bujol (Natalie Buras).

Yeas: All present.

Nays: None.

Abstain: Dunn.

Absent: Simpson.

The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board.

B. CONSIDERATION OF RE-SUBDIVISION FOR YURI MELENDES • Louis Kelley came be‐ fore the Advisory Board in opposition of the pro‐ posed re-subdivision for Yuri Melendes. He stated that they are not good neighbors, the grass is always high, they do not have the proper septic tank system. They placed one of the trailers there without approval.

• Eric Kelley came before the Advisory Board in op‐ position of the proposed re-subdivision. He stated that he is a direct neigh‐ bor of the property, he has had to call animal control multiple times on tenants that were stay‐ ing in one of the trailers.

He stated that the grass has been waist high on several occasions.

• DJ Wunstell came be‐ fore the Advisory Board in opposition of the pro‐ posed re-subdivision. He stated that he agrees with what the two previ‐ speakers stated ous about all the issues with the property. He stated they have done a lot of things that are not in standards with the Parish code. He also stated that he is worried about what this would do to their property value in the future.

On a motion by Easley, seconded by Allen, the Advisory Board made a motion to deny. The sur‐ vey was prepared by Bradford Engineering and Services, LLC. The map reflects the survey and subdivision of Lot G1-B into, Lot G-1-B-1 and Lot G-1-B-2, located in Section 17, T-10- S, R-11-E, Southeast Land District, West of the Mississippi River, Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana for Yuri Melendes.

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min y p p y Town & Country Land Surveying, LLC. The map reflects the survey and subdivision of a 137-acre tract being a portion of the James Bertram O’Neal Property into, Tracts P-1, P-2, D-1 and D2 and PD-1, located in Section 67 & 72, T-8- S, R12-E, Southeast Land Dis‐ trict, West of the Missis‐ sippi River, Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana for Dale & Theresa Purpera & Jeffery & Larie Dupont.

Yeas: All present.

Nays: None.

Absent: Simpson.

The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board.

D. CONSIDERATION OF RE-SUBDIVISION FOR CLAYTON HURDLE On a motion by Allen, seconded by Morgan, the Advisory Board voted to approve as contingent.

The survey was prepared

by Chustz Geospatial So‐ lutions, LLC. The map re‐ flects the survey and subdivision of Tract A-2, into Tract A-2-A and Tract A-2-B, located in Section 19 & 20, T-8- S, R-10-E, Southeast Land District, West of the Mississippi River, Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana for Ralph & Karen Bossier.

Yeas: All present.

Nays: None.

Absent: Simpson.

PUBLIC NOTICE --IBERVILLE PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025 The Parish Council of Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana, met in Special Session at the regular meeting place of the Parish Council, in the Council Meeting Room, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 5th day of November, 2025.

The Council Vice-Chair‐ man, Raheem Pierce, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. fol‐ lowed by roll call with the following Council Members in attendance: Shalanda L. Allen, District 1; Freddie Frazier, Sr., District 4; Raheem T. Pierce, District 6; Nadia Jenkins, District 7; Hunter S. Markins, District 8; Terry J. Bradford, District 9; Charles Dardenne, Dis‐ trict 11; Matthew H. Jew‐ ell, District 12; Bart B. Morgan, District 13.

Absent: minique, Smith.

Easley, Do‐ Martinez,

Councilwoman Martinez arrived after roll call (6:11 pm).

The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board.

Parish President Chris Daigle, Chief Administra‐ tive OfficerDwayne Boudreaux, and Chief Op‐ erating Officer- Randall Dunn were also in atten‐ dance.

E. CONSIDERATION OF RESUBDIVISION FOR AGNES WARD ESTATE

A quorum was present and due notice had been posted.

On a motion by Easley, seconded by Allen, the Advisory Board voted to approve as is. The survey was prepared by Charles St. Romain. The map re‐ flects the survey and subdivision of Tract B-1B-1 and Tract B-1-B-2 into Tract B-1-B-1-A, Lot B-1-B2-A, located in Section 78 & 79, T-5- S, R-9-E, South‐ east Land District, West of the Mississippi River, Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana for Agnes Ward Estate (Jordan Ward).

Prior to the meeting Ran‐ dall Dunn, Chief Operat‐ ing Officer, gave the Council Clerk handouts to present to the Council that outlined the infor‐ mation that he would be presenting to the council.

(Copies of the handout are available in the Coun‐ cil’s Office upon re‐ quest.)

The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board.

Randall Dunn went through the different pages of the budget based on the questions of the Council members.

He went through the list of projects and equip‐ ment for the 2026 pro‐ posed budget. (Copies of the handout are avail‐ able in the Council’s Of‐ fice upon request.)

ADDENDUM

ADJOURNMENT

None.

There being no further business, it was moved

by Councilwoman Allen, and seconded by Coun‐ cilman Markins, to ad‐ journ at 7:26 P.M. The motion was unanimously adopted.

Yeas: All present.

Nays: None.

Absent: Simpson.

DISCUSSIONS None.

ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved

by Allen, and seconded

by Easley, to adjourn at 5:53 p.m.

Yeas: All present.

Nays: None.

Absent: Simpson.

The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board. ________________ /s/ MACY W. OURSO COMMISSION CLERK _______________ /s/ RANDALL DUNN COMMISSION CHAIRMAN

________________ /s/ MACY W. OURSO COUNCIL CLERK _______________ /s/ STEVE C. SMITH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN 171222 Dec. 22, 1t $35.09

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Reporting you can trust

The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board.

I, Brian Stephen King Jr., have been convicted of 14:81 Indecent Behavior with Juveniles Sexual Motivation. Date Convicted: 04/20/2017.

14:283 - Video Voyeurism Sexual Motivation. Date Convicted: 04/20/2017.

C. CONSIDERATION OF RE-SUBDIVISION FOR PURPERA & DUPONT

My Address is: 12142 Gebhart Dr Baton Rouge, LA 70816

on stories that matter

Yeas: All present.

Nays: None.

Absent: Simpson.

On a motion by Morgan, seconded by LaPrairie, the Advisory Board voted to approve as is. The sur‐ vey was prepared by d

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Weight: 165 Hair Color: BROWN Eye Color: BLUE Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 171060, Dec 21-22 $250.00

I, Carey Jerrod Henderson aka Slim, have been convicted of 14:42.1 - Forcible Rape.

Date Convicted: 05/05/1995.

My Address is: 1781 N FOSTER DR BATON ROUGE, LA 70806 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 4/23/19796 Height: 6'5" Weight: 306 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 171064, Dec 21-22 $250.00

I, DERRICK D ANTHONY, have been convicted of 14:81 Indecent Behavior with Juveniles Sexual Motivation. Date Convicted: 03/26/2019.

My Address is: 9999 GWENADELE AVE, Apt 128, BATON ROUGE, LA 70816 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 7/18/1998 Height: 6'1" Weight: 150 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 171067, Dec 21-22 $250.00

171212 Dec. 22, 1t $112.57

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Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

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Race: WHITE Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 1/7/1984 Height: 6'

I, FRANK Gary CLAY Jr aka Rico, have been convicted of 14:43 Simple Rape. Date Convicted: 08/14/2000.

My Address is: 2340 THOMAS H. DELPIT DR Apt B, BATON ROUGE, LA 70802 Race: WHITE Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 1/28/1974 Height: 5'9" Weight: 170 Hair Color: BROWN Eye Color: BROWN

NEWS 24/7 ON

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ 9C

lll

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Scars/Tattoos:

My Address is: 1370 ASHBOURNE DR BATON ROUGE, LA 70815 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 7/6/1974 Height: 6'3" Weight: 276 Hair Color: BLACK

I, James Cummings aka Popcorn, have been convicted of 14:42 Aggravated Rape. Date Convicted: 11/13/1974.

14:42 - Aggravated Rape. Date Convicted: 11/13/1974.

My Address is: 2733 Jackson Ave Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 4/26/1952 Height: 5'8" Weight: 152 Hair Color: GRAY Eye Color: BROWN

Public Notices Sex Offenders

I, JOHNNY AUGUSTA COLLINS JR, have been convicted of 14:43.1 Sexual Battery. Date Convicted: 06/24/1998.

My Address is: 1629 N 38TH ST BATON ROUGE, LA 70802 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 9/21/1980 Height: 6'3" Weight: 210 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 171055, Dec 21-22 $250.00

IBERVILLE PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES PUBLIC HEARING, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025 PROPOSED ORDINANCES The Parish Council of Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana, held a Public Hearing in the Council Meeting Room, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana, on the 19th day of November, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. pursuant to a Notice of Public Hearing published on the 28th day of October, 2025 in The Advocate and posted on the Iberville Parish website.

I, JOHN OMAR VERRETT, have been convicted of 14:81 Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. Date Convicted: 08/27/2007.

My Address is: 880 Eleanor Dr Baton Rouge, LA 70805 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 11/16/1987 Height: 5'7" Weight: 210 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 171051, Dec 21-22 $250.00

I, KELLY D GRIFFIN Aliases: Smelly , have been convicted of 14:43.1 - Sexual Battery. Date Convicted: 07/19/2022.

14:81 - Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. Date Convicted: Information not available..

My Address is: 4983 MOHICAN ST BATON ROUGE, LA 70805 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 6/24/1970 Height: 5'9" Weight: 210 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos:

I, MARIO K JOHNSON, have been convicted of 14:80 - Carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Date Convicted: 9/20/2010.

My Address is: 6446 BRIERWOOD DR BATON ROUGE, LA 70812 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 1/3/1981 Height: 6' Weight: 160 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 170988, Dec 21-22 $250.00

Louisiana 171052, Dec 21-22 $250.00

•

He stated that there are a few upcoming community events that he wanted to let the Council know about, on November 24 there will be a Gobble Wobble for Autism at the Belleview Park, on December 9 and 10 in St. Gabriel and Plaquemine DOTD will be posted a Bridge Update Meeting. The final Master Plan Community meeting will be on November 19 in Plaquemine at the Civic Center.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Absent: Pierce, Markins, Morgan.

ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET AND THE AMENDED 2025 OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR THE IBERVILLE PARISH COUNCIL

Chief Administrative Officer- Dwayne Boudreaux, Chief Operating OfficerRandall Dunn, and Legal Counsel- Nedi Morgan were also in attendance.

Chief Operating Officer- Randall Dunn, read the following ordinance in entirety.

ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET AND THE AMENDED 2025 OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR THE IBERVILLE PARISH COUNCIL

The floor was opened to comments and questions. There was no opposition to this ordinance from the public.

There being no further business to be conducted, the hearing was adjourned at 6:03 p.m. _________________________ /s/ STEVE C. SMITH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

IBERVILLE PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025 The Parish Council of Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana, met in Regular Session, in the Council Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Courthouse Building, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana, on the 18th day of November, 2025.

The Council Chairman, Steve C. Smith, called the hearing to order followed by the roll call with the following Council Members in attendance: Shalanda L. Allen, District 1; Chasity B. Easley; District 2; Thomas E. Dominique, Sr., District 3; Freddie Frazier, Sr., District 4; Steve C. Smith, District 5; Raheem T. Pierce, District 6; Nadia Jenkins, District 7; Hunter S. Markins, District 8; Terry J. Bradford, District 9; Chasity Martinez, District 10; Charles Dardenne, District 11; Matthew H. Jewell, District 12; Bart B. Morgan, District 13.

Absent: None.

Chief Administrative Officer- Dwayne Boudreaux, Chief Operating OfficerRandall Dunn, and Legal Counsel- Nedi Morgan were also in attendance.

A quorum was present and due notice had been posted and published in The Advocate newspaper on the 13th day of November, 2025. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.

Council Chairman Smith called for anyone wanting to make public comments to register with the Clerk. Dianne Chauffe, DJ Wunstell, Erik Kelley, and Louis Kelley, Sr., all registered to speak.

ADDENDUM A) None.

PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES A) Proclamation for the 2025 Evangeline Queen – Calise Ann Landry • Parish President Daigle read the proclamation aloud, honoring Miss. Calise Ann Landry as Miss Evangeline for the 57th Annual Acadian Festival. She thanked the Council for the recognition and a picture was taken.

B) Presentation by the Atchafalaya Basinkeeper Dean Wilson • Dean Wilson, the Atchafalaya Basinkeeper came before the Council to speak about the Basin Management plan for the flood protection and coastal restoration. He also stated that they will be hosting a meeting on December 10, 2025 at the Bayou Pigeon Heritage hall on the sedimentation in the Atchafalaya Basin.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon a motion by Councilwoman Jenkins, seconded by Councilman Markins, it was moved to wave the reading of the minutes of October 21, 2025 Regular Meeting and approve as written. The motion having been duly submitted to a vote was duly adopted by the following yea and nay votes on roll call: YEAS: Allen, Easley, Dominique, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Bradford, Martinez, Dardenne, Jewell, Morgan.

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

ABSENT: None.

The motion was declared adopted by the Chairman.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT President Daigle reported on the following: • President Daigle started by recognizing the following for their dedicated years of service to Iberville Parish; the retirement of Charlene Siplin, the Director for the Council on Aging, 18 years of service. He also recognized Charlotte Scott, 27 years; Karen Ennis, 15 years; Amy Bunch, 5 years; Rebecca Lirette, 5 years; and Dinesha Fernandez, 5 years.

• He stated that the Hwy 1 lighting project from Jubilee to MSA West, that the permits are in and they are waiting on the City of Plaquemine and Entergy for plans and installation, both have to replace some existing poles along the road.

• The Bayou Grosse Tete debris clean-up project is going out for bid soon. The Parish also received a $30 million restoration for Bayou Manchac project through the Amite River Basin Commission.

I, Michael Roland Kuehne, have been convicted of 14:80 Carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Date Convicted: 12/01/2000.

14:80 - Carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Date Convicted: 12/01/2000.

My Address is: 16742 J L FAIRCHILD RD GREENWELL SPRINGS, LA 70739 Race: WHITE Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 9/30/1979 Height: 5'8" Weight: 160 Hair Color: BROWN Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana

I, Thomas Matthew Shaw aka Matt Shaw, have been convicted of 14:81 - Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. Date Convicted: 11/17/2020.

My Address is: 3155 Fritchie Dr BATON ROUGE, LA 70809 Race: WHITE Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 6/22/1998 Height: 5'9" Weight: 200 Hair Color: BLONDE Eye Color: BLUE Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 171059, Dec 21-22 $250.00

Public Notices Sex Offenders

OLD BUSINESS IPC ORDINANCE # 017-25

WHEREAS, Iberville Parish Home Rule Charter Sections 5-03 and 5-05 provide that the Iberville Parish Council shall adopt annually an operating budget and a capital improvement budget for the fiscal year of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.

WHEREAS, the 2025 amended and 2026 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets have been presented to the Iberville Parish Council and the General Public, and a public hearing will be held on the budgets and all proposed modifications, if any, on the 19th day of November 2024, at 6:00 P.M. WHEREAS, the Iberville Parish Department of Finance has submitted for appropriation requests to the State of Louisiana, Division of Administration, all requests for capital outlay funding for Parish projects, the Governor’s Office of Rural Development, Department of Transportation & Development, Department of Labor, Department of Military Affairs, and Department of Health & Hospitals, and while it is not presently known if the requests will be approved and funded, the State funds shall be included in the 2026 budgets to the extent such funds are received by the Iberville Parish Council.

WHEREAS, the 2025 amended budget and the 2026 Operating and Capital Improvement budgets having been duly submitted for public hearing on the 18th day of November 2025.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Iberville Parish Council, as follows; “That the 2025 Amended Budget be approved and adopted.”

“That a copy of the budgets shall be on file with the Iberville Parish Council Clerk and open for public inspection in accordance with law.”

“That this ordinance be published in accordance with the provision of the Iberville Parish Home Rule Charter, and that the approved budget shall become effective January 1, 2026, in accordance with law.”

Looking for the right hire?

Dianne Chauffe came before the Council in opposition of the proposed ordinance, she stated that we as a Parish should follow the standard for roads that are currently in place to ensure that the roads in a neighborhood will be nice and up to standards. She stated that the developers that have made huge investments in developing subdivisions and follow the Parish rules for building a road at their expense and now the Parish is going to give it away.

Upon a motion by Councilman Dardenne, seconded by Councilwoman Martinez, it was moved that a public hearing be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. on the introduced ordinances.

On a substitute motion by Councilman Jewell, seconded by Councilwoman Allen, it was moved to table the introduction of the Ordinance.

YEAS: Allen, Easley, Markins, Bradford, Jewell.

NAYS: Dominique, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Martinez, Dardenne, ABSTAIN: None.

ABSENT: Morgan.

The substitute motion failed.

The motion having been duly submitted to a vote, was duly adopted by the following yea and nay votes on roll call: YEAS: Dominique, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Bradford, Martinez, Dardenne.

NAYS: Allen, Jewell.

ABSTAIN: Easley.

ABSENT: Morgan.

The motion was declared adopted by the Chairman on the 18th day of November, 2025.

RESOLUTION COMMITTEE REPORT The Resolution Committee met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 6:15 p.m., followed by the roll call with the following Resolution Committee Members only in attendance: Jewell, Dardenne, Jenkins, Markins, Martinez, Frazier, Morgan, Dominique.

Absent: Pierce.

171062, Dec 21-22 $250.00

Councilman Smith made a recommendation to forward the resolutions to the regular meeting, seconded by Councilman Frazier. The recommendation having been duly submitted to a vote was duly adopted by the following yea and nay votes on roll call by Resolution Committee Members only: YEAS: Jewell, Dardenne, Jenkins, Markins, Martinez, Frazier, Morgan, Dominique.

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

ABSENT: Pierce.

The recommendation was declared adopted by the Chairman to forward these items to the regular meeting.

During the Regular Meeting: RESOLUTION IPC# 2025 - 034 RESOLUTION TO DECLARE LEGAL HOLIDAYS FOR 2026 WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of La. R.S. 1:55 and the Home Rule Charter, the Iberville Parish Council hereby approves the attached holiday schedule as public holidays for its employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY the Iberville Parish Council as follows: “That the attached holiday schedule for 2026 is hereby approved for parish council employees, insofar as practical, and that those essential public safety personnel and employees whose service is necessary and indispensable and required for the efficient administration of parish government shall be required to work on said holidays.”

The above resolution was duly adopted in regular session this 18th day of November, 2025, by the following vote on roll call; YEAS: Allen, Easley, Dominique, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Bradford, Martinez, Dardenne, Jewell.

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

ABSENT: Morgan.

The resolution was declared adopted by the Chairman on 18th day of November, 2025.

PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT A) B) C) D) E)

Approve Consideration of variance for Donnie Bujol Approve Consideration of re-subdivision for Yuri Melendes Approve Consideration of re-subdivision for Purpera & Dupont Approve Consideration of re-subdivision for Clayton Hurdle Approve Consideration of re-subdivision for Agnes Ward Estate •

•

•

The ordinance was declared adopted by the Chairman on the 18th day of November, 2025.

•

Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 7/2/1966 Height: 5'8" Weight: 230 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos:

A) Resolution to declare legal holidays for 2026

YEAS: Easley, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Bradford, Martinez, Dardenne, Jewell, Morgan.

NAYS: Allen, Dominique.

ABSTAIN: None.

ABSENT: None.

1) New Business A) Introduction of Ordinances 1. Ordinance to accept certain private roads into the parish’s road system

My Address is: 12230 WILLOWMORE DR BAKER, LA 70714

The following resolution was read aloud by Mr. Boudreaux:

The foregoing ordinance which was previously introduced at the meeting of the Iberville Parish Council on October 21, 2025 and a copy thereof having been published in the official journal on October 28, 2025, the public hearing on this ordinance held on the 18th day of November, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Meeting Room, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana, was brought up for final passage with a motion

by Councilman Pierce, and seconded by Councilwoman Jenkins, having been duly submitted to a vote, the ordinance was duly adopted by the following yea and nay vote on roll call:

NEW BUSINESS

I, Tremille Anthony Aubert, have been convicted of 14:78.1 Aggravated Incest.

Date Convicted: 03/18/2002. 15:542 Failure to Register/Notify as a Sex Offender. Date Convicted: 07/12/2011.

14:89 - Crime Against Nature. Date Convicted: 04/17/2001.

Louisiana

171053, Dec 21-22 $250.00

1-800-960-6397

Finance Director, Randall Dunn stated that the Council received their monthly budget to actual financial statements. He stated that as of December 2025 he will no longer serving on the Iberville Planning and Advisory Committee.

______________________ /s/ MACY W. OURSO COUNCIL CLERK

Public Notices Sex Offenders

CLASSIFIEDS.THEADVOCATE.COM

The Council Chairman, Steve C. Smith, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. followed by the roll call with the following Council Members in attendance: Shalanda L. Allen, District 1; Chasity B. Easley; District 2; Thomas E. Dominique, Sr., District 3; Freddie Frazier, Sr., District 4; Steve C. Smith, District 5; Raheem T. Pierce, District 6; Nadia Jenkins, District 7; Hunter S. Markins, District 8; Terry J. Bradford, District 9; Chasity Martinez, District 10; Charles Dardenne, District 11; Matthew H. Jewell, District 12; Bart B. Morgan, District 13.

ORDINANCE 1

Public Notices Sex Offenders

170995, Dec 21-22 $250.00

171058, Dec 21-22 $250.00

I, GREGORY WILKINS JR aka GREGORY WILKINS JR aka Jr WILKINS, have been convicted of 14:80 - Carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Date Convicted: 12/08/1994.

14:80 - Carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Date Convicted: 02/22/1995.

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Louisiana

Louisiana

171066, Dec 21-22 $250.00

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Scars/Tattoos:

Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos:

Louisiana

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Louis Kelley came before the Council in opposition of the proposed re-subdivision for Yuri Melendes. He stated that they are not good neighbors, the grass is always high, they do not have the proper septic tank system. They placed one of the trailers there without approval and had someone living in one of the trailers without water and electricity.

Eric Kelley came before the Council in opposition of the proposed re-subdivision. He stated that he is a direct neighbor of the property, he has had to call animal control multiple times on tenants that were staying in one of the trailers. He stated that the grass has been waist high on several occasions. He is also worried about the value of his property in the future if this were to be approved.

DJ Wunstell came before the Council in opposition of the proposed re-subdivision. He stated that he agrees with what the two previous speakers stated about all the issues with the property. He stated they have done a lot of things that are not up to the standards with the Parish code. He also stated that he is worried about what this would do to their property value in the future.

Upon a motion by Councilwoman Martinez, seconded by Councilman Bradford, it was moved to affirm the Planning Advisory Board’s recommendation to deny item B- Consideration of re-subdivision for Yuri Melendes. The motion having been duly submitted to a vote, was duly adopted by the following yea and nay votes on roll call: YEAS: Allen, Easley, Dominique, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Bradford, Martinez, Dardenne, Jewell.

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

ABSENT: Morgan.

The motion was declared adopted by the Chairman on the 18th day of November, 2025.

Upon a motion by Councilman Dardenne, seconded by Councilman Jewell, it was moved to approve items A, C, D, & E as is. The motion having been duly submitted to a vote, was duly adopted by the following yea and nay votes on roll call: YEAS: Allen, Easley, Dominique, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Bradford, Martinez, Dardenne, Jewell.

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

ABSENT: Morgan.

The motion was declared adopted by the Chairman on the 18th day of November, 2025.

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS REPORT None.

DISCUSSIONS None.

ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Councilwoman Allen, and seconded by Councilman Pierce, to adjourn at 7:24 p.m. The motion was unanimously adopted. ______________________ /s/ MACY W. OURSO COUNCIL CLERK

_________________________ /s/ STEVE C. SMITH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN 171216- 597739-Dec. 22-1t $ 644.49

10C ■ Monday, December 22, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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