The Advocate 12-24-2025

Rabalais: Taking stock of Kiffin’s new wave of LSU coaching additions 1C

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La. National Guard to deploy in New Orleans Gov. Landry says troops to stay through Mardi Gras

BY MATTHEW ALBRIGHT and BEN MYERS

Staff writers

STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON

A line of nearly finished structures rests atop the levee for the annual Christmas Eve bonfires in Gramercy on Friday.

After weeks preparing, St. James residents set to gather for bonfire tradition

BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT

Staff writer

The bonfires will burn tonight.

The wooden pyramid structures sit along the levee near Gramercy, looming above River Road. For weeks, residents from the surrounding communities have hauled logs and chain-sawed them to create the bonfires, preparing for the Christmas Eve lighting at 7 p.m.

It is a tradition that dates back more than a century, and various theories have been floated for its origin. Popular explanations include lighting the way for Catholic parishioners journeying to Midnight Mass or blazing a path for “Papa Noel,” according to the Louisiana Folklife website. In a 1990 Southern Folklore article by Marcia Gaudet, she proposed it was started by French immigrants in St. James Parish between 1880 and 1900.

ä See TRADITION, page 4A

About 350 members of the Louisiana National Guard will deploy to New Orleans for two months, helping to beef up security in the French Quarter for New Year’s Eve, the Sugar Bowl and Mardi Gras, according to a news release.

They will also more generally support law enforcement and “enhance capabilities, stabilize the environment, assist in reducing crime and restoring public trust,” according to a news release. The operation will last through February.

Gov. Jeff Landry announced the deployment on “The Will Cain Show” on Fox News.

“Look, we know how to make cities safe, and the National Guard complements cities that have high crime problems,” Landry said.

Landry cited President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops, including some from Louisiana, to Washington, D.C. The soldiers currently serving in the

Landry

ä Court rejects request to overturn Guard ruling.

PAGE 2A

ä Trump reveals more about Landry’s Greenland envoy role.

ä See GUARD, page 5A PAGE 5A

Foodborne illnesses can spike around holidays Keep your guests safe with these tips

BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

Cowen Wiggins tosses a long log in a bonfire structure for the annual Christmas Eve bonfires along the levee on Friday.

There is nothing like a bout of food poisoning to spoil the holiday cheer.

Around 48 million Americans come down with foodborne illnesses annually, with cases spiking around the holidays when families gather to share meals, according to the National Consumers League. Common forms of food poisoning include E. coli, salmonella and listeria infections, as well as the “winter vomiting disease,” or norovirus.

LSU AgCenter consumer food safety specialist Shannon Coleman shared tips to keep food safe and minimize the risk of foodborne illness this season.

ä See ILLNESSES, page 6A

WEATHER HIGH 75 LOW 58 PAGE 8B

Business ......................3B Deaths .........................5B Nation-World................2A Classified .....................8D Living............................1D Opinion ........................6B Comics-Puzzles .....5D-7D Metro ...........................1B Sports ..........................1C

101ST yEAR, NO. 177

2A ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Mexican plane crashes in Texas; 5 killed

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Russell Brand faces new rape charges in U.K.

LONDON — British authorities on Tuesday brought new counts of rape and sexual assault against comedian Russell Brand, who is already facing similar charges involving four women.

The U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service said the new charges — one count of rape and one of sexual assault — against Brand were in relation to two further women. The alleged offenses took place in 2009, the CPS said.

Brand, 50, had already been charged in April with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The charges were brought following an 18-month investigation sparked when four women alleged they had been assaulted by the controversial comedian.

Prosecutors said that these offenses took place between 1999 and 2005 — one in the English seaside town of Bournemouth and the other three in London.

Brand pleaded not guilty to those charges in a London court earlier this year.

He is expected to appear next in court on Jan. 20, in relation to the two new charges brought against him. A trial has also been scheduled for June next year and is expected to last four to five weeks.

Student loan borrowers may see wages garnished WASHINGTON — The Trump administration said on Tuesday that it will begin garnishing the wages of student loan borrowers who are in default early next year.

The department said it will send notices to approximately 1,000 borrowers the week of Jan. 7, with more notices to come at an increasing scale each month.

Millions of borrowers are considered in default, meaning they are 270 days past due on their payments. The department must give borrowers 30 days notice before their wages can be garnished.

The department said it will begin collection activities, “only after student and parent borrowers have been provided sufficient notice and opportunity to repay their loans.”

In May, the Trump administration ended the pandemic-era pause on student loan payments, beginning to collect on defaulted debt through withholding tax refunds and other federal payments to borrowers.

Louvre tightens security after $102M jewel heist PARIS — A freight lift rose up on its crane Tuesday toward the Louvre Museum — but this time it wasn’t jewel thieves. It was workers installing security bars on the window used to break into the Paris landmark’s Apollo Gallery in October’s stunning heist.

The world’s most-visited museum is slowly coming to terms with security failings exposed by the theft, while investigators hunt for missing crown jewels worth $102 million.

With the Louvre closed Tuesday, maintenance workers in security helmets and high-visibility vests mounted a freight lift to a second-floor balcony to secure new metal bars outside a now-infamous window.

Powerball jackpot soars again, now at $1.7B The Powerball jackpot has jumped to an eye-popping $1.7 billion, after the 46th drawing passed without a big winner.

The numbers drawn Monday night were 3, 18, 36, 41, 54 and the Powerball 7.

Since Sept. 6, there have been 46 straight drawings without a big winner.

The next drawing will be Christmas Eve on Wednesday, with the prize expected to be the fourth-largest in U.S. lottery history.

Powerball’s odds of 1 in 292.2 million are designed to generate big jackpots, with prizes growing as they roll over when no one wins. Lottery officials note that the odds are far better for the game’s many smaller prizes.

There are three drawings each week.

The estimated $1.6 billion jackpot goes to a winner who opts to receive 30 payments over 29 years through an annuity.

BY HALLIE GOLDEN and MEGAN JANETSKY Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By NAM y. HUH

Law enforcement officers stand guard earlier this month as protesters gather outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview, Ill.

Court rejects request to overturn Guard ruling Trump administration wants to send troops to Chicago

BY MARK SHERMAN

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area to support its immigration crackdown, a significant defeat for the president’s efforts to send troops to U.S. cities.

The justices declined the Republican administration’s emergency request to overturn a ruling by U.S. District Judge April Perry that had blocked the deployment of troops. An appeals court also had refused to step in. The Supreme Court took more than two months to act.

Three justices — Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch — publicly dissented.

The high court order is not a final ruling but it could affect other lawsuits challenging President Donald Trump’s attempts to deploy the military in other Democratic-led cities.

“At this preliminary stage, the Government has failed to identify a source of authority that would allow the military to execute the

laws in Illinois,” the high court majority wrote.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh said he agreed with the decision to keep the Chicago deployment blocked, but would have left the president more latitude to deploy troops in possible future scenarios.

The outcome is a rare Supreme Court setback for Trump, who had won repeated victories in emergency appeals since he took office again in January. The conservative-dominated court has allowed Trump to ban transgender people from the military, claw back billions of dollars of congressionally approved federal spending, move aggressively against immigrants and fire the Senate-confirmed leaders of independent federal agencies.

Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker applauded Tuesday’s decision as a win for the state and country.

“American cities, suburbs, and communities should not have to faced masked federal agents asking for their papers, judging them for how they look or sound, and living in fear that President can deploy the military to their streets,” he said.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, on the other hand, said the president had activated the National Guard to protect federal personnel and property from “violent rioters.”

“Nothing in today’s ruling detracts from that core agenda. The Administration will continue working day in and day out to safeguard the American public,” she said.

Alito and Thomas said in their dissent that the court had no basis to reject Trump’s contention that the administration needed the troops to enforce immigration laws. Gorsuch said he would have narrowly sided with the government based on the declarations of federal law enforcement officials.

The administration had initially sought the order to allow the deployment of troops from Illinois and Texas, but the Texas contingent of about 200 National Guard troops was later sent home from Chicago.

The Trump administration has argued that the troops are needed “to protect federal personnel and property from violent resistance against the enforcement of federal immigration laws.”

Major Russian attack kills at least 3, cuts power Officials say more than 650 drones, dozens of missiles fired at Ukraine

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BY ILLIA NOVIKOV Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine — Russia fired more than 650 drones and three dozen missiles at Ukraine in a large-scale attack that began during the night and stretched into daylight hours Tuesday, officials said. At least three people were killed, including a 4-year-old child, two days before Christmas.

The barrage struck homes and the power grid in 13 regions of Ukraine, causing widespread outages in bitter temperatures, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, a day after he described recent progress on finding a peace deal as “quite solid.”

The bombardment demonstrated Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intention of pursuing the invasion of Ukraine, Zelenskyy said in a post on the Telegram messaging app. Ukrainian and European officials have complained that Putin is not sincerely engaging with U.S.-led peace efforts.

The attack “is an extremely clear signal of Russian priorities,” Zelenskyy said. “A strike before Christmas, when people want to be with their families, at home, in safety. A strike, in fact, in the midst of negotiations that are being conducted to end this war. Putin cannot accept the fact that we must stop killing.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has for months been pressing for a peace agreement, but the negotiations have become entangled in the very different demands

A small Mexican Navy plane transporting a young medical patient and seven others crashed Monday near Galveston, killing at least five people and setting off a search in waters along the Texas coast, officials said.

Four of the people aboard were Navy officers and four were civilians, including a child, Mexico’s Navy said in a statement to The Associated Press. Two of the passengers were from a nonprofit that provides aid to Mexican children with severe burns, including transports to a Galveston hospital.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Luke Baker said at least five aboard had died but did not identify which passengers.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Mexico’s Marines said in a statement that it is sending “its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.”

The crash took place Monday afternoon in Galveston Bay near the base of the causeway that connects Galveston Island to the mainland. Emergency responders and search teams rushed to the scene near the popular beach destination along the Texas coast that is about 50 miles southeast of Houston.

Sky Decker, a professional yacht captain who lives about a mile from the crash site, said he jumped in his boat to see if he could help. He said he picked up two police officers who directed him through thick fog to a nearly completely submerged plane. Decker jumped in the water and found a badly injured woman trapped beneath chairs and other debris.

“I couldn’t believe. She had maybe 3 inches of air gap to breathe in,” he said. “And there was jet fuel in there mixed with the water, fumes real bad. She was really fighting for her life.”

PROVIDED PHOTO

A house is damaged Tuesday after a Russian strike in Zhytomyr region, Ukraine.

from Moscow and Kyiv.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said Sunday he held “productive and constructive” talks in Florida with Ukrainian and European representatives. Trump was less effusive Monday, saying, “The talks are going along.”

Initial reports from Ukrainian emergency services said the child died in Ukraine’s northwestern Zhytomyr region, while a drone killed a woman in the Kyiv region, and another civilian death was recorded in the western Khmelnytskyi region, according to Zelenskyy.

Russia launched 635 drones of various types and 38 missiles, Ukraine’s air force said. Air defenses stopped 587 drones and 34 missiles, it said.

It was the ninth large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy system this year and left multiple regions in the west without power, while emergency power outages were in place across the country, acting Energy Minister Artem Nekraso said. Work to restore power would begin as soon as the security situation permitted, he said.

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4A ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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TRADITION

Continued from page 1A Either way, St. James Parish residents, young and old, will continue the tradition this Christmas Eve with families and visitors from around the world swapping stories on the levee. Here are three from this year’s tradition:

Passing the torch Paulina resident Seth Melancon, 40, has been building bonfires with his family since he was a kid.

“My dad was here this weekend and helped Saturday a good bit,” he said on Dec. 17. “I had two other friends that came and helped. Normally, I got a pretty big crew; my crew is kind of shrinking a little bit. I had a few friends pass away and a few others busy with work.”

This year’s 13-foot-tall bonfire follows the classic pyramid-shape design.

Growing up, Melancon said, his family built its fire closer to the bridge; now, it is located across from his father’s auto repair shop.

Work moves fast, too.

“This weekend they didn’t have anything here,” he said on Dec. 17. “This Saturday we just started putting it up.”

Asked why he continues the work every year, Melancon said it was about keeping the tradition alive.

“I don’t know. It’s just a yearly ritual, I guess,” he stated. “I’ve been doing it since I was a little kid. Hopefully, my son will one day take it over, and I won’t have to build it no more; I’ll just sit by the fire and hang out.”

Dedicated to a brother The week before Christmas, Lutcher resident Jarmel Beckett, 25, was using a chain saw to cut logs for his bonfire’s kindling. Unlike many of the other fires, the one he helped build is shaped like a box.

“This right here, man, this is a beautiful sight to see on Christmas Eve. All the bon-

STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON

The sun sets over a bonfire tower on the levee that will be part of the traditional Christmas Eve bonfires in Gramercy on Friday. fires lit up, all the hard work everybody put into it,” he said. “Everybody sees the lighting of it, the fun of it, the party of it, but nobody’ll know the hard work, the going in the woods, cutting trees, gas — it takes a lot of hard work to build a bonfire, man.”

The fire will raise awareness for the group Wildlife or No Life, which was founded by Beckett’s uncle, Dwayne Winfield. The group helps educate children about hunting and fishing and gets

them outdoors, Beckett explained, adding that the bonfire will have a banner for the group.

This year’s fire is also dedicated to Beckett’s brother, who died this past year. As he said, the most important part of the tradition can be summed up in one word: family.

“Seeing all the family, seeing this small community called Lutcher, Louisiana, and Paulina and Gramercy, all of us come together as one and enjoy what we have:

A special Lane Train complete with a cutout of LSU football coach Lane Kiffin sits atop the levee for the annual Christmas Eve bonfires in Gramercy on Friday.

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this tradition that has been Not much has changed going on for years before I in those intervening years. was even born,” he said.

The bonfires have shrunk to a maximum height of 15 feet Cane reed firecrackers for safety reasons, though, Mickey Roussel, 69, of and he said the time it takes Lutcher, has been building to build them has likewise Christmas Eve levee bon- shrunk, because they now fires for most of his life and have trucks and trailers to thinks “everybody should help haul the wood. Beyond have it on their bucket list.” that, everything else re“A group of us been do- mains about the same — ining this since I was in high cluding using reeds as natuschool,” he said. “So now ral firecrackers. we’re all in our 60s and 70s, “In the ’30s and ’40s they but we still do it because the didn’t have fireworks,” tradition is pretty neat.”

Roussel said. “For the bam-

boo, every joint pops, so when you stack it against the wood, and you light it, it’s like a bunch of firecrackers going off,” he said.

Thousands, including people across the world, journey to River Road for the festivities. As the bonfires rage on the levee, residents shoot fireworks off toward the river.

“Christmas Eve is neat,” he said. “I’m 69 years old.

I’ve never been anywhere else for Christmas Eve. Anywhere else.”

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ 5A

lll

Trump reveals more about Landry’s envoy role President calls governor a ‘dealmaker-type guy’

BY MATTHEW ALBRIGHT Staff writer

President Donald Trump says Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s new role as special envoy is a “big deal,” because the U.S. needs Greenland for its national security.

“If you take a look at Greenland, you look up and down the coast, you have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place,” Trump said in response to questions at a news conference Monday afternoon. “We need it for national security.

We have to have it.”

Tr u m p announced Landry’s special envoy role in a Truth Social post on Sunday night. Landry has said the role “in no way affects my position as gover-

nor of Louisiana.”

Greenland is an independent territory of Denmark.

The largest noncontinent island in the world, it is home to about 57,000 people. It is strategically significant as a buffer between North America and the Arctic and North Atlantic regions.

The island is also rich in rare earth minerals used in modern technological devices. But Trump, in his news conference, said he was interested in the island for national security reasons, not for its resources.

Greenlandic and Danish officials were outraged by Trump’s announcement of a special envoy, saying the U.S. “cannot annex another country.” That outrage continued Tuesday.

Henrik Dahl, a member of the European Parliament from Denmark, posted a reply on X to a video Landry posted Monday saying, “Hey Louisiana, I’m not going anywhere!”

“I am pleased that you intend to remain at home in

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By EVAN VUCCI

President Donald Trump announced Gov. Jeff Landry’s special envoy role in a Truth Social post on Sunday night.

Landry has said the role ‘in no way affects my position as governor of Louisiana.’

Louisiana. You and your administration have no business in Greenland,” Dahl responded. “Your imperialist fantasies of taking over Greenland have no place in the twenty-first century.

We will regard you as an enemy of both the Danish state and the Danish and

Greenlandic peoples should you persist in these notions of unilaterally altering the international legal status of

sovereign countries.”

At the news conference, Trump dismissed concerns from Europe.

“I don’t know, they say Denmark, but Denmark has spent no money, they have no military protection,” the president said. “They say that Denmark was there 300 years ago or something with a boat. Well, we were there with boats too, I’m sure. So, we’ll have to work it all out.”

Trump said Landry would be a good negotiator with Greenland because “he’s a deal guy, he’s a dealmakertype guy.”

That tracks what Landry said in a video posted to social media Monday, in which he talked about his special envoy role.

“The president said, ‘Y’know what? You went to Korea one time and came back with a steel mill. Could

you go to Greenland and talk to them about the opportunity of being a part of the United States?” Landry said.

Landry was referring to Hyundai’s plans for a massive new facility in Ascension Parish, which is expected to cost more than $5 billion and create up to 1,300 jobs.

It’s not clear who first approached whom about Landry’s role. In his video, Landry said Trump called to ask him to help Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

But Trump said at his news conference, “I didn’t call him; he called me.”

“He’s very proactive,” Trump said. “He’s a great guy.”

Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@ theadvocate.com.

GUARD

Continued from page 1A nation’s capital will return to Louisiana by the end of the month to join the New Orleans operation, the release said.

“They’re going to be here in New Orleans. It’s going to further help us crack down on the violence,” Landry said.

New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Moreno said the deployment is welcome, since it comes at no cost to the city and “plays an important role in strengthening public safety.” Moreno also called on the Trump administration to give strong consideration to the city’s request to give New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl a “SEAR-1” threat rating — the highest security level, which would unlock federal tactical support, intelligence gathering, cyber risk assessment and other resources.

“I look forward to a coordinated effort among our local, state and federal agencies to ensure the height of our major event season is safe and enjoyable for the people of New Orleans and those in town visiting,” Moreno said in a statement.

In a statement, the New Orleans Police Department and the city of New Orleans said they welcome the National Guard to New Orleans and the ongoing partnership.

“These are the sons and daughters of Louisiana, and their presence is a force multiplier that supports local public safety efforts,” the statement said. “Alongside the dedicated men and women of the NOPD, this partnership will help us sustain progress and keep our neighborhoods safer.”

The deployment is under federal Title 32 status, which means the National

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Soldiers with the Louisiana National Guard walk down Bourbon Street ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Feb. 5. The National Guard will deploy 350 troops to New Orleans in January and February.

Guard will continue to report to Landry and leader Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, but the operation will be paid for by the federal government. Landry thanked Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for approving the plan.

The National Guard has previously deployed in New Orleans for major events, particularly at the beginning of this year after the Jan. 1 terrorist attack on Bourbon Street.

“We’ve mobilized multiple times this year to support efforts in New Orleans, and are ready to do so again for the next two months,” said Friloux. “We will focus on a uniformed presence to enhance the quality of life of our residents and visitors in partnership with Troop Nola of the Louisiana State Police and the New Orleans Police Department.”

The deployment is smaller than the one Landry asked for in an October letter to Trump. Then, he requested 1,000 troops to “deploy throughout the state to urban centers, supplement law enforcement presence in high-crime areas, provide logistical and communica-

tion support, and secure critical infrastructure,” Landry’s letter said.

Guard deployments in other cities have drawn major controversy. Officials in Memphis, Portland, Los Angeles and Chicago have sued the Trump administration for sending or planning to send troops into their jurisdictions, calling it an illegal abuse of federal power.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to grant the administration’s request to block a federal judge’s order barring a deployment of National Guard troops to the Chicago area.

“At this preliminary stage, the Government has failed to identify a source of authority that would allow the military to execute the laws in Illinois,” the high court majority wrote.

News of the deployment also comes as federal immigration authorities pursue a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration in the New Orleans region. As of last week, “Operation Catahoula Crunch” had resulted in the detention of about 350 people, federal authorities said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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6A ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Report: Medicaid paid more than $207M for dead people

BY FATIMA HUSSEIN

ommends that the federal than 142 million records go- ing bill that was signed into the file, beginning in 2027. general has conducted 18 government share more in- ing back to 1899. law by President Donald The intent is to stop payments audits on a selection of state Sharing the Full Death Mas- Trump this summer expands to dead people and improve programs and had identified formation with state governthat Medicaid agencies had WASHINGTON — Medicaid ments to recover the incor- ter File data has been tightly how the Full Death Master accuracy.

Tuesday’s report is the improperly made managed programs made more than rect payments — including restricted due to privacy laws File can be used by mandat$200 million in improper pay- a Social Security database which protect against identity ing Medicaid agencies to first nationwide look at im- care payments on behalf of quarterly audit their provider proper Medicaid payments. deceased enrollees totaling ments to health care provid- known as the Full Death Mas- theft and fraud.

The massive tax and spend- and beneficiary lists against Since 2016, HHS’ inspector approximately $289 million. ers between 2021 and 2022 for ter File, which contains more people who had already died, according to a new report from the independent watchdog for the Department of Health and Human Services.

But the department’s Office of Inspector General said it expects a new provision in Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill requiring states to audit their Medicaid beneficiary lists may help reduce these improper payments in the future.

These kinds of improper payments are “not unique to one state, and the issue continues to be persistent,” Aner Sanchez, assistant regional inspector general in the Office of Audit Services told The Associated Press. Sanchez has been researching this issue for a decade.

The watchdog report released Tuesday said more than $207.5 million in man• An all-volunteer group that shares the gift of Christmas joy with aged care payments were the neediest children in East Baton Rouge Schools made on behalf of deceased Yes, I want to be a Good • Guidance counselors in participating elementary schools enrollees between July 2021 evaluate every child’s family application Fellow-Good Samaritan! and July 2022. The office rec• Each eligible child receives clothing, an age appropriate Associated Press

A Christmas Campaign Benefiting the Neediest Elementary School Children in our Community Since 1914

ILLNESSES

Continued from page 1A

Take your temperature When it comes to holiday spreads, Coleman recommends “having ways of keeping the cold foods cold and the hot foods hot.”

That means the casseroles, the Christmas ham and the charcuterie board shouldn’t be left out for hours and allowed to reach room temperature.

Hot, cooked food should be kept at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer to prevent bacteria from growing, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service. The temperature for cold perishable food shouldn’t exceed 40 degrees.

Coleman said products like coolers, Crock-Pots and food warming mats can help maintain safe temperatures at a buffet table.

“I would say a common thing people should start doing is finding different tools that can help maintain the safety of their products,” Coleman said.

Wash your hands As a host or a guest bringing food to a gathering, it is critical to wash hands regularly while cooking, Coleman said. Handwashing helps prevent the annual Christmas party from becoming a superspreading event for illnesses like norovirus.

Norovirus is the top cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., according to the Cleveland Clinic. It can spread through contaminated food — raw shellfish is a frequent transmitter.

Handwashing and sanitizing surfaces are crucial, “so that you’re not making someone sick or having any incidents of cross-contamination when you’re prepping the food,” Coleman said.

Bleach solutions are recommended for disinfecting at home, she said.

“Over-the-counter bleach is the No. 1 tool,” Coleman said.

Follow directions Food safety can also be compromised if people don’t follow established procedures for at-home food preservation, such as canning and fermenting, Coleman said.

Family recipes might follow recommended practices, but to be safe, Coleman said scientifically tested recipes are the best way to go.

Improper canning can cause deadly illnesses like botulism. The bacteria thrive in low-oxygen, lowacid environments.

“Our recommendation is to use a tested recipe,” Coleman said. “Those tested recipes can come from the USDA, the National Center for Home Food Preservation at UGA and many of the cooperative extensions.”

All money you donate is used to purchase toys, clothes and books for needy children: Infants to 12 year olds.

toy and a book • Through the generous support of the good people of Greater Baton Rouge, more than 1,000 needy kids were given the gift of Christmas joy last year.

• Unfortunately, more than 3,000 additional children are estimated to remain in need.

• For 111 years, The Advocate has supported the Good Fellows & Good Samaritans Christmas campaign. Thirty one years ago The Sunrise Rotary Club of Baton Rouge became the hands-on partner in this annual effort to share the gift of Christmas joy!

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Donations made by: Mrs. Sara Abercrombie Mr. Stewart Abercrombie Mr. and Mrs. Brad Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Cornel Arceneaux Mr. and Mrs. Keith Arceneaux Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ardoin Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ardoin Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Argrave III Mr. and Mrs. James Ayo Jr. Mrs. Judy Babin Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bankston Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Barker Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Barr Mr. Michael Barrett Mr. Steven Beachum Mr. and Mrs. James Beachum Jr. Mrs. Frances Billeaud Mr. and Mrs. F. Wayne Binning Mr. Stephen Binning Mrs. Betty Blaize Mr. and Mrs. Charles Blaize Jr. Mrs. Nicole Blanco George Dr. and Mrs. David Blythe Jr. Mrs. Janet Boudreaux Mrs. Annie Bourgeois Ms. Shelley Bourgeois Mr. and Mrs. Tyra Bourgeois Mrs. Sharon Bourque Mr. and Mrs. Elroy Brazile Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Breaux Pastor and Mrs. Troy Brigalia Mr. and Mrs. Chase Brignac Mr. and Mrs. Michael Brignac Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bryan Jr. Mr. David Burge Mr. and Mrs. Mark Burns Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Calongne Mr. and Mrs. Roger Carlin Mrs. Monica Case Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chandler Mr. and Mrs. David Chaplin II Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Chaplin Mrs. Marylyn Clemens Mr. and Mrs. Paul Clouatre II Mrs. Patricia Cole Mr. and Mrs. William Collett Mrs. Charlotte Connor Mr. and Mrs. Michael Coon Mrs. Terese Crifasi Mr. William Cummings Jr. Mr. D. Chris Davis Jr. Mrs. Holly Davis Mr. and Mrs. Troy Davis Mr. and Mrs. Travis Day Mr. and Mrs. W. Donald Dinning Mr. Nathan Dixon Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Dobrowolski III Dr. and Mrs. David Dragon Mr. and Mrs. Gary Dunn Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Efferson

Mrs. Randi Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Mark Emonet Mr. and Mrs. James Englade Mr. and Mrs. Brad Euggino Ms. Patricia Favaron Mr. John Ferguson Mr. and Mrs. Robert Finley Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Firmin Mr. Stephen Fisher Mr. and Mrs. Jeffry Foil Mr. Jack Foil Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Folse Mr. and Mrs. Todd Folse Ms. Michelle Folse Mrs. Carolyn Forbes Mr. and Mrs. John Ford Mr. Brandon Frederick Mr. and Mrs. Joey Gammill Ms. Bonnie Gaudin Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gauthreaux Mr. and Mrs. Louis Generes IV Mr. and Mrs. Warren George Mr. and Mrs. Hossein Ghara Mrs. Patricia Giamanco Mr. Glynn Gillespie Mr. and Mrs. John Gipson Mr. and Mrs. Brian Glover Mrs. Elizeh Gomez Mr. Joshua Gomez Mr. and Mrs. Frank Greely III Mrs. Phyllis Gremillion Mr. and Mrs. Howard Gros III Mr. and Mrs. J. Gene Guerin Mr. and Mrs. Cayle Guillory Mr. and Mrs. Michael Guillory Mrs. Jessica Hall Mrs. Joy Hammett Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Hand Mr. Bradley Harris Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Hartley Mr. and Mrs. Todd Hayden Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Russell Hayes Mrs. Anne Hebert Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hebert Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Hebert Mr. and Mrs. Tom Heflin II Mr. Jeffrey Helton Mr. and Mrs. Howard Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Herring Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Hibbard Mr. and Mrs. Allen Hodgkins III Mr. Albert Hoffmeister III Mr. and Mrs. John Holmes Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Holmes Mrs. Linda Hull Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Hustmyre Mr. and Mrs. Richard Huye Jr. Ms. Susan Hymel Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Jackson Mr. and Mrs. David Johnson

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ 7A

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Epstein release has few revelations New tranche of documents the most voluminous thus far

BY LINDSAY WHITEHURST and SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By TASSANEE VEJPONGSA

First responders gather Tuesday at the scene of an explosion at Silver Lake Healthcare Center in Bristol Township, Pa.

2 killed in nursing home explosion

BY MARK SCOLFORO, MARC LEVY and TASSANEE VEJPONGSA Associated Press

BRISTOL, Pa. — A thunderous explosion Tuesday at a nursing home just outside Philadelphia killed at least two people, collapsed part of the building, sent fire shooting out and left people trapped inside, authorities said.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a news conference several hours after the explosion that at least two had been killed after emergency responders braved the flames and a heavy odor of gas to evacuate residents and employees.

Fire officials said they were in “rescue mode” five hours later, with responders still digging by hand and using search dogs and sonar to locate potential victims.

The explosion happened at Bristol Health & Rehab Center in Bristol Township, just as a utility crew had been on site looking for a gas leak.

A plume of black smoke rose from the nursing

home, as emergency responders, fire trucks and ambulances from across the region rushed there, joined by earthmoving equipment.

Authorities did not identify those who died and did not know the total number of those injured after residents and employees were evacuated to hospitals.

Shapiro asked his fellow Pennsylvanians to take a moment to pray “for this community, for those who are still missing, for those who are injured, and for those families who are about to celebrate Christmas with an empty chair at their table.”

The town’s fire chief, Kevin Dippolito, said at the Tuesday evening news conference that there were five people still unaccounted for, but he cautioned that some may have left the scene with family members.

Dippolito described a chaotic rescue where firefighters found people stuck in stairwells and elevator shafts, and pulled residents out of the fiery building through windows and doors.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Justice Department has released tens of thousands more documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a tranche that included multiple mentions of President Donald Trump but added little new revelatory information to the long-anticipated public file on the late financier and convicted sex offender.

The release is the most voluminous so far and comes after a massive public campaign for transparency into the U.S. government’s Epstein investigations.

Many of the mentions of Trump in the file came from news clippings, though it includes an email from a prosecutor pointing out the flights that Trump took on Epstein’s private jet during the 1990s.

The two men were friends for years before a falling out. Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. The Justice Department issued a statement Tuesday that some documents contain “untrue and sensationalist claims” about Trump made shortly before the 2020 election — and said one document, purported to be a letter from Epstein to Larry Nassar, a sports doctor convicted of sexually abusing Olympic athletes, had been deemed fake.

Here are some takeaways:

nancier’s private plane more often than had been previously known.

An assistant U.S. attorney from the Southern District of New York said in an email that flight records the office received on Jan. 6, 2020, showed that Trump was on Epstein’s jet “many more times than previously has been reported (or that we were aware).”

His travels on Epstein’s plane spanned the time that would likely be covered in any criminal charges against Epstein’s co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell. Trump was listed as a passenger on at least eight flights between 1993 and 1996, and on at least four of those flights, Maxwell was also there, according to the email.

On one of those eight flights, in 1993, Trump and Epstein were the only two passengers listed in the

Prosecutor flagged travel Among the mentions of Trump in the latest batch of the Epstein files is a note from a federal prosecutor from January 2020 that said Trump had flown on the fi-

flight logs. Two other flights included two women — whose names were redacted in follow-up emails — identified as potential witnesses in a Maxwell case.

Asked for comment about the email, the White House pointed to a Justice Department statement saying Monday’s release contained “unfounded and false” claims against the president submitted to the FBI shortly before the 2020 election, but they were nevertheless being released for full transparency.

Later Tuesday, the department said on social media that the FBI had confirmed the purported Nassar letter “is FAKE” based on the handwriting, Virginia postmark and return address, which did not include Epstein’s jail or inmate number, both required for outgoing mail.

Trump: Files a distraction

Trump complained that the files were a distraction from the work he and other Republicans are doing for the country.

Speaking during an unrelated event at his Mar-aLago home in Palm Beach, Florida, on Monday, the president blamed Democrats and some Republicans for the controversy.

Other high-profile people Well-known people shown in the files include former President Bill Clinton, the late pop star Michael Jackson and singer Diana Ross.

The mere inclusion of someone’s name or images in files from the investigation does not imply wrongdoing.

The latest release also includes files that put the U.K.’s former Prince Andrew back in the headlines.

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8A ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Ex-aide: Netanyahu sought Iran, U.S. reaffirm their diplomacy commitment plan to evade blame in attack Gap on a nuclear deal remains wide

BY JULIA FRANKEL Associated Press

JERUSALEM — A former close aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that immediately following the October 2023 Hamas attack that triggered Israel’s twoyear war in Gaza, the Israeli leader instructed him to figure out how the premier could evade responsibility for the security breach.

Former Netanyahu spokesperson Eli Feldstein, who faces trial for allegedly leaking classified information to the press, made the explosive accusation during an extensive interview with Israel’s Kan news channel Monday night.

Critics have repeatedly accused Netanyahu of refusing to accept blame for the deadliest attack in Israel’s history. But little is known about Netanyahu’s behavior in the days immediately following the attack, while the premier has consistently resisted an independent state inquiry.

Speaking to Kan, Feldstein said “the first task” he received from Netanyahu after Oct. 7, 2023, was to stifle calls for accountability.

“He asked me, ‘What are they talking about in the news? Are they still

BY EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ARIEL SCHALIT

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adjusts his headphones during a Dec. 7 news conference in Jerusalem. talking about responsibility?’” Feldstein said. “He wanted me to think of something that could be said that would offset the media storm surrounding the question of whether the prime minister had taken responsibility or not.”

He added that Netanyahu looked “panicked” when he made the request. Feldstein said he was later

told by people in Netanyahu’s close circle to omit the word “responsibility” from all statements.

Netanyahu’s office called the interview a “long series of mendacious and recycled allegations made by a man with clear personal interests who is trying to deflect responsibility from himself,” Hebrew media reported.

Trump order halts offshore wind projects for at least 90 days

BY MATTHEW DALY and JENNIFER MCDERMOTT Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has directed five large-scale wind projects under construction off the East Coast to suspend their activities for at least 90 days, according to letters from the Interior Department obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press, which provide new details on the government’s move to pause the offshore ventures.

During the pause, the Interior

Department will coordinate with project developers “to determine whether the national security threats posed by this project can be adequately mitigated,” the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said in a letter to project developers.

The 90-day period can be extended if necessary, the ocean management agency said.

The administration announced Monday it was suspending the offshore wind projects because of national security concerns. Its announcement did not indicate whether the pause was limited, nor

did it reveal specifics about the national security concerns.

It was the latest step by the Trump administration to hobble offshore wind in its push against renewable energy sources. It comes two weeks after a federal judge struck down President Donald Trump’s executive order blocking wind energy projects, calling it unlawful. The move angered local officials who have supported the projects and posed a new threat to offshore wind development that has faced increasing pressures since Trump took office.

UNITED NATIONS — Iran and the United States reaffirmed their commitments to diplomacy at a contentious meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday, but the gap between the Trump administration and the Islamic Republic on a nuclear deal remains wide and deep.

The sixth round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran had been scheduled for soon after Israel’s 12-day war with Iran in June, during which the U.S. joined Israel in bombing Iranian nuclear sites. The talks were canceled, and in September Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, rejected any direct nuclear negotiations with the United States.

But Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the Security Council that “Iran remains fully committed to principled diplomacy and genuine negotiations.” And said it’s now up to France, Britain and the U.S. “to reverse course and take concrete, credible steps to restore trust and confidence.”

He said Iran remains committed to the core principles of the 2015 nuclear deal aimed at preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, in which Iran had agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

President Donald Trump in 2018 pulled the U.S. out of the agreement between Iran and the five permanent members of the Security Council, plus Germany.

In a rare public exchange between diplomats from the two countries, U.S. Mission counselor Morgan Ortagus, a Trump ally and former State Department spokesperson, said, “The United States remains available for formal talks with Iran but only if Tehran is prepared for direct and meaningful dialogue.”

Ortagus said Trump extended “the hand of diplomacy” to Iran

during both of his administrations.

“But instead of taking that hand of diplomacy, you continue to put your hand in the fire,” she said, looking directly at Iravani. “Step away from the fire, sir, and take President Trump’s hand of diplomacy. It’s extended to you.”

She stressed, however, that the Trump administration has been clear that there can be no enrichment of nuclear material inside Iran, a major point of contention.

Irvani said the U.S. insistence on zero enrichment was contrary to Iran’s rights under the 2015 deal and showed the U.S. was not pursuing fair negotiations.

He said if France and Britain continued to side with the U.S., “diplomacy will be effectively destroyed.”

“Iran will not bow down to any pressure and intimidation,” Irvani said.

In September, the agreement’s three Western members — Britain, France and Germany — triggered a “snapback” mechanism to reinstate the sanctions that had been lifted, citing Iran’s failure to comply with the deal’s conditions.

As tensions between Tehran and Washington have increased, Iran has accelerated its production of uranium to near weapons-grade.

The U.N. nuclear watchdog, the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, has reported that Iran has over 440 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% — a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.

France’s deputy U.N. ambassador Jay Dharmadhikari defended the “snapback” of U.N. sanctions, saying that since 2019 Iran has been in “increasingly flagrant violation” of all limitations designed to guarantee that its nuclear program remains peaceful. But he said the reimposition of sanctions does not mean the end of efforts to find a diplomatic solution.

Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia shot back, telling the French envoy: “You failed miserably in your so-called diplomatic efforts to strike a deal on the nuclear issue with Iran, and you know it.”

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Calif. drivers warned to reconsider travel plans Powerful winter storms expected

BY TRÂN NGUYEN Associated Press

ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION PHOTO By BEN GRAy

U.S. Marshal Thomas Brown talks Tuesday about the escaped inmates who were captured late Monday.

FBI: Lyft driver terrorized by escaped Ga. inmates

BY JEFF MARTIN Associated Press

ATLANTA — Three inmates who escaped from a jail east of Atlanta, including a murder suspect, commandeered a terrified Lyft driver’s car to reach south Florida before she was rescued and they were captured, according to details revealed in court records.

The driver told FBI agents that the men used a fake name to order the ride, put a rope around her neck from behind her, dragged her into the backseat and threatened to kill her, according to a court affidavit filed late Tuesday and obtained

by The Associated Press.

The inmates were able to “compromise” a portion of a cell inside the DeKalb County Jail to make their escape, said DeKalb County Chief Deputy Temetris Atkins.

He didn’t provide more specifics because jailers don’t want other inmates to know the facility’s weaknesses.

“We repaired the area that was compromised, and we’re looking at other areas that are similar to that to fortify them to make sure that they are not compromised in the same manner,” Atkins said at a Tuesday news conference.

DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox described the jail as an “aging facility that’s deteriorating right before our eyes.”

The jail is in Decatur, about 10 miles east of downtown Atlanta.

The escape was discovered early Monday during a routine security check, authorities said. After jailers realized the three were gone, investigators listened to recordings of conversations they’d had on recorded phone lines. They learned that one of the inmates had contacted people on the outside who helped them evade capture after the escape, U.S. Marshal Thomas Brown said.

The inmates were picked up by an unnamed man and taken to one of their girlfriends’ homes, Brown

said. Then, a Lyft ride was ordered using a fake, female name.

Officers tracked the car as it traveled to south Florida with the aid of license plate readers, devices that can alert law enforcement to the locations of wanted vehicles. When they caught up with the car and tried to stop it, one of the inmates jumped out and ran but was arrested along with a second inmate, according to a court affidavit.

Investigators also learned that the men used the Lyft driver’s credit card for a short-term rental of a home in Miramar, Florida, where officers apprehended the third inmate and rescued the driver, court records state.

The driver told investigators that she was held in the car for six to 10 hours as they tried to gain access to her phone and online banking records. After trying to escape once, she endured “increased threats of being shot, raped, and tortured,” an FBI agent wrote in an affidavit.

California officials and weather forecasters urged holiday travelers to avoid the roads on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day ahead of a series of powerful winter storms that threatened to slam the state with relentless rains, heavy winds and mountain snow through Friday.

Millions of people are expected to travel across the state. They will likely meet hazardous, if not impossible, traveling conditions as several atmospheric rivers were forecast to make their way through the state, the National Weather Service warned.

“If you’re planning to be on the roads for the Christmas holidays, please reconsider your plans,” said Ariel Cohen, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Los Angeles.

Forecasters said Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years and warned about flash flooding, mudslides and debris flows in areas burned by last January’s wildfires. Los Angeles County officials said Tuesday they were knocking on the doors of some 380 particularly vulnerable households to order them to leave.

Most areas saw scattered show-

ers Tuesday morning, and the system was expected to pick up in the evening and intensify into Christmas Eve. Some regions will see rain and winds taper off Wednesday before another storm moves in.

Much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area were under a flood watch and a high wind warning through Friday.

Forecasters warned of heavy snow and gusts for parts of the Sierra Nevada starting Tuesday that will create “near white-out conditions” and make it “nearly impossible” to travel through the mountain passes.

There’s also a risk of severe thunderstorms and a small chance of tornadoes along the northern coast.

Heavy rain and flash flooding that started Saturday in Northern California already led to water rescues and at least one death, local officials said. Shasta County Sheriff Michael L. Johnson on Monday declared a state of emergency to prepare for more rain and allow the state to help with hazard mitigation and search and rescue operations.

Southern California typically gets half an inch to 1 inch of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see between 4 and 8 inches, National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford said. It could be even more in the mountains.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PAMELA HASSELL

Drivers make their way Tuesday in the rain on East Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, Calif.

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Venezuela criminalizes seizures lll

Move comes as Trump pressures Maduro

BY REGINA GARCIA CANO Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s parliament on Tuesday approved a measure that criminalizes a broad range of activities that can hinder navigation and commerce in the South American country, such as the seizure of oil tankers.

The bill — introduced, debated and approved within two days in the National Assembly — follows this month’s seizures by U.S. forces of two tankers carrying Venezuelan oil in international waters. The seizures are the latest strategy in U.S. President Donald Trump’s four-month pressure campaign on Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro.

The tankers are part of what the Trump administration has said is a fleet Venezuela uses to evade U.S. economic sanctions.

The unicameral assembly, which is controlled by Venezuela’s ruling party, did not publish drafts on Tuesday nor the final version of the measure. But as read on the floor, the bill calls for fines and prison sentences of up to 20 years for anyone who promotes, requests, supports, finances or participates in “acts of piracy, blockades or other international illegal acts” against commercial entities operating with the South American country.

Venezuela’s political opposition, including Nobel Peace laureate María Corina Machado, has expressed support for Trump’s Venezuela policy, including the seizure of tankers.

The bill, which now awaits Maduro’s signature, also instructs the executive branch to come up with “incentives and mechanisms for economic, commercial and other protections” for national or for-

eign entities doing business with Venezuela in the event of piracy activities, a maritime blockade or other unlawful acts.

The U.S. Coast Guard on Saturday seized a Panama-flagged vessel called Centuries that officials said was part of the fleet moving sanctioned cargo. With assistance from the U.S. Navy, it seized a rogue tanker called Skipper on Dec. 10. That ship was registered in Panama.

Trump, after that first seizure, said the U.S. would carry out a “blockade” of Venezuela. He has repeatedly said that Maduro’s days in power are numbered.

“If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’ll ever be able to play tough,” Trump said of Maduro Monday as he took a break from his Florida vacation to announce plans for the Navy to build a new, large warship.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MATIAS DELACROIX

Lawmaker Giuseppe Alessandrello gives a speech Monday during an extraordinary session at the National Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela.

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ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By SUNDAy ALAMBA

Freed students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community arrive Monday at the government house in Minna, Nigeria.

Nigerians welcome students, teachers freed after abduction

By The Associated Press MINNA, Nigeria — Nigerians on Monday got their first look at 130 children and teachers released after being seized in one of the largest mass abductions in the country’s history.

Some of the children appeared to be malnourished or in shock as they arrived at a government ceremony.

Police said they were freed Sunday, a month after gunmen stormed their Catholic school in Niger state’s Papiri community in a predawn at-

tack.

Authorities said plans were underway to reunite the children with their families before Christmas.

Authorities earlier said 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were seized and 50 of them escaped in the hours that followed. But on Monday, Niger state Gov. Mohammed Bago indicated that 230 had been taken and all had now been released.

School kidnappings have come to define insecurity in Africa’s most populous country.

Officials did not say whether a ransom — common in such abductions — had been paid. No group has claimed responsibility, but residents blamed armed gangs that target schools and travelers in kidnappings for ransom across Nigeria’s conflict-battered north.

Most of those seized in the attack were aged between 10 and 17, the school said.

One of the children released earlier told The Associated Press that gunmen threatened to shoot them during the attack.

Yemen’s sides to release detainees

By The Associated Press

CAIRO — Yemen’s internationally recognized government and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have reached an agreement to free 2,900 detainees in the largest swap during the 11-year civil war, according to Saudi and Houthi officials.

Saudi Ambassador Mohamed AlJabir said in a statement on X that the

agreement was signed under the supervision of the Office of the U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen and the International Committee of the Red Cross, “which will enable all detainees to return to their families.”

“I commend the efforts of the negotiation teams from both sides who succeeded in reaching an understanding and concluding this agreement, which address-

es a humanitarian issue and strengthens efforts to bring calm and build confidence in Yemen,” said AlJabir.

The detainees would include Saudi and Sudanese nationals, according to Abdelkader al-Murtada, the Houthi head of the National Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs and Mohamed Abdulsalam, a Houthi spokesperson.

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Bureaucratic mishap delayed gun license for Bondi Beach suspect

BY ROD MCGUIRK Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EFEKAN AKyUZ

Turkish rescue teams search Tuesday for the remains of a private jet carrying Libya’s military chief and four others that crashed after taking off from Ankara, killing everyone on board.

Libya’s military chief, 7 others killed in plane crash

BY SUZAN FRASER and FAY ABUELGASIM Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey — A private jet carrying Libya’s military chief, four other officers and three crew members crashed on Tuesday after takeoff from Turkey’s capital, Ankara, killing everyone on board.

Libyan officials said the cause of the crash was a technical malfunction on the plane.

The Libyan delegation was in Ankara for high-level defense talks aimed at boosting military cooperation between the two countries, Turkish officials said.

Libyan Prime Minister AbdulHamid Dbeibah confirmed the death of Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad and the four officers, saying in a statement on Facebook that the “tragic accident” took place as the delegation was returning home. The prime minister called it a “great loss” for Libya.

Al-Hadad was the top military commander in western Libya and played a crucial role in the ongoing, U.N.-brokered efforts to unify Libya’s military, which has split, much like Libya’s institutions.

The four other officers who died in the crash were Gen. Al-Fitouri Ghraibil, the head of Libya’s ground forces, Brig. Gen. Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, who led the military manufacturing authority, Mohammed Al-Asawi Diab, advisor to the chief of staff, and Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub, a military photographer with the chief of staff’s office.

The identities of the three crew members were not immediately known.

Turkish officials said the wreckage of the Falcon 50 type business jet had been found near the village of Kesikkavak, in Haymana, a district about 43 miles south of Ankara.

Earlier on Tuesday evening, Turkey’s air traffic controllers said they lost contact with the plane, which

was en route back to Libya, after takeoff from Ankara’s Esenboga airport.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, said in a social media post that the plane took off at 8:30 p.m. and that contact was lost 40 minutes later. The plane issued an emergency landing signal near Haymana before all communication ceased, Yerlikaya said.

Burhanettin Duran, the head of Turkish presidential communications office, said the plane notified air traffic control of an electrical fault and requested an emergency landing. The aircraft was redirected back to Esenboga where preparations for its landing began.

The plane however, disappeared from the radar while descending for the emergency landing, Duran said.

Security camera footage aired on local television stations showed the night sky over Haymana suddenly lit up by what appeared to be an explosion.

MELBOURNE, Australia — A man accused of shooting dead 15 people at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in an antisemitic attack faced a lengthy delay in getting a gun license because of a bureaucratic mishap, not because he raised suspicions, a state government leader said on Tuesday.

Sajid Akram, who was killed by police during the attack, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram are accused of assailing hundreds of Jews celebrating Hanukkah on Dec. 14, in Australia’s worst mass shooting since 1996.

Questions have been raised about how the 50-year-old father came to legally own six rifles and shotguns.

3 years for gun license New South Wales Premier Chris Minns on Tuesday confirmed that the father applied for a state license to own firearms in 2000, three years before it was granted.

The process typically takes six to 10 weeks.

“The latest information that we have is that there was a real mess in relation to the bureaucracy when it comes to gun licenses and the delays related to that — not a specific threat” posed by the father, Minns told reporters.

Reporters asked Minns on Monday why the father was allowed to own guns when he shared his Sydney home with Naveed Akram, who had been investigated in 2019 by the spy agency Australian Security Intelligence Organization over his extremist links.

“I don’t know. I’d give anything to go back a week, month, two years, to ensure that didn’t happen. But we need to make sure that we take steps so that it never happens again,” Minns said.

A wide ranging and powerful form of public investigation known as a royal commission will examine circumstances surrounding the massacre and the surge of antisemitism in Australia

since the war between Israel and Hamas began in 2023.

Leader promises new laws New South Wales Parliament was asked this week to pass laws that Minns said would provide the state with Australia’s toughest gun laws.

Experts say video of the attack show the gunmen apparently using guns with straight-pull mechanisms, which enable more rapid fire than a comparable bolt-action mechanism.

Straight-pull guns would not be available to recreational shooters such as Sajid Akram under the proposed new laws.

The new restrictions would include making Australian citizenship a condition of qualifying for a gun license. That would have excluded Sajid Akram, who was an Indian citizen with a permanent resident visa.

A government decision to refuse a gun license, for reasons including spy agencies’ suspicions, could no longer be appealed under the proposed reforms.

Recreational shooters would be allowed to own a maximum of four guns. Farmers and sports shooters would be allowed up to 10.

There are no limits in New South Wales. One individual has 298 guns registered in his name.

Some oppose gun reform Farmers’ groups have complained that 10 guns won’t be enough for some. The Nationals party, which represents rural voters, opposed the proposed laws.

“The NSW Nationals Parliamentary team will not be supporting the Bill that uses gun reforms as a political tool rather than addressing the real issue of antisemitism,” a party statement said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed with Minns that six guns were too many for anyone living in suburban Sydney.

“The terrible events at Bondi show that we do need more guns off our streets,” Albanese said.

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BTR on track for another big year

Airport experiencing a 7.5% jump in holiday traffic

BY IANNE SALVOSA

Staff writer

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport is on its way to another record year of travel.

This holiday season, from Dec. 19 to Jan. 5, officials expect 19,600 travelers to fly out of the airport, up from 18,000 last holiday season.

That’s a 7.5% jump, with an 11%

year-over-year increase for scheduled airline departures during the holidays.

BTR Director of Aviation Mike Edwards says the higher volume is due to more airlines offering seats to and from Baton Rouge. He said BTR has experienced “continued community support” for flying from a local airport, which has played a notable part in its growth.

“When residents choose to fly out of BTR, it directly supports additional routes, more frequency, and long-term air service development,” Edwards said in a statement. “This local growth is also occurring alongside what airlines are projecting to be a record holiday travel season nationwide, reflecting strong overall demand for air travel this

Edwards said the busiest travel days this holiday season are Dec. 19, 20, 21, 26 and 28. Travelers can expect a lighter crowd at the airport on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. year.”

Earlier this month, BTR impleDuring the holidays, 52.6 million travelers are expected to use air mented an AI parking system to travel nationwide, up 1.5% from manage its parking garage and last year. Airline trade associa- economy lots. The system, powered tion Airlines for America projects by Metropolis, which owns SP Plus, 2.9 million individuals to travel is intended to provide a faster and each day during the holiday pe- more convenient experience for riod and expects U.S. carriers to travelers. add 72,000 seats daily to meet the ä See BTR, page 2B demand.

Holiday tree sales remain stable in BR Artificial decor continues rise in popularity

BY IANNE SALVOSA

Staff writer

Christmas tree sales in the Capital Region have remained stable this year despite rising prices, sellers said.

Vendors in the Baton Rouge area selling real and artificial Christmas trees said sales have remained steady this season as artificial trees nationwide have risen in popularity — and price.

Tariffs have driven prices up for some artificial tree retailers since most originate from overseas, though some shoppers have maintained their preference for artificial trees.

Ben Pecnik — vice president of Louisiana Nursery, which has three locations in the Baton Rouge area — said he saw a 60% increase in artificial tree sales this season. Families have opted for synthetic decor in place of real trees to cut costs, he said.

Eighty-three percent of homes that put up a Christmas tree during the 2025 holiday season used an artificial tree due to their durability and easy setup, according to a survey by the American Christmas Tree Association.

“Money gets a little bit tight, they see the value in having something they can use year over year,” Pecnik said.

Artificial Christmas decor has been affected by tariffs this year, with more than 80% of synthetic trees, wreaths and garlands originating from China, leading to some retailers around the country upping prices. Pecnik says the nursery has steered clear of tariff impact.

“Anything that we received in tariffs this Christmas, we ate it,” he said.

Louisiana Nursery sells both real and artificial Christmas trees, ranging from small tabletop sizes to 15-foot trees, including fresh-cut Fraser, Douglas and Balsam firs. Pecnik expects to sell out or nearly sell out this season. He also expects a higher sell-through rate this year: The nursery decreased its stock this season after ending up with leftover trees last year, which it had to discard.

Pecnik declined to comment on the specific number of trees the nursery stocked this season and last.

Despite the increasing popularity of artificial trees, natural trees still surpass fake firs in sales “exponentially,” he said.

Real Christmas tree sales have remained strong in the Capital Region. Whole Foods Baton

ä See TREE, page 4B

STAFF PHOTOS By BRETT DUKE

TWO TURTLE DOVES? ABOVE: Members of Blood, Sweat and Bonfires gather on the Mississippi River levee beside their Christmas Eve bonfire sculptures in Garyville on Friday.

RIGHT: Tucker Guidry, 7, slides down the Mississippi River levee as Christmas Eve bonfire sculptures in the shape of two ducks tower above him.

Man who allegedly fled shooting arrested

A man accused of fatally shooting a 22-year-old in Denham Springs on Sunday and then fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle has CRIME been arrested, acBLOTTER cording to authoristaff ties.

Kylin Jamar Sexreports ton, 26, was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail as a fugitive Monday night before being taken to the Livingston Parish Detention Center. He is accused of killing Tyree Lionel Worthy, of Baton Rouge, and faces one count each of second-degree murder, felon in possession of a firearm and theft of a motor vehicle.

Around 3 a.m. Sunday, Livings-

ton Parish sheriff’s deputies were called to Longwood Drive in Denham Springs, where they found Worthy suffering from gunshot wounds. First responders took him to a hospital, where he died from the injuries, according to the release.

Investigators say Sexton was driven to a house party near the scene of the shooting early Sunday. He allegedly waited outside while other people in the car went inside the house. At some point, Worthy came outside, there was an altercation between the two, and Sexton shot Worthy, according to a statement from Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard. Sexton then got into the same car he arrived in and fled the

scene, Ard said. funds and theft over $25,000.

Police found the car Sunday The alleged theft was discovnight in Tangipahoa Parish, and ered in February, when Michot Sexton was located the next day. resigned as the accounting manager for RoadRunner Towing and Recovery Inc. Suzanna Drewery and her brother Paul Lowe, whose grandA woman was arrested Thurs- mother owns RoadRunner and day for allegedly paying her who work as the general manfriends and family from the ager and vice president of the payroll of the Baton Rouge tow- company, respectively, said Miing company where she worked, chot was a trusted employee and stealing more than $200,000 was close with their family. from her employers over two “It’s a very unfortunate situyears. ation,” Drewery said. “She was Barbara Michot, 58, of Greens- actually a very longtime famburg, turned herself in to the ily friend for as long as I can East Baton Rouge Parish Sher- remember. We trusted her and iff’s Office on a count each of ilä See BLOTTER, page 4B legal transmission of monetary

Employee allegedly paid others from payroll account

2B ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Arrest made in Franklinton cold case murder BTR

Continued from page 1B

Investigation continues after woman’s fatal shooting

BY POET WOLFE and WILLIE SWETT

Staff writers

Years after 40-year-old mother Donna Arceneaux was found shot dead in her bed in Franklinton, a man who authorities said had an onagain-off-again relationship with her has been arrested in connection with the killing, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday morning.

Scott Jordan, 59, of Franklinton was arrested and jailed Tuesday on a count of second-degree murder in the October 2017 homicide, authorities said. At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith said the investigation was ongoing and that “this is only the next step in what will probably be a lengthy legal process.”

Arceneaux’s unsolved killing shook the small, rural parish of around 45,000 people north of New Orleans. The mystery intensified as the years passed without an arrest.

“The arrest of Mr. Jordan marks a significant development in our ongoing effort to ensure accountability for this murder,” Smith said in a Facebook post.

Smith said the arrest came after his investigators began combing through old evidence after his office took the case back from the Louisiana State Police in 2024, after Smith took office as sheriff. He said a podcast series about the case by Arceneaux’s nephew, Tucker Simmons, was also “instrumental in generating the interest.”

Smith provided few details about Jordan but said the suspect and Arceneaux had been in an on-and-off romantic relationship together.

In response to a reporter’s ques-

PROVIDED PHOTO

A billboard across the street from the Washington Parish Courthouse in Franklinton solicits information about Donna Arceneaux’s murder. tion about whether Smith expected additional arrests in connection with Arceneaux’s death, Smith said he would “not rule out the possibility of other people that may have assisted,” he said.

In October 2017, officers responded to reports of a shooting at a home on La. 16 south of Franklinton and said two people had found Arceneaux in her bed with a gunshot wound to the chest, the Sheriff’s Office said at the time.

Months later, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office told a local newspaper that her death had been ruled a suicide. An autopsy later determined that the cause of death was homicide. Smith said Tuesday the case was never officially classified as anything other than a homicide.

In 2019, Arceneaux’s family asked Louisiana State Police to take over the case from the Sheriff’s Office, a request authorities approved, according to local reports.

The case drew renewed attention

after Simmons, the host of the podcast Freeze Frame, produced a series investigating the killing.

Less than half a year after taking office as sheriff, Smith announced in December 2024 his department was taking the case back from State Police.

“Very often these cases don’t move forward because there’s a lack of will,” Smith said.

“The podcast was instrumental in generating the interest,” Smith said, referring to Simmons’ podcast.

“These cases sit on shelves for lack of interest.”

The Sheriff’s Office did not disclose a possible motive or say how the crime occurred. Authorities have not publicly said if Jordan made a statement to investigators.

While the Sheriff’s Office took the lead role back from State Police, Smith in his Facebook post thanked State Police for their technical assistance. He also thanked the Coroner’s Office in neighboring St. Tammany

Parish, as well as northshore District Attorney Collin Sims and his staff for legal guidance.

Smith said the sheriff’s investigators on the case, Fred Oswald and Jimmy Richard, “were firmly committed to pursuing justice on behalf of Ms. Arceneaux and her loved ones.”

Smith said on Tuesday that it was not one specific new piece of evidence that led to the arrest. Rather, he said, his investigators had a fresh perspective on the old evidence and were able to take advantage of new technologies to examine the evidence, including by analyzing DNA samples in a different way.

After learning of Jordan’s arrest, Simmons said in a video that he posted on Facebook at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, “Right now I just ask that you stop for a second and say a prayer for Donna’s kids and the people that love her because today has been a long time coming.”

FEMA to push roadwork deadline by 6 months New Orleans officials say extension not enough

BY BEN MYERS Staff writer

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is nearing an agreement to give New Orleans six more months to wrap up ongoing road projects, which would provide relief for city leaders and residents sick of unfinished, crumbling streets.

Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack said Tuesday that FEMA officials told him they will extend a Dec. 31 deadline to spend $1.7 billion in federal roadwork grants until the end of June once city, state and federal officials finalize a list of projects the extension will cover.

The half-year extension would temporarily ease fears that dozens of torn-up city blocks would be left in limbo with no way to pay for more work. But it would still fall far short of the threeyear extension city officials say is needed to fully spend the roadwork grants.

Waguespack told Mayor-elect Helena Moreno and other City Council members at a meeting

Tuesday that some planned projects would be canceled. He said it’s unclear if FEMA would allow for another extension after midyear.

“Some of these projects, the reality is we can’t wrap them up in six months. But maybe there are several that we can, and maybe we kind of prioritize resources and focus on those,” Waguespack said after the meeting.

FEMA did not immediately respond to an inquiry.

Speaking from the dais as the council’s vice president, Moreno expressed gratitude for the pending deal but said her incoming administration would request a longer extension.

“Six months is so limited for long-term planning, so that’s my concern,” Moreno said. “But at least if we get an extension beyond the first of the year and into the first few months, we can keep projects going and we don’t have to do a hard stop.”

City officials have said they need until the end of 2028 to complete a decade-old program that has already been scaled back as project budgets ballooned and some have taken far longer than expected.

Under the program, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, or

GOHSEP, acts as steward for the federal dollars and administers the $1.7 billion to the city in piecemeal amounts based on anticipated invoices, provided the city can reasonably spend the money by a FEMA-imposed deadline.

Roughly $500 million from the FEMA grant is still unspent, according to a document GOHSEP provided.

FEMA has allowed at least three extensions and has already frowned on extending work until the end of 2028. The city first requested a 2028 extension last year, when the deadline was set for March of this year. FEMA allowed just an additional nine months to the current end-ofyear deadline. In August, Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration again requested a three-year extension.

Cantrell’s team also kicked off projects worth about $100 million, despite not having the extension locked down. Other projects — with an uncertain price tag — have encountered delays.

Earlier this month, city officials said they would suspend work on open projects if FEMA didn’t grant an extension, since it was unclear if funding would be available to pay for them. At the same time, the city was telling residents in planned construction zones that

work would begin soon. Cantrell on Dec. 18 reversed course and said any decisions to halt work would fall to Moreno, who takes office on Jan. 12.

Waguespack, the steward of $125 million short-term revenue bonds the cash-strapped city is relying on to make payroll, then warned that such spending might threaten the city’s finances to the point that he wouldn’t approve further bond withdrawals. The Bond Commission in November allowed the city to rely on a shortterm bond fund, provided that Waguespack approves weekly draws and is allowed to monitor city finances.

Waguespack said Tuesday that he approved a $12 million draw from the payroll fund based on FEMA’s assurances that it will allow a six-month extension for the roadwork.

It’s not yet clear how much money would become available with a six-month extension, or which projects could realistically be finished in the next six months.

“The good thing is, there will be an extension granted. It’s just a matter of what projects will fall under it, and for how many dollars,” Waguespack said.

Edwards said daily parking rates will increase starting Jan. 1, with the short-term parking garage rising from $12 to $16 and the economy lot jumping from $9 to $13. In the new year, travelers can reserve “premium reserved” parking spots at $20 per day in the garage, general spots at $16 per day in the garage and $15 per day for covered spots in the lot.

Edwards does not anticipate the increased parking rates will impact usage of the garage and lot since the rates are lower than those of other airports in the region. He said operational costs for parking have increased, causing the airport to raise rates in response, which it has not done since 2016, when rates went from $10 to $12 for the garage and $7 to $9 for the lot to fund upgrades for the garage.

Travelers can still choose to pay for parking with an attendant.

“While ticketless parking provides a seamless, drive-in and drive-out option for customers who choose it, Metropolis, BTR’s parking operator, will continue to employ attendants for passengers who prefer to pay manually and receive assistance from a live person,” Edwards said in a statement.

A year in travel From January to October, more than 708,000 travelers have flown out of BTR, a 1.1% increase for that time period from 2024, which Edwards says was a record year for the airport.

In 2024, BTR had 844,025 total passengers, surpassing prepandemic levels of 821,236 passengers in 2019.

Total passenger volume has been on a steady incline since 2020, when 363,606 passengers flew through BTR. Passenger volume jumped 54.79% the next year, and the numbers for the month of September were 90% of pre-pandemic passenger volume levels. Total number of travelers continued to increase, rising 18.72% from 2021 to 2022 and 14.16% from 2022 to 2023.

In the past few years, BTR has rolled out direct flights to multiple destinations, including daily American Airlines flights to Washington, D.C., and nonstop flights for LSU football away games.

The airport added direct flights to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in 2023, and the city-parish secured the flights in a deal that guarantees about $2 million in revenue from public sources if the flights do not perform well.

Delta and American Airlines added seven flights to and from BTR this year for fans to fly to LSU football games in destinations including Nashville, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama, and Oklahoma City.

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MONDAY, DEC. 22, 2025 PICK 3: 2-9-6 PICK 4: 4-3-1-2 PICK 5: 8-2-8-4-3 POWERBALL: 3-18-36-41-54 (7)

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BUSINESS

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ 3B

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

DOW 48,442.41 79.73 0.17%

NASDAQ 23,561.84 133.01 0.57%

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

S&P 500 closes at another record

NEW YORK — Stocks closed at another record on Wall Street Tuesday following a surprisingly strong report on economic growth over the summer.

The U.S. government’s first assessment of economic growth during the third quarter also showed that inflation remains high. A separate report showed that consumer confidence continued fading in December. All of it added to a complicated picture of the economy.

The latest record for the S&P 500 came even as most stocks within the benchmark index lost ground. Technology stocks, which have been the main force pushing major indexes to records all year, once again were able to counter weakness elsewhere in the market.

The S&P 500 rose 31.30 points, or 0.5%, to 6,909.79, surpassing the record set earlier in December. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 79.73 points, or 0.2%, to 48,442.41. The Nasdaq composite rose 133.02 points, or 0.6%, to 23,561.84.

Nvidia jumped 3% and was the biggest force helping to push the market higher. It is among several big tech companies with outsized valuations that tend to have more impact on the broader market’s direction. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, rose 1.5%.

Novo Nordisk jumped 7.3% after U.S. regulators approved a pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy, the first daily oral medication to treat obesity.

Markets close early Wednesday for Christmas Eve and remain closed for Christmas.

Consumer confidence slumps to lowest level WASHINGTON — Consumers’ confidence in the economy was shaken in December as Americans grew anxious about high prices and the impact of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell 3.8 points to 89.1 in December, the fifth straight monthly decline and approaching the 85.7 reading from April, when Trump rolled out his import taxes on U.S. trading partners. November’s reading was upwardly revised to 92.9.

A measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for their income, business conditions and the job market remained stable at 70.7, but still well below 80, the marker that can signal a recession ahead. It was the 11th consecutive month that reading has come in under 80. Consumers’ assessments of their current economic situation tumbled 9.5 points to 116.8.

Write-in responses to the survey showed that prices and inflation remained consumers’ biggest concern, along with tariffs, despite repeated claims by President Trump that inflation is a hoax.

Drivers seeing lower gas prices this holiday This holiday season, many U.S. drivers are getting the gift of lower gas prices.

According to data from motor club AAA, December has been the cheapest month for prices at the pump this year. The national average for unleaded gasoline has stayed below the $3 mark since Dec. 2, falling to its lowest level of about $2.85 a gallon on Monday.

That figure has inched up slightly since, sitting at closer to $2.86 a gallon Tuesday — but overall, consumers hitting the road ahead of the Christmas holiday will likely continue to see mild prices.

As always, some states have cheaper averages than others, due to factors ranging from nearby refinery supply to local fuel requirements. Hawaii had the highest average of about $4.44 a gallon on Tuesday, per AAA — followed by $4.30 in California and $3.92 in Washington. Oklahoma had the lowest average at about $2.30 per gallon.

S&P 500 6,909.79 31.30 0.46%

EURO 1.1792 -0.0002 -0.02%

CRUDE OIL 58.38 0.37 0.64%

GOLD 4,482.80 38.20 0.86%

6-MO T-BILLS 3.6 0.0 0.0%

30-YR T-BONDS 4.83 -0.01 -0.21%

U.S. GDP surges in third quarter It’s the fastest pace in two years

BY MATT OTT

AP business writer WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy grew at a surprisingly strong 4.3% annual rate in the third quarter, the most rapid expansion in two years, driven by consumers who continue to spend in the face of ongoing inflation.

U.S. gross domestic product from July through September — the economy’s total output of goods and services — rose from its 3.8% growth rate in the April-June quar-

ter, the Commerce Department said Tuesday in a report delayed by the government shutdown. Economists surveyed by the data firm FactSet forecast growth of just 3% in the period.

As has been the case for most of this year, the consumer is providing the fuel that is powering the U.S. economy. Consumer spending, which accounts for about 70% of U.S. economic activity, rose to a 3.5% annual pace last quarter.

That’s up from 2.5% in the AprilJune period.

A number of economists, however, believe the growth spurt may be short-lived with the extended government shutdown dragging on the economy in the fourth quar-

ter, as well as a growing number of Americans fatigued by stubbornly high inflation.

A survey published by the Conference Board Tuesday showed that consumer confidence slumped close to levels not seen since the U.S. rolled out broad tariffs on its trading partners in April.

“The jump in consumer spending reminds me a lot of last year’s (fourth quarter),” said Stephen Stanley, chief U.S. economist at Santander. “Consumers were stretching. So, as was the case entering this year, households probably need to take a breather soon.”

The seemingly divergent paths between how consumers say they are feeling and how much money

continues to be spent may be more evidence of what is known as a “ Kshaped economy.” In that situation, the income of wealthier Americans is on the rise, due to stock market gains and growing investments, while lower-income households struggle with stagnant pay and higher prices.

“The latest data on household spending indicates continued strong gains in consumer spending, particularly on services,” wrote Michael Pearce, chief U.S. economist for Oxford Economics. “We think that reflects the K-shaped consumer recovery, with spending growth driven by older, wealthier households while those on low and more moderate incomes struggle.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

HOLIDAY SALES UP BUT PACE LAGS Data reveals shoppers are more focused

Sunday. That’s above its 3.6% forecast for the overall season, but also lower than last year’s 4.1% increase during the same period.

Shoppers “blended online and in-store shopping to find the best deals and maximize conBY ANNE D’INNOCENZIO venience,” said Michelle Meyer, chief econoAP retail writer mist at Mastercard Economics Institute.

The figure, not adjusted for inflation, exNEW YORK — Consumers stepped up gift giv- cludes sales from automotive dealerships ing during the first seven weeks of the holi- and gas stations, but includes business from day shopping season, according to new data restaurants. Mastercard SpendingPulse released Tuesday. But uncertainty about the didn’t have an inflation-adjusted figure availeconomy is making shoppers more targeted able. in their buying.

From Nov. 1 through Sunday, cash and A focused shopper credit card sales rose 4.2%, which is less Retailers say customers are being selecthan the 4.8% increase during the same pe- tive and focused this year on gifts while riod a year ago, according to Visa’s Consult- holding off on the usual holiday decor spending & Analytics division. ing. Many households are struggling with The data, which exclude sales from auto higher prices for groceries, rent and importdealerships, gas stations, and restaurants, ed goods hit by tariffs. The latest job report, are not adjusted for inflation or the impact released by the Labor Department last week, from President Donald Trump’s tariffs. also shows a souring employment picture.

When adjusted for inflation, retail sales As a result, consumers have been gloomrose a more modest 2.2% for the first sev- ier. Consumers’ confidence in the economy en weeks of the holiday period, according fell in December, marking the fifth straight to Visa’s U.S. principal economist Michael monthly decline as Americans grew anxious Brown. That compares with the inflation ad- about high prices and the impact of Trump’s justed 3% in the same year-ago time frame. sweeping tariffs, according to the latest “It’s certainly not a spectacular season,” reading from The Conference Board.

Even with those anxieties, shoppers reBrown told The Associated Press. “It’s sort of an average holiday season, given concerns main resilient. When all the numbers are in, about macroeconomic growth and inflation. Visa expects holiday sales data will be more There’s still a lot of uncertainty among the or less in line with its prediction of a 4.6% consumer population.” sales increase between November and DeMastercard SpendingPulse, which also cember. tracks cash and credit card spending, said Several of the holiday season’s busiest that sales rose 3.9% from Nov. 1 through shopping days are still ahead, including the

day after Christmas and the first Saturday after the holiday, according to Sensormatic, which tracks retail foot traffic.

RetailNext, which measures real-time foot traffic in physical stores, noted there was a 5.4% decline in customer traffic on Saturday compared with last year. So-called “Super Saturday” typically competes with Black Friday as the busiest shopping day of the season. The drop suggests that Americans are spreading their trips across the final weeks before Christmas and are sticking to shopping lists, according to Joe Shasteen, global manager, advanced analytics at RetailNext.

Still, the overall data from Visa and Mastercard are in line with the forecast from the National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail industry trade group. It expects sales over November and December of between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion.

That would be up 3.7% to 4.2% over last year.

Figuring out consumer behavior this season has been challenging after a 43-day federal government shutdown interrupted the publication of U.S. economic data, including retail sales.

The Commerce Department reported last week that sales at U.S. retailers and restaurants were unchanged in October from September, dragged down by electric car sales after the Trump administration allowed government subsidies for those vehicles to expire.

According to Visa, e-commerce sales rose 7.8% for the first seven weeks of the period, fueled by promotions that started early in the season.

Big Tech tells foreign employees to avoid traveling out of country

BY NILESH CHRISTOPHER Los Angeles Times (TNS)

Big Tech companies, including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and ServiceNow, have warned employees on visas to avoid leaving the country amid uncertainty about changing immigration policy and procedures.

Following an attack on National Guard members in Washington, the Trump administration expanded travel bans earlier this month, and beefed up vetting and data collection for visa applicants. The new policy now includes screening the social media history of some visa applicants and their dependents.

Soon after the announcement, U.S. consulates began rescheduling appointments for future dates, some as late as summer 2026, leaving employees who required appointments unable to return.

“Please be aware that some U.S. Embassies and Consulates are experiencing significant visa stamping appointment delays, currently reported as up to 12 months,” noted an email sent by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLC, the immigration firm that represents Google.

The advisory also recommended “avoiding international travel at this time.”

Business Insider earlier reported on the travel advisories.

Microsoft’s memo noted that

much of the rescheduling is occurring in India, in cities such as Chennai and Hyderabad, and that new stamping dates are as far out as June 2026.

The company advised employees with valid work authorization who were traveling outside the U.S. for stamping to return before their current visa expires. Those still in the U.S. scheduling upcoming travel for visa stamping should “strongly consider” changing their travel plans.

Apple’s immigration team also recommended that employees without a valid H1-B visa stamp avoid international travel for now.

ServiceNow, a business software company, similarly issued an ad-

visory recommending that those with valid visa stamps return to the U.S. Microsoft declined to comment on its memo.

Apple, Google and ServiceNow did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Companies warned that delays due to enhanced screening is for H-1B, H-4, F, J and M visas.

H-1B is a high-skilled immigration visa program that allows employers to sponsor work visas for individuals with specialized skills.

The program, capped at 85,000 new visas per year, is a channel for American tech giants to source skilled workers, such as software engineers.

4B ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Bob Carr, New Orleans broadcaster, dies at 98 He and his wife, Jan, were the ‘first family of N.O. television’

like this, I feel like I’m going to die,” Bob Carr said.

“If I’m not with people or doing something, I just go to bed. I hate to say the show is like therapy but being in this business, people generate your energy.”

Born Nov. 20, 1927, in Battle Creek, Michigan, Carr grew up in Painesville, Ohio. After serving in the U.S. Army in Italy, he enrolled in the Carnegie Institute of Technology, now Carnegie Mellon University, where he met Janet Lee Fitzsimmons. The two theater students married a year later and graduated in 1952.

The couple worked as co-hosts in television in West Virginia, where they became parents, and their family life became on-air material as well.

In 1960, a friend recruited them for a job in New Orleans at WWL Radio, whose studios were then located in the Roosevelt Hotel. A husband and wife broadcast team was such a novelty at the time that management had to ask the Jesuits of Loyola University, which owned WWL, for permission to hire them.

“Our two-hour daily program consisted of chitchat on a wide range of childrearing or marital topics, for which we did research or drew from our own experiences. Our program also played recorded music and there were daily interviews with local guests and famous stars, some of whom were appearing at the Blue Room two floors below,” Carr wrote in his

2010 book, “Raising Our Children on Bourbon: A French Quarter Love Affair.”

As the Carrs’ radio audience grew, WWL also briefly added Bob Carr as co-host of the morning show that preceded theirs.

It was hosted by Sid Noel, who created and portrayed Morgus the Magnificent for WWL-TV. After 18 months at WWL Radio, the Carrs learned WDSU-TV was adding a new morning show to its lineup and were encouraged to audition by then-WDSU producer Al Shea, who would become the station’s entertainment critic and a lifelong friend.

“We really owe our career in broadcasting in New Orleans to Al, because he’s the one that first kind of identified us and said there may be an opportunity for you at Channel 6,” Bob Carr said in a 2003 WYES-TV interview.

They got the job, and after two years on “Second Cup,” in 1963, the Carrs moved to WDSU’s “Midday” show, the daily program whose cast included local TV legends Terry Flettrich, Wayne Mack, Nash Roberts and Shea.

The Carrs’ family and lifestyle segments continued to resonate with viewers.

Bob Carr also did celebrity interviews for the show as well as segments on men’s and women’s fashions, winning awards for his reporting.

After leaving WDSU when the station was sold in 1972, Bob Carr drew on his list of contacts and joined International House, which later became the World Trade Center of New Orleans, where he led delegations of local business leaders on trips to India, China, Russia and dozens of other countries, frequently with Jan along for the trip.

He retired from the position in 1998.

But the Carrs never really retired. Jan had kept her hand in broadcasting after leaving WDSU and recruited Bob as her cohost on a series of new TV and radio shows, including on WBYU and later WGSO

mas tree sales have been “steady” and similar to last season, though some of the nursery’s larger trees have slightly increased in price due to higher labor and transportation costs.

The nursery sells five varieties of Christmas trees and still had stock available last week. The Alpine Noble trees have become a trendy selection, Fennell said. Growers typically shear Christmas trees to remove dead branches and improve appearance, but the Alpine Noble is not sheared, giving it an “open and airy” look, he said.

Clegg’s Nursery operates

four locations in the Baton Rouge area and began selling its Christmas trees slightly earlier this season, starting on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Fennell attributes the early start to families celebrating the holiday earlier with loved ones who live out of town.

Weather posed a small challenge this season, he said, as south Louisiana faced record heat in November that matched typical summer temperatures in July and August, which slowed early sales.

“It’s hard to get in the Christmas spirit when it’s 80 degrees,” Fennell said.

BY DOMINIC MASSA Contributing writer

Bob Carr, a New Orleans broadcasting icon who spent more than 65 years hosting and producing programs on local television and radio with his wife, Jan, died Friday at Christwood Retirement Community near Covington. He was 98.

Carr was among the last members of a generation of broadcasters who made their mark during the earliest days of New Orleans television.

He and Jan came to the city in 1960, a little more than a decade after WDSU signed on the air as the city’s first TV station. As a married couple for 71 years and the parents of four children whom they frequently mentioned on air, they were called “the first family of New Orleans television.” They became household names throughout the 1960s and ’70s for their appearances on WDSU, first on a morning show called “Second Cup,” then the station’s hugely popular “Midday” show.

On both, their segments focused on family, parenting, fashion and lifestyle topics, all punctuated with cheery conversation.

That continued well into their 90s, as they produced and hosted programs at their retirement home, where Bob recorded interviews with residents and staff on his iPhone.

Even after his wife’s death in 2022 and as he battled cancer, Carr continued producing the show on a regular basis. In a 2021 Times-Picayune interview, he jokingly called the show the Carrs’ “last cup.” It followed the formula that had worked magic for them for decades: bantering back and forth, chatting, interviewing and listening to people’s stories.

“If I don’t get up in the morning and do something

TREE

Continued from page 1B Rouge, which sells natural firs, sold out of its stock on Dec. 3, team lead Chris Latona said.

The store tends to sell its full stock of trees every season, he said, and increases its stock each year by about 100 trees. This year, the grocer had 500 trees in its inventory.

“We sell out every year,” he said. “They just keep increasing.”

Clegg’s Nursery co-owner Tom Fennell said Christ-

BLOTTER

Continued from page 1B unfortunately it bit us in the butt.”

After her departure, the company found Michot had been issuing fraudulent payroll payments to four people who were not employed by the company, according to arrest documents.

Employees at the company, when speaking to police, were able to identify three of the recipients of the fraudulent checks as members of Michot’s family, while the fourth was allegedly her associate.

Lowe said these recipients were her children as well as a daughter-in-law.

A payroll audit showed

Bob Carr

PROVIDED PHOTOS

the payments began in October 2022 and lasted through Michot’s time with the company, according to a warrant for her arrest.

According to Lowe, the addition of these fraudulent salaries came after the deaths of his father and uncle, who both worked for RoadRunner.

After their deaths, as Lowe and Drewery took on more responsibilities with the company, Michot assured them that she would continue to handle the company’s accounts and they would not need to see them, Lowe said.

“I mean, we trusted her so much that, you know, she was handling accounts receivable, payable, she was doing the deposits every morning,” Lowe said. “I

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would have never thought in a million years that she would have done what she did.”

But after a visit to the bank with his grandmother, Lowe discovered where the payroll money had been going.

Payments were sent weekly to accounts associated with Michot’s friend and family. Michot was allegedly a joint owner of one of the accounts.

Whenever a payment was made to that account, a Zelle transfer would then send the funds to a personal banking account tied to Michot, according to the warrant.

At the highest, one person in Michot’s family was being paid $2,800 weekly, Lowe said, more than any legitimate employee at RoadRunner.

In total, over 28 months, Michot allegedly processed $201,321.97 in fraudulent payments sent to herself and her family.

Email Aidan McCahill at aidan.mccahill@ theadvocate.com.

Archival photo of Bob and Jan Carr and family radio. They also wrote articles for and edited Prime Magazine, a publication for senior citizens.

The Carrs were inducted into the New Orleans Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 1994 and honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Press Club of New Orleans in 2003.

When not on air, the Carrs gave generously of their time to local charities and

nonprofits. Carr was also very active as a leader of Christ Church Cathedral for more than 50 years.

His interest in architecture led him to restore several historic homes on Bourbon Street, in the Garden District and on Esplanade Avenue. In his 80s, he also wrote two books: “Raising Our Children on Bourbon: A French Quarter Love Affair” and “The Packard

Limousine: A Boy’s Journey During the Great Depression.”

Survivors include four children: Timothy Carr of St. Charles, Missouri; Tammy Richardson of Rome, Georgia; Tom Carr of Atlanta; and Tiffany Rieveschl of New Orleans; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ 5B

lll

Obituaries Dier, Annie Mae Day

Annie Mae Day Dier, our precious mother, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 94. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving children. Annie Mae was born on May 10, 1931, in Crosby, MS, to the late Bernard W. Day, Sr. and Leona T. Day. At an early age, her family moved to Baton Rouge, LA, where she graduated from Istrouma High School in 1948. While working at the Louisiana State Library, she attended Louisiana State University. Annie Mae was a Charter Member and the first Secretary of Winbourne Avenue Baptist Church. It was there that she met and married the love of her life, Jesse Dier, on October 6, 1950.

Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service in Central, Louisiana and were longtime members of Zoar Baptist Church. She is survived by her son, Tim Dier of Geismar, LA; her daughters, Jeanne Dier-Eckert (Ralph) of Erie, PA, and Patti Oufnac (Steve) of Baton Rouge, LA; her grandsons, Garrett Dier of Geismar, LA; Bradley Dier (Shannon) of Angleton, TX; and Reid Eckert (Theresa) of Erie, PA; and greatgrandsons, Trey, Mayson, and Cameron. She is further survived by her brothers, James Day of Bueche, LA; Leon Day (Sylvia) of Bueche, LA; and Leo Day (Lana) of Ventress, LA. Annie Mae was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jesse Dier; her grandson, Trey Dier; her brother, Bernard W. Day, Jr.; and parents, Bernard W. Day, Sr. and Leona T. Day. Her life was a testament to faith, love, and devotion to her family, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, Friday, December 26, 2025, from 12:30 PM until funeral service at 2:30 PM. Interment will follow at Resthaven Garden of Memory. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Hospice of Baton Rouge and Landmark South. In lieu of flowers, the Family requests donations be made to Louisiana Baptist Children's Home or St. Jude Children's Hospital. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note at www.re sthavenbatonrouge.com.

Gusky, Barbara Mock

Barbara Ann Mock was born in Baskin, Louisiana on December 28, 1941, to Harry and Charlie Mock.

She graduated from Baskin High School in 1959.

She married Mike Gusky of Shreveport, Louisiana on November 23, 1967.

The happy couple had two sons - John and Ian who would later also marry and give to Barbara two beautiful and brilliant granddaughters - Meredith and Mary Madeline.

Barbara also had cousins by the dozens, and enough nieces and nephews for two football teams.

Mike and Barbara spent some time in suburban Dallas, raising their two boys, before moving back to Franklin Parish to operate an aviation business.

Never satisfied staying in one place too long, Barbara and Mike moved to Baton Rouge, where Barbara went to work for the Secretary of State, serving Louisiana in the State Archives and Elections Division.

Barbara retired from public service in 2009.

For 16 years, Barbara worked in her flower beds, spoiled her three dogs, and kept her husband plenty busy with a never-ending list of home projects.

Then came cancer.

Barbara got sick in mid2025, and passed on to the next life on December 13, just before her 84th birthday.

In her time on this earth, Barbara created art, read thousands of books, shared her wisdom, laughed with us, and loved her family and friends.

Barbara joins a host of family members already in Heaven, including her dad Harry, her mom Charlie, and her younger brother Charles.

Along with her husband, two sons, and two granddaughters, Barbara is survived by a younger brother, Harry, Jr. and an older sister, Mary Alice, who love her and will miss her beyond words. ...as we all do, and will.

Those who wish to honor Barbara's life and legacy may contribute to the American Cancer Society...or to the animal shelter of their choice.

Jones, Anna Louise

Entered into eternal life on December 17, 2025 at the age of 94. Survived by her sons, Ronald K. Shaffer, Baton Rouge, LA, and Anthony R. Shaffer, Sr. (Maylo), Geismar, LA; 1 grandson, Anthony R. Shaffer, Jr.; 3 great-grandchildren, Anthony R. Shaffer, III, Kameron, and Ashton. Preceded in death by her husband, Ben Jones; parents, Olevia and Richard Thompson; 14 siblings. Visitation Friday, December 26, 2025, True Light Baptist Church, 3836 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA., 9:00 am until religious service at 11:00 am. Pastor Dennis R. Hebert, Sr. officiating. Interment Roselawn Memorial Park, Baton Rouge, LA. Funeral Service Entrusted to Hall Davis and Son. www.halldavisandson.com

Lloyd, Tommy 'Spoonie'

Tommy "Spoonie" Lloyd III was a long-time resident of Baton Rouge, LA and native of St. Francisville, LA. He entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the age of 67. Tommy was born to Beatrice Carter and the late Tommy Lloyd, Jr. on November 17, 1958. Left to cherish his loving memory are his devoted wife, Ivory; two sons, Tommy, IV (Dallas, TX) and Robert (Niesha) of New Orleans; three daughters, Lavata (Trovis), Tomeika (Marques), and Nicole, all of Baton Rouge; his supportive mother, Beatrice Jones (Raymond) of Bains, LA; five sisters, Karolyn Taylor of Zachary, LA; Dr. Tiffany Lloyd of Dallas, TX; Shunda Young (Greg) of Ruston, LA; Carla Maris of Long Beach, CA; and Nichelle Payne of Natchez, MS; fourteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of loving relatives, including aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Tynes, Patricia Dell Doyle

Hunter Snyder and wife, Megan and a great granddaughter, Harlan Dell, due in May 2026. 2 brothers, Gary Doyle and wife, Joyce, and Darrell Doyle. 2 fur babies, Toby and Lil Bit.She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Margarette Doyle. Pat was a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University Nursing. She was a dedicated nurse for many years. She enjoyed being with her family on the river, being with her friends at the casino and hunting for unusual rocks. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Share sympathies, condolences, and memories at www.CharletF uneralHome.com.

Vernon, Theodore 'TV'

Theodore Vernon, Sr., passed away on December 9, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois.

He was born on November 18, 1925, in Scotlandville, Louisiana. Throughout his long life, Theodore witnessed a century of change and progress. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

White Duplantier, Mary Ellen 'Puddy'

Mary Ellen "Puddy" White Duplantier (May 27, 1957 - December 5, 2025) A retired nurse and a native of Baton Rouge, LA, she died at the age of 68, Fri., December 5, 2025. Visitation at 9am and Religious Services at 10am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Saturday, December 27th. Survived by one daughter, Victoria White, and two sons, Rines Varrette and Anthony White all of Baton Rouge; two daughters-in-law, Kevera N. Varrette of Kingston,

Jamaica and Darielle N. White of Baton Rouge; two sisters, Debra White Jones of Baton Rouge, Marsha White Cooper of Dallas, GA, and one brother, Michael Anthony White of Baton Rouge; one brother-in-law, Donald Cooper of Dallas, GA; one granddaughter, five grandsons, and numerous endearing nieces and nephews. Also survived by God-mother, Theda Williams, other relatives, and devoted friends.

Preceded in death by her parents, Theresa Victoria and Ulysses LaGrant White. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend.

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

OUR VIEWS

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, even in 2025 Santa’s existence was proved conclusively in 1897 by Francis P. Church, of The New York Sun. His editorial is reprinted here as a public service: Is there a Santa Claus? We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun: Dear editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says “If you see it in The Sun it’s so.” Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon 115 W. 95th St. Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see.

They think that nothing can be which is not comprehended by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to our life its highest beauty and joy.

Alas, how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childish faith then, no poetry, no romance, to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies!

You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove?

Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders that are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart.

Only faith, fancy, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory behind. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

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

identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’s city of residence.

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

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCAN HERE

YOUR VIEWS

We’ve tied our hands on coastal protection For those not paying attention, your headline, “La. shifts strategy for coastal restoration,” accurately describes but may disguise the enormity of the underlying tragedy. We have indeed shifted our strategy, from something that works to something that can’t work.

Here is what underlies the simple yet terrifying arithmetic: Our coast is sinking, and the sea is rising. These are not projections about what might happen, but measurements of what is happening.

The man-made land bridges proposed as substitutes for diversions are short-term fixes, the equivalent of children building a sandy dike around their castle on a beach. The tide is rising.

The river built our coast, interacting with the tide. Only the river can rebuild any semblance of that coast.

Our only hope is to trap as close to 100% of the sediment the river carries

Free market is failing to control health care costs Certain politicians are saying the solution to halting rising health care costs is to privatize and that the “market” will determine the costs of drugs and health care services.

This would be true if health care were a commodity like a car or a subscription service like cable TV. It is not.

My brother did not wake up one morning and decide to purchase a nice big case of leukemia. He did not walk into his physician’s office to make that order, then ask for the sale price.

I know my mother-in-law did not walk into her doctor’s office and order a lifetime subscription to Parkinson’s disease.

Diseases and accidents strike at any moment and at any age. No one walks through a door, goes through the drive-thru or signs in online to purchase them.

According to balancingeverything. com, “about half a million Americans file for bankruptcy every year because of medical bills.” The average medical bill for a hospital stay in the U.S. is $5,220 per day.

Insurance companies operate as “free market” enterprises — most are for-profit organizations. We have all seen how this model has kept prices “affordable.” We have all experienced what medical services these companies will and will not cover to keep their stock prices up.

(What a scam!)

What company does not need healthy Americans working for it?

Why shouldn’t every American receive basic, quality health care?

There are prosperous, democratic, countries around the world that operate successful medical care services without putting their families into crushing debt. Our politicians decry this as “socialism” rather than shared affordability.

We need to develop and adopt a different health care model. We need to elect people who truly represent the Americans who elect them.

as possible. Sand, the only fraction that can be dredged, is 20%. The suspended mud is 80%. Brown water that escapes into the Gulf is our coast’s precious lifeblood, bleeding away.

The diversions Gov. Jeff Landry canceled would have been but a modest beginning, capturing just 10% of the flood.

But after decades of science and unprecedented public involvement, he canceled them without a single public hearing and squandered hundreds of millions of spent dollars.

Our survival is not guaranteed. No matter what we do, the sea may ultimately win. But what is certain is that we can’t win without harnessing the power and riches of the river.

Landry set us back at least a decade in our struggle to hold out against the rising sea. There may not be time to recover from his arrogant folly.

DAVID MUTH New Orleans

Lawmakers should work to help small business As a small business owner, I believe it is critical that we have a seat at the table when our elected officials are deciding policies that affect our businesses, our employees and our communities.

That’s why I traveled to Washington, D.C., recently with nearly 60 local entrepreneurs as part of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit to talk to Sen. Bill Cassidy and Sen. John Kennedy about the opportunities and challenging realities of owning and growing a small business in Louisiana.

I hope hearing directly from us helped them understand how vital it is for policymakers to stay connected to the people creating jobs and opportunity on Main Street.

In all, more than 2,000 small busi-

ness owners traveled from across the country for this summit. It was a reminder of our strength and determination: Even as we navigate higher costs and hiring challenges, we’re continuing to innovate and invest in our communities.

According to a Goldman Sachs survey, 78% of small business owners remain confident about growth and 74% plan to expand operations in the year ahead.

Partnership between government and small business is key to sustaining that momentum. By working with us, lawmakers can help create the steady environment needed for Louisiana’s economy to flourish.

ERIC HAYES owner, SyCON International Lafayette

PHYLISS LEAR Opelousas

Americans’ approval doesn’t match what they support Ron Faucheux’s column on Dec. 13 contained some interesting and not surprising statistics. Two of them warrant comment. The first is that Congress has only a 10% favorable rating.

The second is that small business is trusted more than big business by a 50% to 14% margin.

Congress has a 10% favorable rating

Hegseth won’t go down well in history

but about a 90% reelection rate.

Small business is trusted more than big business by a 50%-14% margin, but our neighborhoods are filled with Amazon, UPS and FedEx trucks.

POGO said it best, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

Thank goodness Pete Hegseth wasn’t Secretary of Defense on DDay.

BO BIENVENU Prairieville

MARILYN MALONE Metairie

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ 7B

8B ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Baton Rouge Weather TODAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Foggy start

Foggy start

Fog, then sun

Partly sunny

Spotty rain late - 20%

Clearing skies

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

LOW

HIGH

75° 58°

LOW

75° 59°

HIGH

LOW

HIGH

78° 61°

LOW

79° 60°

ALMANAC

LOW

79° 44°

LOW

54° 31°

TEMPERATURE

79°/58° 63°/43° 83° in 1931 8° in 1989

PRECIPITATION

THE NATION

Longview 76/64

TODAY

MODERATE

GOOD

READING 53 MAIN POLLUTANT Nitrogen oxide

MAIN POLLUTANT Nitrogen oxide

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

RIVER STAGES FLOOD STAGE 24-HOUR STAGE CHANGE Memphis 34 -4.30 +3.06 Vidalia-Natchez 48 11.60 -0.41 Red River Landing 48 16.10 -0.20 Baton Rouge 35 5.60 -0.10 Donaldsonville 27 3.60 +0.10 Reserve 22 1.86 -0.23 New Orleans 17 2.40 +0.24 MISSISSIPPI

OHIO 40

18.25

+1.48

19

-1.36

+0.05

18 29 8

-0.84 10.59 1.82

-0.03 +0.13 +0.13

13 15

2.83 1.08

+0.01 -0.02

47 34 29 20 12 6

4.66 3.01 2.89 2.05 2.60 1.67

+0.15 +0.07 -0.02 -0.15 none -0.34

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 77/57 Hattiesburg 75/56

Alexandria 76/60

Many 77/60

AIR QUALITY YESTERDAY

-10

Monroe 75/62

Shreveport 77/64

24 hours through 5 p.m. Tue. 0.02” Month to date (normal) 6.32” (3.74”) year to date (normal) 59.62” (60.36”)

Cairo

Expect widespread dense fog for much of Christmas Eve morning.

Given the setup, low clouds and fog may be slow to clear even with daytime warming. This could substantially limit afternoon highs.

The latest Storm Station forecast reflects this, with highs trimmed back into the mid-70s, assuming at least some sunshine breaks through. The forecast for Christmas Day is just about identical. High temperatures and foggy mornings appear to carry over into the weekend, but that pattern will abruptly end late Sunday with the arrival of a strong cold front. Much colder air will follow with highs plunging into the 50s early next week. Morning lows could dip below freezing as early as Tuesday morning.

AROUND THE REGION

BATON ROUGE THROUGH 5 P.M. TUESDAy

High/low Normal high/low Record high Record low

Weather News by Meteorologist Malcolm Byron

Baton Rouge 75/58

Lafayette 78/60

Beaumont 77/64

New Orleans 74/58

Lake Charles 76/61

Port Arthur 74/63

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

Houma 77/58

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) 9:37a 0.6 Shell Beach 4:14a 1.4 South Point, Marsh Island 1:49a 1.4 Cypremort Point 11:21p 1.4 Grand Isle (Barataria Pass) 11:52p 0.8 Mississippi River (Southwest Pass) 11:09p 1.0 Wine Island 12:28a 1.1

LOW

SUN AND MOON Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

FT.

9:25p -0.1 2:21p -0.3 10:19a -0.5 2:20p 0.0 10:29a -0.3 8:51a -0.4 11:31a -0.4

HIGH

FT.

LOW

FT.

----- ------- --8:55p 1.4 ------- ------- ------- ------- ---

---------------

TODAY City

Hi

THURSDAY

Lo W

Hi

Austin Boston Dallas Fairbanks Honolulu Houston Las Vegas Louisville Miami Minneapolis

81 65 pc 39 27 sn 77 63 pc 8 -18 sn 82 71 pc 79 65 sh 64 52 sh 60 57 sh 80 66 s 37 25 c

79 65 pc 39 15 c 78 64 pc -11 -26 c 82 71 pc 78 66 pc 67 49 r 64 55 sh 80 64 pc 34 31 i

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

37 93 57 30 35 71 45 37 82 77 58

33 93 53 29 33 70 45 36 82 67 59

SOLUNAR TABLE

6:59 a.m.

5:10 p.m.

10:18 a.m.

9:35 p.m.

FIRST

FULL

LAST

NEW

DEC 27

JAN 3

JAN 10

JAN 18

MAJOR

2:16a 3:07a 3:56a 4:43a 5:28a 6:15a 7:03a

MINOR

8:28a 9:19a 10:07a 10:54a 11:40a 12:04a 12:49a

MAJOR

City

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

THURSDAY

Hi

Lo W

Hi

Lo W

71 74 79 47 74 38 68 67 69 81

60 sh 58 pc 57 s 32 pc 60 c 32 c 44 s 52 c 60 r 60 s

72 74 79 45 73 44 67 59 68 78

63 pc 62 pc 58 s 25 sh 57 sh 31 sh 42 pc 58 c 59 r 59 s

72 43 51 70 26 22 69 41 55 31 49

52 pc 34 pc 33 s 49 pc 20 pc 20 sn 47 pc 30 s 49 r 26 s 45 sh

67 42 46 70 26 30 68 38 60 37 56

50 c 33 s 30 c 46 pc -2 c 28 c 49 c 28 s 45 pc 32 pc 46 sh

THE WORLD

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

Today Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon. Tue.

TODAY

Lo W

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2:39p 8:51p 3:30p 9:41p 4:18p 10:29p 5:05p 11:17p 5:53p ---6:41p 12:28p 7:32p 1:18p

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Lessons learned

T E X A S B O W L : L S U V S . H O U S T O N • 8 : 1 5 P. M . S A T U R D A y • E S P N

Saints’ bonding activities are paying off; vibes are high

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU coach Lane Kiffin pumps his fist during a news conference on Dec. 1. LSU announced 11 new hires to Kiffin’s staff on Monday.

TAKING STOCK

Weighing in on Kiffin’s new wave of coaching additions at LSU

O

fficial information and access has been scarce coming out of the LSU football program since Lane Kiffin was introduced on Dec. 1 and we found out on Dec. 7 that the Tigers were going back to the Texas Bowl to face the Houston Cougars.

Monday, a big batch of information came flooding out of the campus, as the school announced 11 new hires to Kiffin’s staff for the 2026 season.

We’re not going to run down every name here, just hit the highlights, starting with:

Scott Rabalais

Weis is one of those coaches who has been at the centerpiece of all this rather dizzying back and forth between LSU and Ole Miss. He’s been hired by LSU but has been allowed by Kiffin to continue calling plays as long as the Rebels are Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. in the CFP. Kiffin, of course, was denied the opportunity to coach Ole Miss in the Weis called plays for Ole Miss on Satplayoffs himself by the school’s adminisurday in the Rebels’ 41-10 romp over Tulane in the first round of the College tration.

Football Playoff. He’s expected to call the New Ole Miss coach Pete Golding made plays again New Year’s Day as Ole Miss a subtle jab in his former boss’ direcfaces Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, though tion after the Tulane win, folded into his that hasn’t been 100% confirmed. praise of Weis.

“I had zero concern with Charlie Weis calling this game for this one reason,” Golding said. “Charlie Weis could not afford not to call a hell of a game. All he’s heard his whole life, ‘Lane Kiffin’s offense,’ ‘Lane Kiffin’s offense.’ So this is his one opportunity for people to realize Charlie Weis calls the offense. Just like he’s done all year.”

In trying to throw a little shade in Kiffin’s direction, Golding, Lane’s former defensive coordinator, really cast a little back on Ole Miss.

If he wants to point out that Ole Miss’ offensive success hasn’t been all because of Kiffin, that’s fair. But both Kiffin AND Weis will be running the offense at LSU next season. It’s hard to imagine the Rebels will be as prolific offensively without them — something I figure Golding knows deep down.

ä See SAINTS, page 2C

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan congratulates defensive end Chase young after recovering a fumble by New york Jets quarterback Brady Cook on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome.

Pelicans’ winning streak snapped at 5

Reece’s hustle turned tide in LSU’s victory

‘Poor’ defensive effort leads to 3-point barrage in loss against Cavaliers

Guard helped Tigers avoid upset against Prairie View

BY ROD WALKER Staff writer

BY TOYLOY BROWN III

Staff writer

A Mike Nwoko pass was bounced off the extended hand of Marquel Sutton.

The LSU turnover with 53 seconds remaining in its eventual 104-90 win over Prairie View was not a moment that necessitated a moment of defensive hustle to ensure a win.

That didn’t matter to Jalen Reece. The 6-foot 18-year-old sprinted 94 feet of the basketball court to emphatically reject a fast-break layup off the glass.

The effort epitomized the intensity the freshman point guard brought in his season-high 23 minutes during the Monday victory at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. His game-changing energy led to coach Matt McMahon heaping praise unprompted on his backup.

Had it not been for the spark from the Orlando, Florida, native, the Tigers could have been upset at home as they trailed by as many as 10 points and allowed Prairie View to make 10 of 13 3-pointers in the first half.

“I thought Jalen Reece’s impact on the game was massive,” McMahon said. “I thought he had teeth to

ä See RABALAIS, page 4C

A paintball outing helped the New Orleans Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A trip to “Five O Fore Golf and Entertainment” led to a win against the Carolina Panthers.

A day of community service work was enough to dominate the New York ä Saints at Jets.

Titans. NOON All right, so maybe SUNDAy, CBS those three activities — all of which the Saints did this offseason — don’t directly translate to New Orleans’ three-game winning streak. But there was tight end Juwan Johnson on Sunday, dressed in a festive Christmas sweater, addressing reporters and maintaining that the team-wide bonding did, in fact, make a difference.

“When you get to the top, like December, it really pays off,” Johnson said. “You really know who you’re going to war with.”

The Saints may not be at the very top — they’re just 5-10 and eliminated from playoff contention — but the vibes are high as they’ve been this season after their recent surge.

Players, though, will note that even as success has started to come their way, those vibes were always in good shape — yes, even when the Saints started the season at 1-8.

That’s not the case everywhere, they say. And as cliché as that can

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU guard Jalen Reece puts up a layup against Prairie View forward Keeshawn Mason on Monday night at the PMAC. LSU won 104-90.

him on the defensive side of the ball. He was physical.

He got up into the ball and pressured it and really, I thought he was fantastic. I thought it changed the complexion of the game for us in the second half, his efforts. And so really proud of Jalen. I just thought he was awesome.”

Grittiness on the perimeter defense was something LSU lacked. It struggled to contain the lethal offthe-dribble scores of Prairie View’s 34-point scorer Tai’Reon Joseph, who played at Scotlandville High School. Reece embraced guarding him at times and taking chances by applying more pressure on the ball and off the ball.

ä See REECE, page 3C

The New Orleans Pelicans’ winning streak came to a screeching halt Tuesday night.

The Pelicans fell 141-118 to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, ending a run of five consecutive wins.

It snapped the Pels’ longest winning streak since December of the 2022-23 season.

A 3-point barrage by the Cavaliers made sure that streak didn’t get to six.

The Cavs knocked down 20 of 49 3-pointers in the game. The Pelicans, meanwhile, made 11 of 26. Getting outscored by 27 from beyond the arc was too much to overcome.

“We didn’t get much done at all defensively,” Pelicans interim coach James Borrego said.

“They got what they wanted.

We own it.

“One of our poor performances defensively. We just could

“We didn’t get much done at all defensively, They got what they wanted. We own it. One of our poor performances defensively. We just could not get our hands on them and no momentum defensively at all.”

JAMES BORREGO, Pelicans interim coach not get our hands on them and no momentum defensively at all.”

The Cavaliers entered the game attempting 43.7 3-pointers per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Borrego talked before the game about the importance of defending 3-pointers.

“We have to do our part to get out there and be aggressive in our contests,” Borrego said.

“Get the guys off the line that we deem necessary and then fly around from there. Offensively, we have to do what we do and be who we are.”

ä See PELICANS, page 4C

2C ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Four teams lead Pro Bowl picks Ravens, Broncos, 49ers and Seahawks have six chosen

BY ROB MAADDI

O’Hearn, Pirates agree to two-year, $29M deal

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JULIO CORTEZ

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert runs the ball against the Cowboys on Sunday in Arlington, Texas.

Herbert is one of five Chargers selected to the Pro Bowl.

1970, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Bruce Matthews (14), Randall McDaniel (12) and Will Shields (12).

Colts guard Quenton Nelson is the second offensive lineman to be selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight career seasons since 1970, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Thomas (10).

Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase is the third wide receiver to be selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first five seasons since 1970,

joining Tyreek Hill (8) and A.J. Green (7).

Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons is the first defensive player to be named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first five career seasons since Aaron Donald (10).

Jalen Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback, made it as a free safety in his first season with the Steelers.

Player selections were determined by the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches, with

each group’s vote counting as one-third toward the total tally.

This is the fourth year of the Pro Bowl Games after the NFL eliminated its full-contact allstar game and replaced it with weeklong skills competitions and a flag football game.

The events will be played in San Francisco ahead of the Super Bowl. Pro Football Hall of Famers Jerry Rice (NFC) and Steve Young (AFC) will coach the teams in the flag football showdown on Feb. 3.

Steelers receiver Metcalf draws suspension Tomlin supports wide reciever

BY WILL GRAVES AP sportswriter

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t condone the actions that led to wide receiver D.K. Metcalf’s two-game suspension by the NFL following an in-game altercation with a fan, but added Metcalf has his full support during the appeals process.

The league punished the twotime Pro Bowler by forcing him to sit out the first-place Steelers’ final two games and fining him for taking a swipe at Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy in the second quarter of what became Pittsburgh’s 29-24 victory.

Tomlin said Metcalf shared his side of the story with him, but declined to get into specifics.

“I won’t discuss what he and I discussed,” Tomlin said. “I think I’ve been pretty clear there.”

Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson said on a podcast late Sunday night that Metcalf told him Kennedy used a racial slur and verbally disparaged Metcalf’s mother, an allegation that Kennedy denied through his attorneys on Monday.

Tomlin cited Metcalf’s appeal hearing and what he described as “legal ramifications,” though he did not define what those might be. An email to the attorneys representing Kennedy by The Associated Press was not immediately returned.

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C sound, that camaraderie helped the Saints weather a brutal start to the season. The losses still hit hard, but Johnson and others said they channeled that frustration into healthy habits of seeking improvement.

“This is the best locker room I’ve ever had,” Johnson said, six years into his career.

Johnson said he feels that way because of how players stuck together during the first half of the year. No one turned on each other or blamed others for their mistakes, he said. And Johnson said coach Kellen Moore deserves a lot of credit for instilling that mindset.

Moore, too, was the one who planned for the numerous offseason activities — even if it meant skipping a day or two of on-field work. It was something he had in

LSU offisive lineman Echols plans to transfer

LSU offensive lineman Coen Echols announced Tuesday that he plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.

Echols, a redshirt freshman, started seven games at left guard this season. He was a four-star recruit in 2024, and now he’s the second young offensive lineman who has decided to leave LSU. Carius Curne — a former top-100 recruit who started five contests this year as a true freshman — was the first.

As of Tuesday, 11 LSU players are planning to transfer. Three of them filled significant roles in 2025: Curne, Echols and defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux.

LSU will face Houston in the Texas Bowl at 8 p.m. Saturday (ESPN). The transfer portal opens for all players on Jan. 2.

AP pro football writer Six Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks were selected for the Pro Bowl Games.

The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, along with the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers, are sending five players.

Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen, Drake Maye and Justin Herbert are the AFC quarterbacks. Sam Darnold, Dak Prescott and Matthew Stafford are the QBs for the NFC. Kansas City’s Travis Kelce was selected for his 11th Pro Bowl, tied with Jason Witten for the second-most among tight ends, behind only Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez (14).

Nineteen players were chosen for the first time, including Eagles cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, Dolphins running back De’Von Achane and Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens.

Chargers tackle Joe Alt was selected even though he played only six games before sustaining a season-ending ankle injury.

The AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) only had one player selected: long snapper Ross Matiscik.

The Jets, Saints and Vikings were the only teams without a representative.

San Francisco’s Kyle Juszczyk is heading to his 10th Pro Bowl, the most ever by a fullback. Niners left tackle Trent Williams is the fourth offensive lineman selected to 12 Pro Bowls since

IN BRIEF

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By RyAN SUN

Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, shown with Lions cornerback Rock yaSin on Sunday in Detroit, was suspended by the NFL for two games after an in-game altercation with a fan.

Metcalf remained in the game and finished with four receptions for 42 yards. Kennedy left his seat to meet with stadium security at Ford Field but was allowed to return.

Asked if the Steelers have any ingame protocols in place to try and mitigate interactions such as the one between Metcalf and Kennedy, Tomlin said, “We certainly may, but I might not be privy to it because my eyes and attention is (on) what’s going on on the field” and made it a point to credit the team’s “top notch

security group.”

Tomlin would not elaborate on what his reaction was to seeing the video of the confrontation, though he acknowledged what he called the rise in “volatile rhetoric” in sports at all levels.

“Not only (in) our business, (but) college, youth sport parents,” he said. “I think it’s just a component of sport that’s developed and developed in a big way in recent years, and it’s unfortunate.”

There were reports that when

“This is the best locker room I’ve ever had.”

JUWAN JOHNSON, Saints tight end mind from the beginning, raising the idea in his interview with Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. He advocated for the Saints to hold part of training camp in Southern California, for instance, to have the team build chemistry over a long season.

“It’s easy to talk about, ‘Hey, we need to have great team chemistry,’ ” Loomis said before the season. “No kidding. OK, how do you create that? What do you do to create that?”

Those answers not only won Loomis over, enough to hire Moore, but they also led the firstyear coach to earn his players’ respect. That was also going to have been earned by how he led in a number of other areas, but fostering those relationships early on played a key role in the Saints’ willingness to stay together.

“It’s huge because … all that bonding and getting to know each other, this is the time when everybody’s tired and the season is long,” defensive end Chris Rumph said. “That’s when you fall back on all the things you did in the offseason. Like, ‘Hey, man.

This is what we wanted. I’m here with you.’ ” On Monday, Moore said adversity is part of every season, and a team has to prepare for it.

It turns out that preparation even extended to a local bowling alley, nearly five months before they crushed the Jets.

“God, it’s a fun environment to be in,” tight end Taysom Hill said.

“We all know the postseason stuff is off the table, but everyone’s still cherishing every opportunity (we) get and I think that, that’s pretty unique and special.”

Metcalf played for Seattle, he reported Kennedy to team personnel when the Seahawks visited Detroit. Tomlin did not speculate when asked if there’s anything more teams can do to protect players in those situations.

“Me speaking on it and speaking on it in detail and particularly expressing my opinion regarding things doesn’t help the circumstance in any way,” he said.

Metcalf’s suspension means Pittsburgh (9-6) will be without its top pass catcher as it tries to lock up the AFC North title on Sunday in Cleveland. His absence means Roman Wilson, who has been a healthy scratch the past two weeks as the Steelers have opted to go with experienced veterans Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen, will likely get an opportunity to return to the lineup.

Tomlin did not rule out the return of star outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who has missed each of the past two games while recovering from surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung sustained during a dry needling treatment.

Tomlin said Watt has been in the team facility lately and is “hopeful” Watt will be cleared to practice.

The Steelers need to win one of their final two games or have Baltimore lose one of its final two games to win a division title for the first time since 2020. The longtime rivals are scheduled to meet in Pittsburgh in Week 18.

Stats to know 13: That’s the number of game balls that Moore gave out after Sunday’s win over the Jets.

Eight went to the defense, four to the offense and one to the kicker, according to a postgame locker room video shared by the Saints.

32: Tyler Shough’s 32 passing attempts in the first half of Sunday’s game are tied with former LSU star and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow for the most in a first half this season. Shough’s 49 attempts were tied for the 11th most all year.

25%: As good as the Saints’ pass rush was against the Jets, they only registered a pressure rate of 25% — the seventh-lowest rate of the week entering Monday’s action. But they were super effective when they managed to get pressure: Eight of the Saints’ 11 pressures turned into sacks. New Orleans’ eight sacks were the fourth-most by a team this year.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates took another step toward being a contender in 2026, agreeing to a $29 million, two-year contract with All-Star first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn designed to give one of the worst offenses in the majors a boost.

A person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the deal includes $500,000 annually in performance bonuses. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because it was not yet official.

O’Hearn receives the first multiple-year free agent deal the Pirates have agreed to together since 2016. The left-handed O’Hearn is coming off the best season of his big league career. He hit .281 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs in 2025.

Jets QB Fields placed on injured reserve, ends season

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets are placing quarterback Justin Fields on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury that has sidelined him the past three games.

Coach Aaron Glenn announced the decision on Tuesday to sit Fields for the final two games.

Fields, who signed a two-year, $40 million deal — with $30 million guaranteed — with New York in March, was the starter for most of this season until he was benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor last month.

Undrafted rookie Brady Cook is set to make his third consecutive start Sunday against New England. Taylor will be the backup.

Fields went 2-7 as the Jets’ starter with seven touchdowns and only one interception for 1,259 yards.

Venus WIlliams weds Andrea Preti in Florida

PALM BEACH, Fla. — Venus Williams and Andrea Preti are married, the tennis great announced Tuesday on social media.

Williams and Preti became wife and husband over the weekend in Palm Beach, Florida, as part of a five-day celebration.

After becoming the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match in July, the 45-year-old Williams gave thanks to her fiance, who was in the stands at the DC Open.

Preti is a Danish-born Italian model and actor, according to the website IMDB. Williams hadn’t played in a tournament in 16 months until entering the event in Washington.

The seven-time Grand Slams singles champion plans to play in a 33rd straight season on the WTA Tour.

MIssouri LB Wilson files suit against Georgia

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri pass rusher Damon Wilson II claims that the athletic department at Georgia is trying to illegally punish him for entering the transfer portal in a lawsuit filed by the linebacker in state court Tuesday in Boone County, Missouri.

Wilson transferred to the Tigers last January after signing a 14-month deal with Georgia’s booster collective to capitalize on his name, image and likeness. He received $30,000 in an initial payment on a $500,000 deal before entering the transfer portal.

Georgia filed a lawsuit last month claiming that Wilson owed its athletic department $390,000 in liquidated damages for leaving the team. Wilson’s countersuit claims that his former school is using such damages to “punish” him for his decision to leave.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ 3C

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Hilltoppers rally past USM for N.O. Bowl win Quarterback change sparks WKU victory

BY SPENCER URQUHART Staff writer

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By SAM CRAFT

Miami coach Mario Cristobal reacts to a play against Texas A&M in a first-round CFP game on Saturday in College Station, Texas.

Ohio St., Miami ready for nostalgic CFP clash

BY TIM REYNOLDS

ä Cotton Bowl: Miami vs.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The last time Ohio State and Miami met in a postseason football game, the Hurricanes spent a couple of seconds celebrating a victory that gave them back-to-back national championships.

And then The Flag came out.

The Hurricanes stopped celebrating. They haven’t celebrated a title since.

It was Ohio State vs. Miami in the Fiesta Bowl, the national championship for the 2002 season. Miami leads 24-17 in overtime, Ohio State throws into the end zone on fourth down, the ball hits the ground, one official signals it was an incomplete pass, and the game ends.

Miami wins. Except it wasn’t over. Miami doesn’t win. Another official called pass interference to extend the drive, the Buckeyes scored to tie the game, then scored again in the second overtime and won the national title 31-24.

Next week, they meet again in a postseason game — the Cotton Bowl, with Ohio State being the team seeking back-to-back national titles. The Buckeyes (12-1) and Hurricanes (112) will face off in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal on New Year’s Eve. “It’s going to be a challenge for us offensively, but it’s a challenge that we’re looking forward to,” Miami quarterback Carson Beck

said. “But we do recognize how talented they are, and we’re going to have to come and execute.”

And in fairness, the Hurricanes of 2002 did not execute as well as they needed against Ohio State.

They turned the ball over five times and gave up four sacks. But all anyone remembers is the fourthdown play where Craig Krenzel threw to the right corner of the end zone, intended for Chris Gamble.

Miami cornerback Glenn Sharpe defended, Gamble didn’t make the catch, line judge Derick Bowers motioned the pass was incomplete and the Hurricanes started to jump for joy. Sean Taylor threw his helmet so high in the air in celebration that parts of it broke upon landing.

Then Terry Porter, the back judge, made the call.

It did not go over well with everyone; even ABC analyst Dan Fouts twice said “bad call” while watching replays.

Porter has said over the years that he simply took an extra moment to make sure he got the call right.

“If you make a call and it’s right, the call goes away.

If you make a call and the call is wrong, it never goes away. Ever,” Porter told the Stillwater News Press for a story published in August about his entry into that state’s officiating Hall of

AP sportswriter

Ohio St.. 6:30 P.M. DEC. 31, ESPN

Fame. “So just take your time and try to get it right.

That’s what we all want to do. When you walk out at night, out of the place — football, basketball, I don’t care — you just want to have gotten it right.”

Beck wasn’t even two months old when the MiamiOhio State title game was played. What happened on Jan. 3, 2003, in theory, won’t matter much to either side.

After all, most of the players in this game weren’t even born when that happened.

“We’re focused on the present,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. “We’re focused on the present.”

But matchups are often about history, about nostalgia. The teams have played twice since that Fiesta Bowl — Ohio State won in 2010, Miami won in 2011 — but those games are registering nary a blip of attention right now.

“I think games like this, with two storied programs, I think people are always going to want to pull out history and draw comparisons and all that other stuff,” Cristobal said. “And moments like that, they’re valid.

They’re real. It’s what makes college football awesome, the pageantry. But this game is the 2025 Hurricanes and Buckeyes going after it, to be determined by the 22 guys on the field one snap at a time. That’s going to be the focus. That’s where all our attention will be.”

RABALAIS

Continued from page 1C

RB coach Kevin Smith Smith will also be LSU’s assistant head coach, completely duplicating the role Frank Wilson, LSU’s interim head coach from late October through the Texas Bowl, held on Brian Kelly’s staff. Reports have been, of course, that Wilson will be heading to Ole Miss to fill Smith’s spot on Golding’s staff after the Tigers play Houston.

Will there be a player or two to be named later in this “trade”? Perhaps. There is rampant speculation that Ole Miss star running back Kewan Lacy will transfer to LSU after the CFP (remember the transfer portal window opens Jan. 2, mere hours after the Sugar Bowl). What that would mean for incumbent LSU running backs Harlem Berry and Caden Durham is unknown.

It’s possible even that one of them could follow Wilson to Oxford.

No matter what happens, the Tigers will need multiple backs. This is one of those critical areas where the $25-30 million for roster building LSU promised Kiffin to lure him here will almost certainly come into play.

Sterling Lucas, defensive line Lucas’ arrival from South Carolina ends a somewhat fraught search to replace former LSU All-American Kyle Williams, who leaves after one season of coaching defensive tackles at his alma mater. Kiffin initially targeted former Syracuse codefensive coordinator Elijah Robinson, but he instead took a co-defensive coordinator and D-line post at Texas A&M. It’s a bigger title for Robinson, who, of course, was not going to eclipse Blake Baker once Kiffin retained him.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is seen before a game between Ole Miss and Arkansas on Nov. 2, 2024, at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark.

Of perhaps equal or greater importance is whether star South Carolina defensive end Dylan Stewart will follow Lucas to Baton Rouge for what would be expected to be one more season of college ball before entering the NFL draft. A complication with that may be that Lucas will coach defensive tackles and not edge rushers, a group expected to continue to be the purview of current LSU assistant Kevin Peoples.

Chris Kiffin, Co-DC and LBs The exact responsibilities for Lane’s brother, who has been both an analyst and linebackers coach at Ole Miss, weren’t entirely clear. What is almost certain, considering how much LSU spent to keep Blake Baker, is that this still going to be Baker’s defense to run. Chris Kiffin’s role on the staff may fall under a new definition in college football, where schools are allowed to employ as many assistant coaches as they would like but with only 10 of them (plus the head coach) permitted to recruit off campus. Chris Kiffin’s term sheet has not yet been made public.

Western Kentucky’s offense received a spark after graduate senior Maverick McIvor entered the game at quarterback against Southern Miss during the 25th New Orleans Bowl.

McIvor entered in place of freshman quarterback Rodney Tisdale, who started the game for Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers failed to score a touchdown in the first half, but McIvor led three second-half scoring drives in a 27-16 win over Southern Miss on Tuesday at the Caesars Superdome.

McIvor began the season as Western Kentucky’s starting quarterback but suffered a midseason injury. He led the Hilltoppers to a comeback win in his first game since October and won New Orleans Bowl MVP, completing 12 of 19 passes for 199 yards along with 48 yards rushing and a touchdown on six carries.

Representing Conference USA in the New Orleans Bowl, Western Kentucky finished the season with a 9-4 record, with Sun Belt Conference representative Southern Miss finishing 7-6.

We s t e r n K e n t u c k y scored first after Southern Miss turned the ball over on downs deep in Hilltoppers territory after a botched fake punt, which led to a 31-yard field goal

by John Cannon.

Southern Miss scored the first touchdown of the game after putting together a 65-yard scoring drive. Senior quarterback Braylon Braxton found Tychaun Chapman for a 35-yard pass to take a 7-3 lead with 4:06 to go in the first quarter.

Western Kentucky cut the Southern Miss lead to 7-6 after a 30-yard field goal by Cannon. Tisdale was intercepted by Southern Miss defensive lineman JJ Hawkins in Hilltoppers territory, leading to a 25-yard field goal by Golden Eagles freshman kicker Creighton Wilbanks.

Wilbanks made another

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Western Kentucky quarterback Maverick McIvor holds up a decorative New Orleans Bowl helmet next to the trophy after a win against the Southern Mississippi in the New Orleans Bowl on Tuesday night at the Caesars Superdome. field goal from 29 yards out as time expired in the first half to give Southern Miss a 13-7 halftime lead after a 10-play, 77-yard drive.

Western Kentucky put together a 65-yard scoring drive to tie the game in the third quarter after McIvor found the end zone from 11 yards out.

Southern Miss safety Corey Myrick intercepted Maverick on Western Kentucky’s next drive, which led to a 41-yard field goal

by Wilbanks.

Wilbanks’ third field goal of the game gave Southern Miss a 16-13 lead at the end of the third quarter, but McIvor led another Western Kentucky scoring drive in the fourth quarter.

Baton Rouge native George Hart delivered a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Hilltoppers a fourpoint lead with 7:51 to go in the game..

Western Kentucky put together one more scoring drive to put the game away after running back Marvis Parrish broke free for a 54-yard touchdown. Parrish led Western Kentucky in rushing with 65 yards on seven carries, and Matthew Henry was the lead receiver with 118 yards on

seven catches.

Braxton completed 24 of 47 passes for 258 yards with one touchdown and one interception, with Chapman led Southern Miss in receiving with 50 yards on 3 catches. Jeffrey Pittman was the Golden Eagles lead rusher with 55 yards on 10 carries.

Western Kentucky has reached a bowl game every year since 2019 with Tyson Helton as head coach and improved its record to 5-2 during that span.

no turnovers.

That steady play was Continued from page 1C useful and paired nicely with another bench riser in Rashad King. The 6-6 His one steal, one block senior had a season-high 13 and four rebounds under- points and three blocks in sell his impact in making 20 minutes. Their perforPrairie View less comfort- mances were appreciated able above the 3-point arc. by starter Pablo Tamba, Reece coupled that with who had 10 points and nine some typical point guard rebounds before fouling out production, accumulating in 24 minutes.

“I had two fouls in the eight points, two assists and

first half, so I had time to sit on the bench and talk with them a lot,” said Tamba, a graduate student transfer.

“They were super engaged in the game. They were really talking to all our teammates about how to guard the guys or how to stay engaged. So, they didn’t surprise me when they went out there and got the job done.”

REECE

Boca Raton Bowl LOUISVILLE 27, TOLEDO 22: In Boca Raton, Florida, Louisville has survived a wild fourth quarter to hold off Toledo.

Miller Moss closed his college career by throwing for 153 yards and two touchdowns, and Isaac Brown ran for a pair of scores for the Cardinals.

Louisville won its final two games this season to finish 9-4.

Toledo got three points from its first eight possessions, then scored 17 points in three possessions in the fourth — nearly rallying from an 18-point deficit. The Rockets finished 8-5.

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4C ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

NBA

These teams will clash on Christmas

BY TIM REYNOLDS

AP basketball writer

Jalen Williams’ plan for Thursday is mapped out like this: Presents in the morning, then a game in the afternoon.

To him, that sounds like an exceptional Christmas.

Williams and the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder — who felt snubbed by the Christmas schedule-makers a year ago — are on the league’s slate of showcase games this year, taking on the San Antonio Spurs as part of the annual Dec. 25 quintupleheader.

The schedule, with all times Eastern: Cleveland at New York gets things started at noon, followed by the Spurs at the Thunder at 2:30, Dallas at Golden State at 5, Houston at the Los Angeles Lakers at 8 and Minnesota at Denver at 10:30.

“As a basketball player, I feel like you grow up — actually, if you’re a sports fan, you grow up watching sports on Christmas. To be able to be a part of it is really cool,” Williams said. “What time do we play, 1:30 (Central)? Yeah, we’re like the cool game. Like, 1:30, presents have already been opened and everybody’s kind of watching the games. I’m really looking forward to that.”

For most of the Thunder, it’ll be a first: The only current Oklahoma City players who have scored in a Christmas game are Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso. And it’ll be the second Christmas game for San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, whose holiday debut last year was a 42-point, 18-rebound effort against New York.

“It’s a big day for the NBA and the guys are excited to play on that slate of games,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “It’s one of 82 at the end of the day, but it is an elevated circumstance because of the attention on the game and the noise around it. Those are good experiences for any team and cer-

tainly for us.”

For LeBron James, it will not be a first: If he plays Thursday with the Lakers, it’ll be his 20th Christmas game. That’s more than 17 current franchises have played in their existence.

“I’d much rather be at home with my family,” James said. “But it’s a game, it’s the game I love, it’s a game I watched when I was a kid on Christmas Day, watching a lot of the greatest play the game on Christmas. It’s always been an honor to play it. I’m going to be completely honest: I would like to be home on the couch with my family all throughout the day, but my number is called, our number is called so we have to go out and perform.”

LeBron on Christmas

Dallas’ Klay Thompson enters the day No. 3 on the list with 27 made 3s on Christmas, one ahead of Golden State’s Stephen Curry and Houston’s Kevin Durant.

Still waiting The Christmas wait goes on for some teams.

Sacramento hasn’t played on Dec. 25 since 2003, Indiana — which might have gotten the nod this year if Tyrese Haliburton didn’t get hurt in Game 7 of the NBA Finals — hasn’t made the Christmas list since 2004 and Detroit hasn’t since 2005.

To put that into context, it should be noted that Seattle — which hasn’t had a team in nearly two decades — played its last Christmas game in 2007, or more recently than the Kings, Pacers and Pistons have.

Orlando hasn’t played on Christmas since 2011, and Chicago hasn’t since 2016. Meanwhile, Boston’s nine-year streak of Christmas appearances comes to an end this year.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Lakers are playing on Christmas for the 27th consecutive year and Golden State is playing on Christmas for a 13th consecutive season.

“Just excited for another big game on Christmas Day,” Curry said Monday after the Warriors won their second straight to get to 15-15 on the season and go into the holiday with a bit of momentum.

“The vibes are good right now.”

James playing in his 20th Christmas game means the record books will need updating once again when this holiday slate is complete.

He’s already the all-time Christmas leader in games played, points (507), wins (11), field goals (180) and 3-pointers made (31, tied with James Harden).

Up next: assists, steals and free throws. James is currently second in Christmas assists with 137, eight behind Oscar Robertson. He’s also second in steals with 28, two behind Russell Westbrook, and second in free throws made with 116 — nine behind Robertson on that list.

James is sixth in Christmas rebounds with 143, one behind No. 5 Dolph Schayes, nine behind No. Welcome, kid 4 Wilt Chamberlain and 12 behind Dallas’ Cooper Flagg — who No. 3 Shaquille O’Neal. (No. 1 Bill turned 19 this week — is set to Russell, with 176, and No. 2 Wes make his Christmas debut.

Unseld, with 163, are probably safe If Flagg plays, he’ll be the fourthfrom James this year.) youngest player to appear in a Christmas game. Kobe Bryant, Bill More about 3s Willoughby and James were all 18 While James and Harden are in their first Christmas contest. tied atop the 3-pointers made list, some other familiar names could KD’s Christmas travels rise with big efforts on Thursday.

Durant is set to play on Christ-

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By KyLE PHILLIPS

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams pushes down the court during a game against the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 10 in Oklahoma City. mas for a fifth different team (and a sixth different jersey), which makes his holiday paths one of the most traveled in league history.

Durant has also played on Christmas for Seattle and Oklahoma City, then Golden State, then Brooklyn, then Phoenix and on Thursday, the Rockets — the team he joined this past summer — get added to the list.

Shaquille O’Neal (Orlando, Lakers, Miami, Phoenix, Cleveland and Boston) played on Christmas for six teams. Among those who have played on the holiday with five franchises: Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony.

Lots of West Of the 10 teams playing on Christmas this year, eight come from the Western Conference.

That’s the most from one conference on Christmas since 1978, when the Eastern Conference saw eight of its then-11 teams picked to play on the holiday.

The last time the East had more teams playing on Christmas than the West was 2004. Since then, including this year, the holiday schedule has seen an even EastWest split 10 times and the West has seen more teams picked for the holiday slate on 11 occasions.

Tempers flare as Warriors’ Kerr, Spurs-Thunder rivalry Green squabble during timeout will meet twice on Christmas week

BY JANIE MCCAULEY AP sportswriter

SAN FRANCISCO — Warriors forward Draymond Green had a heated exchange with coach Steve Kerr in the huddle during a third-quarter timeout Monday night and then went to the locker room on his own to cool down.

Kerr said even once Green returned to the bench for the finish of Golden State’s 120-97 win against the Orlando Magic he wasn’t going to play again after what happened.

“We got into it obviously and I took the timeout just because I thought we lost our focus there a little bit,” Kerr said. “We had it out a little bit and he made his decision to go back to the locker room to cool off and that’s all I’m going to say about it. Everything is private.

I’ve got nothing further to add.”

Green contributed nine points and seven rebounds in nearly 18 minutes after being ejected early in the second quarter Saturday against Phoenix for consecutive technicals.

“Tempers spilled over and I just thought it was best that I get out of there,” Green said. “I don’t think there was a situation where it was going to get better so it was just best to remove myself. That’s it.”

Green said he was available to play again but it wasn’t his decision — and he had stiffened up by

PELICANS

Continued from page 4C It didn’t happen though. The Pelicans trailed by as many as 18 in the first half before cutting the deficit to 69-60 at the break. But the Cavs outscored the Pelicanss 41-31 in the third quarter to pull away.

“From start to finish, a poor defensive effort,” Borrego said.

The 141 points was the secondmost points the Pelicans have allowed this season.

The most was 146 in an overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Zion Williamson, playing in back-to-back games for the first

then, too.

“I thought I owed it to my teammates to be there. I’m not going to quit on my teammates,” he said.

Golden State’s 15-15 record is hardly what this group expected at this stage, and Green noted “that’s probably why tempers are flaring.”

“Basketball, it’s what we do,” he said of what caused the frustration. “We play basketball, it’s an emotional game. People lose their emotions sometimes, it happens.”

He said of leaving for the locker room, “I just thought that was best for me” and afterward he felt a responsibility to speak with the media “for sure.” Assistant coach Anthony Vereen accompanied Green.

Stephen Curry said his observation was Kerr and Green “just having a good conversation.”

“That’s kind of for them to talk about, not me,” the star guard said.

Curry said there were positive, winning vibes in the locker room after a nice win and “I’m pretty sure we know how to be professional.”

Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski said Green “was a great teammate on the bench” after coming back.

“It’ll get figured out,” Podziemski said.

Asked if he thinks the issue will linger, Kerr said: “No.” “The group’s ready to go, you

time since last October, led the Pelicans.

“Z is progressing well,” Borrego said before Tuesday’s game. “He looks well. He’s getting in better shape every game, every day.

His mentality is right. His spirit is right.

“That’s the biggest thing for me.

The mindset is right. The body is coming along every day. Getting better and better.”

One night after scoring 24 points and grabbing nine rebounds in a home win over the Dallas Mavericks, Williamson came off the bench again and finished with 26 points and five rebounds against the Cavaliers. But it wasn’t nearly enough.

Derik Queen scored 21 points to go with his seven rebounds and

BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer

AP PHOTO By JUSTINE WILLARD

Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black, right, is fouled by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, left, during a game on Monday in San Francisco.

could see in the game tonight,” he explained. “We need Draymond.

He’s a champion. We’ve been together for a long time. All we can do is the rest of the group keep pushing, keep getting better. I thought this was one of our better games. I thought the first half was brilliant — we just didn’t make shots. I thought Draymond played great.”

five assists.

It was the Pels’ fourth straight loss to the Cavaliers, who are 17-14..

The Pelicans (8-23) were also without Herb Jones (right ankle sprain) and Jordan Poole (left ankle soreness).

Trey Murphy finished with 14 points. Saddiq Bey and Jeremiah Fears scored 11 points each.

Donovan Mitchell’s 27 points led the Cavs. Sam Merrill finished with 22 points, including 6 of 10 on 3-pointers.

The Pelicans return to action Friday when they play the first of back-to-back home games against the Phoenix Suns.

Email Rod Walker at rwalker@ theadvocate.com.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, according to the catchy marketing slogan that has been around for years.

It’ll likely be disproven this week.

The NBA loves rivalries: Lakers vs. Celtics, Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James in the neverending GOAT debate, Reggie Miller vs. Madison Square Garden, that sort of thing. Another one has been brewing in recent months and might have finally reached official status last week in Las Vegas, when San Antonio ousted Oklahoma City in the NBA Cup semifinals and handed the Thunder what was just their second loss of the season.

As schedule luck would have it, this week brings not one, but two Spurs-Thunder rematches — one of them just happening to come on Christmas Day before what will be a global television audience. And the question was posed to Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander last week, whether this could become the best rivalry in the NBA. “There’s a good chance,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

He’s not wrong. It seems to meet the criteria.

The Thunder are the reigning champs with a roster that makes it seem like they should contend for more titles over the next several seasons. The Spurs are the franchise trying to recapture what was a perennial role as a championship contender, led by a generational talent in Victor Wembanyama. Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP; it won’t be long until Wembanyama starts getting votes for that trophy. It doesn’t seem like the teams are overly fond of one another; it’s not wild and crazy when they meet, but it’s also fair to say both sides seem to play like there’s a little something extra on the line in these matchups.

And both teams are basically the biggest game in their respective towns; neither city has

an NFL, NHL or Major League Baseball team to brag about.

“I think we’re on the right path,” Wembanyama said last week. “And for the first time in my career — not in the case of everybody in our group — but for the first time in my career, we’re winning much more than we’re losing. So, it’s a lot of pleasure.”

The Spurs are good again.

That’s already clear. They’re 21-7 through 28 games; they went 2260 in both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, then won 34 games last year. Barring a collapse, which is possible in the absurdly loaded Western Conference, the Spurs are a playoff team and maybe one good enough to host Game 1 of a first- or second-round series.

The job Mitch Johnson has done in his first full season as coach is evidence why the Spurs didn’t hesitate about making him Gregg Popovich’s successor.

And the Thunder are somewhere well past good. That’s also clear. The NBA champions last season, winners of 68 regular season games a year ago, on pace this season to smash the pointdifferential record that they set last season. Sure, the Spurs beat them last week. The Thunder almost welcomed what that meant.

“I think it’s a good game for to us learn from in general,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said.

“It’s an 82-game season. We want to be a team that gets better through all of our experiences.

You’re not going to be perfect every game. When you have some slippage or you have a game where you’re not on the ball in certain areas, you have to be a team that looks in the mirror on that and addresses it quickly and gets those things tightened back up. This team has always done an unbelievable job of that.”

These two games that await — in San Antonio on Tuesday, in Oklahoma City on Thursday for the Christmas afternoon game — are just regular season contests.

Nobody is clinching a playoff berth, nobody is clinching homecourt, nobody is winning a trophy, nobody is getting eliminated.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ 5C

What to watch on Christmas Day lll

BY DAVID BRANDT Associated Press

The evolution of the Christmas Day sports calendar in the U.S. has given fans a respite if they need a break from family gatherings or just some entertainment while they sip on eggnog.

This year’s major events include five NBA games and three NFL games, with games spanning more than 12 hours.

Here’s a look at the premier matchups — as well as a few you can probably skip — while preparing to navigate the holiday.

Clear the schedule Spurs at Thunder, 1:30 p.m., ESPN/ ABC: Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are one of the league’s upand-coming teams, making the NBA Cup final before losing to the Knicks last week. The Thunder won a championship last season and have the league’s best record this year at 25-3. Adding a little spice: The Spurs knocked the Thunder out of the NBA Cup in the semifinals earlier this month.

Rockets at Lakers, 7 p.m., ESPN/ABC: Savor this one, because it’s hard

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JAE C. HONG

Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James reacts after his dunk during an NBA Cup game against the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 10 in Los Angeles. to believe we’ll have many more opportunities to watch Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James, particularly on Christmas Day. The 37-year-old Durant keeps pouring in buckets for the Rockets while the 40-year-old James is still playing at a high level in his 23rd

NBA season.

One eye on the game Timberwolves at Nuggets, 9:30 p.m., ESPN/ABC: Nothing wrong with this game between two of the better teams in the NBA’s Western Conference. Three-time MVP Nikola

Jokic is turning in another ridiculous season, averaging a tripledouble for the Nuggets. They’ll face the Timberwolves, who have the high-flying and always entertaining Anthony Edwards.

Lions at Vikings, 3:30 p.m., Netflix: This is the best game of a disappointing NFL slate, featuring a Lions team that must win if they want to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The division rival Vikings have had a frustrating season, but would love to play spoiler and have won their past three games.

Cavaliers at Knicks, 11 a.m., ESPN/ABC: The Knicks just won the NBA Cup and could have their best team in years thanks to the core of Jalen Brunson, Karl Anthony-Towns and Mikal Bridges. They’ll face a Cavaliers team that’s faded back to .500 this season after leading the Eastern Conference with 64 wins last year.

Broncos at Chiefs, 7:15 p.m., Prime Video: Well, this one looked enticing a few months ago, but the fact that Kansas City is eliminated from the playoff race and lost its top two quarterbacks to knee injuries has put a damper on the mood. On the positive side, the Broncos have

been one of the best teams in the NFL and are trying to stay ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers and win the AFC West.

Maybe time for a nap?

Mavericks at Warriors, 4 p.m., ESPN/ABC: Many Mavericks fans got an early Christmas present when general manager Nico Harrison — architect of the infamous Luka Doncic trade — was fired earlier this season. The problem is Dallas is still not playing well, through rookie Cooper Flagg’s improvement is an encouraging sign. Warriors veteran star Stephen Curry is capable of big nights like his 48-point performance against the Blazers earlier this month, but Golden State’s glory days feel like they’re coming to a close.

Cowboys at Commanders, noon, Netflix: There will be plenty of eyeballs on this game just because it’s the Cowboys and the Commanders, but there’s not much here in terms of stakes. Both teams have been eliminated from the playoff race and Washington’s starting QB Jayden Daniels is out for the season after aggravating an elbow injury in Week 14.

Michaels still going strong after 40 years of calling NFL games

BY JOE REEDY

Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CHARLIE RIEDEL

Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, right, and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly shake hands during an event announcing the team’s move from Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri for a new stadium in Kansas.

Royals face their own stadium decision as Chiefs announce move

BY DAVE SKRETTA

Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Now that the Chiefs are moving across the state line from their longtime home in Missouri to a $3 billion domed stadium to be built in Kansas, attention in the area has swung to the Royals, who have a decision to make regarding their own future.

One thing is certain: They will not be playing at Kauffman Stadium once their lease there expires in January 2031.

Royals owner John Sherman has long said his preference is to build a downtown ballpark, but those plans have been bogged down at nearly every turn by politics and community backlash. Last year, voters in Jackson County, Missouri, soundly defeated the extension of an existing sales tax that pays for the upkeep of Kauffman Stadium and would have helped to fund the new ballpark.

The question now is whether the Royals continue their pursuit of downtown baseball, build a new stadium elsewhere on the Missouri side of the state divide or follow the Chiefs in moving their new home to Kansas.

“The Royals are also a great legacy team that we would love to keep in Missouri. We will do everything we can to continue those conversations,” said Gov. Mike Kehoe, who responded with scorn to the news Monday that the Chiefs had accepted a bond package approved by Kansas lawmakers that will cover 60% of a total project expected to exceed $4 billion.

The Chiefs also plan to build a $300 million training facility in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe, Kansas.

“If I’m the Royals,” Kehoe said, “I’m in the driver’s seat now. I’m THE team.”

In their bid to keep the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, Missouri lawmakers authorized bonds in June during a special legislative session that would cover up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits.

That is the financing package that still could be used by the Royals to build their ballpark.

But the bond package put forth

by Kansas lawmakers, which

would not tax residents but instead be paid off by state sales and liquor taxes generated in a defined area around the project, provides the potential to cover up to 70% of overall costs.

In the case of the Chiefs, the term sheet signed by owner Clark Hunt and Lt. Gov. David Toland calls for a stadium with at least 65,000 seats to be built by Aug. 1, 2031, and the Chiefs to stay there for at least 30 years, with an option to remain up to 30 years more.

Along with the $3 billion stadium, the Chiefs committed to at least $1 billion in “ancillary development,” which includes a headquarters and training facility in Olathe and at least $700 million worth of retail, entertainment and other commercial space.

The agreement allows $100 million of that space to be built outside the two counties containing most of Kansas’ side of the metro.

The state agreed to issue a little more than $2.4 billion in bonds to cover roughly 60% of the costs, though if the extra development exceeds $1 billion, it would cover 70%. That makes it the largest public subsidy ever for a U.S. stadium project.

“Missouri put together a very competitive package,” Kehoe said of the state’s attempts to keeping the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, adding: “Kansas is about to leverage ... Kansas taxpayer revenue to make this deal happen. I can’t see where the numbers would pencil on that, as a business person, where it would be a good deal for Missourians.”

The Royals have considered multiple sites around downtown Kansas City, but all have had issues, whether it be traffic flow, community support or something else.

John Mosley, a 65-year-old fan from Kansas City, Missouri, said Monday that he had been hearing people talk about Kansas using a bond package to lure the Chiefs — and, perhaps, even the Royals — across the state line for years.

“To me personally, it doesn’t matter. But I’m noticing that most things are going over into Kansas,” he said. “I’m not sure what’s going on in Missouri. I think it’s a money issue. Maybe over in Kansas things are much better. It just seems like everything is moving.”

Al Michaels has achieved many milestones during his Hall of Fame broadcasting career.

The one he has reached this season, though, may stand the test of time — 40 years as the play-byplay announcer for one of the NFL’s primetime packages.

According to research from the 506 Sports Archive, the Christmas night game between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs on Prime Video will be his 779th NFL broadcast.

“I mean, it’s been a fantastic ride. I mean, it’s unbelievable because it came out of nowhere back in 1986,” Michaels said.

“I’m thinking 40 years, you don’t think in those terms when you’re 40 years old, but here we are. It’s hard to believe, but I am blessed and thankful.”

Except for two years in 1974 and ’75, when Michaels did afternoon games for NBC and CBS, Michaels’ broadcasts have been mostly in prime time. He has also called 11 Super Bowls, tying him with Pat Summerall.

Michaels was the play-by-play voice for ABC’s “Monday Night Football” from 1986 until 2005.

He was then traded to NBC when it launched “Sunday Night Football” in 2006, and he called that package until 2021. This is his fourth season doing Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football.”

Michaels is the dean of NFL announcers in terms of games called. CBS’ Kevin Harlan is the closest among active announcers, with 542, and would need at least 13 seasons to catch Michaels whenever he decides to retire.

Michaels, who turned 81 in November, has shown no signs of slowing down.

“We’ve all done so many big games at this point, but he truly gets excited when he has the opportunity to do a big game.

And you can’t say that for a lot of people in our business,” said Fred Gaudelli, who was Michaels’ producer for 23 seasons. “After a certain amount of time, you lose that fire in your belly to really do it, and he’s never lost that.”

Kirk Herbstreit, who is in his fourth season as Michaels’ partner, said he has grown to appreciate Michaels’ ability to manage a broadcast.

“I’ve always noticed that the bigger the moment, when you really feel urgency as a broadcaster, Al gets calmer and just waits for the right time to bring his voice to that crescendo,” he said. “I’ve just been blown away by how he does his job, how organized and prepared he is, and how much he loves it. That’s what really comes across to me. He is completely dialed in, loves the sport and loves telling stories.”

The road to 40 Michaels has worked with eight analysts. Cris Collinsworth worked with him the longest, at 13 seasons, while his seven years with John Madden rank among the best booth pairings.

ABC Sports executive Dennis Swanson decided to bring Michaels aboard and move Frank Gifford to the analyst spot on

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By MARK ZALESKI

Al Michaels, right, and Cris Collinsworth, second from left, broadcast from the field before a game between the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn.

“Monday Night Football” after firing O.J. Simpson and Joe Namath.

Michaels had worked for ABC since 1976 and was best known for his baseball coverage and the U.S. hockey team’s run to the gold medal in the 1980 Olympics.

Gifford had been the main announcer from 1971 through ’85, but Swanson wanted a more traditional play-by-play announcer at the helm of what was then the NFL’s signature package.

In 1987, “Monday Night Football” returned to a three-man booth when Dan Dierdorf joined from CBS. He, Michaels and Gifford worked together for 11 seasons, including three Super Bowls.

“Frank and I got along great, but I think the feeling from Swanson and the people at ABC is that Frank had been out of the game so long that they needed to or felt they needed to bring somebody more contemporary in,” Michaels said. “Dan was an easy fit for us. I mean, a three-man booth is never easy, and it is rough around the analysts because they have to decide who’s coming in at what point, but it was a natural flow.”

The Dennis Miller experience The most unique booth was the 2000 and ’01 seasons when Michaels was paired with Dan Fouts and comedian Dennis Miller. It also created an interesting dynamic for Michaels.

“It was so different than anything else I’ve done in my entire 50-year career,” Michaels said.

“It was not easy because my biggest problem was Dennis had a lot of really good lines, but if I laughed too much, I would sound like a hyena. And if I didn’t laugh, then people would say, Al hates him. Dan is trying to do regular analysis, and we had to adjust and adapt.

“I look back very fondly on those years because they were different. I love to laugh, and working with Dennis Miller, you’re going to laugh a lot. I did off the air as well as on.”

Michaels said Miller’s greatest line came during the wild New York Jets comeback victory over the Miami Dolphins in 2000, when Jets offensive tackle Jumbo Elliott caught a touchdown pass to send it into overtime.

“It’s the first touchdown of his career, and Dennis chimes right in and goes, ‘couldn’t keep him down forever,’ which was just a phenomenal line, phenomenal in that

moment. So that was Dennis at his best. You’re just capturing a moment, saying something pithy like that. It is funny,” Michaels said.

Back to the two-man booth Michaels has been part of a twoman booth since 2002, when Madden came over from Fox to join “Monday Night Football.” They worked together for seven seasons, including the move to NBC in 2006 when “Sunday Night Football” started.

Their first broadcast together was the 2002 Hall of Fame game.

By the second commercial break, Michaels felt their partnership was already natural.

Michaels’ hardest season was 2005, the last on ABC before “Monday Night Football” moved to ESPN. Madden went to NBC, as did producer Gaudelli and director Drew Esocoff. After Super Bowl 40, Michaels was traded to NBC in exchange for the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s precursor to Mickey Mouse that had ended up in NBC’s control.

‘The Al-Manac’ The “Prime Video” broadcasts have subtly celebrated Michaels’ long career with a segment called “The Al-Manac” in which Michaels gives his memories of a key moment from a great game.

Mark Teitelman, the lead game producer for “Thursday Night Football,” said Michaels’ history of calling big games and storytelling ability made it a natural addition.

“There’s a pretty good chance if it’s a game you remember, Al called that game,” Teitelman said.

Michaels’ favorite game remains Super Bowl 43 in 2009 when the Pittsburgh Steelers rallied to beat the Arizona Cardinals.

Besides Santonio Holmes’ 6-yard touchdown catch with 35 seconds remaining, the game also included James Harrison’s 100-yard interception return on the last play of the first half.

It was also Madden’s last game as an analyst. He announced his retirement three months later.

Prime Video is averaging 14.96 million viewers, making it the most-watched season since a regular Thursday night package started in 2006. That is a 13% increase over last year’s average and a huge leap from 9.58 million average during Prime Video’s first year in 2022.

6C ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

SCOREBOARD Hole-in-one

e-Kansas City e-Las Vegas

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Kevin Boudreau Course: Joseph M. Bartolomew Sr. Hole, yardage: No. 5, 96 yards Club selection: Pitching wedge Witnesses: Lenny Lapuyade, Steve Simone

High school basketball Boys Tuesday

Scotlandville 63, Walker 56 Port Allen 52, McMain 29 St. James 31, White Castle 28 Catholic High Pointe Coupee 43, Helix Mentorship Academy 36 Prairieville at Broadmoor East Iberville at Central Private Capitol at Livonia Baker 58, Glen Oaks 45

Friday

TBA at Plaquemine, 4 p.m.

Saturday

Northlake Christian at Catholic-PC, 4 p.m.

Bob Pettit Tournament

At Baton Rouge Community College

Woodlawn 58, Brusly 43 De La Salle 65, St. Amant, 58 White Castle at Istrouma at Old Capitol Senior High

Odds OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 3½ 4½ (50½) Dallas 2½ 1½ (48½) at MIN 4½ 4½ (44½) Denver

OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 1½ 7½ (42½) at CAR 1½ 6½ (47½) at INDY 1 5½ (46½) at MIAMI 1½ 13½ (42½) at NY JETS 2½ 3½ (33½) at CLE 3½ 2½ (39½) at TEN 4 7 (53½) Arizona 2½ 1½ (41½) NY Giants 1½ 1½ (43½) Philadlph 3 3 (52½) Chicago

FAVORITE LA Rams

OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 8½ 8½ (49½) at ATL

College Football Wednesday 1½

1½

GameAbove Sports Bowl Northwestern 12½ 10½ Rate Bowl Minnesota 3½ 2½ First Responder Bowl UTSA 8½ 8½

Saturday

Military Bowl Pittsburgh 6½ Pinstripe Bowl Clemson 3½ Fenway Bowl Army 3½ Pop-Tarts Bowl BYU 3½ Arizona Bowl Fresno State 3½ New Mexico Bowl North Texas 5½ Gator Bowl Missouri 7½ Texas Bowl Houston 1½

Monday

Birmingham Bowl Ga. Southern 3½

Dec. 30

Hawaii

(43½)

C.Mich

(47½) N. Mexico (59½)Florida Int’l (57½) E. Carolina

3½

(48½) Penn State

8½

(46½)

UConn

4½

(55½)

Ga. Tech

4½

(42½)Miami (OH)

2½

(55½) S. Diego St.

6½

(48½)

Virginia

2½

(41½)

LSU

4½

(59½) App. State (50½) C. Carolina (60½)

Illinois

(57½)

TCU

4½

(46½)

Iowa

3½

(49½) Arizona St

Dec. 31

ReliaQuest Bowl Vanderbilt 4½ Sun Bowl Duke 1½ Citrus Bowl Texas 5½ Las Vegas Bowl Utah 14½ Cotton Bowl Ohio State 9½

(54½)

7½

Independence Bowl Louisiana Tech 9½ 8½ Music City Bowl Tennessee 8½ 2½ Alamo Bowl USC 6½ 4½

7½

(45½)

16½

(50½) Nebraska

9½

(42½) Miami (FL)

1½

1½

(52½) Texas Tech

6½

6½

(48½)

Alabama

6½

6½

(56½)

Ole Miss

Jan. 1

Armed Forces Bowl Texas State 9½ Liberty Bowl Navy 3½ Duke’s Mayo Bowl Mississippi St 2½ Holiday Bowl Arizona 1½

Michigan

10½

(59½)

Rice

6½

(53½) Cincinnati

2½

(56½)

W.Forest

2½

(51½)

SMU

Pro football NFL AMERICAN CONFERENCE East

x-New England x-Buffalo e-Miami e-N.Y. Jets South x-Jacksonville Houston Indianapolis e-Tennessee North Pittsburgh Baltimore e-Cincinnati e-Cleveland West x-Denver x-L.A. Chargers

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

T 0 1 0 0

Pct .733 .633 .533 .467

PF 387 364 452 305

PA 354 303 374 320

L 4 5 7 8

W L T Pct PF PA x-Seattle 12 3 0 .800 443 279 x-San Francisco 11 4 0 .733 392 320 x-L.A. Rams 11 4 0 .733 457 299 e-Arizona 3 12 0 .200 321 414 e-eliminated from playoffs; x-clinched playoff spot; y-clinched division

W L 12 3 11 4 6 9 3 12

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .800 .733 .400 .200

PF 410 434 317 282

PA 300 344 369 426

W L 11 4 10 5 8 7 3 12

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .733 .667 .533 .200

PF 410 346 419 251

PA 312 249 351 403

W L 9 6 7 8 5 10 3 12

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .600 .467 .333 .200

PF 365 359 359 246

PA 350 348 458 355

W L 12 3 11 4

T Pct PF PA 0 .800 362 295 0 .733 349 301

Philadelphia Brooklyn Southeast Division Orlando Miami Atlanta Charlotte Washington Central Division Detroit Cleveland Chicago Milwaukee Indiana

16 9

12 19

.571 3½ .321 10½

W 16 15 15 10 5

L 13 15 16 20 23

Pct GB .552 — .500 1½ .484 2 .333 6½ .179 10½

W 23 17 14 12 6

L 6 14 15 18 24

Pct GB .793 — .548 7 .483 9 .400 11½ .200 17½

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

Monday’s Games

W 22 17 13 12 8

L 7 9 16 19 23

Pct .759 .654 .448 .387 .258

W 26 21 20 12 10

L 4 8 10 17 18

Pct GB .867 — .724 4½ .667 6 .414 13½ .357 15

W 19 15 15 7 7

L 8 13 15 21 22

Pct GB .704 — .536 4½ .500 5½ .250 12½ .241 13

QUARTERBACK: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills; Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers; Drake Maye, New England Patriots RUNNING BACK: De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins; James Cook, Buffalo Bills; Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts FULLBACK: Patrick Ricard, Baltimore Ravens WIDE RECEIVER: Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals; Nico Collins, Houston Texans; Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens; Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos TIGHT END: Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders; Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs OFFENSIVE TACKLE: Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers; Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos; Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills OFFENSIVE GUARD: Quinn Meinerz, Denver Broncos; Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts; Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs CENTER: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs; Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens

Defense

DEFENSIVE END: Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans; Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders; Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns INTERIOR LINEMAN: Zach Allen, Denver Broncos; Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs; Jeffrey Simmons, Tennessee Titans OUTSIDE LINEBACKER: Nik Bonitto, Denver Broncos; Tuli Tuipulotu, Los Angeles Chargers; T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers INSIDE LINEBACKER: Azeez Al-Shaair, Houston Texans; Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens CORNERBACK: Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots; Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans; Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos; Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns FREE SAFETY: Jalen Ramsey, Pittsburgh Steelers STRONG SAFETY:Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens; Derwin James Jr., Los Angeles Chargers

Special teams

LONG-SNAPPER: Ross Matiscik, Jacksonville Jaguars KICKER: Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers PUNTER: Jordan Stout, Baltimore Ravens RETURN SPECIALIST: Chimere Dike, Tennessee Titans SPECIAL-TEAMER: Ben Skowronek, Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC

Offense

QUARTERBACK: Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks; Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys; Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams RUNNING BACK: Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions; Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers; Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons FULLBACK: Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco 49ers WIDE RECEIVER: Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams; George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys; Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks; Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions TIGHT END: George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers; Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals OFFENSIVE TACKLE: Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions; Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers; Tristan Wirfs Tampa Bay Buccaneers OFFENSIVE GUARD: Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons; Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys; Joe Thuney, Chicago Bears CENTER: Drew Dalman, Chicago Bears; Cam Jurgens, Philadelphia Eagles

Defense

DEFENSIVE END: Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions; DeMarcus Lawrence, Seattle Seahawks; Micah Parsons, Green Bay Packers INTERIOR LINEMAN: Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles; Leonard Williams, Seattle Seahawks, Quinnen Williams, Dallas Cowboys OUTSIDE LINEBACKER: Brian Burns, New York Giants, Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams; Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams INSIDE LINEBACKER: Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles; Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions CORNERBACK: Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers; Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks FREE SAFETY: Kevin Byard III, Chicago Bears; Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers STRONG SAFETY: Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals

Gasparilla Bowl

N.C. State 31, Memphis 7

College Football Playoff

Dec. 20

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

Dec. 22

Louisville 27, Toledo 22

New Orleans Bowl

Western Kentucky 27, Southern Miss 16

Frisco Bowl

Ohio vs. UNLV, n

Wednesday’s game Hawai’i Bowl

Detroit Central Michigan vs. Northwestern, noon (ESPN)

Atlantic Division

GP Detroit 38 Tampa Bay 36 Montreal 36 Boston 37 Florida 35 Ottawa 35 Buffalo 35 Toronto 36 Metropolitan Division GP Carolina 35 Philadelphia 35 Washington 36 N.Y. Islanders 36 New Jersey 36 N.Y. Rangers 38 Pittsburgh 36 Columbus 36

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

Saturday’s games Military Bowl

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

Pinstripe Bowl

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

Fenway Bowl

Boston UConn vs. Army, 1:15 p.m. (ESPN)

Pop-Tarts Bowl

Orlando, Fla. No. 12 BYU vs. No. 24 Georgia Tech, 2:30 p.m.

(ABC)

Arizona Bowl

W L OT Pts GF GA 22 10 3 47 119 101 18 10 7 43 108 101 19 12 5 43 114 96 19 13 4 42 105 103 20 15 1 41 102 108 18 16 4 40 97 102 15 12 9 39 110 119 15 15 6 36 108 125

WESTERN CONFERENCE GP 35 38 37 38 38 35 35 35

W L OT Pts GF GA 26 2 7 59 141 80 25 7 6 56 136 101 22 10 5 49 115 96 18 17 3 39 116 111 14 16 8 36 95 131 15 16 4 34 100 119 15 17 3 33 103 107 13 16 6 32 98 111

GP 37 34 37 35 36 34 36 36

W L OT Pts GF GA 21 14 2 44 129 126 16 8 10 42 103 102 18 13 6 42 125 127 15 11 9 39 89 93 17 16 3 37 107 122 14 14 6 34 86 105 15 17 4 34 97 108 15 18 3 33 103 122

Monday’s Games

Tampa Bay 4, St. Louis 1 Philadelphia 5, Vancouver 2 Columbus 3, Los Angeles 1 Seattle 3, Anaheim 1

Tuesday’s Games

Dec. 17 Cure Bowl

Old Dominion 24, South Florida 10

REASON 95

Our reporting covers disasters long after national media coverage has faded away.

Tucson, Ariz.

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

New Mexico Bowl

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

Gator Bowl

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

(ABC)

Texas Bowl

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

Monday’s games Birmingham Bowl

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

Dec. 30

Independence Bowl

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

(ESPN)

Music City Bowl

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

W L OT Pts GF GA 22 13 3 47 120 122 20 13 3 43 117 95 19 12 5 43 117 122 20 16 1 41 120 120 19 14 2 40 112 112 18 13 4 40 117 110 17 14 4 38 109 115 16 15 5 37 115 121

College football GB — 2 3

First Responder Bowl

Alamo Bowl

No games scheduled Pct .690 .621 .581

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

Nashville, Tenn.

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

Wednesday’s Games

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Rate Bowl

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Sunday’s games

Southeastern at Texas, 1 p.m.

Alabama State at LSU, 3 p.m.

MLB

Boca Raton Bowl

GameAbove Sports Bowl

NHL

Grambling 97, LeTourneau University 33

Tuesday’s games

Friday’s games

Pro hockey

Monday’s game

Transactions

Washington St. 34, Utah St. 21

DALLAS (113): Flagg 5-11 5-10 16, Washington 3-7 0-0 8, Davis 16-28 2-3 35, Marshall 7-10 0-0 15, Nembhard 2-13 0-0 4, Martin 2-2 0-1 4, Gafford 1-3 1-2 3, Hardy 1-5 2-2 4, Thompson 7-17 1-3 20, Williams 2-8 0-0 4.

Totals 46-104 11-21 113.

NEW ORLEANS (119): Bey 7-17 5-5 19, Murphy III 4-12 2-2 11, Queen 7-12 5-6 19, Fears 4-14 3-4 12, Jones 4-7 0-0 9, Williamson 10-14 4-4 24, Matkovic 2-4 0-2 5, Peavy 0-1 0-0 0, Alvarado 2-4 0-0 6, Poole 4-12 4-4 14. Totals 44-97 23-27 119.

Dallas 34 29 24 26 — 113 New Orleans 36 21 22 40 — 119 3-Point Goals—Dallas 10-33 (Thompson 5-12, Washington 2-3, Flagg 1-1, Marshall 1-2, Davis 1-3, Hardy 0-4, Nembhard 0-4, Williams 0-4), New Orleans 8-34 (Alvarado 2-4, Poole 2-8, Jones 1-2, Matkovic 1-3, Fears 1-4, Murphy III 1-4, Peavy 0-1, Queen 0-2, Bey 0-6). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Dallas 57 (Davis 17), New Orleans 51 (Queen 11). Assists—Dallas 29 (Nembhard 8), New Orleans 28 (Queen 6). Total Fouls—Dallas 19, New Orleans 16. A—16,978 (16,867)

UCLA 97, UC Riverside 65

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

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

LATE MONDAY New Orleans 119, Dallas 113

NBA

New York Boston Toronto

Kennesaw State 41, Western Michigan 6

Cleveland at New York, 11 a.m.

San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 1:30 p.m.

Dallas at Golden State, 4 p.m.

Houston at L.A. Lakers, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Denver, 9:30 p.m.

Pro basketball

LONG-SNAPPER: Jon Weeks, San Francisco 49ers KICKER: Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys PUNTER: Tress Way, Washington Commanders RETURN SPECIALIST: Rashid Shaheed, Seattle Seahawks SPECIAL-TEAMER: Luke Gifford, San Francisco 49ers

L 9 11 13

Myrtle Beach Bowl

Thursday’s Games

Anaheim Vegas Edmonton Los Angeles San Jose Seattle Calgary Vancouver

State women’s schedule

Dec. 19

No games scheduled

Colorado Dallas Minnesota Utah St. Louis Nashville Winnipeg Chicago Pacific Division

College Football Playoff

Arkansas State 34, Missouri State 28

Wednesday’s Games

Central Division

First round No. 11 Alabama 34, No. 8 Oklahoma 24

Xbox Bowl

GB — 3½ 9 11 15

Tuesday

EAST Army 95, Binghamton 85, OT Marshall 102, West Virginia Tech 52 St. John’s 85, Harvard 59 SOUTH Campbell 102, Green Bay 79 Kentucky 99, Bellarmine 85 UCF 85, Florida Atlantic 80 MIDWEST Missouri State 70, Lindenwood 65 FAR WEST Cal State Bakersfield 64, Idaho 63 Loyola Marymount 83, Morgan State 56 Saint Mary’s 63, Northern Iowa 58

Dec. 18

Charlotte 126, Washington 109 Brooklyn 114, Philadelphia 106 Cleveland 141, New Orleans 118 Toronto 112, Miami 91 Milwaukee 111, Indiana 94 Chicago 126, Atlanta 123 Dallas 131, Denver 130 Minnesota 115, New York 104 San Antonio 130, Oklahoma City 110 L.A. Lakers at Phoenix, n Memphis at Utah, n Detroit at Sacramento, n Orlando at Portland, n Houston at L.A. Clippers, n

Toronto 6, Pittsburgh 3 Detroit 4, Dallas 3, OT Buffalo at Ottawa, 6 p.m.

Florida at Carolina, 6 p.m.

Montreal at Boston, 6 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at Washington, 6 p.m.

New Jersey at N.Y. Islanders, 6 p.m.

Nashville at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Calgary at Edmonton, n Philadelphia at Chicago, n Utah at Colorado, n San Jose at Vegas, n Seattle at Los Angeles, n

Special teams

W 20 18 18

Delaware 20, UL 13

Tuesday’s Games

AFC Offense

Atlantic Division

68 Ventures Bowl

Cleveland 139, Charlotte 132 Boston 103, Indiana 95 New Orleans 119, Dallas 113 Denver 135, Utah 112 Oklahoma City 119, Memphis 103 Golden State 120, Orlando 97 Detroit 110, Portland 102

Pro Bowl rosters

FAVORITE Seattle Jacksonville Tampa Bay New England Pittsburgh New Orleans at CIN at LAS VEGAS at BUFFALO at SAN FRAN

Jan. 2

W L 8 7 7 8 6 9 5 10

L.A. Rams at Atlanta, 7:15 p.m.

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG at CHARGERS 1½ 1½ (39½) Houston at GREEN BAY 1½ 2½ (40½) Baltimore

Orange Bowl Oregon Rose Bowl Indiana Sugar Bowl Georgia

PA 289 454 404 412

Monday’s game

NFL

Friday

PF 349 424 309 313

Arizona at Cincinnati, noon Jacksonville at Indianapolis, noon New England at N.Y. Jets, noon New Orleans at Tennessee, noon Pittsburgh at Cleveland, noon Seattle at Carolina, noon Tampa Bay at Miami, noon N.Y. Giants at Las Vegas, 3:05 p.m.

Philadelphia at Buffalo, 3:25 p.m.

Chicago at San Francisco, 7:20 p.m.

Tuesday

Hawai’i Bowl Cal

Pct .667 .433 .267 .133

Sunday’s Games

Girls

Monday

x-Chicago Green Bay Detroit e-Minnesota West

T 0 1 0 0

Houston at L.A. Chargers, 3:30 p.m.

Baltimore at Green Bay, 7 p.m.

TBA vs. McKinley, 4 p.m.

TBA vs. Woodlawn, 5:30 p.m.

TBA vs. Madison Prep, 7 p.m.

Sunday

Carolina Tampa Bay e-Atlanta e-New Orleans North

W L 10 5 6 8 4 11 2 13

Saturday’s Games

Saturday

Saturday

y-Philadelphia e-Dallas e-Washington e-N.Y. Giants South

Dallas at Washington, noon Detroit at Minnesota, 3:30 p.m.

Denver at Kansas City, 7:15 p.m.

Southern Lab vs. Northeast, 11:30 a.m.

Glen Oaks vs. Tara, 1 p.m.

Liberty vs. Scotlandville, 2:30 p.m.

Broadmoor vs. Capitol, 4 p.m.

Istrouma vs. Belaire, 5:30 p.m.

FAVORITE at WASH Detroit at KAN CITY

East

0 .400 337 294 0 .133 217 386

Thursday’s Games

Friday

Thursday

6 9 2 13

Dec. 31

ReliaQuest Bowl

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

(ESPN)

Sun Bowl

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

Citrus Bowl

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

(ABC)

Las Vegas Bowl

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

College Football Playoff

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

FCS Playoffs

Semifinals Illinois St. 30, Villanova 14 Montana St. 48, Montana 23

Jan. 5

FCS Championship Nashville, Tenn.

No. 2 Montana St. (13-2) vs. Illinois St. (12-4), 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)

College basketball State men’s schedule Monday’s games

Louisiana Tech 90, Dallas Christian 37 LSU 104, Prairie View A&M 90

LATE MONDAY LSU 104, Prairie View 90

PRAIRIE VIEW (5-7): Dunning 0-0 0-0 0, Wells 3-6 0-0 7, Horne 6-12 9-10 24, Joseph 11-20 7-8 34, Williams 0-1 0-0 0, Madimba 3-4 8-8 16, Mason 3-7 0-0 7, J.Thomas 0-2 2-2 2, Mitchell 0-2 0-0 0, Bolton 0-0 0-0 0, Foster 0-0 0-0 0.

Totals 26-54 26-28 90.

LSU (11-1): Nwoko 5-9 8-9 18, Sutton 4-9 1314 21, Tamba 3-5 3-4 10, Mackinnon 3-9 4-4 12, D.Thomas 5-9 11-13 21, Reece 2-7 2-2 8, King 5-9 1-1 13, Miller 0-0 1-2 1. Totals 27-57 43-49 104.

Halftime—Prairie View 56-51. 3-Point Goals— Prairie View 12-21 (Joseph 5-9, Horne 3-4, Madimba 2-2, Wells 1-1, Mason 1-4, Mitchell 0-1), LSU 7-19 (King 2-5, Mackinnon 2-5, Reece 2-5, Tamba 1-1, D.Thomas 0-1, Sutton 0-2). Fouled Out—Dunning, Wells, Tamba.

Rebounds—Prairie View 18 (Madimba 7), LSU 35 (Sutton 11). Assists—Prairie View 11 (Horne 5), LSU 15 (D.Thomas 7). Total Fouls— Prairie View 31, LSU 21. A—8,174 (13,215).

Tuesday’s game

Ohio State 89, Grambling 63

Sunday’s games

UL-Monroe at Kansas State 1 p.m.

Norfolk State at UL, 2 p.m.

Men’s national scores

American League

CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Designated LHP Ryan Rolison for assignment. Agreed to terms with LHP Sean Newcomb on a oneyear contract. Placed DL Walter Nolen III and CB Garrett Williams on injured reserve.

National League

CHICAGO CUBS — Agreed to terms with RHP Jacob Webb on a one-year major league contract with a club option for 2027.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Signed LHP Joe La Sorsa, RF Dominic Fletcher, 3B Davis Wendzel, RHP Noah Murdock, LHP Ryan Rolison, 2B Ronny Simon, RHP Beau Burrows and LHP Oddanier Mosqueda to spring training as non-roster invites.

NBA

ATLANTA HAWKS — Signed C Malik Williams to a two-way contract.

NFL

ARIZONA CARDINALS — Signed K Joshua Karty to the active roster. Signed CB Kalen King to the active roster.

ATLANTA FALCONS — Signed LB Eugene Asante to the practice squad.

BUFFALO BILLS — Signed CB MJ Devonshire to the practice squad. Released G Nick Broeker from the practice squad.

CAROLINA PANTHERS — Signed DB Mike Reid to the practice squad.

CHICAGO BEARS — Designated OL Luke Newman to return from injured reserve.

Signed TE Thomas Gordon to the practice squad.

CLEVELAND BROWNS — Placed RB Quinshon Judkins on injured reserve.

DENVER BRONCOS — Placed DB Delarrin Turner-Yell on the practice squad injured reserve.

HOUSTON TEXANS — Signed DL Leki Fotu to the practice squad. Signed LB Power Echols and S Kaevon Merriweather to the practice squad. Released CBs Damon Arnette and Marcus Harris and S Brandon Hill from the practice squad.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS — Placed C Jordan Meredith on injured reserve. Signed DE Jahfari Harvey to the practice squad. Signed G Atonio Mafi to the active roster.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS — Signed RB Jaret Patterson to the active roster. Signed RB Royce Freeman to the practice squad.

LOS ANGELES RAMS — Waived DB Christopher Smith II. Released CB Alex Johnson from the practice squad.

MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed S Jack Henderson to the practice squad.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Activated RB Ty Chandler to the active roster. Claimed QB Brett Rypien off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Signed C Ben Brown to a two-year contract extension.

Designated DT Milton Wiliiams to return from injured reserve. Signed OL Brenden Jaimes to the active roster. Placed DT Joshua Farmer on injured reserve. SRB Elijah Mitchell and WR Brandon Smith to the practice squad. Released T Sebastian Gutierrez from the practice squad.

NEW YORK JETS — Placed QB Justin Fields on injured reserve.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Placed WR DK Metcalf on the reserve/suspended list.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Signed DB D’Anthony ell to the active roster. Signed DB Tyler Hall to the practice squad.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Signed LB Nick Jackson to the practice squad.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS — Waived WR Jamal Agnew with a failed physical.

NHL

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS — Assigned C/F Luca Del Bel Belluz to Cleveland (AHL).

MINNESOTA WILD — Activated D Zach Bogosian from injured reserve. Assigned C Ben Jones to Iowa (AHL).

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS — Recalled D Dylan Coghlan from Henderson (AHL). Placed D Shea Theodore on injured reserve.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS — Assigned F Ivan Miroshnichenko to Hershey (AHL). Activated F/C Ryan Leonard from injured reserve.

Sportlight Dec. 24

1950 — Cleveland’s Otto Graham throws four touchdown passes, despite icy footing in Municipal Stadium, and Lou Groza kicks a 16-yard field goal with 28 seconds left to give the Browns a 30-28 victory over the Los Angeles Rams and the NFL title in their first year in the league.

1961 — George Blanda’s 35-yard touchdown pass to Billy Cannon gives the Houston Oilers a 10-3 victory over the San Diego Chargers for their second AFL title.

1967 — New York’s Joe Namath becomes the first player to throw for 4,000 yards in a season. Namath passes for 343 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Jets to a 42-31 win at San Diego. Namath finishes the year with 4,007 yards.

1997 — In one of the biggest upsets in college basketball, Division II American-Puerto defeats the No. 12 Arkansas Razorbacks 64-59 in the Puerto Rico Holiday Classic.

2000 — Marshall Faulk breaks Emmitt Smith’s NFL record for touchdowns, scoring three times to give him 26 for the St. Louis Rams. Faulk’s three touchdowns and 220 yards fuels a 26-21 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

2003 — Steven Jackson ties a bowl game record with five touchdowns, and Oregon State’s defense overwhelms mistakeplagued New Mexico in a 55-14 win at the Las Vegas Bowl.

2006 — Colt Brennan sets the NCAA singleseason record for touchdown passes at 58, throwing five in the second half to lead Hawaii to a 41-24 victory over Arizona State in the Hawaii Bowl. Brennan, 33-of-42 for 559 yards, breaks the previous mark of 54 set by Houston’s David Klingler in 1990.

2011 — David Akers kicks his way into the NFL record book and the San Francisco 49ers hold off Seattle for a 19-17 win. Akers makes four field goals to give him 42 this season, breaking the NFL mark of 40 set by Neil Rackers in 2005 with Arizona.

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W e d n e s d ay, d e c e m b e r 24, 2025

1dn

THE BEST THINGS WE ATE THIS WEEK

Gift your palate big flavors this holiday Staff report

Chicken shawarma plate and crepe n Starbox Falafel, 4353 S. Sher-

wood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge

I’m a sucker for chicken shawarma, and this spot down South Sherwood Forest Boulevard not only has great food, but my plate came packed with heaping portions.

The chicken shawarma plate comes with pita bread and a choice of three sides. I got the rice pilaf, salad and hummus.

The mound of chicken tasted tender and well-seasoned. The salad was fresh, and the hummus was creamy.

I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but on this particular evening, a chocolate and pistachio crepe piqued my interest. The chocolatey goodness came with strawberries, balancing the rich flavor with something fresh.

— Maddie Scott, features reporter

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

G’s Pimento Balls, hummus, Brussels sprouts and smoked wings are on the menu at Court to Table in Baton Rouge.

Fresh starts Here are the five best new restaurants in BR this year

STAFF PHOTO By MADDIE SCOTT

Chicken shawarma plate from Starbox Falafel

Veal Piccata n Maison LaCour, 11025 N. Har-

rell’s Ferry Road

Going to Maison LaCour is a treat under any circumstances.

We ended up going at 5:30 p.m. on a Tuesday — and it was like taking a little vacation in the middle of the week.

The veal piccata was tender with a creamy lemon butter sauce on the side. The veal was served with green beans and a potato. The dish was delicious and satisfying — the whole experience even better.

Reservations are required.

— Jan Risher, Louisiana culture editor

BY JAN RISHER, MADDIE SCOTT and LAUREN CHERAMIE

B

Staff writers

aton Rouge added 40 new restaurants this year. After sampling dozens, our features team narrowed the field to five standouts — and one clear winner as the top new restaurant of 2025.

That restaurant is Dumpling & Bao, tucked in a strip mall off Siegen Lane, an area not known for its dining options or visual appeal. Siegen is better known for frustrating traffic — long starts and stops with impossible left turns.

Yet people across town who know about Dumpling & Bao will make the drive, sit in traffic and then wait 45 minutes for a table in the middle of the afternoon.

Service can be inconsistent.

Sometimes staff are prompt and friendly, other times not. Even so, the faithful return. The soup dumplings and red oil wontons are irresistible. The menu is small, which makes sense: Soup dumplings take

STAFF PHOTO By JAN RISHER

Maison LaCour’s veal piccata is tender with a creamy lemon butter sauce on the side.

PROVIDED PHOTO

A tray of brisket is served at Salt Pepper Oak. time to prepare. Guests can watch cooks form the dumplings through a kitchen window.

Other menu items of note include the fried rice and lo mein. Both are excellent, offering plenty to enjoy beyond the menu’s stars.

The restaurant bills itself as “authentic Chinese.” Diners familiar with Chinese cuisine say it delivers. According to the owner, the decor was brought from China.

It successfully transforms the former Burgersmith space into a charming, contemporary Asian setting.

Since opening in October 2025, Dumpling & Bao has built a loyal

following willing to overlook occasional service hiccups — drawn back by food that’s among the city’s most compelling new offerings.

Court to Table Court to Table may be built around pickleball, but the food is no afterthought.

In June, personal injury attorney Gordon McKernan and restaurateur Ozzie Fernandez spearheaded the renovation of the massive The Shed BBQ space on Burbank Drive. Fernandez, founder of Go Eat Concepts, brings experience

ä See NEW, page 2D

Curly fries n Ton’s Downtown, 500 Jefferson

St., Lafayette

You know how sometimes, when you go out to eat, in your heart, you know you’re really just there for the fries?

Ton’s, in downtown Lafayette, offers curly fries that remind you of your high school cafeteria days. That crisp, zesty, springy curl is exactly what’s needed in the middle of a busy day — and that’s why I’ve started periodically having curly fries for lunch.

Paired with one of Ton’s fresh vegetable and fruit juices, it’s practically the perfect meal, especially if you’re there for the fries.

— Joanna Brown, staff writer

Indian restaurant opens inside former Rice and Roux Aroma Indian Grill, 320 Lee Drive Suite A, Baton Rouge, soft opened on Dec. 11.

STAFF PHOTO By MADDIE SCOTT

BY MADDIE SCOTT

wooden textures and light fixtures with greenery hanging from the ceiling.

The menu has Indian favorites A new Indian restaurant opened on Lee Drive inside the like butter or tikka masala, vinformer Rice and Roux. daloo chicken lollipop, naan and At 320 Lee Drive, Aroma In- Aroma’s special chicken biryani. dian Grill soft-opened last week Vegetarians can also find many and celebrated its grand opening options here, like okra masala, on Saturday with a menu full of paneer butter masala and aloo tandoori, masala, curry, soup, palak, a dish with potatoes tossed in puréed spinach and spices. fried rice, noodles and more.

Inside, the open concept ä See AROMA, page 2D interior has booth seating and Staff writer

2D ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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TODAY IN HISTORY

By The Associated Press

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

The whole fish Zarandeadom with a shot of tequila at Veracruz

NEW

Continued from page 1D

cravings — including dessert. They serve one of the best chocolate chip cookies in the region, previously recognized by the newspaper’s local cookie review. Other desserts include the Sticky Bourbon Toffee Cake and the SPO Specialty Cheesecake, made with a graham cracker crust and homeSTAFF FILE PHOTO By JAN RISHER made caramel drizzle.

from Baton Rouge favorites like Izzo’s, Rocca Pizzeria and Modesto.

Their goal was to create a place where people could gather, play and stay local.

Now, the space boasts 11 pickleball courts, a music stage, lawn area, bar and full-service kitchen.

Smoked wings, pulled pork nachos and smash burgers lead a menu of modern American classics. The chips and queso, on their own, are a win.

It’s a rare spot where neither the food nor the activity feels secondary. On goodweather days, the lawn turns it into an all-afternoon destination.

It’s a place where the food justifies the paddle — not the other way around.

periments with the menu, they also do the classics well, including enchiladas, tortas, burritos and fajitas. The rotating desserts, including a sugary banana creation with vanilla ice cream, are not to be missed. The quality of the food is always top tier, and the service matches.

On busy Jefferson Highway, Veracruz could be missed — but inside, it feels worlds away.

Veracruz Coastal Mexican

Salt Pepper Oak

Veracruz entered the Baton Rouge dining scene with a big swing in March.

When they took over the former Voodoo BBQ building on Drusilla Lane, owners William and Charlene Mealer wanted to bring a different flair of Mexican food to the city.

The restaurant’s namesake is a coastal city in Mexico known for food that’s a mix of Indigenous, Creole Caribbean and European influences — and the concept divides the menu into land and sea. Veracruz offers dishes like whole fish zarandeado, ceviche veracruzano, wood-grilled octopus, duck empanadas and fried pork belly carnitas.

And while the kitchen ex-

The Mississippi-born business brought bold, smoky flavors to Baton Rouge in April and has amassed more than 128,000 TikTok followers. At 6721 Exchequer Drive, Salt Pepper Oak has quickly built a following that extends well beyond Baton Rouge.

The menu is a meat lover’s dream, with brisket, pork belly burnt ends, turkey breast, housemade sausage, pulled pork shoulder and more. But that’s not where the magic stops. The sides are just as fantastic, including fire roasted elote, Creole potatoes, smoked Gouda grits and chimichurri rice, to name a few.

The barbecue joint scratches the itch of various

In 2018, a series of explosions ripped through fireworks workshops in Tultepec, a town just north of Mexico City, leaving at least 24 people dead and dozens injured.

In 2024, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe survived its record-breaking closest approach to the sun, hurtling 3.8 million miles above its fiery surface.

Since its 2018 launch, the probe has completed numerous other close fly-bys to observe solar wind and other events.

Today’s birthdays: Immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci is 85. Filmmaker Lee Daniels is 66. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright is 64. Singer Ricky Martin is 54. Novelist and film producer Stephenie Meyer is 52. TV host Ryan Seacrest is 51. Rock singer Louis Tomlinson (One Direction) is 34. NFL wide receiver Davante Adams is 33.

Red oil wontons at Dumpling KPOT Korean BBQ & Bao in Baton Rouge

& Hot Pot

At KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, diners cook their own meals at the table, choosing between tabletop grills and simmering hot pots. Founded in New Jersey in 2018, the fast-growing franchise now has about 120 locations nationwide.

Since opening its Baton Rouge outpost in August at 7620 Andrea Drive off North Mall Drive, KPOT has drawn steady lines of customers, with waits sometimes stretching to two hours.

In addition to table service, guests order from touch screens at each table. The menu includes more than two dozen meat and seafood options, including chicken bulgogi, pork belly, jumbo shrimp and spicy baby octopus. A selection of vegetables and noodles, along with a self-serve appetizer and sauce bar, allows diners to customize each meal.

Staff handle preparation and deliver the ingredients to the table, leaving guests to focus on the cooking — whether on the grill or in a bubbling hot pot. The result, a hands-on, social dining experience, stands apart from the typical restaurant meal in Baton Rouge. It’s both fun and delicious.

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Continued from page 1D There are also desserts available for ordering, including mango or vanilla ice cream, Gulab Jamun (milk dumplings soaked in rose-cardamom syrup) and Badam Kheer (rice pudding with almonds and milk).

Aroma Indian Grill, (225) 465-4404, 320 Lee Drive.

Open daily 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch; 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for dinner.

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 24, the 358th day of 2025. There are seven days left in the year. This is Christmas Eve. Today in history: On Dec. 24, 1914, during World War I, impromptu Christmas truces began to take hold along parts of the Western Front, principally between British and German soldiers but also involving French troops.

Also on this date: In 1814, the United States and Britain signed the Treaty of Ghent, which would end the War of 1812 following ratification by both the British Parliament and the U.S. Senate.

In 1851, fire devastated the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., destroying about 35,000 volumes (about two-thirds of the library’s collection).

In 1865, several veterans

of the Confederate Army formed a private social club in Pulaski, Tennessee, that was the original version of the Ku Klux Klan.

In 1913, 73 people, most of them children, died in a crush of panic after a false cry of “Fire!” during a Christmas party for striking miners and their families at the Italian Hall in Calumet, Michigan.

In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower supreme commander of Allied forces in Europe.

In 1992, President George H.W. Bush pardoned former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger and five others in the IranContra scandal.

In 2013, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II granted a posthumous pardon to codebreaker Alan Turing, who was criminally convicted of homosexual behavior in the 1950s.

STAFF PHOTO By MADDIE SCOTT

Hot & Sour Chicken Soup from Aroma Indian Grill

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ 3D

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Sister grows distant Happy holidays to everyone after woman moves

that she sees your act of Dear Harriette: I’m confused independence as leaving and honestly a little hearther behind. This may not broken. My sister and I be a conscious thought on grew up incredibly close — practically joined at the hip. her part, but when a family member leaves home, those We talked every day and left behind can feel leaned on each other loneliness and grief. for everything, and Don’t let any more I always felt like no time pass before matter what changed you speak to your around us, we would sister about this. stay the same. Ever Reach out and tell since I moved away Harriette her how much you for a new job a few Cole miss her and your months ago, it feels closeness. Express SENSE AND like our connection SENSITIVITy your concern that has evaporated. I’m you feel emotional the one constantly distance between you and reaching out, and she’ll rethat you want to be in closer spond days later with short communication. Ask her if replies or not at all. When I anything is bothering her. visited home recently, she Find out if she is angry with seemed warm enough in you or hurt. Assure her that person, but once I left, the distance snapped right back. you love her just as much as before, even though you I can’t tell if she’s upset with me, overwhelmed with don’t live together anymore.

Invite her to resume your her own life or if the move made her rethink our close- close connection.

Dear Harriette: I’m in a tricky ness. It hurts to feel shut out without understanding why. spot with my girlfriend, and I don’t want to pressure her, I’m not sure how to handle it without causing friction. We but I also don’t want to ignore what feels like a grow- live together and generally have a great relationship, ing rift. How do I address but she recently asked me this without pushing her even further away? — Missing to cosign on a new car with her. The request made me My Sister uncomfortable. I care about Dear Missing My Sister: Since you are the one who moved, her deeply, but taking on someone else’s debt — even chances are, your sister someone I love — feels like a feels abandoned by you. huge risk. I’ve worked hard In her mind, it could be

to protect my own credit, and the idea of being on the hook for a car that isn’t mine stresses me out. When I tried to express my hesitation, she acted hurt and suggested it meant I didn’t trust her.

That’s not true at all. I’m more than willing to help her build her credit in other ways, but I don’t want to feel pressured or guilted into taking on a financial responsibility that doesn’t feel right for me. How do I set this boundary without damaging our relationship? — Cosign for Love Dear Cosign for Love: Maybe now is the time to talk about relationships and finances.

Talk about the future and what you each want for your life. Share your credit reports and review how you spend money. What are your savings and investments today, and what are your plans for the years to come? Get into a serious conversation about money.

In that context, discuss cosigning and why that is a huge step for you that you do not take lightly. Come to a consensus together.

year! — Heloise Dear readers: Tonight is Christmas Eve, and I’m Call the utility company reminded of something I heard a wise man say Dear Heloise: I wanted to many years ago: “You may write in about the idea of not particularly like some- planting shrubberies. First, it is required by law one, but try to love that one must call to them in the spirit of locate buried utilimankind.”

It’s at this special ties before digging. time of year that Second, not all utiliwe seem to rememties are buried at a minimum depth. ber the turbulent Hints from Some may only be times of the past Heloise placed a few inches 12 months. But we below grade level. try to remain hopeThird, this could actually ful that one day, the whole be quite dangerous if it world might stop all wars, comes into contact with practice tolerance, look buried power lines or gas for the good, and change whatever is bad. It’s a time lines. — Glen P., via email Glen, excellent advice. to forgive, even if you can’t forget. It’s also a time By planting trees in the correct areas of your yard, to work toward a better you might also avoid utilworld — a peaceful world that we can hand off to the ity problems from the tree next generation. roots in the years to come.

From all of us at Heloise Most cities will not charge Central, happy holidays for someone to come out and have a joyful new and locate the water lines,

electrical lines, etc. This is a case of “better to be safe than sorry.” — Heloise

Floss picks

Dear Heloise: A recent reader commented that she washes her hands and uses hand sanitizer before flossing. I suggest that she look into using floss picks.

These handy items have a small section of floss that is attached to a plastic handle. They greatly reduce how much time your hands are in your mouth. They can also be a substitute for a toothpick. — Dan O., via email Send a hint to heloise@ heloise.com.

THEADVOCATE.COM/SUBSCRIBE

Send questions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Terrible mattress at mom’s Dear Miss Manners: I live Dear Miss Manners: Help! My husband and I stayed at my in an area that is known for terrible coffee, so my parents’ house and slept in friends and neightheir guest bedroom.

Friends of theirs had bors often come gifted them with a over for an espresso terrible, but very drink. They know expensive, mattress.

I take the process It slopes severely seriously to make toward the edges a quality drink, Judith so that you feel like using an espresso Martin machine/grinder and you’re falling all MISS night long, making milk frother.

MANNERS sleep impossible.

Although I will enMy mom happened sure the machine is to ask if we liked the matfilled, cups are warmed and tress, so I said “no,” and ex- a filter is ready for making plained why. She proceeded a fresh cup upon arrival, the process is very loud and to look up reviews for the I can’t hear my guest while mattress on her phone to I am making their requestsee whether I was right about whether or not we ed drink. liked the mattress (I guess).

What would be the corWhat do we do next time rect way to let them know we visit? We seriously won’t that I can’t hear them while be able to sleep on that mat- I complete the five-minute task of making a drink? tress, but saying that we’ll And should I let them stand stay in a hotel would probthere, or seat them? ably start World War III. Gentle reader: As we are beGentle reader: When you are a parent (if you are not ing careful with the coffee, already), remember that Miss Manners recommends exchange when you ask also being precise about the your children for feedback problem. You do not need (as you will) and then argue to tell your neighbors that when they give it (as you you cannot hear them over also will). the coffee grinder; that will Miss Manners notes this be obvious as soon as you merely to grease the wheel press the button. of life. The answer to your The problem is that you immediate problem is to cannot politely press that remind your mother that button while they are halfshe asked, and hope that way through asking you a her own sense of fair play question. Wait until a pause, will win out. And to sleep on therefore, point to the the sofa. grinder, say, “Excuse me,”

and grind away. If necessary, you can repeat this process for each noisemaking step.

Even the most situationally unaware neighbor should be able to remain politely quiet in the hope of getting caffeinated.

Dear Miss Manners: I have long been troubled by the carol “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” specifically the intimation that if we don’t give the uninvited guests their figgy pudding, they “won’t go.”

How are we to address this request? I don’t want to be ungrateful for their wishes, but think that their insistence is a bit beyond what is considered polite and reasonable. Can you advise how to proceed?

Gentle reader: What was that? Miss Manners couldn’t quite hear you over the ruckus made by the geese a-laying, the calling birds, the French hens and the turtledoves. The partridge, fortunately, appears to have passed out under the pear tree.

Send questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners. com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail. com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

The American Red Cross of Louisiana is here all year.

Local support. Local impact.

The American Red Cross in Louisiana

serves 4.65 million residents across all 64 parishes and extends hope to communities across the nation and around the world. When you support your local Red Cross, you make a direct impact in your community.

Powered by generosity.

Book Your Afternoon Tea Service PlantryCafe.com | 5454 Bluebonnet Blvd. info@plantrycafe.com | 225-505-7411

The Red Cross is not a government agency. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors to carry out our humanitarian mission.

Red Cross supporters provide a beacon of hope. From helping during disasters, to providing lifesaving training and supporting military communities, the Red Cross is there when help can’t wait.

Be the help Louisiana needs. redcross.org/louisiana

4D ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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45 WORDS

that forge our belief that reporting the truth – for our readers, for our city – is a responsibility we must fulfill no matter the cost.

We need your help.

We’re asking our readers and the Baton Rouge community at large to help us reach our $100,000 fundraising goal by the end of the year. Your tax-deductible donation goes solely to our public service reporters, editors and photographers in the field.

SUPPORT OUR WORK

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You can also mail your donation to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation: 451 Florida St, Suite LL100, Baton Rouge, LA 70801

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ 5D

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FrAnK And erneSt

bIG nAte

zItS

zodIAC cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Maintaining discipline and sticking to your original game plan will get you where you want to go at a price you can afford. Choose well-thought-out ideas and stay within your budget.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Jump into action, do your part and make fond memories with the ones you love. Put your best foot forward, and the love you get in return will be the best gift ever.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) You've got everything under control. Don't let consumption be your downfall. Be the good Samaritan, the one who looks out for others and offers a helping hand wherever and whenever necessary.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Do the legwork necessary to ensure you aren't caught off guard by those who try your patience during the festive season. It's up to you to protect yourself from any fallout that comes your way. tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Mixed emotions will set in, leading you to question whether what you are donating or dealing with is worthwhile. Travel, visits and gatherings with loved ones you don't get to see very often will be enlightening.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Review the year gone by, weigh the pros and cons, and establish what to put to rest and what to carry forward. Look at the big picture, but once your vision is clear, take a minimalist approach to how you proceed.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) It's the thought that counts, and last-minute shopping can be time-consuming if you don't have a plan or the cash on hand. Cap your spending; it's the thought, not what you spend on a gift, that counts.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Offering help, money or time is admirable, but don't let anyone take advantage of your kindness. Charity begins at home this year.

Look around, and support loved ones.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Participation will be called for. Attend fundraisers, mix business with pleasure or lift the spirits of someone who is down and out.

Emotions will be close to the surface.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Everybody has a story. Don't judge; show compassion.

Manage your consumption to avoid the consequences and regrets that follow indulgence, especially when mixing business with pleasure. scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Leave yourself plenty of time to get to where you want to go. Traveling at this time of year can be stressful. Stay calm and enjoy the moment. It's a time to make memories, not regrets. sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Proceed with patience and good intentions. A gracious attitude and a big smile will help deter anyone from taking their frustrations out on you.

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 D

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

6D ■ Wednesday, December 24, 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.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

BaBY BLueS

BLondie

THe wiZard oF id

nea CroSSwordS

La TimeS CroSSword

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ 7D

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B.C.

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER Most of my columns are clear-cut. This oneismuchlessso.However,manyyears ago, my then partner, David Greenwood, and I discussed grand slams. These are major point winners ... and losers. We knew that most authorities recommend leading a trump against a grand. It is assumed that a pair will not bid seven unless its trump suit is solid. So, to avoid giving away a trick, a trump lead has to be safe.

We decided that we could cash in on this. We agreed to bid seven if we knew the only missing key-card was the trump queen. Then, if the lead was a trump, it would pick up the queen for us; if the lead was from a side suit, we would play the opening leader for the trump queen. We went three for three, and this was playing against internationals, not beginners.

(We were using an early form of Roman Key-Card Blackwood called Byzantine Blackwood, when we could find out about the trump king and queen.)

The declarer in today’s deal would have benefited from joining our discussion.

South opened with a weak two-bid.

North used Blackwood, then jumped to seven diamonds. (Yes, he might have bid seven no-trump.)

West led the heart jack. South knew that with nine trumps, the odds favored

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

playing out the ace and king. So, he won with his heart queen, played a trump to dummy’s king, and returned the diamond 10 toward his ace — unlucky.

You, though, will know to finesse through West. And if you believe in this theory, you will finesse on the first round, in case West has all four trumps! © 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 — sHItAKE: she-TAH-kee: A dark Asian mushroom.

Bizarro

marmaduKe

Average mark 19 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 27 or more words in SHITAKE? yEstERDAy’s WoRD — IDEntIty indie deity dent deny diet dine dint ditty edit

entity nitid tend tent tide tidy tied tine tint

tinted tiny titi yeti

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

Luke 2:10 Great joy comes to those who put their faith in Jesus, the Savior of the world. — G.E. Dean

8D ■ Wednesday, December 24, 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 Albertson’s LLC d/b/a Albertsons Liquor Store, is applying to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana for the permit to sell beverages of high and low alcohol content at retail in the Parish of Baton Rouge, at the following address: Albertson’s LLC d/b/a Albertsons Liquor Store #3747 15132 Airline Hwy Baton Rouge, LA 70817 Albertson’s LLC/Owner Members: Cody Perdue & Marilyn Beardsley 171773-Dec 24, 1t $125.16 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 ALAN W JUDERJAHN 1143 NORTH ST BATON ROUGE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

HAPPY HOLIDAY

The Classified Advertising Department will be closed on Thursday, December 25 to observe the Christmas holiday

EARLY DEADLINES FOR OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

DEADLINE..........RUN DATE Thurs., Dec 18 - 3pm .......... Wed., Dec 24 Fri., Dec 19 - 3pm............... Thurs., Dec 25 Fri., Dec 19 - 3pm............... Fri., Dec 26 Tues, Dec 23-3pm ............... Sat/Sun Dec 27, 28 Wed., Dec 24 - 3pm ............ Mon., Dec 29 Fri., Dec 26 - 3pm............... Tues., Dec 30

DISPLAY ADS 24 HOURS EARLIER

You may place your ad 7 days a week, 24 hours a day online at www.theadvocate.com or call Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

225-383-0111 Public Notices

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Superintendent THE ADVOCATE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

To be Published # Times: 12/24/25, 12/29/25 and 1/5/26

BIDS TO BE OPENED: 1/27/26 @ 11:00 AM CST

171601-dec 24-29-jan 5-3t $140.64

Notice to Proposers Notice is hereby given that sealed proposals will be received by the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC) until Janu‐ ary 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM local time in Room 1501, BREC Administration Building, 6201 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70806 for: RFP No. 241 – Request for Proposal for Liberty Lagoon Waterpark Waterslide Refurbishment Proposals received after the above specified time will not be considered.

Proposals will be opened immediately after pro‐ posal opening time in Room 1501 of the Admin‐ istration Building. All in‐ terested parties are in‐ vited to be present.

Copies of the Request for Proposal may be ob‐ tained from the Purchas‐ ing Division, 6201 Florida Blvd, Room 1501, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 or tele‐ phoning 225-272-9200, ex‐ tension 1422. The right to reject any and all propos‐ als and to waive irregu‐ larities and informalities is reserved.

BREC is an equal oppor‐ tunity employer and en‐ courages the participa‐ tion of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) in all of its pro‐ jects.

Proposers/ Prospective Contractors are strongly encouraged to make positive efforts to utilize minority sub‐ contractors for a portion of this project.

Proposers are requested to include in their pro‐ posal a description of plans for minority partic‐ ipation under this Con‐ tract as suppliers or sub‐ contractors.

All questions concerning the Solicitation and Con‐ tract Documents must be received in accordance with the Schedule of Events cited in the Solici‐ tation documents and as further defined in the Proposer Inquiry Periods section of the same doc‐ ument. *Note: BREC has elected to use LaPAC, the state’s online electronic bid posting and notification system, in addition to its standard means of ad‐ vertising this require‐ ment. LaPAC is resident on State Purchasing’s https:// website at wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana. gov/osp/lapac/pubMain. cfm and is available for vendor self-enrollment.

In that LaPAC provides an immediate e-mail no‐ tification to subscribing bidders that a solicita‐ tion and any subsequent addenda have been let and posted, notice and receipt thereof is consid‐ ered formally given as of their respective dates of posting. Though not re‐ quired if receiving solici‐ tation and addenda no‐ tices from LaPAC, BREC will mail addenda to all vendors contacting our office and requesting to be put on our office Ven‐ dor Listing for this solici‐ tation.

RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION FOR THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE /s/ Janet Simmons, BREC Interim

PUBLIC NOTICE --Notice is hereby given that the Vermilion Parish Police Jury has applied for a 401 Water Quality Certification to construct rock breakwaters to close gaps between ex‐ isting breakwaters. A temporary access chan‐ nel will be dredged for access, and dredged ma‐ terial will be placed be‐ side the channel before the channel is backfilled.

All work will occur in the Gulf of America near Cheniere Au Tigre and south of Abbeville and Intracoastal City in Ver‐ milion Parish. The Ver‐ milion Parish Police Jury is applying to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Environmental Services for a Water Quality Certification in accordance with statu‐ tory authority contained in the LAC 33:IX.1507.A-E and provisions of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. concerning Comments this application can be filed with the Water Per‐ mits Division within ten days of this notice by ref‐ erencing WQC 251201-01, Al 94676 to the following address: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Water Permits Division P.O. Box 4313 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4313 Attn: Water Quality Certifications Comments may be sub‐ mitted by email to DEQWaterQualityCertificati ons@la.gov.

A copy of the application is available for inspec‐ tion and review at the LDEQ Public Records Center at 602 North Fifth Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The available information can also be accessed electronically on the Electronic Docu‐ ment Management Sys‐ tem (EDMS) on the LDEQ public website at www. deq.louisiana.gov.

171077-dec 24-2t $244.38

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO PROPOSERS SP# 928 Sealed proposals will be received by the Office of State Procurement, 1201 North Third Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, LA until 10:00 AM CT on 02/02/2026 for So‐ licitation Number Doc1866228128 - Request for Proposal (RFP) for De‐ sign and Operate a Coastwide Nutria Control Program. The RFP may be https:// accessed at discovery.ariba.com/rfx/ 1110000742 No proposals will be con‐ sidered after the date and hour specified. The right is reserved to reject any and all proposals and to waive any infor‐ malities.

Tom Ketterer Director of State Procurement Phone (225) 342-8010 171475-dec 24-1t $10.34

LINDA SUE RAY 1217 N 44TH ST WILMA JACKSON MCCLAIN 10588 GOODWOOD BLVD SUZETTE PEARL GASTON

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

PUBLIC NOTICE ---3BRANCH FIELD 26-28 LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF LOUISIANA, DE‐ PARTMENT OF CONSER‐ VATION AND ENERGY, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA. In accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, and with par‐ ticular reference to the provisions of Title 30 of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, a public hearing will be held in the Hearing Room, 1st Floor, LaSalle Building, 617 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026, upon the application of MAG‐ NETAR OPERATING LLC. At such hearing the De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy will con‐ sider evidence relative to the issuance of Orders pertaining to the follow‐ ing matters relating to the Wilcox Zone, Reser‐ voir A, in the Branch Field, Acadia Parish, Louisiana.

1. To create a single drilling and production unit for the Wilcox Zone, Reservoir A, designated as the WX RA SUA, as shown on the plat sub‐ mitted with the applica‐ tion.

2. To establish rules and regulations governing the exploration for and production of oil, gas and condensate from said proposed unit.

3. To force pool and inte‐ grate all separately owned tracts, mineral leases and other prop‐ erty interests within the unit created, with each tract sharing in unit pro‐ duction on a surface acreage basis of partici‐ pation.

4. To provide that any fu‐ ture wells drilled to the Wilcox Zone, Reservoir A, within or outside of the unit created herein, should be located in ac‐ cordance with the spac‐ ing provisions of LAC seq.

43:XIX.1901 et (Statewide Order No. 29E).

5. To consider such other matters as may be perti‐ nent.

The Wilcox Zone, Reser‐ voir A is hereby defined as being the strati‐ graphic equivalent of that oil, gas and conden‐ sate bearing zone en‐ countered between the depths of 12,030’ and 13,916’ (electrical log measurements) in The Lenape Resources Corp. (formerly National Explo‐ ration Company)-Ned B. Fontenot No. 1 Well (SN 150293), located in Sec‐ tion 15, Township 5 South, Range 2 East.

A plat is available for in‐ spection in the Depart‐ ment of Conservation and Energy in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana. www.dce.louisiana.gov All parties having inter‐ est therein shall take no‐ tice thereof.

BY ORDER OF: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY Baton Rouge, LA 12/18/25;12/24/25 S lck IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE AT THE HEARING, PLEASE CON‐ TACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY AT P.O. BOX 94275, BATON ROUGE, LA 70804-9275 IN WRITING WITHIN TEN (10) WORK‐ ING DAYS OF THE HEAR‐ ING DATE. 171386 Dec. 24, 1t

NEWS 24/7 ON

Merchandise

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

171213-Dec 22-28, 7t $2,818

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

Baton Rouge Rental

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Rachel Hebert, please contact Creighton B. Abadie, Attorney, at (225) 924-5150.

171726-Dec 24-26, 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 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

AREA 3

5364 Jackson 2BR's 1BA, Rent $500, Dep $300 225-357-6436

AREA 4 WANT TO BUY I buy old bourbon bottles. Wild Turkey, Weller, Old Grand Dad etc.

Call or text $300 (225)456-3434

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

AREA 5 1BR $550, 2BR $650 Tigerland. $500 Deposit. 225-475-1737 WANT TO BUY Old Records 33's, 45's & 78's. All types of music. Call 985-259-1889

AREA 5 655 North St. Subsidized eff Apts cpabr.org 225-383-5551.

TDD/TTY /711RELAY

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 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

CATS RAGAMUFFIN & RAGDOLL KITTENS www.CatsByFrancy.com/kittens $700up! Reg. Shots & Guaranty 337-230-3150

DOGS AKC Maltese puppies, Ready for Christ‐ mas 1-F. (225) 235-9433 or (225) 235-7619

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

CLASSIFIEDS.THEADVOCATE.COM Public Notices Conservation

FURNITURE Queen Bed w/Hollywood Frame w/Maple Headboard, Innerspring Matt (2) Box Spr.$400 (225) 658-8456

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE (NOTICE OF INTENTION TO INTRODUCE BILL) Public notice is hereby given that there may be introduced at the session of the Legislature to be convened on March 9, 2026, a bill relative to the public retirement sys‐ tems; to provide for trustee education; to provide for reports of the retirement systems; to provide an effective date; and to provide for related matters.

171237 Dec. 23, 24, 2025 2t $127.94 PUBLIC NOTICE (NOTICE OF INTENTION TO INTRODUCE RETIREMENT BILL) Public notice is hereby given, in compliance with Section 29(C), Article X of the Louisiana Constitu‐ tion, that there will be in‐ troduced at the forth‐ coming session of the Legislature of Louisiana, which will be convened on March 9, 2026, a bill relative to the Louisiana State Employees’ Retire‐ ment System, to provide for the determination of required employer con‐ tributions; to provide for actuarial calculations; to provide for an effective date; and to provide for related matters.

171525 Dec. 23, 24, 2t $40.52 PUBLIC NOTICE --EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH GOVERNMENT ADJUDICATED PROPERTY SALE ADVERTISEMENT

BY VIRTUE OF THE AU‐ THORITY VESTED IN ME

BY THE CONSTITUTION AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA, I WILL SELL, AT CIVIC‐ SOURCE.COM, WITHIN THE LEGAL HOURS FOR JUDICIAL SALES BEGIN‐ NING AT 8:00 O'CLOCK A.M ON THE 4th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2026 AND CONTINUING UNTIL SAID SALES ARE COMPLETED, TITLE TO IMMOVABLE PROPERTY ON WHICH TAXES WERE ADJUDI‐ CATED TO THE EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH GOVERNMENT, TO EN‐ FORCE COLLECTION OF TAXES. THE NAMES OF SAID DELINQUENT TAX DEBTORS AND THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION FOR EACH OF THE PROPERTIES TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE ARE AS FOLLOWS: ROYAL INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM 1013 W GRANT ST, BATON ROUGE, LA 70802 TAXES OWED ARE WITH ONE (1) CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, TOGETHER WITH ALL THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, SITUATED IN THAT SUBDIVISION OF THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, KNOWN AS SOUTH BATON ROUGE, AND DESIGNATED AC‐ CORDING TO THE OFFI‐ CIAL MAP OR PLAN THEREOF ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER FOR THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, AS LOT THIRTY-SEVEN (37), SQUARE ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (163), SAID SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION, SAID LOT MEASURING FORTY (40’) FEET FRONT ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF GRANT STREET AND HAVING A DEPTH BETWEEN PARAL‐ LEL LINES OF ONE HUN‐ DRED (100’) FEET. THIS PROPERTY IS SUB‐ JECT TO THE FOLLOWING: 1. THE OFFICIAL SUBDIVI‐ SION RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE

DOGS Cairn terriers - 2 females shots and wormed 8 months old. $150.00 (985) 222-4354 DOGS CKC YORKIES or SHORKIES - (yorkies are with papers) all are vet checked w/shot and worming, will meet in Gulf‐ port $700 (334) 467-3416

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

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

OF THE CLERK AND FOR THE RECORDED PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, AFFECTING SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION. 2. SERVITUDE RECORDED 4/23/2012 AS CB ORIG. 196, BNDL. 12404 IN THE RECORDS FOR THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE. 006-9130-5 MOORE, LUCILLE, (25% OWNERSHIP) ATTN: ETOILA BOND SCHUPLIN V HOVEY AVE, BAKER, LA 70714 TAXES OWED ARE WITH ONE CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, SITUATED IN THE 3RD WARD OF THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS LELAND COLLEGE ANNEX, WHICH LOTS ARE DESIGNATED ON THE OF‐ FICIAL MAP OF SAID SUB‐ DIVISION AS LOT NUMBER TWO (2) OF SQUARE NUMBER SIXTEEN (16).

015-9674-8 LEATHERMAN, LIONEL, 99% & DORIS C. C/O KALEDA LEATHERMAN 945 E BUCHANAN ST, BATON ROUGE, LA 70802 TAXES OWED ARE WITH A CERTAIN PARCEL OF GROUND SITUATED IN THE FIRST WARD (OLD SIXTH WARD) OF THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, IN THAT SUBDIVISION OF THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE KNOWN AS SOUTH BATON ROUGE, SAID PARCEL OF GROUND BEING MORE PARTICU‐ LARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LOT NUMBER THIRTY-FIVE (35) OF SQUARE NUMBER FORTY (40), THENCE PRO‐ CEED NORTHWARD ALONG THE REAR LINES OF LOTS NUMBERS THIRTY-FIVE (35), THIRTYTHREE (33), THIRTY-ONE (31), AND TWENTY-NINE (29) OF SQUARE NUMBER FORTY (40), A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY ONE HUNDRED (100’) FEET TO THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF A PRESENT LARGE DITCH, AND CORNER; THENCE IN A SOUTHEASTERLY DI‐ RECTION ALONG THE SOUTHERN BANK OF SAID DITCH APPROXIMATELY FORTY-FIVE (45’) FEET AND CORNER; THENCE SOUTHWARD PARALLEL TO THE BACK LINE OF SAID LOTS 35, 33, 31, AND 29, A DISTANCE APPROXI‐ MATELY EIGHTY (80’) FEET TO A POINT ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 35, WHICH POINT IS FORTY (40’) FEET EAST OF POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE WEST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 35, A DISTANCE OF FORTY (40’) FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THUS FORMING A PLOT OF GROUND MEASURING FORTY (40’) FEET FRONT ON THE NORTH SIDE OF EAST BUCHANNAN (FOR‐ MERLY MONROE) STREET

BY A DEPTH OF APPROXI‐ MATELY ONE HUNDRED (100’) FEET ON ITS WEST LINE AND BY A DEPTH OF APPROXIMATELY EIGHTY (80’) FEET ON ITS EAST LINE, WHICH TWO LINES OR SIDES ARE PARALLEL TO EACH OTHER; THE SAID PLOT OF GROUND HEREIN CONVEYED BEING COMPOSED OF THE WESTERN PORTIONS OF LOTS NUMBERS 35, 33, 31 AND 29, OF SQUARE NUM‐ BER FORTY (40), OF SAID SUBURB SOUTH BATON ROUGE. 007-0222-6 FRAZIER, ELEANOR V. C/O H. BEECHER HICKS, SR. 4500-4700 UND PEERLESS ST, BATON ROUGE, LA 70811 TAXES OWED ARE WITH LOT 31, SQUARE 1, FORTUNE SUBDIVISION IN THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, MEASUR‐ ING 20 FEET FRONT ON PEERLESS STREET BY A DEPTH OF 83 FEET; AND BEING THE SAME PROP‐ ERTY ACQUIRED BY THE SAID JAMES M. FRAZIER, SR., AT TAX SALE AS PER ACT DATED JULY 12, 1927

AND RECORDED IN CON‐ VEYANCE BOOK 195 PAGE 177 OF THE RECORDS OF THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE. 012-3414-5 ON THE DAY OF SALE I WILL SELL THE PROPERTY TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER. THE SALE WILL BE WITH‐ OUT APPRAISEMENT, FOR CASH OR OTHER PAY‐ MENT METHODS ACCEPT‐ ABLE TO THE TAX COL‐ LECTOR, IN LEGAL TEN‐ DER MONEY OF THE UNITED STATES, AND A NON-WARRANTY CASH SALE CERTIFICATE SHALL BE ISSUED TO THE PUR‐ CHASER FOR THE PROP‐ ERTY. 171625 Dec. 24, 1t $105.90 PUBLIC NOTICE --R3MEB6LC4S1000171 EA‐ HORA is stored at 44179 Conway Street, Louisiana 70778. If all current charges are not paid and vehicle claimed by the owner by January 9, 2026, a permit to sell may be obtained.

170805 Dec. 24, 25, 2t $67.18 PUBLIC NOTICE --THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA MAY BE TER‐ MINATED BY OPERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Tax Bill 006-9130-5 PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, MONTGOMERY WARD & CO., INC.,, ROYAL INTERNATIONAL PETRO‐ LEUM CORPORATION (RIPCO), THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, DIS‐ COVER BANK, ISSUER OF THE DISCOVER CARD, CITY OF BATON ROUGE, Fidelity National Bank of Baton Rouge, INCORP SERVICES, INC., LOUISIANA CORPORATE & REGISTERED AGENT SER‐ VICES, INC., thomas g. grimes, thomas j. paup, spencer h. heine, irion bordelon jr., capital one WARD 1-3 #617, LOT: 37, SQUARE: 163, SUBDIV: SOUTH BATON ROUGE. 2003. (945-11489) (C/S 472,180).

2007.

(33511971). ADJ. FOR 2006 TAXES. Improvements thereon bear Municipal No. 1013 W Grant St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Tax Bill 015-9674-8 LUCILLE MOORE, CITY OF BAKER, AMERICAN FI‐ NANCIAL SERVICES, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, LACEY BROWN, OSCAR MOORE, VIN‐ CENZO L MARSALO WARD 2-2 #74, LOT: 2, SQUARE: 16, SUBDIV: LE‐ LAND COLLEGE ANNEX. 2007.

(61-11963) TAX DEED. 2008. (753-12072).

ADJ. FOR 2007 TAXES. SPLIT ASSESSMENT W/ PROP # 1596749 Improvements thereon bear Municipal No. V Hovey Ave, Baker, LA 70714 Tax Bill 007-0222-6 LIONEL LEATHERMAN, DORIS C. DAWSON, CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, Built Right Con‐ struction by Gerald Ray Smith, olin t. dawson, thomas huffman, betty finch, Wanda Johnson WARD 1-3 #407, LOT: 29 PT +, SQUARE: 40, SUB‐ DIV: SOUTH BATON ROUGE. W PORTIONS OF LOTS 35, 33, 31 & 29, SQ. 40, SOUTH BATON ROUGE. 1976. (752-9172) 2005.

(434-11703). 2006. (44911849) TAX DEED. 2011.

(638-12338) ADJ FOR 2010 TAXES Improvements thereon bear Municipal No. 945 E h

7 DAYS A WEEK

DOGS German Shepard - CKC German Shep‐ ard Pup 11 Months Old Female Born 12/24/24, very affectionate with a lot of energy, looking for good home $1500 808-292-0842

Public Notices Nat Res Coastal

Legal Notices

p Buchanan St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Tax Bill 012-3414-5 PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, CITY OF BATON ROUGE, Eleanor V. Fra‐ zier, sandra hicks cox, henry beecher hicks jr., william hicks WARD 1-2 #561, LOT: 31, SQUARE: 1, SUBDIV: FOR‐ TUNE. 20 FT. ON PEERLESS ST. X 83 FT. 1998. (97710910). ADJ. FOR 1997 TAXES. Improvements thereon bear Municipal No. 45004700 Und Peerless St, Baton Rouge, LA 70811 TAX SALE TITLE TO THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROP‐ ERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR FAILURE TO PAY TAXES. YOU HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A PERSON WHO MAY HAVE AN IN‐ TEREST IN THIS PROP‐ ERTY. YOUR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY WILL BE TER‐ MINATED IF YOU DO NOT REDEEM THE PROPERTY

BY MAKING ALL RE‐ QUIRED PAYMENTS TO THE TAX COLLECTOR LISTED BELOW OR FILE A LAWSUIT IN ACCOR‐ DANCE WITH LAW WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUB‐ LICATION OF THIS NO‐ TICE, OR THE RECORDING OF AN ACT TRANSFER‐ RING OWNERSHIP, IF LATER. EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH GOVERNMENT 222 SAINT LOUIS ST. BATON ROUGE, LA 70802 (225) 389-3114 171626 Dec. 24, 1t $73.90

Public Notices Nat Res Coastal

PUBLIC NOTICE --The Louisiana Depart‐ ment of Conservation and Energy, Office of Per‐ mits and Compliance (OPC) is currently re‐ viewing the following project for Consistency with the State and Local Coastal Resources Man‐ agement Act of 1978, as amended (La. R.S. 49:214.21-214.41), and the regulations of the Louisiana Coastal Re‐ sources Program (LCRP).

Pursuant to Section 306 (d)(14) of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended (CZMA), the public may submit comments on proposed projects to i i f

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p p p j Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy, Office of Permits and Compliance, P.O. Box 44487, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4487. Applications may be inspected during OPC business hours at 617 N. 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, LA. Comments must be received within 15 days of this notice to be considered. For more information, contact Mark Hogan at (225) 2199530 or (800) 267-4019.

Federal License or Per‐ mit: C20250126 CPRA Geot‐ echnical Survey for CWP‐ PRA (PO-0181) Bayou Cane Marsh Creation Project, St. Tammany Parish 171580-dec 24-1t $14.62

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without warranty except as to title, for the cash price of $10,000.00 total.

Notice is hereby given to all parties whom it may concern, including the heirs and creditors of the decedent herein, and of this estate, be ordered to make any opposition they may have or may have had to such appli‐ cation at any time prior to the issuance of the order or judgment autho‐ rizing, approving and ho‐ mologating such applica‐ tion, and that such order or judgment may be is‐ sued after the expiration of seven (7) days, from the date of the last publi‐ cation of such notice, all in accordance with law.

BY ORDER OF THE COURT _________________ Deputy Clerk of Court 19th Judicial District Court Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana Publication:

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

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19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE STATE OF LOUISIANA PROBATE NO. 117063 DIV. 32 IN THE MATTER OF THE SUCCESSION OF JOHN TAYOR HEROMAN, SR. NOTICE TO SELL MOVABLE PROPERTY AT PRIVATE SALE Whereas the Administra‐ trix has made applica‐ tion to the Court for the sale at private sale of the movable property here‐ inafter described, to-wit: One (1) certain 2008 19’ Triton boat and trailer bearing identification number Identification Number (HIN) TJZ9A109K708, registered in the name of John Tay‐ lor Heroman, Sr., with one (1) certain Mercury 150 boat motor bearing serial number 1B520068, registered in the name of John Taylor Heroman, Sr., with one (1) certain boat trailer bearing VIN 5JUBA22238T035788 reg‐ istered to John Taylor Heroman, Sr. UPON THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS, TO-WIT:

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that after complying with the provisions and requirements of the Louisiana Local Government Budget Act, The Board of Commissioners of the Central Fire Protection District #4 unanimously adopted the following budget after a public hearing on December 16, 2025.

Budget Summary 2026 Revenues

$6,389,650

EXPENDITURES Salaries Fringe Benefits Supplies Contractual Expenses Capital Outlay Total Expenses

$3,234,400 $1,726,440 $272,450 $841,050 $564,360 $6,638,700

Excess Revenues over Expenditures Beginning Fund Balance Ending Fund Balance

$(249,050) $7,215,275 $6,966,225

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10D ■ Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate Legal Notices

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF BAKER PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE STATE OF LOUISIANA COUNCIL CHAMBERS 3325 GROOM ROAD, BAKER, LOUISIANA 70714 www.youtube.com/@bakerforward December 16, 2025 – 3:30 p.m.

The City Council of the City of Baker, Louisiana, met in regular session on December 16, 2025, with the following members in attendance at the meeting: MAYOR Darnell Waites COUNCIL MEMBERS Desiree Collins Cedric Murphy Dr. Charles Vincent Robert Young ABSENT Rochelle Dunn CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Waites presided.

The invocation was given by Council Member Murphy.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Vincent. *** Public comments will be allowed on all agenda items. Such comments shall not exceed 3 minutes and shall be confined to the agenda item and any proposed disposition thereof.*** DISPOSITION OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Murphy to approve the minutes of the meeting held on December 9, 2025.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC MEETING

NEW BUSINESS

ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS 1. Season’s greetings to all, etc. (Vincent) Council Member Vincent wished everyone Season’s Greetings and asked that they be safe this holiday season. He said many constituents have reported their streetlights out in areas off of Lavey Lane, specifically where work is being done on gas lines. The mayor said he is aware of the situation. The Inspection Department reported that DEMCO is aware of the situation as well, and they are currently working to resolve the issue.

These repairs require underground work and will take time to complete, they have asked for residents’ patience and understanding. Council Member Vincent invited everyone out to the program he has organized and is co-sponsoring in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Justice Sunday. Heroes of African American History Series – “The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” The program will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Baker Branch Library. Council Member Vincent will distribute back to school supplies to the first eight students in attendance.

OTHER NECESSARY BUSINESS 1. Monthly Business Report

Council Member Collins recognized Helix School System and Mentorship Academy for hosting a play in the community, saying it’s a beautiful opportunity for young people to be able to express themselves. She thanked the City of Baker for providing resources that helped make the production possible.

Council Member Murphy said he is excited to work with the Main Street Economic Development District and thanked his colleagues for the opportunity to represent them on the organization’s board. Council Member Murphy said he appreciates the trust his colleagues have placed in him.

APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Vote was called for.

YEAS: Collins, Murphy, Vincent, Young NAYS: None ABSENT: Dunn ABSTAIN: None The motion passed with a vote of 4-0.

REPORTS ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 1. Planning and Zoning Commission 2. Annexation Review Committee 3. Economic Development Team 4. Heritage Museum/Related Committees 5. ABC Board 6. Other Special Committees a. Buffalo Festival b. Prayer Breakfast c. Strategic Planning Committee d. Citizens Advisory Board to Law Enforcement e. Main Street District Committee

The motion was made by Council Member Murphy, seconded by Council Member Vincent to approve the preliminary site plan for Crestview Village Manufactured Home Community.

The mayor called for public comments or questions.

Vote was called for.

YEAS: Collins, Murphy, Vincent, Young NAYS: None ABSENT: Dunn ABSTAIN: None The motion passed with a vote of 4-0.

RESOLUTIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 1. Proclamation declaring the week of December 26, 2025 – January 1, 2026, as Celebration of Kwanzaa Week in the City of Baker (Vincent) Council Member Vincent provided an overview of Kwanzaa and distributed informational materials about the celebration.

The proclamation was read by Mayor Waites.

The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Collins to accept the proclamation.

The mayor called for public comments or questions.

2. Proclamation declaring January 2026 National Blood Donor Month in the City of Baker (Vincent) The proclamation was read by the Clerk of the Council.

The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Murphy to accept the proclamation.

The mayor called for public comments or questions.

The motion was made by Council Member Murphy, seconded by Council Member Collins to introduce Ordinance 2025-23.

The mayor called for public comments or questions.

Vote was called for.

YEAS: Collins, Murphy, Vincent, Young NAYS: None ABSENT: Dunn

3. Items Requiring Action ADJOURN There was no other business to come before the commission. The motion was made by Commissioner Waites, seconded by Commissioner Vincent to adjourn.

Commissioner Waites called for public comments or questions.

Vote was called for.

YEAS: Collins, Murphy, Vincent, Waites, Young NAYS: None ABSENT: Dunn ABSTAIN: None The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

CITY OF BAKER PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE STATE OF LOUISIANA I, Angela Canady Wall, certify that I am Clerk of the Council for the City of Baker, Louisiana, and that the above and foregoing is a copy of the minutes of a regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners for the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens held on December 16, 2025.

MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BAKER CONSOLIDATED UTILITIES SYSTEM CITY OF BAKER PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE STATE OF LOUISIANA 3325 GROOM ROAD BAKER, LA 70714 December 16, 2025 The City Council of the City of Baker, Louisiana, sitting as the Board of Commissioners for the Baker Consolidated Utilities System, met in regular session on December 16, 2025, with the following members attending: COMMISSIONERS Desiree Collins Cedric Murphy Dr. Charles Vincent Darnell Waites Robert Young

The mayor called for public comments or questions.

Vote was called for.

YEAS: Collins, Murphy, Vincent, Young NAYS: None ABSENT: Dunn ABSTAIN: None The motion passed with a vote of 4-0.

ABSENT Rochelle Dunn CALL TO ORDER – Commissioner Waites presided.

DISPOSITION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The meeting was called to order and the motion was made by Commissioner Waites, seconded by Commissioners Murphy/Vincent to approve the minutes of the meeting held on December 9, 2025.

CITY OF BAKER PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE STATE OF LOUISIANA I, Angela Canady Wall, certify that I am Clerk of the Council for the City of Baker, Louisiana, and that the above and foregoing is a copy of the minutes of a regular meeting of the Council for the City of Baker, Louisiana held on December 16, 2025. ____________________________________ Angela Canady Wall, LCMC Clerk of Council MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NORMAN E. “PETE” HEINE MEMORIAL GARDENS CITY OF BAKER PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE STATE OF LOUISIANA 3325 GROOM ROAD BAKER, LA 70714 December 16, 2025 The City Council of the City of Baker, Louisiana, sitting as the Board of Commissioners for Norman E. “Pete” Heine Memorial Gardens, met in regular session on December 16, 2025, with the following members in attendance at the meeting: COMMISSIONERS Desiree Collins Cedric Murphy Dr. Charles Vincent Darnell Waites Robert Young

Vote was called for.

YEAS: Collins, Murphy, Vincent, Young NAYS: None ABSENT: Dunn ABSTAIN: None The motion passed with a vote of 4-0.

NEW BUSINESS 1. Introduce Ordinance 2025-23, an ordinance providing for the levy of a sales and use tax of one percent (1%) within the Baker Main Street Economic Development District for the City of Baker, Louisiana; and for other matters with respect thereto on all taxable property (Murphy) Dante Bidwell, Lead Consultant – Economic Development, provided an overview of the proposed ordinance.

2. Other Reports

ADJOURN The motion was made by Council Member Murphy seconded by Council Members Collins/Vincent to adjourn.

Vote was called for.

YEAS: Collins, Murphy, Vincent, Young NAYS: None ABSENT: Dunn ABSTAIN: None The motion passed with a vote of 4-0.

ABSENT Rochelle Dunn

DISPOSITION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The meeting was called to order and the motion was made by Commissioner Waites, seconded by Commissioner Vincent to approve the minutes of the meeting held on December 9, 2025.

Commissioner Waites called for public comments or questions.

Vote was called for.

YEAS: Collins, Murphy, Vincent, Waites, Young NAYS: None ABSENT: Dunn ABSTAIN: None The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

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Commissioner Waites called for public comments or questions.

Vote was called for.

YEAS: Collins, Murphy, Vincent, Waites, Young NAYS: None ABSENT: Dunn ABSTAIN: None The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

Commissioner Vincent thanked the mayor and his staff for the second report that was sent out to residents along with their utility bills.

PUBLIC NOTICE NEW BUSINESS OTHER NECESSARY BUSINESS 1. Monthly Business Report 2. Other Reports 3. Items Requiring Action ADJOURN There was no other business to come before the commission. The motion was made by Commissioner Waites, seconded by Commissioner Vincent to adjourn.

YEAS: Collins, Murphy, Vincent, Waites, Young NAYS: None ABSENT: Dunn ABSTAIN: None The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

CITY OF BAKER PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE STATE OF LOUISIANA

CALL TO ORDER – Commissioner Waites presided.

Protection your loved ones deserve ...

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_________________________________ Angela Canady Wall, LCMC Clerk of Council

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS CONDEMNATIONS

PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS 1. Approve preliminary site plan for Crestview Village Manufactured Home Community 5885 Lavey Lane Discussion regarding the agenda item was held.

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ABSTAIN: None The motion passed with a vote of 4-0.

The mayor called for public comments or questions.

RECOGNITIONS

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I, Angela Canady Wall, certify that I am Clerk of the Council for the City of Baker, Louisiana, and that the above and foregoing is a copy of the minutes of a regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Baker Consolidated Utility System held on December 16, 2025. _________________________________ Angela Canady Wall, LCMC Clerk of Council

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