The Advocate 01-08-2026

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T h u r s d ay, J a n u a ry 8, 2026

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH

Library plans tax vote

Proposed millage would fund operations for 10 years

$2.00X

Mayor’s trip stirs controversy over blight Others say BR has laws to speed up condemnations

BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER

Staff writer

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library will seek a new tax millage to fully fund operations, with plans to put the measure on the July ballot.

BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library announced Wednesday it will be presenting a new tax millage to voters in July, should the Metro Council approve it.

The 9.5-mill tax, estimated to raise around $59.6 million annually, would fund 100% of library operations for the next 10 years, a release from the system said.

It comes after voters rejected Prop.

1 in November, which would have

funded the system through an 11.1mill annual tax, with 2.8 of those mills going to the parish’s general fund.

That was part of Mayor-President Sid Edwards’ Thrive plan to rededicate taxes for several parish agencies to fix a hole in the parish’s general fund caused by the new city of St. George taking over its share of sales tax revenue. Voters rejected all three measures Edwards had pitched.

A mill represents $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

This proposed tax would equate to $142.5 in taxes for a household with

a home valued at $225,000.

The library system’s previous tax millage, which expired at the end of 2025, was set at 9.89 mills.

The tax announced Wednesday would be lower than the taxes approved by voters in 1995, 2005 and 2015, and would still give the system more money than it would have received under Prop. 1.

“It’s key that people understand that this is lower than what they paid last week,” said Mary Stein, assistant

ä See LIBRARY, page 5A

DETROIT — While some parish leaders were in Detroit looking for ideas about how Baton Rouge can more swiftly address blighted properties, some back home were questioning whether MayorPresident Sid Ed- “Any condemnation wards and the Metro that has happened Council are using all in the traditional the tools already at process where the their disposal.

Greater Baton council heard it and voted to condemn Rouge Economic Partnership Presihave all been done dent and CEO Lori illegally. All of those Melancon said laws should have been already exist to referred to blight speed up condemnacourt, not to the tions in Baton Rouge — but the Metro council.”

Council is failing to LORI MELANCON, use them.

Greater Baton Rouge “Any condemnation that has hapEconomic Partnership pened in the tradipresident and CEO tional process where the council heard it and voted to condemn have all been done illegally,” Melancon said. “All of those should have been referred to blight court, not to the council.”

Last year, Gov. Jeff Landry signed Act 456, authored by Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge. The new law aims to give the parish’s blight court the authority to condemn properties, instead of requiring a vote of the Metro Council.

Some Metro Council members say they’re not against that idea, but that local rules make the law unenforceable.

ä See BLIGHT, page 5A

ICE officer kills Minneapolis driver

Federal officials say shooting was self-defense; mayor calls it unnecessary

BY TIM SULLIVAN and GIOVANNA DELL’ORTO Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a Minneapolis driver on Wednesday during the Trump administration’s latest immigration crackdown on a major American city — a shooting that federal officials said was an act of selfdefense but that the mayor described as reckless and unnecessary.

The 37-year-old woman was shot in

WEATHER HIGH 79 LOW 66 PAGE 8A

the head in front of a family member in a snowy residential neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis, just a few blocks from some of the oldest immigrant markets and about a mile from where George Floyd was killed by police in 2020.

Her killing after 9:30 a.m. was recorded on video by witnesses, and the shooting quickly drew a crowd of hundreds of angry protesters. By evening, hundreds were there for a vigil to mourn the death and urge the public to resist immigration enforcers.

The victim, 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good, had a 6-year old child, her mother and father-in-law told the Minnesota Star Tribune. Macklin Good described herself on social media as a “poet and writer and wife and mom” who was from Colorado.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, while visiting Texas, described the incident as an “act of domestic terrorism” carried out against ICE officers by a woman who “attempted to

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By TOM BAKER

A bullet hole can be seen in the windshield of the victim’s car as law enforcement officers work the scene of a shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent ä See ICE, page 5A on Wednesday in Minneapolis.

Business ......................6A Commentary ................5B Nation-World ................2A Classified .....................6D Deaths .........................3B Opinion ........................4B Comics-Puzzles .....3D-5D Living............................1D Sports ..........................1C

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FROM WIRE REPORTS

U.S. suspends all aid to Somalia’s government

WASHINGTON — The State Department said Wednesday that it has suspended all U.S. assistance to Somalia’s federal government over allegations that Somali officials destroyed an Americanfunded warehouse belonging to the World Food Program and seized 76 metric tons of food aid intended for impoverished civilians.

“The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance,” the department said in a statement.

The suspension comes as the Trump administration has ratcheted up criticism of Somali refugees and migrants in the United States, including over well-publicized fraud allegations involving child care centers in Minnesota. It has slapped significant restrictions on Somalis wanting to come to the U.S. and made it difficult for those already in the United States to stay.

It was not immediately clear how much assistance would be affected by the suspension because the Trump administration has slashed foreign aid expenditures, dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development and not released new country-by-country data.

The U.S. had provided $770 million in assistance for projects in Somalia during the last year of the Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration, but only a fraction of that went directly to the government.

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Trump wants $1.5T defense budget

BY AAMER MADHANI and KONSTANTIN TOROPIN

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Wednesday proposed setting U.S. military spending at $1.5 trillion in 2027, citing “troubled and dangerous times.”

Trump called for the massive surge in spending days after he ordered a U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and spirit him out of the country to face drug trafficking charges in the United States. U.S. forces continue to mass in the Caribbean Sea. The 2026 military budget is set at $901 billion.

“This will allow us to build the ‘Dream Military’ that we have long been entitled to and, more importantly, that will keep us SAFE and SECURE, regardless of foe,” Trump said in a posting on Truth Social announcing his proposal.

The military just received a large boost of some $175 billion in the GOP’s “big, beautiful bill” of tax breaks and spending reductions that Trump signed into law last year.

Insisting on more funding for the Pentagon is almost certain to run into resistance from Democrats who work to maintain parity between changes in defense and nondefense spending. But it’s also sure to draw objections from the GOP’s deficit hawks who have pushed back against larger military spending.

But Trump said he feels comfortable surging spending on the military because of increased revenue created by his administration through tariffs imposed on friends and foes around the globe since his return to office.

The U.S. government collected gross revenues of $288.5 billion last year from tariffs and other excise taxes, up from $98.3 billion in

2024, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. That’s a meaningful increase in revenues from taxing imports. But it’s not enough to cover the various promises made

by Trump, who has said the tariffs can also cover dividends to taxpayers, pay down the national debt and, now, cover increased spending on the military.

Trump on Wednesday also threatened to cut off Pentagon purchases from Raytheon, one of the biggest U.S. defense contractors, if the company did not end the practice of stock buybacks and invest more profits into building out its weapons manufacturing capacity.

Trump in recent months has repeatedly complained that defense companies have been woefully behind on deliveries of critical weaponry, yet continue to mete out dividends and stock buybacks to investors and offering eye-popping salaries to top executives.

“Either Raytheon steps up, and

DeSantis calls for special session on Fla. redistricting

BY MIKE SCHNEIDER and DAVID FISCHER Associated Press

Detroit records fewest homicides in decades DETROIT — Murders in Detroit continue to tumble as the city recorded its lowest number of criminal homicides since at least the early- to mid-1960s.

For all of 2025, 165 homicides were committed in the Motor City, Police Chief Todd Bettison told reporters Wednesday.

That is 38 fewer than the 203 reported for 2024, which the city said then was the lowest since 188 were committed in 1965.

Detroit had 252 homicides in 2023, 309 homicides in 2022 and 308 homicides in 2021.

The city also reported Wednesday that other violent crime also was down last year. Nonfatal shootings dropped from 603 in 2024 to 447 in 2025. Carjackings plummeted from 142 to 77 over that period, while robberies dipped from 1,209 to 953. Sexual assaults and auto vehicle thefts also were down.

It is a trend seen in many other U.S. cities. Violent crime in the United States fell 4.5% in 2024, according to an FBI report, which also showed an 8% drop in property crime from the year before.

The FBI statistics released in August showed murder and nonnegligent manslaughter in the U.S. in 2024 fell nearly 15% from a year earlier.

Trump invites president of Colombia to D.C. WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump abruptly changed his tone Wednesday about his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, saying they had exchanged a friendly phone call and he’d even invited the leader of the South American country to the White House.

“It was a Great Honor to speak with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who called to explain the situation of drugs and other disagreements that we have had,” Trump posted on his social media site. “I appreciated his call and tone, and look forward to meeting him in the near future.”

That came mere days after Trump said in the wake of the U.S. operation to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend that “Colombia is very sick too” and accused Petro of “making cocaine and selling it to the United States.”

Colombia’s president called the U.S. operation in Venezuela an “abhorrent” violation of Latin American sovereignty and suggested it was committed by “enslavers.”

The Trump administration imposed sanctions in October on Petro, his family and a member of his government over accusations of involvement in the global drug trade.

starts investing in more upfront Investment like Plants and Equipment, or they will no longer be doing business with Department of War,” Trump said on social media.

“Also, if Raytheon wants further business with the United States Government, under no circumstances will they be allowed to do any additional Stock Buybacks, where they have spent Tens of Billions of Dollars, until they are able to get their act together.”

The company is responsible for making some of the military’s most widely used and notable missiles, including the Tomahawk cruise missile, the shoulder-launched Javelin and Stinger missiles, and the Sidewinder air-to-air missile.

Raytheon also owns Pratt and Whitney, a company that is responsible for manufacturing a host of jet engines that power aircraft for all the military branches, including the newest F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JAE C. HONG

Ted Koerner, whose home was reduced to ash in the 2025 wildfires, stands on the porch of his newly rebuilt home, alongside his dog Daisy Mae, in Altadena, Calif.

Man and his old dog are home at last after L.A. fire

For nearly a year, Koerner raced He emptied retirement fund against time to rebuild his home. He liq‘to build at record speed’ uidated most of his retirement holdings

BY ALEX VEIGA Associated Press

ALTADENA, Calif. — It is a sight Ted Koerner feared he might never see again after his house burned down: His treasured golden retriever, Daisy Mae, playing in his backyard, under the shade of his 175-year-old Heritage Oak. A year ago, as the wind-swept Eaton Fire moved in, Koerner fled with then 12-year-old Daisy Mae, grabbing a couple pairs of sweats, long-sleeved shirts, a pillow and two pictures of the dog. He drove away as the flames were at the end of his street in Altadena.

Koerner and Daisy Mae spent the first weeks in a hotel with hundreds of others after the Eaton and Palisades fires destroyed thousands of homes and killed 31 people. They went on walks, the hardened ash crunching beneath his feet and her paws. “Those first few weeks were beyond devastating,” he said.

His biggest fear was losing Daisy Mae before he could get through a daunting and costly rebuilding process. Koerner has lived alone with the 75-pound, snowwhite dog for 12 years. He takes her with him to restaurants — even five-star steakhouses — without a leash.

so he could afford to hire contractors quickly while he waited for his mortgage servicing company to release his insurance payout.

He gave the builder enough money “to build at record speed, because I need to get home with my dog before she passes,” he recalled telling his mortgage servicing company early on. “Because if she passes, I don’t want to come here. And this is a very, very, very special dog.”

The first time Koerner brought Daisy Mae after construction started, the house was framed, with a roof and openings for windows and doors.

“She walked right over to where the front door was supposed to be, went right in the house, walked around the house, walked over to what was the master bedroom sliding door, which was a great big opening, just like it would have been, and sat down and got a big smile on her face and went, ‘OK, the house is still here,’ ” he said.

Shortly before Thanksgiving, his home was among the first to be rebuilt of the thousands destroyed in the Los Angeles area wildfires a year ago. Construction took just over four months.

“I went into the house and cried a lot,” Koerner said. “It still has that effect. I’m actually home with my dog.”

White House completes plan to curb environmental law

BY MATTHEW DALY Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has finalized a plan to roll back regulations implementing a landmark environmental law that the White House says needlessly delays federal approvals for energy and infrastructure projects.

The action Wednesday by the White House Council on Environmental Quality rescinds regulations related to the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires federal agencies to consider a project’s possible environmental impacts before it is approved.

Katherine Scarlett, who leads the council, said in a statement that the directive will “slash needless layering of bureaucratic burden and restore common sense to the environmental review and permitting process.”

Under Trump, she added, “NEPA’s regulatory reign of terror has ended.”

The action comes as Congress considers legislation intended to speed up permitting reviews for new energy and infrastructure projects and limit judicial review under that law.

Republicans and many Democrats believe the 56-year-old law has become mired in red tape that routinely results in yearslong delays for major projects. The law requires detailed analysis for such projects and allows for public comments before approvals are issued.

A bill approved by the Republican-controlled House would place statutory limits on environmental reviews, broaden the scope of actions that do not require review and set clear deadlines. It also would limit who can bring legal challenges and legal remedies that courts can impose.

Democrats agree the permitting process has become unwieldy, but say the House bill undercuts public input and participation while overly restricting judicial review.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday he plans to call a special session in April for the Republicandominated legislature to draw new congressional districts, joining a redistricting arms race among states that have redrawn districts mid-decade.

Even though Florida’s 2026 legislative session starts next week, DeSantis said he wanted to wait for a possible ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on a key provision of the Voting Rights Act. The ruling in Louisiana v. Callais could determine whether Section 2, a part of the Voting Rights Act that bars discrimination in voting systems, is constitutional. The governor said “at least one or two” districts in Florida could be affected by the high court’s ruling.

“I don’t think it’s a question of if they’re going to rule. It’s a question of

what the scope is going to be,” DeSantis said at a news conference in Steinhatchee, Florida. “So, we’re getting out ahead of that.”

Currently, 20 of Florida’s 28 congressional seats are held by Republicans.

Congressional districts in Florida that are redrawn to favor Republicans could carry big consequences for President Donald Trump’s plan to reshape congressional districts in GOP-led states, which could give Republicans a shot at winning additional seats in the midterm elections and retaining control of the closely divided U.S. House.

In 2010, more than 60% of Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting the drawing of district boundaries to unfairly favor one political party in a process known as gerrymandering. The Florida Supreme Court, however, last July upheld a congressional map pushed by DeSantis that critics said violated the “Fair Districts” amendment.

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What U.S. could do with Venezuela’s oil

BY CATHY BUSSEWITZ

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a nation with vast oil reserves.

Associated Press

NEW YORK — Venezuela’s oil industry has been in the spotlight since President Donald Trump used military force to capture the country’s leader, President Nicolás Maduro.

In the days that followed, Trump said the U.S. would run Venezuela and tap its oil reserves. He said Venezuela stole U.S. oil, a reference to former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s move decades ago to nationalize hundreds of foreign-owned assets, including those owned by American oil companies.

Trump floated a plan for those companies to return and rebuild Venezuela’s beleaguered oil industry. He later announced Venezuela would provide 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S., and Venezuelan state-owned oil company PDVSA said it is in negotiations with the U.S. government for the sale of crude oil.

The administration also “selectively” removed sanctions to enable the shipping and sale of Venezuelan oil to markets worldwide, saying the proceeds would settle in U.S.-controlled accounts and be disbursed to the American and Venezuelan populations, according to the Energy Department.

The moves may be part of a longterm strategy to gain a foothold in

ezuela isn’t critically needed. But the International Energy Agency Interest in vast oil reserves estimates that under current poliVenezuela has one of the largest cies approximately 25 million baroil reserves in the world, and some rels per day of new oil supply projenergy analysts predict there ects will be needed by 2035 to keep won’t be enough oil to meet global markets in balance. demand in coming years.

The South American nation has Possible help for U.S. refineries an estimated 303 billion barrels The oil in Venezuela is heavy, of crude oil in the ground, which sour crude, which is what refineris about 17% of the world’s supply, ies on the U.S. Gulf Coast process, according to the U.S. Energy Infor- and there are only a handful of mation Administration. Unlike oth- countries that produce it. By coner parts of the world, where geolo- trast, most oil produced in the U.S. gists have to search for untapped is light, sweet crude. If Venezuelan oil, the reserves under Venezu- oil flows freely, it could potentially ela’s soil are largely mapped and reduce the price of oil and gasoline.

American refineries could benknown, experts say. But because of dilapidated infrastructure, the efit financially from processing country only produces about 1% more crude oil, and it could inof the world’s oil. crease the availability of diesel “Venezuela has enormous re- and jet fuel, said Kevin Book, serves,” said Claudio Galimberti, managing director of ClearView global market analysis director Energy Partners.

“There seem to be two objecand chief economist at Rystad Energy. “If you ask any oil company tives. The first is to overall lower around the world, go to their ex- energy prices by adding to global ploration team, their geologists, supply, and second is to produce and ask them where is oil going to more of the heavy, sour crude that come from in the 2030s and 2040s, is currently in short supply relatheir answer is a rather scary, ‘We tive to other grades,” Book said. don’t know.’ So there is going to be More Venezuelan crude wouldn’t a problem of finding oil in the next necessarily help U.S. oil producfew years.” ers, though, because having more In the short term, the global oil on the market can lower oil supply of oil exceeds demand, so prices, discouraging production increased production from Ven- and making it harder for those

companies to remain profitable.

Options for U.S. oil companies After Chavez nationalized hundreds of private businesses and foreign-owned assets in 2007, including oil projects run by Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips, international arbitration panels ordered Venezuela to repay billions of dollars to both companies, but the debts have yet to be collected.

In theory, if sanctions were lifted and Venezuela was under new leadership, major oil companies could invest in infrastructure and profit from the sale of oil.

Trump said he thinks Venezuela’s decimated oil industry could be rebuilt in less than 18 months with U.S. support. He envisions major oil companies returning to Venezuela to make those investments and profit from its oil industry.

But given the unrest and decades of badly damaged infrastructure, it’s unlikely to top the list of places oil companies would choose to invest, experts said.

Companies also need assurance that assets won’t be taken again by a future government, said Daniel Sternoff, senior fellow at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy.

“You need to start with basic political stability before you’re going to have companies that are

interested in making those kinds of investments,” Sternoff said.

“We have more questions than answers over what the government of Venezuela will be.”

A ConocoPhillips spokesman said the company is monitoring developments in Venezuela and their potential implications for global energy supply and stability.

Exxon Mobil did not respond to a request for comment.

Production hurdles Infrastructure and equipment that the oil industry needs to maintain and increase production has been damaged in recent years.

“There was a lot of chaos and looting, and so therefore there’s a tremendous amount of damage to the surface equipment for producing oil all around the country,” said Amy Myers Jaffe, director of the Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab at New York University.

Rystad Energy estimates it would take $54 billion of oil and gas investment over the next 15 years to keep Venezuela’s oil production flat at around 1.1 million barrels per day, and that with additional investment over two to three years an additional 300,000 barrels per day could be added. Going beyond 1.4 million barrels per day would require an additional $8 billion to $9 billion per year, the group said.

Venezuela’s military buries soldiers killed in U.S. operation

BY REGINA GARCIA CANO Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MATIAS DELACROIX

A military officer comforts Ramona Palma, the mother of Venezuelan soldier Cesar Garcia, who was killed in a U.S. raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, after Garcia’s wake Wednesday in Caracas, Venezuela.

CARACAS,Venezuela — Venezuela’s military held a funeral in the capital Wednesday for some of the dozens of soldiers killed during the U.S. operation that captured then-President Nicolás Maduro.

Music from a military orchestra echoed over the cemetery as family members and soldiers marched behind a row of caskets. Men carried the wooden caskets cloaked in the Venezuelan flag past rows of uniformed officers.

“Thank you for letting them embrace a military career,” a military commander, Rafael Murillo, said to families surrounding him at the cemetery on the city’s south side.

The men were honored with a gun salute as the caskets were lowered into

the ground and their loved ones wailed.

Armed National Guard members patrolled parts of the cemetery for hours before and during the ceremony that followed an emotional wake.

The funeral came a day after acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a seven-day mourning period for the fallen officers.

Venezuela’s military has said at least 24 Venezuelan officers were killed in Saturday’s dead-of-night U.S. military operation to capture Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores and spirit them to New York to face drug charges. Maduro and Flores each pleaded not guilty to the charges in a U.S. court Monday.

Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said Wednesday on state television that at least 100 people were killed and a similar number injured

during the U.S. operation. He did not provide a breakdown of civilians and members of the armed forces as well as nationalities.

Cuba has said 32 Cuban military and police officers working in Venezuela were killed in the U.S. operation.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab said prosecutors would investigate the deaths in what he described as a war crime.

“Their spilled blood does not cry out for vengeance, but for justice and strength,” the Venezuelan military wrote in an Instagram post Monday.

“It reaffirms our unwavering oath not to rest until we rescue our legitimate President, completely dismantle the terrorist groups operating from abroad, and ensure that events such as these never again sully our sovereign soil.”

loses $160M for delaying House takes step Reiner’s lawyer quits Calif. revocation of 17,000 CDLs toward extending ACA subsidies

BY JAMES QUEALLY and RICHARD WINTON Los Angeles Times (TNS)

BY KEVIN FREKING and LISA MASCARO Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Overpowering Speaker Mike Johnson, a bipartisan coalition in the House voted Wednesday to push forward a measure that would revive an enhanced pandemic-era subsidy that lowered health insurance costs for roughly 22 million people, but that had expired last month.

The tally of 221-205 was a key test before passage of the bill, which is expected Thursday. And it came about because four GOP centrist lawmakers joined with Democrats in signing a so-called discharge petition to force the vote. After last year’s government shutdown failed to resolve the issue, they said doing nothing was not an option as many of their constituents faced soaring health insurance premiums beginning this month.

Nine Republicans joined Dem- Johnson ocrats to advance the measure.

If ultimately successful in the House this week, the voting would show there is bipartisan support for a proposed three-year extension of the tax credits that are available for those who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The action of forcing a vote has been an affront to Johnson and GOP leaders, who essentially lost control of their House majority as the renegade lawmakers joined Democrats for the workaround.

But the Senate is under no

requirement to take up the bill.

Instead, a small group of members from both parties is working on an alternative plan that could find support in both chambers and become law. One proposal would be to shorten the extension of the subsidy to two years and make changes to the program.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said any plan passing muster in the Senate will need to have income limits to ensure that it’s focused on those who most need the help and that beneficiaries would have to at least pay a nominal amount for their coverage.

That way, he said, “insurance companies can’t game the system and auto-enroll people.” Finally, Thune said there would need to be some expansion of health savings accounts, which allow people to save money and withdraw it tax-free as long as the money is spent on qualified medical expenses.

It’s unclear whether the negotiations will yield a bill that the Senate will take up.

Democrats are making clear that the higher health insurance costs many Americans are facing will be a political centerpiece of their efforts to retake the majority in the House and Senate in the fall elections.

Johnson, R-Benton, had discussed allowing more politically vulnerable GOP lawmakers a chance to vote on bills that would temporarily extend the subsidies while also adding changes such as income caps for beneficiaries. But after days of discussions, the leadership sided with the more conservative wing of the party’s conference, which has assailed the subsidies as propping up a failed program.

LOS ANGELES — Famed defense attorney Alan Jackson stepped down Wednesday as counsel for Nick Reiner, who is awaiting trial in the murder of his parents, beloved Hollywood couple Rob and Michele Reiner.

“We feel that we have no choice at this juncture, but to ask to be relieved,” Jackson told L.A. County Superior Court Judge Theresa McGonigle.

The Los Angeles County public defender’s office stepped in to represent Reiner on two counts of murder in the December stabbing deaths of his parents inside their Brentwood home.

Reiner’s arraignment was postponed until Feb. 23 based on the change of counsel. His new attorney is Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene.

The brief hearing played out before a packed courtroom filled by a crush of media and members of the public who came to observe Reiner’s second appearance in court.

Authorities allege Reiner fatally stabbed his 78-year-old father and 70-year-old mother sometime in the early morning hours at their Brentwood home on Dec. 14. Their bodies were discovered in the master bedroom by their daughter roughly 12 hours later, and Nick Reiner was arrested that night

by Los Angeles police.

Nick Reiner’s struggles with mental health and addiction issues are long documented. He has spoken on podcasts about hard drug use and destroying his parents’ guest house while “totally spun out on uppers.” He was living in the guest house at the time of the murders.

Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor

who is not involved in the Reiner case, said following the change of counsel from Jackson on Wednesday: “Either Nick can’t pay him or they disagreed on strategy. It would be a seven-figure retainer and he doesn’t have the money. If so, why would he be living in his parents’ guest house?”

Michael Goldstein, another prominent L.A. defense attorney, said: “It would be unfair to try and figure out what happened here but it is entirely possible a conflict arose between the client and Jackson.”

Police have not disclosed a motive in the killings, though family friends told the Times that Rob and Nick Reiner got into an argument at a holiday party at the home of talk show host Conan O’Brien hours before the attack.

BY JOSH FUNK

AP transportation writer

California will lose an additional $160 million for delaying the revocations of 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants, federal transportation officials announced Wednesday.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy already withheld $40 million in federal funding because he said California isn’t enforcing English proficiency requirements for truckers.

The state notified these drivers in the fall that they would lose their licenses after a federal audit found problems that included licenses for truckers and bus drivers that remained valid long after an immigrant’s visa expired. More than onequarter of the small sample of California licenses that investigators reviewed

were unlawful.

But then last week California said it would delay those revocations until March after immigrant groups sued the state because of concerns that some groups were being unfairly targeted. Duffy said the state was supposed to revoke those licenses by Monday.

The federal government began cracking down during the summer. A truck driver who was not authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people in August.

Trucking trade groups have praised the effort to get unqualified drivers who shouldn’t have licenses or can’t speak English off the road. They also applauded the Transportation Department’s moves to go after questionable commercial driver’s license schools.

Was Scenic Highway ever scenic?

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ 5A

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ICE

with different vantage points and posted to social media show an officer approaching an SUV stopped across the middle of the road, demanding the driver open the door and grabbing the handle. The Honda Pilot begins to pull forward and a different ICE officer standing in front of the vehicle pulls his weapon and immediately fires at least two shots into the vehicle at close range, jumping back as the vehicle moves toward him.

It was not clear from the videos if the vehicle made contact with the officer. The SUV then sped into two cars parked on a curb nearby before crashing to a stop. Witnesses screamed obscenities, expressing shock at what they’d seen. After the shooting, emergency medical technicians tried to administer aid to the woman.

“She was driving away and they killed her,” said resident Lynette

Reini-Grandell, who was outdoors recording video on her phone.

The shooting marked a dramatic escalation of the latest in a series of immigration enforcement operations in major cities under the Trump administration. The death of the Minneapolis driver, whose name wasn’t immediately released, was at least the fifth linked to immigration crackdowns.

The Twin Cities have been on edge since DHS announced Tuesday that it had launched the operation, which is at least partly tied to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents. Noem confirmed Wednesday that DHS had deployed more than 2,000 officers to the area and said they had already made “hundreds and hundreds” of arrests.

A large throng of protesters gathered at the scene after the shooting, where they vented their

anger at the local and federal officers who were there, including Gregory Bovino, a senior U.S. Customs and Border Patrol official who has been the face of crackdowns in Los Angeles, Chicago and elsewhere.

In a scene that hearkened back to the Los Angeles and Chicago crackdowns, bystanders heckled the officers, chanting “Shame!

Shame! Shame!” and “ICE out of Minnesota,” and blew whistles that have become ubiquitous during the operations.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he’s prepared to deploy the National Guard if necessary. He said a family member of the driver was there to witness the killing, which he described as “predictable” and “avoidable.” He also said like many, he was outraged by the shooting, but he called on people to keep protests peaceful.

“They want a show. We can’t give it to them. We cannot,” the governor said during a news conference.

“If you protest and express your First Amendment rights, please do so peacefully, as you always do. We can’t give them what they want.”

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara briefly described the shooting to reporters but, unlike federal officials, gave no indication that the driver was trying to harm anyone.

“This woman was in her vehicle and was blocking the roadway on Portland Avenue. ... At some point a federal law enforcement officer approached her on foot and the vehicle began to drive off,” the chief said. “At least two shots were fired.

The vehicle then crashed on the side of the roadway.”

There were calls on social media to prosecute the officer who shot the driver. Commissioner Bob Jacobson of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety said state authorities would investigate the shooting with federal authorities.

“Keep in mind that this is an investigation that is also in its infancy. So any speculation about what has happened would be just that,” Jacobson told reporters.

The shooting happened in the district of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, who called it “state violence,” not law enforcement.

For nearly a year, migrant rights advocates and neighborhood activists across the Twin Cities have been preparing to mobilize in the event of an immigration enforcement surge. From houses of worship to mobile home parks, they have set up very active online networks, scanned license plates for possible federal vehicles and bought whistles and other noisemaking devices to alert neighborhoods of any enforcement presence.

Should it be approved, it would come before voters on July 27.

“The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is pleased to present a new, stand-alone proposition at a lower millage of 9.5 to our community,” Library Director Katrina Stokes said. “We examined the fresh information as it became available to us, we studied the statistical data we carefully collected over time, and we listened to you, our community

stakeholders. With this millage, EBRPL will continue to provide the excellent services our community deserves, while fully funding the Capital Improvements Plan, which protects the public’s investment.”

Library officials highlighted that under the new proposal, all of the system’s capital improvement projects, including renovations and expansions to the Scotlandville and Baker libraries, will re-

main fully funded.

Those projects would have been scaled back under the lower 8.3 millage the library would have received had Thrive passed.

But capital improvements, along with some regular library operations, would also be put in jeopardy if the new 9.5-mill vote in July fails, Stein said.

After the system’s last tax millage expired at the end of 2025, and with no new millage being set

up as part of Thrive, the system has been operating off reserve funds.

Stein said those funds will carry the system through 2026, albeit with some budgeting, but that the failure of this new tax proposal would strand the system without income for both 2026 and 2027.

The Mayor’s Office did not respond for requests for comment Wednesday afternoon.

Continued from page 1A run them over and rammed them with her vehicle. An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively, shot, to protect himself and the people around him.”

In a social media post, President Donald Trump made similar accusations against the woman and defended ICE’s work.

Hours later, at an evening news conference in Minnesota, Noem didn’t back down, claiming the woman was part of a “mob of agitators.” She said the veteran officer who fired his gun had been rammed and dragged by an antiICE motorist in June.

“Any loss of life is a tragedy, and I think all of us can agree that in this situation, it was preventable,” Noem said, adding that the FBI would investigate.

But Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey blasted Noem’s version of what happened as “garbage” and criticized the federal deployment of more than 2,000 officers to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul as part of the immigration crackdown.

“What they are doing is not to provide safety in America. What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust,” Frey said, calling on the immigration agents to leave. “They’re ripping families apart. They’re sowing chaos on our streets, and in this case, quite literally killing people.”

“They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense.

Having seen the video myself, I wanna tell everybody directly, that is bull****,” the mayor said.

Frey said he had a message for ICE: “Get the f*** out of Minneapolis.”

Videos taken by bystanders

LIBRARY

Continued from page 1A library director. “When they paid their property taxes last week, they paid 9.89. So we’re asking for less.”

The proposed tax will be presented to the Metro Council on Jan. 14, with public comment opening at the Feb. 11 meeting.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By TOM BAKER

Protesters gather near the scene of Wednesday’s shooting.

BLIGHT

Continued from page 1A Metro Council Pro Tempore Brandon Noel argues that the city-parish plan of government — which was written in 1974 — designates the Metro Council as the authority to handle blighted property, as does the city of Baton Rouge’s charter.

“And state law cannot override that,” he said.

He said that concern was communicated to the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership — then known as the Baton Rouge Area Chamber — during the legislative session.

“There were conversations with individuals from BRAC during session specifically about this, and it seems to possibly have fallen on deaf ears,” Noel said.

But Melancon contends that local elected officials — including Edwards’ team — were part of the negotiations over the bill.

“This legislation was developed in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and his team, who lobbied for it and advocated for it through the process,” Melancon said.

“They know about it.”

Edwards’ office, which organized the trip to Detroit, declined to comment.

Noel’s council colleague, Jen Racca — who joined Edwards in Detroit this week — went a step further and called the law “unconstitutional” and in conflict with the plan of government.

“We’re in Detroit to study tested condemnation practices that protect due process and property rights, while also expediting progress — not to merely adopt a statute without a clear plan,” she said, in reference to the law the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership helped get passed last year.

Racca added that she was “concerned that the partnership went to the media” instead of engaging with the council on the issue first.

“Ms. Melancon’s comments are alarming and

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East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council member Jen Racca, center, and members of Mayor-President Sid Edwards’ administration observe a Detroit City Council meeting on Tuesday. hopefully not reflective of the sentiment of her entire board of directors,” Racca said.

Edwards’ office and Racca have said the Detroit trip has highlighted Baton Rouge’s shortcomings in blight remediation. But Melancon said the Motor City’s methods shouldn’t be new.

She said Edwards’ team was supportive of the new law as lawmakers crafted it, and early in his tenure, her organization was optimistic about the opportunity to tackle blight with the new administration.

“We were really excited when the mayor was elected. He said, ‘Blight, homelessness, crime, those are my top three priorities,’ ” Melancon said. “And I’m like, ‘Boom, we’re aligned.

Let’s play.’ ” When Edwards took office and his transition team put together a report, the partnership helped craft a report that researched nationwide best practices for blight — and cited Detroit several times.

“From the very, very beginning, we looked at best practices from around the country, and we did a lot of work looking at Detroit in particular,” she said. “Detroit is cited three times in the transition report, which

was delivered to the mayor before April 1.”

Parish leaders are trying to figure out how to speed up the process of demolishing or obtaining and rehabilitating derelict properties.

In Detroit, the decision for the city to take control of a property does not lie with any elected official but rather the city’s blight court or its land bank authority. Edwards’ team has praised the speed with which that system allows the city to move.

Melancon said the new law helps to better align Baton Rouge with Detroit’s process by reducing the council’s authority on the issue.

Regardless of what happened at the State Capitol, others argue a change at the local level is what is needed.

“I don’t have a problem with the premise of the legislation, but I think a plan of government change needs to occur for that to be possible,” Noel said.

Melancon clarified her group’s position Wednesday morning, saying it remains open to additional changes.

“We want meaningful progress and a workable solution that empowers the resources and tools we have in the parish,” she said in a text. “If the legislation is not perfect, let’s amend it or work on a local ordinance.”

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

DOW 48,996.08 -466.00 -0.94%

NASDAQ 23,584.28 37.10 0.16%

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Wall Street’s strong start to the year slows

NEW YORK — Wall Street’s strong start to the year slowed on Wednesday.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% from its latest all-time high for its first loss in four days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 466 points, or 0.9%, from its own record set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.2%.

Some of the market’s sharpest drops hit industries that President Donald Trump targeted with criticism on his social media network. Homebuilders fell sharply, for example, after Trump suggested moves to prevent large institutional investors from buying single-family homes, in hopes of making it more affordable for people to buy houses.

The potential removal from the market of some buyers for homes sent D.R. Horton down 3.6% and PulteGroup 3.2% lower. Blackstone, a large investment company, briefly fell more than 9%, before paring its loss to 5.6%.

In the oil market, crude prices fell after Trump said that Venezuela would provide 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude dropped 2% to $55.99. Brent crude, the international standard, fell a more modest 1.2% to settle at $59.96 per barrel.

In the bond market, Treasury yields swung following several mixed reports on the U.S. economy.

S&P 500 6,920.93 -23.89 -0.34%

EURO 1.1673 -0.0003 -0.02%

CRUDE OIL 55.99 -1.14 -2.00%

GOLD 4,449.30 -32.90 -0.73%

6-MO T-BILLS 3.59 0.0 0.0%

30-YR T-BONDS 4.83 -0.03 -0.51%

Job openings slide lower again

Department said Wednes- remained solid in the final three ing, restaurants and hotels, and in Postings at second Labor state and local government. They day, down from 7.4 million in Oc- months of 2025.

A key question for this year rose in retail and construction. tober. Layoffs also dropped, howlowest level in 5 years ever, The number of Americans who as companies appear to be is whether hiring will pickup to onto workers even as they match healthy growth, or whether quit their jobs ticked higher in amid sluggish hiring holding sluggish job gains will eventually November, which is seen as a are reluctant to add staff.

BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP economics writer

WASHINGTON — U.S. employers posted far fewer jobs in November than the previous month, a sign that employers aren’t yet ramping up hiring even as growth has picked up.

Businesses and government agencies posted 7.1 million open jobs at the end of November, the

The report suggests that the “low-hire, low-fire” job market remains in effect, with workers enjoying some job security but those out of work struggling to find new jobs. The moribund labor market stands in contrast with data showing solid economic growth, which topped 4% at an annual rate in last year’s July-September quarter, the latest data available. Economists forecast growth slowed but

drag down the economy. There is a third possibility: Automation and artificial intelligence could enable steady economic growth without creating many jobs.

The number of postings in November was the fewest since September 2024. But outside that month, it was the lowest in nearly five years.

Open jobs in November fell sharply in shipping and warehous-

good sign, because workers typically quit when they are more confident they can find a better job, or already have one. Yet quits remained historically low, at 3.16 million, up from just under 3 million in October.

The figures provide some critical measures of the job market after last fall’s government shutdown delayed the release of data on hiring and inflation.

Warner Bros. rejects Paramount takeover NEW YORK — Warner Bros. again rejected a takeover bid from Paramount and told shareholders Wednesday to stick with a rival offer from Netflix.

Warner’s leadership has repeatedly rebuffed Skydanceowned Paramount’s overtures — and urged shareholders just weeks ago to back the sale of its streaming and studio business to Netflix for $72 billion. Paramount, meanwhile, has made efforts to sweeten its $77.9 billion hostile offer for the entire company.

Warner Bros. Discovery said Wednesday that its board determined Paramount’s offer is not in the best interests of the company or its shareholders. It again recommended shareholders support the Netflix deal.

Late last month, Paramount announced an “irrevocable personal guarantee” from Oracle founder Larry Ellison — who is the father of Paramount CEO David Ellison — to back $40.4 billion in equity financing for the company’s offer.

Paramount also increased its promised payout to shareholders to $5.8 billion if the deal is blocked by regulators, matching Netflix’s breakup fee.

GameStop details CEO’s compensation GameStop is providing details on a new compensation package for CEO Ryan Cohen that is dependent on him meeting certain “significant” performance targets.

The video game retailer said in a regulatory filing on Wednesday that Cohen would have to grow its market capitalization to $100 billion and it would need to hit $10 billion in cumulative performance EBITDA — or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization — for his award to fully vest.

GameStop said Cohen won’t receive any guaranteed pay, which it defines as no salary, no cash bonuses, and no stock that simply vests over time.

“His compensation is entirely ‘at-risk,’ meaning he will only be paid if the company achieves significant market and operational goals,” GameStop said in the filing.

Cohen’s compensation package with GameStop includes stock options to buy more than 171.5 million common shares for $20.66 each. Shareholders must approve the new pay package at a special meeting in March or April.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By Ty ONEILL

A Razer AI Desk Companion sits on display Tuesday at the Razer booth during the CES tech show in Las Vegas.

CES Day 2 brings more cool tech

BY SHAWN CHEN and RIO YAMAT Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Crowds flooded the freshly opened showroom floors on Day 2 of the CES and were met by thousands of robots, AI companions, assistants, health longevity tech, wearables and more.

Siemens President and CEO Roland Busch kicked off the day with a keynote detailing how its customers are harnessing artificial intelligence to transform their businesses.

He was joined onstage by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to announce an expanded partnership, saying they are launching a new AIdriven industrial revolution to reinvent all aspects of manufacturing, production and supply chain management.

Lenovo ended the day with a guest starrich visual banquet dedicated to spotlighting how its AI platforms can help people personally (wearables), with their businesses (enterprise platforms) and the world around them. To strike home his points, its CEO Yang Yuanqing was joined by tech superstars like Nvidia’s Huang, AMD CEO Lisa Su and Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan. The CES is a huge opportunity annually for companies large and small to parade products they plan to put on shelves this year.

Here are the highlights from Day 2:

n Razer leans into AI: Gaming tech company Razer is well known for bringing buzz-worthy hardware to CES, like haptic, or tactile, seat cushions and tri-screen laptops.

This year, it’s reaching beyond its standard gaming base and demonstrating two AIpowered prototypes — an over-ear gaming headset that doubles as a general-purpose assistant, and an AI desk companion that can provide gaming advice and also organize a user’s life.

The holographic companion, based on a Razor on-screen AI assistant launched last year (Project Ava), has transitioned off-screen into a small glass tube that sits near your computer. The animated sprite has built-in speakers and a camera so it can see the world around it.

Both devices are AI agnostic, so you can use your preferred model. Although still in development, Razer said it expects both to be released commercially later this year. n Robots on the tarmac: Imagine your plane lands and, when you look out the window you see autonomous robots guiding it to the gate and then unloading the luggage. Oshkosh Corporation is pitching that future for airports big and small.

At CES, it debuted a fleet of autonomous airport robots designed to help airlines pull off what it calls “the perfect turn” — a tightly timed process that happens after a plane lands, including fueling, cleaning, handling cargo

and getting passengers off and back on.

For travelers, CEO John Pfeifer said the goal is fewer delays without compromising safety. The technology is also designed to keep those tarmac tasks moving even during severe weather, like winter storms or extreme heat, when conditions are daunting for human crews, Pfeifer said. Testing with major airlines is already underway, and the robots would likely debut at large hub airports like Atlanta or Dallas, with a goal of rolling them out over the next few years. n The vacuum that can climb stairs: Chinese robovac maker Roborock has introduced a vacuum that literally sprouts chicken-like legs to navigate stairs and clean steps along the way.

The newly introduced Saros Rover was a tad slow in its ascent and descent (but it was cleaning each step) during the demo, but Roborock says it will be able to traverse almost any style of stairwell, including spiraled. No release date was given for the Rover. n The Body Scan scale gets an upgrade: While it may look like a typical scale you’d buy for your bathroom, Withings’ new Body Scan 2 measures much more than weight. Taking off their shoes and socks, people lined up to try out the “smart scale” that in 90 seconds measures 60 different biomarkers.

The $600 scale will be available for purchase in the spring.

Trump wants to ban large investors from buying houses

BY JOSH BOAK Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he wants to block large institutional investors from buying houses, saying that a ban would make it easier for younger families to buy their first homes.

Trump — who has been under pressure to address voters’ concerns about affordability ahead of November midterm elections — is tapping into long-standing fears that corporate ownership of homes has pushed out traditional buyers, forcing more people to rent. But his plan does little to address the overarching challenges

for the housing market: a national shortage of home construction and prices that have climbed faster than incomes.

“People live in homes, not corporations,” Trump said in a social media post as he called on Congress to codify his ban.

Last month, Trump pledged in a prime-time address that he would roll out “some of the most aggressive housing reform plans in American history” this year. The president said he would discuss housing and affordability in more detail in two weeks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, an event known for attracting CEOs, wealthy financiers and academics with a global focus

who often run contrary to Trump’s populist rhetoric.

The president has in the past floated extending the 30-year mortgage to 50 years in order to lower monthly payments, an idea that has been criticized because it would reduce people’s ability to create housing equity and increase their own wealth.

With Trump’s proposed ban, the challenge is that institutional investors are only a tiny sliver of homebuyers, accounting for just 1% of total single-family housing stock, according to an August analysis by researchers at the American Enterprise Institute, a center-right think tank based in Washington. The analysis defined

these investors as owning 100 or more properties.

The analysis notes that institutional ownership varies nationwide, reaching 4.2% in Atlanta, 2.6% in Dallas and 2.2% in Houston. But these investors tend not to dominate neighborhoods, even if they’re generally more concentrated in lower- and middle-income communities.

Some Democrats have called for crackdowns on corporate ownership of homes, but Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., told reporters Wednesday that the Trump administration could cause housing prices to rise by allowing the real estate companies Compass and Anywhere to merge.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ 7A

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8A ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

Baton Rouge Weather TODAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Breezy, Scattered Showers - 50%

Stormy - 90%

Spotty Showers - 20%

Cooler, Lingering Clouds

High Clouds, Cool

Chilly Morning

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

LOW

79° 66°

LOW

76° 60°

LOW

65° 42°

LOW

57° 33°

ALMANAC

LOW

56° 34°

LOW

57° 40°

TEMPERATURE

78°/63° 62°/41° 84° in 1946 19° in 2014

PRECIPITATION

THE NATION

Longview 77/64

TODAY

MODERATE

GOOD

READING 56 MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

RIVER STAGES FLOOD STAGE 24-HOUR STAGE CHANGE Memphis 34 -2.50 -0.12 Vidalia-Natchez 48 14.90 +0.27 Red River Landing 48 17.80 +0.30 Baton Rouge 35 6.30 +0.20 Donaldsonville 27 3.80 -0.20 Reserve 22 2.21 +0.02 New Orleans 17 2.60 -0.09 MISSISSIPPI

OHIO 40

11.54

-1.41

19

-1.43

none

18 29 8

-0.99 10.08 1.66

none -0.01 +0.02

13 15

2.68 0.78

+0.01 -0.02

47 34 29 20 12 6

6.08 3.95 3.71 2.81 2.50 1.71

+0.20 +0.08 -0.06 +0.14 +0.10 -0.38

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 78/67 Hattiesburg 77/68

Alexandria 79/67

Many 77/65

AIR QUALITY YESTERDAY

-10

Monroe 77/67

Shreveport 78/67

24 hours through 5 p.m. Wed. 0.00” Month to date (normal) Trace (1.42”) year to date (normal) Trace (1.42”)

Cairo

Any fog and low clouds will break up for a few peeks of sunshine as highs head for the upper 70s and low 80s. Winds will be more noticeable on Thursday afternoon with sustained south breezes of 10-20 mph and a few higher gusts. A few showers will even be possible as even muggier air moves inland from the Gulf. This will signal the arrival of our next storm system. A cold front will start to make its presence felt by Thursday night. Clouds will thicken with increasing showers and winds. While we’ll see off-and-on showers and thunderstorms during the morning and afternoon on Friday, our main concern will be Friday evening. The atmosphere will be primed for stronger thunderstorms, especially for areas north and west of Baton Rouge.

AROUND THE REGION

BATON ROUGE THROUGH 5 P.M. WEDNESDAy

High/low Normal high/low Record high Record low

Weather News by Chief Meteorologist Dr. Josh Eachus

Baton Rouge 79/66

Lafayette 79/69

Beaumont 80/67

New Orleans 79/68

Lake Charles 78/66

Port Arthur 78/67

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

Houma 80/70

Forecasts and graphics, except WBRZ forecasts, provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2026

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

TIDES HIGH

FT.

Lake Pontchartrain (Tchefuncte River) 10:27a 0.2 Shell Beach 5:13a 0.7 South Point, Marsh Island 6:55a 0.8 Cypremort Point 8:46a 0.4 Grand Isle (Barataria Pass) 12:08a 0.4 Mississippi River (Southwest Pass) 7:41p 0.3 Wine Island 1:16a 0.5

LOW

FT.

SUN AND MOON Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

HIGH

8:41p 0.0 1:55p 0.0 12:57a 0.6 4:50a 0.3 10:07a 0.0 8:07a 0.0 11:09a 0.0

FT.

LOW

----9:31p 0.5 8:38p 1.0 10:41p 0.7 7:33p 0.2 ----8:41p 0.2

FT.

--------11:48a 0.0 3:34p 0.0 -------------

TODAY City

Austin Boston Dallas Fairbanks Honolulu Houston Las Vegas Louisville Miami Minneapolis

Hi

Lo W

80 60 c 46 30 s 80 51 sh -33 -42 pc 82 65 s 80 70 sh 56 37 pc 68 63 c 82 70 s 35 23 r

FRIDAY Hi

73 45 t 46 41 r 71 40 pc -13 -20 pc 83 68 pc 79 53 t 53 35 s 69 52 r 82 71 s 31 22 c

SOLUNAR TABLE

7:03 a.m.

5:20 p.m.

11:03 p.m.

10:35 a.m.

LAST

NEW

FIRST

FULL

JAN 10

JAN 18

JAN 25

FEB 1

MAJOR

3:18a 4:04a 4:46a 5:27a 6:08a 6:50a 7:33a

MINOR

9:29a 10:14a 10:57a 11:38a 12:19p 12:38a 1:20a

MAJOR

TODAY City

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

Lo W

Hi

Lo W

71 79 81 54 59 52 63 66 65 80

65 c 68 pc 61 pc 36 pc 41 sh 47 pc 48 pc 47 r 44 s 65 pc

71 77 82 58 61 64 71 55 66 80

60 t 66 t 61 pc 50 r 41 s 41 r 61 c 39 c 44 s 64 s

MINOR

3:39p 9:50p 4:24p 10:35p 5:07p 11:17p 5:49p ---6:31p ---7:13p 1:02p 7:57p 1:45p

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

38 84 58 27 39 79 40 35 85 66 66

33 c 65 s 50 pc 20 pc 35 r 59 pc 33 sn 33 c 64 s 54 s 49 pc

39 83 62 25 42 68 39 43 86 66 51

31 sn 66 pc 45 pc 16 sn 32 sn 55 pc 31 s 33 r 62 s 57 pc 46 r

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

72 44 45 75 36 21 59 49 50 32 52

43 s 35 i 40 c 45 pc 29 pc 11 c 42 pc 42 r 40 pc 21 c 37 s

74 41 53 75 42 12 61 45 60 26 50

55 pc 34 c 37 pc 45 pc 26 r 12 sn 43 pc 36 r 45 c 12 pc 37 s

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

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FRIDAY

Hi

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.

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Lo W

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T h u r s d ay, J a n u a ry 8, 2026

1Bn

Medical debt erased for 17,000 Baton Rouge-area residents to receive notices

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer

This week, 17,000 Baton Rougearea residents will receive notices that some or all of their outstanding medical debt has been erased.

The debt relief program, which has purchased and abolished nearly $22 million in medical debt for

local families, comes from two local organizations, the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation and Capital Area United Way, as well as national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.

Residents whose debt has been abolished will receive a letter from Undue Medical Debt. Eligibility for debt relief includes residency

in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. James, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes.

“Nearly one in five Capital Area residents is living in poor or fair health, yet too many are still forced to delay or skip care because of real or perceived financial

barriers,” said Tristi Charpentier, vice president of people-centered initiatives at the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation, in a news release Wednesday.

Residents picked for the onetime debt relief must have an income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, just over $100,000 for a family of three, or have medical debt that equals 5% of their income or more, the release said.

David Beach, president and CEO of the foundation, said a study by the Louisiana Public Health Institute found that one of the main barriers to care is fear of medical debt.

“One of the major initiatives of our foundation is to increase medical care utilization. We realize that one of the No. 1 causes of bankruptcy is an unexpected medical

ä See DEBT, page 2B

CAULK IT UP TO EXPERIENCE

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Ronny Mitchell hands Josh Young, center, a paper towel as the pair caulks the storefront window of Alford Safe & Lock Co. on Friday.

Third man arrested in Southern student’s death A third man has been arrested in the fatal shooting of a Southern University student during a break-in at his home in December, Baton Rouge police said Wednesday.

Michael Coleman Jr., 31, who was already in East Baton Rouge Parish CRIME on an unBLOTTER Prison related charge, staff now faces adreports ditional counts of first-degree murder, home invasion and armed robbery, police said.

The victim, Donavan Pugh, 21, died in the robbery at his home in the 7800 block of Scenic Highway shortly before 6 p.m. Dec. 9.

Pugh, of New Orleans, was a sophomore at Southern.

Previously arrested on the

ä See BLOTTER, page 2B

Edwards touts progress on campaign promises Mayor delivers first State of the City

La. to comply with request for registration information

BY IANNE SALVOSA Staff writer

Citing fewer homicides and progress in addressing blighted properties and homelessness, East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards said in his first State of the City address that he has made good on his campaign promises.

In a speech Wednesday at Drusilla Place, Edwards said he has “moved the needle” on some of the city-parish’s greatest challenges so far in the first year of a term marred by a failed tax proposal that left the city-parish with a $15.5 million deficit, resulting in budget cuts and layoffs. Upon his election to office in 2024, the former Istrouma High football coach vowed to focus on blight, homelessness and public safety during his tenure.

“This has been a year of living and learning, of decisions and reactions, of happiness and

State to give voter data to Justice Department

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

he was dismayed the initiative didn’t pass because of what it could have accomplished, in response to a question about the disappointments he mentioned during his term.

In December, Moody’s Investors Service, a financial

Louisiana is turning over detailed voter registration data to the U.S. Department of Justice, including voters’ full names, birthdays, home addresses, driver’s license numbers and the last four digits of Social Security numbers.

Dozens of other states have resisted requests from the Justice Department to share that information and are now facing federal lawsuits for refusing to do so.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry said Monday during a talk with the Baton Rouge Press Club that lawyers from her office reviewed the DOJ’s request and decided the law required Louisiana to comply.

ä See EDWARDS, page 2B

ä See VOTER, page 2B

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Mayor-President Sid Edwards gives his State of the City address during a Rotary Club meeting at Drusilla Place on Wednesday. sadness, of many successes and even a few disappointments,” he said.

During Edwards’ roughly 12-minute speech, he did not mention the Thrive EBR initiative by name but noted “tough” decisions he had to make following a “significant deficit.”

Following his speech, he said

2B ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

Rice Palace restaurant closing after 30 years Owners express gratitude to loyal customers

longtime customers.

According to a post published to the Rice Palace Facebook page on Dec. 31, owners Chee Chee and L.J. Gielen, of Crowley, have decided to close the popular roadside restaurant after 30 years

BY JOANNA BROWN in business. Located at 2015 N. Staff writer Cherokee Drive off Interstate 10 One Acadiana restaurant in Crowley, the Rice Palace Resstarted off the new year with taurant attracted diners from an announcement that stunned around the country with highly

rated Cajun food and a relaxed atmosphere with an attached casino, convenience store and trucker’s lounge.

The post said, “We thank you for supporting the Rice Palace Restaurant for the last 30 years. The decision to close the restaurant was not an easy one, but it was the right one. We are eager to see what the future holds. Chee Chee & L.J. Gielen.”

New Orleans zoo accepting Christmas light donations Funds being raised for African lion conservation

BY JOSIE ABUGOV Staff writer

If you have old or broken string lights cluttering your home after the holiday season, you can donate the decorations to the Audubon Zoo for a good cause on the other side of the world.

Every string of lights donated to Audubon will help raise funds for lion conservation efforts in Africa.

Those interested can bring their lights to the “Lights for Lions” donation box outside the front gates of the zoo until Jan 12. Audubon requests that people only drop off string lights and do not place bags or boxes in the bin.

The zoo will sell all donated lights to Southern Recycling, a local scrap metal yard in New Orleans, and send the proceeds to the Lion Recovery Fund, an organization in partnership with the Leonardo DiCaprio

Foundation that funds conservation projects in nearly two dozen African countries.

The recovery fund serves as a conduit between organizations like Audubon and field partners in Africa.

String lights contain metals that can be recycled, said Melissa Lee, an Audubon spokesperson. The zoo has recycled the lights to raise funds for the lions in recent years, Lee said.

“In addition to sending funds to help lions in the wild, these recycling efforts also keep these old unwanted lights out of landfills or being tossed out where other wildlife could get tangled in them,” she said. “So it’s a win-win.”

The donations for the initiative have been modest in the past. Andrew Haertzen, assistant curator of Africa at Audubon Zoo, said the initiative has generated up to $700 in recent years, but the zoo wants to increase the figure now that it has lion cubs.

Over the past 25 years, Africa has lost half its lions, the Lion Recovery Fund says, from threats such as

poaching, habitat loss, climate change and conflict with humans. The decline has led to the species being vulnerable to extinction, Haertzen noted, with less than 25,000 lions living in the wild.

The Lion Recovery Fund aims to double the number of lions in Africa to make up for the substantial losses.

The conservation fund will give Audubon options for specific projects to allocate donations.

One past project in Zimbabwe that Audubon donated to strives to improve coexistence between people and wildlife, such as providing tools to livestock herders that make goats and sheep less vulnerable to lion attacks.

“When we are looking for a project to donate to, there’s a major community aspect,” Haertzen said. “Will this money support people who are really facing the challenges of living around lions? Because we know that that’s where lion conservation is going to be most effective and most needed.”

According to the business, Rice Palace Restaurant gift cards can be redeemed inside the casino until 1 p.m. Friday.

One commenter, Alicia LeBlanc Morgan, wrote on the post: “Hate to hear this. We enjoyed every Sunday there with our family.

Owners, LJ & Chee Chee would always come up and ask if we were enjoying our food, and thanked us every time for going. A legend-

VOTER

Continued from page 1B “We, after a careful analysis, decided that we had to comply with it,” she said.

“We’re working with their IT folks to get it in the right format to share that with them.”

Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s civil rights division, which enforces federal voting-rights laws, sent Landry a letter in early September requesting a copy of Louisiana’s statewide voter registration list.

The voter data has to include each registrant’s full name, date of birth, residential address and driver’s license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number, the letter says.

The Secretary of State’s Office in late September responded with voter registration data that is already available to the public to purchase. That list included voters’ full names, home and mailing addresses and phone numbers as well as age, race, sex and party affiliation — but not any part of Social Security numbers or driver’s license numbers.

Landry said Monday Justice Department officials weren’t satisfied with the voter list containing publicly available information.

The office is preparing to

ary restaurant with owners that cared. It will truly be missed.”

The Gielen family are longtime Crowley business owners and were responsible for restoring The Grand Opera House, a historic attraction in Crowley’s downtown that once hosted celebrities like Babe Ruth and Clark Gable.

Email Joanna Brown at joanna. brown@theadvocate.com.

comply with the request “in short order,” a spokesperson for Landry said Monday.

Dhillon in her September letter said the Justice Department needs the voter data to determine if Louisiana is complying with federal requirements for proper maintenance of voter registration lists.

She cited three federal laws as grounds for collecting Louisiana voters’ personal information: the Civil Rights Act of 1960, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

Over the past several months, the Justice Department has been trying to collect detailed voter information from dozens of states across the country, with varied success.

Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee have agreed to “voluntarily provide their full registration lists,” according to a December news release from the Justice Department.

But dozens of other states and jurisdictions have pushed back on the request for detailed voter data, prompting the DOJ to file at least 22 lawsuits, according to that news release.

After the Justice Department sued Colorado last month, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, said, “We will not hand over Coloradans’ sensitive voting information to Donald

Trump. He does not have a legal right to the information.”

The federal law enforcement agency sued Georgia after that state provided only some voter data, though not all.

“Hardworking Georgians can rest easy knowing this data was shared strictly in accordance with state law that protect voters’ privacy,” Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, said in a statement.

In lawsuits, the Justice Department has argued the Civil Rights Act of 1960 gives the U.S. attorney “sweeping power” to request and review states’ voting registration records.

Some states are arguing providing sensitive voter data to the Justice Department violates privacy laws.

“The central issue in the Justice Department’s demands and lawsuits is what, if any, information federal voting laws require states to disclose to the federal government despite state laws designed to protect voters’ sensitive personal information,” explains a recent paper by Derek Clinger, senior counsel at the State Democracy Research Initiative at the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Based on existing court precedent, there is not a clear answer to this question, Clinger wrote.

ST. TAMMANY PARISH

Man accused of stealing from business BLOTTER

booked on numerous felony counts, including theft, A Folsom-area man has forgery, money laundering been arrested and accused and bank fraud, the Sherof embezzling more than iff’s Office said in a news $539,000 from his employ- release. He surrendered er, officials with the St. himself to authorities TuesTammany Parish Sheriff’s day, authorities said.

Office said Wednesday.

The Sheriff’s Office deFollowing a five-month clined to identify the busiinvestigation, Christopher ness, but said the owner Miguel Orlando, 42, was contacted authorities last

Staff report

EDWARDS

Continued from page 1B

services company that conducts credit ratings, rated the city-parish Aa2, the second-highest rating possible.

Edwards said the rating affirmed his confidence in the city-parish’s “strong” state.

East Baton Rouge Parish saw fewer than 100 homicides last year, the lowest number in recent years, bringing it back to pre-pandemic levels and on par with national declines. Overall crime was down 15%, according to the State of the City report.

To help stem crime rates, Edwards hired former Baton Rouge Police Chief Jeff LeDuff as director of public safety, a new role, and created the Office of Violence Prevention to streamline violence intervention programs in the first few months of his term.

The parish’s budget cuts, which slashed at least 11% from all departments, spared the police and fire departments to prioritize public safety, Edwards said.

DEBT

Continued from page 1B bill,” he said.

Beach also emphasized the importance of United Way’s 211 phone number, which shares resources and services for the community

August after discovering that around $300,000 was missing from the business’ accounts. Detectives determined that Orlando, an employee, had stolen $539,202 from the business.

The Sheriff’s Office did not detail how the money was stolen or what evidence led to Orlando’s arrest.

“Eighty people being murdered in our parish is not good, but it’s just better,” he said.

He said that over the past year, his administration was able to remove 97 people from homelessness with drug treatment and a program that reconnects individuals with their families and support services. He attributed the progress on addressing homelessness to his relationships with organizations like The Grove Medical, which provides rehabilitation and job services, and Keep Tiger Town Beautiful, which cleans areas around the parish.

Edwards just returned from a trip to Detroit, where his office aimed to learn about the city’s process to transform blighted properties. The trip that was met with ire from some Baton Rouge leaders who say the Metro Council is not taking advantage of a new law designed to hasten Baton Rouge’s existing process.

Edwards said his team tore down 204 blighted properties in 2025, four times the number torn down in the previous year. The increase

in demolitions coincided with a tenfold increase in spending on demolitions and twice the number of liens rolled to tax bills, according to the State of the City Report.

The report also states that Edwards’ administration increased the number of condemnations by the Metro Council, condemnation inspections, condemnation orders and court orders.

The Detroit city government used bond funding to demolish blighted properties and sell them to residents through the Detroit Land Bank Authority, which Edwards said he is interested in possibly emulating in Baton Rouge. By July 2025, the city had demolished 8,000 properties under the program.

“I’m going to get with our council, deal with the stakeholders in the Baton Rouge land bank for us to speed up the process,” he said.

Edwards said the parish is not where it needs to be but is in a better position than it was a year ago.

“I had a year to get my feet under me, and now I’m ready to run,” he said.

like the announced medical debt relief.

In the summer, Undue Medical Debt announced $214 million in medical debt relief for 165,000 Louisianans. Beach said this previous relief was separate from Wednesday’s announcement but that it had motivated them to get in-

volved.

Undue Medical Debt President and CEO Allison Sesso said in the release the initiative will provide both financial and emotional relief to the 17,000 residents and hopes “recipients feel encouraged to re-engage with the health care system without fear of the cost.”

Continued from page 1B same counts in the case were Quen’Braylon Dunn, 21, and Zion Buck 20.

Second arrest made in November death A second suspect has been arrested in the November shooting death of a Baton Rouge man, police said.

Christopher Andrews, 39, was captured with the help of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a count of second-degree murder, Baton Rouge police said in a news release.

The victim, Darrell McBride, 37, was found Nov. 14, beaten and shot, in the 2700 block of Lorraine Street. He was transported to a hospital, where he died from his gunshot injury, police said.

Another suspect, Ray-

Shortly after, troopers redrick Sterling, 39, previously arrested in the homicide, sponded to a single-vehicle also faces a count of second- crash on the same highway near Avants Road where degree murder. they found Nedd dead.

Nedd was traveling north when he failed to negotiate a right-hand curve, exited A 21-year-old man was the left side of the roadway killed early Wednesday and struck several trees, pomorning in a car crash on lice said.

La. 447 in Livingston Parish It is unknown if Nedd was after an earlier run-in with impaired at the time of the police. crash, but police will conLouisiana State Police duct standard toxicology troopers were called out samples for analysis. to the crash just after The crash remains under 12:30 a.m. near Avants investigation.

Road. The driver, Jowarski Nedd, of Walker, suffered fatal injuries and was proLOTTERY nounced dead on the scene, TUESDAY, JAN. 6, 2026 according to a news release from State Police.

PICK 3: 9-4-0 According to State Police, PICK 4: 6-3-7-5 Walker police attempted a PICK 5: 0-9-8-1-2 traffic stop on a white 2024 MEGA MILLIONS: Honda Accord on La. 447 at 9-39-47-58-68 U.S. 190. The driver, Nedd, refused to stop and fled MEGA BALL: 24 northbound on La. 447. PoUnofficial notification, keep your tickets. lice pursued him until they lost sight of the vehicle.

21-year-old driver killed in crash

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Funerals Today Armwood, Corneaka

Redwood Baptist Church at 11:30 am.

Badeaux, Elias

Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs, Louisiana at 12pm.

Bourque, Tammi

St. John the Evangelist, 15208 LA-73 in Prairieville, at 2 p.m.

Fritts, Tammy

Zoar Baptist Church, 11848 Hooper Rd, Baton Rouge, LA at 11am.

Jones, Augusta

Greater New Guide Baptist Church, 3445 Fairfields Ave, Baton Rouge, LA at 12pm.

Jones, John

Louisiana National Cemetery, 303 W. Mount Pleasant Road in Zachary, at 1 p.m.

Langlois, Stacie

Seale Funeral Home at 2pm.

Merchant, Brenda

Oak Lodge at 12pm.

Obituaries Bonfanti, Anthony Brent

Anthony Brent Bonfanti, born on December 14, 1948, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by his loving family. Anthony was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated from Baton Rouge High School. After high school, he went on to marry the love of his life and become a member of the United States Army. Once his time in the military was completed, he went on to become an operator for Exxon Chemical. Anthony was a member of the Krewe of Tucumcari Ding-a -Ling Dancers. He always enjoyed LSU football, Mardi Gras, crawfish boils, his grandchildren, gardening, and his beloved dogs. Anthony is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Frances "Teede" Bonfanti; daughters, Cherie Hubbard and husband, Darby, and Crystal Boemia and husband, Shawn; son, Erick Bonfanti and wife, Ashley; grandchildren, Keegan Boemia, Karley Boemia, Chase Bonfanti, Macy Bonfanti and Parker Bonfanti; as well as many beloved family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Lovelle Bonfanti; and half-brothers, Joe Bonfanti, Dominic Bonfanti, and Steve Bonfanti. Visitation will take place at Resthaven Funeral Home on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Visitation will continue at Resthaven Funeral Home on Monday, January 12, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM until services at 10:00 AM. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Baton Rouge General ICU. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonroug e.com.

Bonvillian Sr., Christopher Mark 'Kit'

Christopher Mark Bonvillian, Sr. "Kit" passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the age of 72. Kit was a native of Baton Rouge, LA, and a graduate from Istrouma High School class of 1971.

After graduating, he attended Tulane University, where he played Division I college football for four years. A lifelong lover of sports and coaching, Kit earned a degree in Kinesiology and planned to pursue a career in football coaching; however, God led him in a different direction. He took a summer job in construction and never left the industry. In 1981, he co-founded the highly successful company, Iberville Insulations, Inc. Kit deeply loved his employees and truly believed in them. Above all, Kit was a devoted family man who gave generously of his time to his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and

grandsons. On weekends, he could often be found at his grandsons' sporting events or working on his property. Kit was also a faithful member of Grace Presbyterian Church, where he served for many years as an Elder and Sunday School teacher. Kit's faith in his Lord Jesus Christ was unshakable. Kit is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gerri; son, Chris Bonvillian, Jr. (Hayley); grandsons, Drew and Eli; brothers, John Howard (Patty), Tim, and Will (Kathy); sister-in-law, Judy McVea (Robert); and a host of other loving family members and friends. Kit is preceded in death by his parents, William "Plug" and Marjorie Bonvillian; sisters, Kristyn Bonvillian, Sandra Comeaux, and Infant Mary Dale Bonvillian; sister-in-law, Clara Bonvillian; and brother-in-law, Aubrey Comeaux. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Kim Patterson, Shirley Washington, and Frank and Lasandra Coleman for their compassion and dedication, as well as to the staff at The Carpenter House for their kindness, comfort, and support during this time. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9am until the time of funeral services at 11am, celebrated by Rev. Brad McVea and Pastor Jim Gorski.

Burial will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Donations may be made in Kit's name to the Alzheimer's Association at www.donorservices.alz.org Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.greeno aksfunerals.com

Browning, Jeanne Clair Horsfall 'Maeme'

Jeanne "Maeme" Clair Horsfall Browning, 79, of Zachary, Louisiana, passed away January 5, 2026. Born July 22, 1946, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Jeanne devoted her life to faith, service, and family. She served as a hospital chaplain and was active in Clinical Pastoral Education, Kairos Prison Ministry, and community outreach.

Jeanne also worked as Activities Director at St. James Place Retirement Community and served on the board of the Louisiana United Methodist Children's Home. She was honored as the American Business Women's Association Cypress Chapter Woman of the Year. Above all, Jeanne cherished her role as a mother and was known for her warm hospitality, love of entertaining, sewing, reading, and travel. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cissy Browning; her parents, Ernest and Eugenia Horsfall; and her in-laws, Ardella and Phil Browning. She is survived by her husband, Steven Willmott Browning Sr.; her children, Angelique Browning, Beth Ferguson (Steve), and Steven Browning Jr. (S'lena); siblings; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held January 12, 2026, from 9-11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory East, Baton Rouge. Burial will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana United Methodist Children's Home.

Edwards, Barbara Ann

Barbara Ann Edwards was born on April 5th, 1948 passed away on Saturday, January 3rd at the age of 77. Graduate of Capital Senior High School and addictions at Donaldson chapter Baptist Church.

Visitation Thursday, January 8th 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Winn-

field Funeral Home 7221 Plank Rd Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70811

Hayden, Patricia Hudson

Patricia Hudson Hayden, born on December 21, 1954, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the age of 71. Pat was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. After high school, she worked in banking and eventually became a loan officer at Baton Rouge City Parish Employees Federal Credit Union where she worked for over 30 years. She was a volunteer with Miracle League at Cypress Mounds where she announced every game and made sure each player had a walk-up song. Pat's true passion was her four grandchildren as she always enjoyed spending time with them.

She had a love for LSU baseball, as well as a love for gardening, the beach, and being with family and friends. Pat is survived by her son and daughter-inlaw, Ryan and Katie Dicharry; sisters, Letty Vincent (Paul) and Becky Bofinger (Bill); brothers, Jamie Hudson (Kay) and Bob Hudson (Chantal); grandchildren, Morgan, Hudson, Stella, and Bobby Dicharry; godchildren, Jamie and Brandon Vincent, and Kirbi Travis; and best friend, Teri Gomez.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Margie Hudson. Visitation will take place at Resthaven Funeral Home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Friday, January 9, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM until services at 11:00 AM, officiated by Father Mitch Semar. Her burial will take place at a later date at Salem Cemetery in Redland, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations be made to the Miracle League at www.miraclelea guecm.org.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonroug e.com.

Howie, Milham S. 'Bill'

Dr. Milham S. "Bill" Howie, age 92, a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2026. Bill was born on August 23, 1933, in New York City to Salem M. "Sam" Howie and Ruth Lincer Howie. He was raised in Jackson, MS, where he graduated valedictorian from St. Joseph's High School in 1951. Following high school, Bill attended Loras College in Dubuque, IA, graduating with a degree in chemistry in 1955.

He was a four-year letterman and captain of the Loras College baseball team.

In 2008, he was inducted into the Loras College Athletic Hall of Fame. Bill received a PhD in chemistry from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN in 1959, where he studied and conducted research under his friend and mentor, Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dr. Herbert C. Brown. After receiving his PhD, Bill moved to Baton Rouge, where he began a more than 35-year career as a research chemist with Ethyl Corporation (later Albemarle Corporation). He was credited with a number of patents and traveled extensively to Europe and East Asia as part of his work, including a two-year stay in Brussels, Belgium.

He retired as Manager of Research & Development for Albemarle. In 1961, Bill married Harriett Clinton Howie. Bill and Harriett raised three children and enjoyed traveling, dining out, and spending time with their family during their 66 years of marriage.

They particularly enjoyed time with their grandchildren and hiking, sightseeing, and spending time in Colorado following Bill's retirement. Bill had a wide

variety of interests, including sports, history, politics, and science. He loved baseball and enjoyed coaching his sons' American Legion baseball teams.

A man of deep faith, he also cherished his special time at Manresa Retreat House for over 35 years.

Bill is survived by his wife Harriett; daughter, Dr. Laura Howie Keller and her husband Charles of Tucson, AZ; son, Clinton Howie and his wife Megan of Dallas, TX; sister, Marian Hitch; grandchildren, Michelle Howie Regan and her husband Will, Rachel Howie, Kendall Howie Villarrubia and her husband Jake, Carter Howie and his wife Megan, Dylan Howie, Quinn Howie, and Elizabeth Gordon; and great-grandson, Henry Regan. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George Howie; and son, Mark Howie. Visitation will take place at St. George Catholic Church on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Manresa House of Retreats, 5858 LA 44, Convent, LA 70723 or the Alzheimer's Association in Bill's name. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Hospice of Baton Rouge, particularly chaplain Jay Buzbee and nurses Katrina and Mona, and the staff of the memory care unit at Glenncrest on Siegen. A special thanks to Bill's favorite caregiver Patsy. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbaton rouge.com

Knighton, Alma Whitley

Alma Whitley Knighton transitioned from earthly life into eternal rest on December 28, 2025. Though deeply missed, she leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. She was born on October 29, 1934, in Zachary, Louisiana, to Viola Hayes Whitley and Charley Buckner Whitley.

Alma was raised in a Christian home and was a devoted lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Scotlandville.

On June 10, 1962, Alma was united in marriage to Don Knighton, Jr. From this union were born two children, Minty Shyrelle Knighton and Weldon Cordell Knighton. She was also a loving and devoted grandmother to Aydon Pierce Knighton. She cherished her family and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Alma graduated from Southern University Laboratory School, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Education with additional graduate studies from Southern University.

Alma completed further professional training at Louisiana State University, Spencer College, and Loyola University. Her career spanned teaching, supervision, consulting, higher education instruction, and educational leadership, serving students, families, and communities across multiple parishes.

Alma is survived by her daughter, Minty S. Knighton of Zachary, Louisiana, her son, Weldon C. Knighton, daughter-inlaw, Petrina Johnson Knighton, and her grandson, Aydon P. Knighton, all of Allen, Texas; her sister, Bernice Whitley of Zachary, Louisiana; her brother, Sterling Whitley of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ 3B

was born on November 15, 1942, in Hebbville, Maryland, daughter of the late Lloyd and Catherine Weidemeyer. A retired Professor of Nursing, she received her BS, RN at the University of Florida where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She received advanced degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, and McNeese University. During her career she served on the faculties of Shands Hospital, at the University of Florida, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Emory University, Atlanta, Southeastern Louisiana University School of Nursing and Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. An author of numerous nursing and medical articles, Dottie also served on the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

She eventually retired after her 27-year tenure from the faculty of Southeastern Louisiana University School of Nursing. She then went on to work as a Nurse Practitioner full-time before retiring at the age of 79. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Leadership Baton Rouge and was on the advisory board of Chi Omega at LSU. Dottie is survived by her children, Kimberly Kubricht, DNAP, of Slidell, Dawn Harkins (John), of Slidell, and William "Trey" S. Kubricht, III, MD (Amy), of Baton Rouge; grandchildren, Hagan Harkins, of Orlando, Florida, John Harkins, III, of New York City, Samantha Harkins, of Slidell, Faith Kubricht, of Baton Rouge, and Liam and Emma Kubricht, of Slidell; sister, Marcia Kay Dahlstrom, of Dunedin, Florida; brother, Carleton L. Weidemeyer, of Clearwater, Florida; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to invite all who knew and loved Dottie to join them as we commemorate her life. A visitation will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 8833 Goodwood Blvd, in Baton Rouge, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 12:30 PM, until memorial services at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rebuild Fire Fund at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, at: https://o nrealm.org/SaintLukesEpis

c/-/form/give/fire , or your favorite charity.

Landry, Donald

Donald "Duck" Pierre Landry passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the age of 83. A native and resident of Brusly St. Vincent, he was a hardworking man and true jack-ofall-trades. Over the years, he worked as a sugar cane farmer, was known as a skilled handyman, and later retired as the owner and operator of Duck's Donuts.

He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and cherished spending time with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, always ready with a story to share.

He leaves behind his wife of sixty-two years, Betty Theriot Landry; three daughters and sons-in-law, Rhonda and Darren Cavalier, Yvette and Robert Hebert and Charlet and Coby Brignac; seven grandchildren, Sarah Goss, Bryce Cavalier, Brian and Zachary Hebert, Hanna Cofield, and Maggie and Landon Brignac; five greatgrandchildren, Ian and Luke Cavalier, Indy and Layne Hebert and Quinn Cofield; sisters, AnneMae Aucoin and Adrienne Conerly; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his son, Dean Paul Landry; parents, Paul C. and Winnie Charlet Landry; brothers, P.J. and Malcolm Landry; and sister, Yvonne Simoneaux.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Paincourtville until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Tomi Thomas. Entombment

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Kubricht, Dorotha 'Dottie'

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LOUISIANAJOURNALISMFUND.ORG Dorotha Weidemeyer Kubricht, affectionately known as "Dottie", passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dottie

OPINION

4B ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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

OUR VIEWS

Let the internet, not state government, chase chemtrail conspiracies Though Abraham Lincoln famously extolled the virtues of government of the people, by the people and for the people, we can only surmise that our 16th president did not mean to include conspiracy theorists among that number. However, Louisiana has decided that yes, it is altogether fitting and proper to involve state government in tracking the ravings of unhinged minds.

For the blessedly ignorant, there is a sliver of humanity that has somehow come to believe that the condensation trails left by airplanes in the sky are in reality dangerous chemicals that are being purposely rained down on an unsuspecting populace. These so-called “chemtrails” have been the root of conspiracies for decades, with corners of the internet abuzz with strange sightings in the sky.

What the internet cares about is far above our poor power to add or detract. But we do have an interest in what our state agencies are tasked with doing. And thanks to a bill passed by the Legislature last summer, the state Department of Environmental Quality is now required to keep a record of complaints about chemtrails, complaints that, as you might suspect, are based on little concrete evidence.

No matter that atmospheric scientists for years have explained what those white lines that appear behind airplanes are. No matter that the Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump has published pages and pages online debunking the existence of chemtrails. The state is now spending valuable time and resources to give credence to a delusion that should have long ago died in vain — but is instead being promoted by some state legislators who are encouraging their constituents to file complaints.

“Our skies belong to We the People, not to corporations, contractors, or agencies experimenting with our weather. Let’s document, report, and demand transparency,” state Sen. Valerie Hodges. R-Denham Springs, wrote on Facebook.

None of this should be surprising as we are living in deeply unserious times — even as we face deeply serious problems in our communities, our state, our nation and our world. Let us not forget that the DEQ is the agency that is supposed to regulate our petrochemical industry and make sure our water and air is clean.

Even if the law requires only that DEQ log complaints, not do anything to act on them, we can’t imagine that’s a good use of its time.

We can only hope the world will little note nor long remember what Louisiana has done here. We fear, though, that if our forefathers are watching, they might be wondering what is this nation they brought forth twelve score and 10 years ago.

YOUR VIEWS

Story of Acadians has little in common with illegal immigration

“Hakeem Jeffries makes a speech in a few days in NYC, I cannot allow this terrorist to live.”

These are the words of one of the mass-pardoned, Christopher Moynihan. On Jan. 6, 2021, he stormed our Capitol as part of a mob, which then brutalized Capitol Police officers like Brian Sicknick. The next day, the United States Capitol Police released this statement: “At approximately 9:30 p.m. this evening (January 7, 2021), U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick passed away due to injuries sustained while on-duty.”

After securing his pardon, Moynihan also secured his assault rifle. We know this not because Rep. Jeffries was shot, but because an AK-47 was mentioned in the emergency arrest order.

Moynihan, as billionaires know, is one well-armed voter veto of over 1,500 pardoned. Many others, as they know, have since reclaimed the guns they brought. It has been less than a year.

Their silence is their statement.

They may tell billionaire lies again when we can return to the rule of law. There may be talk of economic chaos from men who made tariffs with a ChatGPT prompt. They may redefine “justice” as their second round of slow-walked trials. Yet they themselves know that this time, their pockets smell of gunsmoke.

One way or the other, this time will not come again.

Long before the gunman cast his shadow on our ballots, President Ronald Reagan recounted the story of a woman wounded in El Salvador.

Moynihan would have been wise to read it.

After hurting her badly, the guerrillas warned her that if she cast her vote, she would be killed when she returned. She was in line at the polls.

“You can kill me,” she had answered, “You can kill my family, kill my neighbors, but you can’t kill us all.”

MORGAN LANDRY Pierre Part

CF Industries couldn’t be a better corporate citizen In regards to the letter concerning CF Industries and the Donaldsonville/ Ascension Parish area, I cannot help but wonder if Karaleigh Loya has ever set foot in Donaldsonville. To state that CF does little for this community is an outright lie. Industry always brings risks, but risk-reward comes into play.

As an activist in this community, it is easy to defend CF. I am not sure how much more they could do to help

many organizations. They are one of the largest employers in Ascension Parish. While I would like to see more of their employees live on the west bank, many do, and I would panic if something happened to CF. Frankly, I hope they make $3.27 billion next year for our community and their shareholders.

SONNY GRAUGNARD owner, Graugnard, Inc., appliance stores

Rabalais is wrong; there was nothing nice about Kiffin’s treatment of Ole Miss

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.

The Jan. 6 rioters aren’t going away; they’re getting bolder

This was before Louisiana became part of the United States in 1803, and before the United States was founded.

It was the Queen of France, who was the sister of the King of Spain, who asked the king to allow the Acadians to go to Louisiana.

She did so because the Acadian exiles were unwanted in Nova Scotia, unwanted on Prince Edward Island and basically faced hostility in France.

The king of Spain did give permission for the Acadians to enter Louisiana, and we were welcomed with open arms. But we did not come here illegally, as some people presume. I thought that needed clarification.

It seems, or at least appears to be, that the bulk of the population is on the side of immigrants entering the state illegally. I do believe that some appear to think that the Acadian ancestors came in the same way. That is far from the truth.

The Acadian ancestors did not come directly to Louisiana after being thrown out of Acadia (now known as Nova Scotia) and Ile St. Jean (now known as Prince Edward Island).

In fact, our ancestors were sent off on five ships directly to France. The book, “The Talbots and The Mystery of Marie Louise Talbot,” explains the expulsion in detail.

It is quite natural for people to be confused about the details. Louisiana was under Spanish rule at the time.

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCAN HERE

Scott Rabalais is entitled to his opinions, no matter how dumb they are at times. His recent column suggesting that all the departing Ole Miss coaches should stop coaching just days before the Fiesta Bowl takes the cake.

What Rabalais carefully omits is the context of how we got here. First, Kiffin played handsy with Auburn for a year, creating uncertainty and chaos at Ole Miss.

There’s also plenty of speculation that he started flirting with LSU the weekend of Oct. 5 in the Superdome at the Saints-Giants game smack-dab in the middle of the college football season.

Like a 16-year-old trying to decide which color iPhone cover to buy, he held the Sword of Damocles over his Ole Miss football team for the major-

ity of this season, only to depart just as Ole Miss was on the cusp of the playoffs.

“Letting” his assistant coaches continue to coach at Ole Miss was the ultimate act of arrogance, because Kiffin never believed Ole Miss could continue to win without him. Oops!

He underestimated his team (again).

Where I grew up, a gentleman’s word is his bond. Of course, the word “gentleman” really isn’t applicable here.

We all know that.

Let the coaches coach while Kiffin watches women’s basketball with Kim Mulkey.

LSU poached a rival’s coach. Show some dignity. They need to sit this one out.

DONNA MASELLI New Orleans

ANDREW KEMP Baton Rouge

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ 5B

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COMMENTARY As Cassidy negotiates health care, Trump could save day U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana may be poised to pull a health care rabbit from his legislative hat, to the whole country’s benefit. President Donald Trump, though, may hold the magic wand.

To understand what is happening in congressional health policy negotiations requires a bit of reading invisible ink, but that doesn’t mean the writing isn’t there, ready for revelation. So, here goes: Quin As chairman of the Hillyer Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and as a policy wonk who has pushed the only major framework for a health care bill that seems viable for bipartisan support, the Republican Cassidy early this week was in heavy negotiations among a group of about 12 Republican, Democratic and independent senators. The next morning, Trump told House Republicans that their party must be “flexible” on language similar to the Hyde Amendment, a federal law banning federal funds from being used for abortions (except in the case of rape, incest or threat to the life of the mother).

The invisible ink says this: The only reason Trump would focus on Hyde is if senators are within range of agreement on everything else. That “else” is likely to include three key provisions central to ones in Cassidy’s original proposal: 1) the ability for patients to use larger, “Silver Plan”-level subsidies for less expensive “Bronze Plans;” 2) an option for patients to convert some of the money thus saved into personal, tax-free health savings accounts; and 3) the restoration of something called “cost-saving reduction payments,” which was an original feature of Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) but which expired in 2017.

For now, though, let’s set aside any more detailed discussions of those three elements, other than to emphasize the admirably substantive nature of what may be a developing consensus. The key thing is that if Trump suddenly is talking about Hyde language, that means it, not the other substance, is probably the remaining stumbling block.

Almost all Republicans want Hyde protections explicitly added to any new law dealing with Obamacare subsidies, while almost all Democrats refuse

the spirit if it was called the Trump Cathedral.

Some are suggesting Dulles International Airport might be renamed for Trump. How many recall Dwight Eisenhower’s secretary of state? Nothing wrong with an “upgrade,” except as in so many of these it would be a downgrade.

Then there is the name of the city itself. Since Trump claims credit (and with some justification) for lowering incidents of crime, he might be honored by erasing the “C” which stands for Columbia and labeling the capital Washington, “DT”.

He’s already renamed the Institute of Peace, honoring himself for all the wars he says he has ended. It’s now called the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace.

Why stop with these? The moon could be named after Trump. Moon is such a dull name. Then there are some of the planets. Trump Uranus might work, if that doesn’t sound redundant.

In 1964, the year after President Kennedy’s assassination, Congress passed legislation naming the building as a memorial to him. Some Democrats are saying Congress should approve any name change. They are right, but Trump presses on in what could result in a fait accompli.

Axios calls Congress “The worst good-paying job in America.” The Atlantic headlines, “House Republicans Aren’t Having Any Fun.” And USA Today reports: “Why quitting is all the rage in DC.” Departures from Congress are running at a record pace. Already 46 House members — 26 Republicans and 20 Democrats — have announced they’re not running again, and more retirements are expected.

There are many underlying reasons for this trend, but for Republicans, one powerful political reality is accelerating their exodus: In 20 of the last 22 midterm elections, Steve president’s party has lost Roberts the ground. Since Republicans hold a slight majority in the House, they are likely to lose control in the next Congress, and serving in the minority is a lot less rewarding that running the place.

The discontent and disillusionment pervading Capitol Hill has been building for a long time, however. Rep. Michael McCaul, a senior Republican from Texas, explained his decision to leave on CNN: “The level of partisanship, rancor, vitriolic debate, demonizing the other side of the aisle, not willing to work across the aisle to get good things done for the American people, and just the overall toxic environment.”

Similar feelings were expressed by Ken Buck, a Colorado Republican who quit Congress in 2024: “I think this place is dysfunctional,” he said.

“Instead of having decorum, instead of operating in a professional manner, this place has just devolved into this bickering and nonsense and not really doing the job for the American people.”

“It’s historic to be there,” another lawmaker told CNN. “But boy, they suck a lot of the life out of you sometimes. For some people, it’s like, what am I doing this for?”

This dismay has been badly aggravated by a new breed of member that former GOP speaker John Boehner dubbed “legislative terrorists.”

They are performers, not legislators, who thrive on combat, not compromise, and are adept at exploiting social media to elevate their profile.

Another former speaker, Paul Ryan, argues: “You have a few nihilists who are not interested in seeing their team succeed, but building a brand for themselves. ... It makes the place ungovernable.”

Don Bacon of Nebraska, a self-described oldfashioned Ronald Reagan Republican, said he’s retiring because he feels “stuck in the middle” with “crazies on the right and crazies on the left.”

This growing polarization means that deliberation and negotiation, the core of the legislative process, has virtually disappeared. Individual lawmakers are faced with bills crafted by their leaders and told to approve or reject them. Unity is demanded. Dissent is denounced.

“One of the reasons people are leaving is that it’s demoralizing to be a rubber stamp,” Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky told USA Today.

“We’re losing people who actually want to govern,” added former Rep. Tom Reed of New York, a centrist who retired in 2022. “This town no longer values bipartisanship — it sees it as betrayal.”

Trump did not start this banishment of bipartisanship, but he has clearly embraced it. His One Big Beautiful Bill passed the House last May with not a single Democrat vote, while all but two Republicans supported it.

In fact, Trump has not just discarded Democrats, but fellow Republicans as well. Many of his executive actions — closing departments, firing workers, withholding funds — have usurped powers traditionally exercised by Congress.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican who is quitting Congress next month, told The New York Times that Speaker Mike Johnson “is not our leader. ... He is literally 100% under direct orders from the White House. And many, many Republicans are so furious about that, but they’re cowards.”

“There is a lot of frustration among our members with the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of the House,” Rep. Kevin Kiley of California told USA Today. “If you’re someone who ran for Congress to accomplish X, Y or Z, and it’s becoming more difficult to do those things, does that impact people’s decisions to stay? I’m sure it will.”

Extreme polarization and the toxic environment have ignited serious concerns about safety, which only grew after the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Inspired

by Trump, partisans see their rivals not just as wrong but as evil, and Greene cited threats to her family as one reason for leaving Congress.

Rep. Tom Burchett of Tennessee told Axios that safety concerns were contributing to the exodus and admitted, “It takes a toll on people.”

Congress has been deteriorating into dysfunction for years now. And the members who are fleeing in force prove that the decline is steadily getting worse.

Email Cal Thomas at tcaeditorstribpub.com.

Email Steven Roberts at stevecokie@gmail. com.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By ALLISON ROBBERT

Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, listens during an Oct. 9 hearing. Cassidy has proposed an avenue to address the extension of an expiring tax credit that will double, on average, health care policy prices for more than 20 million Americans. to accept any new language. Trump seems to be telling Republicans on Capitol Hill that they must compromise somehow on either the existence or the wording of Hyde language.

Trump, though, has the power in his own hands.

Here’s how: The ACA contained provisions (in 42 USC 18023) requiring that every state which operates its own Obamacare “exchange” must make available at least one health plan that doesn’t pay for abortions (in other words, is Hyde-compliant). My understanding is that there are about a dozen states which right now essentially are flouting that existing requirement and other states that make it very difficult for exchange applicants to find such a plan.

Trump could offer pro-life Republicans a big win if he announces a concerted effort to enforce, against the dozen-plus states, those ignored Hyde provisions in existing law. His administration also could promulgate a rule requiring a prominent display, on state Obamacare portals, of the availability of the Hyde-friendly plan or plans.

As Obamacare already has that Hyde-friendly language, the key win

for Republicans should be not to reiterate it but to enforce it. Meanwhile, anti-Hyde Amendment Democrats would not be asked to vote on a new law re-stating Hyde provisions, so they could support the emerging, Cassidy-led compromise on the rest of the bill’s merits.

Voila! If Trump acts like that, within existing law, nobody on Capitol Hill would lose a new, abortion-related fight.

Meanwhile, if Cassidy’s framework is enacted into law, millions of Americans could secure relief from the sudden spike in health care premium costs resulting from the expiration of COVID-era subsidies, but the added cost to the federal government over time would be either nonexistent or far less than that of directly renewing the subsidies.

How that all would work can be the subject of another column. To get there, though, Trump must and can, on his own authority, take the abortion calculus out of the current equation.

Email Quin Hillyer at quin.hillyer@ theadvocate.com

The ‘Trump’-Kennedy Center could be just the beginning Last month, I attended the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with my wife and two friends to listen to a wonderful performance of Handel’s “Messiah.”

The Kennedy Center has been among the few places in Washington (sports arenas are another) where one can get through a day or evening without the confrontational and corrosive political language Cal that has infected the city.

Thomas Not anymore.

President Trump, with the approval of a board he appointed, has added his name to the building.

Henceforth, or until a future president and board will remove it (one can only hope), the place will be labeled, if not called by everyone, the Trump Kennedy Center.

I recall the first performance in what has become Washington’s main cultural attraction. It was on Sept. 8, 1971 and the world premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass,” a work commissioned

by Jacqueline Kennedy. The Kennedys did more to bring high-brow culture to Washington than any other president and first lady. President Trump has brought nothing, not even close, that can match their contributions.

During the day we visited, workers were already drilling the additional name into the outside of the building.

The Kennedy Center website has been re-labeled “Trump Kennedy Center.”

There is talk around town that Trump has only begun to add his name to other buildings. One prospect he is reportedly eyeing is the soon-to-be finished Washington Commanders (formerly “Redskins”) football stadium. I got to thinking about other places where Trump might affix his name.

Since the president has frequently suggested — as have some of his followers — that he is the greatest president ever, how about a new name for the city’s most famous obelisk: The Trump Washington Monument?

Then there are the memorials to Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson. Trump Lincoln and Trump Jefferson might appeal to him, although the first sounds like a car model and the second like a character in the late Norman Lear’s TV show “The Jeffersons.”

The FBI Building named after J. Edgar Hoover could be easily changed at little expense. The “J” just has to have “D” and “T” drilled into it. It would instantly become the “DJT Hoover Building.”

Then there is the Department of Justice building named after Robert F. Kennedy. Trump Kennedy sounds like a presidential ticket.

For the spiritually minded, Washington’s magnificent National Cathedral is a natural. While Trump doesn’t attend church, his “worshippers” might feel

Why legislators are leaving

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6B ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate nament achievements. He DEATHS continued from to follow in church mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Capital Area American Heart Association, 110 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 160, Metairie, LA 70005.

Lefleur, Patricia 'Pat' Hirschmann

Patricia Hirschmann Lafleur

(Pat)

September 3, 1932- December 25, 2025 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Patricia Lafleur, passed away at her daughter's home at Laplace on Dec. 25, 2025, at the age of 93.

Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory East, located at 11000 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70815, on January 10, 2026, from 8:30 am to 11:00 am. The funeral service will follow at the same location, starting at 11:00 am. Burial to follow at Roselawn Cemetery Full obituary can be viewed www.dignitymemorial.com

loved playing and watching sports, especially football, golf, baseball, and tennis—and was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of players and statistics. Oren also enjoyed reading, traveling, and spending time in nature with animals. He quickly mastered any subject and could discuss multiple topics knowledgeably. Oren also published several abstracts in technical magazines related to ammonia processing, demonstrating his prowess as a writer.

Known as an excellent problem solver, Oren used his sharp analytical mind to develop practical solutions. Oren was known for his appreciation of good food and was a great cook, often relying on his family's recipes and his beloved River Roads cookbook. In his later years, he found joy in gardening and relaxing on the back patio, taking in the beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature. He delighted in watching birds, deer, and even the occasional alligator, all in the company of his pet cats while enjoying his coffee and reading the newspaper and bridge books. A graveside service will be held at Greenoaks Memorial Park 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815 on Saturday January 10th 2026 at 2pm. Donation to Our Lady of Grace Kisumu, Partners in Mission, a charity which provides refuge for orphaned and vulnerable children in western Kenya and relies solely on volunteers and donations.

Peltier, Mary Lou

Michael, George Joseph

George Joseph Michael, 76, a resident of Jackson, LA, died on December 30, 2025. There will be a funeral service on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Ethel Baptist Church in Ethel, LA at 10am, conducted by Rev. Anthony Clint Stewart. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Tamara Michael; two sons, John Michael and wife Carrie of Paducah, KY; Jake Gunter and wife Melissa of Hendersonville, TN; one adopted daughter, Latisha Dawn Gregoire, and husband Todd, one sister, Mary Pettijohn of Conway, AR; two brothers, John Michael of Columbia, IL; Terry Michael and wife Rose Michael of Waterloo, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Michael and Annie May Selvidge. Honorary pallbearers will be Ron Boling, Leon Causey, and Ed Jelks. He was a veteran of the US Air Force and served in Vietnam. He graduated the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering. Share sympathies at www.CharletFuneralHome. com.

Moore, Dewey Oren

Mary Lou Peltier passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026. She was born in Greenwood, LA. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roger E. Hammett and Lillian Flournoy Hammett; husband, John S. Peltier Sr; son, David Peltier; and brother, Enoch. She is survived by her sons, John (Nicole), Mark (Pam), and Michael (Jackie); daughter-in law, Mien; 3 grandchildren; and 6 six great- grandchildren. She was an adventurous spirit, never had an unkind word, and never worried about the small stuff. She ran the Livingston Secretarial School for many years, retiring at age 70, then journeyed off to China to teach English for 2 years. She was a member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church, where she also taught English as a second language.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation which will be held at Rabenhorst East Funeral Home Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9:30am-10:30am with a service beginning at 10:30am.

Burial will follow at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, St. Gabriel, LA, at 12PM.

Post, Bryan Simmons Dewey Oren Moore Jr., born on January 19, 1936, and passed away on December 16, 2025, grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Oren will rest at Greenoaks Memorial Park, alongside his parents, Dewey O. Moore, Sr., and Leslie Goudeau Moore, as well as his sister, Rachel Moore.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Marie Louise Moore, his son William Moore, his sister Julie Foushee, his brother-inlaw, stepdaughter, grandchildren, nephews, and cousins. Oren cherished his hometown of Baton Rouge and was always a passionate LSU fan. After earning his engineering degree, he moved to Houston, where he continued his career as a processing engineer at MW Kellog, specializing in ammonia production. As a project manager, Oren traveled extensively, overseeing ammonia plant retrofitting projects around the world.

Even after retirement, he continued to consult in his field and contributed to the installation of dehydrators, helping to simplify water extraction in liquid ammonia production. Gifted with multiple talents, Oren was a master duplicate bridge player, frequently recognized in the Bridge Bulletin for his tour-

Bryan Simmons Post was born in Baton Rouge on May 22, 1941 and passed away on January 5, 2026 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.

A devoted wife, mother, and teacher, Bryan left a mark on generations of her students.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond G. "Skipper" Post Jr., her father, Dr. William McHugh "Mac" Simmons, her mother, Phoebe Bryan Simmons, her sister, Laurie Simmons Plaisance, and her brother, William "Bill" McHugh Simmons, Jr. She is survived by her son, Raymond G. Post III (Jenny), her daughter, Wendy Martin (Patrick), and her cherished grandchildren, Raymond O. Post (Gaby), Mia Martin, Jordan Post, and Andrew Post, as well as her sister, Suzanne Homan. Her sister-in-law, Antoinette "Toni" Post, also mourns her passing.

Bryan was widely

lll

known as the wife of architect and AIA President Skipper Post, and served him well in support of his ambitions. She married the "tall Catholic boy," whom she first asked out in 8th grade. She was as devoted to him as he was to her, and they shared a long and happy life together.

Bryan's own professional calling was teaching. In 1963, immediately after graduating from LSU and just four years after graduating from Baton Rouge High School herself, Bryan began teaching physical education at BRHS. A year later, she moved to Broadmoor High and began teaching math before taking a few years off to raise Ray and Wendy. When they started school, she returned to her alma mater, where she taught advanced math to Baton Rouge's brightest students for 25 years. In 1982, she was inducted into the BRHS Hall of Fame. After taking a short break upon retiring from BRHS, she returned to teaching in 2003, spending several years at Episcopal High and Bishop Sullivan before retiring for good after 37 years of teaching. She often said, "I love teaching, I really do. It never crossed my mind to do anything else."

In addition to her teaching career, Bryan was an active civic leader, serving with distinction in the Junior League and many other charitable organizations. Bryan was known throughout Baton Rouge as a superb hostess, regularly entertaining their friends at the home that she and Skipper designed and built, and where they raised their children. Bryan was also an avid outdoors enthusiast, whether boating, skiing, or hiking in the mountains. More than anything, she loved being a grandmother to Raymond, Jordan, Andrew, and Mia. Visitation Monday, January 12 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street, and Tuesday, January 13 from 9:00am to 10:00am at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, with a funeral mass immediately following. Burial will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Baton Rouge or Baton Rouge High School Foundation.

Hall's of Port Allen, 1160 Louisiana Ave, Port Allen, Louisiana, from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Israelite Baptist Church Cemetery in Brusly, Louisiana. Services are entrusted to Hall Davis and Son Funeral Services.

Williams, Thomas Alenzi

He is also survived by his siblings: Richard and his wife Carolyn Williams of Green Forest, Arkansas; Johanna "Totsy" and her husband Ronnie Peery of Boerne, Texas; Willie Irvin "Butch" Williams, Jr., of Louisiana; CJ Williams of Vista, California; and Kay Washburn of San Antonio, Texas.

Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory East, 11000 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70815.

The service will be followed by a gathering to celebrate his life with those he loved.

Young, Maxine Sterling

Thomas Alenzi Williams, Sr., MBA, age 65, of Port Vincent, Louisiana, passed away at his home on December 29, 2025.

Tommy was born on February 11, 1960, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was raised in the Metairie and Baton Rouge areas. He graduated from Glen Oaks High School in Baton Rouge in 1978. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Louisiana State University in 1983 and later earned his Master of Business Administration from National University in 1999.

He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force.

Tommy lived his life by following his heart, embracing life to the fullest extent possible, and encouraging others to do the same.

Tommy is survived by his wife, Leslie Ward Williams of Park Hill, Oklahoma; and his children from his previous marriage to Dr. Leila Sevilla Legacion Williams Wood: Priscilla Ann Legacion Williams Norosky and her husband Peter John Norosky of Austin, Texas, and their children, Henry Porter Norosky and Julian Wyatt Norosky; Samantha Gabrielle Legacion Williams of Austin, Texas; and Thomas Alenzi Legacion Williams, Jr., also of Austin, Texas.

Maxine Sterling Young, a beloved mother, & family peacefully matriarch, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the age of 91, in Metairie, LA. Born in St. Francisville (Bains), LA on August 31, 1934 to Jeff Sterling Sr. & Cage Sterling Ouslea Brackens, also the step‐ daughter of Hamp Brack‐ ens Sr. She was raised by her maternal grandpar‐ Elnora Price & ents, William Henry Cage, on their Mount Ricco Planta‐ tion, Fort Adams, MS. Max‐ ine & her husband, Rev. George D. Young married in New Orleans & were resi‐ dents of River Ridge, LA. They were together for nearly 60 years & faithful members of Providence Baptist Church, Pilgrim Baptist Church, & New Birth Cathedral of Glory.

Her struggles & rising from humble beginnings stand as a lasting legacy of help‐ ing others & paving the way for future generations.

She lived courageously through the Jim Crow era and the Civil Rights Move‐ ment, enduring discrimina‐ with dignity & tion strength. She worked at Dixie Tomato Factory in the French Quarter. Maxine thrived in the hospitality & restaurant industries, in‐ cluding entrepreneurships

in Jefferson and Orleans parishes. She broke barri‐ ers being among the first women of color to work the “front counter” in pre‐ viously segregated restau‐ rants. She was among some of New Orleans first people of color to own & operate a bed-and-break‐ fast, now known as Airbnb.

She was a proud Mary Kay consultant in the 1970s, among one of the first Black women to drive the iconic pink Cadillac. She played a vital role advocat‐ ing for inclusion of prod‐ ucts designed for people of color. A true queen of fash‐ ion, known for her impec‐ cable & elegant style, coor‐ dinating her garments with the hats, scarves, shoes, gloves, & handbags. Max‐ ine modeled hats for the well-known Yvonne LaFleur Boutique. She showered every one with uncondi‐ tional love & found so much peace working her beautiful flower gardens.

She leaves behind her 6 children Victoria YoungWalker, Vanessa Young London, Keith Young, Kim Young; Vareneece Young (Albert) Grammer & Kirk (Dionne) Young. Also sur‐ vived by her 4 siblings, 13 grandchildren, 22 greatgrandchildren, & 9 greatgreat-grandchildren. Max‐ ine was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, beloved husband, bonus son Leroy Berry Sr., grand‐ son Mark London, 7 sisters, brothers, maternal 8 grandparents, and paternal grandparents Virgil Ster‐ ling & Lizzie Williams Tay‐ lor. Relatives & friends are invited to Religious Ser‐ vices Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Pilgrim Baptist Church, 2114 Rev‐ Richard Wilson erend Drive, Kenner, LA 70062.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Interment at Provi‐ dence Memorial Park & Mausoleum, 8200 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70003.

Arrangements entrusted to Richardson Funeral Home of Jefferson, 11112 Jeffer‐ son Hwy., River Ridge, LA 70123.

Roppolo, Terri

Visitation will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lakeland on Friday, January 9 from 9AM until the Mass of Christian Burial in the church at 12PM, 12369 LA 416 Lakeland, LA. Terri Lynn Landry Roppolo, 64, of Lakeland, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, January 5, 2026. Terri was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend/amiga.

She began her working career at Guaranty Bank in New Roads and then established and ran Lakeland Hardware with her husband for 40 years. Terri was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary Council #8878 and the ACTS retreat community. Terri is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Anthony "AJ" Roppolo; her three children, Justin and wife Christine, Jaci Ponthieux and husband Jake, and Jordyn Major and husband Ben;

Schofield, Geraldine

Geraldine Schofield, age 77, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026. She was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and a resident of Port Allen, Louisiana. She is survived by her daughter Dawn Parks, sons Mark and Cleveland Schofield, sister Marion Queen, brother Greg Penell, and grandchildren Megan, Quinton, Joshua, and Courtney Schofield. She was preceded in death by her parents Edmond Penell and Edora Lemor, and her sister Mary Lee Penell-Brumfield. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at

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SPORTS

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

LSU looking to improve rebounding

|

T h u r s d ay, J a n u a ry 8, 2026

1Cn

We’re excited about Tyler, but we have to remember that he hasn’t had 17 starts yet.

So we’re going to go into next season with these high expectations ... but we also have to temper that by the fact that he’s a second-year quarterback.”

MICKEy LOOKMIS, Saints general manager

Tigers taking former star Angel Reese’s approach

BY REED DARCEY

Staff writer

On Tuesday afternoon, Bob Starkey was in the LSU women’s basketball team’s locker room when he decided to take out his phone and snap a photo he’d later post to Instagram.

Starkey wanted people to see the t-shirts.

They were black. A pink silhouette of Angel Reese was printed down the middle, surrounded by a big, bold white ä LSU at text that summarized her Georgia 5:30 P.M. penchant for grabbing rebounds: “Anything that THURSDAy, SECN+ comes off that board,” the shirts read, “it’s mine.”

The shirts greeted the players after practice Tuesday. Starkey, LSU’s associate head coach, hoped they’d underscore the urgency of a message he, Kim Mulkey and the rest of the coaching staff are sending to the Tigers.

They need to grab more rebounds. All of them.

“We have to do some self-reflection,” Mulkey said Sunday after a loss to Vanderbilt. “Put a mirror in front of your face individually and go, ‘What did I do that contributed to that loss when it was a five-point game or a possession game?’ We just gotta keep getting better.”

And it starts with rebounding. The No. 12 Tigers (14-2, 0-2 SEC) did a better job of cleaning the glass against the No. 7 Commodores than they did in their SEC opener against No. 6 Kentucky, but they’re hoping to turn in a

ä See LSU, page 2C

STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, left, and coach Kellen Moore speak during a news conference at the team’s headquarters on Wednesday in Metairie.

MOVING FORWARD Saints enter offseason ready to build around QB Shough

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU forward Kate Koval looks to pass the ball after a Kentucky turnover in the fourth quarter on Jan. 1 at the PMAC.

Pelicans fall on the road to Hawks

Mickey Loomis repeatedly said that he wasn’t surprised by Tyler Shough’s rookie season. The New Orleans Saints drafted the quarterback with the 40th overall pick for a reason, the general manager said.

But even Loomis was willing to acknowledge that there were times when he went “whoa” over Shough’s play in 2025. “(He) probably progressed a little faster than we expected,” Loomis said.

That progression has led the Saints’ brass to the same conclusion that appeared increasingly obvious over the back half of the year: They’ve found their guy.

In a joint season-ending press conference, Loomis and coach Kellen Moore backed Shough as a core player for

Former Ole Miss manager agrees to three-year, $3 million deal with Tigers

BY ROD WALKER

Staff writer

ä See PELICANS, page 4C

ä See SAINTS, page 3C

LSU football makes Glasscock one of nation’s highest-paid GMs

New Orleans extends losing streak to nine — again

For the second time this season, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves on a ninegame losing streak.

The latest setback came Wednesday, thanks to a poor shooting night in a 117-100 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

The Pelicans made just 8-of-28 3-pointers in the game. Meanwhile, the Hawks made 18-of-47 from long distance. The Pels also committed 19 turnovers.

“The turnovers were the issue for me,” said Pelicans’ interim head coach James Borrego. “Too many turnovers. The spacing has got to be better. Decision-making has got to be better. Execution has to be better. All those facets have to be better to not turn it over.”

The Pels’ previous nine-game losing skid

New Orleans to build around. Moore said the Saints “feel great” with Shough as their quarterback for 2026, while Loomis later added they were “obviously pleased” with his emergence. The Saints finished 6-11 but went 5-4 after Shough took over the starting job and played well enough to insert himself into conversations for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The next steps for the franchise will be to determine how exactly to surround Shough with the right pieces.

The Saints are in the beginning stages of reviewing their most recent campaign but are set to enter the season only a projected $20 million over the salary cap — far less than the last few years. While New Orleans still needs to become compliant by the beginning of the new league year in March, Loomis said the lesser burden gives the

BY WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writer

PROVIDED PHOTO By OLE MISS ATHLETICS

Former Ole Miss general manager Billy Glasscock will earn $1 million per year, which would have made him the secondhighest-paid general manager in college football this past year.

LSU and general manager Billy Glasscock agreed to a three-year, $3 million deal that makes him one of the highestpaid general managers in the country after he followed head coach Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss, according to a copy of his term sheet obtained Wednesday by The Advocate through a public records request.

Glasscock will earn $1 million per year, which would have made him the secondhighest-paid general manager in college football this past year. North Carolina general manager Mike Lombardi earned $1.51 million this past year, according to

USA Today.

The second-highest-paid general manager was Ohio State’s Mark Pantoni at $900,000 per year. Southern Cal, a private school, is also reportedly believed to have paid Chad Bowden around seven figures.

The deal marked a significant pay bump for Glasscock, who reportedly made $425,000 this past year at Ole Miss. Former LSU general manager Austin Thomas earned $800,000, according to a copy of his deal. After not being retained on Kiffin’s staff, Thomas became the Ole Miss general manager.

Glasscock joined Kiffin’s staff at Ole Miss in 2024 after Thomas left to become the general manager at LSU. Glasscock was previously the director of player personnel at Texas and NC State. He came with other new LSU assistants on

ä See GM, page 4C

2C ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

H H lll

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS On TV MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 5:30 p.m. Northwestern at Michigan St. BTN 6 p.m.

Liberty at Louisiana Tech CBSSN 7:30 p.m. Rutgers at Illinois BTN 8 p.m.

MTSU at UTEP CBSSN 9:30 p.m. Ohio St. at Oregon BTN

10 p.m. San Francisco at LMU CBSSN 10:30 p.m. Santa Clara at Gonzaga ESPN2 WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 7 p.m.

Creighton at Marquette TRUTV COLLEGE FOOTBALL 6:30 p.m. Miami vs. Ole Miss ESPN FIGURE SKATING 5 p.m.

U.S. Winter Olympic Trials USA

IN BRIEF

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

NBA Miami at Chicago MEN’S SOCCER 8:40 p.m. Al-Hazem at Al-Hilal 11:15 a.m. Al Qadsiah at Al Nassr 12:30 p.m. Atletico vs. Real Madrid TENNIS 4:30 p.m. United Cup 7 p.m.

NBATV FS2 FS2 ESPN2 TENNIS

‘We have to bounce back’ LSU’s poor start proves costly in loss to South Carolina

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

Matt McMahon shook his head side to side, seemingly as confused as many onlookers.

“I thought our preparation was good,” the LSU basketball coach said.

Before LSU dropped its home game to South Carolina on Tuesday, players prepared in a manner that met McMahon’s standard.

The day after his team’s threepoint defeat at Texas A&M, the group prioritized film study of its next opponent. Players were then “dialed in” at Monday’s on-court practice. Shoot around on Tuesday was productive and “high energy.”

Despite all that, LSU was unprepared in its 78-68 loss to South Carolina at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The Tigers didn’t have the injured Dedan Thomas, who leads the Southeastern Conference with 7.1 assists.

LSU (12-3, 0-2 SEC) had its most uninspiring start to a game this season, trailing 24-5 after about six minutes and 50-25 at halftime.

“For whatever reason, I didn’t have them ready to go. Start the game down, whatever it was, 100, 15 to 3. I think they made their first nine or 10 shots. Our first three stops we got, we turned the ball over when we did get the rebound. So it’s just hard in this league to overcome that type of slow start, and we paid for it tonight.”

LSU trailed by as many as 28 points. No player made more than one field goal in the first half.

South Carolina (10-5, 1-1), on the

BY CHARLES SALZER Senior guard D’Shantae Edwards brings experience and hard-nosed defense every time she steps on to the court for the Southern women’s basketball team, but her team-first attitude may be the most important attribute of all.

The Jaguars routinely go deep into their bench during games, so much so that many times 10 or 11 players put up important statistics, but there are also contributions that don’t show up in a box score.

“My role doesn’t necessarily show up on the stat sheet,” Edwards said this week, after Southern opened its Southwestern Athletic Conference schedule with home wins against Prairie View and Texas Southern.

“I pick my team up when I see them low, and I let them feed off of me. My role on the team may not

LSU

Continued from page 1C more complete performance on the boards when they go on the road to face Georgia at 5:30 p.m. Thursday (SEC Network+).

Crashing the boards is important for LSU. It’s how the Tigers finish off defensive possessions and ignite their dangerous transition offense.

But, for the first time since 2022, LSU does not have one — or two — of the best rebounders in the history of women’s college basketball to help it grab missed shots. Both Reese and Aneesah Morrow have now moved on, and the Tigers are struggling to replace their production on the boards as a result.

“We’re gonna have to do it as a group,” Mulkey said in November.

“We’re not gonna have that one dominant rebounder like we’ve had.”

LSU finished each of Mulkey’s first four seasons in charge as one of the SEC’s three best rebound-

Former LSU All-American Billy Truax has died. He was 82.

A native of New Orleans and graduate of Holy Cross High School, Truax played end for the Tigers from 1961-63, earning AllAmerican and All-SEC honors as a senior.

Truax was selected in the second round of the 1964 NFL Draft with the 26th overall pick to the Cleveland Browns and was also the 14th overall pick in the second round of the AFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. Truax went on to play tight end for the Los Angeles Rams from 1964-70 and the Dallas Cowboys from 1971-73, helping Dallas win Super Bowl VI over the Miami Dolphins at Tulane Stadium.

In 2021, Truax was inducted into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame. .

Alabama QB Simpson declares for NFL draft

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

LSU guard PJ Carter pressures South Carolina guard Myles Stute during Tuesday’s game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. ä LSU at Vanderbilt. NOON SATURDAy, SECN.

other hand, made its first nine shots and 10 of 13 from 3-point range at that point. For the third time this season, the team gave up a hot 3-point shooting start to the opponent. The other times were in a close win against Prairie View and a loss to Texas Tech.

Pablo Tamba, who had 10 points, was asked what was wrong with LSU’s defense early.

“It was a mental approach to the game,” the graduate student

transfer from UC Davis said. “We should have come out in the first half with a more aggressive mentality and defend better. We’ve struggled before when it comes to making teams miss 3s, and it happened again. I think it was clearly our mental approach to the game.”

McMahon said his team never made South Carolina uncomfortable in the first half. While LSU battled back in the second half to come within six points with six minutes remaining, it didn’t play well enough to fully make up for

its poor start.

The team doesn’t know when it’ll have Thomas, who McMahon said is still day-to-day with a lower leg injury. It knows that with or without him, it has to avoid a horrendous start again if it wants to pull off an upset against No. 11 Vanderbilt on the road at noon Saturday.

“We have to bounce back,” LSU guard Max Mackinnon said. “We have Vanderbilt coming up. We know that’s a good team. We have to watch film, bounce back and learn from our mistakes.”

SU’s Edwards quietly making impact Contributing writer

Former LSU All-American Truax dies at age of 82

ä Southern at BethuneCookman. 6 P.M. THURSDAy.

always be verbal but if you follow my lead, if you follow the aggressiveness that I have, I think that’s what the team feeds off of. That’s what coach (Carlos Funchess) thinks my role is, and I’m proud to have it.”

Last Thursday, while Southern weathered a slow start against Prairie View, Edwards gave the Jaguars a jolt of energy by converting three-point plays on consecutive possessions. The Jaguars took a seven-point lead into the second quarter, and led the rest of the way en route to a 70-55 win.

The 5-foot-7 Edwards finished with 10 points, two rebounds and an assist, but her contribution was more important than the numbers alone.

“My role doesn’t necessarily show up on the stat sheet,” Edwards said. “It’s about bringing the team together. As a senior, I have the ability to calm my teammates

down and bring them back into the game. It’s not about statistics, but it’s an important role.”

Originally from Baltimore, Edwards came to Southern last year after playing two seasons at Bethune-Cookman. She will pay a visit to her former school on Thursday when Southern (6-7, 2-0) takes on the Wildcats at 6 p.m. in Daytona, Florida. The Jaguars follow that with a 3 p.m. game against Florida A&M in Tallahassee, Florida, on Saturday.

Southern’s chances at repeating as the SWAC regular-season champion will hinge on picking up road wins. Southern went 15-3 in league play last season, a mark that included an 8-1 record away from home. The Jaguars have nine new players this season, but the level of

ing teams. Reese and Morrow were two of the largest reasons why. Those two stars are responsible for a whopping 37% of all the boards the Tigers grabbed across the previous three years.

Mulkey did not have either Reese or Morrow in her first season at LSU. But the Tigers still pulled down 29.6 defensive rebounds and 12.7 offensive rebounds per game against their league competition that year — enough for them to finish with the SEC’s third-highest rebounding average.

It’s early, but this LSU team ranks eighth among SEC teams in rebounding — one of the reasons why it’s also playing at the secondslowest pace in the conference, according to Her Hoop Stats.

The 17 offensive boards the Tigers allowed Kentucky to grab are tied for the most they’ve given up to any opponent they’ve played over the last five seasons. The five boards they let Vanderbilt pull off the offensive glass in the fourth quarter of their loss on Sunday led to four second-chance buckets. Those shots then turned the

game in the Commodores’ favor.

Star junior guard Mikaylah Williams leads the Tigers in rebounding through two SEC matchups. She’s averaging eight boards per game.

LSU’s two transfer post players — 6-foot-5 sophomore Kate Koval and 6-2 senior Amiya Joyner — are averaging only 11 rebounds combined.

In SEC play last season, Morrow pulled down 13.1 boards per game by herself.

“I can tell (LSU’s young players) whatever I want,” Williams said, “but they can see it for themselves.

They can see what not rebounding does. We don’t end up winning.”

Koval grabbed only two misses against Kentucky, but she corralled 10 against Vanderbilt — a career-high for a conference game.

Before the season, Mulkey said LSU was helping her learn how to rebound “out of her area” so she can track down misses even when she doesn’t have ideal positioning.

“That’s something that I’ve really focused on,” Koval said in November, “starting this summer. I feel like I watch a lot of film to see

play has remained high.

“The team has a different identity than last year, but I think the way we compete is at the same level,” Edwards said. “Both of the teams have some high-level basketball IQ players. The style of play is different (this year), how we score is different, but what hasn’t changed is our energy level, and the love that we have for this program.”

The Jaguars have 10 players that average 14 or more minutes per game, and none of them average better than 10 points. Edwards sees a team that has put its focus on winning instead of producing individual numbers.

“The foundation started last summer,” Edwards said. “It’s every girl willing to fill a role and not just be who they were last year.

Everybody communicates, everybody wants to share the ball, and everybody has the same goal.”

the positioning I need to be in to get those boards.”

If LSU doesn’t continue to improve on the glass, then it could wind up with the worst five-game start to league play of Mulkey’s career. She’s never had a team — at either Baylor or LSU — drop more than three of its first five conference matchups.

Because the Tigers started 0-2, they’ll now need to win two of their next three games to avoid sliding to 1-4. LSU will first play on the road against Georgia, then return home to face No. 2 Texas before going back on the road to take on No. 5 Oklahoma.

“These first five games are as tough a bunch of games in a row that I think I’ve ever coached in,” Mulkey said, “and we know what we face.”

Hence the urgency with which LSU hopes to address its rebounding issues.

And the t-shirts it used to drive home the point.

Email Reed Darcey at reed. darcey@theadvocate.com.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Ty Simpson declared for the NFL draft on Wednesday, leaving Alabama after one season as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback.

The 6-foot-2, 208-pound Simpson could be one of the top quarterbacks drafted in April. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is seen as the likely No. 1 selection.

“I’ll cherish all of it as I take the next step for preparing for the NFL draft,” Simpson said in a video posted on social media.

Simpson said he was tempted to take an easier path while he spent three seasons waiting for his turn after being recruited by Nick Saban. Simpson said “you just are Alabama or you’re not.”

He cracked a rib in Alabama’s 38-3 loss in the Rose Bowl to topranked Indiana and Mendoza.

Bills place DT Phillips on IR; sign CB Jackson

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills are down another defensive tackle for the playoffs after placing Jordan Phillips on injured reserve on Wednesday.

The team did not disclose the nature of Phillips’ injury, though he missed two games with an ankle issue before returning to play 18 defensive snaps in a season-ending 35-8 win over the New York Jets on Sunday. The 33-year-old Phillips is an 11th-year player who was considering retirement before signing with Buffalo for a fourth stint last summer.

The Bills filled Phillips’ roster spot by signing cornerback Dane Jackson off the practice squad.

Buffalo also signed quarterback Shane Buechele and cornerback Daryl Porter Jr. to the practice squad.

UNLV lands ex-Auburn QB Arnold from transfer portal

LAS VEGAS — Dan Mullen doesn’t know if he has a prototypical quarterback.

He likes tough guys. Those with versatile skills. Those who are great leaders.

And thinks he has found another in Jackson Arnold.

UNLV’s football team has its quarterback out of the transfer portal. The Rebels signed Arnold, a former Oklahoma and Auburn signal-caller.

“I’m really excited,” said Mullen, who in his first season as UNLV coach led the Rebels to a 10-4 record and Frisco Bowl appearance. “He was a guy last year who we paid really close attention to. When I got hired here, he was at the top of our list and ended up going to Auburn.

Chevron Championship moving LPGA’s first major

HOUSTON — The Chevron Championship is moving the LPGA’s first major of the year to Memorial Park, just four weeks after Houston’s public course hosts the Houston Open on the PGA Tour.

The Chevron had been played at The Club at Carlton Woods, a Jack Nicklaus suburban club about 40 miles north of Houston, since relocating in 2023. The move to Memorial Park was to bring the tournament closer to Chevron’s headquarters and to downtown Houston.

Tom Doak redesigned Memorial Park, and it returned to hosting the Houston Open in 2020, first in the fall portion of the PGA Tour and then moving to the spring in 2024.

The Houston Open is March 2629. The Chevron Championship will be played April 23-26.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ 3C

lll

2025 is the year of the first-round QB

BY JOSH DUBOW

AP pro football writer The 2025 NFL season was dominated by first-round quarterbacks with old veterans like Matthew Stafford and a new generation featuring Drake Maye and Caleb Williams taking center stage.

The playoffs should be no different with a record-tying 12 of the 14 teams that qualified for the postseason set to use a first-round pick as their starting quarterback.

The only year in the Super Bowl era with two or fewer non-first-round QBs starting a playoff game came in 2024 when Jalen Hurts and Russell Wilson did it.

The NFL set a record this season with 219 of the 272 games won by a quarterback who was drafted in round one, besting the mark of 204 set the previous year.

And the record isn’t about a longer season or more teams as the 80.5% of games won by a first-round quarterback was easily the highest since the start of the common draft in 1967. The only other season with more than 70% of games won by a first-round QB came in 2024 when the rate was 75%.

The rate was less than half of games as recently as 2008 and down at 23% in 2001, when Tom

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By NAM y. HUH

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, center, throws a pass during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Chicago.

Brady first became a starter in New England a year after being a sixthround pick.

The only outlier will be the wildcard game on Sunday in Philadelphia when San Francisco’s former seventh-round pick Brock Purdy takes on former second-rounder Hurts and the Eagles.

Those teams have shown there is an alternate path to success as Hurts and Purdy have represented

the NFC in the last three Super Bowls. But unless the winner of that game also wins the divisional round, this season will join the 2010 season as the only ones in the Super Bowl era with all four starting QBs in the conference title game being first-rounders.

There were five others picked in the top 10, including 2024 No. 3 pick Maye and 2018 No. 7 pick Josh Allen of Buffalo. Houston’s C.J.

Stroud went second in 2023, while Sam Darnold was picked third by the Jets in 2018 and Justin Herbert went sixth to the Chargers in 2020.

Then there’s Hurts at No. 53 in 2020 and Purdy, who was Mr. Irrelevant as the 262nd and final pick of the 2022 draft.

League leaders Myles Garrett set the single-season sack record with 23, while sev-

eral other league leaders also had some noteworthy performances.

Stafford led the NFL with 46 touchdown passes and 4,707 yards passing, while throwing only eight interceptions for the Los Angeles Rams. Stafford joined Brady in his record-setting 2007 season as the only players to lead the league in TD passes and yards while throwing eight or fewer interceptions.

Maye, who is second in AP NFL MVP odds at BetMGM to Stafford, became the seventh player to throw for at least 4,000 yards and 30 TDs in a season before turning 24 and the first to do it with fewer than 10 interceptions.

Buffalo’s James Cook edged out Baltimore’s Derrick Henry for the rushing title with 1,621 yards to Henry’s 1,595. Henry had his record-setting fourth season with at least 1,500 yards rushing and 15 TD runs, including back-to-back campaigns in his 30s. No other player has done that even once after turning 30.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba set a Seattle record and led the NFL with 1,793 yards receiving.

Arizona’s Trey McBride finished with 126 catches, the most ever for a tight end and three shy of Puka Nacua’s league-leading total this season.

Bills quarterback Allen Stakes are high for Ravens knows where to improve without Harbaugh’s stability Buffalo star is refreshed as team prepares for Jaguars

BY JOHN WAWROW Associated Press

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Josh Allen’s sore right foot feels better, and the Bills quarterback’s mind is refreshed as Buffalo prepares to open the playoffs on the road for the first time in six years.

With the exception of a gameopening handoff in a regular season-ending 35-8 win over the Jets on Sunday to extend his starting streak to 135 games, Allen got the weekend off to rest and spend time poring over video to assess his season.

What stood out most, Allen said upon returning to practice Wednesday, were the plays he missed.

“You’re sitting there like, ‘God, I stink.’ It’s like, ‘What am I thinking here? What am I doing?’ ” he said with a laugh.

Allen was hardly that bad.

The eighth-year starter and reigning MVP finished second among quarterbacks with 39 touchdowns (25 passing, 14 rushing) and led five fourth-quarter comebacks — two when trailing by double digits. At 29, he became the NFL’s first player to have a hand in 300 touchdowns before turning 30.

Nevertheless, Allen’s self-scouting was beneficial in showing areas where the perfectionist QB can improve ahead of the playoffs.

Buffalo (12-5) visits AFC South champion Jacksonville (13-4) in a wild-card game on Sunday.

For Allen, there’s footwork to address. He saw times where he forced passes instead of checking it down to an open receiver. And he took a career-high 40 sacks, reminding him of the benefits of throwing the ball away.

Allen practiced fully for the first time since hurting his right foot in a 23-20 win at Cleveland on Dec.

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C Saints flexibility to be aggressive if they decide that’s the right direction to take.

But the general manager cautioned patience.

Even with Shough’s breakout, Loomis said the Saints still have to be careful in how they build their roster.

“We’re excited about Tyler, but we have to remember that he hasn’t had 17 starts yet,” Loomis said. “So we’re going to go into next season with these high expectations — and there’s nothing wrong with that — but we also have to temper that by the fact that he’s a second-year quarterback with less than a full season to start.

“We got to keep that in mind as we go forward, that there’s building blocks here and we cannot skip

ä Bills at Jaguars NOON SUNDAy, CBS.

21. He’ll be facing a Jaguars defense that ranked first against the run and finished second in the NFL with 22 interceptions.

“Every team that we’re playing here on out is a good team and it’s no different this week,” Allen said. “I have this extra emphasis on points are at a premium in the playoffs and just trying to do everything I can to give us points.”

There’s plenty on the line for Allen and a Bills team has fallen short in the playoffs over the past six years.

Allen has a 7-6 postseason record and has advanced to the AFC championship game twice, both losses to Kansas City. The Bills are also 0-5 on the road in seven playoff appearances since coach Sean McDermott took over, starting with a 10-3 loss at Jacksonville in the 2017 wild-card round, a year before Allen’s arrival.

Not including two neutral-site Super Bowl losses, the Bills have lost eight straight road playoff games since winning at Miami in the 1992 AFC championship game.

That skid is the NFL’s second-longest behind the Detroit Lions, who have dropped 12 straight postseason road games.

“We’re not focused on what’s happened in the past,” Allen said.

“Our job is to play the Jacksonville Jaguars at 1 o’clock on Sunday, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

In 13 playoff games, Allen has averaged 258 yards passing, combined for 33 touchdowns (25 passing, seven rushing and one receiving) and turned the ball over six times, with four interceptions and two lost fumbles.

“This is how he is every year at this time of year. He’s very dialed in, very focused,” McDermott said.

It was coordinator Joe Brady’s idea to have Allen spend last week studying video.

“I thought it was something to put on his radar, just to refresh some things,” Brady said.

any steps.”

Still, Loomis acknowledged the advantages of building around a quarterback on his rookie contract. There’s “leeway” that allows teams to manage their resources differently because of the lower cap hit, Loomis said. And Loomis said he believes Shough’s play will “attract” free agents, similar to the boost the team received shortly after signing Drew Brees in 2006.

From a salary cap perspective, Loomis said he sees the Saints in good shape. He said being closer to cap compliance changes the “volume” of what the team must do from a restructure standpoint; the Saints often reorganize contracts to lower cap hits and create salary cap space.

“It’ll be the lightest work that Khai (Harley) has to do over the last few years,” Loomis said, referring to the Saints’ cap guru.

Loomis said the Saints would take a

BY NOAH TRISTER AP sportswriter

In three decades of existence, the Baltimore Ravens have had two primary owners, two general managers and three head coaches.

Stability like that is hard to achieve in the NFL and should not be taken for granted.

Now the franchise heads down an uncertain path after firing John Harbaugh. It’s a risk owner Steve Bisciotti clearly felt was worth taking.

“Our goal has always been and will always be to win championships,” Bisciotti said in his statement Tuesday announcing Harbaugh’s dismissal. “We strive to consistently perform at the highest level on the field and be a team and organization our fans take pride in.”

When Harbaugh was hired before the 2008 season, he’d been an assistant in Philadelphia — the less famous older brother of Jim Harbaugh, the former quarterback who at the time was a college coach.

Then John won a championship in his fifth season with the Ravens, famously beating Jim head to head in the Super Bowl after the latter had become coach of the San Francisco 49ers. John Harbaugh’s run in Baltimore ends with six division titles and four trips to the AFC championship game in 18 years.

But since Lamar Jackson was drafted in 2018, the Ravens have posted the third-best record in the NFL in the regular season while going just 3-6 in the playoffs.

Blown leads and close losses became common, and Baltimore may have been the most disappointing team in the league this year, finishing 8-9.

As is often the case when a coach is fired, those who were spared will be under even more scrutiny. In Baltimore, that’s Jackson and general manager Eric DeCosta.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MATT LUDTKE

Former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh watches a play during a game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 27. he didn’t win. He threw for 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns that season with only four interceptions, while also running for 915 yards.

The Ravens don’t have to unlock some never-before-seen level of performance from Jackson. They need a return to the way he played just one season ago — and for the team as a whole, Jackson included, to stay close to that level in the playoffs.

This season, Jackson dealt with multiple injuries and didn’t look all that comfortable when he did play. The result was a surprisingly average season in which he wasn’t nearly the running threat he usually is. But even so, with the division title at stake last weekend at Pittsburgh, Jackson put Baltimore in position to win three different times in the fourth quarter, only for the defense and kicking game to let the Ravens down.

Baltimore now has to decide what to prioritize. Should the new coach be someone hired to bring out the best in Jackson again, on and off the field? Or are the Ravens confident their quarterback, who turned 29 on Wednesday, will rebound mostly on his own, freeing them up to look perhaps at a more defensive-minded option?

many major moves before this season, reaching a new deal with tackle Ronnie Stanley and adding receiver DeAndre Hopkins. They largely stood pat, which didn’t work out too well when the team regressed, especially in the trenches. Baltimore’s pass rush wasn’t great, with younger players failing to develop fast enough and veteran Kyle Van Noy slowing down.

The offensive line paid a price for relying on less proven players at the guard position.

DeCosta has a lot of areas to improve on this roster, and he’ll also need to work out a new deal with Jackson to provide some shortterm salary cap relief.

ing them to embrace a rebuild and lean into getting younger.

Loomis, for instance, said replacing Carr with another veteran wasn’t feasible since the options the Saints would realistically want to bring in to compete were “pretty much all gone” by the time the situation settled.

So, the Saints went with their young quarterback room. Moore’s first year featured a quarterback competition between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, and while Rattler initially won the job, Moore and Loomis agreed that sitting Shough was important for his development. Loomis said he left the decision up to Moore.

“We didn’t win games enough, but he gave us a lot of really good opportunities,” Moore said of Rattler, who went 1-7 as a starter in 2025. Then Tyler just had a really good vision and plan to get better.”

“Obviously, I like the way that it

turned out,” Loomis said.

Now, the plan is to build around Shough. The Saints hold the eighth pick in the draft, a spot in which Loomis said he feels like New Orleans can truly take the best player available.

What a difference a year makes.

At this time last year, Loomis had to find a new coach and prepare for the possibility of finding a quarterback of the future. The Saints appear to have hit on both aspects, hiring Moore and drafting Shough.

Loomis said having those questions answered makes this offseason “easier,” but added there’s still plenty left to accomplish.

“We don’t just want to win the division,” Loomis said. “We don’t want to be an 8-8, or 8-9, winning team in the division. We want to win the division, be dominant and have a chance to make a run in the playoffs. That’s what our goal is going to be.”

Possible candidates

The Ravens don’t necessarily need a coach who can succeed for another 18 years. A couple former Baltimore assistants are now defensive coordinators elsewhere — Jesse Minter of the Los Angeles Chargers and Anthony Weaver of Miami.

Brian Flores, Kliff Kingsbury, Robert Saleh and Kevin Stefanski have head coaching experience with varying levels of success.

Seattle offensive coordinator An MVP talent Klint Kubiak and Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Jackson already has two MVPs, Shula could be in line for their first and the star quarterback’s best Constructing the roster year might have been 2024, when The Ravens didn’t make too head coaching opportunities.

“judicious” approach in free agency, though he acknowledged they would have some “different opportunities” compared to previous years.

Among the other items for the Saints to address this offseason are determining whether to bring back veterans such as Demario Davis and Cam Jordan, extending wide receiver Chris Olave’s contract, and seeing whether Moore needs to make any changes to his coaching staff.

Moore endorsed the group Wednesday, telling reporters that he has a “really good staff” and would have to “stay ready for different adjustments,” such as opportunities for promotions elsewhere.

“We’ll go through that whole process,” Moore said.

Loomis praised Moore for how he navigated a challenging first season. He noted how the team’s plans changed after Derek Carr unexpectedly retired in May, forc-

4C ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Ole Miss football thriving in NIL era

No. 6 Rebels to face No. 10 Miami in Fiesta Bowl

BY DAVID BRANDT Associated Press

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

From left, Eugene Wilson, Sam Leavitt and LSU football coach Lane Kiffin watch as LSU basketball hosts South Carolina on Tuesday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

On LSU’s QB search and red alerts for basketball teams Notes on a fresh golf scorecard for 2026 (eraser required) … … What is sure to be a huge transfer portal class for LSU is starting to fill up. The most recent additions (as of Wednesday afternoon) were former Florida wide receiver Eugene “Tre” Wilson, a player with a lot of injuries on his resume but a lot of upside, and ex-Gators punter Scott Rabalais Hayden Craig.

Wilson made a cameo appearance courtside Tuesday night at the LSU-South Carolina game (more on that later) with LSU coach Lane Kiffin, his son Knox, Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks and, the big enchilada, Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt. Amid the ever-changing currents of the transfer portal and (literally) mega-million NIL deals, Leavitt went from looking like a near lock for LSU to leaving Baton Rouge for a visit to Tennessee. Now a new name is on the radar of the “Portal King”: Washington quarterback Demond Williams.

Both Leavitt and Williams are top-flight prospects that could help LSU’s offense immensely in 2026. But this being LSU football, naturally there are obstacles. Leavitt is coming off surgery for a Lisfranc injury in his foot that he underwent in early November. The recovery time will likely prohibit Leavitt from taking part in spring practice wherever he plays, a big problem if it’s LSU with newcomers and returning players trying to get on the same page of the Kiffin/Charlie Weis Jr. offense.

If it’s Williams, there is the

little matter of a $4 million contract he signed with Washington (I still can’t believe we’re talking about college football), a contract Washington wants to hold him to. There is a chance that this could end up being a litmus test for college/player contracts and wind up in court, which, of course, is a process that could easily carry on past the 2026 season.

There is danger for LSU that it could come up empty in its pursuit of Leavitt, Williams or some other top-shelf prospect.

That’s a major concern for the Tigers, though after the Trinidad Chambliss Experiment at Ole Miss, I’m just about willing to believe that Kiffin and Weis could go into their laboratory and build a starting quarterback out of spare parts.

I remained convinced that LSU will still come up with a talented quarterback, but again, it probably needs two. Garrett Nussmeier is gone and so is Michael Van Buren, who has committed to USF. It just adds to the anxiety of an already nervous time for LSU, as we wait to see if Kiffin can build a playoff-contending team in his first season in Tigertown. … Back to the LSU men’s basketball team, which lost 78-68 at the aforementioned home game Tuesday night to South Carolina.

The Tigers are now 12-3 and 0-2 in Southeastern Conference play, both SEC games it must be said without star point guard Dedan Thomas.

Cut the Tigers some slack there, but the Gamecocks are not a good basketball team. But once again, LSU got shredded from 3-point range (South Carolina shot 57.1%) and didn’t do a great job of stopping drives to the basket either, as forward Eli-

jah Strong poured in 30 points.

Watching LSU lose, I had a similar feeling to watching LSU’s football loss to Vanderbilt in October and what that meant for Brian Kelly’s tenure. I think this 0-2 start, this loss, marks an inflection point for fourth-year coach Matt McMahon, a nosedive that will be difficult, if not impossible, for him to pull out of. There’s still a lot of season left, but in short, it’s hard to see him surviving what currently looks like another losing season in SEC play. … Hate to say Kim Mulkey’s women’s basketball team faces a must-win Thursday at Georgia (5:30 p.m., SECNetwork+), but it’s close. Those Tigers are also 0-2 in the league (14-2 overall) after narrow losses to Kentucky and Vanderbilt, the first 0-2 conference start for Mulkey at LSU or Baylor. An ankle injury that may hamper Flau’jae Johnson isn’t helping.

For these Tigers, the season is far from over, and nationally, folks don’t figure the sky is falling for LSU. They are still No. 12 in the AP poll and ESPN bracketologist Charlie Crème still has LSU as a No. 3 NCAA Tournament seed.

But Mulkey publicly questioning her team’s toughness after the Vandy loss, a team she has said often that she likes and thinks is talented, is flashing a red light.

That’s a weighty charge for any coach to make. Knowing Mulkey, she is probably trying to send a message to a team that she thinks is underachieving and can certainly be salvaged.

Still, if not a must-win, this is a mighty important one at Georgia. Change needs to come for LSU and soon with No. 2 Texas visiting Baton Rouge on Sunday.

Southern RB Holly set to return Top receiver Morris heads to Boise State

GM

Continued from page 1C a private plane to Baton Rouge the day that Kiffin left Ole Miss.

Glasscock is now a key figure as LSU works on its transfer portal class.

LSU also agreed to terms with defensive line coach Sterling Lucas and special teams coordinator Joe Houston. All three deals were reached in mid-December, according to the term sheets.

They are expected to be approved

BY TOYLOY BROWN III

Staff writer

Southern starting running back Trey Holly will not enter the transfer portal, he announced on social media Wednesday.

The former four-star tailback will spend a second season at Southern after he started his career at LSU. He will now play for first-year coach Marshall Faulk, a Pro Football Hall of Famer at running back.

“Dont like how last year went, SU let’s run it back,” Holly said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “#AGTG ITSPERSONAL.” While Holly returns, Darren Morris, the Jaguars’ top wide receiver, will transfer to Boise State, he announced on social media Tuesday.

The Baton Rouge native will be a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility remaining during the 2026 season.

Holly spent his redshirt sophomore year as a walk-on at Southern (2-10, 1-7 SWAC) and was among the best tailbacks in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

In 11 games, he had 869 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, which were both fourth in the conference.

At Union Parish High, he started on varsity as an eighth grader and finished his career with a Louisiana high school record 10,523 career yards rushing.

Keith Carter had a premium vantage point at the Sugar Bowl for arguably the biggest moment in Mississippi’s college football history, standing directly behind the goalposts as Lucas Carneiro’s 47-yard field goal split the uprights.

The Ole Miss athletic director scooped ä Miami vs. Ole Miss, up the foot6:30 P.M.THURSDAy, ESPN. ball and tucked it under both arms, hugging it tight like a fullback as he ran through the end zone in jubilation.

The 49-year-old Carter — who played basketball for the Rebels in the late 1990s — didn’t play a snap in Ole Miss’ 39-34 victory over Georgia in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. But in some ways, he might be the most important person for a football program that hasn’t acheived this much success since the early 1960s.

He is also the man working to keep Ole Miss on top.

“We want to go win the whole thing this year, obviously,” Carter said. “But our hope is to be right back here next year and be a program that’s an every-year CFP contender with a chance to win national championships.”

Such talk would have sounded crazy less than a decade ago when Ole Miss was mostly an afterthought in the SEC, dealing with the fallout of an NCAA investigation into rules violations and a messy breakup with then-coach Hugh Freeze.

But as the No. 6 seed Rebels prepare to face No. 10 Miami in the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday with a spot in the national championship game on the line, it doesn’t feel nearly as far-fetched.

Thanks to a group of behind-thescenes people that includes Carter and Walker Jones — who leads the Ole Miss NIL collective — the Rebels have thrived in the pay-for-play era, building a fundraising behemoth that’s given them resources to build a roster that includes quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, running back Kewan Lacy and a defense stacked with NFL-caliber talent.

Chambliss recently committed to return to the Rebels next season pending NCAA approval. He said Ole Miss has all of the resources it needs to compete at the highest level.

“I feel like college football’s changed throughout the years,” Chambliss said. “NIL changed that. The transfer portal changed that. The college football playoff changed that. I feel like Ole Miss, being in the SEC, the best conference in the nation, you’re going to get guys. You’re going to get good guys and coaches want to coach

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Southern running back Trey Holly speeds past Florida A&M linebacker Jason Riles on Oct. 25 at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

Holly left LSU following a suspension after he was allegedly involved in a February 2024 shooting in his hometown of Farmerville.

One woman and one man were injured by gunshot wounds, officials said at the time.

Holly claimed his innocence in a social media post after the shooting.

“I have been falsely identified, accused, and arrested,” Holly wrote at the time. “I am 100% innocent and the people that know me know this is not my character at all. I was not involved in the incident at all.”

Faulk is in the process of crafting an entirely new coaching staff. Ken Merchant, Southern’s new offensive coordinator, is known for an innovative offensive system known as the “Go-Go Offense.” The system prioritizes running the ball and at

Sacramento State, the team was first in rushing yards in the Big Sky Conference.

Morris, who went to Southern Lab, played 12 games and was 10th in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in receiving yards (517), 20th in receptions with 29 and tied for 11th in receiving touchdowns with four.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound wideout announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 1, two days after Southern beat Grambling 28-27 in the 52nd Bayou Classic.

“I would like to thank Southern University for letting me represent my hometown,” he said in a part of his statement announcing he would go into the transfer portal.

Boise State went 9-5 and 6-2 in the Mountain West Conference.

PELICANS

Continued from page 1C came during a stretch from Nov. 8 to Nov. 22. The ninth loss in that skid also came against the Hawks at the Smoothie King Center.

This time the Pelicans were without Trey Murphy (low back spasm), Herb Jones (right ankle soreness), Saadiq Bey (right hip flexor strain) and Jose Alvarado (left oblique soreness). Those four players average a combined 53.8 points per game. The Pels’ starting five on Wednesday were Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole, Zion Williamson, Karlo Matkovic and Derik Queen.

The lack of firepower was too much to overcome. Bryce McGowens tried to pick up some of the slack. McGowens came off the bench and scored nine points in the first quarter. Williamson had a strong second quarter, scoring seven straight points late in the second quarter. But the Pels

there. Ole Miss has done a good job transitioning with how college football is transitioning itself.”

Jones played football for the Rebels in the 1990s before a business career that included more than a decade with Under Armour. He came back to Ole Miss in 2022 to lead The Grove Collective, which is the athletic department’s fundraising arm.

Carter and Jones have known each other since their days playing Ole Miss sports and that connection was crucial.

“I always talk about the trust Keith had in me to come back in this capacity during a very confusing and complex time,” Jones said.

“That probably wasn’t easy. I credit our history together and the experience of being student-athletes together.”

The Rebels were quick to adapt to the NIL era under coach Lane Kiffin, who iprovided the recruiting. Carter and Jones provided the money and a juggernaut was born.

Now Kiffin is gone — headed to LSU after an awkward breakup — but the money remains. Jones has cultivated a group of roughly 7,000 donors in The Grove Collective who range from millionaries to college students. It’s all impressive for a school that has a large following, but not the same kind of massive alumni base of schools like Ohio State or Texas.

“We may not have a T. Boone Pickens or a Phil Knight,” Carter said, referring to the well-heeled donors for Oklahoma State and Oregon. “But when you put us all together collectively, pull the rope in the same direction and people give not only what they can, but maybe even a little above what they should, we’ve been able to be really good.”

Ole Miss’ staying power has been evident over the past 12 months after last year’s disappointing ending to the season. The Rebels spent a boatload of money in 2024 for a roster that included quarterback Jaxson Dart, but they went 9-3 in the regular season and didn’t make the playoff.

Jones and Carter weren’t deterred and the donations kept pouring into the program. One year later, they’re exactly where they want to be. Even losing Kiffin hasn’t stopped the momentum; Carter quickly promoted Pete Golding and the Rebels keep chugging along.

“You’ve seen this before in sports,” Carter said. “There’s a team with all the expectations and you fall a little short. Then the very next year, you look up, and there’s a team that’s maybe not as heralded or doesn’t have as much preseason hype. But the pieces fit perfectly, the locker room is right, all these intangible things happen and it’s the best team in school history.”

when the LSU board of supervisors next meets in February.

Lucas, who was hired away from South Carolina, agreed to a two-year deal that will pay him $925,000 next year and $975,000 in 2027.

Houston has a two-year deal worth $700,000 per year before potential incentives. Houston worked with Florida’s special teams units for two years after spending four seasons as a special teams assistant with the New England Patriots.

He signed former Florida punter Hayden Craig at LSU on Wednesday.

trailed 65-53 at halftime. The Pelicans made just one field goal in the first nine minutes of the third quarter. They were outscored 2413 in the quarter.

Poole, who had struggled lately, was 6-of-13 on 3-pointers. But the rest of the team was just 2-of-15.

Micah Peavy’s 3-pointer with five minutes left was the first one of the game by someone other than Poole. McGowens made one later.

“The quality of shots, I don’t think was great,” Borrego said.

“There were moments throughout the night where we had it. But in general, we can be better there.”

Williamson led the Pels with 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Poole scored 21 and McGowens finished with 20 for the Pelicans (8-31).

Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2024, scored 25 points to lead the Hawks (1821).

The Pelicans will try to avoid a 10-game losing streak Friday when they play at the Washington Wizards.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ 5C

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THE VARSITY ZONE

COLLEGE FOOTBALL TRANSFER PORTAL

Florida WR Wilson commits to Tigers

BY WILSON ALEXANDER and REED DARCEY Staff writers

STAFF PHOTOS By HILARy SCHEINUK

Prairieville’s Aubrey Theriot drives to the basket past Hammond’s Jamaya Francis, center, and Bri James on Wednesday at Prairieville High School. The Hurricanes won 67-24.

Prairieville defense smothers Hammond

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

Prairieville High School and Hammond were tied at 7-7 early in Wednesday’s girls basketball game before the Hurricanes turned it up a notch on defense.

Prairieville forced countless turnovers and missed shots as the Tornadoes managed just 17 points the rest of the game and eight points in the second half.

Prairieville (15-3) went on to a 67-24 rout of Hammond (11-6) at Prairieville High School.

“We did a pretty good job tonight just putting it together on both ends of the floor,” Hurricanes coach Chase Delrie said. “Just to see us out in transition, creating some offense through our defense.”

Senior forward Rhian Comery led the team with 19 points. Freshman guard Aubrielle Theriot and freshman forward Kailey Miles each added 15 points as six players scored for Prairieville.

The Hurricanes defense forced six straight misses midway through the first quarter. During the Hammond offensive drought, Prairieville went on a 7-0 run that was started by a 3-pointer from Theriot and capped by consecutive Comery fast-break layups.

The Hurricanes led 19-10 after the first period.

Prairieville’s defense continued to force turnovers and cause misses in the second quarter as the Tor-

Prairieville’s Kailey Miles drives the ball past Hammond’s Bri James on Wednesday in Prairieville.

“It’s just about effort.

I thought our effort was pretty good tonight.”

CHASE DELRIE, Prairieville coach nadoes managed just five points in the period. Comery got the scoring started with a free throw. She followed that with a midrange jumper on the ensuing possession.

Comery scored seven points in the second quarter and the Hurricanes made eight points off free throws to take a 33-16 lead into

halftime.

The lead continued to swell in the second half. Hammond scored the first basket on a 3-pointer, but didn’t score again until another 3-pointer made at the third-quarter buzzer.

After the Tornado’s opening bucket, Hurricanes freshman center Kaitelyn Snyder-Kemp scored seven straight points off two layups and a free throw. Theriot then stole the ball and drove the length of the court for a layup.

Prairieville led 49-22 after three periods.

Hammond again scored first to begin the quarter, starting the fourth with two free throws. The two points would be Hammond’s last of the game.

“It’s just about effort,” Delrie said. “I thought our effort was pretty good tonight.”

The Hurricanes closed the game with 18 straight points. Miles rushed down the court and beat the buzzer with a layup to get her side to 67 points. The number, which has become a viral joke, caused a flurry of hand motions to close out the game.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Delrie said. “It’s crazy how these kids have just been so obsessed with this six-seven.

“For us to be able to come out here and play well enough and move the basketball around so different girls can see it go through the net, and that confidence just rises.”

BASKETBALL REPORT Boys Tuesday’s scores Boys

Prairieville 63, Helix Mentorship 29 Catholic-PC 51, East Feliciana 38 Zachary 81, Denham Springs 60 West Feliciana 66, Episcopal 55 GEO Next Generation 62, Acadiana 32 Scotlandville 62, Live Oak 56 Broadmoor 86, Thrive Academy 42 Parkview Baptist 73, White Castle 33 Port Allen 63, Franklin 54

Zachary 81, Denham Springs 60 Denham Springs 26 9 13 12 — 60 Zachary 23 12 22 20 — 81 SCORING: ZHS: Ian Edmond 29, Aidan Givens 16, Kristion Brooks 13, Deezy Collins 10, Mason Newman 7, Cambren Price 5, Ethan Kimmie 5, Trey Armwood 2 3 — POINT GOALS: Zachary 11 (Edmond 5, Collins 2, Givens 2, Price, Brooks); DSHS: 4 (Da’Jean Golmond 2, Da’Sean Golmond 2, Jay. Williams) RECORDS: Zachary 18 — 2, Denham Springs 14 — 4

Wednesday’s scores University 55, Catholic High 52 McKinley at Madison Prep, 5 p.m.

Central Private 58, Albany 54 Tara 81, Amite 38 Catholic High-PC 42, North Iberville 22 West Feliciana 48, Northeast 32 Dunham 66, Capitol 38 Belaire 55, Glen Oaks 32 Ascension Catholic 51, Riverside 37

Ascension Catholic 51, Riverside 37 Riverside 6 7 11 13 — 37 Ascension Catholic 4 15 21 11 — 51 SCORING: RIVERSIDE: K. Woodland 16, C. Evans 6, P. Maxey 5, J. Rachal 4, D. Gibson 2, M. Joseph 2, R. Herbert 2; ASCENSION CATHOLIC: K. Schexnayde 14, V. Blanchard 13, J. Verner 5, J. Julian 5, J. Barber 4, H. Leoeuf 4, C. Anthens 2, G. Fernandez 2, T. Simon 2 3-POINT GOALS: RIVERSIDE 1 (Woodland); Ascension Catholic 3 (Schexnayder 2, Julian) RECORDS: Riverside 1-6; Ascension Catholic 4-1

Thursday’s games St. John at Catholic-PC, 4 p.m.

St. Charles at Ascension Christian, 5 p.m.

Crescent City Baptist at Ascension Catholic, 5 p.m.

Riverside Academy at Lutcher, 5:30 p.m.

Kentwood at Slaughter Community Charter, 6 p.m.

Livonia at Helix Mentorship Academy, 6 p.m.

North Iberville at Jehovah-Jireh Christian, 6 p.m.

Friday’s games

Covenant Christian at Central Private, 4 p.m.

West Feliciana at East Feliciana, 5 p.m.

Brusly at Port Allen, 5 p.m.

Helix Mentorship Academy at Live Oak, 5 p.m.

Central at Madison Prep, 5 p.m.

Episcopal at Dunham, 5 p.m.

Broadmoor at Baker, 5 p.m.

GEO Next Generation at Istrouma, at OLD Capitol High School, 5 p.m.

Fontainebleau at Walker, 5 p.m.

Collegiate Baton Rouge at Tara, 5 p.m.

Catholic at East Ascension, 5 p.m.

Scotlandville at St. Amant, 5 p.m.

Plaquemine at Parkview Baptist, 5:30 p.m.

Livonia at Dutchtown, 5:30 p.m.

Albany at Slaughter Community Charter, 6 p.m.

Capitol at Prairieville, 6 p.m.

St. Joseph at Family Christian Academy, 6 p.m.

Saturday’s games

Thrive Academy at Ascension Catholic, 4 p.m.

White Castle at Plaquemine, 5:30 p.m.

Girls Tuesday’s scores Parkview Baptist 69, Denham Springs 41 Scotlandville 47, Plaquemine 46 Episcopal 46, St. John 25 University High 71, Ponchatoula 45 Capitol 23, Port Allen 19 East Ascension at Donaldsonville East Jefferson 22, Collegiate Baton Rouge 19 Liberty at Istrouma at Old Capitol High School, 6 p.m.

Glen Oaks 53, Thibodaux 50 Dunham 47, Ascension Catholic 41 Family Christian 41, Ascension Christian 21

University Lab 71, Ponchatoula 45 Ponchatoula 13 7 15 10 — 45 University Lab 20 15 17 19 — 71 SCORING: PHS: Devasia Williams 14, Taliah Jackson 12, Jill Joseph 5, Katelyn Fridge 4, Hydy Jackson 3, Jaliyah Jones 3; U — HIGH: Kennedy Aldridge 32, Olivia Jefferson 10, Haley Hirst 9, Maris McMahon 8, Gracie Coates 4, Presley Holland 4, Kennedy Dominick 2, Katelyn Ryes 3 — POINT GOALS: PHS: 1 (H. Jackson), UHIGH: 3 (McMahon 2, Aldridge 1) RECORDS: Ponchatoula 12-7, University 16-3 JUNIOR VARSITY: Ponchatoula 36, University 26

LSU landed a commitment Wednesday morning from Florida wide receiver Eugene Wilson, he announced in a social media post, giving the Tigers four new transfer wide receivers since the portal opened last week.

Wilson committed during a visit to LSU. After going to Texas A&M over the weekend, he came to Baton Rouge and briefly attended the LSU men’s basketball game Tuesday night with coach Lane Kiffin, linebacker Whit Weeks and Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt.

Wilson has 107 career receptions for 1,043 yards and 10 touchdowns in three seasons at Florida. He will have two more years of eligibility.

Wilson, who’s listed at 5-foot10 and 194 pounds, was ranked as the ninth-best receiver on the market by 247Sports.

Injuries have affected Wilson’s availability the past two years.

He only started four games as a sophomore before suffering a season-ending injury, which gave him an extra year of eligibility. After playing in eight games with five starts this past season, he missed the last four games with an injury.

When he was healthy as a freshman, Wilson had 61 catches, 538

yards and six touchdowns. He was a four-star recruit in the 2023 class coming out of Gaither High in Tampa, Florida.

LSU has now added four transfer wide receivers with Wilson, Kansas State transfer Jayce Brown, Old Dominion transfer Tre Brown and Hawaii transfer Jackson Harris.

Florida punter LSU-bound Former Florida punter Hayden Craig is transferring to LSU, he confirmed Wednesday in an Instagram post.

Craig did not appear in a game for the Gators in this past season — his true freshman year. He’s a native of Canada’s Quebec province who signed with Florida in 2025 as one of the 10 best punter recruits in his class, according to 247Sports composite rankings.

LSU now has two scholarship punters. Grant Chadwick — the 6-5 former Middle Tennessee transfer who punted for the Tigers this past season — can return for his junior year. In 2025, he averaged 46 yards, which ranked in the top 20 among FBS punters.

This transfer cycle, LSU is expected to find a new kicker.

Damian Ramos exhausted his eligibility, and his presumed replacement, kickoff specialist Aeron Burrell, entered the transfer portal.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By JOHN RAOUX

Florida wide receiver Eugene Wilson scores a touchdown against Vanderbilt on Oct. 7, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. Wilson had 107 career receptions for 1,043 yards and 10 TDs in three seasons at Florida.

LSU expected to show interest in Huskies QB

BY WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writer

LSU is expected to have interest in Washington quarterback Demond Williams, who said Tuesday night in a social media {span style=”text-decoration: underline;”}post{/span} that he plans to enter the transfer portal, multiple sources told The Advocate.

Williams would be considered one of the top quarterbacks on the market after he threw for 3,065 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions as a sophomore this past season. He added another 611 yards and six touchdowns on the ground while earning All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition.

“I have to do what’s best for me and my future,” Williams wrote.

Williams announced his decision with LSU in the midst of hosting Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, another one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal. After a multi-day stay in Baton Rouge, Leavitt will leave Wednesday for a visit to

Tennessee, according to multiple reports.

While Williams might become a priority for LSU, the situation could get complicated. Williams agreed to a new deal with Washington last week, and according to multiple reports, the school plans to enforce a signed revenue sharing contract. The details of Williams’ deal are not known, but the arrangements typically include a buyout.

According to Yahoo Sports, Washington officials suspect another school contacted Williams after he signed his deal and plan to submit evidence of tampering.

A Washington spokesperson declined to comment Tuesday night when reached by The Advocate.

After arriving for his visit Monday afternoon in Baton Rouge, Leavitt attended part of the LSU men’s basketball game Tuesday night against South Carolina with LSU coach Lane Kiffin, linebacker Whit Weeks and Florida transfer wide receiver Eugene Wilson, who is also considering the Tigers.

Episcopal 46, St. John 25 Episcopal 12 12 12 10 — 46 St. John 5 8 5 7 — 25 SCORING: EPISCOPAL: C. Watson 17, E. Odom 15, A. Bolden 4, L. Keyser 2; St. John: A. Seneca 15, E. Kirkland 4, M. Landry 4, M.M. Landry 2 3 — POINT GOALS: Episcopal: Watson 3

Wednesday’s scores Prairieville 67, Hammond 24 White Castle 52, Live Oak 49

Thursday’s games East Iberville at Live Oak, 5 p.m.

University High at Plaquemine, 5 p.m.

Dutchtown at Northeast, 5 p.m.

Livonia at GEO Next Generation, 5:30 p.m.

St. Michael at Port Allen, 5:30 p.m.

Hammond at East Ascension, 5:30 p.m.

Lutcher at St. Amant, 5:30 p.m.

Covington at Glen Oaks, 6 p.m.

Brusly at Scotlandville, 6 p.m.

Broadmoor at Capitol, 6 p.m.

West Feliciana at Central, 6 p.m.

Friday’s games Fontainebleau at Glen Oaks, 6 p.m.

Dutchtown at Livonia at STEM Academy, 6 p.m.

Louise S. McGehee at St. Joseph’s Academy, 6:30 p.m.

Istrouma at Zachary, 6:30 p.m.

LSU PLAYERS TRANSFERRING IN (10) Hayden Craig, P, Florida; Eugene Wilson, WR, Florida; Jayce Brown, WR, Kansas State; Rod Gainey, RB, Charlotte; Stephiylan Green, DT, Clemson; Ty Benefield, S, Boise State; Tre Brown, WR, Old Dominion; Raycine Guillory, RB, Utah; Jackson Harris, WR, Stanford

LSU PLAYERS TRANSFERRING OUT (28)

Aeron Burrell, K; Zion Williams, DT; TaRon Francis, WR; Michael Van Buren, QB, committed to South Florida; JT Lindsey, RB; Caden Durham, RB; Ethan Calloway, OL; Destyn Hill, WR; Kyle Parker, WR; Donovan Green, TE; Joel Rogers, S, committed to Tennessee; Ory Williams, OL, committed to Tennessee; Paul Mubenga, OL; Austin Ausberry, S; Tyree Adams, OL, committed to Texas A&M; DJ Chester, OL; Javien Toviano, DB; Coen Echols, OL, committed to Texas A&M; Carius Curne, OL, committed to Ole Miss; Colin Hurley, QB; Kaleb Jackson, RB; Ju’Juan Johnson, RB, committed to Syracuse; Wallace Foster, CB; Ahmad Breaux, DT, committed to Kentucky; Ashton Stamps, CB, committed to Arizona State; Jelani Watkins, WR; Kylan Billiot, WR, committed to James Madison.; Sydir Mitchell, DT

6C ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Sprague steps down as CEO of PGA of America

BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer

Derek Sprague is leaving after one year as CEO at the PGA of America, wishing to return to upstate New York to help support his mother and mother-in-law, who are requiring more care.

Sprague took over in January 2025, the first club professional in 20 years to be CEO and the first former PGA president appointed to the role. The PGA of America has some 30,000 professionals, and it runs the Ryder Cup in America and the PGA Championship for men, women and seniors.

He said he would stay on in an advisory role to ensure a smooth transition when the PGA of America finds his successor.

Sprague had informed the PGA of America board in early December of his need to get home to Malone, New York.

The PGA of America said it expects to announce a new CEO in the coming weeks.

“At my daughter’s wedding last month in upstate New York, it became clear that my family needs me nearby to assist with the care of my mother and mother-in-law,” Sprague said in a statement. “Focusing on family has become my priority, and the best decision for me is to step away from my role as CEO and return home to be with them.”

Sprague, who served as PGA president from 2014-16, was selected as CEO to replace Seth Waugh, the former Deutsche Bank Americas CEO who had been lured out of retirement in 2018.

Waugh had been grooming Craig Kessler, the PGA’s chief operating officer, as a potential replacement ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By MATT yORK until the PGA board opted for one Derek Sprague, CEO of the PGA of America, speaks during a news of its members. Kessler was apconference at the PGA Championship at the Quail Hollow Club on May pointed LPGA commissioner last 13 in Charlotte, N.C. summer.

Sprague was the PGA of America executive who reached out to man endured at Bethpage Black the PGA of America and McIlroy Rory McIlroy to apologize for the during the Ryder Cup. McIlroy’s said Sprague “couldn’t have been verbal abuse the Northern Irish- wife, Erica, previously worked at more gracious” in what he de-

scribed as a “lovely letter.”

He also was a staunch opponent during his year as CEO of the USGA and R&A’s plan to roll back the distance of golf balls for elite competition in 2028 and everyone else in 2030.

Sprague grew up in Malone and ran every aspect of Malone Golf Club, serving as general manager and director of golf. After his stint as PGA president, he worked at Liberty National in New Jersey when it hosted the 2017 Presidents Cup, and then was appointed general manager of the TPC Sawgrass before being selected CEO of the PGA of America.

He was inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2019.

Sprague stepping down extends the turnover in golf’s executive leadership. Brian Rolapp took over in August as CEO of the PGA Tour Enterprises; Kessler joined the LPGA in July; and Mark Darbon is just over a year into his role as CEO of the R&A.

SCOREBOARD Holes-in-one

Super Bowl LIX

Bland O’Connor Course: Baton Rouge Country Club Hole, yardage: No. 3, 82 yards Club selection: pitching wedge Witnesses: Bill Hagemann, Pat Gahan, Art Bedian, Dave Kiesel

Johnny Setton

Course: Beaver Creek Hole, yardage: No. 3, 110 yards Club selection: 9-iron Witnesses: Lawrence Barbier, Lyle Jarreau, Brian Bergeron

Odds COLLEGE BASKETBALL Thursday

NBA

Thursday

FAVORITE at CHARLOTTE at CHICAGO at MINNESOTA at UTAH

LINE OFF OFF 3 OFF

College Football Thursday

O/U (OFF) (OFF) (239½) (OFF)

Fiesta Bowl Glendale, Ariz.

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY Miami (FL) 3 3½

Friday

Peach Bowl Atlanta FAVORITE OPEN TODAY Indiana 4 3½

NFL

UNDERDOG Indiana Miami Cleveland Dallas

O/U UNDERDOG (52½) Ole Miss

O/U UNDERDOG (48½) Oregon

Saturday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG LA Rams 10½ 10½ (46½) at CAROLINA Green Bay 1½ 1½ (45½) at CHICAGO

Sunday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U Buffalo 1½ 1 (52) at PHILA 3½ 4½ (44½) at NE 3½ 3½ (46)

UNDERDOG at JAX San Fran.

LA Chargers

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U Houston 3 3 (39½)

UNDERDOG at PITT

Monday

At Santa Clara, Calif.

Conference championships winners, 5:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)

College football

Pro football

College Football Playoff Semifinals

Thursday Fiesta Bowl, Glendale, Ariz.

No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 Miami, 6:30 p.m.

(ESPN) Friday Peach Bowl, Atlanta No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 5 Oregon, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN) Miami Jan. 19 Semifinal winners, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)

FCS glance

National Championship

Monday Frisco, Texas Montana State 35, Illinois State 34

College basketball Men’s state schedule, scores Tuesday’s game

South Carolina 78, LSU 68

Thursday’s games

Liberty at Louisiana Tech, 6 p.m.

UL-Monroe at UL, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday’s games

Troy at UL, noon LSU at Vanderbilt, noon UL-Monroe at Southern Miss, 2 p.m.

Delaware at Louisiana Tech, 2 p.m.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 3:30 p.m.

Southeastern at McNeese, 4 p.m.

Tulane at Texas-San Antonio, 4 p.m.

Grambling at Bethune-Cookman, 4:30 p.m.

Southern at Florida A&M, 5 p.m.

Nicholls at UNO, 5 p.m.

Saturday

L.A Rams at Carolina, 3:30 p.m. (FOX) Green Bay at Chicago, 7 p.m. (PRIME)

Sunday

Buffalo at Jacksonville, noon (CBS) San Francisco at Philadelphia, 3:30 p.m.

(FOX) L.A Chargers at New England, 7 p.m. (NBC/ Peacock)

Monday

Houston at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)

Divisional playoffs Jan. 17-18

AFC lowest remaining seed at Denver, TBD NFC lowest remaining seed at Seattle, TBD AFC two remaining seeds at higher seed, TBD NFC two remaining seeds at higher seed, TBD

SOUTH CAROLINA (10-5) Strong 10-15 6-6 30, Johnson 4-9 8-10 19, Knox 1-4 2-4 4, Sharavjamts 3-8 0-0 7, Stute 1-2 0-1 3, Ellis 4-10 0-0 10, Assemian 0-2 0-0 0, Polk 1-2 0-0 3, Butler 1-1 0-0 2, Kapic 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 25-53 16-21 78.

LSU (12-3) Nwoko 2-9 2-2 6, Sutton 1-5 4-4 6, Tamba 4-8 2-3 10, Mackinnon 6-14 0-0 15, Reece 1-6 0-0 2, Carter 4-10 0-0 10, Miller 3-4 3-3 9, King 1-3 1-2 4, Mosley 2-3 0-0 6. Totals 24-62 12-14 68.

Halftime—South Carolina 50-25. 3-Point Goals—South Carolina 12-21 (Strong 4-4, Johnson 3-6, Ellis 2-4, Polk 1-2, Sharavjamts 1-2, Stute 1-2, Knox 0-1), LSU 8-25 (Mackinnon 3-8, Mosley 2-2, Carter 2-8, King 1-3, Sutton 0-1, Tamba 0-1, Reece 0-2). Fouled Out—Strong. Rebounds— South Carolina 26 (Sharavjamts 7), LSU 40 (Nwoko 13). Assists—South Carolina 17 (Johnson 6), LSU 12 (Reece 6). Total Fouls—South Carolina 18, LSU 20. A—6,303 (13,215).

Men’s national scores

EAST Boston University 83, Lafayette 67 Colgate 64, American 62 Indiana 84, Maryland 66 Lehigh 66, Holy Cross 58 Loyola (Md) 84, Army 76, OT SOUTH Furman 78, Chattanooga 67 High Point 104, Gardner-Webb 49 Jacksonville State 71, Florida Int. 64 Mercer 101, The Citadel 63 UNC Asheville 72, Longwood 61 Winthrop 81, Charleston Southern 77 Wofford 97, UNC Greensboro 85 MIDWEST Belmont 78, Northern Iowa 65

NEW ORLEANS (103)

Murphy III 14-26 8-9 42, Williamson 7-13 1-5 15, Queen 5-10 0-0 10, Fears 4-13 0-0 9, Jones 1-9 0-0 3, Matkovic 2-3 2-2 6, Peavy 2-3 0-0 5, Missi 3-4 2-2 8, Alvarado 2-6 0-0 5, Poole 0-4 0-0 0. Totals 40-91 13-18 103.

L.A. Lakers 29 22 28 32 — 111 New Orleans 25 29 32 17 — 103 3-Point Goals—L.A. Lakers 11-31 (L.James 3-5, Smart 3-7, Doncic 3-10, Knecht 2-4, Vanderbilt 0-1, LaRavia 0-2, Smith Jr. 0-2), New Orleans 10-40 (Murphy III 6-17, Peavy 1-1, Alvarado 1-5, Fears 1-6, Jones 1-6, Matkovic 0-1, Queen 0-1, Poole 0-3).

Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—L.A. Lakers 44 (Ayton 11), New Orleans 44 (Queen 13).

Assists—L.A. Lakers 30 (Doncic 10), New Orleans 28 (Queen 8). Total Fouls—L.A. Lakers 21, New Orleans 19. A—18,227 (16,867)

NBA Leaders

W 28 24 23 23 20 21 21 20 18 17 16 13 11 10 6

L 9 13 13 15 15 17 17 17 21 20 20 24 23 26 31

Pct .757 .649 .639 .605 .571 .553 .553 .541 .462 .459 .444 .351 .324 .278 .162

GB — 4 4½ 5½ 7 7½ 7½ 8 11 11 11½ 15 15½ 17½ 22

W Oklahoma City 31 San Antonio 25 L.A. Lakers 23 Denver 25 Houston 22 Minnesota 24 Phoenix 22 Golden State 19 Portland 17 Memphis 16 Dallas 14 L.A. Clippers 13 Utah 12 Sacramento 8 New Orleans 8

L 7 11 11 12 11 13 15 18 20 21 23 23 24 29 31

Pct .816 .694 .676 .676 .667 .649 .595 .514 .459 .432 .378 .361 .333 .216 .205

GB — 5 6 5½ 6½ 6½ 8½ 11½ 13½ 14½ 16½ 17 18 22½ 23½

Detroit New York Boston Toronto Philadelphia Orlando Cleveland Miami Atlanta Chicago Milwaukee Charlotte Brooklyn Washington Indiana

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Wednesday’s games

Women’s state schedule, scores

Tuesday’s game Tulsa 76, Tulane 73

Thursday’s games

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at Northwestern State, 1 p.m.

FG 278 389 345 355 339 360 299 342 250 245 281 306 247 291 279 279 237 307 257 259

FT PTS 259 905 285 1136 182 992 170 1013 203 948 188 977 181 880 179 962 146 775 148 702 182 832 202 882 104 698 288 957 237 849 174 797 243 822 133 864 221 825 161 778

AVG 33.5 31.6 31.0 29.8 29.6 29.6 29.3 29.2 28.7 28.1 27.7 26.7 25.9 25.9 25.7 25.7 25.7 25.4 24.3 24.3

Gobert, MIN Ayton, LAL Queta, BOS Williams, PHO Antetokounmpo, MIL Duren, DET Jokic, DEN Zubac, LAC Allen, CLE Claxton, BKN

FG 172 202 146 147 245 216 339 193 143 166

FGA 239 290 221 227 381 341 560 321 240 285

PCT .720 .697 .661 .648 .643 .633 .605 .601 .596 .582

FG Percentage

G 32 33 37 30 33 31 37 34 30 29

Jokic, DEN Towns, NY Gobert, MIN Zubac, LAC Clingan, POR Duren, DET Ware, MIA Johnson, ATL Nurkic, UTA Adebayo, MIA

Assists

OFF 97 96 145 103 152 127 128 51 80 48

DEF 292 282 270 227 204 203 265 301 208 230 G 32 33 30 27 34 32 26 35 34 37

Jokic, DEN Cunningham, DET Giddey, CHI Doncic, LAL Johnson, ATL Harden, LAC Ball, CHA Mitchell, MIA Murray, DEN Avdija, POR

TOT 389 378 415 330 356 330 393 352 288 278 AST 351 321 270 235 286 256 206 262 245 264

AVG 12.2 11.5 11.2 11.0 10.8 10.6 10.6 10.4 9.6 9.6 AVG 11.0 9.7 9.0 8.7 8.4 8.0 7.9 7.5 7.2 7.1

Pro hockey

Detroit 108, Chicago 93 Philadelphia 131, Washington 110 Toronto 97, Charlotte 96 Denver 114, Boston 110 New York 123, L.A. Clippers 111 Atlanta 117, New Orleans 100 Orlando 104, Brooklyn 103, OT Phoenix 117, Memphis 98 Oklahoma City 129, Utah 125, OT L.A. Lakers at San Antonio, n Houston at Portland, n Milwaukee at Golden State, n

NHL glance

Indiana at Charlotte, 6 p.m.

Cleveland at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Miami at Chicago, 7 p.m.

Dallas at Utah, 8 p.m.

Metropolitan Division

Thursday’s games

Saturday’s games

G Doncic, LAL 27 G.-Alexander, OKC 36 Maxey, PHI 32 Mitchell, CLE 34 Jokic, DEN 32 Brown, BOS 33 Edwards, MIN 30 Brunson, NY 33 Curry, GS 27 Leonard, LAC 25 Markkanen, UTA 30 Cunningham, DET 33 Porter, BKN 27 Avdija, POR 37 Booker, PHO 33 Durant, HOU 31 Harden, LAC 32 Murray, DEN 34 George, UTA 34 Powell, MIA 32

Rebounds

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP 42 44 42 41 42 42 43 41

W 26 25 23 22 22 20 22 20

L OT Pts GF GA 13 3 55 146 112 15 4 54 136 141 13 6 52 141 141 15 4 48 130 129 17 3 47 130 134 15 7 47 141 139 19 2 46 137 143 16 5 45 136 134

GP Carolina 43 N.Y. Islanders 43

W 26 24

L OT Pts GF GA 14 3 55 147 131 15 4 52 129 120

Tampa Bay Detroit Montreal Buffalo Florida Toronto Boston Ottawa

Philadelphia Washington Pittsburgh New Jersey N.Y. Rangers Columbus

41 43 41 43 44 42

22 22 20 22 20 18

12 15 12 19 18 17

Colorado Dallas Minnesota Utah Nashville St. Louis Chicago Winnipeg

GP 42 43 44 43 42 43 42 41

W 31 25 25 20 19 17 17 15

L OT Pts GF GA 4 7 69 167 97 10 8 58 149 123 11 8 58 140 119 20 3 43 130 124 19 4 42 120 142 18 8 42 107 146 18 7 41 118 134 21 5 35 118 130

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division

Pacific Division

7 6 9 2 6 7

51 50 49 46 46 43

129 142 135 114 116 129

118 125 131 133 120 142

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Vegas 41 18 11 12 48 128 129 Edmonton 43 21 16 6 48 145 145 Seattle 41 20 14 7 47 115 120 Los Angeles 41 18 14 9 45 111 113 San Jose 42 21 18 3 45 132 148 Anaheim 43 21 19 3 45 145 158 Calgary 42 18 20 4 40 112 126 Vancouver 42 16 21 5 37 120 148 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. Top three teams in each division and two wild cards per conference advance to playoffs.

Tuesday’s games

Scoring

Washington 120, Orlando 112 Cleveland 120, Indiana 116 Memphis 106, San Antonio 105 Minnesota 122, Miami 94 L.A. Lakers 111, New Orleans 103 Dallas 100, Sacramento 98

NFC lowest remaining seed at NFC highest remaining seed

NFC

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Tuesday’s games

AFC lowest remaining seed at AFC highest remaining seed

Jan. 25 AFC

EAST American 59, Colgate 56, OT Army 71, Loyola (MD) 66 Lafayette 65, Boston University 64 Lehigh 60, Holy Cross 57 Marshall 77, Old Dominion 70 Navy 77, Bucknell 51 Northern Illinois 64, Buffalo 58 Rhode Island 79, George Washington 70 St. Bonaventure 46, Duquesne 38 Texas Tech 71, West Virginia 66 UConn 88, St. John’s 43 SOUTH Coastal Carolina 69, Appalachian State 53 Davidson 48, Saint Joseph’s 36 George Mason 62, La Salle 47 Georgia Southern 78, James Madison 70 High Point 76, Presbyterian 43 Longwood 83, Charleston Southern 63 Richmond 84, Fordham 65 Troy 84, Texas State 49 UNC Asheville 62, Gardner-Webb 51 Winthrop 66, USC Upstate 64 MIDWEST Ball State 71, Toledo 68 Central Michigan 66, Kent State 57 Cincinnati 71, Iowa State 63 Cleveland State 87, Wright State 75 Georgetown 63, Butler 46 Loyola Chicago 71, Dayton 68 Miami (OH) 72, UMass 60 Ohio 96, Eastern Michigan 87 Ohio State 78, Illinois 69 Western Michigan 55, Akron 48 SOUTHWEST TCU 69, Oklahoma State 61

NBA Conference glance

Late Tuesday South Carolina 78, LSU 68

UL-Monroe at UL, 5 p.m.

Louisiana Tech at Delaware, 5:30 p.m.

LSU at Georgia, 5:30 p.m.

UNO at Southeastern, 6 p.m.

Southern at Bethune-Cookman, 6 p.m.

Nicholls at McNeese, 6:30 p.m.

UTRGV at Northwestern, 6:30 p.m.

Grambling at Florida A&M, 6:30 p.m.

Conference championships

L.A. LAKERS (111)

L.James 10-19 7-7 30, LaRavia 2-4 1-2 5, Ayton 9-16 0-0 18, Doncic 11-22 5-9 30, Smart 5-10 0-0 13, Knecht 2-5 0-0 6, Vanderbilt 3-4 1-2 7, Hayes 1-2 0-1 2, Smith Jr. 0-3 0-0 0. Totals 43-85 14-21 111.

Pro basketball

Wednesday’s games

Wild-card playoffs

L.A. Lakers 111, New Orleans 103

Women’s national scores

National Championship

FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG Hofstra 1½ at TOWSON at FAIR. DICKINSON 1½ Chicago State at UMBC 7½ Maine at BRYANT 2½ UMass-Lowell at MICHIGAN STATE 11½ Northwestern Liberty 4½ at LOUISIANA TECH UNC Wilmington 3½ at NORTHEASTERN UT Martin 2½ at MORE. STATE at SAM HOUSTON 12½ Delaware at SOUTHERN MISS 5½ Texas State at ILLINOIS 21½ Rutgers Middle Tennessee 4½ at UTEP at NM STATE 3½ W. Kentucky at CSU NORTHRIDGE 4½ Cal Poly Pacific 3½ at PORTLAND at UC IRVINE 10½ Long Beach State Seattle U 3½ at OREGON STATE at OREGON 1½ Ohio State at LOY. MARYM. 1½ San Francisco at GONZAGA 14½ Santa Clara

Late Tuesday

Southeastern at McNeese, 1 p.m.

North Texas at Tulane, 2 p.m.

Nicholls at UNO, 2 p.m.

UL-Monroe at South Alabama, 2 p.m.

Grambling at Bethune-Cookman, 3 p.m.

Texas State at UL, 3 p.m.

Southern at Florida A&M, 3 p.m.

Feb. 8

Buffalo 5, Vancouver 3 Carolina 6, Dallas 3 Tampa Bay 4, Colorado 2 Philadelphia 5, Anaheim 2 N.Y. Islanders 9, New Jersey 0 Toronto 4, Florida 1 Vegas 4, Winnipeg 3, OT Edmonton 6, Nashville 2 San Jose 5, Columbus 2 Seattle 7, Boston 4

Wednesday’s games

Dallas 4, Washington 1 Montreal 4, Calgary 1 Ottawa at Utah, n St. Louis at Chicago, n San Jose at Los Angeles, n

Thursday’s games

Anaheim at Carolina, 6 p.m.

Buffalo at N.Y. Rangers, 6 p.m.

Calgary at Boston, 6 p.m.

Florida at Montreal, 6 p.m.

New Jersey at Pittsburgh, 6 p.m.

Toronto at Philadelphia, 6 p.m.

Vancouver at Detroit, 6 p.m.

Edmonton at Winnipeg, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Nashville, 7 p.m.

Ottawa at Colorado, 8 p.m.

Columbus at Vegas, 9 p.m.

Minnesota at Seattle, 9 p.m.

Pro tennis ATP Brisbane International results Wednesday At Queensland Tennis Centre Brisbane, Australia Surface: Hardcourt outdoor

Men’s Singles

Round of 16 Alex Michelsen, United States, def. Learner Tien (8), United States, 6-4, 6-2.

Daniil Medvedev (1), Russia, def. Frances Tiafoe, United States, 6-3, 6-2.

Sebastian Korda, United States, def. Jiri Lehecka (3), Czechia, 6-3, 1-2, ret.

Kamil Majchrzak, Poland, def. Reilly Opelka, United States, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (7), 7-6 (8).

Men’s Doubles

Round of 16 Luke Johnson, Britain, and Manuel Guinard (5), France, def. Marcelo Demoliner, Brazil, and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, France, 6-7 (1), 6-2, 10-3.

Hugo Nys, Monaco, and Sem Verbeek (4), Netherlands, def. Valentin Vacherot, Monaco, and Raphael Collignon, Belgium, 6-4, 6-4.

Lucas Miedler, Austria, and Francisco Cabral (3), Portugal, def. Ariel Behar, Uruguay, and Joran Vliegen, Belgium, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Sebastian Korda and Brandon Nakashima, United States, def. Evan King, United States, and John Peers (7), Australia, 6-4, 6-7 (6), 11-9.

Fabien Reboul and Sadio Doumbia (6), France, def. Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, Australia, 6-0, 1-6, 10-6.

Transactions BASEBALL

Major League Baseball American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Claimed OF Marco Luciano off waivers from Pittsburgh. Designated OF Jhonkensy Noel for assignment.

THURSDAY’S FAIR GROUNDS ENTRIES Post Time:12:45PM First Race, $24,000, Claiming $20,000, 4 yo’s & up, F & M (fillies and mares) Five Furlongs

06 07 08 09

Keen Gal Meg’s Ladybug Lady Dixie Don’t Be Salty

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11

Spinning Glory De’ Ans Eighty Rambert Classic Claire Hittin My Stride Call’em All Rumpus Bayou Bertie Margoinabubblebath Lylah Renee Tough Love Torres

J Ortiz I Castillo M Murrill J Loveberry D Cannon J Graham P Lopez (B Curtis A Concepcion C McMahon (P Lopez

5-1 5-1 6-1 9-2 10-1 15-1 15-1 3-1 5-1 15-1 5-1

01 02 03 04 05 06

Mika Ella Pika Kin to the Wicked Prayforthewicked Glistening Gal Moonie Pie From Scratch

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

Cesium American Vision Texas Splurge Sand Cast Prince Day Sharp Strike Ain’t No Disco

J Mudd J Rodriguez D Cannon A Concepcion H Rea C McMahon J Ortiz

8-1 10-1 9-2 4-1 3-1 8-1 5-2

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

Twolatebabydoll (FR) Cantora Bodacious Beauty Carae Mo Complex Tempting Eve Chardan Aurora Sky Zettie

01 02 03 04

Twofexusnexus Speightful One Creole Charlie Late September

Second Race, $18,000, Claiming $15,000, 4 yo’s & up One Mile Seventy Yards

Third Race, $15,000, Maiden Claiming $12,500, 3 yo’s & up, F & M (fillies and mares) One Mile 01 02 03 04 05

Moor to Conquer Kisses for Cooper Storm Surge Dewey’s Soldier Jailhouse Religion

H Rea J Mudd M Pedroza, Jr. E Murray J Ortiz

12-1 6-1 8-1 12-1 4-1

M Murrill O Chavez S Vives A Concepcion

7-2 15-1 8-1 3-1

(E Murray121 (A Concepcion124 (J Ortiz121 (P Lopez121 (M Pedroza, Jr.121 (J Loveberry121

15-1 4-1 9-2 5-1 7-2 6-5

J Ortiz B Curtis A Concepcion (H Rea119 R Hernandez M Pedroza, Jr. J Loveberry (P Lopez D Cannon

3-1 5-1 8-1 10-1 20-1 5-1 8-1 7-2 10-1

J Rodriguez J Mudd J Riquelme P Lopez

5-1 8-1 20-1 8-1

Fourth Race, $55,000, Allowance, 4 yo’s & up, F & M (fillies and mares) Six Furlongs

Fifth Race, $54,000, Maiden special weight, 4 yo’s & up, F & M (fillies and mares) Five And A Half Furlongs

Sixth Race, $19,000, Claiming $12,500, 4 yo’s & up Five And A Half Furlongs

05 06 07 08 09 10

Charco Ampitup Autie Myglorybee Father Goose Catalina Day

M Pedroza, Jr. B Curtis J Ortiz E Nieves J Loveberry C McMahon

4-1 6-1 3-1 15-1 20-1 8-1

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Captivating Star Tensas Camp Road Bob’s Channel Mardi Gras Empire Wicked as Haggart Classical Knight Magnolia West Single Shot Southscape Dude Drop Kid Turf Monster Unified Report Coffee County American Dollars Titanium Deal Runninginthemoney

P Lopez B Curtis D Cannon M Pedroza, Jr. J Riquelme J Loveberry E Nieves C Hernandez I Castillo M Murrill A Concepcion B Curtis S Vives M Murrill E Nieves J Ortiz

5-1 6-1 8-1 8-1 9-2 12-1 8-1 15-1 8-1 8-1 8-1 8-1 12-1 12-1 12-1 6-1

01 02 03 04 05

I Got No Munny Carambaso Disco Ball Midnight Pranks Show Time

(C McMahon121 (P Lopez121 (J Loveberry121 (I Castillo121 (J Ortiz121

7-2 20-1 2-1 12-1 4-1

Seventh Race, $55,000, AOC $12,500, 4 yo’s & up One Mile

Eighth Race, $28,000, Claiming $30,000, 4 yo’s & up Six Furlongs

06 07 08

Bebedouro Finster Island Cruiser

(H Hernandez121 (M Pedroza, Jr.121 (M Murrill121

Ninth Race, $54,000, Maiden special weight, 3 yo One And One Sixteenth Miles

8-1 8-1 6-1

01 Next Time J Graham 5-1 02 In the Gray C Rosier 30-1 03 Apollo Eleven A Concepcion 10-1 04 Swerve C Hernandez 30-1 05 Fake Smart P Lopez 5-1 06 Royal Causeway F Geroux 4-1 07 Whatever J Loveberry 10-1 08 Shuggy J Ortiz 9-2 09 Robert Lee (M Murrill 15-1 10 Touch of Fire M Pedroza, Jr. 7-2 11 Market Runner J Ortiz 3-1 Tenth Race, $14,000, Maiden Claiming $10,000, 4 yo’s & up, F & M (fillies and mares) Six Furlongs 01 Arguing Louise T Frey 12-1 02 Show’ Em Nola J Riquelme 6-1 E Murray 20-1 03 Naykesh 04 Arabi Girls Rule H Rea 20-1 05 Mo Diva C Hernandez 2-1 06 Francesnfriends C McMahon 4-1 O Chavez 20-1 07 Southern Love 08 Global Value J Mudd 20-1 09 Charlie Brahms M Pedroza, Jr. 10-1 10 Vickie’s Halo E Nieves 20-1 11 Mom’s Hands C Rosier 6-1 12 Mary Claire S Vives 10-1

LIVING

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

|

T h u r s d ay, J a n u a ry 8, 2026

1dn

Mac and cheese a comforting meal in just minutes

BY LINDA GASSENHEIMER Tribune News Service (TNS)

I was looking for a quick and comforting meal, and creamy mac and cheese with storebought cooked chicken was the perfect answer. Once the elbow macaroni is boiled, the rest of the ingredients come together in minutes.

In fact, this dinner can be ready in just 10 minutes. For a festive touch, I added fresh tomato pieces to a bag of washed, ready-to-eat greens for a simple red-and-green side salad.

A healthier take on a shrimp po-boy involves strongly spiced shrimp cooked in a pan along with avocado mango slaw.

PHOTOS BY KEVIN BELTON

HELPFUL HINTS: n Any onion can be used in place of red onion. n Any short-cut pasta can be used. n Look for cooked or rotisserie chicken breast in the meat department.

TNS PHOTO By LINDA GASSENHEIMER

Try these recipes for a lighter shrimp po-boy and fish taco bowl for a healthier January

Chicken Mac and Cheese with Lettuce and Tomato Salad

Chicken Mac and Cheese

Yields 2 servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer.

1 cup elbow macaroni 1 cup no-salt-added chicken broth ½ cup diced red onion ¾ cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese ½ cup nonfat ricotta cheese 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 8 ounces cooked chicken breast cut into small cubes, (about 1½ cups) 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1. Place a pot containing 3 to 4 quarts of water on to boil for pasta. Add macaroni and boil 8 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, add chicken broth to a saucepan and place over medium-high heat to bring it to a simmer. Add onion and simmer 2 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and ricotta cheese. Mix well. Add smoked paprika, chicken and Parmesan cheese.

4. When ready, drain the macaroni and add to cheese sauce.

Toss well and add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve immediately on two dinner plates.

NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 614 calories (22 percent from fat), 15.3 g fat (6.3 g saturated, 3.0 g monounsaturated), 139 mg cholesterol, 57.9 g protein, 54.7 g carbohydrates, 3.0 g fiber, 498 mg sodium.

Kevin Belton January in New Orleans is a curious time. The Christmas decorations are barely packed away, the last of the pecan pralines are finally gone, and suddenly some of us are looking down at our waistbands.

But here’s the beautiful thing about our city, even when we’re trying to be good, we never have to sacrifice flavor.

This January — as we try to save room for the flood of king cakes and fried chicken and everything else that comes with Mardi Gras — I’ve been thinking about how New Orleans food can actually help us lighten up.

We’re blessed with access to the freshest seafood, and there’s nothing quite like a perfectly grilled redfish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Creole seasoning.

No heavy cream sauce needed when the fish itself tastes like it just jumped out of the Gulf and onto your plate.

Restaurants here have known this secret for years.

Walk into any of the old es-

Lettuce and Tomato Salad

Yields 2 servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer.

2 cups washed, ready-to-eat Romaine lettuce cut into bite-size pieces 1 ripe medium tomato, washed and cut into eighths 2 tablespoons reduced-fat salad dressing Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1. Add lettuce and tomato to bowl and toss with dressing.

2. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Serve with Chicken Mac and Cheese.

NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 35 calories (32 percent from fat), 1.3 g fat (0.1 g saturated, 0.4 g monounsaturated), 1 mg cholesterol, 1.4 g protein, 5.7 g carbohydrates, 2.1 g fiber, 13 mg sodium.

A fish taco bowl with catfish fillets is a light option for January. RECIPE, 2D tablishments, and you’ll find grilled oysters that sing with garlic and herbs, shrimp remoulade that gets its punch from spices rather than mayonnaise, and blackened fish that proves you don’t need batter and a deep fryer to make something memorable.

These dishes have been feeding locals and tourists alike for generations, and they’ve never needed to apologize for being lighter fare.

The beauty of New Orleans cuisine is that it’s always been about bringing people together, and that doesn’t change just because we’re watching

ä See HEALTHIER, page 2D

Lighter Shrimp Po-Boys with Avocado Mango Slaw FOR THE PO-BOYS: 1½ pound shrimp, peeled 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon dried thyme 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 pistolettes

FOR THE SLAW: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoon hot sauce Juice of 1 lemon ½ teaspoon smoked paprika Kosher salt and pepper ½ cup shredded cabbage 1 mango, thinly sliced into matchsticks 1 avocado, diced or sliced ½ cup fresh cilantro

1. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, creole, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme and olive oil. Set aside while you make the slaw or place in the fridge up to overnight.

2. Make the slaw. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, hot sauce, lemon juice, paprika, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust spices to your liking. In a large bowl, toss together the cabbage, mango, avocado and cilantro. Add 2-3 tablespoons of yogurt sauce, gently tossing to combine. Reserve the remaining yogurt for serving.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook, stirring once or twice until the shrimp have turned pink and are cooked through.

4. To assemble. Divide the shrimp among the pistolettes and drizzle with yogurt sauce. Top with slaw.

The sauce is what makes beef tenderloin special Beef Tenderloin with Cranberry Mustard Sauce and Green Beans with Rice TNS PHOTO

By LINDA GASSENHEIMER

BY LINDA GASSENHEIMER Tribune News Service (TNS)

Cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice and a touch of mustard come together to create a quick, mouthwatering sauce for beef tenderloin slices. This dish is perfect any time you want a special meal.

The beef is sliced into tender 1-inch pieces, a lean cut that cooks in just minutes. Any left-

Recipes,

n Beef Tenderloin with Cranberry Mustard Sauce n Green Beans and Rice

2D

over cranberries freeze beautifully, so you can stash extras for delicious use over the coming months. Fresh green beans and microwaveable brown rice complete the meal.

HELPFUL HINTS: n Boneless, skinless chicken breast can be substituted for the beef. n Granulated sugar can be used instead of brown sugar.

2D ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

Opening pill bottles with relative ease

lost and found. But if all Dear Heloise: If you can’t golfers put one of their get the cap off a pill bottle return address labels (for on the first time, use someenvelopes) at the top of the thing like a dull knife club near the grip or blade or a bottle cap on the bottom by the opener to pry out the head of the club (in plastic insert inside the back so that you the cap, and then don’t see it in your replace the cap on swing setup), then the bottle. It’s much people in the clubeasier to open. — Hints from house could track Christa, in Huntingdon, Heloise them down and get Pennsylvania Christa, if you the clubs back to ask the pharmacy, they’ll them. — Paul D., in St. Louis remove childproof caps and Paul, golf clubs are exput the easy-to-open caps pensive, so I imagine geton your pill bottles. Please, ting a golf club to an avid readers, keep all medicagolfer would be important.

I liked your idea for antions where children can’t reach them. Over the years, other use of address labels. we’ve heard too many sad — Heloise tales of youngsters who get Dish towel wisdom their hands on medication that looks like candy to Dear Heloise: I use a sensible them. — Heloise kitchen towel guideline that my helpful mother-in-law Address label in cards taught me years ago: Use two separate towels! Use Dear Heloise: When I take a card to a funeral or shower, I thirsty cotton terry cloth or put a small return address la- gauze towels for hands and bel in the inside corner of the counters. Use white cotton flour-sack cloths only for card somewhere. If the perdish drying. Do not mix! It’s son wants to respond with a “thank you,” they don’t have very clean and sanitary. — to look up my address. When Patty M., in Glen Allen,Virginia my late husband died, those Where is my sock? who did this made it much easier for me to respond Dear Heloise: Here’s a cure back to them. — Linda S., in Hun- for missing socks: When we take our socks off, we altington Beach, California ways fold or cuff the pairs Lost and found together before dropping them down the laundry Dear Heloise: I love to golf, chute. They do not get sepaand in many clubhouses, they are golf clubs in the rated until the moment they

are put into the washing machine. This way, there’s no searching for matching pairs when loading the washer or folding clean laundry. This practice has almost eliminated missing socks! — David S., in Buffalo, New York

No doggie poo, please Dear Heloise: I used to have the same problem as A.M.S. in Connecticut. Dog walkers were using my yard as their pooches’ public potty.

She is correct in saying that even if the owner picks up and bags up the pooch’s poop, it still leaves a residual stain and smell.

I solved the problem by putting three signs out on my lawn. Two of them are right up close to the public sidewalk. Those both say “no poop or pee zone.” The other sign is a bit farther back on my lawn but still readable from the sidewalk.

It says “dead dogs don’t poop.” It also has a comical image of a dog skeleton upside-down with their legs in the air. Dog owners get the message.

I have not had a dog poop problem since installing these signs. Signs like these may be available locally.

Good online sources are eBay and Amazon. — T.R., in Montana Send a hint to heloise@ heloise.com.

TODAY IN HISTORY

By The Associated Press

ing, was sentenced in New York to life in prison withToday is Thursday, out the possibility of parole.

Jan. 8, the eighth day of In 2011, U.S. Rep. Gabri2026. There are 357 days elle Giffords, D-Ariz., was left in the year. shot and critically wounded Today in history: when a gunman opened fire On Jan. 8, 1964, President as the congresswoman met Lyndon B. Johnson, in his with constituents in Tucson; State of the Union address, six people were killed and declared an “unconditional 12 others were injured. war on poverty in America.” (Gunman Jared Lee LoughAlso on this date: ner was sentenced in 2012 In 1815, the last major to seven consecutive life engagement of the War of sentences, plus 140 years.)

1812 came to an end as U.S. In 2016, Joaquin “El forces defeated the British Chapo” Guzman, the in the Battle of New Orworld’s most-wanted drug lord, was captured for leans, not having received a third time in a daring word of the December raid by Mexican marines, signing of a peace treaty.

In 1867, the U.S. House of six months after walking Representatives joined the through a tunnel to freeSenate in overriding Presi- dom from a maximumsecurity prison. dent Andrew Johnson’s In 2020, Iran struck back veto of the District of Columbia Suffrage Act, giving at the United States for killing Iran’s top military Black men in the nation’s commander, firing miscapital the right to vote.

In 1998, Ramzi Yousef, siles at two Iraqi military the mastermind of the 1993 bases housing American World Trade Center bombtroops. More than 100 U.S.

service members were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries later. As Iran braced for a counterattack the same day, the country’s Revolutionary Guard shot down a Ukrainian jetliner departing Tehran after apparently mistaking it for a missile, killing all 176 people on board.

In 2023, supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who refused to accept his election defeat, stormed Congress, the Supreme Court and the presidential palace in the capital of Brasilia, a week after the inauguration of his leftist rival, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Today’s birthdays: Singer Shirley Bassey is 89. Fashion designer Carolina Herrera is 87. Country-gospel singer Cristy Lane is 86.

Rock musician Robby Krieger (The Doors) is 80. Singer Jenny Lewis is 50. Filmmaker and actor Sarah Polley is 47.

Beef Tenderloin with Cranberry Mustard Sauce with Green Beans and Rice

Green Beans and Rice

Yields 2 servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer. ¾ pound grass-fed beef tenderloin Olive oil spray Salt and freshly ground black pepper ½ cup orange juice 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ½ cup fresh cranberries 2 tablespoons parsley leaves (optional garnish) 1. Remove visible fat from beef and cut into 1-inch slices. Flatten the slices to about ½ inch with the bottom of a skillet or a meat bat.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and spray with olive oil spray.

Brown beef slices for 3 minutes, turn and salt and pepper cooked side.

3. Brown second side 2 minutes and remove to a plate. A meat thermom-

eter should read 135-140 F for medium rare.

4. Add orange juice into skillet; scrape up any brown bits. Add brown sugar, mustard and cranberries. Stir to dissolve sugar; simmer 2 to 3 minutes. The cranberries will burst (pop). Mash them with a spoon and stir to make a smooth sauce.

5. Boil 4 to 5 minutes to thicken sauce. Divide the beef into two portions and place on two dinner plates. Spoon the sauce on top. Add salt and pepper to taste.

NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 324 calories (36 percent from fat), 13.1 g fat (4.8 g saturated, 5.6 g monounsaturated), 84 mg cholesterol, 36.5 g protein, 17.2 g carbohydrates, 1.4 g fiber, 193 mg sodium.

Yields 2 servings. Recipe is

by Linda Gassenheimer.

4 cups green beans 1 package microwaveable brown rice to make 1½ cups cooked rice 2 teaspoons olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1. Add beans to a microwaveable bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes.

2. Remove and make rice according to package instructions. Measure 1½ cups.

Reserve any remaining rice for another meal.

3. Add rice to the bowl with the beans. Add olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Divide in half and serve on the plates with the beef.

NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 288 calories (20 percent from fat), 6.4 g fat (1.1 g saturated, 2.7 g monounsaturated), no cholesterol, 7.8 g protein, 52.7 g carbohydrates, 7.8 g fiber, 18 mg sodium.

Dream Address Awaits Visit us today and take the first step toward finding your perfect address.

PHOTO By KEVIN BELTON

Fish Taco Bowls 1. In a small bowl, mix the cumin, cayenne pepper and chill powder. Rub generously over the fillets on both sides.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fish to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side. You want to make sure the fish is cooked through — inside it should be white. Remove fish from skillet and shred with a couple of forks.

3. In the same skillet, add garlic, green onions, corn and red pepper. Season with salt and pepper if preferred.

Stir and cook. Let it cook for a couple minutes then stir again. You want to make sure the corn is brown and looks roasted. Add beans and cook until beans are heated through.

4. To serve, layer rice, corn/bean mixture, fish, avocados and sprinkle with fresh lemon juice.

season, the way the cinnamon and sugar meld with Continued from page 1D the soft, pillowy dough, the anticipation of finding the baby.

But this year, I’m apour portions. Sometimes we host a “Light but Right” proaching it with strategy. potluck.

Every lighter meal in In the past, I have made January is an investment mirliton stuffed with seain guilt-free king cake ensoned ground turkey injoyment. Every grilled fish dinner is a down payment stead of the usual pork and on a slice of the finest king shrimp mixture. Or somecake the city has to offer. times, crawfish étouffée The truth is, New Orleans that used Greek yogurt in has always understood place of butter, controversial maybe, but surprisingly balance. We work hard, we play hard, and we eat delicious. We laughed, we well. January isn’t about ate, we didn’t feel guilty, and we all agreed we’d have deprivation, it’s about appreciation. It’s about plenty of room for king remembering that our cuicake.

Speaking of king cake, sine is diverse enough to there’s something magical support any goal, whether about that first slice of the that’s fitting into last year’s

Mardi Gras costume or simply feeling good about the choices we make.

So here’s to January in New Orleans: To lighter plates that still taste like home and to saving room for the celebrations ahead.

Laissez les bons temps rouler (maybe with a side salad)!

6 ounces catfish fillets 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon cumin ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon chili powder 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 green onions, chopped 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 cup corn kernels 1 cup black beans Salt and pepper to taste ½ avocado, cut in small pieces 1 lemon 2 cups cooked brown rice

HEALTHIER

Kevin Belton is resident chef of WWL-TV and has taught classes in Louisiana cooking for 30 years. The most recent of his four cookbooks, “Kevin Belton’s Cookin’ Louisiana: Flavors from the Parishes of the Pelican State,” was published in 2021. Email Chef at chefkevinbelton@gmail. com.

addressbatonrouge.com 1-800-801-4620

DRE#01901536 This website is a marketing and information program that sends all inquiries to state-licensed real estate professionals.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ 3D

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FrAnK And erneSt

bIG nAte

zItS

zodIAC CAPRICoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Do something that you find entertaining.

Explore what's available in your community or sign up for a course or class that helps you reach your full potential.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Assess your situation at home and how you feel about your relationships with others.

Tally up what it will entail and what it will cost you to put your plans in motion.

PIsCEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Put yourself in the driver's seat and head in the direction that brings you the most joy.

Spending time with someone you love or signing up for an event that interests you will encourage greater contact.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Take care of business first. Leave nothing to chance or unfinished. Home improvements, redefining how you use your skills and considering a lifestyle change will become much clearer as the day progresses.

TAuRus (April 20-May 20) Your intentions are good, and you can create opportunities if you set up meetings and pitch ideas. Traveling, getting together with old friends and making exciting plans are favored.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) You'll harbor mixed emotions if you participate in social events or volunteer your time or skills. Be a good listener and handle your responsibilities promptly.

CAnCER (June 21-July 22) Take an active role in whatever you decide to do today.

Explore the possibilities and execute your skills to meet demands. Use your imagination, and you'll come up with something unique.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) It's best to take a wait-and-see approach and to fine-tune what you want to pursue. Take nothing for granted, refine your thoughts and ideas, and wait for your turn to shine.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) You're sitting in an excellent position. What you discover will help you formulate a plan to get ahead. Positive change is heading your way. Embrace what life has to offer.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Keep life simple.

Don't let your emotions take charge or your reactions put you in a precarious position. Be an observer and give yourself time to digest what's happening. sCoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Set your sights on something you want to achieve and get moving. Learn something new, plan a trip or volunteer your time or services to make a difference. sAGITTARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Be careful what you wish for. Emotional matters will escalate quickly if you or someone close to you isn't open and honest about how you feel or what you want to do.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 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: Z EQuALs V

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

4D ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

CurTiS

Hi and LoiS

lll

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 ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ 5D

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B.C.

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER Gene Mora wrote the “Graffiti” cartoon for United Feature Syndicate. He said something like: If at first you do succeed, try not to look too surprised.

However, at the bridge table, sometimes you should not try to succeed immediately; you should take your time, learning as much as you can about a deal before committing yourself to playing the key suit. Then, if you succeed, you won’t need to look surprised at all.

In this example, West leads a spade against six no-trump. How should South plan the play?

After East opened three spades, South felt that he was too strong to settle for three no-trump.

And as a jump to four no-trump would have shown a minor two-suiter and not have been quantitative, he started with a takeout double. When North advanced with four diamonds, South was none the wiser. He knew to assume that his partner had six or seven points, but would they be useful? He was sure his partner would treat four no-trump as Blackwood, so he cue-bid four spades. Now North, with such a great suit, jumped to six diamonds, and South converted to six no-trump.

Note this is a better contract than six diamonds, because in the suit slam declarer would have to play on trumps immediately. South should duck the first

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

trick, take the spade continuation (noting that West discards), and cash the heart and club winners. Here, East turns up with seven spades, three clubs and at least two hearts. He can have at most one diamond. So declarer knows to cash his diamond king, then to play a diamond to dummy’s 10. © 2026 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 — WEAKEns: WEE-kins: Reduces the strength of.

Bizarro

marmaduKe

Average mark 20 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 25 or more words in WEAKENS? yEsTERDAy’s WoRD — HITHERTo heir hero hire hither hitter hoer hotter their throe tier tire

titer tithe tore tort torte tote toter trio trite troth riot

rite rote roti other otter

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 If we are in Christ then we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and we truly become new. — G.E. Dean

6D ■ Thursday, January 8, 2026 ■ 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 offer: 1-225-545-1983

Announcements

Struggling with debt? If you have over $15,000 in debt we help you be debt free in as little as 24-48 months. Pay nothing to enroll. Call Now: 1-877-773-1742

Seeking Financial Sponsors & Sales Professionals, Envirosult, a Non Profit. Email or Text CEO at michaelgreen@envirosult.com, 337-224-0987. Lead Poisonings, PFAS, Other Chemicals, Small USA Communities!

Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans!

Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction!

Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-844-742-5188 today!

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Ashley Eiland, please contact Attorney Jason May at (225) 9557255.

172897-Jan 7-9, 3t $85

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Marcus Anderson please contact attorney Larry McAlpine at 225-3171956.

173004-Jan 8-10, 3t $85 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Wilson Morgan Morris please call attorney Larry McAlpine at 225-3171956 173081-1/8-9-10-3t $85.00 Lobdell Gas Inc. d/b/a D'MO'S Mart is applying to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana for a permit to sell beverages of high and low alcohol content at retail in the Parish of (East Baton Rouge) at the following address: 7510 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA, 70806.

Lobdell Gas Inc. D'MO'S Mart Members: Mohamed Moussa 173051-1/8-1t $106.38 Advertising Looking to promote your services or find a new hire? Deliver your classified message statewide for as little as $265 per week through the Louisiana Press Association’s Classified Network. Pre-payment required. To learn more, email advertising@lapress.com or call 225-344-9309.

Miscellaneous We Buy Houses for Cash AS-IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Call today for your fair cash

Public Notices

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Bids will be received by the Office of Purchasing, Room 213 Thomas Boyd Hall, Louisiana State Uni‐ versity and Agricultural and Mechanical College 70803 until 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Refer to www.centerlineb idconnect.com for bid submission instructions.

All bids must be submit‐ ted via email to lsubids@ lsu.edu ANY PERSON REQUIRING SPECIAL ACCOMMODA‐ TIONS SHALL NOTIFY LOUISIANA STATE UNI‐ VERSITY, OFFICE OF PUR‐ CHASING OF THE TYPE(S) OF ACCOMMODATION RE‐ QUIRED NOT LESS THAN SEVEN (7) DAYS BEFORE THE BID OPENING. FOR: Furnish Labor and Materials for Student Union Replace Air Han‐ dlers 2.4 and 2.5

LSU SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFQ-0000002684 Complete Bidding Docu‐ ments for this project may be obtained from:

www.centerlinebidco nnect.com.

Printed copies are not available from the Designer, but arrangements can be made to obtain them through most repro‐ graphic firms.

Contractors unable to access bidding docu‐ ments at www.centerl inebidconnect.com should contact

IMC Consulting Engineers, Inc. 2714 Independence Street Metairie, LA 70006 Phone: 504-723-8693 Email: chigbee@imcconsulting engineers.com All bids must be accom‐ panied by bid security equal to five percent (5%) of the sum of the base bid and all alter‐ nates, and must be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check or Bid Bond Form written by a surety company licensed to do business in Louisiana, signed by the surety’s agency or attor‐ ney-in-fact. Surety must be listed on the current U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Man‐ agement Service list of approved bonding com‐ panies as approved for an amount equal to or greater than the amount for which it obligates it‐ self in the Bond, or must be a Louisiana domiciled insurance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. If surety qualifies by virtue of its Best’s list‐ ing, the amount of the Bond may not exceed ten percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown in the latest A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. The Bid Bond shall be in favor of the Louisiana State Uni‐ versity and Agricultural and Mechanical College, and shall be accompa‐ nied by appropriate power of attorney. No Bid Bond indicating an oblig‐ ation of less than five percent (5%) by any method is acceptable.

The successful Bidder shall be required to fur‐ nish a Performance and Payment Bond written by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana, in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract amount. Surety must be listed currently on the U.S. Department of Trea‐ sury Financial manage‐ ment Service List (Trea‐ sury List) as approved for an amount equal to or greater than the con‐ tract amount, or must be an insurance company domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana resi‐ dents. If surety is quali‐ fied other than by listing on the Treasury list, the contract amount may not exceed fifteen percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown by surety’s most recent financial state‐ ments filed with the Louisiana Department of Insurance and may not exceed the amount of $500,000.

However, a Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with at least an A- rating in the l i i f h

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Best’s Key Rating Guide nor fifteen percent of policyholder’s surplus as shown by surety’s most recent financial state‐ ments filed with the Louisiana Department of Insurance.

The Bond shall be signed by the surety’s agent or attor‐ ney-in-fact.

A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD 10:00 AM, Friday, January 23, 2026 LSU Student Union, (meet in main lobby) Baton Rouge, LA 70803

y Charles, LA 70609.

BID DUE DATE: FEBRUARY 2, 2026 AT 2:00 P.M. BID #D2600040 Description: DUMBBELL EQUIPMENT DELIVERY, ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION Specifications and bid forms may be obtained at the State of Louisiana website Vendor Center, LaPAC, https://doa. louisiana.gov/doa/osp/ vendor-resources.

For additional assistance contact Debet Hebert at debet@mcneese.edu or (337) 475-5083. The right is reserved to reject any and all bids and waive in‐ formalities.

McNeese State University Debet Hebert Procurement Specialist

Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2163 for the ME‐ classification of CHANICAL. Bidder is re‐ quired to comply with provisions and require‐ ments of LA R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(c). No bid may be withdrawn for a period of thirty (30) days after re‐ ceipt of bids, except under the provisions of LA. R.S. 38:2214.

The Interlocal Purchas‐ ing System (TIPS) has posted procurement so‐ licitations at www.tipsusa.com for the following categories:

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In ac‐ cordance with La. R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(b), the pro‐ visions and requirements of this Section, those stated in the advertise‐ ment for bids, and those required on the bid form shall not be considered as informalities and shall not be waived by any public entity.

260101 Assistive Technol‐ ogy Goods and Services 260102 Comprehensive Facilities Management and Services 260103 Janitorial and Sanitation Supplies and Services 260104 Trades, Labor, and Materials (2 Part with JOC) 260105 Technology Solu‐ tions, Products, and Ser‐ vices

When this project is fi‐ nanced either partially or entirely with State Bonds or federal funds, the award of this Contract is contingent upon the granting of lines of credit, the sale of bonds by the Bond Commission or the commitment of federal funds. The Uni‐ versity shall incur no obligation to the Con‐ tractor until the Contract Between Owner and Con‐ tractor is fully executed.

The proposal is due and will be opened on Febru‐ ary 20, 2026, at 3:00 pm local time. Call 866-8398477 for problems with website or questions.

172133 Jan. 8, 15, 22, 3t $201.66

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE OF SEALED BID Bids will be received in the Office of the Purchas‐ ing Agent, Smith Hall, McNeese State Univer‐ sity, Box 92415, Lake h l

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Home Services PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests.

Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! Have zip code of property ready when calling! 1-877728-0264 DIRECTV- All your entertainment.

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173096 Jan. 8, 1t $12.34

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

MISC FOR SALE GOLD SEQUINED DRESS SIZE 12 AND GOLD SHOES SIZE 7 TO 8 $40.00 225272-6026

AREA 3

MISC FOR SALE NAME BRAND WOMENS SHOES “EILEEN FISHER” AND MORE TO SEE!!! $20 A PAIR 225-272-6026

AREA 4

SHIPPING CONTAINER Shipping container for sale 45’x102” tall excellent condition $4500.00 call (225) 316-4148 ask for David

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

Baton Rouge Rental

Notice is hereby given that Capchem Technolo‐ gies USA, Inc. has applied for a 40 I Water Quality Certification to clear, grade, excavate, and place fill to construct an integrated carbonate sol‐ vent and electrolyte fa‐ cility that includes a car‐ bon dioxide refinery, electrolyte workshop, cooling towers, tank farm, warehouses, a stormwater pond, asso‐ ciated process facilities and plant utilities, and storage and loading fa‐ cilities. Additionally, a wastewater discharge effluent line and heavy haul road with mooring points will be con‐ structed. All work will occur near or on the left descending bank of the Mississippi River Prior off River Road and Ashland Road south of Geismar in Ascension Parish.

Capchem Technologies USA, Inc. is applying to the Louisiana Depart‐ ment of Environmental Quality, Office of Environ‐ mental Services for a Water Quality Certifica‐ tion in accordance with statutory authority con‐ tained in the LAC 33:IX.1507.A-E and provi‐ sions of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. Comments concerning this application can be filed with the Water Per‐ mits Division within ten

ORDER PAGE REPRINTS ANYTIME

ROOMS FOR RENT Furnished Rooms. $125/wk. $500/mo.

225-933-7560

AREA 3 3Br 2Ba cnt a/h, w/d conn $1050 2Br 1Ba utils pd $950. + Dep 225-810-0775

Automotive

WORKS

DOMESTIC TRUCKS 2018 Ford F150 XLT For Sale.

Everything works $9999! 225-445-2981

Pets / Pet Services Directory PETS • SUPPLIES • SERVICES • OBITUARIES • LOST & FOUND

MISC FOR SALE ANTIQUES GALORE IN STORAGE UNIT!! MUST SEE TO APPRECIATE!!

MAKE OFFER! $35 UP 225-272-6026

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

AREA 5 1BR $550, 2BR $650 Tigerland. $500 Deposit. 225-475-1737

MOBILE HOME 1, 2 & 3 BR mobile homes, $675 & up 6061 Plank Rd. CALL 225-978-4653

PRINT ADVERTISING

PLACE YOUR PET SERVICES INFORMATION IN THE PET SERVICES DIRECTORY TODAY! • IT IS FAST AND EASY! • CALL 225-383-0111

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

CATS RAGAMUFFIN & RAGDOLL KITTENS www.CatsByFrancy.com/kittens $700up! Reg. Shots & Guaranty 337-230-3150

DOGS AKC Golden Retriever's, S&W, Parents on site. (601) 303-3627

DOGS AKC Beautiful Mini Schnauzer Female pups. Vet Chk'd, Guar (985) 320-5288

DOGS CKC YORKIES or SHORKIES - (yorkies are with papers) all are vet checked with shot and worming, shorkies $450 will meet in Gulfport yorkies $600 (334) 467-3416

CLASSIFIEDS.THEADVOCATE.COM WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

WBR Public Notices

Legal Notices

days of this notice by ref‐ erencing WQC 25 I I 25-0 I, AI 245543 to the following address: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Water Permits Division P.O. Box4313 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4313 Attn: Water Quality Certifications

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

SHERIFF'S SALE FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION VS. JOHN POURCIAU

Comments may be sub‐ mitted by email to DEOWaterOualityCertifica‐ tions@la.gov.

A copy of the application is available for inspec‐ tion and review at the LDEQ Public Records Center at 602 North Fifth Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The available information can also be accessed electronically on the Electronic Docu‐ ment Management Sys‐ tem (EDMS) on the LDEQ public website at www. deq.louisiana.gov.

172993 Jan. 8, 1t $242.34

PUBLIC NOTICE --Ronald Andrews, M.D. of‐ fice closure in Baton Rouge after 25 years ef‐ fective February 25, 2026.

After Feburary 25, 2026 patients will no longer be seen at 10608 Coursey Blvd. Suite B Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Records will be maintained elec‐ tronically and may be ob‐ tained by sending with sign authorized release to DrAndrewsrecords@ gmail.com. Thank you for allowing me to care for you and your family all of these years.

172939-jan 7-14-8t

DOGS 1 Male & 1 Female Yorkie. De-wormed.

Ready to go! 225-394-0367

DOCKET NO: 50608 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH STATE OF LOUISIANA By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale, di‐ rected by the Honorable The Eighteenth Judicial District Court, for the Parish of West Baton Rouge, in the above enti‐ tled and numbered cause, I have seized and proceed to sell by public auction, on the front steps of the West Baton Rouge Courthouse, 850 8th Street, Port Allen, Louisiana on WEDNES‐ DAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., the follow‐ ing described property, to wit: A certain piece or parcel of ground, together with all buildings and im‐ provements thereon or in anywise appertaining, situated in the Parish of West Baton Ronge, State of Louisiana, in that sub‐ division known as FLYNN‐ LAND, and being desig‐ nated on the official plan thereof, on file and or record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of the Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as EAST ONE HALF (E ½) OF LOT NINETY-ONE (91), LOT NINETY-TWO (92) AND LOT NINETY-THREE (93), said subdivision, said lot

having such measure‐ ments and dimensions and being subject to such servitudes as are more particularly shown on said subdivision map.

Having a municipal ad‐ dress of 12434 Patricia Avenue, Port Allen, LA 70767 Terms of Sale: Cash to the highest bidder WITH‐ OUT benefit of appraise‐ ment and according to law.

Attorney for the Plaintiff: Holiday, Watkins & Mann, P.C. 1602 W. Pinhook Road, Suite 300B Lafayette, LA 70508 (801) 355-2886 Judicial Advertise‐ ment(s) will appear in THE ADVOCATE on the date(s) of: January 8, 2026 and February 5, 2026.

JEFF BERGERON, SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE BY: ANGIE DELAUNE, DEPUTY SHERIFF $56.05 SHERIFF’S SALE PENNYMAC LOAN SER‐ VICES, LLC VS. JULIEN THOMAS NEGROTTO, A/K/A JULIEN T. NE‐ GROTTO, A/K/A JULIEN NEGROTTO AND ARIAL A. DUPONT, A/K/A ARIAL DUPONT DOCKET NO: 50527 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH STATE OF LOUISIANA By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale, di‐ rected by the Honorable The Eighteenth Judicial i i f h

CLASSIFIEDS WORK

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

g District Court, for the Parish of West Baton Rouge, in the above enti‐ and numbered tled cause, I have seized and proceed to sell by public auction, on the front steps of the West Baton Rouge Courthouse, 850 8th Street, Port Allen, Louisiana on WEDNES‐ DAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., the following described property, to wit:

g OUT benefit of appraise‐ ment and according to law.

A certain piece or portion of ground, together with all the buildings and im‐ provements thereon, and all of the rights, ways, privileges, servitudes, appurtenances and ad‐ vantages thereunto be‐ longing or in anywise ap‐ pertaining, situated in the Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as North Fertile Acres and Farms, and designated on the official plan thereof by A.J. Parker, Surveyor, dated January 18, 1966, last revised February 18, 1967, recorded in Plat Book 1A, page 92 on file and of record in the of‐ fice of the Clerk and Recorder of the Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, as Lot Num‐ ber 13, said subdivision, said lot having such measurements and di‐ mensions and being sub‐ ject to such servitudes and restrictions as are more particularly shown on said map.

Attorney for the Plaintiff: The Law Offices of Her‐ schel C. Adcock, Jr. PO Box 87379 Baton Rouge, LA 70879 (225) 756-0373 Judicial Advertise‐ ment(s) will appear in THE ADVOCATE on the date(s) of: December 11, 2025 and January 8, 2026.

JEFF BERGERON, SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE BY: ANGIE DELAUNE, DEPUTY SHERIFF $59.75

Reporting you can trust on stories that matter

Having a municipal ad‐ dress of 5738 Poydras Bayou Drive, Erwinville, LA 70729

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Terms of Sale: Cash to the highest bidder WITH‐ b fi f i

See more CLASSIFIEDS, page

Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy COASTAL USE PERMITS NOT REQUIRED OF ACTIVITIES EXEMPT FROM PERMITTING AND/OR CORPS AREA OR GENERAL PERMIT

170257-jan 8-15-2t $189.20

NAME ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC LAFOURCHE BASIN CONSERVATION, LEVEE, AND DRAINAGE DISTRICT ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC MAGNA OPERATING, LLC NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Clemency I, JAMIE MEJIA, DOC #720413 have applied for clemency for my conviction of MANSLAUGHTER. If you have any comments, contact the Board of Pardons (225)342-5421.

172769 - JAN 6-8 3T $310

AREA 5 1 & 2 BR Apts, W/D, C A/H, Starting at $850/mo Deps vary 225-315-0930

AREA 7 57728 Grove Rd, 3BR 2BA, 2200sqft, Sml Apt in back, Upgrades, $200k+ (pending apprais) (225) 776-0404

FURNITURE Lexington Bedroom Set, Must Sell, Look & Make Offer 225-369-1675

Legal Notices

AREA 5 655 North St. Subsidized eff Apts cpabr.org 225-383-5551.

TDD/TTY /711RELAY

5364 Jackson 2BR's 1BA, Rent $500, Dep $300 225-357-6436

FREE RENT 225-351-7449

Baton Rouge Real Estate For Sale

Merchandise

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Public Notices Bids/Proposals g latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide shall not be sub‐ ject to the $500,000 limi‐ tation, provided that the contract amount does not exceed ten percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown in the latest A.M.

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GWEN ENDERLINE

CUPNO P20250448 P20250783

COENO MVN-2025-00540-MG MVN-2025-00967-SQ

ST. CHARLES ST. MARY ST.BERNARD

P20250804 P20250956 P20250993

MVN-2019-00376-MG

Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy

STORE.NOLA.COM

HOMES.ADVOCATE.COM

PARISH LAFOURCHE ST. CHARLES

PERMITS ISSUED WITH CONDITIONS TO MINIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS NAME NATURAL GAS PIPELINE COMPANY OF AMERICA LLC ERM SOUTH LAFOURCHE LEVEE DISTRICT AUCOIN, JENNY CPRA CRESCENT MIDSTREAM, LLC GEORGE D. HARTFIELD OIL & GAS, INC. ST. TAMMANY PARISH GOVERNMENT HILCORP ENERGY COMPANY HILCORP ENERGY COMPANY HILCORP ENERGY COMPANY HILCORP ENERGY COMPANY

PARISH CAMERON

CUPNO P20250873

CAMERON LAFOURCHE LAFOURCHE PLAQUEMINES PLAQUEMINES ST. MARY ST. TAMMANY TERREBONNE TERREBONNE TERREBONNE TERREBONNE

P20250876 P20230327 P20250925 P20220269 P20250903 P20240842 P20230756 P20231001 P20250948 P20250959 P20250970

COENO

MVN-2022-00632-EDM MVN-2024-00897-EMM MVN-2024-00840-EDM MVN-2023-01213-MM

Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy PERMITS APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN NAME PORT OF IBERIA

GENDERLINE@THEADVOCATE.COM • 504-300-6411

PARISH VERMILION

CUPNO P20191275

COENO WITHDRAWN DATE MVN-2020-00234-WPP 12/17/2025

Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy LOCAL CONCERN PERMIT APPLICATIONS NAME AAA PRECISION INDUSTRIES LP SPEARS, CHRISTOPHER MCARTHUR, RONALD MARINAS LLC RICHARD DEVELOPMENT

PARISH CAMERON CAMERON ST. CHARLES ST. TAMMANY TERREBONNE

CUPNO P20250986 P20250997 P20250984 P20250991 P20250998

172867-603064-Jan. 8-1t $ 142.10