The Acadiana Advocate 01-13-2026

WILLIAMS’ DEFENSE MAKES DIFFERENCE IN WIN OVER TEXAS 1CC THE

ACADIANA

ADVOCATE

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

|

T u e s d ay, J a n u a ry 13, 2026

$2.00X

Supreme Court hears La. coastal case Outcome could shape fate of dozens of lawsuits against oil companies

BY ALEX LUBBEN and MARK BALLARD Staff writers

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Monday in Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Plaquemines Parish, a case that could determine the fate of dozens of lawsuits seeking billions in damages from oil companies for allegedly polluting Louisiana’s eroding coastline. The downriver parish has al-

leged that oil companies polluted a section of its coastal wetlands and contributed to Louisiana’s land loss crisis. At issue before the justices is not whether the oil companies are liable for damage to the coast, but whether the lawsuit, and dozens of similar cases, belong in federal or state court. Chevron argues that the cases should be heard in federal court because, during World War II, its subsidiary Texaco pro-

duced high-octane aviation fuel for the war effort. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the oil companies, a federal judge could vacate the landmark $745 million jury verdict rendered after a three-week trial last year in Plaquemines Parish. The ruling could have ripple effects nationwide, too, potentially setting a precedent that large-scale environmental litigation belongs in federal court and shielding such

lawsuits from local juries. In a last-minute development before Monday’s arguments, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from the case due to his financial interest in ConocoPhillips. He was not present at Monday’s arguments. The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals previously ruled that the lawsuits belong in state court and 25th Judicial District Court Judge Michael Clement allowed the case

to proceed to a jury trial. About two months after the trial concluded, the Supreme Court decided to take up the case. The justices on Monday centered their questions on a 2011 amendment to a law that governs when a case can be moved to federal court — known as the federal officer removal law — and how far its application could extend. “It’s hard to see where you stop,” Chief Justice John Roberts said. “Is it a butterfly effect? You know,

ä See COASTAL, page 5A

DOJ probe of Fed chair sparks backlash Critics say Trump trying to control Federal Reserve BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and JOSH BOAK Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration’s criminal investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell appeared on Monday to be emboldening defenders of the U.S. central bank, who pushed back against President Donald Trump’s efforts to exert more control over the Fed. The backlash reflected the overarching stakes in determining the balance of power within the federal government and the path of the U.S. economy at a time of uncertainty about inflation and a slowing job market. This has created a sense among some Republican lawmakers and leading economists that the Trump administration had overstepped the Fed’s independence by sending subpoenas. The criminal investigation — a first for a sitting Fed chair — sparked an unusually robust response from Powell and a full-throated defense from three former Fed chairs, a group of top economic officials and even Republican senators tasked with voting on Trump’s eventual pick to replace Powell as Fed chair when his term expires in May. White House press secretary

ä See PROBE, page 5A

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, right, and President Donald Trump look over a document of cost figures during a visit to the Federal Reserve in July 24. Powell said the Justice Department has threatened criminal indictments over his June testimony to Congress about the cost and design elements of the $2.5 billion building renovation that includes the Fed’s headquarters.

Moreno pledges to fix big issues in N.O.

Ex-Judge Earles joins district attorney race BY CLAIRE TAYLOR

ing for the Nov. 3 election. The District Attorney’s Office has been in the spotRetired Judge Kristian light in recent years as an Earles on Monday an- assistant district attorney, Gary Haynes, and a connounced his candidacy tract worker in the pretrial in the fall intervention program, both election for appointed by Landry, were district atimplicated in a kickback scheme. Haynes was found torney of the guilty in federal court. 15th Judicial Landry was not implicated District that in the scheme. includes La- Earles Earles recently retired affayette, Acadia and Vermilion parishes. ter serving 23 years as a disThe seat is held by Don trict court judge in the 15th Landry, who was elected in Judicial District. November 2020 and took ofA news release announcfice in January 2021. ing his candidacy says EarLandry announced his run les has clear priorities for for reelection Aug. 14 and ä See EARLES, page 4A has been actively campaign-

Staff writer

WEATHER HIGH 60 LOW 33 PAGE 6A

New mayor sworn into office BY BLAKE PATERSON Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Helena Moreno addresses the crowd after getting sworn in as the 63rd mayor of New Orleans on Monday.

Helena Moreno was inaugurated as New Orleans’ 63rd mayor on Monday, vowing to turn the tide on dysfunction at City Hall and to build a city with safe streets, a prosperous economy and “where there is no limit to realizing a dream.” A former journalist, state legislator and two-term at-large City Council member, Moreno, 48, took the oath of office on stage at the Saenger Theatre on Canal Street.

Business ...................10C Commentary ................3B Nation-World................2A Classified .....................4A Living............................5C Opinion ........................2B Comics-Puzzles .....7C-9C Metro ...........................1B Sports ..........................1C

Former Vice President Kamala Harris swore her in. “This is our time to build that functional city that we deserve,” Moreno said after, in her first speech as mayor. “It won’t happen overnight, but I’ll stop at nothing to get it done.” Moreno, a Democrat, is the second woman and the first person of Hispanic descent to serve in the office. She takes over as New Orleans grapples with a budget crisis that has forced her incoming administration to enact sharp spending cuts and once-per-pay-period furloughs for roughly 14% of the city’s workforce. Despite the city’s financial con-

ä See MORENO, page 4A

101ST yEAR, NO. 197

2A ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

Government sued over immigration enforcement surge

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Israeli drone strike kills 3 in Gaza

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An Israeli drone strike on Monday killed three Palestinians who had crossed the ceasefire line near central Gaza’s Morag corridor, hospital officials said. Israel’s military said the three approached troops and posed an immediate threat. They said they later found weapons and intelligence-gathering equipment on them. The strike came as Gaza awaits an expected announcement this week of a “Board of Peace” to oversee its governance. Hamas has said it will dissolve its existing government once the new committee takes over the territory, as mandated under the U.S.-brokered peace plan. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 440 people have been killed since Israel and Hamas agreed last October to suspend their two-year war. Since then, each side has accused the other of violating the ceasefire, which remains in its initial stage as efforts continue to recover the remains of the final Israeli hostage in Gaza. Israel’s military controls a buffer zone that covers more than half of Gaza, while the Hamas-run government retains authority over the rest. Throughout the war, Israel has supported anti-Hamas groups, including an armed group in southern Gaza that claimed responsibility on Monday for the killing of a senior Hamas police officer in Khan Younis.

Mississippi man pleads not guilty to killing 6

WEST POINT, Miss. — A Mississippi man pleaded not guilty Monday to killing six people — including a 7-year-old girl — during a rampage through a rural area in the northeastern part of the state. At a court hearing in Clay County, Daricka M. Moore entered not guilty pleas to 11 charges including capital murder, first-degree murder, attempted murder of a child, burglary and theft of a motor vehicle, WTVA-TV reported. Because Moore was charged with capital murder with the possible penalty of death, he is ineligible for bail under state law. The judge also ordered a mental evaluation for Moore. No lawyer who could be reached for comment on Moore’s behalf was listed in court records late Monday. District Attorney Scott Colom didn’t immediately respond to a text message Monday seeking details on a defense lawyer. Moore, 24, is accused of killing his father, brother, uncle, 7-yearold cousin, a church pastor and the pastor’s brother at three locations late Friday, authorities said. He was arrested at a police roadblock in Cedarbluff just before midnight after dozens of local, state and federal officers flooded the area.

Court orders pretrial detention in Swiss fire

GENEVA — A Swiss court on Monday ordered three months of pretrial detention for a manager of a bar that burst into flames during a New Year’s Eve celebration, killing 40 people — mostly young revelers — and injuring 116 others, many seriously. The court of compulsory measures in the southwestern Valais canton, or region, ordered that Jacques Moretti, a manager of Le Constellation bar in CransMontana, be held because of a possible “flight risk” highlighted by prosecutors. However, the court said in a statement it was inclined to lift the three months of pretrial detention if sufficient “security measures” — potentially including bail — are arranged. It said the manager should remain in custody until the measures are worked out. The office of Patrick Michod, a lawyer for Moretti, did not respond to emailed requests for comment, and his secretary said the attorney was not immediately available. A Swiss business register lists French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti as the bar’s owners. Lawyers for Jessica Moretti, in a statement, said the court decision would allow her husband “to regain freedom” once conditions are arranged.

Minnesota, the Twin Cities join for lawsuit IMAGE FROM PROVIDED VIDEO VIA AP

A frame grab from footage circulating on social media from Iran shows protesters taking to the streets Friday in Tehran despite an intensifying crackdown as the Islamic Republic remains cut off from the rest of the world.

Trump says Iran wants to negotiate Death toll in protests rises to at least 599

BY JON GAMBRELL, JULIA NIKHINSON and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Iran wants to negotiate with Washington after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic over its crackdown on protesters in nationwide demonstrations that activists said Monday had left at least 599 people dead. Iran had no direct reaction to Trump’s comments, which came after the foreign minister of Oman — long an interlocutor between Washington and Tehran — traveled to Iran this weekend. It also remains unclear just what Iran could promise, particularly as Trump has set strict demands over its nuclear program and its ballistic missile arsenal, which Tehran insists is crucial for its national defense. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran, insisted “the situation has come under total control” in remarks that blamed Israel and the U.S. for the violence, without offering evidence. “That’s why the demonstrations turned violent and bloody to give an excuse to the American president to intervene,” Araghchi said, in comments carried by Al Jazeera. The Qatar-funded network has been allowed to report live from inside Iran, despite the internet being shut off. However, Araghchi said Iran was “open to diplomacy.” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said that a channel to the U.S. remained open, but talks needed to be “based on the acceptance of mutual interests and concerns, not a negotiation that is one-sided, unilateral and based on dictation.” Meanwhile, pro-government demonstrators flooded the streets Monday in support of the theocracy, a show of force after days of protests directly challenging the rule of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state television aired chants from the crowd, which appeared to number in the tens of thousands, who shouted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” Others cried out, “Death to the enemies of God!” Iran’s attorney general has warned that anyone taking part in protests will be considered an “enemy of God,” a death-penalty charge. Trump and his national security team

have been weighing a range of potential responses against Iran, including cyberattacks and direct strikes by the U.S. or Israel, according to two people familiar with internal White House discussions who weren’t authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday night. Asked about Iran’s threats of retaliation, he said, “If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.” Meanwhile, Trump announced Monday that countries doing business with Iran will face 25% tariffs from the United States. Trump announced the tariffs in a social media posting, saying they would be “effective immediately.” It was the first direct action against Iran for the protest crackdown from Trump, who believes exacting tariffs can be a useful tool in prodding friends and foes on the global stage to bend to his will. Brazil, China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Russia are among economies that do business with Tehran. The White House declined to offer further comment about the president’s tariff announcement. Trump said Sunday that his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran, but cautioned that he may have to act first as reports of the death toll in Iran mount and the government continues to arrest protesters. “I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump said. “Iran wants to negotiate.” Iran, through the country’s parliamentary speaker, warned Sunday that the U.S. military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if Washington uses force to protect demonstrators. More than 10,600 people also have been detained over the two weeks of protests, said the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in previous unrest in recent years and gave the death toll. It relies on supporters in Iran cross-checking information. It said 510 of the dead were protesters and 89 were security force members. With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the toll. Iran’s government hasn’t offered overall casualty figures.

Sen. Kelly sues the Pentagon over attempts to punish him BY MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly sued the Pentagon on Monday over attempts to punish him for his warnings about illegal orders, claiming the Trump administration trampled on his constitutional rights to free speech. Kelly, a former U.S. Navy pilot who represents Arizona, is seeking to block his censure last week from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said he censured Kelly Kelly over his participation in a video that called on troops to resist unlawful orders. Hegseth said the Jan. 5 censure — by itself simply a formal letter with little practical consequence — was “a necessary process step” to proceedings that could result in a demotion from Kelly’s retired rank of captain and subsequent reduction in retirement pay. Kelly asked the federal court in Washington, D.C., to rule that the censure letter, the proceedings about his rank and

any other punishments against him are “unlawful and unconstitutional.” “The First Amendment forbids the government and its officials from punishing disfavored expression or retaliating against protected speech,” his lawsuit says. “That prohibition applies with particular force to legislators speaking on matters of public policy.” The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Leon, who was nominated to the bench by Republican President George W. Bush. The legal action of a sitting U.S. senator suing the defense secretary is rare, if not jarring, and the latest effort from members of Congress to push back against what they see as an out-ofcontrol executive branch. The censure stemmed from Kelly’s participation in a video in November with five other Democratic lawmakers — all veterans of the armed services and intelligence community — in which they called on troops to uphold the Constitution and not to follow the Trump administration’s military directives if they were unlawful.

BY REBECCA SANTANA, MARK VANCLEAVE and STEVE KARNOWSKI Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota and its two largest cities sued the Trump administration Monday to try to stop an immigration enforcement surge that led to the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by a federal officer and evoked outrage and protests across the country. The state, joined by Minneapolis and St. Paul, said the Department of Homeland Security is violating the First Amendment and other constitutional protections. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order to halt the enforcement action or limit the operation. “This is, in essence, a federal invasion of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, and it must stop,” state Attorney General Keith Ellison said at a news conference. “These poorly trained, aggressive and armed agents of the federal state have terrorized Minnesota with widespread unlawful conduct.” Homeland Security is pledging to put more than 2,000 immigration officers into Minnesota and says it has made more than 2,000 arrests since December. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has called the surge its largest enforcement operation ever. The lawsuit accuses the Republican Trump administration of violating free speech rights by targeting a progressive state that favors Democrats and welcomes immigrants. “They’re targeting us based on what we look and sound like. Our residents are scared. And as local officials, we have a responsibility to act,” said St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, who was born in Laos. In response, Homeland

Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin accused Minnesota officials of ignoring public safety. “President Trump’s job is to protect the American people and enforce the law — no matter who your mayor, governor, or state attorney general is,” McLaughlin said. “That’s what the Trump administration is doing; we have the Constitution on our side on this, and we look forward to proving that in court.” The government also faces a new lawsuit over a similar crackdown in Illinois. More than 4,300 people were arrested last year in “Operation Midway Blitz” as patrols of masked agents swept the Chicago area. The lawsuit by the city and state says the campaign had a chilling effect, making residents afraid to leave home or use public services. Since the deployment in the Twin Cities, whistleburst warnings by grassroots activists are commonly heard when agents flood streets. Witnesses have regularly posted video of federal officers using tear gas to discourage the public from following them. Earlier Monday, agents fired tear gas to break up a crowd of people who showed up to see the aftermath of a car crash in Minneapolis, just a few blocks from where Renee Good was fatally shot. A crowd emerged to witness a man being questioned by agents who had rear-ended his car. Agents used tear gas to try to discourage the group, then drove off as people screamed, “cowards!” “I’m glad they didn’t shoot me or something,” Christian Molina told reporters. Standing near his mangled fender, he wondered aloud: “Who’s going to pay for my car?” It was another tense scene following the death of Good on Jan. 7. There were dozens of protests or vigils across the U.S. to honor the 37-yearold mother of three and passionately criticize the Trump administration’s tactics.

GET IN TOUCH Customer Service: HELP@THEADVOCATE.COM or 337-234-0800 News Tips / Stories: NEWSTIPS@THEADVOCATE.COM Obituaries: 225-388-0289 • Mon-Fri 9-5; Sat 10-5; Closed Sun Advertising Sales: 337-234-0174 • Mon-Fri 8-5 Classified Advertising: 225-383-0111 • Mon-Fri 8-5 Subscribe: theadvocate.com/subscribe E-Edition: theadvocate.com/eedition Archives: theadvocate.newsbank.com The Acadiana Advocate (USPS # 25-866) is published daily by Capital City Press, LLC at 203 W. Third St., Lafayette, LA 70501. Periodicals postage paid at Lafayette, LA ISSN 2643-7252 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Acadiana Advocate, Circulation Accounting, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. Newspaper carriers are independent contractors and not employees of Capital City Press.

All home delivery subscription sales are non-refundable. Should you discontinue your subscription during term, the subscription will end with the expiration date on your subscription, and there will not be a refund of a prorated amount. Subscribers who purchased their subscription before Feb. 1, 2023 and wish to cancel can request a refund of a remaining balance at https://www.nola.com/app/forms/refund-request-form/. Refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of Capital City Press, LLC or its designee. All subscriptions purchased that include a special edition will have the special edition value deducted prior to any refund provided to subscriber upon cancellation of service. Standard subscription rates may be effective upon renewal. All standard subscriptions include digital access and e-Edition, a digital replica of the printed Advocate edition(s). The apps are free for tablets and smartphones. Smartphone apps may not be supported on all devices. The Advocate standard subscription rate is $71.22 per 4-week period, plus tax. The Acadiana Advocate standard subscription rate is $68.48 per 4-week period, plus tax. Standard digital subscriptions include e-Edition with the rate of $31.15 per 4-week period, plus tax starting 1/1/26. Special editions included in home delivery subscriptions are 1/30/26, 3/11/26, 4/15/26, 5/27/26, 7/8/26, 8/19/26, 9/30/26 11/26/26, 1/22/27, 3/10/27, 4/14/27, 5/26/27, 7/14/27, 8/18/27, 9/29/27 and 11/25/27 and are billed at $5.99 each. The Thanksgiving Day edition will be billed at your regular Thursday rate plus $5.99. To opt out of special edition delivery, email help@theadvocate.com or call 225-388-0395. By opting out of special editions you will not receive that day’s newspaper. Thanksgiving Day is not a special edition and opting out for that edition isn’t permitted. Prices shown are in U.S. dollars. Prices subject to change. Other restrictions may apply. We no longer provide credit for temporary delivery stops of 14 days or less. During a temporary delivery stop donations are made to our News in Education program. This program provides newspapers and digital access to schools across Louisiana. This program is paid for by sponsors and temporary stops so that students may use the newspaper for educational purposes in the classroom. During a temporary delivery stop of the print edition subscribers have unlimited digital access to theadvocate.com, nola.com and the apps for tablet and smartphone. Seasonal delivery times from August 2025 through February 2026 will extend to 8:00 a.m. on weekends. Subscribers may also choose to access our digital replica e-Edition of the printed Advocate, Times Picayune | New Orleans Advocate and Acadiana Advocate only. As a highly valued customer, we also value your privacy. All personal information collected by The Advocate will be used for administration and customer verification; it may be used for promotional purposes in accordance with The Advocate’s privacy policy. Please refer to our policy located at https://www.theadvocate.com/new_policy/ for information regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information. By providing your phone number and email address you agree that we can call or email you to confirm delivery service, satisfaction and/or sales promotions as they may occur from The Advocate. The Acadiana Advocate: 203 W. Third Street, Lafayette, LA 70501

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● 3A

lll

Ring in the New Year with Better Hearing! Limited Time Offer

Your hearing is an integral part of your overall health and wellbeing. Studies show that untreated hearing loss has been linked to many health issues, including cognitive decline and dementia.1 We are hosting a Special Event during the month of JANUARY! During this event, we will be offering these FREE services: • FREE Hearing Consultations • FREE Video Otoscope Exam: Hearing loss or just earwax? • FREE Clean & Check on current hearing aids • FREE Baseline Audiogram Assessment • FREE Familiar Voice Test • FREE Demo of Audibel’s latest hearing technology!

FREE

Are You or Anyone You Know Experiencing the Following? 1. Asking people to speak up or repeat themselves? 2. Turning the TV up loud to understand what is being said? 3. Ringing or noises in your ears? 4. Hearing but not understanding certain words?

Limited Time Offerr

Hearing Consultation

Audibel is NOW Offering... • Hearing aids at NO COST to those who qualify!• • That’s Right...No Co-Pay! No Exam Fee! No Adjustment Fee! If you have this card, you may qualify for free hearing aids! Call today to verify your benefits.

Government-Wide Service Benefit Plan Member Name John Doe

Member R0000000 Enrollment Code R0000000 Effective Date

00/00/0000

Rx# RxPCN RxGrp

0000 0000 0000

Simply call one of our offices below to schedule your FREE hearing test.

a pair of Aris AI Hearing Instruments Offer valid on select in-stock 24 level technology. Exclusions may apply.

Limited Time Offer

Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and there is NO COST for these services.

$ $1000 OFF

CLEAN & CHECK

If you already have hearing devices, receive a free cleaning & maintenance check.

JANUARY 2026 MARCH 2025 Audibel Hearing Healthcare BATON ROUGE

BATON ROUGE

LAFAYETTE

105 Westmark Blvd., Ste. 2

337-205-9576

GONZALES

DENHAM SPRINGS

NEW IBERIA

224 N. Lewis St., Ste. C

337-606-7301

HAMMOND

NEW ROADS

ABBEVILLE 100 S. Louisiana St., Ste. 300

337-516-0050

*

Complimentary hearing consultations are widely available at no cost.

Amieva, H., Ouvrard, C., Giuloli, C., Meillon C., Rullier, L., & Dartigues, J. F. (2015). Self-reported hearing loss, hearing aids, and cognitive decline in elderly adults: A 25-year study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2015 Oct;63 (10):2099 – 104. Doi: 10.1111/jgs.13649. 2Rechargeable option not available in all styles. See clinic for details. 1

©2024 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 4/23 Audibel and Audibel logo are registered trademarks of Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Signature Series is a trademark of Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

RECEIVE UP TO

2000

$

*

Toward premium technology when you Trade-In & Trade-Up your old hearing aids.

INTEREST *Offer valid on 24 level technology. Exclusions may apply. Cannot be combined with other offers.

4A ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

MORENO

Continued from page 1A straints, Moreno has said that leadership — not money — is what’s needed to fix the city’s problems. She succeeds Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who won plaudits for guiding New Orleans through the coronavirus pandemic but leaves office as a political pariah under federal indictment. The ceremony Monday, marked by numerous guest appearances and musical performances, also saw the swearing in of a new City Council. After a turbulent past four years between Cantrell and the City Council that Moreno led, the incoming executive and legislative branches are expected to have a much closer working relationship. Moreno said she looks forward to “working hand-inhand” with the council. “We can’t keep doing things the

EARLES

Continued from page 1A reforming and improving the District Attorney’s Office, aiming to restore integrity and public trust in the office. Earles plans to do that, the release states, by prosecuting criminals efficiently and fairly, through strong ethical leadership and enforcing the law in a fair and expeditious system. He said he plans to run the District Attorney’s Office with the highest ethical standards, as well.

lll

same and expect different results,” Moreno said in her speech. “It is time for a new direction for New Orleans.” Returning to the council are atlarge council member JP Morrell; District B council member Lesli Harris; District C council member Freddie King III; and District D council member Eugene Green. Matthew Willard, a former state representative, replaces Moreno as the second at-large council member. He’s joined by District E council member Jason Hughes, also a former state representative, and District A council member Aimee McCarron, a former council staffer. Moreno arrived at City Hall shortly after the conclusion of Monday’s ceremony to attend the City Council’s inaugural meeting and to sign more than a dozen executive orders laying out the structure of her government. The mayor also set up working groups tasked with stabilizing the city’s budget and improving departmen-

tal coordination on city infrastructure. She also revoked several of Cantrell’s executive orders. Moreno has said the first 100 days of her administration will focus on improving infrastructure, solving the city’s financial woes and revamping its permitting office. “We know things are not where we want them to be today. And we know it won’t be easy to fix them. But just because things are hard does not mean they are impossible,” Moreno said in her speech. “And we must be clear: Failure is not an option.” Monday’s ceremony featured performances by a string of iconic New Orleans musicians, including The Soul Rebels, Dawn Richard, Tonya Boyd-Cannon, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and Big Freedia. Trombone Shorty performed a rendition of “On the Sunny Side of the Street” with 16-year-old piano phenom River Eckert. And singer Lenny Kravitz, who once owned property in New Orleans’ French Quarter, sent a

video message in support. The event also featured remarks from Republicans and Democrats, including Harris, who was in town for a book tour and who gave Moreno high praise before she introduced her to the crowd. “Helena and I first crossed paths many years ago, and from the very beginning what stood out was not only that she’s talented, but she’s tough,” Harris said. “It is clear that Helena Moreno will never stop fighting for the people of New Orleans.” Senate President Cameron Henry, a Metairie Republican, also spoke alongside New Orleans Democratic Sen. Jimmy Harris. And House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Republican, took the stage with Democratic Congressman Troy Carter. Cantrell also attended Monday’s ceremony, while Gov. Jeff Landry was invited but did not attend. In a statement, Landry said, “New Orleans is a special city that deserves strong leadership” and said

he looks forward to working with Moreno. “Today you’ve seen local, state and federal leaders on all sides of politics come together to support the future of our exceptional city,” Moreno said in her speech. “We have more in common, than what divides us when it comes to ensuring one of America’s greatest cities thrives.” Among the first actions Moreno took Monday was to create a working group to identify cost-savings across City Hall. The group will be chaired by Chief Administrative Officer Joe Giarrusso and include an “efficiency lead” from each department. It will evaluate the city’s fleet of vehicles — which Moreno has described as excessive — and review spending on overtime, vendor contracts and facilities, among other items. Within 30 days, each department must submit to the CAO an “efficiency plan” with a list of proposed savings. A final report is due to Moreno within 90 days.

“Cleaning up our streets starts with restoring trust and bringing accountability back to the DA’s Office,” Earles said. “As the next district attorney, I will never lose sight of that mission.” Earles began his criminal justice career as a university police officer while attending the University of Southwestern Louisiana. He later joined the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office, serving as a patrol deputy, communications officer and detention center shift sergeant while attending the university. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice in 1992

and graduated with honors in 1995 from the Southern University Law Center, earning a Juris Doctorate. In his private practice, Earles represented families and individuals across the area. He was elected in October 2002. Earles taught state judges about courtroom safety and taught criminal law as an adjunct professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette while also serving as a judge. He served as president of the Crowley Lions Club, represented residents of Crowley as an alderman, was a reserve deputy in Acadia Parish and is on the board of

directors of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Born in Lafayette, the son of Richard Earles and the late Carolyn Earles, of Crowley, he Earles was raised in Roberts Cove, a community in Acadia Parish. He and his wife of 35 years, Rene Istre Earles, have four children and two grandchildren. Landry was elected in November 2023. He had served as an assistant district attorney under district attorneys Nathan Stansbury and Mike Harson. A lifelong resident of Lafayette Parish, Landry graduated from Southwestern Louisiana with a

bachelor’s degree in political science. He was a reserve in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966 to 1972. He earned his law degree from the Southern University Law Center in 1976 and joined a local law firm, eventually becoming a partner in it. He became an assistant district attorney in 1980 and served in that capacity for 34 years. During his first campaign for district attorney, Landry said he wanted to focus on catching and prosecuting major drug dealers and getting those arrested for minor drug possession into diversion programs.

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

.theacadianaadvocate.com Acadiana Real Estate For Sale

Legal Notices

Pets

OPELOUSSAS 2-4-Plex Apts For Sale-In Opelousas, $290k/each (337) 942-8180

SPORTS 24/7 ON

CATS RAGAMUFFIN & RAGDOLL KITTENS www.CatsByFrancy.com/kittens $700up! Reg. Shots & Guaranty 337-230-3150

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., The Advocate’s ClassifiedAdvertising Departmentwill be closed on Monday, January 19th. RUN DATE

DEADLINE

Tuesday, Jan. 20........Thursday, Jan. 15 - 2pm Wednesday, Jan. 21...Thursday, Jan. 15 - 2pm

DISPLAY ADS 24 HOURS EARLIER CALL US:

Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

225-383-0111 • 504-636-7435 337-234-0174 Public Notices

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following ordinance was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Coun‐ cil of the City of Youngsville, Louisiana, held on January 8, 2026.********** The fol‐ lowing Ordinance was of‐ fered by Lindy Bolgiano and seconded by Matt Romero, as amended: ORDINANCE NO. 508-2025 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF YOUNGSVILLE, LOUISIANA, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDI‐ 14 NANCES CHAPTER “OFFENSES”, “ARTICLE I. – IN GENERAL” AND CHAP‐ TER 22 “TRAFFIC AND VE‐ HICLES”, “ARTICLE I. – IN GENERAL”, AS IT RELATES TO AMENDMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF MAYOR’S COURT OPERATIONS. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Youngsville, Parish of Lafayette, Louisiana that: WHEREAS, the City Coun‐ cil of the City of Youngsville desires to amend the Youngsville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 “Offenses”, “Article I – In General”, Sections 14-2 “Suspen‐ sion of applicability.”, 144 “Adoption of state criminal code.”, 14-5 “Re‐ served.” and Appendix A. “Traffic Fines”; and WHEREAS, the City Coun‐ cil of the City of Youngsville desires to amend the Youngsville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22 “Traffic and Vehicles”, “Article I – In General” Section 22-1 “Adoption of Louisiana Highway Regulatory Act, Driver’s License Law, Motor Vehicle Inspection Law and Vehicle Regis‐ tration License Tax Law as traffic code of city.”. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Youngsville, Parish of Lafayette, Louisiana that: SECTION 1: All of the afore‐ described “WHEREAS” clauses are herein adopted as part of this Ordinance. SECTION 2:

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

The City of Youngsville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 “Offenses”, “Article I – In General”, Section 14-2 “Suspension of applicability.”, is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 14-2. Suspension of applicabil‐ ity. The mayor and coun‐ cilmen of the city may, at their discretion, suspend the operation of this chapter during periods of special city-wide cele‐ brations, which are spon‐ sored by civic organiza‐ tions of the city or within the location thereof, upon written application by said organizations. SECTION 3: The City of Youngsville Code of Ordi‐ nances, Chapter 14 “Of‐ fenses”, “Article I – In General”, Section 14-4 “Adoption of state crimi‐ nal code.”, is hereby amended to revise sub‐ sections (a), (b), (f) and (g) to read as follows: Sec. 14-4. - Adoption of state criminal code. (a) All penal or criminal laws of the state, other than those classified as felony offenses, offenses com‐ mitted by minors, or of‐ fenses wherein the City is preempted by federal or state law from en‐ forcement, are hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set out, pro‐ vided the penalty for commission of such of‐ fenses hereunder shall be limited to that as im‐ posed under the general penalty provisions of this Code. It is unlawful to vi‐ olate any of such laws, and upon conviction, vio‐ lators shall be punished according to the general penalty provisions of this Code. Any future amend‐ ments, revisions or modi‐ fications of the statutes incorporated herein by reference are intended to be made part of this Code. (b) When referring to a penal or criminal law under this chapter, or is‐ suing a citation or prose‐ cuting an offense on be‐ half of the city under this chapter, the section number of that offense shall be cited in the fol‐ lowing two-part number‐ ing scheme: the first part of the section number will be the number of this chapter and the sec‐ ond part of the section number will be the sec‐ tion number of the penal or criminal law as listed

under state law (i.e., R.S. 14.2 under state law will be city offenses chapter § 14:2). (c) For purposes of this section, any refer‐ ence to the state, its branches, departments or agencies, shall include the city, in all of its de‐ partments and functions, and any references to highways shall include also the city streets. The provisions of this section apply to all streets and roadways within the city's corporate limits. (d) Violations of any of the statutes heretofore enumerated shall be charged as violations of the provisions of this section, and reference to the applicable state statutes need not be made, however, the pro‐ visions of the applicable state statute shall be set forth to the same extent required by the laws of this state for the purpose of informing a defendant of the offense with which he is charged. The provi‐ sions of said statutes are made a part of this sec‐ tion as fully as if copied herein in extenso, as they may be amended from time to time. (e) Notwithstanding the pro‐ visions for maximum punishment provided by the various statutes heretofore enumerated, the maximum punish‐ violations ment for thereof shall be as set forth in other ordinances previously enacted by the city. (f) The adoption of the state statutes heretofore enumerated as city ordinances shall not act to repeal any or‐ dinance of the city, and where applicable an of‐ fense may be charged ei‐ ther as a violation of a specific ordinance of the city, or as a violation of this section. (g) No of‐ fense shall be prose‐ cuted nor sentence ap‐ plied as a second or sub‐ sequent conviction of the same offense, unless the offenses are prosecuted in a court of record. SEC‐ TION 4: The City of Youngsville Code of Ordi‐ nances, Chapter 14 “Of‐ fenses”, “Article I – In General”, Section 14-514-26 “Reserved.”, is hereby amended to re‐ name Section 14-5 as “Adoption of Louisiana Litter Violations” and to establish said subsection to read as follows: Sec.

14-5. Adoption of Louisiana Litter Viola‐ tions. The city hereby adopts the provisions of R.S. 30:2531(A) and (B), as amended and revised, with respect to all public places within the city, ex‐ cept as such are in con‐ flict or inconsistent with this Code or the ordi‐ nances of the city and except such as by their nature are inapplicable to the city. (a) For the purposes of this Section, each occurrence shall constitute a separate vi‐ olation. (b) Notwith‐ standing any provision to the contrary, this Section shall not apply to any ac‐ tivity by persons owning or operating duly li‐ censed commercial vehi‐ cles engaged in the col‐ lection and transporta‐ tion of solid waste, con‐ struction, or demolition debris or wood waste, as such terms are defined by the rules and regula‐ tions of the Department of Environmental Quality, occurring in the course of servicing scheduled pickup routes pursuant to commercial or local government contracts or en route to an authorized pickup station, transfer station, or disposal facil‐ ity. To qualify for the ex‐ emption provided for in this Subsection, the com‐ mercial vehicle shall be covered at all times, ex‐ cept during loading and unloading, in a manner that prevents rain from reaching the waste, pre‐ vents waste from falling or blowing from the vehi‐ cle, and ensures that leachate from the waste is not discharged from the vehicle during trans‐ portation. SECTION 4: The City of Youngsville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 “Offenses”, Appendix A. “Traffic Fines”, is hereby deleted from the Code of Ordinances. SEC‐ TION 5: The City of Youngsville Code of Ordi‐ nances, Chapter 22 “Traf‐ fic and Vehicles”, “Article I – In General”, Section 22-1 “Adoption of Louisiana Highway Regu‐ latory Act, Driver’s Li‐ cense Law, Motor Vehicle Inspection Law and Vehi‐ cle Registration License Tax Law as traffic code of city.”, is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 22-1. Adoption of Louisiana Highway Regu‐ latory Act, Driver's Li‐ cense Law, Motor Vehicle Inspection Law and Vehi‐ cle Registration License Tax Law as traffic code of city. Pursuant to the au‐ thority conferred by R.S. 32:41(C), the city hereby adopts the provisions of R.S. 32:1 et seq., as amended and revised, and commonly referred to as the "Louisiana Highway Regulatory Act" (R.S. 32:1 through 32:399 inclusive), the provisions of the "Driver's License Law," as amended and revised (R.S. 32:401 through 32:429.3 inclu‐ sive), the provisions of the "Motor Vehicle In‐ spection Law," as amended and revised (R.S. 32:1301 through 32:1310 inclusive), the provisions of the "Vehi‐ cle Registration License Tax Law," as amended and revised (R.S. 47:451 through 47:540 inclusive), the provisions of Title 40:1742, all regulations of the state department of highways and the direc‐ tor of public safety adopted pursuant thereto, and all provi‐ sions in Louisiana’s Re‐ vised Statutes regulating the operation of motor vehicles on highways with respect to streets within the city, except as such are in conflict or in‐ consistent with this Code or the ordinances of this city and except such as by their nature are inap‐ plicable to the city. (a) When the city prosecutes violations arising under this section in its mayor’s court, penalties, fees, and costs shall be imposed consistent with the penalty schedule of the court, which while not reproduced herein, is adopted by reference, and shall be maintained by the court in a manner consistent with Louisiana’s Revised Statutes and all other ap‐ plicable laws. (b) For pur‐ poses of this section, any reference to the state, its branches, departments, or agencies, shall include h i d ll f i d

g the city and all of its de‐ partments and functions, and any references to highways shall include municipal roadways. The provisions of this section apply to all streets and roadways within the city's corporate limits. (c) Notwithstanding the provisions for maximum punishment provided by the various statutes heretofore enumerated, the maximum punish‐ ment for violations thereof shall be set forth in other ordinances pre‐ viously enacted by the city. SECTION 6: All Ordi‐ nances, or parts thereof, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SEC‐ TION 7: This Ordinance shall be in full effect as permitted by law. This amended Ordinance hav‐ ing been introduced on December 11, 2025, and published by title only giving Notice of a Public Hearing on January 8, 2026, was submitted to a vote and the vote thereon was as follows: YEAS: Shannon D. Bares, Lindy Bolgiano, Matt Romero, Nicholas Niland, Simone B. Champagne. NAYS: None. ABSTAINED: None. ABSENT: None. This amended Ordinance was declared adopted on this 8th day of January, 2026. /s/ Ken Ritter, Mayor /s/ Nicole Guidry, City Clerk 173619-JAN 13-1T $136 PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and especially to all subcontractors, workmen, laborers, me‐ chanics, and furnishers of materials: Public No‐ tice is hereby given ac‐ cording to law that the undersigned Owner has accepted, as substan‐ tially complete, the work done on Youngsville Water Treatment Plant, for the City of Youngsville by NCMC, LLC, Contractor, under its contract with said firm of date July 19, 2024, and recorded as Act No. 202400023177 in the Mortgage Records of the Parish of Lafayette, Louisiana. All subcontractors, work‐ men, laborers, mechan‐ ics, and furnishers of ma‐ terials must assert what‐ ever claim they may have against the said Contrac‐ tor, growing out of the execution of said Con‐ tract, according to law, within 45 days from reg‐ istration hereof. CITY OF YOUNGSVILLE, LOUISIANA BY: /s/ Ken Ritter, Mayor Date: 9th day of January, 2026 173617-jan 13-1t $36.53

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

PUBLIC NOTICE --HEARING EXAMINER AGENDA JANUARY 23, 2026 COMMUNITY DEVELOP‐ MENT AND PLANNING AUDITO‐ RIUM 220 WEST WILLOW STREET, BUILDING B 8:30 A.M. I. Call to Order & Intro‐ duction / Adrianne Reed II. Development Review 1. Hearing Review No. 2025-147-HE Proposed Plat Name: Randall James Alleman Tract B-1-A Plat Location: 2733 Gen‐ darme Rd Jurisdiction: Parish of Lafayette Proposed Use: Residen‐ tial Surveyor: Kappy Cullum 2. Hearing Review No. 2025-148-HE Proposed Plat Name: Kaleb Eric Kelley, et ux Tract 1 Plat Location: 107 & 113 Gisele Pl Jurisdiction: Parish of Lafayette Proposed Use: Residen‐ i l

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min p tial Surveyor: Jared Normand 3. Hearing Review No. 2025-143-HE Proposed Plat Name: Ronald L Nicko Partition Tract B-2-A And B-2-B Plat Location: 100 Blk of C. Alleman & 500 Blk of N. Wilder‐ ness Trail Jurisdiction: Parish of Lafayette Proposed Use: Residen‐ tial Surveyor: Brock Hollier 4. Hearing Review No. 2025-139-HE Proposed Plat Name: Tract C Into Tracts C-1 & C-2 Plat Location: 2100 NE Evangeline Thwy Jurisdiction: City of Lafayette Proposed Use: Commer‐ cial Surveyor: David Patter‐ son III. Adjourn 173054-JAN 13-1T $10.54 PUBLIC NOTICE --Lafayette Parish School Board - Regular Board Meeting (Thursday, De‐ cember 11, 2025) Meeting called to order at 5:00 PM. Members present David LeJeune, Chad Des‐ ormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy Hidalgo Members absent None 1. MEETING OPENINGS Procedural: 1.1 Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and Presenta‐ tion of Colors by Pack 162 St. Edmond Procedural: 1.2 Moment of Silence Procedural: 1.3 Opening Comments - Superinten‐ dent Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. turned over Opening Comments to Ms. Ginger Richard, As‐ sistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruc‐ tion. Ms. Richard recog‐ nized the 138 French Im‐ mersion students from Evangeline Elementary, Myrtle Place Elementary, Prairie Elementary, Scott Middle and Lafayette High who earned the DELF A2, B1 and B2 certi‐ fications this past April. The DELF, an internation‐ ally recognized French language certificate awarded by the French Ministry of Education, evaluates a student’s abilities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing across multiple proficiency levels. Ms. Richard indicated earn‐ ing a DELF certification is a significant achieve‐ ment that enhances a student’s future acade‐ mic and career opportu‐ nities, strengthens their language proficiency, and supports success in an increasingly global world. She congratulated the current 6th and 9th graders, as well as the Lafayette High French Immersion alumni, who will be receiving their of‐ ficial diplomas this month! Ms. Richard ex‐ pressed how incredibly proud the District is of their dedication and suc‐ cess. Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. announced Lafayette Parish Public School System is recog‐ nized as the number one large school district in the State of Louisiana. Mr. Touchet stated the one big accomplishment is Lafayette Parish has surpassed St. Tammany Parish, which is a district that has been rising to the top since he has been looking at account‐ ability being placed on school districts. Cur‐ rently, Lafayette Parish is above St. Tammany Parish, which is a big ac‐ complishment for Lafayette Parish princi‐ pals, teachers, all of sup‐ port and district level personnel working alongside teachers to get Lafayette Parish stu‐ dents to that level. Mr.

Touchet also highlighted Lafayette Parish has shown more progress than all of the other school districts in Louisiana. Mr. Touchet recognized Mr. Nick Pugh with the Pugh Founda‐ tion and all of his team for the significant gains at J W Faulk Elementary and Dr. Raphael Baranco Elementary in the 20242025 school year due to the ACE program. Both of the schools previously received a school rating of “F” but are currently now considered “C” schools. Mr. Touchet in‐ formed the Board Alice Boucher Elementary is new to the ACE program this current school year and he is predicting to see the same growth as J W Faulk Elementary and Dr. Raphael Baranco Ele‐ mentary. Superintendent Touchet recognized current Board President Britt Latiolais for serving as Board President in 2024 and 2025. Mr. Touchet pre‐ sented Mr. Latiolais with a plaque. Mr. Latiolais thanked the Board for al‐ lowing him to lead them the first two years of their current term. He also thanked Mr. Touchet for always being there and doing anything and everything he can to allow Board members to take care of their dis‐ tricts. 2. INFORMATION ITEMS Information: 2.1 ACADE‐ MICS: 2026-2027 Coordi‐ nated Funding Request for Early Childhood - G. Richard/E. Thibodeaux Emmy Thibodeaux, Direc‐ tor of Early Childhood, presented the 2026-2027 Coordinated Funding Re‐ quest to the Board. The funding request will be available on the LPSS website December 12, 2025 - December 18, 2025 for public comments to be submitted to the Lead Agency at ecnetwork@ lpssonline.com. The re‐ is for PreK-4 quest funded seats through LA4 and the nonpublic funded seats for nonpub‐ lic schools applying for that funding source in Lafayette Parish. 3. CONSENT AGENDA Action (Consent): 3.1 BOARD: Lafayette Parish School Board 2026 Regu‐ lar Board Meeting Sched‐ ule - Touchet/Gardner Resolution: That the Board approve the at‐ tached Lafayette Parish School Board 2026 Meet‐ ings Schedule located in the Public Content sec‐ tion. That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled. Motion by Kate Labue, second by Roddy Berg‐ eron. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: David LeJeune, Chad Desormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy Hidalgo Action (Consent): 3.2 EM‐ PLOYEE SERVICES - Dis‐ cussion and/or action concerning an adjust‐ ment to the 2025-26 Salary Schedule – Gard‐ ner/Mouton/Clement Resolution: That the Board approve the up‐ dates to the 2025-26 Salary Schedule as noted. That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled. Motion by Kate Labue, second by Roddy Berg‐ eron. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: David LeJeune, Chad Desormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy Hidalgo Action (Consent): 3.3 EM‐ PLOYEE SERVICES - Dis‐ cussion and/or action concerning an update to current job descriptions – Gardner/Clement Resolution: That the Board approve the revi‐ sions to the job descrip‐ tions as attached to the Public Content section of this agenda item, effec‐ tive December 11, 2025. That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled. Motion by Kate Labue, second by Roddy Berg‐ eron. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: David LeJeune, Chad Desormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy id l

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

Hidalgo

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

y

Action (Consent): 3.4 EM‐ PLOYEE SERVICES - Dis‐ cussion and/or action concerning the payment of the Differentiated Compensation Allocation – Gard‐ ner/Dugas/Clement Resolution: That the Board approve a onetime Differentiated Pay Stipend, as detailed in the attachment in the Public Content section of this agenda item, for LPSS Employees, who meet the listed criteria. That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled. Motion by Kate Labue, second by Roddy Berg‐ eron. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: David LeJeune, Chad Desormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy Hidalgo Action (Consent): 3.5 EM‐ PLOYEE SERVICES: Dis‐ cussion and/or action concerning a one-time stipend related to Alge‐ bra I or Geometry staffing teacher Touchet/Rabal‐ ais/Clement Resolution: That the Board approve a $3,000 one-time stipend for a new hire to the Lafayette Parish School System to fill vacant Algebra I or Geometry position for the spring semester of the 2025 - 2026 school year. That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled. Motion by Kate Labue, second by Roddy Berg‐ eron. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: David LeJeune, Chad Desormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy Hidalgo Action (Consent): 3.6 FA‐ CILITIES: Discussion and/or action concerning Recommendation for a Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR) for the New K-8th Grade School at the J.W. Faulk Campus - Ra‐ balais/Touchet Resolution: That the Board approve the rec‐ ommendation of J.B. Mouton as the Construc‐ tion Manager at Risk for the New K-8th Grade School that will be built at the J.W. Faulk Elemen‐ tary campus. That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled. Motion by Kate Labue, second by Roddy Berg‐ eron. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: David LeJeune, Chad Desormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy Hidalgo Action (Consent): 3.7 FI‐ NANCE: Discussion and/or action concerning the December Budget-toActual/Revisions for FY 25-26 - Mouton/LeBlanc Resolution: That the Board approve the De‐ cember Budget-to-Ac‐ tual/Revisions for FY 2526 as attached in the Public Content section of this agenda item. That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled. Motion by Kate Labue, second by Roddy Berg‐ eron. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: David LeJeune, Chad Desormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy Hidalgo Action (Consent): 3.8 SU‐ PERINTENDENT: Discus‐ sion and/or action con‐ cerning the Superinten‐ dent’s Attendance Incen‐ tive - Touchet/Rabal‐ ais/Melton Resolution: That the Board approve the Super‐ intendent’s Attendance Incentive for teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and bus atten‐ dants for the 2025-2026 school year. That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled. Motion by Kate Labue, second by Roddy Berg‐ eron.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: David LeJeune, Chad Desormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy Hidalgo Action (Consent): 3.9 SU‐ PERINTENDENT: Discus‐ sion and/or action con‐ cerning the Minutes of November 13, 2025 Touchet Resolution: That the Board approve the min‐ utes of November 13, 2025, as attached to the Public Content section of this agenda item. That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled. Motion by Kate Labue, second by Roddy Berg‐ eron. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: David LeJeune, Chad Desormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy Hidalgo Action (Consent): 3.10 Approval of All Action Consent Items Resolution: That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled. That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled. Motion by Kate Labue, second by Roddy Berg‐ eron. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: David LeJeune, Chad Desormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy Hidalgo 4. SUPERINTENDENT EVALUATION RESULTS Action: 4.1 BOARD: Dis‐ cussion and/or action concerning the Superin‐ tendent's Evaluation - La‐ tiolais/Mason Board President Britt La‐ tiolais briefed the public on Superintendent Touchet’s evaluation re‐ sults from last year, which was a 3.5 out of 4. Mr. Latiolais indicated Superintendent evaluation Touchet’s score for 2025 is a 3.8 out of 4. That the Board enter into executive session to dis‐ cuss item 4.1. Motion by Jeremy Hi‐ dalgo, second by Amy M Trahan. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: David LeJeune, Chad Desormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy Hidalgo That the Board return to regular session. Motion by Chad Des‐ ormeaux, second by Roddy Bergeron. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: David LeJeune, Chad Desormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy Hidalgo That the Board approve the compiled Superinten‐ dent Evaluation results from the Scoring Tabula‐ tors and authorize the President and Vice Presi‐ dent to meet with the Su‐ perintendent to discuss contract amendments and report recommenda‐ tions to the Board at the next meeting on January 8, 2026. Motion by Roddy Berg‐ eron, second by Joshua Edmond. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: David LeJeune, Chad Desormeaux, Joshua Ed‐ mond, Amy M Trahan, Britt Latiolais, Roddy Bergeron, Kate Labue, Hannah Mason, Jeremy Hidalgo 5. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. SIGNED: /s/Britt Latiolais Britt Latiolais, Board President LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD SIGNED: /s/Francis Touchet, Jr. Francis Touchet, Jr., Sec‐ retary-Treasurer LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD ccg 173622-JAN 13-1T

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● 5A

lll

COASTAL

Continued from page 1A a butterfly flaps its wings and it has an end result halfway around the world?” Former U.S. Solicitor General Paul D. Clement, who is representing Chevron, argued that if the oil companies had been prevented from producing, “that would have directly affected the government’s ability to get refined (aviation fuel) to fight the war effort.” He argued that the crude oil pumped from Louisiana was of a type used to refine aviation fuel, meaning the work was done in service of the federal contract even if the contract did not explicitly call for drilling in the marshes. J. Benjamin Aguiñaga, Louisiana’s solicitor general, said the trial in Pointe à la Hache showed that industry had “dumped billions of gallons of produced water from oil wells directly into our marsh.” At issue, he said, is whether the company did so under the direction of the federal government. He argued that the industry would have polluted the marsh regardless of whether it was working for the federal government, because much of the crude oil it was producing at the time was for civilian use. “Industry would have been engaging in the exact same conduct … whether or not an avgas refining contract existed,” he said, using a term for aviation fuel. A ruling is expected by the summer in the case, which is being closely watched both in Louisiana

PROBE

Continued from page 1A Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump did not direct his Justice Department to investigate Powell, who has proved to be a foil for Trump by insisting on setting the Fed’s benchmark interest rates based on the data instead of the president’s wishes. “One thing for sure, the president’s made it quite clear, is Jerome Powell is bad at his job,” Leavitt said. “As for whether or not Jerome Powell is a criminal, that’s an answer the Department of Justice is going to have to find out.” The investigation demonstrates the lengths the Trump administration is willing to go to try to assert control over the Fed, an independent agency that the president believes should follow his claims that inflationary pressures have faded enough for drastic rate cuts to occur. Trump has repeatedly used investigations — which might or might not lead to an actual indictment — to attack his political rivals. The risks go far beyond Washington infighting to whether people can find work or afford their groceries. If the Fed errs in setting rates, inflation could surge or job losses could mount. Trump maintains that an economic boom is occurring and rates should be cut to pump more money into the economy, while Powell has taken a more cautious approach in the wake of Trump’s tariffs. Several Republican sena-

STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Canals crisscross the wetlands south of New Orleans. and across the country. Beyond the legal implications, it has also pitted Louisiana Republicans against the Trump administration, which has sided with the oil companies. Louisiana officials say the question is a simple one: The companies should be forced to pay for the damage they caused, and the cases should play out in state courts. “We’re here to defend the coastal cases that the state and Attorney General’s Office joined some years ago to make sure that oil companies who’ve performed illegal operations on our coast and damaged our coast … come in and fix what they broke and join us in the effort to save our coast,” Attorney General Liz Murrill said outside the high court Monday morning. After the hearing, she emphasized that the verdict itself was not

tors have condemned the Department of Justice’s subpoenas of the Fed, which Powell revealed Sunday and characterized as “pretexts” to pressure him to sharply cut interest rates. Powell also said the Justice Department has threatened criminal indictments over his June testimony to Congress about the cost and design elements of a $2.5 billion building renovation that includes the Fed’s headquarters. “After speaking with Chair Powell this morning, it’s clear the administration’s investigation is nothing more than an attempt at coercion,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, on Monday. A bipartisan group of former Fed chairs and top economists on Monday called the Trump administration’s investigation “an unprecedented attempt to use prosecutorial attacks” to undermine the Fed’s independence, stressing that central banks controlled by political leaders tend to produce higher inflation and lower growth. “I think this is ham-handed, counterproductive, and going to set back the president’s cause,” said Jason Furman, an economist at Harvard and former top adviser to President Barack Obama. The investigation could also unify the Fed’s interest-rate setting committee in support of Powell, and means “the next Fed chair will be under more pressure to prove their independence.” The subpoenas apply to Powell’s statements before a congressional committee about the renovation of Fed buildings, including its marble-clad headquarters

being questioned. Even if the court ruled in Chevron’s favor, the facts remain the same, she argued. “State law will still apply,” she said. “The same facts, the same arguments.” She stressed the state has proven at trial that the companies broke the law both before 1980 and after that, when new coastal regulations went into effect. The oil firms and their supporters argue the suits are frivolous, saying the state and the nation benefited tremendously from the production in question. They also say the lawsuits risk jobs and investment along Louisiana’s coast, and that some of the operations occurred before a law they are accused of violating took effect in 1980. Bill Turenne, a spokesperson for

in Washington, D.C. They come at an unusual moment when Trump was teasing the likelihood of announcing his nominee this month to succeed Powell as the Fed chair and could possibly be selfdefeating for the nomination process. While Powell’s term as chair ends in four months, he has a separate term as a Fed governor until January 2028, meaning that he could remain on the board. If Powell stays on the board, Trump could be blocked from appointing an outside candidate of his choice to be the chair. Powell quickly found a growing number of defenders among Republicans in the Senate, who will have the choice of whether to confirm Trump’s planned pick for Fed chair. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican and member of the Senate Banking panel, said late Sunday that he would oppose any of the Trump administration’s Fed nominees until the investigation is “resolved.” “If there were any remaining doubt whether advisers within the Trump Administration are actively pushing to end the independence of the Federal Reserve, there should now be none,” Tillis said. Sen. Dave McCormick, RPenn, said the Fed may have wasted public dollars with its renovation, but he said, “I do not think Chairman Powell is guilty of criminal activity.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune offered a brief but stern response Monday about the tariffs as he arrived at the U.S. Capitol,

Chevron, said after the hearing that the company remains confident that “federal court is the proper forum for these cases.” Louisiana pro-industry groups have lined up behind Chevron, unusually positioning themselves against the Republican administration of Gov. Jeff Landry while arguing that investment and jobs are at stake. “I think it’s important that the Supreme Court recognized the value in reviewing this case,” said Tommy Faucheux, the president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association. “The Supreme Court has the opportunity here to uphold fair and consistent application of the law and help preserve legal stability for the energy industry that has fueled America’s economy and has continued to breathe life into Louisiana communities.” Other pro-industry groups, including the Pelican Institute, the Grow Louisiana Coalition and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, issued statements echoing that sentiment. John Carmouche, the lead attorney representing Plaquemines Parish in last year’s trial, said he did not have a clear sense for which way the justices were leaning. But the questioning indicated to him that the Supreme Court might issue a narrow ruling on how the federal officer removal statute should be interpreted. That could then send the case back to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to rule on how the law applies to the facts of his particular lawsuits. “That would mean another delay

suggesting that the administration needed “serious” evidence of wrongdoing to take such a significant step. “I haven’t seen the case or whatever the allegations or charges are, but I would say they better, they better be real and they better be serious,” said Thune, a Republican representing South Dakota. If Powell stays on the board after his term as chair ends, the Trump administration would be deprived of the chance to fill another seat that would give the administration a majority on the seven-member board.

for us,” he said. This case and the more than 40 other coastal lawsuits Carmouche has filed on behalf of Louisiana parishes have already dragged on for years. The first case was filed in 2013, and the oil companies have sought to remove them to federal court several times. Each of the cases alleges that oil and gas companies polluted the Louisiana coast and contributed to the state’s land loss crisis. Since the 1930s, the state has lost more than 2,000 square miles of land. There is evidence that oil and gas activity has contributed to the state’s land loss, but so have other issues. Among them are the levees along the Mississippi River, which enable navigation and prevent the river from flooding but also starve coastal wetlands of the sediment that replenishes them. Mark Davis, the director of the Tulane Center for Environmental Law, who is not directly involved with the case, noted that the question before the Supreme Court — what exactly is a “federal officer” — appears narrow, but could have far-reaching effects. If the Supreme Court rules that the cases belong in federal court, he said, he expects other companies to make the argument that they are also protected from being sued if they’re aligned with federal interests. “I would expect all sorts of industry suppliers and partners of the federal government … to not only assert, ‘We don’t want to be in court in the states,’ but ‘We shouldn’t be in court at all,’ ” Davis said.

That majority could then enact significant reforms at the Fed and even block the appointment of presidents at the Fed’s 12 regional banks. “They could do a lot of reorganizing and reforms” without having to pass new legislation, said Mark Spindel, chief investment officer at Potomac River Capital and author of a book on Fed independence. “That seat is very valuable.” Powell has declined at several news conferences to answer questions about his plans to stay or leave the board. Scott Alvarez, former gen-

eral counsel at the Fed, says the investigation is intended to intimidate Powell from staying on the board. The probe is occurring now “to say to Chair Powell, ‘We’ll use every mechanism that the administration has to make your life miserable unless you leave the Board in May,’ ” Alvarez said. Asked on Monday by reporters if Powell planned to remain a Fed governor, Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council and a leading candidate to become Fed chair, said he was unaware of Powell’s plans.

Dream Address Awaits Visit us today and take the first step toward finding your perfect address.

Inogen® Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Leave the tanks at home.

addresslafayettela.com 1-800-801-4620

Convert the air around you into medical-grade oxygen. At just under 3 lbs.*, Inogen® lightweight and compact portable oxygen concentrators easily deliver your prescription oxygen on-the-go. * Inogen Rove 4 weighs 2.9lbs. with a standard battery

CALL US NOW 1-877-760-2294

SM250015 EN_EX_USA | Rx Only. © 2024 Inogen, Inc. 859 Ward Drive, Suite 200, Goleta, CA 93111. Inogen® is a trademark of Inogen, Inc. The usage of any Inogen, Inc. trademark is strictly forbidden without the prior consent of Inogen, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.

DRE#01901536 This website is a marketing and information program that sends all inquiries to state-licensed real estate professionals.

6A ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

ALMANAC

AIR QUALITY

LAFAyETTE THROUGH 5 P.M. MONDAy

YESTERDAY

TEMPERATURE

High/low Normal high/low Record high Record low

UNHEALTHY SENSITIVE GROUP

59°/34° 62°/43° 79° in 2017 10° in 1918

TODAY

PRECIPITATION

MODERATE

24 hours through 5 p.m. Mon. 0.00” Month to date (normal) 2.42” (2.36”) year to date (normal) 2.42” (2.36”)

MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

SUN AND MOON Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

READING 116

7:05 a.m. 5:28 p.m. 2:51 a.m. 1:10 p.m.

SOURCE: AIRNOW.GOV

NEW

FIRST

FULL

LAST

JAN 18

JAN 25

FEB 1

FEB 9

THE NATION AND WORLD Today City

LOUISIANA FORECAST

RIVER STAGES MISSISSIPPI

Monroe 65/44

Shreveport 65/45

Jackson 61/45

Longview 65/44

Hattiesburg 62/46

Alexandria 61/44

Many 59/41

Memphis Vidalia-Natchez Red River Landing Baton Rouge Donaldsonville Reserve New Orleans OHIO

Cairo COMITE

Near Olive

Baton Rouge 59/46 Beaumont 60/46

Port Arthur 60/49

Lafayette

AMITE

Near Darlington Denham Springs Port Vincent

New Orleans 59/48

Lake Charles 60/45

TICKFAW

Montpelier Holden

Houma 61/46

ATCHAFALAYA

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

TIDES HIGH

Lake Pontchartrain (Tchefuncte River) 3:16a Shell Beach 9:18p South Point, Marsh Island 3:43p Cypremort Point 6:23p Grand Isle (Barataria Pass) 5:43p Mississippi River (Southwest Pass) 4:57p Wine Island 6:51p

First FT. LOW

FT.

HIGH

Second FT. LOW

FT.

0.4 1.0 1.3 1.0 0.8 1.0 0.9

-0.3 -0.5 -0.7 -0.6 -0.5 -0.6 -0.6

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

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

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

3:41p 9:12a 4:44a 8:25a 4:45a 3:07a 5:47a

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

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

Simmesport Melville Krotz Springs Butte La Rose Bayou Sorrel Morgan City

FLOOD STAGE 24-HOUR STAGE CHANGE

34 48 48 35 27 22 17

-5.00 15.60 18.80 7.00 3.60 2.89 1.90

+0.51 +0.22 +0.20 +0.10 none -0.14 -0.02

40

13.54

+0.20

19

3.38

-4.48

18 29 8

10.05 26.67 2.72

-0.20 +3.33 +0.02

13 15

13.27 8.04

+3.43 +1.65

47 34 29 20 12 6

6.33 3.95 3.60 2.67 2.80 1.75

-0.45 -0.65 -0.25 -0.55 -0.60 +0.40

Austin Boston Dallas Fairbanks Honolulu Las Vegas Louisville Miami Nashville

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

Wednesday

Hi

Lo

W

Hi

Lo

W

City

64 43 68 -23 81 68 55 79 62

42 37 45 -29 71 47 42 66 43

pc s pc c s s pc sh pc

69 49 62 -17 79 72 47 80 49

39 37 37 -29 67 46 22 63 22

s r s sn sh s r r r

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

48 88 60 38 51 62 45 44 82 74 44

40 70 44 35 45 53 32 36 62 62 42

r pc pc c r pc r c pc pc sh

46 90 59 42 49 66 45 47 81 74 48

37 72 43 32 44 52 37 41 63 62 43

s pc pc r pc pc sh c sh pc pc

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

Hi

Today

Wednesday

Lo

W

Hi

Lo

W

59 73 50 73 48 61 59 73 70

48 60 41 47 40 39 35 44 59

s c s s pc s c s c

66 68 52 75 44 60 40 73 68

42 56 33 53 16 30 18 49 57

c r c s r c c s r

72 52 55 67 37 18 64 53 58 27 61

55 33 43 47 33 3 40 46 46 23 43

c r r pc c c pc c c c s

69 45 55 69 40 17 63 53 61 33 53

45 40 33 47 21 8 41 42 48 30 39

s pc pc pc sn sn pc pc c sn s

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

-10

-0s

0s

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

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

Today Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon.

Major

Minor

Major

6:54a 12:42a 7:17p 7:37a 1:24a 8:01p 8:22a 2:09a 8:47p 9:09a 2:55a 9:35p 9:57a 3:44a 10:23p 10:47a 4:34a 11:13p 11:09a 5:25a ----

Minor

1:06p 1:49p 2:34p 3:22p 4:10p 5:00p 5:50p

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

Cuba’s president says no current talks with U.S.

BY ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ, DÁNICA COTO and MILEXSY DURÁN Associated Press

HAVANA — Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said Monday that his administration is not in talks with the U.S. government, a day after President Donald Trump threatened the Caribbean island in the wake of the U.S. attack on Venezuela. Díaz-Canel posted a flurry of brief statements on X after Trump suggested that Cuba “make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.” He did not say what kind of deal.

Díaz-Canel wrote that for “relations between the U.S. and Cuba to progress, they must be based on international law rather than hostility, threats, and economic coercion.” He added: “We have always been willing to hold a serious and responsible dialogue with the various U.S. governments, including the current one, on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect, principles of International Law, and mutual benefit without interference in internal affairs and with full respect for our independence.”

His statements were reposted by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez on X. On Sunday, Trump wrote that Cuba would no longer live off oil and money from Venezuela, which the U.S. attacked on Jan. 3 in a stunning operation that killed 32 Cuban officers and led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro. Cuba was receiving an estimated 35,000 barrels a day from Venezuela before the U.S. attacked, along with some 5,500 barrels daily from Mexico and roughly 7,500 from Russia, accord-

ing to Jorge Piñón of the Energy Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, who tracks the shipments. On Monday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum once again declined to provide data on current oil shipments or say whether such shipments would increase when Venezuelan supplies end. She insisted that the aid “has been ongoing for a long time; it’s not new.” Sheinbaum said Mexico’s fuel supply to Cuba is not a concern for her country because “there is enough oil” — even though production of state-owned oil com-

FBI: Suspect targeted synagogue because it’s Jewish house of worship Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. — A suspect in an arson fire at a synagogue that was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan decades ago admitted to targeting the historic institution because it’s a Jewish house of worship and confessed what he had done to his father, who turned him in to authorities after observing burn marks on his son’s ankles, hands and face, the FBI said Monday. Stephen Pittman was charged with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by means of fire or an explosive. The 19-year-old suspect confessed to lighting a fire inside the building, which he referred to as “the synagogue of Satan,” according to an FBI affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Mississippi on Monday. At a first appearance hearing Monday in federal court, a public defender was appointed for Pittman, who at-

tended via video conference call from a hospital bed. Both of his hands were visibly bandaged. He told the judge that he was a high school graduate and had three semesters of college. Prosecutors said he could face five to 20 years in prison if convicted. When the judge read him his rights, Pittman said, “Jesus Christ is Lord.” The fire ripped through the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson shortly after 3 a.m. on Saturday. No congregants or firefighters were injured. Security camera video released Monday by the synagogue showed a masked and hooded man using a gas can to pour liquid on the floor and a couch in the building’s lobby. The weekend fire badly damaged the 165-year-old synagogue’s library and administrative offices. Five Torahs — the sacred scrolls with the text of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible — located inside the sanctuary were being assessed for smoke damage. Two Torahs

which aim to force a change in Cuba’s political model. The communist government has said U.S. sanctions cost the country more than $7.5 billion between March 2024 and February 2025, a staggering sum for an island whose tourism revenue reached some $3 billion annually at its peak in the previous decade. The crisis also has triggered a large wave of migration primarily to the United States, where Cubans enjoyed immigration privileges as exiles. Those privileges were curtailed before Trump closed U.S. borders.

U.S. lawmakers set to visit Denmark

MISSISSIPPI

BY SOPHIE BATES, JEFF MARTIN and MIKE SCHNEIDER

pany Petróleos Mexicanos is steadily declining. She reiterated that her government is willing to facilitate dialogue between the U.S. and Cuba if both agree. Even with oil shipments from Venezuela, widespread blackouts have persisted across Cuba given fuel shortages and a crumbling electric grid. Experts worry a lack of petroleum would only deepen the island’s multiple crises that stem from an economic paralysis during the COVID-19 pandemic and a radical increase in U.S. sanctions following the first Trump administration,

and in no way seek to Trump continues them, interfere in their internal discussions about the status to threaten of Greenland.” Coons stressed that the Greenland United States and Den-

BY SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By SOPHIE BATES

Caution tape and flowers cover the entrance to the Beth Israel Congregation on Monday in Jackson, Miss. The synagogue was set on fire early Saturday morning. inside the library, where the most severe damage was done, were destroyed. One Torah that survived the Holocaust was behind glass and was not damaged in the fire, according to the congregation. The suspect’s father contacted the FBI and said his son had confessed to setting the building on fire. Pittman had texted his father a photo of the rear of the synagogue before the fire, with the message, “There’s a furnace in the back.” His father had pleaded with his son to return home, but “Pittman replied back by saying he was due for a home run and ‘I did my research,’” the affidavit said. During an interview with investigators, Pittman said he had stopped at a gas sta-

tion on his way to the synagogue to purchase the gas used in the fire. He also took the license plate off his vehicle at the gas station. He used an ax to break out a window of the synagogue, poured gas inside and used a torch lighter to start the fire, the FBI affidavit said. The FBI later recovered a burned cellphone believed to be Pittman’s and took possession of a hand torch that a congregant had found. Yellow police tape on Monday blocked off the entrances to the synagogue building, which was surrounded by broken glass and soot. Bouquets of flowers were laid on the ground at the building’s entrance — including one with a note that said, “I’m so very sorry.”

WASHINGTON — A bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation is headed to Copenhagen later this week in an attempt to show unity between the United States and Denmark as President Donald Trump continues to threaten to seize Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of the NATO ally. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., is leading the trip of at least nine members of Congress, including Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, of North Carolina. The group will be in Copenhagen on Friday and Saturday and will meet with high-level Danish and Greenlandic government officials and business leaders. In an interview with The Associated Press on Monday, Coons said the delegation wants to send a message that “we understand the value of the partnership we have long had with

mark have long been allies, noting that the northern European nation came to the U.S.’s defense in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and have for years worked in tandem on other priorities. The delegation considered traveling to Greenland on the trip, but ultimately could not due to logistical issues, according to a person familiar with the trip planning who was granted anonymity to discuss earlier private discussions. Tensions have grown between Washington, Denmark and Greenland this month as Trump and his administration push the issue and the White House considers a range of options, including military force, to acquire the vast Arctic island. Trump reiterated his argument that the U.S. needs to “take Greenland,” otherwise Russia or China would, in comments aboard Air Force One on Sunday.

METRO

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

|

T u e s d ay, J a n u a ry 13, 2026

1Bn

Jan Risher LOUISIANA AT LARGE

Salon-style talk brings optimism I love a good discussion. On Saturday morning, I was delighted to be part of a panel discussion called “Journalism in a Changing Age” at the Shadows-on-the-Teche Visitor Center in New Iberia. At some level, it reminded me of a French salon. The World History Encyclopedia defines the French salon as “a private social gathering where a mixture of guests openly discussed art, literature, philosophy, music and politics.” In the 17th and 18th centuries, French salons were often associated with Paris and were usually hosted by wealthy and well-connected women. The guests came from varied backgrounds, which gave participants an opportunity to hear different views from varied levels of society and encounter new ideas. Saturday’s conversation was moderated by Adam Foreman, the Shadows’ executive director. Cheryl Devall, general manager at KRVS, and Jim Hummel, coanchor at KADN in Lafayette, were also a part of the panel. It’s the first in the journalism series that the Shadows will host in the first quarter of 2026. The weather was far from ideal Saturday morning. I had wondered if the panel might be talking among ourselves, which, frankly, would have said something of its own about the state of civic curiosity. So, I was pleasantly surprised to find a near-standing-room-only crowd to listen to the discussion about the evolution of journalism, something I think about on a daily basis. I often find myself trying to explain journalism to people who don’t trust it anymore, which I appreciate, but I also think “real” journalism gets lumped into a lot of media that is anything but accurately reported and agendaless — including the artificial intelligence-generated slop that all too often presents itself as fact online. Foreman led the conversation

ä See RISHER, page 4B

TANGIPAHOA PARISH

PROVIDED PHOTOS

This year’s 20 Under 40 honorees are, top row, from left, Jessica Allain, Murugan Ambalakannu, Amber Dominique Bessard, Ross Cockrell; second row, Brianna G. Davis, Candice Dazet, Ryan Devillier, Christopher ‘Tipper’ Esponge; third row, Grace Farnell, Corrie R. Gallien, Madeleine Groth, De’Marquis Hamilton; fourth row, Mary-Katherine Hooper, Jorden R. Melton Jr., Kylie Miller, Sarah Nugent; fifth row, Mary Pham, Krystal Romero, Valerie Thompson and Layla Touchet.

HONOREES ANNOUNCED Winners of 20 Under 40 to be recognized at April 10 banquet BY ADAM DAIGLE

Acadiana business editor

In partnership with The Acadiana Advocate, the705 has announced the 17th annual Top 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award honorees, presented by Advancial Federal Credit Union. Winners will be recognized at an April 10 banquet at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette student union ballroom. This year’s honorees are: n Jessica Allain, Partner, Jones Walker LLP n Murugan Ambalakannu, director of consulting services, CGI n Amber Dominique Bessard, owner,

Train with Amber Fitness; founder, Festival de Fit Fete n Ross Cockrell, development director, Holy Family Catholic School n Brianna G. Davis, parish director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana n Candice Dazet, assistant director of student engagement and leadership, UL n Ryan Devillier, center director, Louisiana Small Business Development Center at UL n Christopher “Tipper” Esponge, mayor of Delcambre; president and owner of E&L Construction Group n Grace Farnell, senior consultant, CGI n Corrie R. Gallien, attorney and founder, Gallien Law n Madeleine Groth, owner and doctor, Madeleine Groth DDS n De’Marquis Hamilton, CEO, Iberia Comprehensive Community Health Center n Mary-Katherine Hooper, corporate

director of compliance, Unitech Training Academy n Jorden R. Melton Jr., associate director for strategic initiatives and program director, UL n Kylie Miller, senior consultant, U.S. Early Career Programs and Partnerships, CGI n Sarah Nugent, president, CETCO Energy Services n Mary Pham, community relations supervisor, Acadian Ambulance n Krystal Romero, outreach representative, Louisiana Department of Justice; registered nurse, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center n Valerie Thompson, tobacco cessation coordinator/public health nutritionist, Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center n Layla Touchet, professional school

Criminal probe opens Police: Toddler fires deadly African Children’s into plant gunshot; teen arrested Choir to perform explosion youngsville church BY DAVID J. MITCHELL Staff writer

Federal investigators opened a criminal probe last year into the massive explosion and fire at Smitty’s Supply Inc., authorities confirmed Monday, intensifying scrutiny of the now destroyed Tangipahoa Parish plant’s operations. It is unclear if the criminal investigation remains active. Its existence came to light through the filing of an emergency response report, which described a search carried out over two days in midNovember at the plant. The search involved U.S. Environmental Protection Agency criminal investigators, along

ä See CRIMINAL, page 4B

stop part of national tour

BY JOANNA BROWN Staff writer

The African Children’s Choir is coming to Louisiana later this month to share worship songs and hymns with the Youngsville community, with the goal of raising money to help African children living in extreme poverty pursue education and training. The choir, made up of 17 primarily Ugandan children from ages 7 to 10, will perform at First Assembly of God church in Youngsville at 7 p.m. Jan. 30. Attendance is free, and all donations support Music for Life and the African Children’s Choir pro-

gram in sponsoring the entire education of choir members, even through university. The children are halfway through a nationwide tour, with upcoming dates in Arkansas and Texas before making their way to Louisiana and Mississippi. Founded in 1984 by Canadian humanitarian Ray Barnett, hundreds of Ugandan youth have graduated from African Children’s Choir into further education and careers, sponsored by Music for Life, a humanitarian organization founded to further the work of Barnett and the choir. Barnett, who died last year, was a “great humanitarian compelled by the love of Christ,” choir manager Tina Sipp said. He traveled to Uganda to provide humanitarian aid following the violent

ä See CHOIR, page 4B

A Lafayette teenager was arrested after a 2-year-old child found a loaded gun and fired it, killing 4-year-old Blaze Rubin on CRIME Saturday in the BLOTTER 100 block of Lena Street, police said Advocate Sunday morning. staff Jenarius Johnson, reports 17, was arrested on counts of negligent homicide and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile. Police said the toddler discharged the weapon and struck Blaze, who later died from his injuries at a hospital. Police were called to the home about 6 p.m. Saturday. Police did not say how Johnson was connected to the two children. The Police Department is investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lafayette Police Department or Lafayette Crime

ä See HONOREES, page 4B

Stoppers at (337) 232-8477. All callers remain anonymous.

Man killed in hit-and-run while walking on La. 86

A pedestrian has died after being hit by a vehicle in Iberia Parish, according to State Police. Russell Green, 66, of New Iberia, died in the crash. On Sunday, shortly after 10:30 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian on La. 86 near Suard Road. The preliminary investigation revealed that Green was walking on La. 86 when he was hit by an unknown vehicle traveling in an unknown direction. Following the collision, the vehicle fled the scene. Green suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. Troopers suspect the crash

ä See BLOTTER, page 4B

OPINION

2B ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

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

OUR VIEWS

Even the accused have voting rights Some violations of civil rights occur not by design but by situations unforeseen by the law’s designers. When this happens, the correct response is to fix the law without fuss. That’s what Louisiana lawmakers should do in the case of people who are in jail, but not yet tried for alleged crimes, who are not allowed to vote. Unless and until they are convicted, their right to vote and their practical ability to do so must not be infringed. Even if only a tiny subset of the population is denied its legal right to vote, provision must be made to preserve that right. A group called Voice of the Experienced filed suit Dec. 12 in the state’s 19th Judicial District Court about this problem. State laws intended to guard against voter fraud require voters who register online or by mail to cast their ballots in person if they’ve never voted before. Exceptions are made for the disabled and military personnel deployed away from home, among others. Whether such a restriction is wise or necessary is subject to debate, but a one-time inperson rule is no more unusual than a requirement for someone to show up in person for a first driver’s license. The civil rights problem arises only in the law’s application to those in jail awaiting trial. Because they are in jail, it is the state itself that is keeping them from showing up in person to vote. They are literally not free to comply with this particular voting law. Yet, at the same time, the combination of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution makes it incontrovertible that, as unconvicted citizens, they have absolute rights to vote. Especially in a state that features jurisdictions with among the longest pre-trial incarcerations in the country — at some risk, by the way, of violating the Sixth Amendment’s right to a speedy trial — the problem of unconvicted inmates being unable to vote is very real. For example, the suit filed last month names Rachael Day, who has been awaiting trial for more than six years for alleged involvement in an armed robbery that turned deadly. If Day did commit the crime, she deserves the punishment she would receive. But she should not lose her rights for a single week, much less for six years, without having her day in court. To fix the problem would be easy. All lawmakers must do is add “unconvicted people awaiting trial” to the list of exceptions (disabled, military) to the law requiring first-time voters to appear in person. After all, because they are in the state’s custody, the state already can verify their identities, which makes the possibility of voter fraud entirely moot. It’s a simple problem with a simple fix, and lawmakers need to start fixing it on the very first day of the next session.

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

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

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCAN HERE

YOUR VIEWS

Landrieu out of touch on illegal immigration

Venezuela doomed to fail, like past interventions Our congressional leaders have been supine and spineless, allowing President Donald Trump to run amok with his unpopular policies and trampling on the rule of law. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, yet Trump acted unilaterally to destabilize Venezuela’s government and arrest its president. Trump’s actions were clearly unconstitutional and an egregious violation of international law. Supposedly, the U.S. attacked Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro because he engaged in drug trafficking and terrorism. Trump lied. Drugs and terrorism were never the reason for our illegal military attack. We illegally attacked Venezuela because we coveted its oil and to ensure the riches and profits of multinational corporations. Trump wants us to believe that U.S. intervention would benefit the people of Venezuela. What a colossal lie. History has repeatedly shown that our interventions invariably benefited corporations and the rich and powerful. Our intervention will benefit Trump and his greedy cronies. Remember, the Viet-

nam War benefited Lyndon Johnson and his cronies, who financed all of Johnson’s campaigns. The U.S. has a long history of openended interventions/occupations in South America. The U.S. had no genuine interest in bringing democracy to that region or ameliorating the suffering of the poor. Venezuela must now pay for its sins, and the U.S., being its good neighbor, must make certain Venezuela follows the straight and narrow. Now, regime change is the order of the day. The U.S. has been in the regime change business for quite a while. I was appalled to hear Trump say that the U.S. will run Venezuela. Sounds like classic imperialism. Trump needs to run the U.S. Thus far, he has woefully failed. U.S. citizens are struggling to make ends meet. They are beset by inflation, unaffordable housing, climate change, crumbling infrastructure, wealth inequality, skyrocketing health insurance and a host of other numerous problems.

HUEY HARRISON New Orleans

Landry has too many side hustles I was relieved to see that Gov. Jeff Landry has opted to take on the task of reorganizing the entire structure of the national college football system, including recruiting, player transfers and coach and player compensation. If there is one thing football needs, it is more government regulation. At least Landry waited until after he had already resolved the residential and automobile insurance crisis in Louisiana and settled our wetland and coastal controversies. I guess Landry has already traveled to his vacation home in Greenland and handled all the issues surrounding Trump’s imperialistic grab for Green-

land’s mineral wealth. To finalize the deal, I suggest he offer Greenland the statehood option that Canada has rejected. After all, Greenland’s statehood would make as much sense as Wyoming’s — a state with less than one quarter the population of the city of Houston. Perhaps as his next project, Landry can undertake the chaos in the fast food industry, where neither McDonald’s McRib sandwich nor Popeye’s Spicy Flounder sandwich is available on a year-round basis.

WILLIAM SNEIRSON New Orleans

I was flabbergasted after reading Mitch Landrieu’s Dec. 9 guest column regarding the ongoing federal immigration enforcement in Louisiana. It stretches the limits of credulity coming from someone who was part of the previous administration that literally broke our border, the amount of gaslighting, self-unawareness and tone deafness. It’s analogous to an arsonist setting an inferno ablaze, then showing up afterward to berate, belittle and criticize the firefighters who showed up to extinguish the flames. The U.S. today is the most diverse and tolerant country to ever exist in the world. We allow over one million legal immigrants into our country every year. We have 50 million-plus legal and illegal immigrants in the country, out of approximately 350 million people. I would say that is pretty generous and kind of us to allow that many people to come here for a better life. What we are opposed to is unfettered immigration that swamps our communities, costing the American taxpayer billions of dollars a year. Not to mention the strain caused by higher inflation in housing, food, health care, transportation and gas. All of which are at elevated levels, pricing millions of Americans out of the market. What we are opposed to is immigrants committing all types of crimes including, rape, murder, human trafficking and child exploitation. Do you remember Lakin Riley, Rachel Morin and Joclynn Nungaray? I do not expect him to acknowledge the victims of his twisted ideology, to flood our country with tens of millions of people who should not be here. And, unless and until he apologizes for what the Biden administration wrought on our country, I am not interested in anything he has to say regarding trying to clean up the mess.

GREG LANDRIEU New Orleans

Trump administration’s Presidential Walk of Fame just another farce I read with utter disgust the article regarding the new Presidential Walk of Fame at the White House. I also had the chance to read detailed photographs of a few plaques via another medium. It obviously points out how petty, narcissistic and egotistical our current president is. He constantly embarrasses

himself as well as those of us who voted him into office. My only hope is that when we are finally done with him, the next administration will correct all of these vile wordings and will replace the plaques with more appropriate wording. Past presidents may have had their faults and flaws, but they all had the

best interests of our country and their constituents at heart, more so than the current administration has. May we all survive this administration and look forward to better times ahead. God bless America.

ELENE MILLER Metairie

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR LOCAL REPORTING

KEVIN HALL

JERRY DICOLO

FRED KALMBACH

JENNIFER BROWN

ARNESSA GARRETT

KRISTIN ASKELSON

EMMA DISCHER

President & Publisher

Deputy editor/News

RENE SANCHEZ

Deputy editor/Opinion

VP/News, Executive Editor

KARYN KEARNEY EVP/Strategic Partnerships

JUSTIN MITCHELL

Deputy editor/Audience

Managing editor

Managing editor, Acadiana

BARBARA LEADER Managing editor, Shreveport

Senior Editor Senior Editor

ANDREA GALLO Senior Editor/ Investigations

JESSICA WILLIAMS Senior Editor

ROGER HOLMES Executive VP, Operations

LOU HUDSON

VP/Majors & Nationals

JIM MYERS

VP/Finance

ROBERT STOLL

VP/Distribution

ASHLEY WHITCHER IT Director

KYLE WHITFIELD

VP/ Consumer Sales

ROBERT YOUNG

General Manager/ Advertising

G

GEORGES MEDIA GROUP JOHN D. GEORGES Owner

JUDI TERZOTIS

Chief Executive Officer Editorial Page

DAN SHEA

Chairman

ARNESSA GARRETT STEPHANIE GRACE WILL SUTTON QUIN HILLYER FAIMON ROBERTS

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● 3B

lll

COMMENTARY

Don’t annex Greenland China, Russia and Iran had to be alarmed by the display of U.S. power in Venezuela, but so did Denmark, a NATO ally of the United States. In the aftermath of the snatch-andgrab of Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump spoke to The Atlantic about his other foreignpolicy priorities: “We do need Greenland, absolutely.” It might have been easy not too long ago to dismiss this as bluster. Rich Not anymore — not Lowry after the strikes on the Iran nuclear program and the Venezuelan operation. We’ve gone from “Trump always chickens out” when he was backing off his Liberation Day tariffs to “dismiss Trump’s threats at your own peril.” Trump doesn’t do everything he says, but almost everything he does do, he talks about openly beforehand. In this respect, enemies of the United States can never complain that they weren’t warned — and perhaps allies, too. Denmark controls Greenland as a semi-autonomous territory. It colonized the sparsely populated island several hundred years ago. Mostly within the Arctic Circle, Greenland is not desirable real estate by any typical metric, but has outsized strategic significance. As more waters become navigable in the Arctic Sea, the top of the world opens up for greater geopolitical contention. Greenland occupies a crucial spot. It sits on a key naval lane between the Atlantic and the Arctic, and it has prodigious reserves of critical minerals, and maybe fossils fuels, as well. If it fell into our lap, it’d be an excellent addition to our territorial holdings. There’s a reason that American statesmen have long coveted the island. The problem is that it’s not currently available. What are other options? A lightly armed contingent of U.S. crossing guards could probably take it over in a couple of days. The challenge, though, is political and diplomatic, not military. A NATO ally seizing the territory of another NATO ally would obviously be a grave threat to the integrity of the alliance. Would Denmark invoke Article 5 against the United States? It has

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EBRAHIM NOROOZI

Danish military forces participate in an exercise with hundreds of troops from several European NATO members in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, last year. the makings of a good spoof musical, but it’s not something anyone should want to experience in reality. Although Trump has said in the past that he doesn’t take military force off the table — an amazing statement in and of itself — he’s also talked of buying Greenland. The Danes, though, say it’s not for sale, and the Greenlanders don’t want to be bought. If Trump really pushes the issue and forces Denmark and NATO into a corner with the 82nd Airborne ready to go on an airstrip somewhere, he could probably compel a sale, but it’d be courting a diplomatic crisis and damage the reputation of the United States without enough upside. We can almost certainly get whatever we need from Greenland without violating a friendly country’s sovereignty or straining a world-historical alliance to the breaking point. We already have a missile-defense base there. The 1951 Greenland Defense Agreement between Denmark and the U.S. allowing us to keep bases could presumably be updated and extended. Given the national security importance of rare earths to the U.S. and

NATO, it should be possible to unlock Greenland’s minerals. Instead of clapping back at Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen should be reaching out for a steak dinner at Mar-a-Lago and offering a deal. While public pressure gets Trump’s back up, private persuasion — and a warm relationship — goes a long way. The Panamanians managed to get Trump to stop talking about taking back the Canal (for now) with prudent concessions. For his part, Trump should realize that making everyone in a friendly nation hate him doesn’t help his cause. His talk of annexing Canada last year helped Justin Trudeau’s party survive a national election that it should have lost. His Greenland saber-rattling is presumably making it harder for Denmark to work with him on sensible cooperation. If Nicolas Maduro got what he deserved, Denmark is a different matter. Even the unsentimental, results-oriented Trump foreign policy needs to distinguish between friend and foe. Rich Lowry is on X, @RichLowry.

Guess who fears impeachment? A guy who’s been through it twice. President Donald Trump is afraid of sures as banning institutional investors getting impeached again. from buying single-family homes. And He said as much recently. if that succeeds in making housing “You got to win the midterms, bemore affordable for Americans, that might well save his bacon. cause if we don’t win the midYet Trump’s administration terms, it’s just going to be — I is also stumbling from crisis to mean, they’ll find a reason to crisis, as unwelcome surprises, impeach me,” he said. “I’ll get such as the Jeffrey Epstein impeached.” scandal, seem to inspire desperHe spoke those words, coincidentally, on the fifth anniverClarence ate political gambits. That thought came to mind as sary of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, Page Americans woke up on Jan. 3 to which formed the basis of his Trump’s announcement that the second impeachment. Army’s Delta Force had captured VenIt was a startling pronouncement from someone given to endless expres- ezuelan President Nicols Maduro and his wife and were taking them to the sions of a hyper-inflated ego. This is a U.S. for trial. man who, throughout his long public Remember his denunciations of and political life, has seldom been associated with such descriptors as modest, “forever” wars and nation-building attempts? Well, it took MAGA influencprudent or vulnerable. Yet Trump admitted in a notable ers a matter of minutes to forget them. and rare acknowledgment of his own Now it was time to celebrate the limitations, in his book “The Art of the “Donroe Doctrine,” which unlike the Comeback,” that his past business diffi- Monroe Doctrine was not a doctrine culties, culminating in corporate bank- at all but rather an attitude that the entirety of the Western Hemisphere is ruptcies in the 1990s, resulted from a “feeling of invincibility” that led him to a collection of potential colonies that Trump can at will bring under the flag become “a little cocky.” of the United States. Perish the thought. Trump seems to be on a tear, cramWhether he arrived at the conclusion himself or at the urging of advisers, ming as many issues as possible from Trump understands he is in danger of “Project 2025” on the American public, being taken down by overconfidence. at times seemingly contradicting his Not just his own but also that of his past principles and reversing laws and loyal MAGA movement. policies we associate with the so-called It’s no surprise, then, that Trump in American Century. recent days has instituted something What exactly is the objective in of a full-court press on the housing afVenezuela? Taking the nation’s oil? fordability crisis, calling for such mea- Running its government? Helping it

restore some semblance of democracy and good government? Hell if anybody knows, but Colombia and Cuba might be next if they’re not careful! Yet, as much as he might seem to have been on a roll lately, Trump understands that his base, while it still supports him, is wobbly, and whatever moderate swing voters he was able to pick up in 2026 are falling away, particularly in light of the shocking shooting by an immigration agent of a protester in Minneapolis. Among the dark clouds on the horizon revealed in a recent NBC News poll is the finding that most voters feel the country is on the wrong track, particularly with regard to the economy. There’s much at stake in the November midterms for both parties, not least of which is a loss of control of Congress and then investigations into Trump and key political allies. But nothing is certain, as D.C. veterans know. U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters of California, the most outspoken Democrat so far, has displayed a mix of caution and determination on another possible impeachment, saying in a statement that “even if Republicans refuse to act, Democrats cannot remain silent or passive in the face of actions this extreme from this Administration.” This era will end. The only open question is whether it ends at the ballot box or through the very constitutional mechanisms Trump now openly fears.

You can see clear to the bottom of Minnesota’s fraud Back in the mists of time, Minnesota Sen. Hubert Humphrey was asked on “Meet the Press” whether he liked spending the taxpayers’ money. The question was barbed, but his response was masterful. Yes, Humphrey said, he was fine if the public dollars went to beneficial projects and the money was carefully spent. The scandal in Minnesota Froma could have met the first requireHarrop ment, but it doubly failed the second in spectacular fashion. While the loss of perhaps $1 billion to criminal operators was shocking, the blatant nature of the schemes proved even more so. The state’s political leadership ignored the flashing red lights lest they be accused of racism by the perpetrators, mostly members of the Somali community. The fraud was so brazen that Minnesota’s Democratic Gov. Tim Walz announced he would not run for reelection. Wise decision. As scandals go, this one is outrageous. It isn’t just the criminality of the abusers but the ease with which they got away with it, and for the longest time. Members of the Somali community billed state agencies for social services that were never delivered. Money collected by one group, Feeding Our Future, provided funds for luxury cars and fancy real estate abroad — while feeding nobody. Sham child care services mushroomed. Some paid kickbacks to parents to enroll their kids in programs for autistic children while not providing the services. Some billed Medicaid for nonexistent housing for addicts. A lawyer for some of the defendants argued that because state agencies were turning a blind eye to the fraud, “It was like someone was stealing money from the cookie jar and they kept refilling it.” Translation: The money was almost asking to be taken. Meanwhile, Somali spokesmen threatened to smear state officials questioning the criminal activity with charges of rank racism. Feeding Our Future told a state agency that not approving new applicants from “minority-owned businesses” would spawn a lawsuit featuring charges of racism that would be “sprawled across the news.” Not subtle, these guys. This whole affair should give pause to Democrats still wedded to racial, ethnic and other identity politics. That often-offensive practice helps explain their choice of Walz as Kamala Harris’ running mate in 2024. While everyone should be scandalized, conservatives might curb their habitual attacks against any progressive initiative as socialism run amok. No one, socialists especially, are good at defining socialism. But bashing all taxpayer subsidies as handouts puts conservatives on thin ice. The proposal by Trump and allied Republicans to set up $1,000 “Trump Accounts” for American babies is exactly that. It’s a taxpayer handout of $1,000 with no strings attached as to how the money may be spent. On diapers or slot machines? Nobody’s asking. Many conservatives have argued that farm subsidies are handouts. They often use the phrase “farm welfare.” But tell that to Republicans representing farm country. Another Trump indulgence — using taxpayers to rescue farmers hurt by his tariffs — could be deemed socialism squared. Trump distorted the market forces through his trade war, then sent checks to save farmers from the predicable outcome. When Medicare was created in the 1960s, illustrious Republicans including Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush condemned government-supported health coverage for the elderly as socialized medicine. Presidential candidate Barry Goldwater argued that if government was going to pick up those costs, why shouldn’t it pay for “cigarettes and beer?” Then comes the 2024 election and the Republican platform states: “We will protect Medicare, and ensure Seniors receive the care they need.” The scandal in Minnesota offends half of Humphrey’s requirement, that the money be spent carefully. The first half, that it go to a good cause, well ... Froma Harrop is on X, @FromaHarrop. Email her at fharrop@gmail.com.

Email Clarence Page at clarence47page@gmail.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE ARE OUR GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the

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

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCAN HERE

4B ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

HONOREES

Continued from page 1B counselor, Prairie Elementary School. The705’s mission is to develop the community and members personally, professionally and civically. Because of this mission, the705 has partnered in recognizing nearly 250 leaders in Acadiana as recipients of the Top 20 Under 40 Award. “This outstanding group of young professionals reflects the creativity and leadership shaping our region’s future,” said Kristin Askel-

son, managing editor of The Acadiana Advocate. “Their contributions make Lafayette and Acadiana stronger, and I’m excited to celebrate their success.” This year’s 20 honorees were selected from 193 nominations and 72 applications by a 10-member selection committee that sought professionals who have demonstrated a vision and leadership toward making a better future in Acadiana. “We’re truly honored to host this award alongside the support of our sponsors and community,” The705 board President Grayson Stepanek said. “We’re proud

lll

of the value this award provides to our honorees in further boosting and validating their efforts, and we hope to empower the next group of young leaders to achieve meaningful things.” Other sponsors include Awardmaster and Unitech Training Academy. To sponsor the event, visit the705. org/20under40. This year’s awards will be the fourth in partnership with The Acadiana Advocate. For sponsorship inquiries or more information, email awards@the705.org. Email Adam Daigle at adaigle@theadvocate.com.

RISHER

Continued from page 1B acknowledging the way the internet has changed journalism and the “echo chambers” that social media has created. The panel covered a lot of ground in the hourlong discussion. Devall filled us in on how last week’s closing of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will affect KRVS, as it had previously provided a significant chunk of the station’s budget. They’ve been able to find other sources to fill most budget gaps, but the closing of the national public broadcasting organization, due to no funding from Congress, is forcing a change in the way public radio and public television stations do business. She said the station is already doing a larger variety of fundraisers than they previously did — including smaller events like paired wine dinners at local restaurants. Their audience is coming through. Listeners around the world are still hungry for their zydeco/ Cajun music and Frenchlanguage programming. One change they’ve made is to schedule the bulk of their French-language programming to run at 2 a.m., in sync with the drive time in Paris, where they have a lot of listeners and supporters. Hummel shared his perspective on the changing face of local television coverage and doing more with less. He said recognizing the different lens that different people have on a story is important — and that the same story can generate a response from both sides of American politics. “I do my best to take myself out of the stories I

CHOIR

Continued from page 1B conflicts of the 1970s and ’80s, and met a young orphan with a beautiful voice after volunteering to transport him to a safe village. “The boy sang praise songs during the whole journey, and Ray got the idea of bringing a choir of children out to highlight the resiliency, dignity, beauty and potential of African children,” Sipp said. Music for Life has now established schools, children’s homes and other educational and developmental programs in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa. According to Sipp, all children who join

BLOTTER

Continued from page 1B

occurred between approximately 10:40 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. A standard toxicology sample was collected from Green and submitted for analysis. Troopers are still working to identify the vehicle involved and the crash remains under investigation.

City employee accused of embezzlement A civilian employee in the Lafayette City Marshal’s Office has been arrested, accused of embezzlement, according to a statement from City Marshal Reggie

PROVIDED PHOTO

Columnist Jan Risher, from left, joined Cheryl Devall, general manager of KRVS, the public radio station in Lafayette, and Jim Hummel, evening co-anchor for KADN television in Acadiana, for a panel discussion Saturday at the Shadowson-the-Teche Visitors Center. cover, but I’ve had to develop a thicker skin,” Hummel said. Paul Schexnayder, of New Iberia, said he was so happy to see so many people at the event. He added that he was encouraged to learn that KRVS is getting support. “I was struck by the fact that the same problems occur in the different media. It boils down to too much to report and a lack of resources in the staff to cover it locally,” Schexnayder said. “What we want are local stories. We already hear the national stuff. We all want that small-town connection — the stories that make us feel good and the stuff that is real information.” Jayd Buteaux, senior manager of operations and marketing for Shadowson-the-Teche, said many in attendance seemed hungry for more conversation and lingered in the visitor

center for another hour, continuing the conversation with the panelists and each other. What struck me most wasn’t just the panel, but what happened after — people lingering, circling back, continuing the conversation — which may be the most “salon-like” thing of all. In an age of shouting matches and shrinking newsrooms, the fact that people stayed — and kept talking — felt like its own quiet act of optimism. At 6 p.m. Feb. 5, the Shadows will host a program on William Howard Russell, the first international war correspondent. The event will take place at the Shadows Visitors Center, 320 E. Main St., in New Iberia. In keeping with the “salon” style topics and conversation, the Shadows uses a quarterly theme. In May, it will focus on faith and freedom. In September, it will focus on fashion.

the choir receive education paid through college, with many going on to careers that help advance opportunities for others in their family and communities. “So many of the children, because of impoverishment, can’t even afford to go to government schools,” she said. “Through educating as many children as we can, each of the children become a pebble in the pond, with a ripple effect going on to help others.” While on tour, the children are under the charge of Ugandan and North American chaperones, who stay with them at host homes across the country identified through local churches. Sipp said the performances center on

familiar hymns and songs married with African cultural elements in a program called “Just as I am.” “We don’t harp on the challenges they’re facing back home. That’s not the image we want to put forth,” Sipp said. “It’s about these kids who are so talented and bright and just need an opportunity. “These children who have so little materially are giving us so much, and want to give whatever possible to invest in them. We’ve developed a reputation over 40 years of actually helping people get their education, and we couldn’t do it without an army behind us of churches, host families, sponsors and others who see the value of these children as we do.”

Thomas. Financial discrepancies were found during an internal audit, according to the statement. The Marshal’s Office determined that the discrepancies required a formal criminal investigation. As a result of that investigation, 55-year-old Jacqueline Theresa Welsh, a civilian employee in the office, was arrested Monday morning. Welsh is no longer employed with the office, according to the statement. She was still being held in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on Monday afternoon. Thomas said employees of the Marshal’s Office are held to the same laws they enforce.“When irregularities were discovered, we

took immediate and appropriate action,” he said. “No one is above the law, and we will always act in the best interest of the public trust.” He said the Marshal’s Office is cooperating with investigators and has implemented and is reviewing enhanced internal controls and financial safeguards to help prevent future occurrences.

LOTTERY

SUNDAY, JAN. 11, 2026 PICK 3: 5-5-7 PICK 4: 1-2-9-6 PICK 5: 0-4-2-9-2

Unofficial notification, keep your tickets.

CRIMINAL

Continued from page 1B with agents from the FBI and Louisiana State Police troopers. It required the halt of all site cleanup for three hours on Nov. 18. The August explosion forced the evacuation of about 800 people, including former Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, who lives nearby. The incident also sent black soot across the region and spilled millions of gallons of oil and other lubricants into nearby private ponds and down the Tangipahoa River nearly 47 miles to its mouth at Lake Pontchartrain. The search and accompanying warrant were quietly made public in midDecember in a regular EPA report on the Smitty’s cleanup that appears in a Department of Environmental Quality records database. It was first reported by The Illuminator on Monday morning. In a statement Monday, State Police said officers from Troop L were present for the search in November to continue “to support the investigation by providing on-site security and public safety support while federal partners from the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division continued their ongoing investigation.” Trooper Marc Gremillion, State Police spokesperson, referred questions about “details regarding the investigation and any warrants” to EPA. An EPA spokesperson said she could not comment “on whether or not warrants were conducted.” The EPA report, however, also makes reference to the agency’s “CID” being part of the search. The EPA’s Criminal Investigative Division has armed law enforcement agents who pursue criminal environmental violations and can make arrests. “Typical enforcement areas we investigate in-

clude illegal disposal of hazardous waste, illegal discharges to waters of the U.S., illegal emissions into the air, and other associated general crimes such as false statements, fraud, and conspiracy,” the EPA division’s website says. Spokespersons and a lawyer representing Smitty’s didn’t immediately return inquiries for comment. Company lawyers have said the fire was an unforeseeable event and that the company has been working with agencies and complies with environmental laws. DEQ spokesperson Greg Langley didn’t have information about the search and referred questions to the EPA, as did a spokesperson with the FBI. Since the search, no criminal charges are known to have been brought against Smitty’s or its executives and employees in connection with the spill or the company’s operations. The EPA report also doesn’t disclose what investigators were looking for or why they were pursuing the search after they already had taken actions to ease back from the dayto-day cleanup and had decided to pursue the company over alleged environmental failures through civil penalties. The search happened about a month after the EPA had issued a consent order in mid-October, handed site cleanup and responsibility back over Smitty’s, and stepped back some from its presence in the Roseland area. The federal agency had earlier taken on day-today management of the site cleanup for about two months, once Smitty’s backed out in days after the Aug. 22 explosion and fire over financial concerns. The mid-November search also came nearly two weeks after the EPA, the DEQ, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and other arms of the state sued Smitty’s over

the “catastrophic” fire, accusing the company of “repeatedly failing” to follow pollution-control laws and maintaining “insufficient” spill-prevention plans. Brought in federal court in New Orleans, that civil suit asks a judge to hold the company accountable for the pollution of the Tangipahoa River and other state waters and to take steps to prevent future spills, forcing potentially millions of dollars in penalties. Search warrants require a review by a judge and a declaration from investigators laying out what they know already and why they need to search a property in pursuit of their inquiry. To obtain the warrant, investigators need to show probable cause that a crime has happened or is about to happen. In a civil case, requests for records or even a review of a property would typically come through a request for a subpoena, which would also be reviewed by a judge. The EPA report about the search doesn’t mention any subpoenas being issued or pursued. The EPA lawsuit against Smitty’s has had little activity so far since it was filed Nov. 5, except for a change of the judge on the case earlier this month. Though no one is known to have been arrested in connection with the spill, two top Smitty’s executives were indicted over unrelated allegations that they and two other men beat a man accused in a Tangipahoa Parish rape case. Chad Tate, president of Smitty’s, and Edgar Smith, vice president of Smitty’s, were arraigned and pleaded not guilty in the parish criminal case the same day, Nov. 18, that the EPA search began at Smitty’s. David J. Mitchell can be reached at dmitchell@ theadvocate.com.

BIG WIRELESS COVERAGE, WITHOUT BIG WIRELESS COST.

Plans start at $20/Month. AWARD-WINNING CUSTOMER SUPPORT 16 TIMES IN A ROW. We’ve been ranked “#1 in Customer Service among Wireless Value MVNOs, 16 Times in a Row.”

100% U.S. BASED CUSTOMER SERVICE. All of our support teams are just a call or click away.

Switch & Save Today.

844-238-7868

© 2024 Consumer Cellular Inc. Terms and Conditions subject to change. For J.D. Power 2024 Wireless Customer Care Value Mobile Virtual Network Operator Study award information, visit jdpower.com/awards. Plans shown above include $5 credit for AutoPay and E-billing. Taxes and other fees apply. Credit approval required for new service. Cellular service is not available in all areas and is subject to system limitations.

OFFICIAL NEWS PARTNER OF THE LOUISIANA RAGIN’ CAJUNS

SPORTS

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

|

T u e s d ay, J a n u a ry 13, 2026

L S U A T O K L A H O M A • 2 P. M . S U N D A y • E S P N 2

NEXT LEVEL

1Cn

Leavitt expected to sign with LSU ASU transfer set to be starting quarterback

BY WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writer

LSU is expected to sign former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, multiple sources told The Advocate, giving the Tigers their starting quarterback in the first season under new head coach Lane Kiffin. Leavitt was considered one of the top available players in the transfer portal regardless of position, and he filled LSU’s most pressing need by committing Monday. LSU does not have a scholarship quarterback returning next season, so it is adding multiple transfers. Leavitt had not signed his contract with LSU as of Monday afternoon, but that process was expected to be finalized in the coming days, sources said. With him unsigned, multiple reports said Tennessee tried to flip Leavitt. The Volunteers hosted him on a visit last week, and they need a quarterback because of uncertainty surrounding the future of Joey Aguilar, who is trying to get another year of eligibility. When the transfer portal opened, Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. needed to find an established starting quarterback. They did with Leavitt, a 6-foot-2,

ä See LEAVITT, page 3C STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU guard Mikaylah Williams celebrates after being fouled against Texas in the first quarter on Sunday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

LSU guard Williams showcases defensive growth vs. Texas BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

When all else failed, Madison Booker tried a crossover dribble. The Texas star needed to drive past Mikaylah Williams. The only problem was that she hadn’t quite figured out how. And Booker didn’t this time either, not late in the third quarter when her Longhorns found themselves in danger of falling into another double-digit deficit. Williams stuck out her left arm and poked the ball loose, bouncing it off one of Booker’s teammates and out of bounds near the Texas bench. “That’s something that I wanted to improve on,” Williams said. And it looks like she has. Before Williams sealed the LSU women’s basketball team’s landmark win over the No. 2 Longhorns late in the fourth quarter Sunday with a deep fadeaway 3-pointer, she first inspired it with a

handful of key defensive plays. The star junior’s five steals were a career high — and a sign she’s added yet another tool to her already well-rounded game. “I thought Mikaylah was different in that she really was active defensively,” Texas coach Vic Schaefer said, “more so than normal. And really handsy. If she can keep you in front of her, her size affects you, your ability to shoot.” Booker, the reigning SEC player of the year, learned that lesson the hard way on Sunday. She scored 14 of her game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter, nearly positioning Texas to pull off a come-from-behind win. But she also turned the ball over a season-high six times. Williams forced Booker into four of those giveaways. She cut off one of her drives to the baseline. Swatted the ball out of her hands before she could navigate a screen. Deflected one of her entry passes and thwarted

ä See LSU, page 3C

Pelicans need to improve in second half of season

Indiana, Miami should be near full strength for title game BY MICHAEL MAROT AP sportswriter

losing streak, a seven-game losing streak New Orleans’ first half of and another nine-game losing streak. The fans are frustrated. Truth be told, season was hard to watch. everybody is. Can this team get to 21 wins? “It’s professional sports, (so) the results

are a major factor,” said interim head The schedule says the New Orleans Peli- coach James Borrego. “They (the players) are reading stuff. They are frustrated, too. cans are halfway to the finish line of the We all want multiple wins in a row. We’ve season. just got to stick together and conBut the Pelicans’ play so far says this season is already finished. tinue the process of growing and They are dead last in the Western developing as a team. Not put our Conference, nine games behind heads down (because) that’s when what it would take to get the 10th you lose focus.” and final spot to make in the play-in The Pelicans have used 19 differtournament. ent starting lineups this season due Rod The Pels’ record through 41 to injuries and just trying new ways Walker to shake things up. Zion Williamson games is a dismal 9-32, the exact same record as this time a year ago. even came off the bench for seven Things were supposed to be different games. this season, the first under new executive And in case you haven’t heard, the Pelivice president of basketball operations Joe cans don’t have a first-round pick in the Dumars. 2026 draft. So far, they haven’t been. Barring some trades, there’s not a whole Dumars fired head coach Willie Green lot to be optimistic about heading into the just 12 games into the season. second half of the season. The Pelicans started the season off with The Pelicans won just 21 games last six straight losses. ä See WALKER, page 3C Since then, there has been a nine-game

AP FILE PHOTO By RICK SCUTERI

Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt throws a pass against Wyoming on Aug. 31, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. Leavitt committed to LSU on Monday.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson dunks the ball as Dallas Mavericks Mavericks forward Naji Marshall watches on Dec. 22 at the Smoothie King Center.

No. 10 Miami needs everything at its disposal to slow down top-seeded Indiana’s high-scoring offense in next week’s College Football Playoff championship. The good news is that the Hurricanes’ defense should be at, or near, full strength. Coach Mario Cristobal told reporters Monday he expects defensive ä Indiana linemen Ahkeem Mesidor vs: Miami and Ahmad Moten, as well 6:30 P.M. JAN. 19, as cornerback OJ Frederique, to be ready to play in ESPN next week’s title game. Mesidor and Moten were both injured during last week’s dramatic 31-27 victory, but later returned. Frederique was injured during Miami’s surprising 24-14 Cotton Bowl victory over No. 2 Ohio State and did not play in the Fiesta Bowl. Now, it appears all three will be there to try and help derail the Hoosiers attempt to become the first 16-0 college team since the 1890s. “I believe we’re coming out a lot like we went into the last game,” Christobal said. “I know a couple guys came out of the game. Mesidor is in great condition. He hurt his elbow for a second and he’s already full

ä See TITLE, page 3C

2C ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS 7:30 p.m. West Virginia at Houston FS1 8 p.m. Florida St. at Syracuse ACCN 8 p.m. Oregon at Nebraska BTN 8 p.m. Baylor at Oklahoma St. CBSSN 8 p.m. Iowa St. at Kansas ESPN 8 p.m. Florida at Oklahoma ESPN2 8 p.m. Georgetown at Creighton PEACOCK 8 p.m. Alabama at Mississippi St. SECN 9:30 p.m. Maryland at Southern Cal FS1 10 p.m. Boise St. at UNLV CBSSN 10 p.m. Saint Mary’s at San Francisco ESPN2 GOLF 1 p.m. Bahamas Golf Classic GOLF

On TV MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 5:30 p.m. Villanova at Providence FS1 5:30 p.m. Marquette vs. St. John’s PEACOCK 6 p.m. Boston College at Clemson ACCN 6 p.m. Wisconsin at Minnesota BTN 6 p.m. GMU at Loyola of Chicago CBSSN 6 p.m. Virginia at Louisville ESPN2 6 p.m. Miami at Notre Dame ESPNU 6 p.m. Texas A&M at Tennessee SECN 6 p.m. Indiana at Michigan St. PEACOCK 6 p.m. UConn at Seton Hall TRUTV

IN BRIEF

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

6 p.m.

Jupiter Links vs. New york ESPN GIRLS IIHF HOCKEY 11:30 a.m. U.S. vs. Finland NHLN NBA 7 p.m. Denver at New Orleans KNGC 7 p.m. San Antonio at Oklahoma City NBC 10 p.m. Portland at Golden State NBC NHL 6:30 p.m. Detroit at Boston TNT 9 p.m. Dallas at Anaheim TNT MEN’S SOCCER 11:15 a.m. Al Ittihad at Damac FC FS2 1:50 p.m. The French Cup FS2

Heat, Bulls game moved due to slippery court

MIAMI — Chicago and Miami will both start a stretch of playing four games in five days later this month to make up for the slippery court issue that forced a postponement of a scheduled matchup between the clubs last week. And the solution also means the Bulls and Heat will play three consecutive games against one another. The NBA said Monday that the Miami at Chicago game that was scheduled to be played Thursday will now take place on Jan. 29. The Bulls were supposed to visit Miami for games on Jan. 30 and Feb. 1; those games will now be Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Chicago plays at Indiana on Jan. 28, the night before its nowrescheduled home game against Miami.

Browns interviewing McDaniel for head coach

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PETER FOREST

LSU guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, left, tries to make a move against Texas guard Rori Harmon, right, during a game in Baton Rouge on Sunday.

LSU women rocket up six spots South Carolina climbs to No. 2, with UConn as unanimous No. 1 BY DOUG FEINBERG AP basketball writer

South Carolina climbed to No. 2, LSU and TCU jumped into the top 10 and The Associated Press women’s basketball Top 25 got a big shuffle Monday after another week that saw four of the top 10 teams lose. UConn was the unanimous No. 1 choice for the first time this season, receiving all 32 first-place votes. The Huskies continue to cruise through Big East play, winning by an average of nearly 47 points per game. They were the only team in the top 10 to stay in the same place as the week before. South Carolina moved up to second, followed by UCLA and Texas, which dropped two spots

after LSU handed the Longhorns their first loss of the season. No. 5 Vanderbilt, one of three unbeaten teams along with UConn and No. 17 Texas Tech, has its highest ranking since the final poll of 2002 when the Commodores were fourth. LSU jumped six spots to No. 6. The Tigers, who beat Texas 70-65, were in the top 10 most of the season before losing their first two SEC games. Kentucky, Michigan, Louisville and TCU rounded out the top 10.

game last week and fell out of the poll. The Trojans had been ranked in 51 consecutive polls and the Tar Heels in 30 straight.

Falling Cyclones After winning its first 14 games this season, Iowa State has dropped three straight and fell nine spots in the poll to 20th this week. The Cyclones are on the road at Colorado and Oklahoma State this week.

Conference supremecy

The SEC has nine teams in the Top 25, including five of the first Maryland and Oklahoma both seven. Only the Big Ten has also lost last week and fell out of the had nine teams ranked in a sintop 10 for the first time this sea- gle week this season; it has eight son, dropping to 12th and 13th, re- ranked teams this week. The Big 12 has four ranked teams, the ACC spectively. Alabama (21st), Notre Dame two. The Big East and Ivy League (23rd) and Illinois (25th) all en- each have one. tered the poll this week. The Crimson Tide, who beat Kentucky last Game of the week week, have just one loss (South No. 4 Texas at No. 3 South CaroliCarolina). na, Thursday. The Longhorns look Washington, Southern Cal and to rebound from their first loss North Carolina all lost at least one when they face the Gamecocks

In and out

AP WOMEN’S TOP 25 Rec.

Pts.

Prv.

1. UConn (32) 17-0 800 1 2. South Carolina 17-1 748 3 3. UCLA 15-1 734 4 4. Texas 18-1 710 2 5. Vanderbilt 17-0 671 7 6. LSU 16-2 598 12 7. Kentucky 16-2 583 6 8. Michigan 14-2 574 9 9. Louisville 16-3 550 10 10. TCU 16-1 497 13 11. Iowa 14-2 406 14 12. Maryland 16-2 403 8 13. Oklahoma 14-3 401 5 14. Ohio St. 15-2 391 19 15. Michigan St. 16-1 383 15 16. Mississippi 16-3 365 18 17. Texas Tech 18-0 323 17 18. Baylor 15-3 289 16 19. Iowa St. 14-3 205 11 20. Tennessee 12-3 197 20 21. Alabama 16-1 141 22. Princeton 14-1 116 24 23. Notre Dame 12-4 65 24. Nebraska 14-3 48 25 25. Illinois 14-3 43 OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: West Virginia 41, Duke 41, North Carolina 21, Minnesota 12, Washington 11, Stanford 10, Utah 8, Southern Cal 4, Rode Island 4, Georgia 3, Oregon 2, NC State 2.

for the second time this season. The two teams played in a tournament over Thanksgiving and Texas came away with a twopoint win.

Arizona strengthens hold on No. 1 BY AARON BEARD AP basketball writer

Arizona tightened its hold on the top spot in The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll on Monday while Vanderbilt’s unbeaten season has landed the Commodores in the top 10. A week ago, Arizona led thenNo. 2 Michigan by a single point for the top spot to barely avoid what would have been only the second-ever tie at No. 1 in the poll’s 78-year history. But with Wisconsin handing the Wolverines their first loss, the Wildcats (16-0) became the easy choice at the top by earning 60 of 61 firstplace votes in the latest poll. Iowa State got the other firstplace vote and moved up one spot to No. 2, followed by UConn. Michigan fell two spots to No. 4, though the metrics analysts still prefer Michigan. The Wolverines held the top spot in a 1-2 pairing with the Wildcats in analytics rankings by KenPom, Bart Torvik and Evan Miyakawa on Monday afternoon.

AP MEN’S TOP 25 Record

Pts

Prv

1. Arizona (60) 16-0 1524 1 2. Iowa St. (1) 16-0 1448 3 3. UConn 16-1 1358 4 4. Michigan 14-1 1300 2 5. Purdue 15-1 1253 5 6. Duke 15-1 1237 6 7. Houston 15-1 1130 7 8. Nebraska 16-0 1056 10 9. Gonzaga 17-1 1050 8 10. Vanderbilt 16-0 1035 11 11. BYU 15-1 1013 9 12. Michigan St. 14-2 865 12 13. Illinois 13-3 778 16 14. North Carolina 14-2 659 17 15. Texas Tech 12-4 609 14 16. Virginia 14-2 515 23 17. Arkansas 12-4 492 15 18. Alabama 11-5 470 13 19. Florida 11-5 349 20. Louisville 12-4 336 20 21. Georgia 14-2 227 18 22. Clemson 14-3 218 23. Utah St. 14-1 161 24. Tennessee 11-5 140 21 25. Seton Hall 14-2 136 OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Saint Louis 92, Kansas 60, Iowa 58, Miami (Ohio) 49, Villanova 40, Wisconsin 37, Miami 30, Texas A&M 23, UCF 18, Saint Mary’s 17, SMU 15, Auburn 14, George Mason 8, NC State 3, Southern Cal 1, St. John’s 1.

latest highlights for surprise unbeatens Nebraska and Vanderbilt. Nebraska (16-0) spent a second straight week in the top 10 and continued its season-long climb by moving up two spots to No. 8, matching that program’s allThe top tier time highest ranking set in FebNo. 5 Purdue, No. 6 Duke and ruary 1966. Gonzaga was ninth, No. 7 Houston held their spots followed by the Commodores to from last week, followed by the round out the top 10.

Vanderbilt (16-0) has not been Clemson, No. 23 Utah State and in the top 10 since the 2011-12 No. 25 Seton Hall. preseason poll. Clemson and Utah State are in the poll for the first time this Rising season after each cracked the Virginia (14-2) continued its AP Top 25 last year. It is Seton successful first run under Ryan Hall’s first AP Top 25 appearOdom by making the week’s big- ance since it was No. 20 in Janugest rise, jumping seven spots to ary 2022. No. 16 after home wins against California and Stanford in At- Farewell (for now) lantic Coast Conference play. Kansas fell out of the poll for No. 13 Illinois and No. 14 a second time this season. The North Carolina each climbed Jayhawks were ranked No. 19 three spots, while a total of sev- in the preseason and were unen teams moved up from last ranked for one week in Novemweek’s position. ber, then fell out again from No. 22 after a weekend loss at West Falling Virginia. Iowa (No. 19), SMU (No. 24) Alabama (11-5) had the week’s biggest fall, tumbling five spots and UCF (No. 25) were the othto No. 18 after a loss at Vander- er three teams to fall out of the bilt followed by a home stumble poll. against Texas. No. 21 Georgia and No. 24 Ten- Conference watch nessee each slid three spots. In The Southeastern Conference all, eight Top 25 teams dropped had a national-best six ranked from last week’s poll. teams, with five ranked 17th or lower. The Big 12, Big Ten Welcome to the poll and ACC each had five ranked Defending national champion teams, with the Big 12 and Big Florida is back in the poll at No. Ten each having all their teams 19, coming after the preseason inside the top 15. The Big East was next with No. 3-ranked team spent one week out of the rankings. The two ranked teams, following by Gators joined three other new one each for the West Coast and additions to the poll in No. 22 Mountain West conferences.

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns began the second week of their search for a new coach by interviewing former Miami coach Mike McDaniel on Monday. McDaniel is the sixth person to interview and the fourth with previous ties to the organization. He was the wide receivers coach in 2014. The 42-year old McDaniel was fired by the Dolphins on Jan. 8 after a 7-10 mark this past season. Miami was 35-33 during McDaniel’s four seasons and lost in the first round of the playoffs in 2022 and ‘23. McDaniel will also interview with the Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons for their head coach openings while the Detroit Lions are interested in him for offensive coordinator.

Falcons interview former Ravens coach Harbaugh

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons, who made immediate public disclosure of their interest in including John Harbaugh in their coach search, said Monday they have interviewed the former Baltimore coach. Harbaugh is considered by many to be the top candidate for multiple teams following his 18-year tenure leading the Ravens. Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Thursday he hoped Harbaugh would be interested in the Falcons. Now the Falcons have confirmed Harbaugh, who was fired Tuesday by Baltimore, does have interest in Atlanta. The Falcons fired coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after an 8-9 finish, despite the team closing with four straight wins.

Former Wimbledon finalist Raonic retires

OTTAWA, Ontario — Former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic retired on Monday. Raonic was the first Canadian man to reach a Grand Slam final in 2016 at Wimbledon. He beat Roger Federer in the semifinals 6-3, 6-7, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 and lost to Andy Murray in the final. That year, he also reached the Australian Open semifinals, suffering an adductor injury when he led Murray two sets to one, and qualified for the ATP Finals for the first time. He ended the year at a career-high No. 3 ranking. Big-serving Raonic, nicknamed “Missile,” won eight ATP singles titles after turning professional in 2011. He holds the record for most aces in a three-set match.

Columbus Blue Jackets replace coach Evason

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Blue Jackets fired coach Dean Evason and named hockey-lifer Rick Bowness as his replacement on Monday. Evason is the first NHL coach fired this season. General manager Don Waddell announced the abrupt change with his team sitting in last place in the Eastern Conference 45 games into the season with a record of 19-19-7. Assistant Steve McCarthy, who had been with the organization for nearly a decade, was also fired. Bowness is back in the league after he retired in the spring of 2024, ending a stint with the Winnipeg Jets. Bowness, who coached Dallas to the Stanley Cup Final in the 2020 pandemic bubble, turns 71 on Jan. 25, and at 70 becomes the oldest head coach in the NHL.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● 3C

lll

LEAVITT

Continued from page 1C 205-pound redshirt sophomore who has two more seasons of eligibility. He was widely considered a top 3 overall player in the transfer portal and ranked No. 1 by multiple recruiting services. He also considered Miami, Tennessee and Kentucky. Over the past two seasons, Leavitt completed 61.3% of his passes for 4,513 yards with 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 749 yards and 10 scores, showing mobility that could make him an ideal fit for LSU’s offense. Leavitt suffered a foot injury in September and ultimately underwent season-ending surgery, making it unclear how much he’ll be able to practice in the spring. LSU secured Leavitt’s commitment after pursuing multiple quarterbacks. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss acknowledged it was a possibility that he could have followed Kiffin and his offensive staff to LSU, but he decided to return to Ole Miss if he received a waiver for a sixth year of eligibility, which was denied by the NCAA. LSU also hosted former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby before he signed with Texas Tech, and sources said it had interest in Washington quarterback Demond Williams. Southern Cal freshman quarterback Husan Longstreet, a former five-star recruit, visited Baton Rouge over the weekend. It was not immediately known what Leavitt’s commitment means for Longstreet. Leavitt was high on the list of targets, and he arrived in Baton Rouge early last week for a visit. Leavitt sat courtside at a men’s basketball game last Tuesday night with Kiffin. While he was still in town, Williams announced that he planned to enter the transfer portal. Williams had committed at one time in high school to Kiffin and his Ole Miss staff. But Williams signed a new contract with Washington four days earlier, reportedly worth $4 million, and he decided Thursday night to stay with the Huskies. According to Yahoo Sports, Washington would have been owed a buyout worth the total value of his deal. Williams’ new school also would have incurred an equal reduction in its revenuesharing budget next year under rules of the House settlement. With experienced options dwindling, Kiffin and other LSU staff flew to Knoxville, Tennessee, on Friday to meet with Leavitt before he visited Miami, sources said. Leavitt had spent the previous two days at Tennessee after leaving Baton Rouge, and he still

WALKER

Continued from page 1C season, the second fewest wins in an 82-game season in franchise history. Can this season’s team get to 21? Borrego often mentions that his players haven’t dropped the sword yet. And they haven’t. But they aren’t really using those swords, either. At least not for four quarters, which was the case in Sunday’s loss to the Orlando Magic when they failed to execute down the stretch and were outscored 37-20 in the final 12 minutes. Williamson points to two things the Pelicans must do better. First, learn how to close out games. And second is play better when Herb Jones isn’t in the lineup. “Late in the game, teams are getting layups against us,” Williamson said. “When Herb’s not out there, we have to have some defensive identity.” The Pelicans are averaging 114.9 points per game, which

LSU

Continued from page 1C that one crossover dribble — all while shouldering most of LSU’s offense at the other end. In the first two years of her career, Williams proved that she was one of the country’s most proficient scorers. She tallied 42 points in just the fourth game of her freshman season. Then, as a sophomore, she elevated her scoring average, upped her efficiency and even started conducting possessions down the stretch of close games. The Tigers wouldn’t have beaten Stanford last season without Williams’ late-game heroics. Or Okla-

went to Miami over the weekend. Leavitt returned home Sunday before making his decision. When Leavitt came on his LSU visit last week, Weis flew back from Ole Miss to help recruit him in the midst of preparation for the Fiesta Bowl. Weis, who remained the Rebels’ offensive coordinator through the end of the season, also returned to meet with Sorsby. He often flew back and forth while he managed two jobs at once, and he joined the trip to Knoxville a day after Ole Miss lost 31-27 to Miami in Glendale, Arizona. After beginning his career at Michigan State, Leavitt transferred to Arizona State. He thrived in his first season as the starter, helping lead the Sun Devils to the 2024 Big 12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. As a redshirt freshman that year, Leavitt completed 61.7% of his passes for 2,885 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also rushed for 443 yards and five scores. While playing in seven games this past season, Leavitt completed 60.7% of his throws for 1,628 yards with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. He added 306 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. LSU had to find a new starting quarterback after fifth-year senior Garrett Nussmeier exhausted his eligibility. Nussmeier started for most of the past two seasons before he sat out the last four games because then-LSU interim coach Frank Wilson said Nussmeier aggravated an abdominal injury that first occurred during preseason camp. Michael Van Buren replaced Nussmeier as the starter, burning his redshirt in the process. Though Van Buren said twice he wanted to return amid the coaching change, he later entered the transfer portal and signed with South Florida. Redshirt freshman Colin Hurley also entered the transfer portal, which temporarily left LSU without a scholarship quarterback. Kiffin and his staff are in the process of rebuilding an LSU offense that averaged 22.8 points per game this season. Only a handful of starters have not left, so LSU is assembling the largest transfer class the team has ever signed. It needed to almost completely restock at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and offensive line. While LSU went after Leavitt, it also signed former Elon quarterback Landen Clark and hosted Longstreet on a visit over the weekend. LSU may try to sign one more scholarship quarterback from the transfer portal to refill the position, but the player will need to be willing to sit behind Leavitt.

TRANSFER PORTAL NOTEBOOK

Leading RB Durham returning to LSU BY KOKI RILEY AND WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writers

LSU sophomore running back Caden Durham has taken his name out of the transfer portal and will return to the Tigers for the 2026 season, he announced on social media Monday. Durham ran for 505 yards on 111 carries this past season, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt with three touchdowns. He has led the Tigers in rushing yards in each of the past two seasons, accumulating 1,258 total yards on the ground. Durham had entered the transfer portal earlier this month following the departure of running backs coach Frank Wilson, who accepted a job as the new running backs coach at Ole Miss. Before he decided to return, freshman Harlem Berry was set to be LSU’s lone returning running back after freshman JT Lindsey, junior Kaleb Jackson and sophomore Ju’Juan Johnson entered the transfer portal. LSU recently began working with Durham on a return after Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy decided to re-sign with the Rebels instead of following head coach Lane Kiffin and running backs coach Kevin Smith to LSU. Along with Durham and Berry, LSU has added Utah transfer Raycine Guillory and Charlotte transfer Rod Gainey. Guillory was a three-star recruit from the 2025 class who redshirted as a freshman. Gainey had 260 rushing yards this past season as a redshirt freshman. The Tigers did not sign any running backs in their 2026 recruiting class. A four-star recruit and top 100 overall prospect in the 2024 class, Durham was the fifth-highest ranked running back in the country coming out of Duncanville High in Texas. He quickly became a factor in the offense, earning Freshman All-SEC honors when he rushed for 753 yards and six touchdowns during his debut season. Durham played most of the season with a

TITLE

plate in his shoe after dislocating multiple toes on his left foot in late September. Though voted second-team preseason All-SEC this past fall, Durham was not as productive while the LSU offense struggled. He said at one point he was playing through an injury, which he declined to discuss further. LSU finished 126th in the country and last in the SEC with 104 yards rushing per game.

Troy receiver to transfer to LSU Troy redshirt sophomore wide receiver Roman Mothershed is transferring to LSU, he confirmed on social media Monday. Mothershed had 25 receptions for 259 yards and a touchdown this season after catching just four passes for 38 yards as a redshirt freshman. He began his career at Independence (Kan.) Community College before joining the Trojans. At 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds, Mothershed brings size to an LSU wide receiver room that has been completely rebuilt this offseason. The Tigers have added nine wideouts from the portal, including Mothershed. LSU needed to remake its wide receiver room after multiple key contributors ran out of eligibility or entered the NFL draft this offseason. The Tigers also lost five wideouts to the transfer portal, including redshirt sophomore Kyle Parker.

Kentucky transfer OT signs LSU signed Kentucky freshman offensive lineman Darrin Strey, he confirmed in a social media post Monday. Strey entered the transfer portal and quickly visited LSU over the weekend, a source said. Strey reunited with new LSU offensive line coach Eric Wolford, who was at Kentucky last season. Strey, a native of Paw Paw, Michigan, was a four-star recruit ranked No. 449 overall in the 2025 class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. He took a redshirt as a freshman while play-

ing in four games, giving him four more years of eligibility. Strey is listed at 6-foot-7 and 305 pounds. LSU has signed four transfers upfront with Strey, Tennessee offensive lineman William Satterwhite, North Carolina Central offensive lineman Ja’Quan Sprinkle and junior college transfer JaKolby Jones. The Tigers do not bring back much of their offensive line entering Kiffin’s first season. Nine LSU offensive linemen have entered the transfer portal.

Kiffin adds first Ole Miss transfer Ole Miss freshman wide receiver Winston Watkins is transferring to LSU, he announced on social media Sunday. Watkins caught 26 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown after arriving in Oxford as a four-star recruit and the No. 32 wide receiver in the nation, per the 247Sports Composite rankings. He entered the transfer portal shortly after the Rebels’ season ended on Thursday at the hands of Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinal. He then visited Baton Rouge over the weekend before making his pledge to the Tigers and becoming the first Ole Miss player to follow Kiffin and his offensive staff to LSU. Watkins is the eighth wide receiver LSU has added out of the transfer portal, joining Hawaii transfer Jackson Harris, Kansas State transfer Jayce Brown, Florida transfer Eugene Wilson, Old Dominion transfer Tre Brown, Illinois transfer Malik Elzy, McNeese State transfer Josh Jackson and West Florida transfer Tyree Holloway. LSU had to remake its wide receiver room this offseason after multiple starters ran out of eligibility and five other wideouts entered the transfer portal. The Tigers only have two wide receivers who may return in redshirt junior Nic Anderson and freshman Phillip Wright. LSU announced Sunday that Wright would return, an indication he has signed a new contract.

playoff wins. Defensively, the Hoosiers (15-0, No. 1) have been equally efficient, holding their last three opponents — Ohio State, No. 9 Alabama and No. 5 Oregon — to a combined total of just 35 points. And coach Curt Cignetti acknowledged that aside from losing key defensive lineman Stephen Daley to a right leg injury suffered in the postgame celebration following Indiana’s Big Ten championship game victory over the Buckeyes, he expects to have all of his key players on the field next week. “We came out really good, and

everybody that played in the last game will play in this game,” Cignetti said.

climbing out of a 25-point hole to beat the Houston Rockets. But since that streak, the Pelicans have lost 10 of their past 11 games. Despite the struggles, Borrego has found some positives in the first half of the season. “No. 1, I like our competitive spirit,” Borrego said. “We are in games. We’re a tough out every night. You’ve got to come to play. Guys are putting themselves in position. We are moving the needle there. Offensively, I’m seeing a significant turn there. It’s the defensive end that we’ve got to get better.” His goal for the second half of the season? “I’m really focused on the dayto-day process,” Borrego said. STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD “Keep competing. We want to be a team that continues to compete Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego directs a play against the and a team our city is proud of and Portland Trail Blazers during the first half of a game on Dec. 11 at the can rally around. That’s the goal.” Smoothie King Center. For the past season and a half, that goal hasn’t been met. The Pelicans are just 30-93 since the score,” Williamson said. ranks 21st in the league. They start of last season. Borrego guided the Pels to a rank 28th in points allowed, givThe team hasn’t quit. Trey five-game winning streak in miding up 122.4 points per game. Murphy is playing as well as he’s “If we don’t get stops, it doesn’t December that seemed to right played since entering the league. the ship. It included the Pelicans matter how many points we

Williamson is healthy and playing in back-to-back games again. Rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears look like players you can build around. Saadiq Bey, who has missed the past six games with a right hip flexor strain, was upgraded to questionable for Tuesday’s game. Jones is now “day-today,” Borrego said Monday. Borrego says the energy in film sessions and practice has been great. And he’s been pleased with the overall vibe in the locker room, too. “The result is next,” Borrego said. “You just keep pounding on the rock. You don’t know when that thing is going to split, but as long as we stay together, the results will take care of themselves. We are excited. We have 41 more (games) to go. Where that goes, none of us know. But I know this group will continue to stay together and keep pounding the rock.” These next 41 will determine how the Pelicans finish the season. Or did the first 41 tell us they already have?

homa. Or Kentucky. Williams has put her fingerprints all over consequential wins before, but she’s never really left a mark with her defense like she did on Sunday against Texas. How did Williams become such a stout defender? “Probably us riding her a lot,” coach Kim Mulkey said. “Probably us continuing to get her in the best, best, best shape of her life. Probably her strength has always been a great thing. She’s a very powerful player. And just experience. This is her third year in college.” All of which allows Williams to thrive in pressurized situations like the one she encountered late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win. LSU was clinging to a fourpoint lead. Then its possession fell

Continued from page 1C throttle. Ahmad Moten was full throttle today. I know O.J. came out. (Tight end Elija) Lofton will be the one that’s in question. But aside from that, I feel really good about the rest. I would say OJ is good to go and (cornerback Damari) Brown is probably day by day.” The Hurricanes (13-2, No. 10 CFP) may need every one of them against an Indiana team that is averaging 47.0 points in two blowout

apart. As the shot clock wound down, Mulkey was trying to tell Williams that Flau’jae Johnson was open on the wing. The star junior calmly buried her 3 instead. “You think about it,” Schaefer said, “if she don’t make that shot, it’s a two-point game, and we got the ball. But that’s what great players do. They make plays. She had to make a play in that moment, and boy, she did. She made a big shot.” LSU signed four recruits to the nation’s top freshman class in 2023. Three of them have since transferred to different schools, leaving Williams as the lone holdover. She was the group’s most highly rated prospect. It was clear then that she was a gifted scorer.

Similar coaches Cignetti enters the championship game with a head coaching resume any colleague would want. He’s posted 14 straight winning seasons, never had a losing season, celebrated conference championships and deep playoff runs. But there’s one line still missing — the same line Christobal happens to be missing. Each is one win away from capturing their first national championship.

Email Rod Walker at rwalker@theadvocate.com.

What’s clear now is that Williams has since developed the rest of her game, becoming a player who can guide LSU through a difficult slate of SEC matchups and potentially back to the Final Four. She can score at all three levels. She can pass. And now, she can even defend one of the nation’s best players — something she proved on Sunday when the Tigers got their big win over Texas. “That’s something I know needs to continue to improve,” Williams said, “to be great on this level and good on the next level as well.” Email Reed Darcey at reed. darcey@theadvocate.com. For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU guard Mikaylah Williams shoots a jumper against Texas forward Justice Carlton on Sunday at the PMAC.

4C ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

Northside girls off to encouraging start Vikings in first season under new coach BY MIKE COPPAGE Contributing writer

Erin Rogers is in her debut season as Northside High’s girls basketball coach, and she’s loving every minute. Rogers, who previously served as an assistant at both Northside and Lafayette Christian under her father, Errol Rogers, has the Vikings off to a 9-5 record and No. 9 power rating in Division II select. “I think it’s going better than expected,” she said before the Vikings faced Woodlawn-Baton Rouge at Madison Prep on Saturday. “I put so much pressure on myself, but it’s OK. I’m learning a lot from the girls and other coaches and adjusting when I see fit.” Northside defeated Beau Chene and Northwest and finished as runner-up to Mandeville in the gold division of the LCA Tournament earlier this month. On Saturday, the Vikings gave last year’s Division I select runner-up a fight before losing 56-46. “We studied Mandeville and watched a ton of film to prepare the best we could,” Rogers said. “We got down on ourselves in the fourth quarter, which we do often. We’re learning how to work and push through for four quarters.” After falling behind in the first half by seven points to Woodlawn, the Vikings kept coming back. Point guard Jamaria Senegal hit a 3-pointer, made a layup over a taller defender and added a free throw for a 6-0 run.

PHOTO By MIKE COPPAGE

New Northside girls basketball coach Erin Rogers talks to her team during a game at Madison Prep this past weekend. Northside erased seven-point deficits twice in the second half and got within 47-44 on a floater from Senegal, who averages 12 points per game and has no prob-

lem slicing through the trees down low. “I think we’re doing well,” Rogers said. “Better than expected. Most of these girls have had a dif-

ferent coach every year. I’m trying to get them to trust me and what I’m trying to implement into this school and program. I was nervous about all that, but I think it’s

all there.” She’s gotten a hand from veteran assistants Brandon Richard, who has worked with both the girls and boys programs, and John Williams, who has volunteered his time for two decades. “They’re both graduates of Northside,” Rogers said. “They’ve been around the school. They love Northside. They always want to see Northside succeed. “I’m so happy that they’re on the staff because they’ve helped me see things a little differently, being that I graduated and coached at a private school. They’re helping me learn my way around the system.” Senegal scored 15 points against Woodlawn. Alaya Harris, who is averaging 15 points and eight boards, added 12. Skilyn Joseph chipped in eight points. Kayla Fox is averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds. “I love it,” Rogers said. “I’ve always loved it before I even was a coach. I’m just glad I’m fulfilling that dream of mine.” The Vikings, who have wins over Class 5A schools Lafayette, New Iberia and Carencro, take on Division III nonselect No. 2 Westlake (14-2) on Monday to prepare for District 4-4A, which includes 16-1 North Vermilion, St. Thomas More (12-6) and a 14-7 Teurlings Catholic club that lost by two points to LCA last week. “We’re a go, go, go team,” Rogers said. “The girls used to tell me that we needed to press full court, which is something I had wanted to do, but we fell short some players. “They kept saying, ‘just let us go, let us go (press),’ so that’s what I let them do.”

TUESDAY’S AREA HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL AND SOCCER SCHEDULES Boys basketball Acadiana at Washington-Marion, Teurlings at Carencro, Cecilia at Lafayette, Franklin at New Iberia, Southside at Liberty, David Thibodaux at Ville Platte, North Vermilion at Berwick, Northside at Peabody, Mamou at Opelousas, Abbeville at Delcambre, Alexandria at Northwest, JS Clark at Catholic-NI, Pitkin at Lafayette Christian, Istrouma at Lafayette Renaissance, Midland at Welsh, Ascension Episcopal at Basile, Hanson at Gueydan,

Centerville at Highland Baptist, North Central at DeRidder, Grand Lake at St. Edmund, Vermilion Catholic at Notre Dame, Catholic-PC at Westminster, Kaplan at ESA, Acadiana Renaissance at Northside Christian.

Girls basketball

Carencro at Pineville, Lafayette at Hathaway, Opelousas at Breaux Bridge, Livonia at Cecilia, Comeaux at St. Martinville, Patterson at David Thibodaux, Eunice at Iota, North Vermilion at Berwick, Abbeville at St.

Thomas More, Church Point at Kinder, West St. Mary at Catholic-NI, Delcambre at Houma, Pitkin at Lafayette Christian, Midland at Welsh, Ascension Episcopal at Basile, Highland Baptist at Gueydan, Central Catholic at Jeanerette, North Central at DeRidder, Grand Lake at St. Edmund, Westminster-LAF at Vermilion Catholic, Catholic-PC at Westminster, Northside Christian at Acadiana Renaissance.

Boys soccer

David Thibodaux at Teurlings, New Iberia at Westgate, Acadiana at Barbe, Sulphur at Lafayette, Erath at Highland Baptist, Vermilion Catholic at Kaplan, Acadiana Renaissance at Cecilia, Carencro at Beau Chene, Comeaux at Washington-Marion.

Girls soccer

Kaplan at Cecilia, Erath at David Thibodaux, Carencro at Beau Chene, Comeaux at Washington-Marion, New Iberia at Westgate.

SCOREBOARD Odds

Dallas Utah Sacramento New Orleans

College Football Monday, Jan. 19

CFP National Championship Miami Gardens, Fla. FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U Indiana 7½ 7½ (48½)

NBA

UNDERDOG Miami (FL)

FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG at MIAMI 1 (230½) Phoenix at HOUSTON OFF (OFF) Chicago at NEW ORLEANS OFF (OFF) Denver at OKLAH. CITY 7½ (228½) San Antonio at MILWAUKEE OFF (OFF) Minnesota at LA LAKERS OFF (OFF) Atlanta at GOLDEN STATE OFF (OFF) Portland

College Basketball

FAVORITE LINE Kent State 1½ Villanova 2½ at ST. JOHN’S 15½ at MICHIGAN STATE 6½ at MIAMI (OH) 16½ UMass 2½ at TENNESSEE 9½ at CLEMSON 17½ Miami (FL) 3½ at TOLEDO 2½ Wisconsin 1½ at LOUISVILLE 3½ at BELMONT 11½ UConn 5½ at HOUSTON 11½ at E. ILLINOIS 6½ Iowa State 3½ Florida 5½ at NEBRASKA 11½ Baylor 1½ at CREIGHTON 9½ Colorado State 4½ at SYRACUSE 8½ Alabama 7½ at SAN JOSE STATE 9½ at USC 8½ Boise State 3½ Saint Mary’s (CA) 6½

UNDERDOG at BUFFALO at PROVIDENCE Marquette Indiana Central Michigan at W. MICHIGAN Texas A&M Boston College at NOTRE DAME Ohio at MINNESOTA Virginia Valparaiso at SETON HALL West Virginia Western Illinois at KANSAS at OKLAHOMA Oregon at OKLAHOMA ST. Georgetown at FRESNO STATE Florida State at MISS. STATE Air Force Maryland at UNLV at SAN FRANCISCO

NHL

Tuesday

FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG at WASHINGTON -181 Montreal at COLUMBUS -143 Calgary Tampa Bay -127 at PITTSBURGH at OTTAWA -235 Vancouver at BOSTON -126 Detroit Carolina -155 at ST. LOUIS at WINNIPEG -136 N.Y Islanders Edmonton -114 at NASHVILLE at UTAH -151 Toronto at ANAHEIM OFF Dallas

LINE +150 +120 +106 +191 +106 +129 +113 -106 +126 OFF

Pro basketball W 28 25 24 24 21 22 22 20 20 18 17 14 11 10 8

L 10 14 14 16 16 18 18 19 21 20 22 25 25 28 31

Pct .737 .641 .632 .600 .568 .550 .550 .513 .488 .474 .436 .359 .306 .263 .205

GB — 3½ 4 5 6½ 7 7 8½ 9½ 10 11½ 14½ 16 18 20½

W Oklahoma City 33 San Antonio 27 Denver 26 Minnesota 26 L.A. Lakers 23 Phoenix 24 Houston 22 Golden State 21 Portland 19 Memphis 17 L.A. Clippers 15

L 7 12 13 14 13 15 14 19 21 22 23

Pct .825 .692 .667 .650 .639 .615 .611 .525 .475 .436 .395

GB — 5½ 6½ 7 8 8½ 9 12 14 15½ 17

Detroit New York Boston Toronto Philadelphia Orlando Cleveland Miami Atlanta Chicago Milwaukee Charlotte Brooklyn Washington Indiana

WESTERN CONFERENCE

.359 .342 .231 .220

18½ 19 23½ 24½

Buffalo at Denver, TBD San Francisco at Seattle, TBD

Sunday, Jan. 18

Houston/Pittsburgh winner at New England, TBD L.A. Rams at Chicago, TBD

Conference Championships Sunday, Jan. 25 AFC

Utah at Cleveland, n Boston at Indiana, n Philadelphia at Toronto, n Brooklyn at Dallas, n L.A. Lakers at Sacramento, n Charlotte at L.A. Clippers, n

NFC

NFC lowest remaining seed at NFC highest remaining seed

Super Bowl LIX Sunday, Feb. 8 At Santa Clara.

Phoenix at Miami, 7:30 p.m. Chicago at Houston, 8 p.m. Denver at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Minnesota at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. Atlanta at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m. Portland at Golden State, 11 p.m.

Conference Championships winners, 5:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)

College football

NBA Leaders

College Football Playoff

THROUGH JANUARY 11 Scoring

FG 299 413 377 374 339 391 370 329 283 306 272 306 313 317 266 257 300 315 261 327

FT PTS 273 967 309 1211 198 1081 184 1071 203 948 201 1062 190 1041 185 953 157 864 189 894 160 779 202 882 186 887 317 1043 110 750 268 895 250 910 136 886 162 784 161 876

AVG 33.3 31.9 30.9 29.8 29.6 29.5 28.9 28.9 28.8 27.9 27.8 26.7 26.1 26.1 25.9 25.6 25.3 25.3 23.8 23.7

Gobert, MIN Ayton, LAL Williams, PHO Queta, BOS Antetokounmpo, MIL Duren, DET Jokic, DEN Zubac, LAC Allen, CLE Claxton, BKN

FG 182 208 162 157 279 216 339 211 154 177

FGA 254 305 245 241 431 341 560 349 259 305

PCT .717 .682 .661 .651 .647 .633 .605 .605 .595 .580

TOT 389 412 454 386 353 330 380 397 303 301

AVG 12.2 11.4 11.4 10.7 10.7 10.6 10.3 10.2 9.8 9.7

G 32 36 40 36 33 31 37 39 31 31

OFF 97 105 156 162 115 127 53 129 85 51

Jokic, DEN Cunningham, DET Giddey, CHI Doncic, LAL Johnson, ATL Harden, LAC Ball, CHA Murray, DEN Mitchell, MIA Nembhard, IND

G 32 33 30 29 37 35 29 35 37 30

Jokic, DEN Towns, NY Gobert, MIN Clingan, POR Zubac, LAC Duren, DET Johnson, ATL Ware, MIA Nurkic, UTA Adebayo, MIA

Assists

Pro football Wild-card Playoffs Saturday’s games

L.A Rams 34 Carolina 31 Chicago 31, Green Bay 27

Sunday’s games

DEF 292 307 298 224 238 203 327 268 218 250

AST 351 321 270 254 303 278 226 262 273 211

AVG 11.0 9.7 9.0 8.8 8.2 7.9 7.8 7.5 7.4 7.0

National Championship

Miami Jan. 19 No. 10 Miami vs. No. 1 Indiana, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)

PGA Tour Statistics FedExCup Season Points

Men’s state schedule, scores Sunday’s games

No games scheduled.

Monday’s games

Grambling at Florida A&M, n Southern at Bethune-Cookman, n UNO at Southeastern, n Nicholls at McNeese, n Texas-Rio Grande Valley at Northwestern State, n

Tuesday’s games

None scheduled.

Women’s state schedule

1, Tommy Fleetwood, 2,923. 2 (tie), Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley, 1,661. 4 (tie), Scottie Scheffler, Corey Conners and Cameron Young, 7,456. 7 (tie), Justin Thomas, Sam Burns and Keegan Bradley, 2,477. 10, 2 tied with 1,414.

Scoring Average

1, Scottie Scheffler, 68.131. 2, Rory McIlroy, 69.083. 3, Tommy Fleetwood, 69.357. 4, Ben Griffin, 69.692. 5, Russell Henley, 69.757. 6, Harry Hall, 69.764. 7, J.J. Spaun, 69.830. 8, Robert MacIntyre, 69.900. 9, Garrick Higgo, 70.032. 10, Sepp Straka, 70.047.

Driving Distance

Sunday’s games

1, Aldrich Potgieter, 325. 2, Rory McIlroy, 323. 3, Nicolai Hojgaard, 318.8. 4, Jesper Svensson, 318.6. 5, Kurt Kitayama, 318. 6, Michael Thorbjornsen, 317.8. 7, Chris Gotterup, 316.7. 8, Joseph Bramlett, 316.4. 9, Trevor Cone, 315.4. 10, Niklas Norgaard, 315.3.

Louisiana Tech 86, Liberty 72 LSU 70, Texas 65

Monday’s games

None scheduled.

Tuesday’s games

Driving Accuracy Percentage

Tulane at Temple, 6 p.m.

Pro hockey NHL Conference glance GP Carolina 45 Detroit 46 Tampa Bay 43 Montreal 45 N.Y. Islanders 45 Buffalo 43 Philadelphia 43 Washington 46 Boston 46 Toronto 44 Pittsburgh 44 Florida 44 New Jersey 45 N.Y. Rangers 46 Ottawa 44 Columbus 45

W 28 27 27 25 25 24 22 23 25 22 21 23 22 20 20 19

L OT Pts 14 3 59 15 4 58 13 3 57 14 6 56 15 5 55 15 4 52 13 8 52 17 6 52 19 2 52 15 7 51 14 9 51 18 3 49 21 2 46 20 6 46 19 5 45 19 7 45

GF 155 145 153 151 134 140 132 150 152 148 140 135 118 120 141 135

GA 135 142 114 148 125 134 127 133 146 140 135 142 141 135 148 153

GP 44 45 46 44 45

W 33 26 26 21 22

L OT Pts 4 7 73 10 9 61 11 9 61 11 12 54 16 7 51

GF 179 157 146 144 152

GA 99 129 125 136 152

Colorado Dallas Minnesota Vegas Edmonton

Carolina at Detroit, n Florida at Buffalo, n Seattle at N.Y. Rangers, n Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, n Vancouver at Montreal, n New Jersey at Minnesota, n Edmonton at Chicago, n Dallas at Los Angeles, n Toronto at Colorado, n

Pro golf

College basketball

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Monday’s games

Tuesday’s games

Thursday Fiesta Bowl, Glendale, Ariz. No. 10 Miami 31, No. 6 Ole Miss 27 Friday Peach Bowl, Atlanta No. 1 Indiana 56, No. 5 Oregon 22

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Winnipeg 4, New Jersey 3 Boston 1, Pittsburgh 0 Columbus 3, Utah 2, OT Nashville 3, Washington 2 Vegas 7, San Jose 2

Calgary at Columbus, 6 p.m. Montreal at Washington, 6 p.m. Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh, 6 p.m. Vancouver at Ottawa, 6 p.m. Carolina at St. Louis, 6:30 p.m. Detroit at Boston, 6:30 p.m. Edmonton at Nashville, 7 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Winnipeg, 7 p.m. Dallas at Anaheim, 9 p.m. Toronto at Utah, 9 p.m.

Semifinals

G 29 38 35 36 32 36 36 33 30 32 28 33 34 40 29 35 36 35 33 37

San Jose 45 23 19 3 49 143 162 Seattle 43 20 15 8 48 119 126 Los Angeles 44 19 15 10 48 119 125 Utah 46 22 20 4 48 139 130 Nashville 45 21 20 4 46 125 148 Chicago 45 19 19 7 45 129 142 Anaheim 45 21 21 3 45 150 168 Calgary 45 19 22 4 42 116 135 St. Louis 46 17 21 8 42 114 161 Winnipeg 44 17 22 5 39 130 138 Vancouver 44 16 23 5 37 121 158 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.

Sunday’s games

AFC lowest remaining seed at AFC highest remaining seed

Tuesday’s games

FG Percentage

Monday’s game

Divisional Playoffs Saturday, Jan. 17

Monday’s games

Doncic, LAL G.-Alexander, OKC Maxey, PHI Mitchell, CLE Jokic, DEN Brown, BOS Brunson, NY Edwards, MIN Curry, GS Markkanen, UTA Leonard, LAC Cunningham, DET Durant, HOU Avdija, POR Porter, BKN Harden, LAC Booker, PHO Murray, DEN Powell, MIA Johnson, ATL

Buffalo 27, Jacksonville 24 San Francisco 23, Philadelphia 19 New England 16, L.A Chargers 3 Houston at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)

Orlando 128, New Orleans 118 Memphis 103, Brooklyn 98 New York 123, Portland 114 Toronto 116, Philadelphia 115, OT Oklahoma City 124, Miami 112 Minnesota 104, San Antonio 103 Denver 108, Milwaukee 104 Phoenix 112, Washington 93 Atlanta 124, Golden State 111 Sacramento 111, Houston 98

Rebounds

NBA Conference glance EASTERN CONFERENCE

25 25 30 32

Sunday’s games

Tuesday

Tuesday

14 13 9 9

1, Takumi Kanaya, 74.07%. 2, Aaron Rai, 73.85%. 3, Paul Peterson, 73.15%. 4, Ben Kohles, 73.12%. 5, Andrew Putnam, 71.77%. 6, Joel Dahmen, 71.21%. 7, Collin Morikawa, 70.65%. 8, Brice Garnett, 69.39%. 9, Zach Johnson, 69.21%. 10, Brandt Snedeker, 69.03%.

Greens in Regulation Percentage

1, 10 tied with .00%.

Total Driving

1, Michael Thorbjornsen, 54. 2, Rico Hoey, 68. 3, Pierceson Coody, 82. 4 (tie), Luke List and Kevin Yu, 91. 6 (tie), Isaiah Salinda and Kris Ventura, 95. 8, Kevin Roy, 99. 9, 2 tied with 103.

SG-Putting

1, Sam Burns, .983. 2, Taylor Montgomery, .917. 3, Harry Hall, .881. 4, Denny McCarthy, .679. 5, Nico Echavarria, .666. 6, Garrick Higgo, .661. 7, Cameron Young, .642. 8, Sam Ryder, .626. 9, Rory McIlroy, .597. 10, Sami Valimaki, .548.

Birdie Average

1, Garrick Higgo, 4.96. 2, Scottie Scheffler, 4.7. 3, Harry Hall, 4.56. 4, Pierceson Coody, 4.48. 5, Justin Thomas, 4.46. 6, Keith Mitchell, 4.43. 7, Jake Knapp, 4.42. 8 (tie), Nicolai Hojgaard and Michael Thorbjornsen, 4.35. 10, 4 tied with 4.3.

Eagles (Holes per)

1, Alejandro Tosti, 66.9. 2, Rory McIlroy, 87. 3, Kurt Kitayama, 88.8. 4, Steven Fisk, 91.1. 5 (tie), Will Gordon and Karl Vilips, 93. 7, Michael Thorbjornsen, 93.4. 8, Rico Hoey, 94.7. 9, David Skinns, 96.4. 10, Scottie Scheffler, 102.9.

Sand Save Percentage 1, 10 tied with .00%.

All-Around Ranking

1, Scottie Scheffler, 221. 2, Keith Mitchell, 338. 3, Ben Griffin, 346. 4, Kevin Yu, 368. 5, Michael Thorbjornsen, 391. 6, Kurt Kitayama, 392. 7, Rory McIlroy, 397. 8, Alex Smalley, 412. 9, Ludvig Aberg, 414. 10, Sam Burns, 415.

Transactions BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association NBA — Suspended Minnesota Timberwolves C Rudy Gobert one-game without pay for accruing his sixth Flagrant Foul point of the 2025-26 regular season.

FOOTBALL

National Football League BUFFALO BILLS — Designated DT Ed Oliver and WR Curtis Samuel to return from injured reserve. CAROLINA PANTHERS — Signed G Ja’Tyre Carter, G Saahdiq Charles, WR Dan Chisena, RB Montrell Johnson, OLB Jamil Muhammad, LB Maz Mwansa, TE Bryce Pierre, WR Ja’seem Reed, S Demani Richardson, WR Ainias Smith, RB Anthony Tyus, LB Jacoby Windmon, LB Jared Bartlett, CB Tyrek Funderburk, and G Joshua Gray to reserve/ futures contract. GREEN BAY PACKERS — Signed T Brant Banks, DL Dante Barnett, G Karsen Barnhart, DL Anthony Campbell, TE McCallan Castles, T Dalton Cooper, TE Drake Dabney, DL James Ester, K Lucas Havrisik, CB Tyron Herring, LB Jamon Johnson, RB Damien Martinez, S Mark Perry, WR Will Sheppard, RB Pierre Strong Jr. and TE Messiah Swinson to reserve/future contracts. HOUSTON TEXANS — Released DE Darrell Taylor Jr. LOS ANGELES RAMS — Placed CB Ahkello Witherspoon on injured reserve. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Released RB D’Ernest Johnson. Released T Sebastian Gutierrez from the practice squad. NEW YORK JETS — Signed QB Bailey Zappe to a reserve/futures contract. Signed WR Mac Dalena and K Lenny Krieg to reserve/ futures contracts. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS — Signed DE Andre Carter to a reserve/futures contract.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League COLORADO AVALANCHE — Recalled F Ivan Ivan from Colorado (AHL). PITTSBURGH PENGUINS — Assigned D Caleb Jones to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL). TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS — Assigned D Dakota Mermis to Toronto (AHL). WINNIPEG JETS — Placed D Colin Miller on injured reserve. Recalled D Isaak Phillips from Manitoba (AHL).

SOCCER

Major League Soccer ATLANTA UNITED — Re-signed D Ronald Hernández to a contract through the 2026 season with an option through 2027. D.C. UNITED — Waived F Dominique Badji and D David Schnegg. FC CINCINNATI — Signed F Tom Barlow to a contract through December 2027, with an option through the remainder of the 2027-28 MLS season. MINNESOTA UNITED — Hired Cameron Knowles as head coach. NEW YORK CITY FC — Re-signed MF Maxi Moralez for the 2026 season. NEW YORK RED BULL — Signed D Robert Voloder to a three-year MLS contract through December of 2028 with an option through June of 2029. SAN DIEGO FC — Signed head coach Mikey Varas to a multi-year contract extension. National Women’s Soccer League DENVER SUMMIT — Signed MF Lindsey Heaps to a contract. UTAH ROYALS — Acquired MF Narumi Miura from the Washington Spirit in exchange for $180,000 in allocation money.

LIVING

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

|

T u e s d ay, J a n u a ry 13, 2026

5Cn

Planting a tree this winter? Here’s the right way to stake it for much-needed support

The cooler months are ideal for planting many tree species in Louisiana. Staking newly planted trees can offer muchneeded support as they start to put down roots — especially GARDEN in the case of NEWS large trees. “When you get that instant effect from a mature tree being put into the landscape, you’ve got a lot of top-heavy growth, but you don’t have the root ball to accommodate that,” said Damon Abdi, assistant professor of landscape horticulture at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station. “Staking is a great method to be able to give a little bit of stability to the tree as it’s integrating into its new landscape.” Staking prevents the root ball from shifting and incurring damage while the tree acclimates to its surroundings. To reap the benefits of staking, however, you must do it properly. Follow these steps from Abdi for the best results.

PROVIDED PHOTO By BRIAN PAVLICH

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser have named Michael Doucet, musician and founder of BeauSoleil, as the 2026 Humanist of the year.

FOR THE CULTURE

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities announces its Bright Lights Awards Staff report

of Louisiana” by Thomas Patterson (published by LSU Press) For more than 40 years, n Humanities Documenthe Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities tary Film of the Year: has presented the Bright “What We Can Know About Lights Awards to honor Edmond and Basile,” proindividuals who make con- Atchison duced and directed by Sastributions to the state’s cha Just n Lifetime Contributions cultural landscape. The awards recognize filmmakto the Humanities: Don Marers, photographers, literashall n Museum Exhibition of cy and language advocates, historians, authors, culture the Year: “Captive State: advocates and more. Louisiana and the Making This year, LEH and Lt. of Mass Incarceration,” The Gov. Billy Nungesser have Hailey Historic New Orleans Collection n Light Up for Literacy: named Michael Doucet, musician and founder of Debra Jo Hailey the Cajun band BeauSoleil, “Michael Doucet has as the 2026 Humanist of carried listeners around the Year, along with eight the world right back here other award recipients: to Louisiana, increasing n Champion of Culture: awareness, celebrating our rich heritage and spreadPam Atchison n Chair’s Award for Ining the joy of our culture Marshall through his music,” said stitutional Support: The RoMiranda Restovic, executive direcsaMary and Keller Family foundations n Documentary Photographer of tor and president of the LEH, in a the Year: Kevin Rabalais release. “Through his own work n Humanities Book of the Year: ä See AWARDS, page 6C “American Populist: Huey Long

LSU AGCENTER PHOTO By OLIVIA McCLURE

Trees generally should not be staked for more than one growing season. When staking materials are left in place too long, they can girdle a growing tree and cause unsightly damage to its trunk.

Step 1: Install stakes Gather two to three stakes about 6 feet long. Many people use metal fenceposts or rebar. Place the stakes in the native soil surrounding the tree, spacing them equally. “You don’t want the stakes to be within the root ball, or else it defeats the purpose,” Abdi said. Drive the stakes about 2 feet into the ground.

Step 2: Connect stakes to tree Next, you’ll need to connect the stakes and the tree. Using the proper materials is key. “You don’t want a thin metal material such as a wire, or else it’s going to act like a cheese cutter and cut through the trunk,” Abdi said. “Instead, you want something that’s nice and broad to displace the pressure over a wider area.” Polyester webbing or a similar soft, woven strap material is a good choice. You also can use plastic chain lock tree ties, which are more discreet. Another option is thin rope — again, not wire — threaded through a short piece of hose, which provides a protective shield around the trunk. Loop the straps or other ties around the tree about one-third to two-thirds of the way up the trunk, leaving some wiggle room.

ä See STAKE, page 6C

PROVIDED PHOTO

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has named Thomas Patterson’s ‘American Populist: Huey Long of Louisiana’ as the 2026 Humanities Book of the year.

BR oyster restaurant closes up doors after six years Southern Pearl Oyster House, 9460 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, closed on Jan. 2.

STAFF PHOTO By MADDIE SCOTT

BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer

Southern Pearl Oyster House, which opened in 2019, permanently closed its doors this month, leaving a sign on the door that read, “We are closed. This location has permanently closed as of January 1, 2026. Thank you to our guests and community for your support over the years.” The automated message left at the store’s phone number left a similar message thanking cus-

tomers for their support. The seafood restaurant located at 9460 Perkins Road, served oysters, gumbo, pasta, steak and more. Southern Pearl is the Baton Rouge version of the popular Biloxi, Mississippi, seafood chain Half Shell Oyster House. The name was changed for the local restaurant to avoid confusion with On the Half Shell, a longtime Prairieville oyster bar. The business’s social media accounts were down as of Jan. 2.

6C ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

Planting flowers Guest laments host’s as a remembrance lll

Dear Heloise: I’m loving all the Even now, I still have problems. ideas that you are receiving To avoid injuries, we purabout flowers and funerals. I just chased headsets (now they wanted to give you another idea: would be called Bluetooth earA dear friend of my phones) for my employmother’s sent a planter ees. I can’t imagine how of bulbs for my mother’s much strain is caused funeral. The flowers were by trying to keep your beautiful and bright at cellphone from falling. that time of year, and Please let your readers then I planted them out in know that it’s not worth our backyard. Every year Hints from it. — Fran, in Colorado Springs, Heloise Colorado for the past 15 years, these flowers have come Powdered detergent up and multiplied. It’s a wonderful reminder of my mother and Dear Heloise: My laundry used her dear friend. — Lisa F., in Jackson- to stink after I washed it, and I finally found out that it was ville, Illinois caused by the minerals in my Avoiding an injury well water reacting to the fats that are part of liquid laundry Dear Heloise: Thank you for the detergent. I switched to powopportunity to write. Your column is wonderful! When I see dered laundry detergent, and the people cradling their cellphones problem was solved. between their ears and shoulAnother advantage to using ders, I absolutely cringe. I’m re- powdered detergent is that it tired, but my job required me to comes in a cardboard box, which do a lot of tasks. And of course, I is easily burned in my wood stove. The plastic detergent was on the phone a lot. bottles create a waste problem I used a corded phone and because plastic does not recycle did the same thing — I cradled well. Also, it takes less powdered my phone between my ear and detergent for a load of laundry, shoulder so that I could use my so the box lasts for a long time. — hands. This caught up with me, Kathy, in Michigan and I had to go through a lot of physical therapy and take medication for the damage that Send a hint to heloise@heloise. occurred in my neck/shoulder. com.

constant TV watching conversation with you? Miss Dear Miss Manners: I went to stay Manners would have hoped that with a dear friend of many years the closeness of the relationship who had moved several states away. Never having stayed at her would allow you to talk over your different political views in a civihouse before, I was dismayed to find that the television in lized fashion. But if not, the main living area was you should not have been on ALL the time. subjected to listening to The political views theirs — and secondhand, expressed were very exat that. Dear Miss Manners: Years treme. It was also very ago, my fiancé and I were loud, because her husband Judith planning our wedding is hard of hearing. I knew Martin when one of our parents they supported a differMISS passed away. We put the ent political party, but MANNERS entire thing on hold, and we never actually talked then occasionally talked politics in the past, and it is only recently that politics have of getting married — for the next 25 years. become so divisive. We finally decided to have a The same thing happened to small ceremony, with a guest another friend who went away to limitation set by the venue. It stay with relatives. How can this was delightful, and just what we situation be dealt with tactfully wanted. with the hosts — if at all? I shall After the ceremony, we sent annot visit that couple again. Gentle reader: Which solves your nouncements out to our friends immediate problem. But even and family who had not been though fewer people are watchinvited. This is not a gift grab or ing television these days, you are anything; we just wanted to let describing two of the major social them know, and hoped they would be happy for us. In addition to the problems of our time: avoiding interacting with others and flaunt- pictures, we included a short note letting them know of the guest list ing one’s political views. Why would your dear old friend restrictions. My, oh, my. I have yet to hear and hostess preclude having

from anyone in my family with a “Congratulations!” I hear instead, “Well, I thought we were closer,” “You should have told us ahead of time” and “I guess you don’t need anything from us.” I know it is too late, but should we have told people ahead of time? I was hoping for a genuine surprise, and happiness that we had finally made it official — not a guilt trip. Gentle reader: Sadly, people have come to equate weddings with commercial entertainment. If there is an event they want to attend, they understand that they must buy into it by sending a present or, more likely, a donation to whatever fund the couple — who might share that commercial attitude — have set up. So if there is no event they may attend, there is no reaction. It does not seem to occur to them to express good wishes simply because people they know have married. Miss Manners can only tell you that she is as appalled at this as you are.

Send questions to Miss Manners at her website, www. missmanners.com.

TODAY IN HISTORY By The Associated Press Today is Tuesday, Jan. 13, the 13th day of 2026. There are 352 days left in the year. Today in history: On Jan. 13, 2021, President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House over the violent Jan. 6 siege of the Capitol, becoming the only president twice impeached; 10 Republicans joined Democrats in voting to impeach Trump on a charge of “incitement of insurrection.” (Trump would again be acquitted by the Senate in a vote after his term was over.) Also on this date: In 1733, James Oglethorpe and some 120 English colonists arrived at Charleston, South Carolina, while en route to settle in present-day Georgia. In 1794, President George Washington approved a measure adding two stars and two stripes to the American flag, following the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union. (The number of stripes was later reduced to the original 13.) In 1941, a law took effect affirming that those born in Puerto Rico are granted U.S. birthright citizenship. In 1979, singer Donny Hathaway died in a fall from a hotel window in New York. He was 34. Hathaway was known for his duets with Roberta Flack and the

holiday song “This Christmas.” In 1982, an Air Florida Boeing 737 crashed into Washington, D.C.’s 14th Street Bridge and plunged into the Potomac River shortly after takeoff from Washington National Airport during a snowstorm, killing 78 people, including four motorists on the bridge; four passengers and a flight attendant survived. In 1990, L. Douglas Wilder of Virginia became the nation’s first elected Black governor as he took the oath of office in Richmond, the state’s capital. In 1992, Japan apologized for forcing tens of thousands of Korean women to serve as sex slaves for its soldiers during World War II, citing newly uncovered documents that showed the Japanese army had a role in abducting the so-called “comfort women.” In 2012, the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia slammed into a reef and capsized in shallow water while maneuvering off the coast of Italy, killing 32 of the 4,200 people aboard. Today’s birthdays: Golf Hall of Famer Mark O’Meara is 69. Actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus is 65. Country singer Trace Adkins is 64. Actor Patrick Dempsey is 60. TV producer-writer Shonda Rhimes is 56. Actor Orlando Bloom is 49. Actor Liam Hemsworth is 36. Actor Natalia Dyer is 31. NHL center Connor McDavid is 29.

PROVIDED PHOTO By KEVIN RABALAIS

Photographer Kevin Rabalais snaps a photo at Church Point’s Courir de Mardi Gras celebration. The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has named Rabalais the 2026 Documentary Photographer of the year.

AWARDS

Continued from page 5C and by inspiring younger generations of musicians, he has led a revitalization of Louisiana’s important Cajun musical heritage.” Each of the awardees reflect the diversity and statewide impact of the humanities in Louisiana, Nungesser added in the release.

Humanist of the Year Doucet is featured on film soundtracks, talk shows and at music festivals across the world. BeauSoleil, which has several Grammy nominations and two Grammy Awards, helped put Cajun and zydeco music on the map globally and continues to tour across the country. Doucet received an NEA National Heritage Fellowship for his work revitalizing French language and Cajun culture, the highest honor in folk arts, as well as a United States Artists Collins Family Foundation Fellowship. In 2011, BeauSoleil was inducted into Louisiana’s Music Hall of Fame. LSU AGCENTER PHOTO By OLIVIA MCCLURE

Damon Abdi, assistant professor of landscape horticulture at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station, demonstrates how to wrap a strap around a tree to connect it to stakes.

STAKE

Continued from page 5C “Regardless of what material is used, if it is too tight on the trunk, it could cause problems,” Abdi said. When tying off to the stakes, pull the material just taut enough to keep the tree upright. The tree should still be able to move around a little.

Step 3: Remove stakes One of the most common mistakes people make is leaving trees staked too long. “If you leave those straps and those stakes on too long, they’re

going to become one with the tree and cause some issues,” Abdi said. Besides damaging the bark on the trunk, an excessively long staking period can make a tree weaker and more prone to breaking or blowing over in storms. This may sound counterintuitive, but think about it: If a developing tree isn’t allowed to sway in the wind, it will never “learn” that it needs to grow more roots and a thick, sturdy trunk to support itself. Abdi advises removing staking materials after about one season of growth. That is typically enough time for a tree to get established and safely stand on its own.

Champion of Culture For 38 years, Atchison served as executive director of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, the area’s largest arts nonprofit. The council develops partnerships, produces programming, educates the community and advocates in the name of art and artists across northwest Louisiana. Atchison began working at SRAC as an artist-in-residence in the 1980s and developed the council into a $3 million-per-year organization, along with founding the citywide youth art initiative ArtBreak. In December 2024, Atchison retired.

Chair’s Award for Institutional Support The RosaMary and Keller Family foundations have supported LEH for more than 25 years, contributing more than $400,000 collectively. The Keller Family Foundation contributed to the opening

of The Helis Foundation John Scott Center, and it has provided support for Prime Time family engagement and reading programs. The RosaMary Foundation, one of the earliest family foundations to operate in the United States, supports organizations within the greater New Orleans area that contribute to a successful and vibrant city.

Documentary Photographer of the Year Rabalais, an Avoyelles Parish native and professor of English at Loyola University New Orleans, has lived and worked all over the world. Since returning home to Louisiana, Rabalais has traversed the state tirelessly to document how Louisianans work, play and celebrate. His work helps us see and understand the state in new ways.

leading the organization for 20 years. He has spent his career supporting, uplifting and leading the arts community of New Orleans. Marshall was the founding director of the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center and co-founder of the Krewe Du Vieux, the Tennessee Williams Festival and the New Orleans Film and Video Festival. He also served as executive director of the St. Tammany Art Association and of Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré.

Museum Exhibition of the Year

This award is given biannually in even-numbered years and recognizes an exhibition held during the prior two calendar years (2024 and 2025). The Historic New Orleans Collection’s “Captive State: Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration” (July 19, 2024–Feb. 16, 2025) investigated mass incarceration through a historical lens. Humanities Book of the Year Using historical objects, textual In “American Populist: Huey interpretation, multimedia content Long of Louisiana,” Patterson re- and data visualization, the exhibit traced the 300-year connection evaluates Long’s life and legacy. The author leverages previously between slavery and mass incarunused primary-source documents ceration. and reframes the present-day caricature of Long — deconstructing Light Up for Literacy existing narratives and introducHailey, a La Salle Parish native, ing new scholarship to the subject is the assistant professor of child and family studies at Northwestern of the Kingfish. State University. She has spent her Humanities Documentary career developing family literacy festivals and delivering childhood Film of the Year literacy experiences with an emJust’s “What We Can Know About phasis on community buy-in across Edmond and Basile” documents the Louisiana. Her work focuses on inartistic legacy and modern redis- terrupting the poverty cycle and covery of two 19th-century Creole teaching parents about the imporcomposers, Edmond Dédé, a free tance of engaging children in conman of color, and Basile Barès, a versation about stories, centering man born into enslavement. literacy on family well-being. Through archival materials and interviews with contemporary The Louisiana Endowment for musicians and composers, Just’s the Humanities is a nonprofit orfilm illuminates the previously ganization dedicated to providing obscured history of Dédé’s and educational opportunities to all Barès’ lives and legacy. residents of the state. The awardees will be highlighted in LEH’s Lifetime Contributions 64 parishes magazine and at the annual Bright Lights Awards dinto the Humanities ner March 24 at the Capitol Park Marshall is the retired executive Museum in Baton Rouge. Tickets director of the New Orleans Jazz & are available online at leh.org/ Heritage Festival and Foundation, bright-lights.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● 7C

lll

FrAnK And erneSt

bIG nAte

zItS

zodIAC CAPRICoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Be open about what you want. Talks will lead to solutions and introductions that can point you in a different direction. Attend events in your community to make valuable connections. Personal growth is favored. AQuARIuS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Contemplate your prospects. Time is on your side, so avoid acting in haste. Put your energy to work for you. Do your due diligence, abide by the rules and regulations, and forge ahead. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) You are overdue for an adventure. Plan something that excites you or that offers insight into a lifestyle that suits your current situation or personality. Interact with people who share your concerns. ARIES (March 21-April 19) Be cognizant of where your money goes. Figuring out what matters to you the most will put your mind at ease and encourage a minimalist lifestyle. A grateful attitude leads to a happy heart. tAuRuS (April 20-May 20) Be the one to initiate change. Make suggestions that bring you closer to the people you enjoy spending time with. Focus on what makes you happy and what you love doing most. GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Put your energy into self-improvement and learning something that will help you get ahead. Join forces with people who share your sentiments and can enrich your life. Reach out. CAnCER (June 21-July 22) You have more to offer than you realize. Be open to sug-

gestions, and rethink how you can utilize your skills and connections to suit your lifestyle. You can earn more money if you restructure how you use your talents. LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Focus on what you want to achieve, not on someone trying to derail your progress. Put your energy where it will bring the highest rewards and show confidence in how you present yourself. VIRGo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Interaction is essential. A change of scenery will provide the perfect opportunity to reinvent yourself and move forward. Don't hesitate; embrace what excites you. LIBRA (Sept. 23-oct. 23) A well-thoughtout plan will help you avoid making mistakes. Refuse to let anyone pressure you or put you in a vulnerable position. Map out what makes you happy and stick to what you know and do best. SCoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Enhance your creativity. Use your imagination, trust your instincts and pursue what feels right. Communication, networking and confidence will pay off. A partnership looks inviting. SAGIttARIuS (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Work alone until you master your goal. Being lowkey will help you avoid interference. Trust your yourself. Your power is in what you do, not in what you say. 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: R EQuALS V

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

8C ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana 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 Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● 9C

lll

B.C.

Bridge By PHILLIP ALDER Who were the most prolific authors? Two who came to my mind were Isaac Asimov and P.G. Wodehouse (although it seems that many have outwritten P.G.W.). But as Asimov said, “If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn’t brood. I’d type a little faster.” His keyword for this deal is “six.” South is in six spades. West leads the diamond ace. How should declarer proceed after ruffing? This week, we are looking at six deals from one of my classes about handling the trump suit correctly. This is the hardest, in my opinion — unless you have seen the theme before. In the auction, North’s rebid is a double negative, showing a really bad hand. In the old days, pairs used two no-trump; now, three clubs is popular. Each has pluses and minuses. Over three spades, it is reasonable for South to bid six spades, hoping that he will not have two heart losers. If North has three hearts, maybe the suit will break 3-3; and if he has a doubleton, there is a chance for a ruff or two on the board. Some of my students immediately cashed their two top hearts, then ruffed a heart with the spade nine. That would have been correct in seven spades, but

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

here it cost the small slam. East overruffed and returned a trump, leaving South with a heart loser. The careful declarers ruffed the third heart with dummy’s spade jack. Then they returned to hand and ruffed their last heart. It did not matter that East overruffed, because South had the rest. © 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 — nARRAtoRS: NER-ray-ters. Those who tell a story in detail.

Bizarro

marmaduKe

Average mark 14 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 24 or more words in NARRATORS? yEStERDAy’S WoRD — VARSIty vary

astir

stray

vast

sari

stria

visa

satyr

tray

vista

sitar

tsar

vita

stair

airy

star

artsy

stay

arty

stir

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

Let the Lord be your priority. — G.E. Dean

10C ● Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

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

DOW 49,590.20 86.13 0.17%

NASDAQ 23,733.90 62.56 0.26%

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Wall Street shakes off Trump’s feud with Fed

NEW YORK — Wall Street ticked to more records Monday after bouncing back from losses taken because of worries about the worsening feud between the White House and the Federal Reserve, one that experts warn could lead to higher inflation in the future. The S&P 500 tacked 0.2% onto its prior all-time high set on Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered an early loss of nearly 500 points and added 86, or 0.2%, to its own record, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.3%. Some nervousness was still evident in the market, though, amid concern that the Fed may be on the path to less independence in setting interest rates to keep inflation under control. Prices for gold and other investments that tend to do well when investors are nervous rose, while the value of the U.S. dollar dipped against other currencies. Walmart helped drive the U.S. stock market higher despite the worries. It climbed 3% after learning that its stock will join the widely followed Nasdaq 100 index. Google also said Sunday that it’s expanding the shopping features in its AI chatbot by teaming up with Walmart and several other big retailers. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, rose 1% to bring its total market value above $4 trillion following a torrid run aided by its artificial-intelligence offerings.

S&P 500 6,977.27 10.99 0.16%

EURO 1.1666 0.0002 0.02%

CRUDE OIL 59.50 0.38 0.64%

GOLD 4,604.30 114.00 2.54%

6-MO T-BILLS 3.61 0.01 0.28%

30-YR T-BONDS 4.84 0.02 0.5%

Google to help Apple smarten up Siri Will also bring other AI features to iPhone

BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP technology writer

Apple will rely on Google to help finish its efforts to smarten up its virtual assistant Siri and bring other artificial intelligence features to the iPhone as the trendsetting company plays catch up in technology’s latest craze. The deal allowing Apple to tap into Google’s AI technology was disclosed Monday in a joint statement from the Silicon Valley powerhouses. The partnership will draw upon Google’s Gemini technology to customize a suite of

AI features dubbed “Apple Intelligence” on the iPhone and other products. After Google and others took the early lead in the AI race, Apple promised to plant its first big stake in the field with an array of new features that were supposed to be coming to the iPhone in 2024 as part of a ballyhooed software upgrade. But many of Apple’s AI features remain in the development phase, while Google and Samsung have been rolling out more of the technology on their own devices. One of the most glaring AI omissions on the iPhone has been a promised overhaul of Siri that was supposed to transform the often-confused assistant into a more conversa-

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives hailed the Apple deal as a “major validation moment for Google,” in a Monday research note. Google’s AI inroads have helped its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., become slightly more valuable than Apple in the assessment of investors. Alphabet marked a milestone Monday when it surpassed a market value of $4 trillion for the first time during early morning trading before slipping back below that threshold later in the session. Even so, Alphabet’s market value remained about $150 billion above Apple, which for years ranked as the world’s most valuable company before the rise of AI changed the stakes.

tional and versatile multitasker. Google even subtly mocked the iPhone’s AI shortcomings in ads promoting the release of its latest Pixel phone last summer. Apple’s AI missteps prompted the Cupertino, California, company to acknowledge last year that its Siri upgrade wouldn’t happen until some point during 2026. Getting Apple to endorse its AI implicitly represents a coup for Google, which has been steadily releasing more features built on its Gemini technology in its search engine and Gmail. The progress has intensified Google’s competition with OpenAI and its ChatGPT chatbot, which already has a deal with Apple that makes it an option on the iPhone.

Malaysia, Indonesia block Musk’s Grok KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia and Indonesia have become the first countries to block Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s company xAI, as concerns grow among global authorities that it is being misused to generate sexually explicit and nonconsensual images. There is growing scrutiny of generative AI tools that can produce realistic images, sound and text, and concern that existing safeguards are failing to prevent their abuse. The Grok chatbot, accessed through Musk’s social media platform X, has been criticized for generating manipulated images, including depictions of women in bikinis or sexually explicit poses, as well as images involving children. “The government sees nonconsensual sexual deepfakes as a serious violation of human rights, dignity and the safety of citizens in the digital space,” Indonesian Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said in a statement.

Nurses go on strike at New York City hospitals NEW YORK — Thousands of nurses in New York City went on strike Monday after negotiations through the weekend yielded no breakthroughs in disputes with three major hospital systems over staffing, benefits and other issues. “Nurses on strike! ... Fair contract now!” nurses shouted on a picket line outside NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s campus in Upper Manhattan. Others picketed at hospitals in the Mount Sinai and Montefiore systems, where a 2023 nursing strike fed off pandemic-era frustrations and led to a deal to boost staffing and pay. “And now, it’s how they’re treating us: They don’t want to give us a fair contract, and they don’t want to give us safe staffing, and now they’re trying to roll back on our benefits,” emergency department nurse Tristan Castillo said Monday. About 15,000 nurses are involved in the strike, according to their union, the New York State Nurses Association. The hospitals remained open, hiring droves of temporary nurses to try to fill the labor gap. The strike involves private, nonprofit hospitals, not city-run ones.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Margaretta Blades looks to order in the cold cuts section of the newest Rouses location on Monday in Central.

MARKET ROLLOUT

Former Winn-Dixies are rebranded as Rouses and begin to open BY TIMOTHY BOONE Staff writer

The former Winn-Dixie supermarket in Central reopened Monday as a Rouses Market, the first of 10 rebranded locations the Schriever-based chain will open over the next five weeks. CEO Donny Rouse said the store at 10974 Joor Road has all the same offerings as a

store Rouses builds from the ground up — including a deli, a meat department, a fresh seafood counter and a line of prepared dishes. “It is different from the stores we build from the ground up, because we have a year to build those locations like we want it. This store, we had seven days,” he said. Because of the expanded departments and the fact that Rouses doesn’t have selfservice checkout lanes, the employment at the Central store has doubled, from 60 to 120 workers, Rouse said. Rouses announced in November it had purchased 10 Winn-Dixie locations in Central, metro New Orleans and Hattiesburg, Missis-

sippi, for an undisclosed sum. Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of Winn-Dixie, said in October it was selling its remaining Louisiana stores in order to focus on the Florida and southern Georgia markets. Two Baton Rouge stores have been rebranded as Super 1 Foods markets. Rouses also reopened a Destrehan WinnDixie on Monday. The plan is to reopen the stores in New Orleans, Marrero, Kenner, Covington, Mandeville, Franklinton, Gramercy and Hattiesburg over the next month, with two openings each week. Once the rebrandings are complete, Rouses will have 76 stores stretching from Lake Charles to Orange Beach, Alabama.

Offshore wind developer prevails in court Trump says U.S. ‘will not approve any windmills’

BY JENNIFER McDERMOTT Associated Press

A federal judge ruled Monday that work on a major offshore wind farm for Rhode Island and Connecticut can resume, handing the industry at least a temporary victory as President Donald Trump seeks to shut it down. At the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Senior Judge Royce Lamberth said the government did not explain why it could not take action short of a complete stop to construction on Revolution Wind while it considers ways to mitigate its national security concerns. He said it also did not provide sufficient reasoning for its change in position. Revolution Wind has received all of its federal permits and is nearly 90% complete to provide power

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By STEVE HELBER

Wind turbine bases, generators and blades sit at Portsmouth Marine Terminal, the staging area for Dominion Energy Virginia, which is developing Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, in Portsmouth, Va. for Rhode Island and Connecticut. Trump says his goal is to not let any “windmills” be built. Three energy developers are challenging the administration’s freeze of their offshore wind projects. Danish energy company Orsted, Norwegian company Equinor, and Dominion Energy Virginia each sued to ask the courts to vacate

and set aside the administration’s Dec. 22 order to freeze five big projects on the East Coast over national security concerns. Orsted’s hearing was first on its Revolution Wind project. The administration did not reveal specifics about its national security concerns, but Trump said Friday while meeting with oil in-

dustry executives about investing in Venezuela that wind farms are “losers.” He said they lose money, destroy the landscape and kill birds. “I’ve told my people we will not approve windmills,” Trump said. “Maybe we get forced to do something because some stupid person in the Biden administration agreed to do something years ago. We will not approve any windmills in this country.” The Biden administration sought to ramp up offshore wind as a climate change solution. Trump began reversing the country’s energy policies his first day in office with a spate of executive orders aimed at boosting oil, gas and coal. The Trump administration paused leases for the Vineyard Wind project under construction in Massachusetts, Revolution Wind, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, and two projects in New York: Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind. New York’s attorney general sued the Trump administration on Friday over Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind.