The Advocate 08-25-2026

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New subpoena issued in EBR probe

Emails sought from council member, others BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER

Staff writer

State investigators have subpoenaed emails involving an East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council member and two former employees who oversaw a city-parish health initiative, seeking communications with a contractor already charged with lying to get paid for a government-sponsored gun-safety

event. The subpoena is part of a wideranging probe into alleged corruption during former East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston-Broome’s administration. The investigation has already yielded charges against 10 people, including East Baton Rouge public schools Superintendent LaMont Cole related to his time on the council, a former top mayoral aide, pri-

vate contractors and council member Cleve Dunn Jr. The latest subpoena, served Aug. 12 by state Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office, seeks emails to or from Metro Council member Darryl Hurst, Jazzika Matthews and Cydni Raby, according to a copy viewed by The Advocate. Reached Monday, Hurst, Matthews and Raby declined to comment.

Matthews was director of the now-defunct Safe, Hopeful, Healthy nonprofit, which Raby, a Mayor’s Office employee, also helped operate. In the subpoena, prosecutors also demand communications involving contractor Roderick Shannon and Marvin Payne. Shannon was arrested in July for allegedly falsifying public records. Investigators say Shannon — who also goes by “Roy” and “Squeak” — was paid $3,041 by Broome’s nonprofit in 2022 for an

HELPING THE HUNGRY

event called “MADD Marvin Gun Safety” involving Payne. Authorities claim Shannon got the money even though he did not actually organize the event. At the time of the gun safety event, Payne was out of jail on bond facing a murder charge, which was later dropped. He is currently facing narcotics charges, including one for allegedly operating a drug lab. An invoice submitted by

ä See SUBPOENA, page 5A

La. GOP endorses Miguez in race for Congress Edmonds calls foul, wants another vote

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

A decision by the Louisiana Republican Party on Sunday to endorse state Sen. Blake Miguez over state Sen. Rick Edmonds for a hotly contested Baton Rouge-based H H H H H H congressional seat threw the party leadership into turmoil Monday. Party insiders said that Gov. Jeff Landry, whose differences with Miguez are an open secret in the state Capitol, was hopping mad. An aide said that had more to do with how Miguez won the endorsement. Edmonds and his supporters on Monday called for another vote immediately — one that would either endorse neither candidate or both — but party chair Derek Babcock said that vote, if it occurs, would not happen Tuesday. Miguez won the coveted endorsement on a vote by five of the eight members of the party’s executive committee, not a vote of the entire party. Winning the party’s endorsement is important for two reasons. The endorsed candidate can trumpet that in his messaging and becomes eligible for money from the Republican National Committee. Miguez requested an endorsement meeting of the executive committee after obtaining a majority of signatures from members of the party’s state central

ELECTION

ABOVE: Volunteer grayson Taylor, of St. george Catholic School, left, helps Bus Culotta empty a cooler full of meat into a collection bin Sunday at the Bowie Outfitters drop-off location in Baton Rouge during Hunters for the Hungry Clean Out your Freezer Day. RIGHT: greater Baton Rouge Food Bank’s Deshawn Foster wheels a pallet of donated meat onto the tailgate of a refrigerated truck at Bowie Outfitters. STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON

ä See CONGRESS, page 5A

Canada to announce retaliatory tariffs against U.S., official says BY ROB GILLIES Associated Press

TORONTO — Canada will announce retaliatory tariffs against the United States on Tuesday, an official familiar with the plans told The Associated Press, escalating a trade fight that has sharply worsened since negotiations with the Trump administration collapsed. The official spoke on condition

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of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the plans publicly. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday that Canada may need to move away from matching U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar and instead use more targeted retaliation aimed at protecting Canadian workers and businesses. President Donald Trump escalated the dispute again Monday,

telling Canadian leaders to “fall in line” or face consequences “far WORSE” than tariffs already imposed and threatening new 50% Carney tariffs on Canadian vehicles, auto parts and steel. Carney accused Washington of trying to subordinate Canada

and said U.S. trade demands had confirmed Canada’s fears that the United States was seeking to dismantle major Canadian industries. “An attitude at the negotiation table that Canada is a subsidiary of the United States” is “not something we’re going to accept,” Carney said. Carney was even more blunt in French. “We learned during the nego-

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

tiations that the Americans want to destroy our major industries, including autos, steel and aluminum,” Carney said. “That was one of the main reasons we said no. It was a bad deal.” The fiery words from both sides show how U.S.-Canada relations have deteriorated since Carney walked away from trade

ä See CANADA, page 5A

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2A ■ Tuesday, August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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FROM WIRE REPORTS

Sources: Trump moves toward new China tariff

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is moving toward levying a new tariff on China that would penalize the world’s secondlargest economy for flooding the global market with underpriced goods, according to three people familiar with the matter. Two of the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations still being finalized, said Trump is considering setting the new tariff at 7.5%. It’s a level administration officials believe would not endanger the one-year trade truce between Washington and Beijing or a planned White House meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to take place in late September. The move, if finalized, appears to be a calibrated effort by the White House to work around a Supreme Court decision earlier this year that struck down Trump’s plan to implement a sweeping, high-tariff scheme not seen since the 1930s. After that decision, the Trump administration announced in March it was launching formal investigations targeting excess industrial capacity and forcedlabor regulations in China and other nations.

Body found of woman suspected in killing

A mental health advocate suspected of killing her police officer husband was found dead Monday, six days after she disappeared from her Massachusetts home, authorities said. Karen Solomon, an advocate who called for improvements and greater awareness of police mental health issues, had disappeared after Worcester Police Officer Kurt Solomon was found dead at their home just before 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 18. Officials had named Karen Solomon a suspect and said she was believed to be armed. “We believe this case is a tragic murder-suicide that occurred,” Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier said at a news conference Monday. Two people who worked at Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital reported finding human remains, and officers recovered a woman’s corpse there, Saucier said. A final ID was still pending, but authorities said they were confident it was Karen Solomon. A handgun found near her body was not a Worcester police service weapon, and investigators were working to determine who owned it.

Turkey sentences 5 opposition mayors

ISTANBUL — A Turkish court on Monday convicted five mayors of municipalities run by the country’s main opposition party on corruption charges in a trial that critics have denounced as politically motivated. The case before an Istanbul court included allegations of bribery, bid-rigging and fraud in relation to municipal contracts. Critics of the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan say the trial targeted the opposition Republican People’s Party, or CHP, and that the prosecution relied on secret witnesses and defendants implicating other defendants in return for lighter punishment. The Turkish government insists the country’s judiciary is independent and free from political influence. The case focused on allegations that companies controlled by businessman Aziz Ihsan Aktas secured municipal tenders through bribery, bid-rigging and fraud. The opposition, meanwhile, has said that municipalities under Erdogan’s party control that did business with Aktas were not as thoroughly investigated.

CORRECTION A business article Sunday about nonprofit donations by local leaders misstated the geographic reach of Stirling Properties. The company has offices in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida. The Advocate regrets the error.

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U.S. unveils new Iran sanctions ‘Economic D-Day’ threats become warnings for countries

BY FARNOUSH AMIRI, CHRISTOPHER RUGABER, AAMER MADHANI and DIDI TANG Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new round of sanctions aimed at Iran on Monday and warned every country that does business with the Islamic Republic to sever those financial ties or face retaliation from the United States. President Donald Trump’s pledge last week to unleash an “economic D-Day” against Tehran turned out to be new warnings to cut off Iran from the rest of the global economy. Asked why the U.S. was not imposing secondary sanctions on Iran’s trading partners, Bessent told reporters he wanted countries to have an opportunity to shift away from Iran before it was too late. “Why would I want to blow up the global financial system?” Bessent said. The Trump administration is struggling to find an off-ramp nearly six months into an unpopular war with an increasingly obstinate Iran. Diminishing stockpiles of key weapons appear to have forced U.S. officials to pivot to economic warfare, though Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said later Monday that he was not ruling out resuming strikes to hit Iran during a lull in hostilities.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrives to speak at a news conference Monday at the Treasury Department in Washington. Washington had promised new sanctions would put even more pressure on an Iranian economy already battered by previous penalties and a U.S. naval blockade. But the announcement Monday provided little detail and did not name which countries could face secondary sanctions. China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are Iran’s largest trade partners. “We are level-setting with every country to tell them our expectations. We know who they are. They know who they are,” Bessent said. “So when the hammer of U.S. Treasury actions falls upon them, they will have no one to blame but themselves.” Dubbing the campaign “Operation Economic Outcast,” Bessent said Trump has been “making phone

calls to world leaders with specific requests to cease their interactions” with Iran and has already seen results. The UAE announced last week that it was suspending all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice after a reported missile attack on the Gulf country. Bessent said the UAE decision was “not a coincidence.” Shortly before the announcement, Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said the U.S. is not in an economic position to further restrict Tehran’s relations with other countries. “Iran’s trading partners, both in the media and through messages sent to us, have made it clear that they don’t take these statements into account any-

where,” Qalibaf, who has been Iran’s lead negotiator over the past six months, posted on X. Asked whether the U.S. would target China, Bessent said that “no one is above the reach of U.S. sanctions,” despite the fragile trade truce in place between the world’s two largest economies. “If they facilitate transactions and are part of the ecosystem that turns Iranian oil into money, into repression, they will be targeted,” he added. Experts say the U.S. is likely to carefully calibrate its actions on China, just a month before Chinese leader Xi Jinping is expected to visit the U.S. How much the announcement matters “depends on the aggressiveness with which President Trump is willing to enforce it,” said

Ali Wyne, senior research and advocacy adviser for U.S.-China relations at the International Crisis Group. “Thus far, despite threatening severe economic consequences for countries that do business with Iran, he has largely given China a pass.” The Treasury Department said Monday that it was imposing sanctions on nearly 60 Iran-linked entities, accusing them of roles in Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, cyber activities and oil shipments. That includes Hong Kong-based Sweet Ocean Industrial Limited and associated people and businesses, which were accused of helping Iran acquire sensitive goods such as laser optics equipment. Also penalized was Chinabased Shenzhen Huamei, which is a service provider for the Iran-based logistics company BRE Line, as well as BRE Line’s branch in Hong Kong, for allegedly supporting the missile and nuclear programs. Hours before Bessent’s announcement, Iran’s currency hit a record low. The rial dropped to 2.02 million to the U.S. dollar as trading opened on currency markets. Iran’s official Central Bank rate stood at around 1.5 million rials to the dollar, but the market rate is what most Iranians pay. The currency had already been under pressure before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, as Iran faced double-digit inflation and negative growth. The rial has repeatedly hit new lows as nearly six months of war have taken an even greater toll.

Firefighters make progress battling Nev. wildfire BY HAVEN DALY and JOHN SEEWER

They haven’t said whether the Hawk Fire was intentionally set or accidental. Much of the area that burned was sagebrush and grass. Reno, home to about 280,000 people, is known for its casinos and as a gateway to nearby Lake Tahoe, North America’s largest alpine lake and a popular vacation destination. It’s also southwest of

Associated Press

RENO, Nev. — Crews have started to contain a wildfire in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Reno, Nevada, that destroyed more than 30 homes as it spread perilously close to neighborhoods, officials said Monday. Containment reached 27% and there was no new growth of the Hawk Fire, which has held steady at about 23 square miles since Sunday, authorities said at an afternoon news briefing. “We are making progress,” said U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Matt Zumstein. The number of residents under evacuation orders and warnings was reduced to about 63,000, down from more than 90,000 people over the weekend. However, there’s still concern that winds could push the flames through dry brush into newly developed and densely packed neighborhoods in Nevada’s largest city outside of metro Las Vegas.

IMAgE FROM VIDEO By TIM WALTON

Smoke rises Saturday from active wildfires in Reno, Nev. Schools across Washoe County were closed Monday because of the evacuations and to keep roads clear for emergency crews. Nevada’s governor declared a state of emergency in the county and mobilized the National Guard to help with aerial firefighting and protecting evacuated neighborhoods northwest of downtown Reno. At one roadblock, residents expressed frustration Monday that they could not get back into their homes. “There’s no fire here! Why are the National Guard here?” a driver

yelled. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said he understands that some residents are frustrated that they can’t get home but the danger isn’t over yet. “It just takes that little breeze and one ember,” he said. The fire near the California state line began Saturday and exploded in size on Sunday. At least six people — three first responders and three civilians — have been injured. This is the third large wildfire in the rugged terrain north of Reno in the past two weeks — all caused by human activity, according to fire officials.

U.S. strikes vessel in eastern Pacific, killing 2 in first attack in months BY KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and BILL BARROW Associated Press

WASHINGTON — After a pause of more than two months, the U.S. military announced Monday that it once again carried out a strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people accused of trafficking drugs. It brings the overall death toll to 223 people killed in 67 strikes during the nearly yearlong U.S. campaign of bombing alleged drug boats off Latin

America’s Caribbean coast and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. U.S. Southern Command says the campaign has resulted in the destruction of 64 speedboats, three “low-profile” ships and a semisubmersible craft. The command said on social media early Monday that forces “executed a lethal kinetic strike on a low-profile vessel operating along established narcotrafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific.” The military said the strike occurred Sunday, and it marked the first since

powerful back-to-back June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela killed thousands of people. As with most of the military’s statements, Southern Command did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. “We are committed to imposing total systemic friction on narco-terrorists — disrupting their operations, dismantling their leadership, and eliminating cartel terror across the region,” said Gen. Francis Donovan, who leads U.S. Southern Command.

Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, site of the annual Burning Man festival, which begins next Sunday. Many who travel to Burning Man make Reno a regular stop. But some are saying on social media they should avoid the city so they don’t take hotel rooms and other resources away from evacuees.

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High court sides with Trump on mail voting order

BY LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration Monday in a case over President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting mail-in voting, though it remains unclear how much can be implemented before the fast-approaching midterm elections. The decision leaves room for additional court challenges that could further slow Trump’s order, and other similar cases have already been filed. The U.S. Postal Service laid out how it would implement the order last week, but time is running short to impose major changes with some states beginning to send mail ballots to voters in just a few weeks. The Supreme Court’s conservative majority didn’t decide the legality of Trump’s order, instead ruling that the states did not have the legal right to challenge it. “The Court’s disposition of this application does not mean that any measure taken by the Government to implement the Order will necessarily be lawful. On that score, time will tell,” the majority wrote in an unsigned order. The three liberal-leaning justices publicly dissented, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson writing that the rule “lets another shoe drop in the Kafkaesque nightmare that our precedents have been

steadily creating for certain plaintiffs who seek to bring election-related challenges.” New York Attorney General Letitia James foreshadowed more legal wrangling, calling the decision a “painful setback” but vowing it would “not be the final word.” The court’s order opens a path for the administration to begin action to restrict mail voting, but it also could lead to a bevy of potential further litigation that could freeze the federal government again, all starting 10 days before the first mail ballots in the nation are scheduled to be sent to overseas and military voters from North Carolina. “This is just the first inning of a very fast nine-inning game,” said Derek Muller, a law professor at Notre Dame University. Mail balloting has long been a favorite target for Trump, who has claimed that it breeds fraud despite strong evidence to the contrary and his own use of the voting method. Trump’s executive order, signed in March, calls on his administration to create lists of eligible voters and orders the U.S. Postal Service to deliver mail ballots only to people on those lists. Democratic officials in 23 states and the District of Columbia sued to block the order. They argued that the Constitution gives states and Congress the power to run elections, and Trump’s changes could lead to chaos

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LyNNE SLADKy

An election worker places a vote-by-mail ballot into a secure bin on Aug. 18 at the MiamiDade County Supervisor of Elections Office during the Florida primary election in Doral, Fla. and partisan abuse. “The consequences of allowing such transformative changes to take effect so close to this fall’s elections would be extreme,” attorneys for the states wrote. Dozens of state and local election officials weighed in, asking the justices to leave the order frozen while election preparations are already underway. A judge in Massachusetts blocked the plan for the mid-

term elections in those states. An appeals court upheld her decision. She later granted a second order blocking it nationwide, another potential stumbling block for Trump administration plan. The Justice Department appealed to the Supreme Court on procedural grounds in late July, arguing that the states sued too soon. They also pointed to another ruling out of Washington, where a judge allowed Trump’s order

to proceed. An appeals court backed that decision, while still leaving room for future court action if the changes are implemented. Federal attorneys argued that the Massachusetts order “blocks the government’s ability to finalize and implement the President’s proposed policies to promote election integrity for the upcoming federal elections in November.” A dozen Republican-lean-

ing states supported the federal government in their own appeal before the high court, saying states would have input on the final voter lists. The Supreme Court has previously ruled against Trump-backed arguments on mail-in ballots, finding in June that states can count ballots that arrive after Election Day. That case was decided after full briefing and arguments, rather than on the court’s emergency docket. Trump has blamed mail voting — without credible evidence — for his loss to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. He has promoted the proposed changes in his executive order as safeguards to keep non-U.S. citizens from voting. He’s also repeatedly pressed for the passage of the legislation that requires proof of citizenship to vote. Noncitizen voting has been shown to be rare, and is a felony that can be punishable by deportation. Using mail ballots has become increasingly popular with voters of both parties, with about 30% of all ballots cast that way during the 2024 presidential election, according to federal data. The process also is secure. A 2025 Brookings Institution study found only about four cases of fraud out of every 10 million mail ballots cast. Associated Press writer Nicholas Riccardi in Denver contributed to this story.

Officials: U.S. set for largest mass visa revocation in history Up to 200,000 foreigners could be targeted BY MATTHEW LEE

AP diplomatic writer

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum status in the United States. If it happens, the move would be the largest single mass revocation of visas in U.S. history and would likely face legal challenges. Unless challenged or revised, the State Department is expected to announce in the coming weeks the revocation of so-called B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders have sought asylum or are now seeking asylum, according to State Department documents obtained by The As-

sociated Press and two U.S. officials. The action will be taken in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. “We are coordinating with DHS to identify and revoke the nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who have come to the United States claiming to be short-term visitors, but then file for asylum to stay here permanently,” said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott. He declined to comment on the number of visas that might be revoked, saying “as the process will be ongoing, the number of revocations remains dynamic and will be done on a rolling basis.” The revocations would not necessarily result in their immediate deportation, the officials said. Most of those with asylum cases currently pending would be recategorized but would lose their status as business or tourism travelers, according to the officials, who spoke on con-

dition of anonymity because the revocations are not final yet. Since President Donald Trump took office for his second term last year, his administration has steadily ramped up restrictions on visa applicants — demanding more information about their social media histories, requiring the posting of expensive bonds for the processing of visas, and outright banning the issuance of visas to citizens of certain countries. In a social media post on Monday, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called out people who he said try to use tourist and business visas to get into the United States and then apply for asylum. “People in the US and all over the world are fed up with bogus asylum claims,” Landau wrote on X. “Asylum isn’t supposed to be a loophole to circumvent immigration law.” Landau cited the case of a Colombian citizen

New evidence prompts trial delay for Libyan man charged in plane bombing BY MICHAEL KUNZELMAN

The judge scheduled a Sept. 1 hearing in Washington to discuss the status of the case. WASHINGTON — A federal Friedrich’s brief order cited judge on Monday postponed the complex nature of the a trial in the U.S. for a former case, the newly discovered Libyan intelligence official evidence and “the need for charged in the 1988 bomb- the defense to determine how ing of Pan Am Flight 103, best to defend this case” as citing the discovery of new reasons to postpone the trial. Al-Marimi is charged in evidence that defense attorneys want to examine in the the U.S. with making the bomb that downed the airnearly 40-year-old case. Jury selection was sched- plane. Flight 103 was 31,000 uled to begin Wednesday for feet over Lockerbie the federal trial of when a bomb in the Abu Agila Mohamplane’s forward carmad Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi in Washgo area exploded 38 minutes after takeington, D.C. His trial will be the first in the off from London U.S. for the Dec. 21, Heathrow Airport. 1988, bombing over The flight was bound Lockerbie, Scotland, Al-Marimi for John F. Kennedy which killed 270 peoInternational Airple, most of them Americans. port in New York. The blast killed all 259 U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich’s order didn’t spec- passengers and crew memify the nature of the newly bers and 11 people on the ground in Lockerbie, where discovered evidence. Al-Marimi’s lawyers say the wreckage destroyed an prosecutors disclosed the entire city block. Citizens of new evidence to them on 21 countries were killed, inSaturday and added that cluding 190 Americans and their “constitutional and 43 from the United Kingethical obligations require dom. The passengers includthe defense to investigate ed 35 Syracuse University this development.” Defense students returning home attorney Laura Koenig, an from a semester abroad. assistant federal public deKara Weipz, board presifender, declined to elaborate dent of the nonprofit Vicin response to an Associated tims of Pan Am Flight 103, Press inquiry. said her organization had Associated Press

received no details about the new evidence that prompted the trial delay. Weipz’s brother Richard Monetti was among the Syracuse students killed. She called the delay a shock and noted that some victims’ relatives were already packing to head to the trial. “At the same time, for almost 38 years we’ve been seeking the truth of what happened,” Weipz said. “If that’s what this is, then that’s a good thing, and this delay is worth it. ... It’s important to hear all the facts.” Prosecutors allege Al-Marimi and others carried out the bombing at the direction of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, who was ousted and killed during a 2011 civil war. Two other Libyan intelligence agents were tried by a panel of Scottish judges on a former U.S. military base in the Netherlands in 2000. The tribunal convicted one official and acquitted the other, but the bombmaker’s possible identity remained a mystery for years. Al-Marimi, now in his mid70s, is charged with two counts of destruction of an aircraft resulting in death. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted.

who came to the U.S. in 2015 on a tourist visa and then applied for asylum. B1 visas are generally issued for business trips and B2 visas are generally issued for tourism, family visits or medical care. It was not immediately clear from the documents or the officials how many of these visa

holders are seeking or have sought asylum in the United States and would be affected by the revocations. Current applicants for B1 and B2 visas are asked to affirm that they will not apply for asylum in the United States and prove that they intend to return to their home countries.

In the past 18 months, the State Department has revoked about 175,000 visas for people who have been convicted or accused of crimes ranging from drunken driving to rape and robbery, as well as for people who have spoken out publicly against U.S. policies, particularly in the Middle East.

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4A ■ Tuesday, August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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European leaders mark Ukraine’s Independence Day BY SAMYA KULLAB Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine — European leaders joined President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Monday to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and boost its long-range missile program as Russia pressed on with its 4-year-old invasion of the country. One of President Vladimir Putin’s key goals in starting a war with Russia’s neighbor in February 2022 was to return Kyiv to Moscow’s orbit. Ukrainian lawmakers voted on Aug. 24, 1991, to proclaim the country’s independence, and a nationwide referendum later that year overwhelmingly approved it. With no significant changes on the front line for months and no apparent progress after more than a year of U.S.led peace efforts, both countries are locked in a spiral of escalating aerial attacks that are killing civilians and smashing infrastructure. U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, on his first overseas trip since taking office last month, joined almost a dozen other European leaders, as well as other dignitaries in Kyiv on Monday. “For Ukraine, independence is not an abstract idea. We defended it against all odds,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on social media. “In times like these, nations learn how

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EFREM LUKATSKy

Ukrainian and foreign officials attend a ceremony Monday marking Ukraine’s Independence Day in Kyiv, Ukraine. important it is to have allies by your side.” Burnham co-chaired a meeting of what’s been dubbed the Coalition of the Willing — a group of over two dozen countries helping Ukraine resist Russia’s onslaught. Burnham said he is pushing British industry to help a Ukrainian project that is working on a low-cost alternative to the U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems that are desperately needed but are in short supply. He urged other countries to en-

courage Washington to adopt stiffer sanctions on Russia and press Moscow to accept U.S. attempts to secure an unconditional ceasefire. Zelenskyy said in a speech at Kyiv’s St. Sophia Square that the presence of European leaders reflected continental fears about Russia’s wider ambitions. “We all understand that in this Russian war against us — against Ukraine — far more is being decided than the future of Ukraine and Eastern Europe,” he said. “No nation in a war like

this could rely solely on its own weapons,” Zelenskyy said. “No nation could withstand attacks of such intensity without the world’s help.” The leaders brought pledges of further military and financial support. Burnham announced his government has agreed to allow defense company MBDA to release classified information relating to British components used in the SCALP long-range missile. That paves the way for France and Ukraine to advance

plans for the weapon’s production in Ukraine. SCALP is the French version of the U.K.’s Storm Shadow missile, with both systems incorporating shared technology. “Ukraine has been Europe’s protector, not a drain on our security, but the front line of keeping Europe safe,” Burnham said, adding that Kyiv and its partners “must keep up the pressure on Moscow.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin views the plan “extremely negatively.” He accused the U.K. of “taking part in this war” on Kyiv’s side. Ukraine has leaned heavily on NATO countries for help fighting Russia’s bigger army, although relations with the United States have been cooler under President Donald Trump. Russia, meanwhile, is getting help from North Korea and China. Ukraine’s swift development of innovative drone technology has enabled it to blunt Moscow’s battlefield progress as well as hit targets deep inside Russia, as far as 1,200 miles from their border. The speeches in St. Sophia Square were accompanied by a parade of domestically produced weapons. Both Russia and Ukraine are trying through longrange strikes to inflict economic pain, disrupt military

supplies and erode public morale. Ukraine’s long-range drones have repeatedly hit facilities in Russia’s vital oil industry, causing fuel shortages, and have also engaged in a campaign against Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries. But foreign suppliers also have to take into account their own needs, weapon production levels and the depth of stockpiles. As the air war has intensified, Ukraine’s stocks of Patriot interceptors to counter Russia’s ballistic missiles have dwindled. Kyiv urgently needs more interceptors before winter, when Russia routinely bombards its power grid, but the demands of the Iran war and slow output of the sophisticated interceptors have left Ukraine short and vulnerable. Finnish President Alexander Stubb said he believed that striking Russian targets like Wildberries was a “sensible military strategy” that would hasten peace negotiations. Three teenagers were killed and six children were wounded in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar, Russia’s children’s rights ombudswoman Maria Lvova-Belova said, as Ukraine attacked several warehouses of Ozon, another online retailer, for the third straight day, according to officials and the company.

2 children among 4 killed in Gaza after U.S. asks Israel to curb attacks BY WAFAA SHURAFA and SALLY ABOU ALJOUD Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Palestinian residents of war-battered Gaza fled homes and businesses as Israeli strikes and tank fire killed at least four people Monday, including two children, hospital officials said, a week after a U.S. delegation asked Israel to draw down attacks. After evacuation warnings by Israel’s military, a strike hit a building in the Bureij refugee camp in central

Gaza. One family was unable to flee and a 4-year-old child was killed, according to Awda Hospital, where he was taken. His mother and sister were wounded. There was no Israeli military comment. Israeli strikes hit three other buildings across the territory after residents said they received evacuation warnings. Some people sprinted away, with mothers carrying children, while others moved amid the rubble in wheelchairs or with canes. Smoke rose over the already devastated landscape.

Israel’s military said it carried out strikes in the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City and in Deir al-Balah after issuing warnings, targeting what it described as two Hamas weapons storage facilities inside mosques. The military did not provide evidence but said the facilities contained dozens of “Kalashnikov rifles, magazines and additional military equipment.” An earlier Israeli strike on a tent in Deir al-Balah killed a man, according to Al-Aqsa Hospital, where his body was

Psychologist: Woman didn’t have psychosis when she killed her kids BY MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press

Lindsay Clancy did not have acute psychosis when she killed her three children but rather took their lives so they wouldn’t “suffer” after she took her own life, a forensic psychologist testified Monday in her murder trial. Kirk Heilbrun said he ruled out acute psychosis with command hallucinations because he didn’t believe Clancy when she said she heard a voice telling her to “kill the children so you can kill yourself.” “The way she described this as happening is that she heard a voice that she’d never heard before, experienced a hallucination and she’s never experienced it since. But she only experienced it for the 18 minutes or so that it took to kill the children,” Heilbrun testified. “To put it mildly, that would be a very, very unusual pattern or manifestation of how this kind of thing comes about. Very unusual.” A key issue at trial is Clancy’s mental health. Defense attorney Kevin Reddington does not dispute that Clancy killed the children in January 2023 but says she shouldn’t be held criminally responsible because she had postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness linked to the stress, sleep deprivation and hormonal changes that follow childbirth. After killing her children, Clancy jumped from a second-floor window and remains paralyzed from the waist down. Heilbrun testified that he concluded that Clancy killed her children because she wanted to kill herself but didn’t want to leave them behind. “One of the things that she said when I asked about what happened, is that in the

PATRIOT LEDgER PHOTO By gREg DERR

Defendant Lindsay Clancy talks with her lawyer Kevin Reddington on Monday during her murder trial at Plymouth Superior Court in Plymouth, Mass. course of strangling each child, she said, ‘Go to God, baby. Go to God,’ ” he said. “That was part of her expectation that she and the children would be together in heaven with God.” Heilbrun also mentioned Clancy’s Catholic faith, prompting a request for a mistrial from Reddington that Judge William Sullivan denied. He later instructed the jury to disregard the reference to “the religion that the defendant was raised with,” calling it “an absolutely inappropriate area of testimony.” Heilbrun is the latest prosecution witness to say that while Clancy was mentally ill, she still knew that what she was doing was wrong. On Friday, Dr. Avram Mack, a forensic psychiatrist, testified that he found no evidence of mania or hypomania to support a bipolar diagnosis — or of psychosis — leading up to the killings. He said Clancy was experiencing severe mental illness when she killed her children but that it was a continuation of the depression she had experienced for months in which she was able to con-

trol impulses and distinguish right from wrong. However, Heilbrun said he did determine Clancy has bipolar 2 disorder, while saying it was difficult to diagnose at least in part “because of all the diagnoses in the records and all the symptoms that she experienced.” People with bipolar 2 disorder experience cycles of depression and hypomania, which is less intense than the mania experienced with bipolar 1 disorder. Earlier in the trial, the jury heard that Clancy had sought treatment for mental health problems from multiple providers and even had admitted herself to a psychiatric hospital. Prosecutors say the former labor and delivery nurse planned the killings and contrived to get her husband out of the house by sending him to pick up medicine for one of their children and dinner for the family. Clancy, 36, has pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the deaths of Callan, Dawson and Cora Clancy, who ranged from 8 months to 5 years old. Closing arguments are expected later this week.

taken. Israel’s military said it killed a militant affiliated with Hamas’ special forces unit. A man was killed and five others were wounded in an Israeli strike in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to Nasser Hospital, which received the casualties. And Israeli tank fire hit an area east of Khan Younis, killing a 10-year-old girl,

according to the hospital, where her body was taken. Israel’s military did not immediately comment on the strike in Khan Younis and said it was not aware of the incident with the child. Israel has continued to carry out targeted killings in the week since a U.S. delegation met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an effort to push last year’s

ceasefire deal forward. U.S. negotiator Jared Kushner asked Netanyahu to draw down Israel’s attacks in Gaza, a person familiar with the meeting said last week, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to brief journalists. Israel has announced strikes on six of the seven days since that meeting.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Tuesday, August 25, 2026 ■ 5A

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SUBPOENA

Continued from page 1A Shannon and social media posts from the time show Payne speaking at the event, which took place at a summer mentoring program run by Baton Rouge City Constable Terrica Williams. Williams has said Hurst approached her about having Payne speak to the children. A prior subpoena naming Shannon and Payne was served to City Hall in March seeking documents related to the gun safety event. Asked earlier this year about the event, Hurst did not address how

it came together but said Payne approached him about using his negative experiences to educate others. Payne has said he was not paid for the speaking engagement. In April, Hurst and other council members testified before the special grand jury that has reviewed evidence brought by Murrill’s office. Barred by law from publicly discussing his testimony, Hurst spoke briefly to the media, saying he was not the target of an investigation. Hurst testified a second time Aug. 5 — the same day the grand jury indicted Cole on charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, money laundering and malfea-

sance in office relating to his time on the Metro Council. Investigators have been scrutinizing the Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative nonprofit under Broome, along with its subsidiary, Safe, Hopeful, Healthy, which spent federal money on violence prevention and other programs aimed at community development. Cole is the fourth current or former public official charged by Murrill’s office. He is accused of getting kickbacks after using his influence on the Metro Council to help a friend, Terral “TJ” Jackson, get city-parish contracts. TJ Jackson and Erica Jackson — who are married — were both indicted alongside Cole.

The Jacksons were paid about $600,000 through city-parish contracts for an array of services. Some of those funds were paid by the nonprofits named in the latest subpoena. Late last week, Cole challenged the validity of the grand jury that charged him. In a motion questioning the indictment, Cole’s attorneys suggest District Attorney Hillar Moore failed to submit the legally required written request for Murrill to get involved in the grand jury proceedings. The same grand jury indicted Courtney Scott, a senior aide to Broome, in February. Scott oversaw the healthy city nonprofit for the Mayor’s Office. Prosecutors

say she received nearly $200,000 in kickbacks from city-parish contractor Veronica Mathis, who was also indicted. The grand jury probe has also focused on contracts involving Capital Area Transit System, the city-parish’s public bus agency. In January, Dunn was indicted on charges that as a council member, he received nearly $45,000 in kickbacks for helping a businessman secure a 2022 transit system contract. A high-ranking CATS manager was also charged in that case. Email Patrick Sloan-Turner at patrick.sloan-turner@ theadvocate.com.

CANADA

Continued from page 1A negotiations with the Trump administration late Friday, triggering the president’s threatened 50% tariffs the next day on about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. Carney cast doubt on the U.S.’s reliability as a partner, saying Canada was finding reliable partners “everywhere in the world, except in the United States. Except in the United States. And Russia.”

Trump attacks Canadian leaders On Monday, Trump came back with further tariffs, warning that he would impose them on Canada’s auto industry beginning next year. “Canada has been ripping off the United States of America for years,” Trump wrote on social media, criticizing what he called the country’s “ridiculously high tariffs” on American farmers. Carney said Washington’s autosector proposals would gradually have the effect of dismantling Canadian production. “This is the most successful automotive partnership in history,” Carney said, referring to the deeply integrated Canada-U.S. industry. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford unleashed his own tirade. In an interview with The Associated Press, he said Trump had underestimated Canadians’ willingness to endure economic pain rather than give in to U.S. pressure. “We’re all in,” Ford said. “Up here, we’re at a fever pitch; everyone’s in for an economic war. They know they’re going to have to sacrifice.” Trump responded in a social media post by attacking Ford personally, calling him “the less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother of the late, great, Rob Ford,” and once again referring to Canada’s prime minister as “Governor Carney.” Ford dismissed the insults: “If you think an insult from him hurts me? Well, bring it on, buddy, I’m ready.” Ford is a Progressive Conservative whose party differs from that of Carney, a Liberal, but the two underscore broad political unity

CONGRESS

Continued from page 1A committee who reside in the Baton Rouge-based 6th Congressional District. Miguez obtained 23 signatures, one more than needed. Edmonds then submitted 25 signatures, including from several party members who had also requested Miguez’s endorsement. The rules allow dual endorsements for the signatures. Edmonds called foul Monday. He said the executive committee should issue no endorsement or endorse both men because both are conservative Republicans who have spent about a dozen years in the state Legislature and because they submitted about the same number of signatures, although Edmonds noted he actually submitted two more. “It is their job not to serve an agenda or a candidate but what is the right thing for the Louisiana Republican Party,” Edmonds, an evangelical pastor who lives in Baton Rouge, said in an interview. In a statement, Edmonds also called for an end to “good ole boy backroom deals.” Miguez did not return a phone call. The owner of an oil field services company, he owns a house in Baton Rouge but lives outside of

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALEX BRANDON

President Donald Trump speaks during a back-to-school event in the Rose garden of the White House on Monday. in Canada over the trade fight with thing’s on the table. I’ll do whatTrump. ever it takes.” Ford has used electricity as leMinerals, electricity threatened verage before. During an earlier Ford said “everything is on the phase of the dispute, Ontario imtable” if the dispute worsens, in- posed a 25% surcharge on electriccluding cutting off electricity and ity exported to Michigan, Minnesocritical minerals from Ontario. ta and New York. Trump respondCritical minerals are increas- ed by threatening to double tariffs ingly important to U.S. national on Canadian steel and aluminum security and manufacturing. The before both sides backed away. Pentagon has sought more secure supplies of minerals used in mili- Auto industry a battleground tary aircraft, missiles, munitions Ford accused Trump of not simand electronics as Washington ply seeking a better trade deal but tries to reduce reliance on China, aiming to hollow out Canadian inwhich dominates the mining or dustries and move production south. processing of several strategically Ford said Trump wants to make important minerals. Canada a vassal state. Ford said Canada should also “He wants to bleed out every sinconsider increasingly severe retal- gle sector and bring them down to iation if Trump continues target- the U.S.,” Ford said. The auto sector is especially iming Canadian industries, including oil and potash, while Ontario could portant to Ontario, the center of raise electricity prices or stop Canada’s vehicle manufacturing sending power south. industry. Plants and suppliers in “We power 1.5 million homes and Ontario are tightly integrated with businesses,” Ford said. “Every- factories in Michigan and other

the 6th Congressional District in Erath in Vermillion Parish. He is not required to reside in the district. Both men are competing in a 10-candidate field for an open seat that U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, a Democrat from Baton Rouge, currently holds. Fields chose not to run for reelection after the Republican-majority Legislature in May redrew the district’s boundaries to elect a Republican. All 10 candidates are running in the Nov. 3 open primary. Gena Gore, one of the five Louisiana Republican Party executive committee members who voted for Miguez, said she did so because “he’s the best candidate. He got his required signatures first. He has a reliably conservative record. He’s young. He could represent us for a long time.” Gore, who serves on the executive committee by virtue of being the party’s national committeewoman, added, “That meeting was done in a proper manner. We did everything by the book.” Rick Payton, the party’s finance chair, also voted for Miguez. “I did a lot of research before I cast my vote,” he said. “I felt like my vote was representative of the people in CD6.” The three others who voted for Miguez were Jerry Brouillette, the party vice chair; Roger Villere, the

national committeeman; and Dexter Duhon, the treasurer. They did not return phone calls Monday. Charlie Davis, the party’s secretary, voted for no endorsement. He declined to comment. Babcock did not vote — the party chair votes only to break a tie — but said he also favored no endorsement. Roby Dyer, a representative of the Louisiana Federation of Republican Woman, was absent. A subplot in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s vote is the relationship between Landry and Miguez. They have known each other since they both worked as aides in the mid-1990s to then-state Sen. Craig Romero, a Republican from New Iberia. Landry oversaw Miguez. Fast forward: When Miguez was elected to the state Senate in 2023, Landry became his constituent because the governor lives in Broussard outside Lafayette. But Miguez angered Landry by posting on X in November 2024 that the governor didn’t have a “clear plan” on how to reduce government spending. “As our conservative leader, he can look to President Trump for example on how to create more efficiencies within state government,” Miguez added. Landry shot back about an hour later.

U.S. states, with parts routinely crossing the border multiple times during production. Automakers including Ford, General Motors and Stellantis operate major assembly plants in Ontario, and the wider supply chain supports tens of thousands of jobs. Trump’s new threat of a 50% tariff on Canadian vehicles and parts puts that sector directly at the center of the escalating dispute. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Monday that “the only reason Canada has auto production in the first place” was because of the 1960s Auto Pact, under which Canada used access to its market to encourage vehicle production north of the border.

Ford says he opposed deal Ford also disclosed that he had opposed the preliminary agreement Carney was considering before Canada walked away from

“Now is not the time for political posturing or worrying about one’s next political office,” Landry posted on X. “(Miguez) seems to want to run to social media instead of offering his own plan.” On Monday, Brent Littlefield, Landry’s chief outside adviser, said the governor’s response to the Miguez en-

negotiations, and that he was unwilling to restore American liquor to Ontario store shelves as part of an agreement. “I wasn’t going to put the booze back on the shelves,” Ford said. “I was ready to go out there and call a news conference … and say I’m not buckling over.” Ford said he understood Washington had sought language late in the negotiations that would have restricted Canada’s ability to negotiate trade agreements with other countries without U.S. approval. Carney has called that demand unacceptable and a question of Canadian sovereignty. Carney said the dispute also exposed a deeper divide over language and culture, saying protections for French and Canadian culture that Washington views as trade irritants are considered fundamental rights in Canada. “Who does he think he is?” Ford said of Trump. “You gotta be kidding.”

dorsement had more to do with how it happened. “One candidate had more support and didn’t get the endorsement,” Littlefield said. “That certainly raised a question of why the party chose to get involved.” One political casualty of Sunday’s endorsement was Rhett Davis, whose work as

a consultant to the Louisiana Republican Party dates back more than 30 years. Cory Dennis, the party’s executive director, fired Davis because he made calls to help Miguez secure the endorsement, party sources said. Davis did not return a phone call.

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6A ■ Tuesday,August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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

DOW 53,417.16 140.15 0.26%

NASDAQ 25,980.19 -200.27 -0.77%

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Wall Street drifts at the start of eventful week

NEW YORK — U.S. stocks drifted to a mixed finish Monday as the countdown ticks toward potentially market-moving events coming later in the week. The areas of the bond market that the U.S. Treasury Department is trying to calm down, meanwhile, eased a bit. The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% and pulled a bit further from its alltime high set earlier this month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 140 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.8%. Tech stocks led the way downward following big swings through the summer on worries that the frenzy around artificial intelligence technology sent prices too high and that the huge demand for AI chips won’t be sustainable if they don’t produce enough profits. Chip giant Nvidia has been a tremendous winner of the AI boom and become Wall Street’s largest and most influential stock because of it. It will deliver its latest quarterly earnings report on Wednesday, which could dictate the next big move for AI-related stocks. The other big factor moving stocks recently has been the bond market, where longerterm Treasury yields climbed through the summer on worries about high inflation, huge government debts and other factors.

Taiwan charges 9 over illegal AI server exports TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwanese prosecutors charged nine people Monday, including one from Nvidia and two from Super Micro, for illegally exporting “high-end AI servers” to mainland China, adding another wave of turbulence in the AI rivalry between China and the United States. AI infrastructure, including advanced semiconductors mostly made in Taiwan, has become a key point of competition between the U.S. and China. Washington began imposing restrictions on Nvidia’s exports of advanced chips to China in 2022 and tightened them in subsequent years. In April 2025, the U.S. required licenses for exports of Nvidia’s H20 chips to China, before allowing some sales to resume later that year. Under export controls, any sale by Nvidia of high-end AI servers — the computer infrastructure that houses the chips needed to power AI systems — requires a strict review process, according to a document from Keelung District Prosecutors’ office in Taiwan. The document also said purchases of more than eight high-end AI servers require company staff to conduct on-site checks to the clients.

Britain wants videos removed after deaths LONDON — Britain’s government Monday urged TikTok and other social media companies to take down viral videos “celebrating” dangerous driving, after two police officers and five young men were killed in a crash when a car was driven down the wrong side of the road. Officers Matthew Blades and Tom Clough were killed Saturday when a Volkswagen was driven the wrong way along a road in northeastern England and hit their vehicle. Five people in the car — three boys who were 17 and 18 years old and two men, both 23 — were also pronounced dead at the scene. The collision took place as concerns grow over social media videos showing people driving dangerously on purpose, posted by the drivers themselves or others inside the vehicles at the time. British media reports suggest that one of the people who died in the Volkswagen on Saturday may have previously posted such a video. U.K. Defense Minister Luke Pollard said the government has told TikTok and similar platforms to “step up” and remove such “awful content.”

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U.S. wants its booze back in Canada’s stores

as an American assault on the Premier Tony Wakeham. However, we should continue to do that.” But some leaders say see Canadian economy, won’t encour- the country’s two most populous reKinew attacked Trump at length, age consumers to end their per- gions, Ontario and Quebec, had yet saying: “You can’t get a good deal not to buy it to publicly confirm their positions with a bad person.” sonal boycotts of U.S. goods.

BY THOMAS SEAL

Canada’s provincial governments control alcohol distribution, and most of them have blocked U.S. Prime Minister Mark Carney wine and spirits for more than has asked Canada’s provinces to a year in retaliation for Trump’s end their bans on the retail sale tariffs. For U.S. winemakers and of U.S. alcoholic beverages. It’s a distillers, it has been a disaster for necessary step in getting a trade export sales. The White House has deal with President Donald Trump demanded the booze go back on the shelves. across the finish line. All of Canada’s provincial leaders The response so far indicates he’s succeeding — but some provincial agreed to Carney’s request, accordpoliticians, still angry at what they ing to Newfoundland and Labrador

Bloomberg News (TNS)

by Thursday. Two premiers said a consumer boycott of U.S. alcohol might continue anyway. One of them explicitly encouraged it. “What I would say to Canadians is: leave it there,” Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said. “Let it sit on the shelf where the Liquor Mart employees will be putting it, and buy the Canadian stuff instead. We’ve done an amazing job sticking together in the face of Donald Trump’s tariff threats, and I think

But the Manitoba leader said Carney told premiers that any U.S. trade truce hinges on booze being returned. “I wouldn’t say that he was begging us — but what is the step before begging?” A survey by the Angus Reid Institute in July asked Canadians whether they would consider buying U.S. wine, beer and spirits if a trade agreement was reached; 40% said “definitely not” and another 19% said “probably not.”

U.S. reopens border for Mexican cattle imports to reduce beef costs

Screwworm concerns lessen but economists don’t expect prices to go down BY JOHN HANNA and SARAH RAZA Associated Press

The U.S. reopened a border crossing in Arizona to cattle from Mexico on Monday as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce record-high beef prices, though economists doubt the move will mean much to grocery store shoppers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said concerns about the New World screwworm’s spread lessened enough to allow the movement of cattle from Mexico at a crossing in Douglas, Arizona, about 230 miles southeast of Phoenix. Over time, it hopes to reopen other crossings in New Mexico and Texas. “Today, the border in Sonora is open for livestock,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said during a Monday morning news conference in Mexico City, referring to the Mexican state bordering Arizona. Beef prices clearly are a concern for President Donald Trump, who announced Friday that he would allow up to 331,000 tons of imported ground beef into the U.S., tariff-free, to be sold at below-market prices over the next 90 days. In February, the White House said closing the border to livestock imports from Mexico more than a year ago was “essential” to containing the screwworm but it has exacerbated a shortage of cattle for slaughter in the U.S. “The administration obviously has a lot of incentive to try to be able to say that they’re doing something about high beef prices in particular,” said Derrell Peel, a professor of agribusiness at Oklahoma State University. “Beef has been singled out because it is an expensive product and because it’s just high profile.” The Trump administration closed the border to cattle imports in May 2025 as part of its response to the screwworm, a parasite with flesh-eating larvae that can infest and even kill cattle or other animals. The move came as the U.S. already was struggling to meet beef demand, thanks to a cattle herd that has been shrinking for five years and now is the smallest in decades. Because the USDA plans a phased reopening of the border, it will take months for Mexican imports to return to their traditional levels, Peel said. Mexico has traditionally provided 1.1 million head, or about 3% of the U.S. cattle supply.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By FERNANDO LLANO

Cows are fenced in before being displayed at a cattle auction in Hermosillo, Sonora state, Mexico. “I don’t expect to see any measurable impact on cattle prices or beef prices soon,” Peel said. The USDA reported that on Jan. 1, the U.S. cattle herd had dropped to 86.2 million head, the lowest figure in 75 years. Beef prices skyrocketed over the past five years, rising significantly faster than food prices as a whole, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average price of a pound of ground beef rose nearly 57% from July 2021 to July 2026, from $4.39 to $6.89 — hitting a peak of $6.90 in May — with a 10% increase over the previous year. Food prices have risen about 25% overall in those five years, according to the bureau’s numbers. The price for a pound of uncooked steak rose 35% over the past five years, reaching a record $13.06 per pound in July, also 10% higher than a year before. But Glynn Tonsor, a professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University, said the potential effect on beef prices from the smaller supply of cattle was lessened because the U.S. beef industry is more efficient and has been able to get more meat from each animal than in past years. U.S. government and industry officials view the New World screwworm fly as a major threat to the nation’s $113 billion cattle industry. It was an annual warm-weather scourge for U.S. ranchers from at least the

1930s through the 1960s, until the U.S. largely eradicated it. The fly was contained for years near the Panama Canal, but returned to southern Mexico in late 2024 and advanced toward the U.S., with the first case in Texas since 1966 reported June 3. Since then, more than 40 cases have been confirmed in southern Texas and southeastern New Mexico, with infestations of cattle, sheep, goats and dogs. In her July announcement of plans for a phased reopening of the border, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said it was possible to start with an Arizona crossing because the northern Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua had stronger animal health programs than other parts of Mexico. She also said each animal would be inspected and declared free of the parasite before crossing the border. U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman said the USDA is taking a “careful, science-based” approach to reopening the border and imposing strong animal health protocols. “This is an important step for America’s cattle producers, especially our feeders in the border states,” Boozman, an Arkansas Republican, said in a statement. “Restoring this long-standing trade is critical to strengthening our cattle supply and supporting a healthy, competitive beef industry.”

Buc-ee’s draws outcry in fight over a mini mart’s beaver logo gas station giant accuses Ohio store of infringement BY JULIE CARR SMYTH Associated Press

BEAVERCREEK, Ohio — A lip-licking alligator, a smiling moose and a hat-wearing bear are among the many cartoon animals to have found themselves in the crosshairs of Buc-ee’s, the popular Texas convenience store chain that has a penchant for protecting its bucktoothed beaver. But now Buc-ee’s has set off a Buckeye backlash across Ohio and beyond after taking on a beaver in the city of Beavercreek. It’s yet another Buc-ee’s Ltd. trademark infringement lawsuit. Supporters of Beaver’s Mini Mart have attacked Buc-ee’s online and boycotted the stores, and the mini mart’s home city passed a resolution making the beaver an official

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JULIE CARR SMyTH

The Beaver’s Mini Mart mascot is the target of Buc-es, saying it closely resembling the chain’s branded ‘Bucky’ beaver.

part of its history. British comedian John Oliver has even weighed in on the kerfuffle. On an episode of “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” the comedian detailed Buc-ee’s aggressive history of trademark lawsuits targeting various woodland creatures and launched a website hawking

merchandise bearing a knockoff “Buc-off” logo and a squirrel mascot named Mr. Nutterbutter. On X, #boycottbucees trended. Buc-ee’s sued Beaver’s Mini Mart in late July, four months after the chain known for its extensive food offerings and massive restrooms opened its first Ohio store less than a half-hour’s drive away. Buc-ee’s argues the shop’s beaver logo too closely resembles the convenience store giant’s branded Buc-ee (“Bucky”) beaver. The Texas-based company asked for a jury trial in federal court in Ohio. Beaver’s Mini Mart occupies a long, low building with a shingle roof at a suburban intersection. In contrast, the new 74,000-squarefoot Buc-ee’s off Interstate 70 near Dayton has more than 100 gas pumps, 24 electric vehicle chargers and 700 parking spaces. A second Ohio store has been approved to open in 2028. While preparing to enter the state in February, Buc-ee’s sued

the northern Ohio holding company for Mickey Mart gas stations, arguing its Mickey the Moose logo could be confused with Bucee. (The company’s response: “A moose is not a beaver.”) The Buc-ee’s beaver logo features the face of a beaver with prominent buck teeth wearing a red ball cap against a yellow backdrop. The Beaver’s Mini Mart mascot is a full beaver, unclothed, waving and smiling against a white background. Customers have been critical of Buc-ee’s decision to target the much smaller store. “I love Buc-ee’s, but I don’t plan on going back until they start making better business decisions,” Austin Collins, 32, a project manager from Fairborn, said outside Beaver’s, where he was making his first visit to protest the lawsuit. He called targeting a beavernamed business in Beavercreek “a little spiteful.” License plates from three states were visible in the parking lot.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Tuesday, August 25, 2026 ■ 7A

Virgin Islands marina battle stretches on lll

Project has Louisiana ties

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

Construction of a proposed yacht marina in the U.S. Virgin Islands overseen by Louisiana natives and defended by former U.S. Rep. Garret Graves of Baton Rouge came close to fruition after more than a decade of regulatory hurdles and legal challenges, but it now faces another obstacle after local environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The local groups argue the Corps didn’t sufficiently study the environmental and aesthetic impacts of the marina project, but Graves argues the yearslong per- Graves mitting process was more than enough and is in fact an example of a broken, burdensome federal bureaucracy. Located in the town of Coral Bay on the island of St. John, the marina complex is slated to have 115 boat slips for yachts ranging from 30 feet to 150 feet at a cost of about $130 million. The developer behind the project, Summer’s End Group, is run by Denham Springs native Chaliese Summers and her partner, Louisiana native Rick Barksdale. Summers and Barksdale have lived on St. John for close to two decades, though they maintain a second home in Louisiana close to their children and grandchildren, Summers said. The permitting process for the marina started in 2014. After lengthy local debates over the project, the Corps this spring granted permits allowing construction to proceed. But this month, the group Save Coral Bay sued to block that approval. “The construction approved by the Army Corps will directly harm, deteriorate and in some cases destroy the aesthetics, habitat and natural features of Coral Bay,” the lawsuit argues. The developer challenged that claim. “The Army Corps reviewed the permit for more than 10 years, and the issues raised in the lawsuit were all identified and fully addressed during the permitting process,” Summers told The Advocate | Times-Picayune. Summers said the project “includes millions of dollars in environmental restoration and infrastructure improvements.” The Corps did not respond to a request for comment.

‘Stupid policies and delays’ The lawsuit states Graves, who sat on the House Natural Resources Committee, advocated for approval of the project with the Corps and other federal agencies in 2023 and 2024 and received regular updates on it. The lawsuit suggests the Corps’ review of the marina project became more lax due to Graves’ involvement. Graves countered, saying that “conducting oversight here is what public service looks like.” He said he never advocated for the permit approvals but rather for a decision. “It would take 30 seconds of a web search to show that my entire career was spent bashing the Corps’ stupid policies and delays when they adversely affected our citizens,” he said. “In this case, our constitu-

ents borrowed untold dollars and have been dealing with the federal bureaucracy for 15 years to get a permit. No constituent should be treated this way.” The former congressman for years has been a fierce critic of the Corps, including when he chaired a congressional committee overseeing the agency and before that when he led Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. In 2013 as a state official, he called the Corps “a complete disaster.” Graves, who was elected to Congress in 2014 and in 2024 opted not to run again after his seat was redistricted, said that he learned about the marina project from constituents in 2017 and has worked with federal agencies on it since that time. A year ago, in August 2025, Graves traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands to testify before the Legislature there in favor of the marina project. He argued that federal bureaucracy was to blame for hampering millions of dollars of private investment and an economic development project that began years before. “We’ve been working with the alphabet soup of federal agencies and even flagged the Summer’s End project to the White House as an example of how broken the federal regulatory process has become,” Graves told members of the U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature. “Now, we are seeing the attention on this project like never before.” The lawsuit says an investor in the development company contributed $25,000 to Graves’ reelection campaign in September of 2023. The lawsuit does not identify the donor. Graves strenuously objected to any insinuation he was influenced by campaign donations, saying no ethics complaints have been filed against him throughout his 30 years of public service.

The marina The proposed “full-service, environmentally considerate marina complex” will also have a Customs and Border Protection office, fuel, waste disposal services, restaurants, bars and a local market, and it will serve “mega yachts, mono & sail cats, cruisers, sport fishers & more,” according to the project website. The project would be funded “with a total private investment” of $130 million, according to written testimony Summers submitted to the U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature in 2025. Summer’s End Group, the developer, is “a coalescence of generational St. Johnian families” that includes Summers, Barksdale and local residents, business owners and landowners as well as investors from South Florida and Louisiana, according to the testimony. Summers told Virgin Islands lawmakers that St. John has no boat slips despite residents wanting a marina for more than 40 years. “We are here to change that,” she said. “We are here to capture the economic activity for the recreational boating industry that St. John has missed out on for far too long.” Summers said that Graves “has a longstanding record of helping constituents and others navigate delayed Army Corps matters and pressing the agency to make decisions.” “This project had been waiting roughly 10 years for a decision, and Congressman Graves helped press the Army Corps to act,” she said.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ODELyN JOSEPH

Women cry at the site where their relatives were killed in a gang attack on Monday in the Kenscoff neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Gang coalition attacks community in Haiti BY PIERRE-RICHARD LUXAMA and EVENS SANON Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — A powerful gang coalition attacked a once peaceful farming community nestled in the hills above Haiti’s capital, killing multiple people, an official told The Associated Press on Monday. Kenscoff Mayor Jean Massillon said armed men raided the community late Sunday, setting fire to homes and killing residents. “It is still impossible to establish a definitive death toll due to access difficulties and communication problems,” he said. Wails filled the air in Kenscoff as survivors found the bodies of friends and family strewn on the streets early Monday. “They killed my son!” one woman kept yelling as people nearby tried to comfort her. One man flung himself on

the side of the road, head on his right arm as he cried on the ground. Nearby, people picked up the bodies of those killed, some wrapped in blood-spattered sheets. Robert Jean recalled how he heard shooting before dawn and tried to rustle people from their sleep to escape being killed. He said he was frantically looking for his brother, who was killed: “I was calling to see if everyone was safe. I could not find my brother.” Another Kenscoff resident blamed the government for the killings. “If only we had a good police force that would have placed an armored truck here, what happened here would have been prevented,” said Verti Enold-Saint as he lifted a sheet over the body of his brother-in-law. Farmer Mathurin Pierre, 41, told AP that he lost 14 loved ones and that an unknown number remain missing.

Massillon blamed the attack on members of Viv Ansanm, which the U.S. government designated as a foreign terrorist organization last year. “They sowed chaos,” Massillon said. He said gang members targeted a church and homes including those owned by Dr. Jean “Bill” Pape. He is a renowned doctor who runs a nongovernmental organization in Haiti that helps patients including those with HIV and tuberculosis. No further details about the attack were available. A spokesperson for the U.N.backed gang suppression force did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Haiti’s government issued a statement condemning what it called a heinous criminal attack. “Reinforcements are being deployed,” it said. “Kenscoff will not be abandoned.”

Deportees who refused to exit U.S. flight in Liberia sent to Equatorial Guinea A plane carrying the deportees from the

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALEXANDER WIAPLAH

BY MARK BANCHEREAU

United States arrives Thursday at the Roberts International Airport outside of Monrovia, DAKAR, Senegal — Six people who were deport- Liberia.

Associated Press

ed by the United States to Liberia last week resisted getting off the plane and instead were sent to Equatorial Guinea, another African nation that signed a third-country deportation agreement with the Trump administration, a person on the plane and a lawyer in contact with the six said Monday. Under a series of often secret agreements, the Trump administration has deported thousands of people to two dozen countries that aren’t their own as it pushes ahead with its immigration crackdown, advocates say. Immigration lawyers say the practice is being used as a legal loophole to indirectly return some asylum seekers to countries they fled. The group who refused to get off the plane in Liberia on Thursday include four Cuban men, a Brazilian man and a Cameroonian woman, the person and lawyer said. A Honduran deportee aboard the flight said the group refused to disembark, saying Liberia was “not their country” and that they would face danger there. They were then separated from the others, he said. He spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisals. He said the other passengers got off in Liberia because they feared officers would force them. Meredyth Yoon, litigation director for Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta,

said the deportees who resisted leaving the plane in Liberia were told they would be returned to the United States but instead were flown to Malabo city in Equatorial Guinea. “It was a really heartbreaking and chaotic scene when they arrived in Malabo on Thursday,” Yoon said. Some arrived in chains and in extreme distress, she said, including the Cameroonian woman and one of the Cuban men, who Yoon said has a large abdominal growth and uses a colostomy bag that must be drained regularly. There is no medical staff at the hotel in Equatorial Guinea where the six are being held, alongside around 40 other deported migrants, she added. Conditions at the hotel have worsened in recent months, Yoon said, with food sometimes withheld and guards accused of threatening, beating and choking some of the migrants. Equatorial Guinea’s government did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. Under an opaque $7.5 million deal with the Trump administration, Equatorial Guinea’s all-powerful president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has turned the hotel owned by his family into a prison for asylum seekers deported from the U.S.

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8A ■ Tuesday, August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Three sentenced in fatal drive-by shooting Judge hands down decades for killing of 14-year-old

BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

Three people were each sentenced to decades behind bars for their roles in the fatal drive-by shooting of a 14-year-old boy who was walking with a group of teens to Domino’s.

Dylan Thomas Fox, Yusef Wesley Jr. and Asia Jones each had previously pleaded guilty to reduced charges in connection with Eric Taylor’s death. Taylor was walking with others in the 3300 block of Plank Road just before 8 p.m. Nov. 13, 2024. A vehicle pulled up alongside the

group and someone opened fire. Taylor was struck in the upper body and died at the hospital two days later. Another juvenile was shot and survived her injuries. She told police the teenagers had been on their way to get pizza. Police said at the time that the

drive-by sparked retaliatory shootings across Baton Rouge. A witness was able to identify the 2013 Honda Accord involved in the shooting. From the owner of the vehicle, investigators were able to learn the identities of the three people in the car: Fox and Wesley, both 19 at the time of the shooting, and Jones, then 18. Fox was arrested first, and originally booked on counts of first-

degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, illegal use of a weapon and assault by drive-by shooting, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. He told police that Jones had driven the car and that Wesley had fired at the group in the road using a handgun with a laser-pointed sight. Surveillance footage se-

ä See SENTENCE, page 2B

Hughes’ defamation trial continues Former editor, writer take stand

BY DAVID J. MITCHELL Staff writer

STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON

East Baton Rouge Parish schools Superintendent Jody Purvis and members of the School Board break ground on the Denham Springs High School STEM and Robotics Center’s new classroom and administrative building Monday.

Livingston Parish schools expand popular STEM center

District plans partnership with industry leaders with P-Tech program BY GIGI LIMAN Staff writer

Livingston Parish school leaders gathered Monday to break ground on a $2.4 million construction project that will bring major upgrades to the Denham Springs STEM and Robotics Center. The construction, which will add three classrooms and a new front office to the campus, is the center’s first expansion since it opened in 2019. It was created as the parish’s first dedicated STEM space for students and offers Denham Springs High School students electives in science, engineering, computing and media. The groundbreaking was celebrated by leaders as an indication of the center’s success, which was, in many ways, born of the historic 2016 floods. “This particular center is actually one of the positive things from the flood,” Livingston Parish schools Superintendent Jody Purvis said. “It came from some of the worst times that we’ve ever had in Livingston Parish to build something that’s been so successful and that’s touched so many students.” In August 2016, Southside Elemen-

Michael Simmons, director of the Denham Springs High School STEM and Robotics Center, gives a few words on Monday before the groundbreaking for the new classroom and administrative building.

ä See TRIAL, page 2B

That building was the only one on the tary School in Denham Springs opened a new building with a cafeteria and campus to survive. It is now the STEM several classrooms. A few days later, and Robotics Center. floods ravaged the region, destroying ä See STEM, page 2B the school and much of its property.

DA: BREC violated open meetings law Parks commission accused of improperly identifying topic

A retired editor and a former editorial writer for The Advocate both took the witness stand Monday to defend the accuracy of a 2019 opinion piece criticizing Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jefferson Hughes III’s handling of a child custody case. Their testimony came on the final day of testimony in the trial of a defamation lawsuit Hughes filed against the newspaper over the editorial. The case was set to go to closing arguments Monday night. Hughes is seeking $10 million, claiming he was libeled by the editorial, which ran two days after an investigative news story into his alleged ethical lapses as a Livingston Parish judge in the custody case more than two decades ago. The editorial, in its headline, asserted Hughes had made a “mockery of justice.” Danny Heitman, a former member of the paper’s editorial board, wrote the unsigned editorial for the “Our Views” section of the paper’s Opinion page. He told jurors he based the editorial on the reporting from the frontpage investigative story and stood by its accuracy and opinion-based conclusions. Under questioning from Scott Sternberg, an attorney for The Advocate, Heitman disputed the idea that he or other members of the board had an agenda against Hughes. Heitman told the Iberville Parish jury that he hadn’t known much about Hughes before the paper’s news coverage of him, beyond that he was a justice. Heitman said the judge’s actions merited the opinion column. Hughes oversaw a custody case in 1998 and 1999 in which one of the litigants, the mother of a 5-year-old boy, was represented by a lawyer with whom he would at one point have a romantic relationship. The custody case triggered an FBI investigation, which did not lead to charges, and a probe by the state Judiciary Commission, which disciplines Louisiana judges for ethical violations. Five years later, Hughes wrote an apology letter to the grandmother of the boy and to the child’s biological father, who had battled the mother in the case. The judge’s letter to the grandmother

District Attorney Hillar Moore on Friday said in written findings an executive session at the BREC Commission’s July 23 meeting violated the Louisiana open meetings law due to the commission not properly identifying the topic of discussion in its executive session beforehand. BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Immediately following that session, the Staff writer commission publicly approved sending The board overseeing Baton Rouge’s a letter to Friends of City Park, an indeparks agency violated open meetings law pendent group dedicated to preserving in its last meeting during in a discussion the park, stating there is a growing coninvolving a City Park conservation group. cern that some of the group’s publications

could appear as if they are affiliated with the agency. The letter asked the group to disclose its independence from BREC in all publications and communications and to not use any official parks agency logo. After receiving the letter, Friends of City Park asked the District Attorney’s Office to investigate the commission. The group said it believed the executive session was about sending that letter and that the group was not properly notified of this.

ä See BREC, page 2B

STAFF PHOTO By By DAVID J. MITCHELL

Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jeff Hughes III, left, and one of his plaintiff’s attorneys, Chuck Hughes Jr., leave the Iberville Parish Courthouse in Plaquemine on Aug. 17 following jury selection and opening statements in a defamation trial.

Jan Risher is on vacation. Her column will return next week.

2B ■ Tuesday, August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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8-year-old La. girl dies from a rare brain-eating amoeba Infection likely contracted from Lake Claiborne

BY JACK BROOK

Associated Press/Report for America

An 8-year-old girl in Louisiana has died after being infected by an extremely rare brain-eating amoeba that is found in warm freshwater, her family says. Lillian Smart died over the weekend after being diagnosed with an infection from Naegleria fowleri, according to Kyle Roberts, a spokesperson for her family. Health authorities describe it as a

U.S. and can shoot up the nose and cause an infection that almost always proves fatal. On average, there are fewer than 10 cases annually in the U.S. “Last night Lillian ran from our arms to the arms of Jesus,” her parents, Daniel and Rebecca Smart, wrote Sunday in a public post on Facebook. “The injuries to her brain were too severe for her little PROVIDED PHOTO body to recover from. Everyone did everything they could to keep her Lillian Smart, an 8-year-old from Louisiana, died Sunday after being here.” The Louisiana Department of infected by a rare amoeba found in Health said last week that the state warm freshwater. had experienced its first confirmed Naegleria fowleri infection since “brain-eating amoeba” that thrives 2013. The department, which did in freshwater bodies around the not identify Smart, does not com-

ment on individual cases or specific patients, according to spokesperson Stacey Grow. “Heartbroken over the news of Lillian’s passing,” Gov. Jeff Landry wrote on X. The infection was likely contracted while swimming in Lake Claiborne in north Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Health said. The amoeba can lead to a fatal infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis when water carrying the amoeba travels up the nose and into the brain. Between 1937 and 2025, there have only been approximately 180 confirmed infections in the U.S., according to the Health

Department, which added that the cases are “nearly always fatal.” The infection cannot spread from person to person. Naegleria fowleri is found in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, canals and ponds throughout the U.S. The amoeba becomes dangerous in water that stays over 77 degrees F and for years has been seen almost exclusively in the summer in the southern part of the country. A few recent cases have appeared in Maryland, Indiana and Minnesota, scientists said. “The amoeba is naturally occurring, and there is no routine environmental test for Naegleria fowleri in bodies of water,” the Louisiana Department of Health stated.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

A member of the audience holds up a sign during a meeting on the proposed updates to BREC’s City-Brooks Park at the McKinley Alumni Center on June 11 in Baton Rouge.

BREC

Continued from page 1B STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

The Denham Springs High School STEM and Robotics Center sits next to a dirt patch where a new classroom and administrative building is set to built in Denham Springs.

STEM

Continued from page 1B One of the three new classrooms will house the center’s planned process technology program, which will train students in the systems and machinery used at oil refineries. A small-group meeting room, storage and bathroom space will also be added. The program is intended to create a pipeline from Denham Springs High School into the region’s industrial chemical plants. Students will be able to take dualenrollment courses and earn college credit toward an associate degree in process technology while still in high school, according to Michael Simmons, the center’s director. The school district plans to partner with industry leaders for the program and has begun forming

an advisory board, said School Board member Cecil Harris. The expansion will give more space to the Denham Springs High School’s robotics team, Denham Venom, which shares the center’s gymnasium with another class. The robotics team has become one of Livingston Parish schools’ crown jewels. In 2025, it became the first Louisiana team to win a division title at the FIRST Robotics World Championships. This summer, the team won the Indiana Robotics Invitational. The construction will allow for an updated front office space. Simmons, a former high school physics and chemistry teacher, currently works out of what was once the building’s walk-in cooler. The center’s secretary works in what was the front of the oncecafeteria. “We’ve done a lot more with less,” Simmons said, referring to the current office setup.

The center, which students can bus or drive to, offers three pathways: computing, engineering and digital design and emergent media, each of which houses many courses. The courses available to students include intro to engineering, sound design, digital storytelling, data manipulation and cybersecurity. Any Denham Springs high schooler can enroll in the center’s courses, which are taken alongside required classes. Enrollment in the center’s courses has nearly tripled since it opened seven years ago. The center launched with 293 enrolled students, three teachers and an LSU doctoral student working as an extern. Today, six teachers work at the center and nearly 800 students are enrolled. A seventh is expected to be added in 2027 to teach process technology. The new building is expected to be completed in time for the of the 2027-28 school year.

TRIAL

Continued from page 1B called his own actions in the case inimical to truth and the administration of justice. Heitman said the editorial board found that apology letter “remarkable.” “I’d never seen anything like that,” he said. A key issue in the trial has been the timing of Hughes’ romantic relationship with the attorney, Berkley Durbin. Hughes claims the relationship didn’t start until after Durbin removed herself in late August 1998 from representing the mother. Durbin continued to represent the mother’s new husband in a criminal case arising from alleged abuse of the boy, according to evidence at trial, and Hughes eventually ruled for the mother in March 1999. Hughes took the stand in the trial, denying having ruled on any of Durbin’s cases while they were romantically involved. He testified their relationship didn’t start until after she withdrew from the custody case. On Monday, Peter Kovacs,

SENTENCE

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID J. MITCHELL

The Advocate defense attorney Scott Sternberg leaves the Iberville Parish Courthouse in Plaquemine on Aug. 17 after the jury selection and opening statements in a defamation trial against the newspaper and two of its retired editors. editor of The Advocate at the time of the editorial, testified that he and others met with Hughes twice, first in an off-the-record setting. Kovacs testified that among the three corrections the justice sought, Hughes focused on the word “presided” in the description of his role in the custody case. The editorial said Hughes had “presided over a controversial custody case while he was, according to several people, romantically involved with one of its lawyers.” Kovacs stood by the use of that word because although Hughes didn’t rule for the

on counts of first-degree murder, attempted Continued from page 1B second-degree murder, illegal use of a weapon and assault by drivecured by police showed by shooting. Jones was more than one shooter, booked on multiple counts of principal to first-degree however. Wesley was booked murder.

mother while Durbin was her lawyer, he had participated in a status conference while Durbin was on the case. Kovacs also countered criticism by an expert witness for Hughes earlier in the trial about the newspaper’s reporting on a case more than 20 years old. Kovacs said the fact that the public hadn’t known about the controversy for so long made it more newsworthy, not less. He said voters, families with other custody cases before Hughes and other litigants didn’t know what had happened over all those years because the ju-

Wesley was sentenced to reduced charges of manslaughter and obstruction of justice, receiving a 15year sentence with an additional 30-year suspended sentence, to be added to his time if he fails to complete five years of super-

larity the parties or subject matters to justify the calling of an executive session,” Moore wrote. Peter Davis, director of Friends of City Park, said Moore’s findings were a victory for transparency and taxpayer oversight. “A powerful commission attempted to operate in the shadows to silence a grassroots group of local taxpayers,” Davis said. On Aug. 6, a BREC spokesperson initially said there was no violation of open meetings law and that legal counsel would address the allegation accordingly, in response to a request for comment by The Advocate. BREC Superintendent Brooks Williams said in a statement Saturday that the agency accepts Moore’s findings and the commission will reconsider the matter and take appropriate action to cure the procedural violation Thursday. “In this instance, the agenda should have provided greater specificity regarding the matter being discussed. We should have gotten that right, and we apologize that we did not,” Williams said.

The meeting and the letter come in the middle of an often heated, public conversation about City Park as a BREC-hired firm works to create a plan to transform the sprawling acres in the middle of Baton Rouge. Friends of City Park, as the most vocal proponent of preserving the park and City Park Golf Course, has consistently engaged in conversations in person, on social media and privately with the BREC Commission regarding the plan for the future of the park. Moore, after his office investigated the incident, wrote the BREC Commission’s agenda for the executive session was “insufficient” as it only stated it was to “discuss prospective litigation and strategy,” which he said was not a specific enough notice required by law. Moore said BREC must take corrective action for the agenda violation within 15 days, which the parks agency said it would do so at its upcoming commission meeting, set for Thursday. Email Claire Grunewald at “BREC’s public notice fails to claire.grunewald@theadvocate. describe with sufficient particu- com.

dicial disciplinary process kept it secret. Kovacs added that Hughes walked out of the second meeting, and said had the justice been clearer about what he wanted corrected, the eventual clarification might have come sooner. In rebuttal testimony after the newspaper rested its case Monday, Hughes said his main desire for a correction centered on his reading that the editorial claimed he ruled on a case in which his then-girlfriend was an attorney. He again said he didn’t do that, and the relationship began around Christmas time 1998. Last week, Hughes testified that his reputation was harmed by the editorial. Attorneys for The Advocate challenged Hughes on cross-examination, focusing attention on his run-ins with the Judiciary Commission. They also called witnesses who testified Hughes has inserted himself into cases in lower courts while he sits on the state’s highest bench, raising questions about abuse of power. Questioned by Sternberg, Baton Rouge lawyer David Bienvenu Jr. recounted a 2022 conversation with

vised probation following his release. Fox was sentenced to 35 years in prison on charges of manslaughter and attempted second-degree murder. Jones received 20 years for conspiracy to commit

Hughes. Bienvenu said Hughes had advance knowledge on how his fellow justices on the Supreme Court were going to rule on a pretrial matter in his defamation case against The Advocate. Months after Hughes sued The Advocate, he also sued a judicial system activist, claiming she defamed him in a letter to the editor in The Advocate about the stories on him. Bienvenu represented the activist. Made public five days after Hughes’ conversation with Bienvenu, the Supreme Court decision allowed his defamation case against The Advocate to proceed. Bienvenu testified that, armed with advance knowledge, Hughes told him he’d be willing to settle the letter-tothe-editor case for $25,000. “I’m being told about the outcome of something at the Supreme Court and then being told by a Supreme Court justice that he’ll take $25,000 to go away,” Bienvenu testified. Because Bienvenu was Venable’s attorney, Hughes was recused from ruling on any of the attorney’s cases before the Supreme Court. Bienvenu said he was offended by the call, noting

second-degree murder and two years for principal to illegal use of weapons, which will run at the same time. Email Quinn Coffman at quinn.coffman@ theadvocate.com.

Hughes was sitting on the Supreme Court while speaking about a case before that court in which he was a private litigant. “There has to be separations of these things. I didn’t think it was right,” Bienvenu said. Sternberg told Bienvenu the judge had testified that he hadn’t called him to share advance information about the Supreme Court decision. Sternberg asked Bienvenu if the judge had lied. Bienvenu replied the justice’s testimony was “not true,” asserting the phone call happened and noting that moments after the call, he sent an email about it to Sternberg, which jurors were allowed to see. Bienvenu said he wouldn’t have sent that email absent such a conversation with Hughes. “There would have been nothing to document,” he said. During his rebuttal testimony Monday, Hughes denied trying to use leverage against Bienvenu. He said he learned about the ruling in advance from a standard distribution list sent to the justices a few days before he spoke to Bienvenu.

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Funerals Today Barksdale, Kaleigh

Charlet Funeral Home in Zachary at 11am.

Kliebert, Linda

St. Agnes Catholic Church at 11am.

Olinde, Mary

St. Joseph Catholic Church in French Settlement, La at 11am.

Ward, Malcolm

Community Bible Church, 8354 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge at 10am.

Obituaries Bridges, Polly Elizabeth Griffin

Everleigh; brothers, Wade Griffin and wife Debby and Joseph Griffin, Jr. and wife Kathey. Preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bridges; parents, Joseph Griffin, Sr. and Ionia Griffin. Special thanks to Mrs. Joyce Ann Gilbert for all her service and care, along with several others that the family appreciates. Visitation at Taylor Creek Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, August 28, 2026. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment will follow at New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneely s.com.

Creed, Sarah Anne Munson

I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalms 121: 1-2 Born in Jackson, LA, married Charles A. Bridges where she became a longtime resident of St. Helena Parish. She passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026 at the age of 78, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Most of all she was a devoted Christian and served her church faithfully as a teacher and secretary for many years. Polly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, working with her plants and flowers in her yard, and being a member of the garden club and historical society where she enjoyed her "outings". She is survived by her sons, Mitchel Adrian Bridges and wife, Donde, Joseph Wilson Bridges and wife, Jennifer; 11 grandchildren, William Bridges and wife, Robbi, Matthew Bridges and wife, Kayla, Rachael Graham and husband, Jake, Rebecca Bridges, Davin Booty and wife, Marlee, Ashton Bridges Allen and husband, Brennan, Sarah Byars and husband, Josh, Lauren Harrelson and husband, Denver, Kirkland Bridges and wife, Jazilyn, Eliza Bridges and Charley Bridges; 14 great-grandchildren, Kaylynn, Piper, Madelyn, Blakely, Annabelle, Kori Kate, Sadie Mae, Karsyn. Naomi, Hutson, Briggs, Adrienne, Hallie Rae, and

Sarah Anne Mills Munson Creed passed peacefully from this life on August 22, 2026, surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren. A lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Sarah Anne attended Bernard Terrace Elementary School, University Laboratory School, and University High School, where she formed friendships that would last a lifetime and met her future husband, Kipp. While at UHigh, she was a member of the homecoming court, queen of the May Court, a cheerleader, and a sponsor. Sarah Anne graduated from LSU with a B.S. in Education and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. For many years, she remained active in the Kappa Alumnae Association, serving on the house committee. Sarah Anne was a devoted lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, where she served on the Restoration and Stewardship committees. Her faith was at the center of her life and shaped the way she loved her family, served her community, and cared for others. Throughout her life, Sarah Anne was involved in many social and civic organizations and causes that were dear to her. She was a member of Cypress Club, Decorators, and Fais

Do Do. She was presented by the Baton Rouge Assembly in 1964 and was queen of Achilles in 2005. She enjoyed playing tennis and golf with her friends at the Baton Rouge Country Club. She was a proud member of the National Society of Colonial Dames, and Friends of Sulgrave Manor. She was also a longtime member and sustainer of the Junior League of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Bar Auxiliary, and Baton Rouge Green. She generously supported causes including Magnolia Mound, Baton Rouge Green, and Girl Scouts. From an early age, Sarah Anne had a special love for animals. Growing up, much of her spare time was spent caring for and riding her beloved horse, Dixie, on the family's farm, ChugChug. When she was just five years old, she rode Dixie in a parade down Third Street. She also loved landscaping and gardening. No matter the season, you could find her outside working in her yard, planting, replanting, and making everything around her more beautiful. But of all the things Sarah Anne did in her life, nothing mattered more to her than her family. Sarah Anne shared 51 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Kipp. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, friendship, faith, and more than a few adventures. Their enduring love and devotion to one another was an example to their children, grandchildren and those that knew them. Sarah Anne loved to travel, especially to Europe. As part of their wedding vows, she made Kipp promise to take her to Europe every year—and he did. Their travels eventually took them all over the world. To her grandchildren, she was simply "Lovie." And being Lovie was one of the greatest joys of her life. There was almost nothing she would not do for her family. She babysat grandchildren, attended their countless school programs, sporting events, activities, and celebrations, and made sure she was present for the moments that mattered. She planned trips and adventures for her children and grandchildren and delighted in creating memories for them. Because they especially loved beaches, boats, and the water, she took them on countless trips to Orange Beach, the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and Hawaii. She exemplified Proverbs 31:28-29: "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her. Many women have done ll l b

excellently, but you surpass them all." Sarah Anne's love extended far beyond her immediate family. She had a remarkable ability to make the person in front of her feel as though they were the most important person in the world. She remembered the details, showed up when it mattered, and gave generously of her time, attention, and love. She was woven into the lives of so many people, and she will be missed every day. While she is gone from our sight, her words, traditions, faith, and presence are engraved on the hearts of those who loved her. Her family's greatest hope is to honor her by carrying forward what she taught them: to love deeply, give generously, show up for the people you love, celebrate life's special moments, and make the ordinary beautiful. She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Richard Creed, Jr. "Kipp"; her son, Richard Creed III; her daughter, Katherine Creed Gold; her son-in-law, Brooks Gold; her grandchildren, Brooks Creed Gold and Sarah Gale Gold; and her sisters, Susan Pipes Munson and Mary Katherine McKee; along with numerous nieces and nephews and friends too numerous to count. She was predeceased by her father, William Warren Munson; her mother, Sarah Pipes Munson; and her brother-in-law, Raymond McKee. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28th at the First Presbyterian Church one hour before the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, the family will host a private reception for relatives and close friends at the Baton Rouge Country Club. A private burial will be held at a later date at Young's Cemetery in Plains, Louisiana.

Pitcher Chrisentery, Frankie B

Parish School System and for more than 15 years in the Wilkinson County School District. Throughout her career, she educated and mentored countless young students. Her former students continue to speak highly of Frankie and express how much they admired her discipline and the values she taught in the classroom. Frankie leaves behind to cherish her memories, her sister, Edna J Smith; three sons, Charlie Pitcher (Arleen), Gilbert "Skeeter" Pitcher (Linda), Vernon Duke Pitcher (Doris); one bonus son, William Thomas of Chicago; nine grandchildren; 26 greatgrandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother Christine Burris and father Frank Bergeron. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM on Thursday August 27th at True Light Baptist Church, 3836 North St, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am.

Richard, John Earl

John Earl Richard, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the age of 89. He was a retired operator with Dow Chemical; resident of Brusly and native of Jennings, LA. John was a US Navy Veteran who served in the Korean War. Visitation will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Brusly on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 9:30am until Mass of Chris-

tian Burial at 10:30am, celebrated by Father Arun John. Entombment will follow at the church cemetery. John is survived by his children, Rehia Wilson and husband Darrel, Bryan Richard, Aelisa Ockmand, John E. Richard, III and wife Lori, and Keith Richard and wife Charlene; grandchildren, Barrett Wilson, Dara Wilson, Bryce Wilson, Tyler Richard, Hannah Richard, Bryan Richard, Jr., Elise Cazes, Blair Gauthier, Kaytlin Matherne, Cheyenne Parker, Alora Ockmand, Taylor Pendley, John "Tony" Richard, Amber Dyess, Blane Richard, Brandon Richard, and Cory Richard; thirteen great grandchildren; three greatgreat grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth LeBlanc and husband Charlie; brothers, Donald Richard and wife Debbie, and Jerry Wayne Richard; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Janell Richard; parents, John and Elizabeth Krater Richard; and sister, Jean Daigle. John loved Cajun French Music and was a former president of The Cajun French Music Association. He had his own band named Déjà vu. John was an amazing carpenter who enjoyed woodworking. He loved his family more than anything. Special thanks to the CNA's Mollie McNell, and Irma Robertson for their loving care. Please share memories online at www.wilbertservices.com.

The Advocate’s Obituary Department Labor Day Holiday Hours Due to the Labor Day Holiday, our offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 7th, 2026.

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Frankie Bergeron Pitcher Chrisentery departed this life on August 17, 2026, at the beautiful age of 98. Her dedication to education was a defining part of her life. Frankie taught for more than thirty years in the East Baton Rouge

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

OUR VIEWS

Amtrak’s Mardi Gras service’s success boosts region When Amtrak’s Mardi Gras line between Mobile and New Orleans opened to the public on Aug. 18, 2025, the train service carried lots of hope while raising a number of questions. When it celebrated its first anniversary last Tuesday, most of the hopes had been more than realized, while the many smaller questions have been replaced with just a single, bigger main concern. The concern is about safety. Just about everything else about the train has been a roaring success. The Mardi Gras line has experienced eight crashes in just a year, five of them deadly, with a total of seven people killed and about a dozen train passengers or employees injured. While there is little Amtrak can do about motorists and pedestrians unsafely crossing or walking along the tracks, and while this line’s conductors already blow their warning horns loudly and often, it is a good thing that the Southern Rail Commission plans to use part of a federal grant to study rail-crossing safety. It also is heartening that the Mississippi Department of Transportation is leveling rail crossings and is working to add gates where they are missing, even though several of the victims of train accidents drove around existing gates. We also hope local police or sheriffs will aggressively penalize drivers who ignore road signs and crossing arms. Meanwhile, the good news is abundant. Official original projections were for 70,000 riders in the first year, which would have been considered a clear success. Instead, the number of riders crossed the 150,000 mark before the first anniversary. Amtrak also takes customer surveys, and company spokesman Marc Magliari said the surveys for the Mardi Gras Service show the single highest level of rider satisfaction of any line among all 46 states and 2 Canadian provinces where Amtrak operates. He said the Mobileto-New-Orleans line also sells more coffee than any other Amtrak operation, and he credits the decision to use locally made Community coffee. It is no wonder that satisfaction is high: The train cars are bright and clean, the scenery along the coast is terrific, and the convenience of access to and at the stations is notable. Our news pages also report that Mobile, New Orleans and Mississippi coastal towns are all seeing economic and cultural benefits from the Mardi Gras line, some of them measurable, some anecdotal. And that’s even before Mobile opens a new 10,000-seat arena as an even bigger attraction for coastal travel, and before Mississippi towns have finished adding restaurants and other enhancements around their depots. All of which suggests, by the way, that it would make sense at least to analyze options for extending the service eastward to Pensacola and westward to Baton Rouge. With so much to celebrate so far, the more, the merrier.

Too much power in the hands of one party? It’s time to vote. The control of both the executive and legislative branches by the current Republican administration and Congress has accelerated a deeply concerning decline in our nation’s foundational systems and global standing. The relentless focus on deregulating major industries has dismantled decades of critical environmental protections, accelerating habitat destruction and leaving public health vulnerable to industrial pollution. Economic policies favoring tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy have worsened wealth inequality, putting an unsustainable financial strain on the middle and working classes while ballooning our national debt. The administration’s isolationist foreign policy and erratic approach to international diplomacy have severely damaged our relationships with our global allies. By retreating from international agreements, this administration has created a dangerous leadership

N.O. ended veteran homelessness, but progress is threatened

vacuum on the world stage, allowing adversaries to expand their influence unchecked. We urgently need a return to balanced governance that prioritizes long-term economic equity, environmental stewardship and responsible global leadership. Let’s choose leaders who will defend our democracy and build a country that works for all of us, not just a few. Let’s choose leaders who listen, who serve with integrity and who will fight for the issues that matter: affordable healthcare, good jobs, strong public schools, climate action and protecting our fundamental rights. I encourage everyone to vote Democratic in this year’s elections. Let’s move our country forward with hope, with unity and with a commitment for justice and opportunity for all. Our future is in our hands. Let’s make it a brighter one, together.

As a retired member of our military and a New Orleans resident, I learned a simple lesson: When a mission is succeeding, you reinforce it. You don’t dismantle it because someone else wants control. New Orleans has proven what its homelessness system can accomplish. In 2015, New Orleans became the first major American city to effectively end veteran homelessness. Local government, the Veterans Administration, UNITY and nonprofit partners built a coordinated system to identify homeless veterans, house them and help them remain housed. This partnership ended veteran homelessness in New Orleans, a year earlier than the federal goal. That system continues serving veterans today. Like the rest of the country, New Orleans has faced challenges. While rents climbed nearly 47%, Louisiana lawmakers repeatedly rejected efforts to raise the minimum wage, stuck at $7.25 since 2009, yet passed a law giving themselves a pay raise in June. We shouldn’t be surprised when people fall into homelessness after housing costs soar while wages remain frozen. But here’s what matters: We responded. While communities across the country struggled with rising homelessness, New Orleans reversed the trend. Street homelessness declined as local partners moved people from encampments into permanent housing. So why does Baton Rouge want control of the federal dollars supporting that work? We’ve seen the state’s approach. Before the Super Bowl, millions were spent on a temporary warehouse rather than permanent housing, with the contract awarded to a for-profit company with no history of serving people experiencing homelessness. Its owners, however, have financially supported Republican political causes. As a veteran and taxpayer, I don’t want a proven system disrupted so politicians can redirect money to their friends. New Orleans knows how to house veterans. We proved it. When the strategy is working, support it. Don’t replace results with politics.

BECKY CONNERS Baton Rouge

Why is SpaceX exempt from taxes and liability? The Louisiana Legislature passed a package of bills easing regulations on Elon Musk’s SpaceX spaceport, exempting the company from sales and property tax, public records disclosure and liability for damage to nearby homes and businesses. What? And what about Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Hyperion data center in North Louisiana? Will he also be exempt? In an effort to bring big business and jobs to the state, our Legislature

is once again willing to allow these companies to take whatever they want from our soil, our coast, our homes and our health for their economic gain. What happens when these companies create problems that they are exempt from fixing? Haven’t we sued the oil companies for their disregard of the issues and problems they’ve created? Will we never learn?

SHARON LACOUR Lafayette

Amazon’s drones create a noisy nuisance overhead

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When the Amazon Fulfillment Center at Cortana Mall in Baton Rouge opened to much excitement, I did not foresee that I would be living next to an airport. My property appears to be under an Amazon Prime Air “flyway,” with drones buzzing overhead all day, some as early as 7:30 a.m. Those who are receiving packages delivered by drone may delight in the novelty and convenience. They may not realize how many other people may be inconvenienced by the constant drone traffic over their private property.

The Federal Aviation Administration is being asked to allow up to 1,000 Amazon drone flights a day in Baton Rouge. This creates unacceptable noise overhead as drones fly to delivery and back. Drones also may bring up privacy issues with outfitted cameras, and it’s possible they may trigger anxiety for military veterans who have known drone warfare. For myself, I can no longer enjoy the peace and quiet of my front and back yard in the mornings without persistent drone interference.

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COMMENTARY A rare Senate vacancy triggers a test for Trump COLUMBIA, S.C. — Reading the Southern mind is a tricky business, especially in secessionist South Carolina. It is even more so now that a second Northern invasion has seized and occupied the state’s best places, diluting the culture and potentially altering the political landscape. Even so, some classic traits remain amid the population boom. Chief among them are a stubborn, independent streak and an allergic reaction to outsiders telling the Kathleen born-and-bred how to Parker think and what to do. This tendency is nearly pathological when it comes to the media and the so-called elites. Lately, I’ve begun wondering whether this reaction might also apply to a certain New York celebrity narcissist who happens to be president of the United States. Methinks Donald Trump’s lame-duck irrelevance is starting to show. While a Trump political endorsement has long been tantamount to the pope’s blessing for Republican office seekers, its effectiveness seems to be waning. Already this primary season, Republican voters have snubbed 10 Trumpendorsed candidates for statewide office or Congress, including in South Carolina. Early on, Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette for governor. She was also endorsed by Trump loyalist Gov. Henry McMaster. But Evette didn’t win the primary outright and had to face state Attorney General Alan Wilson in a runoff, which she lost. Trump’s endorsement ultimately became a curse when he decided just days before the runoff to also endorse Wilson, saying on Truth Social that either candidate would make a good governor. He may as well have driven a stake through Evette’s heart. Trump not only looked two-faced, he devalued his own currency by endorsing two people for the same position. Next up was the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the sudden death of Lindsey Graham and the conventional wisdom that no one could replace him. Except, that is, for his little sister, Darline Graham, who was adopted by her older brother when she was 13 and he was 22 after their parents died. Her grief over the loss of her brother has been palpable these past several weeks as she has navigated a political world that she says she never wanted to enter. Until she did! Within days of Lindsey Graham’s death at 71 from an aortic dissection due to cardiovascular disease, McMas-

program’s success because it will inevitably face political pressure from opponents. The public school system may be the last and largest remaining monopoly in the country. Courts have broken up other monopolies, but only parents have the power to break up the public school monopoly by depriving them of the “raw material.” It’s called competition, which has worked well in just about every other field. It can also work in education and is starting to, in states with school choice options. Stories about the transformation of public school children who have managed to escape their underperforming schools for private ones are starting to get the public’s attention. The media mostly ignore them, but word is getting around, especially to poor and minority parents who want their children to have a bright future. A significant side benefit would be children who grow up loving America, believing in capitalism and not joining the Democratic Socialists of America. Thanks to school choice and the FSTC law, we may finally see a system that puts children and the country first, not the teachers’ unions and the agenda of the secular progressives.

The Flock camera controversy is migrating to Louisiana. At least a little bit. In recent months, Flock-brand license-plate reader cameras have become the focus of growing anger around the country. In some places, the cameras have been vandalized. Some have called for them to come down. A host of websites, including DeFlock and Have I Been Flocked, have sprung up, providing crowdsourced data to those troubled by the cameras. Their concern is simple: The cameras represent an unacceptable leveling up of public surveillance. But the issue has only in recent weeks started to bubble up in Louisiana, where there are nearly Faimon 7,000 such cameras, according to Roberts DeFlock. Last week, Livingston Parish council member Ryan Chavers introduced an ordinance that would “ban Flock cameras on Livingston Parish roads,” according to a headline. “You’re not going to use our parish rights of way to surveil people,” Chavers said. Chavers’ proposal may win him some points with voters, but it is ultimately toothless. The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office doesn’t have a contract with Flock. The ordinance would apply only to privately owned cameras on public rights of way along parish-owned or parish-maintained roads. In other words, only roads controlled by the parish, not all roads in the parish. Cameras along state roads would not be subject to the ban. Also, the ban would only apply to privately owned cameras, not publicly owned ones. The proposal, if passed later this month, would mostly hit homeowners associations that set up cameras as a way of monitoring who comes in and out. This proposal targets the wrong watchers. People aren’t necessarily worried about their neighbors watching them. If they were, there would have been a massive pushback against doorbell cameras. The Flock camera issue is about government surveillance. The biggest users of license-plate readers, including Flock cameras, are law enforcement agencies. Each agency determines who has access to the images and data. The avenue for abuse is wide. A case from Jefferson Parish last week hammered home this danger. There, Sheriff Joe Lopinto fired a deputy who had accessed that parish’s camera system thousands of times to track the movements of one person — his former fiancée. The deputy didn’t face criminal charges because the woman opted not to file a criminal complaint and said she was aware of her ex’s actions, Lopinto said. More worryingly, however, Lopinto and JPSO did not know about the deputy’s misuse of the system until they were contacted by reporters for The Washington Post, who had discovered the searches by studying a public database. Not to single Lopinto out too harshly here. The Washington Post investigation found several instances in which local police forces — even very large ones — actually had no idea how their employees were using this massive surveillance apparatus. For instance, Indianapolis Police Chief Tanya Terry wrote an op-ed in a local magazine insisting that the department had strong guidelines in place to govern use of the cameras. But three weeks later, The Post notified her that an employee had tracked his wife and two “close personal acquaintances” more than 3,700 times over 10 months. Terry told The Post that the case was a “learning experience” for her department. The Post’s investigation found that use of the cameras was widespread, but many departments had no auditing system to monitor how the system was being used by its employees. In many cases, those who wanted to abuse it did so with little impediment. Jefferson Parish and Indianapolis are just two recent examples of this happening. There are plenty of others. Obviously, the cameras have good uses, too. They have been repeatedly cited by law enforcement as crucial to solving crimes. In just one recent example, deputies from the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office in Texas and the Louisiana State Police were able to locate and recover a child missing from Texas by tracking the suspect’s car using the camera network. Those are worth acknowledging. The cameras and their databases — like most technologies — are ethically and morally neutral. Their use is not. The old saying “with great power comes great responsibility” applies here. The two — power and responsibility — must come together. If the latter is a “learning process” long after the power has been deployed, then it’s already too late.

Email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@ tribpub.com.

Email Faimon A. Roberts III at froberts@ theadvocate.com.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JACQUELyN MARTIN

Sen. Darline graham, R-S.C., speaks as President Donald Trump listens at a campaign rally for graham at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Friday. ter tapped Darline Graham to serve out the remainder of her brother’s term through January. She was to be an uncontroversial placeholder for a short time, during which a special election for the seat would be held. Trump had more ambitious plans, however. He asked Graham to run for her brother’s seat, and in what must have been an emotion-fueled fugue state, she said yes. Suddenly, a real primary race was on with multiple Republican candidates. Still, it was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grab a rarely open Senate seat. Forget Donald Trump, in other words. The race came down to three leading candidates: Graham, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman and U.S. Rep. Russell Fry, the last of whom Trump had previously said he could support for the Senate seat. (Sorry, Rusty.) Graham finished ahead of the other two in the Aug. 11 election, but she didn’t win a majority and now faces Norman in a runoff on Tuesday. Fry, ever the good sport and a reliable Trump pleaser, quickly endorsed Graham. Some South Carolinians have expressed their disapproval on social media of Trump’s meddling, with many noting that Senate seats shouldn’t be inherited and questioning Graham’s qualifications. But their angst may be inadequate to counter pro-Graham super PACs, such as Palmetto Action, which spent $1.26 million targeting

Norman after the primary. Norman, a commercial real estate developer and vice chair of the U.S. House Freedom Caucus, has minimal outside help and is using about $800,000 in personal loans to boost his campaign. A fiscal conservative, he emphasizes reducing federal spending. Few people had ever heard of Darline Graham before her brother’s death, and she remains something of an enigma, despite a few public appearances and television ads. Some vaguely know that she’s an optician who also worked in various state agencies, and that she’s a mother, grandmother and advocate for people with disabilities. If they tuned in to her recent debate with Norman, they would also know that she’s nothing like her brother. When Newsmax anchor Greta Van Susteren asked her whether Taiwan and the South China Sea were important to national security, the senator candidly said: “I’m just going to be honest here. I’m not that informed on national security.” Her vow to preserve her brother’s legacy while pushing for her own priorities creates a fine line she now must walk. But, in all honesty, her candidacy seems like a spoof — Trumpian in its audacity and absurd in its sentimentality. It’s almost enough to make a person want to secede from the state. Kathleen Parker is on X, @kathleenparker.

Back to school 2026-27 looks different School Choice is sweeping the When I attended a much different country, except in some states run by public school in suburban Maryland, Democrats who are beholden to there was a public service anthe teachers’ unions and their nouncement on TV that asked: political donations. They favor “It’s 10 o’clock. Do you know “choice” when it comes to aborwhere your children are?” I was usually in bed at that tion but deny it to poor children hour on “school nights,” but in underperforming public that question might be put a difschools. For parents who might Cal struggle with the cost of private ferent way today: “It’s 9 a.m. Do Thomas schools, especially in states that you know what your children won’t allow this option, a new are being taught?” federal law might help. Many parents don’t have a clue what It’s called the Federal Scholarship is being fed into their children’s minds and spirits, or they learn after the fact. Tax Credit (FSTC), also known as the We’ve seen the news reports of parents Education Freedom Tax Credit. Startshowing up at school board meetings to ing Jan. 1, taxpayers will be able to complain, but usually after the fact and claim a dollar-for-dollar federal tax with little effect. credit of up to $1,700 annually for Most people are familiar with the de- donations to qualified programs that grant scholarships. It even allows rebates over transgender athletes on female sports teams and in girls’ locker ligious schools to participate and will rooms, gender identity and other social pay for tuition, tutoring, technology, subjects. How many parents know transportation and services for chilabout subjects being taught that come dren with special needs. from a secular-progressive worldview? According to David Bass of the PhiAccording to the National Assesslanthropy Roundtable, “More than two ment of Education Progress (known as dozen states have already opted in, and additional states are under pressure the Nation’s Report Card), nine-yearold children are doing better in reading to follow. If fully implemented across the country, the program would cover and math than children their age in roughly 90% of K-12 students.” previous years, but older children (13 This is where philanthropy can do and up), who came through the disruptions of the COVID pandemic, continue some of its best work. Bass believes the next 18 months are crucial to the to stagnate in those subjects.

The danger of Flock cameras is one we all must reckon with

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6B ■ Tuesday,August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

TODAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm

Humid; an afternoon t-storm

Humid; heavy p.m. t-storms

Some rain and a t-storm; humid

Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm

Some rain and a thunderstorm

HIGH

LOW

HIGH

93° 76°

LOW

HIGH

95° 77°

LOW

89° 75°

Beaumont 97/77 Port Arthur 95/78

Baton Rouge 93/76

Lake Charles 95/79

New Orleans 92/78 Houma 88/75

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

0s

Hattiesburg 94/74

Alexandria 97/76

Lafayette 94/78

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40s

50s

LOW

HIGH

LOW

89° 74°

YESTERDAY

TODAY

READINg 56 MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

Baton Rouge through 5 p.m. Monday

Jackson 93/73 Many 99/76

HIGH

91° 73°

TEMPERATURE

Longview 103/79

-0s

LOW

Monroe 98/76

Shreveport 101/79

-10s

HIGH

88° 74°

After a Monday filled with severe thunderstorm watches and warnings and special marine warnings, Tuesday will be a little less active. Expect a partly to mostly cloudy, hot and humid day with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures this afternoon will rise to the mid-90s and with high humidity, heat index values will be up to 106 or higher. The UV index is at the very high level today. Another line of strong storms will roll through on Thursday.

60s

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90s 100s 110s

High/low Normal high/low Last year’s high/low Record high Record low

Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today FULL

AUG 27

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Atlanta Austin Boston Charlotte Chicago Dallas Denver Houston Las Vegas

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

92°/77° 92°/73° 93°/71° 106° in 2023 63° in 2009

TODAY’S TIDES Lake Pontchartrain (Tchefuncte River) Shell Beach South Point, Marsh Island Cypremort Point grand Isle (Barataria Pass) Mississippi River (Southwest Pass) Wine Island

24-hour total Month to date Normal month to date year to date Normal year to date

HIGH

7:03p 1:16p 5:25a 7:49a 8:41a 8:02a 9:49a

6:37 a.m. 7:36 p.m. 6:19 p.m. 4:03 a.m.

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93 104 80 87 80 106 88 101 105

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70 75 64 67 66 83 59 79 87

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72 75 65 70 65 80 59 79 87

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0.23” 1.21” 4.93” 42.70” 42.02”

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0.8 6:01a 0.0 1.8 11:50p 0.1 1.9 8:16a 1.9 2.0 11:32p 0.3 1.4 7:45p 0.2 1.7 6:01p 0.1 1.8 8:47p 0.2

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--- ----- --12:26p 1.9 --- ----- ----- ----- ---

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.gOV

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FT.

--- ----- --7:34p 0.0 --- ----- ----- ----- ---

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. MAJOR MINOR MAJOR MINOR

Today 9:51a Wednesday 10:34a Thursday 11:17a Friday 12:01p Saturday 12:25a Sunday 1:12a Monday 2:03a

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Los Angeles 97 Miami 92 Nashville 91 New york City 78 Philadelphia 82 Phoenix 113 St. Louis 85 San Francisco 72 Seattle 85

3:39a 4:22a 5:06a 5:50a 6:36a 7:23a 8:14a

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73 80 66 64 66 90 70 58 56

10:15p 10:57p 11:40p ---12:46p 1:35p 2:26p

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s t pc s s s pc pc pc

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4:03p 4:46p 5:28p 6:12p 6:57p 7:46p 8:38p

WED. Lo

74 79 72 70 70 91 68 60 58

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MISSISSIPPI Memphis Vidalia-Natchez Red River Landing Baton Rouge Donaldsonville Reserve New Orleans OHIO Cairo COMITE Near Olive AMITE Near Darlington Denham Springs Port Vincent TICKFAW Montpelier Holden ATCHAFALAYA Simmesport Melville Krotz Springs Butte La Rose Bayou Sorrel Morgan City

s t t s s c t pc pc

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

Researchers exploring possible treatment for Usher syndrome Studies show Acadians more prone to disease

BY JA’KORI MADISON Staff writer

Nearly half a century after Louisiana researchers began looking for the genetic cause of Usher syndrome among Acadian families, scientists are now trying to turn decades of laboratory research into a treatment for people living with the disease. For Lafayette native Mia Brasseaux, 19, living with Usher syndrome means navigating progressive hearing and vision loss while attending dental school and running her own nonprofit. The genetic disease causes combined hearing and vision loss. In some forms, it also affects balance. The condition can vary in severity, but for people with the most severe form, hearing loss is present at birth and vision loss develops progressively. “The only time I bring up I have it is when I bump into someone, and I have to explain to them that I have tunnel vision and I have no peripheral vision,” Brasseaux said. “Otherwise, if I say it beforehand, they prejudge.” Jennifer Lentz, a professor of otorhinolaryngology and a member of the Neuroscience Center at LSU Health Sciences Center who has spent more than two decades studying the disease, said people living with it can experience a full life and can be overlooked when the disease is described only by its sensory losses. Brasseaux’s experience reflects that reality. Her vision loss affects how she navigates the world, but it has not stopped her from pursuing a career or being a part of the community. Her story also reflects why Usher syndrome is of

particular significance in Louisiana, where a specific genetic mutation has been traced to Acadian ancestry. Usher syndrome occurs in populations around the world. But Acadiana residents have a connection to one form of the disease: Usher syndrome Type 1C. John Doucet, a professor at Nicholls State University who worked on the LSU Health Sciences Center team that helped discover the gene causing Acadian Usher syndrome, said Usher syndrome Type 1 is the most severe form. “Usher Type 1 is the most severe, with profound deafness occurring at birth and blindness coming within the first decade of life,” Doucet said. The “1” identifies the broad clinical category based on the severity and pattern of symptoms, while the “C” refers to the specific gene involved, Lentz said. The connection to Acadiana families is rooted in what scientists call the “founder effect.” In simple terms, Doucet said, a founder effect can occur when a small population becomes separated from a larger population. The smaller population carries a limited pool of genes, including genetic changes that may become more common as the population grows. In the case of Usher syndrome Type 1C, Doucet said one or two ancestral couples in the Acadian population carried a mutation in one copy of the gene without having the disease themselves. As their descendants grew and intermarried, the mutation became more prevalent. A child who inherits a mutated copy of the gene from both parents develops Usher syndrome. But the disease is not exclusive to Acadian descendants. “Usher syndrome, including Type 1C, actually hap-

pens in different populations around the world,” Doucet said. He pointed to populations in the United Kingdom, the Middle East and South Africa as examples, explaining that those populations likely developed their own founder effects. Doucet also emphasized that Usher syndrome remains rare even among people with Acadian ancestry. “We’re only talking about a number of families, a very small population,” he said. That distinction is important, he said, because describing Usher syndrome as occurring in the Acadiana population does not mean that most, or even many, Acadians have the disease. Louisiana’s research effort began in 1975, when Lentz’s and Doucet’s former mentor, Bronya Keats, began looking for the genetic cause of deaf-blindness among Acadiana families. Families were enrolled in research between 1978 and 1983. After years of research, scientists discovered the specific genetic mutation responsible for Acadian Usher syndrome Type 1C in 2000. Doucet was a postdoctoral student working with Keats beginning in 1993. Lentz joined the laboratory as a graduate student in 2003. One of Lentz’s first major projects was creating a mouse model carrying the Acadian USH1C mutation. The model allowed researchers to study the disease and test potential therapies. The mouse model allowed researchers to study the disease and test potential therapies, work that eventually led to the development of a promising treatment. Beginning around 2010, Lentz and her colleagues began testing therapies aimed at preventing the hearing, vision and balance problems associated with Usher syndrome.

gOOD

FLOOD STAGE

34 48 48 35 27 22 17

MON. 24-HOUR STAGE CHANGE

13.70 25.50 26.50 10.70 5.60 4.13 3.40

+0.81 +1.46 +1.30 +0.90 +0.50 +0.31 +0.27

40

30.06

+0.18

19

-1.45

none

18 29 8

-0.84 10.50 1.55

-0.19 +0.14 +0.25

13 15

2.79 0.90

+0.20 +0.10

47 34 29 20 12 6

10.59 6.69 5.18 4.66 3.00 1.63

+1.05 +0.68 +0.61 +0.44 none none

data as of 7 a.m. Monday

Forecasts and graphics, except for Damon’s Outlook, provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2026

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

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T u e s d ay, au g u s T 25, 2026

C L E M S O N A T L S U • 6 : 3 0 P. M . S E P T . 5 • A B C

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MATT ROURKE

Dae’Quan Wright runs a drill during practice for the Philadelphia Eagles at their training facility on June 9. After the Cleveland Browns cut him this week, Wright is expected to join the LSU Tigers if he clears waivers.

‘Unique’ career path to college and transfer to LSU. Wright’s Kiffin defends LSU adding agents on Monday told ESPN that he into join the Tigers if another NFL ‘NFL players’ to its roster tends team doesn’t claim him on the waiver

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

Lane Kiffin was asked a simple question. He took a step back, cleared his throat and wiped his nose before acknowledging that the query itself was a good one. “Coach, how comfortable are you with NFL players coming back to college?” For decades, the question of whether professional players ever would return to college football wasn’t a question at all. The NFL had been a player’s ultimate goal. That’s where they’d find their big paydays, win Super Bowls and earn national acclaim. That was at least the case until Monday, when Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright officially was placed on waivers, a move that opened the door for the former Ole Miss player to return

wire. Wright’s decision to return to college comes after a Louisiana judge granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA that granted Wright and 30-plus other athletes eligibility to play a fifth season this school year. The NCAA recently changed its rules to allow athletes to play five seasons in five years, but the rule did not apply to players from the 2022 high school class, to which Wright belonged. “The judge found that these players should have been told and should have known that they were going to be eligible for a fifth year, which every player moving forward, every athlete in all sports has,” Kiffin, the LSU head coach, said Monday. “They should’ve known that in December when they were making decisions. Had they known

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin watches ä See LSU, page 4C during a preseason practice on Friday.

1CN

Kiffin willing to take barbs for LSU’s benefit As a football coach, Lane Kiffin makes a pretty compelling litigator. Maybe that’s because he’s spent most of his adult life being tried, convicted and acquitted in the court of public opinion. On Monday, Kiffin and LSU had a seat at the defendant’s table yet again with national debate raging over news that the Tigers were about Scott to land former Ole Miss/ Rabalais Virginia Tech/Philadelphia Eagles/Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright. This after bringing in former Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka on Friday and before reportedly receiving a commitment later Monday from former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris. Harris was recently cut by the Saints. If all this sounds like it’s coming straight from Bizarro World, join the club. Or, in this case, the jury box. LSU and its still under warranty football coach are once again at the center of a controversial story: Should schools be allowed to bring back athletes who have had professional experience? Kiffin is used to the heat. During a Monday news conference, he made oblique references to his past firings/ departures with the Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Volunteers, USC Trojans and Ole Miss, which he left on the altar of the College Football Playoff. “I’ve learned to love my story,” Kiffin said. He even loves bringing back a player like Harris, who after Ole Miss beat Georgia in the Sugar Bowl (a CFP quarterfinal game) took his chance to fire a broadside at Kiffin. “All he’s been trying to do is steal our shine,” Harris said. “He was trying to be a troll. We’re going to troll him. We got something for him.” Well, Harris still has something for Kiffin. An experienced player at a position of need, just like Tuihalamaka and Wright and probably some other players as well. Players who may have been or will soon be waived by their NFL

ä See RABALAIS, page 4C

Undrafted Saints running back Donaldson welcomes contact BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

STAFF FILE PHOTO By PATRICK DENNIS

LSU center Kate Koval drives to the basket for an uncontested layup in a game against Alabama State at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Dec. 28.

Koval leaving LSU for ‘personal reasons’ BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

LSU women’s basketball center Kate Koval has decided to leave the team for personal reasons, coach Kim Mulkey announced Monday evening. Koval, a junior from Ukraine, joined the Tigers as a transfer in 2025 and started 17 games last year. She was in line for another significant role this coming season, a year in which LSU’s frontcourt rotation was also set to feature sophomore forward Grace Knox and two international signees.

ä Judge’s ruling makes Luis eligible for LSU men, PAgE 3C

“Kate came to see me on Sunday,” Mulkey said in a statement, “and told me that after much consideration, she will be leaving the program for personal reasons. We will respect her privacy on her decision, but we had a long talk about it, and it was a hard decision for her. I know it is hard because she loves LSU. Kate is a great person. She has to do what she feels

ä See KOVAL, page 3C

One of the few bright moments in the New Orleans Saints blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday in SoFi Stadium happened when backup quarterback Spencer Rattler scanned the field and found noä Saints body available. at Cowboys, So Rattler 7 P.M. FRIDAy,WAFB w h i p p e d h i s head to his left and found his outlet, undrafted rookie running back C.J. Donaldson, available in the flat. Donaldson caught the pass and then did the rest, leaving quickly closing defensive back Nyzier Fourqurean in the dust with a juke and bowling through a feeble tackle attempt by safety Nick Anderson on his way to a 32-yard gain. Afterward, the thing on Donaldson’s mind was that he lost control of the football as he was being tackled. That it fell safely out of bounds did not seem to matter. “My mindset is one person can’t tackle me; you’re going to need two, three people to tackle me,” Donaldson said. “But at the end of the day, I don’t like the finish of the play. I don’t like that I lost the ball.” The Ohio State product (by way of West Virginia) made the most of his 21 offensive snaps in the loss. Donaldson rushed three times for 15 yards and added four recep-

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CAROLINE BREHMAN

Saints running back C.J. Donaldson carries during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday in Inglewood, Calif. tions for 51 yards — tallying both the longest run (9 yards) and reception (32) for the Saints in the game. He also was on the field for 50% of New Orleans’ special teams snaps. “I’m excited to see C.J. more and more,” coach Kellen Moore said. “He’s had some good exposure so far through the preseason for us. He’s really well prepared, he knows what he’s doing, he brings value on special teams. He’s doing a nice job for us. He’ll certainly have some opportunities on Friday.” Donaldson has earned those op-

portunities in the last preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, but he’s also getting a longer look because of what has happened on the depth chart. Three Saints running backs — Alvin Kamara (knee), Devin Neal (hamstring) and Ty Chandler (knee) — are currently out with injuries. Another, Audric Estime, returned to practice Monday after missing a week with an ankle injury. That leaves more work for Donaldson — and more opportunities to

ä See SAINTS, page 2C

2C ■ Tuesday, August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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SAINTS NOTEBOOK

N.O. signs veteran kicker Carlson Injuries galore

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

With roster cuts due in less than a week, the New Orleans Saints are shaking up their kicker competition. The Saints are signing veteran kicker Daniel Carlson, the team announced. The deal comes after the Saints’ other kickers — Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown — have struggled throughout camp, with both missing a field goal attempt in the preseason. “Daniel’s a really talented kicker,” Saints coach Kellen Moore said. “He’s had a lot of success in this league, and we feel like there’s worthy opportunities there for the competition, to get him involved here. We’ll anticipate him trying to kick here on Wednesday, and we’ll go from there.” Carlson, 31, is a two-time AllPro, but his accuracy has dipped in recent years. The former Las Vegas Raiders kicker made 81% (22 of 27) of his field goal attempts in 2025, down from 2024’s 85% (34 of 40). Still, Carlson adds veteran experience to the room and has a big leg. He made a 60-yard attempt last season, a career high. He was named as an All-Pro in 2021 and 2022. He spent eight seasons with the Raiders after briefly beginning his career in Minnesota. The Raiders released Carlson in March to sign Matt Gay instead. Moore, who said the Saints plan to carry three kickers on the roster for the rest of the preseason, said the Saints had held “dialogue” with Carlson throughout the offseason, paving the way for Monday’s deal. “I feel like this would be a good opportunity for him,” Moore said. “We felt good about where we were at with those two young guys. But we felt like at this time, adding a third guy would be valuable for us. “We’ll just let the next few days

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By RICK SCUTERI

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson is seen during a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13, 2021, in Las Vegas. The Saints announced they are signing Carlson, a two-time All-Pro. take its course. We’ll have a really good day on Wednesday with kicking at practice and then transition to Friday’s (preseason) game (against the Dallas Cowboys).”

Trade news Deion Jones’ homecoming didn’t last long. The New Orleans Saints traded the veteran linebacker Sunday to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for running back Zamir White. The trade comes three weeks after the Saints signed the Jesuit grad. But Sunday’s trade helps the Saints at a position recently decimated by injuries. The only other healthy backs for Friday’s preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys would have been Travis Etienne, Kendre Miller and undrafted C.J. Donaldson. Moore has also not said whether he plans to play

The unfortunate injury bug keeps on biting. More than 20 players missed Monday’s walkthrough, including several new absences that will keep them out for an extended period. Moore said after the session that tight end Moliki Matavao (knee), running back Ty Chandler (knee) and rookie cornerback Lorenzo Styles (calf) are dealing with injuries on the more serious side. New Orleans, too, placed cornerback Rejzohn Wright on injured reserve as he’ll undergo season-ending hip surgery, Moore said. The Saints are also collecting more information on running back Devin Neal’s hamstring injury after he reaggravated the issue during Saturday’s preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The following players did not participate in the walkthrough: WR Jordyn Tyson (hamstring), WR Trey Palmer (undisclosed), WR Mason Tipton (leg), WR Bub Means (hamstring), Neal (hamstring), Wright (hip), cornerback Quincy Riley (groin), Chandler (knee), Styles (calf), CB Dalys Beanum (undisclosed), RB Alvin Kamara (knee), G Cesar Ruiz (ankle), DT Christen Miller (shoulder), LB Chris Rumph (ankle), DT Brien Taylor (stinger), OL Torricelli Simpkins (concussion), T Barry Wesley (undisclosed), Matavao (knee), TE Oscar Delp (hamstring), DE Cam Jordan (hamstring) and DT John Ridgeway (foot). New acquisitions White and Carlson were not yet in attendance. In good news, the Saints did see running back Audric Estime (foot) return to practice Monday. Despite the long list of injuries, Moore said he has yet to decide if the Saints will play their starters in Friday’s preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys.

the team’s starters, which would make Etienne unavailable. In White, the Saints pick up a running back who spent his first four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. The 26-year-old has appeared in 45 games with nine starts, rushing for 736 yards on 198 attempts. White signed with the 49ers in the offseason but is now headed to New Orleans. For Jones, he’ll reunite with 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris — his coach in Atlanta, where the linebacker starred to begin his career. But he’ll officially miss out on an opportunity to complete his tour around the NFC South as he’s played for the Falcons, Panthers and Buccaneers. Then again, he faced long odds to make the roster, which could explain why the Saints felt com- Email Matthew Paras at matt. paras@theadvocate.com fortable making the trade.

QB Penix joins drills for Falcons as return nears BY CHARLES ODUM AP sportswriter

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Michael Penix opened Monday’s practice by taking the first snap at quarterback in his initial exposure to team drills this preseason. It’s too early to know what that means for Penix’s chances to take the first regular-season snap for the Atlanta Falcons. Coach Kevin Stefanski wasn’t looking ahead to the quarterback competition or even Friday night’s final preseason game at Miami. Stefanski said he was focused only on seeing Penix make it through Monday’s practice, the latest step in the QB’s recovery from the injury to his left knee that ended his 2025 season. “It’s just good to have him back

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C show what he can do in all facets of the game. “I was proud of him,” fellow running back Kendre Miller said of Donaldson’s preseason performance, mentioning that he wasn’t supposed to play that many snaps had it not been for Neal’s injury in the game. “The more and more opportunities he gets, he just keeps climbing and climbing.” There isn’t another back on the roster who looks like Donaldson, who is a powerfully built 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds. His playing style could never fully show in training camp or joint practices, where players are not allowed to tackle to the ground, but his physical style has shown up in the preseason. That was true even on play calls that didn’t ultimately count, such as his second-effort push for a 2-yard gain on a fourth and 1 that

on the field, seeing him doing good, smiling, making plays,” offensive tackle Wanya Morris said. Penix showed no sign of being limited in the practice. If Penix plays at Miami on Friday Penix night, it would launch his much-anticipated competition with Tua Tagovailoa for the starting job. Stefanski said starters will play on Friday night. When asked whether Penix is part of that plan, Stefanski said: “You know, I want to get through today. Obviously, it’s Mike’s first time back out there. I’m excited for him.” Stefanski announced after

Saturday’s 34-6 preseason win at Indianapolis that Penix had received medical clearance to participate in team drills. Before Monday, Penix had been limited to individual work and 7-on-7 drills. The move to 11-on-11 drills was crucial for Penix. Playing on Friday night would be another step. “We are evaluating everything, evaluating every drill and those types of things,” Stefanski said. “But 11-on-11 is the closest approximation to football and those preseason games are games, and they’re keeping score and those types things. So this is a big step for Mike, and he’s excited.” Tagovailoa struggled in joint practices with the Colts last week and, like most starters, sat out Saturday’s game.

Penix was not available for interviews on Monday. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson said having Penix in team drills was “a step in the right direction for him.” “You guys see it; he has a rocket for an arm,” Dotson said. “I’m excited for him, I know he’s gone through a tough journey. Any injury is a tough journey, so it’s good to see him on the opposite side of that.” After Penix threw incomplete to Chris Blair on the first play of practice, Tagovailoa was first in line when quarterbacks were given series of plays in team drills. Penix followed with his first full series and completed a pass to Drake London along with two more incompletions. He completed three of four passes on his next series.

name called in the draft. Though he had 10 rushing touchdowns in his lone season at Ohio State, he averaged only 3.8 yards per carry while ceding most of the carries to freshman Bo Jackson. Then he ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash at the combine. But Donaldson doesn’t seem to dwell on his draft status or place on the depth chart. He said he tries to adhere to his old position coach’s advice to be where his feet are and to stick to the small details, because “what got me here is what’s going to keep me here.” “You’ve got to always live in the moment, because you don’t get too many of these opportuniASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CAROLINE BREHMAN ties through your career,” DonaldSaints running back C.J. Donaldson carries during the second half of a son said. “You’ve got to sit there game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday in Inglewood, Calif. and enjoy it and clean up the mistakes.” was wiped out by an illegal forma- college. Though he was recruited He’ll get at least one more opporto West Virginia to play tight end, tunity to build his case when the tion penalty. “I love contact,” Donaldson said. he amassed 40 rushing touch- Saints close out their preseason “That’s the edge that I have in this downs in his college career, with against the Cowboys. sport. Most people fade away from at least 10 of them in each of his last three seasons. it, and that’s something I love.” Email Luke Johnson at But Donaldson never heard his ljohnson@theadvocate.com. Donaldson did plenty of that in

Texans acquire WR Boutte to fill injured Higgins’ spot

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans acquired wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots on Monday. Boutte, a former LSU standout, confirmed the deal on social media before either team announced it. According to multiple reports, Houston sent safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick to the Patriots. The move comes after No. 2 receiver Jayden Higgins tore an ACL in a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday. Boutte, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns last season. The Patriots had a logjam at the position after trading for receiver A.J. Brown in June and signing Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract in March.

Panthers expect Hubbard to be ready for opener

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers starting running back Chuba Hubbard is expected to be ready for the team’s Sept. 13 season opener against the Chicago Bears, coach Dave Canales said Monday. Hubbard strained his hamstring earlier this month in training camp and has yet to play in a preseason game while working his way back to full strength. Canales said Hubbard is progressing well. His speed is there, but the team has been reluctant to put him in contact drills. Hubbard ran for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, but a calf injury limited him to 511 yards and one score last season. Hubbard is expected to share carries with Jonathon Brooks, a former second-round draft pick who has struggled with knee injuries.

U.S. Open opponents set for Serena-Alcaraz team

NEW YORK — Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz will open the U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament against a team that features the reigning women’s doubles champion. Williams and Alcaraz will face Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool on Tuesday in the first round of the championship, which will be Williams’ first match at the U.S. Open since 2022. Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic might have an even tougher draw. The top seeds, based on having the lowest combined singles ranking in the 16-team field, face the team of Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten — who are the No. 1-ranked doubles players on their respective tours. The first round and quarterfinals are Tuesday.

Astros parting ways with general manager Brown

HOUSTON — General manager Dana Brown and the Houston Astros have mutually agreed to part ways, the team announced Monday, when it was tied for first place in the AL West. Brown’s contract was set to expire at the end of the season. Senior adviser Jeff Bagwell and assistant general managers Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey and Connor Huff will take over Brown’s responsibilities while team owner Jim Crane will oversee baseball operations during the transition. The move comes after the Astros went 3-6 on a homestand that ended Sunday to fall into a tie with the Texas Rangers for the AL West lead. Brown had been the team’s general manager since January 2023.

Freshman Brandon named Vols’ starting quarterback

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Coach Josh Heupel will start Faizon Brandon at quarterback when No. 20 Tennessee opens the season on Sept. 5 against Furman, the second true freshman ever to start a season for the Volunteers and the first since 2004. How long Brandon stays in the job depends on how he plays. “We named him the starter because we believe in the work that he has put in and how he’s continued to grow and play throughout training camp and the second week through the second scrimmage,” Heupel said Monday. “He’s earned that right. But just like every position you can consistently evaluate.”

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Tuesday,August 25, 2026 ■ 3C

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Judge’s decision makes Luis eligible for LSU BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

LSU has its answer from the courts on RJ Luis’ eligibility for the 2026-27 basketball season. The former St. John’s star was granted a preliminary injunction at his hearing Monday, allowing him to play basketball for coach Will Wade. Judge Ronald Johnson oversaw Luis’ lawsuit against the NCAA at the 19th Judicial District Courthouse in Baton Rouge. Luis’ primary attorney is Elliot Abrams, and the NCAA was represented by Taylor Askew. The court proceedings lasted more than five hours. “What we have today is a decision by a judge to protect the future of a young man who has done nothing wrong,” Abrams said after the ruling. “Who has been mistreated by being singled out. Everyone else who is far more professional is allowed to play every day, and then they (the NCAA) say, ‘We draw this distinction that we can’t even defend and we’re going to smash this kid’s future, ruin his future.’ And you got a judge who says, ‘The law doesn’t allow that,’ and that’s right.” One of the pillars of the plaintiff’s argument was that the NCAA allowed other kinds of professionals to participate in college athletics. Luis’ lawyers argued that allowing professional overseas players who are all more experienced than Luis is an “arbitrary” application of its rule that prohibits profes-

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By NOAH K. MURRAy

St. John’s guard RJ Luis is seen during a game against Seton Hall in New york on March 1, 2025. sionals from playing college basketball while players like Luis, who signed an NBA contract but didn’t play in any NBA regular season or G League games, have to fight for eligibility despite less professional experience. The Southeastern Conference presidents and chancellors issued a collective statement after they had a Monday evening videoconference and shortly after the judge’s decision, voicing their dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling. “College athletes, not former professional athletes, have been at the heart of the Southeastern Conference,” the statement said. “Individuals who chose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be

permitted to return to college competition. Allowing that to occur will blur the line between college and professional sports, create significant competitive equity concerns, and reduce opportunities for high school and current college athletes.” The final point within the SEC’s statement emphasized the importance of advancing the Protect College Sports Act, designed to create a nationwide federal framework for collegiate athletics and name, image and likeness. Abrams’ co-counsel representing Luis was attorney Tony Clayton, who said that this ruling “sets a precedent that you have to treat all these folks the same.” When asked about the potential for an appeal by the NCAA, Clay-

ton said there’s a lot of “discovery” that can be done, meaning both parties in the lawsuit gather evidence and details from witnesses. “There’s a lot of work to do now,” Clayton said. “Now we move to the next phase. This allows him to go practice, go play and then we’ll let the legal process work itself out.” “Whether he gets to play the whole season,” Abrams said, “I think he will and should, and there’s nothing that’s going to change the fact that they (the NCAA) have allowed hundreds of fully professional athletes on the one hand to come in and play and they singled him out for no valid reason.” If the NCAA wants to continue its efforts to prevent Luis, 23, from playing college basketball, it can request a stay to pause the injunction or pursue other methods. Luis needed to file a lawsuit against the NCAA because he wants to return to college basketball after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft and signing an NBA contract. The NCAA’s bylaws don’t allow players who’ve signed NBA contracts, regardless of whether they played an official game, to be eligible. “The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any prospective or returning student-athletes who have signed an NBA contract (including a two-way contract),” NCAA president Charlie Baker said in a statement in December. Luis, a 6-foot-7 wing, went undrafted after playing three years in college and signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz. A

two-way deal pays a player half of the NBA minimum salary, which was about $1.3 million last season. Players play mostly in the NBA G League and are available to play for an NBA team for no more than 50 games. After signing a two-way contract, Luis was then traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Georges Niang and two future second-round picks, waived before the NBA season on Oct. 15 and signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics’ NBA G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics. The Maine Celtics waived Luis before he appeared in any G League games due to an injury. He also never played in the NBA Summer League due to a knee issue, but he did appear in three NBA preseason games for the Celtics. He played seven minutes and scored six points overall. Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey voiced his disapproval of Luis’ potential return to college in an affidavit obtained by The Advocate. In response to Luis’ lawsuit. Sankey wrote that in situations where a college athlete leaves to go pro, “they knowingly forfeit their remaining college eligibility by doing so.” He continued to say that allowing athletes like Luis, who’ve signed professional contracts, back into the NCAA would “fuel disruption” in college athletics. Luis committed to LSU on May 19. He last played for St. John’s during the 2024-25 season, averaging 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds.

Browns name Watson as starting QB Alvarez’s Triple Crown BY JOE REEDY

“Ultimately the fans want us to win. That’s our job as coaches, why we’re hired to try and put the best product on the field. And when we don’t, then I understand their frustration. But ultimately they don’t decide who plays. I mean, who would I be if I let someone outside of the building decide who plays?” Monken said. Watson has started only 19 games for Cleveland since being acquired from Houston in 2022 and signing a fully guaranteed, $230 million contract that will perhaps go down as one of the worst trades and contracts in NFL history. He is 9-10 with the Browns with 19 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions and an 80.7 passer rating. In 2022, Watson missed the first 11 games because of a league suspension resulting from his alleged sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. He made six starts in 2023 before a seasonending shoulder injury and started seven in 2024 before the first of two Achilles tendon injuries. After Monken’s announcement, Watson took responsibility for his comments by saying his emotions got the better of him. “I’m not a big talker anyway. I think people that know me and around the organization, I just felt like it was what was on my heart,” he said. “It was never intended to go at a certain person, fan base or a certain crowd. It was just, this is how I feel. And once I got it off my chest, I felt better and now I can move forward from it.” Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and directed two scoring drives working with other starters and the second team dur-

ing the first half of the preseason opener at Chicago. “There’s a lot of things, too, that me and (Monken) talking personally that we haven’t showcased. We haven’t showcased my full talent and ability to run in his offense. Being able to run, getting outside the pocket, being able to do some other QB-driven stuff. So I’m excited to see what we can cook up, getting ready for Week 1,” Watson said. After facing Jacksonville, the Browns are at Tampa Bay on Sept. 20 to face former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was released after Cleveland traded for Watson. The Browns’ first home game is Sept. 27 against Carolina. Sanders has shown steady improvement throughout the offseason. He started the final seven games of his rookie season, going 3-4 with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Sanders went 9 of 11 for 74 yards with a touchdown and interception during the first half against the Bills. Sanders completed his first eight passes before he was picked off by Damar Hamlin on a pass he threw behind tight end Jermaine Terry. He was 6 of 11 for 79 yards with an interception in the second half against the Bears. Sanders’ biggest improvement is his ability to stand in the pocket as well as move up when he needs to, along with better footwork and decision making. Even though Sanders will be on the sideline for the opener, he is likely to start at some point this season. “I think he has come to understand the long game. What are we really in this for? What am I in it for? To have the Browns be an organization that people aspire to be. The long game. Where do we want to be in the long term? And he understands that as well as a quarterback,” Monken said. “We met this morning for a good long time and all he had was a smile on his face because he understands what really is in front of him. He’s going to work his butt off to get better.” Watson and Sanders will not play in Thursday’s final preseason game against the New England Patriots. Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green will get the snaps as they compete for the third QB spot.

points and 6.3 rebounds per game while shooting 56% from the field. Koval then decided to return to LSU for her junior season before reversing course Sunday. Had Koval stuck with the Tigers, she and 17-year-old center Anna Minaeva would’ve become what was believed to be the first pair of Russian and Ukrainian athletes to share a locker room in women’s college basketball since Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2022. Koval’s father, Oleksandr, is part of the Ukrainian military. Mulkey told The Advocate in a recent interview that she talked to Koval before she recruited Minaeva and that she hoped the two play-

ers could become “ambassadors” for peace and kinship amid international conflict. “I want you to understand I’m not here to ask you to change how you feel about Russia,” Mulkey said, recalling her conversation with Koval. “I’m just here out of respect for your family and out of respect for you to let you know. Because I know how personal it is for you. “Know that what I have to do in this business, I cannot make a decision to not recruit somebody that can help our program because of a conflict between two countries.” Without Koval, LSU’s frontcourt now features Knox, Minaeva, Span-

Associated Press BEREA, Ohio — Not many gave Deshaun Watson a chance of reclaiming the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback spot over the past 22 months. Since Watson ruptured his right Achilles the first time in a Week 7 game in 2024, owner Jimmy Haslam said during last year’s owners meetings that the Browns “took a big swing and miss” when they sent three first-round picks to Houston for the controversial quarterback in 2022. After Shedeur Sanders had a solid first half in last Saturday’s 31-7 loss to Buffalo, a frustrated Watson said the boos from the crowd were “personal” and showed “disrespect” after he took the field in Cleveland for the first time in 22 months. Despite the hurdles and a close competition with Sanders, Watson will be the Browns starting quarterback for their Sept. 13 opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coach Todd Monken made the announcement on Monday after informing both Watson and Sanders. “I took in the full body of work over the course of the offseason to training camp to the games, the joint practice, and ultimately felt like to start the season on the road, Deshaun gave us the best chance to move the ball and score points. I mean, that’s really what it’s about,” Monken said. “I felt that way going into the last game, but wasn’t sure. And after we talked as a staff and we re-looked at everything, we’re going to go that direction.” Watson, a 10-year veteran, won the competition over Sanders as both split reps with the first unit throughout the offseason, training camp and the preseason. The decision will not be popular with Browns fans, who have booed Watson repeatedly during his time in Cleveland and have put a lot of support behind Sanders since he was selected last year after dropping to the fifth round. Monken reiterated that fan sentiment and Watson’s comments did not play a role in his decision. Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and an interception while on the field with players at the bottom of the roster who likely will be cut in a couple of weeks.

KOVAL

Continued from page 1C is right for her, and we fully support her in that. We all wish her the best.” Koval was one of the top recruits in the 2024 freshman class. Mulkey and her staff recruited her when she was playing high school basketball in New York, but she decided to begin her collegiate career at Notre Dame. The Tigers circled back to Koval when she entered the transfer portal in 2025 ahead of her sophomore season. That year, she averaged 8.3

AP PHOTO By CAROLyN KASTER

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson warms up before a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday in Cleveland.

bid must avoid challengers BY NOAH TRISTER

Triple Crown in 2012, he had to hold off Hall of Famers Joe Mauer and Adrian Beltre in batting As the season winds down, average, as well as likely Hall of Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez Famer Mike Trout. He finished will have to worry about two sets one homer ahead of Josh Hamilof spoilers. ton and Curtis Granderson. The first is the more traditional Performance of the week type — teams that Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a will try to beat leadoff homer in the bottom of the Astros in key the first and a walk-off shot in games and deny the 10th to give the Chicago Cubs them a spot in the a 7-5 win over the White Sox on postseason. Aug. 17. The other inThe Cubs then won in walk-off Alvarez cludes individual fashion again a night later against spoilers — players who could the White Sox, but were beaten prevent Alvarez from making via the walk-off twice in a row history as baseball’s next Triple by Seattle later in the week. The Cubs have 13 walk-off wins this Crown winner. Alvarez entered Monday lead- year, the most in baseball, but the ing the American League with a White Sox and Mariners aren’t .320 average, 36 home runs and far behind with 11. 90 RBIs. If he holds onto the top spot in all three categories, he’d Comeback of the week be the first batter to win the TriPhiladelphia was down 4-0 ple Crown since Miguel Cabrera with two outs in the bottom of in 2012. The biggest threats Al- the ninth Sunday before rallying varez faces all come from the for a 6-4 victory over St. Louis. Edmundo Sosa hit a three-run AL East. The next-highest batting av- double, and Bryan De La Cruz erages in the AL both belong to hit a single that tied the game. Tampa Bay players — Chandler Then Kyle Schwarber won it Simpson at .310 and Yandy Díaz with his major league-leading at .306. Fortunately for Alvarez, 39th homer. It was the ninth straight victhere aren’t any stealth candidates — players with high aver- tory for the Phillies, who now ages who don’t currently have trail first-place Atlanta by only enough plate appearances to three games in the NL East. The qualify but would by the end of Braves were 91/2 games up less the season. than two weeks ago. The home run race is curIt’s been a bizarre season for rently the tightest, with Tampa Philadelphia, which was 8-18 by Bay’s Junior Caminero just one late April, then went 48-27, then behind with 35. Ben Rice of the lost eight of its last nine games in New York Yankees has 34. There July before going 16-5 so far in are times when Alvarez seems August. like Houston’s only major threat offensively, and he’s been inten- Team of the week tionally walked 28 times — way Kansas City was the lone team more than Caminero (10) and to go 7-0 over the past week, alRice (four). Those lost oppor- though the Phillies and Los Antunities could matter in a close geles Dodgers both went 6-0. The race. Royals took advantage of four Alvarez’s closest competition games against the dreadful Athin RBIs is Baltimore’s Pete Alon- letics before sweeping three in so, who has 85. Alonso recently a row from a Detroit team that’s went on a 14-game hitting streak. chasing a playoff berth. Last-place Kansas City is actuCaminero is also in the mix with 83 RBIs. ally 36-30 at home this year but When Cabrera pulled off the has gone 22-44 on the road. AP baseball writer

ish forward Noa Morro and sophomore forward Meghan Yarnevich. ZaKiyah Johnson, another sophomore, played in the post last year, but the Tigers had plans for her to spend most of the 2026-27 season as a guard — the position she played primarily in high school. Morro is a 6-3 sharpshooter with professional experience. During the 2025-26 season, a year she spent with the Spanish club Kutxabank Araski, the 21-year-old scored 8.2 points and grabbed 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 38% from 3-point range. Former LSU forward Amiya Joyner initially exhausted her eligibility at the end of last season,

but a recent Louisiana state court ruling paved the way for her and roughly 30 other athletes, across all NCAA sports, to rejoin the college ranks this school year. Joyner entered the transfer portal on Friday. NCAA rules do not allow Koval to join a new program for the 2026-27 season. If she sits out this year, then she can enter the transfer portal when it opens in April and find a place where she can play her final two seasons of eligibility. The NCAA recently switched to an age-based eligibility model that allows athletes to play up to five seasons in five calendar years.

4C ■ Tuesday, August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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QB Hoover welcomes task of replacing Mendoza at Indiana BY MICHAEL MAROT AP sportswriter

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID gRUNFELD

Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris pressures georgia quarterback gunner Stockton during the second half of the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 at the Caesars Superdome.

LSU to add big piece to D-line BY KOKI RILEY AND JON BLAU

the Sugar Bowl, Harris told ESPN that Kiffin’s departure was a “slap in the face.” Kiffin had been invitIt’s clearly “go big or go home” ed to attend the playoff contest in for LSU coach Lane Kiffin as he con- New Orleans but didn’t show. “All he’s been trying to do is steal tinues adding former Ole Miss and our shine,” Harris said. NFL athletes to his 2026 roster. Monday’s commitment of 6-foot8, 330-pound former Ole Miss de- Kiffin denies call fensive tackle Zxavian Harris truly Cleveland Browns coach Todd underscores that sentiment. Monken joked over the weekend that Harris, an All-SEC performer in he failed to pick up a call from Kif2025, is likely the fin, who presumably wanted to talk former about Wright potentially returning Notebook second Rebel headed to to the college ranks. Baton Rouge after a Louisiana Kiffin swears that never haplawsuit that made 30-plus athletes pened. eligible to return for a fifth season. “I guess somebody left him a text Tight end Dae’Quan Wright is also ex- or called (and said) that was me,” pected to land at LSU if he clears Kiffin said, “because I don’t know waivers after his release from the (Monken) or have his number.” Kiffin’s denial came during a Cleveland Browns on Monday. Like Wright, Harris was with an Monday news conference where he NFL team this preseason. He signed broke down why LSU is working to with the Saints as an undrafted free add athletes who received a tempoagent in May but was cut on Aug. 8 rary restraining order against the because he wasn’t able to practice NCAA to play a fifth season. after a March foot surgery. Wright was officially released Harris is the third newly eligible by the Browns on Monday, and his senior added to LSU’s roster, fol- agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln, lowing Friday’s commitment from told ESPN on Sunday that the tight Notre Dame defensive end Junior end already has a deal in place to play for his former Ole Miss coach at LSU. Tuihalamaka. If he’s fully healthy, Harris is a Shortly after the judge in Louimassive addition — literally and siana issued a restraining order, figuratively — to the LSU defense. Wright entered the transfer portal He had 58 tackles, including nine but remained on the Browns’ roster. for loss, for an Ole Miss squad that “Isn’t this (crap) crazy?” Monkmade a run to the College Football en quipped when he was asked Playoff semifinals. about the situation Saturday afLSU has talent at defensive tackle, ter a preseason game against the including highly touted freshmen Bills. Wright didn’t play, but he Deuce Geralds and Richard Anderson. In did warm up, which could make preseason practices, Geralds and him the first athlete to suit up for Anderson have taken first-team reps an NFL team and then return to ahead of veterans Dominick McKinley, a college program. “I don’t know Stephiylan Green and Malik Blocton. what to say. I wondered why Lane It’s a logical move, but it does Kiffin reached out a week ago. come with some surprise because Now I know. I didn’t call him back. of Harris’ comments after Kiffin’s I guess I should have.” Kiffin, who said he is no longer exit from Ole Miss. After the Rebels beat Georgia in using social media, was unaware Staff writers

RABALAIS

Continued from page 1C teams. Past insults need not matter when there are football games to be won. Kiffin made his case for pursuing players who were in the high school Class of 2022 and were recently shut out of the NCAA’s new “five for five” eligibility rule. Players who have filed and received temporary injunction orders, like Harris and Wright. “We have made a decision to recruit some kids from around the country,” he said. “A group of players were granted a fifth year of eligibility from around the country in multiple sports. “Through them winning their injunction, they’re available to recruit. (LSU) and many places around the country are recruiting them. At the end of the day, because of these rulings they’re either going to play for you or someplace else around the country. So, we’ve made the decision to recruit them.” The argument against Kiffin is that once players turn pro and head to the NFL there should be no turning back. Kiffin’s counterargument is that had the Class of 2022 players known that they would have had a chance to play in 2026 — whether at their schools from this past season or

new ones — many of them would have done so. I asked Kiffin on Monday whether he thought this was an eligibility wrinkle that would continue in the future, and he said he thought it would be a one-off thing. Considering how highly unpredictable and volatile college athletics has become, we’ll see how his prediction ages. There’s no guarantee these players will get to play for LSU. There are court hearings ahead, and in the case of Wright and Harris, the Southeastern Conference has prohibited players from transferring from school to school within the SEC except in the January transfer portal window. The SEC presidents and athletic directors meeting, scheduled for Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama, should be a hoot. According to our former colleague Wilson Alexander with On3.com, some SEC members want to penalize LSU. There’s one tiny problem: There is currently no penalty structure in place. Oops. Is LSU trying to exploit a loophole? Clearly. Did LSU help these athletes with their temporary restraining order filing? It appears likely. Is it Kiffin’s job to win? Absolutely. And taking a bloody nose for being out front on this doesn’t bother him a bit, considering all that he’s been through in his career.

of Monken’s statement until LSU staff member Tee Martin, who spent three seasons alongside Monken on the Baltimore Ravens’coaching staff, told him about it. “Maybe someone else called him that said they were me,” Kiffin said of Monken, who coached LSU wide receivers from 2005-06. “I actually don’t know Todd.”

Kiffin responds to Freeman Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman told reporters on Friday that his program would not add players from the 2022 class, stating that the school was too late in the academic calendar to add a new student. Freeman’s response addressed a question about Tuihalamaka, a four-year player for the Fighting Irish who was granted an extra year of eligibility by a Louisiana judge; he and 30-plus athletes were granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA. As a result of the order, Tuihalamaka decided to join LSU. Kiffin responded to Freeman’s comments on Monday, after the Notre Dame coach also said that adding a player this late in the process would be bad for them on the field as well. “I don’t think it would put a person in a good situation this late — school starts on Monday — to have success in the classroom and on the field, so that’s been our stance on it,” Freeman said. Kiffin has a different opinion on the matter, but he defended Freeman for his comments, saying that he’d say the same thing if he were coaching at a school that wouldn’t admit a student at this point in the academic calendar. “Every coach has their own opinion,” Kiffin said. “It’s easy to say you wouldn’t take somebody on the field that late, but you can’t. You can’t get them in through admissions. I probably would say the same thing.”

“Any time someone is the first out of the gate with something, here comes the attention,” Kiffin said. “A lot of other people are trying the same thing. I believe my job is to (benefit) LSU.” In a column this past week I took a stance against the fifthyear players. I’ll amend that a bit now, having heard Kiffin’s appeals court of public opinion argument that these players are a special case. Players who left school early and are trying to return to college, like basketball player RJ Luis who had a hearing Monday on his potential LSU eligibility, are a different matter. I don’t agree with assertions that Kiffin and LSU are ruining college football. College athletics, the schools, conferences and NCAA that run it put themselves in this position by not making monetary concessions to college athletes decades ago. They tried to hold onto all the money and are now paying a heavy price for their greed. Meanwhile, Kiffin is working the system systematically, day by day, taking the landmark changes as they come and trying to play them to his advantage. If he wins, he figures it will all be worth it. If he wins, it will be hard to argue. For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter

INDIANAPOLIS — Josh Hoover’s player bio looks different from most of this year’s other quarterbacks in the FBS. He’s already logged 31 career starts, thrown for more than 9,000 yards, won a bowl game MVP award, set multiple school records, and been in line for conference and national honors. Now, Hoover is about to embark on a new journey, one that puts him squarely under an unusual spotlight in replacing a Heisman Trophy winner for No. 6 Indiana, the reigning national champion. “I wanted to get better, I wanted to be the best quarterback I could be,” Hoover said after Indiana’s spring game in April. “I felt like coming here was going to give me a chance to, No. 1, get better, get developed by some great coaches and, No. 2, be part of a great program with a bunch of great guys who are unselfish. They’re not me guys, they’re team guys. That’s what I wanted. That’s the vision I had.” Hoover hasn’t spoken with reporters since that night, and he’s not expected to talk again until after making his Indiana debut Sept. 5 against North Texas. But the former TCU star would prefer to let his actions speak more than words as he gets acclimated to the expectations of twotime national coach of the year Curt Cignetti. Hoover has spent these past few months studying his playbook, getting in sync with new teammates and figuring out where he fits in this suddenly high-profile program. At first glance, Hoover looks like a perfect fit for Cignetti. Hoover’s comments almost mirror those Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza repeatedly made last year, and Hoover’s scouting report seems familiar, too. Among the

strengths are a strong mind that leads to quick decisions. He throws effectively into tight windows, and he should be helped by both his on-field experience and the time he’s spent as a team leader. The biggest question is whether he can cut down on the turnovers. Hoover threw 13 interceptions and lost two fumbles last year and has been responsible for 33 total giveaways in the three seasons as the TCU starter. Cignetti wants those numbers reduced and believes Hoover will be helped by playing in a more balanced offense than he had with the Horned Frogs. Cignetti’s first two Indiana quarterbacks, Kurtis Rourke and Mendoza, also arrived with questions. Rourke had a history of injuries and almost no experience against Power Four foes. Mendoza had been sacked 42 times in his final season at California. Each answered the questions by leading the Hoosiers to the best back-to-back seasons in school history. Hoover would like to extend the good vibes, though upstaging the first 16-0 season in major college football since the 1890s will be a big challenge. But Hoover, who initially committed to Indiana in June 2021 before signing with TCU in 2022, didn’t come back to Indiana just to replicate Mendoza’s success. He came to Bloomington to meet Indiana’s high expectations and to develop more skills with a coaching staff that turns transfer quarterbacks into all-conference honorees and NFL draft picks. “For me, coming in here it’s all about trying to be the best version of myself and come in and be who I am every day,” Hoover said. “That’s all I have to do is be myself. Fernando is an unbelievable player, an unbelievable person and I have to come in and just be myself and be the best I can be for IU and make guys around me better.”

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU coach Lane Kiffin watches passing drills during a preseason practice on Aug. 10.

LSU

Continued from page 1C that, they would’ve stayed (in college).” Along with Wright (who played under Kiffin for two years), the Tigers also landed a commitment from Notre Dame edge rusher Junior Tuihalamaka and, according to multiple reports, are on track to add former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris. Both players had gained an extra year of eligibility through the court ruling. Tuihalamaka never signed with an NFL team after his four seasons in South Bend, but Harris had signed with the New Orleans Saints after going undrafted. He was released by the team before the Louisiana temporary restraining order, in part because of a foot injury. The Saints did not know that Harris intended to return to college prior to the team’s decision to release him, coach Kellen Moore said. “Obviously, we were in a unique situation with him when he was coming off an injury,” Moore said. “So he never made it to the field with us. We spent some time with him, and obviously we made a transaction that we felt we needed to make.” Kiffin declined to speak on the specifics of why LSU wanted to add Wright, Tuihalamaka or Harris, but he wasn’t afraid to defend his decision to pursue the newly eligible players. As he put it, he wouldn’t be do-

ing his job if he didn’t try to land them. “At the end of the day, because of these rulings, either they’re going to play for you, or they’re going to play somewhere else around the country,” Kiffin said. “So we’ve made the decision to recruit them, like most people are.” Kiffin also defended the athletes for their decision to return to college sports for a fifth season, calling the criticism they’ve received unjust. “I think there’s a lot of misinformation (where) a lot of people don’t understand why players are getting them,” Kiffin said. “It’s not because of some other reasons that people may think.” Kiffin doesn’t believe that Wright or Harris’ hope of returning to college sports will be a norm moving forward. The Louisiana temporary restraining order is a unique scenario within the ever-changing landscape of college sports. But the fundamental question for Kiffin still remained: Does he think that NFL players should be allowed to return to college? “I think that situations are different,” Kiffin said. “In general, should NFL players come back to college? I believe … that answer should be no. I think that every circumstance should be looked at differently. “This is a very unique circumstance … this is not the many circumstances discussed over the years of professionals coming back. They did not know that they had (an extra) year.”

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Tuesday, August 25, 2026 ■ 5C

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THE VARSITY ZONE FOOTBALL PRE VIEW n DISTRICT 6-4A

Brotherly bond

St. Michael’s dynamic duo looks to be catalyst for big season BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

The bond between St. Michael quarterback Caden “Boogie” Levingston and his older brother, wide receiver CJ Levingston, is seen when the ball leaves Caden’s right hand on any given throw. Caden was born left-handed, but learned to throw with his right hand because that’s how CJ did it. “I’ve been looking up to him my whole life,” Caden said. The duo’s relationship bolsters a Warriors squad with big expectations heading into 2026. Caden finished last year with 1,366 passing yards and 13 touchdowns on 78 completions. He also ran for 355 yards and three touchdowns on 76 carries. STAFF PHOTO By JACKSON REyES CJ finished the 2025 season with 276 reSt. Michael senior wide receiver CJ Levingston, left, and junior quarterback Caden ceiving yards and one touchdown on 18 catches. He also ran for 325 yards and four Levingston are brothers who have a special chemistry after years of playing together. touchdowns on 31 carries. On defense, he forced two fumbles and had an interception. job,” CJ said. “It is a great feeling, espeThe brothers are hoping to ride their cially with your little brother, seeing him bond all the way to a state title after a sec- just shine and be great.” Caden remembers last year when he ond-round appearance last year. threw a touchdown pass against Episcopal Built on trust High. The first person to celebrate with Years spent on the football field, basket- him? CJ. “He picked me up, hugged me,” Caden ball court and in the backyard have built a said. “You never know when you can’t get special chemistry between the two. “You start to know everything about each those moments back. To be able to have other,” CJ said. “Y’all know each other’s that in high school is great.” Their brotherly bond is evident to the moves, when to throw the ball, when he’s coaching staff, too. Coach Zach Leger regoing to be open and all that.” Caden pointed to last season as a clear members one moment last year that has example. Whenever he maneuvered out of remained in his mind. PROVIDED PHOTO the pocket, his older brother knew exactly “Boogie (Caden) kind of tweaked his an- St. Michael graduated only nine seniors where to be to enter Caden’s line of view. kle, and CJ grabbed him and carried him, “I’m looking for him as I’m rolling out,” fireman style, off the field,” Leger said. off last year’s team, which went 8-4 and Caden said. “It’s a good thing to have, “We’re all like, ‘What are you doing?’ He’s reached the second round of the playoffs. knowing I have a receiver I trust.” like, ‘That’s my brother, he doesn’t have to The trust goes both ways. CJ said he walk.’ ” corners or wide receivers are looking to feels like no matter what his brother does, do on the other side of the ball. he’s going to make the correct decision on Big season ahead “He knows what to look for,” Leger said. the field. The two are excited for what they can “He knows what might be a giveaway or a achieve this year. CJ has tweaked the tell. It’s just really just a great advantage Brotherly instinct small details in his game, while adding for both of them.” Leger expects a great season for the In his older brother, Caden knows he al- strength in the weight room. Caden has worked to become more Warriors, and the Levingston brothers ways has someone to go to. “When it comes to a life thing, he’s been comfortable with the playbook and his are catalysts for the team’s upward tracorrecting me when I’m wrong,” Caden decision-making heading into his second jectory. said. “Even if we have a little mishap here season as the starting quarterback. Now, the two look to fulfill a dream Leger is excited to see what they can ac- they’ve had for years — winning a state or there, I know that he’ll tell me what’s wrong and how to fix it.” complish and take their skills on the bas- title together. CJ wants to be an example for Caden. ketball court onto the football field. “When you’re in the backyard, you’re Their older brother played football at “We’ve really tried to take our offense thinking about it,” Caden said. “Now we Madison Prep, but CJ never got the chance and tailor it to the fact that (Caden’s) a have the opportunity to actually make to spend Friday nights on the sideline with point guard in basketball,” Leger said. that come true.” him. With an opportunity to do that with “He’s used to dishing out the ball, running While the two have big dreams ahead, Caden, he isn’t taking it for granted. plays and seeing things with his vision and their main focus remains on cherishing He wants to be a role model for his being able to figure out where the best op- each snap the pair shares on the field. younger brother both on and off the field. portunity is.” “You never know how much time you “Any time you do something good, I just With CJ playing both sides of the ball, really got left,” CJ said. “You just make run over, give him a hug, tell him good he’s able to understand what opposing every memory count.”

Schedules set for area football jamborees

The high school football season is almost here with the calendar turning to jamboree week. In East Baton Rouge, the Battle on the Bluff hosted at A.W. Mumford Stadium on Southern’s campus will feature six games and 12 teams across two days. Other notable jamborees include a rivalry contest between Catholic and University High, and STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON a matchup between Parkview glen Oaks defensive back Ja’Quan Jackson, left, races into the Baptist and Dunham. end zone after making an interception against Capitol during the Baton Rouge-area jamborees Battle on the Bluff last year at A.W. Mumford Stadium. Thursday

Central Private Jamboree

Battle on the Bluff

(at A.W. Mumford Stadium) Belaire vs. Broadmoor, 5:30 p.m. Woodlawn vs. Madison Prep, 6:45 p.m. Tara vs. Northeast, 8 p.m.

(at Central Private) Slaughter Community Charter vs. St. John, 6:30 p.m. Northlake Christian at Central Private, 7:30 p.m.

Red Stick Rumble

(at Parkview Baptist) Brusly vs. Episcopal, 6 p.m. Dunham at Parkview Baptist, 7:30 p.m.

Other games

Assumption at Port Allen, 6 p.m. Albany at Ponchatoula, 6 p.m. Kentwood vs. Southern Lab, 6 p.m. at Amite

Springfield vs. Independence, 6:30 p.m. at Loranger High Hammond at Live Oak, 6:45 p.m. Westminster Christian at Ascension Christian, 7 p.m. North Iberville at Plaquemine, 7 p.m. Dutchtown at Prairieville, 7 p.m.

Friday

Battle on the Bluff

(at A.W. Mumford Stadium)

McKinley vs. Istrouma, 6 p.m. Liberty vs. Scotlandville, 7:15 p.m. Glen Oaks vs. Capitol, 8:30 p.m.

St. Michael Jamboree

(at St. Michael High) Ascension Catholic vs. White Castle, 6:30 p.m. Riverside at St. Michael, 8 p.m. Glen Oaks vs. Capitol, 8:30 p.m.

East Iberville Jamboree

(at East Iberville) Helix Mentorship Academy vs. Thrive Academy, 5:30 p.m. Baker at East Iberville, 6:30 p.m.

East Ascension Jamboree

(at East Ascension High) Central at East Ascension, 6 p.m. Central vs. St. Amant, 7 p.m. St. Amant at East Ascension, 8 p.m.

River Parish Jamboree

(at Destrehan High) Hahnville vs. St. James, 6 p.m. Lutcher at Destrehan, 8 p.m.

Other games

Collegiate Baton Rouge vs. Carver, 6 p.m. at Joe Brown Stadium in New Orleans Alexandria at Zachary, 7 p.m. University High at Catholic-BR, 7 p.m. East Feliciana at West Felciana, 7 p.m. Donaldsonville vs. Opelousas Catholic, 7 p.m. at St. Edmund High Denham Springs at Walker, 7:30 p.m.

LOOKING BACK Plaquemine Last year: 12-2 (semifinals), 8-0 in District 6-4A Madison Prep Last year: 9-3 (quarterfinals), 5-1 in District 6-4A Brusly Last year: 10-2 (second round), 7-1 in District 6-4A St. Michael Last year: 8-4 (second round), 5-3 in District 6-4A Broadmoor Last year: 3-7, 2-6 in District 6-4A McKinley Last year: 2-8, 1-7 in District 6-4A Scotlandville Last year: 1-9, 0-5 in District 4-5A Tara Last year: 0-10, 0-8 in District 6-4A

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH John Walker ATH | Plaquemine, Sr. The three-star UL commit does it all for the green Devils. He took snaps at wide receiver, quarterback and defensive back last season and affected the game at all three positions. Landon Johnson ATH | Madison Prep, Sr. Another do-it-all star in this district is threestar TCU commit Landon Johnson. He’s a defensive back but also made plays at quarterback, wide receiver and on punt returns. Caden Levingston QB | St. Michael, Jr. The Warriors’ dual-threat quarterback finished last year with 1,366 passing yards and 13 touchdowns on 78 completions. He also ran for 355 yards and three touchdowns on 76 carries. He enters his second season as the starting quarterback. Robdrick Covington RB | Brusly, Sr. The Panthers senior running back ran for 539 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. With several key skill players graduated, Covington could be poised for an even bigger role this season. Harlem Turner RB | Madison Prep, Sr. Madison Prep features one of the best running back rooms in the state. Harlem Turner ran for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns last season on 81 carries.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW 1. Madison Prep moves up to Class 4A and will be an immediate contender to potentially win the district. The Chargers feature talented players on both sides of the ball. 2. Plaquemine’s pair of UL commits in edge Jairius Jones and Walker will bolster a team that fell one game short of a state final appearance last year. While the team will need to replace several starters, Jones and Walker will help the green Devils compete immediately. 3. Brusly will start a new quarterback this season after Drake Vincent graduated. The new starter will have big shoes to fill after Vincent threw for 2,821 yards and 34 touchdowns last year. 4. St. Michael graduated only nine seniors off last year’s eight-win team. With a majority of the Warriors’ production back, including four of five offensive linemen, coach Zach Leger said he expects a big year for his team. 5. Scotlandville drops down from Class 5A to Class 4A. After a difficult 2025 season that ended with just one win, a new district could open opportunities for a bounce-back 2026 season.

Playoff race tightens as WNBA gets closer to World Cup break BY DOUG FEINBERG Associated Press

NEW YORK — As the WNBA heads into its final week before the FIBA World Cup break, the postseason picture is becoming clearer. Seven teams have already clinched spots in the playoffs with Minnesota, Golden State and Las Vegas leading the way. Atlanta, Indiana, New York and Washing-

ton also will be in the postseason. Dallas is not far from sealing the eighth and final place. Where those teams end up seeding-wise is still up for grabs. Only 1 1/2 games separate the secondplace Valkyries and fifth-place Fever. There’s only a game difference between No. 6 New York and eighth-seeded Dallas. The top four teams will have homecourt advantage in the open-

ing round of the best-of-three playoff series. Teams will take a break for the World Cup from Aug. 31 to Sept. 17. The Indiana Fever is in fifth place and coming off a brutal stretch in which it went up and down the continent with road games in Atlanta, New York, Dallas, Toronto and Chicago. It came away with a 3-2 mark. “Every game already feels like

a playoff game,” Fever coach Stephanie White said before her team lost to New York on Saturday. Indiana closes out the season with three of its last five games at home, including a home-and-home set with Minnesota to finish out the regular season.

cots last week. The Fire has a dragon named Rose, and the Tempo has a tortoise named Dez and a hare called Dot.

Player of the week

Former LSU standout Angel Reese was the AP player of the week. Atlanta’s star forward averaged 24 Mascot reveals points, 11.3 rebounds and 3.7 steals Expansion franchises Portland to help the Dream win all three of and Toronto revealed their mas- its games last week.

6C ■ Tuesday,August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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SCOREBOARD Holes-in-one Brandon Black

Course: Baton Rouge Country Club Hole: No.3 Yardage: 127 yards Club: Pitching Wedge Witnesses: Lee Jenkins, Tom Moore, Chris Prudhomme

Jim Scarton

Course: Santa Maria Hole: No. 2 Club: 8 Iron Witnesses: Brent Lambert, Roger Camp

Odds Sports Betting Line NFL Thursday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG at BUFFALO 1½ 1½ (35½) Pittsburgh at LAS VEGAS 2½ 1½ (37½) San Fran New England 1½ 2½ (34½) at CLE at CHARGERS 3½ 4½ (38½) LA Rams

Friday

FAVORITE at BAL Atlanta Houston Tampa Bay NY Giants Arizona at DALLAS at PHILA at K.C. at DENVER

OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 2½ 3½ (35½)Washington 3 4½ (36½) at MIAMI 1½ 2½ (35½) at CAR 1½ 1½ (35½) at JAX 2½ 3 (37½) at NY JETS 1½ 2½ (37½) at G.B. 3½ 1½ (38½) New Orlns 2½ 2½ (36½) Cincinnati 1½ 1½ (36½) Seattle 4½ 6½ (39½) Minnesota

FAVORITE at IND at TEN

OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 1½ 3½ (36) Detroit 1½ 3 (36½) Chicago

Saturday

College Football Saturday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG at TCU 6½ 7½ (47½) N. Carolina at USC 35½ 38½ (60½) San Jose St at VIRGINIA 5½ 5½ (53½) NC State at NDSU 8½ 6½ (46½) Jaxville St. at E. MICHIGN 7½ 9½ (52½) Sac. St. at STANFORD 3½ 5½ (49½) Hawaii at FSU 30½ 31½ (53½)New Mex St at UNLV 3½ 5½ (57½) Memphis

MLB

Tuesday

American League FAVORITE LINE Tampa Bay -134 at N.Y YANKEES -146 at TORONTO -123 Texas -115 Cleveland -140 Minnesota -154 National League FAVORITE LINE at WASH OFF Milwaukee -166 LA Dodgers -157 Chicago Cubs -112 Pittsburgh -115 Cincinnati -113 Interleague FAVORITE LINE at MIAMI OFF at ST. LOUIS OFF Philadelphia -119

UNDERDOG at DETROIT Houston Kansas City at WHITE SOX at LA ANGELS at ATHLETICS

LINE +110 +119 +100 -107 +115 +126

UNDERDOG Colorado at N.Y METS at ATLANTA at ARIZONA at SAN DIEGO at SAN FRAN

LINE OFF +136 +129 -110 -107 -109

UNDERDOG Boston Baltimore at SEATTLE

LINE OFF OFF -104

Pro basketball WNBA Glance EASTERN CONFERENCE x-Atlanta x-Indiana x-New York x-Washington Chicago Toronto Connecticut

W 24 25 23 22 15 11 9

L 13 14 15 15 23 26 27

Pct GB .649 — .641 — .605 1½ .595 2 .395 9½ .297 13 .250 14½

x-Minnesota x-Golden State x-Las Vegas Dallas Portland Los Angeles Phoenix Seattle

W 31 25 26 22 15 13 13 7

L 7 11 13 16 22 24 24 31

Pct GB .816 — .694 5 .667 5½ .579 9 .405 15½ .351 17½ .351 17½ .184 24

WESTERN CONFERENCE

x-clinched playoff spot Sunday’s Games

Dallas 92, Seattle 70 Las Vegas 88, Toronto 78 Indiana 113, Chicago 90 Washington 105, Portland 100

Monday’s Games

Golden State 80, Minnesota 66 Atlanta at Los Angeles, n

Tuesday’s Games

8, Sam Burns, 2,453. 9, Tommy Fleetwood, 2,263. 10, Ludvig Åberg, 2,198. Scoring Average 1, Scottie Scheffler, 68.654. 2, Rory McIlroy, 69.351. 3, Collin Morikawa, 69.468. 4, Matt Fitzpatrick, 69.524. 5, Sam Burns, 69.689. 6, Wyndham Clark, 69.698. 7, Chris Gotterup, 69.711. 8, Tommy Fleetwood, 69.723. 9, Xander Schauffele, 69.738. 10, Si Woo Kim, 69.759. Driving Distance 1, Aldrich Potgieter, 331.1. 2, Rory McIlroy, 330. 3, Michael Brennan, 327.1. 4, Nicolai Hojgaard, 325.1. 5, Marco Penge, 325. 6, Gary Woodland, 323.2. 7 (tie), Rasmus Hojgaard and Min Woo Lee, 323. 9, Chris Gotterup, 322.6. 10, Johnny Keefer, 319.7. Driving Accuracy Percentage 1, Russell Henley, 71.84%. 2, Aaron Rai, 71.30%. 3, Davis Chatfield, 71.20%. 4, Joel Dahmen, 71.05%. 5, Lucas Glover, 69.65%. 6, Si Woo Kim, 69.19%. 7, Emiliano Grillo, 69.18%. 8, Brandt Snedeker, 69.07%. 9, Chandler Blanchet, 68.47%. 10, Kensei Hirata, 68.32%. Greens in Regulation Percentage 1, 10 tied with .00%. Total Driving 1, Alex Fitzpatrick, 50. 2, Jordan Smith, 57. 3, Neal Shipley, 65. 4 (tie), Scottie Scheffler and Kristoffer Ventura, 66. 6, Xander Schauffele, 80. 7 (tie), Michael Thorbjornsen and Sudarshan Yellamaraju, 88. 9, Gary Woodland, 89. 10, 2 tied with 93. SG-Putting 1, Jacob Bridgeman, .704. 2, Vince Whaley, .639. 3, Alex Noren, .632. 4, Sam Burns, .630. 5, Scottie Scheffler, .606. 6, Maverick McNealy, .585. 7, Beau Hossler, .571. 8, Russell Henley, .532. 9, Denny McCarthy, .520. 10, A.J. Ewart, .511. Birdie Average 1, Scottie Scheffler, 4.8. 2 (tie), Si Woo Kim and Collin Morikawa, 4.47. 4, Wyndham Clark, 4.46. 5, Kevin Yu, 4.34. 6, Ludvig Aberg, 4.29. 7, Keith Mitchell, 4.24. 8 (tie), Jacob Bridgeman and Sam Burns, 4.23. 10, Viktor Hovland, 4.22. Eagles (Holes per) 1, Kristoffer Ventura, 60.4. 2, Jake Knapp, 61.4. 3, Matt Wallace, 81.7. 4, Rasmus Hojgaard, 85.8. 5, Nicolai Hojgaard, 88.8. 6, Billy Horschel, 92.6. 7, Aldrich Potgieter, 94.5. 8, Tommy Fleetwood, 96.9. 9, Shane Lowry, 98.2. 10, Keegan Bradley, 99.7. Sand Save Percentage 1, 10 tied with .00%. All-Around Ranking 1, Scottie Scheffler, 168. 2, Collin Morikawa, 243. 3, Sam Burns, 278. 4, Patrick Cantlay, 289. 5, Doug Ghim, 299. 6, Ludvig Aberg, 301. 7, Chris Gotterup, 313. 8, Wyndham Clark, 314. 9, Jake Knapp, 320. 10, Si Woo Kim, 327.

LPGA Tour Statistics Through Aug. 23

Scoring 1, Nelly Korda, 69.14. 2, Haeran Ryu, 69.51. 3 (tie), Jeeno Thitikul and Miyu Yamashita, 69.91. 5, Hyo Joo Kim, 70.06. 6, Lydia Ko, 70.28. 7, Ruoning Yin, 70.29. 8, Sei Young Kim, 70.44. 9, Hye-Jin Choi, 70.68. 10, Ina Yoon, 70.73. Driving Distance 1, Riley Smyth, 290.62. 2, Julia Lopez Ramirez, 288.05. 3, Laney Frye, 281.05. 4, Polly Mack, 280.83. 5, Auston Kim, 280.58. 6, Suvichaya Vinijchaitham, 279.89. 7, Ina Yoon, 277.93. 8, Emily Kristine Pedersen, 277.92. 9, Dongeun Lee, 276.74. 10, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, 276.7. Greens in Regulation 1, Haeran Ryu, .79%. 2, Jeeno Thitikul, .75%. 3 (tie), Dongeun Lee and Lottie Woad, .73%. 5, 6 tied with .72%. Putts per GIR 1, Stephanie Meadow, 1.71. 2 (tie), Minami Katsu and Hyo Joo Kim, 1.72. 4, Angel Yin, 1.73. 5, Mi Hyang Lee, 1.74. 6 (tie), Ariya Jutanugarn, Nelly Korda, Gaby Lopez and Miyu Yamashita, 1.75. 10, 3 tied with 1.76. Birdies 1, Aki Iwai, 262. 2, Miyu Yamashita, 247. 3, Minami Katsu, 241. 4, Yan Liu, 234. 5, Haeran Ryu, 232. 6, Lottie Woad, 230. 7, Jeeno Thitikul, 229. 8, Ruoning Yin, 227. 9, Pajaree Anannarukarn, 226. 10, Chizzy Iwai, 222. Eagles 1, Brooke M. Henderson, 15. 2 (tie), Hye-Jin Choi, Sei Young Kim and Nelly Korda, 9. 5 (tie), Jenny Bae, Minji Kang and Ryann O’Toole, 8. 8, 8 tied with 7. Sand Save Percentage 1 (tie), Peiyun Chien and Pornanong Phatlum, .60%. 3, Peiyun Chien, .59%. 4, Nelly Korda, .58%. 5 (tie), Jin Hee Im, Alexa Pano and Patty Tavatanakit, .57%. 8 (tie), Celine Borge and Ryann O’Toole, .56%. 10, Minami Katsu, .55%. Rounds Under Par 1, Miyu Yamashita, .62%. 2, Nelly Korda, .76%. 3, Haeran Ryu, .70%. 4, Aki Iwai, .54%. 5, Ruoning Yin, .61%. 6, Hye-Jin Choi, .55%. 7, Jeeno Thitikul, .62%. 8, Minami Katsu, .57%. 9 (tie), Pajaree Anannarukarn and Chizzy Iwai, .52%. 11, Cassie Porter, .60%. 12, Lottie Woad, .54%.

Chicago at Connecticut, 6 p.m. Portland at Dallas, 7 p.m. Washington at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Soccer

Pro football

Eastern Conference

NFL Glance Thursday’s Games

Las Vegas 22, Houston 20 San Francisco 41, L.A. Chargers 17 Friday’s Games N.Y. Jets 17, Pittsburgh 0 Carolina 34, Jacksonville 17 Green Bay 33, Denver 13

Saturday’s Games

Detroit 17, Washington 13 Atlanta 34, Indianapolis 6 Baltimore 13, Minnesota 3 Buffalo 31, Cleveland 7 L.A. Rams 34, New Orleans 0 N.Y. Giants 26, Miami 3 Cincinnati 27, Chicago 9 New England 24, Philadelphia 21 Tampa Bay 16, Kansas City 15 Dallas 34, Arizona 13

Sunday’s Games

Tennessee 19, Seattle 16

Thursday, Aug. 27

Pittsburgh at Buffalo, 6 p.m. New England at Cleveland, 7 p.m. San Francisco at Las Vegas, 7 p.m. L.A. Rams at L.A. Chargers, 9 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 28

Washington at Baltimore, 5 p.m. Atlanta at Miami, 6 p.m. Houston at Carolina, 6 p.m. N.Y. Giants at N.Y. Jets, 6:30 p.m. Tampa Bay at Jacksonville, 6:30 p.m. Arizona at Green Bay, 7 p.m. Cincinnati at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. New Orleans at Dallas, 7 p.m. Seattle at Kansas City, 7 p.m. Minnesota at Denver, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29

Detroit at Indianapolis, noon Chicago at Tennessee, 5 p.m.

Golf PGA Tour Statistics Through Aug. 23

FedExCup Season Points 1, Scottie Scheffler, 4,986. 2, Matt Fitzpatrick, 3,463. 3, Wyndham Clark, 3,292. 4, Cameron Young, 3,206. 5, Si Woo Kim, 2,729. 6, Chris Gotterup, 2,588. 7, Collin Morikawa, 2,542.

MLS Glance W Nashville 15 Inter Miami CF 11 Chicago 11 New England 10 Charlotte FC 9 Cincinnati 8 New York City FC 7 New York 7 Orlando City 7 Toronto FC 5 D.C. United 5 Atlanta 6 Philadelphia 5 CF Montréal 5 Columbus 5

L 2 4 6 7 7 6 8 9 11 7 7 12 10 10 11

Western Conference

T 4 6 3 4 5 7 6 5 3 9 9 3 6 6 5

Pts 49 39 36 34 32 31 27 26 24 24 24 21 21 21 20

GF 43 49 37 33 38 49 35 31 34 31 28 25 31 29 30

GA 17 40 26 26 32 47 30 43 51 37 36 36 38 39 36

W L T Pts GF GA Vancouver 12 4 4 40 45 18 Houston 12 7 2 38 30 26 Los Angeles FC 10 7 5 35 36 22 San Jose 10 8 3 33 39 33 FC Dallas 9 6 6 33 38 34 St Louis City 9 6 6 33 30 27 Colorado 9 11 1 28 30 28 Real Salt Lake 8 8 4 28 34 32 Portland 8 9 4 28 38 37 Minnesota United7 7 7 28 27 29 San Diego FC 7 8 6 27 37 32 LA Galaxy 6 8 8 26 27 32 Seattle 7 9 4 25 22 27 Austin FC 5 10 6 21 26 40 Sporting Kansas City 4 14 3 15 20 51 NOTE: Three points for victory, one point for tie.

Wednesday, August 19

Cincinnati 2, New York City FC 1 CF Montréal 2, Columbus 1 New England 3, D.C. United 0 Nashville 1, New York 0 Chicago 2, Orlando City 1 Miami 2, Philadelphia 2, tie Charlotte FC 3, Toronto FC 3, tie St Louis City 1, Sporting Kansas City 1, tie Atlanta 2, Minnesota 1 Colorado 1, Los Angeles FC 0 FC Dallas 4, Real Salt Lake 3 Austin FC 2, Seattle 1 LA Galaxy 1, San Jose 0 Portland 3, San Diego FC 1 Houston 1, Vancouver 0

Saturday, August 22

Charlotte FC 3, D.C. United 1

1922 — In one of the wildest games ever played, the Cubs beat the Phillies 26-23. The Cubs led 25-6 in the fourth inning, but held on as the game ended with the Phillies leaving the bases loaded. 1934 — Detroit’s Schoolboy Rowe won his 16th consecutive game with a 4-2 triumph over the Washington Senators. Rowe singled in the winning run in the ninth inning. 1952 — Detroit’s Virgil Trucks pitched his second no-hitter of the season, a 1-0 gem over New York at Yankee Stadium. The Tigers committed two errors and Trucks walked one batter and struck out eight. It was the last victory of the season for Trucks, who finished with a 5-19 record. 1967 — Dean Chance of Minnesota pitched his second no-hitter of the month, defeating the Indians 2-1. Chance pitched an abbreviated five perfect innings against Boston on

Aug. 6 for a 2-0 victory. 1972 — Philadelphia Ken Reynolds tied a National League record with his 12th consecutive loss, 6-1 to Cincinnati, from the beginning of the season. 1979 — California’s Don Baylor tied a club record by driving in eight runs during a 24-2 rout of the Toronto Blue Jays. The 24 runs and 26 hits set Angel records. 1985 — New York’s Dwight Gooden became the youngest pitcher ever to win 20 games with a 9-3 triumph over the San Diego Padres. Gooden at age 20 years, nine months, and nine days was one month younger that Bob Feller who won 20 games in 1939. 1998 — Toronto’s Roger Clemens struck out 18 and won his 11th straight decision as he pitched a 3-0 three-hit victory over the Kansas City Royals. 2004 — Jeff DaVanon became the first Angels player in 13 years to hit for the cycle in

American League East Division

National League

Tampa Bay New York Boston Toronto Baltimore

W 77 74 71 64 63

L 53 56 59 68 68

Pct GB .592 — .569 3 .546 6 .485 14 .481 14½

Chicago Cleveland Minnesota Detroit Kansas City

L 62 66 68 69 74

Pct .523 .496 .481 .469 .439

GB — 3½ 5½ 7 11

Sunday’s games

West Division

W 68 65 63 61 58

Saturday’s games

Houston Texas Seattle Los Angeles Athletics

W 65 65 62 52 51

L 66 66 69 79 80

Pct .496 .496 .473 .397 .389

GB — — 3 13 14

Seattle 1, Cincinnati 1, tie Toronto FC 2, Miami 1 LA Galaxy 2, CF Montréal 2, tie Chicago 1, New York 1, tie Orlando City 2, Real Salt Lake 1 Nashville 3, Columbus 2 St Louis City 2, Houston 1 Philadelphia 1, Austin FC 1, tie Vancouver 5, FC Dallas 0 Portland 1, Los Angeles FC 1, tie San Diego FC 3, Colorado 0 Minnesota 5, San Jose 1 New York City FC 1, New England 1, tie Atlanta 2, Sporting Kansas City 1 Chicago at Seattle, 3:30 p.m. Charlotte FC at Atlanta, 6:30 p.m. New England at Columbus, 6:30 p.m. Los Angeles FC at D.C. United, 6:30 p.m. CF Montréal at Miami, 6:30 p.m. Philadelphia at New York, 6:30 p.m. New York City FC at Toronto FC, 6:30 p.m. San Jose at Houston, 7:30 p.m. Vancouver at Sporting Kansas City, 7:30 p.m. Orlando City at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m. Cincinnati at Nashville, 7:30 p.m. Real Salt Lake at Colorado, 8:30 p.m. Austin FC at Portland, 9:30 p.m. LA Galaxy at San Diego FC, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 30

FC Dallas at St Louis City, 6 p.m. Friday, September 4 Nashville at New York City FC, 6:30 p.m.

Tennis WTA Abierto Monterrey Results Monday

At Club Sonoma Monterrey, Mexico Purse: $1,206,446 Surface: Hardcourt outdoor Results Monday from Abierto GNP Seguros at Club Sonoma (seedings in parentheses):

Women’s Singles

Round of 32 Ann Li (5), United States, def. Camila Osorio, Colombia, 6-1, 6-2. Alycia Parks, United States, def. Petra Marcinko, Croatia, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Janice Tjen (7), Indonesia, def. Dayana Yastremska, Ukraine, 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5).

Women’s Doubles

Round of 16 Ulrikke Eikeri, Norway, and Quinn Gleason, United States, def. Nicole Melichar-Martinez, United States, and Cristina Bucsa (1), Spain, 6-3, 6-2. Shuko Aoyama, Japan, and En-Shuo Liang, Taiwan, def. Demi Schuurs, Netherlands, and Ellen Perez (3), Australia, 6-4, 7-5. Xu Yifan, China, and Maya Joint, Australia, def. Asia Muhammad, United States, and Fanny Stollar, Hungary, 6-3, 6-4. Maia Lumsden, Britain, and Maria Kozyreva, Russia, def. Olivia Nicholls, Britain, and Tereza Mihalikova, Slovakia, 7-5, 6-3. Desirae Krawczyk, United States, and Giuliana Olmos, Mexico, def. Lyudmyla Kichenok, Ukraine, and Aldila Sutjiadi, Indonesia, 4-6, 6-3, 10-5.

ATP World Tour Winston-Salem Open Results Monday At Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, N.C. Purse: $818,240 Surface: Hardcourt outdoor Results Monday from Winston-Salem Open at Wake Forest University (seedings in parentheses):

Men’s Singles

Round of 64 Dhakshineswar Suresh, India, def. Marcos Giron, United States, 6-3, 7-5. James Duckworth, Australia, def. Quinn Vandecasteele, United States, 6-2, 6-1. Benjamin Bonzi, France, def. Kamil Majchrzak, Poland, 6-4, 7-6 (7). Lorenzo Sonego, Italy, def. Pierre-Hugues Herbert, France, 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-3. Adam Walton, Australia, def. Jesper De Jong, Netherlands, 6-2, 6-4. Cruz Hewitt, Australia, def. Sebastian Gorzny, United States, 1-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4. Martin Damm Jr, United States, def. Abdullah Shelbayh, Jordan, 6-4, 7-6 (2). Mees Rottgering, Netherlands, def. Jan Choinski, Britain, 7-5, 2-6, 6-4. Hugo Grenier, France, def. Roman Safiullin, Russia, 7-6 (6), 4-6, 6-3. Aleksandar Kovacevic, United States, def. Felix Balshaw, France, 6-4, 7-6 (4).

Men’s Singles

Round of 32 Stefanos Tsitsipas (7), Greece, def. Jenson Brooksby, United States, 6-4, 7-6 (6). Daniel Altmaier (16), Germany, def. Francisco Comesana, Argentina, 6-1, 7-6 (6).

Men’s Doubles

Round of 16 Petr Nouza, Czechia, and Neil Oberleitner, Austria, def. Michael Venus, New Zealand, and Yuki Bhambri, India, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 10-6. Lucas Miedler, Austria, and Marc Polmans (3), Australia, def. Luke Johnson, Britain, and Jan Zielinski, Poland, 4-6, 6-3, 10-7.

Transactions Major League Baseball

American League NEW YORK YANKEES — Optioned RHP Brendan Beck to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (IL). National League ATLANTA BRAVES — Recalled RF Brewer Hicklen from Gwinnett (IL). Optioned Hicklen and SS Jim Jarvis to Gwinnett. COLORADO ROCKIES — Placed LHP Kyle Freeland on the 15-day IL retroactive to Aug. 21. Selected the contract of RHP Blake Adams from Albuquerque (PCL). MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Optioned C Bo Naylor to Nashville (IL).

FOOTBALL

National Football League CINCINNATI BENGALS — Released OT Cody Ford. CLEVELAND BROWNS — Reinstated DT Maliek Collins from the active/PUP list. Waived CB Tyron Herring from injured reserve and TE Dae’Quan Wright. HOUSTON TEXANS — Signed RB Deuce Vaughn, LB Caleb Johnson and S George Odum. Released WR Juwann Winfree. Waived WR Jha’Quan Jackson. Waived/injured LB Marte Mapu. LOS ANGELES RAMS — Signed CB Steven Gilmore and OLB Devean Deal. Reinstated OL Justin Dedich from the active/PUP list. Placed CB Zech McPhearson and OLB Keir Thomas II on injured reserve. Waived/injured LB Daniel Rickert. MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed TE Ethan Conner and ILB Jaheim Thomas. Waived C Jim Bonifas and CB Ahmari Harvey. MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Signed TE Matt Lauter and DL Jonathan Harris. Waived/injured CB Tyreek Chappell and DL Taki Taimani. PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Reinstated CB Jalen Ramsey from the active/PUP list. Signed CB Jaylon Guilbeau and RB Alex Tecza. Placed DB Israel Mukuamu on injured reserve.

SOCCER

Major League Soccer MINNESOTA UNITED — Signed F Maurice Malone to a contract through the 2029-30 season with a club option for 2030-31.

THIS DATE IN BASEBALL Aug. 25

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Anaheim’s 21-6 rout of Kansas City. 2008 — Brett Myers, J.C. Romero and Clay Condrey combined on a 13-hit shutout in Philadelphia’s 5-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. 2010 — The Colorado Rockies overcame a nine-run deficit, matching the biggest rally in team history and stunning the Atlanta Braves 12-10 on Troy Tulowitzki’s go-ahead single in the eighth inning. Down 10-1 in the third inning, the Rockies chipped away against the NL East leader before taking the lead with four runs in the eighth. 2010 — The Reds blew a nine-run lead, then regrouped and rallied past the Giants, 12-11, on Joey Votto’s tiebreaking single in the 12th inning. The NL Central-leading Reds took a 10-1 lead into the bottom of the fifth before San Francisco came back with a six-run burst in the eighth to take an 11-10 lead.

Central Division

Sunday’s Games

Tampa Bay 3, Baltimore 1 N.Y. Yankees 8, Toronto 3 Chicago White Sox 2, N.Y. Mets 1 Kansas City 11, Detroit 7 Texas 5, L.A. Angels 3 Athletics 7, Houston 6 Boston 5, San Francisco 4 Cleveland 7, Colorado 2 San Diego 8, Minnesota 1 Chicago Cubs 19, Seattle 2

East Division Atlanta Philadelphia Miami Washington New York

W 76 73 67 61 59

L 55 58 64 71 72

Pct GB .580 — .557 3 .511 9 .462 15½ .450 17

Milwaukee Chicago St. Louis Pittsburgh Cincinnati

W 81 75 66 63 62

L 50 56 66 69 69

Pct GB .618 — .573 6 .500 15½ .477 18½ .473 19

Los Angeles San Diego Arizona San Francisco Colorado

W 80 71 69 52 50

L 51 60 62 78 80

Pct GB .611 — .542 9 .527 11 .400 27½ .385 29½

Central Division

West Division

Sunday’s Games

Philadelphia 6, St. Louis 4 Miami 6, Washington 2 Chicago White Sox 2, N.Y. Mets 1 Boston 5, San Francisco 4 Cleveland 7, Colorado 2 L.A. Dodgers 4, Pittsburgh 0 San Diego 8, Minnesota 1 Arizona 5, Cincinnati 3 Chicago Cubs 19, Seattle 2 Atlanta at Milwaukee, 6:10 p.m.

Monday’s Games

Monday’s Games

Boston 4, Miami 2 Tampa Bay 4, Detroit 1 Texas 11, Chicago White Sox 2 Cleveland at L.A. Angels,n Minnesota at Athletics, n Philadelphia at Seattle, n

Boston 4, Miami 2 Washington 13, Colorado 3 Chicago Cubs at Arizona, n Philadelphia at Seattle, n Pittsburgh at San Diego, n Cincinnati at San Francisco, n

Tuesday’s Games

Boston (Tolle 8-6) at Miami (TBD), 5:40 p.m. Tampa Bay (Seymour 9-4) at Detroit (Jobe 1-1), 5:40 p.m. Houston (Pecko 0-0) at N.Y. Yankees (Warren 8-6), 6:05 p.m. Kansas City (Lugo 5-7) at Toronto (Scherzer 1-6), 6:07 p.m. Texas (deGrom 9-8) at Chicago White Sox (Kay 9-6), 6:40 p.m. Baltimore (Bassitt 4-4) at St. Louis (Liberatore 5-11), 6:45 p.m. Cleveland (Williams 12-7) at L.A. Angels (Ureña 8-9), 8:38 p.m. Minnesota (Bradley 9-5) at Athletics (Jump 5-8), 8:40 p.m. Philadelphia (Nola 5-9) at Seattle (Kirby 8-10), 8:40 p.m.

Tuesday’s Games

Boston (Tolle 8-6) at Miami (TBD), 5:40 p.m. Colorado (Freeland 4-10) at Washington (Alvarez 2-5), 5:45 p.m. Milwaukee (Harrison 10-3) at N.Y. Mets (Thornton 3-4), 6:10 p.m. L.A. Dodgers (Glasnow 3-0) at Atlanta (Elder 8-7), 6:15 p.m. Baltimore (Bassitt 4-4) at St. Louis (Liberatore 5-11), 6:45 p.m. Chicago Cubs (Holmes 5-6) at Arizona (Pfaadt 7-1), 8:40 p.m. Philadelphia (Nola 5-9) at Seattle (Kirby 8-10), 8:40 p.m. Pittsburgh (Skenes 9-11) at San Diego (King 8-9), 8:40 p.m. Cincinnati (Singer 5-11) at San Francisco (Roupp 7-13), 8:45 p.m.

WILD CARD GLANCE American League W New York 74 Boston 71 Cleveland 65 Texas 65 Toronto 64 Baltimore 63 Minnesota 63 Seattle 62 Detroit 61

L 56 59 66 66 68 68 68 69 69

National League

Pct WCGB .569 +9½ .546 +6½ .496 — .496 — .485 1½ .481 2 .481 2 .473 3 .469 3½

W Chicago

L Pct WCGB

75 56 .573

+4

Philadelphia 73 58 .557

+2

San Diego

71 60 .542

—

Arizona

69 62 .527

2

Miami

67 64 .511

4

St. Louis

66 66 .500

5½

BOX SCORES Washington 13, Colorado 3

Boston 4, Miami 2

Colorado

Boston

Washington

Miami

ab r h bi ab r h bi McCarthy cf 4 0 1 0 Abrams dh 4 2 11 Fulford ph 1 0 0 0 Ortiz 1b 4 2 11 Moniak rf 4 1 1 0 Crews rf 2 1 01 Castro 3b 4 1 1 1 Lile lf 5 2 35 Rumfield 1b 3 0 1 0 House 3b 4 0 10 Johnston p 2 0 0 0 Ruiz c 4 1 20 Norby 2b 4 0 1 1 Young cf 5 2 20 Sullivan c 4 0 0 0 Vivas 2b 5 1 32 Veen lf 2 0 0 0 Nuñez ss 3 2 00 Beck ph-lf 1 0 0 0 Tovar ss 2 1 2 1 Ritter ss 2 0 0 0 Totals 33 3 7 3 Totals 36 1313 10 Colorado 000 110 010 — 3 Washington 000 053 23x — 13 E_Castro (11), Sullivan (5). DP_Colorado 1, Washington 1. LOB_Colorado 7, Washington 8. 2B_Tovar (21), Abrams (26), Lile (25), House (11), Young (17). HR_Castro (15), Tovar (10), Lile (16). SB_McCarthy (24), Abrams 2 (26). S_Nuñez (7). IP H R ER BB SO Colorado Feltner L,5-8 5 2⁄3 6 7 5 4 6 1 Mejia ⁄3 1 1 1 2 0 Adams 1 5 5 5 2 0 Johnston 1 1 0 0 0 0 Washington Cavalli W,12-5 6 5 2 2 1 7 Tolman 1 0 0 0 1 0 Beeter 1 2 1 1 1 2 Bird 1 0 0 0 0 1 Adams pitched to 4 batters in the 8th. HBP_Beeter (Johnston). WP_Beeter. ABS Challenge_Feltner (Ball-Overturned to Strike); McCarthy (Strike-Overturned to Ball); McCarthy (Strike-Confirmed); Cavalli (Ball-Confirmed); Tolman (BallConfirmed). Pitch timer violations_Feltner (pitcher). Umpires_Home, Nick Mahrley; First, Marvin Hudson; Second, Willie Traynor; Third, Tripp Gibson. T_3:01. A_12,105 (41,376).

ab r h bi ab r h bi Sogard ss 5 0 1 1 Lopez ss 4 1 21 Rafaela cf 5 0 1 0 Hernández lf 4 0 2 0 Abreu rf 4 1 1 0 Stowers 1b 4 0 10 Contreras 1b4 0 0 0 Ramírez dh 2 0 00 Rutschman c5 0 0 0 Caissie ph-dh 1 0 1 0 Durbin 3b 4 0 1 0 Edwards 2b 5 0 11 Duran lf 4 1 2 0 Marsee cf 3 1 00 Gasper dh 2 0 2 1 Sanoja 3b 4 0 00 White pr-dh 0 1 0 0 Ruiz rf 1 0 00 Seigler 2b 3 1 1 1 Conine ph-rf 2 0 0 0 Mack c 3 0 10 Jiménez ph 1 0 10 Totals 36 4 9 3 Totals 34 2 9 2 Boston 000 010 012 — 4 Miami 010 000 100 — 2 E_Duran (2). DP_Boston 1, Miami 0. LOB_Boston 10, Miami 14. 2B_Gasper (8), Duran (14), Abreu (28), Stowers (22), Lopez (30). 3B_Seigler (1). SF_Lopez (11). IP H R ER BB SO Boston Suarez 5 4 1 1 4 4 Bello 2 2 1 1 2 1 Miller W,3-0 1 2 0 0 0 1 Chapman S,30-32 1 1 0 0 0 1 Miami Alcantara 7 6 1 1 2 6 Ekness BS,1-3 1 1 1 1 0 1 Fairbanks L,4-5 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 Zuber ⁄3 2 1 1 0 0 2 Gibson /3 0 0 0 1 0 Fairbanks pitched to 1 batter in the 9th. HBP_Suarez 2 (Marsee,Ruiz), Ekness (Contreras). WP_Ekness. ABS Challenge_Alcantara (BallOverturned to Strike); Rafaela (StrikeConfirmed); Suarez (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Suarez (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Gibson (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Chapman (Ball-Overturned to Strike). Umpires_Home, Ron Kulpa; First, David Rackley; Second, Manny Gonzalez; Third, Tom Hanahan. T_3:05. A_16,247 (37,446).

Tampa Bay 4, Detroit 1

Texas 11, Chicago White Sox 2

Tampa Bay

Texas

Detroit

ab r h bi ab r h bi Díaz dh 4 1 1 0 Keith dh 3 0 00 Vilade rf 3 1 1 0 Lee 2b 4 0 00 Mullins ph-cf1 0 0 0 McGonigle 3b 4 1 1 0 Caminero 3b3 0 1 1 Dingler c 3 0 10 DeLuca cf-rf 4 0 2 0 Callahan lf 1 0 01 Aranda 1b 4 1 1 2 Malgeri ph-lf 2 0 1 0 Mateo 2b 2 1 1 0 McKinstry rf 4 0 0 0 Fortes c 3 0 0 0 Torkelson 1b 4 0 1 0 Simpson lf 4 0 2 1 Clark cf 3 0 00 Walls ss 4 0 0 0 Báez ss 3 0 10 Totals 32 4 9 4 Totals 31 1 5 1 Tampa Bay 200 101 000 — 4 Detroit 000 100 000 — 1 E_Callahan (1). DP_Tampa Bay 0, Detroit 1. LOB_Tampa Bay 6, Detroit 6. 2B_DeLuca (19), Mateo (7), McGonigle (24), Torkelson (22). HR_Aranda (16). SF_Callahan (1). S_Fortes (4). IP H R ER BB SO Tampa Bay Rasmussen W,14-5 6 3 1 1 0 5 Cleavinger H,23 1 0 0 0 0 2 Rodríguez H,1 1 1 0 0 1 3 Baker S,38-41 1 1 0 0 0 2 Detroit Valdez L,8-9 6 8 4 3 2 0 Rainey 2 0 0 0 2 2 Holton 1 1 0 0 0 1 HBP_Baker (Dingler). ABS Challenge_Rasmussen (BallConfirmed); Keith (Strike-Confirmed); Torkelson (Strike-Confirmed). Umpires_Home, Quinn Wolcott; First, Paul Clemons; Second, Adrian Johnson; Third, Dexter Kelley. T_2:36. A_23,265 (41,083).

Chicago

ab r h bi ab r h bi Pederson dh1 1 0 0 Antonacci lf 4 0 00 Foscue ph-dh41 1 0 Murakami 1b 4 0 1 0 Seager ss 4 1 3 3 Vargas 3b 3 0 10 Lopez ph-ss 1 1 1 0 Benintendi dh 3 0 0 0 Langford lf 5 2 2 2 Doyle ph-dh 1 0 00 Nimmo rf 4 0 0 0 B.Mntgmry rf 3 1 1 0 J.Mntgmry p0 0 0 0 C.Mntgmry ss 4 0 0 0 Duran 3b-rf 4 1 2 2 Meidroth 2b 3 0 00 Carter cf 4 1 1 1 Peters cf 4 1 12 Burger 1b 3 1 2 2 Romo c 3 0 10 Díaz c 4 1 0 0 Totals 39111410 Totals 32 2 5 2 Texas 212 021 012 — 11 Chicago 020 000 000 — 2 LOB_Texas 11, Chicago 6. 2B_Carter (13), Seager 2 (12), Foscue (9), Burger (19), Duran (25). HR_Burger (22), Langford (15), Peters (10). IP H R ER BB SO Texas Rocker W,5-10 5 2⁄3 5 2 2 3 8 Ahlstrom 1 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 J.Montgomery 2 0 0 0 0 2 Chicago Urquidy L,2-2 3 6 5 5 4 2 Schweitzer 2 3 2 2 0 2 Brazobán 1 1 1 1 2 0 2 Richards 2 ⁄3 4 3 3 2 2 1 Acuña ⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 HBP_Urquidy 2 (Nimmo,Díaz). WP_Richards(2). ABS Challenge_Burger (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Seager (Strike-Confirmed); Urquidy (Ball-Confirmed). Ejected_Pederson. Umpires_Home, Chris Guccione; First, Scott Barry; Second, Charlie Ramos; Third, Nestor Ceja. T_3:07. A_11,471 (40,241).

– SINCE I842 –

LIVING

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

|

T u e s d ay, au g u s T 25, 2026

1dN

Made in the shade

Spiral gingers brighten La. summer gardens Tropical plants feel right at home in the hot, humid conditions we encounter during Louisiana summers. Native to regions near the equator, these plants combine the ability to endure our climate with bold foliage and colorful blooms. In Louisiana, some of our most reliable tropical plants are gingers — and gardeners have many varieties to choose from. One group that does espeGARDEN cially well here NEWS is the Costaceae family, whose members are more commonly known as spiral, or corkscrew, gingers. These plants get their name from the way their glossy, green leaves grow: in a stepped pattern that swirls around stems, resembling a spiral staircase. The foliage tends to burn in full sun, so spiral gingers prefer being planted in partially to fully shaded locations. That’s a real advantage. It can be a challenge to find plants that perform in low-light settings, and spiral gingers’ unique, lush texture does wonders to bring life to these areas. Color is another thing that can be hard to come by in the shade. Spiral gingers do their part with flowers of various colors that emerge from the sides of large, cone-shaped structures. Plants usually produce one to two new flowers per day over an extended bloom season. The tubular form and bright colors of the flowers make spiral gingers particularly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. One of the most popular spiral gingers is Costus spicatus, which has red-orange cones and flowers. It reaches 3 to 5 feet tall. Another beloved selection from the Costaceae family is Hellenia speciosa. This ginger gets taller, often growing to 6 feet tall, and makes a visual statement with its deep red cones and showy, white flowers. It’s sometimes called crepe ginger because the flowers have a wrinkled texture reminiscent of crepe paper or fabric. Costus spicatus and Hellenia speciosa are both root hardy to zone 8b, so they can be grown successfully throughout Louisiana. Their foliage will die back during a freeze, but the roots will stay alive and send out new growth when warmer temperatures return. Keep in mind that these are ornamental gingers, not the culinary type — so their roots are not edible.

LSU AgCENTER PHOTO By OLIVIA MCCLURE

Spiral gingers have leaves that form a spiral staircase-like pattern.

Designer Jerad gardemal says that national color trends are steering toward warmer, nature-inspired palettes.

THE LIGHT STUFF

Designers weigh in on colors and how living in Louisiana affects choices for homes BY JAN RISHER and LAUREN CHERAMIE Staff writers

The colors of a Louisiana life are vastly different than the coastal light in Maine, or the long shadows of the mountains in Montana. Things are warmer, softer and less predictable than the stark whites and navy blues that dominated for years. When it comes to redecorating, a fresh coat of paint is likely the best return on investment. The cost is minimal, but the results can improve the looks of a room dramatically. That is — if the paint is the right color. This is part two of the newspaper’s color trends series, where we asked four Louisiana designers to share their thoughts on colors in Louisiana homes right now: How does Baton Rouge’s light and architecture change what works here versus what’s trending nationally? Jerad Gardemal — founder and principal designer at JF Gardemal Designs: Nationally, we’re seeing a strong shift toward warmer, nature-inspired palettes. Browns, olive greens, clay tones and warm neutrals are replacing the cool grays and saturated whites that have

Cannon

Davis

Gardemal

Petit

dominated the past several years. This trend feels especially appropriate for Baton Rouge. Our warm, abundant natural light intensifies colors, so shades that appear soft and understated elsewhere can become much more vibrant here. Combined with our region’s rich architectural heritage, the colors naturally favor warm, organic colors over cooler palettes. We don’t follow the trend as much as adapt it to our specific environment, creating homes that feel authentic to South Louisiana.

Rachel Cannon — founder, creative director and principal interior designer at Rachel Cannon Limited: Excellent question, because there is a difference. Baton Rouge doesn’t have the bright, bouncy coastal light or the high rise glass towers that we’ve designed in other markets, so I find myself having to rely heavily on my training in the science of color and lighting to get paint to do what I want it to do in our clients’ homes. If I could urge homeowners to do just one thing, it would be to add windows anywhere they possibly can, including powder rooms and closets. Natural light changes everything. Kristina Petit — founder and residential designer at Kristina’s Collective Interiors: Baton Rouge and New Orleans have very southern, Spanish-style architecture often times, which lends itself (in my opinion) to warmer, more European colors versus modern cool tones. Are there any specific color pairings you’re noticing this year? Petit: I’m loving and seeing more chartreuse and red. Not necessarily together, but their such fun pops in any space that feel unexpected but really warm up a space.

BR Underground Film Festival ‘bigger and better’ Co-founder Carleton promises more screenings, panels, workshops, parties

PROVIDED PHOTO

over the course of the four-day event in August 2025, the festival again wll offer feature film and short film screenings, workshops and panel discussions, all opening with a Thursday night gala and blast-from-the-past screening of the edgy, Baton Rouge-shot 1989 indie film “sex, lies, and videoBY JUDY BERGERON Staff writer tape.” Former Baton Rouge filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, who went on to become a Hollywood After a blockbuster inaugural heavyweight (“Ocean’s Eleven,” year, the Baton Rouge Under“Erin Brockovich,” “Traffic”) ground Film Festival makes a helmed the project. second run this weekend at the Here, BRUFF’s co-founder and Manship Theatre. Attracting about 1,800 attendees financial director, Joe Carleton,

BATON ROUGE UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL

WHEN: Thursday-Sunday WHERE: Manship Theatre, 100 Lafayette St. ADMISSION: $20-$75 INFO: batonrougeunderground.com talks about what’s in store for this year’s fest. The interview has been edited for clarity and length. What’s different this year at the film festi-

val, and what have you added? In our first year, we had 150-ish projects submit to the festival, and this year, we had over 400. We whittled it down to 56 short films and nine feature films. We have more screenings, more workshops, more panels, more parties. It’s bigger and better. As far as the film selection, are you looking for something in particular? We’re looking for the stuff that’s underground.

ä See FILM, page 2D

ä See LIGHT, page 2D

Joe Carleton PROVIDED PHOTO

2D ■ Tuesday,August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

STANDING HEAD By The Associated Press Today is Tuesday, Aug. 25, the 237th day of 2026. There are 128 days left in the year. Today in history: On Aug. 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Organic Act, establishing the National Park Service as an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior to maintain the country’s natural and historic wonders and “leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Also on this date: In 1875, Matthew Webb became the first person to swim across the English Channel, crossing from Dover, England, to Calais, France, in under 22 hours. In 1928, an expedition led by Richard E. Byrd set sail from Hoboken, New Jersey, on its journey to Antarctica. In 1944, Paris was liberated by Allied forces after four years of Nazi occupation during World War II. In 1948, in the House UnAmerican Activities Committee’s first televised congressional hearing, Alger Hiss denied charges by Whittaker Chambers that Hiss was a communist involved in espionage. (Hiss was later convicted of perjury and sentenced to five years in prison; he maintained his innocence until his death in 1996.) In 1981, the U.S. spacecraft Voyager 2 came within 63,000 miles of Saturn’s cloud cover, sending back pictures of and data about the ringed planet. In 2001, R&B singer Aaliyah was killed with eight others in a plane crash in the Bahamas; she was 22. In 2012, Neil Armstrong, 82, who commanded the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing and was the first man to set foot on the moon in July 1969, died in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey, the fiercest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade, made landfall near Corpus Christi, Texas, with 130 mph sustained winds; the storm would deliver five days of rain totaling close to 52 inches, the heaviest tropical downpour that had ever been recorded in the continental U.S. In 2020, two people were shot to death and a third was wounded as 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse opened fire with an AR-15-style rifle during a third night of protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, over the police shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake. (Rittenhouse, who was taken into custody in Illinois the next day, said he was defending himself after the three men attacked him as he tried to protect businesses from protesters; he was acquitted on all charges, including homicide.) In 2022, regulators approved California’s plans to require all new cars, trucks and SUVs to run on electricity or hydrogen by 2035. (President Donald Trump signed a resolution in June 2025 blocking California’s plan, prompting a court challenge by the state). Today’s Birthdays: Actor Tom Skerritt is 93. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Charles Wright is 91. Film director John Badham is 87. Baseball Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers is 80. Rock musician Gene Simmons (Kiss) is 77. Rock singer Rob Halford (Judas Priest) is 75. Musician Elvis Costello is 72. Film director Tim Burton is 68. Country musician Billy Ray Cyrus is 65. Actor Blair Underwood is 62. NFL Hall of Famer Cornelius Bennett is 61. DJ Terminator X (Public Enemy) is 59. Singer-songwriter Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) is 59. Television chef Rachael Ray is 58. Country singer Jo Dee Messina is 56. Model Claudia Schiffer is 56. NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison is 54. Actor Alexander Skarsgard is 50. Actor Rachel Bilson is 45. Actor Blake Lively is 39. Actor China Anne McClain is 28.

FILM

Continued from page 1D We’re looking for the stuff that people started with, the oddball stuff, the interesting stuff — the stuff that you’re sitting in your chair one day, and you’re like, “Ah, man, you know what? I think I wanna make something. I’m gonna go out and do it with what I can scrape together with the friends that I’ve got.” It’s the independent spirit, if you will, that we’re looking for. As far as “sex, lies, and videotape,” were you born when that came out? I just Googled it. Yeah, no, that was 1989. I was born in 1997.

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Chatty callers tie up receptionist DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a college student at a small, private art school, and work part-time at the school’s reception desk, receiving and directing phone calls and visitors. When dealing with rude and polite callers alike, I greet them with a pleasant Judith tone and promptly Martin answer their quesMISS tions to the best of MANNERS my ability. What concerns me are the overly chatty callers — those who insist on lengthily greeting me, inquiring about my day, joking around, explaining how they came to realize they needed to call, etc., before finally reaching the point of the call or giving me the name or extension they want. I understand that they are merely trying to be kind and brighten my day, and I appreciate their friendliness, but often

I have other callers on hold or visitors waiting at the desk. I patiently wait through the person’s spiel, as I would never dream of interrupting. Is this chatty attitude appropriate for a strictly business call? Or, if so, should it be reserved for the person you have business with, instead of their receptionist? When I make business calls of my own, I tend to politely say hello and ask for the person I need to speak with, of course adding a please and thank you. Am I being too curt, and should I inquire about the person’s day? GENTLE READER: The balance between efficiency and pleasantness in doing business seems extremely hard to achieve. Totally ignoring the humanity of both worker and customer is rude, and yet both parties are interested in getting on with whatever the transaction is. Miss Manners remembers when banks started claiming to be their clients’ friends. What this has

led to is mandating employees to start conversations — the current cliché is asking what the client is doing for the rest of the day — that are both intrusive and timeconsuming. Many Gentle Readers have complained to her about this. Yet they would probably appreciate being recognized as returning customers, for example, or just being greeted by someone who is not surly. You are experiencing the reverse of this problem, with callers feeling they must chat you up. Or perhaps, as you are a student, your fellow students think it is an opportunity to make friends. So you must not encourage this by prolonging the small talk. The phrase you want, repeated as often as necessary, is “But tell me how I can help you.” DEAR MISS MANNERS: Does putting “RSVP” on an invitation denote that the recipient is requested to reply no matter whether they are attending or not, or does one

only need to RSVP if they plan to attend? I sent out about 40 invitations and nearly half of the recipients did not send any kind of acknowledgment or response. I assume/ hope they are not coming! I was under the impression that RSVP meant you should indicate your intentions regardless. Is this incorrect? Is there a more clear way to communicate to invitees that the host would appreciate a response even if negative? GENTLE READER: For those who failed high school French, RSVP translates to “please respond,” whether yes or no. Perhaps you would do better putting your request in English. Send questions to Miss Manners at her website, www. missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

PROVIDED PHOTO

This project from designer Jeanne Lyons Davis includes wallpaper in specific parts of the kitchen, along with painted cabinets and gold hardware.

LIGHT

Continued from page 1D Cannon: I’ve recently become very inspired by an Instagram account called @ art2life_world, led by artist Nicholas Wilton. His videos showing unique color pairings have been a great source for me to pull from in my work, beyond the basic color wheel foundation I learned in design school at LSU. Gardemal: There are a few pairings we really like to share with our clients when working on an initial design discovery presentation. Soft limestone and camel are warm and understated and completely timeless. Terracotta and creamy white are earthy and welcoming. Deep forest green paired with antique gold is rich, elegant and very classic. What’s the color you think we’ll all be sick of in five years? Cannon: I think we’ll be past the butter yellow trend (and other powdery pastels) sooner than that. My prediction is we’ll see a swing toward

Pictured is a project from Louisiana designer Rachel Cannon, who says that she urges homeowners to add windows anywhere they possibly can.

richer tones like butterscotch, rust, forest green, and navy. Trend cycles are all about extremes! Petit: I’m not sure! I love all colors and think the way you use it totally changes the dynamic. Gardemal: If I had to make a prediction, I’d say olive green. It’s a favorite color today because it’s grounded and beautifully connected to nature. But we’re seeing it everywhere from kitchen cabinets to furnishings and textiles. But I always encourage clients to use trendier colors thoughtfully rather than making them a defining feature of a home. The most enduring interiors aren’t built around the color of the moment. They’re built around timeless architecture, beautiful materials and a layered palette that will still feel relevant years from now. Jeanne Lyons Davis, writer and designer: Trend blinders are inevitable, so I try not to chase them. My rule: If you walk into a room and it makes you smile, you’ll still be smiling in five years. Follow your gut, not the forecast!

The film’s often referred to as kind of the start of independent cinema. That’s one of the main reasons why we wanted to showcase it. It is a really great inspirational piece to show that you can make something right here. Did you reach out to Steven Soderbergh about possibly making it to BRUFF? We did. He wasn’t able to make it, but he’s very excited about the festival and about the screening. Hopefully we can get him to attend in future years. Tell us about these workshops and panels. We’re partnering with NOVAC (a video production service in New Orleans) again for a workshop series where people can get direct interaction with other industry professionals. We’re also showcasing a lot of indie feature

ä COMING FRIDAY: Meet sound designer, Baton Rouge native and fest speaker Mike James Gallagher. filmmakers that have been making projects locally, so you’ll get to come and chat with people who are boots on the ground, actively going out and making movies, which is exciting. We’re also working with Shawscope, which is a company that promotes literal filmmaking. So shooting analog on film, which is gonna be a really cool workshop, because our participants are gonna be able to come and actually shoot footage on film. Then Shawscope is gonna process that footage and share it with the at-

PROVIDED PHOTO By KIM MEADOWLARK

tendees so that they can see the quality difference of what it’s like to shoot on film as opposed to shooting digital. We also have In-Depth Live coming, which includes sound designers that have done a lot of work in Louisiana. They’ve worked on things like “Dune” and larger projects. The workshops are a great opportunity for people who are interested in the industry and want to get into the industry, or even people who are active professionals that just want to learn a new skill or network with people that they know are also working. Do you still need volunteers for the festival? Yes, we do. People can go to batonrougeunderground.com to see

how they can volunteer. If someone is a first-timer to the festival, how do you propose that they tackle this packed schedule? It’s “choose your own adventure,” like most festivals are. My personal favorite thing to do is to take a look at the screenings and see which projects stand out to you. Try and schedule out the movies that you want to see first. As you fill in, as you see that you have time to make space for other events, check out the workshops and panels and things of that nature. The screenings, of course, are the major showcase. We want people to see what’s going on around the area and around the country in film and independent film.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Tuesday, August 25, 2026 ■ 3D

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FrAnK And erneSt

roSebUdS

zItS

zodIAC VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Stretch your mind. Engage in activities that make you think, and adopt a routine or lifestyle that encourages you to save, pay attention to detail and take better care of your health. LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) A commitment will pay off. Denying something or trying to avoid situations will set you back. Don't run and hide when you should embrace, deal with and correct anything that's run amok. scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Distance yourself from situations you cannot change. Set your course on a learning expedition that can help you enhance your earning capacity, but don't overpay for something you don't need. sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Refrain from sharing too much information. Someone will be eager to use your news against you if given the opportunity. Focus on home, and make your place one of comfort. cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Dig in and get your paperwork in order. What you discover will save you money and put your mind at ease. Refuse to let an outsider tell you what to do. AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Choose kind gestures and a positive attitude. The people you encounter will impact your life and encourage you to follow your heart and to strive for the goals you want to achieve. PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) You'll be drawn into conversations that cause confusion. Trust your instincts over what others

propose. Being true to yourself will lead to activities and people who enrich your life. ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Concentrate on your relationships with others. Participate in events or projects that resolve issues that concern you. Expand your interests, circle of friends and desire to look, feel and do your best. tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Taking on too much and overreacting will cost you. Source out information before you make a move. Listen carefully, but refrain from divulging your thoughts or plans. GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Take time to rearrange your space to suit your needs. If you start something new without proper preparation, you'll end up wasting valuable time. By learning from experience, you'll fulfill an emotional need. cAncER (June 21-July 22) Be honest with yourself before you start making changes that are detrimental to your reputation, work or concerns. Invest more time and money in your future and better health. LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Share your thoughts with the ones you love. The tone you set will have an impact. Positive change begins with a positive attitude and the willingness to compromise when necessary. 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: W EQuALs c

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

4D ■ Tuesday,August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

CurTiS

Hi and LoiS

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Sudoku InstructIons: Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday. Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

BaBY BLueS

BLondie

THe wiZard oF id

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La TimeS CroSSword

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Tuesday,August 25, 2026 ■ 5D

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B.C.

Bridge By PHILLIP ALDER Bob Hope said, “If you watch a game, it’s fun. If you play it, it’s recreation. If you work at it, it’s golf.” As you watch the cards closely, you play well and find bridge to be fun. The work is training your partner also to pay close attention. Today’s deal can either be a 50-50 bet or a sure thing, depending upon the skill level of East and West. How should they card to defeat three no-trump? West leads the spade five. Declarer takes East’s king with his ace and attacks diamonds. North added one point for his decent five-card diamond suit and raised to three no-trump. South starts with only five top tricks: two spades (given the first trick) and three clubs. However, four more winners are readily available from the diamonds. So, if East has the diamond ace, the contract is guaranteed. If West has that ace, maybe he will not find a heart shift; or if he does, it will not prove lethal. Here, though, as you can see, if West leads the heart jack, then when he gets in with his diamond ace, the contract can be defeated. But how does West know to lead a heart rather than a club? West should duck the first diamond to get some help from his partner. East

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

should play first the two to show an odd number. But on the second round, he could play either the eight or the three. By following suit with the eight, the higher card, East is expressing interest in the higher-ranking of hearts and clubs, the two unplayed suits. This points West in the right direction — if he is watching. © 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 — HAyWIRE: HAY-wyer: Being out of order or having gone

Bizarro

marmaduKe

wrong. Average mark 12 words Time limit 25 minutes Can you find 20 or more words in HAYWIRE? yEstERDAy’s WoRD — LAconIc laic lain lion loan loin calico ciao clan coal coca coil

coin cola colic conic conical oilcan nail icon

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “I say to you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” Luke 15:7 If we don’t repent we will not please the Lord. — G.E. Dean

6D ■ Tuesday,August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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classifieds.theadvocate.com Search Search& &Place PlaceAds AdsOnline Onlineatatclassifieds.theadvocate.com classifieds.theadvocate.com* Call * Call -Friday Us Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM at 225-383-0111 8AM-5PM at 225-383-0111

Announcements ANYONE knowing the whereabouts of any property owner, heir or other related person, in regard to the properties listed below, please contact the East Baton Rouge CityParish, Department of Development – Neighborhood Revitalization Office at 225-389-8680. 8034 KINGFISHER AVE JESSEE J DEMER 859 GOOSE ST EDDIE ADAMS BROWN 4449 CANNON ST THE ESTATE OF LEROY L FRANKLIN, SR JOANN H FRANKLIN 4188 MOHICAN ST ONE HUNDRED FOLD II, LLC 5238 WINBOURNE AVE MELISSA A HEATLEY 3247 SHELLEY ST TARRON R AND DENISE JAMES 3128 CHIPEWA ST JOHN T ROBINSON 1021 S 15TH ST EDDIE ROY SPEARS 822 N 28TH ST CAREY L FORD 2427 KAUFMAN ST ANGELA MACHEN 4936 LINDEN ST JAMES A GILMORE, JR 3062 EATON ST NEW FOUNDATION, LLC 1154 N ACADIAN THWY E LOURETTA MILTON 865 N 39TH ST ESTELLA NICHOLAS 3609 CLAYCUT RD JAMES MURRAY WATSON 2237 YAZOO ST JOSEPH WILLIAMS 8227 BAYOU FOUNTAIN AVE PALMETTO 24, LLC NORTHWEST REGISTEREDED AGENT LLC 5763 HARTFORD AVE JESSIE B STEWART 1375 KENNON DR ROY YOUNGBLOOD 3468 RIDGEMONT DR TRAVIS THOMAS 9749 SPIKE RIDGE AVE RHONDA PENNINGTON VIOLA 4588 CORAL DR JAYDEN MARTINEZ 5215 SYCAMORE ST SCHORTEN PLACE, INC C/O ROY HEBERT, CPA 1965 72ND AVE TTDS INVESTMENTS, LLC 2033 CURTIS ST JAMES BYRD JR 9677 JONES ST / 9665 JONES ST JONES STREET REDEVELOPMENT, INC 1150 SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD TRIBE OF MOSES IRREVOCABLE (FOREIGN) SPENDTHRIFT TRUST 1576 SWAN AVE CMG REAL ESTATE FUND, LLC 4987 PACKARD ST LEVI BRADLEY 6150 LOTUS ST THE ESTATE OF MADIE C WRIGHT LANGLEY 9410 GREENWELL SPRINGS RD MOUTAIN PORTFOLIO OWNER LA 2, LLC C/O BLUE OWL REAL ESTATE CAPITAL 2806 EATON ST TAYLOR WILLIAMS 2924 72ND AVE THE ESTATE OF RICHARD R GRADNEY, SR 205 SONORA ST MICHAEL MATROODNEJAD 6833 VAN GOGH AVE MARJOE SANCHEZ HOLMES, SR 3517 CHIPPEWA ST

Public Notices

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived for the State of Louisiana by the Division of Administration and shall be directed to the Office of Facility Planning and Control, 1201 North Third Street, Claiborne Office Building, Suite 7160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70802 or P.O. Box 94095, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70804-9095. The deadline for receipt of bids is 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at which time bids will be opened and read aloud in a public meeting in the Claiborne Office Building, Conference Room 1-145. FOR: Storage Building Renovation and Paved Catering Pad Governor's Mansion State Capitol Park Baton Rouge, Louisiana PROJECT NUMBER: 01-107-26-02, F.01004842 Complete Bidding Docu‐ ments for this project are available in electronic form. They may be ob‐ tained without charge and without deposit from www.centerlinebidco nnect.com. Printed copies are not available from the Designer but arrangements can be made to obtain them through most repro‐ graphic firms. Plan hold‐ ers are responsible for their own reproduction costs. Questions about this pro‐ cedure shall be directed to the Designer at: Chenevert Architects, LLC 9100 Bluebonnet Centre Blvd., Suite 401 Baton Rouge, LA 70801 Telephone: 225-334-9907 E-mail: chenevert@che nevertarchitects.com All bids shall be accom‐ panied by bid security in an amount of five per‐ cent (5.0%) of the sum of the base bid and all al‐ ternates. The form of this security shall be as stated in the Instructions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project. The successful Bidder shall be required to fur‐ nish a Performance and Payment Bond written as described in the Instruc‐ tions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project. A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD at 1:00 PM on Monday, September 14, 2026 at Office of State Buildings, Conference Room 100, 1928 North Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2166 for the classification of Building Construction. Bidder is required to comply with provisions and require‐ ments of LA R.S. 38:2212(B)(5). No bid may be withdrawn for a pe‐ riod of forty-five (45) days after receipt of bids, except under the provisions of LA. R.S. 38:2214. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In ac‐ cordance with La. R.S. 38:2212(B)(1), the provi‐ sions and requirements of this Section and those stated in the bidding d h ll b

CAB ENTERPRISES, INC 3874 CHIPPEWA ST AARON ARDOIN 2536 DAYTON ST RICHARD AND GLADYS TAYLOE WALLS 205 TAFT ST LILLIE MAE K EDWARDS 1455 W ROOSEVELT FPH S 16TH ST, LLC 2872 INDIANA ST CHARLES E WILLIAMS TORLIEF ERIC WILLIAMS 7750 GREENWELL SPRINGS RD BUILDERS CENTER, INC C/O GATEWAY PROPERTIES, INC 2956 WASHINGTON AVE THE CHARLES EDWARD HOLLIS SEPARATE PROPERTY TRUST 2738 MICHELLI AVE EARNEST ROBERTSON 1715 N 24TH ST MARY L ALEXANDER 2803 DUKE ST RARE PROPERTIES, LLC 1734 W CATALPA DR CHASITY ROTINA BLAKES 2503 TORREY PINE DR DWAYNE N HINTON, JR 845 ELIZABETH DR THE ESTATE OF ROSE ETHELDA MACLEAN 10723 RED OAK DR RYAN CHASE LOCICERO 905 N 38TH JAMES BERNARD ROBERTSON 9154 REDBUD ST LAURIE ANN MCNEIL 738 N ACADIAN THWY E LILLIAN K GARNER 5241 MONARCH AVE HUGHES CONSULTANT GROUP LLC 425 E BUCHANAN ST VIOLET SCOTT RUSSELL 2816 75TH AVE FELICIA ANN MYLES 4237 PROVOST ST CARY WESTON 2880 PLANK RD ARTHUR G MURRAY 2960 MADISON AVE DAVID J EVERITT 3115 MONROE AVE KELVIN L TURNER 6265 GREENWELL SPRINGS RD ETHEL HARRIS 4265 WOODLAWN AVE CHERRIE R LEWIS 2108 THOMAS RD TOMMIE E SMITH 12844 WARFIELD ST GWENDOLYN FAYE CAGE 2693 VANDERBILT DR GOULD PROPERTIES OF BATON ROUGE, LLC BRIAN E GOULD

1855 KANSAS ST IRMA FUENTES 1847 KANSAS ST EUGENE NILES PRESTLEY 1960 HELM DR KENDALL VONKEITH FONTENOT 786 FAWN LAKE DR SHANDA RENEE TROTTER 6765 AUTUMN AVE FRED MARVIN BUTLER, SR 4582 STEARNS ST FELTON WHICKER 2966 69TH AVE ROSA MOORE 2219 70TH AVE ADRIAN J SPURLOCK 4639 EVANGELINE ST DAVID J EVERITT

EDUCATION NOTICE OF VACANCY Applications are being accepted for the following position(s): Athletic Trainer/Teacher LOCATION District Wide STARTING SALARY $72,607 - $88,987 Range based on teacher salary plus coaching supplement. Actual pay level will depend on verified years of experience.

1984490Aug 22-28, 7t $4,271.62

APPLICATION PROCEDURE Anyone interested in being considered for this position should submit an ap‐ plication @ www.ipsb.net JOIN OUR TEAM

Employment

DEADLINE FOR APPLYING Until filled or September 3, 2026

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Positions Available: * Accounting * Bookkeeper * Account Coordinator * Finance * Payroll Officer * Sales Representatives * Customer Service * Business Admin Representative

All IPSB employees must pass a crimi‐ nal records check. The Iberville Parish School System is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

As part of our ongoing expansion, we are seeking part-time, work-fromhome candidates. The position offers a monthly salary of $1,300, in addition to benefits, and requires minimal time commitment. The role involves just 2-3 hours of internet access per week. Requirements: * Must be computer literate * Must have 2-3 hours of internet access per week * Must be efficient and dedicated

Merchandise

CEMETERY PLOTS 2 Burial Plots in Baton Rouge, Green Oaks Memorial. Sec 17, Lots 146-2 & 146-4, Side by Side. $4300 each, negotiable 803-215-0456.

For Sale: (Crypts) 2 Double Depth, Double Companion Niches(Crypts). Located-Lake Lawn/Metairie. $5500 ea. 757-647-6748 cq5280@aol.com

Interested candidates may reach out via email at michelle.appliedit@gmail.com for further information

I am interested in purchasing old United States currency. For example, looking for star notes, silver certificates, Series 1928 and Series 1934 notes, etc. Cash upon sale. Call 225-229-5070.

PRINT ADVERTISING

WORKS

PETS • SUPPLIES • SERVICES • OBITUARIES • LOST & FOUND

PUPPIES For Sale! Adorable! 1/2 Pomeranian 1/2 Chihuahua $200, Full Blooded Toy Poo‐ dles $500 228-669-0077

Public Notices Bids/Proposals g documents shall not be waived by any entity. When this project is fi‐ nanced either partially or entirely with State Bonds or financed in whole or in part by federal or other funds which are not readily available at the time bids are received, the award of this Con‐ tract is contingent upon the granting of lines of credit, or the sale of bonds by the Bond Com‐ mission or the availabil‐ ity of federal or other funds. The State shall incur no obligation to the Contractor until the Con‐ tract Between Owner and Contractor is fully exe‐ cuted. Facility Planning and Control is a participant in the Small Entrepreneur‐ ship (SE) Program (the Hudson Initiative) and the Veteran-Owned and Service-Connected Dis‐ abled Veteran-Owned (LaVet) Small Entrepre‐ neurships Program. Bid‐ ders are encouraged to consider participation. Information is available from the Office of Facility Planning and Control or on its website at https:// www.doa.la.gov/doa/ fpc/. If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, please con‐ tact Cheryl Schilling at Cheryl.Schilling@la.gov or (225) 342-6060 as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. STATE OF LOUISIANA DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION FACILITY PLANNING AND CONTROL MATTHEW H. BAKER, DIRECTOR 198129 Aug. 25, Sept. 1, 8, 2026 3t $163.08 PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived for the State of Louisiana by the Division of Administration and shall be directed to the Office of Facility Planning and Control, 1201 North Third Street, Claiborne Office Building, Suite 7160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70802 or P.O. Box 94095, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70804-9095. The deadline for receipt of bids is 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at which time bids will be opened and read aloud in a public meeting in the Claiborne Office Building, Confer‐ ence Room 1-145. FOR: Replacement of Un‐ derground Chilled Water & Hot Water Piping Both Supply and Return Pen‐ nington Biomedical Re‐ search Center Baton Rouge, Louisiana PROJECT NUMBER: 19-609-24-01, F.19002653 Complete Bidding Docu‐ ments for this project are available in electronic form. They may be ob‐ tained without charge and without deposit from Eyre Engineering, LLC. Printed copies are not available from the De‐ signer but arrangements can be made to obtain them through most re‐ prographic firms. Plan holders are responsible for their own reproduc‐ tion costs. Questions about this pro‐ cedure shall be directed to the Designer at: Eyre Engineering, LLC 7423 Picardy Avenue, Suite E

Place a Classified ad?

225-388-0111

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Telephone: 225-767-7070 E-mail: kacie@eyreeng ineering.com

STATE OF LOUISIANA DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION FACILITY PLANNING AND CONTROL MATTHEW H. BAKER, DIRECTOR

All bids shall be accom‐ panied by bid security in an amount of five per‐ cent (5.0%) of the sum of the base bid and all al‐ ternates. The form of this security shall be as stated in the Instructions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project. The successful Bidder shall be required to fur‐ nish a Performance and Payment Bond written as described in the Instruc‐ tions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project. A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD at 9:00 AM on Wednes‐ day, September 09, 2026 at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, C.B. Pennington, Jr. Con‐ ference Center, Suite 100 Conference Room, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2166 for the classification of Mechanical. Bidder is re‐ quired to comply with provisions and require‐ ments of LA R.S. 38:2212(B)(5). No bid may be withdrawn for a pe‐ riod of forty-five (45) days after receipt of bids, except under the provisions of LA. R.S. 38:2214. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In ac‐ cordance with La. R.S. 38:2212(B)(1), the provi‐ sions and requirements of this Section and those stated in the bidding documents shall not be waived by any entity. When this project is fi‐ nanced either partially or entirely with State Bonds or financed in whole or in part by federal or other funds which are not readily available at the time bids are received, the award of this Con‐ tract is contingent upon the granting of lines of credit, or the sale of bonds by the Bond Com‐ mission or the availabil‐ ity of federal or other funds. The State shall incur no obligation to the Contractor until the Con‐ tract Between Owner and Contractor is fully exe‐ cuted. Facility Planning and Control is a participant in the Small Entrepreneur‐ ship (SE) Program (the Hudson Initiative) and the Veteran-Owned and Service-Connected Dis‐ abled Veteran-Owned (LaVet) Small Entrepre‐ neurships Program. Bid‐ ders are encouraged to consider participation. Information is available from the Office of Facility Planning and Control or on its website at https://www.doa.la.gov/ doa/fpc/. If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, please con‐ tact Cheryl Schilling at Cheryl.Schilling@la.gov or (225) 342-6060 as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting.

NEWS 24/7 ON

197961 Aug. 25, Sept. 1, 8, 2026 3t $165.63 PUBLIC NOTICE ---

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS SP# 154 Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived by the Procure‐ ment Section of the Divi‐ sion of Administration, 1201 N. 3rd. St., 2nd. Floor, Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 10:00 A.M. for the follow‐ ing: RFx No. 3000026619, Tag Along Trailers - DOTD, 9/9/26 RFx No. 3000026623, Vehi‐ cle Bid, 9/9/26

198416-AUG 25-1T $12.34

Amy Vincent Director of State Procure‐ ment FAX (225) 342-8688

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

Invitation to Bid

Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Task Force at it’s office located at 1175 Nicholson Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 until 10am/Thursday, Septem‐ ber 3, 2026 for the follow‐ ing:

BID NUMBER: 002989 BID OPENING DATE: SEP‐ TEMBER 15, 2026 @ 2:00PM ALL INQUIRES AND RE‐ QUESTS FOR SPECIFICA‐ TIONS SHOULD BE AD‐ DRESSED VIA EMAIL TO: MWIL34@LSUHSC.EDU BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AT: LSUHSC-433 BOLIVAR ST. 6TH FLOOR, RM 623C NEW ORLEANS, LA 70112 SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PURCHASING DEPART‐ MENT. THE RIGHT IS RE‐ SERVED TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS AND TO WAIVE INFORMALITIES. 197718-aug 19-25-31-3t $72.31 PUBLIC NOTICE --Northshore Technical Community College is seeking sealed bids for Lawncare Services for our Florida Parishes Campus. Anyone inter‐ ested in placing a bid may obtain a bid packet from: https://wwwcfprd. doa.louisiana.gov/OSP/ LaPAC/pubMain.cfm , in person at 65556 Center‐ point Blvd., Lacombe, LA 70445 Room 148, or by email: RichardButler@ northshorecollege.edu . Requires site visit on Au‐ gust 26th or September 2nd by appointment only. Bid# 40023-S27004. 198400-AUG 24-25-2T $14.38

ROOMS FOR RENT Furnished Rooms. $125/wk. $500/mo. 225-933-7560

APARTMENT AREA 5 1BR $600, 2BR $700 Tigerland. $500 Deposit. 225-475-1737

APARTMENT Fabulous French Quarter Furnished 1BR $1625. INCLUDING UTILITIES/WIFI. Brand new Bath & Kitchen (Custom Cabinets, SS Appliances). 504-388-2880

Automotive Auto Dealerships are NOT WELCOME TO CALL ME Gray exterior and interior, turbo eco boost titanium, keyless entry. No dents or dings. No wrecks. Excellent condition. One owner. $19,500.00 985-513-1775 terribird2023@protonmail.com

THE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT will be closed on NDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th MONDAY in observance of

LABOR DAY

Deadline: Display Ads Thursday 9/3 @ 3pm

WORKS

198414-AUG 1 SEP 1-8-3T $25.86

BID TITLE: AHSON 7TH FLOOR AHU EQUIPMENT PURCHASE

MOBILE HOME 1, 2 & 3 BR mobile homes, $675 & up 6061 Plank Rd. CALL 225-978-4653

APARTMENT 3060 N. Acadian Thrwy (Wtr/Swr Pd) 1BR/1BA, Rent $500, Dep $100 225-357-6436

Run Date Tuesday 9/8 Wednesday 9/9

As always, you may place your ad 7 days a week, 24 hours a day online at www.theadvocate.com or call Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

PRINT ADVERTISING

Bid proposal forms, in‐ formation and specifica‐ tions may be obtained by accessing the bid num‐ ber in LaPac at www.doa. la.gov/doa/osp/ or from the procurement section listed above. No bids will be received after the date and hour specified. The right is reserved to reject any and all bids and to waive any infor‐ malities.

UNTIL TIMES AND DATES INDICATED, AT WHICH TIME AND PLACE THE PROPOSALS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AND READ:

3017 Chippewa St. 3BR 1BA Rent $800/mo $300/dep 225-357-6436

TEACUP POODLES MALTIPOOS POMS YORKIES Miniature and Toy Goldendoodles UTD. S/W Please Call 504-259-2222

INVITATION TO BID Sealed bids will be ac‐ cepted until 09/15/2026 at 2 PM for Welding Gases at South Louisiana Community College in Lafayette, LA. Bid forms and specifications may be obtained online at www.solacc.edu/bids, by phoning 337-521-8898, by e-mailing purchasing@ solacc.edu, by faxing a written request to 337521-9067, or by visiting the Purchasing Office at Bertrand Dr., 1101 Lafayette, LA 70506. Please refer to bid #27001. Bids must be sub‐ mitted in accordance with LA State Purchasing Rules and Regulations and within the terms and conditions set forth

SEALED PROPOSALS AS LISTED BELOW WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE PUR‐ CHASING DEPARTMENT AT: LSU HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER 433 BOLIVAR STREET ROOM 623 NEW ORLEANS, LA 70112 (504) 568-6261

HOUSE

Baton Rouge Rental

And will be observing the following Early Deadline:

PLACE YOUR PET SERVICES INFORMATION IN THE PET SERVICES DIRECTORY TODAY! • IT IS FAST AND EASY! • CALL 225-383-0111 Mia's GoldenDoodles 6-11-26 3M/2F Vet Chkd, $800 SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!! CASH ONLY! 5043077786 5045411098

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Selling Business only not building. Don't have enough workers to run. Has great potential in Reeve's shopping center. Has all equipment needed to boil crawfish, fry seafood plates amongst other foods with warmer in front. Asking price 50k negotiable and rent is needed to negotiate with landlord. Call or Text Steve 225-341-9235

Classic Ranger Fishing Boat 115 hp motor, trolling motor $15,000.00 225933-9262 jimwalzak49@att.net

Pets / Pet Services Directory CATS RAGAMUFFIN & RAGDOLL KITTENS www.CatsByFrancy.com/kittens $1500up! Reg. Shots & Guaranty 337-230-3150

APARTMENT 655 North St Subsidized Efficiency Apartments cpabr.org 225-383-5551 TDD/TTY 711 RELAY

Baton Rouge Real Estate For Sale

MEDIUM DUTY TRUCK WITH HAULER BED Full Information and bid specs may be obtained upon request from Chuck Hurst, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Task Force, 1175 Nichol‐ son Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, by phone at 225-343-8402, or by email at Chuck@lsa.org. The right to reject any and all bids and waive informali‐ ties is reserved. 197786-AUG 18-25-2T $178.98

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE --- 1WOODARDVILLE FIELD 26-289 thru 26-292 LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF LOUISIANA, DE‐ PARTMENT OF CONSER‐ VATION AND ENERGY, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA. In accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, and with par‐ ticular reference to the provisions of Title 30 of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, a public hearing will be held in the Hearing Room, 1st Floor, LaSalle Building, 617 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026, upon the application of ADAMAS ENERGY LLC. At such hearing the De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy will con‐ sider evidence relative to the issuance of Orders pertaining to the follow‐ ing matters relating to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, in the Woodardville Field, Bi‐ enville Parish, Louisiana. 1. To authorize Applicant to drill, designate and utilize one cross unit hor‐ izontal well to serve as an alternate unit well for

(225) 383-0111 Legal Notices

HA RA SUT, HA RA SU75 and HA RA SUB, and one cross unit horizontal well to serve as an alternate unit well for HA RA SU75, HA RA SU77 and HA RA SUB, or at any other legal locations within such units, and to approve ex‐ ceptions to the spacing provisions of Office of Permitting and Compli‐ ance Order No. 990-D, ef‐ fective July 15, 2008, as to the common boundaries of the units which will be served by the cross unit horizontal wells, pro‐ vided that said cross unit horizontal wells will be perforated no closer than 330’ from any unit boundary, other than the common boundaries be‐ tween the affected units, except as requested in Paragraph 2 below. 2. In addition to the re‐ quest for exceptional lo‐ cations as to the com‐ mon boundaries between the affected units, the applicant requests an ex‐ ception to the well spac‐ ing provisions in Order No. 990-D to allow the first and last perforation point or take point in the proposed cross unit hori‐ zontal wells to be lo‐ cated no closer than 100’ from the north and south unit lines and no closer than 200’ to any well on a competitive unit com‐ pleted in, drilling to, or for which a permit has been granted to drill to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A. 3. To find that the pro‐ posed horizontal wells are necessary to effi‐ ciently and economically drain a portion of the Haynesville Zone, Reser‐ voir A, underlying the units on which it is pro‐ posed to be drilled which cannot be efficiently and economically drained by any existing well on such units, will prevent waste, avoid the drilling of un‐ necessary wells, protect correlative rights and promote the full and effi‐ cient development of the natural resources of this state. 4. To provide that if the horizontal portion of a well is cased and ce‐ mented back above the top of the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, the distance to any unit boundary and offset well(s) will be calculated based on the distance to the nearest perforation in the well and not on the penetration point or ter‐ minus of the well in the Hayesville Zone, Reser‐ voir A. 5. To provide that pro‐ duction from the pro‐ posed wells shall be sep‐ arated and metered indi‐ vidually and that this in‐ formation shall be re‐ ported in the manner prescribed by the Office of Permitting and Com‐ pliance. 6. To provide that the unit allowables for the units to be served by the pro‐ posed wells may be pro‐ duced from the unit well, from any alternate unit well, or from any combi‐ nation of such wells serving the unit, at the discretion of the opera‐ tor. 7. To provide that pro‐ duction from a cross unit horizontal well shall be allocated to each unit penetrated by the well in the same proportion as the perforated length of the lateral in each such unit bears to the total length of the perforated lateral as determined by an “as drilled” survey performed after the well has been drilled and completed, except that the proportion of unit production associated with the perforated length of lateral located within 330’ of the com‐ mon unit boundary be‐ tween HA RA SU77 and HA RA SU75 shall be allo‐ cated equally between HA RA SU77 and HA RA

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

SU75. 8. Except insofar as set forth above, to confirm and continue in full force and effect the provisions of Order No. 990-D, effec‐ tive July 15, 2008, as amended and supple‐ mented by the 990-D Se‐ ries of Orders, the units created thereby, and of all applicable Statewide Orders. 9. To consider such other matters as may be perti‐ nent. The Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A was defined in Order No. 990-D, effec‐ tive July 15, 2008. A plat is available for in‐ spection in the Depart‐ ment of Conservation and Energy in Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana. http://dnr.louisiana.gov/ conshearings All parties having inter‐ est therein shall take no‐ tice thereof. BY ORDER OF: DUSTIN H. DAVIDSON, SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF CON‐ SERVATION AND ENERGY Baton Rouge, 8/20/26;8/25/26 S lck

Iberville Parish Council Water System Improvements Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Issue Date: August 25, 2026 To: All Interested Federal, State, and Local Agen‐ cies, Groups and Individ‐ uals This is to give notice that the Iberville Parish Coun‐ cil has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990, in accor‐ dance with HUD regula‐ tions at 24 CFR 55.20 Sub‐ part C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain and Wet‐ land Management, to de‐ termine the potential af‐ fect that its activity lo‐ cated in or adjacent to a floodplain and/or wet‐ land will have on the human environment for the Iberville Parish Coun‐ cil CDBG public facilities program under B-23-DC22-0001, to undertake a project known as the “Iberville Parish Water System Improvements”

LA

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CON‐ SERVATION AND ENERGY AT P.O. BOX 94275, BATON ROUGE, LA 70804-9275 IN WRITING WITHIN TEN (10) WORKING DAYS OF THE HEARING DATE.

The specific elements of this proposed project will include the replacement of the existing water mains with new, modern 6” and 4” diameter water mains and associated valves, fire hydrants and flushing assemblies along Patureau Lane, Bayou Road and sur‐ rounding streets. The Parish has determined the project site is located within a FEMA-desig‐ nated Special Flood Haz‐ ard Area (SFHA), Flood

198434-AUG 25-1T $

Legal Notices

Zone A, as shown on the applicable Flood Insur‐ ance Rate Map (FIRM). Iberville Parish consid‐ ered the following alter‐ natives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse im‐ pacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: The al‐ ternative actions are as followed: (1) Not Construct the Project/Status Quo (2) Locate the Project Outside of the Floodplain The Parish has reevalu‐ ated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that there is no practical al‐ ternative to locating the project in the flood zone. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 and 11990 are available for public inspection, re‐ view and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of com‐ ments. This activity will have no significant im‐ pact on the environment for the following rea‐ sons: (1) The project will not increase development within the floodplain area. (2) The project will not increase any runoff in the floodplain. The proposed action, if implemented, would im‐ pact a Federal Emer‐ gency Management Agency (FEMA) desig‐ nated Special Flood Haz‐ ard Area (SFHA) per FEMA preliminary digital fl d h

The digital edition of today’s paper is always at your finger tips with

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CORONAVIRUS: THE LATEST

Officials: BR area to see infections surge Capital region records deadliest day

CASES IN LA.

477 13,010 deaths

positive cases

The number of confirmed cases of BY YOUSSEF RDDAD the novel coronavirus rose to 656 in and DAVID J. MITCHELL East Baton Rouge Parish on Sunday Staff writers for third-most in the state, while the The coronavirus killed more peo- number of deaths in the capital reple in the Baton Rouge area in a 24- gion hit 54, new data from the Louihour span than any previous day, siana Department of Health shows. East Baton Parish reported eight adaccording to state and local officials who say the worst is yet to come as ditional deaths, bringing the parish’s Louisiana, too, saw record-breaking total to 22 as of Sunday afternoon, the most reported in a single day. deaths Sunday across the state.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome exhorted residents to heed social distancing measures while echoing federal officials’ warnings that the coming week will likely be the deadliest since the pandemic gained a foothold in the U.S. “We have to support each other during this season, and not allow ourselves to succumb to feelings of fear or hopelessness,” Broome said in a statement Sunday. “Things will likely get worse before they get better, but they will get better.”

The human toll from the virus reached 477 deaths in Louisiana by Sunday — an increase of 68 — and, like the capital region, marked the largest single-day jump in fatal cases. An earlier record was set between April 2-3. Sunday’s death tally in the Baton Rouge area was the largest singleday increase in at least a week when the region saw nine in one day. The number of deaths in the 12-parish

ä See SURGE, page 4A

INSIDE

ä Trump tempers grave assessments with optimism. Page 2A ä Sugar cane farmers concerned as planting nears. Page 1B ä Historic Saints player Tom Dempsey dies after battle with virus. Page 4A

OPEN PALMS IMAgE FROM VIDEO

Employees at BBQguys, a Baton Rougebased online retailer, hold an online meeting using Zoom.

Companies weigh pros of remote operations

BY TIMOTHY BOONE Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By TRAVIS SPRADLINg

Baton Rouge Diocese Bishop Michael Duca, left, and the Very Rev. Paul D. Counce, pastor of St. Joseph Cathedral, perform the blessing of palms ceremony on Palm Sunday in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, a small area near the altar of the church. The ceremony is usually held in front of a large crowd gathered outside the church, but because of coronavirus public health precautions prohibiting social gatherings, the church had no parishioners in attendance, though the ceremony and Mass were televised.

New parents navigate protecting infants amid virus of her month. BY JACQUELINE DEROBERTIS But Garrett gave birth just as Staff writer the coronavirus pandemic arWhen 21-year-old Madicyn rived. Nurses stationed at the enGarrett went into labor on St. Patrick’s Day as she was rush- trance of the hospital were ing to Woman’s Hospital, she screening arrivals for COVthought the unexpectedly early ID-19. They rushed to Garrett’s birth of her daughter would be aid as the car pulled in front of the most harrowing experience the building and sped her to an

operating room. She gave birth alone. Both Garrett and her daughter, Hadlee Nora Mae Garrett, stopped breathing after the delivery and had to be resuscitated. “It was very scary, extremely,” Garrett said. “I’ve never

ä See INFANTS, page 5A

Born prematurely, Nora Louise Wheat spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Woman’s Hospital.

Within 30 minutes of a statewide stayat-home order being issued on a Sunday, planning started on just one day’s notice to transform a staff of 160 into remote workers. By the close of business Monday, employees at BBQGuys were prepped and overnight set up to work from home with help from the company’s IT staff. “We did everything to virtualize our call center,” said Corey Tisdale, chief executive officer of the Baton Rouge-based online retailer of grills and outdoor furniture. “We were pulling computers out of our office and giving them to employees so they could reconnect them at home.” When the company conducted a test to see how smoothly the work-from-home system was working at 7 a.m. Tuesday, it found the longest customer hold times were 45 seconds. After a few days of working remotely, the online numbers were looking good for BBQGuys, thanks in a large part to the millions of people who were staying home and looking for things to do. Sales were up slightly, social media traffic increased by 50% and orders for grills were particularly strong. “I’m proud of the whole crew,” Tisdale said. “When there’s a will, there’s a way.” Scores of businesses across Louisiana quickly adjusted to having the bulk of their employees working from home as offices attempted to keep people from

PROVIDED PHOTO

Americans brace for ‘hardest, saddest’ week of their lives BY JIM MUSTIAN and FRANCES D’EMILIO Associated Press

NEW YORK — Americans braced for what the nation’s top doctor warned Sunday would be “the hardest and saddest week” of their lives while Britain assumed the unwelcome mantle of deadliest coronavirus hot spot in Europe after a record 24-hour jump in deaths

that surpassed even hardhit Italy’s. Britain’s own prime minister, Boris Johnson, was hospitalized, 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19 in what his office described as a “precautionary step.” Amid the dire news, there were also glimmers of hope some hard-hit areas — the number of people dying appeared to be slowing in New York City,

Spain and Italy. The news was cautiously welcomed by leaders, who also noted that any gains could easily be reversed if people did not continue to adhere to strict lockdowns. The U.S. is still awaiting the peak, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams offered a stark warning about the expected wave of virus deaths.

ä See BRACE, page 4A

View the e-edition from the Advocate app

Elliot Steinberg, a student at Xavier University in Cincinnati, rides a bicycle up a hill along nearly-empty University Boulevard on Sunday in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DAVID ZALUBOWSKI

ä See REMOTE, page 5A

Classified .................. 6D Comics...................... 5D Commentary ............. 5B Deaths ...................... 3B Living......................... 1D Opinion ..................... 4B Puzzles ...................... 4D

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Legal Notices

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p y g flood maps. The pur‐ poses of this notice are to: (1) Inform the public of this commitment and (2) Identify the reasons why the proposal must be located in the flood‐ plain; (3) Provide a list of the alternatives considered; (4) Discuss all mitigation measures to be under‐ taken to minimize ad‐ verse impacts and to re‐ store and preserve nat‐ ural and beneficial val‐ ues. Written comments must be received by the Parish at the following address on or before September 1, 2026 at Iberville Parish Council, 58050 Meriam St, Plaquemine, LA 70764 and (225)-687-5190 Atten‐ tion: Stephanie Glynn, during the hours of 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Com‐ ments may also be sub‐ mitted via email at sg‐ lynn@ibervilleparish. com. 198366 Aug. 25 2026 1t $78.62

PUBLIC NOTICE --PUBLIC HEARING ADOPTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES BY THE IBERVILLE PARISH COUNCIL NOTICE IS HERE BY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held Tuesday, Septem‐ ber 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Court‐ house Building, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquem‐ ine, Louisiana on the adoption of the following ordinances which were introduced at the Regu‐ lar Meeting of the Parish Council of the Parish of Iberville, State of Louisiana, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Copies of the proposed entitled ordinances are available at the Council Office, Room 202, Iberville Parish Courthouse, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquem‐ ine, Louisiana. ORDINANCE 1 ORDI‐ NANCE TO AMEND THE 2026 CAPITAL IMPROVE‐ MENT BUDGET AND THE 2026 OCHSNER MEDICAL

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

COMPLEX SPECIAL REV‐ ENUE FUND BUDGET TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL AP‐ PROPRIATIONS FOR RAMAH BOAT LANDING IMPROVEMENTS AND PURCHASE OF EQUIP‐ MENT FOR OCHSNER MEDICAL COMPLEX

NANCE TO AMEND SEC‐ TION 16-4(A) OF THE IBERVILLE PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES TO CLARIFY THAT THE RE‐ PLACEMENT OF EXISTING CULVERTS AS PART OF CERTAIN GOVERNMENTAL FLOOD MITIGATION OR DRAINAGE IMPROVE‐ MENT PROJECTS IS PER‐ MITTED WHEN SUCH RE‐ PLACEMENT MAINTAINS OR IMPROVES HY‐ DRAULIC CAPACITY

Public Hearing, please contact Iberville Parish Council at (225) 687-5190, describing the assis‐ tance that is necessary.

44487, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4487. Applications may be inspected during OPC business hours at 617 N. 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, LA. Comments must be received within 15 days of this notice to be considered. For more information, contact Mark Hogan at (225) 2199530 or (800) 267-4019.

ORDINANCE 2 ORDI‐ NANCE CREATING THE IBERVILLE PARISH INFRA‐ STRUCTURE FUND; PRO‐ VIDING FOR THE PUR‐ POSE, FUNDING, ADMIN‐ ISTRATION, AND USE OF THE FUND; AUTHORIZING THE DEPOSIT OF REV‐ ENUES DERIVED FROM IN‐ DUSTRIAL TAX EXEMP‐ TION PROGRAM (ITEP) AGREEMENTS, PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES (PILOT), COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENTS, AND OTHER ECONOMIC DE‐ VELOPMENT TAX INCEN‐ TIVE PROGRAMS; PRO‐ VIDING FOR ELIGIBLE IMPROVE‐ CAPITAL MENTS; PROVIDING FOR PROJECT APPROVAL, AC‐ COUNTABILITY, REPORT‐ ING, AND SEVERABILITY; AND OTHERWISE PROVID‐ ING WITH RESPECT THERETO ORDINANCE

3

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ORDINANCE 4 ORDI‐ NANCE TO AMEND IPC ORDINANCE NO. 007-26 RELATIVE TO THE MORA‐ TORIUM ON THE LOCA‐ TION OF BATTERY EN‐ ERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BESS) IN THE UNINCOR‐ PORATED AREAS OF IBERVILLE PARISH, LOUISIANA Macy W. Ourso, Council Clerk Iberville Parish Council 58050 Meriam Street, P.O. Box 389 Plaquemine, Louisiana 70765 In accordance with the Americans with Disabili‐ ties Act, if you need spe‐ cial assistance for the

8-25-2026 198328-AUG 25-1T $43.51 PUBLIC NOTICE --The Louisiana Depart‐ ment of Conservation and Energy, Office of Per‐ mits and Compliance (OPC) is currently re‐ viewing the following project for Consistency with the State and Local Coastal Resources Man‐ agement Act of 1978, as amended (La. R.S. 49:214.21-214.41), and the regulations of the Louisiana Coastal Re‐ sources Program (LCRP). Pursuant to Section 306 (d)(14) of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended (CZMA), the public may submit comments on proposed projects to Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy, Office of Permits and Compliance, P.O. Box

Federal License or Permit: C20260003 Mod 06 CPRA PO-0199 Chandeleur Is‐ land Restoration ProjectOn Site Debris Location, Sidecast Warning, and Disturbance Limits, St. Bernard Parish C20260147 (P20260688) Hillcorp Energy Company Proposed Re‐ pair of Second Bayou Field Existing Ring Levee on Sabine NWR, Cameron Parish 198481 Aug. 25, 1t $17.48

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Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

g Council Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Courthouse Building, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana, on the 15th day of July, 2026.

p reading of the minutes of June 16, 2026 and ap‐ prove as is.

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE --The Louisiana Office of State Parks is requesting proposals for a PublicPrivate Partnership pro‐ ject to design, construct, and operate a high-qual‐ ity recreational vehicle campground and related amenities. For more in‐ formation go to opportu‐ nitiesinlouisiana.com. 192994-jul 2-aug 31-t

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

PUBLIC NOTICE --IBERVILLE PARISH COUN‐ CIL ADVISORY BOARD FOR PLANNING & DEVEL‐ OPMENT MINUTES REGULAR MEETING, WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026 The Advisory Board for Planning & Development of the Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana, met in Regular Session, in the il i

Advisory Board Chair‐ man Dardenne called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. followed by the roll call with the following members in attendance: Randy LaPrairie, Maxie Gray, Catherine Simpson, Councilman Pierce, Councilman Dominique, Councilman Morgan, Councilman Dardenne. Absent: minique.

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A quorum was present and due notice had been published on the 9th day of July, 2026 in The Advo‐ cate, and on the Iberville Parish website. Others present: Parish Engineer, Seneca Tous‐ sant. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon a motion by Pierce, and seconded by Simp‐ son, the Advisory Board voted to suspend the di f h i f

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The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board. NEW BUSINESS A. Introduction of re-sub‐ division for Bart Morgan B. Introduction of re-sub‐ division for Brian Carville C. Introduction of re-sub‐ division for Johnny Andre, III D. Introduction of re-sub‐ division for Michael Vi‐ tale On a motion by LaPrarie, seconded by Pierce, the Advisory Board voted to set these items for hear‐ ing on August 18, 2026. Yeas: All present. Nays: None. Reeves, Absent: minique. Abstain: Morgan.

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8D ■ Tuesday,August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate Legal Notices

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IBERVILLE PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES PUBLIC HEARING, WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026 PROPOSED ORDINANCE

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The Parish Council of Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana, held a Public Hearing in the Council Meeting Room, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana, on the 15th day of July, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. pursuant to a Notice of Public Hearing published on the 22nd day of June, 2026 & the 5th day of July, 2026 in the Advocate and posted on the Iberville Parish website.

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The Council Chairman, Steve C. Smith, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. followed by the roll call with the following Council Members in attendance: Shalanda L. Allen, District 1; Chasity B. Easley; District 2; Thomas E. Dominique, Sr., District 3; Freddie Frazier, Sr., District 4; Steve C. Smith, District 5; Raheem T. Pierce, District 6; Nadia Jenkins, District 7; Hunter S. Markins, District 8; Trent Martinez, District 10; Charles Dardenne, District 11; Matthew H. Jewell, District 12; Bart B. Morgan, District 13. Absent: None.

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He started by recognizing the following for their years of service with the Parish, Stephen Gullotto, for 5 years of service. He stated that this is Dwayne Boudreaux last meeting as CAO and thanked him for all his hard work. He stated that the Gay Subdivision streetlight project has received bids from different contractors and introducing an ordinance to amend the budget to fund that project. He stated that the Hwy 1 bore project documents are signed and the permit fee has been mailed. All the owners on Jesse Romig Road & Gisclaird Road have signed documents and then core sampling will begin. Nathan Georgetown ditch matting project is progressing. The Cypress Harvest Solar Project application has been reviewed by the engineers, and a copy of the application has been given to each Council Member. He stated that the Waterway Clean up day will be in September, the Swamp Life Expo will be on October 3, the Veterans Event will be November 11, and Very Merry Iberville will be on December 18.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Terry Bradford arrived after roll call (6:09 p.m.). Parish President- Chris Daigle, Chief Administrative Officer- Dwayne Boudreaux, Chief Operations Officer- Randall Dunn were also in attendance.

Finance Director, Randall stated that the Council received their budget to actual financial statements. He stated that they work very hard every year to not have any findings in the audit each year and continue to work to that goal.

Mr. Dunn and Mr. Boudreaux read the following ordinance in entirety.

OLD BUSINESS

ORDINANCE 1 ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2026 GENERAL FUND BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,000 AND TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED ON 65405 BAYOU RD, PLAQUEMINE, LOUISIANA 70764 FROM HARVEY M. BEZET, LINDA B. MOTT, MAGGIE B. BYRNE AND SETH J. BEZET ORDINANCE 2 ORDINANCE TO IMPOSE A MORATORIUM ON THE LOCATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BESS) IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF IBERVILLE PARISH, LOUISIANA •

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Ronald Doyle came before the Council with questions for the Council about how the batteries would be charged, who would pay for the project, would it lower energy bills, and would the project ask for an ITEP and he thinks those are important questions that should be answered. Garry Harrell came before the Council in support of the moratorium. He stated that he is frustrated with lack of communication to the public and that he has other concerns about what could happen to the water supply and flooding. He is very concerned about public safety. Tim Johnson came before the Council to speak against the moratorium and is thankful to the Council for continuing to have open conversations about investment in the Parish. He stated that he believes that things can be developed responsible and still invest in our parish. Jared Delrose came before the Council in opposition of the proposed moratorium; he stated that he hopes that the council considers this project. Councilwoman Chasity Easley read aloud a public comment on behalf of a resident that could not be in attendance, Savannah Morales.

The floor was opened to comments and questions. opposition to this ordinance from the public.

There was no

There being no further business to be conducted, the hearing was adjourned at 6:17 p.m. ______________________ /s/ MACY W. OURSO COUNCIL CLERK

_________________________ /s/ STEVE C. SMITH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

IBERVILLE PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING, WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026 The Parish Council of Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana, met in Regular Session, in the Council Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Courthouse Building, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana, on the 15th day of July, 2026. The Council Chairman, Steve C. Smith, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. followed by the roll call with the following Council Members in attendance: Shalanda L. Allen, District 1; Chasity B. Easley; District 2; Thomas E. Dominique, Sr., District 3; Freddie Frazier, Sr., District 4; Steve C. Smith, District 5; Raheem T. Pierce, District 6; Nadia Jenkins, District 7; Hunter S. Markins, District 8; Terry J. Bradford, District 9; Trent Martinez, District 10; Charles Dardenne, District 11; Matthew H. Jewell, District 12; Bart B. Morgan, District 13. Absent: None. Parish President- Chris Daigle, Chief Administrative Officer- Dwayne Boudreaux, Chief Operations Officer- Randall Dunn were also in attendance. A quorum was present and due notice had been posted and published in the Advocate newspaper on the 10th day of July, 2026. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Council Chairman Smith called for anyone wanting to make public comments to register with the Clerk. ADDENDUM None. PRESENTATIONS AND APPEARANCES A) Proclamation for Julianna Day in Iberville Parish • Councilman Pierce read the proclamation aloud and presented it to the family and a video was played with more information about her medical condition and upcoming benefit. B) Justin Mendoza Notice of Resignation as Justice of the Peace Ward 5 • Justin Mendoza came before the Council to formally resign as Justice of the Peace for Ward 5. He stated that he is thankful for his time serving as justice of the peace and what he was able to accomplish. C) Audit Presentation by Baxley & Associates – Ms. Margaret Pritchard • Ms. Margaret Pritchard, representing Hugh Baxley and Associates, LLC. presented the 2025 Iberville Parish Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. • Ms. Pritchard began summarizing page 18 of the audit report which is the statement of net position. Total assets for the year were $308,034,291 which increased $14.4 million over the previous year. Capital assets increased by $4 million. The total liabilities were $22,034,511. The total net position was $287,371,065 which increased. • Ms. Pritchard began summarizing page 19 which is the statement of activities. The expenses for governmental funds were $52,834,587. The total general revenues and transfers was $61,624,965. The change in net position was $16.9 million for the year 2025. • Ms. Pritchard began summarizing page 159-170 of the financial statement audit. There were no finding for the 2025 budget. There were 4 agreed upon procedures that were tested and 4 exceptions were found. • Ms. Pritchard thanked the Finance Director and the Finance Department for a great job in putting together the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon a motion by Councilwoman Jenkins, seconded by Councilman Markins, it was moved to wave the reading of the minutes of June 16, 2026 and the Special Meeting minutes for June 30, 2026 and approve as written. The motion having been duly submitted to a vote was duly adopted by the following yea and nay votes on roll call: YEAS: Allen, Easley, Dominique, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Bradford, Martinez, Dardenne, Jewell, Morgan. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. The motion was declared adopted by the Chairman PRESIDENT’S REPORT President Daigle reported on the following:

ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE 2026 GENERAL FUND BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $36,000AND TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED ON 65405 BAYOU RD, PLAQUEMINE, LOUISIANA 70764 FROM HARVEY M. BEZET, LINDA B. MOTT, MAGGIE B. BYRNE AND SETH J. BEZET WHEREAS, the Iberville Parish Council has identified the need to purchase the 65405 Bayou Rd. Property for public use and enhancement of community water resources; and WHEREAS, the property owners are willing to sell said property to Iberville Parish; and WHEREAS, the Iberville Parish Council deems it necessary to allocate funds for this purchase; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Iberville Parish Council that the 2026 General Fund Budget is hereby amended as follows: Section 1: Amendment to General Fund Account 001, General Government Function 5851, Utility 5900, Acquisition of Land General Ledger Code 561000 An additional amount of Thirty-One Thousand Dollars $36,000 is hereby appropriated from the General Fund to authorize the purchase of property located at the 65405 Bayou Rd, Plaquemine, Louisiana 70764 legally described as Lot No. Three (3) as shown on map of said property known formerly as John A. Barbay property made by Earl Porter, Civil Engineer and Surveyor, dated December 3, 1947, which map is recorded in C.B. 90, Entry 311 on September 1, 1948, in Clerk and Recorders Office of Iberville Parish, Plaquemine. Section 2: The Parish President is authorized to execute all documents necessary to effectuate this purchase. The foregoing ordinance which was previously introduced at the meeting of the Iberville Parish Council on June 16, 2026 and a copy thereof having been published in the official journal on June 22, 2026 the public hearing on this ordinance held on the 15th day of July, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Meeting Room, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana, was brought up for final passage with a motion by Councilman Frazier, and seconded by Councilman Bradford, having been duly submitted to a vote, the ordinance was duly adopted by the following yea and nay vote on roll call: YEAS: Allen, Easley, Dominique, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Bradford, Martinez, Dardenne, Jewell, Morgan. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. The ordinance was declared adopted by the Chairman on the 15th day of July, 2026.

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construction of any Battery Energy Storage System in the unincorporated area of Iberville Parish, Louisiana for two (2) years”. “That during the two (2) year moratorium period, the Iberville Parish Council is authorized to consider the implementation of appropriate zoning restriction in the unincorporated area of Iberville Parish, Louisiana to determine location(s) where Battery Energy Storage Systems will NOT adversely affect the safety, health and environment of Parish residents.” The foregoing ordinance which was previously introduced at the meeting of the Iberville Parish Council on June 30, 2026 and a copy thereof having been published in the official journal on July 5, 2026 the public hearing on this ordinance held on the 15th day of July, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Meeting Room, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana, was brought up for final passage with a motion by Councilman Markins, and seconded by Councilwoman Allen, having been duly submitted to a vote, the ordinance was duly adopted by the following yea and nay vote on roll call: YEAS: Allen, Easley, Dominique, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Bradford, Martinez, Dardenne, Jewell, Morgan. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. The ordinance was declared adopted by the Chairman on the 15th day of July, 2026. NEW BUSINESS

ORDINANCE IPC # 006-26

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Timmy Collins, an attorney for Iberville Parish, came before the Council to ask the Council to consider making a change to the proposed moratorium ordinance. He sent recommendations on changes that he believes would clear up some of the language in the ordinance. There were questions and discussions from Council Members. John Walser came before the Council to speak against the proposed moratorium; he is a retired fire chief with many years of experience in fire safety. He stated that he is passionate about educating firefighters and the public about new technology and how that affects fire safety. He stated that the BESS supports the modern world and BESS are highly regulated and have high standards on safety. Jared Delrose came before the Council representing NextEra, in opposition of the proposed moratorium; he stated that their proposed project is using only 30 acres of land and this project will help relive the grid when need is at the highest. Theya re also prepared to work with local emergency services to help train and prepare for continued investment in Iberville.

There was a motion by Councilman Markins to approve the original ordinance, seconded by Councilwoman Allen. Councilman Trent Martinez made a substitute motion to accept the revised ordinance that was presented by Timmy Collins, seconded by Councilman Bradford, having been duly submitted to a vote, the ordinance was duly adopted by the following yea and nay vote on roll call: YEAS: Frazier, Bradford, Martinez, Dardenne. NAYS: Allen, Easley, Dominique, Pierce, Markins, Jewell, Morgan. ABSTAIN: Jenkins, ABSENT: None. Substitute motion failed. ORDINANCE IPC# 007-26 ORDINANCE TO IMPOSE A MORATORIUM ON THE LOCATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BESS) IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF IBERVILLE PARISH, LOUISIANA WHEREAS with the construction of solar farms, the energy being produced by the solar cells presents a challenge to storage of the energy produced during the peak daylight hours, WHEREAS, the location and construction of solar farms rely on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for the storage of energy produced by the solar cells to ensure a consistent flow of power to the electrical grid stored in the lithium batteries. WHEREAS, the general public is remarkably familiar with fire potential that can be associated with lithium batteries as airlines restrict the transport of such batteries and homeowners are on notice about the utilization of lithium batteries in the home arena. Lithium batteries are generally restricted to airline cabin use by passengers as fire extinguishers are readily available to the flight attendants and passengers during flight should a lithium battery fire ignite. WHEREAS, lithium batteries are also associated with a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway” which is an unstoppable reaction that causes lithium batteries to erupt in fire which can release toxic gases into the environment and present serious health issues for residents. WHEREAS, the Iberville Parish Council, as the governing body of the unincorporated areas of Iberville Parish, has an obligation and duty to protect the citizens and residents of Iberville Parish, Louisiana from any potential environmental, safety and health issues that may be associated with the location and use of a Battery Energy Storage System. WHEREAS, Battery Energy Storage Systems may present serious challenges, health, safety, and environmental concerns for Iberville Parish residents and its first responders, should a fire ignite at a Battery Energy Storage System. WHEREAS, the Iberville Parish Council’s concern for the health and safety of its residents and first responders is of utmost importance and the location of any Battery Energy Storage System must be based on the safety, health and environmental concerns of Parish residents. WHEREAS, in order to protect the health, safety, and environment of all residents of Iberville Parish , the Iberville Parish Council is compelled to issue a Moratorium on the location and construction of all Battery Energy Storage Systems in the unincorporated areas of Iberville Parish, Louisiana for a period of (2) years so as to engage professionals to ascertain the risk of locating and construction of Battery Energy Storage Systems and consider the implementation of Zoning to regulate the location of any Battery Energy Storage System so as to best protect the safety, health and environment of Iberville Parish residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE IBERVILLE PARISH COUNCIL AS FOLLOWS: “That a temporary moratorium be issued as to the location and

A) Introduction of Ordinances 1. Ordinance to Amend the 2026 Capital Improvement Budget and the 2026 General Fund Budget to provide for Additional Appropriations for the Iberville Museum Building Renovation Project and The St. Louis Subdivision Street Lighting Project. Upon a motion by Councilman Dominique, seconded by Councilwoman Allen, it was moved that a public hearing be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. on the introduced ordinance. The motion having been duly submitted to a vote, was duly adopted by the following yea and nay votes on roll call: YEAS: Allen, Easley, Dominique, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Bradford, Martinez, Dardenne, Jewell, Morgan. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. The motion was declared adopted by the Chairman on July 15, 2025. RESOLUTION COMMITTEE REPORT The Resolution Committee met on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 6:19 p.m., followed by the roll call with the following Resolution Committee Members only in attendance: Jewell, Dardenne, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Martinez, Frazier, Morgan, Dominique. Absent: None. The following resolution was read aloud by Mr. Boudreaux: A) Resolution certificate of Iberville Parish evidencing public approval of bonds pursuant to section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended Councilman Markins made a recommendation to forward the resolutions to the regular meeting, seconded by Councilman Frazier. The recommendation having been duly submitted to a vote was duly adopted by the following yea and nay votes on roll call by Resolution Committee Members only: YEAS: Jewell, Dardenne, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Martinez, Frazier, Morgan, Dominique. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. The recommendation was declared adopted by the Chairman to forward these items to the regular meeting. During the Regular Meeting: RESOLUTION IPC# 2026-019 RESOLUTION CERTIFICATE OF IBERVILLE PARISH EVIDENCING PUBLIC APPROVAL OF BONDS PURSUANT TO SECTION 147(f) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED WHEREAS, the following resolution was introduced by Councilman Frazier and seconded by Councilman Dardenne. WHEREAS, the Capital Area Finance Authority (the “Authority”), a public trust created pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2-A of Title 9 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (R.S. 9:2341-9:2347, inclusive) (the “Act”) has, by resolution dated May 21, 2026, in accordance with the requirements of the Act, and the Rules and Regulations of the Louisiana State Bond Commission (the “Commission”), duly authorized the issuance of not exceeding $200,000,000 of Capital Area Finance Authority Revenue Bonds in one or more series (the “Bonds”) to finance loans to first-time homebuyers within the jurisdictional parishes of the Authority and such other governmental units (the “Participating Jurisdictions”) whose governing authority authorized and directed the execution of a cooperative endeavor agreement (a “CEA”) with the Authority under the provisions of the Act and other applicable constitutional and statutory authorities; and WHEREAS, the Commission, on June 18, 2026, duly authorized the issuance and sale of the Bonds in accordance with law and the Commission’s Rules and Regulations; and WHEREAS, the Bonds are classified as exempt facility bonds under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the provisions of Section 147(f)(2)(A), (B) and (E) of the Code require that issuance of Bonds be approved by the “applicable elected representative” of the governmental unit which issues such bonds or on whose behalf such bonds are issued and by the “applicable elected representative” of such other Participating Jurisdictions that have executed a CEA with the Authority under the provisions of the Act; and WHEREAS Iberville Parish has executed a CEA with the Authority to permit the financing of loans to first-time homebuyers within geographic area of the Governmental Unit; and WHEREAS, the applicable elected representative (the “Approving Representative”) of the Governmental Unit for purposes of approving the Bonds is the Chris Daigle and WHEREAS, in compliance with the requirements of the Code, Notice of Public Hearing (attached as Exhibit “A” hereto), was published in (i) The Advocate, Baton Rouge, Louisiana on June 5, 2026, (ii) The Daily Advertiser, Lafayette, Louisiana on June 5, 2026, (iii) the Houma Courier, Houma, Louisiana on June 5, 2026, (iv) the Lake Charles American Press, Lake Charles, Louisiana on June 5, 2026, (v) The News Star, Monroe, Louisiana on June 5, 2026, (vi) the Times-Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana on June 5, 2026, (vii) The Times, Shreveport, Louisiana on June 5, 2026, and (viii) The Town Talk, Alexandria, Louisiana on June 5, 2026, and WHEREAS, in compliance with the requirements of the Code, the public hearing with respect to the issuance of said Bonds was held on June 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Louisiana Time, at 601 St. Ferdinand Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, and simultaneously held by teleconference using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/9940303250?omn=81003639543 or dial US toll-free: (646) 876-9923, 9940303250# in accordance with Rev. Proc. 2022-20 after due notice thereof was published in the official journal of the Authority and in the aforementioned publications sufficient to inform the public within the geographic area of the Participating Jurisdictions of the subject, date and place of said public hearing; and WHEREAS, no objections were raised by any person present at the said hearing or by any person participating by teleconference relative to the issuance of the Bonds; and WHEREAS, the undersigned, Approving Representative of the Participating Jurisdiction, desires to approve the issuance of the Bonds for the purposes of the Code; NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned does hereby certify that the parish president, Chris Daigle of the Participating Jurisdiction, hereby approves and confirms the issuance of the Bonds. The Authority, and its officers, are authorized to cause this certificate to be filed of record in the transcript of proceedings for the Bonds and to file a copy thereof with any State or Federal agency, board or commission as may be required by any applicable State or Federal laws, rules or regulations.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Tuesday,August 25, 2026 ■ 9D

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The above resolution was duly adopted in regular session on this 15th day of July, 2026 by the following votes on roll call:

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NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: Morgan. ABSENT: None. The motion was declared adopted by the Chairman on July 15, 2026.

The resolution was declared adopted by the Chairman on the 15th day of July, 2026.

Upon a motion by Councilman Dardenne, seconded by Councilman Jewell, it was moved to approve as is. The motion having been duly submitted to a vote, was duly adopted by the following yea and nay votes on roll call:

A) Consideration of re-subdivision for Bart Morgan Upon a motion by Councilman Dardenne, seconded by Councilman Jewell, it was moved to approve as is. The motion having been duly submitted to a vote, was duly adopted by the following yea and nay votes on roll call: YEAS: Allen, Easley, Dominique, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Bradford, Martinez, Dardenne, Jewell.

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RE-SUBDIVISION & VARI‐ ANCE FOR BART MORGAN On a motion by Pierce, seconded by Simpson, the Advisory Board voted to approve as is. The sur‐ vey was prepared by Bradford Engineering and Services. The map reflects the survey & subdivision of Tract C into Lot C-1, Lot C-2 and Lot C-3, located in Sec‐ tion 8, T-8- S, R-1-E, Southeast Land District, East of the Mississippi River, Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana for Bart Morgan. Yeas: All present. Nays: None. Absent: Reeves, minique. Abstain: Morgan.

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The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board. B. CONSIDERATION OF RE-SUBDIVISION KEARNY FAMILY PROPERTIES

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Rivet Brothers, LLC. Yeas: All present. Nays: None. Absent: Reeves, minique.

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The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board. D. CONSIDERATION OF RE-SUBDIVISION WIRE‐ FOX, LLC On a motion by Pierce, seconded by LaPrairie, the Advisory Board voted to approve as is. The sur‐ vey was prepared by Bradford Engineering and Services, LLC. The maps reflect the survey and subdivision of Lot 3 into Lot 3-A and Lot 3-B, located in Section 48 & 49, T-9- S, R-11-E, South‐ east Land District, West of the Mississippi River, Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana for Wirefox, LLC. Yeas: All present. Nays: None. Absent: Reeves, minique.

On a motion by Pierce, seconded by LaPrairie, the Advisory Board voted to approve as contingent upon note of servitude ditch can never be filled in. The survey was pre‐ pared by Bradford Engi‐ neering and Services. The maps reflect the sur‐ vey and subdivision of a 178.545 acre tract into Lot K-1, Lot K-2, Lot K-3, Lot K-4, Lot K-5, Lot K-6, Lot K-7 and Lot K-8, located in Section 11, T-8- S, R-11E, Southeast Land Dis‐ trict, West of the Missis‐ sippi River, Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana for Kearny Family Proper‐ ties.

There being no further business, it was moved by Pierce, and seconded by Simson, to adjourn at 5:27 p.m.

Yeas: All present. Nays: None. Absent: Reeves, minique,

Yeas: All present. Nays: None. Absent: Reeves, minique.

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The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board. ADDENDUM

Please be advised that the August Board of Di‐ rectors meeting will be held as follows: Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026 Time: 12:00 Noon (lunch included) Location: Visit Baton Rouge, 359 Third Street

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IV. Treasurer’s Report Danielle Prejean

198330-AUG 25-1T $87.64

A. Presentation of the June and July 2026 Finan‐ cials Danielle Prejean

PUBLIC NOTICE --MEMORANDUM To: Board of Directors From: Lisa Clary, VP of Administration Re: August 2026 Board of Directors Meeting

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VI. New Business A. Discussion/Action in connection with the rati‐ fication of the Gros Flo‐ res Positerry, LLC Archi‐ l i

3. LOG ATTENDANCE The following members were recorded as being present: Messrs. Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker, Brady Hotard, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Gary Joseph.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Consider Approval of Minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 23, 2026. A motion was made by Board Member Alan Crowe, seconded by Board Member Brady Hotard to approve Minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 23, 2026. The vote was recorded as follows: YEAS: 6 (Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker, Brady Hotard, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Gary Joseph) NAYS: 0 (None) ABSENT: 3 (Kirk Allain, Kenneth Gordon, Katherine Andre) ABSTAIN: 0 (None)

Section 4: Effective Date. This ordinance shall be effective upon publication, but not sooner than ten days after its passage.

ORDINANCE NO. 2026−025

This ordinance having been submitted to a vote; the vote thereon was:

WHEREAS, the powers and duties of the CBOA are set forth in the City’s Building Code (Title 8 of the City of St. George Code of Ordinances); and WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the City Council that no fee schedule has been established for applications made to the CBOA. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the St. George City Council, State of Louisiana, as follows: Section 1: The following fee schedule is hereby established for applications to the Construction Board of Appeals: 1. Appeal Fees Type of Appeal

Fee

Residential (1-2 Family Homes) Commercial, Multi-Family, and All Other Occupancies

$200.00 $800.00

2. After-the-Fact Appeals An appeal involving work commenced or completed without the required permit(s) or approval(s), or after enforcement action has been initiated, shall be subject to an Appeal Fee equal to three (3) times the standard appeal fee. For purposes of this section, an after-the-fact appeal includes, but is not limited to: Work commenced without a required permit; Work completed without a required permit; Work performed after the issuance of a Stop Work Order or Notice of Violation; or An appeal involving work that proceeded after a permit application or requested approval was denied.

3. Payment Appeal fees shall be paid in full before an appeal application will be accepted for administrative review. Payment of an appeal fee does not guarantee that an appeal will be granted or that the requested relief will be approved. 4. Refunds Except as set forth herein, Appeal Fees are non-refundable once an appeal application has been accepted for administrative review. The Building Official may authorize a refund only when: The fee was collected in error; The appeal was submitted in error through no fault of the Appellant; or A refund is otherwise authorized by the City’s adopted fee schedule or administrative policies.

Section 2: Conflicts. The specific terms and conditions of this Ordinance shall prevail against other ordinances of the City to the extent that there may be any conflict. Section 3: Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance is declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Councilwoman Jenkins, and seconded by Councilman Allen, to adjourn at 7:47 p.m. The motion was unanimously adopted. ______________________ /s/ MACY W. OURSO COUNCIL CLERK

_________________________ /s/ STEVE C. SMITH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min y tectural Services Agree‐ ment And its amendments. Chuck Elkins B. Discussion/Action in connection with the law firm change for D. Henry li d l l

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min g Olinde, Legal Counsel. Henry Olinde

y

C. Discussion/Action in connection with the res‐ olution to execute the Pelican Project Agree‐ ment.

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

Henry Olinde VII. Old Business VIII. Adjourn 198514 Aug. 25, 2026 1t $42.35

As a result of the votes, the motion Passed. 5. CONSIDER ANY AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA There were no items to consider at this time. 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no comments at this time. 7. FIRE CHIEF REPORT Fire Chief Butch Browning was recognized and covered the following items: Presentation on response time for both Fire and EMS Services for the current year, and comparison to the previous year; (see end of minutes) Update on Rookie School; Latest on LSU training; Introduced the newest fire member; Update on the North Station. 8. COMMUNICATIONS WITH BOARD MEMBERS ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICIALS There were no communications at this time.

AND/OR

9. ADJOURN There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Board Member Brady Hotard and was adopted by acclamation at 05:15 PM.

Also present were, Mr. Jason Manola, Parish President, Mr. Chance Stephens, Director of Finance, and Mrs. Michelle Tullier, Board Secretary.

CITY OF ST. GEORGE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HIMMEL

WHEREAS, Title 1, Chapter 5, Section 511 of the City of St. George Code of Ordinances established a Construction Board of Appeals (CBOA); and

None.

Absent: Mr. Kirk Allain, Mr. Kenneth Gordon, Mrs. Katherine Andre

B. Discussion/action in connection with the rec‐ ommendation to the VBR Board of Directors from the Finance Committee dated August 25, 2026, re‐ garding certain amend‐ ments, changes and modifications to the VBR Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. i ll j

TO ESTABLISH A FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF APPEALS AND PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS

•

V. President’s Report ill idd

Jill Kidder

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Denstel recognized Mr. Charles Diffey who led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. Opportunity for Public Comment Rowdy Gaudet

/s/ CHARLES DARDENNE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN

g garding amending the VBR Accounting and Fi‐ nance Policies and Pro‐ cedures Manual to add an Investment Policy. Danielle Prejean

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

1. CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the West Baton Rouge Fire Protection District No. 1 Board of Commissioners was held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, and called to order at 05:00 PM. Chairman Carey Denstel asked that all electronic devices be placed on silent.

I. Call to Order Rowdy Gaudet

/s/ MACY W. OURSO COMMISSION CLERK

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

The Following Minutes Are Summarized For Brevity, For Precise Meeting Information Please Refer To Meeting Audio Or Video.

Visit Baton Rouge 359 Third Street

ADJOURNMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

198326-680106-aug 25-1t $ 977.13

MINUTES WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 1 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING GOVERNMENT BUILDING 880 North Alexander Avenue, Port Allen Thursday, July 23, 2026 5:00 PM

August 27, 2026 12:00 Noon

None.

g

C. Discussion / action in connection with the rec‐ ommendation to the VBR Board of Directors from the Finance Committee dated August 25, 2026, re‐ di di h

c: Tim Boone Chuck Elkins Henry Olinde

C. CONSIDERATION OF RE-SUBDIVISION RIVET BROTHERS, LLC

• •

Danielle Prejean

Thank you,

III. Approval of June 25, 2026 - Minutes Approval of August 11, 2026 – Special Meeting – Minutes Approval of August 25, 2026 - Finance Committee Meeting Rowdy Gaudet

•

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

Please RSVP your atten‐ dance to me at 382-3580 or via email at lisa@vis itbatonrouge.com to en‐ sure that a quorum is present.

DISCUSSIONS

None.

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS REPORT

VISIT BATON ROUGE August Board Meeting Notice & Agenda

None.

DISCUSSIONS

The motion was declared adopted by the Chairman on July 15, 2026.

• Notice & Agenda for August 27, 2026 - Board Meeting • Minutes of June 25, 2026 - Board Meeting • Minutes of August 11, 2026 - Special Board Meeting

The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board.

• • •

YEAS: Allen, Easley, Dominique, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Bradford, Martinez Dardenne, Jewell, Morgan. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.

Attached please find the following:

The motion was declared adopted by the Advisory Board.

On a motion by Pierce, seconded by LaPrairie, the Advisory Board voted to approve as is. The sur‐ vey was prepared by Bradford Engineering and Services, LLC. The maps reflect the survey and subdivision of a 245.869-acre tract and a 38.826-acre tract of land into Tract PK-2 and Tract F-1, located in Section 20, 21 & 28, T-8- S, R-10-E, Southeast Land District, West of the Mississippi River, Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana for

B) Consideration of re-subdivision for Kearney Family Properties C) Consideration of re-subdivision for Rivet Brothers, LLC D) Consideration of re-subdivision for Wirefox, LLC

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

Date: August 21, 2026 ____________________

Legal Notices

None.

YEAS: Allen, Easley, Dominique, Frazier, Pierce, Jenkins, Markins, Bradford, Martinez, Dardenne, Jewell, Morgan. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.

PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT

Legal Notices

For: Cook, Edmonds, Himmel, Monachello, Murrell, Talbot Against: Absent: Dellucci Abstaining / Recused: Adopted this 11th day of August, 2026 Signed this 12th day of August, 2026 Delivered to the Mayor on the 12th day of August, 2026 ______________________________ Lorraine Beaman, City Clerk

___________________________ Dustin Yates, Mayor Received from the Mayor on the ____ day of ______________, 2026 ______________________________ Lorraine Beaman, City Clerk Adopted Ordinance published in The Advocate on the ___ day or ___________, 2026. _________________________________________________________________ Minutes of Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council Members of the City of St. George, State of Louisiana, held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 5:00 pm at the St. George Fire Dept, 14100 Airline Hwy, St. George, LA 70817 Preliminary Business: 1. Call to Order: Mayor Dustin Yates called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Invocation 4. Roll Call: Present: Council Member Cook, Council Member Himmel Council Member Edmonds, Council Member Talbot, Council Member Monachello, Council Member Murrell, Council Member Dellucci Absent: 5. Approval of Minutes: Motion by Council Member Himmel, seconded by Council Member Cook to approve the minutes of the July 14, 2026 council meeting. AYES: Cook, Himmel, Edmonds, Monachello, Talbot, Murrell, Dellucc NAYS: None

198395-680280-aug 25-1t $ 159.39

Prior to the meeting, the applicant amended the request to install a roof sign atop the façade facing Bluebonnet Boulevard rather than Interstate 10. Public comment was opened with the following speakers: Priscilla Head AYES: Cook, Himmel, Edmonds, Monachello, Talbot, Murrell, Dellucci NAYS: None ABSENT: None 2. Motion by Council Member Murrell, seconded by Council Member Edmonds to approve Ordinance to amend Title 6, Chapter 1 and Chapter 4, relative to Fire Prevention and Protection (Cook) Public comment was opened with the following speakers: Chief David Hughes

Approved:

I.

ALL MEETING INFORMATION INCLUDING MINUTES AND VIDEOS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE WBRPARISH.ORG UNDER THE AGENDA AND MINUTES TAB.

ABSENT:

6. Presentation by Brandon Boylan on Monthly Financials Report. 7. Presentation by Landon Tims on Department of Public Works II. New Business (Items for Public Hearing and Action) 1. Motion by Council Member Monachello, seconded by Council Member Himmel to approve Zoning Matter No. CU-26-0004 – Ordinance to granting a conditional use permit for the installation of a rooftop sign on a 70 ft tall office building (9100 Bluebonnet Centre Blvd) Zoning Commission vote: Motion to recommend approval: Billy Aguillard; seconded by Travis Thornton. YEAS – Travis Thornton, Laurie Marien, Billy Aguillard, Jason McAllister. NAYS - 0. Motion passed and CU-26-0004 was recommended for approval for a Conditional Use Permit, along with a waiver of the 80-foothigh building requirement, to allow the installation of a single, approximately 50.47 sq. ft., roof sign atop the façade facing Interstate 10. (Applicant: Signworx, on behalf of 9100 Bluebonnet Centre BR, LLC) (Ordinance)

AYES: Cook, Himmel, Edmonds, Monachello, Talbot, Murrell, Dellucci NAYS: None ABSENT: None 3. Motion by Council Member Cook, seconded by Council Member Murrell to approve Resolution to adopt the City of St. George Emergency Operations Plan. (Monachello) Public comment was opened with no speakers. AYES: Cook, Himmel, Edmonds, Monachello, Talbot, Murrell, Dellucci NAYS: None ABSENT: None 4. Motion by Council Member Murrell, seconded by Council Member Himmel to approve Resolution to award the contract for Elliot Road Rehabilitation to the lowest bidder, therefore, R.J Daigle and Sons Contractors, Inc and to provide for related matters. (Himmel) Public comment was opened with the following speakers: Alec Shortess, Kevin Gravois, Priscilla Head AYES: Cook, Himmel, Edmonds, Monachello, Talbot, Murrell, Dellucci NAYS: None ABSENT: None III. Executive Session 1. Motion by Council Member Murrell, seconded by Council Member Cook to enter Executive Session at 5:27 pm for Petition for Declaratory Judgment and Damages concerning proposed rezoning. LRK, LLC v. The City of St. George, Chris Rials, and Norman Browning, Docket No. C-779530, Section 22 in the 19th Judicial District Court (Plaintiffs and Defendants as listed in caption) ALL YAY 2. Motion by Council Member Himmel, seconded by Council Member Talbot to end Executive Session. AYES: Cook, Dellucci, Himmel, Talbot NAYS: None ABSENT: Edmonds, Monachello, Murrell Meeting adjourned at 6:11 pm. Meeting minutes approved on August 11, 2026. _________________________ Dustin Yates, Mayor _________________________ Attest: Lorraine Beaman, City Clerk

198398-680285-aug 25-1t $ 384.62

10D ■ Tuesday,August 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

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