The Times-Picayune 09-20-2026 by The Advocate

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LSU FALLS TO OLE MISS IN KIFFIN’S RETURN TO OXFORD

Jason Williams prepares for second term New Orleans DA ran unopposed, helped by crime drop

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Ole Miss cornerback Jaylon Braxton intercepts the pass intended for LSU wide receiver Jackson Harris to seal the Rebels victory at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday. With Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss looking like a top candidate for the Heisman Trophy, the Rebels earned their revenge over Lane Kiffin by toppling Tigers 32-24. The game wasn’t decided until LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt was intercepted in the end zone with 58 seconds remaining on the clock, setting off the celebration in Oxford. Ole Miss was in charge for the vast majority of the first half, building a 24-7 lead at the half when Chambliss connected for a touchdown pass late in the second quarter. An interception of Chambliss by LSU cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson sparked a quick change in momentum in the third quarter, leading to a 17-0 run to start the second half for the Tigers. LSU tied the game at 24-24 on a field goal by Scott Starzyk at the 11:21 mark of the third quarter. Chambliss, who threw for 363 yards and a pair of TDs, marched the Rebels down the field on the following drive, running 14 yards for a TD with 6:14 remaining and former LSU running back JT Lindsey added a 2-point conversion for the 8-point margin.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams didn’t expect a free ride to a second term. For six years, the former criminal defense attorney has taken heat from left and right as the city’s top prosecutor, even as violent crime has tumbled from post-pandemic highs. More recently, he’s faced scrutiny from Gov. Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill for Murrill’s short-lived criminal indictment, though no evidence has yet surfaced Williams of his involvement. Yet when the candidate qualifying period ended last month for the Nov. 3 election, no one had signed up to run against him. According to election records and news archives, Williams is the first New Orleans district attorney to win without a challenger in at least 84 years. “You know, I’ve been through so much, I expect a challenge when I’m trying to make a cup of coffee in the morning,” he said with a chuckle last month in an interview at Chapter IV, a Creole eatery in the Central Business District. Williams, 53, slipped into the restaurant like a newly returned friend. Some patrons gathered him in hugs, while others approached his table for banter or a selﬁe. Williams, grinning, was unburdened by

ä See WILLIAMS, page 3A

‘Protect College Sports Act’ has heavy hitters for, against it NCAA, universities, coaches support bill to regulate athletics

ä SEE COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE TIGERS GAME. PAGE 1C

BY MARK BALLARD

SpaceX likely to transform economy in parts of Louisiana Texas location gained hotels, tourism, jobs

200 rooms. Hotel construction will be among the visible changes to the area’s economy as the ﬁrst rocket launch nears, said Gilberto Salinas, president and CEO of the Greater BY ADAM DAIGLE Brownsville Economic Development Corp. Acadiana business editor Downtown Brownsville is about 20 miles Every time a rocket launches at SpaceX’s from the south Texas SpaceX complex, south Texas site, about 20,000 people stay at known as Starbase. Expect increases in jobs, education, tourhotels to watch it take off into space. They are referred to as rocket watchers. ism and local spending. In Brownsville, In Vermilion Parish, where SpaceX is SpaceX contributed $13 billion to the replanning a $100 billion launch site near gional economy over a two-year span, acPecan Island that could start launching cording to a report the company released rockets in 2030, there are only three hotels last year. The city will host the third annual of significance, with the largest being a SpaceFest later this month as a nod to its three-story Best Western with fewer than newest industry.

WEATHER HIGH 93 LOW 76 PAGE 8B

Staff writer

Change should come quickly to Vermilion Parish and the region, Salinas said, as SpaceX builds what Elon Musk said will be the world’s largest rocket launch site. “If we were to use Brownsville as an example, you’re going to see growth really, really fast,” Salinas said. “Leadership there needs to convene all the different entities to plan for this. My only advice is, if you think you’re thinking big, you’re not thinking big enough.” It might take months for any of those changes to happen in Acadiana, where the announcement came less than a month ago. Meetings are happening at the local

WASHINGTON — Competing news conferences and floor speeches, along with two test votes in the U.S. Senate and a flood of commercials during games Saturday, show the two-minute drill Congress is running to pass a bill promoters say will fix the chaos in college football. The Senate voted 77-22 before leaving town Thursday evening to begin debate on the bipartisan “Protect College Sports Act of 2026.” The numbers indicate enough support among senators to get the legislation advanced before the upper chamber leaves at the end of this month to campaign. Still, the legislation faces significant opposition, particularly from NAACP and the AFL-CIO labor union.

ä See SPACEX, page 4A

ä See ATHLETICS, page 6A

Business ......................1E Deaths .........................3B Nation-World................2A Classified ..................... 2F Living............................1D Opinion ........................6B Commentary ................7B Metro ...........................1B Sports ..........................1C

14TH yEAR, NO. 39

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Judge rules EPA illegally ended solar program

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FROM WIRE REPORTS

Jehovah’s Witnesses rule on blood changed

The Jehovah’s Witnesses have partly eased their long-standing prohibition on the medical use of donated blood, allowing members to receive products derived from blood but maintaining a ban on transfusions of whole blood. The policy, announced Friday, is the second revision this year in what has long been one of the most controversial and distinctive teachings of the religious organization. The new policy says that individuals can receive products derived from blood donated by other people. It says they can receive medical treatments that involve the use of the four main components of whole blood: plasma, platelets and red and white blood cells. The new announcement also allows members to decide as a matter of individual conscience whether to donate blood to be used for blood products for the medical treatment of others. But the organization continues to oppose members receiving transfusions of whole blood or donating blood for that purpose. Critics have faulted the organization for prohibiting the use of a proven treatment that can be lifesaving. The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ longtime opposition to blood transfusions derives from their interpretation of Bible passages requiring believers to “abstain” from blood. While Jewish and other Christian religious traditions have interpreted this as a dietary law, Jehovah’s Witnesses have extended that prohibition to transfusions.

Dutch riot police break up protest in The Hague THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Dutch riot police dispersed several hundred far-right protesters in The Hague on Saturday after violence erupted and local authorities banned a planned march in the city against immigration and asylum policies. Police officers made several arrests after some protesters started throwing fireworks and other projectiles at them. Justice Minister David van Weel called on X for an “extremely firm” response to what he described as “disgusting scenes” at the protest. He said that demonstrators made Nazi salutes, chanted antisemitic slogans, attacked police and threw fireworks at riot officers. “Thanks to all the police officers who are once again standing up for our democratic rule of law,” he wrote. The Hague municipality banned the march after violence broke out among demonstrators gathered at the Malieveld, a park in the city center, and later ordered the crowd to disperse. Saturday’s unrest came a year after rioting erupted around a right-wing demonstration. A police car was set on fire during clashes between black-clad protesters and police, and the headquarters of the centrist D66 party — whose leader, Rob Jetten, is now prime minister — was attacked.

Carrot Top hospitalized; suicide attempt alleged Carrot Top has been hospitalized following an alleged suicide attempt, according to a report. The comedian, whose real name is Scott Thompson, was rushed to the hospital ahead of his performance at the Luxor Hotel & Casino on Friday night, TMZ reported, citing sources. His show, part of his long-running Vegas residency, was canceled as a result. Thompson’s representative, Jami Schlicher, also conﬁrmed his hospitalization. Thompson, well-known for his wild red hair, is a stand-up comedian and actor who revolutionized prop comedy with his eccentric and fast-paced performances. He burst onto the scene in the 1990s, with successful appearances on “Comic Strip Live” and “Star Search.” He has also headlined a longrunning residency at the Luxor Hotel since 2005, performing nearly 300 shows a year. It is one of the longest-running and most ﬁnancially successful solo comedy headlining shows in the history of the Las Vegas Strip.

$7B plan intended to make power accessible to poorer Americans BY JENNIFER McDERMOTT Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

Voters cast ballots at a polling station during Russia’s parliamentary election in the Russian-controlled part of the Donetsk region of Ukraine on Friday.

Ukrainian territory part of Russia vote Parliamentary election includes annexed area

public support for the war. “Your choice and resolve will once again demonstrate that millions of people stand behind our fighters, that we are a united people, bound by shared valBy The Associated Press ues, historical memory, and love for the Russia’s parliamentary election for the Motherland and that nobody can divide first time includes residents of regions or intimidate us, undermine our statethat Moscow illegally annexed from hood and political system,” Putin said. Ukraine after the start of its full-scale invasion more than 4½ years ago, part of Ukraine urges rejection of election Kremlin efforts to cement its gains. Authorities in Kyiv called the voting Officials in Kyiv vigorously denounced in those territories illegal and urged the action as illegal, and a human-rights foreign governments and international activist described residents there as be- organizations not to recognize the elecing coerced to participate in the election. tion. They warned Ukrainians that taking While the vote across Russia started part in organizing the vote could carry Friday and lasts until Sunday to help criminal liability. boost turnout, balloting actually has European Commission spokesperson been underway in the annexed parts of Christian Wigand said the voting in RusUkraine and some areas on the Russian sian-held regions represented “another side of the border since the end of last blatant violation of international law. The month. Officials cited security reasons European Union does not, and will never for the extended period. recognize either the holding of these, Russian authorities say the Donetsk, Lu- so-called elections, sham elections, in hansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia territo- the temporarily occupied territories of ries, often referred to by Moscow officials Ukraine or their results.” as the “new regions,” have over 3.5 million voters. They were annexed by Rus- Activists describe coercion to vote sia in September 2022, despite not fully Violeta Artemchuk, coordinator of the being under Moscow’s control. The move Donbas SOS human rights group who has not been recognized internationally. was among those who signed the stateAt one polling station in the Russian- ment, said members of local election held part of the Donetsk region, vot- commissions were going house to house, ers dropped their ballots in a box as an escorted by Russian troops and security armed Russian soldier stood nearby and agents, to force people to vote. Moscow-appointed authorities exert watched. pressure on residents, threatening those Putin stressed importance of voting who work in the public sector with disIn a speech Wednesday, Russian Presi- missal if they fail to vote and making dent Vladimir Putin emphasized the pensions and other social payments conimportance of balloting in those regions ditional on participating, Artemchuk said. for the State Duma, the lower house of “For instance, if a person with a disparliament. Residents there will be vot- ability or a pensioner relies on social ing for the Duma “for the first time since assistance and does not take part in the ‘voting,’ they could be added to a list of their reunification with Russia.” He noted that Russian soldiers in- individuals deemed ‘disloyal’ to the socalled authorities and subsequently devolved in the fighting also will vote. Voting also is taking place in Crimea, prived of their benefits or humanitarian the Black Sea peninsula that was illegally assistance,” she said. annexed by Moscow in 2014. Volodymyr Fesenko, a political analyst The first wartime election to the State with the Kyiv-based Penta Center, emDuma is intended to secure the Krem- phasized that “elections held at gunpoint lin’s political dominance and showcase are a farce.”

Saudi Arabia confirms Houthi rebels tried to attack its capital BY TOQA EZZIDIN and CARA ANNA Associated Press

CAIRO — Saudi Arabia on Saturday confirmed that Yemen’s Houthi rebels tried to attack its capital with a ballistic missile, the first targeting of Riyadh since the escalation in fighting with the Tehran-backed rebels that has opened a new front in the Iran war. The statement by the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis came long after the dawn attempt, which the coalition said was intercepted. Some residents in Riyadh heard an explosion. Later, some saw a plume of smoke near the airport. There were no reports of casualties or damage. The statement also said the Houthis tried to attack civilian infrastructure in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu — where a key Saudi pipeline ends — and in Taif, Baysh and Farasan but they were thwarted, giving no further details. The Houthis earlier claimed, without providing evidence, that they had targeted “sensitive sites” in Riyadh and facilities of Saudi oil giant Aramco in Yanbu, causing “massive fires.” Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, did not respond to a request for comment. The growing conflict near another important global shipping corridor has brought new pressures for markets. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed they attacked with cruise and ballistic missiles as well

as drones. He said Saudi Arabia had attempted to target the rebel-held city of Sanaa in neighboring Yemen, without giving details. The Associated Press couldn’t independently verify the claims. Recent days have seen one escalation after another. On Thursday, the first civilian casualty was reported as the Saudi civil defense said debris from an intercepted Houthi drone killed a Yemeni resident of Saudi Arabia. And on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia said the Houthis had tried to attack Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, with a drone that it said was intercepted, calling the security of the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad a “red line.” The Houthis fiercely denied the accusation. The United States, a close Saudi ally, has signaled it has no current fight with the Houthis. Regional officials have told The Associated Press that Saudi Arabia is running low on missile interceptors and instead has asked France, Britain, Pakistan and Egypt for air defense support. Meanwhile, fighting has surged inside Yemen between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government. The rebels raced down the country’s Red Sea coast over a week ago, seizing the key port city of Mokha and islands on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea. That has improved their surveillance of passing ships, though the Houthis have said they are only targeting Saudi ones.

The Trump administration illegally terminated a $7 billion Solar for All program intended to make solar power accessible to more than 900,000 lowerincome Americans, a federal judge in Rhode Island ruled Friday. The Environmental Protection Agency rescinded the Solar for All funds in August 2025 after President Donald Trump’s massive tax and spending law passed in Congress a month earlier, with Administrator Lee Zeldin calling the Biden-era grant program a “boondoggle.” District Judge Mary McElroy wrote in the ruling that Congress clearly intended the EPA to continue administering the Solar for All grants that were already obligated. The EPA acted contrary to this intent and without any other statutory authority when it terminated the program, McElroy wrote. She vacated the termination. The EPA said Friday it is reviewing the decision and considering options for appeal. The lawsuit ﬁled in Rhode Island by the Rhode Island AFL-CIO labor organization and others — including the public interest law center Rhode Island Center for Justice and the nonprofit Solar United Neighbors — highlighted the importance of the program for local workforces and lower-income communities seeking access to clean-energy project funding. Patrick Crowley, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, called the decision “a big victory” for states across the country. “If and when the program does get up and running, there will be thousands and thousands of union jobs created across

the United States,” he said Friday. “We were proud to be the lead plaintiff.” Clean, affordable power like solar shouldn’t be a luxury, said Alex St. Pierre, vice president for environmental justice at Conservation Law Foundation, one of the nonprofit legal advocacy groups representing the plaintiffs. “Nearly every family is looking for ways to cut their energy bill. These dollars should go where Congress intended: toward lower energy bills, less climate pollution, good jobs and cleaner air,” St. Pierre said in a statement. The Trump administration has targeted a host of programs and policies dedicated to clean energy. The $7 billion Solar for All program was part of the $27 billion “green bank,” formally known as the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. It was established in the Democratic-backed climate law passed in 2022 under former President Joe Biden. The attorneys general of more than a dozen states also sued over the canceled solar program funding. A federal judge in Washington dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction in June. The plaintiffs have appealed. The other $20 billion, also canceled by the Trump administration, was slated for eight community development banks and nonprofit organizations for tens of thousands of projects to combat the effects of climate change, such as residential energy efficiency projects to larger-scale investments such as community cooling. A divided federal appeals court said last month that the Trump administration improperly terminated the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, handing a win to a coalition of nonprofits picked to run the effort.

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WILLIAMS

Continued from page 1A stump speeches or campaign slogans, deemed by New Orleans’ political class as too strong to topple. He approaches a second term with his popularity having risen locally in tandem with historic declines in crime since 2023, according to annual New Orleans Crime Coalition surveys on views of top elected leaders. “You attract opposition if you’re perceived as vulnerable, ineffective, someone that might have some weaknesses in their job performance,” said New Orleans pollster and political strategist Silas Lee. “People did not see Jason as vulnerable.”

Crime drop and funding cuts Williams, a Democrat, ascribes his political tail winds to the crime downturn from 2022, when New Orleans led the nation in murders per capita. Crime overall since then has fallen about 70%. This year, violent crime hit its lowest marks since 1969. But the view of Williams changes outside the city, and in some corners within it. New Orleans’ justice system has been targeted for downsizing. There have also been legislative clamps on the district attorney and judges, and more influence is being wielded by Republican state leaders. Meanwhile, Murrill is pressing on with a lawsuit aimed at discovering if Williams, or his office, had a hand in her recent indictment. Williams, who had forged a partnership with Murrill to accommodate new State Police patrols in the city, has insisted he properly recused his office from Murrill’s criminal probe. His biggest challenge now, he says, is managing the consequences of the moves from the statehouse, including $500,000 in cuts this year to funding for his prosecutors. Williams said political pendulum swings at the “presidential, gubernatorial and mayoral” levels all have impacted his first term. “It is very political,” he said. “I knew that it would be. I did not realize it would be as political as it is.” Laura Cannizzaro Rodrigue, a former New Orleans prosecutor under her father, Leon Cannizzaro, and an attorney for Murrill, has remained one of Williams’ most outspoken

critics. She was unimpressed with his recent electoral triumph. “Jason Williams’ reelection without opposition should not be mistaken for a public referendum on his record,” she said in a statement. “Nor is Williams’ approval rating particularly surprising when much of the meaningful scrutiny of his administration, including his ofﬁce’s illegal use of post-conviction relief, originated with private citizens rather than the local media,” Rodrigue added.

A series of cuts Before being elected district attorney, Williams won high praise as a defense attorney on high-profile cases, including an acquittal for Baton Rouge rap star Torrence “Lil Boosie” Hatch in a 2012 murder trial. “Probably one of the best trial lawyers I’ve ever seen,” said Tony Clayton, the district attorney for Iberville, Pointe Coupee and West Baton Rouge parishes. The two recently squared off as private attorneys in a dispute between the SEC and former pro players seeking a return to college football. Williams represented the SEC. After a stint on the New Orleans City Council, as district attorney, Williams moved to the other side of the courtroom but not out of it. Far more than his predecessors, Williams tries cases personally, including a pair of jury trials in the past few weeks. Williams said he favors complicated cases, particularly retrials, that can tax prosecutors and victims’ relatives. “It is truly my happy place being in front of a jury, talking to people,” he said. “And it’s a really good way to beta-test the system.” District attorneys have long wielded vast powers in Louisiana. But in the hands of Williams, who won office in 2020 on a progressive platform, those powers have stirred criticism and political pushback. Most recently, lawmakers this spring targeted his office and the rest of the New Orleans justice system for cuts. The Legislature abolished three of 12 criminal court judgeships and the criminal clerk in Orleans Parish at Landry’s urging. They reduced state-funded positions in the District Attorney’s Office from 83 to 73. Landry and lawmakers portray them as long-overdue corrections to a court system built for a bigger, more crime-riddled New Orleans. City leaders consider it a

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Jason Williams is the first New Orleans district attorney in at least 84 years to go completely unchallenged when he was unopposed for a second term last month.

power play. “I just want to make sure we institutionalize the progress that we’ve made so that we never backslide from this public safety success that we now find ourselves in,” Williams said. “I want to create systems that are strong enough to withstand personality changes.” Williams won his first term running as a reformer, even while under a federal tax fraud indictment for which he was later acquitted at trial. He said walked into a “ghost town” of an office gutted by departures, furloughs and COVID-related budget cuts. Williams’ prosecutors struggled screening and trying cases. Felony conviction rates fell from 44% under Cannizzaro to 20% in Williams’ first two years, MCC data show. Early supporters, meanwhile, lamented a pivot away from progressive policies amid rampant carjacking and bloodshed. Later, a Louisiana Senate committee grilled Williams over a civil rights division that has helped free hundreds of long-serving prisoners. Murrill balked, and state lawmakers stepped in to restrict those deals. “I think there are certain people in the state that don’t believe in fundamental fairness,” Williams said. “They don’t believe in full and equal justice for everybody. And I suppose the Orleans Parish DA’s office, as I’m running it, represents something that they’re not in alignment with.” Murrill’s prosecutors share the New Orleans courthouse under an agreement Williams initially signed

in 2023 with Landry as attorney general. The accord remains, but relations have soured. Murrill suspects a role for Williams in the July indictment against her on 16 felony counts over letters she wrote to city leaders, including him. Those charges were dropped, and Williams insists he wasn’t involved. Murrill isn’t letting go. “I think you’re going to continue to see us pursuing transparency around that entire matter,” she said last month. Murrill said Friday that the two offices will continue to coexist at the courthouse, but she offered a dim view of Williams’ civil rights unit. Her review of about 150 convictions the office agreed to vacate “showed that they were improperly handled by the DA, without any meaningful representation of the state’s interests,” she said. “That is a travesty for the many victims of those crimes, including at least one very brutal rape case, and the families of murder victims who had no notice or knowledge of the actions being coordinated by the DAs office and defense attorneys,” she said. “Working through the Legislature, I made sure that won’t happen again.” In a handful of cases, Murrill said she’s tried to reverse those deals. “Jason should take a hard look in the mirror — that’s where he will find the person who has created the greatest breach of trust in our criminal justice system.” When it comes to his reelection, Morris Reed, a former criminal court judge and civil rights activist who ran three times for district attorney against incumbent Harry Connick Sr., said the criticism from Baton Rouge may have helped Williams in the end. “With so much confusion and such a confrontational atmosphere in this political environment, there were probably no opponents who were interested in jumping into that situation,” Reed said. One rumored challenger, District Judge John Fuller, whose seat is being eliminated, claimed he was only interested if another rumored challenger had made it a race. “At this moment, he’s the best DA for our city, and I think his track record pretty much confirms that,” Fuller said of Williams. “He deserves credit for it, because if the murder rate was sky high, he would certainly get the blame.” Rodrigue, who represented Mur-

rill in the criminal case and is suing Williams for records, took a more cynical stance. “Williams belongs to a protected class of New Orleans politicians whom the media elevates and celebrates without demanding any real accountability,” she said. “Meanwhile, other politicians in New Orleans have historically faced relentless scrutiny, a double standard Williams and Moreno seem to be enjoying.”

A progressive prosecutor Williams campaigned pledging to rein in some powerful tools that Cannizzaro often wielded. He promised to restrict material witness warrants used to ensure testimony under threat of jail. Williams also barred prosecutors from deploying Louisiana’s habitual offender law to hike sentences, and he campaigned to not try juveniles in adult court. Williams unsheathed all of those tools, to some extent, by the middle of his term. Metropolitan Crime Commission President Raphael Goyeneche, who was critical of some of Williams early steps to remake the ofﬁce, said Williams needed time to evolve. “He ran on a platform of absolutes, saying he was never going to do those things,” said Goyeneche, a former prosecutor and early critic. “You have to make decisions, as a prosecutor, on a case-by-case basis.” Williams credited the city’s gains on crime to a resumption of jury trials after pandemic shutdowns. He also cited relationships like one forged with former interim NOPD Superintendent Michelle Woodfork, who he later hired. “We have created that connective tissue between my prosecutors and rank-and-file police officers, the coroners, 911 call takers and actual EMS operators,” he said. Woodfork, now the Orleans Parish sheriff, credited early collaboration on homicide cases. “There was always a relationship, but we just reinforced it,” she said. Williams hired a few veterans including homicide division chief Matthew Derbes. A team assembled in 2023 to try murders this year touts a 95% conviction rate in homicides. “We’ve proved that doing it fairly, doing it constitutionally and focusing on the worst of the worst can deliver real results,” Williams said.

4A ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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SPACEX

ﬁgures with a family, where are you going to live?” Now in the Brownsville, 12 years after Elon Musk ﬁrst selected the city as the site to build a launch site, 34 subdivisions are under construction, Salinas said. Shipbuilder Saronic, which has operations in Franklin, also revealed plans in July to build what could be the largest shipyard in the country. The typical sale price of a home has increased from just under $150,000 to $250,000 and often closer to $275,000, he said. “I think the last stat we have is for every one person leaving Brownsville, three people are moving in,” Salinas said. “The impact has gone above and beyond what we originally thought when we started working on this project 15 years ago.”

Continued from page 1A and state levels, said One Acadiana President and CEO Troy Wayman, including meetings on workforce needs with all the state’s universities and community colleges. In Brownsville, the population has increased by 4,000 since the start of the year, Salinas said. The population of Cameron County grew by 23,000 between 2010 and 2025, and the county has gained almost 20,000 jobs since 2018, federal data shows. For the first time, Brownsville is showing up on lists of popular places where people are moving to, Salinas said. “Our Starbase is going to be larger than the one in Texas,” Wayman said. “If I was a betting man, I would say that the jobs numbers would probably double within the first several years of the project.” Wayman SpaceX pledged 3,000 jobs over the next 10 years in Acadiana, but officials are saying the total should be significantly higher. About 70% of the jobs are expected to be filled by local residents, yet in Brownsville now, 84% of the more than 5,000 jobs at Starbase are filled by local people, Salinas said. Vermilion Parish officials recently began discussions on RV park regulations to prepare for construction workers, Vermilion Police Jury President Chad Vallo said. Construction on Starbase, Louisiana, will start next year. “In Brownsville, that question was asked of the start time and what they are expecting,” Vallo said. “Their answer was as they do these projects, they learn how to do it better. They feel confident their launch date of 2029 or early

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER Email Adam Daigle at adaigle@theadvocate. com.

A video plays with Elon Musk during the SpaceX announcement at Magdalen Place in Abbeville on Aug. 25. The SpaceX complex in Vermilion Parish is predicted to produce increases in jobs, education, tourism and spending in the area. ’30 is very doable.” How much of a bump in population comes from SpaceX depends in part on how many supply chain companies it spawns, said Gary Wagner, Acadiana business economist with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. If all 3,000 employees move to the area with one person, that could mean 6,000 more people in the area, he said. Lafayette Parish in the past two years gained at least 3,000 residents, and any growth from SpaceX on top of that would be like “an extra good year.” “I hate to say this, but I don’t have a good sense of how likely that is to happen,” Wagner said. “It all depends on how many of the broader supply chains might locate here. Generally with large economic development projects, they tend to underdeliver. I certainly hope it happens here, but the broader evidence says more often than not it doesn’t.” Improvements to the area’s highway system will

also happen, Wayman said, with meetings happening now at the state level. U.S. 167, or Johnston Street in Lafayette Parish, will have to be upgraded as a main entry point into Vermilion Parish. The deal with SpaceX also requires the company to replace any infrastructure it damages during construction to a minimum standard of what it was, Wayman said. On some of the substandard roads near the site, any repairs might be an upgrade. “They’re working on issues like what the access would be from I-10,” he said. “There are obvious connections through Crowley and other ways that you could make a more direct route from I-10. SpaceX will do a lot of infrastructure improvements themselves, and the state will grow outward to meet them.” How much the real estate market heats up might depend on how many homes will be built at the Starbase site, said Bill Bacque, longtime analyst with Market

Scope Consulting. In Texas, the company has about 30 homes in its Boca Chica Village but has since added modular homes. Recent calls to Lafayettearea real estate agents have come mostly from speculative buyers, which has started to push up prices, said Brennan Billeaud with Compass Real Estate. But if 3,000 buyers enter the market, the current supply can absorb it. “The Lafayette market seems to be sort of soft,” Billeaud said. “I’m curious to see how it all shakes out and where (the workers) live. If you’re making six

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As energy demand rises and emerging technologies reshape how power is produced and used, some of the industry’s biggest questions will take center stage in New Orleans later this month. The third annual Tulane Future of Energy Forum will be held on the university’s uptown campus Sept. 28-30, bringing more than 150 speakers from around the world together to explore the economic, technological and geopolitical forces influencing the global energy system. The forum is free and open to the public. Registration is now open at energyforum.tulane.edu. This year’s theme, “Connected Power: Connecting Leaders. Powering Progress,” reflects an emphasis on the relationships among energy production, infrastructure, technology, investment, public policy and consumers. “Energy is ubiquitous. You are either making it, transporting it, or using it and Tulane has an opportunity and an obligation to help people understand how connected the energy system is and how every decision has an impact,” said Pierre Conner, executive director of the Tulane Energy Institute. “I’m excited that we can convene so many thought leaders from the world’s energy ecosystem to discuss where we are, where we want to be, and where we deserve to be.” Specific topics will include nuclear energy, capital investments, LNG, solar power, protecting water resources, artificial intelligence, oil and gas, carbon storage, and the role Louisiana and New Orleans can play in the world’s energy future. Additional discussions will center around energy’s role in elections, the United States’ relationship with Canada and the role of Venezuela. The forum will feature speakers from government, industry, law, academia and more. Scheduled speakers include David LaCerte, commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Jonathan D. Brightbill, general counsel, U.S. Department of Energy; Dustin Davidson, secretary, Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy; Jason Wells, chair, president and CEO of CenterPoint Energy; Darryl Willis, corporate VP, Microsoft; Tommy Faucheaux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, among many others.

“We are so proud to offer this free to the public. Other similar events charge a lot for this type of access to the world’s thought leaders,” said Frédéric Sourgens, James McCulloch Chair in Energy Law at Tulane University Law School. “We feel strongly as an educational institution that everybody should be able to participate in these discussions. This is everybody’s energy system. We want them to be informed and participate.” The 2026 Future of Energy Forum comes at a pivotal time for Louisiana and the world. Conner noted that the Gulf Coast is still a top global producer of oil and gas, and many states are advancing projects related to liqueﬁed natural gas, solar energy and carbon capture. Meanwhile, the rapid growth of massive data centers to power AI technology is raising questions about future energy needs and the associated costs. “The best way to overcome the uncertainty we are seeing now is to provide more information and transparency around projects and policies,” Sourgens said. “We want people to feel more comfortable about what comes next. I think we can contribute to that discourse as a university and make sure Louisiana is at the forefront of the world’s energy future.” The Future of Energy Forum is designed to encourage conversations beyond formal presentations. Multiple sessions will take place simultaneously, similar to the “cubes” used to organize Jazz Fest performances. Attendees are encouraged to review the event schedule in advance and build an itinerary around the subjects most relevant to them. “We encourage people to come with an open mind. We will be discussing a lot of new concepts and perspectives. We know the solution to the future we want will be a mixture of somewhat competing interests. We want people to be open and inquisitive as these discussions take place,” Conner said. “This forum gives us the ability to have those conversations because of the caliber of people we will have here. We can get as detailed and sophisticated as anyone wants.” Visit energyforum.tulane.edu for a full schedule, list of speakers and registration information.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 5A

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ELIMINATE Back Pain and Sciatica WITHOUT the Scars s and Expense of SURGERY

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treatment, there’s plenty of research to back up its claims. Here’s just a handful of scientific studies... “We thus submit that decompression therapy should be considered first, before the patient undergoes a surgical procedure which permanently alters the anatomy and function of the affected lumbar spine segment.” -Journal Of Neuroscience Research

When cushions in your back joints, called discs, get injured or wear out, they begin to degenerate and cause pain. Bulging and herniated discs begin to form, pressing on the nerve roots. The most common invasive treatment for disc herniations is surgery. Even with health insurance the patient is left with their own portion of the bill, in excess of $10,000 - $15,000, and sometimes more.In addition, the recovery time and missed work can be anywhere from 3 to 6 months, not to mention the obvious severe risks associated with all surgeries.

“86% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms.” -Orthopedic Technology Review

Before You go Under the knife And Opt For Spinal Surgery... You should seriously consider a less invasive approach called spinal decompression. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a new technology that has been proven to help disc herniations. It creates a vacuum effect on the disc, which pulls the disc back into its normal position and brings in a fresh blood supply to promote healing.

“vertebral axial (spinal) decompression was successful in 71% ofthe 778 cases” -Journal of Neurological Research “good to excellent” relief in 86% of patients with Herniated discs” -The American Journal of Pain Management “decompression therapy reported a 76.5% with complete remission and 19.6% with partial remission of pain and disability: -Rio Grande Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery

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Another study presented at the American Academy of Pain Management in 2007 showed... “Patients reported a mean 88.9% improvement in back pain and better function...No patient required any invasive therapies (e.g. epidural injections, surgery).”

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rate. What this means for you is that in just a matter of weeks, you could be back on the golf course, enjoying your love life, or traveling again. Could This Be Your Sciatica And Back Pain Solution It’s time for you to find out if spinal decompression will be your sciatic pain solution. For 7 days only, we are running a special offer where you will find out if you are a candidate for spinal decompression. This offer is normally priced at $250. What does this offer include? Everything. Here’s what you’ll get... • An in-depth consultation about your health and well-being where we will listen...really listen...to the details of your case. •A complete neuromuscular examination. •A full set of specialized x-rays (if clinically necessary) to determine if a spinal problem is contributing to your pain or symptoms. •A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings so we can start mapping out your plan to be pain free. • You’ll get to see everything first hand. We’ll answer all of your questions about spinal decompression and will let you know if this amazing treatment will be your back pain solution, like it has been for so many other patients. We have two offices located in Baton Rouge and Kenner, LA. Call 225-763-9894, and our amazing staff will get you scheduled. No charge at all and you don’t need to buy anything- but you will find out if you qualify for this revolutionary new therapy.

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Before coming to LeBlanc Spine Center, I was dealing with low back pain and an SI joint problem, and I had no gel between my lower joints. I had been struggling with this for about a year and had tried exercises and wearing belts just to get by. Since starting care here, I’d say I’ve improved about 80%. The pain relief has made a real difference, and I’ve also noticed improved posture. The staff here is a great group to work with - they really care and treat you well. I can’t say there’s anything I disliked about my care, because everything has been positive. I may not be doing anything brand new, but I’m doing it with less pain than before, and that has made life better. I would definitely recommend LeBlanc Spine Center to others because they’re a great group to work with, they help improve posture, and most importantly, they help reduce pain.

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I had been suffering with lower back pain, sciatic pain, and numbness in my feet. I began Spinal Decompression treatments at LeBlanc Spine Center and I am now 80% improved! I can now stand and sit for longer periods without any pain, and I am able to walk longer distances. I am feeling so much better. The staff here treats me excellent. One of the best things about my care at LeBlanc Spine Center is that I am shown care and concern. I would recommend LeBlanc Spine Center and the treatmenteveryone here is so nice and it has been so helpful!

I had been suffering for about 8 months with pain shooting down my left arm and shoulder. I had previously tried injections in my shoulders, and I was still suffering. I came to Dr. LeBlanc and began Spinal Decompression treatments. I am now 90% improved! My range of motion has improved 95% and I have no more pain at night. I am now able to do anything I want- all without the pain! What I like most about my care here is the personal care from the whole staff and the Doctor’s. What would my comments be if asked to recommend LeBlanc Spine Center? I would say, “Why are you not there yet?!”

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6A ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

ATHLETICS

Continued from page 1A Universities, coaches and some fans have complained that a quilt of state laws, all different and some conflicting, have made college sports unmanageable. The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act would standardize operations in a business that raises about $14 billion annually. “College sports today are in crisis,” co-sponsor Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said at a news conference Tuesday. “For years, court decisions, litigation, conflicting state laws, unlimited transfers, eligibility issues and inconsistent enforcement have chipped away at the foundation of college athletics. The result is what we’re seeing right now: the Wild West. The rules change from state to state, court to court and season to season.” The legislation creates new requirements for how colleges could compensate their players, how often the players could switch schools — once, without having to sit out a year — and how athletes could make money off their name, image and likeness, called NIL. It provides some access to health insurance, and gives players five years of eligibility to participate. Sen. Maria Cantwell, DWash., said several universities face financial problems after five years of increased costs prompted by the court decisions. “The statistics show that the majority of college athletics departments right now can’t make ends meet,” Cantwell said during a floor speech Thursday. The legislation she cosponsored with Cruz “is a bipartisan effort to try to bring some reason to the craziness that has basically been plaguing the most important aspects of college sports,” Cantwell said. The office of House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, says he would review the legislation closely if it passes

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the Senate, which could happen as early as this week. Without committing, Johnson says he probably would have to rally support enough to get the instrument passed in the lower chamber, which would clear the way to President Donald Trump’s desk. Trump supports the measure. But the House is gone until after the Nov. 3 midterm elections. A lame-duck Congress, possibly with a new majority incoming, would have to address the legislation in the remaining few weeks of their terms. If the bill doesn’t pass, then solons will have start over again — as they have several times in the years Congress has tried but failed to enact some sort of college sports oversight.

What the bill does If passed, federal law would include more than a dozen provisions, including language underscoring that student-athletes deserve NIL money as well as revenue sharing. The legislation also would exempt college athletics from some of the restrictions imposed by antitrust laws — similar to what some professional sports have. That would slow players from organizing collect bargaining rights and basically stop players from being able to ﬁle lawsuits to settle most grievances. That has led to some criticism. “Although the bill includes provisions that may appeal to sports fans, it remains fundamentally ﬂawed in its purported mission to protect collegiate athletes,” said Rep. Troy A. Carter Sr., DNew Orleans. “The Protect College Sports Act fails to meaningfully protect athletes’ rights, while providing legal shields for the NCAA and major conferences. It also lacks provisions that would give student-athletes real control, input and a voice over the terms of their own participation.” The bill would allow one transfer. But after that, athletes would have sit out a sea-

A whirlwind of lobbying

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MARIAM ZUHAIB

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, left, speaks as Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, listens during a news conference on their college sports bill in Washington on Monday. son if they transferred again. LSU basketball player Jada Williams said during a teleconference she was grateful for the ability players now have to move from one institution to another, as she did transferring from Arizona to Iowa State to LSU. “College athletes deserve respect, healthy environments and accountability from administrators and coaches. No athlete should have to navigate a toxic situation or feel unheard,” said Williams, who is also first interim vice president with United College Athletes Association, which is organizing a labor union for college athletes. “Every other major sports league has contracts, unions and professional protections in place. College athletes deserve those same protections, support and infrastructure.” Cruz, however, sees the transfer portal, which allows student athletes to switch schools, as one of the problems. “It’s terrible for the game, it’s terrible for the players, it’s terrible for the schools and it’s terrible for the fans,” he said. The NAACP on social media likened the bill to sharecropping, where the people doing the work don’t get to fully participate in proﬁts. NAACP President Derrick Johnson said during a press call that all the Wild West allusions are to support the argument that Congress should clean up the mess. But the federal framework being

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proposed doesn’t allow for collective bargaining, while protecting colleges’ ability to continue making money off student-athletes. “There’s no instability in the game,” Johnson said. “It’s just greed by the conferences.” Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., gives his playing days at Stanford University during the late 1980s and early 1990s credit for starting him on the road that led through Yale Law School to mayor of Newark and to U.S. senator, elected in 2013. He pointed out that the athletes won the rights in court to get paid and transfer schools. Removing college sports from antitrust obligations hinders a player’s ability to ﬁle a lawsuit, Booker said. “It is a bill that really, unfortunately, as one of the handful of college football players in this place, does not cure what are some of the biggest things that are really threatening college players,” Booker told reporters.

Inside Higher Ed, a Washington-based online trade publication, reported that 59 universities have lobbied Congress. The legislation now has the support of the NCAA governing body as well as all four power conferences, including the SEC and Big Ten, plus coaches and university ofﬁcials. Former LSU coach Nick Saban, who also coached football at Alabama, appeared in commercials endorsing the bill. So has Deion Sanders, who coaches the University of Colorado football team. Likewise, several college athletes appeared other ads touting the legislation. The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 also would preempt all those state laws that grew out of the court decisions and lawsuit settlements since 2021. Schools could share up to 22% of certain revenue with players under another

provision. Revenue-sharing was established in the settlement of one of the player lawsuits against the NCAA and amounts to about $21.6 million per school this year. In addition, schools could add another $27 million each year to a pool dedicated to keeping current players. The athletic conferences could, under the bill, exercise the option of pooling media money, which is forbidden under existing law. The legislation also provides rules for how NIL contracts are entered and enforced as well as funding for broadband at historically Black colleges and universities. Conferences would be forbidden from expanding beyond 19 teams and limiting efforts to create a super league of only the top teams. And then there’s the “Lane Kifﬁn Rule” that would forbid coaches from taking a new coaching job with another college during the season.

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Together for Good: LCMC Health, Second Harvest and Junior League of New Orleans partner in food and diaper drive

By Stevie Cavalier Licciardi | stevie.licciardi@theadvocate.com This article is brought to you by LCMC Health.

The Tulane Association of Business Alumni – presents – the 47th Annual Tulane Business Forum Game Changers: Infrastructure, Investments, And Innovation In Louisiana’s New Economy Friday, October 30, 2026 For program information and to register, please visit freeman.tulane.edu/tulane-business-forum or scan this QR code: Presenting Sponsor

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Nearly one in five people in our community experiences food insecurity, and approximately one in two families struggles to afford diapers. This September, LCMC Health, Second Harvest Food Bank and the Junior League of New Orleans are coming together to address this need and offer support to families through “Together for Good,” a systemwide food and diaper drive. “A vital part of health care is preventive care and community wellness efforts that help keep people out of the hospital,” said LaDana Williams, Vice President of Community Affairs for LCMC Health’s University Medical Center. “Being able to partner with organizations like Second Harvest and Junior League for efforts such as ‘Together for Good’ helps keep our community healthy in the long term.” From September 1 through September 25, all eight LCMC Health hospitals will collect nonperishable food items, diapers, pull-ups and baby wipes for local families. Open packages of diapers can also be donated, and the greatest needs include diapers in sizes 4, 5 and 6. Online contributions can be made through monetary donations to Second Harvest Food Bank or the Junior League of New Orleans, or by purchasing items from the Junior League’s Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ QF601FDQGRSZ?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_2. Following the conclusion of the donation drive, a community distribution event will take place on Tuesday, September 29, at Broadmoor Food Pantry, 2021 S. Dupre St., from 10 AM to 1 PM, or while supplies last. Approximately 200 families are expected to receive fresh produce on a first-come, first-served basis. LCMC Health and community partners will offer additional wellness resources to residents, including free flu vaccinations, in partnership with Walgreens, and blood pressure screenings and behavioral health education, provided by LCMC Health team members. Attendees who visit two stations (i.e. blood pressure, Nursing Nest, behavioral health, flu shot) will receive a breakfast sandwich, provided in partnership with The Wellness Collective, while supplies last. Touro’s mobile Nursing Nest will be on-site as well, providing a safe, air-conditioned place for nursing mothers to care for their babies. As a regular community resource, Nursing Nest locations include popular family attractions such as the Audubon Zoo

and Aquarium, Lakeside Shopping Center and the New Orleans Jewish Community Center. The mobile Nursing Nest can also be found at local festivals and other public events in the Greater New Orleans area. For more information on Touro’s Nursing Nests, visit: https://www.lcmchealth.org/touro/our-services/family-birthing-center/nursing-nests/. Making a Difference “We hope that those who participate in this initiative will experience the power of community,” Williams said. “Throughout life, everyone faces hardship at some point and finds themselves in need of resources. Experiencing a sense of community can make a big difference when you are battling a challenge in life.” Food insecurity and diaper need can significantly affect whether families are able to work, attend school, and manage chronic health conditions, such as diabetes. As the nationwide Hunger Action Month, September is an ideal time to spread awareness about this ongoing critical need in our community. With winter holiday initiatives still months away, many families can benefit from the timely immediate relief that the ‘Together for Good’ drive will offer. “Doing small things like providing groceries and diapers alleviates stress for a family in more than just physical ways. It helps emotionally and mentally as well,” said Kristen Gradney, Chief Wellness Officer for LCMC Health. “Short-term initiatives such as this one play an integral role in creating a long-term culture of wellness within our community.” Community members can help by bringing nonperishable food items and diaper donations to participating LCMC Health hospitals or by sharing information about the distribution event with friends and neighbors. For more information on the initiative, visit https://www.lcmchealth.org/ about-us/community-involvement/lcmc-healthtogether-for-good/. Families in need of assistance are invited to participate by attending the distribution event. No reservation is required. “The support the community is providing through this initiative is for everyone of all ages—it’s for the 90-year-old; it’s for the five-year-old; it’s for the child who is yet to be born. That, to me, is the exciting part of us coming together for good,” Gradney said.

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Voting groups sound alarm on funding shortfalls Staffing cutbacks, lack of donations alarm strategists

source of donations for fear of retribution from the administration. “Just being Black in this country again has become a bad word, and it has made it that much more difﬁcult just to raise money because funders don’t want the added pressure and stress or attacks on them by funding us,” she said.

BY MATT BROWN Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Several of the nation’s largest left-leaning voter engagement and racial justice organizations are facing steep funding shortfalls and staffing cutbacks just as voting is getting underway in an election that will determine control of Congress for the ﬁnal two years of President Donald Trump’s term. The shortfalls are setting off alarms among Democratic strategists, who are betting on high turnout and robust voter protection efforts to boost the party’s chances this fall. They are worried that many grassroots groups will not be able to mount effective registration and get-out-the-vote efforts, much less protect against the possibility of election interference from the Republican administration. America Votes, a coordinating hub for more than 400 progressive groups, has fallen “well below” the level of funding it had during the 2022 midterms, Daria Dawson, America Votes’ executive director, said in a statement to The Associated Press. America Votes has acted as a nerve center for the voter mobilization efforts of groups such as the NAACP, Planned Parenthood, the League of Conservation Voters, the AFL-CIO and SEIU labor unions, as well as local groups focused on racial justice, climate and civil liberties. “There is still time to reach voters and bring them into this election, but we are no longer talking about a future opportunity,” Dawson said. “The window to engage them is open now, and it is narrowing every day.”

‘Surrender, not strategy’ Wealthy donors and philanthropic groups have reduced their support of many liberal causes since the 2024 presidential election. That pullback has been especially stark for voting groups geared toward engaging communities of color. While multiple organizers said some funders had expressed an in-

Smaller budgets force shifts

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MIKE STEWART

Nicholas Burns prepares his table at Bridgepointe Church during an event Wednesday in Marietta, Ga. terest in adopting different strategies, racial justice organizers have felt that as a betrayal. A retreat in donor support is “handcuffing our ability to persuade our communities to vote in a year where there is no Voting Rights Act,” said Esosa Osa, a veteran Democratic strategist and founder of Onyx Impact, a research group focused on combating misinformation in Black communities. The Supreme Court this year knocked out one of the last remaining pillars of that landmark 1965 law, essentially gutting it. “We are watching surrender, not strategy,” Osa said. A July memo circulated among major Democratic fundraisers warned that “the organizations that registered and persuaded millions of voters to participate in the 2018 and 2022 midterms are drastically underfunded. They have raised nearly 40% less than they had at this point in those cycles.” It further warned that funding voter mobilization groups was especially critical “given that the Democratic brand is underperforming on generic ballot tests relative to historical comparisons and the president’s approval ratings.”

organizers who spoke with the AP. Some donors, still disappointed with the Democratic Party and some of its allies following the 2024 presidential election, have closed their pocketbooks to liberal causes entirely. While a small group of liberal megadonors has continued to bankroll progressive causes, most focus their support on liberal legal organizations that have taken the Trump administration to court, rather than political or voter engagement groups. Others, including major philanthropic institutions, have pulled back out of fear of retribution that giving to political or racial justice causes could draw the administration’s ire. Organizers who have engaged with potential donors said the administration’s targeting of political opponents and diversity initiatives seems to have put a chill on fundraising for their causes. Tameka Ramsey-Brown, founding director of the Michigan Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Shifting priorities affect groups said multiple donors since the The reasons for the troubled 2024 election had asked whether funding landscape are varied and her group could remove the word at times unclear, according to “Black” from its name or find nearly two dozen fundraisers and financial conduits to mask the The shortfalls have led organizations focused on engaging and mobilizing key voting groups to scale back operations and stafﬁng over the last year. That has included programs aimed at registering and mobilizing lower-propensity voters, voters of color, and rural and younger voters. The Democratic National Committee, which has faced its own funding challenges, has consolidated voter engagement efforts this year partly in response to the ecosystem’s past shortcomings. The DNC in a statement said it was making “historic investments” in its organizing but did not address the weaknesses among allied groups. “We are expanding our voter protection infrastructure to defend Americans’ sacred right to vote, hold Trump and Republicans accountable in court, and register and mobilize voters across the country,” said Angelo Fernández Hernández, a DNC spokesperson.

Many of the nonprofit groups that traditionally have conducted the registration, voter education and organizing say they are trying to adapt to their new, leaner reality. Vamos a Votar, an initiative of the largest civil rights and advocacy groups focused on Latino communities, has had to readjust its ambitions this year due to a lack of investment from funders. “This is shaping up to be a cycle where investments haven’t gone to the Black and brown communities that will ultimately decide this election,” said Juan Proaño, CEO of the League of United Latin American Citizens, a member of the initiative. In a September pitch circulated among donors, the coalition said it aimed to invest $27.5 million in voter engagement and persuasion efforts this year, but still required $5.4 million from donors to fund voter turnout efforts across 10 states and 17 House districts. Even that investment reﬂected reduced ambitions from previous pitches to donors early this year. “It has been extremely disappointing to see that progressive donors are not meeting the moment,” said Héctor Sánchez Barba, the CEO of Mi Familia Vota, one of the affiliated organizations. “We are not waiting. We are always on the front lines for our democracy and our communities.” To counter the funding cutbacks, some groups have begun relying more heavily on artiﬁcial intelligence to provide voter registration guides, share information in multiple languages and track potential election issues. Some groups have increased their partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide free rides to polling places instead of bus shuttles. With fewer in-person organizers, some groups are also focusing on social media and partnering with liberal content creators to boost their messages.

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When it comes to children’s healthcare, there’s good, and then there’s Manning Family Children’s. Here, we do things differently— and that’s why we’re proud to be ranked Louisiana’s #1 children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report.

Unlike any other, we show up where kids are. We take on the toughest cases for the tiniest lives. Undeniable joy is at the core of our care and has been for 70 years. Today, we show up with undeniable expertise for every child, every time. Undeniably for kids. Undeniably #1. Discover how we’re leading the way for kids at manningchildrens.org/undeniable In proud partnership with

10A ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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EDUCATION A childhood rite moves indoors to school gyms Kindergartners learn to ride bikes at school

learn the skill, it’s easier to pick it up later, with practice. The process can also teach children how to handle frustration as they wobble or fall. Hopefully, bike riding will someday be “just like basketball or dodgeball or whatever other sport there is,” becoming such a basic skill that it is simply part of PE, said Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation, which operates All Kids Bike.

BY CHEYANNE MUMPHREY Associated Press

For generations, kids have learned how to ride a bike — a quintessential childhood milestone — in driveways, on sidewalks and in neighborhood streets. Now, they’re learning in school gyms and playgrounds. On a recent September day, kindergarteners at Terra Vista Elementary School in Rancho Cucamonga, California, were fitted with helmets and assigned a black-and-white balance bike. Off they went, propelling themselves with their legs and practicing gliding on the pedal-free bikes. The kids started and stopped on a circular path outlined by orange traffic cones, with adults watching and directing nearby. For every nervous face, there was another with a smile. For every squeal, there was a laugh. All Kids Bike, a program within a nonprofit organization, has brought a learn-to-ride curriculum into nearly 2,000 U.S. elementary schools. They’ve made bike-riding part of physical education for children who might otherwise have to wait for an adult or older sibling to teach them — or whose neighborhood and socioeconomic status might stop them from getting the chance. When schools apply for the program, All Kids Bike can pair them with donors that fund the costs. In Rancho Cucamonga, the city provided $45,000 to gift the equipment and the curriculum to Terra Vista and four other schools. The eight-lesson curriculum gradually moves children from simply walking with and getting comfortable on a properly fitted bike to balancing with both feet off the ground. Then, adults add pedals and the students progress to full-fledged cycling.

Access to lifelong skills Some schools also pair the curriculum with other programs to teach road and pedestrian safety and expand access for children with disabilities. For example, Seattle Public Schools also participates in Let’s Go, which serves third, fourth and fifth grades, and includes adaptations for students with additional mobility and cognitive needs. Students in the district also learn how to cross streets, make eye contact with drivers and recognize unsafe ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS By JAE C. HONG behavior. “Traffic gardens” on school playStudents participate in a learn-to-ride program at Terra Vista Elementary School in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. grounds give students a chance to practice navigating intersections, Teaching kids confidence stop signs, roads and parking arThe activity is perfect for kineas, giving them skills they can use as pedestrians, cyclists and evendergarten physical education classes, says Drew Raney, a P.E. tually drivers. teacher in Wasco, California. For The program can also give chilschools’ youngest students, gym dren a sense of freedom and indeclass focuses on exploring movependence, Weyer said, while getment, learning to share space and ting them away from screens and equipment, following directions into active play. and having fun. The learning can “We want them to be able to have happen with rainbow parachutes, that sense of freedom and indepenscooter boards, Hippity Hops — dence,” Weyer said. “That’s a life and now, bicycles. skill. It’s like swimming.” For Raney, who teaches the All The lessons can stick with stuKids Bike program at his school, dents long after the bikes are put some of his favorite moments away, Raney said. come when students begin lifting “I have now third graders that their feet and riding in stop-and-go are running up and they still respurts. member three years ago, ‘That’s “Once you see students start to Teachers help students put on their helmets. our bike teacher!’ ” he said. Some kind of glide around, that’s when students still remember the chants you can start to see that confidence In Seattle, district physical edu- balance, core stability, sequenc- from the end of the lessons. shoot up because they’re taking cation manager Lori Dunn sees ing and body awareness, she said, “On three, we’re gonna say, ‘We those first steps and they’re put- learning to ride a bike as more with each step building on the one can ride.’ What are we gonna say?” ting themselves out of their com- than simply mastering a recre- before it. She compares it to typ- he asks his students. “We can ride!” they shout. fort zone,” he said. ational skill. The process requires ing or keyboarding: Once children

Legal Notice

IMPORTANT NOTICE OF CLASS ACTION LITIGATION AND PARTIAL SETTLEMENT JANICE CLABORNE, ET AL VERSUS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF NEW ORLEANS CDC NO. 2001-20605; DIV. “D”; ORLEANS PARISH, LOUISIANA A court authorized this Notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer.

TO: “Litigation Class:” All leaseholders and other permanent residents of THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF NEW ORLEANS from 1998 to August 29, 2005, who were adversely affected by the presence of toxic mold in their apartments as a result of HANO, Guste or B.W. Cooper Resident Management Corporation’s breach of their contracted duty with HUD pursuant to 24 CFR Part 5 § 5,703(f) to maintain said apartments and common areas “free of mold” for the benefit of HANO, Guste RMC or Cooper RMC’s leaseholders and their permanent residents, -And-

TO: “Partial Settlement Class:” All leaseholders and other permanent residents of (1) any facility owned, controlled, managed, or operated by THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF NEW ORLEANS or (2) any facility controlled, managed, or operated by the Guste Homes Resident Management Corporation or B.W. Cooper Resident Management Corporation including, without limitation, all leaseholders and other permanent residents of the public housing facilities commonly known as the Guste Homes, B.W. Cooper Homes, and Calliope Projects, in all cases from January 1, 1998 to the date of preliminary approval of the Partial Settlement Class described in this notice.

“Litigation Class” The litigation class involves any HANO tenants for the period 1998 to August 29, 2005. Members of this class may also be part of a settlement class discussed below if they were tenants of Guste Homes or B.W. Cooper during this period. To take part in either the Settlement Class or the litigation class, or both, it is necessary to file a claim. Claims must be filed TIMELY! The information on filing a claim and applicable deadlines can be found on the litigation website https://housingauthorityofneworleansmoldlitigationclassaction.com/. There you will find a complete copy of the official notice approved by the court with instructions on who is involved in both the Litigation Class and the Settlement Class, and what is involved in the suit and how to protect your potential rights.

“Partial Settlement Class” A $4,250,000 Settlement has been reached with an insurer that provided insurance to Guste Homes Resident Management Corporation (“RMC”), B.W. Cooper RMC, and in certain cases, to HANO, for the years outlined below. The suit was filed in Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, and is entitled Janice Claborne, et al versus The Housing Authority of New Orleans, No.: 2001-20605. For more information please go to the website: https://housingauthorityofneworleansmoldlitigationclassaction.com/.

Who is included? The partial Settlement includes residents who lived in the Guste Homes and/or B. W. Cooper for certain years that were adversely affected by the presence of mold in their apartments. The Settlement was reached with an insurance company that provided insurance to the RMCs, and in certain cases, to HANO, for the Guste Homes and B.W. Cooper facilities for the following years:

Guste Homes 1/06/00 to 1/06/01

BW Cooper 10/02/97 to 10/02/98 10/02/98 to 10/02/99 10/02/99 to 10/02/00

If you were a resident of either Guste Homes and/or B. W. Cooper during any of the periods described above and were adversely affected by mold in your residence you are eligible to be considered for compensation.

How do I receive payment?

Please visit our website https://housingauthorityofneworleansmoldlitigationclassaction.com/ for more information on the settlement and instructions on how to obtain payment information.

QUESTIONS CALL 504-321-3676 OR VISIT

https://housingauthorityofneworleansmoldlitigationclassaction.com/

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Democrats race to respond to AI threat BY JILL COLVIN Associated Press

NEW YORK — Amid growing anxiety over the risks posed by rapidly developing artiﬁcial intelligence technology, potential Democratic candidates for president are rushing to show that they’re taking the warnings seriously — while Donald Trump brushes off concerns — and acknowledging they need a reluctant Washington to step up. On Friday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to accelerate implementation of a California law that calls for independent oversight of AI companies and the use of “kill switches” so developers have the ability to shut down their systems. “California will do what it can. But this nation needs to get in the game. Washington, D.C. needs to do its job,” Newsom said on his podcast Friday. The order came a day after Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered a speech outlining the steps he’s taking locally to confront AI risk. Like Newson, he conceded

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that states have obvious limitations in regulating a global technology. The efforts come as AI leaders have issued dire warnings about the potentially catastrophic threat posed by rogue AI agents. The country has begun grappling with the impact of a technology that could bring both tremendous gains in areas like medical research and automation but also unleash deadly viruses, cause widespread economic upheaval and help terrorists inﬂict harm.

Trump dismisses warnings Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, OpenAI’s Sam Altman and SpaceXAI’s Elon Musk have all called for greater government oversight of the industry after a series of hacks revealed AI agents conspiring to deceive humans. Trump has responded by saying that he is “the only control or ‘guardrails’ that AI needs.” Democrats quickly pounced. Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff, a Democrat who is seeking reelection in a state Trump won two years ago, said at a campaign rally last

weekend that “a capable president would move swiftly to secure and reassure the American people, rush inspectors into frontier labs, fortify the nation against bioterrorism, demand legislation from Congress, and lead the world toward an AI treaty.” Ossoff, seen as a potential 2028 contender, said geriatric politicians have little comprehension of AI technology. “An ancient establishment, barely capable of email, sleepwalks into a technological revolution while the president dismantles precautions and calls us fools for worrying,” he said. Another potential White House contender, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, told Politico he will introduce legislation to create a fund that AI companies would contribute to support workers affected by the disruption. Shapiro, in his speech, called for new federal rules to require independent, third-party oversight, increased transparency, and to “prioritize safety above all else.” In his state, he noted that he has al-

ready signed an executive order to establish “real guardrails governing how Pennsylvania uses generative AI.” But he acknowledged that states have obvious limits. “It’s going to require national and, in fact, international, leadership and collaboration,” he said. Alex Bores, a soon-to-be-former New York State lawmaker who lost his congressional primary this summer after AI companies angry over an AI safety bill he championed spent millions to defeat him, said: “The salience of this issue has climbed dramatically.”

Divide emerging on party lines While it remains early, polling suggests a growing ideological divide over AI, with Democrats becoming more alarmed over the last few years, while Republicans have become less concerned. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to be “more concerned than excited” about the growing use of AI in daily life, according to a June Pew Research Center poll. About half of U.S. adults over-

all say the increased use of AI in daily life makes them “more concerned than excited.” Another Pew Research Center poll from June found that about 7 in 10 U.S. adults think that AI will cause job losses in the U.S. over the next 20 years, up 7 percentage points since 2024. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., has been calling on Republican Senate leadership to establish a select committee on A.I. as soon as possible. “I worry about this as a true existential threat. This is the ﬁrst time that we’ve created technology to destroy humanity that could be controlled by not humans,” he said on MS NOW. While potential 2028 candidates have been eager to weigh in on AI, the issue has been less potent in many local races. At a rally in New York’s highly competitive 17th Congressional District on Wednesday, the audience cheered as Democratic candidate Cait Conley vowed to ban data centers that power AI and cloud computing. But no direct mention was made of the broader technology or its risks.

Lawsuit says leading AI companies made illegal agreement on slowdown BY KAITLYN HUAMANI AP technology writer

A new lawsuit claims Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI and Google made an illegal deal to slow the pace of their respective AI development. The lawsuit, which was ﬁled Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, argues that the leading AI companies violated antitrust laws when they Amodei agreed to coordinate slowdown efforts, and that doing so would reduce the value consumers get Altman for paid AI subscriptions. The coordination largely took place on Sept. 12, the lawsuit argues, when Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei published an essay urging for industrywide cooperation on decelerating advancements in favor of enhanced safety measures. That same day, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, SpaceXAI CEO

Elon Musk and Google DeepMind’s co-founder and chair Demis Hassabis each publicly responded to Amodei’s proposals in agreement. But the lawsuit also alleges that the coordination began to take shape months earlier. It points to a statement from July 2026 that high-ranking employees from several of the leading AI labs signed that acknowledged the “intense competitive pressure not Hassabis to unilaterally slow” development. That statement called on the government to support a global effort Musk to slow automated AI development. It is clear that an agreement among the chief rivals in AI that their progress “should be slower than competition would otherwise produce has an anticompetitive effect on consumers,” the plaintiffs argue. Lawyers representing four named plaintiffs, who pay for subscriptions to

ChatGPT, Claude, Grok or Gemini, are bringing the lawsuit on behalf of a proposed nationwide class of other paid subscribers to those services. The plaintiffs don’t object to the companies individually deciding to slow their own progress in favor of safety. They instead argue in the complaint that antitrust laws forbid them from taking the “shortcut” of agreeing to “substitute collective restraint for individual accountability.” A competitive market allows for responsibility and genuine progress, the lawsuit argues. “AI will quickly spin out of human control and could kill us all if we allow AI safety and protocol … to be controlled by private self-serving agreements between the world’s most powerful ‘for profit’ technology companies,” said Nick Rowley, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs. Representatives for Anthropic, OpenAI, Google and SpaceXAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. In his initial essay proposing the slowdown, Amodei acknowledged potential antitrust challenges, writing that it would be helpful for the U.S. government to mediate “or at least enable” these

Trump to name AI czar, rejects safety risk Bloomberg News (TNS) President Donald Trump said he would name an artiﬁcial intelligence czar as he continued to push tech companies to race ahead with development despite growing fears about safety. He rejected concerns that the quickly evolving technology may pose risks to humans as a hoax, comparing it to the alarm over climate change and the scandals that led to his two impeachments during his ﬁrst term.

“We will not in any way hinder or stiﬂe the Growth of this incredible Industry,” he wrote Saturday in a social media post. “AI is the next Industrial Revolution, or Internet, but will be even larger and more impactful, possibly as much as 25% of our Country’s GDP.” For the past week, top leaders of the U.S.’s biggest AI platforms have been warning that it’s time to slow the development pace of their most advanced and most lucrative models, cit-

ing escalating risks of the technology. In his post Saturday, Trump said he will also create an AI Force modeled after Space Force, a branch of the U.S. military he created in his ﬁrst administration, to help tackle issues related to the industry. But it wasn’t immediately clear how that would be structured or what it would do. “We are leading China, and the rest of the World, and I intend to keep it that way!” Trump wrote.

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cross-lab discussions. The government wouldn’t need to participate, he wrote, but it would need to “issue a narrow waiver for certain kinds of safety conversations.” In response, Altman said on social media that OpenAI welcomes the idea of a “federal framework that sets consistent safety requirements,” but said “we do not believe we need to wait for

an antitrust exemption or legislation to begin the work of providing this conﬁdence.” While the recent conversations about pacing development were spurred by increasing concerns about AI evading human control, several leaders in the AI space have long talked about developing a shared set of standards or otherwise coordinating to ensure safety

efforts remain paramount. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit contend they are not against the AI companies asking Congress, the White House or any other agency to develop AI regulation, nor are they against the companies asking for an antitrust exemption. But achieving that kind of collaboration with the federal government could be an uphill battle.

Advanced treatment and moments of human connection define cancer care at Mary Bird Perkins By Amanda McElfresh | amcelfresh@theadvocate.com This article is brought to you by Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. For more than four decades, Patrick Dunne has built a life around beautiful objects and the stories they tell. As a decorator and founder of Lucullus Antiques in New Orleans, Dunne has written and spoken extensively about style, antiques, art, food and culture. His expertise has taken him to national television appearances and publications, plus trips around the world. At Serenity, the 200-plus-year-old Creole manor house he and Nathan Drewes own near Washington, La., history and beauty are part of everyday life. Good health has been vital to Dunne’s ability to make the most out of life. He has always exercised regularly. He’s never smoked or been a heavy drinker. A voracious reader of product labels, he can count on one hand the number of times he’s eaten fast food. So, when he began having concerning symptoms, he instinctually felt something was amiss. On the recommendation of Dr. George Karam, a longtime Louisiana physician and medical educator, Dunne met with Dr. Scott Delacroix, a urologic oncologist at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “I said, ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with me,’” Dunne recalled. “He gave me some tests. A few days later, he said, ‘It’s a good thing you’re here. I’m a cancer doctor, and that’s what you have.’”

The cancer was approaching Stage 4 and was too close to other organs for surgery. Dr. Delacroix discussed options, including Elekta Unity, an advanced MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy system at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge. Treatment would mean 30 consecutive days of radiation. Dunne was resistant to the idea. He and Drewes live and work in New Orleans, and had full business and social calendars. Plus, there was no guarantee the treatment would work. “When Dr. Delacroix explained it to me, I called Dr. Karam and said I wasn’t going to do this. It would be a huge disruption, and I didn’t want to take advantage of Nathan’s generosity,” Dunne said. “Dr. Karam said it wouldn’t be right to not use the resources available to me. He explained the potential consequences if I didn’t do the treatment and the possible effects if I did it. He said it would be better for the people around me if I tried it and it didn’t work, rather than not trying at all. That’s when it clicked for me.” Elektra Unity combines MRI imaging with radiation therapy, allowing clinicians to visualize a tumor and surrounding anatomy, then adapt the radiation as needed. There are only a few dozen such machines in the United States, and Dunne felt fortunate that the one at Mary Bird Perkins was within driving distance of home. “I knew this would be a supreme spiritual act of patience for me, and it truly was,” Dunne said. “But, I was very lucky. I had access to this treatment. I was able to ride to and from there in a comfortable vehicle. I had Nathan, who was willing to rearrange his schedule, care for me and make the drives. In those ways, I was very fortunate.” From his ﬁrst visits, Dunne noticed something different

about the atmosphere at Mary Bird Perkins. Receptionists greeted him warmly, and within a few days, were complimenting his bow ties. Those feelings of kindness and connection followed him into the treatment room. The radiation team – medical physicist Jennifer Voss, and radiation therapists Trevante Taylor and Dally Munn – offered choices of music to listen to during his sessions. A longtime opera fan, Dunne soon brought lists of his preferred selections. The therapists, who were unfamiliar with the genre, asked about the music and became interested in his choices. Near the end of his treatment, Dunne learned they had kept his lists for future reference. During one session, Dunne began to cry while listening to legendary soprano Maria Callas. A therapist noticed his watery eyes, sensed that he was particularly emotional, and immediately embraced him. “It was one of the most magical healing experiences,” Dunne said. “There was no fear of it being inappropriate. It was a spontaneous human reaction, from one person to another. Everyone at Mary Bird Perkins is like that. It’s humanism in action.” There were lighter moments, too. One day, when Dunne was feeling discouraged, the team asked him to settle a debate over whether Taylor should buy a certain pair of boots. Dunne happily cast the deciding vote – a hard no. He regularly dispensed fashion advice, helped one team member decide on a new living room paint color and regularly brought treats from New Orleans bakeries to the team. “I don’t think these moments would happen in most other medical facilities,” he said. “When I completed treatment and they asked me to ring the bell, I did it to give the staff the credit. I didn’t feel like I had accomplished anything. They did all the work.” Voss said the team’s relationship with Dunne made an impact on everyone. “He brightened our days just as much as we hoped to brighten his,” she said. “We were truly sad to see our relationship with him come to an end, but we were also incredibly happy that he chose to have his treatment at Mary Bird Perkins. His story reflects not only the care he received, but also the meaningful connection he developed with the entire treatment team.” Dunne is officially in remission. He has a full slate of professional projects on deck. His and Drewes’ weekends at Serenity are filled with reading, music, cooking, gardening and spoiling their two large dogs. In many ways, life is back to normal. But, the experience has changed some things for Dunne. Growing up, discussing medical problems was off-limits. As an adult, he found the topic boring, and as someone who describes himself as “neurotically private,” he has long preferred not to get into the details of his own condition. Yet, his Mary Bird Perkins experience was so transformative – in more ways than one – that he is ready to share their impact with others. “If somebody tells me they or a loved one has cancer, I tell them they need to look at Mary Bird Perkins,” he said. “It’s exceptional medical care and exceptional personal attention.” Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is Louisiana’s leading cancer care organization, caring for more patients each year than any other location in the region. Its culture of innovation helps attract the best personnel in the country, including expert physicians, highly specialized scientists and forward-thinking leaders. The mission is to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer through expert treatment, compassionate care, early detection, research and education. Visit MARYBIRD. org to learn more.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 13A

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LOUISIANA POLITICS

Trump’s FDA nominee is under scrutiny Cassidy, La. residents have concerns about experience

WASHINGTON — Louisiana has a lot to say about the Trump administration’s third attempt to install a leader for the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, which inspects and approves food and medications. After much discussion on Capitol Hill last week, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, the Baton Rouge Republican who Mark the Senate Ballard chairs Health Education, Labor & Pensions committee, scheduled a Thursday conﬁrmation hearing for FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton, a White House aide about whom he has expressed “strong concerns.” He’s not the only one. Overton has attracted resistance because she was the White House aide in charge of drafting Trump’s controversial executive orders changing the measlesmumps-rubella Cassidy vaccination schedule for small children and another protecting the use of a weed killer that is suspected, though not proven, to cause cancer. Overton’s “lack of managerial experience does not prepare her well for leading a large organization that is already dealing with stafﬁng and morale issues,” Cassidy wrote. That’s the issue Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, R-Belle Chasse, and Kathryne Hart, a Baton Rouge mother, want addressed. Given the disruptions resulting from the inability to get a

Gov. Landry says $7M raised at gator hunt

Gov. Jeff Landry brought in $7million at his 16th annual gator hunt fundraiser this weekend in his hometown of St. Martinville, according to a social media post Monday. “This is a true testament to the work of this adminCapitol istration: making Buzz Louisiana safer, STAFF improving educaREPORTS tion, bringing down our insurance rates, creating a better legal environment, and bringing more than $260 billion in new capital investment to our State,” Landry wrote in a post on X from his campaign account. Landry hosts an alligator hunt every year as a fundraiser that has drawn big names in conservative political circles, like FBI Director Kash Patel and Donald Trump Jr. Attendees and event sponsors had the option to contribute amounts ranging from $12,000 to $100,000, according to the event website. The money raised will be divided up among four different groups:

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JACQUELyN MARTIN

Dr. Heidi Overton, deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, is Trump administration nominee for FDA commissioner. new leader approved, Hart’s first thought — as is true for anyone using a feeding tube — is: what happens if the next shipment of a specialized liquid nutrition formula doesn’t arrive? It’s not like she can whip up something from leftovers or go make groceries to feed her 10-year-old with an immunodeficiency. He can only ingest the specialized liquid. “We hoard the stuff, just in case,” Hart said, recalling how difficult it was to obtain baby formula during the pandemic because of supply chain disruptions. “They’ve already decimated the food inspections,” Hart said. “You need somebody with experience” to ensure supplies keep coming while the agency is reorganized. For most Americans, a photo of

any FDA commissioner is pretty much an emoji for “faceless bureaucrat.” Name one of the 27 commissioners who’ve run the FDA since 1906, when the powers of the present agency were expanded in response to consumers terriﬁed by Upton Sinclair’s novel, “The Jungle,” about how meat was prepared for sale. For Nungesser, which bureaucrat runs the FDA is more than just curiosity. He wants Louisiana to know that the FDA commissioner is not some obscure job that has little bearing. Decisions made at that agency can affect food safety, seafood, restaurants and public health — all of which are closely tied to Louisiana’s tourism economy and the livelihoods that depend on it, he said.

Tourism, which Nungesser oversees, has become one of the state’s largest employers, creating 225,000 jobs. Tourists annually spend about $19.5 billion to experience a unique culture, hear Louisiana music and eat Louisiana seafood, he said. Also weighing in with the lieuNungesser tenant governor are the folks who make their livings from catching ﬁsh, trawling shrimp, dredging oysters, and trapping crawﬁsh, he said. About 70% of the seafood harvested from the Gulf is landed in Louisiana, including about 80 million pounds of shrimp that accounts for about 28% of the na-

Landry for Louisiana, Landry’s campaign political action committee; Cajun PAC II, Landry’s leadership PAC; Protect Louisiana Values, a social welfare Landry nonprofit dedicated to advancing Landry’s policy agenda; and the Republican Party of Louisiana. Landry is expected to run for a second term for governor next year. No significant challengers have announced so far.

candidates. The owner of a Metairie ﬂorist’s shop, Villere chaired the Louisiana party from 2004 to 2018, a period when the GOP unseated Democrats across state government. He is now a national committee member.

“This Water Resources bill strengthens our work to cut red tape, lower costs, and expedite delivery of projects to enhance flood risk management, improve our waterways, strengthen our coastline, Scalise and support the long-term health of the Mississippi River,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, said. “Continued investment in longterm flood protection, coastal restoration, and waterway maintenance is critical to protecting the families and communities that make Louisiana an energy leader, a global port of commerce, and the sportsman’s paradise.” The approved studies include looks at flood risk management on the Comite River in Baton Rouge and along Scott’s Bluff on the Southern University campus. The Army Corps is also working on the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study to provide recommendations for the long-term management of the Lower Mississippi River Basin.

Roger Villere named vice chair of RNC Roger Villere, the longtime Louisiana Republican Party leader, was elected earlier this month as vice chair of the Republican National Villere Committee. The RNC is the governing body of the Republican Party, establishing its platform and rules and working to fundraise and otherwise support GOP

U.S. House passes Water Resources bill Shortly before returning to their homes to campaign for the midterm elections, the U.S. House overwhelmingly advanced legislation that will help address ﬂood controls and levee enhancements in Louisiana. All six members of Louisiana’s House delegation joined the 4159 vote late Wednesday night and sent the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 to the Senate, which already is working on its own version. The WRDA authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get to work on 131 feasibility studies and 10 construction projects for navigation, ﬂood control, hydropower, recreation, and emergency management for ports, waterways, levees, dams, wetlands, watersheds and coastal restoration.

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tion’s catch. Overton helped draft Trump’s executive order that promotes the use of glyphosate — the active ingredient in chemicals used to kill weeds in everyday agricultural, aquaculture, and landscaping settings. University of Florida studies show concentrations of the herbicide have shown up in seafood. The chemical causes hypoxia that kills seafood and could pass along cancer to consumers. But the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not classify glyphosate as a carcinogen and has approved the sale of Roundup and other weedkillers without a warning label. “Louisianans deserve a serious examination of how the next commissioner intends to protect the food supply, oversee imported food and seafood, respond to outbreaks and maintain public confidence in an agency with enormous responsibilities,” Nungesser said. “Our fishermen should be able to compete on a level playing field. Our restaurants need confidence in the products they serve. And families sitting down for a meal should be able to trust that the food on their plates is safe.” Neither Hart nor Nungesser oppose Overton, though many in the Make America Healthy Again movement do because of that glyphosate order. The White House points out that Overton’s job was to present Trump with the instruments he wants — not reflections of her own thoughts. Trump posted on Truth Social that Overton was a “ROCKSTAR” known for taking on the hardest issues. “I hope if she gets confirmed, she’ll come down to Louisiana, meet with us and the fishermen,” Nungesser said. Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate.com.

The projects include dredging at the Pilottown Anchorage near the mouth of the Mississippi River.

Student art sought for Old Governor’s Mansion The Old Governor’s Mansion is seeking art submissions from Louisiana high school and middle school students to be displayed in the historical Baton Rouge building. Submissions can be paintings, drawings, sculptures or digital works and should depict either governors who called the mansion home, the mansion’s history or its architecture. They should be no bigger than 24 inches by 24 inches. Staff will select three entries based on artistic quality and historical accuracy. The art can be submitted by mail or hand-delivered to the Old Governor’s Mansion, 502 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. The deadline is Oct. 19. Winners will be announced on Nov. 2. Submission forms can be obtained on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website or by email to oldgovernorsmansion@sos.la.gov.

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THE GULF COAST

Debate surges over Waveland’s Coleman Avenue to get new beachside restaurant what to call Mobile’s planned I-10 bridge

Owner: The Sand Bar ‘cousin’ to Blind Tiger

BY MARTHA SANCHEZ

BY POET WOLFE

Staff writer

More than two decades after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Coast, signs of growth are emerging in Waveland along Coleman Avenue, including a beachside restaurant and bar expected to open in October. The Sand Bar is the latest venture of Thomas Genin, the restaurateur behind The Blind Tiger restaurants in south Mississippi, and his longtime partner Travis March, owner of TM Construction services. Surrounded by palm trees and sandpits, the two-story development will feature what Genin described as a “casual” open-air ground floor with a bar and snack kitchen, as well as an oyster bar with patio seating on the second floor. The restaurant will also include more than 30 golf cart parking spaces. Next year, Genin plans to offer towels, beach balls and sunscreen for those who want to go between the beach and restaurant. “(The Sand Bar) is The Blind Tiger’s first cousin,” he said. “It’s not the same, but it’s in the family.” The opening is part of a broader resurgence on Coleman Avenue, a once-popular strip lined with restaurants, churches and a saloon before Katrina washed over the Mississippi Coast. After the storm, rebuilding on the downtown street was slow as new development surged in nearby Bay St. Louis, with some city leaders citing concerns over elevation. But that is beginning to change. After the pandemic, Sugar Pop Co., a bakery specializing in cupcakes, opened in Waveland’s Hurricane Katrina museum called Ground Zero. Last year, with the help of Genin, Rickey’s on Coleman — a seafood restaurant beloved by locals — returned to the thorough-

PROVIDED PHOTOS By JACKSON RANGER/THE SUN HERALD

The Sand Bar on Coleman Avenue is expected to open in October near the beach in Waveland, Miss.

The view from the second floor at The Sand Bar, which will be an oyster bar with patio seating.

fare after Katrina dismantled it. Some grassy lots that sat vacant for years are filling with rentals. And nearby, a pier closed since Hurricane Zeta damaged it in 2020 is set to reopen for residents and fishermen. Waveland’s growth reflects a broader transformation along the Mississippi Coast, where population growth and new development are reshaping communities long marked by Katrina’s aftermath. Genin has been part of that rebuilding effort for years, opening what he said was the first restaurant south of U.S. 90 after the storm and partnering with March to open the first hotel in Pass

Christian in a century. This month, Genin debuted Tiger Beach, a waterfront bar and marina with water taxi service, on Henderson Point in Pass Christian. Like his other developments, Genin hopes The Sand Bar will draw a diverse clientele back to Coleman — “where mommy and daddy, the 2-year-old, the teenager, the 25-year-old or grandma and grandpa can all have fun.” “That’s what these restaurants do for these areas,” Genin said. “We appeal to the entire demographic.” Email Poet Wolfe at poet.wolfe@ theadvocate.com.

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The latest debate over a massive Interstate 10 bridge that Alabama plans to build across the Mobile River centers on a name, and, so far, there are plenty of ideas. Republican U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, of Alabama, made headlines this summer when he suggested the bridge should be named after President Donald Trump. Last month, Republican Alabama state Sen. Chris Elliott told AL.com the bridge should honor the legendary Gulf Coast songwriter Jimmy Buffett. Democratic Alabama State Rep. Barbara Drummond said locals should have a say in the bridge’s naming and offered another suggested namesake: Mobile native and former Major League Baseball star Henry “Hank” Aaron. And Republican State Rep. Cindy Myrex recently told conservative news sites in Alabama that the bridge should honor Dolly Parton in the wake of the country singer’s death. The frenzy of ideas began after the state announced a $3 billion plan to build the bridge in July, after more than two decades of discussion. The connector could relieve gridlock for thousands of Louisiana drivers who use Mobile’s George Wallace Tunnel to reach Gulf Coast beaches. Construction is expected to start this fall, and the debate over what to call the bridge — with an opening date in 2031 — is likely just beginning. A spokesperson for the Alabama Department of Transportation said bridges on the state’s highway system are usually named by the State Legislature, which will return to session early next year. The ideas — particularly those with a political tilt — are receiv-

ing both cheers and eye-rolls across the state. The topic is also spreading on social media pages, opinion columns and radio shows. Dale Jackson, a conservative talk radio host in Huntsville, Alabama, suggested last month that leaders should name the bridge after longtime football coach Nick Saban. “It is an appropriate honor,” Jackson said. Jack Burrell, chairman of the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization, called much of the naming back-and-forth “ridiculous.” But he added: “Jimmy Buffett doesn’t sound all that bad.” Still, more ideas are emerging. Some residents have mused online about calling the 215-foottall structure the “Mardi Gras Bridge” — which could extend a longstanding quarrel between Mobile and New Orleans about who lays original claim to the holiday. Others have said the bridge should be named after Joe Cain, a Mobile native credited with reviving the city’s Carnival traditions after the Civil War. It is unclear if Moore’s suggestion to name the bridge after Trump will move forward, but it would not be unprecedented. A stretch of highway in western Oklahoma is named for Trump, and Tennessee named a bridge in the eastern part of the state after Trump this summer. But Burrell, who also serves on the city council in Fairhope, Alabama, said many leaders behind the bridge effort have more pressing matters on their minds. He said the state is “trying to get people at the very highest levels of the government” to attend the project’s kickoff sometime this fall. Alabama Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt have promised to invite Trump to a groundbreaking ceremony.

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DEATHS continued from

All 50 states joining Medicaid drug price model, Trump says BY FATIMA HUSSEIN Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Friday that all 50 states will join in on a program set to provide Most Favored Nation pricing to some drugs within the Medicaid program, bringing the net price of selected drugs down to prices paid in certain other countries. The Trump administration claims that Medicaid will save billions on prescription drug costs as a result of the plan, dubbed the Medicaid “GENEROUS” model. Experts say the savings are unclear since the content of the deals isn’t public. “This one thing alone should win us the midterms,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Friday, flanked by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz and others. Friday’s announcement comes as cost-of-living issues are at the forefront of voters’ concerns ahead of the midterm elections in November. In a way to address affordability concerns, Trump has cut deals with pharmaceutical companies so that the cost of some drugs in the U.S. would not be dramatically higher than in other affluent nations. But critics say his administration has not presented a viable plan for broadly addressing rising health costs, especially after Republicans let expire Affordable Care Act subsidies earlier this year that sent plan costs soaring. Last year, Trump signed an executive order instituting a “Most Favored Nations” policy, where

Corvettes, and many years ago served as President of the Greater New Orleans Corvette Club. Wayne's faith was also an impor‐ tant part of his life, and the scripture, Psalm 27:1, holds special meaning in remem‐ bering him. "The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life.” He is survived by his wife, JoAnne Ferrara Mo; his daughters, Jennifer Mo Miles (Brian), Andria Mo Schiro (Jeff), Lauren Elizabeth Mo, and Melissa Mo Billiot (Robert); his Joshua grandchildren, (Fallyn), Kaela Schiro Schiro, Brock Miles, Ben‐ jamin Schiro, Connor Miles (MacKenzie), Daniel Schiro, Macilyn Mo-Ledet, Anson Mo-Billiot, Katherine Mo, Madisyn Schiro, and Mor‐ gan Billiot; and his greatgrandson, Brody Schiro. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ruth Mo; and his brothers, Charles Luck Mo, Jr. and Gary Michael Mo. The family is grateful to the hospice care team, especially Jody, Carmelia, Mark and Marguerite along with all staff at Fidelis Home for the quality of care they showed Wayne until his ﬁnal day. Visita‐ tion for his closest family and friends will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Lake Lawn Fu‐ neral Home in Metairie with a memorial service in honor of Wayne beginning at 1 p.m. A private inter‐ ment will take place at St. Roch Cemetery #2. “To everything there is a sea‐ son, and a time to every under the purpose heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

the U.S. would commit to paying the same price for medications as the nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the world. The White House in May estimated that Trump’s deals with pharmaceutical companies to lower some of their U.S. prescription drug prices to levels charged in other countries could save $529 billion over the next 10 years. Patients in Medicaid, the state and federally funded program for people with low incomes, already pay a nominal co-payment of a few dollars to ﬁll their prescriptions, but lower prices could help state budgets that fund the programs. Trump said “every state will have the ability to use those extra billions of dollars to invest in other healthcare improvements or something else.” The true cost of the claimed savings is unclear since few details of the deals struck by the Trump administration and participating pharmaceutical companies have been made public, making it hard to independently verify the projected savings. Kathy Hempstead, a senior policy adviser at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, told The Associated Press that there is signiﬁcant pressure on the administration to provide more granular data to justify its cost-savings claims, and that the lack of information creates a barrier to legislative action. “He is saying Congress should codify all of his MFN arrangements,” Hempstead said. “But it’s kind of unreasonable because it’s not clear what Congress would actually do. No one knows what is in these deals.”

Payne, Ricky Anthony

Ricky Anthony Payne, a devoted husband, father, friend and dedicated firefighter, passed away suddenly on Sept 12, 2026 leaving behind a lifetime of memories and countless people whose lives he touched. Ricky was born on March 7, 1979. He was mar-

ried to the love of his life, Lauren Annette Payne, and together they shared the greatest joy of his life, their daughter, Natalie Annette Payne. For 25 years, Ricky dedicated his life to serving others as a firefighter, ultimately attaining the rank of Captain. His career was more than just a job—it was a calling... he loved being a fireman because he simply loved helping people. The men and women he served alongside became his second family, and the brotherhood he shared with his firefighter family meant the world to him. He was deeply proud of his service and the bonds he formed throughout those 25 years. Outside of the firehouse, Ricky was happiest outdoors. An avid fisherman and hunter, he spent as much time as possible enjoying the woods and water. His fishing camp on the river became a gathering place for family and friends, filled with laughter, memories, and more than a few of Ricky's legendary antics. Those who spent time at the camp know there was never a dull moment when Ricky was around. Ricky had a way of making people feel like family. He became affectionately known as "Uncle Ricky" to his friends' children, a testament to the love, friendship, and lasting impression he made on so many lives. He had an immense passion for food and cooking. He loved being in the kitchen, preparing meals, and most of all feeding the people he loved. Above all else, Ricky's greatest joy was his family. His love for Lauren and Natalie was evident in everything he did. They were the center of his world, and the memories they shared will forever remain a cherished part of his legacy. He was "the proudest daddy in the world" as he watched Natalie complete aesthetician school and make her way to the New York Makeup Academy. Ricky is survived by his beloved wife, Lauren Annette Payne; daughter, Natalie Annette Payne; mother, Fay Burleson Payne; stepmother, Cindy Jackson Payne; sister, Kelly Payne Tranchina

(Nick); brothers, Scotty Ernest Payne (Sarah), and Chris Anthony Payne (Elizabeth); 16 nieces and nephews; his in-laws, Randy and Glenda Hopper, brother in law Steve Gerald, sister in law Sandi Clark (Paul) and his dearest friends Chris Arnett, Greg Valley, Ian Burke and Jason Klein just to name a few. He was preceded in death by his father, Dwaine Burnett Payne, and grandparents Ernest Payne and Lena Keaton Payne, Earl Burleson, and Rita Buisson Burleson. Though his passing was sudden, the impact Ricky made during his life was anything but small. He will be remembered for his dedication, his adventurous spirit, his humor, his loyalty, and most importantly, the love he gave so freely to his family and friends. Ricky's absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in the stories shared around the campfire, the waters he loved to fish, the brotherhood of firefighters he proudly served alongside, and in the hearts of Lauren and Natalie, who were his greatest loves. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation and funeral service at First Baptist Church Covington, 16333 Highway 1085, Covington, LA 70433 on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Then, family and friends are invited to join the procession from the church to St. Tammany Parish Fire District 12 and back for services at 1:30 PM. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

Sarco, Mary Frey

Mary Leonora "Mary Lee" Frey Sarco passed on September 13, 2026, at the age of 80. She was born in New Orleans on January 25, 1946. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, she began a long career as a registered nurse. She was a parishioner of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church in Slidell and a former sister in the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph on Mirabeau Avenue in New Orleans. In her free time, Mary loved reading, going to the beach in Pensacola, Florida, drinking a good Old Fashioned, and watching Korean romance shows on Netflix. Family was always the most important part of her life. She cherished her seven younger sisters and was a devout mother and grandmother. Mary was a perpetual caregiver and cared for everyone in her life- including her parents prior to their passing. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Francis and Leonora Klopf Frey and granddaughter, Hannah Catheryn Sarco. Mary is survived by her daughters, Laura Nicole Sarco (Marc), Eve Sarco Reardon (Michael), and Leanne Charmagne Sarco (Fraser); grandchildren, Aden Chan Reardon, Ava Mary Reardon, Anisten Irene Reardon, Ben Garbers, Kai Garbers, and Max Garbers; sisters, Patricia Mattingly (Walter), Marie "Betty" Wood (John), Charlotte Paris (Mark), Joan Murphy (Michael), Nancy Cook (Sam), Kathleen "Kitty" Frey-Hein (Michael), and Cheryl "Shay" Frey; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Good Samaritans Ministry

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at St. Luke in Slidell. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd in New Orleans, on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Visitation will begin at 12 PM followed by a Mass, officiated by Fr. Kevin Seay, at 2 PM. Mary will be laid to rest beside her beloved parents in All Saints Mausoleum immediately after the chapel service has concluded. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com

Sears, John C.

owner and operator of Sears Lawn Mower and Repairs, a business he continued to operate until his passing. John was known throughout his community for his skill, resourcefulness, strong work ethic, and willingness to help others. Family and friends are invited to attend the Homegoing Service on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, for 10:00 a.m. at Greater Carver MBC, 3343 Metropolitan St, New Orleans, LA 70126. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Pastor Howard Sturgis, officiating. Interment will follow at Providence Cemetery. Guestbook Online: www.an ewtraditionbegins.com (504)282-0600. Linear Brooks Boyd and Donavin D. Boyd Owners/Funeral Directors.

Yvette was a lifelong resident of Gretna and built her life around her love for family and friends, always caring deeply for others and never forgot a birthday. She was smart, witty, and maintained her sense of humor through her final days. The family expresses their deepest gratitude to the outstanding care provided by Passages Hospice. A private service will be held at the family's convenience. The family requests that you light a candle and say a prayer for our dearest Yvette as she heads to her eternal home in Heaven. MOTHE Funeral Home has been entrusted with her final care. The family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at www.MotheFunerals.com.

Soutullo, Yvette Eileen

John C. Sears Jr. entered this world on June 29, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late John C. Sears and Pearl Forte. John leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving wife, Jacqueline Sears; his children, Melinda Everson, Joan Sears, and Shelita, grandchildren Wynton Everson and Melania Everson, stepchildren; Nayo McPherson, LaTonya Polite and her husband, Thaddeus Polite, Terrize C. Mills, and Reagan Mills, 7 grandchildren, 10 greatgrandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Sears and stepson Darrin McPherson. John was educated in New Orleans and was a proud graduate of George Washington Carver High School. Following graduation, he honorably served his country in the United States Army. John was a hardworking and devoted family man. He worked for the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) as a bus operator for 33 years before retiring. He was also the proud

especially Yvette's best friend of thirty years, Jennifer Frierson, who, with steadfast love and support, was with her until the very end.

Stellingworth, Robert Allan Bob

Grandpa Bob. He is preceded in death by his parents, Allan O. Stellingworth and Betsy Stellingworth; his brother, John Mark Stellingworth and his wife, Terry Stellingworth. Bob spent his childhood in Grand Rapids. In high school he proudly achieved high rank in the ROTC which set him on his path to public service. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Criminology, Bob became the youngest hire at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. He served his country as a federal agent in various locations, retiring in Louisiana as the Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans office. His duties at the ATF included his work as a criminal investigator, an arson specialist, a member of the first National Response Team, among other distinguished assignments. Bob then went on to serve his community both as an assistant professor of Criminology at the University of New Orleans and as the Executive Director of the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation. After his third retirement, Bob met Christine and they spent many years together enjoying their families and friends, and their golf course living and traveling the world.

It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister Yvette Eileen Soutullo on Thursday, September 17th, 2026, at the age of 70. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Martin, and her daughter, Amanda Pesson. Yvette is the daughter of the late Joseph and Gloria Soutullo. She is the sister of the late Catherine, the late Stephen, and survived by Joseph (Marde), Peter, Donald (Elsie), Kenneth (Sharon), and her twin sister Annette Morell. Yvette was a loving grandmother to her ganddaughter, Haley Pesson, and greatgrandmother to Roman, Aria, and Mason. Above all else, Yvette cherished being their "Mimi." She also had many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her and will remember many fond memories,

Parent ing Cen ter

Robert "Bob" Allan Stellingworth passed away on September 4, 2026, at the age of 79. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 27, 1947. Bob is survived by his wife Christine McNeely Stellingworth; his son, Mark Allan Stellingworth; daughter, Elizabeth Stellingworth (Kurt St. Thomas); sister, Jane Velthouse (Doug) and grandchildren Olivia Osborne (Corrigan Salerno), Henry Osborne, Brayden Stellingworth and Owen Stellingworth. He was also blessed to be step-father and grandfather to Christine's children and grandchildren who lovingly embraced their

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the American Heart Association. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Avenue, Covington LA 70433 on

Sunday, October 18, 2026. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. followed by service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place privately. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

West, David

David West, 65, a lifelong New Orleanian, passed away on September 10 at home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. David was born in New Orleans, on September 22,1960 to James and Ursula West. He attended St. Alphonsus Grammar School and Redemptorist High School and went on to spend his career as an electrician and proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Over the years, David worked at some of the places that help make New Orleans the City we love, including the New Orleans Convention Center, the Superdome, and others. David loved to cook and have family and friends around to enjoy it. He was an avid sailor, and a casino aficionado. He had a wonderful sense of humor, an easy laugh, and the kind of personality that could turn an ordinary gathering into

a party. If David was there, everyone would have more fun because of it. David is survived by his sister, Deborah West Brown, and brother-in-law, Gary Brown; his brother, James West, and sister-inlaw, Janell West; his brother, Donald West; his niece, Jessica Scalise, along with husband Michael Scalise; his nephew, James West; many cherished cousins; and his devoted girlfriend and companion of many years, Cynthia Herbert. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Cancer Foundation. Burial services will be private and will be handled by Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home and Greenwood Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of David's Life on September 26 from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the New Orleans Yacht Club. Come ready to share a story, raise a glass, have a laugh, and celebrate a man who enjoyed life on his own terms. Fond memories and words of condolences may be shared at www.leitzeag anfuneralhome.com.

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By Chet Thompson, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Anyone who cares about America’s energy security should care about Louisiana refineries, petrochemical manufacturing facilities and pipelines. That may sound like a bold statement, but recent history has made the connection impossible to ignore. As geopolitical conflicts like the war in Iran, supply chain disruptions and growing competition among nations have reshaped the global economy, one lesson has become clear: countries that can make and move the energy, fuels and essential materials their people need are stronger, more resilient and better equipped to face any challenge. Louisiana is a major contributor to America’s strength and readiness in this regard. The United States is facing today’s challenges with every advantage because we have the world’s most sophisticated refining and petrochemical manufacturing sector, much of which calls Louisiana home. Across the Gulf Coast and throughout the state, Louisiana refineries and petrochemical manufacturing facilities transform crude oil into the fuels and products that power modern life. The gasoline, diesel and jet fuel refined here keeps Americans moving, supports commerce, enables agriculture and helps meet our military’s critical energy needs. The petrochemicals manufactured in Louisiana are the building blocks for products Americans rely on every day, from medical equipment and electronics to communications technology, construction materials and protective gear. Locally, Louisiana’s refining, petrochemical and midstream energy industries provide thousands of family-supporting careers and generate economic activity that sustains communities of every size. For every one Louisiana refinery job, many more — over 141,000 jobs in total — are supported throughout the broader economy, from high-skilled manufacturing and construction to transportation, logistics and small business. The energy we make in Louisiana is also a lifeline to Americans thousands of miles away. With fuel supplies under strain around the world, both the U.S. East and West Coasts are looking more to Louisiana for the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel they need. And because of energy from Louisiana, foreign fuel imports

into both coasts have declined over the course of this year. Louisiana-made fuels also help America’s allies around the world. In an uncertain global landscape, that ability — to fuel modern economies, enable manufacturing and get people where they need to go — should never be taken for granted. It is both an economic asset and a strategic one. Around the world, governments are increasingly focused on securing access to critical resources and strengthening domestic manufacturing. They understandthattoomuchdependenceonforeignsuppliersfor essential products creates vulnerability, particularly during times of crisis. Nations with strong industrial bases and reliable energy infrastructure are better positioned to withstand disruptions, support their citizens and project strength abroad. As policymakers in Baton Rouge and Washington debate the nation’s future and the essential role of energy in it, they should recognize a reality that becomes clearer with every global disruption: energy security, economic security and national security go hand-in-hand. A country, and a state, that can reliably produce the energy and petrochemical products it depends on is better prepared than others to lead when the stakes are highest. For generations, Louisiana reﬁneries and petrochemical manufacturers have helped power America’s economy and strengthen its position in the world. They remain indispensable to our prosperity, our resilience and our security. That is why America’s security depends, in no small measure, on the continued success of Louisiana reﬁning, petrochemical manufacturing and pipelines.

20A ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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Kenner asks AG to intervene on airport board fight

Dispute exposes new tension among elected leaders BY LARA NICHOLSON Staff writer

STAFF PHOTOS By SOPHIA GERMER

The closed West Pearl Bridge on U.S. 90 in Slidell is one of several unsafe bridges Louisiana leaders are hoping to secure federal grant money to replace. If the state’s application is approved this November, the grant would help pay to replace four bridges that have been closed for more than four years.

‘CONSIDERABLE FRUSTRATION’

If approved, the grant lion it would cost to replace town of Pearlington, MisFederal grant them. sissippi, are blaming the would help pay to replace Now, the federal govern- bridge closures for a con- four bridges in Louisiana. could help La. fix ment could award up to $80 tinued loss of customers, Transportation officials long-closed U.S. million toward the project and residents now face long said the East Pearl River if the state’s application commutes. Drivers around Bridge at the state line 90 bridges is approved, according to the region have also lost a would be repaired under a

BY MARTHA SANCHEZ

Staff writer

Louisiana leaders are hoping to secure millions of dollars in federal grant money this fall that could finally fund the replacement of several unsafe bridges that have been closed for more than four years on U.S. 90 near the Mississippi state line. The money, which the Federal Highway Administration could award by the end of November, would galvanize the long-delayed project and bring some relief to residents who are growing more exasperated with the closures. “I know that there is considerable frustration,” said state Rep. Stephanie Berault, R-Slidell. “This is the only time since I got involved that I’ve had any hope at resolution.” The 3-mile stretch of U.S. 90 at the Louisiana-Mississippi state line closed in May 2022 when inspectors found five 1930s-era bridges were deteriorating. The fix has stalled because Louisiana lacks the estimated $150 million to $350 mil-

Daniel Gitlin, a spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The DOTD has several project design options to choose from depending on how much federal funding it receives. The agency is also planning public hearings next month to update residents about the project, and a ﬁnal design phase could begin next year. Any progress would be welcome news to many residents near the state line, where frustrations have been growing for years. Local businesses in the small

popular Interstate 10 detour and a once-crucial hurricane evacuation route. Louisiana has been trying for over a year to secure federal grant money to replace the bridges, but the project faced another setback when the government shutdown last fall stalled the application process. Berault said the state ﬁnally submitted the grant application in June. Leaders now hope Louisiana’s friendly relationship with the federal government — including Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy — could bolster their chances.

separate project paid for by Louisiana and the Mississippi Department of Transportation. Two public hearings about the project are planned in October. Berault said transportation ofﬁcials at the hearings will lay out the project plans, answer questions and give residents a chance to “let the federal government know what a big priority it is.” Public hearings are scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Pearlington Recovery Center and 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at Northshore High School in Slidell.

Signs have sat in front of the West Pearl Bridge since May 2022.

Officials in Kenner are asking state attorneys to step into a fight over representation on the board overseeing the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The dispute is exposing new tension among elected leaders in Kenner, where the airport sits and where residents have grown increasingly concerned over drainage and infrastructure after airport pumps malfunctioned during Hurricane Francine in 2024 and contributed to flooding hundreds of homes. Officials and residents have called for more representation with the airport, especially as a new terminal and parking garage are planned. Last week, Kenner City Council member Kristi McKinney asked the state attorney general to investigate four of her colleagues, alleging they may have violated open meeting laws after they signed a letter to the New Orleans mayor nominating three candidates to the board. The letter was sent even though Kenner Mayor Michael Glaser had vetoed one of their choices. Another council member, George Branigan, also requested McKinney the attorney general issue an ethics opinion on the matter. It’s the latest clash in a series of public squabbles in Kenner as factions emerge between Glaser and some council members, including Joe Stagni, who rejoined the council this summer after a stint in the Louisiana Legislature. Glaser Stagni defended his decision to send the picks despite Glaser’s veto, arguing constituents want to see a more active council after years of rubber-stamping the mayor. “Too many times the executive branch just dictates to the governing authority, to the council Stagni members, whatever they want to do,” Stagni said. Glaser, McKinney and others say the opposing council members are overstepping their authority and disrupting a previously harmonious political dynamic. McKinney and Branigan requested that Attorney General Liz Murrill weigh in on whether the council can nominate airport board members independently or whether that’s under the discretion of the mayor. Ellis Roussel, a spokesperson for Murrill, said McKinney’s request had been forwarded to the Louisiana Department of Justice’s Civil Division for investigation. McKinney said it was “poor government practice” for the four letter signers to go around the actions of the mayor and other council members without notifying them. “That indicates that they don’t think it was the proper thing to do,” she said. The opposing council members maintain that the letter was lawfully sent. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno selected

ä See KENNER, page 2B

Developer turns shuttered hotels into popular apartments Northshore complex caters to young professionals

BY GRACE MAYER

Staff writer

In 2022, developer Zach Kupperman embarked on a plan to convert a shuttered Homewood Suites in Covington into dozens of new apartments. Four years later, the 86-unit complex near Interstate 12 and Holiday Square Boulevard, called The Fairlane, is 97% leased. Now, Kupperman is looking to

repeat his earlier success with a new project in Covington called The Linden, another former hotel about a mile away from The Fairlane. Kupperman and his team recently completed renovations to convert the former WeStay Suites, located at 140 Holiday Blvd., into a 100-unit apartment building. “The model worked really well. We essentially took what we learned at The Fairlane and were looking to replicate and improve on that model,” Kupperman said. Kupperman’s projects come amid a housing shortage on the northshore, where popula-

tion growth is far outpacing the existing housing supply. A study released by the parish earlier this year estimated that more than 17,000 new housing units — both single-family houses and apartments — will be needed by 2030 to keep up with demand. “One of the key things that’s missing is most of the housing supply is more traditional, suburban-style homes,” Kupperman said of Covington. “But there is a demand for really nice, smaller apartment units. That’s an unmet need in the market.”

PHOTO PROVIDED By KUPPERMAN COMPANIES

The Linden property, located at 140 Holiday Blvd. in Covington, is a former ä See HOTELS, page 2B hotel that was recently converted into a 100-unit apartment complex.

2B ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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Danny Heitman AT RANDOM

Readers share thoughts on the joys of travel journals After my recent column about the pleasures of keeping a travel journal, a number of readers reached me to share stories about their own experiences in recording treasured trips for posterity. The subject had come to mind with the approach of autumn, when many of us pack away our luggage until the next vacation season. It’s a good time to reﬂect on where we’ve been, and the little travel journals I’ve kept have been an invaluable nudge to memory. That much was clear, I told readers, when I happened across a small notebook from my 1991 trip to Paris. Flipping through the pages was not only a trip across the ocean, but a journey through time, returning me to the young tourist I used to be. Louisiana author Mary Manhein, known to many for her work as a forensic scientist, wrote to let me know that she loves to keep travel journals, too. “One of my favorites I like to read is from my time hiking in 1990 with three friends in the mountains of Colorado,” Manhein told me. “What a glorious trip.” In rereading her journal, Manhein gets to relive the trip all over again. “It’s full of funny things ... and amazing things,” she mentioned. “When I read it, I get very nostalgic.” “Back in the early ‘90s, my wife and I made yearly trips to Europe using points from business travel miles,” reader Jon Russo told me. “For each trip, I created a travel journal including train tickets, maps, menus and even silly cartoons of certain events as I am a political cartoonist.” Then, Russo offered a confession: “I haven’t looked at these journals for years. As time has gone on, the cellphone has changed how we document trips. But before cellphones, we had to navigate our journeys via maps, Frommer’s and Baedeker’s travel books, as well as road signs. It was always an adventure. Your article has inspired me to relook at these journals to relive some of those wonderful experiences.” A few days later, Russo shared some pages of his travel journals with me. They include lyrical sketches of Tuscan wine bottles, a colorfully rendered slice of pizza to evoke his “Italian adventure” and a storybook map of coastal Britain. I was intrigued, though what Russo recorded will, inevitably, resonate with him in a much deeper way. Travel journals are meant for the writer to speak to his future self, and in this way, they become a potent time capsule for exploring past lives on the road. “I’m planning a trip to Morocco,” reader Steven Miley told me, “and I will try to do my ﬁrst travel journal. I think about the trips that I’ve been on and how cool it would be to remember the little things that are now lost.” Those little things, I’ve learned, can be what we come to savor most of all.

HOTELS

Continued from page 1B

Meeting demand Over the past decade, Kupperman has purchased and renovated a number of hotel properties in New Orleans, including The Hotel Saint Vincent and the Drifter Motel. He’s also a partner in the stalled Hotel Freedia, a plan that recently shifted from a boutique hotel concept to a restaurant and music venue made in partnership with the New Orleans bounce music artist Big Freedia. His portfolio of hotel projects extends to Colorado and Texas. Following 2020, as the pandemic slowed travel and shuttered hotels around the country, the developer saw opportunity. He spotted a need for more housing in suburban and exurban areas, particularly in Covington. Though construction costs at the time were high — and have remained elevated due to inﬂation, supply bottlenecks and elevated interest rates — converting hotel properties to apartments, which requires little construction, was more affordable than other projects. That led to The Fairlane, a project Kupperman co-developed with Palm Beach, Florida-based real es-

The New Orleans Police Department investigates a traffic fatality on I-10 West on Saturday.

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Pedestrian killed on I-10 West, NOPD says Incident happened near Morrison Road entrance

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

The New Orleans Police Department is investigating the death of a pedestrian near the Morrison Road on-ramp of Interstate 10 West. A 49-year-old man was running

across the interstate Saturday when he was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound on I-10, police said following an investigation. Police responded to a call about the incident around 12:23 p.m. and found the man’s body lying near the right shoulder of the interstate. He was declared dead on the scene, police said. The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene and cooperated with the investigation, police said.

After the crash, police temporarily closed all I-10 West lanes between the Morrison Road exit and Chef Menteur Highway for a period early Saturday afternoon. Drivers were redirected to take the Morrison Road exit and reenter at Chef Menteur. There was heavy trafﬁc in the area, and cars could be seen turning off the highway. In a video recorded near the scene of the crash, New Orleans City Council member Eugene

KENNER

Could Kenner lose the seat?

the man that the four letter signers had included in their recommendation but the mayor vetoed: criminal defense attorney Barry Ranshi. Ranshi declined to comment.

‘Bully politics’

tate ﬁnancier Aryn Spahr’s SL Capital Group. The project wrapped renovations and opened to tenants in 2023, with one-bedroom apartments originally starting at $900 per month. After witnessing the demand for the property, Kupperman and Spahr spent some time looking for a similar hotel conversion project in Covington. They didn’t have to look far to ﬁnd a suitable property. They purchased the WeStay Suites, an economy-level extended stay hotel, in December 2025. The property was previously owned by Epic Regency Hospitality Partners LLC, which had purchased it in 2023. “It had been on the market a long time and we had been talking to the owners for quite a while,” Kupperman said. He declined to say how much he spent to purchase and renovate The Linden, but he said the cost was similar to that of The Fairlane, which totaled about $9 million.

Email Willie Swett at willie. swett@theadvocate.com.

and final term as mayor after narrowly avoiding a runoff in May with just over 50% of the vote against two opponents.

Continued from page 1B

Under an agreement between the two cities, Kenner makes three nominations for the mayor of New Orleans to choose for one of nine seats on the aviation board. Kenner’s seat has been vacant since earlier this year, after Gregory Carroll resigned from the position to run for City Council. The previous council approved a resolution in June to nominate three people selected by Glaser to the board, despite Stagni and Danny Riehm, another council member-elect, requesting that the council wait ﬁve days until after their swearing-in. The new council later voted 4-3 to send New Orleans a new list of names that included Ranshi. Stagni and Riehm say the airport agreement between Kenner and New Orleans only grants the City Council the power to rec-

Green warned people against trying to cross the interstate on foot. “We’ve lost too many people to something that, very honestly, is never going to be a good idea,” he said. The investigation is ongoing. Police said on Saturday afternoon that the Coroner’s Office would identify the deceased man after his family was notiﬁed and an autopsy was completed.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

A commercial flight lands at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport as the airport’s south terminal is seen in the background in Kenner on July 10. ommend aviation board nominations, not the mayor. They also say the agreement doesn’t require formal council approval to submit names, making their letter lawful and Glaser’s veto moot. Adam Swensek, executive counsel to Moreno, agreed with that opinion in a Sept. 4 letter to Stagni accepting Ranshi and the other nominees. But Glaser and McKinney say Kenner’s city charter lets the mayor remove members of any board and veto any resolution. They argue the charter should

got new cabinets and countertops. No walls had to be torn down and no doors were added to combine rooms, Kupperman said, as twobedroom floor plans were already in place in the former hotel. The complex has 61 studios that average about 425 square feet, 33 one-bedroom units of roughly 580 to 681 square feet, and six two-bedroom units that are 880 square feet each. Rents, including utilities, range from $1,209 for a studio to $1,600 for the two-bedroom units. The complex began leasing at the beginning of August. Kupperman declined to provide a current occupancy rate, but the complex website listed 90 units available for lease, as of Wednesday. Kupperman said much of the interest has come from younger professionals in their 20s and 30s and empty nesters. The rooms at The Linden are complete with high-end finishes. Kitchens were modernized with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. The complex also Empty nesters has a pool, fitness center, movie Renovations on The Linden took room, putting green and outdoor about eight months. Because the grill. “We wanted to make this a highproperty was already an extended stay hotel, the floor plan of each end apartment for Covington,” unit already came equipped with Kupperman said. a kitchen and required only upLocation location location grades, Kupperman said. The units were finished with Kupperman’s success on the hardwood flooring, and bathrooms northshore comes as several other

The New Orleans City Council confirmed Ranshi to the aviation board on Thursday. At an earlier committee meeting, New Orleans City Council member JP Morrell warned that it was a “dangerous argument” for Kenner to challenge the airport agreement as being in conflict with Kenner’s charter because it could nullify the agreement and void Kenner’s seat entirely. “My suggestion would be for the mayor of Kenner and the council to work together, if they want to update the (agreement) to reflect the charter,” Morrell said. When asked about Morrell’s statement, Glaser said he takes comments from the New Orleans City Council “with a grain of salt.” “They can’t even run a basic government in the city of New Orleans and then they’re going to pass comments and opine on how the city of Kenner should run,” Glaser said.

trump the airport agreement. In interviews, Glaser and Stagni both accused the other of engaging in “bully politics” over a desire for political control that will stymie improvements for Kenner. “The biggest issue is Councilman Stagni,” Glaser said. “This is how he operates. If he doesn’t get his way, he’s going to go around the procedures and policies to get his way.” Stagni joined the council in July after winning 60% of the vote in an at-large election. Email Lara Nicholson at Glaser is serving his second lnicholson@theadvocate.com.

recent projects in St. Tammany Parish have stalled amid opposition to new subdivisions and apartment complexes. For years, the rapidly growing parish has struggled to balance the demand for muchneeded new housing and infrastructure with the desire among locals to maintain the peaceful, rural quality of life that long deﬁned the area. In August, two subdivision projects became the latest developments caught in those competing tensions. Developers planned to build up to 800 single-family homes just west of Covington in Goodbee, but the project was vetoed by the parish president after gaining rezoning approvals. In 2024 and 2023, two apartment projects, a 100-unit complex called the Covington Trace Ridge apartments in Covington and the Sucette Harbor apartments in Mandeville, were met with strong opposition from parish leaders and residents. Neither has moved forward since. That Kupperman redeveloped an existing hotel made it easier for The Linden to move forward without opposition, said Pat Phillips, a council member whose district includes The Linden and The Fairlane. The Linden complex is located on property already zoned for apartments, with existing water and sewer service, Phillips said. Parking and water and sewer require-

ments were also already met. “The infrastructure and zoning were already in place,” Phillips said. “Instead of letting the hotel go downhill, it was upgraded.” He noted that The Linden’s location also places prospective tenants close to an Aldi grocery store and schools. “This was a smart development,” he said. “It wasn’t like we needed to rezone the land or clear land to create this development.” Kupperman said he and Spahr are already looking at other sites that could lead to similar projects. “The whole area needs more housing,” Kupperman said. “We’ve seen a lot of demand between Linden and Fairlane, and I think that demand only continues to grow.” Email Grace Mayer at grace. mayer@theadvocate.com.

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New Orleans Area Deaths

EJ Fielding

Allison, William Baer, Robert Bouton, Sr., Raymond Briuglio, Kathleen Burgess, Irene Chaffe, John Clawson, Jane Coogan III, Charles Cooper, Mary Cormier, Gwendolyn Coughlin Jr., Dennis Downey, June Fitzgerald,, Michael Geerken Jr., George Gereighty, Mary Heigle-Guarino, Sandra Indovina, Gloria Klingenberg, Rolf Koppman, Stephen LeBlanc, Bettie Longo, Hubert Mitchell, Patricia Mo, Wayne Payne, Ricky Sarco, Mary Sears, John Soutullo, Yvette Stellingworth, Robert West, David

Payne, Ricky

E Jefferson Garden of Memories Indovina, Gloria LA Muhleisen Geerken Jr., George Leitz-Eagan Burgess, Irene Heigle-Guarino, Sandra West, David

New Orleans Boyd Family Sears, John Jacob Schoen Baer, Robert Mitchell, Patricia Lake Lawn Metairie Bouton, Sr., Raymond Briuglio, Kathleen Cooper, Mary Coughlin Jr., Dennis Downey, June Fitzgerald, Michael Longo, Hubert Sarco, Mary

St Tammany

Klingenberg, Rolf Stellingworth, Robert Grace Funeral Gereighty, Mary

West Bank Mothe

urday, September 26, 2026 at Ourso Funeral Home, 13533 Airline Highway in Gonzales starting at 9:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. led by Pastor Michael Raymond of Shiloh Christian Fellowship Baptist Church. Bill will be laid to rest alongside his beloved father, mother, and sister at the St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery, 2805 Bayou Road in St. Bernard, followed by a joyful meal at Rocky and Carlos.

School 8 Friedrichs Ave, New Orleans LA 70124.

Kathleen Williams Briuglio, 85, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, September 12, 2026. She was a native of New Orleans and resident of Metairie.

Soutullo, Yvette Baer, Robert Joseph

Allison, William G. 'Bill'

After an 8-year battle with Alzheimer's, William G. "Bill" Allison passed away into the loving arms of his Saviour, Jesus Christ, peacefully in his sleep on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the age of 75. Billy was born on June 26, 1951 in New Orleans to Wilhelmina "Willie" Theresa Jorns Allison and Thomas Edward Allison. He lived in his beloved St. Bernard Parish until Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005, when he moved his family to Ascension Parish. Bill attended school at Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Trist Middle School, and graduated from Chalmette High School in 1969, where he was a photographer for the school newspaper. He began his career as a carpenter's helper, working alongside his father and brother at Trade Mark Homes in New Orleans. He became a Master Carpenter and, in his late 20s, became a Construction Manager, running the jobs. During the course of his 51year career he managed varied construction jobs including remodeling the Historic New Orleans Collection, renovating luxury condominiums, renovating many grand homes in New Orleans' garden district, restoring a home to its original 1860s period, moving and renovating a house built in the mid-1800s formerly owned by Dr. David Livingstone, and building a doctors' office and even a rectory. From 1995 until his retirement in 2017 he worked for Favrot and Shane (1st Lake Properties). In 1991 Bill married Diane Theresa Beaudette, whom he met at work in 1989 at Witherspoon Renovations where he was a construction manager, when she was hired as their bookkeeper. Together they raised two remarkable boys, Bill's pride and joy, Joshua David and Timothy Paul, whom Bill loved with all his heart. Through the years the family went on numerous camping trips and other travels, and was very active in church activities. His other love, besides his wife, were his kitty cats: Whiskers, Cindy, and Dixie. Bill shared his great sense of humor, ever -present laughter, easy-going personality, love for his family, country, and the outdoors, solid Christian faith and deep trust in God, and passion for current events with his family, friends, coworkers, and subcontractors. He held in high regard all the construction trades and appreciated the artisanship of the many talented and knowledgeable people he had the pleasure to work with through the years, often pointing out fine details of the artistry, architecture, and challenges of creating a beautiful building. Bill leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 35 years, Diane; sons Joshua (Nicole) and Timothy (Leigh); grandchildren Liberty, William, Joshua, Jr., and Louis; sister-in-law Renee Allison; Aunt Mary Ann Jorns, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilhelmina and Thomas Allison, brother, Thomas Edward Allison, Jr., and sister, Patricia Ann Allison. The family sincerely thanks the wonderful people at The Parc Senior Living and Hospice of Baton Rouge, especially Aaron Moses and Kim Nash, for providing excellent, compassionate, and loving care to Bill during his final months this side of heaven. Visitation will be on Sat-

Robert Joseph Baer, known and loved as "Bop," passed away on September 14, 2026, from in New Orleans, Louisiana. Throughout his 66 years of life, Bop spread joy and love to all who knew him through his huge heart, genuine nature, humor, and unwavering care for all in his circle. He never met a stranger and was known for his gift of gab. Robert's proudest accomplishment was his family. He was married to the love of his life, Coleen Plaeger Baer recently celebrating 40 years of marriage. They were the epitome of soul mates and their love was evident to all. Their greatest accomplishment was their son Andrew Joseph Baer who married his soul mate Celeste Landry Baer and gifted us with Aiden, Amelie, Gabrielle and Brooks. The pride Bop had for these grandchildren had no limits. He never missed a baseball, soccer, flag football, dance, cheer, or school event. His world revolved around his family, as all who met him knew, and he would not have had it any other way. His proudest titles were husband, dad, Bop, and brother. His greatest joy was bringing love and joy to those he loved the most and anyone lucky enough to enter his orbit. Knowing that Bop is now taking care of our angel Gabrielle, teaching her all of his crazy fun games helps ease our pain. Robert worked in banking for nearly forty years, but not as your average banker. Robert's desire to help others led him into the world of training. He took joy in educating his colleagues, and one of his greatest professional prides stemmed from seeing those he coached prosper. He was always a positive influence and was always willing to go the extra mile, while sharing his stories of the family he so dearly treasured. Every colleague knew all about his family and knew that those family conversations were always going to be a part of their work journey with him. It was not enough to help his colleagues, he expanded his professional knowledge into the community through his involvement in financial literacy and other community work throughout New Orleans. He was born on August 4, 1960, in New Orleans Louisiana to Mathew Joseph Baer and Marcelle Monie Baer. He is survived by aunt, Bobbie Redmann, his brothers and sisters, Matthew Baer(Connie), David Baer(Cindy), Cathy Baer Gaudet(predeceased Rooky) and Barbara Baer Chenier (Hank). He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews all who know him as Uncle Frog. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 23, 2026 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 4640 Canal Street, New Orleans LA 70119 starting at 8:30am with mass beginning at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers donations to the school that his grandchildren attend and their friends who know him as Bop is appreciated. Those can be sent In Memoriam of Robert Baer to Christian Brothers

heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at the care home where she spent the last few months of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Crusaders at www.cancercrusadersla.o rg/donate or Bridge House at www.bridgehouse.org/ donate.

Briuglio, Kathleen Williams

Bouton, Sr., Raymond Joseph

LeBlanc, Bettie

Obituaries

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 3B

Raymond J. Bouton, Sr. passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the age of 95 after a brief illness. Ray was born in New Orleans in 1931 at Touro Infirmary, to Frank and Virginia Bouton. He graduated from St. Peter's High School in 1949. After graduation, Ray began service to his country in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Germany. His service briefly overlapped with operations during the Berlin Air Lift. In 1957, he married Bella Castrinos Bouton, and they shared 69 years of marriage. Together, they raised two sons and enjoyed six beautiful grandchildren. After serving his country, Ray began his private career selling lamps door to door for New Orleans Public Service, Incorporated (NOPSI). He eventually worked his way up at NOPSI to commercial representative where he worked for nearly 40 years until his retirement in 1990. A bona fide New Orleanian, Ray enjoyed all things sports including watching the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans (from his comfy living room recliner). Known for his straightforward nature, Ray never minced words. His honesty, whether gentle or direct, was one of his defining characteristics. He served his community through volunteerism at WYES auctions and through Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans. He enjoyed cooking, especially preparing the holiday meal which always included roast turkey, mirliton with shrimp, sweet potatoes smothered in brown sugar, oyster dressing and apple pie. He loved to make homemade "tutti fruity" flavored ice cream for family occasions. He and Bella enjoyed traveling to the Gulf Coast for a weekend at the casino and visiting the beaches of Florida. He relaxed with the occasional VO and water, rabbit hunting, and fishing. He took great pride in providing for his family and caring for the family home where he and Bella raised their children. He was the primary caregiver for Bella until his illness prevented it, just nine weeks before he died. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Bella, his children; Ray Bouton, Jr. (Elizabeth) and Frank Bouton (Amy); his grandchildren Colin, Christopher, Bradley (Claire), Jacob, Anna and Jenna; and several nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Virginia, and his brother Curtis. The family would like to thank Father George Wilson of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral for his spiritual guidance, the medical staff at Touro Infirmary for their extraordinary care, especially Dr. Alexander Nay, the staff at Covenant Home, and the team at Serenity Hospice. A funeral service will be held Monday, September 21, 2026, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 11a.m. until the time of service at 1p.m. Interment will follow at Lake Lawn Park Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to celebrate a Makaria in the Hellenic Center at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1200 Allen Toussaint Boulevard, directly following the services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ray's name to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Kathleen was educated at Mercy Nursing School and put her career on hold to start a family. Together she and her husband, Joe, founded Lakeside Drugs where she worked endless hours helping to run the business. When her children were in high school, she began working as a registered nurse at East Jefferson General Hospital. After 20 years, she retired from nursing and enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling. But perhaps her greatest role was caring for Joe during the final decade of his life. She devoted herself to him with extraordinary love, patience, and tenderness, drawing on both her nursing skills and more importantly, her deep love for her husband. A devout Catholic, Kathleen's faith was not only professed but practiced daily, carried in prayer and in service. For more than 50 years she was a parishioner of St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, where she also cared for the Liturgical Linens. She was a member of St. Angela Ladies Auxiliary(SALA) and the Elenian Club. At the heart of Kathleen's life was her family. She adored them without reservation and cherished her role as "Mamare" to her grandchildren and great-grandson. Her love was felt in the meals she prepared for family, friends, and neighbors; in the garden she tended; and in reading, crocheting, knitting, and sharing laughter over cards, mahjong and bunco with friends. Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Maria Briuglio Perez (David); her sons, Brian Briuglio (Megan) and Paul Briuglio (Cristen); her grandchildren, Jeanne Hebert (Andrew), Mary Kathleen Grundmeyer (Luke), Katie Scott (Payne), Emily Carver (Caden), Brandon Briuglio, Evan Perez, and Allison Briuglio; her great-grandchild, William Hebert; her sister and best friend, Jean Williams; and her sister-inlaw, Karen Briuglio. Also survived by nieces, nephew, cousins and friends. Kathleen was preceded in death by her spouse of 57 years, Joseph Peter Briuglio; her parents, Mary Ellen Frentz and Louis Beard Williams Jr.; and her brother-in-law, Sam Briuglio Sr. Visitation will be held at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 3368 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA, on September 26, 2026, from 11:00 am until Mass begins at 1:00 pm. Graveside inurnment will follow in Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, LA The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Richard Airhart, Dr. Sneha Samant, Dr. Gary Menszer, as well as EJ Hospital doctors, nurses, and staff. We would like to extend our

Burgess, Irene Mary Agnes Tassin

Irene Mary Agnes Tassin Burgess 12-15-1956 to 9-112026 a resident of Covington, Louisiana, was born and raised in New Orleans. Daughter of the late Willis Joseph Tassin and the late Virginia Mary Tassin, Wife to James Paul Burgess Mother to Angela C. Baham (Richard Baham) and Ellen Trosclair (David Trosclair). Grandmother to Cullen Trosclair (Savannah Trosclair), Emily Burgess (Preston Rowell), Kalyn Trosclair, Jessica Burgess (Sarah Bievenour) and James Burgess II, a proud great-grandmother to 3 great-granddaughters & 1 great-grandson. She is also survived by 2 sisters & preceded in death by 1 brother. Services will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 9 am and a Mass to follow at 11am. Fond memories and words of condolences may be shared at www.leitzeag anfuneralhome.com

Chaffe, John Francis Coleman

John Francis Coleman Chaffe, Jr. died peacefully at home in San Antonio, Texas on September 2, 2026. Mr. Chaffe was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on May 21, 1961. He was preceded in death by his father, John F. C. Chaffe, and his baby sister, Clare Brierre Chaffe. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marcela Chaffe and their daughters, Faith and Samantha; his mother and stepfather, Clare Brierre and John Aaron Stewart, Jr; his brothers Charles Bryan Brierre Chaffe (Maria) and Robert Hamilton Brierre Chaffe (Mary Margaret); his 3 nieces, Emily, Mary Heather and Anna; his two step-nieces(Cinden and Amalia); and his stepbrothers William Pharr Stewart (Mary), John Cameron Stewart (Eileen) and Christopher Andrus Stewart (Sherena) and their families. Mr. Chaffe graduated from St. Martin's Episcopal School and attended

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How to place a Memorial Ad An “In Memory Of” ad, is a way to pay tribute to your loved one. This remembrance is often printed on the anniversary of a loved one’s death. The deadline is two days prior to the day you want your ad to appear. TO PLACE A MEMORIAL AD GO TO: obituaries.nola.com, click submit an obituary and select create a memoriam.

4B ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

Washington and Lee University, the University of Alabama and Loyola University. Mr. Chaffe enjoyed a successful career in computer science, becoming a Global IT executive with Tidewater Marine in both New Orleans and Houston, and then with South Texas Radiology Group in San Antonio.

Mr. Chaffe had a wonderful time traveling the world during his years at Tidewater. As an avid lifelong fisherman, he loved nothing better than to be in the Louisiana marshes or on the waters of the Gulf Coast. Mr. Chaffe also enjoyed participating in Mardi Gras as well as collecting Mardi Gras memorabilia. A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, with a funeral to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Trinity Episcopal Church or School and MD Anderson Hospital.

Clawson, Jane Ritter

Jane Ritter Clawson, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee on May 21, 1940, died peacefully at home on August 29, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Emrich Ritter and Harry Raymond Ritter, her sisters Ann and Margaret, her brother Harry, and her husband, Charles H. Clawson, Jr. ("Charlie"). Jane grew up in Marked Tree, Arkansas and graduated from The Hockaday School in 1958. She attended Smith College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962. Jane then moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, teaching second grade before attending Tulane University, where she attained her Master of Arts in 1967. She then pursued a doctorate at Tulane, writing her dissertation on medieval Spanish literature. Following her 1978 marriage to Charlie, she made her home in Shreveport, Louisiana. Jane served many roles over her several decades as a member of the E. Ritter & Company Board of Directors. She also served multiple terms on the Ritter Family Council. Jane taught Spanish at Centenary College of Louisiana and at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. As much as she loved Louisiana, she always called Marked Tree and Tyronza Arkansas home. Football games between the Razorbacks and Tigers could get interesting indeed. Jane was a generous volunteer and genuinely philanthropic person. She was a member of The Twentieth Century Club, Hypatia (serving as President from 2014-2016), the Junior League of New Orleans, the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, the Shreveport Club, Southern Trace Country Club, and a member of the Board of Directors for Authors in April. A beautiful and accomplished stitcher, Jane was also a member of the

American Needlepoint Guild and of the Rose Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America (EGA), helping to organize several regional EGA seminars held in Shreveport. She traveled often to regional and national seminars with dear stitching friends. Jane also enjoyed being a member of her Wine on Wednesday (WOW) group, her golfing buddies, and walking friends. She loved travel, stitching, gardening, attending baseball games, playing rummikub and bunco, and the culinary arts. Those in her orbit were often the lucky recipients of homemade sourdough bread and English muffins. Jane loved and was loved by many. Her kindness and generous spirit were freely shared with those in her life. Jane is survived by her niece, Margaret J. Boyes (Pete), her stepson Charles H. Clawson III (Rebecca), her godchildren, D. Ashbrooke Tullis and Rachael T. Gambel (Christian), Walter F. Clawson, Carol C. Trahan, Dr. Robert S. Clawson (Kristina) and Mary Trahan Seidensticker (Levi); those who called her "Aunt Janie" (Paige and Ryan Boyes) or "Granny Janie" (Kathryn and Howard Clawson, and Grace, Tullis, and Jane Gambel), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. We would like to thank her doctors and caregivers, particularly Dr. Richard J. Michael and Dr. Neelima Chintapalli, with special thanks to Mary Lofton. Please join the family at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, on Monday, September 21st for a visitation at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Jane's honorary pallbearers are Peter J. B. Boyes, Ryan G. B. Boyes, Charles H. Clawson III, C. Howard Clawson IV, Johnson S. Clawson, Dr. Robert S. Clawson, Walter F. Clawson, Tullis R. Gambel, Wm. Christian Gambel, Jr., and Dr. Stepen C. White, Jr. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in Jane's memory to Providence House, Holy Angels, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the charity of your choice.

Coogan III, Charles Alfred

lll

Coogan, Brandon Coogan, Tabitha Rodriguez, Patrick Coogan II, Katie Coogan, Christina McDaniel Upshaw, Ashley McDaniel Ouber, Palo Jimenez, Sienna Jimenez, and Marco Jimenez. Great-grandfather of Gabriel Rodriguez, Aronne Rodriguez, Estephanie Rodriguez, Jasmine Rodriguez, Kyleigh Mae Rehage, Austin Sibley, Julian Upshaw, Kamrynn Ouber, and Karson Ouber. Great-great-grandfather of Edsel William Sibley. Al graduated from Sacred Heart of Jesus School in 1951, Jesuit High School in 1955, and LSU in New Orleans, in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science. He joined the United States Navy and completed his training in 1959 during the peak of the Cold War and the Navy's significant military buildup. He proudly served aboard the USS Des Moines, USS Galveston, and the USS Greenwood (DE 679). His final active assignment occurred during the Cuban Missile Crisis, when his ship was on standby as part of the blockade effort. He completed his service on March 1, 1963 as a Fire Control Technician (Gunfire Radar Control) Striker Second Class FTG2. He received the NASA Stennis Space Center Honoree Award for his significant contributions to the Nation's space program, the highest form of recognition bestowed upon an employee. As part of that honor, he was invited to view the July 4, 2006, launch of the STS-121 Space Shuttle mission, the first and only Space Shuttle launch on Independence Day. The successful launch and landing led NASA to fully resume regular Space Shuttle launches in the construction of the International Space Station. This honor was one highlight of an aerospace career included work with Boeing on the Apollo program, followed by roles with Martin Marietta, Lockheed Martin, and Jacobs Sverdrup. Al will be remembered for his deep faith, devotion to family, quick wit, and gift for making others laugh. He loved sharing a good joke, coaching young athletes, fishing with dear friends, and taking pride in the accomplishments of his children, and grandchildren. The family appreciates the prayers of family, clergy, friends, and associates during our time of bereavement. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.

Charles Alfred Coogan III, age 89, affectionately known as Al and Charlie, departed this life to be with his Heavenly Father on September 11, 2026. He was born February 23, 1937, in New Orleans, LA, to the late Charles Alfred Coogan, Jr. and Santa Mary Mortillaro Coogan. He was the beloved husband of 55 years to Shirley Roseanne Hartle Coogan before her passing in 2016. He was the devoted father to Christopher Anthony Coogan (Kimberly), Patrick Michael Coogan (Mariefe), Charles Alfred Coogan IV (Mindy), Kelly Kathleen Coogan Jimenez (Robert). Brother to Carolyn C. Schof (David), Mary C. Schultz (Chris) and the late Thomas D. Coogan, Sr. (Peggy). He was the loving grandfather of Andrew

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1050 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458, on September 30, 2026, beginning at 9:00 A.M. followed by the Funeral Mass following at 11:00 A.M.

Cooper, Mary Wallis

Mary Wallis Cooper was called home on the morning of September 14, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on March 31, 1949. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl A. Dufrene; her parents, Kathryn Malloy Wallis and John Gordon Wallis; and her older brother, John Gordon Wallis, Jr., "Gordy." She is survived by her daughters, Anne Cooper Arana (Julio) and Kathryn Cooper Suire (Tim); and her six grandchildren whom she adored: Maryclaire, Vivian, and Lillian Arana and Caroline, Charlotte, and Harry Suire. She is also survived by her seven brothers and sisters, Kay, Marian, Jane, Anne, Mark, Pat, and Joe, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Mary attended St. Stephen elementary school and Mercy Academy high school. She was a lifelong learner, with an insatiable curiosity about the world around her. Mary loved reading, art and travel. She took great joy in sharing her love of learning with her grandchildren, often taking them to museums, discussing history and current events with them, and encouraging them to be independent thinkers and to learn new things continually throughout their lives. Above all, Mary loved her family. She believed that life was, at its core, simple, and that all that really mattered in life was love. Mary leaves to her family her gift of love. That love will continue on through her children, her grandchildren, her sisters and brothers, and through every life she touched. Services will be held on September 25th, 2026 at St Francis of Assisi Church, visitation at 11:00 am with a Catholic mass to follow at 12 noon.

Arrangements Honaker Funeral Inc., Slidell, LA.

by Home,

Gwen lived a life marked by dedication and service. She devoted 58 years to the United States Postal Service before retiring. Gwen also proudly served her country for 24 years in the Louisiana Air National Guard Reserve, rising to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) before her honorable retirement from military service. But Gwen's life was about so much more than her accomplishments. She was charismatic, carefree, and wonderfully independent, with an unmistakable spirit and a zest for experiencing all that life had to offer. She loved seeing the world, and when she wasn't traveling, you might find her shopping for another beautiful piece of jewelry, dancing to Calypso music, or simply enjoying the company of family. Gwen was rarely far from her camera. She loved capturing life's moments through her lens, preserving the people, places, celebrations, and memories that meant the most to her. She didn't just experience life; she documented it, celebrated it, and enjoyed it on her own terms. Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Irma Washington Glapion; her grandparents; and her beloved aunts and uncles. She leaves to cherish her only sibling, Gloria Glapion Lear (Lloyd); her loving nieces, Jennifer Lear and Melissa Lear Pappion; her great-niece and greatnephew, Skylar and Blake Pappion; along with a host of cousins, extended family members, and friends. Gwen's vibrant personality, carefree spirit, and love of life made her unforgettable. She was deeply loved, and the memories, photographs, laughter, and stories she leaves behind will continue to bring joy to those who knew and loved her. In accordance with Gwen's wishes, funeral services were private. Entombment is McDonoughville Cemetery in Gretna. Thanks to the Charbonnet-Labat-Glapion Funeral Home for handling the arrangements.

Cormier, Gwendolyn Glapion

Coughlin Jr., Dennis Ralph

University of New Orleans, his brilliant mind was matched only by his profound humility. Life brought its share of heartache, but Dennis met every hardship with remarkable resilience. After losing his home and everything he owned to the devastating ruin of Hurricane Katrina, he quietly rebuilt his life, relocating to Ohio to work for Cardinal Health before eventually returning home to work for Entergy and then becoming business manager at Haydel Furniture Store. As a Six Sigma Black Belt and Eagle Scout with Troop 490, he poured his heart and meticulous care into everything he touched, always striving to leave the world a little brighter. A faithful parishioner of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Dennis carried his deep faith not in loud words, but in selfless acts of love. His selfless spirit shone brightest in his tender work with children, volunteering countless hours at the Camp Challenge and Louisiana Lions Camp Pelican, giving hope, joy, and comfort to those who needed it most. Dennis's absence leaves a quiet grief that words can scarcely capture. He leaves behind his grieving parents, Dennis Coughlin Sr. and Lynne Gravois Coughlin; his loving sisters, Danielle Ougel, Diane Procchi, and Darlene Murray; and his brothersin-law, Mike Ougel, Anthony Procchi, and Kyle Murray. He was the most cherished, adoring uncle to Kate and Laurel Murray, a beloved godchild of Mary Ann and Bill Haynie, and a precious nephew, cousin, and friend to so many who are now left to mourn his gentle presence. He is reunited in eternal rest with his beloved grandparents, Lloyd and Florence Gravois, Donald and Sarita Coughlin, and his dear cousin, Kevin Haynie. Family and friends are invited to gather and remember a life so deeply cherished during a visitation on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 6425 W. Metairie Ave, Metairie, LA 70003, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A Catholic funeral Mass follows at noon. In memory of Dennis' compassionate heart and his love for helping children, memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Louisiana Lions League for Crippled Children Camp in Anacoco, Louisiana, or LPDCI-LA Lions Camp Pelican.

Downey, June Mura

Interment with Military Honors will be held at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34770 Grantham College Dr., Slidell, LA 70460 at 12:30 P.M. Please visit www.honak erforestlawn.com to sign guestbook.

attended Corpus Christi Elementary School, graduated from Xavier Preparatory with the Class of 1962, and continued her education at the University of New Orleans.

Gwendolyn Mary Ovelia Bridget Glapion Cormier peacefully entered her heavenly home on August 14, 2026, at the age of 80, with her beloved sister, Gloria, by her side following a brief illness. Born on August 24, 1945, Gwen was the first daughter of Raymond and Irma Washington Glapion. A proud New Orleanian, she

Dennis Ralph Coughlin Jr. was taken suddenly from us on September 17, 2026 due to a pulmonary embolism at the young age of 45. His heartbreaking passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know his compassionate soul. A proud graduate of Jesuit High School, Loyola University, and the

June Mura Downey passed away on September 17, 2026, at the age of 93. June is survived by her daughters, Janet M. Downey and Cheryl D.

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LaBorde (Gary); son, Edward J. Downey (Carolyn); grandchildren, John Stovall (April), Michael Stovall, Kaitlyn Tykhonovyska (Gregorii), Lauren D. Sanchez, Elizabeth Downey, Phillip LaBorde (Anne-Marie), and Patrick LaBorde; great grandchildren, Keagan Downey, Joseph Stovall, Hailey LaBorde, and James LaBorde; and sister, Althea Leche. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 4337 Sal Lentini Pkwy in Kenner, on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10 AM with a Funeral Mass following at 12 PM. June will be laid to rest in Lake Lawn Park immediately after the church service has concluded. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com

Fitzgerald, Michael William

of Mardi Gras, participating in several krewes. He proudly served his country as a six-year member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

Gereighty, Mary Matto

Thirty-eight years ago, Mike was introduced to a path that would change his life forever, inspired by the principles and legacy of Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson. That experience brought lasting meaning and positive change to his life and became an important part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Mary Matto Gereighty, age 95, passed away on September 7, 2026, in Lafayette, LA. Born on April 7, 1931, Mary lived a life marked by devotion to her family and active participation in her community. Mary brought an unmatched energy, laughter, and enthusiasm to everyone she met.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend services at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA, on Friday, September 25, 2026. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the Mass begins at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow. Mike will be laid to rest in Lake Lawn Park.

She was a beloved member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where her faith and fellowship were central to her life. She was also an enthusiastic participant in various senior and card groups, enjoying the camaraderie and challenge they offered.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Manresa Retreat House, P.O. Box 89, Convent, LA 70723.

She is survived by her loving children, Tricia Gereighty Hunt (Michael) and John Andrew Gereighty III (Stephanie) and son in law Terry Knepper, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Rebecca DiMarco (Daniel), Grace Hunt (Wyatt), Riley Knepper, Brennan Knepper (Janet), Claire Hunt (Brian), Caroline Knepper (Pedro) and great grandchild baby Knepper. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John Andrew Gereighty Jr., and her daughter, Mary Gereighty Knepper.

Geerken Jr., George Alva 'Chip'

Michael William Fitzgerald, Sr., 88, was called home to be with the Lord on September 12, 2026. Born in New Orleans, LA, Mike later moved to Diamondhead, MS in 1993. Mike was the devoted father of Karen Fitzgerald Bradford (John Jr.); loving brother of Donald Fitzgerald (Sherry), Dennis Fitzgerald (Sandra), and Diane Fitzgerald Borden; and a proud grandfather of John III, James, Katherine, and Elizabeth Bradford. He was also a beloved godfather to Ryan Fitzgerald and Lauren Barbir. He was preceded in death by the love of his life of 42 years, Adele Aniau Fitzgerald; his son, Michael W. Fitzgerald Jr.; his granddaughter Lauren Fitzgerald; and his parents, Doris Barbir Courtin and William John Fitzgerald, Jr. Following Adele's passing, the Lord blessed Mike to share the remainder of his life with Kathleen Westbrook. Mike graduated from St. Aloysius High School and Southeastern Louisiana University, where he enjoyed being on the track team as a pole-vaulter. He was active throughout his college years as a student leader, cheerleader and proud member of Kappa Delta Tau Fraternity. His Catholic faith was central to his life. Mike was a longtime member & Co-Captain of Manresa Retreat Group 18, served for many years as a lector at St. Philip Neri Church in Metairie, and served on the finance committee at St. Clare Catholic Church in Waveland, MS. He had a generous heart and quietly gave to numerous organizations he cared about.

Services to honor Mary's life will be held at Grace Funeral Home on September 23 from 5 pm to 7 pm and September 24 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Most Holy Trinity Church. A funeral mass will follow, with interment at Metairie Lake Lawn Cemetery.

George Alva "Chip" Geerken, Jr. died peacefully at home, on August 9, 2026, following a valiant battle with cancer. His devoted wife of 32 years, Petra Jones Geerken, was by his side. He was born on November 2, 1943, in New Orleans, and was a proud alumnus of Jesuit High School and LSU, and he served for four years in the Air Force. Chip was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ellen Moragas Geerken and George Alva Geerken, Sr., as well as his sister, Pamela Jennifer Geerken Standish (Alan). He is survived by his loving sister, Patricia Geerken Bertucci (Kim), his sweet aunt, Vera Geerken Lyons, his children from a previous marriage, Shannon, Erin, and Geoffery, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by Petra's siblings, June Jones Salomon (Lavalle) and Christopher Jones. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Foundation Center in Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Boulevard, Metairie, LA. The formal service will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m., followed by an informal gathering ending at 2:00 p.m. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com.

Heigle-Guarino, Sandra Sisung

Sandra Sisung HeigleGuarino, 82, of Metairie, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, August 21, 2026. "Sandy," affectionately known to her family as "Honey," was a beloved mother and devoted daughter, wife, grandmother, and friend to so many. She believed in her faith, family, and friends; but most importantly, she loved being a mother. She was a native New Orleanian and was born into humble beginnings on December 7, 1943, in the Irish Channel of New Orleans to an Irish mother, Ezilda ("Zelda") Tully Sisung; and a German father, John R. Sisung, Sr., both of whom she cherished and adored and both

Mike enjoyed life fully. He was an avid golfer, a proud member of several golf associations, & in his younger years enjoyed the camaraderie & traditions

of whom predeceased her. She was the beloved wife of Paul N. Heigle (who predeceased her) for 43 years and a resident of North Shore Beach, Slidell, Louisiana. She and Paul were co-owners of Paul's Trophies in New Orleans East for over 20 years. She had two loving and devoted sons, Kerry G. Callaghan (Rebecca) and Kristopher J. Heigle (Colette). Eight wonderful grandchildren also survive her: Baleigh Resnick (Jonah), Ansleigh, Kamdyn, Aidyn, and Keihl Callaghan; and Elise (Jordan Hicks), Natalie, and Matthew Heigle. She was presently married to and survived by her loving husband, Salvador J. Guarino ("Sal"). She was blessed with three cherished sisters-in-law, Rose (Guarino) Deckleman, Vita (Guarino) Schilling, Sarah (Guarino) Isidore, and their families. Special thanks to Gerry Deckleman for her warm-heartedness and compassion throughout the years. She was deeply devoted to Jesus and the Blessed Mother, and her faith throughout her life. Please join us in honoring our mother on September 22, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 444 Metairie Road, Metairie, Louisiana 70005. Visitation: 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.; Mass: 11:00 a.m. 12:00 noon; Burial: "Private" (Family Only) at Lake Lawn Mausoleum. Online condolences may be offered at www.leitzeag anfuneralhome.com

Indovina, Gloria Theresa Jones

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 5B

www.gardenofmemoriesm etairie.com.

Klingenberg, Rolf Dieter

Rolf-Dieter Klingenberg passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, at the age of 76, following a long battle with cancer. A proud Boatswain's Mate, Rolf served four years in the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1972. He is a graduate of Northwestern State University, class of 1976. He made Slidell his home for the last 30 years. Rolf dedicated his professional life to serving and helping others. Over the years, he worked in the field of Community and Social Services. His most meaningful work, however, was as a Veterans Assistance Counselor (Veterans Service Officer) with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. From 1998 - 2019, serving the veterans of St. Tammany Parish. As a VSO, Rolf was extraordinarily knowledgeable and dedicated. He became known as someone who could help veterans, surviving spouses, and dependents obtain the VA benefits they had earned, no matter how difficult or complicated the case. Rolf was also known for his straightforward "Just the Facts" personality, which could occasionally rub people the wrong way. Beneath his gruff exterior, however, was a deeply sensitive man who cared profoundly about the people he served. Rolf was unique and irreplaceable. Liked or loathed, he was respected—and he will be deeply and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He made friends and acquaintances across many

walks of life and professions, and they will remember him for his generosity, knowledge, loyalty, and, of course, his many jokes and occasionally "rude" comments. In lieu of flowers, veterans are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to their respective Veterans Service Organization or to join one if they are not already members. Others are encouraged to consider a donation to the Northshore Humane Society. Friends, fellow veterans, and all who knew or were helped by him are invited to attend his memorial service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35300 Home Estate Drive, Slidell, LA 70460, on Friday, September 25, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the service. Interment will take place at 12:30 p.m. at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Drive, Slidell, LA 70460. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

Koppman, Stephen Mark

Stephen Mark Koppman passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the age of 88, following a brief illness. Born in New York, NY and raised in Dallas, Texas, Steve went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated from the Wharton School of Business. He enjoyed a long career as a manufacturer and salesman of men's sportswear. He was a long-suffering New Orleans Saints fan, a true yachtsman, an avid snow skier, a trained lifeguard, a recreational pilot, a gifted storyteller, and a firm believer in the importance of cocktail hour. His favorite song of all time was "Chantilly Lace" by the Big Bopper. He had a distinctive way of seeing the world and was never afraid to do things his own way. Steve is survived by his wife, Kim Schexnaildre Koppman; his daughters, Debbie Koppman Bernos

See more DEATHS, page

Gloria Theresa Jones Indovina peacefully passed away on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the age of 98. She was born on July 5,1928 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Alma Markey and George William Jones. Gloria is preceded in death by her loving husband of 76 years, Adolph Anthony "Tony" Indovina. Gloria was an original member and two-time president of the St. Jude Society at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Metairie. She was also a member of the Mike Miley Golden Agers. Gloria is survived by she and Tony's three children: Anthony Indovina, DDS (April), Kathleen Indovina Bell (Kenneth), and Julee Indovina Hidalgo (Manny); their six grandchildren: Anthony Indovina, DDS (Cara), Sophia Indovina, Shawn Bell, Esq. (Debby), Kristen Bell Clark (Jeremy), Jessica Hidalgo, Esq., and Peyton Hidalgo, MBA; and their five great-grandchildren: Ava Indovina, Drew Indovina, Jude Bell, Bryce Clark, and Sebastian Clark. A private ceremony and burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans. Online condolences may be offered at

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OPINION N O L A.C O M/opinions

OUR VIEWS

High absenteeism is the urgent crisis education leaders think it is When Louisiana education leaders started to shift greater focus to fighting high rates of absenteeism in schools, we gave them credit for recognizing that the remarkable gains the state is witnessing need to be shared among the broadest student population possible. Now, after a new program to combat absenteeism launched last year, the state is seeing some gains. But the problem remains much more stubborn than perhaps first thought. Recent data show that a little under 22% of public school students were chronically absent during the 2025-26 academic year, just a 1% drop over the previous year. While that marks the second year of absenteeism dropping, still more than 1 in 5 students in Louisiana schools is chronically absent. That’s unacceptable to us, and to education officials, who have a goal to cut absenteeism by 2% each year. What’s going on is hard to pinpoint. The data show that chronic absenteeism actually declined in two-thirds of school districts in the state. But there are pockets where the rates are at alarming levels. In East Baton Rouge and Orleans, for instance, the rate of chronic absenteeism tops 30%. Chronic absenteeism is defined as including students who miss at least 10% of school days. It should be obvious that with that many missed days, students are in danger of falling behind or even dropping out, and research on graduation rates confirms that. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley has said that truancy and absenteeism “minimized” the gains students across the state have made in recent years. But we have to give it to Brumley and his team for the truly remarkable progress in Louisiana schools since the pandemic. Absenteeism grew during COVID shutdowns across the nation and has not returned to the level it was before, raising the worrying possibility that this could become the new normal. But state education officials aren’t throwing their hands up and wondering what to do. They are doubling down on their guidance to schools, known as “The Power of Presence.” It requires schools to track absenteeism daily and intervene when they see problems. There is also a three-person team at the state level that makes contact with schools that have high absentee rates and helps them figure out strategies. Sometimes the key to getting kids to school can be surprisingly simple. Giving out free uniforms and encouraging participation in extracurriculars like band can have a tremendous effect. But the team isn’t just relying on anecdotes; it’s tracking what schools do and analyzing data on what really works. The state has also set aside $6 million for attendance specialists to work directly with struggling districts. It’s this kind of evidence-based approach that has turned around Louisiana schools in recent years. And we hope it will help keep more students in school to benefit from the change.

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Clergy must balance sanctuary, security In what now feels like a lifetime ago, I studied to become a Protestant pastor. The curriculum, as you might expect, included theology, Greek, Hebrew, Bible study and pastoral ministry courses. Not included in classes I took: threat identiﬁcation, tactical takedowns and ﬁrearm safety. In Faimon the late 1990s and early Roberts 2000s, when I was in the midst of my studies, my professors thought the biggest threats to churches were the secularization of culture and perhaps postmodern thought. How quaint. As illustrated in a recent story by this newspaper’s Bob Warren, pastors — and indeed clergy of any faith — must keep security near the top of their to-do lists along with that week’s homily. When I started my studies, mass shootings felt like aberrations. Now, they are a disturbingly frequent reality. So now, in addition to preparing to answer life’s thorniest and deepest questions, clergy must also consider sightlines, panic buttons, ingress and egress and whether volunteer ushers should get trained in how to spot potential problems. “Those things don’t exactly go to-

Even so, Warren’s story is jarring. There is something troublingly incongruous about contemplating the inﬁnite while sitting next to someone trying to decide if the newcomer in the corner is a menace or an earnest seeker. The fact that such measures are needed should be sad to anyone, religious and irreligious alike. One need not be devout to recognize that meditaSTAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER tion, prayer and community are things The Rev. Fred Devall stands inside St. that should be practiced away from Martin’s Episcopal Church in Metairie as the intrusions of a tumultuous world. the church transitions from its old pews Houses of worship are meant to be sanctuaries, places where the weary, to new ones. the hurting and the marginalized can ﬁnd welcome and care, not suspicion gether, right?” the Rev. Fred Devall, of and a pat-down. They should be places where a person can come and contemSt. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Metairie, told Warren. “But this is where plate purpose, eternity and truth. we are.” Clergy and church leaders can hardMany local churches have uniformed ly be blamed for wanting to protect cops on campus during services. Oththeir congregants from harm. It’s no ers include plainclothes police in their accident that the image of a shepherd is common in the Abrahamic religions: plans, Warren found. Devall is right: This is where we are. Shepherds aren’t just there to guide the sheep to green pastures. They also In fact, this is where we were, and are there to protect them from those have always been. Religious people who would do them harm. and places have been the targets of Back in the day, that protection violence for millennia. Often, the meant using a crook or a sling. Today, perpetrators of that violence believe it may mean cameras, armed guards they are acting in service to another and locked doors. religion. In an ideal world, these things don’t go together. In the world we live in, Email Faimon A. Roberts III at they do. froberts@theadvocate.com.

What’s for publication based on standards, not feelings Working in media, you have to be guments for both sides of any issue — open to criticism. After all, journalists even if I feel strongly one way or anare often the ones ﬁnding fault with oth- other. Any position based on facts and solid reasoning has a chance to win me ers, so we have to be willing to accept over. Good writing helps, too. criticism of our work as well. I Some things are obviously try to have a thick skin when it against our standards, includcomes to reader feedback. There’s no way for readers ing vulgarity or obscenity and to know the many factors that falsehoods. But with opinions, often go into decisions about sometimes the lines are not so what we publish. Just recclear. Arnessa What if certain facts are in ognize that decisions are not Garrett dispute? What if the obscenities made willy-nilly. have been uttered by public ofWhatever we accept or reject for publication must meet our stanﬁcials? Are assumptions about a future dards. That may seem subjective, but I that may not come to pass treated the same as fact? These are the kinds of don’t see it that way. If we can’t clearly articulate reasons things that we weigh carefully. We want all the content we publish why something shouldn’t be published, to provoke thought and to possibly then I lean toward publishing. It’s not spur change. We don’t want, however, about what we like or dislike. We all to promote inaccurate views or rants have our own viewpoints, but the goal designed solely to stir up passions. It’s in Opinions is to have a wide range of a delicate balance, and one that I take voices, even if we personally hold difseriously. ferent views. Our loyal readers really appreciate It helps that I was a debater in my high school days, so I can often see ar- writing that moves them and well-

thought-out ideas. I know because I hear from you. I hear when you like a piece. I hear when you think we made a mistake in publishing something that wasn’t fully baked. I hear when you feel that we aren’t presenting a good range of views. I hear when you think we published something just to appear balanced. And believe me, I value this feedback. Sometimes we don’t get it right. Having an engaged audience who will call us out on it helps make us better. So keep sending feedback, even if it isn’t for publication. We are listening and continually trying to get it right. You might not always agree with our decisions, but know they are the result of a lot of considerations. I don’t have a count of letters for you this week, but we’ll update you next week on the topics that drew the most responses from readers. Arnessa Garrett is Deputy Editor | Opinion Page Editor. Email her at arnessa.garrett@theadvocate.com.

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COMMENTARY As antisemitism rages, La. Jewish memoirs give hope With Yom Kippur beginning at sundown today and various measurements showing antisemitism raging near all-time highs, it’s worth recognizing not one but two notable memoirs of sorts, both published in the past ten months, by Louisiana natives whose families were Jewish but who only truly embraced their faith in very recent years. The parallels and insights between the two books are fascinating. So are some lessons for Quin us all. Hillyer The background actually starts in 1990 when, upon the death of the notably Catholic Louisiana novelist Walker Percy, younger novelist and Percy protégé Nancy Lemann of New Orleans said Percy “was the first person who gave me ... some interest and pride in being Jewish,” with several more sentences along those lines. For 35 years, that testimonial both impressed and puzzled me: How did a Catholic help a Jew find pride in being Jewish? One answer came in March, with the publication of “Returning: A Search for Home Across Three Centuries,” by Lemann’s accomplished journalist brother Nicholas Lemann. As Nicholas wrote, he and Nancy grew up in a household where “we wanted to be Jews of whom Jewishness demanded very little.” He had gone “off to college never having tasted any of the suite of familiar Jewish foods: bagels, lox, kugel, matzoh, gefilte fish, latkes. ... I had never been to a bar mitzvah or a bris. We never

trum (whose names I won’t even dignify) are increasingly open in ascribing multifarious evils to Jewish influence. And no, this isn’t just about policies of the Israeli government; what we see is animus, completely unwarranted, against Jews in general. Voters should not reward the hatemongers. And in our day-to-day lives, none of us should countenance any expressions we hear of, much less actions in service of, any degree of antisemitism. A fascinating aspect of Weill’s book was that while a major impetus for him returning to his forebears’ religion was the dayafter shock of Hamas’ murderASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO ous Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, it turned out that he found so The Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, is in Jerusalem’s Old City. much more than rage at the horror. lit Hanukkah candles.” anchor of my faith, my secular Jews at all income levels make He discovered, he wrote, that Anglo-Saxon Protestant that I version of spirituality. It was all charitable donations, and at larg- he “wasn’t a 10/8 Jew, although am, I somehow hadn’t realized there, having all the components er amounts, than do non-Jews — the thought crossed my mind this was a thing: almost comof a faith-based existence: life, as I sat there. I was a 1360 Jew, that makes it even more bizarre death, morality, ethics, gratitude, and inexcusable that Jews for so the year my family’s progenitor, pletely and intentionally nonhelping others.” Juda Weill, was born.” many centuries have been tarpracticing Jews. Yet both Lemann and Weill, in In other words, he was atBut three months before Nichogets for exclusion, maltreatment, tremendously moving prose, expogroms and the Holocaust. las Lemann’s book was pubtracted to a culture much richer, Louisiana’s Jewish philanthromuch deeper, much more appeallished, so was “Tell Me I Belong: plain how and why they stopped A Journey Across Faiths and being what Lemann’s editor once py has been particularly abuning, than anything that could be Generations,” by my high school called him — “not a Jewy Jew” — dant, with names familiar in New defined merely by victimhood or classmate David Weill, widely and instead migrated back to (in terror. Orleans such as Judah Touro, recognized as one of the nation’s Weill’s words) “embracing Juda- Isidore Newman, and Edgar and Or, as Lemann wrote, “All the foremost organ-transplant surEdith Stern, while Lucile Jacoby Jewish practices carry with them ism, because it is mine, always was. It just took me a while to get Blum founded both the Louisiana a hope, a longing for something geons. As it happens, Weill had that only rarely is reached.” Council of Music and the Perthere.” much the same experience as Yom Kippur is a day of both And Lemann writes that “it Lemann, having German-Jewish forming Arts and the Louisiana atonement and renewal. These feels as if there is more to learn, roots (Weill’s father fled the State Arts Council. two books by distinguished Holocaust) but growing up in Up- a more profound moral code, Still, the aforementioned antimore to build a life around, in the semitism grows measurably and Louisianans are testaments to town New Orleans with almost renewal, writ large. Jewish tradition.” no Judaic practices. frighteningly worldwide (the It is that moral code, a wonder- evidence is voluminous), and Indeed, so entirely secular was he that in early adulthood, “the political figures on both sides of Email Quin Hillyer at quin. fully beneficent one — statistipractice of medicine was the hillyer@theadvocate.com cally, a far greater percentage of the American ideological spec-

Can Davis, other underdog Black candidates, deliver a surprise win? It’s hard for a Black man to become governor of a state or to become a U.S. senator. Very few Black people have served as governor in this country. None of them have been Black women. Only three of the six were elected. Louisiana played a central role in that history. Two of those men were Louisiana governors. It was the Reconstruction era. It wasn’t unusual for Black Will Sutton people to hold elected office. In 1868, Oscar Dunn was the first Black man to be elected lieutenant governor anywhere. Dunn stepped up as acting governor when the governor left the state to recover from an injury. He served in that role for 39 days. Then he died. Next up was the man whose name is better known: P.B.S. Pinchback, another Black man, who followed Dunn when the state Senate chose Pinchback, a Dunn rival, as governor after the sitting governor, whom Dunn temporarily replaced, was impeached and removed from office. Unlike Dunn, Pinchback took the oath of office and became governor. That lasted fewer than 40 days. That was more than 150 years ago. Louisiana hasn’t had a Black governor since. Showing how fickle politics can be, the Louisiana Legislature chose Pinchback to

be a U.S. senator. That election was challenged. White Democrats protested. He was denied his seat. It wasn’t until 2008 that the United States got another Black governor, after a sitting New York governor got embroiled in a sex scandal. He resigned. Lt. Gov. David Paterson ﬁnished that term, without being elected. There have been only three Black men elected governor: Virginia’s L. Douglas Wilder, 1990-1994; Massachusetts’ Deval Patrick, 2007-2015; and Maryland’s Wes Moore, since 2023, and seeking reelection this fall. Some have lined up to follow them. Several Black Democrats want to be governors: Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia; David Crowley in Wisconsin; Aaron Ford in Nevada; Jermaine Johnson in South Carolina. Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton wants to follow retiring Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. In Florida, Black Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly have been bouncing up and down in the polls. Only days ago, Jolly was leading Donalds by 3 percentage points — 47%44% — in a poll with a 2.8 percentage point margin of error and 9% of respondents undecided. Donalds would prefer a lead, of course, but that’s darn close. Three Black men are in the U.S. Senate: Democrat Cory Booker of New Jersey; Republican Tim Scott of South Carolina,

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Jamie Davis stands alongside the Davis Farms sign that pays tribute to his father in Lake St. John.

and Raphael Warnock of Georgia. In 2025, two Black women joined them: Democrat Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Democrat Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware. As I watch political trends across the country, I wasn’t sure Louisiana Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jamie Davis could win. Still, I’m more certain he’ll be more than competitive — and that he can win. Just days ago, the Congressional Black Caucus Institute started a campaign to get rural and Black voters in Southern states to vote, and The New York Times published a story about an energized Black electorate. In Georgia, a recent Rasmussen Reports poll had Republican Rick Jackson leading

Bottoms 48%-45% with 7% undecided. The good news for Bottoms: The poll’s margin of error was 3 percentage points — and 16% of those who identified themselves as unaffiliated said they are undecided. A lead would be better for Bottoms, but that looks pretty good to me right now. According to a recent poll, the Mississippi U.S. Senate race is competitive. An average of three recent polls showed Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith leading Black Democrat Scott Colom 45.9%-39.4%, a 6.5% difference. The margin of error was 4 percentage points — and about 13% said they are undecided. Not bad in ruby-red GOP Mississippi. A lead would be better for Colom, but that looks pretty good to me right now. Davis would like to be among the Black candidates to be elected this fall. If that were to happen, he’d be the first Black person from Louisiana to be elected — and seated — as a U.S. senator. How’s it looking? A few weeks ago, Republican Julia Letlow was leading Davis 41%-37%. Darn close in our ruby-red voting state. But there’s more. About 22% said they were undecided. A lead would be better for Davis, but that looks pretty good to me right now. Email Will Sutton at wsutton@ theadvocate.com.

Mother’s milk of politics has gone sour

but with a condition. Republicans “Money is the mother’s milk of must maintain their majorities politics,” said Jesse M. Unruh, in the House and Senate in order who in the ’60s was a powerful to get their “milk.” This is just a Democratic politician and speakshameless effort at vote buying, er of the California State Assemthough it is not without precbly. It is a disgrace, if much is disgraceful these days, that we edent. spend so much on getting people In 1972, Democrat presidential elected to Congress, who candidate George Mcdo little or nothing to solve Govern tried something real problems once they similar, promising to give get there. every American — regardAdImpact, the leading less of age or income — an advertising intelligence annual $1,000 cash grant. and market analytics comHe lost that race to RichCal pany, estimates more than Thomas ard Nixon. $3.4 billion will be spent In 1936, Congress overon this year’s midterms rode President Franklin across all races. In Texas alone, Roosevelt’s veto and disbursed an estimated $446 million will be $2 billion, amounting to $580 spent by November. per veteran of WWI. Presidents President Donald Trump wants Biden and Trump sent “stimulus to spend more. He has promised checks” to households during the every American a $5,000 check, COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump’s new promise has a different twist. Yes, Democrats do the same, though they try to be less obvious. There has always been “walking around money,” especially in Democrat precincts in Chicago, to turn out the vote for Democrat candidates. Today we have “dark money” from the likes of George Soros and other progressives, as well as money coming from other countries that is laundered through American PACs and other entities. There is a federal law against vote buying. It reads: “Whoever makes or offers to make an expenditure to any person, either to vote or withhold his vote, or to vote for or against any candidate; and whoever solicits, accepts, or receives any such expenditure in consideration of his vote or the withholding of his vote — Shall

be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.” Don’t expect the Trump Justice Department to enforce that one, or even a DOJ under future Democratic presidents. Democrats are threatening to challenge the president’s proposed payout, but it’s difficult to see how they could do so in court before any checks have been issued and the incentive to vote is before the act. Afterward, it won’t matter, especially if Republicans hold on to or expand their congressional majorities. The president has not said where his proposed “bribes” will come from. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the Trump

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

administration will not use tax dollars to pay them. Lutnick said there are several ways to raise the necessary cash to cover the estimated $1.2 trillion cost to pay 270 million U.S. adult citizens. The Washington Times reported, “…the money that could be generated from the Trump Platinum Card, which has not launched. The program requires immigration applicants to pay a $15,000 processing fee and an additional $5 million contribution to the U.S. government to be guaranteed citizenship.” That seems speculative. Milk can turn sour. So can the “mother’s milk” of politics. This political “bribe” ought to be distasteful and unpalatable to every American, regardless of party. Email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@ tribpub.com.

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

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCAN HERE

8B ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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with meteorologist Damon Singleton

TODAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Mostly sunny, warm and humid

An afternoon thunderstorm

A stray afternoon t-storm

A t-storm around in the p.m.

Remaining warm with sunshine

An a.m. shower; partly sunny

HIGH

LOW

93° 76°

LOW

94° 77°

LOW

93° 78°

Beaumont 93/75 Port Arthur 91/75

Baton Rouge 96/73

Lake Charles 94/74

New Orleans 93/76 Houma 93/72

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

Hattiesburg 97/72

Alexandria 97/71

Lafayette 95/75

10s

20s

30s

40s

50s

91° 76°

LOW

90° 76°

YESTERDAY

New Orleans through 5 p.m. Saturday

Jackson 98/73 Many 97/71

LOW

TEMPERATURE

Longview 99/73

-0s

93° 77°

Monroe 100/73

Shreveport 99/74

-10s

LOW

It’s looking like a mostly sunny to partly cloudy, hot and slightly more humid day today than yesterday. Temperatures this afternoon will rise to the mid-90s. With slightly higher dew points, which means higher humidity, our heat index values will rise to 104 degrees or higher. Be aware that our heat risk is back up to the moderate level for most of Southeast Louisiana and is expected to increase further tomorrow. Rain chances are up to 20%. The UVI is very high.

60s

70s

80s

90s 100s 110s

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

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

92°/72° 88°/73° 93°/75° 97° in 2018 56° in 1961

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

Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

HIGH

3:11p 9:08a 4:09a 5:30a 5:01a 4:10a 6:09a

6:48 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 3:32 p.m. 12:51 a.m.

FULL

LAST

NEW

FIRST

SEP 26

OCT 3

OCT 10

OCT 18

City

Atlanta Austin Boston Charlotte Chicago Dallas Denver Houston Las Vegas

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

PRECIPITATION

90 99 63 89 69 99 72 95 95

TODAY Lo

71 74 56 70 59 76 50 76 74

t c r t r t t s pc

92 100 65 91 64 92 74 96 94

MON. Lo

72 72 55 70 55 74 53 76 70

t t c t sh t s t pc

FT.

0.8 1.9 2.3 2.1 1.5 1.9 1.8

LOW

3:01a 9:40p 4:51p 8:58p 5:02p 3:16p 6:04p

0.00” 6.31” 3.63” 50.60” 49.48”

FT.

HIGH

0.1 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.4

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DEATHS continued from

He will be remembered for his fierce independence, his work ethic, his love of the water, and his ability to enjoy life. A visitation will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Pass Christian, Mississippi, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a service at 3:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 24, 2026. In lieu of flowers, those who knew Steve are encouraged to raise a glass and make a toast. May his memory be for a blessing.

LeBlanc, Bettie P.

Bettie P. LeBlanc passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Age of 87. She was the beloved wife of Raymond LeBlanc aka Capt. Peanut for 63 years. Mother of Tina Bower (the late Scott), Brenda Stanifer (the late Jim) and the late Susan O'Donnell. Grandmother of Jason Pitre, Lindsay Hohle, Lauren Bower, Jessica Holloway and Robert O'Donnell. Great Grandmother of Carlie Rae and Gabriel Pitre, Kate, Caroline and Camille Hohle and Raymond O'Donnell. Daughter of the late Celestine and Numa Plaisance. Sister to June Darcy Stoddard, and the late Mabel Macafore, Earl Plaisance, Dorinne Brelet, NJ Plaisance, Buddy Breaux, Shirley Weckerling, Joyce Beebe, Beulah Kinkaid, Gail Zeevi and her sister of the heart Joy Usey (Raymond). She was active in baseball, volleyball and Bowling. She was the secretary of her bowling

league Faithful, at Colonial Bowling Alley for countless years. She was a member of the Oakdale Golden Age Club. She was crowned queen at the Golden Age Mardi Gras Ball in 2023. She and her husband owned and operated Captain Peanut's Happy Jack Marina and Capt. Peanuts Oyster Company for years. Family and friends are invited to attend the Visitation at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, beginning at 9AM until 1:30PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday at 1:30PM. Interment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 1225 Whitney Avenue, Gretna, Louisiana. The family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories and condolences online at mothefunerals.com.

Longo, Hubert Gerard Fleuriet

Hubert Gerard Fleuriet Longo was born in New Orleans on Groundhog Day in 1941 to Pascal Longo and Florence Fleuriet Longo. He grew up in Gentilly, where childhood adventures were always close at hand—on foot, by bicycle, or by the sevencent NOPSI bus. As for hitchhiking, he liked to say that part remained "classified information." He attended St. Rose de Lima, McDonogh No. 28, and John McDonogh Senior High, graduating with the class of 1960. During his junior year, Hubert joined the U.S. Naval Air Reserve, completed "Accelerated Airman Training" (a.k.a. Boot Camp), and later graduated from Aviation Electronics Technician school in Memphis, Tennessee. His Naval Reserve service shaped the next chapter of his life. After beginning college at LSUNO, Hubert was called to active duty with Air Anti-

Submarine Squadron 821 (VS-821) in 1961. He served as a radar technician and crewman/operator in S2F Tracker aircraft at air stations including Guantanamo Bay, Key West, Jacksonville, Norfolk, New Orleans, and Cherry Point. Hubert resumed his studies at LSUNO and became a lineman at Southern Bell before spending 2.5 years at NAS New Orleans as an aircrew instructor for reserve crews in both the S2F Tracker and SP2E Neptune aircraft. After returning from active duty, he continued his 35-year career with the phone company in both craft and management positions, and worked throughout New Orleans, Hammond, and Lafayette. In retirement, Hubert gave generously of his time. He volunteered at the Audubon Aquarium and Zoo, where he especially enjoyed delighting the visitors with baby alligators, snakes, and tarantula encounters. He also volunteered at the National World War II Museum, where he enjoyed interactions with guests from across the country and around the world. He also loved the pre-shift briefings in the volunteer lounge. Hubert was a 54-year member of the American Legion and served Henry Thomas Ross Post 137 as both commander and adjutant. Service, fellowship, and community remained important parts of his life. Most of all, Hubert treasured time with Joan and his family. He loved bringing everyone together for Thanksgiving gatherings, Fourth of July barbecues, and crawfish boils. He also enjoyed traveling, including scuba diving trips to Roatán, Honduras. These moments captured his warmth, humor, and joy in sharing life with the people he loved. Hubert was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Florence Barbetta (James) and Jean Wortmann (Pete); and his grandson, Joseph Pascal Longo. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan Kassel Longo; his son, Darrell Longo (Julie); his daughter, Angela Marshall (David); his grandchildren, Ashleigh Johnson (Bradley), Michael Longo (Grace), and Matthew Longo; his great-grandson, Jasper Johnson; and his

READING 51 MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

LOW

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FT.

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Today 7:07a 12:54a 7:32p Monday 7:52a 1:40a 8:16p Tuesday 8:35a 2:23a 8:59p Wednesday 9:16a 3:05a 9:39p Thursday 9:56a 3:45a 10:18p Friday 10:36a 4:25a 10:58p Saturday 11:19a 5:07a 11:41p

Los Angeles 82 Miami 88 Nashville 98 New york City 70 Philadelphia 77 Phoenix 101 St. Louis 92 San Francisco 67 Seattle 72

TODAY Lo

67 76 74 59 66 81 69 59 50

pc t s r r s t pc pc

80 89 97 68 71 102 77 71 71

1:19p 2:04p 2:47p 3:27p 4:07p 4:47p 5:30p

MON. Lo

66 78 70 56 61 78 63 58 52

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

(Milton Joseph Bernos III) and Julie Koppman (Brian Bain); his grandson, Joseph Koppman Bain; and his brother, Edward Saul Koppman. He is also survived by his nephews, John Koppman (Jennifer Koppman), David Koppman, and his niece Katherine Koppman.

MODERATE

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

City

sisters, Linda Ekoniak (Jim) and Donna Bordelon. Hubert passed away peacefully at age 85, surrounded by the people he loved. He will be remembered as a playful spirit who loved to laugh, joke, and bring smiles to those around him. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM. He will be laid to eternal rest in Metairie Cemetery.

Mitchell, Patricia C. 'Patsy'

Patricia Christine "Patsy" Mitchell passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on August 29, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Patsy was the daughter of the late Dolores M. Mitchell and Ernest "Mitch" Mitchell. Raised in New Orleans, Patsy later made her home in St. Bernard Parish, a place she truly loved. Patsy enjoyed a long and dedicated career in restaurant management, an industry well suited to her dependability, hardworking nature, and tenacity. Through the years, she devoted herself to providing for her family while building a career centered around hospitality and service. Patsy's life was defined by strength, resilience, and extraordinary generosity of spirit. She raised three children while often making do with limited means, yet she never allowed what she lacked to diminish what she was

TODAY

MODERATE

pc t t c c s t pc c

SAT.

24-HOUR

MISSISSIPPI STAGE STAGE CHANGE Memphis 34 -0.40 +0.35 Vidalia-Natchez 48 14.20 +0.22 Red River Landing 48 17.50 none Baton Rouge 35 6.10 -0.40 Donaldsonville 27 4.00 -0.40 Reserve 22 2.98 -0.44 New Orleans 17 3.40 -0.23 OHIO Cairo 40 16.04 +0.10 COMITE Near Olive 19 -1.58 +0.03 AMITE Near Darlington 18 -1.25 -0.04 Denham Springs 29 9.88 -0.08 Port Vincent 8 2.96 -0.08 TICKFAW Montpelier 13 1.48 -0.02 Holden 15 0.74 -0.18 ATCHAFALAYA Simmesport 47 6.31 -0.12 Melville 34 4.32 none Krotz Springs 29 2.89 -0.18 Butte La Rose 20 3.47 +0.09 Bayou Sorrel 12 2.90 none Morgan City 6 2.03 -0.03

data as of 7 a.m. Saturday

willing to give. Even when she had little herself, Patsy found a way to share with others. Whether it was a meal, a helping hand, or simply making room for someone who needed it, she gave freely from what she had. Patsy had a strong and spirited personality, a quick wit, and an unmistakable sass. Beneath it all was a woman of unwavering integrity who stood firmly for what she believed was right, regardless of the circumstances. She was never afraid to speak her mind or stand her ground, especially when it came to the people and principles she cared about. When it was time to have a little fun, Patsy had a special love for Las Vegas. After working long, hard hours to provide for her family, she treasured the few opportunities she had to get away and enjoy herself. Las Vegas was a favorite destination, where she loved the excitement and energy of the city and especially enjoyed trying her luck at the slot machines and video poker. Those trips were well-earned and brought her great enjoyment and many happy memories. Closer to home, Patsy also enjoyed gathering with friends for card games and spending time at the OTB in Chalmette, where she could play, socialize, and enjoy the company of familiar faces. Above all, Patsy treasured her family. She was a devoted mother, proud grandmother, and loving great-grandmother. Patsy was more than their grandmother - she was a second mother, a constant presence who cared for them as her own. Patsy is survived by her children, Dana Maria Brocato (Shawn), Kelly Brocato, and Richard Root Jr.; her grandchildren, Kylie Brocato, Madisen Scallan (Sean), and Richard Root III; her great-grandchildren, Skyler Brocato, Rylie Broussard, and Stevie Jo Scallan; her sisters, Chris Marchese and Yvonne Pelletteri (Stephen); along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dolores M. Mitchell and Ernest "Mitch" Mitchell; her brother, Richard Mitchell; her sisters, Ann Echar and Joan Perralt; and her beloved daughter-in-law, Kelli Root. Patsy leaves behi d l

hind a legacy not measured by what she had, but by what she gave. Her strength carried the family through difficult times and her generosity reached far beyond home. Patsy's love will continue through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of whom she was so very proud. Her memory will remain in the hearts of those who loved her, but comfort is found knowing that Patsy is peacefully resting in God's care, awaiting the glorious day of the Lord. Celebration of Life will be on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 12:00pm to 3pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2107 Paris Rd, Chalmette, LA 70043. The family welcomes you to share your thoughts, favorite memories, and condolences online at schoenfh.com.

Mo, Wayne Andrew

Wayne Andrew Mo, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Septem‐ ber 12, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on March 18, 1951, at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam to Charles Luck Mo and Ruth Mae Dubois Childs, Wayne was a man who lived his life to the fullest through an industri‐ spirit. The name ous means “wagon Wayne maker”, a fitting reflection of a man who was always building, fixing and work‐ ing with his hands. Wayne was a true handyman who could seemingly figure out how to fix just about any‐ thing. Wayne was a gradu‐ ate of Chalmette High School and after a long ca‐ reer in the energy and util‐ ity industry retired from Entergy Corporation. He was an avid car enthusiast, with a special passion for

See more DEATHS, page

ROAD BLUES: THIRD-DOWN WOES, QB JOHNSON COSTT TULANE AFTER FAST START AT KANSAS ST., PAGE 6C OFFICIAL NEW WSPAPER OF THE NEW ORLEAN NS SAINTS

SPOR RTS

N O L A.C O M

S u n d ay, S e p t e m b e r 20, 2026

1Cn

Vele proving wait is worth it Overlooked early in career, Saints wide receiver getting g attention now BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

For someone who has grown accustomed to waiting, Devaughn Vele did not have to spend much time wondering when he would get a chance to prove his worth. With the New Orleans Saints trailing 21-7 against the Detroit Lions and lining up for a ﬁrst-and-goal snap from the 1-yard line, Vele lined up as the outside receiver in a heavy personnel package. He shook the cornerback at the

snap with a shoulder shimmy and head fake, then looked back for the pass from quarterback Tyler Shough. The pass was not perfect, but it went where only Vele could get it. The 6-foot5 wide receiver dove for the pass, extending fully, and secured the catch for a touchdown that made it a one-score deﬁcit. By the time the game was over, Vele had hauled in seven of his nine targets for 69 yards and a touchdown. He will go into this week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens as a vital part of the

New Orleans offensive attack, having led all offensive skill position players in snaps (91%) in the season opener. But don’t expect Vele to start believing he’s arrived. “My whole career, I’ve been the underdog,” Vele said. “Never really wellknown, not one of those guys people talk about. I think it’s a situation where I’m used to it, and it allows me to keep my mind right and stay prepared when my number is called.”

OLE MISS

ä See SAINTS, page 8C

LSU

ä Saints

at Ravens

NOON SUNDAy, CBS

Saints WR Devaughn Vele AP PHOTO By REy DEL RIO

REBELLION RECORD: 2-1 UP NEXT: VS. TEXAS A&M, 6:30 P.M. SATURDAy, ABC

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Ole Miss linebacker Keaton Thomas sacks LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt in the second quarter on Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss. LSU lost 32-24 in Kiffin’s long-awaited return.

Determined Ole Miss holds off LSU rally to take down its former general Kiffin BY JON BLAU Staff writer

OXFORD, Miss. — LSU coach Lane Kifﬁn’s return to Ole Miss did not fail to live up to its cinematic billing. This installment just cast Trinidad Chambliss and the No. 8 Rebels as the protagonists. Chambliss, the quarterback Kifﬁn snagged from Division II Ferris State before he bounced from Oxford to Baton Rouge, continued his Cinderella story in a 32-24 win Saturday in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, posting 363 yards passing and three total touchdowns. A year after his Ole Miss squad beat LSU in Oxford,

which started Brian Kelly’s tumble toward the unemployment line, Kiffin switched sidelines but the result was the same. No. 7 LSU (2-1, 0-1 SEC) lost, as the Rebels (3-0, 1-0) exacted revenge on the man who left them at the altar of the College Football Playoff. Kiffin was subjected to raucous boos and cuss-filled chants from the moment he appeared on a video board on the “College GameDay” set in the morning. They continued to his walk from No. 7 LSU’s busses to the locker room on his way into the stadium to his stroll down the sideline pre-kickoff. There were copious degrading depictions of Kiffin lining The Grove just outside of the stadium, includ-

ing a photoshopped image of him as a “Real Housewife” of the SEC in a purple dress and a dartboard with a caricature of his face with a clown nose. “You’re so Lane,” another read, “you probably think this game is about you.” In the lead-up to the game, nearly every narrative was centered on Kifﬁn. It was a storyline of hate, even though Kifﬁn appeared comfortable in his old stomping grounds, tossing a few throws with an LSU staff member, then strolling over to the Rebels’ end to watch them warm up. He

ä See LSU, page 4C

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IN BRIEF

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS On TV

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Bengals want to feed Chase more

Czechs defeat U.S. to reach final 8 in Davis Cup

The Czech Republic beat the United States to reach the Davis Cup quarterfinals after U.S. Open finalist Ben Shelton and Learner Tien both lost their singles matches on Saturday. Jakub Mensik beat Shelton 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 to level the best-of-five series at 2-2 before Jiri Lehecka sent a roaring Prague crowd into raptures by beating Tien 6-3, 7-5 in the deciding singles. It was a second straight loss for Shelton, a day after he was beaten by Lehecka. American pair Christian Harrison and Austin Krajicek had made it 2-1 after winning their doubles match over Adam Pavlasek and Patrik Riki 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (8). Austria made the quarterfinals after Jurji Rodionov beat Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 7-6, 6-3 to build a 3-1 advantage.

BY CHARLIE GOLDSMITH Associated Press

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher put it in plain and simple terms after Ja’Marr Chase only recorded two catches for 12 yards in the season opener. “We didn’t throw him the ball enough,” Pitcher said on Wednesday as the Bengals prepared for Sunday’s game at Houston. “It’s pretty simple. We’ve got to throw him the ball more. He’s the best receiver in the world. That’s first and foremost.” The good news for the Bengals is that they scored 33 points in a Week 1 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and they could have scored 40 points if they didn’t end up kneeling the ball inside the red zone to close out the fourth quarter. After going through a frustrating 2025 season for the team last season, Chase was happy to see the Bengals open 2026 with a 1-0 record. “What’s understood doesn’t need to be explained at the end of the day,” Chase said. “I think I held my attitude accountable. I didn’t flip. I didn’t do extra stuff. Acted like a pro. At the end of the day, I just want to win. As an athlete and as a competitor, the best thing I want to do is help my team, provide and win.” Chase’s performance in Week 1 totaled what was tied for the second-lowest number of receptions that he has had in a game in his NFL career and tied the secondlowest number of receiving yards that he has had in the NFL. Tampa Bay’s defensive coverages played a part in that. Wide receiver Tee Higgins got more one-on-one opportunities down the field than he often gets, and tight end Mike Gesicki was left open as he led the team five catches for 78 yards in Week 1. “They did a good job of taking

Shipley holds lead in Biltmore Championship

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Neal Shipley held onto a one-shot lead over Ben Kohles on Saturday in the inaugural Biltmore Championship Asheville, making an eagle and a birdie on the two back-nine par 5s in his third straight bogey-free round. Shipley had a 21-under 192 total on The Cliffs at Walnut Grove. “Just going to keep doing what I’m doing,” Shipley said. “Keep being me and keep having fun out there. Keep that mindset of going out there, chasing birdies, and trying to get it as low as possible tomorrow.” The PGA Tour rookie also opened with a 65 and had a 62 on Friday in the ﬁrst of eight tournaments in the FedEx Cup Fall that determine the top 100 in the FedEx Cup who keep full cards for next season.

Pistons, Ausar Thompson agree to 5-year extension

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CAROLyN KASTER

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’marr Chase, right, can’t hang onto a pass as he is defended by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jacob Parrish during a game on Sept. 13 in Cincinnati. some throws away,” Chase said about his low statline. “Yeah, they took some throws away, but I still had other opportunities to make an impact in the game. Joe probably just didn’t like what he saw. That’s why he’s the quarterback and I play receiver.” Still, the Bengals recognize the importance of getting Chase the ball more often going forward. “It’s less of a balance and more of a ‘we’ve got to get him involved,’ ” said quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been limited in practice this week with a back injury but is ex-

pected to play on Sunday. “I think that sentiment was echoed from a lot of different fronts after the game, and you can’t come out of a game like that and have Ja’Marr Chase touch the ball two times. That’ll certainly be an emphasis.” In Week 2, the Bengals will travel to face the Houston Texans. Even though Houston allowed 36 points in the season opener, the Texans’ defense is viewed as one of the best in the NFL. The Texans play a lot of aggressive coverages, challenging opposing teams to attempt aggressive plays against

them. Chase’s playmaking ability should make him a big factor in this matchup. He’ll also be going up against two-time All-Pro corner Derek Stingley, who was a teammate of Burrow and Chase’s at LSU. “He’s a big, physical corner, understands stems and splits, route concepts and, really in my opinion, has the best ball skills in the league at corner,” Burrow said. “So you have to be aware of where you’re throwing it and how you’re throwing it against that guy.”

Niners rookie RB Black eases the load on McCaffrey BY JOSH DUBOW

AP pro football writer SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The plan for the San Francisco 49ers to lighten the load for star running back Christian McCaffrey came to fruition in Week 1 with the threetime All-Pro having close to his fewest snaps, rushes and touches since joining the Niners. Rookie Kaelon Black had 14 carries for 65 yards in the 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams, becoming the ﬁrst San Francisco player with more carries than McCaffrey since 2022, excluding games that McCaffrey missed or left early with injuries. “I was a little surprised at the end just that Kaelon got more than Christian,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “That was just kind of how the game went. Has a lot to do with probably me starting out the game. I think I had like three runs in the ﬁrst 17 plays, but love taking some off Christian and love the fact that Kaelon was prepared for everything, the run game and the pass game, and allowed us to be able to do that.” While some of the shared workload had to do with McCaffrey dealing with cramps, it also was part of the plan to help protect the 30-year-old star. McCaffrey had just 10 carries in Week 1 and his 36 snaps were tied for his fewest in any game with San Francisco since 2022. McCaffrey, who has bristled in the past about questions regarding his heavy workload, was receptive to the situation in the opener and sees it as a potential benefit down the line, pointing to other top backs like Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson and Detroit’s

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By MARK J. TERRILL

San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black, bottom, runs against Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Bud Dupree, top, during a preseason game on Aug. 20 in Inglewood, Calif. Jahmyr Gibbs, who were in job shares last season. “When you can keep backs fresh, it’s a good change of pace for defenses,” McCaffrey said. “It also can help keep the run game going. It doesn’t really eliminate people’s touches, especially if you’re running the ball well. I looked at some of the duos even last year with Bijan and Tyler Allgeier and Gibbs and (David) Montgomery. It was such a good way to keep people fresh and put them in plays when you need him.

He is good enough to do that.” The benefit was evident on the first drive of the second half. McCaffrey ripped off runs of 14 and 16 yards on the first two plays. He only had two carries of at least 14 yards in a game four times last season when his lack of burst led to a low number of explosive runs. Black also was able to do enough as a receiver with one catch and a blocker to earn the trust of position coach Bobby Turner to put him in the game even in passing

situations. Black hurt his groin in practice this week and is listed as questionable for the game Sunday against Miami. But the running is where he showed up the most. “I think aside from wanting a rotation with Christian to kind of spare him a little bit in the game, we just want to get Kaelon touches,” offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said. He’s a good player. He deserves touches. Anytime you got multiple players touching the ball who are affecting the game in that way, it’s a good thing for your offense.” The 49ers drafted Black 90th overall in April in what some draft experts considered a reach for a player who didn’t even earn a combine invitation. While San Francisco has a long history of midround running backs failing to produce since Shanahan took over in 2017, Black is showing he might end that trend and help give McCaffrey some needed rest. After being limited to four games because of injuries in 2024, McCaffrey was an ironman last season. He played 1,010 offensive snaps in the regular season and playoffs — just the ninth running back in the last 20 seasons to top the 1,000 mark — and became the second player in the last decade with at least 450 combined carries and catches. McCaffrey hadn’t responded well in the past following his heaviest-use seasons. The previous two times he topped 400 touches — in 2019 with Carolina and 2023 with the 49ers — he was severely hampered by injuries the following season, missing 13 games each in 2020 and 2024.

The Detroit Pistons and Ausar Thompson have reached an agreement on a ﬁve-year, $155 million contract extension, according to a person familiar with the situation. With a little more than a week left before training camp begins, the Pistons have not re-signed restricted free agent Jalen Duren. Detroit drafted Thompson out of the Overtime Elite developmental program in 2023 with the No. 5 pick and he has developed into one of the NBA’s best defensive players. Houston selected his twin brother, Amen Thompson, with the No. 4 pick and they became the ﬁrst set of twins to be selected in the top 10 in the same draft. Ausar Thompson was on the NBA All-Defensive team last season.

Orioles activate reliever Bautista from injured list

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles activated reliever Félix Bautista from the 60-day injured list Saturday, setting up the former closer to return from right shoulder surgery 14 months after his last major league game. Bautista saved 33 games and struck out 110 in 61 innings while earning an All-Star nod in 2023, but he missed the ﬁnal month of that season and all of 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He had 19 saves in 35 games in 2025 before surgery to repair his torn labrum and torn rotator cuff ended his season. Bautista had a 2.35 ERA in nine minor league rehab games. The Orioles also optioned pitcher Cade Povich and outﬁelder Heston Kjerstad to Triple-A Norfolk.

McIlroy moves into contention at BMW Championship

VIRGINIA WATER, England — Rory McIlroy hit a 4-iron from 230 yards to inside 2 feet and holed the eagle putt to finish off a 3-under 69 on Saturday and move into contention to win the BMW PGA Championship for the second time. The No. 2-ranked McIlroy’s birdie- eagle finish on the back-to-back closing par 5s at Wentworth left him on 11-under 205 after the third round, just two strokes off the lead held by Manuel Elvira and Filippo Cello on a crowded leaderboard. There are 15 players within three shots of the lead. “I feel like I’ve given myself a real opportunity tomorrow,” said McIlroy, who won the European tour’s flagship event in 2014 — in the same summer he captured two major titles, the British Open and the PGA Championship.

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OUTDOORS

SPECIAL SATURDAY Louisiana’s National Hunting and Fishing Day a bona fide celebration

BY JOE MACALUSO Contributing writer

September’s last Saturday has turned into a celebration for more than college football. For a little more than 40 years, Louisiana’s National Hunting and Fishing Day has used this special day to remember the contributions hunters and fishermen have made in conservation and restoration projects and plans across our country. For the southern parishes, the place to be is the state Wildlife and Fisheries’ Waddill Wildlife Education Center on North Flannery Road in Baton Rouge from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The center is on the east side of the road between Choctaw Drive and Greenwell Springs Road. Other special-day locations are the agency’s shooting range in Woodworth (8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) and the Merrill Recreation Area on the Bodcau Wildlife Management Area near Haughton (9 a.m.-2 p.m.) along with the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe (9 a.m.-2 p.m.). This fee-free day holds enough activities to fill the hours. While each venue is different, the offerings at Waddill have included a kids fishing tournament with cane poles and bait provided, canoeing, animal exhibits usually including raptors, baby alligators, turtles and other critters, fly fishing instruction from the Red Stick

NOTEBOOK Fly Fishers, baitcasting lessons and a chance to test out the archery and shotgun ranges along with exhibits from fishing, hunting and conservation organizations. There’s little doubt about how this celebration got its name. For more than 100 years, hunters and fishermen have campaigned for conservation initiatives, public access to federal and state lands and environmental projects. They have supported these efforts with billions in contributions either from membership in hunting and fishing conservation organizations or through three federal programs that tax nearly every item used in their outdoor endeavors. The two fishing tax laws and the one governing hunting equipment have provided state and federal territories with millions of dollars annually to fund wildlife and fisheries agencies programs for access, land and water projects, education and research. The federally collected taxes are distributed to each state according to the number of state-issued hunting and fishing licenses sold each year. This annual distribution is a major funding resource for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

A just-for-kids fishing tournament is just one of the attractions and events for Saturday’s Louisiana National Hunting and Fishing Day at the Waddill Wildlife Education Center in Baton Rouge. Another of the center’s ponds is reserved for canoeing and kayaking. Casting instruction, animal exhibits and archery are other activities for the 8 a.m.-1 p.m. event.

Teal count Maybe the high-pressure system hitting south Louisiana late Thursday helped push more teal into the state Saturday for the start of a special nine-day teal season. If it didn’t, then thousands of waterfowl hunters threw a party without its biggest guest — teal. State waterfowl study biologists, ﬂying over marshes and ﬁelds last week, reported seeing fewer than 75,000 of these first migrating ducks, and reported some of that low count was traced to recording equipment malfunction, so this count probably should be discounted. But what about the counts reported in Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, where teal numbers were so low most hunters decided to stay home. Louisiana’s report of 73,000 total teal is 28% be-

low 2025’s somewhat low 101,000 count and, according to the data, is “65% and 72% below the most recent 5- and 10-year averages.” All the teal counted were bluewings, a species that leaves breeding grounds much sooner than greenwing teal.

Top finishers The Central Catholic High School team of Piers Picou and Pavali Passi finished second in the highly competitive Bassmaster Back to School tournament held in conjunction with Bassmasters’ High School Combine on Wheeler Lake near Decatur, Alabama, last week. The south Louisiana team’s five-bass limit weighed 13 pounds, 14 ounces, just eight ounces behind the winning Scott Hill High team of Parker Smith and Cooper Anderson. Two teams in this 16-andunder event came from the Denham Springs-based Ju-

nior Southwest Bassmasters. Cole Watkins paired with Cooper Secrease to ﬁnish seventh (7-5), and the team of Brantley Broussard and Kade Jeansonne ended up in 14th place (4-8). The combine, a fishing skills test, brought 94 of the top junior anglers in the country for chances to earn college scholarship offers.

For women Wildlife and Fisheries, with help from the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation, has scheduled two fall Women’s Fishing 101 Workshops. The workshops are for women 18 and older who want to become “knowledgeable, conﬁdent anglers.” The Saturday workshop dates are Oct. 24 and Nov. 21, both set for the Waddill Wildlife Education Center in Baton Rouge where state ﬁsheries biologists and volunteer instructors will work

with 15 participants in each session. Topics include fish identiﬁcation and best handling practices, tackle, basic skills and preparing, storing and cooking ﬁsh. Registration is open on the agency’s website: wlf.la. gov

Don’t do this The enforcement division reported citing a south Louisiana man for illegally transporting a live deer into Rapides Parish earlier this month. The ﬁling indicated the man was stopped for speeding on I-49, and state police called Wildlife and Fisheries when the trooper found a live fawn in the vehicle. The subject told the agent the fawn was from Texas. The man faces fines up to $950 and 120 days in jail for transporting “a live cervid and violating interstate commerce regulations,” the report stated.

CALENDAR THURSDAY

ACADIANA BUGS & BREWS: 6 p.m., Pack & Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette. Casual ﬂy tying and local beers provided. Open to the public. Email Darin Lee: cbrsandcdc@ gmail.com. Website: www. packpaddle.com

THURSDAY-SUNDAY

PENSACOLA LIONFISH TOURNAMENT: Plaza de Luna, Palafox Pier, Pensacola, Florida. Registration deadline 7 p.m., Sept. 24. Teams/Individuals. Website: ReefRangers.MyFWC.com/LionﬁshInvitational

SATURDAY

LA. HUNTING & FISHING DAY: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Waddill Outdoors Education Center, 4142 North Flannery Rd., Baton Rouge. Also Minden, Woodworth, Monroe. Kids fishing, fly casting, fly tying, shooting, canoeing, archery, bird watching, conservation organizations. Free. Website: wlf.louisiana.gov

HUNTING SEASONS

DOVES: South Zone: thru Sept. 20; North Zone: thru Sept. 27. SQUIRRELS: Sept. 26-27, youth only, private lands only. TEAL: Thru Sept. 27, statewide, includes rails & gallinules. DEER/ARCHERY: Oct. 1-15, State Deer Areas 5, 6 & 9, bucks only; Oct. 1-Jan. 31, State Deer Areas 1, 2, 4 eithersex take allowed; Thru Jan. 15, State Deer Areas 3, 7, 8 & 10. BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS: Oct. 3-11, statewide, special permit required. RABBITS/SQUIRRELS: Oct. 3-Feb. 28, statewide, private lands only & selected wildlife management areas.

LOTTERY HUNTS

WMA YOUTH-ONLY WATERFOWL HUNTS: Ages 10-17. Application deadline Sept. 30 for hunts on Sherburne Wildlife Management Area. Application fee $8.50. See Wildlife & Fisheries lottery hunt webpage. Email David Hayden: dhayden@wlf.la.gov

WHITE LAKE CONSERVATION AREA WATERFOWL HUNTS: Sept. 30 deadline for two youth-only hunts & 30 marsh hunts. $8.50 application fee. Youth hunters must have Hunter Safety certiﬁcate. Email Lance Ardoin: lardoin@ wlf.la.gov

MONROE — Kyle Lowe threw two touchdown passes to help Southeastern Louisiana hold on for a 38-35 victory over UL-Monroe on Saturday. Lowe completed 18 of 25 passes for 155 yards for the Lions (2-2), an FCS team who beat an FBS team for the ﬁrst time since reinstating their football program in 2003. They were 0-35 against upper-division teams entering play. The senior connected with Lonnie Shinn for a 31-yard touchdown for the lone score of the ﬁrst quarter. He had a 3-yard scoring toss to Tristan Goodly in the second, and Kyree Paul followed with a 17-yard touchdown run to help Southeastern take a 2413 lead into halftime.

STATE ROUNDUP Dkhai Joseph ran a punt back 78 yards for a score and a 31-13 advantage in the third quarter, and Richard McKneely added an 11yard score on an interception return to up the lead to 18 on the ﬁrst play of the fourth. SAM HOUSTON STATE 59, NICHOLLS STATE 0: In Huntsville, Texas, Landyn Locke threw for 322 yards and four touchdowns as Sam Houston shut out Nicholls. The Bearkats (1-2) posted their highest-scoring game since joining the FBS, surpassing their previous mark of 42 against Louisiana Tech on Nov. 11, 2023. Locke opened the scoring with a 65-yard touchdown

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LDWF UPDATES

CLOSED: Hope Canal Road/ boat launch (Maurepas Swamp WMA, levee construction); Reserve Relief Canal Boat Launch by order of Corps of Engineers (Reserve Relief Pump Station construction) with alternate launch locations at Pete’s Landing, the Akers boat ramp & Bonnet Carré Spillway boat launch. DRAWDOWNS: Saline Lake & Iatt Lake (thru Oct. 5); Henderson Lake (thru Nov. 2); Cheniere Lake (thru Nov. 15); Clear-Smithport Lake (thru Nov. 16); Lake Bistineau (thru Nov. 30); Chicot Lake & Grand Bayou Reservoir (thru Jan. 4); Vernon Lake (thru Jan. 5). EMAIL: jmacaluso@theadvocate.com

SLU stuns UL-Monroe for ﬁrst-ever win over FBS team By The Associated Press

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pass to Tim Burns Jr. and added scoring passes of 3 yards to Grady O’Neill and 11 yards to Darrick Bledsoe III as Sam Houston built a 31-0 halftime lead. Sam Houston ﬁnished with 619 total yards, including 386 passing, and held Nicholls (2-2) to 163 total yards and 39 passing. BAYLOR 36, LOUISIANA TECH 19: In Waco, Texas, backup quarterback Nate Bennett threw for 253 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for another score to help Baylor win. Bennett, who started in place of Florida transfer DJ Lagway for the second straight week, completed 21 of 24 passes as the Bears (2-1) won their second consecutive game following a season-opening, neutral-site loss to Auburn.

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OLE MISS 32, LSU 24

BOX SCORE

NOTEBOOK

No. 8 Mississippi 32, No. 7 LSU 24

Starters Green, Spears leave game with injuries

LSU 0 7 14 3 — 24 Mississippi 10 14 0 8 — 32 First Quarter MISS_FG Carneiro 37, 6:38. MISS_K.Lacy 5 run (Carneiro kick), 2:00. Second Quarter MISS_Ray 21 pass from Chambliss (Carneiro kick), 9:49. LSU_D.Jones 2 run (Starzyk kick), 1:57. MISS_Alexander 20 pass from Chambliss (Carneiro kick), :05. Third Quarter LSU_Leavitt 4 run (Starzyk kick), 9:18. LSU_Watkins 26 pass from Leavitt (Starzyk kick), 3:05. Fourth Quarter LSU_FG Starzyk 23, 11:21. MISS_Chambliss 14 run (Lindsey run), 6:14. LSU MISS First downs 19 25 Total Net Yards 330 426 Rushes-yards 43-172 25-63 Passing 158 363 Punt Returns 0-0 1-0 Kickoff Returns 1-20 0-0 Interceptions Ret. 1-10 1-0 Comp-Att-Int 16-27-1 33-48-1 Sacked-Yards Lost 2-8 2-22 Punts 4-42.75 2-42.0 Fumbles-Lost 0-0 1-0 Penalties-Yards 7-34 8-77 Time of Possession 30:15 29:45 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING_LSU, D.Jones 23-106, Leavitt 17-63, Gage 3-3. Mississippi, K.Lacy 9-43, Lindsey 4-20, Alexander 1-4, Chambliss 9-2, (Team) 2-(minus 6). PASSING_LSU, Leavitt 16-27-1-158. Mississippi, Chambliss 33-48-1-363. RECEIVING_LSU, T.Green 4-60, Watkins 3-54, Jayc.Brown 3-23, D.Jones 2-6, Wilson 2-4, Elzy 1-6, Harris 1-5. Mississippi, Ray 7-115, Alexander 7-60, Odom 5-88, Fields 5-52, Hasz 3-15, Smith 2-13, K.Lacy 2-(minus 2), Cook 1-14, Lindsey 1-8. MISSED FIELD GOALS_Mississippi, Carneiro 53.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt races from the pocket against Ole Miss in the first quarter on Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss.

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

OXFORD, Miss. — LSU football lost two key starters to injuries in its 32-24 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday. Safety Dashawn Spears was injured early in the second quarter, and tight end Trey’Dez Green was hurt early in the fourth. Green, a star junior, caught a pass from quarterback Sam Leavitt, ran 19 yards and took a hard hit from Ole Miss cornerback Antonio Kite. Trainers examined the tight end’s right knee, then helped him off the field, into the injury tent and later to the locker room. He couldn’t put much weight on his right leg. Spears, a junior who plays the Star position, took a big hit to his left leg after an LSU defender was blocked at his feet. Trainers attended to the defensive back on the field and then helped him hobble to the sideline and into the injury tent. Spears was then spotted using crutches near the LSU bench. Before he was hurt, Green had four catches for 60 yards. Leavitt turned to him in search of an answer for the Tigers’ offensive struggles, which allowed the Rebels to take an early 17-0 lead. The Tigers figured out a way to storm back, though, and kick a field goal to tie it up at 24 after Green went down. Green, a Baton Rouge native who was given the No. 7 jersey before the season, is one of LSU’s top playmakers. He was working on a breakout year before LSU took on Ole Miss. In lopsided wins over Clemson and Louisiana Tech, he caught 10 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. Spears is a native of Denham Springs. Like Green, he began his career as a top-100 national recruit, according to 247Sports composite rankings, and carved out a rotational role in Blake Baker’s defense by the time his sophomore year rolled around. This year, he’s a full-time starter at Star — the hybrid safety-linebacker position that Harold Perkins played last season. In 2025, Spears recorded 29 tackles and picked off two passes. He had five tackles and a tackle for loss in LSU’s first two games of the 2026 season. Sophomore CJ Jimcoily took Spears’ place at Star after the injury, and LSU put redshirt freshman Jhase Thomas into that role

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU linebacker TJ Dottery makes the tackle on Ole Miss wide receiver Horatio Fields in the first quarter on Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss. 98 tackles led the SEC. He recorded a team-high 14 tackles across the Tigers’ first two games of 2026 while starting at linebacker alongside senior Whit Weeks. LSU ruled three players out of the game against Ole Miss: kick returner Phillip Wright, linebacker Jaiden Braker and running back Raycine Guillory. Dottery recorded five tackles Dottery suits up and broke up a pass against Ole It was overshadowed by Miss. Leavitt’s injury status, but one of LSU’s top defenders woke up on Political leaders attend Saturday in jeopardy of missing A few Louisiana political leadthe matchup with Ole Miss. ers traveled to Oxford to attend And linebacker TJ Dottery, the Ti- the game. gers’ leading tackler, wound up Gov. Jeff Landry, attorney general Liz playing against the Rebels, de- Murrill and U.S. House Majority Leadspite the fact that he was given a er Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, were each game-time decision designation spotted around Vaught-Hemingway before kickoff. The fifth-year se- Stadium. Landry and Murrill joined nior was listed as questionable top LSU officials on the field ahead of on the availability reports that pregame warmups. the SEC released on Wednesday, Landry and Murrill have gotten Thursday and Friday with an un- involved in LSU athletics in respecified injury. cent months. Landry took a pubDottery is one of four former lic stand against former athletic Ole Miss players who followed director Scott Woodward in October, Lane Kiffin to LSU. Last season, his starting a chain of events that early in the third quarter. Jimcoily was the defender in coverage when Ole Miss scored a 20-yard touchdown in the waning seconds of the first half to take a 24-7 lead. LSU inserted tight ends Zach Grace, an Oregon transfer, and Malachi Thomas, a Pittsburgh transfer, in place of Green on its last drive of the fourth quarter.

eventually led Kiffin to Baton Rouge. Murrill supported the group of athletes who in August filed a lawsuit in a Baton Rouge court in search of an extra season of eligibility. Kiffin tried to sign two of those players — tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris — but backed off after the SEC filed a federal lawsuit against top LSU officials and scheduled a vote to kick the Tigers out of the conference. Murrill is a defendant in that suit, which has not yet been dismissed.

Historical context LSU-Ole Miss wasn’t a historic matchup only because Kifﬁn was making his return to the program he left behind in November. The No. 7 Tigers and the No. 8 Rebels clashed as top-10 teams on Saturday for the ﬁrst time since 1962. The game ended a string of 63 consecutive meetings in the rivalry series that weren’t top-10 matchups. Who won the 1962 meeting? Ole Miss. The score was 15-7.

LSU

Continued from page 1C pulled one of his former receivers, Deuce Alexander, aside for a few words and a pre-game hug. Before he left the field, Kiffin tossed a football into a swarm of Ole Miss recruits gathered just behind one end zone. Once the ball was kicked, there were no passes for Kiffin to throw or tackles for him to make, just as he tried to tell Ole Miss fans as they drowned out his “GameDay” interview with boos. Chambliss, the savvy 24-year-old, made big play after big play as the Rebels built a 17-0 lead in the second quarter. He escaped the pocket and launched one throw over two LSU defensive backs for a 36-yard drop in the bucket to Traylon Ray to key one touchdown drive. He drove a ball over the middle to Ray on a third-and-12, perfectly setting up a 21-yard catch and run to cap the next. Sam Leavitt and LSU finally answered with a 75-yard series to pull within 17-7 late in the first half, but Chambliss punched right back with a 75-yard drive to make it 24-7 just before both teams headed to the locker room. Chambliss was 21-of-27 passing for 248 yards and two scores in the first two quarters. Leavitt, not as decisive as his counterpart, scrambled early and often. He failed to consistently identify quick reads on his way to 9-of-13 passing for 51 yards in the half, and LSU’s run game was unable to offer him more manageable third downs. There was a reversal of fortunes, however, to start the second half. LSU safety Ty Benefield put a rare hit on Chambliss on a blitz, forcing an errant throw for a Ja’Keem Jackson pick in Ole Miss territory. Leavitt then sacrificed his body on a third-and-7 scramble, flipped in the air on a 13-yard run. Then he

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU coach Lane Kiffin walks up the sideline during a break in the action in the first quarter against Ole Miss on Saturday.

way through. Chambliss marched his team down the field and escaped contain for a 14-yard touchdown run, followed by a two-point conversion, to regain a 32-24 edge. LSU drove the field to the Ole Miss 6, but Leavitt’s fourth-down throw was tipped and picked off to seal the game with 58 seconds left. The loss has the Tigers in need of a bounce-back win heading into a Week 4 home game with Texas A&M. The Aggies just lost in College Station to Kentucky 31-21 on Saturday. STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON It’s still early, but one of the most Ole Miss cornerback Jaylon Braxton intercepts a pass intended for LSU wide receiver Jackson Harris to seal the consequential games of the season victory on Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss. — at least for Kiffin personally — landed in the Tigers’ loss column. pushed across the goal line on a Miss receiver, on third-and-13 that head. On the next drive, he found LSU’s margin for error to make star tight end Trey’Dez Green CFP just shrunk, so the drama of cut the lead to 24-21. 4-yard touchdown run. The quarterback shockingly streaking across the field on a third- the Tigers’ season is far from disThe LSU defense stalled a Rebels’ drive for a missed 53-yard field listed as “doubtful” for the game and-11 for a 23-yard gain to set up sipating. goal attempt, and Leavitt followed on LSU’s initial availability report a field goal that evened the score at by rainbowing a 26-yard strike to inevitably took a game that was se- 24-24 with 11:21 left. Email Jon Blau at jon.blau@ LSU just couldn’t see it all the theadvocate.com Winston Watkins, a former Ole verely in doubt and turned it on its

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 5C

OLE MISS 32, LSU 24

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THREE AND OUT: SCOTT RABALAIS’ TOP THREE TAKEAWAyS FROM KIFFIN’S RETURN TO OLE MISS

BOOS TO CHEERS Ole Miss fans didn’t boo and jeer (or throw things) nearly as much at Lane Kiffin as might have been expected during his much-scrutinized return to Oxford. They were spending too much time cheering on their Rebels as the talented Trinidad Chambliss led them to a 17-0 start and a 24-7 halftime lead. An LSU defense that was virtually airtight in the first two games had few answers early on against the Rebels.

PRESSURE MAKES DIFFERENCE LSU hardly could lay a glove on Trinidad Chambliss in the first half. But a safety blitz by Ty Benefield forced him into throwing an interception to Ja’Keem Jackson in the third quarter.The game changed at that point, as the Tigers scored a touchdown and rallied to tie it 24-24. Kewan Lacy also went out with a shoulder injury in the third quarter, taking some balance out of the Ole Miss offense as the LSU offense surged.

O-LINE STILL HAS ISSUES Despite a runaway 45-14 victory over Louisiana Tech, the LSU offensive line had trouble with run blocking and some pass protection. Despite LSU’s comeback against Ole Miss and the fact the Tigers outrushed the Rebels 172-63, those issues were still there Saturday night.A previously unimpressive Ole Miss defense leaned on the LSU offense, often resulting in Leavitt not setting his feet and taking off running. There’s work to do for LSU with Texas A&M next week.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU defensive tackle Malik Blocton and defensive tackle Dominick McKinley, center, try to block a field goal by Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro in the first quarter on Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss.

LSU didn’t lose everything hold their heads up high after ﬁghting when Kifﬁn couldn’t lure Chambliss Despite bitter loss back into transferring with him to LSU — to force a 24-24 tie after trailing or when that Mississippi judge ruled 17-0 early in the second quarter and that he deserved a sixth year of elito Ole Miss, Tigers 24-7Foratahalftime. program that has drawn so gibility because of bad tonsils. Take transfers and recruits from so your pick. take away positives many many points on the compass, that is Leavitt looked like the Padawan for

not nothing. Yes, a loss is a loss. And for LSU OXFORD, Miss. — Everyone got a little fans, a particularly galling loss. Desomething they wanted from Saturday night’s dramatic LSU-Ole Miss game. spite all of the Rebels’ recent success, A nation that despises Lane Kiffin, much of it (whether the Rebels like regards LSU as an outlaw athletic it or not) attributable to Kiffin, LSU program and delights in makstill likes to look down its nose at the little school in northern ing fun of Louisiana when it Mississippi. isn’t hosting Mardi Gras or a The fact is Ole Miss, espeSuper Bowl got to watch him experience the pain of a 32-24 cially with Trinidad Chambliss defeat in his return to his forat quarterback and Kewan Lacy (when healthy) at runmer home. Scott Ole Miss certainly got what ning back, is on balance the it wanted — revenge on the Rabalais better team right now. The man who left it at the Colbetter program. Chambliss — who threw and passed for 399 lege Football Playoff altar yards and three touchdowns, includin November, although the Amazon fulfillment center-sized storerooms of ing the game-winning 14-yard keeper hatred everyone assumed they were with 6:14 left — may wind up as one of saving up for Kiffin never seemed to the most improbable Heisman Trophy be fully unleashed. winners ever considering he started at At least no one seemed to get hurt Division II Ferris State. And the Rebby folks hurling anything worse than els may well wind up in the CFP, withinsults out of the Vaught-Hemingway out Kiffin’s coaching, yet again. Stadium stands. LSU officially lost this game when Finally, LSU got something. Yes, Sam Leavitt’s fourth-and-goal pass even in defeat, the Tigers could take from the 6 was tipped and intercepted something back to Baton Rouge bein the end zone by cornerback Jaylon Braxton. In reality, LSU lost the game sides an “L.” It was the opportunity to

much of this game and Chambliss the Jedi master. Leavitt time and again failed to set his feet in the first half and often took off running instead of stepping up in the pocket or letting pass routes develop. He did outrush Chambliss 63-36, but as Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris’ attorney Tony Clayton would say, that’s a cold cup of gumbo. Here is a thought to ease Leavitt’s pain: He got better as the game wore on. He stood his ground in the pocket, and when he did run the ball it was with more intent to gain a few critical yards instead of bailing on the play as scripted. It’s a defeat, and if you’re a program like LSU that’s shoveling as much money into winning at football as it is, no loss is an acceptable one. But LSU is still building, and whether LSU fans want to admit it or not, they are trying to reach or surpass a place where Ole Miss currently resides. Kiffin was mocked this week (when is he not?) for saying that the pressure was on Ole Miss to win this game. Ole Miss is the program that went 13-2 and reached the CFP final

four last season, while LSU fired Brian Kelly and went 7-6. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, who volleys from praising Kiffin to vilifying him like a tennis ball at the U.S. Open, said Kiffin was trying to praise himself in the process. Perhaps he was, but it didn’t make what Kiffin said any less true. Certainly when LSU pulled even with Ole Miss 24-24 with 11:21 left after a 23-yard Scott Starzyk field goal, the Rebels felt the pressure big time. That they had an answer is attributable to the incredible Mr. Chambliss. He’s Mr. Everything to the Rebels, like some sort of latter day Archie Manning. The scene in this once again red-hot rivalry shifts back to Baton Rouge next year after two straight Ole Miss wins in Oxford. Chambliss will be out of time by then, and we’ll see where LSU stands in the rematch on its home turf. Painful as Saturday night was, and as much work as the Tigers have to do, there was something for them to build on here. They didn’t fold. They fought back. For all the scorn heaped on Kiffin and LSU by a disapproving world, the Tigers found nobility in this defeat. For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter

LSU SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Sept. 5

Sept. 12

Sept. 19

Sept. 26

Oct. 3

Oct. 10

Oct. 17

Oct. 24

Nov. 7

Nov. 14

Nov. 21

Nov. 28

51-10 45-14 32-24

Texas A&M 6:30 p.m. TV: ABC

McNeese 6:45 p.m. TV: SECN

at Kentucky TBA TV: TBA

Mississippi St. TBA TV: TBA

at Auburn 11 a.m. TV: TBA

Alabama TBA TV: TBA

Texas TBA TV: TBA

at Tennessee TBA TV: TBA

at Arkansas TBA TV: TBA

OVERALL: 2-1 ACC: 1-0

OVERALL: 2-1 SEC: 0-1

OVERALL: 1-3 SOUTHLAND: 0-2

OVERALL: 2-1 SEC: 1-1

OVERALL: 3-0 SEC: 1-0

OVERALL: 2-0 SEC: 0-0

OVERALL: 3-0 SEC: 1-0

OVERALL: 3-0 SEC: 0-0

OVERALL: 1-2 SEC: 0-1

W W L OVERALL: 1-2 SUN BELT: 0-0

OVERALL: 3-0 SEC: 1-0

6C ✦ Sunday, September p embe 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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KANSAS STATE 31, TULANE 20

THREE AND OUT: GUERRy SMITH’S TOP TAKEAWAyS FROM SATURDAy’S LOSS AT KANSAS STATE

WHAT WE LEARNED Tulane played much better than it did in an opening-game 17-3 loss at Duke, but the defense still cannot get off the field on third down. Kansas State converted 9 of 14 on its way to a 3113 lead midway through the third quarter, prolonging touchdown drives repeatedly.The list included two third-and-6 conversions before the first score, a third-and-5 before the second score and three times of third-and-5 or longer before the third TD.The same issue was there against South Alabama.That won’t get it done against a Power Four foe.

TRENDING NOW Optimism for the start of conference play. Tulane held its own for the most part on both sides of the line of scrimmage against the Wildcats, beginning with a pretty 90-yard touchdown drive on its opening series. Maurice Turner and Johnnie Daniels found running room and made the most of it.The passing game appeared overmatched through three quarters, but the Wave will not face a defense like Kansas State’s for the rest of the year.The Wildcats did not allow an offensive TD in their first two games.

FINAL THOUGHTS Cooper Helmke can be a difference-maker in tight games.The St. Martin’s Episcopal graduate hit a school-record 58-yard field goal at the end of the first half and a 53-yarder on the Wave’s opening series of the second half, getting it past the crossbar comfortably both times. His range seems unlimited and almost unprecedented. His normal stroke is good from 60 yards if he kicks it straight. Harlem Berry’s high school teammate may end up having a bigger impact in college than LSU’s five-star running back.

MISSTEP IN MANHATTAN Third-down woes, QB Johnson cost TU after fast start

BY GUERRY SMITH Contributing writer

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Tulane football team failed to take a second bite out of the Little Apple. Four years after upsetting Kansas State on the road, the Green Wave went ahead 7-0 with a 90yard drive in the first quarter but could not get off the field on third down defensively or stop quarterback Avery Johnson the rest of the way. That double whammy led to a 3120 defeat on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats (3-0) went ahead for good with 17 straight points in the second quarter and remained ahead by double digits after the Wave (1-2) allowed another touchdown on its first series in the third quarter. Johnson rushed for a careerhigh 152 yards on 12 carries with two touchdowns, completed 21 of 28 passes for 227 yards and simply took over after Kansas State forced a punt while trailing 7-3 in the second quarter. He kept for 23 yards on the next play, converted a third-and-5 with a 6-yard scramble and hit tight end Will Anciaux for 26 yards as the Wildcats moved 85 yards in eight plays to go ahead 10-7. On Kansas State’s next series, Johnson beat containment and took off for a personal-best 66yard run before scoring untouched from 7 yards one play later, making the score 17-7 with 2:38 left in the half. He then went 7 for 8 in the air on an 8:15 touchdown drive to start the second half. “The difference in the game was their explosive plays,” Tulane coach Will Hall said. “We have to win our one-on-ones in the trenches and get off blocks better when we’re getting hatted up. Obviously he had space. Avery Johnson made some big-time plays.” Hand-in-hand with Johnson’s success was Kansas State’s repeated success on third downs, a continuing problem for Tulane. The Wildcats converted 10 of 16 third downs, duplicating South Alabama’s performance last Saturday after Duke went 5 of 5 on third downs while scoring a touchdown on its opening possession of week one.

Contributing writer

When Kadin Semonza took a third-down sack late in the first half Saturday, it would have cost most teams any chance at scoring. Not Tulane. Cooper Helmke, a redshirt freshman from St. Martin’s High who was sidetracked by injuries earlier in his career, drilled a schoolrecord 58-yard field goal with plenty of room to spare on his ﬁrst college attempt, pulling the Green Wave within 17-10 with 17 seconds before halftime. He was just getting started. On Tulane’s first series of the third quarter, he hit a 53-yarder. It was not enough to prevent a 31-20 loss at Bill Snyder Family Stadium against Kansas State, but the Wave clearly has a weapon moving forward. “I’m really proud of that young man and everything he’s had to overcome with his injuries to bounce back and do that,” Tulane coach Will Hall said. “He’s got a bright future.” Helmke’s ﬁrst kick would have been good from 65 yards, sailing

BY GUERRY SMITH Contributing writer

MANHATTAN, Kan. — With Tulane trailing Kansas State 17-10 at the start of the third quarter on Saturday, the defense thought it had come up with a three and out when TJ Smith corralled wide receiver Jaron Tibbs a yard short of the sticks on a third-down completion near the Green Wave sideline. Tibbs tried to stretch the ball forward before being ridden out of bounds, and a television replay confirmed he was short on the initial catch and farther short after Smith hit him. The replay official, who checks every play, did not for a review Notebook call after the officials spotted the ball at the Kansas State 36 well past the marker. The Wildcats proceeded to convert a pair of third-and-6 situations and a fourth and 1 with a nifty shovel pass on their way to a touchdown and led by double digits the rest of the way, winning 31-20 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Coaches’ challenges are not allowed in college football. “We certainly thought he was short,” Tulane coach Will Hall said. “They didn’t. When I asked them about the review, they told me they were looking at it upstairs and verified the spot. It is what it is on that. They ruled it a first down, so it was a first down.”

Hidden moment

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By SCOTT WINTERS

Tulane running back Maurice Turner stiff-arms Kansas State safety Koy Beasley during the third quarter on Saturday in Manhattan, Kan.

“The difference in the game was their explosive plays. We have to win our one-on-ones in the trenches and get off blocks better when we’re getting hatted up. Obviously he had space. Avery Johnson made some big-time plays.” WILL HALL, Tulane coach Five of those conversions came on third-and-5 or longer. “We have to tackle better,” Hall said. “The other thing is we’ve played two experienced, really good mobile quarterbacks (South Alabama’s Bishop Davenport a week ago) that have gotten a lot of those third downs with their feet. We have to ﬁnd a way to solve that issue because those aren’t the last two we’re going to play.” Tulane’s early touchdown drive, which featured a 21-yard run by Johnnie Daniels on third-and-long and a 41-yard catch from Edna Karr graduate Oliver Mitchell in

double coverage, provided false hope. Quarterback Kadin Semonza, who capped it with a 9-yard touchdown run on the option after faking a pitch to Jaylin Lucas, did not complete another pass until late in the second quarter. He was sacked six times, finishing 13 of 26 for 165 yards, and was victimized by two costly drops. Tight end Dawson Johnson had a pass go through his hands inside the Kansas State 10 near the end of the first half. Wide receiver Anthony Brown-Stephens dropped a deep ball that would have given Tulane a first down inside the Wild-

cats 30 after the Wave fell behind 24-10 in the third quarter. Both drives ended in long ﬁeld goals, but the Wave needed touchdowns to keep up. Hall pointed to those errors as the major reason Kansas State outgained Tulane 428-260 despite having only a 20-18 edge in ﬁrst downs. “We had our opportunities,” he said. “We just didn’t come down with the ball a few times. They had about six real-deal explosive plays off the top of my head, and we didn’t have that many.” Tulane running back Maurice Turner rushed for a team-high 64 yards on seven carries and scored a cosmetic touchdown on a 25-yard catch with 2:48 left. “The little things killed us,” Turner said. “We need to execute what we know we can do. I know I had one misread that I could have had for a rushing touchdown I’m disappointed about. We just have to clean up the little bits and pieces.”

Helmke sets Tulane record with 58-yard FG BY GUERRY SMITH

Absence of replay review hurts Tulane

“I was ready to roll. When I got out there, I took a deep breath, just stepped back and let it rip.” COOPER HELMKE, Tulane kicker

down the middle even though he slipped as he approached the ball. “I was ready to roll,” Helmke said. “When I got out there, I took a deep breath, just stepped back and let it rip. I slipped as soon as I planted, but I just stayed smooth in my approach.” His second field goal also came after Semonza took a sack, this time at the Kansas State 35. Helmke ran on the field late, and the snap came a hair before the play clock expired. “I didn’t exactly know that I was up to kick that ball,” Helmke said. “But the thought process was just to go out there and hit it. It was a little rushed.” That Helmke would ever kick a field goal for Tulane was in question after his injury setbacks. He had a sports hernia in his right hip that kept him out of preseason

camp last year, then felt a pop in his back while doing a squat three weeks into the season, fracturing a bottom bone in his spine. The first time he felt 100% healthy was at the end of August. “It feels really good to be in this position now considering where I was,” he said. “Last year I thought football might not be the same for me.” Helmke’s leg strength was legendary at St. Martin’s, where he connected on a 70-plus-yard ﬁeld goal in front of a local TV crew around an interview. After losing a close battle with Jackson Courville in camp, he settled for being a kickoff specialist (eight touchbacks in 11 attempts through three games) until Hall called on him for the 58-yarder Saturday. Tulane’s previous record was a 57-yard kick by Lou Groza Award winner Cairo Santos in 2012. “I’ve seen Coop do it every day in practice, and I knew he had the wind behind him,” Hall said. “The risk was worth the reward, and Kansas State was getting the ball to start the second half. If we got the ball, I might have punted it right there.”

Kansas State 31, Tulane 20 Tulane Kansas State

First quarter

7 0

3 17

3 7

7 7

— —

20 31

TU — K.Semonza 9 run (Courville kick), 7:55.

Second quarter

KSU — FG Rodriguez 23, 11:27. KSU — Harris 1 run (Rodriguez kick), 5:14. KSU — Av.Johnson 7 run (Rodriguez kick), 2:38. TU — FG Helmke 58, :17.

Third quarter

KSU — Harris 1 run (Rodriguez kick), 6:45. TU — FG Helmke 53, 1:22.

Fourth quarter

KSU — Av.Johnson 12 run (Rodriguez kick), 9:06. TU — Turner 25 pass from K.Semonza (Courville kick), 2:48. A — 51,846. TU KSU First downs 18 20 Total Net Yards 260 428 Rushes-yards 33-95 37-201 Passing 165 227 Punt Returns 0-0 1-0 Kickoff Returns 2-42 1-2 Interceptions Ret. 0-0 0-0 Comp-Att-Int 13-26-0 21-28-0 Sacked-Yards Lost 6-45 0-0 Punts 5-40.6 3-53.333 Fumbles-Lost 0-0 0-0 Penalties-Yards 5-20 5-54 Time of Possession 26:19 33:41

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING — Tulane, Turner 7-64, J.Daniels 1059, Dugar 2-1, Lucas 4-(minus 2), K.Semonza 10-(minus 27). Kansas St., Av.Johnson 12152, J.Jackson 9-24, Fields 10-18, White 1-11, Harris 2-2, (Team) 3-(minus 6). PASSING — Tulane, K.Semonza 13-26-0-165. Kansas St., Av.Johnson 21-28-0-227. RECEIVING — Tulane, Richardson 3-40, Lucas 3-5, Turner 2-31, Mitchell 1-41, Brown-Stephens 1-22, D.Johnson 1-11, C.Semonza 1-9, Bolyard 1-6. Kansas St., Tibbs 9-114, Oakley 4-27, Anciaux 3-59, Cure 3-23, White 1-4, Fields 1-0. MISSED FIELD GOALS — None.

Hall said one of the key plays in the game came late in the second quarter when Kansas State stuffed running back Johnnie Daniels for a 1-yard loss on third-and1 right after the Wildcats went ahead 10-7. The three and out led to a three-play, 73-yard touchdown drive that featured a career-long 66-yard run from quarterback Avery Johnson. “It’s inexcusable to not be able to get a third-and-1 right there,” Hall said. “We have to dad gum bow up and make those blocks and get that 1 yard. I’m disappointed in those things. We’re improving in some areas, but we have to improve faster. In games like this on the road, you have to make the plays that are there for you to make.” Daniels was effective otherwise, ﬁnishing with 59 yards on a team-high 10 carries.

No flag issue Tulane, which committed its most penalties (15) in at least 22 years during its opening loss to Duke, drew only five for 20 yards while Kansas State, which had been flagged the fewest times for the fewest yards of any FBS team through Week 2, had five for 54 yards. A late hit out of bounds led to a Tulane field goal in the third quarter, and a fourth-down interference call helped the Wave score its final touchdown, accounting for all 10 points after halftime.

No redux Kansas State limited Tulane running back Jaylin Lucas, who made the American Conference weekly honor roll after he rushed for a Yulman Stadiumrecord 214 yards on 11 carries against South Alabama on Sept. 12, to minus-2 yards on four rushing attempts and 5 yards on three catches. “Jaylin never got loose today,” Hall said. “They were keying on him pretty good.”

Lagniappe Tulane lost for the ﬁrst time since the start of 2022 while committing no turnovers, ending a winning streak of 18. … Hall said this week running back Jamauri McClure, who has been out with a foot injury he suffered early in preseason camp, could return against Southern Miss next Saturday and almost certainly would be available for the Oct. 3 American Conference opener at Army. McClure averaged 98 yards rushing in Tulane’s last ﬁve games a year ago. … The Wave’s home game against Southern Miss next Saturday will start at 6 p.m. and will be streamed by ESPN+.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 7C

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK

Kentucky stuns No. 9 Texas A&M BY KRISTIE RIEKEN

AP sportswriter

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Kenny Minchey threw two touchdown passes and CJ Baxter added two scoring runs as Kentucky used a huge third quarter to stun No. 9 Texas A&M 31-21 on Saturday. Led by rookie coach Will Stein in his ﬁrst road game, Kentucky beat a ranked opponent for the first time since downing No. 6 Mississippi 20-17 on Sept. 28, 2024. “This was a giant victory for us,” a beaming Stein said. Stein had vowed to do better after Kentucky (2-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) led then-No. 12 Alabama 17-13 at halftime last week before being outscored 32-0 in the second half of a 45-17 loss. After being tied at halftime on Saturday, Minchey said the Wildcats were determined not to have a repeat of last week. “We just basically put our foot down and said we’re not going to be denied,” he said. “We’re going to take it.” The game pitted Texas A&M’s offense against Kentucky defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, who spent the last two years in the same position with the Aggies. He seemed to have Texas A&M’s

the first drive of the second half to break a 7-all tie. Baxter’s two touchdown runs came on the next two possessions to extend Kentucky’s lead to 28-7. “I don’t think it was a shocker to us because we all know what talent we have and what we’re capable of doing,” Baxter said. “But it helps definitely with confidence for sure.” The Aggies had been stopped on three straight possessions when Reed scored on a 5-yard touchdown run to cut the lead to 28-14 with about 11½ minutes remaining. The Wildcats made it 31-14 on a 52-yard field goal by Adam Zouagui that deflected off the upright and through with less than nine minutes remaining. Texas A&M (2-1, 0-1) was driving after that, but Castell intercepted Reed on a the 7-yard line. “I did not do a good enough job of coaching this team and preparASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DAVID J. PHILLIP ing this team,” Texas A&M coach Kentucky’s CJ Baxter, right, rushes for a first down as Texas A&M defensive end T.J. Searcy, left, defends during a Mike Elko said. “I don’t take any positives from this game. I don’t game on Saturday in College Station, Texas. want to take away anything from Kentucky. ... Kentucky came in number, keeping the Aggies off“He kind of hid it, but I know it ed this game and we all played here and whopped us.” The Aggies cut the lead to 31-21 balance all day and limiting Mar- was personal,” Kentucky defen- hard for him.” Minchey, a transfer from Notre when Reed connected with Micah cel Reed to 26-of-49 passing for 236 sive back Jordan Castell said. “He yards with a touchdown and two did a good job of just staying calm, Dame, found Kenny Darby wide Riley for a 5-yard score with less but I could tell that he really want- open for a 42-yard touchdown on than four minutes to go. interceptions.

TOP 25 ROUNDUP

SEC ROUNDUP

No. 10 Alabama rallies Big plays late in game lead to beat Florida State Louisville to victory over SMU in offensive thriller The Associated Press

The Associated Press TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Keelon Russell threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another score as No. 10 Alabama overcame a 15-point deficit to beat Florida State 50-36 on Saturday. The Crimson Tide (3-0) struggled to run the ball early and had few answers for Florida State’s explosive plays. Once Alabama settled in, the Seminoles (1-2) struggled to slow it down. Russell completed 23 of 30 passes without an interception, and Alabama finished with 615 yards. Lotzeir Brooks caught eight passes for 101 yards. Lightning delayed kickoff and interrupted the second quarter, and the teams agreed to skip halftime after the second delay. Alabama scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions across the second and third quarters to turn a 21-6 deficit into a 40-28 lead. Ryan Coleman-Williams turned a short completion into a 46-yard touchdown, and Russell found Kaleb Edwards for the go-ahead score before the break. Florida State cut the deficit to seven midway through the fourth quarter. Trae’shawn Brown answered with a 20-yard touchdown run with 2:15 remaining, capping a 90-yard drive. Bray Hubbard intercepted Ashton Daniels’ pass on the ensuing possession. VANDERBILT 35, N.C. STATE 31: In Nashville, Tennessee, Miles Capers forced the fumble and Cayden Daniels recovered just before time expired to give Vanderbilt a close win over N.C. State on Saturday. N.C. State (1-2) quarterback CJ Bailey was attempting to run out the clock or take a safety on what could have been the final play of the game but he fumbled as he was being tackled. After a touchback on the ensuing kickoff there was enough time for one play, but the Wolfpack were stopped on their side of the 50-yard line. Vanderbilt (3-0) was down 17-0 in the first half and 24-7 in the third quarter but rallied behind freshman QB Jared Curtis. N.C. State was looking for its first road win against an SEC opponent since 1977, but Vanderbilt ties its largest comeback win since defeating Ole Miss in 2012. The Commodores’ lead on the fumble-recovery touchdown was their only lead of the game. NO. 2 GEORGIA 45, ARKANSAS 17: In Fayetteville, Arkansas, Chauncey Bowens ran for three touchdowns and No. 2 Georgia held Arkansas to just 17 yards on the ground in a win Saturday.

Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC) led 21-3 at halftime and never truly needed to pass the football. Quarterback Gunner Stockton finished the game 10-of-13 passing for 147 yards with a touchdown. He added a team-high 97 yards on the ground, including a 62-yard run on third down that set up Georgia’s third touchdown, Bowens’ second. MISSISSIPPI STATE 41, SOUTH CAROLINA 34: In Columbia, South Carolina, Kamario Taylor threw for 251 yards and four touchdowns as Mississippi State rallied from 16-0 down to open Southeastern Conference play with a victory at South Carolina on Saturday night. Taylor and the Bulldogs looked overmatched as the Gamecocks (21, 0-1 SEC) created a double-digit lead on LaNorris Sellers’ touchdown pass and three field goals by first-time kicker Malik Orson. Once Taylor got going, so did Mississippi State (3-0, 1-0). He had scoring passes of 30 yards to Sanfrisco Magee and 43 yards to Zion Ragins to start the comeback. Taylor’s 23-yard TD pass to Marquis Johnson drew the Bulldogs within 23-21 and then moved in front on a five-yard scoring toss to Anthony Evans. NO. 20 MISSOURI 27, TROY 17: In Columbia, Missouri, Jamal Roberts ran for 122 yards and a touchdown, DaMarion Folkes returned a punt 68 yards for another score, and No. 20 Missouri shook off a slow start before holding on to beat Troy on Saturday night. Former Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons struggled most of the way for Missouri (3-0), completing 10 of 19 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. But the Tigers did enough on defense to win their 16th straight regular-season nonconference game. Goose Crowder finished with 230 passing yards and two touchdowns for Troy (2-1), which was looking for its third win over a ranked opponent in school history. FLORIDA 44, AUBURN 39: In Auburn, Alabama, Jadan Baugh ran for 162 yards and three touchdowns, and Florida beat Auburn Saturday night in the Southeastern Conference for both teams and both new head coaches. Aaron Philo threw for 202 yards and a score for the Gators, who improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2019. The Gators finished with 245 yards on the ground and 252 through the air. Vernell Brown III caught five passes for 86 yards, and Dallas Wilson added four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. They provided new Gators coach Jon Sumrall with a signature road win.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Keyjuan Brown ran for a career-high 163 yards and a pair of long touchdowns to guide No. 23 Louisville to a 41-31 victory over 16th-ranked SMU on Saturday. The teams’ preseason media picks to finish second (SMU) and third (Louisville) in the Atlantic Coast Conference put on a backand-forth affair, trading the lead eight times before the Cardinals sealed it on Isaac Brown’s 27-yard touchdown with 5:32 remaining to finish the scoring. The Cardinals (2-1, 1-0 ACC) then stripped SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings of the ball just before the goal line on the Mustangs’ ensuing drive, turning what would have been a 19-yard touchdown into a touchback as the ball rolled out of the end zone with 2:43 remaining. Louisville’s Lincoln Kienholz threw for 177 yards on 14-for-23 passing. He threw for two scores and added another on the ground as Louisville amassed 442 yards of offense. Trailing 17-14 at halftime, Louisville regained the lead in the opening minute of the third quarter on Keyjuan Brown’s 58-yard run. His 53-yarder with 10:02 left put the Cardinals ahead for good, 35-31. NO. 6 OHIO ST. 59, KENT ST. 3: In Columbus, Ohio, Jeremiah Smith became Ohio State’s career receiving yardage leader, Ja’Kobi Jackson scored twice and the Buckeyes rolled to a victory over Kent State. Ohio State (2-1) took immediate control, scoring on its first four drives as it rebounded after last week’s 24-23 loss at No. 1 Texas where it squandered a 20-point, fourth-quarter lead. Smith had five receptions for 85 yards. The junior needed 26 yards to surpass Michael Jenkins’ 2,898 yards from 2000-03 and become OSU’s record holder and got it on his second catch of the game, when he hauled in a 23-yard pass from Julian Sayin midway through the first quarter. NO. 14 PENN ST. 45, BUFFALO 13: In State College, Pennsylvania, Rocco Becht threw for 212 yards with two touchdowns, Koby Howard scored twice and Penn State cruised past Buffalo. Becht secured his Bowl Subdivision-leading 29th win and the Nittany Lions (3-0) capped their nonconference schedule in relatively easy fashion against an outmatched Mid-American Conference opponent that was outgained 305-80 in the first half. Overall, D’Anton Lynn’s defense forced 10 punts and two turnovers and only allowed Buffalo’s Oliver

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By TIMOTHy D. EASLEy

SMU safety Jimmy Wyrick, left, tackles Louisville running back Isaac Brown during a game in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday. Hautanen to kick a pair of field goals. The Bulls (1-2) crossed midfield just three times. NO. 19 MICHIGAN 52, UTEP 17: In Ann Arbor, Michigan, Bryce Underwood threw two touchdown passes and Savion Hiter had two rushing scores to help No. 19 Michigan pull away and beat UTEP on Saturday. The Wolverines (3-0) were behind twice in the first half before scoring 38 straight points to turn a potential scare into a rout. The Miners (1-2) forced two turnovers in the first half and took advantage with two touchdown passes by E.J. Colston: 45 yards to Carver Cheeks and 18 yards to Lamar Sperling. Underwood’s 21-yard touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan and Trey Butkowski’s 49-yard field goal over the last 1:31 of the first half put Michigan ahead for the first time. NO. 17 UTAH 33, UTAH STATE 0: In Salt Lake City, Devon Dampier threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, leading No. 17 Utah to a shutout victory over Utah State on Saturday. Braden Pegan had a season-high 122 yards and two touchdowns on eight catches, and Daniel Bray added 82 yards and a score on the ground, helping the Utes (3-0) pile up 480 yards against their rival. Utah averaged 6.5 yards per play. Grady Brosterhous threw for 130 yards with an interception for the Aggies (0-3), who suffered a fourth straight loss in their rivalry series with Utah. Utah State has dropped 16 of 17 to the Utes dating back to the 1998 season. NO. 4 INDIANA 38, WESTERN KENTUCKY 0: In Bloomington, Indiana, Josh Hoover threw two touchdown passes, Lee Beebe Jr. added two TD runs and No. 4 Indiana overcame a sluggish first half to blow out Western Kentucky on Saturday. Hoover was 18 of 24 for 273 yards with no turnovers as Indi-

ana (3-0) extended the Football Bowl Subdivision’s longest active winning streak to 19 games, and the longest active home winning streak to 18. Turbo Richard rushed 15 times for 149 yards and one score, and Charlie Becker added five catches for 127 yards and another touchdown. The Hoosiers’ defense has posted back-to-back shutouts and has not been scored upon since late in the third quarter of their season opener against North Texas. NO. 18 IOWA 55, NORTHERN IOWA 0: In Iowa City, Iowa, the Hawkeyes had three running backs in Xavier Williams, Nathan McNeil and Braeden Jackson run for more than 100 yards apiece, and the No. 18 Iowa rolled to a victory over Northern Iowa on Saturday even without their top running back, Kamari Moulton. Williams had 151 yards and three touchdowns on just six carries, Jackson had 125 yards and a rushing touchdown to go with a 24-yard TD catch, and McNeill had 111 yards and two scores. It was the first time Iowa had three go over 100 yards in a game since Owen Gill, Norm Granger and Eddie Phillips did it in a 61-10 win over Minnesota in 1983. The Hawkeyes (3-0) still piled up 422 yards on the ground and finished with 640 yards of total offense against their Football Championship Subdivision foe. NO. 12 USC 42, RUTGERS 35: In Piscataway, New Jersey, Jayden Maiava threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns and King Miller ran for 102 yards and a TD to help No. 12 Southern California beat Rutgers on Saturday in the Big Ten opener for both teams. The Trojans (4-0) never trailed, building a 35-21 cushion with 5:52 left in the third quarter. Rutgers (0-3) closed to 35-28 in the quarter before the teams traded touchdowns in the fourth.

8C ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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SAINTS GAMEDAY

ROSTERS SAINTS No. Player Pos Ht Wt Exp College 0 Jordyn Tyson WR 6-2 203 0 Arizona State 1 Kool-Aid McKinstry CB 5-11 199 3 Alabama 2 Spencer Rattler QB 6-0 211 3 South Carolina 3 Travis Etienne Jr. RB 5-10 215 6 Clemson 4 Oscar Delp TE 6-4 245 0 Georgia 5 Kendre Miller RB 6-0 220 4 TCU 6 Tyler Shough QB 6-5 219 2 Louisville 7 Jonas Sanker SAF 6-1 211 2 Virginia 10 Daniel Carlson K 6-5 222 9 Auburn 11 Zach Wilson QB 6-2 214 6 ByU 12 Chris Olave WR 6-0 187 5 Ohio State 14 Devaughn Vele WR 6-5 210 3 Utah 17 Ryan Wright P 6-3 245 5 Tulane 18 Bryce Lance WR 6-3 204 0 North Dakota St. 19 Barion Brown WR 5-11 177 0 LSU 20 Pete Werner LB 6-3 242 6 Ohio State 21 Justin Reid SAF 6-1 207 9 Stanford 22 Martin Emerson Jr. CB 6-2 201 5 Mississippi State 23 Julian Blackmon SAF 6-0 202 7 Utah 25 D. Richardson CB 6-2 188 4 Mississippi St. 28 Danny Stutsman LB 6-3 233 2 Oklahoma 29 Quincy Riley CB 5-11 195 2 Louisville 31 Jordan Howden DB 6-0 209 4 Minnesota 33 Anfernee Jennings DE 6-2 255 7 Alabama 38 Jayden Price CB 5-11 185 1 North Dakota St. 41 Alvin Kamara RB 5-10 215 10 Tennessee 42 Mike Reid SAF 6-2 200 1 South Dakota 43 CJ Donaldson RB 6-1 230 0 Ohio State 44 Isaiah Stalbird LB 6-1 215 2 South Dakota St. 50 Colby Wooden DL 6-4 273 4 Auburn 51 Cesar Ruiz OL 6-4 316 7 Michigan 52 Christen Miller DT 6-3 321 0 Georgia 53 Jaylan Ford LB 6-2 240 3 Texas 55 Kaden Elliss LB 6-2 238 8 Idaho 58 Chris Rumph II LB 6-2 244 6 Duke 65 Jeremiah Wright G 6-5 331 0 Auburn 66 William Sherman G 6-4 300 2 Colorado 71 Kelvin Banks Jr. T 6-5 315 2 Texas 72 Asim Richards OL 6-4 307 4 North Carolina 74 Mason Murphy T 6-5 315 0 Auburn 75 Taliese Fuaga T 6-6 324 3 Oregon State 76 David Edwards G 6-6 308 8 Wisconsin 78 Erik McCoy OL 6-4 303 8 Texas A&M 82 Treyton Welch TE 6-4 240 1 Wyoming 83 Juwan Johnson TE 6-4 245 7 Oregon 87 Noah Fant TE 6-4 249 8 Iowa 91 Vernon Broughton DL 6-5 311 2 Texas 92 Davon Godchaux DL 6-3 330 10 LSU 93 Nathan Shepherd DL 6-4 315 9 Fort Hays State 94 Cameron Jordan DE 6-4 287 16 California 95 John Ridgeway III DL 6-5 321 5 Arkansas 96 Carl Granderson DE 6-5 261 8 Wyoming 97 Khristian Boyd DL 6-2 320 3 Northern Iowa 98 Tyree Wilson DE 6-5 263 4 Texas Tech 99 Chase young DE 6-5 265 7 Ohio State

FOUR THINGS TO WATCH CONTAIN JACKSON There aren’t many players in the NFL more dangerous with a football in their hands than Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. The Saints must find a way to slow down the two-time MVP, who can hurt you with both his arm and his legs. Jackson threw for 324 yards and rushed for 40 more in last week’s 4123 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Ravens racked up 506 yards of offense in that one. Four years ago, Jackson rushed for 82 yards against the Saints.

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SLOW DOWN HENRY If trying to stop Jackson isn’t enough, the Saints also have to deal with running back Derrick Henry. It’s the second straight week the Saints have faced one of the best backs in the league. Last week, Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs rushed 29 times for 156 yards. Now they face Henry, who is coming off a 144-yard, three-touchdown performance.The key to slowing down Henry is not letting him get to the second level of the defense.The Saints defensive line must play big.

AVOID A SLOW START The trend is starting to become a bit disturbing.The Saints, as they often do in the Kellen Moore era, struggled out of the gate in last week’s overtime loss to the Lions.The offense couldn’t get going in the first half and ended up in a 21-0 hole three minutes into the third quarter.The Saints have now gone scoreless in the first quarter in 12 of the 18 games Moore has coached. Baltimore isn’t the type of team to fall behind against and try to play catch up.

UNEARTH GROUND GAME The best way to slow down the Ravens is the Saints keeping their own offense on the field. A strong running game can help that. The Saints invested heavily in the rushing attack this offseason, signing running back Travis Etienne and guard David Edwards.The Saints averaged 3.6 yards per carry last week and finished with just 91 yards rushing. They get Alvin Kamara back this week. Regardless of who is getting the carries, they need to be effective.

Rod Walker

RAVENS No. Player Pos Ht Wt Exp College 0 Roquan Smith LB 6-1 235 9 Georgia 2 Nate Wiggins CB 6-1 182 3 Clemson 3 Chidobe Awuzie CB 6-0 202 10 Colorado 4 Zay Flowers WR 5-9 183 4 Boston College 5 Tyler Huntley QB 6-1 204 7 Utah 7 Rashod Bateman WR 6-1 193 6 Minnesota 8 Lamar Jackson QB 6-2 205 9 Louisville 9 Zion young OLB 6-5 267 0 Missouri 10 LaJohntay Wester WR 5-9 180 2 Colorado 12 Joe Fagnano QB 6-3 230 0 UConn 13 Elijah Sarratt WR 6-2 215 0 Indiana 14 Kyle Hamilton SAF 6-4 220 5 Notre Dame 15 Mike Green OLB 6-3 250 2 Marshall 17 Chris Moore WR 6-1 200 10 Cincinnati 21 Jaylinn Hawkins SAF 6-1 208 7 California 22 Derrick Henry RB 6-3 252 11 Alabama 24 Malaki Starks SAF 6-1 205 2 Georgia 26 Rasheen Ali RB 5-11 210 3 Marshall 27 T.J.Tampa Jr. CB 6-1 190 3 Iowa State 28 Amani Oruwariye CB 6-2 198 6 Penn State 29 Chandler Rivers CB 5-10 189 0 Duke 30 Ryan Eckley P 6-0 205 0 Michigan State 32 Trenton Simpson LB 6-2 242 4 Clemson 33 Tyler Loop K 5-11 191 2 Arizona 38 Keyon Martin CB 5-9 171 2 Louisiana 39 Keondre Jackson SAF 6-2 215 2 Illinois State 40 Teddye Buchanan LB 6-2 240 2 California 43 Justice Hill RB 5-10 195 8 Oklahoma State 44 Marlon Humphrey CB 6-0 200 10 Alabama 45 Ethan Burke OLB 6-6 267 0 Texas 46 Nick Moore LS 6-2 260 5 Georgia 49 Jay Higgins IV LB 6-0 230 2 Iowa 51 Emery Jones Jr. OL 6-5 325 2 LSU 54 Jovaughn Gwyn OL 6-2 310 4 South Carolina 61 A.J.Arcuri OL 6-7 312 2 Michigan State 70 Roger Rosengarten T 6-5 310 3 Washington 71 Vega Ioane G 6-4 326 0 Penn State 72 Andrew Vorhees OG 6-6 330 3 USC 74 John Simpson OG 6-4 330 7 Clemson 75 Chuma Edoga OT 6-4 308 8 USC 76 Carson Vinson T 6-7 325 2 Alabama A&M 77 Ethan Pocic C 6-6 320 10 LSU 79 Ronnie Stanley T 6-6 310 11 Notre Dame 80 Durham Smythe TE 6-5 248 9 Notre Dame 81 Devontez Walker WR 6-1 198 3 North Carolina 81 Nick Vannett TE 6-6 261 11 Ohio State 85 Josh Cuevas TE 6-3 246 0 Alabama 88 Matt Hibner TE 6-4 250 0 SMU 89 Mark Andrews TE 6-5 250 9 Oklahoma 90 Aeneas Peebles DL 6-0 300 2 Virginia Tech 91 Trey Hendrickson OLB 6-4 265 10 Florida Atlantic 92 Nnamdi Madubuike DL 6-3 305 7 Texas A&M 93 Calais Campbell DL 6-8 307 19 Miami (FL) 94 John Jenkins NT 6-3 360 14 Georgia 95 Tavius Robinson OLB 6-6 262 4 Ole Miss 96 Brdrick Washington DL 6-2 315 7 Texas Tech 98 Travis Jones DL 6-4 338 5 UConn

INJURY REPORT SAINTS OUT: LS Zach Wood (calf). DOUBTFUL: LB Isaiah Stalbird (shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: DL Christen Miller (toe), WR Chris Olave (hamstring), DE Chase young (calf).

RAVENS OUT: LB Teddye Buchanan (knee), DT Nnamdi Madubuike (neck), CB T.J.Tampa (knee),WR Zay Flowers (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: OLB Trey Hendrickson (finger), G John Simpson (groin),T Ronnie Stanley (toe).

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PAUL SANCyA

Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele pulls in a touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions in the second half of a game on Sept. 13 in Detroit.

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C This is not lip service. Vele is one of those rare, true underdog stories in the NFL. Consider his path to that Week 1 performance. 1. Vele starred for Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, earning all-league status and recording a pair of touchdowns and a game-clinching interception in his team’s state championship game. But even with his production and size, Vele did not receive a single Division I scholarship offer. He elected to participate in a two-year Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission after graduating high school. 2. He earned a walk-on spot at the University of Utah after completing his mission. While he earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors in 2022, he never put up huge receiving numbers (his 55 catches for 695 yards in 2022 marked a career-high). As an older prospect, he slid to the seventh round of the NFL draft. 3. Vele made the Denver Broncos roster as a rookie and showed how useful he could be, catching 41 passes for 475 yards in 13 games. Still, Denver was willing to part with him after the Saints offered a fourth-round pick last fall. Vele arrived in New Orleans and barely made an impact in the ﬁrst half of the season as the team’s No. 4 wideout. It took until mid-November for him to start drawing consistent targets, then a shoulder injury ended his season just as he was getting going. New Orleans then used the No. 8 pick in this year’s draft on receiver Jordyn Tyson. All of that sticks with Vele — but in a healthy, positive way. Rather than treating his path as a chip on his shoulder, he keeps it in his back pocket as a way to stay level-headed. “It’s just trusting the process,” he said. “Things are never going to go the way you expect it or want it. You’ve just got to make sure you stay ready, stay prepared and when those opportunities do come you’ve got to make the most of them. “I’m grateful the team trusts me enough to put me in situations where I can have those opportunities. Sunday was a good indication for me of how far we’ve come, how much more I have to go to continue to keep doing what I’ve been doing.” While the Saints wait for Tyson to return from a hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve to start his rookie season, Vele is handling an increased workload as the No. 2 option behind Chris Olave. His skillset offers the team something it had sorely lacked since injuries ruined Michael Thomas’ career. At 6-5, Vele is easily the biggest receiver on the roster. More importantly, he plays like it. “(Vele) does a really good job of using his body to gain leverage, to gain body position on catches,” coach Kellen Moore said. “... When you’re a bigger man, you can use your body to your advantage. It’s kind of like the basketball metaphor a little bit as far as being a bigger man, being able to position yourself and box guys out.” In Olave, the Saints have a graceful slasher who can

AP PHOTO By DOUG MURRAy

Saints wide receivers coach Keith Williams talks to wide receiver Devaughn Vele on the sideline during a game against the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 30 in Miami Gardens, Fla.

take the top off of a defense just as easily as he can burn a defender with nifty footwork. When it comes to picking up the dirty yards, though, it’s no surprise to see New Orleans throw the ball in Vele’s vicinity. “You put it in a general area and he’s going to go make a play,” Shough said. “He showed it in the game. I wasn’t making exactly perfect throws and he’s going out there and diving, making the really tough catches.” The bulk of Vele’s work against Detroit came in the short and intermediate areas of the field. Each of his first five catches against the Lions went for 10 or fewer yards. But the “general area” principle applies downfield, too. As big as Vele’s touchdown was, he delivered again in the fourth quarter when he ran a slot fade on a crucial third down from midfield. Vele made the play work despite a bad look at the snap. Lions safety Avonte Maddox played Vele’s outside shoulder, forcing Vele to take an inside release before bending his route back toward the sideline and the throw’s landmark. Shough released the pass just as Vele started working his way toward the outside, and again, he laid out to make a huge diving catch. The 31-yard gain set up a field goal that cut Detroit’s lead to four points. It was the type of play the Saints may have envisioned Vele making when they acquired him in a trade last season. It took a while before that vision became a reality, but again, Vele is used to waiting. In fact, he said it’s become something of a guiding philosophy for his NFL career. “There’s always that saying, ‘Don’t count your opportunities, make your opportunities count,’ ” Vele said. “That’s what I live by.”

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 9C

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SAINTS at RAVENS

Noon Sunday, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore Line: Ravens by 8½ (Over/Under: 45½) TV: CBS | Radio: WWL-AM, 870; WWL-FM, 105.3

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OFFENSIVE LEADERS Saints

Ravens

PASSING

Player

Cmp-Att-Pct Yds TD Int

Tyler Shough

35-56-62.5

410

RUSHING

Player

Att

Travis Etienne Kendre Miller Tyler Shough CJ Donaldson

Net

9 9 4 2

46 30 8 4

Avg TD 5.1 3.3 2.0 2

0 1 0 0

PASSING

Player

Cmp-Att-Pct Yds TD Int

Lamar Jackson

10 7 7 4 3 3

182 32 69 33 54 42

18.2 4.6 9.9 8.3 18 14

0 0 1 1 1 0

Net

Avg TD

24 7 6

144 40 18

6.0 5.7 3.0

3 1 0

Player

Rec Yards Avg TD

Zay Flowers Chris Moore Mark Andrews Derrick Henry LaJohntay Wester

5 1 4 1 2

150 53 49 19 15

30.0 53.0 12.3 19.0 7.5

1 0 0 0 0

KICKING

XPM XPA FGM FGA

Daniel Carlson

Att

Derrick Henry Lamar Jackson Justice Hill

KICKING Player

RECEIVING

Rec Yards Avg TD

Chris Olave Travis Etienne Devaughn Vele Noah Fant Juwan Johnson Bryce Lance

324

RUSHING

Player

RECEIVING Player

17-25-68.0

Player

XPM XPA FGM FGA

Tyler Loop

DEFENSIVE LEADERS TACKLES

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PAUL SANCyA

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough passes against the Detroit Lions last Sunday in Detroit. Shough’s 35-of-56, 410-yard, three-touchdown performance was one of the best in Saints history.

SIGHT TO BEHOLD Shough’s passing performance against Lions ‘unbelievable’

avid Edwards has played with the past two NFL MVPs. He protected Matthew Stafford for two seasons in Los Angeles, then blocked for Josh Allen the past three years in Buffalo. He knows a great quarterJeff when he Duncan back sees one. And he said the New Orleans Saints have someone special in Tyler Shough. “Tyler’s a stud, man,” Edwards said after the Saints’ oh-so-close 31-30 loss to the Detroit Lions last Sunday. “He’s got every tool to be toplevel player in this league, and I hope that people saw that (against Detroit).” Indeed, Shough’s 35-of-56, 410-yard, three-touchdown performance was the most prolific of his career and vaulted him to the top of the NFL’s passing leaders. While Shough’s numbers were impressive, I’m not sure we fully appreciated how special it was. So before turning our attention to the matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, let’s review Shough’s day and put it into historical context: n Shough’s 325 yards passing in the second half and overtime were the most for a Saints quarterback after halftime in a game. The previous high was 310 by Drew Brees in 2008 at Atlanta. n His 231 combined yards passing in the fourth quarter and overtime were the most in the league in Week 1, per NFL Research. The only player in the entire 2025 season with a fourth quarter/ overtime with more yards passing than Shough had in Week 1 was Josh Allen’s 251 in Week 1 of 2025 against the Ravens. n Shough joined Brees and Aaron Brooks as only the third quarterback in Saints history to throw for more than 400 yards in a game. His 410 yards were the 18th-most by a Saints quarterback. n His 35 completions are tied for the eighth most in a game in team history and are the most by any Saints quarterback other than Brees. n His 56 passing attempts are tied for the fifth-most in team history. Brees (2007) and Brooks (2004) have the record with 60. n Shough adjusted impressively to the Lions’ blitz tactics. He completed 8 of 11 passes against the blitz for 79 yards and three touchdowns in the second half and overtime, after going just 2 of 7 for 17 yards and an interception in the first half.

TACKLES

Player

Tot Solo Ast TFL Sk

Jonas Sanker

Kaden Elliss

Justin Reid

Kool-Aid McKinstry

Pete Werner

Julian Blackmon

Danny Stutsman

Davon Godchaux

0 0

Quincy Riley

Nathan Shepherd

Vernon Broughton

Isaiah Stalbird

Carl Granderson

Martin Emerson

Jordan Howden

Tyree Wilson

Colby Wooden

Anfernee Jennings

Decamerion Richardson 1

Player

Tot Solo Ast TFL Sk

Roquan Smith 11 Malaki Starks 7 Kyle Hamilton 5 Travis Jones 4 Trenton Simpson 4 Nate Wiggins 4 Marlon Humphrey 4 Tavius Robinson 3 Carl Jones 2 Calais Campbell 2 Jaylinn Hawkins 2 Keyon Martin 2 Broderick Washington 1 Ronnie Stanley 1 Tyler Loop 1 Chris Moore 1 Rasheen Ali 1

5 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 0 1 2 1 1 1 1 0

6 5 2 1 1 1 1 2 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

0 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

INTERCEPTIONS Player

Tot Yds Avg TD PD

Roquan Smith

1.0

TEAM STATS OFFENSE PER GAME Yards gained: 469.0

OFFENSE PER GAME Yards gained: 506.0

Plays: 81.0

Plays: 62.0

PASS 378.0

RUSH 91.0

PASS 56.0

RUSH 25.0

Turnovers: 3.00 ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By RICK OSENTOSKI

Saints guard David Edwards blocks Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill last Sunday in Detroit.

“Tyler’s a stud, man. He’s got every tool to be a top-level player in this league, and I hope that people saw that (against Detroit).” DAVID EDWARDS, Saints guard

INTERCEPTIONS 2.00

downfield passes. On downfield passes (10-plus air yards), Shough completed 11 of 16 attempts for 261 yards and a touchdown, the most such yards by a Saints quarterback since Brees on Oct. 16, 2016. n Shough’s six “big-time throws” were the most in the league by a wide margin in Week 1 and the second-most in a game by any quarterback since Pro Football Focus began charting the metric in 2006. A big-time throw is defined as a pass with excellent ball location and timing, generally thrown farther down the field and into a tighter window. n The degree of difficulty on some of Shough’s pass connections was off the charts. Two of his passes had completion probability percentages of less than 22%, which ranked them among the four most improbable pass completions of all the Week 1 games, per Next Gen Stats. n The 42-yard completion to Chris Olave in the fourth quarter had a 19.1% completion probability. The 27-yard completion to Juwan Johnson in overtime was at 21.1. And while those passes were impressive, they weren’t even his most impressive throw of the day. “The pass to Juwan,” Edwards said, before being rendered speechless when trying to describe the 18-yard, seeing-eye laser Shough threw to Johnson in the final minute to set up Daniel Carlson’s potential game-winning field goal try. “For him to be able to stand in there and make some of those throws, there was just some great execution from

Tyler and our receivers, tight ends and backs, some unbelievable tight-window throws and execution, even at the end of the game in the fourth quarter.” The Ravens also took notice. Shough’s passing performance dominated their thoughts this week as they prepared for the Saints to visit M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday. “(Shough) is slinging it,” Ravens All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton said. “He can make every throw on the field. You don’t put up 400 yards passing by accident. It’s going to be a big challenge for our defense to stop it.” Added Ravens coach Jesse Minter: “They were throwing the ball all over the yard and put up a ton of numbers.” Historic numbers, in fact. And it came in just Shough’s 10th NFL start. Obviously, it’s wise to not overreact to one game. Longtime Saints fans will remember Brooks enjoyed a similarly impressive breakout performance against the Denver Broncos (441 yards passing) in only his fourth NFL start and was never able to duplicate it. But Shough’s performance is encouraging nonetheless, a breath of fresh air for a club and fan base that have longed for some bona fide offensive fireworks since Brees retired after the 2020 season. Time will tell if Shough’s big day was a one-game aberration or a harbinger of things to come. Either way, it was a sight to behold — and appreciate. Email Jeff Duncan at jduncan@theadvocate.com.

RUSH 202.0

PASS 25.0

RUSH 37.0

Turnovers: 1.00 INTERCEPTIONS 0.00

FUMBLES 1.00

DEFENSE PER GAME Yards allowed: 369.0

DEFENSE PER GAME Yards allowed: 251.0

Turnovers forced: 1.00

Turnovers forced: 2.00

PASS 204.0

RUSH 165.0

INTERCEPTIONS 0.00

FUMBLES 1.00

SCORING PER GAME

SCORED ALLOWED n Shough was money on his

FUMBLES 1.00

PASS 304.0

SCORED ALLOWED

PASS 149.0

INTERCEPTIONS 1.00

FUMBLES 1.00

SCORING PER GAME

SCORED ALLOWED

41.0

31.0

30.0

RUSH 102.0

22.5

18.0

2026

23.0

24.9

2026

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23.4

2025

CONVERSION SUCCESS

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47.1% 52.9%

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33.3%

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STAFF PREDICTIONS ROD WALKER

JEFF DUNCAN

LUKE JOHNSON

MATTHEW PARAS

RAVENS 30, SAINTS 20: you could make a strong argument that this is the toughest opponent the Saints will face all year. Trying to slow down two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry is a tall task for any team. The Saints will have to not only do that but also avoid a slow start. The good news is the schedule lightens up next week for the Saints. RAVENS 28, SAINTS 24: I believe the Saints offense is closer to the one that torched Detroit in the second half and overtime than it is the one that stumbled out of the gate in the season opener. Even against a creative and talented Baltimore defense, they’ll put up some points. But it’s a tough ask for this defense to keep superstars Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson in check.

RAVENS 26, SAINTS 19: This figures to be a sterner challenge than the Week 1 game in Detroit. It’s the home opener for the Ravens, who whipped the Colts on the road in their opener. The Ravens look energized by the coaching change to Jesse Minter and will be motivated to improve on their 3-6 home mark a year ago. The Saints defense will get a heavy dose of Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. RAVENS 23, SAINTS 17: The Saints definitely have a chance, especially with Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers downgraded to out with a hamstring injury. But Baltimore’s run game — and the craftiness of its defense — will likely be too much to overcome. The Saints put up another strong fight to show their headed in the right direction, but the daunting schedule leads to an 0-2 start.

10C ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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WEEK 2

SUNDAy Saints at Ravens Noon, CBS

ON TV THIS WEEK

SUNDAy Panthers at Falcons Noon, Fox

SUNDAy Commanders at Cowboys 3:25, Fox

SUNDAy Colts at Cheifs 7:20 p.m., NBC

MONDAy Giants at Rams 7:15 p.m., ESPN

STANDINGS, SCORES & SCHEDULE AFC East

Buffalo N.Y. Jets New England Miami South Jacksonville Houston Tennessee Indianapolis North Baltimore Cincinnati Pittsburgh Cleveland West Kansas City Las Vegas L.A. Chargers Denver

NFC East

N.Y. Giants Philadelphia Washington Dallas South Atlanta Tampa Bay Carolina New Orleans North

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ABBIE PARR

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson catches a touchdown pass as Green Bay Packers cornerback Brandon Cisse defends during the first half of a game on Sept. 13 in Minneapolis.

TOP TOPICS FOR WEEK 2 BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WR Jefferson targets Bears Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson vs Bears CB Jaylon Johnson is a matchup to watch in this NFC North clash. Jefferson, 27, and Johnson, 27, know each other quite well. They are both 2020 draft picks who have spent their entire careers with their respective NFC North teams. Jefferson had eight catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns in Minnesota’s season opener. He has 59 receptions for 790 yards and four TDs in 10 games against Chicago. Johnson missed both of Chicago’s games against Minnesota last season. He has one interception in six games versus the Vikings during his career.

Important clash in NFC South The NFC South suffered the indignity of having four teams finish with losing records last season and take Week 1 losses to open the 2026 season. Last week’s poor showing makes division matchups, including Carolina’s visit to Atlanta on Sunday, especially important. Though the Panthers finished with the same 8-9 regular-season record as Atlanta and Tampa Bay last season, they swept the two games against the Falcons on their way to winning the division title tiebreaker. Atlanta’s home opener follows a 20-13 loss at Pittsburgh. The Falcons were forced to start third-string quarterback Cooper Rush, and he gets the nod again Sunday.

Jags hope air attack downs Denver The Jacksonville Jaguars receiving corps will look to go to work against the Denver defensive backs on Sunday. This premier matchup pits Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas and Josh Cameron against Patrick Surtain II, Riley Moss, Ja’Quan McMillian and Jahdae Barron. The Jacksonville passing attack was strong against Cleveland but the real test comes when the Broncos try to bounce back from their poor performance at Kansas City. Despite a 31-10 loss, Denver did hold the Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes to just 184 yards passing and picked off one pass.

Mayﬁeld gets shot at Browns Baker Mayfield has become the leader and face of the franchise the Cleveland Browns hoped for when they drafted him No. 1 overall in 2018. The Buccaneers are glad he’s found a home and done so in Tampa Bay instead. But there’s more to the BrownsBuccaneers matchup Sunday than Mayfield facing his old team. It’s two 0-1 teams looking to get on the winning track. Expectations are much different for both. It’ll be a surprise if the Browns don’t finish last in a tough AFC North. The Buccaneers play in the weak NFC South where all four teams lost their openers.

Cowboys, Commanders start in hole There’s a sudden sense of urgency as the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys renew an old NFC East rivalry with both teams staring at an 0-2 start in division games. The Commanders and coach Dan Quinn are trying to find the form of the 2024 season, when they reached the NFC championship game. Meanwhile, the Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott want to get back to where they were the year before that when Quinn was in charge of their defense. Dallas fell to the New york Giants and Washington is on the road again after losing to Philadelphia last week.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Texans face Bengals after ‘wake-up call’ BY KRISTIE RIEKEN AP sportswriter

HOUSTON — Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson said giving up 36 points in a seasonopening loss to the Buffalo Bills wasn’t a reason to get mad but instead should be a catalyst to improve. “That’s probably the best thing that could have happened to us,” he said. “We got hit in the mouth and now we know how to respond. Now it’s a wakeup call for everybody.” The Texans look to bounce back from that uncharacteristically poor performance when they host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The

Bengals are coming off a 33-27 win over Tampa Bay in their opener. And they know better than to underestimate the Houston defense, which was among the league’s best last season, despite the lackluster performance on opening weekend. “They are very fast, very physical,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “Not only are they very talented and wellcoached but they play really good together as a unit. (We’ve) certainly got our work cut out for us. They have elite talent across the board on their defense and it poses a lot of challenges for you.” Quarterback Joe Bur-

row was limited in practice Wednesday as he deals with back tightness and “normal game-day soreness.” But the threetime Pro Bowler said there’s no way the problem would keep him out against the Texans. “That’s ridiculous,” Burrow said. After dealing with Josh Allen last week, the Texans know their defense will have its hands full again in trying to slow down Burrow and the Cincinnati offense. He threw for 254 yards with a touchdown and interception against the Buccaneers. “The Bengals are a really exceptional offense,” Houston coach

DeMeco Ryans said. “Everything starts and goes through the quarterback. Talk about a guy that has exceptional talent, Joe Burrow, he’s one of the best quarterbacks I’ve watched and studied.” While Houston certainly respects Burrow and his talented offense, Anderson said the key to success this week will be for the Texans to focus on themselves. “The biggest thing is just going out there and having fun,” he said. “Not overcomplicating football. Not getting too high. Not getting too low. But just playing our brand of ball and having fun doing that.”

Minnesota Chicago Detroit Green Bay West San Francisco Arizona Seattle L.A. Rams

W 2 1 0 0

L 0 0 1 1

T Pct 0 1.000 0 1.000 0 .000 0 .000

PF 77 23 10 13

PA Home Away 62 1-0-0 1-0-0 10 0-0-0 1-0-0 13 0-0-0 0-1-0 27 0-0-0 0-1-0

AFC NFC Div 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0

W 1 0 0 0

L 0 1 1 1

T Pct 0 1.000 0 .000 0 .000 0 .000

PF 34 31 10 23

PA Home Away 10 1-0-0 0-0-0 36 0-1-0 0-0-0 23 0-1-0 0-0-0 41 0-1-0 0-0-0

AFC NFC Div 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0

W 1 1 1 0

L 0 0 0 1

T Pct 0 1.000 0 1.000 0 1.000 0 .000

PF 41 33 20 10

PA Home Away 23 0-0-0 1-0-0 27 1-0-0 0-0-0 13 1-0-0 0-0-0 34 0-0-0 0-1-0

AFC 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-1-0

NFC Div 0-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0

W 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 1 1

T Pct 0 1.000 0 1.000 0 .000 0 .000

PF 31 27 14 10

PA Home Away 10 1-0-0 0-0-0 13 1-0-0 0-0-0 26 0-1-0 0-0-0 31 0-0-0 0-1-0

AFC 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-1-0

NFC Div 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-1-0

W 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 1 1

T Pct 0 1.000 0 1.000 0 .000 0 .000

PF 28 24 22 20

PA Home Away 20 1-0-0 0-0-0 22 1-0-0 0-0-0 24 0-0-0 0-1-0 28 0-0-0 0-1-0

AFC 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0

NFC Div 1-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-1-0

W 0 0 0 0

L 1 1 1 1

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .000 .000 .000 .000

PF 13 27 37 30

PA Home Away 20 0-0-0 0-1-0 33 0-0-0 0-1-0 59 0-1-0 0-0-0 31 0-0-0 0-1-0

AFC 0-1-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-0-0

NFC Div 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-0-0

W 1 1 1 0

L 0 0 1 1

T Pct 0 1.000 0 1.000 0 .500 0 .000

PF 39 59 62 22

PA Home Away AFC NFC Div 22 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 37 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 71 1-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 39 0-0-0 0-1-0

W 1 1 1 0

L 0 0 0 1

T Pct 0 1.000 0 1.000 0 1.000 0 .000

PF 27 26 13 7

PA Home Away 7 0-0-0 1-0-0 14 0-0-0 1-0-0 10 1-0-0 0-0-0 27 0-1-0 0-0-0

WEEK 2

AFC 0-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0

NFC Div 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 0-1-0

WEEK 3

Thursday’s game Buffalo 41, Detroit 31 Sunday’s games Carolina at Atlanta, noon Cincinnati at Houston, noon Cleveland at Tampa Bay, noon Green Bay at N.Y. Jets, noon Minnesota at Chicago, noon New Orleans at Baltimore, noon Philadelphia at Tennessee, noon Pittsburgh at New England, noon Jacksonville at Denver, 3:05 p.m. Las Vegas at L.A. Chargers, 3:05 p.m. Miami at San Francisco, 3:25 p.m. Seattle at Arizona, 3:25 p.m. Washington at Dallas, 3:25 p.m. Indianapolis at Kansas City, 7:20 p.m. Monday’s game N.Y. Giants at L.A. Rams, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24 Atlanta at Green Bay, 7:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 Carolina at Cleveland, noon Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, noon Houston at Indianapolis, noon Kansas City at Miami, noon L.A. Chargers at Buffalo, noon N.Y. Jets at Detroit, noon New England at Jacksonville, noon Seattle at Washington, noon Tennessee at N.Y. Giants, noon Arizona at San Francisco, 3:05 p.m. Minnesota at Tampa Bay, 3:05 p.m. Baltimore vs Dallas at Rio de Janeiro, BRA, 3:25 p.m. Las Vegas at New Orleans, 3:25 p.m. L.A. Rams at Denver, 7:20 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28 Philadelphia at Chicago, 7:15 p.m.

NFL BRIEFS

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By AJ MAST

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers gets past Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward for a touchdown during the first half on Sept. 13 in Indianapolis.

Ravens WR Flowers to miss Saints game

Rams receiver Nacua in doubt for Monday

The Baltimore Ravens have ruled out wide receiver Zay Flowers for Sunday’s game against New Orleans because of a hamstring injury. Flowers left last weekend’s season-opening win against Indianapolis in the second quarter after ﬁve catches for 150 yards and a touchdown. He missed practice Wednesday and Thursday and was limited Friday. Baltimore also put cornerback T.J. Tampa (knee) on injured reserve and signed linebacker Carl Jones from the practice squad.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is questionable to play Monday night against the New York Giants because of a groin injury. Nacua did not practice Saturday, sidelined for the second straight day with an injury that is not related to a core muscle injury the fourth-year standout sustained during a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys in August, coach Sean McVay said. Nacua had ﬁve receptions for 74 yards in the season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.

Jets place rookie WR Cooper on IR

Texans going without WR Collins vs. Bengals

The New York Jets placed rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper on injured reserve on Saturday, sidelining the ﬁrst-round draft pick for at least four games. Cooper, the 30th overall pick and third of New York’s firstrounders in April, sprained an ankle in his NFL debut last Sunday at Tennessee. The former Indiana star started and had a 30-yard catch-and-run that set up the Jets’ touchdown on their opening drive in a 23-10 victory. Cooper had already been ruled out to play in New York’s home opener Sunday against Green Bay.

Houston receiver Nico Collins will miss Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a hamstring injury. Collins was injured during Wednesday’s practice and did not participate in practice Thursday or Friday before being ruled out. He had seven catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in Houston’s season-opening loss to Buffalo. Collins, who is in his sixth season, has had at least 1,000 yards receiving in each of the last three seasons.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 11C

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THE VARSITY ZONE WEEK 4 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE All games 7 p.m. unless noted.

Thursday

District 6-5A Hammond at Mandeville District 9-5A Chalmette vs. Rummel at Yenni Holy Cross vs. Edna Karr at Morris F. X. Jeff Sr. Stadium Nondistrict Haynes vs. Thomas Jefferson at Memtsas, 6:30 p.m. Ellender vs. Morris Jeff at Joe Brown

Friday

District 6-5A Covington at Northshore Ponchatoula at St. Paul’s Slidell at Fontainebleau District 7-5A H.L. Bourgeois at East St. John District 8-5A East Jefferson vs. Bonnabel at Yenni Higgins vs. John Ehret at Memtsas District 9-5A Jesuit vs. Brother Martin at Gormley Nondistrict Amite at Salmen Booker T. Washington at Springﬁeld Carver vs. Sarah T. Reed at Joe Brown Central Lafourche at Destrehan Country Day at Episcopal E.D. White at Shaw

Fisher at Hannan Franklinton at Jewell Sumner Hahnville at Lutcher Jefferson Rise at Istrouma Kennedy vs. L.B. Landry at Morris F.X. Jeff Sr. Stadium Lakeshore at Vandebilt Catholic McDonogh 35 at Belle Chasse Pope John Paul II at Northlake Christian Patrick Taylor vs. Kenner Discovery at Bertolino Pearl River at Pine Warren Easton at Zachary West St. John at St. Thomas Aquinas Willow at Newman Sophie B. Wright at St. Martin’s St. Charles vs. De La Salle at Pan American Varnado at Ben Franklin Young Audiences at Riverside

Saturday District 8-5A Riverdale vs. West Jefferson at Memtsas, 2 p.m. District 9-5A John Curtis vs. St. Augustine at Gormley, 3 p.m. Nondistrict Abramson vs. Cohen at Pan American, 2 p.m. South Plaquemines vs. McMain at Morris F.X. Jeff Sr. Stadium

WEEK 3 FOOTBALL SUMMARIES Edna Karr 21, Ruston 14

STAFF PHOTOS By SOPHIA GERMER

From left, Edna Karr players Lance Felix, Zyion Wesley and Jermond Macklin celebrate a touchdown against Ruston during their game Saturday at Caesars Superdome.

Macklin’s 3 touchdowns boost Karr over Ruston Cougars defense has second-half shutout

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE

Staff writer

Jermond Macklin ran for three touchdowns and the Edna Karr defense posted a second-half shutout on the way to defeating Ruston 21-14 in a showdown between the state’s top-ranked teams Saturday at the Caesars Superdome. Macklin ran 15 times for 80 yards as the No. 2 Cougars survived a late scare and extended their winning streak to 30 games by defeating the No. 1 team in the state media poll. The senior running back scored his ﬁnal touchdown on an option play where quarterback Marlon Jones kept his hands on the ball as the pair neared the goal line on a 3-yard run that broke a 14-14 tie in the fourth quarter. The Cougars (3-0) ran several option plays where Jones decided between keeping it for himself or letting Macklin run with it. Jones ran nine times for 77 yards before his three kneel downs at the end. “I was just happy for the guys that they fought and played tough, physical defense, and we ran the ball well when the passing game usually for us is always clicking,” Karr coach Brice Brown said. “Ruston did a pretty good job in this one.” The Karr defense held strong to the end, even after a late scare following a mistake on special teams. Karr lined up to punt following three kneel downs that ran most of the remaining time off the clock, but a high punt snap gave Ruston (2-1) the ball at the Karr 16 with 12 seconds and no timeouts remaining. Ruston quarterback Sam Hartwell fumbled the snap, fell on the ball and got up quickly enough to line up the offense and spike it with one second remaining. The ﬁnal pass to the end zone landed incomplete.

Team RUST KARR First Downs 13 19 Yards Rushing 24-91 37-145 Yards Passing 124 107 Passes (C-A-HI) 12-31-1 15-26-1 Punts-avg. 3-28 2-36 Fumbles-lost 1-0 1-0 Penalties-yards 6-35 5-45 SCORING SUMMARY Ruston 7 7 0 0 —14 Edna Karr 14 0 0 7 —21 KARR: Jermond Macklin 3 run (Brayan Castellon kick) KARR: Macklin 11 run (Castellon kick) RUST: Dalen Powell 71 run (Joaquin Ramos kick) RUST: Powell 14 run (Ramos kick) KARR: Macklin 3 run (Castellon kick)

Holy Cross 10, St. Charles 7, OT Team HC SC First Downs 6 9 Yards Rushing 33-78 38-128 Yards Passing 96 35 Passes (C-A-HI) 3-8-0 10-14-1 Punts-avg. 6-30 3-35 Fumbles-lost 3-2 1-1 Penalties-yards 8-57 1-5 SCORING SUMMARY Holy Cross 0 7 0 0 3 —10 St. Charles 0 0 7 0 0 —7 HC: Talon Meyers 68 pass from Cooper Odle (Drew Aguirre kick) SC: Evan Duffour 1 run (Blake Taravella kick) HC: Aguirre 20 ﬁeld goal

Kennedy 35, St. Amant 28

Edna Karr quarterback Marlon Jones, right, keeps the ball in a game against Ruston on Saturday at Caesars Superdome. “When you’ve been in this business this long, young people are going to do one thing: They’re going to be young people,” Brown quipped about the high punt snap. Before the kneel downs, Karr tried a run play knowing that a first down would clinch the game. But the Cougars got flagged for holding, bringing up a first and 20. Boosting the Karr defense in the second half were Edward Dailey’s three sacks, the last two of them coming on third-and-long situations. Defensive end Dalgen Massey also had a stop in the backfield and a pass breakup in the late stages. The Cougars limited 6-foot-7 Ruston tight end Ahmad Hudson, an LSU commitment, to three catches and 10 yards. Karr scored touchdowns the first two times it had the ball. The first drive lasted 14 plays and ended with Macklin’s 3-yard run for his first touchdown. The second touchdown came three plays after Anthony White’s interception near the sideline. Macklin ran 11 yards on a readoption handoff from Jones.

Ruston quickly followed with two touchdowns. Running back Dalen Powell burst through an opening on the left side and ran 71 yards for the ﬁrst score. Following a Karr punt, Ruston ran more than 7 minutes off the clock during a 13-play drive that ended with Powell’s 14-yard run just inside the left pylon. Powell ran 16 times for 122 yards. Karr is the two-time reigning Division I select state champion. Ruston, in Division I nonselect, has reached the state ﬁnals four years in a row, winning once in 2023. “They got after us,” Ruston coach Jarrod Baugh said. “Their kids played hard. They’re used to winning football games. They ain’t won that many ballgames by not getting used to playing hard. There were times in the ballgame where I felt like they were playing harder than us.” Next for Karr is the opening of District 9-5A play against Holy Cross on Thursday at Morris F.X. Jeff Sr. Stadium in Algiers. Contact Christopher Dabe at cdabe@theadvocate.com

Team KHS STA First Downs 24 13 Yards Rushing 145 131 Yards Passing 421 226 Passes (C-A-HI) 23-34-1 22-33-0 Punts-avg. 3-26.7 4-30.5 Fumbles-lost 1-0 3-1 Penalties-yards 16-135 10-84 SCORING SUMMARY Kennedy 14 7 7 7 —35 St. Amant 7 7 0 14 —28 KHS: Rashad Jackson 11 pass from Dorrien Dunham (Salmon Martinez kick) STA: Jourdan Hickerson 51 run (Paxton LeBlanc kick) KHS: Dunham 11 run (Martinez kick) KHS: Dunham 21 run (Martinez kick) STA: Hickerson 6 run (LeBlanc kick) KHS: Jackson 75 pass from Dunham (Martinez kick) KHS: Dunham 10 run (Martinez kick) STA: Kayden Thodile 57 pass from Brock Koontz (LeBlanc kick) STA: Hickerson 1 run (LeBlanc kick)

Rummel 24, Shaw 7 Team RUM SHAW First Downs 13 9 Yards Rushing 34-184 21-64 Yards Passing 109 107 Passes (C-A-HI) 13-22-0 9-20-0 Punts-avg. 1-32 4-30 Fumbles-lost 1-0 0-0 Penalties-yards 12-100 9-103 SCORING SUMMARY Rummel 0 10 7 7 —24 Shaw 0 0 0 7 —7 RUM: Coryan Hawkins 4 run (Joseph Delcid kick) RUM: Delcid 31 ﬁeld goal RUM: Colton Nussmeier 12 run (Delcid kick) SHAW: Red Shaw 1 run (JonCarlos D’Bran kick) RUM: John Schnabel 4 run (Delcid kick)

L.B. Landry 18, Young Audiences 12 Team YAC LBL First Downs 12 11 Yards Rushing 12-39 43-151 Yards Passing 134 91 Passes (C-A-HI) 21-40-2 4-9-0 Punts-avg. 5-33.8 3.27.3 Fumbles-lost 1-1 1-1 Penalties-yards 6-46 14-111 SCORING SUMMARY Young Aud. 0 0 0 12 —12 L.B. Landry 0 12 6 0 —18 LBL: Jai Johnson 40 interception return (kick failed) LBL: Akiree Hogan 2 run (kick failed) LBL: Hogan 64 pass from Darren Coler (kick failed) YAC: Devol Sibley 7 pass from Markus Soule (2-point pass failed) YAC: Ali Bailey 3 pass from Soule (2-point pass failed)

Brother Martin 56, Warren Easton 6 Team BM WE First Downs 18 5 Yards Rushing 33-297 18-45 Yards Passing 92 127 Passes (C-A-HI) 7-10-0 4-13-1 Punts-avg. 31.0 26.0 Fumbles-lost 0-0 4-4 Penalties-yards 6-60 10-85 SCORING SUMMARY Brother Martin 14 21 14 7 —56 Warren Easton 0 6 0 0 —6 BM: Micah Irons 12 pass from Hudson Fields (Maximo Barrios kick) BM: Andrew Dyson 90 blocked kick return (Barrios kick) BM: Irons 20 pass from Justin Morgan (Barrios kick) BM: Fields 25 run (Barrios kick) BM: Easton Royal 12 pass from Morgan (Barrios kick) WE: Josiah Everage 77 pass from Anthony Perkins (kick blocked) BM: Royal 3 pass from Morgan (Barrios kick) BM: Channing Wise Jr. 6 pass from Fields (Barrios kick) BM: Preston Miller 2 run (Barrios kick)

St. Augustine 55, East Ascension 7 Team EA STA First Downs 16 26 Yards Rushing 29-65 29-175 Yards Passing 113 212 Passes (C-A-HI) 11-22-1 16-23-0 Punts-avg. 4-27.5 2-27.5 Fumbles-lost 2-1 1-1 Penalties-yards 9-90 9-75 SCORING SUMMARY East Ascension 0 7 0 0 —7 St. Augustine 14 13 25 0 —52 SA: Patrick Robinson 42 run (kick failed) SA: Miguel Whitley 15 pass from Jaelle Noble (Ray’Quan Williams 2-pt pass from Noble) SA: Co’Hann Davis 6 run (kick failed) SA: Robinson 9 pass from Noble (Landon Brooks kick) EA: Jeremyah Merriweather 12 pass from Zaylen Smith (Reilly Hopkins kick) SA: Lucas Jefferson 50 pass from Noble (Brooks kick) SA: Khlil Lewis 4 run (kick failed) SA: Payton Thomas 22 interception return (kick blocked) SA: Davis 12 run (kick failed)

STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Coryan Hawkins runs the ball for Rummel as Ronnie Miller, left, defends for Shaw on Friday in Marrero.

St. Aug showcases explosive offense in win at Dome kind of hanging around, they sive back Payton Thomas interwent on to win 52-7 over Jaelle Noble. Noble throws for 3 Knights An Ole Miss commitment, Whit- could be real dangerous, so we re- cepted East Ascension quarterEast Ascension, totaling 387 yards offense and 26 first downs. ley led St. Augustine in receiving, ally talked all week about having back Zaylen Smith for a 22-yard TDs as Purple Knights ofThe matchup was the second finishing with 54 yards on four a fast start.” pick-six. East Ascension got on the game of a Superdome high school catches. Noble completed 16 of Davis scored St. Augustine’s ficruise past football doubleheader. St. Augus- 22 passes for 212 yards and three scoreboard before halftime when nal touchdown from 12 yards out, senior Jeremyah Merriweather finishing with 55 yards rusing on tine coach Robert Valdez was hon- touchdowns. East Ascension “I feel like overall I didn’t have caught a 12-yard touchdown pass eight carries. Robinson led the ored on the field after securing his

BY SPENCER URQUHART Staff writer

It didn’t take long for St. Augustine’s offense to start piling up points at the Caesars Superdome on Saturday night against East Ascension. St. Augustine only needed two plays to ﬁnd the end zone on its ﬁrst drive, which saw senior running back Patrick Robinson race around the right side for a 42yard touchdown run. The Purple

150th win as a head coach. “I knew about (getting 150 wins) but was trying to tune it down,” Valdez said. “I was locked in on the game. I’m so grateful for family, our administration (at St. Augustine) and our kids just to come out here and get this type of victory.” After scoring ﬁrst, St. Augustine put together an 8-play drive to go up 14-0 that was capped off by a 15-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Miguel Whitley from junior quarterback

a great game, but my guys had my back,” Noble said. “Once the summer came, (the wide receivers and I) built that chemistry.” On St. Augustine’s next scoring drive, sophomore running back Co’Hann Davis ran in a 6-yard touchdown. The Purple Knights took a 27-0 lead after Robinson caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from Noble. “We talked about we’ve got to start fast and set the tone real early,” Valdez said. “To keep a team like (East Ascension) just

from Zaylen Smith. St. Augustine went on to score 25 unanswered points in the second half. The Purple Knights struck less than a minute into the third quarter when Noble found junior Lucas Jefferson over the middle of the ﬁeld for a 50-yard touchdown. The next St. Augustine touchdown was a 4-yard touchdown run by junior Khlil Lewis to cap off an eight-play drive. The Purple Knights scored again less than a minute later when senior defen-

Purple Knights in rushing with 70 yards on seven carries. Merriweather led East Ascension in receiving, totaling 81 yards on eight catches. Smith completed 11 of 22 passes for 103 yards. St. Augustine (3-0) begins district play next Saturday in Week 4 against John Curtis at Tad Gormley Stadium. East Ascension (2-1) will travel to St. Amant on Friday to start district play. Email Spencer Urquhart at surquhart@theadvocate.com.

12C ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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SCOREBOARD Holes-in-one John Jackson

Hole: No. 14 Club: 7 iron Yardage: 154 yards Witnesses: Dr. Todd Cooley, Dennis Shill

Colorado 56 x-clinched division z-clinched playoff berth

Major League Baseball

Pittsburgh 8, Kansas City 5 Cincinnati 6, Chicago Cubs 4 N.Y. Mets 6, Philadelphia 3 Milwaukee 6, Baltimore 5, 10 innings Atlanta 6, Houston 2 Washington 9, St. Louis 1 Seattle 5, Colorado 4 San Diego 8, Miami 2 N.Y. Yankees 9, Arizona 2 L.A. Dodgers 8, San Francisco 2

East Division

Sports Betting Line NFL Sunday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG at BALTIMORE 7½ 8½ (45½) New Orlns at HOUSTON 2½ 2½ (45½) Cincinnati at CHICAGO 3½ 4½ (47½) Minnesota Green Bay 6½ 3½ (44½) at NY JETS Carolina 1½ 2½ (43½)at ATLANTA at N.E. 4½ 4½ (41½) Pittsburgh at TAMPA BAY 6½ 8½ (41½) Cleveland Philadelphia 4½ 7 (39½) at TEN at DENVER 3 2½ (45½) Jax at CHARGRS 8½ 6½ (43½) Las Vegas Seattle 10 4½ (40½)at ARIZONA at DALLAS 4½ 4½ (50½)Washington at SAN FRAN 10½ 13½ (44½) Miami at K.C. 5½ 6½ (46½) Ind

Monday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG at LA RAMS 9½ 7 (47½) NY Giants

College Football MLB Sunday

American League FAVORITE LINE at TAMPA BAY OFF at CLEVELAND -240 Detroit -122 at TEXAS OFF Minnesota -112 National League FAVORITE LINE Philadelphia -168 at CINCINNATI OFF at ST. LOUIS -154 at LA DODGERS -420 at SAN DIEGO -138 Interleague FAVORITE LINE at PITTSBURGH OFF at HOUSTON -141 Seattle -155 N.Y Yankees -113 Milwaukee -213

UNDERDOG Boston Athletics at WHITE SOX Toronto at LA ANGELS

LINE OFF +188 -101 OFF -109

UNDERDOG at N.Y METS Chicago Cubs Washington San Francisco Miami

LINE +137 OFF +124 +318 +113

UNDERDOG LINE Kansas City OFF Atlanta +115 at COLORADO +127 at ARIZONA -109 at BALTIMORE +169

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

W 27 27 25 25 15 11 10

L 14 14 16 16 26 30 31

Pct .659 .659 .610 .610 .366 .268 .244

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

W 31 30 28 26 16 15 15 8

L 10 11 13 16 26 27 26 33

Pct GB .756 — .732 1 .683 3 .619 5½ .381 15½ .357 16½ .366 16 .195 23

WESTERN CONFERENCE

x-clinched playoff spot Friday’s Games

New York 93, Minnesota 81 Indiana 103, Toronto 85 Golden State 82, Portland 66

Saturday’s Games

Dallas 87, Phoenix 82 Atlanta 106, Chicago 81 Seattle at Golden State, n Minnesota at Connecticut, noon New York at Toronto, 2 p.m.

GB — — 2 2 12 16 17

z-Tampa Bay z-New York Boston Toronto Baltimore

W 93 89 84 76 75

L 60 64 70 78 79

Pct .608 .582 .545 .494 .487

GB — 4 9½ 17½ 18½

Cleveland Chicago Detroit Minnesota Kansas City

W 79 78 73 72 67

L 75 76 81 82 87

Pct .513 .506 .474 .468 .435

GB — 1 6 7 12

W L Houston 77 77 Texas 77 77 Seattle 72 82 Athletics 61 93 Los Angeles 59 95 z-clinched playoff berth

Pct .500 .500 .468 .396 .383

GB — — 5 16 18

Central Division

West Division

Friday’s Games

Pittsburgh 8, Kansas City 5 Cleveland 5, Athletics 3 Boston 4, Tampa Bay 2 Milwaukee 6, Baltimore 5, 10 innings Atlanta 6, Houston 2 Detroit 11, Chicago White Sox 8 Texas 7, Toronto 1 Seattle 5, Colorado 4 Minnesota 3, L.A. Angels 0 N.Y. Yankees 9, Arizona 2

Saturday’s Games

Chicago White Sox 3, Detroit 1 Milwaukee 1, Baltimore 0 Tampa Bay 2, Boston 1 Cleveland 12, Athletics 6 Pittsburgh 6, Kansas City 5 Texas 6, Toronto 2 Atlanta 6, Houston 3 N.Y. Yankees at Arizona, n Seattle at Colorado, n Minnesota at L.A. Angels, n Kansas City (Wacha 9-9) at Pittsburgh (Bachar 1-4), 12:35 p.m. Athletics (Perkins 3-11) at Cleveland (Williams 13-8), 12:40 p.m. Boston (Sandoval 1-6) at Tampa Bay (Jax 7-10), 12:40 p.m. Atlanta (Pérez 9-9) at Houston (Brown 6-3), 1:10 p.m. Detroit (Melton 8-4) at Chicago White Sox (Martin 9-7), 1:10 p.m. Toronto (TBD) at Texas (deGrom 11-9), 1:35 p.m. Seattle (Anderson 1-2) at Colorado (Freeland 4-10), 2:10 p.m. Minnesota (Kremer 3-5) at L.A. Angels (Johnson 5-8), 3:07 p.m. N.Y. Yankees (Warren 10-6) at Arizona (Burnes 0-0), 3:10 p.m. Milwaukee (Misiorowski 15-5) at Baltimore (Young 9-4), 6:20 p.m.

Saturday’s Games

Milwaukee 1, Baltimore 0 N.Y. Mets 10, Philadelphia 3 Chicago Cubs 5, Cincinnati 2 Pittsburgh 6, Kansas City 5 Atlanta 6, Houston 3 Washington at St. Louis, n N.Y. Yankees at Arizona, n Seattle at Colorado, n Miami at San Diego, n San Francisco at L.A. Dodgers, n

Sunday’s Games

Philadelphia (Sánchez 17-6) at N.Y. Mets (Tong 2-1), 12:10 p.m. Kansas City (Wacha 9-9) at Pittsburgh (Bachar 1-4), 12:35 p.m. Chicago Cubs (Peterson 8-8) at Cincinnati (Lowder 6-11), 12:40 p.m. Atlanta (Pérez 9-9) at Houston (Brown 6-3), 1:10 p.m. Washington (Irvin 2-9) at St. Louis (Mathews 2-3), 1:15 p.m. Seattle (Anderson 1-2) at Colorado (Freeland 4-10), 2:10 p.m. Miami (Alcantara 13-10) at San Diego (Buehler 8-6), 3:10 p.m. N.Y. Yankees (Warren 10-6) at Arizona (Burnes 0-0), 3:10 p.m. San Francisco (Roupp 9-14) at L.A. Dodgers (TBD), 3:10 p.m. Milwaukee (Misiorowski 15-5) at Baltimore (Young 9-4), 6:20 p.m.

Pct .582 .542 .510 .500 .494 .484

WCGB +11 +5 — 1½ 2½ 4

Pct .552 .552 .548

WCGB +½ +½ —

National League Chicago San Diego Philadelphia

W 85 85 85

L 69 69 70

College football Major scores Friday’s games SOUTH

Miami 33, Wake Forest 20

SOUTHWEST

Texas Tech 28, Houston 26

FAR WEST

East Division

Saturday’s games EAST

Oregon 84, Portland St. 0

z-Atlanta Philadelphia Miami Washington New York

W 90 85 76 72 70

L 64 69 78 82 84

Pct .584 .552 .494 .468 .455

GB — 5 14 18 20

x-Milwaukee Chicago Pittsburgh St. Louis Cincinnati

W 96 85 77 75 72

L 58 69 77 79 82

Pct .623 .552 .500 .487 .468

GB — 11 19 21 24

x-Los Angeles San Diego Arizona San Francisco

W 94 85 80 64

L 60 69 74 90

Pct .610 .552 .519 .416

GB — 9 14 30

Yale 38, Holy Cross 28

SOUTH

Alabama 50, Florida St. 36 Alabama A&M 45, Bowie St. 3 Austin Peay 38, West Florida 16 Bethune-Cookman 62, Va. Lynchburg 3 Campbell 42, NC A&T 14 Charleston Southern 65, Point (Ga.) 0 Chattanooga 41, Wofford 7 Clemson 28, North Carolina 20 Davidson 27, VMI 24, OT Dayton 17, E. Kentucky 14 Delta St. 21, MVSU 6 Duke 35, Stanford 7 ETSU 35, West Georgia 27 East Carolina 20, Old Dominion 17 Elon 24, Sacred Heart 21 FAU 16, FIU 10 Florida 44, Auburn 39 Fordham 52, William & Mary 27 Gardner-Webb 44, NC Central 20 Georgia Tech 44, Mercer 11 Jackson St. 41, Tuskegee 7 Jacksonville St. 31, Georgia Southern 27 Liberty 51, Ball St. 15 Louisiana-Lafayette 21, UAB 14 Louisville 41, SMU 31 Memphis 45, UT Martin 21 Middle Tennessee 27, Nevada 20 Mississippi 32, LSU 24 Mississippi St. 41, South Carolina 34 Norfolk St. 42, Hampton 21 North Alabama 38, Alcorn St. 20 Richmond 24, Georgetown 21 SC State 20, Furman 17 SE Louisiana 38, Louisiana-Monroe 35 South Alabama 41, Ohio 36 South Florida 59, Delaware St. 17 Southern U. 50, Louisiana College 31 Tennessee 42, Kennesaw St. 9 Tennessee St. 29, Florida A&M 26 UCF 44, Georgia St. 30 UConn 48, Southern Miss. 20 UTRGV Vaqueros 27, McNeese St. 10 Vanderbilt 35, NC State 31 W. Carolina 58, Presbyterian 14 West Virginia 38, Virginia 27

MIDWEST

W L z-New York 89 64 Boston 84 71 Chicago 79 76 Texas 77 77 Toronto 76 78 Baltimore 75 80 z-clinched playoff berth

National League

West Division

.364

Wild Card Glance American League

Sunday’s Games

Central Division

Friday’s Games

American League

Odds

Sunday’s Games

Washington at Indiana, 3 p.m. Portland at Los Angeles, 6 p.m. Seattle at Las Vegas, 8 p.m.

Boston College 22, Maine 16 Brown 17, New Haven 10 Bryant 21, Princeton 14 Colgate 20, Cornell 7 Columbia 40, Lafayette 34, OT Delaware 22, Coastal Carolina 14 Harvard 31, New Hampshire 7 Lehigh 24, Dartmouth 20 Mercyhurst 49, Glenville St. 20 Monmouth (NJ) 28, Albany (NY) 20 Morgan St. 41, Towson 26 Penn 20, Bucknell 7 Penn St. 55, Buffalo 13 Southern Cal 42, Rutgers 35 Stony Brook 56, Rhode Island 24 UMass 36, Stonehill 14 Villanova 20, LIU Brooklyn 16 Virginia Tech 35, Maryland 26

Arizona St. 24, Kansas 17 Butler 47, Chicago State 20 Cent. Michigan 24, Wyoming 10 Cincinnati 35, Miami (Ohio) 31 Illinois 48, S. Illinois 10 Illinois St. 49, E. Illinois 13 Indiana 38, W. Kentucky 0 Indiana St. 39, Valparaiso 16 Iowa 55, N. Iowa 0 Iowa St. 55, Bowling Green 7 Kansas St. 31, Tulane 20 Marshall 30, Missouri St. 24 Michigan 52, UTEP 17 Minnesota 41, Akron 7 Missouri 27, Troy 17 Nebraska 34, North Dakota 7 Northwestern 41, Colorado 7 Notre Dame 27, Michigan St. 10 Ohio St. 59, Kent St. 3 S. Dakota St. 27, Youngstown St. 20 SE Missouri 27, Cent. Arkansas 9 St. Thomas (Minn.) 28, S. Utah 26 Toledo 49, Temple 48, OT W. Illinois 59, Morehead St. 2 Wisconsin 54, E. Michigan 10

SOUTHWEST

Ark.-Pine Bluff 41, Central St. (Ohio) 35 Baylor 36, Louisiana Tech 19 Georgia 45, Arkansas 17 Incarnate Word 30, Houston Christian 23, OT Kentucky 31, Texas A&M 21 Oklahoma 14, New Mexico 6 Oklahoma St. 59, Murray St. 0 Sam Houston St. 59, Nicholls 0 Stephen F. Austin 31, Prairie View 10 TCU 31, Arkansas St. 7 Tarleton St. 45, Merrimack 20 Texas 30, UTSA 6 Texas State 49, North Texas 35 Tulsa 42, East Texas A&M 0 W. Michigan 28, Rice 21

FAR WEST

Abilene Christian 41, Idaho 39 BYU 41, Colorado St. 23 California 49, Wagner 7 Montana St. 35, CCSU 30 N. Arizona 35, Utah Tech 23 San Diego 38, Cal Poly 35

Utah 33, Utah St. 0 Washington 48, E. Washington 16 Washington St. 48, Duquesne 7

Transactions Major League Baseball

American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Reinstated RHP Félix Bautista from the 60-day IL. Transferred RF Tyler O’Neill from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL. Reinstated CF Christian Franklin from the 10-day IL. Retired 1B Trey Mancini. Optioned LHP Cade Povich and LF Heston Kjerstad to Norfolk (IL). HOUSTON ASTROS — Reinstated CF Brice Matthews from the 60-day IL. Designated CF Jorge Barrosa for assignment. Sent RHP Mike Burrows on a rehab assignment to Sugar Land (PCL). KANSAS CITY ROYALS — Placed RHP Craig Kimbrel on the bereavement list. Recalled RHP Spencer Bivens from Omaha (IL). NEW YORK YANKEES — Placed RF Aaron Judge on the 10-day IL, retroactive to Sept. 17. Recalled LF Max Schuemann from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (IL). TEXAS RANGERS — Placed RHP Michel Otañez on the 15-day injured list retroactive to Sept. 18, 2026. Recalled LHP Adam macko from Round Rock (PCL). National League ATLANTA BRAVES — Sent RHP Robert Suarez on a rehab assignment to Gwinnett (AA-SL). CINCINNATI REDS — Activated 3B Oswaldo Cabrera. Optioned CF TJ Friedl and RHP Julian Aguiar to Louisville (IL). Recalled RHP Zach McCambley from Louisville. COLORADO ROCKIES — Reinstated LHP Jose Quintana from the 60-day IL. Optioned RHP Gabriel Hughes to Albuquerque (PCL). Designated INF Vimael Machín for assignment. MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Sent LHP Rob Zastryzny outright to Nashville (IL). NEW YORK METS — Reinstated LHP Cionel Pérez from the 15-day IL. Optioned RHP Cameron Weston to Syracuse (IL).

BASKETBALL

Women’s National Basketball Association TORONTO TEMPO — Signed C Kamila Borkowska and F Maria Gakdeng to player development contracts.

FOOTBALL

National Football League ATLANTA FALCONS — Elevated DL Zach Harrison from the practice squad to the active roster. BALTIMORE RAVENS — Elevated T Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan from the practice squad to the active roster. Signed LB Carl Jones from the practice squad. Placed DB T.J. Tampa on injured reserve. CAROLINA PANTHERS — Elevated S Isaiah Simmons and LB Jeremiah Moon from the practice squad to the active roster. CINCINNATI BENGALS — Elevated QB Josh Johnson and LB Joe Giles-Harris from the practice squad to the active roster. CLEVELAND BROWNS — Elevated LB Nathaniel Watson from the practice squad to the active roster. DALLAS COWBOYS — Elevated LBs Curtis Robinson and Justin Barron from the practice squad to the active roster. DENVER BRONCOS — Elevated S Mitchell Fraboni and RB Adam Prentice from the practice squad to the active roster. HOUSTON TEXANS — Elevated WR Lewis Bond and DB George Odum from the practice squad to the active roster. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Elevation WR Anthony Gould from the practice squad to the active roster. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Elevated LB Jalen McLeod and QB Nick Mullens from the practice squad to the active roster. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Elevated LB Cole Christiansen and DT Marcus Harris from the practice squad to the active roster. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS — Elevated TE Chris Myarick and WR Cody White from the practice squad to the active roster. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS — Elevated DB Isas Waxter from the practice squad to the active roster. MIAMI DOLPHINS — Placed ILB Ronnie Harrison Jr. on the injured reserve list. Signed LB Liam Anderson from the practice squad. Elevated EDGEs Clelin Ferrell and Max Llewellyn from the practice squad to the active roster.

WALK. RUN. REMEMBER.

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ENLIST NOW

LOUISIANA INSPIRED: Look back on past winners as Inspirit Awards make return 7D

LIVING

N O L A.C O M

S u n d ay, S e p t e m b e r 20, 2026

1dn

“I’m going to therapy. Nobody can come. I’m going to my happy place.” TROY LANDRY, of his ventures into the woods

Jan Risher

Summer 2026 is done, but does summer camp have to end at 18? Even though summer officially ends this week, I have spent the last few days thinking about summer camp — and attempting to make plans to attend one next year. Growing up, I attended a multitude of camps — Girl Scouts, Girls in Action, an unusual horticulture camp at Mississippi State, Youth Legislature, an incredible mountaintop week at YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, church camps and basketball camps galore. The purpose of camps for kids is easy to understand. Camps exist so kids can meet new people, learn new skills, explore new ideas and experience new places. My question: Why should any of that stop at 18? I started down this road because I still want to learn to warp a loom. A search turned up a camp-style five-day class in New Hampshire that teaches exactly that. I already have a call in to get on next year’s list. But thinking about the possibilities for adult camps sent me down a deeper rabbit hole: What would it take to organize a camp for grown women? Then I realized that I have some experience with this. A few years ago, I organized a long weekend writing camp. It was a gathering of kindred spirits who used the time away from the rest of the world to pour their thoughts onto paper and share their hearts. The long weekend served the same purpose summer camps did. We walked away with new insights about ourselves and each other, as well as new and deeper friendships. Plus, we had new content. A few years later, I organized a long weekend where a group of women set out to fold 1,000 paper cranes — a senbazuru. There was almost no programming. Eight women sat around tables and folded cranes for the better part of three days. Some of them didn’t know each other or how to fold a crane when they arrived. By the time we finished the senbazuru, everyone knew everyone and certainly, we all knew how to fold a crane. I’ve thought a great deal about why both of those weekends worked so well. With the origami, we had a goal. At the start, 1,000 cranes is daunting, but a shared task with a real number attached unites people faster than almost anything else I know.

STAFF PHOTOS By SOPHIA GERMER

Troy Landry launches his boat into Lake Verret in Pierre Part for a late August morning of alligator hunting during the first day of filming for the new season of ‘Swamp People.’

A WAY OF LIFE

The ‘king of the swamp’ Troy Landry continues to draw ‘Swamp People’ fans to a small Louisiana town BY JENNA ROSS

Staff writer

PIERRE PART — They’d driven from Arkansas and ﬂown from New Zealand. They’d bought “Choot ’em” hats and Tshirts and a cutting board in the shape of Louisiana. They’d set up lawn chairs and packed coolers and readied Sharpies. Then, just after noon on a Friday during the last week of August, better known ä To see around here as the ﬁrst week more photos of alligator hunting season, spotted their prey: during a day they “Troy’s comin’!” a fan whisin the life of pered, straining to get a look Troy Landry, at Troy Landry, the steady GO TO NOLA.COM star of season after season of “Swamp People,” History Channel’s reality series set in the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin. Landry, 65, backed his boat into the dock behind the gas station in this small, Cajun city that still has no stoplight but still has his heart. Sweaty and red-faced, he and his son Chase began roping gators so big

they had to be transported by forklift, hanging from their jaws and set in a row before onlookers to be measured from tooth to tail. As a cameraman captured the lineup, Landry furrowed and frowned, a look “Swamp People” turns

Spectators gather at Duffy’s Sportsmen’s Supply to see alligators measured during filming of ‘Swamp People.’

ä See LANDRY, page 10D

ä See CAMP, page 9D

“It’s like life gets better for them after they leave the chair.”

As hair transformations go viral, stylists ready next clip Cosmologist Jayla Chaney steams the hair of Travis Jordan at Visionary Suites Beauty Spa in Harvey on Aug. 27.

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

BY KASEY BUBNASH Staff writer

Whole heads of hair neatly braided in a matter of seconds. Natural curls pressed and silky smooth at the flip of a bib. Faded hair color instantly reinvigorated. On hairdresser Quelly Roberson’s social media page, clients are completely transformed by the time they leave Visionary Suites Beauty Spa in Harvey. And those transformations

have become gold for her business and others across the New Orleans area. Videos of dramatic changes — a shaggy teen turned into a clean-cut model, or a grown-out and dried-out dye job turned into a healthy cut in a totally different color — are turning hair stylists into social media influencers, which translates into new clients that come from as far as a plane-ride away. Social media has been at the forefront of Roberson’s

business strategy ever since she ﬁrst started doing her college classmates’ hair more than a decade ago. But it wasn’t until recently that hair transformation and consultation videos started to take off on TikTok and other platforms, bringing Roberson more than 16,500 followers on Instagram and clients willing to travel from Mississippi, Alabama and Florida just to sit in her chair, particularly before

ä See HAIR, page 9D

2D ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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DINING SCENE Meril turns 10 with new chef, menu mainstays And that famous banana cream pie

through it.

A pie with appeal

Will the true Emeril’s banana cream pie please step forward? There are two in play, and embedded in their difference is the story of restaurant evolution and an enduring New Orleans food obsession. The one at Emeril’s Restaurant (800 Tchoupitoulas St.) is a whole, Ian McNulty round, towering pie in miniature, WHAT’S reduced to the size COOKING of a Fabergé egg, and looking just as delicate under sinuous curves of cream. An exquisite delight, complete with its own wine pairing (recently, a magnificently aged Madeira), the pie is included as a course on Emeril’s decadent, bucket-list tasting menu, which starts at $295. The dessert is also a refinement of a more bodacious banana cream pie that was a fixture at the same address since the day chef Emeril Lagasse first opened his restaurant back in 1990. That original banana cream pie now lives on at Meril (424 Girod St.), the Lagasse family’s sister restaurant three blocks away. It’s a hefty wedge of layered banana pieces under an exuberance of cream, rising like a courtesan’s coiffure of sweet curls, laced with caramel and barely corseted by the graham cracker crust. It’s an anytime indulgence for $14, available to end a meal or all on its own, maybe even solo at the bar, and preferably with a glass of port. This is a pie with history, a cult following and a fitting new home at Meril.

STAFF PHOTOS By IAN MCNULTy

The bar is a prominent feature at Meril, an Emeril Lagasse restaurant built to accentuate casual, bar-top dining. Keisha Stepter is chef de cuisine at Meril, the upscale/casual restaurant from the Emeril Group in downtown New Orleans.

10 years of Meril In September, Meril marks its 10-year anniversary (there’s a ticketed party for the anniversary on Sept. 30, see details at end). Lagasse named Meril for his youngest daughter, who was 11 when it opened in 2016 (some of Meril’s childhood drawings can be found around the restaurant). At the time, Lagasse explained

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become commensurately more expensive), Meril by contrast now evokes more of the old Emeril’s, right down to dishes from earlier times that live on here. Freewheeling in concept, tight in execution, it’s a fun place to eat. Today, there’s a new chef de cuisine, Keisha Stepter, who started at Meril as a line cook and rose through the ranks to lead the kitchen. The menu format gives her plenty of opportunity to add her signature. She’s been working directly with Lagasse in recent weeks on new dishes, including more from her roots as a New Or-

its menu was a reflection of food discoveries from his travels, his evolution as a chef and even the way he hosts at home. But what started as a more casual, globally-inspired sibling to Emeril’s has evolved in its relationship to its big brother around the corner. Always upscale, Emeril’s was also a place for robust flavors and a no-rules approach to fine dining. Lamb nachos, whole fried chicken and calamari made appearances through the years. As the flagship has grown into a world-class, two-Michelin Star tasting menu restaurant (and

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Meril’s menu Over a decade, some dishes have become Meril mainstays. The tuna bundles made the leap from Emeril’s, where they were a first bite at countless wine dinners and events. They nestle a glistening plank of yellowfin tuna in a crisp lettuce cup with a hit of jalapeño, a sour-sweet splash of ponzu and a sprinkling of tiny roe for a briny sparkle and fresh simplicity. Turkey necks put the bar food in Meril’s dual identity as an upscale neighborhood tavern (big TV screens and all). People devour these like plus-sized finger-licking chicken wings, drawing succulent dark meat through a citrusy sofrito. Barbecue shrimp has been an Emeril’s standard since 1990, and it’s now found at Meril. The sauce is a thicker-bodied version of the classic with both cream and butter, lots of black pepper, more garlic and a plea for Meril’s oven-hot pocket bread to swipe

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Are you ready for football season?

The 10-year anniversary party on Sept. 30 is open to the public, with tickets for $195. The party includes a reception with small bites, cocktails and music, followed by a family-style dinner of Meril signatures with wine pairings. Get tickets on OpenTable. com. Email Ian McNulty at imcnulty@theadvocate.com.

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One area where the new chef is making her mark is brunch, where there’s a revamped menu of bananas Foster wafﬂes and barbecue shrimp over fried grit cake. Most Saints games have a noon start this season. Keep downtown brunch spots like this in mind to start, and perhaps survive, an early game day at the Dome. The daily happy hour (3-6 p.m.) begins not long before these noon games should be wrapping up. The Saints’ variable outcomes could each argue for a drink.

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leans native. “It’s thrilling working with Chef E,” Stepter said of Lagasse. “For me, it’s about growing while staying true to my heritage.”

Now back to the pie, which has a saga. Unchanged through three decades, the pie saw a redo in 2021 as the founding chef’s son, E.J. Lagasse, then 18, began rethinking the family restaurant’s approach. This pie 2.0 was a delicious, trim and demure riff on the original. It swiftly inspired a revolt by regulars, including impassioned letters bemoaning the change. The message was received. The new version takes the precise recipe for the original whole pie and reduces it by a factor of onesixteenth, now sculpted in step with the reﬁnement of the full menu. Meril, meanwhile, adopted the original in all its rufﬂy, unruly glory. The key to both is an alchemy that happens between the bananas and pastry cream. The banana texture remains dense, and thus stackable, as if green. But it tastes fully ripe, as if brown and soft. This equation gives the pie its uber banana essence. No wonder it has such a fan club.

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The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 3D

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FINE FOUNDATIONS

Nell Nolan

SOCIETY Contact: nnolan@theadvocate.com

Dufour Woolfley, Dufour Woolfley Jr.

David Carimi, Sarah Busch, Angelica Valdivia, Machi Medrzycki

Jeff Delatte, Shawna Meyer, Christopher Johnson

Beth Terry and Katie Hovas

PHOTOS By JEFF STROUT

Benjamin Chadwick, Chuck Perret, Jose Villeda STAFF PHOTOS By NELL NOLAN

Mayra Pineda, Tom Savage, Daniel Hammer, Alexia Williams

n Design Excellence Generations Hall was the site for the night when AIA New Orleans Design Awards 2026 rallied scores for a tripartite tribute. The festive format was a one-hour patron party with a Champagne sabrage provided by Brennan’s restaurant, a gala reception (also an hour), and the awards presentation. The event was spearheaded by Ty Siddiqui, executive director of AIA (American Institute of Architects) New Orleans. The theme, “Reflections,” celebrated 300+ years of the architectural history of New Orleans and the city’s ever-changing skyline. Reflective of the role played by the Mississippi River, decorations included a Fisk map of the shifting river that greeted attendees at the entrance; floating images of Crescent City architecture — from the Lower 9th Ward to Gretna to Metairie — hung high throughout the hall; and an outline of the river’s path on the floor. Noel Williams of Campo Architecture & Interior Design designed the installation. Additional special features were catering by Two Bites, Soul Noodle, Tatlo, and Nori Guys; ice sculptures on display in the Highball Lounge; the signature cocktail, “Landis Looking Glass,” a spicy margarita; and a presentation of 24 awards chosen from 53 submissions. Supporters figTy Siddiqui, Shelby Russ ured in the dozens: The top three were JLV Construction (Angelica Valdivia and Jose Alvarez) for the Highball Lounge, Carimi Construction & Development (David Carimi) for the bar, and Landis Construction LLC (Sarah Busch) for the cocktail component. Benjamin Chadwick, AIA, and principal, Noble Oak Architecture, hosted the hobnobbing. He’s the president of the AIA New Orleans Board of Directors, having succeeded Blake Bergeron, AIA. The president-elect is Christopher Johnson, AIA, and the respective vice president, secretary and treasurer are Shawna Meyer, Elizabeth Mire, and Samantha Johnson, each AIA. The remaining board members are Anna Ghelase, Bryan Bradshaw, Ira Concepcion, and Trae Horne. They are AIA (with two as Assoc. AIA). Amanda Rivera and Noel Williams, both AIA, co-chaired the awards committee. Making their rounds were Shelby E. Russ Jr., David Mahoney, Chuck Perret, Shea Bowers, Jennifer Snape, Nick Williamson,Tania Hahn,Aaron Frumin, Seth Knudsen,Angela Morton and lots more, who delighted in the musical designs of the Scott Johnson Quartet. “My Girl” was a favorite.

n Material Belief “Objects of Faith, Spirit, and Tradition” subtitled the Antiques Forum 2026 of the Historic New Orleans Collection. “Material Belief” titled the doings, which started with an additional-fee North Shore Excursion or, in New Orleans, a “Show and Tell” of objects of belief from the Collection’s holdings and a later public session, “Fashioning Belief and Commitment.” Michael E. Mamp, Ph.D., was the speaker. All of that occurred on a Friday. As he has done every year since the forum’s inception, moderator Tom Savage, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, opened the Saturday program in the Williams Research Priscilla Lawrence, Center with “The Beauty of Holiness,” after words of Jason and Michelle welcome from Daniel Hammer, HNOC president and CEO. Additional speakers that day and the next, Sunday, were Leckert Dr. Alexia Williams, Beth B. Schneider, Dale A. Carlson, Dr. George H. Schwartz, Lydia Blackmore and Nina Bozak, Erin M. Greenwald, Ph.D., Dr. Lily Higgins, Dr. Marcellite Failla and Lilith Dorsey, M.A., Sarah Duggan, Heather Veneziano, and Dr. Christopher S. Hunter. Special thanks tapped lead sponsors Neal Auction, Country Roads, Moss Antiques and Keil’s Antiques, as well as individuals Drs. Ann and Greg Tilton. Friday’s talks were punctuated at lunchtime by an optional “Luncheon with the Speakers” in the Hotel Monteleone. After closing remarks, the attendees and speakers gathered for the Champagne reception. Closerie d’Orleans was the featured bubbly, Urban Earth did the ﬂowers, and the Napoleon House catered. Bruschetta bites, barbequed shrimp, BLT sandwiches, and macaroons were among the tasty treats for the throng who milled about the Collection’s Brulator Courtyard (part of the 1816 Seignouret-Brulator Building and new Tricentennial Wing) and The Helis Foundation Hall. Quite a few slipped into The Shop at the Collection, which fronts on Royal Street. More notable names were those of HNOC chair Bonnie Boyd (and most of the board members) and Antiques Forum Planning Committee Program Coordinator Dhani Adomaitis.

Brian and Lisa Manzella, Roger Eyles, Cass Retz

n Salon Set Embracing a new festive format, NOMA (the New Orleans Museum of Art) decided last year to stage a Salon Supper Club Series presented by First Horizon Bank to offer “an intimate opportunity to experience the museum in a unique way, bringing together exceptional art, remarkable cuisine, and a shared commitment to advancing NOMA’s mission.” The names to know were Lindsay and Peter Falconer and Amy and Garrison Neill, the Salon Supper Club chairs, and Jennifer Rowland, NOMA Volunteer Committee chair. Susan M.Taylor is the Montine McDaniel Freeman director, and Tod Smith, president, NOMA Board of Trustees. The recent three-hour gathering, “A Surreal Summer” was chaired by the Neills and highPHOTOS By JEFF STROUT lighted the cuisine of chef Wiley Wilkinson Lewis of Garrison and Amy Neill, Tod Smith Delacroix, who mingled amiably with the throng. Among her delicious offerings were rabbit crispy rice paella, shrimp stuffed pork belly skewer, and summer peach baba rhum. More features were Aura Photography, Tarot card readings, and art making. In the Dathel & Tommy Coleman Courtyard, Holly Rantz held forth with bilateral drawing, a delightful attraction. DJ Brice Nice closed the cavorting. On Oct. 15, many of the “Surreal” set will return for the Second Nature Fall Salon Supper Club (and Japanese Rimpa Paintings from the Gelman Collection), a seated dinner and cuisine by chef Sue Zemanick of the Michelinstarred Zasu, and the Falconers’ chairing.

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4D ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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TRAVEL

It’s the season of corn mazes and pumpkin patches Looking for a fall road trip? Try these spots.

Notable dates include a hometown heroes event Sept. 26-27, when first responders and law enforcement ofﬁcials will receive discounted admission and deputies will present demonstrations and equipment tours; home-school and family fun day Nov. 4 and “Not-SoSpooky Carnival” Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, with costumes and trick or treating. Visit cmfarmsllc.com.

BY LAUREN CHERAMIE Staff writer

When that first dip of the fall weather happens, the South rejoices. Autumn is here — and we’ve earned it. The season brings with it all things pumpkin, Thanksgiving and comfort foods. From corn mazes to pony rides, sack racing and pumpkin patches, here are six opportunities for fall festivities in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Seward Farms 10836 Tanner Williams Road, Lucedale, Mississippi

Mrs. Heather’s Farm

PROVIDED PHOTO

11215 Lee’s Lane, Hammond

Dates: Sept. 23 through Nov. 8 Operating hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, rain or shine Admission: $10 per child for general admission, which includes one pumpkin and access to all activities; parents are free with paying children; $10 for additional adults; $10 for adults with no children; cash only In Hammond, the family-owned Mrs. Heather’s Farm — operating since 1996 — has a pumpkin patch in the fall and a strawberry patch in the spring. The fall festivities include corn mazes, hayrides, acres of pumpkins, a zip line, face painting, sack racing, pumpkin bowling and hands-on experiences like milking a cow, participating in a nature trail and learning about bees. Treats like apple cider doughnuts and kettle corn are also available. The farm accommodates field trips and parties. Visit thfarms. com.

Newsong Community Church 18465 Old Perkins Road, Prairieville

Dates: Sept. 28 through Oct. 31

CM Farms in Dry Creek has more than 50 attractions, including a pumpkin barn. Operating hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday Admission: free Support the community at Newsong Community Church’s pumpkin patch, as all proceeds support the church’s mission efforts, including ministries within the church, outreach in the local community and international missions such as the Association of Living Water, Christ Healing Food Pantry, Angel Tree, Open Air Ministries, Operation Christmas Child and others. Pumpkins and gourds of every shape and size, grown by Navajo farmers in northern New Mexico, are available for visitors. There’s also jellies, salsa and T-shirts. Families can enjoy a tractor tire sandbox, corn hole, games, photo opportunities and hayrides every weekend. On Oct. 31, the church will host its free fall festival from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with live music, jambalaya, an artisan market, bake sale, face painting and more.

CM Farms 252 CM Farms Road, Dry Creek

Dates: Weekends Sept. 26 through Nov. 15 Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $23.95 per person for general admission at the gate; $41.95 per person for a super pass at the gate; $19.95 per person for general admission online; $37.95 per person for a super pass online With more than 50 attractions, CM Farms is sure to have something for everyone. Enjoy wagon rides, live milk demonstrations, feeding farm animals, train rides, hay bale murals, a 12-acre corn maze, pumpkin displays, pony rides, gemstone mining, face painting, a kids zone, giant bubble stations and live music on select dates. Check out the restored old farm homestead, which features a collection of vintage tools. Multiple food options are available, including a milkshake shack and “Annie’s Amazing Footlongs.”

Dates: Open to the public Saturdays only Sept. 26 through Oct. 31 Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: $18 per person for ages 3 and up; children 2 and under are free Looking for a fright? Venture into the Field of Fright at Seward Farms, a haunted corn maze, or the Hayride Haunt, a spooky hayride, both happening Oct. 24 and 31 only. Both events start at dark. Not into goblins and witches? Visit the farm during the day for cow trains, slides, rodeo roping, obstacle courses, an animal farm, corn box, pig races and more. Pony rides and ﬂower picking are available for an additional $5. Seward Farms also has the option to rent private ﬁre pits at various times, offering a designated area for the group. Visit sewardfarms. com for more information.

Peanut Festival, featuring farm tours, antiques, live music, arts and crafts booths, jewelry sales, yard art, food vendors, a “Peanut Run” to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and more. Registration for the run begins at 7 a.m. Oct. 3, while the farm opens at 9 a.m. with the day closing at 6 p.m. The Sunday activities will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $20 per person. During the fall season, the farm also offers activities like wagon rides, a corn maze, sunﬂower ﬁeld, goat castle, animal barn, sand mountain, gem mining and pumpkins. Character day is Oct. 31, when children can meet and take photos with various cartoon characters. Kids are encouraged to dress up in costumes, and themed games will be available for participation. Go to visitmitchellfarms.com for more information.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas

Dates: Through Nov. 1 Operating hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Admission: $21.95 for ages 3-12; $25.95 for adults; children 2 and under are free Every year, the Pumpkin Village at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden transforms with Mitchell Farms a new theme. This year, it’s Har650 Leaf River Church Road, vest Hues, which will feature six Collins, Mississippi pumpkin houses that showcase Dates: Sept. 26 through Nov. 8; the styles of modern and contemopen to the public on Fridays only porary artists like Piet Mondriin October aan, Louise Bourgeois, Jackson Operating hours: noon to 4 p.m. Fri- Pollock, Jean-Michel Basquiat, day; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; Mark Rothko and Maurits Corne1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday lis Escher. The village is packed Admission: $20 per person for ages with more than 100,000 pumpkins, 3 and up; children 2 and under ree gourds and squash. Visit Mitchell Farms Oct. 3-4 Visit dallasarboretum.org for for the 16th annual Mississippi more information.

TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER By Christopher Elliott

Dollar Car Rental charged for car that was already returned My wife and I recently reserved a Jeep Compass from Dollar Car Rental to be picked up in Phoenix and returned to the Albuquerque airport.When we arrived in Phoenix, we verbally declined the extra insurance and roadside assistance Christopher because we already have Elliott coverage through our own insurance. The car had issues. We had to fill a tire with air daily, and the “check oil” lights flashed a warning while we were driving.We returned the car a few hours later in Albuquerque. An employee checked the car with a laptop, we unloaded our bags, and we told him about the leaky tire and engine light. He took the keys and told us we were good to go. He didn’t give us a receipt. When we looked at our paperwork, we saw we’d been charged for the insurance we declined.We tried to fix it at the desk,

but they told us to call customer service.We flew home to Texas that afternoon. A few weeks later, we got a text saying the car was overdue.We called and explained we’d returned it.Then we got a letter threatening repossession.We called again and were told the matter was “under review.” Eventually, Dollar claimed we returned the car “in person” a few days after we returned home. Our credit card company eventually posted a charge of $3,656.We disputed it, and for a while, it seemed resolved. But now, Dollar has sent us a new invoice for $1,858. It won’t acknowledge our airline tickets or any proof that we were home in Texas. It feels like no human has ever looked at our evidence. Can you help us stop this bill? — Dennis Drake, Carrollton,Texas Dollar should have closed your contract the second you handed over those keys in Albuquerque. When a car rental company accepts a vehicle, its internal sys-

tems ought to reﬂect that return immediately. If a car needs maintenance — like yours did with that leaky tire — it’s the company’s job to track its movement to the repair shop without blaming the customer. You made several errors, and I’ll tell you how to correct them. First, you should never drive a rental car with mechanical problems. Pull over and call the car rental company. If it’s a minor issue, they’ll ask you to drive to the nearest location. But if it’s serious, you might have to get the car towed. Also, you left the lot without a printed or emailed receipt. Always wait for that piece of paper or email conﬁrmation. If the handheld scanner isn’t working, go to the counter for your paperwork. That receipt is your “get out of jail free” card. You also were charged for in-

surance you didn’t want. That’s another car rental “gotcha” — and easily avoidable. Rental agents often bury those charges in the digital signature pad. In a follow-up email, you admitted you signed the rental contract without reading it carefully, which likely caused your initial credit card dispute to fail. But you also did a few things right. You did a great job keeping your paperwork once Dollar tried to charge you extra. You had your ﬂight itineraries and Southwest Airlines documents proving you were in the air while Dollar claimed you were still joyriding in its Jeep. When a company ignores your logic, you can ﬁnd executive contacts for Hertz (which owns Dollar) on my advocacy site, Elliott.org. A brief, polite email to one of them might have turned this around for you. I reached out to Hertz on your

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behalf. “Our internal review found that the customer’s contract was not properly closed and processed when it was returned,” a Hertz spokesperson told me. The vehicle went to a maintenance lot for service and sat there for several days. Because it didn’t have tracking technology enabled, the system assumed you still had it. Hertz has apologized and issued a full refund for the rental and the insurance you didn’t want. It also dropped the $1,858 “overdue” bill. Next time, please don’t leave the lot until the computer says you’re home free — even if you have a plane to catch.

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The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 5D

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ARTS & CULTURE SUNO’s museum studies program prioritizes diversity Across the country, some teachers, librarians, park rangers and museum curators have been under political fire for the histories they teach. And recent advances that diversify the stories told in museums have been threatened, as have efforts to ensure Dave their staff repreWalker sents the communities they serve. So, why would current and rising museum professionals of all backgrounds believe there’s a future for them, where their skills and experience are respected, not derided? It’s a question that Haitham Eid, director of the Southern University at New Orleans master of arts in museum studies program, often fields from prospective students. “They ask me, ‘Is there still a space for me to come and contribute? Is this still a viable career? Is it worth the investment and the time to get the degree and can I find a job and contribute?’” he said. “The answer unfortunately is not clear yet. What I advise them is, ‘If you’re passionate about the field, if you feel you have something to contribute, yes, come get the degree and you’ll find the space.’” Lauren Porras, a student in the online program, works as an education coordinator at the Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage in Arcadia, California. Her original interest was medicine, but a school counselor asked: “When you were 8 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?” Her answer: “I wanted to be like Indiana Jones. I wanted to be an adventurer, an explorer.” The counselor suggested an anthropology class, Porras said, “and I just fell in love with all of it.” The Gilb Museum has a fulltime staff of two. The SUNO program revealed to Porras the many museum roles, most unseen by gallery visitors. “I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I’m wearing all these different hats that I didn’t know were these specialties,’” she said. “I didn’t really understand what a registrar was. I didn’t really understand

Online study, practical experience

SUNO’s program is 100% online — a strength and not a flaw, Eid said, in that it ensures the student and faculty composition is geographically and professionally diverse. The university has an on-campus museum that provides a laboratory setting for local students. An internship requirement and group field-study trips provide further practical exposure and experience. In October, students will travel to Egypt to tour museums and observe their workers behind the scenes. Caroline Bozier, Class of 2024, acquired her current role as collections manager at the New Orleans Museum of Art after an early career in Las Vegas casino database management. Obtaining an undergraduate degree in interior design, she moved to New Orleans immediately postKatrina and worked in a French Quarter art gallery, eventually rising to manager. She credits the SUNO program, and especially her internship placement at NOMA, for her job there, which led from an earlier role as an assistant registrar. “A registrar is sort of the bookkeeper of all of the information for all of the objects in the collection and even for incoming and outgoing loans,” she said. “We PROVIDED PHOTO By HAITHAM EID keep track of where everything is Southern University at New Orleans professor Haitham Eid stands in the in the museum. If we don’t know King Tut Ankh Amun Gallery in front of the Golden Mask of King Tut Ankh where it is, it sort of doesn’t exist.” Amun at the Grand Egyptian Museum on April 8. A collections manager oversees the care and condition of every object in the museum’s permain the field and trying to advance (what goes into) the interpretain their profession.” nent collection, which for NOMA, tion and exhibition planning.” “Our students come from difnumbers about 40,000 items. As Porras discovered, museum “So, I take care of all the bawork is the definition of multidis- ferent academic backgrounds,” Eid said. “That includes students bies,” Bozier said. “A lot of people ciplinary. who have backgrounds in history, don’t realize that in museums, Eid shared that students come archaeology, art, communication, only about 10% of the collection from different academic backbusiness. is ever on display, whereas 90% is grounds, including history, ar“They also come from differin off-site storage. And that was chaeology, art, communication one of the big attractions for me and business. They also enter at ent professional levels in their to be in collections management. different points in their profescareer. So, some of them are just I wanted to see all the stuff.” fresh graduates — they received sional careers. their undergraduate degree and “Some of them are just fresh come to the program seeking an graduates — they received their Dave Walker focuses on behindopportunity to work in the muundergraduate degree and come the-scenes coverage of the to the program seeking an oppor- seum and cultural heritage field. region’s many museums here and at www.themuseumgoer. tunity to work in the museum and Others are already professionals com. Email Dave at dave@ in the field and trying to advance cultural heritage field,” he said. themuseumgoer.com. “Others are already professionals in their profession.”

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n Closing Monday is a solo exhibition in the gallery of the Tulane University School of Architecture and Built Environment, where artist Jill Stoll is a professor of practice.The theme of the exhibit, titled “Single Use / Long Memory,” demonstrates materials associated with consumption, excess, or disposal taking new forms while retaining evidence of what they once were. architecture.tulane.edu. n The Hermann-Grima House will offer evening hours from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Wednesday. hgghh.org. n The Friends of the Cabildo film series will screen the documentary “Michalopoulos: The Art of Celebration” at 6 p.m.Wednesday at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. friendsofthecabildo.org. n Presented by the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute and the Historic New Orleans Collection, the symposium “Spain and the American Revolution along the Mississippi River” will take place Thursday through Saturday. Events Saturday at HNOC are sold out, but registration is still available for Friday evening presentations at St. Louis Cathedral. hnoc.org. n The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience “Sukkah on the Roof” celebration opens with a members-only event Friday and continues through Oct. 2. msje.org. n The New Orleans Museum of Art Volunteer Committee will present “Mahj at the Museum,” an all-day fundraising mahjong tournament, on Sept. 28. noma.org. n The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience will present a book talk by Nicholas Lemann at 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at Touro Synagogue.The event will take place in-person and online. msje.org. n The exhibit “Second Nature: Japanese Rinpa Paintings from the Gitter-Yelen Collection” opens Oct. 2 at the New Orleans Museum of Art. noma.org.

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6D F Sunday, September 20, 2026 F nola.com F The Times-Picayune

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BETWEEN The characters and New Orleans settings THE PAGES of John Kennedy Toole’s novel are transformed WITH ALBERT MONTEyS by the hand of a Barcelona-based writer-illustrator

‘A Confederacy of Dunces’

gets graphic

BY RIEN FERTEL Contributing writer

“A Confederacy of Dunces: A Graphic Novel Adaptation,” by Albert Monteys,Archaia / BOOM! Studios, 240 pages. With the 50th anniversary of “A Confederacy of Dunces” approaching — John Kennedy Toole’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel published in 1980 — we should brace ourselves for an Ignatius J. Reilly-sized load of commemorations and content. Getting a jump-start on this golden anniversary is a graphic novel adaptation (out Sept. 29) by Albert Monteys, a Barcelonabased writer and illustrator and longtime fan of the book. Rendered in comic book form, the characters and settings readers know so well are subtly transformed by the hand of Monteys, who has recently adapted Kurt Vonnegut’s “SlaughterhouseFive.” Irene Reilly becomes a more sympathetic mother, Miss Trixie transforms into a ghoulish fright, and the Night of Joy looks like a welcoming stop for a regular round. Ignatius, well, he remains his charmingly demented self. This interview was edited for length and clarity. How did you get involved with this project? In 2020, during the promotion of “Slaughterhouse-Five,” I was asked a few times if there was any other novel I'd like to adapt into a graphic novel. My answer, being a longtime fan of the book, was always “A Confederacy of Dunces.” I was aware at the time that almost all attempts to adapt the book, mostly into a film, had failed so far. But Sierra Hahn, my editor at Archaia, took good note and worked hard to secure the rights for an adaptation. I had mostly forgotten about it when, a few years later, she mailed me telling me we were good to start working on it. I panicked, of course — one does not want to be the cartoonist that ruined a great novel — but I did reread it, started taking notes and let myself slide into work, hoping something decent would result from all that effort. When did you first read “A Confederacy of Dunces?” I first read the book in a Spanish translation in the mid-’90s and fell in love straight away. I do remember trying not to laugh out loud reading the novel on a train to work. “Confederacy” isn't an easy book to translate since almost all characters have some accent, so I enjoyed the book almost as a new experience when I finally read it in English. I'm interested in the life of Toole's novel in Spain. It's been translated, of course, but can you speak to its popularity? Does it have any sort of fan base? I'd say Spain is one of the countries where “Confederacy” has been most successful, other than the United States. The Spanish editor got the rights even before it became a huge success in its original edition. And the first Spanish edition was published in 1981, just

John Kennedy Toole won a Pulitzer Prize for ‘A Confederacy of Dunces,’ which was published posthumously. one year after its publication in America. It became an instant hit and a long seller. I do believe there is something quintessentially Mediterranean

both in the New Orleans presented in the book and Ignatius’ attitudes. So the Spanish reader connected immediately with the novel. A reader from Barcelona

understands automatically how the French Quarter feels, since our old town had the same kind of street life. As it happens everywhere, there’s a percentage of readers who ﬁnd the book — the character of Ignatius, I guess — totally unnerving. So it’s a great book to debate around. In his foreword to the book's original edition,Walker Percy, who is credited with ushering the novel to publication, describes Ignatius as “a fat Don Quixote.” Do you agree with his comparison? Yeah, I think he says he's a mix of St. Thomas Aquinas, Oliver Hardy and Don Quixote, and I couldn’t agree more — a delusional character who has constructed his own narrative through books. Especially the last part of the book, where he imagines he’s going to save the woman of his dreams, in the same way Don Quixote built the character of Dulcinea del Toboso around an almost random girl, makes it hard to think Toole did not have Don Quixote in mind while building his main character. Again, this might be one of the reasons the book resonated so well with the Spanish reader. Please tell me about your process and research in coming up with the character and background designs. I'm not sure if you've ever been to New Orleans before, but

the interior and exterior city spaces, as you've drawn them, are spot-on. Honestly, Ignatius was pretty easy. We’ve lived all this time with the Ed Lindlof classic cover version that is very spoton. The character is so well described in the book, all I had to do was adapt him to my style, add some corporality, gesturality and life. We all agree about how Ignatius looks. The rest of the characters were more challenging and required, as it happens, a process of graphic research. My intention was to render everyone more human than Ignatius, who is almost a caricature, close to a clown, a performer. So my research in that sense was mainly to find out how the different communities that are portrayed in the book dressed in the late ’60s. Of course, the book has two main characters, one being Ignatius and the other New Orleans. Sadly, I've never been in New Orleans, but I think after all the research of the spaces, buildings and street characters I did, I would be able to navigate the city quite easily right now — that is, if someone brought me back in time to the late ’60s. I know the city has changed quite a lot since then. I wouldn’t be lying if I said one of my main worries, where I felt more like an impostor, was to get the portrait of the city right, so it’s very relieving to hear you say I did a good job there. You previously adapted “SlaughterhouseFive.” What are the challenges and delights of reinterpreting these classic but cultish works of American literature? I do believe an adaptation needs to earn the right to exist on its own. Our take with “Slaughterhouse-Five,” and now with “A Confederacy of Dunces,” has been to bring as much of a personal voice as we can into the narrative. That doesn't necessarily mean being disrespectful with the book, or deviating too much from it, but working from the beginning with the premise that this is not “A Confederacy Of Dunces” with pictures but a new narrative based on the novel. You need to take some liberties to get the spirit of the book, not just the letter. That being said, both books are among my favorite works of fiction Western culture has produced, so it’s almost impossible not to approach them with reverence bordering on fear. It’s a very different state of mind compared with working with an original story. You can’t shake from your mind the idea that your book will be compared with the original by readers who have the same degree of respect you have for it. Eventually you just have to shut all those voices down and do your book the best you can. It’s not “A Confederacy of Dunces” but my view of “A Confederacy of Dunces.” Rien Fertel is the author of four books. He recently won his fifth Best Critical Review Award from the New Orleans Press Club.

THIS WEEK’S BESTSELLERS FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY HARDCOVER FICTION

1. “The Knave and the Moon” by Rachel Gillig 2. “The Calamity Club” by Kathryn Stockett 3. “The Most Dangerous Games (deluxe ed.)” by Beast/Patterson 4. “Yesteryear” by Caro Claire Burke 5. “Whistler” by Ann Patchett 6. “Big Little Truths” by Liane Moriarty 7. “The Disappearers” by Marlon James 8. “Scion” by James Islington 9. “The Altar of Pergamon” by Jonathan Cahn 10. “The Poison Daughter” by Sheila Masterson

HARDCOVER NONFICTION

1. “This Is Me” by Hayden Panettiere 2. “Homemaking with Babs” by Barbara Costello 3. “Humble Power” by Ethan Willis 4. “The Functional Home” by Julie Jones 5. “The Origin of a Leader” by Pam Manfredo Curtis 6. “The Retire Sooner Method” by Wes Moss 7. “The Conﬁdence Habit” by Cindra Kamphoff 8. “American Scoundrel” by Kai Bird 9. “Regime Change” by Haberman/Swan 10. “Going Further” by Ted Cruz

TRADE PAPERBACK

1. “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi 2. “Brain Damage” by Freida McFadden 3. “Dungeon Crawler Carl” by Matt Dinniman 4. “The Killer Isn’t Alice” by Iris Starling 5. “Wild Dark Shore” by Charlotte McConaghy 6. “My Dreadful Darling” by H.D. Carlton 7. “Verity” by Colleen Hoover 8. “Spy x Family, Vol. 16” by Tatsuya Endo 9. “Carl’s Doomsday Scenario” by Matt Dinniman 10. Murdoku” by Manuel Garand

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 7D

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LOUISIANA INSPIRED Nominations sought for annual 2026 Inspirit Award

BY JAN RISHER

fessions, race, religion and political ideologies to explore and forge solutions to the biggest issues facing society today.

Staff writer

Louisiana Inspired is looking for its next class of Inspirit Award winners. Readers across the state can nominate people who are working toward solutions in neighborhoods, rural communities, towns and cities — work that takes extra effort by special people, demonstrating the good stuff of the human spirit. You can nominate someone at www.nola.com/site/forms/the_inspirit_award/ and submit by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2. Nominees can be any age — people who systematically go about doing their best to make the world a better place, whether in their workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, communities or across the state. Award recipients will be announced in December in the Advocate and Times-Picayune. We recently checked in with three of the past 21 Inspirit winners, who each prove that the award isn’t about work being completed. Inspirit winners tend to continue efforts toward making the world better.

Randell Henry Randell Henry was recognized in 2023 for his work and sharing of spirit and talent in the Baton Rouge’s arts scene for more than 40 years. Henry is a painter who has spent as much time teaching as creating. He’s taught art to a variety of people — from kindergartners to college students to prison inmates. This year, Henry helped bring an ambitious show to Baton Rouge. As a member of the Baton Rouge Gallery board, he pushed to host an ambitious show this year, called “Free As They Want To Be: Artists Committed to Memory.” It’s a traveling exhibit of more than 60 works by 30 national artists — exploring the legacies of slavery and Black identity. The show proved too large for one gallery. It opened simultaneously at Baton Rouge Gallery, Southern University’s Frank

Tre Bishop

PROVIDED PHOTO

Tre Bishop won an Inspirit Award when he was 15. These days, he’s a college freshman at Clemson, but he’s still working on the statewide recycling project he started eight years ago.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By ENAN CHEDIAK

Syrita Steib participates in a game of double dutch during a Juneteenth celebration at Pot Belly NOLA in New Orleans.

Syrita Steib Another 2023 recipient, Syrita Steib, was 19 when a judge sentenced her to 10 years in prison and $1.9 million in restitution. She left prison not knowing her bra size, how to use a cellphone or where she’d sleep that night. In 2016, Steib founded Operation Restoration with the desire to champion and advocate for those she left behind. Following her release, Steib discovered that no organization in Louisiana was committed to helping women and girls impacted by the criminal legal system. As founder, president and CEO, Steib continues to run Operation Restoration, an organization with STAFF FILE PHOTO By ROBIN MILLER a $5.74 million operating budget. Over the past decade, it has proRandell Henry, a Southern vided more than 6,000 clients with University professor of art, some 30,000 services — ranging stands in front of Emerson Bell’s from transitional housing and sculpture, ‘Unity and Destiny for clothing to ﬁnancial literacy, transChildren’ in Baton Rouge. portation support and education access. Steib received a full presidential Hayden Visual Arts Gallery and the West Baton Rouge Museum, pardon in 2021. She has focused her attention on access to educarunning through most of August.

Tre Bishop was 11 when he watched his father’s campaign signs come down after an election and wondered where they went. Seven years, one act of the Louisiana Legislature and the governor’s signature later, the Lafayette teen has a statewide recycling program to his name. This fall, he moved into his dorm room at Clemson. Bishop, 18, is studying business with hopes of majoring in finance. He says being away from Louisiana has only deepened his appreciation for home. Even though he is 699 miles from home, the program that earned him his 2023 Inspirit Award hasn’t slowed down. The fund that collects candidates’ payments toward sign disposal grew again this election cycle, and Bishop has spent the year working with the Secretary of State’s office and state Rep. Beau Beaullieu to finalize the rules governing it. Distance hasn’t stopped the text messages, either. “I’m still getting text messages of, ‘Hey, I have these signs. Would you be able to pick them up?’ ” Bishop said. He flies home about once a month to handle it. He drove in for the LSU-Clemson game, which he says was an odd experience — cheering against the team he grew up watching with his father from the stands. In October, Bishop plans to come home again — this time to accept another award, the 232Help Award. He’s using the trip to launch a new fundraiser, the 232 Ways to Help Challenge, asking donors to give $2.32 or $23.20. He plans to start in Louisiana and grow it from there. He still calls his mother every day.

tion, one of many barriers faced by women impacted by incarceration. After one college application asking about her criminal history got her rejected — and a second, with the box left unchecked, got her in — Steib helped draft the “Ban the Box” legislation that made Louisiana the ﬁrst state to strip that question from college applications. Seven states have followed. She has worked to expand access to higher education for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women. In the College-in-Prison program in partnership with Tulane University School of Professional Advancement, 28 women at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women have graduated with Bachelor of Arts degrees in social science. Steib has achieved numerous accolades over the past decade, most recently completing a three-year Aspen Institute Civil Society Fellowship. The cohort brought together leaders representing a diverse Email Jan Risher at jan.risher@ cross-section of geographies, pro- theadvocate.com.

Powering Progress A New Home for Discovery, Research and Collaboration at LSU

Shell Research Laboratories

Pictured L to R: Rob Stuart, LSU Real Estate and Facilities Foundation President & CEO; Wade Rousse, LSU President; Rochelle Touchard, Shell, Corporate Relations Regional Lead; Colette Hirstius, Shell USA, President; Lee Stockwell, Shell, General Manager, Carbon Capture and Storage North America; Krista Raney, LSU Foundation President & CEO; Robb Brumﬁeld, LSU College of Science Interim Dean

“The opening of the LSU Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building is a testament to the power of partnership and what can be achieved when industry and academia come together around a shared vision.

Shell USA, Inc. committed $2.5 million to the Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building as part of a $27.5 million investment in energy-related initiatives at LSU. Shell Research Laboratories offers advanced research environments to enable faculty and students to work together on complex, real world challenges.

We are proud to support a space where students, faculty and industry can collaborate to drive discovery, explore new frontiers and develop the next generation of scientists, engineers and energy leaders.” – Colette Hirstius, President, Shell USA

shell.us/louisiana | #PoweringProgress

8D ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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Chef David Chang hits the American road again CNN series explores culinary landscape

BY MARK KENNEDY

AP entertainment writer NEW YORK — In an episode of his new CNN travel series, chef David Chang is cruising down the highway on his way to Las Vegas when he stops at a humble truck stop off Interstate 15. The town is Hesperia, California, and the producers wanted Chang to try an Indian restaurant near a windshield repair store. But Chang spots a Mexican cantina that looks promising. He naturally chooses to eat at both, freaking out his camera crew. “I just wanted to taste things. When I see something, I’m like, ‘Oh, that looks interesting. I would like to taste that,’ ” he says in an interview. “To the dismay of the producers and the team, they’re like, ‘No, no. We got to go here.’ I was like, ‘You don’t understand. I told you guys that if we’re going to do the show, everything’s on the table.’” “Everything’s On the Table” might be a good alternative title for the six-part “The Detour with David Chang,” where the famed founder of the Momofuku global restaurant chain pairs with a companion and hits the open road, eating his way through America. It begins airing Sunday. Chang chows down on Filipino food in South Las Vegas, bites into a traditional Czech puff pastry in

PROVIDED PHOTO By ALANNA HALE

The new CNN travel series ‘The Detour with David Chang’ features the chef eating his way through America. It begins Sunday. Texas and tries Haitian food for the ﬁrst time in Miami. The show’s motto is: “All we’ve got is a destination. Everything else is a detour.” He’s paired by friends and strangers alike, from “American Fiction” director and writer Cord Jefferson to comedian, actor and writer Cristela Alonzo, who shows him her Texas. In Tennessee, he rides with Christina Tosi, the Milk Bar creator, who is almost a surrogate sister. The show is about exploring and connecting with locals to ﬁnd hidden gems, like the spot that serves killer Cuban fritas at a laundromat. Or the chefs who take bar-

becue and combine Asian ﬂavors, creating oak-smoked pulled pork with Penang curry. Or the family serving Honduran food truck breakfast that helps heal Chang’s terrible rum hangover. “I love going out to eat, but as I get older, staying inside, not doing as much, is also nice. And I think that over the past few years, I’ve certainly been calcified,” says Chang. “Anytime you get out of your comfort zone or your little bubble, I think it’s a good reminder that there’s so much other stuff out there.” Chang joins a crowded ﬁeld of celebrity travel hosts, which in-

cludes Daniel Dae Kim, Tony Shalhoub, Rainn Wilson, Eugene Levy, Stanley Tucci,Orlando Bloom, Zac Efron, José Andrés, Chris Hemsworth, Will Smith, Eva Longoria and Ewan McGregor. Awkwafina is on deck. All owe a debt to Anthony Bourdain, who inspired millions to share his delight in food and the bonds it created. Bourdain died in 2018. Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals and creative development, notes that Chang is the first chef to host a CNN original series since Bourdain. “Dave isn’t setting out to define American food or find the ‘best’ restaurant in every city. It’s almost the opposite,” she says. “He gets in the car, talks to people and follows recommendations that take him somewhere he didn’t expect to go. At a time when an algorithm can tell you where to eat, where to stay and what to see, there’s something really appealing about just getting a little lost and seeing what you find.” The seed of the series was planted when Chang and executive producer Morgan Neville were chatting one day about what it was like to discover new indie rock bands back in the old days before the internet and influencers, and the joy when you found one. “I felt like that was sort of how I felt about food as well,” says Chang. “Listen, it’s easier to eat than ever before. But, in some ways, it is harder to find something that is meaningful to you.”

Twists on brisket

One show highlight is the delightful way he ends up at an Ethiopian restaurant in Las Vegas after listening to the recommendation of a taxi driver. Eating slowcooked chicken and injera — the sour, spongy ﬂatbread — reminded Chang of how good that cuisine is. “I will die on the hill that Ethiopian food is one of the world’s greatest cuisines. There’s nothing like it, and it’s a singular approach to texture, ﬂavor, and the kind of food that everyone loves these days — communal dining, where everyone can eat the same thing but customize it themselves.” He learns that in Texas the Holy Trinity is brisket, ribs and sausage, but some local chefs are also putting their own spins on classic dishes. Like pitmaster Chuck Charnichart at the eatery Barbs in Lockhart, who adds serrano glaze on her ribs and zests fresh limes over them. “It feels like I have a frontrow seat to Dylan going electric,” Chang says in admiration. Throughout the series is Chang’s gentle humor and willingness to try and do anything, dropping references to the painter Rothko, musician John Coltrane and director Terrence Malick along the way. And, of course, always popping corn nuts. “When you think about it, I’m getting paid to go eat and hang out with friends,” he says, laughing. “I have nothing to complain about. And it’s a nice reminder that this is literally a dream job.”

Younger sister admits to being jealous of sibling’s success the path that felt right for me. Dear Harriette: My younger sister admitted to me that she is jealous I worked hard, took risks and pursued a career that alof me and has spent her whole life trying to live up lowed me to combine my to my name. passions with my work. I I will admit that I have never expected her to do been successful in life, but the same. In fact, I have not without hard work. I always encouraged her to create documentaries and ﬁnd her own path and have Harriette never thought less of her have been able to travel Cole all around the world for for having a more tradiSENSE AND them. tional career. SENSITIVITy My sister works a reguNow that she has told me how she feels, I can’t lar 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job and help but look back and wonder if I hates every minute of it, but she doesn’t know what else she really unintentionally made her feel like she was living in my shadow. She wants to do in life. says she has spent years comparGrowing up, I never thought of myself as competing with my ing herself to me and feels like sister. I was simply following she hasn’t accomplished nearly

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as much. How can I support my sister and make her feel more conﬁdent and satisﬁed with her life? — In My Shadow Dear In My Shadow: Family dynamics can be complicated even when the way they unfold is not conscious on your part. Your sister watching you put all that effort into your dream was daunting for her — and not a strike against you. Tell your sister you did not intend to make her feel small. You were on autopilot living your life. Remind her that each of you is different and comparing doesn’t work at all. Encourage her to stay focused on herself and what brings her joy. It needn’t be a ca-

reer. What else ﬁlls her cup? She needs to notice that rather than how she is not like you. Dear Harriette: I can’t stop thinking about my ex. We were never ofﬁcially in a relationship, but we went out for months until we started drifting away from each other. Recently, I’ve started going on dates with other people and making plans, but he is always in the back of my mind. I sometimes feel like I want to make him jealous, but I think I’m actually just hurting myself. I keep comparing the new men I’ve been seeing to him and, for some reason, they can’t compare. I’m unsure whether it’s love or just infatuation with the endless what-ifs we

could’ve had. Sometimes I think I’ve moved on, but then my heart ﬁnds a way of reminding me of him. How can I get him out of my thoughts and focus on meeting someone else, or even just being OK with being solo? — I Love My Ex Dear I Love My Ex: Make a list of qualities your ex had that you would like in a relationship now. Instead of longing for him, notice who has those positive attributes as you also give others space to be themselves around you. You have to be open to meeting someone new and stop obsessing about the past. Send questions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 9D

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HAIR

Continued from page 1D

STAFF PHOTO By JAN RISHER

Learning to fold origami cranes is an inexpensive way to be a beginner. There are plenty of videos available online to teach origami — or sign up for a class or ask a friend who knows how to do it. Origami paper is not expensive, but any paper cut to a square can be used to fold a crane.

CAMP

Continued from page 1D Nothing inspires like a deadline. My life’s work is proof of that. Why does crane folding work so well? Little in life feels more prayerful to me than folding origami cranes. I cannot fully explain this, but I suspect it has something to do with the rhythm of the thing. Folding a crane is kind of like knitting. Each requires just enough attention, with just enough breaks, that real conversation is possible. Hands stay busy. Hearts open. Tongues loosen. So many women I know are tired of the grind — tired of ﬁnding things, tired of making sure everyone is where they are supposed to be when they are supposed to be there, tired of cooking and dishes. Don’t even start on the laundry. (To be fair, plenty of men are probably tired of a similar grind — and I respect that as well.) For whoever is willing to participate, a table full of paper and nowhere to be but exactly there is liberating. In total, I have helped fold nearly a dozen senbazurus, each built around a particular intent. The ﬁrst came in 2011, after Amazon pledged $2 toward Japanese tsunami recovery for every crane folded and mailed to them. We ended up making and mailing three senbazurus that spring. In 2015, after the theater shooting in Lafayette,

friends and I folded four more. My friend Jillian Johnson was killed that evening. She had folded cranes with us before. As she was in so many other aspects of life, she was a great crane folder. In the days after the shooting, many of us who loved her sat around our oversized table with our hands busy, folding. It was a sliver of a beautiful testament to the life she lived, and a way to grieve as a community rather than alone. Plus, we felt like we had some purpose. We had to fold a thousand cranes. We folded more senbazurus at the start of the COVID lockdown. A thousand cranes, it turns out, can hold almost anything. Grief. Fear. Boredom. Friendship. The simple wish to learn something new alongside people who are learning it too. Which brings me back to camp, and to a search that led me somewhere unexpected: French real estate listings. What a beautiful camp I could organize in a French chateau, origamithemed or otherwise. On the internet, I learned that for a mere $1.5 million, I could buy what one site called a “luxurious 17thcentury manor house,” 15 bedrooms, a pool included. A luxurious 17th-century French manor house sounds delightful — and the photos make my heart go pitterpatter. I could throw some incredible camps there. Oh, the senbazurus we could fold. Email Jan Risher at jan. risher@theadvocate.com.

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holidays, major events and the start of school. The time-lapse videos and before and after shots help Roberson highlight her specialties — custom wigs, silk presses and sew-ins, all while promoting natural hair growth — and showcase the reveal reactions that have long been a favorite part of her work. “I could have a client that came up in here sad about whatever’s going on in their life, and once they get their hair done, their whole demeanor just changes after that,” she said. “It’s like life gets better for them after they leave the chair.” Thanks to the increasing popularity of videos on social media, we all get to see it too. It’s the same at salons and barber shops around the New Orleans area, where you’re almost as likely to ﬁnd ring lights and Coyle tripods as you are clippers and hair gel. Social media has become a crucial way to attract clients near and far in the beauty industry, helping small business owners like Roberson land gigs with Essence Festival of Culture and the likes of Cardi B and Coco Jones. Transformation content is so common now that it’s easy to forget the hours of work spent ﬁlming, editing and posting behind the satisfying, secondslong videos. “I think social media in itself is a whole other job inside of your job,” said Shonnie Payton, a longtime client of Roberson’s and owner of Fit Peaches Studio, where she creates body transformation content of her own. Payton is a recurring model for Roberson — they often swap services and team up to make their videos. “Like, it’s a whole other department,” Payton continued. “You’ve got to have the social media management team because, if not, you’re gonna be all over the place.” But, like many small business owners, Payton said she doesn’t have that luxury.

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Quelly Roberson, owner of Visionary Suites Beauty Spa in Harvey, sets up her phone to record her work. “I’m the team,” she said, laughing.

What’re we doin’?

“What’re we doin’?” Coyle asks as he assesses clients’ hair. They complain of common color and cut issues, and his responses come quickly with a no-nonsense New Orleans personality. As a straight man who almost always wears a ball cap and curses like a sailor through a Yat-adjacent accent, Coyle isn’t your conventional women’s hairdresser. He’s brutally honest, roasting customers’ dye jobs, grown out roots and split ends while also offering reassurance it can be ﬁxed. In one video with over 3 million views, he holds up a beat up old broom to a client’s dead ends. “There’s no difference,” he says as her eyes widen in horror. His viewers love it. “I wanna get bullied with love from my hairdresser,” one social media user wrote in the comments. “I love this hair mechanic,” another said. Coyle keeps a tripod set up near his work station at all times, and as long as his mics are charged, he ﬁlms just about every client. He posts footage containing the best banter and lighting, and he said his raw, unpolished editing style seems to translate best on TikTok. Whatever he’s doing, it’s working. As he wrapped a client’s hair in foil at Aria on a Thursday in September, he pulled out his phone and showed off the overwhelming fruits of his labor: more than 800 unopened texts and over 1,000 DMs waiting on TikTok.

Eric Coyle is a one-man social media team, too. He posted what he described as his ﬁrst “real” TikTok video earlier this year in January after a friend peer pressured him (Coyle calls it harassment) into trying it out. He had 204 followers then. Now, eight months later, he has 630,000. “Within like a three-week span, I was booked out for the rest of the year,” Coyle said. A hair colorist and coowner of Aria Hair salon in Metairie, Coyle has amassed such a following for his down-to-earth consultation videos, transformational color corrections and blended highlights. A visit with Coyle holds the promise of both dimensional hair color with a six-month shelf-life and a bubbly gossip session — with plenty of teasing. His videos have been watched by millions and clients have traveled from as far as Miami and Canada for the experience. “I think it’s one of the biggest compliments when someone gets in their car and crosses state lines or hops on a plane to come get their hair done by me,” he said. Coyle said it’s footage of his client consultations — that part of the appointment when you and your hairdresser look at your bedraggled hair in the mirror together and talk over the plan to ﬁx it — that attract Confidence boosted the most attention. Coyle and other hairstylThey’re relatable. ists who dedicate them-

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selves to training up the next generation focus nearly as much on social media as on hair cut and color techniques. One viral negative review could be career-ending, especially for hairdressers just starting out. “That’s the power of social media, right?” Coyle said. “It’s so good, but on the other end, it can be so bad.” Jeffry Colon is a selftaught barber at La Industria Barbershop in Kenner, where teens and college kids from all over the Deep South come looking for the crisp fades and fresh cuts trending online. Right now, Colon said, it’s all about the shaggy styles, like the mod, wolf and something he calls “the modern mullet.” Colon’s videos, which have earned him more than 327,000 followers on TikTok, are especially shocking, partly because the boys and men who end up in his chair have often gone years without a haircut. “People be calling me Jesus,” one client complained to Colon before chopping 3 years worth of long, unkempt hair in a video that has been watched 3.2 million times. “You saved his life,” one commenter joked, though Colon said that really is how it feels with some of his younger clients. Their personalities change once they’re cut and coiffed, and Colon said the effects are lasting. “That’s something that I genuinely love about my work,” he said. “You know the butterﬂy effect? Getting a haircut is like a butterﬂy effect for their lives.” Colon used to spend anywhere from five to eight hours editing and posting the videos, slicing footage together and adding sound effects, music and text. Now, thanks in part to the customers attracted by his robust social media presence, he’s able to employ a video editor. Since Colon learned much of his craft through YouTube tutorials and the kindness of co-workers, he’s paying it forward, dedicating a portion of his newfound time to making videos about how to make videos. “I’m a believer that you can be the best at anything you want,” he said. “But if nobody knows you’re the best, what’s the point?”

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10D ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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Continued from page 1D to during the height of a hunt, when the water is low or the bait is unclaimed. Then his face broke into a boyish grin. That grin draws fans worldwide to Pierre Part, population 2,300, where his family has been hunting and fishing and running the bait shops and working the restaurants for so long there’s a self-published book at the gas station mapping their history back to the 18th century. (“The Landry Families of Pierre Part” will cost you $29.99.) “He’s the Obi-Wan Kenobi,” said Colton Cuculich, 28, who drove 17 hours with his mom from northern Missouri. He left with autographs on his legs that he had an artist transform into tattoos. “He’s number one. He started it all.” Each September, during filming, the fans fill the cabins and book the swamp tours. “It’s unreal what it does for this little community,” said state Sen. Eddie Lambert, whose own cabin rentals and personal houseboat were booked solid for the month. “Troy put it on the map.” Catch Landry outside Duffy’s Sportsmen’s Supply, the hub of it all, and he will give you an autograph, sure. But he’ll also offer his take on the conditions that season. A tale about the gator that gave him the biggest fight that morning. A beer, once filming’s wrapped. If he’s met you before, he’ll ask about your “better half.” How Arkansas is treating you. In my case, he razzed me about the time in his truck a few weeks earlier, when we got a flat tire. “Don’t listen when she says, ‘Oh, I know the way,’” Landry said, raising his eyebrows, grinning. “She’ll get you a flat tire! “She will, she will.”

PROVIDED PHOTO FROM COLTON CUCULICH

The day after Colton Cuculich nabbed autographs from the ‘Swamp People’ stars in Pierre Part, he had them turned into tattoos.

‘An instant hit’ At some point during our day together, before the flat, Landry figured he ought to find me an alligator. Gators were, after all, how he became famous. We hadn’t planned a hunt, weren’t pulling a boat. But Landry had a gun wedged between the cushion and the console of the front seat of his pickup, just in case, and a specific alligator in mind: “Marshmallow,” named for the treats his grandkids give him. We’d ended up an hour into the woods because Landry had got to talking about his land. “I’m going to therapy,” he said of his ventures into the woods. “Nobody can come. I’m going to my happy place.” It’s hundreds of acres of land Landry plans to put in a trust “for the grandbabies.” Land filled with old oak trees whose branches brush the ground. With fruit trees, long abandoned but still blooming. With crab traps, piled high and covered with honeysuckle, for the deer. “Swamp People” made it possible. Landry was the first character named in the first episode of the first season of “Swamp People” in 2010. The show, which tracks swampers through bayous and cypress groves over an intense, monthlong hunting season, treads similar territory as fellow cable reality hits such as “Duck Dynasty,” “Gold Rush” and “Deadliest Catch.” The kind of shows that, at first, seem to be about a hyper-specific culture in a hyper-specific place but always end up being about people and family and how we relate to one another. And in the case of “Swamp People,” an ode to a disappearing way of life. The show was “an instant hit,” said Mary Donahue, a senior vice president at the History Channel. “It was so beautiful and so unusual and the characters were so admirable. … “Mr. Troy was an immediate standout.” Donahue, one the early executives on the series, spent time with Landry and his family and still counts their crawfish boil among her career highlights. She has a master’s degree in American studies and sees in the Atchafalaya swamp one of the country’s last frontiers. “Independence, self-reliance, all these wonderful qualities,” she said, “and

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Fans gather around Troy Landry at Duffy’s Sportsmen’s Supply in Pierre Part during the first week of the filming of ‘Swamp People’ on Aug. 28.

We’re lucky. … But we always went out of our way. We always took care. That’s why it’s lasted so long — because we took the time.”

his father was upthat’s what I saw in the characters right, his mother that were part of was smoking a cig‘Swamp People.’” arette, and his cousThe show has in was sitting at the been airing for so kitchen table with many seasons that the two of them. even Donahue was They hugged, they surprised when she kissed, they shouted looked up just how to one another in long. “Season 18?” Cajun French, loud she said. “Jeepers!” enough so his father Cast members could hear. can’t remember At first, “Swamp how many seasons People” fans probthey’ve filmed. STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER ably tuned in for (Dozens have ap- Jacob Landry signs a paddle for Elisha the gator hunts. But peared for a sea- McGhee, of Alabama, at Duffy’s as fans they stayed for this: Landry caring for son, or three, then his aging parents. retreated back into gather around after filming. Teaching his grandanonymity.) By the time “Swamp People” found kids — “my little gang,” as he put it. Jahim, Landry was in his late 40s. cob’s sons Ridge and Moose are hunters, He’d been working hard since he was as evidenced by an episode in which the 10. Lifting, pulling, loading. “We didn’t boys pulled in a few gators on their own, have no forklifts.” His father started his testing out their own catchphrases. bait business with a cooler the size of a But when Landry goes into the woods pickup. His parents took their honey- with his granddaughter, he has a differmoon in a borrowed car. ent focus. “I say, ‘You want to bring the Landry brought the same daylight-to- gun this time? You want to try to shoot darkness ethic to the show. ’em?’” And she says, ‘Let ’em live, Paw.’” Early on, at one Cabela’s opening or anHe kept chuckling, wiping a tear from other, Landry was suddenly encounter- his eye. “‘Let ’em live, Paw.’” Cheyenne Wheat, better known to ing lines of people who’d been waiting hours to meet him. He and his sons, who viewers as Landry’s deckhand, “Pickle,” also star on the show, sat and signed and thought he was a tyrant when she first snapped photos until the line got down got in his boat. The two hunters were generations apart but “about the same to zero. Meanwhile, the star of another buck- person,” she said. “We are both going to shot-littered reality series “went and push and shove.” Quickly, though, Landry opened up locked himself in the truck,” Landry said. “We sat there for three hours and with Wheat, whom he calls the daughtook pictures. You sat in an air-condi- ter he never had. He shared his prostioned truck.” tate cancer diagnosis, the loss of a close That’s why, when folks say that Landry friend. He hosted her wedding on his got lucky, he acknowledges the bit of land, officiating the ceremony. Then, luck that led a team of TV producers when Wheat had another baby and had to Pierre Part. But he also points out to balance filming with breastfeeding, the work involved. “We’re lucky. We’re pumping on the boat, Landry eased his lucky, man. But we always went out of own pace, tapping his watch when it hit our way. We always took care. 9 a.m. “That’s why it’s lasted so long — beLandry does not, typically, ease up. (He ranks past deckhands and camera cause we took the time.” operators on their speed, or lack of it.) ‘I can touch it’ But really, he could have slowed his Out of the woods and onto the road, own pace sooner. Should have eased his it became clear: the back tire was flat. own pace sooner. After the show’s first episode, way Landry pulled over, made a couple calls. back when, Landry happened to chat A second truck was on its way. Then, as we sat chatting, his mom with a lawyer friend in town. She told called: His father, who is in poor health, him he ought to trademark some of his goofy sayings — “tree shaker” and had fallen, again. Their rambler was close, and Landry ä See LANDRY, page 11D drove quickly. By the time we arrived,

TROY LANDRY, on the success of “Swamp People”

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Troy Landry sits on his boat after bringing in alligators to Duffy’s.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 11D

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Continued from page 10D “mudda freaka” among them. So he did, subbing the “s” for a “c” to make “Choot ’em,” which is now emblazoned on stacks of hats at Duffy’s. What little he knew about money, he’d learned before the show began. His father had been bugging him for years to invest. So after a crawfish season, Landry put $40,000 into stocks. Months later, the Sept. 11 attacks tanked the market. From then on, he bought property instead of stocks. Houses rather than bonds. (His great-grandmother’s house among them.) And land, above all. “I can see it,” he said, “I can touch it.” But he kept crawﬁsh farming, daylight to darkness, missing weekends and weddings. Finally, two years ago, he sold. “We used to work this much,” he said, stretching wide his hands, which are thick as gator tails, “for this much money,” he said, bringing them close. “Now we work this much,” he said, extending them a bit, “for this much money.” And he pulled his hands wide.

‘Just regular folk’ It was 6 a.m. and the sky was still pink as Landry and his son Chase set off on STAFF PHOTOS By SOPHIA GERMER Lake Verret, past a single, stately cyTony ‘Tet Tony’ Hebert launches his boat from Shell Beach Road in Pierre Part during the first week of filming ‘Swamp People,’ the press tree. History Channel’s reality series. Trailing them was an old friend, Tony Hebert, aka Tet Tony. But other than one cameraman, no lar folk, working their business like anythe tape measure, Landry grabbed a crew, no lights. No crowd. wide bucket and a long knife and headed body else. They’d be gone for five hours, the toward the alley, where several 10-pound “They were just as genuine guys as crowd forming behind Duffy’s, get- you’ll ever want to meet.” bags of chicken legs had been laying in the sun. Each day, after the gators are A key part of each episode is when ting word about whether the hunting measured and weighed, Landry goes the tape measure comes had been good (it had) or back on the water, setting the bait for out. It’s not just theater, they’d gotten a big one the next morning. it determines how much (they had). He sliced through the plastic, released the hunters get paid. Ken Fox and his wife, the stench and dumped the rotting meat They used to hunt for gaLisa, had driven down into the bucket. from Michigan, thinktor skins but that market It was then that two fans approached, has dried. Now they hunt ing they’d get an autophones in selfie mode. He protested, at for meat. But even that graph or two, a moment first, gesturing to the chicken. But then doesn’t make them much, or two. But Fox tried not he wiped his hand on his pants, put the these days. The show has to expect too much. He’d knife around her arm and smiled. made a difficult market helped a friend with his “It’s just an honor to meet you,” said slightly more profitable. security business, so he’d Hannah Lawson, 22, in town from South On this day, Hebert met celebrities before. Marlene Guillot holds a list Carolina. For the most part, he of alligator sizes brought in stuck a silver rod in the by Troy Landry at Duffy’s. Landry gave fist bump after fist bump, biggest alligator’s mouth wishes he hadn’t. Adalyn Alleman, 2, checks out an never stopping to move into the shade, — 11 feet, 7 inches. But the Landry crew never stopping to wash his hands. A But an invoice took note of — and proved him wrong. As they chatted with alligator brought to Duffy’s. smile for each fan, a joke for each friend. Chase earlier in the week, Jacob cleaned calculated payment for — all 15 gators they’d brought in. around the station with a leaf blower. After the cameraman had set down his “You think they’d have people doing Contact reporter Jenna Ross at jenna. that kind of stuff, but they’re just regu- equipment and the crew had put away ross@theadvocate.com.

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12D ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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Master your manners, not the silverware Dear Miss Manners: My summer internship went great and I’ve been hired! But I’m afraid I’m going to ruin it because my boss takes new hires out to lunch at her exclusive club. I had to buy a tie, which is ﬁne, but I just know I’ll use Judith the wrong fork. Martin Help! MISS Gentle reader: MANNERS Only if you promise never again to use that meaningless cliche about the “wrong fork.” The age of specialized eating implements was over more than 100 years before you were born. Even in its prime, it affected only a small class, as aristocrats scorned it and the working class ignored it. If there are even two forks at your place setting, it would be surprising. A club, like a restaurant, does not know what

you plan to order, so the staff cannot set the table for speciﬁc foods. If they could — and had, for example, a salad fork and a meat fork — all you would need to know is to pick them up from the outside in. But heaven forbid that Miss Manners should imply that table manners do not count. If you hunch over your plate, chew with your mouth open or otherwise disgust your boss, she could very well hold it against you, even if unintentionally. While it is doubtful that your ﬁrst job will require you to entertain clients at expense account meals, your boss’s reaction to sloppy eating will be visceral. Table manners are not that hard, and you could learn them in a few minutes. But it would be a good idea not to order any unfamiliar dishes. Dear Miss Manners: I understand that black dresses are tradi-

tionally not supposed to be worn at a wedding. But what if there are female groomspeople at a black-tie affair? I’m planning to have my daughter and my three sisters stand with me at my wedding next year, and since I’m going to be in a tuxedo, I thought they might all wear black, as well. Gentle reader:: Congratulations on realizing that your wedding party should consist of those closest to you, regardless of gender. Most people still approach this by casting gender-speciﬁc roles. This comes of not understanding that the tradition dated from a time when brides and bridegrooms were not expected to have close ties to those of the opposite gender. But Miss Manners sees that you are still partially struck with that misunderstanding, in that you are considering dressing your groomswomen as honorary men.

This brings her to another silly wedding custom: that of dressing female attendants alike, as if they formed a chorus line. Why not allow them to be the individuals for which you presumably value them, and choose their own dressy outfits? See? Miss Manners is not against sensible change. However, she still thinks that black dresses look too somber for a wedding. An increasing number of people now think they are too somber even for funerals, which are now styled as celebrations of life. But we won’t fight that fight right now. One step at a time, she supposes. 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.

Using up leftover pie dough creates a tasty snack Dear Heloise: A simple way to use up leftover pie dough is to just take the odd-shaped pieces, lay them on an ungreased cookie sheet, and sprinkle them Hints from with cinnamon Heloise and sugar. Place them in an oven along with the pie and bake until they’re lightly browned, or for about ﬁve minutes. They make a quick and tasty snack. — Marlene K., in Regent, North Dakota

More leftover pie dough Dear Heloise: Leftover pie crust dough also makes wonderful crackers. Roll the dough out thinly, cut it with cookie cutters. Then brush the cutouts with melted butter and sprinkle them with salt. Bake for 10 minutes, but check on them before then. And try a cracker while it’s

still warm! — Anne S., via email

Motor oil stains Dear Heloise: I devised this effective way to eliminate a fresh motor oil stain on your clean concrete driveway. The best results happen if you treat it as soon as you notice it. Use the cheapest cat litter (without color crystals and such). Pour just enough to cover the stain and pound it into a powder using a mallet or hammer. Then, using a piece of ﬂexible Styrofoam and rubbing in circular motions, grind the powdered litter into the stain for one to two minutes. Brush the litter into a dust pan, and voila, the stain is gone! — Bob, in Green Valley,Arizona

Adios, grease! Dear Heloise: For catching food grease, I take an empty glass jar with a wide mouth and put the grease in there with a spoon. If the grease is hot, it could melt plastic, so I have a

glass jelly jar that I bought. A pickle or canning jar works, too. Keep the lid on it to keep ﬂies out. When it’s full, secure the lid and toss it in the trash. If you don’t have a second glass jar, I’ve poured some cooled grease into a used zipclose bag, zipped it up, and taken it to the trash can for the dump. — Terry, in Upper Virginia Terry, I like to pour cooled grease into a plastic bag that has lost its usefulness from having been used so many times. I always keep a stack of them in an old facial tissue box on the lower shelf of my pantry. — Heloise

A sparkling bouquet Dear Heloise: I got married in June, and about six months ahead of my wedding, I wrote to all my aunts, ﬁrst cousins and close friends, as well as my hairdresser, and I asked them if they’d send me one brooch that they no longer wore. When all the brooches arrived, I took

a medium-size Styrofoam ball and attached the brooches to it with a handle at the back so that I could hold it. There were a few white ribbon streamers hanging down at the bottom. It turned out beautifully, and this was what I carried down the aisle instead of a ﬂoral bouquet. It was a way to take my family (whom I love dearly) with me on this very important day. It now sits under a glass dome in the master bedroom. I love your column. When my dad taught me how to read, he used your column and had me sound out the words that I didn’t know. — Kelly S., in Odessa, Texas Kelly, this is a clever hint and a beautiful way to recycle jewelry that was once worn by someone whom you care about. Thanks so much for sharing and being a longtime reader! — Heloise Send a hint to heloise@ heloise.com.

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Today is Sunday, Sept. 20, the 263rd day of 2026. There are 102 days left in the year. Today in history: On Sept. 20, 1973, in their so-called “Battle of the Sexes,” tennis star Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, in the Houston Astrodome. Also on this date: In 1519, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew set out from Spain on five ships to find a western passage to the Spice Islands. (Magellan was killed en route, but one of his ships completed the first circumnavigation of the globe three years later.) In 1946, the first Cannes Film Festival, lasting 16 days, opened in France. In 1962, James Meredith, a Black student, was blocked from enrolling at the University of Mississippi by Democratic Gov. Ross R. Barnett. In 1964, The Beatles concluded their first full-fledged U.S. tour by performing in a charity concert at the Paramount Theater in New York. In 1967, the Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth 2 was christened by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in Clydebank, Scotland. In 2011, the repeal of the U.S. military’s 18-year-old “don’t ask, don’t tell” compromise took effect, allowing gay and lesbian service members to serve openly. In 2017, Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, wiping out up to 75% of power distribution lines and causing an islandwide blackout. It was the strongest storm to hit the island in more than 80 years. In 2019, Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, the site of the nation’s worst commercial nuclear power accident in 1979, was shut down by its owner after producing electricity for 45 years. In 2024, an Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed at least 14 people and wounded dozens more. It was the first such Israeli attack on the Lebanese capital in months and came shortly after the Shiite Muslim militant and political group Hezbollah pounded northern Israel with 140 rockets. Today’s Birthdays: Actor Sophia Loren is 92. Author George R. R. Martin is 78. Actor Gary Cole is 70. TV news correspondent Deborah Roberts is 66. Actor Maggie Cheung is 62. Actor Kristen Johnston is 59. Rock singers Gunnar and Matthew Nelson are 59. Race car driver Juan Pablo Montoya is 51. Actor Jon Bernthal is 50. Actor Aldis Hodge is 40. Retired mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov is 38. Singer-songwriter Phillip Phillips is 36. Singer Katrina Stuart is 27.

By The Associated Press

AP P

TODAY IN HISTORY

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Renewal by Andersen Impact Resistant Windows

Q&A Firms focused on public safety technology are walking a tightrope 3E

What are the state’s business leaders binge-watching? 9E

BUSINESS N O L A.C O M

S u n d ay, S e p t e m b e r 20, 2026

1en

Sharing the

stage

Louisiana’s orchestras are embracing collaborations and more to reach younger, wider audience — and boost donations BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra was rehearsing Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E minor recently onstage at Loyola University’s Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall ahead of the upcoming start of the 2026-27 season. The music sounded amazing to the untrained ears in the room, but conductor Matthew Kraemer still paused the performance from time to time to make adjustments, asking some musicians to play louder or softer — or, at one point, more “transparently” — to bring out the emotion of the famed 19th-century German’s composer’s last symphony. A similar process of trial and error is happening on a much larger scale at the LPO itself and at Louisiana’s other professional orchestras as they strive to sell tickets and keep dona-

IDEAS &

INNOVATION

STAFF PHOTOS By DAVID GRUNFELD

French horn player Mollie Pate rehearses with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra at Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall on the Loyola University campus in New Orleans.

“You have to look at what your community wants so you can draw people who wouldn’t normally attend,” says Mollie Pate, the LPO’s principal horn player who just started her 31st season.

tions ﬂowing to preserve a musical art form that peaked in popularity in the U.S. more than a half-century ago and has had to battle for audiences’ attention in the decades since. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, fewer than 5% of adults in the U.S. attended a classical music concert in 2022, the last year it tracked data, down from 11.6% in 2002. As orchestras wrangle with the economics of putting on expensive shows for audiences that have more and more entertainment options to choose from, they are coming up with innovative ways to connect with new generations of potential fans. In Louisiana, that means sharing the stage with musicians from other genres, showcasing music from popular movie scores and commissioning original works that highlight jazz, Cajun and other regional sounds. It also means playing lots of gigs in nontraditional environments, embracing online video content and ﬁnding other ways to build awareness and excitement for a nearly

ä See ORCHESTRAS, page 2E

Matthew Kraemer, music director and principal conductor of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, leads a rehearsal.

Australian battery tech ﬁrm acquires south La. company Sicona bets on drones to boost demand BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

Australian battery materials startup Sicona announced Tuesday it has acquired its Louisiana-based counterpart Advano and will take over the company’s ofﬁces, labs and factory in New Orleans. The deal means a surprising resurrection, albeit under a new name, for a once high-ﬂying local company that raised $45 mil-

lion from mostly out-of-town in- in nearby St. Bernard Parish as vestors and secured 23 patents anchors. Sicona founder and CEO over an eight-year span before running out of money two years Christiaan Jordaan met with New Orleans Mayor ago and nearly dissolvHelena Moreno and ing. more than a dozen busiTuesday’s announcement is being celebratness leaders and New Orleans officials Tuesed by local elected ofﬁcials, business leaders day morning in a conand economic developference room at City Hall to celebrate the ers who are working to announcement of a deal lure outside investment Jordaan that closed earlier this to New Orleans East, using the Michoud Assembly summer but was kept under Facility — where rockets for wraps. Meeting attendees also NASA have been made for discussed details about tax inmore than six decades — and centive programs and logistics a proposed multibillion-dollar ä See BATTERY, page 2E Mississippi River port terminal

Advano, which has a pilot manufacturing facility in New Orleans East, was acquired by Australian battery materials startup Sicona. PROVIDED PHOTO

2E ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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ORCHESTRAS How to find ghost charges on Continued from page 1E credit card, checking statements Sitting across from a 30-something single mom working to pay off $80,000 in student debt, we opened her bank statements for the past 12 months to see where her was going. Michelle money As we went Singletary through each THE COLOR month, line by OF MONEy line, something became clear. There weren’t any large, reckless purchases draining her bank account. Instead, her statements were riddled with what I call “ghost charges.” Just about every month, there were dozens of transactions she had either forgotten or consciously ignored. She isn’t alone. She is one of many Americans caught up in an epidemic of budget amnesia. The culprit is modern payment technology, which has made it far too easy to swipe, spend and suppress. Frictionless transactions — including one-click pay, tap to pay, mobile payment apps and saved autofill credit card prompts — have made buying so effortless that in many instances we don’t feel the psychological pain of paying. As the use of biometrics expands, using a phone or plastic payment card will be completely optional. You’ll be able to smile and pay. In 2024, J.P. Morgan announced a partnership with PopID that allows shoppers to use their face to shop. Companies sell consumers on the technology by promising faster checkout times. In hawking its iPhone X, Apple produced a pretty fly commercial. Three seconds. That’s all it took for the actor to pay for a hat that flies off the rack and onto his head. Another quick eyeball on his screen, and he’s bought some cool sunglasses. The shopping spree continues with multiple suits, shirts, stylish shoes, a chair for Mama and jewelry. The tagline: “Pay with a glance.” Businesses don’t want you to pause. Pay with your face and be in debt within seconds. For those old enough, we remember when paying with a credit card was a pain. The cashier pulled out a clunky manual machine from under the counter, inserted your credit card and pressed it to make a carbon copy imprint. As you signed the receipt, customers waiting in line behind you would be blowing out their breath or tapping their feet, wondering why you didn’t just use cash. Now, this tech-induced amnesia siphons away the money people need to save, pay off debt or invest for retirement. They zone out and later stare at charges they barely remember making. It gives rise to the often-heard refrain: “I have no idea where all my money goes.” To break free from this digital fog, you need to conduct a financial audit. Here’s how. Use pen and paper. If you have access to a printer, download and print out the last six to 12 months

BATTERY

Continued from page 1E related to the company ramping up activity in town. “This is day one of so much more of growth that’s about to come,” Moreno told the group. “We’re really excited about Sicona putting its U.S. headquarters here, and it tells such a great entrepreneurial story about what’s happening in our city. We’re providing ways for amazing people with great ideas to scale up.” Jordaan said Sicona plans to begin operations at the New Orleans Regional Business Park facility across from Michoud as it strives to accelerate production of siliconcarbon anode materials designed to improve the performance of the lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, drones, data centers, robots, power tools and more. Sicona said it plans to invest more than $10 million over the next halfdecade at the New Orleans East site and expects to create 30 new jobs with an average annual salary topping $100,000. The company also plans to maintain ofﬁces and labs at the technology park next to LSU New Orleans on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Jordaan said the ramp-up of activity in New Orleans will be slow at ﬁrst as the company waits for furnaces and other specialized equipment to be delivered, but he plans to hire several engineers and battery

of your credit card and bank statements. Yes, all of them. Get a pen because you will be doing a lot of circling. I don’t want you to rely on your banking app to check your numbers. These dashboards sort your spending into tidy graphs that make it feel like it’s under control. But a pie chart showing $400 in food spending doesn’t tell the full story. In reality, spending $60 on a McDonald’s delivery undercuts what you say is your goal to pay down debt or save more. Hunt down every line item. Think of this as an archaeological dig. Review every single charge and backtrack to figure out where that cash actually went, including ATM withdrawals. You will circle and label every purchase. (See the next step.) For every obscure vendor name or confusing line item, search or log in to the specific platform, such as your Amazon or PayPal order history, to match the purchase and the exact dollar amount you paid. Categorize your purchases. Your goal is to look for stealth splurges or ghost spending. You might recall the $60 Uber Eats delivery, but you don’t remember the Zelle payment you made to reimburse friends after you went out for drinks and dinner. You will need to circle all your purchases and categorize them — gas, utilities, groceries, eating out, delivered meals, etc. Make a note of spending for convenience. Expensive premade hot bar food from the grocery store should be labeled “eating out,” even if you took it home to eat on your couch while binge-watching your favorite cable series. Calculate your amnesia tax. Tally the total dollar amount of every debit or credit card charge you can’t recall. The cash you forgot about is the price you pay for failing to track your actual purchases. It’s money that could be available for the things you say you value. After your deep dive, force yourself to answer the following three questions. What specifically was this for? Question all purchases, asking yourself, “Was this a need or want?” Why did I buy this? When faced with multiple Grubhub orders, you need to ask: Were you out of food? Did you budget for the expense or did you act out of impulse because you didn’t want to eat leftovers? Is mindless digital spending sabotaging my long-term financial goals? Frictionless payment technology obscures the true cost of your choices. By the end of her audit, the single mom found hundreds of dollars she could have used to pay off her debt. The tech companies want you to smile, glance and tap your way into financial oblivion. But if you don’t pause before paying, it will derail the money goals you set for yourself. Email Michelle Singletary at michelle.singletary@washpost. com.

scientists to get things started. “We won’t be too ﬂashy this side of Christmas, but next year things will pick up, and you’ll see our people doing a little bit more,” he said during the meeting with the mayor. Eventually, Sicona’s plan is to expand U.S. operations so it can make enough material to build millions of battery cells annually. “This acquisition is a major strategic step in our transition into a global lithium-silicon battery platform with a permanent operating base in the United States,” said Jordaan, who co-founded his company with Andrew Minett in 2019. “Advano has built an important foundation, and we intend to build on that work as we grow.”

‘Gruesome work’ Co-founded in 2016 by New Orleans native Alexander Girau and Shiva Adireddy, Advano spent nearly a decade developing a way to combine silicon with graphite to increase the range and charging speed of lithium-ion batteries with an eye on the then-growing U.S. electric vehicle market. Girau was pursuing his doctorate in chemical engineering and Adireddy was a Tulane University professor at that time. Former Apple executive Tony Fadell, known as the “father of the iPod,” was an early investor in the venture, along with PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel. Those two big names helped the company achieve its impressive fundraising haul,

400-year-old art form. “We entice people with things they’ve heard of, like Handel’s ‘Messiah’ and Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker,’ but we’re also broadening our horizons past our traditional classical realm,” said Mollie Pate, the LPO’s principal horn player who just started her 31st season. “You have to look at what your community wants so you can draw people who wouldn’t normally attend.”

Keeping the music alive

PROVIDED PHOTOS

With an annual budget of about The Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra is the second largest orchestra in $5.5 million, the LPO is the larg- Louisiana with an annual budget of $1.5 million, and among the more est orchestra in Louisiana. It has than 2,200 professional, community and youth orchestras across the U.S.

67 full-time musicians and 15 staff members that help produce nearly 50 concerts each season. The next largest in the state is the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra with a budget of $1.5 million, followed by the Lafayette-based Acadiana Symphony Orchestra (budget about $750,000) and organizations in Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport and other cities. These are joined by youth orchestras and smaller ensembles statewide. They’re among the more than 2,200 professional, community and youth orchestras across the U.S. with operating expenses ranging from under $30,000 to well over $100 million, according to the League of American Orchestras, which advocates for the industry. Notably, most of the money to cover those expenses doesn’t come from ticket sales. League data shows that, on average, private support makes up 45% of an orchestra’s budget, followed by ticket sales, which account for nearly 25%. Endowments, earned revenue and government funding, together, comprise the other 30%. The LPO is one of the few orchestras seeing attendance grow, though people aren’t spending as much on tickets as they used to, according to LPO Executive Director Anwar Nasir. “It’s not like a rock concert,” he said. “You don’t have to sit up close.” To keep donaNasir tions flowing and tickets selling, orchestras in Louisiana are working to reach new people by embracing social media campaigns, lowering ticket prices, ﬁne-tuning the concert experience — and, most important, spreading the message that an orchestra concert isn’t just for the elite. “People think it’s just for very wealthy or older people, but that’s not true, so we want highlight that and demystify that,” said BRSO Executive Director Eric Marshall.

Audiences are ‘omnivorous’ One of the primary ways Louisiana’s orchestras are trying to broaden their audience is by building a season schedule that combines crowd-pleasing classics, new works from emerging composers and music from movies and other popular media. Audiences have become “omnivorous,” according to Rachel Rossos Gallant, vice president of marketing and membership at the orchestra league. “They still want the classics, but they also want other genres, so hav-

among the highest-ever for a New Orleans startup. In early 2024, a few years after Girau left his role as CEO, Advano celebrated a ribbon-cutting at the New Orleans Regional Business Park near Michoud. Then-CEO Chris York announced a plan to produce up to 10 metric tons — about half a truckload — of material each year to provide samples to U.S. battery manufacturers, an industry boosted at the time by billions of dollars from the Biden administration through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. By that summer, though, the company had run out of operating capital. In August 2024, with EV sales slumping and an administration change looming, Advano furloughed most of its employees and effectively ceased operations as executives sought last-minute investors. Since then, Advano’s ofﬁces, labs and factory have essentially been frozen in time. “It looks like Chernobyl in there,” said Hugh Evans, a New Orleans native who invested in Advano in 2021 and took over as CEO at the beginning of last year. “Somebody’s pack of gum is still lying on a desk out in New Orleans East.” Evans said there was a good chance the company could have been sold off for its intellectual property and assets, but he and several others — including CFO Juan Linares and Patrick Dietzen, who was another company co-founder

year at the Orpheum Theatre but also performs in a smaller conﬁguration at the New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market in Central City, among other venues. “They are coming to where people are,” Rossos Gallant said. “It helps build relationships with community, and it helps with fundraising. It’s also part of the nonproﬁt mission to build something communal, especially at a time when things can be divisive.”

An Acadiana Symphony Orchestra member performs Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ ‘A decent living’ in 2025. One reality of being a profesing cross-genre programming is really helpful,” she said. With that in mind, the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming season will feature a music from Beethoven, a collaboration with a Frank Sinatra impersonator, a “Cajun Night Before Christmas”themed show, and a performance of John Williams’ score for “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” “Someone might not be comfortable going to the symphony because they don’t know Beethoven or Mozart, but they know ‘Raiders,’ so you meet them where they are,” said Jackie Hettich, the ASO’s executive director. This season, BRSO is featuring music from famous composers Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich plus a “family fright night,” tributes to Motown and the Beatles, and a concert that includes the music of both Beethoven and Beyoncé in one night. The BRSO is adding a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 to the end of a “Star Wars” concert. “People are coming to see this iconic movie music, and they’ll get this great piece of classical music on the same program,” Marshall said. “We hope it sparks an interest.” The LPO’s schedule includes many beloved classical pieces along with a collaboration with New Orleans Grammy-winning band Tank and the Bangas. The orchestra also will provide a live score during a screening of the century-old movie “Nosferatu” and share the stage with Mardi Gras Indian and rapper Flagboy Giz. Nasir said the organization works hard to balance well-known pieces — like Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony — with new discoveries. Orchestras are also seeking new fans by bringing the music out of their traditional concert halls to perform in libraries, schools, churches, healthcare facilities, parks and more. The LPO plays more than two dozen shows each

— spent more than a year managing its liabilities, negotiating with roughly 70 unsecured creditors to agree to take a percentage of what was owed them to make Advano “clean” so it could merge with a competitor. “It was gruesome work, and I was threatened with lawsuits multiple times,” he said. “But then came the good part.”

From the land down under

sional classical musician in a medium-sized market is the gig simply doesn’t pay very much. Pate said the base salary for LPO musicians is under $30,000 for a performing season that runs September through May, so everyone has to augment their income. Teaching is a common side hustle, but LPO members also repair vehicles, provide IT services and tend bar, to name a few. Many of the state’s musicians also play in other regional orchestras, which try to stagger their performance schedules to make the process easier. A new source of work cropped a year ago, when the Acadiana Center for the Arts in Lafayette launched a program called Louisiana Scoring. Funded by a grant from Louisiana’s economic development agency, the project aims to compete with facilities in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville, Tennessee, as well as overseas to record live orchestras for movies, TV shows and video games. Some of the best players from the state’s orchestras — and even university graduate programs — have participated in several recording sessions over the past year. Pate herself co-owns a local chain of CrossFit gyms with three New Orleans-area locations and nearly 300 members. That means, on some days, she’ll be teaching clients how to do push-ups, squats and dips, while on others she’s rehearsing and performing with her longtime fellow orchestra members. “Between the two jobs, I have a decent living,” she said. “It’s very difficult to survive on the orchestra salary alone especially with the rising cost of everything.” Despite the financial challenges, Pate said a seat in the LPO is still highly sought after. “Musicians come from all around the world and audition specifically to be in this orchestra,” she said. “There are five French horn positions available here, and my spot’s been taken for 30 years. There’s not a lot of turnover.”

the Australian company millions to recreate the infrastructure that Advano already has in place. In addition, the company’s pooled intellectual property looks better to investors, Evans said, and the low cost of energy in Louisiana is another draw. State incentives, including a new package designed to rebate companies that pay salaries over a parish average, no doubt helped seal the deal, but there’s another factor: Evans and Jordaan say there’s suddenly more demand for their product in the U.S. “There’s a new tailwind in the battery industry driven by the rapid advancements of artiﬁcial intelligence because that’s driving more physical applications of AI, like autonomous drones, submarines and vehicles,” Jordaan said. “All of those things require batteries, and most will beneﬁt from our silicone materials.” The expansion to the U.S. comes at a busy time for Sicona, which recently licensed its technology to an Indian company that is building a production facility, and is working on a grant-funded project in Australia. Now, Jordaan said he’s working with Evans to revive $2.8 million U.S. Department of Energy research grant Advano received to convert waste material from solar panels into useful battery ingredients.

Thank Shirley Meng for introducing Advano to Sicona. The renowned Singaporean American materials scientist and academic, who served on Advano’s board of directors before joining Sicona’s board this year, connected with Jordaan to talk about a potential collaboration when she was visiting her husband’s family in Australia in early 2025. A visit down under from Greater New Orleans Inc. executives and other regional economic developers a few months later moved the conversation forward, leading to a handful of visits from Jordaan to New Orleans to check out Advano’s local infrastructure. Then, in June, the companies agreed to a stock swap that means Advano’s remaining shareholders now own a stake of Sicona, and Advano becomes the Australian startup’s subsidiary in the U.S. — although the Advano name is being retired. Jordaan and Evans said the deal Email Rich Collins at rich. makes sense because it would cost collins@theadvocate.com.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 3E

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TALKING BUSINESS A S K T H E E X P E RT S

Tech entrepreneur sold company then built a bigger one BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer

When entrepreneur Mo Vij sold General Informatics in 2020 after building it into one of Baton Rouge’s biggest technology companies, he had a decision to make. Should he stay in town or start his next venture elsewhere? Vij stayed. After being uprooted once when he moved from India and watching his kids grow up in Louisiana, he decided this was home and used the proceeds from the sale to fund the launch of a new public safety software-asa-service company at the same Highland Road campus he had developed for the company he’d sold. It’s now become even larger. 365Labs, his new ﬁrm, now has 70 employees and up to $50 million in recurring revenue, 95% of which comes from out of state. And it counts more than 100 public safety agencies across 18 states among the clients paying for its records management, dispatch, case processing and 911 systems. Last year, Vij was inducted in the Hall of Distinction at LSU’s College of Engineering. And next month, groundbreaking is planned on the $60 million second phase of his @Highland real estate venture, which includes more than 220 residential units. In this week’s edition of Talking Business, Vij explains the tightrope act facing companies in the arena of public safety technology. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. General Informatics sold support services like help desks, patching and backups, while 365Labs sells subscription software for public safety agencies. What’s the difference between running those two kinds of companies? It’s like a doctor’s ofﬁce versus a pharmaceutical company. The big difference is intellectual property. With General Informatics,

Is public concern about license plate readers and facial recognition justified? Any time bad news comes, people are going to get more worried, especially if it’s given to more powerful people. That’s why I think, in government, an AI-cautious approach is not a bad approach. But people’s reactions are more based on what we understand from Hollywood movies — right now the AI is not at that level. The error rate has dropped dramatically, but companies slapped AI on their products very early on, so even when things get betFILE PHOTO ter, the impression is that it’s not good. How did you handle it differently? Two years ago, we said, “Let’s FILE PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK PRESIDENT AND CEO OF 365 LABS just use it for spell checking, A dispatcher fills out a call using dispatch software. Entrepreneur Mo for grammar.” Those were what Vij’s new firm, 365 Labs, counts more than 100 public safety agencies we could be sure about. Now, if across 18 states among the clients paying for its records management, somebody wants to FOIA a reyou’re a shared IT department. dispatch, case processing and 911 systems. You’re selling time, mostly, verport, AI can check the documents and give you some information. sus a product company — frankly, pass, new people come in and any- dent in the whole year but both It’s not creating, it’s basically there’s maybe a handful, if that, retrieval. in Louisiana — where you develop body who comes in must do some- the public and the government Retrieval technologies are a intellectual property. You’ve cremaybe wanted to buy drones thing different — or not do it. little better, and so we put retrievbecause it sounds very cool. The So what’s the biggest challenge of the ated a full online software sysreal things are more making sure al stuff in most of our products. public sector? tem, you pay us a subscription, the dispatch is happening, the With private clients, if you and we maintain and improve it. Let’s not try to create more stuff reports are being written, those could show them savings, everyWe have multiple patents on our right now, especially in a field like things get sidelined. software today. public safety where wrong input body wanted that. Here, you can What’s the proper application of artificial can affect people’s lives. Why would a police agency in show savings, but it’s not coming intelligence for public safety technology? Washington or New York connect from anybody’s pocket, so they What’s the public safety technology We know it’s a very probabilisto a company in Louisiana? Bepeople aren’t thinking about? can easily go to the city and say, Though the homicides and “We need 20 more people, othertic technology. It’s not determincause they can’t find enough disall make the news, 80-85% of istic. Now they’re talking about wise we can’t do our job.” patchers, and by using software the time the general work of a it detecting a person from how You can come up with a great that’s more integrated, the same technology for streamlining oper- they walk. It can say it’s the same law enforcement officer is very 60 employees can do the work of standard, run-of-the-mill kind person, but it’s probabilistic — 100 people. ations, but then in whose interest of work. So it’s, “I have to enter 99% of the time, it’ll do it. And What have you learned about selling to is streamlining? somebody’s information into 1% means you arrest the wrong government agencies? You can come in and say, “You the software” versus “Can I just person. The sales cycle is very long. can have 30% less police force.” The point is: Do you want to use point my camera at their driver’s When a city establishes a 911 sys- But does the chief really want license and read everything from tem, it’s a 15- or 20-year purchase, that? Sometimes whoever has the AI for something like this, or can there?” you use the AI very differently? and even once they buy it, it could better sales teams — or products Image recognition can help fill When a shift commander comes that are more whiz-bang — are take years to implement. in other pieces of information. late at night, the AI gives them a the ones in front, and things that They’ve been talking about That’s more useful than solving summary saying, “These are two Next Generation 911 for decades, could really make a difference crimes immediately. important ones that you need to but it’s not been implemented in a don’t get adopted easily. look at first.” That’s not affecting What kind of things? majority of places. somebody’s life decisions, but it People want to see a drone — Then there’s the election cycle. Email Jonah Meadows at jonah. can help that officer’s time. maybe it’s only used in one inciBy the time four or five years meadows@theadvocate.com.

Q&A WITH MO VIJ

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4E ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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ACROSS THE REGION

La.’s Origin Bank moves from Wall Street to ‘Y’all Street’ BY LIZ SWAINE

it has one more than California. “Texas is a major player in the U.S. regardless of the exchange landscape, but it ultimately makes sense as the seventh largest economy in the world,” Global Managing Director of Listings Nicole Chambers told a gathering of Dallas business leaders last year, adding that 45 countries smaller than Texas have their own stock exchanges. Trading of corporate stocks on the platform is set to begin Oct. 5. So far, a number of Dallas-based energy companies have said they were moving their common stock to the TXSE from the NYSE. TXSE officials said they hope to capitalize on discontent over new rules and rising fees and share price benchmarks at Nasdaq and NYSE. Both Kilpatrick and Chris Reigelman, Origin’s director of investor relations, reiterated that Origin remains a Louisiana-based company with no plans to change that. “The Texas Stock Exchange does not change origins, domicile or incorporation, we remain headquartered in Ruston,” Kilpatrick said. There should be no impact to customers or stockholders, Reigelman said. “Any shareholders that have shares in Origin will have the exact same shares,” Reigelman said. “There’s no financial impact. Our ticker will not change. This does not impact our customers in any way.” Stockholders do not have to approve the listing transfer, which will officially take place at the NYSE close on Oct. 12. The bank’s stock ticker will remain OBK. “We are firmly rooted in Louisiana, and we are very much committed to continuing to serve our clients and communities across Louisiana, Texas, in the broader Gulf South,” Reigelman said.

Staff writer

Origin Bank, a 114-year-old bank headquartered in Ruston, is moving its stock exchange listing away from the New York Stock Exchange to the new Texas Stock Exchange beginning Oct. 13. The Dallas-based exchange, a startup backed with $120 million from Goldman Sachs, Citadel Securities and BlackRock, has earned the nickname “Y’all Street.” In making the announcement of the move, Origin said that the Texas exchange is more aligned to the bank’s “growth story.” “The Texas Stock Exchange reflects the long-term opportunity we see across the state’s diverse markets, including Dallas, Houston and East Texas,” Drake Mills, chair, president and CEO of Origin Bancorp Inc., said in a news release. Origin began a westward push in 2008 and now has 31 locations in 11 counties around Dallas, Houston and East Texas. In 2022, Origin expanded its Texas footprint in a merger with BTH Bank, which gave it more visibility STAFF PHOTO By LIZ SWAINE across Dallas, Fort Worth and East Origin Bank, based in Ruston and with 57 branches spread from Texas to Florida, is moving its stock exchange Texas. The bank’s 57 branches include listing away from the New york Stock Exchange to the startup Texas Stock Exchange that has earned the locations in Texas, Louisiana — nickname ‘y’all Street.’ where the bank has a heavy presSince the acquisition of the to attract a significant number of ence in Shreveport, Bossier, Mon- at Arlington associate professor American Stock Exchange by the companies that want to list on its roe and Ruston — Florida, Missis- of finance. The bell ringings on the floor NYSE in 2008, the NYSE and Nas- exchange. sippi and Alabama, where Origin Leadership with the exchange, recently opened a branch in Bir- of the New York Stock Exchange daq have been the two dominant and Nasdaq to signal the start of exchanges in the U.S., effectively dubbed TXSE, says this time will mingham. creating a duopoly, be different. “We’ll continue to Officials with the exchange said invest in all the mar- Since the acquisition of the American Stock Exchange Villupuram said. Regional exchang- the strength of the Texas economy kets we serve where by the NYSE in 2008, the NYSE and Nasdaq have been there’s opportunity to es outside of New made its creation possible, noting the two dominant exchanges in the U.S., effectively continue to grow and York, like the Boston the many Fortune 500 companies creating a duopoly, said Sriram Villupuram, University Stock Exchange, the that have come to the state, drawn support the commuof Texas at Arlington associate professor of finance. Philadelphia Stock by favorable regulatory and taxanities,” said Ryan KilExchange and Chi- tion policies. patrick, Origin’s head the day’s trading stand out in the cago Stock Exchange have been Texas continues to be the fastof media relations. Stock exchanges are private in- minds of the public, but those swallowed up by the parent com- est-growing state in the U.S. acstitutions where stocks, bonds and events are largely for public rela- panies of the NYSE and Nasdaq, cording to the U.S. census, with other securities are traded, con- tions as the two exchanges com- while other exchanges shut down. nearly 32 million people, and acAttempts to create a third, cording to Fortune magazine, the necting supply and demand “like pete to convince companies to any other market,” said Sriram list themselves on their separate dominant national exchange state has more Fortune 500 com- Email Liz Swaine at Liz. have largely floundered, failing panies than any other state. At 57, Swaine@theadvocate.com. Villupuram, University of Texas exchanges.

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NATION & WORLD

‘Flat is Back’ campaign promotes eating flounder Plentiful yet underutilized flatfish an economical option BY BROOKE KUSHWAHA The New Bedford Light

Aperol spritzes. Dubai chocolate. Dill pickle, well, everything. Thanks to Instagram and TikTok, food trends have never been more of-the-moment, with even seemingly mundane ingredients like cottage cheese enjoying a sudden resurgence. Why not the flounder? The first-of-its-kind “Flat is Back” campaign, spearheaded by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, aims to build buzz around the plentiful yet underutilized flatfish called flounder, better connecting what fishermen already catch to what ends up on consumers’ plates. The hoped-for result would be a more economically and environmentally sustainable fisheries model, according to Marine Fisheries Director Dan McKiernan — one he plans to replicate for all kinds of underappreciated fish. But first, customers have to bite. In 2023, over three-fourths of all seafood Americans consumed came from just 10 species, with shrimp, salmon and canned tuna topping the list. In general, American diners tend to consume fewer species of fish than Europeans and Asians, McKiernan said. That can drive up demand for a few key species while leaving plenty of other fish in the sea. Cod, for example, remains one of the most popular catches, even after its numbers have drastically declined. Flounder, on the other hand, is abundant and cheap. “We hope that this program can help people get an appreciation for some of the other species of fish, so that seafood can be, surprisingly, fun,” McKiernan said.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ROBERT F. BUKATy

A fish buyer examines a crate full of dab, a type of flounder, prior to the an auction at the Portland Fish Exchange in Portland, Maine. The ‘Flat is Back’ campaign aims to build buzz around the plentiful yet underutilized flatfish, better connecting what fishermen already catch to what ends up on consumers’ plates. As a flatfish, flounder spend most of their time horizontal on the ocean floor, aided by two eyes pointing up at the ocean’s surface. (When summer flounder are hatched, they have one left eye and one right eye. Over time, the right eye migrates to the left side of its head.) Summer flounder get their name because they move farther inshore in the warmer months and go offshore to spawn in the fall and winter. They’re also called the “chameleons of the sea” because, aside from burying their flat bodies in the sand, they evade predators by changing colors. Flounder filets are mild and tender, but also thin and delicate, making them easier to overcook than, say, a thick slab of salmon, said Josh Riazi, a chef from New Bedford, Massachusetts. It

doesn’t help that different types of flounder can show up on menus and at fish markets as lemon sole, gray sole, Dover sole, summer flounder, winter flounder and witch flounder, among other monikers. When flounder does show up as an entree, it’s often in a highpriced dish such as the French sole meunière, he said, which doesn’t really make sense for the otherwise abundant, affordable fish. “It’s a really delicious, beautiful fish that can be prepared in a way that’s great and special if you put a lot of technique into it,” Riazi said, “but it doesn’t tend to populate menus the same way that salmon or swordfish or cod do.” Riazi serves a baked stuffed sole in the style of the traditional

New England comfort food at his seafood restaurant, The Black Whale. In Riazi’s version, the thin filets get wrapped around a crab filling and baked in seafood cream sauce. The species also does well as a crudo, he said, or even grilled whole, since the fish’s flat body makes it easier to debone. Since coming onto the menu, Riazi’s stuffed sole has punched far above its weight, Black Whale owner Steve Silverstein said, selling consistently at a low cost to the restaurant. In fact, the dish sells so well, he isn’t sure if “Flat” ever left. “I don’t know the need for this whole campaign,” Silverstein said. But McKiernan hopes consumers get inspired to take flounder home with them, too. “A lot of folks, when they have a

good meal in a restaurant, if they have some cooking skills themselves, that will inspire them to cook something similar,” McKiernan said. “And so that would be a great outcome … for a home chef to be brave enough or interested enough to try these things.” Although Riazi’s stuffed sole may sell like codcakes, not every seafood consumer is dying for a bite of flatfish — yet. Young people seem less familiar with the two-dimensional treat, McKiernan said, perhaps due to long periods when the species’ fishing quotas were low and restaurants pivoted toward more readily available fare. McKiernan is hopeful, however, that the kids will soon clamor for flounder. The Division of Marine Fisheries hired the public relations firm 44 Communications to manage and track social media promotion for the “Flat is Back” campaign, since McKiernan admittedly spends more time looking at fish stock data than Instagram reels. One week from the campaign’s launch, the state agency’s social media posts about flounder received 14,000 views, an increase of nearly 700% from their average engagement. In August’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission meeting, Marine Fisheries seafood marketing coordinator Wendy Wills suggested putting flounder in Massachusetts public schools. Vendors in the past have put less-flashy species in school cafeteria fish sticks, Wills explained, and the deadline to apply for a state contract is coming up. “The kids go nuts for it,” she said. McKiernan even touted flounder’s macronutrients, noting that protein seemed to be trendy among the younger folk these days. A 100-calorie serving of flounder packs 20 grams of protein and very little saturated fat — making it more protein-rich than cottage cheese and lower calorie than beef.

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The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 7E

TECHNOLOGY

Things got ugly for cute store using livestream shopping BY IRIS KWOK

Los Angeles Times (TNS) The little Los Angeles shop was a destination for Hello Kitty fans for decades when it decided to dive into a massive new wave of ecommerce — peddling its products live on TikTok. The first floor of the JapanLA store is full of stuffed toys. It houses shelf after shelf of cute Japanese characters such as My Melody, Totoro and Kuromi. Upstairs is the real moneymaker. Employees stand in front of phones, pitching the hottest new products of kawaii (cute in Japanese) culture. While the upstairs business has brought in tens of thousands of new customers, it has also attracted trolls trying to shut JapanLA down. The haters have hacked the store’s website, harassed its hosts, spread rumors about its owner and threatened to show up in force in front of its physical store. JapanLA owner Jamie Rivadeneira said she has never seen cute consumers turn so ugly. “I created JapanLA 20 years ago for adults who like cute stuff, so they can feel safe and Rivadeneira feel like it’s OK to like toys and collect them,” she said. “To attack me is so opposite of what I stand for.” It is a cautionary tale that points to the potential proﬁt and pitfalls when small local businesses push back against the onslaught of ecommerce by using technology to reach a wider audience. It also demonstrates how the Labubu craze — in which people keep buying blind boxes of the same toys in hopes of getting a rare, expensive one — has turned some shops into casinos. Rivadeneira was ahead of the curve when she opened a small toy shop in 2006 on a street off Melrose Avenue selling items featuring Hello Kitty and other Japanese characters.

LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS PHOTO By RONALDO BOLANOS

An influencer showcases and unboxes Sonny Angel figurines during a TikTok live auction sales shift at JapanLA in Los Angeles. From its early days, the store harnessed the internet to promote its products, using MySpace to connect with what was at the time a niche community: Los Angeles fans of kawaii culture. As it kawaii culture went mainstream, JapanLA grew into a 5,000-squarefoot retail space with more than 20 employees. Although its store continues to attract a steady flow of walk-in customers looking for the cutting edge of cute, JapanLA’s business has been turbocharged in recent years by livestream shopping. Livestream shopping, also called social commerce, is like the old cable shopping channels, but there are millions of shows, each serving a very speciﬁc niche, broadcasting live. The hosts interact with the shoppers watching. It started in Asia, is worth hundreds of billions of dollars in sales, and has been

growing fast in the U.S. JapanLA first dabbled in livestream shopping during the pandemic lockdown, when it had to close its store. It started on a platform called Popshoplive to sell Hello Kitty and other items, but sales didn’t skyrocket until it switched to TikTok Shop in 2023. Today, JapanLA’s TikTok account has nearly 400,000 followers and hosts seven-hour livestream shopping sessions six days a week. The shop’s 12 bubbly livestream hosts have turned into micro-celebrities. Their customers comment in the livestream’s chat, order hundreds of products during a session, and sometimes send tips and the occasional boba. Uma Karmarkar, an associate professor at University of California San Diego who studies consumer psychology, said livestreams are effective at getting consumers

to spend more because they are engaging and temporary — meaning they tap into people’s fear of missing out on a rare opportunity. When it comes to collectible blind boxes, the effect is heightened, she said. “You’re adding to that element of scarcity that makes blind boxes so appealing in the ﬁrst place,” Karmarkar said. “You don’t know what you’re getting, and it’s effectively like gambling.” JapanLA’s chat and sales exploded in the last two years, driven by demand for the cherubic ﬁgurines of a Japanese doll named Sonny Angels. For certain consumers, it was the new Labubu: cute and collectible, sold in blind boxes, with certain types being rare and thus much more valuable. Sonny Angels are 3-inch plastic dolls that are generally naked,

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except for themed headgear and costumes. JapanLA was auctioning the rarest Sonny Angels for hundreds of dollars, and that started bothering some fans of the fat little collectibles. In July, while taking bids for figurines from the Sonny Angels summer vacation-themed collection, one of the rare ones got a bid of more than $400. Some viewers used screenshots of the offer to accuse JapanLA of gouging. Online detractors shared screenshots of the supposed $400 bid in a Sonny Angel collectors Facebook group with more than 30,000 members and launched a form-letter campaign, mass-emailing Dreams USA to try to get JapanLA’s retail license revoked. The company tried to report and block the trolls, but they kept popping up with new profiles. It hired a PR firm to manage the unfolding crisis. Rivadeneira said she even scrubbed her personal social media accounts of photos of her young daughter after trolls began attacking loved ones. JapanLA turned to Dreams, the company behind Sonny Angels, for support. The two companies decided to change the way the figurines were auctioned to avoid the gouging narrative. Now they are auctioned before they are opened rather than after, so bidders don’t know what they are getting. Jackie Bonheim, a spokesperson for Dreams USA, said that while the company received a flood of form-letter emails from angry Sonny Angels fans, the company cannot set a maximum retail price. JapanLA is still selling thousands of Sonny Angel dolls, but bids now tend to stay around $20. Rivadeneira, JapanLA’s owner says her team is working every day to block and silence trolls. She’s still reeling from how quickly her business went from a bumper batch of orders to battling for its life. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “All it takes is a few people to say bad things or say things about JapanLA, things about me, that aren’t true, for it to just go crazy.”

8E ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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PEOPLE IN BUSINESS Staff report South Louisiana businesses and nonprofit groups recently announced the following promotions, new hires and resignations.

New Orleans Nicole Hackmann has been hired as executive director of Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré, succeeding Don-Scott Cooper. Hackmann, a New Orleans native, previously worked for Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Hackmann and, more recently, was executive director at Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Carlos Quinonez has been hired as the Quinonez national brand ambassador and market manager for Big Easy Whiskey.

Fool’s Take: Verizon for dividends and growth

Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) dominates the U.S. telecom industry, which is an attractive sector for dividend investors due to its stability. These days, mobile phones and internet Motley access are necessiFool ties for customers, so that generates a consistent stream of income for the company and its shareholders. Verizon has increased its dividend for 20 straight years, and its payout recently yielded a fat 5.7%. The company boasts a massive recurring revenue base from its millions of wireless and broadband subscribers. That provides it with the cash flow to invest in maintaining and expanding its network, while also returning cash to shareholders. During the first half of this year, Verizon generated $18.4 billion in cash flow from operations, easily covering its capital expenditures

Quinonez has previously worked with Adolfo Garcia Restaurant Group, Coquette, Columns and Fives. Most recently, he worked as beverage director for Turkey and the Wolf Group and developed a bar in Guadalajara, Mexico. Jeff Arnold has been named the state director for Powering Louisiana, an initiative of the Southern Renewable Energy Association. Arnold, who spent 14 years as a Louisiana state representative for part of New Orleans, previously worked as CEO of the Association of Louisiana Electric Co-ops, was most recently the executive director of Energy Right — America First Energy Project Louisiana.

Baton Rouge Jodi Conachen has been hired as regional vice president for Acadian Ambulance’s Louisiana East region. Conachen, a BaConachen ton Rouge native, previously worked as chief oper-

($8.2 billion) and dividend ($5.9 billion). It used the remaining cash to repurchase shares ($3.5 billion) and strengthen its balance sheet. Verizon is on track to generate over $21.5 billion in free cash ﬂow after capital expenditures this year, and its growing free cash ﬂow should support future dividend increases. Verizon has not been growing briskly, but its business is solid and stable. It’s likely to generate substantial passive income to long-term investors. (The Motley Fool recommends Verizon Communications.)

Fool’s School: Different kinds of public companies There are many kinds of publicly traded companies, and you might want to invest in some while avoiding others. Here are some common categories: n Blue chip stocks are tied to established and ﬁnancially stable companies, such as Berkshire Hathaway, Boeing, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Visa and Walmart.

ating ofﬁcer at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

ana and as a judicial extern in the 19th Judicial District Court.

insurance and contract surety, most recently with Marsh McLennan Agency.

Kean Miller announced the hiring of two new attorneys in its Baton Rouge ofﬁce. John Madison III has been hired as special counsel with a focus on construction law and dispute resolution. Madison, a certiﬁed mediator with more than 25 years of experience, has also served as an arbitrator in Madison numerous large claims resulting from complex industrial projects. Taylor Guice has been hired as an associate with a focus on commercial litigation. Guice Guice, who graduated LSU Law Center last year, most recently served as a judicial law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisi-

Paul Floyd, the director of weights and measures at the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, was elected chair-elect Steve Louis has of the National Council on Weights Zander been named the of Measures at the organization’s group chief comannual meeting in July. mercial officer and managing director of the U.S. Region for Dr. Adam Carter will join Derma in Control Cutter, October. His adwhere he will lead t h e c o m p a n y ’s dition will expand Houston ofﬁce and the dermatology Broussard facility. practice’s capacity Louis, who is to provide Mohs chair of the Offsurgery and reconstructive care shore Decommisfor patients with Louis sioning & Abanskin cancer. Cartdonment Gulf of Carter er spent the past America Conference, previously six years in private practice near held senior positions at TechnipAtlanta. FMC, Subsea 7, EMAS and Promethean Decom. Fred Zander has been hired by Thibodaux-based Gaubert Oil as fuel and lubricants consultant. Zander previously worked in commercial property, casualty

Do you have personnel changes to share or other ideas for our business coverage? Drop us a line at biztips@theadvocate. com.

n Income stocks pay dividends to shareholders, typically via quarterly cash payments. They can be great for retirees as they generate regular income, but investors of all ages can proﬁt from them. n Value stocks are ones that appear undervalued, thus offering a margin of safety. Famous investors such as Warren Buffett have favored the value investing approach. n Growth stocks are tied to companies growing at a fasterthan-average rate. They can be appealing, but they can also be overvalued. When the market pulls back, they can fall harder than other stocks. n Cyclical stocks tend to rise and fall along with the economy and include carmakers, travel-related companies and luxury goods makers. When there’s a recession, many consumers will put off buying a new car or taking a big trip. n Defensive stocks are ones you’d likely want to own during a market downturn. They are not cyclical and are often less volatile than other stocks. They include utilities, grocery chains,

consumer staples companies and pharmaceutical companies. After all, if the economy sours, you’ll still need to pay your utility bills and buy groceries, shampoo and medications. n Speculative stocks tend to be volatile and riskier-than-average; these include early-stage biotechnology companies, mining companies and specialists in emerging technologies. Penny stocks are also speculative — and generally extra-risky. Keep in mind that some stocks will ﬁt several categories. CocaCola, for example, is a blue-chip defensive stock and a dividendpaying income stock and, at times, an undervalued value stock.

coin, ethereum, Tether, Binance coin and XRP. But just as you might invest in gold itself or in gold-mining businesses, you can invest in cryptocurrencies themselves and/or in companies that “mine” for crypto. With bitcoin, for example, miners engage in a complex process that can reward them with bitcoin if they create new blocks that get added to the blockchain. It’s costly to run the hardware to engage in bitcoin mining, so many people leave that process to bitcoin mining companies and then invest in those companies. Not all of those miners will prosper, though, so there is certainly risk — as you experienced. Also, historically, crypto prices have been quite volatile; many who got in early have done well, but many with poor timing have ended up with big losses. Only invest in cryptocurrencies once you have a solid understanding of how it all works.

Across Louisiana

My Dumbest Investment: Bitcoin miners My most regrettable investment ever was in bitcoin mining companies. — A.T., online The world of cryptocurrencies is complex and not for the faint of heart. There are lots of cryptocurrencies, of course, and you might invest in some of those; the largest ones recently included bit-

Do you have a smart or regrettable investment move to share with us? Email it to tmfshare@fool.com.

The biggest stories in business, delivered to you every weekday

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 9E

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ONE BIG QUESTION

What is one TV show you’re currently watching? BY GRACE MAYER

successful. It’s fascinating, compelling and horrifying. It’s not a relaxing show. It’s stressful. The relaxing part is watching somebody else struggle and knowing that it’s a show that you will turn off at some point.

Staff writer

At the end of a busy workday, there are few better ways to unwind than with several episodes of a good TV show, never mind the inherent stress of navigating among the countless options on the many streaming platforms. To find out how the leaders of Louisiana’s business and civic organizations relax when they’re away from the office, we asked them in this week’s One Big Question feature: What is one TV show you’re currently watching? Their answers included sports, documentaries, period dramas and sci-ﬁ thrillers, and helped shed some light on how they think — and why they’re successful. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

CONNIE FABRE

President and CEO, Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance

My son recently introduced my husband and I to the show “Silo,” which presents a scenario where a billionaire funds building all of these underground silos, but the people who live there don’t know why they are there. Fabre Science has always been a big part of my life. I’ve been watching “Star Trek” since I was a little girl. Earlier in my career, I worked as a scientist and an engineer. While watching “Silo,” and other shows in the science ﬁction genre, I’m always thinking about if the scenarios they present are possible in the future. If you look at the old “Star Trek” episodes from the late 1980s, they had those hand-held tablets, and now we have those today. I’m drawn to “Silo” because it helps me to imagine and think about what’s possible.

DANIELLE MACK

Chief philanthropy ofﬁcer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

I’m counting down the days for “The Gilded Age” to return in November, which follows a group of wealthy individuals in New York City during the 1880s and the tensions between old money and new money families. I Mack love the show, because it presents a different way of looking at history, the casting is great and the scoring is wonderful. The storyline doesn’t shy away from or avoid some of the tougher conversations and topics from that time, like Black history, classicism and colorism. “The Gilded Age” shows me a part of history I never learned about in school: a thriving African American community in 19th-century Brooklyn, living with ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By RICK OSENTOSKI dignity, ambition and joy. Saints quarterback Tyler Shough passes against the Detroit Lions during Working in the philanthropy space, I’m also really interested in a game Sept. 13 in Detroit. Daniel Hammer, president and CEO of The Historic New Orleans Collection, says being a part of the Saints fandom how they depict those components in the show. The historical era the ‘is another example of how some things about this place, like its history show is set in is ﬁlled with wealthy and culture, are not just a characteristic of our lives, they’re a defining people, women who spend much part of our lives.’ of their time supporting charities and fundraising efforts to build an GREGORY KALLENBERG and excitement opera house. The show is one I can Executive director, Startup Prize and always having watch more than once, and I don’t Foundation, Shreveport to be on. Watching typically watch a lot of TV. this show reminds I keep circling back to watching me how funny and RUTH LAWSON “The Bear,” a show that follows stressful it is to President, Jefferson Chamber of a family-owned restaurant, the be a part of some- Commerce characters who work there and the crushing realities they face, Kallenberg thing and to try to When I’m not watching “Mickey both personal and in the culinary grow something, Mouse Clubhouse” with my 2-yearindustry. and I see that energy and attitude old, I’ve been watching a lot of 9/11 It’s a pretty real depiction of every day with the entrepreneurs documentaries recently, including working in a restaurant, and it cap- we work with at Startup Prize. “9/11: Inside the President’s War Everyone should watch the show Room.” I love a documentary, and tures what I miss about working in the service industry — the thrum to see what we all go through to be I love a true crime documentary.

Working What’s

I’m always looking to learn a bit more, and with the 25th anniversary of this event I’ve just been diving into learning more about this event, Lawson which took place when I was in high school. My husband and I went to New York about a month ago, where we toured the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. I recently traveled to the Pentagon with other Jefferson Parish ofﬁcials and business leaders, a trip our team does each year to advocate for the parish, everything from infrastructure needs to ﬂood insurance protection. Getting to visit these sites that are part of our country’s history, especially on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, has really spurred my interest in watching more documentaries about this time.

DANIEL HAMMER

President and CEO, The Historic New Orleans Collection

I am currently binge-watching the New Orleans Saints 2026-27 season. I’ve been a Saints fan my whole life. I grew up watching them have some pretty tough years, and it makes all their recent success a blessing. For some younger fans, Hammer like my daughter, who is 17, and my son, who is 12, the Saints are supposed to win. The way I love the Saints is similar to a lot of New Orleanians. Being a part of this fandom is another example of how some things about this place, like its history and culture, are not just a characteristic of our lives, they’re a deﬁning part of our lives. The fandom is intrinsic to my being. I don’t feel like I have much of a choice. Who would I be if I weren’t a Saints fan? Email Grace Mayer at grace. mayer@theadvocate.com.

with

in Greater New Orleans business

Michael Hecht President & CEO GNO Inc.

LA & GNO, Inc. Get Sites Ready, Ready!

Over the past month, GNO, Inc., Louisiana Economic Development, and local partners hosted three events across the region celebrating a combined $13.2 million in state investment through Louisiana’s FastSites program, funding that is turning potential into development in Washington, St. Charles, and St. Tammany parishes. “Site readiness” is one of the deciding factors in whether a parish wins or loses a major project. Speciﬁcally, companies will rule out locations where roads, utilities, or rail access aren’t already in place. FastSites was created to ensure our locations are “shovel ready” when a company or consultant comes calling.

the GNO, Inc. supported Site Investment and Infrastructure Improvement Fund, FastSites gives the state a revolving pool of capital to prepare land for industrial and commercial use. In March, LED selected 19 sites across 16 parishes for the program’s ﬁrst round. The Legislature has since added another $50 million, bringing the fund to $200 million, and the next application window opens in October. In Greater New Orleans, the sites are: •

Launched in October 2025 with $150 million through

You can read about the full 19-site FastSites selection here

You can learn more about the FastSites program here

Franklinton Industrial Park (Washington Parish) – A $1.2 million investment is funding roadway and water and sewer improvements, priming 75 acres for new industrial development alongside existing tenants like Acme Machine & Welding and Grand Isle Shipyard

You can read about the Esperanza Business Park investment here

•

Esperanza Business Park (St. Charles Parish) – A $10 million investment will extend Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway more than two miles to LA 3127, opening road access to over 1,000 acres of land near the Hale Boggs Bridge with connections to I-310, the Mississippi River, Union Paciﬁc rail, and Louis Armstrong Airport

•

Gulf South Commerce Park (St. Tammany Parish) – A $2 million investment is funding land acquisition and wetlands mitigation to grow the park from 92 to nearly 400 acres along Interstate 12 in Mandeville, where Crosby Development Company and Blue Steel Development are already building the 200,555-square-foot Steel 12 distribution facility

A greater choice for business

gnoinc.org

10E ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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Global experience. Louisiana expertise. Gallagher is committed to serving Louisiana, combining client-centric service with global resources. We’re a trusted partner for businesses and individuals seeking insurance, risk management and consulting solutions.

Connect with your local broker today. AJG.com/louisiana | The Gallagher Way. Since 1927.

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homes.nola.com Search & Place Ads Online at classiﬁeds.theneworleansadvocate.com • Call Us Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM at (504) 636-7435

OPEN

enviable addresses NEW

HOUSE

LISTING

NEW

#42,:+2."3";0.7.;0.;1):/;.0(:7.541.0'!*2.;3.0%6,.!&8.4)#3141.$9<<*33*9;'

NEW

PRICE

LISTING

SUN 3-5

7722 Plum Street • Uptown

$695,000 131 Aris Avenue • Old Metairie

Brand-new 2026 stunner, completely rebuilt from the studs with classic Arts & Crafts charm and modern finishes. Features soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, huge eat-in kitchen, flexible 3–4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,950sf well designed layout, private primary suite opening to backyard, and all-new systems. Steps from Oak Street, St. Charles streetcar, Audubon Park and Tulane. Janet Maumus 504-376-4924 R.J. Brent & Associates Company, Inc. 504-455-5411

OPEN

$435,900 2625 Labarre Lane • Old Metairie

Location, Charm & Convenience! Discover this adorable 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1,555 Sqft cottage just steps from Metairie Road! Open floor plan, cathedral ceilings, no stairs or carpet, covered front porch and rear patio, spacious backyard, and off-street parking. Lovingly maintained by its second owner, with roof, HVAC and tankless water heater updates. Ann Garvey 504-723-1466 Berkshire Hathaway HS Preferred, REALTORS 504-766-6705

DOUBLE

SUN 1-3

1773-1775 N. Dorgenois Street • Mid-City

PUT YOUR LISTING HERE!

$399,500

Home with Income! Pretty upgraded Craftsman double on an oversized 60x109 lot w/ gated side yard & driveways. Each spacious unit has historic details, Liv & Din Rooms, wd flrs, tall ceilings, updated culinary kitchens & baths, SS appls, natural wd work & inviting porches. Live in one, rent the other, or maximize investment potential—minutes to Jazz Fest, City Park & Bayou St. John! Linda Babineaux • 504-957-8014 J. Babineaux • 504-813-8460 COMPASS • Uptown/Maple St. 504-861-7575

SHOULD YOUR STANDOUT PROPERTY be a

featured home?

Have the prominent position, plus the inside cover of the HOMES REAL ESTATE SECTION! In addition to a showcase home on NOLA.com for 4-weeks.

PRICE

3522 Vincennes Place • Uptown

Call Gwen 504-300-6411

VIRTUAL HOME TOURS

$495,000

Charming 2-story home on quiet street off Fontainebleau Dr. Beautiful renovation w/ wood floors throughout, 9ft ceilings, crown molding & wonderful natural light. Living & dining rooms are extra spacious. Kitchen has a lrg island & breakfast area that opens to back patio & yard. Primary bedroom suite is down, w/ 2 bedrooms & bath up. 2-car drvwy & rear shed. A gem in a convenient location! Letty Rosenfeld 504-236-6834 Compass • Uptown Office 504-866-2785

HAVE A HOME THAT’s

ENVIABLE Reach

GET YOUR

VIRTUAL HOME TOUR IN FRONT OF

50,000

PROSPECTIVE BUYERS EVERY WEEK

To reserve your FEATURED HOME, contact Gwen Enderline

AT 504-300-6411 OR genderline@theadvocate.com

Prime location! Custom-built and impeccably maintained, this 4,639 sq. ft. home offers 4 ensuite bedrooms, lots of natural light, soaring ceilings, an updated chef’s kitchen, office, expansive third-floor flex space, new roof (2025), new windows, attached garage, abundant storage, and covered patio—all within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and Metairie Road. Ken Hamrick kenh@kw.com 504-628-5428 Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 504-862-0100

NEW

WIDE

HOUSE

$1,020,000

111 ADDRESS LANE

This is the description for the house and is here as placeholder text. This is the description for the house and is here as placeholder text. This is the description for the house and is here as placeholder text.

VIRTUAL TOUR

$000,000

CONTACT GWEN ENDERLINE AT 504-300-6411 OR GENDERLINE@THEADVOCATE.COM

440,000

monthly readers with a showcase listing on NOLA.com and in our weekly Enviable Addresses section on the Sunday front cover of Real Estate and Saturday InsideOut tabloid. To place your Enviable Address, contact Gwen Enderline

AT 504-300-6411 OR genderline@theadvocate.com

2F ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune APARTMENT 7113 Boston Dr. Townhouse, Section 8 $1200. Gail (504) 239-2885

New Orleans Real Estate For Sale

3BR/2BA welcome,

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APARTMENT METAIRIE

APARTMENT

INVESTMENT PROPERTY Villa D'Orleans, 1Bdrm, Water Pd. 3126 Edenborn Avenue. $55k 504454-1819

GENTILLY 2544 ALLEN TOUSSAINT BLVD. NEWLY RENOVATED!!! 1-2 Bdrm Apts * From $800/mo Parking * Sec Gate 504-209-8054 * 504-454-1333

APARTMENT

New Orleans Rental APARTMENT: DUPLEX 8629 Apricot St. 3Br/1Ba, Central air/heat, Section 8. No Pets $1300. 504-344-2324 APARTMENT 3806 LaSalle Street, 1BR 1BA, Kitchen appliances only. Utilities included $1000/month 504-782-7837

KENNER 2850 IDAHO AVENUE 1 Block to Vets & Williams All Amenities * Pool * Parking Studio/1 Bed Apt * Starting $675/Mo 504-385-5482 * 504-454-1333

PRINT ADVERTISING

10,000 Apt Homes and 75 Locations with Studio, 1, 2 & 3 Bedrooms Pools, Access Gates, Garages (504) 360-9347

WORKS

METAIRIE 2720 WHITNEY PLACE UNIT #504 • $1,500/Mo 2 Bdrm / 2 Bath Condo. ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED! New Carpet & ﬂrg, quartz countertops in baths. No pets. 2-yr lease. Laundry Rm on 1st ﬂoor. Guard @ night. Sandy Ward * 504-259-2616. Re/Max Living * 504-475-1011. Ea ofc indpntly owned & operated.

APARTMENT

APARTMENT Efﬁciency #E $800. 4327 & 4329 Hollygrove Street: 1 Bedroom. Water Pd $900. 504-313-2192

APARTMENT

HOME-DELIVERED

METAIRIE 3201 RICHLAND AVENUE 1/2 Block off Vets * by Paretti Jaguar 1 Bed * Prkg * Pool * Rent $675/mo 504-320-6958 * 504-454-1333 METAIRIE 3513 EDENBORN AVENUE Lrg 2 Bed, 1 Bath * $925 * Off St Prkg Blocks from Lakeside 504-982-4040 * 504-885-8060 504-454-1333

EVERY DAY

APARTMENT N.O. EAST * LITTLE WOODS SPECIAL 7819 SANDS STREET * 3 BD/2 BA Central A & H * Fenced Backyard Sec 8 Welcome. No Deposit. $1,200 504-241-6189 * 504-430-1162

DUPLEX 4752 Francis Dr., 3BR/2BA, $1550/month Section 8 ok, Central Air & Heat 504-289-7595

NOLA.COM/SUBSCRIBE

jobs.nola.com Search Place Onlines at jobs.nola.com • Call Us Monday - Friday 8AM 8AM - 5PM at at (504) Search &&Place AdsAds Online at classiﬁeds.theneworleansadvocate.com • Call Us Monday - Friday - 5PM (504) 636-7435 636-7435

1B7GL22N8YS842899 DODGE is stored at 9581 Westbank Expressway, Westwego, LA, 70094. If all current charges are not paid and vehicle claimed by the owner by 10/09/2026 a Permit to Sell may be obtained. 201310-Sept 19 & 20, 2t $79.60 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Edwin Antonio Duran- Mena a/k/a Denise , please contact Atty. Rudy W. Gorrell @ (504) 553-9588. 201128-Sept 19-21, 3t $77.50 ANYONE KNOWING the whereabouts of Gregory K. Cola, Sr. please contact Jon S. McGill, Sr., Atty. (504) 208-5551. 201108-Sept 19-21, 3t $71.20

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Javonne Mabens please contact Attorney David J. Motter, 3500 N. Hullen Street, Metairie, LA 70002; 504-388-7005. 201086-Sept 19-21, 3t $77.50

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Kristin Rene Jolivette, her children, heirs, or legatees, please call Peyton B. Burkhalter at (504) 266-2044 or send written communication to 2540 Severn Avenue, Suite 129, Metairie, LA 70002 or pete@peytonburkhalterlaw.com. 201415-Sept 19-23, 5t $165 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Lake Catherine Investments LLC and/or Joseph Hermo and/or Dawn Boyd please contact Attorney David J. Motter 3500 N. Hullen Street, Metairie, LA 70002; 504-388-7005. 201088-Sept 19-21, 3t $94.30 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Lisa A. Scott, a/k/a Lisa A. Smith Scott, to contact the Law Ofﬁce of Rudy W. Gorrell @504-553-9588. 201129-Sept 19-21, 3t $81.70

NEWS 24/7 ON

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Markeith C. Cunningham, his children, heirs, or legatees, please call Peyton B. Burkhalter at (504) 266-2044 or send written communication to 2540 Severn Avenue, Suite 129, Metairie, LA 70002 or pete@peytonburkhalterlaw.com. 201416-Sept 19-23, 5t $165

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Zelma Stewart Evans, a/k/a Zelma S. Evans, a/k/a, Zelma Evans, last known address of 1345 Avenue C, Marrero, LA 70072 or 1664 Plaza Drive, Marrero, LA 70072, please contact Timothy F. Hand, Esq. at (504) 368-1118. 201418-Sept 19-21, 3t $119.50

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Quimberly Dozier (who has at one time resided or is currently residing at 3239 Belfort Avenue in New Orleans, LA 70119-2817), please contact Atty. Ilijana Todorovic, Phone: (504) 502-5240; Email: itodorovic@duprelawﬁrm.com. 201109-Sept 19-21, 3t $109

Anyone knowing the whereabouts or contact information of any heir or otherwise interested party regarding a proposed interdiction of Susan Marie Davis, please contact attorney Chris Short to protect your/her legal rights 504-828-3313. A hearing to interdict Susan Marie Davis is set in the 24th JDC, No. 879884, Div. A, on October 19, 2026 at 9:00 am to determine her competency. 201445-Sept 19-21, 3t $218.50

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Renee Rodrigue Daigle, her heirs and the unopened Succession of Renee Rodrigue Daigle, please contact Thomas J. Capella, Esq., 4928 Jasper, Metairie, LA 70006, (504) 401-8765. 201107-Sept 19-21, 3t $98.50

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the heirs of Eugene H. Castillon and/or heirs of Sherry L. Castillon, contact attorney Betty Maury at 504-475-6522. 201421-Sept 19-21, 3t $81.70

GONZALES CONCRETE

corinne.fox@compass.com www.compass.com/agents/corinne-fox 7934 Maple St. New Orleans, LA 70118 Licensed by the State of Louisiana

CEMENT AND BRICK

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Hurricane Fence and Home Improvement is Your JellyFish Lighting Dealer All In One Exterior Lighting Solution Controlled from your smart device anywhere

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Pool Enclosures • Patio Covers • Rooﬁng Siding • Glass Rooms • Screen Rooms Sofﬁt • Fascia • Windows & Screens

ABLE TREE SERVICE 50+ YEARS LOCAL SERVICE $2 Million Liabilty Insurance • Worker’s Comp NEVER A COMPLAINT TO THE REMOVAL STORM PREP

WE RECYCLE YOUR TREES

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www.hurricanefenceneworleans.com All types of Fences Exclusive Pre-Stained Cedar Fences

R.J. LABORDE CONSTRUCTION RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • REMODELING & NEW CONSTRUCTION

An Affordable Quality Builder for Over 25 Years • Room Additions • Custom Kitchens • Custom Baths

• Carport Enclosures • Garages • Plumbing Repairs

• Window Replacements • New Roofing & Repairs • Concrete Work

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES SHRIMP - CRAWFISH - FISH - OYSTER - CRAB

3030 Lausat Street, Metairie, Louisiana 70001 Website: twomenandatruck.com/neworleans Licensed, Bonded and fully Insured with a 96.5% approval rating

o D e e ct o

Driveways, houses fences. - 504-913-1920

to fill the following critical shortage areas: ELA, ESL, Math, Science and Special Education. A hiring stipend is offered for teachers hired at target schools and/or in target content areas. For more information and to apply, visit www.jpschools.org/teach

CONSTRUCTION CO. INC.

JAMES H. BALL, SR.

MR. CARBO FIRST FOR BEST PRICES!

Speech Language Therapists, School Psychologists & Certified Teachers

504-466-3712

m 504.239.1481 o 504.861.7575

P R ES I D E N T 2158 Kenner Ave. Kenner, LA 70062

CALL

If anyone knows the whereabouts of Cheronda Marie Johnson (A/K/A Cheronda Johnson) and/or Ronald Michael Johnson, Jr. and/or Jacqueline Betis Johnson (A/K/A Jacqueline Johnson), please contact Attorney Aspen Steib Murphy at (985) 359-9100 and/or send a letter to 1935 W. Arline Highway, LaPlace,

EDUCATION Jefferson Parish Schools is hiring

“Connecting You to the Soul of New Orleans One Home, One Neighborhood, One Passion at a Time!”

Ray Gonzales 504-458-7278

PRESSURE WASHING

U.S. Bank Trust v. Cheronda Marie Johnson (A/K/A Cheronda Johnson) and Ronald Michael Johnson, Jr. and Jacqueline Betis Johnson (A/K/A Jacqueline Johnson); 24th JDC, Docket #: C-870-893

Employment

REALTOR®

Sidewalks, Patios, Driveways, etc.

Make your holidays a lot easier with the Versa Lift Attic Elevator Prices start at $2795 12 month no interest financing available CALL 504-466-3712 Hurricane Fence and Home Improvement

LOST PROMISSORY NOTE: Anyone knowing the whereabouts or having possession of one (1) certain Promissory Note originally in favor of Liberty Bank and Trust Company executed by Kendal K. Coulon a/k/a Kendal K. Coulon Frederick., dated 04/16/2013, in the original loan amount of $63,593.00, please contact Elizabeth Crowell Price by mail at 1505 N 19th Street, Monroe, LA 71201 or by phone at 801-355-2886. 201414-Sept 19-21, 3t $228.20

LA 70068. 201293-Sept 19-21, 3t $254.14

Corinne Fox

Any size job Servicing New Orleans & Northshore area

GET READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Any person or entity that has an interest in the property bearing the municipal address of 114 Holy Cross Place, Kenner, La., please contact attorney James C. Raff, (504) 8281010. 201289-Sept 19-21, 3t $96.40

L4WC1H815HA126087 JINHUA YONGQIANG is stored at 9581 Westbank Expressway, Westwego, LA, 70094. If all current charges are not paid and vehicle claimed by the owner by 10/9/2026 a Permit to Sell may be obtained. 201309-Sept 19 & 20, 2t $81

Announcements

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Joseph Hermo and/or his children/descendants/heirs, Please contact Attorney Tyralynn WellsDonald at 504-388-0189 or info@thewellslawofﬁce.com. 201283-Sept 19-21, 3t $73.30

PARTNER WITH PROCESSOR

Tree Trimming & Removal • Stump Grinding

(NO INVESTMENT REQUIRED, YOU DO THE SALES & SHARE PROFITS)

504-341-2006

Email resume with past experience in the seafood industry to: shrimpexpert89@gmail.com

*Must Dial Area Code*

FREE ESTIMATES!

License and Insured and Professionally trained

To advertise here, please call 225-383-0111 or visit us at servicedirectory.nola.com

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 3F

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EDUCATION The St Bernard Parish School Board has immediate openings for the following positions: Certified positions - ALL levels and Areas Including: * Physical Therapists * Occupational Therapists * Speech Therapists * Interpreters * School Counselors * Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN's) * Support positions - ALL To apply, visit the school district website athttps://www.sbpsb.org EOE

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

IT Assistant/Helpdesk * Ability to diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and connectivity issues * Experience with Microsoft 365 / Office Suite * Experience with Windows 11 operating system, system settings, and user profiles * Understanding of computer networking fundamentals and basic network troubleshooting * Active Directory, Intune, and EntraID account management * Ability to explain technology to non-technical users * Law firm technology experience (preferred) * Email administration and troubleshooting * Familiarity with audio and video conferencing systems (Zoom, Teams, RingCentral, WebEx) * Organization and documentation skills

DOMESTIC Cooks – Avion Hospitality LLC *Multiple Openings* in New Orleans, Louisiana. Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. Full-time posi‐ tion. Wage: from $16.00/hr to $16.00/hr. To apply, go to https://recruiting.paylocity.com/ Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4242504

DOMESTIC Housekeeper – Avion Hospitality LLC *Multiple Openings* in New Orleans, Louisiana. Perform any combination of cleaning duties to maintain commer‐ cial establishments. Duties may in‐ clude making beds, replenishing linens, cleaning rooms and halls, and vacuuming. Full-time position. Wage: from $15.00/hr to $15.00/hr. To apply, go to https://recruiting.paylocity.com/ Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4242472 DOMESTIC Laundry Workers – Avion Hospitality LLC *Multiple Openings* in New Or‐ leans, Louisiana. Operate or tend wash‐ ing machines to wash blankets, linens and draperies. Full-time position. Wage: from $15.00/hr to $15.00/hr. To apply, go to https://recruiting.paylocity.com/ Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4242490 GENERAL HELP Waiters/Waitresses – Avion Hospitality LLC *Multiple Openings* in New Or‐ leans, Louisiana. Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at ta‐ bles in dining establishment. Full-time position. Wage: from $7.25/hr to $7.25/hr. To apply, go to https://recruiting.paylocity.com/ Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4242513

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

PUBLIC NOTICE --PUBLIC NOTICE OPPORTUNITY FOR REQUESTING A PUBLIC HEARING All

interested persons h b d i d h

City of New Orleans Solicitation #4752 – Street Light Maintenance and Rehabilitation Services Local Electrical Contractor in need of City of New Orleans approved DBE’s for the following trades: Licensed Arborist Concrete Demolition Concrete Supplier Masonry – Brick & Tile – Installation and Repair Tree Trimming Painting Application Method: Qualified, interested parties should please contact Harold Boydston hboydston@allstar-electric.com or Todd McDonald tmcdonald@allstarelectric.com

Merchandise MISC FOR SALE Antique (Foreign) Tea Pots 10-12 Must See $300 Take All 504-994-7385

CEMETERY PLOTS Garden of Memories, Metairie, 1 plot-Sec V, $4,750 No Transfer Fee Call 601-814-0723

CEMETERY PLOTS Westlawn Cemetery Mausoleum, in the Chapel. Corr IV, Tier A, holds 6 interments $17,500. 504-259-0505

NEW ORLEANS Indoor Sale: Greek Church Hellenic Center, 1200 Allen Toussaint Blvd 70122 (corner of St. Bernard Avenue). Sat, Sept 19, 9a-4p, Sun, Sept 20, 12p-4p. Housewares, toys, clothes, baby items, collectibles, furniture, jewelry & more.

Beautiful puppies Yorkie puppies shots and dewormed $700.00 601543-4232 bettyparks159@gmail.com

Automotive 2019 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2.0L Limited needs some body work. Motor and transmission good. $3500 or best offer. 504-235-3223.

Pets

Reporting you can trust

JEWELRY/WATCHES Ladies Beautiful 10k Gold Diamond Cluster Ring Must See! $350 (504) 994-7385

MARINE NOW HIRING Galleyhands Night Cooks

JEWELRY/WATCHES Ladies beautiful 10k gold diamond wishbone ring. $300. 504-994-7385

Must hold TWIC card, pass drug test & physical. 985-851-0727 or email:

personnel@sontheimeroffshore.com

MISC FOR SALE Mens gorgeous black & gold Saints jacket, size 2X, must see! $300 (504) 994-7385

Place a Classiﬁed ad?

1-800-960-6397

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

p are hereby advised that the St. Jude Health and Wellness Center has ap‐ plied to the Louisiana De‐ partment of Transporta‐ tion and Development for project funding under Federal Transit Adminis‐ tration (Section 5310 and/or 5311) for the fol‐ lowing:

p in the Parish. Further de‐ tails relative to the pro‐ ject are available from Collin Stansberry; 3525 Bienville St; New Orleans LA 70119; 504-279-6414.

tal effects involved. In lieu of requesting a pub‐ lic hearing, interested persons may submit their comments in writ‐ ing.

Should a public hearing be required, a public no‐ tice will be published stating the date, time, and location of the hear‐ ing.

Written requests for a public hearing and/or submittal of comments must be postmarked on or before September 23, 2026, and should be ad‐ dressed to: Collin Stans‐ berry; 3525 Bienville St; New Orleans, LA 70119.

199632-SEP 5-20-2T $367.84

PROJECT: St. Jude Health and Wellness Center is preparing to obtain equipment to start new transportation services i h i h h d

GRETNA GARAGE SALE - Garden Park Estates /Moving Queen cherrywood poster bed set. 7 pieces. Living and dining room furniture. Outdoor table sets plus much more

JEWELRY/WATCHES Ladies Beaut. 10k yg Diam. Clustered Heart Ring Must See $350 504-994-7385

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

Interested persons are advised that they may request that a public hearing be conducted to provide a means for the public to express their views relative to the pro‐ posed project on the probable social, eco‐ nomic, and environmen‐

CATS Young Male Cat, Gray Colors, Have too many cats, Looking for another home for him. Please call 504-861-9617 ($50)

Garage Sales

JEWELRY/WATCHES Ladies beaut. 10k-14k gold diamond cross & chn $350 504-994-7385

CLASSIFIEDS WORK

Email resume to nolajobs0504@gmail.com

Public Notices

GENERAL HELP Wanted: City of New Orleans Approved DBE Vendors

PRINT ADVERTISING WORKS

on stories that matter

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

CLASSIFIEDS.NOLA.COM Public Notices Sex Offenders

Public Notices Sex Offenders

convicted of 14:43.1 Sexual Battery. Date Convicted: 03/08/2007. My Address is: 7836 KARLA ST BRIDGE CITY, LA 70094

I, ARCHIE LEE HARRELL, have been

Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 7/1/1953 Height: 6'3" Weight: 185 Hair Color: BLACK

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: LOUISIANA 201028, SEPT 20-21 $250

NEWS 24/7 ON

Something for everyone.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

SHOP TODAY!

store.nola.com

4F ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

N O R T H A M ER I CA’S

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FREE Back by Pop SHOW ular De ER P mand! AC K A GE !

1Selling Walk-In Tub

Erie Roofing Since 1976

Featuring our Free Shower Package Plus 15% Off

Now relaxing warm bath, or enjoy a convenient refreshing shower while seated or standing with Safe Step Walk-In Tub’s FREE Shower Package! ✓ First walk-in tub available with a customizable shower ✓ Fixed rainfall shower head is adjustable for your height and pivots ✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub ✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one

Now you can have the best of both worlds–there isn’t a better,

FREE SHOWER PACKAGE PLUS $1600 OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

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With purchase of a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Not applicable with any previous walk-in tub purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase.

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FINANCING AVAILABLE WITH APPROVED CREDIT CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445 13VH11096000

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CALL TODAY! 1.877.465.0788 New orders only. Does not include material costs. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Minimum purchase required. Other restrictions may apply. This is an advertisement placedon behalf of Erie Construction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and conditions may apply and the offer may not be available in your area. If you call the number provided, you consent to being contacted by telephone, SMS text message, email, pre-recorded messages by Erie or its affiliates and service providers using automated technologies notwithstanding if you are on a DO NOT CALL list or register. Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use on homeservicescompliance.com. All rights reserved. License numbers available at eriehome.com/erielicenses/

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SEPTEMBER 28-30

2S ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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SEPTEMBER 28-30

CONNECTED POWER CONNECTING LEADERS. POWERING PROGRESS.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 3S

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Connected Power: Connecting Leaders. Powering Progress. DAVID LACERTE

JASON WELLS

Commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Chair, President & CEO of CenterPoint Energy

JONATHAN BRIGHTBILL

CLAUDIA MORROW

General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Energy

Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy, Vistra Corp.

DARRYL WILLIS

CINDY TAFF

Corporate VP at Microsoft

CEO, Sage Geosystems

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

LS Power

Energy Transfer LP

Microsoft Corporation

ENFRA

NRG Energy, Inc.

Entergy Corporation

Oklo, Inc.

Exxon Mobil Corporation

Shell

Fervo Energy Company

Talen Energy Corporation

Jones Walker

Venture Global, Inc.

Lazard, Inc.

Vistra Corporation

4S ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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CONNECTED POWER CONNECTING LEADERS. POWERING PROGRESS.

The Power Wall: AI, Industry, and the New Era of Energy Demand From Chips to Power Plants: The New Energy-Tech Alliance Louisiana LNG: Powering the Next Phase of Growth Protecting Louisiana’s Energy Coast: AI, Water, and Infrastructure Resilience Power Prices, Data Centers, and the Future of Grid Affordability Nuclear Energy’s Expanding Role in the Future Grid Grid-Scale Batteries: From Promise to System Backbone Utility-Scale Solar: Challenges, Opportunities, and What’s Next What Attracts Capital? Investing Across the Energy Landscape

DISCOVERy | INNOVATION | LIVING WELL

A better way to do toast PAGE 3

HEALTH

LOUISIANA

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

Molly Kimball

S U N D AY, S e p t e m b e r 20, 2026

1 1N

Woman’s cancer journey inspires family Detection of BRCA1 genetic mutation can help decrease risk

BY MARGARET DeLANEY

Staff writer

Dawn Riviere traveled the country for years with her husband Charles in their RV — from Colorado to Missouri. They always tried to come back south in the winter and stay up north in the summer. They were back in Louisiana at the Park Riverview RV park across from Natchez, Mississippi, in the late summer of 2023. Riviere was in a rush to mow the lawn. “It was gonna rain,” she said. “I didn’t want to get soaking wet — I’ve gotten soaking wet before.” In her hurry to outrun the storm, the back tire of Riviere’s mower hit a deep hole in the yard, throwing her off the seat and onto the ground. The pain in her side lasted a week before she went to the doctor, where her primary care physician ordered some further imaging. Just a few weeks later, more pain in her side brought her to the emergency room and then to the ofﬁce of Dr. Renee Cowan, a gynecologic oncologist at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. Scans showed that Riviere had two ovarian tumors — one the size of a small cantaloupe on her right ovary, the other the size of a large grapefruit on her left ovary — that had been dislodged from their place after her fall. Her case is not uncommon. Nearly 75% of women discover that they have ovarian cancer at an advanced stage. “That’s because the ovaries hide,” Cowan said. “They’re small. There’s not really any signs and symptoms are vague.” Cowan removed both of Riviere’s tumors. The biopsy test came back that not only was Riviere’s cancer a more advanced stage, she also had the BRCA1 genetic mutation.

INFUSION PROFUSION Health boost? Hangover cure? Louisianans are turning to IV therapies, but are they helpful?

BY RACHEL MIPRO Contributing writer

Sticking a needle in your veins has never been more popular. DeAnna Smith, CEO of Dripsy, an IV health and wellness center with locations in Lafayette, Alexandria and Olla, said people come in for a variety of drips. For her, the IV therapy trend, inspired by in-hospital IV therapy, has taken off. In the hospital setting, this treatment is typically used for people who need fluid repletion, usually occurring in cases of severe dehydration, or nutrient absorption problems. In the outpatient world, people can come in and pick between a mix of infusions, seeking hangover remedies, vitamin blends and other offerings. Once selected, the mixture is injected directly into the bloodstream via intravenous needle. In a salon-like setting, the client gets comfortable while the infusion happens — a process that typically takes around an hour, depending on the amount of liquid selected.

ä See IV, page 2X

ä See GENE, page 2X

STAFF PHOTOS By DAVID GRUNFELD

Clients receive IV infusions at the Remedy Room in Metairie, a boutique hydration clinic. The popularity of IV therapies is booming.

STAFF PHOTO By PEARL SPURLOCK

Dawn Riviere left, hugs gynecologic oncologist Dr. Renee Cowan at Woman’s Hospital.

World Renowned. Kid Worthy.

Hunter Starring, MD Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery

Riley H. Orthopedic Patient

2X ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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HEALTH MAKER N.O. doctor helped get new prostate cancer treatment approved BY MARGARET DeLANEY Staff writer

Dr. Oliver Sartor started out in endocrine research in Shreveport. But after his fellowship, he had the opportunity to do and learn more with the prostate cancer team at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. In 1989, he packed is bags and “trained there as really kind of happenstance,” he said. After a few years of training and leading the charge for national prostate cancer research, he and his family moved back to Louisiana to be closer to his parents. LSU Shreveport led him to LSU New Orleans, where he was named the head of the cancer center and chief of hematology oncology in 1998. He initiated the push for the state to become a designated center with the National Cancer Institute and co-initiated the beginning of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center. “I have a long history of pushing for the NCI designation,” Sartor said. “I continue to be very supportive of those goals, although I’m not part of the administrative structure.” Hurricane Katrina pushed him out of town for brief, two-year stint at Harvard Medical School. But he returned home again to Tulane Medicine, where he was on faculty for 17 years. Last June, Sartor began his next venture with LCMC Health, building the Transformation Prostate Cancer Research Center at East Jefferson Hospital, where he sees patients twice a week and conducts research on new novel therapies to treat prostate cancer. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. What was important about coming to LCMC, to New Orleans? I wanted to be back here. One thing that was inﬂuential

those side effects. Pluvicto originated in Germany, but I helped to get it to the United States in order to get it into trials. That’s one of my happiest accomplishments. Why does Louisiana continue to rank among the states with higher rates of prostate cancer? Our mortality is a little bit higher than it should be. Partly, we have a little bit late detection, and one of the messages I’d always love to get out is that early detection is really your best opportunity to have choices in your therapy. If you get diagnosed late, you get shoved into treatments that none of us would really like to be shoved into. Early detection allows curable options, and sometimes simply surveillance. What research projects are you currently working on? We’re identifying men who have genetic predispositions to prosSTAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE tate cancer. The last patient I saw was the son of one of my patients Dr. Oliver Sartor, director of the Transformational Prostate Cancer Research Center, stands next to a PET who happens to have a genetic scanner in Metairie. risk factor for (it). I’m monitoring his risk in an effort to make sure that would enable my work to be was the director of the radiaNow, it’s not absolutely perfect, that if he develops cancer, I treat done properly. They gave me a of course, but we get a targeted it very, very early. By incorporattion oncology, Kendra Harris. nice home. cancer kill instead of putting it I’d worked with her very closely ing genetics, I enable families to What are the most impactful changes in the bathwater and hoping that in the past at Tulane, and she be tested and have better access that you’ve seen in your career with prosnormal cells survive. was now at LCMC. She is a very to early detection and potential This targeted isotopic therapy fine physician, and I knew that I prevention if those issues should tate cancer treatment? has been something I’ve been would have a partner in radiation. arise. I’m going to put Pluvicto at working on a long, long time. I LCMC Health, particularly at We are also offering novel therthe top, a prostate cancer treatstarted working on this general East Jefferson Hospital, have ment which we have three FDA apies for people who have unmet approach around 1994 at the Nabeen working with radioactive approvals for. That is radioisoneeds. It turns out that metastatic isotopes in neuroendocrine tuprostate cancer remains an untopic therapy, where instead of tional Cancer Institute. I’ve been chemotherapy, where we put the working on it for over 30 years. mors for a long period. I knew I fortunately fatal disease. When poison in the bathwater and kills There are five FDA approvals wouldn’t have to start at ground we exhaust our typical FDAeverything that it touches, we try for this kind of therapy, includzero. approved therapies, we have to to target the isotope to the cancer ing three separate approvals for I also needed to be able to put seek alternatives that are legitiitself. together my research team, and Pluvicto. The latest, on July 31, mate and appropriate to be done We do that by taking a particuthe hospital was incredibly supwas approved for the upfront in an experimental setting. Our treatment of metastatic prostate team has set up a series of clinical portive in terms of making the lar protein selectively expressed cancer. Patients no longer have trials in an effort to improve not hires that I needed in order to get on the cell surface for prostate to go through hormone therapy only the quality of care, but hopemy research center underway. cancer, putting a tag that is laor chemotherapy to qualify for I needed office space as well as beled with an isotope that can fully the duration of survival. Pluvicto treatment. This provides clinic space. treat the cancer, and injecting it. A lot of what I use is based on Then it homes to the cancer, binds an opportunity to get a positive Email Margaret DeLaney at effect on the patient, but without PET imaging, and LCMC bought to it and selectively radiates the margaret.delaney@theadvocate. using the chemotherapy and a new state-of-the-art PET scan cancer. com.

GENE

But doctors are divided on the efficacy of these treatments; some argue that in many cases, healthy people can simply drink fluids and take multivitamins to achieve similar results, instead of undergoing an invasive and often expensive treatment. For Smith, the technique has become a staple of her life over the past few years. She started her business in 2024 after seeing a lack of STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD services in Alexandria. Smith said Clients receive IV therapy at the Remedy Room in Metairie. she was driving around two to three hours to access dripping services Over the course of 31/2 hours, they for herself, using NAD and vitamin drips to treat her autoimmune disdripped all 60 boys on the team. “And they won,” she said. ease. NAD, which stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is ‘Striving hard to educate’ a popular drip in IV liquid therapy circles. At the Remedy Room in New Or“I started it as something that I leans, Dr. Mignonne Mary emphatineeded for myself, and my area did cally distances herself from the not offer the services. … I would “hangover label.” go one week and do an NAD drip, “We’re so much more than that, and then a couple of weeks I would we’re really striving hard to edudo one that had just the vitamins,” cate,” said Mary. “One of our core Smith said. “And so then I brought it values is to educate, to empower, home for me to do it myself, like, for and having that knowledge and my friends and my family.” teaching our patients.” With her background as a travel Her father, Dr. Charles Mary Jr., nurse, Smith said she was well-qualwas an early proponent and advoPROVIDED PHOTO ified to administer dripping, starting cate for infusion vitamin therapy; with a mobile service and “drip par- Mignonne Mary is the physician Mary described the Remedy Room, which she founded in 2013, as the ties,” which quickly became popular behind the Remedy Room, a legacy of her father’s work. enough for her to open a shop, then boutique hydration clinic. With the IV liquid trend boom, she expanding to Dripsy’s other central Louisiana locations. central Louisiana, stay-at-home said she’s cautiously excited, but wants more guardrails in place for moms utilize beauty drips. What’s on the menu? There are a range of clients: Smith the practice. “Oftentimes I’m finding that a Smith’s standard drips are named mixes up her “game day drip” reguafter alcoholic beverages — there’s larly for the local high school foot- lot of these places are doing it not the Bahama Mama, the Cosmopoli- ball players, who come in before just wrong but like really in a dantan and the Old-fashioned, among game days to get magnesium, B gerous state, putting people at risk others. The top seller in Alexandria complex and an amino blend in- for things that shouldn’t be if they is the Myers cocktail, a mineral mix jected. (Dripsy requires parental did have a physician on site,” Mary with B-complex vitamins and vita- permission for persons under 18, said. “So I think it’s a little exciting, min C; another current favorite is and permission from a pediatri- I want people to know about it, but the Beetlejuice Boost, a themed fall cian if they are under 14.) She also at the same time, I want them to be drip meant to coincide with Hallow- has MMA fighters, college football careful. This is still a medical proand college basketball players who cedure.” een festivities and flu season. Well-known for hangover cures, come in for similar treatments. Mary said many customers were She recalled one incident where coming in due to the recent intense some clients come in on Friday to “pregame” in preparation for the she was called by a concerned mom, heat, with cramping and dehydrawho lived about an hour away; the tion issues among others. She anticiweekend. “They pregame to help pre-hy- entire local high school football pates more congestion and respiradrate and then help with the hang- team had gotten the flu. tory issues in the coming months, “The mom called, ‘Look, we’ve got and then another wave of clients over afterward. It kind of prevents it a little bit. We just call it the cheat to do something to help our boys. looking for relief after the Mardi code,” Smith said. “It’s the party The coach is making them play be- Gras season. “For me, it’s been really, really fun cheat code.” cause if they don’t play, they’ll forWhile Smith started marketing feit.’ High school football around to watch people have it be a novel with a focus on hangovers, she said here is a big deal,” Smith said. “So concept to suddenly realize, like, ‘Oh the market has shifted. In Alexan- myself, my husband, I didn’t have wow, this could be valuable for my dria, she said, people come in for an assistant at the time, and a local health,’” Mary said. “And it’s still preventive wellness drips. In Lafay- nurse practitioner and I packed up just a bridge. It’s not something that ette, a big college town, hangover my car and went to the school an I think that people should have to have, but it can be really valuable.” drips are most common. In north hour away.”

The mutation is an alteration in the BRCA1 gene that stops it from repairing damaged DNA properly, which greatly increases the risk of developing breast, ovarian and other cancers. The chance of getting ovarian cancer increases to between 39% and 58% for women with the harmful change in their BRCA1 gene. In the U.S., about 12% of women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. By contrast, 55% to 72% of women with the BRCA1 mutation will develop breast cancer. “Fifteen percent to 20% of women have this genetic mutation,” Cowan said. “If we know about the genetic mutation beforehand, we can decrease your risk.”

Continued from page 1X

Reducing risk

husband, a power lineman from Louisiana, and they moved from place to place together. Riviere got bored with her desk job along the way while working in Kansas, so she applied for a job at a state park — booking reservations, answering questions. “We decided we would try to find work at other places and parks so we could see the country and also be able to work as well,” she said. Since her diagnosis, she has not been able to travel as much as she used to. Riviere underwent six rounds of chemotherapy in 2024, but her malignant cancer came back. Cowan found a 2.5-centimeter mass in her abdomen, a recurrence common with later-stage ovarian cancers. They removed the tumor, after a monthlong trip Riviere took to be with her 10-month-old granddaughter in Wichita, Kansas. “I needed a break from cancer,” Riviere said. “It felt like starting all over.” She is on her fourth round of chemotherapy out of six, which she will follow-up with maintenance medicine, an infusion treatment used to decrease the ability of tumors to make their own blood supply and continue to grow and multiply. Knowing family history and getting annual checkups with gynecologists is the key to catching these cancers early. “There is no screening for ovarian cancer, which is why paying attention to your body is important,” Cowan said.

Depending on the patient’s genetic results, risk-reducing treatment is often recommended for patients. For patients in their mid40s or done childbearing, “we can take out tubes and ovaries while they’re healthy, and decrease the risk down to the population risk,” Cowan said. In Riviere’s family, they’ve identiﬁed one sister who tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. She had a complete hysterectomy to reduce her risk of getting cancer in the future. The Rivieres have settled in Torbert, a town off U.S. 190 in Pointe Coupee Parish. Email Margaret DeLaney But Riviere, 64, is originally at margaret.delaney@ from Minnesota. She met her theadvocate.com.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU The Louisiana Health section is focused on providing in-depth, personal accounts of health in the state.This section looks at medical innovations, health discoveries, state and national health statistics and re-examining tried and true methods on ways to live well.

Health editions will also profile people who are advancing health for the state of Louisiana. Do you have a health story? We want to hear from you. Email margaret.delaney@ theadvocate.com to submit health questions, stories and more.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ 3X

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Eat Fit Live Fit B R O U G H T TO YO U BY

Molly Kimball RD, CSSD

Sweet meets savory: a better way to do toast

ome recipes are less about reinventing the wheel and more about making familiar ingredients feel a little unexpected. This pear and ricotta tartine falls squarely into that category, turning a simple slice of toast into something worthy of a leisurely brunch. The appeal is in the balance: warm and cool, crisp and creamy, sweet and tangy. Roasted pears bring depth, fresh pears keep things bright and a ﬁnishing drizzle of balsamic gives the whole thing just enough edge. It’s simple, but thoughtfully layered — the kind of recipe that looks impressive without asking much of the cook.

Pear and Ricotta Tartine with Maple Pecan Butter FUEL Cafe + Market at Ochsner Fitness Center Makes 4 servings

3 pears 4 slices seedy, hearty, artisan-style bread ½ cup Maple Pecan Butter (recipe follows) ½ cup whole milk ricotta, the freshest you can ﬁnd ½ cup Balsamic Reduction (recipe follows)

Maple Pecan Butter

paring knife, taking care not to overbake. Remove from the oven and transfer the pears immediately to a cool surface. Toast the bread until crisp on both sides. To assemble, spread each slice with 1 tablespoon Maple Pecan Butter from one edge to the other. Using a sharp paring knife, slice the roasted pears into quarter-inch slices lengthwise from top to bottom, working around the core and seeds. Slice the fresh pear into thin slices as well. Arrange the roasted and fresh pear slices over each piece of toast, alternating cooked and raw pear. Top each with 2 tablespoons ricotta and drizzle with Balsamic Reduction. Serve immediately.

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the allulose syrup. The pecan mixture may initially ball up like dough, but it will smooth into a spreadable paste once all the liquid is incorporated. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.

Balsamic Reduction For drizzling

1 cup balsamic vinegar In a small saucepan over low heat, simmer the balsamic vinegar, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. A little thicker than maple syrup is ideal. It will continue to thicken as it cools. The vinegar should cook down to about one-third to onehalf of its original volume. Assembling the Tartine Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. The Maple Pecan Butter and Balsamic Reduction can be prepared in advance or while the pears are baking.

Makes 1 cup

2 cups pecan halves or pieces 2 tablespoons Swerve Brown Sugar Replacer ½ teaspoon sea salt ½ cup allulose syrup Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the pecans for 4-5 minutes, until lightly toasted. Once cooled, add the toasted pecans, Swerve Brown Sugar Replacer and sea salt to a medium food processor. Pulse about 10 times, then process, gently chopping and mixing the ingredients together.

Back to the tartine: Rinse and cut two pears in half lengthwise, from top to bottom. Keep the third pear raw. Place the pear halves ﬂat-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until just tender to a

Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD, is a registered dietitian with Ochsner Health and founder of Ochsner’s Eat Fit nonproﬁt initiative. For more wellness content, tune in to Molly’s podcast, FUELED Wellness + Nutrition, and follow @MollykimballRD and @EatFitOchsner on social media. Email nutrition@ochsner.org to connect with Molly or schedule a consult with her team.

PER SERVING: 380 calories, 23 grams fat, 4.5 grams saturated fat, 240 mg sodium, 37 grams carbohydrate (27 grams net carbs), 10 grams ﬁber, 19 grams sugar (0 added sugar), 10 grams protein. Vegetarian. How We Slice It Choice of bread is up to you, but we recommend choosing a sturdy, seedy bread with enough texture to hold up to the ricotta and pears. A hearty whole-grain or artisan-style loaf works especially well, adding a little chew and nuttiness without competing with the toppings. Find this recipe and more in “The Eat Fit Cookbook,” available for purchase at local retailers or online at EatFitCookbook.com. Be sure to use promo code ADVOCATE at checkout for 10% off.

BY THE NUMBERS

LIVER CANCER RATES STEADy AFTER DECADES-LONG CLIMB IN LA., U.S. Liver cancer changes over time

The liver cancer incidence rate, per 100,000, from 2000 to 2022 for Louisiana and the U.S. 12

Louisiana cases per 100,000 people 10

U.S. cases per 100,000 people 6

’00 ’02 ’04 ’06 ’08 ’10 ’12 ’14 ’16 ’18 ’20 ’22

Source: Louisiana Tumor Registry

Staff graphic

The American Cancer Society estimates over 42,000 new cases of primary liver cancer or intrahepatic bile duct cancer will be diagnosed and nearly 31,000 Americans will die from the diseases in 2026. Liver cancer incidence rates have tripled in the U.S. over the past four decades, according to the national society, increasing by 2.7% per year from 1978 to 2018. Liver cancer is rare compared to other cancers, making up only around 2% of all cancers nationally. However, it accounts for about 4.8% of all cancer deaths, the American Liver Foundation reported.

Louisiana’s liver cancer incidence rate increased from 6.4 cases per 100,000 people in 2000 to 9.6 cases per 100,000 people in 2022.The state’s incidence rate for liver cancer reached its highest peak in 2018, with 11.4 cases per 100,000, according to data collected by the Louisiana Tumor Registry. Louisiana had the second-highest incident rate of liver and bile duct cancers compared to other states in 2022, behind only Texas at 12.3 cases per 100,000 people. Over two decades, Louisiana’s liver cancer incidence rate changed from: n 6.4 cases per 100,000 in 2000; n 6.3 in 2001; n 5.7 in 2002;

n 5.9 in 2003; n 6.9 in 2004; n 6.2 in 2005; n 6.5 in 2006; n 7.1 in 2007; n 8.1 in 2008; n 7.7 in 2009; n 7.9 in 2010; n 7.8 in 2011; n 9.5 in 2012; n 9 in 2013; n 10 in 2014; n 10.7 in 2015; n 10.9 in 2016; n 10 in 2017; n 11.4 in 2018; n 11.3 in 2019; n 10.1 in 2020; n 10.8 in 2021; n and 9.6 in 2022.

HEALTH NOTES BY MARGARET DeLANEY

Staff writer

Tulane study: Nighttime light may weaken heart New research from Tulane University’s Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine shows that sleeping in near-total darkness may carry an added beneﬁt: protecting the heart. The research team analyzed data from 11,017 participants, all of whom wore a sensor on their wrist for a week to measure levels of light exposure overnight. Some of the participants were exposed to near total darkness and others were exposed to varying levels of light, with the highest group exposed to the equivalent of a phone screen at low brightness on a nightstand or a hallway light left on outside a cracked door. Three years later, each participant was given a cardiovascular

scan to examine any potential changes to the structure and function of their hearts. The results, published in the European Heart Journal, showed that participants who were exposed to the highest levels of nighttime light saw the walls of the left chamber of their heart thicken, reducing the space inside the ventricle. There were also signs that the heart’s ability to ﬂex during a heartbeat was reduced — an early indication of heart dysfunction. “It’s our body’s way of adapting to that stress, but ultimately it weakens the heart and can lead to heart failure,” Dr. Lu Qi said in a statement from Tulane. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death both in the United States and around the world. Nighttime light has been identified as a potential environmental risk factor for this deadly group of diseases. Unlike age or genetics, nighttime light exposure

is a modiﬁable risk factor within most people’s control — simply by turning off screens, drawing curtains before bed or sleeping with an eye mask. “Light pollution has emerged as a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” Qi said. “Our ﬁndings, together with evidence from other studies, suggest that a reduction in nighttime light exposure should be considered as one of the potential strategies for preventing heart disease by clinicians and policymakers.”

LDH, Southern expand suicide prevention training The Louisiana Department of Health signed a three-year contract with Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge to recognize risks, take appropriate action and make connections for mental health providers. The partnership is designed to bring shared knowledge and ex-

pand capacity across community networks, including mental health professionals, ﬁrst responders and law enforcement, educators, service members, veterans and faithbased leaders. “This partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health will allow us to expand (our) work to reach even more communities across our state,” said John K. Pierre, chancellor of Southern, in a statement. “By equipping people with the knowledge and tools to recognize warning signs and connect individuals to appropriate resources, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful and potentially life-saving difference.”

stances are different, but timely communication between healthcare and child welfare professionals can make the process clearer and help families connect with the right support. The department and Woman’s Hospital expanded their partnership, adding an on-site liaison at the Baton Rouge hospital, to provide more direct line of care for families and newborns. In August, Nicole Irvine, an experienced foster care and child protective services worker, moved into the role. “By working alongside Woman’s Hospital, we can connect mothers struggling with substance use to treatment and support while protecting the health and safety of their babies,” said department Secretary Rebecca Harris in a In 2025, the Department of Chil- statement. Irvine will be on site at Woman’s dren and Family Services conducted 1,803 investigations involv- Hospital in Baton Rouge from ing substance-exposed newborns 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through statewide. Each family’s circum- Friday.

Position created to ‘support newborns and families’

4X ✦ Sunday, September 20, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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World renowned. Kid worthy.

Kaiden H. Single Ventricle Heart Patient

Ochsner Children’s has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the nation’s best in cardiology and heart surgery, gastroenterology and GI surgery, and orthopedics. Newsweek also ranked our cardiology and heart surgery, neonatology, endocrinology, and pulmonary medicine programs among the nation’s best. While we’re honored by the recognition, the real reward is seeing kids like Kaiden healthy, happy and thriving. That’s what nationally recognized pediatric care close to home is all about. Meet your expert care team at ochsner.org/childrens.

SUNDAY, September 20, 2026

CURTIS / by Ray Billingsley

SLYLOCK FOX / by Bob Weber Jr.

GET FUZZY / by Darby Conley

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE / by Chris Browne

ROSEBUDS / by Supr Dee

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM / by Mike Peters

ZIGGY / by Tom Wilson

SALLY FORTH / by Francesco Marciuliano & Jim Keefe

ZITS / by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE / by Stephan Pastis

wonderword

scrabble grams

word game

directions: Make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row. Add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value. All the words are in the Official SCRABBLE® Players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

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 — deMurest: dih-MYOOR-est: Most reserved or modest in manner. Average mark 49 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 60 or more words in DEMUREST?

For more information on tournaments and clubs, email NASPA – North American SCRABBLE Players Association: info@scrabbleplayers.org. Visit our website: www.scrabbleplayers.org. For puzzle inquiries contact scrgrams@gmail.com. Hasbro and its logo SCRABBLE associated logo, the design of the distinctive SCRABBLE brand game card, and the distinctive letter tile designs are trademarks of Hasbro in the United States and Canada. ©2026 Hasbro. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

cryptoquote AxyDLBAAxR iS LONgFELLOW One letter stands for another. in this sample, A is used for the three L’s, x for the two O’s, etc. Single letters, apostrophes, the length and formation of the words are all hints. Each day the code letters are different.

AnsWers to ALL PuZZLes Are on inside BAcK PAGe

Sudoku

ken ken instructions: 1 - Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 - The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners. 3 - Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner.

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 Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

hidato directions: Complete the grid so that numbers 1–132 connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

AnsWers to ALL PuZZLes Are on inside BAcK PAGe

Los angeLes Times sunday Crossword puzzLe — Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis “sound CHeCK” By emma oxford aCross 1 Course most look forward to 8 Imposing construction 15 Supports 20 Unmasks 21 Brunch cocktails 22 Not cool 23 “In the name of that rice wine we drank ages ago”? 25 “Goosebumps” series writer 26 Remove adverbs and add punctuation, maybe 27 PlayStation maker 28 __ Reader 29 Actress Swinton 30 Inventor Handler played by Rhea Perlman in “Barbie” 31 “__ we good?” 32 Vexation 33 Church perches 36 Moose kin 37 NNW opposite 38 Bird that makes its home in trash receptacles? 41 Coastal inlets 42 Insta post 43 Male turkey 44 One of Paul’s letters to the Ephesians? 46 Herbal infusion from Peru 50 Rationalist’s belief 53 Places to perch 56 Estate units 57 Sgt., e.g. 59 Shoe designer Jimmy 61 Pamper 62 Many August babies 63 Business run by a bunch of hens? 66 IM pioneer

67 Top card in a Broadway straight 68 Chinese brew 69 Frying need 70 Pts. that often result in dances 71 U.K. network 72 Mattel game 73 Swiped refills for a mechanical pencil? 76 Julia of “The Addams Family” 78 Simplified language 80 Wows 81 Not just most 82 Worth a second bite 83 Competed in the Figawi, say 84 Prefix with net or com, but not org 86 “OK, got it” 88 Tempts 91 Fuel additive brand 93 Young fellow 94 [Clears throat] 96 One who is always pointing at shooting stars? 100 Take advantage of a bear market, perhaps 103 Stomach 104 “What You Need” band 105 Kanga’s kid 106 Badger 107 Figure in Norse mythology? 108 Lies for, maybe 110 Forget about 112 Supermodel Banks 113 Incantation syllables 114 Fish with a big net 115 Anesthetic for a noted Italian chemist? 118 New employee 119 Wright of “Black Panther” 120 Italian football powerhouse

121 Strong point 122 Rival one loves to hate 123 Sneaks down 1 Yields (to) 2 Book that tells the story of Moses 3 Soft drink with a seasonal Winter Spiced Cranberry flavor 4 Quaint truth 5 Subj. for a nonnative speaker 6 Manicotti topping 7 Abbr. on a weather map 8 Posthumous award for Chadwick Boseman 9 Run out of power 10 “Positive” 11 Jodie with two Best Actress Oscars 12 “Love __ Open Door”: “Frozen” song 13 Treat on a stick 14 Jargon suffix 15 Hits 22, perhaps 16 Not in favor of 17 Musical instrument made off the coast of South America? 18 With gentleness 19 Holds forth 24 Not up to the task 32 Online “I can relate” 34 Chargeable cars, briefly 35 Goofballs 38 Morse clicks 39 “We have that in common” 40 “KPop __ Hunters” 41 Italy’s shape 42 Bel __ cheese 45 Circuit 46 Ore. neighbor

47 Micronesia’s region 48 Rips caused by large reptiles? 49 Dried poblano 51 Most disgusting 52 Seashore souvenir 54 Absolutely adorable 55 1975 TV debut, familiarly 58 “Queen of Funk” Khan

goren Bridge

60 In base eight 64 “Hallelujah” songwriter Leonard 65 “It’s strange ... “ 68 Denounce 71 Challah feature 72 FedEx competitor 73 Part of a pricing plan 74 Strong string 75 Soil 77 Soap

wuzzLes

94 Kathryn’s “WandaVision” role 95 Fatal flaw in classic myths 97 Beginning 98 Turn 99 Polish capital 100 __ bath 101 Hard to believe 102 Aches (for) 104 Archipelago unit

107 “Groundhog Day” director Harold 109 Overly precious 111 Bit of dust 112 Printer part 115 Fuzzy 1980s sitcom character 116 Low-lit 117 Actress Thurman

super Quiz Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

Sparkling defense Today’s deal is from a National Championship team game some years ago. All deals were equally important and the slightest difference in score would create a win on the deal. East was American expert Steve Garner, from the Chicago area. South’s one no-trump response was semi-forcing, meaning that North could pass if he had a balanced minimum. The same contract was reached at both tables and both West players led the queen of hearts. The lead of the king against a no-trump contract would have shown a very strong suit and asked partner to play an honor under it if he had one. At the other table, East encouraged in the suit and declarer ducked. He ducked the heart continuation also and won the third round of the suit. He took the club finesse and had seven tricks even when the finesse lost. Garner saw the 10 and nine of hearts in dummy and realized that West would have led a low heart from four or more hearts. He diagnosed that declarer had five hearts and discouraged hearts at trick one. South held up his ace, so West shifted to a spade, which declarer ducked to Garner’s queen. Garner shifted to a low club and declarer’s queen won the trick. South led a low heart from his hand and West rose with his king to lead a club. That went to Garner’s king and another club set up Garner’s 10. South would have discarding problems if he cashed dummy’s spades, so

ingredient 79 In the doldrums 82 Bygone ruler 85 Canadian fuel giant 87 Class 89 “On the Basis of __”: Ginsburg biopic 90 “We’re done” 92 Miyazaki film about a goldfish who longs to be human

SUBJECT: FAMOUS FILM CHARACTERS Name the film in which the given character appears. The actor or actress who played the character is provided. (Example: Andrew Beckett, played by Tom Hanks. Answer: “Philadelphia.”) FRESHMAN LEVEL 1. General Maximus Decimus Meridius, played by Russell Crowe. Answer________ 2. Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, played by Gene Hackman. Answer________ 3. Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino. Answer________ 4. Lou Gehrig, played by Gary Cooper. Answer________ 5. Terry Malloy, played by Marlon Brando. Answer________

he led a diamond from dummy. Garner rose with his king, cashed his club winner, and exited with a heart. Declarer could take his heart tricks but had to lead away from his queen-10 of diamonds in the end and the contract was defeated by two tricks for a clear win on the deal!

Tannah Hirsch welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, Ny. 14207. E-mail responses may be sent to gorenbridge@ aol.com. © 2026 Tribune Content Agency

GRADUATE LEVEL 6. Harry Callahan,

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played by Clint Eastwood. Answer________ 7. Marshal Will Kane, played by Gary Cooper. Answer________ 8. Arthur Chipping, played by Robert Donat. Answer________ 9. Atticus Finch, played by Gregory Peck. Answer________ 10. Rick Blaine, played by Humphrey Bogart. Answer________ PH.D. LEVEL 11. Virgil Tibbs, played by Sidney Poitier. Answer________ 12. Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver. Answer________ 13. Clarice Starling, played by Jodie Foster. Answer________ 14. George Bailey, played by James Stewart. Answer________ 15. Tom Joad, played by Henry Fonda. Answer________

zodiaC VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Live within your means. You don’t have to compete with anyone. Concentrate on what’s important to you, and set a budget that will put your mind at ease and your goals within reach. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Emotions will soar if you don’t manage fallout from personal stress. Being honest with yourself and those you are close to will be essential. Face problems head-on. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Refuse to let what others say and do bother you. Pay attention to how you behave, treat others and take care of yourself. Review the past, and

personal growth and gains will be within reach. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Make the effort, take care of unfinished business and free yourself of the deadweight dragging you down. Focus on what’s important, improve your surroundings and implement lifestyle changes. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Everything is changing quickly, and keeping up is a necessity if you want to advance. Refuse to let living in the past leave you behind. Keep the momentum flowing. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) It’s out with the old and in with the new.

Putting a household budget in place will put your mind at ease. Incorporate a workspace at home that houses your ideas and plans. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) A shift is taking place. Consider what you can do to ensure you’re ready to take advantage of whatever comes your way. Having a budget, schedule and contact information will help. ARIES (March 21-April 19) Refuse to let your ego or emotions get in your way. Taking rational approaches to change, domestic situations and meaningful relationships will help you reach agreements.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Put greater emphasis on what makes you feel content and happy with yourself and your life. Pay attention to those you love, and strive for a positive balance and dynamics in your relationships. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) A change to your qualifications will give you the boost you need to increase your income. Revise your resume, set up interviews and draw attention to what you do best and enjoy most. CANCER (June 21-July 22) If you display your attributes, you will grab attention. Don’t argue a moot

point with someone who doesn’t share your beliefs. Someone will misdirect you. Self-reliance will be necessary. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Start your day doing something that is competitive and shows your audience your talents. Be vocal about your likes and dislikes, but be ready to defend yourself with intellect and charisma. The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA, inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

dustin / by Steve Kelley & Jeff Parker

Answers to puzzles super quiz 1. "Gladiator." 2. "The French Connection." 3. "The Godfather." 4. "The Pride of the Yankees." 5. "On the Waterfront." 6. "Dirty Harry." 7. "High Noon." 8. "Goodbye, Mr. Chips." 9. "To Kill a Mockingbird." 10. "Casablanca." 11. "In the Heat of the Night." 12. "Aliens." 13. "The Silence of the Lambs." 14. "It's a Wonderful Life." 15. "The Grapes of Wrath." SCORING: 24 to 30 points — congratulations, doctor; 18 to 23 points — honors graduate; 13 to 17 points — you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 5 to 12 points — you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 4 points — enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0 points — who reads the questions to you?

Cryptoquote Answer Saturday's Cryptoquote: Take bread away from me, take away water if you wish; but never deny me your smile. — Pablo Neruda

word GAme Answer deem deer deet demur demure desert deter drum dues duet dust duster etude meet mere merest mete

meter muse must muster mustered mute used user reed reset rest rested resume reuse rude rudest rued

ruse rust rusted seder seed seem seer sere serum smut steed steer stem strum stud sued suede

suer suet sure teed teem term terse tree true

sudoKu Answer jumble Answer

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jeFF mACnelly’s shoe / by Gary Brookins & Susie MacNelly

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