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T h u r s d ay, s e p T e m b e r 24, 2026

Education levels hit new high in Louisiana

54% of adults have credentials beyond high school, report says

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Grand jury gets 6-month extension Attorney general’s BR corruption probe continues

BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER

Staff writer

The special grand jury that has indicted several Baton Rouge ofﬁcials on corruption charges will continue meeting for at least six more months as Attorney General Liz Murrill’s investigation into Baton Rouge corruption continues. The grand jury was originally empaneled in 2025 for one year. But a judge recently granted the Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office request for an extension earlier this month. Though the grand jury was em- Murrill paneled by District Attorney Hillar Moore’s ofﬁce, it has spent much of the past year hearing evidence related to Murrill’s investigation into corruption in Baton Rouge. In January, the grand jury indicted sitting Metro Council member Cleve Dunn Jr. on charges of bribery and public contract fraud related to a Capital Area Transit System contract. It later indicted Courtney Scott, a top aide to former Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, and most recently charged former Metro Council member and current East Baton Rouge Parish school system Superintendent LaMont Cole. Both

ä See EXTENSION, page 7A

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Graduates of the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences celebrate during Southern University’s spring undergraduate commencement at F.G. Clark Activity Center in 2025. BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

More Louisiana students than ever are getting college degrees or other credentials after high school, which state leaders say is the result of a yearslong push to expand dual enrollment, accelerated degrees and other programs. In 2026, 54% of adults in the state had a “credential of value,” meaning they had completed some kind of education beyond high school, according to a Board of Regents report released Wednesday. That number has climbed steadily since Louisiana identiﬁed educational attainment as a priority in 2019, when 44.2% of the population held a credential higher than a high school diploma. The state also graduated 85,000 students with credentials or degrees in 2026. That hits a target the Regents had set for 2030, according to the board. Louisiana does not rank highly compared with other states for edu-

“We believe that education can move people from poverty to prosperity. It’s something we’ve talked about since 2019. We have to stay committed, remain committed, in making sure that more students who enroll with us complete what they start and that more people who never have an opportunity to come to us find a way to get to us.” KIM HUNTER REED, Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education cation, Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed said. But she called the Bayou State a “state on the move.” “We believe that education can move people from poverty to prosperity,” Reed said. “It’s something we’ve talked about since 2019. We have to stay committed, remain committed, in making sure that more students who enroll with us complete what they start and that more people who never have an opportunity to come to us ﬁnd a way to get to us.” Nationally, around 55% of adults

have a post-high school credential, according to data from the Lumina Foundation in 2024. Reed said introducing students to higher education earlier, such as through dual enrollment programs, and intervening when they need more support have helped raise the state’s number of degree and credential holders. Colleges and universities have also worked to make their offerings more affordable and tied to workforce needs with programs like accelerated bachelor’s degrees,

ä See EDUCATION, page 8A

Search of property in disappearances case ends No human remains found at St. Francisville site

BY BLAKE LESCHBER Staff writer

The search of a St. Francisville property in the ongoing investigation into the disappearances of Madison Allen and Stephanie Hevia has ended, West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman said Wednesday. Spillman said no human remains were found on the 15-acre Morris Road property, but evidence that may be connected to the disappearances was found and will be investigated. This search was part of a continuing investigation into the disappearances of Allen and Hevia. Thomas Morris, 44, is believed to be tied to their disappearances, Spillman said. Hevia, who was 38 at the time of her disappearance, is believed to have last been seen at the West Feliciana property in 2025. Allen, 32 at the time of her disappearance, is believed to have last been

ä See SEARCH, page 8A

D.C.-based group wades into 6th Congressional District race Club for Growth launches attack ads against Edmonds

But a Washington, D.C.-based solid conservatives. Both have a 100% anti-abortion group, Club for Growth, has just launched a millionvoting record from dollar attack ad against Louisiana Right to Life Edmonds that says he during their years in H H H H H H “lies,” is a “sellout” and the state Legislature. is guilty of “betrayal” Both score at least 90% BY TYLER BRIDGES for his position on three from the Louisiana AsStaff writer bills over the past ﬁve sociation of Business State Senators Rick Edmonds and Industry. Both score 100% years. Club for Growth has endorsed and Blake Miguez — the highest- from the National Federation of profile candidates for a vacant Independent Business. Both have Miguez — even though he voted Baton Rouge-based congressional the endorsement of the Louisiana ä See RACE, page 7A seat — have earned a reputation as Republican Party.

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ELECTION

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

Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, left, speaks with Sen. Blake Miguez, R-New Iberia, in the Senate chamber during the 2025 legislative session. STAFF FILE PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

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2A ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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FROM WIRE REPORTS

Rome’s Colosseum closes after worker death

ROME — Rome’s Colosseum, Italy’s most-visited monument, was closed to the public suddenly on Wednesday to mourn a worker who fell to his death overnight while helping install a new illumination project. The 22-year-old man, Andrea Moretti, specialized in working at altitude on ropes. He had been installing cabling for the project that was expected to be completed next month and died inside the Colosseum, the archaeological site’s press ofﬁce said. Premier Giorgia Meloni said that the government was deeply shocked and saddened by the death and called for the cause to be determined as quickly as possible. “Dying at the age of 22 is unacceptable — even more so when it happens in the workplace,” she said in a statement. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances of Moretti’s death, the park’s statement said. A separate statement late Wednesday said the park would remain closed on Thursday to mourn Moretti and in solidarity with his family. Representatives of Italy’s main union, CGIL, were on site after the death to request information about Moretti’s employer and contract and said that closing the monument was the least Rome authorities could do to honor his memory.

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WHO warns of worker shortage Congo Ebola facilities lack enough staff to operate By The Associated Press BUNIA, Congo — Congo is running short of health workers to staff treatment centers for history’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak, particularly in the eastern province of North Kivu where cases have surged 73% over three weeks, the World Health Organization said Wednesday. The warning came despite signs of improvement in other provinces, including Ituri, the outbreak’s epicenter. The outbreak has spread to seven provinces, with 7,773 conﬁrmed cases and 3,759 deaths, according to the latest government ﬁgures. Between Aug. 31 and Sept. 20, cases fell 26% in Ituri province and 15% in Haut-Uele, said Marie Roseline Belizaire, the WHO’s

regional emergency director for Africa. But transmission patterns vary widely and the outbreak remains uncontrolled, she said. “While cases and deaths are declining in some provinces, they continue to rise in others,” Belizaire said. “The outbreak is still not under control and remains spread across a wide geographic area.” The outbreak is spreading under extremely difﬁcult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike and intense population movements. The World Health Organization has said it is on track to surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, the deadliest on record, which killed more than 11,000 people, primarily in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Catherine Smallwood, the WHO’s

Ebola incident manager, said cases and deaths had begun declining in North Kivu after several weeks of increases. But although treatment beds are being added daily, facilities still lack enough staff and partners to operate them. “The human resources gap is one of the biggest gaps,” Smallwood said. WHO representative in Congo Anne Ancia said one Ebola treatment center requires about 300 health professionals, including anesthetists, hygienists, nurses and general practitioners. “We are building Ebola treatment centers but do not always have the human resources needed to operate them,” Ancia said. “Those health workers must be paid.” Frontline workers in Ituri previously went on strike over unpaid

Preservation group launches legal defense fund BY JILL COLVIN Associated Press

Flights canceled after fighters take over airport ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Regional forces in Tigray in northern Ethiopia took control of the local airport on Wednesday morning, prompting the state-owned carrier to cancel flights to the troubled region. Ethiopian Airlines said it suspended flights to Tigray’s capital Mekelle and the cities of Axum and Shire “due to the current situation,” without providing further details. The regional government said in a statement it had instructed its fighters to enter into “defensive war” after federal forces attacked Tigray on Tuesday using drones and heavy artillery. The African Union Commission chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, called for restraint and immediate de-escalation. In a statement, he expressed concern over the renewed tensions and occupation of the airport, saying these actions risk destabilizing the region and reversing gains made in a 2022 peace agreement. He also condemned the “detention of federal personnel by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front,” but did not give details. The U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga expressed disappointment over the fighting, calling it a “poor decision” and threatening sanctions.

Mass shooting kills 11 in South Africa CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Three gunmen barged into a small house in an impoverished neighborhood in South Africa and opened ﬁre on a group enjoying a party inside, killing at least 11 people including a pregnant woman, police and local authorities said Wednesday. Three others were wounded in the late-night mass shooting Tuesday in KwaMakhutha township, which is located about 19 miles south of the city of Durban on the east coast. The motive for the shooting wasn’t known, but some of the shooting victims were known to authorities as part of investigations into criminal activity, police said. Police didn’t give out any more information on those investigations, saying it could compromise them. “Although the motive of the shooting cannot be confirmed yet, (a) feud between rival groupings cannot be ruled out,” the South African Police Service said in a statement. Ten people, including the pregnant woman, died at the scene and an 11th was declared dead at a hospital. Authorities didn’t immediately give out details on the condition of the three people who were wounded. Police said they were searching for three men and no arrests had been made.

wages, worsening access to care. Health Minister Roger Kamba said in July that the government was verifying payroll lists after the names of people not involved in the response were added. Frontline workers said ofﬁcials promised to pay the arrears, but some workers received nothing and others only part of what they were owed. Another major challenge in the response is the fatality rate among children, according to the WHO. Children under 5 have the highest case fatality rate, more than 60% compared with approximately 40% among adults, Belizaire said. WHO Ebola Incident Manager Smallwood said detecting cases among children under 5 is also very difﬁcult because the children can’t necessarily explain their symptoms, and the presentation of symptoms can be confusing.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALEX BRANDON

President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping walk together at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Wednesday after Trump greeted Xi planeside.

Trump greets China’s Xi planeside for state visit Salutation kicks off three days of events

BY MICHELLE L. PRICE Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday, where he was met with a rare planeside greeting from President Donald Trump, who was there to welcome his counterpart instead of waiting for him to drive up to the White House. Trump’s decision to greet Xi at Joint Base Andrews just outside Washington rather than receiving him at the executive residence shows how far the U.S. president is going to honor China’s leader as he made his first state visit to the U.S. capital in more than a decade. A 100-foot-long red carpet was unfurled at the bottom of the staircase placed at the door of Xi’s plane, where a 21-person honor guard was arrayed and Trump and first lady Melania Trump stood waiting for Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, when they walked down the staircase and shook hands with the Trumps. The welcome ceremony was also set to include a flyover by two B-1 bombers, flower presenters, platoons from each military service, and a presentation of the flags and anthems of both countries. The salutation kicks off a three-day visit that’s expected to be saturated with pomp, even by White House standards. The state visit, complete with a

formal state dinner at the White House on Thursday, is supposed to reciprocate the ceremonial grandeur that marked Trump’s May visit to China. But it also is a showy patina at a time when tensions between the two geopolitical rivals are high over trade, artiﬁcial intelligence, Trump’s war with Iran and China’s designs on Taiwan. Beyond using the visit to try to keep “strategic stability” between the two countries, Trump seems to be pulling out all the diplomatic stops to show off for Xi. Trump has lavished praise on Xi as a “great leader” and described a warm relationship with the man he has called a friend. That is all while he has given Xi a pass on many issues. Sen. Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the “lavish welcome.” Wicker, R-Miss., said during a speech Tuesday in the Senate that Trump should not have invited the Chinese leader “based on all of the troubling issues we have with President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party.” Wicker archly suggested a list of topics that Trump could discuss with Xi at the state dinner, such as “the purposes of China’s massive military buildup, or about China’s clear support for Iran,” saying that “during every minute of dialogue” Trump should keep in mind that “his guest is a brutal, unelected and oppressive dictator who seeks to dominate his neighbors and whose massive military arsenal is aimed directly at the United States of America.”

Pakistan: 10 sites in Afghanistan hit

Airstrikes come after accusing formation Minister Attaullah Tarar in a post on X came after ofﬁcials said AfKabul of drone attacks ghanistan’s Taliban forces had ﬁred eight

BY RIAZ KHAN and MUNIR AHMED Associated Press

PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Pakistan said early Thursday that it had carried out airstrikes on 10 sites in Afghanistan that it said were used to launch drone attacks against Pakistan a day earlier, a sharp escalation in recent fighting between the neighbors that threatens mediation efforts. There was no immediate response from Kabul to the latest strikes, but Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Taliban government, denied Wednesday that Afghan Taliban forces had carried out any attacks. The conflicting statements came two days after Pakistani fighter jets struck sites in eastern Afghanistan that Islamabad said were militant hideouts. The announcement by Pakistani In-

drones and shelled Pakistani border posts after Pakistani troops foiled what they described as a cross-border infiltration attempt by militants. The accounts could not be independently verified. The latest escalations threaten mediation efforts by China, Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to broker a lasting peace between Kabul and Islamabad. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of allowing militants to operate from its territory and carry out attacks across the border, an accusation Kabul denies. “Instead of dismantling these networks and taking credible and verifiable action against those using Afghan territory to perpetrate terrorism against Pakistan, the Afghan Taliban regime has chosen to escalate the situation through hostile drone operations against Pakistan,” Tarar said.

NEW YORK — The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which has been at the forefront of efforts to halt President Donald Trump’s massive White House ballroom project, is launching a new legal defense fund to help underwrite its work. The group on Wednesday announced a campaign aimed at raising $10 million “to protect and honor our nation’s shared civic and cultural inheritance against urgent threats emanating from Washington.” The group’s president and CEO, Brent Leggs, said the fund was the ﬁrst of its kind for the privately funded nonprofit organization, which is charged by Congress with protecting historic sites, and would help bolster its legal division and government relations staff. “It is a response to the urgent and existential threats to historic preservation,” he said. The group has been critical of efforts by the president to put his lasting

stamp on Washington and the White House. So far that includes razing the East Wing to make way for a ballroom that will dwarf the rest of the complex; paving over the White House Rose Garden to create a patio in the style of his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida; adding a helipad to the South Lawn; and redecorating the Oval Ofﬁce with golden accents. Elsewhere in the nation’s capital, he has been trying to rename and renovate the Kennedy Center, is working to build an enormous triumphal arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, and has tried repeatedly to refurbish the Lincoln Memorial Reﬂecting Pool. The group is part of a lawsuit aimed at halting the administration’s efforts to overhaul the Kennedy Center. It has also been pushing back against proposed changes to the National Historic Preservation Act that it says threaten legal protections for historic sites and public land.

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UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

In defiant speech, Iran’s South Pacific island nation announces president calls out Trump change to name Pezeshkian says his country will fight ‘until our last breath’

Nauru will return to its historical pronunciation

BY FARNOUSH AMIRI

Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS — Iran’s president said Wednesday that his people have been “victims of terrorism” by the United States, delivering a rare wartime speech at the U.N. General Assembly a day after President Donald Trump said he may “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if a deal isn’t reached soon to end the nearly seven-month war. The defiant speech by President Masoud Pezeshkian marked a striking instance of a foreign leader addressing the world body while their country is at war with the host nation. While defending his country, Pezeshkian held up large photos of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the more than 150 Iranian schoolchildren killed on the ﬁrst days of the war. “We have only defended ourselves. We are not terrorists,” Pezeshkian said at the General Assembly. “Our innocent people have been the targets of cowardly attacks and aggressions imposed upon our country. And we defended ourselves with utmost strength. America and Israel attacked us.” He added of the United States: “Yes they did hit us, but we did not bend the knee.” Toward the end of his speech, Pezeshkian called out Trump by name. “It must be understood by Mr. Trump and those who seek to bully us that we are ready for dialogue and diplomacy and negotiations without accepting the language of force,” he said. Shortly after, both U.S. and Israeli ofﬁcials blasted the speech, saying that it was hypocritical for the Islamic Republic to present itself as the victims of the world. U.S. Secretary of State Marco

BY TED ANTHONY AP national writer

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By STEFAN JEREMIAH

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian holds an image of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. Rubio told reporters: “I don’t know what standing Iran has to lecture anyone on human rights or the international system when they habitually violate it.”

A busy 24 hours for U.S.-Iran Arriving in New York under heavy security and scrutiny, Pezeshkian — who, within Iran’s political landscape, is considered a moderate politician — addressed world leaders a day after Trump used the same stage to mull whether to massively escalate a war that has already spiraled out of control. “I have a big decision to make,” Trump said in his wide-ranging address Tuesday. “Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before, maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world. Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again?” Hours after those stunning threats, Trump told reporters that his chief envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, met for about

three hours with the Iranian officials on the sidelines of the annual gathering. But he offered few details about how the discussions transpired or the substance of the exchange. “It was a very good meeting,” Trump said. The president later added that the Iranian officials were “not the highest level, but it’s something.” Also on Tuesday, Rubio said Trump is open to meeting with Pezeshkian while he’s in New York. But Tehran downplayed Tuesday’s unscheduled exchange, which were the first indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian officials since a June ceasefire unraveled. Esmail Baghaei, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, maintained the country’s negotiating position in talks with U.S. officials, demanding that Washington end its blockade of Iranian ports and release frozen Iranian assets, Baghaei said the talks — conducted indirectly through Qatari mediators — were “not anything new.” Rubio echoed that sentiment Wednesday, saying that “it was a continuation of conversations that have occurred in the past.”

Zelenskyy urges leaders to keep impeding Russia’s war efforts BY EDITH M. LEDERER and JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told world leaders Wednesday that Vladimir Putin is the only obstacle to ending “the ridiculous and never-ending war,” and he urged nations large and small to pressure the Russian president for peace by choking the country’s revenues and impeding its war efforts. “Our target is Russia’s ability to ﬁnance this war, to drag it out, to make it more brutal and more destructive,” Zelenskyy told the U.N. General Assembly’s annual global gathering. “Russia’s finances and Russia’s production are what must be stopped if Putin is to be stopped.” When Russia gets money from trade, “it always says no to diplomacy,” Zelenskyy argued, “so Russia’s revenues must remain a target.” Earlier Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov clashed with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and her country’s European supporters at a U.N. Security Council meeting, and Lavrov and U.S.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on the assembly sidelines and discussed the war. Rubio later told reporters that Russia and Ukraine have expressed interest in a limited ceaseﬁre that would halt attacks on grain shipments — both countries are major exporters — and on each country’s energy sectors, which have been targeted in escalating drone and missile attacks. Rubio said reaching even a partial deal would be difﬁcult but worthwhile, noting that Zelenskyy has publicly endorsed such a plan. The United States would be willing to help make it happen, Rubio said. Russia’s Foreign Ministry made no mention of a partial deal on grain shipments in a statement after the LavrovRubio meeting. The statement reiterated that the root causes of what it calls its “special military operation” must be addressed. At the Security Council, Lavrov said Russia will not “pause” its military action, claiming Europe would use it to “pump” Ukraine with weapons. He also made no mention of any kind of grain and energy deal, called Ukraine’s government “ter-

rorists,” and Moscow’s military operation aims to ensure Russia’s security and the rights of Russian speakers. Lavrov is due to address the General Assembly on Saturday. Zelenskyy cast doubt on Russia’s interest in ending the fighting. “Something always seems to stop Putin from saying, ‘That’s it. Enough. Peace,’ ” Zelenskyy said. “Can you even imagine him without war? He is ‘patient zero’, the one from whom this idea of war keeps spreading further.” “The more freedom Putin has to act, the more dangerous the world becomes for everyone else,” the Ukrainian president warned. The war has reverberated across the planet — with global repercussions for fuel, fertilizer and grain shipments — and for geopolitics, widening divisions between Russia and the West. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, expecting to take the capital, Kyiv, in a week. But Ukraine rallied to defend its sovereignty, and the conﬂict has dragged on, with front-line positions in eastern and southern Ukraine largely unchanged since last year.

Tech leaders recommend regulations for artiﬁcial intelligence technology BY SETH BORENSTEIN and JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS — The heads of major artificial intelligence ﬁrms pleaded with the United Nations on Wednesday to save the world or at least its people — by somehow regulating the fast-expanding technology that they have been designing.

“If managed poorly, I even believe AI could be a risk to humanity as a whole,” said Dario Amodei, chief executive officer of Anthropic. And from his competitor Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, came this assessment: “We could lose control of the future to AI.” Both said the countries of the world, through the U.N. Security Council, where they testified Wednesday,

have to set safeguards of some kind to prevent the technology from getting too powerful to rein in. They also called for the world to make sure that the power of AI isn’t concentrated in one company or country. They also touted the beneﬁts of the technology for bettering humanity and what Altman called “giving people more power over their own lives.”

NEW YORK — His voice forceful and proud, he rose in front of the world’s largest gathering of leaders on behalf of his nation and announced that he had something important to say. The tiny South Pacific island nation of Nauru, its president said, had altered its name — and reclaimed its heritage in the process. “I have traveled far,” David Adeang said Tuesday at the United Nations. What was known to the world for many years as Nauru, Adeang said, was returning to the name and pronunciation of its past: Naoero. “There are moments in the life of a nation when its people are called to remember who they have always been,” Adeang said in his speech at the U.N. General Assembly in New York. “This is such a moment for us.” Though the names are similar and, in essence, the same word, the shift in spelling and pronunciation represents the nation’s effort to recast — rebrand, even — itself for its own people as much as for the outside world. He called it not a change but an effort to “afﬁrm a truth.” “For many years, the world has known our country as Nauru. Nauru is how our name sounded to those who found it hard to say, and the world kept it,” Adeang said. “But it is not the name our people used among themselves.” The nation, an eight-squaremile island with about 12,000 people, became independent in 1968 after longtime colonial rule under the United Kingdom, New

Zealand, Australia and Germany. It announced the renaming in August after signaling its intent in February. The country’s international code is changing from NRU to NRO and its people will be known as dei-Naoero instead of Nauruan. Commonly known abroad by the pronunciation of Now-roo, the new name is spoken as Now-ero. Across the past century, other nations have renamed themselves or tweaked their names for various reasons, from modernization to rejection of colonialism. The African nation of Eswatini changed its name from Swaziland in 2018. In Africa, Dahomey became Benin after a 1975 coup and Rhodesia became Zimbabwe in 1980 after shedding colonial rule. Siam became Thailand in 1939 to foster ethnic unity and shed a foreign label. Turkey, meanwhile, has been officially named Turkiye since 1920 but requested in 2022 that the United Nations use the spelling and pronunciation as its name in English as well — in part to avoid confusion by underscoring that the bird wasn’t the word. The list goes on. Persia became Iran. Burma became Myanmar. Upper Volta is now Burkina Faso, Gold Coast is Ghana and Ceylon is Sri Lanka. A name, obviously, is a pivotal and intimate expression of a nation’s identity on any stage, domestic or international. Adeang’s remarks Tuesday reﬂected this as he carefully pronounced the name to differentiate it from its former pronunciation. “We do not make this choice to erase our past. We make it because we honor it,” he said. “That name carries the memory of our ancestors, our language, and our identity. It has been there all along. Never lost, never absent. Today, we restore Naoero.”

4A ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

CLASSIFIEDS continued from Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE --The following resolution was offered by Ms. Hay‐ ley Clouatre and sec‐ onded by Dr. Atley Walker, Sr.: RESOLUTION A resolution giving pre‐ liminary approval to the issuance of not exceed‐ ing Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000) of General Obligation School Re‐ funding Bonds of Parish‐ wide School District No. 3 of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana, in one or more series; providing certain terms of said refunding bonds; making applica‐ tion to the State Bond Commission for approval of said refunding bonds; and providing for other matters in connection therewith. WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section 33 of the Con‐ stitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, SubPart B, Part II, Chapter 4, Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended and other constitutional and statu‐ tory authority, Parish‐ wide School District No. 3 of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana (the “District”), has heretofore issued $74,745,000 of its General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2017, of which $52,255,000 is currently outstanding (the “Series 2017 Bonds”); and WHEREAS, in order to provide debt service sav‐ ings, the District, acting through its governing au‐ thority, the Parish School Board of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana (the “Govern‐ ing Authority”), desires to current refund $48,695,000 of the Series 2017 Bonds maturing March 1, 2028, to and in‐ cluding March 1, 2037 (the “Refunded Series 2017 Bonds”), pursuant to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and other con‐ stitutional and statutory authority; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 14-A, Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (the “Act”), and other constitutional and statutory authority, and subject to the approval of the State Bond Com‐ mission, the District de‐ sires to accomplish the refunding through the is‐ suance of its not exceed‐ ing $50,000,000 General Obligation School Re‐ funding Bonds, to be payable from unlimited ad valorem taxation on all taxable property in the District; ¬¬and WHEREAS, the District desires to make formal application to the State Bond Commission for the approval of the issuance, sale and delivery of the Refunding Bonds (as hereinafter defined), and further to employ Bond Counsel and other finan‐ cial professionals in con‐ nection therewith; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing author‐ ity of Parishwide School District No. 3 of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana, that: SECTION 1. Preliminary approval is hereby given to the issuance of not ex‐ ceeding $50,000,000 Gen‐ eral Obligation School Refunding Bonds, Series 2026, or such other desig‐ nation based on the year the Refunding Bonds are issued, of the Parishwide School District No. 3 of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana, in one or more series (the "Refunding Bonds"), to be issued for the purpose of current refunding the Refunded Series 2017 Bonds and paying the costs of is‐ suance thereof. The Re‐ funding Bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates not exceeding five and one-quarter per centum (5.25%) per annum, ma‐ ture not later than March 1, 2037, and shall be payable from and se‐ cured by a pledge of the unlimited ad valorem taxation on all taxable property in the District, all in the manner pro‐ vided for by Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other con‐ stitutional and statutory authority. ¬The Refund‐ ing Bonds shall be issued in fully registered form and shall have such addi‐ tional terms and provi‐ sions as may be deter‐ mined by this Governing Authority. SECTION 2. The Presi‐ dent, Vice President and/or the Secretary-Su‐ perintendent of the Gov‐ erning Authority, on be‐ half of the District, are hereby authorized and directed to execute a Bond Purchase Agree‐ ment by and between the District and the Under‐ writer (as hereinafter de‐ fined). The Bond Pur‐ chase Agreement shall provide for the purchase price of the Refunding Bonds to be paid by the Underwriter to the Dis‐ trict, plus original issue premium, if any, less the underwriter’s discount and/or original issue dis‐ count. Further, the Presi‐ dent, Vice President and/or the Secretary-Su‐ perintendent of the Gov‐ erning Authority, on be‐ half of the District, are hereby authorized to ex‐ ecute a placement agree‐ ment by and between the District and the Place‐ ment Agent (as here‐ inafter defined); and a commitment letter or such other agreement or term sheet by and be‐ tween District and one or more financial institu‐ tions to be selected by the officers set forth hereinabove. In addition, the President, Vice Presi‐ dent and/or the Secre‐ tary-Superintendent, on behalf of the District, are hereby authorized and directed to execute one or more credit enhance‐ ment devices required in connection with the fi‐ nancing described herein and expressly authorized pursuant to the provi‐ sions of La. R.S. 39:1421 and La. R.S. 39:1429. SECTION 3. The prepara‐ tion and distribution of the Preliminary Official Statement and Official Statement of the District relating to the Refunding Bonds containing secu‐ rity features, other perti‐ nent information as may be deemed necessary, advisable or desirable and detailed and com‐ prehensive financial and statistical data, are hereby authorized and approved to be utilized in connection with the of‐ fering, sale and delivery of the Refunding Bonds. Said Preliminary Official Statement may be sub‐ mitted to such nationally recognized bond rating service or services as may be recommended by Bond Counsel, the Dis‐ trict’s Municipal Advisor (as hereinafter defined) and the Underwriter, to‐ gether with a request that an appropriate rat‐ ing be assigned. SECTION 4. This Govern‐ ing Authority finds and i h l d

Legal Notices

g y determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of bond counsel in connection with the issuance of the Refunding Bonds, and ac‐ cordingly, Butler Snow LLP, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as Bond Coun‐ sel, is hereby employed to do and perform work of a traditional legal na‐ ture as bond counsel with respect to the is‐ suance and sale of said Refunding Bonds. Said Bond Counsel shall pre‐ pare and submit to this Governing Authority for adoption all of the pro‐ ceedings incidental to the authorization, is‐ suance, sale and delivery of such Refunding Bonds, shall counsel and advise this Governing Authority as to the issuance and sale thereof and shall furnish its opinions cov‐ ering the legality of the issuance of the Refund‐ ing Bonds. The fee of Bond Counsel for each issue or series of bonds shall be fixed at a sum not exceeding the fee al‐ lowed by the Attorney General’s fee guidelines for such bond counsel work in connection with the issuance of such se‐ ries of bonds and based on the amount of said Refunding Bonds actually issued, sold delivered and paid for, plus “outof-pocket” expenses, said fees to be contin‐ gent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of said bonds. A certified copy of this resolution shall be submitted to the Attor‐ ney General of the State of Louisiana for his writ‐ ten approval of said em‐ ployment and of the fees herein designated, and the Secretary is hereby empowered and directed to provide for payment of the work herein specified upon completion thereof and under the conditions herein enumerated. SECTION 5. Application is hereby made to the State Bond Commission for approval of the is‐ suance and sale of the Refunding Bonds and for consent and authority to proceed with the is‐ suance and sale of the Refunding Bonds as pro‐ vided above, and Bond Counsel is directed to make application to the State Bond Commission in accordance with the foregoing on behalf of the District. SECTION 6. Stifel, Nico‐ laus and Company, Inc. (the “Underwriter”) is hereby appointed and authorized as Under‐ writer in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Refunding Bonds. In the event that the Refunding Bonds are to be sold by direct placement with one or more qualified institu‐ tional investors, Stifel, Nicolaus and Company, Inc. is also appointed and authorized as Place‐ ment Agent (in such ca‐ pacity, the “Placement Agent”)in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Re‐ funding Bonds. SECTION 7. Argent Advi‐ sors, Inc., Ruston, Louisiana, is hereby ap‐ pointed as Municipal Ad‐ visor (the “Municipal Ad‐ visor”) to the District in connection with the is‐ suance, sale and delivery of the Refunding Bonds. SECTION 8. By virtue of the Issuer’s application for, acceptance and uti‐ lization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval resolved and set forth herein, it resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval is ex‐ pressly conditioned upon, and it further re‐ solves that it under‐ stands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and con‐ tinuing compliance with the “State Bond Commis‐ sion Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.”, adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing and other matters subject to the approval, including sub‐ sequent application and approval under said Pol‐ icy of the implementa‐ tion or use of any swap or other products or en‐ hancements covered thereby. This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows: YEAS: Mr. Burke Fiscus, Ms. Hayley Clouatre, Dr. Atley Walker, Sr., Mr. Ronald LeBlanc, Ms. Son‐ ceria Evans, Ms. Teri Bergeron, Mr. Matthew Daigrepont NAYS: None ABSENT: Ms. Chareeka Grace, Mr. Alden Chustz, Mr. Michael Maranto And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 16th day of Sep‐ tember, 2026. /s/ Dr. Chandler Smith Dr. Chandler Smith, Secretary-Superinten‐ dent West Baton Rouge Parish School Board /s/ Matthew Daigrepont Matthew Daigrepont, President West Baton Rouge Parish School Board

lll

Public Notices Nat Res Coastal p §723.C.6.e the Office of Coastal Management (OCM) of the Department of Energy and Natural Re‐ sources received a re‐ quest for a Public Hear‐ ing concerning the fol‐ lowing application for a Coastal Use Permit. In‐ terested parties are hereby notified that a Public Hearing is not warranted for this permit application. Therefore, in accordance with LAC Title 43, Chapter 7, §723.C.6.e, this is to an‐ nounce that a Public Hearing will not be held. CUP ************OCM NUMBER: P20260466; NAME: Plaquemines Ex‐ pansion, LLC, ℅ Ross Har‐ grove, Burns & McDon‐ nell, 5600 American Blvd W, Suite 300, Blooming‐ ton, MN 55437; Location: Plaquemines Parish, LA; Lat.: 29-35-44.16N, Long.: 89-52-27.84W; Mississippi River; Section 25, T17SR25E; Section 26, T17SR26E; 20200 LA-23 Port Sulphur, 70083. Descrip‐ tion: Proposed project to expand existing Plaque‐ mines LNG facility (in‐ stalled under P20170545) by building pertinent structures on a neighbor‐ ing ~1,107-acre site, re‐ quiring an additional ~78acre permanent work‐ space and expanding marine facilities in the River (~46 acres). Work will require ~18M cy of fill and excavation. Gas sup‐ ply provided by lines pro‐ posed under: P20170543, P20250636, and P20260425. 201963-sept 24-1t $17.48

Public Notices Successions

PUBLIC NOTICE --19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE STATE OF LOUISIANA NO. P-115810, SECTION 33 IN THE MATTER OF THE SUCCESSION OF RICHARD HERMAN JONES, JR. NOTICE OF FILING OF ELEVENTH TABLEAU OF DISTRIBUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kathleen Mills Jones, Administratrix of the Succession of Richard Herman Jones, Jr., No. P-115810, Section 33, on the docket of the 19th Judicial District Court has filed a petition seeking authority to pay certain liabilities of the Succession of Richard Herman Jones, Jr., as listed in the Eleventh Tableau of Distribution filed in the record of these proceedings. Any interested person has seven (7) days from the date of publication of this Notice to file an op‐ position to the homolo‐ gation of the Eleventh Tableau of Distribution. These proceedings are pending before the 19th Judicial District Court in and for the Parish of East Baton Rouge. The ad‐ dress of the Court is 300 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this ______ day of Sep‐ tember, 2026. DOUG WELBORN, CLERK OF COURT By:_______________ Deputy Clerk

Return notice to the following person to be submitted to The Advocate for publication: William C. Shockey Shockey & Associates 10114 Jefferson Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70809 202025 Sept. 24, 2026 1t $50.32 PUBLIC NOTICE --SUCCESSION OF BEATRICE BOVA’S ESTATE #P-115611 DIV: 23 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT EAST BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA NOTICE OF FILING THIRD PROPOSED TABLEAU OF DISTRIBUTION A Petition for to pay es‐ tate debts for the suc‐ cession of this estate has or will be submitted to the Court. Louisiana law gives any successor or interested person a lim‐ ited delay period to op‐ pose the proposed pay‐ ments included in the “Tableau” and express h f h

Public Notices Successions p the reasons for the oppo‐ sition, seven (7) calendar days from the date this notice is either served on a person or from the last newspaper publication date. If the clerk of court does not receive any proof of opposition after the legal delay ends, the Court may grant the Peti‐ tion without changes. 201957-sept 24-1t $39.20

WBR Public Notices

WBR Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE --Public Notice West Baton Rouge Parish Zoning Commission Master Plan Change Request: Rezone approx. 9+- ac from AG (Agricul‐ tural) to R-MH (Mobile Home Park) Owner/Applicant: Tamara Harvey Address: 071600001400 Rosedale Road Port Allen LA 70767 Property Description: PJ #26-0024: as described by the WBR Assessor site: LOT 4-B-1A CONT 8.74 AC IN SEC 8 T7S R11E & 1.00 AC M/L TAKEN FROM LOT 4-B-1A 16-14 The West Baton Rouge Zoning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING relative to the rezoning request. Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Time: 5:30 pm The West Baton Rouge Parish Council will hold a PUBLIC HEARING relative to the rezoning request. Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026 Time 5:30 pm Public hearings will be held at the West Baton Rouge Parish Govern‐ mental Building, 880 N. Alexander, Port Allen, LA 70767 WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH P&Z COMMISSION ALL MEETING INFORMA‐ TION INCLUDING MIN‐ UTES AND VIDEOS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE WBRPARISH.ORG UNDER THE AGENDA AND MIN‐ UTES TAB. Ordinances in full can be found on our website under Notice of Public https:// Hearings…… www.wbrparish.org/720/ Notice-of-PublicHearings

Publish The Advocate Three (3) Times: 9/17/2026, 9/24/2026, and 10/1/2026 199728-sept 17-24-oct 13t $78.99 PUBLIC NOTICE --The following resolution was offered by Ms. Hay‐ ley Clouatre and sec‐ onded by Dr. Atley Walker, Sr.: RESOLUTION A resolution giving pre‐ liminary approval to the issuance of not exceed‐ ing Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000) of General Obligation School Re‐ funding Bonds of Parish‐ wide School District No. 3 of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana, in one or more series; providing certain terms of said refunding bonds; making applica‐ tion to the State Bond Commission for approval of said refunding bonds; and providing for other matters in connection therewith. WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section 33 of the Con‐ stitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, SubPart B, Part II, Chapter 4, Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended and other constitutional and statu‐ tory authority, Parish‐ wide School District No. 3 of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana (the “District”), has heretofore issued $74,745,000 of its General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2017, of which $52,255,000 is currently outstanding (the “Series 2017 Bonds”); and WHEREAS, in order to provide debt service sav‐ ings, the District, acting h hi i

IN FAITH WHEREOF, wit‐ ness my ofﬁcial signa‐ ture at Port Allen, Louisiana, on this, the 16th day of September, 2026. /s/ Dr. Chandler Smith Dr. Chandler Smith, Sec‐ retary-Superintendent (SEAL) 201713 Sept. 24, 1t $1,324.43

Public Notices Nat Res Coastal

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE Interested par‐ ties are hereby notiﬁed that in accordance with LAC Title 43, Chapter 7, h fﬁ f

g g through its governing au‐ thority, the Parish School Board of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana (the “Govern‐ ing Authority”), desires to current refund $48,695,000 of the Series 2017 Bonds maturing March 1, 2028, to and in‐ cluding March 1, 2037 (the “Refunded Series 2017 Bonds”), pursuant to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and other con‐ stitutional and statutory authority; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 14-A, Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (the “Act”), and other constitutional and statutory authority, and subject to the approval of the State Bond Com‐ mission, the District de‐ sires to accomplish the refunding through the is‐ suance of its not exceed‐ ing $50,000,000 General Obligation School Re‐ funding Bonds, to be payable from unlimited ad valorem taxation on all taxable property in the District; ¬¬and WHEREAS, the District desires to make formal application to the State Bond Commission for the approval of the issuance, sale and delivery of the Refunding Bonds (as hereinafter defined), and further to employ Bond Counsel and other finan‐ cial professionals in con‐ nection therewith; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing author‐ ity of Parishwide School District No. 3 of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana, that: SECTION 1. Preliminary approval is hereby given to the issuance of not ex‐ ceeding $50,000,000 Gen‐ eral Obligation School Refunding Bonds, Series 2026, or such other desig‐ nation based on the year the Refunding Bonds are issued, of the Parishwide School District No. 3 of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana, in one or more series (the "Refunding Bonds"), to be issued for the purpose of current refunding the Refunded Series 2017 Bonds and paying the costs of is‐ suance thereof. The Re‐ funding Bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates not exceeding five and one-quarter per centum (5.25%) per annum, ma‐ ture not later than March 1, 2037, and shall be payable from and se‐ cured by a pledge of the unlimited ad valorem taxation on all taxable property in the District, all in the manner pro‐ vided for by Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other con‐ stitutional and statutory authority. ¬The Refund‐ ing Bonds shall be issued in fully registered form and shall have such addi‐ tional terms and provi‐ sions as may be deter‐ mined by this Governing Authority. SECTION 2. The Presi‐ dent, Vice President and/or the Secretary-Su‐ perintendent of the Gov‐ erning Authority, on be‐ half of the District, are hereby authorized and directed to execute a Bond Purchase Agree‐ ment by and between the District and the Under‐ writer (as hereinafter de‐ fined). The Bond Pur‐ chase Agreement shall provide for the purchase price of the Refunding Bonds to be paid by the Underwriter to the Dis‐ trict, plus original issue premium, if any, less the underwriter’s discount and/or original issue dis‐ count. Further, the Presi‐ dent, Vice President and/or the Secretary-Su‐ perintendent of the Gov‐ erning Authority, on be‐ half of the District, are hereby authorized to ex‐ ecute a placement agree‐ ment by and between the District and the Place‐ ment Agent (as here‐ inafter defined); and a commitment letter or such other agreement or term sheet by and be‐ tween District and one or more financial institu‐ tions to be selected by the officers set forth hereinabove. In addition, the President, Vice Presi‐ dent and/or the Secre‐ tary-Superintendent, on behalf of the District, are hereby authorized and directed to execute one or more credit enhance‐ ment devices required in connection with the fi‐ nancing described herein and expressly authorized pursuant to the provi‐ sions of La. R.S. 39:1421 and La. R.S. 39:1429.

WBR Legal Notices

SECTION 3. The prepara‐ tion and distribution of the Preliminary Official Statement and Official Statement of the District relating to the Refunding Bonds containing secu‐ rity features, other perti‐ nent information as may be deemed necessary, advisable or desirable and detailed and com‐ prehensive financial and statistical data, are hereby authorized and approved to be utilized in connection with the of‐ fering, sale and delivery of the Refunding Bonds. Said Preliminary Official Statement may be sub‐ mitted to such nationally recognized bond rating service or services as may be recommended by Bond Counsel, the Dis‐ trict’s Municipal Advisor (as hereinafter defined) and the Underwriter, to‐ gether with a request that an appropriate rat‐ ing be assigned. SECTION 4. This Govern‐ ing Authority finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of bond counsel in connection with the issuance of the Refunding Bonds, and ac‐ cordingly, Butler Snow LLP, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as Bond Coun‐ sel, is hereby employed to do and perform work of a traditional legal na‐ ture as bond counsel with respect to the is‐ suance and sale of said Refunding Bonds. Said Bond Counsel shall pre‐ pare and submit to this Governing Authority for adoption all of the pro‐ ceedings incidental to the authorization, is‐ suance, sale and delivery of such Refunding Bonds, shall counsel and advise this Governing Authority as to the issuance and sale thereof and shall furnish its opinions cov‐ ering the legality of the issuance of the Refund‐ ing Bonds. The fee of Bond Counsel for each issue or series of bonds shall be fixed at a sum not exceeding the fee al‐ lowed by the Attorney General’s fee guidelines for such bond counsel work in connection with the issuance of such se‐ ries of bonds and based on the amount of said Refunding Bonds actually issued, sold delivered and paid for, plus “outof-pocket” expenses, said fees to be contin‐ gent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of said bonds. A certified copy of this resolution shall be submitted to the Attor‐ ney General of the State of Louisiana for his writ‐ ten approval of said em‐ ployment and of the fees herein designated, and the Secretary is hereby empowered and directed to provide for payment of the work herein specified upon completion thereof and under the conditions herein enumerated. SECTION 5. Application is hereby made to the State Bond Commission for approval of the is‐ suance and sale of the Refunding Bonds and for consent and authority to proceed with the is‐ suance and sale of the Refunding Bonds as pro‐ vided above, and Bond Counsel is directed to make application to the State Bond Commission in accordance with the foregoing on behalf of the District. SECTION 6. Stifel, Nico‐ laus and Company, Inc. (the “Underwriter”) is hereby appointed and authorized as Under‐ writer in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Refunding Bonds. In the event that the Refunding Bonds are to be sold by direct placement with one or more qualified institu‐ tional investors, Stifel, Nicolaus and Company, Inc. is also appointed and authorized as Place‐ ment Agent (in such ca‐ pacity, the “Placement Agent”)in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Re‐ funding Bonds. SECTION 7. Argent Advi‐ sors, Inc., Ruston, Louisiana, is hereby ap‐ pointed as Municipal Ad‐ visor (the “Municipal Ad‐ visor”) to the District in connection with the is‐ suance, sale and delivery of the Refunding Bonds. SECTION 8. By virtue of the Issuer’s application for, acceptance and uti‐ lization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval resolved and set forth herein, it resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval is ex‐ pressly conditioned upon, and it further re‐ solves that it under‐ stands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and

ST. GEORGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 2 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 14100 Airline Highway, St. George, LA 70817 Phone (225) 251-4801 E-MAIL: gctarleton@stgeorgefire.com A Meeting of the Board of Commissioners Was Held as Follows: Date of Meeting: Thursday, August 20, 2026 Time of Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Place of Meeting: St. George Fire Protection District No. 2 14100 Airline Highway, Building 100 Classrooms A & B, St. George, LA 70817

STATE OF LOUISIANA PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE I, the undersigned Sec‐ retary-Superintendent of the Parish School Board of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana (the “Governing Author‐ ity”), the governing au‐ thority of Parishwide School District No. 3 of West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of the proceedings taken by the Governing Authority on September 16, 2026, giv‐ ing preliminary approval to the issuance of not to exceed Fifty Million Dol‐ lars ($50,000,000) of Gen‐ eral Obligation School Refunding Bonds of Parishwide School Dis‐ trict No. 3 of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana, in one or more series; providing certain terms of said refunding bonds; making applica‐ tion to the State Bond Commission for approval of said refunding bonds; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

WBR Legal Notices

Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Ourso called the meeting to order at 17:31 hours. At this time Chief Tarleton asked the Board to amend the agenda to include Item 7.2. Mr. Carnes moved to amend the agenda, seconded by Mr. Suchy the motion passed unanimously. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Members present Mr. Ourso, Mr. Carnes, Mr. Browning, Mr. Rosendahl, & Mr. Suchy. Others present; Chiefs Tarleton, Roberson, Stubbs, K. Hartman, Hilburn, Deshotel, J. Neyland, Mondrick, Campbell, Arnone, Freeman, J. Lea, Shuford, M. Campbell and H. Olinde and K. Marionneaux. 4. APPROVAL & ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES 1. Minutes of the July 23, 2026 meeting. Mr. Carnes moved to accept the minutes as presented, Mr. Browning seconded by Mr. Browning, the motion passed unanimously. 5. FINANCIAL - BUDGET UPDATE REPORT 1. Monthly Budget Report as of July 31, 2026 Mr. Browning moved to accept the Budget Report, seconded by Mr. Suchy, the motion passed unanimously.

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

WBR Legal Notices

assigns to, full and con‐ tinuing compliance with the “State Bond Commis‐ sion Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.”, adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing and other matters subject to the approval, including sub‐ sequent application and approval under said Pol‐ icy of the implementa‐ tion or use of any swap or other products or en‐ hancements covered thereby. This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows: YEAS: Mr. Burke Fiscus, Ms. Hayley Clouatre, Dr. Atley Walker, Sr., Mr. Ronald LeBlanc, Ms. Son‐ ceria Evans, Ms. Teri Bergeron, Mr. Matthew Daigrepont NAYS: None ABSENT: Ms. Chareeka Grace, Mr. Alden Chustz, Mr. Michael Maranto And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 16th day of Sep‐ tember, 2026. /s/ Dr. Chandler Smith Dr. Chandler Smith, Secretary-Superinten‐ dent West Baton Rouge Parish School Board /s/ Matthew Daigrepont Matthew Daigrepont, President West Baton Rouge Parish School Board STATE OF LOUISIANA PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE I, the undersigned Sec‐ retary-Superintendent of the Parish School Board of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana (the “Governing Author‐ ity”), the governing au‐ thority of Parishwide School District No. 3 of West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of the proceedings taken by the Governing Authority on September 16, 2026, giv‐ ing preliminary approval to the issuance of not to exceed Fifty Million Dol‐ lars ($50,000,000) of Gen‐ eral Obligation School Refunding Bonds of Parishwide School Dis‐ trict No. 3 of West Baton Rouge Parish, State of Louisiana, in one or more series; providing certain terms of said refunding bonds; making applica‐ tion to the State Bond Commission for approval of said refunding bonds; and providing for other matters in connection therewith. IN FAITH WHEREOF, wit‐ ness my ofﬁcial signa‐ ture at Port Allen, Louisiana, on this, the 16th day of September, 2026. /s/ Dr. Chandler Smith Dr. Chandler Smith, Sec‐ retary-Superintendent (SEAL) 201713 Sept. 24, 1t $196.52

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

SHERIFF’S SALE LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVIC‐ ING, LLC VS. FRANCES W. MATTHEWS, A/K/A FRANCES MATTHEWS AND FREDRICK MATTHEWS DOCKET NO: 51356 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH STATE OF LOUISIANA By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale, di‐ rected by the Honorable The Eighteenth Judicial District Court, for the Parish of West Baton Rouge, in the above enti‐ tled and numbered cause, I have seized and proceed to sell by public auction, on the front steps of the West Baton Rouge Courthouse, 850 8th Street, Port Allen, Louisiana on WEDNES‐ DAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., the following d ib d

described wit:

property,

g to

That certain lot or parcel of ground, together with all the buildings and im‐ provements thereon, and all of the rights, ways, privileges, servitudes, appurtenances and ad‐ vantages thereon be‐ longing or anywise ap‐ pertaining, situated in the Parish of WEST BATON ROUGE, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as SUGAR MILL PLANTATION, FIFTH FILING, and being desig‐ nated on the official plan of said subdivision, on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of said Parish and State, as LOT NUM‐ BER THREE HUNDRED FORTY-TWO (342), said subdivision, said lot hav‐ ing such measurements and dimensions and being subject to such re‐ strictions and servitudes as shown on said subdi‐ vision map and/or of record ("Property"). MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 4066 OLIVIA DRIVE, ADDIS, LA 70710 Terms of Sale: Cash to the highest bidder WITH‐ OUT benefit of appraise‐ ment and according to law. Attorney for the Plaintiff: Halliday, Watkins & Mann, 1505 N. 19th Street, Monroe, LA 71207, (318) 322-0887 Judicial Advertise‐ ment(s) will appear in THE ADVOCATE on the date(s) of: SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 and OCTOBER 22, 2026. JEFF BERGERON, SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE BY: ANGIE DELAUNE, CIVIL DEPUTY $57.73 SHERIFF’S SALE LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVIC‐ ING, LLC VS. SANDRA ZITO BOURGOYNE DOCKET NO: 51430 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH STATE OF LOUISIANA By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale, di‐ rected by the Honorable The Eighteenth Judicial District Court, for the Parish of West Baton Rouge, in the above enti‐ tled and numbered cause, I have seized and proceed to sell by public auction, on the front steps of the West Baton Rouge Courthouse, 850 8th Street, Port Allen, Louisiana on WEDNES‐ DAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., the following described property, to wit: ONE (1) CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, TO‐ GETHER WITH ALL THE BUILDINGS AND IM‐ PROVEMENTS THEREON, TOGETHER WITH ALL RIGHTS, WAYS, PRIVI‐ LEGES, SERVITUDES, AP‐ PURTENANCES AND AD‐ VANTAGES THEREUNTO BELONGING OR IN ANY‐ WISE APPERTAINING, SIT‐ UATED IN THE PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, IN THAT SUB‐ DIVISION KNOWN AS COHN SUBDIVISION AND BEING DESCRIBED ON THE OFFICIAL MAP OF SAID SUBDIVISION AS LOT THREE (3) OF SQUARE TWENTY-ONE (21), SAID COHN SUBDIVISION, SAID LOT HAVING SUCH MEA‐ SUREMENTS AND DIMEN‐ SIONS AS SHOWN ON SAID SUBDIVISION MAP OF RECORD. Which has the address of 235 North Jefferson Av‐ enue, Port Allen, LA, 70767 Terms of Sale: Cash to the highest bidder WITH‐ OUT benefit of appraise‐ ment and according to law.

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

2026. JEFF BERGERON, SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE BY: ANGIE DELAUNE, CIVIL DEPUTY $55.71 SHERIFF’S SALE REGIONS BANK VS. SHANTRELL DESHA PIER‐ SON DOCKET NO: 50896 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH STATE OF LOUISIANA By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale, di‐ rected by the Honorable The Eighteenth Judicial District Court, for the Parish of West Baton Rouge, in the above enti‐ tled and numbered cause, I have seized and proceed to sell by public auction, on the front steps of the West Baton Rouge Courthouse, 850 8th Street, Port Allen, Louisiana on WEDNES‐ DAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., the follow‐ ing described property, to wit: One (1) certain lot or par‐ cel of ground, together with all buildings and im‐ provements located thereon situated in the Parish of West Baton Rouge, Louisiana and designated on a map en‐ titled Revised Final Plat of Blanchard Estates, Being the Subdivision of Twenty Two Acres (22 Acres) of land located on the South Side of Rebelle Lane, Section 17, T7S, R12E, Southeastern Land District, West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana for Silvery Lane (sic) Cor‐ poration, 724 Georgia Street, Port Allen, LA 70767, dated August 20, 1987, and prepared by John K. Laws, Jr., RLS, a copy of which map is recorded at Map Book 3, Entry 110 of the records of the Clerk and Recorder for West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, as LOT SEVENTY-THREE (73) hav‐ ing those same measure‐ ments and dimensions as shown on said map as referred to above. The municipal address is 802 Bohne Road, Port Allen, LA 70767 Terms of Sale: Cash to the highest bidder WITH beneﬁt of appraisement and according to law. Attorney for the Plaintiff: Graham, Arceneaux & Allen, LLC, Two Lakeway, 3850 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 1695, Metairie, LA 70002, (504) 522-8256 Judicial Advertise‐ ment(s) will appear in THE ADVOCATE on the date(s) of: AUGUST 29, 2026 and SEPTEMBER 24, 2026. JEFF BERGERON, SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE BY: ANGIE DELAUNE, CIVIL DEPUTY $57.73

Reporting you can trust on stories that matter

Attorney for the Plaintiff: LOGS Legal Group, LLP, 3510 North Causeway Blvd., Suite 600, Metairie, LA 70002, (504) 831-7726 Judicial Advertise‐ ment(s) will appear in THE ADVOCATE on the date(s) of: SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 and OCTOBER 22,

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WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH COUNCIL YEAR 2027 SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING - OCTOBER 26, 2026 WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH COUNCIL G0VERNMENTAL BUILDING 880 NORTH ALEXANDER AVENUE, PORT ALLEN, LOUISIANA 5:30 P.M. 1. ROLL CALL 2. REVIEW AND DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING PROPOSED YEAR 2026 BUDGETS FOR PRESENTATION TO THE PUBLIC: Library Museum Tourist Commission Operating Section 8 Voucher Enhanced 911 Criminal Court Juvenile Detention Center State Cap. Outlay Public Utility Outlay LEPC (Emergency Management) Erwinville Sewer Sinking Erwinville Sewer Loan Sinking/Reserve Westport Sewer Reserve Fire District Cap. Outlay

Liheap Health Unit Public Utilities Community Alert Network Commodity Distribution Fire District 1 Central Communications Opioid Settlement Fund American Rescue Plan Act Correctional Facility Operations Westport Sewer Sinking Westport Loan Sinking Westport Loan Reserve Tourist Reserve

3. SET PUBLIC HEARING 4. ADJOURN Publish in The Advocate on 9/24/2026 and 10/1/2026 WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH COUNCIL YEAR 2027 SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING - OCTOBER 27, 2026 WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH COUNCIL G0VERNMENTAL BUILDING 880 NORTH ALEXANDER AVENUE, PORT ALLEN, LOUISIANA 5:30 P.M.

6. OLD BUSINESS

1. ROLL CALL

7. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Consider approval of a resolution engaging the law firms of Fishman Haygood, LLP and Degan, Blanchard & Nash APLC on a contingency fee basis to investigate and pursue antitrust claims concerning fire apparatus purchases and pricing.

2. REVIEW AND DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING PROPOSED YEAR 2026 BUDGETS FOR PRESENTATION TO THE PUBLIC:

**The Board reserves the right to enter into executive session on this item pursuant to La. R.S. 42:17 (A)(11) and La. Code Evid. art. 506 to receive confidential and privileged legal advice from counsel** Mr. Carnes motioned to approve the resolution engaging the law firms, seconded by Mr. Suchy, the motion passed unanimously. 2. Approving a resolution authorizing Fire Chief Tarleton to sign the CEA to accept the grant from Act 3 of the 2026 Louisiana Legislature. Mr. Carnes moved to approve the resolution authorizing Chief Tarleton to sign the CEA for Act 3, seconded by Mr. Suchy, the motion passed unanimously. 8. OTHER BUSINESS: None 9. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Browning moved to adjourn the meeting, Mr. Suchy seconded, the meeting adjourned at 17:55 hours. 201698-690583-Sept. 24-1t $ 129.36

Roads General Fund Roads Capital Outlay Buildings & Land Capital Outlay Recreation Special Projects Recreation Department Five Year Roads Outlay Claims Account/Fund

Drainage Roads Trust Fund Video Poker Trust Community Centers Sales Tax Department Five Year Capital Outlay Lighting District Trust

3. SET PUBLIC HEARING 3. ADJOURN Publish in The Advocate on 9/24/2026 and 10/1/202

200863-687928-Sept. 24, Oct 1-2t $ 221.76

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ 5A

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Sen. Collins hammered over Dolly Parton’s estate report of pay-to-play probe granted temporary restraining order

Maine lawmaker calls it ‘completely false’

present at their ofﬁce in downSinger’s nephew town Nashville on Wednesday afNo one came to the door allegedly threatened atternoon. an address listed in court docuto destroy her legacy ments for Seaver in the semi-ru-

BY PATRICK WHITTLE and LISA MASCARO

Associated Press

PORTLAND, MAINE — Maine Democrats on Wednesday assailed U.S. Sen. Susan Collins over a news report that the FBI investigated how much she knew about illegal campaign contributions that sent one of her donors to prison. The ProPublica report, published Tuesday, states that the FBI in 2024 planned to launch an investigation into Collins’ dealings with Navatek, a Hawaii defense contractor and donor to her campaign. The investigation, which focused on an alleged pay-to-play scheme, failed to commence after President Donald Trump took ofﬁce after winning the election, according to ProPublica. The report arrived six weeks before an election where Collins is seeking her sixth term against Democrat Troy Jackson. Democrats have targeted the seat, in a state that Trump lost in 2024, as the party tries to win control of the Senate, making it one of the most competitive races on the November ballot. Collins on Tuesday called the entire story “absolutely outrageous” and said it is frustrating and unfair to have such claims made against her so close to the election. Her campaign manager, Steve Abbott, also said Wednesday the allegation that “we charge people to have meetings” is categorically false and Collins accepting campaign cash for contracts “did not happen.” Jackson called the allegation “corruption of the highest order.” He was not present Wednesday when a group of Maine Democrats held a news conference near Collins’ Portland ofﬁce, but said the allegations are a betrayal of trust. “I cannot stress enough here today the seriousness of these allegations. Maine people deserve clear and real answers from Susan Collins right now,” Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said.

BY HALLIE GOLDEN and TRAVIS LOLLER Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, arrives at the Capitol in Washington on June 17. A ProPublica report alleges the head of a Collins super PAC met with executives from a defense contractor and asked them for a campaign donation, after which she committed to getting the company $32 million in Navy contracts.

Already investigated The ProPublica report stated that the head of a Collins super PAC met with executives from defense contractor Navatek in 2019 and asked them for a $500,000 campaign donation. The company’s CEO, Martin Kao, sent an initial $150,000 donation using a shell company, the report stated. ProPublica reported that it reviewed an internal company email from Kao in which the CEO later told Navatek executives that Collins committed to getting the company $32 million in Navy contracts. Kao and two other Navatek executives were later indicted on charges of funneling illegal donations to Collins. Kao sought to reduce his jail sentence by revealing to the FBI the full scope of illegal contributions to Collins, ProPublica reported. Collins said Kao is “a liar” whose story is untrustworthy. “He has been twice convicted in separate federal court cases. He’s been convicted of money laundering. He’s been convicted of bank fraud. He has been convicted of false submissions to the FEC. He’s being convicted of a lot of crimes,” she said. An FBI spokesperson said in a statement that the allegations

“had already been investigated by the FBI years ago and ultimately found nothing implicating Senator Collins or Senator Collins’ campaign. Any suggestion otherwise is totally false.” The ProPublica article also states that Trump’s return to the White House left the Justice Department unable to perform the investigation.

Investigations have decreased The number of FBI agents and Justice Department prosecutors specializing in corruption investigations plummeted in the first months of the Trump administration. The Justice Department, for instance, decimated its elite Public Integrity Section in early 2025 while the FBI disbanded a white-collar fraud and public corruption squad based out of its Washington field office. The administration has also fired numerous law enforcement officials who participated in investigations into Trump, including over his efforts to undo the 2020 presidential election he lost and his retention of classified records at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. An email seeking comment was sent to the Justice Department on Wednesday.

Mississippi police make second arrest in death of Black woman

Investigators seek a brief hearing Wednesday, nor several of her daughter’s where he was denied bond. friends knew Lloyd, and she third suspect According to local TV cautioned that everyone is

BY SOPHIE BATES Associated Press

JACKSON, MISS. — Police in Mississippi have arrested a second man in the death of a Black woman found hanging from a tree and have issued an arrest warrant for a third suspect. Jackson police said late Tuesday that they arrested 25-year-old Earnest Lloyd Jr. in the death of 29-year-old Tasia Fortune, whose body was found hanging behind an abandoned home in the city on Aug. 3. Like Fortune and the ﬁrst man arrested, 51-year-old Jarques Ratliff, Lloyd is Black. He appeared at a

station WLBT, investigators said witnesses directed them to Lloyd, who had allegedly had a physical altercation with Fortune days or minutes before she was killed. Police contend that Lloyd hanged Fortune with a black cable cord, and three co-defendants are also suspected of being involved in her death, the station reported. Police and the court clerk said Wednesday that they didn’t know if Lloyd has a lawyer. Fortune’s mother Christy Spivey, who attended the hearing, said afterward that she was ecstatic to see arrests made in her daughter’s death. She said neither she

innocent until proven guilty. “My family is not the only family that this is affecting,” Spivey said of the defendants’ families. “I feel for them as well. The only difference is that mine can never come back.” “I’ll never truly have peace,” she said. Ratliff was arrested in September on murder charges. He pleaded not guilty and remains jailed without bond. His lawyer, Toney Baldwin, hasn’t responded to multiple requests for comment. Police said in a statement that they issued an arrest warrant for a third suspect, but gave no details about that person’s identity or alleged link to Fortune’s death.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Tennessee judge granted Dolly Parton’s estate a temporary restraining order Wednesday against the late singer’s nephew Bryan Seaver and his private security company. She’s Alive, the entity founded to manage and protect Parton’s estate, had filed the complaint against Seaver and Squadron Augmented Protection Services a day prior. The estate accused Seaver of threatening to commit violence and destroy his aunt’s legacy and business empire in court ﬁlings. The order says the court took into account the repeated threats cited in the complaint, as well as the alleged demands for payment and Seaver’s “claimed access to weapons, experience with violence, and intention to retaliate.” It describes the communications as “concerning,” speciﬁcally noting the threat to use force. As part of the order, Seaver and SAPS must refrain from entering any She’s Alive property or talking with or being within 1,000 feet of She’s Alive employees, attorneys and business partners. The order is also meant to keep him from interfering with its business relationships. A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 7. Seaver, who owns a company that provided Parton’s security detail and was handpicked by the star to announce her death from cancer last month, did not respond to an email Wednesday from The Associated Press requesting comment on the order being granted. Representatives for SAPS also did not respond, and no one was

ral Nashville suburb of Fairview. A woman speaking to a reporter through a doorbell camera declined to comment. In the temporary restraining order request ﬁled by She’s Alive and other court documents, Seaver is accused of sending increasingly threatening messages over the last several weeks. She’s Alive is run by Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime manager. Last week, She’s Alive terminated Seaver and SAPS, saying his “terrorizing conduct made their continued retention untenable,” according to court documents. The company is also named in the complaint. The court documents showcase a series of text messages and emails She’s Alive says were sent by Seaver, starting just before Parton’s death. The messages begin with threats to destroy Parton’s brand, and then after her death, depict Seaver reveling in his newfound fame and calling himself an “international arms dealer.” In one message written Sept. 1 and included in the court documents, he said: “I’m going to set up a podcast dedicated to ruining Dolly’s brand partnerships and telling the violations these people have done on us. It’s going to be great. Or f——— pay me.” Seaver also claimed that he worked for private military contractors overseas during the Iraq War and used that experience as part of these threats, according to the complaint. The messages have resulted in Parton’s trusts and estates attorney leaving and employees of She’s Alive resigning, according to the court documents. The entity has also had to hire private security for its employees, including at their homes, the documents state.

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6A ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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FROM WIRE REPORTS

U.S. stocks slide on worries about inflation NEW YORK — Pressure from the U.S. bond market hit a new level on Wall Street Wednesday after a surprisingly strong report on the economy raised worries about inflation, while oil prices halted their slide. The squeeze caused U.S. stocks to sink. Stocks wilted after the yield on the 10-year Treasury jumped to 5.10% late Tuesday. High yields undercut prices for stocks and other investments, while also slowing the economy by making it more expensive for everyone to borrow money. Worries about inflation got a jolt Wednesday morning after a preliminary report suggested growth in U.S. business activity surged to its strongest level in more than five years. The price for a barrel of Brent oil to be delivered in November rose 3.9% to $103.08 on Wednesday. That is much higher than the roughly $72 it cost before the war with Iran began. KB Home became the latest to deliver a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. But its stock nevertheless swung between losses and gains after the homebuilder’s executive chairman said conditions got even tougher for the industry over the last three months. General Mills likewise reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. But the company behind the Cheerios and Progresso brands said it also expects growth this fiscal year to fall below its historical track record “driven by a continued challenging consumer backdrop.”

Stockholders approve Caesars-Fertitta merger LAS VEGAS — Caesars Entertainment shareholders have approved a multibillion-dollar merger with Fertitta Gaming that would create one of the largest gaming empires. Caesars has a dominant presence on the Las Vegas Strip. It also operates casino resorts across the United States. Billionaire owner Tilman Fertitta is the largest shareholder in Wynn Resorts and the sports betting company DraftKings. Fertitta stepped back from his role as president and director of his company following his April 2025 conﬁrmation as U.S. ambassador to Italy and San Marino. The merger was first announced in May, with Fertitta agreeing to pay $5.7 billion and take on close to $12 billion in debt from Caesars, putting the total value of the deal at about $17.6 billion. Caesars and Fertitta still must complete the federal antitrust review process. If it goes through, Caesars will become a privately-held company. Its shareholders will get $31 in cash for each share they own.

Melania Trump rings opening bell at NYSE WASHINGTON — Melania Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday to promote her new initiative to help women become leaders and achieve economic power. It’s called Imperia, and its members include CEOs, founders, innovators, entrepreneurs and others. The first lady also rang the opening bell at the NYSE in January before the release of her Amazon documentary, “Melania,” about her life in the weeks leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration for a second term in ofﬁce. A new two-part docuseries featuring her will be released in the fall. She said it will be different from the documentary and teased that it will include some surprises. “It’s more conversation, one on one with me,” the ﬁrst lady said. “So when I was traveling and doing all of the filming, the director was asking me questions, and there are some private questions that I will answer that people never heard before. So it’s kind of exciting.”

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CFTC warns prediction markets

in June to crack down on ly generated nor externally veriﬁ- to make more than $100,000 on Pull back on risky proposal bets related to war and terrorism. able,” the CFTC said in a release Kalshi on what President Donald Trump would say in speeches. new guidance, which doesn’t on Tuesday. ‘mention’ bets, it says The carry the weight of an agency rule, The guidance said access to He agreed in August to pay over

BY NICOLA WHITE

Bloomberg News (TNS) Prediction market wagers involving bets on what high-proﬁle people might say in public present heightened manipulation risk and can only be offered in limited circumstances, Commodity Futures Trading Commission staff warned in new guidance. The advisory is the regulator’s latest attempt to reel in the exploding industry after it ﬂoated a

applies to a niche corner of prediction markets, where users can place yes-or-no trades on future events like sports and politics. The bets on so-called mention markets involve trading on words or phrases people might say in speeches, earnings calls or postgame press conferences. “These contract types present a heightened risk of manipulation because their settlement turns on the discrete conduct of a person that may be neither independent-

scripts, prepared remarks, or unpublished content creates opportunities for trading advantages, noting that “makes individuals more susceptible to inﬂuence by others seeking to manipulate the outcome, whether through social engineering, inducements, or public pressure campaigns.” Mention market wagers were at the center of a CFTC investigation into the trades of a White House teleprompter operator, who allegedly used insider knowledge

$172,000 to settle the regulator’s claims without admitting to the CFTC’s allegations. The National Football League in July asked the CFTC to prohibit these types of wagers for sports, saying broadcast mentions and similar bets are easily manipulated by a single person. Major League Baseball also called on the CFTC to rein in wagers on words uttered during news conferences or postgame interviews.

Next on McDonald’s menu: More tech, hand-breaded chicken Company will spend $8.5B over the next decade to modernize its restaurants, add AI-enabled drive-thru

BY DEE-ANN DURBIN AP business writer

McDonald’s said Wednesday it will spend $8.5 billion over the next decade to modernize its restaurants globally. Fast-food traffic in many markets, including the U.S., is flat, so for McDonald’s to continue to grow it has to grab share from competitors and improve restaurant productivity, McDonald’s Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski said at a meeting with investors at the company’s Chicago headquarters. McDonald’s wants to automate more tasks, like inventory and scheduling, and improve kitchen operations. “The winners will be the companies that create more demand and deliver it more efficiently,” Kempczinski said. McDonald’s shares fell nearly 5% Wednesday, their largest percentage drop since April 2025, as investors shuddered at the eye-popping price of improving McDonald’s 46,000 global stores. On the product side, McDonald’s said handbreaded chicken, which has rolled out at 10,000 restaurants in Asia and a handful of restaurants near Chicago, has boosted sales and quality ratings. Many of McDonald’s competitors, like Chick-fil-A and KFC, offer hand-breaded chicken. The company plans to expand its testing to more markets in the U.S. and Ireland next year. McDonald’s also plans to introduce grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps in the U.S. and other markets and experiment with products like egg bites and bowls to meet the needs of customers who are seeking more protein and varied portion sizes. Skye Anderson, the president of McDonald’s USA, said approximately 30 million Americans are now using GLP-1 weight loss drugs, and they’re seeking smaller, more protein-packed meals as a result. But the company’s research indicates that 60 million Americans are actively seeking more protein in their diet. “This is an opportunity. We need to keep giving them more reasons to make McDonald’s their first choice,” Anderson said at McDonald’s investor day. McDonald’s said the restaurant modernizations include lockers to handle delivery orders, more visible coffee preparation areas to enhance quality perceptions, bigger play

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By TED SHAFFREy

McDonald’s said Wednesday that its planned restaurant modernizations include lockers to handle delivery orders, more visible coffee preparation areas to enhance quality perceptions, bigger play areas and improved kitchen layouts. areas and improved kitchen layouts. Scales to help ensure order accuracy — which are already in use at 10,000 restaurants globally — will be in 20,000 restaurants by 2028, McDonald’s said. The company is deploying its ArchIQ system, developed with Google, that improves order accuracy with artificial intelligence and automates tasks like inventory management and scheduling. Archy, the company’s AI-enabled drive-thru ordering system, is now capable of taking orders in Spanish and English with a 90% accuracy rate. Archy could eventually reduce at least 50 labor hours per week in a typical McDonald’s, Chief Financial Officer Ian Borden said. But he said the intention is not to reduce staffing. Instead, employees can focus more on hospitality or on tasks like handbreading chicken. Kempczinski said customers have responded positively to Archy in testing because it helps make their orders more accurate. “It’s not AI is bad or AI is good. We try to be really thoughtful about how we use it,” he said. McDonald’s is also rolling out new employee training that will focus on hospitality and food quality, said Tiffanie Boyd, McDonald’s chief people officer. The training will be more experience-based, showing employees what a perfectly cooked Big Mac tastes like, for example, and will encourage more pleas-

ant interactions with customers. At the same time, McDonald’s is still focused on value. Kempczinski said low-income consumers, defined as U.S. households making $45,000 or less, continue to go out for fast food but not as often as they used to. McDonald’s has done a good job with meal bundles, like its $5 meal deal, he said. But the company is exploring ways to offer entrylevel prices on a basic menu of items in the U.S., as it does in Europe and other markets. “This is the environment that we’re in right now. You have to be on your game and deliver that value,” Kempczinski said. “The pressure around cost of living isn’t going away.” McDonald’s U.S. franchisees typically spend up to $450,000 per decade on required store remodels. Under the company’s new plan, they will have to spend an additional $800,000 over time, but McDonald’s will pay a portion of that cost in the form of rent relief and capital support. Borden said the investments will be phased in over time when markets and individual franchisees are ready for them. Once the investments are made, the efficiency improvements will deliver roughly $100,000 in annual cash flow benefits to the average U.S. restaurant, some of which can be reinvested in the restaurant, Borden said. “We’d love to see it going into hospitality to elevate the experience with our customers,” Borden said.

Bill Clinton calls on leaders to fill gaps left by ‘retreating governments’ Donald Trump and his fund, a $100 million initiative from the successful companies it U.S., other nations cut President administration on multiple fronts. launched Tuesday with an $11 mil- supports to bolster more compa“I suppose I could take my entire lion donation from philanthropists nies. foreign assistance allotted time to discuss the self-ev- Karen and Rob Hale to pay for its Carmen Rojas, the Marguerite

BY GLENN GAMBOA

AP business writer

NEW YORK — Former President Bill Clinton opened this year’s Clinton Global Initiative conference Tuesday in New York, calling on attendees to promise to “step into the void created by retreating governments” following cuts by the United States and other nations to foreign assistance. “We know that we can’t completely ﬁll the hole that retreating governments are leaving behind,” said Clinton, adding that philanthropy and other sectors will have to ﬁnd new ideas and resources to protect progress on issues already made. He made his appeal after opening the conference challenging

ident wisdom of building an Arc de Triomphe in Washington to hold all our drones,” Clinton joked. “Some of this stuff it’s hard to make up.” After the laughter subsided, though, Clinton seriously laid out how he disagreed with the idea that “cooperation is not important, that winning is important in the short run.” The Clinton Global Initiative has convened political, business and philanthropic leaders to address the world’s issues for more than two decades. Donna McKay, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s president and CEO, unveiled one of those new ideas Tuesday. BCRF Ventures is the foundation’s first venture philanthropy

creation and early investments to encourage others to donate. “It makes sense that at this point in time when there are extraordinary advances happening that BCRF throw everything that we can at research and science,” McKay told The Associated Press in an interview. “What this venture philanthropy program will do is try to fast-track advances and get them to patients as quickly as possible.” The new initiative will not replace BCRF’s more traditional grantmaking to breast cancer research scientists, which the foundation expanded last year in the face of federal funding cuts to medical research. The goal for the venture philanthropy fund is to use the earnings

Casey Foundation’s president and CEO, outlined a more commonsense approach that is still seen by many in philanthropy circles as radical. “This is an invitation that I give to donors, to foundations in the room, to anybody who has a rich cousin, this is a moment to give out money,” she said. “Lots of it. Right now.” Rojas explained how there is currently extraordinary need and that should be met with extraordinary action. The Marguerite Casey Foundation announced plans in June to increase its annual donations to at least $500 million over the next decade in order to alleviate some of the pain the communities it serves are feeling following federal funding cuts.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ 7A

lll

Trump’s Board of Peace offers plan for Gaza Proposal is $2.45B to begin reconstruction and governance

BY MATTHEW LEE AP diplomatic writer

NEW YORK — The U.S.-backed Board of Peace is proposing a sixmonth, $2.45 billion plan to begin reconstruction and governance in Gaza as President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan struggles to stay aﬂoat. At a meeting of the group’s board in New York on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday, the governors unveiled a 66-project blueprint to get things started while acknowledging enormous hurdles that must still be overcome. The projects include ambitious infrastructure, education and health initiatives that are designed to support Trump’s 20-point plan to end the IsraelHamas war. “The need is immense,” the board said, noting that full reconstruction from the physical damage across Gaza will cost roughly $35.2 billion over the medium term and an additional $71.4 billion over the next 10 years. The proposal is largely aimed at potential donors who are being asked to foot the bill for reconstruction of the war-devastated territory that has seen numerous

RACE

Continued from page 1A with Edmonds on two of the three bills. Both were tax measures signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry. Edmonds is crying foul. “Club for Growth is spending big dollars to distort my conservative voting record,” Edmonds said in a statement. “Their bogus ad is an attack on our conservative legislature and governor’s efforts to reform the state’s outdated tax code, to give the largest tax cut in Louisiana history, and to bring billions in historic investments to the State of Louisiana, including SpaceX, Venture Global, Meta and Hyundai.” Edmonds added, “Club for Growth wouldn’t know the truth, because, like Blake Miguez, they are not from here and they don’t care about our people.” Edmonds has been attacking Miguez for living in Erath, near New Iberia and outside the 6th District. Miguez notes that he studied in Baton Rouge and currently owns a house in the district. Roy Fletcher, a veteran political consultant in Baton Rouge who works for both Republicans and Democrats, said the Club for Growth ad presents a threat for Edmonds because he will need to respond to it — and may not have the money to do so. The latest campaign finance reports, through July 18, showed that Edmonds had only $323,000 on hand, while Miguez had $2 million, thanks to a $3 million loan he made to his campaign. Club for Growth, Fletcher

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JEHAD ALSHRAFI

Tents sheltering displaced Palestinians and a market surround a building heavily damaged during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza City. failed peace initiatives in the past. Those have included previous premature pronouncements of agreements between Hamas and Israel that have left would-be donors skeptical. The ceaseﬁre, which took effect on Oct. 10, was meant to clear the way for a broader process to rebuild Gaza under the guidance of the Board of Peace. The plan included additional Israeli military withdrawals from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, the arrival of an international peacekeeping force and a new apolitical Palestinian government to administer the territory’s day-to-day affairs. It also envisioned an ambitious pro-

said, “is trying to show that he (Edmonds) is not the conservative he claims he is, that he’s a typical politician. I think they’re doing that because he has a pretty good image, and they want to crack that image.” Club for Growth just might succeed, Fletcher added. “If you don’t have the money to respond, it takes hold and busts your ass,” he said. “TV ads are enormously powerful, especially negative ads.”

Three votes The Club for Growth ad highlighted a statement by Edmonds from 2016 where, then a state House member, he said, “I would not raise their taxes in order to avoid cutting the size of government.” Edmonds also signed the “Taxpayer Protection Pledge” from Americans for Tax Reform “to oppose and vote against tax hikes.” In 2016, he and Miguez both voted against a temporary 1-cent sales tax increase approved by the Legislature at the request of then-Gov. John Bel Edwards to close a huge budget deﬁcit he inherited from his predecessor, Gov. Bobby Jindal. In 2024, Edmonds and Miguez both voted for a bill sought by Landry that raised the state sales tax but more than offset that by reducing individual and corporate income taxes. Only one Republican legislator, state Rep. Beryl Amedee of Gray, voted against the measure, House Bill 10. Edmonds’ vote led Club for Growth to say in the ad, “He lied, and we paid.” The ad also said Edmonds voted to give “sweetheart

EXTENSION

fendants in Murrill’s various corruption cases have Continued from page 1A all filed motions to quash their indictments, challenging whether Moore and Cole and Scott are accused Murrill followed procedure of receiving kickbacks from correctly while also arguing that the indictments are too city-parish contractors. Several city-parish contractors have also been indicted. In total, 10 people face charges. Judge Brad Myers presided as grand jury members were selected in October 2025. During jury selection, Myers asked prospective jurors whether they were related to, friends with or business associates of any current or former Metro Council members, Mayor’s Ofﬁce staffers or school system ofﬁcials. ONLY Outside of Cole, who is set to be arraigned in November, Dunn, Scott and all of the other defendants have pleaded not guilty and deny the charges against them. Cole, Dunn and other de-

gram for rebuilding war-ravaged Gaza. But the U.S.-backed plan has largely stalled. While the ceasefire halted the heaviest fighting and humanitarian conditions have improved, the Israeli military has expanded its control of Gaza and now occupies some 60% of the territory. Hamas has not given up its weapons. The international military force and new government still have not entered Gaza, and reconstruction has not begun. The vast majority of Palestinians continue to live in tent camps or ruins of their former homes. The board’s high representative, Nickolay Mladenov, has said prog-

tax deals for woke Big Tech companies” — a reference to legislation in 2024 that authorized Landry to give big tax breaks to Meta for its $50 billion data center now under construction in Richland Parish. Miguez also voted for that measure, House Bill 827. The Club for Growth ad said Edmonds didn’t want the public to know “how much corporate welfare he is shelling out to his cronies” because of a measure he sponsored in 2021 that would have allowed Louisiana Economic Development to not disclose tax breaks it planned to award investors for big projects. That bill didn’t pass, but Landry later got the Legislature to approve a similar measure. Miguez did not vote on Edmonds’ 2021 measure, House Bill 456. Club for Growth did not respond to a request on why it is bashing Edmonds for supporting measures also backed by Miguez. Club for Growth calls itself “the leading free-enterprise advocacy group in the nation.” It issues endorsements after having candidates ﬁll out a lengthy questionnaire.

fayette that is not among the 11 parishes in the 6th Congressional District. Four other Republicans are running. They are: Monique Appeaning, a former high-level aide to Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards who lives in St. George; Larry Davis III, a member of the Livingston Parish Republican Parish Executive Committee who lives in Denham Springs; Michael Mebruer, from St. Francisville; and Stephen Wagley, a business owner from Baton Rouge. The Democrats are Chauna Banks, who served 12

Documents that the board released Wednesday says the programs are “ready to begin the moment funding and access allow.” Speaking about the difficult steps of disarmament and Israeli withdrawal, Mladenov said, “I want to be very clear that we are not bound by a calendar — we’re bound by veriﬁcation. We want to make sure that this works.” U.S. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, commander of the international stabilization force planned for Gaza, outlined a five-step approach to dealing with the thorny issue of demilitarizing Hamas. It begins with the ﬁrst wave of the multinational unit being deployed with troops from Kosovo and Morocco, to be followed by additional personnel from Albania and Kazakhstan. Their task will be to demilitarize the territory and decommission all of Hamas’ military infrastructure. The goal, he said, is to gradually turn security control over to the interim government, after which Israel will be expected to withdraw its forces. Speaking to reporters separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the challenge is daunting but not impossible to meet. “Obviously, this is a long-term project,” he said. “This is not something that can happen in six months, but at least gives people the hope (of a) future that awaits you if everyone does their part.”

years on the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council; Pat Forbes, who spent 20 years in high-level state government positions for three governors; and Lindsay Garcia, a former social studies teacher in New Orleans who obtained a law degree from Southern University last year. Rufus Craig, a lawyer, is a Libertarian candidate from Baton Rouge. The top two finishers in the Nov. 3 jungle primary, regardless of party, will advance to the runoff in December. Four candidates — Ed-

monds, Banks, Garcia and Miguez — are bunched around 10% of the vote in a survey taken on Sept. 1415 by New Orleans-based pollster Greg Rigamer. Davis, Wagley and Forbes all received about 4%. A whopping 42% said they were undecided, meaning all of the candidates have the chance to break out, in theory. Super lobbyist Alton Ashy paid for the poll, which surveyed 400 likely voters and had a 4.9% margin of error. Email Tyler Bridges at tbridges@theadvocate. com.

A fierce political fight Political analysts expect either Edmonds or Miguez to ultimately win the 6th Congressional District. U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, a Democrat, is vacating the seat after the Republican Legislature reconfigured the district in May to elect a Republican this fall. Edmonds represents a Baton Rouge-based district in the state Senate, while Miguez represents a state Senate district south of La-

vague to have criminal cases heard. A hearing for Dunn’s motion is set for Friday. Email Patrick SloanTurner at patrick.sloanturner@theadvocate.com.

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ress hinges largely on Hamas disarming — a step the militant group has refused to take. But he also has pressed Israel to scale back its military operation. “Given the complexities of what we’re dealing with, I think we’re making slowly and steadily progress,” he said. Mladenov added that discussions with Israel have been politically sensitive and emotional because of next month’s elections. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Mideast envoy, acknowledged that the ceasefire had not been a 100% success but said the board “can point to real progress.” “There is a ceasefire, imperfect as it may be, but it still exists,” he said. Witkoff’s partner in peacemaking, Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner praised the Board of Peace team for the work it has done to advance the prospects for peace. “We’re building something that is really a platform to enable the Palestinian people in Gaza to finally focus on improving their livelihoods and improving their lives and for those who want to live in peace, to give them a chance to do so,” Kushner said. Despite laying out a six-month plan that prioritizes 66 projects — ranging from humanitarian shelters and home repair to education programs and food security — the timeline was still nebulous.

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8A ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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EDUCATION

Continued from page 1A she said. Still, education advocates say Louisiana struggles in other metrics compared to the rest of the country. The six-year graduation rate for the freshman class of 2018 was 54.8%, according to numbers released by the higher education board this spring. The national rate around the same time frame was 61.1%, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. “This is continuous work,” said Erin Bendily, senior vice president at the Pelican Institute for Public Policy. “This is a great celebration for our students, but this is by no means a reason to declare this work over or done.” She emphasized that, in addition to handing out more credentials overall, Louisiana needs to focus on placing students in industries that guarantee strong wages. “We need to always continuously make sure that the numbers of credentials being earned are also in ﬁelds that represent real opportunity, real economic opportunity,” Bendily said. Other advocates say relying on the educational attainment number alone paints with too broad a brush. The accessibility of posthigh school education can vary widely depending on the demographic, said Tramelle Howard, state director of Louisiana for EdTrust. According to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the historically Black Southern University had a 38% eightyear graduation rate — compared

Continued from page 1A at Morris’ Zachary house in 2023. Agencies, including the FBI, started searching the West Feliciana property on Sept. 10. Spillman said they were looking for human remains and other evidence that may help in the investigation. While they did not ﬁnd remains, Spillman said the evidence they did ﬁnd will be useful going forward. Kathy Gilardi Guidry, Hevia’s

FILE PHOTO By PATRICK DENNIS

According to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, LSU has a 70% eight-year graduation rate. to a 70% graduation rate at the state’s predominantly White institution, LSU. “I think we need to separate the difference between improvement and adequacy,” Howard said. “Yes, we’re improving quickly, but is it equitable enough to meet the economic demand and needs of Louisiana?” He said improving Louisiana’s statistics is a unique challenge because the state has a large population of students who have been

historically disadvantaged. “We have to understand that if we close these gaps, that improves economic opportunity for the entire state of Louisiana,” Howard said. “But because we have the higher population of students who are historically underserved, we collectively have to do more work and be more intentional with how we provide the necessary resources to ensure that students can get to completion and attainment.” The Board of Regents hopes to

hit a 60% educational attainment rate by 2030. Getting there doesn’t necessarily involve more money, Reed explained, in light of three consecutive years of standstill state budgets. By the end of 2026-27, the board estimates that 180 programs will have been terminated since it implemented academic planning across the various public institutions. “We recognize that in a resourceconstrained environment, we may

have to continue to reallocate resources as opposed to getting new dollars,” Reed said. “Institutions realize that we are in a different environment now, where they really have to be laser focused on what are the programs and degrees that are most in demand, and how do we ensure that we provide the best quality and value in the programs that we’re offering.”

mother, said her family is grateful for the law enforcement agencies involved and continues to wait for more answers. “My family and myself did meet with the team of investigators yesterday afternoon and I feel that they have done an outstanding service for Stephanie and Madison,” Guidry said. On Tuesday, Zachary police ofﬁcials said they had found evidence at an Ash Street house owned by Morris that will be investigated in connection with the disappearances. That search started on Sept. 14, and ofﬁcials said it had also been

planned for weeks. The West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Ofﬁce is now offering a cash reward for information leading to the resolution of the disappearances of Allen and Hevia. WFPSO has partnered with the Capital Region Crime Stoppers to offer a cash reward for information that would lead to the arrest and indictment of anyone responsible for crimes connected to the disappearances of Allen and Hevia. As part of its FIRST 48 rewards boost, CrimeStoppers is doubling the normal reward for information

from $5,000 to $10,000 if information is received before 4 p.m. Friday. “We know there are people out there that have information that will help solve these cases,” Spillman said in a statement. “This reward is available for that information, and you can remain anonymous.” On July 19, deputies responded to a West Feliciana store after a woman called to say she was hiding in the bathroom. She said Morris brought her there to buy medicine and was waiting outside. Deputies detained Morris at the scene.

The woman told deputies she had befriended Morris in Montana in early July, and he brought her against her will to the Morris Road address, where she could not leave or use her phone. Morris is now at the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center, booked on counts of second-degree kidnapping, illegal possession of stolen ﬁrearms and false imprisonment on a $500,000 bail. Morris is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on Oct. 8.

Email Haley Miller at haley. miller@theadvocate.com.

Email Blake Leschber at blake. leschber@theadvocate.com.

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Deconsolidation off council agenda Item to explore splitting city, parish governments pulled BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer

Since the incorporation of St. George as East Baton Rouge Parish’s ﬁfth city, talks of deconsolidating the city-parish government have once again gained some traction. But Wednesday night, a measure to ofﬁcially create a commission to explore that matter was shot down by the Metro Council — at least for

the time being. But before a vote could take place, the measure’s author, council member Darryl Hurst, deleted his item from the agenda. “This was not about making a decision today; it’s about starting the dialogue,” Hurst said. The meeting had no shortage of dialogue on the idea of forming a group to explore what deconsolidation would entail and draft a report.

Most council members said they agree that conversations about a split should be happening, but said a charter was the wrong thing to Gaudet do right now. “I’m happy to continue discussions to achieve what it is he’s looking to do,” council member Rowdy Gaudet said

about Hurst. “I’m in favor of that, but this is the wrong vehicle to do it.” Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish currently share a consolidated government, with a mayor-president leading both the city and parish, and the Metro Council serving as the governing body for both. Deconsolidation would separate those governments, leaving Baton Rouge with a mayor and city council, while the parish would have a parish president and parish council. Each would have separate

leadership, departments and public services. While some believe deconsolidation would lead to increased local control and clearer accountability for the city of Baton Rouge, others say it would be less efﬁcient and would require arduous work to untangle a system that has developed over decades. When the Louisiana Supreme Court ofﬁcially validated the incorporation of St. George in April 2024, sales tax dollars collected

ä See AGENDA, page 2B

PLAQUEMINE

IN FLIGHT

Vibration study doesn’t find shaking Some residents not satisfied with data

BY DAVID J. MITCHELL Staff writer

declared the municipality’s incorporation date — and without legal incorporation it could not enforce zoning codes. This argument prompted the cityparish government to request to join the suit and, in turn, sparked an internal battle within Baton Rouge City Hall. But the new legal agreement between LRK and St. George largely resolves the dispute. The St. George Zoning Commission introduced amendments to its Uniform Development Code at its Tuesday meeting, which will soon be voted on by the City Council. These amendments, according to the attorneys, settle some of LRK’s rezoning issues and allow the proposed VA clinic to proceed. “We really needed to button up the zoning so they could get the permit to start that facility to meet the timetable for the VA,” said attorney R. Loren Kleinpeter. The proposed VA clinic will be a 120,000-square-foot, twostory outpatient clinic with 600 parking spaces at 12501 Rieger Road, at the northwest corner of Pecue Lane and Rieger Road.

Residents of the Plaquemine area along the Mississippi River have complained for years of low-frequency sounds and vibrations they say may be damaging their homes and their health. An Iberville Parish study has now provided them with answers — but it is being met with skepticism from some. After more than three months of monitoring, the study didn’t turn up noises or ground vibrations outside the normal range. But it also didn’t collect as much data as originally planned. The conclusions drew immediate criticism from some Plaquemine residents and calls from some council members for more inquiry. Though the area has plenty of heavy industry nearby, some residents have blamed a barge-cleaning operation across the Mississippi River in Sunshine. But the new round of testing by IVC Technologies did not find any ground vibrations. Although the company did detect 13 instances in which sounds peaked beyond 75 decibels, those peaks and other periods with lesser decibels were not at low enough frequencies to cause rumbling or structures to shake, according to the report. Seventy-five decibels is about the sound of a lawnmower or leaf blower. IVC Technologies said the level was an arbitrarily chosen threshold “to evaluate the few times when the sound level” detected by the company was higher than average. The final weeks of the sound analysis happened during the Fourth of July period. At least one late-night peak on the Fourth was attributed to fireworks displays. Sound levels peaked at 105.8 decibels then, the highest recorded during the testing, according to the report. “There was nothing above the standards,” John Clark, Iberville Parish’s executive director of economic development and environmental matters, told the Parish Council on Tuesday night. “No events were recorded with a low frequency, and some of our issues or complaints were that these incidents were like low frequency, which may be a little more intense than what you would imagine.” Roxanne and Glynn Traigle are among the residents who believe the VLS barge cleaning operation and its flare have been the source of the vibrations, which they contend are being amplified by the river and railroad tracks on the west bank.

ä See CLINIC, page 2B

ä See SHAKING, page 2B

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

A bald eagle takes off from a tree along River Road in Baton Rouge.

Jurors side with ex-officer in first ‘BRAVE Cave’ trial He was accused of using excessive force in search

BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

The first of the “BRAVE Cave” lawsuits to reach a jury was heard in a federal courtroom this week, with an eight-person jury siding with former Baton Rouge police officer Troy Lawrence Jr. after he was accused in a civil suit of using excessive force during a search at the infamous warehouse facility. Jeremy Lee’s civil case was the first to be filed against the city-parish and specific officers, whom Lee accused of stripsearching and beating him at an off-site department facility referred to as the BRAVE Cave, named after a now-defunct youth gun-violence prevention program. Lee, who was 22 at the time, specifically accused Lawrence of kicking him twice with steeltoed boots during a search at the facility in January 2023, leading to a broken rib. He claims in his lawsuit that he was “left so badly beaten that

the local jail refused to admit him until he was treated by a nearby hospital.” Lee’s attorneys asked the jury for $500,000 compensation. After two hours of deliberation on Wednesday evening, jurors ruled that Lawrence had not committed excessive force, or other constitutional violations, during Lee’s detainment. The jury was asked Wednesday to judge the excessive force claim based on a standard of what would be a “reasonable” use of force given the circumstances, and the case was likely determined by whether jurors took Lawrence’s word over Lee’s about whether the beating took place. The alleged beating was not caught on any cameras, with several Baton Rouge Police Department ofﬁcers testifying that it is department procedure to turn off body cameras during strip searches as to not record suspects while they are naked. The garage portion of the BRAVE Cave facility, where the searches were conducted, did not have cameras posted at the time. Lee testified that after the

ä See TRIAL, page 2B

Lawsuit agreement clears way for VA clinic St. George, LRK resolve zoning issues BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer

The city of St. George has agreed to revise parts of its zoning code and approve a permit for a new Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic as part of a temporary agreement in a lawsuit by a prominent landowner. In district court Wednesday, attorneys for St. George and LRK LLC shared a joint agreement with 13 stipulations that address zoning issues and the new city’s incorporation date. LRK LLC filed the lawsuit against St. George in June concerning the city’s proposal to rezone LRK’s nearly 60-acre parcel, which is a part of the Kleinpeter family’s land, adjacent to the Pecue Lane interchange at Interstate 10. In that same lawsuit, LRK also asked a judge to declare an incorporation date for St. George, arguing that the city never legally incorporated because no court formally

2B ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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SpaceX begins hiring for Louisiana project Four positions for Vermilion spaceport now open

BY CLAIRE TAYLOR Staff writer

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has started the hiring process for the massive spaceport planned for Vermilion Parish near Pecan Island. On Aug. 25, Gov. Jeff Landry, along with other officials and SpaceX representatives, announced plans to build a $100 billion rocket launch and recovery facility along a stretch of the Gulf Coast about 45 miles southwest of Lafayette. SpaceX acquired around 125,000 acres of land in Vermilion Parish as part of the recent settlement of a lawsuit against ExxonMobil over the destruction of coastal

CLINIC

Continued from page 1B LRK LLC also agrees to dismiss without prejudice any and all causes of action regarding the incorporation date or the incorporation of St. George, according to the joint stipulation document. The dismissal without prejudice means LRK could bring this claim up again in the future if it wanted to. “If we don’t resolve our zoning issues, we can still assert that,” Kleinpeter said outside the courthouse. Despite the dismissal, the incorporation question could still be settled in the same courthouse — just potentially on another floor. Right now, an active 2020 lawsuit over business annexations between St. George and Baton Rouge is underway, with the latter also legally questioning the newer city’s incorporation date. Mary Erlingson, an attorney for

wetlands. The Vermilion Parish spaceport is expected to include ﬁve launch pads and create at least 3,000 jobs. The site is expected to be able to launch Starship, which the company calls the most powerful rocket in the world. Four weeks after the announcement, the company is seeking applicants for four positions. The following job openings were posted as of Tuesday morning on the SpaceX website: n Senior construction project manager (Starship infrastructure) n Civil engineer, land development (Starbase infrastructure) n Government affairs manager n Senior counsel, real estate and infrastructure. The senior construction project manager will be based in Starbase, Texas — the Brownsville/ South Padre Island area — until early 2027, when they will be re-

St. George, told the judge they are going to pass without date — or postpone indefinitely — hearing arguments they made against LRK. “Depending on whether or not we do ultimately resolve these matters,” Erlingson told the judge. “In the event that we cannot, we will request the date from the court.” Sheri Morris, an attorney also with St. George, also asked that a recently ﬁled argument against the city-parish joining the lawsuit be held off right now as well. Several other parcels of land, outside of the VA clinic’s land, belonging to the Kleinpeter family still have zoning matters to be discussed, Kleinpeter said. Kleinpeter said in the next month the two sides will likely have discussions on ﬁne-tuning the zoning on the rest of the tracts, and if they can’t reach an agreement, then they will come back to court. “We think we have a framework to lead us to a resolution of all issues ultimately in this case,” Kleinpeter said in court.

The VLS Plaquemine Point plant located across the Mississippi River from the levees in Plaquemine is seen on Jan. 26. STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

SHAKING

Continued from page 1B They say they continue to hear and feel chronic low-frequency vibrations in their home and questioned the timing of the study because it was during a summer period when, they say, barge cleaning is reduced due to low water in the river. “I don’t think they hired the right kind of people to come do the study and used the right kind of equipment,” said Roxanne Traigle, who lives with her husband a few blocks from the Mississippi. The VLS flare is used to burn off remnant material in barges that have been carrying chemicals, and the company has previously said it has spent $1 million to try to limit its impact. Company officials didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. The parish study looked at ground vibrations from April 3 to May 22 with real-time monitors and concluded that the data “did not indicate there was a ground vibration causing the issue.” The contractors also set up two acoustic monitors: one at the Plaquemine Lock at the Mississippi and another on the second-floor, outdoor porch of a home on Court Street next to the river levee. The home is in the area where complaints have been made downriver from the lock, Clark explained. The acoustic monitors were supposed to be gathering data between May 22 and July 13, but Clark said the data card from the monitor in the home was blank when engineers collected it at the end of the study period. He said it “malfunctioned somehow,” but it was unclear why. The other monitor at the Plaquemine Lock had been set up as a “control” site away from areas where the complaints have been centered but also directly across the river from the VLS barge

operation. That’s the monitor that picked up the 13 instances of sounds exceeding 75 decibels. Those high-volume peaks ranged in frequency from 31.5 to 125 hertz or had a wide range of frequencies. Decibels measure how loud something is. Hertz measures frequency, or the number of sound waves per second. “There were no events recorded with low-frequency sound that would cause rumbling or shaking of structures,” the report stated.

Further study? Human hearing is generally said to range from 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz. Low frequencies typically range from 20 to 200 hertz. Some sounds in the low-frequency range can cause vibrations, and some studies suggest humans can sense sounds below 20 hertz. Council members zeroed in on one of the 13 high-decibel incidents that lasted for 110 minutes on June 11. Clark pointed out the area has lots of industrial activity, industrial ﬂares, railroad cars and trucks and other heavy equipment driving down the road. He added the area also has unstable geology that could be amplifying vibrations from that activity. The testing showed the June 11 incident had sound waves with a wide range of frequencies. But council Chairman Steve “Pine” Smith asked Clark whether highway traffic could cause that level of noise for nearly two hours. He asked instead if the parish could try to correlate that time period with known activities at area plants or at the barge cleaning operation. He said he believed the parish needed to look further at the situation. Under questioning from council member Chasity Easley, Clark said the parish could do more study if the council wished. “We work at your pleasure,” he said. “All it costs is more money.”

quired to relocate to Louisiana, according to the application. They will coordinate all on-site construction activities and supervise all ﬁeld personnel, completing the project on schedule and within budget, according to the listing. The civil engineer for land development will also be based in the Brownsville/South Padre Island area at Starbase, Texas, until they will be required to relocate to Louisiana in early 2027. This individual will be part of the launch infrastructure team, working with a group of elite engineers across multiple disciplines, the application states, to “design, build and activate a second orbital launch pad and ancillary infrastructure that will further enable orbital launch capability” for what SpaceX describes as the world’s most powerful rocket, Starship. The government affairs manag-

AGENDA

Continued from page 1B within the new city’s boundaries began to be remitted to its budding government. In total, St. George now claims about $40 million to $50 million in taxes that used to be tax revenue for the city-parish government. That migration of taxes has led to conversations about whether St. George and other cities are paying their fair share and led further to questions about deconsolidation.

A ‘flawed vehicle’ Hurst’s measure would have created a Home Rule Charter Commission to tackle the topic of deconsolidation, which Gaudet said is an important detail that carries certain legal requirements. Gaudet, who led a previous effort to create a charter commission in 2023 and 2024, said state law deﬁnes a charter commission as not exploratory. Its sole purpose is to write a charter and submit it to voters, he said. “This body has no say in what this commission would propose,” Gaudet said. “This body removes any authority if we pass this today.

TRIAL

Continued from page 1B search, Lawrence punched him after he had put his clothes back on, with the blow hitting him in the face. He described Lawrence as becoming angry out of the blue, when Lee thought things were over. Lee said he then tried to run to the back of the garage, tripping while trying to escape. While on the ground, he said, Lawrence kicked him twice in the ribs with steel-toed boots. Another officer, Mathew Wallace, then entered, pursuing Lee and using a leg-sweep to knock him to the ground, at which point he complied with the officers. Lawrence’s story followed the same path, but with Lee taking the first swing at the officer as soon as he took off Lee’s handcuffs for the search. Lawrence testified he used an open-palm slap to make distance between himself and Lee and to get Lee to stop swinging. Lee then fell back, Lawrence testified, before hopping back up and attempting to run to the back of the garage. Lawrence said he did not strike Lee with a punch or kick him. Kerry Najolia, a retired police trainer and former superintendent of the Orleans Levee District, testified as an expert witness on police use of force. Even his testimony depicted the case as a “he said, she said,” with Najolia telling jurors that if they believe Lee’s story, then this case is clearly excessive force, while if they believe Lawrence, then it clearly isn’t. Only retired officer Joseph Carboni testified to having seen Lee swing at Lawrence, having been assigned as a second officer to monitor Lee during the strip search. He corroborated Lawrence’s denial of having kicked Lee.

Signs of injury Hospital staff diagnosed Lee with a broken rib on the morning after his detainment at the BRAVE Cave, after he was turned away from the parish prison for being too injured. Without video evidence of any

er, who will lead external affairs for SpaceX, will be required to live in or near Vermilion Parish. This individual will work on local and state government relations, community and business relations and educational outreach, according to the listing. The ﬁnal position is for a senior counsel for real estate and infrastructure. The position is based in Pecan Island and requires the individual to be on-site, the application states. The senior counsel will support development of Starbase, the SpaceX complex to be constructed in Vermilion Parish, as well as related spaceport, production and infrastructure programs. They will lead legal work for the site, including real estate and land-use documents, including purchases, sales, leases, easements, surface use agreements and rights-of-way. Two weeks ago, an opening

for an external affairs manager popped up on the SpaceX website but was quickly removed. The company did not reply to a request for comment at that time. One Acadiana officials announced last week the creation of an online resource hub for residents and businesses seeking information regarding the SpaceX project in Vermilion Parish. The site, oneacadiana.com/ spacex, will offer key project details, anticipated timelines, frequently asked questions and resources for businesses interested in becoming suppliers for SpaceX. Louisiana Economic Development also has links on its website to apply for jobs and for businesses seeking a contract for the project at www.opportunitylouisiana. gov/spacex. Email Claire Taylor at ctaylor@ theadvocate.com.

And I have great concerns about that.” But Hurst didn’t completely agree and said as he read the law, the commission doesn’t have to take action. “Always remember that they can’t force anything,” Hurst said. “It’s still a suggestion to the council … So, we still have the ultimate control Hurst of what happens there.” With the verbiage in Hurst’s measure, if passed, it would have started a clock that requires the commission submit a plan within 180 days, which Gaudet said Racca is too fast. “It’s the right intent; it’s just a flawed vehicle,” Gaudet said. “There’s no reason to rush into this … we should do it the right way.” Some council members wary of forming a committee cited ongoing litigation like District Attorney Hillar Moore’s lawsuit against the city-parish that carries major implications for both the parishwide government’s finances as well as finances of Baker, Central, St. George and Zachary. City-parish finance officials said it would take a long time to untan-

gle the government to present to the council and commission. Some said that arduous task would need to be completed before a commission could be formed. “We need to see what that looks like ﬁrst,” council member Jen Racca said. “I believe that once we do that, we’re going to ﬁnd some gray areas with things that people don’t know whether to call a parish cost or a city cost.” After pulling the measure, Hurst said he was happy his colleagues understood that people throughout the parish are wondering whether deconsolidation is a viable option and want to explore it. He added that a committee to explore a split still needs to happen in the future, and he would take his colleagues’ comments into consideration, add some of their suggested amendments and get back to work. “We want to make sure it’s done the right way, so that we end up being the best midsized city in America,” Hurst said.

beating, much of the testimony covered whether Lee showed signs of injury during his stay in a BRAVE Cave holding cell that would correspond with a recently broken rib. Retired BRPD Capt. Larenzo Coleman testified it was not uncommon for arrestees to be turned away from the prison for medical care. It was under his orders that another ofﬁcer at the facility turned on a body camera and opened the door of a holding cell to talk with Lee after he was searched. Michael Schillage, representing the city-parish through Lawrence, argued that Lee is seen joking with the officer in that footage, as well as leaning back and forth without visible pain. Lee’s attorney, Brandon Tanter, argued that Lee was still acting under the adrenaline of the moment and wasn’t feeling the pain of the kick. Tanter presented a bodycam video from later that night to show Lee had begun to feel pain from the rib and was grimacing.

BRAVE Cave reputation

Email Patrick Sloan-Turner at patrick.sloan-turner@ theadvocate.com.

The story of the “BRAVE Cave” broke in August 2023, leading thenMayor-President Sharon Weston Broome to dissolve BRPD’s Street Crimes Unit. The case gained national attention for exposing what Lee’s attorney Ryan Thompson described as a “torture warehouse” in the original suit. At the time, BRPD officials said the warehouse had been used for two decades as a narcotics processing site and that thousands of suspects had been brought through. Throughout multiple officers’ testimony on Tuesday and Wednesday, they referred to it as the narcotics processing facility. Many made comments saying it is the site “everyone is calling the BRAVE Cave.” Several other lawsuits alleging strip-searches or misconduct at the BRAVE Cave were filed in 2023 and 2024, but have not yet gone to trial. Lawrence is a defendant in one of these, involving a grandmother allegedly strip-searched at Illegal search claims dismissed the warehouse after officers found Last month, the majority of a pill bottle in her car containing Lee’s claims were dismissed different prescription medicaduring the exceptions portion of tions during a traffic stop. the proceeding, where the three She was released without a accused officers argued their charge after two hours, her lawsearch of Lee was conducted as suit alleges. part of their duties as police officers, and so would grant them Email Quinn Coffman at quinn. immunity from any legal liabil- coffman@theadvocate.com. ity. U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick, who presided over this week’s LOTTERY trial, largely agreed. She granted favorable pretrial rulings to the TUESDAY, SEPT. 22, 2026 officers over Lee’s claims of an PICK 3: 6-5-4 illegal strip search and lack of PICK 4: 8-7-6-3 probable cause. Wallace and CarPICK 5: 5-3-6-3-3 boni no longer have any accusations before them in court, but MEGA MILLIONS: both were called as witnesses. 7-13-26-37-68 She ruled he was strip-searched MEGA BALL: 8 legally, since it was performed privately by officers of the same Unofficial notification, keep your tickets. sex without physical contact with Lee’s body. This left the excessive force complaint against Lawrence, as well as a First Amendment complaint against him for having allegedly been motivated to target Lee because of mocking comments Lee made while being THEADVOCATE.COM/SUBSCRIBE transported to the facility.

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Funerals Today Bankston, Doris

Woodhaven Baptist Cemetery, 10318 LA 1064, Tickfaw at 10:00am.

Benson, Helene

St. Anthony’s Mission, Hardeeville, SC at 10:30am.

Hales, Brian

St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2025 Stuart Ave., Baton Rouge at 11:00am.

Nunes, Fenelon

Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge at 2:30pm.

Rietschier, Julia

St. Agnes Catholic Church, 749 East Blvd., Baton Rouge at 11:00am.

Skal, Fred

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church at 10am.

Vaughn, Carl

Robinson Family Funeral Home, 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse at 11:00am.

Weathers Sr., Ronald

Hall Davis & Sons, 9348 Scenic Hwy., Baton Rouge, La at 11am.

Obituaries Blanchard, Ethel 'Tippy' Daigle

Ethel "Tippy" Daigle Blanchard, a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on September 17, 2026, at the age of 88. She was born on October 18, 1937, in Klotzville, Louisiana. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 12424 Brogdon Lane, Baton Rouge. Memorial visitation will be held at the church beginning at 9 a.m. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonroug e.com.

Hattie's greatest passions was sewing. She lovingly made clothes for her children and grandchildren, eventually turning her talent and love of sewing into a career. She especially enjoyed hand-beading bridal gowns, putting countless hours of care and craftsmanship into each one. Her work was not simply a career—it was an expression of her creativity, generosity, and love. Hattie's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her daughter Diane Williams; Son Jimmie Moran(Carol),Daughter Sheron Fontenot(Dawson),Daughter in law Pamela Jane Moran, Son;Danny Moran(Pamela);Son Glen Moran. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 42 great -grandchildren, who will carry her memory and the love she gave them throughout their lives. Hattie was preceded in death by her parents, A. Paul Bourgeois and Luse Babin Bourgeois; her beloved husband, Dewey "By-June" Moran; her son, Earl John Moran Sr., Son in law Ronald Williams Sr. and her granddaughter Abbi Moran. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are her son, Glen Moran, and her grandsons, Ronald K. Williams Jr.,Jamie Fontenot,Jason Moran,Earl Moran Jr.,and Casey Moran. Hattie will be remembered for her strong work ethic, creative hands, generous heart, devotion to her family, and the beautiful traditions she created. Her love will live on through the many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whose lives she touched. Visitation will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church, 42021 Highway 621, Gonzales, Louisiana 70737, on September 25, 2026, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Catholic Funeral Mass at St. Mark Catholic Church on September 25, 2026, at 11:00 am. A Committal Service will take place at Lake Cemetery in Saint Amant, LA, on September 25, 2026, at 12:30 pm.

Noland, John Burden

Hunter, Rosa Lee

In Loving Memory of My Beloved Mother Rosa Lee Hunter July 9, 1935 - Sept 11, 2026 Services will be held as follows: September 26, 2026 Viewing 9:00am - 11:00am Funeral 11:00am 12:00pm Both services will be held at Christ Baptist Church 6623 Hwy 190 Port Allen, La 70767 Hall Davis & Son Funeral Services Interment: Christ Baptist Church Cemetery

Moran, Hattie B.

Hattie Bell Moran, 95, of Gonzales, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2026. She was born on July 30, 1931, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was a lifelong member of the community. Hattie attended Gonzales High School and was a devoted member of St. Mark's Catholic Church. Hattie was a woman who loved her family deeply and lived a life filled with hard work, creativity, and love. She enjoyed following in her husband's footsteps, helping with the work of everyday life—from bailing hay to building fences. She also had a special talent for decorating. Each Christmas, Hattie would decorate and string Christmas lights in a way that became a treasured Gonzales tradition, with people lining up to come see her beautiful displays. One of

John Burden Noland died in Highlands, NC, on Tuesday, September 8, after a long illness. He was born August 7, 1946, in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Rev. Iveson B. Noland and Nell Burden Noland. The family moved to church parishes in Charlotte, NC and Lake Charles, LA. When John was 5, the family moved to Alexandria, LA where he attended Rugg Elementary until age 13. He then attended Christ School, an Episcopal boys boarding school in Arden, North Carolina, graduating with Honors. John went to UNC on a Morehead Scholarship. He was a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity. He graduated in 1968, having completed his first year of law school. He returned to Baton Rouge with his wife, Virginia, also a Baton Rougean. John graduated in 1970 from LSU Law School. They have lived here with their family for the following 59 years. After graduation he practiced law with Breazeale, Sachse and Wilson for fifteen years. He retired and then became a part-time US Magistrate judge. John left the law practice and began a successful business career. He formed several meaningful business partnerships: AllStar Automotive with Matt McKay, real estate development with Lindsey Landreneau and Robert Peek, and Roto-Rooter with Larry Musgrove, among others. John served on a number of boards during his lifetime. He enjoyed being a member of Coca Cola Bottling United Company board in Birmingham, AL. He was a founder and board member of St James Place retirement home. He was a long-serving board member and a leader of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. He was also the head of the LISC (Local Initiative Support Corporation) board for nearly 15 years, which then evolved into the Redevelopment Authority.

John was devoted to his communities, particularly the Episcopal church and its schools; he served on the boards of Episcopal School in Baton Rouge and of Christ School in North Carolina. He served on the vestry of St James Church, where he was also a chalice bearer. He was awarded the NCCJ Annual Brotherhood Award, shared with Eula Smith, in 2001. He was an enthusiastic and tireless traveller and cook. He cherished his many years in Pecan Island as a member of the Section 14 duck club. John was also a past president and lunchtime regular of the Baton Rouge City Club. He is predeceased by his parents and his older brother, Iveson (Butch) Noland. John is survived by his wife Virginia Bailey, his son John B. Noland, Jr, his daughter Scott Hickson, his son-in-law James Hickson and his grandchildren, Nell and Wingate Hickson and John B. Noland, III and Fairfax Noland. He is also survived by his brother Daniel Noland and his wife Pat, and his sister-in-law Judy Noland. The funeral will be held at St James Church on September 25th, with visitation from 9-11 am and the service at 11:30. The family would like to thank Goldie Wilson, the caregivers of At Home Care of Louisiana and the compassionate staff of Hospice of Baton Rouge. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation or St James Episcopal Church.

Nunes, Fenelon

Fenelon Nunes, born April 6, 1943, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, passed away on September 20, 2026. A devoted Catholic, husband, father and grandfather, Fenelon lived a life of faith, integrity and love. He is survived by his beloved wife, Luzia; son, Daniel; daughter-in-law, Julie; and granddaughters, Stevie and Reese. Fenelon worked for the LSU Petroleum Engineering Department for over 20 years. He loved his work, colleagues, and the students he helped along the way. He retired in 2020. He will be deeply loved, missed and forever remembered by his family. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. A Visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonroug e.com.

O'Bear, Rev. Marcus

Rev. Marcus O'Bear A lifelong resident of White Castle, LA passed away on September 15, 2026 at the age of 94. He was pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in White Castle, Vice-president of White Castle Area Ministorial Alliance, Vice-president of Mt. Olive Union Missionary Baptist Association, dedicated member of Iberville Minister's Conference, and former member of the Soul Stirrers Quartet. Visitation on Friday, September 25, 2026, 5pm-7pm, St. Paul Baptist Church, 33110 Bowie Street, White Castle, LA 70788. Visitation on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the church, 9am until Homegoing Celebration at 11am, Rev. John Batiste, officiating. Interment in church cemetery. Survived by four children; Carol Diggs, Melissa Sylvester, Laverne Ross, and Troy P.

O'Bear, bonus son; Dr. A. S. Clark, five brothers, one sister, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his wife; Albertha Jackson O'Bear, son; Marcus O'Bear, Jr., grandson; Troy Asberry O'Bear, parents; Victoria & Allen O'Bear, Sr., and four siblings. Professional Services Entrusted To: Wesley Funeral Home of Plaquemine, La. Like us on Facebook.

Peavy, Michael Wayne 'Pops'

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ 3B

to those around him.

There are some people whose absence leaves a si‐ lence that is impossible to ﬁll. Michael Wayne “Pops” Peavy was one of those people. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life person‐ ality, his generosity, his strength, his love of family, his passion for racing and music, and the countless laughs and memories he gave to the people around him. He will be remem‐ bered as a man who worked hard, loved deeply, helped freely, and could make a friend anywhere he went. But most of all, he will sim‐ ply be remembered as Pops. A father. A grandfather. A brother. A friend. And a man with a heart of gold who made life a little more fun for everyone lucky enough to know him.

June 24, 1961 – Septem‐ ber 21, 2026 Michael Wayne Peavy, af‐ known to fectionately nearly everyone as “Pops,” Denham Springs, of Louisiana, passed away on September 21, 2026, at the age of 65. Michael was a beloved fa‐ ther, grandfather, brother, friend, and a larger-thanlife presence to everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was the kind of man who never met a stranger. With his big per‐ unmistakable sonality, sense of humor, and heart of gold, Pops had a way of making people feel wel‐ come, important, and like they had known him their entire lives. For more than 30 years, Michael owned and oper‐ ated his own drywall and construction company. He was a hardworking man who took great pride in what he built, but the greatest source of pride in his life was always his family.

Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home & Park, 9595 Memorial Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, this Saturday, Sept 26, from 11am-2pm with service to immediately follow.

Robinson, Delores

Entered into eternal rest in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on September 16, 2026. She was an 83-year-old resident of Baker, Louisiana. Viewing at Little Zion Baptist Church on Friday, September 25, 2026 from 10:00 am until her Celebration of Life Service 11:00 am conducted by Pastor Marcus Jackson; interment at Louisiana National Cemetery. Survivors include her daughter, Ursula G. Hall; grandchildren, Jayla Hall, Myles A. Brown, Mya S. and Mariah Robinson; siblings, Carolyn Johnson and Beverly Thomas(Walter); preceded in death by her husband, Sherman Robinson; daughter, Deborah Robinson; granddaughter, Kerrigan Robinson. Arrangements entrusted to Miller & Daughter Mortuary.

Vaughn, Carl Michael

Being “Pops” to Lucas was one of the greatest joys of Michael’s life. He cherished every opportunity to spend time with his grandson, make memories with him, and share with him the things he loved. Michael is also survived by his three sisters: Janie Michelli, his youngest sis‐ ter; Janie’s husband James “Jimmy” Michelli; Rhonda Caston; Rhonda’s husband, Alan Caston; and Ellen Thomas, his oldest sister. He was preceded in death his beloved wife, by Michele Nelson Peavy; his father, Leo Peavy, whom Michael lost when he was 17 years old; and his mother, Jean Beard, who passed away in 2003.

Wilson, William Henry ry

Wilson Sr., William Hen-

Entered into eternal rest at Baton Rouge Health Care on September 18, 2026. He was a 95-year-old native of Ethel, Louisiana. Visiting at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Fred Jeff Smith, pastor, on Friday, September 25, 2026 from 9:00 am until the Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 am conducted by Rev. Emanuel Smith; interment at Mount Hope Church Cemetery, Clinton, Louisiana.

How to place an Obituary Notice EMAIL:

obits@theadvocate.com OR CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION:

225-388-0289

Michael shared 28 years of marriage with his beloved Michele Nelson wife, Peavy, before her passing in 2015. Their life together created a family that Michael treasured above everything else. He leaves behind his son, Micah Peavy; Micah’s wife, Holly Arnold Peavy, whom Pops adored and loved as a daughter; his daughter, Courtney Peavy; Court‐ ﬁancé, Drake ney’s Hughes, whom Michael came to love and consider as a son; and the absolute light of his life, his grand‐ son, Lucas Peavy.

High School class of 1981 Relatives and Friends of the family, officers and members of Beautiful Zion B.C, New Home Ministiries, Mt. Olive B.C of Boothville, and employees of Oschner Health, Family Dollar, Caesar's Entertainment, Crawgators Gril, Touro Hospitial, Plaquemines Parish School Board, RiverBend Nursing Home, Crawfords A/c & Heat, and Orleans Parish School Board, are invited to attend Michaels Celebration of Life at Robinson Family Funeral Home 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse, LA. 70037 on Thursday, September 24, 2026 At 11:00 AM Visitation Will Begin at 9:30 AM Interment will follow in Tropical Bend Cemetery Empire LA For online condolences, please visit www.robinson funeralhome.com.

How to place a Memorial Ad Carl Michael Vaughn Sr., better known as "Michael" was born on July 5, 1963, in New Orleans, LA, to the late Clay Alvin Vaughn Sr. and Leona Boseman Vaughn. He Peacefully entered into eternal rest on Monday, September 14, 2026. He was a native of Boothville, LA ., and a graduate of Boothville-Venice

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.theadvocate.com, click submit an obituary and select create a memoriam.

Print subscriber but haven’t set up your digital access yet?

To know Michael is to know his love for drag rac‐ ing. Drag racing wasn’t simply a hobby for Michael—it was a passion. He loved fast cars, powerful en‐ gines, the sound of horse‐ power, and everything that came along with racing. Whether he was working something, talking on about racing, or enjoying it with the people he loved, it was a part of who he was.

It’s easy!

Michael also loved cook‐ ing, music, and attending live concerts. More than anything, though, he loved spending time with his children, his grandson, his family, and the many friends who became family along the way. Michael was often the biggest personality in the room, but his heart was even bigger. He genuinely loved helping people and would do whatever he could for someone in need. Perhaps one of the great‐ est reﬂections of Michael’s character was the way he continued to care about the happiness of others even while facing his own illness. He never wanted the focus to be on himself. He rarely complained, con‐ making people tinued laugh, and found happi‐ ness in bringing happiness

myaccount.nola.com

4B ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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

OUR VIEWS

Hyundai-POSCO investment will pay off but La. leaders need to explain how Amid the flurry of economic development projects on the way to our state, one of the first announced is now getting off the ground. In March 2025, Hyundai Motor Group and state officials had a news conference at the White House to unveil plans for the company’s first steel plant in the United States to supply its auto plants in Alabama and Georgia. The $5.8 billion plant is a partnership between South Korean powerhouses Hyundai Motor and POSCO, the world’s seventh-largest steelmaker, as well as the South Korean automaker Kia. It broke ground earlier this month at the site in Ascension Parish, where a 17,000-acre industrial park sits in Modeste, a predominantly Black community north of Donaldsonville. Recently, the Louisiana State Bond Commission approved $1.3 billion in tax-free financing for the project. The companies have already invested nearly $2.9 billion in the mill. They have said that the mill could bring 1,300 long-term direct jobs paying an average salary of $95,000. What has happened in the time from the first giddy announcement of the project to now is unfortunately what too often happens as Louisiana pursues economic development. Questions have been raised about how the deal came to be, who will really benefit, what the environmental impacts are and whether the state is giving away too much. None of this is unique to Hyundai, and none of it reflects what the company is doing in Louisiana. Since 2025, Hyundai executives have been a part of the community in Donaldsonville. They have sponsored local organizations and events. They have faced questions at a public meeting and from this Editorial Board. The company is working with River Parishes Community College to establish a training center to help locals build the skills needed to work in the steel and manufacturing sector. What it reflects is a failure by state and local officials to build trust with the Louisiana residents they serve. We call on Gov. Jeff Landry, Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment and Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy J. Sullivan to do everything in their power to ensure the project proceeds with transparency, fairness and the utmost integrity. They are the ones who can change perceptions. Dismissing the opposition as mostly outside agitators isn’t going to make it go away. The project still has one more hurdle to clear. It must obtain an air permit from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. The company says the electric arc furnace-based integrated steel mill it’s building would cut CO2 emissions. Eventually, it says it could even use “green” hydrogen to produce steel. But some worry that details are scant. This would seem to us the perfect opportunity for officials to show they plan to protect residents who really want to believe the investments the state is making will pay off for all of us. It’s up to our leaders to explain how.

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

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

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCAN HERE

YOUR VIEWS

Dolly Diamonds strive to share Parton’s vision

Take industrial revolution as a warning, not an inspiration Rich Lowry takes an interesting approach to convincing people of the foolishness of opposing data centers (“What if factories had gotten the data center treatment?” Sept. 10). To show that progress always has a downside, he points to the unchecked pollution caused by the first industrial revolution: smoke-filled skies and a river so polluted it regularly caught fire, and to the 1892 Carnegie Steel strike that killed and injured workers and the Pinkerton agents breaking it up. At least he left out the deaths and injuries of child laborers, which continued into the 1930s. Even Lowry seems compelled to acknowledge the value of improvements in industrial conditions after World War II. But those weren’t the result of letting companies do whatever they wanted. Instead, those improvements came about thanks to labor laws, the rebuilding of unions and regulations spurred by awareness of the environ-

mental harms of industry. Indeed, recalling the earlier industrial revolution seems more like a reason not to repeat its mistakes than to stop worrying about today’s. No, you can’t have industry without using resources, but it’s still wise to pay attention to how much and for what. The products of the first revolution, including steel, were clearly useful. AI is a more dubious gain: Its construction boom is quite possibly short-term, its production hungry for energy and resources and its applications not without harms of their own. Its CEOs, eyes set on profit, may not want to admit limits, but the fact that our industrial forefathers also moved fast and broke things is a useful reminder to pay attention this time and to speak up for what is beneficial for all, not just a few, before — rather than after — unnecessary harms.

As a former elementary school teacher and principal, I have seen ﬁrsthand how much what happens before kindergarten matters. Some children arrive at school already comfortable holding a book, listening to stories, learning new words and talking about what they’ve read. Others have had far fewer of those opportunities. Teachers work incredibly hard to close those gaps, but as a community we should also ask what we can do before kindergarten begins. One answer can arrive in a child’s mailbox every month. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails children a free, ageappropriate book every month from birth to age 5. A child enrolled from birth can build a home library of 60 books before kindergarten. Research on the program has found positive effects on kindergarten readiness and family reading habits. In East Baton Rouge Parish, about 28,000 children under 5 are eligible, but only about 4,000 are enrolled. Dolly Diamonds is working as a local Imagination Library partner to help change that. On Sept. 25, The Dollywood Foundation, home of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, is launching the ﬁrst Give Like Dolly Day, a new tradition honoring Dolly’s generous heart and lifelong commitment to children. The foundation is asking communities worldwide to turn their love for Dolly into action by supporting their local Imagination Library programs. I hope Baton Rouge answers that call. Our local share is just $1.30 per child per month or $15.50 for an entire year. On Sept. 25, donate to Dolly Diamonds and help us reach more East Baton Rouge children. You don’t have to be a teacher to help a child become a reader. Sometimes, you just have to help put the right book in the right mailbox. Give like Dolly. Give a Baton Rouge child a stronger start.

CHRISTINE ALBERS New Orleans

Fund would restore visitor amenities on public land For more than 20 years, families have come to Bent’s RV looking for a chance to unplug, get outdoors and make memories together. Access to America’s public lands matters to these families, and to businesses, employees and communities that depend on outdoor recreation. That’s why I’m urging Congress to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund. Created in 2020 through the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act, the fund helps repair roads, campgrounds, trails, water systems and other infrastructure on federal public lands. When campgrounds are open, roads are maintained and public lands are accessible, families travel. They purchase fuel, food, supplies, equipment and services from businesses along the way. When these facilities fall into disrepair, communities feel the impact. Deferred maintenance across federal

public lands totals tens of billions of dollars. Delaying repairs only makes them more expensive while potentially limiting access to places families enjoy. Investing in existing infrastructure protects what taxpayers have already built while supporting the outdoor recreation economy. Our customers need places to go, and businesses like ours depend on those destinations remaining safe, accessible and enjoyable. Congress should reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund and continue investing in the campgrounds, roads, trails and public lands that millions of American families use. It’s an investment in our public lands, local communities, small businesses and the next generation of families ready to enjoy the outdoors.

BRIAN BENT Bent’s RV Boutte

Business picking up slack for dysfunctional BR transit Capital Area Transit System has big buses with little service. Why is it that I live within a few miles of the ﬂagship university, LSU, which has the best coaches and players that money can buy, yet there’s no public transportation to and from the football games? Thank goodness for places like the Pastime Restaurant that offer transportation at a cost to their customers.

Places like the Pastime are picking up the slack for the city of Baton Rouge. I don’t know what the problems are with the Capital Area Transit System. I do know that the transit system is incompetent, dysfunctional and doesn’t work for the rider or the taxpayer. I want my tax dollars back.

CHLOÉ WILEY NETTLES board member, Dolly Diamonds Baton Rouge

MICHAEL DAY Baton Rouge

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COMMENTARY Politics poisons the AI debate are worried rogue AI agents will make Over the past few weeks, the public humanity go extinct. The fear of death has woken up to the debate that’s been is, for most people, a more powerful going on in the artificial intelligence motivator than the prospect of great safety community for more than a decade. Will we create superintelligence? wealth. There’s good reason to think those fears are sincere, given that Will it kill us? What should we do? many AI executives have been publicly I don’t have the answers to those fretting that AI could destroy huquestions. All I have are principles for thinking about the manity since before they started problem, which are being their companies. riotously violated all over the As you assess what they’re internet. telling you, separate empirical Some propositions, in no parquestions from value questions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ticular order: Megan ega Don’t form strong beliefs McArdle many people forgot that while virologists knew a lot about (yet). Even in the frontier labs, viruses, they did not have any no one knows what the future holds. Those outside the labs don’t even special insight into the complex tradeoffs involved in locking down society know what the present holds, because or forcing everyone to wear masks. they haven’t seen the most advanced Those were value judgments, not scimodels, which haven’t been released. If you are sure you know what will hap- entific questions. Such judgments have pen, or what we should do about it, you to be made by society, not a handful of virologists or tech CEOs. are nurturing what writer and satirist As we debate those value questions, Ambrose Bierce called “a vagrant our emotions will tend to shade our opinion without visible means of supanalysis of the empirics. The reason it’s port.” important to keep an open mind, rather As you try to form an opinion, be than getting emotionally invested in a skeptical but not cynical. Many people seem convinced that frontier lab CEOs strong view about what should be done, is that once we’re so invested, we’ll be who want government permission to collaborate on safety, and possibly reg- tempted to seize on any fact that supulation, could have only one possible ports our position while ignoring those motive: boosting their stock price and that don’t. hamstringing their competition. I’m all Many folks in my own techno-optifor healthy skepticism, but this overmist camp are now pooh-poohing worshoots into cynicism — and then shoots ries about AI as just another episode in straight out the other side into a kind of a long history of technology panics that painful naiveté that assumes financial turned out to be misplaced. They’re motives are the only determinants of right about the past, but as writer Tom human behavior. Chivers has noted: “It is definitionally It is helpful to remember what the true that every prediction of the apocaleaders in the labs are saying: They lypse will be false except the last one.”

It’s fine to look for parallels in the past, but you have to assess each new situation on the merits, not the historical record. Pay as much attention to differences as you do to similarities. The Anthropic CEO is not the public health official who closed down your local parks and imposed a vaccine mandate. AI safety folks are not Luddites. More broadly, don’t let past commitments lock you into future positions. You may dislike the idea of regulation, corporations collaborating to slow down product development or, for that matter, AI. You may already have made strong declarations on these subjects. The stronger your past commitments, the more tempting it will be to ignore any fact or argument that might force you to revisit them. Resist this temptation. Be prepared to gracefully retreat if necessary. These precepts should strike most of us as reasonable. Unfortunately, our poisonous political atmosphere makes them unusually hard to follow. Increasingly, we assess facts and policy questions not by whether they are true, but according to which team seems to benefit most. If what the frontier labs are saying is correct, we can’t afford that kind of thinking. If the worst fears about rogue AI come to pass, Team Red and Team Blue will both lose the only contest that matters. So for the duration, let’s all try to focus on making sure that Team Humanity wins. Megan McArdle is on X, @asymmetricinfo. Email her at Megan. McArdle@washpost.com.

Closed primaries a curse on our democracy I didn't leave my political party; my party left me. Both of them. I've been a Democrat, and I've been a Republican. What I am now doesn't matter. The point is that a lot of American voters feel perpetually frustrated by the choices they find on the November ballot. The Democratic or Republican candidate is often chosen in lowturnout primaries where organized ideologues or special interest groups select the nominee. Right now, about 47% of registered American voters do not affiliate with a party. That's almost half the electorate. Independents are the largest group of registered voters in 10 states. Yet across much of the country, that huge chunk of voters is shut out of partisan primaries. If their state is solidly red, as is the case in conservative Oklahoma or Texas, the Republican is almost sure to win the general election. In liberal Maryland or Oregon, the Democrat can almost take victory for granted. There used to be very little discussion of independent voters. In 1961, 80% of Americans belonged to either the Democratic or Republican party and talk about “unaffiliated” voters tended toward the derogatory. They were Froma generally written off as Harrop disgruntled Republicans or Democrats. “Outside the presidential race, for most Americans, it's a one-party country,” explains Jeremy Gruber, senior vice president of Open Primaries, a nonpartisan group that advocates for letting all voters participate in primary elections. “When you have a one-party state, the general election is largely meaningless. The dominant party's primary is the only important election.” Open primaries do not seem to favor one party over the other. About 15 states run strictly open primaries. They include Massachusetts, Alaska and North Carolina. These states are worlds apart demographically and ideologically. And there's a mistaken belief that independent voters tend to be conservative white men. Not the case. They are now heavily Latino. Apparently, 52% of Latino voters are unaffiliated. “Like Latinos nationally,” wrote Mike Madrid, author of “The Latino Century,” “Latinos in California are the least partisan bloc of voters in the state.” Open primaries sees similar trends

STAFF FILE PHOTO

Eric Cowan comes out of the voting booth at the Dryades yMCA polling location in New Orleans on May 16. in Asian communities. Gruber points out that many immigrants come from countries where party membership has a negative connotation. Younger Americans are among the least likely groups of voters to join a party. Nationally, 57% of Gen Z and 54% of millennials are independent. Given these numbers, it's striking that three big American cities still run fully closed partisan primaries. They are New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore. All three are solidly Democraticcontrolled. Yet there are more independent voters in New York City than Republicans. Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic nomination for mayor with the support of only 11% of the city's registered voters. A group called UniteNY is pushing for open primaries as a civil rights issue. Its July 2026 Voter Empowerment Index found that two-thirds of New Yorkers favored open primaries. That would presumably include many reg-

istered Democrats. There's a strong legal argument for opening the primaries. The Democratic and Republican parties are both private entities. State and local governments run the primaries with taxpayer money. When independents call their boards of election to ask why they can't vote in an important primary race, the most bureaucrats can often offer is to help them join a party so that their voice can be heard. But, Gruber rightly asks, “Why should Americans have to join a party whose agenda they don't believe in to participate in the selection of their leaders?” Special interests of both parties understandably like the concentration of power that closed primaries confer. But we who are so often unhappy with the choices in the general election do not agree: Closed primaries are bad for the democracy.

Ten years later, Kaepernick remains unpersuasive A decade later, Colin Kaepernick is as tiresome as ever. To mark the 10-year anniversary of his kneeling during the national anthem, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback is out with a new memoir, “The Perilous Fight.” (Get it?) In an interview with NBC News in advance of the book's release, which he clearly imagines as part of a vindication tour, he proved himself as committed to woke racial politics as ever. He told NBC that his protests were about fighting “police killing Black folks” and “systemic oppression.” He added that he was thinking — not very modRich estly — about the Montgomery Lowry bus boycotts, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King while he took a knee. It's certainly true that Kaepernick sacrificed his career to his protests, although he was a marginal player by the end. In his prime, Kaepernick was a top-notch athlete and electric performer. No one can take his exemplary 2012 and 2013 seasons away from him. In one playoff game in 2012, he passed for 263 yards and ran for 181, a single-game record for rushing by an NFL quarterback. He couldn't maintain this level of performance, though. In 2015, he lost his starting job to journeyman Blaine Gabbert. He won it back for a time in 2016, although he got benched during one game after throwing for all of 4 yards. The 49ers went 1-10 when he started, and by one metric, he ranked 23rd out of 30 qualifying quarterbacks. So he was hardly the GOAT, instead oncevery-good, now-mediocre. Then there was the issue that his style of play didn't necessarily fit in most offensive schemes. Layer on top of this the circus he'd bring to town with his kneeling and it's understandable that teams didn't find him an alluring proposition in 2017 when he was a free agent. There were myriad options available as backup quarterbacks who weren't notorious for disrespecting the national anthem immediately prior to games. None of this would have mattered if Kaepernick had maintained his 2012 level of play; in that hypothetical, teams would have signed him even if he started to do the black power salute during huddles. Kaepernick has now worked himself into a position where he's compared NFL players to enslaved people (in an absurd Netflix documentary), and he's bitter that he isn't numbered among them as a 38-year-old who hasn't played in 10 years. Then there's the substance of his advocacy. The high-water mark for Kaepernick's antipolice worldview came in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd, when the NFL basically apologized for not listening to his supposed wisdom and the police were put on their back foot in many cities around the country. The result was an increase in violent crime that, of course, disproportionately victimized Black people. The country has now recovered from this idiocy — based on the lie that the police indiscriminately kill Black people — and the country is much safer for the people who Kaepernick purports to care most about. If we ever go anywhere near his preferred policy of abolishing the police and prisons, we'd instantly create the worst crime wave in the country's history. Kaepernick is sometimes compared to Muhammad Ali. The legendary boxer sacrificed part of his career by claiming conscientious objector status during the Vietnam War. Ali was hated for a time, but his true greatness as a boxer, his incandescent charisma and his outsized place in the culture allowed him to transcend that political controversy and become a beloved American figure. That is not going to happen to Colin Kaepernick, whose claim to fame is kneeling on the sidelines during some NFL games. He's very dismissive of the enduring change wrought in the NFL by his protests and the tumult after 2020. The league has painted the words “End Racism” in end zones. Kaepernick rightly considers these pointless messages performative, but so was his scorn for the anthem of his own country a decade ago. Rich Lowry is on X, @RichLowry.

Froma Harrop is on X, @FromaHarrop.

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6B ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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TODAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Sun mixing with clouds; warm

Mostly sunny

Some sun

Partly sunny

A t-storm around in the p.m.

Partly sunny and warm

HIGH

LOW

HIGH

93° 71°

LOW

HIGH

90° 66°

LOW

90° 69°

Beaumont 95/69 Port Arthur 93/71

Baton Rouge 93/71

Lake Charles 95/67

New Orleans 91/76 Houma 91/72

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

Hattiesburg 92/66

Alexandria 90/64

Lafayette 94/69

10s

20s

30s

40s

50s

LOW

HIGH

LOW

91° 73°

YESTERDAY

Baton Rouge through 5 p.m. Wednesday

Jackson 88/66 Many 89/60

HIGH

89° 68°

TEMPERATURE

Longview 91/63

-0s

LOW

Monroe 91/66

Shreveport 91/64

-10s

HIGH

90° 68°

Well, a weak cold front is making its way into the Gulf today, and behind that front some much drier air is moving into southern Louisiana. So today, expect a mostly sunny, hot and less humid day with a light breeze. Temperatures this afternoon will be slightly above average rising into the low to mid-90s. Humidity is lower today, so temperatures will only feel like they’re in the upper 90s. A spotty shower or two is possible but overall, rain chances are less than 10% through the weekend.

60s

70s

80s

90s 100s 110s

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

96°/72° 87°/67° 94°/72° 102° in 1921 48° in 1999

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

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

HIGH

7:54p 2:13p 4:08a 6:35a 9:27a 8:53a 10:35a

Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

6:54 a.m. 6:59 p.m. 5:52 p.m. 4:47 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

73 98 63 66 69 95 71 96 96

TODAY Lo

60 72 54 52 58 71 52 70 74

c pc pc r c pc t pc s

80 97 64 77 68 92 76 94 96

FRI. Lo

58 73 55 51 54 73 56 72 76

pc s r s pc pc pc pc s

FT.

LOW

0.00” 0.00” 3.45” 44.47” 46.91”

FT.

HIGH

0.7 5:31a 0.3 1.7 10:39p 0.8 2.1 7:42a 1.7 1.7 12:06p 1.2 1.3 6:51p 0.7 1.6 5:06p 0.8 1.5 7:53p 0.8

FT.

MODERATE

READING 56 MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

LOW

FLOOD

FT.

--- ----- ----- ----- --2:26p 2.0 7:40p 0.8 4:40p 1.5 11:31p 0.7 --- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ---

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

Today 10:00a Friday 10:40a Saturday 11:23a Sunday 12:10p Monday 12:37a Tuesday 1:33a Wednesday 2:35a

City

Los Angeles Miami Nashville New york City Philadelphia Phoenix St. Louis San Francisco Seattle

86 88 83 69 70 98 77 74 63

3:49a 10:22p 4:29a 11:02p 5:11a 11:45p 5:58a ---6:49a 1:02p 7:47a 2:01p 8:49a 3:04p

TODAY Lo

67 76 62 55 55 78 63 60 52

s t pc pc pc t pc s sh

TODAY

MODERATE

85 88 84 69 73 101 77 72 60

4:11p 4:51p 5:34p 6:21p 7:15p 8:14p 9:19p

FRI. Lo

68 74 56 56 58 80 60 56 48

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

s t s pc c t c pc sh

WED. 24-HOUR

MISSISSIPPI STAGE STAGE CHANGE Memphis 34 -2.10 -0.30 Vidalia-Natchez 48 16.40 +0.40 Red River Landing 48 19.30 +0.40 Baton Rouge 35 6.80 +0.30 Donaldsonville 27 4.00 none Reserve 22 3.51 +0.16 New Orleans 17 3.00 none OHIO Cairo 40 17.34 +2.47 COMITE Near Olive 19 -1.52 +0.19 AMITE Near Darlington 18 -1.18 +0.08 Denham Springs 29 9.89 +0.07 Port Vincent 8 2.40 +0.04 TICKFAW Montpelier 13 2.45 -0.01 Holden 15 0.62 -0.02 ATCHAFALAYA Simmesport 47 6.60 -0.01 Melville 34 4.42 -0.05 Krotz Springs 29 2.91 -0.11 Butte La Rose 20 3.48 -0.14 Bayou Sorrel 12 3.30 +0.20 Morgan City 6 2.13 +0.08

data as of 7 a.m. Wednesday

Wife accuses Sulphur mayor of abuse BY COURTNEY PEDERSEN Staff writer

Less than three months after being sworn in as the mayor of Sulphur, Jacob Stutes is facing a potential divorce, a protective order and allegations of abuse. On Thursday and Friday, Teresa Stutes, the wife of Mayor Jacob Stutes, filed for divorce and a protective order against her husband. In the documents, Teresa Stutes alleged that Jacob Stutes has choked and strangled her, shoved her, threatened her with bodily harm and thrown objects at her. “(Jacob) has expressed unprovoked ﬁts of rage frequently throughout their marriage,” the petition for divorce states. “Most recently, (Jacob) put his hand’s around (Teresa’s) throat, leaving marks, and forcing her to the bed.” The documents state that a bruise was left on Teresa’s neck. While that was listed as the most recent alleged incident, happening on Sept. 10, it was not the only one described in the divorce protective order ﬁling documents. “On another occasion, (Jacob) became angry and said, ‘I can’t handle this anymore.’ (Jacob) then told (Teresa), ‘I’m gonna give you two options. A gun or a divorce. Pick it. You pick it — a gun or a divorce,’ ” the protective order states. “(Teresa) became quiet, and (Jacob) stormed out of the bathroom. Later, (Jacob) returned and said, ‘I don’t know why you pushed me to that limit.’ ” Jacob Stutes did not respond to The Advocate’s request for comment. The protective order request asks for a temporary restraining order that would keep Jacob Stutes from “molesting, harassing, threatening, or bothering” Teresa Stutes, including any phone calls or elec-

tronic communications. The petition also states that Teresa is asking Jacob to submit to a SASSI and Anger Management Assessment at his own cost and to follow the counselor’s recommendations. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kayla Vincent said they have no additional information on the situation because they only serve civil papers, but they can confirm the Sheriff’s Office made contact with Jacob Stutes on Friday. “We have no pending criminal investigations regarding (Jacob) Stutes,” Vincent said. City of Sulphur District 4 council member Josh Baden said that he retains his position of representing the city’s interests when it comes to divorce and protective domestic violence orders. “I think that is a private matter unless it is brought into the City Hall to where it creates an issue at the City Hall, or if anything that is mentioned or divulged inside that protective order could raise concerns of an ethics issue or concerns that the city needs to address of something,” Baden said. “I think the divorce situation and issues that go on inside the home are something that is directly a personal thing, and we need to leave it as a personal issue between him and his family.” However, he said that since some of the allegations may involve matters within the city, they need to be taken into consideration. “As far as the protective order itself, I think everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and he has a right to a fair investigation until he is charged and convicted with such allegations,” Baden said. “I think we need to be open-minded to the fact that this man is still innocent because he’s never been convicted in the court of law, and we need

to take the things that were mentioned and we need to take those as evidence into the investigative process to look into and send it to the proper departments of our government and allow them to look into it as part of the investigation.” The other four Sulphur City Council members did not respond to a request for comment on the matter as of Tuesday morning. However, some council members took to Facebook to share their thoughts on the situation. Council member Danielle Monceaux said in her Facebook post on Sunday that while she used to support the newly elected mayor, she has withdrawn her support for him and his administration because of his actions inside and outside City Hall over the past two and a half months. “I believe personal matters and relationships have become a distraction from the work that needs to be done for the city,” Monceaux wrote in her post. “In addition to the serious allegations of domestic abuse that have become public, I am also concerned about the lack of professionalism in this administration and the way the Chief of Staff has been allowed to interact with city employees and members of the public.” Council member James LeDoux said in a Sunday Facebook post that when he took his oath in July, he did it for his district and the city of Sulphur as a whole. “Nobody swayed me before my election and no one is swaying me now,” LeDoux said in the post. “All of my decisions follow the criteria that it has to be good for our city, good for citizens, and follow my moral values. So we can get back to a city that is Faith, Family and Community driven.” Email Courtney Pedersen at courtney.pedersen@ theadvocate.com.

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SPORTS

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

T h u r s d ay, s e p T e m b e r 24, 2026

‘NORMAL’ OPERATIONS

1CN

Shough, Saints are owning third and long

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

To put a new spin on an old cliché: When the going gets tough, the Shough gets going. Through two games, the New Orleans Saints have converted 50% of their third downs, ranking No. 6 in the NFL. They’ve also converted an NFL-best four fourth downs and have scored five touchdowns in seven red-zone trips ä Raiders at (71.4%, T-9th). Saints 3:25 P.M. “Well, I think we have some really good guys runSUNDAy, CBS ning routes, a really good quarterback throwing them the ball,” Saints offensive guard Cesar Ruiz said. “That’s it. It feels good to see the playmakers and the guys that can do special things do special things in those situations.” The numbers are impressive, especially for a team that was extremely lacking in those areas this time a year ago, but they don’t tell the full story. The Saints have been even better when needing to pick up a thirdand-long conversion. Take last week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. New Orleans went into eight situations where it needed 7 or more yards

ä See SAINTS, page 5C

STAFF PHOTO By PEARL SPURLOCK

LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade speaks at a news conference on Wednesday at LSU.

Wade: ‘Everybody’s waiting for us to fail’ amid unstable roster BY TOYLOY BROWN III

Staff writer

Will Wade on Wednesday discussed an LSU roster with only four publicly listed players just 41 days from the Tigers’ season opener Nov. 3. Before answering the obvious question, Wade joked that his group has enjoyed 2-on-2 practices for months. The rest of Wade’s opening comments in his ﬁrst ofﬁcial media availability since his March 30 introductory news conference addressed what is going on. His answer is LSU has signed 15 players, and all have practiced together since Sept. 2. That includes former St. John’s star RJ Luis, who was granted a preliminary injunction to play on Aug. 24 in his lawsuit against the NCAA. “Every one of them’s out there running around and have been since school got

back,” said Wade, who previously led LSU (2017-22) to a 105-51 overall record and a 56-33 mark in the Southeastern Conference. “We’ve been operating as a normal program since we started the semester in August.” Even though Wade said his operation is normal, he understands why LSU basketball appears “chaotic and hectic on the outside.” He acknowledged the “unconventional” approach he’s taken, delaying the release of his full roster while assembling a team with multiple overseas commitments and players trying to gain eligibility through lawsuits against the NCAA. Wade doesn’t think untraditional methods mean the Tigers are bound to fail. He also said he’s comfortable being told he’s wrong if the 2026-27 season ﬂops. “If it doesn’t work, write about what an

If it doesn’t work, write about what an idiot I am. Like I told our guys, we’re going to be unconventional. We’re going to be unapologetic about it.”

AP PHOTO By NICK WASS

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough passes under pressure from Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones in the first half on Sunday in Baltimore.

NFL teams scrambling after wave of Fair or not, LSU must make CFP this season QB injuries ä See WADE, page 4C

Who says the regular season is diminwould get a grace period to build up his ished now that it’s paired with a 12-team program through high school recruiting College Football Playoff? and perhaps a sprinkle of junior-college When LSU hosts Texas A&M (both 2-1, transfers. 0-1 Southeastern Conference) on SaturThat’s no longer the case. The NIL/transfer portal era radically day night in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., has altered expectations, sending ABC), it will almost qualify as a them soaring. There is very little CFP elimination game. sentimentality left for building Yes, it’s the last Saturday in Sepfor the future. With all the money tember, not the third Saturday in being thrown around, the future is November. But with both teams quite literally now. coming off losses — LSU 32-24 at Another pressure point is the Ole Miss, A&M more ominously Scott totally unexpected success of 31-21 at home against previously Rabalais Indiana in its first two seasons unheralded Kentucky — this reunder Curt Cignetti. Literally the ally, really counts. According to with the most losses in ESPN’s Heather Dinich, the loser of ä Texas program FBS history, Cignetti transformed Saturday’s game has at best a 10% the downtrodden Hoosiers into a chance to reach the CFP this season. A&M at The Aggies made the playoffs in LSU 6:30 P.M. College Football Playoff team in 2025, bowing out in the first round to SATURDAy,ABC his first season in 2024, then led them to one of the most surprising Miami. Texas A&M is in its third seanational championships ever with son under coach Mike Elko, a season a 16-0 record last season. It wasn’t a fluke, in which the Aggies may have been expected to take a step further into national either, as Indiana’s Rose Bowl victim Alachampionship contention. Whether or not bama (38-3) could attest. that happens is yet to be written. If it could be done at former basketball But what of LSU? The Tigers are, as power/football doormat Indiana, college has been well-documented, in their first football fans logically assume it can be year under Lane Kiffin. In college footä See RABALAIS, page 4C ball’s tradition-bound past, a new coach

WILL WADE, LSU basketball coach

BY JOSH DUBOW

AP pro football writer

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU coach Lane Kiffin reacts to a call during a game against Ole Miss on Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss.

The NFL hasn’t seen an early-season injury epidemic at quarterback quite like this in a long time. With Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Jaxson Dart all getting hurt in Week 2, there’s a good chance six teams will have been forced to go with a backup quarterback as the starter because of injuries by the time the games this week are finished. This will be the first time since at least 2000 that has happened within the first two games of a season. There have been four other seasons in that time when at least six teams used multiple starting quarterbacks within the first three games, according to Sportradar, including a record-tying seven in both 2019 and 2010. There were also six in both 2001 and 2015, but the changes in all four of those seasons also included benchings and rookies getting elevated. The spate of quarterback injuries started when Super Bowl winner Sam Darnold injured his hip on the first drive of the season for the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 9.

ä See NFL, page 5C

2C ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS On TV

7 p.m.

AUTO RACING 7 a.m. Formula 1: Practice APPLETV COLLEGE FOOTBALL 6 p.m. Benedict at Tuskegee ESPN2 6:30 p.m. Liberty at Coastal Carolina ESPN WOMEN’S COLLEGE SOCCER 5 p.m. Wisconsin at Maryland BTN 5 p.m. Memphis at South Florida ESPNU 6 p.m. Notre Dame at Duke ACCN 6 p.m. Kentucky at South Carolina SECN 7 p.m. UCLA at Rutgers BTN

Mississippi St. at Tennessee ESPNU GOLF 11:30 a.m. Presidents Cup GOLF HORSE RACING noon America’s Day at the Races FS2 MLB 11:30 a.m. St Louis at Pittsburgh MLBN 2:30 p.m. Arizona at Colorado MLBN 6 p.m. Cincinnati at Atlanta FS1 9 p.m. San Diego at L.A. Dodgers MLBN NFL 7:15 p.m. Atlanta at Green Bay PRIME

IN BRIEF

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

NHL PRESEASON New Jersey at N.y. Rangers NHLN Utah at Vegas NHLN MEN’S SOCCER 1:30 p.m. Norway vs. Denmark FS1 6:50 p.m. Dominican Rep. vs. Nicaragua FS2 8:50 p.m. Costa Rica vs. Curacao FS2 TENNIS 10 p.m. Seoul & Singapore TENNIS WNBA 6 p.m. Toronto at Connecticut NBATV 7 p.m. Indiana at Minnesota USA 9 p.m. Las Vegas at Phoenix CNBC 6 p.m. 9 p.m.

Scott eager for Presidents Cup win Australian is hungry for International team’s first victory over U.S. in his 12th straight appearance

BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer

MEDINAH, Ill. — Adam Scott was a fresh face at age 23 and getting feisty under the darkening sky in South Africa. The Presidents Cup was tied. Ernie Els and Tiger Woods were in a tense playoff when the captains agreed to a tie, meaning the Americans would keep the cup as defending champions. “Keep playing,” Scott shouted. They ultimately agreed to share the cup. Asked for his recollections from his 2003 debut, the 46-yearold Australian smiled and said: “I think I strongly suggested that Ernie get to the 18th tee because we’re playing. I was confident they could tee off. I don’t know that they could have ﬁnished the hole.” Scott never could have imagined then that it would be the closest he’d ever come to playing on a winning International team in the Presidents Cup. This week at Medinah marks his 12th consecutive appearance, tying the record held by Phil Mickelson. It’s another testament to a career built around a swing so pure it has kept Scott free of injury as he became only the second player to compete in at least 100 consecutive majors, and it has kept him relevant enough to be part of yet another Presidents Cup. It’s also one more chance, and Scott doesn’t take it for granted. “I feel like it’s a huge opportunity for me,” Scott said. “There was probably a period 10 years ago, in the middle of my career, where it was, ‘Oh, this (winning) is going to happen.’ But now there’s not many more, that’s for sure. I’ve been given another chance. It might be the last one.” The Internationals gathered for the team photo Wednesday morning, and it was only fitting that Scott had a place next to the gold trophy, with lifelong friend and International captain Geoff Ogilvy on the other side. One is the captain who has been the model of quiet conﬁdence. The other is the inspiration for a team that wants to win as badly as Scott does. “He’s part of the International furniture now,” Christiaan Bezuidenhout said. “All of us would

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is expected to have season-ending surgery on his left knee, according to a person with knowledge of the details of the injury. Dart was injured on the ﬁrst drive Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams when his left leg bent awkwardly as he was hit by two defenders. After initially saying it was in the neighborhood of a medial collateral ligament injury, coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday the evaluation process for Dart was still ongoing. An MRI revealed medial collateral ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage, according to a report by the NFL Network. Jameis Winston takes over the starting role beginning Sunday against Tennessee. The Giants’ next ﬁve opponents have a combined 2-8 record.

Heel injury lands Colts WR Pierce on IR again

The Indianapolis Colts are placing receiver Alec Pierce on injured reserve, three days after he hopped off the ﬁeld at Kansas City after aggravating his injured left heel. Coach Shane Steichen made the announcement Wednesday. The move means Indy will be without its top receiver for at least four weeks. Pierce had been held out of offseason work and all three preseason games after undergoing offseason surgery on his left ankle and heel. He was activated from the physically unable to perform list in late August. Steichen said Pierce hit all of his rehab benchmarks before being cleared to return, and he caught four passes for 61 yards against Baltimore in the season opener.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MATT SLOCUM

International team captain Geoff Ogilvy, left, and player Adam Scott, of Australia, look at the Presidents Cup trophy during a team portrait prior to the start of the Presidents Cup against the U.S. at Medinah Country Club on Wednesday in Medinah, Ill. ä Presidents Cup.

11:30 A.M. THURSDAy, GOLF. love to win the cup, but it would be so much more special if we can do it while Adam is still in the team.” Scott, coming off a runner-up ﬁnish in the BMW PGA Championship last week in England, still can ﬁnd plenty of happy memories from his two-plus decades being on losing teams. He partnered with Els for a pair of foursomes victories in South Africa — “He’s a bit of a god down there. That was awesome,” Scott said — and he was with K.J. Choi at Royal Melbourne in 2011 when they handed Woods and Steve Stricker their worst loss (7 and 6) in team competition. But the beer-drinking celebrations with the cup in hand? Foreign territory. “It’s a quarter of a century. It’s

his whole career,” Ogilvy said. “Certainly the last two or three times he’s been super motivated. Like: ‘This is something I have to do before I’m done. I have to be on a winning team.’ ”Scott’s two closest friends in golf, Ogilvy and Trevor Immelman, have been or are captains. He surely is next in line, unless there’s another Presidents Cup for Scott to play. In some respects, he already is one, given his presence — his experience — in the team room and on the bus. “He’s like a playing captain,” Ogilvy said. “You can hear in his voice his desire to win this tournament. He’s the leader of the players, clearly, and he’s embracing that role now.” Scott started his Presidents Cup career playing alongside Els and Retief Goosen, Nick Price and Vijay Singh, all of them in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Now he’s with Ryo Hisatsune and Tom Kim, who weren’t even born when Scott turned pro. South Africa wasn’t the only close call. It went down to the ﬁnal match in 2005 in Virginia and in 2015 in South Korea. The Internationals had the lead going into Sunday singles at Royal Melbourne in 2019 until the Americans rallied behind Woods, a playing captain, and ﬁnally secured victory in the 11th of 12 matches. But it was another loss, and two more followed after that. “It’s come down to the last hole several times, and they can go any way. And it hasn’t gone our way,” Scott said. “For me, of course, I want to win one desperately and I don’t know how many more I can possibly play in. But it’s a team effort to do it. We all have to want it so badly. I think it would be an amazing experience for us all to win this cup.”

Aces chase another title, ‘still pushing’ for more Las Vegas has won three of the past four titles

BY MARK ANDERSON

AP sportswriter

LAS VEGAS — Talent has never been a question regarding the Aces as they have built the WNBA’s newest dynasty, but that alone doesn’t explain their success. Las Vegas has won three of the past four titles by also showing a mental toughness to overcome adversity, some of it the Aces’ own making and some foisted on them by events. And now the Aces find themselves in the familiar position of being one of the favorites to win the title, but face a number of challenges that could prevent them from making more history when the playoffs begin Sunday. “I’m always concerned about something,” coach Becky Hammon said. “You’re never comfortable. So I’m still pushing. I’m still demanding certain things to get done out there on the ﬂoor. Still encouraging, applauding certain things we’ve done. But we always have areas where we can get better and want to be sharper. We’re just not a ﬁnished product, nor do we want to be. We’re still working our way there.”

Giants QB Dart’s knee surgery likely to end year

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JOHN LOCHER

Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon reacts during a game against the Seattle Storm on Sunday in Las Vegas. The Aces, with a game left in the regular season, have clinched home-court advantage through the ﬁrst round of the playoffs by securing at least the third seed. They would move up to the second seed with a victory at Phoenix on Thursday and a Golden State loss to Los Angeles, which also would get the Aces home court through at least two rounds. It would be easy to look at Las Vegas’ success and think it has all

come easy, especially with fourtime MVP A’ja Wilson leading the way. And that was largely true when the Aces captured their first championship in 2022. The Aces tied Chicago for the best record in the regular season and then went 8-2 in the playoffs and didn’t face an elimination game. But their title the following year came after six-time All-Star point guard Chelsea Gray and post play-

er Kiah Stokes suffered foot injuries in the WNBA Finals against New York. The Aces somehow survived those losses to beat the Liberty by a point to go back-toback as well as avoid a winnertake-all Game 5. Their most difficult challenge came during last season’s title run when the Aces didn’t look anything like a championship team in losing at home by 53 points to Minnesota to fall to 14-14. They quickly regrouped and then won their final 16 regular-season games, but in the playoffs had to overcome Indiana in overtime of the deciding Game 5 to even make the Finals. And now the Aces are playing in the shadow of the Lynx, the No. 1 seed and substantial consensus favorites to win the championship. Las Vegas has the second-best odds on the betting boards, riding a six-game winning streak against opponents that did not qualify for the playoffs. The Aces’ record this season against teams that make up the postseason field is a pedestrian 11-10. “I think we made some improvements on both ends of the floor,” Gray said. “I think there’s moments where we can get better and get more consistent, but it’s go time, so everybody’s going to be locked in. We’ve been locked in about it, but it goes up another level.”

Groin injury sends Panthers running back Brooks to IR

Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales said backup running back Jonathon Brooks is set to undergo surgery on his groin and will miss 6-8 weeks. The Panthers placed Brooks on injured reserve on Wednesday. He will have surgery on Thursday. The expectation is that Brooks will return later in the season. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Carolina’s 34-3 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Brooks has struggled with knee injuries in the past, limiting his playing time to only five of 36 games since joining the league as a second-round pick in 2024. He tore his ACL during his ﬁnal season at Texas and then reinjured the same knee during his rookie season with the Panthers.

Court ruling allows Indiana defenders on field again

An Indiana state court has opened the door for Indiana defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt to return to the playing ﬁeld for Friday night’s Big Ten Conference opener against Northwestern. Monroe Circuit Court Judge Kara Krothe issued a preliminary injunction Wednesday that grants Daley, Wyatt and more than 90 other athletes a ﬁfth year of eligibility. The NCAA is expected to appeal. For now, though, the ruling clears the way for Daley, Wyatt and dozens of others to return to action. Daley and Wyatt did not play in Indiana’s 38-0 victory over Western Kentucky last weekend because a temporary restraining order allowing them to compete had expired.

Braves outfielder Acuña listed as day-to-day

Braves outﬁelder Ronald Acuña left Atlanta’s game against Cincinnati in the third inning after fouling a ball off his left leg Tuesday night. Acuña was listed as day-to-day with a contusion after X-rays and a CT scan showed no serious damage. He was able to walk slowly off the ﬁeld under his own power after hobbling away from the battling circle and dropping to his knees in clear pain. The injury comes with the playoffs just a week away for Atlanta, which clinched its seventh NL East title in the past nine years. Asked if he had any worries about Acuña being ready for the postseason, manager Walt Weiss replied: “Not as I sit here today, unless things change. No concerns.”

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ 3C

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VARSITY ZONE

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Triple Crown still within reach for Astros’ Alvarez BY LUKE OLSON Associated Press

PROVIDED PHOTO

East Ascension senior kicker Savannah Baker watches her team from the sideline during a scrimmage against Destrehan on Aug. 19 in Gonzales.

‘Driven by excellence’

East Ascension’s first female kicker Baker sees football as being her next big challenge in sports BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

East Ascension lined up for the extra point following a late third-quarter touchdown in Week 1 against Warren Easton. The special teams unit jogged out onto the field, including its newest kicker, Savannah Baker. The senior plays softball and soccer, but became the first girl to play for East Ascension’s football team. The ball left her foot and soared through the uprights during a 49-18 win on Sept. 4. The crowd cheered as Baker also became the first girl to score for the Spartans football team. As the blue-and-yellow stadium lights flickered, Baker’s mind raced. Although it was her only kicking attempt so far this season, it was one Baker cherished. “I’ve never felt anything quite like it,” she said. “Just the way that everybody was cheering, the lights, and just making it. I was thinking, ‘Oh, my goodness, I actually just scored a point.’ ”

Joining the team Baker became interested in kicking from her older brother, Preston Baker. He kicked for East Ascension and is now a sophomore on the Louisiana Christian football team. “He was kicking, and Savannah wanted to try it,” said Todd Baker, her father. “Savannah was out there kicking with my son, and doing pretty good.” He remembered East Ascension’s kicker from last year had graduated. He called coach Brock Matherne and asked if he had any kickers for the 2026 season. Matherne said the spot hadn’t been ﬁlled yet. Todd then went to his daughter with this news to gauge her interest.

“She said, ‘Yeah, I’ll give it a shot. That sounds like a challenge. Let’s try it.’ ” Baker tried out for the team and made it.

Part of the team As Baker entered the season, she wondered if she’d be accepted, but those early doubts faded fast. “Coming on the team, the coaches, the players are all super welcoming,” she said. Her father also knew the obstacles ahead, but he beams with pride when she takes the ﬁeld on Friday nights. “I’m just really proud of the way she’s handled that challenge,” he said, “stepping into an area where there’s quite frankly not many women playing.” Still, Baker wanted to prove her worth through her play. “In practice, she was really worried about upsetting people or not living up to the expectations,” Todd said. “She was trying really hard to place the ball, so she had a slump there for a couple of weeks where she felt like she couldn’t hit anything.” Todd said after continued struggles, she stopped trying to impress people and just started being herself. The change led to more made ﬁeld goals. East Ascension kicking coach Pedro Galindo said he treated Baker as he would any other player. “We have to take her just like any other kid,” Galindo said. “You can’t take her and say, ‘That’s a girl.’ You have to really look at her, just like you look at the rest of the kids.” Galindo said Baker is organized in her approach. “What you have in Savannah is just a kid that’s super methodical about everything that she does,” Galindo said. “That is the only thing that I can tell you is different about the kid.”

Her growth Baker brings a level of determination that makes everyone else on the team better. “We need people like that,” Galindo said. “We need people that are driven by excellence.” While currently the backup kicker, she’s working to add yards on her kickoffs and pushing for the starting role. “She’s been in this situation before,” Todd said. “She’s started at the bottom of the batting order (in softball) or the bench for soccer, but she’s worked to get to the top in a starting role.” What impresses Todd even more is the work she puts in for all her sports and classwork. Her main sport is softball. She’s committed to play at Pearl River Community College in Mississippi after she graduates. While practicing kicking, she also plays fall ball for a softball travel team. Most days she has softball and football practice back to back. Weekends include football on Fridays and softball games on Saturday. “I told her there’s no way her dad could handle the workload she’s got,” he said. “I don’t know how she does it, but I just think her ability to take on these challenges and overcome these obstacles just speaks nothing but good things for her in the future.” Football has also made softball come easier to her. Her father said she’s produced some of her best pitching performances since she joined the football team. “It makes pitching seem like something very small,” Baker said. “It took some of the pressure off of me because I felt something greater on the football ﬁeld.”

PREP REPORT Football Week 4 schedule All games are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Thursday’s games

East Iberville vs. St. John at Plaquemine High School North Iberville vs. Capitol at Istrouma Middle/High School White Castle vs. Thrive Academy at Olympia Stadium

Friday’s games

Woodlawn at Belaire Many at Catholic-PC Northeast at Glen Oaks Ferriday vs. Southern Lab at A.W. Mumford Stadium Donaldsonville at Port Allen Warren Easton at Zachary Madison Prep at Broadmoor Country Day at Episcopal West St. Mary at Live Oak Denham Springs at Prairieville Carencro at West Feliciana Jefferson Rise Charter at Istrouma East Iberville at Baker Lafayette Renaissance Charter vs. Liberty at Olympia Stadium Slaughter Community Charter at Parkview Baptist Livonia at University High Tara at Scotlandville Catholic-BR at Ruston Central at West Monroe Dutchtown at Walker East Ascension at St. Amant Hahnville at Lutcher Helix Mentorship Academy at Beau

Chene St. Michael at Brusly McKinley at Plaquemine Ascension Catholic at South Lafourche Albany at Independence East Feliciana at Baker Kentwood at Loranger St. James at Dunham Booker T. Washington-NO at Springﬁeld Berchmans Academy at Ascension Christian Central Private at Centreville Academy (Mississippi)

Volleyball Tuesday’s scores St. Michael def. Episcopal 25-14, 25-18, 25-12 Brusly def. Catholic-PC 25-19, 25-21, 25-17 Central def. Covington 25-20, 16-25, 25-8, 18-25, 15-13 Central Private def. Ascension Christian 25-23, 30-28, 16-25, 25-16 Port Allen def. False River 25-21, 2325, 25-23, 25-22 McKinley def. White Castle 25-18, 25-10, 20-25, 25-23 West Feliciana def. Plaquemine 2518, 25-10, 21-25, 25-23 Dunham def. Prairieville 25-17, 25-23, 20-25, 25-19 Slaughter Community Charter def. Belaire 25-13, 25-11, 25-12 U-High def. Zachary 25-12, 25-14, 25-8 Walker def. Liberty 25-12, 25-14, 25-19 Vidalia at Baker, canceled

Wednesday’s games North Iberville 3, Collegiate Baton Rouge 2 (25-24, 29-25, 25-16, 22-25, 15-10) Northeast 3, Baker 2 (25-23, 25-21, 1925, 21-25, 15-13) Tara 3, Belaire 0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-23) Denham Springs 3, Brusly 1 (25-27, 25-23, 24-23, 25-16) St. John 3, Catholic High Pointe Coupee 2 (23-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-22, 15-8)

Thursday’s games Northeast at Louisiana School for the Deaf, 5 p.m. Loranger at Glen Oaks, 5:30 p.m. Houma Christian at Ascension Christian, 6 p.m. Central Private at Brusly, 6 p.m. Dutchtown at Central, 6 p.m. South Beauregard at Collegiate Baton Rouge, 6 p.m. St. Michael at Denham Springs, 6 p.m. GEO Next Generation at East Iberville, 6 p.m. White Castle at False River, 6 p.m. Slaughter Community Charter at Istrouma, 6 p.m. Edna Karr at Liberty, 6 p.m. Destrehan at Live Oak, 6 p.m. Episcopal at Prairieville, 6 p.m. Mentorship Academy at Scotlandville, 6 p.m. Dunham at U-High, 6 p.m. Walker at West Feliciana, 6 p.m. Catholic High Pointe Coupee at Zachary, 6 p.m. False River at Family Christian, 6 p.m.

SEATTLE — Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez gained some ground Tuesday night in his chase for a Triple Crown. He still has plenty of work to do this week. The AL MVP front-runner went 2 for 4 with his 41st home run and three RBIs in the Astros’ 7-0 win over the Seattle Mariners. Alvarez hit an RBI single in the ﬁrst inning, was intentionally walked in the second and then belted a 386-foot homer in the eighth with a 109.5 mph exit velocity. “At this point, I keep wondering why guys are pitching to him,” Houston first baseman Christian Walker said. “He just seems to come through in every moment. He’s dangerous at the plate right now.” Alvarez, who is quiet and shows little emotion, orchestrated a team meeting after the Astros (78-79) were swept by Atlanta on Sunday, squandering their lead in the AL West. His performance on Tuesday was much-needed to put Houston in a tie with the Texas Rangers atop the division with ﬁve games left

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DAVID J. PHILLIP

Houston Astros designated hitter yordan Alvarez celebrates after hitting a home run against the Kansas City Royals last Thursday in Houston. this season. “He’s been backing it up all year,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. Alvarez’s two-run shot to right field tied him with Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays for the American League lead with 41 homers. Alvarez is first in batting average at .314 — five points ahead of Tampa Bay’s Chandler Simpson — and he has 102 RBIs, six behind Baltimore Orioles slugger Pete Alonso for most in the AL. Alonso drove in three runs with two homers Monday against Toronto, but the teams were rained out Tuesday in Baltimore because

of bad weather. They were scheduled to play a split doubleheader Wednesday. Alvarez has six homers since Aug. 1, and the 29-year-old designated hitter has eight RBIs over 17 games in September. He’ll need more to become baseball’s first Triple Crown winner since Miguel Cabrera in 2012. Alvarez leads the AL in slugging percentage (.601), OPS (1.032), total bases (329) and walks (106). Logan Gilbert intentionally walked Alvarez in the second inning Tuesday, which was the 33rd time for Alvarez this season, already a franchise record.

Remembering the weakest teams to make postseason BY NOAH TRISTER AP baseball writer

1987 Twins

Record: 85-77 (first in AL West) Run differential: minus-20 Postseason: Beat Detroit 4-1 in ALCS, beat St. Louis 4-3 in World Series Frank Viola was the star of a pitching staff that otherwise offered little — aside from a trio of big names on the downside of their careers. Bert Blyleven allowed 46 home runs, Joe Niekro posted a 6.26 ERA and Steve Carlton made seven largely woeful starts for this Minnesota team. The Twins could hit, though. Kirby Puckett was third in the MVP race, while Kent Hrbek, Gary Gaetti and Tom Brunansky each surpassed 30 homers. Home-field advantage wasn’t determined 1973 Mets by record back then, so MinRecord: 82-79 (first in NL nesota had it in the ALCS East); Run differential: plus-20 despite finishing 13 games Postseason: Beat Cincinnati behind the Tigers, and again 3-2 in NL Championship Se- in the World Series after beries, lost to Oakland 4-3 in ing 10 games worse than the World Series Cardinals. The Twins went The rallying cry was “Ya 6-0 at the Metrodome in the gotta believe!” from reliever postseason. Tug McGraw. It wasn’t easy when New York was in last 1995 Rockies place after an Aug. 30 loss, but Record: 77-67 (second in NL the Mets went 21-8 the rest of West, wild card) the way to win the division Run differential: Plus-2 by 11/ 2 games. Tom Seaver Postseason: Lost 3-1 to At(19-10, 2.08 ERA, 18 complete lanta in NL Division Series games) was still at the peak The first wild card in Naof his powers, and New York tional League history was held the Reds to eight runs in this Colorado team in a seafive games in the NLCS — a son shortened by the end of series best remembered for a the 1994-95 work stoppage. brawl involving Bud Harrel- The Rockies’ ERA of 4.97 son and Pete Rose. The Mets is the worst of the live ball led the World Series 3-2 and era by a postseason team in had Seaver starting Game 6, a non-DH league. Colorado but they couldn’t close out the made up for that, not surAthletics. prisingly, by leading the NL in runs. Dante Bichette led 1984 Royals the league in home runs and Record: 84-78 (first in AL RBIs and finished third in batting average. West) Run differential: minus-13 Postseason: Lost to Detroit 2005 Padres 3-0 in ALCS Record: 82-80 (first in NL The Royals were 11 games West) under .500 in the middle of Run differential: minus-42 July, but they did enough Postseason: Lost 3-0 to St. to win the AL West. George Louis in NLDS Brett hit .284 — his worst Jake Peavy and a Trevor average in a 14-year span Hoffman-led bullpen helped from 1975-88 — and he was San Diego reach the playone of just two All-Stars on offs, but this team never the team. The other was Dan looked the part. The Padres Quisenberry, who had 44 scored the fourth-fewest saves while throwing 1291/ 3 runs in all of baseball, and innings. He finished second their starters went 52-60 in the Cy Young race be- with a 4.49 ERA. In the posthind fellow reliever Willie season, San Diego never had Hernández of the Tigers. Al- the lead at any point against though Kansas City took the the 100-win Cardinals. division almost by default in Game 1 was 8-0 after six in‘84, the Royals improved to nings, Game 2 was 6-1 after 91 wins the following year seven, and Game 3 was 7-0 and won the World Series. after 41/ 2. With just a few days left in the regular season, the AL West might make a particularly mediocre kind of history. Entering Wednesday’s games, the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros were tied for first place at 78-79. No full-season division champion has ever had a losing record. In honor of that, here are eight of the weakest teams to make the postseason, listed in chronological order with their records and run differentials in mind. Note that some of them went on lengthy postseason runs — so don’t count out the Rangers or Astros just yet.

2006 Cardinals Record: 83-78 (first in NL Central) Run differential: Plus-19 Postseason: Beat San Diego 3-1 in NLDS, beat New York Mets 4-3 in NLCS, beat Detroit 4-1 in World Series The Cardinals won at least 95 games four times under Tony La Russa, but their best postseason success came as a wild card in 2011 and with this team ﬁve years earlier. St. Louis nearly blew a seven-game lead in the division in the ﬁnal two weeks of the regular season, but a roster with Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen, Chris Carpenter and a young reliever named Adam Wainwright always had a chance to get hot. Yadier Molina’s homer — and Wainwright’s strikeout of Carlos Beltrán — gave the Cardinals the pennant in an epic series with the Mets.

2017 Twins Record: 85-77 (second in AL Central, second wild card) Run differential: Plus-27 Postseason: Lost to New York Yankees in wild-card game After 103 losses in 2016, the Twins were in ﬁrst place for a little while before eventually capturing the AL’s final postseason spot and losing 8-4 to the Yankees. Byron Buxton played 140 games, the most of his career to date, and Brian Dozier hit 34 home runs. Joe Mauer had moved to first base by this point but was still quite good at the plate, batting .305. Ervin Santana led the rotation in his last good major league season.

2023 Marlins Record: 84-78 (third in NL East, second wild card) Run differential: minus-57 Postseason: Lost to Philadelphia 2-0 in NL Wild Card Series The Marlins posted the worst run differential to date by a postseason team — this year’s Astros are currently at minus-59 — but Miami went 33-14 in one-run games. The pitching staff with Sandy Alcantara, Eury Pérez, Jesús Luzardo and Braxton Garrett helped Miami into the playoffs. Of the Marlins’ top 12 players in plate appearances, seven of them finished with negative wins above replacement, according to Baseball Reference.

4C ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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NC State QB Bailey not running from costly mistake BY AARON BEARD AP sportswriter

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ROGELIO V. SOLIS

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss attempts to pass against LSU during the first half in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday. The Rebels travel to face Florida this Saturday.

Florida hopes Swamp helps to slow down QB Chambliss BY MARK LONG AP sportswriter

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida defensive coordinator Brad White jokingly takes credit for Trinidad Chambliss’ rise to stardom. White’s unit at Kentucky knocked Ole Miss starting quarterback Austin Simmons out of a game early last season, a right ankle injury that cleared the way for Chambliss to shine the next week and the rest of the year. “So, yeah, you’re all welcome,” White quipped. Twelve months later, White and the 21st-ranked Gators (3-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) have the daunting task of slowing down Chambliss — a Heisman Trophy frontrunner who is 14-2 as a starter for the fourth-ranked Rebels (3-0, 1-0) — and are counting on their home crowd being a factor. “This guy, he’s as good a college football player as I’ve ever seen with my own two eyes,” Florida coach Jon Sumrall said. Sumrall watched Chambliss pick apart his Tulane defense twice in 2025. Chambliss threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 112 more in the ﬁrst victory. He threw for 282 yards and a TD and ran for two more scores in the rematch in the College Football Playoff. Now, Sumrall faces Chambliss for the third time in his last 14 games. “The one thing I do have is I’ve got enough watching the quarterback play out of his mind,” Sumrall said. “I have a lot of respect for him.” Chambliss has completed 70% of his passes for 924 yards this season, with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. He also has two rushing scores. And two of his performances were against ranked teams: Louisville and LSU. Of course, those took place at a neutral site (Nashville, Tennessee against Louisville) and at home in Oxford, Mississippi, vs. LSU. Playing at Florida Field, bet-

WADE

Continued from page 1C idiot I am,” he said. “Like I told our guys, we’re going to be unconventional. We’re going to be unapologetic about it. “Everybody’s waiting for us to fail. That’s fine. If we fail, I own it. But I felt this was the best way to try to deliver a championship team for LSU from the jump that gives us the best chance to jump-start our program. We ain’t gonna be worse than we been. I mean, hell, what’s the downside?” Wade said he likes where his team is in the offseason, despite three of four players still facing hurdles in guaranteeing their eligibility. He didn’t specify which players those were and said he didn’t want to dissect each case specifically. Wade also didn’t say when he’ll officially announce his full roster, only that the holdup is in a few players’ best interests.

ä Ole Miss at Florida 2:30 P.M. SATURDAy,ABC

ter known as the Swamp, could present a tougher challenge. “The main thing is just keeping the momentum,” Florida linebacker Aaron Chiles said. “Let the crowd do everything. Whatever team comes into the Swamp, it’s going to be hard for them to play, communicate, things like that. So I think the Swamp is deﬁnitely a big advantage, especially this week.” Plenty of opposing quarterbacks have wilted at Florida Field over the years. Texas QB Arch Manning threw two interceptions and was sacked six times in a 29-21 loss in Gainesville last season. Tennessee QB Joe Milton (2023), Missouri QB Brady Cook (2022), Auburn QB Bo Nix (2019), LSU QB Joe Burrow (2018), Missouri QB Drew Lock (2016) and South Carolina QB Connor Shaw (2012) also struggled in the Swamp. “How close and tight it is with the fans, you feel like they’re on your back as far as the noise,” said Ole Miss safety Sharif Denson, who spent three years at Florida before transferring. “If we can go in there and execute the ﬁrst couple drives and delete the crowd and make them not a factor, then we’re going to be OK.” Another factor will be the Florida defensive front. The Gators need to have more success than LSU did against Chambliss, who showed touch, anticipation, mobility and arm talent in a 32-24 victory that spoiled Tigers coach Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford. Chambliss threw for 363 yards with two TDs and an INT. He was sacked twice. “He makes that offense go,” Florida defensive end Jayden Woods said. “He can throw and run, which is a good challenge for us as a defense, but we’re excited to take that head on this weekend.”

“I could release it today, but there’s some reasons why I’m not,” he said. “I’m not saying you have to agree with it, but it’s in the best interest of a couple of the players. “We’ll make sure we get the roster updated when we feel like it’s in the best interest of all those guys.” Wade understands there’s probably “some frustration” with how the roster appears to be in flux as LSU nears its first exhibition game against McNeese State at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at Townsley Law Arena in Lake Charles. There’s a real possibility the roster won’t be finalized by then, and Wade could be missing players. “No matter how our roster looks, we got five guys we’re gonna go play the game,” said Wade, who coached McNeese from 2023-25 and led the Cowboys to back-to-back NCAA Tournament berths. “We’re not going to chicken out. We’re not going to, ‘You know, because we don’t have everybody.’” He expects to have an answer on every player’s status by the

RALEIGH,N.C.— CJ Bailey ﬁgured he had a choice in how he responded to making the mistake that turned NC State’s road win into one of the most improbable losses in college football in years. The quarterback could brood over that devastating moment, or he could focus on moving forward for Saturday’s visit from Appalachian State. “The last several days have been good,” Bailey said after practice Wednesday, four days after losing a fumble in the end zone that Vanderbilt recovered for a lastsecond touchdown. “A lot of guys have my back, coach (Dave) Doeren, everybody in the facility. “They’ve been leaning on me, I’ve been showing up. I’ve been waking up on the right side of the bed every morning, feeling good.” It marked the first time the third-year starter had spoken to reporters since the loss, which came after NC State (1-2) led 3128 and faced a fourth-and-3 play from its own 5-yard line with six seconds left. Doeren said Monday the call was for Bailey to burn time before going down to take a safety, leaving Vanderbilt hoping for nothing short of a miracle with nearly no time left. Yet, a miracle is exactly what happened. Bailey had space to take a knee or scramble out of the back of the end zone. Instead, he started running toward the oncoming desperation pass rush, then took a hit that knocked the ball loose for

RABALAIS

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ASSOCIATED GEORGE WALKER IV

North Carolina State quarterback CJ Bailey warms up before a game against Vanderbilt on Saturday in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt’s winning recovery in a shocking moment. Bailey said he “just was trying to get all the clock out.” “The biggest thing was just hold the ball, bro,” he said. “That was the biggest thing. I was just trying to run around and make a play, being competitive. That’s who I am, I’m a competitive guy. I was just competing to the ﬁnal second and it happens. I fumbled the ball. I’m going to pick myself up and keep going.” Offensive lineman Teague Andersen was one of the ﬁrst teammates to reach Bailey in the end zone and help him up. Andersen said Bailey was “pretty distraught” afterward. Still, Andersen said Wednesday, he offered his QB an immediate message: “Dude, no matter what happens, bro, I’ve got your back.” That kind of support carries

Bailey now. Bailey said his mother is in town and made some homecooked meals. He said he’s heard words of encouragement from outside the program, too. The list included former Wolfpack passing great and longtime NFL star Philip Rivers, as well as Peyton and Eli Manning, team spokeswoman Annabelle Myers said. Bailey previously attended the Manning Passing Academy, an annual camp attracting some of the nation’s top college QBs. Bailey patiently fielded questions Wednesday with an almost happy-go-lucky demeanor, pointing to optimism from how the team has practiced. He said he had addressed teammates with a key message. “I just said: ‘We’ve got a long season,’ “ Bailey said. “ ‘We’ve got so many more games and so many more plays that we can make.’ ”

PAIR OF LSU DBS ON AVAILABILITY REPORT LSU could be without a couple of key defensive backs Saturday against Texas A&M. Safety Tamarcus Cooley was listed as questionable in Wednesday’s initial availability report released by the Southeastern Conference. Cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson, who had an interception Saturday at Ole Miss, was listed as doubtful. Tight endTrey’Dez Green and safety Dashawn Spears were unsurprisingly listed as out alongside receiver Phillip Wright. LSU coach Lane Kiffin has confirmedWright is one of a handful ofTigers out for the season with an injury. Spears is also reportedly out for the year with a tornACL,though Kiffin hasn’t directly confirmed that or commented on Green’s timeline. Green injured his knee at Ole Miss but, according to a Facebook post by his mother, he didn’t suffer any ligament tears. Cooley just had a season-high five tackles and a pass breakup at Ole Miss. Jon Blau

done anywhere. To win on a major scale, LSU has opened up a football version of Fort Knox. First the school fired Brian Kelly after a 49-25 debacle of a loss to A&M 11 months ago, telling him to get lost despite owing him a $54 million buyout. Then it hired Kiffin away from CFP-bound Ole Miss with a $91 million, seven-year deal, plus the various buyouts and payments LSU had to make to get rid of Kelly’s staff and bring in Kiffin’s. Then there’s the LSU roster. The Athletic ranked the top-10 spenders in college football coming into this season. It pegged LSU fourth at between $47 million and $50 million, behind only Ohio State ($49 million to $54 million), Oregon ($48 million to $54 million) and SEC rival Texas ($45 million to $55 million). Texas A&M, by the way, is right behind LSU at $45 million to $50 million. You think the prices at the pump are bad? It’s truly astounding to think how costs have skyrocketed in college sports. The Athletic went on to say that Arkansas spent less this season than any other SEC team ($22 million to $25 million), but that’s still more than the $18 million Kelly said LSU spent on what was expected to be a competitive roster in 2025. But back to Kiffin’s Tigers. Is it fair to have a playoff-or-bust attitude when assessing his first season in Baton Rouge? Whether or not it’s fair, it is. You could get a pass for a near miss at the four-team CFP, as it was when LSU won the title in 2019. In the

12-team era, for schools spending like LSU, it’s truly pass/fail. In major league terms, LSU’s spending equals that of the Philadelphia Phillies, who rank fourth in pro baseball. The Phillies are solidly ensconced in the playoffs as a National League wild-card team with one weekend remaining. Spending, of course, doesn’t guarantee winning. The New York Mets have the MLB’s biggest payroll — $357.6 million compared to the two-time World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at $322.4 million — and Wednesday were well outside the playoff picture at a dismal 72-85. Injuries certainly play a part, and LSU left Oxford with two big ones in defensive back Dashawn Spears (season-ending) and tight end Trey’Dez Green (will likely be back at some point). Kifﬁn has been talking a lot about those

injuries as if to soften the blow if LSU should come up short in the CFP chase. “We got some unfortunate injuries with some special, critical players,” he said on Wednesday’s SEC coaches’ teleconference. Injuries are a factor for any would-be playoff contender. And LSU has a very good chance to build on this year’s roster — which has depth issues in spots and holes on the offensive line — for 2027. Kiffin has said he anticipates many of this year’s 43 transfers to return next season. But the imperative is now, especially when you consider that it may be more difficult to rally the financial support for another major spending spree next season if LSU doesn’t make it this season. The implications for LSU football, like this year’s football roster budget, are quite enormous.

ﬁrst game. Wade didn’t list all 15 players who practiced Wednesday. When counting the four players LSU has announced, the players reported and confirmed by The Advocate, the players who announced on social media and those Wade discussed, 14 players are known to be joining the team. LSU has four international commitments: 22-year-old Italian-Senegalese wing Saliou Niang, 23-year-old French center Brice Dessert, 19-year-old Croatian forward Michael Ruzic and 24-year-old Israeli center Gilad Levy. Wade said LSU no longer will have Brazilian center Marcio Santos on the team. When asked why, he said, “You’d have to ask the NCAA on that.” Wade has one incoming high school recruit in 6-8 forward Jordan Bender, who does not have a profile on any major recruiting sites. The Tigers have seven transfer portal additions in point guard Donovan Dent (UCLA), combo

guard Skyy Clark (UCLA), forward Mo Dioubate (Kentucky), shooting guard Abdi Bashir (Kansas State), point guard Divine Ugochukwu (Michigan State), combo guard Austin Nunez (Texas-San Antonio) and guard Luke Stansbury (Stephen F. Austin), the son of associate head coach Rick Stansbury and likely a walk-on. Dent and Clark are fifth-year players who gained eligibility after being among more than 70 players granted a temporary restraining order in an age-based eligibility lawsuit ﬁled in California against the NCAA. That ruling is unaffected by the NCAA’s request to stay the class-wide preliminary injunction in Colorado. Luis is eligible through the courts after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, signing a two-way NBA contract and playing in preseason games. He was among the group Wade referenced without naming who still have eligibility hurdles. The SEC implemented rules

preventing member schools from rostering athletes who were professionals. Luis clearly breaks two rules after going through the NBA draft and signing an NBA or G League contract. “With him, we’re gonna go through the process,” Wade said. “We’re going to abide by what the SEC tells us to abide by. We’re not trying to do anything untoward toward any of that. So we’re going to go through processes, and we’ll see where that ends up.” Wade said he expects this roster-building approach to be a “one-year deal,” returning to the traditional way of recruiting more high school players. When asked about his and LSU’s perception as a controversial program, he said it helps the program in some ways. “In a weird way — and this is what’s so crazy about it — it really helps us in recruiting,” he said. “The more you write bad about us, the more people are like, ‘Oh man, I kind of want to see what these guys are about.’ ”

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ 5C

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Raiders’ 2-0 start driven by pass rush BY W.G. RAMIREZ Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By KATIE CHIN

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins throws a pass during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Inglewood, Calif., on Sunday.

Moore marvels at draft mate Cousins’ career

BY MATTHEW PARAS and LUKE JOHNSON

fact about him and Cousins: The two were on the same Senior Bowl team ahead of the 2012 draft. Staff writer “We spent a lot of time (toKellen Moore issued a friendly re- gether) going between that kind minder when asked Wednesday of college-to-NFL phase,” Moore about the longevity of Las Vegas said. Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins. The New Orleans Saints coach No Brown noted he and Cousins are the The New Orleans Saints have same age. just four receivers on their 53“We came out together from man roster, and only three of college to the NFL,” Moore said. them practiced Wednesday. “He’s awesome. I think the world Sixth-round rookie Barion Brown of Kirk. He’s a really special per- did not participate in Wednesson, special player. He’s had a day’s practice as he deals with a hamstring injury. The wide phenomenal career.” That career has landed Cousins receiver suffered the injury in in Vegas with Sunday’s win over the Baltimore former Saints Ravens, Moore said. Notebook Brown was one of three aboffensive coordinator Klint sences for the Saints, joining Kubiak, whom the Raiders hired cornerback Martin Emerson (shoulin the offseason after the coach der) and defensive tackle Christen served as the play-caller for the Miller (toe). Practice squad wide Super Bowl champion Seattle Se- receiver Trey Palmer (undisclosed) also missed practice and has yet ahawks. Thanks to the pairing, the Raid- to practice this season. There were also several signiﬁers are off to a surprising 2-0 start ahead of Sunday’s game in cant players listed as limited, inNew Orleans. The 38-year-old cluding running back Travis Etienne Cousins has thrown for 413 yards (hamstring), defensive end Chase and a league-high six touchdowns Young (calf), safety Jonas Sanker to just three interceptions. (knee) and defensive lineman NaMoore and Cousins took differ- than Shepherd (hip). Although the Saints had only ent trajectories as pros. While Cousins is on his fourth team three healthy receivers Wednesacross 15 years and 169 starts, day, several practice-squad memMoore is in his second year lead- bers contributed. Kevin Austin, Jalen ing the Saints after entering the Cropper, Kyrese Rowan and Cedric Tillman coaching ranks in 2018 after a were seen participating during six-year stint as a backup quar- the individual portion of practice that was open to reporters. terback. If Brown can’t play in Sunday’s Moore also shared another fun

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C to convert on third down, and it succeeded five times. That’s a 62.5% conversion rate on the most difﬁcult downs. On those plays, New Orleans averaged 14.3 yards per play — an astonishing number, especially when considering one of those plays resulted in an 8-yard loss on a sack. Quarterback Tyler Shough has been the main driver of this never-say-die offense. His ability to keep plays alive has opened new avenues for big plays, such as the one where he found Devaughn Vele for 29 yards to convert a third-and-13 against Baltimore. On the play, Shough evaded pressure and moved up in the pocket, threatening to take off up the middle of the ﬁeld. The safety, Malaki Starks, bit on the bait and left his zone to prevent Shough from taking off. The Saints quarterback proceeded to throw the ball over his head right to Vele, who was crossing in the area Starks vacated. “Statistically, you expect thirdand-long is not a high conversion rate,” Ruiz said. “So when we convert those, it’s more momentum to keep going.” All of the Saints’ successful third-down plays against the Ravens came with three receivers on the field and Shough in the shotgun. In that mode, Shough hasn’t always had to create. He’s shown savvy in directing the protection plans to account for blitzes, and he’s gotten the ball out of his hands quickly. The best example was the third-and-8 late in the game that

home opener against the Raiders, that also would be a blow to special teams. In the upset over Baltimore, Brown returned a kick for 53 yards just before halftime, setting up a Saints ﬁeld goal and making it a one-possession game heading into the break.

Banks to IR The Saints officially placed promising young tackle Kelvin Banks on injured reserve Wednesday in order to sign a new long snapper to their active roster. Banks suffered an ankle injury during the third quarter Sunday. He was carted off the ﬁeld shortly after his injury, and Moore said he is slated for surgery this week to correct the issue. The No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft started each of the Saints’ 17 games last season, leading the team in snaps played. By going on IR, Banks will miss a minimum of four games, but his recovery from the ankle injury is expected to take much more time, with him potentially returning late in the season. Veteran Asim Richards will step in at left tackle. New Orleans needed to make a move to clear room for long snapper Cam Adomitis on the active roster. Last week, that job belonged to Scott Daly, who ﬁlled in for the injured Zach Wood. But because Daly was on the practice squad, the Chicago Bears were able to sign him to their active roster. Email Matthew Paras at matt. paras@theadvocate.com

set up the Saints’ go-ahead touch- into a clean pocket and didn’t down, when Shough stood tall as like what he saw — six BaltiTrey Hendrickson barreled to- more defenders covering deep ward him from the backside to zones, leaving no room for any of fire an on-target pass to Juwan the three vertical routes. So he Johnson that allowed his tight flipped his hips and found Johnend the room to break tackles son, who had released his block and pick up 25 yards. and drifted into the flat. But Shough also did it a few Johnson caught the ball and series earlier when he zipped a saw a lot of green grass, sprintperfect quick out to Chris Olave ing up the sideline for 25 yards on a third-and-5, placing the ball before the Ravens were able to just right so Olave could run af- push him out of bounds. ter the catch for 11 yards. This isn’t especially new: As But Shough isn’t alone. The a rookie, Shough finished with Saints offense has come through the third-highest passer rating in the most difficult situations. on third-and-long (113.9) among Midway through NFL passers with “Statistically, the second quarter, at least 30 atwith the Saints still tempts. you expect looking for their Shough brushed third-and-long is first points and facoff the idea that ing a third-and-8 not a high conversion facing difficult from Baltimore’s odds brings out rate. So when we the best in him. 33, the Ravens sent All-Pro linebacker said he and convert those, it’s He Roquan Smith to his teammates apmore momentum proach those situblitz through the A gap. Saints unations the same to keep going.” drafted rookie as they would any running back C.J. other play: Go CESAR RUIZ, Donaldson wiped through the preSaints guard Smith out of the snap process, anaplay completely, lyze what they see giving Shough a wide-open lane to and adjust once the pieces start fire an 11-yard completion to Olave moving. on a dig route. “There’s also an element of play“I thought Tyler, the offensive ing ball; you have to extend plays unit as a whole, did a better job sometimes,” Shough said. “Then against pressure this week as there’s also the side of it to where far as being on the same page you’ve got to put the ball in play and communicating,” coach Kel- and let the playmakers go get some len Moore said. “I thought that (yards after the catch). Sometimes showed up in some of those criti- it’s a check-down, sometimes it’s a cal situations.” big (play). Even when some plays look “More than anything, it comes dead on arrival, the Saints have to preparation.” made them work. Facing a third-and-13 from the Email Luke Johnson at Saints 36, Shough dropped back ljohnson@theadvocate.com.

LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2-0 start has been powered by an offense finding the end zone and a defense making quarterbacks increasingly uncomfortable. Through two weeks, the Raiders are tied for the NFL lead with eight sacks, including five in their season-opening victory over Miami and three more during Sunday’s 2614 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Even more encouraging for defensive line coach Travis Smith is how Las Vegas has created that disruption without relying heavily on blitzes. The production extends beyond perennial Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby. For Crosby, that reflects the work of the entire defensive line and its coach. “I think the best feeling that we have as a unit is just by playing together, trusting coach,” Crosby said. “Trav’s been amazing. For our D-line group, he’s an incredible coach. He’s holding everyone accountable. We have a certain style of play that we want to play, and that’s the standard and what we do.” While pressure estimates vary by analytics provider, the Raiders applied pressure on 38.7% of Chargers drop-backs and rank first in the NFL at 45.6% through two games, per Pro Football Reference. “Numbers and sacks and TFL, stuff like that, they come in bunches; you put the work in and those come,” Crosby said. “And for me, seeing my teammates ball-out and do our thing and helping us play really efficiently on defense, that’s all that matters.” The ability to generate pressure without sending extra defenders has strengthened every level of the defense. Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard can keep seven play-

ers in coverage, crowd throwing windows and force quarterbacks to hold the football while Crosby, Kwity Paye and the rest of the defensive front attack with four. Against Justin Herbert, that formula produced more than sacks. The pressure disrupted timing and complemented a coverage effort in which rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses had two interceptions. Masses, the first Raiders rookie with multiple interceptions in one game since Henry Williams in 1979, allowed only two receptions for 16 yards on six targets to earn AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. “It’s been a huge part to the ﬁrst part of the season, these victories, these team victories,” coach Klint Kubiak said about the pass rush. “They have the attention of the other side of the ball. We just got to keep working to get better, and every week is a whole new game.” Crosby remains the centerpiece because his relentless motor and reputation command extra attention. But these Raiders are no longer asking him to manufacture every disruptive play. Paye’s arrival, Leonard’s scheme and contributions throughout the front have given Las Vegas something it has lacked in recent seasons: a pass rush capable of attacking in waves. Two games represent a small sample, and an upcoming road game against the New Orleans Saints will provide another test. But eight sacks and a strong pressure rate provide tangible evidence. “We play a certain style of play that we want to play, and that’s the standard and what we do and how we approach everything — an elite standard of dominance,” Crosby said. “That’s what’s translated so far, but it hasn’t been our best. We know there’s a lot of room to improve, and we got a lot of football to play.”

AP PHOTO By JULIO CORTEZ

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels reacts after an injury in the ﬁrst half against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in Arlington, Texas.

NFL

Continued from page 1C Drew Lock replaced him and has helped Seattle get off to a 2-0 start. One day later, Tua Tagovailoa left practice for Atlanta with an oblique injury, forcing the Falcons to turn to Cooper Rush as their starter for the first two games. Michael Penix, coming back from a knee injury last season, is set to start Thursday night against Green Bay. Kyler Murray then got a concussion in the first quarter of the opener for the Vikings, opening the door for Carson Wentz to come in and finish that game and start Week 2. Murray will be back as the starter this week. The issue only got worse this past week with Williams injuring his hamstring late in Chicago’s loss to the Vikings; Daniels going down with a serious left elbow injury for Washington against Dallas; and Dart injuring his knee Monday night when the Giants lost to the Los Angeles Rams. Daniels has been ruled out this week, with Marcus Mariota set to start for the Commanders. Jameis Winston is expected to start for New York on Sunday, while Williams won’t practice this week but hasn’t been ruled out for Monday night against Philadelphia. Backup QB Tyson Bagent went into concussion protocol, possibly setting the stage for third-stringer Case Keenum to get his first regularseason action since 2023. Despite the early quarterback carousel, no drafted rookie has taken a snap at QB all year, with Atlanta’s undrafted Jack Strand the only rookie to see the field so far. This is just the fourth time in the common draft era starting in 1967 that no drafted rookie quarterback saw the field during the first two games. It also happened in 2007,

2000 and 1991.

Falcons’ dead zone It’s been a rough start for one team that hasn’t had its No. 1 quarterback. The Atlanta Falcons are still searching for their first red-zone trip of the season after failing to get inside the 20-yard line in losses to Pittsburgh and Carolina the first two weeks. The Falcons’ only touchdown came on a 23-yard pass from Cooper Rush to Bijan Robinson in Week 1 against the Steelers. No other drive has crossed the 20, marking the first time since the St. Louis Rams in 2008 that a team had no red-zone trips over the first two games of a season. The Rams finally made it to the red zone in the second quarter of Week 3. According to ESPN, two other teams since 1978 also failed to reach the red zone in the first two games: Detroit in 1997 and New England in 1992. The Lions weren’t inept, as they scored six touchdowns in the first two games that season, with two coming on defense and four on big plays of at least 20 yards.

Role change The Las Vegas Raiders were the NFL’s worst team a year ago with a 3-14 record that gave them the No. 1 overall draft pick. The Los Angeles Chargers were a playoff team for a second straight season under coach Jim Harbaugh. It’s been a role reversal so far this season after the Raiders beat the Chargers 26-14 in Week 2 to improve to 2-0 and hand Los Angeles a second straight loss. Las Vegas is just the fourth team in the common draft era starting in 1967 to open a season with back-toback wins after using its own pick at No. 1 overall earlier that year. Houston did it in 2014 after drafting Jadeveon Clowney ﬁrst overall; Kansas City did it in 2013 with Eric Fisher; and Detroit in 1980 with Billy Sims.

6C ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Zion denies rape allegations in Los Angeles court ﬁling

CHUCK SCHILKEN

Los Angeles Times (TNS) New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson had a “friendly and casual ‘friends with benefits’ sexual relationship” with the woman who is accusing him of raping and abusing her multiple times between 2018-23, according to a court filing by the former Duke standout’s legal team. A document submitted to Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday states that Williamson denies “each and every allegation” made against him by a Jane Doe in a second amended complaint filed in June. Williamson’s filing describes the interaction between the former No. 1 overall draft pick and his accuser as “infrequent and sporadic.” “All interaction among and between the Plaintiff and Defendant was pleasant and entirely consensual, with the Plaintiff initiating

and communicating her desire to be intimate with the Defendant,” the document states, “and the Plaintiff herself decided to end the relationship because she became upset when she realized that the Defendant was focusing his time and energy on professional basketball and on being a father, and did not have sufﬁcient time or interest to maintain a relationship with the Plaintiff.” The second amended complaint lists the causes of action as assault, battery, sexual battery, intentional inﬂiction of emotional distress, domestic violence and stalking. The response from Williamson’s team states that the statute of limitations has expired on each cause of action. The initial complaint, filed in May 2025, also included false imprisonment and conversion as causes of action, which are not included in the latest complaint. The lawsuit provides details of

two instances in 2020 during which Williamson allegedly raped his accuser in a Beverly Hills apartment he was renting at the time. “These two incidents were not isolated,” the lawsuit states. “Defendant continued to abuse, rape, assault, and batter Plaintiff in California and other states, including Louisiana and Texas, until the relationship ended in 2023.” The lawsuit also alleges that Williamson committed many other acts of violence against his accuser, including strangling her multiple times to the point that she lost consciousness, suffocating or smothering her, striking and kicking her “with great force,” threatening to kill her and her family members, and pointing a loaded ﬁrearm to her head. Williamson “was either drunk or on cocaine” while allegedly committing many of those acts, the lawsuit states. A jury trial has been scheduled for April 2028.

SCOREBOARD Odds NFL Thursday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG at GREEN BAY 7½ 5½ (43½) Atlanta

Sunday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG Seattle 3½ 7 (40½) at WASH. at GIANTS 3 2½ (39½) Tennessee Kansas City 7 11½ (46½) at MIAMI Carolina 2½ 2½ (42½) at CLEVE. at J’VILLE 1½ 2½ (45½) New Eng. Cincinnati 1½ 3½ (42½) at PITTS. Houston 2½ 2½ (42½) at INDIANA. at DETROIT 9½ 6½ (47½) NY Jets at BUFFALO 2½ 7½ (50½) LA Chargers Minnesota 1½ 1½ (42½) at TAMPA at SAN FRAN. 11½ 8½ (47½) Arizona at N.O. 3 3½ (43½) Las Vegas Baltimore 2½ 3½ (52½) at DALLAS LA Rams 3 2½ (45½) at DENVER

Monday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG Philadelphia 1½ 4½ (41½) at CHICAGO

College football Thursday

OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 1½ 2½ (50½)at C. CAROLN

FAVORITE Army Navy at RUTGERS at INDIANA Clemson

OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 3½ 3 (48½) at TEMPLE 12½ 7 (51½) at UAB 42½ 42½ (53½) Howard 23½ 21 (49½) N’western 1½ 1½ (50½) at CAL

Saturday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG at OHIO ST. 26½ 27½ (54½) Illinois at PITT, 49½ 52½ (61½) Bucknell Texas 6½ 4½ (55½) at TENN. at BAYLOR 6½ 10 (55½) Colorado at LOUISVLLE 13½ 12½ (58½) Wake Forest at KENT ST. 3½ 3½ (50½) Ball St. at TEX. TECH 40½ 34½ (55½) Sam Hou. UNLV 13½ 13½ (52½) at AKRON at UTSA 10½ 13½ (58½) Colorado St. Virginia Tech 14½ 14 (48½) at BO. COLL. at TOLEDO 3½ 3 (52½) S.D. St. at KENT. 20½ 20½ (54½) S. Alabama at E. MICH. 28½ 26½ (50½) Lindenwood UCLA 1½ 1½ (56½) at MARY. Notre Dame 27½ 27½ (58½) at PURDUE at GA. ST. 8½ 10½ (55½) N. Illinois Hawaii 5½ 3 (44½) at WYOMING at FLA. ST. 43½ 44½ (60½) C. Arkansas at MIAMI (OH) 5½ 3½ (51½) UConn TCU 1½ 3 (48½) at UCF at GEORGIA 10 14 (44½) Oklahoma at DUKE 43½ 43½ (61½) Will. & Mary Utah 11½ 8 (48½) at IOWA ST. Boise St. 7½ 7 (50½) at W. MICH. New Mexico 13½ 11½ (48½) at N.M. ST. at FLORIDA 1½ 3½ (58½) Ole Miss at MICHIGAN 4½ 5½ (38½) Iowa at BUFFALO 28½ 28½ (44½) R. Morris at OHIO 37½ 32½ (52½) Stonehill at MARSHLL 26½ 24½ (51½) Gard.-Webb Houston 20½ 18½ (56½) at GA. SOUTH. at E. CARO. 31½ 34½ (54½) N.C. Central at AUBURN 8½ 9½ (54½) Vanderbilt at PENN ST. 11½ 10 (44½) Wisconsin Nebraska 5½ 5½ (49½) at MICH. ST. South Florida 14½ 17½ (49½) at B. GREEN J. Madison 1½ 6 (44½) at OLD DOM. at Fiu 34½ 33½ (51½) LIU at VIRGINIA 21½ 19½ (52½) Delaware at TEXAS ST. 30½ 30½ (64½) UIW UL 13½ 10½ (49½) at CHAR. at MIAMI (Fla.) 42½ 41½ (53½) C. Mich. at J’VILLE ST. 12½ 7½ (51½) M. Tenn. at TULANE 16½ 18½ (52½) So. Miss at W. VA. 2½ 1½ (60½) Okla. St. Kansas St. 6½ 6½ (55½) at CINC. at ALABAMA 11½ 12½ (53½) S. Carolina at ARK. ST. 5½ 6½ (52½) Kenn. St. at W. KENT. 37½ 39½ (55½) Mercyhurst Arizona 12½ 10½ (48½) at WASH. ST. Oregon 5½ 3 (62½) at USC at UTAH ST. 1½ 3 (47½) Troy at N. TEXAS 38½ 38½ (58½) Hou.Christian at LSU 3 8½ (51½) Texas A&M at NC ST. 11½ 14 (55½) App. St. at MISS. ST. 1½ 6½ (58½) Missouri Fla. Atlantic 11½ 13½ (57½) at ULM at ARKANSAS 10½ 7 (50½) Tulsa UMass 5½ 3½ (48½) at SACR. ST. at SMU 34½ 34½ (60½) Missouri St. Oregon St. 10½ 10½ (55½) at UTEP at FRESNO 12½ 13½ (44½) Rice Georgia Tech 5½ 3½ (48½) at STANFORD Air Force 3½ 5½ (50½) at NEVADA at WASH. 8½ 9½ (46½) Minn.

Major League Baseball Thursday

American League FAVORITE LINE at KANSAS CITY OFF at BOSTON OFF at N.Y YANKEES -150 at ATHLETICS OFF at SEATTLE OFF National League FAVORITE LINE at PITTSBURGH -160 at CHICAGO CUBS -198 Arizona -164 at PHILADELPHIA OFF at ATLANTA -217 at LA DODGERS -169 Interleague FAVORITE LINE N.Y Mets -111

Pct .744 .721 .698 .605 .386 .372 .372 .186

GB — 1 2 6 15½ 16 16 24

Tuesday’s games

Washington 79, Connecticut 69 Chicago 97, Toronto 85 Indiana 96, Minnesota 77 Golden St. at Portland, n Portland 90, Golden State 82, OT

Wednesday’s games Atlanta 83, New York 65 Dallas at Seattle, n

Thursday’s games

Toronto at Connecticut, 6 p.m. Chicago at Washington, 6:30 p.m. Indiana at Minnesota, 7p.m. Golden State at Los Angeles, 9 p.m. Las Vegas at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Pro football AMERICAN CONFERENCE East

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

W 2 1 1 0

L 0 1 1 2

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 77 62 0 .500 30 16 0 .500 40 30 0 .000 26 62

W 1 0 0 0

L 1 2 2 2

T 0 0 0 0

W 2 1 1 1

L 0 1 1 1

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 53 33 0 .500 58 47 0 .500 23 33 0 .500 33 53

W 2 2 1 0

L 0 0 1 2

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 64 40 0 1.000 53 27 0 .500 30 44 0 .000 28 52

W 2 1 1 0

L 0 1 1 2

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 48 42 0 .500 34 48 0 .500 57 48 0 .000 42 61

W 1 1 0 0

L 1 1 2 2

T 0 0 0 0

W 2 1 1 1

L 0 1 1 1

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 48 25 0 .500 62 71 0 .500 62 46 0 .500 42 56

W 2 2 1 1

L 0 0 1 1

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 44 17 0 1.000 62 20 0 .500 35 33 0 .500 33 45

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

East

Philadelphia N.Y. Giants Dallas Washington South Carolina New Orleans Tampa Bay Atlanta North Minnesota Detroit Chicago Green Bay West Seattle San Francisco L.A. Rams Arizona

Thursday’s game

Pct PF PA .500 47 30 .000 30 47 .000 37 56 .000 53 74

Pct PF PA .500 71 62 .500 54 48 .000 46 56 .000 16 54

Atlanta at Green Bay, 7:15 p.m.

Sunday’s games

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, 3:25 p.m. Las Vegas at New Orleans, 3:25 p.m. L.A. Rams at Denver, 7:20 p.m.

Monday’s game

Philadelphia at Chicago, 7:15 p.m.

College football National schedule Thursday’s games SOUTH

Liberty (2-1) at Coastal Carolina (1-2), 6:30 p.m.

Friday’s games EAST

Army (1-1) at Temple (1-2), 3 p.m. Howard (1-2) at Rutgers (0-3), 6 p.m.

State schedule

UNDERDOG White Sox Cleveland Tampa Bay Houston LA Angels

LINE OFF OFF +127 OFF OFF

UNDERDOG St. Louis Miami at COLORADO Milwaukee Cincinnati San Diego

LINE +135 +165 +134 OFF +180 +140

UNDERDOG at TEXAS

LINE -110

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

L 11 12 13 17 27 27 27 35

NFL glance

FAVORITE Liberty

Friday

WESTERN CONFERENCE W x-Minnesota 32 x-Golden State 31 x-Las Vegas 30 x-Dallas 26 Portland 17 Phoenix 16 Los Angeles 16 Seattle 8 x-clinched playoff spot

W 30 28 27 26 16 11 10

L 14 15 16 18 27 32 33

Pct .682 .651 .628 .591 .372 .256 .233

GB — 1½ 2½ 4 13½ 18½ 19½

Saturday’s games

Lamar (2-1) at Nicholls (2-2), 3 p.m. UL (2-1) at Charlotte (0-3), 5:30 p.m. East Texas A&M (1-3) at McNeese (1-3), 6 p.m. Okla. Panhandle St. (2-2) at Louisiana Christian (3-1), 6 p.m. Prairie View (1-3) vs. Grambling (2-1) at Dallas, 6 p.m. Southeastern (2-2) at Northwestern St. (0-4), 6 p.m. Southern (2-2) at Jackson St. (3-0), 6 p.m. Southern Miss (1-2) at Tulane (1-2), 6 p.m. Texas A&M (2-1) at LSU (2-1), 6:30 p.m. FAU (2-1) at UL-Monroe (0-3), 7 p.m.

Transactions MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Recalled LF Heston Kjerstad and RHP Trey Gibson from Norfolk (IL). Optioned LHP Luis De León to Norfolk. Placed C Samuel Basallo on the 7-day IL, retroactive to Sept. 22. BOSTON RED SOX — Reinstated CF Ceddanne Rafaela from the 10-day IL. Optioned LF Nate Eaton to Worcester (IL). CLEVELAND GUARDIANS — Reinstated RHP Shawn Armstrong from the 60-day IL. Designated RHP Connor Brogdon for assignment.

HOUSTON ASTROS — Selected the contract of LHP Josh Hendrickson from Sugar Land (PCL). Placed RHP Cristian Javier on the 15-day IL. Placed CF Jake Meyers on the 60-day IL. MINNESOTA TWINS — Sent C Alex Jackson outright to St. Paul (IL). TAMPA BAY RAYS — Recalled RHP Mason Englert from Durham (IL). Optioned RHP Alex Cook to Durham. TEXAS RANGERS — Recalled RHP Gavin Collyer from Round Rock (PCL). Optioned RHP Winston Santos to ACL Rangers. TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Recalled RHPs CJ Van Eyk and Chase Lee from Buffalo (IL). Optioned RHP José Rodríguez to FCL Blue Jays. Placed RHP Dylan Cease on the 15day IL, retroactive to Sept. 20. National League ATLANTA BRAVES — Reinstated RHP Robert Suarez from the 60-day IL. Optioned RHP Owen Murphy to Gwinnett (IL). LOS ANGELES DODGERS — Reinstated LHP Tarik Skubal from the bereavement list and TWP Shohei Ohtani from the 15-day IL. Optioned RHP Kyle Hurt and DH Josue De Paula to Oklahoma City (PCL). MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Selected the contract of RHP Lyon Richardson from Nashville (IL). Optioned LHP Colton Gordon to Nashville. NEW YORK METS — Claimed LHP Philip Abner off waivers from San Francisco. Designated RHP Xzavion Curry for assignment. WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Recalled RHP Gus Varland from Rochester (IL). Optioned LHP Jackson Kent to Rochester.

BASKETBALL

NBA DENVER NUGGETS — Waived G Boopie Miller. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS — Waived G Mark Armstrong and C Samson Johnson. SAN ANTONIO SPURS — Waived G Jayden Nunn.

FOOTBALL

NFL ARIZONA CARDINALS — Signed DB Starling Thomas from the practice squad. Placed CB Will Johnson on injured reserve. Signed DT Jay Toia to the practice squad. ATLANTA FALCONS — Signed DB Robert Longerbeam from Philadelphia’s practice squad. BUFFALO BILLS — Signed DL Austin Johnson to the practice squad. CAROLINA PANTHERS — Signed DB Isaiah Simmons from the practice squad. Placed RB Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve. Signed LB Maema Njongmeta to the practice squad. CHICAGO BEARS — Waived LS Beau Gardner. Designated LB Noah Sewell and DE Shemar Turner to return from the PUP list. CLEVELAND BROWNS — Signed DB D’Angelo Ross to the practice squad. Released DB Myles Bryant from the practice squad. DETROIT LIONS — Signed C Seth McLaughlin from the practice squad to the active roster. Signed LB Joe Bachie to the practice squad. HOUSTON TEXANS — Designated DB M.J. Stewart to return from the PUP list. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Signed WR Eli Pancol to the practice squad. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS — Waived WR Gary Jennings. Signed WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling from the practice squad. Placed TE David Njoku on injured reserve. Signed LS Spencer Triplett to the practice squad. LOS ANGELES RAMS — Signed DB Maximus Pulley from Philadelphia’s practice squad to the active roster. Placed RB Ronnie Rivers on injured reserve. MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed ILB Liam Anderson to the practice squad. MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Waived NT Taki Taimani. Signed DE Jonathan Harris, P Johnny Hekker and RB Jaret Patterson to the practice squad. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Signed LB Jose Ramirez from the practice squad. Placed DB Dell Pettus on injured reserve. Signed DE Benton Whitley to the practice squad. Designated DB Brenden Schooler to return from the non-football injury list. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Waived RB Audric Estime. Signed LS Cal Adomitis from Miami’s practice squad. Placed T Kelvin Banks on injured reserve. NEW YORK JETS — Signed DT Jack Heﬂin and WR Malik McClain from the practice squad. Placed LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball, DT David Onyemata and WR Arian Smith on injured reserve. Signed TE Cody Hardy and DT Isaiahh Loudermilk to the practice squad. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Signed DB Kenny Moore to the practice squad. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Signed DT Naquan Jones from Minnesota’s practice squad. Placed DT C.J. West on injured reserve. Signed WR Brandin Cooks and DE Viliami Fehoko to the practice squad. Released DB Jakob Robinson from the practice squad. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Signed DB Rodney Thomas from the practice squad. Placed G Anthony Bradford on injured reserve. Signed WR Malick Meiga and DT Uso Seumalo to the practice squad.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League COLORADO AVALANCHE — Placed D Domenick Fensore and D Christian Wolanin on waivers. NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Placed RW Ozzy Wiesblatt on waivers. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS — Placed G Taylor Gauthier on waivers for the purpose of reassignment to the minors. SAN JOSE SHARKS — Placed RW Ethan Cardwell, D Libor Hajek and LW Tye Felhaber on waivers. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING — Placed G Jonas Johansson on waivers. VANCOUVER CANUCKS — Placed RW Trey Fix-Wolansky on waivers. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS — Placed D Jaycob Megna, D Adam Ginning, D Joe Fleming, C Jakub Demek and D Jeremy Davies on waivers. TEXAS RANGERS — Recalled RHP Gavin Collyer from Round Rock (PCL). Optioned RHP Winston Santos to ACL Rangers.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL American League East Division x-Tampa Bay y-New York y-Boston Baltimore Toronto Central Division Cleveland Chicago Minnesota Detroit Kansas City West Division Houston Texas Seattle Athletics Los Angeles x-clinched division y-clinched wild card

National League East Division

W 96 91 85 78 77

L 62 67 73 81 82

Pct GB .608 — .576 5 .538 11 .491 18½ .484 19½

W 82 81 75 74 68

L 76 77 84 85 90

Pct .519 .513 .472 .465 .430

GB — 1 7½ 8½ 14

W 78 78 73 62 60

L 79 79 84 95 97

Pct .497 .497 .465 .395 .382

GB — — 5 16 18

x-Atlanta Philadelphia Miami Washington New York

W 93 87 78 75 73

L 65 71 80 84 85

Pct GB .589 — .551 6 .494 15 .472 18½ .462 20

x-Milwaukee Chicago Pittsburgh St. Louis Cincinnati

W 99 87 80 77 73

L 59 71 78 81 85

Pct .627 .551 .506 .487 .462

GB — 12 19 22 26

W L 97 60 87 70 83 74 65 94 57 100

Pct .618 .554 .529 .409 .363

GB — 10 14 33 40

Central Division

West Division

x-Los Angeles San Diego Arizona San Francisco Colorado x-clinched division

Tuesday’s scores

N.Y. Yankees 2, Tampa Bay 0, 1st game Washington 3, Detroit 1 Cleveland 3, Boston 2 Tampa Bay 6, N.Y. Yankees 1, 2nd game Chicago White Sox 14, Kansas City 11 N.Y. Mets 6, Texas 3 Minnesota 3, San Francisco 2 Houston 7, Seattle 0 Athletics 9, L.A. Angels 7 Toronto at Baltimore, ppd.

Wednesday’s games

Washington 4, Detroit 2 Baltimore 4, Toronto 2, 1st game Minnesota 4, San Francisco 2 Baltimore 4, Toronto 2, 2nd game Boston 1, Cleveland 0 N.Y. Yankees 9, Tampa Bay 2 Kansas City 5, Chicago White Sox 4 N.Y. Mets 7, Texas 2 L.A. Angels at Athletics, n Houston at Seattle, n

Thursday’s games

Chicago White Sox (Sandlin 2-2) at Kansas City (Dobnak 3-4), 1:10 p.m. N.Y. Mets (Thornton 5-5) at Texas (TBD), 1:35 p.m. Cleveland (Cantillo 10-9) at Boston (Suarez 8-4), 5:45 p.m. Tampa Bay (Peralta 9-11) at N.Y. Yankees (Schlittler 14-6), 6:05 p.m. Houston (Lambert 8-10) at A’s (TBD), 9:40 p.m. L.A. Angels (Rodriguez 4-8) at Seattle (Woo 12-9), 8:40 p.m.

Pittsburgh 2, St. Louis 0 Philadelphia 6, Milwaukee 4 Washington 3, Detroit 1 Cincinnati 4, Atlanta 0 N.Y. Mets 6, Texas 3 Arizona 7, Colorado 2 Miami 8, Chicago Cubs 2, 12 innings Minnesota 3, San Francisco 2 L.A. Dodgers 7, San Diego 0

Wednesday’s games

Washington 4, Detroit 2 Minnesota 4, San Francisco 2 Milwaukee 4, Philadelphia 1 St. Louis 5, Pittsburgh 1 Atlanta 3, Cincinnati 2, 10 innings Miami 3, Chicago Cubs 2 N.Y. Mets 7, Texas 2 Arizona at Colorado, n San Diego at L.A. Dodgers, n

Thursday’s games

St. Louis (Leahy 10-5) at Pittsburgh (Skenes 10-11), 11:35 a.m. Miami (Phillips 5-6) at Chicago Cubs (TBD), 1:20 p.m. Mets (Thornton 5-5) at Texas (TBD), 1:35 p.m. Arizona (Rodriguez 15-7) at Colorado (Gordon 1-5), 2:10 p.m. Milwaukee (TBD) at Philadelphia (Mayza 3-4), 5:05 p.m. Cincinnati (Singer 6-15) at Atlanta (Mahle 7-10), 6:15 p.m. San Diego (Pivetta 3-2) at L.A. Dodgers (Glasnow 5-1), 9:10 p.m.

WILD-CARD GLANCE American League y-New York y-Boston Chicago Texas Baltimore

L 91 85 81 78 78

National League Pct WCGB 67 .576 +10 73 .538 +4 77 .513 — 80 .494 3 81 .491 3½

San Diego Chicago Philadelphia Arizona

W 87 87 87 83

L 70 71 71 74

Pct .554 .551 .551 .529

WCGB +½ — — 3½

BOX SCORES Baltimore 4, Toronto 2 Toronto

Baltimore

ab r h bi ab r hbi Lukes rf 5 0 1 0 Beavers lf 3 1 10 Guerrero 1b 4 0 1 0 Alonso 1b 3 1 12 Okamoto 3b 3 1 0 0 Henderson ss 3 0 0 0 Springer dh 4 1 1 0 Mayo dh 4 0 00 Smith lf 2 0 0 0 Encrnn-Str. 3b 4 1 1 0 Schneider lf 1 0 0 0 Cowser cf 3 1 00 Keys ph-lf 1 0 0 0 Jackson 2b 3 0 11 Giménez ss 4 0 2 0 Taveras rf 3 0 10 Valenzuela c4 0 2 1 Narváez c 3 0 00 Straw cf 3 0 1 0 Kirk ph 1 0 0 0 Clement 2b 4 0 2 0 Totals 36 2 10 1 Totals 29 4 5 3 Toronto 000 002 000 — 2 Baltimore 020 020 00x — 4 E — Scherzer (1), Jackson (9). DP — Toronto 0, Baltimore 1. LOB — Toronto 8, Baltimore 5. 2B — Guerrero (25), Giménez 2 (25), Clement (33). HR — Alonso (41). IP H R ER BB SO Toronto Scherzer L,3-9 5 4 4 4 3 7 Rodriguez 1 0 0 0 0 2 Little 1 1 0 0 1 1 Sewald 1 0 0 0 0 0 Baltimore Bassitt W,9-5 5 7 2 2 1 2 2 De León H,1 ⁄3 2 0 0 0 1 Nunez H,8 11⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 Garcia H,19 1 0 0 0 0 0 Kittredge S,11-16 1 1 0 0 0 1 Bassitt pitched to 2 batters in the 6th. ABS Challenge — Scherzer (BallOverturned to Strike); Alonso (StrikeConﬁrmed). Pitch timer violations — Little (pitcher). Umpires — Home, Mark Wegner; First, Austin Jones; Second, Tyler Jones; Third, Carlos Torres.

Washington 4, Detroit 2 Washington Detroit ab r h bi ab r hbi Wood rf 4 0 0 1 McGonigle 3b 5 0 3 0 Chaparro dh 4 1 1 0 Lee dh 5 0 10 House 3b 4 1 2 0 Malgeri rf 5 1 22 Abrams 2b 2 0 1 1 Greene lf 3 0 00 Crews lf 4 0 0 0 Dingler c 3 0 00 Morales 1b 4 1 1 2 Clark cf 2 0 10 Ford c 2 0 0 0 Torkelson 1b 4 0 0 0 Lile ph 1 0 0 0 Peck ss 2 0 00 Ruiz c 0 0 0 0 Callahan ph 1 0 00 Young cf 4 0 0 0 McKinstry 2b 1 0 0 0 Nuñez ss 2 1 1 0 Valencia ph 1 0 00 Jung 2b 1 1 10 Totals 31 4 6 4 Totals 33 2 8 2 Washington 000 003 100 — 4 Detroit 000 001 001 — 2 DP — Washington 1, Detroit 1. LOB — Washington 4, Detroit 11. 2B — McGonigle (28), Clark (11). HR — Morales (4), Malgeri (5). SB — Nuñez 2 (49), Peck (5). S — Clark (3). IP H R ER BB SO Washington Lovelady 11⁄3 1 0 0 1 0 Lord 31⁄3 1 0 0 2 3 Dion W,2-2 2 3 1 1 1 4 1 Sinclair H,3 ⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 2 Tolman H,2 ⁄3 0 0 0 2 0 Cruz S,1-3 11⁄3 3 1 1 0 2 Detroit Valdez L,10-12 51⁄3 4 2 2 3 6 2 ⁄3 1 1 1 0 0 Kinley Waguespack 2 1 1 1 1 2 Jansen 1 0 0 0 0 0 Dion pitched to 3 batters in the 7th. WP — Tolman, Valdez. ABS Challenge — Clark (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Valdez (Ball-Conﬁrmed); McGonigle (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Tolman (Ball-Overturned to Strike). T — 2:44. A — 21,373 (41,083).

Minnesota 4, San Francisco 2

Baltimore 4, Toronto 2

Minnesota

Toronto

San Francisco ab r h bi ab r hbi Keaschall rf 3 1 1 2 Cox 2b 3 0 00 Kreidler ss 1 0 0 0 Hill cf 4 0 00 Lee 3b 4 0 1 0 Bericoto lf 4 0 00 Bell dh 5 0 1 1 Davidson rf 3 1 10 Jeffers c 4 0 1 0 McCray rf 1 0 00 Roden lf 3 0 1 0 Knizner c 3 1 10 Lewis 2b 4 0 1 0 Cavanaugh ph 1 0 0 0 Rodrigz rf 3 0 1 0 B.Harris 1b 3 0 00 Sabato 1b 2 0 0 0 Gilbert ph 1 0 10 Clemens 1b 2 1 0 0 Mayer dh 2 0 00 Ross ss 2 1 1 0 Bandura pr 0 0 00 Jenkins cf 2 1 1 1 Whitcomb 3b 4 0 2 2 Koss ss 3 0 00 Totals 35 4 9 4 Totals 32 2 5 2 Minnesota 001 010 200 — 4 San Francisco 000 200 000 — 2 E — Koss (7). LOB — Minnesota 8, San Francisco 6. 2B — Knizner (4). 3B — Ross (1). HR — Keaschall (10). SF — Keaschall (8). IP H R ER BB SO Minnesota 2 2 3 Prielipp 51⁄3 4 2 0 0 2 Gómez W,3-4 12⁄3 0 0 Minter H,11 1 0 0 0 0 0 Morris S,5-11 1 1 0 0 1 2 San Francisco 2 0 2 Perdomo 51⁄3 5 2 2 ⁄3 0 0 0 1 1 Kuhnel 2 ⁄3 1 2 2 1 1 Smith L,0-6 1 ⁄3 1 0 0 1 1 Hentges 0 0 1 Roxby 12⁄3 2 0 1 ⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 T.Harris ABS Challenge — Bell (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Lewis (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Morris (Ball-Conﬁrmed). Umpires — Home, Dillon Wilson; First, Rob Drake; Second, Andy Fletcher; Third, Steven Jaschinski. T — 2:41. A — 28,136 (41,915).

Baltimore ab r h bi ab r hbi Lukes rf 4 0 2 0 Beavers rf 4 0 00 Smith 2b 4 0 0 0 Alonso 1b 3 1 00 Kirk c 4 0 1 0 Henderson ss 2 0 0 0 Okamto dh 4 0 0 0 Mayo 3b 3 1 10 Keys 1b 3 1 1 0 Encrnn-Str. dh 3 2 2 3 Schneider lf 2 1 1 2 Cowser cf 3 0 11 McAdoo 3b 3 0 0 0 Jackson 2b 3 0 00 Straw cf 4 0 1 0 Franklin lf 3 0 00 Clement ss 3 0 0 0 Pozo c 3 0 00 Totals 31 2 6 2 Totals 27 4 4 4 Toronto 000 000 002 — 2 Baltimore 300 100 00x — 4 E — Jackson (10). DP — Toronto 1, Baltimore 2. LOB — Toronto 6, Baltimore 1. 2B — Mayo (18), Cowser (9). HR — Schneider (5), Encarnacion-Strand (11). IP H R ER BB SO Toronto Van Eyk L,0-2 5 4 4 4 0 2 Cellucci 11⁄3 0 0 0 1 0 2 Lee 1 ⁄3 0 0 0 0 3 Baltimore 2 Gibson W,2-3 6 ⁄3 3 0 0 2 7 1 Cano H,14 ⁄3 0 0 0 1 1 Walker 1 1 0 0 0 0 Bautista 1 2 2 2 0 1 HBP — Van Eyk (Alonso). ABS Challenge — Beavers (StrikeOverturned to Ball); Alonso (StrikeConfirmed); Gibson (Ball-Confirmed); Kirk (Strike-Confirmed). Umpires — Home, Nate Tomlinson; First, Tyler Jones; Second, Carlos Torres; Third, Austin Jones. T — 2:22. A — 19,824 (45,971).

THIS DATE IN BASEBALL Sept. 24 1940 — Jimmie Foxx of the Red Sox hit his 500th career home run off Philadelphia’s George Caster in the first game of a doubleheader at Shibe Park. Foxx’s homer came in the sixth inning after Ted Williams homered. Joe Cronin followed with a homer and, later in the inning, Jim Tabor also homered. The four homers in the inning were a first in the AL. 1969 — The New York Mets clinched the NL East title, with Gary Gentry pitching a fourhitter in a 6-0 victory over St. Louis. 1974 — Detroit’s Al Kaline doubled down the right-field line off Dave McNally of Baltimore for his 3,000th career hit. The Orioles beat the Tigers 5-4 at Memorial Stadium. 1977 — Jack Brohamer of the Chicago White Sox had four extra base hits and hit for the cycle in an 8-3 win over the Seattle Mariners at the Kingdome. 1984 — Rick Sutcliffe threw a two-hitter and led the Chicago Cubs to their first league title since 1945 with a 4-1 victory over Pittsburgh. 1988 — Dave Stieb of the Toronto Blue Jays, one strike from a no-hitter, gave up a badhop single to Julio Franco. Stieb settled for a 1-0, one-hit victory over Cleveland. 1998 — Boston’s Tom Gordon set a major

league record for most consecutive saves with his 42nd to preserve the Red Sox’ 9-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles. 2004 — The Atlanta Braves clinched their 13th consecutive division title, winning the NL East with an 8-7 victory over the Florida Marlins. The Braves’ record streak of division championships began with the 1991 NL West title and excludes the 1994 strike-shortened season. 2006 — Trevor Hoffman became baseball’s career saves leader, earning No. 479 to pass Lee Smith and help NL West-leading San Diego beat Pittsburgh 2-1. It was his NL-leading 43rd save in 48 chances. 2008 — Francisco Rodriguez worked the ninth inning of the Los Angeles Angels’ 6-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners to end the season with a major league record 62 saves. 2014 — The New York Yankees were eliminated from postseason contention after losing to the AL East champion Orioles 9-5. The Yankees missed the playoffs in consecutive years for the ﬁrst time since 1992 and ’93. 2016 — Jose Bautista hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Yankees 3-0 to send New York to its third consecutive shutout defeat — the ﬁrst time that has happened to New York since 1975.

Fish Piccata: an elegant yet simple dinner

LIVING IVIN

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

T h u r s d ay, s e p T e m b e r 24, 2026

1dN

BY LINDA GASSENHEIMER Tribune News Service (TNS)

Here’s a simple, elegant dinner featuring tender cod fillets topped with a silky lemon-caper sauce. The bright lemon complements the mild cod, while briny capers add just the right amount of savory flavor. Asparagus and rice are prepared in the microwave, making this a complete meal with minimal cooking and no extra pan to clean. HELPFUL HINTS: n Any type of fish fillet such as haddock or tilapia can be used. n Green beans can be used instead of asparagus. n If you prefer you can use fish or vegetable broth, whatever is on hand.

Fish Piccata Yields 2 servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer. ¾ pound cod fillet 2 tablespoons flour 2 teaspoons olive oil 2 crushed garlic cloves 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1 cup reduced-fat, no-salt-added chicken broth, divided use 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon capers

STAFF PHOTOS By CHRIS GRANGER

1. Cut cod into 2- to 3-inch slices. Place flour on a plate. Add the cod slices to the flour making sure both sides are coated. 2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod in one layer and cook until browned, about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn cod over and cook the second side until browned, about 1 minute. Remove cod to a plate. 3. Add the garlic and ½ cup broth to the skillet. Continue to cook over medium-high heat, scraping up the small bits remaining in the skillet. Cook to reduce the broth by half. 3. Mix the cornstarch in the remaining chicken broth. Add the broth, lemon juice and capers to the skillet. Cook stirring until sauce starts to thicken, about 1 to 2 minutes. 4. Return the cod to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. A meat thermometer should read 123 F. Timing is for a ½-inch-thick fillet. Cook a few minutes more if needed. 5. Divide the cod in half and place over the rice and asparagus on the two dinner plates. Spoon sauce on top. NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 223 calories (23 percent from fat), 5.8 g fat (0.9 g saturated, 2.3 g monounsaturated), 72 mg cholesterol, 32.4 g protein, 9.1 g carbohydrates, 0.5 g fiber, 210 mg sodium.

Liz Williams’ gazpacho, RECIPE 2D

Liz Williams TIP OF THE TONGUE

TNS PHOTO By LINDA GASSENHEIMER

Fish Piccata with Asparagus and Rice

Asparagus and Rice Yields 2 servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer. ¾ pound asparagus 1 package microwaveable brown rice (to make 1½ cups cooked) 2 teaspoons olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1. Remove thick end of asparagus and cut remaining stem into 2- to 3-inch pieces. Place in a bowl and microwave on high 2 minutes. 2. Remove from microwave and add the brown rice. Microwave according to package instructions. Measure 1½ cups and save any remaining rice for another meal. 3. Add rice, oil and salt and pepper to taste to bowl, with asparagus and toss to combine. 4. Divide in half and place onto 2 dinner plates. NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 260 calories (21 percent from fat), 6.2 g fat (1.1 g saturated, 2.7 g monounsaturated), no cholesterol, 7.8 g protein, 45.6 g carbohydrates, 5.9 g ﬁber, 10 mg sodium.

Bowls of goodness, both for your taste buds and the environment

Blueberry Cream Soup

Serves 6-8. 2 pints fresh blueberries (or any other fresh berry that you like), washed and drained 1 pint vanilla ice cream, melted in the refrigerator 1 pint half and half ½ cup sugar Zest of one orange 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 cup ice-cold water

6-8 teaspoons Grand Marnier, Cointreau or white Triple Sec Mint leaves

1. Place the ﬁrst 6 ingredients into a large food processor or blender. Pulse until all of the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. 2. Add up to 1 cup cold water and pulse again until the water is incorporated. (Juicy blueberries might not need as much water. Stop adding water when the consistency and thickness are to your taste.) 3. Place into 6 dessert bowls. Add 1 teaspoon of liqueur to each bowl. Garnish with mint. Serve with cookies or meringues.

one are the sultry days of summer now that everyone is back in school. There are a plethora of activities that keep us busy, like sports, music lessons and homework. Although the holiday season hasn’t really begun yet, we are already looking ahead to the festivities. All of this takes time after a long workday, so I have three soups that can be made from pantry ingredients. They can also make the “not quite enough” leftovers become enough for a meal. The classic gazpacho is one such soup. If you have leftover salad, whiz it up in the blender or food processor to create the base. Even if you have no leftovers and are resorting to a casserole, that delicious back pocket specialty, you can stretch leftovers by adding gazpacho as a ﬁrst course. ä See SOUPS, page 2D

2D ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Farmers market ﬂexibility Spicy stir-fry features oyster mushrooms, lemongrass and snap peas

BY GRETCHEN McKAY

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS) When I head to a favorite farmers market, I usually have a few very specific ingredients in mind so I can make a few very specific dishes — say, heirloom slicing tomatoes for sandwiches, corn for Mexican elote or cilantro and other fresh herbs for a bright and zesty chimichurri. Recently, for example, I was on the hunt for plump and juicy Italian plums so I could make one of my husband’s favorite end-ofsummer desserts: Marian Burros’ plum torte, which has been a favorite recipe ever since it was published in The New York Times way back in 1983. (It’s fabulous!) While there were piles (and piles) of another favorite summer stone fruit — yellow peaches — I could not find the small, eggshaped purple fruit that cooks up so wonderfully jammy. But I still walked away from the market with a smile, thanks to a beautiful display of locally cultivated fungi sitting next to the cash register. Oyster mushrooms with broad, fan-like caps and ruffled edges immediately caught my eye. In an instant, I was pondering what I could make for dinner that night instead of fretting over what I wouldn’t be

able to make for dessert. Thanks to their meaty texture, oyster mushrooms make an excellent substitute for beef, pork or chicken in any number of dishes. (They become slightly chewy when cooked.) Their porous, spongy flesh, which is filled with air pockets, also make the fungi an excellent medium for soaking up whatever other flavors are in the pan. Another plus: Since they cook in a flash, they’re a perfect building block for a quick midweek meal. Inspired by a recipe for a spicy stir-fry that I found online as I stood in line at the register, I decided to buy one of the feathery clusters. The original recipe calls for pounded and finely chopped fresh lemongrass, a culinary herb with a fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor that’s easy to find in most Asian markets. Unfortunately, it can be an oddball item in smaller grocery stores. No worries: I substituted ready-to-use lemongrass paste, and added a splash of fresh lime juice just before serving to add some of the missing zing. A handful of sugar snap peas gives the dish its crunch and bright green pops of color; chopped jalapeño peppers and a finishing sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes add a little heat. I served most of the stir-fry with a side of steamed white rice, and tossed the leftovers with cooked ziti for lunch the next day. Both were pretty tasty. Cook’s note: Oyster mushrooms should have firm, gray or tan caps with a velvety texture and a mild, fruity aroma. Avoid ones with broken edges, dark discolorations or slimy gills. They’re best within a few days of harvest.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE/TNS PHOTO By GRETCHEN McKAy

Spicy Oyster Mushroom ends trimmed, strings removed tablespoon fish sauce and Lemongrass Stir-Fry 1Splash of fresh lime juice

Serves 4. Recipe is adapted from Bonappetit.com.

2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil ½ small yellow onion, cut into thick wedges 3 tablespoons lemongrass paste 1 large Fresno chile or jalapeño, quartered, seeds removed, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 teaspoons Madras-style curry powder ¼ teaspoon sugar 1 ⁄8 teaspoon ground turmeric, optional ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste 10-12 ounces oyster mushrooms, torn into thick, bite-size pieces 4 ounces (about 1 cup) sugar snap peas,

Reusing leftover soap chips to form a ball, or press it Dear Heloise: Any ideas on into pastry molds. Let it dry how to turn leftover soap chips into a new usable bar? completely. n Take all the soap chips I hate to just throw them away if there’s a way to and place them in a small reuse them. — Nita S., glass or ceramic via email bowl. If your husNita, here are band shaves with a some ideas: razor, he can wet his n Using old but brush and lather the soap up by swirling clean pantyhose, his shaving brush place a handful of Hints from over the chips, soap chips in the Heloise which will start to foot area, then tie it form one soap bar. off and trim off the Nothing’s wasted with this excess panty hose. Instead method. of using a wash cloth, you — Heloise can use your new scrubber to wash yourself. Let it dry Towel dilemmas completely between uses. n Gather all the soap Dear Heloise: Perhaps you chips in a pan and add just can solve a mystery for enough water to make a me. For years, the regular thick mixture. Turn the method of drying towels burner to medium. Stir well and keeping them soft was until it gets hard and reto use a dryer sheet. Now it move from the stove. When seems that this doesn’t do any good, since the dryer the mixture starts to cool sheets leave a ﬁlm on the and is safe to handle (but still warm to the touch), roll towels that makes them less absorbent. the mixture in your hands

After doing a bit of research, I came up with the idea of washing towels in hot water and vinegar to strip away the ﬁlm that’s even on brand-new towels. This was great, but now the towels are scratchy. Help! Any suggestions from you and your readers about the best way to keep some softness and also keep towels absorbent? — Bobbie F., via email Bobbie, try washing the towels with less detergent. You might want to use one of those laundry soap sheets (only one per load). Then use a couple of wool dryer balls (which are sold at grocery stores) instead of dryer sheets. People used to take towels outside and give them a good snap a couple of times to help loosen up the ﬁbers. See if this helps. — Heloise

Chopped green onion, for garnish Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish Cooked white or brown rice, for serving

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or a nonstick or carbonsteel skillet over medium heat. 2. Add sliced onion and lemongrass paste and cook, stirring often, until onion starts to soften, about 2 minutes. 3. Add Fresno chile or jalapeño, chopped garlic, curry powder, sugar, ground turmeric (if using) and kosher salt. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. 4. Add torn oyster mushrooms and cook, stirring, until coated. In-

Gazpacho Serves 4-6. 3 pounds fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped 1 red bell pepper, seeded and roughly chopped 2 cucumbers, peeled and roughly chopped (I leave the seeds in) 2 or 3 scallions, roughly chopped 3 cloves garlic ½ to ¾ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons Jerez vinegar (Or substitute wine vinegar) Salt and pepper

crease heat to high and cook, stirring often, until firm-tender, 2-3 minutes. 5. Add sugar snap peas and cook, stirring, until warmed through and glistening, about 1 minute. 6. Add fish sauce and a splash of lime juice and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Taste stir-fry and season with more salt if needed. 7. Transfer to a platter to serve. Garnish with green onions and pepper flakes and serve with hot cooked rice. NOTE: Mushrooms are mostly water, so they release their internal juices as they heat up in a dry pan. So don’t worry if the sauce seems dry at first. Add more or less jalapeño or Fresno chile, depending on taste

1. Place all ingredients into the blender. This machine will incorporate the most air and make the lightest gazpacho that will feel creamy, without having any cream. If you don’t have a blender, or if you like the gazpacho less homogenized, use a food processor. If you have leftover salad, incorporate it now. Blend until you are happy with the consistency. 2. Taste the gazpacho. With fresh ingredients, it will vary every time, so use your judgement to adjust the seasoning. If you used

salad, taste before adding the oil and vinegar, as last night’s dressing may be enough. If it needs more tartness, add vinegar, a teaspoon at a time. Stir and taste before adjusting. 3. If you ﬁnd the soup too thick, add about ¼ cup of water and stir. Keep doing this until you like the consistency. Taste again to adjust the salt and pepper. 4. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours, if you can. It will improve the ﬂavor. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes and serve.

Send a hint to heloise@ heloise.com.

TODAY IN HISTORY By The Associated Press Today is Thursday, Sept. 24, the 267th day of 2026. There are 98 days left in the year. Today in history: On Sept. 24, 2017, more than 200 NFL players knelt or sat during the national anthem after President Donald Trump criticized the players’ protests in a speech and a series of tweets. Also on this date: In 1789, President George Washington signed a Judiciary Act establishing America’s federal court system and creating the post of attorney general. In 1869, thousands of businessmen were ruined in a Wall Street panic known as “Black Friday” after financiers Jay Gould and James Fisk attempted to corner the gold market. In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt established Devil’s Tower in Wyoming as the first U.S. national monument. In 1957, the Los Angelesbound Brooklyn Dodgers played their last game at Ebbets Field, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-0. In 1960, the USS Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was

launched at Newport News, Virginia. In 1963, the U.S. Senate ratiﬁed a treaty with Britain and the Soviet Union limiting nuclear testing. In 1968, the TV news magazine “60 Minutes” premiered on CBS. In 1969, the trial of the Chicago Eight, later the Chicago Seven, began. (Five were later convicted of crossing state lines to incite riots at the 1968 Democratic convention, but the convictions were ultimately overturned.) In 1988, Jackie JoynerKersey won gold and set a world record in the women’s heptathlon at the Summer Olympics in Seoul. In 2013, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked southwest Pakistan, killing at least 376 people. In 2015, a stampede and crush of Muslim pilgrims occurred in the holy city of Mina, Saudi Arabia. While the ofﬁcial Saudi death toll stood at 769, The Associated Press estimated that more than 2,400 people were killed. In 2022, Russian forces launched new strikes on Ukrainian cities as Kremlin-orchestrated votes took place in occupied regions of Ukraine to create a pre-

text for their annexation by Moscow. In 2023, NASA’s first asteroid samples fetched from deep space were parachuted in a capsule into the Utah desert to cap a seven-year journey by the Osiris-Rex spacecraft. In a flyby of Earth, the spacecraft released the capsule from 63,000 miles out and it landed four hours later as the mother ship set off after another asteroid. In 2025, a man with a rifle opened fire from a nearby roof onto a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement complex in Dallas, killing one detainee and wounding two others in a transport van before taking his own life. Today’s birthdays: Football Hall of Famer Joe Greene is 80. Actor Gordon Clapp is 78. Actor Harriet Walter is 76. Filmmaker Brad Bird is 69. Actor Kevin Sorbo is 68. Actor-screenwriter Nia Vardalos is 64. Celebrity chef Robert Irvine is 61. Actor Jackie Sandler is 52. Actor Ian Bohen is 50. TV personality Ross Matthews is 47. Olympic gold medal gymnast Paul Hamm is 44. Actor Spencer Treat Clark is 39. Actor Grey Damon is 39. Actor Ben Platt is 33. Actor Joe Locke is 23.

Liz Williams’ tomato and cheese soup

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Cheese and Tomato Soup Serves 4-6. 3 tablespoons olive oil (and 4 to 6 teaspoons more for finishing) 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes ½ bottle (or more) of beer (You can use a dry white wine too. If you don’t have either leftover in the fridge, use beer over wine.) 4 ounces cheese, grated (You can use cheddar, Swiss or pepper jack. Each will give a different flavor profile to the soup. Don’t use preshredded cheese, as it is coated in a starch, which inhibits melting.)

SOUPS

Continued from page 1D There is no need to heat it. It is best served not icecold from the refrigerator, but chilled. On-hand ingredients can be put to good use in cheese and tomato soup. In the pantry, I try to always have a few large cans of crushed tomatoes. In the refrigerator, there is often cheese and an open bottle

Zest of 1 lemon ½ cup fresh green herbs such as cilantro, parsley, basil or a combination, chopped 1. Place the oil in a pot and let it heat over a low ﬂame. When it begins to simmer, add garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook the garlic and bloom the herbs in the oil for one minute. Add the tomatoes and stir. Add the beer and stir again. 2. Continue heating, stirring occasionally so that the soup heats evenly. As bubbles begin to form around of beer. I usually make this soup as an extension of dinner. Enjoy it on its own for lunch or pair it with a rolled quesadilla for dipping. And when there is no time for elaborate dessert making, blueberry cream soup will come to the rescue. Serve it with cookies or meringues. This recipe can use up the bits of ice cream left in multiple containers in your freezer. Food waste is not something any of us can afford with grocery prices being

the edge of the pot, add half of the cheese and stir. When it has melted, add the rest of the cheese. Stir again. Add the lemon zest and stir again. 3. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle chopped herbs and drizzle a teaspoon of oil onto each serving. (If you warm the bowls with boiling water, they will help the soup stay hot while you are eating. Fill each bowl with boiling water, discard the water before adding the soup, garnish and serve.) on the rise, but that is no reason to serve less than thoughtful and delicious meals. I think of it as a game — me against the impulse to waste. And I want to win! Liz Williams is founder of the now-closed Southern Food & Beverage Museum in New Orleans. Listen to “Tip of the Tongue,” Liz’s podcast about food, drink and culture, wherever you hear podcasts. Email Liz at lizwillia@gmail.com.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ 3D

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FrAnK And erneSt

roSebUdS

zItS

zodIAC LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) — It's OK to be different. A change will offer lessons that encourage you to replenish your spirit by allowing yourself the freedom to accept who you are and do what makes you happy. scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) — Adjustments that add to your comfort may not be appreciated by everyone, but they will make your life easier. Self-improvement is highly recommended. Relax, enjoy your own company and take care of yourself. sAGITTARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Let your uniqueness lead the way. The changes you initiate at work or at home may not please everyone, but in time, acceptance will manifest. Trust your instincts and explore what's possible. cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Distance yourself from negativity and conversations with people who don't share your beliefs, integrity or standards. Focus on how well you do your job, run your life and handle financial matters. AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Focus on home improvements, budget and investments. A lifestyle change will help you get back on track and be conscientious about health and emotional well-being. PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) — If you express your feelings through your gestures, you'll gain insight into who has mutual respect for you. Participate in activities that are useful and geared toward health. ARIEs (March 21-April 19) — Take a close look at yourself, your relationships and

the amount of time you can spare to take care of your needs. Be realistic, shake things up and find that sweet spot. TAuRus (April 20-May 20) — Set your sights on simplifying your life. Taking on too much will lead to stress and overreacting. Put drama aside, and pay more attention to making memories with the ones you love. GEMInI (May 21-June 20) — A change of scenery will prompt you to make changes. Finding an outlet for pent-up energy will give you the confidence necessary to pursue your dreams. Consider a hobby that eases stress. cAncER (June 21-July 22) — A creative outlet will spark your imagination and encourage you to expand and use your talents to make money. Self-improvement projects will help you excel. Update your resume. LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Monitor what's happening around you and how you feel physically. Address issues concerning home improvements, medical issues and how committed you are to your lifestyle. Investigate what's available to you. VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) — Reaching out to an old colleague or childhood friend will offer insight into what you can do with your skills and experience. Don't be shy. Love, romance, personal growth or getting a new look are favored. The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

For better or For WorSe WonderWord

peAnUtS

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY CeLebrItY CIpher Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

ToDAy's cLuE: o EQuALs R

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

4D ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

CurTiS

Hi and LoiS

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

BaBY BLueS

BLondie

THe wiZard oF id

nea CroSSwordS

La TimeS CroSSword

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ 5D

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B.C.

Bridge By PHILLIP ALDER John Lennon said, “Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.” This week we are looking at deals from reality — how they were actually bid and played by nonexperts. What do you think of the bidding in this deal? Also, against five diamonds, West led the heart two. When declarer played low from the dummy, East put up his king. South won with her ace, played a diamond to dummy’s king, returned a heart to her jack, ruffed a club in the dummy, discarded a club on the heart queen, drew the missing trump, and claimed all 13 tricks. How many mistakes were made? In the auction, East might have made a takeoutdoubleoveronespade.AndSouth should not have jumped straight to five diamonds. With four aces, her hand had slam potential. I would have continued with three hearts, leaving partner room to describe his hand. Here, North would probably have bid four diamonds. (I like the Principle of Fast Arrival, when, in a game-forcing auction, a jump to game is discouraging. So four diamonds is stronger than five. Yes, North has only six points, but four trumps and a club void are great assets.) In the play, West should have led the heart seven, top of nothing. Regardless,

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

East should have played his eight at trick one, not the king. West would not have been underleading (leading low away from) the ace. East should have assumed that West had the heart jack. The rest of the play was fine except that declarer should have drawn the second round of trumps a tad quicker. © 2026 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

wuzzles Each Wuzzle is a word riddle which creates a disguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD = GOOD AFTERNOON

PiCKles

Previous answers:

mallard fillmore

word game InsTRucTIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

ToDAy’s WoRD — HELIcon: HEL-ih-kon: A large tuba similar to a sousaphone.

Bizarro

marmaduKe

Average mark 20 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 25 or more words in HELICON? yEsTERDAy’s WoRD — DIFFIcuLTy difficult duct duff dulcify duly duty icily idly iffy fifty fitful

flit fluid fluidity city cliff cuff cult licit lift lucid lucidity

ludic luff tidily tidy tiff tuff

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27 Here is where you can find real confidence. G.E. Dean

6D ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-268-0108 www.dental50plus.com/morning #6258 Home Improvement Safe Step Stairlifts. Enjoy greater independence and stay in the home you love. Feel safe on every level. $750 off plus FREE installation. Made in the U.S.A. Call today for a free quote. 1-866-915-2470.

classiﬁeds.theadvocate.com | 225-383-0111 Announcements 9 RACE CAR FRAMES, 1 GOOSENECK TRAILER, 4 BOATS & TRAILERS, 1 TOWING TRAILER ARE STORED AT LEWIS’ WRECKER SERVICE, 9555 JOOR ROAD. IF ALL CURRENT CHARGES ARE NOT PAID AND VEHICLE CLAIMED BY REGISTERED OWNERS BY 10/15/26 A PERMIT TO SELL/DISMANTLE WILL BE OBTAINED. 201823-Sept 24-25, 2t $93.60 ANYONE knowing the whereabouts of any property owner, heir or other related person, in regard to the properties listed below, please contact the East Baton Rouge CityParish, Department of Development – Neighborhood Revitalization Ofﬁce at 225-389-8680. 23911 PLANK RD BOOKER T DOTY 4206 KILKENNY DR CHARLES E DAVIS JR 3678 ONTARIO ST RHINO VENTURES, LLC 16709 ELLIS AVE JOSEPH LEO CHRISTOPHER JR 255 S 21ST ST ISAAC HORACE PATTERSON SR 2322 MARYLAND ST EARLINE LATHAN C/O ANNNETTE THOMAS 748 SOUTH BLVD SUSAN BIENVILLE 249 N 19TH ST 249 19TH STREET, LLC 641 EDUCATION ST BEACON HOMES & INVESTMENTS, LLC 841 FOUNTAINBLEAU DR WILLIAM MIDDLETON REED JR 1195 SEABORD DR TODD & LANYA GRAMMER 1626 JADE AVE SHAWN L BARROW 8012 KEEL AV BSC INDUSTRIES, LLC 3222 ELM DR ROBERT JOHNSON, JR 6588 CLINTON AVE MERICK LALIN 5432 MADISON AVE JAMES W WILLIAMS 5835 ADAMS AVE TERRY ZIMMER 4043 N BARROW DR ANGEL WINGS PROPERTIES, LLC 1665 N 44TH ST DESAMAS MOORE 1205 N 37TH ST

FELTUS MARIE COLLIER 5224 SYCAMORE ST THE ESTATE OF ALFRED J BRADY 1119 N ACADIAN THWY W KENDRIC C HINTON 1115 N ACADIAN THWY W KENDRIC C HINTON 1855 HARELSON ST ALBERTHA HAYES 1472 N 43RD ST AUDREY CHARLES WILLIAMS, SR 1450 N 43RD ST IRA MAE FOREMAN 3116 DALTON ST THE ESTATE OF LONNIE WHITE ATTN: FANNIE WHITE 3045 ERIE ST AMEKA THOMAS 3858 TYRONE DR LEONA LEE FORD LEBLANC 2349 MISSISSIPPI ST LATOYA SAUNDERS 9957 AVENUE H LOUIS J WHITE 9956 AVENUE I THELMA CHRISTOFF 8565 WILBUR ST FATISHA D BOYD 4526 MONARCH AVE LLOYD JONES 7772 N MARIBEL CT MONICA T AUGUSTUS 1280 CARDINAL ST PRESTON MORRISON 10200 GREENWELL SPRINGS RD SULLIVAN EQUIPMENT CO, INC 8832 HICKCOCK DR RUFUS E JACKSON, JR 2040 PICKETT AVE RICHARD LEONIDAS BILES, III 12020 FLORIDA BLVD GMGC VENTURES LLC 1665 N 44TH ST DESAMAS MOORE 432 EAST DR COLLIS B TEMPLE, JR 5835 ADAMS AVE TERRY ZIMMER 1650 N ACADIAN THWY W BIG RIVER PLANTING & REFINING, CO 7863 MEADOW AVE GREGORY COATES 2151 GLENMORE AVE HOUSE OF GOD OF BATON ROUGE, INC 4043 N BARROW DR ANGEL WINGS PROPERTIES, LLC 6588 CLINTON AVE MERICK LALIN 3675 FAIRWOODS DR EVELYN BELL 5103 WOODLYN DR KEJAMLEA R HOWELL 1645 BELLROSE DR MELVILLE ROGERS & KIMBERLY PIERSON 1887 ERLANGER DR MARIO A SAENZ 854 N DONMOOR

Public Notices

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

y person may object to the licensing classiﬁcation of this public project in ac‐ cordance with LSA-R.S. 37:2163D.

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Project: DELGADO COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROJECT: MARITIME AQUATICS FACILITY NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70129 Delgado Community College Project No.: 40006-R0031602 H/S Project No.: 25037 Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived by the Delgado Community College Pur‐ chasing Office, O’Keefe Administration Building, located at 501 City Park Avenue (Building 37), New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 until 2:00 p.m. CST on 10/21/26. All bids which have been duly re‐ ceived will be publicly opened in the Purchasing Department and, except as provided in LSA-R.S. 37:2163, read aloud. Late bids will not be ac‐ cepted. Description of the proposed work: New construction of a maritime aquatic facility within the existing Del‐ gado Community College Campus. New construc‐ tion consists of a side‐ walk connecting to the adjacent existing school building’s sidewalk, a first responder river res‐ cue training pool, pool deck, covered pool equipment pad, and an add alternate for two (2) restrooms and showers. Complete Bid Documents for this project are avail‐ able in electronic form. They may be obtained without charge and with‐ out deposit from Holly and Smith Architects, APAC. Printed copies are not available from the Designer, but arrangements can be made to obtain them through most repro‐ graphic firms. Plan holders are responsible for their own reproduc‐ tion costs. Questions about this procedure shall be directed to the Designer at: Holly and Smith Architects, APAC 2302 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA 70130 Telephone: (504) 585-1315 E-mail: hsa@hollyandsmi th.com A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Maritime & Indus‐ trial Training Center lo‐ cated at 13200 Old Gen‐ tilly Road, New Orleans, LA 70129, on 10/6/26 at 10:00 a.m. CST. Type of Bid: Bids shall be on a lump-sum basis. Segregated bids will not be accepted. Bids security in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total bid must accompany each Bid. A certified or cashier’s check or a bid bond is acceptable bid security. If bid bond is used, it shall be written by a surety or insurance company currently on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Management service list of approved bonding companies which is pub‐ lished annually in the Federal Register, or by a Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with at least an A-rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide to write individual bonds up to ten percent of poli‐ cyholders’ surplus as shown in the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. (LSAR.S. 38:2218.C). Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. RS.37.2150-2192 for the classification of Building Bidder Construction. shall certify that he is li‐ censed under the provi‐ sions of LSA-R.S. 37:2150 et seq. and show his li‐ cense number on the bid envelope. Except as oth‐ erwise provided in LSAR.S. 37:2163, any bid that does not contain the contractor’s certification and show the contrac‐ tor’s license number on the bid envelope shall be automatically rejected, shall be returned to the stamped “Re‐ Bidder jected” and shall not be read aloud. Any Bidder who submits a bid for a type of construction for which he is not properly licensed shall be acting in violation of LSA-R.S. 37:2163 and shall be sub‐ ject to all provisions for violations and penalties thereof. Any interested bj h

The successful Bidder will be required to fur‐ nish a Performance Bond guaranteeing faithful performance and a Labor and Materials Payment Bond guaranteeing the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the performance of the contract. Sureties will be required to meet qualiﬁcations set forth in LSA-R.S. 38:2218 and R.S. 38:2219 as applicable, and as set forth in the Contract Doc‐ uments. Delgado Community Col‐ lege reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any and all informalities, and to re‐ ject nonconforming, nonresponsive, or condi‐ tional bids whichever is in the best interest of Delgado Com‐ munity College. Publish: Advocate (Baton Rouge and New Orleans) 9/17/26, 9/24/26 and 10/1/26. 200828 Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 2026 3t $202.63

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived for Northwestern State University by the NSU Purchasing Office and shall be directed to Northwestern State Uni‐ versity, Business Affairs – Purchasing Section, St. Denis Hall, 200 Sam Sib‐ ley Dr., Natchitoches, LA 71497. The deadline for receipt of bids is 2:00 PM on October 29, 2026, at which time bids will be opened and read aloud in a public meeting in St. Denis Hall Conference Room. FOR: SB #7678 NSU Prudhomme Hall Demolition PROJECT NUMBER: 01-107-24-05 JLCB No. 223, WBS No. F.01004741 Bid documents may be obtained without charge and without deposit by contacting the NSU Pur‐ chasing Office at pur‐ chasing@nsula.edu. Printed copies are not available from the De‐ signer, but arrangements can be made to obtain them through most re‐ prographic firms. Plan holders are responsible for their own reproduc‐ tion costs. Questions about this procedure shall be directed to the Designer at: Newman Marchive Incorporated 2800 Youree Drive, Suite 310 Shreveport, La 71104 318-219-1814 Brady@Newmaninc.com

All bids shall be accom‐ panied by bid security in an amount of five per‐ cent (5.0%) of the sum of the base bid and all al‐ ternates. The form of this security shall be as stated in the Instructions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project. The successful Bidder shall be required to fur‐ nish a Performance and Payment Bond written as described in the Instruc‐ tions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project. A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Facilities & Plant Operation Rm. 126 998 South Jefferson St., Natchitoches, LA 71497 Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2166 for the classification of Building Constructions or Rigging, House Moving, Wreaking, and Dismantling (Classi‐ fication 1.10). Bidder is required to comply with provisions and require‐ ments of LA R.S. 38:2212(B)(5). No bid may be withdrawn for a pe‐ riod of forty-five (45) days after receipt of bids, except under the provisions of LA. R.S. 38:2214.

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p from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2166 for the classiﬁcation of Mechanical. Bidder is re‐ quired to comply with provisions and require‐ ments of LA R.S. 38:2212(B)(5). No bid may be withdrawn for a pe‐ riod of forty-ﬁve (45) days after receipt of bids, except under the provisions of LA. R.S. 38:2214.

All questions regarding the Bid Documents and any substitution re‐ quests shall be submit‐ ted to SAM, attn: Jacob Haynes, via Centerline BidConnect by 2:00 pm local time on October 01, 2026. Responses will be posted via Addendum on www.centerlinebidco nnect.com by 2:00 pm local time on October 05, 2026.

STATE OF LOUISIANA DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION FACILITY PLANNING AND CONTROL MATTHEW H. BAKER, DIRECTOR JULY 2026 201801 Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 2026 3t $182.05 PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived for the State of Louisiana by the Division of Administration and shall be directed to the Office of Facility Planning and Control, 1201 North Third Street, Claiborne Office Building, Suite 7160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70802 or P.O. Box 94095, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70804-9095. The deadline for receipt of bids is 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at which time bids will be opened and read aloud in a public meeting in the Claiborne Office Building, Conference Room 1-145. FOR: Lab Ventilation and Fume Hood Replace‐ ment Energy Coast & En‐ vironmental (ECE) Build‐ ing Louisiana State Uni‐ versity Baton Rouge, Louisiana PROJECT NUMBER: 19-671-22-01, F.19002476 Complete Bidding Docu‐ ments for this project are available in electronic form. They may be ob‐ tained without charge and without deposit from www.cityblueprintplans. com. Printed copies are not available from the Designer but arrange‐ ments can be made to obtain them through most reprographic firms. Plan holders are respon‐ sible for their own repro‐ duction costs. Questions about this pro‐ cedure shall be directed to the Designer at:

Salas O'Brien 5215 Essen Lane, Suite 100 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Telephone: 225-766-8002 E-mail: joe.starring@ salasobrien.com All bids shall be accom‐ panied by bid security in an amount of ﬁve per‐ cent (5.0%) of the sum of the base bid and all al‐ ternates. The form of this security shall be as stated in the Instructions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project. The successful Bidder shall be required to fur‐ nish a Performance and Payment Bond written as described in the Instruc‐ tions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In ac‐ cordance with La. R.S. 38:2212(B)(1), the provi‐ sions and requirements of this Section; and those stated in the bidding documents shall not be waived by any entity.

A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD at 10:00 AM on Wednes‐ day, September 30, 2026 at Louisiana State University, College of the Coast and Environment, Room 1001, 93 S. Quad Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.

When this project is ﬁ‐ d i h i ll

Bids shall be accepted f h

Facility Planning and Control is a participant in the Small Entrepreneur‐ ship (SE) Program (the Hudson Initiative) and the Veteran-Owned and Service-Connected Dis‐ abled Veteran-Owned (LaVet) Small Entrepre‐ neurships Program. Bid‐ ders are encouraged to consider participation. Information is available from the Ofﬁce of Facility Planning and Control or on its website at https:// www.doa.la.gov/doa/ fpc/. If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, please con‐ tact Cheryl Schilling at Cheryl.Schilling@la.gov or (225) 342-6060 as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. STATE OF LOUISIANA DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION FACILITY PLANNING AND CONTROL MATTHEW H. BAKER, DIRECTOR 199555 Sept. 10, 17, 24, 2026 3t $164.79

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ST. HELENA FIFTH WARD RECREATION DISTRICT STORAGE BUILDING & SITE IMPROVEMENTS For the St. Helena Fifth Ward Recreation District P.O. Box 335, 31676 Hwy 16 West Amite, LA 70422 The St. Helena Fifth Ward Recreation District (FWRD) is requesting sealed bids for the con‐ struction of the St. He‐ lena Recreation Sports Park – Storage Building & Parking Lot Improve‐ ments project. Bids will be received by St. Helena FWRD until 2:00 pm local time on October 08, 2026, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud at the St Helena MultiPurpose Center, 31676 La Hwy 16, Amite, LA 70422 The Project involves the construction of a metal storage building, paved sidewalks, earthwork, landscaping, associated utilities, and other Work indicated in the Contract Documents. Bids will be received for a Single Prime Contract. Bids shall be on a Lump Sum and unit price basis, with additive alternate bid items as indicated in the Bid Form. Complete Bidding Docu‐ ments for this project are being distributed in elec‐ tronic form without charge or deposit on be‐ half of St. Helena FRWD by Centerline BidCon‐ nect’s Public Plan Room at www.centerlinebidco nnect.com. Printed copies are not available from the Owner or Engi‐ neer, but may be ob‐ tained through most re‐ prographic ﬁrms at plan holder’s own costs. Questions about this pro‐ cedure shall be directed to: Centerline - Phone: 504-291-5738, Email: bid‐ connect@centerline.co.

3 CEMETERY PLOTS GreenOaks Cemetery, Section 3, Lot 40-1, 5, 6. Please Make an Offer. 914671-1546 or beharmeyer@gmail.com CEMETERY PLOTS Selling a Tandem (space for 2) at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Located in the West Interior of the of the Garden View Mausoleum. $14,000.00. Contact 225 772-9206

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p j nanced either partially or entirely with State Bonds or ﬁnanced in whole or in part by federal or other funds which are not readily available at the time bids are received, the award of this Con‐ tract is contingent upon the granting of lines of credit, or the sale of bonds by the Bond Com‐ mission or the availabil‐ ity of federal or other funds. The State shall incur no obligation to the Contractor until the Con‐ tract Between Owner and Contractor is fully exe‐ cuted.

If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, please con‐ tact Cheryl Schilling at Cheryl.Schilling@la.gov or (225) 342-6060 as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting.

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

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Dogs German shepherd puppies 6 1/2 weeks old. Shots and wormed $600.00 225-572-9423 tksawy43@yahoo.com

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

When this project is ﬁ‐ nanced either partially or entirely with State Bonds or ﬁnanced in whole or in part by federal or other funds which are not readily available at the time bids are received, the award of this Con‐ tract is contingent upon the granting of lines of credit, or the sale of bonds by the Bond Com‐ mission or the availabil‐ ity of federal or other funds. The State shall incur no obligation to the Contractor until the Con‐ tract Between Owner and Contractor is fully exe‐ cuted.

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

PETS • SUPPLIES • SERVICES • OBITUARIES • LOST & FOUND

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

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

PLACE YOUR PET SERVICES INFORMATION IN THE PET SERVICES DIRECTORY TODAY! • IT IS FAST AND EASY! • CALL 225-383-0111

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In ac‐ cordance with La. R.S. 38:2212(B)(1), the provi‐ sions and requirements of this Section and those stated in the bidding documents shall not be waived by any entity.

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Pets / Pet Services Directory

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Baton Rouge Rental

Employment

Bidders must meet the requirements of the State of Louisiana Con‐ tractor’s Licensing Law, R.S. 37:2151 et seq. Bid‐ ders shall be licensed under the classification of Commercial Building Construction. Bids may be submitted: 1. Electronically (pre‐ ferred) through Center‐ line BidConnect prior to the bid opening time, 2. By Registered or Certi‐ fied Mail to St. Helena Fifth Ward Recreation District, P.O. Box 335, Amite, LA 70422, or 3. Hand Delivered to the St. Helena Police Jury Ad‐ ministration Office, 17911 Hwy 43 North, Greens‐ burg, LA 70441, week‐ days, 9am–4pm, up to date of bid, then at the project site on bid date, prior to bid opening. All hard-copy bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing the contractor’s Name, Ad‐ dress and License Num‐ ber plainly marked on the outside of the enve‐ lope and addressed as follows: BID FOR: ST. HE‐ LENA FIFTH WARD RECRE‐ ATION – STORAGE BUILD‐ ING AND SITE IMPROVE‐ MENTS. Bids shall be accompa‐ nied by a Bid Bond, fur‐ nished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. A pre-bid conference will be held at 10:00 am local time on September 29, 2026, at the St. Helena Recreation Multipurpose Center (project site). At‐ tendance at the pre-bid conference is highly en‐ couraged but is not mandatory. Bids will be accepted only from respective bid‐ ders who have been pro‐ vided bidding documents and shall be submitted on the Bid Forms pro‐ vided in the Project Man‐ ual. Owner: St. Helena Fifth Ward Recreation District By: Virginia Bell, President + + END OF ADVERTISE‐ MENT FOR BIDS + + 199273 Sept. 10, 17, 24, 2026 3t $1,335.46 PUBLIC NOTICE --East Baton Rouge Parish School System Child Nutrition Program Advertisement for Sealed Bids Notice is hereby given that the East Baton Rouge Parish School Sys‐ tem, the School Food Au‐ thority, will receive sealed bids for PEST CONTROL SERVICES for the Child Nutrition Pro‐ gram. The deadline for submission of Sealed bids is 9 a.m. on Wednes‐ day, September 23, 2026, Central Standard Time. Bids may be hand-deliv‐ ered, mailed, or submit‐ ted electronically via the free procurement plat‐ form Beacon Bids.com. There is no monetary charge to submit bids electronically. Detailed specifications and bid re‐ quests may be obtained by contacting the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, Child Nu‐ trition Program, Purchas‐ ing Dept. at 225-226-3782, or bids may be picked up at the Child Nutrition Program, Purchasing Dept. at 3000 North Sher‐ wood Forest Drive, Baton Rouge, La. 70814 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 10:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the East Baton Rouge Parish School Sys‐ tem Child Nutrition Pro‐ gram Office, Building A, Room 055, located at 3000 North Sherwood Forest Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70814. Members of the public are invited to attend and observe the bid opening. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Publication Dates: 1st Insertion Wednesday, b

Public Notices Bids/Proposals y September 23, 2026 2nd Insertion Wednesday, October 7, 2026 201944-sept 23-oct 7-2t $50.64 PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS RECEIPT OF SEALED BIDS WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE OWNER, McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY, PUR‐ CHASING DEPARTMENT, SMITH HALL, ROOM 120, 150 LAWTON DR., LAKE CHARLES, LA 70607, or MSU BOX 92415, LAKE CHARLES, LA 70609, UNTIL THE DATE AND TIME INDICATED FOR THE FOLLOWING BID:

BID NO. D2700018 DATE DUE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 TIME: 10:00 A.M. NEW MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE FACILITY at Mc‐ NEESE STATE UNIVERSITY, LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA 70607 PROJECT NO. 19-627-2101, F.19002581, 01-10705B-13, F.01004543 NON-MANDATORY PREBID CONFERENCE Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026 at 2:00 pm

A NON-MANDATORY SITE VISIT CAN BE ARRANGED BY CONTACTING FACILITIES AT 337-4755887 or email facilities@ mcneese.edu. FRONT-END BIDDING DOCUMENTS MAY BE OB‐ TAINED AT THE STATE OF LOUISIANA WEBSITE VEN‐ DOR CENTER, LaPAC, AT https://doa.louisiana. gov/doa/osp/vendorresources, LaPAC Bids Opportunities from State of Louisiana and local agencies. FOR ADDI‐ TIONAL ASSISTANCE AND TO OBTAIN PLANS, SPECI‐ FICATIONS, DRAWINGS, etc., EMAIL REQUEST TO facilities@mcneese.edu. FEES FOR SET OF DOCUMENTS: NONE A CASHIER’S CHECK, CER‐ TIFIED CHECK, OR AC‐ CEPTABLE BIDDER’S BOND PAYABLE TO Mc‐ NEESE STATE UNI‐ VERISITY IN AN AMOUNT NOT LESS THAN FIVE PER‐ CENT (5%) OF THE BID SUBMITTED MUST AC‐ COMPANY EACH BID AS A GUARANTEE THAT, IF AWARDED THE CON‐ TRACT, THE BIDDER WILL PROMPTLY ENTER INTO A CONTRACT AND EXECUTE SUCH BONDS AS MAY BE REQUIRED. THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL BE REQUIRED TO FURNISH A PERFOR‐ MANCE BOND IN AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO 100% OF THE CONTRACT AMOUNT AND IN ACCOR‐ DANCE WITH R.S.38:2219. BIDS SHALL BE ACCEPTED ONLY FROM CONTRAC‐ TORS WHO ARE LICENSED UNDER LA. R.S.37:21502163 FOR THE CLASSIFI‐ BUILDING CATION OF CONSTRUCTION. NO BID MAY BE WITH‐ DRAWN FOR A PERIOD OF THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF BIDS, EXCEPT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF LA. R.S.38:2214. THE OWNER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS AND TO WAIVE ANY INFOR‐ MALITIES INCIDENTAL THERETO. EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY TO SUBMIT THE BID SHALL BE REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH R.S.38:2212 (A)(1)(C) AND/OR R.S. 39:1594 (C) (2)(D). McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY DEBET HEBERT PROCUREMENT SPECIAL‐ IST debet@mcneese.edu Phone: (337)475-5083 201053 Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 2026 3t $115.05

PUBLIC NOTICE --VOUCHER# 26-006834 TO BE PUBLISHED – LEGAL 09/24/26 & 10/01/26 BIDS TO BE OPENED: 10/20/26 THE ADVOCATE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA NOTICE TO BIDDERS Electronic or sealed bids will be received by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Purchasing Divi‐ sion, City Hall Building, Room 826, 222 Saint Louis

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CLASSIFIEDS WORK Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Street, 8th Floor, Baton Rouge, La. until 11:00 A.M. October 20, 2026, for the following: REQ6834 Domestic Water Boiler Replacement at Baton Rouge Metro Air‐ port A mandatory site visit will be held at the Baton Rouge Metro Airport, 9430 Jackie Cochran Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70807 at 9:00 a.m. in the first-floor conference room on Oc‐ tober 10, 2026. Official bid documents are available at Central Bidding (https://www. centralauctionhouse. com/rfpc10656-city-ofbaton-rouge.html) or by request from the City of Baton Rouge at lcan‐ non@brla.gov.

Bids shall be submitted electronically via www. centralbidding.com or on the solicitation bid forms furnished by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge prior to the bidding deadline. Electronic bids for the solicitation will be down‐ loaded by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Pur‐ chasing Division and paper bids will be opened. Beginning as soon as feasible after the bid closing time all names of vendor submit‐ ting bids will be read aloud. Note: The City-Parish has elected to use LaPAC, the state's online electronic bid posting and notiﬁca‐ tion system, in addition to its standard means of advertising this require‐ ment. This Invitation to Bid is available in elec‐ tronic form at the LaPAC https:// website wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana. gov/osp/lapac/dspBid. cfm?search=departm ent&term=102. Bids, amendments to bids or request for with‐ drawal of bids received after time speciﬁed for bid openings shall not be considered for any cause whatsoever. Inquiries will be received up until 5 pm on October 12, 2026. Full information may be obtained upon request from the above address or by telephoning Latisha Cannon at (225) 389-3259, Ext. 3271, or via email lcannon@brla.gov. Any vendor who would like to listen to the open‐ ing of this bid can access the following link, at the date and time of this bid opening: NOTE: The only vendor information shared at the bid opening will be the reading of the names of those vendors who submitted bids.

Join by phone +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll Access code: 263 373 080 (followed by the # but‐ ton) Alternate numbers to call if number above is not available, which may occur due to network trafﬁc (use the same Ac‐ cess Code, followed by the # button): United States Toll (Boston) +1-617-315-0704 United States Toll (Chicago) +1-312-5358110 United States Toll (Dal‐ las) +1-469-210-7159 United States Toll (Den‐ ver) +1-720-650-7664 United States Toll (Jack‐ sonville) +1-904-900-2303 United States Toll (Los Angeles) +1-213-306-3065 These numbers will pro‐ vide you with live audio access to this bid open‐ ing. 201774-sept 24-oct 1-2t $107.92

Public Notices DEQ Permits

PUBLIC NOTICE --PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUBMIT MAJOR PERMIT MODIFICATION APPLICATION CLEAN HARBORS WHITE CASTLE, LLC WHITE CASTLE LANDFARM FACILITY IBERVILLE PARISH, LOUISIANA Notice is hereby given that Clean Harbors White Castle, LLC does intend to submit to the Depart‐ f i l

Public Notices DEQ Permits p ment of Environmental Quality, Office of Environ‐ mental Services, Waste Premits Division, an ap‐ plication for a Major Per‐ mit Modification to Solid Waste Permit No. P-0059R1-M7 for the White Cas‐ tle Landfarm Facility lo‐ cated in Iberville Parish at 52735 Clark Road, White Castle, Louisiana. The proposed Major Per‐ mit Modification re‐ quests authorization to construct an additional non-hazardous landfarm treatment cell within the permitted facility and in‐ crease the associated non-hazardous waste treatment capacity. Comments concerning the facility may be filed with the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality at the following address: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Services Waste Permits Division Post Office Box 4313 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821-4313 202004-SEP 24-1T $183.64

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE --Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Ac‐ tivity in a Flood‐ plain/Wetland; Livingston Parish Amite River Sediment Removal Project To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agen‐ cies, Groups, and Individ‐ uals This is to give notice that the Livingston Parish Government (LPG) under 24 CFR Part 58 has deter‐ mined that this proposed action under the Louisiana Watershed Ini‐ tiative (LWI) HUD Pro‐ gram Grant Number B-18DP-22-0001is located in the 100-year flood‐ plain/Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain/wet‐ land, and LPG will be evaluating practicable alternatives to locating this action in the flood‐ plain/wetland and the potential impacts from the proposed action, as required by Executive Or‐ ders 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Proce‐ dures for Making Deter‐ minations on Floodplain Management. Extent of FFRMS floodplain was determined using the 0.2PFA. The proposed project would remove approxi‐ mately 1.2 million cubic yards of material for on‐ site placement. The gen‐ eral improvement activi‐ ties associated with the proposed project will in‐ clude the dredging of sediment from approxi‐ mately 6,616 linear feet downstream of LA Hwy 22 to the outfall of the Amite River at Lake Mau‐ repas (approximately 22,194 linear feet) to re‐ store the river channel to its pre-aggradation state. This would ad‐ dress the project pur‐ pose of improving drainage of tributaries and reducing flooding risks to coastal commu‐ nities, especially when severe storms move across lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain. A total of 1,644.65 acres of FFRMS floodplain is ex‐ pected to be impacted at least temporarily. Of those, 627.77 acres of wetlands are expected to be temporarily impacted by beneficial use of dredge spoil placement. No direct wetland im‐ pacts are expected so no mitigation requirements are anticipated. Dredged material will be placed along the shore‐ line of Lake Maurepas. Following placement, natural wave action is expected to redistribute the material, initially cre‐ ating temporary nearshore shoaling be‐ fore gradually transport‐ ing sediment landward. This process is antici‐ pated to provide benefi‐ cial sediment nourish‐ ment to the shoreline, helping reinforce and maintain the existing coastline. The existing and natural beneficial use of the floodplain, floodwater storage, is not expected to be nega‐ tively impacted by this activity. There are three primary f hi i

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p y purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the nat‐ ural environment should be given the opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Sec‐ ond, an adequate public notice program can be an important public edu‐ cational tool. The dis‐ semination of informa‐ tion about floodplains can facilitate and en‐ hance Federal efforts to reduce the risks associ‐ ated with the temporary impacts to the special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government de‐ termines it will partici‐ pate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at a greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by Adam Gartelman at ELOS Envi‐ ronmental on behalf of LPG at the following ad‐ dress on or before Octo‐ ber 9, 2026, during the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Adam Gartelman, agartelman@elosenv. com, (985) 662-5501 Coastal Scientist ELOS Environmental, LLC 607 W Morris Ave Hammond, LA 70403 201559-SEP 24-1T $454.16

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE OF PUBLIC EMERGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT EMERGENCY SWITCHGEAR RENTAL AND SWITCHGEAR INSTALLATION SOUTHERN UNIVERSITYBATON ROUGE CAMPUS Emergency justification for immediate action to rent two (2) 1200-amp HV Switch Packages that in‐ clude Switches, HV Cable, Trailers, and Envi‐ ronmental. The installa‐ tion will include a Tem‐ porary Switchgear; 15K high voltage cable, Splice kits, Termination Kits and New 200A fuses. Equip‐ ment for installation in‐ cludes a Crane, Pole Truck and Trailer. As a result of the recent extreme power surge throughout Southern Uni‐ versity Landmass, the re‐ maining components of the existing switchgear cannot support the power flow through the campus. With additional buildings scheduled to come online soon it is imperative to have pro‐ tection for the univer‐ sity’s assets. Due to impending record summer temperatures as well as the university’s scheduled hosted events (e.g., student classes, conferences, indoor and outdoor sporting events, other student events, along with ensuring safety of residential stu‐ dents etc.), delays could cause additional damage to the buildings and re‐ duction in air quality. To avoid another ex‐ treme power surge and to continue to have safe usage, an emergency has been certified by the Southern University Sys‐ tem Office of Facilities Planning, Kenneth Daw‐ son, Director. The normal bidding process will not allow repair work to be completed to restore the essential functions of the University within an ac‐ ceptable time period. This notice constitutes a declaration of emer‐ gency in accordance with LA R. S. 38:2211 et. Seq. and LA R.S. 39:1598. SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY & A&M COLLEGE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Linda A. Antoine, Director of Purchasing Date Advertised September 24, 2026 Orlando. F. McMeans, In‐ terim President, South‐ ern University and A&M College System Kenneth Dawson, Direc‐ tor, Facilities Planning, Southern University and A&M College System 201772 Sept. 24, 2026 1t $29.20 PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION Pursuant to the provi‐ sions of a resolution adopted on May 13, 2026 b h li

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ 7D

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Legal Notices

p y by the Metropolitan Council of the Parish of East Baton Rouge and City of Baton Rouge (the “Metropolitan Council”), acting as the governing authority of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of i i

g Louisiana on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026, and that at the said election there will be submitted to all registered voters of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, qualiﬁed and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of

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the United States of America, the following proposition, to-wit:

(the “Tax”) (an estimated $3,135,435 is reasonably expected to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the tax collection for the year 2027, and annually there‐ after to and including the year 2036, and shall the proceeds of the Tax (after paying reasonable d

p y g and necessary expenses of collecting and admin‐ istering the Tax) be used entirely and exclusively to provide funds to pur‐ chase, maintain and op‐ erate machinery, facili‐ ties and equipment nec‐ essary and useful in the eradication, abatement or control of mosquitoes, other arthropods of pub‐ lic health importance d d i l

p and rodents, title to which shall be in the public, and maintaining and providing for ade‐ quate administrative and support staff in connec‐ tion therewith?

g Louisiana, which polls will open at six (6:00) o’clock a.m., and close at eight (8:00) o’clock p.m., in compliance with the provisions of Section 541 of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 18:541).

p g p precincts in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the special election, and the Commissioners-inCharge and Commission‐ ers, respectively, shall be those persons desig‐ nated according to law pursuant to Section 1286(A) or Section 1286.1,

PROPOSITION (MILLAGE RENEWAL) Shall the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”) be authorized to renew the levy and collection of a .50 mills ad valorem tax

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In accordance with La. R.S. 18:1285(A)(1)(a)(v), the estimated cost of holding the election will be $85,300.00. A portion of the monies collected from the Tax

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The said special election will be held at each and every polling place in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of i i hi h ll

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8D ■ Thursday, September 24, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate Legal Notices

shall be remitted to cer‐ tain State and statewide retirement systems in accordance with the pro‐ visions of Subtitle 1 of Title 11 of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statutes of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 11:82). The said election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Re‐ vised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other con‐ stitutional and statutory authority supplemental thereto, and the ofﬁcers appointed to hold the said special election, as provided in this Notice of Special Election, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accor‐ dance with law will make due returns thereof to the Metropolitan Council, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that said Metropolitan Council will meet at its regular meet‐ ing place, the Council Chambers, City Hall, Third Floor, Room 348, 222 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on WEDNESDAY, DECEM‐ BER 9, 2026, at FOUR (4:00) O’CLOCK P.M., and will then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the special election. All reg‐ istered voters in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana are entitled to vote at said election and voting machines will be used thereat. THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on this, the 13th day of May, 2026. /s/ Brandon Noel President Pro Tempore ATTEST: /s/ Ashley Beck Council Administrator 199315- SEP 3-10 17-24-4T $286.64 PUBLIC NOTICE --Public Hearings will be held at Zachary City Hall 4700 Main St. during a regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission meetingMonday, October 5, 2026 – 6:00 p.m. and the City Council meeting - Tues‐ day – October 27, 2026 6:30 p.m. for the for the purpose indicated:

Legal Notices

Recquisition 11297780

2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY

200978 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $80.36

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

To Alfred Foreman, Jr., Unopened Succession of Curmer L. Foreman, Howard George Foreman, Carrie Foreman McIntyre (aka Carrie Foreman Williams), John Melvin Foreman, Anna Foreman Dixon, Unopened Succes‐ sion of Marie Nell Fore‐ man, Wanda Jean Fore‐ man, and Jo Ann Jones THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 32, Square 16, South Baton Rouge Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Maryland Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19890, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Alfred Forman, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2019 for un‐ paid taxes for the year of 2018. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later.

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Benjamin Franklin THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 5, Square 2, George‐ town Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Roselawn Avenue By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19827, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Benjamin Franklin, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 1992 for un‐ paid taxes for the year of 1991. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810

Conditional Use Permit Alcoholic Beverage 5755 Main Street

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810

201529-SEP 22-24-3T $46.39

200965 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $87.10

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY

To Beacon Homes and In‐ vestments, LLC, Angela Pittman, and Patrick Early

To Mary McQueen Turner

THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 26+, McKinley Heights Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Education Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19838, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Beacon Homes & Investments, LLC, et al; and was adju‐ dicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2019 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2018. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810

THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 31, Square 11, South Baton Rouge Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Thomas Delpit Drive By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19793, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Mary Mc‐ Queen Turner, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2022 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2021. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIX (6) MONTHS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later.

To Eddie White, Jr.

To Willa Evans Gaines THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 6, Square 41, South Baton Rouge Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Maryland Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19889, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Willa Evans-Gaines, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2017 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2016. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later.

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street,

CLASSIFIEDS.THEADVOCATE.COM

200929 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $80.36

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780 NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Ernestine Guinn Caine THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lots 31 & 32, Square 4, Scotland Heights Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Pintail Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19886, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Ernestine Guinn Caine, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2018 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2017. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200975 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $80.36

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780 NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To TAMS, LLC THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 30, Fairwoods Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Fairwoods Dr. By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19824, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of TAMS, LLC et al; and was adjudi‐ cated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2020 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2019. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200972 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $79.02

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780 NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY

Legal Notices

To Julia Moreno Ramirez, Good Deeds, LLC, Joshua White, Sr., Aditeni Moreno, and Barbara Byrd Nolan THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 1-B, Square 5, Dayton Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Aliquippa Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19877, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Julia Moreno Ramirez, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2021 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2020. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200924 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $83.06

September 24, 2026 12:00 Noon

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To David Christopher Burke, and Lima Network U.S. Bank THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 267-A, Highland Creek Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Stoney‐ creek Avenue By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19891, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Lima Net‐ work U.S. Bank, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2017 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2016. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later.

Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () East Harri‐ son Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19888, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Emily Thomas, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2008 for un‐ paid taxes for the year of 2007. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200973 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $81.02

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lots 6 & 7, Square 12, Progress Park Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Bond Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19908, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Brandon Jamar Herndon, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2017 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2016. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street,

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200974 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $81.02

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780 NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Aaron Earl Asberry, Priscilla Smith Asberry, d

Visit Baton Rouge 359 Third Street

II.

Opportunity for Public Commen

Rowdy Gaudet

III. Approval of August 27, 2026 - Board Meeting – Minutes and Approval of the September 8, 2026 – Special Board Meeting

Rowdy Gaudet

IV.

Treasurer’s Report

Danielle Prejean

By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19909, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Eddie White, et al; and was ad‐ judicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2017 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2016. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later.

President’s Report

Jill Kidder

VI.

New Business

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810

VII.

200971 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $79.02

Lot 34, Square 16, South Baton Rouge

To Brandon Jamar Herndon

Rowdy Gaudet

Lot 19PT, Swart Addition

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY

Call to Order

Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Senette Street

and Farmco, Inc.

A. Discussion/action in connection with Jill Kidder results of the economic impact research and study conducted by VBR for two large events proposed for Spring, 2027 and advice to Metro Council concerning same. B. Discussion/action in connection with Jill Kidder update to Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge on behalf of the EBR Downtown Development District for the installation of artistic lighting at Certain intersections in downtown Baton Rouge and potential amendments. C. Discussion/action in connection with Matthew Clark Approval of Resolution as the Sole Member of VBR-232 Lafayette, Inc. Authorizing the 232 Lafayette Street Project. D. Approval of RFP Selection Committee for Raising Cane’s River Center Interim Sub Contract Management.

Legal Notices

Recquisition 11297780

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

VISIT BATON ROUGE September Board Meeting Notice & Agenda

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810

200961 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $82.38

Recquisition 11297780

200976 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $79.68

lll

2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200969 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $80.36 PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Hannah Causey THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot F-1-A-2 North Baton Rouge Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Progress Road. By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19683, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Hannah Knighten Causey, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2022 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2021. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIX (6) MONTHS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200980 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $81.02

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Alligator Land Management THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 3, Square 54, Greenville Extension Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Gus Young Avenue By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19900, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identiﬁed as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Alligator Land Management, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2017 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2016. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ b ki ll

Legal Notices

p p erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or ﬁle a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the ﬁrst publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later.

g been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Thelma Ruth Green Spooner, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 1988 for unpaid taxes for the year of 1987. The sale will take place in ac‐ cordance with the provi‐ sions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be termi‐ nated if you do not re‐ deem the property by making all required pay‐ ments to the tax collec‐ tor listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later.

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200970 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $81.02

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY TO NICLO PROPERTIES, LLC AND ALAN W. JUDER‐ JAHN THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 35, Square 2, North Highlands Addition Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Clayton Drive. By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19687, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Niclo Properties, LLC, and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2022 for un‐ paid taxes for the year of 2021. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIX (6) MONTHS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200979 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $81.02

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Donna Kay Trim, Chris‐ tine T. Blunt, Sheila T. Johnson, Jessie Ray Trim, and Clyde Jerome Trim THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW:

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200977 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $82.38

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Harrison Cosey THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 76, Square 12, South Baton Rouge Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () East Polk Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19922, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Harrison Cosey., et al; and was ad‐ judicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 1991 for unpaid taxes for the year of 1990. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200966 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $79.68

STAY INFORMED

Lot 25pt, McKinley Heights Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Education Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19839, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has b h i d ll

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners, acting as the governing authority (the “Governing Authority”), of the Fire Protection District No. 8 of the Parish of Livingston, State of Louisiana (the “District”) on April 7, 2026, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held within the corporate limits of the District on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (the “Election”) and that at the Election there will be submitted to all registered voters in the District qualified and entitled to vote at the Election under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana (the “State”) and the Constitution of the United States, the following proposition to-wit: PROPOSITION (RENEWAL) Shall Fire Protection District No. 8 of Livingston Parish, Louisiana (the “District”) renew the levy and collection of a special tax of fifteen (15) mills (an estimated $299,083 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) on all the property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2028 and ending with the year 2037, for the purposes of maintaining and operating the District’s fire protection facilities, for purchasing fire truck’s and other fire-fighting equipment and paying the cost of obtaining water for fire protection purposes, including charges for the hydrant rentals and services? The Election will be held at the following polling places situated within the District, which polls will open at Six O’clock (6:00) a.m., and close at Eight O’clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, to-wit: PRECINCT 00/15 (in-part) 00/18 (in-part) 00/18A 00/22 (in-part) 00/34 00/43

POLL PLACE NAME/LOCATION Killian Voting Precinct – 28284 La Hwy 22 – Springfield French Settlement Elem School – 15810 La Hwy 16 – French Settlement French Settlement Elem School – 15810 La Hwy 16 – French Settlement Livingston Parish S. Branch Library – 23477 La Hwy 444 – Livingston French Settlement Village Hall – 16015 La Hwy 16 – French Settlement French Settlement Elem School – 15810 La Hwy 16 – French Settlement

The polling places set forth above are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the Election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those designated according to law. Notice is further given that a portion of the monies collected from the tax described in the Proposition shall be remitted to certain state and statewide retirement systems in the manner required by law. The Election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5, Chapter 6-A and Chapter 6-B of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the Election, as provided in this Notice of Election, or such substitute therefor, as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, 15160 LA Hwy 16 - French Settlement, Louisiana, 70733, on February 2, 2027, at Six-Thirty O’clock (6:30) p.m., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the Election. This Governing Authority reserves the right to postpone the date and time set forth above for the canvass of the returns (without any further publication of notice of the change in the date, time and/or location). All registered voters of the District are entitled to vote at the Election and voting machines will be used thereat. The estimated cost of the election as determined by the Louisiana Secretary of State is $1,700. THUS DONE AND SIGNED, on this, the 7th day of April, 2026. FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 8 OF THE PARISH OF LIVINGSTON, STATE OF LOUISIANA

Old Business

By: /s/ Brian Baum, President

VIII. Adjourn

By: /s/ Mary Day, Secretary 201782-690797-sept 24-1t $ 101.92

198822-681677-sep 3-10-17-24-4t $ 4,505.00