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“Nobody in the SEC, and very few anywhere, could fake and drive around the basket, put up a hook or hit a medium jumper the way Pettit did.” NED CLARK, a lifelong friend and LSU teammate

LSU, NBA legend Bob Pettit dies at 93

Livingston restricts Flock cameras Ordinance bans new devices on parish roads

BY GIGI LIMAN Staff writer

Gone are the days when anyone in Livingston Parish could buy a Flock camera and mount it along a parish-maintained road. The Parish Council on Thursday unanimously passed a long-awaited ordinance restricting the use of Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers on parish roads, making it the ﬁrst parish in the state to do so. The ordinance prohibits privately owned cameras from being installed on roads owned or maintained by the parish. It does not require existing cameras to be removed, so cameras already in place will remain. “There’s been an outcry from the public about this nationwide, and it’s hitting right here at home,” council member Erin Sandefur said. “I don’t think it belongs on a public right of way. If people want to put them on their private land, that’s their private property. They can do what they want.” The ordinance was ﬁrst introduced in August but failed to garner enough votes later that month before being sent back to committee and resubmitted. The original version would have applied retroactively, requiring the removal of existing cameras. After pushback from homeowners associations — the primary targets of the ban — the ordinance was rewritten to apply only to cameras installed in the future. “Because of how much these subdivisions

He was a two-time All-American for Tigers and two-time league MVP as a professional

Staff report Bob Pettit, arguably the greatest basketball player in Louisiana history, died on Wednesday. He was 93 years old. A self-made athlete, the Baton Rouge native was a two-time All-American at LSU. He led the Southeastern Conference in scoring g and was the key figure as th he Tigers reached their first Final Four in 1953. fi As a professional with th he St. Louis Hawks, Pettit was named first te eam All-NBA in 10 conse ecutive seasons, second te eam in the last of his 11ye ear career, an All-Star 11 tim mes and the MVP of the Alll-Star Game a record fo our times. He was indu ucted into the Naismith Ba asketball Hall of Fame Bob Pettit was a in the Class of 1971. two-time All-American Pettit was also MVP of at LSU. the league twice. And he was the MVP of the NBA’s 1958 championship series in which the Hawks broke the string of nine straight titles by the Boston Celtics. When he retired, Pettit had: n Scored 20,880 points, then the most in NBA history. n Pulled in 12,849 rebounds, then the second-most in NBA history. n Scored the most field goals (7,349) and the secondmost free throws (6,182) in NBA history. Joe Dean, the late LSU athletic director and athlete who watched the college careers of Pete Maravich and Shaquille O’Neal from a close vantage point, was adamant that his old teammate is the best LSU basketball player ever. He had a case. In 1974, 20 years after his last game as a Tiger, Pettit was voted the best in the history of

$2.00X

ä See FLOCK, page 6A

STAFF FILE PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

LSU basketball legend Bob Pettit speaks at the unveiling of a statue ä See PETTIT, page 7A honoring him in 2016.

STAFF FILE PHOTO

Livingston Parish on Thursday became the first parish to restrict the use of Flock cameras on its roads.

Six semiﬁnal candidates named for Southern system president BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

Southern University announced Thursday the names of six presidential candidates who are being considered to lead the public, historically Black university system. The six semiﬁnalists will be invited to interview with the search committee in person, with a proposed date of Oct. 7, committee

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chair Jason Hughes said. “They bring a wide range and diversity of experience,” Hughes said. “We’re very excited to continue this process moving forward.” The candidates are: n Brian Bridges, senior adviser at education policy consulting ﬁrm Whiteboard Advisors and former secretary of higher education for the state of New Jersey. Bridges also served as a vice president for

the United Negro College Fund, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that funds scholarships and advocates for HBCUs, as well as the chief diversity ofﬁcer for Ohio University. He has a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Indiana University. n John Belton, district attorney for the 3rd Judicial District Court of Louisiana, encompassing Lincoln Parish and Union Par-

ish. Belton was a former chair of the Southern University Board of Supervisors. He is also owner and chief ﬁnancial ofﬁcer of The Belton Companies, which deal in commercial and multifamily real estate and restaurants. He has his law degree from the Southern University Law Center. n Jaffus Hardrick, former president of Florida Memorial University. With a background in human

Business ......................3B Commentary ................7B Nation-World................2A Classified .....................7D Deaths .........................4B Opinion ........................6B Comics-Puzzles .....4D-6D Living............................1D Sports ..........................1C

resources, he held high-ranking administrative positions at Florida International University and Baylor University. He has his doctorate in education from Baylor University. n Roscoe Jones, former dean of Drake University Law School. He sat on the boards of multiple legal organizations. He has also served

ä See SOUTHERN, page 6A

102ND yEAR, NO. 87

2A n Friday, September 25, 2026 n theadvocate.com n The Advocate

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FROM WIRE REPORTS

Meat bearing false USDA labels recalled NEWYORK — More than 83 tons of meat are being recalled across the U.S. because the products were not properly inspected by federal authorities and were shipped out with falsified inspection stickers, the Department of Agriculture said. Star Meat Delivery Inc., based in Lucama, North Carolina, is recalling more than 167,000 pounds of raw pork, beef and goat nationwide. The USDA said that number could grow as it continues its investigation. Food produced without inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, or other contaminants, the agency said Tuesday in announcing the recall. So far, there have been no conﬁrmed reports of illnesses or injuries from the meats, according to the USDA. The meat in question was produced “on various dates” before Tuesday and has USDA inspection stickers falsely bearing an establishment number — EST. 1363 — that the agency said “does not have a federal grant of inspection.” However, some packages people purchased may not bear that labeling because retail stores may have applied their own stickers with pricing and safe handling instructions, the agency warned. The products were shipped to Georgia distributor A&D Foods to send to retail and restaurant locations nationwide. The USDA said the products should be considered misbranded and unsafe to eat and be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. The agency said the problem was discovered during the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service’s routine checks. It’s not clear whether anyone has been arrested or criminally charged.

Kenya authorities destroy $63 million meth haul

MOMBASA, Kenya — Kenyan authorities on Thursday destroyed a massive haul of methamphetamine worth an estimated $63 million, nearly a year after the drugs were intercepted in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mombasa. The consignment, weighing about 2,257 pounds, was placed in a high-temperature kiln and destroyed as government officials watched. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen oversaw the destruction and warned drug traffickers that authorities would step up efforts to disrupt the illicit trade. Murkomen said Kenya was being used both as a “transit hub” and a “market” for illegal drugs, and pledged tougher enforcement to prevent drug trafficking and substance abuse. He said suspected traffickers would face prosecution and that authorities would pursue the seizure of property linked to the illegal trade. The Kenyan Navy intercepted the consignment on Oct. 25, 2025, about 391 miles off the coast of Mombasa in the Indian Ocean. The vessel was escorted to port under armed guard.

Boat capsizes on way to Congo; 41 dead

KINSHASA,Congo — A boat heading from Tanzania to Congo on Lake Tanganyika capsized Thursday, leaving at least 41 people dead, local authorities said. The boat was carrying about 100 people as well as cargo, said Norris Mulongoyi, the provincial transport minister for Tanganyika province, adding that 49 people have been rescued and a search is ongoing for the remaining passengers. “The vessel, traveling from Kigoma, Tanzania, to the city of Kalemie in the Congo’s Tanganyika province, capsized near the village of Mapera,” Mulongoyi told The Associated Press. Lake Tanganyika is the world’s largest freshwater lake and the second deepest, after Lake Baikal. The cause for Thursday’s tragedy was not immediately clear, but hundreds have been killed in boat disasters in Congo in recent years. Vessels are often overloaded and lacking life jackets. Congo’s rivers are a major means of transport for its more than 100 million people, especially in remote areas where infrastructure is poor or nonexistent.

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Energy Department to spend $2B

to use new technology to make Projects are intended to squeeze more power from aging grid ties grids more efﬁcient, lessening the

BY MARC LEVY AND MATTHEW DALY Associated Press

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Energy Department said Thursday that it will spend almost $2 billion to try to squeeze more electricity out of the nation’s aging and stressed power grid, as President Donald Trump’s administration steps up efforts to avoid blackouts amid skyrocketing energy demand spurred by artiﬁcial intelligence. The money will go toward 31 projects across 26 states that are expected to produce more than 23 gigawatts of additional electricity capacity — enough to power 16 million homes. The projects will use new technologies such as sensors to measure real-time weather conditions to ensure safe transmission or direct power away from congested paths, the department said. The upgrades could improve power reliability and lower elec-

tricity costs for about 100 million Americans, ofﬁcials said. “This is a quick way to lower electricity prices and increase reliability: using fibers that are already in the transmission lines to analyze what’s the temperature out, what’s the wind out, how can we use this transmission line to distribute more power, but safely and only in the right conditions,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a news conference promoting the grants Thursday at a PPL Corp. facility in Allentown. The eastern Pennsylvania electric utility says two data centers in its territory came online this year and six more are under construction, with enough other data centers in the advanced planning stages that its peak electric demand could quintuple by 2032. PPL said it is receiving $71.5 million to modernize an existing highvoltage transmission line across

roughly 30 miles in northern Pennsylvania. The announcement comes amid warnings that AI’s voracious demand for power is threatening to overwhelm U.S. power supplies, as massive new data centers come online faster than new power plants can be built. It also comes as electricity bills rise faster than inﬂation in many parts of the U.S., blamed in some areas on demand from data centers. The snowballing opposition to data centers in communities across the country has thrown a wrench into the plans of the world’s richest companies and transformed the midterm election landscape. Trump continues to stick up for data centers, even as politicians from both major political parties criticize them and many communities try to block them. In the meantime, Congress and some states are trying to push utili-

need to build new power plants. Julia Selker, the executive director of the WATT Coalition, a trade association for grid-enhancing technologies, said both the projects and the scale of the investment are significant. Utilities in the U.S. are lagging places like Europe in adopting the technologies, despite federal investment in the past to develop and test them. Wright said that work on the projects should begin right away and he hoped some efﬁciencies are in place before this winter to tamp down price spikes when extreme weather sends demand skyrocketing. He said he didn’t know whether the projects would have gotten done without federal funding. Projects being announced Thursday will involve component enhancements on more than 1,500 miles of transmission lines and technological enhancements across nearly 21,000 miles, the department said.

Administration seeks approval to continue quick deportations Lower court halted third-country removals

BY LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JACQUELyN MARTIN

President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping walk along the Colonnade of the White House in Washington on Thursday.

Trump hails ‘truly great’ friendship with Xi China’s leader urges ‘healthy’ competition between 2 powers

BY AAMER MADHANI, DIDI TANG and MICHELLE L. PRICE

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Thursday hailed the “truly great friendship” he has forged with Xi Jinping as the Chinese leader began his highly anticipated state visit by pressing for the world’s two biggest economies to work more closely together to avoid friction as they compete. While Trump has many thorny issues to discuss with the president of America’s biggest economic rival, he focused on his long relationship with Xi as the two gathered with aides for opening remarks before formal talks. “From the time of my ﬁrst election in 2016, President Xi and I have forged a friendship, a truly great friendship, actually, built on mutual respect and the vital interests of our people,” Trump said. China has resisted the Trump administration’s urgings — and economic threats — to use its considerable leverage to prod Iran to agree to U.S. terms to end the nearly seven-month war. Xi wants to

see Trump permanently halt arms sales to Taiwan and loosen export restrictions on cutting-edge advanced chips. The two sides on Wednesday agreed to extend by two months a one-year trade truce that was set to expire Nov. 10 as they work to ﬁnd a more durable agreement.

Xi presses Trump on Taiwan In their private conversation, Xi also urged Trump to “prudently handle the Taiwan issue,” according to the Chinese state media outlet Xinhua. China has made clear it views Taiwan as the most sensitive issue in the U.S.China relationship. Beijing considers Taiwan to be Chinese territory and vows to annex the island by force if necessary. The United States is obligated by law to provide Taiwan with sufﬁcient hardware to deter any armed attack from the mainland. The U.S. has said it opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo by either side. China has repeatedly pressed Washington to permanently halt the arms sales, including when Trump and Xi met in Beijing in May. After that meeting, Trump said he was holding off on ﬁnal approval for a record $14 billion arms package that was in the pipeline. He also described arms sales to Taiwan as a “very good negotiating chip” with China.

Saudi-led coalition says six ballistic missiles intercepted Military blames attack on Houthi rebels

BY FATMA KHALED and CARA ANNA Associated Press

CAIRO — Six ballistic missiles targeting Saudi Arabia’s port of Yanbu on the Red Sea and the southwestern city of Taif have been intercepted, a Saudi military spokesperson said Thursday, blaming Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen as ﬁghting escalates. The Houthis later claimed they ﬁred dozens of ballistic missiles and drones at the kingdom’s southwestern Jazan province. In recent days, they have been blamed for attempted attacks on the kingdom, including on Riyadh, the Saudi capital. The statement by Saudi Maj. Gen. Tur-

ki al-Malki, who is also the spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis, followed alerts by Saudi civil defense authorities, who later noted the danger had passed. The fighting near the crucial Red Sea shipping corridor has worried global markets as the Houthis pursue a blockade of Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, with Iranian support. The new launches came as Yemen’s internationally recognized government prepared to take its turn addressing the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations. The situation in the Arab world’s poorest country is grim as the fighting backed by the two Mideast powers, Iran and Saudi Arabia, has pulled Yemen back into civil war after four years of relative calm. Over 125,000 people have fled the fighting.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s administration asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to again clear the way for continued quick deportations of immigrants to third countries where they have no ties. The government asked for an immediate halt to lower court orders finding that people must have the chance to object before the U.S. government deports them to countries other than their homelands. The justices allowed the deportation flights to continue when the case came before them last year. Since then, an appeals court has upheld a Boston-based judge’s final ruling that migrants must have a meaningful chance to argue a third-country deportation

would put them in danger of persecution or torture. The order doesn’t completely prohibit deportations to third countries, but it adds new requirements. The Trump administration says that creates unworkable delays and has already led to the cancellation of a flight carrying 70 people with criminal convictions to three different countries. “The order below would again obstruct DHS from efﬁciently removing aliens ... by inordinately delaying third-country removal for any alien who voices a fear of persecution or torture in that country, no matter how frivolous or belated the claim,” Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote. Thousands of migrants have been sent to third countries when their homelands won’t accept them or they can’t be returned there, the administration said. Those third-country governments provide assurances that people won’t be persecuted or tortured, attorneys said.

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FDA nominee supports MMR vaccination She refuses to criticize Trump on his other health statements

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy pressed President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Food and Drug Administration to stand up for vaccines in a hearing Thursday, and got some of what he wanted from her. Dr. Heidi Overton, a certified preventive care physician, contradicted President Donald Trump’s statements that the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is potentially “quite lethal” in a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee, which is considering her nomination to run the FDA. She said the MMR vaccination “is our best tool” to combat the recent surge in measles cases. But Overton refused to criticize the president’s statements — not just on vaccines, but on issues like whether Tylenol could cause autism. She also wouldn’t say if she believed that healthcare access is a human right; if the nation’s consumers are paying the lowest pric-

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MARIAM ZUHAIB

Dr. Heidi Overton testifies during her nomination to be commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration at the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in Washington on Thursday. es in the world for prescription drugs, as Trump has claimed, despite evidence to the contrary; or if birth control amounts to abortion, again as the president has said. “This committee needs to know whether you will be radically honest. That you will use your authority to stand up for sound science and protect children’s health,” said Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge. “You

will also need to ensure that uninformed ideologies do not inﬂuence FDA’s decision on whether to approve individual products, even if the president is pressuring.” After the hearing, Cassidy wouldn’t say if Overton adequately addressed his concerns. Since losing in the May 16 closed GOP primary to Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, R-Baton

Rouge, Cassidy has become freer Hassan cut her off. “I wish it with his criticisms of the president wasn’t so difficult for members of and his allies. the administration to say the president was wrong.” Questions over vaccines The committee will vote at a As the White House deputy assis- future hearing on whether to adtant for domestic policy, Overton vance Overton and other health drafted the executive order that agency nominees to the full Senate changed the schedule children re- for confirmation. Before his political career, Casceive the single dose vaccination and allowed for the inoculations to sidy had been a liver doctor in the be broken up into several sticks. Louisiana charity hospital system She was standing behind Trump and published research papers in when the president said the MMR medical journals on the efficacy of vaccine possibly is “quite lethal.” certain vaccines. “The risk is in being unvacciCassidy sought assurances nated,” Cassidy said. “To say that from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a the vaccine is ‘quite lethal’ is going well-known vaccine skeptic, that, to discourage people from being in return for his support, the navaccinated when the scientific evi- tion’s vaccination policies would dence says that getting vaccinated not change arbitrarily. Soon after practically eliminates the risk of Kennedy became secretary of the getting measles, of being hospital- Department of Health and Human ized, transmitting the infection to Services, which oversees the FDA, other people and perhaps them- he rolled back those very policies. Cassidy was one of a handful of selves dying, perhaps someone else dying. That’s what the scien- Republican senators who voted to convict Trump on impeachment tific evidence shows.” Overton said her job is to present charges stemming from MAGA to the president the best version of supporters rioting at the U.S. Capthe policy he seeks. itol in an effort to sidetrack the When asked by Sen. Maggie official congressional declaration Hassan, D-N.H., if Trump was in- that Joe Biden had won the 2020 correct in his public views about presidential election. the dangers of the MMR vaccine, Overton answered, “the president Email Mark Ballard at wants the best outcomes.” mballard@theadvocate.com.

Louisiana judge passes Senate Judiciary Committee Anna St. John nominated to federal appeals court BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON — U.S. District Judge Anna St. John, of New Orleans, cleared a major hurdle Thursday when the Senate Judiciary Committee — on a party-line vote — recommended she be conﬁrmed to sit on the federal appellate bench.

St. John, a 46-year-old native of Gulfport, Mississippi, and mother of four, can thank the committee’s Republican members, including Sen. John Kennedy, R-Madisonville. Republicans outnumber Democratic members, who all opposed advancing her conﬁrmation to the full Senate for an up or down vote sometime in the next few weeks. Democratic members of the Senate committee opposed her nomination based on comments and court ﬁlings she made about handling sexual harassment complaints. Republicans

focused on her credentials and deep experience litigating massive class action lawsuits. No Republican member spoke on her behalf prior to Thursday’s vote. The ranking Democrat on the committee, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, of Illinois, noted that St. John has been on the federal trial bench for six months and hadn’t presided over any trials before being nominated to the appellate court on June 29. “She’s being quickly promoted because of her record as a lawyer where she repeatedly challenged class

Administration weighs new limits on Cuban travel at U.N.

this week, the oil blockade that the Trump Havana decries Assembly State Department is now administration imposed on “strict controls” the Caribbean island nation Trump’s economic weighing on the ofﬁcials who plan to in January. squeeze return next month for an “What deﬁnes the present

BY FARNOUSH AMIRI and MATTHEW LEE Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS — The Trump administration was considering imposing new restrictions on Cuban ofﬁcials who travel to the United Nations, another step to squeeze the government in Havana as its top diplomat accused the United States on Thursday of unleashing collective punishment on Cuba’s people with its intensifying measures. Even as a sizable Cuban delegation was approved to come to the U.N. General

annual U.N. vote on the decadeslong U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. That is according to U.S. officials and an internal document obtained by The Associated Press. The ofﬁcials spoke on condition of anonymity because a decision on the details of what the restrictions will entail has not yet been ﬁnalized. Potential plans to further restrict officials in New York for diplomatic work come as Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez bemoaned the “lack of progress” in negotiations between Havana and Washington. He also blasted the

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8

status of the Cuba-U.S. relations is the brutal tightening of the economic and ﬁnancial blockade and the total oil siege imposed on our country, which is equivalent to a naval blockade,” Rodríguez said in Spanish during an AP interview on the sidelines of the annual U.N. General Assembly gathering of world leaders. His comments, made through a translator, follow President Donald Trump’s wide-ranging U.N. address Tuesday, when he again called Cuba a “failed state” and said he was “seeking a fundamental change in the situation in Cuba.”

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action settlements and litigated politically charged issues,” Durbin said. With the 12-10, party-line vote, the committee recommended the full Senate conﬁrm St. John to the 17-seat bench that reviews verdicts and decisions rendered by federal trial courts in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. “The senators had seen her before as a district (court) nominee,” said Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond Law School who monitors federal judicial nominations.

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hours of ﬂoor time to complete her conﬁrmation. The Senate left Washington on Thursday afternoon but returns Monday afternoon for another scheduled week. She was seated April 23 on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans. President Donald Trump opted to promote her after 5th Circuit Judge Kurt Engelhardt, of New Orleans, decided to take senior status. Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate. com.

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Part of the reason for St. John’s selection was because her background had been so recently vetted by the administration and the senators, Tobias said. The overarching goal of the Trump administration is to get such an important vacancy filled before the Nov. 3 congressional midterms. Should the Republicans lost the majority in the midterm elections, then St. John’s confirmation, as well as other judicial nominees will face a far more difficult path, Tobias said. As it is, Senate leaders are going to have to carve out about 30

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4A ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Venezuela’s acting leader Netanyahu takes U.N. stage delivers first address, as he seeks reelection at home promises elections Israeli prime minister snubbed by Trump, world leaders

Government will secure a ‘process based on equal conditions for all’

BY ERIN CUNNINGHAM Associated Press

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began the year declaring that he stood “shoulder to shoulder” with U.S. President Donald Trump as the two countries launched a war against Iran. But this week, as world leaders gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, there are no plans for the two men to be in the same room, or even in the same city. As the war with Iran has dragged on, Trump and Netanyahu have split over how to prosecute it, straining a relationship between the two allies. Netanyahu has also faced global criticism both for Israel’s war in Gaza and settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Instead of a packed itinerary, Netanyahu, who arrived on Thursday, was scheduled to meet only a handful of leaders before giving his speech. The apparent snub underscored how badly the relationship between Trump and the prime minister has fractured. Many in Washington associate Netanyahu with the increasingly unpopular ﬁght with Iran and Trump has labored to avoid the appearance that the Israeli leader forced him into a war that Trump said would be a “little excursion” lasting only weeks. Netanyahu’s brief visit also demonstrated how isolated he is globally, three years after launching a punishing war in Gaza in retaliation for the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023. He faces an election next month widely seen as a referendum on his responsibility for the security failures surrounding the attacks and his ability to defend Israel’s reputation on the world stage. Day after day this week, as other heads of state have stepped to the podium, many have harshly criti-

BY NAYARA BATSCHKE Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By SETH WENIG

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks Thursday during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. cized Israel’s actions, particularly in Gaza. Ahead of his visit, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged his arrest, saying the U.S. should honor a warrant for Netanyahu issued by the International Criminal Court. He is wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Gaza, though the U.S. is not a member of the court and New York City lacks the authority to arrest him. Still, the prime minister is a master showman, and often turns to props and visual aids during speeches in flawless English to drive home his message. Last year at the summit, scores of diplomats walked out while he was speaking. But that is unlikely to faze him, as he speaks primarily to an audience of Israeli voters. “He times his speech so that it is broadcast here in primetime,” said Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. who served under Netanyahu and lives in Israel. But experts say without the usual high-proﬁle meetings, the trip could hurt Netanyahu’s image at home. “I think the trip is a mistake, because it exposes his weaknesses,” said Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israel relations and professor at Israel’s Bar-Ilan and Reichman

universities. While many Israelis view the U.N. as hostile toward Israel, he added, the fact that he could not secure a meeting with Trump only highlights how poorly Netanyahu has managed the relationship with his nation’s strongest ally. In 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden was reluctant to host Netanyahu at the White House but still made time to sit down with him on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. “Israel cannot survive without the United States,” Gilboa said. The slight in New York follows sharp criticism from Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel and a longtime supporter of Israeli settlements, of the settlers attacking Palestinian communities in the West Bank. In unusual remarks for an ambassador, he referred to the attackers as “terrorists.” “It’s signiﬁcant of a deeper rift,” Oren said of Netanyahu’s slim itinerary. When Trump was in New York on Tuesday, he met with an array of leaders from Arab nations, as well as from Denmark, Japan, Greenland, Ukraine and Venezuela, among others. He then quickly returned to Washington to roll out the red carpet for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Venezuela’s acting president, delivering her first address to the U.N. General Assembly since coming to power, promised elections Wednesday and said the nation’s people will determine the “right moment.” “I wish to state this very clearly before this General Assembly: Elections will be held in Venezuela,” Delcy Rodriguez said, adding that her government has started a “political dialogue with opposition sectors” to secure a “process based on equal conditions for all.” Rodríguez said the Venezuelan people will determine the best time to get elections moving and assured the United Nations that, when the time comes, the country’s institutions “will be prepared to guarantee an inclusive and transparent process.” Rodríguez took over in Venezuela after a surprise U.S. military raid in January that captured then-leader Nicolás Maduro and brought him to the United States to face drug trafﬁcking charges. This is the ﬁrst trip to the United States by a Venezuelan head of state since 2018, when Maduro traveled to New York to participate in the U.N. General Assembly himself. He is currently being held only a few miles from the organization’s headquarters as he awaits trial. Rodríguez’s participation in the international forum also marks a milestone in Venezuela’s reintegration into global diplomacy. Addressing global leaders, she said that “the last time that two presidents of Venezuela and the United States met was in 2009.”

She added that her country is coming back strong after “setbacks” suffered this year and thanked President Donald Trump for being willing to resume relations after the U.S. military spirited her predecessor out of the country. The other setback to which she referred: On June 24, two powerful earthquakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck north-central Venezuela and killed more than 6,500 people, leaving an untold number of missing and causing widespread devastation. “I come to talk about a Venezuela whose national life has been affected by a crisis of political coexistence that disrupted the life of the nation and our interaction with the world,” Rodriguez she said. “Interests alien to the common good of Venezuelans were imposed.” Rodriguez faced a delicate balance in her speech, which needed to be addressed to both her people and the U.S. government that holds her predecessor. She thanked Trump for his willingness to resume the course of diplomatic relations and cooperation with Venezuela. “We are working earnestly to resolve existing differences through dialogue, but above all to pave the way for cooperation in the energy sector, the promotion of security, the joint fight against transnational crime, and economic cooperation for the benefit of both peoples and our continent,” she said. “Today, Venezuela is being reborn.” Since rising to power, Rodríguez has forged a close working relationship with Trump. U.S. influence in Venezuela has grown following the lifting of sanctions against Rodríguez in April, one of several recent moves by Washington to recognize her as a legitimate authority ever since the U.S. military captured her predecessor.

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Lawyers for Nolan Wells’ family push for investigation Legal team slams grand jury report

Ben Crump, right, an attorney for the family of Nolan Wells, accompanied by Wells’ parents, Elmore and Christine Wonsley, speaks at a news conference in Stonecrest, Ga., on Thursday.

BY SOPHIE BATES Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. — Civil rights attorney Ben Crump released information from a forensic examination of Nolan Wells’ cellphone as well as details of the ofﬁcial autopsy Thursday, just days after a Mississippi grand jury said it found no evidence of criminal conduct in the teen’s death. Attorneys representing the 18-year-old Black college student’s family have called for transparency, asking that the grand jury investigative materials and the ofﬁcial autopsy report be publicly released. Crump and his team discussed the contents of the cellphone analysis, even reading a few Snapchat messages out loud, but they did not release a full report of all the messages sent and received in the days leading up to and the day of Wells’ death. The grand jury had access to that information, including 282 pages of Snapchat conversations, when it convened last week, according to the panel’s report and Crump. Crump said the forensic examiner was able to track messages received and sent and tie them to the location of Wells’ phone from the day before he went missing all the way up to when his family got the phone back. “The messaging, as I said, was very telling … some of his own friends were concerned about (how) people

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EMILIE MEGNIEN his family and their attorneys have expressed doubt that he would choose to stay behind without his phone. Crump said the last text message sent by Wells was July 3 around 8:30 p.m., but that was not unusual given that he and many teenagers communicate primarily on social media, including Snapchat and Instagram. Andrew Garrett, the forensic examiner who extracted the contents of Wells’ phone, said the GPS and other phone data showed that Wells had opened it with his face while it was on the boat around 2:17 p.m. It was then locked and continued to receive messages as it traveled on the boat, then by car and eventually was picked up by his family. Garrett also said at the news conference Thursday Parents express suspicions that some Snapchat mesWells’ parents and their sages had been deleted. He lawyers voiced suspicions did not specify whether the after Wells’ friends left the senders deleted those mesisland without him, saying sages on their own phones, he wanted to stay behind but he made clear that he and talk to a girl. Wells’ could not ascribe intent to phone was on the boat that those deletions. There was took him to the island, and no evidence presented that

on Horn Island can be racist,” Crump said Thursday. Wells’ family and their legal team have slammed the grand jury report and have been working to keep the investigation open and active. They’ve asked for federal authorities to look into the events surrounding Wells’ death. His body was found two days after he went with a group of mostly White friends on a boat trip to a barrier island for a July 4 party. The high-proﬁle death in a Deep South state with a history of racial tension has sparked rampant speculation and suspicion. State and local officials and several of Wells’ White friends who had become the target of that speculation had hoped that the grand jury report would quell critics.

said it was unclear what new information the cellphone report revealed, reiterating that none of his clients were on the boat carrying Wells’ phone. “They never had the phone,” attorney Edward Paltzik said of his clients. The grand jury findings attempt to explicitly clear the friends who left the island without Wells from any wrongdoing, including trying to squash several online rumors.

Lawyers question drowning

suggested someone had unlocked Wells’ phone after it left the island and before the family got it back. The Associated Press sent a message to Crump’s team seeking clariﬁcation Thursday. A lawyer who represents some of Wells’ friends who have been the subject of speculation and online hate

The grand jury report said the panel found Wells’ death to be “consistent with drowning” and found that he had not been in a ﬁght or altercation while on the island. Crump and Wells’ parents questioned how the panel could determine Wells likely drowned, when both the ofﬁcial and independent autopsies said the cause of death could not be determined.

The state’s ofﬁcial autopsy report, which Crump’s team received late Wednesday, also said Wells’ airways and stomach were empty, raising questions about how the grand jury found he had likely drowned. “What this means is that there is no water in the stomach, there is no water in the lungs and there is no water in the throat,” Wells’ family attorney Liza Park said. Both the official and independent autopsies noted fresh bruising on Wells’ head. A witness testiﬁed to the grand jury that he saw Wells slip awkwardly off the side of a boat around 3:30 p.m. on July 4, but that Wells continued to socialize after the fall and didn’t appear injured, the report said. The panel said it couldn’t determine whether the fall caused the bruising, but noted it was not a fatal injury.

Three news outlets return to White House after judge orders ban lifted BY JOCELYN NOVECK, HALLIE GOLDEN and LAURIE KELLMAN

Associated Press

NEW YORK — Three news organizations banned from the White House for days were back Thursday after a judge handed CNN, MS NOW and Politico a reprieve in an extraordinary showdown between President Donald Trump and outlets whose coverage he dislikes. But media coverage of Trump’s White House was hardly normal. On a highprofile day when Chinese leader Xi Jinping was visiting Washington and planning to attend a state dinner, no major American network was airing live coverage. After the White House banned CNN from a rotation of ﬁve major U.S. broadcast outlets who take turns shooting and sharing video, the other four — in a show of solidarity — were still declining to participate in the so-called video pool. The president posted online that TV networks “refused to cover one of the Biggest and Most Beautiful Events to take place in many

years ... because they knew how good it would be, they didn’t want credit to be given to ‘TRUMP.’ ” It was a chaotic day for the media at the White House and in court. Initially, in the morning, CNN, MS NOW and Politico journalists were denied entry. A Secret Service agent had confiscated their credentials as part of the ban. After the ruling for the outlets in the early hours Thursday, White House operations officials were notified to restore access to the affected reporters, but said they needed time to find, reactivate and deliver their entry badges. The process took over two hours, according to an administration court filing. In his decision to provisionally lift the ban, U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the White House to “immediately return, reinstate, and restore” the three outlets’ access. He said they had met the legal thresholds to obtain a temporary restraining order and were likely to succeed in showing that their press passes were revoked without due process.

The ruling did not address CNN’s removal from the White House video pool. The White House did not respond to an email seeking comment.

A temporary order Kelly — whom Trump nominated in 2017 and who ordered a CNN journalist’s access restored in a similar case in 2018 — said the government must have clear standards for conduct that would lead to revoking a press pass. He called the standard of objectionable reporting outlined in letters that the White House sent the outlets “so vague it hardly does the trick.” The judge also made clear he did not buy the administration’s argument that the news outlets’ reporting endangered national security — and noted that Trump himself had not used that argument in the beginning, focusing solely on what he called negative coverage. Theodore Boutrous Jr., the news outlets’ attorney, said the judge’s quick ruling vindicated the freedom of the press, due process and the rule of law.

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6A ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

FLOCK

Continued from page 1A have already invested in installing the cameras, we don’t want the council to remove the existing ones at this point,” council member Ryan Chavers said. Privately owned cameras on parish-controlled roads account for a small portion of the nearly 40 Flock cameras currently stationed across the parish, according to DeFlock, a grassroots organization that uses crowdsourced data to identify automated license plate readers (ALPRs). The majority of the existing cameras were installed by HOAs at their neighborhood entrances, if the roads are not private. HOAs own those cameras, and the associations can access the data they capture. Flock cameras are a supercharged version of traditional license plate readers, and municipalities across the country have adopted the equipment to improve public safety. Flock Safety, founded in 2017, is the most dominant ALPR business in the U.S., with more than 80,000 cameras across 49 states, including Louisiana, according to the company. As with traditional license plate readers, the cameras take a picture of every car

SOUTHERN

Continued from page 1A on numerous political staffs, including as senior counsel for Sen. Cory Booker, chief of staff for then-Rep. Abigail Spanberger, and acting chief of staff and legislative director for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. He has his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. n Larissa Littleton-Steib, chancellor of Delgado Community College. LittletonSteib formerly served as chancellor of Baton Rouge Community College. She held high-ranking positions at Delgado before becoming president in 2019. Early in her career, she worked as a special-education teacher with the Jefferson Parish School System. She holds her Ph.D. from Jackson State University. n Willie Smith, chancellor of Baton Rouge Community College. He served as a vice president in the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges system, as well as the interim chief executive ofﬁcer of the South Central Louisiana Technical College. He has his doctorate in education from Argosy University. The search committee originally planned to recommend ﬁnalists to the Board of Supervisors in May, with a new president expected to be in place by the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. Hughes said over 60 people expressed interest in the position. “Our charge was to get this right,” Hughes said. “We have been very deliberate, very intentional, and we’re going to continue to

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that passes. But unlike traditional license plate readers, ALPRs like Flock use an AI algorithm to catalog additional details about cars, including make, model, color, license plate number, dents, roof racks and bumper stickers, and store that information in a database. The cameras have been lauded as crime-solving assets. Agencies can share data across jurisdictions and use the system to locate vehicles involved in criminal activity. In East Baton Rouge Parish, the Page/ Rice Public Safety Initiative has worked to extend Flock camera and license plate reader coverage across the parish; it was named after Devin Page Jr. and Allie Rice, two victims of local gun violence. But as the cameras have become more common in communities across the country, so too have the intense privacy concerns they have prompted. Because the cameras capture every passing car, they collect information not only on vehicles connected to crimes but also on those whose drivers have done nothing wrong. Critics say this amounts to passive, mass surveillance. Privacy advocates have questioned how long the data is kept, who can see it, and how it could be used to track individuals. Law enforcement’s use of

the technology has drawn particular ire from the public. Law enforcement agencies generally do not need to obtain a warrant to search the database, and deputies in various states are alleged by authorities to have misused the cameras. In one town in Ohio, a police ofﬁcer allegedly used the technology 47 times to search for his former domestic partner’s vehicle, according to the police department’s internal investigation. The officer has since resigned. Livingston Parish’s ordinance does not regulate law enforcement’s use of Flock cameras or license plate reader data. Sheriff Jason Ard told the Parish Council his department does not have a contract with Flock Safety, and he does not use Flock cameras. Several residents from local subdivisions attended the meeting to urge the council to pass the ordinance with the language allowing existing cameras to stay in place. In recent weeks, council members have worked with skeptical HOAs to address their concerns. “I’ve talked to Bunky Hughes probably more than I’ve spoken to my mother,” council member Ryan Chavers said, referring to the president of the Easterly Lakes HOA, which has installed a Flock camera.

take our time to ensure that we get it right.” He said the decision for a start date for the new president will be left with the Board of Supervisors. TM2 Executive Search, a ﬁrm that specializes in working with HBCUs, has led the process. The ﬁrm presented information on the job prospects to the search committee during executive session on Thursday. The committee deliberated in executive session for more than three hours before reconvening the public meeting. The next president will replace the interim system leader, Orlando McMeans, former chancellor of the Southern University Ag Center. McMeans took over for former President Dennis Shields at the beginning of the year after the board announced Shields would depart last November — news that came as a surprise to many Southern students and alums. Southern’s board has said

it is looking for a businessfocused leader who will bring in more federal dollars and industry partnerships. In February, the search committee discussed the possibility of “nontraditional” candidates. Members agreed to consider prospective presidents who don’t have the highest level of degree that can be earned in their particular ﬁeld, also known as a terminal degree. All six semiﬁnalists have a Ph.D., doctorate in education, or a law degree. “I’m looking for a person who has an educational background that’s inextricably intertwined with business,” Southern University Board of Supervisors Chair Tony Clayton said last year. “To operate this system, we need a more general philosophy in terms of moving this school to a higher level.” Email Haley Miller at haley.miller@theadvocate. com.

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PETTIT

Continued from page 1A the SEC. It was a remarkable rise for a man who said the only game he excelled at as a youngster was marbles. As a freshman at Baton Rouge High School, Pettit was cut from the football, baseball and basketball junior-varsity teams. As a sophomore, he decided to concentrate on basketball, but coach Kenner Day cut Pettit again. It was a move Day would never live down but one Pettit staunchly defended. “We were ﬁve over the roster limit, and I really wasn’t good enough to make the team,” Pettit said. “He knew it, and I knew it.” Determined to improve, Pettit joined a church league and spent every spare minute working on his game. He hung a bent hanger on the garage door and shot tennis balls through it for hours at a time. His father once recalled that his son “put two large reading lamps in the window, turned them toward the basket and practiced at night. He’d made up his mind he was going to make the team.” At the time, Bob, scrawny and awkward, stood 5-foot11. By the time he enrolled for his junior year, Pettit had sprouted to 6 feet, 4 inches, and was playing basketball as he had only dreamed about before. Day also coached the football team, so until that season ended, he had a senior player oversee basketball practices. Pettit said teammate Charlie Roberts told him Day was aghast when he heard Pettit was practicing at center. But that season, Pettit made the all-city squad, and the following year he was a 6-foot, 7-inch All-American on the state championship team. Still, college coaches were not bowled over. Harry Rabenhorst offered Pettit a scholarship to LSU, which

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

ABOVE: Bob Pettit holds his trophy after being named most valuable player in the 1958 NBA All-Star Game in St. Louis, Mo. LEFT: Bob Pettit, right, signs autographs alongside Ned Clark, another former LSU standout, during an LSU game in STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON 2023. was fortunate because few other schools came calling. “Tulane, Loyola, some of the state schools and later DePaul and Western Kentucky came around, but I guess no more than six or seven actually recruited me,” Pettit said. “Coach Raby took me out for a steak one night — that’s how you recruited in those days — and said, ‘Well, we’ve got a scholarship for you if you want to come,’ and I accepted.” For LSU, which hadn’t made much of a basketball splash since Sparky Wade boosted the Tigers to what was then a mythical national championship in 1935, it was a fateful decision. Pettit’s career yielded a threeyear record of 59-15 and two NCAA appearances, including the ﬁrst Final Four appearance for any SEC team other than Kentucky. He set the SEC scoring record with 1,916 points, which held until Maravich played at LSU 15 years later. Pettit averaged 27.4 points and 14.1 rebounds for his college career. He developed into an im-

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posing 6-foot, 9-inch presence with a soft shooting touch accompanied by a wicked hook. Renowned trainer Alvin Roy worked out a weight program for Pettit to improve his strength. By that time, once Pettit got a hand on the ball, few could take it away. He had transformed himself into a basketball force. “His work ethic was incredible,” said lifelong friend and LSU teammate Ned Clark, who died in March of this year. “That is what eventually showed up on the court. Nobody in the SEC, and very few anywhere, could fake and drive around the basket, put up a hook or hit a medium jumper the way Pettit did.” With all his accomplishments as a collegian, it was as a pro that Pettit left his biggest impression — although he wasn’t sure he wanted to go in that direction. “Pro basketball didn’t have the glamour it has today, and I came very close to signing with an amateur team, one of the teams where you work for the company and played

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Bob Pettit, center, battles for a rebound against Fordham in their Sugar Bowl basketball tournament game in New Orleans on Dec. 29, 1953. for the company team,” he said. “The salaries were close to the NBA’s then, and each year some of the top players went that way. But it was a year-round job. I wanted to come back to Louisiana and go into business. I didn’t want to be known as an old basketball player. I wanted

to be a young businessman.” Picked second by the then-Milwaukee (later St. Louis) Hawks, Pettit asked for a $15,000 contract, a bold proposal at the time for an untried rookie with $100 to his name. Hawks owner Ben Kerner counteroffered $9,500, a salary that equaled

the highest amount ever given a ﬁrst-year player. The parties agreed on $11,000, but Bob had to report to Milwaukee a month ahead of schedule to help sell tickets. On the court, coach Red Holzman saw Pettit as a center who he thought could play facing the basket, and he transformed Pettit into the game’s ﬁrst power forward — and one of its greatest players. An integral part of his basketball legacy was a scintillating Game 6 performance Pettit put on to clinch the 1958 NBA championship: He scored 50 points, including 19 of the Hawks’ last 21, in St. Louis’ 110-109 victory over the Boston Celtics. Tommy Heinsohn, the primary Celtics defender against Pettit, said he never heard the end of it from legendary Boston coach Red Auerbach, who constantly reminded his old Hall of Fame player, “We would have won 10 straight (championships) if you had held Pettit to 48 points!” Funeral arrangements are pending.

8A ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Government foots bill for television advertisement Spot features Trump’s midterm messaging

BY MIKE CATALINI

Associated Press

At ﬁrst glance, it looks like a typical Republican campaign advertisement. As images of President Donald Trump ﬂash across the screen, the 30-second spot says “America will never be a communist country” and boasts about the “largest tax cuts in history.” But there’s something different near the end — a bit of text at the bottom that says “paid for by the U.S. government.” According to AdImpact, which tracks media spending, the advertisement cost $14,000 and it ran during conservative shows on Fox News and Newsmax. The White House said in a statement the ad is “educational and un-

CLASSIFIEDS continued from Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --VOUCHER #26-07283 TO BE PUBLISHED – LEGAL 9/25/2026 and 10/2/2026 DEADLINE TO SUBMIT QUOTE: 10/16/2026 at 11:00 A.M. THE ADVOCATE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA NOTICE TO BIDDERS Quotes will be received by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Purchasing Division, 222 Saint Louis Street, 8th Floor, Room 826, Baton Rouge, La. until 11:00 A.M., October 16, 2026 for the following: RQ 7283 BTR Short-Term Parking Garage Repair MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE AND SUGGESTED JOB SITE VISIT A Mandatory Pre-Bid and Sug‐ Conference gested Job Site Visit shall be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., at the Baton Rouge Airport, Metropolitan Jackie Cochran 9430 Drive, 1st Floor Confer‐ ence Room, Baton Rouge, LA. The contact person con‐ cerning the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference is Craig Alford, A.C.E., Air‐ port Safety & Operations Manager via calford@ flybtr.com and/or (225) 355-0333 Ext. 336. The job site visit will begin immediately fol‐ lowing the pre-bid con‐ ference at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Air‐ port. This will be the only opportunity for inter‐ ested bidders / contrac‐ tors to tour and inspect the job site prior to sub‐ mitting quotes. Questions regarding the site visit may be directed to David “Dave” Gordon, Facilities Manager via dgordon@flybtr.com and/or (225) 355-0333 Ext. 353. Quotes can be received as sealed bids at the ad‐ dress noted above or electronically on the so‐ licitation forms furnished in the Request for Quota‐ tion document. Quotes shall be received electronically via www. centralbidding.com or on solicitation forms fur‐ nished by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish East Baton Rouge, and only those quotes shall be received by the CityParish which is submit‐ ted by those Contractors in whose names the so‐ licitation forms and/or specifications were is‐ sued. In no event shall paper solicitation forms be issued later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hour and date set for receiving proposals. Bids, amendments to bids or request for with‐ drawal of bids received after time specified for submittal of quotes shall not be considered for any cause whatsoever. Full information may be obtained upon request from the above address or by telephoning Mr. De‐ Sean C. Bethley, MPA at (225) 389-3259, Ext. 3261, or via email at dbeth‐ ley@brla.gov. Inquiries received up until 5:00 p.m. on Thurs‐ day, October 8, 2026. 201851-sept 25-oct 2-2t $89.72

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE ---3ROBELINE FIELD 26-320 LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF LOUISIANA, DE‐ PARTMENT OF CONSER‐ VATION AND ENERGY, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA. In accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, and with par‐ ticular reference to the provisions of Title 30 of Revised Louisiana Statutes of 1950, a public hearing will be held in the Hearing Room, 1st Floor, LaSalle Building, 617 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2026, upon the application of GEP HAYNESVILLE II, LLC. At such hearing the De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy will con‐ sider evidence relative to the issuance of Orders pertaining to the follow‐ ing matters relating to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, in the Ro‐ Field, Natchi‐ beline toches Parish, Louisiana. 1. To create one addi‐ tional drilling and pro‐ duction unit for the ex‐ ploration for and produc‐ tion of gas and conden‐ sate from the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, said

apologetically patriotic.” “These public service announcements are about reminding Americans to love their country and understand what makes it worth defending, at home, at our borders, and abroad,” the White House statement said. Fox News and Newsmax did not immediately return a request for comment. The White House did not say what agency paid for the spot, which includes background music with singers crooning “love me” over and over. The advertisement does not say who voters should support in the midterms, but it meshes with campaign messaging from Trump and other Republicans, particularly during the party’s unusual convention in Dallas earlier this month. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who is in line to chair the House Judiciary Committee if his party wins the majority in November, said in a social media post that

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it’s a violation of the Hatch Act for government employees to work on such a video. “It is blatantly unethical under numerous federal ethics provisions proscribing the use of government resources for political campaigns,” Raskin wrote. Republicans also criticized the ad. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, who is not running for reelection, referenced the former right-wing Hungarian prime minister to critique the advertisement. “It’s inappropriate. It’s not like they need a GoFundMe page to have the dollars to do that sort of ad and they could do it. But using taxpayer dollars, it feels like Viktor Orban,” he said. Louisiana Republican Sen. John Kennedy said he hadn’t seen the ad but questioned whether it was legal. “I don’t generally like to see politicians use public money to pay for their own campaign ads,” he said.

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WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR LOCAL REPORTING

APRIL 6, 2020

THEADVOCATE.COM

95th year, No. 281

COVID-19

$1.00

CORONAVIRUS: THE LATEST

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

CASES IN LA.

477 13,010 deaths

positive cases

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

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

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

ä See SURGE, page 4A

OPEN PALMS IMAGE FROM VIDEO

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

Companies weigh pros of remote operations

BY TIMOTHY BOONE Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By TRAVIS SPRADLING

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

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

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

ä See INFANTS, page 5A

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

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

PROVIDED PHOTO

Associated Press

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

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

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

ä See BRACE, page 4A

in your web browser by visiting TheAdvocate.com and clicking E-EDITION

ä See REMOTE, page 5A

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

INSIDE

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

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

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

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DAVID ZALUBOWSKI

Legal Notices

ROUGE, LA 70804-9275 IN WRITING WITHIN TEN (10) WORKING DAYS OF THE HEARING DATE.

PUBLIC NOTICE ---7CEDAR GROVE FIELD 26-330 and 26-331 LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF LOUISIANA, DE‐ PARTMENT OF CONSER‐ VATION AND ENERGY, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA. In accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, and with par‐ ticular reference to the provisions of Title 30 of Revised Louisiana Statutes of 1950, a public hearing will be held in the Hearing Room, 1st Floor, LaSalle Building, 617 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2026, upon the application of APEX NATURAL GAS, LLC. At such hearing the De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy will con‐ sider evidence relative to the issuance of Orders pertaining to the follow‐ ing matters relating to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, in the Cedar Field, Caddo Grove Parish, Louisiana. 1. To permit Applicant to drill, designate and uti‐ lize four cross unit hori‐ zontal wells to serve as alternate unit wells for HA RA SUDD and HA RA SUCC, with such wells to be at the locations and in general manner the shown on the plat sub‐ mitted with the applica‐ tion, in exception to the spacing provisions of the 967-C Series of Office of Permitting and Compli‐ ance Orders, in accor‐ with LAC dance et seq. 43:XIX.4307, (Statewide Order No. 29S). 2. To specifically find that the proposed cross unit horizontal wells for HA RA SUDD and HA RA SUCC are reasonable and in the interest of conser‐ vation and necessary to efficiently and economi‐ cally drain a portion of the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, underlying said units, which cannot be efficiently and eco‐ nomically drained by any existing well within such units, including portions of the participating units that are contained within 330’ of either side of the common unit boundary between said units. 3. To provide that with re‐ spect to horizontal wells drilled to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, within or to serve HA RA SUDD and HA RA SUCC, where the horizontal portion of the well is cased and ce‐ mented back above the top of the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, the distance to any unit and offset boundary well(s) should be calcu‐ lated based on the dis‐ tance to the nearest per‐ foration in the well and not based on the pene‐ tration point or terminus. 4. To confirm applicant as the operator of HA RA SUDD and HA RA SUCC. 5. To permit the operator to produce the allowable for each unit from the re‐ spective unit well, any al‐ ternate unit well, or from any combination thereof, at its discretion. 6. To provide that unit production from the pro‐ posed cross unit horizon‐ tal wells should be allo‐ cated to each unit in the same proportion as the perforated length of the lateral in each such unit bears to the total length of the perforated lateral, as determined by an “assurvey per‐ drilled” formed after such cross unit horizontal wells are drilled and completed. 7. To provide that pro‐ duction from the pro‐ posed cross unit horizon‐ tal wells should be sepa‐ rated and metered indi‐ vidually, and this infor‐ mation should be re‐ ported in the manner prescribed by the Office of Permitting and Com‐ pliance. 8. To continue in force and effect, except to the extent contrary herewith, the pertinent provisions of Order No. 967-C, effec‐ tive August 12, 2008, as amended and supple‐ mented by the 967-C Se‐ ries of Orders, and all ap‐ plicable Statewide Or‐ ders. 9. To consider such other matters as may be perti‐ nent. The Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A was initially defined in Order No. 967C, effective August 12, 2008, and was redefined insofar and only insofar as HA RA SUDD and HA RA SUCC are concerned, in Order No. 967-C-43, ef‐ fective March 3, 2026. A plat is available for in‐ spection in the Depart‐ ment of Conservation and Energy in Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana. http://dnr.louisiana.gov/ conshearings All parties having inter‐ est therein shall take no‐ tice thereof. BY ORDER OF: DUSTIN H. DAVIDSON, SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF CON‐ SERVATION AND ENERGY

ROUGE, LA 70804-9275 IN WRITING WITHIN TEN (10) WORKING DAYS OF THE HEARING DATE.

g p prove. Mr. Talbot sec‐ onded the motion. Vote: Yeas 8 Nays 0 Ab‐ sent 1

p ceedings and have not yet been formally re‐ viewed, amended, or ap‐ proved by the School Board. They are pub‐ lished in accordance with state statutory deadlines and may be re‐ vised at the next sched‐ uled board meeting.

Legal Notices

additional unit to be des‐ ignated HA RA SUC, as shown on the plat sub‐ mitted with the applica‐ tion and made a part hereof. 2. To unitize all sepa‐ rately owned tracts, min‐ eral leases and other property interests within the proposed additional unit with each tract shar‐ ing in unit production on a surface acreage basis of participation. 3. Except insofar as set forth above, to confirm and continue in effect the provisions of the Of‐ fice of Permitting and Compliance Order No. 1090-B, effective Septem‐ ber 3, 2025, and all ap‐ plicable Statewide Or‐ ders. 4. To consider such other matters as may be perti‐ nent. The Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, was defined in Order No. 1090-B, ef‐ September 3, fective 2025. A plat is available for in‐ spection in the Depart‐ ment of Conservation and Energy in Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana. http://dnr.louisiana.gov/ conshearings All parties having inter‐ est therein shall take no‐ tice thereof. BY ORDER OF: DUSTIN H. DAVIDSON, SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF CON‐ SERVATION AND ENERGY Baton Rouge, 9/22/26;9/25/26 S lck

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CON‐ SERVATION AND ENERGY AT P.O. BOX 94275, BATON ROUGE, LA 70804-9275 IN WRITING WITHIN TEN (10) WORKING DAYS OF THE HEARING DATE. 202028-SEP 25-1T $57.06 PUBLIC NOTICE ---4CEDAR GROVE FIELD 26-321 thru 26-324 LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF LOUISIANA, DE‐ PARTMENT OF CONSER‐ VATION AND ENERGY, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA. In accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, and with par‐ ticular reference to the provisions of Title 30 of Revised Louisiana Statutes of 1950, a public hearing will be held in the Hearing Room, 1st Floor, LaSalle Building, 617 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2026, upon the application of APEX NATURAL GAS, LLC. At such hearing the De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy will con‐ sider evidence relative to the issuance of Orders pertaining to the follow‐ ing matters relating to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, in the Cedar Field, Caddo Grove Parish, Louisiana. 1. To permit Applicant to drill, designate and uti‐ lize four cross unit hori‐ zontal wells, one of which to serve as a sub‐ stitute unit well for HA RA SUV and HA RA SUS and the other three cross unit horizontal wells to serve as alternate unit wells for HA RA SUV and HA RA SUS, with all such wells to be at the loca‐ tions and in the general manner shown on the plat submitted with the application, in exception to the spacing provisions of the 967-C Series of Of‐ fice of Permitting and Compliance Orders, and in accordance with LAC et seq. 43:XIX.4307, (Statewide Order No. 29S). 2. To permit Applicant to drill, designate and uti‐ lize one cross unit hori‐ zontal unit line well to serve as an alternate unit well for HA RA SUV, HA RA SUDD, HA RA SUS, and HA RA SUU, with such well to be drilled at the locations and in the general manner shown on the plat submitted with the application, or at any other legal loca‐ tions within such units, and to approve an excep‐ tion to the spacing provi‐ sions of the 967-C Series of Orders, and in accor‐ with LAC dance et seq. 43:XIX.4307, (Statewide Order No. 29S). 3. To permit Applicant to designate and utilize the existing horizontal unit well, the Apex Natural Gas, LLC-HA RA SUV; Smith 3-16-13 H No. 1 Well (SN 243944) as an additional horizontal al‐ ternate unit well for HA RA SUV, and to designate and utilize the existing horizontal unit well, the HA RA SUS; Tensas Delta LLC 8 H No. 1 Well (SN 241358) as an additional horizontal alternate unit well for HA RA SUS, with both such wells at the lo‐ cations and in the gen‐ eral manner shown on the plat submitted with the application. 4. To specifically find that the proposed cross unit horizontal wells for HA RA SUV and HA RA SUS, cross unit horizontal unit line well for HA RA SUV, HA RA SUDD, HA RA SUS, and HA RA SUU, and hori‐ zontal alternate unit

wells for HA RA SUV and HA RA SUS are reason‐ able and in the interest of conservation and nec‐ essary to efficiently and economically drain a portion of the Hay‐ nesville Zone, Reservoir A, underlying said units, which cannot be effi‐ ciently and economically drained by any existing well within such units, in‐ cluding portions of the participating units that are contained within 330’ of either side of the com‐ mon unit boundaries be‐ tween said units. 5. To provide that with re‐ spect to horizontal wells drilled to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, within or to serve HA RA SUV, HA RA SUDD, HA RA SUS and HA RA SUU, where the horizontal portion of the well is cased and ce‐ mented back above the top of the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, the distance to any unit and offset boundary well(s) should be calcu‐ lated based on the dis‐ tance to the nearest per‐ foration in the well and not based on the pene‐ tration point or terminus. 6. To confirm applicant as the operator of HA RA SUV, HA RA SUDD, HA RA SUS and HA RA SUU and the wells requested to be designated to serve said units hereby. 7. To permit the operator to produce the allowable for each unit from the re‐ spective substitute unit well, unit well, and any alternate unit well, or from any combination thereof, at its discretion. 8. To provide that unit production from the pro‐ posed cross unit horizon‐ tal wells should be allo‐ cated to each unit in the same proportion as the perforated length of the lateral in each such unit bears to the total length of the perforated lateral, and, as to the cross unit horizontal well to serve as a unit line well, the portion of the proposed well along the common unit line of the subject units, as applicable, in the same proportion as the perforated length of lateral within 330’ of the common unit boundary between units served by such well, as determined by an “as-drilled” survey performed after such unit horizontal cross wells are drilled and completed, and that unit production should con‐ tinue to be shared on a surface acreage basis of participation. 9. To provide that pro‐ duction from the pro‐ posed cross unit horizon‐ tal wells should be sepa‐ rated and metered indi‐ vidually, and this infor‐ mation should be re‐ ported in the manner prescribed by the De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy. 10. To continue in force and effect, except to the extent contrary herewith, the pertinent provisions of Order No. 967-C, effec‐ tive August 12, 2008, as amended and supple‐ mented by the 967-C Se‐ ries of Orders, and all ap‐ plicable Statewide Or‐ ders. 11. To consider such other matters as may be pertinent. The Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A was initially defined in Order No. 967C, effective August 12, 2008, and was redefined insofar as HA RA SUV is concerned, in Order No. 967-C-14, effective Octo‐ ber 26, 2010, was rede‐ fined insofar as HA RA SUS is concerned, in Order No. 967-C-10, effec‐ tive May 11, 2010, was re‐ defined insofar as HA RA SUU is concerned, in Order No. 967-C-11, effec‐ tive August 31, 2010, and was redefined insofar as HA RA SUDD is con‐ cerned, in Order No. 967C-43, effective March 3, 2026. A plat is available for in‐ spection in the Depart‐ ment of Conservation and Energy in Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana. http://dnr.louisiana.gov/ conshearings All parties having inter‐ est therein shall take no‐ tice thereof. BY ORDER OF: DUSTIN H. DAVIDSON, SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF CON‐ SERVATION AND ENERGY Baton Rouge, 9/22/26;9/25/26 S lck

g Floor, LaSalle Building, 617 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2026, upon application of the ADAMAS ENERGY LLC. At such hearing the De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy will con‐ sider evidence relative to the issuance of Orders pertaining to the follow‐ ing matters relating to the Haynesville Zone, A, in the Reservoir Woodardville Field, Bi‐ enville Parish, Louisiana. 1. To authorize Applicant to drill, designate and utilize two cross unit hor‐ izontal wells to serve as alternate unit wells for HA RA SU60 and HA RA SU61, or at any other legal locations within such units, and to ap‐ prove exceptions to the spacing provisions of Of‐ fice of Permitting and Compliance Order No. 990-D, effective July 15, 2008, as to the common boundary of the units which will be served by the cross unit horizontal wells, provided that said unit horizontal cross wells will be perforated no closer than 330’ from any unit boundary, other than the common bound‐ ary between the affected units, except as re‐ quested in Paragraph 2 below. 2. In addition to the re‐ quest for exceptional lo‐ cations as to the com‐ mon boundary between the affected units, the applicant requests an ex‐ ception to the well spac‐ ing provisions in Order No. 990-D to allow the first and last perforation point or take point in the proposed cross unit hori‐ zontal wells to be lo‐ cated no closer than 100’ from the north and south unit lines and no closer than 200’ to any well on a competitive unit com‐ pleted in, drilling to, or for which a permit has been granted to drill to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A. 3. To find that the pro‐ posed horizontal wells are necessary to effi‐ ciently and economically drain a portion of the Haynesville Zone, Reser‐ voir A, underlying the units on which it is pro‐ posed to be drilled which cannot be efficiently and economically drained by any existing well on such units, will prevent waste, avoid the drilling of un‐ necessary wells, protect correlative rights and promote the full and effi‐ cient development of the natural resources of this state. 4. To provide that if the horizontal portion of a well is cased and ce‐ mented back above the top of the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, the distance to any unit and offset boundary well(s) will be calculated based on the distance to the nearest perforation in the well and not on the penetration point or ter‐ minus of the well in the Hayesville Zone, Reser‐ voir A. 5. To provide that pro‐ duction from the pro‐ posed wells shall be sep‐ arated and metered indi‐ vidually and that this in‐ formation shall be re‐ ported in the manner prescribed by the Office of Permitting and Com‐ pliance. 6. To provide that the unit allowables for the units to be served by the pro‐ posed wells may be pro‐ duced from the unit well, from any alternate unit well, or from any combi‐ nation of such wells serving the unit, at the discretion of the opera‐ tor. 7. To provide that pro‐ duction from a cross unit horizontal well shall be allocated to each unit penetrated by the well in the same proportion as the perforated length of the lateral in each such unit bears to the total length of the perforated lateral as determined by an “as drilled” survey performed after the well has been drilled and completed. 8. Except insofar as set forth above, to confirm and continue in full force and effect the provisions of Order No. 990-D, effec‐ tive July 15, 2008, as amended and supple‐ mented by the 990-D Se‐ ries of Orders, the units created thereby, and of all applicable Statewide Orders. 9. To consider such other matters as may be perti‐ nent. The Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A was defined in Order No. 990-D, effec‐ tive July 15, 2008. A plat is available for in‐ spection in the Depart‐ ment of Conservation and Energy in Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana. http://dnr.louisiana.gov/ conshearings All parties having inter‐ est therein shall take no‐ tice thereof. BY ORDER OF: DUSTIN H. DAVIDSON, SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF CON‐ SERVATION AND ENERGY Baton Rouge, 9/22/26;9/25/26 S lck

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CON‐ SERVATION AND ENERGY AT P.O. BOX 94275, BATON

202031-SEP 25-1T $86.79 PUBLIC NOTICE ---6ZWOLLE FIELD 26-327 thru 26-329 LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF LOUISIANA, DE‐ PARTMENT OF CONSER‐ VATION AND ENERGY, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA. In accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, and with par‐ ticular reference to the provisions of Title 30 of Revised Louisiana Statutes of 1950, a public hearing will be held in the Hearing Room, 1st Floor, LaSalle Building, 617 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2026, upon the application of EN‐ SIGHT IV ENERGY MAN‐ AGEMENT, LLC. At such hearing the De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy will con‐ sider evidence relative to the issuance of Orders pertaining to the follow‐ ing matters relating to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, in the Zwolle Sabine Parish, Field, Louisiana. 1. To create three addi‐ tional drilling and pro‐ duction units for the ex‐ ploration and production of gas and condensate the Haynesville from Zone, Reservoir A, such units to be designated HA RA SUII, HA RA SUJJ, and HA RA SUKK as shown on the plat sub‐ mitted with the applica‐ tion and made a part hereof. 2. To force pool and inte‐ all separately grate owned tracts, mineral leases and other prop‐ erty interests within the proposed units in accor‐ dance with Section 10, Title 30 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, with each tract sharing in unit production on a surface acreage basis of participation. 3. To authorize applicant to drill, designate and utilize a unit well for each of HA RA SUII, HA RA SUJJ, and HA RA SUKK, and three alternate unit wells for each of the said units. 4. To designate EnSight IV Energy Management, LLC as the operator of said units, if appropriate. 5. To find that the pro‐ posed horizontal wells for HA RA SUII, HA RA SUJJ, and HA RA SUKK are reasonable, in the inter‐ est of conservation and necessary to efficiently and economically drain portions of the Hay‐ nesville Zone, Reservoir A, underlying said units, which cannot be effi‐ ciently and economically drained by and existing well within such units. 6. To find that with re‐ spect to horizontal wells drilled to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, within or to serve HA RA SUII, HA RA SUJJ, and HA RA SUKK, where the horizon‐ tal portion of the well is and cemented cased back above the top of the Haynesville Zone, Reser‐ voir A, the distance to any unit boundary and offset well(s) should be calculated based on the distance to the nearest perforation in the well and not on the penetra‐ tion point or terminus. 7. To permit the operator of HA RA SUII, HA RA SUJJ, and HA RA SUKK to produce the unit allow‐ able from each of said units either the unit well, any alternate unit well, or from any combination thereof, at its discretion. 8. To extend to the pro‐ posed units, except to the extent inconsistent herewith, all pertinent provisions Order No. 628B, effective November 3, 2009, as amended and supplemented by the 628-B Series of Orders, all applicable and Statewide Orders. 9. To consider such other matters as may be perti‐ nent. The Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A was defined in Order No. 628-B, effec‐ tive November 3, 2009. A plat is available for in‐ spection in the Depart‐ ment of Conservation and Energy in Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana. http://dnr.louisiana.gov/ conshearings All parties having inter‐ est therein shall take no‐ tice thereof. BY ORDER OF: DUSTIN H. DAVIDSON, SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF CON‐ SERVATION AND ENERGY Baton Rouge, 9/22/26;9/25/26 S lck

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE AT THE HEARING, PLEASE CON‐ TACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY AT P.O. BOX 94275, BATON ROUGE, LA 70804-9275 IN WRITING WITHIN TEN (10) WORK‐ ING DAYS OF THE HEAR‐ ING DATE. 202032-SEP 25-1T $75.07

CLASSIFIEDS.THEADVOCATE.COM

Baton Rouge, 9/22/26;9/25/26 S lck

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CON‐ SERVATION AND ENERGY AT P.O. BOX 94275, BATON

202034-SEP 25-1T $79.93 PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING City of Baker, Louisiana In accordance with the Open Meetings Law at R.S. 42:26, et seq. The Mayor and Council of the City of Baker, Louisiana, will meet on October 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Baker City Hall in the Council Cham‐ bers, 3325 Groom Road, Baker, Louisiana 70714 and via www.youtube. com/@bakerforward, at which time a public meeting will be held for the following: Approval of Preliminary Plat: Paulfor Street, Baker, Louisiana Owner: Kevin Hunter Name of Applicant: Hunter Ventures, LLC 11628 S. Choctaw Drive Suite 252 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815 Lot: A-1-B Subdivision: Winder K. Dunbar Tract City of Baker, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana Property Zoned: R-1 Proposed Use: New Single Family Residential Development Application and map can be viewed at City Hall, 3325 Groom Road, Baker, Louisiana 70714, Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. For more information, please contact the City of Baker at (225) 778-0300. In accordance with the rules of conduct of the Baker City Council meet‐ ings, any person who wishes to be heard rela‐ tive to this matter for public hearing may con‐ tact the Clerk of the Baker City Council, City of Baker, P. O. Box 707, Baker, Louisiana, 707040707, in writing, and an opportunity will be of‐ fered to speak during this public hearing. In accordance with the Americans with Disabili‐ ties Act, if you need spe‐ cial assistance, please contact Ashley Williams at (225) 778-0300, de‐ scribing the assistance that is necessary. Angela Canady Wall, LCMC, Clerk of Council City of Baker, Louisiana cc: Mayor and Council Members City Attorney Department Heads Advocate 201189-sept 19-25-oct 29-4t $129.56

PUBLIC NOTICE --OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE ZACHARY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING Tuesday, September 15, 2026 Mr. Gaines called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, Septem‐ ber 15, 2026, at 3755 Church Street, Zachary, Louisiana, 70791. Mr. Mackie led the Invo‐ cation Mrs. Freeman led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Gaines gave the Pub‐ lic Notice of Live Feed. Mrs. Payne called the Roll. Board Members in Atten‐ dance: Mr. Gaines, Dr. Tracey Taylor-Jarrell, Mr. Dayton, Dr. London, Mrs. Free‐ man, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Mackie. Board Members Absent: Dr. Lathon Recognition: Mr. Necaise recognized our retirees, Mrs. An‐ nette Havard and Mrs. Susan Varnadore. They were honored for their years of outstand‐ ing service and received trophies. Received as Information: Mr. Necaise gave his Su‐ perintendent’s Update to the Board. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Gaines asked the Board to approve the minutes of the 8.18.26 Board Meeting and the 9.1.26 Committee of the Whole. Mrs. Freeman moved to approve the minutes. Mr. Mackie Seconded. Vote: Yeas 8 Nays 0 Ab‐ sent 1 Consent Agenda Items: None Stand-Alone Items: Mr. Necaise/Legal Coun‐ sel asked for considera‐ tion of a request to ap‐ prove the Legislative Pol‐ icy Changes for 2026 Part 1. JGCE Child Abuse. Mr. Hughes moved to ap‐ lb

Mr. Necaise/Legal Coun‐ sel asked for considera‐ tion of a request to ap‐ prove the Legislative Pol‐ icy Changes for 2026 Part 1. GBRIA Personal Leave. Dayton moved to ap‐ prove. Dr. London sec‐ onded the motion. Vote: Yeas 8 Nays 0 Ab‐ sent 1 Mr. Necaise/Legal Coun‐ sel asked for considera‐ tion of a request to ap‐ prove leaving the Policy as is. IDDF, Education of Stu‐ dents with Exceptionali‐ ties Dr. Taylor-Jarrell moved to approve. Mrs. Freeman seconded the motion. Vote: Yeas 7 Nays 1 Ab‐ sent 0 Mr. Necaise/Legal Coun‐ sel asked for considera‐ tion of a request to ap‐ prove the Legislative Pol‐ icy Changes for 2026 Part 1. IDDFC, Cameras in Spe‐ Education Class‐ cial rooms Dr. London moved to ap‐ prove. Mr. Dayton sec‐ onded the motion. Vote: Yeas 8 Nays 0 Ab‐ sent 1 Mr. Necaise/Legal Coun‐ sel asked for considera‐ tion of a request to ap‐ prove the Legislative Pol‐ icy Changes for 2026 Part 1. JGCFA, Behavioral Health Services for Students. Mr. Dayton moved to ap‐ prove. Dr. London sec‐ onded the motion. Vote: Yeas 8 Nays 0 Ab‐ sent 1 Mr. Necaise/Legal Coun‐ sel asked for considera‐ tion of a request to ap‐ prove the Legislative Pol‐ icy Changes for 2026 Part 1. JD, Discipline Mr. Hughes moved to ap‐ prove. Dr. London sec‐ onded the motion. Vote: Yeas 8 Nays 0 Ab‐ sent 1 Mr. Necaise/Legal Coun‐ sel asked for considera‐ tion of a request to ap‐ prove the Legislative Pol‐ icy Changes for 2026 Part 1. EBBC, Emergency Opera‐ tions Plans Dr. London moved to ap‐ prove. Mr. Mackie sec‐ onded the motion. Vote: Yeas 8 Nays 0 Ab‐ sent 1 Mr. Necaise/Legal Coun‐ sel asked for considera‐ tion of a request to ap‐ prove the Legislative Pol‐ icy Changes for 2026 Part 1. JDE, Expulsion Dr. London moved to ap‐ prove. Dr. Taylor-Jarrell seconded the motion. Vote: Yeas 8 Nays 0 Ab‐ sent 1 Mr. Necaise/Legal Coun‐ sel asked for considera‐ tion of a request to ap‐ prove the Legislative Pol‐ icy Changes for 2026 Part 1. GBRIB, Sick Leave Mr. Dayton moved to ap‐ prove. Mrs. Freeman sec‐ onded the motion. Vote: Yeas 8 Nays 0 Ab‐ sent 1 Mr. Necaise/Legal Coun‐ sel asked for considera‐ tion of a request to ap‐ prove the Legislative Pol‐ icy Changes for 2026 Part 1. JDD, Suspension Dr. London moved to ap‐ prove. Dr. Taylor Jarrell seconded the motion. Vote: Yeas 8 Nays 0 Ab‐ sent 1 Mr. Necaise/Legal Coun‐ sel asked for considera‐ tion of a request to ap‐ prove the AI Policy. Mrs. Freeman moved to approve. Dr. London sec‐ onded the motion. Vote: Yeas 8 Nays 0 Ab‐ sent 1 Dr. London asked for consideration of a re‐ to approve quest changes to the Copper Mill Elementary Home‐ work Policy. Dr. London moved to ap‐ prove. Mr. Dayton sec‐ onded the motion. Vote: Yeas 8 Nays 0 Ab‐ sent 1 Items for COW Meeting on Oct. 6, 2026 – Board Residency Veriﬁcations Academics Organizational Items – Community Drug Pro‐ gram will be on October 5, 2026, at 6 PM at the VPAC at ZHS. Committee of the Whole will be held on October 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM, 3755 Church Street, Zachary, LA 70791. First home football game of the season on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the ZHS Stadium. Adjournment: Mr. Dayton moved to ad‐ journ. Dr. London sec‐ onded the motion. Vote: Yeas 8 Nays 0 Ab‐ sent 1 The meeting was ad‐ journed at 7:07 PM. Mr. Ben Necaise Superintendent

201951-sept 25-1t $96.07

Public Notices Sex Offenders

I, Patrick K Gibson Sr, have been convicted of 14:81 - Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. Date Convicted: 08/03/2026. My Address is: 2645 EATON ST BATON ROUGE, LA 70805 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 5/18/1982 Height: 5'6" Weight: 172 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: LOUISIANA 201999, SEPT 25-26 $250

I, TERRANCE RAMON GRAYSON Sr, have been convicted of 14:81 - Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. Date Convicted: 04/02/2015. 14:80 - Carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Date Convicted: 03/03/2015. 4:81 - Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. Date Convicted: 06/09/1997. My Address is: 3318 Osceola St Baton Rouge, LA 70805 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 3/10/1976 Height: 5'8" Weight: 170 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: LOUISIANA 201997, SEPT 25-26 $250

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

SHERIFF'S SALE Suit No: (17) 782140 ALLY BANK vs ERIK JOSEPH CHAMBERS 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge State of Louisiana Acting under and by virtue of Writ of SEIZURE AND SALE issued out of honorable court the aforesaid, in the above entitled and numbered cause, dated, August 13, 2026 and to me directed, I did seize and will, be‐ ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m. on Wednesday, Oc‐ tober 7, 2026, via an on‐ line auction site at www. bid4assets.com/EBRS0sh eriffsales., offer for sale at public auction the fol‐ lowing described mort‐ gaged property belong‐ ing to: ERIK JOSEPH CHAMBERS 2022 TESLA/ MODEL Y 7SAYGDEE1 NF375806 MILEAGE: 101347 STORED AT SMART TOW‐ ING 3045 ROSENWALD ROAD TERMS OF SALE: Cash to the highest bid‐ der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and according to law. Sid J. Gautreaux, Sheriff East Baton Rouge Parish

Mr. Andrew Gaines – Board President

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Polo drenches Mexico’s coast Senate rejects

resolution to halt the Iran war

Tropical Storm Nolo takes aim at Hawaii

BY MEGAN JANETSKY and GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA

Lawmakers vote 49-50 in 14th consideration of war powers

Associated Press

MEXICO CITY — Residents along Mexico’s west coast stacked sandbags to fortify beachfront shops and evacuated their homes, while Hawaii’s Big Island and Maui braced for potentially catastrophic flooding, as two separate storms swirled in the Pacific on Thursday. Heavy rains from powerful Hurricane Polo could cause life-threatening flooding and landslides in Mexico, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. In places like the port city of Lazaro Cardenas, seawater swept through homes Thursday and left wooden planks and furniture strewn on the streets. Polo has gone back and forth between Category 4 and 5, both major-hurricane strength. The strongest winds were expected to remain offshore as the storm’s center skirts the coast before moving out to sea. But Polo was forecast to hook back toward Mexico’s coast farther north on Saturday. Far off the southern tip of Hawaii’s Big Island, Tropical Storm Nolo was gathering strength, and forecasters expect it to become a hurricane soon. Hawaii is likely to see heavy rains starting late Thursday and winds reaching hurricane levels by early Saturday. Nolo could dump more than 2 feet of rain across islands still recovering from a string of storms. The series of powerful storms comes as the weather phenomenon El Niño prompts major environmental shifts across the world, fueling drought in some areas and flooding in others. El Niño traditionally dampens the Atlantic hurricane season, while it tends to rev up tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific with moist air and little wind shear. Hawaii has been battered this year by major flooding in the spring, an earthquake and two other hurricanes since mid-August. “In my 20 years of experience here, I’ve never seen three hurricane watches for the islands in the same year,” said John Bravender of the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

BY LISA MASCARO

AP congressional correspondent

PHOTO PROVIDED By NOAA

Tropical Storm Nolo, left, south of Hawaii; Hurricane Odalys, middle; and Hurricane Polo, right, off the coast of Mexico, swirl in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. while coastal residents tried to protect businesses from getting swept away. People in high-risk areas were being evacuated, though authorities didn’t immediately say how many. Much of the worry from locals comes from hurricanes in past years that devastated cities along the Paciﬁc coast. Hurricane Otis in 2023 unexpectedly plunged Acapulco into turmoil for weeks. “So many people said it wouldn’t happen and then it did. After that, you’re left on edge,” said Gonzalo Ramírez, a bartender in the city. Polo posed the biggest threat to Guerrero and Michoacán, neighboring states in southwest Mexico that share a long coastline scattered with small ports, tourist towns and fishing villages. Much of the area is marked by poverty, and residents routinely complain they are left to fend for themselves during natural disasters. Mexican authorities have deployed 15,000 security personnel across the coast and suspended schools. In Lázaro Cárdenas, a port city in Michoacán that was hit with high surf, locals and government officials were clearing out piles of wooden planks from a number of destroyed ramadas and shoveling thick mud coating much of the town. Alicia Contreras said the walls and roof of her restaurant had been severely damaged by 15-foot waves. As of-

ﬁcers and family helped pick through the damaged house, Contreras worried how she would economically recover. “This is huge because we have no other source of income. Now we’re just surviving,” Contreras said.

Nolo could hit Hawaii Forecasters said Tropical Storm Nolo might grow into a major hurricane and could drop 20 inches of rain on the Big Island, with even higher amounts possible through Saturday. The island of Maui could also be hit with life-threatening ﬂoods and mudslides, the hurricane center said. While the Big Island is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, its full path remains uncertain, according to Bravender, the weather service’s warning coordination meteorologist in Hawaii. Most concerning, he said Thursday, is that the heaviest rain is likely to fall over the same southeastern region of the Big Island hit in August by Hurricane Lala and where grounds are still wet from additional precipitation. “There are several communities that were isolated, flooded, roads that were washed out,” he said. “It’s that same area that is most under threat,” Bravender said. Hawaii ofﬁcials told residents to put together emergency kits and the governor issued an emergency proclamation, activating more than 230 Hawaii National Guard members. Schools

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were closed for the rest of the week. Hawaiian Electric, the state’s primary utility, said crews that had been helping restore power in Kauai after this month’s Hurricane Lowell would return to Oahu, Maui and the Big Island in preparation for the coming storm.

Odalys, Fay not near land A third storm in the Pacific, Hurricane Odalys, was centered far from land roughly 1,110 miles westsouthwest of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. In the northern Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Fay re-formed early Thursday, the U.S. hurricane center said. It was nearly 1,000 miles west-southwest of the Azores.

WASHINGTON — Despite rising political anxiety over the Iran war, senators on Thursday narrowly rejected a war powers resolution seeking to halt President Donald Trump’s military action, which has been largely blamed for the spike in gas prices and become a ﬂashpoint in the midterm election. The Senate tally, 49-50, coming days after Trump’s bombastic address to the United Nations in which he threatened to “annihilate” Iran, was likely the last chance for lawmakers to go on record about the war ahead of November. More Republicans are peeling way from the president as the war drags on, a rare slap back to Trump, as they campaign for control of Congress. The Senate outcome fell short, with four GOP senators joining most Democrats in favor of the resolution. “They have been carrying water for this ridiculous and

illegal war for months and months and months and not listening to their constituents,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who pushed the war powers resolution forward. About half of rural American voters believe the economy is worse off now than when Trump returned to ofﬁce, according to a new survey from The Associated Press in partnership with KFF. The costs of groceries, gas and healthcare rank as top pain points for the rural voters. “We’ve got to break the cycle,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who joined in voting yes. Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky also voted for the resolution to end the war, as they have in many previous tallies, and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voted against. This was the 14th time the Senate has considered a war powers resolution since Trump launched the conﬂict on Feb. 28. War powers resolutions are largely political statements, without the full force of law, but stand among the sharper tools the House and Senate have to express disapproval of the White House.

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DA investigating LSU rape allegation University reduced football player’s punishment, files show

BY BLAKE LESCHBER Staff writer

An LSU administrative process found a football player responsible for the rape of a student but reduced his punishment on appeal, determining in part that no “force” or “malice” was involved and the athlete showed “an error in judg-

ment,” documents show. Documents from the Title IX hearing process, obtained by The Advocate, shed new light on allegations the student made public in a TikTok video posted earlier this month. In the video, the student said she is now pursuing criminal charges against the player and feels the university let her down.

On Tuesday, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore said his ofﬁce was opening an investigation into the rape allegation, saying a criminal complaint was ﬁled. LSU issued a statement saying the university correctly followed the administrative process in handling the matter and is cooperating

with the criminal investigation. Documents show the incident occurred Oct. 18, 2025, and the LSU Office of Civil Rights and Title Moore IX received an incident report Dec. 9. The civil rights ofﬁce handles allegations of sexual misconduct among students

through an administrative process. The football player called LSU police the day of the incident, saying he had a sexual encounter with the student and that she was messaging him, claiming he raped her and threatening suicide, according to an incident report ﬁled by a university police ofﬁcer. LSU police met with her and took her to the

ä See ALLEGATION, page 2B

TIME TO REFLECT

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Kole Ali pushes a dumpster into the garage of The Commerce Building downtown on Tuesday.

Livingston teams up to clear Colyell creeks ‘It’s like taking a roadblock out of the highway’

BY GIGI LIMAN Staff writer

For the ﬁrst time in more than 50 years, crews have begun clearing all 19.1 miles of the Colyell creeks, stretching from Walker to Port Vincent. The Livingston Parish government, its Gravity Drainage District 5 and the city of Walker joined forces Tuesday to launch a clearing project for the threecreek system that empties into the Amite River. Leaders celebrated as an amphibious excavator made its way into the water, where it will begin floating down the creeks, clearing debris along the way. Fallen trees, branches and other debris often build up in the creeks and restrict them from properly ﬂowing. “It’s like taking a roadblock out of the highway,” said Shane McKey, Gravity Drainage District 5 administrator, referring to the project.

ä See CREEKS, page 2B

New $30M distribution facility set for Geismar Work expected to begin in early 2027

Lawsuit over online posts spent years in appeals

BY ANNAKATE FREELAND Staff writer

A new $30 million, 200,000-square-foot distribution facility is coming to Ascension Parish, with construction expected to begin in the ﬁrst quarter of 2027. The facility will be built in Geismar at the Magnolia Ridge Logistics Park, a site intended for industrial tenants like bulk distribution companies, light manufacturers and plant services businesses. The 186-acre industrial park, formed by Alexandria-based Ratcliff Development and local private equity ﬁrm JRE Capital, announced in June that it has 14 shovel-ready sites. Ratcliff Development and JRE Capital announced Tuesday they will co-develop the new facility, with Ratcliff Construction Co. serving as general contractor. Powers Brown Architecture will lead the design, and Lee & Associates will represent the property for leasing and marketing. The facility is designed to serve petrochemical support, logistics, warehousing and in-

Librarian’s defamation case going to trial BY GIGI LIMAN

RENDERING PROVIDED By RATCLIFF DEVELOPMENT

This rendering shows where a new 200,000-square-foot distribution facility is located at Magnolia Ridge Logistics Park. dustrial service users in Ascension Parish and the surrounding region. The industrial building will feature a 32-foot eave height and be divisible into spaces as small as 50,000 square feet. Its rear-load structure is designed to support truck circulation, warehousing and distribution operations. “This project represents the next step in delivering highquality industrial infrastructure at Magnolia Ridge Logistics Park,” Gregg Thompson, president of Ratcliff Development, said in a news release. “As the ﬁrst phase of a larger development plan, it establishes a foundation that can support existing local operators

and growing industrial users.” The lots at the industrial park range in size from 2 to 16 acres, with asking prices between $6 and $7.50 per square foot. Developers have said the park, located at Industriplex Avenue and La. 30, could eventually include 2 million square feet of mixed industrial space. “We developed Magnolia Ridge Logistics Park to provide fully entitled, shovel-ready land in a supply-constrained market,” said Trey Williams, managing partner of JRE Capital. “This facility will provide ﬂexibility and speed to market for users seeking well-located distribution and industrial support space in Ascension Parish and throughout the region.”

Staff writer

More than four years after a Livingston Parish library board meeting ignited a ﬁght over ageappropriate books, school librarian Amanda Jones’ defamation case against a conservative watchdog group is now on track to go to trial. Judge Erika Sledge of the 21st Judicial District Court on Monday denied a motion by an attorney for Michael Lunsford, executive director of Citizens for a New Louisiana, to dismiss the suit. The two sides will now move into the pretrial discovery phase, where they will exchange the evidence they plan to use at trial. Monday’s hearing was the second since the case returned to Sledge’s courtroom earlier this year. It spent nearly four years in appeals, where lawyers argued over whether the case could be heard at all, going all the way to the Louisiana Supreme

ä See TRIAL, page 2B

2B ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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St. Landry president has plan to pay back $1.6M bond Parish could face fiscal oversight from state

BY JOEL THOMPSON Staff writer

With only six months to pay back a $1.65 million bond before the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office takes control of the parish finances, St. Landry officials are clarifying how the parish plans to navigate upcoming budget cuts. The parish spent $2.9 million of $4.6 million in bonds issued in 2024 and 2025 to help balance its general fund, and still owes $1.65 million that will become due in March 2027. The parish was anticipating an extension of one year. However, Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack determined that if the parish did not make substantial steps toward resolving the matter in the six-month

timeframe, he would place the parish’s finances under a stateappointed ﬁscal administrator. Parish President Jessie Bellard said he is not opposed to the idea. “I welcome anyone to look at our ﬁnances and tell us what we ought to be cutting,” he said. “The auditor coming in will be a blessing to us. If they make any recommendations and people still don’t accept them, then there’s truly nothing we can do to make them accept them.” Parish officials began making cuts to overall staff as well as salary reductions in July. This came after the parish transferred $1.8 million from various dedicated road funds to balance the general fund while making necessary bond payments. Additionally, animal control services were mostly passed along to a third-party provider following public backlash to the announcement of its closure. The most recent program to fall victim to the cutbacks is the Community Action Agency, which pro-

vides transportation services for elderly citizens of the parish. Parish ofﬁcials said in July that they were looking at whether to cut the program, with a Sept. 1 deadline for a decision. The program’s last day will be Friday, however, nonemergency medical transportation for Medicaid recipients will still be provided through the service, with one employee remaining on staff to operate mandatory service. According to Bellard, the parish should save an additional $130,000 from cutting the program. Bellard has indicated in the past that up to 88.5% of the parish budget is tied to mandated spending, leaving very little discretionary funds from which to cut. “It’s not a spending problem, it’s a revenue problem,” Bellard said. One strategy the parish has used to lure businesses to the parish is PILOT agreements that exempt certain businesses from taxes in exchange for payments at a later date.

Tulane Energy Forum set TRIAL Event to tackle all sides of power issues

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

the impact of actions by the U.S. in Venezuela on the Gulf Coast oil industry, and how politics — especially this year’s midterm elections — could affect energy investment. “Energy requires capital intensive projects with long payouts,” Conner said. “Changing policies make it difficult, but there are obviously ways operators and investors and even consumers can protect themselves in a shifting landscape.” Keynote speakers at the forum will include federal energy regulator David LaCerte, CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells and the Energy Department’s top lawyer, Jonathan Brightbill. Other participants include Geoffrey Richardson, senior vice president of commercial and business development at ExxonMobil; Kevin McMahon, vice president of production assets, Gulf of America, at Shell; Claudia Morrow, senior vice president of corporate development and strategy at Vistra Corp.; Dustin Davidson, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy; Jean-Paul Coussan, Louisiana public service commissioner; Gray Stream, executive chairman and president of Gulf Coast Sequestration; Julie Stokes, president and CEO of Ellevate Louisiana; Ian Walch, vice president of energy markets at ENFRA; Darryl Willis, corporate vice president for the energy and resources industry at Microsoft; and John Weiss, vice president of sustainability and environmental policy at Entergy. Conner said one important function of the event is to spotlight Louisiana’s contributions to the nation’s energy industry. “There’s the old saying that ‘all roads lead to Rome,’ but, today, all pipelines lead to Louisiana,’ ” he said. “We’re the largest LNG exporting state in the country, so we’re at the center of this conversation.”

Energy is having a “moment,” according to Tulane professor Pierre Conner. The executive director of the Tulane Energy Institute, and one of the organizers of the Sept. 2830 Future of Energy Forum, said average citizens hadn’t been thinking much about what powers their homes or cars for several decades, but now the topic is top of mind again due to rising costs and concerns about reliability and sustainability. “Energy consciousness in society today is at level we haven’t seen since the early 1970s, when there was an oil embargo and prices quadrupled in a short period,” Conner said. “But it’s ubiquitous: we all either make it, move it or use it.” Conner said Tulane launched its energy forum three years ago as a way to spark productive conversations between industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, technology experts and consumers. The free, three-day event on Tulane’s main campus in Uptown New Orleans will feature more than 40 sessions covering data center growth, battery advancements, nuclear energy, critical minerals, carbon capture, shifting energy regulations, sustainable energy, artiﬁcial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Conner said the event intentionally addresses all sides of these issues as stakeholders struggle to balance the often-conﬂicting goals of energy reliability, resiliency, accessibility and affordability. “There are solutions at the intersections of those competing objectives, but one particular solution might optimize one over the other, which is why we feel it’s important to have all aspects of this conversation,” he said. Hot topics at this year’s event in- Email Rich Collins at rich. clude water use for data centers, collins@theadvocate.com.

Man carjacked in LaPlace Walmart parking lot Flock cameras locate alleged attacker, police say

BY MICHELLE HUNTER Staff writer

aid, and the man was taken to a hospital to be treated for his injuries. Authorities said Frasier took off in the victim’s vehicle, a red 2014 Honda CR-V. Police in Kenner spotted the stolen SUV within about 17 minutes, using the Flock licenseplate recognition camera system. Ofﬁcers surrounded the vehicle at the intersection of Decatur Avenue and Veterans Memorial Boulevard, about a half-block from the Kenner Police Department headquarters, police said. Frasier was taken into custody and booked in Jefferson Parish with illegal possession of a stolen vehicle and driving without a license. He was being held Thursday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. Bail was set at $25,150 for the charges related to the stolen vehicle, but Frasier was being held without bond for a parole violation. He will also face criminal charges in St. John Parish, the Sheriff’s Ofﬁce said.

Authorities arrested a suspect accused of attacking and carjacking an 80-year-old man who was loading groceries in the parking lot of a LaPlace business over the weekend. The victim had just finished shopping at Walmart, 1616 Airline Highway, just after noon on Saturday when he headed out to his vehicle, according to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Ofﬁce. As he placed his groceries inside the car, a man grabbed him from behind, choked him and threw him to the ground before punching him in the face. The suspect, later identiﬁed as Christopher Frasier, 28, of Montz, allegedly jumped into the victim’s vehicle as the 80-year-old cried out for help. Email Michelle Hunter at A bystander came to the victim’s mhunter@theadvocate.com.

Continued from page 1B

Court and the appeals court twice. The case catapulted Livingston into international news and made Jones a national ﬁgure among opponents of book bans. She was featured in an Emmy Award-winning documentary, “The Librarians,” executive produced by Sarah Jessica Parker. Jones, a librarian for Livingston Parish public schools, sued Lunsford and blogger Ryan Thames after they made Facebook posts accusing her of promoting pornography in the libraries. Jones and Lunsford had both spoken at a July 2022 Livingston Parish Library board meeting, where the agenda items included a discussion of potentially restricting access to a list of eight books for children and preteens about dating, sex and sexuality and gender identity issues, out of concern that the books were inappropriate for children.

ALLEGATION

Continued from page 1B hospital, where a sexual assault kit was completed, the report says. During interviews with university Title IX investigators, the student and player provided conﬂicting information on what happened. Both said there was some consensual sexual activity, an LSU hearing panel found. But the student said she never agreed to it proceeding to intercourse, which continued even after she told him to stop, the panel’s report said. The player said that he stopped after she told him to, the panel reported. The panel determined the player was responsible for rape of the student because the incident between the two went from consensual to nonconsensual. In his own statements, he said he did not ask for consent before intercourse and did not stop when he later asked and she was silent, the panel found. The panel decided he should be suspended until May 31, 2027, the documents show. He would not be allowed on university property un-

CREEKS

Continued from page 1B In the past, the parish has hired contractors to clear isolated parts of the creek system, typically after large storms, but those jobs never covered the whole waterway, and crews often pushed the debris to the bank instead of hauling it away. Under the joint agreement, all debris will be completely removed from the creeks. The three entities had already budgeted the project’s $375,000 cost, according to Gravity Drainage District 5 Operations Manager Nick Rickards, who said hiring a contractor for the same work would likely come with a price tag of millions of dollars. The amphibious excavator will do most of the work, alongside a few other tools and crews of helpers. The excavator floats, which lets it move along the creek and scoop up branches in its path. Crews expect the job to take about six months, depending on how much debris they encounter along the way.

However, one of the most crucial agreements to the parish’s ﬁnancial future involving solar energy company NextEra has been threatened by an ongoing transfer of the project to a different entity. NextEra is presently engaged in a $67 million all-stock merger with Dominion Energy, which has led to the company reassessing many of its ongoing projects, including its plans for a 2,500-acre solar farm near Port Barre. Bellard confirmed that an undisclosed company is still in the process of purchasing the project from NextEra, and that he hopes to discuss details of the deal publicly in the coming days. He said the transfer between companies will not jeopardize the PILOT agreement, however. The PILOT agreement had been the subject of some controversy earlier in the year during the adoption of the annual budget because of questions surrounding when the parish would receive payments.

At the time, Bellard said the parish anticipated $4.1 million in PILOT agreements during the fiscal year, the vast majority of which would be paid by NextEra. It is unclear if the project transfer will cause future payments to be delayed, possibly reducing the $4.1 million figure provided in February. The parish has little room with which to operate even under the assumption that all anticipated revenues from PILOT agreements will be received, meaning any reductions could make it harder for the parish to remain financially solvent. Bellard remains insistent that no changes to the expected payments have yet been communicated. “I feel very confident that we’ll get the revenue from this project one way or another,” Bellard said. “We’re in active conversations with the company that’s coming in, and I don’t foresee any changes to how and when we get this money.”

Jones told the board that banning books would be harmful to the community, especially marginalized groups. Lunsford spoke at the same meeting, alleging that some books were inappropriate and should be restricted. Following the meeting, Jones said she was the target of several online posts from Lunsford and Thames, including one post from Lunsford’s organization that read, “Why is she ﬁghting so hard to keep sexually erotic and pornographic material in the kid’s section?” Jones then sued for defamation. To win, she would have to prove not only that Lunsford and Thames made false statements that damaged her reputation but also that the two knew their statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Sledge initially dismissed the case in October 2022 after she determined that the posts qualiﬁed as opinion. Jones appealed, and the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal dismissed the case on procedural grounds. Jones appealed again to the Louisiana

Supreme Court, which said the appeals court erred in dismissing the case on procedural grounds and instructed it to review the substance of the case. In October 2025, after reviewing the case again, the appeals court ruled that Jones had a strong enough case to go forward, reversing Sledge’s initial decision. That ruling was also appealed, this time by Lunsford and Thames. In February, the Supreme Court refused to reverse the ruling and sent the case back to Sledge’s courtroom. Following the Supreme Court decision, Thames and Jones settled. Jones had written in her ﬁlings that she sought $1 and a public apology from Lunsford and Thames. As part of their settlement agreement, Thames issued a public apology and paid some of her court fees. Lunsford and Jones have not settled, paving the way for the two to face off in a trial. The discovery period will likely take a couple of months, according to a person familiar with the matter. No trial date has been set.

less given prior approval. He also would be readmitted only if he met counseling and other requirements, and the suspension would be recorded on his academic transcript. The player appealed, noting the timing of the Title IX complaint, saying he should have been represented by an adviser earlier in the process and mentioning $1,000 received by the student from his family, among other issues. In her TikTok video, the student said soon after the incident, the player’s mother asked her not to ﬁle a criminal complaint and ruin his career. The student said she accepted $1,000 from the player’s family early on, and ﬁled a criminal complaint after learning he was back on campus. The administrative law judge reviewing the appeal rejected the player’s arguments and upheld the prior decision on forcible rape. But the review judge changed the punishment from a two-semester suspension to four semesters of probation, the records show. The original punishment was deemed too harsh, partly because while the athlete’s actions were nonconsensual, they did not “ex-

hibit a deliberate disregard for complainant’s dignity and autonomy but was instead an error in judgment.” In a statement after Moore announced the opening of a criminal investigation, LSU said the university had “properly followed its Title IX policies and processes to a conclusion.” “Let me assure everyone that this incident has been handled professionally and that LSU has strictly followed our policies, procedures and best practices, including the Title IX process, to guide our actions to date,” LSU President Wade Rousse said in a statement. “Now that a criminal complaint has been filed, our role is to continue cooperating with our law enforcement partners as they work through their investigatory process.” Moore said he has requested all reports, interviews, evidence and other records from LSU, the LSU Police Department, the Baton Rouge Police Department, the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office and other agencies. Neither Moore nor LSU officials have made the name of the student or player public.

About 75% of the creeks run through drainage districts that have no funding. District 5 cleans its own section, but the majority of the creeks have never been cleaned. The joint project started in Gravity Drainage District 8, which has never approved drainage funding for the creeks. “Mother Nature does not respect our political boundaries,” said Livingston Parish Council member John Mangus. Leaders said the project will help the whole parish, not just the unfunded areas. When water is blocked downstream, it backs up and slows drainage upstream, even if those sections have already been cleared and are regularly maintained. “The more we get it opened up going south, it’s going to benefit everybody in the parish north of the area,” said Gravity Drainage District 5 Board member Chance Ballard. The project was two years in the making. It is the ﬁrst time the three entities have teamed up on work like this, according to project leaders. “It came to a point where we all

got together and said, man, let’s do it,” McKey said. “Let’s not put this off anymore.” Walker will pay 25% of the cost, as will Gravity Drainage District 5, and the Livingston Parish Department of Public Works will fund the remaining 50%. Project leaders hope the results will persuade voters in unfunded districts to approve drainage taxes. “People don’t want to vote for taxes, but when it comes to drainage, that’s one of the most important things,” Ballard said. “After it’s done, they might want to vote in a gravity drainage.”

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WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23, 2026 PICK 3: 9-1-8 PICK 4: 8-3-4-1 PICK 5: 7-1-2-8-4 EASY 5: 4-13-14-23-28 LOTTO: 7-8-15-19-29-41 POWERBALL: 5-15-26-29-30 (14) Unofficial notification, keep your tickets.

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Crocs sues Five Below, alleging infringement

Crocs is suing Philadelphiabased discount retailer Five Below, alleging the company knowingly sold knockoff versions of Crocs’ famous foam clogs. Crocs’ attorneys say Five Below kept selling Crocs lookalikes and accessories even after being notified this March of their trademark, patent and intellectual property infringement. The allegations were detailed in a lawsuit filed last week by Crocs and its subsidiary, Jibbitz Charms, in U.S. District Court in Colorado, where Crocs is based. The plaintiffs take issue with Five Below’s “Juniors Charm Clog,” which look like trademarked Crocs, and the shoe’s accompanying charms, which resemble the patented Jibbitz ones that can be affixed to Crocs. Crocs’ classic adult clogs range from $50 to $75, while its kids’ version sells for about $40. Five Below’s “Juniors Charm Clog” is listed at $7 on its website. Five Below spokespeople did not return requests for comment Wednesday. Crocs’ attorneys have asked for a jury trial and are seeking an unspecified amount in damages, which include lost profits, according to the lawsuit. The company also wants a permanent injunction to prevent Five Below from selling products that resemble Crocs.

N.Y. says Polymarket is unlicensed gambling NEW YORK — New York sued the prediction market Polymarket on Thursday, arguing the platform is an unlicensed gambling operation and calling for a judge to block the company from operating in the state. Prediction market platforms have argued states do not have the authority to govern them because they are regulated at the federal level by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. New York officials filed Thursday's lawsuit against Polymarket in state court and want the company to face fines and be forced to pay restitution to users because the platform did not get a gambling license from the state. The state has previously sued other platforms such as Kalshi, Coinbase and Gemini using a similar argument. “By running an unlicensed gambling operation, Polymarket has done more than just knowingly violate state law, they have put New Yorkers at risk, especially those underage who are most vulnerable to problem gaming,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. In a statement, Polymarket’s Chief Legal Officer Neal Kumar said, “We'll fight for our users.”

Starbucks to close 250 North American stores Starbucks plans to close 250 North American stores later this week. It is the second big round of store closures under Starbucks Chair and CEO Brian Niccol, who joined the company in 2024. Last September, Starbucks closed 627 stores in North America and Europe. In a letter to employees, Starbucks Chief Operating Officer Mike Grams said the locations targeted either aren't delivering acceptable financial results or can’t provide the kind of experience that Starbucks wants for customers and employees. Starbucks Workers United, which represents workers at the 700 company-owned U.S. Starbucks stores that have voted to unionize, said 20 unionized stores are among the 250 that are closing, or 8% of the total. Starbucks stores have been voting to unionize since late 2021, but the union and the company have yet to reach a labor agreement. Grams said Starbucks is continuing to retrofit North American coffeehouses to make them cozier and more inviting. The company expects 1,500 stores will be retrofitted by Sept. 30.

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KFC opens Texas test restaurant breakfast and stays open late. The Open House’s design or menu will KFC will function more like an It’s looking for ways to menu will feature new drinks like eventually reach the rest of its Apple Store or a luxury retailer, he said, without stressful lines or refreshers and crunchy- 3,424 U.S. restaurants. reclaim chicken crown boba-ﬁlled The Texas concept and gleaming, grumpy cashiers. topped milkshakes, an expanded

BY DEE-ANN DURBIN AP business writer

KFC has been taking a licking from fried chicken rivals like Raising Cane's, but the global fast-food chain has a plan to return to the top of the U.S. pecking order. The Kentucky-born brand opened a new restaurant in McKinney, Texas, on Thursday to serve as a test lab in its home market. Called Open House, it serves

lineup of tenders and sauces, and new side dishes like fried green beans and spicy pickles. The restaurant has double drivethru lanes and a mobile order pickup station. But KFC designed it to encourage customers to stay a while. After ordering at a digital kiosk, they can sit and wait for employees to bring the food to their table. There is also a photo booth and a counter selling branded merch. KFC did not say how much of

multi-story ﬂagships set to open in Dubai, Seoul and London show KFC is trying to make grabbing fast food more of an experience. “People don’t remember what they eat, but they remember how they were feeling when they were eating,” KFC Chief Concept Ofﬁcer Christophe Poirier, who leads new restaurant design, said. Poirier said KFC is automating tasks like ordering so employees can focus on hospitality. Ideally,

“You leave the retailer and say, ‘Wow. The product is amazing, but beyond that the service was amazing. For 10 or 15 minutes I was feeling like a king,’” he said. In 2015, KFC commanded a 20% share of the $21.8 billion in U.S. chicken-chain sales, according to Technomic, a restaurant market research company. By 2025, KFC’s share had fallen to 8%, even as sales at chicken chains more than doubled to $57.7 billion.

Gulf nations keep oil flowing, but the costs are mounting Workarounds in Iran war aren’t permanent fix

BY DAVID McHUGH AP business writer

FRANKFURT, Germany — When Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz at the start of the war, choking off sea passage for some 15 million barrels of oil a day, many feared that prices would skyrocket, cratering the world economy. Instead, nearly seven months on, oil is expensive but not exorbitant, and analysts say there's enough oil available to meet current global needs, even as the higher prices cause political problems for U.S. President Donald Trump and others. That's because Saudi Arabia and other Gulf producers quickly found alternative routes and reached for unused pipeline capacity. When Iran and its militant allies targeted those, the oil exporters and the U.S. military found still other ways — workarounds for the workarounds — in an often clandestine game of whack-a-mole. With oil now at around $100 a barrel — higher than before the war but not as bad as feared — Iran has diminished leverage, while a U.S. naval blockade and tightened sanctions smother its own economy. But the workarounds are expensive and may not be sustainable. The drawing down of existing commercial oil stocks — especially by China — has also helped keep prices in check, but cannot continue indeﬁnitely. And Iran could yet gain an edge with continued attacks on key oil facilities.

Pipeline backups were ready Iran began attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz in response to the U.S.-Israeli bombardment that started the war. In response, the Saudis turned to their East-West pipeline that carries oil to their Red Sea port of Yanbu. From there, tankers headed out through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait toward Asia. Likewise, the United Arab Emirates used its pipeline cutting across neighboring Oman to Fujairah — a route that skirts the strait. Both pipelines had spare capacity, and the UAE's state oil company ADNOC and Saudi Aramco used it to keep exports from collapsing completely during the ﬁrst weeks of the war. Meanwhile, some oil leaked out of the Strait of Hormuz. In May, ship operators willing to risk Iranian attack started taking advantage of a U.S.-supervised route near Oman, defying Iran's demands to use its own vetted route. They shuttled back and forth at night with location systems and mobile phones turned off, and ofﬂoaded to tankers waiting outside the strait. Flows from Kuwait, Iraq, and the UAE started to rise again.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By VAHID SALEMI

Analysts estimate 6 million barrels of oil per day or more have been passing through the Strait of Hormuz on the dark shuttle route on average. But Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen disrupted the Yanbu workaround in July by declaring a blockade of Saudi oil shipments, threatening the Bab el-Mandeb — a repeat of the Hormuz disruption. In response, the Saudis redirected Asia shipments northwest to the Mediterranean, either through the Suez Canal or — for tankers too big to use it — a pipeline across Egypt to another tanker. The oil then made a huge detour as it was shipped around Africa and back to Asia. Then the East-West pipeline was attacked earlier this month and forced to shut down, potentially for weeks.

Saudis use U.S.-protected dark shuttle With oil loading halted at Yanbu from Sept. 11, the Saudis shifted again, joining other Gulf producers sending oil through the U.S.-guided corridor in the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday, six supertankers loaded 12 million barrels at Saudi terminals on the Persian Gulf, according to shipping data company Kpler. U.S. ofﬁcials have touted the role of the southern corridor in keeping energy ﬂowing while their blockade increases pressure on Iran. Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, said in a video on social media Saturday that U.S. forces had assisted 2,000 commercial ship transits and the transport of more than 1 billion barrels of oil from Gulf partner nations over “the past couple of months.” Analysts estimate 6 million barrels of oil per day or more have been passing through the Strait of Hormuz on the dark shuttle

route on average — some 40% or more of prewar ﬂows.

Workarounds keep the economy supplied Rahul Choudhary, vice president of upstream research at energy data firm Rystad Energy, did the math as follows: With 6 million or 7 million barrels per day now flowing through the southern route, plus 2 million barrels through the pipeline to Fujairah, fully 8 million or so of the blocked 15 million barrels per day from before the war have been restored. That still leaves roughly 7 million barrels per day missing from prewar flows. But wait: About 3.5 million barrels per day are being drawn down from the globe's abundant oil inventories. Meanwhile, demand has fallen by perhaps another 5 million barrels per day, due to the higher price and sluggish economic growth in key markets. Add in 500,000 to 700,000 barrels per day from other suppliers such as the U.S., and that pretty much evens out the global oil market. “Our take is that the market is very tightly balanced,” Choudhary said. “That is why you are not seeing exceptionally high prices for crude; they are still in the $100 range, and they have not touched $140-$150 per barrel — which could have been the case if there was a deficit of 5-6 million barrels.” Sending oil to Asia through the Suez Canal instead of the Red Sea can add as much as a month to the voyage. Meanwhile, the Hormuz shuttle trade involves expensive tankers waiting at least a day and a half in the Gulf of Oman for the ship-to-ship transfer.

Australian PM rebukes OpenAI’s breach of website Agent infiltrated health service portal

BY ROD MCGUIRK Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Thursday he was extremely concerned about OpenAI’s breach of an Australian health department website and that the artiﬁcial intelligence company took too long to reveal the incident. An OpenAI agent inﬁltrated the public-facing Medicare Statistics Reporting Service portal on June 18, he said. The portal hosted aggregate data about health

spending and drug subsidies and is popular with researchers and academics. No personal information had been accessed, the government said. Albanese made the breach public following a telephone conversation with OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman. Altman was among heads of major AI ﬁrms who in speeches Wednesday pleaded with the United Nations to save the world or at least its people by somehow regulating the fast-expanding technology that they have been designing. “Today I spoke with … Altman to express Australia’s extreme concern about this incident,” Albanese told reporters. “I also ex-

pressed my disappointment that it took the company way too long to inform the government what had occurred and the nature of the way that notiﬁcation occurred as well was unacceptable.” OpenAI said in a statement it had reviewed activity involving several Australian government departments and discovered “our models took actions we did not intend.” OpenAI notiﬁed Australia of the breach in an email to a government department’s generic address on Sept. 10, Albanese said. An inquiry looking into the security breach would examine whether OpenAI could be criminally charged, Albanese said. The inquiry would also investigate

how Australian security agencies failed to detect the breach before OpenAI revealed it. Albanese said he assumed there were commercial reasons for the AI investigation of how much was being spent on particular medicines and where expenditures were changing. Government Services Minister Katy Gallagher said OpenAI had advised on Sept. 10 that an “AI agent had accessed infrastructure behind the public-facing” portal. OpenAI shared with the government the vulnerability the agent had found. She said the portal had been closed and the data moved to more secure systems.

4B ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

dren, 6 Great Grandchildren 5 Brothers and 3 Sisters

Funerals Today Arman, Claudia

St. George Church. at 11:30am.

Clement, Joseph

St. Theresa Of Avila Catholic Church, 1022 N. Burnside Ave., Gonzales at 10:30am.

Jackson Sr., Edward

First Pilgrim Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 11453 Hwy 73, Geismar at 10:00am.

Juneau, Jerald

St. Aloysius Catholic Church at 11:30am.

Lathan, Ronald

New Beachgrove Baptist Church, 4420 Crown Avenue, Baton Rouge at 11:00am.

Moran, Hattie

St. Mark Catholic Church, 42021 Highway 621, Gonzales at 11:00am.

He was proceeded in death by his Parents Ralph Chenier Sr and Madella Martin, Grand Parents Lorenzo and Bernice Martin, Great Grandmother Victoria McClain and Brother Kenneth Martin. A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on 202609-26 at Hall's Celebration Center, 9348 Scenic Highway . A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on 2026-0926 at Hall's Celebration Center , 9348 Scenic Highway .

Dorsey, Debra A.

Noland, John

St James Church at 11:30am.

Peterson, Essie

Greater New Hope Baptist Church at 11:00am.

Robert, Hulin

St. Anthony of Darrow at Noon.

Robinson, Delores

Little Zion 11:00am.

Padua

Baptist

Church,

Church

Wilson, William

Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church at 11am.

Obituaries Chenier, Edward

Sr.

Edward Charles Chenier

Edward Charles Chenier Sr was born on June 9, 1950 to Ralph Chenier Sr. and Madella Martin. On September 15, 2026 Edward C. Chenier with his family by his side He transitioned from this earthly life to his eternal home. Edward received Christ in 1973 under the leadership of Bishop Junius Dillard of The Church of God later moving his membership to Open Faith Ministry under Pastor Michael J Chenier where he was a Deacon and member of the choir and then praise team. His Grandmother Bernice saw in him as a little boy 2 years old an artist in witch he pursue with excellence. Edward also love to sing and Sing he did. Edward was employed at Department of Revenue from Dec. 1979 to May 1997 and Tread and Care Tire Service. he also worked at Zachary High, Port Hudson, Copper Mill and Rollins Place Elementary for a total of 19 yrs as custodian until his retirement. Edward graduated from Capital High School. As a little boy he loved to play superman and the three stooges. Edward was a devoted Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Brother. he is survived by his formal wife Patricia Dogan from which one child Edward Charles Jr., he remarried Cynthia Chenier(deceased) which one child Colby Khambrell and remarried Doris Winfield. He was the Father of four children Demond K., Saketa, Edward Charles Jr and Colby Khambrell. He leaves to cherish his memory his four children, 10 Grandchil-

A native of Maringouin and resident of Baton Rouge, Debra passed away on Friday September 18, 2026 at the age of 68 surrounded by her family. She is survived by 4 daughters and 7 siblings and 7 grandpups. Visitation will e held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Mt. Gideon Baptist Church 77700 West Oak Ln. Maringouin from 3pm-7pm. Visitation will resume on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 12pm until the funeral begins at 1pm. A visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on 202609-25 at Mt. Gideon Baptist Church, 77700 West Oak Lane. Visitation will resume on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 12pm until the service begins at 1pm.

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

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tist 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.

Palmer, Patsy L.

Patsy L. Palmer passed away on September 21, 2026, at the age of 85. She will be remembered for the love she shared with her family and the special place she held in the hearts of those who knew her. Her life was marked by the memories she created with her loved ones and the family she cherished dearly. Patsy is survived by her children, Harold Wayne Armstrong, Jr. and Lisa Armstrong Boggan; her grandchildren, Jennifer Armstrong Milazzo, Darrell Armstrong, Susan Norton Swiber, and Dylan Boggan; as well as her great-grandchildren, who brought her continued joy and pride. A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd, from 10 am until funeral services at 11 am. Burial will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Please visit www.greenoak sfunerals.com to leave condolences to the family.

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. Michael shared 28 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Michele Nelson 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‐ ney’s ﬁancé, Drake Hughes, whom Michael came to love and consider as a son; and the absolute light of his life, his grand‐ son, Lucas Peavy. 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 by his beloved wife, 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. 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 on something, talking about racing, or enjoying it with the people he loved, it was a part of who he was. 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.

Pruitt, Gary Knox 'Duke'

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‐ tinued making people laugh, and found happi‐ ness in bringing happiness 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. Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, this Saturday, Sept 26, from 11am-2pm with service to immediately follow.

Porter, Tyrone Charles Porter, Tyrone Charles

Entered into eternal rest at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center on September 4, 2026. He was a 58-year-old native and resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Visitation at Bethany World Prayer Center-Baker on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 9:00 am until Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 am; interment, Southern Memorial Gardens. Survivors include his devoted wife, Anissa R. Porter; children, Tyra and Aubree Porter; father, Robert Porter; siblings, Lamar and Deshawn Porter; step-brothers, Juan, John and Chadric Porter.

A native and lifelong resident of Plaquemine, La, he died on September 23rd, 2026 at the age of 85 years. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dolores Haydel Pruitt; two sons, Jason Pruitt (Carol), and Ryan Pruitt (Haley); and two daughters, Ragan Pruitt, and Tanya Persick (Glenn); seven grandchildren, Brittany Persick, Katelyn Persick Deville (Jody), Elise Persick Cooke (Bobby), Alexis Ledet Daigle (Michael), Rene Ledet (Doren), Olivia Ledet Booksh (Garrett), and Cody Daniels (Adrienne); eight great grandchildren, Bjorn and Graysen Cooke, Georgia Ledet, Caroline and Andrew Daniels, Jaida, Jonah, and Jaxon Deville. He was preceded in death by a son, Chad Michael; and parents, Paul and Eunice Knox Pruitt. Visiting will be at Wilbert Funeral Home in Plaquemine on Friday, September 25th, from 5 to 8 pm. A rosary will be recited by the members of the Knights of Columbus and Alhamabra at 6 pm. Visiting will resume on Saturday at Wilbert Funeral Home at 8:30 until 10:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Rev. Martin Lawrence. Interment will follow at Grace Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Cody Daniels, Rene Ledet, Glenn Persick, Gary Haydel, Steve Smith and Barry Lamothe. Honorary pallbearers will be Archie Callias, Lloyd Bouchereau, Bryan Seymour, Ralph Comeaux, Mervin Gourgues, Tommy Haydel, and all of his Brother Knights of Council 970. He retired from the Greater Baton Rouge Port Commission with 34 years of service. He served as Executive Director of the Port from 1987 until his retirement in 1998. He was a 1959 graduate of St. John High School and in 2000 was recognized as a distinguished graduate. He was a parishioner of St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church and later returned

Peavy, Michael Wayne 'Pops'

O'Bear, Rev. Marcus

June 24, 1961 – Septem‐ ber 21, 2026

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 Bap-

Michael Wayne Peavy, af‐ fectionately known to nearly everyone as “Pops,” of Denham Springs, Louisiana, passed away on September 21, 2026, at the age of 65.

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to St. John the Evangelist where he was baptized. There he served as an altar server and lecturer for several years. He was a member of the Plaquemine Council 970 Knights of Columbus since 1964. He held many offices in the Council including Grand Knight, and he served as delegate to several state KC Conventions, in 1975 being elected a delegate to the annual convention of the Supreme Council of the KC. He was one of the organizers of the International Acadian Festival and served as co-chairman of the festival three times. In 1983 he was selected as a co-parade marshal. He also held memberships in Friends of the Locks, Prince Murat Caravan 68 of the Order of Alhambra, St. John's Father's Club, St. John Alumni Association, and was a former member of the Baton Rouge Rotary Club. During his career at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, he served as President of the Ports Association of Louisiana, Gulf Ports Association of the Americas, and served three terms on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities. After retirement

from the Port, he remained an active member of the Iberville Chamber of Commerce, serving on committees, the Board of Directors, and two stints as Interim Director of the Chamber. He was a former member of the Board of Directors of Anthem Bank and Trust. In 2022 he was recognized as the Outstanding Citizen of Iberville Parish. He enjoyed life and loved his family very much and was proud of all of them. He liked to travel and plan trips for his family and friends. Together, he and Dolores visited every state in the union, most more than once. They traveled to several foreign countries as well. He liked to cook and spend time with his family, "The Gang", and KC brothers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Plaquemine, St John School in Plaquemine, or St. Jude Cancer Research.

Servick-Robinson, Deborah A.

Deborah A. ServickRobinson died September 7, 2026 at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. She was a native and resident of Baton Rouge. Visiting at Hall Davis & Sons Funeral Home 9348 Scenic Hwy on Saturday September 26, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Religious services to follow at 10:00 a.m. Burial at Winnfield Memorial Park. Survived by two sons, one daughter, five sisters, two brothers & a host of other relatives and friends. Preceeded in death by her mother, father, a son, and three brothers

Shaeffer, Sheila McMorris

Sheila McMorris Shaeffer passed away Friday,

September 18, 2026, in Baton Rouge at The Crossing at Clarity Hospice at the age of 76. She was a resident and native of Denham Springs. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Denham Springs on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until religious services at 1:00 p.m. conducted by Dr. Leo Miller and Deacon Scott Jones of First Baptist Church, Denham Springs. Burial will follow at Denham Springs Memorial Park. Sheila was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her devotion and caring for others in their time of need was experienced by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her son, Charles E. (Chuck) Shaeffer, Jr. (April); her daughter, Angela Shaeffer Singleton (Jeffrey). Me Me loved her grandchildren, Billy Singleton, Jack Shaeffer, Blake Shaeffer, Dylan Stacy, Kaitlynn Bittner, Landan Bittner, Cadan Bittner, niece, Marilyn McMorris; great-nephew, Kason Conerly; sister-in-law, Wynne McMorris Jordan; her fur babies, Chi Chi, Monica and Socks. Preceded in death by

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ 5B

her husband of 51 years and 8 months Charles E. Shaeffer, Sr., her mother, Helen Miley McMorris, father and stepmother Menton and Amelia McMorris mother-in-law, Ruth Shinn Wilhite and stepfather in law, J.D. Wilhite and brother Russell McMorris. Pallbearers will be Chuck Shaeffer, Jeffrey Singleton, Billy Singleton, Chad Dunlap, Michael Dunlap and David Dunlap. Honorary pallbearers will be Claude McMorris Sr. and Barry Bryan. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Denham Springs. Special thanks to the staff at Clarity Hospice and Seale Funeral Home. Special thanks to the Corbin and Jones families for their kindness and special care. Flowers are welcomed, but memorial donations may be made to The Dementia Society of America at www.dementiasociety.org. Please sign our online registry book.

Walker, Justine L.

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Justine Leonard Walker affectionally known as "Jessie" who departed this earthly life on September 13, 2026 A public viewing will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Winnfield Funeral Home located at 7221 Plank Rd. Baton Rouge, LA. The celebration of life service will follow immediately at 11:00 AM.

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6B ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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

It’s time for Congress to act on road funding

to last for decades to come. And This year, federal funding that helps repair potholes across Loui- it’s equally important to create a business environment that allows siana, pave new roads, expand local manufacturers to highways and improve employ skilled crews and bridges will run out. Withproduce locally available out it, businesses across materials to restore and our state could face added enhance our roads and hurdles moving goods and highways in a safe, efproviding services. LouiJustin sianans might see longer fective and expeditious White commutes and less reliable manner. GUEST routes to work and school. That’s where federal COLUMNIST funding for surface transAnd it will force thousands of Louisianans like me to portation comes in. It pay more for car repairs afhelps pave roads and ter hitting a bad bump in the road. highways that support the indusIt’s up to Congress to change that. tries igniting the Pelican State’s Perhaps more than most states, economy. Ports, offshore oil Louisiana’s roads and highways extraction, liquefied natural gas STAFF PHOTO FILE By MICHAEL JOHNSON experience a significant amount production facilities, manufacturof wear and tear. Hurricanes, ers, farmers and small businesses A road milling machine dumps old blacktop into a waiting dump truck in heavy rain, flooding and storm need durable roads to move work- Baton Rouge. surges place enormous strain on ers, equipment and goods. And drainage systems, asphalt, conit’s all reliant on Congress passing a robust, long-term surface trans- According to one recent poll, 96% remain in good condition. When crete and the underlying materiLouisiana maintains top-notch of registered voters support fedals that hold our transportation portation reauthorization bill. networks together. It’s important Louisianans and Americans eral investments in transportation transportation networks, our businesses succeed and our comto keep funding projects that across the country overwhelminfrastructure. And 92% agree not only repair damage but also that manufacturing depends on ingly agree that strong transpormunities prosper. build stronger roads and bridges roads, highways and bridges that Funding our roads also lowers tation infrastructure is essential.

costs for every household in our state. Potholes and uneven pavement create more traffic delays and result in unexpected vehicle damage that eats into our pocketbooks. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Louisiana’s roads and highways a “D” on its 2025 Infrastructure Report Card, finding that half of our roads are in poor or mediocre condition and estimating that low-quality roads cost Louisiana motorists about $858 each year. For our families and our economy, Congress must act to extend critical surface transportation funding before it expires this year. Louisiana needs champions in Congress who fight for long-term investment that creates jobs, helps communities recover after floods and storms and supports the roads, ports and freight corridors that keep our economy prosperous. Let’s get moving.

Justin White is president of Barriere Construction.

Congress should pass America’s energy strength catch-all bill to help starts off the La. coast veterans, caregivers I became a caregiver in 2010 of Veterans Affairs caregiver prowhen the man I was dating, an gram, help pay for professional cerArmy National Guard officer, suftifications and licenses and expand their access to federal employment fered a catastrophic spinal cord programs. injury on the Ouiska Chitto River Another bill would require the VA the day after signing paperwork deto give veterans with spinal cord inclaring his intention to retire from the military. The injury left juries, such as the man I care him with quadriplegia, and for, preventive health evalu16 years later I am still his ations. The package also caregiver. includes the Major Richard Although our 12-year marStar Act to end the “wounded veteran tax,” a policy that reriage eventually ended, my Katie role as a caregiver did not. I duces Defense Department still help him several times Ferguson retirement pay for combata week, and I am often the injured vets by the amount GUEST first call when something COLUMNIST of their VA disability. The goes wrong at night or on a Star Act counts Louisiana weekend. A legal relationReps. Clay Higgins, Julia ship does not define caregiving. It is Letlow and Troy Carter among its co-sponsors. defined by responsibility, compasSome organizations object to the sion and service. way the package is paid for, through I am one of 14.3 million Americhanges to how the VA rates future cans caring for a wounded, ill or injured service member or veteran, sleep apnea and tinnitus claims. and Louisiana is home to more than The Department of Veterans Af212,000 veterans. Caregiving is fairs was the first to propose those rarely a short-term event, and it af- changes in 2022 and testified earlier fects nearly every part of a person’s this year that they are moving forlife, from career opportunities to ward. This bill captures the savings long-term financial stability. generated by those changes, which I experienced this firsthand. are going to happen anyway, and After spending 12 years as a fullapplies them back to these longtime caregiver, I found myself standing priorities. I would much reentering the workforce after our rather see that money go to the separation. Despite holding a masfamilies who earned it. House Speaker Mike Johnson ter’s degree and having enjoyed a and Majority Leader Steve Scalise successful public relations career before caregiving, I was essentially are two of our own, and the White House has said it looks forward starting over. If returning to the to working with Congress on pasworkforce was challenging for someone with my background, how sage. I am asking Johnson and much more difficult must it be for Scalise to call a vote on the Take caregivers with fewer resources? Care of America’s Veterans Act and That reality is why I am urging bring much-needed resources and Congress to pass the Take Care support to Louisiana’s veterans, of America’s Veterans Act, which caregivers and survivors who have brings more than 60 mostly biparearned it. When caregiving ends, families tisan, bicameral bills together in should not be left to navigate the a single package to reform health next chapter alone. Mine has lasted services and benefits for veterans 16 years, and it has taught me that while helping caregivers and surcaregiving is measured in decades, vivors. not months. Louisiana’s families Some provisions included in the should not have to spend another bill have been waiting decades to be addressed. One of them, the Vet- decade waiting on Washington. eran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act, Katie Ferguson, who lives in Lafayette, was a 2020 Dole would give Louisiana caregivers six more months of health coverage Caregiver Fellow with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. when they leave the Department

Oil markets have been on edge for months, and more than 50 trillion cubic feet of natural with prices swinging by double digits some gas, resources that will help meet America’s weeks on a single headline from the Middle energy needs for decades to come. East, only to settle back down just as The benefits are felt just as strongly fast. here at home. Shipping patterns near key chokeEvery lease awarded today supports years of work for fabrication yards in points have shifted too, a sign of how Houma and Morgan City, marine opmuch uncertainty is baked into global supply right now. erators in Port Fourchon, engineering Erik Against that backdrop, the federal firms in Lafayette and manufacturers government held the oil and gas lease throughout Louisiana. Together, these Milito sale Big Beautiful Gulf 3 in the Gulf of companies form an industrial ecosystem GUEST America on Aug. 12 — the third offshore COLUMNIST that cannot be switched on and off withlease sale mandated under the One Big out consequence. Beautiful Bill Act, which restored a prePredictable leasing gives companies the confidence to hire apprentices, dictable Gulf leasing schedule through invest in new equipment and develop 2040. the next generation of welders, mariIn recent years, Gulf lease sales came in fits and starts, with long gaps ners, engineers, geoscientists and between sales and years when none technicians. It creates careers that alhappened at all. The current adminislow families to build stable lives, buy Eric homes, raise children and strengthen tration made a deliberate choice to end that uncertainty and restore a predict- Zimmermann their communities. Predictability also represents longable leasing schedule that operators GUEST COLUMNIST term opportunity by creating an econocan actually plan around. That decision deserves recognition. my where people of every background, Offshore projects require billions of whether they earn a college degree or dollars in investment and often take five to sev- learn a skilled trade, can build rewarding caen years or longer to reach first production be- reers and pursue the American dream. Affordfore supplying American energy for decades. able energy begins with that opportunity. That long investment horizon also means It also keeps federal royalty dollars flowing communities need confidence that today’s caback to Louisiana’s coastal parishes, helping fund wetlands restoration and hurricane proreers will still exist tomorrow. Affordable energy doesn’t begin at the gas tection. pump. BBG3 is the third sale in a schedule estabIt begins years earlier with the policy decilished years ago, designed to deliver producsions that determine whether America will tion long after today’s headlines have faded. have the domestic supply needed to keep marIts value extends beyond future barrels of oil and cubic feet of natural gas. kets stable when the next global crisis inevitaIt helps preserve an industrial workforce, bly arrives. supply chain and culture of innovation that Consistent leasing supports consistent proAmerica cannot afford to lose. The benefits of duction, and consistent production helps cushthis kind of policy are measured over decades ion American families and businesses from rather than news cycles. the price shocks that accompany geopolitical As America marks its 250th year, it’s worth instability. remembering that many of the country’s most Just as important, it provides the long-term important strategic decisions shared one charcertainty companies need to invest in people, training and the skilled workforce that underacteristic: They invested in capabilities that would serve future generations. BBG3 is one pins America’s energy strength. more investment in that tradition. The case for BBG3 grows stronger every By reinforcing America’s offshore industrial time another global chokepoint reminds us how base, supporting Louisiana workers and commuch of the world’s energy still depends on someone else’s coastline. munities and providing reliable domestic enThe Gulf’s advantage is a strategic one. Oil ergy for decades to come, this lease sale helps produced off Louisiana’s coast doesn’t pass ensure that the next generation inherits not through a strait that an adversary can threaten only abundant resources and energy security, to close, and it doesn’t depend on whether a but the opportunity to turn those resources into ceasefire holds halfway around the world. It lasting prosperity. moves through American platforms, American pipelines, American ports and into American Erik Milito is president of the National Ocean markets. Industries Association. Eric Zimmermann is The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management chief operating officer of LLOG Exploration estimates the Gulf still contains nearly 30 bilCompany, part of Harbour Energy, and chair of NOIA’s board of directors. lion barrels of undiscovered, recoverable oil

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COMMENTARY

Art teacher Joyce Hatzidakis uses the AI tool Google Gemini in her high school classroom in Riverside, Calif.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

ISSUE OF THE WEEK EDUCATION Rapid changes in technology in the classroom have affected how millions of children are taught. Some experts worry that the advent of AI will lead to students relying on these tech tools instead of using their own brains.There is evidence already that children today have shorter attention spans, and they score lower in reading comprehension than in previous decades. How will AI affect education in the future? Here are two perspectives.

A sub for real intelligence Are we getting dumber?

I have a theory about the artificial inLeaving aside what public schools are already doing without parental consent, telligence craze that is delighting some she is right. But public schools have and scaring others. It is that we are losother problems. In New York ing natural intelligence and thus City alone public schools have risk seduction by something that lost more than 150,000 students can do the thinking for us. Never since 2015, dropping from more mind acquiring wisdom, which is than a million students a decade defined as “the ability to use your ago to roughly 885,000, according knowledge, experience, and deep to reports by the New York Post. understanding to make sound Cal “A significant number of parents decisions, good judgments, and Thomas have shifted their children away insightful choices.” from traditional public schools Why bother with any of this toward charter schools, private/religious when you can have AI take the place of your brain? Except that AI only responds institutions, or homeschooling.” That trend appears to be occurring to what you ask it to do – such as write an essay on a topic. It makes no moral judg- throughout the country. According to The Reason Foundation, “Public school ments, much less conveys anything that enrollment across the United States is might be considered wise. declining nationally, with a projected Years ago, I read the final editorial in the now defunct New Times magazine. It loss of 2.7 million students (about 6%) accurately described modern America’s between 2022 and 2031.” China’s top state security officials approach to just about everything: have warned that advanced artificial “There are almost no famous people intelligence poses a direct threat to the anymore; only celebrities.” Fame as a ruling Chinese Communist Party’s grip concept, it argued, “is too suggestive of on power, reports The New York Times. steady achievement.” In a high-profile essay, State Security One has to work and sometimes work Minister Chen Yixin warned that hostile hard to achieve. If AI can do it for you, foreign forces could weaponize AI to why read books or newspapers? Why wage “propaganda and cognitive wars” even bother to think? against China. The future doesn’t offer much hope While that might be considered a good if we consider the lack of educational thing, it can cut both ways. Members of achievement. According to the Center for Education Policy Research, U.S. edu- the Trump and Biden administrations cation is experiencing a generation-long have accused China of waging a propa“learning recession with declining math ganda war against the U.S. and worldand reading performance that began wide. AI might help the Communist years before the pandemic.” It’s unlikely Party’s efforts. AI will reverse that trend. Again, it is unlikely AI will reverse In a new op-ed for MS NOW, Julie Mar- the exodus from U.S. public schools and might even accelerate it. If young people getta Morgan, president of The Century learn they don’t have to do the hard work Foundation, makes the case for putting of acquiring knowledge, wisdom and families and educators, not Silicon Valley, in the driver’s seat should AI be used thinking for themselves, AI will do it for them. That would be something Ameriin public schools: “We are not against innovation. We are against running an cans should truly fear. uncontrolled experiment on children without parental consent, independent Email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribevidence, or meaningful guardrails.” pub.com

faddish theories of instruction. Is it the end of the Flynn effect? The United States ranked in the middle Decades ago, the researcher James of the pack, even though its reading Flynn recognized a secular increase in scores are close to a quarter of a IQ scores around the world that century low. amounted to humanity getting What to do? First, someone smarter all the time. should take a sledgehammer to Now, technology appears to be every computer and iPad in our pushing the other way. schools. Kids get enough screen The new results are in from a time at home; they don’t need more 2025 Organization for Economic Rich when they are in a controlled enCooperation and Development test Lowry of teenage educational achievevironment that is supposed to be devoted to learning. ment around the world, and it looks The larger problem, though, is what’s like the Flynn effect in reverse. “Learning happening outside the classroom. Educaoutcomes have stagnated or declined in many countries, in some cases for well tion expert Frederick Hess of the Ameriover a decade,” according to the OECD. can Enterprise Institute notes a study It’s a mistake to put too much weight from Common Sense Media that found on any one imperfect test, but the OECD 8- to 12-year-olds are on screens for more assessment matches up with other data. than 5 hours a day, and 13- to 18-year-olds There are various theories about what acmore than 8.5 hours. That’s a tide that’s hard to overcome. counts for the slide, but it overlaps with the The new technology may pack a one-two advent of ubiquitous smartphones, universal access to social media and the rise of AI. punch: On the one hand, screens and soAs one would expect, reading has sufcial media make people dumber by diminfered most. ishing our attention span, while, on the Average reading scores dropped nearly other, AI makes it easier to be stupid by 30 points in OECD countries over the last doing our thinking for us. decade. This amounts to about a year of AI may prove the opposite of cheap schooling; in other words, 15-year-olds paper and the printing press, which were are now reading at roughly the level of long-ago technological improvements that 14-year-olds. led to more widespread writing and readThat the trend is so widespread suging and therefore more thought. If this is the case, education may need gests that the cause is also widespread — and the new technology, which has pen- to offer the equivalent of workouts for people who want to stay physically ﬁt at a etrated everywhere, ﬁts the bill. In not exactly shocking news, the OECD time when — thanks to other technologifound that AI and other digital tools had cal improvements — physical labor no downsides: “Students tended to perform longer demands it. less well when use became excessive or Education writer Daisy Christodouwhen devices were used for leisure at lou suggests that schools might become school.” “gymnasia for the mind.” These would The share of so-called hasty readers, be “places that allow you to practice and who skimmed and then made mistakes acquire the basic skills that are no longer on the test, increased sharply, a tendency directly rewarded in daily life, but which one would expect in an era of social-media are still vital.” scrolling. Reading should be foremost among Some nations did better than others. them. England fared relatively well, probably because it has been relatively immune to Rich Lowry is on X, @RichLowry.

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8B ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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TODAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Mostly sunny

Partly sunny

Partly sunny and warm

A t-storm around in the p.m.

Remaining warm with some sun

Rain, a thunderstorm

HIGH

LOW

HIGH

90° 66°

LOW

HIGH

90° 67°

LOW

93° 68°

Beaumont 91/71 Port Arthur 89/73

Baton Rouge 90/66

Lake Charles 91/70

New Orleans 86/72 Houma 85/66

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

Hattiesburg 89/63

Alexandria 90/66

Lafayette 90/69

10s

20s

30s

40s

50s

LOW

HIGH

LOW

90° 73°

YESTERDAY

Baton Rouge through 5 p.m. Thursday

Jackson 88/63 Many 89/63

HIGH

91° 73°

TEMPERATURE

Longview 90/66

-0s

LOW

Monroe 90/65

Shreveport 90/66

-10s

HIGH

92° 68°

Well, the dry air has been filtering into southern Louisiana since yesterday and it continues today. The result is much lower dew point temperatures which means much lower humidity. So today, expect a mostly sunny and hot day with a light breeze. Temperatures this afternoon will rise into the mid-80s to low 90s. With low humidity, temperatures will only feel like it’s in the mid-90s. Winds today are east at 5 to 10 mph and rain chances remain at zero. Expect warm and dry conditions for high school football.

60s

70s

80s

90s 100s 110s

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

90°/72° 87°/67° 92°/74° 100° in 1921 49° in 1938

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

Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

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

HIGH

9:09p 5:37a 4:13a 6:23a 11:00a 10:08a 12:08p

6:55 a.m. 6:58 p.m. 6:21 p.m. 5:47 a.m.

FULL

LAST

NEW

FIRST

SEP 26

OCT 3

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City

Atlanta Austin Boston Charlotte Chicago Dallas Denver Houston Las Vegas

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

PRECIPITATION

TODAY

79 97 63 76 68 94 72 93 97

59 69 56 50 55 72 55 69 74

pc s r s pc pc t pc s

84 95 60 80 69 93 83 91 96

SAT. Lo

61 70 56 52 55 74 58 72 78

s pc r s pc pc pc pc pc

FT.

LOW

0.00” 0.00” 3.59” 44.47” 47.05”

FT.

HIGH

0.6 5:40a 0.4 1.4 9:38a 1.3 2.0 8:01a 1.4 1.6 12:14p 1.0 1.1 6:32p 0.9 1.5 4:50p 1.0 1.4 7:34p 1.0

--3:39p 3:37p 5:52p 11:11p 10:33p ---

FT.

MODERATE

READING 67 MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

LOW

FLOOD

FT.

----- --1.5 10:31p 1.0 2.1 8:16p 1.0 1.5 --- --0.9 --- --1.1 --- ------- ---

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 10:40a Saturday 11:23a Sunday 12:10p Monday 12:37a Tuesday 1:33a Wednesday 2:35a Thursday 3:40a

City

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

86 89 84 70 74 95 76 72 61

4:29a 11:02p 4:51p 5:11a 11:45p 5:34p 5:58a ---- 6:21p 6:49a 1:02p 7:15p 7:47a 2:01p 8:14p 8:49a 3:04p 9:19p 9:55a 4:11p 10:26p

TODAY Lo

67 74 57 57 59 79 61 55 48

s t s c c t c pc sh

89 88 81 63 66 103 70 71 64

SAT. Lo

68 73 58 56 58 81 61 57 47

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MISSISSIPPI STAGE STAGE CHANGE Memphis 34 -1.71 +0.39 Vidalia-Natchez 48 16.45 +0.06 Red River Landing 48 19.37 +0.07 Baton Rouge 35 7.04 +0.24 Donaldsonville 27 3.90 -0.10 Reserve 22 3.56 +0.05 New Orleans 17 2.82 -0.08 OHIO Cairo 40 20.36 +3.02 COMITE Near Olive 19 -1.54 -0.02 AMITE Near Darlington 18 -1.21 -0.03 Denham Springs 29 9.81 -0.08 Port Vincent 8 2.43 +0.03 TICKFAW Montpelier 13 2.45 none Holden 15 0.61 -0.01 ATCHAFALAYA Simmesport 47 6.73 +0.13 Melville 34 4.50 +0.08 Krotz Springs 29 2.99 +0.08 Butte La Rose 20 3.50 +0.02 Bayou Sorrel 12 2.80 -0.50 Morgan City 6 2.16 +0.03

pc t pc r r s c pc pc

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

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MODERATE

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SPORTS

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

Kiffin: ‘We’ve got to improve’

F r i d ay, S e p t e m b e r 25, 2026

1CN

R A I D E R S A T S A I N T S • 3 : 2 5 P. M . S U N D A y • C B S

Breaking down LSU’s offensive line issues

BY REED DARCEY

Staff writer

You may not have noticed it, but Lane Kiffin did. LSU’s first-year coach turned on the film of his program’s dominant Week 1 win over Clemson and noticed an issue that could surface later in the year. It was a potential problem with the Tigers’ offenä Texas A&M sive line — a concern that at LSU 6:30 P.M. quarterback Sam Leavitt and running back Dilin SATURDAy, ABC Jones may have broken enough tackles to mask. Leavitt was never sacked in Week 1, after all, and LSU ran for more than 300 yards on a night in which it picked up a school-record number of first downs and scored 51 points. “We did some really good things,” Kiffin said, “but we’ve got to improve; we’ve got to play better at the guard spot, if we’re going to continue to improve and play really consistent.” It turns out Kiffin’s comments were prescient. LSU has played only two games since its offense steamrolled Clemson, and according to Pro Football Focus data, Leavitt has had to navigate more pressure than only a handful of FBS quarterbacks.

ä See LSU, page 3C

REIGNITED ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PAUL SANCyA

Saints wide receiver Barion Brown runs with the ball during a season-opening game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 13 in Detroit.

Saints turning former weakness special teams into strength BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

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

Pelicans sign record-setting Reese to two-way deal Forward is former LSU star Angel Reese’s younger brother

Based on the Baltimore Ravens’ alignment, Barion Brown and Jayden Price decided to switch sides of the field. Just before halftime Sunday, Ravens kicker Tyler Loop booted the ball down the right side of the field, but instead of it landing to Price, Brown was there to field the return. The New Orleans Saints wide receiver and cornerback made the right decision. The last-second swap netted a 53-yard return, a pivotal play that got the Saints into field goal range and helped them keep a one-possession game in last weekend’s 24-17 upset over Baltimore. “You can win and lose games on special teams,” Price said. “We also understand that.” The play also signaled something bigger. After being one of the NFL’s worst special teams units last season, the Saints have seemingly turned their biggest weakness into a strength. New Orleans’ upset in Baltimore featured several high-

impact special teams plays — a punt downed inside the 10-yard line, Daniel Carlson’s three made ﬁeld goals, a blocked kick by Carl Granderson — that contributed to the victory. And the unit was also solid in the Saints’ season opener in Detroit, despite the loss. “I think it was something that has been a long time coming,” Saints special teams coordinator Phil Galiano said. “Those guys left that (Baltimore) game saying, ‘If we can just do our job, this is what the result can be for us.’ … For us, we had zero missed assignments, zero missed mental efforts, we had zero LOFS (lack of effort), and the guys just played complete football. “I was really, really proud of them.” The Saints’ proliﬁc struggles in the third phase last season led many to wonder whether Galiano, one of the few holdovers from the previous coaching staff, would lose his job. But coach Kellen Moore avoided the change — he liked the group and valued the continuity — and the Saints preferred to focus on improving the unit by upgrading the personnel.

Southern looking for a statement win vs. JSU BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

BY ROD WALKER

Staff writer

The New Orleans Pelicans have added a prolific rebounder to the roster. The Pelicans are signing Julian Reese to a two-way contract, a source confirmed to The Times-Picayune Thursday. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype was the first to report the deal. Reese, a 6-foot-9 power forward, is the younger brother of former LSU star and WNBA forward Angel Reese. Reese played in 13 games last season, starting 10, for the Washington Wizards. He averaged 11.8 points and 10.8 rebounds. Reese grabbed a season-high 20 rebounds against the Utah Jazz. He had at least 10 rebounds in six of his 13 games. He recorded five double-doubles. His best game was a 26-point, 17-rebound outing, also against the Jazz. Joe Dumars, Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, spoke at

ä See PELICANS, page 2C

ä See SAINTS, page 5C

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Southern safety Treylan James, left, blocks a touchdown pass intended for Jackson State wide receiver Jameel Gardner during their game on Sept. 7, 2025, at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

Marshall Faulk knows what’s at stake. The legendary NFL running back turned first-year Southern coach understands the importance of this upcoming game against Jackson State (3-0) at 6 p.m. Saturday at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi. Faulk might have been ä Southern warned about the matchup at Jackson more than necessary. “I am. You guys have told State 6 P.M. SATURDAy, ESPN+ me about it enough,” Faulk said when asked about his familiarity with the rivalry. “I hear you.” Southern’s on-field leader Ckelby Givens sees each conference game outside of the Bayou Classic as equally important. However, even the mild-mannered star defensive end can’t pretend Jackson State is just like any other Southwestern Athletic Conference foe. “It’s the opening of the SWAC, and then you’re playing in the Boombox Classic,” said Givens, who is tied for first in the FCS in

ä See SOUTHERN, page 3C

2C ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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IN BRIEF

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS On TV

AUTO RACING 7 a.m. Formula 1: Qualifying APPLETV 4 p.m. NASCAR Truck Series: Practice FS2 5:05 p.m. NASCAR Truck Series: Qualifying FS2 7 p.m. ARCA Menards Series FS1 CFL 7 p.m. Toronto at Winnipeg CBSSN COLLEGE FIELD HOCKEY 3 p.m. Rutgers at Maryland BTN COLLEGE FOOTBALL 3 p.m. Army at Temple ESPN 6 p.m. Howard at Rutgers BTN

6 p.m. Navy at UAB ESPN 6 p.m. Harvard at Brown ESPN2 7 p.m. Northwestern at Indiana FOX 9:30 p.m. Clemson at California ESPN MEN’S COLLEGE SOCCER 6 p.m. Wake Forest at NC State ACCN 9:30 p.m. Rutgers at Washington BTN WOMEN’S COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL 6 p.m. Texas at Tennessee SECN 8 p.m. Stanford at SMU ACCN 9 p.m. Baylor at ByU FS1 GOLF 10 a.m. LPGA Tour GOLF 1 p.m. Presidents Cup GOLF

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

HORSE RACING noon America’s Day at the Races FS2 3:30 p.m. America’s Day at the Races FS2 7 p.m. America’s Day at the Races FS2 MLB 6 p.m. Baltimore at N.y. yankees MLBN 9 p.m. Arizona at San Dieg oMLBN NHL PRESEASON 7 p.m. Dallas at Minnesota TNT MEN’S SOCCER 1:30 p.m. Italy vs. Belgium FS2 10:50 p.m. El Salvador vs. Martinique FS2 TENNIS 7 a.m. Laver Cup TENNIS

WNBA playoff picture shaping up BY DOUG FEINBERG

PELICANS

Continued from page 1C the end of the season about how he wanted to add some toughness to the roster. “We have to be able to compete every night,” Dumars said in April. “We cannot get banged around, pushed around. We have to be physical and compete every night.” Reese should be able to help with that. On his two-way deal, Reese will split time between the Pelicans and the Laketown Squadron, the Pels’ G League afﬁliate that will play its games in Kenner. NBA teams are allowed to have three players on a two-way contract. Those players are allowed to be active for up to 50 NBA games. The other two-way players on the Pelicans roster are Jaron Pierre and Malik Dia. Pierre is a New Orleans native and St. Augustine High grad who was drafted in the second round in June. Dia played at Ole Miss and was one of

PITTSBURGH — Ronny Simon raced home on Spencer Horwitz’s eighth inning sacrifice fly and the Pittsburgh Pirates assured themselves of the club’s first non-losing season in eight years with a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday. Simon reached on a walk by Ryne Stanek (2-3), advanced to second on a wild pitch and scooted to third when the throw from catcher Ivan Herrera skipped into center field for an error. Horwitz’s flyball to center was plenty deep enough for Simon to score. Luke Weaver (4-1) got the final out of the eighth for Pittsburgh. Mason Montgomery struck out the side in the ninth for his 17th save in 19 chances as Pittsburgh improved to 81-78 with three games to go. The club’s previous non-losing season came in 2018 when it won 82 games.

Gauff will be a player-owner for Florida World Team Tennis

AP basketball writer

NEW YORK — The WNBA playoff picture is sharpening as the regular season enters its final day. The Minnesota Lynx have clinched the top seed and will face eighth-seeded New York in the opening round that begins Sunday. The Atlanta Dream will be the four seed after beating New York on Wednesday night. They will play either Indiana or Washington. “Everybody in the playoffs are capable of winning on the road and stealing a series,” Atlanta coach Karl Smesko said. “I definitely think it’s an advantage to have to play in front of your home crowd.” Indiana plays at Minnesota and Washington hosts Chicago on Thursday. Dallas is locked into the seventh seed and will face either Golden State or Las Vegas. The Valkyries visit Los Angeles and the Aces play at Phoenix. The Lynx clinched the top spot in the playoffs on Tuesday after Golden State lost to Portland in overtime. Minnesota benched its starters after an awful first half against Indiana. The Lynx reserves battled back, but fell short. Minnesota has dropped four of its past five games and has one game left at home against the Fever on Thursday. “The margin for error throughout this regular season is incredibly small and you’ll see that in the playoffs,” said New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart. “Like one through eight you don’t know who will be playing at the end of October, which is exciting. I feel like for us we’re going to get a fresh start when it comes Sunday.” Stewart missed Wednesday’s game with knee soreness. New York also lost Jonquel Jones to an ankle injury in the third quarter. With New York finishing at 26-18, this is only the second time in league history that all the playoff teams have won at least 59% of their games. The 1998 playoffs, which only had four teams, had all four teams at 60% or better. In the four major sports it’s rare to find the last place team in the playoffs with such a high win rate.

Pirates win to secure best season since 2018

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By BOB CHILD

WNBA president Val Ackerman, left, and Mohegan Tribe Tribal Chairman Mark Brown hold a basketball shirt of the type that will be worn by the Connecticut Sun during a news conference on Jan. 28, 2003, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn

NEW YORK — Coco Gauff will be a player-owner for the Florida franchise that will compete in the new season of World Team Tennis. The two-time Grand Slam singles champion is scheduled to play in the Florida Flamingos Racquet Club’s home matches on Dec. 14 and 15. The team will play in Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, home of the NHL’s Florida Panthers. Gauff grew up in Delray Beach, Florida. The Flamingos were one of the original franchises when World Team Tennis began in 1974 as a way of having a mixed-gender team format for tennis, with Hall of Famer Billie Jean King among the founders. It returns in December with the other teams based in New York and Toronto.

Sun brace for ‘emotional’ farewell FIFA’s Infantino pledges BY DOUG FEINBERG AP basketball writer

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The Connecticut WNBA franchise will play its final game in the state before it moves to Houston next year after an impressive run for the first independently owned team in the league. Texas will be the third stop for the franchise. The team moved to Connecticut in 2003 from Orlando. The Sun made three trips to the WNBA Finals, hosted a record four All-Star Games and Connecticut was the first team to turn a profit in the league’s history. The team, which was purchased for $10 million, was sold for $300 million. “It’s been an emotional week,” team president Jen Rizzotti told The Associated Press. “The silver lining of the chapter closing is it forces you to look at what this franchise has meant for over two decades and make sure the story is told and the legacy lasts forever.” The franchise is moving to the home of the former Comets, who won the first four WNBA titles. Its time in Connecticut will end Thursday when the Sun face Toronto in the regular-season finale. Rizzotti will move to Houston with the team as the president of basketball operations. She said that 75-80% of the front office staff will also make the move. “It’s exciting to celebrate the past while also being emotional that it’s ending,” she said. “Thursday is a celebration of our fans with fan appreciation night. One game isn’t enough to show the appreciation of how much they poured into the franchise for 24 years.”

Why are the Sun moving?

The WNBA seems to have outgrown the Sun with the new collective bargaining agreement demanding standard amenities for all teams that include state-of-the-art practice facilities. The Mohegan Tribe, which owns the franchise, sold the team to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for $300 million. The Sun had an offer for $325 million from a group led by Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca that would have moved the franchise to Boston. The WNBA basically blocked that deal from happening by saying that “relocation decisions are made by the WNBA Board of Governors and not by individual teams.” Now the franchise is becoming the ﬁrst to relocate since San Antonio moved to Las Vegas in 2017. Being in the smallest market in the WNBA led to difﬁculties for the franchise to attract top free agents. Over the past two years the team has gone from being a WNBA Finals contender to rebuilding mode. Still, despite a 10-33 record, the Sun were drawing nearly 8,700 fans a game in the 10,000-seat arena.

Sun honored their past Throughout the season Connecticut honored some of the franchise’s iconic players, including Jonquel Jones, Jasmine Thomas, Alyssa Thomas, Tina Charles along with coaches Curt Miller and Mike Thibault. The group joined other Connecticut standouts — Margo Dydek, Katie Douglas, Nykesha Sales, Taj McWilliams-Franklin,

Lindsay Whalen and Asjha Jones — in the rafters at the arena. Thibault was the last of the group to be honored as Connecticut hosted the event after last Sunday’s game against Minnesota. Whalen, Charles and McWilliams-Franklin were in attendance for that contest as well as dozens of other former employees and front ofﬁce staffers. They told stories and stayed well after the game reminiscing about the franchise. Rizzotti expects a similar celebration after Thursday’s ﬁnale. “I know we’re going really blow the game out,” she said of celebration plans. “Lot of things we’re giving away, postgame mingles and autograph opportunities. When everybody leaves we’ll just pop Champagne on the court for the last time. I’m proud of what we built.”

Connecticut was ‘icebreaker’ Etess remembers trying to sell NBA Commissioner David Stern on moving a franchise to the Mohegan Sun. The late commissioner was concerned about putting a team in a casino, but as it turns out, he was ahead of his time. The Mohegan Tribe bought the team for $10 million and with the WNBA in CBA negotiations the franchise had a few months to get everything ready to start in 2003. Thibault remembers when he was hired as the coach in January, the franchise had literally nothing. Thibault said he had to order basketballs, uniforms and even sports bras for his players. The franchise quickly turned into contenders, reaching the WNBA Finals in 2004 and 2005.

“We have to be able to compete every night. ... We have to be physical and compete every night.” JOE DUMARS, Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations the Wizards in February. He was traded to the Denver Nuggets in August but was released. Reese and Queen, both from Baltimore, were also high school teammates at St. Frances Academy for one year. When Reese was a senior and Queen was a freshman, they ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JOHN LOCHER went undefeated during the reguFormer Washington Wizards forward Julian Reese, left, and Sacramento lar season at St. Frances. The Pelicans averaged 43.9 Kings guard Emanuel Sharp battle for a rebound during the ﬁrst half of rebounds per game last season, a Summer League game on July 12 in Las Vegas. The Pelicans signed which ranked 15th in the league. Reese to a two-way contract on Thursday. The Pelicans begin training camp on Tuesday. The season the promising players on the Sum- Queen during the 2024-25 season. opener is Oct. 21 at Smoothie King mer League team. Reese went undrafted in 2025, Center against the Indiana Pacers. Reese attended the University but played with the Los Angeles of Maryland and was teammates Lakers Summer League team. Email Rod Walker at rwalker@ with Pelicans forward Derik He signed a two-way deal with theadvocate.com.

‘culture of dialogue’

GENEVA — FIFA’s embattled president Gianni Infantino said Thursday he is committed to a fresh culture of openness at the soccer body that is “not about generating positive headlines.” Two months into a deep rift for global soccer because of Infantino’s now-dropped $4.2 billion World Cup sell-off plan, he offered to his critics this week an independent review of how FIFA is run and makes decisions. Infantino will chair an Oct. 15 meeting of the 37-member FIFA Council that also will be asked to approve consultation with the 211 member federations and six continental soccer bodies on “how to further strengthen FIFA’s decision-making processes.”

NFL fines Bengals’ Chase, Higgins for celebration

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase confirmed Thursday the league fined him and teammate Tee Higgins for their new “people’s elbow” celebration. Chase insisted the “people’s elbow” celebration, which involves grabbing his right elbow with his left hand and flopping the right arm forward, isn’t the sort of off-color humor others have made it out to be on social media, and they are simply creating a new way to signal a first down. The NFL fined both receivers. The first offense for an unsportsmanlike conduct fine is $14,926 while taunting offenses are $11,941. Chase, who has been fined six times by the league for various infractions, said he hopes the latest punishments from the league spur action within the NFLPA.

Braves to put Pérez on IL due to back inflammation

ATLANTA — The Braves plan to put left-hander Martín Pérez on the 15-day injured list with lower back inﬂammation, leaving Atlanta shorthanded in its starting rotation as the postseason approaches. Pérez, 9-9 with a 3.04 ERA in 26 starts this season, likely would not be available until the NL Championship Series, according to Braves manager Walt Weiss. Pérez pitched 142 innings, his highest since he was an All-Star in 2022 with Texas. Fellow Braves starter Bryce Elder, who also made 26 starts this season, is on the IL recovering from knee surgery on Sept. 8. He is expected to be out three to four weeks. Reynaldo López, who was part of the rotation at times this season and started 13 games, is on the IL with right shoulder discomfort and has no timetable for a return.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ 3C

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Temple-led U-High Favorite’s spot is the end zone North Iberville RB hands Dunham scores five TDs in win over Capitol ﬁrst loss of season BY JACKSON REYES

Sophomore’s 26 kills lead Cubs in sweep

BY CHARLES SALZER Contributing writer

Dunham brought an undefeated record into its nondistrict volleyball match at University High, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cubs’ big “Mo.” Outside hitter Monet Temple was nearly unstoppable as she registered 26 kills to lead University to a 3-0 win over Dunham by scores of 25-21, 25-20 and 25-20. The ﬁrst two sets were close in the early stages before U-High (131) pulled away. The Cubs jumped out to a big lead in the third set and kept Dunham (10-1) in a hole the rest of the way. “We were very ﬁred up,” Temple said. “We were very anxious, but I think we were excited more than anything. We know we’re good and playing this type of competition shows how well we play together.” Dunham’s undefeated run to start the season included a win over perennial power Dominican. The Tigers had no answers for Temple, a 6-foot-3 sophomore that U-High turned to every time it needed a point. Temple also led the Cubs with eight digs. Other key contributors were Hailey Hurst with nine kills, and Riley Spencer with 4 kills, 18 assists and two blocks. “I thought our girls played aggressive the whole night, and

didn’t stay on their heels,” U-High coach Bonita Johnson said. “They brought the energy they needed to push us to the win.” Johnson also praised her team’s work against the Dunham attack. Zadi Huggins was the only Tiger to find consistent offensive success and finished with 10 kills. “I have to give it to our defense,” Johnson said. “Our blockers did a really good job. Riley Spencer was a big key for us in the middle because they have such strong hitters.” The opening set was close at first, and neither team led by more than two points. After the score was tied 14-14, U-High scored five straight points to take control, eventually taking a 25-21 set win. In the second set, Dunham led 10-6 before U-High rallied to tie the score 12-12. The score remained close until U-High scored the final four points of a 25-20 win. The Cubs took a 10-3 lead in the third set and never let Dunham take the lead. The Tigers got as close 12-10, but the Cubs won eight of the following nine points, setting up a match-clinching 25-20 win. “(U-High) was very ready tonight, and it took us a long time to adjust,” Dunham coach Meagan Herrington said. “When you’re challenged by a hitter (Temple) that hits at that height, you don’t really see that too often in Louisiana, and I think it took us a second to adjust to that. They won, but my team still held its head high so it was a good challenge.”

Staff writer

North Iberville running back Jeremy Favorite could do no wrong Thursday night against Capitol. Nearly every time he touched the ball, he produced a touchdown run. Favorite ripped off five touchdown runs, all in the first half, to help North Iberville build a 44-12 lead and the Bears (4-0) cruised past Capitol 52-12 at Istrouma High School. The win marks a 1-0 start for the Bears in District 8-1A play, largely thanks to Favorite’s 217 yards rushing and five touchdowns on only 10 carries. “I feel like everything was working,” Favorite said. “I was just doing what I had to do.” His big day included four runs of 20 or more yards. “Jeremy is Jeremy,” Bears coach Steven Thomas said. “He’s a workhorse for us. He might get stopped for a minusyard gain or a 2-yard gain, and next thing you know, he just pops it for 70. He’s just that kind of kid. He’s phenomenal for us.” The Bears picked off Capitol on the opening drive after Braylon Christmas intercepted the ball at Capitol’s 32-yard line.

Football Thursday’s scores

St. John 49, East Iberville 14 North Iberville 52, Capitol 12 White Castle vs. Thrive Academy

Statewide

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU

Continued from page 1C It’s a problem that’s gotten worse each week. Most of the pressure is coming through the interior of the Tigers’ offensive line, too, which is much tougher to dodge than the kind that comes off the edge. Leavitt has faced pressure on 41 total dropbacks, per PFF. Only 10 FBS passers have been under duress more times this year, and none of them play in the SEC. Clemson pressured Leavitt on eight of his 27 dropbacks in Week 1. Then Louisiana Tech put him under duress 15 times in Week 2 before Ole Miss did it 18 times in Week 3. No SEC offensive lineman has allowed more pressures this season than LSU left guard Bo Bordelon (10). Only five have given up more than right tackle Weston Davis (seven), and just nine have surrendered more than right guard Aliou Bah (six). Some of the blame lies with Leavitt himself — for the times when he misses a read and holds onto the ball too long. PFF data says that the fourth-year quarterback is responsible for 11 of the pressures he’s faced this season, which is the second-most among FBS passers. But the interior of LSU’s offensive line still has plenty of room to improve in pass protection. That’s why Kiffin changed his tune after the Ole Miss loss, saying that he and his staff are “gonna look at some different things” before the Tigers take on Texas A&M at 6:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC) in Tiger Stadium. The LSU offensive line, Kiffin said, “needs to play better and more consistent.” “Too many breakdowns in oneon-one matchups,” he said. So, what can change? Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis can call more run plays on early downs, in hopes of keeping LSU’s offense ahead of the chains and out of unfavorable down-and-distance situations. They could also give Leavitt more quick throws and easy reads. If Kiffin and Weis want to take a more drastic step, though, they can make personnel changes on the offensive line.

Bordelon, a fifth-year senior, is a converted tackle who played only 20 career snaps at left guard before this season. Kiffin moved him to that spot early in spring practice and liked the change enough to stick with it through preseason camp. On Aug. 20, LSU’s first-year coach said that Bordelon benefited from “new eyes and a new system” and that he hoped to use his example to motivate players in the future. “It doesn’t matter where you are on the depth chart, what year you are,” Kiffin said. “If you play really well, your time’s gonna come.” The problem, of course, is that Bordelon didn’t play really well in his first taste of SEC action as a starter. He and Bah combined to allow nine pressures, seven hurries and two sacks in LSU’s loss to Ole Miss, according to PFF. The Tigers could pivot to either Devin Harper or Ja’Quan Sprinkle, the two second-team guards who saw the field during the blowout wins over Clemson and Louisiana Tech. But neither player can offer proven production. Harper, a Shreveport native, was a top-100 national recruit in 2025, but Bordelon beat him out for the starting left guard spot in camp, and he’s played fewer than 100 career snaps. Sprinkle spent the first three years of his career at North Carolina Central, an FCS school. The good news, for LSU, is that the Texas A&M defense is off to an uncharacteristically slow start. The Aggies rank last among SEC teams in both sacks (four) and tackles for loss (14), and in Week 3, their defensive front pressured Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey on only six of his 23 dropbacks. Kiffin hopes Leavitt faces a similarly low amount of duress on Saturday. LSU can’t allow opposing defensive linemen to find passrush lanes up the middle — or else its offense will look more like it did against Ole Miss and less like it did against Clemson. “That’s what affects quarterbacks,” Kiffin said. “I love Sam’s competitiveness; I love that he put us in a position to win the game, taking us down there, where we settle for the field goal, and so we gotta play better around him. We gotta protect him better.”

North Iberville drove down the ﬁeld in just three plays, with Favorite punching it into the end zone from 3 yards out. After a fourth-down stop, Favorite scored on North Iberville’s ﬁrst play of the ensuing drive. He sped to the right and was left untouched on his way to a 34-yard score.

PREP REPORT Week 4 schedule

LSU offensive tackle Weston Davis, left, and defensive end Dylan Carpenter walk off the field following a loss to Ole Miss on Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

North Iberville running back Jeremy Favorite speeds to the end zone against Capitol in the second quarter on Thursday at Istrouma High School.

Favorite then scored on the Bears’ first play of their next drive. He ran up the middle, broke a tackle and burst downfield for a 65-yard touchdown. Capitol (0-4) finally crossed midfield using quarterback Camren Wilson’s legs. Wilson ripped off runs of 21 and 9 yards to help the Golden Lions reach the 24-yard line. Aaron Bracken then beamed down the sideline, evading defenders for a 24-yard touchdown run. Favorite responded with a 28yard TD run to make it 28-6 after one quarter. The Golden Lions scored again after Wilson found space for a 45-yard scramble that set up his 8-yard touchdown run on the next play. Favorite answered again on the first play of the Bears’ next drive. He broke a pair of tackles for a 37-yard touchdown. North Iberville added another score after Bra’jon Melancon took a screen pass 17 yards to the end zone after a muffed Capitol kickoff. The Bears led 44-12 at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, Zion Pryer broke off a 46yard rushing touchdown to extend the Bears’ lead to 40 points early in the fourth. North Iberville totaled 326 yards rushing on 26 carries. “We knew what we had going in tonight,” Thomas said. “We got to play a lot of young guys, so I was very proud to see that.”

Ascension Episcopal 31, Jeanerette 30 Delcambre 56, Highland Baptist 13 Ellender 35, Morris Jeff 6 Elton 44, DeQuincy 0 Haynes Academy 41, Thomas Jefferson 7 Jonesboro-Hodge 42, Lincoln Preparatory School 20 Karr 31, Holy Cross 0 Lake Charles College Prep 62, Kinder 28 Minden 39, Bossier 0 North DeSoto 55, Woodlawn (SH) 0 North Iberville 52, Capitol 12 Ouachita Christian 56, Oak Grove 20 Parkway 29, Huntington 6 Rosepine 35, Oberlin 8 Rummel 35, Chalmette 0 Sacred Heart 17, Opelousas Catholic 10 Southside 56, New Iberia 0 St. John 49, East Iberville 14 Vinton 47, Grand Lake 0 Westminster Christian (LAF) 54, Centerville 14

Friday’s games

All games are at 7 p.m. 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 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 Thursday’s games Loranger def. Glen Oaks 25-11, 25-14, 25-12 Houma Christian def. Ascension Christian 25-12, 25-23, 25-15 Brusly def. Central Private 25-20, 19-25, 25-20, 25-15 Dutchtown def. Central 25-13, 27-25, 25-22 South Beauregard def. Collegiate Baton Rouge 25-11, 25-10, 25-14 St. Michael def. Denham Springs 25-11, 25-23, 25-21 GEO Next Generation def. East Iberville 2519, 25-12, 25-13 False River def. White Castle 25-6, 25-13, 25-14 Edna Karr def. Liberty 23-25, 25-12, 25-18, 25-13 Prairieville def. Episcopal 25-8, 25-19, 25-19 U-High def. Dunham 25-21, 25-20, 25-20 Walker def. West Feliciana 25-14, 25-20, 25-15 Zachary def. Catholic-PC 25-10, 25-20, 25-14

SOUTHERN

Continued from page 1C tackles for loss (8.5). “I feel like it’s a little extra, and then it’s rivalry week … but at the end of the day, it’s just football.” Southern (2-2) knows the animosity that exists between fan bases. The war of school pride even extends to the musical battle between the Human Jukebox and Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South. Not many people in the game have more experience of the intensity than Jackson State’s fourth-year coach T.C. Taylor, who has not only coached his program in four meetings against Southern, but also played in the matchup five times as a player for the Tigers from 1998–2001. “Myself, coach (Javancy) Jones, we’ve played in those type games, in some big Boombox Classic games, and we know what’s at stake,” Taylor said on the SWAC coaches call on Monday. “Not only a conference game, but it’s bragging rights.” Even though Jackson State has won the past seven meetings dating back to 2021, both fanbases verbally spar on social media. Last year, Tigers fans swarmed a video that amassed over 121,000 views on X, formerly Twitter, of a then-Southern player saying he’s “not impressed” with the opposing defense. While there isn’t a viral clip making the rounds this time, players and coaches are aware of what is spewed online. They also know that it has no impact on the game. “I really don’t get into all that,” Givens said. “It’s football at the end of the day, so I’m not getting into all that. The game gonna be won in between the lines. It’s not gonna be won over social media, over Twitter fingers.” Southern starting center Tim Artis said he’s learned the significance of the rivalry for both communities even though he is new to it as a transfer from Howard. “I’ve heard about the atmo-

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Southern football team runs onto the field before kickoff against Louisiana Christian on Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium. sphere,” the redshirt senior said. “I know the stadium we’re playing in, pretty large HBCU stadium. I’ve heard about the dislike of the teams, the trashtalking between them that’s all over the place on social media. So I’ve done seen a few things.” Jackson State’s coach acknowledged there are distractions in the lead-up to this game and that he is making sure to keep players “locked in,” as the Tigers try to live up to their spot as the No. 3 team in this week’s BOXTOROW HBCU football media poll. Faulk has likely done similar things with his group. The New Orleans native is uninterested in adding more embers to the ﬁre of this rivalry game. When asked if this was a chance for a statement win, he said every game is a chance to prove itself. He did admit his team should want to send a message to an opponent that has dominated the matchup. “When you get beat (seven) times in a row, you better be trying to make a statement that, you know, you’re not going to be pushed around and bullied. And

that you’re you’re you’re here to ﬁght.” The Jaguars are the underdog and will not spill all their emotions publicly ahead of this matchup. They, as much as the fans supporting them after last year’s 2-10 season, know that besides the Bayou Classic or a championship game, it doesn’t get much bigger. Former star wide receiver Lee Doss, who was on Southern’s last SWAC championship team in 2013, gave his perspective as a former player on the Southern University Quarterback Club podcast. “It’s definitely not a regular game,” he said. “This week is kill or be killed. Your mindset got to be totally different right now. You got to be off of all the social media, no parties, in your class and back at home, back at practice, back at home the whole week. That’s the type of mentality we had, especially that championship team.” Email Toyloy Brown III at toyloy.brown@theadvocate.com.

4C ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

FFRIDAY NIGHT RUNDOWN

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FOUR DOWNS: Jackson Reyes breaks down things to watch Friday night

ROAD TESTS Central (2-1) and Catholic (1-2) are two of the top teams in the Baton Rouge area. Both sides will get a major litmus test on the road Friday.The Wildcats face West Monroe (2-1), which is coming off a loss to Brandon (Mississippi). Catholic plays No. 2 Ruston (2-1) in a battle of top-10 Class 5A teams. Ruston is coming off a close loss to Karr.

BUILDING MOMENTUM University High and Zachary were two teams that entered the year with big expectations. Both were ranked in the top 10 of Class 3A and Class 5A, respectively, but both started 0-2.The Cubs defeated Plaquemine, and the Broncos took down Madison Prep for each team’s first win. Both will look to build on their first victories of the year.

RISING TO THE TOP The Baton Rouge area has a new school claiming a top ranking in the LSWA polls. St. James is ranked No. 1 in Class 3A after receiving nine first-place votes in the weekly poll released Monday.The Wildcats have won their three games by an average margin of 36.7 points but get their biggest test o date Friday against Dunham.

DISTRICT PLAY BEGINS For several teams, district play begins Friday night. There’s some intriguing matchups, including St. Michael (2-1) going on the road to face Brusly (1-2) in a District 6-4A battle. District 5-5A will have several enticing matchups, including a battle of unbeatens in Walker (3-0) and Dutchtown (30) facing off.

BUDDING STAR

West Feliciana quarterback Hebert building on strong sophomore season BY JACKSON REYES

Staff writer

hen West Feliciana High School named Terry Minor its football coach in May of 2025, he knew finding a quarterback would be his first task. Minor’s search began with a phone call to Brooks Hebert’s mother to see if he could meet the coaches. They started with film analysis to gauge his football IQ, then watched the sophomore’s play on the field. “We went out there and saw his athleticism, his ability to retain information, and. of course, he has a unique ability to be able to spin a football,” Minor said. “One of the best players I’ve seen throw a football in my entire career.” Hebert earned the starting job and threw for 2,177 yards and 22 touchdowns on a 65% completion percentage last year, leading the Saints to the playoffs. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound junior has helped his team to a 3-0 start to 2026. He also holds one offer from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. “We put him in the fire last year as a sophomore,” Minor said. “I think he rose to the occasion.”

Commanding the offense Hebert didn’t expect to be handed the keys to the offense but never shied away from the opportunity. “I never saw it coming, but I was honored to take the position,” Hebert said. “I took it as a challenge that I was going to face head on.” Fast forward to this season and Minor said he’s earned the trust of the coaching staff and team. Hebert said his communication with Minor helped his growth. “We’re constantly texting and calling about the offense, calling about how practice went, things we’re seeing, things we’re not seeing,” Hebert said. Minor said their relationship

Week 4 report All games at 7 p.m.

Thursday’s games St. John 49, East Iberville 14 North Iberville 52, Capitol 12 White Castle vs. Thrive Academy

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 Cenreville Academy (Mississippi)

FILE PHOTO By APRIL BUFFINGTON

West Feliciana quarterback Brooks Hebert scrambles for extra yardage against Brusly during a playoff game on Nov. 21 in Brusly. Hebert, who passed for 2,177 yards and 22 touchdowns as a sophomore, has helped lead the Saints to a 3-0 record this season. allows them to work on Hebert’s mental game. Aspects of football come naturally to the junior, but focusing on how he responds to scenarios like interceptions is key. “To be able to have those skills transferable, we have to do a good job of teaching the mental aspect of the game,” he said. “How do you go and lead the team whenever you may not be in a good spot yourself? That’s an ongoing process every single day.”

Offensive evolution Hebert’s growth has allowed

the Saints to alter their offensive approach from a pass-happy attack to a more balanced game. “He’s not in a position where we have to go and throw the ball 35 or 40 times to try to prove how good of a player he is,” Minor said. “He’s in a spot that he’s able to retain the capacity of our offense. He doesn’t have to have the pressure to win it all with his arm.” Hebert’s knowledge of the playbook adds another wrinkle in West Feliciana’s offense. Minor, an offensive-ﬁrst coach,

never likes to line up in the same formation twice. The different looks put pressure on a defense, but can also allow for mental mistakes for his offense. Minor said having a quarterback who can retain the information needed to put his teammates in the right spot eases that worry. “It allows for you to have an attack that’s unpredictable,” Minor said. “That’s really the cheat code with Brooks. His arm talent is incredible, but his capacity his even better.”

FRIDAY NIGHT’S TOP MATCHUPS EAST ASCENSION AT ST. AMANT

7 p.m., St. Amant Middle School Another chapter of the Battle on Burnside will be written Friday when East Ascension (2-1) meets parish rival St. Amant (2-1) in The Pit. Both teams are coming off Week 3 losses. The Spartans tied the all-time series at 23-23 after winning memorably last year 49-48 in a game that came down to the final play.

ST. JAMES AT DUNHAM

7 p.m. Dunham (2-1) hosts St. James (3-0) on Friday in a battle of two of the top schools in the Baton Rouge area. The Wildcats claimed the top spot in the LSWA Class 3A rankings, while the Tigers are ranked No. 2 in Class 2A. This matchup will serve as a marker to se where both teams stand heading into Week 5.

CATHOLIC AT RUSTON

7 p.m. Prep football fans will want to keep an eye on this road matchup. Catholic (1-2) travels to take on Ruston (2-1), the No. 2-ranked team in the LSWA Class 5A poll. The Bearcats are loaded with talent, including five-star tight end Ahmad Hudson. The Bears will face arguably the best team in Division I nonselect.

THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH OWEN FLETCHER

RB, Dutchtown The Griffins senior quarterback ran for four touchdowns last week. Fletcher offers true dual-threat ability for a Dutchtown team with high expectations. They’ll be tested by an undefeated Walker team on the road.

TY LONDON

RB, West Feliciana The Saints running back is off to a stellar start through three weeks. The junior has totaled 284 yards and six touchdowns. He’s averaging 6.7 yards per carry in three games in helping West Feliciana start the year 3-0.

KYLIN JONES

WR, Zachary Jones has emerged as an impact player. The junior caught four passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns in Zachary’s Week 3 win over Madison Prep. He recorded five receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2 against Acadiana.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Indiana begins defense of Big Ten title BY MICHAEL MAROT AP sportswriter

The Indiana Hoosiers spent Curt Cignetti’s first two seasons rebranding the program. Now the fifth-ranked and still unbeaten Hoosiers face the next big challenge — maintaining their status as a national football powerhouse. That next step begins Friday night when the 2025 national champions host unbeaten Northwestern, marking the first time in nearly 60 years the Hoosiers enter a Big Ten game holding the title of defending conference champs. And Cignetti thinks his program is in good position. “I like the way we developed and where we are right now,” he said when asked to evaluate his team after finishing non-conference play. “Every team you have you’ve got concerns, whether they be depth issues, upcoming opponents, how to best attack them, preparing your team day to day, week to week so we’re ready for Big Ten competition.” Indiana (3-0) overwhelmed its first three opponents by a combined score of 145-16 and produced the program’s first back-to-back shutouts since 1993. It hasn’t allowed a point in 136 minutes, dating to a North Texas field goal with 1:18 left in the third quarter of Week 1. But even Cignetti understands why the critics contend this team hasn’t been seriously tested while extending the Football Bowl Subdivision’s longest active winning streak to 19 and longest active home winning streak to 18. Facing Northwestern (2-0) could help alter that perception. Coach David Braun hired Chip Kelly to change the Wildcats from a low-scoring, run-heavy offense to a more balanced attack. The result: Northwestern ranks 45th nationally with 37.5 points per game. Can it work against an Indiana defense that has been among the nation’s stingiest since Cignetti took over in 2024? “It presents an incredible challenge for us, going on the road on a Friday night,” Braun said. “You can tell this group has been at it for three years and they’ve won a lot of big games, won a Big Ten championship and a national championship. There’s just a certain level of confidence they move with.” For the Hoosiers, this feels familiar — palying a team from Illinois in prime time in a Big Ten opener. A year ago, they were facing the same questions when the ninth-ranked Fighting Illini came to town. Indiana sent them home with an embarrassing 6310 rout. Cignetti isn’t talking about a repeat — he just wants his team focused on passing their first big test. “They do the things you’ve got to do to win football games,” Cignetti said. “They’re plus-4 in the turnover ratio, they’re averaging 38 points a game, they’re running for over 200 (yards), 465 (yards in) total offense, they’re holding teams to one out of eight touchdowns in the red area. They’ve given up six points in the first half and the quarterback has really developed.”

Model program Braun has watched the Hoosiers remarkable turnaround under Cignetti from afar and believes Indiana could serve as a model for Northwestern — or any program that has struggled to win consistently. The lesson for his team is simple. “That it can be done,” Braun said. “I think that’s the biggest lesson you can learn. This game is won through brotherhood and something that is bigger than self. You don’t win a national championship without a group of people that are fully bought into that. I think it starts with the mentality of why not us?”

SPORTS 24/7 ON

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ 5C

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Saints conﬁdent Richards Steelers try to shrug off uneven start as can step up at left tackle unbeaten Bengals visit BY LUKE JOHNSON

BY WILL GRAVES

Staff writer

This week against the Las Vegas Raiders, the New Orleans Saints will try to get over their first major in-season injury hurdle. Asim Richards, a 25-year-old swing tackle who is in his fourth NFL season Notebook and second with the Saints, will start for the foreseeable future at left tackle in place of the injured Kelvin Banks. “It comes with the job of being a swing tackle,” Richards said. “It definitely gets your heart pumped up, but I’ve been there before, so it’s just another day honestly.” The ankle injury Banks suffered in the third quarter last week was, without question, a significant blow for a Saints offense that is off to a strong start in 2026. New Orleans selected Banks with the No. 9 pick in last year’s draft and he’s provided high-level play from the jump. His injury required surgery and will likely keep him out until late in the regular season. Which is where Richards comes in — again. New Orleans acquired Richards in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys just before the 2025 season began — a move that was informed by the Saints’ coaching connections to the Cowboys and one would return dividends. Richards started four games at right tackle last season as right tackle Taliese Fuaga dealt with multiple injuries. He also subbed in at left tackle in the season finale after Banks suffered his lone injury last season. That starting experience in coach Kellen Moore’s offense was invaluable. “Just learning the offense a little more,” Richards said. “Last year it wasn’t as smooth to me, I was thinking a lot, but now it’s a lot smoother. I don’t have to think as much. I can just let it all out.” While playing a career-high 363 offensive snaps last season, Richards allowed 23 pressures and two sacks in 204 pass-blocking reps, according to Pro Football Focus. Last week, he was thrown into the fire during the Saints’ second-half comeback and largely held his own

AP sportswriter

AP PHOTO By MATT PATTERSON

Saints offensive lineman Asim Richards lines up for a snap during a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 28 in Arlington, Texas. against Ravens All-Pro Trey Hendrickson. “Asim’s done a nice job,” Moore said. “He’s prepared as if he’s ready to play every single week, and you saw that by the way he handled that situation going to Baltimore and hopping in there. I think he’ll do some good stuff.”

Injury report Three Saints defenders saw an upgrade in their practice participation status Thursday. Edge rusher Chase Young (calf), defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd (hip) and star defender Jonas Sanker (knee) all practiced fully after being limited in Wednesday’s session. Running back Travis Etienne (hamstring) was the only player who was limited at Thursday’s practice. The only new additions to the injury report were running back Kendre Miller, who missed practice with an illness, and veteran defensive lineman Davon Godchaux, who took his customary Thursday rest day. Wide receiver Barion Brown (hamstring), defensive back Martin Emer-

son (shoulder) and defensive linemen Christen Miller (toe) continued to miss practice with their various injuries.

Shough stats Tyler Shough has now played in 13 NFL games (with 11 of them being starts). He is the first player in NFL history to throw for 3,000 yards while completing at least 67% of his passes in his first 13 games of his career. He ranks 14th in NFL history for passing yardage in his first 11 starts (2,918). Shough is also leading the NFL in passing through two weeks, becoming the first Saints quarterback to achieve that feat since Archie Manning in 1979. His 662 passing yards through two games are the most by a Saints quarterback since Drew Brees had 682 yards in the first two games of the 2018 season. Since Shough took over as the starter in Week 9 last year, his 283.9 offensive yards per game (passing and rushing) rank only behind Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (291.4), according to Next Gen Stats.

Cowboys look to corral Ravens’ Jackson in Rio as questions about ﬁeld persist BY SCHUYLER DIXON AP sportswriter

Kenny Clark is headed back to Brazil, where his Dallas Cowboys face Baltimore two years after the defensive tackle played for the Green Bay Packers on a “mushy” field. This year, it’s the first regularseason game in Rio de Janeiro matching 1-1 teams on Sunday. In 2024, it was a season opener and another NFL first in Sao Paulo, where the Packers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 34-29. Clark is trying not to correlate the two. “Regardless, we’re going out there to play a game on Sunday,” Clark said. “That would be crazy for me to be up here complaining about it. I’m ready to play.” Whatever the conditions, the Cowboys will be chasing the NFL’s most dangerous mobile quarterback in Lamar Jackson after struggling to contain Jaxson Dart of the New York Giants and Washington’s Jayden Daniels in the first two games of the season. Jackson was getting the same questions about conditions at Maracana Stadium — and showing even less concern than Clark. “I am locked in,” Jackson said. “I cannot focus on how the grass would be.” There won’t be nearly as much chatter about the long flight to Rio as there was for this year’s first international game in Melbourne, Australia. That was a season opener as well, and San Francisco beat the Rams 27-7 after the 49ers gave themselves a week to adjust while Los Angeles arrived less than two days before kickoff. In this case, both teams were planning to take 10-hour flights that left Thursday evening and arrived in Rio on Friday morning. Both teams played the previous Sunday, and both will be back on the field next Sunday, Oct. 4. “Try to walk around as much as possible, but at the same time sleep as much as possible,” Jackson said. “It is a 10-hour flight, right? Five and five — try to balance it out.”

PITTSBURGH — Aaron Rodgers says he isn’t worried about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ resolve. Maybe, but if the four-time MVP and an offense that remains very much a work in progress can’t find a way to take a significant step forward on Sunday when Joe Burrow and unbeaten Cincinnati visit, it might be time to start worrying about the results. The future Hall of Fame quarterback and his team have hardly looked crisp through the first two weeks. Scoring one touchdown in eight quarters and absorbing four sacks during a miserable afternoon in New England last week will do that. Now here come Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and a revamped Bengals defense eager to stamp itself as the early AFC North favorite after a decisive road win in Houston. The quarterback who once famously encouraged everyone to “R-E-L-A-X” isn’t panicking. Yet with a pair of division games looming, the Steelers (1-1) don’t necessarily have the luxury of taking their time to figure things out. “I hate the whole, ‘We’re close,’ or this or that,” Rodgers said. The 42-year-old has no interest in assigning blame for why things have looked so bumpy during the beginning of first-year head coach Mike McCarthy’s tenure. It’s football. It happens. “A lot of times it was just 10 guys doing it right and one guy not doing it right,” he said. “It was a lot to go around. I had my plays, but everybody had their plays, so we got to shore that up.” Pittsburgh doesn’t have much choice if it wants to turn things around against Cincinnati, which is seeking to begin a season 3-0 for the first time since 2015. The Bengals have certainly looked the part of a contender in beating Tampa Bay and Houston, the latter on the road in a game in which the rebuilt defense led by Dexter Lawrence was disruptive at all the right times to give Burrow — who believes he’s played very “average” so far — and the rest of the offense the kind of help it has sorely lacked in recent years. “Just the playing off each other, I think, in all three phases when you go on the road against a good team that we have a lot of respect for, that’s the way you got to win, and taking good care of the football, which we did,” Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor said. “So I was impressed. It doesn’t mean that there’s not a lot of room for improvement, which there should be early in the year.” Just not as much as will be required in Pittsburgh, which may

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By NICK WASS

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase young in the second half of a game on Sunday in Baltimore.

Need to know

Stats and stuff

Baltimore (1-1) at Dallas (1-1). When/where to watch: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, CBS. Latest odds: Ravens by 3 1/2. Against the spread: Ravens 1-1; Cowboys 1-1. Last week: Ravens lost to Saints 24-17; Cowboys beat Commanders 37-20. Last meeting: Ravens beat Cowboys, 28-25, on Sept. 22, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. Series record: Ravens lead 6-1.

n The Cowboys gave up a home game for their first international appearance in 12 years. It’s the first regular-season game in Rio, but the third consecutive season for a game in Brazil. Sao Paulo’s Corinthians Arena hosted a game each of the past two years. Both of Baltimore’s previous international games were in London, most recently in 2023. n It appears Dallas will be without S Malik Hooker (forearm) and LB DeMarvion Overshown (hamstring) for a second consecutive game. The same could be true for Ravens WR Zay Flowers, who injured a hamstring in the opener. Baltimore LT Ronnie Stanley exited with a toe injury last week and didn’t return. n The Cowboys had the worst third-down defense in the NFL last season and are trending that way again. They have allowed a league-worst 68% conversion rate through two weeks. In the opener against the Giants, Dallas had just two second-half possessions because the defense couldn’t get off the field. New York scored the first two times it had the ball after the break and ran out the clock on the third possession.

Matchup to watch Jackson and RB Derrick Henry vs. the Dallas front seven. While the Cowboys did a better job pressuring Daniels — and Marcus Mariota after Daniels’ elbow injury — than they did Dart in the opener, they couldn’t get either Washington quarterback on the ground. Dallas is also allowing an average of 4.5 yards per carry in the traditional running game through two weeks. Without further improvement by the Cowboys under young ﬁrst-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker, Jackson and Henry might run wild.

AP PHOTO By DAVID J. PHILLIP

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow looks to throw during the first half of a game against the Houston Texans on Sunday in Houston.

switch things up in search of a boost. Rookie first-round pick Max Iheanachor could take over for Dylan Cook at right tackle and the secondary might have some fresh faces given the volatile status of cornerback Joey Porter and veteran Jamel Dean’s ankle injury that forced him to miss practice time this week. Whoever is on the ﬁeld, the Steelers know only too well they need to improve, and do it quickly. “At the end of the day, our job is to whip the other guy’s (tail),” McCarthy said, “and we need to make sure we’re staying in tune with that.”

Need to know Cincinnati (2-0) at Pittsburgh (1-1). When/where to watch: Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, CBS. Latest odds: Bengals by 3 1/2. Against the spread: Bengals 2-0; Steelers 1-1. Last week: Bengals beat Texans 20-6; Steelers lost to Patriots 20-3. Last meeting: Steelers beat Bengals 34-12 on Nov. 16, 2025, in Pittsburgh. Series record: Steelers lead 7241.

Matchup to watch Pittsburgh’s interior offensive line vs. Bengals DTs Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen. The arrival of Lawrence via trade and Allen in free agency has given Cincinnati’s front a needed jolt. The two have already made an impact, with Allen picking up a sack in each of his ﬁrst two games with the club and Lawrence providing a critical fourth down stop last week against Houston. They’re facing a Steelers line coming off a miserable performance last week in New England in which Rodgers was sacked four times and failed to produce a touchdown. If they don’t take a signiﬁcant step forward at Acrisure Stadium, a sluggish start will become immeasurably worse.

free agents. Even Carlson, a late trainingcamp addition, has proven steady. The Saints’ kicking battle over the summer did not unfold as envisioned, as incumbent Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown struggled in training camp. But Carlson, the longtime kicker on the Raiders, was available and has since done his job. His lone miss was a 62-yarder at the end of regulation in New Orleans’ Week 1 loss to Detroit. But the Saints were understanding of the miss, given the distance. Galiano said he’s starting to see players play fast and noted they “have belief now.” The coordinator has been with the Saints since 2019, but last year was his ﬁrst full year in his current role. Galiano previously worked under Darren Rizzi, who still oversaw the unit when he became the Saints’ interim coach in 2024. As for his job status, Galiano said he was never worried whether he’d be ﬁred at the end of last season. He was, however, disappointed. Disappointed by how his unit performed and how he had coached. “All I try to do is be who I am, be the same every single day,” Galiano said. “It’s never them that was at fault. It was us. I didn’t do a good enough job preparing, they didn’t do a good enough job playing and we were working together and trying to get better each and every day. “That’s who I’ll continue to be. I’m not going to change who I am. And so far it’s working. Hopefully we can keep it going that way.”

They did exactly that. The Saints made a rare decision to pay a punter, handing Ryan Wright a fouryear, $14 million contract. The deal not only made Wright the league’s seventh-highest-paid punter, but it also marked the ﬁrst time the Saints pursued a punter in free agency since Toby Gowin in 2000. The Saints felt the move was necessary after rotating through three different punters in three years. Wright, the former Vikings punter who played college football at Tulane, has made a difference early on. Through two games, Wright may not have gaudy stats — his longest punt of 57 yards ranks 23rd — but three of his eight punts have been downed inside the 20, including a 37-yard punt that put Baltimore at the 6-yard line. The punt even led to another standout special-teams highlight: Granderson’s tip on Loop’s 49-yard attempt, forcing a miss. “It’s a good two games to build on,” Wright said of the unit. “I think we’re going to do just ﬁne.” Punter wasn’t the only add. The Saints even drafted a returner when they selected Brown, the all-time SEC leader in kickoff returns, in the sixth round. The Saints avoided using Brown as a kick returner in the preseason, but the Ravens game showed why: They knew what he could do. The Saints have had special returners in recent years, including Rashid Shaheed and Deonte Harty, but those additions have typi- Email Matthew Paras at matt. cally been signed as undrafted paras@theadvocate.com

6C ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

SCOREBOARD Wednesday’s Games Atlanta 83, New York 65 Dallas 103, Seattle 91

Greg Smith

Course: The University Club Hole: No. 16 Yardage: 97 yards Club: A wedge Witnesses: Hal Lancon, Don Bailey, Steve Hartman

Thursday’s Games

Odds

No games scheduled.

Connecticut 95, Toronto 81 Washington 101, Chicago 93 Minnesota 86, Indiana 66 Golden State at Los Angeles,n Las Vegas at Phoenix, n

Pro football

NFL

Sunday

FAVORITE OPEN Seattle 3½ at NY GIANTS 3 Kansas City 7 Carolina 2½ at JAX 1½ Cincinnati 1½ Houston 2½ at DETROIT 9½ at BUFFALO 2½ Minnesota 1½ at SAN FRAN 11½ at N.O. 3 Baltimore 2½ LA Rams 3

TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 7½ (40½) at WASH 2½ (38½) Tennessee 10½ (46½) at MIAMI 2½ (42½) at CLE 3 (46½) NE 3½ (42½) at PITT 1½ (42½) at IND 6½ (47½) NY Jets 7½ (50½) Chargers 1½ (42½) at TAMPA 8½ (48½) Arizona 3½ (43½) Las Vegas 3½ (52½) at DALLAS 2½ (44½) at DENVER

FAVORITE OPEN Philadelphia 1½

TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 4½ (41½) at CHI

Monday

College Football Friday

FAVORITE OPEN Army 3½ Navy 12½ at RUTGERS 42½ at INDIANA 23½ Clemson 1½

TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 3 (48½) at TEMPLE 6½ (51½) at UAB 43½ (55½) Howard 20½ (49½) Nrthwstrn 1½ (50½) at CAL

Buffalo New England N.Y. Jets Miami

W 2 1 1 0

L 0 1 1 2

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

PF 77 30 40 26

PA 62 16 30 62

Jacksonville Tennessee Houston Indianapolis

W 1 0 0 0

L 1 2 2 2

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .500 .000 .000 .000

PF 47 30 37 53

PA 30 47 56 74

Cincinnati Baltimore Pittsburgh Cleveland

W 2 1 1 1

L 0 1 1 1

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

PF 53 58 23 33

PA 33 47 33 53

Kansas City Las Vegas Denver L.A. Chargers

W 2 2 1 0

L 0 0 1 2

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

PF 64 53 30 28

PA 40 27 44 52

South

North

West

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

MLB

East

Friday American League

Philadelphia N.Y. Giants Dallas Washington

W 2 1 1 0

L 0 1 1 2

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

PF 48 34 57 42

PA 42 48 48 61

Carolina New Orleans Tampa Bay Atlanta

W 1 1 0 0

L 1 1 2 2

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .500 .500 .000 .000

PF 71 54 46 16

PA 62 48 56 54

Minnesota Detroit Chicago Green Bay

W 2 1 1 1

L 0 1 1 1

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

PF 48 62 62 42

PA 25 71 46 56

Seattle San Francisco L.A. Rams Arizona

W 2 2 1 1

L 0 0 1 1

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

PF 44 62 35 33

PA 17 20 33 45

FAVORITE at N.Y YANKEES Cleveland Texas at ATHLETICS at SEATTLE National League FAVORITE N.Y Mets Atlanta at MILWAUKEE at SAN DIEGO at SAN FRAN Interleague FAVORITE at BOSTON at BOSTON at PHILADELPHIA Pittsburgh at TORONTO at CHI WHITE SOX

LINE OFF -132 OFF OFF -136

UNDERDOG Baltimore at K.C. at MIN Houston LA Angels

LINE OFF +109 OFF OFF +112

LINE -135 -124 -182 -138 OFF

UNDERDOG at WASH at MIAMI St. Louis Arizona LA Dodgers

LINE +114 +105 +148 +114 OFF

LINE OFF OFF -161 -113 -135 -229

UNDERDOG LINE Chicago Cubs OFF Chicago Cubs OFF Tampa Bay +132 at DETROIT -108 Cincinnati +115 Colorado +184

Pro basketball

South

North

West

Thursday’s Games

Atlanta at Green Bay, n

Sunday’s Games

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

W 30 28 27 26 16 11 10

L 14 15 16 18 27 32 33

Pct GB .682 — .651 1½ .628 2½ .591 4 .372 13½ .256 18½ .233 19½

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

W 32 31 30 27 17 16 16 8

L 11 12 13 17 27 27 27 36

Pct GB .744 — .721 1 .698 2 .614 5½ .386 15½ .372 16 .372 16 .182 24½

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Pct .608 .576 .538 .491 .484

GB — 5 11 18½ 19½

Cleveland Chicago Minnesota Detroit Kansas City

W 82 82 75 74 68

L 76 77 84 85 91

Pct .519 .516 .472 .465 .428

GB — ½ 7½ 8½ 14½

W Texas 79 Houston 78 Seattle 74 Athletics 63 Los Angeles 60 x-clinched division y-clinched wild card

L 80 80 84 95 98

Pct .497 .494 .468 .399 .380

GB — ½ 4½ 15½ 18½

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 Games

Philadelphia at Chicago, 7:15 p.m.

Major League Baseball American League East Division

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 Athletics 7, L.A. Angels 3 Seattle 6, Houston 5, 10 innings

Friday’s Games

Chicago Cubs (Peterson 9-8) at Boston (TBD), 12:05 p.m., 1st game Chicago Cubs (Holmes 6-8) at Boston (Bennett 9-7), 5:05 p.m., 2nd game Pittsburgh (Chandler 8-9) at Detroit, 5:40 p.m. Tampa Bay (Peralta 9-11) at Philadelphia (Sánchez 18-6), 5:40 p.m. N.Y. Mets (TBD) at Washington (Alvarez 2-6), 5:45 p.m. Cincinnati (Lodolo 3-6) at Toronto (Soriano 12-8), 6:07 p.m. Atlanta (Holmes 10-5) at Miami, 6:10 p.m. Colorado (Quintana 2-3) at Chicago White Sox (Burke 10-7), 6:40 p.m. St. Louis (McGreevy 7-9) at Milwaukee (Gasser 5-5), 6:40 p.m. Arizona at San Diego (Mize 6-9), 8:40 p.m. L.A. Dodgers (Skubal 11-7) at San Francisco (Marte 0-1), 9:15 p.m.

Thursday’s games SOUTH

Liberty at Coastal Carolina , n

Friday’s Games

Chicago Cubs (Peterson 9-8) at Boston (TBD), 12:05 p.m., 1st game Chicago Cubs (Holmes 6-8) at Boston (Bennett 9-7), 5:05 p.m., 2nd game Pittsburgh (Chandler 8-9) at Detroit (Jobe 2-3), 5:40 p.m. Tampa Bay (Peralta 9-11) at Philadelphia (Sánchez 18-6), 5:40 p.m. Baltimore (Rogers 10-11) at N.Y. Yankees (Warren 10-6), 6:05 p.m. Cincinnati (Lodolo 3-6) at Toronto (Soriano 12-8), 6:07 p.m. Cleveland (Williams 14-8) at Kansas City (Cameron 9-8), 6:40 p.m. Colorado (Quintana 2-3) at Chicago White Sox (Burke 10-7), 6:40 p.m. Texas (TBD) at Minnesota (Ryan 6-10), 7:10 p.m. Houston (Wesneski 5-2) at Athletics (Lopez 6-5), 8:40 p.m. L.A. Angels (Detmers 6-8) at Seattle (Miller 4-9), 9:10 p.m.

National League x-Atlanta Philadelphia Miami Washington New York

W 93 87 78 75 73

L 65 71 81 84 86

Pct .589 .551 .491 .472 .459

GB — 6 15½ 18½ 20½

x-Milwaukee Chicago Pittsburgh St. Louis Cincinnati

W 99 88 81 77 73

L 59 71 78 82 85

Pct .627 .553 .509 .484 .462

GB — 11½ 18½ 22½ 26

W x-Los Angeles 97 San Diego 88 Arizona 84 San Francisco 65 Colorado 57 x-clinched division

L 61 70 74 94 101

Pct .614 .557 .532 .409 .361

GB — 9 13 32½ 40

West Division

Pittsburgh 2, St. Louis 1 Chicago Cubs 2, Miami 1 Texas 3, N.Y. Mets 1 Chicago White Sox 9, Kansas City 1 Cleveland 1, Boston 0 Milwaukee 5, Philadelphia 1 Cincinnati 7, Atlanta 6 San Diego at L.A. Dodgers, n

All Times Central (Subject to change)

Chicago White Sox 9, Kansas City 1 Texas 3, N.Y. Mets 1 Cleveland at Boston, n N.Y. Yankees 6, Tampa Bay 4 Houston at Athletics, n L.A. Angels at Seattle, n

Central Division

Thursday’s Games

College football

Thursday’s Games

East Division

Arizona 5, Colorado 3 San Diego 5, L.A. Dodgers 1

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 N.Y. Mets 7, Texas 2 Miami 3, Chicago Cubs 2

Friday’s games EAST

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

SOUTH

Navy (1-1) at UAB (1-2), 6 p.m.

MIDWEST

Northwestern (2-0) at Indiana (3-0), 7 p.m.

FAR WEST

Clemson (2-1) at California (2-1), 9:30 p.m. n (1-3), 7 p.m. Missouri St. (1-2) at SMU (2-1), 8 p.m. Oregon St. (1-2) at UTEP (1-2), 8 p.m.

Transactions Major League Baseball

American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Placed RHP Luis Castillo on the 15-day IL. Recalled RHP Tyler Davis from Charlotte (IL). KANSAS CITY ROYALS — Placed RHP Steven Cruz on the paternity list. Recalled RHP Spencer Bivens from ACL Royals. NEW YORK YANKEES — Placed RHP Clarke Schmidt on the 15-day IL, retroactive to Sept. 21. Recalled RHP Bradley Hanner from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (IL). SEATTLE MARINERS — Placed SS Brock Rodden on the 10-day IL, retroactive to Sept. 23. Recalled 3B Leo Rivas from Tacoma (PCL). TAMPA BAY RAYS — Optioned RHP Mason Englert to Durham (IL). Selected the contract of RHP Jake Woodford from Durham. National League PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Recalled LHP Evan Sisk from Indianapolis (IL). Optioned RHP Khristian Curtis to FCL Pirates. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS — Claimed RHP Camilo Doval off waivers from Pittsburgh. Transferred RHP Blade Tidwell to the 60-day IL.

BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association NEW ORLEANS PELICANS — Signed F Julian Reese to a two-way contract. Women’s National Basketball Association

FOOTBALL

National Football League CHICAGO BEARS — Signed LS Beau Gardner to the practice squad. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS — Signed WR Gary Jennings to the practice squad. MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed WR A.J. Henning

to the practice squad. NEW YORK GIANTS — Placed QB Jaxson Dart on injured reserve. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Signed CB Shaun Wade to the practice squad. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Waived DL Deshawn MckKnight with an injury settlement.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League BOSTON BRUINS — Assigned G Simon Zajicek to Providence (AHL). ANAHEIM DUCKS — Assigned D Matt Basgall and Konnor Smith, G Damian Clara and Fs Coulson Pitre, Yegor Sidorov and Herman Traff to San Diego (AHL). CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS — Agreed to terms with F Oliver Moore on a ﬁve-year contract extension. Loaned Fs Jiri felcman, Martin Misiak and Marek Vanacker and D Dylan Anhorn to Rockford (AHL). Assigned F Brett Seney to Rockford. COLORADO AVALANCHE — Assigned Ds Saige Weinstein, Domenick Fensore and Christian Wolanin to Colorado (AHL). COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS — Signed F Adam Fantilli to a six-year contract extension. DALLAS STARS — Loaned D Jack Anderson, Fs Dylan Hryckowian, Artem Shlaine and Emil Hemming and G Arno Tiefensee to Texas (AHL). LOS ANGELES KINGS — Waived for the purpose of assignment to Abbotsford (AHL) Fs Martin Chromia, Cole Guttman, Lane Pederson and Francesco Pinelli and D Joe Hicketts. Loaned Fs Aatu Jamsen and Koehn Ziemmer, Ds Angus Booth, Kirill Kirsanov and Jared Woolley to Ontario. ANAHEIM DUCKS — Assigned D Matt Basgall and Konnor Smith, G Damian Clara and Fs Coulson Pitre, Yegor Sidorov and Herman Traff to San Diego (AHL). CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS — Agreed to terms with F Oliver Moore on a ﬁve-year contract extension. Loaned Fs Jiri felcman, Martin Misiak and Marek Vanacker and D Dylan Anhorn to Rockford (AHL). Assigned F Brett Seney to Rockford. COLORADO AVALANCHE — Assigned Ds Saige Weinstein, Domenick Fensore and Christian Wolanin to Colorado (AHL). COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS — Signed F Adam Fantilli to a six-year contract extension. DALLAS STARS — Loaned D Jack Anderson, Fs Dylan Hryckowian, Artem Shlaine and Emil Hemming and G Arno Tiefensee to Texas (AHL). LOS ANGELES KINGS — Waived for the purpose of assignment to Abbotsford (AHL) Fs Martin Chromia, Cole Guttman, Lane Pederson and Francesco Pinelli and D Joe Hicketts. Loaned Fs Aatu Jamsen and Koehn Ziemmer, Ds Angus Booth, Kirill Kirsanov and Jared Woolley to Ontario. Placed F Jan Jenik and D Jakub Dvorak on injured reserve. MINNESOTA WILD — Waived for the purpose of assignment to Iowa (AHL) Ds Matt Kiersted, Carson Lambos, and Roman Schmidt and Fs Caedan Bankier, Dylan Gambrell, Justin Kirkland, Tyler Pitlick, and Mason Shaw. Assigned Ds Ben Dexheimer and Viking Gustafsson Nyberg and Fs Jagger Joshua, Hunter Haight, Riley Heidt, Rasmus Kumpulainen, and Rieger Lorenz to Iowa. NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Assigned Fs Ozzy Wiesblatt, Chase Bradley, David Edstrom, Joakim Kemell, Jake Lucchini and Ben Strinden, D Daniel Nieminen and G Isak Posch to Milwaukee (AHL). NEW YORK RANGERS — Assigned Gs Spencer Martin and Callum Tung and Fs Jacob Battaglia, Brody Lamb, and Dylan Roobroeck to Hartford (AHL). PHILADELPHIA FLYERS — Loaned Fs Zach Aston-Reese, Nolan Foote, Danila Klimovich and Jack Studnicka and D Cam Dineen to Lehigh Valley (AHL). PITTSBURGH PENGUINS — Assigned Fs Brayden Edwards, Max Graham, Jack Horbach, Hugh McGing, Mark Senden, Tiernan Shoudy and Daniel Russell, Ds Finn Harding and Daniel Laatsch and G Taylor Gauthier to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL). Placed F Melvin Fernstrom and G Gabriel D’Aigle on injured reserve. Waived for the purpose of assignment to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton D Phil Kemp.

SELF-SCH TO

ULE ED

SCAN

x-clinched playoff spot

L 62 67 73 81 82

West Division

NFL Glance AMERICAN CONFERENCE East

W 96 91 85 78 77

Central Division

Friday’s Games

Sports Betting Line

x-Tampa Bay y-New York y-Boston Baltimore Toronto

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UNDER CONSTRUCTION

FELINE FUN

Building Blocks: a City Built by Kids, an interactive, hands-on experience where children ages 7-11 become architects, planners and city builders for the day, returns to Capitol Park Museum from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Presented by the American Institute of Architects Baton Rouge. Free.

Cat Video Fest 2026 packs the latest and best cat videos into one afternoon at the Manship Theatre. Running from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, the event also offers onsite cat adoptions. $12.50, with a portion of every ticket supporting Cat Haven’s mission. manshiptheatre.org.

A WILD NIGHT AT LASM

Louisiana Art & Science Museum will host its 41st annual gala, Louisiana Untamed, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. Featuring a grand raffle, curated silent auction, multiple open bars and food stations, entertainment and immersive decor. All proceeds benefit LASM’s educational mission. $150, single; $275, couple. lasm.org.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M

F r i d ay, S e p t e m b e r 25, 2026

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TY MYERS: THE LEGAL TOUR 2026 With Lanie Gardner, Benny G

Ashari Harper plays first lady Margaret in LSU Theatre’s production of the comedy, ‘POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.’ | STAFF PHOTO By ROBIN MILLER

7:30 p.m.Thursday (doors 6:30 p.m.) l Raising Cane’s River Center Arena, 275 S. River Road l $45 and up l axs.com/ events/1357373/ty-myers-tickets

Ty Myers talks inﬂuences ahead of BR show BY JUDY BERGERON

Staff writer

At just 19, breakout singersongwriter and guitarist Ty Myers took on a giant — country music icon Willie Nelson. For his third album, Myers chose to pay tribute to his fellow Texan and greatest musical influence. The result is “Two Braids & The Truth — My Tribute To Willie,” released last week. When Myers and Nelson met up in Chicago for the album’s cover photo shoot on Aug. 25, the world was learning that country music had lost another icon, Dolly Parton, that morning. “It was just a very surreal thing. Going on his bus to cap- Myers ture this photo and getting the opportunity to tell him what he means to me on such a heavy day,” Myers said. “I won’t forget it and how emotional and special it was.” The two had ﬁrst met in 2024 when Myers opened for one of Nelson’s concerts. Now, Myers is headlining his own show, “The Legal Tour 2026,” which stops at the Raising Cane’s River Center Arena in Baton on Thursday. It’s been a quick rise for the Austin-born Myers, who just last month made history as the youngest country artist to headline at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. Also this year, he’s made his ﬁrst Stagecoach Music Festival appearance and his late-night debut on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” In addition, he’s been named “Artist to Watch” by Billboard, Apple Music, GRAMMY.com, Spotify and Pandora. Before his tour stop in Louisiana next week, Myers discusses his music and career.

Women lead the White House at LSU, BR Ballet’s mixed bill and a vengeful spirit at Sullivan Theater ‘POTUS: OR, BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM ALIVE’ WHERE: Shaver Theatre, LSU Music and Dramatic Arts Building, Dalrymple Drive. WHEN: Friday to Sunday; Sept. 30-Oct. 2; and Oct. 4. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.All other performances begin at 7:30 p.m. ADMISSION: $11-$24. TICKETS: lsu.edu/cmda/ events/index.php.

BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer

LSU Theatre’s production of Selina Fallinger’s comedy, “POTUS” has so many twists and turns that director Lori Elizabeth Parquet can reveal little about the story. Her smiles turn into laughter when she thinks about characters in individual scenes, but she stops herself from elaborating. Revelations might prove to be spoilers, and she doesn’t want to ruin any surprises when the play opens Friday in LSU’s Shaver Theatre. The comedy, fully titled “POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive,” premiered on Broadway in 2022. The

story revolves around a public relations nightmare and the women who run interference to keep the president out of trouble. And who are these women? The list begins with first lady Margaret, played by Ashari Harper, senior theater major from Houston. “In our production of ‘POTUS,’ Margaret is different than most first ladies in the sense that she carries a lot on the inside,” Harper said. “As for her being there for her husband, well, it’s both yes and no. She’s really there for herself in a lot of different ways. In the end, she’s just a strong Black woman trying to make it in the White House.” And while the first lady tries to

ä See THEATER, page 3D

ä See MYERS, page 3D

A BOX OFFICE HIT

Underground Film Fest attracts thousands, gives grants and awards Staff report The Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival’s sophomore year was another success story, according to BRUFF cofounder and ﬁnancial director Joe Carleton. The August event at the Manship Theatre drew 2,222 attendees over the course of

four days, up 375 from the inaugural festival in 2025. “The festival saw not only more attendees but more programmed content — more workshops, panels and screenings than year one,” Carleton said. After a Thursday night opening gala, participants dove into seven panels, five hands-on

workshops, nine feature-length films, two extended short films and 56 short film projects. Two venues participated in BRUFF for the first time, Mother’s Bar and Lounge and the Shaw Center, Carleton said. The festival also awarded grants worth more than

Over the course of four days, 2,222 people attended the second Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival in August at the Manship Theatre.

ä See FESTIVAL, page 3D

PROVIDED PHOTO FROM BRUFF

2D ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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SHOWS TO WATCH — BATON ROUGE AREA FRIDAY

STAFF FILE PHOTO

Amaryllis is one of many plant varieties on sale at the East Baton Rouge Master Gardener Association Fall Plant Sale at LSU Ag Center Botanic Gardens at Burden, 4560 Essen Lane, on Saturday. The sale runs from 8 a.m. to noon.

AROUND BATON ROUGE

EVENING SKY VIEWING: 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., BREC Highland Road Park Observatory, 13800 Highland Road. See the majesty of the night sky, for those 6 and up. hrpo. lsu.edu/events.

SATURDAY

EAST BATON ROUGE MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION FALL PLANT SALE: 8 a.m.noon, LSU Ag Center Botanic Gardens at Burden, 4560 Essen Lane. RED STICK FARMERS MARKET: 8 a.m. to noon, Fifth and Main streets, downtown. Farm-fresh produce and goods, including wine, seafood, plants, ﬂowers, prepared and baked items and more. breada.org. FAMILY-HOUR STARGAZING: 10 a.m., Irene W. Pennington Planetarium at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 S. River Road. Learn about the stars and constellations in the local nighttime sky, followed by an all-ages show. lasm.org. GREATER BATON ROUGE MODEL RAILROADERS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Republic of West Florida Historical Museum, 3406 College St., Jackson. Electric trains of all sizes will be running on ﬁve different layouts. Free admission and parking. PETS@THEPUB: 5 p.m., LeChien Brewing Co., 101 S. Hummell St., Denham Springs. Clergy and members of St. Francis Episcopal Church offering a special blessing to pets.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

BASF’S KIDS’ LAB: 11 a.m.3:45 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m.-3:45 p.m. Sunday, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 S. River Road. Explore the science of chemistry during 45-minute hands-on workshops for young scientists ages 6-12 and their accompanying adults. Included in regular admission. lasm.org.

SUNDAY

SPOOKY COLLAGE WORK-

MONDAY

“JERSEY BOYS” TOURING PRODUCTION: 7:30 p.m., River Center Theatre for Performing Arts, 240 St. Louis St. Celebrating 20 years of the Broadway sensation. $48.97 and up. ticketmaster.com.

TUESDAY

BATON ROUGE CHESS CLUB: 6 p.m.-8 p.m., La Divina Italian Cafe, 3535 Perkins Road, Unit 360. A chance to play and learn; all levels welcome. Free. TRIVIA NIGHT: 6:30 p.m.8 p.m., Court to Table, 7477 Burbank Drive. courttotable. com.

WEDNESDAY

MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FEST: YOU BE THE JUDGE!: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Manship Theatre, 100 Lafayette St. Discover your inner ﬁlm critic by casting your vote for Best Film and Best Actor in the 29th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival screening. Ballots supplied upon entry. $9.50. manshiptheatre.org. BANDING TOGETHER FOR BIRDS: 7 p.m., Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 Goodwood Blvd. Educational program about birds hosted by the Baton Rouge Audubon Society and exploring what 15 years of bird banding through the Louisiana Bird Observatory has revealed. Refreshments and social time, 6:30 p.m. Event also on Zoom (register at braudubon.org/calendar).

THURSDAY

RED STICK FARMERS MARKET: 8 a.m. to noon, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road. Farm-fresh produce, goods and more. facebook. com/redstickfarmersmarket. LAGNIAPPE HISTORIC DANCE & PASTIME SOCIETY: 6 p.m.7:30 p.m., Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library, 13600 Port Hudson-Pride Road. Participants can learn and enjoy authentic 18th- and 19thcentury dances inspired by the world of Jane Austen novels. (225) 231-3240. WEEKLY COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE: 7:30 p.m., Geaux Ride, 601 Laurel St. Free. geauxridebikes.com. KARAOKE, TRIVIA, BINGO AND MORE: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., Brickyard South Bar + Patio, 174 South Blvd. Presented by BarFly Entertainment. Free to play. facebook.com/brickyardsouth.

SATURDAY

IAN WEBSTER DUO: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 5:30 p.m. TREY MORGAN: Central City Steak & Seafood, 5:30 p.m. MIKEY DURAN: BLDG 5, 6 p.m. BRYCE BROUSSARD: La Nueva Tequilas, Gonzales, 6 p.m. EDDIE SMITH: T’Quilas Bar and Grill, Denham Springs, 6 p.m. WILLIE STONEMORE BAND: Pedro’s Tacos & Tequila Bar, 6 p.m. FLOYD BROWN TRIBUTE BAND: El Paso Mexican Grill, Denham Springs, 6 p.m. BRIAN RITTENHOUSE: Le Chien Brewing Company, Denham Springs,

OUTLYING FRIDAY

PROVIDED PHOTO By OFF THE GRID PHOTOGRAPHy

Louisiana’s Lauren Lee Band takes the stage at The Edge Bar at L’Auberge Casino at 8 p.m. Friday. There is no cover charge. 6:30 p.m. STUDIO4: Curbside Burgers, 7 p.m. 3 BLIND MICE: Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar, 7 p.m. MIKE HOGAN: Copa, Gonzales, 7 p.m. ACOUSTIC NIGHT W/ HENRY TURNER JR. AND DIXIE ROSE: Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, 8 p.m. THE ASH TRAYS: O’Hara’s Irish Pub, 8 p.m. BRIAN REINHART & JOEY HOLAWAY: Fat Cat Saloon, Prairieville, 9 p.m. RHETT GUILLIOT: The Vineyard, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY

TOMMY THIBODAUX: Copa, Gonzales, 10 a.m. ERIC BASKIN: Watermark Hotel, 10 a.m. JUSTIN BURDETTE TRIO: Superior Grill-Government, 11 a.m. RACHAEL HALLACK & ERIC CANTRELLE: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 11 a.m. LAID BACK BRUNCH: Red Stick Social Club, noon BATON ROUGE CONCERT BAND FALL CONCERT: Main Library at Goodwood, 5 p.m. SONGWRITER SUNDAY: La Divina, 5 p.m. MEL-TRAK KARAOKE: Central City Steak & Seafood, 5 p.m. DEE FLEMING ZEDECO: Agave Blue, Zachary, 6 p.m. JOVIN WEBB: The Edge Bar at L’Auberge Casino, 6:30 p.m. OPEN MIC JAM: Fat Cat Saloon, Prairieville, 7 p.m. KARAOKE WITH DJ ALEX: Churchill’s, 7 p.m. KARAOKE PARTY: The Edge Bar at L’Auberge Casino, 8 p.m. TINGLE KARAOKE: The Karaoke Bar, Walker,

9 p.m. CLARENCE THE ENTERTAINER — R&B MEETS COUNTRY: Local’s Bar & Kitchen, Central, 9 p.m.

MONDAY

KATIE KENNY DUO: Superior Grill-Government, 6 p.m. BRIAN RITTENHOUSE: T’s Country, Denham Springs, 6 p.m. MONDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: Spanky’s Daiquiris, 7 p.m. KARAOKE WITH PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE: The Karaoke Bar, Walker, 8 p.m. CLARENCE THE ENTERTAINER: Good Times Bar, Denham Springs, 9 p.m.

TUESDAY

RHETT GUILLIOT: Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar, 5:30 p.m. BAR FLY KARAOKE: El Paso Mexican Grill, Denham Springs, 6 p.m. CAM PYLE: Superior Grill-Government, 6 p.m. THE EDDIE SMITH BAND: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 6:30 p.m. BAYOU SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE: Main Library at Goodwood, 7 p.m. CLARENCE THE ENTERTAINER — TACO TUESDAY: The Karaoke Bar, Walker, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY: Mason’s Grill, 5:30 p.m. RHETT GUILLOT: BLDG 5, 5:30 p.m. LSU SCHOOL OF MUSIC OPEN JAZZ JAM: Classic Vinyls, 6 p.m. PAPI’S KARAOKE: Papi’s Fajita Factory, Watson, 6 p.m. BRENT ARMSTRONG: Danny’s Dive Bar,

6 p.m. DON KADAIR & JENNA D’SHAY: Superior GrillGovernment, 6 p.m. VICTORIA LEA: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 6:30 p.m. KIRK HOLDER: Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar, 6:30 p.m. ANDY PIZZO TRIO: Hayride Scandal, 7 p.m. SINGER SONGWRITER OPEN MIC: Coop’s on 621, Gonzales, 7 p.m. PRESTIGE KARAOKE: The Karaoke Bar, Walker, 8 p.m. JAM WITH THE EDDIE SMITH BAND: La Daiquiris, 8 p.m. DRUNK KARAOKE: Capital Park Bar and Grill, 8 p.m. KARAOKE PARTY W/ DJ ALEX: The Edge Bar at L’Auberge Casino, 8 p.m. OPEN MIC COMEDY NIGHT: The Station Bar & Grill, 8 p.m. WEDNESDAY KARAOKE: The Silly Rabbit Comedy Club, 8 p.m. JAM NIGHT: O’Hara’s Irish Pub, 8:30 p.m. KARAOKE BY BECCALICIOUS: The Vineyard, 9 p.m. SHUT UP & SING KARAOKE: Chelsea’s Live, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY

MIKE HOGAN: Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar, 5:30 p.m. BUBBA PLAUCHÉ: Backstreet Lounge, 6 p.m. KYBALION: El Paso Mexican Grill, Denham Springs, 6 p.m. BEN BELL & KEVIN SHIFLETT: La Divina, 6 p.m. AVERAGE JOE’S: Sidelines Grill, Zachary, 6 p.m. JEFF BAJON PROJECT: Superior Grill-Government, 6 p.m. THE BISHOP ELLIS TRIO: Hayride Scandal, 7 p.m. CAM PYLE: T-Fred’s

DOLLY DAY BASH: Reno’s on the River, Maurepas, 6 p.m. GENERATION GAP: Black Lake Club, Maurepas, 6 p.m. DOC HEARL: Sand Bar on False River, Oscar, 6 p.m. BRITTANY JENKINS: Down The Road Daiquiris, Independence, 6 p.m. RHETT ANTHONY GLINDMEYER: Sarita’s Grill & Cantina, Maurepas, 6 p.m. FLY BY NITE: DiCarlo’s Food and Spirits, Maurepas, 6 p.m. KENNY ACOSTA: Bayou Sara Brewing, St. Francisville, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

EMILY PARNELL: Bayou Sara Brewing, St. Francisville, 1 p.m. ENUF: Archibald’s Dockside Bar, Plaquemine, 8 p.m. BLIND AMBITION 2.0: Moonlight Inn, French Settlement, 9:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

BRYCE BROUSSARD: Reno’s on the River, Maurepas, 1 p.m. THOMAS CAIN: Hungarian Harvest Festival, Springﬁeld, 4 p.m. BACKSTREET — SWAMP POP AND SOUL MUSIC: DiCarlo’s Food and Spirits, Maurepas, 4 p.m. KENNY FIFE: Morley Marina, Brusly, 4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

DANO’S KARAOKE: Ware House Saloon, Maurepas, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY

LIVE MUSIC THURSDAY: Lil Daddy’s, Plaquemine, 7 p.m. PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE: Fancy’s, Holden, 8 p.m.

Compiled by Marchaund Jones. Want your venue’s music listed? Email info/photos to showstowatch@ theadvocate.com. The deadline is noon FRIDAY for the following Friday’s paper.

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FRIDAY-SATURDAY

SHOP: 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m., Cary Saurage Community Arts Center, 233 St. Ferdinand St. An afternoon of cutting, layering, arranging, and creating your own Halloweeninspired collage. Materials provided. $20. 225theatrecollective.com.

“UNSCRIPTED”: LIVE IMPROV COMEDY: 7 p.m., Cary Saurage Community Arts Center, 233 St. Ferdinand St. Featuring Baton Rouge’s Just in the Femur improv troupe. $15. 225theatrecollective.com. “MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL”: 7:30 p.m., Manship Theatre, 100 Lafayette St. In partnership with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library; bring your library card for free popcorn. A comedic send-up of the grim circumstances of the Middle Ages as told through the story of King Arthur and framed by a modern-day murder investigation. $9.50. manshiptheatre.org.

Tiki Bar and Daiquiris, Dutchtown, 7 p.m. TY MYERS: Raising Cane’s River Arena, 7:30 p.m. THE WORLD’S LONGEST RUNNING BLUES JAM: Phil Brady’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m. LIVE MUSIC THURSDAYS: Gino’s Restaurant, 8 p.m. KARAOKE MEETS COMEDY: Rufﬁns II — The Clubhouse, 8 p.m. HENRY TURNER JR. AND FLAVOR BAND: Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, 8 p.m. BARFLY KARAOKE: Brickyard South, 8 p.m. OPEN MIC NIGHT: Frankie’s Dawg House, 8 p.m. KARAOKE THURSDAYS: O’Hara’s Irish Pub, 9 p.m. CLARENCE THE ENTERTAINER — THROWBACK THURSDAY: Good Times Bar, Denham Springs, 9 p.m.

SCH

FRIDAY

N’TUNE: Live After Five, Rhorer Plaza, 5 p.m. DON & KONSPIRACY: El Paso Mexican Grill, Gonzales, 6 p.m. 3 BLIND MICE: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 6 p.m. STONEMORE DUO: T’Quilas Bar and Grill, Zachary, 6 p.m. PHOEBE KOONTZ: BLDG 5, 6 p.m. LONGNECK SOCIETY: T’Quilas Bar and Grill, Denham Springs, 6 p.m. TERRELL GRIFFIN: Crowne Plaza Executive Center, 6 p.m. FLOYD BROWN TRIBUTE BAND: Pedro’s Tacos & Tequila Bar, 6 p.m. BRENT ARMSTRONG: Danny’s Dive Bar, 6 p.m. BRIAN RITTENHOUSE & THE CYPRESS COVE BAND: Papi’s Fajita Factory, Watson, 6:30 p.m. DAJAVOO: Lagniappe Restaurant, 6:30 p.m. FLORIDA STREET BLOWHARDS: Poor Boy Lloyd’s, 7 p.m. RHODES, MAURERE & FRIENDS: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 7 p.m. CHRIS LEBLANC: Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar, 7 p.m. THE MJ & HR PROJECT: Copa, Gonzales, 7 p.m. ANDREW NEIL LANDRY: Pelican Point, Gonzales, 7:30 p.m. A-BOMB KARAOKE: Big Dog Saloon, Prairieville, 8 p.m. HENRY TURNER JR. & THE ALL-STARS: Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, 8 p.m. KARAOKE NIGHT: Backstreet Lounge, 8 p.m. LAUREN LEE BAND: The Edge Bar at L’Auberge Casino, 8 p.m. DAMON KING & BO JAMISON: Coop’s on 621, Gonzales, 8 p.m. THE SOUTHERLIES: O’Hara’s Irish Pub, 8 p.m. THUMPER KARAOKE & DJ: Cousins, Port Allen, 8 p.m. BRYCE BROUSSARD: Tiger Tavern Daiquiris, Gonzales, 8:30 p.m. THE DRUNK UNCLES: Locals Bar and Kitchen, Central, 8:30 p.m. TINGLE KARAOKE: The Karaoke Bar, Walker, 9 p.m. THE DUPONT BROTHERS: The Vineyard, 9 p.m. ORPHAN ANNIE: Swamp Chicken Daiquiris, St. Amant, 9 p.m. CLARENCE THE ENTERTAINER: Local’s Bar & Kitchen, Central, 9 p.m.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ 3D

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MYERS

TODAY IN HISTORY By The Associated Press Today is Friday, Sept. 25, the 268th day of 2026. There are 97 days left in the year. Today in history: On Sept. 25, 1957, nine Black students who had been forced to withdraw from Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, because of unruly White crowds were escorted to class by members of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division and the National Guard. Also on this date: In 1513, Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa crossed the Isthmus of Panama and sighted the Pacific Ocean. In 1789, the first United States Congress adopted 12 amendments to the Constitution and sent them to the states for ratification. (Ten of the amendments became the Bill of Rights.) In 1956, the first transAtlantic telephone cable

ofﬁcially went into service with a three-way ceremonial call between New York, Ottawa and London. In 2012, President Barack Obama, speaking to the U.N. General Assembly, pledged U.S. support for Syrians trying to oust President Bashar Assad, calling him “a dictator who massacres his own people.” In 2013, skipper Jimmy Spithill and Oracle Team USA won the America’s Cup with one of the greatest comebacks in sports history, speeding past Dean Barker and Emirates Team New Zealand in the winnertake-all Race 19 on San Francisco Bay. In 2018, Bill Cosby was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison for drugging and molesting a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home. (After serving nearly three years, Cosby went free in June 2021 after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court

overturned his conviction.) Today’s birthdays: Basketball Hall of Famer Hubie Brown is 93. Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates is 83. Actor-producer Michael Douglas is 82. Model Cheryl Tiegs is 79. Actor Mimi Kennedy is 78. Film director Pedro Almodovar is 77. Actor-director Anson Williams is 77. Actor Mark Hamill is 75. Basketball Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo is 75. Actor Heather Locklear is 65. Actor Aida Turturro is 64. Actor Tate Donovan is 63. Actor Maria Doyle Kennedy is 62. Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen is 61. Actor Will Smith is 58. Actor Catherine Zeta-Jones is 57. Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups is 50. Actor Clea DuVall is 49. Rapper T.I. is 46. Actor-rapper Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) is 43. Actor Zach Woods is 42. Actor Jordan Gavaris is 37. Actor Bella Ramsey is 23.

Continued from page 1D The interview has been edited for clarity and length. With Willie Nelson’s vast volume of work, how did you approach the tribute album? I simply approached it by picking my favorites and the ones that I had spent my life singing the most. Of course, there were several that didn’t make the cut, but only because I thought they were best left to Willie. When did you realize a music career was the direction you wanted to take? Pretty much as early as my ﬁrst memory! Has it always been country, or have you experimented with other genres? I feel like genres are really outdated. I make music and however people want to label it is ﬁne by me. Besides Nelson, who are some of your other musical influences? Oh gosh, everyone from John Mayer to Otis Redding to Little Feat, The Eagles, Billy Joel, Tyler Childers to JID. It’s vast.

FESTIVAL

Continued from page 1D

PROVIDED PHOTO FROM BATON ROUGE BALLET THEATRE

Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre will open its 2026-27 season by featuring its pre-professional dancers in the mixed-bill program, ‘Lagniappe: Classical Masterpieces & Contemporary Visions.’

THEATER

Continued from page 1D strike a balance in her role, chief of staff Harriet, played by senior kinesiology major Liberti Jackson, of Dallas, frantically tries to maintain control of the situation. The story takes place during an afternoon in the White House, with not only the first lady present but also the the president’s mistress, Dusty, played by senior theater major Sydney Fuqua, of Prairieville. If the potential for disaster isn’t already at code red, the president’s drug-dealing sister, Bernadette, played by junior theater major Priya Hildebrand, of Indiana, enters through a side door. So, stress levels are running high for White House secretary Jean, played by Madison Dumas, a senior theater and animal science major from Baton Rouge, not to mention the president’s personal secretary, Stephanie, played by Abigail Anderson, a junior mass communications major from Houston. Veteran White House reporter Chris, played by Layla Brown-Collado, a senior theater major from Washington, D.C., has a front-row seat to it all. But this character grouping only presents the show’s premise. The actors playing these women are as tightlipped as their director, providing only a hint at what’s to come. “Dusty is the mistress, and she’s there for the love of her life,” Fuqua said. “But there comes a point where her view shifts, and instead of trying to find a man, she finds six other women, who, in a way, become her sisters.” A visit to the Shaver Theatre, whose stage has been transformed into the Oval Office, is the only way to find out what happens.

‘Lagniappe’ For the second year, the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre is providing more performance opportunities for its pre-professional dancers by opening its season with the mixed-bill program, “Lagniappe: Classical Masterpieces & Contemporary Visions.” “Our plan is to make this an annual program,” said Jonna Cox, who shares the company’s co-artistic direc-

LAGNIAPPE — CLASSICAL MASTERPIECES & CONTEMPORARY VISIONS Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s ﬁrst production of the 2026-27 season.

WHERE: Baton Rouge Magnet High School Theatre, 2825 Government St. WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday. ADMISSION: $25. TICKETS: batonrougeballet.org.

‘BLITHE SPIRIT’ WHERE: Sullivan Theatre, 8849 Sullivan Road, Central. WHEN: Friday-Sunday and Oct. 1-4. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. All other performances begin at 7:30 p.m. ADMISSION: $28-$34. TICKETS: sullivantheater.com.

pre-professional dancers’ training. “We need to get them out of the studio and on a stage before an audience and learning choreography and different types of choreography, not just classical choreography,” she said. “We brought in Shannon Johnson Grayson, who choreographed for us last year. She teachers at the University of Southern California, and she is teaching modern work that is just fantastic on our dancers. So, we have a great program to start the season.”

$50,000 to ﬁlmmakers. Craft awards went to: n 2026 Best Picture, Louisiana Shorts Block: “Batter up Queen” directed by Cameron M Brown; n 2026 Best Picture, Louisiana Genre Shorts Block, “Convulsions” directed by Adrien Picquenot and Pierrot du Saillant; n 2026 Best Picture, Shorts Block: “We’re All Black Down Here” directed by James William Mellors; n 2026 Best Picture, Genre Shorts Block: “The Knight” directed by Lottie Sweeny; n 2026 Best Picture, Student Shorts Block: “At What Cost?” directed by Ant Robertson; n 2026 Best Picture, Ani-

PROVIDED PHOTO By LIBBy DANFORTH

Ty Myers is set to perform 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Raising Cane’s River Center Arena in Baton Rouge.

with a melody, sometimes with a chord progression, sometimes with lyrics. But I know pretty quick if it will be good and if not I’ll scratch it and walk away from it. Sometimes a song takes 30 minutes and sometimes it takes months. What would you say are the biggest differences between today’s country music and that of the past? I think past country has an authenticity that seems very hard to fake in today’s country. A lot of new country is a little too commercial for my taste, but I listen to everything truly; ’70s classic country is my favorite from the entire genre, and if I listen to country, it’s usually from that era. Have you ever been to Louisiana, and will you have time to be a tourist for a little while? Louisiana feels like my second home state. They are my favorite neighbors. The food, the music, the culture. If I wasn’t from Texas, Louisiana would be my second choice.

What is your first memory of performing? Probably my cousin’s wedding reception when I was 3 years old, although I probably only remember that because of pictures. Email Judy Bergeron at Describe your songwriting process. jbergeron@theadvocate. Sometimes it will start com.

mation: “GRUFF” directed by Julian Curi; n 2026 Best Picture, Music Videos: “This Song Was Stolen by Pirates,” Karama and the Killjoys; n 2026 Best Director: “Peeping Todd” directed by Josh Munds; n 2026 Best Cinematography: ‘Unseen Olympiad,” Levi Porter; n 2026 Best Performance: Lauren Kitchen, “Cramps! A Period Piece”; n 2026 Best Editing: “Three Colors” edited by Ivan Alvaro, Lisa Ranran Hu, Jay Liu; n 2026 Best Writing: “Cramps! A Period Piece” written and directed by Brooke Cellars; n 2026 Best Louisiana Feature: “Peeping Todd” directed by Josh Munds; n 2026 Best Picture: “West of Greatness” directed by Jared Cliff LaReau;

n 2026 LBLE Pictures + Poste Studios Grant (free camera and lighting equipment rental): “Bluescreen” directed by Darrell Forest; n 2026 Celtic Studios Grant (5 days of free stage space): “West of Greatness” directed by LaReau; n 2026 Shoestring Award ($5,000 cash prize): “Plastic Cowboy” directed by Jan Winters. The nonprofit festival “celebrates the artistic and cultural value of the incredible indie and genrefocused talent that ﬂows to and from the city of Baton Rouge while also fostering a vibrant, interconnected independent film community,” according to BRUFF. For more info, go to batonrougeunderground.com.

Email Judy Bergeron at jbergeron@theadvocate. com.

HOLIDAYS ARE COMING. COMPANY IS COMING.

‘Blithe Spirit’ Sullivan Theater will continue its 2026 season with an oldie but goodie when it opens Noel Coward’s comedy, “Blithe Spirit,” on Friday. Director Delilah Guilbeau is keeping the play in Coward’s 1930s setting, though he wrote it in 1941 during the London Blitz in World War II. “He wrote the play in six days, and he set it before World War II,” she said. “His ﬂat and his apartment were both bombed in London, so he escaped and wrote ‘Blithe Spirit’ as a humorous escape from the war.” The play’s 1941 premiere was in London’s West End. The story follows novelist Charles Condomine, played by David Hanks, who invites eccentric medium Madame Arcati, played by Emily Rodriguez, to his home for a seance as part of the research for his latest book. Also in attendance is his second wife, Ruth, played by Sharonda Morris, who becomes an instant target when the seance conjures the spirit of Charles’ deceased wife, Elvira, played by Brittany Zimmerman. From there, chaos ensues as Charles plays referee between the living and dead. Without revealing any spoilers, it’s safe to say things become even more frantic when the world of the dead expands. Guilbeau fell in love with the play after playing the role of Madame Arcati while a student at Baton Rouge Magnet High School. Her co-director, Adam Marks, is new to the play. “But I have to say I love it,” he said. As have so many audiences through the decades.

tor title and duties with Rebecca Acosta. “One of the goals when Rebecca and I took over as artistic directors in 2024 was providing more performing opportunities for our dancers. So, we begin the year with ‘Lagniappe,’ which means, ‘something extra,’ then we move to ‘The Nutcracker,’ and we end the season with a springtime story ballet, which will be ‘Mary Poppins’ this year.” “Lagniappe” will feature nine locally choreographed contemporary and classic dances featuring the company’s advanced student dancers, also called preprofessionals, along with the ballet’s professionals-in-residence, Elliana Chaney, Leah Cox and Patrick Jefferson. The one-night performance will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, in the Baton Rouge Magnet High School Theatre. “By staging it at Baton Rouge High, we’re able to offer tickets at a lower price,” Cox said. “It’s a beautiful place to perform, and we had a great turnout last year when we performed there.” Also, the company is partnering with Josephine’s Italian Bistro, 5350 Government St., in offering an opening night “pre ﬁxe” meal, where patrons can make reservations for the $50 meal from which $10 will be donated to Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre. Email Robin Miller at Cox said the “Lagniappe” romiller@theadvocate. program is important to the com.

Is Your Home Ready? 3 Fresh carpeting for the guest bedrooms. 3 A new area rug for the dining room. 3 Beautiful Hunter Douglas window treatments for the home. Let LaCour’s help get your home ready for family, friends, football games, and holiday entertaining. ENGAGE LACOUR’S NOW SO YOU’RE READY FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR. FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION.

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4D ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

FrAnK And erneSt

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zodIAC LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) — If you let your mind wander and your imagination take over, you'll discover something about yourself that will help you be more decisive. Having an innovative outlook will help you try something new. scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) — Test your physical skills. Participate in events that offer a competitive edge. Your ability to rise and shine when challenged will help you go the extra mile. sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Sort through emotional differences so you can get on with your life. Whether it's you alone having the problem or it's with someone you spend time with, small steps will not suffice. cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Look for alternatives when faced with opposition. Arguing is misleading and a waste of valuable time. Do something physical, and what you accomplish will shadow any negativity you receive from outside influences. AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Go over your financial situation carefully and set a budget that will help you lower stress. Lower your overhead through smart living. Talk to experts and set up interviews. PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) — Taking a genuine approach to who you want to become and what you enjoy most will help you align yourself with those heading down a similar path. ARIEs (March 21-April 19) — Taking a direct approach to whatever you desire is necessary if you want to finish what

you start. Having too much information will lead to interference from those less likely to take a risk. tAuRus (April 20-May 20) — Be aware of what's unfolding around you. Prepare to move out of the way if risk comes into play. Too much of anything will cause problems. Avoid overspending or promising the impossible. GEMInI (May 21-June 20) — Gravitate toward what and who interests you. A change will help you understand the logistics behind getting what you want. Take responsibility for yourself. cAncER (June 21-July 22) — Take more time for people and pastimes you feel passionate about. Be honest with yourself and those you deal with regarding what you are able and willing to do to make your relationship and lifestyle more accommodating. LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Set a schedule that allows you to learn something new or upgrade your skills. Broadening your awareness and focusing on qualifications that ensure a better position will lift your spirits. VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) — Reach out and do something nice for someone, and the returns will far exceed your expectations. How you make others feel about themselves and their contributions will put you in a leadership position. 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

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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.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ 5D

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Hi and LoiS

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

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6D ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Bridge By PHILLIP ALDER Pablo Picasso said, “There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality.” At the bridge table, we start with 52 cards. Afterward, once the bidding and play begin, the players can be accurate or make mistakes. What do you think about the bidding in this deal? How should South plan the play in three no-trump after West leads the club two (low from a tripleton in partner’s unsupported suit)? South was right to upgrade his hand, counting it as worth 18 points. He had an excellent five-card suit, three aces and one king. After North responded one spade, East should have made a takeout double. The two-club overcall was bizarre. Then South rebid two no-trump, showing 18 or 19 (or a poor 20) points. That was a reasonable choice. (However, if North-South had been using support doubles, South should have doubled to show three spades. Then North would have rebid two diamonds, and South couldhavecontinuedwithtwono-trump.) North’s raise to game was optimistic. South started with eight top tricks: one spade, five diamonds and two clubs. He had to gain a second spade trick. So he took the first trick with dummy’s king and led the spade jack. When East cov-

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ered with the queen, South won with his ace and played another spade, happy to see the eight and nine from West. East took this trick and returned ... the club queen. He should, of course, have first cashed the heart king (lead king from ace-king and from king-queen after trick one) to get a signal from partner. © 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 — cEREBRAL: suh-REE-brul: Relating to the brain or intellect.

Bizarro

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Average mark 27 words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 38 or more words in CEREBRAL? yEstERDAy’s WoRD — HELIcon hole hone echo lice lichen lien line lion loin lone icon

inch chile chin chine chino clone coil coin cole cone once

nice niche noel

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, to the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:28-29 Jesus is coming back. There will be a day of judgment. Have you committed your life to him? G.E. Dean

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Friday, September 25, 2026 ■ 7D

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

Baton Rouge Real Estate For Sale HOUSE

classiﬁeds.theadvocate.com | 225-383-0111 or toll free 800-960-6397 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

Public Notices

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Bids will be received by the Ofﬁce of Purchasing, Room 213 Thomas Boyd Hall, Louisiana State Uni‐ versity and Agricultural and Mechanical College 70803 until 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

** Refer to www.centerl inebidconnect.com for bid submission instruc‐ tions. All bids must be submitted via email to lsubids@lsu.edu ** ANY PERSON REQUIRING SPECIAL ACCOMMODA‐ TIONS SHALL NOTIFY LOUISIANA STATE UNI‐ VERSITY, OFFICE OF PUR‐ CHASING OF THE TYPE(S) OF ACCOMMODATION RE‐ QUIRED NOT LESS THAN SEVEN (7) DAYS BEFORE THE BID OPENING. FOR: Furnish Labor and Materials for Intelligent Data Management Water Tank Research Project

LSU SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFQ-0000002910 Complete Bidding Docu‐ ments for this project may be obtained from: www.centerlinebidco nnect.com. Printed copies are not available from the Designer, but arrangements can be made to obtain them through most repro‐ graphic ﬁrms. Contractors unable to access bidding docu‐ ments at www.centerl inebidconnect.com should contact

Southeast Engineers & Land Surveyors Ryan Dunlevy, PE 4880 Bluebonnet Blvd, Suite A Baton Rouge, LA 70809 225-295-1880 ryandun‐ levy@seengineers.com All bids must be accom‐ panied by bid security equal to five percent (5%) of the sum of the base bid and all alter‐ nates, and must be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check or Bid Bond Form written by a surety company licensed to do business in Louisiana, signed by the surety’s agency or attor‐ ney-in-fact. Surety must be listed on the current U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Man‐ agement Service list of approved bonding com‐ panies as approved for an amount equal to or greater than the amount for which it obligates it‐ self in the Bond, or must be a Louisiana domiciled insurance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. If surety qualifies by virtue of its Best’s list‐ ing, the amount of the Bond may not exceed ten percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown in the latest A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. The Bid Bond shall be in favor of the Louisiana State Uni‐ versity and Agricultural and Mechanical College, and shall be accompa‐ nied by appropriate power of attorney. No Bid Bond indicating an oblig‐ ation of less than five percent (5%) by any method is acceptable. The successful Bidder shall be required to fur‐ nish a Performance and Payment Bond written by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana, in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract amount. Surety must be listed currently on the U.S. Department of Trea‐ sury Financial manage‐ ment Service List (Trea‐ sury List) as approved for an amount equal to or greater than the con‐ tract amount, or must be an insurance company domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana resi‐ dents. If surety is quali‐ fied other than by listing on the Treasury list, the contract amount may not exceed fifteen percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown by surety’s most recent financial state‐ ments filed with the Louisiana Department of Insurance and may not exceed the amount of $500,000. However, a Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide shall not be subject to the $500,000 limitation, provided that the con‐ tract amount does not exceed ten percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown in the latest A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide nor fifteen percent of policyholder’s surplus as shown by surety’s most fi i l

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

Public Notices Bids/Proposals y y recent ﬁnancial state‐ ments ﬁled with the Louisiana Department of Insurance. The Bond shall be signed by the surety’s agent or attor‐ ney-in-fact. A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD

10:00 AM, Monday, Octo‐ ber 5, 2026 LSU Innovation Park, 8510 Technology Circle, Baton Rouge, LA 70820 Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2163 for the classiﬁcation of BUILD‐ ING CONSTRUCTION. Bid‐ der is required to comply with provisions and re‐ quirements of LA R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(c). No bid may be withdrawn for a period of thirty (30) days after receipt of bids, ex‐ cept under the provi‐ sions of LA. R.S. 38:2214. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In ac‐ cordance with La. R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(b), the pro‐ visions and requirements of this Section, those stated in the advertise‐ ment for bids, and those required on the bid form shall not be considered as informalities and shall not be waived by any public entity. When this project is ﬁ‐ nanced either partially or entirely with State Bonds or federal funds, the award of this Contract is contingent upon the granting of lines of credit, the sale of bonds by the Bond Commission or the commitment of federal funds. The Uni‐ versity shall incur no obligation to the Con‐ tractor until the Contract Between Owner and Con‐ tractor is fully executed. 200077 Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 2026 3t $202.50

LSU SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFQ-0000002909 Complete Bidding Docu‐ ments for this project may be obtained from: www.centerlinebidco nnect.com. Printed copies are not available from the Designer, but arrangements can be made to obtain them through most repro‐ graphic ﬁrms. Contractors unable to access bidding docu‐ ments at www.centerl inebidconnect.com should contact

Halff Jared Boogaerts, P.E. 401 Market Street, Suite 650 Shreveport, LA 71101 Phone: 318-716-6129 Email: jboogaerts@halff. com All bids must be accom‐ panied by bid security equal to five percent (5%) of the sum of the base bid and all alter‐ nates, and must be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check or Bid Bond Form written by a surety company licensed to do business in Louisiana, signed by the surety’s agency or attor‐ ney-in-fact. Surety must be listed on the current U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Man‐ agement Service list of approved bonding com‐ panies as approved for an amount equal to or greater than the amount for which it obligates it‐ self in the Bond, or must be a Louisiana domiciled insurance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. If surety qualifies by virtue of its Best’s list‐ ing, the amount of the Bond may not exceed ten percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown in the latest A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. The Bid Bond shall be in favor of the Louisiana State Uni‐

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 BATON ROUGE MULTI-FAMILY HOLDINGS, LLC / KASHIF KHAN

The successful Bidder shall be required to fur‐ nish a Performance and Payment Bond written by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana, in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract amount. Surety must be listed currently on the U.S. Department of Trea‐ sury Financial manage‐ ment Service List (Trea‐ sury List) as approved for an amount equal to or greater than the con‐ tract amount, or must be an insurance company domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana resi‐ dents. If surety is quali‐ fied other than by listing on the Treasury list, the contract amount may not exceed fifteen percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown by surety’s most recent financial state‐ ments filed with the Louisiana Department of Insurance and may not exceed the amount of $500,000. However, a Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide shall not be subject to the $500,000 limitation, provided that the con‐ tract amount does not exceed ten percent of policyholders’ surplus as shown in the latest A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide nor fifteen percent of policyholder’s surplus as shown by surety’s most recent financial state‐ ments filed with the Louisiana Department of Insurance. The Bond shall be signed by the surety’s agent or attor‐ ney-in-fact. A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD 1:30 PM, Monday, October 5, 2026 LSUS Technology Center, Conference Room Room 103A/B, 1 University Place, Shreve‐ port, LA 71115 Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2163 for the classification of HIGH‐ WAY, STREET AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION. Bidder is required to comply with provisions and re‐ quirements of LA R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(c). No bid may be withdrawn for a period of thirty (30) days after receipt of bids, ex‐ cept under the provi‐ sions of LA. R.S. 38:2214. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In ac‐ cordance with La. R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(b), the pro‐ visions and requirements of this Section, those stated in the advertise‐ ment for bids, and those required on the bid form shall not be considered as informalities and shall not be waived by any public entity. When this project is fi‐ nanced either partially or entirely with State Bonds or federal funds, the award of this Contract is contingent upon the granting of lines of credit, the sale of bonds by the Bond Commission or the commitment of federal funds. The Uni‐ versity shall incur no obligation to the Con‐ tractor until the Contract Between Owner and Con‐ tractor is fully executed. 200078 Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 2026 3t $203.37

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS The City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge will receive elec‐ tronic or paper bids for the construction of the following project:

STSRR PROGRAM PROJECT 21-3 STREETS IN PARKVIEW, ANTIOCH BLVD, STREETS IN PROVINCE DUBOIS CITY-PARISH PROJECT NO. 25-AO-ST-0022 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project consists of rehabilitation of asphalt & concrete pavements, asphalt patching w/ overlay, concrete curb, and related work Electronic or sealed bids will be received until 2:00 p.m. Local Time, TUES‐ DAY _ OCT 13TH, 2026 by the Purchasing Division, Room 826, City Hall, 222 Saint Louis Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802. No bids will be received after 2:00 p.m. on the same day and date. Bid Openings can be in person or via teleconfer‐

Lawn equipment Shindawi professional weedeater, edger and pole saw. All in good shape. $175. 225-603-5805 Shop equipment Set fo new 6' by 9" loading ramps. $50. 1.5 ton new floor jack. $40. Aluminum portable air tank 7.5 gallons. $40 225-6035805

201436-Sept 21-27, 7t $3,009.10 If anyone has knowledge of the whereabouts of Kiriah Key Beamslight, then please contact Attorney Raven Jamerson via email at cavalierlawofﬁce@gmail.com or via telephone at (225) 757-5483. 201691-Sept 23-25, 3t $90.10

Garage Sales BATON ROUGE GRAYWOOD ESTATE SALES FULL HOUSE 5524 Congress Blvd 70808 Fri 09/25 9am-4pm Sat 09/26 9am-4pm Sun 09/27 9am-4pm Mon 09/28 9am-2pm Tues 09/29 9am-2pm

HOUSE

NEWLY UPDATED! 6726 PINE ISLAND AVE. Forest Heights S/D Off Mickens Rd, 3BR 2BA, with Central H/A Freshly Painted Int./Ext. New Ceramic Flooring thru out & New Kit Countertop Enclosed Screen Patio, Rear Dbl Carport with Storage Shed & Fenced backyard Call Charles for Your Showing 225-266-4078 Roy Carter Realty 225-357-6436

HOUSE 70805 Area 3: Large 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath. beautiful home. Call 225-2887494 for details. MOBILE HOME 1, 2 & 3 BR mobile homes, $675 & up 6061 Plank Rd. CALL 225-978-4653

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

Baton Rouge Rental

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

Employment HOSPITALITY We are currently seeking experienced Chefs/Utility Hand/Housekeeping per‐ sonnel for offshore work rotating hitches of 14 days/12 hours per day then 14 days off. Must have the follow‐ ing: RIG PASS • SAFEGULF • HUET • BOSIET • MMC • TWIC • THREE YEARS OFFSHORE UTILITY EXPERIENCE. Appli‐ cants will also be required to pass a USCG Merchant Mariner Physical and a USCG DOT Drug Test. https://cardinal.bamboohr.com/jobs

Pets / Pet Services Directory PETS • SUPPLIES • SERVICES • OBITUARIES • LOST & FOUND

PLACE YOUR PET SERVICES INFORMATION IN THE PET SERVICES DIRECTORY TODAY! • IT IS FAST AND EASY! • CALL 225-383-0111 Dogs German shepherd puppies 6 1/2 weeks old. Shots and wormed $600.00 225-572-9423 tksawy43@yahoo.com

DOGS CKC Registered Rat Terrier & Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Pups Available $200. (985) 217-2950

Merchandise Fishing gear Two Falcon Coastal 7.6 ft fishing rods with two Shimano Gold Calcutta 250 reels. $300 for eacch set. $600.00 225-603-5805 lnichola@bellsouth.net

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

versity and Agricultural and Mechanical College, and shall be accompa‐ nied by appropriate power of attorney. No Bid Bond indicating an oblig‐ ation of less than ﬁve percent (5%) by any method is acceptable.

3 CEMETERY PLOTS GreenOaks Cemetery, Section 3, Lot 40-1, 5, 6. Please Make an Offer. 914671-1546 or beharmeyer@gmail.com

BACK ON MARKET! COMPLETELY UPDATED! 5723 Hartford Ave. $145,000 P & I $869 Approx. Glen Oaks S/D Off Greenwell St., 3BR 1.5BA, w/New C H/A New Light Fixtures & Windows Newly Painted Int/Ext, & Ceramic Flr thru out Call Charles for your showing 225-266-4078 Roy Carter Realty 225-357-6436

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

ence. Teleconference Call-in In‐ formation 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) +1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Dallas) +1-469-210-7159 United States Toll (Denver) +1-720-650-7664 United States Toll (Jacksonville) +1-904-900-2303 United States Toll (Los Angeles) +1-213-306-3065 Electronic bids and elec‐ tronic bid bonds for the solicitation will be down‐ loaded by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Pur‐ chasing Division. Beginning as soon as feasible after the bid closing time all elec‐ tronic bids will be down‐ loaded and publicly read aloud along with all paper bids received, if any, in 806 of City Hall immediately after the 2:00 p.m. bid closing. Bids, amendments to bids, or request for with‐ drawal of quotations, re‐ ceived after time speci‐ fied for bid opening shall not be considered for any cause whatsoever. Bids shall be firm for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of bids and no bid shall be withdrawn for any reason during this period of time ex‐ cept as allowed per R.S. 38:2214.C. Official Bid Documents are available at Central Bidding (www.central bidding.com). Electronic Bids may be submitted at Central Bidding (www. centralbidding.com). For questions related to the electronic bidding process, please call Cen‐ tral Bidding at 225-8104814. Paper copies of the plans, specifications and contract documents are on file and may be ob‐ tained from the Public Works and Planning Cen‐ ter located at 1100 Laurel St., Engineering Division, Room 137 or Post Office Box 1471, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821, upon payment of Ten Dollars ($10.00). (Make checks payable to the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge.) Fees for plans, specifica‐ tions and contract docu‐ ments are to cover the cost of reproduction and are non-refundable in ac‐ cordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes. A Certified Check or Cashier's Check, payable to the Parish of East Baton Rouge or a satis‐ factory Bid Bond exe‐ cuted by the Bidder and an acceptable surety, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid, shall be submitted with each bid. Bids shall be received electronically via www. centralbidding.com or on solicitation bid forms furnished by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish East Baton Rouge, and only those bids shall be received by the CityParish which is submit‐ ted by those Contractors in whose names the so‐ licitation bid forms and/or specifications were issued. In no event shall paper solicitation forms be issued later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hour and date set for receiv‐ ing proposals. The City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge has established a Socially and Economi‐ cally Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SEDBE) program in ac‐ cordance with Revised Statute RS 33:2233.4. It is the policy of the Parish to ensure that Eligible Business Enterprises EBE’s, certified in accor‐ dance with the Parish program, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in parish contracts.

For this project the EBR Parish Purchasing ofﬁce has directed a review of the scope of work and has established a mini‐ mum EBE goal of 7.7% of the contract amount. All Bidders shall achieve this goal or demonstrate good faith efforts to achieve the goal. Good faith efforts include meeting this EBE goal or idi d i

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g g providing documentation demonstrating that the Bidder made sufficient good faith efforts in at‐ tempting to meet this goal. Only EBE firms cer‐ tified under the Parish SEDBE Certification Pro‐ gram at the time of sub‐ mittal of the bid will count toward this EBE goal. To be considered responsive, the apparent low bidder must submit EBE Forms 1, 1A, and 2, and Letters of EBE Certi‐ fication, as appropriate within 10 days after bid opening

p p any, in 806 of City Hall immediately after the 2:00 p.m. bid closing.

j y for just cause. In accor‐ dance with La. R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(b), the pro‐ visions and requirements of this Section, those stated in the advertise‐ ment for bids, and those required on the bid form, shall not be considered as informalities and shall not be waived by any public entity.

All Contractors bidding on this work shall com‐ ply with all provisions of the State Licensing Law for Contractors, R.S. 37:2150-2163, as amended, for all public contracts. It shall also be the responsibility of the General Contractor to as‐ sure that all subcontrac‐ tors comply with this law. If required for bid‐ ding, Contractors must hold an active license is‐ sued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors in the classi‐ HIGHWAY, ﬁcation of STREET AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION, and must show their license number on the face of the bid envelope and the Uniform Public Works Bid Form. In accordance with La. R.S. 38:2214 (B) the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In accor‐ dance with La. R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(b), the pro‐ visions and requirements of this Section, those stated in the advertise‐ ment for bids, and those required on the bid form, shall not be considered as informalities and shall not be waived by any public entity. For additional informa‐ tion please contact Dan Rosenquist drosen‐ quist@brla.gov, 225-3893186. 200870 Sept 18, 25, Oct. 2 2026 3t $321.28 PUBLIC NOTICE --To be published three times Legal- SEPT 25th, OCT 2nd & 9th 2026 THE ADVOCATE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS The City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge will receive elec‐ tronic or paper bids for the construction of the following project: SALES TAX STREET AND ROAD REHABILITATION PROGRAM PROJECT 21-4 STREETS IN CENTURION, STREETS IN SHERWOOD FOREST CITY-PARISH PROJECT NO. 25-AO-ST-0023 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project consists of rehabilitation of asphalt & concrete pavements, asphalt patching w/ overlay, concrete curb, and related work Electronic or sealed bids will be received until 2:00 p.m. Local Time, TUES‐ DAY, OCT 20TH, 2026 by the Purchasing Division, Room 826, City Hall, 222 Saint Louis Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802. No bids will be received after 2:00 p.m. on the same day and date. Bid Openings can be in person or via teleconfer‐ ence. Teleconference Call-in In‐ formation 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 Electronic bids and elec‐ tronic bid bonds for the solicitation will be down‐ loaded by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Pur‐ chasing Division. Beginning as soon as feasible after the bid closing time all elec‐ tronic bids will be down‐ loaded and publicly read aloud along with all paper bids received, if i f i ll

Bids, amendments to bids, or request for with‐ drawal of quotations, re‐ ceived after time speci‐ fied for bid opening shall not be considered for any cause whatsoever. Bids shall be firm for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of bids and no bid shall be withdrawn for any reason during this period of time ex‐ cept as allowed per R.S. 38:2214.C. Official Bid Documents are available at Central Bidding (www.central bidding.com). Electronic Bids may be submitted at Central Bidding (www. centralbidding.com). For questions related to the electronic bidding process, please call Cen‐ tral Bidding at 225-8104814. Paper copies of the plans, specifications and contract documents are on file and may be ob‐ tained from the Public Works and Planning Cen‐ ter located at 1100 Laurel St., Engineering Division, Room 137 or Post Office Box 1471, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821, upon payment of Ten Dollars ($10.00). (Make checks payable to the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge.) Fees for plans, specifica‐ tions and contract docu‐ ments are to cover the cost of reproduction and are non-refundable in ac‐ cordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes. A Certified Check or Cashier's Check, payable to the Parish of East Baton Rouge or a satis‐ factory Bid Bond exe‐ cuted by the Bidder and an acceptable surety, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid, shall be submitted with each bid. Bids shall be received electronically via www. centralbidding.com or on solicitation bid forms furnished by the City of Baton Rouge and Parish East Baton Rouge, and only those bids shall be received by the CityParish which is submit‐ ted by those Contractors in whose names the so‐ licitation bid forms and/or specifications were issued. In no event shall paper solicitation forms be issued later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hour and date set for receiv‐ ing proposals. The City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge has established a Socially and Economi‐ cally Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SEDBE) program in ac‐ cordance with Revised Statute RS 33:2233.4. It is the policy of the Parish to ensure that Eligible Business Enterprises EBE’s, certified in accor‐ dance with the Parish program, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in parish contracts.

For this project the EBR Parish Purchasing office has directed a review of the scope of work and has established a mini‐ mum EBE goal of 8.29% of the contract amount. All Bidders shall achieve this goal or demonstrate good faith efforts to achieve the goal. Good faith efforts include meeting this EBE goal or providing documentation demonstrating that the Bidder made sufficient good faith efforts in at‐ tempting to meet this goal. Only EBE firms cer‐ tified under the Parish SEDBE Certification Pro‐ gram at the time of sub‐ mittal of the bid will count toward this EBE goal. To be considered responsive, the apparent low bidder must submit EBE Forms 1, 1A, and 2, and Letters of EBE Certi‐ fication, as appropriate within 10 days after bid opening All Contractors bidding on this work shall com‐ ply with all provisions of the State Licensing Law for Contractors, R.S. 37:2150-2163, as amended, for all public contracts. It shall also be the responsibility of the General Contractor to as‐ sure that all subcontrac‐ tors comply with this law. If required for bid‐ ding, Contractors must hold an active license is‐ sued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors in the classi‐ HIGHWAY, fication of STREET AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION, and must show their license number on the face of the bid envelope and the Uniform Public Works Bid Form. In accordance with La. R.S. 38:2214 (B) the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge reserves the right to reject any and all bids f j

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For additional informa‐ tion please contact Dan Rosenquist drosen‐ quist@brla.gov, 225-3893186. 201752-sept 25-oct 2-9-3t $323.29

PUBLIC NOTICE --VOUCHER# 26-000637 TO BE PUBLISHED – LEGAL 09/18/26 & 09/25/26 BIDS TO BE OPENED: 10/06/26 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 Street, 8th Floor, Baton Rouge, LA until 11:00 A.M. CST, October 6, 2026 for the following: A26-0637 RENTAL OF PORTABLE TOILETS 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 dsstew‐ art@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 the names of vendor submit‐ ting bids will 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 CST on Sep‐ tember 29, 2026. Full information may be obtained upon request from the above address or by telephoning Dexter Stewart at (225) 389-3259, Ext. 3264, or via email dsstewart@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: 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):

NEWS 24/7 ON

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

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 Street, 8th Floor, Baton Rouge, LA until 11:00 A.M. CST, October 6, 2026 for the following: A26-0904 INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS & SOLVENTS FOR WASTE WATER TREATMENT Official bid documents are available at Central (https://www. Bidding centralauctionhouse. com/rfpc10656-city-ofbaton-rouge.html) or by request from the City of Baton Rouge at dsstew‐ art@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 the names of vendor submit‐ ting bids will 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 CST on Sep‐ tember 29, 2026. Full information may be obtained upon request from the above address or by telephoning Dexter Stewart at (225) 389-3259, Ext. 3264, or via email dsstewart@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: 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) +1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Dallas) +1-469-210-7159 United States Toll (Denver) +1-720-650-7664 United States Toll (Jacksonville) +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. 200831 Sept. 18, 25, 2026 $95.78

PUBLIC NOTICE --VOUCHER# 26-000904 BIDS TO BE OPENED: 10/06/26

Public Notices Bids/Proposals y 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 the names of vendor submit‐ ting bids will 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 website https:// 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.

Public Notices Sex Offenders

I, ARTURO VASQUEZ AKA ARTURO VASQEZ AKA Arthro Vasquez AKA Tyronne VASQUEZ, have been convicted of 14:78.1 Aggravated Incest. Date Convicted: 07/25/2002. My Address is: 4711 Divincenti Dr Lot# 14 BATON ROUGE, LA 70807

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

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 Street, 8th Floor, Baton Rouge, LA until 11:00 A.M. CST, October 6, 2026 for the following:

Race: WHITE Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 7/6/1968 Height: 5'5" Weight: 201 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BLACK Scars/Tattoos:

These numbers will pro‐ vide you with live audio access to this bid open‐ ing.

A26-0904 INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS & SOLVENTS FOR WASTE WATER TREATMENT

201996, SEPT 25-26 $250

200923-sept 18-25-2t $95.78

Ofﬁcial bid documents are available at Central (https://www. Bidding centralauctionhouse. com/rfpc10656-city-ofbaton-rouge.html) or by request from the City of Baton Rouge at dsstew‐ art@brla.gov.

PUBLIC NOTICE --VOUCHER# 26-000904 BIDS TO BE OPENED: 10/06/26

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Bids shall be submitted electronically via www. lbiddi

LOUISIANA

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