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SpaceX deal came together in record time NdAs, meetings and more happened behind the scenes

BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL, SAM KARLIN and ALEX LUBBEN Staff writers

PROVIdEd PHOTO By BENJAMIN R. MASSEy

Cajuns quarterback Lunch Winfield runs the ball during the first half of Saturday’s game against Charlotte at Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. The UL defense stood strong once again Saturday night on the road. The Cajuns thumped a struggling Charlotte squad 34-7, holding the 49ers to only six first downs and 137 yards of total offense. With the Cajuns’ defense in charge throughout, there wasn’t much asked of the offensive side. Winfield had fairly pedestrian numbers of 149 yards passing and a touchdown. On the ground, he had 28 yards and a touchdown on 13 rushes. Anthony Reagan Jr. and JJ Garner also added rushing scores for the Cajuns. UL closes out nonconference play with a 3-1 record with its lone loss coming against No. 14 Southern Cal on Sept. 12. Next up, Arkansas State travels to Lafayette Saturday to begin Sun Belt play for both teams. ä SEE COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE CAJUNS GAME. PAGE 1C

It’s bigger than hiring Lane Kiffin LSU President Wade Rousse has big plans for Louisiana’s flagship university, athletically and academically

WEATHER HIGH 92 LOW 71 PAGE 6B

Change to La. juvenile crime laws costing parishes Regulations depleting budgets, leaders say

BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER

Staff writer

ä See ROUSSE, page 4A

ä See SPACEX, page 6A

Staff writer

BY HALEY MILLER LSU President Wade Rousse stood in the center of a horseshoe of desks in a business school classroom, cracking jokes to coax sleepy undergraduates into participating. “Are monopolies good or bad?” he asked. “It depends,” the class chorused back. “It depends. Thank you for that. It depends. If you’re a Rockefeller, were monopolies good?” “Yes.” “If you’re a Cajun in Golden Meadow, were monopolies good?” “No.” Rousse may be the new leader of the $4.1 billion LSU system, with more than 78,000 students and 17,000

The final official act in a sprawling, sevenmonth effort to bring Elon Musk’s SpaceX to Louisiana took place in a nondescript room at the Vermilion Parish Courthouse. On Aug. 25, two hours before Gov. Jeff Landry stepped onstage at Magdalen Place, Abbeville’s largest reception venue, to announce the $100 billion project that’s set to forever reshape parts of coastal Louisiana, the sevenmember Vermilion Parish Industrial Development Board met for the second time ever. The agenda for the public meeting had been posted on the courthouse door 24 hours earlier, though nobody seemed to notice. It included several routine items Landry and one that was anything but: a vote authorizing a property tax break that would turn out to be the largest in state history, for “Project Osprey,” the code name for the SpaceX deal. Approval of the $24 billion tax incentive was the final step in a sprint by Landry and his deputies to try to win the biggest industrial project the state has ever known. Conducted largely in secret, it involved more than two dozen state officials and the cooperation of several state agencies, utilities and businesses. State legislators approved seven new laws. The incentive deal had to be struck. And at the same time, the Landry administration needed to secure control of a 120,000-acre property wrapped up in one of the state’s most complicated legal battles. To get it done, the Landry administration negotiated and coordinated with legislators, SpaceX executives, Vermilion Parish officials, one of the world’s biggest oil companies and one of Louisiana’s most successful trial lawyers. It required dozens of public officials to sign nondisclosure

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

In addition to leading LSU, President Wade Rousse teaches an undergraduate macroeconomics class on Monday nights. He said teaching is invigorating, and it reminds him why his decisions in the president’s office, the State Capitol and Tiger Stadium matter.

Louisiana’s 2024 decision to treat all 17-yearolds as adults in courtrooms and jails has left them in a costly limbo that is straining local government budgets, parish leaders say. While the state may consider those 17-year-olds adults — meaning they can’t be housed in juvenile detention centers — federal regulations still treat them as minors, which means they can’t be housed within sight or sound of adult inmates under the Prison Rape Elimination Act. That’s left most parishes with no place to put those teens, and no choice but to send them upstate — at a steep price — to one of the only Louisiana jails able to take them. And over the past two years, the cost has continued to grow, local ofﬁcials say. Take St. Landry Parish. In April 2024, ofﬁcials there were forced to start

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ä See CHANGE, page 9A

102Nd yEAR, NO. 89

2A ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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Trump rejects Iran’s proposal

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Ambulance targeted after suicide bombing

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan — Gunmen opened fire on an ambulance attending the scene of a suicide bomb attack at a roadside police checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan that killed at least 12 people on Saturday and wounded about 35 others, officials said. The attack involving an explosives-laden vehicle occurred in Dera Ismail Khan, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said Bilal Faizi, a spokesman for the provincial emergency service. Local police chief Safdar Baloch said most of those killed and wounded were security personnel and passersby. The blast destroyed the sprawling checkpoint, and witnesses said gunshots were also heard after the attack. Faizi said gunmen opened fire on an ambulance as emergency crews transported victims to a nearby hospital, killing a rescue worker and wounding two others. Two women and a child were among those killed in the suicide bombing, he said. The Pakistani Taliban, formally known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant violence in recent years, much of it claimed by the TTP and the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist group primarily active in neighboring Balochistan province. The TTP is separate from but closely allied with Afghanistan’s Taliban, which returned to power in 2021. Saturday’s bombing came two days after fighting along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border killed at least 13 Afghan Taliban fighters, according to Pakistan’s government. The clash followed Pakistani strikes this week on suspected militant hideouts inside Afghanistan.

Helicopter crash near Montreal leaves 4 dead MONTREAL, Quebec — A helicopter crashed Saturday southeast of the Canadian city of Montreal, killing all four people on board, police said. Audrey-Anne Bilodeau, a spokesperson for Sûreté du Québec provincial police, said the helicopter reportedly experienced difficulties before crashing around 2:30 p.m. in the municipality of Sainte-Brigided’Iberville, which is roughly 31 miles southeast of Montreal. Fireﬁghters managed to extinguish the blaze within an hour of the crash, but the four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, Bilodeau said. The provincial police have not yet identiﬁed the victims or the cause of the crash. The spokesperson said the helicopter seems to have been a private aircraft. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has sent investigators to the crash site.

Carrot Top out of hospital after suicide attempt NEW YORK — Carrot Top is out of the hospital after a recent suicide attempt, which came around the same time allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him. A source told People the 61-year-old comedian, whose real name is Scott Thompson, is doing well and recovering at home with family by his side. The update comes after Thompson attempted suicide at his Las Vegas home on Sept. 18. According to a police report obtained by TMZ, ofﬁcers found him unconscious near the pool in his backyard during a welfare check requested by his manager. They reportedly spoke on the phone that night, with Thompson expressing concern about an article detailing claims of sexual impropriety. Following the call, Thompson texted his manager a single word — “Done” — prompting the police response. He was subsequently rushed to the hospital in critical condition, and he remained there for about a week. Just days before his suicide attempt, Thompson was accused of giving alcohol to a 19-yearold at his Winter Park, Florida, home and engaging in sexual conduct with him when he was too drunk to consent in 2021.

BY COURTNEY SUBRAMANIAN Bloomberg News (TNS)

ASSOCIATEd PRESS PHOTO By NOAH K. MURRAy

Ted Friedli kayaks his way through a flooded section of Long Branch, N.J., on Saturday during a nor’easter.

Storm causes flooding, knocks out electricity BY LEAH WILLINGHAM and DAVID A. LIEB

Associated Press

BOSTON — A slow-moving, powerful storm crept along the coast of the U.S. Northeast on Saturday, producing high winds that knocked out electricity to thousands while whipping up big waves and heavy rains that created dangerous conditions in some places. Tens of millions of people were in the path of the nor’easter, which was forecast to affect the midAtlantic area and New England throughout the weekend. Around 100,000 customers in the region were without electricity Saturday. The forecast showed no immediate reprieve. There will be “a lot of high winds, a lot of high tides and heavy rain possibility over the next few days for the northeastern U.S.,” said Bob Oravec, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland. In Long Island, New York, some people kayaked down flooded streets. In the coastal New Jersey borough of Surf City, Kenny Formica sat at his home watching surveillance cameras showing water rising inside the marina he owns. Water getting inside the building is rare, Formica said. The last time he remembers it happening was

during Hurricane Sandy, which he said caused more than $4 million in damage to his business. Ahead of the storm, Formica said workers secured dock lines, moved loose items and equipment out of harm’s way and parked the marina’s trucks and forklifts at the highest point of the property. By Saturday morning, even those were nearly surrounded by water. Formica said he woke Saturday to messages from customers reporting missing boats and Jet Skis. One customer sent him a video around 4 a.m. showing his 25-foot boat after it had blown off its lift. “This is like an 8,000-pound boat and, you know, a $150,000 boat — just gone,” Formica said. In Ocean City, Maryland, heavy surf caused beach erosion, washed out fencing by the dunes and was leading to ﬂooding. “In all the canals, the water is up really high and coming into people’s backyards,” Jay Boyd said by telephone. Further south, Ellie Hodge stood on her front stoop in Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday and watched as passing vehicles left wakes. The coastal city has seen isolated ﬂooding all week because of the nor’easter. “We’ve seen cars get stuck on the road, going up the sidewalks,” Hodge said. Hundreds of flights were canceled at Boston Logan Internation-

al Airport, as were the vast majority of flights at the popular Massachusetts tourist destinations of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. The Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs had to shuffle the schedule for their three-game series. They played a doubleheader Friday in Boston to try to avoid the storm. Then Major League Baseball rescheduled their finale on Sunday to occur in Florida, at the home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Ed Sheeran canceled his highprofile concerts Friday and Saturday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Also canceled: an Ironman triathlon in New York and the three-day Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City, Maryland, which had been promoted online as “a wave of music.” Farther south, a highway closure on North Carolina’s Hatteras Island scrambled Jayden Sink and Kimberly Laprad’s Saturday wedding plans. The Virginia couple had made it onto the island before the storm, but most of their roughly 45 guests were stranded on the other side of the closure, the Island Free Press reported. A local campground offered a new venue, cabins and an officiant, and a DJ volunteered to provide music. Organizers invited anyone on the island to come celebrate with the couple Saturday afternoon.

Nolo expected to unleash winds, flooding on Hawaii BY EUGENE GARCIA Associated Press

HILO, Hawaii — Rain began falling Saturday as Hurricane Nolo bore down on the Hawaiian Islands, with officials warning about the potential for flash floods, dangerous winds and extreme surf in areas still recovering from previous storms. Nolo was churning very slowly south of the Big Island with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph. Its center was about 160 miles south of Hawaii’s southernmost point, and it was forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane through the weekend while traveling westward to the south of the islands. While direct landfall by the storm’s center was not expected, forecasters said it could cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, with parts of the Big Island expected to see rainfall totals up to 20 inches. Heavy rain also was expected on the other islands. The humanitarian nonprofit group CORE and other partners spent the week packing and shipping supplies like camp stoves and hygiene products by air cargo from Oahu to the Big Island for a community relief hub that has been active since August’s Hurricane Lala. Residents are still recovering from Lala, which produced heavy rain and winds strong enough to sweep about 100 homes off their foundations on the Big Island. About a dozen people were in the water Saturday morning at Carlsmith Beach Park in Hilo on the Big Island, despite signs saying the strand was closed. Andrea Gill was out for her regular swim before heading back home to hunker down with family. “I hope it stops just sitting there and moves and goes somewhere else,” Gill

President Donald Trump said Saturday he rejected a deal from Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as Saudi Arabia’s capital came under attack from Yemen’s Houthis over the weekend. “They made a proposal but I rejected it,” Trump said as he departed the White House on Saturday. “They want to make a deal where they open the strait immediately because they’re losing so badly.” Trump added that the U.S. naval blockade in Hormuz is putting increasing economic pressure on Iran. U.S. and Iranian negotiators had been exploring a deal that would see Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and Washington lift its blockade of Iranian ports, a person familiar with the matter said. The pact would have been similar to the memorandum of understanding the two countries reached in mid-June, which led to a fragile ceaseﬁre that collapsed weeks later. On Saturday, Saudi-backed coalition forces in Yemen said air defenses intercepted two drones launched by the Houthis toward Riyadh, as well as a ballistic missile targeting the southern border area of Khamis Mushait. Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump expects to resume the U.S. bombing campaign against Iran after U.S. midterm elections in early November and is skeptical about Iran’s willingness to meet his demands. Trump declined to answer a question about whether he would resume bombing after the midterms. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking at the United Nations General Assemon Wednesday, said his country wouldn’t allow freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz while sanctions and a U.S. blockade remain in place. The Islamic Republic wouldn’t give up the right to develop nuclear technology for economic purposes either, he added.

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A man walks past a closed ticket counter lined with sandbags at Hilo International Airport in Hilo, Hawaii, on Friday.

said. Shop owners boarded up businesses, and events were canceled. Gill said storms are common, but hurricanes are rare. She was holding out hope that the islands might not get the full impact. “We’re used to lots of rain. We’re not used to wind. So it’s always a blessing when we don’t get the wind from the hurricane,” she said. President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for the state Friday, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate assistance and provide funding support. Hawaii ofﬁcials told residents to put together emergency kits, and the governor issued an emergency proclamation, activating hundreds of Hawaii National Guard members. Hawaii County authorities on the Big Island urged people in ﬂood-prone areas to consider taking refuge at shelters or elsewhere.

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The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 3A

Impeachment an option if Democrats take House Party prepares vast oversight agenda

BY LISA MASCARO

AP congressional correspondent WASHINGTON — House Democrats are preparing a vast oversight agenda, with investigations of President Donald Trump, his family and his administration if the party sweeps control of the chamber from Republicans in the November elections. The undertaking is as robust as it is daunting, spanning several House committees. With majority power comes bigger budgets and staff, and the ability to investigate, subpoena and potentially course-correct what the Democrats say are widespread corruption and abuses of power. Impeachment of the Republican president and Cabinet ofﬁcials is not off the table. “There is a cost to the American people of the outof-control corruption,” said Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who is in line to become House speaker if Democrats win control at the Capitol. “If folks have been Jeffries stealing from the American people, shortchanging the American people or screwing over the American people,” Jeffries said, “we are going to hold the crooks accountable.” Congress has enormous ability to conduct oversight of the executive branch, and a road map for the Democratic-run investigations has already been set by the almost daily letters lawmakers send to the administration and in amicus court ﬁlings. Democrats are asking about the money-making by Trump and his family, whose wealth has grown dramatically since he returned to

the White House in January 2025. They are investigating the potential civil rights violations of Americans killed protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and of detained immigrants being deported to faraway countries. They have fought the closing of the Kennedy Center, launched investigations into private funding of the America at 250 celebrations and tracked the shuttering of federal operations, including the U.S. Agency for International Development. New questions emerge daily, including the Trump family’s recent acknowledgment that a weekend wedding party for the president’s son Donald Trump Jr. was partly funded by a Russian oligarch, with reportedly close ties to the Kremlin. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who is in line to become the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, characterized the issues involved as “gargantuan.” “We need to zero in quickly on the forms of systemic Raskin corruption that have cost the public huge amounts of money,” Raskin told The Associated Press, “and where there are legislative cures available.”

Pressure from far left Jeffries will almost certainly be under pressure from the far left to move more swiftly to articles of impeachment against Trump, who during his ﬁrst became the ﬁrst president to be twice impeached by the House. Both times, he was acquitted by the Senate. Impeaching the president a third time may not hold the currency that it once did. Democrats will more likely focus their impeachment efforts on Cabinet members. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth already faces articles of impeachment from

a Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, over his leadership at the Pentagon and his management of the Iran war. “We haven’t ruled anything out,” Jeffries said recently about the tools available to Congress, “and we haven’t ruled anything in.” Democrats are bracing for an administration that potentially ignores subpoenas or refuses to turn over paperwork that lawmakers are demanding.

‘We’ll act like Congress’ Ranking Democratic lawmakers who are in line to lead committees if power shifts are beginning to chart the investigations they plan to tackle. Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the top Democrat now on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, has outlined ﬁve priorities, including Trump family business dealings, the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and ICE operations. He also mentioned the Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as well as broader allegations of corporate corruption. Rep. Jared Huffman of California, the ranking Democrat at the Natural Resources Committee, which oversees the Interior Department and its National Park Service operations, has begun digging into Trump’s “vanity projects,” including the demolition of the White House’s East wing for a new ballroom and the president’s proposed arch. At the committee’s last session before lawmakers recessed to campaign for the midterm elections, Huffman said that if Democrats take charge, he plans to call witnesses, put them under oath and follow the evidence where it leads. “When people ask what will we do,” he said he responds, “My answer is simple. We’ll use those tools. We’ll act like the Congress.”

Kennedy Center put off planned repairs despite known issues, ex-employees say BY ALI SWENSON Associated Press

Kennedy Center ofﬁcials were long aware of serious structural issues that they cited as new problems after the abrupt decision to close the performing arts venue this month, a group of former employees allege in a letter to Congress. The center’s executive director and chief operating ofﬁcer, Matt Floca, did not treat the roofing issues as priorities and in April halted a funded plan to address them, according to the letter Thursday signed by David Seide, a lawyer representing the anonymous whistleblowers. Floca denied their allegations, saying recent investigations of the leaks exposed new hazards at the building. In a September court declaration, Floca noted there were “acute risks to public safety” when the aging building temporarily closed its doors after an inspection of a deteriorating roof terrace canopy and a partial ceiling collapse. The former employees, however, claim those “acute” issues were known previously by Floca, who joined the Kennedy Center as vice president of

facilities in 2024. “More than one year ago, Mr. Floca had requested and received the needed funds to remediate the New Problems he references,” Seide wrote, citing President Donald Trump’s tax cut and spending bill that he signed in the summer of 2025. “Yet six months ago — with the funds in hand — he stopped the remediation process from moving forward.” In the legislation, Congress earmarked $257 million for the Kennedy Center. The letter, first reported by The New York Times, is the latest in a series of tensions over an iconic Potomac River waterfront building that has become a focus of the Republican president in his remaking of the nation’s capital in his second term. Trump has installed his own leadership to the center’s governing board and had his name placed on the building before a judge ruled the new lettering was illegally added and ordered it removed. The Trump-aligned board voted earlier this month to close the center indeﬁnitely for repairs hours after U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper blocked its plans to return Trump’s name to the building.

Cooper has told the center that it must give 30 days’ notice before making any major physical changes to the building, including demolishing it, as Trump has threatened. The Kennedy Center leadership also must ﬁle a status report no later than Friday on the temporary closure and emergency repairs. Asked for a response to the whistleblowers’ claims, a Kennedy Center spokesperson sent a written statement from Floca, who said the safety of patrons, artists and staff is his priority. “The Kennedy Center has known for years that the roof overhang leaked,” he wrote. “What we did not know until this summer was how far the damage had spread inside it.” Floca added that rather than halting design plans in April as the whistleblowers alleged, he had reassigned the work to a more comprehensive plan because the contractor’s quote for the initial plans were nearly three times the expected cost. “That was a change in the approach to procuring and delivering the work, not a determination that the work was unnecessary,” Floca wrote.

2026

GRANT RECIPIENT CONGRATULATIONS TO

Moncus Park

As a 2026 Kubota Hometown Proud grant recipient, Moncus Park will receive

$50,000

which includes cash and support toward the purchase of equipment through a partnership with Sammy Broussard Equipment Center.

Postal employee admits stealing gift cards from mail BY KENDRICK CALFEE

The Kansas City Star (TNS) A U.S. Postal Service employee pleaded guilty to stealing mail from a Johnson County post ofﬁce location, federal court records show. David Alan Boutte, 60, of Olathe, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of theft or receipt of stolen mail, according to the U.S. District Attorney’s Office

for the District of Kansas. In January 2026, a witness told the USPS Office of Inspector General that they saw Boutte dispose of brightly-colored envelopes which appeared to be for greeting cards in the trash bin outside his home. Officers with the Olathe Police Department and USPS investigators collected trash from the curb of Boutte’s home twice in

February. Both times, they allegedly found multiple open, stamped letters not addressed to the residence, according to court records. After obtaining warrants, law enforcement allegedly found $1,624 in cash, 141 gift cards, letters addressed to other people and almost 1,700 stamps on rolls and sheets. Court records show Boutte is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 15.

VISIT

KubotaHometownProud.com FOR MORE

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ROUSSE

Continued from page 1A employees. But his mind often returns to his hometown of Golden Meadow, population less than 2,000, deep in Louisiana bayou country. With the Cajun accent, the purple suits and a politician’s flair, Rousse’s unabashed Louisianan demeanor and unconventional academic background in business and economics are a marked departure from recent leaders of LSU. The university system has not selected a Louisiana native as president since 1999, instead opting for out-of-staters with prestigious academic credentials. “I think people would say I’m a little scrappy, maybe too much scrappy, because it’s personal,” Rousse said. “Every time I see a kid walking on campus, I think about a kid from Golden Meadow that had no idea that three credits was a class and no clue what the ACT was.” But even as he embraces his Louisiana roots, Rousse also says he believes “something is wrong” in a state that is among the least educated in the country and has one of its lowest workforce participation rates. And he has aggressive, at times controversial, ideas for how to fix it. “He sort of plays it down — ‘I’m a boy from Golden Meadow’ — and all those things,” said University of Louisiana system President Rick Gallot. “He’s a really smart guy. As an economist, he understands higher ed in a way that you don’t always see traditional leaders lead.” Nationally, Rousse has perhaps drawn the most attention for a string of explosive events in the athletics department. Hired last year amid leadership turmoil in the program, he blessed the decision to poach Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss in the middle of a championship run and to rehire previously ousted basketball coach Will Wade. In recent weeks, he presided over a high-stakes legal battle over player eligibility that culminated in the Southeastern Conference threatening to kick LSU out. He says the push for superior athletics is inextricable from his larger educational goals for the state. “Athletics truly, really, plays an instrumental part of helping us tell the story about Louisiana,” Rousse said. “As LSU goes, so goes Louisiana. Honestly, as our big-time athletics program goes, so goes LSU, so goes Louisiana.” But his primary goal remains lifting Louisiana from near the bottom of educational attainment in the U.S., he says. Only 28% of people in the state have a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to 2024 census data. LSU, he argues, must lead the state in increasing both the number of people with credentials in their hands and who participate in the workforce. That means refocusing many of the satellite LSU campuses throughout the state into job training grounds. As the regionals become more “accessible,” the main campus in Baton Rouge will get more selective, Rousse said. Ultimately, he hopes to transform the flagship university into a top 50 research institution in the country. His agenda has spurred a significant reorganization of the LSU system. Rousse carved out a standalone role as system president to devote attention to external relations and athletics, with fellow presidential finalist Jim Dalton taking over as chancellor of the flagship campus. Together, they have launched a sweeping restructuring, merging several smaller, specialized institutions with the main campus to bring research dollars under one umbrella. By summer 2028, standardized test scores will once again be required for all applicants at the Baton Rouge location. For the first time in eight years, freshman enrollment declined this fall after the university imposed a more rigorous admissions policy. His ambition for the university raises a question: Where, now, would the boy from Golden Meadow fit in? “In this case, with this vision, I’d have been the student that was placed in Alexandria,” Rousse said. “Then I’d have made a 4.0 and come back over, if that’s where I wanted to go.”

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU coach Lane Kiffin is greeted by President Wade Rousse following the Tigers’ win over Clemson on Sept. 6 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.

country, but being from Louisiana and having those roots here builds credibility immediately with a lot of people.” Still, Rousse had to convince faculty, students and the search committee that he brought enough academic experience to lead the state’s premier research brand. The board settled on a compromise: It would split the roles of system president and chancellor of the flagship campus, which had been joined since 2012. Rousse would be named system president, overseeing government and donor relations, athletics and the big-picture oversight of the enterprise. Dalton, who has an extensive biomedical research STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS background and held high-ranking LSU Chancellor James dalton, right, shakes hands with LSU President positions at the University of Alabama and the University of MichiWade Rousse after their appointments were announced during the gan, would serve as the system’s LSU Board of Supervisors’ final meeting in the search for the new LSU executive vice president and Bapresident at the administration building on Nov. 4, 2025. ton Rouge chancellor, tasked with overseeing operations on the main today?” focused on tackling dismal enroll- campus and heading up research The answer had to be specific — ment and finances after back-to- initiatives. no “I learned math,” Rousse said. back hurricanes Laura and Delta But for that arrangement to An equation, a vocabulary word — devastated the region. He and his work, both men would need to be those were acceptable responses. wife famously lived in a dorm on on board. She never went to college. She campus for part of his tenure. made sure that Rousse did. Near the end of his chapter at A major restructuring “Everybody who wants a life- McNeese, the school announced it On an early Friday morning at changing higher education, I be- had reversed a 14-year enrollment the president’s house on South Lakeshore Drive, the two men lieve, should get one,” he said. “I’m decline. When William Tate IV departed introduced themselves and disthat guy. I was that late bloomer.” He went on to earn his bach- his role as leader of both the LSU cussed how to divide responsibilielor’s degree in business, attend- system and the flagship Baton ties. They wrote down on an 8.5-bying McNeese State University for Rouge campus, Rousse began 11 sheet of paper how the separathree years before transferring campaigning for the job. He had tion would work. to Nicholls State. He received his the backing of several members The pair “hit it off immediately,” MBA from the University of New of the Board of Supervisors, par- Dalton recalled. Orleans — now LSU New Orleans, ticularly Lee Mallett, an appointee “I don’t know the politics,” he part of the system he leads — and and close ally of Gov. Jeff Landry, said. “I don’t know the politicians. I later got a Ph.D. and M.A. in eco- who is now the board’s chair. can certainly read about the issues Rousse leaned hard on his Loui- through the newspaper and other nomics from the University of Ilsiana ties and business experience online sources, but that learning linois at Chicago. curve would be the longest of any Across that time, he developed in seeking the job. “There’s some value there in that I would face.” his career outside of academia by The supervisors, Dalton said, co-founding a marine transporta- a state like Louisiana, very contion firm and working as a policy servative state, when they know proposed giving Rousse those reresearch specialist with the Fed- someone grew up and really is in- sponsibilities to “allow me to focus vested in the future of the state,” on the parts that I find enjoyable eral Reserve Bank of Chicago. After holding administrative said Paul Coreil, who retired as and have experience with.” Rousse and Dalton set a goal and faculty positions at Northern chancellor of LSU at Alexandria in Arizona University, he arrived at July and served on the presidential of reaching the top 50 in the NaMcNeese in Lake Charles as dean search committee. “I know Presi- tional Science Foundation Higher of the business school. In 2024, he dent Rousse went to other uni- Education Research and Developbecame the university’s president, versities and worked around the ment Survey, a dollars-and-cents

ranking of how much universities spend on research. The distinction embodies the kind of university LSU wants to be, Rousse said. But the main campus in Baton Rouge sat at a distant 83rd in the most recent survey. To get closer to the ranking, they would need to rethink the architecture of the system. Pennington Biomedical Research Center, the LSU AgCenter and medical schools in Shreveport and New Orleans were folded into the flagship institution instead of operating independently, putting all the research dollars under one roof. Like a case study out of Rousse’s economics class, the heightened focus on research spending meant sacrifices elsewhere. In July, the Baton Rouge campus announced it was laying off 25 employees, including its chief financial officer, vice president of engagement and a large segment of communications and marketing staff. The money saved will be reinvested in research. In a recent interview, Rousse said each entity under the research umbrella will need to hire nine additional faculty members to achieve top 50. The Baton Rouge campus, which recently reinstated standardized testing requirements for applicants after going test-optional during the COVID-19 pandemic, is also becoming more selective. The acceptance rate dropped by 10%, and school officials say they are aiming to recruit students with an ACT score of 30 or above. A large number of faculty and students have supported slightly heightened standards for admission to Baton Rouge. While Dalton takes the lead at the LSU flagship, Rousse is pushing for changes at the regional universities under the LSU system banner. He wants the satellite campuses to specialize in workforce development more than ever before, prioritizing affordable degrees and industry relevance. In line with that vision, the Louisiana Board of Regents approved the state’s first accelerated three-year bachelor’s degrees, in information technology and bioinformatics, for LSU at Alexandria. For promising students rejected by the flagship campus but still intent on making it there, Rousse said, the regionals will serve as “pathways” where they can spend a year improving their grades. Many of those smaller, regional universities across the state have struggled financially in recent years. In his early months on the job, drawing on experience at McNeese, Rousse went to work stabilizing the University of New Orleans as it prepared to leave the UL system and move under the LSU system. The new president combed over the finances to improve the school’s budgeting and cash flow, the UNO interim Chancellor and Chief Administrative Officer Jeanette Weiland said. Since joining the LSU system, UNO has already increased new student enrollment by 21% compared to fall 2025, Weiland said. She noted total enrollment overall has decreased by a little over 100 students because UNO lost Slidell High School dual enrollment — an agreement between the high school and UNO that ended after

ä See ROUSSE, page 5A

Born on the bayou Rousse, 55, grew up in a remote fishing and oil and gas town in south Louisiana, surrounded by saltwater marshes. He came from a poor home. His mom raised him mostly on her own, always impressing upon him the importance of education, he said. Every night around the dinner table, she asked a question. “What did you learn in school

STAFF PHOTO By PEARL SPURLOCK

Mike the Tiger listens as LSU President Wade Rousse makes a speech during a groundbreaking ceremony in Baton Rouge on Aug. 12.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 5A

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Continued from page 4A the university raised the cost to match LSU course pricing. She said working with Rousse was one of the reasons she decided to seek the full-time chancellor position, for which a search is currently underway. The president understood how to approach higher education like a business while not forgetting what makes UNO unique, she said. “Because of him, I’m ﬁred up,” Weiland said. “Like, yes, let’s win. Let’s go.” Praise for Rousse’s ideas has not been universal. The effort to reach top 50 has stirred resentments outside of Baton Rouge about where priorities lie. Sen. Thomas Pressly, R-Shreveport, vocally opposed the plan when it was announced, saying it threatened the autonomy of LSU Health Shreveport, the only medical school in north Louisiana. He also questioned if funding awarded to the Shreveport health sciences center would be used for the beneﬁt of Baton Rouge. “If we’re prioritizing putting all the research dollars together so that we’re a top 50 research institution, that’s great,” Pressly said. “What I want to make sure of is that those dollars are shared throughout the system.” Though Rousse stands by the decision to create the research enterprise, he said he regrets not visiting the LSU campuses outside of Baton Rouge sooner to sell the plan. “We took some arrows,” he said. “I underestimated the lack of trust between Shreveport, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.”

Tigers in the limelight For all his academic and organizational ambitions, Rousse has never stepped back — or, he argues, been able to step back — from the other engine of the university’s success. “I would probably say a third of my time has been spent on athletics,” he said. “When you think about where we are in college athletics nationally and what’s going on in Congress, I think you can understand why.” When Rousse was hired, the athletics department verged on bedlam. Despite a $54 million buyout, head football coach Brian Kelly had been ﬁred, and Athletic Director Scott Woodward was forced out after a public rebuke by Gov. Landry. Officially assuming his role on Nov. 17, Rousse dealt with the after-the-fact paperwork of the Kelly dismissal, including a formal letter of termination without cause. At the same time, he was trying to secure the program’s next head football coach. He worked through multiple nights, sleeping on the couch in his office, during the saga, he said. “We had to calm down the nation to say, ‘Hey, we’re going to win another national championship,’ ” Rousse said. “In order to get the candidate we wanted, our top-tier candidate, we had to prove that this organization was not only not in complete disarray; it was the exact opposite. We had a very strategic plan of where we’re going, why athletics is so important to Louisiana.” Out of Oxford, coach Lane Kifﬁn’s plane touched down in Baton Rouge on Nov. 30, 2025, even as the team he left, Ole Miss, was actively

“less complicated” for LSU’s whatever fight there is.” Rousse never complains president, she said, so he has somewhere to go that is free about the job, at least not from stress and obligation. publicly. He calls it the honShe lays out his clothes in or of his life. the morning. But he acknowledges what “When we first got here, it demands of him. it was overwhelming, and “All I have is my career,” there are some days that he said. “That’s all I’ve ever are more overwhelming wanted to do. That’s all I do. than others,” she said. “But I have no other life.” there’s no doubt that this is He thought back to conwhere he needed to be.” versations with his mom. This fall, Rousse picked He imagined what she up an undergraduate mac- would say to him now. She roeconomics class on Mon- would be worried about his day nights. He said teaching health, he thinks. She would is invigorating, reminding say that not everyone will him why his decisions in the want to wake up at 4 in the president’s office, the State morning and work until midCapitol and Tiger Stadium night. matter. “She told me this before “It’s easy to lose the focus she passed away,” Rousse STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS as to why we’re here,” Rous- said. “‘If you expect everyPresident Wade Rousse, from left, Board Chair Lee Mallett and Vice Chair John Carmouche se said. “When I get in that body to work at the pace that classroom, and I can see a you’re working, you’ll be applaud during the LSU Board of Supervisors meeting at the administration building on kid start thinking different- constantly disappointed.’ ” June 26. He lingered on her advice, ly — economics is a way of competing for a national LSU backed down by finaliz- house so public-facing that thinking, it’s a toolbox, it can which came out in his own championship. ing its roster without the ad- its front rooms are compli- be applied to anything — and voice, almost as an admonHis contract has him mak- dition of Wright and Harris. ant with the Americans with that light flicks on in their ishment. head, you come back here, “The roster is now locked Disabilities Act. “You’re driving yourself ing $13 million per year She tries to keep home life and you’re willing to fight crazy thinking that way.” with an array of postseason for the season,” Rousse incentives, including up to wrote in a letter to SEC $4 million if LSU wins the Commissioner Greg Sankey. Paid for by the American Diabetes Association. Southeastern Conference “LSU complied with SEC championship and national rules. This issue is moot.” Rousse declined to comtitle in the same year. “Unfortunately, our ex- ment on ongoing developpectations here tend to be ments with the roster and very, very high,” Rousse LSU’s relationship to the said. “Normally, you’re not conference. “Recent circumstances expecting a first-year coach to be playing for a national around athletics have rechampionship, but in our quired more of my attention great state, we have high than I would normally exexpectations.” pect,” he said in a statement. Rousse said earlier in the “However, that does not summer he hoped to spend change my broader focus, less time on athletics going which is to change the way forward. we educate Louisiana by exBut, in August, the contro- panding access and driving excellence across the LSU versy only ramped up. LSU again became the System.” face of college sports turmoil when a group of about Callin’ Baton Rouge 40 athletes from the high In their home on South school class of 2022 won a Lakeshore Drive, Angela legal injunction allowing Rousse sat on a barstool at some players who had al- a spotless white kitchen isready signed professional land. She heard her husband contracts in the NFL to re- before she saw him. A door opened and gain a year of college eligibility. The SEC subsequently slammed shut. “Operator, won’t you put passed a rule banning players from the league who had me on through … ” echoed already signed to NFL, NBA a voice through the hallway. The president entered to and WBNA teams. The SEC filed a federal greet his wife, drop off palawsuit against LSU, argu- pers and disappear again. ing the continued pursuit of Angela smiled. She was actwo former Ole Miss start- customed to the coming and ers, tight end Dae’Quan going, the relentless nature Wright and defensive tackle of the schedule, which afSubmitted article by Eloise Keene Zxavian Harris, violated fects her, too. The couple This article is brought to you by the American Diabetes Association. fundamental rules of col- married in 1999, in Walt lege sports. The conference Disney World. She has witFor many years, I, like over 40 million other pick between lifesaving medication or bills, alleged in legal filings that nessed every step of his caAmericans, have had every aspect of my life doesn’t have to continue. That’s why I’m urging Rousse, a named defendant, reer since then. and health journey shaped by diabetes after Congress, especially Senator Bill Cassidy, has failed to exercise conMany evenings, the coumy daughter’s diagnosis. Repeated healthcare Senator John Kennedy, and Representative trol of Kiffin. ple attends a dinner with As the standoff escalated, LSU donors or leadership. visits, blood glucose (blood sugar) monitor- Troy Carter to pass the Improving Needed the SEC scheduled a vote to Angela organizes parties at ing, and so many other aspects of caring for Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin expel LSU from the league. the residence, a sprawling someone living with diabetes became routine, Now (INSULIN) Act of 2026. especially considering her need for insulin. For This affordability crisis facing millions of her, and millions of others, it is as necessary Americans isn’t a red or blue state issue, nor as breathing. So, what do we do when we’ve one that hits rural and urban areas differently. been priced out of something as essential as ThroughtheINSULINAct,Congressisaddressoxygen? ing this issue head-on. Most significantly, Unfortunately, for many people relying on if enacted, runaway out-of-pocket insulin insulin to survive, the cost has become unten- costs would be capped at $35 per month for able. Over the past decade alone, spending on people with private insurance. For millions Free Professional insulin has tripled from $8 billion in 2012 to who are uninsured, the INSULIN Act will Appraisals Available $22.3 billion in 2022. I know this experience create a five-year pilot program that provides personally. My daughter was diagnosed grants to 10 states to offer low-cost insulin Gold and Silver with type 1 diabetes, and as a single parent Bullion Bars to uninsured patients. For me, that means I struggled at times to afford the insulin she & Coins my daughter, and many others like her who needed to survive. Even though I had health live with diabetes, will not potentially face Jewelry insurance, I was still paying more than $300 astronomically high monthly copays for her per month for her medication. lifesaving medication. Sterling Silver Our story isn’t unique, according to the While it may be too late to erase what’s Flatware National Institutes of Health, 1 in 6 Americans happened in the past, passing the INSULIN report rationing their insulin due to cost, and Act today means ensuring that future generathe consequences of this can be deadly. As a tions of Americans living with diabetes won’t diabetes educator for more than 20 years, I have to endure similar circumstances. have seen patients, both type 1 and type 2, who Insulin isn’t a luxury item. It’s as vital as have paid $500 or more per month for their oxygen.Atthisverymoment,withtheINSULIN medication and tried desperately to manage Bought • Sold • Traded Act of 2026, Congress has the opportunity to their monthly expenses. Our 48 t h Year Far too many of our fellow Louisianans finally end insulin rationing in America as we are having to choose between rising costs for know it. I urge our legislators to sponsor this bill. insulin, utility bills, gas, and so many other For not only myself, but for the millions of everyday expenses. Rationing insulin isn’t 2472 WEST CONGRESS a budget strategy—it’s a medical emergency others who have faced this difficult decision, so that we can, collectively, ensure that no waiting to strike. The status quo, where millions have to one else has to in the future. coinandtreasure.net

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Continued from page 1A agreements, keeping the public-private deal largely out of the public eye. In the weeks since the announcement, state leaders and residents have tried to make sense of the whirlwind deal with Musk, the world’s richest man, and what’s ahead for Louisiana. Some are hopeful for thousands of jobs and the potential for more coastal protection. Others, including some nearby residents, say they’re worried about how the massive facility will impact the environment and their way of life, and have criticized the tax breaks and the lack of transparency. Landry, who said he took on many of the details himself to ensure the deal went through, sees the project as transformational for the state and one that he’s comfortable letting voters judge him on. “I have no problem letting the people in the state of Louisiana decide whether what we put together was worth it,” Landry said in a phone interview Wednesday. “You don’t do these deals in the public. At some point, you have to give the people elected to lead this state the opportunity to lead.” This account of how SpaceX decided to set up a massive spaceport in Louisiana is based on public records and interviews with people involved in the deal. SpaceX did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

First calls Seven months before the events in Abbeville that August day, the ofﬁce of Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois got a phone call. It was from a SpaceX official, and the company wanted to talk. The next day, Bourgeois and a top staffer held their first meeting Bourgeois with two SpaceX lobbyists. “They didn’t share a lot,” said Bourgeois. “They told us that they were very interested in Louisiana for a potential project and that they had identiﬁed some sites.” SpaceX, it turns out, knew the site it wanted. Two weeks later, Landry would learn as much at a meeting with SpaceX lobbyist Matt Dunn in Washington. Musk’s company, a sprawling firm involved in satellite communications and aerospace that the entrepreneur hopes will achieve his goal of colonizing Mars, had its eye on 30,000 acres of coastal marsh in Vermilion Parish. The problem was that the land was owned by ExxonMobil and tied up in a yearslong lawsuit between the oil giant and the state. “The litigation was clouding the property,” Landry said. Landry, who was involved in the state’s coastal suits

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Marshland along Freshwater City Road near where SpaceX is planning to build a multibillion-dollar spaceport in Vermilion Parish is seen on Aug. 19.

Laying out terms Early on in the talks with LED officials, SpaceX laid out what it needed to come to Louisiana — law changes, tax incentives and the Exxon property. The company had given LED “a conceptual list” of regulations and tax incentives, Bourgeois said. SpaceX also wanted confidentiality. On Feb. 10, Bourgeois invoked a state law allowing her to keep records related to certain economic development negotiations secret. She issued a public notice that said LED was negotiating a deal for Project Osprey and that records wouldn’t be released. In the weeks that followed, elected officials, state agency heads, lobbyists and companies were looped in, according to the dates on a series of NDAs that were issued. Landry’s administration facilitated more than 30 NDAs, records show. Paige Carter, Bourgeois’ top staffer, took point on the deal, leading twice-weekly meetings with SpaceX on the economic development issues, with SpaceX lobbyist Ben Lancaster on the other side of the table. Among the regulars on the calls were SpaceX attorney Sheila McCorkle, rocket scientist Mark Soltys and Mark Juncosa, one of Musk’s top executives and the company’s vice president of vehicle engineering. Separately, Landry, his executive counsel Angelique Freel, Baton Rouge mediator Sid Moreland and a team of lawyers from ExxonMobil were meeting multiple times a week on the coastal suits. “This was two conversations going on, an economic development deal and the lawsuit settlement,” said Bourgeois, who credited Landry with shepherding it all. “He was the common thread.” One of the company’s requirements was legislation shielding aerospace companies from public records laws and from nuisance and damage lawsuits. It also wanted legislation that would prevent local governments from trying to limit those companies’ activity. The administration tapped two allies in the state House to carry the bills, state Reps. Jack McFarland, RJonesboro, and Tony Bacala, R-Prairieville. McFarland said the bills he was asked to file closely mirrored laws

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had also been passed. The deal was officially done. As Landry and other Louisiana officials stood onstage, a seven-minute video of Musk was played inside the Abbeville reception venue. The crowd erupted in applause. Looking back on it, Landry said negotiating the settlement was “exhausting” and closing the deal “surreal.” “And bittersweet,” he said. “You have to realize as you negotiate, it’s easy to armchair quarterback and say, ‘The governor gave this up,’” said Landry. “But when you think of what we gave up in return for $100 billion, it’s a rounding error.” Back in Pecan Island, Wayne Miller, 66, a farmer who has lived about 5 miles from the site of the planned spaceport for much of his life, eyes the project warily. “It’s probably going to be good for the parish, and maybe the state,” Miller said. “But my main priority is the people of the island. I’m not against the betterment of the state, but I am against the destruction of the island.” It’s been hard for residents to imagine the changes ahead. The boost SpaceX will bring to the economy will have its benefits, Miller and others said, but they worry about the loss of their current way of life. Corbett “Cobb” LeBoeuf, the chair of the board that approved the property tax break and an Abbeville resident, said there are lots of concerns about how the spaceport will affect the coast. “But I have more concern,” he said, “that we won’t have a coast if this doesn’t come in.”

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“We’ve all heard the rumors, but we don’t know who to believe,” she said. Meanwhile, the ﬁnal piece of the deal — the incentive package — was being hammered out, an effort led by Shreveport attorney Mike Busada, who’d crafted the state’s tax deal with Meta two years earlier. It included a property tax abatement worth $23.8 billion plus a state aerospace sales tax rebate worth an additional $3.6 billion. To qualify for the incentive, known as a PILOT, or payment in lieu of taxes, SpaceX donated its newly bought land to the Vermilion Parish Industrial Development Board, then leased it back for a nominal amount. It also agreed to make a one-time payment of $20 million to the parish plus $25 million a year for 25 years.

in Texas and Florida. Freel in the Governor’s Office had drafted them, Bourgeois said, “pulling statutes from other states to see how they were worded.” The legislation was filed hours before this year’s deadline. Coming so late in the process, the bills raised eyebrows in the Legislature. Musk on the scene They also gave the public the first hint that an aerospace Around 1 p.m. on Aug. 13, company was seriously eyeMusk’s plane landed at the Lafayette airport, where ing Louisiana. No opposition he got into a helicopter. A turned out when the legis- On the island lation came up for debate, By mid-May, people in Pe- SpaceX scientist tagged though. The package sailed can Island were beginning along, as did three of Musk’s through. to wonder what was going children and Landry. A comon. The law changes, social pany film crew shot the chopGetting the land media chatter and a grow- per as it descended into the While the legislation was ing number of media reports Vermilion Parish marsh. falling into place, the state were giving rise to specula- Musk stepped out, wearing was finalizing a settlement tion in Vermilion Parish that a black T-shirt and black with Exxon in the long-run- some sort of aerospace com- jeans. “This is perfect,” Musk ning coastal lawsuits. Though pany was coming. it wasn’t clear at the time, the Many locals were uneasy. said, taking it all in. “It’s goresolution of the coastal suits They sought answers but ing to be so exciting for Louiwould give SpaceX land that couldn’t get any since most siana.” it had long been eyeing on parish leaders also were in Twelve days later, on Aug. Louisiana’s coast. the dark. 25, shortly before the big anThe lawsuits brought by Vicky Harrington, who nouncement in downtown the state and coastal par- works at Marsha’s Corner Abbeville, the complex seishes blamed the oil giant for Store about 15 miles north of ries of conveyance records damaging wetlands and con- Pecan Island, said at the time for the land deal were filed tributing to coastal erosion. that “it’s all anybody’s talking with the Vermilion Clerk of Court. The tax incentives Baton Rouge attorney John about.” Carmouche led the case out of Vermilion Parish, as well as the statewide effort, spanning 42 separate lawsuits, to hold oil and gas companies to account for polluting the coastline. Exxon owned an 18mile stretch of coastal marsh in Ve r m i l i o n Carmouche Parish, more than 120,000 acres in all. Mostly empty and used for duck hunting, the land was far from big population cenBy Amanda McElfresh | amcelfresh@theadvocate.com ters and was on the northern This article is brought to you by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana. shore of the Gulf. Though eroding and exposed to hurTwo weeks after the death of he said. “I’ve gotten calls, texts and emails from parents their 15-year-old son Owen in April saying this event opened the door to tough conversations, ricanes, it was close to ship2023, Jordan Tabor and his wife, sometimes immediately after the event.” ping channels and had easy Lisa, had started the paperwork The foundation also works in Louisiana schools through access to natural gas. For to launch their foundation, Rain Prevention In Every Parish. The initiative began about two SpaceX, it was perfect for Will Bring Flowers. years ago with the goal of providing suicide prevention building launchpads, power The Baton Rouge couple was education in all 64 Louisiana parishes. More than 100,000 complexes, fuel depots and still navigating the earliest days people have been trained in 25 parishes. other facilities. of grief after Owen’s suicide, but “The training is geared toward faculty and parents and Landry knew that the Tabor said they already knew they is about recognizing possible warning signs, having hard Exxon settlement was key wanted their son’s life and death conversations and helping them know what resources are to have an impact. available,” Tabor said. “For students, we teach them to trust to making the SpaceX deal “We incorporated 15 days after their gut, how to pick up on warning signs and how to help work, but it wasn’t at all clear Owen’s passing,” he said. “We a struggling peer.” it would happen. Both CarNewer initiatives include an endowment for a four-year couldn’t let our family’s tragedy go mouche and Landry said that to waste. We had to find a way to scholarship for a graduating high school senior who plans to the negotiating process was Jordan and Lisa Tabor transform our pain into purpose.” study behavioral health, which was launched in May 2025 in difficult. Chevron took anoth- founded Rain Will Bring Three years later, that purpose honor of what would have been Owen’s graduation, as well as Flowers following the er of the coastal lawsuits all suicide is resulting in large-scale events, working with schools to modernize mental health technology. of their 15-yearthe way to trial — and it was old son Owen. school-based training and financial possible that Exxon would do support for youth who plan to study behavioral health. For his work with the foundation, the same. “You had to bring people Tabor has received The Angel Award from the Louisiana who had decades of hatred Blue Foundation. “When I found out about The for each other to the table,” Angel Award, I was in disbelief. Landry said during WednesThen, I got really emotional because day’s interview. “We were I know what it will mean for the trying to get them in the foundation. That turned into being mind frame that this is good completely humbled,” Tabor said. A key priority of Rain Will Bring Flowers is creating safe for everyone.” “With everything we do, I feel like spaces for open conversations about mental wellness and Owen and God are guiding our One element that helped the importance of reaching out for help.

as attorney general, said SpaceX’s interest in the Exxon property seemed like a golden opportunity — a chance to settle the coastal suits and snag a major economic development project at the same time.

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forge the deal was SpaceX’s willingness to expand the amount of land it wanted from 30,000 acres to 120,000 acres — virtually all of Exxon’s property. In late May, after the two sides had reached an agreement in principle, Landry announced the deal on X. It would be two more months before all the paperwork was ﬁnalized. Exxon donated the land to the state, which then sold it to SpaceX for $100 million, or about $800 an acre. Landry said that Exxon had also provided the state with “a couple hundred million” for additional coastal restoration efforts. The exact amount is not publicly known. Bourgeois argued that the price SpaceX paid was more than fair. “The land is eroding,” she said. “We literally sold them swampland.” Exxon did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

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hands. The exponential growth and partnerships we have established has been amazing.” Social media, sports and expectations add to youth Jordan Tabor is a pressures recipient of the 2026 Tabor said the scale of the issue Angel Award from the became clear during Owen’s funeral Louisiana Blue services as friends, relatives and Foundation. community members shared their experiences with suicide and mental health challenges. Soon after, he learned how extensively suicide affects youth. It is the third leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 24 in the state, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. “Before Owen’s passing, mental health was background noise to me,” Tabor said. “It was startling to find out that it is such a silent epidemic.” Tabor said he believes kids today face heightened expectations from themselves, their parents, teachers and coaches. Many feel pressure to keep up with others based on what they see on social media, although as Tabor noted, most people avoid posting about negative aspects of their lives. That pressure can be amplified for youth who, like Owen, are student-athletes. “There’s a lot of pressure to excel in sports. There’s still a ‘no pain, no gain’ mentality in a lot of places. I think that leads to student-athletes masking their challenges,” Tabor said. “Part of our goal is to let them know that they need to take care of their brain as much as their physical health. They need to take time for self-care.” Turning awareness into action across Louisiana Rain Will Bring Flowers’ signature program is Planting Seeds of Hope, an annual event presented with LSU Athletics, FMOL Health, the Joe Burrow Foundation and the LSU National L Club. More than 3,100 young people and their families attended the February 2026 event at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The next event will be Feb. 24, 2027. Planting Seeds of Hope places prominent athletes alongside mental health professionals for candid conversations about emotional well-being. “We want to normalize conversations around mental health and suicide prevention, and decrease the stigma,”

Listening, speaking up and keeping Owen’s legacy alive Rain Will Bring Flowers has accomplished so much in three years, but Tabor is most proud that he keeps Owen’s legacy alive. “Every day, I get to talk about my son,” he said. “The foundation is a way that I personally manage my grief. If I didn’t have the foundation, I really don’t know where I would be today in my recovery.” Tabor’s experience shapes how he talks to other parents about supporting their children. “I think as parents, our first reaction when we see our child struggling is to try to fix the problem,” he said. “A lot of times, all it takes is active listening. You might have to ask some tough questions. But, it’s what you need to do to help them. It takes open and honest communication.” He also points families to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, noting that people do not have to be experiencing an emergency to contact the service. Parents concerned about a child can call for guidance and help finding local resources. Meanwhile, Rain Will Bring Flowers is not slowing down. They are planning more fundraisers and outreach, now supported with a $30,000 Louisiana Blue Foundation grant. “The most important part about The Angel Award is that I feel like it goes to the entire organization,” Tabor said. “This will help with our momentum and visibility.” For more information, visit rainwillbring f lowers. org or visit www.facebook.com/rainwillbringf lowers, @ rain_will_bring_flowers on Instagram and @rain.will.bring. flowers on TikTok.

Last year, Rain Will Bring Flowers launched a scholarship for students who plan to study behavioral health.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 7A

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8A ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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EDUCATION A S K T H E E X P E RT S

Schools, families can make exercise fun for kids Expert says movement is crucial for development

Q&A WITH dANA LAWSON

LOUISIANA HEALTHCARE CONNECTIONS

BY ELYSE CARMOSINO Staff writer

Giving children regular opportunities to move, play and discover activities they enjoy can help them build healthy habits that last into adulthood, health experts say. That movement is important both during and outside school hours, said Dana Lawson, a licensed clinical nurse specialist and senior vice president of population health and clinical operations at Louisiana Healthcare Connections, a healthcare insurance agency. Regular physical activity can help children manage stress and sleep better, she said, while free play lets them find new ways they enjoy being active outside of gym class. Louisiana law requires public schools serving grades K-5 to provide at least 15 minutes of daily recess, while schools serving grades K-8 must provide 30 minutes of daily physical activity. Revised physical education standards approved by the state education board last month will put greater emphasis on movement and introduce age-appropriate fitness assessments beginning in kindergarten when they take effect in the 2027-28 school year. The changes come as the Trump administration puts renewed emphasis on children’s physical fitness. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in June that the Presidential Fitness Test, which mandates that schools regularly assess students’ physical abilities, would return alongside a new initiative encouraging kids to be more active. Lawson, who emphasized that

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Kids run onto the new playground at the Sidney d. Torres Memorial Park in Chalmette. parents should also look for ways to keep kids active at home, spoke with The Times-Picayune | The Advocate about why it’s important for districts to incorporate exercise into the school day and how families can make physical activity more fun. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. How much exercise do experts recommend children of all ages get each day? The CDC recommends children ages 6 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. The activity doesn’t have to be organized. Kids can dance in the living room, ride their bikes outside, go to the park, swim. Anything they ﬁnd fun. The key is to get them moving. You want to help them start developing those healthy habits of moving more, sitting less and ﬁnding something that they enjoy that will carry them into older childhood and into their adult years. What are the health benefits of giving children time to exercise during the school

PROVIdEd PHOTO

dana Lawson, a licensed clinical nurse specialist and senior vice president of population health and clinical operations at Louisiana Healthcare Connections. day? Like adults, kids also carry around stress, and having time for them to get out and play helps

relieve that stress and helps them process their emotions while also being active. It helps lower their blood pressure and improves their digestion. It also helps with sleep. Sleep is so critical for children, and so when they get used to their bodies moving, it really helps them sleep better. Should schools and parents encourage children to exercise every day? It’s different for every child. What we don’t want to do is fit all kids in a box, because some children have physical limitations and may not be able to participate in structured activities like other kids do. Find an activity that works for your child and for your family. You want them to buy into the future of having a healthy lifestyle, however that looks for them. Do kids in Louisiana get enough exercise? I think there’s room for (improvement). When families don’t know how to approach exercise, it can feel like a chore, and I think parents nowadays are fighting the battle of the screens. We all love our electronic devices, and it can feel like the easier way to keep kids occupied, but screens also keep them sitting inside instead of outside exploring nature. We have so many beautiful state parks and recreation centers. Families can go outside and bond and experience the culture of Louisiana, and it’s really critical for everyone’s physical and mental health. It also really helps with family bonding, which helps kids thrive as they get older. Even if it’s just going outside to walk the dog, find something

fun that kids can look forward to. Sometimes you’ll find that when kids get excited about something, it catches fire in the household, and they can motivate everybody to get out and be more active. Does recess offer different benefits to children than physical education? Absolutely. When I was growing up, we had the standard running, pushups, pullups in P.E. However, not every child has the same physical makeup. Free play allows kids to express themselves and gives them a period of self-discovery, which helps them learn what they enjoy. Maybe a child doesn’t like running, but maybe they like walking around, looking at the trees and bird watching. It’s about finding something that kids enjoy and will look forward to, which helps them create those healthier habits over time. How can schools incorporate more physical activity into the day? Making kids sit in their chairs is always a monumental challenge, so having stretch breaks throughout the day helps. Teachers can say, “let’s move around, do a silly dance,” something like that. Anything to get kids up and moving, because children can start to tune out after being in a chair for hours. They may become irritable, and it’s not good for them physically. By breaking up the monotony of the school day and incorporating opportunities for kids to have some physical expression, teachers might be surprised at what it does to alleviate the stress of the school day. Email Elyse Carmosino at ecarmosino@theadvocate.com.

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CHANGE

ly going to be something that needs to come up once the election cycle is over with.” Two years ago, Landry defended the costs of his tough-on-crime measures in his remarks to kick off the special session. “While many say focus on the cost, I say focus on the cost to society, I say focus on the cost to our citizens in loss of property, in the disruption of their lives and in the irreparable tragedy of losing a loved one,” he said. But with two years of data, Boudreaux now wonders whether there was any beneﬁt in making 17-year-olds adults. “If we take a look back and see that, after two years, the cost is off the chain, what have we done for the rehabilitation process?” he said. “If we’re shipping them off somewhere and it’s costing more, are we beneﬁting?”

Continued from page 1A paying to send these inmates to Jackson Parish, since the local jail isn’t equipped to keep 17-year-olds separate. It cost the parish $250 per day, per inmate. Now, it’s up to $325 per inmate, said parish President Jessie Bellard. “There’s nothing we can do about it,” he said. All told, Bellard said the added costs of the new law total about $500,000 a year — in a parish where the annual general fund budget is only about $10 million. The 2024 law was meant to crack down on juvenile crime rates and reduce the costs to state government. But while the change may have lowered costs for the state’s Office of Juvenile Justice, it placed a ﬁnancial burden on parishes, as nearly none of the parish jails in Louisiana were built to house 17-year-olds and keep them separate from adults. And the small parish north of Lafayette is far from the only local government dealing with the issue.

STAFF FILE PHOTOS By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Louisiana passed a law treating 17-year-olds as adults in courtrooms and prisons. Local governments say it’s costing taxpayers big.

From farms to tailgates: Louisiana agriculture fuels gameday traditions

A youth crime crackdown Passed during the Legislature’s second special session in 2024, Senate Bill 3, by Sen. Heather Cloud, RTurkey Creek, was part of a tough-on-crime legislative package supported by Gov. Jeff Landry. The new law effectively made it so 17-year-olds would be prosecuted as adults, no matter the crime, and removed them from juvenile housing. In his remarks to kick off the special session, Landry said much of the violent crime in Louisiana was being committed by juveniles, and it was time to treat them tougher. “These juveniles are not innocent children any longer; they are hardened criminals,” Landry said. “They violently attack our citizens, our law enforcement officers and even our juvenile correction officers without hesitation.” In a committee hearing on the bill, Cloud said the bill would save money at the state level, since fewer youths would go to Office of Juvenile Justice custody. But as lawmakers debated, some warned that the change could have a negative effect at the local level. “While there’s a savings on one end, who’s going to pick it up on the other end?” Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, D-Lafayette, asked during a Senate Finance Committee hearing. Analysts told Boudreaux and others that locals could face new costs to retrofit their facilities, as 17-yearolds must be kept separate from adults under federal regulations. Cloud did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The Governor’s Office also did not respond to a request for comment. In 2024, Cloud said local costs were “indeterminate” and told her colleagues the bill had the support of the state’s sheriff and district attorney associations. “They know what they’re getting into,” she said. But in April 2024, when the bill became law, it spurred a small crisis in Baton Rouge and led to conflict between the mayor-president and sheriff. Officials knew the change was coming, but did not have the time or money to retrofit East Baton Rouge Parish’s decaying jail. Like most other parishes, Baton Rouge had no other

Email Patrick SloanTurner at patrick.sloanturner@theadvocate.com.

State Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, speaks with Gov. Jeff Landry. option other than to send its 17-year-olds to Jackson Parish. It now also sends some of these pretrial inmates to Catahoula Parish. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Ofﬁce pays $100 a day to reserve a bed for a 17-year-old inmate, and $175 a day for each teen housed there. The total daily price per inmate will soon increase from $275 to $295, the Sheriff’s Ofﬁce said. In July, 19 East Baton Rouge 17-year-olds were housed out of the parish. Financial records show that East Baton Rouge is now paying around $1.17 million more each year to house inmates out of parish than they did before the state made 17-year-olds adults.

still being held in the former women’s cell block, which he decided was the best option, given the cost of transport and housing. Smith also did not like the burden housing them in Jackson Parish put on inmates’ families — inmates who haven’t been convicted of the crime of which they’ve been accused. “It deprives the 17-year-old who, again, is presumed innocent, from visiting with his family, right?” Smith said. “It’s just not worth it to me.” The Jackson Parish Correctional Center in Jonesboro is run in part by LaSalle Corrections, a private prison company that has faced scrutiny over inmate deaths in custody and its contracts to house ICE detainees. The Jackson Parish Sher‘That’s extortion’ iff’s Office did not immediWashington Parish Sheriff ately respond to request for Jason Smith was elected in comment. 2023 and took office just a couple months after the law ‘Are we benefiting?’ changed. Last year, the state broke The office was sending ground on a new facility in 17-year-olds to Jackson Par- Concordia Parish that will ish. As a smaller parish, it only house 17-year-olds. Aconly had one such detainee. cording to the application Smith said he was shocked for the project, the new faat the price tag: $300 each cility will have 80 beds and day for that single inmate. will only house state inmates “That’s extortion,” Smith from East Baton Rouge, Lasaid. fayette, LaSalle, LivingsThat same day, Smith said ton, Madison, Tensas, West he sent his transport staffer Carroll, West Feliciana and back up to Jackson Parish Winn parishes. to pick the inmate up. He Boudreaux voted against cleared out his cell block for the bill when it came before women, moved them to Bo- the Senate two years ago. He said he is against galusa City Jail and moved the single 17-year-old into charging 17-year-olds as adults for more crimes, but that space. Washington Parish is one of he said the costs were a conthe most overcrowded local cern too. jails in the state, the sheriff Like most other parishes, said, and moving inmates Boudreaux says the costs around isn’t easy. are piling up in Lafayette “I’ve got to have them seg- too. And while he says electregated by sight and sound,” ed officials are going to have Smith said. “That means I to figure out how to remedy have to keep one inmate in these added costs, he’s not this space that I would nor- optimistic it will happen the next time the legislature is mally have 10-12.” During a visit to Jackson in session. “Next year is a political Parish, Smith said he saw some inmates being held in year, so let’s be real; it’s not repurposed shipping con- going to come up,” Boutainers. dreaux said, a reference to The one to five 17-year-olds reelection campaigns next his parish has at a time are November. “But it’s definite-

First-generation farmers Matt and Macy Rushing lead a growing cattle operation in Kentwood, with help from their three young children.

Rice harvested in Acadia Parish by farmers like Gerard Frey and Garrett Cormier becomes a key ingredient in tailgate favorites like gumbo, jambalaya and etouffee.

By Amanda McElfresh | amcelfresh@theadvocate.com This article is brought to you by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. Long before football fans fire up the grill, stir a pot of jambalaya or gather around sweet treats on gameday, Louisiana farmers are working hard to make those traditions possible. Rice, beef, crawfish, poultry and sugar are staples of Louisiana cooking, including countless dishes served before kickoff each week. The delicacies that are as much a part of football season as the games themselves wouldn’t be possible without Louisiana farms, from rice fields in Acadia Parish to cattle pastures near Kentwood and countless stops in between. “It’s something that’s bigger than money,” said Gerard Frey, a rice farmer at GX2 Farms in Acadia Parish who has been in the business nearly five decades. “It’s the smell of the soil in the spring. It’s the smell of the straw in the harvest season. It’s just the way of life.” The farm’s harvest is cultivated by Frey and his business partner, Garrett Cormier, and becomes the centerpiece of tailgate favorites like jambalaya, gumbo and etouffee. And, while Frey contemplates retirement, he trusts that the rice fields that have been his livelihood will be in good hands with Cormier. “There’s just nothing else I’ve ever wanted to do,” Cormier said. “I’ve always wanted to be around it. Just everything about the farm lifestyle is what I’ve always wanted to do.” Hamburgers, steaks and other grilled favorites have their own Louisiana agricultural stories. Near Kentwood, Matt and Macy Rushing are building a cattle operation as first-generation farmers. The couple recently added property with existing barns and cattle pens, allowing them to increase their capacity. Matt still works away from the farm, but raising cattle has become both a business and a source of personal satisfaction for the couple. “It’s fun to wake up and to see what challenges we’re going to face that day, but also when we do take a calf and we move them up and we watch them and then the next day we check on it to see that progress,” Macy said. “It just gives us that reassurance that we’re doing something right.” Although crawfish season runs from late winter to late spring, frozen crawfish tails can be found in grocery stores year-round to use at football tailgates. The seafood often makes its way into etouffees and po-boys in the fall, and when the crawfish is harvested in Louisiana, it’s the same food that farmers eat at home. “We take a lot of pride. We eat it. I feed my family the same thing,” said Dylan Benoit, a Louisiana crawfish farmer. “It is a blessing.” Benoit’s methods are rooted in knowledge passed down by generations of farmers, from the best equipment to the techniques that work well in the fields. “They figured it out, perfected it,” Benoit said. “I’m fortunate enough and honest enough to say that I appreciate to benefit from it.” While Louisiana agriculture is based on tradition, producing the ingredients in tailgate meals increasingly requires modern technology. In Ouachita Parish, retired poultry farmer Butch Oaks would raise more than 120,000 chickens every six weeks across six poultry houses. It’s a

Dylan Benoit is one of more than 1,000 crawﬁsh farmers who drive the $807M industry.

scale of production that would have been impossible when he first got into farming. “We have computers running the environment in our poultry houses,” Oaks said. “We have automatic feeders. We have automatic waterers.” The technology would even let the farm alert Oaks when something needed his attention – essentially, a call from a chicken house. It’s a far cry from the farms Oaks knew as a child, but the goal is the same: care for the animals and keep the operation moving. Technology also plays a growing role on Frankie and Mallory Sotile’s sugarcane farm. The crop has been a part of Frankie’s family for more than a century. Today, he uses precision agriculture and updated practices to increase efficiency as development makes farmland harder to find. The result is Louisiana sugarcane that can be found in everything from coffee and beignets to cookies and pies. “I’ve tried to modernize everything we’ve done out here,” Frankie said. “No matter what situation you’re in or challenge you face, being out here on the farm and knowing how to adapt – that’s invaluable.” Louisiana tailgating parties are known for hospitality, friendly rivalries and plenty of food to go around. As we root for our favorite teams, let’s remember that our favorite dishes begin on farms across the state, where families navigate weather, rising costs, technology changes and economic uncertainty – all to help turn our gatherings into special occasions with familiar flavors at the center. With more than 107,000 members, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s mission is to support today’s agricultural needs and create member opportunities through advocacy and education. Volunteer leaders serve at the parish, state and national levels, gathering input from Louisiana farmers and ranchers and attempting to influence legislation and regulation to support their work. Visit lafarmbureau.org/tailgate to learn more.

10A ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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LOUISIANA POLITICS

Republicans push for a diesel export ban, despite pushback WASHINGTON — Support for banning diesel fuel exports — an idea Gov. Jeff Landry jumped on — swelled as vulnerable Republicans weighed the plan against a backdrop of a rising blue tide, which handicappers almost universally predicted last week would lead to Democrats replacing Republican majorities in Mark Congress. Ballard Republicans had been mulling the idea for a few days before Landry wrote his opinion on X. But it was the tweet by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley that really fueled the debate on Capitol Hill. The longtime Republican fretted because his ruby-red state of Iowa suddenly was in play, with diesel costing an average of $6.52 per gallon, up from $3.69 a year ago, according to the AAA. In addition to farm equipment, diesel is the main fuel for the trucks that take groceries to market. Republican senators have fallen into two opposing camps over what to do — a situation that has pitted two of President Donald Trump’s staunchest allies against each other: the agriculture and energy sectors. The main industry in Iowa is agriculture. Louisiana’s top two industries are farming and energy. Though they represent roughly 25,000 farms, the state’s two senators, Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, and John Kennedy, RMadisonville, also count stillmen, pumpers, and other operators in the state’s 19 petroleum reﬁning facilities among their constituencies. Both oppose a ban. Kennedy told reporters: “Everything I’ve read tells me it won’t do any good.”

Mitch Landrieu talks presidential run

Over dinner at Mosca’s, former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said he’ll decide early in the new year if he’s going to run for president in 2028. “I’m really thinking hard about it,” Landrieu told Politico columnist Jonathan Martin in a wideranging, hourlong conversation published Wednesday. “I’m not trying to be coy one way or the other, but it’s a very serious decision.” Landrieu, 66, was Louisiana lieutenant governor until being elected mayor, a job his Capitol father once held, in Buzz 2010. He also was STAFF a top aide to PresiREPORTS dent Joe Biden, in charge of distributing more than a trillion dollars to repair, upgrade and expand the nation’s highways, ports and infrastructure. Landrieu said he has no campaign organization and he raised no money. But the former mayor is traveling around the country as part of a voter reachout by American Bridge 21st Century, a Washington-based group that supports Democratic candidates. As a practical measure, he said

ASSOCIATEd PRESS PHOTO By LyNNE SLAdKy

Gas and diesel prices are displayed at a Shell station on Tuesday in doral, Fla. Landry straddled the state’s two largest industries, demanding an export pause for the farmers and relaxed regulations for the reﬁners. Trump has sent conﬂicting signals. Cabinet secretaries Scott Bessent, of the Treasury Department, and Brooke Rollins, of Agriculture, suggested the administration would soon stop selling diesel to other countries for 90 days to build up supplies that would lower the cost. But the Trump administration quickly backed off those hints, sending Energy Secretary Chris Wright to repeat variations on “We will not cease exports of U.S. diesel, but there may be some

tweak” at multiple events last week. If he wants to impose a ban, Trump can do so by calling a national emergency and using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or the Defense Production Act. With ﬁve weeks out from the Nov. 3 congressional midterms, the cost of fuel has become a huge sticking point for Republicans wanting to maintain their control of all governmental levers. “The costs of groceries, gas, and healthcare rank as top pain points for the rural voters, who were surveyed over two weeks starting in mid-August,” according to an Associated Press/KFF survey of 2,000 farmers.

Rural voters are the backbone of Trump’s base. In Louisiana, for instance, the cities of Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport backed Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential elections, but 16 rural parishes gave Trump threequarters of their votes. That seems to have translated into election outcomes that don’t favor Republicans retaining majorities in the House and, perhaps, the Senate. “The most likely outcome in the House is that Democrats pick up ﬁve to 15 seats, resulting in Democrats holding 220 to 230 seats in 2027,” (the majority is reached at 218 seats, which is the total number of Republicans in the House today), The Cook Po-

supporters or big Democratic backers. They’re articulating how frustrated they have become working multiple jobs and still being unable to provide for their families, he said. “If you don’t think your kid’s got a shot, then all of a sudden you’re kinda like, well, what’s going on? It’s radicalizing,” Landrieu said. “‘I can’t pay for my kid’s stuff. We’re giving tax breaks to the wealthy when we’re closing rural hospitals.’ It doesn’t make any sense.” Landrieu didn’t eat much of the Oysters Mosca, Chicken a la Grande and a couple of meatballs that were served during the rePROVIdEd PHOTO corded interview. He was talking and answering Mitch Landrieu said mayors make good national executives because they questions. focus more on practical government administrative solutions than on About half of Martin’s interview partisan positioning politics. with Landrieu was taken up with talk about Mosca’s. potential candidates need to make wants to lead, not just position The legendary restaurant is oftheir decisions after the Novemhimself for a cabinet job. ten cited as the best restaurant in Landrieu said mayors make the New Orleans area. ber congressional midterms and The 80-year-old Italian Creole certainly no later than the first of good national executives because they focus more on practical restaurant off U.S. 90 in Waggathe year. government administrative soluBut running for president and man was founded in a building being a good executive are two tions than on partisan positioning owned by the late Mafia chieftain different skill sets: winning the Carlos Marcello by a chef widely politics. election and running the govern“There’s no Republican or Dem- —— but erroneously — believed ment, Landrieu said. ocratic way to fill the pothole. You to be Al Capone’s personal cook, “One of the reasons I would not just gotta fill the big pothole, pick according to the family of founddo it is if I didn’t think I could up the damn trash, fix the player Provino Mosca, who still run really win; I’m not going to go the restaurant. ground,” Landrieu said. out there just to tell my story,” A native of the Virginia suburbs What voters have been telling Landrieu said. He added that he him is not that they’re big MAGA of Washington, Martin married

Less Retirement. More Community.

litical Report said in an analysis Friday. “In the Senate, the current range of possible outcomes we see is Democrats netting between one and five seats; they must net four to win back control of the chamber.” Lost GOP seats are not a concern for Louisiana — though Republicans in Texas are definitely worried and the party is spending fortunes to shore up candidates in usually safe red bastions of Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The nation’s 130 refineries make the U.S. the single largest global source, according to the American Petroleum Institute, producing about 1.6 billion of the 8 billion barrels traded daily on the world’s market. About 70% of the nation’s diesel stays at home to service the domestic market. Professor Greg Upton, of LSU’s Energy Institute, explains that, very generally, a barrel of crude oil goes into the same piece of equipment that uses heat to separate the various petroleum products and produce kerosene, gasoline, jet fuel, diesel and other products including asphalt for roads. Just how effective the export ban would be depends on how the refiners recalculate their equipment. Shifting product yields could put downward price pressure on gasoline. “On the other hand, if refiners cannot find sufficient domestic demand or storage for diesel that would otherwise have been exported, they could respond by reducing overall refinery runs,” Upton said. That scenario could raise prices. Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate.com.

Betsy Fischer Martin, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and Louisiana native, and says he’s adopted the city of New Orleans.

OMV software upgrade completed, Landry says Getting a driver’s license in Louisiana should now take less time after the completion of the first phase of tech upgrades at the Office of Motor Vehicles, Gov. Jeff Landry said Tuesday. The OMV launched a new platform for driver’s licenses, ID cards and other services that replaced 50-year-old technology, according to a news release from the governor’s office. The new software vendor, CHAMP, “is going to cut hours off of getting your driver’s license,” Landry said in a video announcing the new system. OMV sites were closed Monday and Tuesday last week while the agency implemented the new system. “For over 50 years, our Louisianan citizens have had to stand in long lines (and) wait for unnecessary delays just to get a driver’s license,” Landry said. “We came into office with a promise to fix it, and we did.” Landry said OMV will be working over the next year to upgrade Louisiana’s vehicle registration system, too.

The Vincent is more than just a place to live, it’s a neighborhood dedicated to providing exceptional senior living experiences. Our enchanting community invites you to explore life’s exciting opportunities and deﬁes your expectations of what senior living should be. We are dedicated to providing outstanding senior living experiences for those seeking the best in life. At The Vincent, you enjoy an exciting, adventurous, social, and enriching lifestyle. Come by for a tour and sample the warmth and support of our community for yourself!

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The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 11A

Pope Leo draws 800,000 to central Paris lll

Champs-Élysées site of a massive outdoor Mass

BY NICOLE WINFIELD, SAMUEL PETREQUIN, SYLVIE CORBET and JOHN LEICESTER Associated Press

PARIS — Hundreds of thousands of people packed Paris’ iconic Champs-Élysées avenue to attend an open-air Mass with Pope Leo XIV on Saturday, a sign of the Catholic Church’s enduring appeal in the once staunchly Catholic but officially secular country. The Vatican estimated that 800,000 people attended — about 200,000 more than the number who had registered in advance. The turnout testified to the church’s lasting influence in France despite declining attendance and secularizing trends that have emptied churches across Europe. The American pope greeted the flag-waving, cheering throngs from his popemobile during a 1.2-mile parade along the grand boulevard leading to the Place de la Concorde for Mass, essentially the heart of Paris and a symbol of the French republic. In his homily, Leo asked the crowds not to keep their faith to themselves, but to instead “let it overflow, so that those you meet may be refreshed and their thirst satisfied.” “From this beautiful city of Paris, I pray fervently that the living water of

baptisms in France; in 2024, a total of 186,000.

The pope is a crowd-puller The rivers of people who crammed central Paris and their joyful enthusiasm rivaled other communal but nonreligious moments of celebration that marked France in recent decades. Huge crowds celebrated on the Champs-Elysées when France won the soccer World Cup in 1998 and again in 2018. Many on Saturday didn’t ASSOCIATEd PRESS PHOTO By EMMA dA SILVA identify as Catholics, but Pope Leo XIV waves to the crowd Saturday on the Champscame to hear the pope’s mesÉlysées avenue before a Mass at the Place de la Concorde sage. in Paris. “People are seeing a lot of really terrible images. the Holy Spirit may flow with his arrival and prayer This kind of event reminds throughout France,” he said. at the restored Notre Dame, people of what is really imAlthough a security blan- the first by a pope since the portant in life,” said Thierry ket shut down central Paris cathedral’s devastating 2019 Chen, a 40-year-old Parisian to road traffic, the partylike fire. It continued Saturday startup entrepreneur who is atmosphere drew people of night when Leo arrived in not Catholic. “You see a lot multiple faiths and no faith Lourdes in southern France, of different people here, so at all. The fervor spanned one of the Catholic Church’s it’s not just about one race, religion or nation, but about generations. People brought most-visited shrines. At the Catholic Institute of dozens of babies and young children from the crowd for Paris on Saturday morning, Leo to caress on the head as the pope said he was surhe rode slowly past aboard prised by the number of new the popemobile. converts in recent years. “The message of Pope Leo “We must recognize, welgoes well beyond Catholic come and protect the small people; he speaks about so- flame that the Holy Spirit cial justice, for example,” has kindled in the darkness said Leontine Joseph, 42, a of the night, the tiny seed fervent Catholic who came that strives to grow even with two friends of Moroc- amid the thorns,” he said. Adult baptisms in France can origin who grew up in each year have tripled since Muslim culture. 2016, hitting 13,000 this year. An appeal to persevere But statistics and experts Leo has sought to encour- caution that the uptick, age French Catholics to per- which has also been recordsevere in their faith “even ed in secular Spain, doesn’t amid the thorns” of a secu- counteract the overall downlar world during his four- ward trend. day visit. It began on Friday In 1980, there were 513,000

a common belief in humankind.” Sylvane Le Goff, 68, who lives in the Paris region, came with her 10- and 12-year-old grandchildren to “give them unforgettable memories.” Le Goff, who was raised Catholic but is not practicing, said she wanted to open her grandchildren’s minds. “It’s not only about seeing the pope but it also is about his message of peace and unity, values I’d like to share with them,” she said. Leo has clearly been impressed by the numbers and enthusiasm, especially at a Friday night vigil that kept the 71-year-old pope out until nearly 11 p.m. after a packed ﬁrst day. Some 80,000 young people filled the national stadium for an extravaganza of ﬁreworks and a theatrical retelling of French Catholic history.

“Thank you for your courage! Thank you for your presence,” Leo said to raucous cheers, speaking off the cuff in French. “Thank you for your faith. You are the saints of France!”

New chapter for square The imposing stage erected for the Mass, capped with a golden cross, and rows upon rows of choir singers, clergy and others who prayed under the pope’s gaze on Place de la Concorde marked a new chapter for the history-steeped square. It was an execution site during the French Revolution. Louis XVI and MarieAntoinette were guillotined there. For many in France, it embodies the Republic and traditionally stages Bastille Day celebrations. Organizers of the Mass said it was the only area in central Paris that could accommodate such crowds.

The Vincent Senior Living creates a healthy aging lifestyle through movement, nutrition and connection

China, U.S. agree to establish AI safety channel, continue trade, military talks BY HUIZHONG WU Associated Press

BANGKOK — China and the United States agreed to establish a channel for handling AI-related incidents and accelerate work on military crisis communications following a three-day summit between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump in Washington, the two governments said Saturday. They also agreed to continue cooperating through a Board of Trade focused on selected bilateral issues. The White House said the board began operating this week. The summit produced no major breakthroughs, but analysts said the steps toward greater cooperation were important because they established working groups that could help prevent disputes from escalating. Xi returned to Beijing on Saturday, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency. During the visit, Trump displayed unusual warmth toward Xi, despite having escalated a trade war with China the previous year that had global repercussions. The two sides agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding on strengthening crisis communications and preventing crises between the two militaries, China’s Foreign Ministry said Saturday in its readout. The one-page statement from the Chinese side was light on details. Both sides will set up a communication mechanism for artificial intelligence-related incidents, to discuss related risks and benefits, with an AI-specific dialogue scheduled for November. Trump indicated on Saturday that there would be limits on what the U.S. would share with China and said that Washington would not slow its AI efforts. The “United States of America is not going

to be putting on brakes,” Trump told reporters outside the White House. “They want to stop our progress because we’re leading China by a lot and we’re going to keep it that way.” He added: “I would rather not integrate because we’re leading by a lot. When you’re leading, you don’t open it up to each other. We’re leading by at least a year, maybe a year and a half. Some people say two years. I’m not looking to open it up.” The statement from China said both sides will continue to work together on the pledge to reduce reciprocal tariffs on roughly $30 billion worth of goods. During the summit, the two leaders agreed to extend a trade truce by two months. The White House statement said China agreed to import at least 10 million metric tons of coal from the U.S. in 2027 and 2028. Most of the reduction in tariffs is aimed at non-sensitive goods, such as agricultural products or holiday decorations. The statement from the White House also said the two sides continued to work on American concerns about rare earths supply, “with the goal of ensuring shipment levels return to appropriate levels.” China put export controls on rare earths last year in response to the U.S. tariffs, cutting the supply sent to the U.S. and other countries. Both governments said Iran should honor its stated commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. They also said no country should charge tolls on international waterways, an apparent reference to the Strait of Hormuz, where trafﬁc has fallen signiﬁcantly since the U.S. war with Iran began. Although the summit did not resolve the countries’ fundamental differences, analysts said the incremental progress was noteworthy.

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By Amanda McElfresh | amcelfresh@theadvocate.com This article is brought to you by The Vincent Senior Living.

September’s Healthy Aging Month offers a reminder that growing older can be about much more than managing medical needs. Staying physically active, mentally engaged and socially connected can all contribute to a fulfilling life at any age. At The Vincent Senior Living, those concepts are incorporated into daily routines through exercise, education, resident and family gatherings, balanced meals and helping residents maintain their independence. “We are committed to maintaining high standards of care, service and safety. We take pride in providing personalized attention, responding promptly to resident needs and offering them a supportive, nurturing environment,” said Executive Director Cody Begnaud. “Whether through daily conversations, shared activities or simple acts of kindness, our team makes sure every resident feels seen, heard and valued.” Movement is woven into daily life at The Vincent. Independent Living residents have access to a gym and two swimming pools, where they can participate in organized activities or exercise independently. Residents can also take advantage of a nearly one mile long walking trail surrounding the community’s pond. In Assisted Living, a physical therapy suite doubles as a gym, and a trained physical therapist is available five days a week to help residents build their strength through walking, balance work and age-appropriate fitness classes. The emphasis on physical activity extends beyond formal exercise. Residents at The Vincent are encouraged to walk to the dining room or community spaces when possible. The goal is to provide assistance when needed while helping residents preserve their abilities. “We provide care to residents, but we also encourage them to do things that they can still do on their own,” said Community Relations Director Lorenzo Viator. “We are always here to assist, but we don’t want to do residents a disservice.” Healthy aging also involves remaining curious and engaged. The Vincent offers activities ranging from bingo and puzzles to book clubs, guest speakers, musical performances and trips to local businesses. On-site libraries are available, while theaters provide a setting for residents to watch and discuss educational videos together. Activities are adjusted according to residents’ abilities. For example, in the Memory Care community, programs tend to be shorter and more hands-on. This approach helps residents stay mentally engaged without becoming overwhelming. “We meet people where they are and tailor activities appropriately as needed,” said Assistant Executive Director, Candyce Brasseux. “For example, we do a lot of arts and crafts in Memory Care. In Independent Living, it’s a little more geared toward social activities, stimulation and engagement.”

Nutrition also becomes particularly important with age. Older adults may require fewer calories but need substantial amounts of protein, calcium, fiber and vitamins. At The Vincent, a registered dietitian reviews menus each week. The offerings include a mixture of classic dishes, Louisiana favorites and meals that showcase fresh seasonal ingredients. Residents can choose from daily specials or an a la carte menu, giving them the independence to select what they’re in the mood for that day. “When seniors receive balanced meals with the proper nutrients, they are more likely to stay active, maintain mobility and remain independent longer,” said Dietary Director Maria Owens. “Our goal is to serve nutritious meals that the residents truly look forward to enjoying together.” Together, these elements reflect The Vincent’s comprehensive approach to healthy aging – giving residents opportunities to remain active, make their own choices and find purpose and connection in everyday life. The goal is much more than providing healthcare. It’s about creating an environment where older adults can continue to enjoy the routines, relationships and experiences that make life meaningful. The Vincent Senior Living has Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care options for senior citizens. Available services include physical therapy, housekeeping, laundry, flexible meal plans, access to a full-service beauty salon, game area, library and theater, plus a wide array of social activities. The community is located at 2201 Verot School Road in Lafayette. Visit vincentseniorliving.com to learn more or schedule a tour.

12A ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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THE GULF COAST Bay St. Louis vacation Raccoon boot camp teaches rental is a ‘suite’ Dolly abandoned babies survival skills Parton-themed getaway A raccoon kit digs through water and mud at Woodside Wildlife Rescue in Pass Christian, Miss.

BY SOPHIE BATES Associated Press

BY POET WOLFE Staff writer

Nestled along Main Street in Bay St. Louis is a soft pink house where floral-patterned walls, a goldrimmed vanity mirror and a smiling portrait of Dolly Parton above the bed welcome all, except Jolene. Inside a Creole cottage built in 1880, the aptly named Dolly Suite was designed by Lauren Haydel, owner of the New Orleans-based boutique Fleurty Girl, who bought the house in 2020. It was originally a vacation home for the Haydel family until the rooms emptied as their children left for college. Long a retreat from worklife, the Mississippi Coast began to take on a new meaning for the Haydels. Haydel opened a Fleurty Girl shop in Bay St. Louis because, she admits, “I really don’t relax well.” The cottage eventually became a vacation rental, and Haydel transformed an attached space into a separate rental dedicated to Parton. Her reasoning was simple: “I mean, she’s our favorite girl.” The tribute to the country music icon, who died last month at 80, reflects the deep cultural imprint Parton left behind, particularly across the South, where her accent, selfdeprecating humor and steadfast faith resonated with many. Her towering blonde hair, bedazzled outfits and ever-so-cinched waist made her a symbol of unabashed femininity, an image that spoke to Haydel. Parton’s outsized persona, she said, represented “how women can be feminine and care about how they look, but they can still work hard, and they can still lead with kindness.” The Dolly Suite was meant to embody just that. “I wanted to capture how Dolly would make people feel,” she said. “Welcome and happy and free to have fun.”

PROVIdEd PHOTO By LAUREN HAydEL

A Bay St. Louis vacation rental owned by Lauren Haydel, the founder of Fleurty Girl, features a dolly Parton-themed suite.

Haydel stayed at the Graduate in Nashville — a hotel that channels Nashville’s country music heritage, including Parton — where she drew inspiration for her own suite. Hanging on the entrance door is Fleurty Girl’s painted cut-out portrait of Parton, her signature cascade of blonde curls falling over a ruffled, blue blouse and her red lips parted in a familiar smile. On a shutter nearby is another playful sign that reads, “Everyone welcome except Jolene.” Inside, a feathered chandelier hovers above the bed, draped in a pink velvet blanket. Along the vibrant floral-patterned walls, beside a sealed fireplace and a desk displaying a commemorative plate and framed photograph of Parton, a neon sign glows with one of her most infamous quotes: “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.” The bathroom shares similar touches: powder-pink walls and shower tiles, lace curtains and a prayer candle with Parton as the saint. The cottage is typically booked about half the year, Haydel said, with strong demand in summer and occasional guests in fall and winter for local events. Since Parton’s death, however, the suite has remained empty.

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PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. — Muddy, sweat-soaked and occasionally bloody, the dedicated staff at a Mississippi wildlife center are drill sergeants. And their soldiers? Baby raccoons. Welcome to raccoon boot camp, where the goal is to help sick or injured animals learn to survive in the south Mississippi wilderness — a skill set they would have learned from their mothers, most of whom died or were separated from their kits by storms, traffic accidents or other traumatic events. It’s a challenge that’s left Woodside Wildlife Rescue’s founder, Paula Woodside, with cuts from scared, defensive raccoons and their sharp claws, and when she isn’t able to save a kit, emotional scars too. “When these babies come in, and they’re so desperate, it’s heartbreaking,” said Woodside, who most days is covered in sweat from caring for the animals in the Mississippi heat, and dirt from curious kits crawling up her legs and onto her shoulders. “It’s really important for them to get a little bit of a head start.” Woodside, a former U.S. merchant mariner, opened the rescue in 2019 after she helped rehabilitate a baby raccoon found aboard her ship. The rescue in Pass Christian typically raises dozens of kits each year, 76 so far this year, alongside other indigenous wildlife. City animal control and citizens call Woodside, or the rescue’s director, Raquel Priest, when they find a raccoon in need of saving. Together, they attempt to reunite the kits with their mothers, if they can find them, or bring the kits to the rescue. The youngest raccoons will spend a few weeks mostly indoors being bottle-fed by rehab-

ASSOCIATEd PRESS PHOTO bers until they’re vaccinated for diseases carried by cat colonies and dogs and are ready to move to outdoor pens. Though the kits stay close to their adoptive human parents, they’re eventually allowed to roam free during the day on the rescue’s rural 20-acre property, a sprawling mix of meadows and thick forest spotted with ponds and a nearby river. Thanks to that setting, Woodside and Priest can take their troops on learning excursions, a luxury many wildlife rescues don’t have, Woodside said. Woodside and Priest teach by example. They hide worms in the dirt to show the kits how to dig for food, and break open pine cones or acorns to reveal the seeds inside. The raccoons’ eyes light up when they encounter a new tasty food, and they run to show their discovery to their rehabbers before hurrying back to fend off other kits who might try to steal their ﬁnd. Where a drill sergeant might yell, “Attention!,” Priest and Woodside give a shrill trilling sound, mimicking the raccoon call for danger, that sends the kits running up trees to safety. A short whistle lets the troops know the coast is clear. The kits also practice ﬁshing in shallow pools, their uncoordinated paws tentatively patting the

water until they’re quick enough to snag a snack. A live quail hunt provides hunting experience. While these are skills raccoons would likely learn on their own, Woodside’s staff hopes the training gives the kits a greater chance of survival. On the property’s pond, the raccoons learn to swim, a critical skill in hurricane-prone south Mississippi. The rehabbers take to kayaks and encourage the kits to swim back and forth. They also take trips to the deep woods, where kits learn to run from tree to tree to avoid being seen by birds of prey and to have a quick escape route from snakes or other dangers on the ground. For their ﬁnal lesson, a volunteer traps the raccoons in cages, scaring them enough to encourage them to avoid traps and humans. When a group of kits is ready for release, about six months after their rescue, Woodside and Priest host a graduation ceremony. They play Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance Marches,” and read a roll call of each graduating kit’s name. A reverend then blesses their journey as they’re released onto a different section of the rescue’s forest-covered property. For kits that die in care, the staff holds a second ceremony to bless and scatter their ashes.

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The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 13A

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Thousands march to protest Spain’s housing crisis that Abascal’s father first pital bed after the eviction. 87-year-old rented the property in 1956 Rising costs and a housand she continued as the tening are pricing woman was being ant after her parents died, manyshortage Spaniards out of the which time there was market, despite strong ecoevicted after large during a rent cap. nomic growth in Europe’s The building changed own- fourth-largest economy. Inrent increase ership in 2018, and Abascal comes have not kept pace.

BY GIADA ZAMPANO and SUMAN NAISHADHAM Associated Press

MADRID — Thousands of people took to the streets in Madrid on Saturday to protest against Spain’s housing crisis and ask for protective measures for tenants, antifraud rules, and a ban on evictions without alternative housing. The latest protest about housing was sparked by the dramatic eviction on Wednesday of an 87-yearold woman from the Madrid apartment she had lived in for decades. Taken out of her home on a stretcher in the upscale Retiro neighborhood, María del Carmen Abascal was greeted by protesters and supporters as she was loaded into an ambulance. Spanish media reported

was offered the opportunity to buy the apartment but could not afford it, according to the Madrid Tenants’ Union, which organized Saturday’s protest. Urbagestión, an investment fund that later bought the unit, raised her monthly rent from 500 to 2,650 euros. It subsequently lowered the rent to 1,650 euros, which Abascal still could not afford on her pension, the union said. Courts blocked three previous attempts to evict her. Extensive media coverage turned Abascal into a symbol of Spain’s housing crisis. “I haven’t managed to defend my home, but I have fought so that others can learn to fight for what’s theirs,” Abascal said in a video shared on Friday by the tenants’ union. The video was recorded from her hos-

Analysts say tourism and immigration-driven population growth in cities have placed further pressure on the limited housing supply. The Bank of Spain estimated that the country had a shortage of about 550,000 homes last year, with Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia accounting for a substantial share. Spain ranks near the bottom of countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development for public rental housing, which represents less than 2% of its available supply. The European Union average is 8%. Spain previously built homes with public funds that were later sold into private ownership, removing them from the public housing stock. Zampano reported from Rome.

ASSOCIATEd PRESS PHOTO By MANU FERNANdEZ

People gather during a protest following the eviction last Wednesday of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal to demand stronger laws to protect renters at Puerta del Sol in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday.

2026

CNN says it was left off Air Force One BY SARAH RANKIN and HALLIE GOLDEN Associated Press

The White House left CNN off Air Force One for President Donald Trump’s trip Saturday to a college football game in Tennessee, marking the latest media restriction from the administration in an ongoing dispute with First Amendment implications. CNN, a member of the U.S. network video pool that rotates duties shooting and sharing video coverage of the president, reported it had been scheduled to fly aboard the president’s plane Saturday for a visit to a midday game between the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and the University of Texas. But White House guidance issued Friday night instead included Real America’s Voice, a conservative outlet. The White House guidance was issued after journalists from CNN, along with MS NOW and Politico, which Trump banned last week from the White House grounds, returned to the executive complex with TV cameras in hand after a judge handed the organizations a reprieve. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly temporarily struck down the president’s ban in an overnight ruling early Thursday, but his decision dealt with “hard passes” to the White House grounds and didn’t directly address pool duties. The judge’s temporary order also said nothing directly about Air Force One. The spot meant for CNN on the ﬂight has long been saved for a member of the U.S. network video pool; Real America’s Voice is not a part of that group. The White House did not respond to emails from The

Associated Press requesting comment about the decision. CNN declined to comment. A written pool report Saturday morning confirmed there was “no TV pool” for the travel, though Real America’s Voice celebrated its inclusion in the trip and said it would make feeds available to other news outlets. “CNN is not here; we have taken over that responsibility. We are so excited to be here,” correspondent Taylor Mitchell said in a video that the outlet posted on social media. On Saturday morning, the president addressed the broader debate in a post on social media, writing: “FAKE NEWS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE WHITE HOUSE!!! IT HAS GONE ON FAR TOO LONG, AT A TREMENDOUS COST TO OUR COUNTRY.” Fans at the game caught a low-altitude ﬂyover as Air Force One came into town while the teams were warming up. The president’s motorcade arrived just as the national anthem was being sung, and the president was later shown on a jumbotron and greeted with cheers, according to a text pool report.

Plaintiffs say it’s violation Theodore Boutrous Jr., an attorney for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, did not respond to phone calls or emails Friday evening or Saturday morning. Earlier Friday, on “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” Boutrous said the plaintiffs believe the recent court ruling also covers the issue of pool access. For a while Friday, the U.S. network video pool for the White House was back in operation for the ﬁrst time since Trump banned the three news outlets in an extraordinary showdown over media access.

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At noon on CNN, viewers could see Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping touring the National Archives, along with Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan, Xi’s wife. The banner along the bottom of the screen read: “Trump and China’s Xi Visit National Archives.” It was a routine report from a state visit — except that CNN had not aired live video of Trump in several days.

Pool participants’ solidarity The TV pool consists of five major U.S. broadcast outlets. When the White House banned CNN from the White House grounds, along with MS NOW and Politico, the other four pool providers declined to participate in a show of solidarity. CNN on Saturday covered its exclusion from Air Force One, writing that the move “represents the Trump administration’s latest salvo against CNN and the broader White House press corps.” Early last year, Trump banished AP reporters from White House events because the organization wasn’t abiding by his executive order changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” The AP’s guidance says to acknowledge the new name when relevant. The case is on appeal after a federal district judge ruled in AP’s favor. The press pool was created decades ago by the White House Correspondents’ Association, a group of journalists who cover the president, to make sure a rotating roster always travels with the president. The pool distributes in-person reports and imagery to the broader press corps and is designed to hold the nation’s chief executive accountable on behalf of the American public.

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14A ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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Health officials issue mercury warning

of childbearing age and restrictions. Pregnant women, children should limit fish consumption women A new advisory was also issued children younger than 7 years old

BY CLAIRE TAYLOR

high levels of mercury have been found. Staff writer Fish recently sampled from sevHealth officials are warning en Louisiana waterways had such pregnant women and young chil- high levels of mercury that the dren to limit their consumption Louisiana Department of Health, of ﬁsh from several Louisiana wa- Louisiana Department of Environterways, including the Vermilion mental Quality and Louisiana DeRiver, Bayou Tortue, the Mermen- partment of Wildlife and Fisheries tau River and Lake Arthur, where issued consumption warnings and

advisories for certain populations and certain ﬁsh species. The ﬁrst advisory includes the Vermilion River from Interstate 10 west of Breaux Bridge through St. Martin and Lafayette parishes, including the Bayou Tortue area, to Intracoastal City in Vermilion Parish. The state agencies advise that

should not eat more than one meal per month of largemouth bass from the waterway or should not consume more than two meals per month of bigmouth buffalo, black/ white crappie (sac-a-lait), bowfin, flathead catfish, freshwater drum (gaspergou), redear sunfish and white bass combined. Other adults and children 7 and older are not under consumption

COMMUNITY GATHERING

for the Mermentau River beginning at the confluence of Bayou Nezpique, Bayou des Cannes and Bayou Plaquemine Brule, through Lake Arthur to the conﬂuence with the Intracoastal Waterway. Women of childbearing age and children younger than 7 should not eat more than one meal per month

ä See FISH, page 2B

St. Landry Crime Stoppers recognized nationally Organization awarded for two cases; one tied to 21-year-old cold case

STAFF PHOTOS By BRAd KEMP

BY DEAN BOUDREAUX

The second annual Louisiana Mosquito Festival was held Saturday at Landon Pitre Memorial Park in Cankton. The community celebration supporting local volunteer ﬁreﬁghters brings together food, music and fellowship in a family-friendly atmosphere that honors the spirit of service, teamwork and community protection. ABOVE: Aitana Ortie, 8, catches a toy parachute during the second annual Louisiana Mosquito Festival. TOP RIGHT: Randy Courville, a member of the Arnaudville Volunteer Fire Department, serves up a bowl of chicken and pork sausage jambalaya. RIGHT: A blow-up mosquito watches over the crowd dancing to the sound of the Cajun Roots Band. BOTTOM RIGHT: Savana Wangler, 4, tastes some of the jambalaya that was served during Saturday’s event. BELOW: Cook-off judges taste-test the jambalaya competition.

Staff writer

St. Landry Crime Stoppers received two national awards recently at the 50th annual Crime Stoppers USA conference in Washington, D.C., recognizing a radio public service announcement about a 21-year-old missing-persons case and the parish’s quarterly outreach program for senior citizens. Maj. Mark LeBlanc and Lt. Elizabeth Bernard accepted the awards on behalf of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. LeBlanc was joined by his administrative assistant and two St. Landry Crime Stoppers board members. The conference marked Crime Stoppers USA’s 50th anniversary and was held during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. St. Landry Crime Stoppers competes in the organization’s small-population category, for jurisdictions with fewer than 100,000 residents, against about 40 other organizations. “We figured everybody was bringing their A game,” LeBlanc said. “We thought we were going to get some pretty stiff competition.” St. Landry’s award was the first presented that evening. A national board and regional directors select one winner per category each year from entries submitted by Crime Stoppers entities nationwide. St. Landry falls under Region 5, which covers Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. It is not the department’s first national recognition. The Sheriff’s Office keeps a roughly 6-by-4-foot display case of Crime Stoppers awards in the main hallway of its complex, with honors won in various categories for more than a dozen consecutive years.

ä See AWARD, page 2B

Lafayette named a best fall destination Man faces 9 charges It’s third straight year for honor

BY KRISTIN ASKELSON

Staff writer

Lafayette has been named one of USA Today’s 10 Best destinations for fall for the third consecutive year, finishing fifth in the publication’s Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Place to Visit for Fall. Lafayette was one of 20 destinations nominated by a panel of travel experts for this year’s competition. After four weeks of public voting, Lafayette finished among the top 10 destinations, placing fifth overall.

ä See LIST, page 2B

Rockin’ dopsie Jr. gets the crowd ready for the 4 Generations of the dopsie Family band during Festivals Acadiens et Créoles at Girard Park in 2025 in Lafayette.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRAd KEMP

after drug seizure

Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz Undercover operation said in a news release. Investigainvolves new synthetic tors seized more than 500 grams of the drug, known on the street called ‘Gerb’ as “Gerb.”

Helaire faces two counts of possession with intent to distribute MBMA-4EN-PINACA and one Staff writer count of possession with intent to A Breaux Bridge man faces distribute a Schedule I substance. multiple drug charges after St. He also faces four counts of posLandry and St. Martin parish session with intent to distribute sheriff’s deputies arrested him a Schedule II drug, illegal carduring an undercover purchase rying of weapons, keeping a disof a synthetic cannabinoid that orderly place and obstruction of authorities said is new to the area. justice for evidence tampering. Jared Helaire, 35, was arrested The release did not identify the Wednesday at a Breaux Bridge ä See DRUG, page 2B convenience store, St. Landry

BY DEAN BOUDREAUX

2B ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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Marucci Sports changes Despite bans, drug-soaked hands after $225M deal paper still getting into jail Arrests show contraband smuggled into Orleans Justice Center

Baton Rouge-based baseball bat company now privately owned

BY TIMOTHY BOONE

Staff writer

Baton Rouge-based Marucci Sports is once again privately owned after Fox Factory Holding Corp. sold the baseball bat manufacturer to a group led by founder and CEO Kurt Ainsworth for $225 million. Marucci and Fox Factory, the Georgia company that bought Marucci in 2023, announced the deal late Friday. Marucci plans to stay in Baton Rouge, with its existing brands and leadership in place, the companies said. In a statement, Ainsworth thanked Fox Factory for the accomplishments that happened during its nearly three years of ownership. That included Marucci and its sister brand, Victus, being named as the ofﬁcial bats of Major League Baseball. “Having the opportunity to lead Marucci back into founder-led, private ownership is incredibly meaningful to me,” Ainsworth said in a statement. “Marucci started in my backyard in 2004 with a simple goal: to make the products players want and need to be successful. That same goal has guided us for more than twenty-two years, and it will remain at the center of everything we do.” Georgia-based Fox Factory acquired Marucci in November 2023 for $572 million. Fox Factory is the parent company of FOX, which designs and manufactures products for bicycles, off-road vehicles and on-road vehicles. But in February, Fox Factory started looking to sell off Marucci. CEO Mike Dennison said Marucci did not bring in the expected ﬁnancial returns, and a de-

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

A Marucci Sports employee sands a bat on June 16, 2025, in Baton Rouge. cision was made to improve the balance sheet and reallocate capital. “Marucci is a strong brand with talented people and a loyal following among athletes, and we believe it is well positioned for continued success under new ownership,” Dennison said in a statement. Ainsworth put together a group of investors that included current and former MLB players along with other pro athletes. Plans are for Marucci to reestablish a Player Advisory Board; the details and membership will be announced after the World Series ends.

Growth and expansion

former LSU star who was a key member of two Houston Astros teams that won the World Series; Freddie Freeman, who won the National League MVP Award in 2020; and Francisco Lindor, a ﬁve time All-Star. According to Bat Digest, 27.8% of bats used on opening day of the MLB season this year were Victus models, while Marucci accounted for 16.7%. In 2020, Marucci went public, when it was acquired by a Connecticut-based investment company, Compass Diversiﬁed Holdings, for $200 million. Three years later it was acquired by Fox Factory. Today, in addition to bats, Marucci sells gloves, balls, helmets, apparel and footwear. The company also operates 12 Hitter’s Houses with locations ranging from Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Lafayette to Tokyo and London. The stores feature batting cages along with selling the full line of Marucci products. In 2024, Marucci generated $192 million in revenue for Fox Factory, according to the company’s annual report.

Marucci Sports was founded in 2009 by Ainsworth, a former big league and LSU pitcher, along with Joe Lawrence and Reed Dickens. Its ﬁrst acquisition was Marucci Bat Co., which former LSU athletic trainer Jack Marucci had launched in a backyard shed in 2004. Over the years, Marucci and Victus, which it acquired in 2017, have become the two most popular lines of baseball bats in the big leagues. Some of the hitters who use the company’s bats Email Timothy Boone at include Alex Bregman, a tboone@theadvocate.com.

DRUG

Continued from page 1B

supply the drug locally, Guidroz said. Detectives obtained phone numbers for the suspected suppliers, made contact and learned they lived in St. Martin Parish, Guidroz said. Undercover detectives then arranged to buy about 20 bottles of the drug at the Breaux Bridge store. St. Martin Parish narcotics detectives, criminal detectives and Violent Crime Task Force officers helped coordinate the operation. “The operation ran like clockwork,” Guidroz said. He said the seizure “provided significant intelligence information” on the drug’s activity and called the agencies’ cooperation “a testament to effective law enforcement.” Anyone with information can call the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office at (337) 948-6516 or Crime Stoppers at (337) 948-TIPS.

Schedule II substance. Guidroz said the drug is a liquid placed in vape cartridges and inhaled. Maj. Mark LeBlanc, public information ofﬁcer for the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, said the drug has been linked to multiple hospitalizations and at least one death outside of St. Landry Parish. “Our narcotics detectives spoke to numerous persons on this case,” said LeBlanc. “It is believed that the hospitalizations occurred in St. Martin Parish.” Guidroz said narcotics detectives received information Sept. 10 that multiple people in St. Landry Parish were possessing and distributing the drug. Detectives began actively investigating Sept. 23, he said. Investigators concluded that Email Dean Boudreaux at two people living outside St. dean.boudreaux@theadvocate. Landry were working together to com

AWARD

LIST

Continued from page 1B “Fall is a great time to visit the area, with many of our wonderful festivals taking place,” said Ben Berthelot, president and CEO of Lafayette Travel. “We appreci-

FISH

Continued from page 1B of bowﬁn (choupique, grinnel) or no more than two meals per month of flathead catfish, freshwater drum, largemouth bass and warmouth combined. Adults and children 7 and older are included in this advisory. They should not consume more than three meals per month of bowﬁn (choupique, grinnel). Advisories for waterways outside Acadiana include Bayou De

Maj. Mark LeBlanc and Lt. Elizabeth Bernard have returned from the 50th Crime Stoppers USA Conference in Washington, d.C. They bring with them two national awards, one for Radio Public Service Announcement and the second for the St. Landry Parish TRIAd Community Initiative.

Continued from page 1B

Cold case gets revitalized

The radio PSA award recognized coverage of the disappearance of Sandra Burris, who was 31 when she went missing in 2005 from her residence just outside the Opelousas city limits. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office was the initial investigating agency and remains the lead agency on the case, which is still open. The renewed attention is attributed to Emily Enfinger, a Lafayette-area television reporter who joined the podcast company Audiochuck, based in Indiana. While searching for cold cases in the area, Enfinger found Burris’ listing on the National Sheriffs’ Association’s missing-persons page and contacted LeBlanc, whom she had worked with previously. LeBlanc pulled the case file, and the pair’s work led to interviews with Burris’ two children, now adults. St. Landry Crime Stoppers aired the case, and Enfinger produced an episode of the Audiochuck podcast “The Deck” that aired in early January 2025. The episode includes St. Landry Crime

odorant container and two balloons full of marijuana and rolling papers. Officials have not said whether Lewis and Scott were part of the same smuggling scheme. Their arrests were among at least half a dozen narcotics-related incidents at the jail over BY MISSY WILKINSON the past two months that Staff writer resulted in police reports, Despite restrictions on according to an analysis of paper at the Orleans Jus- the Orleans Parish Comtice Center, drug-soaked munications District’s paper has spread recently Calls for Service log. Othinside the correctional ers arrested for introducfacility, resulting in the ing contraband included arrests of both a deputy Joshua Taylor, who aland a man in custody last legedly dropped a bag of month. crack in front of a deputy, In August, former depu- and Bryson Hernandez, ty Shion Scott, 23, told Or- who allegedly brought leans Parish Sheriff’s Of- marijuana and crystal ﬁce investigators he’d par- methamphetamine into ticipated in an organized the jail. OPSO declined to comcontraband smuggling operation involving subox- ment on the recent drug one strips, cigarettes and arrests. Sheriff Michelle paper containing a narcot- Woodfork launched her ic substance, according to tenure in May with a mulan NOPD arrest report. tiagency contraband and Scott told investigators security sweep of the jail. he’d received electronic payments for the contra- Paperless pods band, which he allegedly The Orleans Justice Cenintroduced on six occa- ter is among many jails sions, according to the re- that have restricted paper while shifting detainee port. On Aug. 18, Raheem communications to elecLewis, 34, was rebooked tronic tablets. Smart Comon introducing contraband munications, an inmate in prison, possession of communications provider suboxone and possession serving more than 150 of marijuana. According correctional facilities in to an affidavit support- 25 states, launched its proing Lewis’ arrest, depu- gram at OJC in February ties found narcotics when 2025 under then-Sheriff they shook down his cell Susan Hutson. The company’s contract in pod 2E — the same pod where a 40-year-old can require participating man was found dead in jails to eliminate physiJuly for reasons yet to be cal mail for inmates as a drug-control measure. determined. “Deputies discovered Letters to detainees at … thirteen (13) sheets of OJC are now routed to white paper emitting a Seminole, Florida, where strong odorous substance, they are scanned into the consistent with K2 or Smart Communications Mojo,” the afﬁdavit states. platform. OPSO has not Deputies also unearthed responded to a public re30 suboxone strips in a de- cords request for its con-

PHOTO PROVIdEd By ST. LANdRy PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE Stoppers’ information and asks anyone with information to submit an anonymous tip. Additional information has come in since the episode aired, LeBlanc said. Investigators now have several people of interest, and aliases were used during production of the podcast to avoid alerting potential suspects or scaring off people

investigators are trying to reach. “We have a few people who we are looking at,” LeBlanc said. “It’s a delicate balance, especially with a case this old.” The new leads come from a man who contacted Burris’ oldest daughter on Facebook in 2017 and an inmate serving a life sentence who asked to speak to officials

tract with Smart Communications. OPSO Chief Administrative Officer Keith Lampkin conﬁrmed that paper is restricted, with exceptions for legal mail and paperwork, but could not immediately say whether the policy coincided with the tablet rollout.

‘Out of their minds’ Even though records haven’t identiﬁed the narcotic Scott was allegedly smuggling, a man currently incarcerated at Orleans Justice Center who knew the former deputy said the paper was also soaked with Mojo. “Apparently it’s a proﬁtable trade to be in as you just need a little scrap to get high,” the man said in a message sent via the jail’s Smart Communications platform. Also known as spice or bath salts, Mojo is a synthetic derivative of the psychoactive component of a southeast Asian herb called khat. Even people without an underlying susceptibility to mania or psychosis can have a substance-induced psychotic episode on mojo. The drug was outlawed in Louisiana in 2011. That same year, an OPSO deputy was arrested for smuggling Mojo into the jail. Fifteen years later, the problem persists. But now some incarcerated people spark their Mojo cigarettes with batteries salvaged from tablets meant to curb its spread, the incarcerated man said. “The smoke really sucks for the majority of us … because we are forced to be in an enclosed area breathing in smoke for extended periods of time. … I’ve seen people go completely out of their minds from smoking too much,” he said.

ate USA Today’s 10 Best for recognizing what makes our area special, and we are proud to once again be included among some of the country’s top fall destinations. Thank you to everyone who voted.” The recognition marks the third consecutive year Lafayette has been nominated and named

among USA Today’s 10 Best fall destinations. The honor highlights Acadiana’s fall festivals, including Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, culinary traditions, outdoor experiences and culture to a national audience.

Loutre in Union Parish and associated lakes; Boeuf River, in Caldwell, Franklin, Richland and Catahoula parishes; Lake Bistineau in Webster, Bossier and Bienville parishes; Pearl River in Washington and St. Tammany parishes; and Tew Lake in Catahoula Parish. Mercury occurs naturally in the environment but is also released through human activity. It can enter the aquatic food chain and accumulate in ﬁsh over time. Eating ﬁsh containing high levels of mercury over time can cause mercury to build up in a human’s

body and affect the brain and nervous system. Developing fetuses and young children are especially sensitive because their nervous systems are still developing. Mercury cannot be removed from fish through cleaning or cooking. For more on these and other current Louisiana ﬁsh consumption advisories, visit the Health Department’s Eat Safe Fish website.

about the case, LeBlanc said. Anyone with information on the Sandra Burris case is asked to contact St. Landry Crime Stoppers.

Email Kristin Askelson at kaskelson@theadvocate.com.

Email Claire Taylor at ctaylor@ theadvocate.com.

program, covering the cost of catered or in-house cooked meals, while local businesses and donors supply door prizes. St. Landry Crime Stoppers gives away a $100 TRIAD program serves seniors check at each event. The next TRIAD event is schedThe second award recognized the St. Landry Parish TRIAD Com- uled Dec. 2 at the Yambilee Buildmunity Initiative, a partnership ing at 1939 W. Landry St. in Opelouamong the Sheriff’s Ofﬁce, AARP sas. and local police departments and Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz said he police chiefs that connects senior is proud of the work behind both citizens with local, state and na- awards. “We are very proud of the extional resources and anti-crime information. ceptional work that the St. Landry The program holds free quar- Crime Stoppers Board, Major LeBterly events in Arnaudville, Port lanc and Lt. Bernard bring to the Barre, Eunice and Opelousas. job,” Guidroz said. Events have food, live entertainment and door prizes alongside Email Dean Boudreaux at Dean. vendors and state agencies. At- boudreaux@theadvocate.com tendance ranges from about 250 at the smallest event to more than 500 at the annual Christmas gala; LOTTERY this year’s Port Barre event drew close to 350. FRIDAY, SEPT. 25, 2026 Participating vendors include PICK 3: 2-9-2 healthcare and ambulance providPICK 4: 4-3-5-4 ers, insurance companies and a PICK 5: 3-6-7-0-9 representative from the state Attorney General’s Ofﬁce, along with MEGA MILLIONS: speakers on anti-crime awareness. 25-57-58-67-68 A local funeral home representaMEGA BALL: 16 tive also attends to walk attendees through planning burial services. Unofficial notification, keep your tickets. The Sheriff’s Office funds the

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 3B

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received either electroni‐ cally at https://www.cen tralbidding.com or in the ofﬁce of the Purchasing Division at the Lafayette Consolidated Govern‐ ment Building, located at 705 West University Av‐ enue, Lafayette, Louisiana, until 11:00 am Central Time on the 9th day of October, 2026 for the following: Prime Commercial Liquid Sulfur Dioxide and will, shortly there‐ after, be opened and read aloud in a room lo‐ cated at 705 West Univer‐ sity Avenue, Lafayette, LA. Bids received after the above speciﬁed time for opening shall not be considered and shall be returned unopened to the sender. Bidders may attend the bid opening in person, but are highly encouraged to virtually join the bid openings via Zoom using the following https://us02web. link: zoom.us/j/84563679482? pwd=D5AraXplIvprca5 sbYnzX2xshZnqWk.1

In accordance with Louisiana RS 38:2212. vendors may submit their bid electronically at the website listed above. Bidders wishing to sub‐ mit their bid electroni‐ cally must ﬁrst be regis‐ tered within LCG Vendor Access at the website listed above. The regis‐ tration process can take some time; therefore, LCG recommends regis‐ tering days in advance of the time that bids are due. It is the sole respon‐ sibility of the bidder to ensure their bid is deliv‐ ered (whether electroni‐ cally via Vendor Access, in person, or via mail) to the Purchasing Division prior to the scheduled date and time of the bid opening. Vendors may request the bid package electronically from An‐ toni Hoyte-Small at ahs‐ mall@lafayettela.gov or Laycia Batiste at lbatiste@lafayettela.gov. Vendors submitting bids electronically are re‐ quired to provide the same documents as bid‐ ders submitting through the mail as soon as avail‐ able. Only a bid bond, certiﬁed check or cashier’s check shall be submitted as the bid se‐ curity. Electronic copies of both the front and back of the check or bid bond shall be included

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

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

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

with the electronic bid. Bids must be signed in accordance with LRS Title 38:2212(B)5. A Cor‐ porate Resolution or Cer‐ tificate of Authority au‐ thorizing the person signing the bid is re‐ quired to be submitted with bid. Failure to sub‐ mit a Corporate Resolu‐ tion or Certificate of Au‐ thority with the bid shall be cause for rejection of bid. Copies of the bidding documents are available at the Purchasing Office located at 705 West Uni‐ versity Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70506. Tele‐ phone number (337) 2918263 (Attn: Antoni HoyteSmall). Bidding docu‐ ments shall be available until twenty-four (24) hours before the bid opening date. Each bid shall be accom‐ panied by a certified check, cashier’s check or bid bond payable to the Lafayette Consolidated Government, the amount of which shall be five percent (5%) of the base bid plus additive alter‐ nates. If a bid bond is used, it shall be written by a surety or insurance company currently on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Management Service list of approved bonding companies which is pub‐ lished annually in the Federal Register, or by a Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with at least an A-Rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide to write individual bonds up to ten percent (10%) of policyholders’ surplus as shown in the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide, or by an insurance com‐ pany in good standing li‐ censed to write bid bonds which is either domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana resi‐ dents. The bid bond shall be issued by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana and counter‐ signed by a person who is under contract with re‐ siding in this state. The certified check, cashier’s check, or bid bond shall be given as a guarantee that the bidder shall exe‐ cute the contract, should it be awarded to him, in conformity with the con‐ tract documents within ten (10) days. No bidder may withdraw his bid for at least fortyfive (45) days after the time scheduled for the opening of bids. Each bid shall be submitted only on the quotation form provided with the speci‐ fications. Bids will be evaluated by the Purchaser based on the lowest responsible and responsive bid sub‐ mitted which is also in

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

compliance with the bid documents. The Lafayette Consolidated Government reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause in ac‐ cordance with LA R.S. 38§2214.B. The Lafayette Consoli‐ dated Government strongly encourages the participation of DBEs (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) in all con‐ tracts or procurements let by the Lafayette Con‐ solidated Government for goods and services and labor and material. To that end, all contrac‐ tors and suppliers are encouraged to utilize DBEs business enter‐ prises in the purchase or sub-contracting of mate‐ rials, supplies, services and labor and material in which disadvantaged business are available. Assistance in identifying said businesses may be obtained by calling (337) 291-8410. PURCHASING DIVISION Lafayette Consolidated Government PUBLISH DATES: 9/24/2026, 9/27/2026 DPR: 1008141 201798 Sept. 24, 27, 2t $100.82

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received either electroni‐ www.centralbidd cally ing.com or in the office of the Purchasing Divi‐ sion at the Lafayette Consolidated Govern‐ ment Building, located at 705 West University Av‐ enue, Lafayette, Louisiana, until 3:00 pm Central Time on the 12th day of October, 2026 for the following: AS-NEEDED FILCRETE RE-BID Scope of Service: The Lafayette Consolidated Government Wastewater Collection Division is re‐ questing bids for filcrete delivered on an asneeded basis. Pricing will be FIRM for a period of one (1) year from the date of the contract with the option to renew for one (1) additional year at the same terms and con‐ ditions. The effective date of the contract shall be Novem‐ ber 18, 2026, or the date the contract is executed by the Mayor-President, whichever occurs later. and will, shortly there‐ after, be opened and read aloud in the Office of Purchasing located at 705 West University Av‐ enue, Lafayette, LA. Bids received after the above

List of jurors randomly drawn and to serve for the term beginning on October 5, 2026: ACOSTA, LUKE ANDREWS ACUFF, CLARENCE S ALBERT, ROWENA R ARCENEAUX, JAMES ARCENEAUX, WALLY ARTIGUE, JADE ALYSON FONTENOT BAGLEY, VILMA A BALUTANSKY, LISA S BANGALORESOMASHEKAR, GURUPRASAD BARRIOS, WILLIAM THADDEUS BATISTE, TIMOTHY JAMES BEAUREGARD, KIMI MARIE BENNETT, ZACHARY AARON BOBO, JENNIFER N BOLANO, JENNA WAIDE BONEY, HEATHER MARIE BOUDREAUX, ANNETTE M BROUSSARD, CARL BROUSSARD, CHRISTOPHER BROUSSARD, JACOBY NORRIS JAMES BROWN, JEANENE RENE BUIE, DOREEN K BUTLER, CLAIRE LAFLEUR CAO, MAI T CARLINE, MARK MICHAEL CARRIER, ISAIAH TYLER CARRIER, GERALDINE LEGER CARTER, CODY ALEXANDER CARTER, JOYCESON NICOLE CASANOVA, TRISHA DOMINICK CHACHERE, JUSTIN DAVID CHANTHAPHONH, ANDY BOUNSUNE CHATAIGNIER, MICHAEL WAYNE CHOW, JACK B CLARK, KERRY JOHN CLAY, JOSHUA ELLIS CORTEZ, ALAN ALEXIS COURVELL, CHELSEA MORGAN CROUCH, MELISSA A DAVIS, JAVON DAVIS, BRITTANY LYNN DELAHOUSSAYE, GERALDINE DESHOTELS, JACQUES DUBOIS DODHIA, JUBEDA KALUBHAI DOMINGUE, PARKER GABRIEL DOMINGUE, BRITTANY DESIREE DOMINGUE, NICOLAS JAMES DUET, KERRY KAYE DUGAS, RAYMOND DUHON, SHAWN ANTHONY ENGLISH, RANDY SCOTT ESCHETE, PAUL ANTHONY FONTENOT, JUDY R FONTENOT, LINDSEY RAE FONTENOT, PAMELA WELP FONTENOT, MARY C FOREMAN, MICHELLE ANN FOREMAN, CADEN NICHOLAS FOSTER, JORDAN TROY FULTON, DOMINIC BEAU FUNKHOUSER, ERIC LEE GABRIEL, JOHNATHAN ISAAC GARDNER, DYLAN CHRISTOPHER GARDNER, BENJAMIN CHARLES GASPARD, TAMMY MARIE GAUDIN, ALEAH RAQUEL GAUTHIER, AUSTIN EDWARD GEORGE, MICHAEL GIROUARD, STARLA B

specified time for open‐ ing shall not be consid‐ ered and shall be re‐ turned unopened to the sender. Bidders may at‐ tend the bid opening in person, but are highly encouraged to virtually join the bid openings via Zoom using the following https://us02web. link: zoom.us/j/81970521067? pwd=jq8XuvUdQqVLKmX JpqpK2f0XJhGOdm.1 . In accordance with Louisiana RS 38:2212 electronic Bids may be submitted on Central Bidding (www.central bidding.com). Bidders wishing to submit their bid electronically must first be registered within LCG Vendor Access at the website listed above. The registration process can take some time; there‐ fore, LCG recommends registering days in ad‐ vance of the time that bids are due. It is the sole responsibility of the bidder to ensure their bid is delivered (whether electronically via Vendor Access, in person, or via mail) to the Purchasing Division prior to the scheduled date and time of the bid opening. Ven‐ dors may request the bid electronically from Lay‐ cia Batiste at lbatiste@ lafayettela.gov. Official Bid Documents are avail‐ able on Vendor Access (www.centralbidding. com). For questions re‐ lated to the electronic bidding process, please call Laycia Batiste at 337291-7173. Vendors submitting bids electronically are re‐ quired to provide the same documents as bid‐ ders submitting through the mail as soon as avail‐ able. Only a bid bond, certified check or cashier’s check shall be submitted as the bid se‐ curity. Electronic copies of both the front and back of the check or bid bond shall be included with the electronic bid. Bids must be signed in accordance with LRS Title 38:2212(B)5. A Cor‐ porate Resolution or Cer‐ tificate of Authority au‐ thorizing the person signing the bid is re‐ quired to be submitted with bid. Failure to sub‐ mit a Corporate Resolu‐ tion or Certificate of Au‐ thority with the bid shall be cause for rejection of bid. Copies of the bidding documents are available at the Purchasing Office located at 705 West Uni‐ versity Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70506. Tele‐ phone number (337) 2917173 (Attn: Laycia Batiste). Bidding docu‐ ments shall be available until twenty-four (24) hours before the bid opening date. Each bid shall be accom‐ panied by a certified check, cashier’s check or bid bond payable to the Lafayette Consolidated Government, the amount of which shall be five hundred dollars ($500.00). If a bid bond is used, it shall be written by a surety or insurance company currently on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Management Service list of approved bonding companies which is pub‐ lished annually in the Federal Register, or by a Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with at least an A-Rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide to write individual bonds up to ten percent (10%) of policyholders’ surplus h i h

Public Notices Bids/Proposals p y p as shown in the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide, or by an insurance com‐ pany in good standing li‐ censed to write bid bonds which is either domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana resi‐ dents. The bid bond shall be issued by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana and counter‐ signed by a person who is under contract with re‐ siding in this state. The certified check, cashier’s check, or bid bond shall be given as a guarantee that the bidder shall exe‐ cute the contract, should it be awarded to him, in conformity with the con‐ tract documents within ten (10) days. No bidder may withdraw his bid for at least fortyfive (45) days after the time scheduled for the opening of bids. Each bid shall be submitted only on the quotation form provided with the speci‐ fications. Bids will be evaluated by the Purchaser based on the lowest responsible and responsive bid sub‐ mitted which is also in compliance with the bid documents. The Lafayette Consolidated Government reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause in ac‐ cordance with LA R.S. 38§2214.B. The Lafayette Consoli‐ dated Government strongly encourages the participation of DBEs (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) in all con‐ tracts or procurements let by the Lafayette Con‐ solidated Government for goods and services and labor and material. To that end, all contrac‐ tors and suppliers are encouraged to utilize DBEs business enter‐ prises in the purchase or sub-contracting of mate‐ rials, supplies, services and labor and material in which disadvantaged business are available. Assistance in identifying said businesses may be obtained by calling (337) 291-8410. PURCHASING DIVISION Lafayette Consolidated Government PUBLISH DATES: 09/25/2026; 09/27/2026 DPR 1008142 201942 Sept 25, 27, 2t $112.40 PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received either electroni‐ cally at www.centralbidd ing.com or in the office of the Purchasing Divi‐ sion at the Lafayette Consolidated Govern‐ ment Building, located at 705 West University Av‐ enue, Lafayette, Louisiana, until 2:00 PM Central Time on the 13th day of OCTOBER, 2026 for the following: AS-NEEDED INSTALLATION OF BACKFLOW PREVENTERS AND HOSE BIBS AT WATER/WASTEWATER/ ELECTRIC FACILITIES RE-BID #3 and will, shortly there‐ after, be opened and read aloud in a room lo‐ cated at 705 West Univer‐ sity Avenue, Lafayette, LA. Bids received after the above specified time for opening shall not be considered and shall be

GLASGOW, JEFFERY GRAVES, KYMBERLEE DEANNA GUIDRY, BROC THOMAS GUIDRY, TRACIEL MONIQUE GUILBEAUX, MALCOLM GUILLORY, ANNETTE MARIE GUILLORY, JORDY PAUL HARRIS, JEFFREY D HARRISON, LIZA R HAWKINS, JUSTIN MAURICE HEBERT, CINDY LOIS HEBERT, KEWANNA YVETTE HERNANDEZ, ANGELIQUE HEBERT HICKS, ELIZABETH D HIMEL, LACI LYNN FRANKS HOBERT, SAMANTHA RAY HOLLER, BEVERLY JUNE HOLLOWAY, TERRY J HOWARD, JADE ALEXANDRA HOWARD, TRALLANA DASHAY HUNTER, MARY HELEN IQBAL, SARAH HANNAH JENKINS, ANGELICA CHARMAINE JOHN, JOSEPH JOHNSON, SHENEKA NICOLE JONES, DEVIN KEITH JONES, ETHAN MICHAEL JONES, EDMOND KARTSIMAS, WILLIAM J KIDDER, TREVOR RAY KLEIN, FLORENCE LABAT, CHARLENE LAFLEUR, KIMBERLY L LANDRY, ALEXIS JANEE LANDRY, TRINIENCE SHANA LANE, MATTHEW DAVID LANGLEY, DANE MARTIN LARMEU, STERLING KEITH LEBLANC, LUKE MICHAEL LEBLANC, JANAY LASHE LEBLANC, SUSAN MARIE LEBLANC, JOHN E LECOMPTE, MARY ROZALYN LEDOUX, LORETTA A LEGER, RYAN CAIN LEWIS, LESTER LOLLEY, JANET T LOUVIERRE, ALYSSA MAKENZIE MALVEAUX, TABATHA MAMONE, ALENA MARIE MANCEAUX, ELIZABETH MARIE TURNER MANTHENA, HIMANI REDDY MELANCON, CONNOR MICHAEL MILLER, CHRISTINE MARIE MITCHELL, JUSTIN NEAL MOLBERT, OSCAR G MONSON, JOHNNY PAUL MOORE, HENRY SCOTT MORGAN, JAMES C MOROUX, LYNN J MOUTON, JOHN G NORMAN, MICHAEL JUSTIN OLLIVIERRE, ALEXIA RENE ORTEGO, ALEX JAMES PANAGIOTIS, BAMBI LYNN PARENT, BARBARA S PATEL, SHILABEN PRAVINKUMAR PATEL, JAYANTIBHAI V PECOT, BENNET JON PETITFILS, ROY J PILLETTE, JOANNA MARIE PITRE, TREVOR JAMES

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

returned unopened to the sender. Bidders are encouraged to virtually join the bid opening via ZOOM using the follow‐ ing link: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/82706712380? pwd=3vOrRhOx5SV9nBI NVFVantpfXzjwuf.1 Scope of Services: The scope of work shall con‐ sist of, but not limited to, the installation of back‐ flow preventer assem‐ blies, hose bib assem‐ blies, customer cutoff valves, and 1-inch ser‐ vice lines on an asneeded basis at waste‐ water facilities, as di‐ rected by LUS and identi‐ fied in individual Work Authorizations. In accordance with Louisiana RS 38:2212. vendors may submit their bid electronically at the website listed above. Bidders wishing to sub‐ mit their bid electroni‐ cally must first be regis‐ tered within LCG Vendor Access at the website listed above. The regis‐ tration process can take some time; therefore, LCG recommends regis‐ tering days in advance of the time that bids are due. It is the sole respon‐ sibility of the bidder to ensure their bid is deliv‐ ered (whether electroni‐ cally via Vendor Access, in person, or via mail) to the Purchasing Division prior to the scheduled date and time of the bid opening. Vendors may request the bid package electronically from Dabne Dover at dabne‐ dover@lafayettela.gov. Bidders submitting bids electronically are re‐ quired to provide the same documents as bid‐ ders submitting through the mail as soon as avail‐ able. Only a bid bond, certified check or cashier’s check shall be submitted as the bid se‐ curity. Electronic copies of both the front and back of the check or bid bond shall be included with the electronic bid. Bids must be signed in accordance with LRS Title 38:2212(B)5. A Cor‐ porate Resolution or Cer‐ tificate of Authority au‐ thorizing the person signing the bid is re‐ quired to be submitted with bid. Failure to sub‐ mit a Corporate Resolu‐ tion or Certificate of Au‐ thority with the bid shall be cause for rejection of bid. Copies of the bidding documents are available at the office of Purchas‐ ing & Property Manage‐ ment, Attn: Dabne Dover (337) 291-8262 located at 705 W. University Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70506. Bid documents shall be available until twentyfour hours before the bid opening date. Questions relative to the bidding documents shall be ad‐ dressed to Dabne Dover dabnedover@ at lafayettela.gov or (337) 291-8262. Each bid shall be accom‐ panied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or bid bond payable to the Lafayette Consoli‐ dated Government, the amount of which shall be five percent (5%) of the base bid plus additive al‐ ternates. If a bid bond is used, it shall be written by a surety or insurance company currently on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Management Service list of approved bonding companies which is pub‐ lished annually in the Federal Register, or by a i i d i il d i

g y Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with at least an A-Rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide to write individual bonds up to ten percent (10%) of policyholders’ surplus as shown in the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide, or by an insurance com‐ pany in good standing li‐ censed to write bid bonds which is either domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana resi‐ dents. The bid bond shall be issued by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana. The certi‐ fied check, cashier’s check, or bid bond shall be given as a guarantee that the bidder shall exe‐ cute the contract, should it be awarded to him, in conformity with the con‐ tract documents within ten (10) days. No contractor may with‐ draw its bid prior to the deadline for submission of bids. Withdrawal of bids thereafter shall be allowed only pursuant to LA R.S. 38§2214.C. Other‐ wise, no bidder may withdraw his bid for at least forty-five (45) days after the time scheduled for the bid opening of bids. Each bid shall be submitted only on the bid form provided within the specifications. The successful bidder will be required to execute per‐ formance and labor and material payment bonds in the full amount of the contract as more fully defined in the bid docu‐ ments. No contractors may withdraw his bid for at least forty-five (45) days after the time scheduled for the open‐ ing of bids. Each bid shall be submitted only on the bid form provided with the specifications. The successful contractor will be required to exe‐ cute performance and labor and material pay‐ ment bonds in the full amount of the contract as more fully defined in the bid documents. Bids will be evaluated by the Purchaser based on the lowest responsible and responsive bid sub‐ mitted which is also in compliance with the bid documents. The Lafayette Consolidated Government reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause in ac‐ cordance with LA R.S. 38§2214.B. Contractors or contract‐ ing firms submitting bids in the amount of $50,000.00 or more shall certify that they are li‐ censed contractors under Chapter 24 of Title 37 of the Louisiana Re‐ vised Statutes of 1950 and show their license number on the front of

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

the sealed envelope in which their bid is en‐ closed. Contractors shall be licensed for the clas‐ siﬁcation of “PLUMBING”. Bids in the amounts speciﬁed above which have not bid in accor‐ dance with the require‐ ments, shall be rejected and shall not be read. Additional information relative to licensing may be obtained from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Lafayette Consoli‐ dated Government strongly encourages the participation of DBEs (Disadvantaged Business Enterprises) in all con‐ tracts or procurements let by the Lafayette Con‐ solidated Government for goods and services and labor and material. To that end, all contrac‐ tors and suppliers are encouraged to utilize DBEs business enter‐ prises in the purchase or sub-contracting of mate‐ rials, supplies, services and labor and material in which disadvantaged businesses are available. Assistance in identifying said businesses may be obtained by calling 2918410. PURCHASING DIVISION Lafayette Consolidated Government PUBLISH DATES: 9/16, 9/20, 9/27 DPR 1008138 200648 Sept. 16, 20, 27, 3t $202.05

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min g trict.

2. CASE NO.: 2026-34-BOZ APPLICANT: Claiton John‐ son, DDG – Dental Artistry LOCATION: 101 W Martial Avenue REQUEST: Variance of the building setback and landscaping require‐ ments in a CH (Commer‐ cial Heavy) zoning dis‐ trict. 3. CASE NO.: 2026-35-BOZ APPLICANT: Angelique Hernandez, Vermilion Ar‐ chitects – Gulf Coast Air Systems LOCATION: 1301 Eraste Landry Road REQUEST: Variance of the parking and qualifying open space requirements in an IL (Industrial Light) zoning district. 4. CASE NO.: 2026-36-BOZ APPLICANT: AAA Signs, Destiny Sam – Southern Legacy Partners LOCATION: 100 Saint Julien Avenue REQUEST: Variance of sign regulations in a MN1 (CUP) (Mixed-Use Neighborhood - Condi‐ tional Use Permit) zoning district. IV. OTHER BUSINESS None V. ADJOURNMENT *Alternate location: Town Hall Auditorium, 220 W Willow Street, Building C 202053 Sept. 27 1t $18.26

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

PUBLIC NOTICE --AGENDA BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT *COMMUNITY DEVELOP‐ MENT AND PLANNING AUDITORIUM 220 WEST WILLOW STREET, BUILDING B THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 5:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF ACTION SUMMARY Regular Meeting – Sep‐ tember 10, 2026

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III. NEW BUSINESS 1. CASE NO.: 2026-33-BOZ APPLICANT: Brian Fontenot LOCATION: 1106 Dicarlo Drive REQUEST: Variance of the setback requirements for an accessory building in an RS-1 (Residential Sin‐ gle-Family) zoning dis‐ i

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PITRE, ASHLIE ELIZABETH POTIER, LANCE MARVIN PREJEAN, TUCKER LOUIS PUTNAM, DEANNA M QUEREAU, MEAGAN NICOLE REVIA, AARON WADE RICHARD, LAUREL PAIGE RICHARD, BRITTANY TOWNSDIN RIGGS, VANEQUA LASHAWN ROBERTSON, LASHONDA NICOLA ROBICHEAUX, TAMMI TAUZIN ROMERO, MARIE H RUCKS, ANNA HONORE RYDER, DAVID W SALVATIERRA, SERGIO ABRAHAM SANSOVICH, MARY K SARKIES, JOSEPH P SAVOIE, JOSEPH SAVOY, ASHLEY SAVOY, JODI F SCAMARDO, PHIL LUKE SENEGAL, JALISSA RAE SHAFI, MDSHAFIURRAIHAN SHORT, SHAVEE M SIMON, BROCK CHRISTOPHER SIMON, LONNIE J SLANKARD, MATTHEW WADE SMITH, MATTHEW S SOILEAU, JEAN FELIX SOLET, SHAWN MICHAEL SOLOMON, CLEVELAND JUNIUS SOMNER, JENIFER A STEVENS, CHAD ERIC STOREY, BRANDY JO SULLIVAN, SARA BEA THANNERU, HARSHITHA RAO THIBEAUX, ANDREA RENEE THOMAS, EVEN TIBBS, SAYLOR CHRISTIAN TOBIA, CHRISTOPHER RYAN TOWNSDIN, SYLVIA C TRAHAN, BRANDON C TRAHAN, CHRISTOPHER S TRAN, HUONG THI MY TUCKER, DAREN L ULLOAMARTINEZ, KATHIEL GISSELL VANSUFFELEN, KAREN D VENABLE, ANITA LORRAINE VERRET, TRAVIS CLAYTON VIZINA, REBECCA WALGAMOTTE, JENNIFER MARIE WANG, XIAOQING WEEGMAN, RONALD S WESLEY, LATRISH ANN WILLIAMS, KAILAN J WALKER WILLIAMS, ANDREW JOHN WILLIAMS, JACQUELYN COSTA WILLIAMS, KAMIE PROVOST WILSON, JAKE WEBSTER WINTER, JAMES M WRIGHT, FAYONNA JESSHAE YOUNG, JIMMY YOUNG, ANDREW FOCH

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Coastal projects work, so keep them coming A number of recent news items, especially a first-of-its-kind assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey, should drive home the point that an “all of the above” strategy is a useful one for coastal preservation and storm abatement. Included in this “all of the above,” we hasten to stress, is the worthiness and importance of freshwater diversion programs, despite Gov. Jeff Landry’s decision to cancel two large diversion projects. The USGS assessment is particularly interesting. It found that while Louisiana still is losing, on net, a woefully large amount of marshland — a full football-field-size every 84 minutes — the good news is that coastal preservation projects have sustained, restored or built about 153 square miles of land since 1984. To one extent or another, almost everything the state has tried has helped. The USGS ascribed 42 square miles of land replenishment to marsh creation projects, for example, and another 14 square miles to shoreline protection. And even without the major diversion projects, the assessment found that smaller diversion projects combined with management of Mississippi River crevasses has created 15 square miles. The obvious inference is to be open to anything that will help, rather than pitting one promarsh effort against another, and to carefully tailor the projects to local conditions. Hard data and sound science, of course, should guide both wetland restoration, as in the USGS study, and flood protection, too. That’s why it’s great news that the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East has reached an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a $3 million study about improving levee strength. Specifically, the two organizations will do detailed analysis of what it would take to improve the levee and floodwall system from one that can withstand a “100-year storm,” which has a 1% chance of occurring in any year, to one strong enough for a 200-year storm, which has a 0.5% likelihood. Not just for that one levee district, but for all of south Louisiana, this sort of information (or extrapolations from it) can surely help save devastating losses of property or lives. Toward that end, it is great news that the state’s congressional delegation, led by Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, and Rep. Troy Carter, D-New Orleans, worked so hard and successfully to earn an astonishing 415-9 vote Sept. 16 in favor of a water resources bill that will help pay for projects throughout the nation, including Louisiana. The projects include flood protection, coastal restoration and waterway maintenance, including initiatives in Baton Rouge, Pilottown, Lafourche Parish and the Upper Barataria Basin, along with a Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study. All of this works together: The wetlands also provide flood protection. Levees and floodwalls and river management can aid wetlands. And all of it can help Louisiana keep its way of life.

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

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Trump-Hollywood alliance would be good for La. on board. “I am in strong agreement It wasn’t a sign of the end of the with the President,” he tweeted, sharworld, but one could be forgiven for thinking it might be: President Donald ing a screenshot of Trump’s first post. Trump and liberal California The posts came as the AmeriSen. Adam Schiff finding comcan entertainment industry has undergone years of financial and mon ground. production declines, consolidaIn fact, it could be a very good sign for Louisiana. tions and increasing competition Let me explain. Late last from countries such as Canada, month, the president took to Great Britain, Ireland, Australia Faimon and others. Truth Social to throw his supRoberts Louisiana has not been import behind a federal film tax credit program. The first post, mune to the downturn, said on Aug. 31, came after he had Katie Pryor, Baton Rouge’s film a conversation with actor Jon Voight. commissioner and the founder of Fil“Jon, and many others in the IndusmUSA, a national advocacy group. The state has lost several productions, intry, are suggesting we do Federal Tax Incentives in order to Make our Movie cluding a handful to Bulgaria, she said. and Television Production Business Creating a federal program that GREAT AGAIN, perhaps GREATER could be stacked on top of incentives THAN EVER BEFORE! The amount of from states like Louisiana could be a money spent on Tax Incentives will be game changer, Pryor said. made up tenfold by the money pouring “On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being into the Treasury’s coffers.” the most important, this is a 12,” she The next day, Trump posted again, said. “This is potentially a great reurging Republicans and Democrats to naissance for this industry here.” join together “to save the Movie, TeleCompared to what other states offer, vision, and Entertainment Business in Louisiana’s program — which offers a 25% base tax credit for qualifying America … It can be done quickly, acproductions, a credit that can go up to curately, efficiently and, importantly, 40% if certain requirements are met will benefit ALL of America.” Schiff, a frequent antagonist and tar- — is in the top five, Pryor told me. Louisiana struggles to compete with get of the president, quickly jumped

other countries’ offerings, which often include national and regional incentives combined. And while some have argued that such incentives beneﬁt only wealthy moguls or movie stars, Pryor said they help add jobs that run the gamut of professions from electricians to set builders to lighting technicians to creative professions. “I cannot stress enough that this is a jobs bill,” she said. “When I say bring back jobs, I mean increase jobs that haven’t been around for a while.” Gov. Jeff Landry, Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise are all Trump allies. Similar bills were unveiled Thursday in both the Senate and the House by a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Schiff and others. Supporting it should be a no-brainer. A federal program could beneﬁt the state without us having to create bigger incentives than we already offer. After all, Louisiana gave up billions in potential taxes so SpaceX could chase the stars; getting this passed might actually bring a few stars here. Email Faimon A. Roberts III at froberts@theadvocate.com.

Deadlines force choices about what gets in of people working incredibly hard to We often talk about the 24/7 news cycle. Indeed, news organizations have make sure that happens. Nowadays, though, we have more to be prepared to respond to breaking outlets to get the latest sports scores news at all times. or election results to you. Our Our content online is conwebsite serves as a compantinuously updated. But for print subscribers, there has to be a ion to our print product that cutoff for updates so that your we hope our subscribers take paper can make it to your dooradvantage of. Our coverage of late games or ﬁnal election restep in the morning. We sometimes hear from sults can be found there. We’d Arnessa rather leave something out of print subscribers when certain Garrett print than publish the wrong events, often ones that happen late into the night, usually ininformation. When I started in journalism, I volving sports or elections, don’t make worked for a while on the night desk, it in the paper the next morning. where a shift would go until 4 a.m. Know that we try to get in the latYou would be pretty much alone in the est breaking news that we can. But newsroom after a certain hour. we do weigh the importance of the But it was my job to wake up the update against what it will mean for top editors if big news happened anythe schedules of the press operators and delivery people who work until the where. Then they’d make a decision wee hours of the morning to get your whether to stop the press run, throw papers to you. Many print subscribers out the papers already printed and ishave come to expect their paper on sue a second edition with the updated their doorstep as soon as they wake story. up in the morning. And it takes a lot It was a lot of responsibility for

someone just out of college. It very seldom happened, though. There was a very high bar for updates. But that was all in the days before the internet. Now we can have an inﬁnite number of updated editions online every hour. And we don’t waste so much paper. So the next time you miss seeing something in print, know that it’s likely online and will appear in the next print edition. We value all our subscribers and strive to make our print reports as complete as we can. Turning to our letters inbox for the week of Sept. 10-17, we received 53 letters. The topic that drew the most interest was the 9/11 anniversary, which was the topic of six letters from readers. The college football season, which is heating up, was the subject of four letters, including two about LSU football in particular. Lastly, we had three letters about political cartoons. Arnessa Garrett is Deputy Editor | Opinion Page Editor. Email her at arnessa.garrett@theadvocate.com.

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ARNESSA GARRETT STEPHANIE GRACE WILL SUTTON QUIN HILLYER FAIMON ROBERTS

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 5B

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COMMENTARY Fulsome music and Folsom: What a weekend! Ya gotta love weekends in Loui- places in Mandeville or Covingsiana. ton, and folks from Baton Rouge For years now, a mantra on the may head eastward on Interstate intellectual Right is that “politics 12 for beaches in Alabama or is downstream from culFlorida. But 12 miles north of Covington, the village ture,” meaning that the of Folsom, population 769, culture creates the politimay get lost in the shuffle. cal milieu. If that were the It shouldn’t. And it cercase in Louisiana, though, our politics surely would tainly was quite a change be better, because our of pace for me on Sept. 19. Quin culture is wonderfully The night before, New OrHillyer vibrant. leans’ Jazz & Blues Market It was to check out locapped a daylong “spirical examples of such culture, in tual cleansing” (that’s another hopes of drawing broader lesstory) with an absolutely captisons, that I wrote late last year vating performance of “Yoruba” of my plans to tour less-covered music — sacred, African batá areas of the state and showcase drums performed by a trio led their own unique attributes. Well, by legendary Louisiana musician scheduling never permitted one Bill Summers, playing under the long tour, so here I am starting title of Olubata Baba Eshubi. The occasional, shorter excursions. acoustics in the place are magnifiAnd last weekend was a doozy. cent; the rhythms mesmerizing. I was blessed to experience a Only in Louisiana, probably, cousin of voodoo; five different, could one leave such a scene and, incredibly varied genres of live within barely an hour’s drive the music within just 24 hours; and next morning, arrive in verdant, an absolute gem of one village’s piney Folsom, where the weekly town center. Paddock Farmers Market attracts New Orleanians might cross food and craft artisans to ply Lake Pontchartrain for favorite their wares. The whole scene was,

if not a revelation, at least a pleasant surprise. Next to the Paddock, on the outdoor patio deck of the Giddy Up Folsom coffee shop, the two-man band called Aden Paul played soulful originals, in a genre I couldn’t quite ﬁnd a name for. I asked a listener how he would describe it. “I dunno, sorta countryblues-rock,” he said. Paul himself, playing guitar next to an accompanying steel guitar, described it as “Americana.” Whatever it was, it was good, almost hypnotic. Yet that was only one of two sorts of music at the Giddy Up. Inside, on a large piano, across from two bright, nature-scened stained-glass windows, 17-yearold home-schooled senior Sylvan Collins beautifully played pieces with a sort of classical-music tinge. Asked what the compositions were, he shrugged and said, “Improv.” Amazing. And lovely. Directly across from the Giddy Up patio stood a tiny shack, all of 12-by-18 feet. This diminutive bookstore once comprised the

entire Folsom branch of the public library. Now it’s adorned by a plaque recognizing it on the National Register of Historic Places. Charming. Adjoining the Paddock, the Giddy Up and the bookstore, a lovely public park, with a bandstand for outdoor public events, was graced by a plethora of carved (mostly wooden) depictions of animals: eagles, turtles, a fox, squirrels and more. And across from that park, with an entrance featuring two sharpyellow sculptures of ears of corn, several women were engaged in watering the town’s community garden. And if that weren’t enough, back up the road on another side of the Giddy Up, the Far Horizons Art Collective stood with open doors for visitors to see beautifully rendered landscape (or marsh-scape) paintings. And everywhere, laid-back locals were smiling and enjoying the day. One could have relaxed in those environs for hours. New Orleans, though, eventually beckoned:

An early evening burger at Snug Harbor’s bar was accompanied, wafting in from the music room in back, by the Africana music — a completely different sound from the African batá drums from the night before — of the Matsiko Sisters. Finally, burger ingested, next door to DBA New Orleans, where probably the best-extant younger band of traditional jazz musicians, Tuba Skinny, had dozens dancing within ﬁve minutes of opening their show. The mind reels in pleased wonderment at such a rich cultural and musical gumbo. Perhaps New York can boast something similar, yet there, it’s not indigenous. Here in Louisiana, it’s all homegrown, and thus somehow truer and more enriching. Next stop, somewhere in the state’s central region. Meanwhile, rejoice that you live in Louisiana, where there’s more personality in almost every byway than most entire states can even imagine. Email Quin Hillyer at quin. hillyer@theadvocate.com

The absurdity of politics, 6th District-style This is hardly an original observation, but I’ll go ahead and make it anyway: Politics these days can be stupid. Truly, depressingly stupid. The latest reminder of this truism comes via a new ad campaign running in Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District, for the open seat soon to be vacated by Democrat Cleo Fields, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has had its way with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. With permission from on high to redraw districts for political advantage, the state Legislature took Louisiana’s second majority Black, largely Democratic district and converted it into a ﬁfth majority White stronghold. That practically guarStephanie anteed that the district’s voters would Grace send a Republican to Washington. It didn’t determine which Republican, though, and here’s where the stupidity comes in. A Washington, D.C.-based group called Club for Growth, which is supporting Republican state Sen. Blake Miguez in the Nov. 3 open primary, is running a milliondollar ad buy targeting the other major Republican in the ﬁeld, state Sen. Rick Edmonds. “Rick Edmonds promised not to raise taxes. He lied and we paid,” an alarmed-sounding narrator warns. The ad also accuses

state more toward the preferred mix of the taxes among conservatives. The ad also dings Edmonds for supporting tax breaks and secrecy for “woke” big tech terms. Yet here too, Edmonds and Miguez were basically aligned with one another, and with Landry, who has championed attracting data centers and other tech projects. That tracks with their broader records. Both have high rankings from conservative groups such as Louisiana Right to Life, the National Federation of Independent Business and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. Both were endorsed by the state Republican Party, for what that’s worth. So are the people who filmed the ad stupid? Or do they think the voters are? I’m going with the latter. It’s not like the issues they raise FILE PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK aren’t ripe for honest debate. On Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, left, speaks with Sen. Blake Miguez, the state level, it would be nice R-New Iberia, in the Senate chamber during the 2025 legislative session, to hear what the candidates reat the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge. ally think the proper balance between sales taxes and income same as Miguez’s record. taxes should be, particularly since Edmonds of promoting secret On two of the three bills the ad sales taxes tend to fall harder on sweetheart tax breaks for “woke” cited, they voted in lockstep to lower-income people. And I’d love big tech companies, and of comback the agenda of Republican to hear a discussion about how mitting “lies,” “secrecy” and Gov. Jeff Landry. On the third, much revenue and oversight the “betrayal.” The visuals include Edmonds voted yes and Miguez state should give up in the name of pictures of stacks of cash and skipped the vote. chasing big outside investments. crossed fingers. Among the bills at issue is a vote Even better would be a converYet when my colleague Tyler that increased the state sales tax. Bridges looked at the claims, sation about issues that Congress But it was paired with a cut in the faces, from the war in Iran to reghe found something interesting: income tax, and thus moved the Edmonds’ record is basically the ulation of artificial intelligence,

from the Epstein ﬁles to whether Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth should be impeached. In theory, that’s what campaigns should be about. In practice, they almost never are. And that’s the result of another sad truism: Congress these days runs entirely along party lines. If voters elect a Republican, they pretty much know how that person will vote. Same for a Democrat. The goal, therefore, is to elect the most players from one’s own team. But because of how most districts are drawn — and deﬁnitely how the 6th was hastily redrawn after the Supreme Court’s Callais decision this past spring — individual voters rarely get a meaningful choice. So, given this bleak state of affairs, here’s my advice for the voters of the 6th District: Vote for the candidate you like most, or dislike least. Maybe it’s the one you think has the stronger ties to the district, or is smarter or has better people skills or more partisan bluster, whatever your preference. And if you want to understand their voting records, do the research and decide for yourself. That way, at least, you can prove the political operatives up in Washington — the ones who think you’re stupid — wrong. Email Stephanie Grace at sgrace@theadvocate.com.

Columnist diplomacy thaws chill between governor, N.O. When I wrote a column about when that investigation ends, that the cold war between Gov. Jeff might be two weeks, two months Landry and New Orleans Mayor or two years from now. Helena Moreno, I said I didn’t In the meantime, I suggested in like that two important leaders a column that the guv meet with weren’t talking. In fact, I two City Council memwrote, “This needs to stop,” bers who did not vote to and suggested a way forinstall an interim clerk in response to a move ward. to eliminate the Orleans To make sense of all of Parish Clerk of Criminal this, here’s the backstory. Court position, the two In early July, an Orleans Will hasn’t accused of posParish grand jury indicted Sutton he Louisiana Attorney General sible foul play: New OrLiz Murrill on 16 felony leans Council members counts, including eight counts of Eugene Green and Lesli Harris. malfeasance in office and eight Green read my column, saw an counts of public intimidation. opening and reached out to the Murrill and Landry were angry. guv. There wasn’t an immediate City officials suggested that the response. Someone else read it. charges be dropped, but that During an interview on wasn’t the end of the dustup. WBOK’s Good Morning Show a Landry and Murrill believe few days ago, the guv told me he Moreno and other city elected read it. “I follow your column. officials may have had something After I read it, I said, you know to do with the grand jury’s acwhat, that’s a great idea. … So, I said, you know what, I’ll bring tion. The guv made it clear that he wouldn’t meet with them until him in.” On Monday afternoon, Green an investigation has been completed. Since only Murrill decides was sitting in the governor’s

mansion in Baton Rouge, in the front room, with the incumbent governor, not a painting or a photograph. “Even though I’m not speaking to those that may have been involved in this malicious, frivolous indictment of the attorney general, it doesn’t mean that I don’t care about the city,” Landry told me as he explained why he met with Green. “It doesn’t mean that I don’t care about the people that are there.” According to the guv and Green, they had an hourlong conversation. “Having a discussion with Eugene was very productive. ... Again, I read the article, and I said, ‘You know what, I think Will has a great idea.’” Green told me the meeting was cordial and professional. Both told me they talked about Green’s district speciﬁcally, and New Orleans generally. One astute, well-connected, observant politics watcher heard the governor’s Wednesday interview and said, “If Eugene Green

was there, and there’s no photo, it didn’t happen.” Green has a habit of snapping pictures nearly everywhere he goes. Well, I have the proof. Kate Kelly, Landry’s top communications magician, sent it to me. I thought it might’ve been photoshopped or created with AI. She assured me it wasn’t doctored or machinegenerated. Landry said he would keep an open line of communication with Green, saying he told the District D council leader that he’s only a call away. The governor said he would reach out to Harris, too. I believe Harris would welcome the opportunity. She’s been a strong advocate on several fronts, including issues affecting the unhoused. There’s no way she’d pass up an opportunity to talk about such options as the city’s low-barrier shelter — on the mayor’s budget-chopping block. U.S. Rep. Troy Carter thanked me for my diplomacy, adding that it shouldn’t be necessary. In Con-

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

gress, he said, they have to work with representatives with whom they have little in common. As Warren Bell, former WWL anchor and my Wednesday cohost, said: Moreno is the mayor, the top elected ofﬁcial in New Orleans, and she deserves a conversation. Some may feel that the governor is slighting the mayor by going around her and talking to council members instead. I, too, really want to see a Landry-Moreno meeting. Moreno can sit in the same chair Green sat in. Or perhaps the guv can serve some gumbo in the kitchen. I care that these two leaders ﬁnd common ground and take action to make things better for New Orleans and Louisiana. I’ll take the Green meeting as an important step. Guv, I’ve got a number for Harris. I have numbers for other City Council members — and a number for the mayor. Email Will Sutton at wsutton@ theadvocate.com.

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

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6B ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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TODAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Mostly sunny and warm

A t-storm around in the p.m.

An afternoon thunderstorm

Partly sunny, a t-storm; humid

Humid; a p.m. t-storm or two

Humid with showers

HIGH

LOW

HIGH

92° 71°

LOW

HIGH

91° 70°

LOW

89° 73°

Beaumont 91/72 Port Arthur 90/72

Baton Rouge 92/68

Lake Charles 92/71

New Orleans 90/72 Houma 89/69

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

Hattiesburg 93/62

Alexandria 94/67

Lafayette 92/71

10s

20s

30s

40s

50s

LOW

HIGH

LOW

87° 74°

YESTERDAY

Lafayette through 5 p.m. Saturday

Jackson 92/61 Many 95/67

HIGH

90° 76°

TEMPERATURE

Longview 95/69

-0s

LOW

Monroe 94/63

Shreveport 96/68

-10s

HIGH

89° 74°

Sunday is looking like a day very much like Saturday. Expect a mostly sunny to partly cloudy, hot and breezy day with a slight chance of rain. Temperatures this afternoon will rise to the upper 80s to low 90s. With low humidity, temperatures may feel like 95 in parts of the area this afternoon. Winds are out of the north at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chances are at 10% or less today. More sunshine and above-average temperatures are expected tomorrow.

60s

70s

80s

90s 100s 110s

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

9:05a 4:13a 4:21a 5:41a 10:40p 10:11p 11:48p

6:59 a.m. 6:58 p.m. 7:26 p.m. 7:53 a.m. NEW

FIRST

OCT 10

City

Austin Boston dallas Fairbanks Honolulu Las Vegas Louisville Miami Nashville

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

HIGH

Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

OCT 3

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

88°/67° 87°/68° 86°/67° 97° in 1931 43° in 1899

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

LAST

PRECIPITATION

TODAY

98 61 94 57 89 94 77 87 83

72 57 76 31 79 73 52 73 50

FULL

OCT 18

t r t s pc pc pc t pc

OCT 25

96 61 94 51 88 86 78 87 82

MON. Lo

75 57 77 37 77 65 56 75 54

t r s pc s t s pc pc

FT.

LOW

0.00” 2.37” 4.45” 46.16” 48.13”

FT.

HIGH

0.6 4:20a 0.5 1.6 11:33a 0.8 2.0 9:01a 0.8 1.5 12:46a 1.0 1.3 7:18a 0.6 1.6 5:27a 0.8 1.6 8:20a 0.7

MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

FT.

LOW

FT.

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

City

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

90 85 63 97 70 80 77 80 86

TODAY Lo

72 63 60 74 57 56 57 69 70

---- 6:25p 1:06p 7:19p 2:05p 8:18p 3:08p 9:23p 4:15p 10:30p 5:21p 11:37p 6:25p ----

pc pc r t pc s pc s pc

90 87 66 86 65 80 78 78 87

MON. Lo

72 68 60 70 59 59 58 63 74

t pc r t c s s s s

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

FLOOD STAGE

34 48 48 35 27 22 17

SAT. 24-HOUR STAGE CHANGE

4.00 16.10 19.10 7.10 4.20 3.96 2.90

+2.93 -0.27 -0.18 +0.06 +0.15 +0.30 -0.15

25.72

+2.34

-1.76

-0.16

18 29 8

-1.28 9.80 2.71

-0.02 -0.03 +0.38

13 15

1.40 0.59

-0.02 -0.02

47 34 29 20 12 6

7.18 4.76 3.58 3.75 2.80 2.83

+0.20 +0.21 +0.36 +0.12 +0.20 +0.42

data as of 7 a.m. Saturday

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SPORTS

LATE-NIGHT TIGERS LSU-Texas A&M ended after this edition went to press. For complete game coverage, visit theadvocate.com

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

S u n d ay, S e p t e m b e r 27, 2026

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Elliss a quick stu udy on reads in free agency, they unexpectedly reSaints LB excels at dissecting a play beforre snap vis connected with Elliss, the team’s 2019 seventh-round draft pick who had blossomed over the last three years into a top-tier, off-ball linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons. No team time when the “SET HUT” would come. ever wants to lose a star like DaElliss learned to read so fast that he vis, but signing Elliss unlocked could predict the story’s end. a vast new number of possi“People are pretty basic creatures,” bilities for Saints defensive Elliss said. “And they’re gonn na give away coordinator Brandon Staley. a lot of things.” The Saints’ first two Those tells explain how Ellisss, now in his games have revealed why. second stint with the Saints, has become Across 135 snaps, all with one of the NFL’s best blitzers. Elliss on the field, New But nothing about Elliss is i basic, and Orleans has blitzed the neither is his ability to get affter the quarä See SAINTS, page 4C terback. When the Saints lost Demario D Da-

ä Raiders at Saints 3:25 P.M. SUNdAy, S CBS

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

Former New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen used to tell Kaden Elliss that every formation tells a story. The cadence. The motions. The picture. The advice always stuck with the Saints linebacker, so Elliss learned how to read. He learned how to read what would happen when the offense’s huddle would break. He learned how to read a receiver or tight end jetting in motion, and what that move would indicate. He learned how to read the shot clock, and how he could

CHARLOTTE

DOGGED DEFENSE RECORD: 3-1 UP NEXT: VS. ARKANSAS STATE, 7 P.M. SATURdAy, ESPN+

PROVIdEd PHOTO By BENJAMIN R. MASSEy

No. 1 Texas breaks out cigars vs. Tennessee Longhorns dominate defensively with 10 sacks

BY TERESA M. WALKER AP sportswriter

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The top-ranked Texas Longhorns knew just how to celebrate their latest win over Tennessee after their first visit to Neyland Stadium. Break out the victory cigars. “It’s just kind of a little bit of a tradition here at Tennessee, so we had cigars or somebody had cigars in there,” coach Steve Sarkisian said. “I’m not certain. So my suit’s probably going to stink whenever I get on the plane.” Colin Simmons tied the program record with five sacks as Texas beat the 14thranked Volunteers 20-17 on Saturday with President Donald Trump on hand. The cigar tradition stems from the Alabama-Tennessee rivalry, which Arch Manning’s uncle Peyton played in for the Vols in the 1990s. “It’s not about me,” the Texas quarterback said. “I didn’t play very well, but our team played great. Defense played well.” Raleek Brown ran for 67 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and his 4-yarder with 5:41 left gave the Longhorns (4-0) the winning margin in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams. Giannis Spetic kicked a pair of field goals. “We win big games around here, we do,” Sarkisian said. “I know we don’t win them all, but we won a lot of them. And what an incredible performance by our defense.” Texas dominated defensively with 10 sacks, led by Simmons. The linebacker’s day for the record books also will be remembered for his vulgar celebration after one sack. He was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct with the referee saying Simmons was “simulating” using the restroom on the field. “We took him out, we addressed it and put him back in,” Sarkisian said. “At that point, I’m not going to give the guy a death penalty over an unsportsmanlike conduct. We got to fix it, though. That can’t continue.”

ä See TEXAS, page 3C

UL defensive lineman Fitzgerald West, left, and defensive end Chase Edwards celebrate a stop during a game against Charlotte on Saturday at Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

Cajuns smother another foe to pick up first road win BY KEVIN FOOTE Staff writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A week after a rocky home win over UAB, UL faced a big question. Was it a bad sign or just a bad second half? The only thing that seemed certain after the Ragin’ Cajuns claimed a 34-7 road win over the Charlotte 49ers at Jerry Richardson Stadium is the UL defense is the star of the show. Defensive coordinator Jim Salgado’s unit limited Charlotte to six first downs and 137 total yards in the game, including 19 yards rushing. It’s the second time this season UL would have shut out an opponent if not for a non-offensive score by the opponent. This time it was Charlotte returning a fumble for a touchdown. The 49ers had only three first downs through three quarters and didn’t cross midfield until a 16-yard completion to the UL 49 with 8:20 left to play in the game.

The Cajuns are now 3-1 and will open Sun Belt play against Arkansas State next Saturday for homecoming. The offense had its moments with 20 first downs and 292 total yards. Lunch Winfield finished 19-of-26 passing for 149 total yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 28 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Darrell Smith was the leading rusher with 43 yards on 10 carries. The receptions were balanced. Landon Strother had four catches for 32 yards, Trenton Chaney grabbed three for 44 yards and Kristion Brooks had three for 37 yards. After leading by just three at halftime, the Cajuns drove 83 yards on 10 plays in 5:41 to grab a 10-point lead at 17-7 with 9:11 left in the third. The drive was sparked by a 41-yard connection from Winfield to Chaney, as well as a 9-yard pass to Strother. Smith

ä See CAJUNS, page 3C

AP PHOTO By SARA dIGGINS

Texas quarterback Arch Manning evades the Tennessee defense as he runs the ball during the second half on Saturday in Knoxville, Tenn.

2C ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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Internationals lead Presidents Cup BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer

MEDINAH, Ill. — The Americans twice filled the leaderboard with their red numbers and the Internationals never flinched Saturday, fighting back in the morning and afternoon to take a threepoint lead in the Presidents Cup. It was only the fourth time since these matches began in 1994 that the Internationals — with only one victory in the Presidents Cup — have led going into the decisive 12 singles matches. The Internationals lead 8½ to 5½. Min Woo Lee was part of both comebacks. He teamed with Sungjae Im in fourballs, going from 2 down against Justin Thomas and Jackson Koivun to earn a halve in the morning. Lee and Ryan Fox overcame an early deficit to blow past Sam Burns and Wyndham Clark in afternoon foursomes. The final stroke of a long, loud day at Medinah was Corey Conners holing a 6-foot par putt on the 18th green with both teams gathered around. That was the final touch as Conners and Nick Taylor rallied from 3 down after 10 holes for a 1-up victory over Jacob Bridgeman and Russell Henley. Among those watching was Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world whom U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker chose to sit out in the afternoon. Scheffler had played all five matches in the last two team competitions. “As I said at the beginning of the week, Scottie Scheffler is not going to go out there and win us 15 points, so we’ve got to go out there as a team and do this together,” Snedeker said. “I challenged the guys this afternoon to go out there and be that team that we need them to be.” And that’s what he got — at least for a while. The Americans were ahead in every match at one point on the front nine, just like they were in the morning, only for the plucky Internationals to fight their way

ASSOCIATEd PRESS PHOTO By MATT SLOCUM

International team player Sungjae Im, of South Korea, hits from the 11th fairway against the U.S. during the third round of the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club on Saturday in Medinah, Ill. back. Even in fourballs in the morning, when the Americans wound up winning the session 2½-1½, it almost felt like a win for Geoff Ogilvy’s squad. “Both sessions having all red on the board, down in every match, and to come back and get 1½ points out of this morning we felt like was a little victory,” Ogilvy said. “The U.S. team played so well all day. They played some

really high-level foursomes especially this afternoon. For the boys to somehow come back and pinch two points out of that and split the session was amazing.” The lead was the largest for the Internationals since 2003 in South Africa, the Presidents Cup that ended in a tie. They last led at Royal Melbourne in 2019 until the Americans rallied behind Tiger Woods, the playing captain that year.

Singles typically favors the Americans, and the Internationals have two players — Nico Echavarria and Christiaan Bezuidenhout — who sat out all of Saturday. Echavarria last hit a meaningful shot at Medinah on Thursday. The Americans found their spark from the Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup — Young from New York, Gotterup from New Jersey — who were unstoppable. They won the first four holes in fourballs against Conners and Taylor in a 2-and-1 victory, and they were 5 up through seven holes in blowing out Im and Adam Scott, 6 and 4, the shortest match of the week. Clark got the noise he wanted from Chicago fans, and Snedeker was on the seventh green raising his arms for even louder cheers when the Americans holed putts — and the Internationals missed. Lee made his Presidents Cup debut at Royal Montreal in 2024 and was asked how this experience was different. “I guess the crowd is different, not getting cheers for holing putts. It’s a bit different than any tournament, really,” Lee said. “We just had to be there for each other. I think that was a big part.” The crowd was so boisterous that a volunteer had to retrieve one fan’s dentures that had come out of his mouth from the upper deck of a hospitality tent on the 10th hole. The Internationals have been at their best closing out matches. Now they have to ﬁnd a way to close out a Presidents Cup the Americans have won the last 10 times. “The goal at the start of the week is to be leading going into singles. That’s sort of what the first four days are all about,” Ogilvy said. “There’s still 12 points on the board, though, so we’ve seen in these team events all sorts of different things can happen. “We’ve got to put our heads down and play for a big opportunity tomorrow.”

Reese, Bueckers set for WNBA postseason debuts Clark returns to playoffs after missing last season

“I just love the idea. I mean, look at these eight teams that are in the ﬁeld. Great basketball, and you should go as long as you can. Like I said, that’s where the money is. So I would like to see that. Get a new commissioner and kind of get the competition committee on that type of thing, I think we’re all in favor of that,” Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said. “Obviously there’s a lot of chatter about the three-game series. Actually this season it’s kind of rather disappointing to have just three games for these teams that are going to be playing each other, for sure. But that’s maybe the next step, the evolution of our league.”

BY DOUG FEINBERG AP basketball writer

NEW YORK — Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers are set to make their WNBA postseason debuts while Caitlin Clark returns to the playoffs after missing last season because of injury. The WNBA postseason begins Sunday with four first-round matchups. Clark’s Fever face A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces in a rematch of last season’s semifinals. Reese and the Atlanta Dream will play the Washington Mystics. Bueckers’ Dallas Wings will take on the Golden State Valkyries, and New York will face Minnesota in a 2024 WNBA Finals rematch. Reese spent the first two years of her career in Chicago before going to the Dream in an offseason trade. She flourished in her new surroundings, once again leading the league in rebounding and continuing her emergence as one of the top defenders in the WNBA. Bueckers has put together a solid season to help the Wings get back in the playoffs for the first time since 2023. She was fifth in the league in scoring and eighth in assists.

Officials working postseason ASSOCIATEd PRESS FILE PHOTO By BRyNN ANdERSON

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, left, dribbles the ball against Atlanta dream forward Angel Reese during a game on Aug. 16 in Atlanta.

years of existence. Golden State became the ﬁrst expansion squad to make the playoffs last year and is now the No. 2 seed in the postseason. The Valkyries have gone 17-5 at home this year, best in the league, in part because of the average crowd of over 18,000 they draw for games at Chase Center. Golden State has done it with stellar defense. The Valkyries led the league in defensive rating, points allowed and 3-point defense. They also shoot the Contender in Golden State 3-point extremely well, making The Valkyries have taken the the most 3s on the season with WNBA by storm in their ﬁrst two 10.4 a game.

Playoff expansion The first round of the playoffs is just a best-of-three. It’s undergone a few iterations, including having the higher-seeded team host the first two games. Now each team is guaranteed at least one home game with a 1-1-1 format. The coaches would love to see the first-round series expand to a best-of-five format. As of now, only the semifinals is a bestof-five and the WNBA Finals is a seven-game series. Last season was the first the league had gone to a best-of-seven and Las Vegas swept Phoenix in four games.

Roy Gulbeyan will be working his 27th consecutive playoffs this season dating to his postseason debut in 2000, according to the website “thewhistlewire”. The WNBA doesn’t release how many postseason appearances officials have. Gulbeyan has been part of the league for 29 of its 30 years. The league will have 17 officials work the postseason as well as three alternates. “We are pleased to recognize this group of officials for their on-court achievements and their dedication to their craft with a selection to work the 2026 WNBA Playoffs,” said Bethany Donaphin, Head of WNBA League Operations. “Qualifying for the postseason and serving the game at this important part of the season is a goal for WNBA officials just as it is for players and coaches.”

Verlander celebrates his final game in Tigers’ win

DETROIT — Justin Verlander made a teary farewell, accompanied by his 7-year-old daughter as he left a major league mound for the final time in the Detroit Tigers’ 4-3 come-from-behind win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. Verlander allowed two runs and five hits in 51/3 innings with one walk and six strikeouts in his 91-pitch outing. The 43-yearold right-hander was making his second start of the year and first since March 30 in a season derailed by a sore hip and hamstring injury. Verlander finished 266-159 in 557 starts with a 3.33 ERA and 3,560 strikeouts, eighth on the career list. Pittsburgh (81-80) needs one win for its first winning season since 2018.

Toronto RHP Scherzer to decide future in offseason

TORONTO — Toronto Blue Jays righthander Max Scherzer said Saturday he will wait until the offseason to decide whether he wants to play a 20th major league season in 2027. Scherzer, who turned 42 in July, is expected to start on short rest against Cincinnati in Sunday’s season ﬁnale, a chance to pitch in front of his family for the ﬁnal time this year. Scherzer, a past leader of the Major League Baseball Players’ Association executive subcommittee, acknowledged that labor unrest could derail whatever plans he makes for 2027. A two-time World Series champion and three-time Cy Young Award winner, Scherzer is 3-9 with a career-worst 6.14 ERA in 17 starts this season.

Rangers place 3B Jung on 10-day IL with broken hand

MINNEAPOLIS — The Texas Rangers placed third baseman Josh Jung on the 10-day injured list with a broken right hand on Saturday with two games remaining in the regular season. Jung was hit in the hand by Twins starter Joe Ryan’s pitch in the ﬁrst inning of Friday’s game at Target Field. Jung originally stayed in the game and scored in that inning but later gave way to a pinch hitter. Jung batted .299 with 12 homers, 42 RBIs and an .827 OPS in 104 games this season. Jung also missed all of August with a left calf strain and batted .341 (15 for 44) in 12 games after returning. To take Jung’s place on the roster, Texas recalled left-hander Robby Ahlstrom and catcher Logan O’Hoppe from Triple-A.

Warriors, Curry sign 2-year, $116M contract extension

SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $116 million that would take him through the 202829 season, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the terms of Curry’s contract. Curry was eligible to command up to $136 million, so he is giving his team a discount as he backs up his longstanding commitment to ﬁnish his career with the Warriors. The 38-year-old Curry will complete a $62.6 million extension he signed for the 2026-27 season in August 2024 before the new contract takes him through 2029 — which would be his 20th season.

Svitolina propels Ukraine to Billie Jean King Cup final

SHENZHEN, China — Elina Svitolina slammed her racket on the court to celebrate earning Ukraine a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup final for the first time Saturday. The seventh-ranked Svitolina had plenty of emotions running through her mind after she beat Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2 to seal a 2-0 victory over two-time defending champion Italy in the semifinals of the women’s tennis team event. At this stage last year, Svitolina was a set and 4-2 up before Paolini came back to beat her. Paolini was on a 10-match winning streak in the competition. Earlier, Anhelina Kalinina had put Ukraine ahead 1-0 by beating Tyra Caterina Grant 6-3, 6-4 in Grant’s competition debut. In Sunday’s final, Ukraine will face Czechia.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 3C

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 25 ROUNDUP

SEC ROUNDUP

No. 21 Florida runs over No. 4 Ole Miss The Associated Press

ASSOCIATEd PRESS PHOTO By TIMOTHy d. EASLEy

Louisville running back Keyjuan Brown, right, attempts to outrun the pursuit of Wake Forest defensive back davaughn Patterson during a game in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday.

Wake Forest upsets No. 16 Louisville The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Connor Calvert kicked three field goals, including a 32-yarder with 6:20 remaining, to lift Wake Forest to a 30-27 upset win over No. 16 Louisville on Saturday. Gio Lopez threw for 225 yards and a touchdown on 12 of 19 passing for the Demon Deacons (3-1, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference), who scored their first conference win of the season. Carlos Hernandez caught nine of those for 194 yards, just three yards off the career best he set last season against Delaware. Louisville (2-2, 1-1) played without two starting defensive backs, and Lopez and Hernandez took full advantage. The duo connected on a 77yard touchdown pass to put the Demon Deacons up 17-14 with 5:49 left in the first half. After the defense picked off Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, their 31-yard pass led to Clark’s second score, a 6-yard run that made it a 10-point lead with 1:19 to go in the half. The Cardinals rallied to tie the game, using a 61-yard touchdown pass from Kienholz to Jaleel Skinner to make it a three-point game just 22 seconds after Clark’s last score. Carson Hilbert tied it with 9:37 left in the third on a 41-yard field goal. NO. 11 TEXAS TECH 49, SAM HOUSTON 14: In Lubbock, Texas, Texas Tech linebacker Austin Romaine became the first FBS player in 13 years to return two interceptions for touchdowns on consecutive throws, Cameron Dickey ran for two scores and the No. 11 Red Raiders beat Sam Houston on Saturday. Both pick-sixes by Romaine came in the opening minute of the second quarter, and were against different quarterbacks. The Red Raiders (4-0) extended their home winning streak to 11 games, their longest since 12 in a row from 2007-09. NO. 3 NOTRE DAME 49, PURDUE 10: In West Lafayette, Indiana, CJ Carr threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score, linebacker Drayk Bowen scored his first career TD on a 15-yard fumble return and No. 3 Notre Dame beat Purdue on Saturday. Carr was 14 of 22 for 237 yards and threw his first interception of

the season. It’s the second straight week Carr has had a TD pass and a TD run in the same game. Aneyas Williams carried 14 times for 80 yards with one TD as the Fighting Irish (4-0) produced a season-high 177 yards rushing. It was another miserable day for the struggling Boilermakers (13). Ryan Browne was 18 of 28 for 111 yards and lost the fumble that Bowen returned for the touchdown. Purdue had only 12 yards rushing in the first half and finished the game with only 218 total yards as it lost its third straight. NO. 7 OHIO STATE 42, ILLINOIS 19: In Columbus, Ohio, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith tied the school’s single-game mark with four touchdown catches along with 12 receptions for 217 yards as the seventh-ranked Buckeyes defeated Illinois. It is the first time an Ohio State player has had double-digit catches for at least 200 yards and four scores in a game. Julian Sayin completed 27 of 36 passes for 367 yards and had a rushing TD as the Buckeyes (3-1, 1-0) opened Big Ten play with a victory for the 15th straight season. Illinois (2-2, 0-1) kept it competitive despite Smith’s monster game. Katin Houser was 21 of 37 passing for 263 yards and a touchdown and Jordan Anderson had a 22-yard rushing score in the first quarter. NO. 17 IOWA 20, NO. 18 MICHIGAN 19: In Ann Arbor, Michigan, Hank Brown threw a game-ending, 16-yard touchdown pass to Reece Vander Zee to lift No. 17 Iowa to a close win over No. 18 Michigan on Saturday. The Hawkeyes (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) went 91 yards on the final drive — boosted by an unnecessary roughness penalty against Michigan on a third down at midfield. Brown’s 29yard pass to Addison Ostrenga set up the final play with 2 seconds on the clock. Bryce Underwood threw a 49yard touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan early in the fourth quarter — their second scoring connection of the game — but the Wolverines (3-1, 0-1) could not make enough plays on both sides of the ball to hold on for the win. NO. 25 HOUSTON 42, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 28: In Statesboro, Georgia, Conner Weigman threw four touchdown

passes and ran for two scores, leading No. 25 Houston to a win over Georgia Southern on Saturday in coach Willie Fritz’s return to Statesboro. Houston (3-1) scored touchdowns on its first six possessions. In addition to his two rushing scores, Weigman threw TD passes to four receivers, hitting tight end Traville Frederick along with wide receivers Koby Young, Amare Thomas and Trent Walker. He finished 17 of 22 for 239 yards, and Re’Shaun Sanford II led the Cougars on the ground with 120 yards. Georgia Southern (1-3) overcame an early 14-0 deficit to briefly tie the game 14-all. Max Johnson fired a 40-yard touchdown strike to Alex Taylor, and Ty Cummings scored on a 2-yard rush after the Eagles used a surprise onside kick to regain possession. NO. 15 UTAH 31, IOWA STATE 17: In Ames, Iowa, Wayshawn Parker broke a 54yard run on the game’s opening play from scrimmage for the first of his three touchdowns and No. 15 Utah held off Iowa State in the second half to beat the Cyclones Saturday. Parker rushed for a career-high 174 yards and two TDs on 18 carries and caught five passes for 65 yards and a score for the Utes (4-0, 1-0 Big 12). Jaylen Raynor got the Cyclones (2-2, 0-1) within 24-17 early in the fourth quarter, scoring on an 8-yard run and throwing a 22-yard touchdown pass to Dominic Overby after Overby had stretched the ball over the line to convert a fourth-and-12 on the previous play. WISCONSIN 24, NO. 13 PENN STATE 20: In State College, Pennsylvania, Colton Joseph hit Jacob Harris on a 72yard touchdown pass with 1:13 to play and Wisconsin scored twice in the last four minutes to beat No. 13 Penn State on Saturday. Joseph, who threw a pair of costly interceptions earlier in the game, rebounded to lead two long scoring drives for the Badgers (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten), who snapped their six-game losing streak to Penn State and won in State College for the first time since 2003. Daryus Dixson and Tony Rojas had interceptions for Penn State (31, 0-1), while James Peoples carried 14 times for 67 yards.

CAJUNS

Continued from page 1C

PROVIdEd PHOTO By BENJAMIN R. MASSEy

UL linebacker Ashley Williams looks to take the ball from Charlotte quarterback Cole Gonzales during their game on Saturday in Charlotte, N.C.

also collected first-down runs of 10 and 11 yards. JJ Garner did the honors with a 7-yard touchdown run for his first collegiate touchdown. The Brent Gordon show continued to entertain. First, the Cajuns defensive back halted Charlotte’s first drive with a strip and fumble recovery at midfield. Gordon added a second forced fumble later in the game. Gordon also set up UL’s first touchdown with a 36-yard punt return, and he also intercepted a pass at the Charlotte 37. After one first down, the Charlotte defense remained tough to penetrate, forcing UL to settle for a 44-yard field goal attempt that was made on the first play of the fourth quarter for a 20-7 lead. The offense performed better than

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Jadan Baugh ran for 142 yards and three touchdowns, Duke Clark added 126 yards and a score on the ground, and No. 21 Florida manhandled fourth-ranked Ole Miss 52-28 on Saturday to reach 4-0 for the first time since 2019. The Gators (4-0, 2-0 Southeastern Conference), installed as 3½-point favorites, proved Las Vegas oddsmakers right by leading from start to finish. They scored touchdowns on five consecutive drives in the second half. The Rebels (3-1, 1-1) insisted that last week’s victory against LSU, the one that spoiled former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin’s return, was not their “Super Bowl.” But they failed to build off that emotional win. The Gators jumped on the Rebels early, leading 10-0 before Heisman Trophy front-runner Trinidad Chambliss even threw a pass, and set the pace the rest of the afternoon. Florida was unstoppable running the ball. Baugh became the third player in school history to top 100 yards rushing in five consecutive games. Florida finished with 302 yards rushing and six TDs on the ground. Clark’s 45-yard TD run early in the third was the play of the game. He juked cornerback Antonio Kite and former Florida safety Sharif Denson on his way to the end zone. Chambliss injured his left thigh on the team’s second series. He returned and used the exercise bike between drives. KENTUCKY 45, SOUTH ALABAMA 21: In Lexington, Kentucky, CJ Baxter, Jason Patterson and Jovantae Barnes combined for 386 rushing yards and five touchdowns to power Kentucky to a win over South Alabama on Saturday. Baxter ran for 149 yards and the opening touchdown of the game. Patterson added 137 yards and three touchdowns, the first tying a 75-yard burst to tie the game at 21, and Jovantae Barnes had 100 yards and a score that tied the game at 14.

It is the first time Kentucky (31) had three 100-yard rushers in a game since 2020. Jared Hollins threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns for South Alabama (2-2) in place of Bishop Davenport who has missed the last two games with an unspecified injury. His 36-yard toss to Anthony Eager put the Jaguars up 14-7 and Jeremiah Jones-Thomas, who had 6 catches for 91 yards, had a 19-yard scoring catch for a 21-14 lead. NO. 2 GEORGIA 41, OKLAHOMA 13: In Athens, Georgia, Chris Cole scored on a 85-yard fumble return as No. 2 Georgia took advantage of three first-half turnovers by John Mateer and overwhelmed struggling Oklahoma on Saturday. Mateer lost two fumbles, each recovered by Cole, and threw an interception in the first half as Oklahoma (2-2, 0-1 Southeastern Conference) fell behind 28-0. K.J. Bolden picked off a pass from Mateer in the second quarter. While Mateer struggled with turnovers, Gunner Stockton was almost perfect in the first half for Georgia (4-0, 2-0). Stockton completed his first nine passes, including a 35-yard touchdown throw to Talyn Taylor. AUBURN 21, VANDERBILT 15: In Auburn, Alabama, Byrum Brown threw and ran for a touchdown, Cade Carlson recovered a blocked punt for a score and Auburn beat Vanderbilt 21-15 on Saturday. The Tigers (3-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) bounced back from a home loss to Florida to give coach Alex Golesh his first league win. Brown completed 18 of 27 passes for 140 yards, including a touchdown to Chas Nimrod, and threw an interception. Omar Mabson added 24 yards rushing and turned in the play of the day on special teams: He blocked a punt in the second quarter that Carlson scooped up and returned 10 yards to put the Tigers ahead 14-3. Jared Curtis completed 22 of 33 passes for 199 yards for Vandy (31, 0-1). He also led the team with 18 carries for 46 yards.

TEXAS

by Manning. Tennessee (3-1) hadn’t beaten The Continued from page 1C Associated Press No. 1 team since 1985, and that drought continues. “Up front we weren’t good Tennessee quarterback Faizon enough,” Tennessee coach Josh Brandon made it interesting late, Heupel said. “Quarterback was not capping an 80-yard drive with a 30- good enough. We didn’t play smart yard TD pass to Mike Matthews with enough, but I’ll take the effort.” Simmons matched the five sacks 1:22 left. Linebacker Arion Carter recovered the onside kick, and Jelani by Shane Dronett for Texas against McDonald batted away Brandon’s Texas Tech in 1990. The Longhorns Hail Mary pass to Travis Smith in the end “Up front we weren’t have lots to clean up, good enough. particularly when zone on the final play. it comes to penalSarkisian called it a Quarterback was ties they can control. crazy finish to a game not good enough. They piled up 11 for in which Texas also gave up a 57-yard We didn’t play smart 115 yards with seven punt return by Qua enough, but I’ll take of those in the first the effort.” half. Jermaine Bishop Moss for a TD. Sarkiwiped out his own 22sian took a timeout JOSH HEUPEL, yard punt return in that gave Tennessee Tennessee coach the third quarter with a second chance at a fair catch signal the onside kick after that officials noticed. sending the first out The Vols came in 14th nationally of bounds. “Next thing you know you’re in total offense at 516.3 yards per fighting to finish a game, which we game. They came nowhere near that with Brandon surviving a were able to do,” Sarkisian said. Manning threw for 201 yards beating in his SEC debut. He finwhile being sacked six times. He ished 17 of 29 for 145 yards. He also was intercepted once with the didn’t talk to reporters after the Longhorns needing the smother- game. Heupel said the freshman “didn’t ing defensive performance on a day with too many penalties, in- get rid of it when he needed to get cluding two illegal forward passes rid of it.”

it did in last week’s home win over UAB, but not by a lot. Two of the Cajuns’ first three possessions resulted in punts. The second drive covered 50 yards on 11 plays in 6:15 to get a 3-0 lead on a 29-yard Tony Sterner field goal with 4:58 left in the first quarter. The kicking game set up UL’s next score when Gordon returned the punt 36 yards to the Charlotte 47 before a flag pushed the start of the drive to the Niners 37. It took nine plays and five minutes — as well as a bail-out roughing the passer flag on a third-down incompletion — but UL did get in the end zone on a 3-yard TD pass to Steven Blanco for a 10-0 lead with 5:59 left until halftime. At that point in the game, UL had 127 total yards to 32 for Charlotte. The UL defense had forced punts on all five of Charlotte’s possessions. The problem for the Cajuns is their opponents have been really good at scoring without the offense on the field.

That calamity returned late in the first half when Winfield’s fake handoff to Blanco on third-and-13 from the 37 was fumbled, and Charlotte’s Jaylon Johnson scooped it up and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown. Suddenly, the 49ers trailed only 10-7 with 24 seconds left until halftime. It was the fourth time this season a UL opponent scored a non-offensive touchdown, including three fumble returns and one punt return. The Cajuns only mustered 136 total yards in the first half but that was still better than Charlotte’s 47. The 49ers also had nine flags for 83 yards, and only two first downs to 11 for the Cajuns — yet somehow only trailed by a field goal. Charlotte sacked Winfield three times and made his life difficult throughout. For now, the second half of the UAB game looks more like a bad sign than a bad half for the offense, but the Cajuns still picked up their first road win of the season.

4C ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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SAINTS GAMEDAY

ROSTERS SAINTS No. Player Pos Ht Wt Exp College 1 Kool-Aid McKinstry CB 5-11 199 3 Alabama 2 Spencer Rattler QB 6-0 211 3 South Carolina 3 Travis Etienne Jr. RB 5-10 215 6 Clemson 4 Oscar delp TE 6-4 245 0 Georgia 5 Kendre Miller RB 6-0 220 4 TCU 6 Tyler Shough QB 6-5 219 2 Louisville 7 Jonas Sanker SAF 6-1 211 2 Virginia 10 daniel Carlson K 6-5 222 9 Auburn 11 Zach Wilson QB 6-2 214 6 ByU 12 Chris Olave WR 6-0 187 5 Ohio State 14 devaughn Vele WR 6-5 210 3 Utah 17 Ryan Wright P 6-3 245 5 Tulane 18 Bryce Lance WR 6-3 204 0 North dakota St. 19 Barion Brown WR 5-11 177 0 LSU 20 Pete Werner LB 6-3 242 6 Ohio State 21 Justin Reid SAF 6-1 207 9 Stanford 22 Martin Emerson Jr. CB 6-2 201 5 Mississippi State 23 Julian Blackmon SAF 6-0 202 7 Utah 25 d. Richardson CB 6-2 188 4 Mississippi State 28 danny Stutsman LB 6-3 233 2 Oklahoma 29 Quincy Riley CB 5-11 195 2 Louisville 31 Jordan Howden dB 6-0 209 4 Minnesota 33 Anfernee Jennings dE 6-2 255 7 Alabama 38 Jayden Price CB 5-11 185 1 North dakota St. 41 Alvin Kamara RB 5-10 215 10 Tennessee 42 Mike Reid SAF 6-2 200 1 South dakota 43 CJ donaldson RB 6-1 230 0 Ohio State 44 Isaiah Stalbird LB 6-1 215 2 South dakota St. 46 Cal Adomitis LS 6-2 238 5 Pittsburgh 50 Colby Wooden dL 6-4 273 4 Auburn 51 Cesar Ruiz OL 6-4 316 7 Michigan 52 Christen Miller dT 6-3 321 0 Georgia 55 Kaden Elliss LB 6-2 238 8 Idaho 58 Chris Rumph II LB 6-2 244 6 duke 65 Jeremiah Wright G 6-5 331 0 Auburn 66 William Sherman G 6-4 300 2 Colorado 72 Asim Richards OL 6-4 307 4 North Carolina 74 Mason Murphy T 6-5 315 0 Auburn 75 Taliese Fuaga T 6-6 324 3 Oregon State 76 david Edwards G 6-6 308 8 Wisconsin 78 Erik McCoy OL 6-4 303 8 Texas A&M 82 Treyton Welch TE 6-4 240 1 Wyoming 83 Juwan Johnson TE 6-4 245 7 Oregon 87 Noah Fant TE 6-4 249 8 Iowa 91 Vernon Broughton dL 6-5 311 2 Texas 92 davon Godchaux dL 6-3 330 10 LSU 93 Nathan Shepherd dL 6-4 315 9 Fort Hays State 94 Cameron Jordan dE 6-4 287 16 California 95 John Ridgeway III dL 6-5 321 5 Arkansas 96 Carl Granderson dE 6-5 261 8 Wyoming 97 Khristian Boyd dL 6-2 320 3 Northern Iowa 98 Tyree Wilson dE 6-5 263 4 Texas Tech 99 Chase young dE 6-5 265 7 Ohio State

FOUR THINGS TO WATCH

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VEGAS’ WEAPONS

ESTABLISH THE RUN

Saints fans have waited to feel like this again. There is hope and hype this season can be a special one. That’s what happens when a team goes on the road and rallies for a victory against a team like the Baltimore Ravens. The Superdome should be electric Sunday. The Saints have been scoreless in the first quarter in 13 of the 19 games Kellen Moore has coached. Maybe the raucous crowd can give them the juice they need to avoid another slow start.

The Raiders lead the NFL in pressure rate, according to Next Gen Stats. Saints QB Tyler Shough has been sacked eight times in the first two games, including five in the opener against the detroit Lions. The Raiders have recorded eight sacks, tied with the Vikings and Bengals for the league lead. So the Saints O-line will have to bring its A-game against a defense that includes the disruptive Maxx Crosby and Nakobe dean. That task is tougher without left tackle Kelvin Banks

These aren’t the same Raiders that won just three games last season. New coach Klint Kubiak has things trending up. Veteran Kirk Cousins has completed 67.8% of his passes. For the third straight week, the Saints have to stop a big-time running back, this time Ashton Jeanty. The Saints struggled two weeks ago against detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs (156 yards) but then responded by shutting down Baltimore’s derrick Henry (68 yards, just 17 in the second half).

Sorry to sound like a broken record, but the Saints need to get their running game going. It would make life so much easier for the passing game. The Saints rank 28th in the league in rushing (78 yards per game). Falling behind early and having to rely on the passing game doesn’t help the rushing numbers. The Raiders are 15th in rushing yards allowed (100.5 ypg). Travis Etienne, the Saints’ most notable free agent signing on offense, has rushed just 17 times for 71 yards. Rod Walker

RAIDERS No. Player 1 Tre Tucker 2 Ashton Jeanty 3 Taron Johnson 4 Mike Washington 5 Eric Stokes 6 AJ Cole 7 Quay Walker 8 Kirk Cousins 9 Jalen Nailor 11 Jeremy Chinn 12 Aidan O’Connell 14 Matt Gay 15 Fernando Mendoza 17 Nakobe dean 18 Jack Bech 19 Malik Benson 20 Isaiah Pola-Mao 23 dylan Laube 25 darrell Luter Jr. 26 darien Porter 27 Tristin McCollum 28 Jermod McCoy 29 Chigozie Anusiem 31 Treydan Stukes 33 Chris Collier 34 Connor Heyward 35 Hezekiah Masses 43 dalton Johnson 44 Tommy Eichenberg 47 Alex Ward 50 Segun Olubi 51 Malcolm Koonce 54 Brennan Jackson 55 Cody Lindenberg 58 J. Powers-Johnson 60 Charles Grant 65 Tyler Linderbaum 66 Trey Zuhn III 69 Adam Butler 70 Spencer Burford 71 dJ Glaze 74 Kolton Miller 76 Caleb Rogers 77 Justin Pickett 77 Bryce Cabeldue 80 Ian Thomas 81 dareke young 82 Corey Rucker 87 Michael Mayer 89 Brock Bowers 92 JJ Pegues 93 Patrick Johnson 94 Folorunso Fatukasi 95 Kwity Paye 96 Jonah Laulu 97 Tonka Hemingway 98 Maxx Crosby 99 Thomas Booker IV

Pos Ht Wt Exp College WR 5-8 182 4 Cincinnati RB 5-8 208 2 Boise State CB 5-11 192 9 Weber State RB 6-2 228 0 Arkansas CB 6-1 193 6 Georgia P 6-4 220 8 NC State LB 6-4 240 5 Georgia QB 6-3 209 15 Michigan State WR 6-0 190 5 Michigan State SAF 6-3 220 7 Southern Illinois QB 6-3 206 4 Purdue K 6-0 232 7 Utah QB 6-5 225 0 Indiana LB 5-11 230 5 Georgia WR 6-1 214 2 TCU WR 6-1 195 0 Oregon SAF 6-3 204 5 USC RB 5-9 204 3 New Hampshire CB 6-0 190 4 South Alabama CB 6-2 195 2 Iowa State SAF 6-3 195 3 Sam Houston CB 6-0 193 0 Tennessee CB 6-1 200 2 Colorado State SAF 6-2 200 0 Arizona RB 5-10 203 2 Lock Haven FB 6-0 230 5 Michigan State CB 6-1 185 0 California SAF 5-11 198 0 Arizona LB 6-2 234 3 Ohio State LS 6-4 240 4 UCF LB 6-2 220 4 San diego State dE 6-3 243 6 Buffalo LB 6-4 263 3 Washington St. LB 6-2 236 2 Minnesota OL 6-3 325 3 Oregon T 6-4 304 2 William & Mary C 6-2 305 5 Iowa OG 6-7 319 0 Texas A&M dT 6-4 301 9 Vanderbilt G 6-4 300 5 UTSA OT 6-4 331 3 Maryland T 6-8 326 9 UCLA G 6-4 312 2 Texas Tech G 6-7 317 0 duke G 6-4 308 2 Kansas TE 6-3 253 9 Indiana WR 6-2 224 5 Lenoir-Rhyne WR 6-0 213 0 Arkansas State TE 6-4 256 4 Notre dame TE 6-4 235 3 Georgia dT 6-2 325 2 Ole Miss dE 6-2 248 6 Tulane dT 6-4 318 8 UConn dE 6-3 265 6 Michigan dT 6-5 289 3 Oklahoma dT 6-2 284 2 South Carolina dE 6-5 255 8 E. Michigan dT 6-3 301 4 Stanford

INJURY REPORT SAINTS OUT: WR Barion Brown (hamstring), dL Christen Miller (toe). QUESTIONABLE: CB Martin Emerson (shoulder).

RAIDERS OUT: S Treydan Stukes (concussion). QUESTIONABLE: TE Brock Bowers (knee), QB Aidan O’Connell (NIR/personal), dE Kwity Paye (illness).

ASSOCIATEd PRESS PHOTO By NICK WASS

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson passes under pressure from Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss in the first half of a game on Sunday in Baltimore.

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C 31-year-old through the A-gap, dropped him back in coverage, placed him between a defensive tackle and an edge rusher in the Bgap, and occasionally lined him up off the edge. Elliss’ versatility gives the Saints a piece they didn’t have last year. That’s not to diminish Davis’ impact — he was still quite effective and could line up in multiple spots at age 36 — but the two are completely different players. With Elliss, Staley has tapped into what he does best: blitz. Through two games, Elliss has been sent on a blitz 26.3% of the time, nearly double the rate of the Saints linebackers last year. And the play calls have been impactful. On 21 pass-rush reps, Elliss has generated seven pressures, the second-most for an off-ball linebacker this season behind Blake Cashman of Minnesota. “You watch the first couple games, and he’s just got great timing,” former Saints linebacker Scott Shanle said. “He’s got great rhythm with the snap count of the offense, and he seems to be just a half-step ahead of the offensive lineman, tight end or whoever he’s blitzing against. “He’s just got an uncanny way of just timing up the snap counts.” Ravens running back Justice Hill found that out the hard way. In last weekend’s upset win over Baltimore, Elliss came crashing downhill with a full head of steam by timing the snap perfectly so Hill had no shot at protecting Lamar Jackson, who quickly threw a pass at the feet of his nearby receiver. Hill’s whiffed block was one of Elliss’ four pressures that afternoon. Elliss has yet to record a sack this season, but he can still wreak havoc. That’s why coach Kellen Moore wanted him in the ﬁrst place. Over the last two seasons, Moore had to prepare for facing Elliss three times — ﬁrst when he was the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator, then twice when coaching the Saints. Each time, Moore’s pressure plan centered around identifying Elliss.

There are only a “handful of guys” ing to be the man … it gave him a lot like that, Moore said. of conﬁdence,” Shanle said. “Timing, anticipation, FBI,” Staley said Elliss is one of those Moore said. “Physical play. He’s re“chess pieces” every defense ally a multiple player.” needs, especially in the modern FBI? NFL when offenses have dynamic “Football intelligence,” Moore weapons who can line up all over said with a grin. the field. Former quarterbackDespite how much he studies preturned-analyst Dan Orlovsky said snap, Elliss tries not to overthink on ESPN this week that as teams his process. start to feature more under-center “If you ask me to teach someone,” looks again, it creates opportunities he said, “I don’t know how to teach for linebackers such as Elliss and him.” Werner to be “blitzing machines.” At his best, he goes by feel. And Asked what makes Elliss such the play-calling helps. an effective blitzer, Elliss said he’s been Staley noted the linemost effective when backer is too big (6his tasks vary from foot-2, 228 pounds) for play to play, so offensrunning backs and too es can’t get a read on fast for linemen. But what he’s about to do. he first singled out Staley and Elliss are Elliss’ background. He’s got great both aware of this, Elliss, the oldest of and Elliss said he 11 children, comes rhythm with the tries not to give any from a family of pass snap count of the rushers. His dad, Luclues before the snap. He wants to do all of ther, was an All-Pro deoffense, and he the reading. fensive tackle with the seems to be just Elliss’ growth from Detroit Lions, while a half-step ahead his younger brothers his first stint with the Saints has been Jonah (New England) of the offensive noticeable. Cam Jorand Christian (Denlineman, tight end ver) also play in the dan and Pete Werner noted that this isn’t NFL. or whoever he’s the same player who “He’s got the genes, blitzing against.” spent his first few for sure,” Staley said. years as a backup, nor “We always tried SCOTT SHANLE, the one who shined in to play some offense Former Saints linebacker, a breakout 71/ 2 sack (growing up), but at on LB Kaden Elliss the end of the day, season in 2022 when college coaches said, he finally got an op‘You’re probably going to be a deportunity to play. fensive player,’ ” Elliss said with “He’s totally different,” Werner a laugh. “And that’s when our dad said. “And I think it starts menwas able to teach us the most.” tally.” Standing near his locker, Elliss “Kaden, when he was ﬁrst here,” lights up when asked what is more Jordan said, “the lights were rewarding as a linebacker: an interbright.” ception or a sack? The Falcons, as hated as they “Sack,” Elliss said. “Sack is more are in New Orleans, gave Elliss work. You’ve got to beat a really the chance to lead a defense and good offensive lineman. Then you further unlock his versatility. In get one of the best athletes in the the three years, he racked up 100world on the ground and you need plus tackles and became a matchup everyone on the back end to cover nightmare. But the Falcons also long enough for you to do it. named him a captain and gave him “So sack.” the “Green Dot” — the signal that That’s a story Elliss can’t wait to allowed him to reiterate play calls read. to the defense. He holds the same duties now in New Orleans. Email Matthew Paras at matt. “I think going to Atlanta and havparas@theadvocate.com

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 5C

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RAIDERS at SAINTS

3:25 p.m. Sunday, Caesars Superdome Line: Saints by 3½ (Over/Under: 43½) TV: CBS | Radio: KMdL-FM, 97-3; KPEL-AM-1420

six-day-a-week newsletter

OFFENSIVE LEADERS Saints

Raiders

PASSING

Player

Cmp-Att-Pct Yds TD Int

Tyler Shough

62-90-68.9

662

RUSHING

Player

Att

Travis Etienne Tyler Shough Kendre Miller Alvin Kamara

Net

17 13 9 9

71 31 30 15

Avg TD 4.2 2.4 3.3 1.7

0 1 1 0

Rec Yards Avg TD

Chris Olave Devaughn Vele Travis Etienne Juwan Johnson Alvin Kamara Bryce Lance

18 12 9 7 5 4

Cmp-Att-Pct Yds TD Int

Kirk Cousins

40-59-67.8

268 133 38 120 7 50

14.9 11.1 4.2 17.1 1.4 12.5

1 1 0 1 0 0

Att

Ashton Jeanty Mike Washington Connor Heyward

Net

44 10 2

Avg TD

150 48 2

3.4 4.8 2.0

0 0 0

Player

Rec Yards Avg TD

Tre Tucker Ashton Jeanty Michael Mayer Jack Bech Jalen Nailor Dareke Young

7 10 9 5 4 1

146 60 55 48 36 27

20.9 6.0 6.1 9.6 9.0 27.0

1 2 0 1 0 0

KICKING

XPM XPA FGM FGA

Daniel Carlson

RUSHING

Player

KICKING Player

413

RECEIVING

RECEIVING Player

PASSING

Player

XPM XPA FGM FGA

Matt Gay

DEFENSIVE LEADERS TACKLES

ASSOCIATEd PRESS PHOTO By dAVId BECKER

Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak looks on from the sideline during a game against the Miami dolphins on Sept. 13 in Las Vegas. Kubiak, who was the Saints offensive coordinator in 2024, has the Raiders 2-0 entering Sunday’s game against the Saints in the Caesars Superdome.

Tot Solo Ast TFL Sk

Pete Werner

Kaden Elliss

Jonas Sanker

Justin Reid

Kool-Aid McKinstry

Danny Stutsman

Julian Blackmon

Carl Granderson

Nathan Shepherd

0.5

Davon Godchaux

Martin Emerson

Quincy Riley

Vernon Broughton

Anfernee Jennings

Isaiah Stalbird

Colby Wooden

Chase Young

1.5

Jordan Howden

Cam Jordan

Not long ago, Kubiak TEAM STATS was the toast of N.O. I

t was the type of celebration you typically see under the bridge on Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans. Except on this particular Sunday two Septembers ago, the scene was Arlington, Texas. Folks dressed in black and gold danced in the streets while the sounds from brass instruments penetrated the air. The Saints had just lit up the AT&T Stadium scoreboard in a Rod 44-19 beatdown Walker of the Dallas Cowboys, igniting this impromptu second-line parade outside of Jerry’s World. A week earlier, the Saints had handed out a similar spanking in the Superdome, blasting the Carolina Panthers 47-10 in the season opener. Those 91 points by the Saints in the first two games had the Who Dat Nation ready to crown its new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, the king of whatever Mardi Gras krewe he chose. “I’m not sure if Klint Kubiak drinks, but if he does, he should never have to pay for another one for a while in this city,” I posted on X that day. Saints football was back. Or at least that’s what everybody thought that day. Even then-head coach Dennis Allen stepped out of his comfort zone in the locker room, borrowing a bar from rapper Kendrick Lamar in his postgame speech. “Sometimes you’ve got to pop out and show ’em,” Allen said to his team. The Saint were headed in the right direction. Then all of a sudden, they weren’t. The wheels fell completely off. The Saints lost seven straight games. The seventh loss, to those same Panthers the Saints had destroyed in the season opener, was the nail in Allen’s coffin. He was fired the next morning. Kubiak finished the season as coordinator under interim coach Darren Rizzi, who coveted the job as Allen’s replacement. Three weeks after the Saints put the lid on the trash can of that 5-12 season, Kubiak was named offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks. Two weeks after that, Kellen

TACKLES

Player

FUMBLES 0.50

2.5 0 0 0 3 0 0 0.5 1 1 0 1 0 1.5 1 0

Player

Tot Yds Avg TD PD

Hezekiah Masses Treydan Stukes

2 1

29 0

14.5 0.0

0 0

PASS 204.0 PASS 29.5

RUSH 33.0

Turnovers: 1.50 INTERCEPTIONS 1.50

FUMBLES 0.00

Turnovers forced: 1.00

Turnovers forced: 2.50

INTERCEPTIONS 0.50

FUMBLES 0.50

SCORING PER GAME

SCORED ALLOWED 27.0

24.0

SCORED ALLOWED

PASS 184.0

RUSH 100.5

INTERCEPTIONS 1.50

SCORED ALLOWED

26.5 13.5

2026

FUMBLES 1.00

SCORING PER GAME

SCORED ALLOWED

22.5

18.0

2025

25.4

14.2

2026

2025

CONVERSION SUCCESS

Third down

Fourth down

00.0%

50.0% 50.0%

Fail

Convert

Fail

3 1

RUSH 93.5

DEFENSE PER GAME Yards allowed: 284.5

RUSH 136.5

1.5 0 0 0 2 0 0 0.5 1 0 0 0 0 1.5 0 0

INTERCEPTIONS

DEFENSE PER GAME Yards allowed: 340.5 PASS 204.0

Email Rod Walker at rwalker@theadvocate.com.

4 9 4 3 5 3 6 5 2 2 4 1 2 2 2 2

Plays: 62.5

RUSH 26.0

INTERCEPTIONS 1.00

special place. We are excited to be in there with our fans, with this city and this state. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.” The Dome has been anything but fun lately. The Saints are just 6-11 at home the last two seasons, going 3-5 last season and 3-6 in 2024. Sunday is a chance for the Saints to help the Dome recapture its magic and start approaching that 136.6 decibel level reached back in 2013. To do so, they will have to get past a Las Vegas team that has been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises. Kubiak has the Raiders off to a 2-0 start. “I have a ton of respect for the way those guys are playing,” Moore said. “Those guys are doing it the right way. Their play style, their relentlessness. I love the way those guys are playing.” The respect is mutual. “We just know that their team is playing really well,” Kubiak said to the Las Vegas media. “We’re playing in their place. In their Dome, it’s going to be loud. We’re going to get their best. The Dome is as loud as it gets.” Chances are, it’ll be even louder than Kubiak remembers it. The expectations in New Orleans now with Tyler Shough playing quarterback are even higher than they were heading into Week 3 when Kubiak was in town. Those expectations quickly disappeared two years ago. It’s up to Moore to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

12 7 7 6 3 4 1 1 4 4 2 4 3 2 2 1

Plays: 71.0

RUSH 78.0

Turnovers: 1.50

Moore was named head coach of the Saints. Fast forward to the present, and Kubiak will be back in the Dome on Sunday, now as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. On the opposite sideline will be Moore. They are the last two offensive coordinators to win the Super Bowl. Kubiak won it with Seattle in February. Moore won it with Philly the year before that. Now the two offensiveminded guys in their late 30s — Kubiak is 39 and Moore is 38 — are breathing life into franchises with two of the most fanatical fanbases in the NFL. It’s why the Dome will be jolting Sunday in much the same way it was when the Saints opened up a 37-3 lead over the Panthers in Kubiak’s debut as Saints coordinator in 2024. Coincidentally, it was Moore and the Eagles two weeks later who cooled the Saints off, beating them in the Dome and starting that sevengame skid that eventually led to Allen’s dismissal and Moore landing the job. After a rocky start last season, Moore has the Saints on the right track. After winning just two of his ﬁrst 12 games, he has won ﬁve of his last seven. That includes last week, when the Saints went on the road and stunned the Baltimore Ravens 24-17. It was by far Moore’s best win since Mickey Loomis hired him. It also amped up the expectations for this season, the reason the Dome will sound like its old self Sunday. “We’re excited to get back to the Dome,” Moore said. “It’s a

16 16 11 9 8 7 7 6 6 6 6 5 5 4 4 3

OFFENSE PER GAME Yards gained: 297.5

PASS 45.0

Saints coach Kellen Moore reacts to a score against the denver Broncos during a preseason game at the Caesars Superdome on Aug. 23, 2025.

Tot Solo Ast TFL Sk

Nakobe Dean Quay Walker Treydan Stukes Jeremy Chinn Kwity Paye Segun Olubi Tonka Hemingway Folorunso Fatukasi Erik Stokes Taron Johnson Isaiah Pola-Mao Hezekiah Masses Cody White Malcolm Koonce Thomas Booker Dylan Laube

OFFENSE PER GAME Yards gained: 383.5 PASS 305.5

STAFF FILE PHOTO By dAVId GRUNFELd

Player

33.3% 100%

66.6%

Convert

Fail

Fourth down

33.3% 66.7%

Convert

Fail

Convert

STAFF PREDICTIONS ROD WALKER

JEFF DUNCAN

SAINTS 31, RAIDERS 20: This won’t be the gimme that I thought it would be when the schedule came out. The Raiders have shown improvement, but the dome should be rocking, enough to finally get the Saints off to a much-needed fast start. They handle their business at home and give the Who dat Nation a treat.

SAINTS 23, RAIDERS 13: I’m not buying the Raiders’ 2-0 start. It feels fraudulent, and I believe the Saints will expose things in their offense and defense that the dolphins and Chargers could not. If the Saints can get after Kirk Cousins and make him uncomfortable in the pocket, I expect it to lead to some takeaways.

LUKE JOHNSON

MATTHEW PARAS

SAINTS 27, RAIDERS 23: Two weeks are enough to get an idea of an NFL team but not enough time to feel great about that idea. I think the Saints are good; I think the Raiders’ 2-0 start is not a mirage. We should get some clearer answers on these teams, but I think the dome will provide the edge the Saints need defensively.

SAINTS 21, RAIDERS 18: Former Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has Las Vegas out to a scrappy start, and his offense could very well give New Orleans some trouble. But I like the Saints in this one, especially with Chris Olave being able to feast on the Raiders secondary. But it won’t be easy.

6C ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate H

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PREP REWIND FIVE STARS OF THE NIGHT Kaleb Simon, Lafayette Christian The Knights’ two-way performer contributed heavily on both sides of the ball in LCA’s 27-7 win over Teurlings Catholic. On offense, he had 88 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. On defense, Simon had 11 tackles and an interception.

Noah Antoine, Westgate

Markez Davis, Northwest

The Tigers star quarterback is becoming one of those players who could be a weekly candidate for honors. This week, he hit on 18 of 26 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns in a 27-6 homecoming win over previously unbeaten Opelousas.

The two-way standout and LSU commitment showed what he’s capable of at wide receiver in Friday’s 43-14 blowout win over Crowley with five receptions for 222 yards and three touchdowns. His big night included Td catches of 69 and 63 yards.

Pierce Gable, Westminster-Lafayette At times, it just looks easy for this sophomore running back/ linebacker. In Thursday’s 54-14 win, Gable had 211 yards and three Tds on eight carries on offense, while getting 51/2 tackles with a sack and 21/2 stops behind the line.

Blathon Citizen, Church Point The Bears opened the season without a clear-cut leading rusher, but that appears to be changing. The speedy Citizen rushed for 171 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries in Church Point’s 27-13 victory over Iota, including a 47yard run.

GAME OF THE WEEK

STM efficient in win over Acadiana Sophomore QB, strong defense help lift Cougars

BY NICK FONTENOT Contributing writer

St. Thomas More slowed down Acadiana’s vaunted veer Friday night and the Cougars took advantage of three Wreckin’ Rams turnovers. Consequently, STM defeated Acadiana 27-20 behind a rugged defensive performance and a strong effort from sophomore quarterback Grayson Hemard, who threw two touchdown passes to secure the victory. “That’s another gritty win,” STM coach Shane Savoie said. “I think a lot of people aren’t thinking our sophomore quarterback can do much, but he’s growing into his own in our offense, and he made his share of plays tonight.” Hemard displayed precision passing by completing 10 of 16 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns. One touchdown pass was 14 yards to Landyn Craft and the second one was 20 yards to Sawyer Watkins. Hemard also rushed for 41 yards on 11 carries. As a rusher, Craft contributed 35 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, while Owen Bailey led the Cougars in rushing with 62 yards on 11 carries. Also playing a big role in STM’s win was wide receiver Jared Quoyeser, with ﬁve receptions for 59 yards and a 12-yard carry. The Acadiana offense had some success but never found the consistency it needed against a Cougars defense that stayed disciplined and limited the Rams’ attack. The Rams also hurt themselves with three fumbles, all leading to points for STM. “This is a tough one,” Acadiana coach Doug Dotson said. “We played undisciplined, and when you do that against a team like (STM), you’re going to lose. Credit to them. They had a great game plan and if we get a couple of those plays back, maybe it’s different.” DaShun Lightfoot eclipsed the 100-yard mark again with 117 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries but left the game with an injury and didn’t return. Syrian Joseph

The St. Thomas More defense celebrates a fumble recovery during the Cougars’ 27-20 win over Acadiana on Friday in Scott. rushed for 112 yards on 18 carries. He also left the game with an injury but later returned. Quarterback Cohen DiBetta threw for 120 yards and a touchdown on 7-of-16 passing and added 35 yards and a touchdown rushing on four carries. DiBetta had a 22yard touchdown run in the ﬁnal period, as well as a 26-yard TD strike to Malik Gloston. STM’s defensive effort against Acadiana’s veer was impressive. The Cougars prevented the Rams from establishing the kind of sustained rushing attack that can wear down a defense and had gotten Acadiana off to a great start this season. “Our defense was lights out,” Savoie said. “To come in here and hold that offense to what we did, that’s deﬁnitely showing we have great players on that side of the ball. And nobody knows their name

PHOTOS By ROBIN MAy

except the guys in that room. “You look at them and you like, ‘Who’s the guy? Who is the main guy that’s going to make plays?’ It’s someone different every week, and I think our guys are loving that process.” Savoie said Hemard’s development has been noticeable, particularly as the sophomore continues to become more comfortable running the offense. “He’s getting better every week,” Savoie said. “We asked him to do some things and run some offense, and we did a good job of putting him in position to be successful. He’s a sophomore, so he’s got a ways to go, but I like that he’s steadily improving and doing what we need to win foot- Landyn Craft of St. Thomas More receives a handoff against Acadiana on ball games.” Friday in Scott. The Cougars’ winning effort was also bolstered by kicker Jack Fon- ﬁrst half to build a 13-7 halftime in the first quarter and added a tenot nailing two ﬁeld goals in the lead. Fontenot made a 44-yarder 27-yarder in the second quarter.

LCA rebounds from loss in style with blowout of Teurlings BY BRANDON COMEAUX

Contributing writer

The Lafayette Christian Knights rode their ball-hawking, stingy defense to a 27-7 victory over the Teurlings Catholic Rebels on Friday night at Knight Field. “Every time the defense needed to step up, they did,” LCA coach Matt Standiford said. “There is no denying that we took one on the chin last week (against Alexandria), but we responded in a way that championship teams do.” Before the Knights defense even stepped out on the field, though, Nathan Box took the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown for Teurlings (0-4). It only took 13 seconds for the Rebels to get on the scoreboard. That would be the last time Teurlings scored for the rest of the game, although it had chances. Up 7-0 after having stopped the Knights offense, the Rebels used a short field to get inside the red zone, but senior defensive end Josh Wilson caused a fumble following a first-down pickup to halt the Teurlings drive. On the ensuing series, junior Kyzir White — filling in for the injured Ty Hills at quarterback — found fellow junior wide receiver

FILE PHOTO By ROBIN MAy

Lafayette Christian running back Kaleb Simon and the Knights rolled past Teurlings Catholic 27-7 on Friday. Triston Jones behind the Rebels defense for a 76-yard TD. The extra point was no good, however, as Teurlings maintained its 7-6 lead. The teams battled without another score until late in the second quarter. The Rebels defense forced White to throw an interception, but a personal foul penalty against Teurlings gave the ball back to LCA (3-1), and senior run-

ning back Kaleb Simon punched it in from 4 yards to give the Knights a 13-7 lead at halftime. “With Kyzir (White) moving to quarterback, I needed to step up and help out more on offense. My switch doesn’t turn off,” said Simon — who also plays linebacker — when asked about the mentality he brings to the running back position. “I don’t take my foot off

the gas.” Simon finished with 88 yards rushing and a touchdown on 15 carries. On defense, Simon — along with sophomore linebacker Tristen Alexander — led LCA with 11 total tackles. Simon also had an interception. After a scoreless third quarter, the Rebels put together their best drive of the night, which Teurlings converting on fourth-and-19 to keep it alive. The LCA defense, however, tightened up inside the 5 and forced the Rebels to attempt a field goal with nearly eight minutes to play. “One of my favorite plays of the game was that blocked field goal,” Standiford said, referencing junior safety Davion Batiste’s point-saving play that kept the Rebels from cutting into LCA’s six-point lead. The Rebels had another chance to come back, though, as their defense forced an LCA punt with over just over five minutes left in the game. “When we punted the ball… there was total confidence in our defense,” Standiford said. “I knew it was going to be tough for them to drive 90 yards against us, so I’m extremely proud of our effort and our resilience.”

Rebels senior quarterback D.J. Kelly, who was recently ruled eligible to play after transferring from Ascension Episcopal School, started in place of the injured senior Austin Calandra. At times, Kelly was able to extend drives with his feet as he ﬁnished with 51 yards rushing on 17 carries. It was a rough night passing, though. Junior cornerback Sky Ryan-Alexander intercepted Kelly at the Teurlings 32-yard line and followed a convoy of blockers — led by Simon — into the end zone to help LCA increase its lead to 20-7. Then, Simon picked off Kelly on the following drive. Sophomore running back Landon Prudhomme followed Simon’s interception with a 12-yard touchdown run for the ﬁnal score. Prudhomme had a game-high 93 yards rushing and a touchdown. LCA rolled up 224 yards on the ground and 119 through the air. Teurlings, meanwhile, was held to only 120 yards of total offense. “I was super proud of our team for not only winning the game but how we won it,” Standiford said. Up next for LCA is a trip to Opelousas to take on the Tigers in the Knights’ last nondistrict game. Teurlings will host University High.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 7C

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PREP REWIND SUMMARIES Church Point 27, Iota 13 Team CP IOTA First Downs 9 17 Yards Rushing 224 81 Yards Passing 68 131 Passes (C-A-HI) 7-11-0 10-24-1 Punts-avg. Fumbles-lost 0-0 1-1 Penalties-yards 2-5 11-75 SCORING SUMMARY Church Point 0 20 0 7 —27 Iota 3 7 3 0 —13 IOTA — Brayden Dooley 29 FG CP — Blathon Citizen 45 run (Seth Alleman kick) IOTA — 10 run (Dooley kick) CP — Citizen 4 run (kick failed) CP — Citizen 4 run (Alleman kick) IOTA — Dooley 32 FG CP — Daylon Leger 24 run (Alleman kick)

Erath 50, Acadiana Renaissance 26

PHOTO By LEE BALL

Westgate receiver Cayden Lancelin, left, looks for running room after a reception during a win over Opelousas on Friday in New Iberia.

Westgate beats Opelousas on strong passing game, defense BY ERIC NARCISSE Staff writer

Westgate football coach Ryan Antoine will be the ﬁrst to admit he has seen better weeks of practice from the Tigers. But considering it was homecoming week, Antoine wasn’t surprised they might have been distracted. So, once the final seconds ticked off the clock in the Tigers’ 27-6 win over Opelousas on Friday, it was easy to notice that Antoine wasn’t the least bit pleased with his team’s performance. “It’s homecoming week. (We were) sloppy in a lot of areas,” Antoine said. “Things that we have to clean up on. Things that we have to do a better job of. Felt like we did a good job defensively. Starting off early, offensively we did a good job. The biggest thing is coming into the second half, we have to clean that stuff up. I feel like we took our foot off the brakes, had some sloppy possessions and things we have to clean up on. We’ve got to be better.” Defensively, Westgate (4-0) was stout as it recorded six sacks, forced two turnovers and held Opelousas (3-1) to 191 yards — 99 passing, 92 rushing — of to-

tal offense. “We just wanted to bring pressure,” Antoine said when asked about Westgate’s defensive game plan. “We knew the quarterback (Collin Rideau) was the guy, so we wanted to pressure him and not allow him to get out of that pocket. We saw it on ﬁlm, a lot of times he was able to get out of the pocket and that’s when he became dangerous. We would let the running back do some things and then we’ll clean that stuff up, but we weren’t going to let (Rideau) beat us.” Rideau completed 11 of 24 passes for 99 yards and an interception, while rushing for negative-7 yards on 16 carries. Opelousas running back Joseph Clues rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Westgate was led on offense by quarterback Noah Antoine and receivers Cayden Lancelin and Joshua John. Antoine completed 18 of 26 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns, while Lancelin had a game-high 99 yards and a touchdown on six receptions and John had three catches for 90 yards and a TD. Westgate struggled to run the ball, ﬁnishing with 92 yards on 30 carries. “Noah is a leader. Noah prepares that way, and he makes

sure that we make those kinds of plays,” Antoine said. “He made a lot of good plays, and he deﬁnitely made some good calls in the ﬁrst half. We know we have to clean some stuff up in our run game, because they did a great job of stopping our run. “We have to get back to the drawing board and make sure we have a strong run game. If you want to make it far in the playoffs, you have to be able to run the game, especially when people know you’re going to run the ball.” With homecoming week officially behind them, Antoine looks forward to seeing the Tigers return with a renewed focus. “I’m not going to say that we had a great week and I’m not going to say we had a great week of practice,” Antoine said. “We have to be better in that situation. Now, we’ve gotten this stuff out of the way, we have to focus because we have a tough one at home next week against a strong Carencro team that will be ready to come play against us. Hats off to our guys. We are 4-0, but we just have to get better.” Email Eric Narcisse at enarcisse@theadvocate.com.

Team ERA ARCA First Downs 14 9 Yards Rushing 185 202 Yards Passing 167 245 Passes (C-A-HI) 9-10-0 16-24-1 Punts-avg. Fumbles-lost 0-0 0-0 Penalties-yards 5-17 6-60 SCORING SUMMARY Erath 22 21 7 0 —50 Acadiana Renaissance 0 6 13 7 —26 ERA — Tate Collins 15 pass from Landen DeRoues (conversion good) ERA — Isaiah Meadows 3 run (Andrew Barras kick) ERA — Connor Toups 8 run (Barras kick) ERA — Toups 5 run (Barras kick) ERA — Carter Champagne 1 run (Barras kick) ARCA — Kendon Hays 65 kickoff return (kick failed) ERA — Jacob Richard 2 run (Barras kick) ARCA — Kristian Aubrey 79 run ( Jax Romero kick) ERA — DeRoues 44 run (Barras kick) ARCA — Kristian Aubrey 16 run (conversion failed) ARCA — Sawyer Greneaux 52 pass from Vance Laborde (Romero kick)

Eunice 41, Rayne 18

Team EUN RAY First Downs 25 15 Yards Rushing 282 102 Yards Passing 170 133 Passes (C-A-HI) 10-16-0 8-12-2 Punts-avg. 0-0 0-0 Fumbles-lost 0-0 0-0 Penalties-yards 9-83 3-32 SCORING SUMMARY Eunice 14 7 0 20 —41 Rayne 0 6 0 12 —18 EUN — Beau Brown 3 run (Beau Brown kick) EUN — Devontre Williams 57 run (Brown kick) RAY — Syncere Smith 17 pass from Austin Goins (Run failed) EUN — Brown 2 run (Brown kick) EUN — Williams 2 run (Brown kick) RAY — Chase Cary 11 run (Run failed) EUN — Austin Francois 14 pass from Brown (Run failed) RAY — LeSean Leday 65 pass from Goins (Pass failed) EUN — Carston Andrepont 13 pass from Malik Thomas (Brown kick)

JS Clark 16, St. Edmund 8

Team STE JSC First Downs 10 11 Yards Rushing 100 128 Yards Passing 99 71 Passes (C-A-HI) 6-16-2 8-13-0 Punts-avg. 3-28.7 2-31 Fumbles-lost 0-0 2-1 Penalties-yards 7-70 6-34 SCORING SUMMARY St. Edmund 8 0 0 0 —8 JS Clark 8 0 0 8 —16 STE — Nathan Driggs 6 run (Max Smith run) JSC — Austin Simon 5 run (Austin Simon run) JSC — Jayden Sonnier 62 run (Simon run)

Kaplan 30, Loreauville 14

Team LOR KAP First Downs 15 14 Yards Rushing 249 344 Yards Passing 26 37 Passes (C-A-HI) 3-8-2 3-5-0 Punts-avg. 1-37 1-25 Fumbles-lost 0-0 2-0 Penalties-yards 5-60 13-105 SCORING SUMMARY Loreauville0 0 8 6 0 —14 Kaplan 16 14 0 0 —30 KAP — De’Maurion Cormier 65 run (Mathiew Breaux kick) KAP — Safety, high snap on punt KAP — Jayden Hargrave 1 run (Breaux kick) LOR — Thomas Carter 3 run (Max Broussard from Wyatt Hazelwood) KAP — Breaux 51 run (Pass failed) KAP — Cormier 8 run (Cormier run) LOR — Carter 2 run (Kick failed)

Lafayette Christian 27, Teurlings 7 Team First Downs

TEUR 9

LCA 17

Yards Rushing 50 229 Yards Passing 67 117 Passes (C-A-HI) 9-26-3 9-15-0 Punts-avg. 4-37 5-31 Fumbles-lost 2-1 0-0 Penalties-yards 4-14 7-45 SCORING SUMMARY Teurlings 7 0 0 0 —7 Lafayette Christian 6 7 0 14 —27 TEUR — Nathan Box 60 kickoff return (Alex LeBeouf kick) LCA — Tristen Jones 76 pass from Kyzer White (Kick failed) LCA — Kaleb Simon 4 run (Kick good) LCA — Landon Prudhomme 8 run (Kick good) LCA — Sky Ryan Alexander 90 interception return (Kick good)

St. Thomas More 27, Acadiana 20

Team STM ACAD First Downs 18 17 Yards Rushing 165 312 Yards Passing 124 120 Passes (C-A-HI) 10-16-1 7-16-0 Punts-avg. 1-25 0-0 Fumbles-lost 0-0 3-3 Penalties-yards 10-102 10-85 SCORING SUMMARY St. Thomas More 3 10 14 0 —27 Acadiana 0 7 0 13 —20 STM — Jack Fontenot 44 FG STM — Landyn Craft 14 pass from Grayson Hermard (Fontenot kick) ACAD — DaShun Lightfoot 1 run (Josh Marquez kick) STM — 27 Fontenot FG STM — Sawyer Watkins 20 pass from Hermard (Fontenot kick) STM — Craft 1 run (Fontenot kick) ACAD — Cohen Dibetta 22 run (kick failed) ACAD — Malik Gloston 26 pass from DiBetta (Marquez kick)

West Feliciana 41, Carencro 23

Team CAR WF First Downs 21 13 Yards Rushing 102 250 Yards Passing 170 62 Passes (C-A-HI) 25-35-1 7-14-0 Punts-avg. 6-36 3-24 Fumbles-lost 2-2 1-1 Penalties-yards 2-10 8-56 SCORING SUMMARY Carencro 10 7 0 6 —23 West Feliciana 13 7 0 21 —41 CAR — Safety CAR — Dentrell Morrison 23 pass from Carson Gurzi (Cardaye Batiste run) WF — Tookie Dorsett 89 kickoff return (Kick failed) WF — Kharen Scott 5 pass from Brooks Hebert (JP St. Romain kick) WF — Ean Hills 4 run (St. Romain kick) CAR — Kameron Bernard 11 pass from Gurzi (Matthew Latham kick) WF — Hebert 7 run (St. Romain kick) WF — Hills 1 run (St. Roman kick) WF — Hills 45 run (St. Romain kick) CAR — Roland Bruno 16 run (Run failed)

Westgate 27, Opelousas 6

Team OHS WGHS First Downs 17 18 Yards Rushing 36-92 30-92 Yards Passing 99 274 Passes (C-A-HI) 11-24-1 18-26-0 Punts-avg. 4-33 2-28.5 Fumbles-lost 3-1 2-1 Penalties-yards 4-20 11-109 SCORING SUMMARY OHS 0 0 0 6 —6 WGHS 6 14 0 7 —27 WGHS — Cayden Lancelin 10 pass from Noah Antoine (Run failed) WGHS — Laiken Hypolite 1 run (Joshua John pass from Antoine) WGHS — Lewald Vallot 20 pass from Antoine (Pass failed) OHS — Joseph Clues 3 run (Pass failed) WGHS — John 47 pass from Antoine (David Rajaphone kick)

Westminster-Lafayette 54, Centerville 14

Team CVILLE WCAL First Downs 6 12 Yards Rushing 135 434 Yards Passing 36 18 Passes (C-A-HI) 2-4-0 1-2-0 Punts-avg. 3-47 0-0 Fumbles-lost 3-1 0-0 Penalties-yards 3-12 3-25 SCORING SUMMARY Centerville 0 0 6 8 —14 Westminster-LAF 33 14 7 —54 WCAL — Andre Greene 3 run (Zade Prejean kick) WCAL — Pierce Gable 4 run (pass failed) WCAL — Zade Prejean 88 run (kick failed) WCAL — Gable 78 run (Zade Prejean kick) WCAL — Zeph Prejean 18 pass from Zade Prejean (Zade Prejean kick) WCAL — Zade Prejean 46 run (Zade Prejean kick) WCAL — Gable 61 run (Zade Prejean kick) CVILLE — Evan Daigle 42 run (pass failed) WCAL — Torin Ledet 45 run (Zade Prejean kick) CVILLE — Graham Naquin 25 pass from Eric Dennis (Daigle run)

Notre Dame stays unbeaten as Pioneers get past Catholic-NI Ascension Episcopal tops BY MIKE COPPAGE Contributing writer

Notre Dame sophomore Clint Meche rose to the occasion in his debut as the Pioneers’ starting quarterback. With Notre Dame trailing Catholic of New Iberia by ﬁve points with 1 minute, 26 seconds remaining on Friday in Crowley, Meche delivered a pass to running back Braxton Meche while seemingly in the grasp of Panthers star linebacker Michael Haik. Braxton Meche snatched the ball on an intermediate route and evaded defenders, breaking tackles along the way for a 61-yard touchdown that gave the Pioneers a 22-21 win in a matchup of Class 2A top-10 teams. “It was a busted play,” said Braxton Meche, who led the Pioneers in rushing with 103 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown. “(Clint) kept his eyes down the field — right time, right spot. I found a hole, sat in it and waited for him.” The Panthers (2-2), who got three TD passes from quarterback John Parker Robison, took a

21-16 lead on the junior’s pass to Khylon Edwards with 3:08 remaining. “They have a good offense,” Pioneers coach Lewis Cook said of the Panthers. “The quarterback is really good. They throw the ball really well. We were able to stop the run. That really helps.” Robison, who ﬁnished with 220 yards passing, also led CHS in rushing with 28 yards on seven attempts. He tossed three TD passes to Edwards, who had his second straight 100-yard performance, with a 7-yard completion bringing the Panthers within 1614 with five minutes left in the game. Clint Meche got the start at QB after Parker Menard was sidelined and helped Notre Dame (40) stay unbeaten in the nondistrict contest, which was decided by one point for the second consecutive year. “I thought Clint did a really nice job,” Cook said. “I got a guy playing for the ﬁrst time. We tried not to ask him to do too much.” Notre Dame took a 6-0 lead on a 16-yard run by William Lavergne

(17 carries, 60 yards) at the 2:40 mark of the first quarter. The Panthers answered with an 18yard pass from Robison to Edwards for a 7-6 lead with 4:17 left in the half, but Ty Savant kicked a 26-yard field goal just before intermission. Meche, who threw for 124 yards on eight completions, showed the savvy of an experienced quarterback on the game-winning TD, scanning the field to find an open receiver. “Braxton wasn’t even my first option,” he said. “In the corner of my eyes, I saw him when they tried to sack me. I threw it to him, and he took it all the way.” Edwards, a senior, was unstoppable at receiver for the Panthers, sacrificing his body for one diving catch. He juked a Pioneer on another long play that caused the defensive back to lose his footing and fall down. “Clint made a helluva play,” Cook said of the final touchdown. “That’s a veteran play for a guy playing for his first time. He spun out of the sack and kept his eyes down the field.”

WEEK 5 SCHEDULE Thursday’s games

Cecilia (3-1) at Notre Dame (4-0) Elton (3-1) at JS Clark (3-1)

Friday’s games

New Iberia (1-3) at Acadiana (3-1) Lafayette (3-1) at St. Thomas More (3-1) Southside (2-2) at Sam Houston (1-3) Northside (0-4) at St. Martinville (2-2) University Lab (2-2) at Teurlings (0-4) Carencro (1-3) at Westgate (4-0) Lafayette Christian (3-1) at Opelousas (3-1)

Lake Charles Prep (4-0) at Lafayette Renaissance (2-2) Centerville (2-2) at Ascension Episcopal (2-2) North Vermilion (4-0) at Erath (2-2) Mamou (2-2) at Rayne (1-3) Acadiana Renaissance (1-3) at Breaux Bridge (0-4) Beau Chene (4-0) at East Beauregard (2-2) Church Point (3-1) at Eunice (4-0) Ville Platte (0-4) at Crowley (1-3)

Iota (1-3) at Northwest (2-2) Loreauville (2-2) at Abbeville (2-2) St. Louis (1-3) at Kaplan (3-1) Catholic-PC (3-1) at Catholic-NI (2-2) Oakdale (1-3) at Delcambre (4-0) St. Edmund (2-2) at North Central (3-1) Opelousas Catholic (1-3) at Westminster (1-3) Jeanerette (1-2) at Hanson (2-2) Westminster-Lafayette (4-0) at Vermilion Catholic (0-4)

Jeanerette with late kick Clutch field goal boosts Blue Gators BY NEAL McCLELLAND Contributing writer

Ascension Episcopal kicker Rusty Trotter delivered in crunch time in the Blue Gators’ 31-30 comeback win over Jeanerette on Thursday. In his first year of varsity football, Trotter booted a 20-yard field goal as time expired on Thursday in the District 8-A opener for both teams. “It was nerve-wracking,” Trotter said of his first game-winning kick. “I couldn’t think about the other kicks I missed. Like my coaches said, I had to concentrate on the next one.” Earlier in the game, the kicker missed a field goal and an extrapoint attempt. Ascension coach Jay Domengeaux was pleased in how his kicker came through in the clutch. “You’re never going to be perfect; you’re going to miss some kicks,” he said. “He’s a new kicker. It’s all new to him, and I’m very proud of the way he handled it.” To get to Trotter’s heroics, the Gators had to come back from two second-half deficits. Ascension trailed 22-13 in the third quarter and 30-21 in the fourth. The Blue Gators pulled to within 30-28 after a touchdown with 4 min-

utes, 32 seconds left in the game. Ascension then stopped Jeanerette’s offense, which up to that point had accumulated 250 yards and four touchdowns, with just under three minutes left. The Gators moved the ball almost the length of the field in that time and got it down to the 3 with five seconds left. “The kids executed well,” Domengeaux said. “They didn’t get their heads down and we had a couple things that didn’t go our way, but they held together, and they got us down with a chance to win.” Ascension senior running back Owen LeBlanc converted on a twopoint conversion, which kept Ascension in the game. “It was a good night. It was a tough night,” he said. “We played hard, we executed, we never quit and we came out on top.” Most importantly, Ascension went on the road against a tough opponent and delivered a win. “This is definitely a morale booster for us,” LeBlanc said. “This shows we can go out on the road and win. This shows we can play tough teams and win. This is only going to help us down the line.”

SPORTS 24/7 ON

8C ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

SCOREBOARD Odds Sports Betting Line NFL Sunday

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

TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 2½ (46½) New Eng 1½ (42½) at IND 7½ (40½) at WASH 7½ (50½) Chargers 6½ (48½) NY Jets 3½ (42½) at PITTS 2½ (38½) Tennessee 10½ (45½) at MIAMI 2½ (42½) at CLE 1½ (42½) at TAMPA 8½ (48½) Arizona 3½ (53½) at DALLAS 3½ (43½) Las Vegas 2½ (44½) at DENVER

FAVORITE OPEN Philadelphia 1½

TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 4½ (41½) at CHI

Monday

MLB

Sunday

American League FAVORITE LINE Houston -161 at SEATTLE -165 at MINNESOTA OFF at KANSAS CITY OFF at N.Y YANKEES OFF National League FAVORITE LINE at WASH OFF at SAN FRAN OFF at MIAMI OFF Arizona -127 at MILWAUKEE OFF Interleague FAVORITE LINE at BOSTON OFF at PHILA OFF at TORONTO OFF at DETROIT OFF at WHITE SOX OFF

UNDERDOG at ATHLETICS LA Angels Texas Cleveland Baltimore

LINE +132 +136 OFF OFF OFF

UNDERDOG N.Y Mets LA Dodgers Atlanta at SAN DIEGO St. Louis

LINE OFF OFF OFF +105 OFF

UNDERDOG Chicago Cubs Tampa Bay Cincinnati Pittsburgh Colorado

LINE OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF

Pro basketball WNBA Playoffs (x-if necessary) First Round (Best-of-3) No. 1 Minnesota vs. No. 8 New York

Sunday, Sept. 27: New York at Minnesota, 1 p.m. (ABC) Tuesday, Sept. 29: Minnesota at New York, 7:30 p.m. (USA) x-Thursday, Oct. 1: New York at Minnesota, TBD (TBD)

No. 2 Golden State vs. No. 7 Dallas

Sunday, Sept. 27: Dallas at Golden State, 8 p.m. (USA) Wednesday, Sept. 30: Golden State at Dallas, 8 p.m. (ESPN) x-Friday, Oct. 2: Dallas at Golden State, TBD (TBD)

No. 3 Las Vegas vs. No. 6 Indiana

Sunday, Sept. 27: Indiana at Las Vegas, 3 p.m. (ABC) Tuesday, Sept. 29: Las Vegas at Indiana, 5:30 p.m. (Prime) x-Thursday, Oct. 1: Indiana at Las Vegas, TBD (TBD)

No. 4 Atlanta vs. No. 5 Washington

Sunday, Sept. 27: Washington at Atlanta, 6 p.m. (Prime) Wednesday, Sept. 30: Atlanta at Washington, 6 p.m. (ESPN) x-Friday, Oct. 2: Washington at Atlanta, TBD (TBD)

Pro football NFL Glance

Buffalo New England N.Y. Jets Miami

L 0 1 1 2

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

PF PA 77 62 30 16 40 30 26 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 PA 47 30 30 47 37 56 53 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 PA 53 33 58 47 23 33 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 PA 64 40 53 27 30 44 28 52

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 PA 48 42 34 48 57 48 42 61

Carolina New Orleans Atlanta Tampa Bay

W 1 1 1 0

L 1 1 2 2

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .500 .500 .333 .000

PF PA 71 62 54 48 51 68 46 56

Minnesota Detroit Chicago Green Bay

W 2 1 1 1

L 0 1 1 2

T Pct 0 1.000 0 .500 0 .500 0 .333

PF PA 48 25 62 71 62 46 56 91

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 PA 44 17 62 20 35 33 33 45

West

NATIONAL CONFERENCE East

South

North

West

Thursday’s Games

Atlanta 35, Green Bay 14

Sunday’s Games

Carolina at Cleveland, noon

Philadelphia at Chicago, 7:15 p.m.

Major League Baseball American League East Division

W 97 93 87 79 78

L 63 68 74 82 82

Pct .606 .578 .540 .491 .488

GB — 4½ 10½ 18½ 19

z-Cleveland z-Chicago Minnesota Detroit Kansas City

W 84 83 76 76 68

L 76 77 84 85 92

Pct .525 .519 .475 .472 .425

GB — 1 8 8½ 16

W L Houston 79 81 Texas 79 81 Seattle 74 86 Athletics 64 96 Los Angeles 62 98 x-clinched division y-clinched wild card z-clinched playoff berth

Pct .494 .494 .463 .400 .388

GB — — 5 15 17

Central Division

West Division

Friday’s Games

Boston 4, Chicago Cubs 3, 1st game Baltimore 10, N.Y. Yankees 2, 1st game Boston 2, Chicago Cubs 0, 2nd game Tampa Bay 2, Philadelphia 0 Detroit 8, Pittsburgh 7 Toronto 6, Cincinnati 5 Chicago White Sox 6, Colorado 1 N.Y. Yankees 6, Baltimore 3, 2nd game Minnesota 10, Texas 2 Cleveland 12, Kansas City 9 Athletics 6, Houston 5 L.A. Angels 7, Seattle 5

Saturday’s Games

Detroit 4, Pittsburgh 3 Cincinnati 5, Toronto 1 Texas at Minnesota, n Cleveland at Kansas City, n Colorado at Chicago White Sox, n Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, n Houston at Athletics, n L.A. Angels at Seattle, n

Sunday’s Games

Chicago Cubs at Boston, ppd., 1st game Baltimore (Baz 6-15) at N.Y. Yankees (Rodríguez 0-3), 12:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs (TBD) at Boston (TBD), 2:05 p.m., 2nd game Houston (TBD) at Athletics (Basso 1-3), 2:05 p.m. Tampa Bay (Martinez 15-5) at Philadelphia (Wheeler 13-5), 2:05 p.m. Cincinnati (Williamson 5-4) at Toronto (TBD), 2:07 p.m. Cleveland (TBD) at Kansas City (Lynch 6-6), 2:10 p.m. Colorado (Freeland 4-11) at Chicago White Sox (Kay 9-9), 2:10 p.m. L.A. Angels (Kikuchi 1-6) at Seattle (Gilbert 12-11), 2:10 p.m. Pittsburgh (Jones 5-6) at Detroit (Ryan 0-0), 2:10 p.m. Texas (TBD) at Minnesota (Kremer 4-5), 2:10 p.m.

x-Atlanta Philadelphia Miami Washington New York

W 93 87 79 76 74

L 67 73 81 85 87

Pct .581 .544 .494 .472 .460

GB — 6 14 17½ 19½

x-Milwaukee y-Chicago Pittsburgh St. Louis Cincinnati

W 101 88 81 77 74

L 59 73 80 83 86

Pct .631 .547 .503 .481 .463

GB — 13½ 20½ 24 27

W x-Los Angeles 98 y-San Diego 89 Arizona 86 San Francisco 65 Colorado 57 x-clinched division y-clinched wild card

L 62 71 74 95 103

Pct .613 .556 .538 .406 .356

GB — 9 12 33 41

Central Division

West Division

Friday’s Games

Boston 4, Chicago Cubs 3, 1st game Boston 2, Chicago Cubs 0, 2nd game Tampa Bay 2, Philadelphia 0 Miami 3, Atlanta 0 Detroit 8, Pittsburgh 7 Washington 7, N.Y. Mets 6 Toronto 6, Cincinnati 5 Chicago White Sox 6, Colorado 1 Milwaukee 8, St. Louis 4 L.A. Dodgers 2, San Francisco 0 Arizona 11, San Diego 4

Saturday’s Games

N.Y. Mets 7, Washington 1 Detroit 4, Pittsburgh 3 Cincinnati 5, Toronto 1 Atlanta 8, Miami 3 L.A. Dodgers 4, San Francisco 3 Colorado at Chicago White Sox, n St. Louis at Milwaukee, n Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, n Arizona at San Diego, n

Sunday’s Games

2:07 p.m. Arizona (Soroka 9-5) at San Diego (TBD), 2:10 p.m. Atlanta (Ritchie 1-4) at Miami (Junk 6-9), 2:10 p.m. Colorado (Freeland 4-11) at Chicago White Sox (Kay 9-9), 2:10 p.m. Pittsburgh (Jones 5-6) at Detroit (Ryan 0-0), 2:10 p.m. St. Louis (Pallante 12-8) at Milwaukee (Misiorowski 15-5), 2:10 p.m.

Wild Card Glance American League

W L y-New York 93 68 y-Boston 87 74 z-Chicago 83 77 y-clinched wild card z-clinched playoff berth

Pct .578 .540 .519

W y-San Diego 89 y-Chicago 88 Philadelphia 87 Arizona 86 y-clinched wild card

Pct .556 .547 .544 .538

WCGB +9½ +3½ —

National League

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

East Division

W 2 1 1 0

North

Monday’s Games

National League

AMERICAN CONFERENCE East

South

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, noon Houston at Indianapolis, noon Kansas City at Miami, noon L.A. Chargers at Buffalo, noon N.Y. Jets at Detroit, noon New England at Jacksonville, noon Seattle at Washington, noon Tennessee at N.Y. Giants, noon Arizona at San Francisco, 3:05 p.m. Minnesota at Tampa Bay, 3:05 p.m. Baltimore vs Dallas at Rio de Janeiro, BRA, 3:25 p.m. Las Vegas at New Orleans, 3:25 p.m. L.A. Rams at Denver, 7:20 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at Boston, ppd., 1st game Chicago Cubs (TBD) at Boston (TBD), 2:05 p.m., 2nd game L.A. Dodgers (TBD) at San Francisco (TBD), 2:05 p.m. N.Y. Mets (Manaea 6-7) at Washington (Herz 0-1), 2:05 p.m. Tampa Bay (Martinez 15-5) at Philadelphia (Wheeler 13-5), 2:05 p.m. Cincinnati (Williamson 5-4) at Toronto (TBD),

L 71 73 73 74

WCGB +2 +½ — 1

Auto racing NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 Lineup After Saturday qualifying; race Sunday

At Kansas Speedway Kansas City, Kan. Lap length: 1.50 miles (Car number in parentheses) 1. (22) Joey Logano, Ford, .000 mph. 2. (5) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, .000. 3. (20) Christopher Bell, Toyota, .000. 4. (77) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet, .000. 5. (54) Ty Gibbs, Toyota, .000. 6. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, .000. 7. (23) Bubba Wallace, Toyota, .000. 8. (24) William Byron, Chevrolet, .000. 9. (60) Ryan Preece, Ford, .000. 10. (21) Josh Berry, Ford, .000. 11. (2) Austin Cindric, Ford, .000. 12. (17) Chris Buescher, Ford, .000. 13. (1) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet, .000. 14. (7) Daniel Suárez, Chevrolet, .000. 15. (45) Tyler Reddick, Toyota, .000. 16. (6) Brad Keselowski, Ford, .000. 17. (97) Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet, .000. 18. (9) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, .000. 19. (3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, .000. 20. (34) Todd Gilliland, Ford, .000. 21. (4) Noah Gragson, Ford, .000. 22. (71) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet, .000. 23. (19) Chase Briscoe, Toyota, .000. 24. (16) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, .000. 25. (12) Ryan Blaney, Ford, .000. 26. (42) John H. Nemechek, Toyota, .000. 27. (88) Connor Zilisch, Chevrolet, .000. 28. (38) Zane Smith, Ford, .000. 29. (41) Cole Custer, Chevrolet, .000. 30. (43) Erik Jones, Toyota, .000. 31. (47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Chevrolet, .000. 32. (33) Austin Hill, Chevrolet, .000. 33. (48) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, .000. 34. (35) Riley Herbst, Toyota, .000. 35. (51) Cody Ware, Chevrolet, .000. 36. (10) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet, .000.

Brianna Do 68-70—138 Linn Grant 69-69—138 Erika Hara 69-69—138 Gina Kim 70-68—138 Somi Lee 71-67—138 Caley McGinty 66-72—138 Cassie Porter 67-71—138 Paula Reto 69-69—138 Yuka Saso 68-70—138 Lauren Walsh 70-68—138 Laetitia Beck 71-68—139 Chella Choi 73-66—139 Perrine Delacour 71-68—139 Jeongeun Lee6 69-70—139 Carolina Lopez-Chacarra Coto70-69—139 Natasha Andrea Oon 68-71—139 Pornanong Phatlum 69-70—139 Mimi Rhodes 67-72—139 Madison Young 70-69—139 Sandra Gal 69-71—140 Soﬁa Garcia 67-73—140 Melanie Green 69-71—140 Leah John 67-73—140 Minami Katsu 69-71—140 Jin Young Ko 71-69—140 Emily Pedersen 71-69—140 Riley Smyth 69-71—140 Yahui Zhang 70-70—140 Saki Baba 69-72—141 Maria Fassi 71-70—141 Lucy Li 71-70—141 Carolina Melgrati 71-70—141 Benedetta Moresco 72-69—141 Alexa Pano 68-73—141 Kum Kang Park 68-73—141 Jessica Porvasnik 69-72—141 Pauline Roussin-Bouchard 70-71—141 Gabriela Ruffels 70-71—141 Gigi Stoll 72-69—141 Carla Tejedo Mulet 72-69—141 Suvichaya Vinijchaitham 70-71—141 Ina Yoon 71-70—141 Na Rin An 71-71—142 Amanda Doherty 73-69—142 Celine Herbin 72-70—142 Christina Kim 70-72—142 Mina Kreiter 67-75—142 Jennifer Kupcho 70-72—142 Dongeun Lee 71-71—142 Ingrid Lindblad 70-72—142 Maria Marin 74-68—142 Stephanie Meadow 69-73—142 Jenny Shin 71-71—142 Kate Smith-Stroh 70-72—142 Patty Tavatanakit 72-70—142 Lexi Thompson 72-70—142 Lilia Vu 71-71—142 Camille Boyd 69-74—143 Nicole Broch Estrup 72-71—143 Anne Chen 73-70—143 Danielle Kang 71-72—143 MinJi Kang 70-73—143 Stephanie Kyriacou 70-73—143 Jing Yan 74-69—143 Helen Briem 76-68—144 Hailee Cooper 74-70—144 Muni He 71-73—144 Jeong Eun Lee5 76-68—144 Emma McMyler 76-68—144

College football Friday’s games EAST

Army 21, Temple 17 Harvard 14, Brown 10 Rutgers 58, Howard 7

Golf

SOUTH

Walmart NW Arkansas Championship

MIDWEST

UAB 24, Navy 20 Indiana 29, Northwestern 23

FAR WEST

Clemson 24, California 10

Saturday

At Pinnacle Country Club Rogers, Ark. Purse: $3 million Yardage: 6,438; Par: 71 Second Round Yuna Nishimura 63-63—126 -16 Auston Kim 67-64—131 Mary Liu 67-64—131 Michelle Zhang 67-64—131 In Gee Chun 67-65—132 Jodi Ewart Shadoff 66-66—132 Charley Hull 65-67—132 Jin Hee Im 65-67—132 A Lim Kim 66-66—132 Yu Liu 64-68—132 Sophia Schubert 65-67—132 Lottie Woad 66-66—132 Yuri Yoshida 67-65—132 Pajaree Anannarukarn 66-67—133 Manon De Roey 66-67—133 Julia Lopez Ramirez 69-64—133 Lizette Salas 65-68—133 Chanettee Wannasaen 65-68—133 Miyu Yamashita 70-63—133 Amy Yang 65-68—133 Jenny Bae 66-68—134 Celine Boutier 65-69—134 Briana Chacon 69-65—134 Lauren Coughlin 73-61—134 Juniper Jang 65-69—134 Gurleen Kaur 69-65—134 Maude-Aimee Leblanc 66-68—134 Andrea Lee 67-67—134 Mirabel Ting 66-68—134 Dewi Weber 68-66—134 Ana Belac 68-67—135 Gemma Dryburgh 68-67—135 You Min Hwang 68-67—135 Aki Iwai 66-69—135 Chizzy Iwai 70-65—135 Soo Bin Joo 68-67—135 Frida Kinhult 65-70—135 Gaby Lopez 66-69—135 Brooke Matthews 69-66—135 Mi Hyang Lee 68-68—136 Polly Mack 68-68—136 Morgane Metraux 71-65—136 Mao Saigo 69-67—136 Hinako Shibuno 66-70—136 Rio Takeda 66-70—136 Chiara Tamburlini 67-69—136 Reagan Zibiliski 67-69—136 Ashleigh Buhai 66-71—137 Jennifer Chang 68-69—137 Laney Frye 69-68—137 Nataliya Guseva 69-68—137 Nasa Hataoka 67-70—137 Jiwon Jeon 67-70—137 Yealimi Noh 70-67—137 Linnea Strom 68-69—137 Lauren Tenuta 67-70—137 Celine Borge 69-69—138 Robyn Choi 67-71—138 Carlota Ciganda 68-70—138 Daniela Darquea 69-69—138

-4 -4 -4 -4 -4 -4 -4 -4 -4 -4 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2

Saturday’s games EAST

-11 -11 -11 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -9 -9 -9 -9 -9 -9 -9 -8 -8 -8 -8 -8 -8 -8 -8 -8 -8 -7 -7 -7 -7 -7 -7 -7 -7 -7 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -4 -4 -4 -4

Buffalo 31, Robert Morris 28 Colgate 28, Villanova 21 Columbia 20, Georgetown 17, OT Cornell 38, Yale 25 Duquesne 53, Rio Grande Redstorm 0 Holy Cross 38, Lafayette 30 Lehigh 20, Penn 7 Marist 42, Presbyterian 7 Marshall 36, Gardner-Webb 35 Merrimack 17, New Haven 10 Monmouth (NJ) 31, Dartmouth 28 Pittsburgh 59, Bucknell 0 Princeton 22, Albany (NY) 0 Sacred Heart 20, New Hampshire 13 Stony Brook 31, Fordham 16 UCLA 54, Maryland 3 Virginia Tech 21, Boston College 14

SOUTH

Auburn 21, Vanderbilt 15 Austin Peay 35, UT Martin 12 Chattanooga 27, The Citadel 8 Drake 51, Davidson 32 Duke 62, William & Mary 7 ETSU 58, W. Carolina 31 East Carolina 42, NC Central 9 Elon 43, Maine 17 Florida 52, Mississippi 28 Florida St. 34, Cent. Arkansas 7 Georgia 41, Oklahoma 13 Georgia St. 35, N. Illinois 14 Houston 42, Georgia Southern 28 Kentucky 45, South Alabama 21 Lamar 49, Nicholls 18 NC A&T 22, Rhode Island 18 North Alabama 23, W. Illinois 20 Richmond 13, Furman 9 Samford 45, VMI 7 Tennessee Tech 42, Wofford 38 Texas 20, Tennessee 17 UCF 21, TCU 13 Wake Forest 30, Louisville 27

MIDWEST

Boise St. 32, W. Michigan 7 Butler 33, Valparaiso 28 E. Michigan 29, Lindenwood (Mo.) 3 Iowa 20, Michigan 19 Kent St. 26, Ball St. 13 Miami (Ohio) 24, UConn 21 N. Iowa 28, Illinois St. 21 North Dakota 42, Indiana St. 35 Notre Dame 49, Purdue 10 Ohio 35, Stonehill 7 Ohio St. 42, Illinois 19 South Florida 14, Bowling Green 6 St. Thomas (Minn.) 50, San Diego 17 Toledo 41, San Diego St. 16 UNLV 38, Akron 10 Utah 31, Iowa St. 17 Youngstown St. 47, South Dakota 28

SOUTHWEST

Baylor 23, Colorado 13 Texas Tech 49, Sam Houston St. 14

UTSA 59, Colorado St. 45

FAR WEST

New Mexico 42, New Mexico St. 18 Wyoming 27, Hawaii 10

Tennis WTA Singapore Open Results Saturday

At Kallang Tennis Hub Singapore, Singapore Purse: $1,206,446 Surface: Hardcourt outdoor SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE (AP) _ Results Saturday from Singapore Open at Kallang Tennis Hub (seedings in parentheses):

Women’s Singles

Semiﬁnals Talia Gibson, Australia, def. Tatiana Prozorova, Russia, walkover.

Women’s Doubles

Semiﬁnals Xu Yifan and Qianhui Tang, China, def. Miyu Kato, Japan, and Ellen Perez (3), Australia, 6-0, 3-6, 10-6.

ATP Hangzhou Open Results Saturday

At Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Tennis Centre Hangzhou, China Purse: $1,039,090 Surface: Hardcourt outdoor Results Saturday from Hangzhou Open at Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Tennis Centre (seedings in parentheses):

Men’s Singles

Round of 16 Roman Saﬁullin, Russia, def. Quentin Halys (4), France, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4. Yunchaokete Bu, China, def. Kamil Majchrzak (8), Poland, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 6-2. Daniil Medvedev (1), Russia, def. Valentin Royer, France, 7-6 (6), 6-3. Coleman Wong, Hong Kong, China, def. Adolfo Daniel Vallejo (5), Paraguay, 7-6 (2), 4-6, 6-3.

Transactions Major League Baseball

American League BOSTON RED SOX — Optioned LHP Raymond Burgos to Worcester (IL). Recalled RHP Jedixson Paez from Worcester. NEW YORK YANKEES — Optioned RHPs Luis Gil and Bradley Hanner to FCL Yankees. Recalled RHPs Brendan Beck and Yerry De los Santos from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Transferred RHP Fernando Cruz to the 60-day IL. SEATTLE MARINERS — Placed RHP Andrés Muñoz on the 15-day IL. Recalled RHP Troy Taylor from Tacoma (PCL). TAMPA BAY RAYS — Designated RHP Jake Woodford for assignment. Reinstated RHP Manuel Rodríguez from the 15-day IL. TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Optioned RHP CJ Van Eyk to FCL Blue Jays. Recalled RHP John Klein from Buffalo (IL). National League ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — Placed RHP Corbin Burnes on the 15-day IL, retroactive to Sept. 22. Recalled RHP Jose Cabrera from Reno (PCL). CHICAGO CUBS — Reinstated RHP Gavin Hollowell from the 15-day IL. LOS ANGELES DODGERS — Reinstated C Dalton Rushing from the 10-day IL. Optioned 2B Alex Freeland to Oklahoma City (PCL). MIAMI MARLINS — Placed RHP Tyler Zuber on the 15-day IL. Recalled RHP Wikelman González from Jacksonville (IL). MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Designated RHP Lyon Richardson for assignment. Reinstated RHP Bryse Wilson from the 15-day IL. Placed 1B Andrew Vaughn on the 10-day IL, retroactive to Sept. 22. Recalled LF Brandon Lockridge from Nashville (IL). NEW YORK METS — Optioned RHP Jack Weisenburger to FCL Mets. Sent RHP Xzavion Curry outright to FCL Mets. Recalled RHP Justin Hagenman from Syracuse (IL). ST. LOUIS CARDINALS — Optioned LHP Cooper Hjerpe to Memphis (IL). Recalled RHP Hancel Rincon from Memphis. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS — Optioned LHP Cesar Perdomo to Sacramento (PCL). Activated RHP Camilo Doval.

BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association CHICAGO BULLS — Waived G Houston Mallette. DALLAS MAVERICKS — Re-signed F Dwight Powell. DETROIT PISTONS — Waived F Romeo Weems. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS — Waived C Jamarion Sharp. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES — Waived G D’Angelo Russell. SACRAMENTO KINGS — Waived Fs Gabe Levin and Tyrone Marshall Jr.. Women’s National Basketball Association

FOOTBALL

National Football League BUFFALO BILLS — Signed WR Greg Dortch from the practice squad. Placed DB Jordan Hancock on Injured Reserve. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — PLaced LB Quintayvious Hutchins on injured reserve.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League ANAHEIM DUCKS — Assigned Fs Cruz Lucius, Lucas Pettersson and Anton Wahlberg to San Diego (AHL). Waived for the purpose of assignment to San Diego Fs Sean Farrell, Nathan Gaucher and James Hamblin and Ds Corey Schueneman and Jett Woo. BOSTON BRUINS — Assigned Fs Ivan Ivan and Attilio Biasca to Providence (AHL). Waived for the purpose of assignment to Providence Fs Brendan Gaunce and Brian Halonen Ds Jordan Harris and Billy Sweezey and G Jiri Patera. BUFFALO SABRES — Assigned Fs Thomas Bordeleau, Matteo Costantini, Riley Fiddler-Schultz, Zac Funk, Matthew Peca, Jake Richard, Redmond Savage, Graham Slaggert, Liam Valente and Brendan Warren, Ds Vsevolod Komarov, Noah Laaouan, Gavin McCarthy, Radim Mrtka and Maxim Strbak and Gs Talyn Boyko and Scott Ratzlaff to Rochester (AHL). Waived for the purpose of assignment to Rochester Fs Mason Geertsen, Trevor Kuntar, Aidan McDonough, Carson Meyer and Jason Polin, Ds Dennis Gilbert and Ryan Johnson and G Matt Villalta. Signed D Matt Grzelcyk to a one-year contract.

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FAITH: Vial of St. John Paul II’s blood travels across south Louisiana 4D

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

S u n d ay, S e p t e m b e r 27, 2026

1dn

Jan Risher

A mysterious wooden raven and the meaning of its appearance Over the last six months, my husband and I have played a little game most every evening. A package lands on the front steps, and before we open it, we try to remember what we ordered. Curtains. Curtain rods. A rug. A light ﬁxture. A lock for the back door. The retractable clothesline. Rebuilding and refurnishing a house after a ﬁre takes a lot of stuff, and a lot of stuff means a lot of boxes. Each one has an air of mystery until we open it and say, “Yep, there are the 43 knobs for the kitchen,” or “Ah, the rug pad.” Not exactly exciting stuff. So I didn’t think anything about the box at our front door Tuesday evening. I put it on the table and went about my business for at least 20 minutes before I found “the package-opening knife” and sliced into it.

STAFF PHOTO By JAN RISHER

This carved wooden raven appeared in a package at columnist Jan Risher’s door on the autumnal equinox. She’s not sure who sent it or why.

The return address was unfamiliar, and extra shipping papers indicated international mail. It was shipped from Spain and had the papers to prove it. I still didn’t think much about it. Then I pulled out the carefully wrapped item, removed the bubble wrap and tissue paper and found a wooden raven. He’s about 7 inches tall and 9 inches long, carved all over with Celtic knots and designs. He’s black, carved from ash wood, and has his head turned all the way around, looking backward. Beautiful, for sure, but there was no moment of recognition. No “Oh yeah, here’s that wooden Norse raven I ordered ﬁve weeks ago from Spain.” Instead, I had absolutely no idea where this bird came from. The box was addressed to me, by name, at my address. Whoever sent him meant for him to land here. The artist’s name was on the packaging and the return address, so I looked her up to see whether she, in fact, carves wooden Norse ravens and the like. She does. Her write-up about the carving does not reduce the mystery. It’s called a “Norse Raven Statue,” and the description wanders through the raven’s role in Norse mythology and old Irish legend. The gist is that ravens turn up again and again in ancient myths, often as wise creatures. People tend to revere them or fear them. Few are indifferent.

ä See RAVEN, page 6D

STAFF FILE PHOTO By LESLIE WESTBROOK

The balcony above Bojangles Sushi and Oyster Bar is decorated for a performance for the 2021 Beneath the Balconies in New Iberia.

Above and beyond

New Iberia’s Beneath the Balconies brings live performances, dancing to Main Street

BENEATH THE BALCONIES SCHEDULE

BY JA’KORI MADISON Staff writer

istoric Main Street in New Iberia will become a moving stage for musicians as they perform on balconies and attendees move from one stop to the next during the 16th annual New Iberia Beneath the Balconies. The free event will take place at 11 a.m. Oct. 18, on the west lawn of Shadows-on-the-Teche, 320 E. Main St., New Iberia. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., guests can purchase food and drinks while enjoying music and dancing before the afternoon’s balcony performances begin. This year’s balcony performances include “Jersey Boys,” Iberia Performing Arts League productions of “Frozen” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” The Cafe Crooners, Crossroads Jam, the Oxytocin Four Barbershop Quartet and more. Starting at 1 p.m., the Bunk Johnson Brass Band will lead attendees from one balcony to the next throughout downtown New Iberia and play between stops. With eight stops along the route, each performance will last about 10 to 15 min-

n 11 a.m., Lunch on the Shadows on the Teche West Lawn with music by The Fifth Edition n 1 p.m., Shadows Front Gallery: “Jersey Boys” n 1:20 p.m.,Alvarez-Jordan Residences: IPAL Production of “Frozen’” n 1:40 p.m., Kyle Cox residence: “The Cafe Crooners” n 2 p.m., Corner of Main and Iberia: “Crossroads Jam” n 2:20 p.m., Broussard Poche, LLP: IPAL production of “Fiddler on the Roof” FILE PHOTO By LEE BALL n 2:40 p.m., Boulingy Plaza Gazebo: “Oxytocin Four Barbershop Quartet” Jay Florsheim performs a number n 3 p.m., Steamboat Warehouse from Spongebob the Musical during New Iberia’s 2023 Beneath Pavilion: National WWII Museum “Victory Belles” the Balconies. utes before the crowd moves on to the next location. “It’s almost like a parade,” said Cathy Indest, co-chair of the event. “The format gives attendees a chance to experience multiple performances while taking in New

Iberia’s historic downtown architecture.” Wendy Parich, a member of the music committee, helps scout and select the entertainment, with

ä See BALCONIES, page 6D

‘Gumbo’ Phil Daigle is an ‘iron man’ DJ in Acadiana Phil daigle says he’s fond of his ‘13-1’ schedule, which puts him on the air with KBON 13-straight days, followed by one day off.

PROVIdEd PHOTO

A February article in ready bucks trends with Forbes magazine said a 24/7 mix of Louisiana’s radio DJs are facing sigCajun music, zydeco and swamp pop with country, niﬁcant job losses from oldies, R&B and blues. corporate consolidation, Daigle has been live from programmed playlists Herman noon to 6 p.m. since the and prerecorded tracks Fuselier ﬁrst day the station went that replace their preson the air in 1997. ence in the studio. But Twenty-nine years later, Forbes didn’t interview KBON Daigle is in the same time slot, and its iron man DJ, “Gumbo” a rare feat in the radio business. Phil Daigle. KBON, at 101.1 FM in the Laä See DAIGLE, page 6D fayette market and kbon.com, al-

2D ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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Acadiana Symphony Women’s League kicks off new season There is music in the air and a new sense of excitement surrounding the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. The Acadiana Symphony Women’s League highlighted that excitement and the 2026–2027 season at a social on Sunday, Sept. 6. The group also introduced ASO’s new leadership to members at the event. The Acadiana Symphony’s newest leadership includes Executive Director Jackie Hettich, Board of Directors

Sangeeta Shah, Connie Guidry, Kathleen Williams

president Robert Schacht, and music director Maestro

Kris Wartelle

Matthew Kraemer as ASO’s new artistic adviser. Kraemer is the music director and

principal conductor for the Louisiana

PHOTOS By KRIS WARTELLE

Jackie Hettich, Sharon Moss, Robert Schacht, Carol Trosclair

Philharmonic Orchestra and is part of a new collaboration between ASO and LPO. Kraemer announced that the symphony will be performing American masterworks as well as beloved holiday traditions, and chamber

dana Topham, Claudia Lipton, Paula Bertuccini

Malia Schacht, Molly Rowe

Angela Cole, Beth dyson

Susan Rothman, debra Taghehchian, Brenda Pourciau

performances. Among the offerings are America at 250, honoring the American Story through the power of music, Beethoven and the Bayou, combining Beethoven’s intensity and American rhythm, and the Cajun Night before Christmas, to name a few. This beautiful event was made possible with the help of Sharon Moss of BMW of Lafayette, a generous supporter of the soiree. Members celebrated the new season for the symphony and the Women’s League in style. The event included champagne and classical music, all inside the lovely home of Dana and Michael Topham in Lafayette. If you are interested in more information on the incredible lineup or want to attend any of

Cathay Ritter, Heather Lefler

Robert Schacht, Matthew Kraemer

Kim Negrete, Hannah Martin

Abigail Hart, Charise Fashho

Myra Tener, Jan davis

the concerts, more information on tickets can be found on ASO’s website at acadianasymphony.org/concerts or at the Heyman Performing Arts Center at heymanncenter.com.

TODAY IN HISTORY Today is Sunday, Sept. 27, the 270th day of 2026. There are 95 days left in the year. Today in history: On Sept. 27, 1996, the Taliban, the extremist Islamic movement in Afghanistan, drove the government of President Burhanuddin Rabbani out of Kabul, the capital, and executed former President Najibullah. Also on this date: In 1779, John Adams was named by Congress to negotiate the Revolutionary War’s peace terms with Britain. In 1939, Warsaw, Poland, surrendered after weeks of resistance to invading forces from Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union during World War II. In 1940, Germany, Italy and Japan signed the Tripartite Pact, formally allying the World War II Axis powers. In 1964, the government publicly released the report of the Warren Commission, which concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in assassinating President John F. Kennedy. In 1979, Congress gave its final approval to forming the U.S. Department of Education. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush announced in a televised address that he was eliminating all U.S. ground-launched battlefield nuclear weapons and called on the Soviet Union to match the gesture. In 2013, President Barack Obama and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani spoke by telephone, the first conversation between American and Iranian leaders in more than 30 years. In 2018, Christine Blasey Ford testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that she was “100%” certain that she was sexually assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh when they were teenagers, and Kavanaugh then told senators that he was “100% certain” he had done no such thing. Kavanaugh was confirmed on Oct. 6 of that year. In 2021, R&B singer R. Kelly was convicted in a sex trafficking trial in New York after numerous allegations of misconduct with young women and children; a federal appeals court upheld the convictions and his 30-year prison sentence in 2025. In 2023, NASA astronaut Frank Rubio set a U.S. record of 371 days in space, returning to Earth from the International Space Station with Russian cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin. In 2024, an Israeli airstrike killed one of the founding members of Lebanon's Iranian-backed militant and political group Hezbollah. Hassan Nasrallah was killed in a precision attack as Hezbollah leaders were meeting at their headquarters in a suburb south of Beirut. Today’s Birthdays: Musician Randy Bachman (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) is 83. Actor Liz Torres is 79. Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt is 77. Singer and actor Shaun Cassidy is 68. Comedian and podcaster Marc Maron is 63. Actor Gwyneth Paltrow is 54. Actor Indira Varma is 53. Musicianactor Carrie Brownstein is 52. Actor Anna Camp is 44. Rapper Lil Wayne is 44. Musician Avril Lavigne is 42. Actor Jenna Ortega is 24. Actor Janice LeAnn Brown is 16.

Grad school making friends less reliable Half an hour after the appointed arDear Miss Manners: A number of my friends have gone back to school for rival time that evening, I called her graduate degrees, while I and a to see whether she was coming. few others continue to work. Not only was she not coming, she When we all worked, we had didn't apologize for neglecting to similar financial means and call me! Others didn't even email were able to plan events far in me. Out of eight expected guests, advance. We went to the thefour showed up. I had a lot of leftater, had dinner at home or out, overs. Judith had parties and so forth. I was once a diligent student, Martin and I know no one studies 24 I was prepared for my MISS friends to be in dire finanhours a day. I don't want to stop MANNERS cial straits once they started entertaining for the next five school, and happily resigned years while these people get their myself to cheaper evening activities so lives in order. What should I do? I could still enjoy their company. Gentle Reader: Indecisiveness and the What I was not prepared for was a inability to keep commitments are a precipitous drop in manners! widespread social problem, which has It is now impossible to pin them down indeed led to the demise of private enfor any activity. For example, I protertaining. posed that they come over to watch a But as these are the same people who DVD I received as a gift. I offered to were previously able to plan, let us look cook dinner beforehand; eight people at what has changed. accepted the invitation. Then, the day When they were in the workforce, of the event, I got an email from one there was a time that they got off work. guest saying that she had to study, (Remote work is ruining that, but never wasn't sure she could come and would mind that now.) So they were free to call later. schedule the rest of their time.

But studying knows no limits. One of the joys of being a student is the constant feeling that you really should be studying instead of enjoying yourself. (Not that studying cannot also be enjoy able.) So this may indeed be a phase — but, as you realize, a long one. Nevertheless, these are your longterm friends, so you can let them see the problem from your perspective. When issuing an invitation, ask, “Can you definitely commit to this? Because I don't want to be stuck with a lot of leftovers if you find you need to cancel at the last minute.” You will be tempted to add “except for an emergency,” but don't. To a student, failing to be ready for a test qualifies as an emergency. If they fail to understand, Miss Manners would conclude that they have succumbed to the general rudeness that claims the name of spontaneity, and put plans with them on hold. Send questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com or to dearmissmanners@gmail.com.

Don't use ice cubes when watering orchids Dear Heloise: I've seen a few of your columns regarding watering orchids with ice. According to Arthur Chadwick of Chadwick & Son Orchids, orchids are tropical and can be damaged by ice water. Hints from Regular watering with Heloise room-temperature water is best. — Steve L., via email Steve, I think people want to give the orchid a slow watering, but you're correct. Room temperature is actually a safer way to water any tropical plant. Tropical plants are beautiful but require a little more care than a regular houseplant. — Heloise

A convulsing cat Dear Heloise: A couple of weeks ago, my cat was very ill and began to have convulsions. I tried to pick him up but got some nasty scratches for my efforts. He's doing ﬁne now, but if there's a next time, what should I do to keep my cat safe and comfortable — and keep me from becoming a victim of his claws? — Carmen H., in Augusta, Georgia Carmen, here are some suggestions: First, keep your hands/ﬁngers as far away from the cat's mouth as possible.

Gently and carefully wrap the cat in a large bath towel or a small blanket to help restrain it.Move it away from furniture or anything that's made of glass or a breakable material.Call your veterinarian for further instructions. — Heloise

Finding Socky

Dear Heloise: We had our dog, Bosco, for 17 years. They said that he was between 3 and 5 when we adopted him. Needless to say, when the time came, it was one of the saddest days for me and my wife. We loved him, but taking care Learning responsibility of an aging dog is very hard emotionDear Heloise: My 9-year-old son wanted ally, as well as physically. to get a puppy. I told him when he was We decided not to get another dog as 11, he could have a dog. However, we are in our 70s now. Then, one day, there'd be certain duties and responsiwe noticed a really beat-up cat sleeping bilities pertaining to the dog. on our patio chair. We started feeding First, he had to feed the dog breakfast her. It's been over four years now that and dinner every day. we've been feeding our little “Socky.” The first time he skipped this chore, She lives in our backyard and lets us he'd get a warning. If there was a secboth pet her. She gets fed and loved, ond time, the dog would be given away and when we travel, we hire someone (and he knew that I meant it). to feed her. He had to walk the dog daily after She fills a space in our hearts that our school. He had to pick up the dog poo little doggy filled for years. Now this and place it in a plastic bag, then toss mangy, street-raised, scarred-up cat it in the garbage bin when he returned is the love of our lives. We can feel the home. gratitude and love that she gives us for So, why the restrictions and rules? taking care of her. Cats are truly magic To teach him responsibilities. A dog — John C., in Tucson,Arizona is a family member. They get hungry, John, it's amazing how attached we thirsty and lonely, and they feel pain get to our pets! Thanks for writing in. and need attention. No child over 10 — Heloise years of age is too young to learn responsibility. — Jake M., in Camden, New Jersey Send a hint to heloise@heloise.com.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 3D

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TRAVEL

Bogue Chitto bike fest to draw a crowd With miles of trails, park attracts riders of all ages

BY ELIZABETH DEAL Staff writer

Hundreds of bike enthusiasts will travel to southeast Louisiana in early October to participate in a three-day mountain bike festival in Washington Parish. Nestled among a trove of pine trees in an area with over 200 feet of elevation, riders will challenge themselves on some of the Gulf Coast’s premier biking trails at Bogue Chitto State Park in Franklinton. The trails are created through a partnership with the nonproﬁt Northshore Off-Road Bicycling Association. The association’s development coordinator Toby Cortez said the trails exist “because of the foresight and the vision of Billy Nungesser.” “Without the lieutenant governor and his staff, and their willingness to work with us, this couldn’t be possible,” Cortez said. “So it is amazing, and we’ve captured lightning in a bottle through this partnership.” The association also credits the work of park manager Tony Frickey, who said, “I just saw people were ready to put in the blood, sweat and tears, literally.” Since 2016, the number of trails has grown from three to 23, extending 25 miles total, with the newest being Mad Moccasin, made with large moss rocks from the mountains of north Alabama. Mountain bike rider and volunteer Steven Scuderi said they wanted to bring in trail experiences from outside Louisiana. He helped design and build many of the trails. The excitement begins at the trailhead, where there is a skills area with a wooden roller coaster with a gap, an asphalt pump track and a kids’ pump track. Trailhead amenities even include showers. The trail system covers all levels and types of rides, from old-school single track to X-Games-level ex-

A racer tackles a bike trail in Bogue Chitto State Park in Franklinton.

STAFF PHOTO By ELIZABETH dEAL

Bogue Chitto State Park has a skills course by the mountain bike trailhead.

“We have 70 volunteers, and we’re expecting well over 1,000 people coming from all over the country to come down to Louisiana for a mountain bike festival, which is just unheard of for world-class mountain bike riding,” Cortez said. All races have categories by skill level and age group, both male and female. And this is the ﬁrst year that “Adaptive” is a category. “It is really cool to see some of these athletes on these adaptive bikes ride through these mountain bike trails. We spent a ton of effort to try to make the trails adaptivefriendly,” Cortez said. At the festival, there will be live music on Saturday and Sunday, over 25 vendors with food, clothing, crafts and mountain bike accessories, and a professional DJ from Colorado. And Red Bull will have a full setup there. “They recognize it as one of the premier events in the South,” Cortez said. “I truly believe in the whole southeast that this is a PROVIdEd PHOTO By MARK SALVETTI top three mountain bike festival,” along with Bentonville, Arkansas, and Knoxville, Tennessee. The schedule of events includes treme rides and everything in be- a night ride on Friday followed by an 18-and-older comedy show. tween. There are designated green, blue Saturday will feature a variety and black trails for beginners to ex- of races, including a scooter bike perts — and it includes profession- race for the little ones, an acroally designed rollers and wall rides, batic planes show honoring vetera dual slalom course, a pump track, ans and a stunt show on the large jump lines, gaps, drops, rock gar- jumps with one participant who is dens, a slope-style course, enduro only 11 years old. Sunday will fealines, ﬂow trails and cross-country ture cross-country racing. trails with a combination of handSpectators can bring chairs, cut and machine-built trails. blankets, food and drinks. There A gorge runs through the park will be parking within the state with a tight trail following along. park, and they recommend that Many trails were named for roller visitors stay in hotels or private coasters. The Towyr of Terryr has rentals in nearby Amite, Covinga wooden ramp with a 17-foot drop. ton or at the state park if it isn’t “This is what I tell people. sold out. There’s no science involved. It’s More information on details for just gravity. You just fall. That’s it. the races, volunteer opportunities You just let yourself fall,” Scuderi and registration is available at said after demonstrating. rcol-mtb-fest.lovable.app. The Northshore Off-Road Bi“You don’t have to be a star athcycling Association is hosting the lete to come out and enjoy yourRoller Coaster of Love Bike Festi- self,” Cortez said. val Oct. 2-4 at the park. Since the first festival in 2021, it’s grown Email Elizabeth Deal at from 60 to over 700 participants elizabeth.deal@theadvocate. plus spectators. com.

TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER By Christopher Elliott

Princess Cruises adds to bill after suite upgrade quote was a lower price I booked a cruise on the Star Princess (a Princess Cruises ship) about 18 months in advance.A few months later, I called to upgrade to a suite.A Princess representative quoted me a $1,449 price, and I paid the additional amount that day. My confirmation sheet showed my cabin and stated “paid in full” with a zero balance. It also noted I was entitled to suite benefits like specialty dining. The trouble started when I tried to make dining reservations.The Christopher website tried to charge me for things that Elliott should have been included. I called for help and ended up making more than 20 calls to various departments. During one of these calls, an employee told me I hadn’t been charged

enough for the upgrade and wouldn’t get the benefits unless I paid more. Later, I discovered Princess had added $3,967 to my booking without my permission.When I called to protest, the cruise line gave me an ultimatum: pay the extra money, move back to my original mini-suite with a refund of the upgrade fee, or they would cancel my cruise entirely. I even offered to give up the suite benefits to keep the cabin I had paid for, but they refused. I feel like I was bullied and threatened into releasing my suite. I’ve reached out to customer relations and corporate management multiple times but have received no response. I am a Platinum cruiser and have never been treated this way on 70 cruises. I want the suite I paid for at the price I was quoted. — Deborah Keck, Sunnyvale,Texas Princess should have honored

the price it quoted you and conﬁrmed in writing. When a company sends a document stating a booking is “paid in full,” that’s a contract. It shouldn’t decide later that it made a math error and demand you cough up another $3,967 to cover its mistake. Most cruise contracts have clauses that allow them to change prices due to fuel surcharges or government taxes, but they don’t usually include a “we-forgot-tocharge-you-enough-for-the-room” fee. Under basic contract law, once there’s an offer, acceptance and payment, the deal is done. You did the right thing by keeping all the paperwork. You also attempted to resolve this through the proper channels, contact-

ing customer relations and even executives at Princess headquarters, which I publish on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. I’m deeply concerned about the lack of response from the cruise line. You contacted Princess multiple times for help, but you say no one responded. My team followed up several times about your case. I also contacted Princess on your behalf. The response: nothing. It’s a disappointing result. Despite multiple inquiries, Princess refused to provide a resolution or even a comment on why it added $3,967 to a conﬁrmed booking. This left you with one last option: You could have taken your case to small claims court. I

should note that you’re a Platinum-level customer, which means you’ve been on a lot of Princess cruises. You’d think the cruise line would be bending over backward to take care of you. But apparently not. You accepted a downgrade to your original cabin and didn’t pay anything extra for your cruise. Not exactly the resolution either of us were hoping for. Come on, Princess. Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a nonproﬁt organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him on his site.

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4D ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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FAITH

STAFF PHOTOS By BRETT dUKE

Anhong ‘Rosemary’ Huynh-dinh kisses a relic of Pope St. John Paul II, a small vial of his blood enclosed in a specially-made ‘book,’ at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite on Sept. 17.

‘THE CLOSEST I CAN GET TO HEAVEN’ A vial of St. John Paul II’s blood draws thousands of Catholics across south Louisiana

BY BOB WARREN Staff writer

The faithful began to crowd into St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite one recent morning, eager to see — and perhaps, they hoped, touch — a relic of former pope St. John Paul II. Brother Iñigo Johnpaul Isla warned them not to expect a miracle. At least, nothing so overt as the tossing-away-crutches-beingable-to walk kind of miracle. The relic — a small vial of the blood of the sainted pontiff, who died in 2005 and was canonized in 2014 — should instead be “venerated,” Isla said, and used as a steppingstone to bring the faithful and curious alike closer to God. “It’s not a good-luck charm,” said Isla, a member of the Miami-based Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the community that has kept and toured the relic for the past 13 years. But no doubt some worshippers had personal miracles in mind, or at least ﬁnding a special peace, as they walked in two neat lines toward John Paul II’s blood, which was encased in the open page of a book, fashioned from steel and created by the Italian artist Carlo Balljana to resemble the pages of a book of the Gospels that ﬂuttered during a gust of wind at his Vatican funeral.

Keith Scardina and his wife, Cindy, place their hands on a relic of St. John Paul II, a small vial of his blood enclosed a specially-made book, at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite.

Bowing, touching, kissing The relic sat atop a waist-high stand at the foot of the altar, with members of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts community standing on each side. Most visitors ran their ﬁngers across the relic. Many had brought rosary beads, crosses, even small John Paul II devotional ﬁgures that they touched against the vial of his blood. Some knelt or bowed to gently touch their lips to the relic. Imelda Travis, of Greensburg, took a deep, calming breath before explaining the tears that followed her visit. She said she was thinking of her daughter, Ashlee, who died in July 2025 at age 47. “This is the closest I can get to Heaven. I prayed for my daughter and my family.” Travis held rosaries and crosses in her hands that she had touched to the relic. She said John Paul II, who visited New Orleans in 1987, holds a special place in her heart. “I didn’t get to go to New Orleans but I’ve always felt a closeness to him all these years,” she said. The relic had arrived at St. Helena after stops the previous days at churches in Prairieville and Baton Rouge. Later that evening, it would travel to Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence before moving on to visits at churches in

STAFF PHOTO By BOB WARREN

Brother Iñigo Johnpaul Isla of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary shows the case that transports a vial of blood from St. John Paul II.

Morgan City, Houma, Larose and Thibodaux for additional viewings. “It’s a huge deal,” said the Rev. Mitch Seymour, who is pastor at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Schriever and director of seminarians for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. “(Pope) John Paul II loved the U.S. A part of him, his blood, is back on our soil.” The Catholic faith has a long tradition of venerating, or honoring, the relics of saints as a way to feel closer to God or seek the intercession of that saint. Seymour said the veneration of relics is an “ancient practice,” but added, “It’s not that we worship the blood of St. John Paul II or the saints. But we honor them.” The Rev. Reuben Dykes, pastor of both St. Helena and Mater Dolorosa in Tangipahoa Parish, said seeing and touching relics can be

pany it, the relic ﬂies commercial, logging thousands of air miles. It is always a carry-on. “No, this is not a bag to be checked. We carry him with us at all times,” Isla said. The blood in the relic container had been drawn from the pope “a few days before his death,” Isla said. Isla said the vial of blood is owned by Bishop Slawomir Oder of Gliwice, Poland, who entrusted it to Mother Adela Galindo, a founder of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts. It is one of four vials of John Paul II’s blood, and the only one that travels, Isla said. The other vials are in Poland, where John Paul II was born, and Madrid, he said. The blood in the vial remains in a liquid state, Isla said, “a sign that he is still alive.” Asked how much blood is in the vial, Isla shrugged, then said with a laugh, “less than 3 ounces because we can ﬂy with it.” (Federal Transportation Security Administration regulations limit carry-on liquids to 3.4 ounces.) Isla recalled one flight where other passengers asked questions about the briefcase. Informed that it carried the blood of a saint, they wanted to see it. “They were venerating it at 30,000 feet!” Isla said. “Pilots, too!” The devotion its handlers have to the relic is impressive, Dykes said. He said he and the Servants had lunch together in Baton Rouge the afternoon before the showing in Amite. “There we were at Southdowns Grille, with (Pope) John Paul II at the table,” he said.

‘I feel safe now’

People line up to view a relic of former pope St. John Paul II at St. Helena Catholic Church. Sister Ana Certain, a member of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts who had made the trip to Louisiana. “We don’t take our eyes off of it.” When traveling, the book in which the vial of blood is encased ﬁts snugly inside a specially made leather-bound briefcase, lined with a soft, padded cloth, and bearing John Paul II’s emblem. Isla shook and slapped it to show its sturdy design. Isla, 28, who became a member of the Servants of the Pierced Veneration at 30,000 feet Heart in 2022, estimates that a milTraveling with the remains of a lion or more people have viewed saint is as much an act of vigilance and prayed before the relic over as it is an act of luggage design. the years. “It never leaves our sight,” said Like the Servants who accom-

a powerful experience for the devout. “We say we have faith, but relics are an extension of the holy things that we can touch,” Dykes said. In the Catholic Church, there are three classes of relics. Firstclass relics are the actual parts of a saint’s body, such as the blood of John Paul II. A second-class relic can be a piece of clothing or some other belonging. A third-class relic is something that has touched a ﬁrst- or second-class relic.

Retired Army Col. Russ Forshag, a St. Helena parishioner from Montpelier, said having the relic of Pope St. John Paul II at his church was deeply personal. As an Army aviator in Europe in the late 1980s, Forshag said he saw firsthand the pope’s influence in the dismantling of the Berlin Wall in 1989, which signaled the end of the Cold War era. “We were all in for Pope John Paul II,” he said. “We saw what he did.” Anhong “Rosemary” HuynhDing wept and shook as she stood before the relic. She said a prayer to herself, touching it. “I feel very holy. I feel safe now,” Huynh-Ding, who made the trip from Baton Rouge, said later from a seat in the pews. “I cried for myself and my family, too.” Reporter Bob Warren writes about faith and spirituality. Email him at bwarren@ theadvocate.com.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 5D

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LOUISIANA INSPIRED

Geaux Ride inspires wellness, community on two wheels BY IANNE SALVOSA

they don’t evolve into somebody shooting up the room,” he said. Michael Williams, who serves as Daniel’s right hand man, said bike riding can help keep the peace, but a lot of people who want to access the activity don’t have the resources to do so, which is why Daniel’s mission is important.

Staff writer

As the sun set into orange hues over downtown Baton Rouge on a recent Thursday, neon lights ﬂickered on Laurel Street — not from the city’s bar or nightclubs, but from a ﬂeet of bikes meant to give residents a means to wellness and appreciation for their city. For 10 years, Geaux Ride, led by founder Charles Daniel, has pedaled with about 30,000 cyclists on bike tours. Daniel’s goal has been to reintroduce people to bike riding in a fun, family friendly atmosphere. “Even if you haven’t ridden in a while, the nostalgia you feel as a child bike riding doesn’t go away,” he said. Daniel, 45, moved the organization into its new home earlier this year at 601 Laurel St., a larger space where he can store more than 100 bikes to rent to cyclists of all levels for tours around the Capital City. Baton Rouge’s downtown is a “hidden gem,” Daniel said, but he doesn’t know why it’s not more popular. He said loves the bars and restaurants in the area, particularly Danny’s Dive Bar & Grill and Main Lobby, and sights like the levee trail. Once the work day ends, the downtown streets aren’t too busy, making it a safe place to ride bikes, he said. He describes the bikefriendliness of Baton Rouge as “disconnected,” but he’s optimistic that will change with the implementation of the city-parish’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, which outlines goals to add 100 miles of bike lanes and 250 miles of off-road paths for cyclists. “It’s a great melting pot of all of Baton Rouge in one place that gets overlooked,” he said.

‘A healthy outlet’ Ten years ago, Daniel lived in New Orleans and worked as a corporate data analyst, tasked with ﬁnding ways to make companies more efficient with technology. Some of that work, he said, meant employees lost their jobs to tech-

Thursday rides

STAFF PHOTOS By PEARL SPURLOCK

Geaux Ride community bikers take a ride along Laurel Street together on Sept. 17. nology, which weighed heavy on his conscience. He sought out ways to relieve stress with his friends and noticed a group riding by on bikes while his group was at a restaurant. He and his friends decided to try bike riding after not having been on one in years. They strapped lights onto the bikes as a safety measure for their nighttime rides, at one point seeing almost 1,000 riders. The group, Get Up and Ride, still cruises through New Orleans. Daniel “Living in New Orleans, you can eat, you can party, you can drink, you can do all the things,” he said. “I wanted a healthy outlet.” He wanted to bring his newfound passion back to hids hometown of Baton Rouge. In 2016, the city was struggling, damaged by major ﬂooding and the police shooting of Alton Sterling, which unleashed a wave of activism calling for accountability. He decided to bring the community together for free bike rides on Thursdays to work through the hardships. What started as a way to heal through exercise and

Thursday bike rides start at the Laurel Street shop, head east to Mid City and take a break at Electric Depot so bikers can rest and grab a bite or drink at the businesses open at night. The rules of the road apply at Geaux Ride: stay to the right side of the street, stop at red lights and keep an eye out for bumps and potholes. Daniel leads the group with a speaker strapped to the back of the bike, with a few safety guides dispersed in the pack to ensure the group stays together. A wave of dust arose as a rainbow of brightly-lit bike wheels spin into Electric Depot’s gravel parking lot around 8 p.m. The Email Ianne Salvosa at ianne. crowd ﬁles into KOK Wings and salvosa@theadvocate.com. Things to place an order. As the Geaux Ride crew settles inside, another light-up bike group, City to City, cruises by. Over a meal of wings and loaded fries, Daniel says a few local bike groups stemmed from Geaux Ride after participants sought to create Know someone in Louisiana who their own group that ﬁts their ridis making a positive difference? ing style. He lauds the expansion of Baton Rouge bike clubs since We’re looking nominees for our they provide a space for the activ2026 Inspirit Awards — people ity at all levels and interests. of any age who do their best to He caters Geaux Ride towards make their local community a riders who are just getting into or better place, whether in their back into cycling as a fun, leisurely activity. work, at schools, in organizations Yolanda Zeno, a bus driver and or in neighborhoods. caretaker, is a Geaux Ride reguNominate someone at www. lar, bringing her son and his friend nola.com/site/forms/the_ along for the weekly tours. She inspirit_award by Sunday, Nov. 2. said there’s not a lot for families to do together in the city, she said. Recipients will be announced in The rides give her and her son a december. way to spend time together.

gathering turned into a way to celebrate, he said. “There was a lot of built-up emotion,” Daniel said. He moved back to Baton Rouge as the organization grew. A moment that’s stuck with him was during a community ride when a woman broke down crying. Once the group stopped at Electric Depot, Daniel checked in with her, learning that she was crying tears of joy. She had previously partaken in physical therapy and rehabilitation to become active again but it hadn’t worked like bike riding had. His connection to the community grew to include mentorship for atrisk youth, seeing that activities like bicycling can keep them off the streets. It became personal for him after a teenager who rode with Geaux Ride for the past ﬁve years, De’Vonte Coleman, also known as Tay, was killed in an accidental shooting earlier this year. “I feel like a lot of the issues that we’re seeing in Baton Rouge, if The business of biking there is a level of mentorship, if Daniel runs Geaux Ride fullthere is a level of outlets for that time, save for a few technical audit category of at-risk youth to do, jobs here and there, while study-

Mars platform

ing for his MBA. He describes himself as a student of business, taking part in programs from Goldman Sachs, Louisiana Small Business Development Center and the Black Chamber of Commerce. He keeps Geaux Ride afloat through self-guided bike rentals, guided bike tours around downtown bars and landmarks, hosting birthday parties at his Laurel Street shop and paint parties. Geaux Ride also repairs bikes through partnerships with other bike shops and Daniel creates his own merchandise in-house. In the future, he wants to expand Geaux Ride into electric scooters and provide bikeshare and scootershare services so people have transportation options, and add more Geaux Ride locations across the region. “We’re open seven days a week and just really get out there and be healthy and put your mental wellness and your overall wellness as a priority,” he said.

Nominate someone extraordinary for our 2026 Inspirit Awards

Be sure to include details and examples of how you think their efforts can inspire others. We’re eager to share their stories.

“It’s just a great sense of pride to be part of the energy past and energy into the future. We have produced a billion barrels and we are not done yet.” Billy Lott Operation Supervisor

reaches historic 1-billion barrel milestone

Since 1996, the Shell-operated Mars platform has played a defining role in deep water energy production. Designed for waters nearly 3,000 feet deep, Mars was a bold step forward at the time and helped redefine what was possible offshore. Nearly 30 years later, continued investment, enduring engineering, and the commitment of generations of people have helped bring Mars to this landmark achievement. To be the first platform in the Gulf to reach one billion barrels is a momentous milestone, but for those who have been part of Mars, it has never been just about the number. The Mars community identifies as Martians, united by the enduring principle, “once a Martian, always a Martian.” This milestone carries the weight of long days offshore, shared challenges, and moments of problem-solving that happen when people rely on one another. It reflects years of dedication and quiet perseverance, and the deep sense of pride that comes from being part of something that continues to move forward.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry joined Shell GOA and Pipeline staff to commemorate one billion barrels produced from the Shell Mars asset via the Mars booster station in Port Fourchon. From L to R: Greg Mouras, Nick Stone, Ken Duplantis, Jeff Bergeron, Gov. Jeff Landry, Lynn Belanger, Shawn Danos, Wayland Neil, Colette Hirstius, Chris Nace, Kevin McMahon, Richard Krebs, Sean Guillory

shell.us/louisiana | #PoweringProgress

6D ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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Human Condition | ‘HOLD THAT TI-GER!’

Four notes bring back memories for Golden Band member BY GREG HOPSON Contributing writer

Greg Hopson is an LSU Tiger Band alumnus. He wrote this essay last year shortly after the LSU Alumni Band weekend, when past band members are invited to perform with the current band on the field during the game. The next band reunion is Saturday when the Tigers take on McNeese State. Tiger Stadium; Baton Rouge; Sept. 16, 1978; capacity, 78,000; attendance, 78,534; 7 p.m.; 80 degrees. My wool band uniform suffocates. Who thought wool was a good idea in Louisiana? The gate to the field opens. We walk toward the field for pre-game. I look around. The sky is pitch black. The stadium lights illuminate the center of the universe. The stadium is full. Everyone is looking at me. I’m in the Tiger Band. Walking on the holiest of holy grounds. I look in the stands. Everyone here wishes they were me. I’m looking for Section 20. For my parents. I’m 18. Memories: 1970 West stands. First LSU game. Ever. With my parents.

University of Pacific. I was 10. I wondered how a university was in the Pacific Ocean. 1971 Lower east stands. Boy Scout usher. “Can I help you find your seat?” “I’ve had these seats since 1924 … I don’t need your help.” And she didn’t. 1977 West side stands. Belaire High School Key Club. Sold programs. Got in free. Sat near band. If I could. Tonight Dad went to high school with Billy Cannon. LSU’s only Heisman Trophy winner.

Both went to Istrouma High. Right here in Baton Rouge. Dad sometimes saw him at Frank’s. I never did. Mike the Tiger is in his cage-onwheels. By the visitors’ locker room. When Indiana comes out, he will roar at them. They will be frightened. I hear they do not feed Mike before games. So that he will be grumpy. Now he is being pulled around the ﬁeld in his trailer. Cheerleaders on top. Cheering. 78,000. Cheering. We line up behind the south end zone.

I am part of the iconic Tiger Band look that starts off the night. Our uniforms are dark-colored with the white overlays. A Tiger head where the left pocket would be. A gold yellow diagonal stripe from upper right to lower left. A large gold block letter “L” on the back. It all contrasts nicely with our navy uniforms. Navy is not of LSU’s colors. I think of the football uniforms. White jerseys. Gold helmets. Gold pants. I think it is yellow. But it is gold. Canary gold. Unlike navy, canary gold is actually one of LSU’s colors. Same colors as 1958 LSU’s only football national championship. Same colors Billy Cannon wore when he won the Heisman Trophy. Same colors as in 1970. 1971. 1977. Always. It’s the same. Always. It brings back memories. Always. I’m immersed in the soft rumbling murmur of a stadium full of people talking and moving about. I hear Sid Crocker’s voice booming over the P.A. Doctor Number 2-2-7, please call the medical exchange. Doctor Number 2-2-7, please call the medical exchange. We come to attention in our lines. I hear the whistle.

Step off. Bass drum. boom ... boom ... boom boom boom boom ... boom ... boom boom boom boom ... boom ... boom boom boom boom ... boom ... boom boom boom ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! Drums. I count. Snap the horn up at exactly the right moment. Point horn to the left. HOLD THAT TI-GER. Step forward. Point horn to the right. HOLD THAT TI-GER. Turn around and point to south stands. I am pointing to where my parents are. HOLD … fans jump up as if electrocuted by that note. Waving. Screaming ... THAT TI-GER. Familiar sight. Unfamiliar perspective. Point left. HOLD THAT TI-GER. Face north again. March forward. — Hopson lives in Baton Rouge. Advocate readers may submit stories of about 500 words to The Human Condition at features@theadvocate.com or The Advocate, Features, 10705 Rieger Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. There is no payment, and stories will be edited. Authors should include their city of residence.

Neighbor’s dog damages property DEAR HARRIETTE: My neighbor’s you will call nonemergency serdog keeps digging up our yard vices in your town. and leaving feces there. I have DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a single, gone over to my neighbor independent 40-year-old and tried to address this woman with two children. issue, but her dog continI work a full-time job in the health industry to ues to destroy our yard. I provide for my family. suggested that she get a I have been separated fence, and she said they from my husband for were looking into it, but I Harriette over five years, and I am don’t think they are going Cole dating other people. I to because fences can be SENSE ANd recently went on a first very expensive. At first, I SENSITIVITy date with a guy I met tried to be understanding through friends. We went because I know that dogs to a coffee shop, and things were can be difficult to keep under running smoothly until he said control and I didn’t want to crehe needed a woman to provide ate tension with my neighbor. for him. I got up out of my seat, However, this has been happening repeatedly, and it is becoming walked out of the coffee shop, went to my car and blocked him. increasingly frustrating to have My friends who set me up think to clean up after someone else’s I was being harsh by leaving him dog and deal with the damage to following his comment; however, our property. We have put time as a single mother who provides and effort into maintaining our for herself and her children, yard, and it is upsetting to see it constantly being dug up and dam- I don’t think I owe a man anyaged. How can I set a firm bound- thing. Was I wrong for leaving the date? — Independent Woman ary with my neighbor while still DEAR INDEPENDENT WOMAN: Your keeping things civil? At what abrupt reaction could have been point should I stop being patient and take further action to protect smoother, but he certainly got the point. It would have been my property? — No Boundaries DEAR NO BOUNDARIES: It is time to more mature of you to stop him take action. Go to your neighbor and tell him that his desire is a and tell her you need her to solve deal-breaker, and for you the date is now over. At least he this issue immediately so her would have a chance to know dog no longer has the ability to what was going on and not defecate in your yard and debe completely embarrassed. stroy it. Suggest that she invest Clearly, he struck a nerve, and in an electronic fence, essenyou reacted strongly. You don’t tially a collar that lightly zaps the dog if it attempts to cross the owe him anything, but good manners go a long way. And you perimeter into your yard. Many dog owners have these, and they absolutely did not exercise good are considered safe. Shy of that, manners at that moment. or until she has a fence remedy, tell her she is now responsible Send questions to for shoveling up the feces and askharriette@harriettecole. filling in the holes daily, or else com.

RAVEN

Continued from page 1d Later, a friend reminded me that Tuesday was the autumnal equinox. So I did what any modern person would do. I Googled it. Google, never one to hold back, informed me that a raven appearing on the equinox symbolizes “a powerful moment of balance, transformation, and a transition between light and dark.” Puzzled further still, I kept reading. One line landed: “Let go of the old and embrace a new phase.” I’m almost always up for that message, but a year after a ﬁre, in a house full of new knobs, sign me up. A wooden raven. From Spain. Addressed to me by name. On the equinox. Looking backward. I’ve messaged the artist, who sells these ravens for $163, plus

$48 shipping from Spain. Whoever sent this one went to a fair amount of trouble to get it to my house. I haven’t heard back from her yet. I posted the following on social media: Strange question: did someone send me a wooden bird from Spain? One arrived today with no note and a lot of transit papers. It’s pretty, but I don’t know from whence it came. (It’s covered in Celtic carvings.) One friend posted, “That’s the most Jan Risher post ever.” Even so, no one has claimed him thus far. If the sender is reading this, I’d like to say thank you. I think I’ll give him a name and am open to suggestions. For now, he sits on my desk, looking backward toward the screen where I’m typing this column. He sends his regards. Email Jan Risher at jan. risher@theadvocate.com.

PROVIdEd PHOTO

Christi Bailey, from left, Wendy Parich, Patti Reed, Becky Collins and Cathy Indest show off a decorated balcony for the 16th annual New Iberia Beneath the Balcony event. This year’s balconies will have a patriotic theme in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

BALCONIES

Continued from page 1d about 90% of the acts coming from local performers. “All year long, I am visiting local places and looking for musicians that can be a part of this event,” Parich said. The balconies themselves are another important component. Many are privately owned, meaning organizers coordinate with homeowners before the event. Crews also have to arrange decorations, sound equipment and more before the balconies are transformed into stages. Patti Reed, who works on the event’s décor committee, said this year’s balconies will have a patriotic theme in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Each balcony will incorporate red, white and blue while also having its own variation based on the performer or production taking place.

DAIGLE

Continued from page 1d In fact, Daigle is fond of his “131” schedule, which puts him on the air 13-straight days, followed by one day off. He wouldn’t have it any other way. “I told somebody the other day, if you don’t hear me on the radio, that’s when you have to worry about me,” said Daigle, 65. “But if you hear me on the radio, I’m good to go.” Daigle takes a break from the air chair to attend the KBON Music Fest, an Oct. 2-4 party that attracts more than 8,000 fans annually to the Frog Festival Pavilion in Rayne. The 25 bands and special guests scheduled to perform include Travis Matte, Rusty Metoyer, Jamie Bergeron, Dustin Dale Gaspard from “The Voice,” Keith Frank and swamp pop pioneers Johnnie Allan and Jivin’ Gene. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital is this year’s nonproﬁt

“When we started this, it was with a lot of enthusiasm,” said Becky Collins, who serves on the sponsorship committee. “Over time, we have maintained the level of enthusiasm and built on it.” The event was born from an idea shared by Bob DeRouen, an accountant on Main Street, who stepped onto his balcony at 146 W. Main St., and thought, “this feels like a stage.” Indest was the first person he called with the idea. “From there, we had a meeting, and we started what is now New Iberia Beneath the Balconies,” Indest said. The idea eventually became a collaboration among local cultural organizations that wanted to showcase New Iberia’s history, architecture and talent while bringing the community together. “It brings people that don’t spend time in New Iberia to see the beauty of our town and to experience our community,” said Christi Bailey, co-chair of the event. Organizers also hope visitors

will discover downtown businesses while moving between performances. The route takes attendees past restaurants, shops and other businesses that they might not otherwise visit. The event’s free admission is made possible through community support and sponsorships, said Bailey. As part of the organizers’ vision for the future, they’ve been working to reach younger residents and add more young people to their mailing lists and social media audiences so the tradition can continue. “We want them to carry on the torch that we have worked so hard for,” Collins said. Although the event is free, sponsorship opportunities offer reserved seating and complimentary food and beverages in the patrons’ tent. “We have such generous people in New Iberia that they have stepped up year after year after year,” Indest said, “and we want them to know how thankful we are.” To learn more about volunteering or sponsorships, call (337) 9670888.

recipient of proceeds raised from ticket and concession sales. Daigle’s ﬁxture at KBON is a childhood dream come true. He played radio as a kid in his bedroom, introducing songs as he dropped the needle on his 45 rpm records. He later went on real radio as host of the “Gumbo Music Program” on KSIG in his hometown of Crowley. The show followed Paul Marx’s “Louisiana Music Show” on Saturdays. The two were kindred spirits in music, especially homegrown genres. But Marx wanted to take his dream further and own a radio station that featured bayou grooves. Marx sold his home and possessions to go on the air with KBON, with studios in downtown Eunice. Marx made good on his informal promise to hire Daigle, who was looking for a break from weekend road gigs to Texas as a singer with Lil Ray and the Blues Sonics. “I showed up 10 minutes until my (ﬁrst) show,” Daigle said. “Paul was hollering, ‘You don’t even know the board.’ I said,

‘Paul, every board is the same. Show me where the microphone is, and the CD player and the records.’ I’ve been there ever since.” Daigle was conﬁdent that KBON’s mission and slogan, “Variety Music with a Louisiana Flavor,” would gain a large and loyal following. “Why do we listen to different stuff all week long? But on Saturdays and Sundays, we come together and listen to the same thing,” Daigle said. “We ﬂip from the swamp pop show to the French show to the zydeco show and whatever radio station that’s giving us that kind of music. I was never nervous about it working. “I wake up every morning, and look forward to going to work.” Herman Fuselier is executive director of the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission. A longtime journalist covering Louisiana music and culture, he lives in Opelousas. His “Zydeco Stomp” show airs at noon Saturdays on KRVS 88.7 FM.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 7D

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AT THE TABLE Stirring up memories with Cajun Sweet Dough Tarts Cajun Sweet Dough Tarts

BY DEBRA TAGHEHCHIAN

Contributing writer

A friend recently requested a Cajun Sweet Dough Tart recipe. That sent me digging deep into my old recipe cards where I found a tattered and stained card written by my sister Brenda. Like many families, my mom cooked from memory and repetition, so they probably worked together to get the recipe recorded. The thing I like best about old recipes is that I usually have all the ingredients on hand. Traditional Cajun recipes start with simple ingredients and don’t call for specialty items. This recipe has eggs, vanilla, milk, sugar, butter, baking powder, flour, nutmeg and fig preserves. At any given time, these ingredients were always available in our household. I most remember eating tarts when we traveled. Every summer, we left our family farm and hit the road. All six of us got into the car and traveled the U.S. — Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Another year, we made it all the way to New Hampshire to visit my uncle in the military. We went to Washington, D.C., too. And of course, there were trips to the Florida beaches. A large plastic storage container held the tarts, which we ate for breakfast with milk or for a snack. We would also stop along the way at fruit stands to see what each area had to offer. I have a clear memory of juicy Georgia peaches. Just a few things to note about this recipe: n Fruit preserves other than fig can be used. n The eggs are separated, and the whites are beaten until stiff before being added to the dough. n The dough is rather wet and should be refrigerated for about one hour so that it can become firm and easier to handle. n Avoid adding too much flour when forming the tarts because that will make a tougher dough. n When filling the tarts, be sure to place the preserves in the center of the dough circle and then fold over the dough to encase the preserves and then crimp the edge of the tart. n The dough can also be made into cookies. There is much talk about Pecan Island these days. If you ever get a hankering to take a drive to visit the community before things change, be sure to stop at Suire’s Grocery and Restaurant, just south of Kaplan, on the way. They have a nice selection of sweet dough tarts made on-site. Anthony Bourdain stopped at Suire’s when he visited the Acadiana area. I smile to think that he may have enjoyed the Cajun tradition of a sweet dough tart.

Makes 12 tarts. Recipe is by Audrey Broussard. 3 eggs, separating the whites and yolks 11/2 cups sugar 4 tablespoons room-temperature butter 1/2 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 4 cups flour 3-4 cups fruit preserves 1. Separate egg whites from egg yolks. 2. In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff and set aside. 3. Using a stand mixer, mix the egg yolks and sugar and mix until well blended. 4. Add room-temperature butter. 5. Slowly add milk and vanilla and then mix. 6. In a separate bowl, mix baking powder, nutmeg and ﬂour. 7. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix. 8. Add beaten egg whites to dough mixture and mix until just combined. 9. Place dough in a bowl, cover and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour. 10. Remove dough from the refrigerator and divide into 12 balls. 11. Lightly ﬂour a surface and roll out each ball into a circle about the size of a saucer. 12. Place about 1 tablespoon of fruit preserves in the center of the dough and fold over dough. Crimp the edges. 13. Place on a cookie sheet and bake in a 350 F, preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly brown.

Cajun Sweet dough Tarts PHOTOS By dEBRA TAGHEHCHIAN

Robert Pattinson brings ‘To Catch a Predator’ to life ‘Primetime’ inspired by Chris Hansen BY LINDSEY BAHR AP film writer

When Robert Pattinson first got the script for “Primetime,” a dramatization of NBC Dateline’s “To Catch a Predator” and the controversial sting operation that would lead to its cancellation, he was amazed it hadn’t been made into a movie already. Here was a fascinating tale with shades of “Network,” “Ace in the Hole” and “To Die For,” and an inscrutable personality at its center in host Chris Hansen, a newsman who had become a pop culture icon with his own catchphrase: Have a seat. It was both old news, and, somehow, in the ether too. Last year, the show was also the subject of an acclaimed documentary, “Predators,” from David Osit. Along the way, “Primetime” transformed into a dark meditation on performance, media and morality — more fever dream than biopic, according to filmmaker Lance Oppenheim. And, perhaps fittingly, it arrived in theaters Friday on a wave of both critical acclaim and intrigue over Hansen’s own objections to the film and its depiction of the show, which he called an “insult,” sight unseen.

The pressure of a hit show “To Catch a Predator” had in 2006 become a kind of phenomenon. With the help of the citizen watchdog group Perverted Justice, the show would stage confrontations with men who were allegedly soliciting sex with minors in online chat rooms. Perverted Justice members would pretend to be underage kids online and invite the adults on the other side of the conversation to fake houses, where actors would

PROVIdEd PHOTOS

Robert Pattinson, from left, director Lance Oppenheim and cinematographer david Bolen film a scene in ‘Primetime,’ a dramatization of NBC dateline’s ‘To Catch a Predator.’

Robert Pattinson walks the red carpet for the film ‘Primetime’ during the 83rd edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, on Sept. 5. play the teens and the show would “catch” the men on camera, while police waited outside to make arrests. Two years after it debuted, it was averaging around 7 million viewers per episode and Hansen was a celebrity in his own right. And then, in November 2006, one suspect, Louis William “Bill” Conradt Jr., an assistant district attorney in Texas, killed himself as a local police SWAT team breached his home with the television

crew outside. It led to a lawsuit, which was settled out of court, and various journalistic investigations including by ABC’s “20/20” and Esquire’s Luke Dittrich, whose article “Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die” inspired Ajon Singh’s script. By 2008, the show had been canceled. “The thing which I was most interested in, it’s the sort of technicalities of like trying to have a hit show,” Pattinson told The Associated Press. “When you get up to a certain, like, level of numbers of viewers or like however much money is involved, suddenly the subject matter, like everything doesn’t matter anymore. … You’re just a hit and like and you’re judged along the same lines, and the same commercial expectation is put on you.” The portrait melds ﬁction and reality with Merritt Wever playing a fictionalized producer who is under pressure to deliver shows that could compete with “Lost.” Then there is thenNBCUniversal TV Group CEO Jeff Zucker in the mix,

playing himself.

Becoming ‘Chris Hansen’ Pattinson wasn’t intending to star in “Primetime.” He was just helping to develop it with his production company. But he was also getting in the weeds, helping to shape the story and the character, and starting to realize what a great part he had in front of him. “Chris was like a serious news reporter,” Pattinson said. “And I think what’s sort of fascinating about the story as a whole was like seeing someone who … you’re a journalist, you’re supposed to be in some ways a passive reporter of what’s going on and suddenly being recast in this thing where you’re not only like front and center of it but you’re kind of, your behavior, it’s setting the tone of the show.” He was also just being inundated with videos and memes and Reddit threads from Singh and Oppenheim. And once he had committed to the part, Pattinson spent many, many hours watching Hansen on video and lis-

tening to his podcast. Chris Hansen was in his head, and the voice was hard to shake (he could hear it in “The Odyssey”). For him, it’s also, fundamentally, a character. “It’s impossible to, like, play somebody else,” Pattinson laughed. Hansen himself has been rather vocal about the ﬁlm too, on everything from who he would have cast (Denis Leary) to questioning the motivations of the ﬁlmmaker and the studio, A24, for using his name. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he referred to the Esquire story as “a bit of a hit piece.” He also purchased preshow advertising for his true crime streaming network TruBlu that will play in front of “Primetime” showings. Pattinson said he’s not surprised that Hansen has been out talking about it. “He’s a public person,” Pattinson said. “He is also just being asked about it. It’s kind of, I mean, I get it. But I’m surprised about the level of traction that everything gets.” It’s also kind of a proof of concept; people remain interested. “The fact that people are still discussing the ethics of it, of a 20-year-old TV show, I mean it’s absolutely insane,” Pattinson said.

Dissecting news The heart of “Primetime” revealed itself to everyone along the way. It wasn’t just a story about Hansen. It was also about performance and the nature of news entertainment, which is how Decoy Dan, played by Skyler Gisondo, became such a pivotal character. Decoy Dan is an amalgamation of the adult actors who were cast to play the teenagers in the fake houses in the show. It’s a gig he gets through a standard audition process; but the realities of it transcend even improv. The juxtaposition between

the journalist and the actor became a microcosm for the tension inherent in creating mustsee television out of entrapment and public Gisondo humiliation. For Gisondo, the role took on a kind of meta quality too as he stepped out of his comfort zone and into this darker territory with Pattinson, an actor he’d long admired. “This was so unlike anything I had ever done before that, uh, I was so nervous,” he said. “From the very beginning, there was this kind of like, you know, real sort of energy bleeding into it.” Gisondo took the part, and what his character was going through, so seriously that he was a little caught off guard when he heard laughter in the audience (oftentimes when Dan is at his lowest) at the ﬁlm’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival. “Having more distance from it now, I see that clearly, just the contrast of how serious this subject matter is and then the outlandishness of the kind of setup of the show,” Gisondo said. “There’s something, I think, heartbreakingly kind of funny about how naive Dan is.” It’s been a good year at the movies for Pattinson in particular, with a sleeper hit in “The Drama,” a bona ﬁde blockbuster in “The Odyssey” and “Dune: Part Three” still to come (and this is all while he continues to film “The Batman” sequel). He’s also not letting it add to any anxiety about whether people will show up for “Primetime,” which will open in the U.K. on Oct. 30. “My career has basically been like no one sees my movies,” Pattinson said. “My baseline is very low, so everything’s a nice surprise.”

8D ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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BOOKS

‘Death or Victory’ Black soldiers in Louisiana faced enemies from both sides in the Civil War, author writes

BY DOUG GRAHAM Staff writer

“Death or Victory: The Louisiana Native Guard and the Black Military’s Significance in the Civil War,” A.J. Cade, Louisiana State University Press, 416 pages With the onset of the Civil War, hundreds of wealthy and educated Black men moved to form the Louisiana Native Guard in New Orleans as a way to protect their property, their families and their place in the city. They paraded in formation through the streets in decorative uniforms and were a source of pride among the people of color. After the city fell to Union forces, the unit was reorganized under the United States flag and now included other free men as well as newly escaped slaves. Moving forward, serving under their “liberators,” these troops were forced into physical labor and guard work instead of action in the field of battle, given shoddy equipment and forced to take orders from cruel White officers, men who were supposed to be fighting for the freedom of all Black people in the U.S. Author A.J. Cade tells the story of these men in “Death or Victory: The Louisiana Native Guard and the Black Military’s Significance in the Civil War.” His work reveals how, despite their treatment by many of their superior officers in the U.S. Army, these men continued to do everything asked of them while receiving little or no pay and, when given the chance, proved themselves to be willing and able fighters in battle. Before the war, New Orleans was a transnational hub with a diverse Black population, Cade writes. It included free Black and Creole residents who had amassed enough wealth that they were generally treated better than poor White people in the rest of Louisiana, as well as Black people for whom freedom was a newer reality. Cade says the move to form the Native Guard was not a show

SU PRESS

A.J. Cade is the author of ‘death or Victory.’

of support by Black people for the Confederate government but an effort “to sustain their and society while under racial threat from the white society of the city.” The organizers petitioned Gov. Thomas Moore to offer their services in the city’s home guards, and Moore accepted, creating the 1st Division of the Native Guard, which was separate from the Confederate army. When federal troops moved in, U.S. Gen. Benjamin Butler used the unit as the backbone of the 1st Louisiana Native Guard, the first officially sanctioned all-Black regiment in the U.S. Army, despite the fact he viewed Black soldiers as “inferior and likely to flee once battle began,” Cade notes. Butler did eventually come to appreciate the men as soldiers. The Native Guard grew to thousands of men, including heavy artillery and engineering units, with the troops themselves freeing enslaved people and serving as recruiters for the Black regiments. At first, Black people were allowed to serve as officers for the men, but that changed over time, due in part because of Butler’s replacement as head of the Department of the Gulf. Gen. Nathaniel Banks, a former U.S. Representative from Massachusetts who held dreams of the presidency, did not endorse Black rights of

any kind. He systematically removed Black ofﬁcers from the regiments and replaced them with inferior soldiers who often mistreated the troops. He even worked to remove White ofﬁcers who supported Black soldiers, Cade writes. Banks’ failures as a leader and military strategist did end up giving the Native Guard a chance to truly show its mettle as Union forces attempted to take an important target on the Mississippi River.

The assault on Port Hudson north of Baton Rouge saw Banks in command of about 35,000 troops who faced off against 7,500 Confederate troops within their fortiﬁcations. As federal forces began a poorly planned attack on the Confederate defenses on May 27, 1863, members of the Native Guard were stationed on the far right of the Union formation. What followed would help change how Northern leaders viewed the abilities of Black troops, Cade writes.

The Native Guard regiments were among the first to attack, and they advanced through perilous territory against heavy fire from Confederate batteries and rifles. Despite suffering severe casualties, the Black troops reformed and advanced time after time against the Rebel defenses in an effort to breach the fortifications, even as White troops retreated under the onslaught, according to Cade. Capt. André Cailloux continued to lead his troops, pressing on even after being hit in the arm by a musket ball, until he was killed by shell. When they were finally ordered to retreat — the last Union troops to exit the battlefield — the men formed lines and marched from the field even as Confederate troops continued to fire at them. While the effort came at a dear cost of life for the Native Guard, Cade writes, their bravery earned them accolades from the press and many Union leaders. However, while their heroism was well-reported, the situation for the Black troops did not improve. They remained under the command of racist officers who not only mistreated the troops but were often witnessed drunk in public and accused of sexual crimes against Black women. With the added weight of the fact the Black troops were still not being paid at a rate nearly equal to the White troops, the men in the Native Guard became frustrated and disillusioned with their time in the military. Still, the Native Guard was a success as “the most significant military experiment undertaken by the federal government during the Civil War,” Cade writes. The author also calls for Congress and the state of Louisiana to do more to recognize what those men did for the Union effort. Their fight to earn a better future for their descendants should inspire people today. Email Doug Graham at doug. graham@theadvocate.com.

Annie Dillard pointed me toward Louisiana wonders For those of us who love the good, green world, Annie Dillard offered an abiding reminder that nature isn’t something you have to go deep into the woods to experience. Dillard, who died Sept. 15 at 81, rose to fame in 1974 with “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,” an account of walks near her house in Roanoke, Virginia. She was sharply attentive to frogs, birds, trees, wind and water, but her excursions typically had her Dillard back home by dark. That book inspired readers everywhere to pay more attention to wonders just beyond their window. When I spot a cardinal by the porch of my Louisiana place or a full moon above my roof, I feel grateful to Dillard for teaching

When Dillard was awarded a 2014 National Humanities Medal, a magazine editor asked if I’d be willing to profile the honoree in advance of the White House ceremony. Though reluctant to grant interviews, Dillard agreed to connect by email, and our conversation touched on her worry about what me that miracles can live at a loshe’d wear when she visited 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. I gathered that cal address. Dillard wasn’t much of a clothes She was also deeply aware that horse, but she was anxious about nature, whatever its blessings, looking nice when the ceremonial could be scary, too. “After thousands of years we’re medal was looped around her neck. Watching the subsequent still strangers to darkness,” she news coverage, I saw that Dillard told readers, “fearful aliens in had selected a sleeveless summer an enemy camp with our arms dress. crossed over our chests.” She seemed fine, but I was I’ve also thought about that reality when hurricanes come and the moved to think about the special burdens women often bear in belights go out. Like many who are fond of the ing judged about how they look outdoors, Dillard often seemed rather than how they think. more at home with plants and Dillard had faced a related chalanimals than with other people. lenge in 1974 when she first made

Danny H Danny Heitman eitman

her way to the bestseller list. At the time, nature writing was dominated by men, but her success helped create a path for other women to embrace the genre.

Nature writers such as Kathleen Dean Moore, Kathleen Jamie and Margaret Renkl now occupy favored places on my bookshelf, and that might not have happened, I suspect, if Dillard hadn’t helped pave the way. Wardrobe choices, of course, weren’t the most important thing Dillard and I discussed. When our conversation turned to literary inﬂuences, she mentioned Italian writer Primo Levi as a hero, lauding him as “a writer of integrity: no sentimentalism, no cheap shots, no grandstanding, no quarter asked.” At her best, Dillard met that ideal herself. The pilgrimage she undertook in her own corner of the world still invites us to look around where we happen to live and be changed by what we see. Email Danny Heitman at danny@ dannyheitman.com.

THIS WEEK’S BESTSELLERS FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY HARDCOVER FICTION

1. “Burn of the Everﬂame” by Penn Cole 2. “The Calamity Club” by Kathryn Stockett 3. “Fury in Death” by J.D. Robb 4. “The Knave and the Moon” by Rachel Gillig 5. “Taipei Story (deluxe ed.)” by R.F. Kuang 6. “The Altar of Pergamon” by Jonathan Cahn 7. “The Pirate Queen” by Ariel Lawhon 8. “The Witches of Cambridge” by Alice Hoffman 9. “Yesteryear” by Caro Claire Burke 10. “Tempest (deluxe ed.)” by Victoria Aveyard

HARDCOVER NONFICTION

1. “The Counterrevolution” by Victor Davis Hanson 2. “How to Eat an Elephant” by Sarah Longwell 3. “Heal Your Cells” by Axe/Cole 4. “Greek Out” by Maria Koutsogiannis 5. “The Art of Fighting” by Priya Parker 6. “Homemaking with Babs” by Barbara Costello 7. “Limitless Daily” by Jim Kwik 8. “Floating Mountains” by Joe Rohde 9. “The Art of KPop Demon Hunters (platinum ed.)” by Tracey Miller-Zarneke 10. “The Book of Possibility” by Jim Curtis

TRADE PAPERBACK

1. “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi 2. “The Elijah Mandate” by Amir Tsarfati 3. “Stitched” by Eli McCann 4. “Dungeon Crawler Carl” by Matt Dinniman 5. “Brain Damage” by Freida McFadden 6. “Verity” by Colleen Hoover 7. “Absolute Batman, Vol. 3: Devil’s Workshop” by Scott Snyder et al 8. “Wild Dark Shore” by Charlotte McConaghy 9. “The Killer Isn’t Alice” by Iris Starling 10. “Big Bad Wolf” by Laurie Gilmore

BR nonprofit connects area farmers, consumers 3E

3rd generation grows Perino’s Home & Garden Center 7E

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

S u n d ay, S e p t e m b e r 27, 2026

1en

RISKS VS. REWARDS These La. entrepreneurs see AI promise and peril: ‘Everyone’s going to have agentic teammates’ BY RICH COLLINS | Staff writer One weekday afternoon last month, a Tulane University freshman was taking an oral exam in a classroom on the first floor of the school’s Dinwiddie Hall as some of her classmates looked on. But the student wasn’t being grilled by her professor. Instead, she was fielding questions from an artificial intelligence “agent” — the voice and questions all generated by computer code — as her laptop’s camera documented the conversation to make sure she wasn’t cheating. A few minutes later, the exam results were shared with her professor, who used the information to help assign a grade. The scene, made possible by a locally developed AI tool called OralExam.ai, is one of many examples of how AI is finding its way into daily life in Louisiana, as schools, businesses and other organizations experiment with the power of the rapidly evolving technology to get things done. The exploration is happening as concerns grow nationwide and globally about the technology’s po-

IdEAS &

INNOVATION

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Tulane professor darryl Glade leads a class. Glade is co-founder of a company that uses artificial intelligence to help test students to make sure they’re learning material even if they used AI to write their papers. the web, several industry experts have sounded the alarm, positing that AI poses an existential threat to humanity. Others, more pragmatic, have said, at the very least, that tech companies should slow their development or agree to certain safeguards. While national experts debate what to do, several Louisiana comJUSTIN WOHLSTAdER, panies are anything but slowing down as they continue to tap into marketing entrepreneur the power of AI to write code more quickly, increase productivity and tential long-term threats. In recent weeks, after reports bring business ideas to life. The surfaced about AI “agents” break- adoption of AI tools is also creating ing out of their testing environ- entire new business opportunities, ments and hacking into systems on they say.

“We have created a very powerful technology and that produces risks. Now the question is what do we do about it, and we have to be careful that regulation doesn’t just benefit the incumbents.”

At a forum on the topic last week at The Nieux, a gathering place for techies and entrepreneurs, panelists encouraged attendees to roll up their sleeves and experiment with AI tools as much as possible, likening this moment to the dawn of the internet age a quarter century ago that unleashed a new generation of corporate behemoths on the world. “The capabilities of AI that people are most worried about are the same ones that make it so exciting for the potential good it can do,” said Aron Culotta, a Tulane computer science professor.

ä See AI, page 2E

Billions of dollars of investment converge in Iberville, Ascension

acres of land near the bor- said the three Louisiana projects, Nuclear reactors, data 4,000 der between Ascension and Iber- known as Amberjack, Barracuda parishes, where the compa- and Cayman, can proceed indecenter campuses, ville ny hopes to eventually build two pendently. natural gas plants, a pair of small Though not a data center develgas-powered plants nuclear reactors, a battery park oper, he described his company as and possibly a solar farm to meet “data center-adjacent.” It secures proposed

BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer

A Florida-based energy startup is pitching Ascension and Iberville parishes on an ambitious series of large-scale projects that the company says could lead to as much as $40 billion in capital investment and boost Louisiana’s electricity generation capacity by 20%. One Nuclear Energy has signed letters of intent with landowners allowing it to purchase about

demand from power-hungry data centers and industrial users. The proposal comes as billions of dollars of investment converge in the area, including a $5.8 billion Hyundai Steel plant and a $4 billion CF Industries ammonia facility in Ascension Parish’s RiverPlex MegaPark — not to mention the massive data center campuses under construction in Caddo, Bossier and Richland parishes to its north or the SpaceX project to its south. Chris Hansmeyer, One Nuclear’s chief development officer,

land and permits before ﬁnding a hyperscaler — like Amazon, Microsoft or Google — interested in building there. “Part of our business structure is to put in place permitted campuses, like an anchor tenant strategy, where you have a data center-ready pad that the data center builder comes in, build on, operates, and then we deliver the energy to them,” Hansmeyer said in an interview Tuesday. “That’s the strategy.”

PROVIdEd RENdERING

One Nuclear Energy is seeking to purchase about 4,000 acres of land near the border between Ascension and Iberville parishes, with plans to eventually build a bevy of structures, including two natural gas plants and ä See PLANTS, page 2E a pair of small nuclear reactors.

2E ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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Continued from page 1E “The ability to digest massive amounts of information and combine it in new ways is fundamentally accelerating our work, whether its scientists making new discoveries or doctors caring for patients.” One of the panelists at the event, tech entrepreneur and Tulane professor Darryl Glade, partnered earlier this year to launch OralExam. ai, the testing tool he’s rolling out commercially this semester. The company won a Tulane Innovation Institute pitch competition last week. Glade and his partners John Renne and Kevin Truong are fighting fire with fire — or AI with AI — by addressing one of the technology’s most immediate threats: massive disruption at academic institutions trying to prepare graduates for a world altered by advances in intelligent software while also making sure students aren’t handing in papers written with the push of a button. The partners believe schools should be less concerned with stopping students from using AI in their studies and more focused on making sure they’re learning. “The knee-jerk reaction to completely ban it is wrong,” Glade said. “We’re going back to the Socratic method. You talk to the student about the subject, and that’s how you find out what they know.” The company’s plan is for students to take the AI-administered tests in their dorms, homes or any quiet place. Built-in “integrity monitors” include a video of the session along with software that tracks activity on the computer screen and keyboard. Glade, who sold an unrelated tech company five years ago for more than $5 million, said his new venture has administered nearly 1,000 tests through pilot programs at two New Orleans-area high schools, Tulane and other universities. He’s negotiating with potential customers now. “This prevents professors from becoming AI investigators, which creates tension between them and their students,” he said.

Products for ‘AI teammates’ While Glade and his partners are aiming to use AI to solve a problem caused by AI, Justin Wohlstader, a marketing entrepreneur, said he’s using it to capture businesses opportunities the tech has created. At last week’s panel, Wohlstadter said he’s using AI to rapidly speed up development of a new product to be released by his digital marketing research and strategy company Waldo. The product, called Adveron, isn’t necessarily designed for people to use. Instead, Wohlstadter’s team is targeting a new demographic: the AI agents that are becoming commonplace in the marketing industry, doing everything from monitoring social media to contacting clients and creating marketing plans entirely on their own. “If we’re all going to have AI teammates, they’re going to need great data to do their jobs,” Wohlstadter said. “To create great mar-

PLANTS

Continued from page 1E

Going nuclear One Nuclear is based in West Palm Beach, Florida, and led by longtime BP executive Richard Taylor, who co-founded the firm in 2022. The company aims to have natural gas plants by 2028 and the nuclear reactors by 2034. The company began trading on the Nasdaq Thursday after merging with Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VII, a “blank-check” company that raised $190 million for the purchase and valued the company at more than $1 billion, despite not yet having any significant assets, revenue, operating history or developments under construction, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. “This is a great time to be coming to market — a time when rising demand and policy action have put gas and nuclear at the top of the new energy agenda in the U.S.,” Taylor told investors last year. Investment in electricity generation is booming, as AI companies need so much power many are building their own plants. Natural gas-fired capacity in development nearly tripled in 2025, with more than a third of that set for data centers. During the same period, investment in nuclear startups more than doubled. So far, it’s the gas plants actually getting built, while nuclear projects remain in development,

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Words from a projector illuminate the face of Tulane professor darryl Glade as he stands in front of a class. Glade partnered earlier this year to launch OralExam.ai, an artificial intelligence testing tool that is rolling out commercially this semester. The company recently won a Tulane Innovation Institute pitch competition.

his colleagues at Hello Gravel, a fast-growing company that sells bulk landscaping materials online, used AI to rebuild their entire complicated website and e-commerce platform over a recent weekend.

Investing in ‘white hats’ AI skeptics foresee doomsday scenarios, like software hacking into power grids or deploying biological weapons on their own. Boosters write off such talk as paranoid fantasies — or self-serving rhetoric from CEOs and others who want to lower investors’ expectations without fully bursting the AI bubble boosting the U.S. economy. Wohlstadter, the digital marketer, is among those who thinks the doomsayers are overreacting. “We have created a very powerful technology and that produces risks,” he said. “Now the question is what do we do about it, and we have to be careful that regulation doesn’t just benefit the incumbents.” Culotta said he believes the STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER threats that need to be managed Michael Agnello, from left, Lindsey Sullivan, Justin Wohlstadter and Taylor Simoneaux, of Waldo, a marketing AI have less to do with AI deciding on its own to create harm to humans tool, sit at the Idea Village in New Orleans in 2025. The company’s new product, Adveron, is targeting the AI and more to do with managing the agents that are becoming commonplace. ‘If we’re all going to have AI teammates, they’re going to need great way AI has lowered the barrier of data to do their jobs,’ Wohlstadter said. entry for cyber criminals. “It’s always been an arms race, keting content, AI agents will need dustries as he anticipates a future who aren’t software engineers to patching security flaws before others identify them,” he said. to understand what the audience when “everyone is going to have join the process. “If I’d had this idea a year and “We’re seeing that play out again, is talking about, what competitors agentic teammates at work who are doing, what the complaints help them accomplish their jobs.” a half ago, we would have spent and that means investment in Glade and Wohlstadter both said $600,000 and taken much more white hats, the people preventing about a product are. We bundle all this data and give agents digital AI has helped them another very time,” Glade said. “Now it was attacks, is critical.” important way, allowing them and nearly free.” keys to access it.” Andrew Dunn, another partici- Email Rich Collins at rich. Wohlstadter said more products their teams to write code faster, will be coming soon for many in- and making it possible for people pant at the AI event, said he and collins@theadvocate.com.

though there is strong support from the administrations of President Donald Trump and Gov. Jeff Landry for them to move forward. One Nuclear’s Louisiana portfolio is made up of three projects, located in close proximity to one another along on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Ascension and Iberville parishes. Each is expected to cost upwards of $2 billion to $10 billion if data centers are included — and lead to 150 to 300 permanent jobs, according to industry benchmarks and company ofﬁcials.

A Louisiana trilogy The Amberjack project is the most experimental of One Nuclear’s Louisiana proposals and the only one to include a nuclear component: a small modular reactor. Such reactors, which can generate up to about a third as much power as utility-scale plants, have been used by the U.S. military in submarines and aircraft carriers since the 1950s. But they have yet to be deployed in a civilian setting outside of Russia or China, though construction on one is underway in Wyoming. “We can’t really point to something and say it’s just going to be like the one we built down the road five years ago,” said Eric Smith, associate director of the Tulane Energy Institute. “These are proven technologies but ﬁrstof-its-kind commercial applications.” Smith said the appeal of the new generation of reactors comes from their speed of construction and potential for scale. Instead of having to be pieced together on

site over the course of a decade like a conventional, utility-scale reactor, the modular reactors can be built mostly in factories, with sections shipped to a build site on barges. Still, nuclear energy remains costly. Planned for nearly 900 acres on the Mississippi along the Ascension-Iberville parish line, Amberjack’s estimated price tag is the highest of the three projects even as it will generate the least electricity of the three. Hansmeyer said there’s strong interest in riverfront reactors from economic development ofﬁcials and a commitment from Gov. Jeff Landry to expand nuclear power in the state. “We actually went out and secured the site and started the conversation because we were asked to prioritize (small modular reactor) development in Louisiana,” he said. “And we’re excited to do that because that’s the whole reason we exist.” The Cayman project, the smallest in land area but largest in generation, is envisioned as a natural gas and battery storage project capable of producing 2.8 gigawatts, enough to power about 90% of Louisiana households. Located on 400 acres outside the MegaPark, it would also include 700 megawatts of battery storage and the potential for an adjacent data center campus. Barracuda is the largest project and the ﬁrst Louisiana site on One Nuclear’s radar, consisting of about 2,700 acres stretching across La. 1 in Iberville Parish. On one side would be an energy park with a mix of 1.2 gigawatts

of natural gas power plants, 300 megawatts of battery storage and the potential for 270 megawatts of solar panels. Hansmeyer has experience developing electricity projects in Louisiana. The prior company he founded, Amino Sustainability Group, developed solar projects in Acadia, St. Landry and Pointe Coupee parishes, including the state’s largest, before it was acquired by One Nuclear in August. On Tuesday, Hansmeyer made his pitch directly to the Iberville Parish Council, pledging to work directly with parish ofﬁcials and explaining he needed to be sure of their support before investing the $180 million per project needed to get the overall development moving. “We need to have some clarity as a developer that we’ve got some support, and that if I follow all the rules … that we’ve got a ﬁghter’s chance to get a permit,” he said.

Watts next For now, One Nuclear’s plans only exist on paper. It has yet to choose a reactor maker or begin formal reviews with the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the Louisiana Public Service Commission. And its proposal for a battery energy storage system must contend with a two-year moratorium on construction adopted by Iberville Parish in July. Energy experts say the project also faces a range of regulatory hurdles and changing market conditions. “I would be skeptical if any data

center gets built after Meta finishes theirs, because then you’ll have this giant, humming hot parish,” said Tyler Gray, director of energy innovation at the LSU Energy Institute. “I’m not trying to poo-poo economic development, I’m just saying I’ll believe it when I see it.” Selling power directly to a customer, rather than through the regulated monopoly utility, could also draw pushback, said Jackson Voss, government affairs and policy coordinator of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a consumer advocacy group. “It is generally the case that the utilities are going to be resistant to efforts that would cause somebody else to make more money selling electricity,” Voss said, “when they would be the one who would normally provide that electricity.” Hansmeyer said he isn’t worried about a lack of demand for One Nuclear’s energy, even if the needs change over time. “There may be enough data centers in the next five years to satisfy everything that we need to run our AI and to manage our lives,” he said. “But the need will shift to gridlevel energy and desalinization and green hydrogen and ammonium processing.” One Nuclear plans to hold its first public meetings in October, though no date or location has yet been set. Email Jonah Meadows at jonah. meadows@theadvocate.com or message him on Signal at meadows.504.

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

BR nonprofit connects area farmers, consumers BY IANNE SALVOSA

Staff writer

Darlene Adams Rowland says there’s a little bit of magic in farmers’ markets. She’s the executive director of Big River Economic & Agricultural Development Alliance, which works with farmers across 17 parishes to connect them with consumers, most notably hosting more than 130 farmers markets around Baton Rouge each year. This year, BREADA is celebrating its 30th anniversary of supporting local farmers, increasing food access and encouraging community. “It’s a very carefully curated experience,” she said in an interview at Main Street Market, a BREADA-run food hall that incubates small restaurants. “Every market we put on has that sort of magical feel when you walk in.” It’s not an easy task. The nonproﬁt fundraises about 90% of its budget and earns a bit of revenue from farmers market booth fees and rent from Main Street Market tenants. It’s all to ensure farmers in their network receive the full retail price of the crops they sell. Almost half of Red Stick Farmers Market vendors make at least 50% of their income at the events, according to a 2025 study by Riverbend Research, the consulting arm of the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership. The markets generate $3.7 million in direct sales and $6.8 million in total economic activity each year. In this week’s Talking Business, Rowland discusses BREADA’s achievements, connections between farmers and the local economy and food policy. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. What are some of the organization’s biggest accomplishments over the past 30 years? There’s a lot to be proud of in the 30 years. I give credit to our co-founders Susan Turner and

Q&A WITH dARLENE AdAMS ROWLANd

picked, and those all start going down the longer it is till you eat it. EXECUTIVE dIRECTOR OF BIG RIVER ECONOMIC & AGRICULTURAL dEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE The second thing is knowing who you’re buying from. One of the things we found: we surveyed customers, vendors at all of our markets, and they found a 96% trust level between shoppers and our vendors at the market, which is pretty incredible. Baton Rouge talks a lot about wanting to retain young people, and I would venture to say that this is one of the most important things that we have based on data to retain young people because they want authentic experiences. The third part is what it’s doing for people’s mental health. You’ve not only got your groceries and you have a high trust level and you’re getting nutritious food, but you had a really positive outdoor sunshine experience while shopping, increasing your mental health, making you feel happier and less alone. Are there any food policies that are top of mind for you right now? Food policies that we’re looking at are reducing barriers for farmers to be able to have more sales. STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS There’s a lot of barriers in prodarlene Adams Rowland, Big River Economic & development Alliance executive director, stands inside Main cessing for meat, things like that. There’s not enough places to get Street Market. meat and hard livestock processed around. There’s lots of pain points Chris Campany for starting this 30 that I think we’ve expanded our make sure they are indeed growcustomer base. By having proalong the food chain to getting the years ago. That was the first big ing what you know they intend to food to market. We look at things accomplishment was just creating grams like that, it truly makes the sell at the market. When you allow like that. How do we reduce a farmers market in Baton Rouge. market a reflection of our comresale into the market, now you’ve regulations to where we can have Since then, we’ve expanded from got farmers competing against munity. I always like to say the more meat processing plants? that one downtown market to up to market is the perfect cross-secpeople who aren’t farmers. It’s That encourages people to open four weekly markets. really important to us that all the tion of our community. You have Another huge one is around activities that happen in this mar- them across the state, so farmevery demographic from young 2010, when we were able to start and old. You have every socioers aren’t driving long distances ket are going back to people who accepting electronic benefits like economic status. You have every are actively farming and growing when it’s time to harvest. SNAP and WIC. That was huge. gender and race. So many people We’re always looking at ways to the food, so we can support them It’s increasing food access, but are trying to create those spaces, and make sure that it’s supporting make sure that families that use also that brought an additional and it happens naturally at the Louisiana farmers in agriculture. SNAP are still able to shop at the revenue stream for our farmers market, which is really special. market. Sometimes there’s things What’s the value of setting your current that they didn’t have before. We Do you feel there is a public awareness of craving aside and taking a look at what’s in that come up that may make it match SNAP benefits up to $40. the connection between farmers and local more difficult for that to happen season? Now you’ve got an additional $40 economy? at farmers markets. We definitely It’s going to be more nutritious per transaction flowing through I think there’s some awareness, for you because, the food was stay involved and watch the legfarmers’ hands, and at the same but certainly not a broad awaregenerally picked within 24 hours, islature closely to make sure that time, you have families getting and there’s all kinds of studies anything that’s being passed is not ness. double the amount of fresh food. to show that food has most nutrigoing to have a negative impact Our staff actually goes out on What I’m also really proud of is every farm when they apply to ents in it from the moment it was anymore.

$2.8 billion in customer savings. And that’s just the beginning. Over the next 20 years, Entergy Louisiana customers will see $2.8 billion in bill savings from Entergy data center service agreements under our Fair Share Plus pledge. Our Fair Share Plus pledge protects existing customers and ensures data centers pay their fair share for the power they use. Customers across the state will also see economic beneﬁts, including millions in new community investments and tax revenues, new jobs, and stronger local infrastructure. We’re committed to powering the families and businesses we serve – today and for future generations – while keeping energy affordable and reliable for all. Learn more at Entergy.com/DataCenters/Louisiana. A message from Entergy Louisiana, LLC © 2026 Entergy Services, LLC. All rights reserved. Not paid for at customer expense.

4E ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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AROUND THE REGION Shreveport community college has $30M —and a bucket list Exterior remodel, updated classrooms among projects

BY LIZ SWAINE Staff writer

Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College Chancellor Jayda Spillers is working to AIproof jobs. But first, she wants to get children as young as middle school to start having experiences that could later turn into careers. A recent program called Spark Force at the Minden campus started connecting the dots. “The students explored everything from advanced manufacturing, a little electrical, a little bit of welding, instrumentation, and I love to see our female students interested. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t be and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t do it as well or better,” she said. Spillers is looking for funding to next bring the program to the Shreveport campus, while also finding the right data center contacts with STACK Infrastructure and Amazon Web Services. AWS is spending $18 billion to build three data centers in Bossier and Caddo parishes, and STACK will develop and own the facilities. Building the centers is expected to create 2,250 construction jobs, while the facilities will create about 750 permanent, direct jobs. “What do we need to get these data centers up and running? I feel like that’s where we come in. There is much to do,” she said. It’s not just about getting a degree or certificate, she said. “It’s about what you do with that education and how you use it.” Spillers said NLTCC wants to hear from employers on where they’re facing headwinds. “Let us handle the first steps, and do the entry-level training that you’re needing, and then you take it beyond for the specialty areas of what you’re looking at doing. I

have an education degree, and the school will teach them to handle classroom management and plan lessons. Right now she has openings for people with welding and electrician skills in Shreveport, for an instrumentation teacher in Minden, and an industrial maintenance instructor in Mansfield. The school at 2010 North Market St. recently marked its 90th anniversary. The campus opened in 1936 as Shreveport Trade School. Spillers said the campus needed a refresh in time for its big birthday. NLTCC has been able to bond $30 million for an exterior remodel and updated classrooms. “I’ll go as far as I can go, and look, they laughed at me about pinching pennies. I’m like, I will go as far as I can to every single last penny. We are a good steward of our dollars,” she said. As Spillers walks through the campus, she points out improvements along the way. “Powerwashing the walls, repainting, redoing the floors.” She pulled open a door to show one classroom that is not currentSTAFF PHOTOS By LIZ SWAINE ly being used. “I sat there and I Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College Chancellor Jayda Spillers visits with students from one of thought ‘I don’t know whether to laugh or cry, but I do know this, the campus’ nursing classes. I do not want my students or my faculty or staff in rooms that look think that would be a great partlike this.’ ” nership. We can come up with a After all, new skills can’t be creative solution,” she said. taught on out-of-date equipment. NLTCC focuses on training the Spillers’ next goal is a new allied “soft” skills of showing up on health building that will include a time, getting along with other new student center. She hopes to employees or customers, problem use some of the bond money to solving and showing initiative. It help with the costs. is embedded in everything they Her target date for construction do, she said. “The three R’s. Are to begin is April. you reliable? Are you relatable? “We could do a second phase. And are you relevant? And we So I’m hoping for anybody that ask ourselves the same things. I is really interested in what we’re expect our instructors to model doing in the workforce field that this, because if they can’t model believes in this community colthis, how will our students be able to do this?” lege mission that would like to be There is big demand locally for involved, you know, please contact electricians and welders, and the Work is underway in one of the college’s corridors. me.” pay is climbing. Since education pay can’t compete, when she’s retirees who want to make sure A benefit to NLTCC, she said, Email Liz Swaine at liz.swaine@ hunting for teachers, she looks for skills are handed down. is that instructors don’t have to theadvocate.com.

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6E ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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ACADIANA INBOX The Acadiana Center for the Arts has named three co-chairs for the second phase of its Louisiana Music Museum capital campaign. The co-chairs are Carolyn Doerle Schumacher, David Strother and Richard Broussard. They will lead the fundraising effort to raise $10 million for the building at the former Lafayette Hardware store next to the ACA. Each has been a signiﬁcant supporter of the project Since launching in April 2025, the project has drawn $5.5 million in donations. When the museum opens, an economic analysis projects 215,000 annual visitors, $8.8 million in direct annual economic impact, 236 full-time equivalent jobs and $945,000 in new annual state

and local tax revenue. Catalyst Bank named Chris Kesel as commercial relationship manager and Wesley Swain to its advisory board. Kesel brings extensive banking Kesel experience in the Lafayette market, with a background in business banking, relationship management, and branch leadership. He has Swain worked closely with local business owners and professionals to understand their

BUILDING PERMITS

ﬁnancial needs. He is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Swain is president of Trend Communications, a division of Trend Services, a family-owned company serving the energy industry across the Gulf Coast and Southwest. JD Bank named Jeremy Guidry senior vice president, electronic banking manager. Guidry has been with JD Bank for 11 years and in 2020 was named supervisor of electronic banking, deposit services and call center operations. Guidry also completed the LSU Graduate School of Banking in 2023. Dr. Dan Shapiro will join the medi-

cal staff at Opelousas General Rural Health Clinic next to the OGHS main campus. Shapiro specializes in infectious disease whose scope of service includes complex infection management, immunocompromised care, primary medical care for patients with HIV, sepsis and other diseases. He completed his medical trainShapiro ing at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine and his residency at the University of North Carolina Health Southeastern. He completed a fellowship at Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge.

3 steps to joining the 401(k) millionaire club Your daily latte habit is not keeping you from becoming a 401(k) millionaire. To reach that goal, you need three things: time, discipline and patience. Fidelity Investments reported earlier this month that the number of 401(k) millionaires in the funds it manages reached a record high of 769,000 in the second quarter of this year. That’s a Michelle 19% increase from Singletary 646,000 in the previous quarter and THE COLOR OF MONEy a 30% jump yearover-year. While these figures reflect only plans managed by Fidelity, one of the nation’s largest 401(k) administrators, they provide useful insight into how workers are building retirement wealth. Here’s how these folks joined the millionaire club. Time. The average 401(k) millionaire has contributed to their plan for 25 years, benefiting from compounding growth. Discipline. As they earn more money, these investors save even more, increasing their savings rate. Workers with seven-figure balances save at or above the 15% savings rate of pretax income recommended by Fidelity. That rate

can be a combination of their own contributions and any matching employer contributions. More people are reaching that benchmark. The average 401(k) savings rate remained at a record level for the second consecutive quarter, according to Fidelity. Workers put away a record 9.6% of their income on average. Combined with a 4.8% employer match, that meant overall savings reached a record 14.4%, close to hitting the 15% goal. Patience. They stay calm during periods of market chaos. The 2020 pandemic crash, which then triggered high inﬂation and supply chain shocks, led to market swings that knocked some savers out of the 401(k) millionaire’s club. Yet time and again, history shows that investors who held steady see their balances recover. However, while these sevenﬁgure accounts grab the headlines, 401(k) millionaires represent just 3% of all Fidelity savers. Does this mean the remaining people are being reckless, wildly spending when they know they should be saving? I’ve heard some experts berate people for the small expenses they contend are holding people back from joining the millionaire’s club. A grande pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks costs about $6.50. Not factoring in holidays or vacation

time, buying one every single workday would add up to about $1,690 a year. That’s not chump change, but it’s also not what’s stopping working families from building wealth. Blaming anyone’s daily latte misses the point. It’s the bigger expenses that are eating up their paychecks. According to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, nearly half of U.S. renters in 2024 qualified as “cost-burdened,” meaning they spent more than 30% of their income on housing. Home prices continue to spike, preventing many people from owning, according to the center’s report. The median sales price of an existing single-family home in 2025 was nearly five times the median household income, the report said. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.95% as of Sept. 17, according to Freddie Mac. The analysis by the Joint Center for Housing Studies highlights the problem. Between the median rent of $1,900 for new apartments and the median price of a new singlefamily home at $417,000, new housing has become unaffordable for even median-income households. It’s hard to invest for retirement when you can barely make your rent, or you’re struggling to manage a large monthly mortgage

payment. On top of housing, carrying student loan debt leads many young workers to delay signing up for a 401(k) altogether. That missed match leaves an estimated $10 billion in free company money on the table every year, according to research from the Employee Beneﬁts Research Institute. By the time workers hit their 40s, those with student loans have nearly half as much saved for retirement as those without debt. It’s a gap that skipped lattes can’t ﬁx. So, ditch the guilt about buying your favorite fall drink. Now, having said that, keep this quote from Benjamin Franklin in mind: “A small leak will sink a great ship.” Unchecked splurges — eating out, entertainment and everyday luxuries — can quickly add up. By budgeting carefully, you can put money away for the long term while still having occasional treats. Just keep in mind that while small leaks matter, heavier burdens such as high housing costs and education debt carry far more weight. Lecturing people about their latte habit isn’t saving the ship; it’s ignoring the iceberg. Email michelle.singletary@ washpost.com.

Issued Sept. 16-22

Commercial alterations

CHURCH: 717 Duhon Road, description, work at Holy Family of Vietnam Catholic Church; applicant and contractor, Ziler Architects; $15,000. RETAIL: 5702 Johnston St., description, renovation for Color Nail Spa & Lounge; applicant, Color Nail Spa & Lounge; contractor, Amour Construction; $385,000.

New commercial

OTHER: 206 Guilbeau Road, description, none listed for single-family home; applicant and contractor, First General Services of the South; $184,000.

Commercial demolition

MOTEL: 1101 W. Pinhook Road, description, asbestos removal at former Travelodge Lafayette motel; applicant and contractor, Travelodge Lafayette; $5,000. RESIDENTIAL: 100 Conservatory St., Broussard; description, mailbox pavilion for The Sanctuary; applicant, Sanctuary; contractor, Commercial Construction Co.; $11,000.

New residential

125 PALISADE PLACE, BUILDING A, DUSON: Hammerhead Homes, $195,625. 125 PALISADE PLACE, BUILDING B, DUSON: Hammerhead Homes, $195,625. 150 HUTCHINSON ROAD, DUSON: Manuel Builders, $350,375. 105 PORCH VIEW DRIVE: Level Construction & Development, $346,375. 904 LANGLINAIS ROAD, YOUNGSVILLE: Cassidy Improvements, $300,000. 111 N. MALL ST.: Manuel Builders, $233,375. 307 COMANCHE DRIVE: Arceneaux Custom Builders, $684,375. 119 CLUB VIEW DRIVE: Imperial Service, $378,000. 303 CASTLE VINE WAY: Devyn Enterprises, $732,250. 303 KELLOGG AVE.: Bailey Home Builders, $303,625. 104 MANSFIELD ST.: Manuel Builders, $304,375. 100 BLUE COVE DRIVE: Prestige Custom Homes, $701,125. 102 MANSFIELD ST.: Manuel Builders, $305,875. 405 LANDING BLVD., MAURICE: Level Construction & Development, $389,875. 123 STEEP MEADOWS LANE: DSLD, $284,750. 146 ST. ANASTASIA ST., BROUSSARD: DSLD, $106,560. 100 ST. JOHN BOSCO ROAD, BROUSSARD: DSLD, $106,560. 102 ST. JOHN BOSCO ROAD, BROUSSARD: DSLD, $111,060. 507 OCEANS BLVD., YOUNGSVILLE: Level Construction & Development, $226,668.

LOOKING BEYOND:

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Beyond Prepared Disasters come in many forms. But stories of preparation, response, and recovery are countless, and Jones Walker LLP is here to help at every step. From a widespread event such as a hurricane, a cyberattack or data breach to a workplace accident or a developing health threat, businesses rely on Jones Walker for guidance. Our cross-disciplinary disaster preparedness & recovery client team advises companies, not-for-proﬁt organizations, and individuals as they prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. With deep experience in preparing for and responding to major events, our attorneys help clients implement effective plans and move quickly toward recovery. Our goal is to get clients back in business as soon as possible.

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, ﬂoods, and wildﬁres can halt operations and disrupt employees’ lives. Employers must protect people, maintain productivity, and ensure compliance while navigating uncertainty. To ensure an effective disaster response, employers should:

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SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 3rd generation grows Perino’s Home & Garden Center Metairie business started in 1949 as market, grocer BY GRACE MAYER Staff writer

On a Tuesday morning in September, shoppers at Perino’s Home & Garden Center were greeted by a grinning skeleton behind the wheel of a blue pickup truck, surrounded by hay bales and a hoard of pumpkins and gourds. Near the back of the store, Christmas trees — a preview of the nearly 3,000 real fir trees that will come to the store later this year — were dressed up with glitzy ornaments. The decorations mark the coming holiday seasons — and signal the beginning of one of the busiest sales periods for Perino’s, a 77-year-old family business in the heart of Metairie with a fiercely loyal clientele and steady yearover-year growth. Leading up to Christmas, Perino’s will grow about 50,000 poinsettias on its farms in Covington, which they will sell to customers, churches, other garden centers and nurseries in Louisiana. On its busiest shopping days, like Black Friday after Thanksgiving, the garden center will draw up to 1,500 customers per day. “People here in New Orleans are very into decorating,” Adele Perino, 32, said. “Our seasonal business just keeps getting bigger and bigger.” The displays are partly Adele Perino’s doing, whose hands were stained yellow from making moss decorations earlier that morning. She is one of five daughters in the Perino family who run the garden center’s nursery, gift shop and two northshore farms. Adele and her four sisters and cousins have each stepped into various roles in the business over the years, after working for other nurseries and in business consulting roles.

While they attribute their grandfather and fathers with cultivating the foundation of the operation, the daughters can take credit for managing the business during ballooning periods of growth, which kicked off during the pandemic when more people became plant and outdoor enthusiasts, and Perino’s annual gross revenue shot up nearly 25%. Since 2020, revenue has grown nearly 70%, hitting over $14 million in 2025. “We’ve all managed to come in and ﬁnd our own unique role in the business,” said Emily Perino, 39, who worked in consulting and auditing for nine years prior to joining the family business in 2019. “We’re dedicated, and we want to see the business thrive.”

PHOTO PROVIdEd By PERINO’S HOME & GARdEN CENTER

Five daughters from the Perino family currently run the day-today operations at Perino’s Home Family roots & Garden Center, including, from The Perino daughters’ grandleft to right, Emily, Adele, Megan, father, Salvador “Sam” Perino, opened the shop in 1949, after Madeleine and Catherine Perino. returning home from serving as a pilot in World War II. The store initially started as a fruit market and grocer, located on the corner of Carrollton and Claiborne avenues in New Orleans. Coming off the Great Depression, then the war, a family member suggested Salvador, a farmer, also grow and sell ﬂowers. Over time, ﬂowers and plants bloomed to become the bulk of Perino’s business. “The idea was: Flowers make people happy, and it’s a relatively affordable thing to buy,” Madeleine Perino, 35, said. Six years later, he moved the shop to its current location in Metairie off Veterans Boulevard near the high-profile corner of North Causeway. Back then, Veterans was just a dirt road, but Salvador Perino had a vision. Today, the retail corridor is among the busiest in the metro area with commercial properties that command some of the highest lease rates in the market. “Our grandfather was a big en-

trepreneur and really good with investments,” Emily Perino said. “He actually had bought a pretty large stretch of Veterans at the time, and had an idea of what it would become.” He eventually sold much of the property he purchased along Veterans, but he kept the lot Perino’s sits on today, which includes a one-story, 6,000-square-foot gift shop and nearly 3 acres of outdoor nursery space.

Growing local Each successive generation of the Perino family has planted their respective roots in the business — from which have stemmed new, growing parts of the operation. Peter and Sal “Buddy” Perino, Salvador’s two sons, expanded the store’s Covington farm operation, which includes more than 350,000 square feet of heated greenhouse space and 20 acres of outdoor growing area. Their daughters continue to expand the property,

most recently with a 10-acre acquisition. Those two green spaces are responsible for producing 75% of the plants Perino’s sells, from standard shrubbery to thousands of Easter lilies that bloom for only two weeks out of the year. Today, 66% of Perino’s revenue comes from its plants business, which includes selling plants to other local garden centers and nurseries. Growing most of its own plants ensures that the company can control quality and costs, which helps it compete with big box stores. Perino’s plants get accustomed to growing in Louisiana’s climate, whereas plants that may be shipped from other parts of the country to big box retailers can struggle to adapt, Madeleine Perino said. Foot trafﬁc to Perino’s remains high through the year, because people want to see what they’re buying. It also helps to mitigate staggering shipping costs, which have soared amid oil and gas prices rising due to the war in Iran, and caused shipping delays for the plants Perino’s orders from other growers. Sometimes, shipping can cost more than the orders Perino’s places. Perino’s has had to raise prices slightly to adjust for those added expenses. “People just assume we’re more expensive than Home Depot, but if you actually look at a lot of their plants, they’re having to buy it wholesale, so they sometimes are more expensive,” Adele Perino said.

Since then, Megan and Adele Perino have made the gift shop into a “one-stop-shop destination.” The gift shop sells a long list of products, including women’s and baby clothing, fragrances, handmade statues, farm fresh eggs and cakes from Maurice French Pastries — mostly sourced from local vendors. Bachelorette parties have even stopped in to shop. The main fixture of the gift shop is “the candle barn” in the center of the store — moved from their grandfather’s former property in Covington — that houses 20 brands of candles, fragrances and diffusers. The sisters buy merchandise for the shop four times a year. Gift shop sales make up about 18% of the business’s overall revenue today. “These two workaholic men were given this whole team of women, and that is really what grew the gift shop so much, is having female taste,” Adele Perino said. While Perino’s is years away from succession planning, the five daughters plan to pass on the business to another family member, possibly one of their nine children. Part of that strategy will require that Perino continue growing its business, particularly gift shop sales and its wholesale division. “When I was a kid, I felt like I needed to do something else, because I didn’t know if there was any room for all five of our generation to come in,” Emily Perino said. A ‘destination’ gift shop “But we grew so that we were The garden center’s gift shop able to support us all. I’m hoping has also grown into a sizable rev- that we can continue that growth enue generator for the overall so that our kids can come in, and business. Megan Perino, 41, who there will be room for all who joined the business 14 years ago want to be in the business.” after working in consulting, transformed the store’s gift shop from Grace Mayer covers an “old lady” trinket shop that business news and economic contributed less than 5% of the development in Jefferson Parish business’s overall revenue, Emily and St. Tammany. Email her at Perino said. grace.mayer@theadvocate.com.

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2026 EVENT GUIDE NEW ORLEANS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2026 1:000pm – 4:00pm LSU New Orleans Recreation and Fitness Center

BATON ROUGE

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 9:00am – 12:00pm & 6:00pm – 8:00pm Raising Cane’s River Center Exhibition Hall 1

NACACATTEND.ORG LOOK INSIDE FOR THE MAP AND DIRECTORY OF ALL SCHOOLS

Page 2

TIPS FOR ATTENDING A NACAC COLLEGE FAIR

BEFORE THE FAIR 1. Register online for the fair at www.nacacattend.org to receive a barcode for easy onsite access to college representatives. 2. Be sure to complete MatchmakingTM during registration. Ask yourself the following questions to help determine what kind of school would be best for you. Do you want to attend... • a large, medium, or small school? • an urban, suburban, or rural school? • a two-year, four-year, single-sex, or religiously-affiliated school? 3. Research colleges attending the fair to determine if they meet your search criteria. Find a list of participating colleges • New Orleans: www.nacacattend.org/26neworleans • Baton Rouge: www.nacacattend.org/26batonrouge 4. Make a list of questions to ask college representatives. • What degree programs do you offer? • What ﬁnancial aid options are available to me? • What student organizations do you have on campus? Baton Rouge New Orleans

AT THE FAIR 1. Pick up an event guide and bag for all of the materials you collect. 2. Reference your MatchmakingTM results and visit those that match your search criteria. 3. Ask the college representative to scan your barcode. This will allow the representative to follow up with you directly—and quickly. 4. Take notes. Write down what you ﬁnd most interesting about each college. 5. Attend a workshop session or visit the college advising center to learn more about the college search process, ﬁnancial aid, and other topics.

AFTER THE FAIR 1. Review college websites, catalogs, and viewbooks to gather more information to help narrow your choices. 2. Send a thank you note/email to the college representatives you met. This simple gesture can show admission officials you’re serious about wanting to attend their college. 3. Be sure to complete the student fair survey and tag us no social media • Hashtag: #collegefair #collegefairs #NACACfair • Twitter and IG: @nacacfairs

ABOUT NACAC

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), founded in 1937, is an organization of more than 27,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education. NACAC is committed to maintaining best practices that foster ethical and social responsibility among those involved in the transition process, as outlined in the NACAC Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission.

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Page 4

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT TO A NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR

eady to take the next step in your education? There’s no better place to explore your options than at a NACAC National College Fair. Admission representatives from schools across the country are all gathered in one place. Their goal: To encourage you to learn more about their institutions, and help you sort through the qualities you’re looking for in a college. Take advantage of their expertise and make the most of your time by following these simple steps.

Be prepared

Before the big day, visit nacacattend.org/ fairs and scan through the list of colleges and universities that will be represented. Make a note of the schools that interest you the most, and plan to visit their booths at the fair. Remember: applying to college is a highly personal and individual process. Your criteria of what type of college will meet your needs best may look drastically different from that of your friends and classmates, and that’s okay. There are colleges that will be close to home, and ones that are far away. Ones that are small, private schools, and ones that are large, public schools. Some will have your projected major and others won’t. Consider your goals, strengths, areas for growth, and genuinely ask yourself “why do I want to go to college?” Starting this process without a solid answer to that question is a missed opportunity. “Planning ahead can help you stay focused,” said Cynthia Kaan, a Ferris State University (MI) admission officer. “If you have certain schools you know you are interested in, don’t limit yourself, but make learning about those schools your priority.” You can research colleges through a variety of mediums, starting with online search engines and college websites. You can also learn more about a school through its student newspapers and alumni magazines, social

media accounts and review-based sites that rank institutions based on their perceived strengths in academics, social life, athletics, diversity, affordability, and more.

Make your questions count

Like so many other things in life, a successful visit to a National College Fair is marked by quality, not quantity. In other words: Rather than focusing on collecting a brochure from every college booth, make it your goal to have in-depth conversations with a few of the college reps on hand. “I encourage students to not just stop by the table and pick up a brochure, but rather engage the representative with a few questions,” said Valencia Hamman, co-director of college counseling at La Jolla Country Day School (CA). “That means you want to come into the fair with a list of questions so you’re ready for that opportunity.” Ahead of the fair, consider the type of environment you learn best in. Do you like smaller classrooms or larger lecture settings? Are you interested in internships and handson experiential learning opportunities? Consider asking college representatives for more information on these topics and others that may be important to you, such as on-campus housing, diversity of the student body, and support services on campus.

Keep an open mind

Yes, it’s important to plan ahead and select a few colleges you know you want to visit, but each fair draws representatives from 175 to 400 campuses throughout the US and from around the globe. You owe it to yourself to follow-up with colleges that catch your eye. “Do your research, but also have an open mind,” Hamman said. “Sometimes students take time to talk with a representative from a school that they really hadn’t considered before and it becomes a part of their list.” Chatting with representatives from a

variety of colleges can also help you cement your own preferences, Kaan noted. “It’s just as important to ﬁgure out what you don’t want as it is to ﬁgure out what is really attractive to you,” she said. It also helps to be presentable yourself. Dress appropriately and be sure to turn off your cell phone to avoid interruptions while chatting with representatives.

Learn about the process

What’s the deal with college entrance tests? What do admission officers look for in a college essay? How can I ﬁnd out if I’m eligible for ﬁnancial aid? No matter where you end up enrolling, you’ll likely encounter at least one of these questions during the college application process. Use your visit to a National College Fair to get a head start. Check out the fair’s education sessions, covering topics ranging from college costs to student athlete eligibility and college selectivity. Each fair also includes a counseling center, oftentimes an invaluable resource for students with specialized interests. You may also want to speak with representatives about scheduling tours of the campuses you’re interested in and any other in-person opportunities available to you to learn more about the schools and how to apply. Some institutions offer prospective students information sessions and the chance to attend a class or shadow a current student.

Follow up

Ask college reps for their contact information and be sure to follow up. “Not always, but often, the representative that is attending the college fair is the representative that will end up reading your application,” Hamman said. “Keep in touch with them; reach out with thoughtful, intelligent questions. That demonstrates interest.”

A decade as FranU:

How the university adapts and expands opportunities in healthcare education By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com This article is brought to you by FranU.

en years after transitioning to the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University name, FranU is marking a decade characterized in part by the growth of advanced education opportunities for healthcare professionals. When the name change took effect in October 2016, it reflected FranU’s evolution since its original founding in 1923 and its expanded academic offerings, including graduate-level education that is an important part of the university today.

FranU offers master’s and doctoral degrees across a range of healthcare disciplines, including health administration, physician assistant, nursing, nutritional sciences, applied behavior analysis and physical therapy. Each degree creates a new pathway for students to become clinicians, specialists and administrators who play a vital role in healthcare across the nation. Graduate-level coursework helps students strengthen their skills in areas such as evidence-based practice, research, leadership, communication, analysis and quality improvement – whether they

are a recent undergraduate who wants to delve more deeply into a speciﬁc area or an experienced professional who is ready to play a larger role in patient care improvements. And, just like in FranU’s undergraduate programs, the graduate-level professors strive to form students who are ethical, respectful, civil and purposeful community members. Grounded in a commitment to flexible learning, collaboration, reflective practice, evidence-based teaching and scholarship, FranU is ready to educate and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

Throughout its existence, FranU has adapted to meet changing healthcare needs. This has included updating its curriculum to respond to new medical innovations, adjusting program lengths so trained personnel can begin treating patients more quickly and adding specialty programs and courses when the demand calls for it. The creation and success of FranU’s graduate programs are just one more way the institution continues to evolve alongside the professions it serves. FranU is located at 5414 Brittany Drive in Baton Rouge. To learn more, visit franu.edu or call 877-242-3509.

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BALANCING ACT: TIPS FOR ADULTS RETURNING TO COLLEGE Considering going back to college? You’re in good company. Nontraditional students now make up the majority of US undergraduates, and one-in-four college students are age 30 or older. But although colleges are serving a greater number of adults,

1 2 3 4

finding the right program—a place where you can balance your education with employment and family responsibilities—is key to your success. Here are four questions every nontraditional student should ask when researching schools.

What is your college’s track record with nontraditional students?

Ask some tough questions: What’s the graduation rate of nontraditional students at your institution? Are adult students eligible for merit aid? How much debt do students typically accrue? What’s the average time to graduation? Learning the answers can help you decide which college is right for you. It can also help you estimate how much time— and money—you’ll need to complete a degree.

What sort of ﬂexible learning options do you oﬀer?

Responsibilities at home and at work can change over your course of time that you’re enrolled in college. Choosing a school that provides a variety of course options—from in-person, to online, to hybrid—increases your odds of staying on track. “A lot of adults have full-time work schedules or child care responsibilities,” said Amber Harnack, student success center director of Ivy Tech Community College (IN). “They often need more ﬂexibility when it comes to scheduling classes.” Also ask about student support services, such as tutoring, recommends Michelle Christopherson, director of the Center for Adult Learning on the University of Minnesota—Crookston campus. “You want to make sure that you are going to be supported, and you want to make sure that those services aren’t going to end up costing you extra,” she said.

What will it take to get a degree?

The majority of nontraditional students have already accumulated some college credits by the time they reenter higher education. Before you enroll in any program, learn whether your credits will transfer and how many courses you’ll need to complete a degree. “You want to make sure that from the beginning you have a clear understanding on how much it will cost and what your degree pathway will look like,” Christopherson said.

How will your institution help me meet my career goals?

Begin your college search with the end in mind. What’s spurring your decision to return to school? Are you looking for advancement options in your current ﬁeld, or do you want a career change? Ask college officials about the types of jobs landed by recent program graduates. Inquire about the services offered at the campus’ career center. “Make sure that your goals match up with what the college is able to provide,” Harnack said. “You want to be certain that the degree program you ultimately choose is a good ﬁt.”

Delgado sees steady enrollment growth as it expands academic and workforce training options

By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

This article is brought to you by Delgado Community College.

s of Aug. 24, 13,881 students were enrolled at Delgado for Fall 2026, about 8.6% more than at the same point last year. The increase continues an upward trend that became more noticeable during the past two years.

Instrumentation and Control degree program. It has grown its STEM offerings to include technical programs and expand career pathway opportunities in growing industries, such as aerospace. Those options complement established programs in Nursing and Allied Health, Culinary and Hospitality, Construction Arts, Business Administration, Paralegal Studies, Computer Networking and Cybersecurity,

College leaders attribute the growth in part to Delgado’s ability to serve students with different educational and career goals. Students planning to earn a bachelor’s degree can complete many general education courses at Delgado before transferring to four-year institutions, giving them the beneﬁts of smaller class sizes and an emphasis on student success as they begin higher education. Delgado is also expanding offerings to align with workforce needs throughout Greater New Orleans. Newer programs include Diesel Technology, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Maritime Management and Process Technology, along with a revised

and Science Laboratory Technology, as well as training in skilled trades such as welding, electrical and HVAC work. Academics are only part of the equation. Financial Aid Coaches help students navigate funding, including grants, loans, work-study programs and scholarships. Delgado prides itself on affordability, with an average cost of about $4,078 annually, or about one-third the cost of a Louisiana four-

year institution. Flexible payment options allow students to pay in full or spread out payments over manageable monthly or bi-monthly installments. Enrollment Coaches help students establish goals, while flexible face-toface, online, hybrid and virtual courses accommodate students balancing school with other responsibilities. Students also have access to case management, advising, accessibility services, library resources and mental health support. A partnership with the Regional Transit Authority helps address transportation needs, and Delgado provides free screenings to connect students with local social services. The approach reﬂects Delgado’s focus on the whole student, including academic achievement, mental health, financial stability and career preparation. After 105 years, Delgado is building on its history while adapting to what students and the New Orleans region need. “The students we’re serving today will be the leaders, innovators and backbone of this region tomorrow,” college leaders said. Visit dcc.edu for more information.

Business Management

High school graduation is just the beginning. Whether you’re looking to jump straight into a high-paying career or transfer to a four-year university. At Delgado Community College, you get access to a world of opportunities—from highdemand career programs in Nursing, STEM, and Business to hands-on training that gets you hired. Best of all? You don’t have to navigate it alone. With the Delgado Advantage, our team supports you from career exploration all the way to graduation day.

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Page 8

Southern University celebrates growth and builds for the future during campus renaissance By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com This story is brought to you by Southern University.

series of signiﬁcant projects is reshaping the Southern University campus, adding new academic, residential and community spaces as Southern responds to enrollment growth and invests in its future. Among the most visible additions is a new Welcome Center along Harding Boulevard at the front of campus. The ﬁrst phase opened in March, and the site will eventually include a Global Innovation Center to house internal and external events. Near the Mississippi River, a new outdoor classroom serves as both an amphitheater and a gathering place. The space can accommodate artistic performances, book readings and other events. “I’ve seen several students in the amphitheater having lunch, singing or practicing theater performances. They are gravitating toward that space in an organic way,” said Simonne Whitmore, chair of Southern’s construction management department.

The university has also completed a new public safety facility and is renovating Harris Hall. Construction is underway on a new science building, which is expected to be completed next spring. In addition, Southern broke ground in June on a new 503-bed residential building designed primarily for freshmen and sophomores. The Southern University Law Center is

undergoing its own improvements. A new clinic, where law students can provide free legal services, is nearing completion, while the Law Center library is being renovated. “It’s exhilarating to be a part of this renaissance on campus,” said Chancellor John K. Pierre. “We’ve been very fortunate to experience growth. We want to be an economic engine for North Baton Rouge and

Scotlandville.” More projects are on the horizon. Chancellor Pierre said Southern hopes to begin work this year on a new College of Business building and an expansion of the School of Nursing. Future plans include a new laboratory school and expanded research space in the College of Agriculture. “I think it brings excitement to campus when people see this type of infrastructure. It shows that we are investing in students and their future,” said Kenneth Dawson, Southern’s director of facilities planning. “We’ve designed collaborative spaces where people like to be. I think that improves the atmosphere for learning for both students and faculty.” Southern’s construction boom has also opened new educational opportunities for students. Whitmore said many of them have participated in site visits and project meetings, reviewed potential safety issues, studied costs and used professional software to establish schedules and identify potential problems. “It’s great to have these projects and give students the chance to see real-life examples of what we are talking about in class,” she said. Visit subr.edu for more information.

FINISH STRONGER Sciences

Agriculture

Business

Southern University and A&M College, a Carnegie R2 institution, offers a vast portfolio of in-demand, affordable programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Wraparound services and vibrant student life activities provide a holistic educational experience for a diverse campus community.

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Page 10

Louisiana Tech University prepares graduates for life and career success in the perfect college town This story is brought to you by Louisiana Tech University

ouisiana Tech University is celebrating another record-breaking freshman class, joining a student body of more than 12,250 Bulldogs. Students from all over Louisiana and beyond are ﬂocking to Ruston, where they ﬁnd a comprehensive research university located in an idyllic college town. “A Louisiana Tech degree has long been associated with life and career success. We attract students who are prepared for the academic rigor of a university focused on scholarship, teaching, and engaging experiential learning,” President Jim Henderson said. “Students enjoy the vibrant campus environment and are drawn to our faculty renowned for developing individuals to their fullest potential and preparing them to thrive in a future of boundless opportunity.” With its beautiful traditional campus in a charming place, Louisiana Tech is the premier university for students seeking a tailored educational experience. Boasting more than 135 degree programs, Louisiana Tech has something that meets nearly everyone’s interests and goals. The University is regularly recognized for its Engineering, Business, Architecture, Cyber, Computer Science, and Forestry programs. Also notable are Elementary Education,

Kinesiology, Biology, Aviation, and Nursing programs. Louisiana Tech is renowned for its academic innovation. The University was first in the nation to offer a Cyber Engineering degree program and one of the ﬁrst to offer Biomedical Engineering. And Tech Bulldogs can gain valuable professional experience with any of the 22 tenant companies housed on campus at Tech Pointe I and Tech Pointe II. Preparing pilots for their sky-soaring careers, Louisiana Tech’s Aviation program is ranked highest in the state and is nationally recognized. Students in Tech’s aviation program gain valuable hands-on experience and have 100 percent postgraduation career placement. Louisiana Tech ensures its students receive an academically rigorous education combined with affordability. Wall Street Journal ranks Louisiana Tech students

as the best value in the state based on cost and post-graduation salaries. Ninety-three percent of all students receive scholarships and ﬁnancial aid. In addition to Louisiana Tech’s value, students graduating from the University have the fastest time to degree completion in the state, meaning less tuition or even a head start on a graduate degree. The university has 20 master’s degree programs with concurrent enrollment, which allow undergraduate students the opportunity to enroll in advanced classes before graduating. With more than 160 organizations to match students’ interests, Tech students enjoy a vibrant student life. Opportunities to get involved range from traditional sororities and fraternities to intramural sports to degree-speciﬁc interests. The Louisiana Tech Honors College is an opportunity for students with exceptional ability and motivation to further enhance

their college experience through its 21 credit-hour curriculum, undergraduate research, national competitive awards, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and study abroad. Exciting intercollegiate athletics competition enhances the spirit on campus. With 16 NCAA Division 1 sports and stateof-the-art facilities—J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park, The Origin Bank Softball & Soccer Complex, Dr. Billy Bundrick Field, and Robert Mack Caruthers Field all opened in 2021—students enjoy cheering on the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters throughout the year. Student housing options on campus are plentiful and range from traditional dorms to suites to apartments. Living on campus is convenient and provides an opportunity to be immersed in the Tech family. Students living on campus have access to any amenity they need and benefit from proximity to vibrant downtown Ruston, which offers events, boutiques, and restaurants. Students interested in Louisiana Tech should plan a visit. The admissions office offers weekly visits and several weekend events to accommodate anyone’s schedule. Louisiana Tech has been the right choice for more than 118,000 alumni. It has the offerings of a large university but provides a more tailored educational experience in a caring atmosphere. Go Dogs! Visit LATech.edu/visit for more information. and schedule your visit.

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Page 12

COLLEGEFAIR FAIR BATON NEW ORLEANS COLLEGE ROUGE

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NACAC National College Fair – New Orleans Sunday, October 4, 2026 • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. LSU New Orleans Recreation and Fitness Center 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA 70148

NOTE: SCHOOLS AND LOCATION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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INTERNATIONAL The University of Manchester - UK .......................... 218

ILLINOIS Columbia College Chicago ........................................... 410

ALABAMA Auburn University.......................................................... 307 The University of Alabama .......................................... 301 University of Alabama at Birmingham .....................200 University of South Alabama........................................121

LOUISIANA Baton Rouge Community College ..............................304 Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.................................................. 319 Louisiana State University ...........................................114 Louisiana Tech University........................................... 201 Loyola University New Orleans..................................320 Nicholls State University ..............................................117 Nunez Community College..........................................402 Southeastern Louisiana University...............500 & 502 Tulane University...............................................306 & 308 University of Louisiana at Lafayette ......................... 219 University of Louisiana Monroe.................................302 Xavier University of Louisiana ................................... 321

ARKANSAS University of Arkansas.................................................. 314 CALIFORNIA Loyola Marymount University ................................... 316 San Francisco Bay University .....................................204 Stanford University ....................................................... 412 COLORADO Colorado State University.............................................311 CONNECTICUT University of Connecticut............................................504 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (WASHINGTON D.C.) The Catholic University of America...........................115 FLORIDA Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ...................203 Florida Polytechnic University .................................. 508 Palm Beach Atlantic University.................................. 207 GEORGIA Emory University ........................................................... 312 Georgia State University .............................................. 212 Mercer University ...........................................................119 Morehouse College......................................................... 506 Oglethorpe University................................................... 313 Savannah College of Art and Design.......................... 103 Spelman College..............................................................406

MARYLAND Johns Hopkins University ...........................................209 United States Naval Academy..................................... 107 MASSCHUSETTS Emerson College.............................................................309 MICHIGAN University of Michigan ................................................. 303 MISSISSIPPI Belhaven University ...................................................... 214 Millsaps College.............................................................. 213 Mississippi State University ....................................... 109 The University of Southern Mississippi .................. 221 University of Mississippi .............................................300 William Carey University.............................................404 MISSOURI Saint Louis University .................................................. 512 Southeast Missouri State University........................ 315

NEW YORK Fashion Institute of Technology.................................206 Long Island University-LIU Post Campus...............408 The New School .............................................................. 105 NORTH CAROLINA High Point University.................................................... 215 North Carolina A & T State University.....................400 OHIO Ohio Wesleyan University............................................ 510 OREGON University of Oregon...................................................... 318 PENNSYLVANIA University of Pittsburgh ............................................... 305 TENNESSEE Vanderbilt University....................................................220 TEXAS Houston Christian University......................................113 Texas A&M University-College Station ................... 514 Texas A&M University-San Antonio......................... 414 Texas State University .................................................. 216 University of Houston ....................................................116 University of Houston - C.T. Bauer ............................202 VIRGINIA Sweet Briar College........................................................ 217 Virginia Tech ...................................................................208 WASHINGTON Washington State University ......................................205

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INTERNATIONAL The University of Manchester - Manchester, UK. 204 ALABAMA Auburn University..........................................................210 The University of Alabama ..........................................508 University of Alabama at Birmingham .................... 200 University of South Alabama.......................................503 ARIZONA University of Advancing Technology ........................308 CONNECTICUT University of Connecticut............................................105 FLORIDA Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University .................. 304 Florida Polytechnic University ................................. 409 Palm Beach Atlantic University..................................207 GEORGIA Georgia State University ............................................. 600 Mercer University ......................................................... 602 Savannah College of Art and Design......................... 300 Spelman College..............................................................310

LOUISIANA Baton Rouge Community College ..............................107 Centenary College of Louisiana.................................. 101 Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University................................606, 608, 610 Louisiana State University ..........................................214 Louisiana State University Eunice........................... 206 Louisiana Tech University.......................................... 205 Loyola University New Orleans..................................314 McNeese State University ...........................................510 Nicholls State University ............................................ 302 Northwestern State University ..................................201 Southeastern Louisiana University.......................... 504 Southeastern Louisiana University.......................... 502 Tulane University........................................................... 511 Tulane University...........................................................506 University of Louisiana at Lafayette .........................507 University of Louisiana Monroe.................................505 Xavier University of Louisiana ................................... 115 MARYLAND Johns Hopkins University ...........................................407 United States Naval Academy.....................................315 MISSISSIPPI Belhaven University ..................................................... 203 Millsaps College..............................................................109 Mississippi State University ...................................... 500 The University of Southern Mississippi ................. 208 University of Mississippi ............................................ 405 William Carey University............................................ 306

NEW YORK Long Island University-LIU Post Campus............... 411 NORTH CAROLINA High Point University................................................... 209 North Carolina A & T State University..................... 211 OREGON University of Oregon......................................................509 TENNESEE Vanderbilt University................................................... 202 TEXAS Houston Christian University.....................................103 Texas A&M University-College Station ....................111 Texas A&M University-San Antonio.........................414 Texas State University ................................................. 403 University of Houston ...................................................215 University of Houston - C.T. Bauer ............................401 VIRGINIA .......................................................................... Virginia Tech ...................................................................501 WASHINGTON Washington State University ..................................... 604

NACAC National College Fair – Baton Rouge Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 • 9am-12pm & 6pm-8pm Raising Cane’s River Center Convention Center • Exhibition Hall 1 275 South River Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Page 16

HOW TO BEST PREPARE FOR COLLEGE WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL Your future after high school holds tremendous promise – you’ll make new friends, follow your interests and, hopefully, ﬁnd a satisfying career. However, more than a third of students who enter college fail to graduate with a bachelor’s degree within six years, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. “There are two reasons why kids ﬂunk out,” said Amy Thompson, a counselor at York Community High School (IL). “They are either academically unprepared or they are emotionally unprepared.” Increase your chances for success by making the most out of your high school years.

BUCKLE DOWN IN THE CLASSROOM M

Taking rigorous classes in high school helps you get into college, and the knowledge and skills you acquire also help prepare you to be successful in pursuit of your degree. Seek out honors, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in subjects that interest you. Look for courses that require lots of writing and critical thinking—skills you’ll use in almost every college class. Don’t panic if the material seems difficult at ﬁrst. Developing good study habits and time-management skills in high school can help you persevere in college. Some rigorous courses actually allow you to jumpstart your postsecondary education. Students who do well on AP tests, for example, can earn college credit. Some high schools also partner with local colleges to offer dual-credit courses, which can help acquaint you with how college courses are structured and scheduled. Some meet every day, while others meet a couple times a week. Some meet in the evenings or online. In general, college courses are longer and more intensive, and the volume of work is likely greater than what you’re accustomed to in high school. Higher education entails what the title implies – higher standards, more difficult subject matter, and greater expectations of you as a student.

GET INVOLVED

From athletics to theater to volunteering—there’s a whole world of

extracurricular activities open to high school students. “The one piece of advice I give students is don’t just join something to pad your resume,” Thompson said. “Pick something you’re genuinely interested in.” By senior year, “be in a position that shows not only your devotion to the group, but also some level of initiative or leadership,” she said. “Admission officers can see through the applicant who joins a million different clubs in their junior or senior year.” Universities are looking for students who will make the most of the opportunities available to them. A high school record with extracurricular activities helps show admission officers that you’ll be a valuable part of their campus community. Extracurricular activities, especially those with leadership positions, can help you develop money skills, as well. It’s wise to learn how to handle a debit or credit card, and to practice budgeting. As a college student, you’ll need to set money aside for regular costs like books, supplies, and living expenses.

FINISH STRONG

Your senior year of high school will be hectic. It can be tempting to sluff off in the classroom, but stay focused. “You need to maintain your academic performance and do at least as well—if not better—because you don’t want to have your admission offer rescinded,” Thompson said. When planning your schedule, make sure that you’re on-track to meet college entrance requirements, including at least two years of a foreign language and four years of math, science, and English courses. “Colleges want to see that you know how to work hard, and that you have taken advantage of the courses and activities your high school has to offer,” Thompson said. “A strong ﬁnish in your senior year helps make you a more attractive candidate.” It’s an exciting time in your life. By taking charge of the changes that lie ahead, you can eliminate or minimize pressures and go forward with conﬁdence.

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discussing blood pressure PAGE 3

dISCOVERy | INNOVATION | LIVING WELL

HEALTH

LOUISIANA

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

Molly Kimball

S U N D AY, S e p t e m b e r 27, 2026

EYE ON THE BIRDIES

Your PSA is like your golf handicap

doctor explains most misunderstood number in medicine

Study says bird-watching can sharpen your mind BY MARGARET DeLANEY Staff writer

Early in the morning, before the city wakes, Jane Patterson clocks in an hour or two on a slow, pause-filled walk through conservation land near her home in Ponchatoula. She waits for the sounds of birds in the area: red cardinals, house finches, prothonotary warblers. She crosses bridges made by Boy Scouts and minimally manicured trails riddled with active spiders, all in the hope of observing birds in their environment — eating, drinking, flying, hunting. Patterson, who started birding over 20 years ago, is one of an estimated 96 million people in the U.S. who engage in birding. She looks to the trees as a hobby after a career in IT, but researchers in Canada found that birding is much more than meets the eye. It could also impact brain health and cognitive decline in aging. Bird-watching is one of those skills that demands deep knowledge of species, along with their sounds and appearances. The greater the memory, the quicker the identification on the spot. Beyond obvious skills like learning to identify a house crow by its song or understand migration patterns of Louisiana’s neighborhood wildlife, it is also possible that birdwatching is rewiring brains. A study in the Journal of

STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON

ABOVE: Jane Patterson looks for birds at the Amite River Wildlife Sanctuary recently in Prairieville. TOP: A redheaded woodpecker perches on a tree at the sanctuary. Neuroscience, published in March, provides some of the best evidence to date that this popular hobby can do just that. The researchers recruited 58 people aged 22 to 79. Twenty-nine were expert birdwatchers, 29 were novices. Both experts and novices completed a bird familiarity screening test. The experts’

mean accuracy was 99.67%, and the novices’ 37.32%. The experts then completed a bird identiﬁcation screening test to assess their knowledge of local bird species. They achieved a mean accuracy of 72.17%, showing that all were highly skilled bird identiﬁcation experts. After completing practice tests identifying birds, both

experts and novices had MRIs taken to assess the structure of their brains. This type of imaging measured the movement of water molecules within the brains’ tissues, so it can identify areas that are more or less dense. During their MRI scans, study participants

ä See STUDY, page 3X

It’s a good time to clear up one of the most misunderstood numbers in medicine: the PSA. Here’s why this matters: Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, behind only lung cancer. But it’s also one of the slowestgrowing cancers we treat, and when it’s caught early, it’s Dr. Curtis highly treatable. Chastain Most men diagnosed early go on dOCTOR to live completely SAyS normal lives. The entire goal of screening is to catch it while it’s still slow and quiet, long before it has the chance to become anything else. The prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a chemical made by the prostate gland. During a man’s annual checkup, it’s commonly measured with a simple blood test to help detect prostate cancer early, before symptoms ever appear. But there’s a lot of confusion about what a PSA number actually means. I’ve found the easiest way to explain it is through something a lot of my patients already understand: a golf handicap. Every golfer wants a low handicap. The lower it is, the better the golfer. The lower the PSA, the less chance there is for prostate cancer. So far, so simple. Here’s where it gets interesting: There’s no such thing as a “normal” handicap. A handicap is specific to the individual golfer, built from an average of many rounds. A PSA works the same way; it’s specific to you, and it becomes your personal baseline. Each year’s new number should be compared against your own baseline, not some universal “normal” range. Your golf handicap also naturally rises as you age, simply because your game changes over the years. The PSA behaves the same way. A man’s prostate naturally enlarges over a lifetime, and a bigger gland makes more PSA. So a slow, steady rise in your baseline PSA as you get older isn’t automatically alarming, it’s expected. What matters is a sudden rise. If your golf handicap jumps up out of nowhere, something changed. It may be temporary, or maybe not. The same is true of PSA. A sudden increase can be temporary, caused by something like infection or inflammation. Less often, it can be lasting, and that’s when we need to look closer. When a golfer’s handicap rises without explanation, the next step is a lesson with the pro, who studies the golfer’s swing to figure out what’s actually wrong.

ä See PSA, page 2X

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2X ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

HEALTH MAKER

‘A new era’

Q&A WITH dR. MEREdITH COLLINS

N.O. plastic surgeon discusses helping cancer survivors BY MARGARET DeLANEY

Staff writer

Dr. Meredith Collins has lived many places, but she thinks she’s found her home in New Orleans. Originally from Ohio, Collins went to high school in Houston then earned her medical degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine. She trained in plastic surgery at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York and her fellowship in reconstructive microsurgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. “I bounced all over the place,” Collins said. She practiced medicine in Florida, Virginia and Kansas. Last year Collins joined the Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center as a section head, where she specializes in breast reconstruction surgery for breast cancer patients. “I always ask patients if they’ve seen a map of the New York City subway system,” Collins said. “The algorithm for breast reconstruction looks kind of like that. If this, then that. If that, then this. There’s so many roads and avenues.” This interview has been edited for length and clarity. What first drew you to plastic surgery? I really like the complex problem solving. Plastic surgeons are like the surgeon’s surgeon. When there’s a complex problem, we are the people that they call — complex wound reconstruction, cancer defects or trauma defects. It’s also very artistic, and requires a lot of attention to detail. All those things speak to me. Breast reconstruction surgery has always been my love. When I was in medical school, I looked at various avenues. My sister’s an

OB/GYN, but I didn’t love working in emergencies. I’m a thinker. I like to have a plan. I love being in the operating rooms. You either feel at home there or you don’t. For me, it just feels very natural. I remember rotating on plastic surgery in my later days at school. The cases I saw spoke to me, but the people working with me spoke to me too. I’ve learned that every specialty has a personality. Urologists are really funny. They have great sense of humor. Plastic surgeons are all — at least most of the ones I know — pretty Type A. We have perfectionistic tendencies, for better for worse. We’re also very warm and engaging. I just remember feeling at home. Then I saw my first free flap surgery, and I was sold — I didn’t know you could take a muscle from somebody’s belly and put it on their foot and it could survive there. I was hooked. How has breast reconstruction changed since you began your career? There are so many advances that have happened since I was a resident that have pushed breast reconstruction into a new era. The focus has really changed from just creating a mound to fill out clothes. That is not the standard anymore. What I tell patients in the office is, “I want you to feel good about yourself when you get out of the shower. I want you to feel happy with what you see in the mirror.” That level of comfort in your own skin after a breast cancer diagnosis is so important. We think so much more now about quality of life than we did years ago. The immediate treatment with surgery, chemothera-

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

dr. Meredith Collins is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in breast surgery at Ochsner Md Anderson Cancer. py, radiation is of course the most important thing. I’ve followed so many of my patients for years after they ﬁnish their reconstruction. I see what their lives are like once they’ve returned to a new normal. My husband is a cancer survivor, so I also think that has shaped the way I think about the quality of life after a cancer diagnosis. Breast reconstruction is a huge part of that for patients with breast cancer. The biggest technical advancements were in nerve reconstruction, being able to restore sensation to somebody’s breast. Before my residency training, that was not something we talked about often. Now it’s part of every conversation with patients. Other advances like microsurgical breast reconstruction, which has been around a fair number of years now, allowed us to use

someone’s own tissues to build breasts. That’s amazing. Advances in lymphedema surgery, being able to restore lymphatics to treat swelling in the arm after surgery and radiation. Advances in implant-based breast reconstruction, the quality of implants, the quality of the supports we use for internal bra structures and prepectoral reconstruction. Back-grafting has been 100% transformative in terms of making a breast look more natural than an implant sitting on the chest wall. Now we can camouﬂage the implants by injecting fat around the periphery of the reconstruction. There are so many things that have transformed our outcomes from only reconstructive to both cosmetic and reconstructive. What do you remember about the first breast cancer patient you reconstructed, and what did that experience teach you? Surgery is a hard way of life,

but I love what we can give back to people, and how happy it makes them, and how deeply grateful and appreciative and loving they are, and the relationship that we develop. My first DIEP flap surgery, a procedure that rebuilds breasts using a patient’s own skin and fat from the lower abdomen, was 10 years ago in my private practice in Florida. I kept in touch with her for a long time. Actually, she was one of the first people to text me the day my son was born to say congratulations. She has five children, a beautiful family, and she taught me how wonderfully appreciative my patients are. How much love they give back to you in return. Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@theadvocate. com.

HEALTH NOTES

Study to examine how much iron is needed in people’s diets Tulane Ventures has invested $250,000 in Cabana, a behavioral health platform cofounded by Heather Townsend, left, and Tulane alumnus david Black.

BY MARGARET DeLANEY Staff writer

Pennington Biomedical Research Center is recruiting participants for a study of how much iron is needed in your diet, with up to $500 offered as compensation for completing the study. To qualify participants should be between 18 and 50 years old, be a male or premenopausal woman, and be a nonsmoker for three months. Participants cannot donate blood for the 16 months of the study. Call Pennington’s clinical trial recruiting team at (225) 763-3000 or email clinicaltrials@pbrc.edu.

Tulane Ventures brings Cabana to N.O.

PROVIdEd PHOTO as its own service line,” Black said in a statement from Tulane. “We’re weaving behavioral health support into the moments between care experiences.” Cabana Live provides daily, anonymous telehealth group sessions, including grief counseling, relationship support, support for those facing chronic illness, veteran transition, cancer management and sober-curious tracks. Cabana Connected Care embeds a care manager and psychiatrist directly with physician offices, adding a team-based mental health support layer on top of current ofﬁce visits rather than referring a patient out for a separate appointment. Cabana Pod places physical, private pods inside clinics, hospitals and workplaces so patients or employees can access care onsite. The pods have been piloted at eight locations across Louisiana. Cabana has served 15,000 individuals and hosted 4,000 groups, with 86% of patients getting sameday care.

Tulane Ventures, an early-stage investment fund from the university, invested $250,000 in Cabana, a behavioral health platform cofounded by a Tulane alumnus. The funding enabled Cabana to move its headquarters to New Orleans, begin building out a clinical team based in the state and launch Cabana Connected Care to help providers and health systems in Louisiana integrate behavioral health support between patient appointments. Cabana was founded by David Black, a 2005 graduate of Tulane’s A.B. Freeman School of Business, and Heather Townsend, who met Black in graduate school. The idea took shape after Black witnessed his father and family struggle through his father’s battle with late-stage cancer. “We see behavioral health chalXavier University of Louisiana lenges as a dimension of many researchers published a study healthcare experiences, not just exploring how healthcare profes-

Xavier studies how to up Black trial participation

PSA

Continued from page 1X When a PSA rises without explanation, the next step is a visit to a urologist, who may run additional testing to identify the cause. Sometimes it turns out to be a simple, treatable issue. Sometimes it reveals a cancer, which can be caught early enough to

treat successfully. So when should a man start playing this round? The American Cancer Society recommends that men at average risk begin the conversation with their doctor at age 50. For men at higher risk, including Black men and those with a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer, the conversation should start earlier, at 45. Whether you’re a week-

sionals and researchers can recruit more Black communities for clinical trials, as published in the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education in September. The discussions revealed that Black Americans are worried about participating in clinical trials due to past historical medical abuses. Other barriers to participation included possible health risks associated with trials, as well as logistical issues that make it hard to participate. The discussions also revealed several avenues that could help increase Black Americans’ participation in medical trials. The focus group participants said they would consider joining a clinical trial if it helped their communities, if they received compensation for participating and if the process was easy and convenient. Additionally, the focus group participants also emphasized the importance of clear communication regarding trials and suggested that direct engagement between researchers and community partners could help increase interest in trial participation.

Mardijong, a fundraising event will welcome 160 mahjong players and beneﬁt cancer care programs at East Jefferson Hospital Thursday, Oct. 1, from 6-9 p.m. Guests will enjoy dinner, dessert, beverages, door prizes and giveaways. Tickets can be purchased on the hospital’s website.

Loyola and Ochsner Health launch MBA Loyola University New Orleans and Ochsner Health have launched an executive MBA designed to provide hospital leaders with business, strategy and leadership expertise. The first group of 38 Ochsner physicians, advanced practice providers and nursing leaders began classes at Loyola in September. The program combines Loyola’s graduate business education with the real-world leadership challenges facing healthcare professionals and organizations today, according to a news release from Ochsner Health.

Sepsis tech developed BR continues to save

IntelliSep, a test that indicates a likelihood for patients to develop sepsis, has saved one life every three days over the last three years at FMOL Health, according to the hospital system. “The outcomes we are seeing as a result of implementing the IntelliSep test are nothing short of revolutionary,” said Dr. Christopher Thomas, vice president and chief quality ofﬁcer at FMOL Health, in a statement. “We’re transforming sepsis care, as healthcare knows Presented in partnership with it.”

Mahjong tournament to benefit cancer care

end golfer or you’ve never picked up a club, the principle is the same: know your baseline, and pay attention to changes in it, not just the number itself. If you haven’t talked to your doctor about when you should start PSA testing, this is a good month to have that conversation. Dr. Curtis Chastain is a board-certiﬁed internist practicing at FMOL Health in Baton Rouge.

FMOL Health treated thousands of patients across Louisiana and Mississippi since the implementation of the test who were considered at risk for sepsis upon evaluation in the emergency room. So far the hospital has seen a 24% reduction in mortality among patients with sepsis and a 19% reduction in mortality among patient without sepsis, the hospital said. FMOL Health returned nearly $25 million to the healthcare system through a reduction in days spent in the hospital. IntelliSep was developed by Cytovale in close collaboration with FMOL Health and Louisiana State University to detect sepsis in under 10 minutes. Cytovale reports more than 600 providers now use IntelliSep routinely in health systems across the country, with an IntelliSep test ordered every six minutes.

LDH hosts fun run for women’s health day Louisianans are invited to lace up their sneakers for the inaugural StrongHER Louisiana community fun run or walk, hosted by the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office on Women’s Health and Community Health. The free, untimed 3-mile course begins at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 30 at Proof Works, 1624 Wyoming St., Baton Rouge. The ﬁrst 100 registrants will receive an event T-shirt. Health Notes is an occasional listing of health happenings around Louisiana. Have something you’d like to share? Contact us at margaret. delaney@theadvocate.com.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU The Louisiana Health section is focused on providing in-depth, personal accounts of health in the state. This section looks at medical innovations, health discoveries, state and national health statistics and reexamining tried and true methods on ways to live well.

Health editions will also profile people who are advancing health for the state of Louisiana. do you have a health story? We want to hear from you. Email margaret.delaney@ theadvocate.com to submit health questions, stories and more.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 3X

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Eat Fit Live Fit

Molly Kimball RD, CSSD

B R O U G H T TO YO U BY

Blood pressure: what your numbers can teach you

hat if, instead of simply checking your blood pressure, you used that reading to learn something about yourself – including how your everyday habits may be affecting your numbers? A home blood pressure cuff can give us real-time feedback. We’re used to hearing the standard advice: eat less sodium, exercise, drink less alcohol, manage stress and get enough sleep. But it can be surprisingly useful to track your own numbers and see which of these changes seem to matter most for you. Let’s be clear: this isn’t a controlled clinical experiment. Too many factors inﬂuence blood pressure for that. But repeated patterns can still be useful. Say you come home after a particularly stressful day – check your blood pressure, take a 30-minute walk, cool down and then check it again.

Take Alcohol, For Example

Alcohol can be one of the most interesting variables to test. Every year with our Alcohol Free for 40 challenge, we measure blood pressure before and after 40 alcohol-free days. As we head into our 12th year, we’ve tracked before-and-after data for thousands of participants and on average, we’ve seen systolic blood pressure drop by 9 mm Hg and diastolic by 4.3 mm Hg. You don’t need to wait for our next Alcohol Free for 40 challenge or even give up alcohol for 40 days to learn something. Try an alcohol-free week, or compare several alcohol-free days with your usual pattern. Track your blood pressure and see what happens. You can experiment with other variables, too, including sleep and caffeine, which can temporarily raise blood pressure in some people.

For reference, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg, while high blood pressure begins at 130/80. For reasonably consistent home readings, use a validated upper-arm cuff, sit quietly for ﬁve minutes with feet ﬂat and your arm supported, then take two readings about a minute apart. Focus on averages and trends, not one random number.

And Yes, There’s DASH

How Sensitive Are You to Sodium?

Sodium matters, but we’re not equally sensitive to it. Recent research estimates that roughly one in four adults overall and about half of people with high blood pressure are ‘salt-sensitive,’ meaning their blood pressure responds more strongly to changes in sodium. There’s no simple at-home diagnostic test for salt sensitivity. You can, however, keep other habits relatively consistent and compare several days at your usual sodium intake with several lower-sodium days. Again, compare averages rather than judging your response from one salty restaurant meal. And look for easy sodium swaps. A teaspoon of original TABASCO has just 35 mg sodium compared with 200 mg in a teaspoon of Louisiana Brand Original Hot Sauce. Both taste amazing, but if

salt is an issue, this switch can make a meaningful difference. General guidance recommends limiting sodium to 2,300 mg daily, moving toward 1,500 mg for many people with high blood pressure. But those numbers also need context, especially here in Louisiana. Adult sweat rates during exercise can range from roughly 0.5 to 4 liters per hour and the amount of sodium lost in that sweat varies enormously from person to person. Someone spending hours working or training in Louisiana heat and losing large amounts of salty sweat may have different needs from someone who spends most of the day indoors. That’s where individual guidance from your physician and registered dietitian becomes especially valuable.

Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD, is a registered dietitian with Ochsner Health and founder of Ochsner’s Eat Fit nonproﬁt initiative. For more wellness content, tune in to Molly’s podcast, FUELED Wellness + Nutrition, and follow @MollykimballRD and @EatFitOchsner on social media. Email nutrition@ochsner.org to connect with Molly or schedule a consult with her team.

The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) gets its own acronym, although much of it will sound familiar: plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds and fewer highly processed, sodiumheavy foods. These foods also naturally provide more potassium, another nutrient speciﬁcally recommended for supporting healthy blood pressure. Certain kidney conditions and medications can make additional potassium unsafe, however, so more isn’t universally better.

Don’t Forget to Include Your Doctor

Most importantly, keep monitoring if you’re making signiﬁcant lifestyle changes while taking blood-pressure medication. Losing weight, exercising more, reducing or eliminating alcohol and changing your diet may lower your blood pressure enough that medication needs to be adjusted. Dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, unusual weakness or fatigue, nausea or fainting can be signs that blood pressure has dropped too low. Never adjust medication on your own. Bring your readings and symptoms to your healthcare provider to discuss. And before trading table salt for a supposedly healthier version, keep in mind that gram for gram, sea salt and table salt contain essentially the same amount of sodium.

Looking Ahead

Next week, we’ll take a closer look at sea salt, Himalayan salt, kosher salt and other specialty salts – and whether any really have a nutritional edge.

BY THE NUMBERS

CdC STUdy FINdS AMERICANS ARE dRINKING MORE WATER

Americans are always drinking — both alcohol and nonalcoholic beverages. These drinks, according to the Centers for disease Control and Prevention, make up a significant portion of the calories and nutrients needed in an ideal diet. The dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend water and unsweetened beverages as primary drink choices, as well as limited 100% fruit juices and avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages. The CdC collected data, released in August, reports the contribution of beverage types (including water, milk, coffee and tea, 100% fruit juice, sweetened beverages and diet beverages) compared to the total nonalcoholic

STUDY

Continued from page 1X

memorized and matched birds when presented with four options. Experienced birders had denser brain matter in the frontoparietal cortex — a region associated with cognition and working memory — than beginners. Birding, wrote the study authors in their research, left “a coherent imprint on the brain.” “Birding strengthens cognitive function by transforming momentary personal experiences into lasting knowledge,” explains Erik Wing, lead author on the study and a neuroscientist at the Rotman Research Institute in Toronto. His studies and work by other researchers in human psychology and social science show that birds do more than spark an interest in people’s lives. In fact, birds may help support a person’s cognitive function and mental health across their life span. In his studies at the Rotman Research Institute, one of the world’s preeminent centers for understand-

beverage consumption for American youth and adults. data is collected for nonalcoholic beverage consumption in the U.S. to determine if Americans are “closer to meeting ongoing dietary guidelines recommendations emphasizing water as a primary beverage for youth and adults,” the CdC says. Between August 2021 and August 2023, water accounted for the largest percentage of total nonalcoholic beverage consumption among youth, ages 2-19, at 57.2%. Water is followed by milk, at 16.1% of total nonalcoholic consumption, sweetened beverages (15.3%), 100% fruit juice (5.5%), coffee and tea (3.9%) and

ing aging and human brain function, Wing explores how deep, accumulated knowledge — such as bird knowledge — changes the brain. By accumulating sightings and experiences, birders develop complex mental networks as they connect species, behaviors, sounds and habitats to identify birds. This form of knowledge compounds over time. “You’re not only learning a new concept — you’re learning something that applies broadly to the entire network,” Wing said. “Everything you learn informs everything else.” Birding combines multiple factors that support cognitive and mental health — like nature exposure, social interaction and novelty — into one activity. And though it demands high-level thinking, birding is also a form of mental rest. “Birding helps interrupt cycles of stress and rumination by directing attention outward,” said Wing, referencing a 2022 study by German scientists published in the journal Scientiﬁc Reports that documented how listening to birdsong reduces anxiety in people. Birding, he says, offers “a mov-

diet beverages (2.0%). Contributions from water were similar between youth and adults between 2021 and 2023. Among adults, water was also the top contributor to total nonalcoholic beverage consumption (57.3%), followed by coffee and tea (20.1%), sweetened beverages (11.2%), diet beverages (4.8%), milk (4.6%) and 100% fruit juice (2.0%). According to prior CdC research, water accounted for 43.7% of youth total nonalcoholic beverage consumption between 2013 and 2016. For adults, water accounted for 51.2% of total nonalcoholic beverage consumption between 2015 and 2018.

What do Americans drink?

The percentage of total nonalcoholic beverages consumed by U.S. youth and adults between August 2021 and August 2023: 100%

Diet beverages Sweetened beverages

80%

Coffee and tea

60%

100% fruit juice

40%

Milk

20%

Water

2-19 years old

20 and older

Source: Centers for disease Control and Prevention

Staff graphic

ing, engaging focus in the natural world.”

‘I could never stop’ It’s known that lifelong learning activities may help delay the onset of dementia. One study found that people who had more engagement in enriching activities had a 38% lower chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease with an average five-year delay in those who were eventually diagnosed. “The brain is a fascinating, complicated thing,” said Dr. Nicolas Bazan, the director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at LSU Health New Orleans. “It needs to be constantly alive to stay active.” Other brain-engaging aspects of bird-watching involve the social engagement of bird walks, trekking on uneven ground, and learning different pollinators and invasive tree and bush species that attract the most birds. In 2005, Patterson saw a bird on a feeder in her backyard that she couldn’t identify. Her husband had a modern bird field guide printed in 1974. She looked up what ﬁnch it could possibly be, and found herself swirling down the rabbit

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Jane Patterson looks for birds recently while walking over a foot bridge at the Amite River Wildlife Sanctuary in Prairieville. hole of nesting patterns and the introduction of house ﬁnches to Long Island, N.Y., and how they spread along the east coast. “Once I got started,” Patterson said. “I could never stop.” Now she leads weekly classes for young birders

and hosts walks with other bird enthusiasts as president of the Baton Rouge Audubon Society. And she brings many under the fold of bird-watching. “If all you ever want to do is ﬁgure out what birds you’re looking at in your backyard, that’s ﬁne. If you

want to spend all of your children’s inheritance traveling around the world trying to see 11,000 species of birds, that’s ﬁne too,” Patterson said. Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@ theadvocate.com.

4X ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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Doctors offer flu, COVID vaccine recommendations Top experts seek to ease confusion

BY LAURAN NEERGAARD

AP medical writer

Leading U.S. medical groups are urging people to get updated flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this fall, banding together to issue shot guidelines — and highlight the science behind them — saying they hope to ease confusion caused by the Trump administration’s changing advice. Flu vaccinations are beginning and COVID-19 shots are starting to arrive after the Food and Drug Administration approved this year’s updated versions last week. Winter also brings another vaccine-preventable risk called RSV. Exactly who should get one or all of these vaccines, and when? That advice usually comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with help from its independent advisers. But despite no new scientific evidence, Trump health officials last year began pulling back on some longstanding recommendations for fall virus protection and routine children’s vaccinations. And that advisory panel, which influences state and insurance vaccine policies, is caught in a court battle. The CDC didn’t respond to questions about any new fall guidance but suggested on its website that doctors follow last year’s flu recommendations. Doctors’ groups are filling the gap: the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America

ASSOCIATEd PRESS FILE PHOTO By LINdSEy WASSON

Leading U.S. medical groups are urging people to get updated flu and COVId-19 vaccinations this fall. each released vaccination guidelines for their patient populations. “There’s been a lot of confusion and chaos regarding vaccine recommendations,” said Dr. Sandra Fryhofer, of the American Medical Association. All the groups’ recommendations plus evidence on shot safety and effectiveness are being posted on websites so “the public has clear, consistent, sciencebased guidance even while the federal process is in ﬂux,” Fryhofer said.

Who should get them? Just about everybody starting at age 6 months needs flu vaccination, the medical societies agree. But flu is particularly dangerous for people 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and people of any age who have chronic health problems, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and

weak immune systems. The last two ﬂu seasons were especially harsh, with unusually high numbers of child deaths — the vast majority of them in unvaccinated kids. The vaccines don’t block all flu infections but they do help prevent the worst outcomes, decreasing older adults’ hospitalizations by 31%, according to the Vaccine Integrity Project, a public health group based at the University of Minnesota. Its analysis was published Wednesday in the medical journal JAMA.

Flu vaccine options Three “enhanced” ﬂu vaccines are designed to better protect seniors. The American Academy of Family Physicians urges them to choose one — “but do not delay your vaccination if that one’s not available,” said AAFP’s Dr. Sarah Nosal. There’s a new choice this

year for people ages 50 and older, the ﬁrst ﬂu vaccine made with the same mRNA technology that was key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. One study found Moderna’s mFlusiva was 27% more effective against symptomatic illness among 50- to 64-year-olds than a standard shot. The FDA just approved the new option and the company expects some doses to be available soon at certain pharmacies. The shot-averse could choose a nasal spray, FluMist, if they’re ages 2 to 49 and meet other health criteria.

Latest on COVID vaccines COVID-19 shots once were recommended for just about everyone by federal health agencies, but like last year, the FDA has only formally approved them for higherrisk people — those ages 65 and older or younger people

with at least one health condition that increases their risk. Still, the family physicians recommend all adults get a COVID-19 vaccination, especially seniors and those with other risk factors. Adults 65 and older should get a fall dose and then a second dose six months later, as immunity wanes over time, Nosal said. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a COVID-19 shot for all children ages 6 months to 23 months, and for older kids with high-risk conditions. It also supports vaccination for any child whose parent wishes it. With millions of shots administered, there’s no evidence that coronavirus vaccination during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage or other problems, “so please get the vaccine,” said ACOG’s Dr. Christina Davidson. Depending on age, people can choose a shot from Moderna, Pfizer, or the only non-mRNA version from Novavax and Sanofi. Just like with flu vaccines, these shots are better at preventing severe disease than mild cases. The Vaccine Integrity Project said last fall’s COVID-19 shots cut the risk of hospitalization by 53% in seniors and slashed emergency room visits for very young children. Common side effects for flu and COVID-19 vaccines are mild and temporary, such as sore arms, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and mild fever. They occurred somewhat more often with the new mFlusiva than with standard flu shots.

flu and coronavirus shots, they’re most common in pharmacies. For COVID-19 shots, states have more pharmacy rules. For example, Walgreens says it offers those shots without a prescription in all but two states, Arizona and Oregon, but can provide doses for children as young as 3 in some states while others have higher age limits. Medicare covers the fall shots and most private health insurers say they plan to continue doing so through 2027.

Vaccination timing October is ideal for a ﬂu vaccine, as influenza typically starts spreading in November. COVID-19 tends to rise in late summer, as it is now, and again after the winter holidays. Fryhofer says it’s ﬁne to time the coronavirus shot a few weeks ahead of an event you wouldn’t want to miss because of illness, like a special trip or get-together.

RSV dangers

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, typically is a coldlike nuisance during the fall, winter and early spring. But it can be severe, even lifethreatening, for infants and older adults. The family physicians recommend a one-time vaccination for adults 75 and older, people 50 to 74 who are at increased risk, or younger people with weak immune systems. It’s also recommended during late pregnancy to protect infants born during RSV season. Separately, the pediatricians recommend a vaccine-like medication for those infants whose Where to get vaccinated moms weren’t vaccinated While pediatricians and and some other high-risk some clinics offer both babies.

Hospitals use wristbands to help reduce childbirth risks BY ANDREW JONES

KFF Health News (TNS)

Hospitals across the U.S. are trying to reduce maternal deaths and complications after pregnancies using one small tool: a silicone wristband stamped with the declaration “I Gave Birth.” The wristbands are part of a growing initiative ﬁrst launched by North Carolina-based ECU Health as Congress sought to address the nation’s growing maternal mortality crisis during the covid pandemic. Since 2021, nearly 50 North Carolina hospitals and the state’s health department have begun distributing the wristbands, to give mothers and care providers a visual reminder of the life-threatening health risks after birth. The Connecticut state health department; large health systems in Arkansas, Georgia, and Mississippi; and hospitals in at least 24 other states have also embraced the program. The wristbands are intended to make emergency workers aware of postpartum risks, ensure better treatment, and help lower maternal mortality rates in the U.S., where nearly 70% of pregnancyrelated deaths happen after the day of delivery — and nearly 40% happen after the six-week mark. This year, North Carolina plans to expand the initiative with part of the $213 million it received through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a provision of President Donald Trump’s signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as HR 1. Tamika Auguste, a physician and the board chair at the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists Foundation, praised the wristbands as a useful tool “to increase awareness and education around postpartum health.” But she and others who focus on maternal health said efforts like the wristband campaigns are only part of what’s needed to combat the broader maternal mortality crisis in the U.S. And they noted the wristbands’ popularity is emerging as Trump’s 2025 law is expected to reduce Medic-

aid spending by more than $900 billion over 10 years, according to a Congressional Budget Ofﬁce analysis. Medicaid, the federal-state program that covers healthcare for low-income families, pays for at least 40% of births nationwide. Elisabeth Wright Burak, a policy researcher at Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families, said Trump’s tax-and-spending law is stifling the momentum states had been gaining with maternal care since 2022. That’s when Congress allowed states to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to a year, which nearly every state did. Now, those extensions could end up on the chopping block, Burak said, as states seek ways to manage Medicaid losses. “There is no question that HR 1 risks setting the clock back for maternal health,” Burak said. A report she co-authored in July warned that postpartum patients have more to worry about with the new law than simply cuts to Medicaid. States are also setting up systems that may not adequately track pregnant and postpartum enrollees who should be exempt from the law’s new work requirements, erroneously dropping them from coverage, Burak’s report said.

Maternal mortality U.S. maternal mortality rates have risen and fallen over the past seven years, with 649 maternal deaths in 2024, according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Tennessee had the worst maternal mortality rate in the nation from 2020 to 2024, around 42 deaths per 100,000 births, according an analysis of CDC data by the Congressional Research Service. North Carolina’s rate was about 29 in 100,000, with a national average of 23. In its Rural Health Transformation Program application, North Carolina said the initiative creating the “I Gave Birth” wristbands reduced postpartum readmissions by nearly a third at

ECU HEALTH/TNS PHOTO

ECU Health in eastern North Carolina created the ‘I Gave Birth’ wristband initiative in 2021 at a time when Congress was seeking to address the nation’s maternal mortality crisis during the COVId-19 pandemic. ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, without elaborating. In online promotions, some hospitals have claimed the wristband campaigns can save lives, though many have recently launched and their impact has yet to be studied. “Additional research is needed to conclusively confirm the outcomes of such initiatives,” said Hannah Jones, a spokesperson for the North Carolina health department. Hospitals provide a wristband to patients who have given birth and instruct them to wear it for weeks or months, hoping they’ll be reminded to check in with a physician if they feel chest pain, have headaches, or start bleeding. The accessory resembles the yellow Livestrong wristband, part of a cancer awareness campaign launched by cyclist Lance Armstrong’s foundation. A nurse also talks through postpartum risks with the patients, and they’re sent home with pamphlets and guidebooks on how to care for their new child and themselves. “The bracelet itself is simply a reminder of, ‘Hey, I got education,’ ” said Jessica Noble, a nurse with East Carolina University-connected ECU Health who pioneered

said, often because people don’t know what to say. Mellon said wearing one of the wristbands would have been a painful reminder of her loss. Now she works as a doula in Asheville, North Carolina. Mellon said what she thinks new moms need most is community and emotional support. The wristband could help encourage that for some patients, she said, but isn’t for everyone. “There are so many risks, and it’s just like you almost become invisible,” she said. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, according to the CDC. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in March published guidance, developed during the Biden administration, that urged hospitals to create better emergency department protocols to catch postpartum complications and to measure their work against state and national maternal health data. But those efforts faced a ‘So many risks’ major threat last year when Alexandra Mellon gave the Trump administration birth last year. Her daughter sought to cut CDC fundwas stillborn. Devastated, ing for state-level maternal she sought out a therapist, mortality data in its prodonated her breast milk, and posed 2026 budget. While tried to ﬁnd meaning in her Congress rejected that circumstances. She spent move, the administration a year feeling isolated, she did lay off staff tracking

the initiative. It’s also intended to alert first responders and other healthcare providers that a woman has recently given birth and to check for postpartum complications, such as low blood pressure, bleeding, or infections. Emergency department staff and EMS workers sometimes don’t have adequate training to recognize postpartum complications, research shows, which can be dangerous when those patients end up in an emergency room. Postpartum wristbands gained traction across the country through health awareness campaigns fueled by social media posts and evening news segments. New mothers appeared in promotional photos and videos wearing the wristband and raving about the accessory, saying it celebrated childbirth. Some postpartum patients who faced traumatic births or mental health struggles saw it differently.

postpartum patients’ health. The Trump administration tried again to cut $113.5 million in CDC maternal health research in its proposed 2027 budget. Congress has instead proposed increasing funding to $115.5 million. Without more research, it’s unclear how effective the wristbands are in encouraging postpartum patients to seek care when they need it. A U.K. study of mass media campaigns to improve health outcomes, such as preventing risky substance use or encouraging exercise, found that the campaigns didn’t change behaviors. Another study found that the U.S. “Back to Sleep” campaign, which educates parents on safe sleeping practices with babies, dramatically reduced rates of sudden infant death syndrome for several years after it launched in 1994, though rates plateaued in the early 2000s. In 2020, the CDC tried a similar national campaign, “Hear Her,” aimed at helping women speak up when something felt wrong after delivery. The CDC released a study on the campaign years later that said it “had the unintended consequence of appearing to put the burden on the people who are pregnant or postpartum to speak up.” ECU Health Medical Center created the wristband initiative in 2021 and published a study two years later. In it the authors noted the pregnancy-related readmission rate at the Greenville hospital fell 0.77%. It attributed the change to the “education provided to patients, family members, and medical personnel” in the initiative, without elaborating. Campaigns like the “I Gave Birth” initiative are far from a ﬁnal solution to maternal mortality, said Noble, the campaign’s architect and lead author on the ECU Health study. If she “had a magic wand,” she said, North Carolina would not just have better postpartum care but would also address the root causes of pregnancy complications. “But I don’t have one, and I can’t make system-level change immediately.”

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● 5X

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Early detection and advanced treatments offer more options for prostate cancer patients at Ochsner

For radiation oncologist Edward Mannina Jr., MD, caring for patients means pairing personalized treatment with the latest advances in cancer care. He treats patients at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Slidell Regional Cancer Center, A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center.

By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

progress, we will treat it appropriately.” When treatment is necessary, patients may have several options that can This story is brought to you include surgery, radiation, hormone by Ochsner Health. therapy, chemotherapy and sophisticated targeted treatments. Prostate cancer is often dramatically difOne of the newest treatment options ferent from one man to another. For some is targeted radiation therapy designed for patients, the disease grows slowly and can be advanced prostate cancer. The specialsafely monitored for years without interven- ized medication targets proteins found on tion. In others, it can progress quickly and prostate cancer cells, then releases radiarequire treatment from multiple specialists. tion that damages or kills cancerous cells At Ochsner Health, physicians’ knowl- while limiting damage to surrounding edge of those variabilities is crucial to healthy cells. The medication is adminhow they approach prostate cancer, istered intravenously during a series of from screening recommendations to treat- sessions every six weeks and is offered at ment plans. Ochsner MD Anderson locations in New “There is an incredible amount of re- Orleans, Baton Rouge and Covington. search on prostate cancer. Comprehen“Targeted radiation therapy is designed sive teamwork is needed to treat patients for men whose prostate cancer has spread correctly. We offer multidisciplinary and who are no longer responding to certain clinics, where patients meet with all of previous treatments,” Dr. Mannina said. “It their specialists on the same day. That alhas shown great promise, and there has lows us to collaboratively and proactivebeen recent expansion in terms of patients ly work together on the care plan, which who qualify for it.” can lead to better outcomes,” said Edward Dr. Mannina said there have been Mannina Jr., MD, radiation oncologist at other significant advances in prostate canOchsner MD Anderson Cancer Center at cer treatment in recent years, including Slidell Regional Cancer Center, A Campus new medications that are better tolerated, of Ochsner Medical Center. “When and improved surgical techpatients first come in, they have a lot niques that use robotics to perof fear and anxiety. When we tell them mit faster recovery. there are many treatment options, you “The treatment landscape can see the relief in their eyes.” continues to evolve,” he said. “We are seeing patients whose New options in an evolving prostate cancer has metastatreatment landscape sized living longer because of Over the past two decades, acnew targeted therapies. It is tive surveillance has berewarding to be able to include Brian T. Halbert, MD come a viable option for Genitourinary Medical Oncologist these advances in some of our patients with localized, Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Baton Rouge treatment plans.” low risk prostate cancer, particularly when the disease has not spread and the patient is otherwise healthy. Brian T. Halbert, MD, genitourinary medical oncologist at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, noted that all patients receive comprehensive care. “If the recommendation is active surveillance, it’s not the same as foregoing treatment,” Dr. Halbert said. “It means monitoring the cancer closely with prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, testing and other evaluations rather than treating it immediately. If we make the choice to watch it carefully, it is with the understanding that if things

Understanding risk guides screening decisions

While prostate cancer treatment options are growing rapidly, they are only one part of improving outcomes. Understanding risk and early detection are just as crucial. Current guidelines generally encourage men of average risk to begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their physician at age 50 or age 40 if they are at a higher risk. Men with a close relative who has had prostate cancer may be at a higher risk, as are Black men. “One of the challenges is that prostate

When patients ﬁrst come in, they have a lot of fear and anxiety. When we tell them there are many treatment options, you can see the relief in their eyes.

Edward Mannina Jr., MD

of nearly 98% when detected early. “With early detection, all options are on the table. Frequently, the option we choose is based on the side effects the patient can accept,” Dr. McCarron said. “Surgery can have a deﬁnitive outcome, but some men might experience more sexual dysfunction or incontinence. That may lead them to prefer radiation or hormone treatments. When we identify prostate cancer early, we can discuss all of those options and choose a plan that is best tailored for that patient.”

Quality of life is at the center of care

As more men survive prostate cancer and live longer after diagnosis, Ochsner physicians are placing a greater emphasis on what life looks like during and after treatment. Choosing a treatment plan is cancer often causes no noticeable sympnot only about controlling the cancer, but toms in its early stages,” Dr. Halbert said. also about considering how potential side “That is why it is important for men to uneffects may affect a man’s quality of life. derstand their personal risk and talk with Dr. Halbert said patients often experience their doctor about whether screening is fatigue, hot flashes, urinary changes and appropriate for them.” A standard prostate cancer screening erectile dysfunction, as well as emotional involves an exam and a PSA blood test. concerns such as anxiety or fear of recurScreenings generally occur each year, al- rence, even if their treatment goes well. “Men should feel comfortable discussing though some doctors may recommend adjusted frequency depending on the patient. those issues with their care team because Kenneth E. McCarron, MD, primary care there are treatments and support services physician at Ochsner Lafayette General In- that may help,” he said. “It’s important not to ternal Medicine, said he begins discussing stigmatize any of that and understand that prostate health with patients in it’s a part of the treatment journey.” their 30s and prefers to estabDr. Halbert said he also emphasizlish a PSA baseline at age 40. es to his patients the importance of “As long as they are near maintaining a healthy lifestyle and that baseline every year, there managing conditions such as high are no issues. What is alarmblood pressure, diabetes and cardioing is if that level doubles in vascular disease. a year, even if it is still in the “It is about treating the patient honormal range. That’s when we listically,” he said. “Heart disease is acneed to evaluate what Kenneth E. McCarron, MD tually a leading cause of death among is going on,” Dr. McCaPrimary Care Physician Ochsner Lafayette General men with prostate cancer. That’s why rron said. Internal Medicine we talk a lot about their overall health An increase in PSA and make sure they are up to date on levels may indicate an infection, inflammation or another prostate their other screenings and medications. condition. However, if further testing shows The most important thing is for men to have diagnosis of cancer, Dr. McCarron said iden- a relationship with a primary care doctor tifying it as early as possible opens up sev- and talk to them about screenings, their eral treatment alternatives. While prostate risk factors and their overall health. That cancer is the most common form of cancer ultimately puts them in the best position in men, it can have a five-year survival rate to improve their livelihoods.” Radiation Oncologist Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Slidell Regional Cancer Center

Ochsner Health is the leading nonproﬁt healthcare provider in Louisiana, Mississippi and across the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit ochsner.org.

6X ● Sunday, September 27, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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SUNDAY, September 27, 2026

CURTIS / by Ray Billingsley

SLYLOCK FOX / by Bob Weber Jr.

GET FUZZY / by Darby Conley

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE / by Chris Browne

ROSEBUDS / by Supr Dee

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM / by Mike Peters

ZIGGY / by Tom Wilson

SALLY FORTH / by Francesco Marciuliano & Jim Keefe

ZITS / by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE / by Stephan Pastis

wonderword

scrabble grams

word game

directions: Make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row. Add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value. All the words are in the Official SCRABBLE® Players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

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

todAY's Word — ViruLent: VEER-oolent: Destructive; extremely poisonous or venomous. Average mark 49 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 63 or more words in VIRULENT?

For more information on tournaments and clubs, email NASPA – North American SCRABBLE Players Association: info@scrabbleplayers.org. Visit our website: www.scrabbleplayers.org. For puzzle inquiries contact scrgrams@gmail.com. Hasbro and its logo SCRABBLE associated logo, the design of the distinctive SCRABBLE brand game card, and the distinctive letter tile designs are trademarks of Hasbro in the United States and Canada. ©2026 Hasbro. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

cryptoquote AxyDLBAAxR iS LONgFELLOW One letter stands for another. in this sample, A is used for the three L’s, x for the two O’s, etc. Single letters, apostrophes, the length and formation of the words are all hints. Each day the code letters are different.

AnsWers to ALL PuZZLes Are on inside BAcK PAGe

Sudoku

ken ken instructions: 1 - Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 - The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners. 3 - Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner.

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

hidato directions: Complete the grid so that numbers 1–132 connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

AnsWers to ALL PuZZLes Are on inside BAcK PAGe

Los angeLes Times sunday Crossword puzzLe — Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis “drop in anyTime!” By Jeremy Venook aCross 1 Hard work 6 Gym bottoms 12 “Sad to say ... “ 16 Through 19 Up on the latest news 20 Forty winks 21 Accessory kits for new hires 23 Tacky style influenced by West Coast beach culture and Neapolitan food traditions? 26 Metric weight, for short 27 Crazes 28 Saxophone need 29 Wash 30 Continuing to count sheep 32 Tag line? 34 Tatami, e.g. 35 Spots 36 One tasked with keeping produce from spoiling? 43 Up to, briefly 45 Defines, as a boundary 47 Mac spec 48 Melee memento 49 Tribute penner 51 Tel __, Israel 52 __ on a true story 54 Draw Four card game 55 Caption of a selfie next to one fine fen? 59 “We feel the same way” 61 Chicken cordon __ 62 Microwave maker 63 Portuguese greeting 64 Rely (on) 65 Stacking figurines of a

Canadian prog rock band? 71 Over again 74 Artist Yoko 75 Your and my 76 Alpo rival 80 In unison 81 Individual with exceptional integrity? 86 U.K. lawmakers 87 Spots for electron clouds 89 Took off 90 Completely lost 91 Textbook chapter 93 Colorful carp 94 Pickets 97 Genre that includes techno 98 Annual award coveted by handbag designers? 101 Next in line 103 Chaps 104 Maddens 105 Widened, as pupils 108 On the move 111 Guitar tuners 113 Campsite warmer 115 Prefix with watt 116 Is able to say, “This parrot is all the evidence I need!”? 121 Tough to comprehend 122 Urges into action 123 Japanese boxed lunch 124 Bashful 125 Poison ivy symptom 126 Tubes in antique radios 127 Olympic track great Owens down 1 Hasn’t 2 Keep an eye out for

3 Cager’s motto 4 Camden Yards player 5 Slo-mo reviewer 6 Toss 7 Word with farm or foam 8 Big name in small cars 9 Genetic messenger molecule 10 Spigot 11 Booze 12 Woodworking tool 13 Head up 14 Request 15 Carryall for a day on the slopes 16 Sweater __ 17 Restless desire 18 Tennis icon honored on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia 22 Current condition 24 Helpful 25 Epsilon follower 31 Samsung product, perhaps 32 “Uncle!” 33 Converged 34 Viral post 36 Civil rights leader C.T. __ 37 Put out 38 Thirdlove garments 39 Mascara target 40 Very serious 41 Rambled 42 Dickens title character Edwin 43 The Taj Mahal, for one 44 Pastoral poem 46 Turpentine tree 50 Dark lord of “The Lord of the Rings” 52 Dietary fiber 53 One-on-one

contest 56 “Thereabouts” 57 Engine 58 Undefeated boxer Laila 60 Brace 64 On-campus residence 66 Eye layer 67 Uncountable ages 68 Cold open? 69 Green party? 70 Songs for two 71 Block

goren Bridge

72 College sports channel 73 Polite denial 77 Avowals 78 Hosted, for short 79 Decorative pillow cover 81 Horseshoe spot 82 Leave out 83 Medicinal plants 84 __ carotene 85 Stand in a studio

wuzzLes

88 Bout enders, briefly 92 Gym top 94 Meteor in the summer sky 95 Loaf with seeds 96 One who takes inventory? 99 More uncanny 100 Lofty 102 “Amen to that!” 105 Slag 106 Award quartets, for short

107 Oscar nominee Willem 108 Pros 109 Robe securer 110 City tricked by a wooden horse 111 Trident-shaped Greek letters 112 Inscribe with acid 113 Ascot-wearing driver of the Mystery Machine

114 Lollygagging 117 Pitching stat 118 Songwriters’ rights org. 119 Wall St. launch 120 Easy sammie

super Quiz

Too young?

Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

Today’s deal is from a recent team match at a Youth Championship in China. At the other table, West’s opening four-spade bid was passed out. There were 11 tricks available but the declarer mis-timed the play and only took 10 tricks - still a good result. At this table the South player was more industrious. He balanced with a four-no-trump bid showing a two-suited hand. North bid five clubs in case his partner had clubs and hearts, but South’s five-diamond bid showed diamonds and hearts. North had a great hand opposite diamonds and hearts, but it was still aggressive to raise. South ruffed the opening spade lead with the three of diamonds and led a heart to the king and ace. East shifted to the king of clubs, taken in dummy. South ruffed a spade with the 10 of diamonds and overtook his jack of diamonds with dummy’s queen to ruff dummy’s last spade. He cashed the ace of diamonds but he could not get to dummy to draw the last trump. He had to lose another trick and finished down one. Had he ruffed the first spade high instead of with the three, he would not have had an entry problem. He

SUBJECT: FLORIDA (Example: What is a local inhabitant of Florida called? Answer: Floridian.) FRESHMAN LEVEL 1. What is the largest city in Florida? Answer________ 2. What is the capital city? Answer________ 3. Florida is 90 miles north of what country? Answer________ 4. What is the only state that reaches farther south than Florida? Answer________ 5. What is the only other state with a longer coastline? Answer________

would have reached a position that East could not defend. East could afford one club discard, but in the end, East would have to discard his other high club or a heart, giving declarer 12 tricks either way. Too bad. Tannah Hirsch welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, Ny. 14207. E-mail responses may be sent to gorenbridge@ aol.com. © 2026 Tribune Content Agency

ANSWERS TO ALL PUZZLES ARE ON NEXT PAGE

GRADUATE LEVEL 6. What two states border Florida? Answer________ 7. What is the word for the northwestern region of Florida? Answer________

8. The largest metropolitan area in the state is the ____ metropolitan area. Answer________ 9. What is the name of the MLB spring training league in the state? Answer________ 10. Name the chain of islands and reefs that are popular tourist resorts. Answer________ PH.D. LEVEL 11. What is the claim to fame of Britton Hill? Answer________ 12. What is the largest lake in Florida? Answer________ 13. Name either of the NHL teams in Florida. Answer________ 14. What is the state song? Answer________ 15. Name both of Florida’s MLB teams. Answer________

zodiaC LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Pursue your dreams. Let your creative ideas flow and your mind take you on a tour of what’s possible. Refuse to let laziness stand between you and your heart’s desires. Live up to your potential. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Don’t settle for less than what you want. Being a tagalong will not satisfy your needs. Follow your heart and pursue what inspires and motivates you to find and develop your niche. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) It’s up to you to make things happen. If you delve into the where, why and what of every situation and opportunity,

you’ll find the people and options that suit your needs best. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Pay more attention to what you do, and keep your thoughts to yourself. Flying under the radar at work or at home will give you greater freedom to complete what’s necessary. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Assess your financial, medical or legal position before you make a move. Be sure to stick to the rules and maintain up-to-date paperwork. Go through the proper channels to avoid setbacks. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Don’t carry burdens that don’t belong to you. Be

a good listener, nothing more. Your highest returns will come from following your heart and pursuing what makes you happy. ARIES (March 21-April 19) Be honest with yourself and those you encounter. Question anything that seems dodgy or unrealistic. Refuse to align yourself with groups that don’t share your beliefs or objectives. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Protect your reputation, meaningful relationships and lifestyle from scammers. Spend more time taking care of your mental and emotional health and protecting what you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Stop worrying about what others think and do what makes you happy. Rather than having regrets, pick up the pace and put what you want in place. When one door closes, another will open. CANCER (June 21-July 22) Give whatever isn’t running smoothly a chance to dissipate before you start something new. Distance yourself from negativity and those trying to rewrite history. Know what’s important to you. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Refine your lifestyle to reflect your health and well-being. Taking better care of

yourself will lead to new possibilities and desires. Refuse to let temptation result in overspending, bad habits and overindulgence. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Spend more time nurturing meaningful relationships. How you conduct your personal and professional life will have an impact on your ability to earn and to function properly in whatever situation comes your way. The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA, inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

dustin / by Steve Kelley & Jeff Parker

Answers to puzzles super quiz 1. Jacksonville. 2. Tallahassee. 3. Cuba. 4. Hawaii. 5. Alaska. 6. Alabama and Georgia. 7. Panhandle. 8. Miami. 9. Grapefruit League. 10. Florida Keys. 11. The highest point in Florida. 12. Lake Okeechobee. 13. Florida Panthers or Tampa Bay Lightning. 14. "Old Folks at Home." 15. Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays. SCORING: 24 to 30 points — congratulations, doctor; 18 to 23 points — honors graduate; 13 to 17 points — you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 5 to 12 points — you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 4 points — enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0 points — who reads the questions to you?

Cryptoquote Answer Saturday's Cryptoquote: For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream. — Vincent Van Gogh

word GAme Answer veil vein vent vertu vier vile viler vine virtue inert inlet intel inter inure invert rein relit

rent rile rite rive riven rivulet ruin rule runlet runt unit unite unlit untie until unveil urine

utile lent lien lieu line liner lint lite liter live liven liver lune lure lute etui evil

niter tern tier tile tine tire trine triune true tune tuner turn

sudoKu Answer jumble Answer

Crossword Answers

jeFF mACnelly’s shoe / by Gary Brookins & Susie MacNelly

sCrAbble Answers

FoXtrot / by Bill Amend

wuzzles Answers

Ken Ken Answers

hidAto Answers