The Advocate 08-20-2025

Housingproject costscausedconcern

BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER

Staff writer

Several East Baton Rouge Parish

officials raised concerns internally about afederally funded effort to remodel three small houses,calling the price excessive andsaying the affordablehousing project violated constructionlawsbyignoring important safeguards, emails obtained by The Advocateshow.

More concerns ariseover salt dome

Partsofcaverns alreadyunder state of emergency

BY DAVID J. MITCHELL Staff writer

State regulators are examining the cause of an unexplained pressure drop in three conjoined underground caverns in the Sulphur Mines salt dome, parts of which have been under astate of emergency for acoupleofyears due to stability concerns.

The latest potentially troubled cavern, owned by aWestlake Chemicalsubsidiary, is just south of one that promptedemergency measures in 2023 to containa potential collapse, including aprotective earthen berm that isnow nearly finished construction.The new concern at the site, located in the Lake Charles area, involves “Cavern 2-4-5,” named that way because it used to be three separate caverns that joined in the1950s. State officials said on Monday that they were being cautious with the drop in pressure, which is small but has been sustained for

ä See DOME, page 4A

In an internal memo dated Jan 23, 2023, former purchasing director KrisGoranson and former Office of Community Development Director Marlee Pittman raised concerns about the $480,000 cost of developer Jason Hughes’ CentralRoad project in Scotlandville which they said was “well above” the averagecostofconstruction in the area.

The two also said Hughes was

acting as acontractor but had no license, was working without properpermits andinvestedin the properties beyond his budget.

And the city-parish missedsteps to makesure therules were being followed, theofficials noted.

Hughes declined to comment for this story.

Theconcernsechobroader problems raised in an internal audit last year that found the community

developmentoffice —which doled out hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants during the COVID-19 pandemic —often failed to follow the rules fordistributing taxpayermoney or monitor whether it was spent correctly

The office is now the subject of a federal investigation into possible misuse of funds, multiple sources have confirmed Hughes’project was among roughly half adozen forwhich the Office of Community Development helpedsecure federal funding in early2022tobuildorrenovate lowincomehousing in Baton Rouge. Hughes, owner of HughesConsultant Group LLC, wasawarded $220,000 in grant funds to rehab thehomes on CentralRoadin Scotlandville. The Metro Council

BY ANTHONY McAULEY Staff writer

Matt McKay,who over nearly four decadeswentfrom teenagecar salesmanto owner of Louisiana’slargest auto dealershipempire, has agreed to sellhis AllStar Automotive Group for areported $700 million in what industry experts said is arecord transaction forthe state. McKay’sauto network includes 14 brands in 13 locations in Baton Rouge,Denham Springs andPrairieville, as well as acollision center,aparts warehouse and aused car “super center.” Brands include Toyota, Lincoln, Genesis and Hyundai —those four dealerships arelocated near to each other along acar dealer’srow on Airline Highway, where the huge used car center also can be found.

The terms of sale were notpublicly disclosed,but people familiarwith the deal said it valued thegroup at around $700 million. That includesjust under$200 million of real estate, all of which is fully owned by All Star, as well as group brand value of around $80 million, with the automobile inventory as well as other tangible assets making up the rest.

All Star’sbuyer is Charleston, South Carolina-based Hudson Automotive Group. As is typical in the industry,the deal is subject to approval by each of the carmakers who have “right of first refusal” whendealerships are sold, and often exercise that option to bring in another buyer at the same or ahigher price.

Chris Donner,All Star’schief financial officer,said McKay had been planning the sale forsome time. He saidHudson executives visited the dealerships last week to tell them they wanted continuity andplannedtoretainthe roughly 700 employees in the group, whichincludes showroom salespeople,

New tiny moon found circling Uranus

NEW YORK The Webb Space Telescope has spotted a new tiny moon orbiting Uranus.

The new member of the lunar gang, announced Tuesday by NASA, appears to be just 6 miles wide. It was spotted by the telescope’s near-infrared camera during observations in February

Scientists think it hid for so long — even eluding the Voyager 2 spacecraft during its flyby about 40 years ago — because of its faintness and small size.

Uranus has 28 known moons that are named after characters from Shakespeare and Alexander Pope. About half are smaller and orbit the planet at closer range. The new moon, still nameless, ups the planet’s total count to 29. The new addition could hint at more bite-sized moons waiting to be found around Uranus, said planetary scientist Matthew Tiscareno with the SETI Institute, who was involved in the discovery

Cargo ship catches fire in Baltimore

BALTIMORE — Investigators on Tuesday were trying to determine what caused an explosion aboard a cargo ship laden with coal as it departed Baltimore’s harbor for East Africa.

Officials said no one was injured in the blast Monday evening, which prompted a mayday call when it was reported near the site of last year’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse Video of the explosion showed flames shooting high into the air, followed by a large plume of dark smoke billowing over the Patapsco River

The Port of Baltimore’s main shipping channel was closed for several hours Tuesday while crews worked to locate a hatch from the ship that detached during the explosion and fell into the water, officials said. They announced late Tuesday afternoon that the channel had reopened.

The 751-foot merchant vessel W-Sapphire was en route from Baltimore to East Africa, according to marine tracking websites. It was expected to arrive in the Port of Mauritius in about a month. There were 23 crewmembers and two pilots aboard at the time of the explosion, according to Coast Guard officials

“Crews are awaiting verification to confirm safe conditions before proceeding with further Coast Guard investigations onboard the vessel,” the agency said Tuesday

The channel was closed for months after the deadly bridge collapse in March 2024, which killed six members of a roadwork crew and effectively brought port operations to a standstill.

Minnesota sues social media giant TikTok

ST PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota on Tuesday joined a wave of states suing TikTok, alleging the social media giant preys on young people with addictive algorithms that trap them into becoming compulsive consumers of its short videos.

“This isn’t about free speech I’m sure they’re gonna holler that,” Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said “It’s actually about deception, manipulation, misrepresentation This is about a company knowing the dangers, and the dangerous effects of its product, but making and taking no steps to mitigate those harms or inform users of the risks.”

The lawsuit, filed in state court, alleges that TikTok is violating Minnesota laws against deceptive trade practices and consumer fraud. It follows a flurry of lawsuits filed by more than a dozen states last year alleging the popular short-form video app is designed to be addictive to kids and harms their mental health. Minnesota’s case brings the total to about 24 states, Ellison’s office said.

Many of the earlier lawsuits stemmed from a nationwide investigation into TikTok launched in 2022 by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from 14 states into the effects of TikTok on young users’ mental health. Ellison, a Democrat, said Minnesota waited while it did its own investigation.

Federal crackdown ripples through D.C. as troops arrive

Local officials criticize aggressive intervention

BY MATT BROWN, LINDSAY WHITEHURST AND CHRIS MEGERIAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON The main drag in Washington’s Columbia Heights neighborhood is typically crammed with people peddling pupusas, fresh fruit, souvenirs and clothing. On Tuesday though, things felt different:

The white tents that bulge with food and merchandise were scarcer than usual.

“Everything has stopped over the last week,” said Yassin Yahyaoui, who sells jewelry and glass figurines. Most of his customers and fellow vendors, he said, have “just disappeared” — particularly if they speak Spanish.

The abnormally quiet street was one of many pieces of evidence showing how President Donald Trump’s decision to flood the nation’s capital with federal law enforcement and immigration agents has rippled through the city While troop deployments and foot patrols in downtown areas and around the National Mall have gotten the most attention, life in historically diverse neighborhoods like Columbia Heights is being

reshaped as well.

The White House has credited Trump’s crackdown with hundreds of arrests, while local officials have criticized the aggressive intervention in the city’s affairs.

The confrontation escalated on Tuesday as the top federal prosecutor in D.C. opened an investigation into whether police officials have falsified crime data, according to a person familiar with the situation who wasn’t authorized to comment publicly The probe could be used to bolster Trump’s claims that the city is suffering from a “crime emergency” despite statistics showing improvements. The mayor’s office and the police department declined to comment. National Guard members from West Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana began arriving in Washington on Tuesday to assist in the crackdown, according to Joint Task Force District of Columbia, the military unit overseeing the D.C. Guard. Those troops from other states will perform similar duties to D.C. Guard members already on the streets, including protecting landmarks and crowd control, and will be staying at military base housing and hotels, JTF-DC said.

Blocks away from where Yahyaoui had set up shop, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local police

stopped a moped driver delivering pizza. The agents drove unmarked cars and wore tactical vests; one covered his face with a green balaclava. They questioned the driver and required him to present documentation relating to his employment and legal residency status. No arrest was made.

The White House said there have been 465 arrests since Aug. 7, when the federal operation began, including 206 people who were in the country illegally The Trump administration has ramped up immigration enforcement and the president signed an executive order on Aug. 11 to put the police department under federal control for 30 days; extending that would require congressional approval.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said Trump was “unapologetically standing up for the safety of law-abiding American citizens.”

Glorida Gomez, who has been working a fruit stand in Columbia Heights for more than a decade, said business is worse now than during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said many vendors stopped coming because they were afraid of interacting with federal agents. Customers seem less willing to spend money too. Reina Sosa, another vendor said “they’re saving it in case something happens,” like getting detained by immigration enforcement.

Erin likely to churn up dangerous swells, winds along East Coast

Hazardous water conditions expected

BY ALLEN G BREED and JOHN SEEWER Associated Press

RODANTHE,N.C.— Hurricane Erin chugged slowly toward the eastern U.S. Tuesday, stirring up treacherous waves that already have led to dozens of water rescues and shut down beaches along the coast in the midst of summer’s last hurrah.

While forecasters remain confident the center of the monster storm will remain far offshore, the outer edges are likely to bring damaging tropical-force winds, large swells and life-threatening rip currents into Friday

Warnings about rip currents have been posted from Florida to the New England coast with New York City closing its beaches to swimming on Wednesday and Thursday Several Long Island and New Jersey beaches also will be off-limits.

“Enjoy the shore, enjoy this beautiful weather but stay out of the water,” New Jersey Gov Phil Murphy said Tuesday

Off Massachusetts, Nantucket Island could see waves of more than 10 feet later this week. But the biggest threat is along the barrier islands of North Carolina’s Outer Banks where evacuations have been ordered One town asked residents to secure their trash cans so they don’t float or blow away

Erin has become an unusually large and deceptively worrisome storm while moving through the Caribbean, with its tropical storm winds stretching 230 miles from its core. Forecasters expect it will grow larger in size as it moves through the Atlantic and curls north.

It continued to lash the Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday where government services were suspended a day

earlier and residents were ordered to stay home, along with parts of the Bahamas before its expected turn toward Bermuda and the U.S.

By Tuesday, Erin had lost some strength from previous days and dropped to a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said. It was about 615 miles south-southeast of North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras.

Tropical storm watches were issued for Virginia and North Carolina as well as Bermuda.

Rough ocean conditions already have been seen along the U.S. coast at least 60 swimmers were rescued from rip currents Monday at Wrightsville Beach, near Wilmington, North Carolina.

The biggest swells along the East Coast are expected over the coming two days. Climate scientists say Atlantic hurricanes are now much more likely to rapidly intensify into powerful and catastrophic storms fueled by warmer oceans.

Two years ago, Hurricane Lee grew with surprising speed while barreling offshore through the Atlantic, unleashing violent storms and rip currents

Falsified D.C. crime data allegations prompt federal probe

BY ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether police officials in Washington, D.C., have falsified data to make crime rates appear lower than they are, according to two people familiar with the probe who weren’t authorized to publicly discuss an open investigation.

The investigation comes amid an escalating — and political — showdown between the Trump administration and the city over control of the police department It wasn’t immediately clear what federal laws could have been violated by the possible manipulation of crime data.

President Donald Trump claimed that violent crime in Washington is getting worse as he ordered a federal takeover of the city’s police department, flooding the streets with hundreds of National Guard members. But he exaggerated or misstated many facts about public safety in Washington, where crime rates have fallen in recent years.

Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office declined to comment on the investigation. A spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Jeannine Pirro’s office in Washington didn’t respond to emails seeking comment.

The New York Times was first to report on the investigation.

Earlier this year, a Metropolitan Police Department commander suspected of manipulating crime data was placed on paid administrative leave, NBC Washington reported. Bowser told the television station last Tuesday that the city’s police chief “had concerns about one commander, investigated all seven districts and verified that the concern was with one person.”

“So, we are completing that investigation and we don’t believe it implicates many cases,” the mayor added.

Former interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin, who was Pirro’s predecessor and Trump’s first pick to lead the office, said Washington’s violent crime had decreased in the first 100 days since Trump returned to the White House in January. In an April 28 news release Martin’s office said MPD data showed that violent crime had dropped by 25% since the start of 2025.

Trump says U.S. troops

won’t defend

President hopeful a deal can be made to end war

BY DARLENE SUPERVILLE and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered his assurances that U.S. troops would not be sent to help defend Ukraine against Russia after seeming to leave open the possibility the day before.

Trump also said in a morning TV interview that Ukraine’s hopes of joining NATO and regaining the Crimean Peninsula from Russia are “impossible.”

The Republican president, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders held hours of talks at the White House on Monday aimed at bringing an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine. While answering questions from journalists, Trump did not rule out sending U.S. troops to participate in a European-led effort to defend Ukraine as part of security guarantees sought by Zelenskyy

Trump said after his meeting in Alaska last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Putin was open to the idea of security guarantees for Ukraine.

But asked Tuesday on Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends” what assurances he could provide going forward and beyond his term that American troops would not be part of defending Ukraine’s border, Trump said, “Well, you have my assurance, and I’m president.”

Trump would have no control over the U.S. military after his term ends in January 2029.

White House press secre-

Ukraine

ASSOCIATED PRESS By ALEX BRANDON

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, seated from background left, France’s President Emmanuel Macron and President Donald Trump listen during a meeting Monday in Washington.

tary Karoline Leavitt later on Tuesday emphasized that “U.S. boots will not be on the ground” as part of any potential peacekeeping mission.

The president also said in the interview that he is optimistic that a deal can be reached to end the Russian invasion, but he underscored that Ukraine will have to set aside its hope of getting back Crimea, which was seized by Russian forces in 2014, and its long-held aspirations of joining the NATO military alliance.

“Both of those things are impossible,” Trump said Putin, as part of any potential deal to pull his forces out of Ukraine, is looking for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as recognition of Crimea as Russian territory Trump on Monday said that he was arranging for direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy But the Kremlin has not yet said whether Putin, who has resisted previous calls by Trump and others for direct negotiations on ending the war, is committed to

a face-to-face meeting with the Ukrainian leader

Asked whether Putin has promised Trump that he’ll meet directly with the Ukrainian leader, Leavitt responded affirmatively. “He has,” Leavitt said of Putin.

Trump, early on Monday during talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders, said that he was pressing for three-way talks among Zelenskyy, Putin and himself.

But after speaking to Putin later in the day Trump said that he was arranging first for a face-to-face between Zelenskyy and Putin and that three-way talks would follow if necessary

“It was an idea that evolved in the course of the president’s conversations with both President Putin, President Zelensky and the European leaders yesterday,” Leavitt explained.

But when discussing a phone call held after the meeting between Trump and the Russian leader, Putin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov gave no indication that either a bilateral or a trilateral meeting with Ukraine had been agreed.

Security clearances of 37 current, ex-officials revoked

BY ERIC TUCKER and MATTHEW LEE Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration said Tuesday that it was revoking the security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials in the latest act of retribution targeting public servants from the federal government’s intelligence community

A memo from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accuses the singled-out individuals of having engaged in the “politicization or weaponization of intelligence” to advance personal or partisan goals, failing to safeguard classified information, failing to “adhere to professional analytic tradecraft standards” and other unspecified “detri-

mental” conduct.

The memo did not offer evidence to back up the accusations Many of the officials who were targeted left the government years ago after serving in both senior national security positions and lower-profile roles far from the public eye.

Some worked on matters that have long infuriated Trump, like the intelligence community assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election on his behalf. And several signaled their concerns about Trump by signing a critical letter in 2019 that was highlighted on social media last month by right-wing provocateur and close Trump ally Laura Loomer

The action is part of a broader Trump administration campaign to wield

the levers of government against perceived adversaries, and it reflects the president’s continued distrust of career intelligence officials he sees as working against his interests. The revocation of clearances has emerged as a go-to tactic for the administration, a strategy that critics say risks chilling dissenting voices from a national security community accustomed to drawing on a range of viewpoints before formulating an assessment.

“These are unlawful and unconstitutional decisions that deviate from well-settled, decades-old laws and policies that sought to protect against just this type of action,” Mark Zaid, a national security lawyer whose own clearance was revoked by the Trump administration, said in a statement.

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the

PROJECT

approved that amountin February 2022, then greenlit an increase to $480,000 in August.

As the project moved forward, city-parish officials, including Goranson and Pittman, began raising red flags, particularly over the rising developer fees Hughes was collecting. Neither official still works for the city-parish, and both declinedtocomment.

In the January memo, Goranson said Hughes was taking work away from the project’scontractor and doing it himself even though he was notalicensedcontractor.

The then-purchasing director said Louisiana law explicitly states that aconstruction contract made with an unlicensed contractor is null “In other words, we do not even have avalid contract with Hughes Consulting,”he wrote in January 2023.

Hughes is notlisted as a licensed contractor with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

Hughes’ first payment from the city-parish was for developer fees more than double what regulations said he could receive for the entire project. And the mounting costs of the project did not make sense to Pittman or Goranson, records show Aboutayear afterthe project began, Hughes had

Continued frompage1A

about 10 days, in light of the other problemselsewhere on the saltdome.

Patrick Courreg es , spokesperson for the state Department of Energyand Natural Resources, said that it is not unusual for older salt dome caverns to lose somepressurethatcould be the result of more commonproblems likefailed concrete or metal casing on awell connected to the underground cavern.

“Those are fixable things, or is it something deeper down that we want to start gettinga handle on? What are we dealing with? Is this something transient, or is this going to be an ongoing trend? Can there be something done? If so, what needs to be done?” Courreges said. “That’skindof where we are right now.”

Located west of the town of Sulphur,the Sulphur Mines dome is amassive, column-shaped salt deposit driven up from deepinthe earth like wet mud squeezed throughaperson’stoes and has been the focus of oil drilling and sulfur or salt mining since the 1860s.

The salt dome was among the earliest of these deposits mined in Louisiana through the high-pressure injection of water,leaving behind some misshapen caverns from the early days of that industry Known as solution mining,the practice uses fresh water to dissolve the salt deposits and pump up abrine

spentnearly $640,000 on the three homes, with $80,000 more planned.

Twoothercity-parish rehabprojects— each less than aquarter-mile from theCentral Road homes, onChinn Street and Lewis Street —cost $84 and $114 persquare foot.But Hughes’ development had racked up costs totaling $266.13 per square foot, thememo said Hughes hassaid thecost of construction materials soared duringCOVID-19. But Goranson and Pittman both noted his costs even outweighed the area’saveragefor newdevelopment at thetime,which ranged from $110 to $148 per square foot.

“This is not onlywellabove theaverage immediate area home value, but well above theaverage value ofthe homes in East Baton Rouge Parish,” Pittmanwrote. At the time, Hughes was askingfor hisgrant funding

solution that is often used by chemicalmanufacturers like Westlake for salt, a basic raw material for their products Solution mining leaves behind massive cavities that are afew thousandfeet deep. Despite thewords oftenassociatedwiththem— of a“cavern”ora“mine” no miners work insidethem. Estimates from afew years ago put the capacity of Cavern 2-4-5, which is between 2,400 feet to alittle over 3,000 feet deep,atmore than 26 million barrels. It’s been inactivefrom mining for afew years.

With surrounding rock and earth pressing down on such largespaces,inactive caverns are often capped and left filled with brine. Aloss of pressure inside thecavern —meaning potentially alossofbrine —risks losing the water that is keeping the cavern from collapsing underthe weightofthe rock surroundingit.

Thesekinds of catastrophic failures can cause sinkholes at thesurface, as occurred in BayouCorne in 2012 whenacavern in a different saltdome failed in Assumption Parish. Westlake officials didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, but on the company’swebsite have promised to work with the state on the othercavern where problems emerged in 2021.

The company took ownership of caverns on the dome in 2013, decades after theywerefirst minedinthe 1940s and 1950s.They were also used by the federal government to storeoil for

—which hadalready been increased from $220,000 to $480,000 —tobeamended asecondtime, to $669,054. That request was ultimately not approved. It wasn’t until February 2023 —ayear after council approved the project —that thecity-parishissuedremodel permitsfor all three CentralRoad properties. Officials pointed out that Hughes’ own contract required proper permits for work to begin, yetthe remodel was alreadywell underway before he secured them.

By then, invoices show, morethan ahalf-million dollarshad been spent on construction.

Hugheshad actually completed too much work for inspectors to properly assess thepropertyand issue acertificateofoccupancy

“Since the workhas been mostly completed,drywall

theStrategic Petroleum Reserve from thelate1970s to mid-1990s.

Theothertroubledcavern, Cavern7,just to the northwest, beganseeing increased land subsidence, small earthquakes, oil seeps andmethanegas bubblesin lakes near thecavernand pressure drops starting in 2021.

Regulators at thetime said these signs were similar to what preceded the formationofthe Bayou Corne sinkhole when theTexas Brine salt cavern failed in 2012.

In October2023, amonth after declaring an emergency,then-Gov.John Bel Edwards ordered Westlake to build aprotectiveearthen bermtocontain any sinkhole that couldform from Cavern 7’sfailure.

State and company experts projected that, if Cavern 7weretofail, it would eventually create asinkhole more than athird of amile in diameter at the surface andwould interceptanexisting lake at the dome. At the time, state officials added thatCavern 7’stroubles were “indicators of apotential threat to groundwater in thearea.”

Gov.Jeff Landry has since renewed the emergency related to Cavern 7and it remainsinplace.

Contractorsworking for Westlake are close to finishing the earthen berm,which will surround thelake, known as Salt Lake, and the projected sinkhole should it ever form, according to statereports.

CourregessaidWestlake officials have continued to

will have to be removed from several locations in each home to assessifthe completed work is code compliant,” development staffwrote. “If deficiencies are found in those locations, additional locations of open wallinspectionsmay be needed, requiring more walls to be opened.”

It’sunclear howmuch work had been finished, but by October 2022 the project had already failed several city-parishinspections.A January2023 memo documented 11 deficiencies at thethree properties —all identifiedfrom exteriorinspections alone.

Amongthose deficiencies inspectors saidundersized electricconductors had been installed, creating a fire hazard. Most of the bedroom windows violated code because they were too small for an emergency exit, and improper piping was used

pump brineintoCavern 7totry to keep itspressure up. Cavern 7isalso connected to next-door Westlake Cavern 6, but pressure dropsinCavern 6haven’t been quiteassevere as in Cavern 7.

The two caverns are each about two-fifthsofthe volume of Cavern 2-4-5, according to Energy andNatural Resources figures.

David J. Mitchell can be reached at dmitchell@ theadvocate.com.

for the hot water heaters, inspectors found.

The code violations led city-parish officialstoquestion the developer’sexperience in various emails and memos,even though, as Goransonwrote, “Mr.Hughes attests that he hasbeen in theRehabilitationbusiness since 2015.”

The2024 auditofthe Office of Community Development, which oversaw the Hughesrenovations, said the agency had no documentation on filetoconfirm that originalapplicationsfor projects were evaluated.

Last week, former East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome said concerns over the project prompted thecity-parish to pause it.

Shortly after city-parish officials discussed their concerns in early January 2023, Pittman and other officials met with Hughes.

On Feb. 13, 2023, Pittman recapped the meetingvia emailand said nearly allof the issues related to Hughes’

contract with the city-parish hadbeen addressed.After themeeting, thecity-parish saidthey would attempt to obtain certain waivers to bring the project into federal compliance. It is unclear what specificrequirements officialswereconcerned about. Hughes was not awarded theincreaseinfunds that would have given him nearly $670,000 in grant funding, and instead ended up having to finish with the $480,000 in public money given. Meeting notesshowthat Pittman told Hughes theadditional increasewould notbeallowed under his contract. Last week, Hughessaid he believed the city-parish owed him about $200,000 still, but he would notbetaking legal action to obtain it. Hughes also said tenants had recently moved into two of the three houses —all of which he owns —and that any issues related to developer fees and grant compliance were on the city-parish, not him

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administration, mechanics and parts warehouse employees

“Hudson executives went around from storetostore to let employees know about the transaction,” he said.

“They told them it was a time in Matt’slife wherehe felt that as much as he loves the business, it was the right time to consider something like this for the benefit of the employees.”

Donner said only out-ofstate buyers were considered in an effort to maintain confidentiality

David Hudson, CEO of Hudson Automotive Group, is athird-generation dealership owner—his grandfather started the company in Providence, Kentucky, in 1948. With backing from Redwood Holdings, one of the investment companies owned by billionaire Jim Davis, co-founder of the Allegis staffing firm, Hudson has built the auto group into amajor regional player, with 55 dealerships in eight states across the South.

Before theAll Star deal, Hudson owned only one dealership in Louisiana: the Royal Honda on Veterans Memorial BoulevardinMetairie. Once the transaction closes, it will become the biggest car dealer in the state, picking up two Chevrolet dealerships in Baton Rouge; Genesis, Hyundai, Kia,Toyota, Volvo, and Isuzu dealerships in Baton Rouge;aFord Lincoln lot in Prairieville; and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Ford and Kia Nissan dealershipsinDenham Springs.

“I didn’trealize that until they told me after the transaction was done,” Hudson said in aphone interview Hudson said the company has built good relationships with the carmakersasit has grown rapidly through acquisitions. He saiditdoesn’t expect to lose any of the All Star dealerships through “right of first refusal” and plans to close the transaction in the fourth quarter McKay,70, played American Legion baseball in his teens and got into cars when he went to work for his team’ssponsor,Audubon Ford, as asalesman in the 1970s. About adecade later,he was ready to buy his first dealership and partnered with lawyer John Noland to acquire aFord showroom in Gonzales.

Twentyyearslater after building theAll Star group to about its current size, McKay honored adeal they had in place since the start and bought Noland Sr.’s stake to make himselfsole owner of theAll Star group.

“It was awonderfulpartnership, and they never had across word,” saidNoland Jr.“They remained close and did other deals together in real estate and other ventures.”

“He doesn’t liketo be in thelimelight as farasdoingthe TV commercials and whatnot. In fact, he’s never once been in acommercial;he’s more of abehind-thescenes kind of guy, verybusinesslikeand numbers oriented.”

CHRIS DONNER,AllStar chief financial officer

McKay and Noland Sr., neither of whom were available for interview, also have been promine nt phi lan th ropists in Baton Rouge,with each having served as chair of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Education and training hasbeen a particularfocusofMcKay’s philanthropic endeavors. In 2017, he opened the McKay AutomotiveTechnology Center, a$51 million,public-private workforce training facility at Baton Rouge Community College’sArdendale Campus.

According to aprofile of McKay in the BatonRouge foundation’smagazineat the time, the center was named for McKay’sfather, whohad beena teacher and coach in the East Baton Rouge Parish school systemfor most of his career

The 83,000-square-foot centerwas thefirstinthe region to offer sophisticated training to prepare people to work in high-techautomotive jobs.

abehind-the-sceneskindof guy,very businesslikeand numbers oriented.”

McKay’stwo adult sons, Taylor andHays, andhis wife Sherri wereinvolved in philanthropic efforts, but none showed interest in taking over the car business.

Car dealerships in Louisiana, as elsewhere in the U.S., have been asourceofa number of prominent family fortunes, includingthose built up by thelate TomBenson, Ray Brandtand the Bohn family

In the past few decades, the trend nationwide has been forfamily-owned car dealership groups to sell to bigger groups that are consolidating the business rather than to pass them down to thenextgeneration.

This was exemplifiedby thesale last year of the of MoffittAutomotive, one of the oldest family-owned auto retailers in theShreveport-Bossier City market whichsold itsPorsche, Audi, Mazda andVolkswagen dealerships to aDallasbased firm, part of arecord year for number of dealership sales.

Kerrigan Advisors, which advised Moffitt and McKay on their transactions, forecast that the number of car dealershipgroupsinthe U.S. will shrink by about aquarter,to6,000, as the move toward bigger regional firms continues.

“My father was recently retiredfrom thelaw firm Breazeale Sachse and wanted to be in the car business,” said John “Jay” Noland Jr , Noland’sson. “Through mutual friends, he came to learn that this man Matt McKay was asharp guy and had all the qualities to be a business partner.”

In aworldthatoften produces colorful, larger-thanlife characters, McKay kept afairlylow profile while he built hiscar empire.

“He doesn’tlike to be in the limelight as far as doingthe TV commercials and whatnot,” Donner said.“In fact, he’snever once been in acommercial;he’smoreof

The largest previous auto dealership transaction in Louisiana was the Brandt Group, which sold last year for areported $280 million, accordingtoAlan Haig, of autoadvisory group Haig Partners. That deal, which included 13 locations,had amuch smaller real estate footprint, as many of the propertiesweren’towned by thegroup.

Some Louisiana-based auto groups are as large or biggerthanAll Star,including Troy Duhon’sPremier Auto Group and Matt Bowers network,but they include out-of-statedealerships. AllStar has the biggestnetworkinlocated solely in Louisiana.

California redistrictinghearing turnsheated

Republican opposition mounts as national brawlunfolds

BY TRÂN NGUYEN and JIM VERTUNO Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. ACali-

fornia legislative hearing

turned into ashoutingmatch

Tuesday as aRepublican lawmaker clashed with Democrats over apartisan planto rewrite U.S. House maps to win Democrats more seats.

Acommittee voted along party linestoadvancea new congressional map in response to aRepublican redistricting effort in Texas that President Donald Trump wants. California Democrats do not need any Republican votes to move ahead.

Assemblymember David Tangipa, one of two Republicans on the committee that was considering the proposal Tuesday,spent 30 minutes asking questions of his colleagues before being told to make time for other members, prompting some boos from audience members. When the committee began voting, he shouted for more time.

At times during the hearing, lawmakersinterrupted one another until the chair,a Democrat, called for order

“This is not the way we conduct our hearing,” Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, whochairsthe committee, said as she called for order several times after hours of discussion.

Tangipa argued that Cali-

fornia should spend its resources on other issues such as health care. Lawmakers are expectedtoschedule a Nov.4specialelection to put the new maps before voters, andthey haven’trevealed a cost estimatefor the unexpectedelection.California Republicansestimateda special election could cost more than $230 million.

“I’m asking how much this costs because the state is in amassive deficit and it’s so personal to me,” Tangipa saidafter the vote. He said hisstepsisterdieda few weeksago after aMedicaid provider refused to signoff on services sheneeded Tuesday’shearings were thefirst chance forCaliforniaresidents to tell lawmakers how they feel about the new congressional boundaries. Ahearing in the Senate was far calmer,and the proposal passed easily California Democrats said they are pushing back against Trump and his desire to reshape U.S. House maps to his advantage in an expanding fightover control of Congress ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The California Legislature is expected to approve aproposedcongressional map and declareaNov.4 special electionbyThursday to get required voter approval.

In Texas, state Rep. Nicole Collier stayed at the Capitol overnight and into

Tuesday to voice opposition to Democrats’ plan.

Somesaidthe process has been shrouded in secrecy because the mapwas drawn without meaningful public input. Others said theywould ratherlawmakers focus on addressing issuesinstead of trying to bypass abipartisan redistricting process.

mocracy and to fight back the president’saggressive agenda.

Tuesday to protest aRepublican requirement that she and some of her Democratic colleagues have around-theclock law enforcement surveillance after they ended a two-week walkoutthat delayeda vote on the Trumpbacked map

On Tuesday,eight other Texas Democratssaid they’ll join Collier in spending the night on the House floor StateDepartment of Public Safety officers are shadowing thelawmakerstoensure they return to theCapitoland do not leave Texas again.Toleave theHouse floor Monday,the Democrats had to sign what they called “permission slips” agreeing to the surveillance. Texas’ Republican-controlled House scheduled a vote for Wednesday on the new map

JudgeordersMiss. to redraw SupremeCourt electoralmap

BYSOPHIE BATES Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss.— Afederal judge has ordered Mississippi to redraw its Supreme Court electoral map, after finding the map dilutes the power of Black voters.

U.S. District Judge SharionAycockruled the map which was enacted in 1987, violates the Voting Rights Act and cannot be used in future elections.

The Mississippi branchof the American Civil Liberties Union helped litigate the lawsuit, arguing the mapcut Mississippi’s Deltaregion— ahistorically Black area— in half.

“This win corrects ahistoric injustice,” said Ari Savitzky,aseniorstaff attorney at the ACLU Voting Rights Project. “All Mississippians will benefit from fair district lines that give Black voters an equal voice —and new generations of Black leadersanequal chance to help shape the state’sfuture by serving on the state’shighest court.”

The lawsuit, which was filed on April 25, 2022, arguedthe map diminished the Black vote in the Central District.

Dozensofresidents from up anddownthe state,leadersoflocal Republican groupsand the conservative California Family Councilshoweduptoa hearing

“There’sdifferent needs and different requirements foreverybody,” Jim Shoemaker,aRepublicanrunning for Congress in adistrict south of Sacramento, said in an interview.“But if youhavesomebodythat just has alittle portion of an area, they’re not going to represent the people the way they should because they’re looking at the wrong thing.”

Labor union members and severalkey Democratic political allies said the partisan plan is needed to protect de-

Public remarks may have little sway,though,asDemocratic leaders are determinedtorapidly advance the proposal. SomeRepublican lawmakers filed an emergency petition with the state Supreme Court arguing Democrats are violating the state constitution. They assert that lawmakers can’t vote this weekbecause the constitution requires new legislation to have a30-daywaitfor public review Democrats hold 43 outof California’s52U.S. House seats andwanttowin five more. Theproposal would try to expand thatadvantage by targeting battleground districts in Northern California, San Diego and Orange counties, and the Central Valley

tion by asitting governor Aycock wrote that she will impose adeadline for the MississippiLegislature to create anew map.

Aycock’sruling notes that only four Black people have served on theMississippi SupremeCourt. Allofthem held the same seat inthe Central Districtand were first appointed to the posi-

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano on verge of erupting again

BY AUDREY MCAVOY Associated Press

reflecting the lava oozing across a summit crater

Scientists expect Kilauea volcano to again gush lava in the coming days for the 31st time since December as the mountain lives up to its identity of one of the world’s most active volcanoes A few lucky residents and visitors will have a front row view at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If the past is a guide, hundreds of thousands more will be watching popular livestreams made possible by three camera angles set up by the U.S. Geological Survey

Whenever she gets word the lava is back, Park Service volunteer Janice Wei hustles to shoot photos and videos of Halemaumau Crater which Native Hawaiian tradition says is the home to the volcano goddess Pele. She said when the molten rock shoots high like a fountain it sounds like a roaring jet engine or crashing ocean waves. She can feel its heat from over a mile away

“Every eruption feels like I am sitting in the front row at nature’s most extraordinary show,” Wei said in an email.

Kilauea is on Hawaii Island, the largest of the Hawaiian archipelago. It’s about 200 miles south of the state’s largest city, Honolulu, which is on Oahu.

Here’s what to know about Kilauea’s latest eruption:

A lower magma chamber under Halemaumau

Crater is receiving magma directly from the earth’s interior about 5 cubic yards per second, said Ken Hon, the scientist-in-charge at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory This blows the chamber up like a balloon and forces magma into an upper chamber From there, it gets pushed above ground through cracks.

Magma has been using the same pathway to rise to the surface since December, making the initial release and subsequent episodes all part of the same eruption, Hon said

Many have featured lava soaring into the air, in some cases more than 1,000 feet. The fountains are generated in part because magma — which holds gasses that are released as it rises — has been traveling to the surface through narrow, pipelike vents.

The expanding magma supply is capped by heavier magma that had expelled its gas at the end of the prior episode. Eventually enough new magma accumulates to

force the degassed magma off, and the magma shoots out like champagne bottle that was shaken before the cork was popped.

This is the fourth time in 200 years that Kilauea has shot lava fountains into the air in repeated episodes. There were more episodes the last time Kilauea followed this pattern: the eruption that began in 1983 started with 44 sessions of shooting fountains. Those were spread out over three years, however And the fountains emerged in a remote area so few got to watch.

The other two occurred in 1959 and 1969.

Scientists don’t know how the current eruption will end or how it may change In 1983, magma built enough pressure that Kilauea opened a vent at a lower elevation and started continuously leaking lava from there rather than periodically shooting out of a higher elevation. The eruption continued in various forms for three decades and only ended in 2018.

Nebraska plans to open ICE center, ‘Cornhusker Clink’ Facility could

“Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot” detention centers in Florida and the “Speedway Slammer” in Indiana.

date 200 people with plans to expand to 300. McCook is about 210 miles west of Lincoln, the state capital.

BY JOSH FUNK Associated Press

LINCOLN, Neb Nebraska announced plans Tuesday for an immigration detention center in the remote southwest corner of the state as President Donald Trump’s administration races to expand the infrastructure necessary for increasing deportations. The facility will be dubbed the “Cornhusker Clink,” a play on Nebraska’s nickname of the Cornhusker State and an old slang term for jail. The alliterative name follows in the vein of the previously announced

Republican Gov Jim Pillen said he and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had agreed to use an existing minimum security prison work camp in McCook — a remote city of about 7,000 people in the middle of the wide-open prairies between Denver and Omaha to house people awaiting deportation and being held for other immigration proceedings. It’s expected to be a Midwest hub for detainees from several states.

“This is about keeping Nebraskans and Americans across our country — safe,” Pillen said in a statement. The facility can accommo-

“If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Nebraska’s Corn-

BY MIKE STOBBE Associated Press

NEW YORK For the first time in 30 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics is substantially diverging from U.S. government vaccine recommendations.

The group’s new COVID-19 recommendations — released Tuesday — come amid a tumultuous year for public health, as vaccine skeptics have come into power in the new Trump administration and government guidance has become increasingly confusing.

This isn’t going to help, acknowledged Dr James Campbell, vice chair of the AAP infectious diseases committee.

“It is going to be somewhat confusing. But our opinion is we need to make the right choices for children to protect them,” he added.

The AAP is strongly recommending COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years. Shots also are advised for older children if

parents want their kids vaccinated, the AAP said That differs from guidance established under U.S Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which doesn’t recommend the shots for healthy children of any age but says kids may get the shots in consultation with physicians.

Children ages 6 months to 2 years are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and it was important that recommendations continue to emphasize the need for them to get vaccinated, said Campbell, a University of Maryland infectious diseases expert. Vaccinations also are recommended for older children who have chronic lung diseases or other conditions that put them at higher risk for severe disease, the AAP said.

In a statement, Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon said “the AAP is undermining national immunization policymaking with

baseless political attacks.”

He accused the group of putting commercial interests ahead of public health, noting that vaccine manufacturers have been donors to the AAP’s Friends of Children Fund. The fund is currently paying for projects on a range of topics, including health equity and prevention of injuries and deaths from firearms.

The 95-year-old Itasca, Illinois-based organization has issued vaccination recommendations for children since the 1930s. In 1995, it synced its advice with recommendations made by the federal government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There have been a few small differences between AAP and CDC recommendations since then. For example, the AAP has advised that children get HPV vaccinations starting at age 9; the CDC says that’s OK but has emphasized vaccinations at ages 11 and 12.

Wall Street falls further from its records

Wall Street faded Tuesday following drops for Nvidia and other stars that have been riding the mania surrounding artificial intelligence technology

The S&P 500 fell 0.6% for a third straight loss, though it remains near its all-time high set last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 10 points or less than 0.1% and the Nasdaq composite slumped 1.5%.

The heaviest weight on the market was Nvidia, whose chips are powering much of themoveintoAI.Itsank3.5%.

Another AI darling, Palantir Technologies, dropped 9.4% for the largest loss in the S&P 500. It’s seen bets build up sharply that its stock price will drop, according to S3 Partners. Only Meta Platforms has seen a bigger increase this year in what’s called “short interest,” where traders essentially bet a stock’s price will fall Meta the owner of Facebook and Instagram, sank 2.1%.

Air Canada, flight attendants reach deal

Air Canada said it will gradually restart operations after reaching an agreement early on Tuesday with the union for 10,000 flight attendants to end a strike that disrupted the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of travelers.

The agreement came after Canada’s biggest airline and the union resumed talks late Monday for the first time since the strike began over the weekend, affecting about 130,000 travelers a day at the peak of the summer travel season.

Flight attendants walked off the job early Saturday after turning down the airline’s request to enter into government-directed arbitration, which allows a third-party mediator to decide the terms of a new contract.

The union said the agreement will guarantee members’ pay for work performed while planes are on the ground, resolving one of the major issues that drove the strike.

“Unpaid work is over. We have reclaimed our voice and our power,” the union said in a statement. “When our rights were taken away, we stood strong, we fought back — and we secured a tentative agreement that our members can vote on.”

Home Depot’s sales up in second quarter

The Home Depot’s sales improved during its fiscal second quarter as consumers remained focused on smaller projects amid cost concerns and economic uncertainty but its performance missed Wall Street’s expectations TheAtlanta-basedcompany also said shoppers should expect modest price increases in some categories as a result of rising tariff costs, though they won’t be broad-based. Company executives told analysts during the earnings call after the results were released that more than 50% of its products are sourced domestically and wouldn’t be subject to any tariffs.

In May, Home Depot said it didn’t expect to raise prices because of tariffs, saying it had spent years diversifying the sources for the goods on its shelves.

But Billy Bastek, executive vice president of merchandising at Home Depot, told analysts that tariff rates are significantly higher than they were when it released earnings results in May

“Our customers tend to shop for the entire project,” Bestek said. “And you think about a small flooring project, tile grout, bath tub and vanity and a bath project. And so we’re laser-focused on protecting the cost of the entire project.”

$6.2B

BUSINESS

deal could shift TV news scene

Nexstar seeks to acquire Tegna

BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer

In a deal that has the potential to reshape the landscape of local TV news across the country, Nexstar Media Group, which owns WGNO and WNOL in New Orleans, has announced plans to acquire rival Tegna parent company of WWL and WUPL.

The $6.2 billion deal would give Dallas-based Nexstar, already the largest owner of TV stations in the country a total of 265 stations in 44 states, enabling it to reach 80% of U.S. TV households.

It’s too soon to say what the deal, which must still be approved by federal regulators, will mean for the companies’ Louisiana stations. But in other cities where Nexstar has acquired stations that directly compete with stations it already owns, the company has continued to operate both. In its announcement about the

pending acquisition, Nexstar said the deal will enable traditional “legacy” media companies to better compete against online platforms and “Big Tech.”

“The new company will be better able to serve communities by ensuring the long-term vitality of local news and programming from trusted local sources,” the statement said “Nexstar will also be able to provide advertisers with an even greater variety of competitive local and national broadcast and digital advertising solutions to serve brands and consumers more effectively.”

WWL and WGNO declined to comment.

Changing business

The deal comes as local TV stations have seen revenue continue to decrease, as viewers increasingly get their news and entertainment from other sources. By merging, media companies are able to reduce their expenses while expanding their reach, experts say “TV news is still a very effective way to reach people and commands a large number of viewers every night,” said Joe Duke, an adjunct

professor at Loyola University and former executive at WWL and CBS.

“But it’s not the business it once was.”

The average number of TVs tuned into ABC, CBS, and NBC affiliates for evening news declined from more than 4 million in 2016 to just over 3 million in 2022, according to the Pew Research Center

“That’s what is driving these mergers and acquisitions among broadcast companies,” said Duke, who was news director in the 1980s and 1990s at WWL, during its years of dominance in the local market.

Nexstar, which got its start owning small radio stations in the early 2000s, today owns 200 stations across the country In addition to ABC affiliate WGNO and WUPL an independent station, it owns WGMB and WVLA in Baton Rouge and KLFY in Lafayette, as well as stations in Alexandria, Monroe and Shreveport.

In an internal memo to Nexstar employees shared with The TimesPicayune, Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said the deal is “vital to preserving local journalism that is unbiased and accurate, presented by reliable local sources, with an imperative to deliver an array of perspectives that

Trump administration is eyeing a big stake in Intel

BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE and ELAINE KURTENBACH AP business writers

SAN FRANCISCO U.S. Commerce

Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday confirmed the U.S. government is vying for a 10% stake in Silicon Valley pioneer Intel in an unusual deal that would deepen the Trump administration’s financial ties with major computer chip manufacturers and punctuate a dramatic aboutface from the president’s recent push to oust the company’s CEO

The ambitions that Lutnick confirmed in a televised interview with CNBC came the day after various news outlets reported on the negotiations between the Trump administration and Intel. The investment would be made by converting federal government grants previously pledged under President Joe Biden’s administration into a bushel of Intel stock that would turn the U.S government into one of the company’s largest shareholders

“We think America should get the benefit of the bargain,” Lutnick told CNBC as he explained why President Donald Trump is pushing for the deal. “It’s obvious that it’s the right move to make.”

Intel declined to comment on the negotiations with the Trump administration.

The notion of the U.S. government holding a huge stake in Intel would have seemed inconceivable back in the company’s heyday when its processors were powering a personal computer boom that began in the mid-1970s But Intel has been mired in tough times after missing the mobile computing era unleashed by the iPhone’s 2007 debut.

Intel has fallen even farther behind in recent years during an artificial intelligence craze that has been a boon for two of its once-smaller rivals, Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices. The Trump administration is hitching a ride on their success by imposing a 15% commission on the sales of its chips in China in exchange for their export licenses. Those fees are expected to translate into billions of dollars in additional government revenue.

The U.S government’s negotiations to become a major Intel shareholder are coming on the heels of a $2 billion investment Japanese technology giant SoftBank Group disclosed late Monday that it plans to make in the Santa Clara, California, company. Softbank is accumulating its 2% stake in Intel at $23 per share a slight discount from the stock’s price when its investment was announced.

Intel’s shares surged nearly 7% to close at $25.31 on the news of Softbank’s big bet on Intel, coupled with Trump’s designs on the company.

SoftBank invests in an array of companies that it sees as holding long-term potential. It has been stepping up investments in the United States since Trump returned to the

Intel CEO

exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan,

White House. In February, its chairman, Masayoshi Son joined Trump, Sam Altman, of OpenAI, and Larry Ellison, of Oracle, in announcing a major investment of up to $500 billion in a project to develop artificial intelligence called Stargate.

“Semiconductors are the foundation of every industry, Son said in a statement ”This strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will further expand in the United States, with Intel playing a critical role.”

Trump’s interest in Intel is also being driven by his desire to boost chip production in the U.S., which has been a focal point of the trade war that he has been waging throughout the world since he returned to the White House earlier this year for his second term in office. “We want Intel to be successful in America,” Lutnick said during his CNBC interview Boosting domestic production of computer chips also ranked high on the Biden administration’s agenda, which resulted in the 2022 passage of the CHIPS and Science Act. Intel was among the biggest beneficiaries of the program, but it hasn’t been able to revive its fortunes while falling behind on construction projects spawned by the CHIPS program. The company has received about $2.2 billion of the $7.8 billion pledged under the incentives program money that Lutnick derided as a “giveaway” that would better serve U.S. taxpayers if it’s turned into Intel stock which he said would be in the form of nonvoting shares so the government wouldn’t be able to use the stake to sway how the company is managed. But Intel’s ongoing struggles also mean the U.S. government is

reflect the range of communities we serve.

“Big Tech isn’t interested in any of those things as it voraciously pursues ever more views, clicks, and scrolls.”

Complicated deal

The deal could reshape the national media landscape in fundamental ways The Federal Communications Commission has traditionally capped the number of stations that a single operator can own, limiting their reach to 39% of TV households.

The Trump administration however, has signaled it is more friendly to large corporate mergers and the FCC is reviewing the rules limiting station ownership

Still, expert say Nexstar’s acquisition of Tegna, which is not expected to close before the middle of 2026, is far from a done deal and will have to clear regulatory hurdles.

Complicating matters, the Wall Street Journal first reported Tuesday, is a competing offer for Tegna’s 65 stations from Sinclair Broadcasting

Email Stephanie Riegel at stephanie.riegel@theadvocate. com.

Walmart recalls frozen shrimp

BY JONEL ALECCIA AP health writer

Walmart has recalled frozen, raw shrimp sold in 13 states because federal health officials say it could have potential radioactive contamination.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration asked Walmart to pull three lots of Great Value brand frozen shrimp from stores after federal officials detected Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers and a sample of breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia. The products could pose a “potential health concern” for people exposed to low levels of Cesium-137 over time, FDA officials said.

“If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away,” FDA officials said in a statement.

taking on a risky investment. The company is in the midst of its latest turnaround attempt under CEO LipBu Tan who was hired in March to shake things up. Tan’s turnaround effort so far has been focused on a cost-cutting spree that is gutting the company’s workforce and further delaying construction on a chip plant in Ohio that has been in the works since 2022.

Intel’s market value is hovering around $110 billion, only a slight uptick from where it was when Tan arrived and leaving it more than 60% below its peak reached about a quarter-century ago during the early phase of the internet boom.

In another strange twist to the new alliance, President Donald Trump had demanded that Tan resign in an Aug 7 post spurred by concerns about investments that Tan had made in China chipmakers while he was working as a venture capitalist. But Trump backed off after the Malyasia-born Tan professed his allegiance to the U.S. in a public letter to Intel employees and went to the White House to meet with the president, who applauded the Intel CEO for having an “amazing story.” That truce apparently sparked the negotiations that may culminate in the U.S. government owning a chunk of Intel. Although rare, it’s not unprecedented for the U.S. government to become a significant shareholder in a prominent company One of the most notable instances occurred during the Great Recession in 2008 when the government injected nearly $50 billion into General Motors in return for a roughly 60% stake in the automaker at a time it was on the verge of bankruptcy. The government ended up with a roughly $10 billion loss after it sold its stock in GM

The risk from the recalled shrimp is “quite low,” said Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert at Rutgers University

Cesium-137 is a byproduct of nuclear reactions, including nuclear bombs, testing, reactor operations and accidents. It’s widespread around the world, with trace amounts found in the environment, including soil, food and air

The level detected in the frozen breaded shrimp was far lower than FDA intervention levels. However the agency said that avoiding potentially contaminated products could reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could lead to health problems over time.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials alerted the FDA that they found Cesium-137 in shipping containers sent to U.S. ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Savannah, Georgia. FDA officials collected several product samples and detected contamination in one sample of frozen breaded shrimp. The shipping containers and products were denied entry into the U.S. However, the FDA then learned that Walmart had received potentially affected products imported after the first detection, from shipments that did not trigger contamination alerts.

Walmart immediately recalled the products, a company spokesperson said. They include Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp with lot codes 8005540-1, 80055381 and 8005539-1, all with bestby dates of March 15, 2027. The shrimp was sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia. Consumers should discard the products or return them to any Walmart store for refund.

Mexico president denies DEA agreement claims

BY MARÍA VERZA Associated Press

MEXICO CITY Mexico’s president denied on Tuesday that her administration had an agreement with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, a day after the U.S. agency announced “a major new initiative” to collaborate in the fight against drug cartels. President Claudia Sheinbaum was referring to “Project Portero,” an effort announced Monday by the DEA, which called it a “flagship operation” against smuggling routes that move drugs, guns and money across the border

“The DEA put out a statement yesterday saying that there is an agreement with the Mexican government for an operation called Portero,” Sheinbaum said during her morning news briefing.

“There is no agreement with the DEA,” she stressed. “The DEA puts out this statement, based on what we don’t know We have not reached any agreement, none of the security institutions (have) with the DEA.”

A day after the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced a new initiative to collaborate in the fight against drug cartel, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said no such agreement existed.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

Sheinbaum said the only thing that was happening was a workshop in Texas attended by four members of Mexico’s police force.

Later, without addressing Sheinbaum’s criticism, the DEA said coordination with its Mexican counterparts on the training was “a significant step forward in advancing and strengthening law enforcement and intel-

U.S. destroyers head toward waters off Venezuela coast

Trump aims to pressure drug cartels

BY MIKE PESOLI, AAMER MADHANI and JORGE RUEDA Associated Press

WASHINGTON The United States is deploying three Aegis guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels, according to a U.S. official briefed on the planning.

The USS Gravely, the USS Jason Dunham and the USS Sampson are expected to arrive soon, said the official, who was not authorized to comment and spoke Tuesday on the condition of anonymity A Defense Department official confirmed that the military assets have been assigned to the region in support of counter narcotics efforts. The official, who was not authorized to comment about military planning, said the vessels would be deployed “over the course of several months.”

The deployment of U.S. destroyers and personnel comes as Trump has pushed for using the U.S. military to thwart cartels he blames for the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into American communities and for perpetuating violence in some U.S. cities.

Trump has also pressed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to cooperate more on security than her predecessor, specifically being more aggressive in pursuit of Mexico’s cartels. But she has drawn a clear line when it comes to Mexico’s sovereignty, rejecting suggestions by Trump and oth-

ers of intervention by the U.S. military Trump in February designated Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, MS-13 in El Salvador and six groups based in Mexico as foreign terrorist organizations. His administration has also stepped up immigration enforcement against alleged gang members.

The designation is normally reserved for groups like al-Qaida or the Islamic State group that use violence for political ends — not for money-focused crime rings such as the Latin American cartels

But the Trump administration argues the international connections and operations of the groups — including drug trafficking, migrant smuggling and violent pushes to extend their territory warrant the designation.

Earlier this month, the Trump government announced it was doubling to $50 million a reward for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of being one of the world’s largest narcotraffickers and working with cartels to flood the U.S with fentanyl-laced cocaine.

The press office of Venezu-

ela’s government did not respond to a request for comment on the deployment of the destroyers. But without mentioning the ships, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil in a statement Tuesday characterized the U.S. government’s drug-trafficking accusations against Venezuela.

“Washington’s accusing Venezuela of drug trafficking reveals its lack of credibility and the failure of its policies in the region,” Gil said. “While Washington threatens, Venezuela steadily advances in peace and sovereignty, demonstrating that true effectiveness against crime is achieved by respecting the independence of its peoples. Every aggressive statement confirms the inability of imperialism to subdue a free and sovereign people.”

The statement was followed by the government’s decision to temporarily ban the purchase, sale and operation of drones in Venezuela’s airspace. In 2018, drones armed with explosives detonated near Maduro in an apparent assassination attempt while he was delivering a speech to hundreds of soldiers being broadcast live on television.

ligence sharing with partners regarding an issue that has positive implications on both sides of the border.” Monday’s DEA statement mentioned that workshop, saying it had brought Mexican investigators to one of its intelligence centers to train with U.S. prosecutors, law enforcement, defense officials and members of the intelligence community Mexico’s visibly annoyed president made her comments just days after generally positive exchanges between the two governments following another extension to ward off threatened U.S. tariffs and another shipment of 26 drug cartel figures to the United States from Mexico.

Mexico had seemed to be repairing the security relationship with the U.S. after six years of tension under Sheinbaum’s predecessor,

Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who had reined in DEA agents operating in Mexico and accused the agency of wholesale fabrication when it arrested Mexico’s former defense secretary Sheinbaum’s administration had taken a more aggressive stance toward pursuing Mexico’s drug cartels and sent dozens of cartel figures sought by prosecutors to the U.S. Sheinbaum did say that members of her administration had been working for months with U.S. counterparts on a broader security agreement that was practically finished. She said that agreement was based on four principles her administration has stressed for months: sovereignty mutual trust territorial respect and coordination without subordination. The thing that seemed to

have her bristling Tuesday was the DEA sending out a statement without proper coordination. Sheinbaum said she asked the DEA to respect Mexico, to follow agreed-upon protocols for such announcements, and emphasized that Mexico only signs agreements with the U.S. government, not with individual agencies.

The DEA statement included a comment from agency administrator Terry Cole, who was recently tapped to lead the Trump administration takeover of the Washington D.C. police. “Project Portero and this new training program show how we will fight by planning and operating side by side with our Mexican partners, and by bringing the full strength of the U.S. government to bear,” Cole said in the Monday statement.

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His aunt

Family files suit against school leaders St. Helena teen killed in ’23 shooting

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer

A St. Helena Parish teenager was convicted last week for a 2023 fatal school shooting, but a lawsuit filed by parents of the student who was killed is still unresolved.

Vernon Gordon Jr., 16, was fatally shot at St. Helena College and Career Academy in Septem-

Complaint filed over part-time WBR fire chief

Parish defends hiring outside eligibility list

BY HALEY MILLER

Staff writer

Is former State Fire Marshal Butch Browning the fire chief of West Baton Rouge Parish under civil service law? The parish says yes. A resident complaint says no. In a complaint filed with the West Baton Rouge Parish Civil Service Board in July, John Summers protested that Browning’s name never appeared on the eligibility list when the parish was searching for a leader for its Fire Department. He says the parish president was required to select a full-time fire chief from the 2021 eligibility list Instead, former Parish President Riley “Peewee” Berthelot announced Browning as a part-time consultant called the “fire superintendent.” The Advocate confirmed through a public records request that Browning did not appear on the eligibility list when applicants were considered for the full-time fire chief position. Jason Manola, the current parish president, said Browning serves in a part-time capacity However to address the confusion, the parish plans to amend its civil service classification plan to remove the full-time chief description, he said Summers previously served as a volunteer firefighter before being terminated by Browning earlier in the summer “This isn’t about attacking anyone personally,” Summers said. “This is about following the law and making sure our community gets the professional fire protection it deserves.” Browning declined to comment on the situation, deferring to Manola, who said the issue is a technical one and does not affect parish residents. Manola said he intends to send a letter to the civil service board asking to remove the full-time fire chief position from the parish’s classification plan to correct the oversight Browning has served and will continue to serve as a part-time fire chief, he said. “A part-time position is completely allowable,” Manola said. “There’s many part-time fire chiefs throughout the state of Louisiana.” Parishes create civil service classification plans to lay out the duties and responsibilities of positions, like firefighters. In 2021, as West Baton Rouge Parish was consolidating individual fire departments into one fire protection district, the parish expanded the position of fire chief to full time. The parish administered the civil service exam for a full-time fire chief in November 2021, generating the eligibility list.

Manola said the committee reviewing applicants and Berthelot decided not to move forward with a full-time hire and preferred Browning to guide the ongoing consolidation as a consultant.

“I guess the hiccup or the question

ber 2023. His parents are suing the school district’s superintendent and board for negligence, claiming they “failed to timely act on known security risks and implement necessary improvements” before the shooting.

Vernon Gordon and Marquelle Bernard-Gordon, who are both reportedly former teachers at the school, filed the lawsuit last

September It is in the discovery process, according to the legal office that filed the suit. This process involves each party building evidence to support their arguments.

Christopher Williams, 16, was sentenced in August to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to the shooting that killed Vernon Gordon Jr and injured two other juveniles. The shooting took place

in the campus parking lot as the three victims were sitting in a car after school.

Williams was charged with second-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder and two counts of illegal carrying of a firearm. He was 14 years old at the time of the shooting and was tried as an adult.

During the most recent legal proceedings, multiple members of Gordon’s family brought up an alleged lack of safety at the school during victim impact statements.

told the court that

was killed at “a place where he should’ve been safe.”

The parents are also suing Williams’ mother, Ericka Cohn, for negligent supervision for allegedly failing to adequately supervise and discipline her son.

The lawsuit alleges that, on the day of the shooting, there was a lack of supervision and a disregard for safety policies by faculty

Baton Rouge consulting firm to run LSU search

System president hunt may occur partially out of public view

BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writer

The LSU committee charged with picking a new system president has chosen a consultant and hopes to have a decision by December, with some of the search to be conducted out of public view

At the committee’s Tuesday meeting, LSU Board of Supervisors Chair Scott Ballard announced the pick of SSA Consultants. The 55-year-old firm has ties to the university, with

President and CEO Christel Slaughter an alum and former faculty member of the business college. The choice of SSA signals a shift from previous presidential searches, during which committees selected firms outside the state. In 2020, the committee that resulted in the selection of former President William F. Tate IV picked the Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search as the firm. Before that, the committee selected R. William Funk and Associates, of Dallas, to conduct the search that led to F. King Alexander’s selection. In her speech, Slaughter said her firm was “very committed

JAGUAR

ABOVE: Members of the Human Jukebox practice outside the Southern University bookstore on Monday in Baton Rouge.

LEFT: Southern freshmen Tanajah Thomas and Keirstin Wolf walk to class on the first day of the fall semester

Woman accused of stealing from youth group

A Baton Rouge woman has been arrested, accused of stealing $42,000 from an Ascension Parish youth football group where she served as treasurer, according to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office. Heather Hinton, 43, was booked into the Ascension Parish jail on Tuesday on counts of illegal transmission of monetary funds, bank fraud and theft over $25,000. She turned herself in to authorities and admitted to the allegations after an arrest warrant was issued, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. The investigation began after members of the South Louisiana Youth Football Association

contacted the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office on Saturday with concerns about Hinton, who served as treasurer for an Ascension Parish affiliate group within the organization, according to the Sheriff’s Office. “Hinton was reported to have stolen approximately $42,202.40,” the Sheriff’s Office said. During their investigation, detectives learned that Hinton used the funds for personal expenses, over a period of time, through mobile app payments, ATM transactions and gift card purchases, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

“The South Louisiana Youth Football Association has assured members that current raffles

See BLOTTER, page 2B

Judgeblocksban on DEIinpublicschools

Partsofplanstopped while correlatinglawsuit is underway

BY SOPHIE BATES Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. Afederal judge has blocked portions of Mississippi’sban on diversity,equity and inclusion practices in public schools from being enforcedwhile alawsuit against itisunderway The provisions blocked by U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate on Monday seek to prohibit public schoolsfrom discussing alist of “divisive concepts” related to race, sex, gender identity,sexual orientation andnational origin. They would also prevent publicschools from maintaining programs, courses or offices that promote DEI or endorse “divisive concepts,” and bandiversity training requirements.

The preliminary injunction does not block other portions of the law,including those thatpreventschools from giving preferential treatmentbased on race, sex, color or national origin and that penalize students or staff for their refusal to embraceDEI concepts.

The law,which took effect in April, aims to prevent public schools from “engaging in discriminatory practices” by banning DEI offices,trainingsand programs Any school in violation of the act could lose state funding Agroup of teachers,parents and students is suing the state, arguing that the law violates their First and 14th Amendment rights.

Wingate wrote in his rul-

LSU

Continued from page1B

to having an aboveboard and transparent process,” echoing previous statements by the committee. Butother aspectsofthe discussion showed what the limits of that transparency might be.

Trey Jones, the legal counsel for the search committee, advised members on open records laws and how any written communication about the committee’swork could be counted as apublic record.

“Myrecommendation, as part of this process, is to avoid unnecessary public records when you can,”he said. “Keep the communications verbal. You’ll have official communications from the board office about these meetings as they progress.”

Previous searches for the LSU system president and chancellor role have seen varying levels of transparency.The search leading to Tate’shiring in 2021 was conducted mostlyinthe open and includedpublic interviews with the finalists. Yetthe one before aimed to keep candidates’ namesout of public view with the idea that it would allowfor abetter fieldof candidates.That search sparked afacultySenate vote of “no confidence” and alawsuitbynews organizations.

Jones said thecommittee would be following the law and guidelines that emerged from the 2013 lawsuit and advised that committeemembers should direct anyinterested candidates to contact the chosen firm.

“The law allows ourconsultant, Dr.Slaughter,to confer with potential candidates without disclosing those individuals’ identities,” he said. “And that’s the tightrope we walk between full transparency and also attracting the best talent, because many of these people …are in jobs already,and disclosure that they’re interestedin another job can be detrimental for their current position.”

aresult of their speech.

ing thathe finds the law to be at odds withthe First Amendmentand thepublic interest of the state.

“Itisunconstitutionally vague, failstotreat speech in aviewpoint-neutral manner,and carries with it serious risks of terrible consequences withrespect to the chilling of expression and academic freedom,” he wrote.

Wingatealso granted the plaintiff’srequest to add classactionclaims to the lawsuit, meaning theinjunction will apply to teachers, professorsand students across thestate. Theplaintiff’s lawyers sought the addition aftera U.S. Supreme Court rulinginJunelimited theability of federal judges to grant sweeping injunctions.

JarvisDortch,the executive director of theACLUof Mississippi, which is helping litigate the case,saidhe was thankful forWingate’s stance.

“The Courtsees the law for whatitplainly is —an attempt to stop the proper exchangeofideas within the classroom,” Dortch said in a statement.

Wingate’srulingfollows a temporary restraining order he grantedtothe plaintiffs in July At an Aug. 5hearing, lawyers representing theplaintiffs argued the law is too confusing, leaving parents, teachers and students wondering what they can and cannot say and whetherthey could face consequences as

Public comments

Themeeting alsosaw commentsfrom acurrent studentand an alumnus, who bothargued the committee did notaccurately represent the university’s communityand state. Zane Sutor-Benfield, an LSU sophomore, focused on Gov.Jeff Landry’s appointment offive board membersonthe committee.

White men make up the vastmajorityof the 20-person group, whichconsists of health care leaders, businessexecutives, seven LSU board members,two professors, a2022 graduate andacurrent student as well.

Thesearchsofar

In her rema terreported interest fromp didates and se table tofinisht

“Wehave been work expedientl are hopingtob December,” she Ballardsaid tants was select group of few firms

“All being eq to use local,l LSU-centric p as they’re av said. “Asshe sa of experience. experience wi past with other Slaughteradd company had Monday,af chief financial sub-consultan Lookingahea asked members four additional meetings on Sept. 1, Oct. 29 andN said the firm had email accountf candidates toc

“Eventually committeew no less than more than five to bring to the pervisors,” she personally, wi with you, Ithink

Cliff Johnson, aprofessor at theUniversity of Mississippi Law School andMississippi director of the MacArthur Justice Center,testified thatheand his students often discuss what could be considered “divisive topics.”

Johnson saidhedid not believe the law would allow him to teach about the First, 14th and 15th Amendments; the court case thatpaved the way for the internment of Japanesecitizens during WWII; portionsofthe Civil Rights Act; or themurders of Emmett Till and the Rev. Martin Luther KingJr.

“I think I’m in avery difficult position. Ican teach my classasusualand run the serious risk of being disciplined,orIcould abandon something that’svery importanttome,” Johnson testified. “I feel abit paralyzed.”

The Mississippi Attorney General’sOffice argued that public employees do not have FirstAmendment rights.

“They arespeaking for the government and thegovernment has every right to tell themwhat theyneed to say on its behalf,”said LisaReppeto, an attorney at the state attorney general’soffice. She added that the First Amendment does not give students the right to dictate what their school does or does not say Reppetoalso said the consequencesofthe law areaimed at theschools —not students or teachers— andthatthe plaintiffs’ “argument is notconsistent withwhat is in the statute.”

lot. If we do our job, we ought to be able to identify afew highlyqualified candidates.”

Email Christopher Cartwright at christopher cartwright@theadvocate. com.

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MONDAY,AUG. 18, 2025

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BLOTTER

Continuedfrom page 1B

andfundraisers are not impacted by the fraud,” theagency said.

Manaccused of crimes against girl

AHouston man was arrested after he was accused of travelingtoAssumption Parish last summer and committing sexual crimes against a15-year-old girl.

J.D. Price III, 25, was ar-

SUIT

Continuedfrom page 1B

members, ultimately allowing Williams to driveto school withafirearm They also claimthe school failed to use state grant funds for security measures to employ aschool resource officer at the time Since then, the district has worked with local lawenforcement to hire aresource officer and install updated security cameras, according to previous school district statements andSchoolBoard

COMPLAINT

Continuedfrom page 1B

out there is, when thatwas done on May 9, did they formally remove the full-time fire chief from the classification plan?” Manola said of Browning’sappointment in 2022. “Even though the parish president notified the civilservice board, didtheyfully remove it? It does notlook like they did.”

State Examiner Adrienne Bordelon toldThe Advocate thatthe eligibilitylistfor thefire chief position expiredinJune2023and that Browning maintainsthe statusofconsultant to the department

rested earlier this month in Texas by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, according to the AssumptionParish Sheriff’s Office. He is beingheldinthe Assumption Parish jail on counts of carnalknowledge of a juvenile,computer-aided solicitation of aminor and pornography involving juveniles. Accordingtothe AssumptionParish Sheriff’s Office, awoman contacted the department in August 2024 after she saw texts on herdaughter’sphone that indicated aman had trav-

meetings.

The lawsuit also alleges that months before the shooting, the school district had Crime PreventionThrough Environmental Design security assessments conducted by itsinsurancecompany, which provided aroad map for safety improvements.

The plaintiffs claim the School Board andsuperintendent allegedly “ignored thecomprehensive security assessment” and “choose to delay implementingthe necessary security measures” after receivingthe assessment.

“Had theSt. HelenaParish

“I’d say it’sanunusual occurrence,” Bordelon said. Manola said the classification has not affected parishresidents. With Browning at the helm,the Fire Department has achieved improved fire ratings for the parish and launched an ambulanceservice, he said.

Theparish pays Browning $50,000 underhis current contract. The fulltime salarywould be at least$150,000, Manola said.

When the department is readyfor “the reinstatement of afull-time fire chief, when it’sboth operationally and financially appropriate, I’ll make aformal request to the civil servicetoupdate theclass plan accordingly

eled to AssumptionParish to engage in sexual activity with the girl. “Detectivesrecovered electronic evidencesupporting the allegations of the complainant and through investigation were able to identify the suspect” and secure warrants for his arrest, the statement said.

Pricewas released into the custody of Assumption Parish sheriff’s deputies on Sunday.Heremains in jail, pending abond hearing, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

School System acted responsibly and timely implemented these securityupgrades, the tragic shooting and (Vernon Gordon Jr.’s) death would have beenprevented,” thelawsuit states. Because of pending litigation,the school district will have no comment, Superintendent Kelli Josephwrote in an email.

Theparents are askingfor damages including wrongful death, survival and bystander damages. Email Claire Grunewald at claire.grunewald@ theadvocate.com.

to addthe full-time chief,” Manola said. In his complaint, Summers said thediscrepancy between Browning’sduties andthe full-time firechief classification creates public confusion and legal liability He said he is calling for the parish to administer the civil service again and select a full-time chief from the eligibility list.

“Thisisn’t just apaperwork issue,” he wrote.“Civil service rulesexisttoensure that leadership jobsinpublicsafety arefilledfairly, legally,and basedonmerit rather than political connections.”

Email HaleyMiller at haley.miller@ theadvocate.com.

Tourere, and AlfredBarr Jr.; grandchildren, Jordan Keowen (Cameron), Trey Bordelon, DavidBordelon (Bella),Rachael,Shelby, Madison, and Cole Tourere;great-grandchildren, Ireland and Reece Keowen; and ahost of other lovingfamilymembers and manydearfriends

Hymel,Allen St.Philip Catholic Church in Vacherie at 11am

Obituaries

Barr Sr., Alfred Michael 'Mike'

Alfred Michael "Mike Barr Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Baton Rouge, LA, surrounded by family, on August15, 2025. Born on November17, 1940, in Harlingen, TX, to Wilbur Dean Barr and Ruth Margeva "Peggy" Barr. Mike carried the spirit of a Texan allhis life. Mike graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1964 with adegree in Chemical Engineering. His career with Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation spanned over three decades. Moving to Baton Rouge not only shaped his career, but also his life- here, he met and marriedthe love of his life Lily Diane McDonald, in 1966. Together they raised three children and were blessed with seven grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. Mike was a devoted husband, father andgrandfather who loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed grabbing coffee with friends, tending to his koi pond, and taking pridein his yard. Aproud Longhorn,heloved cheeringonhis alma mater. Known forhis unmistakable, booming voice and his generous spirit, he was alwaysready to help when someone was in need. He led his family with strength, wisdom and faith in God. Above all, Mike was afaithful servant of the Lord. He was an active member anddeacon at First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge for many years. His life was defined by hard work, devotion to family and friends, and love for his Savior, Jesus Christ. The Barr family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to @ Home Care of Louisiana, especially Glenda Emery, along with many others who provided care and support. They are also deeply thankful to Toni at Compassus Hospice for the compassion and guidance shown in his final days. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Dean and PeggyBarr; brother, MurrayBarr; sister,Diane Heatley; son-in-law, Henry "Hank" Tourere; in-laws, Robert McDonald Sr. and Marie McDonald; brotherin-law, Robert McDonald Jr.; and nephew, Jason Foster. Mike is survived by his wife of 58 years, Diane Barr; children, Michelle Bordelon (Mickey), Tracey

Though his voicemay no longer fill the room,his wisdom, strength, and love he instilled willecho for generations. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 12:30pm until the time of funeral servicesat2pm. Burial willimmediatelyfollow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieuofflowers, donations may be made in Mike's name to St. Jude Children's ResearchHospital @www.stjude.org Family and friends are invited to signthe online guestbook at www.greeno aksfunerals.com

"Letusnever consider ourselves finished nurses. We must be learning allof our lives."-Florence Nightingale. Rosalyn Sue Cordell passed awayon Friday, August8,2025 in BatonRouge, Louisiana afterher battlewithParkinson's. She wasbornon November 23, 1944 in Bauxite, Arkansas to Herbert Williamand DorothyDunmire Cordell;she enjoyed sayingthat shewas brought by theturkey, but not by thestork!

ShegraduatedfromLittleRock CentralHigh School in 1962 and from theUniversity of Arkansas in Fayetteville with aBachelor of Science in Business Administrationin1966. Shemarried Dexter Leake RollinsofDallasand moved to BatonRouge, Louisiana in 1969. Rosalyn made agracious homefor theirtwo sons, serving as Cub Scout den mother, part time substitute teacher,and realtor.

Hercallingtohealthcare ultimatelyled herbackto her studies, graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University in

1987 with aBachelor of Science in Nursing. She then embarked on afulfilling career in the Surgical Intensive Care UnitofOur Lady of the Lake Hospital and at Woman'sHospital. Known affectionatelyas "Hurricane Roz,"her strength and caringnature were memorable. Beyond herworkinthe medical profession, Rosalyn'screative outlet wasthrough her catering company, "Cakes by Roz,"knownfor her specialtyrum cake. Rosalyn served in the Junior League of Baton Rouge, on the Vestry of St Luke's Episcopal Church and as aLay Eucharistic Minister at St. JamesEpiscopalChurch. She loved to entertain at her home, and shetraveled widely.She found immense joyinplayingtennis at BocageRacquet Club and in learning to scuba dive.

Rosalynissurvived by her sisters Myrlene Tedford (Robert)and Karen Cordell, bothofBenton, Arkansas; her brother Herbert WilliamCordell (Becca) of Lousiville, Colorado; her sonDavid Cordell Rollins(Julie)ofBaton Rouge; her sonMichael Dexter RollinsofMontreal, Canada; her granddaughters SophieRae Loubiere Rollinsand LillianSteele RollinsofBatonRouge; her granddaughter Lila Rose RollinsofWestwood Kansas; and many beloved nieces and nephews, Robin Tedford Perry (Roger), Charleen Tedford Francis (Michael), Mark Rollins Olson(Tisha), Will Cordell, andAlex Cordell (Linsey).

Thefamily would liketo extendheartfelt gratitude to Carmen Darensbourg, R.N.,and Kristy Mays,YorchaLeatherman, and Jeannette Ruffin,the gentlest and most patient caregivers. They also wish to express deep gratitude to theresidentsand staffof theWilliamsburg Senior Living Community fortheir supportover the past years. Visitationwill be at 10:00 am on Friday,August 22, 2025 at St. JamesEpiscopalChurch in Baton Rouge, followedbya service and reception at 11:00 am.Anadditional receptionwill be heldat4:00 pm at Williamsburg Senior LivingCommunity. In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to theBauxite Historical Association and Museum:6707 Benton St., Bauxite,AR72011.

With heartsfull of love and deep gratitude, we announce thepeaceful passing of Martha Nell Richard Ledoux Gray, affectionately known to allas"Mama Nell", on August 16, 2025, at theage of 91.

BornonJanuary 30, 1934, Nell liveda life that radiated grace, strength, and unwavering faith. She wasthe cornerstone of her family,a guiding light to her friends, and abeacon of hope to countless others who came to knowher simplyasMama Nell Through her words, her prayers, and her ever-open doors, she created alegacy rooted in thelove of God and thestrengthof family and community. Faith, family,and friend-

ships were notjust values she cherished—theywere theveryway shelived.Her life wasa livingtestimony, aministryinmotion Whetherthrough herwarm homemade chocolate chip cookies, agentlehug,or herfamous "ListeningEar 101 with Mama Nell"chats, she nurturedthe souls of everyoneshe encountered. Herhomeand herden were arefuge.Her voice wascomfort. Herpresence,a blessing Mama Nell nevermet a stranger. If you were in need,you hada motherin her. Herden,her living room, herchurch pew were sacredspaces where lives were changed.She wasa true friendand confidante, trustedbymanyto hold their stories,their tears, andtheir triumphs. In every season, she showed up,prayedover, andstood beside the peopleshe loved. As we mourn theloss of herphysical presence, we also celebrate theincrediblelegacyshe leaves behind:a legacyofprayer, kindness, laughter, resilience, anddeep,abiding faith. Sheshowedushow to live with purpose and love withoutlimits. Shewas preceded in

death by herdevoted husband, Billy Gray, Sr;daughterinlaw,Debbie Ledoux; grandson, RitchieLedoux (Morgan);and hergreatgranddaughter, Angel GraceWheat. Sheissurvivedbyher childrenDarlene Ledoux Domangue (Roy), Richard Mark Ledoux, Denise LeDouxBurstall(Blake), LynnLedouxWells (Daryl), Billy Gray, Jr (Lisa), Dione LeDoux(JimBolner), David LeDoux(Kimberly).

Sheisalso lovingly rememberedbythirteen grandchildren: ChristiDomangue Cameron (Jeremy), DanielDomangue (Kim), AimeeWheat (Brad), AshleyLedoux, Aaron Burstall(Makayla), Tyler Burstall(Allie), LaurenBurstallWardlow (Kelby), Jared Wells, Leslie WellsPaille (Nathan), Cayle Gray (Brigette),Garrett LeDoux(Sara), Kelsey LeDouxMoore (Jonathan), andGavinLeDoux.

Herlegacycontinuesin fifteengreat-grandchildren,Bryton and Brailyn Cameron, Charley Alaina, Matthew,Abigail, Grayson and Lawson Wheat,Hunnerand Brody Ledoux, Ava DeBate, McKenzie,Maddie andMatthew Burstall, Ira Wardlow, andHiram Paille

4B ■ Wednesday,August 20, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com

The familyinvites all who loved Mama Nell to celebrate her wonderful life at Household of Faith Church, 10469 Airline Hwy Gonzales on Friday August 22 from 5-8pm and again on Saturday, August23 from 9am until service at 10:30am. Interment will follow at Hope Haven Cemetery,Hwy 30

Gwin, Mary Ann

Mary Ann (McKee) Gwin passed away August 16, 2025 after along illness at her home in Kingwood, Texas. She was 92 but celebrated her 93rd birthday with familyand friendsin August. She was born on September 11, 1932 in Mt. Jackson, Pennsylvania on the family farm.

Mary Ann graduated from Oregon State University in 1990 with aBachelor of Arts. She demonstrated her perseverance by beginning her college career at Westminster College in 1950,then LSU, University of California at San Diego and finally completing her degree requirements at Oregon State University, a span of 40 years. She played the piano for church for many years, led Girl Scout troops, traveled extensively, and held many responsiblepositions in church leadership. She carried her farm girl heritage through the years by always having agarden MaryAnn hada longand stellar career as asecretary.Her organizational and managerialskills made her invaluable to university department chairmen and to her husband Clifford with his business.

Mary Ann was predeceased by her husband Clifford LavelleGwin and her daughter Ruth Filby Kirsopp. She is survived by her daughters Carol SzczukowskyofGermany and Roberta Kirsopp of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her stepchildren Kathy Lasko of Nashville, TN, Gary Gwinof Eagle, ID and Patty Booker of Greensboro,NC. There are numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. The familywishesto thankJan and Bonner Warr for their friendship and support.

Services for Mary Ann will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 10 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 22110 Northpark Drive, Kingwood, Texas 77339. Graveside services willbeheld at alater date at Bethel Cemetery in Enon Valley, Pennsylvania.

he enjoyed travelling. During the course of hislife he became acertifiedMasterDiver,and he was an entrepreneur in the computerindustry. He earned his degree in Industrial EngineeringfromWayne State University in Michiganand his Master's and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette. His careerwas as varied as his life. Ed workedfor theU.S. PostalService in Allen Park, MI, and General Motors in Detroit before moving to Baton Rouge to work forEthyl Corporation. He served as anursing home administrator, created computer programsfor Louisiana loancompanies and nursing homes, workedfor the Louisiana DepartmentofHealthand Hospitals, and workedat LSU in its ComputerRehabilitationTraining Program.Edretired from the Louisiana Department of EnvironmentalQualityto enjoyhis familyand friends. He is survivedby his wife, Charlotte Vincik Hoover;son DavidHoover; daughterCheryl LeBlanc; and his lovinggrandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife,Kathryn Giessel; and grandson MatthewDavid Hoover. Visitationwillbeheldat GreenoaksFuneral Home and Memorial Park, 9595 FloridaBlvd, Baton Rouge LA 70815onThursday, August 21st from 8:30 am until Services begin at 10am. Burial willfollow in Greenoaks MemorialPark. Inlieuofflowers, please donatetoone of the Parkinsons Foundations or charity of your choice. A special thankstothe staff of Modern Home Health and Hospice fortheircare and compassion.

Gary MasonLove, anativeofMcNary, LA and a resident of Denham Springs,LA, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025,atthe age of 77. He graduated from Glenmora High School, wherehelettered in basketball and baseball,and then attended NorthwesternState University. Gary went on to serve in the National Guard. He worked forthe Louisiana Department of Laborand forFEMA. He was amemberofthe GlenmoraMasonic Lodge No. 356. He was alifelong fanofLSU sports.Hewas a co-founder of Concerned Parentsfor Children's Rights and helped pass state joint custody laws. In his final days, the light of his life was playingwith his grandchildren, Caroline and Brooks.

He was precededin death by his parents, James Marvin Love, Jr.and Bertha "Bertie" Lilly Love. He is survivedbyhis children,Tracy de'Ann Goudeau, Stephanie Lyn Siddle, LauraRae Love,and ChristopherJames Love; grandchildren,ToriHogg, StevenGoudeau, Katie Doggett, Caroline Love, and Brooks Love; great-

grandchild,Ellis Hogg; and

toomany friends to list or name, butALL were near and dear to his heart

Visitation willbeheldat Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy in BatonRouge,onFriday, August 22, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Pallbearers willbeChris Love,John Bailey, Rodger Wright,Ray Bark, Paul Champagne, BobbyLove, and GeorgeLove. Honorary Pallbearers willbeJack Stokeld,Tommy Melder, Tom Welford, JoeGreen, Bruce Keltner, and Glenn Johnson.

Family and friends may sign theonline guestbook or leave apersonal note to thefamily at www.resthav enbatonrouge.com.

"Weare confident,I say, and willingrathertobeab‐sentfromthe body,and to bepresent with theLord.” 2 Cor5:8.Mae Jean Young MilletpassedawayonSun‐day,August17, 2025, at her homeinPrairievillesur‐rounded by herfamilyat the ageof80. Shewas born inBreauxBridgeand ana‐tiveofBayou Sorrel.Mae was ahomemaker.Visita‐tionwillbeatWilbert Fu‐neral Home,24120 Railroad Avenue,PlaquemineonFri‐day,August22nd, from 5to 9 p.m. andonSaturday, Au‐gust23rd, from 9a.m.until religious serviceat11a.m conducted by Pastor Tyler Scott. Burial will follow in Grace Memorial Park.Mae issurvivedbyher husband of64years,Columbus "Poochie" Paul Millet, Jr.; fourchildren, Marc An‐thony Millet, PearlRuth MilletRobbs andhusband Brian,ColumbusPaulMil‐let,III andwifeLiz,Laurie LynnMillet; son-in-law, Larry Davis; nine grand‐children, eightgreatgrandchildren;siblings, HaroldYoung andwife Gaye, Yvette Young Men‐doza, Gloria Young Bonin. Mae wasprecededin death by herdaughter, An‐gelaMaria MilletDavis; parents,William andMable HebertYoung;siblings, MaryJaneCurry,Bill Young,CurtisYoung,Leroy Young;great-grandchild, AtreyuCulpepper.Mae was amemberofGospel Light BaptistChurch in Baton Rouge. Please share memoriesatwww.wilbert services.com.

Mott, Virginia 'Genny' Virginia "Genny"Mott entered into eternalrestin Baton Rouge, Louisianaon August8,2025 at theage of 76. ViewingatMiller& DaughterMortuary, 5905 LA-19, Zachary, LA 70791 on Friday, August 22, 2025 from4-6 pm;Viewing re‐sumes at Allen'sTemple Church,3921 McClainRd, Liberty,Mississippi,39645 onSaturday, August 23, 2025 at 9:00 am until Cele‐

brationofLife Serviceat 11:00 am

Peebles, Vivian Diane 'Diane' Vivian Diane Peebles left this planeofexistence on 08/08/2025. She left behind 4daughters, Mashawnia, Danica, Yvette, and Jodie, 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Death endsall earthly needs And thesoul passed on intoits Destiny.

Robert,Barbara Martin'Bobbie'

Barbara "Bobbie"MartinRobert,a nativeofDenham Springs, LA and aresident of BatonRouge, LA, passed away at her home on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at theage of 87. Bobbie enjoyed gardening, fishing,and LSUBaseball. She is survivedbythree sons, Dale Tommy Robert Jr., Michael Robert and wife Jennifer, and Mark Robert and wife Karen; daughter, LindaRobert Thibeau and husband Duane; son-in-law,Jody Stephens; eightgrandchildren,Brent Talbot,Stacey Talbot King and husband Heath, LeighAnn Thibeau Levy and husband Daniel; LeslieThibeau, Christopher Robert and wife Jeanie, KellyRobert Duvall and husband John, Kimberly Robert Lowrance and husband Jason,and Kory Robert and wife Catalina; 14 great-grandchildren; and 1great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceded in death by her husband, Dale Robert, Sr.; her daughter, PamelaRobert Stephens; herparents, Allenand Hilda Sellers Martin; greatgrandson, JacobRyan

Thibeau; great-greatgranddaughter, Wrenley; andsisters, Dorothy Robert andShirley Burke. Visitation will be held at ResthavenFuneral Home, 11817 JeffersonHwy. Baton Rouge,LA70816, on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. untilFuneral Service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven GardensofMemory. In Lieu of flowers, thefamily requestthatdonations be made to St.Jude Children's ResearchHospital,262 DannyThomas Place Memphis, TN 38105. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave apersonal note to thefamilyatwww.resthavenbaton rouge.com.

MarieS.Robinsonen‐tered into eternalrestat Zachary ManoronAugust 11, 2025. Shewas a77-year old native andresidentof Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Viewing at GreaterBeach Grove MissionaryBaptist Church on Saturday,Au‐gust23, 2025 at 9:00 am until CelebrationofLife Service at 11:00 am con‐ductedbyPastorKeno Spurlock, Sr.; intermentat RoselawnMemorialPark. Survivors includeher chil‐dren, SherlithaRobinson, Richmond, Virginia and JohnRobinsonIII (Alicia), Baton Rouge; siblings,Pas‐tor GusSpurlockSr. (Debra) andDonaldR SpurlockSr. (Renetta)all of Baton Rouge; Rev. LarryD SpurlockSr. (Dwania) KansasCity, Kansas;Pas‐tor Keno Spurlock Sr.(Lisa) and LeteciaMiles(Mark) all of Zachary, Louisiana; sisters-in-law, June Spur‐lock, NewIberia, Louisiana, and DiannSpurlock, Baton Rouge;grandchildren,Ja‐mari, Jaliscia andJohn Robinson, IV;great-grand‐children, Journe'and AriyahRobinson; John, Jr andJosiahSimmons;aunt

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ElvenKnighten, Baton Rouge,LA; anda host of nieces, nephewsother rel‐ativesand friends; Shewas precededindeath by her husband,JohnRobinson Jr.;parents,Rev.Dr. and Mrs Emmitt Spurlock Sr.; siblings, Henry(Linda) GlenSr. andEmmitt Spur‐lockJr. Arrangements en‐trusted to Miller and DaughterMortuary.

or even go without care

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the beginningofa beautiful life together. They have adaughter, Darlene Roper Waguespack who has three sons and daughtersin-law, Kye and Emily, Kade and Alex, and Kory andAshley. They have a son, Chad Alfred Roper and wife Sherry who have two daughters, Micah and Ryan. Darlene's sons have also blessed them with three great grandchildren, Wyatt, Natalieand Ian and great grandbaby #4 on the way. Alfred is also survived by twelve siblings: Maryann Lambert, Joyce and NJ Bourgeois, Barbara and Roger Kramer, Rose and Kerry Melancon, Linda and Malcom Torres, Bibiana and NelwinWeber, Neil and Rhonda Roper, Jude Roper, Dennis and Susan Roper, Kathleen and David Donaldson, Jacque Roper, Gerard and Mary Ellen Roper, and brother-in -law Alvin Hebert, his Goddaughter, Annette Poche, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Alfred, Sr. and Stella Roper, his sister, Patsy Hebert, and brother-in-law, Donald Lambert. In 1984, Alfred established Alfred Roper Contractor, Inc. and his legacy continues with Chad since Alfred's retirement in 2017 He and Chad builtbeautiful custom homes together over many years. After his retirement, Alfred looked forward to going to Purpera Lumber most morningsfor coffee with his friends then spending much of his days either woodworking and building furnitureinhis workshop beekeeping, or taking care of his vegetable garden. Nothing made him happier than fishing and crabbing in Grand Isle with his wife and family. Cruising the Grand Isle beach in his golf cart with Regina and their dog, Lulu,was ahighlight. Over the years, Alfred and Regina enjoyed traveling together with his siblings. He also looked forward to cooking jambalaya every year forChad and Sherry's St. Patrick's Day parade partyinBatonRouge. His grandchildren knew they couldcount on him to be at their football games, baseball games, soccer games, track meets and orchestra concerts. After reading his bible first thing every morning, Alfred looked forward to texting bible verses to his twelve siblings, even if it was 3:00 AM! His faith was strong, his heart was kind, he was funny, and he had so much love to give. Alfred will be remembered and missed by so many. The visitation will be held at Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales on Wednesday, August20, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The visitation will resume on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 9:00 AM until the funeral service at 11:00 AM celebratedbyRev TommyPierce.

Robert and CarrieSikes. He livedinLiberty, MS and was anative of Jackson, LA. He passed away unexpectedly August 3, 2025 at the ageof32.

BJ grew up loving to ride 4-wheelers on Thompson Creekand Forest Hill. One time,when he was in time out, around age4 or 5, he stated he was going to get his own 4-wheeler and ride it on the creek himself. Eventually he did (with supervision). He enjoyed anything outdoors, especially fishing and huntingwith his UncleJr. and Houston. Helovedspending time with his grandmasDarlene and Joyceand allofhis siblings and littlecousins.

Later,after moving to Mississippi,hecontinued his love of the outdoors and helping on the farm, especially with the horses, cows, goats and donkeys. Bushhogging, not so much. He wouldhavehuge bonfires from the logs and limbsonthe farm.Hewent fishing any chancehegot BJ lovedhis beach and road trips (and crawfish). He was an excellent cook mostlyonthe grill. He developeda love of gardening and meditation to clear his mind and wouldspend hours tilling the soilto plant whatever seeds he had boughtorfound.He loved allanimals,especially his fur babies, Boss and Queen.

Heispreceded in death by: His father, RobertC Sikes, Sr. Sister, Emilia Marie Silva.Grandparents, Gene (Joyce)Sikesand Carrie Darlene Dees.

He is survived by his Mama/Nanny,Angela J. SikesDees and Mother, CarrieBlount. Siblings, Courtney Sikes, Jose (Papa) Luis Silva, Jr.,Felipe del Jesus(Tina)CobaChi, Maria del Carmen (Samuel) De Leon, Devan Blount and lifelong friends RJ Henry and Chase Steele numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Pallbearers willbeJose Luis Silva, Felipe delJesus Shannon Sikes,Sam Sikes, Devan Blount,RJHenry, ChaseSteele

Acelebration of lifewill be held August 23, 2025 at the Liberty Church of Prayer in Liberty, MS starting at 11 forvisitation until the servicesat12.

"Foreverloved, never forgotten"

22nd, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Port Allen,from8 a.m. until MassofChristian Burial at 10a.m celebrated by Rev. Jerry Martin.Burialwillfol‐low in St.JosephCatholic Church Cemetery in Grosse Tete. Pallbearerswillbe LaremyHoward, Kaleb Clark,Les Miguez,Jason Rasti,LoganBrewer, BryantAshley, PatBabin and Chad Hebert.Honorary pallbearers will be Patrick Babin andJim Tullier. Glendaissurvivedbyher husband of 35 years, Kevin T.Smelser,Sr.;children, April Clouatre Rastiand husband Jason, KevinTrent Smelser,Jr. anddaughterin-love,MollieOlinde; six grandchildren,Brittany Rasti Howard (Laremy), Amber Graves Clark (Kaleb),Jacelyn Rasti Miguez(Les),Anna Grace Olinde, Luke Shannon Rasti,EllaJoyce Smelser; seven great-grandchildren, Rylan Kimble,HarperClark, WoodyClark,Charlotte Howard, Kale Clark, StevieAnn Clark, HenryHoward; sister-in-law,TamiSmelser; numerous nieces and nephews.Glendawas pre‐ceded in deathbyher par‐ents, Arthur andAgnes An‐gelle Hebert;siblings, Mary Tullier,Russell Hebert Renella Hebert,NellieMc‐Donner, EveAshley, Ernest Hebert, RickyHebert; fa‐therand mother-in-law, Walterand Pauline Smelser;brother-in-law, Keith Smelser. Thejoy of Glenda’slifewas spending timewithher familyand spoilingher grandchildren. She wasanexcellent cook who lovedhosting Christ‐mas gatherings at her homeand likedtowatch Lifetimeand Hallmark TV The familywould like to extendspecial thanks to the staff at GraceHealth and Rehab, especially Ta‐tianna,Nakisha,Byrd, Des‐tiniand Robertha.They would also like to thank Hospice of BatonRouge Pleaseshare memories at www.wilbertservices.com

WaggenspackLeBlanc, OllieMae Peltier

Ollie Mae Peltier Waggenspack LeBlanc passed away on August 17, 2025 at theage of 97. Ollie was ashining light in the livesofall who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one markedbylove, compassion,and unwavering faith in God. She has now gone to join thosethatpassedbefore her; her husband of 64 -years, Harold Waggenspack and her husband in recent years, Eugene LeBlancSr.,her infant sonJody; herparents, Emile and Blanche Peltier and her siblings; Mary Blanche Marchand,John Selby Peltier, Robert Emmett Peltier, Alvord Charles Peltier, Emile Peltier Jr and her stepson, Eugene LeBlancJr. She leaves behind those to cherish her memory;her sons, Gerard Waggenspack (Waymonth), Robert Waggenspack (Carla) and David Waggenspack (Yvonne)and her step-children,Anne (Bert) Dorgant Helen (Bob) Causey, Jeanne (Phil) Harris, Lydia

(Darwin) Haydel, Mary ClaireLeBlanc, daughter-in -law Kaye LeBlanc, Philip (Julie) LeBlanc, Rachael (Duane)Schexnayder, Estelle (Tim) Hill, Laura (Cliff) Comeaux, Mark(Ellen) LeBlanc.

She was theproud grandmother of Gerard Smiley (Misty), Luke Waggenspack (Michelle), AaronWaggenspack (Kimmberly), Adam Waggenspack (Elizabeth), Brian Waggenspack (Melissa), Cathy Waggenspack-Landry (Dustin), Derek Waggenspack (Anna), Emily Waggenspack (Randall), Stephanie Volion (Thomas) and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survivedbyher sisters,Catherine Sharp, CarolPeltier, and Linda Landry and ahost of nieces, nephews and family members.

Ollie Mae graduated from St. Gabriel High School in 1945 as theValedictorian. After,she attendedOur Lady of the Lake School of Nursing earning her RN.She began her careerwith OLOL in Labor& Delivery where she remained for 25 yearsuntil they closed theunit.After itsclosure, she worked in thenew Recovery Room. Three years later,she was promotedtoHead Nurseof theOutpatient Surgery Unit,until she retired.Even after she "retired"she went back in theNAN (NursesasNeeded) program in thesame unitfor 3 additional years. She continued her service as aEucharistic Minister at OLOL for 15 years.

Ollie was acaregiverby nature and always wanted to be there to helpothers. She wasa woman of faith and was activelyinvolved at St.John theEvangelist CatholicChurch. She was a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, &a member of the LadiesAltar Society where she wouldembroiderthe crosses on thechurch linens. She enjoyed baking her famous sourdough rolls and cinnamonrolls forthe church bake sales.

Ollie lovedsewing, crocheting, embroidering, cooking and tendingtoher flowers.She enjoyed traveling to many states.Her favoritetrip was when she and Haroldparticipatedin

the250th Anniversaryof theOregon Trail, retracing thesteps of theearly pioneers. Shewas blessed to marrytwo wonderfulmen wholoved to travel, dance, andtalkasmuchasshe lovedtolisten. With Eugene, she enjoyedtravelingtoDisney, Alaska, and Europe. Aboveall,she lovedspendingtimewith herfamily. Thetimes and memoriesshared will be cherished forever by all of those whoknewand loved her. Although Ollie'sphysicalpresence may no longer graceour lives,her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us.May her memory be ablessing,and may we carry forthher legacyoflove and compassion in all that we do.

Thefamilywould like to express their gratitude to Pinnacle Hospice,Hospice of Baton Rouge Butterfly Wing andOllie Steele BurdenManor for all their compassion whilecaring forOllie

Pallbearers will be Adam, Brian, Derek, and LennyWaggenspack, DustinLandry, andRandall Skillern

Familyand friends are invited to attenda Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at St John theEvangelist Church in Prairieville. Thevisitation will begin at 9:30AM with theMass startingat 11:00AM. Shewill be laidto rest at Hope Haven Garden of Memory in Prairieville. Fond memories andwords of condolencesmay be expressed at

www.OursoFH.com In Lieu of flowers, the familyasks that any memorial donationsbe made to Franciscan Missionaries of OurLady University (FranU)inhonor of Ollie Waggenspack. Allow thelight andthe healing presence of Christ to Shinebrightlythrough yourlives.Inthat way, all those whocome in contact with you will discover the loving kindnessofGod."

-St. Pope John PaulII

Daddy, Three years have passed since your transition and yet it feels only like yesterday. We thank God for the long life you lived and its impact on our lives. No amount of words can capture how much we miss you! Your love, wisdom and guidance continues to be aLIGHT to our pathway. Your legacy lives on. We ask God to give us strength as we

Your Children &Grandchildren Moses Jr.,

LOVINGMEMORYOF Moses Evans Sr Jan16, 1931 -Aug 18,2022

make levee inspections anothersource of storm stress

It is troubling that budget cuts could forcethe curtailing of U.S. Army Corps of Engineerslevee inspections, especially in New Orleans. Last week, the Corps announced thatreduced funding meant it would notbeable to conduct its regular, driving inspectionsofthe morethan 300 miles of levees in the New Orleansareathis yearornext. This week, however,the Corps said that ithad secured additional funding, and that the inspections would happen this year. The plans for 2026, however,remain uncertain. The Corps’ best practices urgethese to be done at least everytwo years, but they have been doing them yearly. Morerigorous inspections, which are conducted on foot, areusually done every five years and are plannedfor 2028. Special inspections will be conducted when required, officials have said The New Orleans area isn’t theonlyplace affected, either.Inspections of the morethan 3,100 miles of levee that protect Louisiana —the statewiththe most leveed area in thenation could also be reduced duetocuts.

The Corps has seen fundingfor theinspections go from an average of around$1million peryearto $764,000 in 2024 and $691,000this year.Inspections used to be donebymultiple engineers who would produce acomprehensive report. Last year,however,theyweredone by “two people, three at most,withbasically a twopage report, and you’re done,” aCorps spokesperson told this newspaper’sAlex Lubben.

No one in Louisiana needs to be reminded of the catastrophic effects that aleveefailurecan bring. Corps vigilance on levee conditionhas been ahallmark of post-Katrinareforms. Any such curtailing of inspectionsonly compounds theseasonalworry that many of usfeel.

That vigilance grew out of thelessonslearned from the devastating breaches duringHurricane Katrina. Before thatstorm,levee inspectionsinNew Orleans were less rigorous. In one case, inspectorstook only aboutfive hoursto examine 100 miles of levees, for instance Afterward, the Corps vowed to do better. It said it would inspect levees closely andalso rate local levee boards and officials on theirattentiveness to flood protection.

We certainly understandnot just theimpulse, but the need to reduce the size of the federal government. We areglad, at least in the New Orleans area,that the twoauthoritiestasked with overseeing flood protection have vowedto keep inspections frequent and rigorous.

But we worry that political turmoil, as we have seen on the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East this year,isbeginning to divertfocus fromthe effectivemaintenance of asystem that has failed before and is an existential need.

We are certain that no one, includingCorps leadership and Louisiana’selected officials, wants to see arepeat of what happened when the levees were not up to thetask.

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE AREOUR

GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence

TheAdvocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com.

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE

BatonRouge candobetter than condonerudeness

I’m quiteusedtomyhometown showing up in national headlines, usually for terrible reasons.Our unique blend of politics, religion and crassness seems to yield the mosthard-hearted stories imaginable. In keeping withthis tradition, recent actions by local Christian leaders have once again put us on a stage of national embarrassment Ifled Baton Rouge 10 years ago for greater opportunity and less backwardness. Iattended LSUand always planned on becoming aChristian pastor,though my collegeeducation revealed that wasn’tquitefor me.

While I’m thankful Inolonger have to see theworld’slargest crosses every time Idrive down the interstate, I still occasionally see equally gaudy and archaic reminders of my birthplace. In this mostrecent instance, agroup of local Christian leaders penned aletter andshowed up to ameeting in support of another pastor fired for treating a human poorly Regardless of which weapon you

Imust say,I have grown rather weary of opening to the second page of the front section of your publication and all toofrequently seeing something about how Israel is harming Palestinians. I would say this happens on average five days out aweek. Are youplanning on dubbing this page the “Israel harms Palestinians page?” It certainly seems so.

July 10: Israeli strikes kill 40 in Gaza

July 13: 59 Palestinians and in Gaza killed by airstrikes, shot

July 14: Israeli strikes kill at least 32 in Gaza

July 15: Israeli strikes kill at least 31 in Gaza, officials say July 16: Healthofficials: Israeli strikes kill over 90

July 20: Israeli troops kill 32, Gaza officials say July 21: Officials: 85 seeking aid killed in Gaza

draw in theculture war, can we not all agree that treating another human with kindness, respect andlove is moreimportant than feeling righteous?

Iwas not surprised to see only Christian leaders on the abhorrent list of letter signers, even my childhood church —Woodlawn Baptist —joined in. And for what? Demanding the reinstatementofaman terminated forviolating theterms of his agreement, and specifically for refusing to call someone what they wanted to be called? That isn’tloving, it isn’tkind —it’sshameful and rude behavior and should not be tolerated anywhere.I have tried to embody thebetter parts of our culture in aforeign land. In addition to our food, people seem to respondwell to somethingBaton Rouge forgot along time ago —hospitality and charm! Pleaselove everyone, be curious and stop forcing me to say I’mfrom New Orleans.

ANDREWROBERTSON Prairieville

July 22: Israeli forces push intocentral Gaza City July 23: (demotedtopage 5A) Forces kill over 1,000 aid-seekers, report says What’supwith Hamas these days? Do theystill want to wipeout allJewish people? Are theykillinginnocent Israeli adultsand children alike? Are theyshielding themselveswithinnocent Palestinians so thatthey can remainunharmed, starving them and leavingthem without medical aid? What about the Israeliand American hostages theyhave heldsinceOctober 2023 who have not yet been released? Perhaps you should keep us moreinformed about what thisterrorist groupis doing these days. Ithink that we can all agree thatthis situation is horrific,but let’skeep abalance, shallwe?

SUSAN C. LEVIN Metairie

Hospital contributesmuchtocommunity

Itake exception to the shrill, hypocritical letter to the editor,“Hospital should invest in patients, not stadium seats,“ by Greg Caballero on July 30. Nothingscreams hypocrite louder than aletter writer declaring where Jesus did not heal people. Jesus healed people wherever they

are. He still does. Isuggest the letter writer learn alittle bit about America’s healthcare system in 2025. Iencourage prayer in our community for thecontinued success of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady JEFF ANGERS Baton Rouge

The July 24 newspaper reports that six Southern states, led by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, are forming an accreditation system forcolleges and universities that will set standards forcourses in anti-equity,diversity and inclusion. Also in the news, national parks have been directed by executive order to rewrite any “negative” history (I already witnessed the rewrite last month along the Natchez Trace). Any mention of the Trail of Tears, of slavery, etc., must be rewritten to include “merit.”

The direction our country is now taking has been set. Icannot fathom whywehave becomeso cruel. Maybe it’sasign when we elect leaders whohave been convicted of various crimes, including sex assaults. Maybe it’sasign when we elect leaders whobully and create AI videos of former presidents being arrested. Maybe it’sasign when we elect leaders whowish to rewrite history,turning the pages to appeal to their own selfish needs.

Iagree with both Angele Givens of New Orleans, whowrote the letter,“What would Jesus think of Alligator Alcatraz,” and Cindy Kendall of Youngsville, who wrote, “Treat prisoners as you would wanttobetreated.”

“Jesus loves us all. and led by his love Iwill also love. though my heart is broken.”

Iadd my voice to both Givens and Kendall.

EVANS Baton Rouge

In Adrian Bruneau’srecent letter to the editor he gave a complete and accurate description of the current Republican Party.However,hestated he was describing “the left.” Perhaps he should ask the editor to print a correction, replacing “the left” with the Republican Party LINDARAFF NewOrleans

Trumpistruly historic

If you had to sum up President Donald Trump’ssecond term so far in one word, you could do worsethan “epic.”

Trump may be on the path to the most consequentialpresidency since Ronald Reagan’s We don’tknowhow it will end —anunforeseen crisis could upend everything— but the emphasis has been on governing ambition from Day One. Even if Trump’ssecondterm ended tomorrow, he would have left a significant mark.

Consider his signature issues of trade and immigration.

For all the talk about how hedoesn’t have core convictions,Trump has favoredtariffs for decades and has instituted atariff regime that —absent discrediting economic turmoil —is likely to endure.

This would have seemed almost unthinkable when Trump descended the elevator in 2015 and arelatively free-trade consensus prevailed in U.S policy

He’sbrought border crossings toa historic low,and the U.S.could experience negative net migration for the first time in 50 years.Again, thisisa big change, and one that it’shardto imagine anyone besides Donald Trump effecting.

He’sdealt ablow to DEIprograms in thefederal government and is making it harderfor collegesand universities to pursue race-consciouspolicies. His election coincided withthe beginning of apullback from DEI in theprivate sector,one that his administration has encouraged.

DEIwas the culminationofa halfcentury campaign by the left forquotas in hiring and admissions and other racialized policies. Trump’scounteroffensive could represent an inflection point.

He’ssigned atax and spending bill that makes permanent the taxcuts from his first term, fundsa large-scale investment in immigration enforcement and includesameaningful reform of Medicaid.

He bombed the Iranian nuclear program, at the very least setting itback for years. He cajoled commitmentsfor greater defense spending out of NATO coun-

tries. Almost any oneofthese itemswould be anotable first-six-months accomplishment,but he’sdone them all, with lots of other activity besides. Hisenvironmental and energy officials are rolling back the left’sclimate agenda. Trumpdefunded public broadcasting andkneecapped theDepartment of Education (for now). The administration hastaken important steps to protect femalesports and to keep minorsfrom being subjected to “gender-affirming care.” He’spushed universities into adoptingreforms and probably upended forever theassumption that billions of federal dollars would flow to top universities as amatter of course.

His election was both asymbol of, andcatalyst for,the woke tide’sreceding.

Trumphas what is, in recent memory an unprecedented grip on his party andhas remade it in his image over the lastdecade. If aTrump-endorsed GOP nomineewins thegeneral election, he wouldbethe George H.W.Bush to Trump’sReagan. In sum, the rise of Trumpin2016 represented abreak withwhat had beenthe post-Cold Warconsensus, althoughitwas incompletely realized

and seemingly apolitical fizzle when voters ousted him in theCOVID election of 2020. Biden was apartial return to amore conventional politics. Now with his second term, Trumpismore fully effecting atransition to anew era, which, alone, makes him ahighly consequential figure.

The usual caveats apply: Again, a catastrophe could scramble all of this, and to say Trumpisimportantisnot to endorse everything he’sdoing, whether big (e.g., thetariffs) or small (e.g., firing the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner) Since he’sdone so much unilaterally, it’ssubject torelatively easy reversal if aDemocrat is elected in 2028. But there’slittle doubt we are witnessing somethinghistoric.

Steve Haywardcalled his volumes on theRepublican giant of the 1980s “The AgeofReagan” (and Arthur Schlesinger wrote both “The AgeofJackson” and “The AgeofRoosevelt”). The equivalent of HaywardorSchlesinger decades from now will probably be justified in continuing the trope. All indications are that we are living in the AgeofTrump.

Rich Lowry is on X, @RichLowry

Puttingredistricting in perspective

In assessing the currentcontroversy over Texas Republicans’ proposed redistricting of the state’sU.S. House seats, two historic facts should be considered. One is that the principleofequal representation by populationiswell establishedinAmerican history.In1787, the Constitutional Convention required themembers of the House of Representatives to be apportioned according to population as determined by acensus to be conducted within three years and every 10 years thereafter This was aremarkableprovision —the first example, so far as Iknow,inwhich representation was directly linked to population, and in which it was to be adjusted by what was the first regularlyscheduled national census.

law,which automatically reapportioned Houseseats among thestates by applying an arithmetic formula to thecensus results.

The Democratic Party is having an identity crisis; that muchisobvious. The question now is whether the party will draw the wrong lessons from Trumpism and try to defeat the right by replicating its populism.

Americans have already seen some of the horrors wrought by right-wing populism. Among them: Agrowing police state. Bizarre, brain-pickling conspiracy theories about depraved elites and outsiders. (They are purportedly destroying your jobs, corrupting your kids and controlling the weather.) And of course, acultlike devotion to acharismatic leader who represents the true will of The People and promises to solve their problems by punishing their enemies.

After all, that is the unifying theme of populism: Promise voters they would have abetter life and nicer things if not for [insert scapegoats here].

Identifying acabal to blame can help win elections, but it is not agreat strategy for governing.

President Donald Trump and his supporters are learning this the hard way.Turns out, traumatizing scientists, rounding up brown immigrants and tariffing foreign tomatoes do not, in fact, lead to lower prices, better jobs or more available health care. Without any deliverables, Trump’sapproval ratings on virtually every issue are now underwater That’strue even for his onetimestrengths, such as inflation and immigration.

Somehow his failures have not redounded to the opposition party’sbenefit. If Trump’sapproval ratings are in the toilet, Democrats’ remain in the sewer.Insomerecent polling, views of the Democratic Party have reached record lows.

Faced with widespread dissatisfaction within its ownranks, the party faces afork in the road. It can continue the more pragmatist, technocrat-driven approach characteristic of Obama-era Democrats —which former President Barack Obamahimself recently advocated. Or they can hop on the populist, “Fighting Oligarchy” bus tour (or,well, private jet tour).

The Framers were thinking demographically.They were certainlyaware of the 1780s controversy in Britain over “rotten boroughs,” in whichawealthy Indian merchant could electtwo members of theHouse of Commons by buying four pieces of property in Old Sarum.

The second thing to remember is that the Founders were awareofpartisan redistricting. Another signerofthe Declaration and member of the Constitutional Convention was Elbridge Gerry,who, as governor of Massachusetts in 1812, signed astate senate redistricting bill that combined agrotesquely shaped group of towns in Essex County into one district, drawn by cartoonist Elkanah Tisdale with the wings and clawsof asalamander.This was the original gerrymander (pronounced by purists like Gerry’ssurname, with ahard“g”), which clustered Gerry’sFederalist opponents in asingle district.

Congress in 1842 required equal-population districts withinastate, but that provision was overturned in the 1929

The Supreme Court ended this in 1964,requiring one-person-one-vote congressionaland state legislative districts. As aclose student of every redistrictingcycle sincethe 1960 Census, Ihave observed how theequal population standard severely limits the political gains for even the most partisanredistricters. Thisisa useful background for appraising theuproar over TexasRepublican Gov.GregAbbott’splans to redraw the state’s districtlines this summer, which is much louder than when New York Democratstriedsomething similar last year.The Texan Republicans’ statedpurposeistoincrease their majority of their state’sHousedelegation from25-13to 30-8,asignificant gain considering that Republicans control the current House (with vacancies filled) by just 220-215. But there was astench of hypocrisy in the air when Texas Democratic legislators fledtoIllinois, where Democrat JB Pritzker,in2021, signedaredistricting plan thatgave his partya14-3 edge. Similarprotests andpromisesofretaliation came from DemocratsKathy Hochul of New York, whosedelegation is 19-7 Democratic(and would be more so if astate court had not rejected an even morepartisan plan),and Gavin NewsomofCalifornia,whose districts (drawn by asupposedly nonpartisan but obviouslyliberal-leaning independent commission)are currently 43-9 Democratic Varioushigh-minded folks have been callingfor redistricting reform. But it’s hard to take politics out of politics

Critics complain about grotesquely shaped districts, but over the years, most of those have resulted from in-

terpretations of the Voting Rights Act requiring maximizing thenumber of Black- or,lessoften, Hispanic-majority districts. Those interpretations resulted from fears, justifiedwhen theact was first passed in 1965, that Whites would vote near-unanimously against Blacks, though as long ago as 1972, aWhitemajority Atlantadistrict elected civil rights leader AndrewYoung. Today,with nearly half the Black membersofCongresselected in nonBlack-majoritydistricts and in anation thathas elected and reelected aBlack president,and withgrowing numbers of Blacks voting Republican, that jurisprudence is on the brink of obsolescence The Supreme Court has announced it will rehear argumentsina Voting Rights Actcasenext fall.

So what should be done about gerrymandering? Nothing beyond strictly enforcing the equal population rule, which limits but cannot eliminatepartisandistrict-drawing. As for grotesque shapes, if theSupreme Court takes JusticePotterStewart’sview of obscenity (“I know it when Isee it”), thatwould unleash atide of partisan litigation that the court wishes to avoid.

There’s acase where gerrymandering doesn’t make muchdifference. The 10 largest states elect amajorityofHouse membersand are currently the only venues where partisanredistricting can switchmorethanone or twoseats. One hundredand tenRepublicans and 125 Democratscurrently represent them. The Texas change would switch thatto115-120. That would be 49% of those states’seats,the same as the 49% of their popular votes won by Donald Trump there in 2024.

Maybe the Framersgot it right when theyopted for theequal population principle as the key to fair representation. Michael Barone is on X, @MichaelBarone.

New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who promises free buses and government-run grocery stores, is the latest avatar of the more maximalist, interventionist populist movement. But its spiritual leaders have long been Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.And it has found some new converts, such as Sen. Chris Murphy,D-Conn. In many ways, the populist left and populist right are not alike. Among other things, their tolerance for human rights abuses seems, uhh, quite different. They also have different scapegoats. For the left, everything is rigged by billionaires, greedy corporations and often those Obama-era Democratic centrists —oravague notion of aDemocratic “establishment” too beholden to the donor class. But the rhetoric from the populist left and right has some similarities: Youwould have nice things if not for the corrupt elites keeping them from you. Youcould have better access to medical care, education and transportation if not for those stingy oligarchs. You’d have better jobs and lower prices if it weren’tfor those greedy corporations. Your kids would be less anxious and more well-adjusted if not for the toxic manosphere. And we’d all be richer and happier if it weren’t for Big Tech. OK, here both sides of the political horseshoe might agree.

This commontendency to respond to complicated social problems with scapegoats, slogans and simple solutions explains why apopulist everyman such as Joe Rogan can seamlessly transition from Feeling the Bern to jumping on the Trump Train.

The GOP’srecent tax-and-spending law is ahuge transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich. Elon Musk did have way too muchpower over government decisions (at least until he didn’t). Likewise, some American workers did lose jobs due to foreign trade. And huge numbers of immigrants did cross the border in recent years, stressing some cities’ infrastructure.

But chalking up complicated problems to some evil, easy-to-sloganeer mono-cause limits the ability to solve those problems.

For example: Rich people and corporations can definitely afford to pay higher taxes, as Ihave argued many times. But the reason we don’thave Medicare-for-all is that Americans don’thave the stomach for the middle-class taxes such ahuge expansion of the safety net would require.

Even if you seized the entire wealth of every billionaire in the country —i.e., impose a100% wealth tax —that would pay for Medicare-for-all for just over ayear.Forget free college or other Scandinavian-style welfare-state expansions that the fabled billionaire money tree is also earmarked for.But anyone who points out math problems like this, or suggests some less ambitious alternative, is tarred and feathered as acorporate shill or handmaiden to the oligarchs.

Trade-offs and constraints matter.And countering big, undeliverable promises with different big, undeliverable promises is likely to lead to even more voter disillusionment —and anever-ending search for the next scapegoat.

Catherine Rampell is on X, @crampell.

SPORTS

Moore: Saints haven’tdecided on starting QB

Jacksonville

Caesars Superdome.

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

Anyone interested in theSaints wants to know who will winthe team’s quarterback battle —even those in coach Kellen Moore’sown home.

“Mykids included, Mooresaidwith a laugh. “It’s afun conversation. They’ve got advice about everything.” Despite the curiosity,Mooresaid the Saints have yettodecideona starter even as thefinalfew quarterback battles around the league haveconcluded.On

“It’s

KELLEN MOORE, Saints coach

Tuesday,the Indianapolis Coltsnamed Daniel Jones their starter over Anthony Richardson. Aday earlier,the Cleveland Brownsannounced veteran Joe Flacco beat outShedeur Sanders, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel to win their job. That leaves New Orleans withthe last remaining quarterback battle, but the Saints are in no rush to judgment Moore said

Mysteryremains

Southern lettingQBcompetition play outuntil Saturday

BY TOYLOYBROWN III

Staff writer

“Nope.” That was the first word Terrence Graves said in response to the first question in Tuesday’s media availability ahead of Southern football’s season openeragainst North Carolina Central at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Center ParcStadiuminAtlanta

The second-year coach’sreply was to the question of whether the team had decided on astarting quarterback.

“Nope, we haven’t,” Graves said. “We’ll find out Saturday.”

Graves said not naming aquarterback isn’tanattempt at secrecy,indicating the competition hasn’ttruly ended

Thequarterbacksbattlingfor thetop

“We’ll find out Saturday.” TERRENCE GRAVES,Southerncoach

spot areredshirtsophomoreand lone returner JalenWoods,juniorJacksonState transfer Cam’Ron McCoy andfreshman Dillon Compton.

The Jaguars recently added afourth quarterback in juniorAshton Strother, whotransferred from Coahoma Community CollegeinMississippi. He is not being considered to start theopener,given how late he joined. He stepped on campus four or five days ago, Graves said. When asked how muchofachancethe freshman Compton has at starting, Graves said he’sincluded in thecompetition.

Last season, Graves decided on quarterback Noah Bodden as the starter nine days before theseason opener against McNeese State. In that decision, Graves said game experience was the primary differentiator as the then-junior Bodden won out over three redshirt freshmen. This timearound,Graveshas multiple quarterbackswho hasplayedcollegiate games. Woods appeared in six games, winning theonly two contests he was astarter for,last season for Southern. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound quarterback completed 38 of 66 passes for 541 yards passing, four touchdowns and threeinterceptions. He also had 19 rushes for 48 yards. McCoy,who transferredtoSouthernin

ä See SOUTHERN, page 4C

FedEx Cup’spathclear,significance

He also said Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough again rotated reps withthe starters in practice Tuesday.And the Saints will use this week leading to Saturday’spreseason finale against the Denver Broncos as another measuring stick.

“It’sclose,” Moore said. “Welook at every aspect of thisquarterback situation. It’sreally,really close. Numbers, experience reps, everything. It’s going all the way back to the start of training camp.Everything is very,veryclose between this group.”

Tigers arranging newdepth on defense

BY WILSONALEXANDER Staff writer

Whenever Brian Kelly talks aboutthe LSU defense this year,he touts its improved depth. He can see it in the defensive line rotationsand positionbattles in the secondary.LSU hasoptionsthatit didn’thave before, creating competition in spotswhere the team used to be thin.

“I certainly love the depth that we really haven’thad over the first three years,” Kelly said. With the improvements to the roster, the LSU defense has impressed throughout preseason practice. It hasmadeitdifficult for the offense to move the ball, andwhile that could be indicative of an offensive issue,there is optimismaboutthe defense going into the second season under defensive coordinator BlakeBaker In Baker’sfirst year,the Tigers madeareasonable jump after bringing back most of the players from ahistorically baddefense in 2023. Now,after adding several experienced transfers and developing some youngerplayers, LSU may have adefense that can actually dictategames.

Here is aprojected defensive depth chart with less than two weeks until LSU plays its season opener against Clemson Defensiveend

Starters: Jack Pyburn (Sr.) andGabriel Reliford (Soph.)

Rotation: Patrick Payton(R-Sr.) and Jimari Butler(R-Sr.)

Also: Kolaj Cobbins (R-Fr.)

Pyburn alreadyisknown for being able to set theedge, andhe showed some progress as apass rusher.Hewill start on oneside, andReliford andPaytoncould rotate on theother.Relifordhas gottena lotoftimewith the first-team defense as he headsinto hissecond year.Paytonwill playa lot, even though he hasn’tflashed yet. Defensivetackle

Starters: Bernard Gooden (R-Sr.) andDominickMcKinley (Soph.)

Rotation: Ahmad Breaux (Soph.) andJacobianGuillory (R-Sr.)

has the lowest score gets $10 million in official prize money, an official victory and world ranking points. Except for the big boost in prize money,it’sno different from how theTour Championship was before words like “points” and“playoffs”entered the golf vernacular And that’swhy the significance of winning the FedEx Cup has never been moreconfusing. Scheffler hashad the best season.Hehas twiceasmanyFedEx Cuppoints as Rory McIlroy,twice as many majors (2-1)and two more wins. But now the FedEx Cup —de-

ground. Can it be aseason-long competition if the winner Sunday hadn’twon atournament all year?

“Yeah, you’re definitely theFedEx Cup champion,” said Patrick Cantlay,who hasn’t won atournament all year.“Ithink at this point,ifyou played awhole year and get into theTour Championship with the 30 best guys who have played thebest all year,and you beat them that week with everything on the line, that’sa huge accomplishment.” It’sabout gettingtoEast Lake. And then it’sabout

page 6C

Gooden quickly earned astarting roleafter transferring from South Floridainthe spring. He has a quick first step and playswitha lot of energy, makinghim apreseason standout.LSU haspaired him with McKinley on thestartingdefense, but it’s going to rotatethe topfour. Breaux has been productive,and Guillory said he has fully healed from historn Achilles.

Linebacker

Starters: West Weeks (R-Sr.) and Whit Weeks(Jr.)

Backups: Davhon Keys (Soph.) and TylenSingleton (R-Fr.)

Whit Weeks has been limited at times as LSUmanages his workload comingoff an ankleinjury in theTexasBowl, butthere doesn’t seem to be anyconcern thathewill be readyfor the opener.Next to him, the decision to redshirt West Weeks last year looks like agood

ä See LSU, page 4C

2:40 p.m.

6p.m.

Mixed DoublesESPN2

NFLstars areunder pressure

Fields amongthose whohavethe most to provethisseason

BY DENNIS WASZAK JR. AP pro football writer

The pressure is on several bigname NFL players as they enter aseason thatwill go along way toward determining their playing futures.

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields is getting another chanceasa starter on histhird team in five years, this time looking to help end the league’slongest active playoff drought at 14 seasons.

Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence got ahugepayday before last season —afive-year,$275 million contractextension,including $142 million guaranteed —but struggled with injuries andinconsistency as the Jaguars missed the postseason.

San Franciscorunning back Christian McCaffrey,Dallas wide receiver George Pickensand Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts are among ahandful of NFLstars with somethingtoprove because of injuries, mediocre play or needing to justify big contracts.

Justin Fields, Jets Fields wasafirst-rounder in 2021 by Chicago, which hoped he was the Bears’ franchise quarterback. He was gone after just three seasons, sent to Pittsburgh wherehewent 4-2 for an injured Russell Wilson before headingto the bench for the veteran.

He now is replacing Aaron Rodgers with the Jets, who signed him to atwo-year,$40 million deal, installed him as their starter and believe his dual-threat playmaking ability is aperfect fit for their new-look offense.

Trevor Lawrence,Jaguars

The No. 1overall pickinthe 2021 draft went to the Pro Bowl as an alternateinhis second season with abreakout year,but he hasn’t been able to match that success. Lawrence played in only 10 games last season because ofa shoulder injury and then aconcussion. He is playing for anew coach in Liam Coen and is still considered apotential franchise quarterback. Two-way rookie sensationTravis Hunter should help, but Lawrence’s health and consistency are

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByNOAHK.MURRAy

Newyork Jets quarterback Justin Fields looks to pass against the Newyork Giants during apreseason game on Saturday in East Rutherford, N.J.

thekey to theJaguars’ success on offense.

ChristianMcCaffrey,49ers

The2023 AP Offensive Player of the Year has proven himself before, bouncing back from injuries to become adominant playmaker McCaffrey will need to do it again for the 49ers, and this time is coming off aseason marredbyknee and Achilles tendon issues. And, he’s 29, an age when manyrunning backsstart to decline. McCaffrey has looked like himself during the summer and another reboundseason could help the 49ers get back to theplayoffs.

J.J. McCarthy,Vikings

The10thoverall pick in last year’sdraft, J.J. McCarthy very well could’ve been Minnesota’s starter as arookie if not for aknee injury in the preseason opener that sidelined him the rest of the season.Sam Darnold stepped in and had the best year of his career.But the Vikings decided to notre-signDarnold, whosigned athree-year,$100.5million contract with Seattle.Minnesota has turned its offense over to McCarthy,who needs to reward their faith by being acapable leader for aplayoff-ready team.

Geroge Pickens,Cowboys

In May,Dallas acquired the

2022 second-round pick from Pittsburgh to be itsNo. 2receiver and complement CeeDee Lamb as Dak Prescott’sprimary options in thepassing game. Pickenswas aplaymaker for theSteelers, butnot enough with just one season of 60 or more catches and1,000 yards receiving, bothin2023. His frustration over alack of targets,penalties and sideline outbursts also helped makehis stay in Pittsburgh short Kyle Pitts, Falcons PittscametoAtlanta as the highest-selected tight end in NFL draft history at No. 4overall.His mix of speed, size and physicality had the Falcons daydreaming of mismatches all over thefield. Instead, Pitts has failedtobe that consistently dominant force. He has topped 60 catches and 1,000 yards receiving just once, both in his first season. Pitts is in thefinal year of his rookie contract.

Kayvon Thibodeaux,Giants

The pass rusher’sname came up in trade rumors during the offseason, particularly after the Giants draftedPennState edge rusher Abdul Carter withthe third overall pick. New York insisted it wanted to keep Thibodeaux— the Giants pickeduphis fifth-year contract option —tocomplement asolid pass rush rotation. Thibodeaux, a

first-rounder in 2022, is coming off aseason with just 51/2 sacks but insists his goalentering every year is to set thesingle-season record.

CalebWilliams, Bears

The first overall pick last year is entering only his second NFLseason, but all eyes have been on him in Chicagowith new coach Ben Johnson taking over Williamsput up solid numbers as arookie with 3,541yards passing, 20 TDs and only six interceptions. But he took waytoo many sacks— aleague-high 68. Some of the blame wasonthe offensive line, which has been upgraded, but Williams also routinely held theball too long.

BryceYoung,Panthers

The No. 1overall pickin2023 hadthe expected up-and-down struggles of arookie QB but was benched last season in favorof Andy Dalton after just twogames. Young regained the starting role after five games when Dalton went down with an injury and finishedona positive note with seven TD passes and no INTswith three rushing scores in his final three games, including twoovertime wins. He needstobuild on thatto erase anydoubt the Panthers have about theirlong-term plans at quarterback.

ColtsnameJones opening-daystarter

No.4 pick in 2023 draftRichardson will back himup

BY MICHAEL MAROT

AP sportswriter

INDIANAPOLIS Daniel Jones chose the Indianapolis Colts because he wanted achance to prove he could still be astarting NFL quarterback.

The gamble paid off Tuesday when coach Shane Steichen announced that Jones would start the Sept. 7season opener against Miami, beating out Anthony Richardson, who just two years ago was dubbed the franchise’s quarterback of the future.

The reason: consistencyand accuracy.“The operation at the line, discernment, checks, theprotection, the ball placement, Ithink all of that played afactor in it,” Steichen said. “I think Daniel did agreat job doing that.” Steichen hinted adecision was coming soon after Saturday’s23-19 loss to Green Bay in the Colts’ only home preseason game.

On Monday,hemet withteam co-owner Carlie Irsay-Gordonand general managerChris Ballard before informing the two quarterbacks and the restofthe team Tuesday before he wentpublic Ballard and Steichen also know this is acritical season fortheir futures with the franchise, which has missed the playoffs four straight seasons, and they’re not about to

Indianapolis Coltsquarterback Daniel

game against theGreen BayPackers on SaturdayinIndianapolis.

put Jonesona shortleash. ForJones,the decision capsa harrowing nine-month journey in which he lost the starting job with the New York Giants, then sought and was grantedhis release.

TheMinnesota Vikings signed himfive days later, but Jonesnever took asnap for ateam thatlostto theLos Angeles Rams in the wildcard round. Instead of re-signing him, theVikings allowed Jones to test free agency.Hewound up signing aone-year,$14 million contract with Indy because of the opportunity to compete with Richardson,the No. 4overall pickinthe 2023 draft,for the starting job.

“Thatwas obviouslyabig piece of why Icame here —toplay and be on the field, to be withthis group,” Jones said.“AndI think there’salot to be excited about.” Jones has thrown for 14,582

yards with70TDs and 47 interceptions since being theGiants’ selectionatNo. 6overall in 2019. He finished last season with2,070 yards, eight TDs and seveninterceptions in 10 games withthe Giants.

For Richardson, it’sanother setbackinashort career definedby injuries,missed games and blown opportunities. The Coltstook Richardson to end therevolving door at quarterback. Indy hada differentopening-day starter everyyear from 2017-23. Richardsonended that streak last year.But Richardson made only four starts as arookie before needing season-ending shoulder surgery.Last year,injuries cost himfourmorestartsand he was benched for two games after pulling himself out of agame because he said he needed abreather While Richardsonhas provided

All-Star pitcher deGrom to miss startfor Rangers

The TexasRangers aregoing to skip Jacob deGrom’sscheduled startthis week because of shoulder fatigue, but the club said it is merely managing his workload andheisnot expected to spend timeonthe injured list.

The five-time All-Star,who was supposed to start Wednesday night in Kansas City,was examined in TexasbyDr. KeithMeister,and the checks came back clean. That meansdeGrom could makehis next start as soon as next week.

The two-time NL Cy Young Awardwinnerhas pitched1401/3 innings across24starts this season, going 10-5 with a2.76 ERA.

That is by far the most innings deGrom has thrown since2019, when he eclipsed200 for athird consecutive year with the New York Mets.

Rams QB Stafford practices for 2nd timeinpreseason

Matthew Stafford went through his second practiceofthe summer with the RamsonTuesday, and coach Sean McVay seemed encouraged by his starting quarterback’sprogress in his recovery from an injured disk in his back.

McVayremains cautiously optimistic aboutStafford’sprogress after missing allofthe Rams’ two-week training camp at Loyola Marymount University andthe past twoweeks of preseason work while balancing it with an awareness anysortoftwinge or soreness could reset the quarterback’s progress.

McVaysaidStafforddid more in termsofchallenging himself against alive pass rush. Stafford could share his assessment forthe first timelater this week.

Dolphins sign Judon and add CB Dantzler

The Miami Dolphins made their signing of ProBowloutside linebacker Matthew Judon official Tuesday after working out the veteran the daypriorand added cornerback depth by signing veteran Cameron Dantzler

Judon adds another skilled player to an already deep edge rushing unit. Judonhad 41 tackles, 51/2 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown in 15 starts forthe Atlanta Falcons last year

Dantzler wasathird-round pick by the Vikings in 2020 and had 149 tackles and three interceptions in three seasons with Minnesota, but he hasnot playedfootballsince the 2023 season withNew Orleans. The Saints signed him to their practice squad and he appeared in twogames that season.

Pacers, coach Carlisle agree to multi-year extension

The Indiana Pacers rewarded coach RickCarlisle witha multiyear contract extension Tuesday following theteam’ssurprising run to the NBAFinals.

glimpses of the strong armand impressive runs that impressed Indy’sscouts whenhewas playing for the Florida Gators, he’sonly 8-7 as an NFL starter —and has been unable to finish some of those games because of injuries.

In 2024, Richardson completed 47.7% of his throws, the lowest percentage of any regular starter in the league, and had 12 interceptions and eight touchdown passes. That’swhy the Colts wanted the competition. Richardson worked on his footworkinhopes of improving his accuracy during the offseason, andwhile many of histeammates thought this was thebesthe’d looked in histhree training camps, it wasn’tgood enough.

“I feel like Idid improve,” Richardson said. “My improvement was there, but there are still ways Ican improve, still ways Ican become abetter player,becomea starterinthe league.”

It’s hardlythe first time ahigh draft pick hasfallen on hard times early in hiscareer.Richardson becomes the fifth top-10 pick who has not startedthe opener of their third season. Carson Wentz in 2018 and Michael Vick in 2003 were out because of injuries while Trey Lance in 2023, JoshRosen in 2020 and Matt Leinart in 2008 did not win the starting job.

And despite making the decision, Steichen insisted Indy continues to believeRichardson still has a bright future in the league,especially with the Colts.

Team officials made the announcement but provided no additional details about contract terms. The 65-year-old Carlisle seems to be rejuvenated in his second stint with the Pacers. He first took theIndiana job in 2003, and four seasons later,he was fired. After taking ayear off from coaching, the New York state native was hired by the Dallas Mavericks.

Carlislebecamethe longesttenured, winningest coach in franchise history,going 555-478 in 13 seasons while leading the Mavs to the NBAcrownin2010-11.

Five-time All-Star Wall announces retirement

John Wall is retiring after 11 NBA seasons. Wall, 34, played most of his career with the Washington Wizardsafter they made him the first overall pick in the 2010 draft out of Kentucky.The five-timeAll-Star point guard finisheshis NBA career with averages of 18.7 points and8.9 assists per game.

Wall played most of his career with the Washington Wizards, but also played forthe Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers. In his best season,heaveraged 23.1 points and 10.7 assists forthe Wizards in 2016-17 andwas named AllNBAthird team Wall was one of the fastest, most athletic point guards during his prime. He wasanelite defender, making the All-Defensive second team in 2015.

NEWORLEANSSAINTS

Rookie RB Neal hopestoplayvs. Broncos

BY LUKE JOHNSON and MATTHEW PARAS Staff writers

Every preseason game is abig one for the players who are fighting for roster spots, but thisSaturday’stilt against the Denver Broncos is especially crucialfor one member of the New Orleans Saints rookie class

Notebook

Running back Devin Neal,the Saints’sixth-round selection in thespring, is working hisway back from ahamstring injury that sidelined himfor both of the team’s first two exhibition games. Saturday will be his lone chance to show what he can do in agame setting —assuming he can play Neal was back at practice Tuesday for the first time since early August.

“It’sbeen achallenge for Devin, for all of us,” coach KellenMoore said. “I think Devin has just been wantingtogoout there so bad. Buthe wasabletopractice in alimited role today,which is awesome, he took the first big step.

“We’ll see if he’sable to build it in the next couple days and (be) in a position to play this Saturday.” Neal enjoyed arecord-setting career at Kansas, setting the school’s all-time rushing mark with 4,343 yards on the ground. He also missed just one game in his college career because of an injury “Sitting out and watching is not familiar territory for me,” Neal said. “It was really weird, Ididn’t like it, so Iwas working really hard to get back and do the thing Ilove.” Neal knows he has abig opportunity ahead of him Saturday.The Saints currently have aglutofoptions for depth behind starter Alvin

Kamara,agroup that includes aformerhighSaintsdraft pick (Kendre Miller), afew established veterans (Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Cam Akers) and one of training camp’s pleasant surprises (VelusJones). All of theaforementioned players have beenable to showwhat they can do in live game action to this point,while Neal has been limitedtoafew padded practices. Against theBroncos, he hopes to display his multifacetedskills —in pass protection, as areceiverand also as arunner “That’sjust showing that you’re aball player,honestly,” Neal said. “Making plays, making guys miss,

running hard andphysical —that’s what being arunning back is.”

Funnytiming

Luke Fortner wasn’tfar removed from leaving New Orleans when he heard thenews.

Theoffensivelinemanhad played aroad game against the NewOrleans Saints hours earlier, but he still made the flight back with theJacksonvilleJaguars

Shortly after landing, Fortner wasonthe team bus when he was told he needed tobeseen in an executive’soffice as soon as they got back to theJaguars’ facility He was being traded to the Saints

Ex-SaintsDTSaunders felt ‘joy’whentoldoftrade

BY MARK LONG AP pro football writer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Khalen

Saunders was playing Fortnite with friends at home Sunday evening whenNew Orleans Saints coach Kellen Moore called to deliver the trade news.

“Where to?” Saundersreplied. Jacksonville.

“The (team) we just played?” Saunders added. “It was asurprise.”

The postgamedealsent Saunders,a two-time Super Bowl champion nose tackle with Kansas City,to the Jaguars in exchange for backup center Luke Fortner.The trade had been in the works for days, long before the teams played to a 17-all tie in the Superdome on Sunday.Jacksonville had been looking to strengthen its defensive front while New Orleans was in the market foroffensive line depth.

Now both players are getting afresh start with a much better chance of making an opening-day roster.

“It was almost instantaneous the joythat came in,” Saunders said. “It’sfast moving, but Iwouldn’twant to be anywhere else.” Fortner was on acharter bus from the airportto team headquartersinJacksonville on Sunday evening when he found out about the deal.

“I got on aflight the next day and here Iam,” Fortner said after practicing with his new team Tuesday.“I’m glad Ididn’tget too scrapy with anybody (in New Orleans on Sunday). So, that was aplus.” Saunders wasone of three defensive additions for the Jaguars on Tuesday

Defensive tacklesArik Armstead (back) and Maason Smith (calf) practiced with the team for the first time since training camp opened.

“Both guys have done everything they can in order to get on the grass,” Jaguars coach Liam Coen said. “Tosee them out there is agreat sign. …Both guys

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By TyLER KAUFMAN

NewOrleans Saintsdefensivetackle Khalen Saunders looksonbefore agameagainst the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 17 in NewOrleans

have done nothing but worked their tails off to get back. Pleased about that progressfor sure.”

Armstead, Smith and Saunders are expected to playinJacksonville’s preseason finaleatMiami on Saturday,although it likely hinges on how much work they get during ajoint practice with the Dolphins on Thursday

Coen already hasagood feelingabout whattoexpect from the 324-poundrunstopper,having watched Saunders twice lastseason whilehewas TampaBay’s offensivecoordinator

“A guy that …I’ve got respectfor as avet that’s playedalot of meaningful downs in this league, has wonSuper Bowls,has been on teams that know how to win, and there’snoquestion he can help up in the middle there at times,” Coen said.

“He’shard to double-team andmoveinthere at times andalso has some ability to kind of redirect and has some initial(quickness), so Idobelieve he’ll help add some meaningful competition and depth in that room.” Saunders started 27 games for the Saints over the last two seasonsafter afour-year stintinKansas City He becameexpendable after theSaints switched to a3-4 defense under coordi-

nator Brandon Staleyand traded for Davon Godchaux from New England.

Fortner,athird-round draft pick from Kentucky in 2022, started 34 games for Jacksonville during his first twoseasons.But he was benchedinfavor of veteran Mitch Morse last year and was considered a long shottomakeJacksonville’sroster behind Robert Hainsey and rookie Jonah Monheim.

“I think he’s going to be able to take over that spot,” Fortner saidofMonheim.

“So,Ithink (theJaguars) saw an opportunity (to makeadeal) and took it.”

New Orleanswas seeking depthafter projected starting guardTrever Penning injureda foot in the club’s preseason opener andcould missregular-season games Saunders, athird-round draft pickin2019, has181 tackles and 61/2 sacks in 68 career games.

He’sexpected toslot in as abackup to DaVon HamiltononJacksonville’sdepth chart. Saunders arrived in town midday Monday, met his new teammatesand then spent several hours with coaches learning the defense.

“He brings alot of experience,a lotofgood depthand we’re luckytohavehim,” defensive end Josh HinesAllen said.

SAINTS

—the team he had just played. “I got on aflight the next day,so here we are,” Fortner said.

At leasthehad timetopack.

The Saints acquired Fortner in exchange fordefensive tackle KhalenSaunders.Moore said the move was made because the Saints needed offensive line depth after Will Clapp‘s season-ending injury earlier this month.

Fortner gives the Saints areliable veteran to back up starting center Erik McCoy.Fortner,a2022 third-round pick, started every game during his first twoseasons beforehewas demoted to abackup role last year

Continuedfrom page1C

Moore said the Saints haven’tdecided on playing time yet for thequarterbacks against the Broncos, but he indicated the quarterbacks have some “excellent work comingtheir way”— including the game.

The preseason statsreflect just how close thecompetition has been

In two games, Rattler has thrownfor 252 yards, one touchdown and an interceptionon25-of-34 passing. The rookieShough has completed 24 of 34 passes for 231 yards with one touchdownand one interception.

Rattler andShough have hadtheir moments to shine. In the first preseason game, Shough led the Saints on three scoring drives andhit Mason Tipton on a54-yard touchdown to earn him the start the next week. But against theJacksonville Jaguars,Rattler responded.He also led three scoring drives andengineered agametying touchdown drive that included atwo-point conversion on ascramble to the end zone. While Rattler appeared to

“Wefeltlikeitwas an awesome opportunity,” Moore said. “Luke’s done alot of good things in this league, played anumber of snaps, started anumber of games. He’s areallysmart player,sohegives us someinterior depth that we felt like could be very valuable as the season goes.”

Moore said it wasafunny coincidence the Saints just happened to be playing the Jaguars, but he indicated talks were underwaywell before the contest took place.

Fortner said he had an idea that atrade was apossibility,though he added he figured it might have come next week when teams have to trim their rosters from 90 to 53 players. The Jaguars drafted a rookie centerthis offseason, leaving him the odd man out.

“I’m glad Ididn’tget too scrappy with anybody (in Sunday’sgame),” Fortner said. “That was aplus. I didn’thave to comesay some sorries or anything, so that was nice.” Ridgeway status unknown

Moore said he considers the interior defensive line one of the deeper positions on the roster, whichhelped explain why the team traded Saunders. But that depth might be tested alittle bit: Moore saiddefensive tackle JohnRidgeway,whom the team acquired in atrade last season, is dealingwithaninjured pectoral muscle. Ridgewaycame off the field earlyinSunday’spreseason game againstthe Jaguars in obvious pain, with ahand over the left side of his chest.

Mooredid notrule outseasonending injured reserve for Ridgeway, saying the team will makean assessment once it gets the full medical report back with arecovery timeline.

open camp with aleg up on Shough —the second-year quarterback looked decisive andfaster —the secondround pick seemed to close the gapwhen the team began practicing in California for nine days. Sincethen, Shough has shown noticeable improvement.

“Wefelt like it was pretty close (going intothe second preseason game) andobviously it came out pretty close,” Moore said. “We’re kind of staying in this middle. Obviously,you’d like to make adecision, but we’ll get there as we go. Bothofthese guys are putting in tremendous effort, tremendous work.

“They’re both doinga tonof good things. And so we’ll see how it goes.”

If Shoughwinsthe job, he’ll be the first rookie to open as the starting quarterback for the Saints since Archie Manning in 1971. If Rattler wins, he’ll get another crack at the job after starting six games last season.Hewent

0-6 in that span, albeit with a depleted supporting cast becauseofinjuries.

Moore also has said the Saints areconsidering 2023 fourth-rounder Jake Haener for thejob. ButHaener hasn’t taken first-team reps since July 30, and he did not play Sunday againstJacksonville. Haener has almost exclusivelyspent time with the third team in practice as of late. Repeatedly,Moore said he hasnotimetable to make adecision —aslong as the Saints have astarter in place by the Sept. 7opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Andheinsists this isn’t typical football subterfuge of keeping the starterasecret in an attempttogain a competitive advantage. The Saints haven’tmadeadecision because they don’tknow what they’ll do yet “We’re not hiding anything, guys,” Moore saidwith a smile and ashake of his head. “Don’tworry.”

Five O-linemen jostle for two open spots

BY KOKI RILEY AND WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writers

LSU still has open competitions for two starting spots on its offensive line, coach Brian Kelly said Tuesday

LSU notebook

The starters at left guard and right tackle are still up for grabs Redshirt sophomore DJ Chester has earned the majority of snaps at left guard, but Kelly on Tuesday suggested that redshirt sophomore PaulMubenga and redshirt freshman Coen Echols could be in a rotation with Chester to start the year Kelly also noted that LSU could deploy the same tactic at right tackle, where redshirt freshman Weston Davis and freshman Carius Curne are battling.

“Somebody’s going to have to be in a rotational position, whether it’s Paul or Coen or DJ or Weston or Carius,” Kelly said. “Those are the guys that are all going to eventually play

“I don’t think you’re just going to see five guys trotting out there every single play I think you’re going to see some other guys definitely getting in the game as well.” Curne began Monday’s practice as the starting right tackle. The four-star signee had worked at left tackle for most of camp while redshirt freshman OryWilliams was the second-string right tackle.

“We feel like Ory is coming along, but he wasn’t there yet,” Kelly said. “So we wanted to create a little bit more competition in that right tackle position ” Kelly said LSU has discovered its starters at left tackle, center and right guard.

but the injury has not slowed him down in camp.

Van Buren’s hand

LSU backup quarterback Michael Van Buren jammed the index finger on his throwing hand but will practice again this week, Kelly said.

Van Buren, a sophomore, injured his finger Saturday night during a scrimmage in Tiger Stadium. He attended practice Monday with a splint on his right hand. He did not wear pads or throw during a portion of the practice open to the media.

Kelly said an X-ray and MRI were conducted on Van Buren’s hand.

“No damage,” Kelly said. “He was just sore, so we’ve shut him down a little bit. But he’ll be back. He’ll do a throwing program in the afternoon today, and then we’ll have him back out (Wednesday).”

Van Buren started eight games as a freshman at Mississippi State last season, filling in after an injury to starter Blake Shapen Van Buren threw for 1,886 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for five touchdowns.

After transferring from Mississippi State Van Buren has been the primary backup to Garrett Nussmeier Kelly said last week he is “pleased” with Van Buren’s progress.

Redshirt sophomore Tyree Adams has established himself at left tackle, becoming the heir to consensus All-American Will Campbell Virginia Tech transfer Braelin Moore has locked in his spot at center, and Kelly said Tuesday that Northwestern transfer JoshThompson would start at right guard. Perkins, Weeks updates

“He had some things he had to take care of,” Kelly said in regard to Perkins’ absence.

Weeks has missed time at camp as he works his way back from a dislocated ankle and broken fibula,

LSU junior linebacker Whit Weeks did not practice Monday because of “load management,” while redshirt junior linebacker Harold Perkins was out the same day because of personal reasons, Kelly said Tuesday Perkins returned to practice Tuesday Kelly did not reveal whether Weeks was back on the field, as well.

injuries he suffered against Baylor in the Texas Bowl in January LSU has been careful with not putting too much on his plate before the start of the season Aug. 30 at Clemson (6:30 p.m., ABC).

“We’re not going to have him practice five days in a row until we get into game week,” Kelly said Friday “So today was his day off.” Perkins suffered a torn ACL against UCLA nearly a year ago,

“A lot of this is being in a new offensive structure,” Kelly said. “I would say Michael has grown so much since the spring in terms of recognition, footwork (and) progression reads. All the things that you need to be a high performer in this offense, he’s getting better at that every day.”

LSU also has redshirt freshman Colin Hurley, who enrolled at LSU when he was 16 years old but did not play as a freshman last year He missed time this spring after getting hurt in a car crash.

Texas QB Manning says NFL plans not taking shape yet

Quarterback’s future not decided, despite his grandfather’s prediction for 2026

BY JIM VERTUNO Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas There’s so much speculation about Texas quarterback Arch Manning’s future, in the media and even within his own family, that it can be hard for him to keep up.

On Tuesday Manning insisted he’s not plotting out how long he’ll stay at Texas or when he’ll enter the NFL draft, despite his grandfather’s recent prediction to Texas

SOUTHERN

Continued from page 1C

the offseason, appeared last season in eight games at Jackson State, completing 18 of 38 passes for 310 yards passing and four touchdowns. The 6-1, 195-pound signal-caller also rushed for 163 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries.

McCoy also appeared in five games at Eastern Michigan and had 73 yards passing on a 42.9% completions and 72 yards rushing on 18 attempts in 2023.

Graves said that the battle has taken this amount of time because each player has proven capable of running the offense. Quarterbacks coach Fred McNair and offensive coordinator Mark Frederick are also involved in the decision.

“They’re doing a great job of leading and executing the offense,” Graves said. “So you give them an opportunity It’s Jalen’s job to lose, but those guys are competing every single day And I put all the faith and trust in coach McNair, the quarterbacks coach, coach Frederick, the offensive coordinator I know that they’re going to put the right guy out there.” Graves did say with certainty that he expects both Woods and McCoy to receive snaps this season “We’ll play both, that’s not a question about it,” Graves said. “A lot of times, people get caught up in to having to have one guy Now that may be good in the NFL, but in college football you want your best players on the field at all times so

Monthly magazine that he’ll be with the Longhorns through the 2026 season “I don’t know where he got that from,” Arch Manning said in his first meeting with reporters since SEC media days in mid-July “He texted me to apologize about that. I’m really just taking it day by day right now.”

Arch Manning has been careful while talking about his future as he leads the No. 1 Longhorns as the full-time starter after playing behind Quinn Ewers the past two seasons. Manning enters this season as the early favorite for the Heisman Trophy, has endorsement deals worth millions and comes from the most famous quarterbacking family in football. Grandfather Archie played in the NFL, and uncles Peyton and Eli

combined for four Super Bowl victories.

Add that together, and Arch Manning is shouldering the biggest spotlight of any player in the country Texas opens the season Aug. 30 at No. 3 Ohio State after losing to the Buckeyes in the national playoff semifinals last season.

Manning is also very close to his grandfather, despite any confusion about whether he’s destined for one or two seasons as the Texas starter before heading to the NFL. Manning noted Tuesday how Archie is always giving him advice on how to avoid taking big hits to prolong his career

“Those hits add up,” Arch Manning said. “My grandfather, he’s hobbling around these days. He ends every call with ‘get down or get out of bounds.’ ”

(if) we have an opportunity to play those guys, we gonna play them.”

North Carolina Central coach

Trei Holly on Monday said that he has two game plans prepared for both Southern quarterbacks, presumably Woods and McCoy Graves was asked whether his team has an advantage with their opponent not knowing which quarterback it will see. He said there’s no edge gained from the mystery

“I think people want to make

that as a, ‘Hey, we’ll keep them guessing,’ ” Graves said. “They prepared for both quarterbacks. So basically, whoever goes out there first, then whatever game plan they have for that quarterback, that’s what they’re going to use. “Some people like to use that as the element of surprise but it’s not that big of a deal.” Graves was also asked whether making the opposing coaching staff spend more time practicing a second defensive plan for a quarterback is a good

thing for Southern Graves, again, said that it doesn’t matter Southern expects a challenge when it faces the No. 2 team in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference preseason poll. The quarterback running the offense will have a major role in Southern’s chances of winning. Graves is confident that whoever is chosen will be ready for that opportunity

Email Toyloy Brown III at toyloy.brown@theadvocate.com.

Continued from page 4C

one. He has been the starting middle linebacker all preseason Keys also will be a factor

STAR

Starter: Harold Perkins (Jr.)

Backup: CJ Jimcoily (Fr.)

Also: Jardin Gilbert (Sr.)

Could this finally be the year that everything comes together for Perkins? He has practiced without any limitations, an encouraging sight less than a year removed from a torn ACL, and he was disruptive early in camp. LSU used him as an edge rusher in certain situations. Behind him, Jimcoily quickly has risen up the depth chart. He may not play much this year, but he looks impressive as a 6-foot3, 220-pound freshman.

Cornerback

Starters: Mansoor Delane (Sr.) and Ashton Stamps (Jr.)

Backups: Ja’Keem Jackson (R-Soph.), DJ Pickett (Fr.) and PJ Woodland (Soph.) Delane is the top cornerback, but the competition across from him is expected to continue. Stamps consistently has gotten firstteam reps, so we listed him as a starter for now Jackson missed a couple of days with a hamstring injury, and Woodland has made a jump entering his second year Pickett has impressive moments, but the five-star freshman may not be a Week 1 starter He usually has played with the second-team defense during open practices. We’ll see if that changes.

Safety

Starters: AJ Haulcy (Sr.) and Tamarcus Cooley (R-Soph.)

Backups: Dashawn Spears (Soph.) and Javien Toviano (Jr.)

After a lot of experimentation early in preseason camp, Haulcy and Cooley emerged as the starters. Haulcy has played particularly well, and Baker called him “one of the most instinctual players I’ve been around.” LSU should have better safety play than the past two years.

Southern Lab reloads with talent

Kentwood returns offensive power, defensive size

BY CHARLES SALZER Contributing writer

District 9-1A is one of the smallest football districts in the state of Louisiana, but that doesn’t mean it lacks star power. With perennial championship contenders Kentwood and Southern Lab leading the way, the district is again poised to make a splash.

Tops among the returning players are Kentwood athlete Ahmade Bickham and Southern Lab quarterback Jerry Bottley. Both were instrumental last season as each school made deep playoff runs that crossed paths in the Division IV select quarterfinals.

The district also includes Central Private, which went 4-5 and kept in contention for a playoff spot until the final week last season. Thrive Academy looking for its first win since 2023, rounds out the four-team league.

For Southern Lab and Kentwood, schools that have won a combined 14 state championships, long postseason runs are the standard. Their playoff meeting was the first for the two rivals since 2010, and it allowed the Kangaroos to avenge a regular-season loss at Southern Lab with a 50-32 win in Kentwood. The buildup to the playoff meeting was one of the bigger moments last season, and it could happen again.

“It’s a great rivalry, and it’s good for the sport,” second-year Kentwood coach Cornelius Blount said. “It’s hard to beat a team twice, so if we have to meet up in the playoffs again, then I’d rather lose the district. I hope they put them on the other side of the bracket so we can meet up in the Dome.”

Kentwood went 10-4 last year and returns senior quarterback Alonzo Ard, who missed the end of last season with an injury His return will create more space for Bickham, who filled in for Ard during the playoff run. Bickham is expected to see plenty of playing time on both sides of the ball. Other players of note include running back Obie Hookfin, linebackers Chance Briggs and Jayden Cohn, and two-way lineman Ivan Williams.

Southern Lab quarterback Jerry Bottley runs the ball on the keeper before the touchdown against Madison

Stadium. Bottley is a dual-threat quarterback who accounted for 3,200 yards and 35 touchdowns last season.

“We’ve got a pretty good roster coming back,” Blount said “We’ve got a stout defensive line for a 1A football team, and we’re big. Not necessarily weight, but we’ve got some height. We’ve got nice-sized kids across the board.

For Southern Lab, size won’t be a problem either with the Kittens returning linemen Sami Abedelhak, Jaydan Thomas and Johnny Herman. Last season, that offensive front paved the way for Bottley a dual-threat quarterback who accounted for 3,200 yards and 35 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Anthony Weatherspoon, a state level sprinter in track and field, returns after racking up 10 touchdowns and more than 1,100 receiving yards.

“We’ve got a bunch of young guys that have had great summers. We feel real good about our offensive side,” Lab coach Darrell Asberry said of the Kittens, who averaged 37.5 points last

season. Defense might be another question. Lab finished the year 8-4 but surrendered an average of 41 points in its four losses. Thomas and fellow senior Creston Hawkins will anchor the defensive line. The pair combined for 106 tackles and 22 sacks last season.

The Kittens expect to be healthy on the field, particularly on the sideline.

“The big thing last year was I wasn’t healthy,” Asberry said. “It affected us in the playoffs. I had to have three surgeries in the month of February, but now I’m back healthy, and I think the kids will feed off of it. If that plan works, then Southern Lab could find itself in the only place it wants to be.

“For us, it’s championship or bust,” Asberry said. “That’s the standard, and that’s just the way it is here.”

WNBA postseason race heats up as teams jockey for playoff position

Minnesota has the top seed locked in

BY DOUG FEINBERG Associated Press

With less than a month left in the WNBA regular season, the Minnesota Lynx has a firm lock on the top seed in the playoffs. The rest of the postseason picture is still up in the air, with more than half the league jockeying for positioning Minnesota has looked like the best team all season even with star forward Napheesa Collier sidelined for the past few weeks with a right ankle sprain.

The Lynx looks in great shape to have home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, which could be key since it lost a decisive Game 5 in overtime to the Liberty in the WNBA Finals last year

Atlanta, New York, Phoenix and Las Vegas are all within 1½ games of one another for the second through fifth seeds. No team has been hotter lately than Las Vegas.

The Aces have won seven straight heading into Tuesday night’s late game against Atlanta.

The streak started after a record blowout loss to Minnesota on Aug.

2. Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson has been huge for the Aces during the winning streak, averaging 26.1 points and 13.3 rebounds. She

topped the 30-point mark three times in the past four games.

The Dream has a gauntlet of a schedule in front of it, with two games against Las Vegas and contests against Minnesota and New York over the next eight days.

Indiana, Golden State, Seattle, Los Angeles and Washington all are vying for the sixth through eighth seeds. Only a few games separate them.

The league switched its firstround format this season, with the best-of-three series having each team get at least one home game In the past, the higher-seeded team would host the first two games of the series with a deciding Game 3 if necessary being on the lower-

LSU men, women to play in New Orleans

BY RASHAD MILLIGAN Staff writer

The LSU women’s and men’s basketball teams will play a doubleheader in New Orleans on Dec. 13 at the Smoothie King Center in the Compete 4 Cause Classic. The men will play SMU, while the women are set to face off against Louisiana Tech. The LSU women’s game against Louisiana Tech, which is Kim Mulkey’s alma mater, will give the Tigers a third game in New Orleans for the 2025-26 season. The Tigers also play at Tulane on Nov 17 and at UNO on Dec. 7. Mulkey won two national championships while playing at Louisiana Tech in 1981 and 1982. She returned to the school as an assistant coach in 1988. Dec. 13 will mark the second time Mulkey has coached against the Lady

to uplift underrepresented youth in New Orleans.

“Through partnerships with local organizations, United Sports & Entertainment will provide enriching experiences that leave a lasting impact on local youth and foster meaningful engagement between athletes and the city,” the official announcement said. The men’s basketball team’s game against SMU is the program’s lone game in New Orleans this season. The Mustangs, coached by Andy Enfield, finished with a 24-11 record with an NIT bid in 2024-25. The Tigers went 14-18 in 2024-25.

in her career The first time was in 2009 when Mulkey’s Baylor squad won 77-67 in Waco, Texas. The Compete 4 Cause Classic is intended to inspire athletes to use their platforms

Pre-sale tickets are available at 10 a.m. on Wednesday with exclusive access for the participating universities. Ticket sales for the general public start at 10 a.m. Friday on ticketmaster.com or in person at the Smoothie King Center box office.

seeded team’s home court.

Looking to the future

The Cleveland expansion WNBA team hired Allison Howard as its president, the franchise announced Tuesday Howard will continue to serve as executive vice president and chief commercial officer for Rock Entertainment Group and the Cleveland Cavaliers, where she oversees corporate and ticket sales revenue and strategy, corporate partnership, membership sales and service, venue experience, ticket operations and youth sports programming.

Player of the week

Wilson of Las Vegas was the AP

Nance

By The Associated Press

CLEVELAND Larry Nance

Jr is going to shed some light on why so many NBA players have become big fans of international soccer.

The Cleveland Cavaliers forward has teamed up with the Men in Blazers Media Network to launch a digital show called “Switch the Play,” a weekly program that will feature those NBA players who are soccer aficionados and discuss happenings in the game.

The first episode, featuring Alex Caruso of the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, debuts Thursday

“I entered the NBA in 2015, and I was probably one of only a couple of guys in the league that could tell you who won the Premier League the previous sea-

player of the week for the second consecutive week. She averaged 27 points, 13.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks to help the Aces win all three of their games last week.

Other players receiving votes included Sonia Citron of Washington and Alyssa Thomas of Phoenix.

Game of the week

New York at Atlanta, Saturday In a week that features games between Atlanta-Las Vegas, PhoenixLas Vegas and the Liberty at the Dream, there might be a clearer divide among the top teams. The Liberty has rallied twice to beat the Dream, overcoming double-digit deficits in the victories.

son,” Nance said. “Now, soccer is a constant conversation starter in the locker room. Soccer’s popularity has grown so much over the past 10 years, as has the international influence on the NBA creating more and more players that follow the game consistently.”

The ties between soccer and the NBA have never seemed to run so deep.

Many of basketball’s top stars Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Luka Doncic, James Harden, Joel Embiid and more make no secret of their fascination with soccer Wembanyama was on the field for a Paris Saint Germain-Manchester City game in Paris last winter when he and the San Antonio Spurs were there for a

pair of games against the Indiana Pacers. The Spurs center also went viral this summer for taking part in pickup soccer games around the world. The fandom goes both ways: Soccer icon Lionel Messi and other Inter Miami stars were at a Miami Heat game in 2024, Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe are regulars at NBA games and Butler said last season he’s lost count of how many jerseys he’s exchanged with soccer standouts at NBA games. “This show will give stars from around the league the opportunity to let fans hear them talk about their soccer fandom, parallels in the two games, and how we see it as professional athletes,” Nance said.

Lauren Cheramie

BONVIVANT

Downtown BR bar celebrates decade of service

Bon vi·vant /noun/ asociable personwho has cultivatedand refined tastes, especially with respect to food and drink

Newfood,drinksonthe block

The fall specials have hit the menu at CityRootsCoffee,1509 Government St., Baton Rouge. Taste akettle cornlatte with warm caramel and butterpopcorn, abanana bread cold brew withbanana sweet cream and an apple chai latte that’swarm and spicy

Trythe August salad at MJ’s Cafe,5162 Government St., Baton Rouge, made with mixed greens, red wine vinaigrette fresh peaches, cucumbers, “bacon,” crispy chickpeas, balsamic reduction and goat cheese.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Trythe August salad at MJ’s Cafe, 5162 Government St Baton Rouge, made with mixed greens, red wine vinaigrette, fresh peaches, cucumbers, ‘bacon,’crispychickpeas, balsamic reduction and goat cheese.

There’snow abuffet at Asian SeafoodHouseRestaurant,11294 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, on Friday nights and all day Saturday and Sunday.The service is $25 per person at the restaurant and $9.99 per pound for to-go orders. In theknow

LadiesNight:6 p.m. to 9p.m. everyFriday night through September at Spoke and Hub,5412 GovernmentSt., Baton Rouge Grab afriend and enjoy $20 bottle specials of the restaurant’shouse champagne or rosé.

A10-yearcelebration:4p.m. Saturday at RiverRoom, 222 Laurel St., Baton Rouge River Room is celebrating its 10-year anniversarywith anight of beer,wine, cocktail specials, complimentary small bites and music from DJ Bird from 9p.m. to midnight

BoilMeatWars:11a.m. to 3p.m. Saturday at The Outside Boys FoodTrap, 13501 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge Watch some of the top boilers faceoff forthe crown of the best boiler.Guests can purchase all-you-can-eatpasses on the day of the event. The restaurant’sregular menu will be available for purchaseaswell. To enterthe contest, call (225) 512-1198.

If you have an upcomingfood event or akitchen question, email lauren.cheramie@ theadvocate.com.Cheers!

Therolldeal

BY LAUREN CHERAMIE Staff writer

We asked Baton Rouge-area chefs and restaurateurs to pick their favorite sushi spot in town, withthe caveat being they couldn’tpicktheir restaurant. Some like the classics; others lean toward the adventurous.

Here’swhat they had to say:

Blaize Romancik

n The Big Cheezy

It’s hard forBlaizeRomancikto pick just one roll from his favorite spot, Umami, so he has two. The “Sexiest Woman Alive” roll is made with spicy tuna, jalapeño and snow crab in soywrap, topped withtuna, salmon, mango, avocado, wasabi aioli, eelsauce andmicro-greens. Another favorite, the “Toked Up Toro” roll, is made withspicy tuna, snow craband jalapeñostopped with seared bluefin toroand garlic tamari sauce.

Tuan Pham

n Offset Smoker

Geisha, SushiWitha Flairhas two of Tuan Pham’sfavorite rolls:the lagniappe and filet mignon rolls. The lagniappe roll includes snow crab, cucumbersand tempura oysters bakedinaseafood sauce, wrapped in soy and topped with scallops, crab stick, crawfish, eel sauce, sesameseeds and masago. The filet mignonrollfeatures snow crab,as-

flakes on top. She’salso afan of the grilled eggplant nasu nigiri.

“Umami is my go-to place because of the vegetarian options,” Patelsays. “They’ve gota whole (vegetarian)menu, andeverything is super fresh and packed with flavor. It’s noteasyfinding good veggie options in Baton Rouge, so this spot feels like ahidden treasure.”

She added that the eggplant, when grilledjust right,issweet, savory and melts in your mouth.

“Paired withthe rice, it’shonestly magic,” Patelsays. “They’ve turned veggie sushi into something seriously crave-worthy.”

CaseyEvans n Dearman’s Diner

Casey Evans orders the spicy tuna roll at Sushi Yama, which is made with chopped tuna, inhouse spicy sauce andcucumber. Evans nixes the cucumbers and adds avocados.

paragusand avocado topped with ateriyaki torched filet, eel sauce, spicy mayo and green onions.

Needhi Patel n Formerlywith Tap65

At Umami Japanese Bistro, chef Needhi Patel orders aveggie roll with cream cheese, cucumber,jalapeño andmango with tempura

“I’m asimple man,” he says.

Nick Cormier n Envie Smokehouse At OchiSushi &Hibachi,Nick Cormier likes the cowboy roll that’smade with tuna, salmon, yellowtail and snow crab, plus white

Lombardia Pasta at Nino’s

Tech worker wants to take ayearoff

DearHarriette: I’ve been working in tech for the pastfive years, and I’ve saved up adecent amount of money with the intention of taking ayear off to travel. It’ssomething I’ve dreamed about for along time. Iwant to see the world, experience different cultures and give myself space to reflect on what Ireally want in life. Lately,though, whenever I bring up this idea to friends or family,they tell me it’sirresponsible. They worry I’ll fall behind in my career or lose my momentum in such acompetitive industry.Some even say I’m being selfish for stepping away from a

By The Associated Press

Today is Wednesday,Aug.

20, the 232nd day of 2025. There are 133 days left in the year

Todayinhistory

On Aug. 20, 1968, the Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact nations invaded Czechoslovakia to crushthe “Prague Spring” liberalization movement.

Alsoonthisdate:

In 1858, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was first published, in the “Journalof the Proceedings of the Linnean Society.”

In 1866, President Andrew Johnson declared the official end of the Civil War.

In 1882, Tchaikovsky’s “1812Overture” had its premiere in Moscow

In 1910, aseries of wildfires swept through parts of Idaho, Montana and Wash-

SUSHI

Continued from page1D

tuna, green onion and aspecial sauce on top. Altogether, the roll comes on ahot plate.

“It blew my mind the first time it came out on afajita plate,”Cormier says. “It’s the perfect mixture of sushi with afajita flair.”

KatieCrifasi

n The Plantry

To keep her diet healthy, Katie Crifasi makes modifications to the pineapple avocadoroll from OchiSushi. She skips the cream cheese and extra sauces to makethe rollcleaner and leaner

“They’re afriendly,familyowned restaurant that’ssimple but fresh,” Crifasi saysof the restaurant.

LauraSiu-Nguyen

n Table Story and NightMarket BTR

Also afan of Sushi Yama, LauraSiuNguyen’sfavorite roll is thesamurai roll.

stable job when others are struggling to find one. Iunderstand their concerns, but Ican’tshake the feeling thatI’m letting fear or other people’sopinions deter me from something thatcould be life-changing. I’m not planning to blow through all of my savings or be reckless. I’ve done the math, made arough itinerary and even looked into ways Icould freelance or volunteer during my travels. Still, the doubt is starting to creep in. What if Icome back and can’tfind another job? What if Iregret stepping off the “traditional” path? Is it really so wrong

to pause my career to explore the world, even if it’s unconventional?

—TheRoadLessTraveled

DearTheRoadLessTraveled: Listento your own voice. Youhave planned well, savedand plotted your course.There are risks with every decision, but it sounds like you have done your best to consider the risks and weigh the odds.Be bold and take your trip. Enjoy your adventure. Journal about what you see and experience. Considercreating ablog where you talk about what you are seeing and learning. Keep your eyes open for opportunities for thefuture as you setout on your journey. Have faith thatyou will be able to take careof

TODAYINHISTORY

ington, killing at least 85 peopleand burning some 3 millionacres.

In 1920,the American Professional Football Conference was established by representativesoffourprofessional footballteams; two years later,with 18 teams, it would berenamed the NationalFootball League.

In 1940, exiled Communist revolutionary Leon Trotskywas attacked in Coyoacan, Mexico, byassassin Ramon Mercader (Trotskydied the nextday.)

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed intolaw theEconomic Opportunity Act, anearly $1 billion antipovertymeasure. In 1986, postal employee PatrickHenry Sherrill wentonadeadly rampage at apost office in Edmond, Oklahoma, shooting 14 fellow workers to death before

killing himself.

In 1989, 51 people died when the pleasure boat Marchionesssank in the River Thames in London after being struck by adredger.

In 2023, Tropical Storm Hilary struck Baja California, killing three and causing $15 million in damage.

Today’sbirthdays: Boxing promoter Don King is 94. Former U.S. Senator and diplomat George Mitchell is 92. Former U.S. Rep. RonPaul, R-Texas,is90. Broadcast journalist Connie Chung is 79. Rock singerRobert Plant is 77. Countrysinger Rudy Gatlin is 73. Singersongwriter John Hiattis73. Actor-director Peter Horton is 72. TV weather presenter Al Rokeris71. Actor Joan Allenis69. Movie directorDavid O. Russell is 67. RapperKRS-One (Boogie Down Productions)is60.

The ‘Sexiest Woman Alive’ roll from

Siu-Nguyen

“It has such auniqueand refreshing combination,” Siu-Nguyen says. “The fresh ingredients like the tuna give it this clean, bright taste, and the chili oil crisp adds just the right amountof heat and crunch.”

Sheadded that the roll is ofteninher rotation of food choices. And, sometimes, that’s allshe orders at the restaurant.

DarleneAdams Rowland n BREADA

DarleneAdams Rowland is afan of theRachael roll at Sushi Yama. It’smadewith spicy tuna and snowcrab wrapped in soy and topped with salmon,avocado,cavi-

yourself each step of the way DearHarriette: Iseem to have writer’sblock. Ihave ahuge project that Ineed to finish, but every time Isit downtowork on it, nothing happens. My deadline is coming up fast, and if Idon’t get this work done, Icould lose my job.How can Iget past whatever is holding me back from hunkering downand working? I have worked on things like this so manytimes. There’snothing new about it, but forsome reason Ifeel stuck this time. —Writer’sBlock DearWriter’sBlock: Approach the project differently.Rather than looking at it as one big thing, break it down into the smallest compo-

nents possible. What are the sections that have to be filled out? Are there chapters or other organizing tools that you can use to chip away at parts of the project rather than looking at it as one behemoth? Create aschedule and be vigilant about following it. Assign a couple of hours every day to getting the work done.Even if nothing comes out at first, sit in front of your computer during that time and will yourself to work on it no matter what. Face your fears. Every day,dosomething, and eventually you will get it done. Sendquestions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com.

ar and spicy mayonnaise.

“It has acreamy texture, and the caviar on top makes it seem luxurious,” Rowland says of her sushi order

Neal Hendrick n Zippy’s

When it comes to sushi, Neal Hendrickalso keepsit simple. He sayshis go-tois theraw fish at Rock-n-Sake because it’s always great.

Email Lauren Cheramie at lauren.cheramie@ theadvocate.com.

Unsolicitedfeedbackonspeech

DearMissManners: We attended acharity event for ahomeless shelter —an event we have gone to for several years. This time, there was aguest speaker who was aformer client of the shelter This gentleman had gone there when he was homeless and freshout of jail. He spoke for 45 minutes, which I thought was way too long, and he included details about how he used to be agang member,how his wife stole cars and how his youngest child was conceived at the shelter.Healso talked at length about how all of this led to him becoming a born-again Christian. Would it be wrong to give feedback to the shelter director that this speech was too long and too detailed?It was aturnoff for me!

social media feeds?

Miss Mannerssuspects that if she has thespecifics wrong, shehas thegist right: Youhavehad more than enoughopportunities to voice youropinion abouteverything. Shouldyou also tell the people who fedyou aboutthe things you didn’tlike at their event? Did they even ask?

Smartphone to therescue

DearMissManners: The homes in our neighborhood have very prominent “No soliciting” signs on the front doors. This usually does not stop various salespeople from ringing our doorbells andcontinually knocking on our door, as they can see throughour open curtainsthatweare home

Gentlereader: Before dinner,did you make two online purchases, register at awebsite, drop achild at school, and go to a doctor’sappointment?

And in every one of these encounters, were you asked if the exchange met your expectations and to give feedback? Were you then able to post your opinion about every other aspect of your day on your various

The Med salad at Zeeland Street had freshbaby spinach, grilled chicken, feta cheese, tomato,cucumber and balsamic vinaigrette.

BEST

Continued from page1D

size and cooked to perfection, and they werecomplemented by bright cherry tomatoes and briny capers. Ilove ahomemade spaghetti noodle, and these noodles were exceptional. I cannot wait to go back and try something else, or maybe just order this again.

—Joy Holden, features reporter

Med salad

n Zeeland Street, 2031 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge

In the mood for aquick light lunch, Istopped at Zeeland Street. The restaurant, which made The New York Times list for best restaurants in America, is known for its family-owned soul and servicewith love. The Med salad was fresh,

They always seem incredulouswhen Iyell “The sign says ‘No soliciting’; that means you!”atthem when they are standing my yard, looking right me through myliving ro window

It feels rudetoyell at strangers, but it also feels like they aretrespassin and violatingmyprivacy when they disregard my signage and look into my home.Whatwouldyou me do in the future?

Gentlereader: Your reque

for stronger measures after admitting to the practice of yelling, at strangers, loudly enough to be heard through aclosed window —not unnaturally makes Miss Manners stop to think before she responds.

Is this acase of one straggler per week who, though annoying, could be either ignored or turned away at thedoor with abrusque “No thank you”? Or is there a line of salespeople jostling at the gate, day and night, whose comings and goings are keeping the baby awake?

Beforewestartbuilding fences, investing in locks or calling the police, have you tried identifying thecompany whose representatives these are? If therepetition and intrusiveness is as seriously invasive as you suggest —and you can keep your toneicily civil when you complain —you can let thecompany’sattorneys

Aslice of lemon mascarpone meringue fromthe desser

greenand fullofflavor bright balsamic vinaigr with aslightly bitter aft taste contrasted well wit perfectlyspiced chicken. While no saladchoicei bad one at ZeelandStr the Med and Seared Tu salads are excellent ch es.

—Margaret DeL health coordinator

Lemon cheesecak n Lizzie’s, 105 E. Main St Iberia

This luscious slice of on mascarponecheese with toasted meringue top was an easy call for

DearHeloise: When Ishop for groceries, Ihave no memoryorimagination, and Iwill invariably lose my shopping list somewherealong the way.It’sa disaster! Now,just before Igrabthe shopping list,Isnap apicture of it,which has saved theday for me many times The phone camera is also useful for reading those tiny low-contrast computer price tags; they’re all but readable when they’re on the bottom shelf. Just snap apic of it and blow it up to seewhat it says! (Remembertokeep your reading glasses with you!)

tunately,mywife passed away.Isleep in the same room we usedtosleep in, and I’m unable to sleep the way Islept there before. Because of memory and energy, Itried sleeping in the living room, and everything was fine So, Idecided to buy atwin mattress. If anyone has had this issue, they should see if this also works for them. —KamalB.,viaemail Pumping problem

P.S. Freezingbanana slices leaves them too soggy to use. —DavisB.,inOregon Uncomfortablesleeping

DearHeloise: Iwas married for 40 years, and unfor-

DearHeloise: Iamcontinually frustrated when trying to open new lotion and hand-soap pumpbottles. In someway,I believe it is because Iamdirectionally challenged. Ihave to stop and think which wayisleft and which is right. Ihave also recited to myself the “lefty loosy,righty tighty” phrase, to no avail.

Iconfuse myself or talk myself out of turning a pump top this way or that. Inow have three different bottles on my counter,and I’m waiting on someone to help me figure out the trick to open these pump bottles. My spouse and two sons have tried to help, but I’ve usually got the cap messed up by then. Do youhave a trick that Ican use? —Megan, inFortWayne,Indiana Megan, this is agood question! Readers, do you have any hints to help makeapumpbottle easier to open? —Heloise Sendahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Change will be costly. Change your plans to fit your budget. Intelligence and action will carry you forward. Travel, teach and lay down a solid foundation to build prospects.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) A high-energy approach to change will give your plans an appealing spin to anyone seeking a positive transformation. An opportunity to connect with people in a position of power is apparent.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Expand your circle and see what others are doing to combat boredom or to ensure you spend your time wisely. Let go of the past, and it will be easier to manifest how you want your life to unfold.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov 22) What you do will have a more significant influence on your future than what you allude to Learn, travel and talk with experts who can offer insights and worthwhile connections.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) With changecomesopportunity.Lookaround and head in a direction that offers hope for a brighter future. Dwelling on the past doesn't help promote new beginnings.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Put your cash and possessions in a safe place. Be wary of scammers and unrealistic propositions. Talks that lead to longterm plans and promises are in the stars.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Discipline, hard work and innovative ideas will

separate you from any competition you encounter. Take pride in who you are, and your confidence will make you the go-to person among your associates.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Don't dwell on what doesn't happen; press forward with fortitude and enthusiasm, and you'll find better opportunities. When one door closes, another will open. ARIES (March 21-April 19) Let your personality shine. Feedback from outsiders will help you reflect on why someone close to you may not be on board with a venture you want to pursue.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Play by the rules. Trying to take shortcuts will backfire. Use your voice to question and analyze others' suggestions. Opportunities will come from good information and proper verification.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Pick up the pace, participate in events that make you think and try new things. Expect to face opposition from those close to you who are unwilling to adopt change.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) A creative investment will have more leverage than you first imagine. Follow the trail and see where it leads. Love, romance and personal improvements will give you the boost you need to take control.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2025 by NEA, Inc., dist. By

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers1 to 9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

Yesterday’s PuzzleAnswer

Bridge

BY PHILLIP ALDER

LeaMichele, an actressand singer said,“Ididn’t know Icould sing until Iauditioned for ‘Les Miserables.’ My friend was auditioning, and Iwanted to auditiontoo.”

Many bridge players would find out that the game isn’t as hard as they thought if they spent longer auditioning every auction, asking themselves what each call means. In today’s deal, how should South plan theplayinfourspades? Westleads the diamondace,continueswiththediamond king (East dropping the queen), and follows with the diamond jack.

WhenNorthenteredtheauctionfollowing an opposing pre-empt, he assumed thathis partner had six or seven points Here, Southhad slightlymore than that, so jumped to three spades. It was borderline, but he wasassured of at least an eight-card fitand hadthree working honors.

Note also East’s play at trick one. If he had dropped thequeen under his partner’sace,thatwouldhaveshowneithera singleton or the queenand the jack.

Thebidding marks West with six diamonds and East with two. So if South ruffs the third diamond lowinthe dummy, surelyEast willoverruff. Andthen declarer will also lose aclubtrick. Similarly,ifSouth ruffs the thirddiamond high withdummy’s spade king, he will lose two diamonds, one spade and one club. Instead, declarer should discard dummy’sautomaticclubloser. He wins the next trick (perhaps overruffing East if West perseveres with afourth round of diamonds), draws trumps, and takes asafe club ruff in the dummy. His10tricks arefivespades, two hearts, twoclubs and the club ruff. ©2025 by NEA,Inc dist.

By Andrews McMeel Syndication

Each Wuzzle is awordriddlewhich creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of fourormore letters. 2. Words that acquire fourletters 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 wordsare not allowed toDAY’s WoRD nEGLEcts: nih-GLEKTS: Gives little attention or respect to; disregards.

Average mark16words

Time limit 35 minutes

Can you find 28 or morewords in NEGLECTS?

YEstERDAY’s WoRD —sEnDAL

sale sand sane seal sedan send sled elan eland

dale deal dean lade laden land lane lase lead lean lend lens

Brian Kelly

feels confidentabout LSU’sfootball

team this season, and he explains

BYWILSON ALEXANDER |Staff writer

Brian Kelly began feelingconfidentinLSU’s team this season before watched apractice

Sitting in hisoffice beforespring footballbegan, Kelly said that if thep preparethe waytheyneed to and do theright things throughout the cour game,LSU is capableofwinning theSoutheasternConference.

Kelly said at thetime“regardless of howweplayedthe game before wouldhaveneededhelp” to win, such as aluckybounce or afortunate ca He recognized that LSU didnot have agood enough team to competefor achampionship

But now, Kelly believes that theTigerscan contend fora spot in the CollegeFootball Playoff.Explaining where the confidencecame from, he said early in preseason camp thatthree yearsofteaching theplayers howhewants them to prepare, combinedwithimprovements to the roster,can put LSU in contention.

“I wasabletowatchenough filmofthe guysthatwebroughtinand spend enough time with them individually that Iknewtheywere goingtofitinterms of whatour expectationswerefor them,”Kelly said

“I think we were very intentional aboutthe personalitiesthatwe were looking for. Icouldhavebeen, clearly, moreconfident afterthe fact if Iwatchedthempractice,but Ijustfeltsosurethatwemadethe right decisions on theseguys.”

Kelly haswatched practice now, andhefeels thesame wayhedid mon

“Whenyou knowthatyou’repreparingyour team theright wayovera ma years, thatbringsonaconfidence,”Kelly said. “And then,when we addr ings within our roster,it wasn’t justabout confidenceinpreparation.I preparation, and we have aroster. It’sthosetwo things comingtogether.”

Nowenteringhis fourth season, Kelly needseverythingtocome to turnedaround ateam that went 11-12 over the finaltwo yearsofthe Ed Or the SECchampionship game in hisfirstyear,but he has nottaken LSU has a29-11 recordthrough three years. Histhree predecessors allwon shipsbytheir fourth season.

Inthe midstofa9-4 season lastyear,LSU beganpreparing to revamp makinga playoff run. It persuaded topdonorstogivemoremoney fornam ments,and theTigersfrontloaded deals aheadofthe beginning of revenu

The moneyhelped LSU retain key players and sign the No. 1transfer portal classinthe country, according to 247Sports.The highest percentageof the funds went toward playerretention. Starterssuch as quarterback Garrett Nussmeier,running back Caden Durham and linebacker Whit Weeks, Kelly said, “are not free.”

“Clearly,whether youbelieve it or not,their agents aregetting hit up by other schools saying, ‘Wecan giveyou X,’”Kelly said. “You have to protect your roster,too.”

LSU combined thosereturning playerswith 18 transfers, manyofwhom are expected to makeanimmediate impact The transfershaveacombined 262 career starts,and all but twoofthem playedfor another powerconference team last season.

Throughout the offseason, Kelly has said LSU nowhas thebest roster of his tenurebecauseofits depth and high-leveltalent. Kellyusedpreseason position battles as an example, saying “wehaven’thad thatcompetition,quite frankly.”

And so he has not been shyabout publicly hyping his team.

“I think it’stime, when youknow thatyou’vedone the thingsnecessary to prepareyour team forachampionship run, kno

Kelly said. “Theylistentoitmorethan anybody else. And sometimes,youdon’t geta chance to articulate thosethings enough so your kids canhear whatyou think about them. Iwantthem to hear whatI thought.”

Many players agree with Kelly’s assessmentofthe talentlevel.

“It’sdefinitely the closest team I’ve been on at LSU,asfar as abrotherhood standpoint,”Nussmeier said, “and obviously the most talentedteamaswell.”

In the past,senior linebacker West Weekssaid, offensiveand defensive players mostly hungout with teammatesontheir side of the ball. There wasa separation, which could be expected with such alarge team. But he said thatchanged this year as some of the returning players,including Nussmeier and the Weeksbrothers, helped recruit the transfers.

Team leadersjoined the dinners when transferstook official visits,then broughtthe players back to their house to gettoknowone another.Thathad not happened before, West Weekssaid.He thoughttherewas areal benefit.Once the transferssigned with LSU,theyalready had abond with their newteammates.

“I think it wasprettynatural, andit kind of started when we were recruiting all thoseguystrying to getthem here,” West Weekssaid.“Everybody knew whatpieces we needed, so we knewwe

had to getthose dudes.Trying to get them hereinthe wintertime, and then having them gethere, it wasalready anatural connection andgrewfrom there.”

Since then, LSU’splayers saythey have spent alot of time together outside the facility. They playedpaintball one dayand bowled at Surge Entertainment. Redshirt junior Bo Bordelon took some of his fellowoffensivelinemen on an alligator tour.Nussmeier broughtthe offensiveline to Walk-On’sbeforefall camp,and theystuck him with an $800 bill.

the 2024Texas Bowl.

“The mentalityofthis team is completely differentthan anyother team thatwehad,”Guillory said.

Thereare screens throughout the football operations building thatsay “1-0” on them, visual remindersofthe first goal LSU has this year.Trying to keep players focused on the task in frontofthem, Kelly even changed what the schedule on awallinthe team room lookslike.

In the past,LSU listed every game ahead of the season, including the playoff sites and national championship.But near the beginning of preseancamp,ittook down everything except Clemson. The opponents will be uncovered weekby -w eek throughout the year.If et to the end, it ve atitle to play

It all starts with the opener Au 30 against Clemson, the first time LSU has started the season with atop 10 matchup in atrue road game. LSU has focused on the game thr oughout the offseason after fivestraigh season-openin losses. Redshirt nior defensivet Jacobian Guillory the team began about it in January

newwhatthe goal estWeekssaid. stobeplaying on .”

With Nussmeier’s return, LSUoffenseaims forconsistency SOMETHINGTOPROVE

BYKOKI RILEY| Staffwriter

The decision forGarrettNussmeier to return to LSUin2025boiled down to one thing.

Consistency

“I feel likethe productthatIput out therefor my teammatesand forthesecoacheswho have spentsomuchtimeonme, Ifeellikeitwasn’tasconsistentasI wanted it to be,”Nussmeier said in December.“And Ifeellikethatthere’sa whole other level that Icould tapinto.”

Nussmeier,the fifth-year senior quarterback whoisenteringhis secondseason asthe starter, played well in hisfirstcampaign as the leader of the offense last fall. Hethrew forover4,000 yards, completed 64.2%ofhis passesand had nearly 30 touchdowns

But his greatnessonlycame in flashes.Healsohad 12 interceptions and failed to utilizehis legs in situations whereheneeded to call his number.

“Idon’twanttoshowflashes,” Nussmeier said.“ .Ithinkthatthis first year for me wasahugegrowth year and just kind of learning who Iamasa player.”

Nussmeierreturns to aprogram that’sshownani recordofdevelopingquarterbacksastheyenter their JoeBurrow in 2019 wonanational championship. Ja putuphistoric numbersand, like Burrow, wonthe Heisman Trophy.

If Nussmeier caneve cating the successofB LSU’soffensewill have ing the highs of those sons.The Tigers’activit portal,along withsome pieces,shouldallow hi to flourish in 2025.

Quarterback

Acasecould be made Nussmeieristhe bestq terbackincollegefootbal heading into this se Fewsignal callersinthe tion possess thearm talen confidence andaccura thathehas

Backing up Nussmeier is anotherquarterback who started SEC games ayear ago, Michael VanBuren. Nowasophomore, VanBuren trans-

ferred to LSU from Mississippi State overthe winterafter throwing for1,886 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 games

Redshirt freshman Colin Hurleyisthe lone scholarship quarterbackbehind Van Buren. The Florida nativehas been afull participantinpreseason practices after he wasinvolved in aserious carcrash in January

Running back

SophomoreCaden he surpassedmultiple vetera ushing yardsonateam-high1

With veterans John junior KalebJacksonwill need limited action last season. Ja aged 3.4 yardsper rush in 2024.

Competing with Ja and JT Linds ,arrivtionand be sophyear as back in er and

om features astrong blend perience, youth and transfers who making an immediate impact. on Anderson, fifth-year seHilton and senior Zavion Thomas areback forwhatwill ely be their final seasons at LSU.Andersonled the Tigers receptions ayear ago, Hiltonhas the athleticism to be adifference maker,and Thomas’ speed makes him auseful weapon on offense and special teams

Joining thatgroup are Oklahoma transfer Nic Anderson, Florida State transferDestyn Hill and Kentuckytransfer Barion Brown. Anderson brings much-needed sizeto the room, while Hill is aNew Orleans native

Find your localbranchtoday: PelicanStateCU.com/locations

and Brownisa provenperformer in the SEC withelitespeed Aseventh name to keep an eyeonwho is alsoreturning is redshirt sophomore Kyle Parker.The former four-star recruit showedpromiselast season beforeatorn triceps tendon prematurely endedhis year

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With MasonT LSU turned to the transferportal and added fifth-year senior Oklahoma.Sharp led the wounded Soonersin receptions and re

His exploits as favoritetostart, but LSU will have plenty of depthbehind zGreen wasaweapon in the redzone last season and has to earna bigger role in 2025.Texas A&M transferDonova eshman but has only played23snaps on offensesincethen,

Offensive lin

The majorityofLSU’squestion markslie withthis unit.The Tigers lostfour three-year startersonthe line to the NFL in Apriland returnjust one starter. Redshirt sophomore DJ Chester,last year’s center, is settomove overtoleft guard after LSU added Virginia Tech transfer Braelin Moore. Along withMoore,the Tigers also broughtinJosh Thompson from Northwestern out of the portal. Thompsonwill likely start at right guard, but he canalsoplaytackle.

Redshirt sophomoreTyree Adams,after missing time last season witha partial abdomen tear,isprojected to slide in forWill Campbell at left tackle. Starting on his oppositeside is likely redshirt freshman Weston Davis,aformer top-115 recruit nationally

LSU coach Brian Kelly insists thatthe Tigers haven’tsettled on Adams,Davis, Thompson, Mooreand Chesterbeing their starting group.Redshirt sophomorePaul Mubenga, redshirt freshmanCoenEchols,freshman Carius Curne and redshirt junior Bo Bordelonall have achance to crack the starting five, according to Kelly.

LSU OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

13GARRETT NUSSMEIER 6-1, 205, 5-SR.

11 Michael VanBuren 6-0,190, SO.

29 CADENDURHAM 5-9, 205, SO.

28 KalebJackson6-0, 234, JR.

1AARON ANDERSON 5-8, 188, R-Jr.

12 Kyle Parker 5-11, 195, R-SO.

3CHRIS HILTON6-0, 190, 5-SR.

4Nic Anderson6-4, 208,R-JR.

4NIC ANDERSON 6-4, 208,R-JR.

6Barion Brown5-11, 185, SR.

10 BAUERSHARP 6-5, 246, 5-SR.

14 Trey’DezGreen 6-7,240,SO.

71 TYREE ADAMS 6-7, 310, R-SO.

57 Carius Curne 6-5, 320,FR.

79 DJ CHESTER 6-6, 315, R-SO.

65 Paul Mubenga6-5, 317, R-SO.

79 DJ Chester 6-6, 315, R-SO.

67 Bo Bordelon 6-6, 305, R-JR. R R L L T W W

61 BRAELIN MOORE 6-2, 300, R-JR.

56 JOSH THOMPSON 6-5, 315, 5-SR.

78 Coen Echols 6-4, 315, R-FR.

75 WESTON DAVIS 6-7, 317, R-FR.

A WEAKNESS NO MORE

What to expect from Blake Baker’s defense in his second year

BYREED DARCEY| Staffwriter

Howdoyou rebuild adefense? CoachBrian Kelly’s se tion is nowtwo yearsold.Itstarted with an overhaul evolved into afundraising campaign foranecessary tran

NowLSU needs all thenew defensivecoaches and acrossthe past twooffseasons to coalesce intosomethin stronger—thanthe historicallyporous unitthatsunkt

“Weweren’tgood enough as ateam,”Kelly said in ern Conference mediadays. “A lotofthathad to do wit shortcomingswehad on defense. We think we’vedone Kellybegan by poaching defensivecoordinatorBla Missouri andmakinghim thehighest-paidassistantc football. Last season, he helped the Tigers takea modest ward.LSU improved in both scoring defense(81stamo teamsto59th) andtotal defense(108thto61st), but itstill struggled to stop the run. Only four SEC teams last year fieldedworse rushingdefenses than the Tigers,who struggledtocorral mobile quarterbacks all season.

It wasaproblem.So, LSU is enlisting a handful of transfers, anewly healthypair of linebackersand afew returning underclassmentosolve it

Harold Perkins(torn ACL) and WhitWeeks(brok camp fullyrecoveredfromthe major injuries they suffer Tigers lineupfor the firstsnap of the season on Aug. 30 the heartofadefenseexpected to start as manyas twot outside corner,another insidea rotationofdefensivetackles blythree) on theedges

Thatgroup of playersisthe foundationofthe topt country.

“Weneeded to give(Baker) some moretools,”Kelly sa NowLSU’shopinghecan usethem to finish off therep

Defensiveline

The hallmark of aBaker-coached defenseishavoc. Ed opposing quarterbacks out of the pocket.Disguised blit It’sall geared toward creating disruptive plays, suchass for loss.

And LSUcan’t,ofcourse,create disruptive playswithou Itstop four edge rushersare sophomoreGabe Relifo Pyburn, FloridaState’s Patrick Payton and Nebraska’s Ji who flasheda nosefor the backfieldearlyincamp.Payto er— tall, long andstrong —who recorded sevensacksa 2023beforehis numbersdeclined in 2024.He’snow afi to parlayanother successful season into an NFL career

r-man rotation on the interio Ahmad Kinley—a pair of tr eshmen —are in line fo rida transferBernardG th-year senior hoping to

sone of the early stand –just6-foot-1and 28 didn’t take long forh withhis quick get-o motor.

ExpectBaker frontconfiguratio season.

Linebackers

Second

We’ll include Perkins in thisgroup.He’s chnically alinebacker,although he plays whatBaker calls the Star position—a do-itall hybrid linebacker-defensiveback who lines up almost everywhere. Over the slot On the edge. In the middle.

This season, LSU has all three Weeks brothers in itslinebacker room —Whit, West and Zach, the freshman who reclassified. Whit and West are the oldest,and they’re Tigers’two starters. Behind them, DavhonKeysis is sophomoreseason afsignificant snaps toward end of his freshman year and former top-150 reCharles Ross is running berkins as the second-team redshirt freshmanTylen appearstohavecarved kind of reserveroleafter lled last season as afringe ospect.

pquestion facing the linesobvious:how healthy erkins and Whit Weeks? versions of eachplayer rm one of the most exploin the country. Weeksis college football’sbest purrkins is one of the nation’s ptiveforces—but only shealthy,focused and pousethe game-breaking quicknessheflashed as shman.

ghtbeclosetofinally senior put it alltogethearlyreturns from premp were indicativeofhis comfort

nthe transferportal, and now here’sone returning starter in our transferswith experience ence teams and even abig-name rida named DJ Pickett. battling forthe twostarting transfer TamarcusCooleyand twofavorites to land the jobs nior Jardin Gilbert,junior Javi wn Spearsare pushing them for ansfer Mansoor Delane into one could takethe other one. Or homorewho added weightinthe offseason and brokeupa fewpassesearly in camp.

The pointisthatthe Tigers appear to have options again at po sitions thathavereturned mostly disappointing resultsacrossthe last fiveseasons.Since 2020,LSU’s passdefense has finished out side the FBS’ top100 units more times than it’sfinished inside its top50.

Nowarevamped groupisincharge of accomplishing something closer to the program standard.

LSU DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

EDGE

EDGE

44 JACK PYBURN,6-4, 264,Sr. 6Patrick Payton,6-6, 255, 5-Sr.

19 GABE RELIFORD,6-3,265, So.

12 Jimari Butler,6-5, 265, 6-Sr.

ST

DT DT LB LB STAR CB CB S S

16 AHMAD BREAUX,6-3,278,So.

90 Jacobian Guillory, 6-2, 318, 6-Sr.

88 BERNARD GOODEN, 6-1, 268, 5-Sr.

96 Dominick McKinley, 6-6, 308, So.

33 WESTWEEKS, 6-2, 235, 5-Sr.

46 Tylen Singleton,6-1, 226, R-Fr.

40 WHIT WEEKS, 6-2, 225, Jr.

42 Davhon Keys,6-0, 230, So.

7HAROLDPERKINS, 6-1, 222, R-Jr.

30 Charles Ross,6-1, 225, Fr.

4MANSOOR DELANE, 6-0, 190, Sr. 8Ja’Keem Jackson,6-0, 190,R-So.

1ASHTON STAMPS,6-0,190, Jr.

3DJPickett, 6-5, 195, Fr.

0TAMARCUSCOOLEY,6-0,198 R-So.

2JardinGilbert,6-1, 193, 5-Sr.

13 AJ HAULCY,6-0,222, Sr.

10 Dashawn Spears, 6-3, 208, So.

Loadedwithtalent, Tula islooking foranother conference titlerun

BY GUERRYSMITH |ContributingWriter

Former Tulane offensivelinecoach Cody Kennedy wasblown away by whathesaw when he stoppedbya spring practice in Marchtosay hi to former boss Will Hall.

Kennedy,who wasonthe staff in 2019 and2020when the Green Wave hadtwo of the fivehighest scoring teams in school history under Hall’sdirection as offensivecoordinator,said the talentlevel on both sidesofthe ball dwarfed whatthe coaches hadtoworkwith back then.

The question, which could be asked fornumerous other teamsinthe modern NIL eraofmasstransfers, is howwell atransfer portal-laden roster with 60 newcomerswill jell in coach JonSumrall’ssecond year

“We’re really talented,”Sumrall said duringthe first week of preseason camp, agreeing with Kennedy. “This team is stronger andfasterthan last year’s team. The weightroom numbersand theGPS numbersprove that, but we have along waytogoinregardtocoming together.”

Outsidersexpect Tulane, which wasinthe College Football Playoff race in 2024 until aThanksgiving nighthome losstoMemphis started athree-game tailspin, to contend strongly forarecordfourth consecutiveappearance in the American Conference championship game. Athlon Sports and ESPN writer Bill Connelly tab the Wave to win it forthe first time since 2022. The voters in the coach es’ poll gave the Wave the thir most points (31) among league teams in their preseason to 25,ranking rightbehind 34 fo Memphis and Army’s33.

The forecasts areclearacknowledgements of Sumrall roster-buildingskill considerin breakout star quarterback Da sahtransferred to Duke, two-time Makhi Hughes departed forO gone and acombined fivestar

The staff’s portal successand fiveofthe topseven tacklersr main among the non-powerfi

TULANE OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

QB

RB

12 JAKE RETZLAFF6-1,205, SR. 3Kadin Semonza 5-11, 196, SO.

0MAURICE TURNER 5-10, 190, JR.

20 Arnold Barnes 5-10,216, JR.

7SHAZZ PRESTON6-0, 206,JR.

16 GarrettMmahat6-0, 190, JR.

L T W W

WR WR WR TE LT

L

LG C

83 BRYCEBOHANON 5-9, 185, SR. 1Omari Hayes5-9, 170, SO.

11 TRE SHACKELFORD 6-1, 187,SR. 4Jimmy Calloway 6-0,190, SR.

85 ANTHONYMILLER 6-5.265, SO.

13 Ty Thompson 6-4 224 SR.

76 DERRICK GRAHAM 6-4, 314, SR.

50 Jordan Hall 6-4, 345, SR.

56 SHADRE HURST 6-2, 293, JR.

71 JayceMitchell 6-3, 275, FR.

58 JACK HOLLIFIELD 6-4, 300, SR.

73 Elijah Baker 6-3, 280, FR.

R R

RG RT

51 JOHN BOCK 6-3, 288, SR.

72 Mitch Hodnett 6-5, 295, FR

78 REESEBAKER 6-5, 275, FR.

77 Darion Reed 6-7,318, SO.

Tulane’s tough in the trenches

The excitement starts up front.

“I really feel better aboutthe depth on the O“We’ve gotgoodplayonthe line of scrimmager group as I’vebeenaround.”

Tulane could have as many as 10 quality contri ilton (six tackles forloss, 41/2 sacks) is the only le SantanaHopper(AppalachianState)and rush Paso)excelledinthe spring.End Gerrod Hend of potential as atop reservelast season. TheW Jah’RieGarner back from injuryand welcomed January, including nose tackle Tre’Von McAlpin SumralllabelednosetackleEliytNairne,a Li man GeordanGuidryaslegitimatestarter-qua teredpreseason camp on the two-deep depth cha

“Havingthe versatilitywithin thatgroup is go linebacker SamHoward, the Wave’s topretur

TULANE DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART DE

NT DE OLB

6KAM HAM

10 Gerrod

95 TRE’VONMCALPINE 6-3,305, JR.

L D

changeable, and the nd thing. To be elit uh oh

93 Elijah Champaigne 6-2, 290, SR

29 SANTANA HOPPER 6-2 265JR.

90 EliytNairne 6-1, 305, SO

OMOWESTMORELAND 6-2,250, SR.

5HarveyDyson 6-3 250 JR

15 SAM HOWARD 6-2,220 SR.

42 Makai Williams6-1, 225, JR.

2DICKSONAGU 6-2,222,SO.

4ChrisRodgers 6-2222 JR.

NB

F S C C N IL IL

CB

CB SS FS K P

3JAVIONWHITE 5-10, 190,SO.

13 TJ Smith 5-10, 175, JR

20 JAHIEM JOHNSON6-0, 189, SO.

22 LJ Green5-10,170, SO

21 JAYDEN LEWIS5-11, 181, SO.

11 E’zaiah Shine6-1185 FR.

32 BAILEY DESPANIE6-1,204, SR.

7Kevin Adams 5-10, 185,SO.

1JACKTCHIENCHOU 5-10, 181, SO.

30 Joshua Moore 6-2, 202, SO

91 PATRICK DURKIN 5-10, 175, FR.

35 Cooper Helmke 6-3165 FR.

38 ALEC CLARK 6-1,184,SO.

34 William Hudlow5-11217,SO.

QB

trong coreupfront will makelifemuch easier forthe players stepping into newroles at the skill positions.QuarterbackJakeRetzlaff, competing with fellowtransfersBrendan Sullivan (Iowa) and Kadin Semonza (Ball State)toreplace Mensah, playedwell for an 11-2BYU team but has only amonth to learn the offenseasalateJulyarrival.

nior Arnold Barnes,who wasdecentasHughes’ primary backup,believeshehas raised his levela couotches in arunning back room thatgoes four but boasts no provenstarter.

ShazzPreston appearscapable of asimilar leap at receiver after missing the first half of 2024with amstring injury.Heisone of severalcandidates looking to replace the production of Mario Williams, tae Fleming, Yulkeith Brownand tightend Alex uman (combined 2,281 yardsreceiving, 146catch18 touchdowns)

the only non-PowerFour conference school to oPowerFouropponents (Northwestern plus and Duke), Tulane needs to getuptospeed tely,particularly with atrip to preseason No. 15 s(coaches’ poll) in September as well. eall of the lost production, Sumrall said the sconsiderably ahead of its pace at thesame season as anew staff adjusted to newplayers. not starting from ground zero,” he said. “We’re complexschematically and getting in alot of differtional thingsthatare giving our defenseprobsexciting. Defensively,wewerevery simplified edid last year.We’re alot moresettled personnel we’rerunning calls in practice fiveatcamp that trun until practice 12 or 15 last year.”

Cajunsnot as seasoned, but coaches convinced club features higher ceiling this season

BYKEVIN FOOTE |Staff writer

The UL Ragin’Cajunshaveplenty to replace from last year’s squad that reached theSun Belt Conference championshipgame.

Ofthe fiveCajuns to earn first-team All-Sun Belthonorslastseason, none of them return.

On offense, gone is theSun BeltOffensivePlayerofthe Year and the topfour receivers.

On defense, the topfive tacklersfromlastfallare gone as well.

On special teams,the Lou GrozaAward winner and thetwo-yearpuntreturner are no longer on the roster

Still, UL coach MichaelDesormeauxand hisstaff areconvincedthe ceilingis higher forthe 2025clubthan the West Divisionchampionsoflastseason.

“We’revery excited about thisteam,”Desormeaux said. “Myexpectationsare extremely high.”

Long story short, what this year’s squad maylack in seasoning, the coachesare hoping to makeupfor in rawtalent.

“I thinkwefeellikeasastaff that we have alittlebit more of atalentedteam than wehad last year,” offensive coordinatorTim Legersaid.“There’s alittle bitmoretalentinthe building.Now,whethertheycometogether,whether they worked theway last year’s groupdid and whether they perform on Saturdayslikel mains to be seen.”

What to expect on of

Thattheme starts at quarte

Miss transfer Walker Howard –o top-fivequarterbackprospect in ofSt. Thomas More –workswit totals zero collegiate touchdown

“We’re not expecting them thereand win the game by th Desormeaux said of the quar roomthatalsofeaturesredshirt omoreLunch Winfield comingo injury-plagued season andredshi freshman DanielBeale.

“It’sjust it’s adifferentfeeling, and there’snofeelinglikebeing backhome,”Howardsaid

BothHowardand hiscoache don’tappear worried about re placing BenWooldridge’s toptargets from ayear ago.

Led by LSU transferShelton Sampson and veterans like Robert Williams, they believe the talent is there.

“There’sa lot of good pieces in the room,and I‘vesaidthisone or twotimes in the past since I’ve been here, but from toptobottom,”Leger said. “Thisisthe best group thatwe’ve had. Toptobottom– it’sthe biggest, it’sthe longest, it’sthe fastest.”

There’s alittle more experience returning on the offensive line,but still plentyto prove. Righttackle GeorgeJackson and rightguardJax Harrington areback –surrounded by part-time starters and seasonedbackups in left tackle BryantWilliams, leftguardKadenMoreauand center CooperFordham

“I’mfeelingalot more comfortable (on left side),”Williamssaid. “I feel like this seasonshould be very,very good forus.”

The bigplan is to rotate the line as much as possibletoavoid late-seasonfatigue.

“It allows youtoplayguysearly on beforetheyhavetoplay,”Desormeaux explained. “You getthem in the mix and youget them experience,and thenIthink it helps youonthe back endtoo,longevity-wise.

“It takes some snaps off of guysthat, youknow, 15 snaps agame, maybetaking it off of someone.”

With Dre’lyn Washington leaving the program, the rushing load withberelying moreonthe duo of Zylan Perry (112-695, 4TDs) and Bill Davis (163-796, 9TDs).

“Bill’sdone areally good job,”Desormeaux said. “This offseason’sbeen phenomenal forhim. He’s gotten his weightdown, He’s down to 220 to 225rightnow.He’s eally good. erry) has gained really good weight, you, and sreally good, he’smoving greatwith it.”

Cajuns’defensive prospects

On the defensiveside, successrevolves around stopping the run betterand being moreaggressiveinthe secondary.

Improveddepth around mainstays Jordan Lawsonand Kadarius Miller up frontshould makea difference.

“I think our defensiveline is probably one of the groups whereyou got the most returning production coming back,”Desormeaux said. “You know, if you’re playing full speed all the time, youcan playbetterfootball.”

Moving Jaden Dugger to inside linebackshould help against the run, as well as becoming the newcommunication leader on ense.

“Jaden’sdone agood jobwith thatfor this offseason, so he’sgot to continue to

grow,” defensivecoordinatorJim Salgadosaid.“He’s agreat,great young man who’ssmart,intelligent. He’s gettingcontrol andbeingable to communicate.”

While outside linebackersAshleyWilliamsand Cameron Whitfield areknown commodities,Terrence Williamsand Kailep Edwardscould alsocontribute to thathigher ceiling goal.

“He’scome al liams.“We’reexc opportunity. He kno of playing the positi running back, ge run game, but als too, wherehe’sg nowit’shis turn.”

The secondary proven, but mor Richmondtransf linson replaces Ke the topcovercorner

“The thing is tha sionand we belie the most importan sonsaid. “Just ha of saying nothing only personthatc ourselves.”

Redshirtjunior boseisexpected game, along with and Jeremiah Mo

“I feel likethe is really clicking on every cylinder,” Dubosesaid.

“We’re really going to click together and be pretty good.”

Last season, the of safety TyreeS is Kody Jacksonfi they’reboth back.

“He’sgot tremendou Salgado said of canfly. He cancove from sideline to he showedwhen tunitytoplayout

“Going back to run …that’sone of worked alot on with

While the abilit Almendares is at the season, UL’s staff is excited about the potential in the return game.

CAJUNS OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

“Wehavefun with it,wecompete,”coach Mike Giuliani said of special teams. “There’sa toughness, but alsoanunderstanding wheretheytruly believe thatitleads to wins.”

QB

4WALKER HOWARD 6-0, 190, RJR. 2LunchWinfield 6-1, 221, RSo.

O O T W W R

DE RB DT RB DE WR

D

L D D

3ZYLAN PERRY5-11207,RJR.

6SHELTON SAMPSON 6-4, 195, RSO. 18 Jaydon Johnson6-2, 227,RJr.

87 KeDariusWade6-4, 198,RSo

88 CADENJENSON 6-6, 264 RSO.

83 Brock Chappell 6-5, 245, Jr

72 J’Marion Gooch 6-8, 320,RSo

0ROBERT WILLIAMS 6-2, 183, RSR.

64 BRYANT WILLIAMS 6-7,329, RJR.

76 Matt Broussard6-3, 305RSo.

75 KadenMoreau6-4, 294, RJr.

75 KADENMOREAU 6-4, 294 RJR.

50 COOPER FORDHAM 6-2, 292, RSO.

79 Mackey Maillho6-8,363, RSr.

67 John Bragg 6-4, 275, RSo.

0JORDANLAWSON 6-4, 243, RSR. 97 Lance Williams6-3, 240, RSo. 7BILL DAVIS 5-9, 235, RSO. 24 StevenBlanco,5-9, 224, RFr.

70JAX HARRINGTON 6-4, 327,RSR.

71 GEORGE JACKSON 6-5, 329, RSR

90 KADARIUS MILLER 6-2, 310, SR. 93 Jaelen Crider 6-3, 310, Gr.

22 Darrell Smith 5-8,280, Fr 41 CHASE EDWARDS 6-7, 271RSO.

68 Fitzgerald West 6-2, 290,RJr.

17 ASHLEY WILLIAMS 6-5, 255, RSO.

31 Drenon Fite 6-4, 230,RJr.

3JADEN DUGGER 6-5, 239,SR.

44 Jake St.Andre6-1, 220, RJr.

6 TERRENCE WILLIAMS 6-1 223, RSr. 16 KailepEdwards 6-0,224, RJR.

9 CAMERON WHITFIELD 6-3, 241, RSR.

38 Na’Tori Brown, 6-5, 228,RFr.

24 LORENZELL DUBOSE6-0, 185, RJR.

10 AveryDemery6-1, 177,RFr.

20 TRAE TOMLINSON 5-10, 175, GR.

23 Jeremiah Moses6-0, 182, RSo.

4TYREE SKIPPER, 6-2, 2-7, RSR.

2Jalen Clark 6-2, 205, RSr.

8 KODY JACKSON 6-0, 195, RSO.

21 Maurion Eleam5-10, 166, RJr.

Southern football has SWAC championship expectations and believesithas the pieces to win it

BYTOYLOYBROWN III |Staff writer

Entering the 2024season, Sou to achievemuch.

Beforeits first season underc team wasvoted to finish fourth in Thosesamelow expectations Jaguars. Theyare coming off an western Athletic Conference title preseason No. 1team in theSWA sportsinformation directors.

Fans should have champions the programfeelsthatsamehung pionshipsince 2013

Coachesand players callthe “blessing,”but it hasn’tchanged bringinga SWAC trophy and ma CelebrationBowltrophy, whichi erdone, back to BatonRouge.

Southern’soffense

The Jaguarsare excitedabou roster,including at themost si position:quarterback.

The playatthatposition last waslargely subpar as the toptwo callers, who each threwatleast passattempts, failed to consisten execute. Both playershavesin transferred and Jalen Woods,the lone returner,isexpected to fulfill that role.

The6-foot-1, 200-pound redshirt sophomoreisthe favoritetostart aftercompleting 38 of 66 passes for541 passing yards, four touchdowns andthree interceptions in six 2024 game appearances.Inhis twostarts, Southern wasvictorious,includinginthe BayouClassic.

Junior JacksonState transferC freshman Dillon Comptonmakeu

quarterback room.The staff is enamored with McCoybecauseofhis exvelspeed forthe position.

timesfor 163rushing yardsand twotouchames at JacksonState.His dual-threat talents pocket-passing preferences of Woods. doesn’tintendonplaying multiple quarterbacksa nlessit’snecessary.However, offensivecoorkFrederick hasn’truled outthe possibilityof agefor McCoywherehis mobilitycan help ituations

ebuilt its running back room after seeing its rushersexit.The team broughtinsix newtailhe portal, and returned redshirt freshman land sophomoreBarry Remo est-name addition is walk-on Trey Holly,aforrecruit and transfer from LSU.The redshirt phomorejoined the Jaguarsafter being suspendat LSU formorethan ayear becauseofhis alleged involvementinaFebruary 2024 shooting.

Holly,now listed at 5-7and 192 pounds,isatantalizing talent who as a true freshman at LSU had 11 carries for 110yards and atouchdown.

Other newpieces in the position group aresenior MikeFranklin from Jacksonville State andredshirt sophomoretransfer Princeton Cahee from Louisiana Tech, who each have astrong case for earning playing time.

Franklin at 6-2and 225pounds should be avaluable weapon in short-yardagesituations.Asajunior,heplayedinfour games and finished with 55 yardsoneightcarries Cahee has been described as explosiveand could be among the fastest players on the team.

The 5-10,190-pound tailback could alsobe an option in the return game, which Southern needs replacements for.

Confidence in the tailbackssucceeding is tied the confidence thestaff has in the offensive The unit returns every starter from last seaept left tackle.

Therewill be an opportunityfor new namestobeimpactful as pass catchers. However, Southern coaches have alreadyexpressedthattheir twomostproductive returners—redshirt juniorwidereceiverDarren Morrisand graduate student tightend Dupree Fuller —are goingtobeheavily involved.

Morris should be the topoption after having team-highsincatches (37) andreceiving yards(434) and snagging three touchdowns.Fuller made the preseason All-SWAC second team offense after haulingin30receptions for370 receiving yardsand twotouchdowns

On special teams,junior KennyPham will be Southern’snew kicker after being the designatedpunterlastseason

Bigexpectations on defense

Southern’sdefensestartsandendswithCkelbyGivens.The6-foot-2,245-pound senior defensiveend should be among the most impactful players in the SWAC regardlessofposition.

He wasnamed the preseasonSWACDefensivePlayerofthe Year and made the Buck Buchanan Awardwatchlist forthe best defensiveplayerinthe FCSafter he led the country in tackles forlosswith 27 1/2and finished third in sackswith12.

The staff has constructed the defensearound Givens,who said he has gotten stronger in the offseason.

When Givens is double- or triple-teamed, the Jaguarswill need to findout who elseonthe inside or the outside of the defensivelinewillapply pressure.The team lost three startersfromits frontfourand will likely need players such as junior defensiveend KaiBrown,a TrinityValleyCommunityCollegetransfer, to produce afterimpressing in the offseason

With Givens setting the tone up front, Southern should alsosee stellar playout of its secondary turn graduate studentHoracio Johns man Brister,who made preseason fir ond-team All-SWAC,respectively.

74 tackles and twointerceptions whil 62 tackles and twointerceptions

The Jaguarshavestrong depth in jah West,who had 10 passbreakups experienced transferslikeZay Fr Southern Miss. In his last healthys 2023, Frankshad 14 tackles (nine so one interception in 14 games, starting Southern returns its most prolific ler –senior linebacker VincentP 13 contests,hehad 95 tackles,which fourth best in the SWAC.Besides se linebacker Jamarlo Campbell, the of the position is filled with moreu provenplayers who either didn’t pla much or arejunior collegetransfers. Forpunts,freshman Nathan Zimmer will likely takethatjob as Pham focuses on kicking.

On paper,Southern hascontinuityin keyareas and depth at positions likerunning back and defensiveback. Graves and his coaches feel theyhave whattheyneed and assuming theyhavegoodinjury luck, the Jaguarsshould remaina favoritet win the SWAC West again.

SOUTHERN OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

C C L D R R L L T Q

QB

2JALEN WOODS6-1,200, R-SO. 0Cam’Ron McCoy6-1, 195, JR.

6TREYHOLLY 5-7, 192, R-SO. 7MikeFranklin6-2, 225, SR.

4DARRENMORRIS6-2,190, R-JR.

18 MalachiJackson 6-2, 200, JR.

17 CAMJEFFERSON5-10, 190, R-SO. 14 Kobe Brown5-10, 170,SO.

5DUPREEFULLER 6-3, 225, GR.

84 JERMAIN MINOR 6-5, 225, SR.

74 BRYANWALLACE 6-3, 305, SO.

79 Micheal Washington 6-4, 310, JR.

65 CHRIS GARCIA 6-3, 229, SR.

66 MikyalTrotter 6-2, 305, JR.

62 JUAN GONZALES 6-3, 315, GR.

55 Joshua Trask 6-5, 315, GR.

77 ANTONIOSANDERS 6-5, 300, JR.

57 Clifton Webb 6-3, 300, FR.

68JERON LEWIS6-4, 340, R-JR.

60 Raul Aguilar 6-5, 330,SO.

91 ZACYASSINE6-1,285, R-SR. 95 HabibBello 6-3, 315, JR.

58 JEROMEWALLACE6-2,290, JR.

67 Jayden Rogers6-2, 375, R-SO.

1CKELBYGIVENS 6-2, 245, SR.

67 De’Myrion Johnson6-2, 295, R-Fr.

48 KAIBROWN 6-3, 240, JR.

52 Justin Hillard6-3, 254, SO.

0VINCENT PAIGE 6-2, 225, SR.

34 Greyson Lafleur6-0, 220, SR.

9 JAMARLO CAMPBELL 6-0, 223, SR.

33 Michael Jones6-1, 230, R-SR.

46MARKEIS BATISTE 6-2, 210, R-SO.

36 RickyBrustus 6-0,225, GR.

7 ZAYFRANKS6-3,200, GR.

13 Eric Reed 6-1, 190 GR.

4ELIJAH WEST6-1,188 Sr.

23 LandonCarter 6-2, 199, R-FR.

3HERMANBRISTER 6-2, 205, R-SO.

15 Ty Lee 5-11, 190 SO.

2HORACIO JOHNSON6-0,195, Gr.

5Treylan James6-3, 190,R-SO.

TheWilliamsCenteratSouthern University at Shreveport hasbeen a cornerstoneofmycollege journey providingmethe support,opportunities, and asense of community that has helped me grow both personally and professionally Scan

Zoie Smith

Southern University and A&M College Freshman

Nursing Major Houston, TX

Southern University pushes students to reach academic excellence by creating asupportive environment. To ensureSouthern continues to succeed, weneed to keep supporting and investing in theUniversity

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DarrinL.Dixon,MBA

Executive Director

Southern University Alumni Federation

SouthernUniversityand A&M College ‘92

Being an advocatefor ourannual “Are YouIn?” Campaignisvital for fostering acultureofgiving thatstrengthens our University community and supports the next generation of leaders. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly impacts our students and programs, helpingustocreate abrighter futuretogether.

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Abeeb Oyesiji

Southern University and A&M College

PhD student Environmental Toxicology

Ibadan, Nigeria •Baton Rouge, LA

Southern University empowers minority scholarship,champions academic excellence, and fosters astrong sense of community It’s aplace wherediversity is celebrated and innovation is partofthe culture. I’ve had the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research, and my professors have truly inspired me to push boundaries, pursue my goals, and believe in the impactI can make.

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JamesGilmore,Jr.PhD President, Bayard Management Group, LLC Southern Universityand A&M College‘99

Southern University was thefoundation of my learning. It propelled me into my career by providing both a strong education and invaluable opportunities.Since graduating,I’ve had thechance to work forFortune 500companies,held politically appointed positions in local,state,and federalgovernment,and for the past 15 years I’ve successfully managed my own human resources and workforce training firm.It’s incredibly important foralumni to support the“AreYou In?” Campaign -because we arethe productsofthis great University,and it’s our turn to giveback what wasonce given to us.

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