The Times-Picayune 10-22-2025

N.O. may notbeabletomakepayroll

City official warnscash flow issues more severe than anticipated

BY BEN MYERS Staff writer

New Orleans’ municipal government may not be abletomake payrollfor the rest of the year,asthe city’scash flow,already precarious in the face of a$160 million deficit, is apparently worse than officials expected.

City Chief Administrative Officer Joe Threat toldMayor-elect Helena Moreno and City Council memberJoe Giarrusso on Tuesday that “cash flow issues have nowbecomeeven more severethan originally anticipated, so much so that payroll may not be able to be met,” accordingtoacouncil statement. It was unclear exactlywhat

triggered thenew cash flow troubles late Tuesday. Councilmembers have asked MayorLaToya Cantrell’sadministration to brief them on the newproblems at a Wednesday afternoon meeting. Thecityemploys about5,000 people with aprojected 2025 payroll of about$475 million, including $50 million in unbudgeted overtime. The news cameasthe council andCantrell’sadministration finalize the 2026 city budget and contend with a$160 million deficit. Departmentsare beingasked to absorb steep cuts that could lead to service reductions in everything from recycling to mental healthcare.Residents, meanwhile,

are being told to brace for possible tax and feeincreases.

The budgetcutscould impair Health Department services such as acute crisis response, postpartum nurse home visits and support for violent crimevictims, Health Director JenniferAvegno said during departmentalbudget hearings on Tuesday. Anduncertainty clouding federal andphilanthropic

Shutdown hits La.farmers at harvest

BY JENNA ROSS Staff writer

It’sakey momentonStephen Logan’sfarm in Gilliam. Andin farming, he said, “timing is everything.” His team has harvestedthe final corn, soybeans, cotton and peanuts, in that order.Now they’re spreading cerealrye seed and making plans for the next growing

season.But the government shutdownhas madepaying for those cover crops and finalizingthose plans moredifficult. Each fall, farmers acrossLouisiana count on thenow-shuttered U.S.DepartmentofAgriculture andother federal agencies for financial assistance andinformation. For three weeks, they’ve been unabletoget aloan from the agency,apply for aconservation pro-

gram or receive amarket report. “All of that is shut down,” LouisianaCommissionerofAgriculture Mike Strain said. That means many farmers are flying blind as they try to decide when to sell this fall and what to plantnextFebruary, adecision they often make months in advance.

ä See FARMERS, page 6A

High court clears way forlawsuit over plants

Filing claims parish steeredpollution into Black areas ST.JAMES PARISH

BY DAVID J. MITCHELL Staff writer

Alawsuit seeking amoratorium on newindustry in St.James Parish and accusing local government of steering polluting plants into Black neighborhoods can proceed after the U.S. SupremeCourt declined to take up the case. Theparish government had appealed to the nation’shighest court after afederal appeals court breathed newlife into the case earlier this year

Filed in 2023 in U.S. District Court in New Orleans, the suit was brought by Mt. Triumph Baptist Church and twoenvironmental groups, Rise St. James and Inclusive Louisiana. They accuse the parish of issuing discriminatory land-use decisions fordecades.

So far,the legal dispute hasn’tbeen over the merits of the allegations, instead focusing on the right of the plaintiffs to sue and whether the lawsuit wasfiled in atimely fashion. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier threw out the suit early on, finding

U.S. chess grandmaster Naroditskydies at 29

Daniel Naroditsky,achess grandmaster whostarted as a child prodigy and quickly became one of the most influential American voicesinthe sport, died Monday.Hewas 29.

The Charlotte Chess Center in NorthCarolina, where Naroditsky trained and worked as acoach, announced hisdeath on social media, calling him “a talented chess player,educator,and beloved member of the chess community.”

“Let us remember Daniel for his passion and love for the game of chess, and for the joy andinspiration he brought to us all every day,” his familysaid in astatement shared by the center Thecause of death wasnot immediately known.

Naroditsky became agrandmaster,the highest titleinchess aside from World Chess Champion, at the age of 18. Years earlier, the California-born playerwon theUnder 12 worldchampionshipand spent his teenage years writing chess strategy books as he climbed the world rankings. He was consistently ranked in the top 200 worldwide for traditional chess and alsoexcelled at afast-paced stylecalledblitz chess, maintaining atop 25 ranking throughout his adultcareer. MostrecentlyNaroditsky, knowntomany as Danya,won the U.S. National Blitz Championship in August.

Loggins demands removal of Trumpvideo

Kenny Loggins is objecting to theuse of hismusic in asocial media post showing an artificial intelligence-generated video of President Donald Trump dumping excrement from afighter jet on last weekend’s“No Kings” protests.

Thevideo, posted Saturday night on theRepublican president’sTruthSocialplatform, was accompanied by Loggins’ song “Danger Zone,” which appears on the soundtrackofthe blockbuster 1986 TomCruise fighter pilot movie “Top Gun.” Loggins, in astatement Monday on his website, said he wasnot asked for permission andcalled for the video to be removed “I can’timagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something createdwith the solepurpose of dividing us,” Loggins wrote “Too many people are trying to tear us apart, and we need to find new ways to come together We’re all Americans, and we’re all patriotic.”

As of Tuesday morning, the video remained on Truth Social. Representativesfor Loggins responded to TheAssociated Press’ request for additional comment Tuesday by reissuing his statement from the day before. The WhiteHouse responded to arequest for comment with astill from “Top Gun” with the caption “I FEELTHE NEED FOR SPEED,” paraphrasing one of the film’sfamous lines. Shopper shoots man who groped customers LOS ANGELES Awoman shot and killed aman who groped and attacked customers insidea Compton store, accordingtothe L.A. CountySheriff’sDepartment. On Sunday,deputies fromthe Compton Sheriff’s Stationresponded to an emergency call of adisturbance, whichwas later updatedtoinclude agunshot victim, at ashopping center in the 1300 block of East Alondra Boulevard, accordingtoa news release. The Sheriff’s Departmentdid not name the store where the incident took place. Apreliminary investigation found that an unidentified man entered astore followingafemale customer.Investigators say the male groped the female customer,which prompted the store’semployees to ask the man to leave. According to thenews release, the man responded by becoming verbally aggressive, throwing and damaging merchandise in the store. Officials say the employees and customers then noticed the man had an object in hishand that they believed was aknife. They said he threatened to kill and harm everyoneinthe store, according to authorities.

Stolen Louvre jewels worth an estimated$102million

100investigators

BY SYLVIE CORBET Associated Press

PARIS Theglittering sapphires, emeralds,and diamonds thatonceadorned France’sroyals could well begone forever, experts said Tuesday after abrazen, four-minute heist in broad daylight left the nation stunned and thegovernment struggling to explainanew debacle at the Louvre.

Each stolen piece —anemeraldnecklace and earrings, two crowns, two brooches, asapphire necklace anda single earring representsthe pinnacle of 19thcentury “haute joaillerie,” or fine jewelry. But for theroyals, they were more than decoration. The pieces werepolitical statements of France’swealth,powerand cultural import. And they areso significant that they were among the treasuressavedfromthe government’s1887 auction of most royal jewels.

Laure Beccuau, the Parisprosecutorwhoseoffice is leading the investigation, said Tuesday thatinmonetaryterms, thestolen jewelry is worth an estimated $102 millionbut also noted that

theestimatedoesn’tinclude historical value. About100 investigators are nowinvolved in the policehunt for the suspectsand the gems, she said.

The theft of thecrownjewelsleftthe French government scrambling —again —toexplain the latest embarrassment at the Louvre,which is plagued by overcrowding andoutdated facilities. Activists in 2024 threw acan of soup at theMonaLisa. And in June, the museum was brought to ahaltbyits ownstriking staff,who complainedabout masstourism. President Emmanuel Macron has announced thatthe Mona Lisa,stolen by a former museum worker in 1911 andrecovered two years later, will getits own room underamajor renovation.

Nowthe sparklingjewels, artifacts of aFrench culture of long ago, arelikely being secretly dismantledand sold offinarush as individual pieces thatmay or may notbeidentifiable as part of theFrenchcrown jewels,experts said.

“It’sextremely unlikely these jewelswill ever be retrieved andseen again,” saidTobiasKormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds, amajor European diamondjeweler, said in astatement. “If thesegems are broken

up and soldoff, theywill, in effect, vanish fromhistory andbe lost to the worldforever.”

At once intimate andpublic, crown jewels are kept secured from theTower of London to Tokyo’sImperialPalace as visual symbols of national identities.

In the Louvre’scase, the gems were stolenfrom theformer palace’sgildedApollo Gallery,itself aworkofart rendered in “sun gold and diamonds,” perthe museum’swebsite. InteriorMinister Laurent Nunez saidmore than 60 police investigatorsare involved in the manhunt forthe four robbery suspects. The thieves were divided into two pairs, with two people aboard atruck with a cherry pickertheyusedtoclimb up to thegallery,Nunez said.Photosshowed the equipment’sladder reaching to the floor above streetlevel.

Taken, officials said, were eight pieces, part of acollection whose origin as crown jewelsdate back to the 16th century when King Francis Idecreed that they belongedtothe state. The Paris prosecutor’soffice, leading the investigation, saidthattwo men withbright yellow jackets broke into the gallery at 9:34 a.m half an hour past opening time —and left the room at 9:38 a.m beforefleeing on two motorbikes.

MahmoudKhalilmakes appearance in appealscourt

Trumpadministration continuesefforts to deport him

BYJAKE OFFENHARTZ Associated Press

NEWYORK— Mahmoud Khalil appeared Tuesdayina federal appealscourt in Philadelphiaashecontinues to challenge adeportation case brought by PresidentDonaldTrump’sadministration over his pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University

Thehearing beforethe 3rdCircuit Court of Appeals cameasthe government seeks to overturn alower courtorder granting Khalil’sJune release from aLouisiana immigration jail.

Khalil’sattorneys have asked the three-judge paneltoaffirm the district court’s ruling, which prevents federal authorities from detaining him again andbeginning the deportation process.

Drew Ensign, an attorney for the government, counteredthat the lower court judge oversteppedhis authority and that thecaseshould be left to the immigrationjudge in Louisiana.

“All of this is being conducted in an improperforum,”Ensign said.“So that should be afull stop.”

An immigration judge last month ruled that Khalil could be deported, though the case isnow under review by aseparateappeal board.

Khalil, who is alegal U.S. resident married to an American citizen, has vowed to continue advocating for Palestinians as hiscase plays out.Hewas recently permitted by amagistrate judge to travel across the country for rallies and other events.

“This case is aboutevery singlepersoninthiscountry, whetherthey’re citizens or not,” Khalil told supporters after thehearing. “It’sabout their freedom of speech and their ability to dissent and their ability to speak up, especially aboutPalestineand thegenocide that’s happening.”

Khalil was the first protester arrested in the Trump administration’s sprawling effort to deport student activists, academics andothers whojoined pro-Palestinianprotests, which thegovernment hasequated withantisemitism. Khalil has repeatedly rejected allegationsofantisemitism.

ICEshoots manafter he rammed vehicle, DHSsays

U.S.

marshal, suspectinjured in LosAngeles

BY JAIMIE DING Associated Press

LOSANGELES— Federal officers shotaman in theelbowand a deputy U.S. marshal was hit in the hand with aricochetbulletduringanimmigration enforcement operationinLos Angeles on Tuesday,the Department of Homeland Security said.

The immigration agents fired “defensive shots” as theman they were trying to arrest rammed theircar withhis vehicleashe tried to escape atraffic stop, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in astatement. The man had entered the U.S. illegallyand previously escaped custody,she said. It’s not immediatelyknown whenheentered the U.S. or was previously detained. Aricochet bulletstrucka deputy U.S. marshalinthe hand. Both themarshaland thesuspect are in the hospital.

“These arethe consequences of conductand rhetoricbysanctuary politicians and activists who urge illegal aliens to resist arrest,” McLaughlin said.

U.S. Marshals Service office spokesperson Tlaloc Olvera confirmed one of their officers suffereda nonlife-threatening injury while helping with immigration enforcementand was in stable condition.

Los Angelespolicesaidthey were providing traffic control and were notinvolved directly in the federal operation.

Last month, an ICE officer fatally shot asuspect during an immigration enforcement operationafter the mandrove his car at officers and dragged one of them.Others have died while fleeing federal immigration agents, including aman struck and killed on aSouthern California freeway in August.

ICE tracks attacks against its officersand hasblamed activists for an increaseinattacks, saying theirrhetoric encouragespeople the agency is pursuing to resist arrest.

Suit seekstoforce swearing in of electedArizona rep

Johnsonsays he’s waiting for Housetoreturn

By The Associated Press

PHOENIX Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed alawsuit that seeks to get Democrat Adelita Grijalva sworn in as the state’snewest member of Congressafter U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to seat her amonth since winning the post.

TheDemocraticattorney general filedthe lawsuit Tuesday in Washingtonon behalf of Grijalva. It asks ajudgetolet other people, such as federal judges,who are authorizedtoadminister the oath, swear in Grijalva if Johnson has not done so. Mayes has said previously that the delay in giving Grijalva, thefirstLatinatorepresent Arizona in Congress, the oath of office leaves over 800,000 people in the southern Arizonadistrict without representation.

Grijalva, aformer school board member and memberofacountygoverning board in the Tucson area, easilywon aSept. 23 special election to fill the post previously held by her father, progressive Democrat Raúl Grijalva, who died in March after serving in Congress for more than twodecades.She said the delay has left people in her district without the constituent services that are normally provided by congressional offices.

Johnson has said Adelita Grijalva will be sworn in when the House returns to session, blamed the government shutdown forthe delay and accused Mayesof seeking publicity when she threatened to file the lawsuit.

Once she is sworn in, Grijalva would narrow the margins and give Democrats

U.S. Rep.-elect AdelitaGrijalva,D-Ariz., is surrounded by supporterscalling for House Speaker MikeJohnson to swear herinrecentlyatthe Capitol in Washington.

more powertoconfront Trump and the GOP agenda.

Democrats have accused Johnson of delayingGrijalva’sswearing-in because it improves their chances of forcinga vote for the release of the Justice Department files on the sextrafficking investigationintothe late JeffreyEpstein. Johnsonhas rejected the accusation.Grijalva haspledgedtoback the effort to release the Epstein investigationdocumentsand would be the last signature neededfor apetition toforce that vote.

In an interview Tuesday hours beforethe suit was filed, Grijalva said the delay meansshe is unable to sign alease on office space within herdistricttorespond to constituent requests. “I don’t have constituents until I’m sworn in,” Grijalvasaid. Johnson said Grijalva was elected the week after the Househad alreadygoneout of legislative session followingits voteonashort-term spending bill to fund the federalgovernment “So Iwill administer the oath to her,I hope, on the first day we come back into legislative session,” Johnson said Monday.“I’m willing andanxious to do that.”

Lawmakers whowin spe-

cial elections generally take theoath of office on days in which legislative businessis conducted, and they arewelcomed with warm applause from members on both sides of the aisle. They give ashort speech as family and friends watch from the galleries. There is precedent for doing it differently.OnApril 2, Johnson swore in Republican Reps. Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine,bothofFlorida, less than 24 hours after they won their special elections, during apro forma session. Johnson has said thecircumstances were unique because the House had unexpectedly gone outofsession that day.Patronisand Fine had already arranged for their families, friends and supporterstobeinWashington. But Johnsonalso said there is precedentfor notyet administering her theoath of office. He notedthatRep. Julia Letlow,aRepublican from BatonRouge, waited 25 days before her 2021 swearing-in ceremony,filling the seat her latehusband was elected to butnever filledafter dying of COVID-19. At the time, Democratscontrolled the House.

Trumpdemands DOJpay

It’s compensation forpast investigations

BY BRIANNIEMIETZ Newyork Daily News (TNS)

President Donald Trump has reportedly demanded the Justice Department pay him$230 million in compensationfor past investigations against him —and he just may get hiswish.

Trump’sclaims against thedepartment, whichhe’s staffed with allies including his former personalattorney, are withoutprecedent, according to The New York Times.

Justice Department regulationsallow for thedeputy attorney generaltosign off on such asettlement. That officeisoccupiedbyTodd Blanche, whoworked for Trumpinthe private sector and famously represented him during his 2024 “hush money”trial in New York City Stanley Woodward Jr., whoheadsthe department’s civil division and has represented anumber of other

MAGA figures, including FBIDirector Kash Patel,is also permitted to authorize apayment.

Trump’sdemandreportedly came in the form of two administrative claims that could be heard by acourt if ignored or declined by the DOJ. However,that’s unl ikel y considering the president is “alreadynegotiating, in essence, with his subordinates,” according to The Times, citing sources familiarwith the matter

searched forclassifieddocuments in 2022. It also accuses the DOJ of malicious prosecutionincharging him with mishandling the sensitive records.

Trump’sclaimswerefiled in 2023 and2024. Thefirst one reportedly says that, among other things, his rights were violated when the FBI and aspecial counsel investigated potential links between his 2016 presidential campaign and Russianinterlopers.

The secondcomplaint alleges the FBI and the DOJ violated his privacy when his Mar-a-Lago estate was

Trump seemed to allude to his claims against thefederal government in the Oval Officelastweek “I have alawsuit that was doing very well, andwhen Ibecamepresident, Isaid, I’msortofsuing myself,” he told reporters. “I don’tknow how do you settlethe lawsuit, I’ll say give me Xdollars, andIdon’t knowwhat to do with the lawsuit.” When asked about the potentialethicalconflicts involved in such apayment being approved by Trump’s allies, aDOJ spokesman told the New York Times that“in any circumstance, all officialsatthe Department of Justicefollowthe guidance of career ethicsofficials. The JusticeDepartment isn’trequired to publicly announce settlement agreements reached on administrative claims, according to departmentofficials. Such compensation is typically paid with taxdollars.

Bidencompletes radiationtreatment

BY SARAH GANTZ and JULIA TERRUSO

ThePhiladelphia Inquirer (TNS)

Former President Joe Bidencompleted around of radiation the ra py at aPenn Medicine cancer centerinPhiladelphia on Monday as part of his treatment for prostate cancer,accordingtoa family representative. Biden, 82, announced in

Maythat he hadbeen diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease that had spread to his bones.

Aspokesperson for the Bidens, Kelly Scully,said that following his treatment over thecourse of several weeks, Biden “rang the bell” at Penn, alongside his wife, Jill Biden, his daughter Ashley Biden and grandchildren, Hunter and Finnegan.

Ringing thebellatPenn typically signifies that apatient has completed cancer treatment, according to the health system. But Biden has not yet made astatementonhis

treatment, and it wasn’timmediately clear if the former president would need additional treatment. Ashley Biden posted astory on her Instagramofthe bell-ringing moment alongside awoman who Scully confirmed was Biden’sdoctor at Penn. Another photo showed thedoctor witha bouquet of flowers standing with Biden. “Dadhas been so damn bravethroughouthis treatment,” Ashley Biden wrote in her post. “Grateful.” APenn spokesperson directed questions to the Biden family

With Halloween just around the corner,it’sthe perfecttime to brushupona fewsafety and healthtips!

•Makesurekidsunder 12 areaccompaniedbyatrustedadult

• Stick to sidewalksand well-lit streets

•Bring reflectivetapeor aflashlight forextravisibility

•Beforedigging intoany candy,giveitaquick inspection to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with and is safe to eat

•Consider freezing chocolatetreatstoenjoy overtime or donating extracandy to a localorganization

Alittlepreparation goesalong wayinmaking Halloween safe,sweet,and fun foreveryone

Threedeadinplane crashnearLafayette

Aircraft went down in pasturein Carencro; flight originated in Texas

BY JULIA GUILBEAU

and STEPHEN MARCANTEL Staff writers

Three people were killed when asmall plane crashed in apasture near aFamily Dollar off Gloria Switch Road in Carencro, according to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Officials were called to the scene about 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Chris Cormier said, after awitness reporteda small planecircling theair, then crashing downneara roundabout at Gloria Switch Road and La. 93.

The aircraft landed in a pasture behind ahome near ametal fence line in arural partofLafayette Parish.

Upon arrival, deputies confirmed that all three occupants aboard died at the scene.

Following notification of the family, the deceased have been identified as 58-year-old Bruce Verduyn, of The Woodlands, Texas; 46-year-old Lydia Laws, of Spring, Texas; and 42-yearold Justin Ramsey,ofThe Woodlands.

“The aircraft was aBaron Beechcraft; it’sasmall aircraft with two props. That’s pretty much all we have right now,” Cormier said at the scene.

Deputies were blocking offthe scene as of 11:30 a.m. andasking driverstoavoid the area as they awaited investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration,

PAYROLL

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grants could threaten thedepartment’s workforce,70% of which is grant funded, Avegno said.

“The security of those, of course, in the next few years is under question, but for now we’re holding steady,” Avegno told the council

Though the city entered this year flush with $206 million in reserve funds, the Cantrell administration and the council used more than half of that to cover one-time expenses and unbudgeted overtime related partly to the Bourbon Street terror attack. Meanwhile, thecity overestimated 2025 revenue by about$31 million, the result of too-rosy projections of Super Bowl-related tax revenue and miscalculating property taxrevenue.

The council, along with the Cantrell administration, is plugging gaps however it can. The council, at the mayor’s request,will dedicate $5 million in Wisner trust proceeds to the Health Department and New Orleans Recreation Department. That follows settlements with Tulane University and LSU

which will lead theinvestigation.

The plane was identified by FAAregistrant data as a 2006 Beechcraft G58 Baron, owned by Align Aviation in The Woodlands. Its latest registration certificate was issued Sept.11, suggestinga recent change in ownership.

Ramsey was listed by the Texas SecretaryofState’s Office as theregistered agentfor AlignAviation.

FlightRadar24showed thetwin-engine plane took off from David Wayne Hook Airport near Klein, Texas, northwest of Houston.The craft dropped from radar at 11 a.m. just west of Carencro, moments before ascheduled landing at theLafayette Regional Airport.

Across the street from the crash,ina little white house, Kay Weatherford was watering her roses about 11 a.m. when she began to hear awhooshing sound from above.

When she looked up,she saw the plane spiraling down before crashingonits belly

“I’m still shakingwith allofthis,” Weatherford said.“Isaid, ‘Thatsounds weird; that’s aweird noise.’

Then you hear ‘poof.’ Iwas already in the road on the callwith 911, saying, ‘plane crash,planedown.’

Theaircraft crashed near abarn that Weatherford said had aperson inside. Also nearby was ahome.One resident at the housesaid

they werenot home when thecrash occurred.

WhenWeatherfordarrived near theplane, she said she saw two bodies inside thecockpit.

“I just made the sign of the cross and started praying on their souls to go up,” Weatherford said.

No other details about the crashwereimmediately available.

LaterTuesday afternoon, the pilot of asmall plane, whichwas flying from Texas intoRuston Regional Airport,died when his plane crashed in arural area southeast of Ruston and south of itsintended airport. Email Julia Guilbeau at jguilbeau@theadvocate. com.

NewOrleans Chief AdministrativeOfficer JoeThreat speaks during ameeting on Oct. 1.

that increase thecity’s share of thatmoney, whichcomes from donated oilfield land. “We’re doing our best to soften theblows with these two publicsafety agencies,” council budget Chair Giarrusso said.

Moreno will enter office witharazor-thinreserve fund of $46 million,or5%of operatingrevenue, accordingtoa LouisianaLegislativeAuditorOffice’sreport this month. Government finance expertsrecommend maintaining a17% reserve fund to cover two months

of operating expenses. Most of thereservefund —all but $8 million —islocked away in an emergency savings accountthatcan only be tapped with atwo-thirds council vote in certain circumstances. Thatwill leavethe Moreno administration with little room for errorinabudget already constrained by declining revenues. Staff writer Joni Hess contributed tothis report.

Email BenMyers at bmyers@theadvocate.com.

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“That information is needed now,” Strain said.

Government programs are even more critical as farmers are struggling with high prices for most of what they buy, including fertilizer, and low prices for most of what they’re selling, several farmers said.

“We’re very resilient, and we try to work with whatever’s thrown at us,” said Logan, a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Council. “But this is a very tough time in agriculture.”

About 91% of agriculture economists surveyed in September said they believe the U.S. crops sector is in a recession, according to the Farm Journal’s monthly survey of about 70 economists.

Among the reasons: Low grain prices, high input costs and trade uncertainty, especially with China, which has been boycotting the purchase of U.S. soybeans in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imports from China. The Trump administration has touted a possible multibillion-dollar bailout for farmers affected by the trade dispute, now on hold amid the shutdown.

During Trump’s last administration, changes to trade policies “sucked at the time but seemed to help in the long-term,” said Michael Frugé, who farms rice, crawfish and soybeans in Eunice. This time, “will we see some beneficial results long-term? Yet to be determined.”

Frugé is concerned that China’s boycott will have a detrimental effect on next year’s soybean prices. Current prices of about $10 a bushel aren’t bad, he noted. But the input costs for all his crops from fertilizer to boat repairs — have skyrocketed, said Frugé,

LAWSUIT

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the claims were brought too late or by plaintiffs who didn’t have the “standing” to sue. But a three-judge panel of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Barbier in April.

And in an unsigned order Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up the parish’s appeal.

Astha Sharma Pokharel, an attorney for Mt. Triumph and Inclusive Louisiana, said that “clears the way for us to show to a federal court how the parish has been inflicting dangerous, cancercausing facilities on Black communities in violation of the Constitution, resulting in this public health emergency.” Clara Potter, a supervising attorney with the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic,

whose high-protein Parish Rice landed on Walmart shelves in 2024. “The math just doesn’t work.” On Oct. 1, swaths of the federal government, including the USDA, shuttered after lawmakers couldn’t reach a deal on a short-term spending bill to fund federal agencies through Nov 21. Typically, in the fall, farmers would be studying USDA market information, including supply-and-demand estimates, progress reports and export sales numbers, said Michael Deliberto, a professor with the LSU AgCenter They’d then use that data to make decisions about whether to store or sell a crop they’ve just harvested.

That information, some of it drawn from surveys, also affects prices, Deliberto said. A record crop or unexpectedly low yield could sway the market. For example, answers to questions like “how much soybeans did we crush last month?” can affect prices going forward. The market sees that “objective information, the market digests it and then prices respond.”

Right now, that “key piece of fundamental information” is missing, he said. USDA offices are closed to farmers who have a question, need to fill out paperwork or want to apply for a conservation program The USDA is not offering its marketing assistance program, a key piece of financing that typically allows a farmer to pledge their harvested grain as collateral for a low-interest, shortterm loan. And they’re not accepting new applications for conservation cost-share programs, such as the Conservation Stewardship Program.

That program helps farmers pay for changes to their land that improve habitat, soil health or water quality Logan has been planting cover crops for a decade on an increasing share of his acreage in Caddo Parish. Under a conservation

program, the government approves a multiyear plan and then pays a share of the cost. There’s no exact return, Logan said, but over the years, he’s seen how planting cover crops has helped the health of his soil.

“You can see it,” he said.

“You can smell it.”

He expects that farmers who aren’t already invested in the program, “in a year like this, when commodity prices are at a low,” might skip it.

“It’s hard to go spend $20, $25 an acre additional money to do that when you may do it for 10 years before seeing the difference,” he added.

This fall, Logan bought the seed and started planting it. But he hasn’t yet received the government’s share.

“We have to continue on with our operation,” he said. “If you’re a week late, you might as well not do it. We’re counting on the government to hold up their end of the deal.”

CLARA POTTER, supervising attorney with the

added that the Supreme Court affirmed “the correct ness” of the 5th Circuit’s rul ing.

“Our clients deserve have their day in court to demonstrate that St. James Parish’s pattern and practice of land-use decisions is harming their community and the en vironment,” said Potte whose clinic is represent ing Rise St. James.

Attorneys for the parish government couldn’t b reached for comment.

Senate Republicansgatherat WhiteHouse with Trump

Shutdown enters itsfourthweek

BY LISA MASCARO, MARY CLARE JALONICK and SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press

WASHINGTON Head Start programs for preschoolers are scrambling for federal funds. The federal agency tasked with overseeing the U.S. nuclear stockpile has begun furloughing its1,400 employees. Thousands more federal workers aregoing without paychecks.

But as President Donald Trump welcomed Republican senators for lunch in the newly renovated Rose Garden Club —heportrayed a different vision of America, as aunified GOP refusesto yield to Democratic demands for health care funds, and the government shutdown drags on. “Wehave the hottest country anywhere in the world, which tells you about leadership,”Trump said in opening remarks. It was afestive atmosphere under crisp, but sunny autumn skies as senatorsset-

tled in for cheeseburgers, fries and chocolates, and Trump’sfavored songs “YMCA”and “You Can’t Always Get What YouWant” played over the new sound system.

AndwhileTrump saidthe shutdown mustcome to an end —and suggested maybe Smithsonian museums couldreopen —hesignaled no quick compromise with Democratsover theexpiring health care funds.

Later at another White House event, Trump said he’s happy totalk with Democratsabout health care once the shutdown is over. “The government has to be open,” he said.

As the government shutdownenters its fourth week —ontrack to become one of thelongest inU.S. history —millions of Americans are bracingfor health care sticker shock, while others are feeling the financial impact. Economists have warned that thefederalclosure, withmany of the nearly 2.3 million employees working without pay,will shave economic growth by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points per week.

The Democratic leaders Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep.Hakeem Jeffries had outreachedtothe White House on Tuesday,seeking a meetingwithTrump before the president departs for his next overseas trip, to Asia.

“Wesaid we’llset up an appointment with him anytime, anyplace beforeheleaves,” Schumer said.

With Republicans in control of Congress, theDemocrats have few options. They are planning to keep the Senateinsession late into the night Wednesday in protest. The House has been closed for weeks.The Republican senators, departing the White House lunch with giftsof Trump capsand medallions, saidthereisnothing to negotiate withDemocrats over the health care funds until the government reopens.

“Peoplekeep saying ‘negotiate’ —negotiate what?”

Senate MajorityLeader JohnThune said after the hourlong meeting. He said Republicansand the president are willing to consider discussions overhealthcare, “but open up the government first.”

$250Mballroom being constructed

BY DAVE GOLDINER Newyork Daily News (TNS)

TheWhite House has started demolishing part of the East Wing to make room for President Donald Trump’splannedmassive new ballroom, even though officialspreviouslypromised nothing would be “torn down”for the$250 million vanity project Federal workers were warned not to share photos of heavyconstruction equipment that toreintothe façadeofthe historicwing, leavingshattered windows, wiring and other debris piled on the ground next to the century-old building. Trump proudly proclaimed the kickoff of

ect on his

and in

He hadbeen pardoned by Trump

BY MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON— Aman whose convictions for storming the U.S. Capitol were erased by President Donald Trump’s mass pardonshas beenarrested on acharge that he threatened to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Christopher P. Moynihan is accused of sending atext message on Friday noting that Jeffries, aNew York Democrat, would be making aspeech in New York City this week.

“I cannot allow this terrorist to live,” Moynihan wrote, according to areport by a

state police investigator Moynihan alsowrote that Jeffries “must beeliminated” and texted, “I will kill him for the future,” thepolice report says. Moynihan, of Clinton, New York,ischarged with afelony count ofmaking aterroristic threat. It was unclear if hehad an attorney representing him in the case, and effortsto contact him and his parents by email andphonewereunsuccessful.

Moynihanwho’s 34, was sentencedto21monthsin prison for joiningamob’s Jan.6,2021, attack on the Capitol. In January,hewas amonghundredsofconvicted Capitol rioters who received apardon from Trump on theRepublican president’sfirstday backin

theWhiteHouse.

Jeffries thanked investigators“for theirswift and decisiveaction to apprehend adangerous individual who made acredible deaththreat againstmewith every intention to carry it out.”

“Unfortunately,our brave men and women in law enforcement are being forced to spend their timekeeping our communities safe from these violent individuals who should never have been pardoned,” Jeffries said in a statement

HouseSpeakerMike Johnson was asked about the case Tuesday and said he did not know any details.

“Wedenounce violence from anybody,anytime Those people should be arrested and tried,” said Johnson, aLouisiana Republican.

U.S. ranchers oppose Trump’sArgentinian beef plan

Expertsdoubt it will lowerprices

BY JOSH FUNK and SARAH RAZA Associated Press

SIOUX FALLS,S.D.— President Donald Trump’splan to cut record beefprices by importing more meat from Argentina is running into heated opposition from U.S. ranchers who are enjoying some rare profitable years and skepticism from experts who say thepresident’smoveprobably wouldn’tlead to cheaper prices at grocery stores.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association along with the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America and other farming groups who are normally some of the president’sbiggest supporters —all criticizedTrump’s idea because of what it could do to American ranchers andfeedlot operators. And agricultural economists say Argentine beef accounts for suchasmall slice of beef imports —only about 2% —that even doublingthat wouldn’t change prices much.

South Dakota rancher Brett Kenzy said he wants American consumers to determine whether beef is too expensive, not the government

And so far there is little sign that consumers aresubstituting chicken or other proteins for beef on their shopping lists even though the average priceofapound of ground beef hit its highestpoint ever at $6.32 in the latest report before thegovernmentshutdown began. “I love ‘Make America Great Again’ rhetoric. Ilove ‘AmericaFirst’rhetoric,” he said. “But to me this feels alot likethe failed policies of the past —the free tradesourcing cheap global goods. Several factors have sent

beef prices soaring, starting with continued strong demand combined withthe smallest U.S.herd size since 1961. In part, that small herd is due to years of drought and low cattle prices.

Beef imports alsoare down overall because of the 50% tariffs that Trump imposed on Brazil, abig beef exporter, and limits on Mexico, where thecountry is fighting aflesheatingpest.

Kansas StateUniversity agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor saidArgentina can’t

Trumppicktoleadfederal watchdog agency withdraws

Offensivetext messages were made public

BY SEUNG MINKIM Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump’spick to lead afederal watchdog agency withdrew from consideration Tuesday evening, after his offensive text messages were made public and GOP senators revolted.

Paul Ingrassia, who was nominatedtolead theOffice of Special Counsel, had been scheduled to havehis confirmation hearing this week.

On Monday,however, Politico reported on atext chat that showed him saying the Martin Luther King Jr.holiday should be “tossedinto theseventh circleofhell.”

Ingrassia also described himself in the chat as having “a Nazi streak” at times

After the texts came to light, several Republican senators said they would not support his nomination. They included some of the most conservativeand stalwartTrump allies in the Senate.

“I will be withdrawing myself from Thursday’s HSGAC hearing to lead the Office of Special Counsel because unfortunately Ido not have enough Republican votes at this time,” Ingrassia posted in an online message.“Iappreciate the overwhelming support that Ihave received throughout the processand will continue to serve President Trump and the administration to Make AmericaGreat Again!” HSGAC is the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request forcomment. But Ingrassia’spost came af-

ter Senate Majority Leader John Thunehad said he hopedthe White House would withdraw Ingrassia’s nomination.

Republicans have been abletomuscle through the vastmajorityofTrump’s nominees in roll call votes despite stiff Democratic opposition.

But there have been sporadicinstances when Republicans have pushed back,

generally behind the scenes, showing there are limits to theirsupport

Most notably,MattGaetz withdrew as Trump’sfirst choice for attorney general soon after beingtabbed for the job. In May,Trump pulled his nomination of Ed Martin Jr.tobethe top federal prosecutor for the nation’scapital, bowing to bipartisan concerns about the conservative activist’s modestlegal experience andsupport for Jan.6rioters. Last month, the White Houseannounced it would be withdrawing thenomination of E.J. Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Antoniwas supposed to succeed aBLS director who was fired following adisappointing jobs report.

produce enough beef to offset those other losses of imports.

Through July,the United States has imported 72.5 million pounds of Argentine beef while producing morethan 15 billion pounds of beef. Much of what is imported is lean beef trimmings that meatpackers mixwith fattier beef produced in the United States to produce the varietiesofgroundbeefthat domestic consumers want, so anychange in imports would affect primarily hamburger. Steak prices that were aver-

aging $12.22 perpound probably wouldn’tchange much.

Even if increased imports fromArgentina won’treduce prices, the idea creates uncertainty forranchers, making them less likely to invest in raising more cattle

“We’re always going to have uncertainty in the world. But the more uncertain something is, the less likely most are to put money on the line,” Tonsorsaid.

Argentine livestock producers like Augusto Wallace are excited about the prospect of selling morebeef to Americabecause he said “whenever an additional buyer comes, it’sbeneficial for everyone, right?For all the producers.”

Buteconomistscaution thatexporting toomuchbeef could backfire for Argentina because that woulddrive up prices forconsumers there

American ranchers saythe ideaofboosting importsfrom Argentinarunscounter to the stated purposeofTrump’s tariffs to encourage more domestic production andhelp American ranchers compete.

“It’sa contradiction of what we believed his newcourse of action was. We thought he was on the right track,” said the president of R-CALF,Bill Bullard, whohoped Trump’s policieswould discourage imports and encourage ranch-

erstoexpand their herds.

TexasA&M livestock economist David Anderson said “ranchers are finally getting prices thatare going to make up for some really bad years in the past with the drought, lowprices andhigh costs. We finally get some good prices. And we start talking about government policytobring down prices.”

Bryant Kagay,part owner of Kagay Farms in Amity, Missouri, said he thinks the planwould hurt ranchers. Cattleprices that hadbeen averaging around $3,000 for a1,250-pound animalslipped morethan$100 immediately after Trump mentioned the ideaofintervening in beef prices last week,though they have recovered abit since then.

Although Kagay voted for Trump in thelast election, he worries the trade waris hurting farmers and ranchersbydriving up costs and costing them major markets like China

“I continue to see things thatI don’treally think arein the best interest of ourcountry and the average citizen,” Kagay said. “I guess Ihope he starts to seethatand quits worrying about punishingopponents andwinning whatever battle he’s involvedin, and then tries to do what’sbest foreverybody.”

Whycallaroundandwaitforquotes? WithHouseFly,youseerealprices,compare

Vance optimistic aboutGazaceasefire

ButVPnotes

‘veryhard’ work to come

BY RENATA BRITO, MELANIE LIDMAN and SAMYMAGDY Associated Press

KIRYATGAT,Israel

U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday called progress in Gaza’s fragile ceasefire better than anticipated but acknowledgedduringanIsraelvisit the challenges that remain, from disarming Hamas to rebuilding aland devastated by two years of war Vance noted flareupsof violence in recent days but said the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that began on Oct. 10 is going “better than Iexpected.”

The Trump administration’sMiddle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, added that “we are exceeding where we thought we would be at this time.”

They visited anew center in Israel for civilian andmilitarycooperationas questions remain over the long-term plan for peace, including when and how an internationalsecurity force will deploy to Gazaand who will govern the territory after the war

Vance tried to downplay any idea that his visit —his first as vice president —was urgentlyarrangedtokeep the ceasefire in place. He saidhefeels “confident that we’re going tobeinaplace wherethis peacelasts,” but warned that if Hamas doesn’tcooperate, it will be “obliterated.”

Jared Kushner,U.S. President DonaldTrump’s son-inlawand one of the architects of the ceasefire agreement,

noted its complexity: “Both sides aretransitioning from two years of very intense warfare to now apeacetime posture.

Vanceisexpected to stay in the region until Thursday and meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials.

On Tuesday,Netanyahu fired his national security adviser, TzachiHanegbi, butgavenoreasonfor the decision. Israeli media said

Japan’sfirst female leader is an ultraconservativestar

Womenoften passed over in country

BY MARI YAMAGUCHI Associated Press

TOKYO— Sanae Takaichi, a star of ultraconservative Japanese politics and arare woman to riseinits maledominatedhierarchy,has been elected the country’s first female prime minister Takaichi, 64, is also the first womantoleadthe Liberal Democratic Party that has dominated Japan’spostwar politics almost without interruption. She admires former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and is aproponent of formerPrime Minister Shinzo Abe’sconservative vision for Japan. AChina hawk, she is aregular at Yasukuni Shrine, seen by China, the two Koreas and other Asian victims of Japan’sWorld WarIIaggression as aplace that glorifies the country’swartime past. The leader of acountry that ranks poorly internationally for gender equality, Takaichi had rarelymentioned the issue during the campaign. She did remark after winning the presidency of the ruling party: “Now that the LDP has its firstfemale president, its scenery will change alittle.”

First elected to parliament from her hometown of Nara in 1993,she served in key party and government posts, including minister of economic security,internal affairs and gender equality though her diplomatic experience is thin. She has called for astronger military,more fiscal spending for growth, promotion of nuclear fusion, cybersecurity and tougherpolicies on immigration. As astudent, Takaichi was

adrummer in aheavy-metal band and rodeamotorcycle.

Shesays she’sa workaholic who would rather work at home thangoout and socialize. But after two unsuccessful bids to lead the LDP,she says she’smade efforts to build more connections with colleagues.

She asked allpartylawmakers to “work likea horse.”

“I will abandon the word ‘work-life balance.’ Iwill work, work, work and work,” she said in comments that sparked strong,ifmixed, online reactions.

Female lawmakersinthe LDPhave often been passed over for ministerial posts, or been pushed aside if they spoke up about diversity and gender equality. Women holdonlyabout 15%ofthe seats in Japan’slowerhouse, the morepowerful of the two parliamentarychambers. Only two of Japan’s47 prefectural governorsare women.

Takaichihas avoidedtalking about gender issues in the past, sticking with oldfashioned views favored by male partyheavyweights. Shehad vowedtosignificantlyincrease thenumber of women in her government,but on Monday she appointed just twoasminis-

ters anda third as oneofher three special aides.

She supports the imperial family’smale-only succession,and opposesboth samesexmarriageand amending the19th-centurylaw that requires marriedcouples to have the same surname.

“Ms. Takaichi’spolicies are extremely hawkish, and Idoubt she wouldconsider policiestorecognize diversity,”said Chiyako Sato, apolitical commentator and seniorwriter for the Mainichi newspaper Apparently because of her views on gender and diversity, support for Takaichi among women is lower than that of men in media surveys, Sato said.

Still, many see her breaking the glass ceiling in politics as progress.

Takayuki Eguchi, a 62-year-old Tokyo resident, said he had doubted that a woman would ever gettobe primeminister and said her election created hope andexpectation given thedifficulty women still face in Japan

“I really hope she serves for along time, and that the political stagnation we’ve been seeing finally starts to move, and that things improve in Japan and in the eyes of the world,” Eguchi said.

Hanegbihad opposedthe renewal of Israel’s Gazaoffensive in March, and Israel’s failed attempt to assassinate Hamas’ leadership in an airstrike in QatarinSeptember In astatement, Hanegbi noted “times of disagreement” with Netanyahu. Late Tuesday, Israel’s militarysaid the remains of two more Gaza hostages had been returned to Israel, where they would be identified.

Sincethe ceasefire began on Oct. 10, the remains of 15 hostages havebeenreturned to Israel. Another 13 stillneedtoberecoveredin Gazaand handed over

On his visittoIsrael Tuesday,Vance urged a“little bit of patience” amid Israeli frustration withHamas’ pace of returning the hostages.

“Some of these hostages are buried under thousands of pounds of rubble.Some of thehostages, nobody even knows where they are,” Vance said.

Israel is releasing 15 Palestinian bodies forthe remains of each dead hostage, according to Gaza’sHealth Ministry.Itsaid Tuesday that Israel had so fartransferred 165 bodiessinceearlier this month.

As he faced journalists’ questions over the ceasefire’snext steps, he said “a lotofthiswork is very hard” and urged flexibility

“Once we’ve got to apoint whereboth theGazansand our Israeli friends can have some measure of security, then we’ll worry about what thelong-term governance of Gazais,” he said. “Let’sfocus on security,rebuilding, giving people somefood and medicine.”

Although some 200 U.S.

troopswererecentlysent to Israel, Vance emphasized that they would not be on theground in Gaza. But he said officials are beginning to “conceptualize what that internationalsecurityforce would look like” for the territory He mentioned Turkey and Indonesia as countries expected to participate.The flags of Jordan, Germany Britainand Denmarkwere on the stage wherehespoke Britainsaidlate Tuesdayit would send asmallcontingent of military officers to Israel to assist in monitoring the ceasefire. While the ceasefire has been testedbyfighting and mutual accusations of violations, both Israel andHamas have said theyare committed to the deal.

International organizations said they were scaling up humanitarian aidentering Gaza, while Hamas-led security forces cracked down againstwhatitcalled price gouging by private merchants. The World Food Program said it had sent more than 530 trucksintoGaza in the past 10 days, enough to feed nearlyhalf amillionpeople fortwo weeks. That’s well under the 500 to 600 that entered daily before the war

BRIEFS

Dow hits arecord as U.S. stocks climb

The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit arecord on Tuesday as the floodgatesopened for companies reportinghow much profit they made during the summer The Dow rose 218 points, or 0.5%, and toppedits prior all-time high, whichwas set early this month.The S&P 500 index, which is much more important on Wall Streetand dictates the performance of many more 401(k) accounts, was essentially flat and finished 0.3% below its own record, while the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.2%.

3M helped drive the Dow to its record after reportingbigger profit for the latest quarter than analystsexpected. Its stock had the biggest jump in priceamong the 30 companies that make up the average. In the more representative S&P 500 index, General Motors helped leadthe way andrallied 14.9% after reporting stronger quarterly results than analysts expected,while also raising its forecasts for some full-year financial targets. CEOMary Barra said it’s moving quickly to reduce its losses in 2026 and beyond for itselectric-vehicle business, as “it is now clear” that EV adoption will be lower than planned. Keeping the market in check were drops for some Big Tech stocks, which lost momentum following their own big rallies. A2.4% drop for Google’sparent company,Alphabet, from itsall-time high wasamong the heaviestweights onthe S&P 500. So were Broadcom’s1.9% fall andNvidia’s0.8% decline. Premium drinks, minis give Coca-Cola aboost

The Coca-Cola Co. saidsales of premium beveragesand mini cans helped boost its third-quarterresults despite tepid demand in the U.S. and elsewhere.

The Atlanta beverage giant saidTuesdayitcontinues to see adivergenceamong consumers in North Americaand Europe,withhigher-income buyers opting for its more expensive brands like Smartwater,Topo Chico and Fairlife while middle- and lowerincome consumers are under more pressure.

Henrique Braun, Coke’s chief operating officer, said thecompany hasfocused on affordability by shrinking package sizes and leaning into sales of mini cans. Earlier this month, Coke announced it will sell individual, 7.5-ounce mini cans for the first time at North American convenience stores starting Jan. 1. The mini cans have asuggested retail price of $1.29. “We’re pivoting accordingly. We knowthat theconsumer landscape has not changed,” Braun said during aconference call with investors.

GM boosts full-year earnings outlook

General Motors anticipates asmaller impact from tariffs andisboostingits full-year adjusted earnings forecast as its third-quarterperformance topped Wall Street’sexpectations.

Shares surged more than 15% in afternoon trading on Tuesday, its biggest one-day jump since May 2018. The automaker reducedits expectations for the full-year gross impact from tariffs to arange of $3.5 billion to $4.5 billion. Its previous guidance was $4 billionto$5billion. GM anticipates its tariff mitigation actions will offset about35% of the impactdue to alower tariff base.

On Friday,President Donald Trumpgave domesticautomakers additional relief from tariffs on auto parts, extending what was supposed to have been ashort-term rebate until 2030. It’spart of aproclamation Trump signed Friday that also made official a25% import tax on medium and heavy-duty trucks,starting Nov.1

BUSINESS

NOLA.COM/BIZ

Warner Bros.Discovery mullsbuyoutoptions

BY WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS AP business writer

NEW YORK Warner Bros. Discovery —the home ofHBO, CNNand DC Studios —has signaled that it may be open to selling all or parts of its business, just months after announcing planstosplitintotwo companies

In an announcement Tuesday,the entertainment and media giant said it hadinitiateda review of “strategic alternatives” in light of “unsolicited interest” it had received from multiple parties,for boththe entire company and Warner Bros. specifically Warner Bros. Discovery did not specify where that interest was coming from, and aspokesperson saidthe company couldn’tshare additional information when reached by The Associated Press. But its review arrives after growing reports of apotential bidding war including fromSkydance-owned Paramount, which closed its own $8 billion merger in early August. Citing anonymoussources familiar with the matter,The Wall Street Journal recentlyreported that Paramount approached Warner Bros. Discovery about amajority-

cash offer in late September —but that WarnerChief Executive David Zaslav hadrebuffed those first overtures. According to the outlet, ParamountSkydanceCEO David Ellison later considered takinga more aggressive approach,such as going directly to shareholders.

CNBChas alsoreported that Netflixand Comcast areamong other interestedparties, citing unnamed sources. Comcast declined to comment Tuesday.Paramount and Netflix did not immediately respond to the AP’srequests for statements. If asaleofall or part of Warner Bros. Discoveryarrives, it would markaconsiderable shift in theU.S. media landscapethatis“already trending towards aconcerning level of consolidation,” said Mike Proulx, vice president andresearchdirector at Forrester He pointed to thestreamingspace in particular—noting that, on one hand, apotential transaction could help scale the company’sstreamers to better compete with other platforms. But on the other hand, consumers could see fewer choices controlled by just ahandful of corporate giants. “When just afew conglomerates

JPMorgan Chase unveilsnew headquarters

60-story building reshapes NyCskyline

BY KENSWEET AP business writer

NEW YORK JPMorgan Chase unveiled its new 60-story headquarters to the public on Monday,one of the first major office buildings to be constructed after the COVID-19 pandemic and one that will remake theNew York City skyline for decades.

The bronze and steel tower at 270 Park Ave., whichreportedly cost$3 billion, replaced the Union Carbide Building,which sat on afull city block between 47th and 48th streets and Park Avenue andMadison Avenue for nearly60years. JPMorgan expectstohouseroughly 10,000 of its24,000 New York-based employees in the newbuilding, with some employees startingtheir first workdayatthe tower at thesametimeas thecompanyheldits ribbon-cutting ceremony

“For 225 years, JPMorgan Chase hasalways been deeply rooted in New York City.The openingofour newglobalheadquarters is not only asignificant investment in New York,but also testamenttoour commitment to our clients and employeesworldwide,”saidJamie Dimon, CEO and chairman of JPMorgan, in astatement.

The completionofthe new 270 Park is amajor accomplishment forDimon, who hasbeen one of the

loudest voices calling for employees to report to an office for work. The building was designed beforethe COVID-19 pandemic made remote workmorecommon. The bank held meetings to consider halting work on the building to either redesign it or scale it back,but Dimonwas insistent that workshould continue as designed. Both politicians and CEOs, particularly Wall Street CEOs, have been vocal about the need for companies to have offices. NewYorkpoliticians must answer to local businesses that have existed for decades and are usedbyworkers to eat, groom, shopand drink at “Tohave this investment at this extraordinary timeisa testament to that New York audacity andambition,” saidGov.Kathy Hochul, who attended as part of the ribboncutting ceremony. Theceremony ended with the playing of “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Zand Alicia

Keys

At 1,388 feet, thenew building, designed by famed architect Norman Foster, is taller than theEmpireState Building’sroofline and is now the fourth-largest building in Manhattan. The building contains 2.5 million square feet anda block’sworth of public space. The bank also commissioned five new artworks for thebuilding, adding to thebank’salready substantial

like Skydance, increasingly control thelion’sshare of some of themost popular platforms, it raisesall sorts of questions around the future of content diversityand expression,” Proulx said over emailTuesday “Bigger is better might be good for shareholdersbut will consumers ultimately benefitwith better quality content, lower prices, and accessibility?”

Still, he added,much of that will depend on whether asale happens andwho ends up buyingWarner Bros. Discovery Back in June,WarnerBros.Discovery outlined plans to split its cableand streaming offerings —with HBO, HBO Max, as well as Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group and DC Studios, to becomepart of anew streaming andstudioscompany; whilenetworks like CNN, Discovery and TNT Sports and digital products suchasthe Discovery+ streaming service andBleacher Report would make up aseparate cable counterpart.

Warnerexpected the split to be complete by mid-2026 —and said Tuesdaythat continuing to advance this separation was still among the

options it’sconsidering.

“Wetook the bold step of preparingtoseparate theCompanyinto two distinct, leading media companies, Warner Bros. and Discovery Global, because we strongly believedthis wasthe best path forward,” Zaslav said in astatement. Still, he added, “it’snosurprise that the significantvalue of ourportfolio is receiving increased recognition by others in the market.”

The company said that there’sno definite timeline for its review process —and noted that, beyondthe separation that is already underway, “there can be no assurance” that a transactionwill emerge SharesofWarnerBros. Discovery, headquartered in NewYork, were up nearly11% by market close on Tuesday.

Warner Bros.Discovery was createdjustthree yearsago when AT&T spun off WarnerMedia, which was merged with Discovery Communications in a$43 billion deal. An even bigger transaction could attract antitrust scrutiny butlike otherrecent mega-mergers andproposed transactions, could find success under the Trump administration.

art collection.The bank will house itstradingoperations in the building across eight floors, and has contractedout severalfoodand coffee vendorstocreatea city-within-abuilding concept. Thebuilding was amajor engineering andarchitectural undertaking by Foster,the building’slead architect and Tishman Speyer,who handled construction and engineering. The old Union Carbide building hadtobesystematically demolishedover aperiod of twoyears, mostofthat demolition happening during thepandemic. Construction wascomplicated by thefactthat the site sits above the rails of the Metro North Railroad and the Long Island Railroad that run underneath Park Avenue into Grand Central Terminal.

For years, JPMorgan has worked outofseveral buildings around Grand CentralTerminal, aresult of

OpenAI launches Atlasbrowser

BYMATTO’BRIEN and MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP technologywriters

OpenAI saidTuesdayitisintroducing its own web browser,Atlas, putting the ChatGPT maker in direct competition with Google as more internet users rely on artificial intelligence to answer their questions

Making its popular AI chatbot a gatewaytoonline searchescould allow OpenAI, the world’smost valuable startup,topull in more internet trafficand therevenue made from digital advertising. It could also further cut offthe lifeblood of online publishers if ChatGPT so effectively feeds people summarized informationthatthey stopexploring the internetand clickingontraditional web links.

OpenAI has said ChatGPT already hasmorethan800 million users but many ofthemget it for free. The San Francisco-based company also sells paid subscriptions but is losingmore money than it makes and

has been looking for ways toturna profit.

OpenAI said Atlas launches Tuesday on Apple laptops and will later come to Microsoft’sWindows, Apple’siOS phone operating system andGoogle’sAndroid phone system

OpenAI CEOSam Altmancalled it a“rare,once-a-decade opportunity to rethink what abrowser can be about and how to use one.”

But analyst Paddy Harrington of market research group Forrester said it will be abig challenge “competing with agiant whohas ridiculous market share.”

OpenAI’sbrowser is comingout just afew months after one of its executives testified that the company would be interested in buying Google’sindustry-leading Chrome browser if afederal judgehad requiredittobesold to prevent the abuses thatresulted in Google’s ubiquitous search engine beingdeclared an illegal monopoly

But U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta lastmonth issued adecision that rejected the Chromesale sought by

the U.S. Justice Department in the monopolycase, partly because he believed advances in the AI industry already are reshaping the competitive landscape.

OpenAI’sbrowser will facea daunting challenge againstChrome, whichhas amassed about 3billion worldwideusers andhas been adding some AI features from Google’s Gemini technology Chrome’simmense success could provide ablueprint forOpenAI as it entersthe browser market. When Google released Chrome in 2008, Microsoft’s InternetExplorer was so dominant that few observers believed anew browser could mount a formidable threat.

ButChromequickly won over legionsofadmirersbyloadingwebpages more quickly than Internet Explorer while offering other advantages that enabled it to upend the market. Microsoft ended up abandoning Explorer and introducing its Edge browser,which operates similarly to Chromeand holds adistant third place in market share

Aribboncutting ceremony was heldTuesday to mark the opening of JPMorgan Chase’snew headquarters at 270 Park Ave. in New york. JPMorgan expects to house roughly 10,000 of its 24,000 New york-based employees in the new 60-story building.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By KENSWEET

thebank’sgrowthand acquisitions over the years.

Corporate execs and investment bankersstill use 383 Madison Ave., theformer headquarters of Bear Stearns, and 277 Park Ave., which housed Chemical Bank,alsoa predecessor of the current JPMorgan Chase. Parts of JPMorgan started using the Union Carbide Building in the mid-1990s, but the bank always struggled to fit allits operationsin the building. The building wasdesigned to house 3,000 employees when it was built in the 1960s, and JPMorgan housed more than 6,000 there within afew short years of moving in.

With 270Park finished, the bank says it will nowstartarenovation of 383 Madison. Dimon said the bank has purchased afew other adjacent properties near 270 Park to centralize its operations around its new headquarters for the long term.

behind Apple’sSafari. Perplexity,another smaller AI startup, rolled out its ownComet browser earlier this year.Italso expressedinterest in buying Chrome andeventuallysubmitted an unsolicited$34.5billion offer for the browser that hit adead end when Mehta decided against aGoogle breakup.

Altman said he expects achatbot interface to replace atraditional browser’sURL bar as the center of how he hopes people will use the internet in the future.

“Tabs weregreat, butwehaven’t seen alot of browser innovation since then,” he said on avideo presentation aired Tuesday Apremiumfeature of theChatGPT Atlas browser is an “agent mode” that accesses the laptop and effectively clicks around theinternet on the person’s behalf, armed with auser’sbrowser history and what they are seeking to learn and explaining itsprocess as it searches. “It’susing the internet foryou,” Altman said.

President confirms talks on Ukraine war are off for now

Trump doesn’t want ‘wasted meeting’ with Putin

BY MATTHEW LEE and CHRIS MEGERIAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Tuesday his plan for a swift meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin was on hold because he doesn’t want it to be a “waste of time.” It was the latest twist in Trump’s stop-andgo effort to resolve the war in Ukraine.

Alaska in August, but the encounter did not advance Trump’s stalled attempts to end a war that began almost four years ago.

The Kremlin didn’t seem to be in a rush to get Trump and Putin together again either Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that “preparation is needed, serious preparation” before a meeting.

The decisio n to hold off on the meeting in Budapest, Hungary, which Trump had announced last week, was made following a call Monday between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

“I don’t want to have a wasted meeting,” Trump said. “I don’t want to have a waste of time — so we’ll see what happens.”

Trump’s hesitancy will likely come as a relief to European leaders, who have accused Putin of stalling for time with diplomacy while trying to gain ground on the battlefield. The leaders — including the British prime minister, French president and German chancellor said they opposed any push to make Ukraine surrender land captured by Russian forces in return for peace, as Trump most recently has suggested.

They also plan to push forward with plans to use billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets to help fund Ukraine’s war efforts, despite some misgivings about the legality and consequences of such a step.

The U.S. and Russian presidents last met in

Trump suggested that decisions about the meeting would be made in the coming days.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr

Zelenskyy has been trying to strengthen Ukraine’s position by seeking long-range Tomahawk missiles from the U.S., although Trump has waffled on whether he would provide them.

“We need to end this war, and only pressure will lead to peace,” Zelenskyy said Tuesday in a Telegram post.

He noted that Putin returned to diplomacy and called Trump last week when it looked like Tomahawk missiles were a possibility But “as soon as the pressure eased a little, the Russians began to try to drop diplomacy postpone the dialogue,” Zelenskyy said.

On Wednesday, Trump will hold talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, according to a White House official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity The official did not provide any detail about Trump’s agenda for the talks.

The military alliance has been coordinating deliveries of weapons to Ukraine, many of them purchased from the U.S. by Canada and European countries. A meeting of the Coalition of the Willing — a group of

35 countries who support Ukraine — is due to take place in London on Friday Trump’s stance on the war has shifted throughout the year He initially focused on pressuring Ukraine to make concessions, but then grew frustrated with Putin’s intransigence Trump often complains that he thought his good relationship with his Russian counterpart would have made it easier to end the war

Last month, Trump reversed his long-held position that Ukraine would have to give up land and suggested it could win back all the territory it has lost to Russia.

But after a phone call with Putin last week and a subsequent meeting with Zelenskyy on Friday, Trump shifted his position again and called on Kyiv and Moscow to “stop where they are” in the more than threeyear war

On Sunday, Trump said the industrial Donbas region of eastern Ukraine should be “cut up,” leaving most of it in Russian hands.

Trump said Monday that while he thinks it is possible that Ukraine can ultimately defeat Russia, he’s now doubtful it will happen.

Ukrainian and European leaders are trying hard to keep Trump on their side.

“We strongly support President Trump’s position that the fighting should stop immediately, and that the current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations,” the leaders’ statement said. “We can all see that Putin continues to choose violence and destruction.”

Lavrov made clear Tuesday that Russia opposes a ceasefire, Russian state news agencies reported He told journalists in Moscow that it would go against what the two presidents agreed upon in Alaska.

N. Korea fires a ballistic missile toward S. Korea, country says

Launch was in an eastward direction

By The Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea North

Korea

fired a ballistic missile in an eastward direction on Wednesday, South Korea’s military said, the North’s first weapons testing activity in about five months.

A brief statement from South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff gave no further details such as how far the weapon flew

North Korea usually testlaunches missiles in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, causing no damage in neighboring countries But the Joint

Chiefs of Staff statement only said the latest missile was launched in an eastward direction

The launch comes days before South Korea hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference. U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders are to gather in the South Korean city of Gyeongju for talks next week.

Experts earlier said North Korea could launch provocative missile tests aheawd or during the APEC summit to underscore its commitment to acquiring the status of a nuclear weapons state. Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un displayed a new long-range missile at a massive military parade in Pyongyang,

with top Chinese, Russian and other leaders present.

The parade, which marked the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers’ Party, highlighted Kim’s growing diplomatic footing and his relentless drive to build an arsenal that could target the continental United States and his rivals in Asia.

Kim’s diplomatic credentials have been bolstered recently

He took center stage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a Beijing military parade last month. U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have also repeatedly expressed hopes to meet Kim as he flaunts a provocative nuclear program.

Appeals court overturns Uribe conviction

BY ASTRID SUÁREZ Associated Press

BOGOTA Colombia — An appeals court on Tuesday overturned the conviction of Colombian former President Álvaro Uribe for bribery and witness tampering for which he had been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest.

Uribe, 73, has denied any wrongdoing He was sentenced in August following a nearly six-month trial in which prosecutors presented evidence that he attempted to influence witnesses who accused the law-and-order leader of having links to a paramilitary group in the 1990s.

The court on Tuesday said the conviction had “structural deficiencies,” used vague premises and lacked comprehensive analysis.

Two of the three judges on the panel voted to overturn the conviction; the third

thought it should be upheld.

Uribe, who governed from 2002 to 2010, has called his conviction political persecution, claiming that the judge was biased against him.

In the appeal, his lawyers questioned the validity of the evidence and argued that the former president’s responsibility was not “unequivocally” proven.

Prosecutors and victims can appeal Tuesday’s ruling to Colombia’s Supreme Court.

The former president, who was free pending his appeal, watched the proceedings remotely via video link.

The case has energized both Uribe’s supporters and

critics, as the latest turn comes amid campaigning for next year’s legislative and presidential elections in Colombia. Uribe’s party, Democratic Center, has already said that Uribe will run for senator if his legal situation allows it. The original sentence included an 8-year ban on holding public office.

Sen. Paloma Valencia, an Uribe supporter, wrote on X that she felt relieved by the latest decision.

“We have always trusted in his innocence, always defended his legacy and his good name,” she said. The former president governed with strong support from the United States. He is a polarizing figure in Colombia, where many credit him for saving the country from becoming a failed state, while others associate him with human rights violations and the rise of paramilitary groups in the 1990s.

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Lawsuit filed over Belle Chasse tolls

Plaquemines Parish residents challenge ‘excessive’ fees

BY LARA NICHOLSON Staff writer

Three Plaquemines Parish residents have filed a lawsuit against the state and the operators of the Belle Chasse Bridge for charging drivers “excessive” tolls and fees, the latest in a series of problems to face the new bridge since its inception.

Seeking class action status, the

Historian: Learn from American Revolution

Author offers advice on preventing polarization

BY BLAKE PATERSON Staff writer

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian

Rick Atkinson urged a crowded ballroom of New Orleans civic leaders to treasure institutions that prevent power from “concentrating in the hands of authoritarians who think primarily of themselves” in a keynote speech at the Bureau of Governmental Research’s annual luncheon.

Atkinson’s remarks Tuesday focused on the legacy of the American Revolution on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the lessons that leaders can carry forward from that conflict into the future. And while his remarks largely avoided commenting directly on current events, he still made glancing references to the news of the day

The Bureau of Governmental Research, a good government think tank, holds a luncheon featuring a speaker each year to generate support for its various research and policy initiatives.

Atkinson, the author of eight narrative histories about various American wars, won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for history for his book, “An Army at Dawn.” The former journalist also directed and edited a Washington Post team that won the Pulitzer in 1999 for public service reporting on shootings by District of Columbia police officers.

Atkinson won the esteemed national award again in 1982 for his national reporting on the U.S Military Academy’s Class of 1966. He is no stranger to New Orleans, having served on The National WWII Museum’s educational advisory board since 2007 His daughter also attended Tulane University On Tuesday, Atkinson argued that Americans won their independence by “building the better team.” Britain’s only ally was Portugal, he said, while Americans had the French, Spanish and Dutch.

“This is our earliest diplomatic lesson, and in some respects, our most important: The better team usually wins,” he said. “Perhaps we Americans should remember that today before we give a thumb in the eye to our closest friends.”

Atkinson also offered advice to Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, who attended Tuesday’s luncheon along with several other elected officials, on how to tamp down on political polarization.

He said Moreno and other leaders must make the argument “that we’ve got more in common than we have things that divide us That we are bound together, now 338 million of us, in a common fate, a common destiny, and if we don’t figure it out together, we’re going to sink or swim together.” Atkinson said the nation’s origin

residents filed the lawsuit in 25th Judicial District Court against the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development; Plenary Belle Chasse, the developer and operator for the bridge; and Kapsch TrafficCom, operator of the tolling system under Plenary The plaintiffs, Vic Palazzo, Anthony Frankovich and John Helmers, along with Helmers’ now-closed business Bywater Bar & Grill in Myrtle Grove, blamed the defendants for charging drivers roughly $6.8 million in fees on top of $5.2 million in tolls over four months. Their lawsuit seeks to represent any driver charged an “excessive toll” and/or an “unreasonable fee” since the tolling system began May 14.

“This isn’t just about a few bad bills it’s about fairness,” Leo Palazzo, attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a statement. “When government contractors overcharge hardworking citizens, they have to give that money back. We’re going to make sure that happens.”

Roughly 32,000 drivers use the bridge on a daily basis, according to the lawsuit.

Angela Noote, a spokesperson for Plenary declined to comment on the pending litigation but said discussions with state officials are ongoing. Ashley Boncimino, regional marketing manager for Kapsch, also declined to comment,

as did the DOTD. Gov Jeff Landry suspended the tolls earlier this month to discuss and renegotiate the 30-year bridge contract, and several Louisiana lawmakers requested last month that the state attorney general conduct an investigation into the toll system.

Landry gave the company 10 days to submit a written plan for addressing potential contract violations, including the tolls and

Fandal sworn in as mayor

Ex-chief promises revitalization and transparency

BY BOB WARREN Staff writer

Flanked by his family, Randy Fandal was sworn in as mayor of Slidell before a packed house Tuesday, becoming the city’s 23rd mayor and the third former city police chief to make the jump to the executive office.

Fandal, 65, won a special race on Oct. 11 to fill the remaining eight months of the term of former Mayor Greg Cromer, who resigned the office last January to take a job in Gov. Jeff Landry’s administration. Fandal promised to lead the city of some 28,000 people with integrity and energy

Victims escape unharmed in I-10 shooting

BY MICHELLE HUNTER Staff writer

A man and woman from Houston are facing a charge of attempted second-degree murder after authorities say they shot at another vehicle during a road rage encounter on Interstate 10 in Metairie.

Tilease Jacques and Kyandrea Berry, both 33, were arrested Oct. 11 in Baton Rouge after being tracked there by investigators, according to Sgt. Brandon

“I stand before you with humility, gratitude and a deep commitment to serve each and every one of you,” Fandal told the crowd at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, choking up several times during his speech.

Fandal, the city’s police chief since 2016, follows former chiefs Freddy Drennan and Ben Morris in winning the mayor’s office after a stint as chief. Fandal beat Bill Borchert, who was an at-large Slidell City Council member and became Slidell’s mayor when Cromer left the office.

Sharing the stage with Fandal on Tuesday was Daniel Seuzeneau, who was sworn as interim police chief.

Seuzeneau, who was the Police Department’s chief administrative officer and became assistant chief, will serve until the winner of next spring’s regular police chief election takes office.

Veal, spokesperson for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The shooting occurred earlier that same day on I-10 near Clearview Parkway, Veal said.

A 47-year-old New Orleans man and his child, 11, were westbound when they came upon the suspects’ SUV, which was headed in the same direction.

Jacques was behind the wheel. The victim tried to pass the SUV because the vehicle was traveling more slowly than he was, according to Veal But she kept speeding up.

“(Jacques) conducted maneuvers to prohibit the victim’s vehicle from getting in front of them,” Veal said. The SUV pulled alongside the

Much as he did during the campaign, Fandal promised that economic development and the revitalization of the city’s parks and recreational fields would be among his top priorities

“Our kids deserve a safe, accessible and well-maintained space,” he said. Transparency will be key he said, noting that every decision he makes as mayor will be in service of the city’s residents “Slidell has so much potential,” Fandal added.

Seuzeneau, the department’s longtime public information officer who started its popular Facebook page (it has 180,000 followers), said Fandal has been a mentor and that he doesn’t take the trust Fandal has shown in him lightly

He said he would do what Fandal

victim’s vehicle and a person in the passenger seat, later identified as Berry, opened fire, according to authorities. The bullet struck the driver’s-side door of the victim’s vehicle but no one was injured, Veal said.

The SUV continued on while the victim made for the shoulder of the interstate. The victim’s drastic lane changes caught the attention of a State Police trooper on the interstate, according to Veal The officer learned of the shooting and notified the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators identified the suspect vehicle, tracking it to LaPlace, Veal said. Authorities put out an alert on the SUV and police pulled the vehicle over in

Baton Rouge. Jacques was taken to Jefferson Parish on Oct. 15. In addition to attempted murder, she was booked with assault by drive-by shooting, aggravated criminal damage to property and illegal use of a weapon, Veal said. She was being held Tuesday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna in lieu of a $375,000 bail. Berry was still being held Tuesday at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison as a fugitive from Jefferson Parish He will face the same charges, Veal said. Email Michelle Hunter at mhunter@theadvocate.com.

NBAYoungboyfanstry to stormarena entrances

Smoothie King putonlockdown during concert

BY KEITH SPERA Staff writer

After thousands of fansofBaton Rouge rapper NBA Youngboyfiled into the Smoothie King Centeron

Mondayfor his second sold-out concert in as many nights, some fans without tickets triedto force their way into the arena.

In response, security locked down the doors and, at least temporarily,stopped admittinganyone, even legitimate ticket holders.

Videos posted to social media showed groups clustered near the closed doors or running toward them.

The scene was “chaos,” saidJustin Brown, aformer police officer whofounded andrunsEmpower YouNOLA, anonprofit organization and social media initiative devoted to criminal justice issues

“Kids were runningaroundjust crazy.People stormed insidemultipletimes, pushing themselves in.”

According to Brown, doors were eventually opened, only to be locked down again when more people startedpushing through.

Astatement from Mike Hoss, media relations manager for Smoothie King Center and Caesars Superdome management companyLegends

SCREEN GRAB IMAGE

In ascreen grab imagefrom a social media video, rapper NBA youngboyisseen in the grasp of NewOrleans police officers in downtown NewOrleans following his sold-out concertatthe Smoothie King Center on Sunday

Global,said, “Wecan confirm that non-ticketed patrons attempted to enter theSmoothieKingCenter after the headline artist had taken the stage

“It is important to note that all the non-ticketedfans hadalready passed through our enhancedsecurity screening procedures,sothere was no compromise or breach of the venue’s secured perimeter

The situationwas quickly brought under control by venue personnel and the NOPD, and the non-ticketed fansweredispersed. Theconcert continued through itsfull duration withoutany interruptionorincident.”

At least onevideo from Mondaynight showed people cutting through gaps in the securityline barricadestojoin dozens of others outside an arenaentrance.Itwas not clear if they wereever allowed inside.

Some legitimate ticket holders complained on social media that theycould not get intothe show.

Brown said he had been invited by NBA Youngboy’smanagement team. But after picking up his tickets, he couldn’tget into thearena because it was on lockdown. He spent about an hour outside the venue before he finally gave up and went home shortly after 10 p.m.

No stranger to drama

NBA Youngboy’songoing “MASA Tour”has sold out everyarena it has visited. It has also generated public safety concerns in multiple cities. Someshows have been canceled.

Following aSept. 21 concert in Kansas City,ateenage attendee was charged with felony assault after he beat a66-year-old usher inside the venue.

The UnitedCenter in Chicago canceled aSept. 24 concert, apparently over concerns about the potential forviolence stemming from an on-

going disputebetween NBAYoungboy and Chicago rapper LilDurk.

An Oct.6 show at Detroit’sLittle Caesars Arena was called off for what arena officials described as “unforeseen circumstances.”

NBAYoungboyperformedas scheduled at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on Oct.15. Buta second, soldout show scheduled for Saturday was canceled

Most showsonthe 45-datetour, whichkicked off at Dallas’ AmericanAirlines Arena on Sept.1,have gone smoothly.

Millionsatstake

Allface-value tickets for both New Orleans concertssoldout. Attendance each night was approximately 13,500.

The concerts generated millions of dollarsinrevenuefrom ticket and merchandise sales, concessions and parking.

Police officials announced last week that 400 officers would be deployed in the Central Business District and French Quarter during the two nights of concerts.

NBA Youngboy himself interacted withNew Orleanspolicewhen he took astroll on Canal and Bourbon streets afterhis Sundaynight concert. Officers pulled himaway from ascrum of screamingfansonBourbon and hustled him to avehicle waiting on Canal.

TheSmoothieKingCenterbanned all bags and purses —even the small, clear bags normally allowed

ViralYouTube comicsuedfor prankinBR

‘Agent Ratliff’ gag takentofederal court

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

He’sa content creator who’s gone viral for his comedic skits.

Materials, White posted footage from the clash withJones on hissocial media channels.

The video was viewed at least 120,000 times across the various platforms.

forconcerts andsporting events —for his two concerts. Venuesin other cities have instituted asimilar policy

Insidethe Smoothie King Center police responded to what was an apparentlyfalse report of gunfire.

“At this time, there is no evidence of shotsfired,” the New OrleansPolice Departmentsaid in astatement released to the media while the concert was still going on.“Early indications are thatthis wasafalse alarm. An investigation is underway into what prompted thereport.”

The tour represents NBA Youngboy’shugelylucrativereturn to the stagefollowing yearsoflegal entanglements

Afterpleading guilty to gun charges last year,hewas sentenced to 23 months in prison. In May,he waspardoned by President Donald Trump.

With billionsofviewsonYouTube andmore than 100 singles thathave charted on the Billboard 100, NBA Youngboy ranks among the most popular and successful rappers of hisgeneration

Monday’sconcert fellonhis 26th birthday. He startedthe show, like every show on the tour,byemerging froma coffin suspended above the stage.

Thetour’snextstop is Wednesday in Birmingham,Alabama. To prepare, Birmingham ChiefofPolice Michael Pickett traveled to New Orleanstoobserve the NOPD’ssecurity procedures.

LAWSUIT

Continued from page1B

He’sracked up millions of online followers by storming businesses dressed as afederal inspector as apart of agag to confront company leaders with farce “complaints” for likes,clicks and giggles. In August of last year, Carliemar White III, known to his legion of social media fans as “AgentRatliff,” broughthis antics to Baton Rouge. Armed with an authoritative voice, aclipboard and his “OCDA” uniform, he toldmanagersatHolmesBuilding Materials he was there to investigate allegations of employee discrimination. Staff members led White to the back offices of the storefront along Airline Highway that sells supplies for contractors. There, he questioned one of the company’ssupervisors,Derek Jones, about the purported complaints. Holden Schneider, another comic posing as Agent Ratliff’s OCDA sidekick, stoodbeside White as he rattled offthe anonymous employeegrievances. Acameraman whoaccompanied the two filmed the encounter White accusedJones of “always digging in his nose,” having afoul odor,engaging in racial harassment, getting in employees’ personal space and practicing nepotism.

The complaints were all a hoax, part of abrand of comedy that White and other online comedians have popularized in recent years. But it was no laughing matter for Jones and the owners of Holmes Building Materials. They’re now suing White, his company and Schneiderinfederal court.

Eleven days after hisAug. 1 2024, visit to Holmes Building

FANDAL

Continued from page1B

had taught him and “keep theship steady.” The special mayoral election comes only six months before thecity’sregular slate of elections in April. That means that voters could see another mayor’s race, in additiontocouncil and police chief races. But noting the 72% of the vote that Fandal took Oct. 11, it’sdifficult to imagine a serious challenger emerging in April.

In theirlawsuit, Jonesand company officials allege employeesbegan getting harassing calls after the videos went viral, andthe business suffered as a result

“The allegations of workplace abuse deter others from associating or employing with plaintiffs and expose plaintiffs to contempt and ridicule,” the petition alleges.

Jones andthe Baton Rouge company lodged the lawsuit Oct. 1inthe U.S. Middle District Court of Louisiana. They’re suing for defamation, slander andlibel. The plaintiffs want damagesfor harm they claim the videos did to the Baton Rouge business’ reputation. They are also askinga federal judge to force White to remove allofhis OCDA skits off the internet.

“This is part of an ongoing enterprise between the individual defendants to harass and defame private businesses and professionalsthroughout the southeasternUnited States,” thesuit claims.

WhoisCalimar White?

White is astand-up comedian from St. Petersburg, Florida, who usesthe stagename Calimar White. He travels the country doing routines on stageand comedy skits“in the field.”

It’s aformula that’spaid off. White hasmore than 2million combined followers and subscribers on YouTube,Instagram, TikTokand Facebook. Hisvideoshavegarneredover9 million views acrossthe platforms, court recordsshow

He was in Baton Rouge last year to perform at the Silly Rabbit Comedy Club alongAirline Highway.While in town for theshow,headopted hisonline persona Agent Ratliff and visited two local businessesfor his prank inspections.

When theyhit businesses for their hijinks, White andhis cohorts identify themselves as OCDA agents and tell owners

they’ve come to investigate complaints of employee discrimination or workplace harassment. OCDA is an acronymfor Occupational CaresDiversity Affairs. White,inmanyofhis videos, proclaims, “This is areal company and thesearereal complaints.”

OCDAOfficialisregisteredas adomesticLLC based at White’s residence on the outskirts of Atlanta, according to Georgia Secretary of State’sOffice records.

Twoweeksbefore the sold-out show,heposted to hisFacebook page, announcing that he’d be traveling to the Capital City and asked his followers to submit “complaints” identifying the “worst jobs in Baton Rouge.”

That’swhat put Holmes Building Materials on OCDA’schecklist. Jones and the plaintiffs’ attorneys did not respond to requests for comment fromThe Advocate In the petition, plaintiffs said he claimed to work for OCDA and told store clerkshehad a meeting scheduled withJones.

Dressed in matching polo shirts andhatswith the OCDAlogoon them,heand Schneider were ledtoJones’ back office in a workshop area. The lawsuit says employees were duped into believing thedefendants were affiliated with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and they used their “false federal personas” to get access to an employeesonly portion of the business that wasn’t open to thegeneral public.

White andSchneider confronted the Denham Springs man, who’slisted as one of Holmes Building Materials’ supervisors. Joneschuckledatone point and calledthe allegations ridiculous before ordering the men off the property Jones indicated that White andcompanyinitially refusedto leaveand blocked thedoorway to his office. Themen threatened to use physical forcewhen he continued to insist theyleave, thesuitalleges, andWhite lit a cigarette and begansmoking in Jones’ office.

“IfIhave to comeback in here, I’m shuttingall this s*** down,” White said at one point.

“I’m telling you, I’m not playing with your a**. ’Causeyou think this s*** is agame. This is areal company,and we dealwith real complaints. We are avoice for the employees.”

Following theencounter,White andhis team edited and clipped portionsofthe footage and posted the videos online.

Thelawsuit alleges White’s aimwas “to embarrass the businessand itsemployeesand to publicize this interaction on social media” for his financial gain. Neither Whitenor OCDA reps could be reached for comment.

AgentRatliff’s past troubles

White has made television appearances and collaborated with established standups like LilDuval. But his TikTok fame andsuccess on YouTube cameat acost.

In previous videos on his pages, AgentRatliffidentified himself as an officer with “OSHA CaresDiversity Affairs,” but he rebrandedhimself lastOctober under the company moniker Occupational Cares Diversity Affairs.

That came 11 weeks afterthe U.S. Department of Labor’sOfficeofInspector General raided White’shouse forimpersonating an OSHA agent. Accordingtocourt documents, theInspector General’sOffice found several guns in White’shouse andhewas charged with being aconvicted felon in possession of afirearm. White, in interviews, hassaid he spent nearly amonth in jail following the arrest.

He was also sued in Georgia last year over one of his OCDA videos at an Atlantasoftware company,Rev.io.

Accordingtothat filing, he had aphysical altercation with the company’sCEO, Brent Maropis, during askit on July 16, 2024. Sixdaysafter White and OCDA repsfailed to appear for an evidentiary hearing last November aFultonCountyjudge ordered him to pay Rev.io and Maropis nearly $2.3 million in damages andtoremove videos of that incident from theinternet,court recordsshow

Email MattBruce at matt. bruce@theadvocate.com.

The city of Slidell hosted an inaugural ceremony on Tuesdaytoswear in newly elected MayorRandyFandal, second fromright, and interim Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau, second from left. Fandal, whopreviouslyserved as Slidell’spolice chief, wona special electiontocomplete the unexpired termofformer MayorGreg Cromer.The two are accompanied by their wives, Rachel Seuzeneau, left, and Dania Fandal

PHOTO By GRANT THERKILDSEN

fees, unlawfulnonrenewal flags on licenses, disruptiontosurrounding business utilities and excessive slab settlement during monitoring.

The new four-lane, $170 million bridge,the main roadway in and out of Belle Chasse, was constructed to replace the previous verticallift bridge, built in 1967 and comprising only two northbound lanes, to accommodate the growing number of travelers, like the new influx of workers going to and from Venture Global’sPlaquemines $18 billion expansion near Port Sulphur Underthe agreementbetween Plenary and the state, Plenary paid about $70 million of the construction costs and in exchange will collecttolls andfeesfor 30 years, which could come outtobetween $630 million and$726 million, according to a2023 audit from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office.

But the project was dogged by unforeseen delays, including the total reconstruction of certain portions of the bridge due to sinking pavement, whichled to $10,000-perdayfinesthattotaled over $3 million. Though the bridge opened last March, the state continues to fine the company $5,000 per day because it has failed to finish other nearby roadwork connected to the bridge’sconstruction, said state Rep. Jacob Braud, R-Belle Chasse. Underthe current tollingsystem,Plaquemines Parish residents with aGeauxPass account pay a 25-centtolleach time theycross thebridge,and drivers without a GeauxPass account pay $2.26.

But motorists have complained of bills running into the thousands forcrossing thebridge,and local business owners say it had brought foot traffic to ahalt.

About 86%ofbridge fees come from a$25 administrative fee appliedtocertain transactions, according to the lawsuit. Drivers are also charged a3%credit card fee on transactions.

Palazzo said he paid over $1,600 in charges “that hadnobasis in fact,” including $1,234 in administrative and violation fees. Palazzo also claimed the defendants would notdiscuss overbillingwithhim until after he paid.

Helmers said he hadtoclose downhis seafood restaurant because of the exorbitant costs to cross the bridge for supplies, coupledwiththe sharp downturn in sales that resulted from customers growing weary of the lofty toll fees.

In addition to the Belle Chasse Bridge, the state is also in talks with Plenary for asimilar bridge deal in LakeCharles,tobecompleted in 2031 foracost of $2.3 billion.

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La.highcourt debatesjudge misconduct case

Foxworth-Roberts facesremoval from bench

BY ANDREA GALLO Staff writer

Louisiana Supreme Court justices debated Tuesdaywhether to boot Baton Rouge Judge Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts off the bench, repeatedly pressing her attorneys on why she doubled down on responses that the state’s Judiciary Commission said were lies about her militaryservice and insurance claims.

Foxworth-Roberts, who was elected in 2020,isaccused of lying about attaining the rank of captain in the U.S. Army,aswell as having described herself on the campaign trail as a veteran of Desert Storm

She was just 16 during tha t conflict.

Judiciary Commission members also took issue with insurance claims she filed during her campaign, when she said someonestoleroughly$40,000 worth of jewelry and other goods fromher car while she was campaigning. But Foxworth-Roberts filed apolice report about the burglary from her home, which was three miles away from the alleged break-in, and she indicated to police that the break-in happened when her car was “like this,” pointing to it in her driveway,according to body camera footage

“It is this pervasive pattern of fundamental dishonesty that brings us unhappily here today,” said Michelle Beaty,special counsel for the Judiciary Commission, as she arguedTuesdaythat the high court shouldstrip Foxworth-Roberts of her judgeship. Should the high court accept the recommendation, Foxworth-Roberts would become the first judge to be tossed from the bench over disciplinary matters since 2009.

The justices can follow therecommendation from the Judiciary Commission, or they canchoose to imposetheir own discipline instead. Kicking her off the bench would be an extraordinarily rare step —it’sbeen 16 years since the Supreme Court has disrobed ajudge in Louisiana.

In theirquestioning,the justices said FoxworthRoberts had several chances throughout the course of theJudiciary Commission investigation to admit to her past lapses, but instead continued to defend

HISTORIAN

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story is areminder that Americans are the beneficiaries of “an enlightened political heritage” that values personalliberties and the division of power “Wecannot be oblivious to this priceless gift, or the hundred of thousands who have given their lives to affirm and sustain it,” he said. Atkinson, who earlier

In this screenshotfrom one of Judge TiffanyFoxworth-Roberts’ campaignvideos, she is distributingsupplieswhilewearing an Army patrol cap. The Louisiana Judiciary Commission says Foxworth-Roberts has misrepresented her past military service by saying sheservedduring DesertStorm, Iraqand Afghanistan. Theysaid she neverdeployed overseas and was 16 yearsold during DesertStorm.

herself when presented with evidence that she had notbeen wholly truthful.

Foxworth-Roberts,for example, refusedtoauthorize the commission to have hermilitaryrecords, and once the commission got them,itbecame “painfully clear” why,Beaty said.

Chief Justice John Weimer called thefindings from ahearingofficer that Foxworth-Roberts lacked credibility“pretty devastating.

“The court is more willingto accept human frailties, that youmadea mistake and you learned fromit, thandishonesty,” Weimer said during the hearing

Comparisonstocolleague

The justices seemedto agree that Foxworth-Roberts committed misconduct. The bigger question Tuesdayappearedtobe theseverityofthe punishment.

Justice Jay McCallum pressed Beaty on how the high court couldissuesuch aharsh punishmentfor Foxworth-Roberts after recently agreeing to afar lighter punishmentfor one of her colleagues

He appeared to invoke the case of Baton Rouge DistrictJudge EboniJohnson Rose, who reacheda consent agreement in the spring with the Judiciary Commission over complaintsrelated to ahandful of verdicts that sheissued from the bench.

JohnsonRoseconvicted aformer Baton Rouge police officer of acrimethat doesnot exist,then acquitted him once attorneys pointed out that theoffense was not includedin Louisianalaw.Inanother case, she also overturned ajury verdict after meetingprivately with jurors after atrial.And in athird, shevacated aman’s guilty plea after realizing she suspended toomuch of his prisontime.

The Supreme Court agreed to acceptthe consentagreement thatcalled

this year publishedthe second volume in histrilogy mapping the history of theAmerican Revolution, titled“TheFateofthe Day: The Warfor America, Fort Ticonderoga toCharleston, 1777-1780,” also offered a clear-eyed assessmentof the lofty ideasthe country’s founders espoused.

Theassertionthat“all menare created equal,” he noted, did not apply to a half-million enslaved Black people or Native Americans or women when it was

for suspending Johnson Rose for six months withoutpay,and theydeferred allbut two months of it

The high courthad already placed herona paidinterim suspension before they took up her case, which McCallum, who disagreed with the punishment as toolenient, describedasa nine-month paid vacation.

McCallum asked if there wasadifference between sanctioning ajudge who displayed problems on the bench that affected everyday people in their courtroom, versusajudge whose problems were largely outsideofthe courtroom.

Beatyargued, though, that Foxworth-Roberts’ issues bledoverintoher courtroom becauseher credibility wasinquestion and shegave false answers to the commission while sitting on the bench.

“This is acase thatmerits removal because you cannot teach ajudge to be honest,” she said about Foxworth-Roberts.“You shouldn’thavetoteach a judge to be honest.”

Beaty also faultedFoxworth-Robertsfor failing to cooperate with the Judiciary Commission’s investigation, while courtfilings in Johnson Rose’s casesaid shedid cooperate McCallum questioned whether cooperation should matter to thatextentfor judges accused of misconduct.

“You can be incompetent and cooperateand everything’sforgiven,” McCallum said, criticizing Beaty over lighter treatment of Johnson Rose.

“I just wish you would have given us the hammer sixmonths ago to use here, but youmissed that opportunity,” he lateradded.

‘Too fine aline’

Both Justices Cade Cole and Weimer invoked the phrase, “it’snot the crime, but the cover-up” in reference to Foxworth-Roberts’ case.

Cole said he understood her campaign ads gener-

written in 1776.

Still, he said, the challenge moving forwardisto “draw on these aspirational ideas and make them our own.”

“Tohandthem off to our children, ourgrandchildren,and to usethatasa propulsion system for the nation that those forebears thought we could become,” he said.

Email Blake Paterson at bpaterson@theadvocate. com.

ated confusion but questioned why Foxworth-Roberts continued to obfuscate beforethe commission.

Those included hertellingthe Judiciary Commission in testimony that she’d reached the rank of captain, and that she failed to mention to police thather car breakin happened miles from the scene of where she reported it.

“What Idon’t understand in thiscase is thatthere’s like aquadrupling down on things that probably could have been explained andwould have made life much easier to have been explained,”Colesaid.

Steve Irving, the attorney representing Foxworth-Roberts, insistedto the justicesthatshe hadn’t lied and wasn’ttoblame for her false campaign ads

He also said shedid not pinpoint the exactlocation of theburglarytopolice, but she also did not lie aboutit.

“That’smaybe too fine aline for us to accept,” Weimer responded.

Irving urged Supreme Court members to issue no more than asuspension for the judge.HedefendedFoxworth-Roberts, sayingthatwhen sheanswered “yes” to the question of whether sheroseto the rank of captain in the Army,itwas in response to acompound question from Judiciary Commission lawyers.

“The details show this is nota removal case,” he said.

He alsosought to portray Foxworth-Roberts as avic-

tim of an extortion scheme by aformercampaign employee. The circumstances stressed her out,hesaid, affectinghow sheresponded to thecommission’sinvestigation.

“Are you suggesting that the quote unquote ‘extortion’ is whyshe lied?”Justice Piper Griffin asked.

“Are you suggesting that we should forgive that becauseofthe outside circumstances of what is going on in your life?”she asked.

Misleading ads?

Foxworth-Roberts previously testified beforethe state’sfull Judiciary Commission and thehearing officer whofirst heardher misconduct case,retired Jefferson Parish District Judge Melvin Zeno.

She said in that testimony that she believed her work treating veterans of the Gulf WaratWalter Reed Medical Center meant that she played a supporting role in Operation Desert Storm.

She also said that while she paid more than $7,500 foradvertisements during her 2020 campaign in the Central City News, she had not reviewed the ads beforethey ranorviewed them afterward until their contents came up in the JudiciaryCommission investigation.

Still, Foxworth-Roberts’ own campaignads that she posted on social mediaand elsewherealso ledtocriticismfromthe Judiciary Commission, including statements in ads that she was“no stranger to being on the front lines during the call of duty, despite her never deployingoverseas.Intheir recommendation that the Supreme Court remove her from the bench, the Judiciary Commission said her conduct had gone “beyond mere misrepresentations that misled the public.”

The last timethe Louisiana Supreme Court stripped ajudge of their title was in 2009, when Jefferson Parish District Judge Joan Benge losther seatafter being caught on FBI wiretaps during acorruption investigation into the24thJudicial District courthousecalled “Wrinkled Robe.” Benge was not criminally charged in the case.

NewOrleans Area Deaths Ancar,Anna Chatelain,Brenda Cubias, Felix Dorsey,Cynthia Elliott, Eleanor Fannaly,Joyce Huntsberry,Joycelyn Mangiaracina Jr., John McGill, Paulette Myers, Julia PfisterSr.,Jerry Pizzeck,Sara Sugar, Patricia Wilmot, John NewOrleans Charbonnet Dorsey,Cynthia Greenwood Cubias, Felix Mangiaracina Jr., John Lake Lawn Metairie Elliott, Eleanor Fannaly,Joyce Pizzeck,Sara Sugar, Patricia Wilmot, John River Parish HC Alexander PfisterSr.,Jerry Millet-Guidry McGill, Paulette West Bank DavisMortuary Huntsberry,Joycelyn

Myers, Julia Robinson FH

Ancar,Anna Obituaries

Ancar, Anna AlinaBarthelemy

Anna AlinaBarthelemy Ancar enteredintoeternal restonThursday,Septem‐ber 25, 2025,atthe ageof 88. Anna leaves to cherish her memories to two daughters,SandraEn‐caladeand ArikaAncar; two grandsons, Brandon Victorand Jordan “Buddie” Encalade(Elizabeth); seven great-grandchildren, ZoieAmanyah,Cambrie Elizabeth,AubreyLeeAnn, AmiyahLynn, BraydenLee Pearl Anna andMargaret Alice;her sister Grace LaCross (Wilbert); Godchil‐drenMarcieKinloch,Kevin Chick” Bartholomew, FranceliaBarthelemy, Laura Bartholomew,and ChristinaGarrisonand ahosts ofnieces, nephewsand rel‐atives. Anna is preceded in death by herhusband Wilmer “Weet”of50years, her parentsFelician and Agnes Barthelemy;her sis‐ter Alvina Ancar; son-inlaw LeanderEncalade; brothers-in-law,Winnie Ancar,Sr.,and Curry Ancar,Sr.;sisters-in-law, Bernadette(Cottee) Bartholomew andMazie Ancar;and Nephew Curry Ancar,Jr. Anna wasa lifelongresidentofPlaquem‐inesParishand adevoted parishioner of St.Judeand St. PatrickChurches.She enjoyed gardening, cook‐ing,baking, playingBingo and visiting with her friends.Relatives and friends of thefamilyare in‐vited to attend thememor‐ial mass of ChristianBurial onWednesday October22, 2025 at St.Patrick Catholic Church locatedat28698 LA-23, Port SulphurLA. 70083 beginningat10AM. FatherLawrencewillcele‐brate themass. Funeral planningentrusted to RobinsonFamilyFuneral Home(504)208-2119.For onlinecondolences please visit www.robinsonfamilyf uneralhome.com

Chatelain, Brenda Ann

Brenda Ann Chatelain Funeral services celebrating the life of Mrs Brenda Ann Chatelainwill be held on Friday, October 24th,2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Homes with Father Blake Deshautelle officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul the Apostle Church Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Hixson Brothers Funeral Home.

Mrs. Chatelain, age 76, of Mansura, passed away on Friday, October 17th,2025 at St. Francis Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana. She is preceded in death by her husbands, Wayne Dupuy and Eddie Andry; and parents, Charles and Lucille Guillory Chatelain; brothers, Michael Chatelain and Jimmy Chatelain; sisters, Deanne Beach and Karen Chatelain.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Nicholas Kidder of Grenda, Mississippi and Alexander Kidder of New Orleans, Louisiana; daughter, Heidi Kidder -Veron, New Orleans, Louisiana; brothers,Jerome Chatelain of Hessmer and Daniel Chatelain of New Orleans, one sister, Shiree Laborde of Mansura; and five grandchildren, Ally Broussard, CollinVeron Dallton Veron, Colton Kidder and Declan Kidder

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23rd,2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and will re-

sume on Friday, October 24th,2025 at 8:00 a.m.until time of servicesinthe ChapelofHixson Brothers Funeral Home, Marksville

To extendonline condolences to the Chatelain family, please visitusonline at www.hixsonbrothers.com

Felix Ovidio Cubias,a lu‐minaryinthe realms of journalismand political advocacy, passedaway peacefullyonOctober 18, 2025, in LaPlace, Louisiana. BornonFebruary21, 1933, inCuyamel,Honduras, Felix's life journeyof92 years wasmarkedbya re‐lentlesspursuit of truth and justice, which left an indelible mark on the heartsand mindsofthose hetouched.Felix's legacy iscarried forwardbyhis devoted wife of 50 years, GladysA.Cubias, andtheir lovingchildren, Maria YamilethPalacios, Junior Gerardo Palacios,Gigi Baker (Carl),Felix Ovidio CubiasJr. (Traci), and Edgardo Antonio(Tato)Cu‐bias. Hislifewas further enrichedbythe joy brought by hisgrandchil‐dren, Enrique, Javier,Lil‐ianaDantin, Ethan, Easten Cubias, andOliviaBaker His passingwas preceded bythatofhis parents, An‐tonio Cubias Lopezand GracieladeCubias, as well ashis five siblings,leaving behinda family grateful for his wisdom andwarmth. Felix's professional life was as vibrantand impact‐ful as hispersonalone.For overtwo decades, he servedasthe Director of the JambalayaNewsnews‐paper in New Orleans, be‐cominga steadfastvoice withinthe community. His exceptional contributions tojournalismwererecog‐nized whenhewas hon‐oredwiththe prestigious JuanRamón Molina Presi‐dential Awardin2025. Fur‐thermore, on May25, 2009, Honduran Journalist Day, Felix wascelebratedby President Jose Manuel Ze‐layaRosales forhis out‐standingefforts on behalf ofthe Honduran diaspora inthe United States Aleaderamong hispeers Felix held thepresidencyof the Hispanic Associationof Journalists,Writers,and BroadcastersinLouisiana (AHPELLA)and wasa proud member of the Union of Artistsand Writ‐ers of Honduras (UAEH) and theNationalAssocia‐tionofHispanicJournalists based in Washington,D.C His dedication to thecraft led himtoestablish APENH, theAssociationof NationalJournalists and Writers of Honduras.Felix's voice resonatedbeyond the pagesofnewspapers. Heauthoredseveral no‐table books, including "Grains of Motivation" (1973),"VentanadePapel (2013),"DemocracyReality orFormalism"(2019),and Real Socialism" (2016).His tenureasa columnistfor the Diario Tiempo spanned 33years,and he held direc‐torialpositions at "ElVo‐cerodelaComunidad" and the weekly VozLimeña, which he founded. Hisedu‐cationat theSchoolof JournalisminMoscowin 1977laidthe groundwork for acareerthatwould see him become astaunchad‐vocatefor human rights From1982to83, he wasthe President of theHuman RightsCommittee in San Pedro Sula,Honduras (CODEH).A manofprinci‐ple,Felix wasnamed Fa‐voriteSon of thecityof Lima, Honduras,inJuly 2005, atestament to his commitmenttohis home‐land. Felix's politicalin‐volvement wassignificant, havingbeena member of the LiberalParty until June 28, 2009, before becoming a coordinatorofthe Na‐tionalPopular Resistance Front (FNRP)inNew Or‐leans anda member of the Freedom and Refoundation Party:LIBRE.His intelli‐gence andthoughtfulness werethe hallmarksofhis political andprofessional endeavors,earning himre‐spect andadmirationfrom all quarters.Felix Ovidio Cubias'slifewas atesta‐menttothe powerof words andthe importance ofstandingupfor one's beliefs.Heleavesbehinda legacyofintegrity,com‐passion,and unwavering dedicationtohis commu‐nityand family.His mem‐ory will continue to inspire futuregenerations to pur‐sue truthand justicewith the same fervor that he did.Felix's life wasa bea‐con of hope anda re‐minderofthe impact one individualcan have on the world.Hewas an avid fish‐ermanwho foundtruejoy

erman who found true joy wheneverhewas outon the water. Relativesand friends areinvited to visit Greenwood FuneralHome, 5200Canal Blvd NewOr‐leans,LA70124,onFriday, October 24,2025, starting at11:00 AM.A Celebration ofLifewillfollowthe visi‐tationat1:00PM. We also inviteyou to shareyour thoughts, fond memories, and condolencesonlineat www.greenwoodfh.com Your shared memories will helpuscelebrate Felix’s lifeand keep hismemory alive

Dorsey,Cynthia GayleQuillens

CynthiaGayle Quillens

Dorsey, age75, peacefully transitionedintothe arms ofJesus on Monday,Octo‐ber 6, 2025 at herhomein Houston,TX. Sheisa na‐tiveofNew Orleansand a residentofHouston,TX, since HurricaneKatrina Cynthia is agraduateof JosephS.Clark Senior High School,Class of 1968. She alsoattended Louisiana State University,which preparedher foranaccom‐plished career,ultimately retiringashuman re‐sources director forChar‐ity Hospital.Those preced‐ing herindeath include her belovedhusband DwightDorsey; parents, Ethel Robinson Quillens, Jimmieand Lethia Quillens; brothers, JimmieQuillens, LionelRandolph, Clifford Rolandand Ronald Quil‐lens; grandchildren, Jordan Arthur andKinsliAria. She leavestocherish lasting memories, loving children, Arthur Lewis, Jr.(LosAnge‐les,CA) andAvery Lewis (Houston, TX); precious grandson, Kade Edison Lewis-Boyd(Houston, TX); devoted sistersBrenda Allen (Pittsburg,CA),Linda Quillens Baptiste (Gerard) (Marietta,GA),Kathleen Quillens (Humble, TX), JacquelineQuillens (Pitts‐burg, CA), CarolynQuillens (Pittsburg, CA), andJoyce‐lyn Quillens Graham (Jacob) (Princeton,TX); sisters-in-lawReginaQuil‐lens(Columbia,SC),Carrie Lewis Thomas (Detroit,MI) and TammyQuillens(Pitts‐burg, CA); cherishedsurro‐gatedaughters,Katrell Quillens (Humble, TX)and JeannineTaylor(NewOr‐leans,LA);beloved andfa‐voriteGodchildren,aswell asa host of nieces, nephews,cousins and friends,too numerous to name. Relativesand friends;Pastor, officers and membersofBeacon Light InternationalBaptist Cathedral,South Union (Houston, TX)and Zion MissionaryBaptist Churches(Roswell, GA), Asia Nazareneand Pentecost Baptist Churches,aswell asall neighboringcongre‐gations areinvited to at‐tendthe funeral. ACele‐bration servicehonoring the life andlegacyofthe lateCynthia GayleQuillens DorseywillbeheldatBea‐con LightInternational Baptist Cathedral, 1937 MirabeauAvenue,New Or‐leans,LA70122,onFriday, October 24,2025at10am, BishopDarrylS.Brister,Of‐ficiating. IntermentProvi‐dence Cemetery.Visitation 9 am in thechurch.Please signonlineguestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralho me.com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion,Directors (504)581 4411.

Elliott, Eleanor Pivach

Eleanor Pivach Elliott passed peacefully from this life on October 19, 2025, at theage of 91. Born in NewOrleans on April 1, 1934, she was thethird of threechildren of the late GeorgePivach and Simica Sumich Pivach. After attending Ursuline Academy and Dominican High School and College, she met Frank WallElliott.After ardent pursuit by Frank, they fell in love,married, and started abusinessselling automotive partsand hardware in Triumphand,after hurricane Camille, BelleChasse, retiring late in life to Covington.

Eleanor was predeceased by Frank, her husband of 58 years; her parents, Georgeand Simica; and her brother, George L. Pivach Jr. She is survived by her sons, William Christopher(Donna) and Frank Wall, Jr.; granddaughters, Rebecca A. E. Smith (Robert)and JenniferE.Brindler (Kristopher); great-grandsons, Theodore and Julian Smith and Rowan and Rhys Fulks; sister, Magdalene Perino; sister-in-law, Frances Pivach; and a largenumber of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Funeralservices will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Church at 6367 St. Charles Ave.,New Orleans, on Friday, October 24, with visitation at 12:00 p.m. and Mass at 1:00. Interment willfollow at Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be madetoHolyName of Jesus Church.

Ms. Joyce E. Fannaly, age 98 years, passed away on October16, 2025. Anative of Ponchatoula, LA, and aresident of River Ridge,LA, she was the daughter of thelateJohn J. Fannaly,IIand Josie Yochim Fannaly Freeman, and thesisterofJohn J. Fannaly,III.Ms. Fannaly is preceded in death by her belovedfriend, Carolyn S. Perseveaux. She is survivedbymany friendsand relatives, toonumerous to mention.

Once in aWhile aFriend is Found Who's aFriend Right fromThe Start

Once in aWhilea Friendship is Made That Really Warms theHeart, Once in aWhilea Friendship is Formed To Last aLifetime Through. It ReallydoesHappen just Once in aWhile It Happened To Me And You.

Joyce was blessed with aloving, long-time companion in Carolyn Together they celebrated 68 years of friendship, love, and laughter.

Shestrivedfor perfection, be it in cooking,decorating herhome, or always doing herchores in advance. Her amiable sidewas obvious in that sheloved herfamily, friends and pets, especially hercats, JerryAtric andEbony. We calledher "Miss Corporal WorksofMercy," because she visitedthe sickand buried thedead Shetook care of friends whohad cancer andwas in charge of burying threeof herdear friends after Hurricane Katrina. In 2017, Carolyn gave Joyce a90th Birthday Party at theRoseGarden, invitingthe members of the four clubstheybelonged to. Seventy-five members were invited,seventy-eight came,accordingtothe door count! Joyce wasloved at Jones &Laughlin,Thomson -Hayward andDixie Beer, serving as theirPayroll Clerk andPension Coordinator. Shealso workedfor theI.R.S. at the Cotton Exchange at the foot of Canal Street. Joyce and Carolyn really enjoyedtravelingtogether andsailed away on 67 cruises, (number 68 was cancelled duetoCOVID19). Theysailed across the Pacific from Oahu,Hawaii to Ensenada, Mexicoon theInaugural RCL ship, Splendorofthe Seas and sailed across theAtlantic from EnglandtoNew York on theInaugural Cunard Ship, QueenMary II. They sailed through thePanama Canal. They also lovedtakingfully escortedbus trips through Italy, France, Spain,Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Alaska, and Hawaii.Theytook twotrips to Germany, becauseon thefirst trip, Joycebroke herhip comingdownfrom King Ludwig's Castle, Neuschwanstein. Servicesfor Joyce will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Lake Lawn MetairieFuneral Home at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, NewOrleans.A visitation will be held from12:302:00 pm. The service will then be held in thechapel at 2:00 P.M., immediately followed by interment in MetairieCemetery

Joycelyn MarieColeman Huntsberryentered into eternal rest at herresi‐dence on Tuesday, October 7,2025, at theage of 72 She wasa native of Harvey LAand aresidentofMar‐rero, LA.Joycelynwas a graduateofL.W.Higgins HighSchooland Phillips Junior College. Shewas a formerlyemployedasa schoolcafeteriaworker. Joyce wasPresident of ZetaAmicae. Belovedwife ofthe late Edward Larry Huntsberry. DevotedmotherofAnitraHuntsberryMit h ll (M ) C t

her of Anitra Huntsberry Mitchell (Myron), Courtney Huntsberry(Jerome), and EdwardHuntsberry (Akeya).Daughterofthe lateEulis,Sr. andBessie Coleman.Lovingsisterof DonaldColeman (Linda), BessieNichols (Arthur), SheliaColeman,the late BernadetteBoudreaux and Eulis Coleman, Jr.Also cherishingher memories are 6grandchildren,1 great grandchild,and a hostofnieces, nephews, cousins,other relatives and friends. Relativesand friends of thefamily, also pastors,officers andmem‐bersofMount Zion Baptist Churchand allneighboring churches; membersofZeta Amicaeare invitedtoat‐tendthe CelebrationofLife atMount Zion Baptist Church, 701HueyP.Long Avenue, Gretna,LAon Thursday, October23, 2025, at10:00a.m. Pastor Terry Robinson, officiating. Visi‐tationwillbegin at 8:30 a.m.until servicetimeat the church.Interment: RestlawnParkCemeteryAvondale, LA.Arrange‐ments by DavisMortuary Service,230 Monroe St Gretna, LA.Toviewand signthe guestbook, please gotowww.davismortua ryservice.com.FaceMasks Are Recommended

John L. Mangiaracina, Jr.,age 76,passedaway after alongillness.Hewas the belovedfatherofJohn L.Mangiaracina, III, and the devotedson of thelate JohnL.Mangiaracina, Sr and Cecile Marino Mangia‐racina. He is survived by his former spouse,Wendy Mangiaracina, andhis longtimecompanion, Grace Petrucco,aswellas bynumerouscousins and lifelongfriends.A lifelong residentofNew Orleans, Johnwas agraduateof WarrenEastonHigh School, LouisianaState University, andTulaneUni‐versity.Hededicated 40 years of servicetothe Louisiana Department of Healthand Hospitals. Mr Mangiaracinawillbere‐memberedfor hiskind‐ness, loyalty, generous spirit, andremarkable memory. He hada deep loveofmusic, films, and the NewYorkYankees.His presencewillbepro‐foundly missed by allwho knowhim.Relatives and friends areinvited to at‐tendvisitationat11:00 a.m. onThursday, October23, 2025, at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 CanalBlvd. New Orleans, LA 70124,fol‐lowed by aMassat1:00 p.m.Interment will be at Greenwood Mausoleum. Wealsoinviteyou to share yourthoughts, memories, and condolencesonlineat www.greenwoodfh.com

Joyce was amember of four clubs: theLittle Gourmets, theGourmets, theHyde Posse, and the MamouRiding Club.She enjoyed cooking and loved gardening

Joyce was averywarm person, withananalytical and amiablepersonality.

Chasse NavalAir Station.

Paulette Sutton McGill passedawayonSaturday, October 18,2025, at theage of78. Shewas born and raisedinReserve,LAand was aresidentofLaPlace, LAwhere shenever meta stranger. Belovedwifeof the late Arnold Grant McGill for49years.Loving motherofRyanMichael McGill (Lisa) andNicole McGill Bourgeois(Marc). Lovingstepmotherof ArnoldGrant McGill,Jr. (Dena)and Kimberly DenisePicou (Tony) Daughterofthe late Viola English Sutton andMelvin WadeSutton. Sister of the lateMelvinWadeSutton, Jr. Also survived by 15 grandchildren and5 great grandchildren.Relatives and friendsare invitedto attend theFuneralService onFriday, October24, 2025 VisitationatMillet-Guidry FuneralHome, 2806 W. Air‐lineHwy,LaPlace,LAfrom 10am– 12:00pmwiththe rosarytobegin at 12:00 pm. TheFuneralMasswill beheldat1:00pmat As‐cension of OurLord Catholic Church,1900 Greenwood Dr., LaPlace. In‐terment to follow in St Peter Cemetery,Reserve, LA. In lieu of flowersplease considermassesonher behalf. To sharememories orcondolences please visit www.milletguidry.com

JuliaLarkinMyers’long and eventful life ended withher peaceful deathat age 104 on October13, 2025. Julia, better knownas Julie,”was preceded in death by herhusband Her‐bertPaulMyers,towhom she wasmarried for57 years;her sistersVeronica, Mary, andMildred; andher brothersCornelius and Maurice “Buddy.” Sheis survivedbyher sister Pa‐triciaLarkin, herdaughters SheilaMyers andDelynne Myers,M.D herson-in-law JohnMoossy,M.D., andher grandsonPaulMoossy,in addition to many nieces and nephewsand their children. Juliewas born on February24, 1921,inNew YorkCitytoJulia Collins, who hadimmigrated to the UnitedStatesfromLimer‐ick,Ireland,and Cornelius Larkin, who hadimmi‐gratedfromCork, Ireland. Julie grew up in theBronx Section of NewYorkCity and attended theFordham School of Nursing. After completingthatprogram she enlisted in theArmy Nurse Corpsand wasde‐ployedtoEuropeduring World WarII. Whileserving asa Lieutenant in the Nurse Corps, shewas pre‐sentina Belgiumhospital caringfor wounded sol‐diers when it wasbombed duringthe Battle of the Bulge. When stationedin E l d h t H b t

Bulge When stationed in England, shemet Herbert Myers,who wasfromMin‐nesotaand a Lieutenant in the United States Army SignalCorps.She and Her‐bert were subsequently married in New York City onFebruary9,1947. After their marriage,Herbert’s worktookhim andJulie to Chicago,Illinois; Des Moines, Iowa:Omaha,Ne‐braska; and Columbus Ohio. During this time,Julie obtained herdegreein 1961fromthe CollegeofSt. MaryinOmaha,Nebraska, and raised herdaughters She wasactive in their schoolactivities and servedasa TroupLeader for theirBrownie andGirl Scout Troops. In 1971, Her‐bert’sjob brought himand Julie to NewOrleans, where they remained until their deaths.Duringher years in New Orleans, Julie loved to participateinthe city’scelebration of St Patrick’s Dayand devel‐opedher endearinghobby ofcollectingfrog figurines ofall types. Sheworkedfor manyyears as an Em‐ployeeHealthNurse at Baptist Hospital,and after her retirement,she was engaged in numerous civic and volunteeractivities. She wasa member of the LeagueofWomen Voters and served as avolunteer Ombudsman with theState Ombudsman Program under the Governor’s Of‐fice forElderly Affairsfor over40years.Asone of the initial parishioners of Holy SpiritChurchin Algiers, she wasinvolvedinnumer‐ous church activities anda memberofthe Keepersof the Faithgroup.Julie’s fu‐neral servicewillbeheld onSaturday, October25th, atHolySpiritChurch, 6201 Stratford Place, Algiers, LA Visitationbeforethe fu‐neral will be at thechurch from9:30to11:00 andthe funeralMasswillbegin at 11:00.Donations to Holy SpiritChurch in lieu of flowersare appreciated. A reception will follow the funeralatSt. Phillip’sEpis‐copal Church locatedthree blocksawayat3643Aurora Drive.The receptionwill lastuntil 2:30,and theBur‐ial will follow in theChapel Mausoleum at Westlawn MemorialPark, 1225 Whit‐ney Avenue,Gretna, LA

Jerry J. Pfister,Sr. from Norco,Louisiana passed awayonFriday, October17, 2025, at theage of 87.After highschool Jerry served his countryinthe United StatesArmy. Jerry retired fromShell OilCompany as a supervisor.Jerry is pre‐ceded in deathbyhis par‐entsUrvin Pfister,Sr.,and NelliePfister Laiche,broth‐ers UrvinPfister,Jr. and Arsen Pfister,Sr, andsonin-lawDr. Mark J. Peters Heissurvivedbyhis wife of65years,Alice LeBouef Pfister;daughters Kerry Naquin(Kevin) andKim‐berly Peters;son Jerry Pfis‐ter,Jr. (Paula); grandchil‐drenKevin Naquin, Jr (Tracy),HaydenPfister (Halie),Blair Pfister,Lind‐say Ralser(Jacob),Cole Radetich, JamiePeters (Lyndsey),and BradleyPe‐ters(Whitney);greatgrandchildren Amelia Naquin, Julian Naquin, SawyerPfister,BeauPfis‐ter, Jack andBenjaminPe‐t R l ti d f

d

ter Jack and Benjamin Pe ters.Relatives andfriends are invitedtoattend a MassofChristian Burial at St. CharlesBorromeo Catholic Church,13396 River Rd., Destrehan, LA on Thursday,October 23,2025, at12:00 PM.Visitationwill beheldatthe church from 11:00 AM until 12:00PM. In‐terment will follow at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Cemetery

Pizzeck, SaraCarolyn

Sara CarolynBryant

Pizzeckpassed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025 with her family by her side, she was 90 years old. She wasborn in Paducah, Kentucky on October 30, 1934 to Hugh Walker Bryant and Sara Frances McGuffeyBryant She attended Lusher for grammarschooland graduated fromEleanor McMainHighSchool. She went on to attend the SouthwesternLouisiana InstituteofLiberal and Technical Learning Carolynenjoyed her career of morethan30years in taxpreparationand time spent with her colleagues. She wasdevoted to her family and especiallyenjoyed spending time with them dining out and travelling. Anyone who met her immediatelyliked her. She waskind, caringand thoughtful,always going out of her way to letpeopleknowthatshe was thinking aboutthem. May she rest in peace nowreunitedwith Eugene, her husband of more than 60 years. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, EugeneXavier Pizzeck, and her parents, Hugh and Sara Frances Bryant. She is survivedby her sons, Marc and Paul Pizzeck, and grandchildren,Jan Phimbut and EllenPizzeck. Relatives and friends are invitedtoattend her funeral serviceson Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home,5100 Pontchartrain Blvd in New Orleans. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m. until her service in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. Interment willbeprivate. To view and sign theonline guestbook, please visit

PatriciaL.Sugar passed away peacefully withfamily by her side on October 17, 2025 at theage of 82. She wasborn in New Orleans on St.Patrick's Dayof1943 to RuthCenas Longo and JosephLongo. She attendedSt. Joseph's Academy in NewOrleans, whereshe madelifelong friends that calledthemselves"The St. Joe's Girls". Each MardiGras, her love of the traditions shone throughbyher captaining The Mystic Krewe of Shangri-La. Patwas adevotedparishioner and Eucharistic Minister at HolyGhost Church in Hammond.She carried a joyful spirit and was loved by allwho knew her.

Patriciawas preceded in death by thelove of her life,John J. "Johnny Sugar,and her parents, Ruthand JosephLongo. She is survivedbyher olderbrother, Dr. Salvador EugeneLongo, Sr. (Pamela); her loving nieces, Sherri,Debbie, and Michele; nephew, Salvador, Jr.; numerous great-niecesand nephews; and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral services on Saturday, October25, 2025 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home,5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in NewOrleans. Visitationisfrom 11:00 a.m. until theFuneralMass at 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow at AllSaints Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers,inhonor of Pat's lifelong devotion to her faith, thefamily requests donations to Holy Ghost CatholicChurch in Hammond and,inmemory of her compassion foranimals (especially her dogs), considera donationtoa local animal rescue or humane society.

To view and sign theonline guestbook, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.co m

John Denton Wilmot, a lifelongNew Orleanian whose humor, warmth, andtalent broughtjoy to countless audiences and friends, passedaway peacefully on October11, 2025, in NewOrleans after along illness. He was89 years old. Born November 5, 1935, in NewOrleans,Johnwas theoldest of six children andthe only son of Julian Mollere("Jack")Wilmot andFlorenceMiriam Schwab Wilmot. He attended Holy Name of Jesus School, De La Salle High School, andLoyola University NewOrleans whereheearned aB.A. in English andwas amember of Beggars Fraternity. As young man,John earnedthe rankofEagle Scout, an experience that nurtured thecuriosity, self -reliance,and love of the outdoors that wouldshape hislife. Whetherchasing redfish through the Louisiana marsh,wetting a line in AudubonPark, or casting for trout in the streams of NewEngland, those early lessons in exploration andstewardship stayedwith himalways.

Earlyinhis career,John workedinadvertisingfor TheTimes-Picayuneand WDSU Radio,later joining Stewart Enterprises. Concurrently, hiscreative spirit ledhim to the stage and screen,where he became arespected member —and past president— of SAG-AFTRA in New Orleans. Over four decades, John appearedinmorethan40 filmand television productionsand numerouslive theatreperformances.His stage work includedmemorable turnsatLePetit

ThéâtreduVieux Carré, GalleryCircle Theatre, BeverlyDinner Playhouse andRivertown Theatre. On screen,hewas featuredin acclaimedfilms such as Get Out, Dead Man Walking, Last Holiday, and Tightrope To NewOrleans-area TV audiences,Johnwas also known for his work in numerouscommercials, most notably hislong-running stint as the beloved "VictorI.Pelican"for Pelican Homestead, which made him afamiliar and endearing presence on localairwaves. Beyond his professional life andoutdoorpursuits, John lovedtraveling, leafwatching, andautumn's arrival.Hecherished good food andwine, spending time with family, his regular trips to NewYorkfor theMacy's Thanksgiving Parade, and thesimple joys of caringfor hiscats andfeeding theducks in AudubonPark. John is survivedbyhis loving wife of 54 years, Linda Vorhaben Wilmot; hissistersBarbara Wilmot Stapp and Caryl Wilmot Barnes (Eugene); andnumerousnieces and nephews. He waspreceded in death by hisparents; hissistersAnn Wilmot Gauthier-Rappaport,Mary MollereWilmot, andCary WilmotAlden;and hisparents-in-law, Theodore Vorhaben and Josephine KaulVorhaben

Thefamilyextends heartfelt thanks to the compassionatestaff at CovenantHome for their attentive andloving care. DonationsinJohn's memory may be made to CovenantHome, The Salvation Army, Bridge House/GraceHouse,ora charity of yourchoice AMemorialMass will be held at Lake LawnMetairie Funeral Home on Friday, October24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. To view andsignthe online guestbook, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.co m.

OUR VIEWS

La.depends on Johnson to uphold duty, swearin Arizonarep

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton has sometimes risen to the occasion of managing afractious legislativebodywith deftness and decorum. We are sorry to see him failing those standards, along withall semblance of basic fairness, in refusingtoswear in anewly elected Democrat fromArizona. As leader of the full House,not just of his fellow Republicans, Johnson should understand how unjust it is to deny representation to 813,000 people for amonth (and counting) after unchallenged electionresultsare in Adelita Grijalva’sfather,Raul, held theseat for 22 years until he died on March 13. The younger Grijalva, who has spent 23 years in local elective office, won alandslidevictory to fill his seat on Sept. 23. In the longhistory of the House, it has been customary afterspecial elections to swear in the newly elected member as soon as the electee can arriveinWashington.

This standard has applied even when the House is not otherwise in session: Asrecently as April, Johnson called theHouse into “pro forma” session just to swear in twoRepublican special-election winners from Florida. If he can do that forRepublican electees replacing two who resigned, why not for aDemocratwho is replacing her father after atragic death?

Now,though, Johnson says he won’tseat Grijalva because the House isn’tinsession, an argument that contradictshis treatment of the two Floridians. The speaker also usesthe excuse that Democratic then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi took 25 days to swear in Louisiana’sJulia Letlow after her husbanddied from COVID-19. That explanation doesn’thold water, either: Congress was out of session then specifically because that deadly pandemic made it unsafe to reconvene.

Yetinthe current case, Johnson —not for pressing health concerns but forpurely political reasons—ischoosing not to conveneduring the government shutdown. Even during ashutdown, it would be easy to convene aceremonial, pro forma meeting to put Grijalvatowork.

Imagine if this happened to aLouisianan elected during nonpandemic times. Because Louisiana holds off-year state elections, Louisiana is particularlysusceptible to special congressional elections. Beginning with thedeath of longtime Rep. Hale Boggs in aplane crashin 1972, Louisiana has held astunning 12 special contests; indeed, Johnson’s partnerinleadership,House Majority Leader SteveScalise,won onesuchspecial election afterhis predecessor Bobby Jindal was electedgovernor.Louisianans would have howled furiously if any otherspeaker treated those electees as Johnsonistreating Grijalva.

Being amemberofCongress involvesa lot more than casting votes. Members and their staff handle numerous constituent problems with federal agencies. That needy constituency growsonlylargerand more desperate when most of the government isn’t working. Johnson knows better than to denyGrijalva’s constituents full representation.Heneeds to rediscover his better angels, do theright thing and seat her without further delay

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 and phone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com. TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE

OPINION

This is what we know.There is arelationship between poverty and crime. Cities with low crime rates typically share strong economic health, robust social support systems, highly effectiveand community-oriented policing and high levels of citizen engagement and education. New Orleansisn’teconomically healthy,but it does have arobust social support system,apolice force moving in the direction of effective community-oriented policing and citizen engagement. The latestdata tell us that crime in our city is declining. However,without all aspects of our city moving in lock step dealing with crime, the things we are good at are not enough. Bringing in theNational Guard may have ashort-term effect on crime; however,cost and other factors dictatethat, as acrimereduction strategy,it’slike the NFL, not for long. For myriad reasons, we can’toperatethe National Guard in our cities as acrime reduction strategy. However,this is an opportunity for

us to have areal conversation about crime. This conversation must begin with the realization that the criminal justice system alone cannot reduce crime. No matter how wellthe parts of thecriminal justice system operate, it cannot reduce crime.

Yes, afully staffed police force is a part of astrategy forcrimereduction, but it’s only apart. We must recognize theroot causes of crime and deal with them. Oneofthe first things we need to do is increase New Orleans’ economic health. We cannot operate awork environment withaminimum wage that is designed to keep people in poverty All levels of governmentmust recognize that its role in acrimereductionstrategy is both as afunder and a convener

Employing theNational Guard to play apart in this may have value; regardless, it gives us an opportunity to have areal conversation about crime.

JUDGE CALVIN JOHNSON, RETIRED NewOrleans

If you travel along Bayou St. John and Wisner Boulevard, you can identifythe diet of New Orleanians because the area is strewnwith every kind of food container from Popeye’s, KFC, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, etc. And let’snot forget the beer cans, bottles and plastic soda liters. It’s disheartening that New Orleanians have such little self-respect, much less respect forthe city,that they can’tfind it within themselves to discard their garbage in atrash can rather than in the grass. Of course, the city isn’tblameless because you have to practically reenact the Lewis and Clark expedition to find agarbage can. But that doesn’texcuse people from gathering their trash when they’re ready to leave and either finding agarbage can or just holding it until they get home. We shouldn’tneed IV Waste to pick up after us on Bayou St. John. So please set an example foryour children and stop being slobs. STEVENLANE NewOrleans

Itry to follow how thegovernment spends or wastes our taxes, but it’s hard. The newspaper could make it easier.Take the Sept. 13 article titled “Police budget up $3.7M at flood agency.” Who?

The “agency,” which Ilater learned is the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority -East, was not named until the14th paragraph of thearticle. Andalthough the agency’s website says it “inspects, maintains and regularly exercises all componentsofthe flood risk reduction system,” Ireally don’tknow what that meansorwhy “exercising” it (is it overweight?) somehow protects us against floods.

Andwhat do floods have to do with police anyway? Do these officers try to prevent flood-related crimes? What

Oliver Thomas was nothing if not shamefulduring his concession speech after losing the mayoral race to Helena Moreno. He showed himself to be just asore loser.Heblamed everybody but himself for his loss, saying that news organizations slanted

are those? Have they arrested anyone? For what? Andwhy do they need $3.7 million more? Who knows? Notme. Itried to learn some of these answers. Iwent to the agency’swebsite, but it reads like abunch of governmentgobbledygook. It has apage titled “About Us —What We Do,” but it doesn’tsay anything about police or catching criminals. So Ihave asuggestion forthe newspaper.Instead of writing about how this agency is getting $3.7 million moretax dollars, how about an expose on this “police force.” Please tell us exactly what it has accomplished and if the public is getting agood return on its tax dollars. As ataxpayer,I’d like to know MIKEWEINBERGER Metairie

their stories to awin forMoreno. Well, if they did, maybe it’sbecause she was the better candidate. Thomas should look inside, not outside, forthe answers.

ANNA ARSHAD NewOrleans

The U.S. Immigration CustomsEnforcement agency issued acontract to Avelo Airlines as asubcontractor to conduct deportation flight services. The amount of the contract is reported as $150 million. There is now anational movement to cause Avelo to cease providing such deportation flight services by boycotting Avelo commercial flights and by urging airports to cease providing support to Avelo.

Avelo has commercial flights twice weekly from Louis Armstrong NewOrleans International Airport. NewOrleans-area concerned citizens have joined this national effort by the Indivisible group to urge Avelo to reconsider and do the right thing, since Avelo, on its website, says one of its core values is to “do the right thing.”

JIM MURPHY Metairie

Presidentcontinues to defy conventional wisdom ... so far

Sweetheart deal is over for academia

Michael Barone

“What all the wise men promised has not happened, and what allthe damned fools said would happen has come to pass.” That was themordant comment of Lord Melbourne, Queen Victoria’s first prime minister,on the failure of aliberal reform to achieve the results promised with great assurance by the articulate liberal eminences of the day With two centuries of foresight, he might just as well have been describing President Donald Trump’striumph, celebrated “ina state of ecstasy” in Israel’sKnesset last week, as he secured thereleaseof hostages held by Hamas for two years and won support from multiple Muslim nations for his 20-point peace plan between Israel and Hamas Certainly,more than anyonehas accomplished since Israel’svictories in theSix-Day Warof1967 andthe Yom Kippur Warof1973, the era when it became accepted wisdom that Arab andMuslim nations would recognize Israel’slegitimacy only after it reached some form of agreementwith Palestinian leaders on the creation of a Palestinian state.

The conventional wisdom was that pressure must always be exerted on Israel, the leadersand voters of which had obvious qualms about relinquishing any supervision over armed and hostile neighbors within shootingrange of their geographically tiny country.

The 1990s saw atest of that conventional wisdom, with Israel accepting the Oslo framework, and BillClinton, in his final days as president, using his very considerable skills toget Israel to agree to agenerous settlement, only to have it shot downatthe last minute by Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat.

The Second Intifada that followed, and the Hamas terrorists’takeover of Gaza after Israel relinquished it in 2005, ended any significantsupport for a“two-state” agreement byIsraeli voters. But peddlers of the conventional wisdom ignoredIsraelis’ characteristic bluntness and persisted in taking seriouslyArabstates’ ritualistic affirmations of support for aPalestinian state.

Trump chose adifferent path. Rather than pressuring Israel to make concessions or pleading with the Palestinians to accept them, he pursued,and secured,direct agreements between Israel and other Arab nations. During his first term, his team, led by his son-in-law Jared Kushner, forged the Abraham Accords by capitalizing on

the Gulf states’ ambitions for economic growthand regional stability Trumpmoved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem,recognized Israel’s sovereignty over theGolan Heights, and withdrew from former President Barack Obama’sIran nuclear deal. In his secondterm, unlike former President Joe Biden,who repeatedly sought to restrain Israel’sresponse to Hamas, Trump backed Israel’smilitary offensives andfollowed through on his 12-day war that crippled Iran’snuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow PressureonHamas’ hosts in Qatar, hometoamajor U.S. air base, escalated after Israel launched missiles on Sept.9toassassinate Hamas leaders there. Trumppublicly disapproved of the strike and, during Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu’sWhite House visit on Sept. 29, even urged him to call Qatar’sruler and apologize. Whether it wasgenuine remorse or amaneuver straight out of Michael Corleone’splaybook, the gesture appears to have worked. The Qataris soon pressedHamas to accept the first stage of Trump’s20-point peace plan, therelease of all surviving Israeli hostages, after Trumpreaffirmed, in the Knesset andafterward, that he would fully back Israeli retaliation should Hamas break thedeal.

Former Israeli Ambassador to the UnitedStates Michael Oren wrote that Trump“knows thelanguage of strength.” Here, Ithink, is something that sepa-

rates Trumpfrom theconventional wisdom and, by awider margin, from those here and abroad who have been demonstrating in favor of Hamas and thePalestinians. Those who called for aceasefire for two years are conspicuously not joining in thecelebrations for theceasefire now in place.

The demonstrators and thepurveyors of the two-state solution tendto side withwhat they consider the oppressed over those they consider the oppressors. They consider any skepticismabout the moral worth of the weaker party as “punching down.” The demonstratorschant that Israel is committinggenocide. The conventional wisdom says Israel, with all its advantages, must makeconcessions Trump, and the large majority of Americansover 30 who have favored Israel over thePalestinians for many years, admire self-sufficiency,competence, inventiveness and success. The U.S. and Israel have their faults. Butoverall and from ahistorical perspective, they have been glorious successes.

Which you can argue were characteristics of thediplomacy that experienced observers dismissed as amateurish and slapdash, and whose further course remains uncertain. In any case, its success so farhas transformed Trump’slust for his own Nobel Prize from thecomic to the conceivable. Michael Barone is on X, @MichaelBarone.

NewJersey’swindpower debacle

In one of his classic NewJersey ballads, Bruce Springsteen sings of the sun “rising over them refinery towers.”

If New Jersey Gov.PhilMurphy hadgotten his way,the Boss would need to update the lyrictorhapsodize about enormous wind turbines looming on the horizon instead.

Murphy’sobsession with wind power is one of the reasons that the state’sgubernatorial race is competitive and Republican Jack Ciattarelli has achance to upset Murphy’s potential Democratic successor Mikie Sherrill in amuch-watched off-year election.

Gov.Murphy brought aEuropeanstyle energy strategy to New Jersey and got European-style results. Wind has been as much adebacle for the Garden State as it’sbeen forGermany, where Murphy was the ambassador priortobecominggovernor of New Jersey

Murphy’sidea was to decommission fossil fuel and nuclear plants and build up wind. It was arainbow-and-ponies energy strategy,and sure enough, the decommissioning happened, while the wind did not. If you constrain the supplyofsomething, while demand for it goes up, prices will inevitably increase. New Jerseyans understandably haven’t appreciated this lesson in Econ 101, which has come out of their pocketbooks. Rates increased by about 20% be-

ginning in Juneofthis year,ontop of what were already some of thehighest rates inthe country.There is yetmore where that came from projected for next year

When Murphy took office, the prevailingwinds of fashionable opinion said that wind power was the future

So, New Jersey set outto become the wind capital of the United States. It was going to get 3,500 megawatts from offshore wind. No,7,000. Come to think of it, whynot make it 11,000? The higher thenumber,the greaterthe climate virtue. At first, New Jerseyset agoal of achieving 100% clean energyby2050, then goosed itupto2035. It’sall comeacropper, as wind has been ano-show.The pandemicand Trump administration regulatory hostility to winddidn’thelp, but the basic problem is that wind is uneconomical, even with the feds andthe state showering wind companies with lavish subsidies and credits. Meanwhile,New Jersey took out coal, natural gas and nuclear plants without replacing them, and the governor fought pipelines with theresolve of Winston Churchill vowing to resist theNazis on the beaches andlanding grounds. Thegovernor fought the PennEast natural-gas pipeline project —which would have connectedLuzerne County,Pennsylvania,toMercer County, New Jersey,along a116-mile route —all the way to the Supreme

Court. The governor lost,yet PennEast gave up in frustration anyway.

Neighboring Pennsylvania,also with aDemocratic governor,isanotable contrast. It actually decommissioned more coal-firedplants thanNew Jerseydid, but didn’tsuffer shortfalls in capacity because it readily embraced natural gasasanalternative rather than chasinganenergy will-o’-thewisp.

Murphy’smake-believe planwas that by 2050New Jersey’spower mix would be 34% wind, 23% solar, 16% nuclear and6%biogas, with another 21% fromout-of-state wind and solar Here, back in reality,after eight years of stupendous clean-energy exertions, New Jerseystill gets90% of itsenergyfromnatural gas and nuclear.Only about8%comes from renewables, largely solar.

NewJersey was asmall netexporter of energy when Murphy took office, andnow it is alargenet importer It contributes less to the regional grid than when Murphy started. Energy is adominant issue in the gubernatorial race and deserves to be. Murphy is the author of an asinine entirely predictable policy failure that directlyaffectsthe welfare of residents of his state. If Murphy is capable of introspection, he might wanttocontemplate the questionasked in another Springsteen song long ago: “Is adream alie if it don’tcome true, or is it something worse?” Rich Lowry is on X, @RichLowry

As the Trumpadministration’swar on universities settles into its entrenched phase, it’s given new urgency to along-simmering debate about whether,and how,academia should pursue viewpoint diversity.This conversation has been happening fordecades, mostly between conservatives whowant moreofitand an academicestablishment that wants to leave well enough alone. Now, that conversation has become existential.

The argument forviewpoint diversity,which this column has mademany times, was pithily summarized by physicist Richard Feynman in Caltech’s1974 commencement address: “The first principle [of science] is that you must not fool yourself —and you are the easiest person to fool.” Humans are experts at seeing what we expect to see, especially when we really really wantsomething to be true, so it takes strenuous effort —and, often, an outsider with adifferent viewpoint —tokeep us from making fools of ourselves.

I’ve spent less timewriting about rebuttals to viewpoint diversity,such as “Seven Theses Against Viewpoint Diversity” just published by Lisa Siraganian in Academe, the magazine of the American Association of University Professors. To sum up those theses very,very briefly, she sees claims of ideological bias in academia as unproven, and arguments forviewpoint diversity as weak, bad-faith, and inimical to the search fortruth and academic self-governance. Or as the headline of her companion essay forthe Chronicle of Higher Education put it: “Viewpoint Diversity Is aMAGAPlot.” Iwon’ttake on the theses here because a number of good rebuttals have already been written. Rather,Iwant to quarrel with that headline, not just because it’sempirically false —many devoted Trumphaters favor viewpoint diversity —but because it correctly positions Siraganian’sargument as astrategic moveina political battle. It’s arallying cry forprogressive academics to repel the attack on their territory and aseries of talking points to be used as propaganda. As arallying cry,itmight be effective, but as propaganda, it stinks. It’s an argument made forthe faculty senate, rather than the battlefield faroutside the ivory tower where this war is being fought. So even if you think Siraganian’sarguments are correct in the abstract, they’re astrategic disaster In the wider world, asking whether academia really skewsleft makes you look like an idiot or,slightly morecharitably,like someone so encased in abubble that they don’teven know what they’re missing. As forinsisting on your right to complete self-governance, free from “secondary,external aims,” as Siraganian puts it …well, if you expect someone else to pay you to pursue truth, at somepoint, you must accept somesecondary,external aims.

Academics tend to recoil from such acrass and mercenary idea, and fair enough, but the world is acrass and mercenary place. We talk about pursuing truth forits own sake, but most academics are pursuing it in exchange for money they can use to satisfytheir manyless elevated needs. The people whoprovide that money want something in return. Many will not be content to know that somewhere the global stock of Truth is increasing. Especially if one of the Truths you insist on is that they are dimwitted bigots.

This harsh reality has been hidden from academics because the 20th century gave them a sweetheart deal. (Noshade intended: It gave one to journalists, too.) As acomplexifying industrial society demanded morescientific research and knowledge workers, federal funds flowed into labs and tuition subsidies, while families paid moreand morefor that increasingly valuable ticket to amiddle-class job. Few wereinclined to poke too hard into the inner workings of the goose that laid the golden eggs, lest she stop depositing the goodies.

That happy state of affairs let universities subsidize research with no obvious practical benefit. It also let the academy develop aleftwing culture that appeared increasingly hostile to the society paying its bills. Universities, once the custodians of Western civilization’spriceless gifts, now look morelike the chroniclers and critics of its endless oppressions.

Obviously,that kind of social criticism is far from all that universities do, but it’scertainly moreofwhat they do than it was 30 or 50 years ago. We can debate whether having moreconservatives will elevate the quality of academia’s research output. But at the very least, they might have checked the unforced errors that ravaged higher education’sreputation. That might seem acrude consideration against the lofty ideals of scholarship. But no one gets to pursue their lofty ideals until they have first taken care of basic necessities.

MeganMcArdle in on X, @asymmetricinfo.

SPORTS

Wheredo LSU, Kelly go from here?

What was oncerare —the midseason firing of college football coaches —has become the norm.

Scott Rabalais

ä Texas A&M at LSU 6:30 P.M.

SATURDAy,ABC

Among the more prominent schools to jettison their coaches already thisseasonare Florida, Arkansas,Penn State, Oklahoma State, UCLA, Stanford and Virginia Tech. Locally,add Southern tothatlist, as Monday it cut loose coach Terrence Graves after a dismal 1-6 start. Southern’spatience with Graves was practically nonexistent even though in 2024, his first season, he led the Jaguars to an 8-5 record andaberth in the SWAC championship game. But this year’sstart was too much to overcome, and now Southern quickly is in the market for afootball coach once again.

All of these highly activecoach ejector seats begs the question as to how long LSU’spatience will last with Brian Kelly?

Let’sstart with the obvious:

Though I’ve heard and seen from plenty of LSU fans who are done with Kelly,he’snot gettingfired by LSU. Nor should he. Asdisappointing as Saturday’s31-24 loss at Vanderbilt may have been from a perception standpoint for LSU, Kelly is still 34-13 overall and 5-2 this season. That’snot aplatinum record but it isn’tawful, either Kelly’sproblem is that theloss to Vandy puts him at 5-10 against ranked opponents at LSU over the past 31/2 seasons. By comparison, Kelly’spredecessor,EdOrgeron, was21-13 against ranked teamsduring his 51/2 seasons as the LSUcoach While Ihaven’tunearthed any realistic observer who believes theTigers can win their finalfive regular-seasongames to get to 10-2 and make the College Football Playoff, the fact remains LSU still has achance. Imagine that thenow No. 20-ranked Tigers pull what, by Las Vegas point spread standards would be amild upset, and knock offNo. 3Texas A&M on SaturdayinTiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). It would propel the Tigers into November with at least the potential to winout against the likes of Alabama and Oklahoma and reach the CFP If LSUloses onemoregame, there’sa99% chance the Tigers areout. With what LSU hasspent on this team this season —$18 million toretain and build aroster,and roughly $20 million in salaries for Kelly and his coaching staff —the season would be rated as abona fide failure. Failure that afterlosses at Ole Miss and Vandy appears inevitable, though it hasn’thappened yet The big-picturequestion is what happens to Kelly if LSU doesn’t make it to the CFP,the unabashed goalfor the Tigersonce they assembled all of this talent for 2025. He would be owedjust short of $52 million, or 90% of what is remaining on his initial 10-year contract In acollege football world where Jimbo Fisher was sent packingby Texas A&M in 2023 for $75 million and Penn State bid adieu to James Franklin earlier this month with about $50 million due him, it’s difficult to imagine LSU having the means or willingness to ponyup that kind of cash. Remember,the school also would have to buyout thesalaries of any assistant coaches notretained by the next coach.And, it’s worth noting, LSU doesn’t make the final payment until December on Orgeron’s$17 million buyout, a quaint sounding figure given today’s coaching buyout inflation My opinion as of now is that LSU will have to ride it out withKelly The more salient question is whether Kelly would want to keep going. Ifigure he would. He didn’t leave Notre Dame for LSU fouryears ago because this was hisdream job. He said he wanted aprogram that gave him abetter chance to win thenational championship. I’m sure that’s true, but what’sprobably even more true is he wanted that$100 million contract LSU put in frontofhim.

ä See RABALAIS, page 4C

the

Pelicans forward ZionWilliamson

2024,

Center.Now entering his seventh season with thePelicans,Williamson has played in less than half of theteam’s games since he was drafted as theNo. 1overall pick in 2019.

Zion’s year, again

It sounds like GroundhogDay,but Pelicans say they believeWilliamson finallyabout to breakout

BY RODWALKER Staff writer

Skepticism is understandable.

Afterall, season after season it has been stated howthisisthe year Zion Williamson figuresitall out.

Pelicans fans have waited in frustration forhim to fulfill that “Let’s Dance” promise he gave to thecity of New Orleans thatJune night in 2019 when the Pelicans drafted him with theNo. 1overall pick.

Those promises have gone unfulfilled in a career that has had more lows than highs. For every jaw-dropping dunk and mind-boggling stat line, there has been acollection of DNPs to offset them.

Williamson has been withthe Pelicans for six seasons. Of the 492 games he could have played, he’splayed in less thanhalf of them at 214.

Six seasons in, he has yet to suit up fora playoff game. They say thebest ability is availability More times than not,hehasn’tbeenavailable. But this year might be different Williamson seems moreeager than ever to reach every ounce of potential storedin hisslimmer body.Henow has abetter understanding of the difference between being talented andbeing great.

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Zion Williamson poses for aphoto at the team’smedia dayonSept. 23.

“Greatness is every day,” Williamsonsaid. “It’swhen you don’twant to do it and when you want to do it. It’s when facing crazy adversity. Greatness is you do it every day.You show up everyday.You make it happen every day.”

Williamson didn’talways get that. Credit JoeDumars, hired in April as the Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, for helping get that message through to him. Dumars, Williamson andnew senior

ä See ZION, page 3C

N.O. hasn’t stopped rush game consistently

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

On aweek-to-week basis, there’s no aspect of the Saints that’smore inconsistent or confusing than the run defense.

In Sunday’s26-14 loss, the Saints looked helpless as the Chicago Bears offensive line dominated the trenches and watched the running backs rip off more than 5yards apop. What happened to the team that held the NewEngland Patriots to under 3 yards per carry just aweek earlier?

ä Buccaneers at Saints.

3:05 P.M. SUNDAy, FOX

“There’sgoing to be some healthy discussions as aresult of that,” coach Kellen Moore said. That being the 222 yards the Saints allowed on the ground to the Bears.

Someweeks, the run defense is sound, able to penetrate at the point of attack and limit yards after contact. And others, like this past weekend, opposing teams get to the second level with ease and take advantage of players not in their correct gaps. During Monday’snews conference, Moore harped on “gap integrity” and tackling among the issues plaguing the unit.

The hot-and-cold streak hasn’t quite alternated by the week, but the pattern has been close. New Orleans struggled to contain the Arizona running backs in the opener before doing abetter job against San Francisco and Seattle. Then, Buffalo had so much success that James Cook won AFC Offensive Player of the Week. The Saints kept Giants rookie Cam Skattebo mostly in check, but quarterback Jaxson Dartwas aproblem.The Patriots got nothing. The Bears got everything. Which is the real run defense? “Itcomes downtoevery man just doing their job,” Saints defensive end Chase Young said. “In the NFL, when you’re playing in the league, it only takes one dude to not do his job forittobea(big) play.”

There doesn’tappear to be one type of run hurting the Saints repeatedly.Asmuch as Chicago ran outside the tackles on Sunday (on 62.5% of runs), it did so at a lower rate than San Francisco’s 65.4%, and the 49ers only had 77 yards rushing on 26 carries. The Seahawks are also primarily an outside-zone running team,and their rushing attack was perhaps the only thing that didn’twork in their blowout winover the Saints. The Bills found success inside and out.

ä CentenaryatTulane. 6:30 P.M. OCT.28(EXHIBITION) Wave hasbeenableto avoidbig portal defections, unlikesomeofits rivals

BY GUERRYSMITH Contributing writer

Compared to its American Conference brethren, the Tulane men’s basketball team offers incredible continuity Granted, thatreflects the extraordinary churnofthe modern game rather than actual stability after coach Ron Hunterlost hissecond-,fifth- and sixth-leading scorers via transferand hisfourth-leadingscorer Gregg Glenn to atragic drowning over the summer. Regardless, the Green Wave will have morefamiliar faces than anyone else in theleaguewhen it openswithanexhibition against Centenary next Tuesday Theturnover in the American is al-

most total. Reigning champion Memphis andrunner-up North Texas replaced their entire rosters. Third-place UAB, whichreachedthe conference tournament championship game, returns only its 15th-leading scorer The story is similarfurther down the standings. Temple lost its top eight scorers. Wichita Stateisbereft of its top nine. South Florida,Florida Atlantic, Tulsa and Texas-San Antonio return no one in their top five,while Charlotte is without its top four East Carolina returnstwo of itstop five but only three of its top 10. Rice, the onlyteam besides Tulane with its No. 1scorer back,has no one else in its top six.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

6:30 p.m. MTSU at Delaware ESPN2

8p.m.Missouri St. at NewMexico St.CBSSN GOLF

9p.m. LPGA: Hanwha LIFEPLUS Int’l Golf

4a.m.(Th.) Asia-PacificAmateurESPN2

6:30 p.m. DetroitatBuffalo TNT MEN’S SOCCER

2p.m. Club BruggeatBayernMunichCBSSN

5:30 p.m. york United FC at HFX Wanderers FS2 WOMEN’S COLLEGE SOCCER

8p.m. Santa Clara at GonzagaESPNU WOMEN’S SOCCER

7:45 a.m. Spain vs. South KoreaFS2

8p.m.Paraguayvs. NewZealand FS2 TENNIS

5a.m.ATP &WTA Tennis

8:30 p.m.ATP &WTA Tennis

WOMEN’S COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL

6p.m.Syracuse at Boston College ACCN

6p.m.Arkansas at AuburnSECN

7p.m.TCU at Kansas FS1

9p.m.Oregon at UCLA BTN

Blue Jays pitcher toutsbig earners

Gausmansaysteam cancompete with high-priced Dodgers

BY IAN HARRISON Associated Press

TORONTO— Blue Jays pitcher

Kevin Gausman isn’tworried about facing the high-priced Los AngelesDodgers in theWorld Series.

“We’ve got alot of guys making alot of money,too,” abeer-soaked Gausman said after Toronto won its first pennant in 32 years by beating the Seattle Mariners 4-3 on Monday night in Game 7ofthe American League Championship Series.

“It’stwo really good teams. It’sgoing to be some really good baseball,” saidGausman,who pitched at LSU in 2011 and 2012. “A lot of big names, obviously.”

That’sfor sure. But then again, Gausman is rightthatit’snot only the defending champion Dodgers who boast some sizable salaries. The veteran right-hander is paid $23 million ayear, making him oneoffour Blue Jays players earning more than $20 million aseason. Also in that group are Vladimir GuerreroJr. ($28 million), George Springer ($25 million)and Chris Bassitt($22million).

Another six Toronto players earn more than $10 million ayear ledbyJoséBerríos’$19 million annual salary. Toronto’sopening-day payroll of $239,242,531 ranked fifthinbaseball. The Dodgers ($319,537,290) were second to the Mets.

Of course, while the Blue Jays may have big earners,they haven’twon anypostseason hardware since claiming back-to-back World Seriestitles in 1992and ‘93. They know Los Angeles is astar-

the World SeriesathomeFriday night because they finished the regularseason with 94 wins,one more than the NL West champion Dodgers.

Monday night’sALCS win that he expects to play whenthe World Series getsunderway.

Saints shuffleroster after Miller, McCoy injuries

studded team with an October track record lately thatspeaks for itself.

“Toget to whereyou want to go,you’ve got to beat the best,” Blue Jays managerJohn Schneidersaidoffacing the Dodgers, who tooktwo of threeagainst Toronto during the regular season. “Whether it’stalent, payroll, whatever you want to call it, man, they’re adamngood team.”

Schneider and the AL East champion Blue Jays will have home-field advantage andopen

“They’re apowerhouse,” Toronto outfielder Nathan Lukes said.“They’vebeenknown todo it over and over again, but we’re not scared of them.”

TheBlueJayshavemadeit this farinthe playoffs without shortstop Bo Bichette.The twotime AL hitsleader and two-time All-Star hasn’tplayed since he sprained his left knee in aSept. 6 collision with New York Yankees catcher AustinWells.

Bichette, who has been testinghis knee by hittingand running forseveral days, said after

“I’llbeready,” Bichette vowed. Torontoslugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr.won ALCS MVPhonors after batting .385 with threedoubles and three home runs against Seattle. He has six homers and 12 RBIs this postseasonand has struck out just three times.

Guerrero was tearful after the Blue Jayswrapped up theironerun winoverthe Mariners, but said he’seager for the matchup with the Dodgers.

“I know they have greatplayers,” Guerrero said througha translator. “Sodowe. Butit’son thefield where everything matters.”

Ohtani’s highlightreelone forthe historybooks

BY BETH HARRIS Associated Press

Shohei Ohtani keeps finding ways to top himself. Baseball’s two-way superstar has been inspiring awe with his bat and arm from his days in Japan to joining the Los Angeles Dodgers onthe once-biggest contract inNorth American pro sports.

Ohtani and the Dodgers are headed to the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays with achance to become thefirst team in 25 years to win back-toback championships That sets the stage for potentially more amazing feats by aplayer whom rival players, managers and fans can’thelp but marvel at while struggling to come up with new ways to describe his talents.

“Changingthe waythe game is being played right now,” Toronto manager John Schneider said “Pretty unbelievable.” Here’salook at some of Ohtani’s career highlights.

Throughthe TokyoDomeroof

At 22, Ohtani putonapower display at the WBSC Global Series in 2016, hitting aball through the roof of the Tokyo Dome against the Netherlands. If the roof hadn’t stopped Ohtani’sblast, the ball was on course to travel over 525 feet, according to media reports. Finallyallowed to do it all

On April 4, 2021, Ohtani pitched and hit in the same game for the first time. He startedonthe mound for the Los Angeles Angels against the Chicago WhiteSox. In the first inning, he thew 100 mph on the mound and blasted a 451-foot home run off a100 mph fastball in hisfirstat-bat, making him the only player in the Statcast eratothrow a100-mph pitch and hit aball thrown that fast inthe same game. ShowdownwithTrout

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS

ABOVE: Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani watches his home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCSonFridayinLos Angeles.

BELOW: Ohtani pitches against the ChicagoWhite SoxonApril 4, 2021, in Anaheim, Calif.

out andhomer twice the sameday Creating baseball’s 50/50club

In an otherworldly performance,Ohtani stole twobases andwent6for 6with three home runs and 10 RBIstobecome the first player to hit 50 or morehomersand steal 50 or morebases in asingle MLB season.

That game in MiamionSept. 19, 2024, occurred while Ohtani was rehabbing from asecond major elbowsurgery so he couldreturn to themound this season.

FirstWorld Series title

Ohtaniwon his first World Series championship in the first season of his $700 million,10-year contract with the Dodgers. He never made the playoffs in his first six seasonswith the Angels.

The Dodgers took the series 4-1 over the New York Yankees on Oct. 31.

The Series wasn’tOhtani’sfinest moment. He was just 2for 19 and injured his leftshoulder in Game 2. Butthe Dodgers wouldn’thave won their eighth World Seriestitle without his contributions throughoutthe season. Ohtaniwentonto claim his third MVP award and first in theNational League.

Onegame, 3homers, 10 Ks Ohtani stunned with athreehomer,10-strikeoutperformance in helping the Dodgers compete a four-game sweep of the MilwaukeeBrewers and clinch the NL Championship Series.

The New Orleans Saints have made aseriesofroster moves with center Erik McCoy(biceps) and running back Kendre Miller (ACL) out forthe season.

The team announced Tuesday it signedrunning back Velus Jones to the active roster and added running back Audric Estime to the practice squad, while placing McCoy and Miller on injured reserve. The Saints added the running backsafterMiller and McCoy got hurt in Sunday’sloss to the Chicago Bears.

This marks the second timethat Jones is on the Saints’ 53-man roster.The 28-year-old appeared in the first five games as the team’s kickreturner. He was cut earlier this month but was soon re-added to the practice squad.

Vikings

stickwithWentz at QB on ashortweek

Carson Wentz will makehis fifth straight start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, with J.J. McCarthy lacking timeduring a shortened week to keep building up his sprained right ankle.

Coach Kevin O’Connell announcedhis decision on Tuesday, ahead of theteam’sroad tripto play theLos AngelesChargerson Thursday night that’scoming on the heels of a28-22 loss at homeon Sunday to the Philadelphia Eagles. AfterMcCarthywentthrough a workoutonthe field,the Vikings determinedhis ankle wasn’tquite strong enough yettogive him or them the best chance to succeed against the Chargers.

McCarthy will serve as the emergencythird quarterback Rookie MaxBrosmer will be the backup.

Leginjuryforces Djokovic out of Paris Masters

PARIS Novak Djokovic is withdrawing from next week’sParis Masters, he announced on social media Tuesday,justdaysafter he stoppedplaying in an exhibition event because of aleg injury

The 24-timeGrand Slam champion has competed infrequently this season,appearing in eight ATP Tour events outside the majors. Djokovic, whois38, reached the semifinals at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Openthis season.Fromlate May to late September,the pastthree Slamswere all he entered. He wasone of thehalf-dozen men invited to the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia last week. Djokovic lost to Jannik Sinner,then faced Taylor Fritz to determine the third-place finisher butstopped after one set.

Trout testifies he didn’t know Skaggs used drugs

Angels superstar Mike Trout testifiedTuesday morning that he knew team employee Eric Kayhad adrug problembut that pitcher TylerSkaggs showed no signs of drug use.

Trout, athree-time American League MVP awardwinner, has played with the Angels his entire 15-year career and is under contract through the2030 season.He was ateammate of Skaggs from 2014-19, when the left-handed pitcher died in aTexas hotel room July 1, 2019, after snorting acounterfeit oxycodonepill that contained fentanyl, apowerful opioid.

Key, aformer Angels communications director, wassentenced to 22 years in federal prison after being convicted in 2022 of providing the pills that led to the Skaggs’ overdose.

Pacers extend contract of Nesmith by two years

TheIndiana Pacers began the work of keeping their corestarters together long-term Tuesday by signing forward Aaron Nesmith to atwo-year contract extension. Financial details were notimmediatelyavailable.His contract was set to expire after next season. Nesmith has emerged as akey two-way player for Indiana the past twoseasons. He’s arguably the Pacers best defender and has developed into aclutch scorer on teams that reachedthe 2024 EasternConferencefinals andthe NBA Finals in 2025. They’llneed both elements of his gametoovercome the expected season-long loss of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton. Injuries limited Nesmith to 37 starts and 45 games last season. On TV

Ohtani struckout Angels team-

mateMike Trout to end a3-2 victory for Japan over the U.S. in the WorldBaseball Classicchampionship game in Miami on March 21, 2023. With a3-2 count,Troutswung at Ohtani’s87-mphsweeper and whiffed to end it. Ohtaniraisedboth armsbefore throwing his gloveand cap and getting mobbedby his teammates. Troutwalked off the field withhis headhunglow.The twosoonreturned to springtraining as team-

mates again Twin bill shutoutand 2homers

Ohtani gave up onehit and struck out eight in hisfirst completegame in MLB on July 27, 2023. He andthe Angelsbeat theDetroit Tigers 6-0 in the first gameofadoubleheader Ohtani’slegendgrew in the nightcapatDetroit. He slugged twohomersinan11-4win,becoming the secondpitcher since 1900 to allow one hit or fewer in ashut-

Of course, he earned NLCS MVPhonors. Ohtanihad been in apostseason slump. Butheawokeinabig way, with apower show that included a 469-foot blast —his second of the game —that soaredout of Dodger Stadium.Healso tossed six scoreless inningsinhis first start in nearly two weeks.

Then asmilingOhtaniurged Dodgers fans around the world to “enjoyareally good sake”incelebration.

SCOREBOARD

8:49 Det—Gibbs 5run (Bates kick), 4:39. Fourth Quarter Det—FGBates 58, 10:18 A—64,656.

Sacked-YardsLost4-18

Punts 6-43.833

Fumbles-Lost

Penalties-Yards 6-35 6-50 Time of Possession28:21 31:39

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—TampaBay,White 10-38,Tucker 1-4, Bridgewater 1-(minus 1).Detroit, Gibbs 17-136, Montgomery 13-21, Goff 2-7. PASSING—TampaBay,Mayfield 28-50-1-228. Detroit, Goff 20-29-1-241.

RECEIVING—TampaBay,Otton 7-65,Shepard 7-25, Egbuka4-58, T.Johnson 4-58, White 4-6, Miller 1-14, Tucker 1-2.Detroit, St. Brown 6-86, Gibbs 3-82,Wright 3-23,Raymond 3-17, LaPorta3-15, Montgomery2-18 MISSED FIELD GOALS—Detroit, Bates 54. LATE MONDAY Seattle 27, Houston 19 Houston 06 67 —19 Seattle 14 0130 —27 First Quarter

Sea—Charbonnet 1run (Myers kick), 7:28

Sea—Smith-Njigba11pass from Darnold (Myers kick), :00. Second Quarter

Hou—FGFairbairn 36,2:18

Hou—FGFairbairn 46,:00

ThirdQuarter

Sea—FGMyers 26,10:34 Hou—Anderson0 fumblereturn (pass failed), 7:24.

Sea—FGMyers 47, 5:15

Sea—Charbonnet 2run (Myerskick), :54. Fourth Quarter Hou—Marks 4pass from Stroud (Fairbairn kick), 2:04. A—68,632. Hou Sea First downs 18 19 Total Net Yards254 316 Rushes-yards17-56

Sacked-YardsLost

Penalties-Yards

Time of Possession27:43

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING—Houston, Stroud 2-25,Chubb 5-16, Marks 10-15.Seattle, Walker 17-66,Charbonnet 12-49, Barner 1-2, Darnold3-1.

PASSING—Houston, Stroud 23-49-1-229. Seattle, Darnold 17-31-1-213, Kupp 0-1-1-0.

RECEIVING—Houston, Schultz 9-98,Noel 4-77,

But hehas alittle more swag and pep to his step now,and I’m excited tosee him play.”

vice president of basketball operations Troy Weaver held several “man-to-man”conversations this offseason.

“The main thing that I’ve talkedtoZion about is responsibility and accountability,” Dumars said. “What I’ve said to him is with greatness comes responsibility.You don’t get to be great and not be responsible. It’s been aheavy emphasis on that.” Williamson has listened. Even media members havenoticed abig difference. In years past, Williamson wasn’tavailable as much to the media during thepreseason. It’s been much different since those talks with Dumars, who has connected with Williamson in away that former executive David Griffin wasn’table to.

It helps that Williamson, ahistorian of the game, knows all about Dumars’ accomplishments as one of the Bad Boysonthe Detroit Pistonschampionship teams.

“I know he’sgoing to hold me to areally high standard,” Williamson said. “If Islip up or anything, Iknow he’sgoing to be right there to make sure Iget right back on path.” Williamson also hasspent valuabletime this offseasonworking outwith Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon. She’slike a big sister to him. They became close when Weatherspoonwas on thePelicanscoaching staff, and they’ve remained close sinceher departurein2023.

The early returns are good, but none of it matters unless Williamson can stay healthy andleadthe Pelicans to wins as theylook to rebound from a21-win season, tiedfor the second-worst record in franchise history

His teammates have noticed the difference.

“Weknow Z. We knowhow good he is,” guardJose Alvarado said. “But onething I see is his confidence in himself. He’sconfident in his whole game andconfidentinwho he is. That’sone thing Ihadn’tseen before. Not saying that he wasn’tconfident before

Williamsonplaying meanseverything to the Pelicans. It’swhy every prognostication about the Pelicans’ season usually starts withthese four words: “If Zion is healthy .”

Willie Green, who is entering his fifth seasonasheadcoach, knows thePelicans will go as far as Williamson leads them. It’sno coincidence that when Williamson played a career-high 70 games two seasons ago, the Pelicanswon 49 games.That tied for the second-most wins in franchise history

Green’sexpectations for Williamson are even higher

“Keep taking astep forward with the conditioning component,”Green said. “I have to commend him. He’s doing everything he needs to do to take careofhis body.That’s going to be important forhim to be available for us.

“Continuetosteponthe floor andbeing theZionthatweknowhe’scapable of being. When he’sdoing that, he’sone of the top players in this league.”

When he’snot, he’sone of the most scrutinized players in the league.Williamson used to keep receipts of all the scrutiny

“There was atime when Ikepttabsand notes,” he said. “That’sinthe past for me. The past is going to stay in the past.I’m only looking forward to thefuture.”

For now,that future is still in New Orleans. OneofDumars’ first big decisionswhenhe took over was stickingwith Williamson.

Many fans were ready forthe teamtomove on from Williamson, but Dumars thought otherwise because he believes in Williamson. Even more importantly,Williamson believes in himself more thaneverbefore.

“Whatever my team needs, that’swhat I will do,” Williamson said.

The only thing the Pels really need is for himtoplay It’sthe

Texas A&M fined $50K for faking an injury

By The Associated Press

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference fined No. 3 Texas A&M $50,000 for violating its policy on faking injuries during games, the conference announced Tuesday

The league also reprimanded coach Mike Elko for allowing cornerback Tyreek Chappell to feign an injury during the Aggies’ 45-42 win at Arkansas on Saturday

It happened with less than 13 minutes remaining in the game, when the Razorbacks completed a pass deep in A&M territory with the Aggies leading 38-27. Chappell was not in on the tackle and gave no indication he was hurt until he went to the ground and pointed to his right leg, stopping play Texas A&M was flagged and charged a timeout because he presented as injured after the ball was spotted.

“Just prior to the player going

down, a Texas A&M staff member can be seen in the video standing in the team area near the 25-yard line signaling demonstratively to the player pointing to the ground,” the league said in a statement. “It was noted that the Texas A&M player had no contact during the play and returned to the game on the second play of the ensuing defensive possession.” The SEC said a second violation would lead to a $100,000 fine

and another reprimand. A third feigned injury would result in Elko being suspended for a game. Further violations could result in suspensions for the head coach, assistant coaches and players.

“While we accept the ruling, we do not agree with the decision and want to be clear that we never coach or instruct our players to feign injury,” he said.

In September, the Atlantic Coast Conference fined Syracuse $25,000 and issued a public reprimand for the Orange feigning injuries in a 34-21 win over Clemson.

“The action violates the spirit of the injury timeout and fair play and was conducted in a manner that appears to attempt to circumvent the NCAA’s injury time out rule to avoid the team being charged a time out,” the league said. Elko responded with a statement release on social media.

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C

Some of the issues may come down to tendencies. When the Saints call plays that feature a light box — less than seven defenders near the line of scrimmage — opponents are feasting The Bears, for instance, recorded 131 of their 222 yards rushing against light boxes, while the Giants (99 of 136) and the Cardinals (93 of 146) also picked up most of their yards in those favorable situations. The Patriots game remains a notable outlier, as New England averaged only 3.8 yards per carry on such looks Are the Saints deploying too many light boxes? Let’s take a further look at how often New Orleans has used one, according to Next Gen Stats:

n Week 1: Cardinals (51.9%)

n Week 2: 49ers (30.8%)

n Week 3: Seahawks (15.2%)

RABALAIS

Continued from page 1C

n Week 4: Bills (40.6%)

n Week 5: Giants (62.1%)

n Week 6: Patriots (51.9%)

n Week 7: Bears (45%)

But there are trade-offs to this approach The Saints deploy light boxes in part because they want to prevent explosive passing plays, something they’ve been pretty good at this season And New Orleans is reacting to the personnel on the field. The Giants ran a spread, shotgun-heavy offense with Dart at quarterback, while the 49ers and Seahawks played more under center Some of the runs that the Saints have allowed in light boxes also aren’t on designed rushing plays, as they’ve faced their fair share of mobile quarterbacks (Kyler Murray, Josh Allen, Dart).

New Orleans’ problems stopping the run aren’t new The Saints tried to address the area in the offseason by trading for defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, signing safety Justin Reid and using five of their nine draft selec-

tions on defense. Their latest performance will lead them to seek additional solutions.

Numbers to know

129.4: That’s how many rushing yards per game the Saints have allowed, the ninth-worst mark in the NFL. The Saints were at 141.4 last year, ranking as the secondworst rushing defense.

45%: Opponents have combined to rush into a light box against the Saints on 45% of their rushing attempts. That’s the 12th-highest rate in the league. The Eagles (57.7%) and the Giants (53.1%) lead the league.

8.7%: The Saints have given up untimely big plays this season, but they’re doing a much better job at preventing them overall. Opponents have an explosive rate of 8.7% against New Orleans, which is the sixth-lowest percentage in the league. Explosive plays are defined as completions of at least 16 yards or runs of at least 12 yards.

Up next

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and MVP candidate Baker Mayfield come to town. Mayfield’s MVP case took a slight hit in Monday’s rough outing against the Detroit Lions, but the quarterback has otherwise been fantastic. His four fourthquarter comebacks lead the league, and he has thrown for the sixth-most yards passing, despite Tampa Bay’s myriad injuries at receiver

A year ago, the Buccaneers carved up the Saints on the ground when running back Sean Tucker had 136 yards in a 51-27 win. But Tampa Bay’s running attack hasn’t been as lethal this season, with the Buccaneers averaging just 99 yards per game. That could be an area to watch this weekend.

Email Matthew Paras at matt. paras@theadvocate.com

sive coaching staff in the wake of what to this point has been a woefully underproductive unit, similar to what he did with his defensive staff after the 2023 season. Does Kelly even with what he has left on the books, want to do all that heavy lifting once again for 2026? Or does he take the path of a lot of veteran coaches in recent years who decided the NIL/transfer portal era wasn’t for them? I don’t pretend to know Kelly’s mind, and maybe he doesn’t know it, either But I do believe his future regarding this season and next will be Kelly’s decision to make Where he and the Tigers go from here is the big question now

For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter

TULANE

Continued from page 1C

Welcome to the NIL era, when preseason player of the year Rowan Brumbaugh and backcourt mate Asher Woods plus three returning scholarship backups (swingman Tyler Ringgold, center Percy Daniels and point guard KJ Greene) were enough for the coaches to tab Tulane third in the preseason poll its highest predicted finish in its 11-year American tenure.

“We have to use our experience,” Hunter said. “College basketball is so transient with so many new guys, you don’t know what they are going to do in your system under the lights. We have some guys that I’ve seen play in a conference tournament semifinal game.” The words of Florida Atlantic coach John Jakus right after Tulane beat the Owls in an American Conference quarterfinal last March appear quaint. He said he was naïve enough to believe rising star freshman center Matas Vokietaitis would return along with other key pieces. It did not happen. Vokietaitis (Texas) left for more money at a power-conference program, as did forwards Kaleb Glenn (Michigan State), Tre Carroll (Xavier) and Baba Miller (Cincinnati). Other than Memphis, American teams have become stepping stones rather than destinations, and even Penny Hardaway’s portal-constructed Tigers joined the other 12 teams in receiving zero points in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 poll.

Winning the conference tournament appears to be the only path to an NCAA bid, and the format has been adjusted to favor the best regular-season team. The first- and second-place finishers get byes to the semifinals. The third- and fourth-place finishers get byes to the quarterfinals. The bottom three teams will not qualify The Wave’s last trip to the Big Dance was in 1994-95.

“I came back because I want to win a conference championship and go to the NCAA Tournament,” said Brumbaugh, a junior who averaged a team-best 15.5 points and 4.8 assists after transferring from Georgetown “But we have to go out and do it.” Tulane’s success will hinge on how it deals with Glenn’s shocking death and how much four transfers help make up for the loss of talented two-way players Kaleb Banks (DePaul) and Kam Williams (Kentucky).

“It’s going to take some time (to get in the right headspace without Glenn),” Brumbaugh said. “I know we’ll be reminded probably every time we step on the court. It’s going to be an ongoing thing we deal with.” Brumbaugh and Woods, a second-team All-American Conference preseason pick who averaged 11.5 points and upped it to 18.8 in the final five games, are the team leaders in Glenn’s absence. Seton Hall transfer Scotty Middleton, a 6-foot-6 forward, is the linchpin of a transfer group that includes 6-6 guard Curtis Williams (Georgetown), 7-foot center Davion Bradford (East Tennessee State by way of Kansas State and Wake Forest) and 6-4 guard Josiah Moore (Oral Roberts).

Hunter said the newcomers were more talented than most of the holdovers, adding he needed to find the right mix of experience and skills to maximize Tulane’s potential. He also is high on Ringgold, predicting his minutes will increase to at least 25 per game from 11.0 last season. Brumbaugh, ever the realist, labeled the group a work in progress. “Gregg was a big leader for us last year,” he said. “It starts with me taking accountability and figuring out how I can be a

Spurs’ Wembanyama hasNBA playoffsinmind

BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer

MIAMI— Victor Wembanyama has anew height. He’s thinking about new heights. Wembanyama —healthy again after deep vein thrombosis forced doctors to end his 2024-25 season two months early —starts Year 3with the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday when they visit the Dallas Mavericks. It’samatchup of toppicks; Wembanyama went No. 1in 2023, the Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg was No. 1this year

Wembanyama knowsthe Western Conference is loaded. He wants aplayoff spot anyway and said the Spurs are good enough to get there.

“Looking forward to this very much,” the 21-year-old Wembanyama said. “It’sdefinitely the next step in many of our careers. Me and my teammates, we’re all eyes on it.”

The French stareven put anumber on what he would defineasuccessful season: Wembanyama wants the No. 6seed,atminimum. The meaning there is obvious, in that he wants the Spurs to finish the regular season with aguaranteed postseason spot and not have to fight through the play-in tournament

Only the topsix finishers in each conference are assured of playoff spots, while the teams that finish No. 7 through No. 10 have to go theplay-in route.

“Success would be getting to the playoffs and notthe play-in,” Wembanyama said.

“That means sixth seed.”

Wembanyama wasthe rookie of the year in 2023-24 and adefensive player of the year front-runner last season beforethe thrombosis was found.Hewas averaging24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks and 3.7 assists pergame when he was shut down in February; the only other player in NBA history

And Wemby is only going to get even better

“That sometimes is the difficulty, when youhave to temper the excitement, expectations andimagination of where he can go,”

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “I think all of us probably in someway were still maturing or evolving physically at 19, 20, 21, especially if you’reanathlete That along with his game,along withhis mind, is going to continue to grow.”

Speaking of growing, there’salso theconstant questionofWembanyama’s height. It’samystery,other than the obvious answer that being, he’s really,really, really,really tall.

Officially,the tallest player in the league last season was Memphis’ Zach Edey —listed at 7-4. There’sno reason to think that height isn’taccurate. Butwhen Wembanyama and Edey are side by side,itsure seems like the Spurs’ center might be the taller one.

to finish aseason averaging all that was Kareem AbdulJabbar in 1975-76.

“I just don’tever recall a player who has so much influence on both ends of the floor,” said Indiana coach RickCarlisle,who added that he feels fortunate the Pacers and Spursaren’tin

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTO By GEORGE WALKER IV NewEngland PatriotssafetyBrendenSchooler celebrates after the team’swin against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in Nashville, Tenn.The Patriots (5-2)lead the AFCEast.

Turnaroundsabound

League couldsee anotherworst to firstthisseason

BY ROBMAADDI AP pro football writer

The NFL cansee another worst to first turnaround this season. Through seven weeks, two teams that finished last in 2024 are leading their division. Overall, seven teams that missed the playoffs last season have at least four wins. The New England Patriots areleading theAFC East at 5-2, including abig win at Buffalo, ayear after going 4-13under Jerod Mayo. MikeVrabel hasbrought awinning culture to New Englandand Drake Maye has developed into an elite quarterbackinjusthis second season. The San Francisco 49ers are leading the NFC West at 5-2, including aroad win over the Los Angeles Rams. They were 6-11 last season And, the 49ers are doing it despite aslew of injuries to key starters.Mac Jones is 4-1 filling in for Brock Purdy even thoughmostof the starting wide receivers are injured and All-Pro tight end George Kittle sat out five games.

The defense lost four-time All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and star edge rusher Nick Bosa to season-ending injuries. Yet, Kyle Shanahan’steam finds ways to win. Since 2002, when the NFL switchedtoeight four-team divisions, 25 teams have gone from worst in their division one season to first the next. The Texans were the last team to do it in 2024. ThePatriots and 49ers could increase that total.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-1) finished 8-9 last season and lead the AFC behind Daniel Jones’ passing and Jonathan Taylor’srunning.

The Chicago Bears (4-2) have won four in arow undernew coachBen Johnson and are one victory away from matching last season’s total.

Dakattack

TheCarolina Panthers (4-3)have won three straight and also are onevictory from matching their total in 2024.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3) already have equaled last season’swin total.

Detroit’sdisruptiveD

Despitemissing their entire starting secondary the Lions shut down Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a24-9 victory on Monday night. It’s one of thebestdefensiveperformances by any team this season All-ProsafetyKerby Joseph(knee) and reserve safety Avonte Maddox (hamstring) and cornerbacks Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and D.J. Reed (hamstring)were out. Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch sat out with asuspension. CornerbackRock Ya-Sin left the game withan injury Yet, Lions defensive backs Arthur Maulet, Amik Robertson, Thomas Harper ErickHallettand Ya-Sin contained Tampa Bay’s receivers and frustrated Mayfield, whowas an MVP favorite coming into the game.

Mayfield finished 28 of 50 for 228 yards with one TD and one interception fora season-worst66.1 passer rating.

Dak Prescott is off to an impressive start andthe DallasCowboys have the mostexciting offense in the NFL. They lead the league withanaverage of 390.6 yards per game and are third in scoring at 31.7per game. The Cowboys need that scoring because their defense —without Micah Parsons —islastinthe league, though the unit playedbetter in a44-22 victory over theWashington Commanders on Sunday Ahealthy Prescott is playing like theguy who was MVP runner-up in 2023 insteadofthe one whostruggled througheight games last year before ahamstring injury endedhis season.He has1,881 yards passing, 16 touchdowns and three interceptions for a107.6 passer rating.

The addition of wide receiverGeorge Pickens and running back Javonte Williams has boosted Dallas’ offense. Pickenswas outstandingduring CeeDee Lamb’s three-gameabsence. If the defense can build off its success against Washingtonand continue to improve, theCowboys can stay in the mixbecause Prescott and the offense are going to score alot of points.

thesame conference.

Wembanyamacan finish. Can shoot from outside. Can pass. Canhandle the ball. He is generally considered the league’s best defensive player.And for this season, he’sadded bulk as well.

“You just watch in disbelief,” Carlisle said.

He was, officially,7-foot-3 as arookie. He’snow 7-4, at least on paper.Some said he actually was 7-5 when he left France, and former NBA player Boban Marjanovic said Wembanyama might be even taller than that now

“Noway I’mtallerthan him,” the 7-4 Marjanovic said on ESPN last week.

“Noneofusare close, so it’s alla guess,” Johnson said. “I gotnoclue.I have to standonthischair and get the measuring stick, so Iknow he’staller than me 7-something.” If Wembanyamaknows the precise number,he’snot saying. But the fascination with it amuses him “Overthe yearsit’sbecome anon-subject to me,” Wembanyama said. “Because in my opinion, there’s so many more interesting things aboutme. The truth is, sometimes I’m surprised there’sstill aconversation because in my mind, it doesn’treally make adifference. I’m taller than everybody else. That’s all you need to know.”

Wilson callsPayton ‘classless’for comments

BY STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sportswriter

NEW YORK Russell Wilson fired backatSeanPayton on social media Tuesday,a little under 48 hours since theDenver Broncos coach took aswipeatthe New York Giants backupquarterback who lost his starting job to rookie Jaxson Dart after an 0-3start. “Classless… but notsurprised….”Wilson said on X. “Didn’trealize you’re still bountyhunting 15+ years laterthrough the media.” Wilson took his own jab at Payton,for whomhe playedfor oneill-fatedseason in 2023, by referencing the“BountyGate” scandal from2009-11 with theNew Orleans Saints. The NFL in 2012 found the team was rewarding players for hits on opponents withintent to injure,and Payton wassuspendedfor ayear Payton saidafter Denver’s historic33-32 comeback winonSundaythat the Giants “found alittle spark with”Dart, whobecamethe starter,and hinted that part of aconversation he had with New York ownerJohn Mara includedwanting to face Wilsoninstead

Jets

ASSOCIATEDPRESS FILEPHOTO By BART yOUNG DenverBroncos coachSean Payton and quarterback RussellWilson look on during agame against the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 19, 2023, in Denver.

“I wastalking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, ‘Wewere hoping that change would’ve happened long after our game,’ ”Payton said.

Wilson joined the Broncos via trade from Seattle in 2022 and signed afive-year $245 million extension. They went 5-12 in his first season before Denver hired Payton, whowas returning to coaching aftera one-year stint in broadcasting.

Payton benched Wilson 15 games in, amove that ensured the quarterback

would not get injured. If Wilson were on the rosterbyMarch 17, 2024, his $37 millionsalary for 2025 wouldhavebeenguaranteed. Wilson was released to putanend to theugly breakup between aveteran coach and player whohad each won the Super Bowl separately Now alittle over amonth away fromturning 37, Wilson spent last season with Pittsburgh before signing in freeagency with the Giants

BY STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sportswriter

NEW YORK New York

You’ve gottoconvincethem that you can do something. Otherwise it’shard to havea game thatyou can win.”

open 4-2and sitatop the AFC Central.

Jetsowner Woody Johnson blamed quarterback play for his team’s0-7 start and repeatedly affirmed hisfaith in coach Aaron Glenn on Tuesday in hisfirst public comments since the offseason.

Arriving for the NFL’s annual fall owners meeting, Johnson defended Glenn, praised thefirst-year coach’shandling of the defense and deferred to thestaff on who should start at football’s mostimportant position moving forward. Justin Fields startedsix games, missing one with an injury, andwas benchedinfavor of backup Tyrod Taylorinthe second half Sunday against Carolina.

“The defense is pretty good.Ifwecan just complete apass, it would look good,” Johnson said. “We’ve got to complete some passes.

The Jets are last in the league in passing offense and are the only team without awin.

“Well, the record speaks for itself, but Idon’tgoto anygamethinking I’m going to lose,” Johnson said. “I see what you see. But I see morehope than you do. Youcan’twin with hope. It helps.”

Johnsonsaidhebelieves in the decisions to hire Darren Mougeyasgeneral manager and Glenn as coach.

Asked whohethinks should start at quarterback, the 78-year-old said: “That’s completely up to the coach. I’mnot going to be involved at allinany of that. This is what they’re paid to do, and this is what they’re experts at doing and so they’ll make theright decisionwithwhat we’ve got.”

The organization moved on from AaronRodgers after going 5-12 in 2024. Rodgers has thrownfor 14 touchdowns and five interceptions to help Pittsburgh

Johnson would not reveal whether he regrets allowing Rodgers to walk.

“I never look back,” he said. “You have to look forward in football. Whenyou cutplayers,theycouldbe aHall of Famer.You just never know.But Aaron’s playing great now.He’sina situation that’sworking for him.”

Not much is working for New York, largely because of offensive struggles.

“(Fields) has the ability, but something just is not jiving,” Johnson said. “The offense is just notclicking And you can’trun the ball if you can’tpass the ball. That’sFootball 101.”

The Jets have the longest active playoff drought in theNFL, having not qualified since 2010. Johnson said true Jets fans still have hope, like he does.

“They’ve beenatitfor along time, so they know exactly what’sgoing on,” Johnson said. “I think they’re thesmartest fans in the world. Ithink they do know what’sgoing on. They know what they see.”

Hidalgo, Booker headline preseason women’s college basketball team

BY DOUG FEINBERG Associated Press

Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame, Lauren Betts of UCLA and Madison Booker of Texas

headline The Associated Press All-America women’s college basketball team released Tuesday

The trio were first-team AllAmericans last spring after having stellar seasons. They were joined on the preseason team this year by UConn’s Sarah Strong and South Carolina’s Ta’Niya Latson. Latson transferred to the Gamecocks this year after spending the first three years of her career at Florida State.

Hidalgo and Betts each earned 29 votes from the 31-member national media panel that chooses the AP Top 25 each week. Strong garnered 28 votes while Booker had 23 and Latson 14. LSU star Flau’jae Johnson received four votes in the poll.

Hidalgo is coming off a season in which the talented guard became just the fourth sophomore to earn All-America honors in her first two years USC’s JuJu Watkins also accomplished that feat last season, but is out for this year while she’s recovering from a torn ACL she suffered in the NCAA Tournament. Courtney Paris and Maya Moore were also All-Americans their first two seasons.

Hidalgo averaged 23.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists for the Fighting Irish last season. She will take on a bigger role this season with the loss of the other four starters to either the WNBA or the transfer portal.

“I know the weight of that is heavy, the crown is super heavy,” Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey said. “But I feel like she has done a great job of surrounding herself with the right network, the Notre Dame network, but also her family She is very grounded with her family and her faith.” Betts, a senior, helped UCLA reach No 1 in the AP Top 25 for the first time in school history last season. The 6-foot-7 center averaged 20.2 points and 9.5 rebounds to get the Bruins to their first Final Four before they lost to

Strong and UConn Strong had a sensational freshman season for the Huskies, helping them win the school’s 12th national championship. She averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 rebounds, and coach Geno Auriemma has said she is even better this year UConn is No. 1 in the preseason

Top 25.

“Every day, there isn’t a day that goes by that one of the coaches and I don’t look at each other and go, ‘Man, there’s just something about her right now,’ ” Auriemma said. “I can’t wait. I look forward to going to practice just to see what might happen next, some things she might pull off.”

Latson led the country in scoring at Florida State last season, averaging 25.2 points a game.

With one year left of eligibilty, it’s not just about trying to win a national championship but getting prepared for the WNBA. Coach Dawn Staley has had a lot of success producing pros, including four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson.

Latson will have to face Booker at least once this season in the SEC. The Longhorns’ junior wing averaged 16.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists last season. Booker helped Texas reach the Final Four last season before the Longhorns lost to South Carolina.

Betts, Hidalgo and Booker were all first-team All-Americans last spring while Latson and Strong were on the second team. The AP began releasing a preseason AllAmerica team before the 1994-95 season.

Senior Obiekwe becomes workhorse for Riverside

BY SPENCER URQUHART

Staff writer

Riverside had big shoes to fill out the running back position with last season’s lead rusher Dedric Lastie now at Nicholls State, and senior Jayden Obiekwe has played the part so far in 2025.

Obiekwe was set to be Riverside’s new lead running back after transferring from East Jefferson, but there was uncertainty surrounding his eligibility The senior missed the first two games of the 2025 season while ineligible, but he was cleared to play in Week 3 and has shined ever since.

Riverside deployed Obiekwe as its primary running back beginning in Week 3 during a win over Class 5A Prairieville, and he’s averaged over 150 yards per game since returning to the field.

“(Obiekwe) just loves the game of football and is selfless,” Riverside coach Lee Roussel said.

“He’s got the ability to make guys miss at the second and third level and running through tackles, and he’s got the ability to make tough yards. That’s a big deal that opens up the playbook.”

Obiekwe’s high school football journey began at Riverdale as a freshman before transferring to East Jefferson as a sophomore. He was an all-district running back for East Jefferson as a junior but transferred to attend school in Reserve before his senior year

“I just became a better player,” Obiekwe said “I had transferred (to Riverside) and had to get the papers right. The two games I was out had me in my head, but I came back strong. (Riverside) is special. The coaches, tradition, they just hold you to more.”

Obiekwe has racked up 763 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 73 carries in five games for Riverside, all of which were wins. He ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries in Riverside’s most recent win over West St. John while also completing a 2-yard touchdown pass.

Lastie ran for over 2,000 yards as a junior and nearly repeated that feat last year as a senior Obiekwe now wears jersey No. 1, which was worn by Lastie while he was at Riverside.

“My key to success (this season) has been my O-line, training and my family paying for me to get right,” Obiekwe said “Dedric (Lastie) is my guy We’re tight, we work out together I’ve got to keep the (No.) 1 tradition going.”

Riverside has scored at least 40 points in every game Obiekwe has played this season. The passing game is also a plus with senior quarterback Brock Bourgeois and sophomore wide receivers Kenric “Boogie” Johnson and Chris Becknel.

Roussel praised Obiekwe’s lead-

ership as well as how he is off the field.

“(Obiekwe) is a leader in the locker room,” Roussel said. “He’s great, the teachers (at Riverside) like him. The things he does on the dayto-day, he brings that extra juice. I’m really happy that he’s here.” Riverside (6-1, 2-0) will play Central Catholic this Friday at home before concluding the regular season against a pair of district opponents. The Rebels (6-1, 2-0) were state runner-ups in 2023 and are currently ranked No. 2 in the Division IV select power ratings.

“We’ve just got to try and go 1-0 every week,” Roussel said. “If you continue to win, you keep getting teams here in Reserve, and that’s a big deal when you get to the playoffs.”

Big 12 boss supports postseason expansions of

BY DAVE SKRETTA AP sportswriter

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said Tuesday that he is in favor of expanding the NCAA Tournament and the College Football Playoff, though he remains cautious about exactly how two of college sports’ premier events will look in the future.

NCAA president Charlie Baker recently said that he supported the expansion of March Madness, which has included 68 teams since the 2011 edition. And while different numbers have been floated over the years, it appears that 72 or 76 teams with more “play-in” games could be on deck as soon as the 2027 tournament.

“That’s an NCAA decision,” Yormark said at the Big 12’s annual women’s basketball media day “but from a conference perspective, we’re in favor of modest expansion. Let’s use 76 as a working number — might not be the number but a working number But the right economics have to come with it.”

While expansion may not create much additional revenue for conferences on the front end, since broadcast partners CBS and TNT have deals in place that run through the 2032 tournament, the additional teams would likely come from power leagues, and that could drive viewership and TV ratings for one of the NCAA’s signature events.

Big Ten counterpart Tony Petitti recently said coaches and athletic directors in his league have been “supportive” of expansion.

“I think there’s some momentum,” Yormark said. “We’ll see

where it lands.”

The Big 12 commissioner also believes there is momentum for an expanded football playoff, which already has grown from four teams to 12 this past season. Yormark favors moving to 16 teams in a “5+11” model that would provide five automatic bids for the winners of the highest-ranked conferences and 11 at-large bids chosen by a committee.

“I’ve always said you have to earn it on the field. Nothing should be predetermined come the beginning of the season,” Yormark said.

“If there was a conversation about a format that gave the power conferences the same number of (automatic qualifiers), I’d be all ears. I want to give our schools a chance each and every year to compete at the highest levels.” Yormark also said the Big 12

has no interest in private equity investment; the Big Ten recently backed off plans — for now — that would have called for a $2 billion investment in exchange for a 10% stake in its league-wide media rights.

“It’s incumbent upon all commissioners to look at different options that they can bring back to their boards. Some of those options make sense, some don’t,” Yormark said. “We like where we are right now That doesn’t mean we’re not exploring different options, but private equity for us doesn’t work. We’re bullish on our future. We’re not giving a stake to anyone.

Wednesday

to 9 p.m. (and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for ice cream and drinks at the counter)

New diner with vintage feel opens in Algiers Point

BY IAN McNULTY Staff writer

You know when you’re in a diner, rather than a cafe or tavern, and you feel that when you’re in the new Drift Inn Diner, 323 Verret St.

It’s in the mid-century Americana of aluminum-clad tables with vinyl padded booths, the swivel stools along the white counter and the little condiment caddies on the candy-apple-red tables. Even the plates for the burgers and parfait glasses for the soft serve ice cream have a vintage feel.

But it’s not all throwback here, with vegan plates in rotation on the short opening menu and a playful, modern cocktail list running alongside the hash browns and grits. The Drift Inn Diner opened last week in the middle of Algiers Point, in the former home of French restaurant Tonti’s. It’s a few blocks from the ferry landing in a grid of streets increasingly peppered with interesting spots to eat and drink

It’s also right next to the neighborhood’s super-cute pocket playground, Confetti Park, and, cocktails notwithstanding, the diner has clearly been drawn up as a kid-friendly neighborhood amenity There’s a dedicated kids’ menu (burgers and grilled cheese) and there’s “ice cream hour” for soft serve and drinks in the afternoons before the grill gets going.

“We looked around the neighborhood and thought about the needs here,” said Aaron Miller, who runs the kitchen. “We wanted to create the sort of place that we would want to go to.” Miller runs the Drift Inn with Kirk Estopinal, a bartender well known to local cocktail aficionados. They started the new diner with partners Bryson Aust and Brett Jones, of Barracuda Taco Stand, which has a location just down the block.

Burgers, soft serve, cocktails

The signature “lunch counter burger” is a middle weight contender, not a monstrous bar burger but more substantial than a smash burger It’s a single patty with American cheese and lots of grilled onions packed into a Martin’s potato bun with shoestring fries (there’s a vegan black bean version option too)

The classic breakfast plate has a vegetarian version, and there’s a bowl of grits with fried

LIVING

Once a blighted lot, this garden is a hub for chefs, events, even goats

BY IAN McNULTY Staff writer

The city rises over Paradigm Gardens with a skyline of office towers, the arc of the Superdome and the brickwork of the adjacent historic church, which seems to glow in the golden hour at sunset.

Within the garden itself, this urban farm-turned-event venue feels like a verdant glade in the middle of it all, hidden behind a perimeter that is no longer just a fence but a wall of flowering vines Close to downtown and hard by the overpass in Central City, the half-block-sized lot was once fallow just part of a terrain of disinvestment. But as Paradigm Gardens, it’s grown into a uniquely adaptable space for music, food and gatherings in a landscape of low plantings and high waving fronds, chatty goats and colorful murals.

Behind it are culinary roots that keep growing, and an offbeat entrepreneur who keeps tilling his various pursuits and passions into the garden.

“It really started as a chef’s garden, supplying our partner

Brunch

PARADIGM GARDENS

1131 N. Rampart St. l For event details and tickets, see paradigmgardensnola.com

restaurants,” said Joel Hitchcock-Tilton, the gardener, event producer, DJ, educator and connector for a network of chefs, musicians and artisan makers through Paradigm Gardens.

“Today, we still work closely with our chefs,” he said. “But it’s really grown into something else, it’s this event venue and

community space.” This year marks a decade since the founding of Paradigm Gardens In that time, it’s evolved from a garden that hosts events to a custom-built event space within a garden. In addition to concerts, craft

ä See GARDENS, page 2D

CHELSEA SHANNON

GARDENS

Continued from page 1D

markets and food events, it hosts weddings, corporate outings and goat yoga sessions (the main occupation for the in-house herd).

Where it was once a patchwork of garden beds, there are now paved walks between plantings, an indoor prep kitchen and a kettle pond. String lights between the trellises have replaced tiki torches, and full-fledged restrooms have replaced the glorified outhouses of before.

In the weeks ahead, a slate of events shows a spectrum of its potential

Still central, though, is the wood-burning oven and outdoor kitchen that first brought visitors through the garden.

During food events and concerts, a cross section of New Orleans restaurant people cook together, representing upscale restaurants or anytime joints putting different global traditions side by side on the table. These aren’t the individual tasting stations common to events, but more like chef-led cookouts as guests fill their plates from the assembled spread.

For private events, Paradigm Gardens now has its own in-house chef, Pat White of Karibu Kitchen catering, a master of wood-fire cooking. Two gardens, many partners With the Central City garden now more tailored to events, most of the restaurant-bound produce Hitchcock-Tilton grows comes from a smaller plot he developed next to his house about two miles away, just off Freret Street’s restaurant row Walking around the garden beds here, HitchcockTilton constantly tears off leaves or plucks produce, offering samples and often giving their résumés.

That lightly citrusy lemon cucumber was planted for Sophina Uong, chef at Mister Mao, and the tamarillo, a pea-sized fruit with a tart pop, is bound for her eclectic Uptown Asian restaurant too. The sugarcane stretching up by the corner has chef Nina Compton’s name on

EVENTS CALENDAR

OCT 26: Goat yoga admission $40 (small class sizes).

OCT 28: Taste of the Caribbean, with food from Queen Trini Lisa, Jamaican Johnny, Fritai, and 14 Parishes; music from Inna Vision; all food, drink included, tickets $70 NOV. 16: Brunch craft market and plant sale, free with RSVP; food, drink available for purchase.

NOV. 18: Decade in Bloom concert series with food from Baru the Kingsway, Mister Mao Here Today Rotisserie and Brasa; music from Cactus Thief; all food and drink included, tickets $100.

DEC. 7: Holiday market brunch and plant sale, free with RSVP; food, drink available for purchase.

HOLIDAY CONCERT

NIGHTS: Dec. 8 with Robin Barnes, Dec. 9 with Nayo Jones; tickets $28, food drink available for purchase

it The gardener will soon shuttle some over to her upscale Caribbean restaurant Compére Lapin, likely on his bicycle if the weather cooperates.

This garden gives partner restaurants a supply chain that can be measured in city blocks, and it gives the chefs and their staff a chance to visit, join the harvest and get a dirt-on-the-hands connection to what they’re serving.

“If we’re cutting that morning, it could be on their menu that day,” HitchcockTilton said.

In addition to Compére Lapin and Mister Mao, the garden’s partner restaurants include the contemporary bistro Coquette and its casual chicken spot Here Today Rotisserie, and the two Daily Beet healthy eats cafes. The garden supplies others, too, as specialty produce comes into season. Alongside fancy baby and heirloom vegetable variet-

ies, these beds are growing tropical staples for world cuisines, getting more attention in the restaurant scene, especially Caribbean.

That aligns with the gardener’s role in the reggae music realm. He produces reggae festivals here and in other cities, including NOLA Reggae Fest returning Oct. 24-26 at Congo Square, Roots, expanding

Paradigm Gardens started when Hitchcock-Tilton and his friend and then-business partner Jimmy Seely took on the original Central City property in 2015. The city was seeing a post-Katrina flourishing of urban farms and community gardens at the time. But Paradigm Gardens was drawn up differently, with specific restaurants as partners and events built into the business plan.

“This could not rely on grants or volunteers, it had to be financially sustainable as well as ecologically sustainable,” Hitchcock-Tilton said.

Since Seely left the venture, Hitchcock-Tilton runs the property with a team of staff, and many of his interests beyond the garden have intersected here. A teacher and youth sports coach, he started a Montessori-style school on the grounds during the pandemic. His work in events and concerts opens a pipeline of musical talent for happenings in the garden, and sometimes beyond. In August, he co-hosted Savor the City, a tasting event and concert at the Broadside to support a dozen local restaurants during the summer business slump. It was the test-run of a concept he hopes to make an annual event and expand to help more local restaurants through the seasonal downturn.

Still, it’s the Central City garden where all these threads come together

“It’s always felt magical because of the chefs and music in this forgotten spot that’s really in the middle of the city,” Hitchcock-Tilton said. “Now I feel we’ve really connected the dots with the venue.”

Email Ian McNulty at imcnulty@theadvocate. com.

By The Associated Press

Today is Wednesday, Oct. 22, the 295th day of 2025. There are 70 days left in the year Today in history:

On Oct. 22, 2012, cyclist Lance Armstrong was formally stripped of his seven Tour de France victories and received a lifetime ban from Olympic sports after the International Cycling Union chose not to appeal doping charges against Armstrong by the United States Anti-Doping Agency

Also on this date:

In 1836, Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first elected president of the Republic of Texas, which earned its independence from Mexico that year in a military rebellion.

In 1934, bank robber Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd was shot to death by

federal agents and local police at a farm near East Liverpool, Ohio.

In 1962, in a nationally televised address, President John F. Kennedy revealed the presence of Soviet missile bases under construction in Cuba and announced a naval blockade of all offensive military equipment shipped to Cuba.

In 1968, Apollo 7, the first crewed mission of NASA’s Apollo space program, returned safely from Earth orbit, splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean.

In 2014, a gunman shot and killed a soldier standing guard at a war memorial in Ottawa, then stormed the Canadian Parliament building before he himself was shot and killed.

In 2016, the Chicago Cubs won their first pennant since 1945, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series.

CARING and SHARING

n Survivorssalute

One of the things that theCrescent City does best is putting on parades. They come in alltypes from the krewes’ long-planned street peregrinationsduring Carnival to spontaneousones Whereas “Crusader Parade: Celebrating Life,” putonbythe Cancer Crusaders, was indoors, it stillprojected adecided joie de vivre.And gratitude. The honorees were cancer survivors. Marian Gibbs and KathyPastorek, Cancer Crusaders co-presidents, welcomed the crowd in the Marriott New Orleans Hotel to the 24th annualCelebration of Life Luncheon. In the printed program, they stated theCCmission of funding “cancer research at LSU and Tulane Cancer Centers” with an invitation to join“Cancer Crusaders and beingpart of our Crusade for aCure!”

The 2025 sponsorswere Larry and Marla Garvey Fund, Boysie and JoyBollinger,Anne Dunlap,Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry anddozens more. Debbie Buchler and Janice Scioneaux chaired the luncheon, which is always very well attended. The one-hour Champagne Reception launched theactivity at 10 a.m., and was followed abit later by the start of the program at 11:30 a.m.

Features of the luncheon included the reception performance by Adam Bock and Gordon Towel from the Loyola School of Music; Kenneth Kerth’s singingof the national anthem;the emceeing of Gregory Ricks with MaddieKerth as the “co”; almost200 auction items and 100 rewards in the Parade of Prizes; raffle items, including diamondjewelry from Lee Michaels andwon by Jamie Moreau; anda Brahmin purse filledwith morethan $500.00 in gift certificates that had Daisy Heuman as theluckywinner. Linda Daigle and JanetSchwary chaired the auction, and KatieAbboud,KathyAparicio and MaryJean Gabler,the Paradeof Prizes. Fifty-three additional women served on the luncheon committee. Acheck for$212,000 was presentedtothe LSU and Tulane doctors in attendance by Katie Abboud and Bilbo Foldes.Theywerethe 2024 CC co-presidents and thecheck represented the proceedsofthatyear’sluncheon Midway through the event, theCrusaderParadeand Celebrate Life honored thesurvivors: Carol Capella Barbera, BarbaraAnn Bellevue, Donald “Boysie” Bollinger, Dr Jessica Hof Cambre, Seanne N. Falconer,Taysha D. Gibbs, Dr Diane Roussel McDonald, Brooke LashoutoPritchard, Liz Reyes, MargaretA.Ruffin, Patricia “Pat” M. Sharpe, and Kathryn Davidson Weidner.Most had breast cancer, including theone manhonored, and all —busy with family,professions,volunteerism —expressedgratitude for their recovery andstated that cancer would not define their lives Duringlunch,KennethKerthand the BionicBabes-Dancers of Hope entertained, whilethe hundreds of attendees relished a delicious lunch of crunchy kale salad, grilledapple ciderbrinedporkchop, and maple bourbon pecan pie. Amidst lively chatter,from such table friends as Renee Melito, Lynda Santopadre,Jan Wolf, PatGonzales, and Emily Garland,all eyed theclever, and seasonal, centerpieces. Placed on ablack cloth, with accents of applegreen tulle and silver branches, was afurry plushspiderina web. It symbolizedstrength and resilience. Further headlinerswere CC co-presidents-elect Earlene Ally and Judy Fern,treasurer Debbie Albert (among other officers), honoree liaison Lucy Ruffino,Anne Dunlap, BillyHenry, Janet Buchler,Linda Camnetar,Pam Clower,Carol Lee Rappold, Margaret DubuissonBlitch, Joey Difatta, Marie McKay, MickeyRodriguez andcountless others, who were caught up in the throes of the Crusader Parade.

Nell Nolan SOCIETY

Contact: nnolan@theadvocate.com

n Gleason Glee

“Gleason Gras: No WhiteFlags” bannered the13th annual event at Generations Hall that was presented by SolutionBased. Live music, great food and drinks, silent and live auctions, and “so much more” were thecome-ons. The bash raises awareness and support for ALS and the Team Gleason Foundation. The mission is “to improve life for people living withALS through innovative technology, equipment, and empowering lifeexperiences.” Over the past 14 years, Team Gleason has supported morethan 55,000 people with ALS,their families,and caregivers. It started as avolunteer-led effort. Today Team Gleason is aprofessional organization with astaffof25and a30-member board.

Patronsgathered at Generations Hall forone hour before the three-hour main event. The party eye was riveted by the décor led by ZEvents and Sparkle and Swag. Vibrant pops of color,along with glittery linens by BBJ La Tavola Specialty Linens, and the CzarnowskiCollective’slit-up entrance and creative signage, added more visual thrills.

Ahighlight of the eventwas the tribute to Thomas“Tommy” Capella forhis 14-plus years of devotion as aboard member andadvocate forthe ALS community.He received the Team Gleason Enduring Impact Award.Further features were thesilentauction of morethan 100 items (including as atop one the Chef’s Table at Delacroix Restaurant); the live auction with featured trips and the Laissez Boys Experience; and the emceeing of Mark Romig,whose live auctioneering raised morethan $45,000. Raising Cane’shad an innovative selfie booth to showcase “hands-free” technology used by the ALS community As forthe purveyance, nine of the city’s top restaurants obliged with service and taste treats.

n Let’s CelebrateArt!

Located on Magazine Street,New OrleansAcademy of FineArts was thesite for “a Night.” It hosted “Artful Giving: aNight at the Academy” to robust success. The lead sponsors were Felicity Property Co., and Roessing Whittaker,and for thepatron party Louellen and DarrylBerger More sponsors, respectively for Stage, Media and Refreshments, were Jones Walker,Nola.com, and SCS Financial. Individual sponsors in the next groups were Barbaraand Clark Fitz-Hugh, Kathyand John Eastman, Georgia Gresham,Elly and Merritt Lane,Betsy and BertRayle,Anne and Edmond Redd, Holly and Geoff Snodgrass,and Sean Fisher (Architect). “Artsy,casual attire” was the dress code for theon-site arty party

This was theschool’sfirst fall fundraiser and it featured live music,local food, and an auction of artworks. Funds will gotothe Academy’syear-round educational programmingand exhibitions. The school was founded in 1978 by the recently deceased artist Auseklis Ozols and in 1980 Dorothy “Dotty” Coleman established it. Anumber of her family members turned out for “Artful Giving,” including daughter Dian C.Winingder, who chairs theboard that includes Jamie Coleman,Anna Dunbar,Dathel Georges, Susu Kearney,Cleland Powell, Sindy Scalfi and Anne Redd. Dozens figured on the host committee that was led off alphabetically by Kim and NeilAbramson and ended with KendallWiningder.

In additionto Steve Gleasonand spouse Michel Varisco,notables included William and EricaJackson, Sophie Capella (daughter of the honoredTommy and Stephanie), Thomas and KerryMcEachin, spouses Suzanne Alford and HenryPeterson,and fromthe Varisco family, Vinnie and Julie,and Paul Jr Also, Sally Cox and fiancé Alex Cuntz, Ryan and Sara Gootee,and Robbyand Leigh Moss,the highest bidders on Sara’s mixed media painting in the silent auction. Music always makesamarkand for the Gleason Gras, Pulse504 gotthe beat going.

Keeping thepeace during Thanksgiving

Dear Annie: Every year, Thanksgiving turns into atug-of-war in my family.Mysiblings and Iall live within driving distance of our parents, but the holiday always comes with arguments about who’shosting, who’s cooking and which in-laws get priority.This year feels worse than ever.My sister insists that everyone come to her house, but my brother refuses because of something she said last year.Myparents just want peace but are too afraid to pick sides. I want us all together,but I also dread another holiday full of tension, whispered complaints and people leaving early in ahuff. How do Ikeep Thanksgiving from turning intoa battlefield without feeling like the referee?

Tired of the Drama

Trythiseasyway to open cans

my scissors.

son. —Shirlene B.,inArkansas

Ahairdresser’s plea

—WearyTurkey Dear Weary: Youare not the United Nations. Stop trying to broker world peace at the dinner table. Thanksgiving should be about gratitude, not grudge-holding. Let

each adult takeresponsibility for their own choices; if they don’twanttocome, that’sonthem. Youcan host with warmth, set clear boundaries and refuse to playreferee. Invite everyone, butdon’t twist arms. Whoever shows up gets your best stuffing and your best self. Whoever staysaway will missthe pumpkin pieand maybe realize next year that family drama isn’t worth more than family Dear Annie: Ilovemy family, butevery gathering turns into adrama. My mother criticizes my sister,mysister snapsback and before long I’m stuck in themiddle tryingtokeep thepeace. I leave thesevisitsemotionally drained and sometimes wonder whyIkeep showing up. Idon’twant to cut ties, but Ialso don’twant to spendevery weekend refereeing argumentsthat have nothing to do with me. How do Iset boundaries with my family without becoming the“badguy”?

Dear Tired of the Drama: The only role you are required to play in this family production is yourself. Youare not thereferee, mediator or emotional punching bag. The healthiest boundary you can set is simply this: “I will not stay in the middle.” When thearguments start,excuse yourself. Step outside, clear dishes or politely say,“Iamnot getting involved.” It may feel awkward at first, but you will be amazed at how quickly people stop dragging you in once they realize you will not play along. Boundaries do not make you thebad guy.They make you ahealthier,calmer version of yourself. You can still love your family while refusing to absorb their conflicts. Love does not mean sacrificing your peace. It meansprotecting it so you have something real tooffer when the dust settles

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@ creators.com.

DRIFT INN

Continued from page1D

tofu, pickled vegetables and friedegg forsomethingabit lighter Tuna melts and salads round things out for now.As the diner gets rolling,they will introduce more dishes and daily plates. Asteak and martini nightisalsoindiscussion. Estopinal has made up a

SLIPPER

Continued from page1D

employees as they face uncertainty “Delicious food has always been central to bringing people together,and we hope this gesture offers amoment of comfort for those affected,”McGee said.

The restaurant chain said it served thousands of free

fundrinkslistfor thediner (because it’skid-friendly here,but it’salso New Orleans). That includes nonalcoholic house-madesodas, like acherry lime rickey and the “orange Julio,” aplay on the Orange Julius of ’80s mall nostalgia. Youcan spike that one withrum or go foranottoo-sweet version of ahurricane, agin and celery soda or theboozy ice cream floats (the rum ping pongisanode to nectar cream inafrozen

meals to furloughed workers during the2018-19 governmentshutdown thatlasted 35 days.

The current government shutdown began on Sept. 30 after theU.S. Senate failed to pass aresolution that would keep the government openwith its current budget. Democrats and Republicans are lockedina battle over health care funding, amongother priorities.

Louisiana has atotal of

mug)

They’remaking the soft serveice cream in house too, which is just asimple pleasure thatgives abetter texture andbalance than the typical soft serve found in the wild. The Drift Inn Diner is starting with dinnerhours andplans to expand service with breakfast and lunch.

Email Ian McNulty at imcnulty@theadvocate. com.

19,486 civilianfederal employees, according to data from theOffice of Personnel Management in aSeptember report

TheRuby Slipperstarted in New Orleans withasingle location in 2008 and now has locations around theregion. See rubybrunch.com/locations.

Email Chelsea Shannon at cshannon@theadvocate. com.

Dear Heloise: Recently,I watched aflight attendant open up cans using a credit card under thetab. After Ireturned home, Ihad ablack bean can toopen and tried using thecredit card to pull thetab up. No broken fingernail or sore fingers! I would guess that people who have arthritis would find this to be an easy way to open cans. —D.B., via email Missingkey fob

Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: I’ve been a hairdresser for over 18 years, and there are afew things that I’dlike to remind women of when they make an appointment at a beauty salon. First, this is not ahobby; it’sajob. It’s how I pay my bills and feed my kids. Iwork hard and stand on my feet all day.So, please remember:

n If your friends also come to me, please don’t ask me questions about their personal lives. Even if Iknow the latest gossip, Iwon’tshare it.

n Referrals are welcome and appreciated, but I won’tpay clients to refer people. However,I will do agreat job on their hair!

n Next (and this is awkward), bathe or shower before you come.

Dear Heloise: Iwas having trouble remembering to takemykey fob when I left home until my husband put asafety pin on my fob.Ijust pin thefob to my blouse or other garment(or inside apocket). Inever forget my key fob now.Ihope this will help someother forgetful per-

n To show up on time. Most hairdressers will makeyou reschedule if you are 15 minutes late.

n Do notcancel at the last minute,and no, Iwill not call aclient and ask them to reschedule because you want their time slot.

n Don’task foradiscount/samples or any of my equipment, especially

n Lastly,ifyou camein for ahaircut, highlights, or any other service, Iallow a certain amount of timefor your appointment. If you need or want additional services, you’ll have to make a separate appointment. My next client is sitting in the waiting area, and it’snot fair to keep them waiting. Thank you. —Diana T.,inArizona

Sendahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.

Medicare doesn’t pay fordental care.

That’s right.Asgood as Medicare is, it wasnever meanttocover everything. That means if you wantprotection, youneed to purchase individualinsurance.

Early detection canprevent smallproblems from becoming expensive ones.

The best way to preventlarge dental bills is preventivecare. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice ayear.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Take the initiative and sprint forward with enthusiasm. Treat what you do, how you do it and what you accomplish with pride, and don't underestimate yourself or your ability to make things happen.

scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov 22) Participation will pay off. Attend networking events, trade shows or a reunion that brings you in touch with old associates willing to share valuable information. Don't sell yourself short.

sAGITTARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Take care of yourself, your needs and your reputation. Focus on your health and financial well-being, and you'll reduce stress. Put your energy into building wealth, not spending it unnecessarily.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Check out what's happening in your professional industry. There is much to gain if you participate in functions that offer a platform to exploit your skills, assets and experience.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Go over your personal papers, health records and long-term plans It's essential to observe the changes around you and adjust your plans accordingly Choose peace over pressure.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) It's time to wheel and deal. Get your priorities straight and set out to satisfy your needs. A heart-to-heart talk with someone special will help you put things in perspective.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Place greater emphasis on partnerships, joint ven-

tures and long-term commitments. Reach out to institutions that can help you put together the framework for what you want to achieve.

TAuRus (April 20-May 20) Be open to suggestions. Contact the people and go to the places that can help you learn what you need to know to make the most of opportunities that can add stability to your life.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Consider what you must learn to reach your objective. Sign up for a course, reach out to someone already doing what you want to pursue or start making the changes necessary to position yourself for success.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Share what you can do. Your suggestions and offers of assistance will lead to opportunities Set a price and build a name for yourself. LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Learn as you go; listen and ask questions, but hold back from divulging too much about yourself or what you can do. A joint venture appears difficult. Consider moving forward alone.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Change may tempt you, but you should consider every aspect before you take a leap of faith. Evaluate the cost and the work you'll face if you move in one direction or another.

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. Theobject is to place the numbers 1to9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of thesudoku increases from monday to sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER

Thereisa Chinese proverb that says: “Toknow the road ahead, ask those coming back.” Wouldn’t it be nice at the bridge table to ask someone who hasalreadyplayed the deal where the missing cards are located? Sadly, the game doesn’t work thatway. You must make your owndecisions on which roads to take.

In this deal, South is in six hearts. After West leadsthe diamond king, what should declarer do?

Northemployed the Jacoby Forcing Raise. South’s three-diamond rebid showed asingleton (or void) in that suit. The next three calls were control-bids (cue-bids), after whichSouth bid what he thought he could make.

Declarerhas apotential loser in each black suit. He starts with 11 top tricks: two spades, six hearts, one diamond, one club and adiamondruff in the South hand. So declarer needseithera third spadewinner or asecond club trick. However, which of those roads should he take?

To get athirdspade trickrequiresa 3-3 break,whichthemathematicianswilltell you happens about one-third of the time. To obtain asecond club winner requires finding East with at least one club honor. Now the probability risestoapproxi-

matelythree-quarters. The right road is clear. South should winwith dummy’s diamond ace, draw trumps staying on the board and run the club 10. It loses to West’squeen, but whendeclarer returns to the dummy with aspade and takes a second club finesse, that works and he can claim.

©2025 by nEa,inc., dist. By andrewsmcmeel syndication

Each Wuzzle is aword riddle whichcreates adisguised word,phrase, name,place, saying, etc. For example: nOOn gOOD =gOOD aFTErnOOn

Previous answers:

word game

InsTRucTIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four lettersbythe addition of “s,” suchas“bats”or“dies,” are not allowed. 3. additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

ToDAy’sWoRD RIVETED: RIH-vih-tid: Attracted or held completely, such as a person’s attention

Average mark24words

Time limit 40 minutes

Can you find 33 or more words in RIVETED?

yEsTERDAy’sWoRD —HonoRIFIc

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

ken ken

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

Well

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

MONDAY,OCTOBER 20, 2025; HOWEVER, WRIT‐TENCOMMENTSWILL CONTINUE TO BE AC‐CEPTED THROUGHOUT THESTUDY TIMEFRAME, AT LEASTTHROUGH 5PM, MONDAY,FEBRUARY16, 2026. October8,15, and22, 2025 Robert Rivers ExecutiveDirector NOCP 8687 161743-oct8-15-22-3t $119.43

sive Zoning Ordinance, OrdinanceNo. 4,264 M.C.S.,asamended,will hold apublichearing on October28, 2025at1:30 pm.The public hearing will consider thefollow‐ingproposedamend‐mentstothe Compre‐hensiveZoningOrdi‐nanceofthe City of New Orleans. Materialsfor theseitems maybeviewedvia https://onestopapp.nola gov/ Thepubliccomment deadline is 5pmonthe Monday that is 8days before themeetingdate. Zoning Docket 058/25 Applicant(s): 3014Dauphine, LLC Request: Amendmentto thetextofArticle 10 Section10.2.Aand Table 10-1ofthe Comprehen‐siveZoningOrdinance to classify receptionfacili‐tiesasconditional uses in theHM-MU Historic Marigny/Tremé/Bywater Mixed-UseDistrict Zoning Docket 059/25 Applicant(s): 3014Dauphine, LLC Request: Conditionaluse to permit areception fa‐cility in theHM-MU His‐toric Marigny/Tremé/By‐water Mixed-UseDistrict Property description: Square 170,Lots27 through 29-AorLot Pt. A, inthe ThirdMunicipal District,bounded by Dauphine Street,Clouet Street,MontegutStreet andRoyal Street Address(es): 3010-3014 Dauphine Street Inpersonpublic comment:

TheCityPlanningCom‐mission, in accordance with Article4 of theCom‐prehensive Zoning Ordi‐nance, OrdinanceNo. 4,264M.C.S as amended, will hear proponents and opponentstothe above proposed changestothe ComprehensiveZoning Lawofthe City of New Orleans. Allinterested partiesare encouraged to attend andall relevant commentsconcerning theproposedchanges areencouraged. TheCPC hasestablished public hearingrules within its Administrative Rules, Policies,& Procedures whichare availableon theCPC website(www. nola.gov/cpc). Writtenpublic comment Youmay also

43X120 SGLE 5/RM A/R Improvements thereon

2231 TennesseeSt, NewOr‐leans,LA70117 TaxBill2544-DUBREUILST CoreyHollingsworth CITYOFNEW ORLEANS, GOLDENHAMMERCON‐STRUCTION COMPANY, HIBERNIANATIONAL BANK, ANATIONALBANK‐INGASSOCIATION, bernard garnett, capital one SQ 1433 LOT2ADUBREUIL ST38X 130 2000 AS‐SESSED39W611803 PLAN 9 6 7 BR/V SGLE 8/RMS C SESSED 39W611803 PLAN 9-6-7BR/VSGLE8/RMS C /RPERMITB00000635 2/9/00$70,000 1/STYSIN‐GLE (1351 SQFT) Improvements thereon bearMunicipalNo. 2544 DubreuilSt, NewOrleans LA70117 TaxBill39653-DEVINEST JIMHOWARD, SANDRA LEMOINE HOWARD,CITY OFNEW ORLEANS, stephanie

charlotte single‐ton,jermainesingleton wilmerrobertsingleton honey yohalem VILLASITES SQ 7LOTS14 16DEVINE80X100 VA‐CANT Improvements thereon bearMunicipalNo. 8001 DevineAve,New

WASHINGTON, LIONEL EDWARDWASHINGTON, HANNAHHENRY BIAS,DE‐LORES HENRYBISHOP PARKER, GLENDA MARIE HENRY GIBSON RAYNETTA HENRY, MELVINTHOMPSONRAY NED JOSEPH HENRY, MAURICE BURRELL HENRY,BOBBY RAY HENRY,RENARD SYLVESTER HENRYJR, HERBERT JBARNES, WILLIE BARNES,MICHAEL FRANK BARNES,JOSHUA TERRANCEBARNES, FRANCIS JHENRY,LOUIS JOSEPHHENRY,earllewis manginjr.,marie adorno paulmangin SQ 953 LOT18LIZARDI 31X121 SEEIF: IMPDEM Improvements thereon bearMunicipalNo. 1926 Lizardi St,New Orleans, LA70117 TaxBill48145-LIZARDIST JOSEPH LEERHODES, EMMA PAGE RHODES

JOSEPH LEE RHODES EMMA PAGE RHODES JOHNHENRY,JOHN HENRY JR CHARLES HENRY,JESSIEHENRY LAWRENCEHENRY,AL‐FREDHENRY,HAROLD HENRY,ROSETTA HENRY THOMAS, BRUNETTA HENRY CHRISTOPHER, SUN FINANCECENTER, ROYCE R. LINGONI,CITY OFNEW ORLEANS, XPLOREFEDERAL CREDIT UNION,SYLVESTER PIERCEWALMSLEYIV, FREDERICK RHODES MATTHEWS, MARY MATTHEWSRAETHER ALLIE PAGE MATTHEWS, brian daubre,HANNAH HENRY BIAS,DELORES HENRY BISHOP PARKER GLENDAMARIE HENRY GIBSON, RENARD SYLVESTER HENRYJR, MELVINTHOMPSONRAY NED JOSEPH HENRY, MAURICE BURRELL HENRY,BOBBY RAY HENRY, HERBERTJ BARNES WILLIE BARNES

TOWN OF JEAN LAFITTE

Councilman

Together to EndCancer

SpanningeightOchsnerlocations acrossNewOrleans,St.Tammany ParishandBatonRouge,Ochsner MDAndersonCancerCenterserves patientswiththesameprotocols, practicestandardsandcustomized treatmentplansavailableat MDAndersonCancerCenter,along withexpandedaccesstoresearch andclinicaltrials.

Tolearnmore,visit ochsner.org/EndCancer

OchsnerMDAndersonCancerCenteratTheGayleandTomBensonCancerCenter OchsnerMDAndersonCancerCenteratOchsnerHealthCenter–BaptistNapoleon MedicalPlazaOchsnerMDAndersonCancerCenteratOchsnerMedicalCenter–WestBankOchsnerMDAndersonCancerCenteratOchsnerHealthCenter–Kenner OchsnerMDAndersonCancerCenteratOchsnerCancerCenter–BatonRouge OchsnerMDAndersonCancerCenteratOchsnerMedicalComplex–TheGrove OchsnerMDAndersonCancerCenteratSt.TammanyCancerCenter–ACampus ofOchsnerMedicalCenterOchsnerMDAndersonCancerCenteratSlidellRegional CancerCenter–ACampusofOchsnerMedicalCenter

Yourhealthispersonal.Yourcancerscreening planshouldbe,too.

TheGeneticWellnessAssessmentisaquick questionnairethatreviewsyourpersonaland familycancerhistory.Itmayhelpdetermine whetheryoucouldbenefitfromagenetic consultationortesting.

Beforeyoubegintheassessment,tryto gatherinformationaboutyourbiological relatives(peoplerelatedtoyoubyblood), specificallythosewhohavehadorhave cancerandwhattypes.Relativesbymarriage oradoptiondonotaffectyourinherited cancerrisk

Whenyouhaveyourbiologicalinformation, thisquestionnaireshouldtakeyoulessthan 10minutestocomplete.

ochsner.org/GeneticWellnessSurvey

Community trustmeetsglobal expertise in newpartnership among Ochsner Health,Slidell Memorial and MD Anderson Cancer Center

By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

Thisstory is brought to you by OchsnerHealth.

Adult cancer patients from NewOrleans to BatonRougeand acrossthe Northshorenow have accesstoone of the nation’smost advanced treatmentnetworksthankstoanexpanded collaboration between Ochsner Health and MD AndersonCancerCenter. Anew location of Ochsner MD AndersonCancer Center is nowserving patients at Slidell Memorial Hospital’s(SMH) Slidell Regional Cancer Center.The partnership in Slidell is modeled after Ochsner MD AndersonCancer Center locations in NewOrleans,BatonRouge, Covington, Kenner and Gretna.Atevery location, patients receivethe top-levelclinical care theyexpect from Ochsner and MD Andersonwith increased accessfor newpatients,convenientonline scheduling forestablished patients and extended infusion hours. The partnership with SMH began this month and establishedOchsner MD AndersonCancer Center at Slidell Regional Cancer Center,ACampus of Ochsner Medical Center

Ochsner is the firstand only provider in Louisiana to fully integrate its cancer program with MD Anderson’sstandards and treatment plans.Through this newaffiliation,Ochsner MD AndersonatSlidell Regional Cancer Center is nowone of eightfully integrated Ochsner MD Andersonlocations in the state

Patients treatedherewill receivehigh-quality care with thesame protocols and practice standards available at MD Anderson, which areamong the most advanced in the nation, while remaining under the direct care of their local oncologist.Physicians at Ochsner MD Andersonlocations collaborate with MD Anderson’sspecialists and researcherstocreate individualized treatment plans including advanced approaches to some of the most difficult-to-treatcancersinadults and access to the largest clinical trials network in Louisiana

ForSMH, the partnership represents the next chapter in astory thathas always been rooted in community service. The hospital’scancer center, builtwithpublicsupportthrough local taxes,has providedchemotherapy, radiation and support services foryears. LisaReso, director of cancer services at Ochsner MD AndersonCancer Center at Slidell Regional Cancer Center said the newcollaboration will elevate thoseservices

“Our patients arepeople we go to church with and who we seeatthe grocery store. Theyare truly ourfriends and neighbors. This partnership ensures thattheywill receive the best of both worlds advanced innovationand expertisecombined withthe personal touch thatwegiveasacommunityhospital, Reso said. “This will giveusanincredibleopportunityto have earlier accesstoclinical trials,new therapies and advanced technologies.For our team, this strengthens our abilitytodeliver care thataligns with the highest standards and evidence-based therapies.”

Reso noted thatthe center’sexisting multidisciplinary approach, which bringstogether medical oncologists,radiation oncologists surgical specialists and support staff around each patient, will only deepen.

“Wehavehad acomprehensive care modelfor afew years. Now, we will be abletoadd to thatwith morespecialists andservices.That’sexciting forus,”she said. “We’re going to be able to move to the next levelofcarefaster than we could have ever done before.

SandyBadinger

Communityownership has always been adefining principle of SMH. Chief ExecutiveOfficer Sandy Badinger said the partnership will not only preservethatidentitybut also strengthen it

“The people of Slidell deservethe highest quality of care,and thatiswhattheywill receivehere,”Badinger said. “Theywill receiveexpanded services thatwepreviously were not able to offer and have access to select clinicaltrials thatwerenot available to us before this.”

In preparation forthe collaboration, and to meet MD Anderson’srigorous standards,Badinger said advancedimagingandradiologyequipmentisbeinginstalled, andfournewcomprehensivecareroomsarebeingaddedto Ochsner MD AndersonatSlidellRegionalCancer Center

“We’re really excited to getour clinicians and team

aligned with everything thatis needed to make this partnership successful,”she said.

MatthewMcElveen, MD,medical director Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Slidell Regional Cancer Center, said the partnership bringsalevel of specialization thatiskey to complex, individualized, modern cancer care

“Through this partnership with Ochsner,we areable to elevate cancer care,research and services forpeople in South Louisiana from NewOrleans to BatonRouge, Covington and Slidell, by collaborating with the nation’sleader in cancer care,the world-renowned MD AndersonCancer Center,” Dr.McElveen said. “Weall have the same mission —toend cancer,and we will get therefaster,together.”

Multidisciplinary teamshavealready been built at SMH forthe treatmentof breast,lung,and upper andlower gastrointestinalcancers. Dr.McElveen said this collaboration is moreessential than ever

MatthewMcElveen,MD MedicalDirector OchsnerMDAndersonCancerCenter atSlidellRegionalCancerCenter

“Very often, the differences in treatmentcan be very subtle but very important. We gettogether with Ochsner specialists to talk about casesalready Our partnership with MD Andersonisgoing to bring thattoanew level,”Dr. McElveen said. “We’ll be working with physicians who areextremely specialized and spend all daylooking at thosesubtle differences.Theycan help us understand whyone therapymight work betterthan another.Having thatassistance in the decision-making processisextremely important.

Dr.McElveen added thatthe partnership will provide Slidell physicians with direct,valuable accessto global expertise.

“The providersthatour patients seeare not changing. Whatweare going to do is bring newstandards to thoseproviders,” he said. “Weare going to be able to provide moreeducation in specific diseaseareas so our teams cancontinue to advance their work.”

Badinger underscores the importance of this partnership expanding to Slidell, wherethe communityhelps fund SMH facilityprojects andconstruction, and trusts its providers with their care

“Wemade apromisetoour communitytocontinue to ad-

Ourpatientsarepeoplewe gotochurchwithandwhowe seeatthegrocerystore.Theyare trulyourfriendsandneighbors. Thispartnershipensuresthat theywillreceivethebestofboth worlds—advancedinnovation andexpertisecombinedwiththe personaltouchthatwegiveasa communityhospital.

vance care forour lovedones who arediagnosed with cancer and we arekeeping thatpromise,”Badinger said. “This collaboration underscores our commitmenttodeliver the highest standard of care by ensuring our patientshaveaccessto renowned cancer expertisehereintheir community.

Cancerends, a newversebegins

WhenJonwasdiagnosedwithleukemia,hefoundstrengthintwoplaces—his loveofmusicandtheexpertcareteamatOchsnerMDAndersonCancerCenter. “Istartedgettingcarethereandwassoinlovewiththepeopleandtheprevailing attitudeofOchsner,whichishowIendedupwritingasong.”

OchsnerMDAndersondeliversadvancedcancercarerighthereinLouisiana, offeringaccesstolife-savingclinicaltrials,innovativetherapies,morespecialists andmoreresourcesforpatients

Learnmoreatochsner.org/EndCancer