The Advocate 12-07-2025

State health officials want to make sure that restaurants and food retailers can’t reuse oyster shells, such as in oyster Rockefeller, to serve meat that comes from a different oyster

Bisque definition vexes state health officials

Food safety rules about oysters, crawfish at question

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

State health officials want to set stricter rules for reusing shells in certain seafood dishes, which they say can risk exposure to a deadly flesh-eating bacteria that’s seen a resurgence this year

But along the way, they have run into a stumbling block and a very Louisiana dilemma: What counts as a bisque?

The state’s restaurant safety code for decades has said that “Mollusk and crustacean shells may not be used more than once as serving containers.”

Oysters are mollusks, and crawfish are crustaceans.

Now, the Louisiana Department of Health wants to make clear that restaurants and food retailers can’t ever reuse oyster shells to serve meat that comes from a different oyster

“We had reports of folks taking shucked shells and using those as serving containers,” said Dr Pete Croughan, deputy secretary at the Health Department, speaking Tuesday to members of the Senate health committee.

“You can still eat raw oysters and chargrilled oysters, as long as they’re used on the same shell that they came from,” he said.

The stricter rule raised a conundrum for regulators, however: What about soups that call for stuffed seafood shells, like crawfish bisque?

State health officials said they wanted to ensure

sometimes used in bisque recipes aren’t implicated by the shell-reuse prohibition, and they carved out an exemption specifically for

bisque.

“We do need legal specificity, of course, around the bisque. But the goal is not to empower us to go find folks that are bisquelike and then try to cite them for it.”

DR. PETE CROUGHAN, Louisiana Department of Health deputy secretary

Health officials said they wanted to ensure stuffed crawfish heads sometimes used in bisque recipes aren’t implicated by the shell-reuse prohibition, and they carved out an exemption specifically for crawfish bisque.

Crawfish bisque doesn’t present a food safety risk, because the cooking heat will kill any bacteria, health

officials said. But some lawmakers raised concerns that the exemption wasn’t broad enough.

“What if I put crawfish heads in my gumbo, which isn’t a bisque, but it’s hot enough to kill the pathogens?” asked health committee chair

See RULES, page 8A

LSU, Kiffin center stage in debate on college athlete pay

Bill reshaping NIL tabled following bipartisan backlash

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON As the top Democrat in the U.S. House took the podium Thursday to speak out against a bill to regulate college athletics, he set his sights squarely on LSU, its new football coach — and two of the school’s alumni who are among the most powerful people on Capitol Hill.

“Why would Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise think it was a good idea to bring the Lane Kiffin Protection Act to the floor of the House of Representatives?” said House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat. Jeffries posited that it might have been to please big donors to the state’s flagship university “Legislation that would do nothing to benefit college athletes and everything to benefit coaches like Lane Kiffin, who got out of town, abandoned his players in the middle of a playoff run to go get a $100 million contract from LSU

ä See PAY, page 8A

Scientists seek anglers’ contribution to study population

BY MIKE SMITH Staff writer

It’s a moment that can spark dread among even the most scrupulously law-abiding Louisiana fishermen.

As you return to the dock after a fine day on the water, solemnly serious men or women in state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries T-shirts approach. The initial, slightly paranoid thought for many anglers: Yikes, did I mismeasure a speckled trout and accidentally keep one slightly under the 13-inch limit?

But no reason to worry in this case. The Wildlife Tiny earbones in fish unlock their secret lives

See EARBONES, page 7A

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

5 killed in clashes on Afghan-Pakistan border

JALALABADAfghanistan An overnight exchange of fire between Afghan forces and Pakistani troops along the two countries’ tense border killed five Afghan civilians and wounded five others, while three civilians were also wounded on the Pakistani side, officials from the two countries said Saturday

Each side has blamed the other for triggering the clash in violation of a tenuous two-month ceasefire.

Those killed in the border area near the Afghan city of Spin Boldak, in southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, included three children and one woman, said Ali Mohammad Haqmal, the head of information of Spin Boldak District.

Pakistani police and a hospital official in the Pakistani city of Chaman, Mohammad Awais, said three people, including a woman, were wounded in the shooting and shelling that came from the Afghan side. The clashes lasted until dawn Saturday, police said.

Tension between the two countries has been high since October, when deadly border clashes killed dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected militants, and wounded hundreds on both sides. The violence erupted after explosions in Kabul, the Afghan capital, on Oct. 9 that the Taliban government blamed on Pakistan and vowed to avenge.

Hong Kong police arrest man for posts about fire

HONGKONG Hong Kong’s national security police arrested a man on Saturday in the first publicly confirmed arrest relating to criticism of authorities over a high-rise apartment blaze that killed at least 159 people.

Police said he had been accused of posting “information with seditious intention” on social media.

“That mainly included (materials intending to) incite hatred among (others) toward the Hong Kong government and the central government,” Steve Li, chief superintendent of the police National Security Department, told reporters.

“For example, he pointed to the Hong Kong and the central governments as instigators of exploiting the tragedy to cause chaos and turmoil,” he said. “That’s something totally impossible.”

Local media reported other arrests earlier but authorities have not confirmed them.

The fire, which broke out Nov 26 at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, has prompted a debate about government accountability Authorities have warned against attempts to use the fire to try to undermine the local government or the central government in Beijing Hong Kong is part of China but, like nearby Macao, has its own legal system and laws. Both are former European colonies that were returned to China in the late 1990s.

Calif. warns of poison mushroom outbreak

California officials are warning foragers after an outbreak of poisoning linked to wild mushrooms that has killed one adult and caused severe liver damage in several patients, including children.

The state poison control system has identified 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning, likely caused by death cap mushrooms, the health department said Friday. The toxic wild mushrooms are often mistaken for edible ones because of their appearance and taste.

“Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure,” Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, said in a statement “Because the death cap can easily be mistaken for edible safe mushrooms, we advise the public not to forage for wild mushrooms at all during this high-risk season.”

One adult has died and several patients have required intensive care, including at least one who might need a liver transplant.

Wet weather fuels the growth of death cap mushrooms, and officials warn against any wild mushroom foraging to avoid confusion.

Hegseth defends boat strikes

Official says Trump can order use of force ‘as he sees

fit’

BY DAVID KLEPPER Associated Press

WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended strikes on alleged drug cartel boats during remarks Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library saying President Donald Trump has the power to take military action “as he sees fit” to defend the nation.

Hegseth dismissed criticism of the strikes, which have killed more than 80 people and now face intense

scrutiny over concerns that they violated international law Saying the strikes are justified to protect Americans, Hegseth likened the fight to the war on terror following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

“If you’re working for a designated terrorist organization and you bring drugs to this country in a boat, we will find you and we will sink you. Let there be no doubt about it,” Hegseth said during his keynote address at the Reagan National Defense Forum. “President Trump can and will take decisive military action as he sees fit to defend our nation’s interests. Let no country on earth doubt that for a moment.”

The most recent strike brings the death toll of the campaign to at least 87 people. Lawmakers have sought more answers about the attacks and their legal justification, and whether U.S. forces were ordered to launch a follow-up strike following a September attack even after the Pentagon knew of survivors.

Though Hegseth compared the alleged drug smugglers to Al-Qaida terrorists, experts have noted significant differences between the two foes and the efforts to combat them

Hegseth’s remarks came after the Trump administration released its new national security strategy, one

that paints European allies as weak and aims to reassert America’s dominance in the Western Hemisphere.

During the speech, Hegseth also discussed the need to check China’s rise through strength instead of conflict. He repeated Trump’s vow to resume nuclear testing on an equal basis as China and Russia — a goal that has alarmed many nuclear arms experts. China and Russia haven’t conducted explosive tests in decades, though the Kremlin said it would follow the U.S. if Trump restarted tests.

The speech was delivered at the Reagan National Defense Forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in California, an event which brings together top nation-

al security experts from around the country Hegseth used the visit to argue that Trump is Reagan’s “true and rightful heir” when it comes to muscular foreign policy By contrast, Hegseth criticized Republican leaders in the years since Reagan for supporting wars in the Middle East and democracy-building efforts that didn’t work. He also blasted those who have argued that climate change poses serious challenges to military readiness.

“The war department will not be distracted by democracy building, interventionism, undefined wars, regime change, climate change, woke moralizing and feckless nation building,” he said.

Russia unleashes massive attack on Ukraine

Diplomatic talks continue

BY SUSIE BLANN Associated Press

KYIV,Ukraine Russia unleashed a major missile and drone barrage on Ukraine overnight into Saturday, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had a “substantive phone call” with American officials engaged in talks with a Ukrainian delegation in Florida, aimed at ending the nearly 4-year war.

Russia used 653 drones and 51 missiles in the widereaching overnight attack on Ukraine, which triggered air raid alerts across the country and came as Ukraine marked Armed Forces Day, the country’s air force said Saturday morning.

Ukrainian forces shot down and neutralized 585 drones and 30 missiles, the air force said adding that 29 locations were struck.

At least eight people were wounded in the attacks, Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko said.

Among these, at least three people were wounded in the Kyiv region, according to local officials. Drone sightings were reported as far west as Ukraine’s Lviv region.

Russia carried out a “massive missile-drone attack” on power stations and other energy infrastructure in several Ukrainian regions, Ukraine’s

Workers and military

national energy operator, Ukrenergo, wrote on Telegram.

Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant temporarily lost all off-site power overnight, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Saturday, citing its Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

The plant is in an area that has been under Russian control since early in Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and is not in service, but it needs reliable power to cool its six shutdown reactors and spent fuel, to avoid any catastrophic nuclear incidents.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that energy facilities were the main targets of the attacks, also noting that a drone strike had “burned down” the train station in the city of Fastiv, located

in the Kyiv region.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense said its air defenses had shot down 116 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory overnight into Saturday

Russian Telegram news channel Astra said Ukraine struck Russia’s Ryazan Oil Refinery, sharing footage appearing to show a fire breaking out and plumes of smoke rising above the refinery The Associated Press could not independently verify the video.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces later said Ukrainian forces had struck the refinery. Ryazan regional Gov Pavel Malkov said a residential building had been damaged in a drone attack and that drone debris had fallen on the grounds of an “industrial facility,” but did not mention the refinery

Shooting at South African bar leaves 12 dead, including 3 children

BY GERALD IMRAY Associated Press

CAPETOWN,SouthAfrica A mass shooting carried out Saturday by multiple suspects in an unlicensed bar near the South African capital left at least 12 people dead, police said. The victims included three children aged 3, 12 and 16.

Another 13 people were wounded and being treated in the hospital. Police didn’t give details of the ages of those who were injured or their conditions.

Police adjusted the death toll after they said a 12th victim died in the hospital.

The shooting happened at a bar inside a hostel in the Saulsville township west of the administrative capital of Pretoria in early Saturday Ten of the victims died at the scene and two others died at the hospital, police said.

The children killed were a 3-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl. Police said they were searching for three male suspects.

“We are told that at least three unknown gunmen entered this hostel where a group of people were drinking and they started randomly shooting,” police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe told national broadcaster SABC. She said the motive for the killings was not clear The shootings happened at around 4.15 a.m., she said but police were only alerted at 6 a.m.

South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world and recorded more than 26,000 homicides in 2024 — an average of more than 70 a day Firearms are by far the leading cause of death in homicides. The country of 62 million people has relatively strict gun ownership laws, but many killings are committed with illegal guns, authorities say There have been several mass shootings at bars sometimes called shebeens or taverns in South Africa — in recent years, including one that killed 16 people in the Johannesburg township of Soweto in 2022. On the same day, four people were killed in a mass shooting at a bar in another province.

Months of Ukrainian longrange drone strikes on Russian refineries have aimed to deprive Moscow of the oil export revenue it needs to pursue the war Meanwhile, Kyiv and its Western allies say Russia is trying to cripple the Ukrainian power grid and deny civilians access to heat, light and running water for a fourth consecutive winter, in what Ukrainian officials call “weaponizing” the cold.

The latest round of attacks came as President Donald Trump’s advisers and Ukrai-

nian officials said they’ll meet for a third day of talks on Saturday in Florida, after making progress on finding agreement on a security framework for postwar Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said Saturday that he had been given an update over the phone by U.S. and Ukrainian officials at the talks.

“Ukraine is determined to keep working in good faith with the American side to genuinely achieve peace,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media.

Following Friday’s talks, the two sides had also offered the sober assessment that any “real progress toward any agreement” ultimately will depend “on Russia’s readiness to show serious commitment to longterm peace.”

The statement from U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner as well as Ukrainian negotiators Rustem Umerov and Andriy Hnatov came after they met for a second day on Friday They offered only broad brushstrokes about the progress they say has been made as Trump pushes Kyiv and Moscow to agree to a U.S.mediated proposal to end nearly four years of war

Qatari leader says Gaza ceasefire at critical moment

BY SAMY MAGDY and JOSEF FEDERMAN Associated Press

DOHA,Qatar Qatar’s prime minister on Saturday said the Gaza ceasefire has reached a “critical moment” as its first phase winds down, with the remains of one Israeli hostage still to be handed over by militants.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told a conference in the Qatari capital that international mediators, led by the U.S., are working “to force the way forward” to the second phase to cement the deal

“What we have just done is a pause,” he told the Doha Forum. “We cannot consider it yet a ceasefire.”

He added: “A ceasefire cannot be completed unless there is a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, there is stability back in Gaza, people can go in and out, which is not the case today.”

While the ceasefire halted the heavy fighting of the two-year war, Gaza health officials say that over 360 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the truce took effect on Oct. 10. In new violence, two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike northwest of Gaza City, Shifa Hospital said. Israel’s army said it wasn’t aware of an airstrike in that location. However, it said that Israeli soldiers on Saturday killed three militants

who crossed the “yellow line” into Israeli-controlled northern part of Gaza and “posed an immediate threat.”

The Israeli army has said it has carried out a number of attacks on Palestinians crossing the ceasefire line.

Under the first phase of President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, the fighting stopped and dozens of hostages held in Gaza were exchanged for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prison. Israel sent a delegation last week to Egypt for talks on returning the remains of the last hostage

The next phase has not begun. It includes the deployment of an international security force in Gaza, formation of a new technocratic government for the territory,

disarmament of Hamas and an eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Arab and Western officials told The Associated Press on Friday that an international body overseeing the ceasefire, to be led by Trump himself, is expected to be appointed by the end of the year In the long term, the plan also calls for a possible “pathway” to Palestinian independence.

Qatar’s prime minister said that even the upcoming phase should be “temporary” and that peace in the region could only take place with the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state something that is opposed by Israel’s hard-line government.

“If we are just resolving

what happened in Gaza, the catastrophe that happened in the last two years, it’s not enough,” he said. “There is a root for this conflict And this conflict is not only about Gaza.”

He added: “It’s about Gaza. It’s about the West Bank. It’s about the rights of the Palestinians for their state. We are hoping that we can work together with the U.S. administration to achieve this vision at the end of the day.”

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said there is a “big question” over the formation of an international security force for Gaza. Speaking at the conference, he said it’s unclear which countries will join, what the command structure would look like and what its “first mission” will be.

Turkey is one of the guarantors of the ceasefire, but Israel, which has rocky relations with the Ankara government, has rejected any Turkish participation in the force.

“Thousands of details, questions are in place,” Fidan said. “I think once we deploy ISF the rest will come.”

A day after an overwhelming international endorsement, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said its future role in Gaza is unclear Throughout the war, Israel and the United States have sidelined UNRWA accusing it cooperating with Hamas, a charge UNRWA denies.

Tamara Alrifai, UNRWA’s

One person wounded in N.C. train stabbing

By The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE,N.C.— Police in North Carolina have charged a 33-year-old man with critically injuring another person in a stabbing on a Charlotte commuter train, just a few months after a Ukrainian refugee riding one of the city’s trains was killed in an unrelated knife attack.

Oscar Solarzano, 33, was charged with attempted first-degree murder, as-

sault with a deadly weapon and other crimes stemming from the Friday afternoon attack in which he wielded a large knife, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said in a news release.

Police said the victim suffered a stab wound and was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Solarzano was being held in jail Saturday without bond. A magistrate judge said in a court filing that the

suspect was in the U.S. illegally and had previously been deported. He faced a hearing Monday morning in Mecklenburg County District Court.

An arrest warrant filed in a North Carolina court says Solarzano appeared to be intoxicated and was slurring his words when he challenged the victim to a fight. Online court and jail records did not list an attorney for Solarzano.

Supporters of Venezuela opposition leader march in cities worldwide

BY REGINA GARCIA CANO Associated Press

CARACAS Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado demonstrated Saturday in several cities worldwide to commemorate her Nobel Peace Prize win ahead of the prestigious award ceremony next week.

Dozens of people marched through Madrid, Utrecht, Buenos Aires, Lima and other cities in support of Machado, whose organization wants to use the attention gained by the award to highlight Venezuela ’s democratic aspirations. The organization expected demonstrations in more than 80 cities around the world on Saturday

The crowd in Lima carried portraits of Machado and demanded a “Free Venezuela.”

With the country’s yellow, blue and red flag draped over their backs or emblazoned on their caps, demonstrators clutched posters that read, “The Nobel Prize is from Venezuela.”

Venezuelan Verónica Durán, who has lived in Lima for eight years, said Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize is celebrated because “it represents all Venezuelans, the fallen and the political prisoners in their fight to recover democracy.”

The gatherings come at a critical point in the country’s protracted crisis as the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump builds up a

massive military deployment in the Caribbean, threatening repeatedly to strike Venezuelan soil. Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro is among those who see the operation as an effort to end his hold on power, and the opposition has only added to this perception by reigniting its promise to soon govern the country

“We are living through times where our composure, our conviction, and our organization are being tested,” Machado said in a video message shared Tuesday on social media. “Times when our country needs even more dedication because now all these years of struggle, the dignity of the Venezuelan people, have been recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize.”

director of external relations and communications, said the agency continues to offer humanitarian and educational services in Gaza But she said UNRWA has been excluded from U.S.-led talks on the ceasefire’s second phase. Alrifai said that UNRWA serves as the de facto “public sector” in Gaza. And with 12,000 employees, she said it will be nearly impossible for the international community to duplicate the agency’s network of services.

“If you squeeze UNRWA out, what other agency can fill that void?” she said on the sidelines of the Doha Forum. The U.S., formerly the largest donor to UNRWA, halted funding to the agency in early 2024 On Friday, the U.N. General Assembly renewed UNRWA’s mandate through 2029. But Alrifai said the cash crisis continues. “Votes are great Cash is better,” Alrifai said.

The attack comes less than four months after a 23-yearold woman from Ukraine was killed on a Charlotte commuter train in an apparently random assault captured on video. The victim, Iryna Zarutska, had been living in a bomb shelter in Ukraine before coming to the U.S. to escape the war, her relatives said.

Trump awards medals to KennedyCenterhonorees

Stallone, Strait join others at ceremony

BY DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Saturday presented the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees with their medals during aceremony in the Oval Office, hailing the slate of artists he was deeply involved in choosing as “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class” everassembled.

This year’srecipients are actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band Kiss and actor-singer Michael Crawford.

Trump said they area group of “incredible people” who represent the “verybest in American arts and culture” and that, “I know most of them andI’ve been afan of all of them.”

“This is agroup of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans,” said a tuxedo-clad Trump. “This is perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled.” Trump ignored the Kennedy Center and its premier awards programduringhis first term as president. But the Republican has instituted aseries of changes since returning to office in January,most notably ousting

great legends.”

Kiss is an “incredible rock band,” he said.

Songs by honorees Gaynor and Kiss played in theRose Garden just outside the Oval Officeasmembers of the WhiteHouse press corps waited nearby for Trumpto begin the ceremony

The president said in Augustthat he was “about 98% involved” in choosing the 2025 honorees when he personally announced them at the Kennedy Center,the first slate chosen under his leadership. The honorees traditionally had been announced by news release.

It was unclear howthey werechosen. Before Trump, it fell to abipartisan selectioncommittee.

honorees received their medallions there but Trump moved the ceremony to the White House. Meanwhile, the glitzy Kennedy Center Honors program and itsseries of tribute speeches and performances foreach recipient is set to be taped on Sunday at theperforming arts center for broadcast later in December on CBS andParamount+. Trumpistoattend the programfor thefirst time as president,accom-

panied by his wife, first lady Melania Trump. The president said in August that he had agreed to host theshow, andheseemed to confirm on Saturday that he would do so, predicting that the broadcast would garnerits highest ratings ever as aresult.Presidentstraditionally attend theprogram andsit with the honorees in the audience. None has ever served as host. He said he looked forward to Sunday’scelebration.

its board of trustees and replacing them with GOP supporterswho votedhim in as chairman of theboard Trump alsohas criticized the center’sprogramming and its physical appearance, and hasvowed to overhaul both.

Thepresident placed around each honoree’sneck anew medalthatwas designed, created and donated by jewelerTiffany &Co., accordingto the Kennedy Center and Trump. It’sagold disc etched on one sidewith the Kennedy Center’simage and rainbow colors. The honoree’sname appears on the reverse side with thedate of theceremony.The medallion hangs from anavy blueribbon and replaces alarge rainbow ribbon decorated with three gold plates that rested

SanDiego considers settlement in shooting deathofBlack teen

By The Associated Press

SANDIEGO TheSan Diego city attorney’sofficehas agreed to pay $30 million to the family of a16-yearoldyouth whowas fatally shot by police last January in what would be one of the largest settlements of apolice-involved killing case in U.S. history

Aresolution authorizing the proposed settlement with the family of Konoa Wilson has been added to the city council’sagendafor Tuesday morning.

“What happened to Konoa was acatastrophic failure of policing,” family attorney Nick Rowley said in astatement emailed to The Associated Press on Saturday. “A 16-year-old boy wasrunning for his life. He wasnot a threat and not asuspect, yet he was shot in the back by a police officer who only saw him for one second before deciding to pull the trigger.”

If approved, the settlement would exceed the $27 million the city of Minneapolis agreed to pay the family of George Floyd, whose May 2020 murder by apolice officer who kneeled on hisnecksparked anationwide racial reckoning.

Surveillance and bodyworn camerafootage from Jan. 28 showed Wilson running away fromsomeone who pulled agun and fired at himinadowntowntrain station. As he exitedthe station, Wilson encountered San Diego PoliceOfficer Daniel Gold.

In alawsuit against the city and Gold, the family alleged the officer “instantly, without anywarning ”fired two shots atWilsonashe ran by,striking himinthe upperbody.The suit identifiedWilsonasBlack.

“Only after shooting DECEDENT and watching him fall to the ground did Defendant GOLD finallyannounce‘San Diego Police,’” said the suit, which was filed in June. “Defendants committed acts of racialviolence against DECEDENT, ateenager,byshooting him in his back as he ran past DefendantGOLD,inanattempt to get to aplace of safety.”

Wilson was pronounced dead at UC San Diego Health Medical Center less than an hour later An agenda item posted Friday said thesettlement would bepaid from the Public Liability Fund.

on thehonoree’sshoulders and chestand had been used since thefirst honorsprogram in 1978.

Strait, wearing acowboy hat, was first to receive his medal. When thecountry singerstarted to take off the hat, Trumpsaid, “If youwant to leave it on, you can. Ithink we can get it through.” But Strait took it off.

The president saidCrawford was a“great star of Broadway” for his lead role in thelong-running “Phantom of the Opera.” Of Gaynor,hesaid, “Wehave the disco queen, and she was indeed,and nobody did it like Gloria Gaynor.”

Trumpwas effusive about his friend Stallone, calling him a“wonderful” and “spectacular”person and“oneofthe true, great moviestars”and “oneofthe

“These are amongthe greatestartists, actors and performers of their generation. The greatest thatwe’ve seen,” Trumpsaid. “Wecan hardly imagine the country music phenomena without its king of country,orAmerican disco without itsfirst lady,or Broadway without its phantom— andthat wasa phantom, letmetell you— or rock ‘n’ rollwithout itshottest band in theworld, andthat’s what they are, or Hollywood without one of itsgreatest visionaries.”

“Eachofyou hasmadean indeliblemarkonAmerican life and together you have defined entire genres and set new standards forthe performing arts,” Trump said.

Trumpalso attended an annual State Department dinnerfor thehonorees on Saturday.Inyears past, the

Judgerejects bidtotoss suit challengingmigrant detentions at Guantánamo

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON Afederal judge hasrejected arequestfrom theTrump administration to tossalawsuit challenging the detention of migrants at theU.S. Navy base at Guantánamo Bay

In aruling Friday,U.S. DistrictCourt Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan denied the federal government’smotion to dismissthe case and hasset ahearing for next week for the parties to discuss next stepsinthis case.

President Donald Trump in January announced his administration would use a detention center at Guantánamo to hold tensofthousandsofthe “worst criminal aliens,” as part of his wider immigration crackdown.

BetweenFebruary and June,the federal government held around 500 immigrants at Guantánamo, according to Sooknanan, as authorities used thebase as away station for immigrantswith final removal orders.

American Civil Liberties Unionattorney LeeGelernt, whoargued thecase, said in astatement Saturdaythat he hopesthe ruling “will put an end to the Trump admin-

istration’sunlawful policy of sending immigrantsto military bases in themiddle of nowhere solely for the theatricvalue.”

RedCross

Louisiana serves4.65millionresidentsacrossall64parishesandextendshopeto communitiesacrossthenationandaroundtheworld.Whenyousupportyour localRedCross,youmakeadirectimpactinyourcommunity Poweredbygenerosity. TheRedCrossisnotagovernmentagency.Wearea501(c)(3) nonprofitthatreliesonthepowerofvolunteersandthegenerosity ofdonorstocarryoutourhumanitarianmission. RedCrosssupportersprovideabeaconofhope.Fromhelping duringdisasters,toprovidinglifesavingtrainingandsupporting militarycommunities,theRedCrossistherewhenhelpcan’twait.

andFisheries gang isn’t looking to confiscate your catch. They only want your fish’s earbones.

It’snot someritual described in aDr. John song. The earbones, or otoliths, collected througha quick slice to the head, have revealed awealth of information on the secret lives of fish to marine biologists especially age. That infois then used to help determine the health of fishpopulations.

The practice is by no meanslimited to Louisiana, or even the Gulf. Globally, it has uncovered vital new infoover the years, including the fact that red snapper can liveto50years old or longer instead of the previously believed 10 or so —determined in part thanks to traces of radioactive carbon from nuclear testing.

It hasbecome such an important aspect of fisheries research that it’shard to imagine atrue assessment of thecondition of life in the underwater world without them, scientists say.Ithas played akey role in assessments of the state’sspeckled trout and redfishpopulations, among others

“It’scritically important,” said Andy Fischer,abiologist director at the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. “Age is one of the most important variables that goes into astock assessment becauseittellsyou so muchabout the fish —not just the onefish, butthe population as awhole.”

Fischer,who has been working with otoliths since he studied at LSU in the 1990s, said one of his professors would callthe bones the “CD-ROM” of fish since “it’s gathering all this information while the fish is alive.”

Today,that professor might refer to it as avirtual reality tour of the fish’slife.

‘Super important’ It’snot unusual to see de-

partment staff at marinas asking for otoliths.Anglers’ participation is entirely voluntary.The process takes a few minutes and can be done while you get your boat back on thetrailer

It also does no damage to your fillets. Sometimes the bones canbepulled through thegills, though often aslice to the head witha hacksaw is necessary

The tiny bones hold informationthatcan offerdeep insights into the fish’slife, which involves rings that form on thebone,similar to ringsinside the trunk of atree.

Thoserings allowscientists to tell the age ofthe fish, theinitialclue that permits them to begin solving a biological Rubik’sCube They do that by combining the fish’sage withother information, such as itslength, weight and reproductive data.

Deeper analysiscan follow,like examining the calcium and strontiumin thebone to figure out what types of habitatsthe fish frequented, said Fischer.Which

fish move in andout of fresh, brackish and salt water,for example, and when do they do it?

Calculating all of that for one fish is interesting, but not of great use on its own

to state fisheries biologists Theyrequire astatistically significant sample size,and that’swhy youmight see them at the docks.

Beyond asking recreational anglers for their ear-

bones, the state also seeks permission from commercial dockstooperate there. Fishing rodeos, too, can be useful. For stock assessments, Louisiana’sfisheries biologists aim to collect at least 500 otoliths per species every year from recreational anglers, and another 500 from commercial operations.

Todd Masson, host of the popular Marsh Man MassonYouTube channel on southeast Louisiana fishing, said he is alwayshappy to participate when asked for his fish’sotoliths. He noted that it’shugely important to havescientificallysound estimates of fish stocks in Louisiana, given the state’s coastal land loss.

“Stock assessments in general —super important,” said Masson.

“With coastal land loss, we’re losing so much nursery groundhabitat forthese fish to grow in that we’ve got to maintain good data as to howsizable ourstocksare If we’re unaware of that, we can’tmake sensible changes in management protocols.”

‘It’sfascinating’

Rings of otoliths have been examinedfor around acentury or so, but the science surrounding it hasbeen honed and refined over the years, said SimonThorrold, ascientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts. It hasbeen usedbyLouisiana’s fisheriesbiologists over the past several decades. The practice has allowed for asteady stream of new discoveries as scientists use them to map outfish lives and habitats.

Thorrold noted advancements made in understanding the lives of red snapper as one example. Otolith analysis revealed evidence of radioactive carbon from nuclear testing in the 1940s, showing the fish were far olderthanpreviously estimated.

“They’re used literally around theworldbyfisheries departments and researchers,” he said.

He said what makes them so useful is that, unlike human earbones, they are “metabolically inert, which meansthat once material gets laid downinthe otolith, it is not reworked later.”

“It’skind of stored. It’s kind of trapped in there for the rest of the fish’slife,” said Thorrold.

In Louisiana, coastal anglers have seen the results of such research every time they head outintheir boats. They maynot like recent reductions in the amount of speckled trout and redfish they cankeep, butthose changes were informed by stock assessments showing the need to address declines in populations.

Fischer said that while researcherscan sometimes meet resistance at the docks when they approach anglers, mostare happytooblige, especiallywhen they learn moreabout the process.

“I think everybody understands the conceptofrings on atree,” he said.“Well, most people don’trealize that you can do that with fish.SoIthink people find it’sfascinating.”

RULES

Continued from page1A

Sen.Patrick McMath, RCovington. Others worriedthe exemption was too vague.

“A bisque in Alexandria and abisque in Gueydan, La., is probably two different things. Youcan be alot more specific than saying ‘a bisque,’”said Republican state Sen. Bob Hensgens, a lifelong resident of Acadiana. The Health Department had originally sought an emergency rule that would allow them to immediately enforce the prohibition against reusing seafood shells “as serving containers.” But afterthe questions from lawmakers, officials agreed to come backfor a more permanentrule that would clarify the bisque issue.

“Wedoneed legal specificity,ofcourse, around the bisque,” Croughansaid. “But the goal is not to empower us to go find folks that are bisquelikeand thentry to cite them for it.”

What aretheytryingto fix?

Reused oyster shells can present food safety risksbecause they are so porous and have “a lot of opportunityto trap pathogens and bacteria,”Croughan said. They couldexpose diners to food poisoning, includingfrom Vibriovulnificus, a dangerousflesh-eating bacterium that can be found in undercooked seafood, especially raw oysters. Vibrio infectionsinLouisiana and across the Gulf surged this year.Two Vibriorelated deaths were linked to oysters that camefrom Louisiana waters.

StateSen. Jay Luneau, DAlexandria, askedwhether it would be OK to reuse shells forchargrilled oysters and if that cooking process would kill diseasecausing pathogens.

“Tocook the oyster so you’re not overcooking it,

it’s alower temperature than the temperature it would take to sterilize the shell, significantly lower,” Croughan said.

What’s abisque?

Luneau, an attorney, also asked health officials, “What’sthe legaldefinition of bisque?”

“There is not adefinition thatI’m awareofanywhere in Louisiana law,”Luneau said. “I don’tknow that there’sone in the restaurant world.”

Tiffany Meche, director of theBureau of Sanitation Services at the Health Department, nodded in agreement. “Everybody has their own version,” she said. Health Department officials ultimately agreed to go back to the drawing board andcome up with aclearer rule with lawmakers’ help. “Wewon’tleave ‘bisque up to interpretation,” Croughan said.

—the home state of Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise,” Jeffries said. “People are asking the question: Whydid you bring this bill this week with all the other issues that the country is demanding thatwefocusonled by the affordability crisis that they say is ascam and ahoax?

But Scalise and supporters of the bill say it’stime to set clearer rules in arapidly changing college sports landscape to provide clarity and safeguards for athletes.

“Over theyears,you’ve seen lawsuits erode the ability for the NCAA to evenpolice college athletics to the point where now it’sthe wild, wild West. There are no rules in place, no structure. You have people that can play until they’re 26 years old in college athletics,” Scalise told reporters. “You don’t have any protections for alot of the student-athletes. And so, we first restore theability for policing through the NCAA. Congress won’tbe doing the regulations. It will be the NCAA having the ability to police college athletics again.” Johnson, from Benton, and Scalise, of Jefferson, are the top leaders in the Republicanmajority House, and both graduated from LSU. They were on the verge of having the House approve legislation that would reshape oversight of college athletics and establish national standards for name, image and likeness, which has become an important part of building competitive teams. But anose count persuaded them that voting Wednesdaywouldleadtoa loss that House leadership, which is under fire from its own GOP majority,couldn’tcountenance. Opposition from a small group of hard-right conservatives, along with most Democrats, prompted Johnson and Scalise to first delay then pull the legislation from the vote schedule until this week at the

earliest Scalise dismissed the postponement astactical and taggedsome of the oppositionasnot wantingthe federal government to be so involved in regulating college sports.

Kiffin’s hiring has highlighted the importance of payingplayers,particularly in collegefootball.The coach has saidLSU’scommitment to spend $25 million to $30 million —a combinationof revenuesharing by the athletic department and NIL dealsfrom boosters —onattracting top players played akey role in his decisionto accept the job.

“There’sagreat plan of howwecan cometogether with what we bring and what players around thecountry want to play for us and play in oursystems and then have that supporttobeabletodo that so that they want to play for us and they get taken care of financially,” he told reporters shortly after being named LSU’snew football coach. “Obviously, nowadays it’sthe world of collegefootball, and it’svery important and critical to them, which it should be.Thiswas thebest setup. Thatdefinitely played afactor into it. Because I don’tcare what your systems are, withoutgood players, they don’twork.”

Howtopay players

TheStudent Compensation and Opportunitythrough Rights and Endorsements Act, or SCORE, wouldorganize agoverning system that hasgrownuphaphazardly over the years under often conflicting state laws particularly thehandling of NIL, which allows studentathletes to becompensated. NILrules have been evolving since 2021, when aU.S. Supreme Court rulingallowed thepayments.

The bill wouldhaltstatelevel rules that hinder student-athletesfromentering an NIL agreement, such as getting paid to help advertise abusiness. SCORE also wouldclassify studentathletes as amateurs, rather than employees. Universi-

Rep. Chip Roy,R-Texas, said the bill waswell-intended but fell short of whatwas needed. Congress would be interfering with state prerogatives but not going far enough to fix theproblems, he said.

Roy is running for attorney general of Texas. The current attorneygeneral,Ken Paxton, has spoken against apart of SCORE that forbids civillawsuitsagainst the College Sports Commission, anewly formed arm of the NCAAtooversee name, imageand likeness standards.

To participate, the commission required schoolstosettle disputes by arbitration.

forNCAAunderantitrust laws.

But Democrats also don’t like provisions that would forbid college athletes from organizing or joining labor unions and their designation as amateurs and not employees. In additiontokeeping student-athletes from bargaining collectively,that designation also disqualifies them from disability benefits. The legislation favors the big football and basketball conferences at the expense of smaller schools that don’thave the same resources, the opponents claim

ties would have to provide health insurancefor studentathletes.

TheNCAA would define the standardsfor when student-athletes could transfer schools andhow they would be recruited. Governing bodiesofcollegesports would be protected from mostlitigationand could ignoresome statelaws that regulate collegeathletics, such as how the players are paid.

The bill has thebacking of the SEC and the Big Ten, the twolargestcollege athletic conferences, along with the Trump administration and most Republicans.

“The SCORE Act will establishstabilityand return nationalstandards to college sports while supporting universities’ educational mission,”SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in astatement.

The Big Tensaid in astatement: “The SCORE Act enshrinesimportant studentathlete protections into federallaw,fortifies the educational mission of college sports, makes it possible for everyone to play by the same rules, and protectsthe ongoingfunding structurefor women’sand Olympic sports, aBig Tenpriority.”

President Donald Trump’s administration said in astatement: “Urgent federalaction is necessarytoprovidethe stability,fairness andbalance that will protect student-athletes and preserve

collegiate athletic opportunities.”

Whysomeopposethe bill

It’s notoften that Republicans contradictTrump, but some did on this issue.

Asmallgroup of conservatives balked and, given the small Republican majority in the House, it only took two “no” votes at the timetostymiepassage

Paxton, who is running as the MAGAopponent to the reelectionofRepublican Sen. JohnCornyn, urgedTexas schools not to sign on with the College Sports Commission because of the clause insulating thegoverning body from legal challenges.

Though ahandful of Democratic representativesback SCORE, the vast majority join conservatives in their opposition to legal immunity

“The players’ associations across every sports league led by the NFL Players Association were opposed to it because theyconcludedwhen evaluating thebill on the merits that it would actually hurt collegeathletes, nothelp them,” Jeffries concluded. Staff reporter Wilson Alexander contributed to this report.

EmailMark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate. com.

Supreme Court to weigh broad presidential power

1935 decision limited executive authority

BY MARK SHERMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON Chief Justice John Roberts has led the Supreme Court’s conservative majority on a steady march of increasing the power of the presidency, starting well before Donald Trump’s time in the White House.

The justices could take the next step in a case being argued Monday that calls for a unanimous 90-year-old decision limiting executive authority to be overturned.

The court’s conservatives, liberal Justice Elena Kagan noted in September, seem to be “raring to take that action.”

They already have allowed Trump, in the opening months of the Republican’s second term, to fire almost everyone he has wanted, despite the court’s 1935 decision in Humphrey’s Executor that prohibits the president from removing the heads of independent agencies without cause.

The officials include Rebecca Slaughter, whose firing from the Federal Trade Commission is at issue in the current case, as well as officials from the National Labor Relations Board, the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The only officials who have so far survived efforts to remove them are Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor, and Shira Perlmutter, a copyright official with the Library of Congress.

The court already has suggested that it will view the Fed differently from other independent agencies, and Trump has said he wants her out because of allegations of mortgage fraud. Cook says she did nothing wrong. Humphrey’s Executor has long been a target of the conservative legal movement that has embraced an expansive view of presidential power known as the unitary executive.

The case before the high court involves the same agency the FTC, that was at issue in 1935. The justices established that presidents — Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt at the time — could not fire the appointed leaders of the alphabet soup of federal agencies without cause.

The decision ushered in an era of powerful independent federal agencies charged with regulating labor relations, employment discrimination, the air waves and much else.

Quake hits in along border of Alaska, Canada

By The Associated Press

JUNEAU,Alaska A powerful, magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck in a remote area near the border between Alaska and the Canadian territory of Yukon on Saturday There was no tsunami warning, and officials said there were no immediate reports of damage or injury

The U.S. Geological Survey said it struck about 230 miles northwest of Juneau, Alaska, and 155 miles west of Whitehorse, Yukon.

In Whitehorse, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sgt. Calista MacLeod said the detachment received two 911 calls about the earthquake.

“It definitely was felt,” MacLeod said. “There are a lot of people on social media, people felt it.”

Alison Bird, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, said the part of Yukon most affected by the temblor is mountainous and has few people.

Proponents of the unitary executive theory have said the modern administrative state gets the Constitution all wrong: Federal agencies that are part of the executive branch answer to the president, and that includes the ability to fire their leaders at will.

As Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in a 1988 dissent that has taken on mythical status among conservatives, “this does not mean some of the executive power, but all of the executive power.”

Since 2010 and under Roberts’ leadership, the Supreme Court has steadily whittled away at laws restricting the president’s ability to fire people

In 2020, Roberts wrote for the court that “the President’s removal power is the rule, not the exception” in a decision upholding Trump’s firing of the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau despite job protections similar to those upheld in Humphrey’s case. In the 2024 immunity decision that spared Trump from being prosecuted for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, Roberts included the power to fire among the president’s “conclusive and preclusive” powers that Congress lacks the authority to restrict.

But according to legal his-

Court building on Friday in Washington.

torians and even a prominent proponent of the originalism approach to interpreting the Constitution that is favored by conservatives, Roberts may be wrong about the history underpinning the unitary executive.

“Both the text and the history of Article II are far more equivocal than the current Court has been suggesting,” wrote Caleb Nelson, a University of Virginia law professor who once served as a law clerk to Justice Clarence Thomas.

Jane Manners, a Fordham University law professor, said she and other historians filed briefs with the court to provide history and context about the removal power in the country’s early years that also could lead the court to revise its views “I’m not holding my breath,” she said.

Slaughter’s lawyers embrace the historians’ arguments, telling the court that limits on Trump’s power are consistent with the Constitution and U.S. history

The Justice Department

argues Trump can fire board members for any reason as he works to carry out his agenda and that the precedent should be tossed aside.

“Humphrey’s Executor was always egregiously wrong,” Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote.

A second question in the case could affect Cook, the Fed governor

Even if a firing turns out to be illegal, the court wants to decide whether judges have the power to reinstate someone.

Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote earlier this year that fired employees who win in court can likely get back pay, but not reinstatement

That might affect Cook’s ability to remain in her job. The justices have seemed wary about the economic uncertainty that might result if Trump can fire the leaders of the central bank. The court will hear separate arguments in January about whether Cook can remain in her job as her court case challenging her firing proceeds.

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ZACKARYP BRUCE, MD Internal Medicine

LARA M. FALCON,

KEVIN N. GUILLORY, MD Family Medicine

MALLORYH ALLEN, MD Pediatric Medicine

SUBHAKAR GUMMADI, MD Hospital Medicine

I. JOSEPH ALBERGAMO, MD Internal Medicine INDUSTRIPLEX

ROOPITHA KAVAL, MD Endocrinology

DANIEL J. MOORE, MD Pediatric Medicine

JOSEPH N. REDHEAD,MD Allergy& Immunology

STEPHANIE M. KELLEHER, MD Pediatric Medicine

SHATHA Y. MURAD,MD Endocrinology

EMILY B. RICHARD, MD Dermatology

ROBERT J. TERRITO, DO Hospital Medicine

SHIVACHARAN ANAJI, MD Hospital Medicine

MINDY L. CALANDRO, MD Pediatric Medicine

TAYLOR S. GWIN, MD Vascular Surgery

WILLIAM “KEITH” KELLUM, MD Hospital Medicine

BRIAN P. MURPHY,MD Neurology

CAROLINE C. RIEGER, MD Ears,Nose &Throat

Happy Ho

G. THOMAS ARBOUR, MD Gastroenterology

CASEY B. CARLISLE, MD Internal Medicine

LATONYAR KELLY,MD Family Medicine OPELOUSAS

COURTNEY M. MURPHY,MD Dermatology

REBECCA S. TREUIL, MD Internal Medicine

AMIR H. AUSEF,MD Hospital Medicine

UYENN CARO, MD Hospital Medicine

JAMES L. KRUPALA, MD Ears, Nose &Throat

CHENNA R. NALABOLU, MD Hospital Medicine

MICHAEL L. ROLFSEN,MD Internal Medicine

ARTHUR G. TRIBOU, MD Pediatric Medicine

KEVIN J. BABIN,MD Internal Medicine

STEPHANIE M. CAUBLE, MD Gastroenterology

ELLIOTT HARDY,MD Ears, Nose &Throat

PSYCHIATRY

ANOOP NARAHARI, MD Psychiatry

MEREDITH P. ROUSE,MD Internal Medicine

VINCENT V. TUMMINELLO, MD Internal Medicine

J. CARTER BALART, MD Gastroenterology

RONALDP CERUTI, MD Rheumatology

BRANDI B. HERNANDEZ, MD Internal Medicine

TRACI T. LACY,MD Pediatric Medicine

CATALINAR NEGULESCU, MD Hospital Medicine

GAETANO “TREY” RUGGIERO, MD Hospital Medicine

VENKATR BANDA, MD Hospital Medicine

THOMAS W. COOK, MD Surgery

JEANNEMARIE D. HINKLE, MD Endocrinology

ADRIAN P. LANDRY, MD Internal Medicine

JOSEPH P. NESHEIWAT,MD Rheumatology

SUSAN M. BANKSTON, MD Pediatric Medicine

R. TODD COOLEY,MD Internal Medicine

ROBERTC HINKLE, MD Pulmonolgy

R. NUSS, MD Pediatric Medicine

B. BARBIN,MD Internal Medicine

Family Medicine

MARK K. HODGES, MD Pulmonolgy

JOSEPH A. LARRIVIERE, MD Internal Medicine

PEDROS OLIVEIRA, MD Neurology

BENTO Inte Med

CROCKE Inte Med

E. FREDERIC, MD

H. HOLMES, MD Pediatric Medicine

LINDA Y. LEBOURGEOIS, MD Neurology

INDUSTRIPLEX

D. STEPHEN SANCHES, MD Pediatric Medicine

VARAKANTAM, MD Hospital Medicine

G. DOUGLAS SAY, MD Internal Medicine

S. RAJU VATSAVAI, MD Hospital Medicine

VENUGOPAL VATSAVAYI,MD Psychiatry

VIJAYA L.

MD Hospital Medicine

CHARLES E. DEDEAUX, MD Internal Medicine

STEPHANIE R. FREDERIC, MD Dermatology

NICK E. FRISARD, MD Ophthalmology

NAGENDRAB INDURTI, MD Hospital Medicine

RORY

CHRISTOPHER P. PECK,MD Internal Medicine

JAMES A. FROELICH, MD Surgery

BOUDREAUX, JR., MD Urology

MADELINE DILLS, MD VascularSurgery

VICTORIA T. FRUGE, MD Internal Medicine

KURTW GRAVES, MD Internal Medicine

R. DOGUET, MD Ear, Nose & Throat

ETHAN L. GREENBLATT,MD Hospital Medicine

C. GREESON, MD Internal Medicine

ZACHARY

ASHLEYC PERRET,MD Hospital Medicine

NEW ROADS

CHRISTIAN N. SMITH,MD Family Medicine

CAROLINE L. SOWELL,MD Ophthalmology

JEFFREY M. KAHN,MD Internal Medicine ANGELED BOURG, MD Rheumatology

M. GRUNER, MD Internal Medicine

ANDREW N. MCCALL,MD Urology

ERIK B. SOWELL,MD Internal Medicine

VENUB KAKARALA, MD Internal Medicine

MICHAEL P. MCCARTHY, MD Pulmonology

SRUJANI KARRA, MD Hospital Medicine

ADAMR MCCLURE, MD Hospital Medicine

CAITLINM MCDANIEL, MD Hospital Medicine

ROSEMARY PREJEAN, MD Dermatology

MD Hospital Medicine W. KEVIN KATZENMEYER, MD Ears,Nose &Throat

RONALDL BOUDREAUX, MD Gastroenterology ROBERTB TAYLOR, MD Gastroenterology

Russia, India expanding trade ties

Putin,

Modi hold

talks

in New Delhi

BY RAJESH ROY and AIJAZ HUSSAIN Associated Press

NEWDELHI Russian Presi-

dent Vladimir Putin held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday at an annual summit and agreed to diversify mutual economic ties, as the United States presses India to revise its decades-old partnership with Russia.

The 23rd Russia-India Summit comes at a pivotal moment as the U.S. pushes for a Ukraine peace deal while seeking global cooperation It will test New Delhi’s efforts to balance relations with Moscow and Washington as the nearly four-year war in Ukraine grinds on. Putin was received by Modi at an airport in New Delhi on Thursday The Indian leader gave Putin a bear hug and a tight handshake with the gusto of an old friend. After the talks, Putin and Modi announced that India and Russia have finalized an economic cooperation program until 2030, which will

the rapidly growing Indian economy.”

Before the summit talks, the Russian leader said the two countries “have a very trusting relationship when it comes to military-technical cooperation.”

Modi said after the talks that the two countries will work toward early conclusion of a free-trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union. He also announced that India will soon start issuing free electronic visas for Russian tourists and groups visiting the country

help diversify mutual businesses to boost annual trade to $100 billion by 2030. They also emphasized strong energy ties.

Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $68.7 billion in the last fiscal year ended March. The trade is heavily skewed in favor of Russia with deep deficits for India, which it is looking to bridge by pushing exports.

“To achieve this significant goal, a program for the development of Russian-Indian economic cooperation until

2030 has been agreed upon,” Putin said. He said work is underway on an agreement for India to establish a freetrade zone with the Eurasian Economic Union, a Moscowdominated economic grouping of several ex-Soviet nations, adding that it could help increase trade.

“Russia is a reliable supplier of energy resources and everything necessary for the development of India’s energy sector,” Putin said. “We are ready to continue ensuring the uninterrupted supply of fuel for

The Indian leader said energy security has long anchored India-Russia ties, with civil nuclear cooperation spanning decades. He added that such cooperation will continue, alongside collaboration in clean energy shipbuilding, fertilizers and labor mobility

While India has historically maintained deep ties with Russia, critics say Putin’s visit could strain relations with the European Union and the United States and might jeopardize negotiations for major trade agreements with both that are seen as critical for India’s exports.

Playwright arrested in Japan for smuggling

BY MARI YAMAGUCHI Associated Press

TOKYO Prominent American playwright and actor Jeremy O. Harris, known for his Tony-nominated “Slave Play,” was arrested in Japan on suspicion of smuggling the psychedelic drug ecstasy, officials said Saturday Officers at Naha Airport on Japan’s southern island of Okinawa arrested Harris on Nov 16 for an alleged violation of customs law for having 0.0275 ounces of the crystallized drug, also known as MDMA, in a container in a tote bag he was carrying, according to Okinawa Regional Customs spokesperson Tatsunori Fukuda. Harris, 36, had left London’s Heathrow Airport two

days earlier and transited in Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport before arriving in Naha for sightseeing, Fukuda said. Okinawa is a popular resort destination with mild weather throughout the year Fukuda said Harris was arrested on the spot and taken into custody by the Tomishiro police, which filed a criminal complaint to the Naha District Prosecutors’ Office Thursday for further investigation and possible indictment.

Japanese authorities did not find any other drugs in his luggage and believe the MDMA was for his personal use. They are still investigating, Fukuda said, while adding that whether Harris made any comment on the case could not be released.

There was no immediate comment from Harris’ representatives.

Japanese criminal procedures allow investigators to keep a suspect in custody for up to 23 days before indictment, and pretrial detention can be prolonged if the accused exercises their right of silence or denies the charges, a practice widely criticized as “hostage justice.”

Those convicted of drug smuggling in Japan can face a multiyear prison term.

Harris burst onto the arts scene with “Slave Play,” written while he was still a graduate student at the Yale School of Drama. It premiered off-Broadway in 2018, inciting controversy and even a petition to shut down the production with its provocative mix of race, class and sexual taboos. It

Building BatonRouge’s future leaders: TORCHopens applications for 2026 cohort

Applications areopenthrough Friday,December 12,for thenextclass of TORCH: TheAcademyof Politics, whichhas emergedasone of BatonRouge’s most respected trainingprogramsfor aspiring public servants,campaignorganizers, andcommunity advocates.

Selected participants willbenotified during late December. Theprogram will runfromJanuary throughJune, offeringsix months of political training ledbyseasonedlocal andnationalstrategists.For thoseinBaton Rougewho have ever considered running for office,working on acampaign, or advocating for policy changes, TORCHprovidesanopportunity fora structured,practical,and intentionalintroductionto politicalleadership.

that it happened on an acceleratedtimeline. Soule said shedecided to participateinTORCH last year to better prepareherself for afull campaign before sherunsfor re-electionin2026.

“I hadbeenworking in the politicalspace fora long time andI wasalwaysinterestedincommunity outreach andpublicpolicy. Ihad volunteeredincampaigns before,but Ididn’t know thenutsand boltsofhow they trulyworked,”saidBaton RougeMetropolitan CouncilmanAnthonyKenney,whocompletedTORCH in 2023.“Ilearned so much aboutthe infrastructure of acampaign. Ilearned that fundraisingiskey and youhavetohavethe rightpeopleonyourteam. Also youneedtoknowyourmessage.”

Kenney said he believes histrainingthrough TORCHhelpedhim winhis seat in 2024.Inaddition to lessonsonfundraising,teamwork, andmessaging, theprogram also educates participants on stateand localelection laws,voter engagement strategies andwaystosuccessfully navigate digitaloutreach,media,and public forums.

“TORCH is reallygoodabout bringing in people from thecommunity whohave beendoing this work for alongtime. They’vewon andlostcampaigns.They know what worksand what doesn’t. They give youa wellroundedpicture of howtorun alegal,successful campaign,” Soulesaid. “Theyalsoreally want to make sure people know theirwhy.Wetalkeda lotabout whywewantedtorun foroffice It wasa good reminder of the reasons whyweare seeking thesepositionsinthefirstplace.” Both Kenney andSoule said they appreciatedTORCH’s nonpartisan approach.The programmingincludedspeakers from acrossthe politicalspectrum, andthe lessons were rooted in successfulstrategiesregardlessof a person’s viewpoints or partyaffiliation.

“Itreallyisabout runningacampaign. That’s why Irecommend people go into TORCHwithanopen mind,” Kenney said.“Theprogram is really about teachingyou howtohavea strategy andasystemthat canbeapplied regardless of your politicalviews.” Soulesaidshe also felt that thediversity in her TORCHclass wasbeneficial.Not only diditinclude people with variouspolitical views, butitalsoencompassed individualswho want to play differentroles in publicpolicy, whetheritmeans servinginelected office,running acampaignbehind thescenesoradvocatingfor change as an invested citizen.

“I feel like TORCHgavemeasolid foundation,” Kenney said.“Running acampaignisnot easy,but Ifelt comfortabledoing it becauseofthe trainingI had received.IfeltlikeI wasdoing things theright way andmovinginthe rightdirection.”

When EmilySoule waselected to theEastBaton RougeParishSchoolBoard in 2024,itwas through aspecial election.Not only wasitSoule’s first time runningfor public office,but thecircumstances meant

“Inadditiontoreminding me whyIwanttodothis, Ilearned a lotabout theimportanceofbeing willing to listen to otherpeopleand hear what is importanttothem,”Soule said.“It also emphasized for me that youhavetosurroundyourselfwitha good team andpeoplewho believeinthe work that youall aredoing together.”

Visitwww.thetorchbr.comtolearn more about TORCHorsubmitanapplication forthe 2026 class.

Frank Gehry, the most celebrated architect of his time, dies

BY JOHN ROGERS Associated Press

LOSANGELES Frank Gehry, who designed some of the most imaginative buildings ever constructed and achieved a level of worldwide acclaim seldom afforded any architect, has died. He was 96.

Gehry died Friday in his home in Santa Monica after a brief respiratory illness, said Meaghan Lloyd, chief of staff at Gehry Partners LLP

Gehry’s fascination with modern pop art led to the creation of distinctive, striking buildings. Among his many masterpieces are the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain; The Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles; and Berlin’s DZ Bank Building.

Gehry was awarded every major prize architecture has to offer, including the field’s top honor, the Pritzker Prize, for what has been described as “refreshingly original and totally American” work

Other honors include the Royal Institute of British Architects gold medal, the Americans for the Arts lifetime achievement award, and

his native country’s highest honor, the Companion of the Order of Canada.

After earning a degree in architecture from the University of Southern California in 1954 and serving in the Army, Gehry studied urban planning at Harvard University

But his career got off to a slow start. He struggled for years to make ends meet, designing public housing projects, shopping centers and even driving a delivery truck for a time

Eventually, he got the chance to design a modern shopping mall overlooking the Santa Monica Pier

He was determined to play it safe and came up with drawings for an enclosed shopping mall that looked similar to others in the United States in the 1980s.

To celebrate its completion, the mall’s developer dropped by Gehry’s house and was stunned by what he saw: The architect had transformed a modest 1920s-era bungalow into an inventive abode by remodeling it with chain-link fencing, exposed wood and corrugated metal.

Asked why he hadn’t proposed something similar for the mall, Gehry replied, “Because I have to make a living.”

If he really wanted to make a statement as an architect, he was told, he should drop that attitude and follow his creative vision.

Gehry would do just that for the rest of his life, working into his 90s to create buildings that doubled as stunning works of art

As his acclaim grew, Gehry Partners LLP the architectural firm he founded in 1962, grew with it. But as big as it got, Gehry insisted on personally overseeing every project it took on.

Not everyone was a fan of Gehry’s work. Some naysayers dismissed it as not much more than gigantic, lopsided reincarnations of the little scrap-wood cities he said he spent hours building when he was growing up in the mining town of Timmins, Ontario.

Princeton art critic Hal Foster dismissed many of his later efforts as “oppressive,” arguing they were designed primarily to be tourist attractions. Some denounced the Disney Hall as looking like a collection

of cardboard boxes that had been left out in the rain.

Still other critics included Dwight D. Eisenhower’s family, who objected to Gehry’s bold proposal for a memorial to honor the nation’s 34th president. Although the family said it wanted a simple memorial and not the one Gehry had proposed with its multiple statues and billowing metal tapestries depicting Eisenhower’s life, the architect declined to change his design significantly If the words of his critics an-

noyed Gehry he rarely let on. Indeed, he even sometimes played along. He appeared as himself in a 2005 episode of “The Simpsons” cartoon show, in which he agreed to design a concert hall that was later converted into a prison.

He came up with the idea for the design, which looked a lot like the Disney Hall, after crumpling Marge Simpson’s letter to him and throwing it on the ground. After taking a look at it, he declared, “Frank Gehry you’ve done it again!”

“Some people think I actually do that,” he would later tell the AP Ephraim Owen Goldberg was born in Toronto on Feb. 28, 1929, and moved to Los Angeles with his family in 1947, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen As an adult, he changed his name at the suggestion of his first wife, who told him antisemitism might be holding back his career

Although he had enjoyed drawing and building model cities as a child Gehry said it wasn’t until he was 20 that he pondered the possibility of pursuing a career in architecture, after a college ceramics teacher recognized his talent.

BY ADRIAN SAINZ Associated Press

MEMPHIS,Tenn.— Steve Cropper, the lean, soulful guitarist and songwriter who helped anchor the celebrated Memphis backing band Booker T. and the M.G.’s at Stax Records and co-wrote the classics “Green Onions,” “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay” and “In the Midnight Hour,” has died. He was 84. Pat Mitchell Worley, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, said Cropper’s family told her that Cropper died on Wednesday in Nashville. The foundation operates the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, located at the site of the former Stax Records, where Cropper worked for years. A cause of death was not immediately known.

catchy licks and solid rhythm chops helped define Memphis soul music. At a time when it was common for White musicians to co-opt the work of Black artists and make more money from their songs, Cropper was that rare White artist willing to keep a lower profile and collaborate.

“I listen to the other musicians and the singer,” Cropper said. “I’m not listening to just me. I make sure I’m sounding OK before we start the session. Once we’ve presented the song, then I listen to the song and the way they interpret it. And I play around all that stuff. That’s what I do. That’s my style.”

a hit with “Last Night.”

Satellite was later renamed Stax, where some of the Mar-Keys became the label’s horn section while Cropper and other Mar-Keys formed Booker T. and the M.G.’s.

Cropper’s very name was immortalized in the 1967 smash “Soul Man,” recorded by Sam & Dave.

Midway, singer Sam Moore calls out “Play it, Steve!” as Cropper pulls off a tight, ringing riff, a slide sound that Cropper used a Zippo lighter to create. The exchange was reenacted in the late 1970s when Cropper joined the John Belushi-Dan Aykroyd act “The Blues Brothers” and played on their hit cover of “Soul Man.”

The guitarist, songwriter and record producer was not known for flashy playing, but his spare,

In a 2020 interview with The Associated Press, Cropper discussed his career and how he mastered the art of filling gaps with an essential lick or two.

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, asked once about Cropper, said simply, “Perfect, man.” Cropper was born near Dora, Missouri, but moved with his family to Memphis when he was 9 and got his first mail-order guitar at age 14, according to his website, playitsteve.com. Chuck Berry, Jimmy Reed and Chet Atkins were among his early influences. Cropper was a Stax artist before the label was even called Stax, which Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton had founded as Satellite Records in 1957. In the early 1960s, Satellite signed up Cropper and his instrumental band the Royals Spades. The band soon changed its name to the Mar-Keys and had

Featuring Cropper, keyboard player Booker T. Jones, bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn and drummer Al Jackson, they were known for their hit instrumentals “Green Onions,” “Hang ‘Em High” and “Time Is Tight.”

The racially integrated band, a rarity in its day, was so admired that even non-Stax artists recorded with them, notably Wilson Pickett. Jones, who is the only surviving member of the band, and Jackson are Black. Dunn and Cropper are White.

“When you walked in the door at Stax, there was absolutely no color,” Cropper said in the AP interview “We were all there for the same reason to get a hit record.”

In the mid-1960s, Atlantic Records executive Jerry Wexler brought Pickett to work with the

Stax musicians During a 2015 gathering with the National Music Publishers Association, Cropper acknowledged he had never heard of Pickett before working with him. He found some gospel recordings by Pickett, was taken by the line “I’ll see my Jesus in the midnight hour” and with a slight change helped write a secular standard.

“The man up there has been forgiving me for this ever since!” he said. Cropper was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T. and the M.G.’s.

Rolling Stone magazine ranked Cropper 39th on its 100 Greatest Guitarists list, calling him “the secret ingredient in some of the greatest rock and soul songs.” Cropper was in the 1980 movie “The Blues Brothers” and its follow-up, “Blues Brothers 2000,” portraying “The Colonel” in the Blues Brothers band. In real life, he toured with them.

Butadministration

silent on Jan. 6

BY ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKER Associated Press

WASHINGTON After thearrest of aman charged with placing two pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic nationalparties on Jan. 5, 2021, the warningfrom the Trump administrationwas clear: If you come to the nation’scapital to attack citizens and institutions of democracy,you will be held accountable.

YetJustice Department leaders who announced the arrest were silent about the violence that had taken place when supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol and clashed with police one day after those bombs were placed.

It was the latest example of the Trump’sadministration’sefforts to rewrite the history of the riot, through pardons and the firings of lawyers who prosecuted the participants of the siege, and of the disconnect for a government that prides itself for cracking down on violent crime and supporting law enforcement but has papered over the brutality of the Jan. 6attacks on police officers.

“The administration has ignored and attempted to whitewashthe violence committed by rioters on Jan. 6because they were the president’ssupporters. They were trying to install him a second time againstthe will of the voters in 2020,” said Michael Romano, who prosecuted the rioters before leaving the JusticeDepartment this year.“And it feels like the effort to ignore that is purely transactional.”

The White House referred comment to the Justice Department, whichreferred comment to the FBI. Thebureau did not immediately re-

ernors in keystatescrucial to Biden’svictory have also vouched for the integrity of theelectionsintheir states Nearly allthe legal challenges from Trump andhis allies were dismissed by the courts.

The tough-on-crime words heard during Thursday’sannouncement about Cole’sarrest were at odds with the Republican administration’s repeated efforts to play down theviolenceofJan. 6, absolve those chargedin the insurrection andtarget those whoinvestigated and prosecuted the rioters.

as flagpoles, acrutchand ahockey stick. More than 100 police officers were injured, including some who have described being scared for their livesasthey were dragged into the crowdand beaten.

spond to an email from The Associated Press on Friday FBI Director Kash Patel, as aconservativepodcast host duringthe Bidenadministration, had called the Jan.6rioters “political prisoners” andoffered to represent them for free. Buton Thursday, he saidthe arrest of thepipebomb suspect, 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr., wasinkeepingwithTrump’s commitmentto“secure our nation’s capital.”

“When you attack American citizens, whenyou attack our institutionsof legislation, when you attack the nation’scapital, you attack the very being of our way of life,” Patel said.“Andthis FBIand this Department of Justicestand heretotellyou that we will always combat it.”

Patel’sdeputy,Dan Bongino,had suggested before joiningthe FBI thatfederal law enforcementhad wasted time investigating Jan. 6rioters and anti-abortion activists.

“These are threatstothe United States?” heoncesaid on apodcast. “Grandma is in the gulag for atrespassingcharge on January 6th.”

Bongino speculated last year thatthe pipe bomb incident was an “inside job” that involved a“massive

cover-up.”After joining the FBI, Bongino repeatedly described theinvestigation as atop priority that was receiving significantresources and attention.

“Weweregoing to track this person to theend of the earth. There was no way he was getting away,” he said Thursday

No public link has emerged between the pipe bombs and the riot, andCole’sarrest was asignificant development in its own right given that the nearly 5-year investigation had confounded authorities, who are now are assembling aportrait of Cole.

People familiar withthe matter told TheAssociated Pressthat among the statements Colemadetoinvestigators is thathebelieved conspiracy theories about the2020 election, which Trumphas insisted was stolen from him in favor of Democrat Joe Biden. The peoplewere not authorized to discussongoing investigation publicly andspoke on condition of anonymity

Therewas no widespread fraud in that election, which arange of election officials across thecountry,including Trump’sformer attorney general, William Barr,have confirmed.Republicangov-

Trump’sclemency action on his firstday back in the White House in January applied to all 1,500-plus people charged with participating in the attack on the foundations of American democracy.Thatincludeddefendants seen on camera violently attacking police with makeshift weapons such

Earlierthisyear, theJustice Department asked the FBI forthe names of agents whoparticipated in Jan. 6 investigations, ademand feared within the bureau forasapossible precursor to mass firings. In August, Patel fired Brian Driscoll, whoasthe FBI’s acting director in the early days of theTrump administration resisted handing over those names.

Trump’sadministration, meanwhile, hasfiredordemoted numerous prosecutorswho workedonJan.6 cases, includingmorethan two dozen lawyers who had been hiredfor temporary assignments to support the in-

vestigation but were moved into permanent roles after Trump won the 2024 election. In October,two federal prosecutors werelocked out of their government devices and told they were being put on leaveafter filing court papers that described those who attacked theCapitol as a“mob of rioters.” The Justice Departmentlater submitted anew court filing that stripped mentions of the Jan. 6riot. Oneman whose case was dismissedbecause of Trump’spardons was accused of hurling an explosive device and alarge piece of wood at agroup of officers whotrying to defendanentrancetothe Capitol.Some officers later saidthey had “believedtheywere going to die,” prosecutors wrote in court papers, and several reported suffering temporary hearing loss.

LOUISIANAPOLITICS

Cassidycriticizesvaccination policy butnot RFKJr.

WASHINGTON

—U.S. Sen.Bill Cassidy’svociferous opposition to the nation’stightening vaccination policies is becoming more pointed, though he has avoided directly criticizing by name Health Chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aleader in antivaccinationefforts.

“I’m adoctor.I have seen people die from vaccinepreventable disease,” Cassidy said two weeks ago on “Face the Nation,”reprising talkingpoints the Baton Rouge Republican has made repeatedly.“Iwantpeople to be healthy.Iwant to make America healthy,and you don’t start by stopping recommendations thathave made us substantially healthier.”

As chair of the Senate Health Education Laborand Pensions committee, Cassidy gave Kennedy legitimacy with fellow senators who greenlighted his confirmation to run the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services.

Cassidy said he did so based on promises Kennedy made toinclude him in major personnel and policy decisions —particularly as relates to vaccinations

Since then, Kennedy fired the entire 17-member board that recommends vaccination policies for the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention to adopt. Among his replacements on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices are several who have voiced anti-vaccine positions, including two members withBaton Rouge ties: Dr.Robert W. Malone, ACIP deputy chairand an adjunct professor at the LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center; and Dr.Evelyn Griffin, an obstetrician.

Both Malone and Griffinvoted Friday to roll back the 30-year-old recommendation that all babies

Landrypicks new revenue secretary

or having sex. Infants whoare infected by their untreated mothers have a90% chance of moreserious problemslater in life, including cancer or liver cirrhosis. One in 4people whodie of liver disease wereinfected as newborns.

Since 1991, physicians have given babies the vaccine at birth, followed by twomore doses, sometimes along with inoculations such as diphtheria, tetanus and polio.

“Since that recommendation started, we moved from 20,000 children getting hepatitis Bat birth or shortly after birth to 200 getting hepatitis Batbirth or shortly after birth,” Cassidy said Tuesday

“This has been an incredibly effective public health intervention, which has contributed to amuch lower incidence of people with children getting both hepatitis B at the time of birth.”

Cassidy is pushing back, though not directly naming Kennedy

But he is also seeking athird term in 2026.

receive ahepatitis Bshot at birth andissued weaker guidance for certain infants.

The CDC recently posted on its website that despitewell-established science, vaccines might cause autism.

ThoughKennedy promised to include himinpersonnel decisions, the health department tapped Louisiana Surgeon General RalphAbraham to be theCDC’s second-highest ranking official without seeking Cassidy’sinput Aformer congressman and gubernatorialcandidate, Abraham forbadethe Louisiana Department of Health from promoting vaccinations.

The federal health departmentalso canceled $500 million in funding to develop mRNA vaccines and adopted the ACIP recommendation to removethimerosal from flu vaccines despite somecommittee membersnoting no evidence was presented that thepreservative caused harm

The ACIP has made COVID-19 booster shotsvoluntary,even for at-risk populations like the elderly It also suggested restrictions on combination inoculations like those that protect against chickenpox, measles, mumps and rubella, which are required before children can attend school.

Mark Ballard Capitol Buzz STAFF REPORTS

The day after the board of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System selected Department of Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson as its next president, Gov.Jeff Landry announced areplacement for the topjob at the tax agency Jarrod J. Coniglio will soon ascend to the secretary role at the revenue department and replace Nelson, who will lead the community college system effective Jan. 1. Coniglio is currently second-incommand as deputy secretary, apost he was appointed to by Landry last year

Landry also announced Thursday that Brandea Averettwill serve as deputy secretary and Catherine Logan will be assistant secretary in the Office of Legal Affairs.

“I want to thank Richard Nelson for his dedicated service over the past two years as secretary of revenue,” Landry said in astate-

ment.“Under his leadership, and with the hard work of this team, we passed historic tax reform that hasalready helped attract tens of billions of dollars in new investment toour state.”

“I look forward to continuing that momentumwith Jarrod Coniglio as secretary,” he said.

Aside from his time at theDepartment of Revenue, Coniglio previously workedatthe LouisianaDepartment of Health, and he worked in the privatesector at JPMorganChase and Wells Fargo.

He served in the Louisiana Army National Guard and has abachelor’s degree in financefromLSU.

LakeCharles-area airport gets big FEMAgrant

The ChennaultInternational Airport, acommercial airport nearLake Charles, received a$20 milliongrant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that will supportabout100 jobs, state officials announced last week.

Themoney will be used to build a37,449-square-foot paint hangar

Louisiana Economic Development will also pitch in a$2M grant.

“The addition of this new han-

In theopening moments of thepanel’stwo-day meeting on hepatitis Bvaccinations, Cassidy tweeted:“The ACIP is totally discredited. They are not protecting children.”

Usually,Cassidy cites his personal experiences as aliver specialist in Baton Rouge’sLSU Earl K. Long Medical Center forthree decades. While he leans into stories of suffering patients at “the Earl,” Cassidy also has done extensive research into hepatitis B. Cassidy participated in tests and is listed as an author on at least 30 medical papers

Mostly adults are infected with hepatitis Bfrom sharing needles

The Chennault International Airport, acommercial airportnear

Charles, received a$20 milliongrant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that will support about 100jobs, state of

announced last week.

gar will be amajor step forward for Chennault International Airport,increasing operational capacity,attracting new commercial opportunities, and bolstering thelong-term economic strength of the region,” said U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins.“I’m grateful for President Trump, FEMA andLED’sinvestmenttoenhance Chennault’s infrastructure.”

Kevin Melton, the airport’sexecutive director,said the grants are theresult of afour-year effort to expand the airport.

The airport is aformer Air Force base that once housed the famous Flying Tigers Squadron of World WarII. Originally called LakeCharles Air Force Base, it

was renamed after General Claire Chennault, the squadron’sleader Today,the airport hosts companies like Northrop Grumman that employ 1,000 people, according to its website. About 3,000 takeoffs, landings and other operations occur there each month.

Cassidy’slaw to address opioid deaths renewed

President Donald Trumplast week signed arenewal of the SUPPORTAct, a2018 law sponsored by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy,RBaton Rouge, that aims to address overdose deaths. The law,which expired in September,authorizes programs for

Cassidy wascensured by Louisiana Republicans in 2021 forvoting to convict Trumponcharges stemming from the Jan. 6riot by MAGAsupporters at the U.S. Capitol. On the other hand, Cassidy said he received White House assurances that President Donald Trumpisn’tworking against his campaign.

He has attracted four challengers —all running to the right of Cassidy in aclosed GOPprimary in which no Democrat can vote. Cassidy sighs when asked for the umpteenth timewhether he regrets backing Kennedy “You makethe best decision you can with the information at the time, based upon assurances you’ve received, and you just trust in that,” Cassidy said. “You live your lifeforward.”

Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate.com.

the prevention, treatment and recovery programs, specialized programs for mothers and babies with substance use disorders, opioid recovery centers, among other efforts.

“The opioid and mental health crisis is devastating families across the nation. Thousands of Americans die each month from an overdose,” Cassidy said in a newsrelease. “President Trump and Iare committed to tackling this crisis head-on. I’mproud to work with him to enact the SUPPORTAct to equip communities with vital resources to save lives.”

In July,Trumpsigned Cassidy’s HALTFentanyl Act, which permanently labeled fentanyl-related substances as aSchedule Idrug in an effort to makeiteasier for law enforcement to arrest and prosecute dealers. Fentanyl is apotent synthetic opioid that helped fuel asurge in overdoses across the country

The SUPPORTAct also includes steps to protect the 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention Lifeline from cybersecurity threats and supports training forfirst responders to administer overdose-reversing medications.

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Exotic pettrade drives illegalsales online

BY MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press

Agrowing exoticpet trade has conservationists calling for stronger regulations to protectthe reptiles, birds andother animals in the wild that are increasingly showing up for sale on internet marketplaces and becoming popular on social media.

The two-week Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ended lastweekinSamarkand, Uzbekistan. Several proposals related to the pet trade wereconsider Participants have proposed tighter regulations or complete bans on the trade of several species includingiguanas from the Galápagos Islands, more than a dozenspeciesofLatin America tarantulas and an odd-looking turtle from Africa.

“What we’re seeing is the pet trade much more looking at reptiles, amphibians.Peoplewant rare species and they don’thave to go into apet shop,” said Susan Lieberman, vice president for international policy at the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Society “They go online and there are thousands of animals, including endangered species, illegally obtained species, allavailable on the internet.”

Internet drives illegaltrade In the past, the trade wasdominated by sales in animalpartslike elephant ivoryand tiger bones.

But Matt Collis, the seniordirector of international policy at the InternationalFund for Animal Welfare, said live animalsfor thepet trade areincreasingly turning up on the internet.

“The dramatic growth in online marketplaces has put consumers directly in touch with wildlife traders and criminals around the world,” Collis said. “In today’ssociety where pretty much anything can be bought with aclick of abutton and shippedanywhere in the world in amatter of days, nowildlife is safe.”

Social mediainfluencers,who have made ownedexotic petscool, are also contributing to the problem, Collis said.

Several of the species proposed for greater protection at the CITES conference are in Latin America, where an IFAW report last year found illegaltrade is on the rise

Thereport, covering 18 Spanish speaking Latin American countries, says there were more than 100,000 animals seized or poached from 2017 to 2022, with seizures increasing every year

Thereport foundthe live pet trade accounted for agrowing piece of the trade, with reptilesrepresentingabout 60%ofthe animals, while nearly 30% were birds and more than 10% were amphibians.

Many animals weretraded locally or regionally but there also was evidence of animals shipped to collectors in Europe, Asia and the United States

More than 90% of the seized wildlife destined for Europe were liveanimals,confirming the demand forpetswas akey driver of theillegal trade, thereport said.

Tortoise,vipersupfor protection

Among thereptilespecies up for tighter tradecontrols is Home’s Hinged-back Tortoise, acritically

endangered turtle found in West Africa that has aunique hinge on itsback allowingittoclose off its back legs andtail. Acommercial banonthe trade in the turtle was approved last week.

Thereare proposals to regulate the tradeintwo vipers species endemic to Ethiopia, two species of rattlesnake found mostly in Mexico, theleaf-tailedgecko from Australia and two species of sloths from SouthAmerica, which are increasingly turning up in sloth-themedcafes in Asia. Aban on the commercial trade in theviperswas approved Tuesday but the rattlesnake proposal was rejected

Aproposalfrom Ecuadorwould banthe trade in marine andland iguanasfromthe Galapagos, which are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Natureascritically endangered or vulnerable. There are concerns that the illegal trade could further destabilize the population, which already faces threats from invasive species,rising tourism and fluctuations in weather associated with El Niño.

In its CITES proposal, Ecuador said it doesn’tpermitcommercial export of iguanas andcollecting themfromthe Galapagos has been

prohibitedfor decades. But Ecuador raised concerns thattraders are capturing and transporting young iguanas by boat or overland to ports and evading authorities by mislabeling them as captive bred.

Most of theiguanas are destined for Japan and other Asia countries andcan sell forasmuch$25,000 on theblack market.

The United States supports the iguana,sloth, viper,tortoise and gecko proposals but is opposed to therattlesnake listing.

CITESpermits abused

Aspecies can be bannedfor tradeinits home rangebut sold onlinebytraders who abuse the CITES permitting process and captive breeding rules and then takeadvantage of importing countries that don’tbother to check if the animals comefromthe wild, Collis said.

“Intheory,under CITES rules, thecountries issuing those export permits should be checking thatthese animals, and crucially their parentage all the way back to the founder stock,were legally acquired in order for an export permit to be granted,” Collis said.

“But that is not happening.” Countries issue permits without verifyinganimalorigins, which helps traffickers launder animals fromillegal sources, “undermining the very framework meant to protect these species,” he said.

The CITES proposalsdraw attention to along-running problem with captive breeding of exotic species, according to Lieberman of theWildlife Conservation Society

“When the treatywas drafted in the early 1970s,there wasn’ta lot of captive breeding and people thought, ‘Well, if they’re bredin captivity, it’ll take pressure off thewild,”she said. “Soundsgood, exceptitdoesn’twork that way. Breeding in captivity also creates amarket, but they’re cheaper from the wild. And also it’sa great waytolaunder.”

Proposalsgotoo far

Aproposal that was rejected on would have regulatedthe trade in more than adozen species of tarantulas. Bolivia, Argentinaand Panama note they are “among the mostheavily traded groups of invertebrates” with morethan half

allspecies availableonline. The proposal would have permitted thetradeinthe spiders as long as there is proof the sources are legal, sustainable and traceable.

“Sometarantula species are particularly vulnerable to overexploitation due to their long life span, limited geographic range andlow reproductive rate,” according to the proposal. “Alarmingly,most of them are notregulated internationally,despite the high availability of hundreds of species in international trade.”

TheUnited States Association of Reptile Keepers opposed the tarantula listing, calling it “incongruous” forrolling many species into asingle proposal.

The association, whichadvocates for responsible private ownership and trade in reptiles and amphibians, suggested other reptile proposalsreflect governmentoverreach, noting the proffered changestoiguana sales are unnecessary sincecurrent regulations “provide adequate protection.”

“Most species have limited trade in captive bredspecimens which is not athreat to wild populations,” David Garcia, the organization’s legal counsel and its delegate at theCITES conference, saidina statement. “Unfortunately,many countries,groups,and individuals take the nonsensical position that the way to limit threatstowild populations is to make the captive reproductionofthose species moredifficult.

But areport from the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, shared with The AssociatedPress anddue to be released next week, found that theUnited States was among the biggest markets forthe pet trade, importing on average 90 millionlive amphibians, arachnids, birds, aquarium fish,mammals and reptiles each year

“Wildlife exploitation, including forthe pet trade, is amajor driver of the global extinction crisis,” the report said. “Onemillionspecies areontrack to face extinction in coming decades unless action is takentoaddressspeciesloss. Addressing the United States’ role in the exotic pet trade must be a top priority to stem this crisis and protect biodiversityfor future generations.”

WhiteHouse createshallofshame fornewsoutlets

Trumpadministration lookstoattack media reporters

BY DAVID BAUDER AP Media Writer

NEWYORK President Donald Trump’sWhite House is taking on therole of media critic and asking for help from “everydayAmericans.”

The White House launchedaweb portal it says will spotlight bias on the part of news outlets, targeting the Boston Globe, CBS News, The Independentand The Washington Post in its first two “media offenders of the week.”

It’sthe latest wrinkle in the fight against what Trump, back in his first term,labeled “fake news.”

The Republicanpresident has taken outlets like CBS News and The Wall StreetJournal to court over theircoverage,isfighting TheAssociated Press in court overmedia access and has moved to dismantle government-run outlets like Voice of America.

Trump has also engagedinpersonal attacks, last month alone saying “quiet, piggy,” to afemale reporter who was questioning him on Air Force One, calling areporter from The New York Times “ugly, bothinside and out” and publicly telling an ABC News journalist she was ”a terrible reporter.”

“It’shonestly overwhelming to keep up with it all and to constantly havetodefend against this fake

‘It’shonestly overwhelming to keep up withitall and to constantly have to defend against this fakenewsand these attacks,’said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

newsand theseattacks,” said press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who called thenew webportalanattempt to hold journalists accountable.

After its debut, the White House asked for volunteers to submit their own examplesofmedia bias. “So-called ‘journalists’have made it impossible to identifyevery false or misleading story, which is why help from the American people is essential,” Trump’spress office said

Despite the attacks, Axios wrote last week that the mainstream media is ending the year as “dominant asever”incapturing the president’sattention and setting Washington’sagenda, citing as one

In additiontoits webportal, PresidentDonald Trumphas also engaged in personal attacks on reporters.

example The Washington Post’sreporting on military strikesagainst boats withalleged drug smugglers. The ironyisthat Trump engages with reporters at alevel he hasn’t

Uncensored foreignnews disappears in NorthKorea

BY HYUNG-JIN KIM Associated Press

SEOUL,SouthKorea For two hours every day,Lee Siyoung and her colleagues broadcast uncensored foreign news into authoritarian North Korea. Her radio audience could go to jail if caught listening.

Lee’sSeoul-based Free North Korea Radio station has tried for two decades to give real-time news to North Korea’s26millionpeople.

But Lee says she now feels asense of crisis about her work as big governmentfunded broadcastersinthe United States and South Korea have fallen silent this year because of major funding cuts and policy changes.

“Our frustrations with the U.S. and South Korean governments are growing over their suspensions of radio broadcasts,” said Lee, adefector who heads the small, nongovernmental FNK radio station. “We’re afraid that they’ve abandoned North Korean residents.” In North Korea, all radio and TV sets are fixed to state-run channels.

But defectors have testified that they modified their radios or used smuggled ones to covertly tune in to foreign broadcasts at night for news their government didn’t want themtohear.

That includes outside perspectives of the North’s rulingKim dynasty,more affluent and freer Western lifestyles, and success stories about defectors

But arespected academic websitefocused on North Korea, 38 North, assessed last month that such outside radio broadcasting toward North Korea was down by 85% after cuts made by the U.S. and South Korean governments.

Twomajor U.S.-funded broadcasters —the Voice of Americaand RadioFree

Asia —wereforcedtostop their Korean-language radio broadcasts after U.S. President Donald Trump in March signed an executive order effectively dismantling the agencythatoversaw or providedfunding to media networks. Trump said thenetworkshad aliberal bias orwere wasteful South Korea’sliberal government ledbyPresident Lee Jae Myung halted crossborder radiobroadcastsin an attemptto lower animosities with North Korea. His government also turnedoff frontline loudspeakers blaring K-popsongs and world news, andbannedactivists from flyingballoonswith propagandaleaflets andUSB sticks across the border

TheFNK stationisnow oneofseveral smallcivil or religious organizationsthat stilltransmitradiobroadcasts into North Korea. Lee, the FNKhead, said that VOA andRFA were much bigger thanher group, which has only five workers,all defectors from North Korea.

“Wefeel heavy-hearted and have aconflict over whether we should tell North Koreansthatthose suspended broadcasts were paused onlytemporarily and they would definitely be restarted or that we’re the

only one of the few who survived,”she said. Despite setbacksinefforts to spread outside news in North Korea, Lee Younghyeon,adefector-turnedlawyer in SouthKorea,this month launched awebsite andamobileapp meantto provide NorthKoreans with an alternativeway to get outside information.

Lee said his Korea Internet Studio would first target tensofthousands of North Koreans living abroad, including laborers, students, diplomatsand their family members. Many of these North Koreansabroad use mobile phones withaccess to theglobal internet, aprivilege citizens in the North don’thave.

Leesaidhis groupaimsto produce practical content thatNorthKoreans abroad could use,suchashow students can get better credits at foreign schools, what gifts laborers can buy for their loved ones at homeand what cryptocurrency is.

“Wedon’texpect the public using our content tolaunch an uprising andtopple the North Korean government,” Leesaid. The objective, he said, is for NorthKoreans to “learn there is such agood world where they canenjoy somefreedom andrights.”

seenwithany other president in his lifetime, said Axios CEO JimVandeHei, co-author of the report with Mike Allen.

“He’salways bitched about the media and the press,” VandeHei toldThe Associated Press. “He gobblesthis stuff up like hotMcDonald’s french fries. He’s amass consumer of this. He watches it, he calls reporters, he takes calls from reporters. That’salways been the contradiction with him.”

CBS, theGlobe andThe Independent were criticized for stories about Trump’sreaction to Democratic lawmakers who recorded a videoreminding militarymembers they were not required to follow unlawful orders. Trumpaccused the lawmakers of sedition “punishable by death.”

The White Housesaiditwas a misrepresentation to say Trump had called fortheir executions.

The portal also said newsoutlets “subversivelyimplied” that the president hadissued illegal orders.

The news articles they cited did not specifically say whether Trump had or hadnot ordered illegal activities.

Leavitthas been sharply critical of thePost’sstory on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s roleinattacksonboats used by allegeddrug smugglers in Central America. The portal lastweek accused the newspaperoftryingtoundermine antiterrorist operations.

“Let’sbeclear what’shappening here: the wrongful and intentional targeting of journalists by government officials for exercising aconstitutionally protected right,” said

the Post’sexecutive editor,Matt Murray.“The Washington Post will notbedissuadedand will continue to report rigorously and accurately in service to all of America.”

The newportal also contains an “Offender Hall of Shame” of articles it deemsunfair and aleaderboardranking outlets with the most pieces it objectsto. Twenty-three outletsare represented,led by the Post’ssix stories. CBS News, The New York Timesand MS NOW, thenetworkformerly known as MSNBC, had five apiece. No news outlets that appeal to conservatives were cited for bias.

Theconservative mediawatchdog Media Research Center,which has accused news outlets of having aliberal bias since 1987, welcomes the company

“We’re pleased,” said TimGraham,MRC’sdirector of media analysis.“It’s astrongereffort than Republican presidents have done before. Ithink all Republicans realize today that the media is on the other side and need to be identified as on the other side.”

VandeHeisaidabout the portal, “I can’t think of anything Icare less about. If they wanttoset up asite and point out bias, great. It’scalled freespeech. Do it. Idon’tthink it makes adamned bit of difference.” What is damaging, VandeHei said, is aconstant drumbeat of claims that what people read in the media is false.“It makespeople suspicious of the truth and the country suffers when we’re notoperating from some semblance of a commontruth,” he said.

GULF COAST

K-9locates planewreckageinfatal crash

Twowerekilled in training flight from N.O. airport

BY ANITALEE Sun Herald

AK-9 named Ensey located the area where the United Cajun Navy found the fuselage from aCessna 172 that plunged into Lake PontchartrainNov 24,said theorganization’s vice president, Brian Trascher of NewOrleans.

The trained cadaver dog, with handler Crystal Fields of nonprofitTeam Texas K9s, alerted a search crew to the area.

Cadaver dogscan detect human remains in the water through odorsthatfloattothe surface.

“The dog will almost try to jump in the water,”Trascher said. “That’swhere they anchoredand put the diver in.”

AUnited Cajun Navy diver reached the fuselage Nov.29, Trascher said.

The diver did not findthe remains of flight instructorTaylor Dickey,ofBiloxi, and private pilot DavidMichael Jahn, of Gulfport,inthe cockpitseats,but Trascher believes they might be further back in the fuselage.

“I’m convinced if we hadn’t hadEnsey,”Trascher said,“we wouldn’thave found thewreckage.”

The site has beenturned over to the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration, which are investigating the crash. The NTSB said that asalvagecompanyarranged by the plane’s insurer will retrieve the wreckage

“Once the plane is recovered, our investigators will move it to asecurefacilityfor further evaluation,” Sarah TaylorSulick, an NTSBpublic affairs specialist,said in an email. Recovery operations willre-

sume only afterrough weather clears, Michael Carastro said. Carastro’scompany, Apollo Flight Training& Aircraft Management inGulfport, owns the Cessna. Theplane went missing after departing Gulfport for a training flight to New Orleans. The NewOrleansLakefront Airport lost contact with the plane about4 milesnorth of the airport.

Sulicksaidapreliminary report thatcontains facts gathered during the initial investigation shouldbereleasedin30days. Afinal reportthatdetailsthe probablecause of thecrash and contributing factors will take 12 to 24 months,she said The United Cajun Navy has

nowassisted the U.S.Coast Guard with several recent searches in southLouisiana, Trascher said. Ensey followed a12-year-old boy’sscent from his New Orleans home to the lagoon shore where he entered thewater AUnited Cajun Navy drone then located theboy’s body in late August after aweekslong search, NOLA.com reported. Because of the United Cajun Navy’sassets, the CoastGuard requested theorganization’sassistance in the Cessna search, Trascher said. Thefederal agency was awarethe group would continue recovery efforts after protocol required that the search be suspended.

TheUnitedCajunNavywas founded after Hurricane Katrinain2005 and grew moreactive again after the 2016 floods in and around Baton Rouge. Trascher said the organization now haschapters in 13 to 14 states, including Mississippi. The largestchaptersare in Louisiana, Texas and Florida, he said. He said theUnited Cajun Navy is transparent with government agencies, including local offices, about when andwhere they plantosearch.They submitted a search grid andplantothe Coast Guardand other agencies before Saturday’ssearch, he said. “We’re not here to fight them,” he said. “We’re here to help them.”

Mobile revisesMardi Gras rules forhorses

BY POETWOLFE Staff writer

Officials in Mobile, Alabama, on Wednesday unveiled revised policies governing theuse of horsesinparades forthe 2026 Carnival season. Under the new rules, animal control officers will evaluate horses on parade days to ensure they meet health standards before entering theroute, replacing aprevious rule that relied only on aseparate veterinary examination certificate. Horses that fail to meet the standards mayberemoved from the route at any time,the Gulf Coast city said in astatement.

The revisions follow the city’sintroductionofnew rulesfor the2025 Carnival season, after avideo of ahorse collapsing and being struck while its rider remained mountedduringanopening parade went viral. Those earlier requirements included veterinary evaluations of parading horses and mandatory training for riders.

Sincethen, the city hasworkedwith “veterinarians, riding groups, and community partners to refine those rules and regulations,” the announcement said. The new regulations area part of a broader shift in Carnival traditions across the Gulf Coast, where cities in recent years have stepped up enforcement of parade rules amid growing safety concerns. At the sametime,viral videos on social media have drawnattention to animalwelfare during Mardi Gras, including a2018 incident in NewOrleans in which arider was seen hitting and kicking ahorse during aparade. Similar to Mobile, New Orleans has implemented tighter regulations for paradehorses, including requiring that all participants have ahip tag showing they arevaccinatedand thatnon-participating horses remainatleast 200 yardsfromthe route.

Email Poet Wolfe at poet.wolfe@ theadvocate.com.

BY JAMES POLLARD Associated Press

NEWYORK MacKenzie

Scott, one of the world’s wealthiest women and most influential philanthropists, is now known for her “no strings attached” surprise grantmaking. But, as a Princeton University sophomore, she learned what it was like to be on the receiving end of generosity Facing the prospect of dropping out if she couldn’t come up with $1,000, Scott was cryingwhen her roommate, Jeannie Tarkenton, found her and got her dad to loan Scott the money “I would have given MacKenzie my left kidney,” Tarkenton told the Associated Press recently.“Like, that’sjust what you do for friends.”

Today,Scott’snet worth is around $34 billion, according to Forbes. In October Scott wrote that Tarkenton’s act is among the many personal kindnesses she has considered as she has donated more than $19 billion of the wealth she amassed mostly through Amazon shares as part of her 2019 divorce from company founder Jeff Bezos. Andwhen Tarkenton started Funding U, alending company that offers last-gap, merit-based loans to low-income students without co-signers, Scott said she jumped at the chance to help.

Aquarter century passed between the end of their sophomore year and Fund-

ary rates, meaning they makeless money back than themarket suggests they should and wait alonger period of timetorecoup the money Funding Ugets the other 70% from banks, who support them to comply with federal laws aimed at preventing anti-poor discrimination by requiring banks to makeloans that benefit their communities.

after all, and Scott will eventually get her money back —just as she repaid Tarkenton’sinformal loan all those years ago.

ing U’screation, aperiod when Tarkenton realized just how many more students were being pushed into her former roommate’spositionbythe rising cost of college.ThatScott took an interestinher old friend’smissiontohelp economicallydisadvantaged students finance schoolis unsurprising. Herunusual gifts —which she rarely discussesordiscloses outside of essaysand adatabaseon herwebsite, Yield Giving —tendtofocusonissues of equity,highereducationand economic security

But the revelationof Scott’sFunding Usupport offers anew glimpse into herinvestments. Scott wrote last year thatshe wouldinvest in “missionalignedventures”led by “undercapitalized groups” that focus on “for-profit solutions” to the challenges that her philanthropy seeks to address. However,this is among the few confirmed publicly

“She’s looking for innovative ways to create opportunity for those that don’t have it,” said Marybeth Gasman, who runs Rutgers’ Center for Minority Serving Institutions and follows Scott’sdonations.“Ihave to say, as somebody who went to school on aPellGrant and

who came from an extremely low-incomefamily,that’s really meaningful.”

Amplifying impact

Scott, in manyways, resembled theexact students that Funding Useeks to serve. Tarkenton recalled theundergraduateScott as a“hardworking student with very good grades” who was “highly focused” and had already been accepted into acompetitive program. Her lending company plugs those sortsofdetails —student transcripts and internship experiences, for example— into an algorithm that determines the likelihood applicants will complete college, get ajob and make enough money to pay back theloan.

Tarkenton suggested that this formula is fairer —and morepredictive —than existing criteria that determineloan eligibility based on the credit histories of studentsortheir co-signers. Scottprovides mostofthe “junior debt”they use to reduce therisk for larger investments from banks such as Goldman Sachs, according to Tarkenton. She is among ahandful of philanthropists who provide 30 cents for every dollar that Funding Uloans. These funders lend at concession-

“I wanted tocombine capital from people who were participating in this because they cared about theunderlying person,” Tarkenton said, “and also, knowing that scale of philanthropy wasn’tquitebig enough, bring to thetable somesort of market solution alongside that capital.” Aphilanthropic endeavor?

Tarkenton is clear: theendeavor isn’tphilanthropic. Funding Uisa company,

But the approach represents amodel that Scott’s former roommatethinks morephilanthropists should embrace. Tarkenton said there’smore space for the likes of Scott to “bring aspirit of investment” that serves a“greater good” but isn’tpurely charitable.

“I think philanthropists can get alittle messier and do morewith their money,” Tarkenton said. “I’m all about pushing philanthropists in avery aligned way.”

It’swhy she started Funding U. Working at an Atlanta-based adult literacy nonprofit, Tarkenton said she noticed persistent disparities in degree completion rates based on socioeconomic status. She found the problem too big for

philanthropy to solve. But the need was too small for most market players to care about addressing, she said.

Scott described the Funding Uloans as “generosityand gratitude-powered” in an Oct. 15 essay about the ripple effects of kindness.

Panorama founder Gabrielle Fitzgerald, whose social impact nonprofit tracks Scott’sgiving, said the investment is “very consistent with her approach to ensuring students have access to higher education.” She said manyfunders see impact investing as a critical part of their giving portfolios. And the full circle impact of Tarkenton’scollege-era loan?

“It’sjust areminder that helping your fellow humans is both agood thing to do at the time and something that could have amassive impact down the road,” she said.

EDUCATION

AI maybescoring thosecollege essays

Welcometothe new eraofadmissions

BY JOCELYN GECKER AP education writer

Students applying to college know they can’t—oratleast

shouldn’t—use AI chatbots to write their essays and personal statements. So it might come asa surprise that someschoolsare now using artificial intelligence toread them.

AI tools are now being incorporated into howstudentapplications are screenedand analyzed, admissions directors say. It can be adelicate topic, and not allcolleges are eager to talk aboutit, but higher education is among the many industries where artificial intelligence is rapidly taking on tasks once reserved for humans. In some cases, schools are quietly slipping AI into their evaluation process, experts say.Othersare touting thetechnology’spotential to speed up their review of applications, cut processing times and even performsometasksbetter than humans.

“Humans get tired; somedays arebetter than others.The AI does not get tired. It doesn’tget grumpy It doesn’thave abad day.The AI is consistent,” says Juan Espinoza, vice provost for enrollment management at Virginia Tech.

This fall, Virginia Tech is debuting an AI-powered essay reader The collegeexpects it willbeable to inform students of admissions decisions amonth sooner than usual, in late January,because of the tool’shelp sorting tensofthousands of applications.

Colleges stress they arenot relying on AI to make admissions decisions, using it primarily to review transcripts and eliminate data-entry tasks. Butartificial intelligence also is playing arolein evaluatingstudents.Somehighly selective schools are adopting AI

for enrollment management

Tech, says AI has the potentialtospeed up review of applications,

processing timesand even

tools to vet the increasingly curated application packages that some students develop with the help of high-priced admissions consultants.

TheCalifornia Institute of Technologyislaunching an AI tool this fall to look for “authenticity” in students who submit research projectswith their applications, admissionsdirector AshleyPallie said. Students upload their research to an AI chatbot that interviews themabout it on video, which is then reviewed by Caltech faculty

“It’sagaugeofauthenticity.Can youclaim this research intellectually?Isthere alevel of joy around your project? That passion is important to us,” Pallie said.

Theprevalence of AI usage is difficulttogauge becauseitissuch anew trend,said Ruby Bhattacharya, chair of the admission practices committee at theNational Association for College Admission Counseling. NACAC updated its ethicsguide this fall to add asection on artificial intelligence. It urges colleges to ensure the way

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they use it “aligns with our shared values of transparency,integrity, fairness andrespect forstudent dignity.

Blowback

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill faced abarrage of negative feedback fromapplicants,parents andstudents after itsstudent newspaper,The Daily TarHeel, reportedinJanuary the school was using AI to evaluate the grammar and writing style of applicants’ essays. The universitydeclined to comment and referred to its admissions website, which it updated after the criticism. “UNC uses AI programs to providedata points about students’ commonapplication essay and their school transcripts,” the website says. Every application “is evaluated comprehensively by extensively trained human application evaluators.”

At Virginia Tech,Espinoza said he has been contacted by several colleges thatare interested in the newtechnology but wary of backlash.“The feedback from alot of

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colleagues is, ‘You roll this out, we’re watching you, and we’ll see howeveryone’sreacting,’”hesaid.

He stressed the AI reader his school spent three years developing is being used only to confirm human readers’ essay scores.

Until this fall, each of the four short-answer essaysVirginia Tech applicants submit was read and scored by twopeople. Under the newsystem,one of those readers is theAImodel, which has been trainedonpastapplicantessays and the rubric for scoring, Espinoza said.

Asecond person will step in if the AI andhuman reader disagree by morethan twopoints on a12-point scoring scale.

Like many colleges, Virginia Tech hasseen ahuge increase in applications since making SATs optional. Last year,itreceiveda record 57,622 applications forits 7,000-seat freshman class. Even with 200 essay readers, the school hasstruggled to keep up andfound itself notifying students later and later

TheAItoolcan scanabout 250,000 essays in under an hour, compared with ahumanreader whoaverages twominutes per essay.Based on last year’sapplication pool, “We’re saving at least 8,000 hours,” Espinoza said.

Colleges seebenefits

The messaging is sensitive for colleges, manyofwhich now have studentscertify that they have not used AI unethically foressays and other parts of the application. But schools say AI tools can help admissions offices eliminate errors in tasks like uploading transcripts andcan simplifythe process for students.

Georgia Tech this fall is rolling outanAItool to reviewthe college transcripts of transfer students, replacing the need forstaff to enter eachcourse manually into adatabase. It will allow the school to inform applicants morequickly

how many transfer credits they’ll receive, cutting downonuncertainty and wait times, said Richard Clark, the school’s executive director of enrollment management.

“It’sone morelayer of delay and stress and inevitable errors. AI is going to kill that, which I’m so excited about,” Clark said. The school hopes to expand the service soon to all high school transcripts. Georgia Tech also is testing out AI toolsfor other uses, including one that would identify low-income students whoare eligible forfederal PellGrantsbut may nothave realized it.

Stony Brook University in New York is also using artificial intelligence to review applicants’ transcripts and testing AI tools for a variety of tasks, like summarizing student essays and letters of recommendation to highlight things an admissions officer should consider, said RichardBeatty,the school’s senior associateprovost forenrollment management.

“Maybe astudent was fighting a diseasesophomore year.Ormaybe aparentpassed away,orthey’re taking care of siblings at home. All these things matter, anditallows the counselors to look at the transcript differently,” Beatty said. Collegesare interestedinAI summariesoftranscripts,extracurricular activities and letters of recommendation that tell human readers thestudents’ story in amore digestible way, said EmilyPacheco,founder of NACAC’s special interest group forAIand admission.

“Humans and AI working together —that is the key right now.Every step along the way can be greatly improved: transcript reading, essay reviews, telling us things we might be missing about the students,”saidPacheco, aformerassistant directorofadmission at Loyola University Chicago. “Ten years from now,all bets are off. I’mguessing AI will be admitting students.”

Astronomerspushtoprotect

Industrial project threatensstudy of cosmos, they say

BY NAYARA BATSCHKE and ISABEL DEBRE Associated Press

SANTIAGO,Chile Chile’s Atacama Desert is one of the darkestspots onEarth, acrown jewel for astronomers who flock to study the origins of the universe in this inhospitable desert along the Pacific coast.

Arare confluence of factors makes the Atacama an ideal homefor someof theworld’sbiggest groundbased astronomical projects —dry climate,high altitude and, crucially, isolation from the light pollution of civilization

“It’saperfect cocktailfor astronomy,” said Daniela González, executive director of the Skies of Chile Foundation, anonprofit that defends the quality of the country’snight skies.

But that may not be the case for much longer,a group of leading scientists warned in an open letter to Chile’sgovernmentreleased Tuesday

Aprivate company is pressing ahead with plans to construct agiant renewable energy complex in sight of one of Earth’smost productive astronomical facilities —the ParanalObservatory,operated by an international consortium known as theEuropean Southern Observatory,or ESO. In the letter,30renowned international astronomers, including Reinhard Genzel, a2020 Nobel laureate in astrophysics who conducted much of his prize-winning research on black holes with theESO-operated telescopes in the Atacama Desert, describe the projectas “an imminent threat” to humanity’sability to study the cosmos and unlockmoreof

its unknowns.

“The damage wouldextendbeyond Chile’sborders, affecting aworldwide scientificcommunity that relies on observations made at Paranaltostudy everythingfrom theformation of planets to the early universe,” the letter reads.

“Weare convinced that economicdevelopment and scientific progress can and must coexist to the benefitofall peopleinChile, butnot at theirreversible expense of oneofEarth’s unique and irreplaceable windows to the universe.”

Thescientists join achorus of voicesthathave been urging the Chilean government to relocate the hydrogen-based fuel production plant since the plan was unveileda year ago by AES Chile,anoffshoot of the American-based multinational AES Corp. In response to arequest forcomment,AES Chile saidthat its own technical studies showed theproject wouldbefully compatible with astronomical observations and compliant with theChilean government’s strict regulations on light pollution.

“Weencourage trust in

thecountry’sinstitutional strength, which for decades hasguaranteed certainty and environmental protection for multiple productive sectors,” the company said.

The plan, which is still underenvironmental review,calls for 7,400 acres of wind and solar energy farms, adesalination plant and anew port

That means not only a majorincrease in light pollution but also new dust, ground vibrations and heightenedatmospheric turbulence that blurs stars and makes them twinkle. All of that —just 1.9 miles from the ParanalObservatory’shigh-powered telescopes —will messwith the view of key astronomical targets and could obstruct scientific advances, experts say.

“Atthe best sitesinthe world forastronomy,stars don’ttwinkle. They are very stable, andeventhe smallest artificial turbulencewould destroythese characteristics,” said Andreas Kaufer,the director of operations at ESO, which assesses thatthe AES project would increase light pollution by 35%.

“If thesky is becoming

brighterfrom artificial light around us, we cannot do these observations anymore. They’relost. And, sincewehavethe biggest

andmostsensitive telescopes at the best spot in the world, if they’re lost for us, they’re lost foreveryone.”

Although this controversy might be specific to Chile, hometo40% of the world’s astronomy infrastructure, the project reflects the wider tensionbetween natural darkness and industrialization, tearing at countless countriesaslight pollution makes the night sky about 10% brighter each year

“Major observatories have been chased out to remotelocations,and essentially now they’re chased outtosome of the last remaining dark sky locations on Earth, like the Atacama Desert, the mountain peaks of Hawaii, areas around Tucson, Arizona,” said Ruskin Hartley,the executive director of DarkSky International, aTucsonbased nonprofit founded by astronomers.

“All of them arenow at risk from encroaching development andmining. It’s happening everywhere.”

LSU Food Pantry serves students’ needs

Volunteers help tackle insecurity challenges on campus

BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

Half an hour before the LSU Food Pantry opened, student volunteers unpacked boxes of canned goods, snacks and produce, arranging them on shelves according to the food category Students began to line up on the first floor of the Student Union as they waited for the pantry doors to open.

The pantry has already served 5,000 individual students this semester, according to Campus Life operations and food pantry manager Jennifer Cristina Before she started managing the supplemental grocery store, she wouldn’t have known the extent to which it was actually needed on campus, Cristina said. But more students experience food insecurity than people might expect, she

said. In 2020, around 23% of college students reported struggling with food insecurity, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

She wants students to know the pantry is there, so the next meal is “the last thing they have to worry about.”

“The old cliché of starving college student, everyone just eating ramen, that’s there for a reason,” Cris-

tina said. “College students aren’t making professional money yet Everyone struggles at some point during their college experience.”

The pantry was opened in 2013 to combat hunger at LSU. No proof of need is required to use it. Students need only a shopping bag and their Tiger Card to select free groceries once a day

The pantry is open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday

through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday

“Anybody associated with this campus, even for one hour in a semester, is eligible to use the pantry,” Cristina said. “As many kinds of students that there are, there are that many reasons that people are using the pantry.”

The inventory comes from Whole Foods, Walmart, Trader Joe’s and the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. The shelves and fridges were lined on a recent Friday with a variety of options, from holiday vegetable hash

to peanut butter to pumpkin spice ground coffee.

The pantry is largely operated by student volunteers, who work in shifts. More students and community members have been seeking ways to volunteer and donate amid the uncertainty of federal nutrition assistance programs, Cristina said.

“Because of this changing landscape, and because there is some concern, it’s led people to actually want to help more,” Cristina said.

Store, strip mall would be built at Juban Crossing

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer

A proposed Target store for Livingston Parish — a project nicknamed the “worst-kept secret” in the parish — is moving forward

On Tuesday, the Livingston Parish Planning Commission unanimously approved the final site plan for “Juban Crossing Phase 3.” The site plan is labeled “Proposed Target Juban

A rider hands out a Christmas hat with goodies to a girl along the route of the Zachary Christmas Parade on Saturday in Zachary

company, said at the meeting the plan is for multiple retail stores,

Judge rules in

BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN Staff writer

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

Daronshel Blackman walked out of a Baton Rouge courtroom feeling like the master of his own destiny Friday He emerged from the 19th Judicial District Courthouse with a renewed sense of self, breathing in the liberating air of reclaimed freedom. “Nothing can touch me now,” he said “Before, I forgot who I was And now that I remember

A federal judge in Louisiana has sided with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in a court case over a man’s deportation to Laos, declining to order the U.S. government to bring him back to the United States because she believed he could fight his case against the agency while abroad.

But Shelly Dick, chief judge of the Middle District Court of Louisiana, also found that the government violated a temporary restraining order blocking Chanthila Souvannarath’s removal — even though she did not find officials did so intentionally “The timeline is clear: the

TRO was violated,” she said in her ruling, later adding, “The Court accepts that Respondents did not know of the TRO prior to Petitioner’s departure from the country.”

The government learned of the order about several hours after putting Souvannarath on a plane to Laos, Dick said. Dick, a President Barack Obama appointee, also wrote that the court only had jurisdiction to decide whether ICE wrongfully detained Souvannarath, and that she could not rule on a citizenship claim he raised or on his removal order Because the court could resolve the matter while Souvannarath was in Laos, she wrote, she would not enforce the temporary restraining order, which

put a pause on Souvannarath’s deportation so that his case could play out. Initially Souvannarath had been held in a Laos jail, preventing him from having regular access to his lawyers But he was released, making it easier for him to resolve his case remotely, Dick said.

Souvannarath “had no right to be in this country,” Tricia McLaughlin, deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, said in a statement when asked about the ruling.

“Following his heinous crimes, he lost his green card, and an immigration judge ordered him removed in 2006,” she said, referring to a 2004 assault conviction.

Souvannarath was born in a

refugee camp in Thailand and came to the U.S. in 1982 as a baby His father was from Laos but became a U.S. citizen in 1988. The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, which is representing Souvannarath, said he has a wife and children in the United States, and that he had never been to Laos before his deportation. In 2004, Souvannarath was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and domestic violence-related second-degree assault in Washington state, prompting a judge to order him removed in 2006 to Thailand or Laos.

Souvannarath remained in

Continued from page1B

buthedid notexplicitly name them.

“It’sthe worst-kept secret ever,” he joked to the commission.

Planning Commission

Board Member Gerald Burns said additional grocery and retail stores, including the tax revenue they would bring, would be great for the parish.

“The tax revenue thisdevelopment would bring to our parish …it’sa win-win for Livingston Parish,” he said. Now that the finalsite planisapproved, developers can apply for building permits and eventually begin construction.

Target has reportedly proposed constructing a 128,000-square-foot store at the site, according to a November listing on the Louisiana Commercial Database.

Aspokespersonfor Target said on Thursday,after the planning commission meeting, that the company didnot have any new updates to share.

“I can tell you we are pursuing the opportunity to reach guests in the Livingston Parish area,but at this time, we’re not at a point where we can share any new store plans,” the spokesperson wrote in an email.

There is currently no Target in Livingston Parish. There are two in Baton Rouge, with the closest one being about 15 minutes away from Juban Crossing on Millerville Road, and one in Hammond.

Email Claire Grunewald at claire.grunewald@ theadvocate.com.

JUDGE

Continued from page1B

the United States for the next 19 years. In June,he was detained at a“regularly scheduled (ICE) check-in,”his attorneys wrote in acourtfiling. He ended up in the Louisiana Lockup, anew ICE detention center at the LouisianaStatePenitentiary at Angola.

Six weeks ago, Souvannarath filed alawsuit challenging his detention, arguing he had a claim to U.S. citizenship because he lived with his father,anaturalized U.S. citizen, foratime as achild. Under immigration laws at the time, he would have automatically become a citizen, he said in legal filings.

McLaughlin called Souvannarath’scitizenship claim a“HailMary attempt to remain in our country.”

Dick foundthe claim to be “substantial” and temporarilyblocked his removal in October.The next day, thegovernment put him on aplane to Laos, where he was kept in ajail, according to hisattorneys In aDec. 1filing, Souvannarath’sown lawyers described him as a“noncitizen.” The ACLU did not answer a question Friday about whether he was dropping hiscitizenship claim.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

FOOD

Continued from page1B

“That’s beenamazing to me Instead of worryingabout having enough forthemselves, these students are out there making sure that

COURT

Continued from page1B

He became the first persontograduate fromthe 19th JDC’sDomestic Violence Intervention Court, an initiative launched in April 2024 as apilotprogram to address the parish’s intensifying issue of household abuse.

Officials at East Baton Rouge’sstate court collaborated with the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’sOffice, Probation and Parole,the YWCA andseveral other agencies to birththe intervention court.The stakeholders hope it has enough success and receives enough fundingtoberecognizedbythe Louisiana Supreme Courtas apermanent specialty court in the 19thJDC.

“He has shown us that when there is dedication, teamwork, communitysupport andresources,that we can combat domestic violence in our community,” said DistrictJudge Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts, who presidesoverthe interventioncourt, as shepresented Blackman with his certificate of completion during Friday’sgraduation ceremony

TheAdvocate haspreviously reported that the District Attorney’sOffice handles about 4,000 domestic violence cases each year.That representsabout athird of the DA’s caseload in East Baton Rouge Blackman was once arecurring part of that problem. Prosecutors allege he invadedawoman’shouse and attacked her in June 2023 as part of apattern of abuse that spanned months. He had previous domestic violence-related convictions on charges stemming from

theonesofthemthatneed it,have it.”

Skylar Brouillette, ajunior who volunteers, said the pantry helps students who might not be able to affordweekly groceryshopping or who struggle to find transportation to the grocerystore.

four separateincidents that occurred between October 2020 and March 2022, court records show. State law mandated he be imprisoned fora minimum of 10 years and he faced up to 30 years in prison if he had been convicted of domesticbattery yet again.

But Blackman was spared thatfate. He enrolled in the pilot program in April 2024 when he pleaded guiltytoa modifiedcharge of aggravated battery

He made an about-face during his 20 months participating in the Domestic ViolenceIntervention Court. Blackmanunderwentsubstance abusetreatment and was able to get50% legal custody of his threebiological children as well as astepchild.The reversal was such astark turn from his old ways thatthe victim came to court to tell Foxworth-Roberts about Blackman’sstrides, describing him as agreat father

The key area of growth came from sessions with Baton Rouge forensic psychologist BrandonRomano, who is an outpatientcounselor for the program Blackman admitted he didn’tfeel like he needed anytreatment when he initially began. But he said the biggest lesson he learned was to remove himself from volatile situations before theyspiral into disarray

“I’ve regainedmyselfcontrol. I’mincontrol now,” Blackman saidoutside the courthouse. “So nothing anybody can say or do can control me.You’ve got to be in control.

“Protect yourself, protect your peace and your sanity as well,” he added. “Just stay outthe way; if it’snot for you, it’s not for you.”

Orleans Parish has adomestic violence court,but it is largely apretrial in-

Shesaidshoppingatthe pantry is fairly normalized on campus, and volunteers worktoprevent users from feeling any stigma.

“I don’tthinkanybody should be ashamed,” Brouillettesaid.“Everybody struggles. And withhow crazyinflation prices have

tervention monitoring program that provides courtordered supervision for defendants out on bail awaiting trial for their charges.

The EastBaton Rouge program requiresabusers to plead guiltytotheir respective charges to enroll in the specialtycourt.State prosecutors defer sentencing for the offenders in lieu of them undergoing psychological evaluationsand any recommended counseling.

Someofthe participants areorderedtoget substance abuse andmental health treatmentaswell. Others must wear GPS ankle monitors so probation officerscan keep track of them to ensure they don’t violateany of thejudge’s protective orders.

Afterthey have completed all the requirements, participants becomeeligible to have the charges expunged from their criminal record.

So far,there have been five participants in East Baton Rouge’s program, which is designed to last 12 to18 months.

Fo xw or th -Ro bert s stressedthe need for more funding to keep the intervention court running. Stakeholdersused afederal grant to getthe pilot program afloat,and hope to receive an infusion from private sources or state agencies thatwill allow it to continue.

“One of ourmajor challenges hasbeen funding,” thejudge said. “It has been ahuge issue for us. Things that we take for granted, like transportation, have been ahuge issuefor us. Thereare people who don’t have money for bus passes, or did not have money to obtaintheir birth certificate so thatwecould getidentification. We have actually filledinthe gaps when alot of those needs were unmet,

gotten recently,Ifeel like alot of us aregoing to the pantry.”

People wanting to support the pantry can donate to its AmazonWish List, make a monetary donation or donate items directly.More information is available on the food pantry’swebpage.

and paid for someofthese things out of our own pockets. Because we wanted them to succeed.”

East Baton Rouge’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council is one of the partner agenciesthat helpedfound the intervention court. DeputyDirector Niles Haymer called it the first court of its kind in Louisiana. The coalition provides “wrap-around resources” to help defendants withhousing, skillstraining, parenting classes andUber ridessotheycan makeit to court for their monthly appearances before the judge.

Haymer noteddomestic violencewas the only area of crimethat spiked during the COVID-19pandemic, and those arrests continue to clog the jails with new offenders each day

“So we have an epidemic in this parish andwecan’t just sit back and do the same things we were doing before because evidently, it’snot working,” he said.

“ProgramslikeDomestic Violence Intervention Court hopefully can change people’slives and make a difference in what we’re seeing in East Baton Rouge Parish.”

Email Matt Bruceat matt.bruce@theadvocate. com.

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Obituaries Anderson Jr., Charles Carter

Charles Carter Anderson Jr., of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away on December 1, 2025 in Birmingham, AL.

He wasa belovedhusband, father,grandfather, brother, and friend. He was born on May27, 1944, in Baton Rouge,Louisiana, to thelateCharlesAnderson Sr.and Phillis Zumo Anderson.

Charles receivedhis formal education at Istroma High School in Baton Rouge,Louisiana, and went on to further his studies at Louisiana State University. He wasa proud member of theBocage Racquet Clubfor over twenty years andthe Ballantrae Golf Clubfor eight years. He wasattending Westwood Baptist Church In hisleisure time,Charles enjoyed golf, horseracing, tennis, LSUsports, bowling, andvisitingthe casino. He wasalways ready for hisnextadventure and treasured momentsspent with familyand friends.

On November 24, 1989, Charles marriedJanet Pourciau.Theywerehappily marriedfor 33 years and together were blessed to have sharedthree children.Heservedhis countrywith pride in theUnited StatesArmyand later built asuccessful career with Exxon,dedicating 31 years as an Electrical Inspector Purchasing Agent, and ProductScheduler

Charles wasprecededin death by his belovedwife Janet Pourciau Anderson; threesisters, Rosalie Altazin, Ruth Anderson, and Barbara Ourso; andhis parents, CharlesC.Anderson Sr.and Phillis Zumo Anderson.

He leaves to cherish his memory,his son, Darren J. Anderson; twodaughters, TerriL.Blair(Nape) and Cindy B. Thornton (Dustin); nine grandchildren, Jade, Lexi,Tabitha (Stephen), Timothy, Travis (Meghan), Jerian,Justin(Heather), Jordan (Kaytlyn), and Brooke; andfourteengreat -grandchildren. Charles also leaves behind uncles aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many wonderfulfriends.

Charlesnevermet a stranger, was so considerate andhad thesweetest soul.

Avisitation will be held on Saturday, December 13, at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10:00 a.m. at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba ValleyRoad, Pelham, Alabama.

Joseph Bradley 'Joey' Castille (47) was born on April 16, 1978, and died on November 30, 2025. He was alifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana Joey was agraduate of Baton RougeCatholic High School, Millsaps College andthe LSU School of Law. Joey was sensitive, inquisitive and curious, and above all things avoracious reader. His reading took him on journeys deep into various and seemingly random worlds, with a heavy emphasis on science, nature, and politics. He would sendspecially curated articles to his loved ones that he was excited about, fully expecting or requiring them to be equally excited. His interests ranged widely, and his closest allies never knew whether an emailed article would contain information about brussels sprouts or the life cycle of astaror the best-rated vacuum cleaner (all true). When he was relaxing, he would listen to books on tape. He had hobbies that would take him into unusual realms, like lock-picking which he viewed as apuzzle. He enjoyed many types of games -from boardgames and computer games to daily NYT Wordle andConnections, that he would play with family members and friends. His parents still recall theday that they came home and found their first brand new computer taken completely apart on the carpeted floor, because Joey at age 10 wanted to learn how it worked. Amazingly, Joey was able to put it all back into working order again, with no missing screws. When his brother Daniel came along and got into the action, there was never any telling what the two of them would get into to give their Mom and Dad heart palpitations.

Starting as achild, Joey loved to explore the outdoors and collected rocks, feathers, bugs, and whatever struck his fancy, that oftentimes ended up in either his pockets or his father's pockets in the washing machine. He even had afavorite doorknobthat he found on the beach after ahurricane. Outdoor excursions continued in adulthood when he introduced his daughter Cate, and his fiancée Paulineto his passions, in the form of slightly upscale camping that included the wonderful 'foil feast' meals cooked over an open fire Yes, the pockets continued to be full of treasures collected by he and Cate. Joey had alove of animals, particularlydogs which transcended all.His first 'real' job was volunteering at aveterinary clinic. Afew notable pets that came into the Castille household come to mind, including a7-legged tarantula, rats who were intended for feeding to snakes at the BR Zoo, guinea pigs, hamsters, cats, snakes, turtles, and adouble-yellow headed Amazon parrot who Joey left for his mother to care forwhen he left for college. Most important were the family boxers, beginning with Cricket who slept underneath Joey's crib as ababy Joeywas completely loving, nonjudgmental, and totally accepting of others; akind heart who made everyone feel seen and valued. He was asensitive soul who felt things deeply and wanted the world to be fair. In the end, the things he could not fix were what weighed heavily on him, and he took his own life. He is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, George Joseph Castille, Sr., and AmeliaThornton Castille of New Iberia, LA, and maternal grandparents, Frederick Bradley Orman, Jr., and Elizabeth Baird 'Betty' Orman of Pueblo, Colorado and later Franklinton, Louisiana Joey is survived by his parents, Dr. George Joseph Castille, III, and Dr. Ella Catherine 'Cathy' Orman Castille, and ayounger brother, Daniel Patrick Castille, ofAtlanta, Georgia. Joey is survived by the love of his life, his fiancée Pauline Ida Engolio,and two daughters, Elizabeth Marie'Lizzie' Castille (17) and Catherine Elizabeth 'Cate' Castille(10). He also leaves behind arescued boxer, Poppy. So that others may ben-

efit, Joeychose to have his organs donated, andhis body was cremated, to be buriedata later date in Roselawn Cemetery in Pueblo Colorado, near the RockyMountains thathe loved. Amemorialgathering willbeheldfor familyand closefriends on Thursday December 11, 2025 at the Retreat at Quarters Lake at 8890Quarters Lake Road, Baton Rouge,LA70809, from 1:00-4:00 PM with a serviceat2PM. Memorial donationsin Joey's name may be made to The Hospice of Baton Rouge www.hospicebr org or Louisiana BoxerRescue www.louisianaboxerrescu e.org.

Merle CarrSmileyCooper died November 4, 2025, at her home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the age of 102.She was born November 10, 1922, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi Aretired schoolteacher and librarian, shetaught at Istrouma High School, BroadmoorHighSchool and was librarian at Park Forest MiddleSchool. She was an off-campus supervisor of student teachers and librarypractice students. She graduatedfrom (Co-Lin) Copiah-LincolnJuniorCollege, received a Bachelor of Science from MississippiSouthern College, and aMaster of Education, plus 30 hours from Louisiana State University. Sheisa member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Louisiana Teachers Association, and Retired TeachersAssociation.She was amember of theDepartment of Classroom Teachers, state and local; National Councilof TeachersofEnglish; Louisiana Library Association; Baton Rouge Library Club; and the East Baton Rouge Commission on Teacher Education and Professional Standards (TEPS). She is acharter member of Broadmoor Baptist Church. She is sur-

vivedbydaughterJan De-

Saix SmileyBrofman and husband, Carl;son James Carr Smiley; stepsons Joe Thurman Cooperand wife Cathy; Douglas LeeCooper and wife Mary, and Allan David Cooper; grandchildren ColinJames Brofman and wife Danielle; Ethan DeSaix Brofman; Lauren SmileyAdams and husband Casey; step grandchildrenBen Brofman; Isaac Brofmanand wife Verna; JenningsCooper Wilsonand husband Adam, Maris Cooper Mellonand husband Taylor; great grandchildrenCooper and Grant Brofman; Reagan, Margotand DeanAdams; step greatgrandchildren Sophie Brofman, Charles "Cal" Davis andMarion Wilson, Tateand Neeley Mellon, Lica Scholerand AlexisGuel; twonieces, twonephews and their children. She was preceded in death by husbands James DeSaix Smileyand George Euel Cooper; parents James Hubert Carr and AllieMae Carr; sisterLoraine Carr Bruner; brother-in-law Marcus Bruner; niece Marsha Bruner Hawkins; great nephew Ryan Hawkins Visitation willbeheldat BroadmoorBaptist Church on December 13th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., followedbya CelebrationofLife service at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Bobby Rayburn. Interment willoccur at Roselawn Cemetery in aprivatefamily ceremony.

Daigle, Carolyn AnnFalcon

Carolyn Ann Falcon Daiglea loving wife, mother,grandmother, greatgrandmother,sister and friend passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025, at theage of 83. She wasa residentof Plaquemine and anativeof White Castle,LA. Visitation willbeheldatWilbert Funeral Home, Plaquemine on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 9am until religious services at 11am, conducted by Pastor Kevin

Snearl. Interment willfollowatSt. Raphael Cemetery,BayouGoula. Carolyn is survivedbyher husband of 63 years, Harold Daigle; sons, Brett Daigle and spouse Tara, and Chad Daigleand spouse Calista; grandchildren, Alyssa DaigleDiSalvo and spouse Nikki,Jake Daigleand spouse Hailey, Calista Claire DaigleAndré and spouse Dylan, and Emma Grace Daigle;great-grandchildren, Edie and EttaDiSalvo,HollisAndré and Blaire Daigle;siblings, Faye Manola, and JuanitaBarbayand spouse Charles; sisters-in-law, Sadie and BrendaFalcon; brother-inlaw, Tommy Johnson; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Wilbert "Bill"and Myrtle White Falcon; siblings, Albert, Alton "Toney," Charles Falcon, and Margaret Johnson. Carolyn enjoyed painting and transforming anything intoart.She lovedlandscaping her home. Please sharesympathies, condolences, and memories online at www.wilbertservices.com.

Henry AllenDavis Sr., "Allen", born on January7 1944, in Port Arthur, TX, passed away on December 4, 2025, in BatonRouge, LA, at theage of 81.

Allengraduated from IstroumaHighSchool in 1963 before serving in the United States AirForce; He retired from Syngenta after30years of service. He enjoyed family time, camping,LSU sports,woodworking and gardening.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie LethrageDavis and Florice Gray Davis;his father-inlaw, WiltonJoseph Kling;

hismother-in-law,Argelie GautreauxKling;and his siblings, Curtis Davis, Mary Hereford,and AnneCobb.

Allenissurvivedbyhis loving wife, JuanitaKling Davis; his children, Henry AllenDavis, Jr."Hank"and wife CinnamonDavis, Les Davis andwife Paula Davis, Clayton Davis andwife AlishaDavis, andBrad Davis andwife Meredith Davis; hissister,Patricia Lynch; 10 grandchildren; and1 great-grandchild.

Visitation willbeat Household of FaithChurchMt.ZionCampus, 17683 LA933, Prairieville, LA 70769, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 1:00 pm until Memorial Service at 2:00 pm.

Easterling,Susan Johnson

Susan Easterling, 64, a residentofClinton, LA, died on Friday, December 5, 2025. There will be avisitationonMonday, December8,2025 at CharletFuneralHome, inc. in Zachary, LA from 5:00 pm until7:00 pm. Sheissurvived by herhusband of 46 years, DonEasterling; threedaughters, Donna Easterling and husband Paul Heytman of Baton Rouge;ShelleyFulcher and husband PaulFulcher of Clinton;AllisonEasterling of Prairieville;three sisters: VickyConley, Rosa Volner,and Mary Freeman; onebrother,Henry Johnson, Jr.; six grandchildren: LandonFulcher, Logan Fulcher,KaraDufour,Kevin Guynn,WesleyDufour, and Hattie Guynn;and two great-grandchildren: Jasper Fulcherand JJ Fulcher. Share memories andcondolences at CharletFuneralHome.com.

Easterly, Irma Sue

Irma SueReily Easterly, 92, "Susie Q",a resident of Gurley, LA, died on Thursday, December 4, 2025. She wascalledmany names, Mama, Grandma, Aunt, Great-Grandma. Therewill be avisitation on Monday December 8, 2025 at the WilsonCommunity Church in Wilson, LA, from 10:00am untilfuneral servicesat12:00 noon, conductedbyBrother JoeRatcliff. Burial will be in the East FamilyCemetery.She is survivedbyher daughter, TerriJoEasterlyof Baker; daughter-in-law Veronica D. Easterlyof Gurley; and adopted daughterCharlotteHallof Baker; onebrother,Ben Day ReilyofMadison,AL; twograndchildren: Rusty Rexroad(Sandra) andBeth RexroadMartin(Joe); and fivegreat-grandchildren: Jordan Rexroad, Tristen Martin, Seth Martin, KamronBrunson, and Aurora Martin, andgreat-greatgrandchild Scarlett Martin. Shewas preceded in death by herbeloved husband, Melvin EasterlySr.,son Levy Scott Easterly;son Melvin Marks EasterlyJr., brotherT.S.Reily, sister Mary LibbyBlouin, and great-grandson, Jason Rexroad. Pallbearers will be Donald Ray Dunn,D.K. Easterly, RustyRexroad Tristen Martin, Seth Martin, Kamron Brunson, Mason Hall. Shewas amemberofthe D.A.R.and enjoyed herquiltingclub. We wouldliketothank all the workers andOLOL Hospital andBaton Rouge Health CareCenter. Andtothe special friends whotook care of Ms Kitty. Andspecial thanks to all of her close friends that played spinnersand Coffee Time friends. Share memories andcondolences at www.CharletFuneralHome com.

Velma Theresa Hebert Edgens, aloving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, passedaway peacefully on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at the age of 89. Velma was born on May 18, 1936,in Whiteville, Louisiana. In the mid 1950s,she moved from her hometown of Palmetto, Louisiana,toBaton Rouge where she worked downtown as aBellSouth switchboard operator. She was adevout Catholicand aproud parishioner of St. Isidore theFarmer in Baker formost of her life. During her time at St. Isidore, Velma worked as asubstitute teacher, volunteer and chaperoned many of exciting school field trips. She eventuallywent on to work at the EBR Parish Clerk of Court Office as adeputy clerk. Among all her work experience, the job she felt most rewarding was being agrandmother.

Her family was her entire life. There was never a ball game, school performance or doctors appointment that she missed for her grandchildren. She enjoyed hosting her family for all the holiday gatherings, especiallyChristmas Eve. She was afounding member of countless pokeno, cards and dominos groups with her sisters, daughters-in-law, neighbors, daughter and friends Velma was an avid reader and bled purple and gold. Her love for LSU Baseball ran deep and even led to a few special calls made to her by former Head Coach Paul Mainieri.

Velma is preceded in death by her parents, Theodule and Dora Hebert; her loving husband, Donald Edgens; sisters, Beatrice Schexnayder and Gladys DuPont; three brothers, Joseph Clifton "J.C." Sr., William and Theodule Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Kinsley Edgens.

Velma was loved by so many people, familyand friends included. She is survived by her sister, Jane Morain Kinchen; daughter, Pamela Vicknair (Rusty), and two sons, Daryl (Robin) and Gerry; nine grandchildren, including Lon Vicknair, Meredith Thigpen, Keegan Larisey, Tabitha Edgens,Samantha Murray, Tyler Edgens, Tara Kaviratna, Hunter Edgens and Heather Edgens; and 27 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for visitation at St. Alphonsus CatholicChurch at 14040 Greenwell Springs Road on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM -11:30 AM with afuneral Mass to follow officiated by Father Michael J. Moroney. Following the Mass, agraveside service and burial will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, in Baker, Louisiana.

"My life -it's better left to chance, Icould have missed the pain but I'd have had to miss the dance"

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make adonation in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital -anorganization held verynear and dear to her heart.

active memberofthe CatholicDaughters, the Red Hat Society,and Threads of Love, whereher passion forcommunity and fellowship shone through.Inher leisure time,she found joyincrocheting, knitting,reading, and sewing—oftenwith melodies of herfavorite artist playinginthe background, Elvis Presley.However, nothingbrought her greater happiness than the cherished moments spent with her beloved grandchildreninHouston. Mary is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, BethelEdward Gainey, Jr.; parents, J. Weston Sr. and CeciliaThomassee Devillier;son, Clint E. Gainey; sister, Catherine Devillierand brother-in-law, Gaston Patin, and sisterBetty Ann Devillier and brother-inlawKenneth Hodges; and brother J. Weston Devillier, Jr.and brotherJohn D. Devillier Sr. .and sister-in-law Irene, and brotherFrank P. Devillier.She is survivedby her daughter, CynthiaK Lundgren, and her husband James P; son, Mark W. Gainey; grandchildren, PaigeLundgren Berta and her husband Matthew, and Weston B. Lundgren; sisters, Viola DevillierLambertand CarolynDevillier; and numerous nieces and nephews. Aspecial thanks is given from the family to Audubon Home Health/ Hospice, the Baton Rouge Clinic,the FMOL team at OurLady of the Lake Regional Hospitaland Griswold Home Carefor theexceptionalcaregiven to Mary.The family would like to inviteall who knew and loved Marytojoin them as we commemorate her life.A visitation willbe held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817Jefferson Hwy., in Baton Rouge, on Friday, December12, 2025, from 12:30 PM until funeral servicesat2:30 PM,with graveside servicestofollow.Inlieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice or suggest planting amemorial tree in Mary's name. Family and friends may order memorialtrees in Mary's name, sign the online guestbook, or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonro uge.com.

Gautreaux, Evelyn Rita Hymel

Evelyn Rita Hymel

Gautreaux was born in White Castle, LA, on May 21, 1929,and passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025,at the ageof96. She was alongtime resident of Baton Rouge,LA. Evelyn was afarmgirl thatgrew up on theriver roadin White Castle.She was surroundedbylovingparents and siblings. She graduated from White Castle High School in 1946. Shortly thereafter, she met and married Clinton Anthony Gautreaux in 1947.They weremarried for62years until his deathin2009.She was an excellent cook and loved having Sunday dinner prepared forher family. After raisingher five children,Evelyn went to work at Agapeland Daycare, caring formany more childrenfor 39 years. She finally retired at age90. Shewas beloved by both herstudents and theirparents.Evelyn willbetruly missed by anyone thathad the privilege of knowing her.Evelynissurvived by her children,Wayne Gautreaux, Rusty Gautreaux, Robin Mentzer (Doug), Rudy Gautreaux (Cindy), and Sandy Kapral (Todd); grandchildren, PaulGautreaux(Cindy), Tore'Thornton (Jason), Calliegh Tootle (Jeremiah), CaitlinWilson (John), Jordan Gautreaux (Caitlyn), and Josh Gautreaux (Hailey);great-grandchildren, Hunter,Reed,Leo, Evelyn, Madelyn, and Baby Avery Rose coming soon; brothers, Larry and Ted Hymel; and ahost of otherloving family members.Evelynis preceded in death by her husband, Clinton Anthony Gautreaux; and siblings, Marion,Paul,Jr.,Lonnie, Rodney, Jerry, Winton, Barbara, and Rudy. Visitation willbeatSt. Isidore CatholicChurch, 5657 Thomas Rd.,Baton Rouge, LA, on Tuesday,December 9, 2025, from 9:30am until the Mass of ChristianBurial at 11am. Burialwillim-

mediately follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are invitedtosignthe online guestbookatwww.greeno aksfunerals.com

Hall III,William Mercer

William Mercer Hall III passed away November 30, 2025, at hishomeatthe ageof83. He was born in Abbeville on August 29, 1942. He spent his early years in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and graduated fromLakeCharles High School in 1960. He graduated fromLouisiana State University in 1965 where he was amember of Sigma Chi fraternity. Upon graduationfrom LSU, he served threeyears in theU.S Army, including atour in Vietnam (1967) as apilot with the71st Assault HelicopterCompany.Captain Hall left theservicein1968 and pursueda career in PetroleumLand Management and Trust Banking He was predeceased by his parents WilliamMercer HallJrand Ann Laura Smith Hall and hisson-inlaw JedJohnson. He is survivedbyhis wife of fiftyfive years, Shelia Faye Walker Hall,son William Mercer Hall IV, daughter ElizabethAnn Hall Johnson, twogranddaughters Katie Hall and Ellie Hall brotherJohn Robert Hall and hiswife Evelyn Champagne Hall. He was adedicated LSUfan and enjoyed playing golf formany years.

It is with greatsadness that we letyou knowmy mother passedaway today, November 28, 2025. Judith "Judy"ElaineJuban Hettinger was born August 26, 1943, and livedtobe82 years old. Shespent years as aclerk at theABC dry cleaners in BatonRouge, then became part owner after her father died.After she sold ABC, she returned to LSUtoget her BS degree in accounting,graduating fromLSU Magna cum Laudewhileraising two children.

She passed theCPA exam on herfirst attempt, then went to workfor the StateofLouisiana, Department of Revenue fora year whileshe pursued working for thefederal government at theIRS,where she retired after 20 years of service. She is survivedbytwo sons, "Don" Nall Jr.(and Kay), of Montgomery,AL., and David Juban Nall,primary caregiver (and Scott Pitzer)ofBaton Rouge, LA., threegrandchildren,"Jimmy" Nall,III,(and Janiece Rodriguez)ofSanta Cruz, CA,Brandon Nall (and Allie Nicholson) of Bloomington, IL,and "Becka" (and Jeremy Karpa) of Eatontown, NJ., one greatgrandson, Cohen Nall,ofSantaCruz, CA., one niece,Trisha Chapman Cote,ofBaton Rouge, as well as many other family

She is preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, David Hettinger,her sisterJeanChapman, her parents, HomerV.and Beatrice "Bea"Juban of Baton Rouge, LA as well as aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Thank youtoPinnacle Hospice of BatonRouge. And thank youtothe wonderful staff of Barkley House(Assisted Living), for their wonderfulservices in taking care of her. At this time, thefamily is not planning acelebration of life,according to her wishes. Anydonations may be madetoPinnacle Hospice of BatonRouge.

Jennifer Palmer Ingram passed away peacefully at Francois Bend SeniorLiving in Gonzales, LA, on November 24, 2025, to meet her Saviorand Lord and be reunited with lovedones in her heavenly home. Born December 22, 1950, Jenwas anativeofBogalusa, LA. In 1972 Jenreceivedher B.A. in government,history, and Spanish fromthe University of Louisiana, Monroe, after which she enjoyed alongand successfulcareer at theSocial Security Administration (SSA), first formany years in thelocal office in Bogalusa, beforemoving to SSAnational headquarters in Woodlawn, MD, from which she retired in 2018. In her various rolesatthe SSA, she enjoyed helping people navigatethe complexitiesofthatsystem and receiving the benefits to which they were entitled.She appliedher executiveexperience to assist in acouple of professional women's associations, servingaslocal chapter president of theAmerican AssociationofUniversity Women (AAUW). In her spare time, she enjoyed needlepoint, collecting antiques, particularlyold ceramics, and shopping.In 2019 Jenmoved fromMaryland to FrancoisBend SeniorLivingwhere she enjoyed an active life with dear friendsand staff until she encounteredsevere health problems overthe last couple of years. She waspreceded in death by her parents, John Henry Ingram and Jocelyn Mann Ingram of Bogalusa and by her brother, Christopher John Ingram, of Zachary, LA.She is survivedbyher brother, Donald KeithIngram,ofBaton Rouge, LA as wellasher sister-inlaws, Cathline Cole Ingram and Carolyn Williams Ingram;nephews, Coleand KyleIngram; niece, Christy Huey; agrandnephew, JaredAndra; and grandnieces, Morgan Andra and Nora Ingram. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank thewonderful staff of FrancoisBend for allthe love,care, and attention she receivedthere as well as thespecial care she received from Southern Care Hospice over the last few weeks. Friends and family are invitedto attend amemorialservice forJen to be held at the Chapel of Francois Bend SeniorLivingonWednesday, December 17, at 10 am.

Kathy Strode Lawrence, born 11/11/1959, passed away on 12/3/25, Kathy was thedaughterofthe late Claribel &Charles Strode &the sister of GloriaJones, Marie Russel, PattyRayborn, and Brenda Tucker. She was preceded

in death by hersister Judy Chadwick, Kathy wasmarried to Dean Lawrence, Kathy wasadevoted mothertoher daughter, Hannah Orser &son Tyler Lawrence, Nothing brought hermorejoy than being "Nana" to her5 grandkids. Visitation will be held from 5PM-8PM on 12/9/25 at Seale Funeral Home 1720 SouthRange AvenueDSLa. 12/10/25 Aviewing 9-11am, Burial willbeheld 11:30 am @SealeFuneral Home

Ralph Scott Mayer "Scott"passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the age of 73. He wasa native and alifelongresident of Baton Rouge,LA. Scott is survived by his wife of 15 years, Claire Barham Mayer; children, ErinMarie Mayerand Joshua WallaceMayer (Emily);stepchildren, Anna Claire Anderson, Charles Anderson (Melanie), and Elizabeth AndersonPendarvis; andseven grandchildren. He is preceded in death by themotherofhis children, Karen Wallace Mayer; andhis parents, Ralph andHelen Mayer. Scott graduated from Baton Rouge High in 1969. He attendedMillsaps College, graduatedfromLSU with a BS in Biology, and obtained twomaster's degreesin education.Hebegan his33 year-long teaching/coachingcareeratTaraHigh School andretired from Broadmoor High School in 2013. He waspassionate aboutinvestingtimeinhis athletesand students and made ahugeimpact on many of theirlives.Heenjoyed fishing, woodworking, andLSU football. But above all,hecherished the time he spent with hisfamily, especially his grandchildren. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd Baton Rouge,LA, on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 9am untilthe time of the memorial service at 11am. TheMayer familywould like to acknowledgethat Scott gave themost preciousgift anyone could give: thegift to save alife. In lieu of flowers, donationsmay be made in Scott'sname to LOPA or Shriners Children's. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.greenoaksfunerals .com

Merchant, Brenda Lynn

Brenda LynnMerchant, 46, of DenhamSprings, Louisiana, passed away on December 2, 2025. Born on February 4, 1979, Brenda lived herlifewith an honestyand authenticity that wasall herown.She saw the best in others andhad an uncannyknack to make others feelvaluedand understoodbygiving of herself and investinginthose around her.

Brenda was thewife of Cliff Merchant, with whom she shared over 20 years of marriage, family, and a deep, steadfast love.She wasthe motherto Malachai Sanders and Ashleigh Borgmeyerand her husband Timothy Borgmeyer, andthe proud "Baba" of hergrandson, BradleyBorgmeyer, whose laughterlit up herworld.

Sheissurvivedbyher parents, Phil Szydlowski, TerryAhlert,stepmother Karla Harper, andmotherin-law Jean Merchant; her siblings, AndrewSzydlowski andhis wife Michelle Maury, TraceyFrohreich andher husband Hans Frohreich, sister-in-law EmilyMedici andher husband Matthew Medici;and hernephewsNigel Szydlowski, QuinnSzydlowski, ParkerFrohreich, David Medici,and niecesZoe Frohreichand Gabrielle Medici—all of whom she lovedinher ownsteady way.

Alifelongfan of theBuffalo Bills, Brenda loved travelingtoAlbuquerque in recent years to watch theSuper Bowlwith her dad,always holdingonto thehopethattheywould oneday see theBills win thebig game together. She wasa loyal NewYorkYankeesfan,proudly holding hergroundduring goodnatured sparringwith Cliff andhis RedSox allegiance.

Amemorial service to honor Brenda's life willbe held on January 8, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Oak Lodge.Familyand friends are invited to come together, share memories, andcelebrate the vibrancy andenthusiasm she broughtinto theirlives Brenda will be rememberedfor the support she offered to those in need thefamilyshe cherished deeply, andthe countless momentsthatshapedthe hearts of all whoknewher Herpresence will be profoundly missed andforever felt.

In lieu of flowersthe familyasks for donations to St.Jude

Norma R. Mitchell, anative andresident of Baton Rouge,passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at theage of 94. She wasa stay-at-home wife andmother andenjoyed goingtothe casino, playingMexican Train, going on familycamping trips, andloved holiday tree decorating. Shewas amember of theRed Hats and Senior Singles, enjoyed playing bridge withher lady friends, andloved garage sale shopping with hersister, Jeanette.She was fond of herbeachtrips with her ladyfriends from church andwas always active with church functions. She is preceded in death by her parents, HenryP.Rodriguezand Bessie Brassett Rodriguez, both formerly of Donaldsonville LA. Sheisalso preceded in death by herdaughter, Cindy Baughman; son-inlaw,BillAinsworth; mother -in-law, Janie Frizell; husband, Harry Mitchell; and dear special partner,Bud

Broussard. She is survived by her four daughters: Susan Weisse (Lambert), Jeannie Ainsworth (Al), Donna Ainsworth (Johnny Wayne), and Wendy Hebert (Dwayne); son-inlaw, David Baughman; sister, Jeanette Breaux (Booster); sister-in-law, Dot Bordelon; and Godchild, Tracy Breaux. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Lambert, Tiffany, Tricia, Melissa, Troy, William, Crystal, Lil Johnny, Courtney, and Blake; 13 great-grandchildren: Emma, Lambert III, Brady, Brees, Adelynn, Alyse, Alexis, Braylen, Kambrie, Shea, Kylie, Mallory, and Cade; 2step-grandchildren: Dustin, Adam; and5 step-great-grandchildren: Bentley, Kristie, and Skyler, and Zane and Zaiden. Visitation will be at St. Thomas More CatholicChurch, 11441 Goodwood Blvd, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 8am until Mass of Christian Burialat10am, celebrated by Rev. Eddie Martin. Burial willfollow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Serving as Pallbearers will be: Troy Ainsworth, William Ainsworth III, Lambert Weisse II, Johnny Ainsworth, Jr Braylen Ainsworth, Shea Meliet, Blake Hollier, and Booster Breaux. Honorary Pallbearers will be Brady Bennett, Brees Bennett, Cade Tate, and Lambert Weisse III.

Ann Nette Dicharry Pearce, 84, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana,passedaway peacefully on November 29, 2025. She was agraduateofBatonRouge High School, Charity Hospital School of Nursing and The University of Texas at Austin. She dedicated her career to helping others, servingover 40 years as a respected research nurse at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Her deep Catholicfaithguided herthroughout her life, inspiring the compassion she showed to others and the love she shared with family and friends. Ann was blessed to make pilgrimages to the Holy Land andFrance, including visits to Lisieux, home of St. Thérèse, and Lourdes, where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette. Ann was known for her quirky spirit, her smile, love of dancing, and her fondness for calling everyone "Sha"—a term that reflected her warmth and Cajun heritage. Ann's love for gardening andfloral design brought her joy throughout her life in Houston. She formed lasting friendships and shared her talents as an active member of the Bouquettes Garden Club, Far Corners Garden Club, Designing Women, and the Houston Federation of Garden Clubs. Her passion led her to become acertified Master Gardener, serve as a Flower Show judge and earned her special recognition for starting the Seeds for Life Program.In 2014, Ann returned home to Baton Rouge to be closer to her family. She is survived by her brother, Dale Dicharry, and his wife, Dawn; nieces and nephews, Greg Dicharry, Ryan Dicharry (Katie), Taylor Dicharry Guidry (Jai), Chase Dicharry, and Teal Dicharry; great-nieces and nephews,Gracy Dicharry, Morgan Dicharry, Hudson Dicharry, Stella Dicharry, Bobby Dicharry, Grey Guidry, Griggs Guidry, Amelia Dicharry, Addyson Dicharry, and Harbor Miller and many beloved cousins. Ann is preceded in death by her loving husband, Don C. Pearce and her parents, Michael and Lillian Dicharry. Ann leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and resilience that will continue to inspire all those whose lives she touched. Visitationwill be held from 9:00 -10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December9, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Father Cleo Milano. Inurnment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, 4045 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA.

Pruitt,Byron

Barney Byron Pruitt, Jr., 75, aresident of Central, Louisiana, passed awayat his home surroundedby family on December3 2025.Byron was born on November17, 1950,son of the late Barney B. andEsther M. Pruitt. After graduating from Central High School, Byron attended SoutheasternLouisiana University on abasketball scholarship. He graduated with aBachelor of Education and briefly taught high school.His love of aviation prompted him to pursue his pilot's license and then he spent three years crop dustinginBatchelor, Louisiana. Thiswas the first professional taste of the skill that defineda large part of his life- flying.Byron andPatty then moved to theVirgin Islands, whereheflewfor both Virgin Air and Coral Air. Those years were filled withgreat adventures and ataste of island life. When they returnedhometo Central,Byron joined the Louisiana Department of Transportation in the Aviation Division andflew for the Governor. Hisnextcareer move waswith U.S. Airways whereheflewfor 30 years beforeretiring Byron lovedfishing,hunting,golf, motorcycles, camping, and anything that got him outdoors. He approachedlifewithcuriosity, dryhumor, andan ability to connect with othersthat drew people in.He was adevoted husband, father,grandfather,and friend, and he willbe deeply missedbyall who loved him. He is survived by his wife, Patty McClean Pruitt; son, Matthew B. Pruitt (Courtland) of Plaquemine; daughter, PaigeA.Collins (Lee)of Reno, NV; sister,Linda M. Anderson of Central; mother-in-law, Ruby S. McClean of Baton Rouge; grandchildren, Anna Claire and Reid Pruitt, Ruby and Wren Collins, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in deathbyhis parents,Barney and Esther Pruitt; brother, Barry W. Pruitt, and father-in-law, Joseph S. McClean Jr.Visitation willbeheldat Resthaven Gardensof MemoryonThursday, December11, from 10:00 AM until services at 12:00 PM, with graveside services to follow. He spent alifewelllivedand felt as though he had checkedall the boxes on his bucketlist. We know his spirit remains -reminding us to chaseadventures, appreciate the small joys, andlivefully with no regrets.

Sheets, Blaine

Blaine JosephSheets,a resident of Gonzales, Louisiana,passedaway peacefully on December2, 2025, at theage of 68, surrounded by hisdevoted family. Blaine lived alifedefined by hardwork, generosity, loyalty, and an unwavering lovefor hisfamilyand community. He was alovinghusband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survivedby his beloved wife, Susan Sheets, their childrenGarrett Sheets (Katie), Hailey Mayers(Brett), Kade Sheets (Amanda),Joseph Canatella (Brooke), Madison Bourgeois (Hunter), and Alicia Canatella grandchildrenBretMarlee, Carson, Braxton, Reid, Britton, Olivia,Rowen, Brielle, Owen, Luka, Kayce,and Wes, his lovingsiblings, Neal Sheets(Peggy),Kirk Sheets,ToddSheets (Candy), Kim Robertson(Barney), Kay Crews (Billy), mother-in-law, Kathleen Michel, andnumerous nieces and nephews. He is precededindeath by his parents James"Sno" Sheets and Bridget"Dut" Sheets,and father-in-law, Lawrence "Boogie"Michel. Blaine began hiscareer in Sno's family's restau-

rant,learning thevalue of hard work and hospitality fromanearlyage.Hewas apartner in Specialized IndustrialMaintenance,a successfulrefractorycompany, and several other successfulbusinessventuresthroughout his life Hisstrong workethic and integrity shaped notonly his companies, butalso themany people blessed to work alongsidehim. He believed deeply in lifting others up,and extended kindness and generosity to those around him. He gave generouslytoarea schools, charities and civic organizations that strengthenedthe community he loved.

His leadership extended intopublicservice and Blaine served as President Vice President and Commissionerofthe PontchartrainLevee District and The Port of Greater Baton Rouge. He had adeeplove of politics and enjoyed engaging in lively conversations, sharing stories, and discussing current events with others. He also had a true love of theoutdoors.

Blaine's greatest joyin life was spending time with hisfamily,weekends with theloveofhis life Susan at theircamp on Belle River, hunting with his sons and grandsons, activitiesand sportingevents with his grandchildrenand traveling with his siblings. His generous heart,humor, and unmistakable presence will be deeply missed by allwho knew and loved him.

Blaine bravely fought a long and difficultbattle with ALS, facing thediseasewith tremendous courage and dignity. The family wouldliketosincerely thank TeamGleason Foundation, Pulmonologist Dr Brierre, Dr Tyler Boudreaux and Pinnacle Hospice.You made our journey possible through your compassionatecare and unwavering support Blaine'slife reflects the words of 2Timothy4:7: I havefought thegoodfight, Ihavefinished therace, I havekeptthe faith.

Amemorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St Amant. Visitation willbe from9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, followedimmediately by thefuneralMass at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at SerenityOaksMemorial Park in Prairieville. In lieu of flowers,the family request that donations be madetothe TeamGleason Foundationinmemory of BlaineSheets, honoring his fightand to support others facing this devastating illness. Blaine leavesbehind alegacy of love,generosity, and unwavering faith To knowhim was to love him, and his impact will continue to be feltfor generations.

NolenWadellStafford, 84, of Baker, Louisiana, transitionedpeacefullyat his home on November 28, 2025, surrounded by his wife and daughters after a beautiful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Survived by his loving wife, Joyce; daughters, Nolenda and Tameka;and sisters Georgia Stone and Masie Kelley.Healso leavesbehind ahost of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friendswho willmiss him dearly. Visitation Thursday, December 11, 2025 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Hall'sCelebrationCenter, 9348 Scenic Highway, BatonRouge,LA. Visitation continues on Friday, December 12, 2025 9:00 am until religious service at 11:00 am ImmaculateConception CatholicChurch, 1565 Curtis Street,Baton Rouge, LA.Father Thomas Clark, SJ officiating.Interment Petty Cemetery, Centreville, MS.Service Entrusted to Hall Davis and Son. www.halldavisandson.com

Louis Dennis Thomassie, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. AnativeofSt. Amant anda longtime resident of Gonzales, Louis was adevotedlongtime parishioner of Holy RosaryCatholic Church and in recent years served as aEucharistic minister at St.John the Evangelist Church in Prairieville. He was a proud Forth Degree memberofthe Knights of Columbus. In his younger years, he honorably served in theUnited States Navy aboardthe USS Miller(DD535) whilestationed in Rhode Island. In his early career he served as store manager at A&Pgrocery beforemoving on to working forReynoldsrecycling becoming known to many in the Gonzales area as "The Can Man."Louis graduated from DeltaCollege of Drafting and was considered amaster carpenter.

Whenhewas notworking,Louiscouldbefound buildingprojects at his house or tending to his plantsand flowers. Louis cherished spending time with his grandchildrenand spent many weekends camping in his RV with them and his beloved wife of 45 years, Shirley. He was proud of his family and likedorganizing and sharing his photoalbums with friends. His brother Milton was aconstant companion, and they enjoyed watching football together on Sunday afternoons Louis spent his final years residing at Gonzales Healthcare NursingHome where he formed many cherished friendships. He was most recently elected as President of theresident's council,a role that gavehim adeepsense of purposeinhis last year of life

He is survivedbyhis brother, Milton Thomassie; hisdaughters,Denise Bearden (Mike Phillips) and MelindaMarchand; four grandchildren, Kristian Yasko(Wanel), Heather Dry Hatzis (Nick), Kasey Marchand and Ali Dry Carter (Brandon); six greatgrandchildren, Destani Locke(Warren), ElizabethAucoin (Reese), MilaHatzis, Alexandra Hatzis,Owen Carter and Stella Carter; and five great-great grandchildren, Caydence, Riot,Millie,Sully and Ryder; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Melancon Thomassie; his parents, Euloge and Virginia Thomassie; hissister, Jeanette Silvio; his brothers, Justin, Joseph, Leo, and GeorgeThomassie; and his greatgranddaughterHayli Guillory. The family extends special thanks to thestaff at Gonzales Healthcare for their compassionate care. Visitationwillbeheldat Holy RosaryCatholic Church, 44450 La-429 St. Amant,La70774, on December 11th, 2025, from 10:00 am until theMass of ChristianBurial at 11:00 am. Louis willbelaid to rest at HolyRosary CatholicChurch Mausoleum.

TrusclairSr.,Donald Ray

Donald RayTrusclair, Sr.,age 74, transitioned into eternal rest on Saturday, November 29, 2025. A nativeofMaringouin, LA, and aresident of Baton Rouge, LA,Donaldaccepted Jesus Christ at an early ageand was adevoted member of St. Peter United Methodist Church. He was educated in theIberville Parish School System and proudlygraduated from Thomas A. Levy High School in 1969. In 1970, Donaldentered theUnited States Army, where he faithfully served his country. He receivedanHonorable Discharge and retired

in 1991 after adistinguishedmilitarycareer. Donald leaves to cherish hismemory hislovingand devotedwife of 27 years, Joyce Ford Trusclair; his daughters, JoyTrusclair and Elizabeth Trusclair; his sons, Derrick(Charlese) Trusclair andDonald Trusclair, Jr.Heisalso survivedbyhis siblings, Edwin (Beverly) Trusclair, Walter (Linda) Trusclair, andPatriciaTrusclair, along with ahostofother relatives andfriends. He is preceded in death by hisparents, Joseph Trusclair, Sr.and Elizabeth Woolfolk Trusclair; brother, Joseph Trusclair, Jr.Visitationwill be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Hall's Celebration Center,9348 Scenic Hwy., Baton Rouge LA, from 9:00 a.m. untilthe Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Austin Trusclairofficiating. Intermentwill follow at Louisiana National Cemetery, Zachary, LA.Services are entrusted to Hall Davis andSon Funeral Services. www.halldavisandson.com

Vick, Margaret Anne

Aproud residentofBaton Rouge until the age of 87, Margaret spent herfinal5 years callingDallas, Texas home. Learning to weave upon retirement, Margaret was amember of acherished communityoffellow weavers for over 30 years. Also committedtolearning thenative plants of Louisiana, sheloved gardening in herbackyard and volunteering at LSUHilltop Arboretum. Margaret was ableto see much of the country andglobe,with herlove for travel taking herto Great Britain,Europe, Peru andMachuPicchu, Mexico, Ecuador, Hawaii andmore. Sheadored hermany nieces, nephews, greatnieces, and greatnephews, wholoved spending summers together water-skiing,exploring theartsinBaton Rouge,or at thefamily'sfarmhouse in Clinton rocking on the shady front porch. Stories of summers spent with Margaret are recounted again andagain with joy by all.Overthe years, the Clinton farmhouse is whereshe hosted avariety of warmly remembered events, from weaving retreats to annual family Thanksgivings, whichwere always completewith kickballgames in the front yard andfiresideroasted marshmallowsinthe den. Margaret showed wonderfulhospitality to her familyand widecircleof friends, readily opening herdoor and herheart Each time she flashedher incredible smileatyou the stirinyourheart waspalpable!Everyone whohad thefortune of knowing Margaret benefited from herlifetime of cultivating wisdom and peace.

Thepast fiveyearswere spent livingwith herniece Patty and husband Paul in Texas. HerTexas family wasprivileged to spend the last 5yearsofher life with her.

Margaret is preceded in death by herparents, Katherine and William Eugene Vick,sister Gene Claire Vick Collins, sister Linda Vick Krizan, and nephew JamesR."T" Collins andcherished friendRichard Miller

Thefamilyisgrateful to Flor Chacon for 5yearsof loving care

Aprivate memorial service will be held.

VicknairSr., Donald James 'Deedle'

Donald "Deedle" James Vicknair,Sr, anative and residentofGreenwell Springs, LA, passedaway at OLOL at theage of 86. He workedinmaintenance andcabinet maker before becoming the "Paw Paw" in working maintenance at St.Alphonsus Catholic Church andSchool. He en-

joyed hunting, fishing, cooking, andspending time with family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis Jacob Vicknair andNoelieKilner Vicknair;sisters, Shirley Vicknair Robinson and Margaret Vicknair Rogers; and hisbrothers, Douglas Vicknair andRoy Vicknair. He is survived by hisloving wife of 66 years, JoyLambert Vicknair;children, Donald J. Vicknair, Jr.and hiswife Susan and SuzonneVicknairCowartand herhusbandWilliam Brett; grandchildren, Trey Vicknair andhis wife Judy, Drake Cowart andhis wife Katelyn,Danae Cowart Cassels andher husband Cade; great-grandchildren Brentley Vicknair, Tucker Cowart, andHalley Cassels; andnumerous nieces andnephews. Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge,LA 70816, on Monday, December8,2025, from 9:30 a.m. untilFuneral Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at ResthavenGardens of Memory. The family wouldliketogive special thanks to the medical staff at OLOL especially KB andAbdul

On November 25, 2025 Sandy went home to be with ourLord. Shepassed away at herhome in Rosedale, Louisianasurroundedbyher loving family. Shewas acherished wife, mother,sister,and friend. Sandy wasbornon July 31, 1952 in ChicagoIllinois.She marriedJosephC RogillioJr. on September 15, 1973 in Baton Rouge La. Sandy andJoseph went on to have threechildren. Sandy workedasa school teacher at SunnySide Christian Academy and FaithAcademy. Shealso workedfor the Louisiana Workforce Commission(ret). Sheissurvived by herdevoted husband, Joseph C. RogillioJr., two sisters, VickiWendt Dimpfl andPamela Balazos, her threeloving children, Dawn Rogillio-Howell, BenjaminRogillio, and Stephen Rogillio. She willgreatly missed by herten grandchildrenand 2great grandchildren. Sandy wasprecededindeathbyher parents, Petrina ChiarelloWendtand Charles A. Wendt, alongwith hersisterCharelWendt-Spoo. Thefamilywill be announcing acelebration of life service at alater date. Announcements willbe sent outonsocialmedia. Go Cubs!

Remembering thelessons of Pearl Harbor

Editor’snote:Aversion of this editorial has been published on the anniversary of theattackin previous years.

When Franklin D. Roosevelt called for adeclarationofwar after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and Hawaii, the president knew how to make aphrase that would stand the test of time.

Today is, and should be, “a date that will live in infamy,” as Roosevelt told the Congress to waves of bipartisan cheers of support. Only afew in the crowd knew how costly the battle had been, even as the president spoke. Now,84years later,aswecommemorate that fateful day on Dec. 7, 1941 that changed the course of history,our nation has seen wars and terror attacks. But still we return to whatwe learnedabout the nature of our country and its people on that day

It is forever engraved on tombstones and in the hearts of families of sailors and airmen killed in the treacherous attack. Most were buried in hasty graves, the loss in lives being so great

To briefly recap: On aquiet Sunday morning, Japanese warplanes surprised American military personnel, sinking ships and shattering aircraft. The attack was meant to cripple the United States’ ability to fight back in awar that it had yet to formally enter.But fight back Americans did, eventually prevailing in along war that saved the world from tyranny The Pearl Harbor attack claimed more than 2,400 Americans, including 45 Louisiana natives. Among the dead was Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd Sr., after whom the USS Kidd, anaval vesselnow amuseum attractioninBaton Rouge, is named. With the advance of science, those killed in the port have been identified by DNA in recent years and reburied whensurviving family members are located.

In 2022, Seaman First Class Houston Temples was buried in Bogalusa; in 2023, Ship’sCook First Class Clarence Thompson was laid torest in Slidell; and in 2024, Navy Mess Attendant First Class Ralph McHenry Boudreaux was buriedinSlidell, all mourned by family and honored by the people of the United States because of their service on the USS Oklahoma, one of the first battleships hit in the attack.

Thegeneration of World WarIIwarriors who secured this country’sliberty grows smaller by the day.Institutions such as theWorld War II Museum in New Orleans and the USS Kidd keep their legacy alive. With these historical treasures so close by,there’snoreason for any resident of south Louisiana not to know what happened 84 years ago this weekend. Even eight decades later,Pearl Harbor’s lessons —vigilance, principle, courage, engagement and leadershiponthe world stage —should remain close to our hearts, as we remember those who gave their lives and the multitudes more who served in the most devastatingconflict the world had ever seen.

The least we can do is learn. Our obligation is to never forget.

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE

WELCOME. HERE AREOUR

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

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

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE

As masked, armed men clad in tactical gear swept through theNew Orleansarea Wednesday conducting immigration “enforcement,” asmaller group of men in central Louisiana were engaged in afar nobler pursuit Those men,19Buddhist monks, are in the midst of a2,300-mile trek that began in FortWorth, Texas, and will conclude in Washington, D.C., in an effort “toraise awareness of peace, loving kindness and compassion across America and the world.”

Thursday was Day 40 of their journey It hasn’tbeen an entirely peaceful stroll. On Thursday,for instance, the cold and rain meantAloka rode in the monks’ support vehicle.

Wednesday morning, the Venerable Monks, as they are called, left Pineville and headed out along La. 28, accompanied by local law enforcement vehicles By theafternoon, they had entered LaSalle Parish,Rapides ParishSheriff Mark Wood told me. “They arewalking every step of the way,” he said, sounding impressed. “I thinkit’spretty neat.” Wood said he had spokenwith afew of the monks as they walked. “They were very humble, very meek,” he said. Louisianaisthe second stateonthe journey that began in October.Accompanied by their dog Aloka, they walked southtoHouston before turning east towardthe nation’scapital.

Far worse, on Nov.19, atruck hit thevehicle near Houston, and two monks were injured. One had his leg amputated earlier this week, according to asocial media post. That samepost said theinjured monkwas resting comfortably What struck me particularly about the monks’ quest wasthe contrast with what is going on in southeast Louisiana right now,as hopped-up, camo-clad Border Patrol agents have descended on Louisiana in this, one of Christianity’sholiest seasons.

The former group is humbly walking for peace; thelatter is here to spread fear through entire communities, not just the“worst of the worst” they are allegedly targeting.

They and their supporters brag about how their actions have not just led to thedetainment of many hardworking, innocentfolks, but also caused others to “self-deport,” as if that’ssomething to be proud of.

Ithink of Mary,Joseph and Jesus, who also were forcedto“self-deport”

to Egypt to escape Herod’sbrutal policies. That irony seemslost on so many whosupport these efforts, believing somehow that Christ’steachings are best accomplished while hiding their faces and wearing bulletproof vests. Meanwhile, acouple of hundred miles north, somemonks clad only in orange robes and simple shoes are literally walking the walk. Their mission is to encourage people to live peacefully,both with themselves and with others. “Goodwill on earth and peace among men,” we might paraphrase it. At various stages in their journey, other walkers have joined Walk for Peace, and ever since they entered Louisiana in Merryville in Vernon Parish, they have had law enforcement escorts. They have been greeted at times with food, water and other aid. Their Facebook page includes alink to amap of their journey,photos and thoughts along the way.I pray their journey remains safeand also offers hope and encouragement amid so much angst and injustice. They,atleast, moresothan many others, seem to get the real reason for the season.

Email Faimon A. Roberts III at froberts@theadvocate.com.

We know several of you have topics that you like to return to often in your letters, either because you have particular experience withitoritisa personal pet peeve. We welcome all letters, but we do like to vary thetopics and the writers to keep thingsfresh. Often,groups of letters will come in when there is amonth dedicated toraising awareness for acause. Generally,weonly print two or three of these. We feel that it should be sufficient to put a spotlight on theissue. It is thesame with guest columns. We know that sometimes writersfear that the public will move on from a topic as time passes, and the newspaper can be apowerful means of revivinginterest.But please know that letters and guest columns remain on our websitelong after they are published in print. We encourage writers to share the links on their social media pages if

they want to remind others of somethingthey feel is importantyear after year

Right now,wehave an importantquestion we have asked you to consider as the year comes to aclose. We want to know:Who do you thinkshould be our Louisianan of the Year? As Iexplained last week, we started this recognition lastyear as away to assess who the biggest newsmakers in thepast year were from Louisiana.

Ourcriteria of whoisaLouisianan is fairly expansive, so as long as you can makeacase, we will consider it. Send us your responses to letters@theadvocate.com.

It doesn’thave to be apolitician or public figure; it could be someone you thinkhas madeadifference in your community.Wewill accept your lettersuntil mid-month and reveal our responses at the end of the year

Turning to our Letters inbox, Ican

give you the totals forthe first two weeks in November For Nov.6-13, we received 56 letters. That week, you weremost concerned about the government shutdown, which would come to aclose Nov. 12. We received six letters on the issue. Then we received three letters on Louisiana’snew closed party primaries and three letters on boats allegedly carrying drugs near Venezuela. For Nov. 13-20, we received 52 letters. A local issue was atop concern, with six letters on the tax renewal proposal called Thrive, which wasrejected by Baton Rouge voters. That week, we also received six letters on immigration, with aheavy focus on the federal agents being sent to NewOrleans. Lastly,wegot five letters on health care, with mostfocused on the expiring ACA subsidies.

Arnessa Garrett is Deputy Editor | OpinionPageEditor.Emailher at arnessa.garrett@theadvocate.com.

COMMENTARY

Bill Cassidycould runfor governor

The conventionalwisdomabout

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy havinga tough primary reelection battlein 2026 couldprove very wrong

Instead, the Baton RougeRepublican could engage in a 2027 donnybrook for governor against incumbent Republican Jeff Landry

The thinking goes like this: Cassidy has every reason to be frustrated as just one of 100 senators in Washington, D.C.’spolitical snake pit. He is by nature aproblem-solving policy maven not apartisan mudslinger.Why would he want another six years battlingboth the national, woke Left and the take-no-prisoners

Landry than winning reelection to theSenate, although aloss in the latter is less likely than many peoplethink.

The political plusesand minusesofeachpath are interesting.

large number of policy victories: bills signed intolaw and amendments adopted,including one that essentially saves Louisiana’s Medicaid funding for thenext few years.

If Cassidyruns for reelection to the Senate in whatalready is an 11-person primary,heisalmost certain to find himself in a primaryrunoff. There, he will havetwo significant advantages but one massive disadvantage.

Cassidy’ssecond, even bigger advantage is that he has financial resources both to publicize those victories and, if needed, to conduct blistering attacks on any Achilles’heel his opponent might have. As of Sept. 30, Cassidy’s $9.5 million campaign cash on hand dwarfs thecash of his nearest challengers by $7 million.

MAGA-ites on the Right, thelatter of whom jump at every whim of amercurial billionaireegotist, when Cassidy could instead be Numero Uno in his home state, successfullyimplementingcreative reforms?

Most people would want to be astrong governor rather than a beleaguered senator

The politics actually could work very well for Cassidy.Hemight have abetter chance of defeating

The disadvantage is well known: Most LouisianaRepublican voters remain besotted with President Donald Trump, andthey seem to remain furiousatCassidy for votingtoconvict in Trump’s2021 impeachment trial. As long as Trumpism rules national GOP politics, plenty of Louisiana Republicansare against sending asenator to Washington who doesn’t reflect theTrumpianzeitgeist.

Polls consistently show Cassidy’s conviction vote is aroadblock to hisreelection Contrarily (advantage one), Cassidy can point to an unusually

That cash alone gives Cassidy a nearly 50-50 chance of overcoming his impeachment-trial vote. It is that very same money, though, that makes Cassidy a threat toLandry.While statelaw says he can’ttransfer federal campaign funds directly to astate campaign, courts have ruled that acandidate can transfer such money to aso-called independent super PAC. That super PAC, which could be run by aCassidy loyalist,could carpet-bomb Landry (figuratively speaking) in a2027 gubernatorial primary while Cassidy uses his own, offi-

cial campaign to remind people of his proven, substantive, problemsolving record Landry is vulnerable. Polls consistently show him in political trouble, with an October survey puttinghis approval rate at just 39% while 54% say the state is moving in the wrong direction.

Meanwhile, Cassidy’simpeachment-trialvote wouldn’tmatter much in astate race. The public’s attitudes canbevastly different when choosing agovernor than when choosing delegates to Congress.

On thelatter,voters know they are choosing one member among either 100 or 435, and they are much more likely to be “sending a message” or wanting to ally with national movements than to be worrying about specific administrative abilities.

When it comes to their governor,though,“stuffgets real.” Voters want someone to deliver good government, period. They rightly view thejob as being morehandson, more practical, moremanagerial, moreconcrete —and less ideological. For example, voters twice saw right-wing Republican

David Vitter as afine messagebearer to Washington, but rejected him forgovernor.Democrat John Bel Edwards probably could never winthe Senate seat, but he won twice forgovernor Looking at the governorship as ajob the way someone would hire the best mechanic to fix a car,even pro-TrumpRepublican voters might wanttohire someone with Cassidy’sprofile as the state’schief executive, despite Landry’smore self-consciously Trumpy profile.

Cassidy has no reason to defer to Landry.Despite Cassidy endorsing Landry in 2023, Landry has quite openly machinated in waysdetrimental to Cassidy’s Senate reelection. YetifCassidy abandons the 2026 Senate race and aims at the 2027 gubernatorial race instead, Landry could be hoisted with his own petard. By all accounts, Cassidy seems determined to run forreelection anyway.The other option, though, should makeLandry reassess his machinations.

Email Quin Hillyer at quin hillyer@theadvocate.com

High-flyingJohnson is runningintosometurbulence

When Congress finallyemerged from its 43-day shutdown,I noted that House Speaker MikeJohnson of Benton, who has managed to keep control of the chamber’s slim, restive majority for two yearsnow,has some top-notch survival instincts.

Not one month later,itseems as if an addendum is in order: And these days, he really needs them. If it can beargued that Johnson won the shutdown when ahandful of Senate Democrats finally agreed to the House-passed spending bill that didn’tinclude their top priority —anextension of the COVID-era enhanced premium tax credits for people on the Affordable Care Act exchanges —it’salso thecase that the aftermath isn’tgoingthe speaker’sway

But don’tjust take my word for it. In afriendly podcast interview with KatieMiller,wife of top White House adviser Stephen Miller,Johnson said he spends much of his time in “triage” mode.

“Wetry to have order and schedule, but it gets blown up because there’sanemergency every 10 minutes,” he said.“And so we’re kind ofinsurvival mode right now.”

From the context of the inter-

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By KEVIN WOLF Speaker MikeJohnson, R-Benton, talks to reporters outsidehis office in theCapitol on ThursdayinWashington, D.C.

view, it’sclear Johnson was talking about howthings have been ever since thechaotic stretch in 2023 when hegot elected speaker after Kevin McCarthy was ousted and three higher-profile colleagues —including Steve Scalise of Metairie —failed to line up enoughvotes.

Still, it’smore true than ever nowthatthe shutdown is over and

The U.S. Customs and Enforcementpeople are not the U.S. Border Patrol people. And they are not the only federal agencies goingafter the so-called “worst of the worst” andcomingupshort, but they have the highest profiles in Louisiana, and they’re the reason we’re in the national spotlight.

anger over how he handled that and other matters is spilling out in public.

Yes, Johnson triumphed by sending his membershome long enough for those Senate Democrats to cry uncle, but thestory didn’tend there.

Once back, he faced thesame pressurehewas already facing to protect the one man he can’tquit

moresereneSt. RoseinSt. Charles Parish

—that would be President Donald Trump—from the release of the notorious Jeffrey Epstein files. Facingarevolt within his own caucus, he finally got on board of ameasure that attracted just a single opponent, Clay Higgins of Lafayette

That did little to assuage hard feelings from someMAGAdiehard members —reportedly including committee chairs who once held plenty of power —that they hadn’tbeen allowed to legislate on their own priorities for all that time away,orreally at all during the current Congress, as Johnson’schosen to completely subjugatethe House’sagenda to Trump’s.

The trouble goes way beyond Trumpacolyte-turned-critic Marjorie Taylor Greene, whoagitated to release the Epstein files and then up and quit Congress. More are rumored to be ready to follow her into early retirement. Andstill others are angry that thepresident’sovert power play to keep the House in GOPhands, pushing for around of mid-decade redistricting, is actually puttingsomeincumbent Republicans in electoral peril.

Things are getting so bad that Johnson’snow openly fighting with amember of his own leadership team,Elise Stefanik, who told The Wall Street Journal that Johnson’sangered so many colleagues that “he certainly

wouldn’thave the votes to be speaker if there wasaroll-call vote tomorrow.”

Add in an apparent blue wave built in part on widespread frustration over the cost of living and the Trump-instituted tariffs that are contributing to it —not to mention the likelihood that more than 20 million Americans will soon see their health insurance bills skyrocket because Republicans still refuse to extend the ACA subsidies. Tone-wise, it sure doesn’thelp that Trumpmocks concern over affordability as aDemocratic hoax, as he merrily goes about building agreat big ballroom financed by rich companies looking to curry favor Or that manyAmericans are rightfully turning on his thuggish treatment of immigrants, or watching him appear to decline mentally in real time.

Sure, Johnson’shad his fun playing Trump’swingman, frequenting the White House and Mar-a-Lago and joining him at football games and wrestling matches. But with all the glamour come someepic headwinds. The way things are going, it’s fair to wonder whether 2026 is the year Louisiana’sunlikely speaker comes crashing back downto earth.

Email Stephanie Graceat sgrace@theadvocate.com.

‘Catahoula Crunch’

The Border Patrol operates in Louisiana from digs on Canal Street in downtown New Orleans. Gregory Bovino, the chief of theBorder Patrol’sElCentro Sector and theguy President DonaldTrump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have been sending intometro areas to get ridofthe “worst of the worst,” made apoint to exit with agang of Border Patrol officers as ashow of force on the busy commercial street.

The Border Patrol is still in New Orleans, with offices on Canal Street, theLakefront Airport along LakePontchartrain and at the Louis Armstrong International Airport in Kenner

Kenner was one of several places where theBorder Patrol dudes executed part of their “Catahoula Crunch” netting strategy Wednesday. If you saw any of thevideo of the detention of ayoung man outside of aBurlington store in aKenner strip mall, you likely heard jet noiseasflights flew above. The place is close to the airport. That poor soul had aphotowith handcuffs behind his back on the front page of this newspaperand at the top of broadcast and television newscasts across the country.Wedon’tknow his name. We don’t know whyhewas detained. We don’tknow whether he’sa citizen. We don’tknow whether he was shopping, working or gettingabite to eat. Idoubtthe Border Patrol knew much about him.

at aLowe’sinNew Orleans, only ahandful might be considered someofthe “worst of theworst,” including aman supposedly convicted of sexual crimes and sentenced to 40 years in prison. They boasted that they had rounded up criminals “with rap sheetsthat include murder,kidnapping, child abuse and robbery.”

Butwhere’sthe beef, folks? Youround up dozens, and that’sall you can say?

If this crunch, sweep or roundup is really about going after noncitizen bad guys and gals, why aren’tthey sharing with us the fresh news about thebig catches they’ve made? Why? Because these efforts are shallow and have not yielded the promised results.

Yetmuch of Louisiana is buying in. Not long ago, the Department of Homeland Securityproudly announced that thefeds had morethan 1,000 agreements with local law enforcement agencies to help ICE in 40 states. Oneofthe most cooperative states? Louisiana. They’re in it for the money since thefeds are paying.

award- and contest-winning catches, you’d better believe they’d be plastering them on social media.

Back in 2000, one of the mostpopular songs was“Who Let the DogsOut?” by the Baha Men. Youcan play that song today and heads will bop, feet will tap and people whocan’tsing will shout lyrics without a song sheet. People may not know,ormay not remember,that the catchy song has its roots in a1998 feminist anthem about bad actor men whocatcall women, calling those dudes dogs.

ICE operates in several Louisiana locations. There are “processing centers” in Basile and Jena,and Angola’sformer Camp Jisnow Camp 57, aholdingplace for those detained based on assumed or real immigration issues. Until last month, ICE operated from the Central Business District in New Orleans.Justweeksago,that office moved from the bustlingCBD to the

If they did, and if he’sone or the “worst,” I’m sure we’d know by now

Email Will Sutton at wsutton@ theadvocate.com. Show

What Iknow is that after detaining dozens of people in Kenner,atahome in Gretna, at aHome Depot in LaPlace and

Since Trumpand Noem started this silly fishing for catfish with double-ring crab nets, they’ve mostly caught tadpoles. They’ve got people convicted of driving while intoxicated, marijuana possession and disturbing thepeace. If they had

The feds switched the nameofthis local immigration effort from “Swamp Sweep” to “Catahoula Crunch” with clear intent and purpose. The greater NewOrleans area has anumber of bayous, but not many swamps. Someone in Washington, D.C., didn’tdotheir homework. But Louisiana does have aCatahoula Parish, acommunity named Catahoula in St. Martin Parish and our state dog is the Catahoula leopard dog. It’s not the mostfamily-friendly animal, but it’sgood at herding cattle and sheep. Who let the dogs out? Our feds. But as fortheir claims of major results? That dog won’t hunt.

SEC crownlongtimecomingfor Georgia

ATLANTA— In aspeech leadingup to Saturday’sSoutheastern Conference Championship Game, Georgia tailback Nate Frazier told anyofhis teammates who’d ever beaten Alabama to stand up. None did. They all can now

If you’re ateam playingfootball in the SEC, Alabama has inflicted pain on you at some point.Many points, most likely.That includes Georgia, which has arguably been the league’sstandard bearer over the past decade withtwo national championships and three prior SEC titles over that span. Saturday,Georgia beat Alabama28-7

LSUset to hire Robinson as DL coach

BY WILSON ALEXANDER

Staff writer

LSU is expected to hireElijah Robinson from Syracuse as its next defensive line coach, multiple sources confirmed withThe Advocateon Saturday morning.

ä Baker returns: LSU DC agrees to reworked contract, Page 3C

Robinson spent the pasttwo seasons at Syracuse as the associate head coach and defensive coordinatorunder Fran Brown. He was demoted earlier this weektoco-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach after a 3-9 season. Robinson was in LSU’sfootball operations building Friday, and adeal is expected to come together.The terms are not yet known. Football Scoopfirst reported the news.

Robinson is expected to replace Kyle Williams, aformer LSU star and longtime NFL defensive lineman with the Buffalo Bills. Williams was expected to choose to step away after one season as LSU’sdefensive line coach.

Before he went to Syracuse, Robinson spent six seasons at Texas A&M, where he became known for his recruiting and development on the defensive line. After Jimbo Fisherwas fired during the 2023 season, Robinson wasnamedthe interimheadcoach Robinson, anative of NewJersey, played defensive tackle at Penn State In the first year under head coach

to aplayduring a game against LSU on Nov. 25, 2023, at TigerStadium. LSU is set

in Mercedes-Benz Stadium to claim the 2025 SEC title. Pounded the Crimson Tide into submission would be morelike it. It’sa win a long time coming for the Bulldogs, one that madethe prospect of being back-to-back SEC champs paired with last year’s22-19 overtime win against Texas taste even better going down.

“All the credit goes to theplayers who have had avery long, tough, hard season,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “The kids in our program buy intohard. Iappreciate their toughness in theway they do things. That pays off in the long run. “Towin back-to-back SEC champion-

ships, it’s every kid in this footprint’s dream.”

Smart was one of those kids. Born in Georgia. Played for Georgia.Coaching at Georgia. All apologies to thelate, great Vince Dooley,who hitched hiswagon to asuperstar named Herschel Walker and won the 1980 national title, butSmarthas established himself as the greatest coach in program history For all of Georgia’ssuccess under Smart, though, something was lacking: Beating Bama. Yes, Georgia did slay the crimson dragon under Smart to winthe 2021 CFP national championship, so naturally that’s

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

Pride is apowerful thing, and if you need evidence to back thatup, just watch what has been going on with the New OrleansSaints’ 36-year-old edgerusher lately

Check out what happened with about five minutes left in the first quarter against theMiami Dolphinslastweek, when CamJordantookaninsidemove at thesnap on third-and-14 and split adouble team by the left guard andcenter Watch the way he fought through aholdand didn’tquit until he dropped the quarterback. Then, peep thehand-over-hand “Levelz” celebration thathe’shit so many timesover the years, and watch the way hisyoung teammates can’thelp butdoitalongside him. That was his second sack of the firstquarter,making 61/2 on the season, and the 128thinwhat should be aHall of Fame career.And it was the latestreminder

Rebounding will be key to beating TexasTech

LSU, McMahonlookto keep winningstreakalive

BY TOYLOYBROWN III Staff writer

ä LSU vs: Texas Tech 2P.M. SUNDAy,ESPN2

Matt McMahon viewsNo. 19 Texas Tech morefavorably than the AP Top 25 poll. The LSU coach called Texas Tech (6-2) one of the top 15 basketball teams in thenation after his team’s 78-69 overtimewin over Boston College on Wednesday Red Raiders coach Grant McCaslandalsoholds unranked LSUin high regard. “They’re significantly improved,” McCasland said. “It’snot acoincidencethatthey’re 8-0. Theyhaveevery positionwith experience and everyposition can leverage you. From the point to the rim to perimeter scoring to rebounding. They’re switching defense, andthey’re really competitive. They have firepower.Ithink they’re atremendous team. They’ve gottengreat players andalso have agreat plan. They’re alegit top25 team.”

The pleasantriesbetween the twocoaches will pausewhen their programs face offat2 p.m. Sunday at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, in the Coast2 Coast Challenge. The neutralsite game will be LSU’smost important contest before the Southeastern Conference slate begins in January Allofits nonconference

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TexasTechwinsBig 12 title

BY STEPHEN HAWKINS AP sportswriter

ARLINGTON,Texas CameronDickey scored right afterthe firstof linebacker Ben Roberts’ two interceptions in the secondhalf as No.5TexasTech wonthe Big 12 championship game, and almost certainly locked up afirst-round bye in the College Football Playoff, with a34-7 victory over 11thranked BYU on Saturday After investing millions of dollars in the transfer portal, the Red Raiders (12-1, No. 4CFP) have their first Big 12 title they are one of only six schools that have beenpartofall 30 Big 12 seasons. They are also going to the CFP for the first time, though their win likely prevented the Big 12 from getting asecond team in the playoff.

“If we are gonna buy ateam, why not be the best,” Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez said after the game.

“Man, Ican’twait to see where the CFP is going to put us,” fourthyear Tech coach Joey McGuire said.“We’re lookingforwardto the bye. Youknow,we’rehoping and expecting that’s wherewe’ll be.” Behren Morton, who didn’tplay in Tech’sonly loss at Arizona State, threw two TDs to CoyEakin and Stone Harrington kicked four field goals for the Red Raiders. The only losses by BYU(11-2, No. 11 CFP) are to the Red Raiders, including 29-7 in Lubbock four weeks ago before four turnovers in the second half this time. The Cougars will fall out of the top 12 instead of moving up when the new CFPrankingscome out

Sunday.They likely needed to be in the top10for aplayoff spot. Roberts, one of the holdovers on the Tech defense along with Rodriguez(13 tackles),got his first interceptionwithabout 31/2 minutes left in the third quarter when he reached up anddeflected thepassby freshman Bear Bachmeier.On thenext play,Dickeytook a directsnapand ran untouched 11 yards fora touchdownand 21-7lead after making the

2-point conversion. Harrington, who kicked a school-record five field goals against BYU last month, missed a49-yard field goal attempt after Roberts jumped aroute to make aone-handedinterception in the fourthquarter But in between Roberts becoming the first player with multiple interceptions in one of the 24 Big12championship games,transfer Romello Height recovered whenBachmeier fumbled when being

sacked. Harrington madea 44-yarderthat time. Roberts almost had his hands on another interception, but that deflection cameona fourth-down play that gave the ball back to the Red Raiders. Tech went ahead to stay on Eakin’sincredible leaping33yard TD catch with10:42 left in the second quarter that made it 10-7. He reached up with both hands to snag theball, then got afoot down while twisting and lunging into the end zone.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDUP

WesternMichiganwinsMAC championship game

By The Associated Press

DETROIT Jalen Buckley had touchdown runs of 67 and 64 yards and Western Michigan won the MAC Championship, defeating Miami of Ohio 23-13 on Saturday Buckley’s67-yard touchdown burst on the third play of the game gave theBroncos theearly lead Palmer Domschke added three field goals in the firsthalf, thelast from 50 yards, andthe Broncos led 16-6 at halftime. Buckley’s64yard TD run made it 23-6early in the third quarter

In the regular-season matchup between the two, Miami scored 17 points in the fourth quarter,rallying to a26-17 victory.Thistime, Western Michigan did notfalter Acouple of possessions after Miami closed to within23-13 with 61/2 minutes left in thefourth quarter,Western Michigan drove to the 1-yard line before turning the ballover on downs. Facing a 10-point deficit and 99 yards togo in less than two minutes, the RedHawks only reached their own16yard line. Buckley finished with 193 yards on 19 carries for the Broncos(9-4). His career high was 196 as afreshman against Toledo in 2023 Broc Lowry had 111 yards passing and 65 yards rushing for the Broncos, who had 286 yards on the ground, 397 total.

Kam Perry had 101receiving yards for Miami (7-6) and the RedHawks managed 272yards oftotal offense.

No.2INDIANA13,No.1OHIOSTATE10: In Indianapolis, the IndianaHoosiers defeatedthe Ohio State Buckeyes to win the Big 10 Championship. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for 222 yards and atouchdown pass.

James Madisonhires fired Florida coachNapier

HARRISONBURG,Va.— James Madison has hired former UL and Florida coach Billy Napiertoreplace Bob Chesney,who is leaving for UCLA but would coach the Dukes in the College Football Playoff if they makethe 12-team field. Napier,who was 22-23 in four seasonsatFlorida,was firedOct 19. Chesney, who coached JMUto a12-1 record and Sun Belt Conference championship, wasofficially announced as UCLA’snew coach on Saturday JMU is in only its fourth season in the Bowl Subdivision and has a combined record of 40-10 under Curt Cignetti and Chesney Napier wasone of the top upand-coming coachesasheled UL to a40-12 record from 2018-21 with four appearances in the Sun Belt title game.

UCLA aiming to revive program withChesney hire

LOSANGELES UCLA hired Bob ChesneyfromJames Madisonas footballcoach on Saturday,hoping he can turn around aprogramthat hasstruggledfor years, including in itsfirst twoseasons in theBig Ten. Chesney takes over from interim coach TimSkipper, who guidedthe Bruins (3-9, 3-6) after athletic director Martin Jarmond fired DeShaun Foster on Sept. 14. Foster went 5-10 aftertaking over the program from Chip Kelly in February 2024. Skipper washired as coach at CalPolySan Luis Obispo on Wednesday Chesneybecomes the 20thhead coach in UCLA football history Chesney led No.19James Madisontoa12-1recordthis season, with theDukes making theircase foraberth in theCFP after winning the SBC title gameonFriday

Messi, Inter Miami topple Vancouver to win MLS Cup FORTLAUDERDALE,Fla. Lionel Messi and Inter Miamihave completedtheir ascent, beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 on Saturday in the MLS Cup final forthe franchise’sfirst championship. It came21/2 years after the legend arrived in South Florida, amove that stunned plenty of onlookers at the time.

He set up the title-clinching goal with a72nd-minute assist to Rodrigo De Paul, aplay where Messi stolethe ball and threaded apass through atiny gap in awall of Vancouver defenders. De Paulgot it in stride, pushed it into the far corner of thenet —and Messi went airborne to hop into his armsafew seconds later,all smiles. Inter Miami becamethe 16th franchise in the league’s30-year history to winanMLS title.

Marinersacquire reliever

Ferrer in trade withNats

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ABRA RICHARDSON

WesternMichigan running back OfaMataele runs the ball against Miami (Ohio) in the first half of the Mid-AmericanConference championship game on SaturdayinDetroit.

Ohio StatekickerJayden Fieldingmissed a27 yardfield goal that wouldhavetiedthe game with 2:48 left in the fourth quarter

Friday’sgames

No.21TULANE34,No.20NORTHTEXAS

21: In New Orleans, Jake Retzlaff hadtwo shorttouchdownruns, Jamauri McClure rushedfor 121 yards and ascore and Tulane beat North Texasinthe American Conference championship game Friday night— avictory thatlikely securedaCollege Football Playoff bid.

Chris Rogers returned an interception 35 yardsfor atouchdown for Tulane(11-2), which intercepted threepasses andrecovered two fumblesinaneffort thatisexpected to delay coachJon Sumrall’s departure for the Florida job he accepted lastSunday. He’ssaid that if the Green Wave

qualified forthe 12-team CFP, he’d see that through to the end.

No.19JAMESMADISON31,TROY14: In Harrisonburg, Virginia, Wayne Knight rushed for career-high 212 yards, including a73-yard touchdown, andJames Madison madeits casefor aCollege Football Playoff berth, beating Troy in the Sun Belt Conference title game. The Dukes(12-1) will now root for Duke to beat Virginia in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game on Saturdaynight, a result that could make them one of two GroupofFive schoolsin the12-team playoff. On achilly night when fans were repeatedly chided for throwing snowballs onto the field, James Madison’sdefense recorded eight sacks, ascoop-and-score touchdown and, for the sixthtime this season,shut out an opponent in thesecond half. Defensive end

Sahir West had threesacks and was in on 10 tackles.

BOISESTATE38,UNLV21: In Boise, Idaho, Boise State became the first team in Mountain West history to win three consecutive championships, defeating UNLV. UNLVsaw theirfour-game win streak snapped in what could be theprogram’sfinal trip here as the Broncos exit the Mountain West. Boise State’sMadduxMadsen wasnamed thegame’sOffensive MVP afterthrowing for289 yards and three touchdowns. The redshirt sophomore completed 17 of his 31 pass attempts and also ran for atouchdown.

Boise State’sTyBenefieldwas namedthe Defensive MVP,after recordinga team-high seven tackles,one TFL and afumble recovery in thecontest.

KENNESAWSTATE19,JACKSONVILLE STATE15: In Jacksonville,Alabama, Kennesaw State overcame afourth-quarter Jacksonville Staterally to upend the Gamecocks in the 21st annual Air National Guard Conference USA Championship Game.

TheOwlsended the thirdlongest FBShome winning streak after Jax State had mounted afurious comeback to erase a12-point deficit with just over 10 minutesleft on the clockbehind touchdown runs from Conference USA Most Valuable PlayerCam Cook and quarterback Caden Creel. CUSAChampionship Game

MVP Amari Odom calmly directed Kennesaw State75yards in 11 plays, scrambling for akey first down on afourth-and-14 play and finishing offthe game-winning drive withan11-yard TD pass to Navelle Dean with 52 seconds remaining.

The Seattle Mariners acquired left-handed reliever Jose A. Ferrer in atrade with the Washington Nationals on Saturday Seattlesentcatcher HarryFord and minorleague pitcher Isaac Lyon to Washington forFerrer,who set career highs with11saves and 21 holds in 72 appearances this year

The 22-year-old Ford is one of baseball’s topprospects,but the Mariners already have All-Star slugger Cal Raleigh at catcher.Ford made his major league debut in September,going 1for 6ineight games.

The Mariners won the AL West this year for the first timesince 2001.Theymadeittothe AL Championship Series before they were eliminated by the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games.

Milan Cortina Olympics

sees slow ticket sales

ROME Construction on the main hockey arena is still not finished. Spectator and media areas at the controversial sliding venue also need to be completed.

And with exactly two months to go to the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, thereisanother major area that local organizers are concentrating on: only slightly morethan halfofthe 1.5 million tickets forthe games have been sold. As the torch relay began in Rome on Saturday,just over 850,000 tickets had been sold.

ABlack Friday promotion last weekincluded three days of 20% discounts on tickets. And purchasers of both Olympics and Paralympics tickets have the chance to getlift passes foreight euros ($9) valid between Dec. 9-22.

Mulkey thinks LSU defense has room for improvement

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

This LSU women’s basketball team knows how to score.

If the Tigers hadn’t proven they could before, they most certainly have now, after they threatened to hit the century mark again on Thursday in a come-from-behind road win over Duke.

LSU ultimately fell short of 100 points. It had to settle for 93.

“And look how poor we played in the first quarter,” coach Kim Mulkey said.

To Mulkey’s point — before the No. 5 Tigers (9-0) got a win they could use to solidify their standing among the nation’s best teams they first spotted Duke a 14-point lead. The Blue Devils eventually cooled off. But by the end of the night, they had, in fact, pieced together one of their best offensive showings of the season, showing Mulkey exactly what LSU needs to tighten up before SEC play begins Jan. 1.

“Scoring the ball is not going to be a problem,” Mulkey said. “Our problem is we have to just continue to get better on the defensive end.”

St at is ti ca ll y speaking, the Tigers will enter their road matchup with UNO on Sunday (3 p.m., ESPN+) as one of the nation’s best defensive teams. Only six Division I squads, according to Her Hoop Stats, have allowed fewer points per 100 possessions than LSU has through the first nine games of its season.

But the Tigers have played a light schedule. Duke (3-6) is the only high-major team on their nonconference slate

And the 77 points the Blue Devils scored against LSU is the most they’ve tallied against a powerconference opponent this year

South Carolina held them to only 66 points on 39% shooting. UCLA let them score just 65 points on 34% shooting. Baylor and West Virginia two other ranked teams — allowed them to put up only 52 points on 29% shooting and just 49 points on 38% shooting, respectively Duke shot 50% from the field against LSU. That field-goal percentage was high enough to tie its season high.

The Tigers have allowed only two Mulkey-era nonconference opponents to shoot from the field at a higher percentage than the Blue Devils did on Thursday LSU lost both of those games — to Florida Gulf Coast in 2021 and to Colorado in 2023. “I want to compliment Duke,” Mulkey said. “That’s as good as I have seen them play all year “I thought we were poor in transition defense early They got some second-chance points. We

STREAK

Continued from page 1C

games thus far have been against teams ranked outside the top 100 on KenPom, with the highest-rated being Drake at 116 as of Friday morning. Texas Tech is a significantly more talented opponent. The Red Raiders returned two of their three best players from last year’s group that made the Elite Eight and lost 84-79 to Florida, the eventual champions.

A win over Texas Tech, which was the No. 10-ranked team in the AP preseason poll, can realistically vault LSU into the top 25 for the first time since the 202122 season.

One key to winning that McMahon will harp on is rebounding. Texas Tech is tied for 15th in the country in offensive rebounds per game (14.9). The Red Raiders have four players who average at least two points per game, led by junior JT Toppin, who was an AP Preseason All-American.

The 6-foot-9, 230-pound forward is averaging 11 boards with 5.3 coming on the offensive end A strong interior offense complements Toppin’s athleticism and relentlessness on the glass as he averages 22.1 points, seventh most in the country, on 54.1% shooting. He’s the only player in the nation averaging over 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Although LSU will miss the rebounding of redshirt junior forward Jalen Reed, who is out for the season due to an Achilles

Prep football semifinals yield triumphs and heartbreaks

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

LSU guard Jada Richard, center pressures Alcorn State guard Jeanee Anderson, left, on Nov. 20 at the PMAC. The high-scoring Tigers could improve on defense, coach Kim Mulkey said.

didn’t grab rebounds. This is their home court, and they just came out excited to play.”

LSU will play five more mid-major teams before it opens SEC play at home against Kentucky — UNO, Louisiana Tech, Morgan State, UTArlington and Alabama State.

The Tigers scored 112 points per game on 56% shooting against their first eight mid-major opponents. Both marks led the country

LSU’s NCAA-record streak of 100-point outings was snapped on Thursday against Duke, but it could’ve been extended had the Tigers not gotten off to a rough start or slowed down their offense late in the fourth quarter

Before Thursday, the Blue Devils had allowed at least 90 points only one time across the past six seasons. LSU finished with 93 while shooting a hyper-efficient 60% from the field

If the Tigers can keep scoring at that rate, then only a few teams they face in January and February will be able to keep pace whether they play better defense than they did on Thursday or not.

But Mulkey still wants to see LSU improve how it plays at that end of the floor The last game showed the Tigers they can get better, and the next five will give them opportunities to do so.

“They jumped on us early,” point guard Jada Richard said, “but I think we never really lost our composure. We stayed poised, stayed together as a team So I think that’s the thing we learned tonight. Just togetherness If we stay together, then we can do whatever we want.”

Email Reed Darcey at reed. darcey@theadvocate.com

tendon injury it still has size in the frontcourt. The bigs who will battle with Toppin for rebounds are Mike Nwoko, Pablo Tamba, Robert Miller and Marquel Sutton, who leads the team with nine rebounds a game. Also atop the scouting report will be limiting 3-pointers. Texas Tech is in the top 35 in the country in 3-pointers attempted per game (29.5). Texas Tech has four players shooting at least four 3s per game, including Donovan Atwell, who takes 7.9 and is making 44.4%. LSU only has two players, Sutton and Max Mackinnon, who attempt at least four 3s a game.

Texas Tech’s second-best shooter and primary playmaker is Christian Anderson. The 6-foot-3 sophomore is averaging 6.9 assists, 10th in the country and 18.1 points. He is also shooting 41.1% from 3 on seven attempts. LSU’s starting guards, Dedan Thomas and Mackinnon, will have to be attentive to the opposing marksmen, Limiting offensive rebounds and playing good 3-point defense will not be enough. The Tigers’ offense has to be explosive in their own way, which is pounding the paint and allowing Thomas to push the pace. It can’t win if it plays as it did against Boston College. While Thomas is coming off a season-high 23 points and seven assists in the team’s first true road game, the Tigers needed overtime because they were 9 of 34 from the field in the second half. Texas Tech will easily exploit a cold spell like that.

The high school football semifinals finished Friday night. Seven Baton Rouge-area schools looked to punch their tickets to state title games at the Caesars Superdome. Here’s how they fared in their semifinal matchups.

Dunham takes down LCA

It was a night full of offensive fireworks between the No. 5 Tigers (12-1) and No. 1 Knights in the Division III select semifinals.

Dunham trailed 48-41 late with less than five minutes to go. Tigers quarterback Elijah Haven drove his side down the field and connected with wide receiver Jarvis Washington on a 19-yard touchdown pass with 1:46 left in the game.

The Tigers went for two and converted it when Haven hit Khris Thomas in the front corner of the end zone to put the Tigers ahead 49-48.

Haven completed 18 of 27 passes for 357 yards, six touchdowns and one interception while also rushing for a team-high 61 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.

Washington tallied 182 yards receiving and four touchdowns on seven receptions.

Now, Dunham returns to the Division III select state title game for a second year in a row The Tigers will face No. 6 Calvary Baptist (12-1) on Thursday at the Dome.

Ascension Catholic advances

The No. 5 Bulldogs went on the road against an undefeated No. 1 Westminster Christian side in the Division IV select semifinals.

Ascension Catholic got off to a quick start on both sides of the ball. The defense held the Crusaders without a first down on their first four drives of the game.

The offense put points up in a hurry behind a strong run game led by running back Trevin Simon. He ran for 364 yards and six touchdowns on 33 carries.

Two interceptions in the first half by the Bulldogs’ defense also halted Westminster Christian drives. Ascension Catholic took a 33-0 lead into the half and rolled on toward a 45-14 win.

Ascension Catholic is back in the Division IV select state title for the first time since 2018. The Bulldogs will face No. 2 Riverside Academy (11-1) on Thursday U-High falls in OT

The Cubs went on the road against No. 1 St. Charles in the Division II select semifinals.

University High trailed 20-7 at the break but battled back to tie it 27-27 in the fourth quarter UHigh quarterback Ethan McGlynn found wide receiver Lawson Dixon for a 47-yard touchdown with 1:30 to go in regulation to tie the game. St. Charles blocked the extra point attempt, which sent the game to overtime.

St. Charles had the ball first and scored a touchdown. The Cubs were stopped on fourth down on the ensuing possession to fall 3427. U-High’s season ends at 10-3.

Catholic falls to Karr again

In a rematch of last year’s Division I select semifinal, the No. 4 Bears faced the undefeated No. 1 Cougars.

Catholic lost last year’s game 21-19, looking to avenge that loss and get back to the state title game.

The Bears trailed early, 7-3, but quarterback Baylor Graves scored on a 36-yard run to put his side up 10-7 Karr answered with 10 points before the break to take a 17-10 lead into halftime. Catholic had a chance to tie it late, but the Cougars’ defense forced a fumble in the red zone to

regain possession and eventually kneeled out the clock to seal a 1710 win.

The Bears (10-3) had four turnovers in the game.

Zachary loses narrow game

The No. 13 Broncos’ run ended Friday against No. 1 Ruston in the Division I nonselect semifinal. Ruston struck first in the second quarter to take a 7-0 lead. The Broncos evened the score after Tylek Lewis ran it in for a 5-yard touchdown. Zachary took a 10-7 lead into the break after a field goal.

The Bearcats went back in front after a 45-yard rushing touchdown. Broncos quarterback Michael Kirby gave his side the lead after responding with a 9-yard touchdown run.

Ruston scored another touchdown in the fourth to take a 21-17 lead. Zachary (9-4) had one last chance to win it but was stopped on fourth down with 3:37 left in the game.

Plaquemine falls

The No 5 Green Devils faced No 1 North DeSoto in the Division II nonselect semifinals.

Plaquemine took an early 14-0 lead after the first quarter North DeSoto responded with 22 points in the second quarter, but the Green Devils took a 30-22 lead into the break.

The Griffins kept clawing away and took a 44-36 lead into the fourth. Plaquemine scored to tie it 44-44, but North DeSoto scored two TDs late to win it 58-44. Plaquemine’s season ends at 12-2.

St. James loses rematch

The No. 3 Wildcats looked to avenge last year’s state title loss in a rematch with No. 2 Sterlington in the Division III nonselect semifinals.

St. James fell to Sterlington 3528 in last year’s game.

The Wildcats led 18-14 at the end of the first quarter Sterlington fought back and led 28-24 at halftime. The Panthers overwhelmed St. James in the third quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 28-0.

St. James (10-3) scored two touchdowns late but fell 63-38.

Ascension Catholic headed to Dome

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

Moments after booking their trip to the state title game, Ascension Catholic players gathered around a purple door and a sledgehammer

The door featured a list of the Bulldogs’ past six playoff finishes. Two semifinal appearances, three quarterfinal appearances and one second round exit.

Ascension Catholic finally knocked the door down after defeating No. 1 Westminster Christian. The Bulldogs players then smashed dent after dent into the purple door that lay flat on the grass in Opelousas.

“It’s been seven years in the making,” first-year head coach Taylor James said. “These kids have fought, and they’ve battled. They’ve been close; they had their heart broken. They’ve worked for this for a long time.”

The Bulldogs (11-2) face No 2 Riverside Academy (11-1) in the Division IV select state title game on Thursday in the Caesars Superdome.

James said it took time and building relationships to reach this moment.

“A lot of people think a coach walks in and it’s a Day One fix,” James said. “It’s not. You have to build that relationship This is what it’s all about.” He said December football is about who can run the ball and play defense. The Bulldogs did both against the Crusaders in the semifinal. The defense shut out Westminster Christian in the first half. The offense, led by running back Trevin Simon, built a strong 33-0 lead at halftime en route to a 45-14 win.

Simon and the rest of the Ascension Catholic seniors will close out their high school careers in the Superdome. The class of 2026 came close twice, with two trips to the semifinals before falling short.

“They’ve had a lot of people for a long time tell them that the last senior class was the best,” James said. “This group, man, they put their heads down, and they went to work. I couldn’t be more happy for those guys.” Simon ran for 364 yards and six touchdowns on 33 carries in the win. He set state records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in a single season with 3,765 yards and 57 touchdowns.

The previous record was set in 2024 by Leesville’s Xavier Ford with 3,467 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns.

For Simon, he was happy with the record, but he was more excited to make it to the state championship, a game his brother, Eric Simon, played in 2017 and 2018 for Ascension Catholic.

“Definitely excited,” Simon said. “My brother made it there so it’s a big accomplishment for me. Excited to celebrate with my teammates.”

He gave credit to the offensive linemen for his record-setting performance. One of the offensive linemen is senior Vaughn Blanchard, who also tallied a sack on defense.

“It feels great,” Blanchard said on making it to the state title. “Finally getting past that semifinals loss every year I’m excited.”

He went down for a moment, but came back to finish the game.

“I wasn’t going to let down,” Blanchard said. “I was in it for all of it. I was ready for it.”

Now, back in the state title for the first time since 2018, one game sits between Ascension Catholic and its fourth state championship and first since 1992.

Dunham QB Haven wins Gatorade honor

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

Dunham star quarterback Elijah Haven helped send his team to the Division III select title game on Friday night. Earlier in the day, he was named the 2025-2026 Gatorade Louisiana Football Player of the Year Haven threw for 3,281 yards and 53 touchdowns in his junior season before the Tigers’ semifinal game against No. 1 Lafayette Christian. He also ran for 635 yards and eight touchdowns. The Gatorade Player of the Year award celebrates the nation’s best high school athletes for their excellence in sports, academics and community Haven, the No. 2 recruit in the nation per 247Sports, played a key role in leading the Tigers (12-1) to

the Division III select state title game against Calvary Baptist. Haven has volunteered locally as a youth football coach and has maintained a weighted 3.86 GPA in the classroom.

“Elijah has become more of a complete player,” said Travis Bourgeois, head coach of Episcopal High School, in a statement from Gatorade’s announcement. “He spreads the ball around to all of his skill players. He trusts his teammates and will not force the deep ball. He makes the players around him better by the confidence he displays.”

The award also allows Haven to be eligible to be selected as the national Gatorade Player of the Year

OUTDOORS

ThankfulatThanksgiving

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Sophia Dodd was invited toasouthTexas hunt with herfriend Taylor Haydel and Cocodrie charter fisherman Darren HaydelduringThanksgiving week. Thoughthe 12-year-old St Francis de Sales student saidshe didn’t expect to seea deer,she wasreadyenough to takeher first whitetail buck, an 8-pointweighing 185 pounds.

OUTDOORS NOTEBOOK

Gunsafetyparamount when goingonhunts

BY JOE MACALUSO

Contributing writer

GarretVerdun’s tragic death last weekend is astory told during hunting seasons not every hunting season, but ahandful during the last 10 years. The story relayed by Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement was that the 45-yearold Raceland man was walking to his stand withahunting buddy when they came up to acattle-guard crossing and Verdun handed his firearm to his companion. The .308-caliber rifle discharged, killing Verdun. While the first reflex is to advise about always engaging the safety on afirearm, thebestthing is to notload the firearm —pistol, rifle or shotgun—until youreach your stand or blind and are ready to use it. Moreover,unload all firearms when climbing into or descending astand, crossing afence, climbing uphill or going downhill on a steep grade.And never pull afirearm’s muzzle toward you.

fyou’re the kind of hunter who believes there’saneed to be ready to engage your quarryonthe way to astand or blind, then please, don’t have aroundorashotshell in the chamber.You can load themagazine, then quickly chamber aroundwhen

needed.

Safety first,please.

Firstsegment

During the last 30 someodd years of writing about waterfowl seasons, it’sbecome obvious that duck hunters complain loudly when there arenoducks. They are noticeably quiet when ducks show in enough numbers to provide for successfulhunts. This first segment,which is coming to aclose, must be extraordinarily good. No complaints. No “should have been here yesterday” moans What happened in this first segmentisaprocession of an Arctic coldfront that blistered the north-central andmidwesternstates with downright frigidtemperatures andenough snow to cover the foodsources ducks usually find in the fields in states to our north. Take thesurvey

This is thelast day for bass fishermen across our stateto give their responses to what Wildlife and Fisheries’ InlandFisheries Section calls the “Statewide Black Bass Angler Survey.” The survey is designed to let anglers expresstheir preferences and opinionson management of largemouth, spotted and Floridabass. Youcan findthe survey

at surveymonkey.com/r/ YC78TGP

Bigreward

Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement folks said there’s a$3,500 reward forinformationleading to the conviction of someone responsible for killing a375-pound adult male black bear found in Concordia Parishlast weekend on the Richard Yancy Wildlife Management Area. Call the 24-hour operation game thief hotline at 800442-2511 with anyinformation

Countthose birds Louisiana has thousands of avidbirders, but Audubon’s126th Christmas BirdCount, running Dec 14-Jan. 5, wants more peopletoengage in this annual event

Backyardsare agreat way to spot birds.Feeders help, andyou don’thavetobean expert to become partofthis continent-wide activity

Audubon’swebsite is audubon.org,thensearch for the Christmas Bird Count. There you can watch arecording to understand your role in theevent

Other website info will give youa “circlemap”to find acount near you (green and yellow circles are open fornew participants) and instructions on how to register

CHANCE CAVIN DOUBLESUPONSTATE TITLES

Chance Cavin claimedthe top prizesinthe South Louisiana HighPower RifleClub’s Garand/Springfield championship held at the AscensionParish Sheriff’sRangelast Sunday. Cavin wonboth the M1 Garand and Springfieldriflestate championships.

Dwayne Vidrine used his shooting in those twoevents to win theIronMan Trophy. Both events limit shooters to using iron sights.Vidrine scored a287 with six bull’s-eyeswith a 1903 model Springfieldrifle. Joey St. Germain wonthe F-Class match

Joe Macaluso

MONDAY

RED STICK FLYFISHERS

BANQUET: 7p.m Broadmoor Methodist Church, Sharp Road at Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge. Email Brian Roberts: roberts.brian84@ gmail.comWebsite: rsff.org

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY

STATECOMMERCIAL FISHING

LICENSE RENEWAL: 8a.m

noon &1-3:30 p.m., LDWF office, 2045 LakeshoreDrive Suite438, New Orleans. Also Dec. 15-17m 8a.m.-noon& 1-3:30 p.m.,LDWFoffice, 468 TexasGulf Road, Bourg. Call (225) 765-2898.

WEDNESDAY

LA. SHRIMP TASK FORCE

MEETING: 10 a.m.,Terrebonne Parish Main Library, 151 Library Drive, Houma.

BUGS&BEERS: 6:30 p.m. Skeeta Hawk Brewing, 455 N. Dorgenois Street, New Orleans. Fly tying.Open to the public. Email A.J. Rosenbohm: ajrosenbohm@gmail. com. Website: neworleansflyfishers.com

THURSDAY

JUNIOR SOUTHWEST

BASSMASTERS AWARDS

BANQUET: 7p.m Seminar Room, BassPro Shops, Denham Springs. Call Jim Breaux (225) 772-3026.

HUNTING SEASONS

DUCKS/WESTZONE: Through Dec. 7&Dec. 20-Jan. 25, includes coots &mergansers.

GEESE/WEST ZONE: Through Dec. 7&Dec. 20-Feb. 1. Includes Canada, blue, snow& Ross’ &specklebellies. Take of Canada geese prohibited in portions of Cameron & Vermilionparishes.

SNIPE:Through Dec. 7& Dec. 20-Feb

OUTDOORS CALENDAR

28, statewide

DUCKS/EAST ZONE: Through Dec. 8&Dec. 20-Jan. 31, includes coots &mergansers.

GEESE/EASTZONE: Through Dec. 8&Dec. 20-Feb. 7. Includes Canada, blue,snow& Ross’ &specklebellies

GEESE/CONSERVATION ORDER: West Zone,Dec. 8-19; EastZone,Dec. 9-19, first segments. Limited to takeof blue,snowand Ross’ geese only.Nodaily nor possession limits. Huntersallowed to useelectronic calls and shotguns capable of holding morethan threeshells

DOVES: South Zone,Dec. 13-Jan. 11; NorthZone,Dec. 20-Jan. 18.

WOODCOCK: Dec. 18-Jan. 31, statewide.

DEER/MODERN FIREARMS: Through Jan. 4, State Deer Areas 1, 3, 4, 7&8,with/without dogs

RAILS/GALLINULES: Through Jan. 7, statewide.

DEER/MODERN FIREARMS: Through Jan. 11, State Deer Area 2, with/without dogs

DEER/ARCHERY: Through Jan. 15, State Deer Areas 3, 7, 8& 10. Either-sex takeallowed.

DEER/MODERN FIREARMS: Through Jan. 18, State Deer Areas 5&9,with/without dogs,bucks only except either-sex takeallowedDec. 7&Dec. 13-14.

DEER/MODERN FIREARMS: Through Jan. 18, State Deer Areas 6, with/without dogs

DEER/ARCHERY: Through Jan. 31, State Deer Areas 1, 2&4 Either-sex takeallowed.

DEER/ARCHERY: Through Feb. 15, State Deer Areas 5, 6 &9,either-sex takeallowed.

QUAIL, RABBITS &SQUIRRELS: Through Feb. 28, state-

wide, private landsonly AROUND THECORNER DEC. 16: LAFAYETTE KAYAK FISHINGCLUBMEETING: 6p.m., Pack &Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette. Call (337) 232-5854. Website: lafayettekayakfishing.com DEC. 17: FLIES&FLIGHTS: 7p.m., RallyCap Brewing, 11212 Pennywood Avenue, Baton Rouge.Fly tying. Open to public. Sparetools,materials for novices. Email Chris Williams:thefatfingeredflytyer@gmail.com DEC. 18: ACADIANA FLY RODDERS PROGRAM: 6p.m., Pack &Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette. Open to public. Email DarinLee: cbrsandcdc@gmail.com. Website: acadianaflyrodders.org FISHING/SHRIMPING SHRIMP: Fall inshore&outside watersopen statewide. OPEN RECREATIONAL SEASONS:

Pelicans getblasted by Nets

BY RODWALKER Staff writer

TheNew Orleans Pelicans played theworst scoring team in the NBA on Saturday Youwouldn’thave known it by looking at theBarclays Center scoreboard.

ThePelicanslosttothe Brooklyn Nets 119-101.

It was the sixth consecutive loss for thePelicans (321). The Pelicans have now had threesix-game losing streaks this season.

This one came against a Brooklyn team that was averagingjust 109 points per

game,which ranks30thin the league. The Netshit the 109 markwith 5:09 remaining in agame they led by as manyas28points.

Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. It wasn’tnearly enough to overcome aslow start. The Pelicans trailed35-24 at the end of the first quarter and 62-44 at the break.

“Itreally starts withour defense,” said Pelicansinterim coach James Borrego. “We’ve got to find ways to start games with aphysical edge.Obviously,it’smyjob to get them there.”

Michael Porter scored 35 to lead theNets (617), who have won three of their past four games. Brooklyn’s NicClaxton recordeda triple-double with 14 points,11rebounds and 10 assists. Borrego wasn’tpleased withthe defense andwas surprised by the offense’s struggles.

“I thought we would get out and run and do some more things,” Borrego said. “Maybe when you’re bleeding defensively,itaffects the offensive end. In general,our offensewas stagnant, too.”

SAINTS GAMEDAY

ROSTERS

SAINTS

BUCCANEERS

REPORT

SAINTS

OUT: TTaliese Fuaga(ankle), RB Alvin Kamara (ankle), SJustin Reid (knee)

QUESTIONABLE: WR Chris Olave (back)

BUCCANEERS

OUT: WR MikeEvans (collarbone),WR Jalen McMillan (neck), SRashad Wisdom (quad)

QUESTIONABLE: CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring),OTTristan Wirfs (oblique)

FOUR THINGS TO WATCH

GETBIG GAME FROM SHOUGH

MAKE PLAYS

SLOW DOWN BAKER

TAKE CARE OF THEBALL

TheSaintsdidn’tdothatinthe firstmeeting with theBuccaneers in late October. TheSaints committedfour turnovers, including a3-yardpick-six by Bucs’linebacker AnthonyNelson. Theinterceptionofthe Spencer Rattlerpassset thetonefor the day. TheBucsalsopickedoff Tyler Shough andrecovered apairof fumbles. TheBucsare tied for second in theleagueinturnover differential,thanksinparttoan opportunisticdefense that has forced 18 turnovers. TheSaints will havezerochanceofpulling off an upsetiftheycan’t take care of theball

In the first meeting of the season between the twoteams,Tyler Shoughcame off the bench and replaced Rattler Shoughcompleted 17 of 30 passesfor 128 yards that day in the Superdome and has been the starter ever since. He’s had some highs and lows since taking over. Last week against the Dolphins, the Saints had just 63 yards of offense in the first half. But Shough gotgoing in the second half and gave the Saintsachance. He’ll need that second-half productivitytospill over intothis game. Can Shough farebetteragainst the Bucs in his second time seeing them?

TheSaints finallyunlockeda weapon last week when receiver Devaughn Vele gotgoing.Vele, acquired in atrade in August,had barely been targeted before thegameagainst theDolphins. He had caught ninepassesall season but reeled in eightpasseslastweek. He showed whythe Saints traded forhim in the firstplace,using his 6-foot-5 frametomakecontested catches. Shough should go to him earlyand often. He canbeagreat complement to ChrisOlave,who wasunabletohaulinwhatlooked like acatchable touchdownlast week.Theywillbothneedtomake playswhencalledupon.

1 2 3 4

The Saints did apretty good job with Bucsquarterback Baker Mayfield in the firstmeeting Mayfield completed 15 of 24 passes for 152 yards and was sacked three times.Saints defensivecoordinator Brandon Staleyprobablylikes his chances if theycan hold Mayfield to those numbers in arematch. Mayfield will have afew more weapons this time. ReceiverChris Godwin has returned after missing the teams’ firstmeeting.Running back Bucky Irving also missed the firstgame. The Saints held the Bucs to 212 yards of offense, but the taskwill be tougher thistime around.

Rod Walker

Thegoldstandard

Demario Davis, who turns37inJanuary,isn’t supposed to still be thebest player on the New Orleans Saints.

Cam Jordan, who turns 37 in July isn’tsupposed to be leading theteam in sacks.

But herethe two ageless wondersare, in the midst of the team’sdisastrous season, adding bullet pointstotheir respective résumés showing why they aretwo of the best defensive players to ever wear afleur-de-lis on the side of their helmets.

One day —probably sooner than later —Mickey Loomis will have to try to replace Davis and Jordan.

Chances are, Loomis won’tbeable to find someonewho can record 922 tacklesinless than eight seasonslike Davis has done since arriving in New Orleans in 2018.

Even more unlikely is him landing another edge rusher who can rack up 128 sacks like Jordan has done since being drafted by theSaints in 2011.

As crazyasitmay sound, finding that type of productivity won’teven be the hard part.

The real difficultywill be trying to replace two playerswho arejust as productive off the field as they are on it.While Sundays in theSuperdome are where Davis and Jordan get theloudest cheers, it’sthe workthey do outside the Dome that really deserves thekudos It’swhat will makethem irreplaceable. I’m not even sure if they still even make football playerslike Demario and Cam. They have missed just one game each (out of 364 they’ve played with the Saints) becauseofinjury. They areiron men with hearts of gold.

The latestexample of their exemplary community service came Friday when Davis was named the Saints’ nominee for theprestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The award recognizes playerswho excel on the field and demonstrate asteadfast commitment to creating apositiveimpact beyond the game.

“It’satremendoushonor,” Davis said.

“I think anytime you get arecognition of this stature, it takes you back to your

why.For me, my why will always be centered around my faith. Ithink we are called to take the gospeltothe ends of the earth. I’m so grateful for this organization because of the platform I have; Iamable to do that.”

Truthbetold, the Saints could nominateDavis for this award every year It’sthe thirdtime he has been the Saints’ nominee. He was also the nominee in 2020 and 2022.

Jordan has also been nominatedfor it three times (2017, 2021 and 2024).

Tyran Mathieu, who retired before this season,was the nomineein2023 and is the only other playerthe Saints have nominated since 2020. When Davis and Jordan hang up theircleats, theSaints will have to find someoneelsetonominate. And the city of New Orleans will need someone else to carry thetorch that Davis and Jordan now carry,the one passedtothem by thegreat Drew Brees. In the 2006 season,Brees became the only Saints nominee to beat out the other 31 nominees and win the award. Davis, who is a Mississippi native like Payton, hopes to become thesecond

“This awardisthe highest honorthat you can receive in our game,” Davis said. “It speaks to whothe award is named after.(Walter Payton) is atremendous player on the field. But even more important is the impact that we are able to have in thecommunity we serve.”

Saintsdefensive coordinator Brandon Staley,inhis first seasoninNew Orleans,has admired Davis fromafar.But this season,hegot to personally witness Davis’ commitment both on and off the field.

“He’sjustapro’spro,” Staley said. “I

think he’s oneofone. He’spartofthat rarifiedair of aspecial player Aleader affecting so many people. Affecting so many things. The league is so fortunate to have an ambassador like him.” Davis’ Devoted Dreamers Foundation, which he operates with wife Tamela, is a big part of his giving back. He hasalso partneredwith The 18th Ward to create aleadership development program. He also took atrip to Paris to help with the NFL’s efforts to expand the game globally.But it’sNew Orleans, less than200 miles from his hometown of Brandon, Mississippi, thatisnearestand dearest to Davis.

“It’ssuchaneasyplace to serve,” Davis said. Davis andJordanare nowmuch closer to the endoftheir careers than the beginning. Someone will eventually have to try to fill their shoes both on and offthe field.

“You can’t force anybody to be outin the community,” Jordan said. “You can seeguys andsay,‘yeah, he’snextup.’ But it hastobeinyou to want to be going outonyouroff days andsetting up events or looking outfor people.For the longest time,Ididn’thave the foundation. Iwas just outhelping. Ifinally realizedthatyou can do so muchmore with so many more people.One message with 100 people behind it can go so much farther thanone message by one person.” It helps, Jordansaid, whenplayers have been in the city for awhile.Jordan is in his 15thNFL season, all in New Orleans. Davis is in his 14th season and eighth in NewOrleans. Davis took fellowlinebackersJaylan Ford and Isaiah Stalbird on oneofhis most recent endeavors.

“This is what it’sabout,” Davis said. “Everything youlearn and acquire in life is meant to be passed down and passedforward.”

Whoever thatperson is will have a good blueprint to follow,thanks to two Saints’ defensive greats.

EmailRod Walker at rwalker@ theadvocate.com.

WESTERHOLT

By BRIAN

ASSOCIATEDPRESS FILE

Saints defensiveend Cam Jordan, center, celebrates with teammates after asack during agame against the Carolina PanthersonNov.9 in Charlotte,N.C.

SAINTS

Continued from page1C

that, after two down seasons, Jordan still has plenty to offer Is Cam Jordan back? Ask the man himself, and he will tell you he never left “I’mreally enjoyingthe ability to show the ability,” Jordan said.

But wasn’tthat the question coming into 2025? The cliff comes forevery professional athlete when the abilitythat madethem special isn’tthere to tap into anymore. Jordan faced questions in the past two seasons about whether it might be time to retire, and every time, Jordan scoffed at thenotion. At times,itlooked like he was notwilling to see what everyone else could: That he was well into decline.

At age 36, that was alegitimate question. Since sacks became an official statistic in 1982, only fiveplayershaverecorded double-digit sacks after turning 36, andthey’re all Hall-of-Famers: Reggie White, Bruce Smith, Chris Doleman,KevinGreene and Julius Peppers. The Saints, though, were willing to entertain the idea that Jordan could contribute to their new scheme. One of the first calls defensive coordinator Brandon Staley made after he tookthe job went to Jordan. He told him about the ways they thoughthecould affect the game in the newscheme, but also wanted to know he couldcount on Jordan to exist outside his comfort zone.

“If you can put himinposition where he’s impactful, he’sgoing to make the plays moreoften than not,” Staley said. “You’ve seen that throughout theseason.”

Now that the Saints areofficially out of the playoff picture, Jordan said he wantsto make the end of this season about a“legacy push.” Counting the postseason, Sunday’s game against the Tampa BayBuccaneers will mark the 250th time Jordanhas suited up in aSaints uniform. Pride is at play here, too. Pride in that 250 number,not because it’s nice and even, but because of the 1thatis often associated with it: In 15 seasons, Jordan has missed just one game becauseof injury,and if he’d had it his way,hewould have found away to play with that broken orbital bone back in 2022.

Pride because it’s not like Jordan hasn’t been injured. The discussion about his decline began to truly heat up in2023, when he finished the season with only two sacks. Injury reports that season stated: Cam Jordan, ankle. What “Cam Jordan, ankle”failed to get across wasatornperoneal tendon that left thepass rusherwithlittlelateral movement ability

That, Jordan said, is just love for the game. The degrees of the injuries are alwaysdifferent, but the injuries are almost always present. This season, it has been an ankle sprain that has bugged him for about half this season. “Just alow ankle,” Jordan said,adding that he wasgladitwasn’t ahigh ankle sprain because “I’d have had to miss apractice, then.” Notably: apractice, not agame. Jordan puts an extreme amountoftimeintotakingcareof his body so he doesn’tmiss games. When hisankle wasfeelingthe worst this

season, Jordan was spending 90 minutes every morning in the hyperbaricchamber at the team facility, often before sunrise. He gets “scraped” and“cupped” severaltimesper week, athletic training techniques that promotesoft tissue recovery.Hegetsatwo-hour massage every Wednesday. He visits achiropractor twice aweek. He endures dry needling and acupuncture. At home, he wears a GameReadydevicethatcombinescompression and coldtherapy —mainly because he’s awarm-blooded creature that can’t stand the cold tub.

“I’m always working on something,”Jordan said.

Pride, because sometimes it gets hurt. The Buccaneers have replaced the Saints as the NFC South’spower,winning each of thelast four division titles sinceDrew Breesretired —and handing the Saints six defeats in the past seven times they’ve played.

The recent history made Jordan the butt of some jokes. WhenTampaBay beat theSaints 23-3 earlier this season,Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht shared amocking video of Jordan after the game, replaying an old comment of Jordan’s about theBuccaneers going back to being irrelevant afterthe retirement of TomBrady,onlytoflash Jordan’s statistical line in the 2025 loss: One assisted tackle next to abunchofzeroes and apicture of him in his purposely dyedgray hair

Jordanshrugged off the shot, saying Tampa Bayhad the right to talktrash after its sustained successes. But even if he didn’ttakeit personally,hehas not adapted to what it’slike playing for ateam that last week clinchedits fourth consecutive season without aplayoff berth.

Jordan loves playing football —astatement that can feel empty sometimes coming from millionaire players, but is legitimized every time Jordanbounds onto the practice field like ahappy puppy.Heloves playingfootball at ahighlevel,and this season hasvalidated what he’salwaysthought abouthimself. But he acknowledged it’sharder to be happy with hisown play when theteam is mired in arut the way it currently is.

“You worksohardinthe offseason, you work so hard in OTAs, youworksohardin training camp, and you trytomeld together during the season to try and create… asuccessful season, and it doesn’t come outthat way —yeah, it keeps you up at night for a couple of days,” Jordansaid.

Last yearwas oneofthe darkest in Jordan’s career.The Saintsfired their head coach midway through the seasonafter agame against the PanthersinwhichJordan played 10 snaps. At that point in theseason, he had yet to record asackashebutted headswith defensive linecoach Todd Grantham abouthis role within the unit. Grantham left shortly after Dennis Allenwas letgo, andJordan’s playing time and production spiked, with four sacks in the remainderofthe season

He hadtoo much beliefinhimself to worry he was done.For every argument to be made about Jordan’scurrent ability on thefield, he hasacounterargument ready. And thisseason has been about backingupwhathe’salways known to be true. In fact, Jordan had aline ready for it: “When proof has always been in thepudding, why don’tyou just eat the pudding?”

Email Luke Johnsonat ljohnson@theadvocate.com.

OFFENSIVELEADERS

Saints Buccaneers DEFENSIVELEADERS

STAFF PREDICTIONS

JEFF DUNCAN

BUCCANEERS 26,SAINTS19:

TheBucshavedominated this series in recent years, winningsix of the last seven. Butthe Saints’lone wincameinTampa,and they have traditionallyplayedwellatRaymond JamesStadium.Tohangclose in this one, they’llneedagreat effort by the defense, becauseTampa Bay’stop playmakers,Chris Godwin andBucky Irving,are expected to play,unlikethe teams’ firstmeeting in NewOrleans

LUKE JOHNSON

BUCCANEERS 21,SAINTS13: I mostlylikewhatI’veseenfromrookie QB TylerShough, andIbelieve abig breakout game is coming sometime soon.It’sjusttough to predictitthis week.Tampa Bayhas agoodrun defenseand should be able to make theSaintsone-dimensional

MATTHEWPARAS

BUCCANEERS 24,SAINTS17: The Saints tend to play well in TampaBay, so Icould seethisbeing closefor most of theafternoon.But theBuccaneers should still stop theSaints’ rungame, andBaker Mayfieldwill probably get outofone toomanynear-sacksfor the Saints to actually pull theupset

RODWALKER

BUCCANEERS 27,SAINTS10: The Saints will putupamuchbetter fight this time againstthe Bucs.Theymight even find theend zone this time.But BakerMayfieldand theBucswillbe

TOP TOPICS FOR WEEK 14

at 102.2 Rodgers is expected to make his second straight start with a broken left wrist Jackson was limited in practice this week because of ankle issues, but he was given the all clear on Friday to start the game

Texans try to end skid vs. Chiefs

the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars play Sunday. The Colts will need to end a 10game losing streak in Jacksonville to stay atop the division. The skid includes a home game for the Jaguars in London. The Colts’ most recent win in Jacksonville came in 2014. This is just the third December home game in Jacksonville’s 31year history that features two teams with a 667 winning percentage or better Jaguars WR Jakobi Meyers has 18 catches for 245 yards and two touchdowns and no drops in four games with Jacksonville.

The Houston Texans face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. The Chiefs have a slight edge in the odds, favored by 31/2 points Houston has been strong defensively, ranking first in total defense and scoring The Chiefs have a powerful offense, ranking second in passing Key injuries for Kansas City include left tackle Josh Simmons and right tackle Jawaan Taylor. The Chiefs have won five straight against the Texans with Houston’s most recent win in 2019. Houston is one game behind in the AFC South and has won four consecutive games. The Chiefs have won five straight home games. Seahawks, Falcons going different ways The Seattle Seahawks are tied for the NFC West lead at 9-3 and have momentum after a shutout win over Minnesota as they visit the struggling Atlanta Falcons The Falcons have lost six of seven to fall to 4-8 and need a win to avoid their eighth straight losing season. The game will match running backs Bijan Robinson of Atlanta and Kenneth Walker of Seattle.

Rivals Packers, Bears jockey for NFC North supremacy

BY STEVE MEGARGEE

sportswriter

GREENBAY,Wis.— The NFC North leaders are eager to show they’re not the same old Chicago Bears who continually took their lumps against the Green Bay Packers over the past 15 years or so. Chicago snapped an 11-game skid in this rivalry when it ended the 2024 regular season by winning at Green Bay The Bears (9-3) have built on that momentum this year as they have the NFC’s best record and carry a five-game winning streak into their Sunday matchup with the Packers (8-3-1) at Lambeau Field.

“I think throughout this whole year, what we’ve been able to accomplish has given us extreme confidence,” Bears quarterback Caleb Williams said. “And then, for myself, being a part of something that, everybody knows the stats of the Bears going up there before last year it wasn’t the best. And so being able to be a part of that

(win), being able to contribute to that, provides confidence for myself, and I’m going to exude that to the other guys.” Chicago hasn’t had a winning season since 2018, but the Bears’ emergence doesn’t surprise Packers safety Xavier McKinney McKinney was impressed with the creativity new Bears coach Ben Johnson showed as the Detroit offensive coordinator when the Lions swept the Packers last season.

“I knew they were going to be good,” McKinney said. “Especially whenever they ended up getting Ben Johnson, I was, ‘OK, they’re going to be a problem this year.’ “

The Packers also are feeling good about themselves. They’ve won three straight and are eager to regain control of this rivalry

These two teams will face each other twice in a span of 14 days in a pair of games that will go a long way toward determining the NFC North champion. They meet again Dec. 20 at Chicago.

“I feel like our team knows that

we control our destiny at this point,”

Packers safety Evan Williams said “There’s a lot that’s to be said about the Bears and how they’re doing right now They’ve put together a hell of a season. But at the end of the day, I feel like we all understand if we go out there, put our best foot forward and play our best ball, that we don’t feel there’s a team that can hang with us.”

Chicago has an NFL-leading plus17 turnover margin. The Bears have 26 takeaways, four more than any other team.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur credits the arrival of former New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen as the Chicago defensive coordinator

“He does such a great job getting that out of his guys, but I also think it’s a credit to his players in regards to just, they’ve got tremendous ball skills, really on every level of the defense,” LaFleur said.

Chicago might have a tougher time taking the ball away from Green Bay, which hasn’t committed a single turnover during its threegame winning streak.

QB Herbert expects to play with broken hand

BY DAN GREENSPAN Associated Press

ELSEGUNDO,Calif.— The Los Angeles Chargers had to adjust on the fly after Justin Herbert broke a bone in his non-throwing hand last Sunday

As optimistic as they are that Herbert will be ready to start against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, the Chargers (8-4) have spent this week accounting for every possible contingency

“I think you got to try to look at it from all the different angles, you know, as you prepare,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. “What if this happens? What if that happens?”

Planning went into practice during a 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, when Herbert had to play the final three quarters with his left hand in a hard cast and protective glove. The injury prevented Herbert from taking snaps under center, with the Chargers using shotgun and pistol formations the rest of the way

“It’s just a good reminder you really need to work through these contingencies in your mind,” Roman said. “A lot of what we practiced that week went out the window So, really hats off to Justin and really everybody.”

Herbert had surgery on Monday and was back at practice Thursday, leaving an organization that typically treats such matters as state secrets expressing an unusually public degree of belief he will be ready to go against the NFC East-leading Eagles (8-4). Herbert was listed as “questionable” on the injury report Saturday following three straight days of limited practices.

“That’s the plan, is to prepare as if I’m going to play,” Herbert said Wednesday “See how the next couple days goes, and do everything I can to be

out there for the team and for the guys.”

However, that does not necessarily mean Herbert will be able to run the full offense.

Backup Trey Lance worked with the first unit on Wednesday, and coach Jim Harbaugh has said the third overall pick in the 2021 draft would be prepared for situations where the Chargers might need to be under center, such as in short yardage or at the goal line. Roman has used quarterback platoons at times, but never because of an injury like Herbert’s.

“It was because of, you know, trying to throw some trickeration at people,” Roman said.

“But, no, I mean, we’ll do whatever it takes.”

The uncertainty carries over to the Eagles, where defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has also been devising plans for Herbert and Lance, who has not thrown a touchdown pass in the NFL since Jan. 2, 2022, the last game of his rookie season with the San Francisco 49ers.

“We’ll have to prepare for both quarterbacks,” Fangio said “Probably knowing that if Herbert plays, he’ll be in the pistol a lot and in the gun. Yeah, we’ll have to be ready for both.”

Eagles run over Philadelphia’s offense has absorbed the bulk of the blame for the team’s struggles of late. Yet, it was the defense especially the line — that got whipped against the Bears, when the unit allowed 281 yards. Chicago had two 100-yard rushers in a game for the first time since its dominant Super Bowl-winning 1985 season.

“I didn’t do a good enough job of preparing our squad for the quality and the diversity of their run game,” Fangio said. “We didn’t play the run and the blocks the way we had been playing.”

1

SECCHAMPIONSHIP

THREEAND OUT: SCOTTRABALAIS’ TOPTAKEAWAyS FROM THESEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

OUTSIDELOOKING IN?

TAKING ADVANTAGE

The Bulldogs didn’t pile up an enormous edgeintotal offense Saturdayagainst theCrimson Tide (297-209) Theydidn’t have to. Instead,Georgiaturnedevery bigAlabama mistakeinto points.Ablocked punt and an interception in the firsthalf, a24-yard punt returntostartthe thirdquarter and aturnoverondowns in the fourthled to Georgia touchdown drives of 21, 57, 40 and 12 yards.With Christmas giftslike that, Georgia couldn’t help butwin.

ROUNDING INTO FORM

2

Earlier this season, Georgia’stypically fearsome defense looked gettable.The Bulldogs wonawild 4441 overtimetussleatTennessee.And theyhad to rally from a 35-26 third-quarter deficit in Athens to beat Lane Kiffin’sthen Ole Miss Rebels 43-35. But thisunitisturning up in time for championship season. GeorgiaonlyallowedAlabama to run three plays on the Bulldogs’ side of the field in the first three quarters. Georgia’sCFP opponents are on notice.

3

Alabama came into Saturday’s game at 10-2 and No 9inthe CFP standings, but wasconsidereda pretty sure thing forthe playoff as long as it didn’t getblown out by Georgia.Well …Alabama painted averyunimpressivepicture of itself forthe CFP committee, which also must weigh its 3117 season-opening loss to 5-7 Florida State.Anxious hours ahead forthe folks from Tuscaloosa. Don’t be surprised at all if Bamaisleftout Sunday.

GeorgiawinsSEC titlegame

BY CHARLES ODUM AP sportswriter

ATLANTA— Gunner Stockton and Georgia finally put an endtoAlabama’s masteryof therivalry between Southeastern Conference powers.

Stockton threw three touchdown passes as the third-ranked Bulldogs solidified their position for a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff and beat Alabama in theSEC championship game for the first time, pounding the 10thranked CrimsonTide28-7 on Saturday

Stockton, who completed 20 of 26 passes for 156 yards and rushed for 39 yards, was named the game’sMVP It was the first victory over Alabama for Georgia’s fourth-year players, including Stockton

“Weapproacheditthe same,like it was abig game, and didn’tmake it bigger than it was,” Stockton said.

Georgia(12-1,No. 3CFP) had been 0-4against Alabama in the SEC title game and 1-7 against the Crimson Tide undercoachKirby Smart. Playing in their fifth straight league championship game, the Bulldogs earned their fourth title under Smart and 16th overall. During ateam meeting at the start of the week, Georgia players who had awin over Alabama wereasked to stand up.

RABALAIS

Continued from page1C

abiggie. But Alabama won theseven other meetings with Georgia in the Smart era, including a24-21 victory in Athens back on Sept. 27. Bama was also 4-0 against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. Amazingly,the Crimson Tide had won 17 straightin this city all told against a variety of victims.

All that came tumbling down Saturday evening as Alabama made mistake after mistake and Georgia drove home the dagger with each stagger It started with ablocked punt on Georgia’sfirst possession,setting up a neat little 21-yard scoring drive capped by a1-yard touchdown pass from Gunner Stockton to Roderick Robinson.

On Alabama’snext possession, Ty Simpson’spass over the middle was swiped by cornerback Daylen Everette, who had two picks here against Texas last year to earn game MVP honors. That set up a57-yard drive ending with a5-yard Stockton to Dillon Bell touchdownpass to stake Georgia to a14-0 halftime lead. Alabama wasn’tout of it. But the Tide had to punt to start the third quarter, and a24-yard Zachariah Branch punt return set up a9-yard touchdown run by Frazier after a40-yard drive. Alabama finally punched back with a23yard Simpson to Germie Bernard touchdown pass, but after Bama failed to convert on fourth-and-2 from its 12 midway through the final frame, Georgia delivered the coup de grace with a13yard TD pass to Branch from Stockton. Stockton may look more like a

“None of them stood up,” Smart said Now the Bulldogs can stand. They also can brag aboutwinning back-to-back SEC championships.

“I thought it hit right between the eyes of doing it for the seniors,” Smart said The lopsided loss forces Alabama (10-3, No. 9CFP) to worryabout its standing with the College Football Playoffselection committee. The Crimson Tide were believed to be in good position when they moved up one spot in last week’sCFP ranking, but the loss tothe Bulldogs provides renewed causefor concernthat the Crimson Tide couldmiss the playoff for thesecondconsecutive season under coach Kalen DeBoer

“Wefellshorttoday, but I’mproud of our season,” DeBoer said.“Getting to the SEC championship, getting to this greatgame, there’sa lot to build off of.” Alabama will learn its playoff fateonSunday.

“If this gameapplies to and takes away from our resume,Idon’tthink that’s right,” DeBoer said. “I really don’t.” Georgia led 21-0 before Alabama’sTySimpson threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Germie Bernard earlyinthe fourth quarter

Georgia running back Roderick

championship game on SaturdayinAtlanta.

Georgiawill play aCFP quarterfinalgameinthe Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTO By MIKE STEWART Georgia coachKirby Smartishanded the SECtrophyby commissionerGregSankeyasthe team celebrates after a SoutheasternConference championship against Alabama Saturday in Atlanta.

30-something gym teacher than acollege quarterback, but he can now call himself an SEC Championship Game MVP Georgia’soffensedoesn’t overwhelm. The Bulldogs gained just297 totalyards Saturday and ground out a16-9win overGeorgia Tech in this building a week before. But the defense has allowed10or fewer points in its past four games, afine statistic for a12-1team thatsurely locked up aCollege Football Playoff bye. What to make of 10-3 of Alabama in the CFP? Bama coach Kalen DeBoer,who is about to learn the meaning ofthe term “hot seat,” hyped the fact that his team came into this one asthe No. 1SEC seed. It beat four of the five ranked opponents this season, including of course Georgia. “If this game applies to and takesawayfromour résumé,” DeBoer said, “I don’tthink that’sright. I really don’t. Idon’tknow how you can go into aconference (title) game when you’re the No. 1seed,did

all these things throughout the year,and playing in this game against oneof the top teams in the country,aswell, howthatcan hurt youand keep youout of the playoff.” Bama, No. 9inthe CFP, will present aconundrum for the selection committee for the reasons DeBoer described. But there is also the teensy matter of Alabama’sseason-opening 31-17 losstoaFlorida State team that finished 5-7. It’sapairofscuffed and chipped-looking bookends that the CrimsonTide presents to the committee. And over the past six weeks, Alabama also had to rally to winatSouth Carolina, looked fairly pedestrian in a20-9 win over LSU, lost to Oklahoma and needed afourth-down touchdown pass to subdue archrival Auburn. If Bama feels thepain of being left out,noone in the SEC will shed atear for the bullies on the block. Leastofall, Georgia. Email Scott Rabalais at srabalais@theadvocate. com

WELCOME TO BATON ROUGE, CoachKiffin!

Anew era begins at LSU,and Baton Rougeisready.

As CoachKiffintakes thefield, FMOL Health |Our Lady of theLake is proud tosupportLSU athletesand our state as Championship Health Partners— keeping athleteshealthy, teams strong and the focus on performance where it matters most.

When Baton Rouge calls, Champions answer.Together we roar!

Whyis theresuch interest in J.B. Lafargue?

In 2023, word spread across central Louisiana that Ken Burns was in Alexandria. The documentary filmmaker knownfor “The Civil War, Baseball” and “Jazz” wasn’t scouting locationsorcollecting landscape shots. He was searching for aman many locals had never heard of.

“It was reported that he was trying to find out about aman named J.B. Lafargue for adocumentary about BlackAmericans,”said Bill Sumrall, of Alexandria.

Sumrall was right. Burns is working on “Emancipation to Exodus,” a film that exploresBlack American history during the Great Migration andisset to air on Public Broadcasting Systemin2027. But that left one lingering question in Alexandria: Why Lafargue?

I’m in aseasonoflife whenmore of my former teachers are passing

Staff report

aton Rouge’srestaurant scene has never been stronger than it is in 2025. Longtime institutions continue to charm with comfort and character,while anew generation of chefs are raising the bar —bringing creativity, bold flavorsand fresh energy to theRed Stick.

For the first time,the newspaper’sfeatures team set outtocapture the fullscope of that culinary landscape in one list. We spent months eating across thecity, watchinghow places treat their people, listening to chefs and regulars —and paying attention to the restaurants that consistently get it right: great food, thoughtful service and awarm welcome.

Krewe of Assisi 2026 Royal Reveal

The Krewe of Assisi’s 2026 royalty, announced on Nov. 2, includes, from left, front row, Duchess Elizabeth McKinney, Duchess Misty Metz, Queen VI Julie Brashier, Duchess Pam Malara and Duchess Darla Payne; back row, Duke Jackson Thorne, Duke Lee Ledet, Ball Captain Amber Thorne, King VI Miles Higgins, Duke Robert Hanna and Duke Thomas Payne.

Krewe of Assisi Board of Directors

Shown are, from left, front row, Missy Higgins, Angie Ray, President Brandy Fournet, VicePresident Shannon Kirby and Amber Thorne; back row, Miles Higgins, William David, Daniel Fournet, Lee Kirby and Neil Thorne. Not shown is Tab Ballard, Jeanne Pipsair, Caleb Coarsey and Secretary Celeste Coarsey.

Krewe of Assisi reveals royalty in St. Francisville

St. Francisville’s Krewe of Assisi held its royalty reveal party at Deserta, the private lodge of Mitch and Julie Brashier, on Nov 2.

An open-air cocktail hour was followed by a presentation from the board president, BrandyFournet Social lieutenants AmyandKatelynJones presented the hosts with a thankyou gift and recognized the committees responsible for planning and decorations. Vice-President ShannonKirby celebrated the five-year anniversaries of krewe membership by presenting 27 members with a commemorative lapel pin and group photo.

The krewe’s president announced the 2026 charity recipient, West Feliciana Food Pantry, represented by SusieTully, as well as the king and queen’s charity recipient Purple House Foundation, with MissyHiggins saying a few words about the new organization in

Garden Discovery Series

The Garden Discovery event titled ‘What you Plant Can Make a Difference’ was sponsored by the Baton Rouge Botanic Garden Foundation and the Main Library at Goodwood on Nov. 2. Shown are, from left Janine Kharey, Kay Rodlauer and Amanda Marshall.

PROVIDED PHOTO

the parish. The ball captain, AmberThorne, opened the court presentation by announcing the 2026 theme, “Louisiana Myths and Legends,” and the king, queen and royal court. Presiding as King Assisi VI is MilesHiggins and Queen Assisi VI is JulieBrashier The royal court includes Duke RobertHanna and Duchess PamMalara, Duke LeeLedet and Duchess MistyMetz, Duke ThomasPayne and Duchess DarlaPayne, and Duke JacksonThorne and Duchess ElizabethMcKinney Court pages will be Bradlee Coarsey and EliseWax The krewe will celebrate its Mardi Gras Ball at The Mallory on Jan. 30. The Krewe of Assisi was formed in 2019 as a charitable organization supporting local causes and has contributed more than $55,000 locally since its inception.

Baton Rouge Caledonian Pipes and Drums

St. Vincent de Paul

Raising

GFWC Lagniappe Woman’s Club

Members of the GFWC Lagniappe Woman’s Club met on Nov. 17 to assemble ‘spirit sticks,’ candyfilled treats donated to a local elementary school teacher who gives them as rewards to her students for good grades and good behavior Gathered are, from left, Montez Love Pat Quartararo, Sylvia Schwarzenbach Gynne Klimavicz and Cathie Ryan.

PROVIDED PHOTO

WBR Garden & Civic Club

Members of the WBR Garden & Civic Club met on Nov. 12 at the South Branch Library in Brusly The members made fall arrangements with fresh cabbage and native flowers. Shown are, from left, Cathy Sims, Janell Woods, President Kim Callegan, Iris Bonanno, Andrea Normand and Ann Dugas.

TRAVEL

AirPodstakeawayalearningopportunity

Translationcan cause missed physical cues

BY MADISON DARBYSHIRE Bloomberg News (TNS)

Years ago, after graduating from culinary school, Ilived for awhile withrelatives in Switzerland, oftencooking them dinner and asking my aunt, whospoke limited English, how it tasted.Everynight she would pat me on the shoulder and say, “It’sfine.” Ispoke none of themultiple languages she was fluent in, but one time,I could have sworn she described ameal to my uncleas “gross.” Ibecame ajournalist instead.

It was only years later that Ilearned one translation for gross,orgroß,inSwiss German is …great. And fein means something closer to elegant,delicate, even delicious. If I’d had atool to acceleratemyunderstanding, Imight have madedifferent life choices.

Ithought of that night when Iread about the latest Apple Inc. AirPods, whichcan translate foreign languages in real time Aperson speaks to you in English, French, German, Portuguese or Spanish (with more languages on the way), and Siri repeatsitinyour native tongue.It’s an incredible inflection point forfuturistic personaltech,with the potential to open up theworld in wayshumans have dreamed about for millennia. And yet Ifeel sadfor how much we maylose, especially when travelingabroad.

According to the Bible,the diffuse languages of the world were handed down from Heaven as apunishment forhuman ambition,away to limit mankind’s belief in its own importance over the divine. But cautionary tales have never much bothered Silicon Valley Technology has already all buteliminated the chance of getting lost on ourway to dinner,limiting opportunities to stumble upon things we didn’tevenknow we were looking for.What happens when we stop misunderstanding,misreading andmistranslating? How much serendipity—and comedy —will simply cease?

Some of the best dishes I’ve ever eaten abroad showed up after Iaccidentally nodded yes when Imeant no to awaiter listing specials faster than an auctioneer.It’shappened less and less since Google made it possible to translate aphoto of amenu in real time, but my anecdotes havesuffered. It would have made for amuch better story if in Vietnam I’d actually ordered the goat testicles, thinking Iwas askingfor

TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER

By ChristopherElliott

TNS FILEPHOTO

AirPods can translateforeign languages in real time. Aperson speaks to youinEnglish, French, German, Portuguese or Spanish(withmore languages on the way), and Siri repeats it in your nativetongue.

chops.

AndsoIworry,not simply that someone mightend up in asweaty kitchen instead of becoming awriter prone to eating microwaved peas for dinner,but also thatwe will lose what remains of our motivation to learn languages when urgency to understand is suddenly stripped away Americans and Brits arealready broadly deridedfor their overconfidence when travelingabroad —our willingness to traipse around theworld with the assumption that we will be able to speak English andbeunderstood. It’snot instinctive for English-speaking tourists to learn basic pleasantries before going on atrip to Italy or Spain, the way it might be for speakers of other languages. The new AirPods—which can also translate speechintowriting —only exacerbate this complacency.Sure, you might get what you want faster by holding up your phone, but isn’tthere moretogain from theembarrassment of slightly mispronouncing your request for atable for two?

At least you will have tried Withoutunderstanding, we observe more closely,weread physical cues. We slow down. We watch what they do so that we can copyit. We makemistakes, embracing an increasingly rare experience in our dayto-day:failure.

To tryis“cringe,” especially in front of others. Buttraveling, being aforeigner, is one of the truly great opportunities to be outside what makes us comfortable and to grow from thechallenge. Acertain amount of friction is an essential part of being aperson in the world, and the muscles we develop todeal with it are vital forself-esteem and resiliency.Asthis friction is removed from ourdaily life, human beings are, rather than finding themselves morerelaxed and connected, feeling lonelier and moreanxious.

So few opportunities for not knowing remain.Wecan judge adate by stalking their LinkedIn profile and sleuthing photos of their middle-school homecoming dance, before ever learning if we likethe way they laugh, how they take their coffee or if they’re polite to waitstaff. We decide what looks good on amenu long before we stroll into aneighborhood trattoria. Preparation can make life more streamlined and less stressful, but is theloss of mystery (and surprise, and often embarrassment) really better?

As we become more reliant on technology and artificial intelligence to provide us withanswers, there are fewer chances to be inexpert.Itisnice, but not good, to be constantly reassured that we are right, smart and have all the answers. Some

Turo unfairly accusesrenterofcausing

IrentedacarthroughTuroinEdmonton, Canada,andreturneditinthesamecondition—butthehostaccusedmeofcausing ascratch.

ThecarwascoveredinmudwhenI pickeditup,makingitimpossibletoinspectforexistingdamage.Atdrop-off,it wasdark,snowyandmyphonewasdying, somyphotosweretoodimtoproveanything

things in lifeshould be difficult.

I’mnot advocating forignorance: People should commit to learning languages. Gaining another language is not just functionally rewarding, it teaches you to think differently.But there are times in life where things should be new —even completely unintelligible —soyou can look at them in their entirety,and appreciate the scale of everything you don’tyet understand.

Our phones and Google Maps already mean we are now rarely,ifever,lost. If you’re walking around with your eyes trained on amap, you’ll get to where you’re going, but you’ll miss so manyofthe wrong turns and mysteries that makeyou curious about the world that you’re exploring. Without the barrier of language, the experience becomes even morestraightforward, less unknown.

It is so often our missteps —our not knowing —that give lifeits flavor.Even within language groups, dialects can catch us off-guard.

Ionce announced to aroom of Brits that Ineeded to go put on pants (to them, underpants). The verb “to grab” as in “to grab ataco” in Spain meanstodosomething entirely different —and very NSFW —inCentral and South America. Iwonder whether the AirPods know that.

The new technology mademethink about the 2001 novel “Bel Canto” by Ann Patchett. When agroup of foreign dignitaries and businessmen are taken hostage by arebel terrorist organization, the relationships between the characters lay bare how little human communication relies on common language. Her point, on somelevel, is that language can actually get in the way of human understanding. To believe in love at first sight is to believe that love is its own language, and that spoken dialects are somewhat irrelevant.

Speaking with bilingual friends, they often note that they have subtly different personalities in each language —more subtle in one, moreloose or comedic in another.How wellcan you really know your spouse when you know them only in their second language? Would you gain adeeper understanding if you could hear them in their first? Can AirPods ever be anuanced enough tool to bridge that divide?

There remain, after all, compelling arguments forkeeping alittle bit of illegibility in life. “Wouldn’titbenice to be able to speak fluently with your mother-in-law?” I asked an American friend whomarried a man from Paris.

“That is exactly whyI don’tlearn French,” she said.

Christopher Elliott

Thehostadmittedthe damagecould’vehappenedafterIleftthecar inanunsecuredparking spot.Herefusedtomeet inpersontodiscuss theallegeddamage.He rentedthecaroutagain immediately,andTuro backedhis$1,200claimdespitemechanicssayingthescratchwasminor

Turoignoredmyevidenceandraised thechargeby$400for“hiddendamage” foundafterotherrentersusedthecar.Asa studentlivingonlessthan$2,000amonth, thisfeeisdevastating.DidIjustbecome avictimofaTuroscam?—BartoszJusypenko,Olszanica,Poland Turo, which is like Airbnb for cars, should have ensured the host followed its own policy requiring vehicles to be clean at pickup. Adirty car prevented you from documenting preexisting damage, violatingthe company’s terms (Turo’sguidelines state hostsmust“clean the vehicle before each trip”).

Alberta’sConsumer Protection Act also requires businesses to act in good faith,which Turo ignored by rubber-stamping blurry

photos and refusing to address your evidence.

Butyou made afew mistakes, too. First,you shouldn’thave accepted amuddy car.Ifyou had no choice, you should have spoken with your Turo host about the difficultyofdocumenting any preexisting damage. (For me, knowing what Iknow about damage claims, Iwould have been highly reluctanttoaccept anything other than awritten waiver from the host.)

Youshould have taken better photos at drop-off. Butthe host’s refusal to allow an inspection and Turo’sfailure to mandateone —tilted the process unfairly Alwayskeep adetailed paper trail, as you did, and escalate to

executives if acompany stonewalls you. I’ve published Turo’s contacts on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org.

BeforeI get to the resolution of this case, Iwanted to note that I agree with Turo and the host on one issue. If arenter damages acar while they have it —even if it’snot their fault —they are responsible. In other words, if someonescratched your car and you didn’tnotice, it doesn’tmatter.You’re still on the hook.

Butthe evidence in this case was as muddy as the side of your Turo car.The photos were inconclusive. Turo didn’tfollow its procedures, and neither did the car’s owner.The company needed to takeanother look at your case.

Icontacted Turo on your behalf The company admitted the host’s photos were “unclear” and voided the claim. “Weremind all hosts and guests of the importance of clear trip photos,” arepresentative told me. Moral of the story? Never let a company pressure you into paying fordamage that was not visible at the time of pickup —and always snap those pre-trip photos, even if it meansborrowing a flashlight.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy,anonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him on his site.

This list is our effort to honor the spots that define Baton Rouge today It doesn’t include every beloved table in town, but it reflects the restaurants that shape the city’s culinary story and capture its spirit.

What makes a restaurant the “best” isn’t only the food. It’s care. It’s consistency It’s heart. Consider this the 2025 guide to the restaurants that define Baton Rouge right now — places that satisfy appetites and expectations.

BATON ROUGE INSTITUTIONS

Chicken Shack

n 430 N. Acadian Thruway, 3939 Pawtucket St., $

Don’t expect any frills in Chicken Shack’s dining area. Why? Because Baton Rouge’s oldest operating restaurant saves all of its frills for its trademark “knucklesuckin’ good” fried chicken recipe

If you’re not sure about what to order, start with some chicken fingers. They’re served up hot, always juicy and covered in Chicken Shack’s special breading recipe. Try a side of perfectly spiced rice dressing or red beans and rice while you’re at it. (Or for a real treat, dial (225) 383-0940 to hear the daily specials and a whole lot more, including a fast-talking version of rousing spiritual instructions, recorded daily, that has to be heard to be believed.)

The restaurant first opened its doors as a sweet shop in 1935, then transitioned to a restaurant specializing in fried chicken in 1937. The eatery also offers fried seafood selections, and its interior only adds to the restaurant’s neighborhood ambiance, which seems to shout “Come on in, everyone’s welcome.”

Coffee Call

n 3132 College Drive, $

Coffee Call is a Baton Rouge institution for family celebrations, study dates, a quick lunch or sweet cravings. Founded in 1976 by the Cannatella family, Coffee Call has remained a fixture on College Drive.

The restaurant is known for its beignets. The signature blue and white decor, wooden tables and iron chairs is a warm and welcoming place that beckons diners in again and again. It’s one of those places that doesn’t make sense until you go and then you find yourself going back over and over.

Beyond the beignets, the café au lait, hot chocolate, po-boys and soups are also winners.

Louie’s

n 3322 Lake St., $

Louie’s Cafe started serving LSU students breakfast in 1941, and the tradition continues, although the location has changed. Still located right off LSU’s campus Louie’s has maintained its diner consistency for a hearty breakfast, brunch or lunch.

With its turquoise accents, black and white checkered floor and the famous red stools, Louie’s feels like a step back in time. The restaurant is known for its omelets, hash browns, breakfast specials and quick service, and it can’t be beat for a quick breakfast or a family get-together Louie’sisBatonRouge’sno-fuss,just-goodfood spot that continues to serve generation after generation of Tigers and locals.

Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant

n 3225 Perkins Road, $$

Since 2001, Parrain’s has been focused on bringing fresh classic Louisiana seafood to the masses. From fried green tomatoes to a paneed fresh fish filet with pecans and meuniére sauce to white chocolate bread pudding with almond slivers for dessert, it’s a melding of classics with a Parrain’s twist that’s proven to be a longtime hit.

Like that comfy armchair at home, Parrain’s, with its rustic touches inside and out, offers casual, relaxed dining. Patrons are just as likely to be seated next to a vintage oyster trawl or flock of taxidermied ducks hanging on the rough-cut wood wall as they are a wall-spanning painting of the Atchafalaya Basin. All three are excellent conversation starters.

Phil’s Oyster and Seafood Bar

n 4335 Perkins Road, $$-$$$

There’s a lot more to Phil’s than oysters. The menu is solid. The food is good. The service is friendly Walking into the restaurant feels a little like stepping into Baton Rouge’s own version of Cheers. It’s the sort of place where regulars settle in, and the staff seems glad to see you even if you’re new

Phil’s is an old-school neighborhood restaurant at heart. Sure, there’s the notso-secret back room where politicos and power players hash out whatever they hash out, but the main dining room is a crosssection of the city LSU and celebrity memorabilia crowd the walls. The staff is warm, the service efficient — and the vibe relaxed.

And yes, the charbroiled oysters are legendary, but don’t overlook the meatball quesadilla or the crab cakes — both are worth a detour

Dupre, Elsie’s Plate & Pie has not only been recognized by the Michelin Guide, but it’s been featured on national television, including a spot on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”

The menu ranges from Southern classics like crawfish bisque to desserts like Eye of the Tiger pie. Rotating weekly specials means there’s always something new for customers to taste. Elsie’s is a beloved classic for locals, a safe go-to where families and friends know they’ll leave with a happy heart and full stomach.

Rocca Pizzeria n 3897 Government St., $$-$$$

For those who like hand-tossed, woodfired pizza, this Mid City pizzeria is the real deal. The pizza comes straight from the oven to the table.

Plus, the Brussels sprouts, arancini and garlic knots are legendary and loyal customers know to save room for dessert. That said, the pepperoni pizza hits the spot with purists. The restaurant’s consistent service and food keep folks going back time and again.

FANCY NIGHT OUT

n

started as a food truck in 2008 and became a brick-and-mortar establishment in 2016.

Famous for its classic burgers, handcut fries and shakes, Curbside also has a wide variety of specialty burgers like the Shroomin and Jammin with mushrooms and onion jam, the KGB with a fried egg and praline bacon, and the Lamb-I-Am with lamb, feta and pepper jelly Plus, it hosts trivia nights and live music. Private parties are available on the large patio.

Mestizo’s Louisiana Mexican Cuisine n 2323 S. Acadian Thruway $$

Crawfish and spinach quesadillas? That’s just one way Mestizo’s, which opened in 1999, mixes the culinary worlds of Louisiana and Mexico — and it finds just the right balance of both cultures

For those not in the mood for a heavy meal, the restaurant has options, including a variety of bowls and a fajita salad topped with poblano ranch dressing. And it’s all served up in a welcoming atmosphere of open, airy dining rooms

The front door shuts out all of the highway noise, as well as the chaos from a long day’s work.

Salt Pepper Oak n 6721 Exchequer Drive, $$

At Mississippi-based Salt Pepper Oak, smoky aromas fill the parking lot — and reallygoodbarbecuefillsthestomachandsoul.

The menu is hearty and protein-filled, but the joint has also mastered its side dishes, particularly the fire-roasted elote and creole potatoes. The business has gone TikTok-viral with more than 120,000 followers — and one visit will prove it’s worth the hype.

Don’t forget about dessert The restaurant has an outstanding chocolate chip cookie, which won second place in the newspaper’s local cookie review

CLASSIC BATON ROUGE/UPSCALE

Jubans Restaurant & Bar

n 3739 Perkins Road, $$$

Jubans is a bustling contemporary Cajun and Creole restaurant that hosts an elegant, fully-stocked bar. The redecorated restaurant reopened after its long COVID hiatus in 2022 39 years after it originally opened in 1983. One notable decor item worth seeing is LSU’s Kim Mulkey’s portrait, hung after her national championship win in 2023. It hangs alongside those of other notable local sports celebrities.

Jubans is a staple of Baton Rouge graduation, birthday and anniversary events. Some of the classic and consistently delicious menu items include boudin dip, oyster pan roast, crab and brie soup, praline bread pudding, cherries jubilee and the famous Hallelujah Crab.

Ruffino’s

n 18811 Highland Road, $$$ Since 1998, Ruffino’s tagline has said it’s the place “to celebrate life.” The Italian restaurant, with its black-and-white checkered

floors and mood lighting, offers seafood, steak, wood-fired pizza and pasta from chef Patrick Trahan. Ruffino’s also hosts cooking experiences where participants gather for a five-course dinner, hand-selected wine and a front-row seat to watch as the meal is prepared right in front of them.

Of note: This year, the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society tapped the late Ruffino’s owner, Ruffin Rodrigue, for its 2026 Grace “Mama” Marino Lifetime Achievement Award.

ELEVATED CONTEMPORARY

BLDG5

n 2805 Kalurah St., $$

BLDG5 has food meant for friend groups and families who love to share. The rustic, semi-outdoor eatery, marketplace and patio bar specializes in shareable boards piled high with roasted veggies, meats and scrumptious sides.

The restaurant features a treasure trove of unique objects. The cast-iron railing is from a Tennessee antique yard. A metal barn door track is from owner Misti Broussard’s father’s barn. The long tables outside made the trek from German beer gardens.

On the menu, try the braised short ribs over polenta and Little Italy board that features meatballs in marinara, grilled mushrooms, caprese salad, marinated tomatoes, assorted cheeses and salamis, Parmesantoasted focaccia and creamy polenta with balsamic mushrooms. In 2023, the Broussards started bottling and distributing their lemonade to grocery stores around town. This year, they announced a second location coming to Baton Rouge inside the Jefferson Plaza Shopping Mall.

Cocha

n 445 N. Sixth St., $$$-$$$$

Proprietors Saskia Spanhoff and Enrique Pinerua know that the best restaurants do more than serve food. Since 2016, the couple has built their restaurant and livelihood around the corner of Main and Sixth streets downtown.

The restaurant, named after a Venezuelan term of endearment, is a gathering place for local harvest-inspired meals, wine tastings and community events. Its well-trained, top-notch staff makes it the kind of place where guests feel cared for and at home. The menu changes seasonally and showcases the best of local farms with an international flair

Some of the standout dishes on the menu include the roasted rainbow beet and burrata salad, grilled Spanish octopus, Indonesian stir-fried noodles and a pastrami sandwich but it’s all good. Plus, they have an extensive wine list and knowledgeable bar staff.

Eliza

n 7970 Jefferson Highway, $$$

Sally and Russell Davis named the restaurant Eliza in 2016. They named it for their daughter and they work to make the food worthy of her name.

A scratch kitchen, Eliza emphasizes local, seasonal products. Its farmers and purveyors are thanked on the menu. Eliza’s dishes are pleasing in both flavor and presentation — a swirl of sauce here, a frilly topping there. The overall deliciousness makes for an elevated dining experience. The dining room offers subtle, recessed lighting, neutral-hued walls and floors and pops of giant art on one wall reflected off the mirrored opposite wall. The bar is a great spot to await a table or dine when the popular restaurant is crowded.

Elsie’s Plate & Pie

n 3145 Government St., $$

Owned by the husband and wife team of Paul and Lindsay

18 Steak

n 777 L’Auberge Ave., $$$$

Located in L’Auberge Casino, 18 Steak feels like an old-school steakhouse. Its exceptional service and extensive wine list add to the experience of an upscale evening out. Named in honor of Louisiana becoming the 18th state, they serve prime cuts of beef, including a Wagyu cheeseburger

The side items also stack up nicely — including the Dauphinoise potatoes, crawfish and tasso mac and cheese, loaded baked potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, creamed spinach and butter poached asparagus.

When the velvet curtains are open, visit the restaurant bar for a stiff pour of your favorite bourbon, scotch or whiskey, while admiring the burned scotch and whiskey barrels adorning the ceiling.

French Market Bistro

n 16645 Highland Road, $$$

The family-owned French Market Bistro has been around since 1996 and serves a Creole-inspired menu with an extensive wine list with more than 250 options. The atmosphere at the restaurant is relaxed yet exclusive. Located on Highland Road, French Market Bistro doesn’t miss on quality and consistency

Some signature dishes include the cream of brie and crabmeat soup, signature salads, chargrilled oysters and lollipop lamb chops. Excellent for lunch or dinner

Maison LaCour French Restaurant n 11025 N. Harrells Ferry Road, $$$

This classic French dining house has deep roots in the city, serving customers since 1986. Housed in a quaint, cottagestyle building with five dining rooms, the restaurant serves fine food, operating with a bare-minimum staff. Seating is very limited and requires reservations, which are tricky to achieve.

Customers are required to text (225) 333-7533 and regular customers know to expect a wait. When there is availability, it may be at 5:30 on a Tuesday three weeks away — take the reservation and be there on time. They will warn you, and so will we, that the restaurant only accepts cash. The bread alone is worth the hubbub. The menu leans toward classic French fare like escargots, veal chops, duck and seafood crepes. The drink specials are also exceptional.

Because of its exclusivity and commitment to a slower place — in a dining world that often values turnover rates Maison Lacour creates a dining experience that is intimate, memorable and relaxed. It just feels special.

Nino’s Restaurant n 7512 Bluebonnet Blvd., $$$

This cozy place is a beloved, neighborhoodstyle restaurant with a commitment to Italian tradition. Nino’s is known for its warm, intimate ambiance that includes a modest dining room and friendly service.

Restaurant.

All of the pasta and breads on the menu are made from scratch, using time-honored techniques and quality ingredients. The menu boasts consistently good, local and seasonal products, each dish crafted under the leadership of chef Jon Devillier

Though nondescript on Bluebonnet Boulevard, Nino’s offers a setting that is both casual and special, making it a go-to for locals Supper Club n 10480 Perkins Road, $$$$

The mammoth space that is Supper Club opened in 2022 with much fanfare. The destination restaurant is over the top, but that’s been owner Brandon Landry’s goal all along — and the quality of the food is undeniable.

Chef Leighton Carbo sources top-tier ingredients to serve high-end menu items, including A5 Shichiri Wagyu, Chilean seabass, New Zealand lamb and caviar From the DJs who fly in from all over to the fries first served to patrons instead of bread, everything at the restaurant is intentional. The menu is luxurious — and so is the interior of the restaurant, boasting floral-patterned carpet, chic lighting and leather booths. It’s swanky It’s exclusive. It’s ambitious.

ä See THE BEST, page 5D

THE BEST

Continued from page 4D

It feels like a party, with food as bold and memorable as the space itself.

Plus, is there anywhere else in Baton Rouge where you can get table-side flamed creme brulee other than Supper Club? Doubtful.

INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS

Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine

n 5160 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., $

Bay Leaf is a constant for Indian food enthusiasts Each appetizer, entree and side dish includes bold and well-balanced flavors from butter chicken to tikka masala to the incredible dosas Plus, the restaurant offers incredible service

The menu features dishes that span both North and South Indian cuisines, with everything from curries to vegetarian specials, and the atmosphere in the restaurant is comfortable and casual for lunch or dinner

Chow Yum

n 2363 Hollydale Ave., $$

Chow Yum is like the cool cousin who goes to art school and takes backpacking trips to Thailand. The kitchen, helmed by the adventurous chef Jordan Ramirez, combines traditional Asian flavors with Creole and global influences.

The menu is inventive, with dishes like hot honey chicken bao buns, crispy pig ears and curry crab claws. The sweet spot under the Perkins Road Overpass is always reinventing its menu with monthly specials, and it’s a delightful place to go for a date night, group dinner with friends or to bring people from out of town

Duang Tawan

n 4850 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., $

Down South Sherwood Boulevard is a little building that will satiate any crav-

A mushroom medley pizza with red onions and fontal cheese goes into the woodfire oven at Rocca Pizzeria.

ings for fresh Thai food. Duang Tawan’s menu has all kinds of curries with proteins like duck, chicken, beef, squid, shrimp and pork. The weekday lunch specials are a great deal (starting at $11), offering a small appetizer, soup or salad and entree.

Great food tastes even better in a cool atmosphere, and the restaurant’s interior design is filled with wall art, hand-carved furniture and details from Thailand, so there’s always something to look at while waiting for food.

Sazon Latin Grill n 1230 O’Neal Lane, $

Sazon Latin Grill is the most authentic Cuban and Colombian food that diners can find in Baton Rouge.

After opening in 2023, Sazon Latin Grill brings a taste of home to Baton Rouge’s Hispanic community through a menu featuring ropa vieja, Cuban sandwiches, bandeja paisa, empanadas, arepas and more.

The business accomplishes the creation of delicious food with a small but mighty staff, headed by husband and wife Daniel Lopera and Tay Vizoso. The two honor family recipes in many dishes, and the deep-rooted flavors are enough to make customers return for more.

Zorba’s Greek Bistro n 5713 Essen Lane, $$

Zorba’s outdoor patio has a charming ambience and offers great service. Discovering the restaurant feels like you’ve been let in on a Baton Rouge secret — one that is full of traditional Greek flavors and spices.

Each month, the team at Zorba’s hosts wine dinners, each inspired by a different country, with wine pairings and food specials.

The regular, daily menu relies on fresh ingredients and recipes from the Economides family who originally opened the restaurant in 1984 and reopened the Essen Lane location in 2013. Some of the notto-miss dishes include the feta fries with tzatziki, combination souvlaki plate with grilled chicken, beef tenderloin and gyro, garlic hummus and politika meatballs.

AT RANDOM

Continued from page 1D

dents — journalists who toil in the world of words because the world of numbers eluded them. I suppose I count myself in that legion.

As a scholar of arithmetic and geometry, I was dutiful but uninspired, and I signed up for trigonometry only because it was expected of me.

Gazing at the equations Mr Busekist scribbled on the board, I was quickly lost in the fog of sines, cosines and tangents — so mystified, in fact, that I couldn’t see my way out. The fog never lifted in that anguished daily hour of my senior year, and I suspect that Mr Busekist waved me through to graduation on grounds of mercy rather than merit.

The lessons from Mr Busekist that really stuck with me unfolded outside of his classroom

He was the faculty sponsor of our Key Club, a junior arm of Kiwanis that, in that place and time, was all-male. In the interest of fellowship, we gathered one Sunday a month for the breakfast buffet at a local hotel, then went to church as a group. The place of worship changed each time so that all of us, regardless of our faith lives, could see what it was like to sit among Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians and Baptists. If there had been a mosque or synagogue in my Louisiana hometown, I’m sure we would have ended up there, too.

For our monthly church tours, Mr Busekist required us to wear suits. I can still picture us perched over our eggs and pancakes — a dozen boys fingering their collars and neckties like beagles chafed by the leash. Inevitably, there would be some horseplay at the breakfast table as teenagers still groggy on a

weekend morning tried to tease themselves awake. There would be no mischief in church, though.

“When you wear a suit,” Mr Busekist told us, “you’re telling others that you want to be a gentleman. When you put on a coat and tie but forget your manners, you look like a fool. I’m not having any of you represent us that way.”

We’d heard that clothes make the man, but Mr Busekist was reminding us that it wasn’t quite so. Dignity didn’t magically grow from looking a certain way; you had to act with dignity, too.

David Busekist taught me that all faiths are worthy of respect. From him, I also learned that grace comes from inside you, not from a clothing rack. I’ve thought about him every time I put on a necktie.

Email Danny Heitman at danny@dannyheitman.com.

CURIOUS

Continued from page 1D

The answer is simple. Lafargue lived here. It’s where he married educator Sarah Mayo and founded the Peabody Industrial and Normal School in 1895, planting the roots of what is now Peabody Magnet High School, named for George Foster Peabody, a wealthy Massachusetts philanthropist, who gave a grant to help build the school in 1895.

Lafargue teamed up with his wife to operate the school.

“His grave is in the Wesley Methodist Church Cemetery on Hunter Street in Pineville,” Alexandria historian and author Michael Wynne said. “When I was searching for it, I had to clear away grass and other growth to find it.”

The reason for Wynne’s search for Lafargue’s gravesite was the same as Burns’. Both wanted to tell the story of how Lafargue rose from being born to an enslaved person to become a national education pioneer

“He was even invited to the White House at a time when no Black people would have been asked there,” said Wynne.

Wynne did extensive research of Lafargue’s life for the book, “Jean Baptiste Lafargue, The ‘Negro’ Who Re-Invented Black Education For America.”

“He accomplished so much, yet there’s not much said about him,” Wynne said.

As weeds slowly overtake the flat headstones marking the graves of Lafargue and his wife, it’s almost as if he’s been lost to time.

But Wynne is working not to let that happen.

“The City of Pineville is going to put up a state historic marker honoring Lafargue at the cemetery,” Wynne said. “It takes about six months for the marker to be made, so it should happen in May or June.”

So, what story will the marker commemorate?

Well, it begins with the 1863 birth of John Baptiste Lafargue in Marksville.

“His father Arnaud Denis Lafargue, was a well-known politician and newspaper editor in Avoyelles Parish,” Wynne said. “Arnaud was also a lieutenant in the Confederate Army His mother was an enslaved person named Mary Jackson, who was born in Virginia, transported to New Orleans and sold to J.B. Lafargue’s grandfather The family owned land and was very influential.”

Though his mother was enslaved, Lafargue’s father had him baptized at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Mansura and sent him to an Avoyelles Parish school supported by the Peabody Education Fund, established in 1867 by Peabody to promote education in the post-Civil War Southern United States.

Lafargue later would pursue a grant from the same fund to establish the Peabody school in Alexandria. He received his state teaching certificate in 1889, which would set him on a path to change education for Black people in Louisiana

“He was such an incredible influence not only in central Louisiana, not only in Louisiana but in the South,” Wynne said.

Lafargue actually started out working in journalism for his father’s paper, the Marksville Bulletin, then started his own newspaper, the Louisiana Progress,

in 1895. The paper was aimed at Black readership, and though arsonists destroyed his building, Lafargue was elected vice president of the Colored National Press in 1896. Then came his work in education. His accomplishments include the 1907 creation of a Mother’s Conference, which would become the first Parent-Teacher Association in Louisiana. He also created and served as first president of the Louisiana State Colored Teachers Association in 1902. “In 1907, he first broached the idea of having a city library in Alexandria,” Wynne said. “His idea developed into the creation of the Carnegie-endowed library on Washington Street in Alexandria in 1908. Unfortunately, during Lafargue’s time, this library building was basically inaccessible to the Black citizenry.”

But Lafargue kept pushing forward. He started a second newspaper, the Advanced Messenger, in Alexandria in 1911 and served as its editor

“He was the first Black man in the state to become a newspaper editor,” Wynne said. “And in 1929, he created the Alexandria Advocate newspaper.” Lafargue also was moving in political circles. In 1896, the Rapides Parish Republican Party sent Lafargue to the Republican National Convention. He was the only Black man in the nation to serve in a party leadership position in the nomination of William McKinley for the presidency Lafargue and McKinley developed a friendship during the convention and remained friends throughout McKinley’s presidency

“In 1896, McKinley gave him the flag that liberated Cuba,” Wynne said. “And in 1902, he met Booker T. Washington and convinced him to come to Alexandria in 1903 to speak before the National Negro Congress convention, which Lafargue organized.”

This is just a small listing of Lafargue’s activities, which also included organizing “Educational Societies” education of Black adults, a music program at Peabody the state’s first at a Black school.

Peabody’s popular Marching Stampede marching band is a legacy of that program.

Meanwhile, Lafargue maintained a successful marriage to his wife, Sarah, whose father was the first Black representative in the Louisiana Legislature.

“She was a principal at a Black school in Rapides Parish when she met J.B., and from what I’ve found in my research, I believe she was the first Black female principal in the state,” Wynne said.

Still, there were obstacles.

“He was ignored by his family,” Wynne said. “When his father died, Lafargue could not inherit any part of the estate, because his father’s relationship with his mother was illegal at the time.” Lafargue sued. The case went to the Louisiana Supreme Court, which ruled in his favor but court expenses bankrupted the estate. Lafargue died in 1943 at age 80, and with Burns nationalizing his story, he won’t be forgotten.

Do you have a question about something in Louisiana that’s got you curious? Email your question to curiouslouisiana@ theadvocate.com. Include your name, phone number and the city where you live.

READS WE LOVED IN 2025

We opened up the floor in the newsroom to see which new books our reporters loved most this year

Below are five suggestions, three of which were published this year and two that were published in 2024.

“Alchemised,” by SenLinYu, and “The Irresistible Urge To Fall For Your Enemy,” by Brigitte

Knightley

These two books made their way onto my shelf via the same popular new sub-genre of romance novel “Dramione” fan fiction. The books were written by authors who penned and uploaded fan-fics about love blossoming between Harry Potter characters/rivals Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger

They are two of three Dramione tales that proved so popular online that their authors got deals to rework and publish their stories this year

The books fall squarely in the enemies-to-lovers category. Be forewarned, “Alchemised” is the darker of the pair, delving into themes of war and trauma, while “The Irresistible Urge” is lighter with fun banter and a slow-burn yearn. —MichelleHunter,NewOrleanscrimereporter

“Dinner for Vampires,” by Bethany Joy Lenz

I was addicted to the teen drama television series “One Tree Hill” as a teen and thought this memoir would be an interesting look behind the curtain. But “Dinner for Vampires” surprised me, reading more like a suspense novel that I could not put down Bethany Joy Lenz writes a fascinating tale about how a young actress looking for connection wound up in a cult while also filming one of the most famous shows on television. She’s honest about her scars while also sharing hardwon wisdom and hope. —AndreaGallo,seniorinvestigationseditor

“Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert,” by Bob The Drag Queen

The only new-release book I read this year was “Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert” which is an excellent palate cleanser between heavier reads.

It’s a hilarious trip through history through the eyes of Bob the Drag Queen, served with a lot of attitude and even some original songs. I love that it makes historical figures so accessible, and it has a great message about getting past the fear of putting yourself out there! Lauren Walck,NewOrleansfeatureseditor

“The Heartbeat Library,” by Laura Imai Messina

This book is quite literally a meditation. It is a portrait of emotions, of how we grieve and how we grow, and how one cannot do one without the other.

The story is of a man coming to terms with losing a child and a marriage, but it is told in a way that is contemplative, tender and ultimately hopeful. The story describes its characters’ thoughts and feelings with such clarity and affection that I found it helped me understand my own. — MattAlbright,politicseditor

Author James Nolan ‘a bit odd,’ ‘mesmerized by darkness and joy’

Writer thoroughly ‘represented New Orleans’

BY RIEN FERTEL Contributing writer

“I’m good at running away,” the New Orleans writer and teacher James Nolan once wrote me in an email. Always moving, always writing, that was Nolan, who died earlier this year, on Aug. 22, at the age of 78. For those who only knew his work on the page, he was not only a prolific multihyphenate of an author a published poet, novelist, essayist, memoirist and translator — but thoroughly represented New Orleans: a bit odd, equally mesmerized by darkness and joy unafraid to let life get in the way of work.

Though his back-flap biography would later describe him as a “fifthgeneration New Orleans native,” as a bisexual and bookish young man, he couldn’t wait to escape.

“The city struck me as brutally backward,” he wrote in his first book of memoirs, “nowhere I wanted to call home.”

He longed to be a poet a crime for which his conservative parents committed him to a mental hospital. Set free, he set out west in 1966, joining the generation bound for San Francisco, where he communed with that city’s famed class of social deviants.

“I’ve never been so happy in my life,” he wrote. After college and graduate school, meandering around Central and South America, destined for the poetry hot spot that was Chile, he learned of the death of the Chilean Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda. Years later, he would translate a book he purchased en route to meet the master “Stones of the Sky.”

That book’s six final lines would have inspired any aspiring artist: “In this point or port or birth or death / we shall be stone, borderless night, / unbending love, unending brilliance, / eternal light, buried fire, / pride condemned to its intensity: / the only star that is ours.”

Nolan’s early travels inform the first two books of his own verse.

“Why I Live in the Forest,” published in 1974, shows a restless but shackled Nolan, not yet able to escape his birthplace.

“Walking again down Canal Street / in this seething Scorpio city,” he writes. “You never really leave New Orleans / you only dream you do.”

His 1980 follow-up, “What Moves Is Not the Wind,” broadcasts lyrical dispatches from a poet on the run and thoroughly enjoying himself — eating ceviche on an Ecuadorian beach, bargaining for avocados in a Guatemalan market sipping mango juice and anise gin in Popayán, tramping through the jungles of Tierradentro and Tikal.

“He washed through a life / that seemed a lot like / the lives all around him,” he writes.

Center for Creative Arts student His friends show up to hang out and smoke joints while taking in this performance from the beyond. WWOZ shows up to transmit a “Live from the Crypt” program to kick off Jazz Fest. It turns out his grieving girlfriend snuck a portable radio into the casket. The assembled face a second silencing when the radio’s batteries run out.

“For weeks to come,” Nolan writes, “many still didn’t speak, afraid they would somehow find their own voices abruptly, irrevocably, gone.”

“He churned with the currents / and was thrashed by the rhythms / growing louder and louder / until it was all he could hear.”

Nolan bargained that his nomadic lifestyle was not conducive to the life of a poet and turned to academia. He earned a doctorate in comparative literature from the University of California, taught English and creative writing coast to coast, scored a pair of Fulbright scholarships to lecture in Spain and navigated the perils of teaching Orwell’s “Nineteen Eighty-Four” in Beijing (his administrators banned the book, but his students had already clandestinely read it).

After returning to New Orleans in 2002 to care for his ailing mother, Nolan taught at Tulane, Loyola and independently, nurturing many writers, including Maurice Carlos Ruffin.

Post-Katrina, perhaps horrified by the city’s fortunes and reinvigorated by its possibilities, he wrote at a rapid pace — beginning with his debut short story collection, “Perpetual Care,” released in 2008, the body of work that the storm engendered found hope and more often humor in the darkest of places.

In one story, a middle-aged New Orleanian faces funerals at home and away His mother’s dying wish is that her family not eat the post-wake meal at Mandina’s.

“There was too much butter in the meunière sauce, she insisted, and the string beans were canned.” Concurrently, he agrees to scatter the cremains of a San Francisco friend into the Pacific headwinds, only to receive a mouthful of ashes.

In another, music emanates from the tomb of a recently deceased, trumpet-playing New Orleans

A first novel, “Higher Ground,” followed A madcap murder mystery “A Confederacy of Dunces” meets Dashiell Hammett — the novel is set in the “open-air mental hospital” that was New Orleans in the months immediately after Katrina. On a roll, Nolan would publish “Flight Risk: Memoirs of a New Orleans Bad Boy” in 2017. The story of his family, travels and many sexcapades including one toogood-to-not-be-true dream sequence involving Mick Jagger — is devilishly chatty

The following year, he collected his New Orleans-set poems in “Nasty Water,” titled after his most famous poem, a sordid slice of verse that earned a “rapturous response” at readings. It’s easy to see why.

“New Orleans is a shimmering / mirage floating on nasty water,” he chants, “irrigated by nasty water, / nasty water seeping out / of every pore.”

It’s the “drain ditch gumbo” accumulating in the neutral ground of St Claude Avenue that gives New Orleans life, the Easter lilies rotting in cemetery urns, the “black tadpole broth” of the City Park lagoons, “where swans preen / in mean perfection / and stale bread crusts / bob, bloat, and sink / among mosquito hawks.”

The last book Nolan published before his death is his best. “Between Dying and Not Dying, I Chose the Guitar,” which I reviewed in these pages last November, is a charming and cantankerous memoir of our recent plague years.

In the COVID summer of 2020, Nolan was evicted from his apartment, setting up a metaphysical spiral into “the guitar of my imagination,” a phrase inspired by Neruda. He writes of the loss of loved ones, pandemics past and the thin line that separates the dead from the living.

In reading over the past several months everything he published, what stuck with me most was a poem featuring Nolan at his most bawdy and beatific, a selfelegy of sorts, titled “In Lieu of Flowers.”

“After I die / no more erections, / no more wild parties / for anyone, okay?” he teases. “No more smoking, drinking, staying / up late. The good old days / officially will be over / Do your taxes on New Year’s Eve. / Darn your socks on Mardi Gras. / You’ll finally have a great excuse / to mope, so go ahead, be morose. / Order bottled water Become a vegan. / You could never keep up / with my leaps of joy.”

Rien Fertel is the author of four books, including, most recently, “Brown Pelican.”

TODAYINHISTORY

By The Associated Press

Today is Sunday,Dec. 7, the341st day of 2025. There are 24 days left in the year

Todayinhistory:

On Dec. 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched an air raid on theU.S. Navy base at PearlHarbor in Hawaii, killing more than 2,300 Americans. The United States declared war against Japan the following day

Alsoonthisdate:

In 1787, Delaware became thefirst state to ratify the U.S. Constitution

In 1972, America’slastcrewed moon mission to date was launched as Apollo 17 blasted off from Cape Canaveral

In 1982, convicted murderer Charlie Brooks Jr.became thefirst U.S. prisoner to be executed by lethal injection, at aprison in Huntsville, Texas.

In 1988, amajor earthquake in the Soviet Union devastated northern Armenia, killing at least 25,000 people In 1993, six people were killed and19wounded in amass shooting aboard aLong Island Rail Road train in New York.

In 2004, Hamid Karzai was sworn in as Afghanistan’sfirstpopularly elected president.

In 2018, James Alex Fields Jr., who drove his car into acrowdofcounterdemonstrators at a2017 White nationalist rally in Virginia, wasconvicted of first-degree murder in the death of Heather Heyer,an anti-racism activist. He was later sentenced on that and other convictionstolife in prison plus 419 years In 2024, the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was reopened to the public afteradevastatingblaze nearly destroyed the beloved Gothic masterpiece in 2019. World leaders attended the reopening ceremony amid great fanfareand celebration. Today’sbirthdays: Linguistand political philosopher Noam Chomskyis97. Actor Ellen Burstyn is 93. Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench is78. Singer-songwriter TomWaitsis76. Republican Sen. Susan M. Collins of Maine is 73. Basketball Hall of Famer Larry Bird is 69. Actor Jeffrey Wright is 60. Actor C. Thomas Howell is 59. Football Hall of Famer Terrell Owens is 52. Football Hall of FamerAlan Faneca is 49. Actor Shiri Appleby is 47. Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles is 46. Actor Nicholas Hoult is 36. MLB All-Star Pete Alonso is 31. Olympic swimming gold medalistTorri Huske is 23.

When thesushi rollsare toodarnbig to eat

thefirst place.

DearMissManners: What is the polite way to eat large sushi rolls? Sometimes they’retoo big to comfortably eat whole without gagging!

Gentlereader: Dissect them. Miss Manners does not usually condone deconstructing food in public, but these are desperate times. Use your chopsticks to pull out the insides and eat them separately.Then either squish the remaining rice and seaweed togetherand eat it in two bites or use the side of the chopstick to cut it in half. Perhaps the sight of their beautiful creationsbeing desecrated will inspire the chefs to make more manageable bites Or at least have them wonder why everyone is suddenly ordering them as takeout instead.

reciprocity, and we both agree that even with “old-fashioned” concepts, things must be reciprocated.

The gentleman will pay for dinner thefirst time, but then thelady must reciprocatethe next time.

However,ifthe lady does not have an income sufficient to fund dinner for two at arestaurant, what should shedo? If therelationship is new and she does not yet wishtoentertain her gentleman friend in her home (unchaperoned),what are some low-costoptions that she might offer as anext date? Ithought of asummer picnic, but arethere other options that might takeplace in thecolder months?

DearMissManners: My friend and Iwere discussing dating

Gentlereader: Coffee? Tea? Miss Mannerswill resist adding “Me?” —since presumably that is thereason for not hosting in her home (unchaperoned) in

DearMissManners: Six weeks ago, afriend andIscheduled a meetup. We have not seen each other in person formore than ayear Oneday before ourscheduled appointment, Itexted her to ask where she would like to get together. This washer response: “Oh, I did notput this in my calendar and we areleaving in acouple days to go overseas. Let’sreconnect in the fall. Apologies.” Would it be rude of me notto respond to this text? Honestly, given thatshe did noteven put our appointment in her calendar and did notreach out to reschedule or cancel whenshe made otherplans, Idon’twant to signalthatIamOKwith how lightly she treated ourplan to get together. At the same time,Idon’t want to senda snippy response that’snot who Iam. Can Ilet my silence speak for itself?

Gentlereader: Friends should generally be allowedone scheduling mishapevery fewyears. It is when it happens every single time thatwestart reconsidering the friendship. So while Miss Manners understands your annoyance, she suggests an alternative to silencethatisstill not snippy: “Oh, Iamsodisappointed. I was looking forward to seeing you, andhad it in my calendar. But yes, let’splease gettogether once youare back.” The advantage is thatitwill make herfeel just alittle bit bad—and therefore less likely to forget aboutyou again come fall.

Sendquestions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@ gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St.,Kansas City,MO64106.

DearHeloise: After having total knee replacement surgery,Ibought asmall treadmill that goes under my desk. Since it doesn’t have anything to hold onto, Iplaced awalker over the top to steady it as Iwalk It workslike acharm! —Marie G.,inConnecticut Paperbag soundoff

DearHeloise: Ihope you get many responses to your idea aboutusingpaper bags. No, no! Usereusable totes; this way, there’snothing to toss out or recycle. Think “reduce, reuse, recycle,”with emphasis on reduce. —JoyceL.,viaemail Joyce, for people who live in apartments, using apaper bag to collect and carry plastic, paper orglassobjectsmakes recyclingeasier Even homeownerswill tell me

that using paper bags to gather recyclable itemsiseasier

I’d rather see someone using a paper bag than merely dumping plastic in theregular trash, or worse, dumping it in theocean or on the ground. —Heloise Letthere be light

DearHeloise: When thelights go out at our house, Iuse solarcharged lights but not theones that are used to light up my walkways. There are companies that sell lights that are perfect to keep on-hand for power outages, camping, and many other uses. They can be charged by sunlight or by plugging them into acellphone charger,and a charge will last for six monthsif thelight is not used.

In addition, you can charge your cellphone from your light There is no heat, flame or carbon monoxide. Somecompanies also donate their products to disaster victims —LeonP.,inParksburg,West Virginia

Painting hints

DearHeloise: Iamanartist who paintsinacrylics and also paints thewalls of an arts festival boothtwice ayear.Here are somepainting and paint removal tips:

n Iwear thin latex-type gloves when painting. If Ineed to take them off, Idust my hands with baby powder before putting them back on.

n Icollect the plastic hair caps they hand out in hotels, store them with my paint supplies, and slip one on my head when painting.

n Before Ipaint, Irub alight layer of baby oil on any exposed skin, such as my legs, face and arms. Cleanup is easy!

n When Idoforget to wear my gloves or to follow the above tips, Ifind witch hazel and drop someonto ababy wipe. It’s great forscrubbing dried paint off my hands and body.When used with anail file, the baby wipe gets dried paint out from

under my fingernails.

n My favorite remover of dried acrylic paint from clothes and surfaces is an ammoniabased window cleaner.Rinse promptly and launder the clothing right away —HedyB.,inLaguna Beach,California

Adrain strainer

DearHeloise: Iread aletter from areader whosaid that she had problemswith things going downthe drain and clogging it. So, she uses, among other things, the back of acardboard cereal box! This cardboard cereal box should be going into the recycling bin, not in her sink and then the trash.

Ibought asimple piece (a strainer) that goes in the sink drain, which you could buy at nearly any discount store for about $1.50. It keeps things from going downthe drain. —S.D Doerr,viaemail Sendahinttoheloise@heloise com.

An Advent approach to disengagingfromsocialmedia

BY KEITH HORCASITAS Contributing writer

By this time of the morning, afterprayers, Iwould have already checked my Facebook, Instagram and other social mediaatleast afew times on my phone just to stay connected to things, right?

As one of my social workcolleagues, Jan, used to wisely note to me: “Da Nile” (denial) is nota river in Egypt!” OK, Iadmit it —while Icertainly have some good routines and organized tendencies, Imust admit how important it is to really “know thyself,” as Socrates sharedmany moons ago And Jesus certainly brought this fully to being in Mt. 22:39, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

So, yes, Idohave asocial media

addiction. Since Ihave facilitated in the past as alicensed clinical social worker for many support groups for others, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Alzheimer’s, cancer,diabetes, infant loss, Parkinson’s, stroke, etc., it is timefor me to start an SMA (Social Media Anonymous) support group. With Advent underway and New Year’scoming up soon, it is agood time to makesome practical resolutions,sohere’smy12-step plan:

1. Fast from social media, including Facebook, Instagramand other accounts.

2. Spend that surfing timeinservice to the needy and the poor sometimes, right in my own family

3. Write more handwritten letters.

4. Call family andfriends, and leavea verbal message of love for them, if that is available.

5. Only use my cellphone for calls

and texting (notwhile driving!) when needed —OK, and also for Googling things, maps, etc.

6. Onlyuse my laptop for personal needs twice aday —inthe morning after prayers and in the evening before prayers.

7. Look for the “Facebook of Christ”ineveryone, as Michael Acaldo, former CEO of St.Vincent de Paul, so greatly promoted with the homeless.

8. “Start where the personis” —the motto for my profession of social work.

9. Follow the example of St Mother Teresa of Calcutta in reaching out to all in need.

10. Make adaily examination of conscience to find ways to amend for my mistakes, and to ask forgiveness from God and others and using “the Golden Tool:”the Golden Rule.

11. Weekly,and moreoften and possibly daily when possible, at-

Festiveevening to benefit MidCityCivic Theatre

Staff report

MidCityCivic Theatre, 7155 Florida Blvd., formerly Theatre BatonRouge, will illuminate the seasonwith Holiday Lights at The Civic, aone-night-only holiday benefit on Thursday,supporting the theater’sproductions, educational programs and community initiatives.

Guests are invited to experience afestive evening filled with seasonal light bites, cocktails and live holidayperformances from some of BatonRouge’s most talented theater artists. Attendees canwander through the beloved Civic Theatre space, reconnect with friends old and new and share their favorite memoriesoflocal theaterasMid City Civic Theatre honors the legacy of this treasured arts venue and looks forward to its next chapter “Holiday Lights at The Civicmarks the beginning of somethingtruly special,” said Caty LeJeune,theater company cofounder. “As we prepare to launch our first production in 2026, this celebration is achance for our community to come together,support local artists, and be part of the storyfrom the very start.”

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy holiday-themed performances by Baton Rouge’s singers,musicians and theater artists. Between sets, attendees can mingle, take photos amid the theater’sfestive décor and learn about the company’s vision for creating accessible, high-quality theater experiences for all. The program also will offer afirst look at the company’sgoals for 2026 and beyond,including neweducation initiatives, performance opportunities for emergingartists andplans forbuilding avibranthub forcreativity and community connection in Mid City

The nightwill feature special holiday performances by Don Fields, Kamryn Hecker,Anna-Beth Henley,Brandy Johnson, Marion Mayfield, Ren Price, Rebecca Smith and Jonathan Thomas.

The show will featuresongs from “Songs for aNew World,” “White Christmas,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “The Wiz, “Anastasia,” “Children of Eden”and “Godspell.”

General admission tickets start at $25, with VIP reserved seating available beginning at $150, and are available now at MidCityCivic.org.

tend church services.

12. Keep humor in my daily life to share my humanityinhonesty and simplicity,asSt. Francisde Sales noted, “Remember this well:

Symphony holidays

Tickets areonsale for twoholidayperformances by the Baton RougeSymphonyOrchestra. The first, the symphony’s annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah,”isset for 7:30 p.m. ThursdayinSt. Joseph Cathedral, 401 Main St.Tickets are$40. The second, “Home for the Holidays 2025,”will be at 2p.m.Saturdayinthe Raising Cane’s River Center Theatrefor Performing Arts, 240 St.Louis St.The program will featureseasonal melodies and music from classic holidayfavorites. Tickets are$25-$80. Visit brso.org.

‘Amahl’tickets

Performances for Opera Louisiane’s holidayproduction, “Amahland the Night Visitors,” will be at 7:30 p.m. FridaySaturday, Dec. 19-20, and 3p.m Sunday,Dec. 21, in the Manship Theatreinthe ShawCenter for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St Tickets are$41.50-$61.50. Visit operalouisiane.com.

SweetAdelinesconcert

The Baton RougeChorusof Sweet Adelines will perform “Christmas Express: AJourney Through Time,” afestiveholiday

We are sometimes so busy being good angels that we neglect to be good men andwomen.”

Ourimperfections are going to accompanyustothe grave. We can’t go anywhere without having ourfeet on theground; yet, if we fall, we don’tjustlie there, sprawledinthe dust. On theother hand, we mustnot think we can fly,for we are like littlechicks who don’thavewingsyet.

“Wedie littlebylittle, so our imperfections must diewithus, a littleeach day.” —St. Francisde Sales, “GoldenCounsels,” page 14. —Horcasitas lives in Baton Rouge.

Human Conditionsubmissions of 600 wordsorfewer may be emailedtofeatures@ theadvocate.com. Stories will be keptonfile and publication is not guaranteed. There is no paymentfor HumanCondition

celebration, at 6p.m. Saturday Dec. 20, at theLouisiana Art &Science Museum’s IreneW Pennington Planetarium, 100 Lafayette St. The concert will blend timeless Christmas favorites withimmersive, customdesignedvisual projections on the planetarium dome Fortickets, visit BatonRougeChorus.org.

At theArtsCouncil

The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge is showing “Continuum,” an exhibition featuring the work of David Dew Bruner, through Saturday,Jan. 10, in the ShellGallery at theCary Saurage Community Arts Center,233 St. Ferdinand St. The show features afocused selection of Bruner’s collages, portraitsand abstractions shaped by memory,loss and resilience Admission is free. Visitartsbr org.

At BatonRouge Gallery Baton Rouge Gallery,1515 Dalrymple Drive,isshowing exhibits by artist members Sarah Houseand Craig McCullen through Sunday,Dec. 21. Gallery hours arefromnoon to 6p.m. Tuesdaythrough Sunday.There willbeanARTiculateartists’ talk at 4p.m. Sunday

Admission is free. Visitbatonrougegallery.org.

‘Miracle on 34th’

Tickets areonsale for Ascension CommunityTheatre’s production of “Miracle on 34th Street,” opening Thursdayon itsstageat823 N. FelicitySt., Gonzales.

Tickets are$18-$33. Visitactgonzales.org

‘Nutcracker’ tickets

Tickets areonsale for Baton Rouge BalletTheatre’s annual production of “The Nutcracker —ATale From The Bayou,”set for four performances SaturdaySunday,Dec. 20-21, in theRaising Cane’s RiverCenter Theatre for Performing Arts, 240 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge Tickets are$55.85-$83.30 plus taxes and fees. Visit batonrougeballet.org

Cangelosi‘Nutcracker’

Tickets areonsale for theCangelosiDance Project’s annual “Holiday Nutcracker,” set for twoperformances on Saturday, Dec. 20, at theDunham School’s Brown-Holt Theatre, 11111 Roy Emerson Drive,Baton Rouge Tickets are$25-$45. Email cangelosidp@gmail.com or visit cangelosidanceproject.com.

HAZARD WARNING

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

When self-driving taxi company Waymo announced plans last monthtolaunch its service in New Orleans in 2026, the news drew cheers from economic development executives, technophiles and local tourism boosters, who said the city’srole as an early adopter of the evolving technology gives travelersanother reason to visit. Expertssay additional benefits of Waymo’srollout in New Orleanscould include lower carbon emissions, feweraccidents and reduced insurancecosts.

Some New Orleanians wonder if Waymo cansafely operate in atown with notoriously bad streets, endless construction and arowdy partyculture.

But the high-profile company’splanned arrival also brings concerns.

Rideshareand taxidrivers worrythat the autonomousvehicle startup’sentry into the market will threaten their livelihoods. And policymakers,playing catchup to aquickly evolving industry, may need to establish new regulations.

Experts whohavestudied Waymo’sdebut in other towns saythe questionsand concerns are understandable. New industries and technologies bring change that can be disruptive.And, for some, theidea of self-driving cars is downright terrifying.

But Harry Campbell, aformer rideshare driver who reportsonthe industry

fromhis Los Angeles home base, said the experience of cities with Waymohas been generally positive and that thecompany is winning over skeptics.

“I’veheardconcerns in every city whereWaymo is trying to launch,” said Campbell. “L.A. thinks it has the worst drivers, or Boston and New York have so much rain and snowand angry drivers. Thereare legitimatequestions about how Waymo handlesthe idiosyncrasiesof each city,but it’s doing better than you’d expect and getting better.”

As thecompanyprepares to resume testingonlocal streets, here are answers to some of thequestions on people’s minds.

HowdoesaWaymo vehiclework?

Driverless driving seems like science fiction, but it’s becomeareality as aresult of decades of progress in robotics,

computervision, machine learning and other areasofartificialintelligence, according to Tulane computerscience professor Aron Culotta, who studies the industry In aWaymo taxi,cameras seelane markings, traffic lights, signs and other vehicles. Radarsenses the distance and speed of surrounding objects. Lasers create 3D maps. Andultrasonic sensors, which emit high-frequency sound waves, help judge close-range distances for parking andother maneuvers. Machine learning —a type of AI that can detect patterns, make predictions and improve its performance —allows computers to understand what the sensor information meansand to take actions, like braking, accelerating or turning.

Recent hotel‘fire sales’ illustrate industry pressures

Wave of marquee properties hitting market at steep discounts

BYANTHONY McAULEY

writer

Staff

New Orleans’ hotel market is in the middle of an unusually turbulent chapter,asacluster of marquee properties have quietly —or in some cases very publicly been put up for sale at steep discounts to their replacement cost or even to valuations from just a few years ago. Brokers, operators and industry analysts saythe downturn reflects amix of national pressures and local complications, creating one of the most buyer-

friendlyenvironments the cityhas seen in more than adecade. Nothing captures the moment more vividly than the looming sale of Virgin Hotels New Orleans Built four yearsago in the WarehouseDistrictfor roughly $80 million, the stylish 238-room property is now expectedtosell early next year for about half that amount. The hotel’sfinancial unraveling has effectively wiped out investors in the fund that financed the project —an“opportunity zone” REIT managed by SkyBridge Capital, the group run by hedge fund manager Anthony Scaramucci, who rose to fame during his brief stint as White House communications director in President Donald Trump’sfirst term. In November, Bloomberg and other outlets reportedthat SkyBridge informed investors in a

September letter that the REIT formally the SkyBridge-EJF Opportunity ZoneREIT,whose sole asset is Virgin HotelsNew Orleans —now expects theirequitytobe reduced tozeroonce the sale closes. Despite receiving an appraisal valuing the hotel at $94 million last December,the fund had little practical choice but to sell: rising expenses, especially unexpectedly high insurance premiumsand city property taxes, had climbed to levels thatmade injecting additional capital financially unjustifiable, theletter said. The troubles at Virgin Hotels highlight the uneasy path of the federal Qualified Opportunity Zones program,created under the 2017 TaxCutsand Jobs Act during Trump’sfirst term.

2025 BUILD

LOUISIANA AWARDS

WINNERS

n Building (Over $10 million)

WINNER: Ryan Gootee — Harrah’s

MERIT: JB Mouton — Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium

n Building (Under $10 million)

WINNER: Ryan Gootee — Board of Trade

MERIT: RNGD — Regional HQ

Campus

n Highway (Over $25 million)

WINNER: Gilchrist — Loyola Drive / Interstate 10 Interchange

MERIT: Boh — Interstate 10 & Interstate 12 College Drive Flyover

Ramp n Highway (Under $25 million)

WINNER: RNGD — Globalplex Access Bridge

MERIT: Hand Construction — Shreveport Gate Capacity Expansion

n Utility Infrastructure (Over $20 million)

WINNER: RNGD — St.Anthony Group A n Utility Infrastructure (Under $20 million)

WINNER: Boh Brothers — French Quarter ROW Improvements

MERIT: Wharton Smith — New Cheniere Water Storage Tank & Duplex Pump Station

n Federal / Heavy / Coastal (Over $10 million)

WINNER: Cycle Construction — 17th St. Canal

MERIT: Primoris — Comite River Bridges

n Federal / Heavy / Coastal (Under $10 million)

WINNER: Massman — Algiers Lock Dolphin Replacement

Inaugural Build La. Awards honor

contractors

BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer

The contractors behind some of Louisiana’s most high-profile recent construction projects recently presented the inaugural Build Louisiana Awards Winners included the firms that worked on casino and sports stadium renovations, interstate improvements and canal restoration. Presented by Louisiana Associated General Contractors, the awards were modeled on the Build America Awards given out by the Associated General Contractors of America, with categories for each of the four occupational divisions the organizations represent — building, highway and transportation, utility infrastructure and federal, heavy and coastal.

Reldon Owens, CEO of the Louisiana AGC, said the timeline for nominations for the new awards was arranged to encourage more applications to the national awards.

In a normal year, only a couple of Louisiana firms submit projects to be Build America awards, but this year — with the application process for the statewide awards mirroring the national one — there were eight to 10.

“It’s a fast-paced industry,” Owens said. “I think sometimes we’re so busy building the future and building tomorrows that we forget to stop and celebrate our wins and our victories.”

Owens said his organization’s first-ever gala, held at Renaissance in Baton Rouge, exceeded expectations, with about 50% more attendees than anticipated

The competition for Build Louisiana Awards drew 36 entries

— twice as many as Owens anticipated who were judged by an outside panel of 42 engineers, architects, faculty and neighboring industry professionals.

Projects were divided into small and large-scale categories in each division based on contract value, ensuring a fair comparison between multimilliondollar infrastructure jobs and smaller-scale improvements

Email Jonah Meadows at Jonah.Meadows@theadvocate. com.

“It’s a giant pipeline of data and analysis that helps the computer systems behave intelligently, detecting and reacting to pedestrians, street signs and potholes,” Culotta said

Are they safe?

Waymo, now active in a half dozen cities, boasts about its safety record since its 2020 debut in Phoenix, Arizona.

Last month, the company released data showing that its fleet had traveled 96 million miles as of June, and its vehicles are “91% less likely” to be involved in crashes resulting in serious injury compared to human drivers.

The first fatal accident involving a Waymo car happened in January in San Francisco, but local law enforcement charged the human driver of another car with multiple crimes related to the incident.

The vehicles do make mistakes, though. When a Waymo car struck and killed a cat last month in San Francisco, angry neighborhood residents called for new regulations. There was also an incident in 2023, when two separate Waymos crashed into a backward-facing truck that was being towed.

“When the system fails, it fails in weird ways that makes people lose confidence, which is why they roll out slowly,” Culotta said.

Can they handle N.O conditions?

One way to get a preview of how Waymo’s autonomous taxis could perform is to take a ride in a Tesla sedan, which has similar capabilities.

When a local Tesla owner gave a reporter a test drive through the Central Business District earlier this week the results were mostly impressive. The car followed a prescribed route, making careful turns and lane changes while stopping at stop signs for a beat longer than any human would. It also drove through several potholes without slowing down, and when it slowly pulled from a parking lot into traffic on Orleans Avenue, it provoked an angry outburst from the driver of a truck that was speeding by The Waymo fleet, which costs up to $200,000 per vehicle, won’t last very long if cars drive headlong into every crater in town. So it’s fair to wonder if the robotaxis will eventually do what human drivers do: either drive through them very slowly or try to avoid them.

Tulane’s Culotta said it’s tough to predict exactly how the cars will

HOTEL

Continued from page 1E

The program was designed to incentivize long-term investment and job creation in economically distressed areas, but in practice much of the capital flowed into high-end real estate projects in central business districts — ventures once viewed as “safe,” including Virgin Hotels, the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, and other property development projects across the city.

SkyBridge and fellow investor Buccini Pollin Group did not respond to requests for comment.

Virgin declined to comment, other than providing a general statement of support for financial backers

The Virgin Hotels New Orleans situation reflects a national trend.

Jan Freitag, national analyst for CoStar, which tracks the hotel industry, noted that The Hilton San Francisco Union Square and Parc 55 San Francisco hotel complex sold last month for $408 million, a 75% discount to its last appraisal in 2016.

“People have been talking about a looming distressed hotel market since 2020,” Freitag said. “But bankers had been doing this ‘extend and pretend’ thing, allowing investors to use their capital funds to pay interest and stay current. Those days are over.”

Virgin Hotels isn’t alone in setting a new baseline for diminished hotel valuations in New Orleans

High-profile properties have been changing hands at numbers that would have seemed unthinkably low just before the pandemic.

In June, Sunstone Hotel Inves-

tors sold the 252-room Hilton St. Charles for $47 million—well below the $59 million it paid for the asset in 2014.

Three months earlier, longtime owner WH Holdings finalized the sale of the Ritz-Carlton and its adjacent Marriott Courtyard, totaling 758 rooms, for an estimated $195 million. There is no recently published appraisal for the RitzCarlton, but the transformation of the former Maison Blanche department store into the luxury hotel cost $250 million in 2000, sug-

behave, but he believes they will be able to successfully navigate pockmarked roads over time if they gather enough data.

“That’s why the initial rollout will be cautious,” he said. “They’ll stick to certain neighborhoods, driving around collecting data at the millimeter level.”

Wet weather will create additional challenges because potholes filled with water could confuse the vehicles’ sensors

“When light is bouncing off a puddle, it’s hard to tell if it’s a pothole or not,” Culotta said.

Will Waymo steal jobs?

A decade ago, the rise of ridehailing platforms completely disrupted the generations-old taxi industry

Now, ridesharing, a roughly $30 billion industry in the U.S., is facing threats from autonomous vehicles, and local rideshare drivers and cabbies are scared.

“Self-driving cars are a threat to our existence,” said Mark Grzywacz, a full-time driver in New Orleans. “AI will definitely be replacing human jobs.”

Bolstering those fears are studies showing that the average rideshare driver’s pay is lower in cities with autonomous vehicles in operation because of increased competition.

It’s hard to say for sure how many local jobs could be obliterated by Waymo because Uber and Lyft drivers are not represented

by an industry that tracks job numbers. But there are about 200 drivers working for United Cab, one of the city’s remaining major taxi companies. Rideshare and taxi advocates also say there are times when a human driver is essential, such as when an older or disabled passenger needs help getting to the airport with luggage, or loading and unloading groceries. And they argue that in New Orleans, human drivers are uniquely prepared to manage unpredictable situations like preventing a drunk passenger from getting sick in the backseat or figuring out workarounds to parades.

“What’s a driverless taxi going to do when there’s a second-line?” said Kirtan Parmar, United Cab manager. “It can’t call the passengers and tell them to meet on the other side.”

Another plus for human-powered rideshares is that they’re about 30% cheaper according to Obi, a global platform that helps customers shop around for the best rates for a ride.

But robotaxis offer a couple of advantages over human drivers. In a fully autonomous vehicle, there’s no human driver to behave abusively, commit a crime or be the victim of one. And AI cars don’t get tired.

“They aren’t looking at their phone,” said Campbell. “And, unlike a human, there’s no chance they didn’t sleep well the night

gesting significant lost value when adjusted for inflation and escalating construction costs.

“The New Orleans hotel market has not fully recovered post-COVID, and because of where interest rates are today hotel valuations are dramatically lower,” said Randy Waesche, who manages the hotel trusts of the late developer Joe Jaeger Waesche has been trying to sell Jaeger’s “J Collection” of hotels — a total of 16 properties, mostly in or near the French Quarter over the past 18 months. Earlier this fall, he transferred management of all those hotels to Waterford Hotel Group in hopes of improving performance while waiting for a more favorable market.

Marquee hotels

The list of New Orleans properties recently offered for sale includes some of the city’s marquee properties in historic buildings. Le Pavillon, a 226-room landmark perched at the edge of the French Quarter on Poydras Street, has been under contract to sell to local investor Bobby Guidry and Florida-based David Bansmer in a deal valued near $43 million. That would represent a drop of roughly one-third from the price that seller Ashford Hospitality Trust paid ten years ago. Ashford declined to comment.

The Loews New Orleans Hotel, the Troubadour the Mercantile Hotel, and the Q&C Hotel and Bar have also been shopped in recent months. Most owners have ultimately backed off, preferring to hold their assets and ride out what they hope is a temporary trough in valuations. Yet not everyone sees doom in the downturn. For Len Wormser, vice president at Hospitality Real Estate Counselors and one of the city’s most active hotel brokers, the current moment represents a rare confluence of low pricing and favorable long-term fundamentals.

“This is the best time to buy hotels in New Orleans in the last 10 years,” said Wormser, who brokered the $73 million sale of the dual-branded Marriott Courtyard and SpringHill Suites in the Warehouse District last year to Guidry and Bansmer Positive trends

Beyond bargain prices, Wormser pointed to several encouraging indicators. Chief among them is the Pace Report, which tracks future room bookings at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center After several soft years following the pandemic, the report shows convention bookings returning to their 2017–2019 average over the next two years and then climbing

before.”

Who will regulate the company?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has yet to establish a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles, so Waymo and its competitors operate under different rules in different cities and states.

Some states require permits, safety certifications and data reporting while others have minimal regulations. There are different insurance requirements as well. California is among the stricter states, while Texas has created more industry-friendly rules. Louisiana already has laws on the books dating back to 2016 related to commercial operation of autonomous vehicles. The state’s innovation chief Josh Fleig said the state’s approach is “on par” with Texas.

New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Moreno’s office did not respond to a request for comment about autonomous vehicle regulation. But as rules get written, officials will have to consider some of the challenges particular to life in south Louisiana. The cars can’t go offline during a hurricane, for instance.

Said Campbell: “When people need to get out of the city, they can’t have 200 Waymos bricked in the middle of a thoroughfare.”

Email Rich Collins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com.

sharply through 2030.

If that forecast holds, it would mean a long-awaited rebound in group travel —the lifeblood of the city’s hospitality sector and for occupancy levels of its 26,000 downtown hotel rooms.

At the same time, New Orleans is adding very few new hotel rooms in the near term. Developers are facing high construction costs, complex zoning requirements and a financing drought driven by interest rates that remain elevated. Meanwhile, City Hall’s crackdown on illegal short-term rentals is reducing the number of alternative lodging options in several key neighborhoods, gradually funneling more demand back toward licensed hotels.

Waesche, despite navigating the difficult process of attempting to sell legacy assets at depressed prices, agrees that the market now strongly favors buyers with available capital and patience.

“I think if you talk to the New Orleans banking community, you’ll find that none of them have an appetite for hotels,” he said. “But people with capital —they can come in and buy attractively, absolutely.”

Freitag of CoStar agrees that hotel deal-making continues apace for big institutional backers with capital, pointing to the sale in September of EAST Miami hotel and residences for a reported $300 million (with fixtures and furniture), compared to its build cost four years ago of about $174 million.

For now the city’s marquee hotel owners are hunkering down, trimming costs, renegotiating debt where possible, and hoping for either lower interest rates or a meaningful jump in demand. But for a small group of investors, the moment represents a chance to acquire once-premium assets at discounts not seen since the aftermath of the Great Recession. And for New Orleans — a city whose economy is inseparable from its hotel rooms the next two years may determine whether today’s bargain prices were a temporary valley or the new normal.

Email Anthony McAuley tmcauley@theadvocate.com.

TALKING BUSINESS

ASK THE EXPERTS

Professor: Your calendar reveals your true priorities

BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer

Michelle Johnston, a longtime management professor at Loyola was preparing to publish her first book on new leadership models when the COVID pandemic inspired a rewrite that focused on building human connections in a hybrid workplace.

After identifying the rise of artificial intelligence as the next major challenge coming to the office, Johnston recently published her second book, “The Seismic Shift in You,” with co-author Marshall Goldsmith.

With advances in technology and remote work coinciding with rising rates of loneliness — linked to health risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day Johnston calls for leaders to focus less on control and more on maintaining connections

Besides studying leadership and management through an academic lens, Johnston knows about it first-hand from real-world experience As an executive coach and podcast host, she has worked with clients including Ochsner Health System, Entergy, the New Orleans Saints and Georges Enterprises, the parent company of The TimesPicayune and The Advocate.

In this week’s Talking Business, Johnston discusses her new book and how she teaches her clients to keep the teams in their workplace connected.

This interview has been edited for brevity Whatisyouradviceforhowtoconnectin ahybridorremoteworkenvironment?

What we’re seeing is, even in a hybrid environment, we need face-to-face time to build the connection, to build the trust that fuels the innovation, that fuels the productivity and the financial performance.

I advocate for at least quarterly off-sites. It’s really hard in these

virtual meetings to go deep with connections. If you’re running big monthly meetings, try to get people in breakout rooms and say, “OK, I’m going to give you all a question.” Share each other’s stories: Where are you from? What’s your birth order? We’ve got to know each other’s stories first, because when you know somebody’s story, then it’s very hard to judge and assume the worst. You can also begin with connection questions. Some people think it’s hokey, I believe that it is necessary Share the agenda, pass it around from person to person each week. We have to run meetings differently They’ve got to be more of a conversation, rather than talking at people.

Howdoaccountabilityandconnectionbasedleadershiprelatetoeachother?

I think they go hand-in-hand, because in order to hold each other accountable, you have to have open communication, you have to have dialogue, you have to have trust. You have to be able to lean in and have difficult conversations. You have to be comfortable with conflict.

Connection requires courage.

It takes a lot of courage to lean in and have those delicate conversations, and when conflict arises, figure out how to resolve it, how to hold each other accountable.

Think about this: if you want to go super fast with your team, just barking at them and giving them orders and telling them to figure it out is not going to work. You have to spend a lot of time building that connection, getting to know each other as humans on a personal level.

And I am not advocating being a therapist. I don’t want people to show up and talk about all their problems. If you want to build a team that is high-performing, spend time developing them together, so that we all get to know each other, who we are as humans,

Q&A WITH MICHELLE JOHNSTON

able, because if the most important people in your life, personally and professionally, are not on your calendar, then business has taken over And then you wake up, and years have gone by You’re like, “Why haven’t I seen my family?” “Why haven’t I seen my best friends?” “Wait, I haven’t nurtured these relationships because it’s not on my calendar.”

Haveyou—eitherfromstudentsorfrom businessleaderswhoyou’recoaching—experiencedapushbacktothisphilosophy?

Some leaders, in the very beginning, when I’ve worked with them, they’ll say, “Michelle, I lead finance. I’ve got all these agenda items, you’re telling me you want me to spend 15 minutes at the beginning of my meeting going around and asking my people on a scale of 1 to 10 how they’re doing?” I said, “Yes, try it out. Try it out for six months. I understand, and I appreciate your being honest that you think that you have too much to accomplish to actually ask your people how they’re doing on a scale of 1 to 10, but try it out.”

what our preferences are, how we work best, how we communicate best, what our background is. If you do all that up front, then you build that trust, then you go fast Howdoesthelackofasharedreality,of beingabletotrustwhatyoureadorwhat yousee,changethevaluepropositionof one-on-one,individualizedconnections?

Social media makes you feel like you’re connected, and all of a sudden, you look up and it’s been 45 minutes and you’ve been scrolling and you’re like, “Oh, but I’m connecting.” But then the research is showing that it actually creates emptiness and anxiety

Automation, AI, is going to help us immensely — it really will, if we use it the right way it can do so much for us, and it also means we’re going to be more dependent on technology, on our computers, on our phones. I believe that productivity without connection equals emptiness. Make sure that we’re focusing on face-to-face when we can, meaningful connection, and then we’ll be happier, healthier, and everything else will fall in place. Show me your calendar, and I will show you your priorities. It might make you really uncomfort-

Every single one of them who’s tried it has come back to me and said, “You are absolutely correct. It works.” Because once you build that relationship, the team members know more about each other. We’re all human. We’re not just cogs in a wheel. They’ve all come back to me and said, “Now we have a cohesive team who trust one another, who now collaborates well. They’re so much more productive I can now retain my people. They’re more engaged.” Those are all the indicators of success. I tell my leaders: If you want to go fast and drive financial performance who doesn’t, right? — then you have to start with the building blocks of connection.

Email Jonah Meadows at jonah. meadows@theadvocate.com.

AROUND THE REGION

Leadership changesatRoyOMartin

BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer

Over the past century,Alexandria-based RoyOMartin has grown from asinglesawmill foundedin 1923 by thecompany’s eponymous founder to the largestprivateforestryand timberproductsbusiness in Louisianawith more than500,000 acres of land,three processing plants in two states, 1,400 employees and clients around the globe

Now,after six years at the helm of the company founded byhis grandfather,third-generationCEO Roy O. Martin III, 65, is passing the torch to Presidentand Chief Operating Officer E. Scott Poole, the first chief executivetoleadthe company who is not amember of the Martin family

While the succession is notable, it isn’tlikely to bring about any significant changes at the company.The plan has been5 years in the making and Poole is a40-year veteran of RoyOMartin. Besides, Martin will continue to keep acloseeye on business as chiefinvestment officer and chairman of the board. “I think we will have aseamless transition,” Martin said. “Every goodcompany hasa succession plan. It should not be aproblem. Scott shares our values.”

The transition comes at atime of upheaval in the timber industry Tariffs, higher interest ratesand ahousing slump have driven timber prices down and softened demand for many of RoyOMartin’s products. Adding to the pressure is an influx of several new Canadian competitors, who are buying up timber mills in the South.

Martinacknowledges the industry has seen alot of change in the four decades since he joined his family’sbusiness. But the company has diversified, branching out beyond timber into otherholdings andisable to weather industry

After six yearsatthe helm of RoyOMartin, the companyfounded by his grandfather,third-generation CEO RoyO.Martin III, left, is passing the torchtoPresidentand Chief Operating Officer E. Scott Poole, the first chief executive to lead the companywho is not amember of the Martin family

ups and downs, he said.

“The industry is in aslump but we are acommodity business,” he said. “Weplanfor slumps.”

‘A manufacturing company’

Thecompany was foundedby Martin’sgrandfather, RoyOtis Martin,who came to Louisiana from his native Michigan and purchased alumbermillinAlexandria. In the decades that followed, he acquired thousands of acres of timber land acrosscentral Louisiana, opened larger facilitiesand grew the company into aregional powerhouse.

In the1960s, Roy Martin Jr.took the reins and continuedgrowing the company.Martin III’suncle, Ellis Martin, and first cousin, JonathanMartin, also hadstints as CEO

“RoyOMartin’ssuccess has always been rooted in its people, its values, and its commitmenttodoing what’s right for ourteam members, our customers, and our communities. Ilook forward to building on that legacy as we move steadfast into the future.”

E. SCOTT POOLE

Today,the company has its corporateheadquartersinAlexandria, aplywoodand timber mill in Chopin, aplantinOakdale that specializes in manufacturing a type of engineered woodcalled orientedstrandboard or OSB, and afacilityinCorrigan, Texas, that

Beyond Conventional.

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also makes theengineered wood products.

The company does not disclose revenues but estimates from online industry sources estimates them to be at least$350 million.

RoyOMartin is vertically integrated, with holdings that include rawtimber land, mills and processing plants, as well as mineral holdings andbusiness that manufacture pipelines, among other things,though the bulk of its revenues come from manufacturing wood products, Martin said.

“Weused to be aforestry company that manufactured products,” Martinsaid. “Nowweare amanufacturingcompany that owns alot of timberland.”

Thecompanyisknown as an early adapter of sustainable forestry practices andhas pioneered technologiesusedingrowing and processing timber.

“Weare able to growour timber fourtimes faster than my grandfather did because of smart agriculture practices,” Martin said.

It also has its own health care company on-site with adoctor, physicians assistants and nurses who provide primarycare and wellness services to employees on-site.

“Theyhave always been very environmentally minded, concerned about sustainable agriculture andahead of the curve,” said Richard Vlosky,aprofessor and director of the Louisiana Forestry ProductsDevelopment Center at theLSU AgCenter’sSchool of Renewable NaturalResources.

Building on alegacy

Louisiana’svast acres of pine are the number one agricultural crop in the state,Vlosky said, bigger than corn, cotton, soybean andsugar cane combined.Ithas an economic impact of $11 billion.

It is the state’ssecond-largest employer

But global pressureshave softened themarketfor pine in

recent years. President Donald Trump’shigher tariffs have actually helpeddomestictimber producers to an extent, Martin said, because it hasmadeinferior Brazilian plywood products less attractive.

The housing market slump, however,continues to dampen demand fortimber and building products. Martinisoptimistic things will turn around soon.

“Demand is there it’sjust an affordabilityissue,” he said. “But interest ratesare coming down and housing prices are coming down.”

The companyisalso developing newtechnologiesand usesfor its pine in partnerships with LSU and Louisiana Tech, which awarded Martinwithanhonorary doctorateearlierthis month for his contributions to the industry

His successor, Poole, said in a statementheplans to continue growing acompany that is aleader in the industry

“RoyOMartin’ssuccesshas always been rootedinits people, itsvalues, andits commitment to doingwhat’sright forour team members, ourcustomers, andour communities,” Poolesaid. “I look forward to building on that legacy as we move steadfast into the future.”

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

Louisianaisanall-of-the-aboveenergystate —leveragingits deep rootsintraditional oil andgas whilerapidly building on that tradition to advanceenergyinnovationand attract record investmenttoLouisiana Jones Walker attorneysbring decadesoflegal regulatory,and practicalexperiencetothe entire energy spectrum,including offshore andonshore drilling andproduction, pipeline transportation andstorage,and liquefied naturalgas (LNG)facilities. Andmorerecently, this includesextensive experiencesinthe useofcarboncapture andsequestration to expand marketsfor Louisiananatural gas and manufacturing products,aswellasthe useof newerenergysources such as lithiumand biofuels.Our firm proudlysupportsLouisiana’s balancedand forward-thinking approach to energy development.

By advising clientsonbothlegacyand emerging energy solutions, we areproudly helpingsupport thestate as aleader in shapingAmerica’s energy independencefor thefuture.

Thinkstoresget thetax break?

Thetruth aboutcheckoutdonations

The TikTok creator leans into the camera with righteousindignation. She has some important financial advicefor people confused about donation requests at checkout.

Yousee the solicitationsall the time —various charities teaming up with retailers to raise needed funds.

tion when customers give. That video hadmore than 500,000 likes andwas shared 28,000 times on theplatform,she wroteina2020 blogpost.

Fool’s Take:Kimberly-Clarkis gettingbigger

grow

Michelle Singletary

THE COLOR OF MONEy

Just before you finish paying either in person or online, you’re asked for a contribution.You can give aspecific amount or roundup your purchase total to help fund achildren’shospital charitable campaign or afood bank.

“When you go to check outand get asked to donate to charity do not donate to it,” the TikToker warned. “Thatmoney is atax write-off for the company.”

The video, posted ahead of Thanksgiving, received over 1,000 likes. Retailers “don’t deserve the tax write off for MY generosity,” one person commented.

Similar videos have been uploaded on Instagram, claimingto revealthe truthabout checkout charity,and it’sfueling agrowing wave of consumer skepticism: Why giveyour dollars if thestore benefits from the tax break?

While mistrust of corporations is understandable and often justified, in this specific case, the advice is entirely wrong.

If you’re declining to give because of asocial media video, you’re making afinancial decision based on bad information.

Corporations cannot take tax deductions for charitable contributions made by their customers. This would be illegalunder U.S. tax law,accordingtoRenu Zaretsky,awriter and editor for the Urban-Brookings TaxPolicy Center Zaretsky has been trying to correct the misinformation ever since she came across aTikTok video during the pandemic claiming companies get the tax deduc-

“It really irritated me abit because it was just so wrong,” she said in an interview.“There are charities that are working really well to collect alot of money for good causes, andIwould hate for peopletobemisinformed and stop giving if they could afford it.”

Zaretsky saidcharities can benefitfrom point-of-sale donations in two ways: Either the business donatesaportion of its sales or it acts as an intermediary for donations.

In other words, if thebusiness is actinglawfully,the company can donate apercentage of sales and takeacharitable deduction. Or it can ask customers to donate, then pass alongthe money to the charity.Inthat case, the customer might claim thededuction. For small donations, though, many peopledon’t take adeduction, she said.

Here’smore reason to give at checkout: Startingin2026, taxpayers who claim thestandard deduction (meaningthey don’t itemize) can take an above-theline deduction for qualified charitable contributions —upto$1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.An above-the-linededuction means you cansubtractitfrom your gross incomebeforecalculatingyour adjusted grossincome, which in turn lowers your taxable income.

That’sabig change from this tax year,when you can deduct charitable contributions only if you itemize your deductions.

The bottom line: Don’tavoid giving just because you think companies are taking advantage of you

By discouraging donations at checkoutbased on an inaccurate understanding oftax law,these social media videos could disrupt acrucial funding source for some charities.

Youmight feel annoyed or pressuredbycheckoutcharity

campaigns. However,they have proven to be an effective way for nonprofitstoraise funds. How manytimes have you meantto give, but life getsinthe way,and you don’tfollow through? Encouraging generosity at thepoint of sale helps generate essential funds.

“The concept of ‘checkout charity’ is really one of impulse giving,” wrote two researchers for a paper published in theJournal of Public and Nonprofit Affairslast year

The study also discovered somethinginteresting. Younger customers and women were more likely to give at the register

“The mostdrastic impact on giving at the register was being Black,” the researchers found.

Black customers reported giving $122.80 moreannually than aWhiterespondent. “This is in alignment with previous research on African American giving,” they wrote.

The research pointed out that somecustomers might feel pressured to donateatcheckout. The decision is completely yours. If you can’tafford it or don’twant to support that specific charity,say no without hesitation or guilt.It’s your money,and nobody should makeyou feel obligated.

Usually,Iwarn against making hastydecisions, but with checkout donation campaigns, small change makes adifference.

In 2024, 92 checkout charity campaigns raised over $275 million, according to areport by Engage for Good, which tracks this specific type of giving. The average donation was $1.13. Taco Bell reported raising $50 million in 2024, with an average donation of 44 cents. Walmart and Sam’s Club gathered $43 million for the Children’sMiracle Network Hospitals’ campaign, which included customer donations.

As with most online content, independently verify the information before it affectsa financial decision.

Email Michelle Singletary at michelle.singletary@washpost com.

Kimberly-Clark (Nasdaq: KMB)isacquiring Kenvue (NYSE: KVUE), creating ahealth and wellness giant with $32 billion in revenue, and 10 brands generating over $1 billion in annual sales each (such as Kimberly-Clark’s Kleenexand Huggies and Kenvue’s Tylenol and Listerine).

Kimberly-Clark is expecting anet benefit of $2.1 billion within four years of closing the deal. The larger scale will alsohelp the combined company navigate the issues Kenvue has faced since becoming independent in 2023, following its separationfrom Johnson &Johnson.

The combined company should be in astrong financial position to continue paying agrowing dividend. While Kimberly-Clark is taking on debt to fund the deal, it aims to reduce its debt level quickly.Kimberly-Clark’sdividend yield was recently ahefty 4.7%.

The deal isn’twithout risk, though. While the combined company will be in abetter positiontoweather potential legal issues, they could still be costly This could weigh on its stock and potentially impact its ability to grow thedividend in the future.

Kimberly-Clark’srecent share price is attractive, though, with arecent forward-looking priceto-earnings (P/E) ratio of 14.1, well belowits five-year average of 18.9. (The Motley Fool owns sharesofand recommends Kenvue.)

Fool’s School:PhilFisher’s15 questions

In Philip A. Fisher’s1958 book, “CommonStocks and Uncommon Profits,” he laid out “the 15 points to look for in acommonstock.”

The list can still help us evaluate stock candidatesfor our portfolios. Here are some of the questions he posed.

”Doesthecompanyhaveproductsor serviceswithsufficientmarketpotentialto makepossibleasizableincreaseinsales foratleastseveralyears?” Ideally,a company will have alarge target market, offering alot of room to

”Doesthemanagementhaveadeterminationtocontinuetodevelopproducts orprocessesthatwillstillfurtherincrease totalsalespotentialswhenthegrowthpotentialsofcurrentlyattractiveproductlines havelargelybeenexploited?” The best companies have shown they can innovate and keep introducing new offerings for customers. Significant investments in research and development are apromising sign.

”Doesthecompanyhaveaworthwhile profitmargin?”and“Whatisthecompany doingtomaintainorimproveprofitmargins?” Favor companies with profit margins greater than those of their peers. And increasing margins are desirable, too.

”Doesthecompanyhaveoutstanding laborandpersonnelrelations?” Companies that treat their workers well have lower turnover rates, which can save money.And asatisfied employee maytreat customers better,too

Askthe Fool:Earningsseason

Whatis“earningsseason”?—N.T., Jacksonville,NorthCarolina

It’s when manycompanies’ earnings reports are released. Public companies(thosewith publicly traded stock) mustissue three quarterly“10-Q” reports andanannual “10-K” report (for theirfourth quarter), detailing theirearnings andfinancialcondition

Many companies conclude their years at theend of December, while others choose March, June or September.Earnings reports are typically issued afew weeks after theend of each quarter,so there are four “earnings seasons” throughout theyear: generally, from mid-January through February,from mid-Aprilthrough May, from mid-July through August andfrom mid-October through November

Earnings seasonsare noteworthybecause if resultsare better than predicted or expected,a company’sstock pricecan jump —and, conversely, it can sink on worse-than-expected results. Reports also offer investors thelatest information on revenue,earnings,growth trends andmore, and they can result in analysts revising theiropinions on companies. It’s agood ideatolearn to read andunderstandfinancialstatementsyourself— andtokeep up with your holdings’ earnings reports.

Gallagher: LessonsinResilience

On the recent 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Gallagherteam has been looking backat theexperienceand howitshaped today’sinsurance industry.

NancySylvester is an area executive vice presidentatGallagher,based in Baton Rouge. Sherecentlysharedher story of Hurricane Katrina, the challenges the insuranceindustry facedand howresilienceshaped the path forward.

With damages exceeding USD200 billion, Katrina notonly altered the city’sphysical landscapebut alsoreshaped global perspectives on disasterpreparednessand response.Today, 20 yearsafter Hurricane Katrina struck NewOrleans, its impact remains deeply felt acrossthe affectedcommunities as the costliestand one of the fivedeadliesthurricanes in US history.

Q: Take us back to Augustof2005. Howdid youexperience the landfall of the hurricane?

IliveinBaton Rouge,70milesfromNew Orleans. That weekend, my oldestson wasfishing in the Gulf of Mexicoand when we urged him to come back inland, whatshould have been an hour’s drivetook about 12 hoursdue to the worseningconditions. The news reports initiallysaid things were under control, butby lunchtime on Monday, the levees began breaking and things quickly spiraled out of control.

Q: What were the firstdayslikewhen family andfriendssought shelter at your home,far from the mostaffectedareas?

Iwelcomed my family from NewOrleans,expectingittobe manageable,but soon found myselfhosting 26 people.Islept undermydining room table,the only privatespaceleft. Wandering into the kitchenatnight, I’dmeetstrangers saying, “I work foryour cousin. He said it would be OK.”Ireassured everyone,“Yeah, everything’s fine.”

Q: Howwas daily lifeimpactedinthe aftermath of Hurricane Katrina?

My usual 15-minutedrivetothe office would takehours due to the crowds seeking refuge in BatonRouge and justtrying to get somewhereelse. Schools also faceda suddensurge in students, andthe schoolofficeswould announcewherepeople could find food.

Blackhawk helicopterswereconstantly flying overhead, transporting the injured from NewOrleans to Louisiana State University(LSU), where the athletics departmentbecame a makeshift emergency hospital. TheLSU studentbody even donatedclothingtothose in need, and youcouldsee people wearing purple andgold, thecolorsofthe university. It wasa touching displayofhumanity after Hurricane Katrina, with everyone welcomed and cared forasbestaspossible

Q: Howhaveyour clients’ perspectives on extremeweather risks evolved since Hurricane Katrina?

BeforeKatrina, redundancies were oftenviewedasunnecessary expenses. Today, having backups is understood as essential. Clients nowprioritizestrengthening buildings to ensuretheir facilities can enduresevereweather,addressing all potential exposures on supply chains or backup power, forexample Everyoneisfocused on preventing businessinterruptionclaims and avoiding closingtheir doorsbecause, once theydo, theymay neveropen again. We knowthatFEMA [Federal Emergency ManagementAgency] has stated 40%ofcompanies don’t reopen after adisaster, and another 25% fail within oneyear

As acommunity, we’realso massively investing in roof resilience to withstand strong winds and preventpiercings. When damage or lossoccurs, my clientsaren’tinterestedinjustrebuilding what wastherebefore; they’refocused on constructing to newercodes and following thehighestbuildingstandards

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ANGELLEWIS

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MICHAEL HEBERT

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Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of Joseph Collinspleasecontact Atty.BenjaminBeychok at (225) 9060050. 169324-Dec6-8,3t $85

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knowingthe whereabouts of TheestateofLouiseFerrington Ellis,MargaretWebberPowers, Donna LGrayson,Roy Ellis,Debra KayMatthews, SusanOubre and KarenE Devall please contactAtty Benjamin Beychokat(225) 906-0050. 169334-Dec6-8,3t $121

RESEARCH ANALYST AcadianConsultingGroup seekingSr. Research AnalystinBaton Rouge, LA Conducthigh-levelresearchinenergy regulation,markettrends, policies,and studiesfor clients; Applyhigh-levelof research methods, continually collect andanalyze data,analyze relevant market andindustrydata, identify ac‐tionable intelligence, interpretcom‐plex research data andprocesslarge sets of data andfindingsintostrategies andsolutions,adviseseniormanage‐ment andpresent findings to manage‐ment andclients.Prepare reports, workpapers,and exhibits used forex‐pert testimonyand litigationsupport forclientsbeforepubliccommissions or U.S. civilcourts. Conductduties using: MicrosoftOffice,R-Studio, Stata SAS Req’s: Mastersdegree in Environmen‐talManagement, Agribusiness Man‐agement, Agricultural Economicsorre‐latedfield,plus6 months research ex‐perience in:business, economics, reg‐ulatory/public policy and/or otherana‐lyticaldisciplines in energy,publicutil‐ityornatural resourcesindustry, 6 months experience with:Microsoft Of‐fice,R-Studio, Stata, SAS. Applyto:info@acadianconsulting.com

Owner: Yvonne Stewart LegalDescription:LOT

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53A-50CB196 E77CB229 E44& E45(MAPFILED IN ORGINALCB61E111) (PLATMAP 69) APUBLICHEARING will be held by theWest BatonRouge PARISH COUNCILtoratifythe

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Yes, knowledge is power, and the choice is yours. But you MUST ACTNOW to put your estate plan in place. It all starts by attendingone of LauraPoche’sfree educational eventswhich makes it clear that regardless of your networth,ifyou want to preserveyourhard-earned assetsorhavepeople in your life you need to protectorhavecauses that youwanttopromote, EVERY PERSON NEEDSALEGAL ESTATEPLAN. Let LauraPocheand her professional and knowledgeable staffmakethis process as easyaspossible so youcan livewith PEACEOFMIND.

LAURAPOCHE INVITES YOUTOATTEND AFREE WORKSHOP TO LEARN ABOUT:

• Howcan Ikeep the governmentout of my estate settlement?

• What arethe twobiggest andmostexpensivemistakesfamiliesmakewhen trying to avoidnursing home poverty?

• Howcan Ikeep my not-quite perfect son-in-law and my over-controlling daughter-in-law from having influenceovermyestatesettlement?

• Howcan my family avoid estate tax, and other taxestheymightfacewhen Ipass away?

• HowdoIstart the five-year look back period fornursinghomeswithout having to giveeverything away to my family whileIamalive?

• Whydomostlawyerslove Probate, and want my estate to go through it?

• Should IhaveaWill or Trust(or both)?

• Canmypatchwork quiltofWills,Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Beneficiary Designations actually be atime bomb waiting to explode?

• HowdoIkeep my estate plan up-to-datewithout it costing afortune when my life circumstances changeorwhen the law changes?

• HowdoIensurethatmy estate won’tincur legal expensewhen Idie,preserving 100% of my assetsfor my family?

7STUPIDESTATEPLANNING MISTAKES TO AVOID IN 2025

If youhaveeverwantedtoeliminateworry becauseyou don’t havea program in place to protectyourestateand family,without aslewof untimely legaland taxproblems,thenthis will be one of the most important workshops youeverattend.I am going to showyou howtobulletproof what youhavetoday, and whatyou leaveyourkids tomorrow.You’llbeable to take advantageofmyestateplanninglegalstrategieswithout youoryour lovedoneshavingtodeal with Succession Courts,long estate settlement delays,Medicaid liens,nursing home poverty, and death tax. But before Ido that, letmetell youastory of howwehelped Mary.

MARY’S STORY

“Asacouple with an only child, we thoughtaWill wasall we needed. WRONG! My husband died, and Ihad to go through Probate-anightmare, andvery costly.Italsotook over9 months.I didn’t want ourchild to go through that, so Igaveher an ad to aPoche’Law Firmworkshop,and sheand herhusband were impressed. They had Lauraset up aparticular kindofTrust that took care of their estate planning, butwhat aboutme? Idecided to go to aworkshop,and made my appointment.Lauraansweredall of my questions, andevengot my financial advisor in on aconferencecall. Icould nothave been morepleasedand relieved that my estate plan is nowinorder.Kudos to Lauraand her professional staff. Ihighly recommend her forall estate planningneeds.”

Mary,Baton Rouge, LA

IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOROUR WORKSHOPS:

Workshopsare open to FIRST-TIMEATTENDEES ONLYand aregearedtowards people whowant or need your legal estate plan in placequickly Pleasehaveyourpersonal calendarhandy at the workshop so youcan choose to startyourplan NOW! If married, both spouses mustattend a workshop to ensurethat alldecision-makers are involved in your family’scoordinated plan

All people who attend willreceiveaFREE copy of theupdated2nd edition of LauraPoche’s Book, “Estate Planning AdvicebyaWoman forLouisiana Women: AGuide forBothMen and Women About Wills,Trusts,Probate, Powers of Attorney, Medicaid, Living Willsand Taxes.”

HEALTH

Creating an ‘opportunity’

BY EMILYWOODRUFF Staff writer

At asmallplay area insideanewly renovatedbuilding on Canal Street in New Orleans, De Jon Muwwakkil watched her daughter work apulley elevator on adollhouse and tuck a stuffed panda behind aminiature cupboard —“hisnew home,” the child announced For Muwwakkil, who completed outpatient substanceuse treatment through Volunteers of America SoutheastLouisiana, moments like that show what recoverycouldlike when women don’t havetochoose between getting help and caring for their children

“Havingmychild in the program with me was the pinnacle, the topnotch service Ineeded,” she said. Many women in New Orleans have never been able to consistently stay with theirchildren throughout treatment. But on Nov.25, VOASELA held aribbon-cutting ceremony for CanalPointe, New Orleans’ onlyfamily-centered residential

“I’ve worked with clients where sometimes their first substance usewas with their parents, when they were as young as 9doing heroin. It’sreally important to break that cycle.”

JACKIE KELLETT,Volunteers of AmericaSoutheast Louisiana’s assistant vicepresident of integrated and behavioral healthand alicensed clinical social worker

treatmentand recoveryfacility for pregnantwomen and mothers with children. The site, aformer auto dealership acrossfromUniversityMedical Center,has been transformed intoa31-room center where families will live together for about 90 days while the parent goes through treatment.

“This is an opportunity,” Muwwakkil said.“It keepswomenand childrensafe, away from the triggers, away from the badactors in thestreets, away from the bad sub-

stances,the traumatic experiences of someone’slife.”

Asmall library inside Canal Pointe is stocked with local children’s books, and the facility also includes ateaching kitchen, play areas, communityareas forfamilies,and private roomsequipped with cribs and trundle beds so mothersand childrencan stay together.Outpatient services are already operating, and residential admissionsare expected to begin in December or January

Medication-assistedtreatment will be provided on site through DePaul Community Health Centers. The first week for new residentsistypically a blur of medical appointments, group therapy,individualcounseling and casemanagement, staff said Jackie Kellett, VOASELA’s assistantvicepresident of integrated andbehavioralhealth anda licensed clinical social worker,saidtreating mothers alongside their children is essential. Child care barriers often stop women from seeking help, but

BY MIRIAM FAUZIA

DALLAS— Far from any battlefield, north Texas scientists are testing afamiliarnutrient they hope can helpregrow soldiers’ damaged muscles.

At theUniversityofTexas at Arlington, professor of graduatenursing ZuiPan andher colleagues are studying whether a zinc-infused gel can spur injured muscle to regenerate after ablast. Suchtraumatic injuriesmostoften occur in war,terrorist attacks and serious accidentswhenanexplosive force sends apowerful pressure wave through the body,tearing muscle and other tissues.

Theproject is part of theUniversity of Texas system’s Trauma Researchand CombatCasualty Care Collaborative,whichlaunched in 2022 to fund trauma research and innovation. In October,the initiative announced it had awarded $18 million to universities andmedical centers across the public university system Trauma injuries are the leading cause of deathand permanent disabilityinchildren andadults younger than 44, according to the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.Though initial damage from ablast is irreversible, it may be possible to prevent someofthe secondary injury to muscle andother tissuesthat happens when blood flow is cut off with atourniquet or bandage and then suddenly restored, Pan said in anews release.

That’swhere zinc,a metal and essential micronutrient, comes in. In thehumanbody,zinc plays a critical role in supporting the immune system and healing wounds. In a150-pound person,roughlytwo to three grams of body weight is zinc,and only about 0.1% of that is replenishedeachday through diet, according to someestimates. Unlike iron, zinc isn’tstored in the body.About 60% of it is found in skeletal muscle and 30% in bone. Studies in rats have found that, whenzinc levels are low, muscle growth is stunted. Other research has suggested minerals such as zinc mayhelp prevent or treat sarcopenia, or age-related loss of muscle massand strength, among people with cirrhosis or late-stage liverdisease. Zinc may also help with muscle atrophy in people with diabetes, at leastbased on animal studies.

But toomuchzinc is toxic and can cause damage, Pan said in the newsrelease. This toxicity can result whether zinc is taken orally or placed on the skin.

HEALTH MAKER

La. doctor discovers passion for treating bone cancer

BY MARGARET DELANEY Staff writer

Dr Gustin Zervoudakis

went to the University of Dayton in Ohio, majoring in exercise physiology and minoring in biology He completed medical school at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine as part of the inaugural class in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he also received his orthopaedic surgery residency training. Zervoudakis then went to Tampa, Florida, to complete his orthopaedic oncology fellowship at the Moffitt Cancer Center followed by a fellowship specializing in sarcomas also at Moffitt.

returned to rugby one last time after this injury

The same drive that pushed him to recover from near career-ending injury now fuels his dedication to patients whose challenges are often far greater.

“I first got into rugby my freshman year of high school,” he said “I fell in love with the sport almost immediately and have been involved with the sport in some capacity ever since whether that be as an athlete, a coach or spectator.”

Whoinspiresyou?

Zervoudakis is now a pediatric orthopedic oncologist at Ochsner Health specializing in bone cancer treatments. Once a professional rugby player, he endured a devastating knee injury tearing his MCL, ACL and PCL — and still

I’ve always been inspired by the love and dedication of my parents. I am one of five brothers. Despite having their hands completely full raising and providing for all of us, particularly the weekly grocery bill, I never heard them complain, and they always put us first. I attribute a lot of the credit for being where I am today to them as I attempt to emulate just a portion of their work ethic

and dedication in my professional endeavors.

Atwhatpointdidyouknowyou weregoingtostudyorthopedics?

I knew I wanted to go into orthopaedic surgery very early in my premedical path. This was mainly based off a long-standing interest in the musculoskeletal system and my experience in orthopaedic surgery on the patient side. Naturally, I had envisioned myself as an orthopaedic sports surgeon working with athletes and teams. However, I discovered my passion for oncology while shadowing my uncle, Dr Emmanuel Zervos, who is a surgical oncologist at the ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina, during my summer between junior and senior year of college. I was immediately drawn to the complexity of the cases, interdisciplinary treatment paradigm, and the opportunity to help patients in what is most likely the scariest time of their life.

WhatbroughtyoutoLouisiana?

My oldest brother and his

family used to live in New Orleans, so I had visited the city a number of times in the past and always left looking forward to the next visit. Professionally, I was drawn to Ochsner specifically for the opportunity to utilize the resources and partnerships with worldrenowned establishments like MD Anderson Cancer Center to bring an elevated level of care to Louisiana.

My typical week consists of clinic and surgery days. Clinic will consist of seeing post-op patients, follow-up patients, and new patients that may either present with a known diagnosis of sarcoma/cancer or require a complete workup.

Whatshouldpeopleknowabout bonecancer?

Bone cancers are part of the sarcoma family of cancers. These cancers are different from the more common carcinoma family of cancers that most individuals are familiar with cancers of lung, breast, thyroid, kidney, prostate They are derived from cells of mesenchymal origin

including bone, fat, nerve, muscle, cartilage or blood vessel cells. Sarcomas make up less than 2% of all cancer and thus are very rare relative to their carcinoma counterpart.

Some major changes in the treatment of cancer involving the musculoskeletal system include advances in percutaneous treatment such as minimally invasive internal fixation techniques as well as development of immunotherapy treatments that have made great strides in the management of metastatic disease.

Howdoyouexperiencechangeas anoncologist?Howdoyoumanage theever-evolvinglandscapeofthe medicalworld?

I experience change the same way as everyone in the medical field. Medical knowledge, particularly in the world of oncology, is an exponentially expanding body of information with new discoveries occurring seemingly every day requiring a large amount of diligence and curiosity to stay up to date through reading articles and attending conferences. Luckily, I have plenty of both, so I enjoy getting the chance to read about the most advanced techniques and treatments. Whatisthe firstthingyouaska patientaftersayinghello?

The first question I ask after saying hello is “How are you?” It’s very easy to get wrapped up in labs, notes and images, so I find starting with this question brings my focus back to the actual person across from me. This habit also serves as a reminder that every patient is someone’s family member or friend and should be treated the same as my own family member or friend.

Whatdoyouenjoydoingmost outsideofworkatthehospital?

Outside of the job, I love spending time with my family at home exploring nearby hikes, going camping or just playing in the yard. I also enjoy working on small woodworking projects and building furniture for the house when I have the space and time.

Menopause hormone therapy warning is removed

Health officials discuss treatment benefits

BY MEG WINGERTER

The Denver Post (TNS)

Removing the most dire warning from hormonal therapies to treat menopause is likely the right call, women’s health experts say, but exuberance for the treatments could be getting ahead of the evidence.

Since 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration required a “black box” warning — reserved for the most-serious side effects on products that use estrogen, progesterone or both to treat symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The black box warned of an increased risk of blood clots and certain heart problems.

Recently U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced providers would no longer see the black box, and described the decision to place the warning as a betrayal of women that denied them “strength, peace and dignity,” and may have shortened their lives.

Other top officials said in a news release that estrogen would help women prevent chronic diseases while “extending their vigor,” and that female brains need estrogen to function at their best.

“With the exception of antibiotics and vaccines, there may be no medication in the modern world that can improve the health outcomes of older women on a population level more than hormone therapy,” FDA Commissioner Dr Marty Makary

RECOVERY

Continued from page 1X

they don’t have to choose between getting help and their children at Canal Point With everyone able to stay together Kellett pointed out the facility would also be able to offer services to anyone in the family who needs it. She often has seen multigenerational substance use.

“I’ve worked with clients where sometimes their first substance use was with their parents, when they were as young as 9 doing heroin ” Kellett said. “It’s really im-

wrote in an opinion piece in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Removing the black box is the right call for forms of hormone therapy delivered directly to the vagina, and may be for pills and other “systemic” medications, though those require a nuanced conversation about risk, said Dr Jill Liss, an associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus.

But despite what Kennedy and other federal officials said, no studies have proven that hormone therapy prevents heart disease or dementia, said Liss, who is on the board of the Menopause Society It is, however, a highly effective and generally safe option for treating hot flashes and vaginal symptoms of perimenopause, and delays bone loss that can lead to osteopo-

portant to break that cycle.” Louisiana continues to see high overdose rates among pregnant and postpartum women. Accidental overdose is the leading cause of death among pregnant women in the state. In the most recent report, 28 women died of overdose in a single year Nick Albares, who helped oversee the project’s development, said the $8-millionplus facility was funded through a mix of tax credits, federal and private grants, and philanthropy It will cost roughly $2 million annually to operate. Medicaid is expected to cover about a month of treatment

rosis, she said. Some women also report better sleep and mood.

“It’s a really nice tool for the menopause transition,” she said Some of the comments from federal officials “gave this notion that hormone therapy is more miraculous than it really is.”

Older women who didn’t get hormone therapy while the black box was in place likely suffered more symptoms than they would have if it had remained widely available, but they don’t need to worry that their long-term health took a hit, Liss said.

Black box warnings don’t technically limit availability, but doctors are more reluctant to prescribe medications that carry one, and women who saw media coverage of hormone therapy’s risks were less likely to seek it out, she said.

“It’s not an anti-aging medication,” Liss said.

per participant, supplemented by TANF dollars But outside support will remain critical No one will be turned away because of an inability to pay, Albares said. “But it’s not a program that is sustainable on its own.”

“It’s going to take everyone to make it work,” said Voris Vigee, CEO and president of VOASELA.

The facility will accept women from across Louisiana.

VOASELA leaders emphasized the project’s goal of providing long-term stability for families navigating both addiction and poverty

Views on hormone therapy have shifted dramatically over the years. In the 1960s, doctors recommended it for almost all women in menopause, often with an eye toward pleasing their husbands. Concerns about a kind of uterine cancer dampened enthusiasm in the 1970s, though interest started to pick up again as data showed combining two hormones largely eliminated that risk.

While the research clearly showed that hormone therapy was effective for treating some of the more bothersome symptoms of menopause, no one knew whether it had any effect on women’s risk of chronic diseases.

In the 1990s, the Women’s Health Initiative study tried to answer that question. The trial stopped early, in 2002, after finding an increase in breast cancer diagnoses and blood clots among women taking one type of hormone

therapy For the first decade or so of the millennium, most gynecologists took the view that women should avoid hormonal therapy, said Dr Katie Rustici, one of the gynecologists certified in menopause care at Intermountain Health, which has a clinic for holistic menopause care in Denver

As of 2020, about 5% of women who reported they were in the menopause transition were taking estrogen, progesterone or a combination product, down from more than one-quarter in 1999.

Later analyses found that women who started hormone therapy in their 40s and 50s had small increases in risk, with about six additional breast cancer cases and five cases of heart disease or stroke for every 10,000 people treated. They had a lower risk of broken bones,

diabetes and dying during the follow-up period. The risks are higher for women who start hormone therapy after 60. The study didn’t last long enough to generate conclusions about the safety of starting early and continuing to take hormones well past when perimenopause symptoms typically end, though the risk is clearly lower than starting late, Liss said.

Rustici said she typically sits down with patients to reevaluate hormone use after about five years. The risk of breast cancer continues to rise with longer use, but some women are willing to accept that trade-off because they report more energy and better sexual functioning, she said.

“There really is a piece here that is patient autonomy,” she said. Even so, systemic hormone therapy isn’t an option for breast cancer survivors or women who’ve had heart attacks, strokes or certain high-risk blood clots, Rustici said Those patients generally can use estrogen products applied in the vagina, however because only trace amounts of hormones reach the rest of the body

Vaginal estrogen won’t help with hot flashes and night sweats, but patients can get some relief from using antidepressants or the antiseizure drug gabapentin, Rustici said. A new class of drugs works on the brain’s temperature control mechanisms, though those aren’t an option for women with liver problems.

Ultimately, each woman’s symptoms, risks and priorities — all of which shift over time need to guide conversations with her doctor about treatments during menopause, Liss said.

“What’s right for your friend or your mother or your sister could be different from what’s going to be right for you,” she said.

The organization expects Canal Pointe to serve 150 to 200 mothers and children each year The organization is accepting donations of hygiene items, cleaning supplies and new clothing for residents.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

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

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

Eat Fit LiveFit

UGH TT OY OU BY

Holiday bakingthat’sactually good forus

The holidays can be awonderful mix of comfort, nostalgia and, let’s be honest, temptation. It can also bring stress, especially if we’re navigating specific nutrition needs or simply trying to feel ourbest. This isn’t about giving up traditions or being “good.” It’s about having more options, more curiosity and moreways to make food both joyful and nutritious

That’sexactlywhatdrivesCarolyn Ketchum,founderoftheblog:Allday Idreamaboutfood,oneofthemost extensivelow-carbbakingresources online.Aself-taughtbakerandfood bloggerofmorethan15years,Carolyn startedexperimentingwithrecipesafter developinggestationaldiabeteswhen shewaspregnantwithheryoungest child.Herdiagnosisledhertowarda lower-carblifestyle.

“I’vealwayslovedtobake,andIdidn’t wanttogiveitup,”saidCarolyn.“Istarted playingwithalmondflour,coconutflour, alternativesweetenersandjustfiguring outwhatworksandwhatdefinitely doesn’twork.” Carolynjoinedmeonmypodcastto sharesomeofherfavoriteholidaybaking andgift-givingtips.Youcanhearour fullinterviewonmyFUELEDWellness +Nutritionpodcast,justsearch‘holiday baking’.Herearethehighlights:

StartEarlyandFreezeSmart

One of Carolyn’s biggest stress-saving tips is to plan ahead. “I start early because Ilove cookie swaps,and I especially love having amix of abunch of different options,” she said. “If you waituntil three days beforeChristmas, you’ll just be grumpy you committed to it.”

Shepreferstofocusonsturdy, freezer-friendlycookies,likelow-carb biscotti,shortbreadorslice-and-bake doughs.“Freezingstopsthestaling

process,”sheadded.“Fridgestendtomake themgostalefaster.”

ChoosetheRight Gluten-FreeFlours

InCarolyn’sworld,glutenfreeisn’t aboutrestriction.It’saboutbetter ingredients.“Gowithagood-quality almondflour.Ipreferafinealmondflour versusalmondmeal.Thetextureoffine almondflourissmoother,andthecoloris lighterandprettierinbakedgoods.Also, almondflouraddsagoodbitofmoisture tobakedgoods,”shesaid.“Coconutflour, ontheotherhand,isverydry,soIuse justalittletoaddstructure.”Theresult? Cookiesandcakesthatlookandtastelike therealthing,minusthestarchycarbs

LearnHowSweetenersBehave

“Almond flourdoesn’t act like wheat flour, and zero-sugarplant-based sweeteners don’t actlike realsugar,” Carolyn said.That means followinga testedrecipe at first. Erythritol-based sweeteners (like Swerve) give crispness, while allulose makes cookies soft and chewy.

RepurposeOurMess-Ups Acakethatsank?Cookiesthat crumbled?Carolynrepurposesthem intootherbakedgoods,likecakepops ortruffles.“Pleasedon’tthrowmistakes away,”shesaid.“Pulsedrycookiesinto crumbs,mixwithabitofcreamcheese,

rollintoballsanddipintoalow-carb chocolate.Boom—instanttruffles.” GiftwithLove(andFunction) Youdon’tneedtospendafortuneto togiveathoughtfulgift.Masonjarsfilled withlittlecookiesortrufflesaresimple, prettyandeasytopersonalizewitha recipecardandaribbon.Forsavorytreats, thinkcheesestraws,rosemary-Parmesan crackersorevenCarolyn’sfan-favorite spinachsquares(madewithfrozen spinach,coconutflour,eggsandcheese). Carolynhasbuiltavastlibraryof meticulouslytestedrecipesandauthored adozenrecipebookssofar,including “TheProteinAdvantageCookbook”and “TheUltimateGuidetoKetoBaking,”a full-colorreferenceguidethatbreaks

MollyKimball,RD,CSSD,isaregistereddietitian withOchsnerHealthandfounderofOchsnersEatFit nonprofitinitiative.Formorewellnesscontent,tuneinto Molly’spodcast,FUELEDWellness+Nutrition,andfollow @MollykimballRDand@EatFitOchsneronsocialmedia. Emailnutrition@ochsner.orgtoconnectwithMollyor scheduleaconsultwithherteam.

BY THENUMBERS

downthescienceofswappingflours, fatsandsweeteners.Recipesfilledwith Carolyn’ssignatureblendofplayfulness andprecisionarealsoavailableonher website,AllDayIDreamAboutFood com.Youcansearchthesitebyflavor, ingredientoroccasion.

Shesaidallbakingisallaboutcuriosity, notperfection,andthat’strueforlowcarbrecipestoo.“Bekindtoyourself,” Carolynsaid.“Startwitharecipethat’s alreadybeentested.Then,onceyougeta feelfortheingredients,playaroundwith it.Addyourownflavors,experimentand havefun.

Theholidaysdon’thavetobeabout guilt,pressureorfoodsthatare“off-limits. Whetheryou’regivinggiftsfromyour kitchenorreworkingafavoriterecipe,it’s allinthespiritofcreativity,connection andcare.

AsCarolynremindsus,“There’salwaysa waytomakethethingsyouloveandenjoy inahealthierway.”

ForCarolyn’slow-carbrecipes everythingfrompeppermintbiscottito focaccia—visitAllDayIDreamAboutFood. comorpickup“TheUltimateGuideto KetoBaking.

DEATHS FROM CHRONICLIVER DISEASERISENATIONALLy, IN LOUISIANA

Over the past decade, the rate of deaths due to chronicliver disease has jumpedfrom10.5per 100,000peopleinthe U.S. in 2014 to 14.4 deaths per 100,000 people in 2023, according to data from the CDC In Louisiana, although steadily lowerthan the national average, has also seen an increase in chronic liver disease deaths, from 9.8 deaths per 100,000 in 2014 to 10.9 deaths per100,000 in 2023.

Since 2014, the rate of people per 100,000 who died due to chronic liver disease in Louisiana are

ZINC

Continued from page 1X

as follows:

n In 2014, there were 9.8 deathsdue to chronic liver disease per 100,000; n In 2015, there were 10.5 deaths dueto chronic liver disease per 100,000; n In 2016, there were 9.7 deathsdue to chronic liver disease per 100,000; n In 2017, there were 10 deathsdue to chronic liver disease per 100,000; n In 2018, there were 9.5 deathsdue to chronic liver disease per 100,000; n In 2019, there were 9.2 deathsdue to chronic liver disease per 100,000; n In 2020, there were 10.8 deaths dueto chronic liver disease per 100,000;

“Our long-term goal is to identify asafeand convenient way to apply zinc directly to muscletissue,” Pan said of her team’sresearch. That way,they aim to protect skeletalmuscle from further injury and promoteregeneration. The researchers are looking into azincinfused gel called gelatin methacryloyl asan option to jump-start muscle regrowth.The gel is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as amedical product formuscle regeneration, but it is generally considered safe to use, according to somestudies. It is alsoamong the many soft, Jell-O-like substances known as hydrogels that scientists use to support cells as they grow and repairtissue. Although the UT Arlington study is aimed at battlefield wounds, thesame kinds of blast and crush forces can affect people in car accidents, people sufferingsportsinjuriesor people injured in natural disasterssuch as earthquakes. The research, therefore, could oneday benefit those affected bytraumatic injuries outside the military as well. Miriam Fauzia is ascience reporting fellow at TheDallas Morning News. Her fellowship is supported by the Universityof Texas at Dallas.

n In 2021, therewere 12.2 deathsdue to chronicliver diseaseper 100,000;

n In 2022, therewere 11.8 deathsdue to chronicliver diseaseper 100,000;

n In 2023, therewere 10.9 deathsdue to chronicliver diseaseper 100,000.

Since2014, therateof people per 100,000 who died duetochronicliver diseaseinthe U.S. areas follows:

n In 2014, therewere 10.5 deathsdue to chronicliver diseaseper 100,000;

n In 2015, therewere 11.4 deathsdue to chronicliver diseaseper 100,000; n In 2016, therewere 11.1 deathsdue to chronicliver

diseaseper 100,000;

n In 2017, therewere 11.4 deathsdue to chronicliver diseaseper 100,000;

n In 2018, therewere 11.7 deathsdue to chronicliver diseaseper 100,000;

n In 2019, therewere 12.1 deathsdue to chronicliver diseaseper 100,000;

n In 2020, therewere 14.6 deathsdue to chronicliver diseaseper 100,000;

n In 2021, therewere 16.2 deathsdue to chronicliver diseaseper 100,000; n In 2022, therewere 15.4 deathsdue to chronicliver diseaseper 100,000; n In 2023, therewere 14.4 deathsdue to chronicliver diseaseper 100,000.

UnitedStates Louisiana

Must-knowFacts Diabetes

7 Signs

DiabetesisoneofthemostcommonconditionsintheUnitedStates,andratesareaboveaverage alongtheGulfSouth.Somepeoplehavediabetesanddon’tevenknowit.Butknowingthewarning signsandhowtomanagediabetescanhelpyouliveahealthierlifeandavoidtheserioussideeffects ofthiscondition.

Hereare sevencommon warning signs of diabetes:

Increasedthirstandurination.Whenyourbloodcontainstoomuchglucose(sugar), thebodyproducesmoreurine,whichtriggersincreasedthirst.

Unexplainedweightloss

Persistentfatigue

Blurredvision

Slow-healingcutsorwounds

Tinglingornumbnessinyourhands,feetandtoes

Recurringinfections

Doyouhaveanyofthesesymptoms?

It’simportanttotellyourdoctorandgetscreened,particularlyifyouare overweightandbetweentheagesof35and70.Ifyoutestpositivefor diabetes,youcanworkwithyourdoctortocomeupwithaplantomanage yourcondition.Medicationsmaybeprescribed,andeatingahealthierdietand exercisingcanalsohelp.

TheOchsnerDigitalMedicineprogramisagreatwaytomanageyourcondition fromthecomfortofyourhome.Participantsreceiveadigitalglucometerthat connectstotheirsmartphoneortablet,helpingcutdownonthenumberof visitsyouhavetomaketotheclinic.You’llalsohavethebenefitofateamof healthcoachesandadedicatedclinician.

Top Ways Diabetes Might Hurt Your Eyes and HowtoProtect Them

Diabetescanaffectyoufromyourheadtoyourtoes.Onespecialareato focusonisyoureyes.

Whenyouhavediabetes,toomuchglucose(sugar)canbuildupinyour bloodstream.Thatcandamagenerves,bloodvesselsandtissue,including youreyes.Thiscanleadtoblurryvision.

Diabeticeyediseaseincludesseveralconditionsthatcanchangeover time.Youreyesarelikecameraswithmultipleparts.Diabetescan damagethefrontpartofyoureye,thecornea,causingdryeye

Thisleadstotearingupandburninginyoureyes.Insideyoureyeisthe lens.Acataractisacloudyareathatformsonthelens.Cataractsare commonaspeoplegetolder,butdiabetescancausecataractstohappen soonerthantheywouldotherwise.Morecomplexformsofdiabeticeye diseasecanharmyourretina,whichcanleadtodeclinesinvision.

Ifyouhavediabetes,itisimportanttohaveregularvisionscreenings. Prompttreatmentwithcontinuedfollow-upappointmentscanprevent blindness.Controllingyourdiabeteswiththehelpofyourdoctoror enrollingintheOchsnerDigitalMedicineProgramcanhelp.

Tips for Peoplewith Diabetes During the Holidays

Holidayspresentspecialchallengesfor thosewithdiabetes.Thegreatnewsis thatyoucanstillenjoyfestivemeals andcelebrationswiththeseninetips, andafewtweakstofavoriterecipes.

Keepregularmealtimes.Starvingyourselfcanleadtoovereating unhealthyfoods.

Minimizetemptation.Putfoodsawayaftermealstoavoidendless grazing.Focusonfunandconversationovermindlesssnacking.

Beapickyeateratparties.Trysmallsamplesofholidaydishes,butpass onchips,dipandfriedfoods.Freshveggieandfruittrays,orroasted veggies,arebettermainstays.

Listentoyourhunger.Eatslowlyandpayattentiontowhenyou’refull. Goeasyonalcohol,whichcontainslotsofcaloriesandfewnutrients. Drinkplentyofwater.

Stayactiveandgetexercisewithfamilyandfriends,whichcanbemore funthanjustsittingaround.

Managestress.Enlisthelpforyourholidaygatheringsfromfamilyand friends.Planaheadandpreparefoodinadvance.

Giveyourselfabreak.Onecheatmealorskipping oneexercisedayisn’ttheendoftheworld. Progress,notperfection,isthegoal.

Userecipesubstitutions.Searchonline orusecookbookstofindhealthy substitutesforingredients. Forexample,tryskimmilkfor wholemilk,twoeggwhitesfor onewholeegg,orplainyogurt insteadofsourcream.

LOUISIANA

Starting a longtime tradition

Sometimes holiday traditions have strange backstories. Iremember the first time Uncle Mack, Aunt Doris and my cousin, Angie, cameover for biscuits on Christmas morning. Iwas 8years old, and Icalled to see what Santa Claus brought Angie that morning. Ihad gotten one of those life-size Barbie heads that camewith accessories so that Icould fix her hair and makeup. Iwas beyond excited and whispered to my mom, “Can we invite them over for biscuits?”

My momsaid yes, and aunt, uncle and cousin arrived 30 minuteslater They cameover every Christmas morning for the next 52 years until my dad died and my mom moved away from the town where we all grew up.

I’m grateful for those years we hadtogether,but all these decades later Irealize that traditions change no matter how muchwe love the waywe’ve always done things.

UNABANDONED

N.O. artist imagines apostapocalyptic Louisiana throughreclaimed oilwells

BY ALEXLUBBEN Staffwriter

Hannah Chalew salvaged an old oil well from the Poland Avenue scrapyard in New Orleans. She coated itwithbagasse, or sugar cane pulp, from Grow Dat,the urban farm in City Park.The paint is recycled, from another nonprofit, theGreenProject, and theplants —palmettos,cypress, elephant ear —are largely from the Coalition to RestoreCoastal Louisiana’s greenhouse.

The embedded plastic trash atoothbrush, aCOVID-19 test, an old burned CD —“came from my life,” she said. “Plasticwill be afossil marker of our time, here long after we’re gone.”

The result is an artwork that gesturesatwhathumansmight leave behind, asculpturecalled “OrphanWellGamma Garden.” It’sawindowinto the post-apocalypse, where the stuff of civilization has coagulated around Chalew’sreclaimed steel wellheads, that questions the kind of future that humans are creating, and what might survive us.

“I felt kind of like areverse archaeologist, imagining how some person in the distant future would

think about this, like, disembodiedsippy-cuptop,”Chalewsaid. “What will thepeople, or the creatures,who encounter this make of it?”

That workturned out to be only the firstinaseries of orphan-oilwell-inspiredwork. Anew piece, “Christmas Tree”—named after the Christmas Tree wellheadsthat pockmark Louisiana’scoastline and are so called because they taper somewhat like atree—was inspiredbya June trip to the mouth of the Mississippi River. There, Chalew saw wells that had become “orphaned.” Thecompanies that owned them had gone bankrupt and responsibilityfor plugging them hadfallentothe state. Some wereleaking oil. She wonders, too, what kind of plant life might recolonize old wells.She embedded “Christmas Tree” with oak wood and resurrection fern—aplant that can dry out andenterinto adesiccated, dormant state, andremain that way for up to acentury.When exposed to water,the fern comes back to life.

She said she wanted to imagine “what mightrecolonize” old,abandoned fossil-fuel infrastructure.

Chalew’s“Christmas Tree” is on

STAFF PHOTOSBySOPHIAGERMER

TOP: An artpiece titled ‘Orphan Well Gamma Garden’ stands in the back of artist Hannah Chalew’sstudio recently in NewOrleans. The piece wasondisplayatthe Contemporary Arts Center in NewOrleans during Prospect.6.

ABOVE: Chalew’snew sculpture, ‘Christmas Tree,’isondisplayatGood Children Gallery on St.Claude Avenue in NewOrleans.

display now at Good Children Gallery, at 4037 St. Claude Ave.,part of ashow called “Mining for Wonderinthe Humdrum.” Theshowis on view until Dec. 7. She has work on displayaspart of anotherexhibition, called “Fragile Matter,” at the HilliardArt Museum in Lafayette.

“I realized that this is abody of work,” she said. “These totemic sculptures arepart of an eventual showthat will be akind of ‘orphanage’ of old well sculptures.” Don’tworry aboutradon

The ‘gamma garden’ in the title is an allusion to thepost-World WarII, U.S.-led initiative called Atoms for Peace, which sought to find peaceful usesfor nuclear technology.The idea was to speed evolution in plantsbyplanting them around apole made of radioactive metal. (Most of theplants died.)

Chalewnamed herworkafter this practice becauseold oilwells can themselvesberadioactive,

ä See UNABANDONED, page 2Y

What Ididn’tunderstand then —and only now see clearly —is how often traditions start that way: with achild’swhim, aparent’syes, followed by aknock on the door that ends up echoing through half a century

As we settle into December again, Ifind myself thinking about how traditions not only start in unexpected ways, but they also can end quietly,without ceremony, even the ones we thought were stitched into our bones. And, that the change is OK. Life goes on. We can still smile real smiles. We can still laugh. We can still be happy These days, Christmas morning for our family takes place in adifferent house in adifferent city.My momisstill there. She still makes the biscuits, but there’sadifferent knock on the door.Mybaby brother and his small herd of little boys comebarreling in —not aBarbie head in sight. From there, we still sit at the table and eat my mama’s biscuits with Blackburn syrup, usually followed by games galore. The morning feels like Christmas all the same.

Iknow my family isn’talone in quietly renegotiating the holidays —deciding whichrituals to keep, which no longer fit or those that are no longer possible. There wasatime when the prospect of such change would have crushed my spirit —when Ifeared things wouldn’tbeOKifthis year didn’t unfold exactly like the last.

Now, Iknow better.Life keeps moving. Circumstances shift. Grief arrives and recedes. Love remains and joy keeps finding away,remaking itself.

While Iamgrateful for the steadiness and meaning family traditions have provided, Inow know that achange in the ritual can be delightful —and the change doesn’t have to be an expensive big production or require aDisney-style hullabaloo.

I’ve never been afan of people saying they are “making memories.” In my experience, core memories are rarely designed or curated.

They usually stem from something as simple as an 8-year-old girl smearing blue eyeshadow on aBarbie head and realizing she needed her fashion-forward cousin’sadvice —and accidentally starting ahalf-century tradition. No one clapped. No one announced it in a newsletter —and yet it stuck.

Perhaps that’sthe heart of every tradition: ordinary moments offered to someone else, repeated again and again, until they become part of who we are —and, if we’re lucky,feel like home.

And sometimes, just sometimes, they start with alittle blue eyeshadow,somehot, buttered biscuits and alot of love.

ASK THE EXPERTS

Baton Rouge educator built a life of service

BY JOY HOLDEN Staff writer

Baton Rouge native Barry Jackson found his calling unexpectedly in a classroom — in his former middle school, Kenilworth Middle School. Although he graduated from McNeese State for radio and television broadcasting and from Southern University with a master’s in mass communications, the classroom was where Jackson discovered his life’s purpose. Through teaching, coaching and leading for over 30 years in East Baton Rouge Parish schools, Jackson impacted hundreds of students. Many still consult him today with life decisions Jackson coached football, basketball, softball and volleyball. Remarkably every student athlete he coached graduated from high school. In his lengthy career, Jackson also served as dean of students and athletic director at Tara High School.

The Louisiana Blue Foundation chose Jackson as one of their Angel Award winners for 2025. Jackson, 63, retired this year but he still volunteers at Tara High School, offering guidance to those he continues to mentor

This interview has been edited for length and clarity

Whathasworkingineducationmeantto you?

It’s meant everything. Just the Lord allowing me an opportunity to be a part of what he desired to do in and through the lives of young people. It was so humbling when it was revealed to me what my true calling was. It means everything to know that you can play the smallest of roles in impact-

ing positively the lives of young people. I never took it for granted. I’ve looked at it as something that I was purposed to do, and I always approached it in that manner

Howdidyouworktowardsolutionsasa coachandasateacher?

I think the biggest thing was just showing the fact that you cared. The whole approach to teaching is not really about only teaching and coaching. It’s not about just the ABCs, or just about X’s and O’s when you’re talking about coaching. It’s about teaching and coaching the whole child. If we bring that awareness and if we approach it in such a manner, then I just think it helps build and foster better relationship with your students and with your student athletes. Therefore, you can actually better meet their needs. And then, that’s where true learning can begin to take place.

Inallofyourexperienceasacoachand asanathleticdirectorwhatisthevalueof sportsinayoungperson’slife?

I think the greatest thing is just seeing them succeed over the course of the time that the Lord afforded me to be able to do what I’ve what I’ve done in coaching. Every one of my student athletes graduated, which is just so phenomenal when you look at the grand scheme of things. I’ve been at Tara a long time to see the dynamics change and shift in terms of the population we serve. Many come from single-parent homes and low-income families, so being able to see them thrive in that space, not even understanding what they’re going through or what they have been through, is special.

If I had to look at anything that

Q&A WITH BARRy JACKSON TEACHER AND COACH

was most impactful to me besides wins and losses in the sport and those type of things, its seeing them graduate and stepping into the many opportunities that’s ahead of them.

Whatwouldyousaytoyoungteachers andtoparentswithteenagers—howdo

youhelpthembesuccessful?

I believe that you have to be able to be open to what has evolved.

The teaching approach is always centered around the child.

That should be our main thing

Our main focus, our motive should be to do what’s in the best

interest of the child. Then we have to be able to be receptive to how things have evolved without jeopardizing the integrity of what we do.

Email Joy Holden at joy.holden@ theadvocate.com.

Continued from page 1y

STAFF PHOTOS By SOPHIA GERMER An art piece titled ‘Orphan Well Gamma Garden’ stands in the back of artist Hannah Chalew’s studio recently in New Orleans. The piece was on display at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans during Prospect.6.

She emblazoned the words “HELIS OIL + GAS” on each of the wells, a reference to the onetime Louisiana oil and gas company, which, through its charitable foundation, is a major patron of the arts in Louisiana. By centering this particular well in her work, she is critiquing how the arts in New Orleans are funded. She’s re-

which she learned as she was building the sculpture. She called up a friend who works at an environmental advocacy group, who told her “You don’t need to worry about the radon You need to worry about the benzene,” another carcinogenic chemical that can waft off oil wells. She tested her wells for both and found them to be free of radiation and toxins. The legacy of the petrochemical industry has been the focus of Chalew’s work. In one of her recent paintings, “Feedback LOOP,” now on display at the Hilliard, Chalew paints plants as intertwined — as they often are in south Louisiana with industrial pipes and valves. An oak tree, downed in Hurricane Ida, almost appears to be fighting against the pipes that make up LOOP, an offshore oil hub connected to pipelines that weave their way through Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. As with her orphan well sculptures, the materials are natural or salvaged, with ink made from oak trees and paper made from sugar cane and used plastic. Her critique extends further, calling out industry’s affiliation with the arts.

fused funding from grant-making institutions that are linked to the oil and gas industry, she says, and won’t accept support from Helis She also logged the carbon footprint of producing and transporting the sculpture at 2.5 tons of

carbon dioxide, which she’s tried to offset by planting cypress trees. She considers this a challenge to other artists to consider the environmental impact of their work.

“I want to create these visions

that are beautiful, but then as you explore them, sort of unsettling,” she said. “Is this the future we want our descendants to inherit?” Email Alex Lubben at alex. lubben@theadvocate.com.

THERE’S GOOD NEWS, TOO

STORIES OF GLOBAL PROGRESS, COMPILED By FIX THE NEWS

MENINGITIS

A global study from BMC Public Health found that childhood meningitis deaths have decreased significantly worldwide due to conjugate vaccines and faster outbreak detection.The study which analyzed trends in childhood meningitis from 1990 to 2021, explored patterns in the incidence mortality and disability-adjusted life years in children aged 0–14 years across 204 countries. By 2035, it’s projected that N. meningitidis will become the leading pathogen. Despite overall global improvements, disparities persist, particularly in lowincome areas and among newborns.

‘AHA’ MOMENTS

A cognitive neuroscientist at Duke University, Maxi Becker, and her team have pinpointed how the brain generates ‘aha’ moments — and why they tend to stick.A sudden realization, or aha moment, is known as insight, like when Greek mathematician Archimedes exclaimed “Eureka!” By studying people as they viewed ambiguous images (so-called Mooney images) in an fMRI scanner scientists found that insight triggers a rapid surge of activity in the ventral occipitotemporal cortex, which processes visual patterns, the amygdala (emotion) and the hippocampus (memory).

An article from Quanta Magazine reported that those neural bursts appear to rewire how the brain represents the information — making the moment subjectively powerful and easier to recall later

TRACHOMA

Egypt has been officially certified by the World Health Organization as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem It is now the seventh country in the eastern Mediterranean region — and the 27th globally — to reach this milestone.

PRIMARY EDUCATION

Over the past century, global primary school enrollment has soared.According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, about 9 in 10 children of school age are enrolled in school Based on a report from Our World in Data, this data represents a dramatic expansion of access to basic education worldwide — and “education is widely seen as a basic right that governments are expected to provide.”While gender gaps were large for much of the 20th century, they have largely closed, with 91% of boys and 89% of girls enrolled in primary education in 2023.

This accomplishment follows decades of coordinated action under WHO’s SAFE strategy (Surgery,Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvements), national surveillance across Egypt’s governorates and integration of trachoma surveillance into Egypt’s disease-reporting system

BUMBLEBEES

A new study led by Lancaster University found that solar farms in Britain — if managed for biodiversity — could become important refuges for bumblebees.Their modeling shows that solar-farm sites with wildflower margins (rather than plain turf) could support about 120% more bumblebees While the increase is

mostly limited to the solar farm itself, strategic placement of multiple wellmanaged farms could help sustain local bee populations.

LARGEST CAVE

In Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam, the world’s largest cave can be found.A report from the nonprofit Mongabay said that, when a Vietnamese hunter found Son Doong cave, he conducted expeditions with the British Caving Association in 2001. In 2008, a team stepped inside the cave’s chambers, which are as wide as an airplane hangar and taller than the Great Pyramids of Giza.Today, the national park has made significant

It starts with aspark

progress in tourism, development and conservation After 15 years of efforts, wildlife populations are rebounding, studies have increased and poaching has decreased — leading UNESCO to create a new transboundary World Heritage with Laos.

COLOMBIA

Also from Mongabay, the Colombian Amazon has been officially declared a protected “renewable natural resources reserve,” and its government has banned all new oil exploration and large-scale mining projects in the region.The decision covers about 42% of Colombia’s territory, aiming to prevent forest

degradation, water pollution and biodiversity loss.The government also called on other Amazonregion countries to adopt similar protections.

CORAL RESTORATION

Researchers on the Great Barrier Reef have developed a new technique — the “larval seed box” — to help restore damaged reef areas, according to Oceanographic Magazine During a 2024 trial at Lizard Island, the method boosted coral-larvae settlement rates up to 56 times higher across thousands of square meters of reef habitat. Scientists collect millions of larvae during the annual coral spawn place them in seed boxes then deploy the boxes over degraded reefs so larvae can settle slowly and effectively A second trial is now underway in the Whitsundays to test efficacy under varied conditions.

LONDON

The first nine months of 2025 in London included fewer homicides than any year since monthly homicide records began in 2003, according to the Mayor of London’s Office for Policing and Crime Between January and September of this year, there were 70 homicides, a 16% drop from the same period last year Violent-injury crimes decreased across all 32 boroughs, and homicide rates remain lower than in several major international cities.The improvement is credited to increased policing prevention programs and the efforts of the Metropolitan Police Service alongside the London Violence Reduction Unit

Fixthenews.com is a solutions journalism newsletter that finds stories of progress and shares them with readers from across the world. Acclaimed author Steven Pinker calls Fix the News “the best source for positive news on the internet.”

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FAITH & VALUES

UK’s ancient stones draw renewed awareness

BY YONAT SHIMRON

Contributing writer

On a gray fall afternoon in November, a group of 19 people gathered outside the Church of St. Buryan, an iconic medieval parish with a 92-foot granite tower that dominates the skyline.

Clad in raincoats, reflective vests, waterproof boots with some holding wooden staffs, these residents of Cornwall, England’s coastal southwestern county, were ready for a different kind of spiritual experience — not in the church, but a stone circle.

Carolyn Kennett, an astronomer leading a 3.2-mile hike to the stone circle Boscawen-Ûn, explained why she organized the trip for Nov 5, the full moon. She was curious to see whether the moon rising opposite the sun cast a particular light on the taller inclining stone the only one made of quartz.

“It would have been a really nice thing to have seen,” she told the group, motioning to the overcast sky “We’re just going to hopefully have to imagine it, but you never know, we might get a small gap.”

The group assembled before her was undeterred With one or two exceptions, they had trekked to Boscawen-Ûn multiple times.

Cornwall has several stone circles, and as many as 800 sit across the United Kingdom, remnants of prehistoric people who dwelt there. The most famous is Stonehenge, estimated to be 3,500 to 5,000 years old, which draws more than a million visitors a year and is now a managed site, roped off and requiring a ticket.

Boscawen-Ûn, which lies in the middle of emerald green grazing fields, is far less well-known, more rugged and remote, with no defined roads leading to it only a short footpath. Its configuration — 19 evenly spaced upright stones plus the one slanting stone — resembles a sundial.

The walkers consider BoscawenÛn and other stone circles to be sacred.

“There is some sort of spiritual presence in these holy places,” said Jane Weller, one of the walkers who lives in Marazion, a tiny coastal town nearby “It’s magic enough for me to be happy to go there.”

in Cornwall county, England Floyd and a group of 18 others walked 3.2 miles toward the circle as part of an organized group walk to prehistoric sites. “I just like the feeling of connecting with our ancestors, something that’s really old and ancient,” Floyd said

Weller, like many in the group and across the U.K., no longer considers herself a Christian though she grew up in the Anglican church and attended regularly well into adulthood. In 2020, the Christian share of the U.K.’s population was reported to be less than half (49%). During that same time, the share of the religiously unaffiliated increased to 40%, according to a Pew Research Center survey

Across the U.K. some have turned instead to history, folklore and nature as sources of spiritual nourishment. Stone circles in particular have become pilgrimage sites. These megalithic formations, dating back to the Bronze Age (3300-1200 B.C.E.) and sometimes the earlier Neolithic Age (10000 to 2200 B.C.E.), are ultimate mysteries The upright stones were obviously laid out carefully and methodically in regularly spaced intervals. But because they were constructed prior to the use of written language, there’s no record of how they were used.

Scholars think they had ritual significance and may have been used to mark celestial events such as the solstice and equinox, or more common events such as sunrise or sunset, a particular fascina-

tion of Kennett’s, the tour leader

But there’s no consensus.

“This whole part of the British islands and Ireland holds this past that was just there in our fields, but we don’t know much about it,” said Suzanne Owen, an associate professor in the philosophy ethics and religion program at Leeds Trinity University who studies Druidry Public engagement with these mysterious stones is growing. In 2021, a Cornwall couple started a group, Stone Club, to run ad hoc walks, concerts and exhibitions for a network of enthusiasts that now includes almost 3,000 people who share tips and tales about their stone explorations.

On the way to Boscawen-Ûn (the name is Cornish), the group walked through alternating fields of grass and brown scrub. They talked in small groups, stopping to admire the native plants, the sloe and gorse. At the edge of each field they slowed down to help fellow walkers climb over stiles separating the fields.

Some, like Andy, a 55-year-old solar panel installer from Penzance, who asked to be referred to by his first name only, proudly identified as pagan. He and his wife held an old-fashioned handfasting —

an ancient Celtic wedding ritual in which the couple’s hands are bound with ribbon — at Boscawen-Ûn about 30 years ago. Since then, he has been walking to stone circles and other ancient sites on a weekly basis.

“I couldn’t really worship in a church, in a sort of sterile environment,” he said. “I worship in nature.”

Modern-day paganism was born in the U.K., as people began exploring the prehistoric sites in the mid-20th century Today, scholars such as Ethan Doyle White regard paganism as a family of related religions including Wiccans, Druids, heathens and goddess spirituality

The official 2021 census put the number of U.K. pagans at 105,809 — which includes those who identified themselves as pagan, Wiccan and more but scholars don’t trust that number Religious identification was a voluntary question on the census. And many who hold some pagan beliefs don’t self-identify for various reasons. They may not hold membership in a particular pagan group or they may feel stigmatized for acknowledging their beliefs. In addition, some on the walk said they have read up on recent scholarship into paganism that concludes its present-day practices were mostly made up and have no historical antecedents. They still have immense reverence for prehistoric sites but a healthy dose of skepticism about pagan celebrations and rituals, some said. Others criticized paganism’s romantic and nationalist undertones that sought to recover a great pre-Christian golden age. They are what scholars call “eclectic pagans” or “cultural pagans.”

“There is a cultural milieu that draws a lot on paganism but isn’t necessarily reflective of people who would actively practice a set of traditions,” said Doyle White, a visiting lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, U.K. That group now also includes a host of people with strong views on protecting the environment.

Gail Charman, a 66-year-old retiree who was on the walk, prefers to call herself a nature lover She still attends a church service at

Christmas, but her community of fellow believers are fellow environmentalists on such walks.

“I love nature passionately,” Charman said. “So, I like the chance to mingle with people on the walk and then doing all this learning, going to these really old sites. When you’re there with a group of people with mutual interests, it doubles the joy.”

As they entered the stone circle on a narrow hedged pathway, the walkers grew quiet. There was no one else at the site. Aside from an occasional bird overhead, and some detritus left from other walkers — including a woolen hat tucked under the central stone the circle was still and undisturbed. Some walked meditatively around the stones, alone or with a partner

Tamsin Floyd, a former nurse who now sells condiments, pesto and jams that she makes from foraged ingredients, walked straight to the central quartz pillar, wrapped her arms around it and rested her head.

“It’s really comfortable to put your arms around it,” she said. “It just feels nice. It feels supremely relaxing. I just like the feeling of connecting with our ancestors, something that’s really old and ancient.”

Floyd and her partner are planning a wedding at Boscawen-Ûn next July. She also likes to visit holy wells and springs around Cornwall, which are thought to bring healing to those who dip in its waters.

Kennett gathered everyone around her in the center of the circle and offered a few observations from archaeologists and astronomers about how the site developed. Was the leaning stone always leaning? Was it the original slab around which the other standing stones were erected? What about the carvings on the bottom of that stone? Do they represent axe heads or maybe feet? Did ancient people come to watch the sun set at one end and the moon rise over another? She took questions and allowed for more quiet time. Then, with dusk descending quickly, she motioned for the group to begin the trek back over the fields to the Church of St. Buryan.

Farmers struggle to commit to cover crop practice

BY OLIVIA COHEN

Contributing writer

Editor’s note: This story, created by Olivia Cohen for the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk is part of the AP Storyshare. Louisiana Inspired features solutions journalism stories that provide tangible evidence that positive change is happening in other places and in our own communities — solutions that can be adopted around the world.

When Levi Lyle was just 6 years old, his father was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer With treatment, his father survived his diagnosis. The ordeal changed how he farmed.

“It created an openness in his approach to farming to start doing things differently,” Lyle said. His father started no-till farming when the practice was still rare in Iowa. A decade ago, when Lyle, now 47, moved back to the family farm, he and his father jumped into organic farming.

“My experiences seeing my father overcome cancer, along with the Agricultural Health Survey’s Midwest cancer statistics, which point to a rural health crisis, inspire me to farm differently,” he said. Today, Lyle grows corn and soybeans in Keokuk County, in southeast Iowa. Lyle farms about 250 acres, with 40 acres of that organic certified. His father farms an additional 250 acres.

Lyle said introducing cover crops into his practice was a “nobrainer.”

According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, cover crops are usually grasses or legumes that are planted between cash crop seasons to provide soil cover and improve soil health. Cover crops can reduce erosion and compaction, improve soil’s ability to hold water, reduce nutrient runoff, suppress weeds, as well as provide other services.

Despite being an advocate for cover crops, Lyle said the practice

PROVIDED PHOTO By JIM SLOSIAREK

Cattle graze on cover crops on a field at the Rodale Institute in Marion, Iowa, on Oct 3. The mix of plants are clover, radishes, Japanese millet and oats. According to a new study by Iowa State University researchers, nearly 20 percent of farmers who reported planting cover crops on their land one year had ceased using them the following year

does present challenges.

“The initial challenge is that there is more labor involved,” Lyle said Cover crops “do not pay for themselves in the short run.”

In the U.S. more than 153,000 farms had land planted in cover crops in 2022.

In Iowa specifically, the use of cover crops has expanded significantly in recent years, growing from 1.3 million acres in 2022 to 3.8 million acres in 2024.

The conservation practice is promoted by the state through cost share incentives. It’s an effort by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to reduce the nutrients that go into local waters, make their way into the Mississippi River and ultimately contribute to the Gulf Dead Zone, an annually reoccurring area of reduced oxygen in the Gulf of Mexico.

According to the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, an initiative aimed at reducing nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into Iowa’s waterways, to achieve 45% nutrient reduction will require about 14 million additional acres of cover crops to be planted

But a study published in July 2025 in the Society & Natural Re-

sources Journal found that while the number of acres being planted with cover crops has grown, many farmers abandon the practice after one year

“This study shows that adoption is not a one-time decision — it’s a dynamic process influenced by a range of factors,” co-author Suraj Upadhaya, assistant professor of sustainable systems at Kentucky State University, said in a news release about the study

Chris Morris, a postdoctoral research associate at Iowa State University was part of a research team that interviewed more than 3,000 Iowa farmers between 2015 and 2019.

The survey showed that nearly 20 percent of the farmers who reported planting cover crops on their land the first year had ceased using them the following year

However, the survey found that most of those farmers would be open to resuming the practice in the future.

Only about 4% of the farmers who participated in the survey said they have no intention of using cover crops again.

“What we found was a whole lot more shifting back and forth than we anticipated,” J. Arbuckle, pro-

fessor of rural sociology at ISU, said.

Nationwide, in 2022, nearly 18 million acres, or 4.7% of total U.S. cropland, had cover crops, up 17% from 2017.

Cover crop use is most common in the eastern U.S In states along the Mississippi River Iowa had the most acreage with cover crops in 2022 but Wisconsin had the highest percentage of its cropland using cover crops, at nearly 8%. All 10 states saw an increase in cover crop usage from 2012 to 2022, though some states, like Tennessee and Kentucky, saw a drop in cover crop use from 2017 to 2022.

Experts say cover crops present challenges to farmers that can act as barriers to permanent adoption.

Anna Morrow senior program manager with the Midwest Cover Crops Council, said one hurdle is that cover crop planting overlaps with the busy harvest season.

“Cover crops are a practice where a lot of the labor is right at a peak labor time in our season, right? So obviously (farmers) have to prioritize the cash crop so that they get paid,” Morrow said.

“It’s complicated because a lot of farmers are doing the cover crops in the winter so between getting the current crop harvested, planting the cover crop, getting that terminated before the next crop, if this cover crop is not going to work in that schedule, it’s going to be abandoned,” Morris said. Morris said barriers beyond timing abound, too, like the cost of purchasing and planting cover crops, balancing the cover crops with other farm work, and challenges that come with farming on rented land.

“A lot of farmers are in really short-term leases, and a lot of farmers feel like landlords aren’t interested in investing in conservation practices on rented land, because they may or may not be farming that land one or two or three years from now,” Arbuckle said. In Lyle’s case, he owns the 40 acres he uses for organic farm-

ing, but he and his father lease the rest of their land. They plant cover crops on both the land they own and rent.

Lyle said for him it’s “economically justifiable” to plant cover crops on his leased land because he expects a “reduction in number of field passes, reduced herbicides, and reduced fertilizer use due to the nutrient scavenging capacity of cover crops.”

To address cost barriers and encourage the use of cover crops, various federal and state programs offer cost-share incentives.

Lyle said this year he has been awarded cover crop funding for 150 acres, getting paid $10 per acre On average, it costs producers about $60 per acre to pay for cover crops.

Morris said these programs are helpful, but farmers told him they often don’t pay enough, require complicated, time-sucking paperwork, and only last one to three years.

But cover crops are a long game, Morris said. While use of cover crops can reduce the need for fertilizer, increase soil health and lead to better productivity, he said those benefits can be difficult to measure and can take years to materialize.

“It’s hard for farmers to justify that high economic cost of cover crops in any given year if there’s not going to be an immediate payoff. Most of these farmers are making marginal profits in any given year, if any, and some are at a net loss. So, there’s a huge weight on farmers’ shoulders of trying to keep the farm going, especially if it’s a farm that’s been in their families for generations,” Morris said. “Anything that could potentially put them out of business is going to seem like a threat.” Cover crops are generally not harvested; rather their benefits come from simply being on the land. At the end of their life they’re terminated using herbicides or manual methods, like mowing, and tilled into the soil or left atop it as mulch.

SUNDAY, December 7, 2025

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.

word game

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

todAY's Word — KeYBoArd: KEE-bord: A bank of keys on a musical instrument such as a piano.

Average mark 50 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 66 or more words in KEYBOARD?

ken ken

instructions: 1 -Each rowand each column must contain thenumbers 1through4 (easy) or 1through6 (challenging) without repeating 2 -The numbers within the heavily outlinedboxes, called cages, must combine using thegiven operation (inany order)toproduce the target numbersinthe top-left corners. 3 -Freebies: Fillinthe single-boxcages withthe numberinthe top-left corner

instructions: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 gridwith several given numbers. The object is to placethe numbers 1to 9in theempty squares so that each row,each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. The difficultylevel of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

directions: Complete thegridso that numbers 1–132 connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

By John andrew agpalo

Inspired play

South in today’s deal was American expert John Schermer, who we believe is from the Seattle area. He covered the opening jack of diamonds lead with dummy’s king, losing to the ace. East returned a diamond.

Schermer played the 10, expecting it to be ruffed, but West followed with the five. Knowing that West started with short diamonds, Schermer decided not to play West for short clubs also. He cashed the king of clubs and led another club, picking up West’s queen. What next?

Who had the king of spades?

If West had it, Schermer could make his contract by leading toward the queen Schermer decided, however, that East would not have bid four hearts on only three trumps and the ace of diamonds He played East for the king of spades. Did that mean that the contract couldn’t be made? Not at all!

wuzzLes

super Quiz

a low spade and West was endplayed. He had to give dummy the king of hearts Had West unblocked the jack, Schermer would have crossed to dummy and led a spade toward his nine. Very nicely played!

West’s distribution was almost certainly 2-7-2-2. Schermer could make his contract if West held either the jack or the 10 of spades, or both. He cashed the queen of diamonds and led the queen of spades. East covered, Schermer played the ace, and West was under the gun. When West played low, Schermer led

Tannah Hirsch welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, Ny 14207. E-mail responses may be sent to gorenbridge@ aol.com. © 2025 Tribune Content Agency

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Home improvements, investing in yourself and your livelihood, and setting yourself up for success are on the rise. Take control and do what’s best for you.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan. 19) When opportunity knocks, open the door Look for new ways to utilize your skills and apply your experience to professions that are experiencing growth.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Put your energy into personal improvement, updating your resume and connecting with people who can help

you advance Upgrade your look to encourage better responses. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Refuse to let anyone push you. You’ll know when the right opportunity comes along. Listen to your heart, not someone trying to take advantage of you. ARIES (March 21-April 19) Say no to temptation and yes to learning, personal growth and romance. Do your research and get the lowdown before you pursue something new Do your due diligence.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Go through the proper channels before you

make a decision that may put you in a vulnerable position. Trust your instincts, not someone trying to take advantage of you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Be open to suggestions, but rely on yourself and your intuition to guide you in a direction that’s best for you. Choose common sense over someone’s ego-boosting rhetoric.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) You are in a better position than you realize Take a moment to review the facts and reevaluate your past, present and future. Advancement awaits you.

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

SUBJECT: HISTORICAL BOOKS

(e.g., Isaac Newton’s book about gravitation and motion. Answer: Principia.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Betty Friedan’s book that sparked second-wave feminism in the United States.

Answer________

2. Complete the Adam Smith title: “An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of _____.”

Answer________

3. The earliest major book printed using mass-produced movable metal type in Europe.

Answer________

4. Writings by Anne Frank. Originally published as “Het Achterhuis” (“The Annex”).

Answer________

5. Karl Marx described his economic theories in this book.

Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

Charles Darwin’s work, considered to be the foundation of evolutionary biology

Answer________ 8.

Answer________ 7. Published in 1611, it is the widest distributed book ever, with over 6 billion copies.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Show everyone what you can do. Socialize, network and address situations that require your attention You stand to prosper if you take hold of situations and turn them in your favor

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept. 22) Think before you act, and protect those you love from people who are out to take advantage of you. A change may be necessary if you discover you have misinterpreted what someone is offering you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) What you hear will not be factual. Verify information before committing to

an action. Focus inward and put your time, effort and energy into self-improvement.

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22) Explore the possibilities, learn from an expert and take advantage of what you discover by using it to advance your current position. Change is within reach; all you must do is ignite the fuse.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact.

© 2025 by NEA, inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

Answers to puzzles

SCORING: 24 to 30 points —congratulations, doctor; 18 to 23 points—honorsgraduate; 13 to 17 points —you’replenty smart, but no grind; 5to12points —you really shouldhit the booksharder;1point to 4points —enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0points who reads thequestions to you?

Saturday's Cryptoquote: Nothing says holidays like acheeselog.—Ellen DeGeneres

1. "The Feminine Mystique." 2. "The Wealthof Nations." 3. Gutenberg Bible. 4. "The Diaryofa Young Girl." 5. "Das Kapital." 6. "On the Origin of Species." 7. King James Bible. 8. Domesday Book.9."The Birds of America." 10."The Prince" ("Il Principe"). 11. "A Dictionary of the English Language." 12. "Silent Spring." 13. "Rightsof Man." 14. Dead Sea Scrolls. 15. "Quotationsfrom Chairman Mao Tse-tung." Crossword Answers