August 2019

Epstein death shifts federal focus to possible conspirators

NEW YORK (AP) — In the wake of Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide , federal prosecutors in New York have shifted their focus to possible charges against anyone who assisted or enabled him in what authorities say was his rampant sexual abuse.

Two days after the 66-year-old financier’s death in a New York jail where he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, Attorney General William Barr warned on Monday that “any coconspirators should not rest easy.”

John Whitney Guidry

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It’s with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of John Whitney Guidry, 75, of Welsh announces his passing from this life on Aug. 10, 2019.

Funeral services for John Whitney Guidry will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, at 2 p.m., with Father Charles McMillin officiating.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at the funeral home Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 5-9 p.m., with a rosary recited at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume Thursday Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. until the time of his service at 2 p.m.

NATIONAL BRIEFS

Dangerous heat to grip parts of 13 states in South, Midwest

Three miles of breakwaters added to refuge

ROCKEFELLER WILDLIFE REFUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana is adding three miles of breakwaters to protect a state wildlife refuge where the shoreline is rapidly eroding and the bottom is extremely soft.

The new work is in addition to four miles of breakwaters already built along the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in southwest Louisiana. Like the earlier one, the new breakwater will put big rocks over a core of 10-foot-long (3-meter-long) geotextile “pillows” filled with very light clay baked at extremely high temperatures.

Storms, floods cause $1.2B damage to public infrastructure

(AP) - Storms and flooding have caused significant damage throughout the U.S. during the first half of 2019. The Associated Press tallied about $1.2 billion of damage in 24 states based on preliminary assessments of public infrastructure categories established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The tally includes damage to roads and bridges, utilities, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, and parks. Each state must meet particular damage thresholds to qualify for federal aid based on their populations.

US-China trade war leaves Europe as collateral damage

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Like a sleek Mercedes crunched between two freight trucks, Europe’s economy is being knocked off course by the conflict between the U.S. and China over trade.

The bill for damages from the U.S-China collision will likely be reflected in new growth figures due Wednesday that could show Europe’s economic motor, Germany, is stalled or shrinking. Beyond that, economists say there are signs that years of declining unemployment since the depths of the Great Recession and the eurozone debt crisis may be ending.

Autopsy of Epstein performed, details yet to be released

NEW YORK (AP) — The details of how Jeffrey Epstein died in his Manhattan jail cell over the weekend have yet to be released, but medical officials have performed an autopsy on the high-profile inmate accused of sexually abusing underage girls.

Epstein’s abrupt death Saturday cut short a criminal prosecution that could have pulled back the curtain on the inner workings of a high-flying financier with connections to celebrities and presidents, though prosecutors have vowed to continue investigating.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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Immunization records available online

The Louisiana Department of Health is reminding residents that immunization records are available online, and at no cost, without the need to contact a healthcare provider at LA.MyIR.net.

LA.MyIR.net is available for free to all state residents, and allows them to securely view, download and print official copies of their immunization records on demand. These printed records are accepted by schools, employers, state agencies and other organizations that require proof of immunization.

AARP Driver Safety Class set for Aug. 16

Drivers looking to freshen up their skills are invited to attend a safety course on Friday, Aug. 16. Each person who completes the class may be eligible for discounted insurance rates.

“The class will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center,” said instructor Frances Byler. “All drivers are welcomed to participate.”

For AARP members, the class will cost $15 and the membership card must be presented. For nonmembers, the fee is $20, she said.