August 2019

‘Red flag’ gun laws plan has support in Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite frequent mass shootings, Congress has proved to be unable to pass substantial gun violence legislation, largely because of resistance from Republicans.

But a bipartisan proposal by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is gaining momentum following weekend mass shootings in Texas and Ohio that left 31 people dead. The emerging plan would create a federal grant program to encourage states to adopt “red flag” laws to take guns away from people believed to be dangers to themselves or others.

Venezuela talks in the balance as US ups pressure on Maduro

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — For weeks, representatives of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his would-be successor, opposition leader Juan Guaidó, have been shuttling back and forth to Barbados trying to agree on a common path out of the country’s prolonged political standoff.

The meetings have been slow-going and shrouded in mystery, with neither side disclosing details. But now Maduro’s supporters are accusing the U.S. of trying to blow up the fragile process.

Kim says North Korean launches were warning to US, South

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Wednesday leader Kim Jong Un supervised a live-fire demonstration of newly developed, shortrange ballistic missiles intended to send a warning to the United States and South Korea over their joint military exercises.

The official Korean Central News Agency said two missiles launched from a western airfield flew across the country and over the area surrounding the capital, Pyongyang, before accurately hitting an island target off its eastern coast.

Kershaw remains unbeatable at home as Dodgers top Cardinals

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clayton Kershaw continues to be not only consistent, but dominant for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The left-hander struck out nine in seven innings and notched his 11th win of the season as the Dodgers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 Tuesday night.

Kershaw (11-2) — who allowed only one run on four hits — has gone at least six innings in all 20 starts this season. For as strong as that is, what he has done at Dodger Stadium has been even better.

BACK ON TOP

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On Day Two of the 2019 CrossFit Games, Chloe Smith swept the Sandbag Triplet, completing a 90-ft. handstand walk, 30 calories on an air bike and a 90-ft., 140-lb. sandbag carry in two minutes and 32.05 seconds.

But Smith didn’t run off the mat to greet supporters. Instead she went to the side of the last girl standing and cheered her on, pushing her to complete the event before the five-minute time cap.

VVA fundraising event to support veterans

On Saturday, Aug. 24, organizers have planned a fundraising event with the intention of giving back. From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., a family fun day will take place at the Louisiana Oil and Gas Park, with all proceeds going to veterans. “This fundraiser is sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and will afford us the opportunity to accomplish our mission of helping veterans,” said organizer Mallory “Doc” Lessard.

STATE BRIEFS

Attorney wants jurors who won’t judge client’s face tattoos

State launches medical marijuana after long wait

BATON ROUGE (AP) — Louisiana is becoming the first Deep South state to dispense medical marijuana on Tuesday, four years after state lawmakers agreed to give patients access to therapeutic cannabis.

Nine pharmacies are licensed to dispense medical marijuana across Louisiana and most are expected to open this week. Louisiana joins more than 30 other states that allow medical marijuana in some form. And though marijuana is banned at the federal level, a congressional amendment blocks the Justice Department from interfering with states’ medical marijuana programs.

La. picks companies for Medicaid managed care deals

BATON ROUGE (AP) — Four companies have been chosen to manage the care of 1.7 million Louisiana Medicaid patients starting next year, winning multibillion-dollar deals that are among the most lucrative in state government.

Louisiana’s health department announced Monday that the contracts will go to AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana, Community Care Health Plan of Louisiana, Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, and United Healthcare Community Plan. All but Humana currently hold Medicaid managed care contracts with the state.

Lilly Smith Frederick

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Funeral services for Mrs. Lilly Smith Frederick, 90, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Miguez Funeral Home, with Rev. Rick Julian officiating. Funeral home visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and will continue from 8 a.m. Thursday until time of services. Burial will be in Maxie Cemetery. Mrs. Frederick died at 3:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, in Jeff Davis Living Center. Mrs. Frederick was a native of Branch and a resident of Jennings since 1990, moving here from Lake Charles. She loved to garden, decorate and she was an amazing cook.