August 2019

UK’s Johnson moves to suspend Parliament ahead of Brexit

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson maneuvered Wednesday to give his political opponents even less time to block a no-deal Brexit before the Oct. 31 withdrawal deadline, winning Queen Elizabeth II’s approval to suspend Parliament. His critics were outraged.

Though Johnson previously had refused to rule out such a move, the timing of the decision took lawmakers — many of whom are on vacation — by surprise.

Lawmakers reacted with fury, including John Bercow, speaker of the lower House of Commons, who was not told in advance of Johnson’s plan.

Respiratory ailments in Brazil rise as Amazon fires rage

PORTO VELHO, Brazil (AP) — Lingering smoke in the Amazon is reportedly causing increased respiratory problems — particularly among children and the elderly — as fires in the region rage.

“The kids are affected the most. They’re coughing a lot,” said Elane Diaz, a nurse in the Rondonia state capital of Porto Velho, as she waited for a doctor’s appointment Tuesday at the city’s 9 of July hospital with her 5-year-old son Eduardo. “They have problems breathing. I’m concerned because it affects their health.”

Dorian heads for Puerto Rico amid fears of flooding

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Tropical Storm Dorian threatened Puerto Rico with a direct hit at near-hurricane force on Wednesday and forecasters said it could strengthen further as it approaches the U.S. mainland.

The storm was expected to pass over or near Puerto Rico, with landslides, widespread flooding and power outages possible in what is expected to be the first major test of emergency preparedness since Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017. President Donald Trump declared an emergency Tuesday night and ordered federal assistance for local authorities.

Let’s not inflame racial tensions, they’re incendiary enough

I have this odd, puritanical quirk. I don’t think people should run for president by pitching racially inflammatory fables to voters. Republicans or Democrats.

And no, I’m not talking about Donald J. Trump, although these days, they’re pretty much his stock-in-trade, along with crackpot conspiracy theories. This week it’s Google, the Federal Reserve and Fox News. Before that, it was the rat-and vermin”infested” city of Baltimore and its African-American congressman, Elijah Cummings.

Litter to the Auditor

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Lawmakers in California have littered their desks with measures designed to eliminate plastic products, such as bags and even straws. But in failing to provide an adequate system for recycling these items - along with glass, metal and paper - they have created an environmental mess and a socio-economic dilemma.

Indians working to correct mistakes

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ELTON – After facing one of the tougher scrimmages in the area last week by traveling to defending 2A runner-up Welsh, the Elton Indians will look to correct some mistakes heading into the their week one battle with the Oakdale Warriors. This Thursday, Elton will travel to Gueydan to square off with Abbeville’s junior varsity at 7:30 p.m. in the Luddy Herpin Jamboree.

Although the Indians didn’t find the endzone against Welsh in their 17-0 loss, Head Coach Donnie Bruchhaus said after watching the film he saw a lot of correctable things.

Teamwork impacts community, lives

When people know there is a need, they often try to meet that need. We see incredible examples of this in Jeff Davis Parish regularly.

In our Aug. 25 edition, for example, Jennings resident Mark Courville’s story of waiting for a heart transplant was shared. A benefit is planned to help defer medical costs he is facing and the community has gone above and beyond to help. Six thousand raffle tickets have been sold, thousands of dollars worth of items and gift cards were given as auction items and people have volunteered to cook, bake and work at the event.

Upcoming fundraisers to benefit local family

LAKE ARTHUR - The Hathaway community is banding together to help raise money for a family in need and organizers are looking for the public’s support.

A co-ed softball tournament has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14, and Sunday, Sept. 15, at the Dickie Chapman Fields in Lake Arthur.

“We are throwing this benefit tournament for a great family in need,” said organizer Wayne Fruge. “I’ve thrown many of benefits in my lifetime but none is bigger than this one. We want to make this big for these people who have suffered a devastating loss.”

COA offers free informational program on disability services

The Council on Aging (COA) benefits seniors around the parish. The public is invited to attend a free inservice that will discuss services offered to those with disabilities.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, advisors from Share Care USA will visit the COA to make residents aware of state-funded services.

“We would like to educate and enhance awareness of services that are available to those with disabilities,” said marketing director of Share Care USALake Charles Betty Lavergne. “People are unaware that some of these programs are available.”

Tigers looking to sharpen up against 3A Bobcats in Crowley Jamboree

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LAKE ARTHUR – The Lake Arthur Tigers looked dominant in their 52-0 preseason scrimmage win over the Delcambre Panthers last Friday night, however, they will get a bigger test this Thursday when they tangle with the Erath Bobcats at Crowley High School. Tigers Head Coach Mark Deshotel said he was pleased about the effort he saw from his team last week, but discussed a few areas that are still in question heading into jamboree week.