October 2019

Federal judge blocks Alabama’s tough abortion law

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday blocked Alabama’s neartotal abortion ban from taking effect next month, saying the law, part of wave of abortion restrictions by conservative states, is clearly unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson issued an expected preliminary injunction blocking Alabama from enforcing the law that would make performing an abortion a felony in almost all cases. The ruling came after abortion providers sued to block the law from taking effect Nov. 15.

Joyce Daigle

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It’s with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Joyce Daigle announces her passing from this life on Oct. 27, 2019, at the age of 85.

Funeral services will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Jennings today, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, at 2 p.m.

A gathering of family and friends was held at the funeral home Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 3-9 p.m. Visitation will resume today, Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. until the time of her service at 2 p.m.

Burial will follow in China Cemetery.

Anger rises as California utility imposes more blackouts

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP) — Frustration and anger mounted across Northern California as the state’s biggest utility began another round of fire-prevention blackouts Tuesday that could leave millions of people without electricity, some for five days or longer.

The shut-offs, aimed at keeping windblown electrical equipment from sparking wildfires, came as fire crews raced to contain two major blazes in Northern and Southern California before the winds picked up again. The fires have destroyed dozens of homes in Los Angeles and in Sonoma County wine country.

Not over yet: New US-Syria mission after al-Baghdadi’s death

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pivoting from the dramatic killing of the Islamic State group’s leader, the Pentagon is increasing U.S. efforts to protect Syria’s oil fields from the extremist group as well as from Syria itself and the country’s Russian allies. It’s a new high-stakes mission even as American troops are withdrawn from other parts of the country.

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Clemson’s re-tooled defense playing like ‘one of the best’

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson safety Tanner Muse politely answered all the offseason questions from friends and fans about Clemson’s revamped defense. Now, he sees the fourth-ranked Tigers’ loudest responses are coming on the field.

“We know,” Muse said, “we have the opportunity to be one of the best.”

With Brees back, Saints poised for big things

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Drew Brees answered any questions about how effective he would be coming back from thumb surgery, and the New Orleans Saints posted another convincing victory despite the absences of star running back Alvin Kamara and top receiving tight end Jared Cook.

Now they have a bye to rest up before continuing their push toward the playoffs — although not everyone in the Saints locker room sees the midst of a six-game winning streak as an ideal time to for a break.

Head to polls to make your voice heard

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TOWN CRYER

On Nov. 16, voters in Jeff Davis Parish will head to the polls to decide on a number of issues, many that were left undecided in a general election held Oct. 12.

There are several ways states run elections including plurality voting systems, majority voting systems and top-two primaries, according to ballotpedia.com.

Louisiana conducts majority voting system primary elections, so ours are a little different than in other states.

Get Out and Fish

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation are teaming up with the Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission to offer a fishing tournament scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Louisiana Oil and Gas Park.

“Activities will begin at 7 a.m. with registration. There is no fee to register,” said event coordinator Megan MacMenamin. “The family-friendly event will include various fishing activities, demonstrations, raffle prizes and more for anglers of all ages.”

Practice safety this Halloween

A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau report found in 2010 that 9.2 percent of victimized children were sexually assaulted.

One in five girls and one in 20 boys are victims of child sexual abuse. Every state, territory and even Native-American tribes have a public sex registry.

Every jurisdiction’s registry includes information about individuals who have been convicted of a sex offense and are required to register as a sex offender in that jurisdiction, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.