May 2020

Three Gulf Coast states get $88M for fisheries flooding

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Three Gulf Coast states are getting more than $88 million in fisheries disaster funds for damage from last year’s flooding, which included an unprecedented two openings of a spillway west of New Orleans.

“These funds will help industries and individuals recover from this disaster, and build resilience for the future,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who declared a fisheries disaster in September, said in a news release Monday.

Outside judge named to preside over cases in Arbery slaying

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — A judge from outside the coastal Georgia community where Ahmaud Arbery was fatally shot has been appointed to preside over trial proceedings of the two men charged with Arbery’s murder, including one defendant with close ties to law enforcement.

WHO bows to calls from countries for independent virus probe

GENEVA (AP) — The World Health Organization bowed to calls Monday from most of its member states to launch an independent probe into how it managed the international response to the coronavirus, which has been clouded by finger-pointing between the U.S. and China over a pandemic that has killed over 300,000 people and leveled the global economy.

US stocks rally on hopes for vaccine and economic recovery

(AP) - The stock market bounced back from its worst week in nearly two months Monday as optimism about a potential vaccine for the coronavirus and hopes for a U.S. economic recovery in the second half of the year put investors in a buying mood.

The S&P 500 climbed 3.2 percent, its best day since early April. The gains erased all of its losses from last week, when the index posted its worst showing since late March and its third weekly loss in the last four. Bond yields rose broadly in another sign that investors were becoming more optimistic.

FBI: Shooter at Pensacola base coordinated with al-Qaida

(AP) - The gunman who killed three U.S. sailors at a military base in Florida last year repeatedly communicated with al-Qaida operatives about planning and tactics in the months leading up to the attack, U.S. officials said Monday, as they lashed out at Apple for failing to help them open the shooter’s phones so they could access key evidence.

Tropical Storm Arthur hits North Carolina coast with rain

(AP) - Tropical Storm Arthur moved out to sea Monday after dumping heavy rain on North Carolina as forecasters warned that the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season could continue to whip dangerous surf and rip currents for another day or more along the U.S. East Coast.

The storm represented another early start for the Atlantic hurricane season. Arthur formed Saturday in waters off Florida, marking the sixth straight year that a named storm has developed before June 1.

Jerrod Roy Blanchard

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Funeral services for Jerrod Roy Blanchard, 36, of Jennings will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at 10 a.m. in First Baptist Church of Jennings, with Pastor Jeff Cook officiating.

Visitation for Jerrod will commence at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at First Baptist Church and will close at 9 p.m. Visitation will resume at 8 a.m. Wednesday and will continue until time of service.

Burial will follow in Lopez Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home.

Second Harvest assists 265 JDP families

HATHAWAY - Second Harvest Food Bank arranged a mobile food pantry at the Hathaway Fire District 2 station on Saturday. Groceries were distributed to 265 Jeff Davis Parish families.

“Second Harvest offered the assistance to help those affected by the COVID-19 disaster,” said organizer Molly Bellon. “It was a very successful event.”

Bellon said she and 15 volunteers braved the inclement weather conditions to help distribute food items to those in need.

Survey shows 90 percent drop in business revenue

In mid-April, a survey was conducted on area businesses that showed 90 percent reported revenues dropping due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey was conducted through a joint effort of business resource partners including One Acadiana, Lafayette Economic Development Authority, Acadiana Workforce Solutions, Acadiana Safety for Human Resource Management, United Way of Acadiana and other local chambers and economic development offices from around the Acadiana region.

Graduating Seniors Recognized

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This past weekend, graduating seniors from Hathaway and Lake Arthur high schools were honored by their communities. Friday evening, Hathaway students (below) hosted a small parade through their community. Saturday, Lake Arthur students (at left) stood along Arthur Avenue and were greeted by passing motorists.