May 2020

Called to order: Supreme Court holds first arguments by phone

WASHINGTON (AP) — They politely took turns speaking. Not a child, spouse or dog could be heard in the background. The conference call went long, but not by that much.

World leaders pledge billions for virus vaccine research

BRUSSELS (AP) — World leaders, organizations and banks on Monday pledged 7.4 billion euros ($8 billion) for research to find a vaccine against the new coronavirus, but warned that it is just the start of an effort that must be sustained over time to beat the disease.

‘Murder Hornets,’ with sting that can kill, land in US

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The world’s largest hornet, a 2-inch killer dubbed the “Murder Hornet” with an appetite for honey bees, has been found in Washington state, where entomologists were making plans to wipe it out.

Italy lets millions back to work, US restrictions ease up

ROME (AP) — Italy started stirring Monday, with millions allowed back to work as Europe’s longest coronavirus lockdown started easing, while the U.S. took halting steps to lift some restrictions even as tens of thousands of new cases were reported every day. In Washington, the Senate

US to rein in flood of virus blood tests after lax oversight

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators Monday pulled back a decision that allowed scores of coronavirus blood tests to hit the market without first providing proof that they worked. The Food and Drug Administration said it took the action because some sellers have made false claims about the tests and their accuracy. Companies will now have to show their tests work or risk having them pulled from the market.

Senate secretary declines to release possible Reade report

WASHINGTON (AP) — The secretary of the Senate has declined Joe Biden’s request to release any potential documents pertaining to an allegation of sexual assault against him from a former Senate staffer, citing confidentiality requirements under the law. Biden made the request Friday after delivering his first public comments responding to the allegation from former staffer Tara Reade that he sexually assaulted her in the basement of a Capitol Hill office building in the spring of 1993. Biden has denied the allegation. In response, the secretary of the Senate told Biden’s legal counsel in an email that after reviewing the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 and a Senate resolution regarding the release of Senate records, “based on the law’s strict confidentiality requirements,” the Senate legal counsel has advised the Secretary “has no discretion to disclose any such information.”

Treasury says April- June borrowing will be a record $2.99T

WASHINGTON (AP) — The economic paralysis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic is forcing the U.S. Treasury to borrow far more than it ever has before — $2.99 trillion in the current quarter alone.

Zoos turn to social media to delight, raise money amid virus

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Zoo, struggling like others worldwide during coronavirus closures, has found an unlikely savior in a sloth.

Local businesses donate meals

As a way of giving back to the community around them, several local business owners have teamed up to show appreciation for workers serving on the front lines during these difficult times. Over 700 meals were distributed to healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and first responders.

COVID-19 UPDATE

As of press time Monday, 65 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed within Jeff Davis Parish with six deaths. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, 864 parish residents have been tested for the virus.