July 2021

Infrastructure bill expected to fail first test vote

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans expected on Wednesday to reject an effort to begin debate on a bipartisan infrastructure deal that senators brokered with President Joe Biden, though supporters are hoping they’ll get another chance in coming days.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer scheduled a procedural vote that he described as a step to “get the ball rolling” as talks progress. But Republican senators say they want to view an analysis of the bill’s costs, how it’s paid for and a more detailed legislative text first.

Massive wildfires in US West bring haze to East Coast

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Wildfires in the American West, including one burning in Oregon that’s currently the largest in the U.S., are creating hazy skies as far away as New York as the massive infernos spew smoke and ash into the air in columns up to six miles high.

Skies over New York City were hazy Tuesday as strong winds blew smoke east from California, Oregon, Montana and other states. Oregon’s Bootleg Fire grew to 606 square miles (1,569 square kilometers) — half the size of Rhode Island.

Asian stocks mixed after Wall Street rebound

BEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets were mixed Wednesday after Wall Street rebounded and Japanese exports surged as investors tried to figure out how rising coronavirus infections will affect the global economy.

Shanghai, Tokyo and Sydney advanced. Hong Kong and Seoul declined.

Overnight, Wall Street’s benchmark S&P 500 index gained 1.5 perent, recovering much of the previous day’s loss.

US life expectancy saw biggest drop since WWII

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. life expectancy fell by a year and a half in 2020, the largest one-year decline since World War II, public health officials said Wednesday. The decrease for both Black Americans and Hispanic Americans was even worse: three years.

Daniels, Corral, Young make trek from California to SEC QBs

HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — Georgia quarterback JT Daniels has long been a believer in fellow former California prep stars Matt Corral and Bryce Young.

Now all three are starting quarterbacks on the other side of the country in the Southeastern Conference. From Pasadena, Young is entering his first season as defending national champion Alabama’s presumed starter.

He finished his high school career at Daniel’s alma mater Mater Dei.

Young was in the seventh grade when he met Daniels.

Altuve homers twice as Astros down Indians

HOUSTON (AP) — On a night dedicated to Jose Altuve’s accomplishments, the Houston Astros’ star added to his already stellar resume with another huge game.

Altuve celebrated the 10th anniversary of his major league debut with a leadoff homer, and made the milestone twice as nice with a second shot on his next at-bat, leading the Astros to a 9-3 win over the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night.

How to plan a perfect game night

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Shared experiences are ideal ways to make new friends or solidify established relationships. Bonds can be strengthened even further when those shared experiences include entertaining activities. This is a great reason for adults to incorporate routine game nights into their social calendars.

Poor posture can lead to herniated discs

Dear Doctor: I’ve been riding my bike a lot this past year, and my lower back hasn’t been quite right. I get a pinching pain, and sometimes my left leg gets pins and needles and feels numb. A friend I ride with wonders if it’s a slipped disc. Can you talk about what that is? Will it heal?

An easy-to-make Summer Sweet

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(Culinary.net) When it’s beyond hot outside and the kids are begging for a delicious afternoon snack, sometimes it’s difficult to know where to turn. The pantry is full and the refrigerator is stocked, yet nothing sounds appetizing when it’s scorching outside.

Combining three simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen can save the day and provide a refreshing and scrumptious snack.

SB: Masks recommended, not required

Jeff Davis Parish (JDP) students will not be required to wear masks this school year. However, the school board is still highly recommending mask usage for unvaccinated students.

According to Jeff Davis Parish School Board (JDPSB) Superintendent Kirk Credeur, there is confusing information regarding mask requirements in schools.