January 2023

Russia says it took Soledar, Ukraine denies its capture

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia claimed Friday that its forces captured the fiercely contested salt-mining town of Soledar in what would mark a rare victory for the Kremlin after a series of setbacks in its war in Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities said the fight for the town continued.

Free literacy, ESL classes available

LAKE CHARLES — New student enrollment for the Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana’s spring session has begun. The Literacy Council of SWLA, a WorkReadyU, United Way Agency, offers classes for adults wanting to take their HISET or improve their reading, writing, math and spelling skills. Adults looking to improve reading and math skills, earn a high school equivalency diploma or learn to speak English are encouraged to register.

Special counsel deepens Justice Dept. in politics fray

WASHINGTON (AP) — In naming a special counsel to investigate the presence of classified documents at President Joe Biden’s Delaware home and former Washington office, Attorney General Merrick Garland described the appointment as underscoring the Justice Department’s commitment to independence and accountability in particularly sensitive investigations.

Texas man accused of killing, decapitating wife

(AP) — A 21-year-old Texas man remained jailed Friday after authorities accused him of killing and decapitating his wife.

Are we slowly drifting back into ‘The Twilight Zone’?

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W hen you have the beginning of a cold, nothing sparkly to wear and you really hate New Year’s, you watch television. If a certain station has the good sense to run a marathon of vintage Twilight Zone episodes, your choice is made from the moment you hear “doo dee da doo, doo dee da doo” coming from what you think is your flat screen-but which could, in fact, originate from another planetary system.

Jennings Animal Shelter in need of foster families

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E ver thought about adopting a puppy, but the expenses associated with their care are daunting? Or maybe you feel a tug at your heartstrings when you see a picture of a puppy in a commercial or on social media needing a home, but worry you don’t have the time for the commitment.

Parish events to celebrate MLK Day

Tomorrow parish residents will have the opportunity to celebrate the sacrifices made by civil rights legend Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

DID YOU KNOW?

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that rates of anxiety and depression rose dramatically after the onset of COVID-19.

For a beautiful spring lawn, get to work now

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Your lawn or turfgrass may be the last thing on your mind right now — but it’s no time to sit back on your laurels. Lawns are in their winter dormancy, and we have all enjoyed the reprieve from lawn mowing. But it won’t be long before our lawns literally “spring” back to life.

Tips offered to tame daily anxiety

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Anxiety affects millions of people worldwide. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America indicates anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older every year, which equates to around 19.1 percent of the population.