Editorial

More awareness needed regarding mental health, suicide

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

Tales from aisle 12

Supposed accounts of attempted crime make regular appearances on social media. Usually, these stories imply that unidentified nefarious characters seemed intent on physically harming or kidnapping the narrator in a public place.

The who, what and where follow the same format. Who? Usually a woman, specifically a mother with children in tow. What? Suspicions of impending human trafficking or death. Where? Any large chain business located off of Interstate 10 between Westlake and Lafayette. A favorite setting is the Target shopping center on Louisiana Avenue in Lafayette.

No such thing as a bad day

I just spent two hours in a dentist’s chair having a crown replaced. It wasn’t all the fun it’s cracked up to be.

It seems all the fillings and bridge work done to my teeth only have a shelf life of 30 to 40 years, and now all of it is starting to come loose or deteriorate in some unlovely way and must be replaced. Every time I walk into Dr. Smile’s office, the bill is $1,200 — and that’s if he doesn’t have to send me to a specialist, where the fee is easily double that.

Disadvantaged groups gaining in academics

Economically disadvantaged students, African-American students, students with disabilities and those who are learning the English language — all four groups showed strong progress in academic achievement this year, according to information released Wednesday by Louisiana’s Department of Education.

But the department says progress among those “historically disadvantaged” groups will have to be accelerated to close achievement gaps with their peers.

Recalling the McBain-Roemer friendship

John McCain was a rare commodity in U.S. politics. He was a war hero, full of good-natured irreverence, and a contrarian in the Republican Party. McCain made it abundantly clear that he put America before party politics. And when they both served in congress, McCain and Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer became good friends.

Truth is truth; lies are lies

Asmall but significant line was crossed recently when the Washington Post’s fact-checker, Glenn Kessler, called President Trump a liar for the first time.

He’s cited the president for about 4,300 “false or misleading claims” since the inauguration, but as Kessler notes, “In many of those cases, it’s not possible to tell whether Trump was intentionally fibbing or simply careless or wrong.”

Women should focus on health in September

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a deadly condition that women need to be on the lookout for. Ovarian cancer frequently goes undiagnosed until it has spread to the

Separate ways led to same path

My wife found something on the internet, printed it and hung it on the refrigerator where I can see it on a regular basis. It says something like, “Sometimes I

In Washington, a rare relationship without pretense and B.S.

There are people in Washington who hate each other but who, for public consumption, pretend not to hate each other. What was almost refreshing about the relationship of Sen. John

Big games open the start of 2018 Football Season

With the 2018 high school football season bearing down on us full steam ahead, it’s time for my first edition of Kevin’s Corner, a chance for me to try and