An in-ground fungal disease and unusual season have forced many Louisiana strawberry farmers to close early but they are expecting an increase in sales at this weekend’s Ponchatoula’s Strawberry Festival. Livingston Parish strawberry farmer Rhonda Poche says a fungus destroyed one berry plant but their crop was limited.
This weekend is Pontchatoula’s Strawberry Festival and Poche hopeful people will buy locally grown berries and show support.
Labor shortages and post-pandemic lack of customers have Louisiana’s small businesses feeling less optimistic after a continued to slide in the 1st Quarter. The National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn McVea says 15 percent of owners plan to create new jobs within the next three months and there’s hope for recovery.
Cut 12 (09) “…comes back around.”
McVea says debt service on loans is also a big concern for small businesses, as lending rates continue to rise.
Suicide rates in the U.S. saw a spike in 2001, that’s after two previous years of decline according to the CDC. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says men are four times more likely than women to commit suicide and we need to end the stigma of mental illness.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, half of all suicides involve a gun.
Colorado State University is predicting a slightly below-average 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. 13 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. A slightly below-average hurricane season prediction is welcome news, but research assistant Tyler Barbero says always have a hurricane plan in place.
Cut 17 (09) ‘…prepare always.”
NOAA will release its hurricane forecast next month.