It’s termite season and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain reminds Louisianans to remain vigilant of the swarming pest. Teiko Foxx has more.
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Starting in 2025, there would be less time for unemployed workers to find a job before their benefits run out, as a result of a bill approved by the House. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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With Louisiana’s warm and wet climate this time of the year, Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain urges property owners to stay vigilant for termites beginning late spring through summer months. Strain says proactive measures are useful when it comes to protecting your property.
Louisiana homes and buildings sustain more Formosan termite damage each year than homes and buildings in any other state. Those pesky insects cause over $5 billion in property damage across the U.S. annually, according to Orkin, and property owners spend over $2 billion to treat them. Strain says it’s important to clean your gutters and rid your property of wood lying around.
Termites can get especially active as they constantly seek out new food sources. Strain says hiring a licensed company is the best prevention plus new findings may be beneficial.
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Property owners should also trim limbs that may be growing on the home. To find certified and licensed companies to perform termite services, visit ldaf.la.gov.
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If you’re in north Louisiana, you’ll want to be weather area today, there’s a tornado watch in effect until 8 PM and some parishes could see up to five inches of rain. Shreveport National Weather Service Meteorologist Armani Cassel says an area of low pressure is responsible for the heavy rainfall totals.
And in southeast Louisiana, there’s a tornado watch in effect until 8 PM for parishes along the Mississippi border.
A flash flood watch has also been issued until 7 PM in North Louisiana, so be mindful of flood-prone areas near rivers and streams and urban areas with poor draining. Cassel says the threat of severe weather should lessen into the evening hours.
Cassel says to expect the rain to continue, especially during the heat of the day in the afternoon hours for the weekend as well. He says to make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather notifications.
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Mother’s Day is Sunday and the most popular day of the year for restaurants. Louisiana Restaurant Association spokesperson Wendy Waren says about 80 million people will take their mom’s out to eat for their special day in the US this year. And if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, she has some suggestions…
And while the restaurant industry was among the hardest hit during the pandemic, Waren says they’ve been able to make revisions and most are well prepared to make Mom’s Day special this year.
Waren says fine dining tends to be the most popular choice to celebrate Mom and if you haven’t made reservations, you’ll want to do so ASAP.
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The Louisiana House approves legislation that would reduce the number of weeks a person can receive unemployment in a 12-month period. Jennings Representative Troy Romero proposes to reduce the maximum number of weeks from 26 to 20, which drew opposition from New Orleans Democrat Wilford Carter
Romero’s measure says if the unemployment rate is below five-percent than the maximum duration of benefits would be limited to 12 weeks.
Carter argues Romero’s legislation not only impacts a person struggling to find a job, but also reduces their buying power which hurts the state…
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Romero says by reducing the maximum number of weeks a person can claim unemployment in a year will hopefully spur them on to get a job….
The legislation heads to the Senate for further debate. It would take effect in January 2025 if the governor signs the bill.