Festival season is kicking off in Louisiana, with a busy schedule that’s bound to keep the Bayou State buzzing for months to come. This weekend may be the busiest, with huge celebrations in New Orleans and Lafayette. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is calling on folks to “staycation” in Louisiana with a trip to New Orleans this weekend. Jazz Fest is expected to bring in roughly 300-million dollars. Nungesser says thousands of tourists will be in the state and he hopes their visit will lead to more tourism…
Cuban tree frogs have moved into New Orleans, and are now threatening to muscle out the locals according to the US Geological Survey. The frogs are invasive, and are suspected to have hopped a ride to the Crescent City on palm trees imported from Florida. Ecologist Brad Glorioso
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The House Education Committee passed a proposal that would require schools provide a 30 minute recess break to students. Currently schools must have 30 minutes of physical activity, which is covered in many districts by PE class. But the legislation received opposition from the Louisiana Association of Principles, who raised concerns that it would cut back on classroom time. Executive Director Debra Schum says schools have other ways to get students active besides relying on recess
A Senate Committee approved a bill that would allow families to put video cameras in the nursing home rooms of loved ones. The legislation was inspired by a Louisiana family who suspected a nursing home staff member was beating a family member in their room. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau expressed some concerns about the hacking vulnerability of live streamed cameras, but says ultimately the legislation is a win win for both residents, and nursing home owners.