Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has resigned as he’s been implicated in a bribery scandal. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

State Treasurer John Schroder is reaching out to veterans’ organizations in hopes of reuniting them with Unclaimed Property. It’s called the “Veterans Cash Claim.”

Cut 13 (09) “…our programs.”

Visit is LaCashClaim.org

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend you’ve got two festivals to choose from. The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and for their 51st Anniversary, Director of Sales at Tangipahoa Tourism Emily Matise says there will be tons of berries and a plethora of things to do.

Cut 6 (05)  “…imagine.” 

And over in Scott you’ve got the Boudin Festival. Ms. Scott – Boudin Festival Queen 2023 Emily Chaisson says the festival provides an economic boost for the boudin industry.

Cut 8 (13)  “…can’t wait.” 

Scott is known as the epicenter of the boudin industry in the state and sells over 4 million pounds of boudin each year. Both festivals end on Sunday so there’s a chance to visit both this weekend.

A fungus by the name of Candida Auris is rapidly spreading at an alarming rate. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist, Dr. Fred Lopez says it’s also highly resistant to treatment He says it usually infects individuals who are in and out of the hospital, in long-term acute care, and those who use feeding or breathing tubes. He says the mortality rate is between 30 to 60 percent.

Cut 4 (06)  “     to prevent it.” 

Boudin is one of Louisiana’s best little rice-and-meat-stuffed concoctions and there’s no better place to get it than Scott – the Boudin Capital of the World and home to the Boudin Festival that runs this weekend. Ms. Scott – Boudin Festival 2023 Emily Chaisson says the festival provides an economic boost for the industry.

Cut 8 (13)  “…can’t wait.” 

The latest survey of Louisiana small business owners shows optimism for the near future continues to slide. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

AM Cut 26 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

A fungus by the name of Candida Auris (Canada Oar-us) is spreading at an alarming rate, and it’s one with a high mortality rate. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist, Dr. Fred Lopez says treatment is difficult.

Cut 3 (10) “…treat infections.”

A mortality of 30 to 60 percent is among those who are in and out of the hospital with co-morbidities. There are 50 known cases in Louisiana.

Suicide rates in the U.S. saw the largest one-year increase in 2021, that’s after two previous years of decline. According to the CDC, the suicide rate increased by four percent to 14 deaths per 100,000. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says men are four times more likely than women to commit suicide.

Cut 7 (09) “…their own.”

If you need help you can call 988 for assistance.

NFIB state director, Dawn McVea, says optimism among small business owners continues to slide as a result of labor shortages and inflation. McVea says many owners need to raise prices on their products, but they are reluctant to do so…

Cut 11 (07)  “…prices any longer.”

McVea says debt service on loans is also a big concern for small businesses, as lending rates continue to rise.

It’s going to be a berry good time at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival that kicks off this weekend. The festival returns as state farmers are rebounding from an unusual crop this season. For the 51^th Anniversary, Director of Sales at Tangipahoa Tourism Emily Matise says there will be tons of berries to be bought and a great time for everyone.

Cut 6 (09)  “…at 9:30.” 

It’s one of the state’s larges free events.

Louisiana farmers are hoping Pontchatoula’s Strawberry Festival will help promote local farmers who’ve had a tough time this season. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Suicide rates in 2021, increased by four percent from the previous year in the U.S. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The latest survey of Louisiana small business owners shows optimism for the near future continues to slide. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Too much rain and a crop-eating disease have put many Louisiana strawberry farmers in a berry bad position but they are hopeful this weekend’s Ponchatoula’s Strawberry Festival will help them rebound. Livingston Parish strawberry farmer Rhonda Poche says despite the struggles this season, the berries are ripe and ready for the picking this weekend.

Cut 4 (10)  “…sold out.”

While you might think strawberry farmers welcome rain, too much can affect the taste of the juicy red berry. An in-ground fungal disease also infected one variety of the berry plant and had many strawberry farmers closing early. Poche says some farmers lost several thousand plants but their crop was limited with that berry plant.

Cut 5 (08) “…of them.”

Inflation has also impacted farmers with higher prices for labor, plant, and fertilizer. Poche says she’s a fourth-generation farmer and hopes to keep the sweet history alive by dealing with the next generation of farmers and doubling down on the industry she loves so much.

Cut 6 (05)  “…of love.”

Poche said in addition to buying locally grown berries, residents should support Ponchatoula’s Strawberry Festival. The peak of Louisiana strawberry season is March, April, and May.

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Suicide rates in the U.S. saw the largest one-year increase in 2021, that’s after two previous years of decline. According to the CDC, the suicide rate increased by four percent to 14 deaths per 100,000. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says men are four times more likely than women to commit suicide.

Cut 7 (09) “…their own.”

Data collected from 2001 to 2021, the increase of four percent in 2021 was the largest one-year increase on record.

Bailey says men are more likely to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs than seek help because of the stigma of mental illness. Women are more likely to report thoughts of suicide, but it’s men who die by suicide four times more often than women. In 2021 more men died by suicide than in any other year since record-keeping began.

Indigenous people have the highest suicide rate at 43 deaths per 100,000 followed by white men at 28 deaths per 100,000.

Bailey says we need to remove the shame of mental illness so those suffering will be more likely to seek help and intervene sooner than later.

Cut 8 (08) “…become worse.”

Last summer the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline switched to the three-digit number of 988. From July to December 988 received more than two million calls and/or texts, just under 900 thousand more than the same period in 2021. Bailey says he hopes there’s an increase of authentic calls to the line from those who are in real need.

Cut 9 (06)  “…intervention.”

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, half of all suicides involve a gun.

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Optimism among Louisiana’s small businesses continued to slide in the 1^st Quarter of the year. The National Federation of Independent Business maintains a Small Business Optimism Index, which shows a 15^th straight month of decline. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says inflation, labor shortages and a post-pandemic lack of customers in the door are the main reasons cited…:

Cut 10 (12) “…about the future.” 

McVea says locally owned & operated businesses are finding it harder than ever to deliver goods & services and make a profit. 43 percent of members report trouble filling jobs and keeping help. Few expect business to improve in the near term. McVea says many say they need to increase prices, but are reluctant to do so…:

Cut 11 (07)  “…prices any longer.”

It’s not all bad news though. McVea says 15 percent of owners plan to create new jobs within the next three months. She says there is hope for some recovery over the months ahead…:

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.

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Based on declining TOPS scholarship participation statewide, officials have expressed concerns about how to remedy the numbers in the House Committee Appropriations. The program offers scholarships to Louisiana residents attending public colleges, universities, or vocational schools in the state. Higher Ed Commissioner, Kim Hunter Reed says it’s a growing concern.

Cut 13 (13) “…as well.” 

The high school acceptance rate for TOPS scholarships fell nearly 8% between 2019-20 and 2020-21, well above the normal yearly trends. Hunter-Reed says there are numerous reasons why high school students would reject TOPS.

Cut 14 (12)  “…go anywhere.”

Other states are luring TOPS-eligible students with incentives like bigger scholarships and better financial aid. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Executive Director Sujuan Boutte’ says other states are luring TOPS students.

Cut 15 (12)  “…costs lower.”

TOPS pays for tuition and, in some cases, other expenses for students who meet the academic requirements and nearly 54,000 students receive aid.

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ULM completed spring football practice a couple of weeks ago. The Warhawks defense dominated the spring with takeaways and negative plays. ULM Coach Terry Bowden says next fall he wants to see more explosive plays from his offense…

Cut  16 (19)  “…as well.” 

Bowden is entering his third season as head coach. The Warhawks finished with four and eight records in his first two seasons, but Bowden believes they are ready to challenge for a conference title in 2023…

Cut 17 (17) “…expect to do.” 

UL Lafayette completed spring practice last week and redshirt freshman Zeon Chriss took a lot of snaps, because Chandler Fields and Ben Wooldridge were recovering from injuries. But Coach Michael Desormeaux feels good about that position heading into the fall…

Cut 18 (14) “….the quarterback.”

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Cut 19 (17) “…on the board.”

Cut 20 (18)  “…another weapon.”  

A big discussion on public school funding took place in the House Appropriations on Wednesday. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala believes A and B graded school systems should be awarded with additional state funding. He believes it will incentivize average to below average performing school systems…
AM Cut 14 (12) “…get something done”
But Marrero Representative Rodney Lyons says a lack of effort is not why Louisiana has “D” and “F” graded schools…
AM Cut 15 (06) “…we are.”
The teacher pay raise proposal and funding for public school discussion will continue for the remainder of the legislative session.

Legislation to require personal locator beacons on the life jackets of offshore workers being transported by aircraft was approved by the House Commerce Committee. The legislation is in response to a 2008 helicopter crash that claimed the life of a man who wasn’t located in time after the crash. The legislation was deemed too costly before, but New Orleans Representative Candace Newell (new-ELL) urged committee members to move the bill forward.

Cut 11 (08)  “…passionate bill.”

House Commerce advances a bill to let the attorney general crackdown on adult websites who do not age verify users as adults. Bill sponsor and Jefferson Parish Representative Laurie Schlegel says her bill is a follow-up to a bill passed last year requiring all adult websites to verify that users are adults…:

PM CUT 12(07)      “…into the bill.”

Teeth like fines up to $5 thousand for every day of non-compliance. By a 15-to-1 vote, the bill moves to the House floor.

The House Commerce Committee has approved legislation that would allow the attorney general to fine porn sites that do not follow a state law that requires users to verify their age. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

According to Triple A Magazine, the Louisiana Old State Capitol is considered one of the top 10 architectural wonders in the Midwest and South. It’s on the list with other significant landmarks as the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Springfield, Illinois, and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Shreveport’s Strand Theatre also made the list.

Researchers at Colorado State University are predicting a slightly below-average 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, with 13 named storms of which six would be hurricanes and two would reach major hurricane status.  As for the odds for a major hurricane to make landfall this season along the Gulf Coast, which stretches from the Florida panhandle westward to Brownsville, Research assistant Tyler Barbero…

Cut 8 (10)  “…average probability.” 

Legislation that requires personal locator beacons on life jackets of offshore workers being transported offshore by aircraft was approved by the House Commerce Committee. Jennings Representative Troy Romero says his bill was designed to help a family in his district who lost a son after a helicopter crash in 2008.

Cut 9 (11) “…locator devices.”

The bill now heads to the house floor.

Colorado State University researchers are predicting a slightly below-average 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, with 13 named storms of which six would be hurricanes and two would reach major hurricane status.  And while a slightly below-average hurricane season prediction is welcome news Research Assistant Tyler Barbero (Bah-rare-oh) says to always have a hurricane plan in place regardless.

Cut 7 (10)  “…prepare as always.” 

CSU will update their forecast on June 1^st which is the first day of hurricane season.

The Pelicans season ended last night with a loss to Oklahoma City. At the first of the year New Orleans was one of the top teams in the league, but then the team was plagued with injuries. CJ McCollum played much of the season with thumb and shoulder injuries, and says staying healthy next year will be key…

Cut 4 (08)  “     to offer.” 

Preliminary research finds CBD provides therapeutic pain management for former professional athletes. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Edit

A Louisiana Federation of Teachers survey indicates 97-percent of teachers are not paid enough to raise a family. LFT spokesperson Heather Cushman says recent pay raises from the legislature have only gone to pay higher insurance premiums and the higher cost of living.

Cut 14 (09)  “…behind again.”

Louisiana teachers have not been at the Southern regional average since 2007 resulting in more than 1,200 vacant teaching positions across the state.

Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee expressed concerns over proposed teacher pay raises and funding for low-performing schools. Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says a proposed two-thousand-dollar teacher pay hike will cost the state an additional 196 million dollars a year and what happens when state revenues decline???

AM Cut 13 (07) “..to put that in.” 

Colonel Lamar Davis expressed concern to lawmakers over the growing number of state troopers leaving the department. He says troopers are choosing to retire much sooner than they did in the past and there are just under 900 troopers in Louisiana.

PM Cut 6 (06)  “…is pay.” 

Davis says troopers in Texas are paid almost twice as much and the pay in Tennessee and Mississippi surpasses Louisiana.

On the heels of Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s announcement that he will not seek re-election, Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder has thrown his hat in the ring. The Gonzales Republican is term-limited in the legislature and says he wants to continue his twelve years of public service.

AM Cut 4 (06)  “…right direction.”

Schexnayder believes Ardoin and his staff should be commended for their work and the office’s top ten rating when it comes to election integrity.

97 percent of educators statewide say they do not make enough according to a survey by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office is looking to upgrade charges against 20-year-old Cecilia Lee of Ville Platte after the death of her 85-year-old grandmother. Lee was charged with attempted first-degree murder before the death. Authorities say Lee allegedly beat her grandmother with a wooden back scratcher and picture frame.

After John Mack, who’s facing numerous child sexual abuse charges was released on bond in Livingston Parish, Baton Rouge State Senator Regina Barrow is taking action. She says Mack allegedly harassed victims in the past and she fears he will again. She’s filed legislation to create an advocacy program for victims within the Department of Children and Family Services.

Cut 4 (13)  “…aware what’s happening.” 

Former LSU basketball player Wayne Sims died at the age of 54. Sims was a four-year standout for the Tigers from 1987 to 1991. He played with former LSU greats Shaquille O Neal and Chris Jackson. Former coach Dale Brown says the LSU basketball family is extremely saddened.

Cut 9 (07) “…heard about Wayne.”

Sources say Sims collapsed at work yesterday and died from natural causes this morning.