A rapidly spreading fungus that can be fatal to some has the medical community concerned. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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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” 

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A fungus by the name of Candida Auris (Can-did-uh Oar-us) is rapidly 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.”

Lopez says Candida Aruis is worrisome because it’s resistant to treatment and 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.” 

He says the mortality rate is difficult to determine because individuals who are most susceptible have co-morbidities.

The fungus is transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment, or from person to person. Lopez says when the fungus enters the bloodstream is when it becomes dangerous.

Cut 5 (12) “…really important.”

Anyone can carry the fungus and it’s when those who are vulnerable come into contact that it’s dangerous.  Symptoms are dependent on the location of the infection and once it’s in the bloodstream, fever, a racing heart, and feeling light-headed could develop.

More than half of the states have reported cases of Candida Auris, and there are 50 known cases in Louisiana.

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It’s going to be a berry good time at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival this weekend. For the 51st 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.” 

The Ponchatoula festival is one of the state’s largest free events, second only to Mardi Gras. A new attraction this year is the 9/11 “Tunnel to Towers” – Never Forget mobile exhibit displaying artifacts such as steel beams from the twin towers, documentary videos, and recordings of first responder radio transmissions. Matise said they are expecting nice crowds this weekend, despite the weather’s forecast.

Cut 7 (12)  “…Strawberry Festival.” 

The three-day event will be filled with traditions, great entertainment, rides, and loads of family fun! Visit lastrawberryfestival.com

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Boudin is one of Louisiana’s favorite cajun concoctions and there’s no better place to get it than Scott – home to the Boudin Festival that begins this weekend. 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. The three-day festival has been a regional and statewide award-winning event for five years in a row and is filled with mouth-watering food and entertainment for everyone. Chaisson says everyone is invited and volunteer opportunities are open.

Cut 9 (11) “…is volunteers.”

Admission is $5 on Friday and Saturday, and free on Sunday.  For vendor list and music lineup visit scottboudinfestival.com

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has submitted his resignation as it has become public he’s involved in a bribery scandal. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this is not a good look for the Edwards administration…

Cut 10 (11) “…related to bribery” 

Federal documents show Montoucet’s signature is on a contract tied to a kickback scheme that has resulted in the conviction of Dusty Guidry of Youngsville on three federal charges. Pinsonat says Louisiana has a reputation for political corruption…

Cut 11 (09)  “…it continues.”

Records from the U-S Attorney’s office indicates Montoucet signed a contract for a program set up by Guidry, that would resulted in an LDWF official receiving an ATV worth 14-thousand dollars upon retirement. The Advocate newspaper reports Montoucet is the only LDWF official to sign the contract. Pinsonat says Montoucet has not been charged criminally and has not commented…

Cut 12 (11) “…that point.” 

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State Treasurer John Schroder is reaching out to veterans’ organizations in hopes of reuniting Unclaimed Property with those who’ve served in the military. The campaign is called “Veterans Cash Claim.”

Cut 13 (09) “…our programs.”

This year also marks the 50^th anniversary of the state’s unclaimed property division that holds funds like deposits, stocks, securities, and insurance proceeds. Since Schroder took office in 2017, he says they’ve returned close to $280 million to their rightful owners.

Cut 14 (09)  “…of Veteran’s Affairs.”

Among the unclaimed property are items left in safety deposit boxes, for example, priceless military metals that Schroder says they’ve been able to return to heirs of those brave servicemen.

Cut 15 (06) “…of Louisiana.”

To check if you might have any unclaimed property go to LaCashClaim.org

Colorado State University’s predictions for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane have been released. Brooke Thorington has more.

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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…

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The Pelicans’ season ended last night with a loss to Oklahoma City in the NBA’s play-in tournament. When 2023 started, New Orleans was one of the top team’s in the league. Then Zion Williamson got hurt and the team suffered through other injuries. Coach Willie Green says it’s disappointing…

Cut 3 (08) “…can be”

Williamson only played in 29 games this season because of a hamstring injury. Forward Brandon Ingram missed nearly half the with a toe injury and one of their top players off the bench Jose Alvarado missed 20 games down the stretch with an injury. CJ McCollum played much of the season with thumb and shoulder injuries and he says staying healthy next year will be a key…

Cut 4 (12)  “     going to take” 

Brandon Ingram had 30 points in a losing effort last night. He also acknowledges injuries were an issue all season long…

Cut 5 (12) “…play games”

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Colorado State University researchers are predicting a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2023. Research Assistant Tyler Barbero (Bah-rare-oh) says they are forecasting 13 named storms of which six would be hurricanes and two to reach major hurricane status.

Cut 6 (10)  “…ocean currently.” 

Researchers cite the likely development of El Nino as the primary factor for the below-average prediction for 2023.

And while a slightly below-average hurricane season prediction is welcome news for Bayou State residents, especially after 2020 and 2021, Barbero says to always have a hurricane plan in place regardless.

Cut 7 (10)  “…prepare as always.” 

The CSU prediction for a major hurricane to make landfall this season along the Gulf Coast, which stretches from the Florida panhandle westward to Brownsville, Barbero says is 28 percent.

Cut 8 (10)  “…average probability.” 

The CSU team will issue forecast updates on June 1st, July 6th, and August 3rd.

The first tropical storm of the 2023 season will be named Arlene, followed by Bret, Cindy, and Don.

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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 requirement for personal beacons was supposed to be part of earlier legislation known as “Jacob’s Law,” but was amended out because it was too expensive. Romero says prices have come down and the devices are now around $200.

Cut 10 (12) “…oil location.” 

New Orleans Representative Candace Newell (new-ELL) believes cost should not impede progress on offshore worker safety and says the legislature should move forward with keeping offshore workers safe.

Cut 11 (08)  “…passionate bill.”

Romero’s bill now heads to the house floor.

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A House committee advances a bill to let the attorney general crack down on adult websites who do not age verify users as adults. In the House Commerce Committee, bill sponsor and Jefferson Parish Representative Laurie Schlegel says her bill is a follow-up to a bill passed last year that requires all adult websites to require users to verify they are adults…:

Cut 12 (07) “…into the bill.” 

Under the bill, violators could face fines of up to $5-thousand for every day they are non-compliant. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell (new-ELL) was the sole “no” vote on Schlegel’s bill. She is concerned with the bill’s language, though she says she’s all for keeping kids off adult sites…:

Cut 13 (11) “…in its consequences.”

Newell worries the bill, if passed, could render a website intended to offer sex education vulnerable to attack by an overzealous prosecutor. Schlegel says her bill uses the well-regarded Miller Test: a three-point tool used to gauge obscenity, and no legitimate website or public library website has anything to worry about…:

Cut 14 (10)  “…on the internet.”

By a vote of 15-to-1, the measure moves forward to the House floor.