Court documents show Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet was involved in a kickback scheme that’s resulted in the conviction of Dusty Guidry of Youngsville on three federal charges. Records from the U-S Attorney’s office indicates Montoucet signed a contract for a program set up by Guidry, where people ticketed for minor violations can take educational courses for hunting and boating licenses through a private company and the violations would be dismissed. Montoucet has not commented on this matter.

Optimism among Louisiana’s small businesses continued to slide in the 1st Quarter of the year. The National Federation of Independent Business maintains a Small Business Optimism Index, which shows a 15th straight month of decline. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says inflation, labor shortages and a post-pandemic lack of customers are the main reasons why…
Cut 10 (12) “…about the future.”

This weekend is the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Teiko Foxx reports it’s been a tough year for strawberry producers…
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

New federal data shows suicide rates increased four-percent in 2021 after two years in decline. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Doctor Rahn Bailey reminds those in need there’s a new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number 9-8-8…
cut 9 (04) “…best advice”

Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed tells the House Appropriations Committee the state is seeing fewer students obtaining the state funded TOPS scholarship. Reed says it’s a concern….
cut 13 (13) “…as well”
Reed says based on last year’s number 14-percent of TOPS eligible students went to school out of state and another 15-percent, eight-thousand TOPS eligible students, did not go anywhere. She says they would like to know what those high school grads are doing now.

The state director of the NFIB, 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”

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.”

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.” 

_____________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________

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.”

__________________________________________________________

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.

At the State Capitol today, a House committee advanced a bill to let the attorney general crack down on adult websites who do not age verify users as adults. The bill would allow for fines up to $5-thousand per day of non-compliance. The state passed a law requiring age check on such websites last year. This bill would give it enforcement power. Some worried the bill could result in a legit website being targeted, but bill sponsor and Kenner Rep. Laurie Schlegel says not to worry…:’

CUT 14(10)      “…on the internet.”

By a vote of 15-to-1, the bill now moves to the House floor.

Term-limited House Speaker Clay Schexnayder has officially declared he will run for Secretary of State this fall. This comes just days after current SOS Kyle Ardoin announced he would not seek another term. Schexnayder will have competition in that race, with Ascension Parish grocery chain owner Brandon Trosclair and Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis of Crowley also having declared they’ll run.

Colorado State University’s predictions for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane have been released, and the news is…not so bad…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Thorington.”

The New Orleans Pelicans’ season ended last night with a 123-to-118 loss to Oklahoma City in the NBA’s play-in tournament. New Orleans was one of the top teams in the league at the start of the season, but injuries plagued the team…including that of star power forward Zion Williamson. New Orleans finishes the year with a 42-40 record.

At the State Capitol today, a House bill to crack down on adult websites who do nothing to prevent kids from viewing them clears it first legislative hurdle. The bill would impose fines of up to $5-thousand per day of non-compliance. One lone “no” vote came from New Orleans Rep. Candace Newell, who worries the language of the bill could render legit websites vulnerable to legal action…:

CUT 13  (11)        “…its consequences.”

Assured it will only target sexually explicit sites, the bill moves forward to the House floor.

Another bill that moved out of committee requires locator beacons on life jackets intended for offshore rig workers. Once thought too costly to do, bill sponsor Troy Romero, of Jennings, says they’re now as cheap as $200…:

CUT 10  (12)        “…oil location.”

Locators would lead to more lives saved when aircraft go down in the Gulf. That bill also goes to House floor debate.

Six weeks out from the start of the hurricane season, and the Colorado State University storm team predicts a number of systems slightly below normal. Researcher Tyler Barbero says that is 13 named storms, of which 6 could be hurricanes…two of those major hurricanes…:

CUT 06  (10)        “…ocean currently.”

He says the developing El Nino will calm things down a bit this season. Good news.

Detectives in Baton Rouge are still searching for a man who killed a Good Samaritan who tried to fight him off when he was allegedly spotted attacking a woman. 64-year-old Randall Parker died after he was shot trying to defend the woman. BRPD asks anyone with information on the crime to contact Baton Rouge Crimestoppers at 225-344-STOP. A reward is offered and you will remain anonymous.

You know hurricane season is right around the corner, when Colorado State University releases its 2023 storm predictions. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 01  (32)        “…Thorington.”

Police in Natchitoches are investigating a Wednesday homicide. Officers responded to a “shots fired” call to find 21-year-old Josh Chism with a gunshot to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene. NPD asks anyone with information on the killing to contact Detective Stevenson at 318-238-3914.

A House committee advances a bill to let the attorney general crack down on adult website 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.”

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 New Orleans Pelicans ended their season last night, with a loss to Oklahoma City in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Brandon Ingram scored 30 points in the game. He says injuries were an issue for the Pels all season long..:

CUT 05(12)      “…play games.”

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.”

Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder is bidding for the title of Secretary of State. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Alexandria case of Courtney Coco – will be the focus of a Dateline episode on NBC Friday, April 14 at 8 p.m. The episode will focus on the death of 19-year-old Courtney Coco who was found in an abandoned building in Winnie, Texas in 2004. The former fiance’ of Coco’s sister, 47-year-old David Anthony Burns of Boyce, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in 2021 and is serving life in prison without probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

LSU Health Shreveport – partnered with The Tiger Research Group run by Bradie James – former LSU and NFL Linebacker – to analyze research data that found topical CBD provided therapeutic pain management for professional athletes. Dr. Kevin Murnane of LSU Health Shreveport is optimistic the research will create options other than opioids to control pain levels.

Cut 12 (08)  “…to opioids.”

The research included studying cannabinoids and formulations in cellular models for addiction, inflammation, and pain.

Colorado State University researchers are predicting a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2023. Research Assistant Tyler Barbero 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.