Mike Strain said Louisiana crawfish season is running into a serious labor shortage because many returning H-2B crawfish peelers still have not arrived. He said that is hurting processors, driving down prices for farmers, and could cost farmers about $121 million, with a broader economic hit near $300 million. Strain said the problem also affects rice farmers who rely on crawfish income to stay profitable. He also warned people to be careful with storm-damaged trees and to watch for more mosquitoes and West Nile risk after heavy rain. On the positive side, he said Louisiana strawberries are looking great right now and encouraged people to buy local crawfish, seafood, and strawberries.

Two recent child deaths have shaken the Baton Rouge community as Crime Stoppers urges residents to help stop violence and assist ongoing investigations.

Louisiana lawmakers are considering several tax-related proposals during the 2026 legislative session, even though it is not a fiscal session. A major focus is a bill that would centralize the state’s sales tax collection system, which supporters say could simplify the process for businesses and generate additional revenue without raising taxes. Some legislators have also filed bills to reduce or eliminate portions of the state income tax, though larger changes may come in a future session after the state evaluates recent tax reforms. Another key issue involves the inventory tax. Voters will decide in May whether parishes can reduce or eliminate it through a constitutional amendment. If the amendment fails, lawmakers may pursue a rebate plan to help businesses offset the tax. Experts say these proposals show Louisiana’s tax reform debate will continue throughout the session.

Technology continues to evolve, but consumers now approach new gadgets with more caution. During a recent discussion on Tech Gumbo, tech expert Haggai Davis broke down several emerging trends, including the potential arrival of Windows 12, the growth of smart homes, and how artificial intelligence is shaping the next generation of devices.

The Our Lady of the Lake Tiger 10K returns to LSU on April 19. Runners finish on the 50-yard line inside Tiger Stadium, creating one of the most unique race experiences in Louisiana. Organizers expect more than 6,000 participants this year.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library will host community workshops to help residents explore local government data and shape a new transparency tool. The sessions begin March 16 at the Bluebonnet Regional Library and continue through mid-May at branches across the parish.

The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport says operations remain smooth even as a partial federal government shutdown affects Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees nationwide. While major airports report long lines and delays, local officials say travelers in Baton Rouge should expect normal operations.

LSU is bringing the AI conversation back to Baton Rouge with a sharper focus this year. The AI in Action Symposium is set for Friday, March 20, 2026, at the LSU Student Union, with programming scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is open through March 15, and the event is hosted by the E. J. Ourso College of Business.

Attorney Franz Borghardt discussed two major Louisiana legal cases during his weekly segment. First, he explained the retrial of Melanie Curtin in Livingston Parish. Curtin’s previous conviction was overturned after an appeals court ruled the original trial included errors, including evidence that may have unfairly prejudiced the jury. Borghardt said selecting jurors will be difficult because many people in the community already know about the case, making it harder to find jurors who can remain impartial. He also explained how courts decide whether evidence should be allowed at trial. Judges must weigh whether evidence is relevant and whether its value outweighs the risk of unfair prejudice against a defendant. Borghardt then discussed a federal trial in New Orleans involving attorneys accused of staging car accidents to collect insurance money. Prosecutors claim the scheme involved multiple participants and may resemble an organized criminal operation. He said federal prosecutors often build cases like this by getting lower-level participants to cooperate in exchange for reduced charges. Defense attorneys typically challenge the credibility of those cooperating witnesses. Borghardt added that staged crash schemes can affect the public because they contribute to Louisiana’s already high auto insurance rates.

Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter called for renewed negotiations to end the federal government shutdown, warning that federal workers should not suffer because of political disputes. He also raised constitutional concerns about U.S. military action involving Iran and urged the State Department to help Americans leave the Middle East safely. Carter also hosted a town hall and resource fair to connect residents with government services.