Connect with us

Louisiana

Crawfish shortage is affecting restaurants and consumers in Northeast Louisiana

Published

on

Crawfish shortage is affecting restaurants and consumers in Northeast Louisiana


MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Crawfish is scarce this year, and it is hitting restaurants down to the consumer.

Experts said last summer’s drought and recent winter weather are to blame for the current crawfish shortage in Louisiana. Claw Daddy’s Crawfish and Oyster Bar in Monroe is one of the many restaurants in Northeast Louisiana taking a financial hit.

Cook, Luke Parrish, said around this same time last year, they were paying half of what they are now. He said the restaurant’s current sales are down by 71,000 dollars compared to last year. If there is any crawfish available in April, he said their sales will still be down by 725,000 dollars.

Not only is the shortage affecting restaurant sales, but Parrish said they had to lay some employees off.

Advertisement

“We trained 15 new staff members full-time for several weeks. So 18, 19, 20 thousand dollars in training then we had to lay them off. We went from having 71 employees to now 47 employees. The tips for the servers, we’re talking 19 thousand dollars in tips, up to 57 thousand dollars last year, so it’s taking money out of their pockets that they depend on,” said Parrish.

Parrish said if they do have any crawfish, prices will spike. He said to make up for the shortage, the restaurant is selling steaks. With how scarce crawfish are, Parrish said they will not be selling any until the supply improves.

“Let’s say we ask for 3 thousand pounds, which is about what we sell in a week, and usually they deliver 150 or 200 pounds. Well, we tried it twice. We sold at 407 one day, and we sold out at 411 the next day. So we just don’t do it. I don’t want people to drive all the way out here and be disappointed. If we can get a thousand or so pounds, and last an hour or two then we’ll do it. But for 10 minutes we’re just going to wait until it’s available,” said Parrish.

Parrish said hopefully there will be crawfish available in late February, and that there will be a better season next year. He said for the time being, oysters are a great alternative and this is the best season to get them.

Advertisement



Source link

Louisiana

This Japanese partnership will advance carbon capture in Louisiana

Published

on




Newlab New Orleans is deepening its energy-tech ambitions with a new partnership alongside JERA, Japan’s largest power generator, to accelerate next-generation carbon capture solutions for heavy industries across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, The Center Square writes

The collaboration brings JERA Ventures into Newlab’s public-private innovation hub, where startups gain access to lab space and high-end machinery to commercialize technologies aimed at cutting emissions and improving industrial efficiency.

The move builds momentum as Newlab prepares to open its fifth global hub next fall at the former Naval Support Activity site, adding New Orleans to a network that includes Riyadh and Detroit. JERA’s footprint in Louisiana is already growing—from a joint venture on CF Industries’ planned $4 billion low-carbon ammonia plant to investments in solar generation and Haynesville shale assets—positioning the company as a significant player in the state’s clean-energy transition.

Advertisement

Read the full story. 

 





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Louisiana

Fed’s ‘Catahoula Crunch’ finished its first week in Louisiana 

Published

on




Federal immigration authorities are keeping a tight lid on key details as “Catahoula Crunch” closes its first week in southeast Louisiana, Verite writes.  

The operation—one of Department of Homeland Security’s largest recent urban crackdowns—began with raids at home-improvement stores and aims for 5,000 arrests, according to plans previously reviewed by the Associated Press. While DHS publicly highlighted arrests of immigrants with violent criminal records, AP data shows fewer than one-third of the 38 detainees in the first two days had prior convictions. 

Meanwhile, advocacy groups report widespread fear in Hispanic communities, with residents avoiding hospitals, schools, workplaces and even grocery stores amid sightings of federal agents.

Advertisement

Business impacts are already visible: restaurants and Hispanic-serving corridors like Broad Street appear unusually quiet, with staff shortages forcing menu cuts and temporary closures. School absenteeism has doubled in Jefferson Parish, and protests have spread across New Orleans and surrounding suburbs as local leaders demand transparency around federal tactics.

Read the full story





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Louisiana

Louisiana State Police hosts open house to recruit new troopers

Published

on

Louisiana State Police hosts open house to recruit new troopers


BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Louisiana State Police is opening its doors throughout December, hosting open house events aimed at giving potential applicants a closer look at what it takes to become a state trooper.

Troop leaders said the goal is to recruit men and women who are prepared for the demands of the job and committed to serving their communities.

Troop A Public Information Officer Shelby Mayfield said the open houses are designed to make the application process more accessible.

“One of the reasons we generated these open houses was to allow our applicants to come in and get a look inside the troop, meet some state troopers from across the troop area, and ask whatever questions they may have to the recruiters who are present,” Mayfield said.

Advertisement

Along with information sessions, Mayfield said the events help future applicants better understand the daily responsibilities of law enforcement and the mindset troopers are expected to bring to the job.

“We want to make sure that that trooper knows how important officer safety is,” he said. “But more importantly, we want to make sure they go out there with a pure heart.”

The Louisiana State Police Training Academy is known for its rigorous curriculum that prepares cadets for real-world situations. From crash investigations to communication skills, instructors focus on developing well-rounded troopers who can serve safely and effectively.

Mayfield said applicants must be ready for a variety of interactions, not just emergencies.

“Not everything is going to be a high-intensity, rapidly evolving situation,” he said. “You need to be able to deal with the public to accomplish your job, and that’s why we preach not just getting the job done, but being able to relate to the public so you can meet their needs.”

Advertisement

The application deadline for Cadet Class 109 is Jan. 6, 2026. Mayfield encourages anyone who feels called to the profession to take the next step.

“If this is something you genuinely have in your heart to do, reach out to somebody when it’s convenient for you,” he said. “Even if you miss a deadline, never give up because it’s never too late.”

Open house events will continue throughout the month at troop locations across Louisiana. More information on Cadet Class 109 and the application process is available on the Louisiana State Police website.

Latest News



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending