Primary care: In the aftermath of Mike IV’s terminal cancer diagnosis, LSU says its primary concern is Mike VI’s health and not on finding a new mascot. The university issued a statement after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, on Tuesday urged LSU to end the tradition of keeping a live mascot on campus. In a statement, LSU says, “As Dr. Baker said [on Monday], our primary concern right now is caring for Mike VI and making sure he gets the best possible medical treatment for his condition. This is not the time to discuss football season or a new tiger mascot. We are focused on Mike’s health and well-being at this time.”
In support: Louisiana’s lawmakers are pushing trade talks with Cuba, now that President Barack Obama has moved to normalize relations with the island nation. The Associated Press reports the House and Senate have passed a legislative resolution urging the state economic development department to “develop and improve” trade relations with Cuba, within the limits of state and federal law. The request, given final legislative passage this week, also asks the department to study possible business opportunities with the country and report back to lawmakers.
Job portal: Laid off oil and gas workers in south Louisiana can turn to a new website and job fair. The Courier reports BayouOpportunity.com has been launched to serve as a gateway to new jobs. Job seekers can use the website to register for the Industrial Trades Job Fair, which will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 10 at the main campus of Fletcher Technical Community College, 1407 La. 311, in Schriever. The website will provide links for career help and training resources from the Louisiana Workforce Commission and Louisiana Economic Development. Plans for the job fair and the launch of BayouOpportunity.com follow a similar, successful effort in Lafayette in March, organizers say. Read the full story.
