State

DOTD update on latest state highway closures across Louisiana

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is providing an update on the latest weather-related closures on state routes throughout Louisiana. Motorists should keep in mind that conditions change rapidly and roadways may be closed suddenly if they’re unsafe for travel.

DOTD Announces Interstate 10 Closure from I-49 to La. 415

Harlan Kirgan
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 2:51 AM Baton Rouge, LA- The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces that due to hazardous weather conditions, Interstate 10 in the east and westbound direction from Interstate 49 to La.
A relocation notice posted in front of a makeshift shelter at the Earhart encampment Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Those living at the underpass will be transported Wednesday to the Transitional Center. (John Gray/Verite News)

A relocation notice posted in front of a makeshift shelter at the Earhart encampment Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Those living at the underpass will be transported Wednesday to the Transitional Center. (John Gray/Verite News)

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Ahead of Super Bowl, Landry to relocate unhoused people living near tourist areas

John Gray / Verite
Monday, January 20, 2025
Louisiana state troopers began Monday notifying residents of a state-sanctioned unhoused encampment under the Pontchartrain Expressway that they will soon have to relocate, per an order from Gov. Jeff Landry.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour arrives Aug. 11, 2018, in San Pedro, California. The vessel is one of dozens Bollinger Shipyard of Lockport has construction for the Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class)

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour arrives Aug. 11, 2018, in San Pedro, California. The vessel is one of dozens Bollinger Shipyard of Lockport has construction for the Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class)

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GOP mega-donor’s Louisiana company pays $1M settlement for illegal workers

Greg LaRose / Louisiana Illuminator
Monday, January 20, 2025
The family-owned company of President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign co-chair in Louisiana has agreed to pay $1.025 million to resolve allegations that it hired workers ineligible to work in the United States, the U.S. Department of Justice announced this week.
This map from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management shows where President Biden’s executive orders restrict new offshore oil and gas drilling in federal waters in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the Gulf of Mexico and the Bering Sea. (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.)

This map from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management shows where President Biden’s executive orders restrict new offshore oil and gas drilling in federal waters in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the Gulf of Mexico and the Bering Sea. (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.)

Louisiana leads lawsuit against Biden’s ban on new offshore drilling

Greg LaRose / Louisiana Illuminator
Monday, January 20, 2025
The ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling President Biden put in place on his way out of office doesn’t apply to federal waters off the Louisiana coast, but state Attorney General Liz Murrill is challenging the action she calls “blatantly illegal.” Through executive orders on Jan.

DOTD prepared for wintry conditions, urges caution during inclement weather

Harlan Kirgan
Monday, January 20, 2025
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces all staff are prepared to take proactive measures in the event of adverse weather, as bitterly cold temperatures and wintry precipitation are forecast for a large portion of the state in the coming days.

Public can access the LDOE’s new online home at doe.louisiana.gov

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 17, 2025
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced the launch of its new online home at doe.louisiana.gov. The LDOE’s new website features a new look, new audience pages dedicated to some of the site’s most frequent visitors, and new ways for users to find the resources they need.
The flowers of many camellia japonica cultivars feature stripes, which are caused by genetic variations. (Photos by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

The flowers of many camellia japonica cultivars feature stripes, which are caused by genetic variations. (Photos by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Long lived and easy to care for, camellia japonicas offer rare winter color in shade

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 17, 2025
From the LSU AgCenter Trying to find plants that bloom profusely in the shade during the dreary wintertime can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Your options are few and far between: Most flowers need lots of sunlight, and many plants simply do not bloom in the colder months.

Eagle Expo includes live raptors, photo workshop, boat tours

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
MORGAN CITY — The 20th Annual Eagle Expo and More, scheduled Feb. 20-22 in Morgan City will feature presentations from wildlife and nature experts, a live raptor presentation, boat tours to view eagles and opportunities to meet fellow birders.
Rice acres are expected to stay about the same in 2025. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Rice acres are expected to stay about the same in 2025. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

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Depressed commodity prices likely to keep farm margins tight

Olivia McClure / omcclure@agcenter.lsu.edu
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
As farmers begin making plans for the upcoming growing season, many are bracing for the likelihood of another year marked by tight margins. “Production costs for 2025 are estimated to decrease for the second consecutive year, which is good news,” said LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto.