State

Legislators free money for projects

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Three senior lawmakers said a decision last Friday to shift $717 million in state funds was one of the highlights of the legislative session that ended Monday.
While the Asian longhorned tick has yet to be sighted in Louisiana, LSU AgCenter entomologist Kristen Healy would like the public to remain vigilant in keeping an eye out for this and other species. To better understand where certain species live, Healy and her team have developed the website geaux-ticks.org, where people can send in photos or specimens of ticks they may encounter.

While the Asian longhorned tick has yet to be sighted in Louisiana, LSU AgCenter entomologist Kristen Healy would like the public to remain vigilant in keeping an eye out for this and other species. To better understand where certain species live, Healy and her team have developed the website geaux-ticks.org, where people can send in photos or specimens of ticks they may encounter.

Tick talk: AgCenter entomologist seeks input from public via new website

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, May 31, 2024
With summer comes outdoor activities and the possibility of encountering ticks and the diseases they carry. To determine which species may be common to a particular location in Louisiana, an LSU AgCenter researcher and her team have developed an online tool to assist in locating the bloodsuckers.
Chaste trees make a great accent planting for the landscape. (Photo by Anna Ribbeck/LSU AgCenter)

Chaste trees make a great accent planting for the landscape. (Photo by Anna Ribbeck/LSU AgCenter)

Vitex is one of Louisiana’s finest blooming trees

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, May 31, 2024
If you’ve admired the stunning display of purple flowers in the landscape in recent weeks, you’ve witnessed one of Louisiana’s finest blooming small trees or large shrubs: the vitex, also known as the chaste tree.
A NOAA summary infographic showing hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA’s 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook.

A NOAA summary infographic showing hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA’s 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook.

Hurricane season is here; prepare now for potential storms

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, May 24, 2024
Hurricane season is once again upon us, and the LSU AgCenter has recommendations to mitigate potential damage and losses to yards, homes and animals as well as tips for keeping food and cleaning supplies on hand.
Setting up a memorial garden can be a deeply personal and therapeutic process. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Setting up a memorial garden can be a deeply personal and therapeutic process. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Memorial gardens: Living tributes to loved ones

(not verified)
Friday, May 24, 2024
Memorial gardens offer a beautiful and meaningful way to honor family members, friends and even pets who have passed away.
State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley and Gov. Jeff Landry presented the Let Teachers Teach recommendations in a joint news conference. (Allison Allsop)

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley and Gov. Jeff Landry presented the Let Teachers Teach recommendations in a joint news conference. (Allison Allsop)

Landry, Brumley push for sweeping classroom changes for teachers

(not verified)
Friday, May 24, 2024
Louisiana’s governor and the state’s K-12 public school leader unveiled recommendations they say will free teachers to focus on classroom instruction rather than what they consider bureaucratic hindrances.

Abortion pill possession to be a crime

(not verified)
Friday, May 24, 2024
The Louisiana Senate Thursday approved a bill that would classify abortion pills as dangerous controlled substances, sending it to Gov. Jeff Landry’s desk for his signature.
Rep. Delisha Boyd proposed reducing the penalties for using marijuana paraphernalia. Photo courtesy of the Louisiana House

Rep. Delisha Boyd proposed reducing the penalties for using marijuana paraphernalia. Photo courtesy of the Louisiana House

Bill eases penalties for paraphernalia

(not verified)
Thursday, May 23, 2024
he Louisiana Senate on Tuesday approved an amended version of a House bill that would decriminalize the possession and use of drug paraphernalia, such as pipes and bongs, by making it a civil offense punishable by a fine but no jail time.
Rep. Vanessa LaFleur, D-Baton Rouge

Rep. Vanessa LaFleur, D-Baton Rouge

House says no to school bus heat, air conditioning

Harlan Kirgan
Thursday, May 23, 2024
A Senate bill that would have required heating and air-conditioning systems in school buses failed on the Louisiana House floor Tuesday. The House rejected the measure 42-57 after nearly 1 ½ hours of debate.

Medical marijuana farming could expand

(not verified)
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
The two public universities that have held exclusive rights over medical marijuana farming in Louisiana could soon lose their duopoly after the Legislature approved a bill that will fully privatize cultivation in the state. Senate Bill 228, sponsored by Sen.