State

Choose drought-tolerant plants. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Choose drought-tolerant plants. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

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From drought to frost: A gardener’s guide for changing climates

Heather Kirk-Ballard / LSU AgCenter horticulturist
Friday, December 29, 2023
As we approach the year’s end, take a moment to think about the past gardening season. Louisiana gardeners experienced challenges from late spring freezes to a severe summer drought and scorching heat.

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Bill introduced to preserve, extend Atchafalaya National Heritage Area

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, December 29, 2023
Members of the Louisiana Delegation led by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced a bill to include Lafourche Parish within the boundary of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area (ANHA) continuing a commitment to sustain the unique heritage of “America’s Foreign Country.
Mark Shirley, a coastal specialist with the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant, smiles while showing wings of various duck species to 4-H members participating in an Advanced Marsh Maneuvers camp in December. Photo by Hilton Waits/LSU AgCenter

Mark Shirley, a coastal specialist with the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant, smiles while showing wings of various duck species to 4-H members participating in an Advanced Marsh Maneuvers camp in December. Photo by Hilton Waits/LSU AgCenter

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3 decades later, Mark Shirley still finds joy in teaching 4-H’ers about La. marshes

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, December 29, 2023
By Olivia McClure omcclure@agcenter.lsu.edu GUEYDAN — In the late 1980s, a group of 4-H Junior Leaders in Vermilion Parish was itching to do something fun for a summer club activity.
Louisiana National Guard aviators conduct water dropping missions to aid the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana State Fire Marshal office and local officials in combating the wildfires in Beauregard Parish near Deridder, Louisiana, Aug. 23, 2023. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet)

Louisiana National Guard aviators conduct water dropping missions to aid the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana State Fire Marshal office and local officials in combating the wildfires in Beauregard Parish near Deridder, Louisiana, Aug. 23, 2023. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet)

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La. Guard looks back on 2023

Capt. Peter Drasutis / Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
In a year defined by resilience and unwavering dedication, the Louisiana National Guard reflects on its pivotal role in responding to emergencies, honoring service, and the auspicious ceremonies that marked the endeavors of deployed units.
John Kirwan, Pennington Biomedical Executive Director: When we think about small steps, we’re thinking about things like taking the stairs instead of taking the elevator. It’s about parking your car a distance from where your destination is. If you are going to the supermarket, park farther away from the door – literally small steps. It gets you out in the air; it has an impact on your emotional wellbeing; it has impact on your mental health; and it has impact on your physical health. The concept of small

John Kirwan, Pennington Biomedical Executive Director: When we think about small steps, we’re thinking about things like taking the stairs instead of taking the elevator. It’s about parking your car a distance from where your destination is. If you are going to the supermarket, park farther away from the door – literally small steps. It gets you out in the air; it has an impact on your emotional wellbeing; it has impact on your mental health; and it has impact on your physical health. The concept of small

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Pennington biomedical scientists share small healthy shifts you can make

Wednesday, December 27, 2023
When the calendar flips to from December to January, many people set goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. A number of those resolutions involve nutrition, exercise and mental health.
Gov. John Bel Edwards may be remembered as the Louisiana governor who was constantly responding to disasters. Edwards dealt with an unusual number of crises during his two terms in office. He steps down Jan. 8, when Gov.-elect Jeff Landry takes office. (Photo by Jonathan Peterson/Louisiana Illuminator)

Gov. John Bel Edwards may be remembered as the Louisiana governor who was constantly responding to disasters. Edwards dealt with an unusual number of crises during his two terms in office. He steps down Jan. 8, when Gov.-elect Jeff Landry takes office. (Photo by Jonathan Peterson/Louisiana Illuminator)

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Edwards leaves office with budget surplus

Julie O’Donoghue / Louisiana Illuminator
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
On Jan. 11, 2016, the same day he was sworn into office, John Bel Edwards received his first briefing as governor about a weather-related disaster headed for Louisiana. A series of northern storms had caused the Mississippi River to rise and flood areas of Missouri and Illinois.
Numerous amaryllis varieties return and blossom in the summer garden consistently. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter )

Numerous amaryllis varieties return and blossom in the summer garden consistently. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter )

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Amaryllis present stunning blooms

Heather Kirk-Ballard / LSU AgCenter horticulturist
Friday, December 22, 2023
Each year, the National Garden Bureau designates a specific plant to celebrate each year. The goal is to promote awareness, education and appreciation for that particular plant — and this year, one of the selections is amaryllis.

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Edwards won’t switch parties

Julie O’Donoghue / Louisiana Illuminator
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Outgoing Gov. John Bel Edwards is a conservative, Southern Democrat who some have speculated might have been better served if he had been willing to switch parties. Edwards angered many Democrats when he signed one of the strictest state abortion bans in the country.
Gov. John Bel Edwards will leave his chicken coop and hens for Gov.-elect Jeff Landry when he leaves office. (Piper Hutchinson/Louisiana Illuminator)

Gov. John Bel Edwards will leave his chicken coop and hens for Gov.-elect Jeff Landry when he leaves office. (Piper Hutchinson/Louisiana Illuminator)

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Governor’s Mansion chickens to remain in residence through transition

Piper Hutchinson / Louisiana Illuminator
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Gov. John Bel Edwards’ chickens will remain in residence at the Governor’s Mansion even after their owner leaves office. Edwards intended to take the chickens with him back to his home in Amite at the end of his term next month, but he has decided to leave them after Gov.

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Remap appeal rejected

Wesley Muller / Louisiana Illuminator
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
In Louisiana’s congressional redistricting case, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday denied the state’s petition to try to halt the lawsuit based on an unusual argument that says private individuals don’t have the right to sue over voting rights. Other aspects of the Robinson v.