State

Call for rails took time for an answer

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 29, 2022
The steamboat opened the bayous of south Louisiana and helped bring prosperity to the communities alongside them, but by the middle 1800s the romance of a ride on a steamer and the convenience of shipping crops on them began to be challenged by pragmatic leaders who argued for the speed and...

Record low jobless rate in La.

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Louisiana reached its lowest unemployment rate ever recorded with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reporting today the state’s seasonally adjusted rate is 3.8%. The seasonally adjusted number of employed also set an all-time record growing by almost 4,000 individuals in June.
Tropical hibiscus comes in single- and double-flower forms in nearly any color combination imaginable.

Tropical hibiscus comes in single- and double-flower forms in nearly any color combination imaginable.

Create a ‘florgeous’ garden with blooming tropicals

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 22, 2022
Blooming tropicals are a gorgeous addition to the summer garden, and with so many to choose from, you can create a tropical oasis in your landscape. Thanks to our semi-tropical climate, we can add many of these to our landscapes and patios and enjoy the beauty they provide.
One of the 10 newly constructed luxury cabins at Sam Houston Jones State Park. (Photo from Louisiana State Parks)

One of the 10 newly constructed luxury cabins at Sam Houston Jones State Park. (Photo from Louisiana State Parks)

New, improved Sam Houston Jones State Park reopens

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 22, 2022
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, Louisiana State Parks, and elaected officials officially re-opened the new and improved Sam Houston Jones State Park. The park began a phased re-opening on Memorial Day, May 30, with the opening of day use visitation.

Louisiana launches new 988 suicide and crisis lifeline

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — the new 3-digit number that replaces the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to make it easier for people to receive assistance during a mental health crisis.
Monty, the retired State Fire Marshal K-9, dies. (Submitted photo)

Monty, the retired State Fire Marshal K-9, dies. (Submitted photo)

Retired State Fire Marshal K-9 Monty dies

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
BThe State Fire Marshal’s Office is mourning the death of a retired K-9 officer following the discovery of an extensive tumor. Monty, a 12-year-old golden Labrador who joined the SFM in 2012, died peacefully July 5.
Peach Perfection has beautiful peach-pink flower clusters that are abundant in summer through fall. (Photo by Max McKeown/LSU AgCenter)

Peach Perfection has beautiful peach-pink flower clusters that are abundant in summer through fall. (Photo by Max McKeown/LSU AgCenter)

Abelias are tough and beautiful

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 8, 2022
Flowering ornamental shrubs that require little to no effort are a prized possession of both homeowners and landscapers. One underutilized and under-appreciated flowering shrub is the abelia. Abelia is an evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub in the honeysuckle family.

Price of July 4th cookout costing more than last year

(not verified)
Saturday, July 2, 2022
If you plan on holding a July 4 cookout this weekend, expect to pay a lot more than what you paid for last year’s meal. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation marketbasket survey, the overall cost for the Independence Day cookout is up 17%, or about $10 from last year.