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LSU sets record in awarding 1,971 degrees

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
BATON ROUGE – LSU recognized 1,971 graduates at the university’s 306th commencement exercises on Dec. 17. The 1,971 degrees awarded is a new record for LSU’s fall graduation.
Barry Labruzzo’s shrimp boat that he and Justin Smith use for trips of up to five days. (Photo by Joe Rizzo/LSU Manship School News Service)

Barry Labruzzo’s shrimp boat that he and Justin Smith use for trips of up to five days. (Photo by Joe Rizzo/LSU Manship School News Service)

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Northern Gulf threaten by climate change

Joe Rizzo, Joey Bullard and Michael Sanders / LSU Manship School News Service
Thursday, December 23, 2021
As Hurricane Ida rapidly grew in strength, crabbers Stacia Johnson and Justin Smith were left with just three days to relocate their $100,000 supply of crab traps.
USDA hardiness zones maps are a useful tool for gardeners, dividing the country into climatic zones that can help determine what plants will perform best where. (Graphic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture)

USDA hardiness zones maps are a useful tool for gardeners, dividing the country into climatic zones that can help determine what plants will perform best where. (Graphic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture)

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Navigating weather in Louisiana gardens

Heather Kirk-Ballard, LSU AgCenter horticulturist
Thursday, December 23, 2021
One of the most important factors that influences a garden’s success is the weather. Temperatures have a major impact on the growth and survival of our plants. Preparing gardens for various weather conditions is both a discipline and an art — and there are many tools out there to help you get ready.

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Edwards supports 2nd majority-Black House district

Harlan Kirgan
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Gov. John Bel Edwards came out in support of adding a second majority-Black U.S. House district Thursday–a move which would give minority voters much more political sway statewide. His statements are the most specific comments Edwards, a Democrat, has made on the political redistricting process.
Bright yellow flower clusters on long stems make the flowers of ligularia an excellent cut flower plant. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Bright yellow flower clusters on long stems make the flowers of ligularia an excellent cut flower plant. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

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Tractor seat plant brings color to fall, winter landscapes

Heather Kirk-Ballard / LSU AgCenter horticulturist
Friday, December 17, 2021
If you are looking to add a splash of bright color to shaded areas in the fall and early winter, ligularia is an excellent choice. Many people commonly refer to it as tractor seat plant, as the shape of the leaf resembles one.

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State jobless rate hits 5.1%

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, December 17, 2021
Preliminary data for November released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows the state continues to recover from both COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida. The November seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.1% shows a decline both over the month and over the year. The rate dropped 0.

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Wreaths Across America ceremonies planned Saturday

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs will hold Wreaths Across America ceremonies at Louisiana’s state-run veterans cemeteries on Saturday. Ceremonies are held annually on Dec.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Fall 2021 Outstanding Graduates are, from left: Wade Johnson, College of Liberal Arts; Jase Mayorga, College of Engineering; Noe Fernandez, University College; Overall Outstanding Graduate Tyler Francis, B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration; Grace Marks, College of the Arts; Taylor Montoucet, College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions; Bailey Austin, College of Education; and Sydney Boudreaux, Ray P. Authement College of Sciences. (Photo by Rache

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Fall 2021 Outstanding Graduates are, from left: Wade Johnson, College of Liberal Arts; Jase Mayorga, College of Engineering; Noe Fernandez, University College; Overall Outstanding Graduate Tyler Francis, B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration; Grace Marks, College of the Arts; Taylor Montoucet, College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions; Bailey Austin, College of Education; and Sydney Boudreaux, Ray P. Authement College of Sciences. (Photo by Rache

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Parish students among UL Lafayette outstanding graduates

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Tyler Francis is the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Outstanding Graduate. Francis is among eight award finalists who will be recognized Friday and Saturday during Fall 2021 Commencement ceremonies.
ShiShi Gashira camellia flowers make a beautiful display. They feature pink double flowers with yellow centers. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

ShiShi Gashira camellia flowers make a beautiful display. They feature pink double flowers with yellow centers. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

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ShiShi Gashira makes winter landscapes come to life

Heather Kirk-Ballard / LSU AgCenter horticulturist
Friday, December 10, 2021
If you’ve noticed the sudden explosion of beautiful rose-pink flowers dotting the landscapes these past few weeks, you have witnessed one of the top-performing shrubs for Louisiana landscapes: ShiShi Gashira.

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Cleco offers holiday electrical safety tips

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, December 10, 2021
With the holiday season underway, Cleco is reminding customers to celebrate safely by taking the necessary precautions when installing electrical decorations.