State

Omicron variant, other factors decimate blood supply

Harlan Kirgan

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

A national blood shortage is further stressing the nation’s fragile health care system. Vitalant, which services about 900 hospitals across 28 states, including 23 across 21 Louisiana parishes, is experiencing an historic, two-year low blood supply.

Edwards announces mortgage relief program

Harlan Kirgan

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

BATON ROUGE — Gov. John Bel Edwards announce the launch of the Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund, a federally funded relief program for homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19 who are behind on their mortgages and at risk of foreclosure.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne represents the governor on the Revenue Estimating Committee. (Photo by Elizabeth Garner/LSU Manship School News Service)

Louisiana to have $1.6B more to spend in upcoming session

Harlan Kirgan

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Louisiana will have an additional $1.6 billion to spend over the next year and a half after a state panel approved new revenue projections Tuesday. The state expects to collect $1.

When pruning trees, work with their natural form. Do not butcher trees as has been done to these crape myrtles. (LSU AgCenter file photo by Dan Gill)

The great crape myrtle controversies

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, January 7, 2022

Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are one of the most controversial and often-discussed ornamental plants among gardeners, landscapers, conservationists, naturalists, growers, researchers and educators. How did the crape myrtle become such a hot topic for discussion?

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)

Northern Gulf faces climate crisis

Harlan Kirgan

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

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.

LSU announces Fall 2021 Dean’s List, President’s Honor Roll

Harlan Kirgan

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

BATON ROUGE – LSU has announced the names of the students who have made the Dean’s List and the President’s Honor Roll for the fall 2021 semester. Undergraduate students enrolled in at least 15 credit hours who earned grade-point averages of 4.

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)

Northern Gulf threaten by climate change

Harlan Kirgan

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)

Navigating weather in Louisiana gardens

Harlan Kirgan

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.

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.