Life in Louisiana after the oil disaster: first of two parts

Travelers venture to the Gulf to see how the oil disaster affects real people.

News in brief

Here are a selection of brief news items from this week’s paper edition, and possibly a few news briefs that didn’t make it in the paper.

What’s on your Mind? Competition

Hummingbirds are adored in our home. There’s no gift of nature that brings me more joy. We have five hummer feeders prominently suspended in front of four windows. While eating dinner or watching a movie, at least one eye is usually following the acrobatics of these lovely and magical little birds.

Gardening with Laurie: Create wildlife-friendly landscape in your yard

By Laurie Garretson

Deer leave heavy footprint on islands’ landscape

They may be cute and they may be charismatic, but exploding deer populations are leaving a lasting impression on ecosystems throughout the Gulf Islands, according to a new study presented to islanders on Friday evening.