SUMMARY: Scientists report the Gulf of Mexico dead zone west of the Mississippi River covers about 4,772 square miles, down from over 6,700 square miles last year. The dead zone is an oxygen-depleted area caused by nutrient runoff, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural fertilizers and city wastewater flowing through the Mississippi River. These nutrients promote excessive phytoplankton growth, which upon decomposition consumes oxygen, harming marine life. Organisms must move to oxygen-rich areas, increasing predation risks. Since the 1970s, the dead zone’s severity and prevalence have increased due to nutrient runoff. Reducing nitrogen and phosphorus inflow is essential to mitigate this environmental issue.

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SUMMARY: Starting January 15, 2026, Louisiana SNAP recipients will be prohibited from using benefits to purchase soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy for two years, following a USDA-approved waiver. Governor Jeff Landry, advocating healthier choices, signed the order in May. The restrictions apply statewide with no opt-out option. While recipients can still buy these items, they cannot use SNAP benefits for them. Soft drinks include carbonated drinks with high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners; energy drinks contain stimulants like caffeine or taurine; candy includes sweetened confections but excludes protein bars and baking ingredients. Neighboring states Arkansas, Florida, and Texas have similar waivers.

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SUMMARY: Blue Monday, a monthly concert series at The Grouse Room in Downtown Lafayette, unites generations of musicians for music, mentorship, and community support. Founded nearly a decade ago by John Williams to aid retired musicians facing hardships, it brings seasoned artists like Grammy winner Lee Allen Zeno together with young talents such as 16-year-old guitarist LJ Broussard and ninth-grader keyboardist Jaidynn Tyler. The series fosters collaboration, sharing industry wisdom beyond music skills—including professionalism and business know-how. Rising musicians credit Blue Monday with enriching their careers and lives. The collective also prioritizes practical artist survival skills, emphasizing health and financial planning for longevity in music.

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