| BY BOB WARREN | Staff writer |
Fighting ‘brain drain’: Two-thirds of Louisiana’s parishes lost population last year, a trend the state desperately wants to reverse. Rich Collins spoke with elected officials, CEOs and a host of others for their thoughts. Spoiler: Strong political leadership and lower insurance costs would go a long way. In a related story, Blake Paterson tells us about Gov. Jeff Landry’s new economic development plan for the state. Lake manatees: The body of a manatee washed up on a mud flat near Bucktown recently. Willie Swett reports that it’s the fourth manatee found dead in Lake Pontchartrain this year. Speaking of sea creatures, the Audubon Institute is joining the ranks of those that will switch from the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” Stephanie Riegel has the story. ‘Relevant in this rap game’: Keith Spera writes today about New Orleans rapper B.G., who spent 12 years in federal prison but has a new record out. Get smart: Nola.com has a new smartphone app. It's got lots of new features we think you'll like. Did you get this newsletter forwarded from someone else? Sign up here. And if you're interested in becoming a NOLA.com subscriber, here's a great offer. Be excellent today, Bob | 