(Distributed January 2005) St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is one of our two most popular lawn grasses in Louisiana. It is widely adapted to the humid Deep South, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed February 2005) A new federal law, known as Check 21, makes it easier for banks to electronically transfer check images instead of physically transferring paper checks. Because of Check 21 and other check-system improvements, your checks may be processed faster – which means money may be deducted from your checking account faster, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed January 2005) Policies that exclude sick children from child-care centers may seem like a hassle to a working parent with a sick child, but those policies are put in place to protect other children, says LSU AgCenter expert Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed January 2005) If you’re in the market for child care, it’s important to learn about the options. That will help you to pick the best setting for your child, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed January 2005) As the New Year begins, so returns the threat of too much rain for the Bayou State. With the distinction as the nation's "wettest" state, Louisiana must always be on guard for the potential for flooding, according to LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes.

(Distributed February 2005) Tax refund anticipation loans allow people to borrow against an expected federal and/or state income tax refund. RALs are extremely high-cost bank loans that last about 10 days and are secured by the taxpayer’s expected tax refund, explains LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed February 2005) Child care is very expensive, but there is some tax relief available to help with that burden, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed February 2005) If you worked last year, even part time, and earned a low income, the Internal Revenue Service could owe you money, according to LSU AgCenter family resource management professor Dr. Ann Berry.

(Distributed January 2005) LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy recently examined the controversy over dietary herbal products containing caffeine and ephedra. The products are popular for weight loss, but not necessarily safe.

(Distributed January 2005) Too many New Year’s resolutions start out with a bang, but fizzle quickly. To give your New Year’s resolution for being a healthy weight more sizzle, develop a long-term plan that starts with small daily changes, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.