BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Over the past few months, Livingston Parish leaders, residents and developers have debated new rules aimed at limiting the pace of growth; the battle has even spilled into federal court. After earlier passing and then lifting a temporary ban on major developments, the parish council is now considering another moratorium on big new neighborhoods — this time one that could last for a year. Residents' anger and anxiety has fueled the council's push to tighten the parish's laws and rein in some of the largest subdivisions slated for the area. More people died than were born across three-fourths of Louisiana over the past three years, which could pose major challenges to the state's labor force and government finances and the general viability of many rural communities. The effects of a shrinking and aging population, from diminishing school districts to changing medical services, are being felt throughout the state. Louisiana had just 414 more births than deaths over the past three years, reports LSU demographer Tim Slack. "So, we're almost at a break-even point," he said. Going to the shore is a great way to beat the summer heat, but testing by the state Department of Health shows not all beaches are always safe for swimming. The Louisiana Department of Health Beach Monitoring Program tests water at 23 beach sites along the Louisiana coast to determine whether the water quality meets EPA criteria. Read about five beaches that the program says are clear of advisories for harmful bacteria at this time. | 