LSU Ousts Controversial Hurricane Researcher

Louisiana State University has fired Ivor van Heerden as a research professor and deputy director at the university's Hurricane Center. The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported that van Heerden -- who does not have tenure -- was not given a reason for his dismissal, and that the university isn't talking, citing confidentiality requirements. Van Heerden played a prominent role in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, criticizing the Army Corps of Engineers, among others.