Author

Greg LaRose has covered news for more than 30 years in Louisiana. Before coming to the Louisiana Illuminator, he was the chief investigative reporter for WDSU-TV in New Orleans. He previously led the government and politics team for The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com, and was editor in chief at New Orleans CityBusiness. Greg's other career stops include Tiger Rag, South Baton Rouge Journal, the Covington News Banner, Louisiana Radio Network and multiple radio stations.
Bond Commission keeps banking options open, despite Jeff Landry’s wishes
By: Greg LaRose - February 25, 2023
Members of the State Bond Commission met Friday and opted against placing any restrictions on the banks Louisiana is allowed to borrow money from based on the institution’s environmental, social or governance views. Concerns that limiting the state’s choice could cost taxpayers in terms of higher interest overcame calls from Attorney General Jeff Landry to […]
Louisiana’s rural health disparities deserve a longer look
By: Greg LaRose - February 24, 2023
Legislative task forces are often the product of proposed legislation that runs out of steam. Seeing that their bill has no chance of advancing, a lawmaker will often propose a study resolution to convene a panel to examine the issue they’re confronting. Some task forces are pointless and politically reckless, while others result in substantive […]
Cantrell recall would make significant history in Louisiana
By: Greg LaRose - February 23, 2023
Organizers of a recall petition to oust New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell had until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday to file their petition with the required number of verified signatures to force a special election on the matter. A successful recall in a city this large would be unprecedented, as standards to remove elected officials in many […]
Pols on parade: Louisiana elected officials celebrate Mardi Gras
By: Greg LaRose - February 20, 2023
The masks can make it difficult to identify them, but many Louisiana elected officials take part in Carnival season – and are eager to show it. In an election year, Mardi Gras parades provide an opportunity for candidates to get out in front of the public, albeit a possibly inebriated version of the electorate in […]
Successful recalls are a small-town phenomenon in Louisiana
By: Greg LaRose - February 20, 2023
Organizers of an effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell have until Wednesday to turn in roughly 50,000 signatures to force an election to decide whether she keeps her seat. If they are successful, it would mark a rare occasion as there is no history of such campaigns succeeding in large cities. Records from […]
Signatures to oust Cantrell are one thing; a recall election is another
By: Greg LaRose - February 17, 2023
A rousing cheer greeted New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell when she arrived at a Lower 9th Ward community center Thursday. She was there to join Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, Congressman Troy Carter and U.S. Housing Secretary Marcia Fudge to announce the end of the Road Home program. Most of the neighborhood residents gathered were […]
Road Home reaches its end, thousands of lawsuits against recipients pulled
By: Greg LaRose - February 16, 2023
NEW ORLEANS – The landmark and lambasted government program that attempted to make homeowners whole after Hurricane Katrina has come to an end, federal, state and local officials announced Thursday. The decision cancels thousands of lawsuits against Road Home recipients who used the money to fix their storm damages rather than the intended home elevations. […]
Shawn Wilson retires from DOTD; no word yet on governor’s race
By: Greg LaRose - February 15, 2023
The person who has emerged as the most likely Democrat to run for Louisiana governor announced he is retiring from his state job, but so far there’s been no word from outgoing Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson on whether he will enter the race. Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Wednesday that Wilson is leaving his post […]
Schroder ends the mystery and enters governor’s race
By: Greg LaRose - February 10, 2023
MANDEVILLE – Long considered a probable candidate, Louisiana Treasurer John Schroder made his intentions public Thursday night and announced he is running for governor. He joins a field that so far includes three other Republican contenders. Before a large crowd of supporters at the Fleur de Lis Event Center, Schroder shared his campaign platform on […]
Ronald Greene’s mother will attend State of the Union address
By: Greg LaRose - February 5, 2023
The mother of Ronald Greene, the Black motorist who died in Louisiana State Police custody after white troopers beat him during a traffic stop, will attend President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address. Mona Hardin is the invitee of Congressman Troy Carter, D-New Orleans, whose office confirmed Hardin will be in the gallery of […]
Louisiana OKs $45 million to lure insurance companies. Will your premiums go down?
By: Greg LaRose - February 3, 2023
The Louisiana Legislature gave final approval Friday to a $45 million deposit from the state’s general fund into an incentive fund meant to lure property insurers to the market. The vote brought to an end a five-day special session to address the state’s insurance crisis, which has forced 120,000 households to obtain coverage from the […]
Far right just wants a fight over COVID, not facts
By: Greg LaRose - February 2, 2023
Recent actions from the far right give proof that they have no interest in tackling the pressing concerns of our country – just the opposite in fact. What’s more important to them is earning meaningless merit badges from a dwindling flock of followers swayed more by unfounded fears than facts. Take House Majority Leader Steve […]