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Louisiana Illuminator

Louisiana Illuminator

The Louisiana Illuminator is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization driven by its mission to cast light on how decisions are made in Baton Rouge and how they affect the lives of everyday Louisianians, particularly those who are poor or otherwise marginalized.

nursing receives COVID-19 vaccine

Attorney General Jeff Landry tries again to block health care worker COVID-19 vaccine mandate

By: - February 4, 2022

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled otherwise last month, but Louisiana's attorney general is once again trying to get a court to block the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers at facilities that accept federal funding.

Jeff Landry

Attorney General Jeff Landry seeks to join lawsuit against New Orleans COVID mandates

By: - February 2, 2022

To prevent the spread of the virus, Mayor LaToya Cantrell has issued orders to restaurants, bars and other settings where people gather that require proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test for entry.

Louisiana State Capitol

Louisiana redistricting session begins with late rush of maps, controversy for governor

By: - February 1, 2022

The Louisiana Legislature convenes at 5 p.m. Tuesday to begin a redistricting session to account for population changes in the state over the past 10 years.

Louisiana revenue chief stepping down for job at LSU

By: - January 28, 2022

A long-time Department of Revenue employee will take her place, according to the governor's office.

First Lady Donna Edwards and Gov. John Bel Edwards

Campaign aims to raise human trafficking awareness in Louisiana

By: - January 25, 2022

The effort, Stop Trafficking LA: Human Trafficking is REAL, will focus on how to identify when a trafficking victim needs help and more specific services for victims.

Troy Carter

Congressman Troy Carter tests positive for COVID-19

By: - January 19, 2022

"I am so thankful to be fully vaccinated and have received my booster shot, measures which are highly protective against more severe symptoms and illness," Carter said.

COVID-19 outbreaks at Louisiana nursing homes infect nearly 1,200 staff members

Louisiana surpasses 1 million COVID-19 cases

By: - January 18, 2022

State health officials reported Tuesday that Louisiana has surpassed 1 million unique cases of the coronavirus, having totaled more than 29,125 case over the extended weekend. The actual number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 is believed to be far higher because the state’s numbers do not include home test results. As of […]

Louisiana among best states for highway safety laws in latest report

By: - January 18, 2022

Louisiana has some of the best highway safety laws in the nation according this year’s “roadmap” from an organization with backers in the insurance industry and consumer groups. Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety ranked the states as part of its “Out of Control” report, released Tuesday. It calls attention to a recent increase in fatal […]

I-10 bridge in LAKE CHARLES

$1 billion for bridge repairs coming to Louisiana

By: - January 14, 2022

Louisiana will receive approximately $1 billion for bridge repairs from a federal infrastructure plan revealed Friday. The Federal Highway Administration will dedicate $26.5 billion to states over five years for bridgework. The money is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Congress approved. Louisiana will receive $202.6 million  this fiscal year. It will be used to improve […]

Nearly $24 million in Louisiana student loans canceled in Navient settlement

By: - January 13, 2022

More than a thousand students from Louisiana who borrowed money for their education from the loan servicer Navient will have their debt forgiven after a settlement was reached between the company at 39 states, Attorney General Jeff Landry announced Thursday. The outstanding total debt being forgiven in the Navient student loan settlement for Louisiana is […]

New Shreveport call center plans to hire 600

By: - January 13, 2022

A $1.5 million call center will be developed in Shreveport that will create 600 new jobs, according to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ office. Advanced Call Center Technologies will open for business in the East Ridge Plaza business center in March. President and CEO Hunter Croft committed to the investment Thursday, a statement from the governor’s office said. […]

A vial of fentanyl

Louisiana to receive $325M from opioid settlement case

By: - July 21, 2021

Louisiana should receive more than $325 million as part of a settlement that multiple states and local governments reached with three drug companies and a company that manufactured and marketed opioids, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced Wednesday. Landry was part of a bipartisan group of attorneys general from across the United States who accused […]