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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.

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 […]

Cars and trucks move along the Cross Bronx Expressway in New York City.

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 […]

100 Louisiana clergy call anti-transgender bill ‘cynical and frivolous’

By: - July 21, 2021

Clergy representing dozens of faith traditions from across Louisiana released an open letter Wednesday Louisiana House members not to override Governor John Bel Edward’s veto of Senate Bill 156. The bill prohibits transgender girls and women from competing in girl’s and women’s athletic competitions.  The Louisiana Senate voted to override the veto Tuesday. The clergy […]

Lawmakers override veto of concealed carry bill

Gun rights group ‘denounces’ La. senators who didn’t vote to override veto

By: - July 21, 2021

The National Association for Gun Rights, a proponent of a Louisiana bill that would allow residents to carry concealed weapons without obtaining permits or being trained, had harsh words Tuesday for the Louisiana lawmakers who supported the bill during the regular session but declined to override Gov. John Bel Edwards’ veto. The bill was sponsored […]

Flooding in Southwest Louisiana prompts Gov. Edwards to issue emergency declaration

By: - May 17, 2021

Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a State of Emergency Declaration  Monday evening in response to ongoing severe weather impacting Southwest Louisiana. Water rescue crews were dispatched Monday afternoon. Multiple flash flood warnings and tornado Warnings were issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), and heavy rain is expected to continue across Louisiana for much of the […]