Guests
Dark money, infighting could change Louisiana governor’s race
Qualifying for the Louisiana governor’s election closed Aug. 10 without any last-minute surprise candidates entering the race. The major Republican candidates in the running include state Sen. Sharon Hewitt, the only prominent woman candidate, state Attorney General Jeff Landry, state Rep. Richard Nelson, State Treasurer John Schroeder, and former president of the Louisiana Association of […]
Cleco energy plan calls for tougher scrutiny from Louisiana regulators
The long-range energy plan that Cleco submitted to the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) this year is incredibly flawed and needs to be fixed. Every scenario in the utility’s energy plan assumes that expensive carbon capture and sequestration is needed at its Madison coal plant. Meanwhile, Cleco’s energy plan fails to use industry-standard, competitive bids […]
Readers React: Louisiana’s queer and trans youth, you are loved
You are loved, you are valued, and you are a sacred part of your community. You also represent the potential and beauty of this state. The people who have come together to write this letter are adults who are overwhelmingly queer and/or trans. We’re writing to queer and trans youth across Louisiana because you are […]
Dobbs decision spurs moral injury to abortion patients, providers alike
On June 24, 2022, the landscape of reproductive healthcare in this country took a frightening turn for the worst. The Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturned what had previously been a constitutional right to abortion set off a whirlwind of changes in healthcare – not only as related to […]
Louisiana leaders must help recruit — and retain — more nurses and nursing students
As a long-time nurse, nurse practitioner, and native Louisianan, I am deeply concerned about the nursing shortage that is affecting communities across our state. According to estimates by the Louisiana Board of Regents, there will be a shortfall of approximately 6,000 registered nurses (or 40% of the current workforce) by 2030. This shortage is already profoundly impacting patient […]
U.S. Supreme Court justices take lavish gifts — then raise the bar for bribery prosecutions
Justice Clarence Thomas might be the most egregious when it comes to taking gifts and not disclosing them, but he’s not alone. His colleagues on the U.S. Supreme Court also haven’t been shy about taking fancy freebies from rich people — many of whom have an interest in the actions of the court. The justices […]
I tried to pay my taxes in cash — here’s what happened, and why the IRS should make it easier
About two-thirds of all U.S. residents who file federal income taxes typically get a refund. Unfortunately, this year I am among the other third who owe the Internal Revenue Service money. So I tried something I’ve never done before and few people do: I wanted to pay my tax bill in cash — that is, with real […]
Gov. Edwards, lawmakers must commit to true youth justice reform
On the heels of multiple civil rights groups — including one I am a part of — banding together to demand the U.S. Department of Education look into the confinement of youth in Angola, it’s my duty as a pastor to speak out about the nightmare these children and their families are facing. Last year, […]
Failed Cantrell recall effort could lead to changes in Louisiana law
The action-packed recall attempt against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell failed in explosive fashion. The registrar of voters, who tossed out almost 60% of the signatures, noting some sheets were filled with cartoon names and many were reportedly copies. There have been plenty of recall attempts across the country that flamed out, but few have […]
How dangerous was the Ohio chemical train derailment? An environmental engineer assesses the risks
Headaches and lingering chemical smells from a fiery train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, have left residents worried about their air and water – and misinformation on social media hasn’t helped. State officials offered more details of the cleanup process and a timeline of the environmental disaster during a news conference on Feb. 14, 2023. […]
Readers React: Extremist views on libraries are ‘delusional’
With regards to “AG Jeff Landry asked to weigh in on Rapides library policy,” by Frances Madeson, Jan. 19, 2023 I am writing in response to the long-awaited public comments from James Morgan on the merits of his proposed amendment to the Rapides Parish Library Collection Policy as mentioned in the recent Louisiana Illuminator article. It is […]
Near record-high numbers of young people voted during the midterms
The November 2022 midterms have come and gone, but there are still some potential lasting implications that could influence the next election season. One is that young people, aged 18 to 29, had one of the highest voter turnouts in a midterm election in recent history, according to our early analysis. Specifically, an estimated 27% […]