State

Louisiana had 680,023 students enrolled in K-12 public schools in February 2024, according to the most recent data from the Louisiana Department of Education.

Louisiana had 680,023 students enrolled in K-12 public schools in February 2024, according to the most recent data from the Louisiana Department of Education.

Public school enrollments declining

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
PAR Snapshot With the start of the new school year, students are returning to emptier classrooms as the total enrollment in Louisiana’s public schools declines to its lowest level in 16 years.

$1.35 billion broadband program launched

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Gov. Jeff Landry announced the launch of the GUMBO 2.0 broadband program which will put into action a $1.35 billion investment that Cassidy secured in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
A UL Lafayette researcher is leading a multi-university study funded by the National Science Foundation to examine the role of natural methane seepage in the ocean’s carbon cycle. Researchers will explore underwater environments along the Atlantic Coast via autonomous underwater vehicles and submersible human-occupied vehicles deployed from larger vessels. (Submitted photo)

A UL Lafayette researcher is leading a multi-university study funded by the National Science Foundation to examine the role of natural methane seepage in the ocean’s carbon cycle. Researchers will explore underwater environments along the Atlantic Coast via autonomous underwater vehicles and submersible human-occupied vehicles deployed from larger vessels. (Submitted photo)

UL Lafayette researcher to examine role of methane seepage in ocean’s carbon cycle

(not verified)
Friday, August 16, 2024
LAFAYETTE — A University of Louisiana at Lafayette researcher is leading a study to investigate the significant, complex role of natural methane seepage in the ocean’s carbon cycle. The research is being funded with a $2,995,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Ocean Sciences Division.
LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Will Afton stands with samples of four warm-season turfgrasses commonly used in Louisiana. From left to right are St. Augustinegrass, zoysiagrass, centipedegrass and bermudagrass. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Will Afton stands with samples of four warm-season turfgrasses commonly used in Louisiana. From left to right are St. Augustinegrass, zoysiagrass, centipedegrass and bermudagrass. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

Seven steps to sod success: A DIY guide to a new lawn

(not verified)
Friday, August 16, 2024
So you’re tired of looking at your patchy, stressed lawn. It never quite recovered from last year’s extreme heat and drought, and you’re green with envy of your neighbor’s verdant grass. If you’re tempted to rip up your entire yard and start over with fresh sod, you’re not alone.
Jean Lafitte Mayor Tim Kerner Jr. at the town’s annual seafood festival in April. (Aidan McCahill for Louisiana Illuminator)

Jean Lafitte Mayor Tim Kerner Jr. at the town’s annual seafood festival in April. (Aidan McCahill for Louisiana Illuminator)

Jean Lafitte residents adapt to life on the edge of survival

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, August 16, 2024
Timothy Kerner Jr. sits in his makeshift Jean Lafitte Town Hall office. His voice is hoarse, the words seeming to spill out faster than he can control them. “Biden was sitting here just like me and you are.
LSU President William F. Tate. (Courtesy of LSU)

LSU President William F. Tate. (Courtesy of LSU)

LSU President Tate can nearly double his salary through incentives

(not verified)
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
LSU President William Tate’s new contract includes incentives that can nearly double his $750,000 base salary if he meets certain goals. Tate’s contract includes eight objectives that, if met, could add up to $650,000 to his compensation annually.

DeVillier, Henry say budget gap will shrink

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, August 9, 2024
After adjourning a meeting of the Joint Budget Committee, Senate President Cameron Henry and Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier say they’ll be working together in the interim to address the initial budget forecast.
Turk’s cap is native to North America and comes in colors of red and light pink. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Turk’s cap is native to North America and comes in colors of red and light pink. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Live each day like the hibiscus

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, August 9, 2024
With several hundred types of hibiscus, one could write a book on this plant alone — and many have done so. The name hibiscus gets its origins from the ancient Greek word “hibiskos,” which means marsh mallow or white mallow.
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple speaks at the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana candidate’s forum April 27, 2023, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple speaks at the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana candidate’s forum April 27, 2023, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Legislators giving second look at auto insurance

(not verified)
Friday, August 9, 2024
With Louisiana residents facing sky-high auto insurance premiums, state lawmakers are scrutinizing a state law that many say has prevented full transparency in jury trials on personal injury cases.