State

Study finds postpartum depression costs state millions

A study commissioned by the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families shows that Postpartum Depression (PPD), a condition affecting about 7,500 mothers in Louisiana, costs the state economy an estimated $280 million over a five-year period.
A boom traps litter in Bayou Fountain. (Photo provided by Jeff Kuehny)

A boom traps litter in Bayou Fountain. (Photo provided by Jeff Kuehny)

6 tons of litter later, Burden borrow pit becomes lab for environmental research

A little more than two years ago, elected officials, community leaders and volunteer groups descended on a borrow pit and wetlands area at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden for a press conference calling attention to the problem of litter. The scene then was much different than it is now.

Lights out urged for spring bird migration

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) is calling upon residents and businesses throughout the state to join others in turning off bright or excess lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. through May 31 to help protect the billions of migratory birds that fly through Louisiana at night during this period.
Former Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Courtney Phillips will be paid $475,000 in her new position at LSU. (LDH photo)

Former Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Courtney Phillips will be paid $475,000 in her new position at LSU. (LDH photo)

Former La. health secretary, Landry adviser to make $475,000 at LSU

Former Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Courtney Phillips will be paid $475,000 in her new position at LSU. (LDH photo) Louisiana’s former health secretary who spent months advising Gov.
Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia

Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia

Constitution changes proposed

The Louisiana House Tuesday kicked off discussion of Gov. Jeff Landry’s call for a convention this spring to pare down the state’s Constitution. HB 800, sponsored by Rep.
Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek

Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek

Senate bill guts public records access

Public unrest. That’s what Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, fears would happen if the public were made privy to the state government’s deliberative records — records they can already access.
Fire ants can bite and sting. Venom causes the stinging pain. (Photo by Claudia Hussender/LSU AgCenter)

Fire ants can bite and sting. Venom causes the stinging pain. (Photo by Claudia Hussender/LSU AgCenter)

Fighting fire ants

Fire ants are formidable pests in gardens and landscapes. They’re known for their painful bites and stings due to venom.

RoyOMartin announces $30M modernization of facility

Martco, LLC, parent company for timber sourcing and manufacturing company RoyOMartin, announced it will invest more than $30 million to install technologically advanced production equipment at its Allen Parish plant that produces oriented strand board (OSB) for the housing industry.
Speaker of the House and State Representative Phillip DeVillier sits at his desk in his office at the state capitol. DeVillier, of Eunice, was first elected as a state representative in 2015. (Photo by Claudette Olivier/Church Point News)

Speaker of the House and State Representative Phillip DeVillier sits at his desk in his office at the state capitol. DeVillier, of Eunice, was first elected as a state representative in 2015. (Photo by Claudette Olivier/Church Point News)

Q&A with the Speaker

Crowley Post-Signal News Editor Claudette Olivier recently shadowed Speaker of the House and State Representative Phillip DeVillier at his office at the state capitol. DeVillier, of Eunice, was first elected as a state representative in 2015. His district, District 41, includes parts of Acadia, St.

Lawmakers chip away at sunshine law

Legislation to allow local governments conceal public records for economic development reasons advanced Thursday from the Louisiana House of Representatives. House Bill 461, sponsored by Rep. Steven Jackson, D-Shreveport, passed in a 79-18 vote and will head to the Senate for consideration.