State

Rep. Bryan Fontenot measured off the 25 feet that his bill would let police officers demand from bystanders. Photo credit: Madison Maronge/LSU Manship School News Service

Rep. Bryan Fontenot measured off the 25 feet that his bill would let police officers demand from bystanders. Photo credit: Madison Maronge/LSU Manship School News Service

House panel OKs bill giving police space

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
A House committee moved forward with a bill Tuesday that would criminalize coming within 25 feet of an on-duty police officer if ordered to halt by the officer. Penalties for violations could include a jail term of up to 60 days and a fine of $500.

Education savings accounts advance

(not verified)
Friday, March 22, 2024
Parents who want to tap into taxpayer money to send their children to a private school or a different public school could soon have that choice based on legislation a Louisiana Senate committee advanced. Eventually, the resources would be available to any family regardless of their income.
Citrus plants offer a crisp, refreshing top note, injecting a burst of energy into scents. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Citrus plants offer a crisp, refreshing top note, injecting a burst of energy into scents. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

The fragrance of nature

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 22, 2024
National Fragrance Day, celebrated March 21, might not be a widely recognized day on our calendars, but it’s hard to deny the integral role that fragrances play in our everyday lives.
Incoming 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)

Incoming 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)

Temple pushes insurance industry-friendly package

(not verified)
Friday, March 22, 2024
By Wesley Muller Louisiana Illuminator A package of legislation to benefit insurance companies found widespread support in a Louisiana Senate committee Wednesday after only one member questioned why the state would help the industry instead of drivers and homeowners who pay extraordinarily high...

Acadiana legislative delegation elects officers

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 22, 2024
BATON ROUGE – The Acadiana Delegation of the Louisiana Legislature has elected its officers for 2024. State Representative Beau Beaullieu will serve as chairman and represents House District 48 including Iberia, Lafayette, and St. Martin parishes.
Coushatta Tribe holds groundbreaking ceremony for new hotel with 204-rooms. (Illustration courtesy of the Coushatta Tribal Council)

Coushatta Tribe holds groundbreaking ceremony for new hotel with 204-rooms. (Illustration courtesy of the Coushatta Tribal Council)

8-story, 204-room hotel planned at Coushatta

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 22, 2024
Chairman Jonathan Cernek and members of the Coushatta Tribal Council, and Coushatta Casino Resort General Manager Todd Stewart joined principals from TBE Architects, Yates Construction and the Wenaha Group in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new hotel on Wednesday.
Adam Gordon, of Oakdale, uses a drip torch during a prescribed burn training at the Louisiana Ecological Forestry Center near Florien on March 12. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Adam Gordon, of Oakdale, uses a drip torch during a prescribed burn training at the Louisiana Ecological Forestry Center near Florien on March 12. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Workshop teaches proper prescribed burning methods

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Rodney McKay knows a lot about starting fires. Between 15 and 25 times a year, McKay heads into the woods with a drip torch, rakes and an array of other tools used to light fires, monitor their spread and manage the smoke they produce.
Rep. Dixon McMakin, R-Baton Rouge, seated, listens to Rep. Francis Thompson, R-Delhi, on opening day of the regular legislative session, March 11 at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge. (John Ballance/The Advocate, Pool)

Rep. Dixon McMakin, R-Baton Rouge, seated, listens to Rep. Francis Thompson, R-Delhi, on opening day of the regular legislative session, March 11 at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge. (John Ballance/The Advocate, Pool)

Louisiana lawmaker wants broader access to public records

(not verified)
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Lawyers for Louisiana State University often deny public records requests for investigations into employee wrongdoing by citing the court case McMakin v. LSU. Now, McMakin is fighting back. Attorney and freshman state Rep.
Japanese magnolia flowers are extremely fragrant and make gorgeous cut flowers to bring in, arrange and enjoy. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Japanese magnolia flowers are extremely fragrant and make gorgeous cut flowers to bring in, arrange and enjoy. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Jane Japanese magnolia named Louisiana Super Plant for spring 2024

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 15, 2024
Japanese magnolias are completing their bloom and flushing out new, light green foliage. These beautiful trees are some of the first plants to signify that spring is just around the corner. With their pink-to-purple blooms, they’re one of the most strikingly beautiful trees.
Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek

Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek

Juvenile justice experts express caution about new crime laws

(not verified)
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
As Louisiana undertakes a massive overhaul of criminal justice laws, one of the most controversial changes is putting more 17-year-olds on trial for crimes as adults. The move backpedals on a measure passed seven years ago that treated teens under 18 as juveniles in most cases.