State

Critical race theory bills killed

Harlan Kirgan
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Louisiana Illuminator The Louisiana House Education Committee rejected two bills Tuesday that would have made it illegal for schools to teach that people of any race or national origin are still affected by racism or oppression, among other topics. Both authored by Rep.

La. House committee advances bill to ban hair discrimination

Harlan Kirgan
Thursday, May 19, 2022
The Louisiana House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure advanced a bill Monday that would prohibit discrimination based on certain hairstyles. House Bill 41, sponsored by Rep. Candace Newell, D-New Orleans, would amend discrimination law to include “natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle.
Beyond Midnight bluebeard has dark, glossy foliage and deep blue flowers. (Photo provided by Elena Fennell)

Beyond Midnight bluebeard has dark, glossy foliage and deep blue flowers. (Photo provided by Elena Fennell)

Something blue — and a little pink, too

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, May 13, 2022
If you are looking for a small, flowering shrub that tolerates drought and heat while attracting pollinators, look no further than bluebeard. No, I am not talking about the French folklore tale from the 1600s. I’m talking about a low, mounding deciduous shrub from the mint family.
Wings dropped by swarming termites. (Photo by Qian “Karen” Sun/LSU AgCenter)

Wings dropped by swarming termites. (Photo by Qian “Karen” Sun/LSU AgCenter)

Mother’s Day is gone, but termites aren’t

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, May 13, 2022
LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Karen Sun says right now is when Formosan subterranean termites swarm and spread their colonies. The swarm season for this destructive pest starts as early as April and lasts through June, with a peak in early to mid-May around Mother’s Day.
Reps. Tanner Magee, R-Houma, and C. Denise Marcelle, D-Baton Rouge, speak to one another during an April 7 meeting of the special House committee investigating the death of Ronald Greene in Louisiana State Police custody. (Photo by Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Reps. Tanner Magee, R-Houma, and C. Denise Marcelle, D-Baton Rouge, speak to one another during an April 7 meeting of the special House committee investigating the death of Ronald Greene in Louisiana State Police custody. (Photo by Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Lawmakers seek contempt charge for former State Police leader in Ronald Greene case

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, May 13, 2022
Lawmakers investigating the death of Ronald Greene in Louisiana State Police custody advanced a resolution Wednesday to hold the agency’s former leader in contempt of the Legislature for failing to provide personal records in connection with the case.
Taxes due.

Taxes due.

Louisiana state income tax filing deadline is Monday

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
The filing and payment deadline for 2021 state individual income tax is Monday. Taxpayers can file their returns electronically through Louisiana File Online, the state’s free web portal for individual tax filers.

Juvenile justice with focus on therapy questioned

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, May 6, 2022
Michele Piazza’s face swelled up with bruises. Her leg was broken in more than one place. She was beaten so severely that a year after the attack on her, she continues to have physical and mental health challenges. Piazza has worked in prisons and secure care facilities for 18 years.

Fit only for frogs and alligators

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, May 6, 2022
Every year about this time, when the Mississippi begins to fill with snowmelt and rainwater from the north, talk begins again about the possibility of the Atchafalaya grabbing almost all of the water from the big river — with dire consequences on both of the streams.