By Greg LaRose | Editor-in-Chief
It’s Sunshine Week, when we shine a light on the importance of public records and open government. The Illuminator relies on public records requests for our reporting, but we’re often thwarted by high fees or slow responses.
Your support makes our watchdog journalism possible. Could you chip in to help us keep Louisiana government accountable?
An unloaded Glock 19X handgun sits next to a magazine and 9 mm ammunition at a gun range. At least 14 states currently allow firearms on public college campuses. (Amanda Watford/Stateline)
By Amanda Watford
In at least six statehouses this year, lawmakers are revisiting a long-running debate over whether guns should be allowed on college campuses. Supporters say the proposals would allow people to defend themselves during emergencies. Opponents argue they could make campuses less safe and increase the risk of accidental or impulsive violence.
Gov. Jeff Landry, seated alongside Alex J. Adams, Assistant U.S. Health Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families and Rebecca Harris, secretary of Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. (Photo courtesy of Louisiana DCFS)
By Greg LaRose
Louisiana has some 7,000 children in foster care, and there are 48 foster homes for every 100 in the system. Families are paid an average of $19.47 a day per foster child in their care — a rate has been increased only once over the past 19 years.
Gov. Jeff Landry delivers his opening speech to begin the Louisiana Legislature’s law-making session March 9, 2026. (John Ballance/The Advocate-Pool)
By Greg LaRose
The 2026 legislative session is under way, with lawmakers allowed to file an unlimited number of bills this year.
In this episode of our weekly podcast, we will take a closer look at two issues where Gov. Jeff Landry should expect a fight, even with his fellow Republicans at the Capitol.
Senior Reporter Julie O’Donoghue interviews the leader of one of the state’s most powerful lobbying groups and his outlook for the session.
Plus, we’ll highlight one key piece of legislation you should be following over the next two months.
By Wes Muller
Southern Energy Renewables specializes in converting biomass to aviation fuel. The production facility, sited at St. Charles Intermodal in Killona, would be Southern’s first commercial-scale development in Louisiana.
COMMENTARY
By Andrea Hagan
Elayn Hunt Correctional Center is not just a prison; it is the entire state’s processing plant. It means whatever is broken inside those walls is the first thing every incarcerated person in Louisiana touches — and for too many of them, it has become the last.
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