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Category
News

Timely coverage of the people, policies, and events shaping New Orleans and Louisiana. This category delivers clear, factual reporting that keeps readers informed about local government, community issues, and stories that matter most to everyday residents.

Louisiana sanctions use of pepper spray and mace on detained juveniles

In July, a new state law put all Louisiana pretrial juvenile detention centers under the umbrella of the state Office of Juvenile Justice. Soon after, the agency filed an ‘emergency order’ approving the use of ‘chemical agents’ in those facilities. 
by Nick Chrastil September 9, 2024 Updated March 27, 2026

To bring insurance companies back to Louisiana, some suggest tackling it as a federal issue 

At the height of hurricane season, Congressional candidate Devin Davis announces a plan to combat Louisiana’s home-insurance crisis. U.S. Rep. Troy Carter says he’s focused on a more apt federal concern: FEMA’s flood-hazard ratings.
by Delaney Dryfoos, The Lens, and Eva Tesfaye, WWNO September 2, 2024 Updated September 9, 2024

Pencils, Laptops, and Guaranteed Income

Across the nation, there’s been an increase in programs looking at ways to help lift up young people – and move them from poverty into more secure futures. Administrators at Rooted School saw fewer absences, a jump in reading scores, and a boost in independence for students who received $50 weekly stipends.
by Marta Jewson August 27, 2024 Updated September 9, 2024

Formosa Plastics returns to fight again

In January, an appeals court injected new life into Formosa’s plans to build a huge plastics plant in St. James Parish. But to make plastic requires vinyl chloride, which already has a toxic 40-year track record in Louisiana.
by Delaney Dryfoos August 19, 2024 Updated August 19, 2024

‘Grossly insufficient’: Judge blasts DOC-suggested fixes for Angola’s Farm Line

by Nick Chrastil August 16, 2024 Updated August 16, 2024

President Biden announces $150 million in research grants for cancer “moonshot” initiative

Near Louisiana’s Cancer Alley, the president and first lady prioritize goal to halve the nation’s cancer death rates within roughly the next two decades.
by Delaney Dryfoos August 14, 2024 Updated August 14, 2024

Fossil fuel spokespeople ask Louisiana academic to help promote carbon capture

An academic leader at the University of Louisiana Lafayette agreed to help spread industry talking points. Critics say that these relationships are a form of greenwashing.
by Sara Sneath August 9, 2024 Updated August 9, 2024

Greenfield Terminal Terminated

Developers cancel the $800 million grain terminal proposed for Wallace after additional delays from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
by Delaney Dryfoos August 7, 2024 Updated August 7, 2024

Notice Me

Louisiana law now requires that notices of public meetings be sent in advance to anyone who asks. It’s a victory for active community members who deal with public entities that neglect to give or try to evade public notice, including some New Orleans charter school parents.
by Piper Hutchinson, Louisiana Illuminator August 7, 2024 Updated August 7, 2024

Appeals court rules in favor of chihuahua search party

by Nick Chrastil August 6, 2024 Updated August 14, 2024

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