The Light Switch

A Russian couple is seeking asylum in America over fears they could face punishment in their home country for their anti-Putin views. They took all the proper steps to enter the U.S., yet they were separated and placed in ICE detention when they appeared for their immigration appointment. More than a year later, they remain apart – with one of them held in Louisiana facing  probable deportation.

The Light Switch team is off for the Fourth of July holiday, but we are sharing an episode of the Gulf States Gumbo from our friends at the Gulf States Newsroom. We'll be back next week! Editor’s Note : This episode contains descriptions of sexual violence that may be upsetting for some listeners.  Public health reporter Drew Hawkins takes over this week’s episode to focus on a single story — the...

There's still uncertainty over just how the federal government will respond should a major hurricane impact Louisiana this year. Also unclear now is what role Washington will play – if any – in helping reduce the size of the annual "dead zone" in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Plus, we'll look at efforts in one state to remove a reference to slavery in its constitution.  

Politics is a spectator sport in Louisiana, so it only makes sense that we talk about actual sports. Specifically, we'll examine how proposals dealing with taxes on sports betting and tax breaks for name, image and likeness (NIL) deals fared in this year's legislative session. We'll also hear from LSU's new interim LSU president, and we take a wide-angle view at the changes being forced on Planned...

The rust-colored dust that covers everything in and around the Atalco Alumina refinery in Gramercy is clear evidence that neighbors of the facility are forced to cope with its noxious output. But what's gone virtually unnoticed by the public is the escape of toxic sludge from the huge waste pits on the refinery site – for months. Illuminator reporter Wes Muller shares findings from his latest inve...

We've got the latest developments on the Louisiana law that treats reproductive health medication as controlled dangerous substances. Also, there's a rising business trend of investment groups buying care facilities for the disabled and elderly. Learn why regulators are concerned. Plus, Alabama is paying a lot of settlements to incarcerated people who've sued for being abused while behind bars. Bu...

Louisiana counts more than 4,000 children in the foster care system and not quite 2,000 foster homes. Right away, you can see the math doesn’t work. We gain perspective from those involved in Louisiana’s foster care system to see if and how the gaps can be filled. 

Gov. Jeff Landry is pushing for dramatic changes to ethics laws in Louisiana, a state not exactly known for its pristine political reputation. Senior reporter Julie O'Donoghue has been covering this story from the get-go and brings us up to speed on the proposals. She also talks with the leader of the state's top good government watchdog group about his concerns over the legislation. Finally, we'l...

Louisiana lawmakers are deciding whether to ban or regulate kratom. Its proponents say the herbal substance has helped them conquer anxiety, depression and opioid addiction. Its detractors say kratom is just as dangerous as the drugs it purports to replace. Host Greg LaRose shares stories from people on both sides of the debate.  

This week’s edition of The Light Switch dives into the debate over Louisiana’s vanishing wetlands. Host Greg LaRose explores the topic with reporter Elise Plunk, who literally has stepped into the latest research on coastal restoration. She also spoke with a leading expert in the field of wetlands restoration science about the future of the state’s fragile coast. And in this week’s News from the S...

This week on The Light Switch from the Louisiana Illuminator, host Greg LaRose talks to reporter Piper Hutchinson, who recently attended the Angola Prison Rodeo. She shares details on the educational aspects behind the event – as well as what participants think about the negative views outsiders have of the rodeo. Piper also talked with a former Angola inmate who's now helping others prepare for l...

This week on The Light Switch form the Louisiana Illuminator, host Greg LaRose talks to reporter Wesley Mulller about efforts to ban an app for high-end restaurant reservations trading. Wesley then caught up with Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple to discuss his efforts to lower insurances costs and why he and the Governor aren't seeing eye to eye. We then conclude with this week's News f...

This week on The Light Switch form the Louisiana Illuminator, host Greg LaRose talks to reporter Piper Hutchinson about the challenging fiscal times Louisiana public universities are facing, Piper then talks to Rick Gallot president of the University of Louisiana system. We conclude with this week's News from the States which brings us to Idaho for a very specific new public indecency law, Greg ch...

Welcome to The Light Switch, a weekly podcast covering Louisiana politics from the Louisiana Illuminator. What better way to kick off our podcast then on the eve of the Louisiana legislative session. Host Greg LaRose will chat about the upcoming session with reporter Julie O'Donoghue followed by an interview she had with the President of the Louisiana Senate Cameron Henry, and we'll finish up with...