The Light Switch

Louisiana Illuminator
  • 5.0 (5)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Light Switch podcast from the Louisiana Illuminator brings you an earful weekly on Louisiana politics.

  1. 2D AGO

    Self-managed abortions

    Since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed states to outlaw abortion in 2022, you would think the number of people terminating pregnancies has fallen off a cliff. But that’s not the case according to groups that advocate for self-managed abortions. We talk to a leader for the movement to improve access to reproductive care in the post-Dobbs era.

    21 min

  2. 12/26/2025

    Revisiting Kratom in Louisiana

    This week we will revisit an episode from earlier in the year, Kratom collision course. Louisiana lawmakers were 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.

    29 min

  3. 12/19/2025

    Bear in mind

    Louisiana is holding its second annual bear hunting season after declaring the animal off limits for some 35 years. We’ll talk to the state official who’s keeping track of how many bears are taken and where they can be hunted. Learn more about the tasty trick wildlife agents use to keep track of bear activity around the state.

    22 min

  4. 12/12/2025

    Violence in Louisiana

    Physical violence in Louisiana has declined over the past couple of years, but incidents are still widespread. More than half of adults in the state can expect to be victims of violence at some point in their lives, and 10% of residents experience some form of violence within the past year. These findings and more are in a new study from Tulane’s Newcomb Institute. Its lead researcher explains how this information can help shape policy decisions in Louisiana.

    24 min

  5. 12/05/2025

    Immigration front lines

    The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement campaign is now up close and personal in Louisiana. Operation Catahoula Crunch is underway, with Border Patrol agents fanning out from their base in New Orleans. We hear from someone with a unique perspective on criminal justice in Louisiana to hear his thoughts on what’s unfolding, and what it says about how our constitution is being interpreted.

    24 min

  6. 11/28/2025

    Wetlands and what they hold

    Federal regulators are proposing changes to landmark legislation that protects our nation’s waterways and the lands they touch. We’ll explore what this means for Louisiana, Also, we’ll follow researchers into the state’s wild coastal marshes where they believe they’ve found a new hybrid species that’s filling the void left by an apex predator.

    24 min

  7. 11/21/2025

    The Carbon Conundrum

    Not long ago, there was talk of some 30 carbon capture projects planned throughout Louisiana. But the Trump administration has recalled money the Biden administration dispersed to move these projects forward. What does that mean for the future of this nascent industry in our state? We’ll talk to a couple of advocates who worry it might be running out of air.

    24 min

  8. 11/14/2025

    Political Privacy

    Changes are on the way in Louisiana law that will allow hundreds, maybe thousands of elected officials and public employees in positions of authority to keep certain information off of the internet. We'll explain how this will close the door to information that’s important to you.

    23 min
See All (39)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Light Switch podcast from the Louisiana Illuminator brings you an earful weekly on Louisiana politics.

Information

  • Creator
    Louisiana Illuminator
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Light Switch

You Might Also Like