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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

LSU might not have a standout football team this year, but the university is definitely dominating the news cycle these days. Reporter Piper Hutchinson joins us with the latest developments. Also, we'll review a new study on child poverty in Louisiana, and what type of policy change it might create.

This week is one of the months the Angola Prison Rodeo takes place back in the spring Light Switch host Greg LaRose talked to reporter Piper Hutchinson, after she 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 life outside of prison.The Light Switch is a podcast from the Louisiana Illuminator.