Yes, it's another episode about what's in the water in Louisiana – because clearly somebody needs to be paying attention to this! We've got the latest on the aftermath of the Smitty’s Supply explosion in Tangipahoa Parish and its effects on nearby waterways. There's also new info about the Atalco alumina refinery in St. James Parish, where state officials still have concerns about toxic red sludge leaking draining into adjacent swamps.

Water runs through nearly every aspect of our lives in Louisiana. It’s where we live, where we work, where we get a lot of our food, and even where we pass a good time. And all that means we’re very vulnerable when something threatens this natural resource. This week, we cross the state to explore two examples of industry’s impact on our essential water supply.

A Baton Rouge author shares how he made sure his mother's Medicare Advantage plan made good on its promise – and wrote a book about it. We'll also look at the new "conservative" alternative to the ACT and SAT, and we hear from LSU's president about campus growth and growing pains.

Reentry into society is often a difficult path for the formerly incarcerated in Louisiana, but there's help available for those who need a guiding hand. We’ll hear the stories of two women at different points on their journey. Both share their struggles and triumphs as we learn more about the program that’s helping them get back on their feet.

The fire is finally out at the Smitty’s Supply facility in Tangipahoa Parish, but the cleanup effort is just starting. Parish President Robby Miller shares a progress report. Also, a new study shows the little lizards that skitter around New Orleans patios and landscapes have developed what you might call a super power. What can we learn about how they’ve adjusted to the toxins in their environment?https://lailluminator.com/2025/09/09/lead-lizard/

Significant public school closures are on the horizon in New Orleans. We'll learn what's in store from the local school board president. Private school vouchers are not yet widely available in Louisiana; we have an update from Arkansas, where they're now universal. And for something completely different, we discuss what Happy Gilmore and New Orleans have in common.

The 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina has provided an opportunity to measure progress. How much has changed? How much of it has been for the better. Areas where research shows New Orleans – and all of Louisiana – has failed to improve are economic hardship and violence. We talk with a local researcher who’s explored how women and children are especially prone to these dangers.

New Orleans' beleaguered public school system was imploded after Hurricane Katrina. The decision came at the cost of cultural capital from thousands of Black educators — all dismissed. Where do Black teachers and administrators fit in the new New Orleans public education landscape? We'll hear from someone working on that answer.

Catch-and-release isn’t without risks for certain fish. We'll learn what's being done to improve their odds of survival. The news isn't so good for other injured wildlife species in Louisiana, where officials want to limit which ones can be rescued and rehabilitated. Also, we look at the Trump administration's latest rollbacks for clean air standards.

A group of civil rights advocates recently toured three Louisiana detention centers where immigration authorities are detaining thousands of people the federal government believes are in the U.S. illegally. Kerry Kennedy with the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization was part of that tour and shares what she saw – and her thoughts on the corporations that benefit from Trump policy.