Louisiana: The State We're In

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Steven Procopio, Policy Director from the Public Affairs Research Council, wearing a dark suit jacket and a light green patterned tie, sits in a studio setting. He has a serious expression and is looking slightly to his left. The background is a digital image of the Louisiana State Capitol building at dusk.

Louisiana 2025 Regular Session Highlights

The Louisiana State Legislature, which convened for its 2025 regular session on April 14, wrapped this week. The session saw a focus on tax and budget policy, with high-stakes debates on the state's insurance affordability crisis and governmental ethics. Legislators also considered reviving constitutional changes rejected by voters, including combining two state trust funds. On this week’s edition of Louisiana, The State We’re In, Steven Procopio, Policy Director from the Public Affairs Research Council, joins us to give insight into the winners and losers from this year’s session.

A medium shot of a smiling man with short, graying hair and a goatee, holding a microphone. He is wearing a light gray suit jacket over a white collared shirt and has a red and blue patterned pocket square. The background is softly out of focus.

Son of a Saint: Breaking Cycles

In Louisiana, nearly 45% of children grow up without a father at home, which is 10 percentage points higher than the national average. Research indicates a strong connection between father absence and negative outcomes for young men, both in Louisiana and nationwide. This is why Bivian “Sonny" Lee, CEO of Son of a Saint, developed an initiative to combat those stats. Sonny’s father, a former New Orleans Saints player, passed away unexpectedly when Sonny was just three years old. Sonny has dedicated his life’s work to helping young men like himself create a brighter future. In this week’s Good News LA, LPB’s Dorothea Wilson learns about Sonny’s progress and future expansion plans.

An elevated, wide shot of a modern, two-story building under a blue sky with puffy white clouds. The building has a long, tan concrete section with many windows and a newer section with gray metal siding and a large glass entrance. A white van is parked in the paved lot in the foreground, and small, newly planted trees line the front of the building.

Louisiana’s $62 Billion Economic Boom

2025 marks a record-breaking year for Louisiana, with $62 billion in economic development projects driving the state’s transformation. In this episode of LA Speaks, LPB’s Karen LeBlanc speaks with Susan Bourgeois, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development (LED), about the major investments reshaping the economy—from Meta’s massive AI data center to Hyundai’s innovative steel plant and historic LNG expansions. Discover the seven key industry sectors powering Louisiana’s future: energy, agribusiness, logistics, aerospace, professional services, tech, and life sciences. Plus, learn how the state's strategic plan and infrastructure are attracting global giants.

Two men crouch beside a large wooden or woven sculpture on the floor, possibly made of toothpicks or natural fibers. They are in a gallery or exhibit space featuring handcrafted artwork displayed on folding tables against a brick wall. One man wears a plaid shirt and camo hat, the other a blue checkered shirt with a necklace. Visible behind them are sculptures, framed art, and informational signage, highlighting cultural or folk art craftsmanship.

The Toothpick Man: 3 Million Toothpicks, One World Record

Michael Smith, also known as the "Toothpick Man," has spent more than 50 years creating breathtaking art—one toothpick at a time. From a 320-pound toothpick alligator that landed him in the Guinness Book of World Records to mentoring students with ADHD, Michael’s work is as therapeutic as it is extraordinary. LPB’s Karen LeBlanc shares how Michael’s passion, patience, and purpose can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

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About

Louisiana: The State We’re In, Louisiana's only statewide news magazine, is in its 48th season on the air. The program airs Fridays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 4:30 p.m. on the six-station LPB network that includes stations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, and Shreveport. It also streams at lpb.org/livetv and airs on LPB’s sister station WLAE-TV32 in New Orleans on Fridays at 7PM and on WYES-TV, the PBS station for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, at 7:30PM.

This award-winning show combines in-depth coverage about the important issues in the state along with expert analysis. Louisiana: The State We’re In has been a leader reporting on the Louisiana Legislature with a goal to explain how legislation affects the lives of the people of the state. The program also features the art, culture, places, and people that make Louisiana so unique, including stories about everyday citizens who are heroes and helpers to others in their communities.

Louisiana: The State We’re In, is anchored by Karen LeBlanc and Dorothea Wilson. Sports journalist Victor Howell puts a new spin on sports for LPB viewers with frequent contributions.