by Louisiana Illuminator, Louisiana Illuminator
May 3, 2025

This week’s episode of “The Light Switch” focuses entirely on the Angola Prison Rodeo, now in its 60th year at Louisiana State Penitentiary.

While the rest of the state is deep into its unofficial festival season, about 75 incarcerated men take part in a rodeo that’s not your traditional apple pie, bucking broncos and fancy horses event.

Its critics describe it more like a sordid gladiator exhibition from peak Roman Empire times. They say this exploitation of inmates reflects outdated views on incarceration in Louisiana, a state where more than 1,000 of every 100,000 residents are behind bars according to the Promise of Justice Initiative.

But the rodeo also has its supporters – and some of the most ardent are the inmates who are part of the show. Reporter Piper Hutchinson attended the event last month and heard why they see the rodeo as a key part of positive prison culture. Read more about her visit to “The Wildest Show in the South.” 

There are two ways to listen to “The Light Switch” …

Spotify (listen below on the embedded player or use this link)

Apple (listen with the embedded player or use this link)

Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com.

The post ‘The Light Switch’ Episode 4: Risk and rewards from the Angola Prison Rodeo appeared first on lailluminator.com

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

The content of this article presents both sides of the issue surrounding the Angola Prison Rodeo, offering perspectives from both critics and supporters, including the inmates who participate. The tone of the article is neutral, providing factual details about the rodeo’s history and the contrasting views on its ethical implications. The language used does not overtly favor one side over the other, and the content mainly seeks to inform the audience about the ongoing debate without pushing a clear ideological stance. The article succeeds in portraying multiple viewpoints, making it a balanced and factual report on a complex issue.

SUMMARY: Be prepared for severe storms later today, especially in San Antonio. Rain chances are low until after lunch but will rise by early afternoon with storms forming in the Hill Country. By late afternoon and evening, there’s about a 70% chance of rain, continuing through midnight. The storms are driven by fronts from the north, ample moisture, and upper-level energy, leading to potential strong to severe storms with gusty winds, hail, and localized flooding. Tornado risk is low but present. Tomorrow will be cooler with lingering clouds, dry conditions, and temperatures around 79°F. More storms are possible next week.

The best odds for rain will be between 7 and 10pm.

Source

The post Caddo Parish budget reports 7% population decline over 15-year period | Louisiana appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

This article appears to present a neutral, fact-based reporting style, offering an overview of the 2025 budget for Caddo Parish and its associated challenges. It reports on the population decline, its economic effects, and the budget’s allocation for criminal justice without explicitly endorsing any ideological position or providing commentary that could influence the reader’s opinion. The data presented is balanced and factual, discussing both fiscal deficits and revenue increases. No strong language or framing suggests a clear political bias or agenda, making the article a neutral, centrist account of local government issues.