News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Louisiana families struggle to afford child care, survey finds

Published

4 months ago

February 18, 2025

Staff Editor

lailluminator.com – Piper Hutchinson – 2025-02-18 17:10:00

Louisiana families struggle to afford child care, survey finds

by Piper Hutchinson, Louisiana Illuminator
February 18, 2025

Most Louisiana families with young children struggle to afford care, according to a new survey the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children published Tuesday.

Parents surveyed reported spending around $7,600 per year for child care for two children, with parents who do not receive any form of subsidized care report spending $14,000 per year. The median household income in Louisiana is $58,229, according to federal census data. The majority of families surveyed reported needing child care to be able to work.

“Louisiana’s families are caught in the middle — struggling to afford the child care they need to stay in the workforce, yet unable to access public support,” LPIC chief executive Libbie Sonnier said. “Without meaningful investment in early childhood education, parents will continue to face economic hardship, and our state will miss out on the full potential of its workforce.”

The survey of parents and guardians with children under age 5 was conducted in November by Louisiana Policy Institute for Children in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education, Agenda for Children, Rotary Club of Baton Rouge and Women United of Southeast Louisiana.

The survey revealed concerns over the cost of child care are not limited to low-income parents. It found 58% of parents earning $50,000 to $100,000, 54% of parents earning $100,000 to $150,000 and 35% of parents earning over $150,000 reported worries about child care affordability.

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children recommended addressing the affordability concern by increasing state investment in early childhood education and incentivizing businesses to contribute toward child care costs for employees. The organization also wants to make it easier for people to pursue careers in the early childhood field.

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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 Louisiana families struggle to afford child care, survey finds appeared first on lailluminator.com

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

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June 19, 2025

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wgno.com – Christopher Leach – 2025-06-19 10:00:00

SUMMARY: Chef Myisha “Maya” Masterson, founder of the Black Roux Culinary Collective, blends food, history, music, and travel into immersive culinary experiences. Her Juneteenth tribute, a shrimp watermelon salad, honors African American resilience with symbolic ingredients like watermelon, red onion, and pickled collard greens. Masterson views cooking as a deeply artistic and nourishing act, rooted in ancestral tradition. Watermelon, once a tool of survival and later a racist stereotype, has been reclaimed as a symbol of liberation and pride. Masterson’s work highlights the powerful connection between food and cultural legacy, offering nourishment not just for the body but for the soul.

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The post The storied history of eating watermelon appeared first on wgno.com

News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

How would a tax for Johnston Street work? – The Current

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23 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Staff Editor

thecurrentla.com – Camden Doherty – 2025-06-18 13:00:00

SUMMARY: With City Council approval of a road ownership swap, Lafayette’s revitalization of Bertrand Drive and Johnston Street is moving forward. Funding remains unresolved, with Councilman Andy Naquin proposing an Economic Development District (EDD) to impose an extra sales tax on businesses in the area. Mayor-President Monique Boulet agreed to explore the EDD but emphasized the need for more analysis and stakeholder input. Though controversial, especially among businesses, EDDs could support infrastructure upgrades, with Johnston Street receiving \$5 million in initial state funding. Naquin hopes to finalize EDD boundaries by year’s end, framing it as a potential public-private partnership.

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The post How would a tax for Johnston Street work? – The Current appeared first on thecurrentla.com

News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Madison and Champagnolle intersection to become four-way stop for driver safety

Published

1 day ago

June 18, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – KTVE – 2025-06-18 17:38:53

SUMMARY: The intersection of Madison and Champagnolle in El Dorado will soon become a four-way stop to improve driver safety. The change follows numerous complaints after the removal of a traffic light, which residents say made the intersection dangerous. Drivers reported confusion and excessive speeding, especially on Madison. In response, the city council approved converting the intersection into a four-way stop with red flashing lights and clear signage. Officials aim to slow traffic and provide safer, more controlled access for all directions. The project will be implemented soon, and drivers are urged to watch for signs and drive cautiously during the transition.