by Julie O’Donoghue, Louisiana Illuminator
July 14, 2025

Gov. Jeff Landry and state lawmakers have put $31.7 million toward refurbishing the outside of the Louisiana State Capitol. 

The money, included in the annual state construction plan that took effect July 1, will be used to waterproof the Capitol’s exterior in order for it to undergo a thorough cleaning. 

“It is a symbol of Louisiana, and it’s one of the most visited state capitol buildings in the country,” Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, said. “We’re taking all the steps we need to waterproof it so it will last another 200 to 300 years.”

Completed in 1932, Louisiana’s State Capitol is a classic example of the Art Deco design style popular at the time and also used for the Empire State Building in New York City. Its construction took just 14 months. The building was the brainchild of Huey Long, who was a U.S. senator at the time and would be buried on its grounds three years later after his assassination in a Capitol hallway.

The state will have to find more money in future years to complete the waterproofing project. It is expected to total $113.9 million, according to Louisiana’s construction plan.

Of the $31.7 million allocated this year, $21 million comes from general state funding and $700,000 from an account set up in 2023 for Capitol repairs. The state plans to borrow the other $10 million.

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 Nearly $32 million slated to start exterior makeover of Louisiana State Capitol 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

This content presents a straightforward report on the allocation of state funds for refurbishing the Louisiana State Capitol. The article focuses on factual details without expressing political opinions or promoting a specific ideological viewpoint. The inclusion of quotes from a Republican Senate President and historical context about Huey Long provides balanced information without leaning towards partisan commentary, making the content centrist in nature.

SUMMARY: Local farmer Trey Johnson announced he will pause appearances at Lafayette’s Corner Pantry market due to 2024’s heavy rains that damaged his crops. Johnson, part of a regional sustainable farming community, shifted from engineering to farming to support local food traditions. Despite challenges like labor shortages and economic uncertainties, small farmers remain optimistic, valuing independence from government aid. New infrastructure, like Moncus Park’s upcoming pavilion, aims to support these farmers and artisans. Many, including Karen Stelly and Fightingville Fresh founders, work hard to sustain their operations and provide fresh food to local communities. Johnson plans to grow via direct-to-consumer CSA subscriptions.

Read the full article

The post Small farms provide a local alternative to a shaky global market appeared first on thecurrentla.com

SUMMARY: Expect another hot day with heat indices between 100-104°F, making indoor activities preferable. Morning temperatures are in the mid-70s, with calm winds and typical mid-July conditions. The hurricane center is monitoring a potential low-pressure system in the eastern Gulf of Mexico with a 20% chance of development over seven days, possibly increasing rain chances Thursday and Friday but likely remaining disorganized. Showers will be more widespread today and tomorrow, with a 60% chance of rain and pockets of heavy rain in the afternoon. High pressure builds Tuesday and Wednesday, raising temperatures and possibly prompting heat advisories before wetter conditions return later in the week.

Tracking the tropics and increased heat next week

Subscribe to WDSU on YouTube now for more: http://bit.ly/1n00vnY

Get more New Orleans news: http://www.wdsu.com
Like us: http://www.facebook.com/wdsutv
Follow us: http://twitter.com/wdsu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdsu6/

Source