News from the South - Louisiana News Feed
‘The Light Switch’ Episode 4: Risk and rewards from the Angola Prison Rodeo
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 They say this exploitation of inmates reflects outdated views on incarceration in Louisiana, a state where more than 1,000 of every 100,000 residents are behind bars according to the Promise of Justice Initiative.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.
News from the South - Louisiana News Feed
Potential tropical storm could possibly form today on the East Coast
SUMMARY: A potential tropical storm could develop today along the East Coast, with a 70% chance of formation, possibly becoming a named storm by tomorrow. Current weather shows hot temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s, feeling like upper 90s to triple digits in some areas. Light, hit-or-miss showers are passing through, with occasional thunderstorms expected later this afternoon into the evening, especially near coastal and river parishes. By fireworks time, skies should clear up. Travelers along the coast and towards the Carolinas should prepare for rain through the weekend into Monday. Rain chances will increase late weekend, but no major washout expected today.
The NHC has an area of interest off the east coast of the United States highlighted for potential development this weekend.
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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed
‘I just want my wife back’: Baton Rouge veteran’s spouse faces deportation
SUMMARY: Adrian Clouatre’s wife, Paola, was arrested by ICE after discovering a 2018 deportation order during a TikTok search. Paola, who came to the U.S. from Mexico as a child and has been homeless due to family issues, is now detained at Richwood Correctional Center. Adrian, a former Marine, struggles to explain the situation to their children and visits her when possible. Immigration attorney Aaron Cash notes increased arrests under the Trump administration, even for non-criminals. ICE denies inhumane treatment claims. Adrian remains determined to reunite with Paola, planning to secure her legal return if deported.
The post 'I just want my wife back': Baton Rouge veteran's spouse faces deportation appeared first on wgno.com
News from the South - Louisiana News Feed
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The post Louisiana leaders react to passing of President Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' appeared first on wgno.com
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