Elise Plunk
@eplunk.bsky.social
Ur friendly neighborhood journalist
Water and environment reporter for @lailluminator.com and Mississippi River Basin Ag&Water Desk
✏️ Report for America corps member
🐊University of Florida CJC Alumnus
Water and environment reporter for @lailluminator.com and Mississippi River Basin Ag&Water Desk
✏️ Report for America corps member
🐊University of Florida CJC Alumnus
Pinned
Elise Plunk
@eplunk.bsky.social
· Sep 8
Louisiana created a market to reduce water pollution. Will it actually work? • Louisiana Illuminator
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality hopes to improve water quality throughout the state with a new water quality trading program. But whether the program is fully set up for success isn’...
lailluminator.com
Been a summer full of reporting, so here’s a couple highlights:
Started July with a look at water quality trading (complete with a cheesecake comparison 🍰)
Started July with a look at water quality trading (complete with a cheesecake comparison 🍰)
New story alert 🚨🔔‼️To get more info about the environmental & health impacts of industrial pollution, citizens are taking data collection into their own hands — despite a state law restricting how their research can be used to enforce state regulations lailluminator.com/2025/11/02/c...
Citizen-led pollution monitoring persists in Louisiana, despite law that limits its use • Louisiana Illuminator
Communities around Louisiana are taking environmental data collection into their own hands — despite a law restricting how their findings can be used to enforce regulations.
lailluminator.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:18 PM
New story alert 🚨🔔‼️To get more info about the environmental & health impacts of industrial pollution, citizens are taking data collection into their own hands — despite a state law restricting how their research can be used to enforce state regulations lailluminator.com/2025/11/02/c...
Happy finally-cold-enough-to-wear-a-sweater-outside-and-not-immediately-sweat-through season🎉🍁🍂
November 4, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Happy finally-cold-enough-to-wear-a-sweater-outside-and-not-immediately-sweat-through season🎉🍁🍂
Been a summer full of reporting, so here’s a couple highlights:
Started July with a look at water quality trading (complete with a cheesecake comparison 🍰)
Started July with a look at water quality trading (complete with a cheesecake comparison 🍰)
Louisiana created a market to reduce water pollution. Will it actually work? • Louisiana Illuminator
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality hopes to improve water quality throughout the state with a new water quality trading program. But whether the program is fully set up for success isn’...
lailluminator.com
September 8, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Been a summer full of reporting, so here’s a couple highlights:
Started July with a look at water quality trading (complete with a cheesecake comparison 🍰)
Started July with a look at water quality trading (complete with a cheesecake comparison 🍰)
Reposted by Elise Plunk
Have you dropped off July 4 barbecue to your favorite Louisiana government office yet?
Under looser Louisiana ethics rules, any person can now gift government workers and elected officials $81 worth of food for every one of our 11 state holidays.
Under looser Louisiana ethics rules, any person can now gift government workers and elected officials $81 worth of food for every one of our 11 state holidays.
Public workers in Louisiana can now be gifted $81 worth of food and drink for every holiday • Louisiana Illuminator
Elected officials and government employees may now be gifted $81 worth of food and drink per individual for state holidays and religious occasions under a loosening of Louisiana ethics laws enacted la...
lailluminator.com
July 3, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Have you dropped off July 4 barbecue to your favorite Louisiana government office yet?
Under looser Louisiana ethics rules, any person can now gift government workers and elected officials $81 worth of food for every one of our 11 state holidays.
Under looser Louisiana ethics rules, any person can now gift government workers and elected officials $81 worth of food for every one of our 11 state holidays.
Reposted by Elise Plunk
Landry takes aim at ‘misfire’ bill in veto of sharp-shooter senator’s nutrition legislation #lalege #lagov
Landry takes aim at ‘misfire’ bill in veto of sharp-shooter senator’s nutrition legislation • Louisiana Illuminator
Gov. Jeff Landry has vetoed a conservative nutrition bill taking a swipe at a fellow Republican who is now running for U.S. Senate.
lailluminator.com
June 30, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Reposted by Elise Plunk
Sometime before Katrina, one of the world's biggest mining companies stocked a fishing pond on its corporate lodge in Plaquemines Parish with tilapia, a non-native fish that can gobble up everything and take over ecosystems.
June 16, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Sometime before Katrina, one of the world's biggest mining companies stocked a fishing pond on its corporate lodge in Plaquemines Parish with tilapia, a non-native fish that can gobble up everything and take over ecosystems.
Reposted by Elise Plunk
Kennedy’s appearance at Pennington comes as the future of some employees at the facility and their work are in question as the Trump administration proposes drastic reductions in health and scientific research. RFK Jr. declined to take questions about the cuts #lalege #lagov
Gov. Jeff Landry endorsed legislation Friday to “Make American Healthy Again” with the nation’s controversial top health official at his side for the bill signing ceremony. #lalege #lagov
RFK Jr. joins Landry in Louisiana to approve ‘MAHA’ legislation • Louisiana Illuminator
Gov. Jeff Landry endorsed legislation Friday to “Make American Healthy Again” with the nation’s controversial top health official at his side for the bill signing ceremony. U.S. Health Secretary Rober...
lailluminator.com
June 27, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Reposted by Elise Plunk
Two Iranian-born #LSU students were arrested this week by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement at their off-campus apartment in Baton Rouge, the university has confirmed. #lalege #lagov
Two Iranian-born LSU students arrested by ICE • Louisiana Illuminator
Two Iranian-born LSU students were arrested this week by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement at their off-campus apartment in Baton Rouge
lailluminator.com
June 25, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Reposted by Elise Plunk
ANALYSIS: Louisiana has watered down its wetlands protection laws, leading to concerns that new development could raise flooding risks, destroy vital habitat. @eplunk.bsky.social reports for @agwaterdesk.bsky.social lailluminator.com/2025/06/25/w...
Revised wetlands protection laws in Louisiana, other states open door to development • Louisiana Illuminator
Though states differ in how they now regulate wetland areas, law changes in three states and counting all have the same goal: more development.
lailluminator.com
June 25, 2025 at 1:22 PM
ANALYSIS: Louisiana has watered down its wetlands protection laws, leading to concerns that new development could raise flooding risks, destroy vital habitat. @eplunk.bsky.social reports for @agwaterdesk.bsky.social lailluminator.com/2025/06/25/w...
Happy 5th birthday Louisiana Illuminator! Share some love for the occasion with a donation if you like, and enjoy paywall-free coverage of Louisiana news regardless
Donate • Louisiana Illuminator
lailluminator.com
June 23, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Happy 5th birthday Louisiana Illuminator! Share some love for the occasion with a donation if you like, and enjoy paywall-free coverage of Louisiana news regardless
Reposted by Elise Plunk
Annual forecasts for the Gulf “dead zone” at the mouth of the Mississippi River predicts the section of water with low oxygen levels will be about average in size this year. @elisabethbik.bsky.social reports. @agwaterdesk.bsky.social lailluminator.com/2025/06/12/d...
Trump administration cuts could impact efforts to shrink Gulf 'dead zone' • Louisiana Illuminator
The annual forecast for the Gulf “dead zone” at the mouth of the Mississippi River the will be about average in size this year.
lailluminator.com
June 12, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Annual forecasts for the Gulf “dead zone” at the mouth of the Mississippi River predicts the section of water with low oxygen levels will be about average in size this year. @elisabethbik.bsky.social reports. @agwaterdesk.bsky.social lailluminator.com/2025/06/12/d...
Reposted by Elise Plunk
Louisiana legislators voted to give $3.5 million in state funds to #LSU to purchase a horse facility which the university did not request. #lalege #lagov
LSU to buy equestrian center ‘vital’ to horse racing industry • Louisiana Illuminator
Louisiana legislators voted to give $3.5 million in state funds to LSU to purchase a horse facility which the university did not request.
lailluminator.com
June 12, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Reposted by Elise Plunk
I’m gonna have a cute little iced coffee in a jar tomorrow morning 😌
June 6, 2025 at 4:42 AM
I’m gonna have a cute little iced coffee in a jar tomorrow morning 😌
Reposted by Elise Plunk
"Be very careful about using campaign funds for subsidizing your lifestyle."
Bill to allow broader campaign spending while limiting transparency on campaign activity is still moving forward -- albeit with some tightened up language. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/06/06/b...
Bill to allow broader campaign spending while limiting transparency on campaign activity is still moving forward -- albeit with some tightened up language. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/06/06/b...
Broader campaign spending with less public disclosure still looms in Louisiana • Louisiana Illuminator
The Louisiana Legislature is advancing legislation that would allow politicians to spend their campaign funds on a broader group of expenses, including country club memberships and gym fees, while pro...
lailluminator.com
June 6, 2025 at 2:57 PM
"Be very careful about using campaign funds for subsidizing your lifestyle."
Bill to allow broader campaign spending while limiting transparency on campaign activity is still moving forward -- albeit with some tightened up language. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/06/06/b...
Bill to allow broader campaign spending while limiting transparency on campaign activity is still moving forward -- albeit with some tightened up language. #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/06/06/b...
Reposted by Elise Plunk
RED ALERT Part 2: The public reported problems with toxic runoff from the Atalco alumni refinery long before inspectors found breaches in the levees meant to contain waste. @wesmuller.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2025/06/03/r...
Red Alert: Public reported problems at Atalco refinery long before inspectors found levee breaches
There’s a small area along the Mississippi River where the land and buildings are covered with the same rust-colored mineral found on Mars. Welcome to Atalco.
lailluminator.com
June 3, 2025 at 1:48 PM
RED ALERT Part 2: The public reported problems with toxic runoff from the Atalco alumni refinery long before inspectors found breaches in the levees meant to contain waste. @wesmuller.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2025/06/03/r...
Reposted by Elise Plunk
BUILDING IN THE BACKWATERS: If the Louisiana Legislature approves a proposed update to its laws, environmentalists fear wetlands areas won't be protected under state or federal law that limits backfilling and development. @eplunk.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2025/06/04/l...
It could soon become easier to build in Louisiana wetlands • Louisiana Illuminator
The legislature has changed the state’s legal definition of wetlands, leaving doubt over whether permits will be needed to develop isolated backwater areas
lailluminator.com
June 4, 2025 at 2:57 PM
BUILDING IN THE BACKWATERS: If the Louisiana Legislature approves a proposed update to its laws, environmentalists fear wetlands areas won't be protected under state or federal law that limits backfilling and development. @eplunk.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2025/06/04/l...
Reposted by Elise Plunk
Louisiana will limit lawsuits against nursing homes over wrongful death/injury, unless Gov. Jeff Landry vetoes a bill.
“We are supposed to protect the elderly – not somebody who is trying to make more money off the elderly." #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/06/03/l...
“We are supposed to protect the elderly – not somebody who is trying to make more money off the elderly." #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/06/03/l...
Louisiana likely to make it harder to sue nursing homes over wrongful deaths • Louisiana Illuminator
Louisiana lawmakers gave final approval to legislation Tuesday to limit the amount of money nursing home residents and their families receive from lawsuits over injuries, neglect and wrongful deaths.
lailluminator.com
June 3, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Louisiana will limit lawsuits against nursing homes over wrongful death/injury, unless Gov. Jeff Landry vetoes a bill.
“We are supposed to protect the elderly – not somebody who is trying to make more money off the elderly." #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/06/03/l...
“We are supposed to protect the elderly – not somebody who is trying to make more money off the elderly." #lalege
lailluminator.com/2025/06/03/l...
Reposted by Elise Plunk
RED ALERT: The Atalco Alumina refinery in Gramercy has spilled toxic waste into the community and knew about it for months. @wesmuller.bsky.social reports regulators have been tracking the problem, but with few percussions so far for the company. Part 1 of a series lailluminator.com/2025/06/02/r...
Red Alert: A refinery spilled toxic waste into the community and knew about it for months • Louisiana Illuminator
A metal refinery unlawfully discharged industrial toxic waste containing arsenic, chromium and other heavy metals into a Lake Maurepas swamp.
lailluminator.com
June 2, 2025 at 12:39 PM
RED ALERT: The Atalco Alumina refinery in Gramercy has spilled toxic waste into the community and knew about it for months. @wesmuller.bsky.social reports regulators have been tracking the problem, but with few percussions so far for the company. Part 1 of a series lailluminator.com/2025/06/02/r...
Reposted by Elise Plunk
UPDATE: Attempt to remove fluoride from Louisiana drinking water goes flat. @eplunk.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/briefs/attem...
Attempt to remove fluoride from Louisiana drinking water goes flat • Louisiana Illuminator
A proposal to end the addition of fluoride from public drinking water in Louisiana failed Wednesday in the legislature following passionate testimony from health care and dental professionals.
lailluminator.com
May 28, 2025 at 9:23 PM
UPDATE: Attempt to remove fluoride from Louisiana drinking water goes flat. @eplunk.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/briefs/attem...
Reposted by Elise Plunk
New studies point to increasing risk of loss from wind, rain during hurricanes. @eplunk.bsky.social reports: lailluminator.com/briefs/hurri...
New studies point to increasing risk of loss from wind, rain during hurricanes • Louisiana Illuminator
As hurricane season begins June 1, new studies point to an increasing risk of loss from severe wind and water damage common during these intense storms.
lailluminator.com
May 23, 2025 at 7:48 PM
New studies point to increasing risk of loss from wind, rain during hurricanes. @eplunk.bsky.social reports: lailluminator.com/briefs/hurri...
Reposted by Elise Plunk
That Louisiana House Black Caucus is standing up to protest an anti-DEI bill brought by Republican Rep. Emily Chenevert, which is currently being debated on the House floor.
(Photo by @wesmuller.bsky.social)
(Photo by @wesmuller.bsky.social)
May 20, 2025 at 12:04 AM
That Louisiana House Black Caucus is standing up to protest an anti-DEI bill brought by Republican Rep. Emily Chenevert, which is currently being debated on the House floor.
(Photo by @wesmuller.bsky.social)
(Photo by @wesmuller.bsky.social)
Reposted by Elise Plunk
A new harvesting technique has been pitched as a way to save Louisiana's shrinking oyster industry. @eplunk.bsky.social explores whether it can help offset the loss of coastal areas where oysters have been harvested for generations. @agwaterdesk.bsky.social lailluminator.com/2025/05/19/l...
Louisiana’s oyster industry is at risk. A new harvesting technique is pitched as a solution. • Louisiana Illuminator
Louisiana’s environment can be the best friend and the worst enemy to an oyster harvester.
lailluminator.com
May 19, 2025 at 9:54 PM
A new harvesting technique has been pitched as a way to save Louisiana's shrinking oyster industry. @eplunk.bsky.social explores whether it can help offset the loss of coastal areas where oysters have been harvested for generations. @agwaterdesk.bsky.social lailluminator.com/2025/05/19/l...
Reposted by Elise Plunk
Weather modification bills, fueled by ‘magic’ and conspiracy theories, advance in Louisiana. @eplunk.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2025/05/19/w...
Weather modification bills, fueled by ‘magic’ and conspiracy theories, advance in Louisiana • Louisiana Illuminator
Two bills to ban weather modification in Louisiana have quietly moved their way through the state legislature this session, as a cohort of other states have moved to do the same with technology that p...
lailluminator.com
May 19, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Weather modification bills, fueled by ‘magic’ and conspiracy theories, advance in Louisiana. @eplunk.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2025/05/19/w...
Reposted by Elise Plunk
Supporters of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project took to the State Capitol steps Monday afternoon, urging state leaders to advance the stalled coastal restoration project. @eplunk.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2025/05/12/m...
Proponents of Mid-Barataria diversion warn against abandoning wetlands • Louisiana Illuminator
Supporters of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project took to the State Capitol steps Monday afternoon, urging state leaders to advance the stalled coastal restoration project.
lailluminator.com
May 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Supporters of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project took to the State Capitol steps Monday afternoon, urging state leaders to advance the stalled coastal restoration project. @eplunk.bsky.social reports lailluminator.com/2025/05/12/m...
Reposted by Elise Plunk
In a David vs Goliath style debate, residents take on the oil and gas industry and supporters of carbon capture. The first key bill to give parishes more control over projects went down today. Co-written with my colleague @eplunk.bsky.social #lalege #lagov
lailluminator.com/2025/04/29/l...
lailluminator.com/2025/04/29/l...
Local say-so for carbon storage projects in Louisiana takes a blow • Louisiana Illuminator
Debate over local control and state regulation of emissions took on David vs. Goliath tones Tuesday at the State Capitol, where a legislative committee considered a raft of bills dealing with carbon c...
lailluminator.com
April 29, 2025 at 10:53 PM
In a David vs Goliath style debate, residents take on the oil and gas industry and supporters of carbon capture. The first key bill to give parishes more control over projects went down today. Co-written with my colleague @eplunk.bsky.social #lalege #lagov
lailluminator.com/2025/04/29/l...
lailluminator.com/2025/04/29/l...