BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Louisiana has recorded its first two deaths from whooping cough since 2018, as the state is experiencing a surge in the illness and could set a record high for cases this year. The Louisiana Department of Health said it has identified 164 cases in just the first four months of 2025, while there were 153 all of last year. Whooping cough is a respiratory illness that is very contagious. The rise in numbers mirrors national trends. The spread of the illness is also leading to an increase in reported hospitalizations and deaths. Read some tips on how to handle whooping cough. Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto, who has had a rough tenure as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, is leaving her post to take a job with a Washington, D.C., law firm. Giacometto came in with Gov. Jeff Landry’s initial cabinet, promising to streamline the department. But her leadership style rubbed employees the wrong way and triggered a state audit of the agency’s workplace culture. Read more about her departure. Star Wars fans across the galaxy live it up on May 4th ("May the force be with you"), but for some Louisiana fans, the celebrations aren't restricted to one day of the year. Read about how they express their fandom. | 