Louisiana Considered Podcast

Earlier this month, the organizations EverythingALS and Vision 2030 announced a partnership with the Allen Institute to accelerate research into the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS. The disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition where patients lose the ability to walk, use their hands, talk and eventually breathe. But the new investment will be geared towards finding using AI-powered technology to look for a cure at the cellular level. Tech entrepreneur and founder of EverythingALS, Indu Navar, and ALS patient living in Covington, Louisiana, Tim Fulham, join us for more on their journeys with the disease and ongoing research. Over the last two weeks, we've brought you parts one and two of the latest episode of Sea Change: Losing Paradise. In each episode, we learned about the ongoing battle between fisherman and oil companies over the rights to drowned land. This fight is playing out on land, sea and in the courtroom. But is there a way out of this deadlock that won't take decades of case-by-case lawsuits?LSU Law School professor John Lovett has been studying this issue for years. He spoke with the host of Sea Change, Carlyle Calhoun, about what believes might be a solution to the long simmering battle. ___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. Matt Bloom and Aubry Procell are assistant producers. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

It's Thursday, and that means it's time to talk politics with The Times Picayune/New Orleans Advocate's Stephanie Grace. Today, we hear why New Orleans is gaining access to unspent Katrina money from FEMA. We also learn about Mayor Moreno's recent win: bringing the Sewerage and Water Board under more city control. A sports medicine physician has opened one of the world's first clinics and treatment centers specifically for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome at the Fascia Institute. Also known as EDS, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome affects the body's connective tissues, often categorized by loose skin, unstable joints and hypermobility.The doctor at the helm of the new clinic, Dr. Jacques Courseault, tells us more about the condition, why it often goes undiagnosed and how to treat it.The new documentary “GASLIT” explores how communities along the Gulf Coast are impacted by liquified natural gas export terminals. Academy Award winner and activist Jane Fonda travelled throughout Texas and Louisiana, meeting and talking with the various people who have concerns about the expansion of the industry. She met with shrimpers, cattle farm workers, former oil workers and “reluctant activists” to learn how they are banding together to protect the coastlines. The film's director, Katie Camosy, joins us with more.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Bob Pavlovich. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais has set off a wave of redistricting across the Gulf South.Elise Gregg from the Gulf States Newsroom reports on how smaller communities in the South are being affected by new state voting maps that mostly favor Republican candidates.Student researchers at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette have made a finding that could change the way scientists interpret information about climate change in both the fossil record as well as the modern ecosystem. And they made that discovery simply using oak leaves collected from the university's campus.Dr. Brian Schubert, professor and director of environmental science at the School of Geosciences at UL Lafayette, along with his recently-graduated student, Clinton Vincent, tell us more.LSU Health New Orleans is one of four medical programs in the state and 50 in the nation taking part in a federal program to promote nutrition education among medical students. Its purpose is to make sure participating schools add a 40-hour program in nutrition.Dr. Robin English, associate dean for undergraduate medical education, LSU Health New Orleans, joins us for more. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

A New Orleans immigration court is set to increase the number of hearings judges oversee each day dramatically. This is due to the Trump administration's push to accelerate deportation decisions. Bobbi Jeanne Misick has been covering this for Verite News. She joins us for more on the so-called “mega” hearings. The André Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice, located on historic Bayou Road in New Orleans, is gearing up for some exciting summer projects. Named for Civil War hero and freedom fighter André Cailloux, the center serves as a multidisciplinary arts and cultural hub dedicated to promoting justice, community engagement and economic opportunities for Black artists and cultural organizations. Lauren Turner Hines is the founding envisionist and executive lead of the center. She tells us more about the organization's founding and current initiatives. __Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Sara Henegan. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber, and our assistant producer is Aubry Procell. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

In May, University of New Orleans president Kathy Johnson announced she will be leaving her position at the end of June. This comes after she helped the university navigate its financial crisis and return to the LSU system. She's accepted a role as the executive vice president and provost of Saint Louis University. WWNO and WRKF education reporter Aubri Juhasz tells us what this means for the institution.Baton Rouge's district attorney is scrutinizing companies that monitor ankle devices used by courts and law enforcement agencies to track offenders, after a local rapper was able to perform at a concert in New York City without officials knowing.District Attorney Hilliar Moore learned through social media that Austin Jackson, who goes by the name “BBE AJ," had violated his bond agreement.Quinn Coffman, reporter for the Baton Rouge Advocate, tells us more about Moore's investigation into these ankle device monitoring companies.  Louisiana artist and scholar Jermaine Butler is releasing “Lalézon,” believed to be the first rap extended playlist recording entirely in Louisiana Creole, also known as Kouri-Vini. This project brings Kouri-Vini into contemporary hip hop and helps promote what is often considered a critically endangered language. Jermaine Butler joins with for more.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Want to feel better? Get unstuck? Be inspired? Remake the world? Then this episode is for you. We talk with Katherine Wilkinson, author of the book Climate Wayfinding, and Colette Pichon Battle, lawyer and co-founder of Taproot Earth, about finding our way through the climate crisis.To read more about Climate Wayfinding, or order a copy of the book, click here.This episode was hosted by Carlyle Calhoun and Eva Tesfaye. Eva conducted the interview. Sound design by Kurt Kohnen, and our theme music is by Jon Batiste.Sea Change is a WWNO and WRKF production. We're a part of the NPR Podcast Network and distributed by PRX. To help others find our podcast, hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Sea Change is made possible with major support from the Gulf Research Program of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. WWNO's Coastal Desk is supported by the Walton Family Foundation, the Meraux Foundation, and the Greater New Orleans Foundation.

It's Thursday, and that means it's time to catch up on politics with The Times-Picayune/The Advocate's Stephanie Grace. Today, we discuss the two candidates still in the race vying for Bill Cassidy's Senate seat. Last week, a ruling came down in the case of the notorious farm line at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. A federal judge ruled that while men forced to work on the farm line are subject to dangerous and harsh conditions, the court cannot force the state to fix the problem. The ruling follows nearly three years of litigation and comes just as the summer heat season is rolling in.The coastal desk's Michael McEwen has been following the case and joins us for more. This weekend, New Orleans' annual Black Nerd Fest, or BLERDFEST!, returns. The event is meant to increase representation within the Black community when it comes to all things anime, superheroes, sci-fi, cosplay and more. The event is open to both kids and adults, reminding everyone that there is room for them in the multiverse. True, creator and CEO of Blerd Fest, along with programming coordinator Jasmine Walker, joins us for more.___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Lawmakers in Baton Rouge wrapped up the regular session this week without money in the budget to give teachers another one-time stipend, as they've done for the past three years. Instead, Gov. Jeff Landry is asking lawmakers to pull the money needed from existing school funding. WWNO and WRKF's education reporter Aubri Juhasz joins us for more on this topic. Summer is right around the corner, and that means it's mosquito season in our part of Louisiana. They're an annoyance, of course, but they're also a public health concern because mosquitoes are vectors for diseases like the West Nile virus.Kevin Caillouet, director & medical entomologist with the St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District, tells us how to protect ourselves from mosquitoes while still being a good steward of the environment.How do you quantify the music economy in a city like Baton Rouge? Where does the data come from? Who do you ask? Those are the questions the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge pursued when it conducted the Baton Rouge Region Music Census. And they recently released a report detailing what they found out.Jonathan Grimes, President & CEO of Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, tells us what the findings revealed about the entertainment economy in the capital city. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

After 12 weeks, Louisiana's regular legislative session officially wrapped on Monday night. Capitol Access Reporter Brooke Thorington gives us the latest, including the new congressional voting map, teacher pay raises and environmental legislation. Students in New Orleans recently celebrated the end of the school year and all the milestones that come with it. This was Fateama Fulmore's first full year as the city's superintendent. She spoke with WWNO's education reporter Aubri Juhasz for more on the biggest lessons she learned this year and her hopes for next. Louisiana Public Broadcasting is launching a new digital series. Called “LA64” the series will embark on a five-year initiative to explore each parish in the state, what sets them all apart, and what unites them. Host and producer of the new series, Karen LeBlanc, tells us more about the first season, and highlights some of the state's forgotten small towns. __Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Sara Henegan. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber, and our assistant producer is Aubry Procell. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Shortly after his inauguration, Gov. Jeff Landry signed a package of tough-on-crime bills that drastically changed the state's sentencing laws. Now, two years later, the governor is hoping to add even more beds to the state's largest prison through a newly proposed corrections budget. ProPublica and Verite News have spent more than two years investigating the impact of Landry's policies on the criminal justice system and how expanding the state's corrections budget would impact taxpayers. Verite News reporter Richard Webster joins us with more.Louisiana Republican State Sen. Jay Morris used his office to help bring one of the world's largest data centers to Richland Parish. But he also owned thousands of acres surrounding the site that the company planned to build on. He then sold some of that land for the construction of a power plant that will provide energy to Meta's massive array of computers.Garrett Hazelwood, an investigative reporter at Floodlight, worked in partnership with Verite and the Louisiana Illuminator to break the story. He tells us more about his findings that Morris's conduct may have violated state ethics laws. In New Orleans, there's an ongoing battle at the office of the clerk of criminal court — or what was the office of the clerk of criminal court. Calvin Duncan, a lawyer, criminal justice advocate and wrongfully convicted Black man who served almost 30 years in prison before his exoneration, ran for clerk of criminal court and won. Afterward, state lawmakers removed his position, seeking to combine his office with the civil court clerk.In a recent interview on Louisiana Considered, Duncan traced the move to unseat him before taking office back to the days of Reconstruction. Arguing that Louisiana has a history of diluting Black political power.Jarret Luter is an Instructor of History at Southern University. He joins us for more on the throughline between Reconstruction and modern examples of diluting Black voting power.June 1 marks the start of Pride Month, so today we're remembering the late gay rights activist Stewart Butler. A survivor of the tragic Upstairs Lounge fire, the New Orleans native's activism spanned over 40 years as he helped found numerous LGBTQ+ organizations.In 2019, Butler spoke with Mark Cave from the Historic New Orleans Collection about his contributions to the movement, including the first gay rights conference at LSU. Today, we give his recollections a second listen.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Today we're bringing you the second part of the latest Sea Change episode, Losing Paradise.As Louisiana's coastal wetlands are claimed by the rising Gulf, fishermen and oil companies disagree over who has the right to the drowned land. Oil companies say they still pay taxes on the drowned property and have a right to keep off trespassers. Meanwhile fishermen say these are public navigable waters.Attempts to pass legislation that would bring clarity have failed, so host Carlyle Calhoun brings us to another battlefront - the courthouse.Billions from opioid settlements are flowing to local governments to help communities devastated by addiction.In Louisiana, one of the hardest-hit areas — Jefferson Parish — is set to receive tens of millions of dollars.But as the Gulf States Newsroom's Drew Hawkins and Verite News' Katie Jane Fernelius report, the parish has spent little of it so far.___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. We get production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Why are fishermen being arrested in Louisiana? An epic battle over "Sportsman's Paradise" is being waged on Louisiana's water. This is a story about public rights and private power colliding. As more and more of Louisiana's coast disappears underwater, the state's two most powerful and iconic forces – fishing and fossil fuels – are waging war over who owns the drowned land.This episode was hosted and reported by Sea Change's executive producer, Carlyle Calhoun. The episode was edited by Eve Abrams. Additional help from Johanna Zorn, Drew Hawkins, Eva Tesfaye, and Michael McEwan. The episode was fact-checked by Philip Kiefer. Sound design by Dennis Funk, and our theme music is by Jon Batiste.---Sea Change is a WWNO and WRKF production. We are part of the NPR Podcast Network and distributed by PRX. Sea Change is made possible with major support from the Gulf Research Program of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. WWNO's Coastal Desk is supported by the Walton Family Foundation, the Meraux Foundation, and the Greater New Orleans Foundation.

The new documentary “Steal This Story, Please!” tells the story of independent investigative journalist and co-founder of Democracy Now, Amy Goodman. Produced by Elsewhere Films, the documentary explores Goodman's globe-trotting reporting, covering the Indonesian invasion of East Timor, tracking down oil executives in Nigeria and her advocacy for the release of a man she believes was wrongfully imprisoned in Louisiana. The film highlights her commitment to democracy and truth-telling, and is imbued with a strong sense of her Jewish identity and New York roots. Goodman joins us alongside one of the co-directors, Tia Lessin. Lessin, alongside her husband and production partner Carl Deal, also directed the Oscar-nominated documentary about Hurricane Katrina, “Trouble the Water.”They discuss how the documentary came together, what sets Goodman apart from other journalists and the future of the increasingly attacked industry. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

The Louisiana legislative session is entering its final week. Times-Picayune/The Advocate's editorial director and columnist, Stephanie Grace, tells us what bills passed, which failed, and what efforts are underway to change voting in the party primary system. Another school year has come and gone. In Louisiana, reading scores are continuing to rise after a COVID drop. WWNO and WRKF's education reporter Aubri Juhasz joins us to discuss some of the biggest stories from the last school year.For years, Louisiana has had one of the highest rates of incarceration in the country. But for many women leaving prison, the barriers don't end once they're released — especially when it comes to education and employment.Operation Restoration is working to change that through higher education, job training and reentry support for formerly incarcerated women and girls. Syrita Steib, founder and CEO of Operation Restoration, and Stephanie King, the first graduate of the organization's College-in-Prison partnership with Tulane University, join us with more.__Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Sara Henegan. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber, and our assistant producer is Aubry Procell. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Louisiana lawmakers recently passed a bill eliminating New Orleans' clerk of criminal court. The parish had been the only one with two clerks, one for criminal court and another for civil. Governor Jeff Landry signed the bill into law just days before Calvin Duncan, a formerly wrongfully incarcerated Black man, was set to take office, after being elected to the criminal court position in November. Calvin Duncan joins us for more on his fight to keep the job he was elected to serve. Last year, journalist Susan Saulny read the headline, “New Pope Has Creole Roots in New Orleans.” As she learned more about Pope Leo XIV's mixed racial heritage from Louisiana, she began to think about her own family. In particular, her white passing great uncle who moved north, and her Black grandfather who stayed in the south. She set out to learn more about her family history, and recently wrote about her process and discoveries for the New York Times. Susan joins us for more on her discoveries.___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. We get production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

It's Thursday and that means it's time to catch up on politics with The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate's editorial director and columnist, Stephanie Grace. We discuss Governor Landry's recent trip to Greenland and his less than warm welcome. We also hear what Senator Bill Cassidy has been up to in Congress following his primary defeat.Youth sports continue to face a shortage of referees. Football typically has the greatest need. Low pay combined with often unpleasant interactions with parents is keeping potential officials – particularly young people – at bay.Some states are enacting tougher laws to combat not just the harassment, but also the physical violence that has affected referees in the past.Eddie Allemore, New Orleans Regional Coordinator of Officials with the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, tells us more about the shortage issue and potential solutions.Summer is on its way. In Louisiana, that means the start of hurricane season. Many Louisianans plan their potential evacuations, and have to decide what to take and what to leave. But how do we ensure that the possessions we leave behind don't get damaged? Nayla Maaruf, is a member of the American Institute for Conservation working for the New Orleans Museum of Art. She joins us now with more on how to protect our artwork and photographs from storm damage.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Bob Pavlovich. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

It's the time of year when all eyes are on LSU Baseball, a team that's won two College World Series championships in the last three years. But this year, it's LSU softball that's grabbing the spotlight, as the team heads to the Super Regional where they'll aim to punch a ticket to the Women's College World Series.Scott Rabalais has been covering the team for The Times-Picayune/The Advocate and joins us now for more.Recent financial data shows about 37% of Americans currently have less than $500 dollars in cash savings, a situation particularly critical for people with the lowest income levels or with children.Mint To Prosper Foundation is an organization that seeks to address financial issues that disproportionately affect disadvantaged populations. They offer a program that helps underserved families develop those essential savings to help with emergency expenses. They also run a free 10-week savings program for families in Baton Rouge called the Conqueror Community Savings Program. Executive Director Nesha Brown joins us for more. The Louisiana Children's Museum is addressing what it sees as a critical stage in early childhood development. “The First 1,000 Days Program” is designed to give parents tools to support their new child's social-emotional, cognitive and physical development. And they're recruiting a new cohort for that program.Early learning director Terri Baquet joins us with more.  —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Roughly two weeks ago, the New Orleans-based U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling to ban the distribution of Mifepristone — one of two widely used drugs used for medication abortion — following telehealth appointments. The Supreme Court issued a temporary stay of the ruling before releasing a new decision to keep Mifepristone available while the case proceeds in lower courts. Rosemary Westwood, a New York Times fellow and former WWNO and WRKF public health reporter, joins us with the latest.East Baton Rouge city-parish employees are set to receive an across-the-board raise. Many will see at least a 3.5% increase in their paycheck starting in July. The goal is to bring parish employees above the poverty line as much as possible. Before this raise, the lowest-paid worker roughly made $10.54 per hour. Now, that rate sits at roughly $12.53 per hour. WRKF's Report for America Corps member Alex Cox tells us more.Since opening in 2018, Hotel Hope in New Orleans has served as a safe space for hundreds of mothers and children in need of shelter. The nonprofit provides food, clothing and case management services to assist families in need of support. It also helps them find permanent housing. Last week, Hotel Hope held a ceremonial groundbreaking on its new affordable housing units. One of the organization's biggest champions is Sister Mary Lou Specha, a nun who serves as executive director. She joins us now for more about Hotel Hope, alongside Oji Alexander, the chief executive officer of People's Housing Plus, the developer behind the new units.__Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Sara Henegan. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber, and our assistant producer is Aubry Procell. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Saturday's election results came as a shock to some amid rumors of voter discrepancies in the closed primaries. Some analysts view the results as a major pushback against Gov. Jeff Landry, whose five amendments were all rejected. Capitol Access reporter Brooke Thorington joins us with more.In the Spring of 1960, Black residents boycotted stores along one of New Orleans' busiest shopping stretches to send a message. They refused to shop at businesses on Dryades Street that took Black dollars but refused to hire Black workers.This story from the local Civil Rights Movement is recounted as part of the Historic New Orleans Collection exhibition, “The Trail They Blazed.” Exhibit curator Eric Seiferth joins us for more.In honor of America's 250th birthday, the Smithsonian is collaborating with 40 festivals across the country between March and November that highlight different U.S. subcultures on how they celebrate community, cultural exchange and civic engagement.One of the featured festivals will be Louisiana's very own Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, which returns this October 9-11. To tell us more about the Smithsonian's involvement is Cajun folklorist and founder of Festival Acadiens, Barry Ancelet, and Pat Mould, famed Cajun and Creole chef and the vice president of programming for the festival.Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Nicholas Lemann, author, longtime New Yorker writer and professor at Columbia University, is out with a new book,  “Returning: A Search for Home Across the Centuries.” The book serves as both a memoir of his own reform Jewish childhood in New Orleans and a wider examination of Jewish assimilation in the American South. His New Yorker article, "A Childhood in Jewish New Orleans," a preview of the book, was released earlier this year. Nicholas Lemann joins us with more on his research, and what his book reveals about a forgotten subsect of American Jewish culture. ___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. Matt Bloom and Aubry Procell are assistant producers. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Statewide elections are approaching this Saturday, but there's confusion over which votes will count. While residents will weigh in on ballot amendments, the Senate race and judgeships, Gov. Jeff Landry postponed the U.S. House race after the Supreme Court deemed the state's congressional map unconstitutional. Still, the candidates remain on the ballot, and there are lawsuits circulating that advocate for these votes to still count. Stephanie Grace, the Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate's editorial director and columnist, joins us to break down the confusion. According to New Orleans Police Department traffic reports, at least four bicyclists and over two dozen pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle crashes in New Orleans last year. This doesn't include those injured in such accidents.Just over a month ago, the city council adopted the Safe Streets and Roads for All Safety Action Plan to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2041. Allene La Spina, executive director of Bike Easy, joins us for more on this plan. This weekend, Bayou Boogaloo, the annual May festival, will celebrate its 20th anniversary. But this year, the semi-aquatic musical festival comes with major cuts and new locations. Festival founder Jared Zeller joins us for more on this year's event and why they're scaling back. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Bob Pavlovich. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. Matt Bloom and Aubry Procell are assistant producers. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

This Saturday, Louisiana voters will weigh in on whether to let the new city of St. George form its own school district. To do that, they have to amend the state's constitution.The Baton Rouge breakaway suburb has been trying to start its own school system for more than a decade. WRKF's Report for America corps member Alex Cox joins us with more.The Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children have partnered to bring a recognition called “The Best Place for Working Parents” to Louisiana. The recognition acknowledges employers who self-assess to gauge how friendly their workplace is for workers with children. Taylor Henry, executive director of the Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, tells us more about improving working conditions for parents. Since the Make-A-Wish Organization was first founded, it's helped grant more than 12,000 wishes to children in Louisiana. In 2025, it granted 650 wishes across the Gulf Coast region, the highest total in the organization's history.May is a busy month for the Make-A-Wish Texas, Gulf Coast and Louisiana Chapter. After World Wish Month and World Wish Day, the organization has many local events hoping to raise money to support the mission. Wish Kid, Abron Fyre, his mother Misty Frye, and the organization's director of development, Tommy Fonseca, join us with more.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

A new study from researchers at Tulane University is delivering a stark message about the future of coastal Louisiana: New Orleans is not forever.The study warns that rising seas, sinking land and ongoing coastal erosion mean the question is no longer if the coastline will move inland, but how we prepare for the inevitable reality that our region will be taken over by the Gulf of Mexico. Torbjörn Törnqvist, geology professor at Tulane and lead author of the study, joins us for more on the findings and the logistics of relocating an entire city. This month, one of William Shakespeare's most powerful and haunting tragedies takes the stage in New Orleans. “King Lear” — a story of power, family, betrayal and madness — will come to life at the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane University.Jana Mestecky, director of the production, and John Neisler, the actor who plays King Lear, tell us more about adapting the work with a fast-paced style and ensemble cast.__Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Sara Henegan. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber, and our assistant producer is Aubry Procell. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

A new podcast from WNYC's “On The Media” seeks to tell the story of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “American Emergency: The Movement to Kill FEMA,” is a four-part series that chronicles the agency from its founding to its current uncertain status in the Trump Administration. The second episode takes a deep dive into the failings of FEMA during Hurricane Katrina. Micah Loewinger, reporter and host of the series, joins with the details.The story of boxing great Muhammed Ali takes musical form in a new album from Baton Rouge-based composer and guitarist D.J. Sparr. The album “The Tao of Muhammad Ali” is based on a podcast by writer Davis Miller that explores his friendship with the champ and how Ali — even through his later years battling Parkinson's disease — was an inspiration and role model.Sparr joins us with more on the musical tribute. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Louisiana's congressional election map is unconstitutional. Governor Jeff Landry quickly responded with an emergency declaration to suspend the ongoing congressional primary election. While the state argues it now has to redraw the maps  before the election can move forward, some legal experts are asking whether it's right to suspend an election when some voters have already cast absentee ballots. Dane Ciolino, professor at Loyola New Orleans College of Law, and Peter Robins-Brown, executive director of Louisiana Progress, spoke with WRKF's Adam Vos for more.Longtime Times-Picayune theater critic and entertainment writer David Cuthbert passed away one week ago. For 43 years, he was at the front of showbiz information and profiled legends in the industry. From copy boy to editor of the paper's TV Focus, his writings showcased his thirst for entertainment news and his love of New Orleans theatre. He was 79. Just over a year ago, Cuthbert joined WWNO's Bob Pavlovich around the time of Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary. He discussed the time SNL came for Mardi Gras, the ill-fated show and his experience interviewing original cast members.  ___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. Matt Bloom and Aubry Procell are assistant producers. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

It's Thursday, and that means it's time to catch up on politics with The Times-Picayune's editorial director and columnist, Stephanie Grace. Today, we discuss the latest in the postponed elections, as well as the ongoing court battle over the elimination of Calvin Duncan's office as clerk of the Orleans Criminal District Court. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention says that one in four girls and one in 20 boys experience sexual abuse. About 90% of those instances of abuse are perpetrated by someone known and trusted by the child or the child's family members. But what happens to them when they become adults?Silence Broken is a New Orleans-based non-profit that serves adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Director Dr. Mary Brown and Claudia Barker, a survivor of abuse, join us with more. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, so we wanted to take the time to look back on Asian history in Louisiana. In the mid-18th century, new immigrants established the first Filipino settlement in the United States. Saint Malo was a small fishing village in St. Bernard Parish until its destruction in a 1915 hurricane. Kirby Araullo, Filipino historian, culture bearer and content creator, tells us more about the history and impact of this settlement. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Bob Pavlovich. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. Matt Bloom and Aubry Procell are assistant producers. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Last Friday, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked a ruling from the FDA that allowed the medication abortion drug mifepristone to be sent to patients without an in-person visit to a healthcare provider. Shortly after, the Supreme Court issued a temporary stay, allowing the drug to continue to be distributed for a short period of time.Kelcie Moseley-Morris has been covering this story for the Louisiana Illuminator and Stateline. She joins us with the latest.According to new population data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, New Orleans and the surrounding communities are continuing to decline in population. Since 2020, the 7-parish metro area has decreased by more than 36,000 residents. In the meantime, the Baton Rouge area has seen a slight uptick in residents.Allison Plyer, chief demographer at the Data Center and former chair of the U.S. Census Bureau's Scientific Advisory Committee, joins us with more.Martha Reeves, the legendary Motown voice, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, is coming to New Orleans. The singer known for the hit songs “Dancing in the Street” and “Heatwave” will headline a one–night event at the New Orleans Jazz and Blues Market tonight (May 6). Dubbed, “Come and Get These Memories,” the event will feature Reeves discussing behind-the-scenes stories about some of the most iconic musicians and songs in Motown history. Martha Reeves joined Louisiana Considered's managing producer — and longtime fan — Alana Schreiber with more. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

After last week's historic ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that Louisiana's congressional map is unconstitutional, Gov. Jeff Landry issued a state of emergency to postpone the U.S. House of Representatives race in the state.Capitol Access Reporter Brooke Thorington joins us with the latest.Nurses at University Medical Center (UMC) New Orleans are wrapping up a five-day strike. This is the sixth time over the last 18 months that nurses have walked out over ongoing contract negotiations. Terry Mogilles, a registered nurse at UMC's orthopedic clinic, and Hailey Dupré, a registered nurse in endoscopy at UMC, discuss their demands and why they believe patient care is currently at risk.New Orleans-based artist, culture bearer and community organizer Willie Birch is hitting the road with a new traveling art exhibit. Dubbed “Willie Birch: Stories to Tell,” the exhibit features six decades of paintings, sculptures and installations. The tour begins today, May 5, in partnership with the American Federation for the Arts. Willie Birch joins us for more on his career and how he was impacted by New Orleans' social justice movements.__Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Sara Henegan. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber, and our assistant producer is Aubry Procell. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Southern University in Baton Rouge is requesting urgent funds from the state legislature. Interim President Orlando McMeans is asking lawmakers to approve a $19 million one-time investment to help address infrastructure concerns and campus blackouts. The Louisiana Illuminator's Piper Hutchinson joins us with more. The Louisiana legislative session is in its final months, and there have been both wins and losses for environmental causes. There are new protections for river basins, failed efforts to curb carbon dioxide pipeline storage, a lawsuit against the Army Corps of Engineers over dam construction and more. The Louisiana Illuminator's Elise Plunk has been covering it all. She joins us with the latest. The New Orleans-based hair salon Silk Me Kids recently announced the launch of its 2026 summer camp. The program will offer hands-on beauty and barbering experience to youth while helping build their confidence, creativity and styling skills. This summer camp also comes years after many New Orleans schools lost their beauty and barbering programs after Hurricane Katrina. Founder of Silk Me Kids, Megan “Meme” Kelly, tells us more about the summer camp and the significance of grooming programs for kids.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

 If you've ever attended Jazz Fest then it's likely you've seen the Black Masking Indians, dancing and singing on stage or parading down the path. The Indians have actually played a role in Jazz Fest since its founding, and the music event helped to make more people aware of the Backstreet culture.Last week, WWNO's Alana Schreiber spent some time with Black Masking Indians getting ready for Jazz Fest performances. They discussed how the culture has changed over time, from one of seclusion and occasional infighting, to one of community and sharing. Any day now, a decision is expected in a bench trial challenging forced labor on the farm line at the Louisiana State Penitentiary – better known as Angola. The lawsuit was filed three years ago by both current and former incarcerated men, who argue the work constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.For more, WWNO's Michael McEwen spoke with Samantha Pourciau, a senior staff attorney at the Promise of Justice Initiative, the organization representing the plaintiffs in federal court. The Grammy award-winning New Orleans band, Tank and the Bangas, is coming out with a new album, The Last Balloon. This Saturday May 2, fans can catch the band promoting their latest songs at the Joy Theater. Lead singer Tarriona “Tank” Ball and band member and co-founder, Norman Spence, dive into some of the tracks and discuss the band's Grammy win for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. Matt Bloom and Aubry Procell are assistant producers. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

It's Thursday, and that means it's time to catch up on politics with The Times-Picayune/The Advocate's editorial director and columnist, Stephanie Grace. She breaks down the constitutional amendments Louisiana voters will soon weigh in on, including a new school district in St. George, permanent teacher raises and changing the retirement age for judges.The United States Supreme Court has invalidated Louisiana's election map that created a second, majority-Black district. The ruling comes just days before statewide primary elections for the U.S. House, and early voting has already begun.  Mark Ballard, reporter for the Times Picayune/The Advocate, breaks down the decision and how this weakens the Voting Rights Act.New Orleans singer Robin Barnes is gearing up for a big weekend. She's releasing a new album on Friday and closing down Jazz Fest on Sunday.  The songbird of New Orleans joins us for more on her upcoming performance. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. Matt Bloom and Aubry Procell are assistant producers. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

The state legislature is considering increasing funding for the La GATOR private school scholarship, which puts public funds towards private school education. The Advocate's Patrick Wall tells us more about the proposal and which students would be served by this initiative. The public dispute between Pope Leo XIV and President Donald Trump has escalated sharply in recent weeks. The feud — over global conflicts — has been on the minds of many Catholics across the U.S., including in Louisiana, where more than a quarter of people in the state identify as Catholic.Trump also won the state in the past three presidential elections.WWNO and WRKF's Morning Edition producer Mel Bridges spoke to residents about that dichotomy. Music education has always played an essential role in Louisiana schools, but it's not just marching bands that get students excited. LSU professor David Dockan is beginning the “modern band” movement, meant to teach music in the model of a rock band: learning about multi-instrumentalism, collaboration and technology.  Dockan, who was recently named to the Yamaha Music USA 40 Under 40 Music Educators, is an assistant professor of music education at the LSU School of Music. He joins us for more on rock band music education. Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.--You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

New Orleans mayor Helena Moreno recently marked 100 days since taking office. So far, she's dealt with infrastructure projects, water main breaks, new development plans and an ongoing budget crisis. The Times-Picayune editorial director and columnist Stephanie Grace spoke with Moreno about her first 100 days and her priorities going forward. The current legislative session in Louisiana is set to wrap up at the beginning of June. As lawmakers debate a wide range of proposals, civil liberties groups are tracking what they say could have major impacts on human rights, criminal justice and public accountability. Executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, Alanah Odoms, tells us where the organization stands on various bills. __Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Sara Henegan. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber, and our assistant producer is Aubry Procell. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Last Thursday, a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge left one high school senior dead while wounding five others. Police soon arrested 17-year-old Markel Lee, a suspected gunman. Capitol Access reporter Brooke Thorington joins us to discuss the victims, the recent arrest and the latest in the investigation. Federal judges are currently hearing some of the most consequential environmental lawsuits in Louisiana's history. But many of these judges have investments in the oil companies being sued and are allowed to collect payments from defendants, even while cases are ongoing.Investigative reporter Garrett Hazelwood has been exploring the financial ties judges have to the oil industry, and the surprisingly lax regulations, for Floodlight, Type Investigations and WWNO/WRKF. He joins us for more on what he's uncovered.Saturday (April 25) marked the 164th anniversary of the capture and occupation of New Orleans. Due to its location and significance as a port city in the South, this capture was a major turning point in the Civil War. Aaron Sheehan Dean is the Fred C Fyre chair in history of LSU's Department of History, known for his research, publications and courses on the Civil War and Reconstruction. He joins us to dive into this history. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Jazz Fest signals the end of parade season for Black Masking Indians – the last time they'll wear the feather and beaded suits they worked on all year. Today, we bring you the latest episode of Voices of the Culture, a podcast hosted by two Black Masking Indians. Spyboy Horace Anderson of the Creole Wild West and Big Chief Dowee Robair of the 9th Ward Black Hatchet discuss the winding down of their season, where to catch them parading during Jazz Fest and how they're getting started on next year's suits. ___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. Matt Bloom and Aubry Procell are assistant producers. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

It's Thursday, and that means it's time to catch up on politics with The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate's editorial director and columnist Stephanie Grace. Today, we discuss the homestretch of the Republican Senate primary race, and the rumor that former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is considering a run for president. The Louisiana Legislature has been working on bills that would resize New Orleans courts. While Republicans say the goal is to have the courts more accurately reflect judicial districts across the state and combine the criminal and civil courts, Democrats argue that this process is too rushed.Earlier this week, we spoke with Jack Brook at the Associated Press to hear about the potential impacts should these bills pass. Today, we'll break down the fine print in the legislation. The Bureau of Governmental Research President and CEO, Rebecca Mowbray, and lead researcher, Paul Rioux, walk us through their examinations. One year ago this month, the Trump administration canceled more than 85% of the National Endowment for the Humanities' existing grants. That meant the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities lost over $600,000 overnight.We check in with the executive director of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Miranda Restovic, to find out how LEH has weathered the losses and how the cuts have affected the upcoming America 250 celebration in the state.  —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

In recent years, a group called The Campus Victory Project — backed by the conservative organization Turning Point USA — has turned its eyes to student life at universities. At LSU, students are claiming that this group is influencing student government elections. Now, LSU students are putting forward a measure that would change how people off-campus could get involved in student politics.WRKF Report for America corps member Alex Cox joins us with the latest.Opioid use disorder (OUD) and stimulant use disorder (SUD) are leading causes of preventable death in Louisiana and across the country. But now, LSU Health is taking part in a national collaborative to help address how the treatment of substance use disorders is researched and pursued.Marcus Bachhuber, clinical associate professor at LSU School of Medicine and co-founder of the Integrated Health Clinic at LSU Health, joins us with more. We're in the midst of crawfish season, but have you ever wondered how the crustacean became so popular in Louisiana? Sam Irwin is the author of the book, “Louisiana Crawfish: A Succulent History of the Cajun Crustacean.” He's giving a talk on the subject at the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library on Saturday (April 24).He joins us for more on the history of the crawfish in our region.--Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Residents in Holly Ridge, Louisiana, are complaining about the health impacts of the construction of the Meta data center — the largest data center in the country.The Gulf States Newsroom's Drew Hawkins is conducting a community monitoring project to test the air, dust and water. Today, he visits Holly Ridge to talk with residents about how it works and how the data will be analyzed.Last November, Calvin Duncan, a formerly incarcerated man, was elected Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court. He won with 68% of the vote on a campaign that promised to reform the justice system that kept him locked up for nearly thirty years from a wrongful conviction. But now, the legislature is trying to eliminate his job as he prepares to be sworn in.Jack Brook has been covering this story for the Associated Press. He joins us with the latest. In the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, there's a venue where the buildings themselves make music. At Music Box Village, artists have created a collection of small, whimsical structures that double as instruments — creating a sound-rich and quirky environment.After a quieter period in recent years as the organization faced funding challenges, the venue is back with new leadership and a lineup of spring and summer performances. Operations manager Jenelle Malbrough joins us with this season's lineup, and what makes the space so unique. __Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Sara Henegan. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber, and our assistant producer is Aubry Procell. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

The parents of former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy have filed a lawsuit against the Louisiana State Police, alleging officers falsely implicated Lacy in a December 2024 fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 20. After the accident, Lacy's draft stock plummeted, and months later, he took his own life. Mel Bridges has been reporting this story for WWNO and WRKF. She joins us today with the latest. Louisiana lawmakers are considering drastic changes to the state Department of Children and Family Services, including dismantling the department and moving its tasks to other state agencies. This follows years of criticism that DCFS has not properly followed up on cases that could have prevented child deaths. Greg LaRose, editor of the Louisiana Illuminator, tells us more about these potential changes. Pickney Benton Stewart Pinchback, otherwise known as PBS Pinchback, served as the 24th governor of Louisiana in 1872 and is commonly referred to as the first Black governor in the United States.  While his tenure as governor of Louisiana was brief — a mere 35 days — he remains one of the most prominent Black officeholders during the Reconstruction era. Nicholas Patler, author of the new book, “Pinchback: America's First Black Governor,” joins us for more on his life and legacy.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Liquified natural gas, or LNG, is a natural gas that has been super-cooled into a liquid so that it can be stored and shipped. It's been touted as a bridge fuel to wean the world off of fossil fuels and onto renewable energy. In December 2024, Sea Change hosts Carlyle Calhoun and Halle Parker investigated the liquified natural gas exports being built on the Gulf Coast in a series called “All Gassed Up.” And they followed those exports around the world from Louisiana to Germany to Japan. What they found was that LNG may not be a cleaner fuel after all. It releases an even more dangerous gas called methane into the atmosphere. And the export terminals are negatively impacting air and water quality for our Gulf coast communities. Today, Carlyle returns to the LNG story with Gulf States Newsroom reporter Drew Hawkins. They talk about how LNG exports are affecting your electricity bills and what the war in Iran means for this industry.What started out as a wordplay joke among friends quickly turned into one of New Orleans most popular bands. LSD Clownsystem is an LCD Soundsystem clown-themed cover band, and since launching on Halloween of 2018, has amassed a cult following with members and fans dressing up like clowns for sold out shows. In the last year they've made their music available through the New Orleans Public Library's Crescent City Sounds. And now, they're gearing up for their French Quarter Fest debut, today April 17 at 5pm on the Jack Daniels Stage.Three of the band's members, bass guitarist Ricky Ostry, singer Howe Pea and singer and percussionist Brooke Paulus, join us for more on creating an imaginative world at their performances. ___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. Matt Bloom and Aubry Procell are assistant producers. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

It's Thursday and that means it's time to catch up with Stephanie Grace, editorial director and columnist for The Times-Picayune/The Advocate. Today we discuss a series of bills at the legislature that seem to pin New Orleans against the rest of the state. According to earthquakelist.org, an area southeast of Shreveport, Louisiana has had over two dozen earthquakes since the beginning of this year. They range in strength from 2.1 in magnitude to the big shake just over a month ago that registered 4.9 on the Richter scale.Now locals are wondering if oil and gas drilling is to blame. Karen Luttrell, professor in the Geology and Geophysics department at LSU, tells us more about the causes and consequences of the quakes.April is National Autism Awareness Month. New Orleans is hosting events and ongoing programs that not only promote acceptance, but also pride in neurodiversity. Executive director of the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans, Claire Tibbets, joins us with more. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. Matt Bloom and Aubry Procell are assistant producers. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

The Birmingham Squadron, the minor league affiliate of the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, is relocating to Kenner, Louisiana. The Gulf States Newsroom's Joseph King went to their last basketball game in the Magic City to see how fans are feeling about the news.This Thursday through Saturday, LSU Libraries will host the annual Book Bazaar — but this year, they're celebrating 50 years. The event is well known for a large sale of books as well as other types of physical media. Outreach librarian Mitch Fontenon tells us more about the history of the event and what to expect this year.The Louisiana Orphan Train Museum tells us the story of a train that brought orphan passengers from the New York Foundling Hospital to other parts of the country from 1854 to 1929. Although it's located in Opelousas, the museum is taking a new presentation to St. Francisville.Board president Martha Aubert tells us more about this history and what stories will be told at the upcoming event. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards has made tackling blight in the parish one of his top priorities since taking office. In his first year, his team demolished over 200 buildings, which they say is a historic high. WRKF Report for America corps member Alex Cox tells us more about how the mayor is continually addressing this issue.New Orleans comedian Ryan Rogers is coming out with a new special on May 15, titled “Girl Bye.” But that's not all he's been up to. He's currently on the road touring with fellow comedian Whitney Cummings, and gearing up for this year's annual queer comedy festival, LGBTLOL.Rogers joins us now for more on all his upcoming projects and how he discovered his comedic voice in addiction recovery. The Mississippi Sound Coalition is announcing new recommendations for better operation of the Bonnet Carre Spillway.WWNO and WRKF's Coastal Reporter Michael McEwen reports on the guidelines, which follow two years-long scientific studies.__Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Sara Henegan. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber, and our assistant producer is Aubry Procell. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

In the first 24 hours since the U.S. and Iran reached a ceasefire agreement, an oil refinery in Iran was hit, five Gulf Arab states reported attacks from Iranian drones and missiles and Israeli airstrikes killed more than 250 people in Lebanon. After failed peace negotiations this weekend, the war is showing no signs of slowing down, with the U.S. military beginning a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas.Russel Honoré is a retired lieutenant general of the U.S. Army, most well known for leading the military relief effort during Hurricane Katrina. He joins us for more on the costs of war in the Middle East.Earlier this year, an investigation by Verite News found pervasive lead contamination in multiple New Orleans playgrounds. Now, city officials are trying to do something about it. Halle Parker has been the lead investigator on this story. She joins us with the latest. One of the nation's longest-running free blues festivals returns this weekend to downtown Baton Rouge. Now in its 45th year, the festival remains true to its mission of promoting, preserving and advancing the swamp blues music and culture native to Baton Rouge.  Baton Rouge Blues Festival and Foundation interim director J. Hover tells us more about the history of swamp blues in the region and what to expect at this year's event. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Five public officials in Evangeline Parish were arrested this week, including the mayor of Ville Platte. They were booked after a Louisiana State Police investigation found they accessed government computer databases and shared protected information with a criminal defendant.Joe Cunningham, host of the Joe Cunningham show and Acadiana's Morning News on Newstalk 96.5 KPEL, gives us the latest.The third annual GenFest is coming to New Orleans. On April 11, the City Archives and New Orleans Public Library will offer a day of presentations that inform listeners about genealogical research. This year's theme is “All in the Family,” and anyone from a seasoned researcher to a curious resident is welcome to attend. Christina Bryant, city archives and special collections director, and Brittanny Silva, archivist and GenFest presenter, joins us with more.New Orleans charter schools value their freedom. But their level of independence from one another can make it harder to get the right staff or tools to help students with disabilities. Aubri Juhasz reports on a new partnership between some charters and the district to better support students.___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

It's Thursday, and that means it's time to catch up on politics with The Times-Picayune/The Advocate's editorial director and columnist, Stephanie Grace. Today, we discuss the upcoming Republican Senate primary, where incumbent Bill Cassidy faces challenges from Rep. Julia Letlow and State Treasurer John Fleming.The Southeast Flood Protection Authority-East is tasked with maintaining and operating the levee system that protects most of New Orleans. But the board has faced turmoil over the past year and a half, ever since a law came into effect that allowed Gov. Jeff Landry to pick its president. One of the goals of the governor and his allies has been to boost the levee board's police force. Now, after the latest budget approval, the levee board is spending a quarter of its budget on the police. The Times-Picayune/The Advocate's environmental reporter Alex Lubben has been following the changes at the levee board. He joins us with the latest.The world's largest collection of preserved fish belongs to Tulane University, and they're housed in World War II-era bunkers just outside New Orleans.So what are they doing there? And what are they teaching the researchers?Brian Sidlauskas, director of Tulane Biodiversity Research Institute, joins us with more.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. Matt Bloom and Aubry Procell are assistant producers. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

A recent investigation by the Gulf States Newsroom's Drew Hawkins found that dozens of elected officials in Louisiana have signed nondisclosure agreements related to large-scale developments, including the Amazon data centers in northwest Louisiana. The announcement caught many by surprise. Critics say the agreements keep communities in the dark.Hawkins joins us for an update in his reporting. The Artemis II rocket is making its way back from the far side of the moon after a mission where astronauts traveled the furthest ever distance from earth. As it turns out, a piece of Louisiana has been traveling with them. Part of the rocket was made at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, and more than forty Michoud employees traveled to the Kennedy space center last week to watch the rocket launch. Back in July of 2024, we heard from Chandler Sheuermann, a NASA engineer based at Michoud, about Louisiana's contributions to the Artemis II. We'll revisit the discussion.On Saturday, Opéra Louisiane, will present a performance of Puccini's “Madama Butterfly” to the River Center in Baton Rouge. The show will feature Metropolitan Opera soprano Teresa Perrotta.Opéra Louisiane's general director, Paul Groves, tells us more about bringing world-class operas to the capital city. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

In 1993, New Orleans bankruptcy attorney John Menszer began photographing and interviewing Holocaust survivors. The project soon took on a life of its own, and he started touring the country, taking more photos, collecting more stories and curating exhibits. Now, there's a new exhibition of his work at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience. The wing opened with some survivors and their family members in attendance.Menszer joins us for more.New Orleans singer Erica Falls is known for her powerful voice and signature “vintage soul” style. Now, she has a new album out, along with an accompanying documentary that takes viewers behind the scenes of her songwriting process.Falls joins us for more on her new music and what it's like to share her musical journey with fans. __Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Sara Henegan. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber, and our assistant producer is Aubry Procell. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

The Trump administration is letting oil and gas industry workers off the hook when it comes to protecting endangered whales off the southern coast of the United States. This all began last week, when the Endangered Species Committee, also known as the “God Squad,” voted to grant a rare exemption from the Endangered Species Act for Rice Whales. Anna Kramer has been covering this story for NOTUS, and joins us with the latest.Last week, Xavier University of Louisiana won the 2026 NAIA National Cheer and Dance Championship. The Gold Rush clinched victory over 14 other teams. The team previously finished in second place in 2024 and 2025. At the helm of the squad is competitive cheer head coach Glenn Caston. He was named NAIA National Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2024, has coached nine national championship teams and has nationwide experience as a cheer and dance clinician. He joins us with more on his career and the big win.The state legislature is considering several bills during the current session that deal with Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) and other financial aid programs for postsecondary education. The non-partisan advocacy group Better Louisiana says this is an opportunity for lawmakers to find ways for these programs to work together to better serve the state's citizens and help meet Louisiana's workforce needs.Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin tells us where the organization stands on several bills. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

We're in the beginning of spring bird migration here on the Gulf Coast, which means warblers, vireos, orioles and thrushes coming through as they make their way up North. Around two billion birds make landfall along our coast from March to May after crossing the Gulf of Mexico. But even after the high-stakes crossing of open water, their next leg of the journey is no less perilous.In this episode of Sea Change, Celia Llopis-Jepsen, host of Up From Dust, tells us a story about a phenomenon threatening birds on their long flights, and we learn how we can all do our part to help them on their journeys.And while we're on the subject, a bird poop trial has officially begun. Neighbors in the city of Harahan have been arguing over the spread and impact of bird feces since 2023. And now, the legal system is involved.Lara Nicholson has been covering this story for The Times-Picayune/The Advocate, and joins us for more.Among the bills that advanced in the Louisiana legislature this week is one that will add a citizenship marker on state IDs and driver's licenses. Capitol Access reporter Brooke Thorington has been following this legislation and joins us with the latest.___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

An investigation found dozens of elected officials in Louisiana have signed nondisclosure agreements related to large-scale developments — like the Amazon data centers in northwest Louisiana.The announcement caught many by surprise and critics say the agreements keep communities in the dark. The Gulf States Newsroom's Drew Hawkins tells us more.It's the first night of Passover, and Jewish communities across the country are molding matzo balls, mixing charoset and taking out their sharpest knives to slice up briskets.   Next time you look at a knife, remember that many popular varieties of the tool? actually trace their history to Louisiana. Back in the 1600s, knives were a popular item to trade between Spanish colonizers, French Canadian explorers and natives. And later, James Bowie, while living in Louisiana, would popularize the knife synonymous with his name.Stephen Bateman, knifemarker and historical researcher with the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at The National World War II Museum, joins us with more on knife history and craftsmanship. Protecting your home from flooding is a concern for many Louisianians, but options like elevating can be limited and costly, especially for older homes. Now, Buoyant Foundation, is promoting homes that are capable of floating as an economical option.Elizabeth English, founder and director of the Buoyant Foundation Project, tells us more about the benefits of so-called “amphibious homes.”—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!