Louisiana Considered

From the Water Main at American Public Media, season 2 of the podcast In Deep takes listeners to Lake Charles, Louisiana to learn how residents are recovering from two hurricanes, an ice storm, and empty promises from the government.  Investigative reporter for APM Reports and podcast host Lauren Rosenthal tells us more about those forced to rebuild and relocate, as well as the volunteers who do anything possible to keep their community afloat. Jazz lovers and photo enthusiasts can unite at the West Baton Rouge Museum where a collection of largely unseen photographs gives viewers a rare behind the scenes look at singer Billie Holiday. Museum executive director Angelique Bergeron tells us more about the exhibition, Billie Holiday at Sugar Hill: Photographs by Jerry Dantzic. But first, today is election day in Louisiana and across the country. WRKF’s Paul Braun joins us for last-minute voting information and the elections to watch out for.  Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber and our digital editor is Katelyn Umholtz. Our engineers are Garrett Pittman, Aubry Procell, and Thomas Walsh.  You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at 12:00 and 7:30 pm. 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mardi Gras 2022 is not just a special moment for the Krewe of Rex as it celebrates 150 years, but also a milestone for WYES-TV as it celebrates 25 years of providing live coverage of the Rex Ball. We learn more about the Rex Ball from executive producer and host, Peggy Scott Laborde.And while the reign of Rex might end at midnight, memories of the anniversary will last a little longer. We hear about a museum exhibit from the Historic New Orleans Collection that walks viewers through the krewe’s long history. Curatorial Cataloger at the Williams Research Center, Katherine Dunn, tells us more about the exhibition, “Fit for a King.” Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. Our producer is Alana Schreiber and our digital editor is Katelyn Umholtz. Our engineers are Garrett Pittman, Aubrey Procell, and Thomas Walsh.  You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at 12:00 and 7:30 pm. It’s available on Spotify, Google Play, and wherever you get your podcasts.  Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our oceans are heating up—what does that mean for all the life that lives in the sea...and us?Today we’re going on a trip to Florida…we’re hanging out in the Keys, and we're going fishing, and scuba diving all to find out what’s going on beneath the surface. Just how bad is hotter water for sea life in South Florida, and for the people that depend on it? And how are scientists leading the charge to save this ocean ecosystem?This episode was reported and hosted by Jenny Staletovich and co-hosted by Carlyle Calhoun Despeaux. Editing by Johanna Zorn and Carlyle Calhoun Despeaux with additional help from Halle Parker, Eva Tesfaye, and Ryan Vasquez. Carlyle Calhoun Despeaux is the managing producer. Our sound designer is Emily Jankowski 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. SeaChange 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 and the Greater New Orleans Foundation.You can reach the Sea Change team at seachange@wwno.org.

It’s Thursday, and that means it’s time to break down the week in politics with Stephanie Grace, editorial director and columnist for The Times Picayune/The Advocate. Today, we discuss a possible special session in the state legislature this November on tax reform and the state's fiscal cliff.It was the late 40s. Despite having worked production lines and front lines in hospitals for World War II, women could still not get a drink in a bar in downtown New Orleans unless it was Mardi Gras day.Cam Rinard, the director of Sales and Marketing at The Roosevelt New Orleans, tells us about the day women fought for their right to drink – in an event we now call “Stormin’ the Sazerac.”The New Orleans Film Festival is hitting the screens this fall with a lineup of live action films and documentaries that highlight stories of the Gulf South. One of the films, “A King Like Me,” takes an intimate look at the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, the oldest Black Krewe in New Orleans. But while the film celebrates the club’s history, it also examines some of the difficult things members have had to grapple with, like the pandemic, Hurricane Ida and gun violence.The film’s director, Matthew Henderson, and one of the stars of the film, Terrance Rice, tells us more about this deep dive into Zulu’s history and legacy.Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by [host]. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber; our contributing producers are Matt Bloom and Adam Vos; we receive production and technical 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, 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 the race to find cleaner energy, Louisiana could soon host much of the country’s production of ammonia. The gas is mostly used to produce the fertilizer used in gardens and on crops. Now, more companies want to turn it into a fuel.In St. Charles Parish, one such proposal for a so-called “blue ammonia” plant has faced mixed reactions from the community. Halle Parker joined us to explain where this project stands.When women in Louisiana die while pregnant, or after giving birth, the leading doctor who reviews their cases is maternal health expert, Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell. The New Orleans-based OB-GYN is one of 300 Louisiana doctors who oppose a new law that will reclassify two common pregnancy medications as controlled dangerous substancesIn her first interview with media about the law, Gillispie-Bell spoke with WWNO/WRKF’s Rosemary Westwood about her concerns and the state of women’s health in Louisiana.According to a new national study, undocumented immigrants in America contribute significantly to the nation’s tax base. In Louisiana, they pay roughly $118 million in sales taxes, or 2.7% of the overall sales taxes collected in the state.Carl Davis, a research director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, tells us more about this data and why it’s important. Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. 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, 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!

When a storm blows in, it doesn’t just impact people — it can also throw birds off course or drive them farther inland. Hurricane Francine presented an opportunity to see rare species in unexpected places. WWNO’s Aubri Juhasz takes us birding in the days after the storm. In June 2021, the NCAA implemented an interim policy to allow college athletes to make money off their name, image and likeness. But not every student athlete has the resources, connections and social media fluency to take advantage of those opportunities.Recently, Dr. Bryan Maggard, vice president for intercollegiate athletics at the University of Louisiana Lafayette launched a new collective to help students navigate NIL opportunities. He spoke with Managing Producer Alana Schreiber about his new organization, “Krewe Allons.”Chamber music masterpieces that have been missed or forgotten will be back in the spotlight during the Musaica Chamber Ensemble’s 19th season.. Musaica president and violist Bruce Owen gives us a sneak peek of their latest season, “Hidden Treasures.”___Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. We get production help 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, 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!

While power has been restored to most of Louisiana since Hurricane Francine, there are still plenty of lineman working to get the last lights turned on. WRKF’s Capital Access reporter Brooke Thorington spoke with a lineman about why he crossed state lines to help out.While many are glued  to “Chimp Crazy,” the new HBO docuseries about the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimp Haven – located outside of Shreveport – is sounding the alarm. The organization is now pushing for legislation against the private possession of chimpanzees and other nonhuman primates. Amy Fultz, Welfare Scientist and co-founder of Chimp Haven, joins us for more on chimp health and safety.Large cranes dropped bulbous gray blobs of concrete into Barataria Bay, north of Grand Isle this month in hopes they’ll become the new home for fish and smaller organisms displaced by the removal of a decommissioned oil rig last year. The new artificial coral reef, dubbed “Cajun cora”' is made using technology similar to 3D printing.  Rad Trascher, the executive vice president of the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana,, tells us more about what scientists hope the reef can provide for the ecosystem. ___Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. 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!

Last night, Louisiainans experienced floods, wind and power outages as Francine swept across the state. It made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane with winds as high as 100 mph before being downgraded to a tropical storm. Today, we're assessing the impacts, the damage and the recovery process with our reporters from across the state. Eva Tesfaye tells us about the strength and path of the storm – and how it compared to what meteorologists predicted. Then she discusses impacts on New Orleans’ sewerage systems and a timeline for water drainage. She also shares insights from state sign language interpreter Daniel Burch who talks about the importance of accessible communication during weather events.Aubri Juhasz discusses power outages that continue to impact roughly a quarter of New Orleans residents. She also tells us about solar-powered churches and community centers that are currently open to the public and providing resources for those in need. And she talks  about meeting up with bird watchers early in the morning looking for birds that arrived with the storm. Drew Hawkins tells us about damage and debris throughout New Orleans and the southern part of the state and shares how residents with disabilities prepared for the storm and what the recovery efforts will look like over the next few days. And Aidan McCahill joins us from Baton Rouge to discuss the extent of the damage in Louisiana’s capital. Aidan visited a senior center and a shelter for unhoused people to learn how residents and workers braced for Francine. And he lets us know how residents felt this storm compared to the city’s last major flood events in 2016.___Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Bob Pavlovich. 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!

Francine is now a hurricane, with winds up to 90 mph, and closing in on the Louisiana’s coast. Regional meteorologist Jennifer Narramore joins us for an update on the storm’s strength, path and expected impacts. When a storm is coming, many ask: Do I stay or go? That question can be hard to answer, and even harder if a person has a disability.New Orleans-based disability rights activist Mark Raymond Jr. tells us how people with disabilities can be best prepared for natural disasters. When Francine makes landfall this evening, Terrebonne Parish could be hit first. The parish is still recovering three years after Hurricane Ida devastated the bayou region. The Coastal Desk’s Halle Parker spoke with Terrebonne Parish President Jason Bergeron about the area’s preparations. As Louisianans across the state are bracing for Francine to make landfall, many are setting up their generators, which offer a reliable source of backup power. But if not used properly, generators can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which led to a spike in deaths during Hurricane Ida. An almost two-year-old law now requires anyone who buys a generator to also buy a carbon monoxide detector.WRKF’s Karen Henderson spoke with the law’s author, now former State Fire Marshal Dan Wallis,  and Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, R-Metairie, back in 2021 about generator safety. Today we give that conversation a second listen.__Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber; our contributing producers are Matt Bloom and Adam Vos; we receive production and technical 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, 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!

Francine is churning in the Gulf Coast and expected to make landfall in Louisiana late Wednesday. Across the state, residents are preparing for the storm and deciding whether or not to evacuate. The Coastal Desk’s Halle Parker joins us to discuss the latest forecasts and advice. The New Orleans City Council may be putting an end to its special exceptions process for  short-term rental properties, like Airbnbs and Vrbo. Council members have cited “unforeseen challenges” with their current process that began earlier this summer. The Gambit’s Kaylee Poche tells us more about the scale of this issue and why the city council is cracking down now.Hispanic Heritage month kicks off mid-September and award-winning New Orleans inter-disciplinary artist José Torres-Tama is honoring Latin American immigrants with his latest work. He joins us for more on his open studio event, exhibiting a new series of paintings from his latest visual history project called “NO PAPERS! NO FEAR!” Alabama is set to receive millions from lawsuits with opioid manufacturers to fight an epidemic that has many hidden victims. Like the children of people with opioid use disorder — and the family members who step up to raise them. As the Gulf States Newsroom’s Drew Hawkins reports, the state plans to give some of this money directly to grandparents, which is a first in the country.___Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. 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!

Last Friday, the nation's youngest HBCU president was formally installed – and it happened right here in Louisiana. That's right, Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr. became the president of Grambling State University. Dr. Lemelle previously served as executive vice president and CFO at the Maryland Institute of Art, Executive Vice President and COO at Grambling, and holds multiple degrees that demonstrate his commitment to innovation and leadership. He joined us to discuss his journey to this historic appointment.The City of New Orleans recently released its findings from the 2024 Music Census. The goal of the study was to gain insight into the city’s music ecosystem to bring about meaningful change that will support the city’s music economy. Julie Heath, the policy & outreach manager with the New Orleans Office of Nighttime Economy, breaks down the study and its findings. Back in June,we brought you our four-part series, Road to Rickwood, that looked at the intersection of baseball and civil rights at America’s oldest ballpark, Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. One of the main guests on the podcast was former Negro Leaguer Reverend Bill Greason. And while he is best remembered as a teammate of Willie Mays on the Birmingham Black Barons  – and being the first Black pitcher signed to the Cardinals – that’s only a small part of his story. Greason recently celebrated his 100th birthday at a party at Rickwood Field. The Gulf States Newsroom’s Joseph King brings us this report.___Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. 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!

The home insurance market is collapsing all across the country. Big, brand-name insurance companies are walking away from the riskiest states. And, the companies that are sticking around are often doubling and tripling rates over just a few years. Nothing like this has ever happened before. And nowhere is this crisis worse... than Florida. In fact, Florida is the origin story of this crisis: the home insurance market in every other state seems to be headed down the road that Florida has paved.---This episode was hosted by Jessica Meszaros and Carlyle Calhoun. This episode was written and reported by Jessica Meszaros and Jack Rodolico. Editing by Jack Rodolico, and Carlyle Calhoun with additional help from Halle Parker, Eva Tesfaye, Ryan Vasquez. This episode was fact-checked by Garret Hazelwood. Carlyle Calhoun is the managing producer. Our sound designer is Emily Jankowski 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. SeaChange 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, and the Greater New Orleans Foundation.You can reach the Sea Change team at seachange@wwno.org.

Today, people across New Orleans and all of Louisiana are remembering Sybil Morial, who died this week at 91. While often remembered as the wife of New Orleans’ first Black mayor, Dutch Morial, and mother to two-term mayor, Marc Morial, she was also a civil rights icon in her own right. The Times Picayune/The Advocate’s Stephanie Grace tells us about Morial’s role in fighting discrimination at universities, advocating for voter registration, and her family’s history in the New Orleans area.Misoprostol is a life-saving drug, often used to stop postpartum hemorrhaging. But last May, Gov. Jeff Landry signed legislation to reclassify the drug as a “controlled and dangerous substance.” On Oct. 1t, the law will take effect.The Louisiana Illuminator’s Lorena O’Neil tells us why doctors and pharmacists are concerned as they look for new ways to treat hemorrhages without breaking the law. While Louisiana’s electoral votes have gone to the Republican presidential candidate in every election since 2000, not every Republican in the state always votes on party lines – at least not anymore. The organization, Republican Voters Against Trump represents GOP party supporters from across the country who have vowed not to cast ballots for Trump in November’s elections. ___ Stan Foster of Covington and Eric Brownfield of Denham Springs, are members of the organization. They tell us why they are not backing Trump this time around – and why they’re going public with their decision. Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by [host]. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber; our contributing producers are Matt Bloom and Adam Vos; we receive production and technical 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, 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 Louisiana Policy Institute for Children recently announced $1.3 million in grant funding for projects that address compensation for early childhood educators in the state. Seven grantees across the state will look at ways to increase wages and benefits for the workforce that provides early education for the state’s youngest children.Dr. Candace Weber, the partnerships director for the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, joins us to discuss the grants. Alabama has executed three people this year — more than any other state except Texas. The Gulf States Newsroom’s Kat Stromquist takes us to a Birmingham church, to view “The Art of Resistance,” exhibit, which includes work made by people on Alabama’s death row. September is National Sickle Cell Awareness month. The disease causes irregularly-shaped red blood cells that inhibit blood flow, which can lead to severe pain.Last year,  the FDA approved gene therapy for sickle cell that’s widely regarded as a cure. , . Yet people still struggle with the disease, and many have limited access to the treatment which is not covered by insurance.Alvin Henry, Jr. is board president of the Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana, and has the disease himself. He tells us more about what this new treatment could mean for Louisiana patients. —Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber; our contributing producers are Matt Bloom and Adam Vos; we receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7:00 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!

On Jan. 1, a new federal regulation will go into effect, significantly reducing the rates that inmates have to pay to call friends and family. But in New Orleans, inmates will have to wait an extra year for it to go into effect. Verite News’ Bobbi-Jeanne Misick has been covering this story, and joins us now for more. After a season of transition, The NOLA Project, known for bold, innovative and imaginative theater, has named a new artistic director: Tenaj Wallace. The New Orleans-born actress, dancer and director joins us to discuss her journey to this role. Football is KING in the South. But with climate change, parents, coaches and trainers are taking precautions to keep student athletes safe amid extreme heat. The Gulf States Newsroom's Joseph King reports on what’s being done in Alabama as players get ready to tackle their first games of the season.___Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. 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!

The Paralympic Games are officially underway, and athletes from around the world have gathered to compete in Paris for an exciting two weeks of events. One sport that kicks off this Sunday is Men’s Blind Soccer, which features eight teams playing at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. While the U.S. men’s team didn’t qualify this time around, they’ll have a guaranteed entry in 2028 when the U.S. is the host nation. One of the current players on this U.S. men’s team is Louisiana Tech’s Cody Kirchner. Cody joins us to talk about the sport, his future with the U.S. team and what he hopes to see at this year’s Paralympics.Carville, Louisiana was once home to the National Leprosarium, the only national colony for people with leprosy – also known as Hansen’s Disease – within the continental United States. While the complex offered amenities like a church, theater and lake, many patients were taken there against their will and cut off from their families. Now, the site is home to the National Hansen’s Disease Programs Museum, which honors the lives of the patients, preserves medical and cultural artifacts, and educates the public about Hansen’s disease. Curator of the National Hansen’s Disease Programs Museum, Elizabeth Schexnyder tells us more about the museum and what visitors will discover after recent renovations.  ___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!

Gov. Jeff Landry announced two orders this week: one that keeps noncitizens from voting and another that bans the teaching of critical race theory in public schools. The Times Picayune/New Orleans Advocate’s editorial director and columnist Stephanie Grace joins us for more on Landry’s “culture war” orders. The November elections are just over two months away, and the New Orleans Public Library wants to make sure you’re prepared. Throughout September, libraries across the city will host a handful of events as part of their #VoteReady series to ensure that voters are educated on the issues and have made all the preparations to cast their ballot. Robin Goldblum, Librarian and Head of Adult Learning and Education at New Orleans Public Libraries, tells us more about this series and other upcoming library programs.In December of 2019, the United States officially launched the Space Force. The organization serves as the sixth military branch in the U.S. armed forces and aims to protect America’s security and future in space. But what does the Space Force actually do? General B. Chance Salzman is the Chief of Space Operations, the Space Force’s highest ranking officer. He joins us for more on the organization’s missions and interests in space.___Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Bob Pavlovich. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber; our contributing producers are Matt Bloom and Adam Vos; we receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon  and 7 pm. 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!

Louisiana’s new permitless/constitutional-carry firearm law went into effect in July– a win for gun rights advocates, but causing some consternation in urban areas where gun violence is a major concern. Especially in New Orleans, which previously was able to enforce a non-gun zone around the French Quarter.James J. Reeves II, a New Orleans-based attorney, author of a book on Louisiana gun laws, and independent program attorney for U.S. Lawshield, tells us more about the intricacies of this law and what you should know before carrying a gun.Many football fans remember where they were when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a game in January 2023. Despite collapsing on the field, he was quickly revived thanks to the fast action of doctors and the use of the medical device, the automatic external defibrillator.Since the incident, there’s been more conversations on how to make the game safer, and how medical technology can help monitor the health of athletes. This year, LSU is introducing a new AI stethoscope to help monitor heart activity of athletes with the goal of preventing serious accidents and injuries.Micki Collins, Director of Sports Medicine for LSU Athletics, and Joseph Authement, commercial Vice President of Eko Health – the organization behind the digital stethoscope – tell us more about the role medical technology can play in athlete health. — Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber; our contributing producers are Matt Bloom and Adam Vos; we receive production and technical 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, 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!

Louisiana is the latest state to pass a law that gives parents who choose to send their kids to private school, money to spend on it. Last week, the state’s board of education signed an $11 million contract with a developer to manage the program. WWNO and WRKF’s Aubri Juhasz tells us more about this law and the impact it might have on Louisiana’s education system. The 14th annual Culture Collision gets underway on Wednesday WWNO, in partnership with Jefferson Performing Arts is hosting the event that gives attendees a first-hand look at what the upcoming arts season has to offer.WWNO business manager Jameeta Youngblood joins us with the details. Sustainable. Regenerative. Climate-smart. Whatever you call it, environmentally conscious approaches to farming are getting more federal support in the U.S. The Gulf States Newsroom’s Danny McArthur takes us to three farms that are part of a growing sustainable agriculture network across Mississippi.___Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. 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!

Last week, politicians and celebrities alike gathered in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. Over four days, we heard speeches from Joe Biden, the Obamas, and the two names at the top of the ticket: vice presidential candidate Tim Walz and presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Political consultant, author and media contributor James Carville joins us for his major takeaways from the convention and what he believes this means for the future of the Democratic Party. From House Rep. Troy Carter to New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno, to actor and New Orleans native, Wendell Pierce, there was no shortage of Louisianans at last week’s DNC. One of them, Kaitlin Joshua, testified about her own experience with Louisiana’s restrictions on reproductive health care, saying she was denied treatment while undergoing a miscarriage. WWNO and WRKF’s reproductive health reporter Rosemary Westwood tells us more about Joshua’s speech and why abortion access was a major discussion point at the convention. __Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. 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!