Louisiana Considered

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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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!