Louisiana Considered

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.

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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!

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. 

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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!

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. 

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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!

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. 

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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!

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.

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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.”

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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!

Last week, a bill to establish a recreational alligator hunting season passed in the state senate. While Louisiana currently allows highly-regulated commercial alligator hunting, this would open up the activity to the general public. But some are concerned this could put the species back on the endangered list.

Michael McEwen, reporter for WWNO and WRKF’s coastal desk, joins us with the latest.

The 2026 Winter Paralympics wrapped up a few weeks ago, featuring Louisiana’s very own Brenna Huckaby. The paralympic snowboarder brought home a bronze medal, her fifth medal overall. 

But Huckaby is not the only Louisiana athlete with a disability who has big aspirations.

Back in 2021, New Orleans teacher Adam Sivia lost both of his legs in an accident. These days, he’s aiming to qualify for the Paralympics in 2028. 

He joins us for more on his rehabilitation, recovery and connecting with other athletes with disabilities. 

For years, the Louisiana Bucket Brigade tackled environmental issues. They’ve become known for their main effort: highlighting how petrochemical plants lead to pollution, land loss and illnesses within the communities they’re located in. Now, the organization is gearing up for an Earth Day event that pairs art and culture with environmental activism.

The New Orleans Earth Day Festival returns to the Mid-City neighborhood in New Orleans on April 11th. The event is free and open to the public. 

Louisiana Bucket Brigade director, Anne Rolfes, and development director Rene Ronquillo, join us for more on the organization’s mission and the upcoming event.

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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!

Louisiana prosecutor Hugo Holland has had a long and controversial career. He’s been accused of withholding evidence in death row cases, falsifying paperwork and racism. But that hasn’t stopped him from campaigning for a judge position in Caddo Parish. And according to recent reports, he’s the front runner.

Richard Webster has been covering this story for Verite News and Pro Publica. He joins us today with more.

Back in the 1970s, blind mathematician Robert McClean wanted more vision impaired people to have access to news and information. So he leased some airtime from WWNO, and began reading local newspapers over the radio. Years later, he purchased his own radio signal and established the first full-time reading radio station in the United States: WRBH.

Years later WRBH is still operating, providing book and newspaper readings for blind audiences everywhere.

Program Director at WRBH Del Agnew joins us with more on the history of the station and upcoming events. 

The East Baton Rouge Public Defender has had an uncertain year in funding. They began the year taking a large cut from the parish’s 2026 budget. But the Metro Council recently allocated them $500,000. 

WRKF Report for America corps member Alex Cox has more on the state of the office’s funding.

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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!

For more than a century, the Gulf seafood industry has shaped towns, cultures, and identities along the coast. Yet, if you talk to almost anyone who works on the water, they’ll tell you the Gulf seafood story has changed more in the last 30 years than the hundred years before that. If you care about what’s on your plate, what happens to this coast, or what kind of future we’re leaving to the next generation of fishers and eaters, you’re in the right place.

Today, Sea Change travels to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, for a lively live panel discussion about seafood. Host Carlyle Calhoun is joined by journalist Boyce Upholt, fisherman Ryan Bradley, chef Alex Perry, and off-bottom oyster farmer Matthew Mayfield to talk about the future of this rapidly changing industry. 

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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.

It’s Thursday, and that means it’s time to catch up on the week in politics with Stephanie Grace, editorial director and columnist for Times Picayune/The Advocate. Today, she discusses the latest in the Republican Senate primary and why there will likely be no debate between candidates.

It’s been nearly a month since the United States and Israel launched a war with Iran, beginning with 900 strikes in just 12 hours and the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. This war comes despite President Donald Trump’s assurance to disengage from armed conflicts in the Middle East. 

What’s unknown still is how long this war might go on, how many will lose their lives and what it will take to end it.

Andrew Leber, assistant professor at Tulane University’s Department of Political Science and the Middle East and North Africa Studies Program, tells us more about the war and what he thinks it will take for it to end. 

Many Louisianans are aware of the multi-billion-dollar Meta AI data center underway in Richland Parish. The facility is said to be one of Meta’s largest ever constructed. 

But it’s not the only data center coming to the region – and massive tax breaks could give tech giants reason to keep building more.

Sam Karlin has been covering this for The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate. He joins us today for more.

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Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Bob Pavlovich. 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!