Louisiana Considered

The Marigny Opera Ballet is gearing up to present two new contemporary dances that explore themes of time with the sounds of a New Orleans musical icon. Artistic director Diego de Lima and composer Ted Joyner of Generationals give us the details. 

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you live in New Orleans perhaps you’re spending the holiday going to the Fairgrounds Race Course for opening day. But what you might not know is that Louisiana claims some very accomplished jockeys, six of whom have been inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. 

The most recent inductee was Ray Sibille, a jockey originally from the town of Sunset who received the honor over the summer. He joins us for more on his career, riding more than forty two hundred winners over 35 years. 

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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, 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!

It’s the last Monday of the month, and that means it’s time for an update on the news in Acadiana. Christiaan Mader, founder and editor of the Current, gives us the latest on changes to the region's education system and results of the recent elections. 

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported a decrease in sexually transmitted infections across the country, in Louisiana, STI rates are soaring. Some infections, like syphilis and chlamydia, are higher than they’ve been in decades, with some calling this problem an epidemic.

Patty Kissinger, infectious disease epidemiologist at Tulane, tells us more about this problem and how to combat it.

A team of researchers in Louisiana has received a federal grant to study the use of wastewater as a form of fertilizer. The team, which is composed of faculty from the LSU AgCenter, the Louisiana Sea Grant and Southern University, are aiming to see if the organic matter in bodies of water can be put to a beneficial use. 

M.P. Hayes, AgCenter and Sea Grant water quality specialist, tells us more about this grant and what researchers are hoping to discover. 

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Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. 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, 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!

Tiger Stadium’s 100th birthday is just three  days away. Over the last two months, we’ve been bringing you stories all about the historic venue. But gameday at LSU wouldn’t be what it is without the Golden Band from Tigerland. Originally founded by two students in 1893, the band now has 325 members. And their world famous music was even nominated for a Grammy back in 2023.

As we wrap up our Tiger Stadium stories, our intern Marty Sullivan spoke with band members George Wilson and Trent McKenny about what makes the band so special.  

Back in June, lawmakers passed a new law meant to address the state’s labor shortage and hiring concerns. Known as ACT 330, the law officially delegates the Louisiana Workforce Commission in addressing labor concerns. 

Adam Knapp was previously the president of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, and now runs the Committee of 100, a nonprofit group of business leaders that advise the state on economic policy. He joins us for more on this new law.

Poor sanitation has long plagued residents in Alabama’s Black Belt, and people living in manufactured homes in this largely rural area face specific challenges when it comes to fixing it. The Gulf States Newsroom’s Danny McArthur talks to one couple who are looking for a new septic system - but have a few barriers along the way. 

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Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Ryan Vasquez. 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 the week in politics with Stephanie Grace, editorial director and a columnist for the Times Picayune/The Advocate. Today we discuss what’s on the ballot for the Dec. 7 elections. 

Many of us look for things to do the morning of Thanksgiving, especially if there’s a huge meal in the offing. Besides shopping, have you considered Human Horse Racing? It’s entering its 5th year in New Orleans. 

Founder and producer of Human Horse Racing, Ingrid Anderson, tells us more about the races, raffles and costume contests on Thanksgiving Day. 

A new historical marker has gone up in New Orleans’ Central City neighborhood to commemorate the life of Dorothy Mae Taylor. The civil rights icon and politician was the first Black woman elected to the state legislature and is remembered for working to desegregate the city’s Mardi Gras krewes. 

Verite’s Arielle Robinson tells us more about the historical marker unveiling and Parker’s life story.

Stuffing. Turkey. Gravy. Cranberry Sauce. Those are the ingredients of a classic Thanksgiving dinner. But have you tried them in a Po-boy? Producer Matt Bloom visited one restaurant owner in New Orleans who has perfected the art of mixing the two traditions every holiday season. 

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

Lawmakers are busy in Baton Rouge, attempting to rewrite large portions of Louisiana’s tax code. It’s the biggest wide-ranging tax reform effort that we’ve seen in years. And many Louisianans are left asking, how will these tax reforms impact me? And who will be impacted the most? 

Greg Albrecht, an economist at Louisiana State University has released his analysis of these tax policy changes, and he’s drawn a few conclusions. He joins us today with his  predictions. 

The week before Thanksgiving is designated National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and one local shelter is drawing attention to the issue. The New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter is preparing to open a new facility. It’s the largest shelter in the region and the only to accept intact families– including fathers.

CEO Dawn Bradley-Fletcher and state senator Royce Duplessis tell us more about issues surrounding hunger and homelessness and the importance of shelters that accept whole families

The USDA is known for its programs that assist farmers and keep agriculture booming. What may be less-known is an ag loan program aimed at youth, helping young people operate smaller-scale agricultural projects and gain business experience. USDA farm loan manager Tyler Carlson and 13-year-old ag loan recipient Kashton Lee Malbrough tell us more.

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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, 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!

Earlier this year, Cancer Alley activists in Louisiana celebrated a big victory: they stopped a major grain elevator project to the west of New Orleans. But now, another community is trying to get another grain project stopped further down the Mississippi. 

WWNO’s Eva Tesfaye tells us about pushback to the latest grain proposal, this time in the majority Black neighborhood of the Lower Ninth Ward.

Notes for Education Northshore is gearing up for its outdoor “Twilight Symphony” concert. Featuring the Baton Rouge-based Pan String Quartet, the event will also serve as a fundraiser to buy instruments for students. 

Notes for Education Northshore co-founder Don Thanars tells us what to expect at this concert for a cause.

If you’re a fan of Louisiana sports teams, this hasn’t been an easy fall. Both the Saints and Pelicans are second to last in their conferences, and LSU hasn’t fared much better – especially since their 42-13 loss against Bama two weeks ago.

Jeff Duncan, sports columnist for The Times Picayune / The Advocate tells us more about the rough patch faced by Louisiana sports teams, and what it will take to turn these seasons around. 

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Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. 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, 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!

NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams will step down at the beginning of December after leading the almost all-charter school system for two years. WWNO and WRKF’s education reporter Aubri Juhasz tells us more about her abrupt departure.

Photographer Eric McVicker is out with a new book that captures the wildlife, landscapes and waterways of the Bayou State. Dubbed, "Louisiana: Our Home,” the book takes viewers on an intimate journey through all corners of the state, capturing its natural and unique beauty. 

Erik joins us now for more on his new book, upcoming gallery show, and how he discovered photography as part of his recovery from addiction.

The New Orleans Film Festival wrapped up a few weeks ago, but one documentary short is still generating a lot of buzz. The Buzz of St. Roch follows beekeeper Carl Harrison Jr. as he builds a bee sanctuary on his family’s land in St. Roch, working to preserve the legacy of Black beekeepers in Louisiana. 

Harrison also co-directed this film. He and the film’s co-director, Patrice E. Jones joined Louisiana Considered’s Alana Schreiber for more. 

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Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schrieber. We get production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer Aubrey 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!

Hollywood has been cold on climate change, mostly relegating the issue to documentaries. But today, we hear more about how the silver screen is starting to tackle the hottest topic of our time. We hear from David Sirota, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter behind “Don’t Look Up” about creating a climate movie that gets people’s attention.

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Thanks for listening to Sea Change. This episode was hosted by me, Eva Tesfaye, and Halle Parker. Sea Change’s managing producer, Carlyle Calhoun conducted the interviews. 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. 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. We'll be back in two weeks!

It’s Thursday and that means it’s time to catch up on the week in politics with The Times Picayune/The Advocate’s editorial director and columnist, Stephanie Grace. We look ahead at New Orleans’ next mayoral race. We discuss big names who are considering running for New Orleans mayor, including two current city council members.  

Monday was Veterans Day, and this week on Louisiana Considered, we are telling the stories of those who’ve served our country. 

Today we’re joined by Nick Mueller, historian and former Vice Chancellor at the University of New Orleans, who served as Founding President and CEO of The National WWII Museum. He tells us about the life and legacy of the museum’s co-founder, Stephen Ambrose, who also wrote the book-turned-HBO mini series, “Band of Brothers.” We learn how the two got the idea to start the museum and what the late Ambrose might think of it if he saw it today.  

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Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Bob Pavlovich. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Voc and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.

You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at 12:00 and 7:00 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!

On Nov. 16, 1972,  police officers shot and killed two Southern University students, Denver Smith and Leonard Brown, during a peaceful college protest. The shooting and its ripple effects are the subject of a new investigative podcast called Bitter Jaguar. 

It’s written, produced and hosted by Gulf States Newsroom reporter Drew Hawkins and stems from an investigation from the LSU Cold Case Project — a class for students at the Manship School of Mass Communication. He spoke with WRKF’s Karen Henderson about the five-part series. 

Monday was Veterans Day, and this week on Louisiana Considered, we are diving into the state’s military history and the contributions of its servicemen and women.

Earlier this week, we brought you a conversation on Black military history at Southern University and other HBCUs, and today we are exploring the story of the Frenchies. While many French-speaking Cajun servicemen were outcast as children, their bilingual abilities gave them a powerful tool during World War II. They translated documents, deciphered messages, and spoke directly to French-speaking Europeans.

Jason Theriot is the author of the three-volume book, “To Honor Our Veterans: An Oral History of World War II Veterans From the Bayou Country.” More recently, he’s released “The Frenchie Podcast,” that dives into their individual contributions. He joins us now for more.

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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!