Louisiana Considered

As you’re likely more than aware, it is summer in the Gulf South. And with it comes the risk of extreme heat. But heat doesn’t just affect how your body feels — it can also affect your mental health.

As the Gulf States Newsroom’s Drew Hawkins reports, new research shows that as the temperature goes up, so does the number of calls to Louisiana’s suicide crisis hotline.

For more than 40 years, MedCamps of Louisiana has offered multiple summer camps for people with disabilities or going through various challenges. Located in Choudrant, Louisiana, in Lincoln Parish, there are camps for cancer survivors, kids with Down syndrome, and even adults living with chronic illnesses. 

Executive director of Med Camps of Louisiana, Caleb Seney, joins us for more.

As summer temperatures reach well into the 90s and heat index values top 100, we’re feeling the heat, and so are our pets. Just like humans, pets can overheat and suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke or even die.

Ginger Guttner, assistant director of communications with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, tells us how to keep our pets safe in the summer months.

—

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!

This is part 3 of our three-part series about elements. And today is a biggie: carbon. When we hear about carbon, it's usually about its role in heating up the planet. And while that's an absolutely critical part of the story, the story of this most miraculous of substances is so much larger.

We talk to Peter Brannen, author of The Story of CO2 is the Story of Everything, about how carbon has always been central to just about every major turning point in the history of life on Earth...including why life is here in the first place.

---

This episode is hosted by Executive Producer Carlyle Calhoun. Editing help from Eva Tesfaye and Jack Rodolico. Our theme music is by Jon Batiste, and our sound design by Dennis Funk.

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 talk politics with The Times Picayune/New Orleans Advocate’s Stephanie Grace. Today, we discuss Gov. Jeff Landry’s recent remarks on New Orleans and the latest on the Murrill indictment.

Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York mayor in November has had ripple effects throughout the country. In New York and cities like Denver, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, other Democratic Socialist candidates have advanced in party primaries. 

Now, Louisiana Republicans are targeting more centrist Democrats, hoping they’ll prefer GOP candidates to ones with socialist leanings. And they’re likening the popularity of democratic socialists to the Bolshevik Revolution.

Mark Ballad has reported on this for The Times-Picayune/The Advocate.  He joins us with more.

Roughly two years ago, Louisiana Considered managing producer Alana Schreiber created and produced the podcast, "Road to Rickwood." The four-part series by NPR and the MLB told the story of the intersection between Negro Leagues Baseball and the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham, Alabama, and how those stories played out at America’s oldest ballpark, Rickwood Field.

Schreiber recently produced a new podcast for the series “American Colony,” once again about the Negro Leagues — but this time, the story takes place in Puerto Rico. 

Schreiber joined us for more on this story and all the Louisiana connections.

—

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

You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It’s available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you’re at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you’d like to listen to.

Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

We just finished celebrating one of America’s most patriotic holidays a couple of weeks ago. Even though the holiday is more closely associated with the original 13 colonies, a significant chapter of the Revolutionary War took place in the Louisiana Territories. The 1779 Battle of Baton Rouge was an important turning point of the war, signifying the strength of the rebels and their alliance with Spain.

To learn more about the battle and the capture of Fort Bute, we’re joined by Sam Hyde, professor and director of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies at Southeastern Louisiana University. 

It’s summertime in Louisiana, and for many, that means it’s time for water sports. But for people with disabilities, access to these sports is often limited.

Unless, of course, you join the Ski Dawgs, an organization that helps people living with disabilities get the chance to water ski. With adaptive equipment and a team of volunteers, members get the chance to ride the waves in St. Tammany Parish.

Last year, we spoke with David Thomas, founder of the Ski Dawgs, and Jamie Galloway, the organization’s co-director. Today, we revisit the conversation and highlight upcoming events. 

—

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!

On Monday, Gov. Jeff Landry announced Meta is planning to double in size its datacenter in Richland Parish. The data center is already garnering a lot of attention for concerns over environmental impact and increased electricity demand. 

Reporter Brooke Thorington was at yesterday’s press conference. She tells us more about what the expansion means for Louisiana. 

One of the most significant battlefields in American history could soon see its largest expansion in nearly a century. The American Battlefield Trust has launched a $1 million campaign to protect 40 acres connected to the Battle of New Orleans, where Gen. Andrew Jackson's forces secured a decisive victory in the final major battle of the War of 1812 — even if the military treaty ending the war had already been signed two weeks earlier.

David Duncan, President of the American Battlefield Trust, joins us with more. 

Today is Bastille Day, a commemoration of the storming of the Bastille in France in 1789. For years, this day has also been celebrated in New Orleans. Last weekend saw music, food and art pop-ups down Esplanade Avenue, and tonight there will be a celebratory, immersive performance at Saturn Bar. 

Holly Devon is co-hosting the event, dubbed Grape Candy’s Raison D'être, which combines music and historical readings for a punk rock iteration of the holiday. She’s also a writer and senior editor at Antigravity Magazine. She joins us now for more.

__

Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Sara Henegan. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber, and our assistant producer is Aubry Procell. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.

You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It’s available on Spotify, the NPR App, and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you’re at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you’d like to listen to.

Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Louisiana state Senator Larry Selders died suddenly last week after collapsing at his son’s football practice. The “gentle giant” leaves behind his wife, Dr. Kendra Michael and sons, Larry and Luke.

The Louisiana Illuminator senior reporter Julie O’Donoghue joins us for more on Selders, his advocacy for substance abuse treatment and mental health rehabilitation, and what happens to his empty senate seat. 

A Baton Rouge community refrigerator is aiming to keep access to fresh foods available all summer long. The fridge is located in the Garden District of Baton Rouge and hosted by the organization Red Shoes as part of their “Fill the Fridge” initiative.

Rachael Hebert, executive director of Red Shoes, joins us for more.

An iconic New Orleans event returns to the city next week. Tales of the Cocktail is an annual summer event to celebrate spirits. It includes walking tours, tastings and panels that celebrate the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that define New Orleans. 

Charlotte Voisey, Tales of the Cocktail’s CEO, joins us for more. 

July is National Disability Pride Month, but despite the more than 30 years since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with physical limitations still struggle to find spaces designed with their needs in mind.

Back in 2023, WWNO’s Alana Schreiber took us to the Split Second Foundation, the first gym in New Orleans made specifically for people with disabilities. Today, we give that story a second listen. 

—

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

You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It’s available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you’re at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you’d like to listen to.

Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

This is part 2 of our 3-part series about elements. Last time we met nitrogen, today, it’s partner in crime and in life – phosphorus.

WLRN Environment Editor Jenny Staletovich has gotten to know the main character of this story pretty well after reporting on the environment in South Florida for more than a dozen years. Bone Valley in Central Florida has quietly fed the world’s hunger for phosphorus, even as its waters, in particular the Everglades, suffer from the fallout.

In this episode, you'll meet fishing captains turned environmental crusaders, hear about Guano Wars fought over this "Devil's Element," and learn how some are figuring out how to fix our phosphorus paradox.

---

WLRN Environment Editor Jenny Staletovich reported this story. The episode was hosted by Executive Producer Carlyle Calhoun. This episode was edited by Eve Abrams. Editing help from Carlyle Calhoun, Michael McEwan, Ryan Vasquez, Alana Schrieber, and Eva Tesfaye. Sound design by Dennis Funk, and our theme music is by John 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.

It’s Thursday, and that means it’s time to talk politics with The Times Picayune/New Orleans Advocate’s Stephanie Grace. Today, we hear about the latest on the indictment of Attorney General Liz Murrill and its political implications. 

State lawmakers passed a legislative package this past session to eliminate three judge positions  from Orleans Parish Criminal Court. Supporters say the move was to address population shifts and to cut costs. 

Since then, criminal justice groups have weighed in on the action. They warn about a judicial process slow-down, case backlogs, and public safety.

One of the judges who has lost her position is Judge Simone Levine of Section “A” of Criminal District Court. She joins us with more. 

Earlier this week, the United States was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. Their game against Belgium in the Round of 16 was the furthest the US Men's team has made it in the tournament in more than 20 years.

One of their key players was Chris Richards, a defender from Hoover, Alabama. He's the first player from Alabama to make this squad, and the Heart of Dixie went all out to support its native son.

WWNO's Alana Schreiber tells us more. 

—

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

You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It’s available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you’re at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you’d like to listen to.

Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

The system for dealing with stormwater in New Orleans is hundreds of years old and isn’t getting any younger. The Sewerage and Water Board (SWBNO)’s maintenance budget is short, more than $20 million a year, and that gap is only going to get bigger as a tax to address it expires next year.

Public officials, experts and advocates all agree a stormwater fee is needed.

Coastal desk reporter Eva Tesfaye joins to explain what exactly a stormwater fee means for residents and what’s being considered. 

Economic developers are often touting the numbers on how many jobs various projects might create. But we often don’t hear any follow-up. Do these projects actually deliver on what they say they will for our economy? 

That’s where the Kathleen Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette comes in. It’s recently released an analysis looking at the hard numbers around job growth in Louisiana’s industrial construction sector.

Robby Habans, research scientist, with the Blanco research center at ULL joins us with more.

This Thursday, Louisiana's Old Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge presents “After Huey: The Elusive Road to Reform.” The lecture dives into the history of Huey Long’s political protégés in the 90 years since Long was in office. 

Former Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne will connect the original Kingfish with the people who have tried to copy his strategies. Dardenne joins us with more. 

—

Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer Aubry Procell.

You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It’s available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!

Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you’re at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you’d like to listen to.

Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill was indicted by an Orleans Parish grand jury on sixteen felony charges last week for allegedly intimidating elected officials in New Orleans. Her bond was set at $4000 and an arrest warrant was issued.

Less than a week later, the only thing that remains are the charges. Murrill successfully petitioned the Louisiana Supreme Court to have the bond and warrant removed — and the court indicated she had a good chance at getting the whole thing thrown out.

WWNO’s Mel Bridges joins us with the latest. 

This time of year in the Gulf South is best known as hurricane season. But it’s also wildfire season. 2023 saw Louisiana’s worst wildfire outbreak in a century. Now, Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is making sure residents are prepared in case the state sees a similar outbreak.

Commissioner Strain joins us for more.

A Broadway classic filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable music is coming to the stage in New Orleans. Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane is presenting ‘La Cage aux Folles,’ the Tony Award-winning musical that celebrates family, love, and authenticity. Well-known for its cross dressing and drag, the show also features iconic songs by Jerry Herman, including the anthem "I Am What I Am.” This performance will feature a familiar face to WWNO listeners, our very own Bob Pavlovich.

Director Diane Lala and actor Scott Sauber tell us more about the performance.

__

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!