Louisiana Considered

WWNO/WRKF Newsroom
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Louisiana Considered

“Louisiana Considered” showcases South Louisiana's biggest stories and features interviews with journalists, newsmakers, and artists. The show is a collaboration between the WWNO and WRKF newsrooms.  Airs Monday through Friday at noon. 

  1. 1D AGO

    Louisiana’s first execution in 15 years; Loyola student newspaper wins Pacemaker Award; ‘grief camp’ helps kids cope with loss

    The state of Louisiana carried out its first execution in 15 years Tuesday, fatally poisoning Jessie Hoffman, Jr. with nitrogen gas. The state is expected to carry out more death sentences in the coming months. Currently, there are more than 50 people on death row. Kat Stromquist has been covering this story for the Gulf States Newsroom. She joins us with more details.  The Maroon, the student newspaper at the Loyola University of New Orleans, was just awarded the Pacemaker Award, recognizing their excellence in student journalism. And this Friday, the university will host its annual Media Day, celebrating their recent recognition and the importance of student publications. Michael Giusti, director of student media and advisor to the Maroon, and editor-in-chief Sophia Maxim, tell us more about the award, the upcoming event, and the role of student reporters. It’s hard for anyone to process grief, but this can be especially true for children who lose a parent, friend or otherwise important person in their lives.  Camp Bearable is a grief camp for kids grappling with their feelings about loss. It helps kids learn to cope with their grief and take steps towards healing. The camp will take place this weekend in Slidell and registration is still open. Miranda Lindsay, executive director of the Hospice House and assistant director Cheryl Scaglione, tell us more about Camp Bearable and how members of the community can help kids cope with  loss. — 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!

    24 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Push for paid parental leave; Alvin Ailey Dance Company heads to NOLA; Tulane Book Festival to feature Maureen Dowd, Connie Chung

    Paid parental leave is close to being an option for state employees in Alabama and Mississippi. Bills to make this law are working their way through both state legislatures, and comes as a trend as more states, including Louisiana, are providing paid parental leave to their employees.  The Gulf States Newsroom’s Stephan Bisaha tells us why the push for paid parental leave has champions on both sides of the political aisle. The New Orleans Ballet Association presents the return of the iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. The dance company, which celebrates Black American cultural experiences and dance traditions, will perform two completely different performances.  Choreographer Ronald K. Brown tells us about his piece, “Grace”, and Alvin Ailey’s iconic “Revelations,” and how you can see the shows.  The fourth annual Tulane Book Festival is coming to New Orleans at the end of March. The event brings together over 180 authors and journalists for panel discussions, book signings and family-friendly activities. Some of this year’s guests include Connie Chung, Maureen Dowd, John Grisham and Bob Woodward.  Festival co-chair Cheryl Landrieu tells us what to expect at the three-day event.  __ Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. 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!

    24 min

  3. 3D AGO

    Louisiana ballot breakdown; exhibit explores free Black brotherhood; professional pickleball coming to Baton Rouge

    Early voting is underway in Louisiana with four constitutional amendments on the ballot. Amendment 2, which concerns the state income tax, is already causing confusion among voters.  Capitol Access reporter Brooke Thorington joins us to break down the ballot and the intricacies behind the proposals.  A new exhibit at the New Orleans Jazz Museum explores one of New Orleans’ most influential institutions and its pivotal role in shaping the city’s cultural and musical legacy. “Economy Hall: The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood” shows how free men of color formed a thriving intellectual community in the Antebellum era. David Kunian, curator of the New Orleans Jazz Museum, tells us more. The City of Baton Rouge will host  the first Professional Pickleball Tournament in Louisiana. The series will be held from April 4 to April 6at the Stacks Pickleball sports complex. And with the growing popularity of the sport, the event promises to be a big draw and have a large economic impact.  Jason Suitt, the director of sports development at Visit Baton Rouge’s,, and Ethan Pippitone, a competitive pickleballer in New Orleans, tell us more about the sport and the upcoming event. — 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, 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!

    24 min

  4. 6D AGO

    Man remains on death row despite faulty bite mark evidence; LSU Lady Tigers gear up for March Madness

    Nine prisoners are walking free after being convicted in part on faulty evidence presented by Mississippi dentist Michael West and his pathological partner Dr. Steven Hayne. Seven of those nine convictions involved bite mark evidence, and three of the recently-freed men had been on death row. There is one inmate left who awaits execution based on evidence presented by the now defamed medical professionals, and state prosecutors aren’t budging about his guilt. All the while, Louisiana had been gearing up for its first nitrogen gas execution, which has since been temporarily barred by a federal judge. Richard Webster, a reporter for Verite News and ProPublica  has been following this closely, and joins us to share more.  The 2025 March Madness tournaments are just around the corner, and all eyes are on the LSU women’s basketball team. The Lady Tigers won the championship in 2023, and lost in the Elite Eight in 2024.  While this year’s squad will lack the familiar faces of Angel Reese and Haley Van Lith, fans will remember Flau’Jae Johnson, who has taken on a larger role with this year’s team. And of course, there’s the colorful coach Kim Mulkey and her unforgettable sideline jackets.  Reed Darcey, who covers the team for the Baton Rouge Advocate, joins us to look back at  the regular season and offer tournament predictions. ___ Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Ryan Vasquez. 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!

    25 min

  5. MAR 13

    City council ‘grounds’ Mayor Cantrell; truck parking problem; Lenten season reflections

    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 learn how the New Orleans City Council is aiming to restrict the travel of Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and how she’s pushing back.  The recent severe weather and January’s heavy snowfall shed light on an ongoing problem: a lack of adequate parking for long-haul truck drivers.  The Louisiana Transportation Research Center is looking for solutions to the state’s truck parking problem. They’ve awarded a grant to Bethany Stich, professor of Planning and Urban Studies and director of the University of New Orleans Transportation Institute to study the issue. She joins us to discuss  potential solutions to this issue. The Lenten season, which follows Carnival's period of excess and indulgence, is observed by many Christians as a time for atonement, introspection, reflection, and repentance. But how does that last bit fit into our 21st century mindset?  Father John D Cunningham, vice president of Mission and Identity at Loyola University New Orleans, tells us how to think about lent in contemporary times.  — 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 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!

    24 min

  6. MAR 12

    How hospitals prepare for mass casualties; resources for kids in foster care; best plants for Louisiana weather

    Shortly after the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, trauma teams at New Orleans hospitals stepped up to save lives at a moment’s notice. University Medical Center New Orleans, the only Level 1 trauma center in the area, addressed many of the casualties. Dr. Alison Smith, trauma medical director at UMC , tells us how the city’s  hospitals prepare for mass casualty emergencies.  When children are removed from families and put into foster care, they often have to leave with very few of their personal items, carrying their belongings in nothing more than a trash bag — a dehumanizing and sometimes traumatic experience. Rob Scheer is founder of Comfort Cases, an international organization that supports hundreds of children who enter the foster care system each month in Louisiana. He tells us about the basic needs of children that are often overlooked, and an upcoming event to collect clothes, blankets, hygiene kits and more for kids in need.  As the weather warms, many are thinking about what kinds of plants to put in their gardens, but Louisiana weather isn’t the friendliest to all kinds of plants. We have to consider what plants are best equipped to survive heat, droughts and even hurricanes. Author Christopher Brown and Tammany Baumgarten, a landscape horticulturist and president of the Louisiana Native Plant Society, tell us more about the best plants for South Louisiana's climate. — 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!

    24 min

  7. MAR 11

    Arrests made in death of Southern Univ. student; proposed tax amendment faces lawsuit; Marigny Opera Ballet presents ‘DUSK’

    The Southern University community is reeling after engineering student Caleb Wilson died in an off-campus fraternity hazing ritual two weeks ago. Wilson was pledging for Omega Psi Phi at the time of his death. Three students have since been arrested.  Aidan McCahill, a crime and criminal justice reporter for the Baton Rouge Advocate, gives us the latest. Baton Rouge voters will soon cast ballots on a constitutional amendment to overhaul several items in the state’s tax code. But an attorney has filed a lawsuit, claiming that the ballot language is misleading and biased. Capitol Access reporter Brooke Thorington spoke with the attorney, William Most. The Marigny Opera Ballet continues its 11th season with the premiere of “DUSK”, a contemporary ballet by internationally acclaimed choreographer Cassi Abranches, which is produced by artistic director Diogo de Lima. The performance also has an original score by the New Orleans dream pop group, People Museum.  Marigny Opera Ballet executive director Dave Hurlbert, and People Museum trombonist Jeremy Phipps tell us more about collaborating for this performance. __ Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. 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!

    24 min

  8. MAR 11

    Leaving the Island, Episode 3: When the Dust Settles Part 2

    Today on Louisiana Considered, we’ll hear the final episode  of “Leaving the Island.” The Isle de Jean Charles residents finally move out of harm’s way. But problems pile up before the construction dust settles on the resettlement site, The New Isle. Will the residents be able to afford their new homes in the long run? And what will happen to Isle de Jean Charles?  — “Leaving The Island” is an Audiation Original Production, produced in partnership with the nonprofit newsroom Type Investigations. The story is based on an earlier print investigation by Columbia Journalism Investigations in partnership with The Center for Public Integrity and Type Investigations. Episode three was partially funded by Columbia Journalism School's Joan Konner Program in the Journalism of Ideas. The series was reported, co-produced, written and hosted by Olga Loginova. Our Executive Producer and Showrunner is Sandy Smallens. The series producer is Max Wasserman, our story editor and co-producer is Susie Armitage, and our investigative editor is Sasha Belenky. Sound design, mix engineering and original music composition by Tom Sullivan and Paul Vitolins of Audiography. Theme music by Mobéy Lola Irizarry.  For more information about the series, check out leavingtheislandpod.com.

    24 min
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    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    12 Ratings

    About

    “Louisiana Considered” showcases South Louisiana's biggest stories and features interviews with journalists, newsmakers, and artists. The show is a collaboration between the WWNO and WRKF newsrooms.  Airs Monday through Friday at noon. 

    Information

    • Creator
      WWNO/WRKF Newsroom
    • Years Active
      2021 - 2025
    • Episodes
      949
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Show Website
      Louisiana Considered

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