Louisiana Considered

Today on Louisiana Considered, we bring you the first episode of “The Light Switch,” a new podcast from the Louisiana Illuminator that dives into the top political issues in our state.  First, host  Greg LaRose speaks with senior reporter Julie O’Donoghue to discuss what’s on the table at the current state legislative session. Then Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry, and explore where measle...

It’s Thursday and that means it’s time to catch up on politics with The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate’s editorial director and columnist, Stephanie Grace. We hear about the latest clashes between Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the Civil Service Commission, and a millage to support the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The death penalty has been a major topic in Louisiana ever since the execution...

Last month, President Donald Trump’s administration slashed funding for the CDC’s HIV prevention programs. Administrators of similar programs in Louisiana — which has one of the highest rates of HIV per capita of any U.S. state — are bracing for the loss of federal grants too. Public health reporter Rosemary Westwood tells us what they’re doing to prepare for the loss of funding. Also at the direc...

April is National Autism Awareness Month, and in New Orleans, the next few weeks are full of events to promote acceptance of people all across the autism spectrum.  Claire Tibbets, executive director of the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans, tells us more about April’s events as well as resources available for the autism community throughout the year. The Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane is retu...

The 2025 regular legislative session kicks off Monday, and lawmakers will try to tackle the state budget, the insurance crisis, and anti-hazing legislation. Capitol Access reporter Brooke Thorington joins us to break down some of the bills.  Louisiana Public Broadcasting and the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) have teamed up with the nonprofit Chanbow  for “Kouri Vini...

Award-winning author and journalist Michael Lewis is out with a new book, “Who is Government?: The Untold Story of Public Service.” The New Orleans native is the author of multiple books, many of which have turned into blockbuster movies, like “Moneyball,” “The Blind Side” and “The Big Short.”  His latest work is collaboration with multiple writers and performers, like Dave Eggers, Casey Cep and W...

It’s Thursday, and that means it’s time for our week in Politics with the Editorial Director and Columnist for the Times-Picayune/The Advocate, Stephanie Grace. Today she gives us a preview of the upcoming state legislative session and Gov. Landry’s agenda.  Earlier this week, a run of “Hamilton” began at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. The Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of the fou...

The Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) remain in the headlines for threatening to cut funding and personnel for a myriad of federal programs. Even in situations in which funding and employees have been reinstated, the pauses continue to have real-world consequences across America. Robert Collins, a political analyst and professor of urban studies and public pol...

New Orleans has a new superintendent of schools. Last week, the Orleans Parish School Board selected Fateama Fulmore, the district’s former deputy superintendent, to take on the role.  Aubri Juhasz, education reporter for WWNO and WRKF, tells us more about the system’s new leader and what challenges lie ahead is  This year, the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans is celebrating its 1...

Last week, President Trump issued sweeping tariffs on goods coming into the United States, with a 10% tariff across the board and higher duties on imports from certain trading partners – specifically Asian countries.  While administration officials argued the tariffs would eventually lead to more manufacturing jobs returning to the US, many critics say this will significantly raise the price of go...

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is planning to replace a 100-year-old canal lock that connects the Mississippi River to the Industrial Canal in the Lower Ninth Ward. The project has an estimated timeline of 13 years and a budget of more than $1 billion. Also in the works is a plan to build a $30 million grain terminal in Holy Cross. These projects are concerning residents, who worry they could le...

It’s Thursday and that means it’s time to catch up on politics with The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate’s editorial director and columnist, Stephanie Grace. Today we hear about Speaker Mike Johnson’s resistance to a bill that would allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy – and why he seems to be losing this battle. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, only about 9% of plastics ar...

Over the weekend, the City of St. George voted for its leaders. Interim Mayor Dustin Yates was officially elected, as were city council members who took office unopposed or won their elections.  Still, the election wasn’t quite the outcome city officials hoped for, when voters rejected the proposed home rule charter.  Patrick Sloan-Turner , political reporter for The Advocate tells us about the ir...

Over the weekend, Louisiana voters rejected all four constitutional amendments backed by Gov. Jeff Landry. Turnout for the election was almost twice as high as anticipated, and the governor is blaming liberal donors.  Louisiana Illuminator senior reporter Julie O’Donoghue tells us why the proposals failed and what it reveals about voters’ views on the governor.  The New Orleans Opera’s reimagined...

It’s the last Monday of the month, so we’re checking in with our neighbors in Lafayette to get an update on the latest news in Acadiana. Christiaan Mader, founder and editor of The Current, tells us why a federal broadband program meant to expand internet access in the Lafayette area is now on hold. We also hear about an upcoming conference of mid-size cities coming to the region this spring.   If...

Last time on Louisiana Considered, we learned about the nearly century-old bond between the oil and gas industry and one university — LSU. In the second and final episode of our series, "Fueling Knowledge," we look at how much money is flowing into universities and what the industry may hope to get in return. This relationship comes with big benefits: student mentors, scholarships, research fundin...

The media group Time Out covers food and culture around the world. They recently ranked the best food cities across the globe, and to no surprise to those of us who live here, New Orleans is No. 1! Chelsea Shannon, trending food and dining reporter for the Times Picayune/ The Advocate tells us a little more about the list and why New Orleans outranked other cities.  Last week, we brought you the f...

On March 29, voters in the City of St. George will elect their mayor and city council members for the first time. They will also decide if the city will adopt a home rule charter.  Capitol Access reporter Brooke Thorington spoke with city spokesperson Andrew Murrell about what the proposed charter could mean for residents. This week, the Louisiana-based Nous Foundation, is at the Library of Congre...

The 2025 March Madness Tournaments are headed to the Sweet 16 rounds this weekend. While the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team is the only Louisiana team left standing, McNeese State made a big splash with a first round upset victory in the men’s tournament, and a viral team manager. Reed Darcey , a reporter for the Baton Rouge Advocate, breaks down the recent games and what to expect as LSU prep...

In January, a Metairie family was deported to Honduras. They claim they were deceived by agents at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as ICE. The family fled Honduras fearing gang violence over a decade ago and now fear they are banned from ever returning to the United States.  Verite News’ Bobbi-Jeanne Misick has been covering this story. She joins us with more. The 2025 March...

Almost a third of people in Louisiana are on Medicaid. And hundreds of providers rely on federal reimbursements to operate. But funding for the program is under threat. The Trump administration – and a majority of Republican lawmakers – say they want to cut funding for Medicaid to help pay for tax cuts . Many patients and providers in Louisiana are watching the debate in Washington closely.  Alice...

It’s Thursday, and The Times Picayune/the Advocate’s editorial director and columnist Stephanie Grace is here to talk politics. Today we discuss the New Orleans mayor’s race, and the news that Oliver Thomas – New Orleans city council member who once pleaded guilty to bribery charges and served in federal prison – is officially a candidate.  Universities have grown increasingly close to the oil and...

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 new...

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 sid...

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 institu...