Too many local news outlets have disappeared in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. The Gulf States Newsroom was created to ensure that stories related to health care, criminal justice, the economy and other important issues continue to be told. WWNO and WRKF in Louisiana, WBHM in Alabama, Mississippi Public Broadcasting, and NPR are working together as a regional newsroom to plan coverage, share resources and add reporting power in a story-rich region that has for too long gone under-covered.
Support for the Gulf States Newsroom comes from WBHM, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, NPR, the Commonwealth Fund and the Public Welfare Foundation. To learn more about the Gulf States Newsroom, email connect@gulfstatesnewsroom.org.
The Regional Team:
Ryan Vasquez, interim managing editor based at WWNO in New Orleans
Orlando Flores Jr., digital editor based at WWNO in New Orleans
Stephan Bisaha, senior reporter covering economic mobility based at WBHM in Birmingham
Kat Stromquist, senior reporter covering justice, incarceration and gun violence based at WWNO in New Orleans
Drew Hawkins, public health reporter based at WWNO in New Orleans
Nellie Beckett, community engagement producer based at WBHM in Birmingham
Joseph King, sports and culture reporting fellow based at WBHM in Birmingham
Danny McArthur, environment & communities reporter based at Mississippi Public Broadcasting in Jackson
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At least three bills in the 2025 legislative session propose changes that could affect cases moving forward amid a push to carry out more death sentences. -
As Wall Street swings wildly under the weight of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, reactions in the Gulf South are mixed. -
Although most abortions remain illegal in Alabama, the decision allows doctors and advocacy groups to tell patients about abortion options in other states, and help with travel and other costs -
Marginalized people often bear the brunt of environmental injustices. An annual conference in New Orleans is shaping young Black leaders to solve these issues. -
‘Democratic anger’ against Gov. Landry, distrust of tax changes in rural parishes and more helped create the perfect storm for the March 29 election results. -
The measures, which include closing a stretch of Bourbon Street to vehicular traffic, were met with concern from some who feel their voices haven’t been heard. -
The district judge said he won’t stand in the way of votes being counted on Saturday amid the legal challenge, but said the case can otherwise move forward. -
President Donald Trump touted the $5.8 billion manufacturing facility’s announcement as proof that his plan to impose tariffs on other countries is working. -
A small, mid-major university in Lake Charles, Louisiana is making an impact in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. -
State leaders have lauded the beginning of two new projects, but some industry experts said they come with big power demands and few permanent jobs.
