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.
The Gulf States Newsroom thanks those who make our work possible through their support, including: the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, NPR, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Commonwealth Fund, Moises Itzkowich Foundation, Theresa McDonald, the Trust for Civic Life, Advancing Democracy, Haberman Foundation, WWNO, WRKF, WBHM, MPB, and individual donors from our region and across the country. To learn more about the Gulf States Newsroom, or to support our work, email connect@gulfstatesnewsroom.org.
The Regional Team:
Ryan Vasquez, acting managing editor based at WWNO in New Orleans
Orlando Flores Jr., deputy managing editor based at WWNO in New Orleans
Tanya Ott, news editor based at WBHM in Birmingham
Drew Hawkins, senior reporter covering public health & special projects lead based at WWNO in New Orleans
Nellie Beckett, community engagement producer based at WBHM in Birmingham
Elise Catrion Gregg, community engagement reporter based at MPB in Jackson
Aubri Juhasz, communities and families reporter based at WWNO in New Orleans
Joseph King, sports and culture reporter based at WBHM in Birmingham
Maya Miller, democracy and government reporter based at MPB in Jackson
Marci Schramm, development director based at WWNO in New Orleans
Andrea Miller, business manager based at WBHM in Birmingham
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The Jackson County Sheriff's Office said the investigation remains "active and ongoing" and is asking for photos and videos from the northwest part of Horn Island on July 4, where Wells' body was found. -
New Orleans public schools were among the most improved in the state, extending the district’s upward trajectory. -
Whether Essence Fest is changing or simply growing depends on who you ask. The Gulf States Newsroom's Tanner Riley attended the 2026 festival. Here's what he saw. -
In the Gulf South, “school choice” programs have promised parents more options. But implementation issues and possible harm to public schools have some worried. -
With record crowds, extreme heat, and packed streets expected in downtown New Orleans this weekend, here’s how to move through Essence Fest 2026 safely, smoothly and like you’ve done it before. -
The gathering was part of the ongoing UNO Memory Project, a series led by doctoral student Amanda Mester-Brown, who has spent months collecting oral histories from the people who built, studied at and loved the university. -
The report's central argument is that the hard right is no longer knocking on the door of American institutions. It has walked through. -
Every year, Elvis fans flock to Tupelo to celebrate the King in his hometown — including some of his youngest fans, who perform like the rock icon in competition. -
From concerts and cultural festivals to museum exhibits and community gatherings, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Juneteenth in and around New Orleans this month. -
More than 50 New Orleans faith leaders crowded into Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Rampart Street Tuesday and did something rare for a city where religion and politics rarely share a pulpit.
