Shows
Gulf States GumboHow capital punishment methods can go wrongA quick warning — today’s episode is about the death penalty and includes talk about recent executions and methods. Capital punishment is a priority of the Trump administration, with the Deep South at the epicenter. We talk with our criminal justice reporter Kat Stromquist about the new method Alabama pioneered. Kat also talks with researcher Corinna Barrett Lain about her new book, “Secrets of the Killing State,” and how executions can go wrong. This episode is hosted and written by Stephan Bisaha. The podcast is produced by Kat Stromquist, Drew Hawkins, Orlando Flores Jr. and Ryan Vasqu...2025-06-2013 min
Gulf States GumboThe Gulf South’s nurse shortage is impacting sexual assault survivorsEditor’s Note: This episode contains descriptions of sexual violence that may be upsetting for some listeners. Public health reporter Drew Hawkins takes over this week’s episode to focus on a single story — the Gulf South’s shortage of sexual assault nurse examiners, better known as SANEs. Over the last year, Drew has been reporting on the impacts the shortage has had on hospital systems and sexual assault survivors. In partnership with Type Investigations, Drew examines who these nurses are, what they do and how they help survivors of sexual assault. This episode is...2025-06-1313 min
Gulf States GumboNo movie theater in Clarksdale, Mississippi? That’s a sinOn this week's episode, we zoom into Clarksdale, Mississippi, where Ryan Coogler’s latest blockbuster "Sinners" is set. Movie critics said it's one of the best of the year, but residents couldn’t watch it without driving elsewhere. That changed after one man spoke out. Our sports and culture reporter Joseph King and Mississippi Public Broadcasting's Shamira Muhammad tell us about what they saw at a series of special screenings of the film in the Mississippi Delta town. This episode is hosted and mixed by our public health reporter Drew Hawkins. The podcast was produced by Ste...2025-06-0613 min
Gulf States GumboPutting the wind (and inflation) back into US shipbuildingOn this week's episode, we’re heading to Mobile, Alabama, to find out why the Trump administration wants more ships built there and and across the Gulf. And, why critics say the policy meant to make that happen is not enough carrot and too much stick.Also, this August will mark 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, an event that forever changed New Orleans. Whether you left Louisiana or stayed after Katrina, we want to hear your story. On behalf of our partner station WWNO, we're asking listeners from near and far to share love letters to the...2025-05-3013 min
Gulf States GumboWashington makes cuts, the South feels the painOn this week's episode of the Gulf States Gumbo, we examine how cost-cutting in Washington is being felt in the South. Take the federal funding that’s played a major role in fighting the U.S. HIV epidemic — especially in hard-hit places like Alabama — for example. DOGE cuts and Trump administration policy changes threaten to undo that progress, according to advocates. And Louisiana lawmakers are asking Congress to bring back a federal program that helped schools buy food from local farms. WWNO and WRKF education reporter Aubri Juhasz explains how one school district used the money.2025-05-2313 min
Gulf States GumboChicago Pope? More like Creole PopeChicago has a lot to celebrate right now. After all, before he was Leo XIV of the Vatican, he was Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago. What’s less well known are the Pope’s Creole ties. In this week's episode, we hear how Catholics in Jackson, Mississippi, and New Orleans are reacting to the news, and we talk to the man who uncovered the Pope’s Southern connection. This episode is hosted and written by economic mobility reporter Stephan Bisaha. The podcast was produced by Drew Hawkins, Kat Stromquist, Orlando Flores Jr. and Ryan Vasq...2025-05-1613 min
Gulf States GumboHow Louisiana continues to change the sports worldOn this week's episode, we round the bases with a couple of sports stories, like a "torpedo bat" design giving baseball players newfound power. But what is it about these bats that allows players to hit the ball so deep? WWNO's and WRKF’s Alana Schreiber visited Marucci Sports, a bat manufacturer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to find out. New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders says football should be open for everybody. That’s why the two-time Super Bowl champion says his youth football camp is inclusive to the queer community. Our sports...2025-05-0913 min
Gulf States GumboUsing nature to solve man-made problemsOn this week's episode of the Gulf States Gumbo, we take a look at how communities are turning to nature to solve their environmental problems, from urban flooding in New Orleans’ Treme neighborhood to using forests to tackle greenhouse gases — while getting tribal nations paid for it. Plus, a send-off to our environment and communities reporter Danny McArthur. This episode is hosted by public health reporter Drew Hawkins. The podcast is produced by Stephan Bisaha, Kat Stromquist, Danny McArthur, Orlando Flores Jr. and Ryan Vasquez. Joseph King is the social producer. Nellie Beckett is our audien...2025-05-0213 min
Gulf States GumboHip-hop takes center stage at Jazz FestThe first weekend of New Orleans’ highly anticipated Jazz and Heritage Festival is underway. And this year, New Orleans native and hip-hop legend Lil Wayne will take the main stage with The Roots for the first time in the festival’s history. Our sports and culture reporter Joseph King tells us why this is a big moment for hip-hop artists at Jazz Fest.Joseph also talks with Big Freedia, New Orleans' Queen of Bounce, ahead of her performances on the Jazz Fest main stage and in the gospel tent. She also shares her Jazz Fest Gulf States Gems...2025-04-2513 min
Gulf States GumboStatehouse roundtable: Chaos, caution, finished honeymoonsCampaigns and election days tend to hog the political spotlight. It's much harder to follow the time of year when the state leaders who won those elections actually get together and work to pass laws big and small. On this week’s show, we find out what our state lawmakers have been up to in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana with updates from the public radio reporters covering recent legislative sessions. This episode is hosted by our economic mobility reporter Stephan Bisaha. The podcast was produced by Kat Stromquist, Danny McArthur, Orlando Flores Jr., Kat Stromquist and...2025-04-1813 min
Gulf States GumboWhy Gulf Coast shrimpers see tariffs as a winIt's been a wild few weeks in global trade. President Donald Trump put 10% tariffs on all imports, and some countries started getting hit with much higher amounts. Stock markets have been swinging and economists say the odds of a recession this year are going up. While these are international issues, how do they actually play out in our region? To learn more, we talked to our economic mobility reporter, Stephan Bisaha, who has been interviewing workers — including shrimpers — across the Gulf South. This week’s Gulf States Gem: the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. This epi...2025-04-1114 min
Gulf States GumboHBCUs and the next generation of environmental activistsHow are HBCU students working to respond to a changing climate? Environment and communities reporter Danny McArthur spoke to a few of them at a conference in New Orleans to find out. On this week's episode, Danny joins host Joseph King to dig a little deeper on the historical connection between those universities and environmental justice. This week’s Gulf States Gem: Danny's picks for Indian food around the South. This episode is hosted by sports and culture reporter Joseph King. The podcast was produced by Stephan Bisaha, Kat Stromquist, Danny McArthur, Orlando Flore...2025-04-0413 min
Gulf States GumboHow Alabama and Louisiana schools defied the COVID declinePandemic disruptions put a lot of kids behind. But in the South, some schools seized the moment, making unexpected gains in different subjects. Alabama is the only state to see improvements in math. The same goes for Louisiana in reading. NPR reporters Jonaki Mehta and Cory Turner join the GSN team to talk about their reporting about the improvements. This week’s Gulf States Gem: Picks from Mehta and Turner for road trips to Alabama and Louisiana.This episode is hosted by public health reporter Drew Hawkins. The podcast was produced by Stephan Bisa...2025-03-2827 min
Gulf States GumboWhat billions spent on data centers means for MississippiTech companies have pledged hundreds of billions of dollars to build new data centers. These centers are the backbone behind AI and are being built across the country – including two record-setting $10 billion dollar projects in Mississippi. But while billions being invested in communities might sound great, our economic mobility reporter Stephan Bisaha reports they create few permanent jobs. A new collection of essays, art and poetry by men incarcerated at the Mississippi State Penitentiary — best known as Parchman Farm — is shedding light on one of the country's most notorious prison units. It's the culmination of a more than th...2025-03-2113 min
Gulf States GumboSouthern scientists protest federal funding cutsIn this episode, environment and communities reporter Danny McArthur, economic mobility reporter Stephan Bisaha and WBHM managing editor Andrew Yeager discuss what's at stake for Gulf South scientists as the Trump administration makes cuts to big agencies — like the National Institutes of Health.Also, sports and culture reporter Joseph King meets with a Black Masking Indian queen in New Orleans. As she retires from parading, she reflects on cultural appropriation. This week’s Gulf States Gem: Maria's Mercado in Morton, Mississippi.This episode is hosted by environment and communities reporter Danny McArthur. The podcast was prod...2025-03-1413 min
Gulf States GumboWho pays when ocean oil wells run dry?This week, we’re on the water.The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management made some new rules to help clean up old oil wells in the Gulf. WWNO's Eva Tesfaye talks with environment and communities reporter Danny McArthur about why some states aren't happy — and suing to prevent it.Also, Danny takes a river trip down the Mississippi River with teens taking in the great outdoors.This week's gem: Alabama's lakes, rivers and bays. This episode is hosted by sports and culture reporter Joseph King. The podcast was produced by Stephan Bisah...2025-03-0713 min
Gulf States GumboKeeping Mardi Gras safe comes at a costWho pays for security at the Mardi Gras parades everyone loves? Public health reporter Drew Hawkins reports that, oftentimes, smaller independent krewes foot their own bill. And it's getting more expensive after the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans. Also, economic mobility reporter Stephan Bisaha visits the French Quarter to talk to businesses in the wake of that attack.This week’s Gulf States Gem: Picks from a Carnival historian. This episode is hosted and written by criminal justice reporter Kat Stromquist. The podcast was produced by Stephan Bisaha, Danny McArt...2025-02-2813 min
Gulf States GumboThree scary words: Out. Of. Network.Out. Of. Network. Dreaded words for anyone who needs life-saving medical care. But sometimes doctors in an insurance company’s network can’t perform that care. Our public health reporter Drew Hawkins tells us about one Mississippi family who went above and beyond to get a critically needed surgery— but were still denied.And we hear about what the Trump Administration’s plans to cut health research would mean for Alabama. For this week’s Gulf States Gem we brag on our favorite libraries. This episode is hosted by economic mobility reporter Stephan Bisaha and e...2025-02-2113 min
Gulf States GumboHow veterans are making sense of New Orleans attackTwo men with military ties made headlines after two deadly incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Some veterans have been trying to make sense of the tragic events. And our criminal justice reporter Kat Stromquist is joined by Texas Newsroom reporter Lauren McGaughy to tell us more about these deadly events and the reporting they’ve been doing around them. This week’s Gulf States Gem: Lauren shares why she loves Mardi Gras, which includes decorating boots and having French Quarter brunches.This episode is hosted by environment and communities reporter Danny McArthur and edited...2025-02-1413 min
Gulf States GumboSuper (Gumbo) Bowl SpecialHow the big game is impacting the Big Easy.We’ll hear about some of the steps being taken to help keep people visiting New Orleans for the Super Bowl safe in light of the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. And we’ll also hear more about how the Super Bowl impacts the culture and the people who live and work in New Orleans — and about some of the players connected to the Gulf South you might see out on the field. This episode is hosted by health equity reporter, Drew Hawkins, and produ...2025-02-0716 min
Gulf States GumboRich soil. Dirty problem. Expensive fix.Alabama’s Black Belt has been dealing with sanitation issues for a long time, and now residents are creating ways to solve their problem. Our Environmental justice reporter Danny McArthur has been investigating these issues for years and tells us more. We also find out what Louisiana is doing with empty homeless encampments with the Super Bowl a week away. This week’s Gulf States Gem: The McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama. This episode is hosted by sports and culture reporter Joseph King and edited by Stephan Bisaha. Our theme music is by DJ Supreme.To...2025-01-3113 min
Gulf States GumboThe mystery of the missing water billsMissing water bills can cause headaches for utility customers. Economic mobility reporter Stephan Bisaha tells one Alabama family's story and looks into how smart water meters can be a solution. Also, reporter Matt Bloom from partner station WWNO reports on a push to close parts of the French Quarter to car traffic in the wake of a truck attack.This episode is hosted by criminal justice reporter Kat Stromquist and edited by Tyler Pratt. Our theme music is by DJ Supreme.To get in touch with the team, email connect@gulfstatesnewsroom.org.2025-01-2413 min
Gulf States GumboThe Louisiana French ConnectionThere’s a shortage of specialized nurses who play a critical role in providing care to sexual assault survivors. Particularly in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. They are called sexual assault nurse examiners — or SANEs. Our health equity reporter Drew Hawkins explains that one potential solution is to use telemedicine — but it’s currently not available in the Gulf South.Also, Louisiana has a long history with the French language. And while most Louisianans no longer speak it, a growing number want their kids to learn. The question is: what kind of French? WWNO’s Aubri Juhasz takes us to a sch...2025-01-1713 min
Gulf States GumboNew Orleans’ residents are still recovering after New Year’s Day terror attackCarnival in New Orleans started Monday, less than a week after a man drove his truck into crowds on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring dozens more. While the city is in mourning, WWNO’s Aubri Juhasz reports that New Orleans still plans to party on schedule.And our health equity reporter, Drew Hawkins, lives in New Orleans and was one of the first to start reporting on what happened – talking to eyewitnesses, official sources, and reporting the latest information as we learned it. He spoke with our sports and culture reporter Joseph King about the d...2025-01-1013 min
Gulf States GumboThe 2024 moments that will stick with usWe’ve come to the end of another year and are looking back on 2024. It’s time for a Gulf States Newsroom tradition where the team reflects on moments that stick with them … whether or not they made it into the story. This week’s Gulf States Gem: Festivals to look forward to when the flowers start to bloom. This episode is hosted and produced by Managing Editor Tyler Pratt. Our theme music is by DJ Supreme.To get in touch with the team, email connect@gulfstates...2024-12-2713 min
Gulf States GumboNew Orleans' buried history of jailing enslaved peopleA new book argues that the roots of mass incarceration in Louisiana goes back to before The Civil War. Criminal justice reporter Kat Stromquist sat down with Louisiana State University Professor John Bardes to talk about his research. Also, sports and culture reporter Joseph King takes a look at Birmingham’s legendary Coach O who has inspired athletes from the WNBA to the NFL, on and off the field. This week’s Gulf States Gem: Pearl’s Diner in Laurel, Mississippi.This episode is hosted by community engagement reporter Maya Miller and edited by Steph...2024-12-2013 min
Gulf States Gumbo2024 Wrapped (southern union edition)It’s been a big year for unions in the South.If you’ve been following the labor movement in the region for more than a hot sec, then you know there just aren’t many union wins. Membership across the country was at a record low in 2023 and the numbers are even lower in the South. Yet 2024 saw a historic union victory in Tennessee that could reshape the future of labor across the region. We go on a roadtrip lookback at 2024’s union wins and losses before peaking ahead to what’s coming up in the new...2024-12-1313 min
Gulf States GumboStrike while the iron is hot. Just be quick about itTraditionally, union strikes have lasted until their demands were met. But in the last decade, unions have taken a new approach to strikes — making them shorter. Economic mobility reporter Stephan Bisaha looks at a nurse’s union who went on strike for just one day.Also on this week' episode, sports and culture reporter Joseph King talks to transgender students who worry about their safety on college campuses and justice, incarceration and gun violence reporter Kat Stromquist looks into a new report that found Alabama leads the country in “pregnancy criminalization” cases.This week’s Gulf State...2024-12-0613 min
Gulf States GumboIntroducing ‘Bitter Jaguar’Reporter Drew Hawkins takes over this week’s episode to share an excerpt of his new podcast. Bitter Jaguar: The Shooting of Denver Smith and Leonard Brown is a five-part series about the shooting of two Southern students during a peaceful protest on campus in 1972. Special thanks to the LSU Cold Case Project.Our theme music is by DJ Supreme.To get in touch with the Gulf States Newsroom team, email connect@gulfstatesnewsroom.org.2024-11-2913 min
Gulf States GumboSanitation blues in Alabama's Black BeltThis week, we're on the road in Alabama. Environmental justice reporter Danny McArthur looks at wastewater issues in the Black Belt, reporting that sanitation is a struggle for people who live in manufactured homes. And senior criminal justice reporter Kat Stromquist visits Birmingham and speaks to Black men's groups, who are responding to a year of deadly gun violence. Community engagement producer Nellie Beckett also highlights a few of our Gulf States Gems.This episode is hosted by Kat Stromquist and edited by Tyler Pratt. Our theme music is by DJ Supreme.To g...2024-11-2213 min
Gulf States GumboYou’re panic buying wrongWhen dock workers went on strike in October, many people rushed to panic buying. Senior economic mobility reporter Stephan Bisaha reports on the one thing people don’t have to rush to buy. And Eva Tesfaye with partner station WWNO reports on a community that’s fighting an upcoming grain elevator that could disrupt the majority Black neighborhood. This week’s Gulf States Gem: Red Bluff outside Morgantown, Mississippi. This episode is hosted by Danny McArthur and edited by Priska Neely. Our theme music is by DJ Supreme. To get in touch with the team...2024-11-1513 min
Gulf States GumboCan you tell me how we got to District 2?Alabama has a new congressional leader — a Democrat. We learn more about this blue win in a red state. And we take a look at some of the food insecurity issues residents in the southern part of the state are experiencing. The Gulf States Newsroom presents an election week look back at our coverage of Alabama’s Congressional District 2. This week’s Gulf States Gem: Bacchanal Wine in New OrleansThis episode is hosted by sports and culture reporter Joseph King and edited by Tyler Pratt. Our theme music is by DJ Supreme.Read mo...2024-11-0813 min
Gulf States GumboWhat’s the best way to use money to help people in need?The South is receiving hundreds of millions of dollars from historic lawsuits with opioid manufacturers and distributors. Some call it a once in a lifetime opportunity. This giant pot of money is meant to help heal the damage caused by the opioid crisis. But our health equity reporter Drew Hawkins reports that in Alabama, medication that can help treat addiction is out of reach for many who need it the most. Also, guaranteed income is having a moment in the South. Cities have been test running giving people cash and now advocates are looking to turn that in...2024-11-0113 min
Gulf States GumboA sacred mound is returned to a Native American tribeIn coastal Louisiana, an Indigenous tribe received their land back-- a sacred mound in Grand Bayou Indian Village, an hour South of New Orleans. But what does a Native American tribe do when their history is at risk of being washed away by climate change? Health Equity Reporter Drew Hawkins and Environmental Justice Reporter Danny McArthur teamed up for this double feature.This week’s Gulf States Gem: The Magic City Classic in Birmingham, Alabama.This episode is hosted by Maya Miller and edited by Tyler Pratt. Our theme music is by DJ Supreme. T...2024-10-2513 min
Gulf States GumboThe rising cost of storm evacuationWhen a hurricane is headed your way, do you stay or go? Economic mobility reporter Stephan Bisaha stuck with one family from New Orleans who made the choice to leave and keep track of the costs. Also, criminal justice reporter Kat Stromquist examines the growing movement to end forced labor in prisons. This week’s Gulf States Gem: Harold & Lillian’s in Clermont Harbor, Mississippi. This episode is hosted by health equity reporter Drew Hawkins and edited by Priska Neely. Our theme music is by DJ Supreme.Read more: 1 reason people don’t evacuate for hurrica...2024-10-1813 min
Scenic RootsA Reporter’s Path: Stephan Bisaha Of The Gulf States NewsroomStephan Bisaha(Gulf States Newsroom)When workers at Chattanooga’s Volkswagen plant voted on whether to join the United Auto Workers union, the vote story was part of a larger story for the South and the country - and part of Stephan Bisaha’s beat.Stephan is a reporter, based in Birmingham, who covers wealth and poverty for the Gulf States Newsroom - a regional collaboration between NPR and member stations in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.Last week, we shared his take on the vote here in Chattanooga.Now, the rest of our conv...2024-04-3004 min