This work is made possible by support from organizations including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, NPR, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and others, along with individual donors. To learn more or support the newsroom, emailconnect@gulfstatesnewsroom.org.

As local news outlets decline across Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, the Gulf States Newsroom ensures critical stories—on health care, criminal justice, the economy, and more—continue to be told. A collaboration between WWNO, WRKF, WBHM, Mississippi Public Broadcasting, and NPR, the newsroom strengthens regional coverage by sharing resources and expanding reporting capacity.

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