Gulf States Newsroom
Q&A: How harm reduction can help mitigate the opioid crisis
Maia Szalavitz discusses harm reduction's effectiveness against drug addiction, how punitive policies can hurt people who need pain medication and more.
Alabama’s racial, ethnic health disparities are ‘more severe’ than other states, report says
Data from the Commonwealth Fund show that the quality of care people receive and their health outcomes worsened because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q&A: A former New Orleans police chief says it’s time the U.S. changes its marijuana policy
Ronal Serpas is one of 32 law enforcement leaders who signed a letter sent to President Biden in support of moving marijuana to a Schedule III drug.
How food stamps could play a key role in fixing Jackson’s broken water system
JXN Water's affordability plan aims to raise much-needed revenue while offering discounts to customers in need, but it is currently tied up in court.
Crawfish prices are finally dropping, but farmers and fishers are still struggling
Last year’s devastating drought in Louisiana killed off large crops of crawfish, leading to a tough season for farmers, fishers and seafood lovers.
For some Gulf South schools, a March Madness loss can still be a win off the court
Making it into the NCAA Tournament can translate to boosts in student enrollment, athletic involvement, merchandise sales and more for participating schools.
‘Anybody can be a lobbyist’: In Mississippi, incarceration fuels legislative advocacy training
The program aims to teach the art of political influence and policymaking to formerly incarcerated people and their loved ones.
1 year after devastating tornado, Rolling Fork mobile home park residents fight to return home
Modern building codes, rebuilding expenses and a low inventory of existing permanent housing have made returning to a normal life in Rolling Fork a struggle.
IVF could help her start the family she wants. Will Alabama’s personhood law derail it?
Despite a law meant to protect IVF in Alabama, patients and advocates worry the protections won’t hold — and warn of future attacks on reproductive rights.
Q&A: A bad deal made Jackson’s water problems worse. It wasn’t the only Mississippi city harmed
Reporter Sarah Fowler talks about her investigation that found at least eight Mississippi cities were harmed by deals over faulty smart water meters.
Some Jackson residents still face water billing issues despite new systems in place
In trying to rectify decades of billing chaos and draw new revenue, another issue has emerged for JXN Water: How much should customers be on the hook for?
This new high-speed fiber internet project aims to close the technology gap in Alabama’s Black Belt
The $230 million project, which broke ground in Selma in early March, will reach around 53,000 homes and businesses.
March Madness is here! Here are the Gulf South teams to watch in the men’s, women’s tournaments
Get info on the seven men’s teams and five women’s teams playing in the NCAA Division I basketball tournament, plus see what time they play.
As Alabama tries to legalize sports betting, advocates point to neighboring states’ success
Increased tax revenues in states like Louisiana are one reason many pro-sports betting Alabamians say it’s time to catch up to neighbors in the Gulf South.
What architects learned from 30 years of building affordable homes in Alabama’s Black Belt
Auburn University’s Rural Studio is sharing its wealth of knowledge with partners in a half dozen states to help solve rural homelessness.
The HBCU Legacy Bowl is more than a game. It also prepares students for life after sports
Organizers for the all-star game, now in its third year, host a career fair where HBCU students and recent grads plan for their futures before the big game.
Thousands honor Selma Jubilee, voting rights ahead of March 5 election
On the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, thousands marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to honor those brutally attacked in the fight for civil rights.
From sea to table to sea: How recycled oyster shells are restoring the Alabama coast
Gulf South oyster reefs are fading because of the changing climate. Alabama hopes to reverse this by using recycled shells to grow oyster gardens.
4 factors besides cold weather that explain expensive winter power bills
Like many in the Gulf South, Will Burt’s power bill spiked in January due to extreme weather. But how much of the increase can be attributed to the cold?
We want to hear from you: District 2 in Alabama
Help us report on your new district and the 2024 elections
As March 5 primary election nears, some voters are still unaware of District 2 change
Civics education groups, like the South Alabama Black Women’s Roundtable, are working to notify voters of the change made by the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling.
Meet the Alabama woman who is turning her farm into an indigenous food forest
As the climate changes, some Gulf South producers are focusing on ways to preserve the land.
‘Living in fear’: Small-town Mississippi residents are skeptical of DOJ’s police investigation
The "pattern or practice" investigation into the Lexington Police Department stems from allegations of excessive force, racist roadblocks and more.
A South Asian krewe in New Orleans wants to ‘put the masala in Mardi Gras’
Krewe da Bhan Gras has been a hit on the parade route this Carnival season as the latest example of Mardi Gras’ diverse, inclusive nature and its evolution.
The Gulf South’s rejection of the Summer EBT program puts further strain on child hunger issues
Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama have opted out of the USDA’s Summer EBT program, but advocates say the need is far greater than one program.
Opioid overdoses are on the rise. A Louisiana medical student believes Narcan training can help
Losing his brother to an overdose inspired Jacob Bassin to arm his fellow medical students with free doses of Narcan and train them on how to use it.
New Alabama law aims to improve police interactions with people with disabilities
Some advocates said the law’s requirement of an hour-long training on working with people with “invisible” disabilities and sensory needs is a good start.
Ahead of Kenneth Smith’s execution, people impacted by Alabama’s death penalty speak out
Death penalty opponents gathered in Birmingham Wednesday to condemn Smith’s execution and hear personal stories about the impact of death row.
Jackson estimated his water bill and overcharged him by thousands. He fought back and won
When James Henley suspected his water bill was inaccurate, he put his spreadsheet skills to use and got back $3,208. Now, he’s helping others do the same.
MLK Day is Monday. In Alabama and Mississippi, it’s also Robert E. Lee Day.
Here’s a quick history lesson on why the unlikely joint celebration of a civil rights icon and a Confederate general is still happening.
Deadline approaches for USDA loan discrimination funds for underserved farmers
Gulf South farmers are racing to meet the deadline for DFAP. Some say the aid is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done.
Nick Saban’s retirement is a blow to Alabama football’s fans — and a boon to its haters
Sports fans in Birmingham were more than happy to weigh in on the Alabama football icon’s storied career.
