Matt Haines

African American Women Find Inspiration in Biden’s Supreme Court Pick 

If confirmed, Ketanji Brown Jackson would become the first Black woman to serve on America’s highest court

New Orleanians Hail Resumption of Mardi Gras Celebrations

Ebbing COVID-19 cases help propel the Crescent City back to life after last year’s cancellation of Fat Tuesday festivities

Battles Erupt Over Banning LGBTQ Topics From US Classrooms

Florida is one of several states advancing bills barring public primary school teachers from mentioning sexual orientation or gender identity 

New Orleans Grapples with Surging Crime

Violent crime rates in the Southern US city exceed elevated levels elsewhere in America

Republicans Mull Trump’s Continuing Grip on Their Party 

Frustration Grows Amid US COVID Test Shortages 

Despite government assurances that health care insurers will soon be required to cover up to eight home test kits per person per month, many find securing even one home test nearly impossible 

Women Truckers Stepping Up Amid US Supply Chain Woes 

More women are embracing a traditionally male-dominated trucking career, helping ease driver shortages on American highways 

A Cultural Gumbo: Immigrants Propel Evolution of Louisiana Cooking

From French settlers of centuries past to more recent Vietnamese and Latino immigrants, newcomers have always added to Cajun and Creole cuisines

Americans Battle Pandemic Fatigue as COVID Cases Surge

One year after countless Americans abandoned holiday travel plans, many see COVID-19 variants threaten gatherings once again

Landmark Abortion Case Goes Before US Supreme Court 

Justices will hear arguments Wednesday on a restrictive Mississippi abortion law seen as the biggest threat to Roe v. Wade in decades 

Americans Prepare for Holidays as Inflation Squeezes Wallets 

Worker shortages, supply chain challenges and pandemic-related fiscal policies blamed for higher prices of holiday essentials 

After CDC Recommends Some Children Be Vaccinated, Parents Debate Next Steps

For some parents this is welcome news, but others say they have concerns about the vaccine’s safety for their children

Texans Unsure of New Abortion Law as Supreme Court Hears Arguments

Monday’s hearings could open one of the most important months for abortion-related legislation at the Supreme Court in 50 years

As Biden's Approval Rating Slumps, Disenchantment Grows

Americans React to FDA Decision on COVID-19 Booster Shots 

Some worry about vulnerability to coronavirus after FDA moves to initially restrict access to additional COVID-19 shots

The Inside Story-The Vaccine Gap Episode 3

The Inside Story examines the challenges of getting COVID-19 vaccines into more arms as the Delta variant spreads faster and further. VOA Correspondent Elizabeth Lee hosts. Airdate: September 2, 2021.

Six Major Contrasts Between Hurricanes Ida, Katrina

Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana 16 years to the day after Katrina struck

New Orleans Residents Have Decisions to Make as Long Recovery From Hurricane Ida Begins

Some in New Orleans chose to evacuate before Hurricane Ida struck land while others chose to stay – everyone has decisions to make as recovery begins

Delta Variant Surge Changing Attitudes About Getting Vaccinated

‘I can admit I made a mistake,’ says vaccine-hesitant COVID-19 sufferer in Louisiana.

Multiple US States Tightening Voting Regulations Amid Weakened VRA

All but three of America’s 50 states have seen legislation introduced that would constrain ballot access relative to what was allowed during the 2020 presidential election