NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – WVUE investigative series Providing a High was named a finalist for the 2025 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award, one of the nation’s highest honors in journalism.

Produced by Rob Krieger and Jake Rosenberg, this investigation is among only nine local newsroom projects recognized out of 30 national finalists. Winners will be announced in January.

The Providing a High The series examines Louisiana’s struggles with the abuse of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as “laughing gas” and traditionally used for cooking food.

WVUE’s investigation revealed how the drug was widely marketed and abused as a recreational high, with serious consequences for users.

Following these reports, Louisiana became the first state to ban the retail sale of nitrous oxide. The investigation included stories of those affected by the drug, including a resident who was paralyzed, and families grieving loved ones lost to its misuse.

You can find the full list of duPont finalists here at dupont.org and explore WVUE Providing a High the series at Fox8Live.com/nitrous.

Supplying a sea

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