https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-thefoundersshow-28276504/enNewsCopyright News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/192f76ae9c3999e0d8d2120c6dee06b1.jpghttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-thefoundersshow-28276504/Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:39:33 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)feeds@spreaker.comA look at Louisiana politics from Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmorefalseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/canal-st-dreams-parade-reductions-iran-war-fauci-pleads-the-5th--73317944Canal Street is New Orleans’ “great white way”, the commercial thoroughfare that defined the psychological identity of the city for more than two centuries— and it is dying. The pun was intentional, as African-Americans were denied entrances to its department stores and offices for much of Canal Street’s history. Nevertheless, the banks along the throughfare’s sides would print currency for the entire nation by 1838. The ten dollar “dix” notes, a language concession to Orleanian Francophones, subsequently would dub the entire south as the “land of the dixies”, as the bank notes would be the main financial means of exchange up and down the Mississippi valley.
Canal Street’s office-suites provided the commodities factors for much of the region’s international arbitrage. Its stores featured items unavailable for sale anywhere else. Later, by the turn of the 20th century, Canal Street would boast of the first movie theater, a vitascope hall, along with one of the first jazz performance halls, and numerous more conventional theaters. It was the Broadway before Broadway. Even well to the end of the 20th century, people still met under the clock at DH Holmes, after shopping at Maison Blanche, Kreeger’s, or Gus Mayer. A statue of the eccentric Ignatius Reilly still signifies the fictional character’s wait for his mother to pick him up under the clock to this day, yet that storefront closed decades ago. The interior is a hotel which does not even face Canal Street, and currently, the John Kennedy Toole character would more likely stand in the company of homeless drug addicts than commercial shoppers.
Despite two reconstructions of sidewalks as well as many of the physical facades dotting downtown Canal Street, businesses continue to leave and restaurants close as street peddlers and panhandlers fight to replace them. That’s the depredation Mayor Helena Moreno has pledged to reverse. In a press conference on July 28, flanked by stakeholders like retailer Kenny Rubenstein, she called for a “Canal Street Renaissance”, focusing on greater public safety coordination; comprehensive lighting repairs; enhanced code enforcement targeting noncompliant properties; Business and stakeholder engagement to support economic revitalization opportunities; and quality of life improvements.
Future Phases plan to center upon Improving pedestrian safety and traffic operations; expanding arts, entertainment, and cultural programming; recruiting new retailers and creating incentives to fill vacant storefronts; coordinated branding and marketing of Canal Street; as well as activating upper-floor residential, hotel, and office spaces. From a policing standpoint, increased patrols have lead NOPD to make 23 narcotics arrests, better parking and traffic enforcement, as well as conducting quality-of-life sweeps along the corridor. Still, legal changes are necessary before much more can begin to shine again. Occupation of the (mostly empty) upper floors of buildings run into city fire code regulations requiring to exits on either side of the building. Single floor walkups (built in a very different era) do not comply, and only massive changes in zoning laws might make a difference. That, of course, does fall under the regulatory purview of the City Council, if it chooses to act.
Nevertheless, the Mayor’s other ambitious plans require even greater interventions. The incredible cost of retail operations would likely require. some form of tax inducement funding or TIFs, essentially giving back sales taxes collected to help finance the creation of the store. Massive planning, and likely low interest government subsidize loans, may prove the only way to redevelop the tragic footprint of the one time Hard Rock Hotel disaster as anything which might accentuate the quality of life of Canal Street. Equally, Canal Street does possess the core of an entertainment corridor with the Saenger and the Orpheum, but other wonderful performance spaces like the State Palace Theatre remain shuttered 20 years after Katrina, dwarfing the street’s “Broadway” potential. Huge piles government money to reconstruct, theaters and incentivize shows might be the only way to spark a life performance Renaissance— thanks to Gov. Jeff Landry‘s murder of the live performance tax credit renewal in the last legislative session.
An opportunity exists in the blocks of parking lots stretching from Canal Street to the old Big Charity complex. The lower part of Canal near the Claiborne Avenue overpass is plagued by nearly abandoned office buildings and former medical complexes flanking the asphalt-field. However, that footprint possesses one critical remaining historic structure from the Faubourg Ste. Marie, the home of the author Lafcadio Hearn. This classic building set in the middle of the parking lots could easily be transformed into the centerpiece of a reimagined public square leading to the rehabilitated Charity complex. In fact, transferring the entire area to Tulane University might provide the best use of lower Canal. Buy out lot-owner Jim Huger and transform the parking lots into a new university quad with most of Tulane’s biomedical and science-based graduate schools taking up the occupied buildings surrounding the footprint from Canal to Charity. The current medical core of Tulane Avenue could link to the commercial core of Canal Street creating a massive university complex— supporting the pedestrian and retail revitalization closer to the river.
Nevertheless, such a project would swallow up money that the City’s empty Treasury cannot fund in the immediate future. The visionary costs may prove less long-term, though, than an acknowledgment that the corporate money-men of the CBD no longer walk to Canal for three martini lunches or shopping excursions. Such a corporate infrastructure no longer exists in downtown New Orleans, so to reimagine the future of Canal Street requires an embrace of an entirely new employment vision.
The Moreno Administration’s efforts to improve traffic-signal timing, repair pedestrian crossing signals, analyze loading zones, and repave portions of Canal Street may make the thoroughfare more pedestrian friendly, but it will do little to bring back pedestrians. That will take money and a much bigger vision than trying to return to a commercial past that no longer exists. (And for many African-Americans never existed.)
In truth, a fundamental reimagination of the entire down-river CBD may serve as the only means of restoring the attraction of Canal Street, and the question remains if Helena Moreno and her team possess the political will— amidst the many other problems they confront— to TRULY to prioritize a rebirth for New Orleans’ iconic Champs-Élysées.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73317944Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:38:36 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)In second half of this week’s show, Hy and Christopher talk Mardi Gras parade reductions, the curious MAGA reversals on Ukraine as the Iran War (re)intensifies and Dr. Fauci pleads the 5th. But we start off — and spend most of the program - talking...Canal Street is New Orleans’ “great white way”, the commercial thoroughfare that defined the psychological identity of the city for more than two centuries— and it is dying. The pun was intentional, as African-Americans were denied entrances to its department stores and offices for much of Canal Street’s history. Nevertheless, the banks along the throughfare’s sides would print currency for the entire nation by 1838. The ten dollar “dix” notes, a language concession to Orleanian Francophones, subsequently would dub the entire south as the “land of the dixies”, as the bank notes would be the main financial means of exchange up and down the Mississippi valley.
Canal Street’s office-suites provided the commodities factors for much of the region’s international arbitrage. Its stores featured items unavailable for sale anywhere else. Later, by the turn of the 20th century, Canal Street would boast of the first movie theater, a vitascope hall, along with one of the first jazz performance halls, and numerous more conventional theaters. It was the Broadway before Broadway. Even well to the end of the 20th century, people still met under the clock at DH Holmes, after shopping at Maison Blanche, Kreeger’s, or Gus Mayer. A statue of the eccentric Ignatius Reilly still signifies the fictional character’s wait for his mother to pick him up under the clock to this day, yet that storefront closed decades ago. The interior is a hotel which does not even face Canal Street, and currently, the John Kennedy Toole character would more likely stand in the company of homeless drug addicts than commercial shoppers.
Despite two reconstructions of sidewalks as well as many of the physical facades dotting downtown Canal Street, businesses continue to leave and restaurants close as street peddlers and panhandlers fight to replace them. That’s the depredation Mayor Helena Moreno has pledged to reverse. In a press conference on July 28, flanked by stakeholders like retailer Kenny Rubenstein, she called for a “Canal Street Renaissance”, focusing on greater public safety coordination; comprehensive lighting repairs; enhanced code enforcement targeting noncompliant properties; Business and stakeholder engagement to support economic revitalization opportunities; and quality of life improvements.
Future Phases plan to center upon Improving pedestrian safety and traffic operations; expanding arts, entertainment, and cultural programming; recruiting new retailers and creating incentives to fill vacant storefronts; coordinated branding and marketing of Canal Street; as well as activating upper-floor residential, hotel, and office spaces. From a policing standpoint, increased patrols have lead NOPD to make 23 narcotics arrests, better parking and traffic enforcement, as well as conducting quality-of-life sweeps along the corridor. Still, legal changes are necessary before much more can begin to shine again. Occupation of the (mostly empty) upper floors of buildings run into city fire code regulations requiring to exits on either side of the building. Single floor walkups (built in a very different era) do not comply, and only massive changes in zoning laws might make a difference. That, of course, does fall under the regulatory purview of the City Council, if it chooses to act.
Nevertheless, the Mayor’s other ambitious plans require even greater interventions. The incredible cost of retail operations would likely require. some form of tax inducement funding or TIFs, essentially giving back sales taxes collected to help finance the creation of the store. Massive planning, and likely low...]]>3240canal,christopher,fauci,founders,gras,hy,iran,louisiana,mardi,mayor,mchenry,moreno,new,orleans,parade,politics,reductions,show,st,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/landry-vs-new-orleans-latest-west-end-lake-development-aoc--73166735We also talk about development along Lake Pontchartrain and at West End, as well as Jefferson Parish’s seemingly permanent lack of a bond rating.
But most of the show centers around Jeff Landry’s attempt to take over the New Orleans court system, and how any legislative special session hinges on Rep. Stephanie Hilferty. The Lakeview Republican could cast the tiebreaking supermajority vote to change the Orleans courts.
On July 22, Gov. Jeff Landry declared that he planned to call the Louisiana Legislature into a special session to take more control of the Orleans Parish court system. His comments came after a grand jury indicted Attorney General Liz Murrill on July 2. While the charges were later dropped, infuriated GOP state leaders still labeled the indictment ‘without basis’ and ‘politically-motivated’.
As a result, lawmakers “want to look at ways that they can take more control of the court system in the city of New Orleans,” Landry exclaimed during a press conference at the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness in Baton Rouge last Wednesday.
The controversy came as a result of Landry’s success in his legislative efforts at the beginning of the year to merge the offices of Orleans Criminal District Clerk and Civil District Clerk. Act 15 was written into law at Murrill‘s request, due to the AG’s fear of exonerated felon-turned-activist Calvin Duncan being sworn into his elected post as criminal clerk.
The former jailhouse lawyer won 68 percent support from New Orleans voters in the November election, defeating incumbent Darren Lombard, yet Act 15 abolished the Criminal Clerk’s office just days before Duncan would have taken office. Subsequent efforts by the Mayor and New Orleans City Council to appoint him into an interim merged clerkship launched a war of words between the AG and city government.
Murrill maintained that Act 15 specified that the criminal clerk’s position had been merged under the auspices of Civil Clerk Chelsey Richard Napoleon. Murrill warned in letters sent to the Mayor, DA, and Councilmembers in May that any efforts to deny Napoleon that merged position violated state’s usurper laws and opened city officials to criminal prosecution.
Their reaction to the letters brought about allegations of abuse of power and criminal threats by the AG which eventually led to an 16 indictments of Murrill by local grand jury. Special prosecutor Laurie White later declined to prosecute the eight counts of public intimidation and eight counts of malfeasance in office, yet Murrill replied to the controversy in a written statement, “This case should have NEVER been started because there was NO crime. This outcome will not deter my efforts to get to the bottom of this. The irresponsible and illegal actions that led to this abuse of the criminal justice system need to never happen again.”
Murrill later claimed to have “lost faith” with Mayor Helena Moreno and DA Jason Williams as they branded the AG “a criminal”.
At nearly the same time, Judge Tarvald Smith of the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish blocked Act 748 of the 2026 legislative session that would eliminated three Orleans Parish Criminal District Court judgeships, slashing the judicial bench from 12 to 9. Smith’s ruling offered a temporary reprieve for Judges John Fuller, Simone Levine and Rhonda Goode-Douglas who are slated to lose their seats, leaving open the possibility that each could run for re-election for those seats again. (The period to sign up to be a candidate in judicial races is Aug. 5-7.)
Act 748 arose from a bill sponsored by Sen. Jay Morris, R-Monroe which also eliminated four other judgeships from the city’s juvenile and municipal and traffic courts, ostensibly to bring the size of the New Orleans courts in line with parishes of similar population size.
The legal challenge centers around the fact that Act 748 did not receive a 2/3 majority of both houses of the legislature as the state constitution requires, Fuller’s attorney Jerome Matthews Jr. contended. The Landry Administration countered that the 1974 Constitution contains special provisions dealing strictly with Orleans Parish and its courts, so a supermajority was “not required”.
Now faced with a judge overturning the governor‘s earlier legislative intentions, Landry looks to call a special session—or at least so he contended in a press conference originally called to deal with the potential impact of Tropical Storm Bertha.
That’s where the vote of New Orleans’ only elected Republican Rep. Stephanie Hilferty of Lakeview may prove crucial. In a 73-32 partisan breakdown in the 105 member Louisiana House of Representatives, her vote could constitute the 2/3 majority threshold necessary to make permanent changes to the Orleans court systems— from number of judges to operational independence.
For Hilferty, such a vote could not come a worse political time as she runs for a term on the Public Service Commission this autumn with extensive Democratic support in the city. Many of her closest supporters, including most of the Orleans political establishment, would instantly turn against her. Refusing to vote for such a gubernatorially-backed court realignment would condemn her to strong permanent opposition from the Landry administration and his allies.
Hilferty can only hope that such a special session may not come to pass this fall. Neither Senate President Cameron Henry (R-Metairie) nor speaker House Speaker Phillip DeVillier (R-Eunice) have commented on the potential legislative call.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73166735Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:26:08 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)This week, Hy and Christopher take on the rise of AOC’s presidential chances and the socialist takeover of the Democratic Party. Is it a LEFT-WING mirror of MAGA? We also talk about development along Lake Pontchartrain and at West End, as well as...We also talk about development along Lake Pontchartrain and at West End, as well as Jefferson Parish’s seemingly permanent lack of a bond rating.
But most of the show centers around Jeff Landry’s attempt to take over the New Orleans court system, and how any legislative special session hinges on Rep. Stephanie Hilferty. The Lakeview Republican could cast the tiebreaking supermajority vote to change the Orleans courts.
On July 22, Gov. Jeff Landry declared that he planned to call the Louisiana Legislature into a special session to take more control of the Orleans Parish court system. His comments came after a grand jury indicted Attorney General Liz Murrill on July 2. While the charges were later dropped, infuriated GOP state leaders still labeled the indictment ‘without basis’ and ‘politically-motivated’.
As a result, lawmakers “want to look at ways that they can take more control of the court system in the city of New Orleans,” Landry exclaimed during a press conference at the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness in Baton Rouge last Wednesday.
The controversy came as a result of Landry’s success in his legislative efforts at the beginning of the year to merge the offices of Orleans Criminal District Clerk and Civil District Clerk. Act 15 was written into law at Murrill‘s request, due to the AG’s fear of exonerated felon-turned-activist Calvin Duncan being sworn into his elected post as criminal clerk.
The former jailhouse lawyer won 68 percent support from New Orleans voters in the November election, defeating incumbent Darren Lombard, yet Act 15 abolished the Criminal Clerk’s office just days before Duncan would have taken office. Subsequent efforts by the Mayor and New Orleans City Council to appoint him into an interim merged clerkship launched a war of words between the AG and city government.
Murrill maintained that Act 15 specified that the criminal clerk’s position had been merged under the auspices of Civil Clerk Chelsey Richard Napoleon. Murrill warned in letters sent to the Mayor, DA, and Councilmembers in May that any efforts to deny Napoleon that merged position violated state’s usurper laws and opened city officials to criminal prosecution.
Their reaction to the letters brought about allegations of abuse of power and criminal threats by the AG which eventually led to an 16 indictments of Murrill by local grand jury. Special prosecutor Laurie White later declined to prosecute the eight counts of public intimidation and eight counts of malfeasance in office, yet Murrill replied to the controversy in a written statement, “This case should have NEVER been started because there was NO crime. This outcome will not deter my efforts to get to the bottom of this. The irresponsible and illegal actions that led to this abuse of the criminal justice system need to never happen again.”
Murrill later claimed to have “lost faith” with Mayor Helena Moreno and DA Jason Williams as they branded the AG “a criminal”.
At nearly the same time, Judge Tarvald Smith of the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish blocked Act 748 of the 2026 legislative session that would eliminated three Orleans Parish Criminal District Court judgeships, slashing the judicial bench from 12 to 9. Smith’s ruling offered a temporary reprieve for Judges John Fuller, Simone Levine and Rhonda Goode-Douglas who are slated to lose their seats, leaving open the possibility that each could run for re-election for those seats again. (The period to sign up to be a candidate in judicial races is Aug. 5-7.)
Act 748 arose from a bill sponsored by Sen. Jay Morris, R-Monroe which also eliminated four other judgeships from the city’s juvenile and municipal and traffic courts, ostensibly to bring the size of...]]>3240battle,christopher,courts,fight,founders,hy,landry,louisiana,mchenry,moreno,murrill,new,orleans,politics,show,tidmore,vsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/live-from-nyc-wounded-warriors-bike-parade-and-more--73166659We go on to talk about developments in New York City, from affordable housing to the homeless, and how they extend across America— and to New Orleans in particular. We also highlight the 12th Gonzofest and the writings of Hunter S. Thompson as the famed conference occurs this weekend in the East Village.  Christopher moderates two of the Gonzofest panels, and he broadcasts live for his Hunter-Gatherers podcast.
Our discussions on New York lead Hy to talk about the guns of Ft Ticonderoga, and how George Washington’s holding action at Brooklyn Heights helped lead to the authorship of the Declaration of Independence.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73166659Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:19:16 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher broadcast live from New York City, starting off with attending a bicycle parade for for “wounded warriors” on West Manhattan’s Riverside Drive, and we thank God that there still remains a bipartisan reverence for our veterans,...We go on to talk about developments in New York City, from affordable housing to the homeless, and how they extend across America— and to New Orleans in particular. We also highlight the 12th Gonzofest and the writings of Hunter S. Thompson as the famed conference occurs this weekend in the East Village.  Christopher moderates two of the Gonzofest panels, and he broadcasts live for his Hunter-Gatherers podcast.
Our discussions on New York lead Hy to talk about the guns of Ft Ticonderoga, and how George Washington’s holding action at Brooklyn Heights helped lead to the authorship of the Declaration of Independence.
]]>3240founders,gonzofest,homeless,louisiana,new,orleans,politics,show,warriors,wounded,yorkfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/liljeberg-at-large-nola-state-tensions-iran-platner-paxton--72917838We also talked about how Democrats are forcing Graham Platner out of the race in Maine, will Republicans force Ken Paxton out in the wake of his visit to London with his married mistress?
We also spent some time on the bombing of Iran coming back.
However, most of our conversation centers around how the coming 2027 Jefferson Parish elections, Kicking Off with Liljeberg At-Large.
At a press conference on July 9, Jefferson Parish District 5 Councilman Hans Liljeberg announced his candidacy for At-Large Division B in the October 2027 primary.
With a $12,000 per couple fundraising email sent two days prior and his subsequent announcement at 3330 N. Causeway last Thursday evening, he signaled his intention to run to succeed the term-limited Scott Walker – who introduced Liljeberg at the event and endorsed his candidacy. The District 5 council member kicks off his at-large bid in what promises to be an overall very active political season in the autumn of 2027 in the metro area’s largest parish.
While Walker revealed on March 31 that he would end his nascent campaign for parish president “to focus on his personal life and business”, his Division A At-Large colleague Jennifer Van Vrancken has signaled that she expects to run to succeed the term-limited President Cynthia Lee-Sheng.
District Councilmen Byron Lee and Deano Bonano also face term limits, and most political observers foresee competitive elections for their respective (predominantly) West and East Bank seats. Crowded fields of candidates likely will gather for reasons of patronage as much as political prestige. Jefferson Parish council members are often considered more powerful than even the parish president, as nearly all parish contracts are issued by the council members and not by the chief executive – unlike in Orleans Parish. Moreover, it is not uncommon for state legislators to resign to run for Parish Council, so influential is the job in contracting and administrative authority.
Liljeberg, though well-known in his base in Old Metairie, has not embarked upon a competitive parish-wide race in well over two decades. In his announcement, the councilman claimed, “I am better trained and more dedicated than ever to bridging divides, governing with respect, and leading with calm resolve, not just for District 5, but for all the people of Jefferson Parish.”
However, the question remains whether he remains known well enough across the parish to make that compelling case. He last ran a contested race across the parish in 2002 for a judgeship on the 24th JDC. His later bid in 2012 for the state Appellate Court was unopposed. A generation has passed since he faced nearly the entire electorate of the parish.
Nevertheless, when Liljeberg resigned from the Fifth District Court of Appeals in 2023, to run for Parish Council, he won 66-34 over fellow Republican Melinda Bourgeois. He possesses the resources to self finance much of his campaign, and barring a major scandal, political prognosticators consider him to be a favorite to win.
Liljeberg doubly acknowledged the division that has plagued Jefferson politics – the often contentious relationship between representatives of both sides of the river – as well as making a subtle appeal to West Bank voters who may not know him as well. As he explained on July 9, “We have an east bank and a west bank and it’s important that we bring everybody together; we need unity in this parish, and I’m prepared to do that.”
By positioning himself as a unifier on the council who can bring opposing sides together, the Republican contender frames his campaign with a bipartisan, cross-river strategy to undercut any potential West Bank challenger.
Regardless, there are more voters on Jefferson Parish’s East Bank than West Bank, yet the entire parish’s political and racial composition has been changing in recent years. Overall demographics have altered considerably since Liljeberg's original bid for judgeship. Caucasians have decreased in their voting power as Jefferson’s Hispanics and African Americans continue to grow as percentages of the population. Jefferson Parish remains on track to become a minority/majority parish within the next 25 years.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72917838Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:51:29 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher take on several topics in this week show including Mayor Helena Moreno’s proposal to create an industrial corridor in New Orleans East and how the spat with Liz Morrell may affect the cities ability to get dollars to do that (and...We also talked about how Democrats are forcing Graham Platner out of the race in Maine, will Republicans force Ken Paxton out in the wake of his visit to London with his married mistress?
We also spent some time on the bombing of Iran coming back.
However, most of our conversation centers around how the coming 2027 Jefferson Parish elections, Kicking Off with Liljeberg At-Large.
At a press conference on July 9, Jefferson Parish District 5 Councilman Hans Liljeberg announced his candidacy for At-Large Division B in the October 2027 primary.
With a $12,000 per couple fundraising email sent two days prior and his subsequent announcement at 3330 N. Causeway last Thursday evening, he signaled his intention to run to succeed the term-limited Scott Walker – who introduced Liljeberg at the event and endorsed his candidacy. The District 5 council member kicks off his at-large bid in what promises to be an overall very active political season in the autumn of 2027 in the metro area’s largest parish.
While Walker revealed on March 31 that he would end his nascent campaign for parish president “to focus on his personal life and business”, his Division A At-Large colleague Jennifer Van Vrancken has signaled that she expects to run to succeed the term-limited President Cynthia Lee-Sheng.
District Councilmen Byron Lee and Deano Bonano also face term limits, and most political observers foresee competitive elections for their respective (predominantly) West and East Bank seats. Crowded fields of candidates likely will gather for reasons of patronage as much as political prestige. Jefferson Parish council members are often considered more powerful than even the parish president, as nearly all parish contracts are issued by the council members and not by the chief executive – unlike in Orleans Parish. Moreover, it is not uncommon for state legislators to resign to run for Parish Council, so influential is the job in contracting and administrative authority.
Liljeberg, though well-known in his base in Old Metairie, has not embarked upon a competitive parish-wide race in well over two decades. In his announcement, the councilman claimed, “I am better trained and more dedicated than ever to bridging divides, governing with respect, and leading with calm resolve, not just for District 5, but for all the people of Jefferson Parish.”
However, the question remains whether he remains known well enough across the parish to make that compelling case. He last ran a contested race across the parish in 2002 for a judgeship on the 24th JDC. His later bid in 2012 for the state Appellate Court was unopposed. A generation has passed since he faced nearly the entire electorate of the parish.
Nevertheless, when Liljeberg resigned from the Fifth District Court of Appeals in 2023, to run for Parish Council, he won 66-34 over fellow Republican Melinda Bourgeois. He possesses the resources to self finance much of his campaign, and barring a major scandal, political prognosticators consider him to be a favorite to win.
Liljeberg doubly acknowledged the division that has plagued Jefferson politics – the often contentious relationship between representatives of both sides of the river – as well as making a subtle appeal to West Bank voters who may not know him as well. As he explained on July 9, “We have an east bank and a west bank and it’s important that we bring everybody together; we need unity in this parish, and I’m prepared to do that.”
By positioning himself as a unifier on the council who can bring opposing sides together, the Republican contender frames his campaign with a bipartisan, cross-river strategy to undercut any...]]>3240at-large,bank,christopher,east,founders,hans,hy,iran,jefferson,liljeberg,louisiana,mchenry,parish,paxton,platner,politics,show,tidmore,war,westfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/usa-marks-250-years-candidates-turn-focus-to-november--72763084
The June 27, 2026 runoffs demonstrated the political strength of Gov. Jeff Landry, the comparative weakness of the LA Republican activist grassroots in relaying a message to the general public, and the dominance of the party’s establishment at delivering the result that Republican party leadership sought. Voter turnout proved anemic on June 27, amounting to just 17 percent of registered voters according to Ed Chervenak, a political science professor at the University of New Orleans, down from 28 percent in the May primary. In theory, fewer voters should have aided the GOP activist base in their effort to defy the LAGOP establishment and Donald Trump. Instead, Jeff Landry’s support along with President Trump’s thwarted what looked like a last-minute grassroots surge for LA State Treasurer John Fleming, delivering a 57-43 victory for US Rep. Julia Letlow over him, or a margin of 43,411 votes statewide in GOP Senate runoff.

More particularly, Fleming lost the core of his one-time congressional district in Shreveport, losing Caddo Parish to Letlow 48-52 and literally tying the Congresswoman in Bossier Parish at 4351 votes each. Conversely, Letlow won every parish in her 5th Congressional District—and most everywhere else outside LA’s 4th Congressional District except for Orleans Parish. Throughout the runoff, the Fleming campaign had excelled in earning local and parish party endorsements. His supporters even blocked a Republican State Central Committee endorsement for Letlow, despite the governor’s and the president’s active pressure. Nevertheless, endorsements from elected officials from the White House-on-down proved enough to sway most of the GOP and “no-party” electorate to vote for Letlow in the closed primary runoff.

A similar, but much closer result provided a victory to interim BESE member (and former 2nd District Congressman) Joseph Cao. He beat fellow Republican Ellie Schroder for the multi-parish Board of Elementary and Secondary Education position despite the fact she was the well-known wife of a former State Representative and State Treasurer—with much of the same grassroots support (often the same people) as Fleming—but without Donald Trump‘s personal intervention.

The President demurred from picking a favorite in the open Public Service Commissioner’s contest to replace the term limited Eric Skrmetta as well. As such, eight out of ten of the Republican Parish Political Executive Committees (which comprise the GOP-leaning PSC District) endorsed John Young, the former Jefferson Parish President. Conversely, almost all of the elected officials lined up behind his opponent State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty (R-New Orleans), even some of Young’s oldest political allies.

The reason centered on the influence of one man, River Birch owner Fred Heebe, and his vendetta against Young. As Jefferson President, Young had canceled the trash-magnate’s contract to to assume control over the Jefferson Parish landfill, as an independent study had said that River Birch’s contract would raise garbage rates for the average homeowner. Heebe never forgave Young for the loss of his company’s lucrative contract, and the River Birch owner subsequently spent over $3.5 million in independent PAC expenditures to defeat Young in his last three bids for public office. In the PSC race alone, Heebe spent $1.2 million in attack ads against Young and reportedly used his influence with local elected officials to endorse the (admittedly already popular with her colleagues) Hilferty over Young.

Ironically, Young, who had kept garbage rates and other governmental consumer fees low during his time in Jefferson Parish government came to be perceived as the candidate who would raise utility rates because of the contributions that Young received from Louisiana-based utility companies. The fact that Hilferty earned contributions from many of these same utilities was left relatively unreported in the torrent of negative advertising which descended upon Young.

Ultimately, Young lost on June 27, receiving approximately the same vote that he earned in the primary, 29,801 versus 29,459 in runoff. He only lost 342 votes overall, despite the fact that 16,890 fewer people voted in the runoff. Instead, Hilferty gained almost all of the votes which went to third place primary finisher Mark Wright, winning 49,047 votes in the runoff versus 26,500 votes in primary. From a counterfactual standpoint, speculation on how this PSC race might have ended differently if Democrats had been able to vote in this GOP runoff has abounded in the past week.

Arguably, Young would have gotten the lion-share of the Democratic vote. He was endorsed by the AFL-CIO as well as many of the elected democratic officials in and around the district. Conversely, Hilferty, who represents lakefront Orleans and the small Bucktown neighborhood of Jefferson in the state legislature, had received little institutional Democratic support. Moreover, only a very, very small piece of her current State Rep District actually sits within the PSC seat.

In the past, Young had proven very popular with Democratic voters. In his three runs for Parish President, (even against Cynthia Lee Sheng), he had earned a substantial share of the Democratic vote, as he had in his run Lt. Governor—even with a popular Democratic candidate standing in that open primary. The barring of Democratic participation in this closed party contest, however, saw Young lose even in his home parish 44-56 to Stephanie Hilferty. This occurred despite the fact that pre-election polling data across all demographic groups showed Young with strong Democratic support prior to the June 27 election.

In other words, the closed GOP party runoff may have claimed its first true victim in John Young, who likely would have seen a much closer election (and possibly victory due to the low turnout) if the more than 50,000 Democrats who cast a ballot in the US Senate Democratic primary in the parishes comprising this PSC seat had been allowed to cast in the GOP partisan PSC runoff.

Nevertheless, Democrats will have their chance to vote. Stephanie Hilferty is not elected yet. She will face “No Party” candidate "Chris" Justin and Democrat Connie Norris in the November 3, 2026 General Election.

Likewise, Democrat Angela Hershey will face off against Republican Joseph Cao for the open BESE seats. Like Norris, she was the only Democrat to run. Julia Letlow will face the victor of the US Senate Democratic primary, Jamie Davis. He won his closed party runoff against Gary Crockett with 80 percent of the vote on June 27th. Davis, enjoyed almost ubiquitous Democratic support after earning 47 percent in the May 16 primary.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72763084Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:06:39 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher take on the 250th birthday of the United States, and we discussed whether the term “evil” should be used against one’s political opponents. However, most of the discussion on this edition of the Founders’ Show centers around the...
The June 27, 2026 runoffs demonstrated the political strength of Gov. Jeff Landry, the comparative weakness of the LA Republican activist grassroots in relaying a message to the general public, and the dominance of the party’s establishment at delivering the result that Republican party leadership sought. Voter turnout proved anemic on June 27, amounting to just 17 percent of registered voters according to Ed Chervenak, a political science professor at the University of New Orleans, down from 28 percent in the May primary. In theory, fewer voters should have aided the GOP activist base in their effort to defy the LAGOP establishment and Donald Trump. Instead, Jeff Landry’s support along with President Trump’s thwarted what looked like a last-minute grassroots surge for LA State Treasurer John Fleming, delivering a 57-43 victory for US Rep. Julia Letlow over him, or a margin of 43,411 votes statewide in GOP Senate runoff.

More particularly, Fleming lost the core of his one-time congressional district in Shreveport, losing Caddo Parish to Letlow 48-52 and literally tying the Congresswoman in Bossier Parish at 4351 votes each. Conversely, Letlow won every parish in her 5th Congressional District—and most everywhere else outside LA’s 4th Congressional District except for Orleans Parish. Throughout the runoff, the Fleming campaign had excelled in earning local and parish party endorsements. His supporters even blocked a Republican State Central Committee endorsement for Letlow, despite the governor’s and the president’s active pressure. Nevertheless, endorsements from elected officials from the White House-on-down proved enough to sway most of the GOP and “no-party” electorate to vote for Letlow in the closed primary runoff.

A similar, but much closer result provided a victory to interim BESE member (and former 2nd District Congressman) Joseph Cao. He beat fellow Republican Ellie Schroder for the multi-parish Board of Elementary and Secondary Education position despite the fact she was the well-known wife of a former State Representative and State Treasurer—with much of the same grassroots support (often the same people) as Fleming—but without Donald Trump‘s personal intervention.

The President demurred from picking a favorite in the open Public Service Commissioner’s contest to replace the term limited Eric Skrmetta as well. As such, eight out of ten of the Republican Parish Political Executive Committees (which comprise the GOP-leaning PSC District) endorsed John Young, the former Jefferson Parish President. Conversely, almost all of the elected officials lined up behind his opponent State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty (R-New Orleans), even some of Young’s oldest political allies.

The reason centered on the influence of one man, River Birch owner Fred Heebe, and his vendetta against Young. As Jefferson President, Young had canceled the trash-magnate’s contract to to assume control over the Jefferson Parish landfill, as an independent study had said that River Birch’s contract would raise garbage rates for the average homeowner. Heebe never forgave Young for the loss of his company’s lucrative contract, and the River Birch owner subsequently spent over $3.5 million in independent PAC expenditures to defeat Young in his last three bids for public office. In the PSC race alone, Heebe spent $1.2 million in attack ads against Young and reportedly used his influence with local elected officials to endorse the (admittedly already popular with her colleagues) Hilferty...]]>3240250,america,christopher,election,founders,general,hy,june,louisiana,mchenry,november,politics,primary,reaction,results,show,tidmore,usafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tulane-s-plans-for-charity-hospital--72703623However, the Founders’ Show kicks off talking about one of the big news pieces of the week: Tulane University’s $500 million dollar restoration of ‘Big Charity’.
Hy and Christopher suggest that the investment might come 20 years too late and $250 million too high —and thousands of homeowners paid the price for the delay. That is not to say that the proposal to refurbish abandoned, art deco skyscraper into Tulane’s Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine as well as the Tulane University Innovation Institute, medical school classrooms, and apartments lack merit.
In point of fact, Tulane University’s half of a billion dollar offer stands as the only legitimate proposal to bring Big Charity back into use and commerce. The state-of-the-art classrooms, community spaces, and labs will provide space for 700 new researchers and 2500 new jobs. A win-win, as Tulane President Michael Fitts has noted, due the fact that the university’s uptown campus has run out of space— and expansion downtown (on Tulane Avenue no less) for some of its graduate schools seems like a viable plan.
At least the proposal promises to reconstitute the blighted property which Big Charity has become, erasing the vines and padlocked doors tarnishing the CBD’s image.
The tragedy that Fitts’ predecessors, particularly Deans in Tulane’s medical faculty, went along with a plan to shutter a perfectly viable hospital twenty years ago and instead build a suburban medical complex on top of an historic Black neighborhood—all in the cause of constructing a unified teaching hospital which LSU and LCMC sidelined Tulane Medical School by the time the doors opened—was left unmentioned.
By the point of UMC’s groundbreaking, the Creole cottages and Camelbacks between Claiborne Avenue and S. Rocheblave Street already had been demolished and generations of families expelled. Many of these homeowners had returned after Hurricane Katrina and rebuilt the very homes which met the wrecking ball just over two years later. The Louisiana Weekly told these soon-to-be-lost neighborhood stories in a series at the time, attempting to convince the bipartisan political leadership that saving historic homes proved good politics.
Christopher’s newspaper recounted how families faced permanent separation by the hospital project. Our pages recounted varied tales including that of the Korean War veteran arrested for simply reentering the house in which he was born—his own home in which he had lived for more than 70 years—to retrieve a small chandelier his grandmother had hung, whose crystal would have been crushed in the trash pile when the forklifts came in the next few days.
A myriad of stories populated the series from the original Deutscheshaus’ destruction to historic bars and corner eateries collapsed by a wrecking ball. Unnecessary redevelopment of this historic Black neighborhood, as this newspaper pointed out at the time, since Big Charity Hospital easily survived Hurricane Katrina, with only a couple of subterranean rooms having experienced any flooding.
In fact, Charity Hospital remained open with patients and (limited) electrical power until the Friday after the previous Monday’s storm. Moreover, US Special Forces Medical personnel had actually come in and cleaned the entire hospital complex from top to bottom in weeks after Katrina, replaced broken equipment, and stood ready to re-open the doors of Big Charity. Hospital staff subsequently toured the now-spotless facility, and they expressed eagerness to get back to work.
Then, state officials reportedly told these Charity nurses, doctors, and administrators that the complex would remain closed for another two weeks. A fortnight later, the staff members returned to a locked building, which somehow had been entered and severely vandalized in the interim with little evidence of a break-in. The timing of the wanton destruction always proved curious, as proposals to build a massive billion dollar medical complex on top of the nearby neighborhood coincided with what would have been the Big Charity reopening date.
From incumbent Democrats like Mary Landrieu to newly elected Republicans like Bobby Jindal, federal officials received a clear message that Big Charity had been “destroyed by Hurricane Katrina” and needed a complete new hospital replacement. A smorgasbord of federal money flowed into the Crescent City to do just that, at the expense of bulldozing an existing Black neighborhood.
Conveniently ignored was a study (championed by the Foundation for Historical Louisiana) showing that the Big Charity complex could be renovated and reconstituted into one of the most sophisticated hospital buildings in the United States for just $250 million, a fraction of the construction cost of the new hospital. Not one house had to be demolished.
Critics replied that hospitals “no longer were in skyscrapers”, ignoring that some of the finest medical centers in the United States, like New York’s Mount Sinai, were indeed housed in skyscrapers. No one questioned whether the alternative plan would work, only that the aesthetics were complicated and that constructing a new medical campus on the other side of Claiborne Avenue proved a “once in a generation” opportunity.
Today, much of a footprint of the UMC hospital complex stands as greenspace, with manicured lawns where houses one stood. Big Charity could have been reopened as a working hospital rebuilt to stand on the cutting edge of medical science eighteen years ago, not a blighted structure that has seen multiple redevelopment proposals from LSU medical classrooms to a new Orleans City Hall.
That Tulane University will finally make something out of the historic building that Huey Long erected creates a certain satisfaction, yet the laboratories, classrooms, and apartments will provide little solace to the loss of family homes existing now only in memory.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72703623Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:42:58 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher take on several topics, including whether a remote straw vote of the legislature is constitutionally legal enough to provide teacher pay raises; how despite critics on the Left, whether SpaceX might actually help lower tech prices...However, the Founders’ Show kicks off talking about one of the big news pieces of the week: Tulane University’s $500 million dollar restoration of ‘Big Charity’.
Hy and Christopher suggest that the investment might come 20 years too late and $250 million too high —and thousands of homeowners paid the price for the delay. That is not to say that the proposal to refurbish abandoned, art deco skyscraper into Tulane’s Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine as well as the Tulane University Innovation Institute, medical school classrooms, and apartments lack merit.
In point of fact, Tulane University’s half of a billion dollar offer stands as the only legitimate proposal to bring Big Charity back into use and commerce. The state-of-the-art classrooms, community spaces, and labs will provide space for 700 new researchers and 2500 new jobs. A win-win, as Tulane President Michael Fitts has noted, due the fact that the university’s uptown campus has run out of space— and expansion downtown (on Tulane Avenue no less) for some of its graduate schools seems like a viable plan.
At least the proposal promises to reconstitute the blighted property which Big Charity has become, erasing the vines and padlocked doors tarnishing the CBD’s image.
The tragedy that Fitts’ predecessors, particularly Deans in Tulane’s medical faculty, went along with a plan to shutter a perfectly viable hospital twenty years ago and instead build a suburban medical complex on top of an historic Black neighborhood—all in the cause of constructing a unified teaching hospital which LSU and LCMC sidelined Tulane Medical School by the time the doors opened—was left unmentioned.
By the point of UMC’s groundbreaking, the Creole cottages and Camelbacks between Claiborne Avenue and S. Rocheblave Street already had been demolished and generations of families expelled. Many of these homeowners had returned after Hurricane Katrina and rebuilt the very homes which met the wrecking ball just over two years later. The Louisiana Weekly told these soon-to-be-lost neighborhood stories in a series at the time, attempting to convince the bipartisan political leadership that saving historic homes proved good politics.
Christopher’s newspaper recounted how families faced permanent separation by the hospital project. Our pages recounted varied tales including that of the Korean War veteran arrested for simply reentering the house in which he was born—his own home in which he had lived for more than 70 years—to retrieve a small chandelier his grandmother had hung, whose crystal would have been crushed in the trash pile when the forklifts came in the next few days.
A myriad of stories populated the series from the original Deutscheshaus’ destruction to historic bars and corner eateries collapsed by a wrecking ball. Unnecessary redevelopment of this historic Black neighborhood, as this newspaper pointed out at the time, since Big Charity Hospital easily survived Hurricane Katrina, with only a couple of subterranean rooms having experienced any flooding.
In fact, Charity Hospital remained open with patients and (limited) electrical power until the Friday after the previous Monday’s storm. Moreover, US Special Forces Medical personnel had actually come in and cleaned the entire hospital complex from top to bottom in weeks after Katrina, replaced broken equipment, and stood ready to re-open the doors of Big Charity. Hospital staff subsequently toured the now-spotless facility, and they expressed...]]>3240charity,christopher,founders,future,hospital,hy,louisiana,mchenry,new,orleans,pay,plans,politics,renovation,show,teacher,tidmore,tulane,universityfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-elections-preview-iran-war-mou--72600558
We also asked the question whether smart phones are the reason for the decrease in fertility.  A new study suggests just that.

Finally, we talk about Iran war MOU.  One hundred billion dollars; Thirteen American lives; The cost of the Iran War, in exchange for a peace agreement that the terrorist head of  Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, called “great victory” over the Great Satan. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said: “The agreement is a record of US failure. People will see it and judge.”

The 14-point “Memorandum of Understanding” would unfreeze billions of dollars in Iranian assets as well as assemble a $300 Billion reconstruction fund for Iran (supposedly) funded by regional partners in the Gulf. More importantly, the deal immediately end the US naval blockade on Iranian ports and the issuance of waivers for Iranian crude oil to be shipped abroad.  But is it worth it. Even some of Donald Trump’s supporters are calling it a “surrender”, and with the blockhead of the straits, could the president take action?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72600558Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:49:24 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher explore several topics, including the upcoming June 27 elections.  We break down what’s coming in each Republican runoff, for US Senate, PSC, and BESE. We also asked the question whether smart phones are the reason for the decrease...
We also asked the question whether smart phones are the reason for the decrease in fertility.  A new study suggests just that.

Finally, we talk about Iran war MOU.  One hundred billion dollars; Thirteen American lives; The cost of the Iran War, in exchange for a peace agreement that the terrorist head of  Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, called “great victory” over the Great Satan. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said: “The agreement is a record of US failure. People will see it and judge.”

The 14-point “Memorandum of Understanding” would unfreeze billions of dollars in Iranian assets as well as assemble a $300 Billion reconstruction fund for Iran (supposedly) funded by regional partners in the Gulf. More importantly, the deal immediately end the US naval blockade on Iranian ports and the issuance of waivers for Iranian crude oil to be shipped abroad.  But is it worth it. Even some of Donald Trump’s supporters are calling it a “surrender”, and with the blockhead of the straits, could the president take action?]]>3240christopher,elections,founders,hy,iran,louisiana,mchenry,mou,phones,show,smart,the,tidmore,warfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/early-voting-underway--72513446https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72513446Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:48:10 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)With early voting underway, Hy and Christopher interview John Young, candidate for the very competitive public service commissioner post. We talk about the energy grid, the META AI facility in Richland Parish, and the impact to our vulnerable...3240christopher,elections,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,politics,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/upcoming-elections-polls-are-tight--72374025https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72374025Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:47:29 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)We talk about the upcoming elections, how close the polls are, and Hy and Christopher take a few minutes to interview Josie Olivia about the new play at Le Petit Thestre.3240christopher,elections,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,politics,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/finding-a-way-to-pay-teachers-more--72226983Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, told reporters four days before the May 16 election, “If the public doesn’t vote to give [teachers] a pay raise, then that means they don’t want to give them a pay raise…So the legislature is not going to turn around and do something that our constituents voted not to do.” Hy and Christopher called Henry’s comments “scaremongering” and predicted that there was no way that Gov. Jeff Landry would refuse to grant a permanent pay raise. Equally, some of our listeners objected to us endorsing Constitutional Amendment 3, the measure of which the Senate President spoke, which would have folded for dedicated sources of income into debt repayment, and the resulting freed income would be used to fund a permanent teacher pay raise. Many cried foul, asking why we were supporting one of the Governor’s amendments if we believed that he would keep the $2000 “temporary” teacher stipends in force regardless.
Our support for the proposed constitutional amendment came because our hosts suspected that the method by which the Governor would fund the permanent pay hike would likely be far worse. Jeff Landry is the child of a public school teacher, and he predicated much of his populist-working class appeal on the idea of giving teachers raises. The question is how, and by what method, the Governor would convince the legislature to go along with his proposals. His answer became clear last week, eviscerate the Minimum Foundation Formula. Public school teachers are not state employees. They are not paid in full by the state. Instead, most education funding emerging from the state treasury ends up in the coffers of school boards through a complicated formula—which tends to benefit poorer school districts disproportionately. Impoverished parishes gain extra money for everything from schoolbooks to facilities repair.
Because of the breadth of funding, critics of the MFP have long argued that attempting to fund so many different areas of the educational process through the MFP prevents the state from tackling the nearly ubiquitously-held goal of advancing teacher pay above the southern average. Quite a few legislators have proposed a swap over the years; forgo the MFP and have the state take on full responsibility for teacher and support worker pay instead. Undoubtedly, the pathway to higher teacher pay would be more expeditious to appropriators. Some legislators have even proposed linking legislative pay with teacher pay. Currently members of the LA House and Senate earn $16,800 per year. Some have suggested a grand bargain of raising teacher pay and linking legislative pay directly to it, to provide political cover for legislative pay raises and an incentive for legislatures to keep teacher pay rising through the coming decade. Under most previously suggested models to enact this plan, the MFP would be sacrificed to boost teacher pay. In fairness, Landry’s proposal does not end the Minimum Foundation Program or its Formula, but it cuts it rather drastically to underwrite making the $2000 “temporary” teacher pay stipends ($1000 for support workers) permanent. Such a drastic cut of more than $120 million would have a negative effect on many of the budgets of poor school districts; though critics argue that a legislature without any fiscal surplus for 2026/2027 needs to get the money from somewhere. The public did vote down the use of dedicated funds towards that goal, after all.
The danger of cutting into the MFP to permanently fund the stipends sets a precedent. A total elimination next year in exchange for drastically raising teacher pay becomes a more politically viable option. However, to legislators and a governor who have promised permanent teacher pay increases, the choices of constitutionally undedicated funds remain few. The MFP can be adjusted by statute, and they can fulfill their promise. No Louisianan wants to look into the eyes of an underpaid teacher and say that that educator does not deserve a raise, much less a $2000 cut in pay—no matter how often the legislature claimed those were “one time payments” over the last three years. Yet, does taking away textbooks from poor children in poor parishes prove a terrible trade? Hy and Christopher discuss…
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72226983Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:38:08 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher take on the issue of whether Killing MFP To Pay Teachers Is a Terrible Trade. Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, told reporters four days before the May 16 election, “If the public doesn’t vote to give [teachers] a pay...Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, told reporters four days before the May 16 election, “If the public doesn’t vote to give [teachers] a pay raise, then that means they don’t want to give them a pay raise…So the legislature is not going to turn around and do something that our constituents voted not to do.” Hy and Christopher called Henry’s comments “scaremongering” and predicted that there was no way that Gov. Jeff Landry would refuse to grant a permanent pay raise. Equally, some of our listeners objected to us endorsing Constitutional Amendment 3, the measure of which the Senate President spoke, which would have folded for dedicated sources of income into debt repayment, and the resulting freed income would be used to fund a permanent teacher pay raise. Many cried foul, asking why we were supporting one of the Governor’s amendments if we believed that he would keep the $2000 “temporary” teacher stipends in force regardless.
Our support for the proposed constitutional amendment came because our hosts suspected that the method by which the Governor would fund the permanent pay hike would likely be far worse. Jeff Landry is the child of a public school teacher, and he predicated much of his populist-working class appeal on the idea of giving teachers raises. The question is how, and by what method, the Governor would convince the legislature to go along with his proposals. His answer became clear last week, eviscerate the Minimum Foundation Formula. Public school teachers are not state employees. They are not paid in full by the state. Instead, most education funding emerging from the state treasury ends up in the coffers of school boards through a complicated formula—which tends to benefit poorer school districts disproportionately. Impoverished parishes gain extra money for everything from schoolbooks to facilities repair.
Because of the breadth of funding, critics of the MFP have long argued that attempting to fund so many different areas of the educational process through the MFP prevents the state from tackling the nearly ubiquitously-held goal of advancing teacher pay above the southern average. Quite a few legislators have proposed a swap over the years; forgo the MFP and have the state take on full responsibility for teacher and support worker pay instead. Undoubtedly, the pathway to higher teacher pay would be more expeditious to appropriators. Some legislators have even proposed linking legislative pay with teacher pay. Currently members of the LA House and Senate earn $16,800 per year. Some have suggested a grand bargain of raising teacher pay and linking legislative pay directly to it, to provide political cover for legislative pay raises and an incentive for legislatures to keep teacher pay rising through the coming decade. Under most previously suggested models to enact this plan, the MFP would be sacrificed to boost teacher pay. In fairness, Landry’s proposal does not end the Minimum Foundation Program or its Formula, but it cuts it rather drastically to underwrite making the $2000 “temporary” teacher pay stipends ($1000 for support workers) permanent. Such a drastic cut of more than $120 million would have a negative effect on many of the budgets of poor school districts; though critics argue that a legislature without any fiscal surplus for 2026/2027 needs to get the money from somewhere. The public did vote down the use of dedicated funds towards that goal, after all.
The danger of cutting into the MFP to permanently fund the stipends sets a precedent. A total elimination next year in exchange for drastically raising teacher pay becomes a more politically viable option. However, to legislators and a governor who have promised permanent teacher pay increases, the choices of constitutionally undedicated funds remain few. The MFP can be adjusted by statute, and they can fulfill their...]]>3240christopher,founders,hy,landry,louisiana,mchenry,mfp,pay,politics,populist,show,teacher,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/impact-of-surge-in-black-voters-in-may-election-why-we-call-it-the-founders-show--72117144
Most of the conversation of today’s centers on how the Surge in the Black Votes Upset Expectations in the May 16 Election. As Christopher writes in The Louisiana Weekly:

Nick Albares enjoyed the endorsement of John Bel Edwards as well as every major Democratic Party organization and prominent figure. He had the best funded political campaign for the Democratic nomination for US Senate. His ads and presence populated social media with a ubiquitous presence, and yet he ended up in a very narrow third place finish to two less-funded, relatively unknown African-American rival candidates.The surge in opposition to the five proposed LA constitutional amendments—in order to “send a message“ to Governor Jeff Landry—ended up serving as a rising tide that lifted Jamie Davis almost into a first primary victory with 47 percent of the vote, and even propelled Gary Crockett, a relatively low-financed Black New Orleans-based candidate, into second place over Albares.

Ostensible evidence seems to suggest that African-American anger towards the governor, possibly towards elimination of the second Black congressional district, triggered the tide of Democratic turnout which rivaled any Republican turnout.  According to pollster John Couvillon, Caucasian voters constituted 63 percent of the primary electorate versus 34 percent for African-American voters, who make up only 31.8 percent of registered electorate. Black voters typically go to the polls at proportionally lower rates than White voters. For example, the Black voter share in 2023 was 25 percent, Couvillon noted in post election comments.  Case in point, in the May 16 closed Democratic US senatorial primary, 344751 voters cast a ballot despite only spending 1.5 percent as much money as was expended amongst the three Republican candidates—who earned just a total of 401123 votes.  In contrast with the total 745,874 votes for both parties in the US Senate contest, the proposed LA constitutional amendments actually earned more votes than the races at the top of the ballot, an unprecedented development compared to previous elections. 799402 voted for Amendment 2 (St George School System) and 811200 voted for Amendment 3 (the teacher pay raise-debt swap).  All five amendments were defeated with between 58 percent and 77 percent of the vote.
 
Another way of looking at this disparity came from the widely expected idea that Caucasian judicial candidates in Orleans Parish would have an advantage in the May 16, 2026 elections because of an expected surge in GOP turnout in conservative Uptown and Lakeview, versus moribund Democratic turnout in the rest of the city.  Instead, far less funded contender John T. Fuller for (the soon to be abolished in seven months) Criminal District Court, Section J, beat Andre Gaudin, Jr. 65-35, despite the latter having received most of the political endorsements.   Even more surprising was the loss of Richard Perique, who ran a textbook campaign with almost ubiquitous political support and had served as an ad hoc Judge on the Civil District Court.  He lost the Division M seat to fellow Democrat Stephanie Bridges by just 639 votes out of 78,952 votes cast. Nevertheless, in both cases, a Caucasian challenger did fall to an African-American contender who was not expected to even come close to winning, such was the surge in African-American votes in the city— and throughout the state.  Black voters made all the difference for Black candidates, just as they did in the upticket contests and for the constitutional amendments.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72117144Sat, 23 May 2026 13:22:32 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher take on several topics, including what it means to be a “Madisonian” and how that influences the name “The Founders Show”. Most of the conversation of today’s centers on how the Surge in the Black Votes Upset Expectations in the...
Most of the conversation of today’s centers on how the Surge in the Black Votes Upset Expectations in the May 16 Election. As Christopher writes in The Louisiana Weekly:

Nick Albares enjoyed the endorsement of John Bel Edwards as well as every major Democratic Party organization and prominent figure. He had the best funded political campaign for the Democratic nomination for US Senate. His ads and presence populated social media with a ubiquitous presence, and yet he ended up in a very narrow third place finish to two less-funded, relatively unknown African-American rival candidates.The surge in opposition to the five proposed LA constitutional amendments—in order to “send a message“ to Governor Jeff Landry—ended up serving as a rising tide that lifted Jamie Davis almost into a first primary victory with 47 percent of the vote, and even propelled Gary Crockett, a relatively low-financed Black New Orleans-based candidate, into second place over Albares.

Ostensible evidence seems to suggest that African-American anger towards the governor, possibly towards elimination of the second Black congressional district, triggered the tide of Democratic turnout which rivaled any Republican turnout.  According to pollster John Couvillon, Caucasian voters constituted 63 percent of the primary electorate versus 34 percent for African-American voters, who make up only 31.8 percent of registered electorate. Black voters typically go to the polls at proportionally lower rates than White voters. For example, the Black voter share in 2023 was 25 percent, Couvillon noted in post election comments.  Case in point, in the May 16 closed Democratic US senatorial primary, 344751 voters cast a ballot despite only spending 1.5 percent as much money as was expended amongst the three Republican candidates—who earned just a total of 401123 votes.  In contrast with the total 745,874 votes for both parties in the US Senate contest, the proposed LA constitutional amendments actually earned more votes than the races at the top of the ballot, an unprecedented development compared to previous elections. 799402 voted for Amendment 2 (St George School System) and 811200 voted for Amendment 3 (the teacher pay raise-debt swap).  All five amendments were defeated with between 58 percent and 77 percent of the vote.
 
Another way of looking at this disparity came from the widely expected idea that Caucasian judicial candidates in Orleans Parish would have an advantage in the May 16, 2026 elections because of an expected surge in GOP turnout in conservative Uptown and Lakeview, versus moribund Democratic turnout in the rest of the city.  Instead, far less funded contender John T. Fuller for (the soon to be abolished in seven months) Criminal District Court, Section J, beat Andre Gaudin, Jr. 65-35, despite the latter having received most of the political endorsements.   Even more surprising was the loss of Richard Perique, who ran a textbook campaign with almost ubiquitous political support and had served as an ad hoc Judge on the Civil District Court.  He lost the Division M seat to fellow Democrat Stephanie Bridges by just 639 votes out of 78,952 votes cast. Nevertheless, in both cases, a Caucasian challenger did fall to an African-American contender who was not expected to even come close to winning, such was the surge in African-American votes in the city— and throughout the state.  Black voters made all the difference for Black candidates, just as they did in the upticket contests and for the constitutional amendments.]]>3240albares,black,christopher,crockett,davis,election,founders,hy,louisiana,madisonian,may,mchenry,politics,primary,senate,show,tidmore,votersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/la-congressional-map-redraw-fight-constitutional-amendments-route-66--72022435Hy and Christopher then discuss the hundredth anniversary of Route 66, and President Cameron Henry’s warning that failure to pass Constitutional Amendment 3 on teacher pay might mean that public school educator and staff salaries are cut. 
The focus of the conversation, though, centers on the spat between the Attorney General and the New Orleans City Council. As Christopher writes in The Louisiana Weekly: 
Recall petition against AG as Murrill seeks to fire NOLA mayor and council over clerk’s election 
On Wednesday, May 13, a little over a week after filing a petition to recall Governor Jeff Landry, Marian Gbaiwon Hills and Katilyn P. Stepter, the same residents who filed that first petition, did so against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. Their action occurred against a backdrop of legal action and threats against the mayor and New Orleans City Council for calling a Nov. 3 special election to fill the newly created Clerk of Court’s office. It is an election that Murrill’s nemesis—exonerated convict-turned-victorious criminal clerk of court candidate Calvin Duncan—would likely win. 
Reasons for the recall listed on the petition outline Murrill’s lack of fairness and accountability, using taxpayer dollars to push personal religious and political agendas, pushing religion into public schools, undermining the voices of voters in majority-Black communities, and government overreach into women’s healthcare decisions. A spokesperson from the Secretary of State’s Office explained that the petition must be signed by at least 20 percent of the electorate, a prodigious threshold of approximately 500,000 signatures, which has not been reached in decades. The petition, signed and dated, must then be submitted to the Registrar of Voters for each parish no later than 180 days following the day of filing with the state. 
The recall effort happens in the background of, and perhaps partially due to, the Attorney General’s loud objections to the decision by the mayor, the district attorney, and five members of the New Orleans City Council to call a special election this autumn for clerk of court, as well as to appoint retired Judge Calvin Johnson as interim Orleans Parish Clerk of Court. Murrill sent letters on Wednesday, May 13 to Johnson, District Attorney Williams, Mayor Moreno, and councilmembers Morrell, Willard, McCarron, King, and Hughes demanding they reverse course on the council’s resolution and the related special election on Nov. 3. Murrill argued that the council’s resolutions to appoint Johnson and call a special election were based on the false narrative that Act 15 created a new, vacant office. 
According to Murrill, the law did not create a vacancy. She said it eliminated the criminal clerk’s office position won by Calvin Duncan. Act 15 did not create a vacancy. It abolished the former criminal clerk’s office, transferred its authority, duties, records, and funds to the former civil clerk’s office, and renamed that continuing office the Clerk of Court for Orleans Parish. Chelsey Richard Napoleon remains the lawful Clerk of Court for Orleans Parish and will remain so for a full four-year term. Civil Clerk of Court Napoleon has also filed suit in court claiming this. 
The language of Act 15, the new law that combines the civil and criminal clerks of court in Orleans Parish, appears to support the position of Napoleon and Murrill, yet it does not preclude a special election for a new office either. As page 13 of Act 15 reads, the office of clerk of criminal district court for the parish of Orleans shall be abolished at the end of May 3, 2026, and before the term of any other criminal clerk of court begins. Immediately thereafter, the authority, functions, duties, and responsibilities of that office, along with all books, papers, records, monies, actions, and other property, shall be transferred to the clerk of the civil district court for the parish of Orleans, who shall thereafter be referred to as the Clerk of Court for the parish of Orleans. 
Murrill has publicly worried that a special election for clerk would not return Napoleon to office, but instead would elect once more Calvin Duncan, the victor of the competitive criminal clerk’s race last fall. Murrill considers the exonerated one-time inmate a criminal danger. 
When Duncan won the criminal clerk’s office, the Attorney General called upon Governor Landry to expend a significant amount of political capital to abolish the criminal clerk’s office, ensuring that Calvin Duncan would never take office—or so she thought. 
Ostensibly, the Attorney General’s threats against the New Orleans mayor, district attorney, and the majority of the council—threatening the loss of their posts if they call an election—comes from a fear that the Orleans electorate, many of whom did not even support Calvin Duncan last autumn, would vote for him for the newly unified clerk’s office. This battle also occurs in the background of canceled congressional elections aimed at eliminating Louisiana’s second African-American U.S. House district. Local Black voters seemingly already want to send a message to the GOP administration in Baton Rouge. 
In her letter to Council President J.P. Morrell, Murrill threatened that he, four of his colleagues, the district attorney, and the mayor have put their own offices in jeopardy, and that the council’s resolutions to install Johnson as interim clerk and call a Nov. 3 special election could invite serious consequences under the state’s usurper laws, implying criminal prosecution. 
Mayor Moreno, replying in a video posted to her social media pages, said she will not be intimidated or threatened by the state Attorney General. Moreno added that it is surprising that the Attorney General put all of this in a letter, considering that there is a criminal law that prohibits intimidating or threatening a public official in an effort to influence a decision or change their position. 
Further complicating the legal battle, the Louisiana Supreme Court has barred interim Orleans Parish Clerk of Court Calvin Johnson from performing any clerk duties while it considers legal challenges to a state law that merged the parish’s civil and criminal courts. The ruling came Thursday, two days before Louisiana’s party primary elections. Civil Clerk of Court Chelsey Napoleon handled the election process for May 16. 
Murrill said no public official should try to displace Napoleon or recognize a competing claim to the office until the court rules. Praising the state Supreme Court’s order, Murrill declared that there is no interim appointee—there is only one clerk. Chelsey Napoleon has always had full control of the office, and she said she is glad the Supreme Court stepped in to ensure continuity of those ongoing operations. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72022435Fri, 15 May 2026 16:17:24 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher kick off the program, talking about the likely redraw of the LA congressional map, which looks amazingly like the 5-1 map that was in existence prior to Governor Jeff Landry coming to the office. There are a few minor differences,...Hy and Christopher then discuss the hundredth anniversary of Route 66, and President Cameron Henry’s warning that failure to pass Constitutional Amendment 3 on teacher pay might mean that public school educator and staff salaries are cut. 
The focus of the conversation, though, centers on the spat between the Attorney General and the New Orleans City Council. As Christopher writes in The Louisiana Weekly: 
Recall petition against AG as Murrill seeks to fire NOLA mayor and council over clerk’s election 
On Wednesday, May 13, a little over a week after filing a petition to recall Governor Jeff Landry, Marian Gbaiwon Hills and Katilyn P. Stepter, the same residents who filed that first petition, did so against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. Their action occurred against a backdrop of legal action and threats against the mayor and New Orleans City Council for calling a Nov. 3 special election to fill the newly created Clerk of Court’s office. It is an election that Murrill’s nemesis—exonerated convict-turned-victorious criminal clerk of court candidate Calvin Duncan—would likely win. 
Reasons for the recall listed on the petition outline Murrill’s lack of fairness and accountability, using taxpayer dollars to push personal religious and political agendas, pushing religion into public schools, undermining the voices of voters in majority-Black communities, and government overreach into women’s healthcare decisions. A spokesperson from the Secretary of State’s Office explained that the petition must be signed by at least 20 percent of the electorate, a prodigious threshold of approximately 500,000 signatures, which has not been reached in decades. The petition, signed and dated, must then be submitted to the Registrar of Voters for each parish no later than 180 days following the day of filing with the state. 
The recall effort happens in the background of, and perhaps partially due to, the Attorney General’s loud objections to the decision by the mayor, the district attorney, and five members of the New Orleans City Council to call a special election this autumn for clerk of court, as well as to appoint retired Judge Calvin Johnson as interim Orleans Parish Clerk of Court. Murrill sent letters on Wednesday, May 13 to Johnson, District Attorney Williams, Mayor Moreno, and councilmembers Morrell, Willard, McCarron, King, and Hughes demanding they reverse course on the council’s resolution and the related special election on Nov. 3. Murrill argued that the council’s resolutions to appoint Johnson and call a special election were based on the false narrative that Act 15 created a new, vacant office. 
According to Murrill, the law did not create a vacancy. She said it eliminated the criminal clerk’s office position won by Calvin Duncan. Act 15 did not create a vacancy. It abolished the former criminal clerk’s office, transferred its authority, duties, records, and funds to the former civil clerk’s office, and renamed that continuing office the Clerk of Court for Orleans Parish. Chelsey Richard Napoleon remains the lawful Clerk of Court for Orleans Parish and will remain so for a full four-year term. Civil Clerk of Court Napoleon has also filed suit in court claiming this. 
The language of Act 15, the new law that combines the civil and criminal clerks of court...]]>324066,christopher,clerk,congressional,court,founders,hy,landry,louisiana,map,mchenry,moreno,morrell,murrill,new,orleans,politics,route,show,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-dominates-gop-maybe-louisiana-senate--71963292The discussion includes congressional redistricting and an underreported Supreme Court ruling regarding distribution of the abortion pill mifepristone. The Louisiana Attorney General sued to block federal HHS from allowing mail distribution of the pill in Louisiana. The Supreme Court declined to issue a temporary injunction, citing executive authority absent congressional action. Christopher shares a personal life development and its impact on his views. Hy closes with a patriotic reflection on Gen. James Warren.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71963292Mon, 11 May 2026 21:38:31 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy & Christopher discuss the Indiana and Ohio GOP primaries and how Donald Trump’s endorsed candidates defeated long-time incumbents. They question whether the same outcome could occur in Louisiana’s May 16 U.S. Senate race, where Julia Letlow and...The discussion includes congressional redistricting and an underreported Supreme Court ruling regarding distribution of the abortion pill mifepristone. The Louisiana Attorney General sued to block federal HHS from allowing mail distribution of the pill in Louisiana. The Supreme Court declined to issue a temporary injunction, citing executive authority absent congressional action. Christopher shares a personal life development and its impact on his views. Hy closes with a patriotic reflection on Gen. James Warren.
]]>3240abortion,cassidy,christopher,elections,fleming,founders,gop,hy,letlow,louisiana,mchenry,primary,senate,show,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-king-congress-hms-trump-and-congressional-redistricting--71963273https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71963273Mon, 11 May 2026 21:36:51 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy & Christopher talk about canceled congressional primaries and whether redistricting efforts to create six GOP districts could backfire. They also discuss King Charles meeting Trump and America’s 250th birthday. HMS Trump’s bell is presented as...3240christopher,congress,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,politics,redistricting,show,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/live-from-new-york-it-s-fraunces-tavern--71963256https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71963256Mon, 11 May 2026 21:34:55 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Christopher broadcasts live from Fraunces Tavern Museum in Manhattan. He interviews Ambrose Richardson on the meaning of the American Revolution and George Washington’s greatest patriotic act: laying down power. This leads into Rep. Mike Bayham’s...3240american,christopher,founders,fraunces,hy,louisiana,mchenry,politics,revolution,show,tavern,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/medicare-advantage-rate-hikes--71963249https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71963249Mon, 11 May 2026 21:33:47 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy McHenry & Christopher Tidmore speak with Darren Grubb of Medicare Advantage Majority on the effort to underfund Medicare Advantage. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed a 0.09 percent payment increase. That rate was not...3240advantage,canada,christopher,darren,founders,grubb,hy,louisiana,mchenry,medicare,politics,pope,show,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/takeover-of-the-new-orleans-sewerage-water-board--71963223https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71963223Mon, 11 May 2026 21:29:01 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy McHenry & Christopher Tidmore talk about legislative efforts to reform the board of the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board. Will there be a property service fee imposed? We discuss courts, Salt Coast, cars, foster care, and Trump killing...3240board,christopher,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,sewerage,show,takeover,tidmore,trump,waterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/u-s-supreme-court-curtis-robinson--71962826https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71962826Mon, 11 May 2026 21:26:55 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy McHenry & Christopher Tidmore talk about the U.S. Supreme Court decision, upcoming elections, and New Orleans courts. Most importantly, we remember a dear friend who died too young, Curtis Robinson. Hy concludes the program by reflecting on the...3240christopher,court,courts,elections,founders,hy,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,show,supreme,tidmore,u.s.falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/iran-war-impacts--71962609https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71962609Mon, 11 May 2026 21:06:49 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy McHenry & Christoper Tidmore discuss the Louisiana economy, movies, military, and careers. We talk about the (lack of?) reasons for the Iran War. Hy reflects upon Francis Scott Key to end the show.3240christopher,economy,founders,hy,impacts,iran,louisiana,mchenry,show,tidmore,warfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/louisiana-elections-iran-war-more--71962379https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71962379Mon, 11 May 2026 21:02:20 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy McHenry & Christopher Tidmore discuss Sen. Markwayne Mullins becoming Homeland Security Secretary, the Louisiana U.S. Senate race, President Trump’s machinations in the Iran War, the Public Service Commissioner's contest, and the New Orleans...3240founders,iran,louisiana,mullins,politics,senate,show,trump,u.s.,warfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/legislative-session-taxes-brake-tags--71962364https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71962364Mon, 11 May 2026 20:58:42 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy & Tidmore discuss the Louisiana Legislative Session and the impact on state taxes and schools. Most importantly, we celebrate that automobile brake tags may soon become a thing of the past. Hy uses the patriotic moment to reflect on early...3240christopher,founders,hy,legislative,louisiana,mchenry,session,show,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-next-in-the-iran-war--70549839https://www.losislenos.org/events We also talk about https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/one-of-the-last-great-newspapermen/article_3b0b4113-286f-4305-8172-ec076eba845b.html of the program, Curtis Robinson.
But our main conversation, as Christopher writes below, is What’s Next in the Iran War?
Many have criticized Donald Trump’s military bombing campaign in Iran, yet one strains to show sympathy for a regime which murdered thousands of its own people for simply asking for the right to free elections. It’s difficult to have empathy for a dictatorship so brutal that when a young adolescent is shot at a peaceful demonstration, and a firefighter picks him up to carry him to get medical aid, the firefighter is shot and killed by the Revolutionary Guard for the audacity of helping a wounded protester. No Westerner will shed tears for the demise Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or lament the destruction of the Iranian drone factories—which have outfitted the Russian military with endless amount of aerial death visited on innocent Ukrainian citizens—and which currently bomb civilian targets in Arab countries.
Even the most ardent critic of the exercise of US military force in Iran had trouble suppressing a sardonic laugh when news reports showed the bombed-out ruins of the building where the mullahs of Iran gathered to vote for a new supreme leader.  It was easy to chuckle when in headlines above the photo of destroyed shell of the building of the “assembly of experts” (that which remained after the explosion), the news caption read “white smoke, no leader.”   How does one not cheer at the death of a group of psychopaths who have driven thousands to their death through endless conflict and terrorism? Iran is run by a “12th Imam” death cult whose theological relationship to mainstream Islam is roughly analogous to that of a Bible-believing Baptist versus a member of the Ku Klux Klan.  Both claim to be Christians, but they share the sole similarity of staring at a cross on a regular basis— with much different purpose in mind. Few will shed a tear for an Ayatollah and government who actively tried to kill the President of the United States; moreover, degrading the remaining nuclear and military assets of Iran not only relieves an existential danger, but increases our ability to emasculate terrorist cells around the world. A limited aerial strike on Iran, which came after informing the Gang of Eight in Congress, is essentially the same action Barack Obama took during his presidency.  The question remains, though, what happens next?  How limited is this?
In point of fact, Operation Epic Fury started when it did, according to Axios, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called President Trump on Feb 23 with a stunning tip: Iran's supreme leader and his top advisers were all set to meet at one location in Tehran on February 28.  “They could all be killed in a single devastating airstrike,” Netanyahu told Trump and his team, according to three sources briefed on the discussion. As the bombing campaign stretches into its third week, Donald Trump faces a constitutional requirement, as he has called this bombardment “a war “.  The President should go to Congress and seek authorization for further action. More importantly, Trump should tell both the US House, the US Senate, and the American people just what the essential objective of the continued bombing campaign really is— because even his friends are wondering.
Erik Prince, one of the Trump’s closest supporters—and as President of Blackwater an expert on ground wars and their aftermath—said on the Steve Bannon podcast, “If there were a viable ground force that could seize and hold terrain and control terrain, then I guess air power and a decapitation strike makes more sense to me. But clacking off against the leadership and leaving a void right now — I’m concerned it’s going to result in a lot of chaos. Who knows what weapons the Iranians have stockpiled away that they’ll unleash on the region, or what they’ll do inside the United States now? It’s undoubtedly a bold move. I hope it was the president’s decision alone, and not because he was arm-twisted by supporters or billionaire donors. Why are we so worried about nuclear weapons not if we had these strikes last year that supposedly eliminated their nuclear program? Regimes get changed by removing the top management, but [also] having a viable replacements. I have yet to see there is a viable replacement anywhere that can sieze control of a significant empire. Ninety million people — intelligent, hardworking, technologically capable — is not easy to govern or flip overnight. Air power alone concerns me. And I’m concerned this is not our fight, that this is Israel’s fight that we got dragged into…And already three Americans dead, five seriously wounded. That’s troubling to me.”
Or to quote Trump’s ideological diametric opposite Bernie Sanders, “The United States is a powerful nation. We can overthrow any dictator… The point is not that we can overthrow the dictator, but what happens the next day?” There are alternatives to the current regime. Case in point, protesters on the streets of Iran have been flying the pre-Revolutionary royal flag and have called for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to return to power. Trump has refused to endorse the idea of son of the Shah’s restoration, even as a temporary measure to establish a functioning Democracy (as Pahlavi has promised). The US President has equally has refused to approve the previous Ayatollah’s son’s seizure of power.   Trump has ruled out every possible ruling alternative so far, only stating that he had to approve whomever the next leader of Iran might be. Moreover, will the CIA‘s arming of Kurdish separatists in northern Iran could spark a nationalist sectarian movement which would bring Turkish forces into conflict, since this new Kurdistan would stretch from Iran through Iraq into Syria and then almost 1/3 of Anatolia?
Interestingly, all of these are questions that are required to be answered under the 1973 War Powers Act.  President Trump possesses the legal the power to conduct combat operations for up to 90 days without the approval of Congress, but he is specifically required to outline the objectives and reasons for the conflict.  The urgency of bombing should have been explained by citing an existential danger. Simply starting on Feb 28 by bombing a meeting of mullahs is not enough to justify the NEXT three weeks of bombs. Were the Iranian about deploy fissionable materials?  Did they plan on a direct strike on US or allied targets?  Iran’s own willingness to bomb Arab neighboring countries does support the President’s case of the Islamic Republic posing an existential danger.  Still, Trump should emulate the example of President George W. Bush and go to Congress to seek authorization for the use of force.Simply saying, as Trump did last week, “No nukes, no terror” does not constitute an exit strategy after a full scale aerial that levels most of administrative and military assets of Iran.  Nor did Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s testimony to Congress last week make anything clearer. Rubio contended that the bombing should last no more than 4 to 5 weeks, but to what purpose?
And what of the Arab states oil export infrastructure—if the war continues?  Unable to reasonably attack US or Israeli forces, the Iranian military has chosen to launch Shahed-136 drone missiles at its Arab neighbors.   Each of these drones cost between $20,000 to $50,000.  They have been shot down—in most cases— by US Patriot missile systems purchased by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia at a cost of million dollars for each missile. It takes two to three missiles launched from a Patriot Missile System to shoot down one Shahed-136 drone.  By the conclusion of this coming week, Arab Patriot missile stocks will be empty, and the United States has made no effort to replenish those Patriot interceptors. Very soon, Arab states will have no choice but to let Iranian drone missiles land where they will, and the Iranian regime will use that window of opportunity to target the energy infrastructure of the Persian Gulf.  That will trigger a cascade of energy prices worldwide— deducting 10,000,000 to 20,000,000 barrels of oil per day from the world petroleum supply.  Prices at the pump will skyrocket. Likewise, international maritime insurance underwriters have nullified all insurance coverage of any seabourne tanker which seeks to carry oil out of the Strait of Hormuz.  That puts the planetary economy teetering on the edge of a major energy crisis which makes the late 1970s look mild in comparison. What is the US plan to deal with that coming Int’l oil shock? No one knows?
On Tuesday, Senate Republicans voted down a congressional action to stop the war in Iran—47 to 53, with only Rand Paul voting with the Democrats and John Fetterman with the Republicans. However, the failure of an anti-war resolution does not constitute a pro-war vote. It’s time for the Trump administration to define the goals of the Iran war and— if they prove worthy enough— for Congress to ratify those objectives or demand the bombers fly home. Wait too long and the Pentagon may find that the missiles which got shot down by NATO air defenses—as they passed into Türkiye—may not be the last to target Turkish civilians. If Türkiye is attacked overwhelmingly in the coming weeks by Iranian drones, the Turks have the power to activate Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.  A NATO declaration of war could trigger a Russian response, as Iran’s only ally, and World War III could lay over t]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70549839Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:31:15 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher and the show with an interview with Bill Hyland, his historian of St Bernard Parish on the https://www.losislenos.org/events We also talk about...https://www.losislenos.org/events We also talk about https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/one-of-the-last-great-newspapermen/article_3b0b4113-286f-4305-8172-ec076eba845b.html of the program, Curtis Robinson.
But our main conversation, as Christopher writes below, is What’s Next in the Iran War?
Many have criticized Donald Trump’s military bombing campaign in Iran, yet one strains to show sympathy for a regime which murdered thousands of its own people for simply asking for the right to free elections. It’s difficult to have empathy for a dictatorship so brutal that when a young adolescent is shot at a peaceful demonstration, and a firefighter picks him up to carry him to get medical aid, the firefighter is shot and killed by the Revolutionary Guard for the audacity of helping a wounded protester. No Westerner will shed tears for the demise Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or lament the destruction of the Iranian drone factories—which have outfitted the Russian military with endless amount of aerial death visited on innocent Ukrainian citizens—and which currently bomb civilian targets in Arab countries.
Even the most ardent critic of the exercise of US military force in Iran had trouble suppressing a sardonic laugh when news reports showed the bombed-out ruins of the building where the mullahs of Iran gathered to vote for a new supreme leader.  It was easy to chuckle when in headlines above the photo of destroyed shell of the building of the “assembly of experts” (that which remained after the explosion), the news caption read “white smoke, no leader.”   How does one not cheer at the death of a group of psychopaths who have driven thousands to their death through endless conflict and terrorism? Iran is run by a “12th Imam” death cult whose theological relationship to mainstream Islam is roughly analogous to that of a Bible-believing Baptist versus a member of the Ku Klux Klan.  Both claim to be Christians, but they share the sole similarity of staring at a cross on a regular basis— with much different purpose in mind. Few will shed a tear for an Ayatollah and government who actively tried to kill the President of the United States; moreover, degrading the remaining nuclear and military assets of Iran not only relieves an existential danger, but increases our ability to emasculate terrorist cells around the world. A limited aerial strike on Iran, which came after informing the Gang of Eight in Congress, is essentially the same action Barack Obama took during his presidency.  The question remains, though, what happens next?  How limited is this?
In point of fact, Operation Epic Fury started when it did, according to Axios, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called President Trump on Feb 23 with a stunning tip: Iran's supreme leader and his top advisers were all set to meet at one location in Tehran on February 28.  “They could all be killed in a single devastating airstrike,” Netanyahu told Trump and his team, according to three sources briefed on the discussion. As the bombing campaign stretches into its third week, Donald Trump faces a constitutional requirement, as he has called this bombardment “a war “.  The President should go to Congress and seek authorization for further action. More importantly, Trump should tell both the US House, the US Senate, and the American people just what the essential objective of the continued bombing campaign really is— because even his friends are wondering.
Erik Prince, one of the Trump’s closest supporters—and as President of Blackwater an expert on ground wars and their aftermath—said on the Steve Bannon podcast, “If there were a viable ground...]]>3240christopher,founders,hy,iran,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,show,tidmore,trump,warfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rep-julia-letlow-joins-the-show--70361604
At the end of the show, we talked to another candidate, former Jefferson Parish President John Young, who is running in the May 16 Republican primary for the LA Public Service Commission to succeed the term limited Eric Skrmetta. President Trump cited the need for data centers to install their own power plants, an idea that began at the behest of the LA PSC with Meta.  Young talks about how Louisiana is setting the trends on data centers nationally, and why who holds this office is extremely important.  He repeats the often given quit in the tech industry that the Interstate 20 corridor is starting to be called “AI-20”.

In between, Hy and Christopher argue about the meaning of the State of the Union address— and whether we should go back to the tradition of our Founders and abolish the verbal speech.

As Christopher writes: End the SOTU Addresses

At February 24th State of the Union address, the New Orleans-born, Houston-area Congressman Al Green defied the ‘polite silence’ instructions of Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries with a protest sign, “Black people aren’t apes.”  Before he was escorted out of the chamber, he answered—before the national cameras—a tweet that Donald Trump forwarded on his TruthSocial account depicting Michelle and Barack Obama  as apes in a jungle.  Green set the tone of the evening with Trump respondingly calling Democrats “crazy”, “evil”, and “ what’s wrong with you?”  Prominent Democrats responded with heckles of their own. 

Very little of the 2026 State of the Union address talked about policy, or even provided any facts about the State of the Union of any particular relevance to the national conversation other than the price of gasoline at the pump. The utter farce staged last Tuesday may signal that time has come to finally get rid the body politic of this horrible Stentorian tradition begun by another racist president, Woodrow Wilson, and return to the practice which stretched from Thomas Jefferson to Theodore Roosevelt of simply the White House sending to Congress a written report on the State of the Union.  Few read those presidential missives today, but they actually provide quite informative historical snapshots on a year-by-year basis on the conditions within the United States. They also show a remarkable insight into the thinking of government leaders at the time. The written SOTUs are serious documents for serious men; in other words, the opposite of what the verbal SOTUs have been for decades. 

Not all the evening was nonsensical.   Trump provided a few heartfelt moments in his address, but these moments had little to do with the current State of the Union. No matter what one’s political persuasion, only the heartless refused to cheer as the US Men’s Hockey Team marched in donning their newly-won gold medals. A tear came in the eyes of most Americans as the Purple Heart was pinned on the lapel of the hero National Guardsman or when the Congressional Medal of Honor was hung on the neck on the 100-year-old veteran Korean War-era Navy pilot. Without those moments, the insults, and the theatrical procession of the Olympic team into the US House gallery with the promise of a Presidential Medal of Freedom to be awarded to Connor Hellebuyck (the goalie for the Winnipeg Jets), Trump’s actual SOTU Address comprised an actually rather short speech bared of much policy content, only approximately a half hour of the actual 1 hour and 48 minutes address. The President did speak of items of legislation already passed from taxes cuts to regulatory relief, as well as referencing the pending SAVE Act to require photo ID to vote (although his dig at his friend “the communist” Mayor Mandami requiring a photo ID and a Social Security card to get a job to shovel snow but not go to the ballot box did draw a laugh).  The President also referenced his Trump RX program claiming that he had lowered prices by 100% (though one doubts drugs are now free), and Trump emphasized his support of the medical transparency bill (with a flash at his bette noir Sen. Bill Cassidy, who has championed and authored this legislation for more than a decade).   In fact, the President’s only statutory request of Congress was to provide more government funds to a retirement subsidy program for those without a 401(k) or pension, originally passed by DEMOCRATS!

Other than to condemn the Supreme Court and defend his love tariffs, Trump really did not introduce any NEW big ideas in his speech, which continues an unfortunately common bipartisan trend for State of the Union addresses, especially when one considers that a competitive midterm election will occur in only eight months.  Nevertheless, Trump‘s theatrical gestures—full of sound and fury signifying little—actually worked.   Like his recent predecessors, many of whom also spent an hour and a half essentially speaking meaningless drivel (yet with considerably more respect for the nation’s governing institutions and its leaders than he), a CNN Poll revealed that 2/3 of those who heard the speech had a positive reaction, with just 1/3 garnering a negative reaction. With a little less policy content, and a little bit more visual histrionics of American heroism, Trump achieved basically the same as almost every state of the union address for the last half century… on steroids.  That is to say, the speech was essentially an evening of meaningless mutterings of partisan posturing. When Trump says that the American people were “winning too much… and were gonna win even more”, the showman elucidated what has been true since Woodrow Wilson began this ridiculous tendency to speak yearly before Congress. The last thing ever explained in the State of the Union address is the ‘state of the union’.   Of course, words uttered to truly discuss the current situation of the United States of America and how to solve it, that might cost votes.

While Trump ups the showmanship factor to an evermore ridiculous degree, every president since the advent of televised SOTUs— and pretty much since they returned to the floor of the House of Representatives since Woodrow Wilson— has employed the addresses as simple partisan theatre. When the annual verbal torture finally concludes, the public divides according to their prejudices in their reactions, watching from whatever choir to which they are preached, unwilling to question the two hours wasted. It’s just eight months until the midterm elections, and President Trump enjoyed the largest audience that any politician, much less he, will have before the election – all at the public expense.  It’s time for Congress to revoke the invitation for president to address them and simply say “put it in writing”.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70361604Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:05:38 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show kicks off with an interview with Congresswoman Julia Letlow, candidate for the United States Senate in the May 16 Republican primary.  We talk about why flood insurance for Louisiana is more important than a perfect American...
At the end of the show, we talked to another candidate, former Jefferson Parish President John Young, who is running in the May 16 Republican primary for the LA Public Service Commission to succeed the term limited Eric Skrmetta. President Trump cited the need for data centers to install their own power plants, an idea that began at the behest of the LA PSC with Meta.  Young talks about how Louisiana is setting the trends on data centers nationally, and why who holds this office is extremely important.  He repeats the often given quit in the tech industry that the Interstate 20 corridor is starting to be called “AI-20”.

In between, Hy and Christopher argue about the meaning of the State of the Union address— and whether we should go back to the tradition of our Founders and abolish the verbal speech.

As Christopher writes: End the SOTU Addresses

At February 24th State of the Union address, the New Orleans-born, Houston-area Congressman Al Green defied the ‘polite silence’ instructions of Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries with a protest sign, “Black people aren’t apes.”  Before he was escorted out of the chamber, he answered—before the national cameras—a tweet that Donald Trump forwarded on his TruthSocial account depicting Michelle and Barack Obama  as apes in a jungle.  Green set the tone of the evening with Trump respondingly calling Democrats “crazy”, “evil”, and “ what’s wrong with you?”  Prominent Democrats responded with heckles of their own. 

Very little of the 2026 State of the Union address talked about policy, or even provided any facts about the State of the Union of any particular relevance to the national conversation other than the price of gasoline at the pump. The utter farce staged last Tuesday may signal that time has come to finally get rid the body politic of this horrible Stentorian tradition begun by another racist president, Woodrow Wilson, and return to the practice which stretched from Thomas Jefferson to Theodore Roosevelt of simply the White House sending to Congress a written report on the State of the Union.  Few read those presidential missives today, but they actually provide quite informative historical snapshots on a year-by-year basis on the conditions within the United States. They also show a remarkable insight into the thinking of government leaders at the time. The written SOTUs are serious documents for serious men; in other words, the opposite of what the verbal SOTUs have been for decades. 

Not all the evening was nonsensical.   Trump provided a few heartfelt moments in his address, but these moments had little to do with the current State of the Union. No matter what one’s political persuasion, only the heartless refused to cheer as the US Men’s Hockey Team marched in donning their newly-won gold medals. A tear came in the eyes of most Americans as the Purple Heart was pinned on the lapel of the hero National Guardsman or when the Congressional Medal of Honor was hung on the neck on the 100-year-old veteran Korean War-era Navy pilot. Without those moments, the insults, and the theatrical procession of the Olympic team into the US House gallery with the promise of a Presidential Medal of Freedom to be awarded to Connor Hellebuyck (the goalie for the Winnipeg Jets), Trump’s actual SOTU Address comprised an actually rather short speech bared of much policy content, only approximately a half hour of the actual 1 hour and 48 minutes address. The President did speak of items of legislation already passed from taxes cuts to regulatory relief, as well as referencing the pending...]]>3240founders,john,julla,letlow,new,of,orleans,show,state,the,trump,union,youngfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/u-s-senate-race-opso-communication-crisis-snap-changes--70181746Referring to the first topic, we had asked Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson a series if questions, and she provided a reply that was less than informative.
We queried, “Last year, the jail switched vendors for providing inmate communications -- like phone calls -- to a controversial Florida company (Smart Communications) that has recently filed bankruptcy, how will that impact jail operations?  Has the Sheriff begun investigation for a replacement? The owner of smart communications was a very proud ex convict.  He had a license plate that said “ convict”.  Did the sheriff express reservations given that information? In some jurisdictions, inmate advocates have been critical of banning mail, arguing that it diminishes contact with family and loved ones; I believe the jail currently scans mail for viewing on kiosk screens -- what are your thoughts on that?

Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Rep. replied, “OPSO has received solid assurances that all obligations, and commitments will remain unchanged. Any questions you may have about the changes occurring within Smart Communications, should be addressed with the company directly.”

We also talk about an answer to diminishing crowds on the Wednesday before Mardi Gras with “The Vendredi Gras Solution”.

In recent years, it has become a common practice in New Orleans to give school children the Friday before Mardi Gras off along with the week containing Shrove Tuesday. In fact, teachers tend to dismiss their classes at midday on the Thursday prior, as megaparades commence to dominate the calendar that night.  Educators wish their kids get home in time. As a result of a holiday weekend has evolved, and the midweek Krewes have paid the price. Comparatively meager crowds currently attend the parades on Carnival’s Wednesday night.   It is easier just to wait for Thursday—and beyond.  After all, children have school in the morning on Thursday, and the first float of the second parade on Wednesday evening often will not reach most families till 930 at night—or later.
Parade routes which boast of teeming crowds for the long five-day weekend stand nearly empty along St. Charles Avenue on the Wednesday prior to Shrove Tuesday, yet the city must nonetheless spend huge sums of money for police and sanitation despite the mediocre attendance. The former night for Nyx was inherited by Alla and Druids on the Orleans route in 2026, yet neither parade inspired enough loyalty to draw dense crowds this year. Often, there were more people on the floats than receiving the beads in the crowd.
When one accepts that virtually no one in New Orleans truly works on the Friday before Mardi Gras (however official that workday may be listed), it might be time for the City Council to acknowledge transferring the Wednesday night parades on the main route to Friday afternoons and declaring that day a city holiday, with Thursday’s Chaos parade kicking off what would be essentially become a five-day holiday. Savings in police and sanitation costs would be profound, and the businesses which have to shut down early on Wednesday would enjoy a complete full work day…
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70181746Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:30:15 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher take on several subjects on today’s broadcast, including a major communications crisis at the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, The secret to a better Mardi Gras “Fat Friday”, SNAP, NO soda for you, and a New POLL in the Louisiana US...Referring to the first topic, we had asked Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson a series if questions, and she provided a reply that was less than informative.
We queried, “Last year, the jail switched vendors for providing inmate communications -- like phone calls -- to a controversial Florida company (Smart Communications) that has recently filed bankruptcy, how will that impact jail operations?  Has the Sheriff begun investigation for a replacement? The owner of smart communications was a very proud ex convict.  He had a license plate that said “ convict”.  Did the sheriff express reservations given that information? In some jurisdictions, inmate advocates have been critical of banning mail, arguing that it diminishes contact with family and loved ones; I believe the jail currently scans mail for viewing on kiosk screens -- what are your thoughts on that?

Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Rep. replied, “OPSO has received solid assurances that all obligations, and commitments will remain unchanged. Any questions you may have about the changes occurring within Smart Communications, should be addressed with the company directly.”

We also talk about an answer to diminishing crowds on the Wednesday before Mardi Gras with “The Vendredi Gras Solution”.

In recent years, it has become a common practice in New Orleans to give school children the Friday before Mardi Gras off along with the week containing Shrove Tuesday. In fact, teachers tend to dismiss their classes at midday on the Thursday prior, as megaparades commence to dominate the calendar that night.  Educators wish their kids get home in time. As a result of a holiday weekend has evolved, and the midweek Krewes have paid the price. Comparatively meager crowds currently attend the parades on Carnival’s Wednesday night.   It is easier just to wait for Thursday—and beyond.  After all, children have school in the morning on Thursday, and the first float of the second parade on Wednesday evening often will not reach most families till 930 at night—or later.
Parade routes which boast of teeming crowds for the long five-day weekend stand nearly empty along St. Charles Avenue on the Wednesday prior to Shrove Tuesday, yet the city must nonetheless spend huge sums of money for police and sanitation despite the mediocre attendance. The former night for Nyx was inherited by Alla and Druids on the Orleans route in 2026, yet neither parade inspired enough loyalty to draw dense crowds this year. Often, there were more people on the floats than receiving the beads in the crowd.
When one accepts that virtually no one in New Orleans truly works on the Friday before Mardi Gras (however official that workday may be listed), it might be time for the City Council to acknowledge transferring the Wednesday night parades on the main route to Friday afternoons and declaring that day a city holiday, with Thursday’s Chaos parade kicking off what would be essentially become a five-day holiday. Savings in police and sanitation costs would be profound, and the businesses which have to shut down early on Wednesday would enjoy a complete full work day…
]]>3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-carnival-classic--70058520https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70058520Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:28:46 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher revisit one of our classic shows, featuring the Creole balladeer Armand St. Martin.  We premiere several new carnival songs and talk about the traditions of carnival, that begin literally on the day that Louisiana is founded, Mardi...3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/carnival-edition--69850249
Illinois Club exhibit at the Presbytere Tells of 231 Years of Black Carnival Aspiration & Triumph
By Christopher Tidmore

Just as The Louisiana Weekly celebrates its centenary this year, so will the Young Men’s Illinois club reach that milestone this Mardi Gras season. The history of that landmark African-American carnival crew and its progenitor, the Original Illinois Club, are the subject of a brilliant new exhibition at the Louisiana State Museum at Jackson Square.
      One enters the Presbytere‘s second floor into the special exhibition hall to be greeted by the resplendent dress of Dr. Karen Becnel Moore, Queen of Young Men’s Illinois in 1966, backed by a picture of her court.  Another glittering gown worn by three generations of the Rhodes family stands sentinel before that case. Kings costumes, videos of balls, and the brilliant backdrop of the Old French Opera House from the 1968 YMI Ball takes up seven full walls.  As exhibit advisory member and key contributor Carolyn Duvigneaud Thomas described, “These dresses are just simply beautiful…You have an assortment of dresses and crowns and scepters. It’s it’s just a wonderful collection, and you also have two Kings costumes.  The Original Illinois is the only organization that has kings, and so we have two of their costumes on display.” 
      “I’m just happy this story is being told.  It’s been a secret. A hidden secret, and it’s time for this story to be out, and for everyone to know it.”
     Along the way, visitors learn how a former Pullman porter working the Illinois Central Railroad, Wiley J. Knight, arrived in New Orleans in 1894 and revolutionized carnival.  As the exhibit explains, “A native of Bolivar, Tennessee, he worked in close proximity to wealthy whites, earning a living as a butler, a valet, a waiter, and a railroad chef.  In his eyes, Blacks had limited knowledge of the social graces. Knight believed that the only formal dance familiar to African Americans was the quadrille…Wiley Knight founded Knight's School of Dance, where Black families enrolled their children to learn etiquette and dancing. His students suggested staging a carnival dance, which was so successful that it quickly gave rise to the formation of the Illinois Club. According to club lore, Knight founded the organization at the home of Erona Doley, whose great-nephew Harold Doley Sr. would later become a prominent member of the Young Men Illinois Club….The Illinois Club became the most important African American carnival organization in New Orleans, known for its annual balls, debutantes, and its signature dance, the Chicago Glide.”
    The First Club would spawn an equally dynamic organization, as the exhibit dioramas explain.  “As Illinois Club membership expanded, controversy arose, resulting in a rift in 1926. The exact cause of the split remains uncertain, with two stories surviving. According to one account, some of the newer, younger members no longer wanted to follow founder Wiley Knight's policies. It was said that Knight ‘ruled with an iron hand.’ The other belief is that two members disagreed about the selection of the queen of the ball.”
     “Regardless of the reason for the breakup, the new organization's name-Young Men Illinois Club (YMI)- implies a generational difference. The founding group became the Original Illinois Club.  Longtime YMI member Ernest M. Thomas often stated that YMI was organized at his 1920 Bienville Streethome in March 1926.  On February 26, 1927, the Young Men Illinois staged their first ball with Mabel Saulsby reigning as queen.  The 1920s tensions faded over time. Despite having two separate organizations, it was not uncommon for men to be members of both clubs simultaneously. Today, the clubs recognize the presence of each other's members and wives at their annual balls.”
    Dr. Karen Becnel Moore observed, “The original Illinois was founded in 1895 and the young men’s Illinois in 1926, and it is the centennial anniversary that we are celebrating this year, and also we’re celebrating the history of both clubs and the origin of both clubs,” but she added the lessons of serving in those courts went far beyond Mardi Gras sequins.  
      “Queenship and being presented as a debutante means to us service and commitment to our society, to enhancing our community, and to enhancing the country.  It is not just party/party/ party.  This is an introduction to society for the purpose of working with the society and being dedicated just to serve.  Our debutantes and queens— whether young people or senior citizens—we’re still serving and we are still persons who are doctors, lawyers, educators, and businesswomen in the community. People who are determined to contribute to elevating society and elevating the community whether it is Black or white.  The community in New Orleans, the culture, the legacy that has been bestowed upon us and left to the next generation and paying it forward.”
     Exhibit co-curator Kelly Dorsey Parker expanded on this thought and noted the underlying purpose of telling the Illinois clubs’ story is that “queenship in the realm of a black society in New Orleans is trailblazing.”
    She continued, “ I guess we can call it a mantle in a crown that’s worn pretty much like a cape!  They are she-heros.  We don’t have a look very far to find heroes and she-heros in New Orleans.  Royalty regarding these two organizations are just it!  It’s something that you carry with you through professional live, through social life . 
     “You are the Beacon that continues, and has continued, now within both of these clubs for 231 years collectively. There is not a young girl that doesn’t see Dr. Moore or even through the parading organizations—through Zulu queens and NOMTOC queens—there’s not a little girl who doesn’t see themselves in that image. Well, if I’m looking at a queen now and think, we’ll, this could be me—if I would like to do it in the future.  So, it’s just really important that we have that representation—that’s been here for so long—and is still need it today.”
       The Presbytere exhibit notes how the story of the Illinois Clubs is more than just carnival, it stands as a living metaphor for the civil rights movement.  One of the banners quotes Sybil Haydel Morial from her 2015 memoir, Witness to Change: From Jim Crow to Political Empowerment, "’Maybe I knew, maybe we all knew underneath, that the rituals we took part in, a mimicking of a society from which we were excluded, had become hollow. Surely none of us suspected how the boundaries of that society would soon convulse in this city and throughout the South.’ Morial's debutante beginnings in 1950 gave way to a life defined by her deep commitment to justice, civic engagement, and education. In 1963 she founded the Louisiana League of Good
Government, an organization dedicated to increasing Black voter registration and expanding political participation across the state.”
    Exhibit Co-curator Dr. Kim Vaz-Deville, also a professor and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Xavier University, spoke about how much of the battle civil rights came from those who created and were nurtured by these clubs.  As she explained, “If we start with the Pullman porters and the Pullman maids, that really is the reason that it’s called ‘Illinois’ because they worked on the Illinois Central Railroad.  They were going up and down between Chicago and New Orleans, taking a lot of African-Americans out of the south and into this new world of where they thought that they would have more freedom. So these men and women are able to see how high society white people acted— how they dressed, what they talked about, and what they did.  So when Wiley Knight (who was a Pullman porter) settled here, he opened a dance studio for the privileged African-Americans.  And even though they were privileged, and they wanted to put on a ball, they were only certain places where they could rent a hall.  And they had to transform those rather ‘not palatial places’—more like gymnasiums—into imperial looking settings to match the themes.”
     “We can fast forward to the 1930s when New Orleans City Hall decided to build a Municipal Auditorium that one would think all citizens would be able to use and enjoy. but, in fact, that was not the case. In the 1940s when an African-American this minister wanted to bring the Black Baptist convention to Municipal Auditorium, they told him ‘no’.”
      “Fast forward two more years, A. P. Tureaud, who was noted Louisiana NAACP-affiliated attorney and Ernest Morial, filed a suit saying that the requirement that African-Americans pay in into the city coffers and cannot use facility really is against the 14th Amendment.  They took them to court, but this was after Brown versus Board of Education, so you can see the resistance lasted so very long …It was [not until] 1966 for the Young Men’s Illinois, and a decade later for the Original Illinois Club, to go into the Municipal Auditorium.”
     “I could talk a little bit about Sybil Morial‘s comment because she [was First Maid] and her sister was Queen of the Young Men’s Illinois club balls. ..Of course, that was how you learn grace, and how you learn to be a woman, and how you learn to be an African-American woman who could present yourself with elegance into the social world—and into you know the middle-class white world in which they were going.  But, she said, as [Mrs. Morial] became more involved in the civil rights movement, because of her husband sometimes used her as a plaintive in his civil rights cases, she became much more conscious of you know this thing that we’re doing.  ‘Are we simply a being people in terms of style or you know, is there something else going along here goi]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69850249Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:49:20 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)It’s our carnival edition, and Hy and Christopher explore the new exhibit at the Presbytere on the Illinois Clubs. Illinois Club exhibit at the Presbytere Tells of 231 Years of Black Carnival Aspiration & Triumph By Christopher Tidmore Just as...
Illinois Club exhibit at the Presbytere Tells of 231 Years of Black Carnival Aspiration & Triumph
By Christopher Tidmore

Just as The Louisiana Weekly celebrates its centenary this year, so will the Young Men’s Illinois club reach that milestone this Mardi Gras season. The history of that landmark African-American carnival crew and its progenitor, the Original Illinois Club, are the subject of a brilliant new exhibition at the Louisiana State Museum at Jackson Square.
      One enters the Presbytere‘s second floor into the special exhibition hall to be greeted by the resplendent dress of Dr. Karen Becnel Moore, Queen of Young Men’s Illinois in 1966, backed by a picture of her court.  Another glittering gown worn by three generations of the Rhodes family stands sentinel before that case. Kings costumes, videos of balls, and the brilliant backdrop of the Old French Opera House from the 1968 YMI Ball takes up seven full walls.  As exhibit advisory member and key contributor Carolyn Duvigneaud Thomas described, “These dresses are just simply beautiful…You have an assortment of dresses and crowns and scepters. It’s it’s just a wonderful collection, and you also have two Kings costumes.  The Original Illinois is the only organization that has kings, and so we have two of their costumes on display.” 
      “I’m just happy this story is being told.  It’s been a secret. A hidden secret, and it’s time for this story to be out, and for everyone to know it.”
     Along the way, visitors learn how a former Pullman porter working the Illinois Central Railroad, Wiley J. Knight, arrived in New Orleans in 1894 and revolutionized carnival.  As the exhibit explains, “A native of Bolivar, Tennessee, he worked in close proximity to wealthy whites, earning a living as a butler, a valet, a waiter, and a railroad chef.  In his eyes, Blacks had limited knowledge of the social graces. Knight believed that the only formal dance familiar to African Americans was the quadrille…Wiley Knight founded Knight's School of Dance, where Black families enrolled their children to learn etiquette and dancing. His students suggested staging a carnival dance, which was so successful that it quickly gave rise to the formation of the Illinois Club. According to club lore, Knight founded the organization at the home of Erona Doley, whose great-nephew Harold Doley Sr. would later become a prominent member of the Young Men Illinois Club….The Illinois Club became the most important African American carnival organization in New Orleans, known for its annual balls, debutantes, and its signature dance, the Chicago Glide.”
    The First Club would spawn an equally dynamic organization, as the exhibit dioramas explain.  “As Illinois Club membership expanded, controversy arose, resulting in a rift in 1926. The exact cause of the split remains uncertain, with two stories surviving. According to one account, some of the newer, younger members no longer wanted to follow founder Wiley Knight's policies. It was said that Knight ‘ruled with an iron hand.’ The other belief is that two members disagreed about the selection of the queen of the ball.”
     “Regardless of the reason for the breakup, the new organization's name-Young Men Illinois Club (YMI)- implies a generational difference. The founding group became the Original Illinois Club.  Longtime YMI member Ernest M. Thomas often stated that YMI was organized at his 1920 Bienville Streethome in March 1926.  On February 26, 1927, the Young Men Illinois staged their first ball with Mabel Saulsby reigning as queen.  The 1920s tensions faded over time. Despite having two separate organizations, it was not uncommon for men to be members of both clubs simultaneously. Today, the clubs recognize the presence of each other's members and wives at their annual balls.”3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/washington-mardi-gras-upcoming-elections-questions-for-the-new-sheriff--69708913
But we talk about two fundamental questions that the current sheriff and the incoming sheriff has so far refused to answer.  We try to answer them on this week’s show.

Last year, the jail switched vendors for providing inmate communications -- like phone calls -- to a controversial Florida company (Smart Communications) that has recently filed bankruptcy, how will that impact jail operations?  

2) Has the Sheriff begun investigation for a replacement?

3) The owner of smart communications was a very proud ex convict.  He had a license plate that said “ convict”.  Did the sheriff express reservations given that information?
 
4) In some jurisdictions, inmate advocates have been critical of banning mail, arguing that it diminishes contact with family and loved ones; I believe the jail currently scans mail for viewing on kiosk screens -- what are your thoughts on that?

5) Does the sheriffs office currently have an in-house PIO officer?

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69708913Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:46:08 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher confront a number of topics, including Washington, Mardi Gras, and the importance of the upcoming election elections on February 7. But we talk about two fundamental questions that the current sheriff and the incoming sheriff has...
But we talk about two fundamental questions that the current sheriff and the incoming sheriff has so far refused to answer.  We try to answer them on this week’s show.

Last year, the jail switched vendors for providing inmate communications -- like phone calls -- to a controversial Florida company (Smart Communications) that has recently filed bankruptcy, how will that impact jail operations?  

2) Has the Sheriff begun investigation for a replacement?

3) The owner of smart communications was a very proud ex convict.  He had a license plate that said “ convict”.  Did the sheriff express reservations given that information?
 
4) In some jurisdictions, inmate advocates have been critical of banning mail, arguing that it diminishes contact with family and loved ones; I believe the jail currently scans mail for viewing on kiosk screens -- what are your thoughts on that?

5) Does the sheriffs office currently have an in-house PIO officer?

]]>3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cassidy-vs-letlow--69572057GOP contenders unfazed by Trump endorsement of Julia Letlow
By Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer
Three weeks ago, in a closed meeting of the Republican National Committee, Chairman Joe Gruters reportedly said that he had learned that Senator Bill Cassidy would be accepting a university position instead of qualifying for another term, and that Congresswoman Julia Letlow would soon be endorsed by President Trump, and subsequently run for the Senate. This news brought cheers to the hyper-partisan crowd, as Cassidy enjoys very little popularity in senior GOP circles after his vote to convict President Trump in the second impeachment five years ago. At least half of Gruters’ prediction came true last week.
On Saturday, January 17, President Trump announced his endorsement of Julia Letlow in a TruthSocial posting that read, “Should she decide to enter this Race, Julia Letlow has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JULIA, RUN!!!” She formally joined the United States Senate race the following Tuesday.
State Rep. Mike Bayham, a Letlow supporter, speculated that an upcoming fundraiser the GOP Senate Majority Leader planned on hosting in Baton Rouge might have prompted President Trump to act sooner than he might have previously planned: “I think the Thune event for Cassidy triggered the late night Trump post [on Truth Social] for Julia for the U.S. Senate,” Bayham explained.
Trump’s endorsement certainly came as a shock to the four candidates already challenging Bill Cassidy in the U.S. Senate race, which includes La. Treasurer John Fleming, 1st District PSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, 22nd District State Senator Blake Miguez and 39th District State Rep. Julie Emerson. All had been vying for Trump’s endorsement, and Skrmetta, in particular, had just attended a meeting at the White House on energy policy the previous week.
Emerson dropped out on Friday, January 23, yet she is the only candidate to depart so far. In fact, Skrmetta doubled down by announcing a $3500 per person fundraiser on February 3, promoting his new book Conservatism: Endowed by Our Creator. In an interview with The Louisiana Weekly, Skrmetta pledged to remain in the contest, no matter what. He sees a lot of discontented conservatives eager for another choice. Partially, the reason is ideological. Louisiana’s rightwing intelligentsia is not thrilled with the President's choice of Letlow.
As 1996 U.S. Senate candidate and former State Rep. Woody Jenkins put it, Cassidy and Letlow “ARE THE TWO MODERATE REPUBLICANS IN THE SENATE RACE coming up in Louisiana – not by any length the candidates most conservative Republicans will be looking at. We have strong conservatives running who have a good chance to win. Don’t let the media define the race as between these two moderate candidates because that is far from the case. FYI Cassidy and Letlow have voting records almost the same.”
The critique is a tad unfair, as it is based on American Conservative Union ratings, which put both Cassidy and Letlow at roughly 75-percent pure conservative voting records. One of the main reasons both were discounted was the effort undertaken by both to convince FEMA to change its flood maps. In other words, the desire to keep the federal government subsidizing flood insurance for tens of thousands of Louisianans—a very critical need for their constituents to remain in their homes south of the flood protection walls—may have been popular locally, but national conservative organizations rated those votes as “liberal.”
Still, Jenkins tapped into the anxiety that many local conservatives have about sending yet another moderate to D.C. Governor Landry’s motivation to reestablish the closed primary was to make it impossible for a comparative moderate like Cassidy to win renomination. Letlow, a candidate with a voting record on insurance and healthcare similar to Cassidy, doesn’t strike many conservatives as an improvement. She reminds many conservatives of how the White House parachuted former New Orleans Councilwoman and La. Elections Commissioner Suzie Terrell into the 2002 U.S. Senate race; Terrell entered the contest only due to the unabashed support of President George W. Bush, which propelled her into the runoff over more conservative candidates. Nevertheless, she ended up losing to Mary Landrieu.
Terrell’s 2002 Senate GOP opponent, Tony Perkins, a protégé of Jenkins’ and currently the head of the conservative Family Research Council, argued at the time that a more conservative candidate would have had better turnout – and perhaps won.
As an editorial by the Louisiana conservative website The Hayride argued, “Overall, [Letlow’s] scorecard numbers generally hover around 75 percent from a conservative standpoint (they’ll vary a bit based on which votes are scored); that’s pretty much exactly where Bill Cassidy sits. So what’s the point of replacing Cassidy and his seniority with Letlow if she’s going to vote just like Cassidy does?”
The editorial goes on to note that neither Fleming nor Emerson possesses much motivation to leave: “if I’m Skrmetta, Letlow getting in doesn’t phase me much. Like Emerson, I’m going to say I’ve done a hell of a lot more to fight the good fight for conservatism in the 18 years I’ve been battling on the Public Service Commission… And politically, I’m still the one candidate from the New Orleans area; Julia Letlow is absolutely unknown in my neck of the woods, so her getting in only dilutes the vote in the other parts of the state and actually increases my chance of stealing a seat in the runoff.
“And if I’m Blake Miguez I’m selling myself as the Freedom Caucus conservative legislator in the race… if you’re looking for somebody who’s different than Establishment Bill Cassidy, I’m much more that than Julia Letlow is.”
Nevertheless, Letlow is an incredibly popular congresswoman in her district. She won the Northeast Louisiana seat amidst an outpouring of public sympathy over the death of her husband, Luke Letlow, right after his election to Congress. She has proven a very hard-working constituency politician ever since, earning the affectionate title “the Steel Magnolia.”
An endorsement from President Trump in a Republican primary is usually enough to swing the core GOP vote. Whether Cassidy stays in the race remains undetermined. The last polling data available puts his approval amongst Republican primary voters at 29 percent, so his campaign launched a massive effort this month to get those registered “No Party” to cast a ballot in the May 16 primary. Pro-Cassidy text messages flowed all over the state, particularly to Democrats who might change their voter status to support the incumbent Republican senator.
So far, that effort has proven to have a few takers, to say the least. Democrats remain angered at Cassidy‘s re-embrace of Trump since he returned to the White House one year ago. With Louisiana Democrats still unable to recruit a first-tier challenger for the Senate seat, the next U.S. senator from Louisiana might be decided in the May 16 Republican primary.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69572057Sat, 24 Jan 2026 15:22:33 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher broadcast from Big Bend National Park. We ask why Trump has put his face on the new annual pass for the National Parks? We also examine Trump’s recent endorsement of Julia Letlow. Here is Christopher’s column in The Louisiana...GOP contenders unfazed by Trump endorsement of Julia Letlow
By Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer
Three weeks ago, in a closed meeting of the Republican National Committee, Chairman Joe Gruters reportedly said that he had learned that Senator Bill Cassidy would be accepting a university position instead of qualifying for another term, and that Congresswoman Julia Letlow would soon be endorsed by President Trump, and subsequently run for the Senate. This news brought cheers to the hyper-partisan crowd, as Cassidy enjoys very little popularity in senior GOP circles after his vote to convict President Trump in the second impeachment five years ago. At least half of Gruters’ prediction came true last week.
On Saturday, January 17, President Trump announced his endorsement of Julia Letlow in a TruthSocial posting that read, “Should she decide to enter this Race, Julia Letlow has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JULIA, RUN!!!” She formally joined the United States Senate race the following Tuesday.
State Rep. Mike Bayham, a Letlow supporter, speculated that an upcoming fundraiser the GOP Senate Majority Leader planned on hosting in Baton Rouge might have prompted President Trump to act sooner than he might have previously planned: “I think the Thune event for Cassidy triggered the late night Trump post [on Truth Social] for Julia for the U.S. Senate,” Bayham explained.
Trump’s endorsement certainly came as a shock to the four candidates already challenging Bill Cassidy in the U.S. Senate race, which includes La. Treasurer John Fleming, 1st District PSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, 22nd District State Senator Blake Miguez and 39th District State Rep. Julie Emerson. All had been vying for Trump’s endorsement, and Skrmetta, in particular, had just attended a meeting at the White House on energy policy the previous week.
Emerson dropped out on Friday, January 23, yet she is the only candidate to depart so far. In fact, Skrmetta doubled down by announcing a $3500 per person fundraiser on February 3, promoting his new book Conservatism: Endowed by Our Creator. In an interview with The Louisiana Weekly, Skrmetta pledged to remain in the contest, no matter what. He sees a lot of discontented conservatives eager for another choice. Partially, the reason is ideological. Louisiana’s rightwing intelligentsia is not thrilled with the President's choice of Letlow.
As 1996 U.S. Senate candidate and former State Rep. Woody Jenkins put it, Cassidy and Letlow “ARE THE TWO MODERATE REPUBLICANS IN THE SENATE RACE coming up in Louisiana – not by any length the candidates most conservative Republicans will be looking at. We have strong conservatives running who have a good chance to win. Don’t let the media define the race as between these two moderate candidates because that is far from the case. FYI Cassidy and Letlow have voting records almost the same.”
The critique is a tad unfair, as it is based on American Conservative Union ratings, which put both Cassidy and Letlow at roughly 75-percent pure conservative voting records. One of the main reasons both were discounted was the effort undertaken by both to convince FEMA to change its flood maps. In other words, the desire to keep the federal government subsidizing flood insurance for tens of thousands of Louisianans—a very critical need for their constituents to remain in their homes south of the flood protection walls—may have been popular locally, but national conservative organizations rated those votes as “liberal.”
Still, Jenkins tapped into the anxiety that many local conservatives have about sending yet another moderate to D.C. Governor Landry’s motivation to...]]>3240bill,cassidy,christopher,donald,founders,helena,hy,julia,letlow,mayor,mchenry,moreno,new,orleans,politics,senate,show,tidmore,trump,u.s.falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-s-a-hard-candy-christmas--69134943Political cynicism threatens to take over the holidays, and we talk about President Trump’s address (in detail below and) on the radio show.  We also talk about Rob Reiner’s murder, and the President’s reaction. Christopher shares some comments from James Woods, a strong Trump supporter, who also loved Reiner as a fellow patriot— even as they disagreed politically. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AGz4WFLFz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
However, we also talk about the “threat” to Christmas. Santa may have been captured by the communists!  We have secret footage of his interrogation! https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BtMfsQ7oA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
However, our main topic centers around this theme, Christopher’s Column in The Louisiana Weekly.

Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas
By Christopher Tidmore

I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won't let
Sorrow bring me down
The immortal Christmas ballad by Dolly Parton is a lament. It essentially says all of the ways that one’s life will be better in the coming year than the previous, yet the implication of the song – when she sings of the possibility of losing some weight, meeting someone, or moving away – reveals that the singer knows nothing much will change by the next Yuletide season.       
One wonders if that was the real truth of Donald Trump’s eighteen minute national address last Wednesday night. To tell us how good things will become – in the hopes that we don’t recognize how challenging life is right now – and will remain.     
For those that missed the president’s rant, all negative economic data and social problems were blamed on Joe Biden. Any upturn in the economy, fall in the jobless rates, or positive news came as a Christmas gift courtesy of Donald Trump.   
Of course, the president talked about tax cuts, and supply side stimulus does have an impact on the economy. The problem, however, is that most of his tax cuts have yet to take effect. The tax cuts on tips and Social Security will not manifest until returns are filed next April, and the president’s proposed healthcare savings accounts have not yet been enacted, and will likely face a hostile filibuster in the U.S. Senate due to the president’s own opposition to paying subsidies to insurance companies.     
Claiming that health insurance underwriters exist as whole-owned subsidiaries of the Democratic Party might come as a surprise to the gaggle of lobbyists who tend to give bigger contributions to Republicans, including Trump. Finally, the president’s proposal to give a $1,776 bonus to members of the military through tariff funds likely won’t come to pass if the Supreme Court outlaws the constitutionality of the White House unilaterally enacting tariffs without congressional support. In fact, many major companies have already pre-filed lawsuits to get the money refunded. Even if Trump does succeed in convincing the majority of the court that he can unilaterally put taxes on anything, he’s already promised tariff money to three other funding schemes. There’s not a lot left, unless he was lying previously.
Hey, maybe I'll dye my hair
Maybe I'll move somewhere
Maybe I'll get a car
Maybe I'll drive so far
They'll all lose track
Me, I'll bounce right back
Maybe I'll sleep real late
Maybe I'll lose some weight
Maybe I'll clear my junk
Maybe I'll just get drunk on apple wine
Me, I'll be just
Fine and dandy
Lord it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won't let
Sorrow bring me way down
The song presupposes that one’s hope in the promise of a new year is predicated on actions which really make a difference in one’s life, yet the audience (as well as the singer) both understand that no real will exists to undertake those self improvements.
The president has blamed Joe Biden for all of his challenges because Trump finds it impossible to empathize with people who are hurting, or to offer solutions which might actually lower prices and improve the public’s well-being.
True, gas prices have fallen as the president claimed, but some of Trump’s own political interventions in the petrochemical market have scared off investors just as quickly as deregulation has drawn them. Most other of the prices that he boasts about falling occurred mainly due to the same food offered in smaller-sized amounts, such as the frequently noted “Thanksgiving Dinner” package. Trump’s own success at deporting Hispanic migrants has driven up the cost of labor in multiple industries, harming the economy, though it has helped wage growth in some sectors.
The desperate move (made the day after the speech by the president’s minions) to rename America’s main arts complex “the Trump Kennedy Center” feels just like the meaningless self indulgent mood described in the song.
It’s a hard candy Christmas indeed, and next year will be more of the same.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69134943Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:51:58 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher talk about families coming together, Christmas, but the cynicism that kind of overrides our politics. We mention Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s ripping down of the banners on Gallier Hall placed there for inauguration of her successor...Political cynicism threatens to take over the holidays, and we talk about President Trump’s address (in detail below and) on the radio show.  We also talk about Rob Reiner’s murder, and the President’s reaction. Christopher shares some comments from James Woods, a strong Trump supporter, who also loved Reiner as a fellow patriot— even as they disagreed politically. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AGz4WFLFz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
However, we also talk about the “threat” to Christmas. Santa may have been captured by the communists!  We have secret footage of his interrogation! https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BtMfsQ7oA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
However, our main topic centers around this theme, Christopher’s Column in The Louisiana Weekly.

Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas
By Christopher Tidmore

I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won't let
Sorrow bring me down
The immortal Christmas ballad by Dolly Parton is a lament. It essentially says all of the ways that one’s life will be better in the coming year than the previous, yet the implication of the song – when she sings of the possibility of losing some weight, meeting someone, or moving away – reveals that the singer knows nothing much will change by the next Yuletide season.       
One wonders if that was the real truth of Donald Trump’s eighteen minute national address last Wednesday night. To tell us how good things will become – in the hopes that we don’t recognize how challenging life is right now – and will remain.     
For those that missed the president’s rant, all negative economic data and social problems were blamed on Joe Biden. Any upturn in the economy, fall in the jobless rates, or positive news came as a Christmas gift courtesy of Donald Trump.   
Of course, the president talked about tax cuts, and supply side stimulus does have an impact on the economy. The problem, however, is that most of his tax cuts have yet to take effect. The tax cuts on tips and Social Security will not manifest until returns are filed next April, and the president’s proposed healthcare savings accounts have not yet been enacted, and will likely face a hostile filibuster in the U.S. Senate due to the president’s own opposition to paying subsidies to insurance companies.     
Claiming that health insurance underwriters exist as whole-owned subsidiaries of the Democratic Party might come as a surprise to the gaggle of lobbyists who tend to give bigger contributions to Republicans, including Trump. Finally, the president’s proposal to give a $1,776 bonus to members of the military through tariff funds likely won’t come to pass if the Supreme Court outlaws the constitutionality of the White House unilaterally enacting tariffs without congressional support. In fact, many major companies have already pre-filed lawsuits to get the money refunded. Even if Trump does succeed in convincing the majority of the court that he can unilaterally put taxes on anything, he’s already promised tariff money to three other funding schemes. There’s not a lot left, unless he was lying previously.
Hey, maybe I'll dye my hair
Maybe I'll move somewhere
Maybe I'll get a car
Maybe I'll drive so far
They'll all lose track
Me, I'll bounce right back
Maybe I'll sleep real late
Maybe I'll lose some weight
Maybe I'll clear my junk
Maybe I'll just get drunk on apple wine
Me, I'll be just
Fine and dandy
Lord it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But...]]>3240cantrell,christmas,christopher,cynicism,founders,hy,mchenry,moreno,politics,show,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hispanics-infrequent-voters-won-nov-4-and-could-be-the-key-to-congress-in-2026--68465834Democrats in Mississippi broke the G.O.P.’s State House supermajority last Tuesday after a special election was forced by a court-ordered redistricting to offer Black voters a chance for more representation in the State Capital. Two Public Service Commission seats changed party hands in Georgia. For the first time ever, Democrats seized the District Attorney’s office and all nine school board seats in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a Republican stronghold as late as 2022 and the swing county which helped elect Donald Trump. Democrats similarly notched commanding victories in county executive races in Erie, Lehigh, and Northampton counties, all bellwether counties in recent presidential elections.
A Democratic special election for an Iowa state Senate seat—in a district that had been held by Republicans—broke the GOP's supermajority in the 50-member Iowa Senate, giving Democrats 17 seats to 33, forcing Republicans to seek the support of at least one Democrat to confirm appointments to state agencies and commissions by Gov. Kim Reynolds. In a surprising upset in Virginia, Democrat Jay Jones defeated incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares despite a texting scandal where Jones made death threats against the Virginia House Speaker and subsequently lost 9 percent of the voters who cast a ballot for Abigail Spanberger, the victorious Democratic contender for Governor who was widely expected to win. Jones was still carried to victory by high Black turnout and thanks to Hispanics who voted for Donald Trump but switched back to the Democrats across the country.
National attention focused on the New York Mayor’s race, the gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia, and the California ballot initiative to gerrymander five more congressional seats for the Democrats, yet only a few media sources focused on how, in the down-ticket races in GOP-majority states, key Republican constituencies abandoned the party of Trump in favor of the Democrats. Hispanics, with whom the President made huge inroads in 2024, switched back to the Democrats en masse. African Americans went to their polling precincts in numbers not seen since Barack Obama’s first election in 2008.
“Is it any surprise that last night blue states voted blue?” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise quipped, claiming that last year’s presidential race was a better indication of the country’s political lean. Yet Trump’s former White House strategist Steve Bannon noted, “Modern politics now is about engaging low-propensity voters, and they clearly turned them out \[on Tuesday], and this is kind of the Trump model… This is very serious.”
Stacey Abrams’ efforts in 2020 swung Georgia for Biden and two Democratic Senate victories by convincing inconsistent voters to go to the polls. Over issues like affordability and inflation, which carried the day in so many places across the country, voters who often eschew going to the polls actually voted on November 4. Hispanics swung against Trump last Tuesday because more Hispanics in key districts cast a ballot than in 2024. Many of the victories in GOP strongholds came because African Americans, who normally do not go to the polls, decided to vote.
Turnout matters, Christopher concludes. The decision to vote can make all the difference, and as exit polls demonstrate, if voter turnout remains as high in the midterm congressional elections next year as it was on November 4, no amount of GOP gerrymandering will protect their U.S. House, or maybe even their Senate, majorities.
Hy and Christopher go on to talk about tariffs, the Supreme Court, and a story about how a Louisiana Manifesto of rights may have influenced the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68465834Tue, 11 Nov 2025 22:35:53 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher discussed the results from last Tuesday. It was a GOP slaughter, but Hy says the Democrats won in Democratic states, while Christopher offers a warning. Democrats in Mississippi broke the G.O.P.’s State House supermajority last...Democrats in Mississippi broke the G.O.P.’s State House supermajority last Tuesday after a special election was forced by a court-ordered redistricting to offer Black voters a chance for more representation in the State Capital. Two Public Service Commission seats changed party hands in Georgia. For the first time ever, Democrats seized the District Attorney’s office and all nine school board seats in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a Republican stronghold as late as 2022 and the swing county which helped elect Donald Trump. Democrats similarly notched commanding victories in county executive races in Erie, Lehigh, and Northampton counties, all bellwether counties in recent presidential elections.
A Democratic special election for an Iowa state Senate seat—in a district that had been held by Republicans—broke the GOP's supermajority in the 50-member Iowa Senate, giving Democrats 17 seats to 33, forcing Republicans to seek the support of at least one Democrat to confirm appointments to state agencies and commissions by Gov. Kim Reynolds. In a surprising upset in Virginia, Democrat Jay Jones defeated incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares despite a texting scandal where Jones made death threats against the Virginia House Speaker and subsequently lost 9 percent of the voters who cast a ballot for Abigail Spanberger, the victorious Democratic contender for Governor who was widely expected to win. Jones was still carried to victory by high Black turnout and thanks to Hispanics who voted for Donald Trump but switched back to the Democrats across the country.
National attention focused on the New York Mayor’s race, the gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia, and the California ballot initiative to gerrymander five more congressional seats for the Democrats, yet only a few media sources focused on how, in the down-ticket races in GOP-majority states, key Republican constituencies abandoned the party of Trump in favor of the Democrats. Hispanics, with whom the President made huge inroads in 2024, switched back to the Democrats en masse. African Americans went to their polling precincts in numbers not seen since Barack Obama’s first election in 2008.
“Is it any surprise that last night blue states voted blue?” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise quipped, claiming that last year’s presidential race was a better indication of the country’s political lean. Yet Trump’s former White House strategist Steve Bannon noted, “Modern politics now is about engaging low-propensity voters, and they clearly turned them out \[on Tuesday], and this is kind of the Trump model… This is very serious.”
Stacey Abrams’ efforts in 2020 swung Georgia for Biden and two Democratic Senate victories by convincing inconsistent voters to go to the polls. Over issues like affordability and inflation, which carried the day in so many places across the country, voters who often eschew going to the polls actually voted on November 4. Hispanics swung against Trump last Tuesday because more Hispanics in key districts cast a ballot than in 2024. Many of the victories in GOP strongholds came because African Americans, who normally do not go to the polls, decided to vote.
Turnout matters, Christopher concludes. The decision to vote can make all the difference, and as exit polls demonstrate, if voter turnout remains as high in the midterm congressional elections next year as it was on November 4, no amount of GOP gerrymandering will protect their U.S. House, or maybe even their Senate, majorities.
Hy and Christopher go on to talk about tariffs, the Supreme Court, and a story about how a Louisiana Manifesto of rights may have influenced the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
]]>32402026,blue,christopher,congress,elections,founders,hy,mchenry,show,states,tidmore,trump,united,wavefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/does-new-orleans-need-a-fiscal-administrator--68379314Hy and Christopher discuss Gov. Jeff Landry’s proposal that he has the power to appoint a budgetary Tsar over local finances.  Does it carry about as much legitimacy as his idea that President Trump should appoint the next LSU football coach?
Both agree that the Governor’s opinion that a tribune of his should hold power over local finances might have carried a little more weight if he had done everything in his power to kill an emergency $125 million bond issue so that the City of New Orleans could pay its employees through Christmas. Due to his opposition, the city withdrew its request from the state bond commission.
Politics operates by the golden rule; he has the gold makes the rule. The taxpayers of New Orleans will pay the price if their police and fire and critical city employees are laid off at the holidays. They have elected a new Mayor and Council.  Should the new team have the right to make these decisions, as they will experience, the fallout of budget cuts or tax increases?
Perhaps the Governor’s newfound interest in Orleans finances has more to do with the fact that his poll numbers have fallen into historic lows, way below the President’s. A new statewide poll finds Donald Trump’s favorable rating in Louisiana stands at 48%, but Governor Jeff Landry’s has fallen to only 39% JMC Analytics and Polling pollster John Couvillon says Landry had an aggressive legislative agenda during his first year in office and that might have turned off a few voters. Beating up on New Orleans always ranks as a great way to turn North Louisiana voter opinion back in one’s favor.
Hy and Christopher also ponder if Gov. Jeff Landry led advocates of a second Black-majority district into a trap?  By encouraging then-state Senator Cleo Fields to draw a serpentine-shaped district from Baton Rouge to Shreveport—almost impossible to drive across without transversing dirt roads through swamps—the Governor may have not only given the conservative-majority Supreme Court an excuse to strike the current LA 6th Congressional seat out of existence, but every other majority-minority US House district in the nation as well.
In oral arguments one month ago, Justice Samuel Alito largely questioned the specifics of Louisiana’s case and whether the lower courts had faithfully applied the court’s existing Section 2 framework, which requires a minority group to show it is sufficiently large and geographically compact enough to form a majority in a new district.
After lower courts ruled Louisiana’s map with only one majority-Black district violated Section 2, the state added a second one by creating a narrow path stretching from Baton Rouge in the southern part of the state to Shreveport, near its northwestern corner. This oddly redesigned 6th Congressional seat has drew objections ever since.
“There’s a big difference, and there’s a serious question about whether the Black population within the district in question in the illustrative map was geographically compact,” Justice Alito noted.
It is not as if Louisiana had not had a congressional seat struck down for exactly this reason, part of the reason Cleo Fields left Congress nearly three decades ago in the first place. Louisiana's 8th congressional district (which Fields represented from January 3, 1993, to January 3, 1997) was known for its unusual, "Z" shape. Created after the 1990 census, it connected a large and diverse geographic area of Louisiana, including a mix of urban and rural areas as well as stretching east and west of Baton Rouge and up the Mississippi River towards the Arkansas border. When Louisiana lost a congressional seat due to relative population declines following the next census, US Justice Department lawyers thought the 8th looked so odd that the state was allowed to drop this minority-majority seat rather than one of the Caucasian majority districts.
When one adds to the fact that even prior to the current phase of Louisiana’s legal battle reaching the US supreme Court, some members of the conservative majority have long endorsed broad changes to the court’s Section 2 approach. If Louisiana had followed the recommendations of most civil rights lawyers to draw new 6th District from Baton Rouge to Monroe along the Mississippi river, linking geographically connected rural communities with a more “ natural” African-American majority, Louisiana’s case may have received a more skeptical reception by the Justices.
Instead, in all likelihood, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority will use Louisiana’s salamander-shaped congressional seat— the very original definition of a gerrymander— as the justification to eliminate the mandate for all majority-minority seats, and then southern “red state” legislators will engage in a smorgasbord of redistricting to produce Donald Trump five more congressional seats, and therefore, grant the GOP a permanent majority in the US House.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68379314Sat, 01 Nov 2025 15:45:39 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Mayor-elect Helena Moreno declared last week, “The city of New Orleans should not, and I will not stand for, having a (state) fiscal administrator come in." Hy and Christopher discuss Gov. Jeff Landry’s proposal that he has the power to appoint a...Hy and Christopher discuss Gov. Jeff Landry’s proposal that he has the power to appoint a budgetary Tsar over local finances.  Does it carry about as much legitimacy as his idea that President Trump should appoint the next LSU football coach?
Both agree that the Governor’s opinion that a tribune of his should hold power over local finances might have carried a little more weight if he had done everything in his power to kill an emergency $125 million bond issue so that the City of New Orleans could pay its employees through Christmas. Due to his opposition, the city withdrew its request from the state bond commission.
Politics operates by the golden rule; he has the gold makes the rule. The taxpayers of New Orleans will pay the price if their police and fire and critical city employees are laid off at the holidays. They have elected a new Mayor and Council.  Should the new team have the right to make these decisions, as they will experience, the fallout of budget cuts or tax increases?
Perhaps the Governor’s newfound interest in Orleans finances has more to do with the fact that his poll numbers have fallen into historic lows, way below the President’s. A new statewide poll finds Donald Trump’s favorable rating in Louisiana stands at 48%, but Governor Jeff Landry’s has fallen to only 39% JMC Analytics and Polling pollster John Couvillon says Landry had an aggressive legislative agenda during his first year in office and that might have turned off a few voters. Beating up on New Orleans always ranks as a great way to turn North Louisiana voter opinion back in one’s favor.
Hy and Christopher also ponder if Gov. Jeff Landry led advocates of a second Black-majority district into a trap?  By encouraging then-state Senator Cleo Fields to draw a serpentine-shaped district from Baton Rouge to Shreveport—almost impossible to drive across without transversing dirt roads through swamps—the Governor may have not only given the conservative-majority Supreme Court an excuse to strike the current LA 6th Congressional seat out of existence, but every other majority-minority US House district in the nation as well.
In oral arguments one month ago, Justice Samuel Alito largely questioned the specifics of Louisiana’s case and whether the lower courts had faithfully applied the court’s existing Section 2 framework, which requires a minority group to show it is sufficiently large and geographically compact enough to form a majority in a new district.
After lower courts ruled Louisiana’s map with only one majority-Black district violated Section 2, the state added a second one by creating a narrow path stretching from Baton Rouge in the southern part of the state to Shreveport, near its northwestern corner. This oddly redesigned 6th Congressional seat has drew objections ever since.
“There’s a big difference, and there’s a serious question about whether the Black population within the district in question in the illustrative map was geographically compact,” Justice Alito noted.
It is not as if Louisiana had not had a congressional seat struck down for exactly this reason, part of the reason Cleo Fields left Congress nearly three decades ago in the first place. Louisiana's 8th congressional district (which Fields represented from January 3, 1993, to January 3, 1997) was known for its unusual, "Z" shape. Created after the 1990 census, it connected a large and diverse geographic area of Louisiana, including a mix of urban and rural areas as well as stretching east and west of Baton Rouge and up the Mississippi River towards the Arkansas border. When Louisiana lost a congressional seat due to relative population declines following the next census, US Justice Department lawyers thought the 8th looked so odd that the state was allowed to drop this...]]>3240budget,christopher,court,crisis,founders,hy,jeff,landry,louisiana,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,rights,show,supreme,tidmore,voterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/origins-of-nola-s-signature-foods-what-does-creole-actually-mean--68276905Insatiable City. The event is free and open to the public.

Hy and Christopher welcome Eric Williams to help interview Teresa on what food means to New Orleans. It’s a fascinating conversation.

Insatiable City, a 2025 James Beard Foundation Book Award Nominee in Reference, History, and Scholarship and a Smithsonian Best Book of 2024, is a history of food in the Crescent City that explores race, power, social status, and labor.

In Insatiable City, Theresa McCulla probes the overt and covert ways that the production of food and the discourse about it both created and reinforced many strains of inequality in New Orleans, a city significantly defined by its foodways. Tracking the city’s economy from nineteenth-century chattel slavery to twentieth-century tourism, McCulla uses menus, cookbooks, newspapers, postcards, photography, and other material culture to limn the interplay among the production and reception of food, the inscription and reiteration of racial hierarchies, and the constant diminishment and exploitation of working-class people. The consumption of food and people, she shows, was mutually reinforced and deeply intertwined. Yet she also details how enslaved and free people of color in New Orleans used food and drink to carve paths of mobility, stability, autonomy, freedom, profit, and joy. A story of pain and pleasure, labor and leisure, Insatiable City goes far beyond the task of tracing New Orleans's culinary history to focus on how food suffuses culture and our understandings and constructions of race and power.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68276905Sat, 25 Oct 2025 14:14:45 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)October 30 at 6pm, The Garden District Book Shop on 2727 Prytania will welcome Theresa McCulla speaking about her new book Insatiable City. The event is free and open to the public. Hy and Christopher welcome Eric Williams to help interview Teresa on...Insatiable City. The event is free and open to the public.

Hy and Christopher welcome Eric Williams to help interview Teresa on what food means to New Orleans. It’s a fascinating conversation.

Insatiable City, a 2025 James Beard Foundation Book Award Nominee in Reference, History, and Scholarship and a Smithsonian Best Book of 2024, is a history of food in the Crescent City that explores race, power, social status, and labor.

In Insatiable City, Theresa McCulla probes the overt and covert ways that the production of food and the discourse about it both created and reinforced many strains of inequality in New Orleans, a city significantly defined by its foodways. Tracking the city’s economy from nineteenth-century chattel slavery to twentieth-century tourism, McCulla uses menus, cookbooks, newspapers, postcards, photography, and other material culture to limn the interplay among the production and reception of food, the inscription and reiteration of racial hierarchies, and the constant diminishment and exploitation of working-class people. The consumption of food and people, she shows, was mutually reinforced and deeply intertwined. Yet she also details how enslaved and free people of color in New Orleans used food and drink to carve paths of mobility, stability, autonomy, freedom, profit, and joy. A story of pain and pleasure, labor and leisure, Insatiable City goes far beyond the task of tracing New Orleans's culinary history to focus on how food suffuses culture and our understandings and constructions of race and power.
]]>3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/too-low-turnout-ongoing-government-shutdown--68193964Read more about it in our official editorial.

Nearly four months ago, Hy and Christopher posed the question of whether Royce Duplessis could replicate the coalition that allowed him to best Democratic Rep. Mandie Landry in 2022. Would the state senator be able to build a biracial coalition of African-American Democrats as well as white Republicans and Independents to outflank a prominent Caucasian challenger? His Senate district, which has more than 75,000 registered voters in Orleans Parish, is a good microcosm of the city – 48 percent are Black, 40 percent are Caucasian and nine percent other. In fact, it’s a bit worse than the City of New Orleans for an African-American contender, which is 55 and 34 percent Black and white respectively. That Duplessis could carry a gentrified district, which under traditional political rules should have given a preference to a liberal white contender, spoke well of his chances in a citywide election.
In the end, the answer was no. He only won one precinct of District 5 by over 50 percent in his mayoral bid. Her totals in the senatorial district are pretty closely tracked with her 55 percent victory citywide.That is not to say that Duplessis did not perform quite well for a candidate who jumped into the mayoral race just over three months before election day and ended up outspent 5-1. At 22 percent, Duplessis did win a plurality in the neighborhoods where he grew up – Pontchartrain Park and throughout Gentilly. He also did well in several Central City neighborhoods and prevailed in a few precincts in New Orleans East, though Oliver Thomas tended to match or edge past Duplessis narrowly in both overall.Essentially, Duplessis’ campaign might have replicated its previous success against a very similar candidate to Moreno, Rep. Mandie Landry, if an additional 12 percent of the city’s voters – i.e. registered Republicans – had universally backed his bid for mayor, as they had in his previous election. Mostly, they did not. Unlike Landry, Moreno won the majority of the GOP vote. The city councilperson appeared a more compelling moderate than Rep. Landry had. The conservative Caucasian remainder tended to support the Republican candidate Frank Janusa. Read more on the results in the Mayor's race.

Then we end on a few comments and the government shutdown.  Christopher and Hy disagree.   Here is Christopher‘s take in The Louisiana Weekly.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68193964Sat, 25 Oct 2025 14:05:03 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher start talking about the turnout in the Mayoral election. Many have praised the 40.1 percent who went to the polls - we think it’s too low. http://www.louisianaweekly.com/our-ancestors-are-ashamed-and-we-should-be-too/ Nearly four...Read more about it in our official editorial.

Nearly four months ago, Hy and Christopher posed the question of whether Royce Duplessis could replicate the coalition that allowed him to best Democratic Rep. Mandie Landry in 2022. Would the state senator be able to build a biracial coalition of African-American Democrats as well as white Republicans and Independents to outflank a prominent Caucasian challenger? His Senate district, which has more than 75,000 registered voters in Orleans Parish, is a good microcosm of the city – 48 percent are Black, 40 percent are Caucasian and nine percent other. In fact, it’s a bit worse than the City of New Orleans for an African-American contender, which is 55 and 34 percent Black and white respectively. That Duplessis could carry a gentrified district, which under traditional political rules should have given a preference to a liberal white contender, spoke well of his chances in a citywide election.
In the end, the answer was no. He only won one precinct of District 5 by over 50 percent in his mayoral bid. Her totals in the senatorial district are pretty closely tracked with her 55 percent victory citywide.That is not to say that Duplessis did not perform quite well for a candidate who jumped into the mayoral race just over three months before election day and ended up outspent 5-1. At 22 percent, Duplessis did win a plurality in the neighborhoods where he grew up – Pontchartrain Park and throughout Gentilly. He also did well in several Central City neighborhoods and prevailed in a few precincts in New Orleans East, though Oliver Thomas tended to match or edge past Duplessis narrowly in both overall.Essentially, Duplessis’ campaign might have replicated its previous success against a very similar candidate to Moreno, Rep. Mandie Landry, if an additional 12 percent of the city’s voters – i.e. registered Republicans – had universally backed his bid for mayor, as they had in his previous election. Mostly, they did not. Unlike Landry, Moreno won the majority of the GOP vote. The city councilperson appeared a more compelling moderate than Rep. Landry had. The conservative Caucasian remainder tended to support the Republican candidate Frank Janusa. Read more on the results in the Mayor's race.

Then we end on a few comments and the government shutdown.  Christopher and Hy disagree.   Here is Christopher‘s take in The Louisiana Weekly.]]>3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/impact-of-government-shutdown-on-our-national-parks--68100555 
Christopher reports from the road, broadcasting from Santa Barbara, California, having just completed a trip across Glacier National Park just hours before the government shut down, into the Waterton Lakes, Banff, and across Canada, and then on a Holland American line to San Diego. Tidbits from that trip, and how the government shutdown is affecting our transport in America are on the agenda!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68100555Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:06:56 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher take on the impact of the government shut down on our national parks, talk about October 15 deadline to pay our federal employees, whether we can return to the decorum of Ronald Reagan in our politics, And looking forward to the... 
Christopher reports from the road, broadcasting from Santa Barbara, California, having just completed a trip across Glacier National Park just hours before the government shut down, into the Waterton Lakes, Banff, and across Canada, and then on a Holland American line to San Diego. Tidbits from that trip, and how the government shutdown is affecting our transport in America are on the agenda!]]>3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-improve-public-education-in-louisiana--68012909Educator Adam Ryland joins us to talk about the opportunities of multidisciplinary education and engagement with students.  St. Frederick High School in Monroe is an IB World School offering the Middle Years Program (MYP) for grades 7-10, focusing on inquiry, international-mindedness, and holistic student development. While this is a prominent IB school in the area, other schools worldwide offer various IB programs, such as the Diploma Programme (DP) for the final years of high school.  It offers hope for the Pelican State’s moribund  educational system.
Hy, then, embarks on a monologue on the impact of Charlie Kirk on free speech and the political environment.
We also mentioned the Mayor’s race and the impact of turnout…
Duplessis’ Fight for Black Votes
By Christopher Tidmore
The L.I.F.E. Ballot endorsed Councilwoman Helena Moreno for Mayor of New Orleans.  The Louisiana Federation of independent Electors, an organization of which Dutch Morial co-founded and for which Marc Morial served as guiding force for decades, has advocated for a white candidate to become mayor.  The organization most identified with the fight to elect the first Black mayor nearly nearly five decades ago now endorses a white candidate.
This is just a glimpse of the climb that Sen. Royce Duplessis must accomplish by 8 PM on October 11. He must convince a supermajority of Black voters in Orleans Parish to cast for him in order to have a shot at a runoff slot and another month to fight. The state Senator’s original strategy of creating a biracial coalition, particularly with Republican support, has collapsed as 53% of GOP voters back Moreno and the remainder tend to support the Republican candidate Frank Janusa.
Duplessis’ best hope would be to force a runoff by a narrow margin, and the chances of that are as narrow as electorally conceivable.  Moreno commanded 49 percent in a University of New Orleans survey last week, followed by Duplessis with 15 percent and Councilman Oliver Thomas with 13 percent.
However, one in five respondents remain undecided, with an overwhelming number of these African-American voters, and upon this Black electorate Duplessis has gambled.  The state Senator runs on a strategy of African-American dissatisfaction with the fights between the city council and the mayor and anxiety of electing another Caucasian mayor of New Orleans in a Black majority city. Consequently, he seeks to drive up African-American turnout, with himself as the beneficiary.  It is the only means for Duplessis’ gambel to pay off and earn a runoff slot— if Black voters respond to his message.
The state Senator responded to a question in a recent forum that underlines his strategy. He subsequently broadcast this question on every social media platform, almost minute by minute. As Duplessis explains his campaign thesis, “The one thing we’re not gonna do is ignore race.  Because race-bases issues cannot be solved by avoiding the conversation around race.  Your question pointed out the stark racial disparities around economics in New Orleans. New Orleans is still a majority Black city, but we’re not just a majority Black city.  We are one of the most culturally rich cities in the world where the contributions of Black people mean so much—not just a New Orleans culture—but to the entire world.”
However, Helena Moreno has done a very good job in courting African-American voters, and their leaders, which could thwart the state Senator’s strategy. Congressman Troy Carter, heads the other political faction in Orleans Parish, and he endorsed the Councilwoman’s campaign, just like L.I.F.E. and a myriad other Black elected officials—leading to questions of whether higher turnout will even affect Moreno’s glide-path to 50.1 percent on October 11.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68012909Sat, 11 Oct 2025 15:17:28 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher ponder how to improve public education in Louisiana, and one of the best opportunities that is going on is happening up in Monroe.  The first International Baccalaureate school, with the IB educational program available for students...Educator Adam Ryland joins us to talk about the opportunities of multidisciplinary education and engagement with students.  St. Frederick High School in Monroe is an IB World School offering the Middle Years Program (MYP) for grades 7-10, focusing on inquiry, international-mindedness, and holistic student development. While this is a prominent IB school in the area, other schools worldwide offer various IB programs, such as the Diploma Programme (DP) for the final years of high school.  It offers hope for the Pelican State’s moribund  educational system.
Hy, then, embarks on a monologue on the impact of Charlie Kirk on free speech and the political environment.
We also mentioned the Mayor’s race and the impact of turnout…
Duplessis’ Fight for Black Votes
By Christopher Tidmore
The L.I.F.E. Ballot endorsed Councilwoman Helena Moreno for Mayor of New Orleans.  The Louisiana Federation of independent Electors, an organization of which Dutch Morial co-founded and for which Marc Morial served as guiding force for decades, has advocated for a white candidate to become mayor.  The organization most identified with the fight to elect the first Black mayor nearly nearly five decades ago now endorses a white candidate.
This is just a glimpse of the climb that Sen. Royce Duplessis must accomplish by 8 PM on October 11. He must convince a supermajority of Black voters in Orleans Parish to cast for him in order to have a shot at a runoff slot and another month to fight. The state Senator’s original strategy of creating a biracial coalition, particularly with Republican support, has collapsed as 53% of GOP voters back Moreno and the remainder tend to support the Republican candidate Frank Janusa.
Duplessis’ best hope would be to force a runoff by a narrow margin, and the chances of that are as narrow as electorally conceivable.  Moreno commanded 49 percent in a University of New Orleans survey last week, followed by Duplessis with 15 percent and Councilman Oliver Thomas with 13 percent.
However, one in five respondents remain undecided, with an overwhelming number of these African-American voters, and upon this Black electorate Duplessis has gambled.  The state Senator runs on a strategy of African-American dissatisfaction with the fights between the city council and the mayor and anxiety of electing another Caucasian mayor of New Orleans in a Black majority city. Consequently, he seeks to drive up African-American turnout, with himself as the beneficiary.  It is the only means for Duplessis’ gambel to pay off and earn a runoff slot— if Black voters respond to his message.
The state Senator responded to a question in a recent forum that underlines his strategy. He subsequently broadcast this question on every social media platform, almost minute by minute. As Duplessis explains his campaign thesis, “The one thing we’re not gonna do is ignore race.  Because race-bases issues cannot be solved by avoiding the conversation around race.  Your question pointed out the stark racial disparities around economics in New Orleans. New Orleans is still a majority Black city, but we’re not just a majority Black city.  We are one of the most culturally rich cities in the world where the contributions of Black people mean so much—not just a New Orleans culture—but to the entire world.”
However, Helena Moreno has done a very good job in courting African-American voters, and their leaders, which could thwart the state Senator’s strategy. Congressman Troy Carter, heads the other political faction in Orleans Parish, and he endorsed the Councilwoman’s campaign, just like L.I.F.E. and a...]]>3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-down-race-for-new-orleans-mayor--67922695We then talk about the various Orleans Council races, and after the break, we break down the Slidell Mayor’s race. The major controversy is over buying a former outlet mall, with local government raising sales taxes to buy a private business.
It leads us to a discussion of how Donald Trump is acquiring federal ownership of private corporations, and Nigel Farage, darling of the British right, wants to nationalize companies. Are Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher turning over in their graves?
Finally, moving on to another piece of conservative heresy, we discuss a program that many thought a GOP accomplishment of the 1980s, the H-1B visas.  Hy and Christopher agree on a criticism Donald Trump, for once—the $100,000 is too high a fee.
The True Cost of $100,000 H-1B Fee
By Christopher Tidmore
In another two months, the midyear engineering and finance graduate students will receive their diplomas from Tulane, Loyola, and Louisiana’s state universities.  A plurality of these STEM students are foreign-born but have lived in the Pelican State for years.  Then, upon receiving their diplomas, a disproportionate number of them will be forced to leave the country—after the United States government has invested thousands of dollars in their education through federal funding of postgrad science-based curricula.
The reason, starting in 2026, these recent graduated will have to pay $100,000 just for the chance to apply for a job.  On Friday, September 19, President Trump signed an executive order that requires a $100,000 payment to accompany any new H-1B visa petition, representing a huge jump in costs, up from a few thousand dollars previously. As the White House argued, Trump instituted the new fee to curb abuse in an H-1B system that has been “deliberately exploited to re-place, rather than supplement, American workers with lower-paid, lower-skilled labor.”
In practice, however, the H-1B visas are determined from the lottery of 85,000 applicants which mostly favors individuals educated at American graduate schools.  In other words, the program tends to select for a plurarity of individuals educated domestically thanks to large federal appropriations to engineering, science, and high-tech University programs.
The federal government has now embarked on a course to invest federal tax dollars to educate individuals which ICE will then will seek to deport.  This is not only a morally bankrupt policy, it is economic idiocy.  We are paying for schooling of the world‘s best and brightest whom we subsequently cast out of our nation.
Moreover, in the interconnected world of the Internet economy, it is as if these individuals will not get hired elsewhere, often by the very US firms which would have employed them domestically.  They just will not pay US income or local property taxes or contribute to the American economy in a fashion necessary to repay the federal tax dollars invested in their education.
The Thursday, September 25, 2025 edition of the Wall Street Journalquoted Ezra Gershanok, chief executive and co-founder of subleasing marketplace Ohana.  He said that he does not expect to sponsor more H-IB visas now that the petition fee jumped to $100,000 under President Trump's new rules. He will hire contractors abroad instead.
“If the intended purpose is to have more domestic hiring, that is not going to be the case for us," Gershanok told the WSJ.
As the financial newspaper went on note, founders of venture-backedUS startups have begun to rethink hiring plans following the imposition of the whopping new fee on H-IB visa petitions.  Some founders expect to bring on foreign workers remotely or to rely more on international offices. Ohana, which has raised $6 million in venture funding, now employs 11 people. Six are based in New York, including a new hire in a business development role who is a U.K. citizen and won the H-1B lottery earlier this year, Gershanok said. The other five people at Ohana are international contractors working in South Africa and Portugal.
Admittedly, amongst some of the well-funded companies, some refuse to rule out paying the high fee in rare cases.  However, the real worry is the loss of the talents these bright young people could bring into the US economy by fulfilling their own dreams and aspirations.  Venture investors express a worry to the Journal that immigration roadblocks will deter the foreign-born, yet American educated, from starting companies in the US.
Trump defends the $100,000 application fee declaring that many Democrats have called for limits on H-IB visa petitions in the past, yet previous Democratic presidents proved smart enough not to head those nativist calls.
To paraphrase Thomas Friedman, when those kids graduate from Louisiana universities, a Green Card should be stapled to their diplomas.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67922695Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:02:06 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher breakdown the current NOLA Mayoral race and pose the question of how high African-American turnout will be? If it’s low, Helena Moreno will teeter on the verge of a first primary victory. If it’s moderate, Royce Duplessis has a...We then talk about the various Orleans Council races, and after the break, we break down the Slidell Mayor’s race. The major controversy is over buying a former outlet mall, with local government raising sales taxes to buy a private business.
It leads us to a discussion of how Donald Trump is acquiring federal ownership of private corporations, and Nigel Farage, darling of the British right, wants to nationalize companies. Are Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher turning over in their graves?
Finally, moving on to another piece of conservative heresy, we discuss a program that many thought a GOP accomplishment of the 1980s, the H-1B visas.  Hy and Christopher agree on a criticism Donald Trump, for once—the $100,000 is too high a fee.
The True Cost of $100,000 H-1B Fee
By Christopher Tidmore
In another two months, the midyear engineering and finance graduate students will receive their diplomas from Tulane, Loyola, and Louisiana’s state universities.  A plurality of these STEM students are foreign-born but have lived in the Pelican State for years.  Then, upon receiving their diplomas, a disproportionate number of them will be forced to leave the country—after the United States government has invested thousands of dollars in their education through federal funding of postgrad science-based curricula.
The reason, starting in 2026, these recent graduated will have to pay $100,000 just for the chance to apply for a job.  On Friday, September 19, President Trump signed an executive order that requires a $100,000 payment to accompany any new H-1B visa petition, representing a huge jump in costs, up from a few thousand dollars previously. As the White House argued, Trump instituted the new fee to curb abuse in an H-1B system that has been “deliberately exploited to re-place, rather than supplement, American workers with lower-paid, lower-skilled labor.”
In practice, however, the H-1B visas are determined from the lottery of 85,000 applicants which mostly favors individuals educated at American graduate schools.  In other words, the program tends to select for a plurarity of individuals educated domestically thanks to large federal appropriations to engineering, science, and high-tech University programs.
The federal government has now embarked on a course to invest federal tax dollars to educate individuals which ICE will then will seek to deport.  This is not only a morally bankrupt policy, it is economic idiocy.  We are paying for schooling of the world‘s best and brightest whom we subsequently cast out of our nation.
Moreover, in the interconnected world of the Internet economy, it is as if these individuals will not get hired elsewhere, often by the very US firms which would have employed them domestically.  They just will not pay US income or local property taxes or contribute to the American economy in a fashion necessary to repay the federal tax dollars invested in their education.
The Thursday, September 25, 2025 edition of the Wall Street Journalquoted Ezra Gershanok, chief executive and co-founder of subleasing marketplace Ohana.  He said that he does not expect to sponsor more H-IB visas now that the petition fee jumped to $100,000 under President Trump's new rules. He will hire contractors abroad instead.
“If the intended purpose is to have more domestic hiring, that is not going to be the case for us," Gershanok told the WSJ.
As the financial newspaper went on note, founders of venture-backedUS startups have begun to rethink hiring plans following the imposition of the whopping new fee on H-IB visa...]]>3240christopher,election,founders,h1b,hy,mayor,mchenry,new,orleans,race,show,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/troops-come-to-nola-mayor-s-race-latest-alien-shrimp--67644485
But our main topic has to do with all the talk about Trump sending National Guard units to New Orleans We talk about the history of federal military occupation of Louisiana after the Civil War and Posse Comitatus Act of 1878.

Christopher writes an editorial in The Louisiana Weekly challenging Trump‘s decision to send troops to the Crescent City (outside of a natural disaster) for the first time since April 24, 1877. Ironically, Jefferson Davis would be rolling in his grave at the precedent.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67644485Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:47:41 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher take on John Kennedy’s radioactive “alien” shrimp, the lack of decorum in politics, and the New Orleans Mayoral race. But our main topic has to do with all the talk about Trump sending National Guard units to New Orleans We talk...
But our main topic has to do with all the talk about Trump sending National Guard units to New Orleans We talk about the history of federal military occupation of Louisiana after the Civil War and Posse Comitatus Act of 1878.

Christopher writes an editorial in The Louisiana Weekly challenging Trump‘s decision to send troops to the Crescent City (outside of a natural disaster) for the first time since April 24, 1877. Ironically, Jefferson Davis would be rolling in his grave at the precedent.]]>3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/orleans-parish-sheriff-candidates-forum--67621863https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67621863Wed, 03 Sep 2025 18:37:26 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher host the candidates for New Orleans Criminal Sheriff on this week’s edition of the Founders Show. Incumbent Susan Hutson, former NOPD member Robert "Bob" Murray, former Judge Julian Parker, 2nd District Constable Edwin Mark Shorty...3240christopher,edwin,founders,hutson,hy,julian,mchenry,michelle,new,orleans,parish,parker,politics,race,sheriff,shorty,show,susan,tidmore,woodforkfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/laughter-through-tears-20th-anniversary-of-katrina-artistically-remembered--67506988Continuing this theme of laughter through tears, we welcome Chris Champagne and Philip Melancon on to the show, who are performing their own comedy retrospective “ Katrina does New Orleans” on August 28, 29, & 30 at 8 pm at the Monkey Hill Bar on 6100 Magazine—with a matinee on the Sunday Aug 31st at 2 PM. We hear a few of Chris’s jokes and listen to Phillip’s famous ‘lament by accordion’ of the Sewerage & Water Board. Tickets available by calling 504-202-0986 or emailing melonsongs@gmail.com.

122,000 Lost After Katrina
By Christopher Tidmore

August 28, 2005, just two weeks from The Louisiana Weekly’s 80th birthday, a looming hurricane just seemed like another false alarm.  Dutifully, hundreds of thousands of New Orleanians—who possessed the economic means—packed their children, loved ones, and/or the pets into cars for the twelve hour crawling contra-flowing commute to Baton Rouge.
Thousands more stayed put at home. Some were broke from two previous evacuations over previous two years, where those who remain behind only experienced clear skies and a day off from work. Others saw a Category 1 hurricane, which had turned towards the Gulf Coast.  ‘No threat’, they thought.
The desperate images over next week emblazoned themselves upon the memories of the nation. Katrina’s botched aftermath became one of those singular turning points in American history.  Our people displaced. The press would call us refugees, until we demanded the dignity of being Americans… and therefore “evacuees”.

We became a culture scattered to the winds. The comedianne Becky Allen later quipped, “Next time we all have to agree to evacuate to the same place.”
Many never returned.  It should not have been surprising, but this reporter did have an inkling after an odd experience in Des Moines, Iowa three weeks after the storm.  Staying with friends, I learned of a small street festival a few blocks from their house. As I walked up, I heard a band playing, “ I went on down to the Audubon Zoo, and they all ask for you…”
Iowa’s only zydeco band performed in a public tribute to the people of New Orleans. That was interesting, considering Iowa had expected 1500 evacuees and got about 150. (Most people had gone eastwood towards Atlanta or westward towards Dallas, not northward.)
Nevertheless, for an exile, it warmed my heart.  Perhaps not as much as the next sign which read, “Real Louisiana Gumbo”.  Cocky, I went over to the lady at the front, and asked, “How long have you been cooking the roux on that gumbo?”
Without missing a beat, she replied proudly, “24 Hours!”
Then she added, “Our chef is from New Orleans.”
Immediately, I figured he was one of the evacuees, and so walked up to meet the giant hulking man stirring a massive cauldron of gumbo, which was probably 3‘ x 3‘ in diameter. I looked him in the eyes and said, as only a New Orleanian could, “ I hear you’re from New Orleans; where’d you go to school?”
He smiled, “McDonough 35!”
We both laughed.  I said, “You came here because of the storm?”
“Yeah, the last one, Betsy,” he said.“I was never going back after that.”
He had built a life elsewhere when the floodwaters overcame the Ninth Ward in September 1965 and never truly returned. The major difference is that most of his peers were able to come home rather quickly. How 2005 differed was emphasized on a radio program which hosted Oliver Thomas and myself a couple of months later.
The topic was toxic mold, and the dangers of returning. I spoke about the health dangers and precautions which must be made as a result —like the good reporter that I sought to be. (I also came on the air to make the point that, unlike some other media sources, The Louisiana Weekly had only missed one week of publication after Katrina, thanks to the valiant efforts of our Publisher Renette Dejois-Hall.)
My exegesis on the need to carefully remediate mold from the receding floodwaters before reoccupying homes drew an uncharacteristically fiery response from the normally genial Councilman Thomas. “That’s ridiculous.  After Hurricane Betsy, we just took a little bleach and some water and wiped down the walls.”
Oliver Thomas and I sparred over the issues, like the radio talkshow hosts that we essentially were (even though we were both without radio stations at the time). The Councilman’s fundamental point, that there could be no more delays in letting people get back to rebuilding their homes, proved prophetic, however. Thomas feared that some might never be able to get home if they were forced to live away for much longer, and he was right.
In April 2000, 484,674 people lived In Orleans Parish. Just an estimated 230,172 residents remained by April 2006, according to the New Orleans Data Center, a loss of more than 250,000 people. By 2024, the population had only rebounded to 362,701.
Elizabeth Fussell, who was an assistant professor at Tulane University from 2001 to 2007, found that 33 percent of people who had been living in New Orleans when Katrina hit had not returned to the metro area by 2006. Of those people who had not returned, 21.7 percent lived in Baton Rouge, 14.6 percent in Atlanta, 11.7 percent in Houston and 5.8 percent in Dallas-Fort Worth. The remainder scattered across the United States. By 2019, her research shows, 30.9 percent of Katrina-affected New Orleanians still lived elsewhere, though by then, Texas cities succeeded in keeping (and even attracting) more of them. Atlanta's 14.6 percent share of displaced New Orleanians in 2006 dropped to 7.7 percent by 2019. In contrast, during that same timeframe, Houston's share grew from 21 to 38 percent.
Race proved the major distinguishing factor for those who did return to the Crescent City. “Everybody was displaced from New Orleans," Fussell told Axios, but her earlier research shows "that non-Black residents … came back earlier to New Orleans than Black residents...Neighborhoods that had larger percentages of Black residents were more likely to have suffered greater damage and have higher flood deaths, but [it's also because of] access to rebuilding resources."
The proportion of African-American residents of Orleans Parish, while still a majority, has decreased from around 67 percent in 2000 to 56 percent in 2024. Yet, the gumbo cooking chef aside, a similar demographic collapse did not occur after Hurricane Betsy, 20 years before, when 164,000 homes were flooded in New Orleans.
The death toll amounted to far less, of course, 75 versus 1400. Still in 1965, people were able to quickly return to the city and start cleaning up their houses, even without electric power or resources.  In 2005, denied the opportunity to even enter their neighborhoods (in many areas) for up to four months, much less begin rebuilding their homes, many gave up and never returned to the lifestyles and livelihoods which defined this city.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67506988Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:51:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher look back to the seminal moment of 21st Century New Orleans history. We remember Armand St. Martin’s subsequent yearly efforts to “artistically remember” the storm, often with humor. We play his song “Contraflow”, which lampooned...Continuing this theme of laughter through tears, we welcome Chris Champagne and Philip Melancon on to the show, who are performing their own comedy retrospective “ Katrina does New Orleans” on August 28, 29, & 30 at 8 pm at the Monkey Hill Bar on 6100 Magazine—with a matinee on the Sunday Aug 31st at 2 PM. We hear a few of Chris’s jokes and listen to Phillip’s famous ‘lament by accordion’ of the Sewerage & Water Board. Tickets available by calling 504-202-0986 or emailing melonsongs@gmail.com.

122,000 Lost After Katrina
By Christopher Tidmore

August 28, 2005, just two weeks from The Louisiana Weekly’s 80th birthday, a looming hurricane just seemed like another false alarm.  Dutifully, hundreds of thousands of New Orleanians—who possessed the economic means—packed their children, loved ones, and/or the pets into cars for the twelve hour crawling contra-flowing commute to Baton Rouge.
Thousands more stayed put at home. Some were broke from two previous evacuations over previous two years, where those who remain behind only experienced clear skies and a day off from work. Others saw a Category 1 hurricane, which had turned towards the Gulf Coast.  ‘No threat’, they thought.
The desperate images over next week emblazoned themselves upon the memories of the nation. Katrina’s botched aftermath became one of those singular turning points in American history.  Our people displaced. The press would call us refugees, until we demanded the dignity of being Americans… and therefore “evacuees”.

We became a culture scattered to the winds. The comedianne Becky Allen later quipped, “Next time we all have to agree to evacuate to the same place.”
Many never returned.  It should not have been surprising, but this reporter did have an inkling after an odd experience in Des Moines, Iowa three weeks after the storm.  Staying with friends, I learned of a small street festival a few blocks from their house. As I walked up, I heard a band playing, “ I went on down to the Audubon Zoo, and they all ask for you…”
Iowa’s only zydeco band performed in a public tribute to the people of New Orleans. That was interesting, considering Iowa had expected 1500 evacuees and got about 150. (Most people had gone eastwood towards Atlanta or westward towards Dallas, not northward.)
Nevertheless, for an exile, it warmed my heart.  Perhaps not as much as the next sign which read, “Real Louisiana Gumbo”.  Cocky, I went over to the lady at the front, and asked, “How long have you been cooking the roux on that gumbo?”
Without missing a beat, she replied proudly, “24 Hours!”
Then she added, “Our chef is from New Orleans.”
Immediately, I figured he was one of the evacuees, and so walked up to meet the giant hulking man stirring a massive cauldron of gumbo, which was probably 3‘ x 3‘ in diameter. I looked him in the eyes and said, as only a New Orleanian could, “ I hear you’re from New Orleans; where’d you go to school?”
He smiled, “McDonough 35!”
We both laughed.  I said, “You came here because of the storm?”
“Yeah, the last one, Betsy,” he said.“I was never going back after that.”
He had built a life elsewhere when the floodwaters overcame the Ninth Ward in September 1965 and never truly returned. The major difference is that most of his peers were able to come home rather quickly. How 2005 differed was emphasized on a radio program which hosted Oliver Thomas and myself a couple of months later.
The...]]>324020,christopher,founders,hurricane,hy,katrina,later,louisiana,mchenry,new,orleans,show,tidmore,yearsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/looming-impacts-of-louisiana-population-loss-hunter-drops-out-of-nola-mayor-s-race--67305666We also talk about the looming loss of a congressional seat, and the fact that the loss of population is not only causing that possibility, but our real economic problems.  In 2024, just over 52,000 babies were born in Louisiana, according to preliminary data. That’s a 17% drop from 2013, when more than 63,000 births were recorded. It's the lowest number of births the state has seen in decades. The decline began gradually around 2015 but has accelerated in recent years. While fertility rates are falling across the country, Louisiana’s trend is amplified by a loss of women in their reproductive years.  From 2013 to 2023, the number of women aged 15 to 44 in Louisiana fell by more than 29,000, a 3.1% decline. Nationally, that group grew by nearly 5%.
We then turn to the New Orleans Mayor’s Race.  Judge Arthur Hunter exited the New Orleans mayor’s race and endorsed state Sen. Royce Duplessis on August 7. If Hunter’s supporters transfer to Duplessis, the state senator is heading for a runoff slot, likely facing City Council Vice President Helena Moreno.
Huey Long had a strategy when he campaigned. He would come to a town and ask one of his local supporters who was the most powerful person in that town. They might reply, for example, Mr. Smith. Huey would then get on his proverbial soapbox, and he would begin to rail against Mr. Smith. He would talk about the damage that Mr. Smith was doing, and how the people had to rise up against Mr. Smith.
His supporters would exclaim, “You can’t attack Mr. Smith like that!”
Huey would reply, “If Mr. Smith is the most powerful person in town, that means there’s a lot of people who don’t like Mr. Smith.”
It’s a strategy that Duplessis has been employing as he attempts to skyrocket in the polls past Councilman Oliver Thomas and into the runoff. The issue which the state senator chose, governmental dysfunction over trash collection in the French Quarter and negotiations over Cantrell’s contract with Henry Consulting, may be problematic. However, it has helped him rise in the polls, and earn a very valuable endorsement from Hunter.
Read more in Christopher‘s column in the current edition of The Louisiana Weekly
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67305666Mon, 11 Aug 2025 17:56:31 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Live from Canada, Christopher joints Hy from the middle of the St. Lawrence River, traveling down the waterways of historic “New France”.  He talks about visiting the original home of Charles LeMoyne and how Montreal was the parent of New Orleans. We...We also talk about the looming loss of a congressional seat, and the fact that the loss of population is not only causing that possibility, but our real economic problems.  In 2024, just over 52,000 babies were born in Louisiana, according to preliminary data. That’s a 17% drop from 2013, when more than 63,000 births were recorded. It's the lowest number of births the state has seen in decades. The decline began gradually around 2015 but has accelerated in recent years. While fertility rates are falling across the country, Louisiana’s trend is amplified by a loss of women in their reproductive years.  From 2013 to 2023, the number of women aged 15 to 44 in Louisiana fell by more than 29,000, a 3.1% decline. Nationally, that group grew by nearly 5%.
We then turn to the New Orleans Mayor’s Race.  Judge Arthur Hunter exited the New Orleans mayor’s race and endorsed state Sen. Royce Duplessis on August 7. If Hunter’s supporters transfer to Duplessis, the state senator is heading for a runoff slot, likely facing City Council Vice President Helena Moreno.
Huey Long had a strategy when he campaigned. He would come to a town and ask one of his local supporters who was the most powerful person in that town. They might reply, for example, Mr. Smith. Huey would then get on his proverbial soapbox, and he would begin to rail against Mr. Smith. He would talk about the damage that Mr. Smith was doing, and how the people had to rise up against Mr. Smith.
His supporters would exclaim, “You can’t attack Mr. Smith like that!”
Huey would reply, “If Mr. Smith is the most powerful person in town, that means there’s a lot of people who don’t like Mr. Smith.”
It’s a strategy that Duplessis has been employing as he attempts to skyrocket in the polls past Councilman Oliver Thomas and into the runoff. The issue which the state senator chose, governmental dysfunction over trash collection in the French Quarter and negotiations over Cantrell’s contract with Henry Consulting, may be problematic. However, it has helped him rise in the polls, and earn a very valuable endorsement from Hunter.
Read more in Christopher‘s column in the current edition of The Louisiana Weekly
]]>3240christopher,founders,hy,louisiana,mayor's,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,population,race,show,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-future-of-education-in-north-louisiana--67218063Several Louisiana school districts have been experimenting with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.  Pass the BAC exam, and virtually any university on the planet will throw open its doors. Currently, 5800 schools worldwide use IB’s curriculum.
For the first time in history, a school is being created—in Monroe—with the IB program installed from its very beginning. Consequently, the eyes of the educational world are on Louisiana, and Hy and Christopher are joined by IB Director General Olli-Pekka Heinonen for the full hour to speak about the potential and this landmark moment.
Heinonen Earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Helsinki in 1990. Globally recognized as a leader in education, He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of educational systems development and innovation to the IB.
Between 2016–2021, Olli-Pekka Heinonen served as the Director General of the Finnish National Agency for Education. The core tasks of the Agency include developing education and training, early childhood education and lifelong learning. The Agency also prepares education policy decisions and supports the development and promotion of internationalization within the Finnish education system.  Prior to leading the National Agency for Education, Heinonen held various positions in the Finnish Government, including State Secretary between 2012–2016 and Minister of Education and Science between 1994–1999. He also held various senior commercial roles in the Finnish National Broadcasting Company between 2002–2012.
As IB’s website notes, “Olli-Pekka is actively engaged with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other international organizations, where he contributes views on the future of education, including personalized and lifelong learning, the impact of technology and the development of educators. He is also a regular speaker in global educational forums.”
“His vision for global education is strongly aligned with the vision and values of the IB. He brings broad leadership and team-building experience and a focus on developing organizations to operate effectively in a rapidly changing environment.”
More at their website: https://www.ibo.org
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67218063Mon, 04 Aug 2025 12:47:38 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)This week on the Founders Show, Hy and Christopher take a deep dive into the future of education. Several Louisiana school districts have been experimenting with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.  Pass the BAC exam, and virtually any...Several Louisiana school districts have been experimenting with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.  Pass the BAC exam, and virtually any university on the planet will throw open its doors. Currently, 5800 schools worldwide use IB’s curriculum.
For the first time in history, a school is being created—in Monroe—with the IB program installed from its very beginning. Consequently, the eyes of the educational world are on Louisiana, and Hy and Christopher are joined by IB Director General Olli-Pekka Heinonen for the full hour to speak about the potential and this landmark moment.
Heinonen Earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Helsinki in 1990. Globally recognized as a leader in education, He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of educational systems development and innovation to the IB.
Between 2016–2021, Olli-Pekka Heinonen served as the Director General of the Finnish National Agency for Education. The core tasks of the Agency include developing education and training, early childhood education and lifelong learning. The Agency also prepares education policy decisions and supports the development and promotion of internationalization within the Finnish education system.  Prior to leading the National Agency for Education, Heinonen held various positions in the Finnish Government, including State Secretary between 2012–2016 and Minister of Education and Science between 1994–1999. He also held various senior commercial roles in the Finnish National Broadcasting Company between 2002–2012.
As IB’s website notes, “Olli-Pekka is actively engaged with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other international organizations, where he contributes views on the future of education, including personalized and lifelong learning, the impact of technology and the development of educators. He is also a regular speaker in global educational forums.”
“His vision for global education is strongly aligned with the vision and values of the IB. He brings broad leadership and team-building experience and a focus on developing organizations to operate effectively in a rapidly changing environment.”
More at their website: https://www.ibo.org
]]>3240baccalaureate,christopher,education,founders,heinonen,hy,international,louisiana,mchenry,olli-pekka,program,show,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bill-cassidy-s-latest-challenger--67116011The Louisiana Public Service Commissioner, who represents a district the size of a congressional seat, cuts into US Sen. Bill Cassidy’s support in the metro New Orleans area and the Florida parishes, the critical part of the incumbent Senator’s base of support. (Skrmetta’s current district stretches across Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes.)
A new video announcing his bid for the US Senate emphasizes some of Skrmetta’s accomplishments, including playing a major role and bringing a massive Steel-production facility to Donaldsonville and his expertise on energy matters — especially his successes in cutting utility bills for his constituents, saving over $8 billion in costs, and giving Louisiana the lowest utility rates in America.
The video further outlines his biography as the son of working-class entrepreneurs from New Orleans, as well as his lifelong connection with the Republican Party culminating in his role as Louisiana Chairman for Trump in 2020.
Hy and Christopher discuss how Skrmetta’s entrance into the race is bad news for not only US Sen. Bill Cassidy (who has been a target of Donald Trump‘s since voting to convict on impeachment in 2021), but also his previously announced primary opponents LA Treasurer John Fleming and State Sen. Blake Miguez, both of whom have been trying to claim the MAGA mantle with far less credibility than Eric Skrmetta can boast.
In the first half of the show, we speak with Jordan LaHaye Fontenot, and talk about her new book on a true crime case in Evangeline Parish. Her great-grandfather was murdered, his case never fully solved, and her new book explores some of the conspiracy theories about the death of the prominent small town, Acadiana banker.  Signed copies of “Home of the Happy: A Murder on the Cajun Prairie” are available at the Garden District Book Shop at https://www.gardendistrictbookshop.com or by calling (504) 895-2266.
Fontenot is also the editor of Country Roads Magazine, and we talk about chronically in Louisiana each month from festivals to the arts.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67116011Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:20:33 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher spend the second half of the Founders Show talking about the entrance of Eric Skrmetta into the US Senate race on Friday, July 25. Qualifying is actually in December for a closed primary in April 2026, so his primary election occurs...The Louisiana Public Service Commissioner, who represents a district the size of a congressional seat, cuts into US Sen. Bill Cassidy’s support in the metro New Orleans area and the Florida parishes, the critical part of the incumbent Senator’s base of support. (Skrmetta’s current district stretches across Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes.)
A new video announcing his bid for the US Senate emphasizes some of Skrmetta’s accomplishments, including playing a major role and bringing a massive Steel-production facility to Donaldsonville and his expertise on energy matters — especially his successes in cutting utility bills for his constituents, saving over $8 billion in costs, and giving Louisiana the lowest utility rates in America.
The video further outlines his biography as the son of working-class entrepreneurs from New Orleans, as well as his lifelong connection with the Republican Party culminating in his role as Louisiana Chairman for Trump in 2020.
Hy and Christopher discuss how Skrmetta’s entrance into the race is bad news for not only US Sen. Bill Cassidy (who has been a target of Donald Trump‘s since voting to convict on impeachment in 2021), but also his previously announced primary opponents LA Treasurer John Fleming and State Sen. Blake Miguez, both of whom have been trying to claim the MAGA mantle with far less credibility than Eric Skrmetta can boast.
In the first half of the show, we speak with Jordan LaHaye Fontenot, and talk about her new book on a true crime case in Evangeline Parish. Her great-grandfather was murdered, his case never fully solved, and her new book explores some of the conspiracy theories about the death of the prominent small town, Acadiana banker.  Signed copies of “Home of the Happy: A Murder on the Cajun Prairie” are available at the Garden District Book Shop at https://www.gardendistrictbookshop.com or by calling (504) 895-2266.
Fontenot is also the editor of Country Roads Magazine, and we talk about chronically in Louisiana each month from festivals to the arts.
]]>3240bill,cassidy,christopher,crime,election,eric,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,politics,show,skrmetta,tidmore,true,u.s.senatefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rescission-bill-blues-at-public-tv-radio-nola-mayor-fundraising--67029296
WWOZ management called in all of its senior staff and stakeholders for strategy session to deal with the danger of the recession bill on Wednesday, July 17, when it became clear that Donald Trump’s $9 Billion cut in the foreign aid public media budgets would pass the US Senate in the coming hours.

The “Guardians of the Groove” at 90.7 FM realized the devastating impact of the loss that their portion of the $1.1 billion public TV and radio funding soon to be chopped away by the Republican Congress at the behest of President Trump.  The monies underwrote a considerable portion of the funds necessary to keep broadcast signals on the air.  Like so many critical resources for many public stations around the country, from ice warnings in Alaska to farm reports in the Midwest, the Crescent City’s radio archive of culture may have been dealt a catastrophic cut.

In the 1990s, Newt Gingrich and the GOP Revolutionaries declared their jihad against PBS with a joke.  “Whenever two or more socialists are gathered together, national public radio is with them.”  It took 30 years, but Republican campaign to defund the public broadcasting system of federal monies succeeded with a 51 to 48 party-line vote in the US Senate on July 17, 2025, with only Maine's Susan Collins and Alaska's Lisa Murkowski fully opposed in the GOP caucus. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting stands to lose $1.1 billion meant to fund it through the next two years, while the bill also cuts $7.9 billion in other programs. CPB acts as a conduit for federal money to NPR, PBS, and their TV and radio member stations.

The irony is that the news operations of National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Systems receive less than one percent of their funding from the federal government. By corollary, the Republican campaign to defund liberal media sources will likely fail, as large urban public news radio stations should be able to make up the gap in funding.  Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and PBS News Hour will likely endure.  High-quality children's programming, such as Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood as well as cultural programs on history, music, and underserved communities might not.

In particular, specialty music stations like WWOZ as well as rural and small market television stations which received 8 to 15 percent of their funding from the federal treasury find themselves in mortal danger.  Federal grants for unique, cultural programming make up the line share of their budgets.  Local news, including emergency alerts, could be hit worst of all as small market stations face going dark.

In one of the late proposed amendments, Murkowski sought to restore CPB funding while barring any federal money from going to NPR. She mentioned a 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island on Wednesday.  The Senator had received her alert from a public radio station KUCB in Unalaska, in the Aleutian Islands.  “I'm looking at a text that I received from the station manager there," she declared in the Senate floor.  The text said the local community was instructed to listen to the local public radio station, she added.

“I have an amendment that protects public media, their independence, their ability to provide local news, weather reports and, yes, emergency alerts," Murkowski continued. "We're reminded today this stuff matters, so I would hope my colleagues would recognize what is at stake and vote for my amendment." The GOP majority voted ‘nay’ in reply.

South Dakota Republican Sen. Mike Rounds on Tuesday announced that he had struck a deal for the White House to divert Green New Deal money to funding 28 stations serving Native American listeners in nine states, yet the agreement does little to serve the nearly 1000 more rural stations facing catastrophic cuts.  A Harris Poll conducted last week on behalf of NPR found that overall 66 percent of Americans support federal funding for public radio, with an equal proportion agreeing that such funding stands as a good value for taxpayers. Fifty-eight percent of Republicans and more than seventy-seven percent Democrats said they support public radio funding. The online poll served 2,089 U.S. adults, with a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points. 
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67029296Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:14:54 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher discuss fundraising in the Mayor’s race and the rising danger of inflation later in the program, but our main issue are the cuts in the PBS budget. WWOZ management called in all of its senior staff and stakeholders for strategy...
WWOZ management called in all of its senior staff and stakeholders for strategy session to deal with the danger of the recession bill on Wednesday, July 17, when it became clear that Donald Trump’s $9 Billion cut in the foreign aid public media budgets would pass the US Senate in the coming hours.

The “Guardians of the Groove” at 90.7 FM realized the devastating impact of the loss that their portion of the $1.1 billion public TV and radio funding soon to be chopped away by the Republican Congress at the behest of President Trump.  The monies underwrote a considerable portion of the funds necessary to keep broadcast signals on the air.  Like so many critical resources for many public stations around the country, from ice warnings in Alaska to farm reports in the Midwest, the Crescent City’s radio archive of culture may have been dealt a catastrophic cut.

In the 1990s, Newt Gingrich and the GOP Revolutionaries declared their jihad against PBS with a joke.  “Whenever two or more socialists are gathered together, national public radio is with them.”  It took 30 years, but Republican campaign to defund the public broadcasting system of federal monies succeeded with a 51 to 48 party-line vote in the US Senate on July 17, 2025, with only Maine's Susan Collins and Alaska's Lisa Murkowski fully opposed in the GOP caucus. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting stands to lose $1.1 billion meant to fund it through the next two years, while the bill also cuts $7.9 billion in other programs. CPB acts as a conduit for federal money to NPR, PBS, and their TV and radio member stations.

The irony is that the news operations of National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Systems receive less than one percent of their funding from the federal government. By corollary, the Republican campaign to defund liberal media sources will likely fail, as large urban public news radio stations should be able to make up the gap in funding.  Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and PBS News Hour will likely endure.  High-quality children's programming, such as Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood as well as cultural programs on history, music, and underserved communities might not.

In particular, specialty music stations like WWOZ as well as rural and small market television stations which received 8 to 15 percent of their funding from the federal treasury find themselves in mortal danger.  Federal grants for unique, cultural programming make up the line share of their budgets.  Local news, including emergency alerts, could be hit worst of all as small market stations face going dark.

In one of the late proposed amendments, Murkowski sought to restore CPB funding while barring any federal money from going to NPR. She mentioned a 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island on Wednesday.  The Senator had received her alert from a public radio station KUCB in Unalaska, in the Aleutian Islands.  “I'm looking at a text that I received from the station manager there," she declared in the Senate floor.  The text said the local community was instructed to listen to the local public radio station, she added.

“I have an amendment that protects public media, their independence, their ability to provide local news, weather reports and, yes, emergency alerts," Murkowski continued. "We're reminded today this stuff matters, so I would hope my colleagues would recognize what is at stake and vote for my amendment." The GOP majority voted ‘nay’ in reply.

South Dakota Republican Sen. Mike Rounds on Tuesday announced that he had struck a deal for the White House to divert Green New Deal money to funding 28 stations serving Native American listeners in nine states, yet the agreement does little...]]>3240christopher,founders,funding,fundraising,hy,mayor,mchenry,new,npr,orleans,pbs,politics,recission,rescission,show,tidmore,trump,usafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/if-only-nixon-could-go-to-china-could-only-trump-bring-amnesty-to-illegal-immigrants--66945705More information at gardendistrictbookshop.com

We then ask the question if only Nixon could go to China, can Trump be the only person who brings about amnesty for illegal immigrants?

Could an amnesty deal be possible, allowing millions of illegal migrants to stay legally in the United States?

Through the intervention of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Mandonna Kashanian, a 64-year-old Iranian-born resident of Louisiana, was released from ICE detention on Tuesday, July 8. She was arrested last month while picking figs in her Lakeview yard while her American-born husband and daughter sat inside unaware.

Kashanian entered the U.S. legally in 1978. She overstayed her visa; though, she was granted a stay of deportation more than 20 years ago. Her family noted that she applied for asylum multiple times, consistently reporting to immigration officials since. Until this year, she had never been arrested for any criminal or immigration-related offense.

Despite the recent postulations of pundits, MAGA world has not begun to rip itself apart over the Epstein list, Ukrainian weaponry, Russian sanctions, fiscal prolificacy, or bombing Iran. It’s this, a battle between those who wish to deport anyone with questionable legal status, and those who wish for a pathway to legalization. Lately, the latter group has included the president of the United States.

The GOP stands on the precipice of Civil War over Donald Trump’s proposal of amnesty for illegal immigrants in key industries (such as agriculture) who have not been arrested for other crimes. The irony is shocking, yet Democrats may have been provided with an unexpected opportunity to finally give a pathway to legal status to migrants. Otherwise, stories like Mandonna Kashanian’s might become all too common. The only question that remains is how much in penalties will progressives concede to conservative congressmen to get amnesty legislation passed.

It seems impossible, but that’s what the president has been telegraphing over the last two weeks, much to the chagrin of some of his senior advisors. He would agree to amnesty for the right price. Trump’s proposed pathway will likely include cash payments in exchange for the right to stay in the United States, if the president’s “Gold Card” proposal proves any indication. Yet with strong opposition on the MAGA right of the GOP, Democrats will have to put forward a deal, however much they might dislike Trump personally, to avoid as many as 11 million deportations.

A window of opportunity exists. Trump does not like to be thwarted, even by his allies. Especially by his allies – just ask Elon Musk. MAGA theorists have condemned his $5 million cash payment to come into the United States. Moreover, the federal courts will likely strike it down, absent any congressional action. However, the simple idea that a cash payment could render a green card has some deportation purists in the MAGA movement unnerved.

In recent weeks, Trump has flummoxed deportation advocates, like Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, “Border Czar” Tom Homan, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who have rushed to “clarify” Trump’s comments that migrants employed in farming and industrial activities without a criminal record should not face expulsion from the country. In point of fact, as Trump tries to thread the proverbial needle, thousands of (otherwise) law abiding illegal immigrants face round up from ICE agents. With a greater boost in funding thanks to the passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill, which will provide Immigration & Customs Enforcement with more money than the FBI and all other federal security agencies put together, the round ups will probably skyrocket. The otherwise innocent will be the victims.

That is bad news for agri-business interests who are disproportionately powerful in key pro-Trump electoral constituencies in rural America – and corporate ambassadors from Archer-Daniels-Midland, Tyson and Smithfield have been letting the president know of their displeasure.

Realists around Donald Trump, and quite a few senior GOP members, have been trying to find a solution that their base would accept. An economic paper published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas on Tuesday, July 8, found that “high interior deportation,” with removals gradually rising to 437,500 a year, would cut economic growth by 0.83 percentage point this year and 0.84 in 2027.

Trump fears recession above all else; however, deportation advocates, like the MAGA-allied Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), estimates the annual net cost of illegal immigration at the federal, state and local levels to be at least $150.7 billion, as of early 2023. Put another way, FAIR states that this translates to a cost of $8,776 annually per illegal immigrant. That has given deportation hawks a fiscal counter argument.

Of course, libertarian advocates like the CATO Institute argue that there is a net $203,000 positive to the economy for each illegal immigrant over a 30-year period, but that carries little sway with the mainstream of the Republican Party currently. Payments, however, do.

$8,776 multiplied over 30 years would amount to $263,280. That’s not a lot higher than the $200,000 cap that the Trump administration has put on graduate student loans, such as for medical school tuition. Nevertheless, if the American people are willing to let someone borrow for medical school or law school over 30 years at $200,000, why will not even our most recalcitrant citizenry allow an immigrant earn their citizenship by paying the same amount over a similar period of time?

Or perhaps levy a more reasonable fine?
Understandably, Democrats will decry the notion of paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for the right to simply live, especially as this amounts to far more than the $5,000 penalty that they proposed in the 2006 amnesty legislation. Nevertheless, progressive may have no choice but to swallow a high fine threshold to get a deal done.

MAGA Republicans have the law on their side right now. A strict reading of the federal statutory code allows for deportation for any reason, if one’s status is even slightly illegal, as Mandonna Kashanian learned.  Advocates for amnesty for those who have obeyed the law for decades (like she has) might hope for a far lower fee based on years living in the United States. Nevertheless, if a congressman’s empathy for the situation of law-abiding citizens being arrested will not move him to co-sponsor an amnesty bill, perhaps money will?

If efforts toward such a compromise fail, Democrats will win the moral argument. MAGA opponents will have made very clear that they have predicated their deportation agenda not predicated upon questions of national economic security – as they have claimed – but upon race and ethnicity.

Equally, Democrats have to be realistic. Some Republicans are racist, but not all. Currently, progressives are losing the immigration debate according to national polling. The deportations remain popular. Splitting the economic conservatives from the MAGA conservatives may ensure that law-abiding mothers from Lakeview do not find themselves in detention cells. If Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise do not champion their cause, if presented with a profitable alternative for the federal treasury, then their true motivations will have become clear.

The House majority leader from Metairie stepped up for Mandonna Kashanian. Will he do so for everyone else? And will the pathway be affordable for immigrants to make the payments?

Scalise argued last Thursday, that’s exactly the course of action which he demands of Congress. “What do you do with the people who are here illegally but aren’t violent criminals? And by the way, how do you know the difference? Well, some unelected bureaucrat in Washington working for a federal agency who’s processing thousands of cases a day really doesn’t have enough information to know."

“We will have to change the law in Congress," Scalise said, "and that means both parties are going to have to come together to do it, not to yell and scream and demagogue the issue."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66945705Fri, 11 Jul 2025 20:59:48 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher begin the show with a spirited dive into New Orleans’s bohemian past where the funerary tradition is honored by a drink comprised of absence, gin, and vermouth. Chronicling this history, author Sue Strachan joins us on the Founders...More information at gardendistrictbookshop.com

We then ask the question if only Nixon could go to China, can Trump be the only person who brings about amnesty for illegal immigrants?

Could an amnesty deal be possible, allowing millions of illegal migrants to stay legally in the United States?

Through the intervention of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Mandonna Kashanian, a 64-year-old Iranian-born resident of Louisiana, was released from ICE detention on Tuesday, July 8. She was arrested last month while picking figs in her Lakeview yard while her American-born husband and daughter sat inside unaware.

Kashanian entered the U.S. legally in 1978. She overstayed her visa; though, she was granted a stay of deportation more than 20 years ago. Her family noted that she applied for asylum multiple times, consistently reporting to immigration officials since. Until this year, she had never been arrested for any criminal or immigration-related offense.

Despite the recent postulations of pundits, MAGA world has not begun to rip itself apart over the Epstein list, Ukrainian weaponry, Russian sanctions, fiscal prolificacy, or bombing Iran. It’s this, a battle between those who wish to deport anyone with questionable legal status, and those who wish for a pathway to legalization. Lately, the latter group has included the president of the United States.

The GOP stands on the precipice of Civil War over Donald Trump’s proposal of amnesty for illegal immigrants in key industries (such as agriculture) who have not been arrested for other crimes. The irony is shocking, yet Democrats may have been provided with an unexpected opportunity to finally give a pathway to legal status to migrants. Otherwise, stories like Mandonna Kashanian’s might become all too common. The only question that remains is how much in penalties will progressives concede to conservative congressmen to get amnesty legislation passed.

It seems impossible, but that’s what the president has been telegraphing over the last two weeks, much to the chagrin of some of his senior advisors. He would agree to amnesty for the right price. Trump’s proposed pathway will likely include cash payments in exchange for the right to stay in the United States, if the president’s “Gold Card” proposal proves any indication. Yet with strong opposition on the MAGA right of the GOP, Democrats will have to put forward a deal, however much they might dislike Trump personally, to avoid as many as 11 million deportations.

A window of opportunity exists. Trump does not like to be thwarted, even by his allies. Especially by his allies – just ask Elon Musk. MAGA theorists have condemned his $5 million cash payment to come into the United States. Moreover, the federal courts will likely strike it down, absent any congressional action. However, the simple idea that a cash payment could render a green card has some deportation purists in the MAGA movement unnerved.

In recent weeks, Trump has flummoxed deportation advocates, like Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, “Border Czar” Tom Homan, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who have rushed to “clarify” Trump’s comments that migrants employed in farming and industrial activities without a criminal record should not face expulsion from the country. In point of fact, as Trump tries to thread the proverbial needle, thousands of (otherwise) law abiding illegal...]]>3240amnesty,bookshop,christopher,district,founders,garden,history,hy,illegal,immigrants,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,show,tidmore,trump,usafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/royce-duplessis-late-entry-into-nola-mayor-s-race--66900864
Hy’s and Christopher’s main subject of the show, though, is the New Orleans Mayor’s race and the entrance of Royce Duplessis.  That leads us to ask the question… Will Royce Duplessis ‘Mandy-Landry’ Moreno?

He has to make it to the runoff first, but if the standing room only crowd at Central City’s Ashe Powerhouse Theatre provides any indication, Royce Duplessis might have a chance to both break into the 2025 mayoral runoff and outflank the likely liberal Caucasian candidate – as he did get elected to the state Senate.

In order to win, Duplessis must replicate the coalition that allowed him to best Democratic Rep. Mandy Landry in 2022. He must build a biracial coalition of African-American Democrats as well as white Republicans and Independents to outflank a prominent Caucasian challenger. His Senate district, which has more than 75,000 registered voters in Orleans Parish, is a good microcosm of the city – 48 percent are Black, 40 percent are Caucasian, and nine percent other. In fact, it’s a bit worse than the City of New Orleans for an African-American contender, which is 55 and 34 percent Black and white respectively. That Duplessis could carry a gentrified district, which under traditional political rules should have given a preference to a liberal white contender, speaks well of his chances in a citywide runoff.

Of course, the state senator first has to best Councilman Oliver Thomas and Judge Arthur Hunter in order to end up in a likely runoff with frontrunner Councilmember At-Large Helena Moreno. His announcement speech hinted exactly at Duplessis’ strategy to achieve that goal when he said, “The journey to tonight, to this very moment, started about 37 years ago on Press Drive in Pontchartrain Park.” The senator went on to recount a lesson which he learned as a 6-year-old football player, yet the subtle message that he grew up in the first desegregated neighborhood that was the home of so many subsequent civil rights leaders was not lost on the crowd. They cheered. The Creole candidate had arrived.

Duplessis appealed to the city’s wider working class base as well, noting that his opponents should have been more concerned about the 20,000 people who left Orleans rather than “where the mayor sleeps.” Then he doubled down on an obvious attack on Oliver Thomas (as well as Helena Moreno) with the words, “The next mayor of New Orleans cannot be someone who knows the system, but be willing to change the system.”

Reacting to the cost of living crisis, Duplessis pledged to build 40,000 affordable apartments and new homes just before he pledged an economic development mission to make the Port of New Orleans the largest in the world. It is a package uniquely suited to uniting the right and the left on the ideological spectrum.

"This city is being asked to settle,” he said of his opponents. “New Orleans will never become its greatest if we accept complacency,” he said, explaining that his impetus to jump into the contest came from the electorate’s general lack of excitement about the contenders. Duplessis freely admitted that he did not have the money his opponents have, the original reason he demurred from running six months ago. Nevertheless, he’s counting on the public’s desire for change to propel him into the runoff and into the mayor’s office.

Moreno is also expected to work across racial lines to secure 15 to 20 percent of the Black vote to emerge victorious, a task well underway with some highly visible endorsements from African-American leaders. Duplessis enjoys high name recognition in his 5th La. Senatorial District but lacks that same level of positive ID across the city as she or her fellow councilman. A survey conducted September 4-5, 2024, by JMC Analytics pegged Duplessis' backing at nine percent, behind both Moreno and Thomas.

Councilman Thomas would stand as the prohibitive favorite under normal circumstances, thanks to his tenure in office and general public likability, yet his past felony conviction has given many potential citywide voters pause.

Even if Duplessis transcends Thomas’ position in the polls, the senator must contend with Judge Arthur Hunter, who had his official kick-off on the day before Duplessis – Monday, June 30. Moreover, Hunter has already sought to build upon his high profile in the African-American community by actively courting Caucasian leaders. Caroline Fayard, Dickie Brennan and consultant Karen Carvin Shachat are heavily involved in the former Judge’s campaign.

Duplessis must win the 13 to 15 precent of New Orleanians who consistently vote Republican along with the vast majority of the African-American vote and at least some white Democratic moderates who would otherwise support Moreno to achieve victory. At first glance, he would have to replicate the biracial, bipartisan coalition that fueled Ray Nagin’s surprise win over Mitch Landrieu in 2006. Of course, that is a very similar combination to the one that elected Royce Duplessis to the state Senate in 2022. Also, like Latoya Cantrell nearly eight years ago, his strength in the Irish Channel, Central City, Broadmoor and Uptown (key precincts in his Senate district) could overcome bipartisan and biracial support elsewhere for the other candidates. That’s how Cantrell beat Desiree Charbonnet, despite the former judge’s bipartisan backing, ubiquitous name recognition, and endorsements elsewhere in the city.

To break past Thomas and Hunter, though, Royce Duplessis faces the same challenge as six months ago – a lack of money. Grassroots support will prove essential to close the financial deficit, which makes the more than 500 people who showed up for his campaign announcement, with less than 48 hours warning, so encouraging for the state senator’s bid to become mayor of New Orleans.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66900864Tue, 08 Jul 2025 18:02:32 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show comes to you from Colonial Williamsburg this week as Hy and Christopher discuss the importance of the 4th of July as the show begins They go on to examine the “Big Beautiful Bill”, its impacts, benefits like a $1000 deduction for...
Hy’s and Christopher’s main subject of the show, though, is the New Orleans Mayor’s race and the entrance of Royce Duplessis.  That leads us to ask the question… Will Royce Duplessis ‘Mandy-Landry’ Moreno?

He has to make it to the runoff first, but if the standing room only crowd at Central City’s Ashe Powerhouse Theatre provides any indication, Royce Duplessis might have a chance to both break into the 2025 mayoral runoff and outflank the likely liberal Caucasian candidate – as he did get elected to the state Senate.

In order to win, Duplessis must replicate the coalition that allowed him to best Democratic Rep. Mandy Landry in 2022. He must build a biracial coalition of African-American Democrats as well as white Republicans and Independents to outflank a prominent Caucasian challenger. His Senate district, which has more than 75,000 registered voters in Orleans Parish, is a good microcosm of the city – 48 percent are Black, 40 percent are Caucasian, and nine percent other. In fact, it’s a bit worse than the City of New Orleans for an African-American contender, which is 55 and 34 percent Black and white respectively. That Duplessis could carry a gentrified district, which under traditional political rules should have given a preference to a liberal white contender, speaks well of his chances in a citywide runoff.

Of course, the state senator first has to best Councilman Oliver Thomas and Judge Arthur Hunter in order to end up in a likely runoff with frontrunner Councilmember At-Large Helena Moreno. His announcement speech hinted exactly at Duplessis’ strategy to achieve that goal when he said, “The journey to tonight, to this very moment, started about 37 years ago on Press Drive in Pontchartrain Park.” The senator went on to recount a lesson which he learned as a 6-year-old football player, yet the subtle message that he grew up in the first desegregated neighborhood that was the home of so many subsequent civil rights leaders was not lost on the crowd. They cheered. The Creole candidate had arrived.

Duplessis appealed to the city’s wider working class base as well, noting that his opponents should have been more concerned about the 20,000 people who left Orleans rather than “where the mayor sleeps.” Then he doubled down on an obvious attack on Oliver Thomas (as well as Helena Moreno) with the words, “The next mayor of New Orleans cannot be someone who knows the system, but be willing to change the system.”

Reacting to the cost of living crisis, Duplessis pledged to build 40,000 affordable apartments and new homes just before he pledged an economic development mission to make the Port of New Orleans the largest in the world. It is a package uniquely suited to uniting the right and the left on the ideological spectrum.

"This city is being asked to settle,” he said of his opponents. “New Orleans will never become its greatest if we accept complacency,” he said, explaining that his impetus to jump into the contest came from the electorate’s general lack of excitement about the contenders. Duplessis freely admitted that he did not have the money his opponents have, the original reason he demurred from running six months ago. Nevertheless, he’s counting on the public’s desire for change to propel him into the runoff and into the mayor’s office.

Moreno is also expected to work across racial lines to...]]>32784th,beautfiul,big,bill,christopher,duplessis,founders,hy,july,mayors,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,race,royce,session,show,special,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/omb-nola-metro-area-no-longer-major-medicare-advantage-saved-city-council-candidate-jon-johnson--66807644
We then talk about the big beautiful Bill, which reached its first hurdle of passage on Saturday night. Originally, it looks like it would cut Medicare Advantage. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy had proposed something along those lines, which would’ve affected half of all Medicare recipients. Darren Grubb joins us to let us know that those cuts did not make the final bill, and hopefully will not return and reconciliation. It is a triumph of grassroots lobbying.

However, to our major topic of the day…
New Orleans Metro ceases to be a major city, according to OMB
By Christopher Tidmore

It went unnoticed by most of the local media, but a federal agency has downgraded New Orleans from a major city to little more than a large town, and that has major implications for future government funding, business relocation, and economic development.

Basically, the North Shore was robbed from the New Orleans Metro! During his tenure two decades ago, former St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis controversially changed the moniker in advertisements of his parish from “New Orleans’ North Shore” to “Louisiana’s North Shore”, trying to break the mental metro association of the Causeway connection. It took 20 years, but a federal agency says the numbers now argue for exactly that.

Quite simply, the population of the New Orleans metropolitan area was reduced from 1,237,748 to 962,165 by the stoke of a pen, since less than a quarter of North Shore residents now commute to the South Shore for their jobs.

For the last 70 years, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has maintained a set of consistent statistical definitions for metropolitan regions of the United States to enhance the value of data provided by federal statistical agencies. The current rules are published in the Federal Register and are used to consistently define metro areas across the country.

Starting with data released for 2023, the metropolitan statistical area (MSA), anchored by New Orleans — officially, the New Orleans–Metairie MSA — no longer includes St. Tammany Parish. Following a 2020 update published by the federal government and implemented this year, the New Orleans–Metairie MSA now covers seven parishes: Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James. Additionally, a new Slidell–Mandeville–Covington MSA has been created, which consists only of St. Tammany Parish.

Why have these official definitions changed? As the New Orleans Data Center explained, “The short answer is that a smaller portion of workers who live in St. Tammany are commuting to work in Orleans, Jefferson, and other parishes on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain. This smaller portion no longer meets the criteria for St. Tammany to be included in Metro New Orleans. For a longer answer, keep reading below where we run down the details.  As a result of the change, the new official population of Metro New Orleans is lower than you might recall. According to the Census Bureau, the population of Metro New Orleans was 962,165 in 2023. If St. Tammany were included, the population under the old 8-parish definition would be 1,237,748 in 2023. The massive discrepancy between these two numbers is overwhelmingly driven by the official removal of St. Tammany’s resident population from the total rather than by population loss in the individual metro parishes. The bottom line is that, going forward, the official estimate will reflect a 7-parish region of under 1 million, not an 8-parish region of over 1.2 million. Without St. Tammany, basic measures of Metro New Orleans’ demographic and economic makeup will also change.”

The OMB had previously classified St. Tammany as an “outlying county” of the New Orleans–Metairie MSA. Its two urban areas around Mandeville–Covington and around Slidell now stand as geographically separate and distinct from the larger urban area on the south shore. Previously, more than 25 percent of St. Tammany residents who work commuted to the six “central counties” on the south shore, meeting the criteria to be part of the New Orleans–Metairie MSA.

For the last major update in 2010, which used data collected from 2006-2010, 26.2 percent of St. Tammany’s workers were commuting to the south shore. In the new estimates used for OMB’s latest major update in 2020, which use data collected from 2016-2020, this portion had fallen to 22.5 percent. The 25 percent commuting threshold is no longer met. Further, St. Tammany’s two urban areas have sufficient population to define the parish as a “central county” in a new MSA, deemed the Slidell–Mandeville–Covington MSA.

 As the Data Center explanined, “Because St. Tammany’s jobs have grown at an even faster pace than its population, the ratio of jobs to population has increased, from 232 jobs for every 1,000 residents in 1990 to 346 jobs for every 1,000 residents in 2023. The job-population ratio in St. Tammany remains lower than in Orleans and Jefferson (and Plaquemines, St. James, and St. Charles). But unlike in St. Tammany, the jobs-to-population ratio in Orleans and Jefferson is lower than it was during the early 2000s, before Hurricane Katrina. Altogether, these measures track a relativeshift in metro area jobs to St. Tammany Parish that has outpaced the shift in population, making it more likely for residents of St. Tammany to find jobs located in St. Tammany.”
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66807644Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:37:12 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)We kick off the show talking about the fact that New Orleans is no longer a major city - at least according to the federal government. We keep into that theme in our conversation with former New Orleans Councilman and state Senator Jon Johnson. He’s...
We then talk about the big beautiful Bill, which reached its first hurdle of passage on Saturday night. Originally, it looks like it would cut Medicare Advantage. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy had proposed something along those lines, which would’ve affected half of all Medicare recipients. Darren Grubb joins us to let us know that those cuts did not make the final bill, and hopefully will not return and reconciliation. It is a triumph of grassroots lobbying.

However, to our major topic of the day…
New Orleans Metro ceases to be a major city, according to OMB
By Christopher Tidmore

It went unnoticed by most of the local media, but a federal agency has downgraded New Orleans from a major city to little more than a large town, and that has major implications for future government funding, business relocation, and economic development.

Basically, the North Shore was robbed from the New Orleans Metro! During his tenure two decades ago, former St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis controversially changed the moniker in advertisements of his parish from “New Orleans’ North Shore” to “Louisiana’s North Shore”, trying to break the mental metro association of the Causeway connection. It took 20 years, but a federal agency says the numbers now argue for exactly that.

Quite simply, the population of the New Orleans metropolitan area was reduced from 1,237,748 to 962,165 by the stoke of a pen, since less than a quarter of North Shore residents now commute to the South Shore for their jobs.

For the last 70 years, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has maintained a set of consistent statistical definitions for metropolitan regions of the United States to enhance the value of data provided by federal statistical agencies. The current rules are published in the Federal Register and are used to consistently define metro areas across the country.

Starting with data released for 2023, the metropolitan statistical area (MSA), anchored by New Orleans — officially, the New Orleans–Metairie MSA — no longer includes St. Tammany Parish. Following a 2020 update published by the federal government and implemented this year, the New Orleans–Metairie MSA now covers seven parishes: Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James. Additionally, a new Slidell–Mandeville–Covington MSA has been created, which consists only of St. Tammany Parish.

Why have these official definitions changed? As the New Orleans Data Center explained, “The short answer is that a smaller portion of workers who live in St. Tammany are commuting to work in Orleans, Jefferson, and other parishes on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain. This smaller portion no longer meets the criteria for St. Tammany to be included in Metro New Orleans. For a longer answer, keep reading below where we run down the details.  As a result of the change, the new official population of Metro New Orleans is lower than you might recall. According to the Census Bureau, the population of Metro New Orleans was 962,165 in 2023. If St. Tammany were included, the population under the old 8-parish definition would be 1,237,748 in 2023. The massive discrepancy between these two numbers is overwhelmingly driven by the official removal of St. Tammany’s resident population from the total rather than by population loss in the individual metro parishes. The bottom line is that, going forward, the official estimate will reflect a 7-parish region of under 1 million, not an 8-parish...]]>3228advantage,area,beautiful,big,bill,christopher,city,council,founders,hy,mchenry,medicare,metro,new,omb,orleans,politics,st.,tammany,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/departing-miso-maga-vs-trump-on-iran--66653870MISO is more than a soup, but Skrmetta believes that Louisiana and her electric utilities would be better off working with other southeastern states for a new interstate compact on power distribution.
By the end of the program, we also talk with Skrmetta, who is an expert on international relations, about Iran. It’s timely, because the first half of the program discusses not just the apocalyptic danger of the Supreme Leader and his Mullahs, but how some of Donald Trump’s closest allies believe that joining the Israeli bombing campaign is a tragic mistake.
The president has given himself just under two weeks to decide whether America will join the war with its critical 30,000 pound bunker buster bombs necessary to destroy the underground atomic centrifuges. However, bombing Iran could endanger domestically the President’s pursuit of getting the US Senate to pass the “One Beautiful Bill”.
Nevertheless, the political damage within the GOP at home might be necessary, as Hy notes quoting a senior source in Washington DC:
The world watches with bated breath as Tel Aviv endures one of the most devastating strikes in its history. The recent Iranian missile assault has tragically targeted sacred spaces within the heart of the city: the Diamond Exchange District, Stock Exchange, and Soroka Medical Center. With reports of 147 injured and significant destruction, the impact of this violence is felt deeply across the nation.
Furthermore, Israeli officials have confirmed the use of cluster-type munitions, raising alarm over the devastating consequences for civilian populations. In an unsettling development, authorities have enforced censorship, restricting foreign media from documenting the reality on the ground, while Iranian media mockingly disseminates footage intended to undermine Israel's narrative. The power dynamics in this conflict have escalated to unprecedented levels.
🌡 An Escalation of Tensions
The Iranian Supreme Council has issued dire warnings regarding a "new strategy" in retaliation for any external intervention. The IRGC has demanded the immediate evacuation of the Dimona nuclear facility, signaling an urgent need for global attention. Reports indicate that key sites, including the Israeli Police Headquarters and intelligence facilities, have been targeted, while Iran has released a provocative 3D map of the Israeli C4I Command Center. Though the IDF has successfully intercepted cluster munitions, there are claims that the Iron Dome defense system is being overwhelmed by the intensity of these assaults.
🌐 The Global Response is Building
Amid these grave developments, the United States is weighing its options for a potential strike on Iran, with a final decision expected in the coming days. Former President Trump has denied any pre-approved attack plans, while the White House has committed to a resolution within the next two weeks. Simultaneously, direct talks between U.S. and Iranian officials are reportedly underway, with Russia and China condemning Israel's actions and cautioning the U.S. against further escalation.
💣 Geopolitical Reactions & Threats
The conflict has unraveled far beyond the immediate region, with Iranian drones downing an Israeli Heron UAV and Kata'eb Hezbollah ominously warning that U.S. bases may become “duck hunting grounds.” Iran's threat to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz looms large, prompting NATO to shorten its upcoming summit to mitigate potential fallout.
📉 Broader Implications
On the home front, Iran has accused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of facilitating Israeli aggression. An extended internet blackout persists in Iran, marking one of the worst communication disruptions since the 2019 protests, while reports of connectivity recovery remain limited. The strike on Soroka Hospital has been falsely framed as a concealment of military assets by Iranian authorities.
☢️ Strategic & Nuclear Considerations
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assurance that Russian nuclear experts will remain in Iran underscores the strategic stakes at play. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s assertion that “we can destroy all of Iran’s nuclear facilities” echoes the severity of the situation. National unity is a powerful reaction to adversity, as an Iranian official states, “This war has united our people, not weakened them,” a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit within.
📣 Censorship and the Media Landscape
As the conflict unfolds, Israel has imposed restrictions on foreign press coverage, claiming a need for security. Concurrently, Iranian authorities allege that Israel is using civilian areas as shields for its defense systems, intensifying the narrative battle that accompanies military operations.
🗣️ Voices of Resilience & Symbolism
In these tumultuous times, the personal toll is evident. Prime Minister Netanyahu has poignantly shared that even his son has had to cancel his wedding due to the ongoing violence. Trump's remarks underscore the hesitation and complexity involved in making decisive choices in such a volatile context. Meanwhile, supreme leaders and their advisors warn of the long-term implications of this conflict.
As we navigate through these challenges, it is vital to emphasize the importance of resilience, dialogue, and unity across all nations affected by these events. The path forward must prioritize healing and understanding amidst the turbulence of war.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66653870Fri, 20 Jun 2025 21:01:22 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher are joined for the second half of The Founders Show by Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, who has launched an inquiry into why the blackouts were ordered with just nine minutes notice by a little known federal regulatory...MISO is more than a soup, but Skrmetta believes that Louisiana and her electric utilities would be better off working with other southeastern states for a new interstate compact on power distribution.
By the end of the program, we also talk with Skrmetta, who is an expert on international relations, about Iran. It’s timely, because the first half of the program discusses not just the apocalyptic danger of the Supreme Leader and his Mullahs, but how some of Donald Trump’s closest allies believe that joining the Israeli bombing campaign is a tragic mistake.
The president has given himself just under two weeks to decide whether America will join the war with its critical 30,000 pound bunker buster bombs necessary to destroy the underground atomic centrifuges. However, bombing Iran could endanger domestically the President’s pursuit of getting the US Senate to pass the “One Beautiful Bill”.
Nevertheless, the political damage within the GOP at home might be necessary, as Hy notes quoting a senior source in Washington DC:
The world watches with bated breath as Tel Aviv endures one of the most devastating strikes in its history. The recent Iranian missile assault has tragically targeted sacred spaces within the heart of the city: the Diamond Exchange District, Stock Exchange, and Soroka Medical Center. With reports of 147 injured and significant destruction, the impact of this violence is felt deeply across the nation.
Furthermore, Israeli officials have confirmed the use of cluster-type munitions, raising alarm over the devastating consequences for civilian populations. In an unsettling development, authorities have enforced censorship, restricting foreign media from documenting the reality on the ground, while Iranian media mockingly disseminates footage intended to undermine Israel's narrative. The power dynamics in this conflict have escalated to unprecedented levels.
🌡 An Escalation of Tensions
The Iranian Supreme Council has issued dire warnings regarding a "new strategy" in retaliation for any external intervention. The IRGC has demanded the immediate evacuation of the Dimona nuclear facility, signaling an urgent need for global attention. Reports indicate that key sites, including the Israeli Police Headquarters and intelligence facilities, have been targeted, while Iran has released a provocative 3D map of the Israeli C4I Command Center. Though the IDF has successfully intercepted cluster munitions, there are claims that the Iron Dome defense system is being overwhelmed by the intensity of these assaults.
🌐 The Global Response is Building
Amid these grave developments, the United States is weighing its options for a potential strike on Iran, with a final decision expected in the coming days. Former President Trump has denied any pre-approved attack plans, while the White House has committed to a resolution within the next two weeks. Simultaneously, direct talks between U.S. and Iranian officials are reportedly underway, with Russia and China condemning Israel's actions and cautioning the U.S. against further escalation.
💣 Geopolitical Reactions & Threats
The conflict has unraveled far beyond the immediate region, with Iranian drones downing an Israeli Heron UAV and Kata'eb Hezbollah ominously warning that U.S. bases may become “duck hunting grounds.” Iran's threat to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz looms large, prompting NATO to shorten its upcoming summit to mitigate potential fallout.
📉 Broader Implications
On the home front, Iran has accused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of facilitating Israeli aggression. An extended internet blackout persists in Iran, marking...]]>3240christopher,eric,founders,hy,iran,israel,louisiana,maga,mchenry,miso,politics,show,skrmetta,tidmore,trump,usa,warfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-u-s-canada-relationship-past-present-future--66550793
We’ve been sailing down the St. Lawrence Seaway, and that triggered our kick off topic for this week’s show. The U.S. / Canadian relationship has been in the news quite a bit over the last year. North of the border, voters have resented the “51st state” comments, so much so that Canada re-elected a previously unpopular Liberal government that was willing to stand up to Donald Trump.

However, despite being a different country, Canada is intrinsically linked with the United States – nowhere more so than the thousand islands win you could be 50 feet away by boat to cross the border. We explore the difficulties those people have putting up with a huge amount of bureaucratic red tape just to go back-and-forth, and the relationship between the United States and Canada. Why don’t we have free movement of population? Why isn’t our relationship even closer when we are truly cousins in close proximity?

We then turn to the Louisiana legislature, and a Bill to allow Louisianians to sue doctors who send abortion pills across state lines. This puts Gov. Jeff Landry, if he signs, in direct conflict with President Donald Trump. Trump thinks 15 weeks are an acceptable margin or gray area to allow abortion to be legal. Hy and Christopher discuss where the gray area lies.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66550793Tue, 17 Jun 2025 21:37:22 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show comes to you live from the Thousand Islands on the Canadian-US border, from the deck of the famed Canadian Empress riverboat. We’ve been sailing down the St. Lawrence Seaway, and that triggered our kick off topic for this week’s...
We’ve been sailing down the St. Lawrence Seaway, and that triggered our kick off topic for this week’s show. The U.S. / Canadian relationship has been in the news quite a bit over the last year. North of the border, voters have resented the “51st state” comments, so much so that Canada re-elected a previously unpopular Liberal government that was willing to stand up to Donald Trump.

However, despite being a different country, Canada is intrinsically linked with the United States – nowhere more so than the thousand islands win you could be 50 feet away by boat to cross the border. We explore the difficulties those people have putting up with a huge amount of bureaucratic red tape just to go back-and-forth, and the relationship between the United States and Canada. Why don’t we have free movement of population? Why isn’t our relationship even closer when we are truly cousins in close proximity?

We then turn to the Louisiana legislature, and a Bill to allow Louisianians to sue doctors who send abortion pills across state lines. This puts Gov. Jeff Landry, if he signs, in direct conflict with President Donald Trump. Trump thinks 15 weeks are an acceptable margin or gray area to allow abortion to be legal. Hy and Christopher discuss where the gray area lies.]]>324051st,abortion,canada,christopher,founders,hy,legislature,louisiana,mchenry,relations,show,state,tidmore,u.s.falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/famed-jazz-folk-musician-david-amram--66227043Hunter-Gatherers podcast to interview the legendary David Amram. At 94 years young, the famed jazz and folk musician has played with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie to Leonard Bernstein. He invented jazz poetry with Jack Kerouac in Greenwich Village.  And Amram explains why New Orleans is the most American city.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66227043Fri, 23 May 2025 13:51:12 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher are joined by Curtis Robinson of the https://www.hunter-gathererspodcast.com/ to interview the legendary David Amram. At 94 years young, the famed jazz and folk musician has played with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie to Leonard...Hunter-Gatherers podcast to interview the legendary David Amram. At 94 years young, the famed jazz and folk musician has played with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie to Leonard Bernstein. He invented jazz poetry with Jack Kerouac in Greenwich Village.  And Amram explains why New Orleans is the most American city.]]>3240amram,arts,christopher,curtis,david,folk,founders,hy,jazz,louisiana,mchenry,music,new,orleans,robinson,show,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/washington-insider-curtis-robinson-talks-budget-dc-politics--66157267
Robinson is a veteran newspaper, editor, Washington-based columnist, and member of the National Press Club. He ranks as the consummate Washington insider, and based on what he has heard, he thinks Trump will succeed in passing the budget, and he explains the reasons why. We also find out about the real impact of DOGE, and how it could impact the space industry in Louisiana.

Robinson and also cohosts Hunter Gatherers: The Podcast of Hunter S. Thompson stories and we speak about what the great journalist would’ve thought about the current political situation and how he would’ve agreed that Emoluments is not a face cream.

Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution reads, “No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” The “Emoluments Clause” likely includes luxury airplanes.

We also chat about whether ending Michoud’s Artemis be justified by Elon Musk’s pursuit of Mars.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry tweeted an impassioned letter to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to save Boeing‘s Artemis rocket program in the coming budget. The future lunar expedition launchers are assembled at New Orleans’ Michoud Space Center, and the rocket construction facility employs hundreds of high-paying, high-tech jobs in Louisiana.

The Artemis Project was dealt a blow when its Starliner return vehicle malfunctioned in 2024. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were supposed to be in orbit for eight days but the American astronauts remained on the International Space station for nine months until one of Elon Musk’s Space X Dragon capsules returned them to Earth.

The disaster led Musk to boast that his rockets were superior to the traditional NASA government contractor, yet Space X’s prototype Starship’s last two flights ended with explosions. That’s the vehicle he proposes to use to begin the process of taking Americans to Mars, instead of back to the Moon, Boeing’s priority.

Congress and the NASA administrator nominee Jared Isaacman seem to agree, speeding up the timeline for astronauts to reach the red planet – potentially at the expense of New Orleans’ Michoud facility. Their sudden switch follows the release of the White House’s 2026 budget proposal, which would increase funding for Mars-related projects by $1 billion and pay for the launches. It also signals the Trump’s administration’s intentions to prioritize sending people to Mars.

“We are evaluating every opportunity, including launch windows in 2026 and 2028, to test technologies that will land humans on Mars,” said NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens. The White House first hinted at the possibility last month in a press release after a meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Donald Trump. It indicated the U.S. and Italy would partner on a Mars mission as soon as next year.

A Mars mission might be a boon for Musk’s SpaceX, a top contender to provide the rocket. While other companies have rockets that could reach Mars, only SpaceX has announced plans to land one on the planet in 2026.

Moreover, Trump, in his inauguration speech, promised to land the first astronaut on the planet; Musk, standing behind him, gave a thumbs up. Isaacman also subsequently told Congress that he would “prioritize” such a mission in testimony ahead of his nomination hearing.

Despite Musk pushing Trump to prioritize Mars over a moon landing, a Mars focus could lead to a clash with lawmakers, who have legally mandated that NASA pursue a long-term human presence on or near the moon. Congress may buck Trump and refuse to approve the funding in his budget request, especially if lawmakers worry the effort will delay lunar plans. That is the essence of what Landry has suggested to the Louisiana-born speaker in his defense of the Boeing project.

Landry wrote to Johnson: “I am writing to express my strong support for NASA's Artemis program and to urge you to lead Congress in ensuring its continued funding and success. Initiated under President Donald Trump. The Artemis program rightly refocused NASA on returning American astronauts to the Moon and establishing permanent U.S. leadership in space. This mission is a critical steppingstone toward building the interplanetary infrastructure necessary to reach Mars and beyond…Artemis Il, with its core stages built right here in Louisiana at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, is currently being stacked and prepared for launch in Florida. Meanwhile, Artemis Ill and additional Louisiana-built stages are actively in production at Michoud. This program has become a powerful engine for STEM and engineering talent, doing two important things: (1) helping retain our skilled, homegrown workforce, and (2) attracting top-tier talent from across the Nation to make Louisiana their home. These individuals become taxpayers, neighbors, and contributors to our communities and economy.”

The governor continued, “Last week's release of the federal budget proposes significant cuts and mission changes that would effectively end the Artemis program in favor of initiatives that offer far less benefit to Louisiana. This would be a devastating setback for our State. Without Artemis, the Michoud Assembly Facility risks a sharp decline in workload. Our skilled labor pipeline, including the training program at Nunez Community College in Chalmette, faces the threat of disruption or closure. We would again see the outmigration of Louisiana's talent as our workers seek opportunities elsewhere.”

“The Artemis program is not only vital to our State, but it is also vital to our national security. We must reach the Moon before China and establish a permanent, U.S.-led presence to protect our values, freedoms, and leadership in space. As Chairman Brian Babin of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee recently noted, we do not want American astronauts to be greeted on the Moon by a sign that says ‘Welcome’ in Mandarin.”

However, Landry’s plea may have come too late.

The White House’s budget proposal also cancels the Gateway lunar space station program, which many senators support. Isaacman has said the space agency can pursue lunar and Mars plans at the same time. Next year and 2028 are the soonest time frames when Earth and Mars are closest, making them optimal years for launching missions.

Of course, SpaceX’s Starship does not constitute the only contender for the trip. Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, which launched for the first time in January, could carry a small payload to Mars. The company has already contracted to send two small satellites to Mars in the next 18 months to study the planet. Rocket producer ULA has also built rockets for Mars missions.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66157267Mon, 19 May 2025 20:43:12 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Curtis Robinson joins Hy and Christopher to talk about the chances to pass the current budget in Congress and the state of politics in Washington DC.  He also mentions a little bit about Hunter S Thompson and Gonzofest 11 while he is at it. Robinson...
Robinson is a veteran newspaper, editor, Washington-based columnist, and member of the National Press Club. He ranks as the consummate Washington insider, and based on what he has heard, he thinks Trump will succeed in passing the budget, and he explains the reasons why. We also find out about the real impact of DOGE, and how it could impact the space industry in Louisiana.

Robinson and also cohosts Hunter Gatherers: The Podcast of Hunter S. Thompson stories and we speak about what the great journalist would’ve thought about the current political situation and how he would’ve agreed that Emoluments is not a face cream.

Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution reads, “No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” The “Emoluments Clause” likely includes luxury airplanes.

We also chat about whether ending Michoud’s Artemis be justified by Elon Musk’s pursuit of Mars.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry tweeted an impassioned letter to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to save Boeing‘s Artemis rocket program in the coming budget. The future lunar expedition launchers are assembled at New Orleans’ Michoud Space Center, and the rocket construction facility employs hundreds of high-paying, high-tech jobs in Louisiana.

The Artemis Project was dealt a blow when its Starliner return vehicle malfunctioned in 2024. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were supposed to be in orbit for eight days but the American astronauts remained on the International Space station for nine months until one of Elon Musk’s Space X Dragon capsules returned them to Earth.

The disaster led Musk to boast that his rockets were superior to the traditional NASA government contractor, yet Space X’s prototype Starship’s last two flights ended with explosions. That’s the vehicle he proposes to use to begin the process of taking Americans to Mars, instead of back to the Moon, Boeing’s priority.

Congress and the NASA administrator nominee Jared Isaacman seem to agree, speeding up the timeline for astronauts to reach the red planet – potentially at the expense of New Orleans’ Michoud facility. Their sudden switch follows the release of the White House’s 2026 budget proposal, which would increase funding for Mars-related projects by $1 billion and pay for the launches. It also signals the Trump’s administration’s intentions to prioritize sending people to Mars.

“We are evaluating every opportunity, including launch windows in 2026 and 2028, to test technologies that will land humans on Mars,” said NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens. The White House first hinted at the possibility last month in a press release after a meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Donald Trump. It indicated the U.S. and Italy would partner on a Mars mission as soon as next year.

A Mars mission might be a boon for Musk’s SpaceX, a top contender to provide the rocket. While other companies have rockets that could reach Mars, only SpaceX has announced plans to land one on the planet in 2026.

Moreover, Trump, in his inauguration speech, promised to land the first astronaut on the planet; Musk, standing behind him, gave a thumbs up. Isaacman also subsequently told Congress that he would “prioritize” such a mission in testimony ahead of his nomination hearing.
3240budget,christopher,curtis,d.c.,founders,hy,landry,louisiana,mchenry,michoud,nasa,politics,robinson,show,tidmore,trump,washingtonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gonzofest-at-the-rink--66087381Gonzofest 2025 at The Rink, 2727 Prytania. It's a celebration of the life and work of Hunter S. Thompson.

Hy & Christopher are joined by two of the organizers, Curtis Robinson and Kent Fielding. Christopher and Curtis actually produce a podcast on Hunter S. Thompson - Hunter-Gatherers - which they exerpt on this week's radio show.

Join us on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - Gonzofest is free! More information is available at gonzofest.net.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66087381Wed, 14 May 2025 16:32:38 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)May 15-18 will see https://gonzofest.net at The Rink, 2727 Prytania. It's a celebration of the life and work of Hunter S. Thompson. Hy & Christopher are joined by two of the organizers, Curtis Robinson and Kent Fielding. Christopher and Curtis...Gonzofest 2025 at The Rink, 2727 Prytania. It's a celebration of the life and work of Hunter S. Thompson.

Hy & Christopher are joined by two of the organizers, Curtis Robinson and Kent Fielding. Christopher and Curtis actually produce a podcast on Hunter S. Thompson - Hunter-Gatherers - which they exerpt on this week's radio show.

Join us on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - Gonzofest is free! More information is available at gonzofest.net.]]>3240christopher,curtis,fielding,founders,gonzofest,hunter,hunter-gatherers,hy,kent,mchenry,new,orleans,podcast,prytania,robinson,s.,show,thompson,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/louisiana-legislative-session-latest-french-quarter-trash-pickup-fight--65950720
We also spent some time looking at the trash situation in the French Quarter, and a proposed legislative solution. This is Christopher‘s editorial on the subject:

Trash Bill: the first step at empowering neighborhoods

It’s curious that Mayor LaToya Cantrell reacts with such opposition to French Quarter residents demanding to choose their own preferred trash contract.  She predicated her entire pre-Councilmanic career upon the idea of empowering neighborhoods. She first proposed the taxing authority, ultimately passed by the legislature, that allowed neighborhoods to levy a mileage upon homeowners for anything from parks to community enrichments.  As long as it passed by democratic vote, Cantrell once believed neighborhoods should be able to take their own destiny into their hands—except, apparently, trash collection.

Louisiana legislators advanced a bill on Wednesday, April 30 which aims to wrest authority from the city's mayor by letting a state-created board in the French Quarter enter sanitation contracts. Sponsored by state Sen. Jimmy Harris, D-New Orleans, and drafted with support from New Orleans City Council members, Senate Bill 195 would allow the 13-member French Quarter Management District to secure "emergency contracts" for sanitation services (ostensibly when New Orleans' city government fails to provide those services in the neighborhood). The city would have to repay the board for the work. The bill moved unanimously from the Senate's Local and Municipal Affairs Committee that afternoon, advancing to the full Senate.

The current controversy centers upon the Mayor’s determination that Henry Consulting will take over the garbage contract in the Vieux Carre’ on Aug. 1 over the highly popular IV Waste, the firm currently performing that work across the city's downtown.  Critics, including Councilman At-Large JP Morrell cited to the legislative committee how Henry Consulting had been allowed by the Cantrell Administration to sidestep many provisions of the RFP process, including being granted a 50% reduction and the surety bond needed to win the contract.

The basic truth, though, remains that French Quarter locals trust Sidney Torres’ IV Waste and its “DisneyWorld-level” street cleaners over Henry’s politically-connected firm.  If this legislation is passed and signed into law, however, the change will do more than fix a bad contract.  It will create the precedent that neighborhoods should be able to control the quality of life elements of their existence at the most local of levels.

Too often, parish governments (and frequently state government) concentrate power far too much in too few hands too far away from the average citizen. Governance often works best when it stands closest to the people.  Equally, many minority neighborhoods have suffered at the whims of politicians deciding their fate from afar, deaf to the individual concerns on the level of the streets.
Every neighborhood should have a deciding say in their garbage contracts, as the collection of refuse and the cleaning of the streets often ranks first as the number one quality of life issue, after crime.

In this case, it’s a Black mayor versus a non-minority neighborhood, but control at the household-level would benefit far more minority neighborhoods across Louisiana than the current practice of keeping everything decided by the typically old white male politicians of too many Parish governments.

Overcoming the opposition of New Orleans’ first woman Black mayor in order to return power to a neighborhood over trash will eventually benefit African-Americans homeowners across Louisiana in the long-term (ironically enough) when the first step is taken to empower French Quarter residents. Other neighborhoods, including minority neighborhoods, will follow—in time.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65950720Tue, 06 May 2025 20:34:59 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher take on the legislative session, discussing Gov. Jeff Landry losing influence as the deficit picture changes and several pieces of legislation under consideration. We also spent some time looking at the trash situation in the...
We also spent some time looking at the trash situation in the French Quarter, and a proposed legislative solution. This is Christopher‘s editorial on the subject:

Trash Bill: the first step at empowering neighborhoods

It’s curious that Mayor LaToya Cantrell reacts with such opposition to French Quarter residents demanding to choose their own preferred trash contract.  She predicated her entire pre-Councilmanic career upon the idea of empowering neighborhoods. She first proposed the taxing authority, ultimately passed by the legislature, that allowed neighborhoods to levy a mileage upon homeowners for anything from parks to community enrichments.  As long as it passed by democratic vote, Cantrell once believed neighborhoods should be able to take their own destiny into their hands—except, apparently, trash collection.

Louisiana legislators advanced a bill on Wednesday, April 30 which aims to wrest authority from the city's mayor by letting a state-created board in the French Quarter enter sanitation contracts. Sponsored by state Sen. Jimmy Harris, D-New Orleans, and drafted with support from New Orleans City Council members, Senate Bill 195 would allow the 13-member French Quarter Management District to secure "emergency contracts" for sanitation services (ostensibly when New Orleans' city government fails to provide those services in the neighborhood). The city would have to repay the board for the work. The bill moved unanimously from the Senate's Local and Municipal Affairs Committee that afternoon, advancing to the full Senate.

The current controversy centers upon the Mayor’s determination that Henry Consulting will take over the garbage contract in the Vieux Carre’ on Aug. 1 over the highly popular IV Waste, the firm currently performing that work across the city's downtown.  Critics, including Councilman At-Large JP Morrell cited to the legislative committee how Henry Consulting had been allowed by the Cantrell Administration to sidestep many provisions of the RFP process, including being granted a 50% reduction and the surety bond needed to win the contract.

The basic truth, though, remains that French Quarter locals trust Sidney Torres’ IV Waste and its “DisneyWorld-level” street cleaners over Henry’s politically-connected firm.  If this legislation is passed and signed into law, however, the change will do more than fix a bad contract.  It will create the precedent that neighborhoods should be able to control the quality of life elements of their existence at the most local of levels.

Too often, parish governments (and frequently state government) concentrate power far too much in too few hands too far away from the average citizen. Governance often works best when it stands closest to the people.  Equally, many minority neighborhoods have suffered at the whims of politicians deciding their fate from afar, deaf to the individual concerns on the level of the streets.
Every neighborhood should have a deciding say in their garbage contracts, as the collection of refuse and the cleaning of the streets often ranks first as the number one quality of life issue, after crime.

In this case, it’s a Black mayor versus a non-minority neighborhood, but control at the household-level would benefit far more minority neighborhoods across Louisiana than the current practice of keeping everything decided by the typically old white male politicians of too many Parish governments.

Overcoming the opposition of New Orleans’ first woman Black mayor in order to return power to a neighborhood over trash will eventually benefit African-Americans homeowners across Louisiana in the long-term (ironically enough) when the first step is taken to...]]>3240christopher,consulting,fight,founders,french,henry,hy,iv,jeff,landry,legislature,louisiana,mchenry,politics,quarter,show,tidmore,trash,wastefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hospital-price-transparency-port-battle-orleans-parish-sheriff-millage-renewal--65727361
We then move to talking about our main subject, PortNOLA - more on that story below.

Our hosts also question the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s 2.46 Mills Renewal for 10 years, on the ballot May 3. The dysfunction in the Orleans Parish’s Sheriff’s Office has led to the construction of a jail complex, which the current Sheriff originally pledged not to use and has been— to put it politely— schizophrenic in the messaging of its eventual purpose.  Staff attrition stand at record rates, morale is down, and recidivism is up.

Sheriff Susan Hutson still has time to turn things around, and she still can make that on some of her progressive promises whilst balancing the law-and-order responsibilities of her office. Her election is not until this autumn, but she needs to take qualitative steps in order to be worthy of the tax dollars for which she asks the electorate.  Moreover, Hy and Christopher have long opposed elections where only one measure is on the ballot. Sheriff Hutson did not create this system, but she could’ve chosen to put this tax on the autumn ballot—when she herself was up for reelection.  Perhaps, that’s too much of a political ask, but if an elected official believes in the revenue measure, he, or she should put their own political feature on the line for it.
Bayham Beats Goliath in Container Port Battle
By Christopher Tidmore

On Wednesday, April 23, State Rep. Michael Bayham (joined by the entire Council of Saint Bernard, the Parish President, DA, and Sheriff’s representatives) dealt the Port of New Orleans a sensation which the archons of the Dock Board rarely experience before a legislative committee—the taste of defeat.

House Bill 616 would have granted the Port of New Orleans unilateral expropriation power to build a highway-level road from a new container-port which they proposed to build.  It would have run across the parish. The bill would have empowered PortNOLA to seize private property without the approval of the parish government, levy tolls (as well as exempt their own trucks & vehicles from those tolls), and contract with a private company to own the road, allowing the private firm to administer the seized property.

All of this to build a container-port which encounters majority opposition in St. Bernard Parish, to construct it on top of an historic African-American cemetery, and build in shadow of a Black community in Violet which likely would never be able to look upon the Mississippi River again.

Moreover, this container-port stands years overdue with its original budgetary cost of $1.8 billion soaring. to $3.9 billion.  Some even argue that taxpayers will likely be on the hook if it’s allowed to proceed— despite promises that private dollars will underwrite the container-port infrastructure. (Unlike in Plaquemines, PortNOLA representatives have demurred from explaining whom exactly will fund the full cost of the new container-port.)

The victory of the St Bernard Parish citizens in the LA House Transportation Committee in deferring the legislation was immediately labeled ‘a blockade to economic progress’ in the Pelican State. PortNOLA officials have ignored, however, that the Plaquemines Port container terminal project (under construction directly across the river) achieves almost all of these economic goals, would be built on undeveloped land, enjoys wide public support, and would actually fund infrastructure bridges to connect lower Plaquemines to Jefferson by rail and road, improving evacuation routes, and underwriting the removal of a dangerous train right-of-way which bisects downtown Gretna next to a public park where children play.  Jefferson and Plaquemines support their project as ardently at St. Bernard opposes PortNola’s “LIT” Project (as it is formally named).

Despite friendly articles in the daily paper, the lobbyist for Plaquemines terminal facility noted that while the Plaquemines project would require major infrastructure investment, “The LIT project in St. Bernard would actually require more infrastructure investment. Plus, the Plaquemines infrastructure projects are absolutely needed, irrespective of the container terminal being built — in fact, they're 15 years overdue based on congestion and safety issues. In contrast, the LIT-related infrastructure would only be built because of the proposed terminal there.”

He continues, “The LIT project would cost $1.8 billion. I know for a fact that its cost has now soared to $3.9 billion. This soaring cost would make it the most expensive U.S. container terminal ever built by far, all in order to produce very modest projected growth.  Because private dollars could never be justified through a reasonable return on investment of this amount, a great portion of this would have to be public money. In contrast, the entire Plaquemine terminal facility (as opposed to transportation infrastructure) would be built with private investment. Industry giant Maersk/APM Terminals is committed to supply this.”

“Finally, the Plaquemines project is supported by a very strong expert market study, which shows it aggressively attacking the Dallas market, which LIT would not do, and that would be a game changer for Louisiana. As a result, the Plaquemines container port would produce five times the container business growth over 10 years than LIT would produce in the same time period.”

The arguments proved enough to convince the state House Transportation Committee to vote to table the legislation, yet the fight is hardly over. PortNOLA lobbyists pledged to bring it back up for consideration later in the legislative session, despite local opposition.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65727361Fri, 25 Apr 2025 17:35:36 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher kick off with an interview with hospital activist Beth Pence. She reveals that only six Louisiana hospitals have been transparent with their pricing and cost for procedures, despite the law passed by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy which...
We then move to talking about our main subject, PortNOLA - more on that story below.

Our hosts also question the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s 2.46 Mills Renewal for 10 years, on the ballot May 3. The dysfunction in the Orleans Parish’s Sheriff’s Office has led to the construction of a jail complex, which the current Sheriff originally pledged not to use and has been— to put it politely— schizophrenic in the messaging of its eventual purpose.  Staff attrition stand at record rates, morale is down, and recidivism is up.

Sheriff Susan Hutson still has time to turn things around, and she still can make that on some of her progressive promises whilst balancing the law-and-order responsibilities of her office. Her election is not until this autumn, but she needs to take qualitative steps in order to be worthy of the tax dollars for which she asks the electorate.  Moreover, Hy and Christopher have long opposed elections where only one measure is on the ballot. Sheriff Hutson did not create this system, but she could’ve chosen to put this tax on the autumn ballot—when she herself was up for reelection.  Perhaps, that’s too much of a political ask, but if an elected official believes in the revenue measure, he, or she should put their own political feature on the line for it.
Bayham Beats Goliath in Container Port Battle
By Christopher Tidmore

On Wednesday, April 23, State Rep. Michael Bayham (joined by the entire Council of Saint Bernard, the Parish President, DA, and Sheriff’s representatives) dealt the Port of New Orleans a sensation which the archons of the Dock Board rarely experience before a legislative committee—the taste of defeat.

House Bill 616 would have granted the Port of New Orleans unilateral expropriation power to build a highway-level road from a new container-port which they proposed to build.  It would have run across the parish. The bill would have empowered PortNOLA to seize private property without the approval of the parish government, levy tolls (as well as exempt their own trucks & vehicles from those tolls), and contract with a private company to own the road, allowing the private firm to administer the seized property.

All of this to build a container-port which encounters majority opposition in St. Bernard Parish, to construct it on top of an historic African-American cemetery, and build in shadow of a Black community in Violet which likely would never be able to look upon the Mississippi River again.

Moreover, this container-port stands years overdue with its original budgetary cost of $1.8 billion soaring. to $3.9 billion.  Some even argue that taxpayers will likely be on the hook if it’s allowed to proceed— despite promises that private dollars will underwrite the container-port infrastructure. (Unlike in Plaquemines, PortNOLA representatives have demurred from explaining whom exactly will fund the full cost of the new container-port.)

The victory of the St Bernard Parish citizens in the LA House Transportation Committee in deferring the legislation was immediately labeled ‘a blockade to economic progress’ in the Pelican State. PortNOLA officials have ignored, however, that the Plaquemines Port container terminal project (under construction directly across the river) achieves almost all of these economic goals, would be built on undeveloped land, enjoys wide public support, and would actually fund infrastructure bridges to connect lower Plaquemines to Jefferson by rail and road, improving evacuation...]]>3240beth,christopher,founders,hospital,hutson,hy,legislature,louisiana,mchenry,orleans,parish,pence,politics,portnola,price,sheriff,show,susan,tidmore,transparencyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/start-of-louisiana-legislative-session-is-vat-the-answer-to-tariffs-deficits--65634894Then Hy and Christopher move on to one of the more controversial bills this year’s fiscal session, House Bill 609, which would impose a new stormwater fee on city properties. The fee would be regulated by the Public Service Commission, an elected body that oversees utilities around the state. The city’s Sewerage and Water Board funds its drainage operation chiefly through property taxes, but agency leaders have long said the taxes — which generate about $75 million annually — aren't enough.
State Rep. Mandie Landry, D-New Orleans, discussed the bill with both the S&WB and Gov. Landry, but said she is filing it independently. S&WB Executive Director Ghassan Korban has stumped for a drainage fee but also said this week he did not ask Landry to file the bill.  “We need a functioning Sewerage and Water Board. It needs to be less political,” Landry said.  Korban pledged to this radio show that no homeowner would receive a higher fee than they are currently paying in property taxes after the homestead exemption.  Some disagree of this will ultimately be the case.
Interestingly, the service fee would allow S&WB to put a fee on city buildings, nonprofits, universities, churches, and (most interestingly) the federal government.    If the bill passes in the current sessiom, the commission could enact a fee without City Council or voter approval, as the S&WB is a state agency. Landry said she’s still researching if the state can unilaterally impose the fee, but it “makes sense” to do so if possible. However, City Council President JP Morrell called the idea "completely silly," since, in his view, it violates a city charter provision designating the council as the city's sole utility regulator. “I don't know how you plan on, as a legislator, letting the PSC come into the city and begin to regulate us without getting the consent of citizens,” Morrell told the daily paper..  Since S&WB Is actually a state agency, the PSC would have primary authority, but it goes against over a 150 years of regulatory practice in the Crescent City.
We talk about originalism versus textualism in the Supreme Court looming review of “birthright citizenship”.  The case might come down to the vote of Justice Amy Coney Barrett of Metairie, who cares less about original intent, and more about what the amendment actually says.
Finally, Hy and Christopher ask if a “VAT is the Tariff/Deficit Answer”.
Medicaid and Obamacare are both under siege thanks to a deficit situation that is (in part) because of bills coming due from the pandemic, and in part from the Republican congressional delegation’s determined to renew and expand the Trump tax cuts. At the same time, tariffs loom which are certain to boost prices by at least 15 percent, if not even higher.
Republicans refuse to back down on income tax cuts, as the recently passed budget blueprint mandates, reasoning that only a continued tax regime favorable to the markets will arrest the slide into recession. Meanwhile, Democrats refuse to acknowledge that even if Congress let every 2017 tax cut expire, the nation’s entitlement programs would still run into dangerous deficits. Not without justification, they accuse the GOP of wanting to cut benefits; however, Democrats do not offer a funding plan to shore up the programs – meaning that in order to protect social security and Medicare as well as Medicaid and ACA, an alternative revenue source must be sought.
Meanwhile, the tariffs threaten to raise prices on basic goods and foodstuffs. Trump argues that those revenues from those import tariffs would allow his elimination of tax on tips and perhaps even of taxes on the first $150,000 of income for married couples – as well as restoration of most State And Local Tax Deductions (SALT) – a Democratic priority since Trump’s first term.
Moreover, Democrats make troubled defenders of universal open and free trade. Many progressives had suggested tariffs similar to Trump’s for the last three decades. As a political strategy, suddenly becoming the party of Trump-lite and embracing tariffs in the style of Joe Biden would not reap many political benefits. Democrats are historically the party of free trade, after all, and financially-open borders are attractive policies to their (traditional) urban and (relatively new) suburban bases.
If Trump has stolen the tariff message from Democrats, it’s time for Democrats to steal a tax message from the president’s greatest in-party nemesis, Paul Ryan. Democrats should embrace a value added tax (VAT), which would allow them to support popular income tax cuts and insist on free trade with America’s allies – all while closing the deficit.
A VAT is not a tariff, as imported goods are taxed equally to domestic goods for the end user, yet it exempts exports from taxation. Therefore, while the tax does raise prices, it also helps solve America’s manufacturing deficit problem, while at the same time enjoying such a broad base of taxation that a VAT raises more revenue than almost any other type of tax. It’s a sales tax on steroids.
A VAT is a consumption tax assessed on the value added in each production stage of a good or service. Every business along the value chain receives a tax credit for the VAT already paid. The end consumer does not, making it a tax on final consumption. It was Andrew Yang who proposed a VAT of 10 percent to provide a $12,000 per year minimum basic income. The idea is not exactly alien to core Democratic voters.
No Democrat likes sales taxes, but do they like tariffs even less? Paul Ryan had proposed replacing the corporate income tax with a VAT of 15 percent. It would have not only paid for that tax abolishment, but almost all of the 2017 tax cuts.
It’s not too late. The proliferation of tariffs provides political cover for Democrats. Come to a deal on enacting the popular tax cuts and renewing the 2017 cuts, and in exchange, lower the tariff on America’s allies. A condition of the VAT could be repeal of the 1974 Trade Act which gives unilateral power to the president to levy tariffs as he sees fit. A brief window of political opportunity exists to close the deficit, cut taxes, and avert a trade war before it even happens. It’s up to a few Democrats to reach out to Mike Johnson to make a deal. Johnson has no more desire to cut Medicaid to allow the tax cuts than many Democrats, though he will if he has no choice. After all, 40 percent of the residents of his rural district received their healthcare coverage from the program.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65634894Sat, 19 Apr 2025 15:25:34 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher begin this week’s program talking about the 2025 legislative session.  We kick off ruminating about over the Port of New Orleans seeking to build a container terminal in St. Bernard Parish—an issue coming up in the State House...Then Hy and Christopher move on to one of the more controversial bills this year’s fiscal session, House Bill 609, which would impose a new stormwater fee on city properties. The fee would be regulated by the Public Service Commission, an elected body that oversees utilities around the state. The city’s Sewerage and Water Board funds its drainage operation chiefly through property taxes, but agency leaders have long said the taxes — which generate about $75 million annually — aren't enough.
State Rep. Mandie Landry, D-New Orleans, discussed the bill with both the S&WB and Gov. Landry, but said she is filing it independently. S&WB Executive Director Ghassan Korban has stumped for a drainage fee but also said this week he did not ask Landry to file the bill.  “We need a functioning Sewerage and Water Board. It needs to be less political,” Landry said.  Korban pledged to this radio show that no homeowner would receive a higher fee than they are currently paying in property taxes after the homestead exemption.  Some disagree of this will ultimately be the case.
Interestingly, the service fee would allow S&WB to put a fee on city buildings, nonprofits, universities, churches, and (most interestingly) the federal government.    If the bill passes in the current sessiom, the commission could enact a fee without City Council or voter approval, as the S&WB is a state agency. Landry said she’s still researching if the state can unilaterally impose the fee, but it “makes sense” to do so if possible. However, City Council President JP Morrell called the idea "completely silly," since, in his view, it violates a city charter provision designating the council as the city's sole utility regulator. “I don't know how you plan on, as a legislator, letting the PSC come into the city and begin to regulate us without getting the consent of citizens,” Morrell told the daily paper..  Since S&WB Is actually a state agency, the PSC would have primary authority, but it goes against over a 150 years of regulatory practice in the Crescent City.
We talk about originalism versus textualism in the Supreme Court looming review of “birthright citizenship”.  The case might come down to the vote of Justice Amy Coney Barrett of Metairie, who cares less about original intent, and more about what the amendment actually says.
Finally, Hy and Christopher ask if a “VAT is the Tariff/Deficit Answer”.
Medicaid and Obamacare are both under siege thanks to a deficit situation that is (in part) because of bills coming due from the pandemic, and in part from the Republican congressional delegation’s determined to renew and expand the Trump tax cuts. At the same time, tariffs loom which are certain to boost prices by at least 15 percent, if not even higher.
Republicans refuse to back down on income tax cuts, as the recently passed budget blueprint mandates, reasoning that only a continued tax regime favorable to the markets will arrest the slide into recession. Meanwhile, Democrats refuse to acknowledge that even if Congress let every 2017 tax cut expire, the nation’s entitlement programs would still run into dangerous deficits. Not without justification, they accuse the GOP of wanting to cut benefits; however, Democrats do not offer a funding plan to...]]>3240christopher,deficit,founders,hy,legislative,louisiana,mchenry,medicaid,medicare,new,orleans,politics,session,show,tariff,tidmore,trump,vatfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-tariff-impacts-why-uno-needs-investment-and-a-visit-from-the-marquis-de-lafayette--65544297Marquis de Lafayette to New Orleans on his 1825 Farewell Tour. We are joined by General Lafayette himself (as well as his alter ego, Mark Schneider) and the President of the American Friends of Lafayette, Chuck Schwam.

We then talked to Trump tariffs and the potential deal to open 10% trade with 75 countries, and Christopher says the words you never expected, “Thank God for Benjamin Netanyahu and Elon Musk”.  Could expanded free trade follow?

For our main local topic, Christopher argues, “LSU Must Invest in UNO”

State Sen. Jimmy Harris, D-New Orleans, filed a bill last week to transfer the University of New Orleans, which has operated deficit and plunging enrollment, from the University of Louisiana system to the LSU system.  
     
From 1956 until 2011, UNO seemingly prospered under LSU’s aegis – boasting of tens of thousands of students and graduates. Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier both believe it could be again, and the GOP leadership stands in bipartisan support of Harris‘ bill. The legislation to transfer administrative control of UNO (in the April 14 legislative session) comes after the Board of Regents unanimously voted in favor of returning administrative oversight to LSU. If Harris’ bill passes, the transfer process would happen before the fall semester begins, yet few have devoted much brain power into reasoning exactly how LSU would reverse the loss in student enrollment, now at just 6,500, nor how to cover a projected future debt over $30 million.
      
Mostly, though, the legislative discussion has ignored why UNO became successful in the first place. LSU-NO, as the former lakefront military base-turned-university was originally dubbed, enjoyed decades of success in large part due to the quality staff and academic programs and partnerships championed by its founding first chief executive, Dr. Homer Hitt,.  
   
He led UNO from 1958 to 1980, and throughout his tenure as Chancellor, sought to create a university to which students would be drawn for more reasons than easy driving distance from Metairie or Gentilly.
   
Carol Gelderman, later the famed biographer of Henry Ford and Louis Auchincloss, was one of the young junior professors recruited by Chancellor Hitt in the early days of LSU-NO. As a relatively unknown female junior professor, she seemed a risky choice for most academic recruiters. Rarely did single, female professors from out-of-state usually win such posts. However, Hitt saw talent beyond her gender and youth, and students would clamor to win a spot in her class over the decades. In an interview with The Louisiana Weekly prior to her death, Gelderman noted the intellectual atmosphere and sense of excellence which Hitt engendered.
    
Gelderman lamented, “When UNO was taken away from LSU…many of the departments that made it special were gutted.” Yet, she also admitted that that process was underway even before the transfer from LSU, as the school no longer had the leadership it once enjoyed.
   
From the beginning, Hitt put a premium on talent, recruiting other young trendsetting professors like Nick Muller, Maurice Villere, John E. Altazan, Tim Ryan, Ellis Marsalis and, of course, Stephen Ambrose. Under Hitt’s watch, not only would the history department birth Ambrose’s Eisenhower Center, the intellectual forerunner of the National World War II Museum; theatre would spawn Marsalis’ award-winning jazz performance program; and Altazan’s business department would engender a world-renowned economic analysis group under Ryan and Villere.
    
Partnerships with notable local engineering firms would turn mechanical engineering into a national destination for aspiring engineers, and the naval architecture program reached international standing when it became a hot-house of development for Avondale and Bollinger shipyards.
    
Hitt achieved these academic triumphs despite meager fiscal resources thanks to strategic partnerships with industry and with the nonprofit sectors. Likewise, he stood by his professors, even when jealousy in academia resented bestselling authors or key research grants going to a small, supposedly “second rate” college. 
    
In other words, Hitt’s vision and stable presence over decades played a huge role, as did his willingness to reach beyond the typical university boundaries to seek funding and academic excellence to enhance UNO.  Without that kind of vision and focus, Gelderman noted that UNO might never have thrived in the first place.  After all, New Orleans does currently have another public four-year university in SUNO, which fulfills many of the roles of a “commuter” campus education. Logic suggests that LSU should fund and support UNO to accentuate its distinctiveness, or UNO has no reason to exist. 
     
Some of the proposed initial changes could involve restoring UNO’s historic academic relationships, particularly with the WWII Museum. Originally, the former D-Day Museum was supposed to serve as the nexus of a graduate American studies program specializing in 20th century military and political history, in direct partnership with UNO. The WWII Museum ultimately did create those academically accredited graduate programs, yet its staff opted partnered with the University of Arizona, due to UNO’s operational deterioration in recent years. Mechanical engineering has lost many of its strategic alliances with local industry, even as Tulane gave up that academic course of study post-Katrina, eliminating the academic competition. Naval architecture never really embraced the mergers of the local shipbuilding industry. Reaching out to the remaining players must stand as a priority to insure on-the-job, real-would experience for UNO students.
     
LSU, though, must resolve to treat UNO as fat more than as a satellite similar to LSU-Shreveport or LSU-Alexandria. Members of faculty at these schools have lamented to this newspaper that they often feel like “stepchildren” in academic planning. The LSU main campus in Baton Rouge is crowded and surging with out-of-state students – a sign of health. Some of its programs – perhaps even entire academic departments – could be transferred to New Orleans’ Lakefront campus, which has quite a lot of available space. Upper divisional and graduate students would follow.  
     
Unless the LSU board commits to putting both financial AND academic resources into UNO, little chance exists that the university will be able to grapple with its substantial long-term debt, which Board of Regents officials said could be as high as $30 million. Nor will it be able to deal with an enrollment that has gone from 17,000 to 6500.  More importantly, a city as dynamic as New Orleans deserves a research-oriented, public university of excellence. 
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65544297Fri, 11 Apr 2025 22:44:55 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher start the show by celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the visit of the https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/15/arts/lafayatte-marquis-american-revolution.html to New Orleans on his 1825 Farewell Tour. We are joined by General Lafayette...Marquis de Lafayette to New Orleans on his 1825 Farewell Tour. We are joined by General Lafayette himself (as well as his alter ego, Mark Schneider) and the President of the American Friends of Lafayette, Chuck Schwam.

We then talked to Trump tariffs and the potential deal to open 10% trade with 75 countries, and Christopher says the words you never expected, “Thank God for Benjamin Netanyahu and Elon Musk”.  Could expanded free trade follow?

For our main local topic, Christopher argues, “LSU Must Invest in UNO”

State Sen. Jimmy Harris, D-New Orleans, filed a bill last week to transfer the University of New Orleans, which has operated deficit and plunging enrollment, from the University of Louisiana system to the LSU system.  
     
From 1956 until 2011, UNO seemingly prospered under LSU’s aegis – boasting of tens of thousands of students and graduates. Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier both believe it could be again, and the GOP leadership stands in bipartisan support of Harris‘ bill. The legislation to transfer administrative control of UNO (in the April 14 legislative session) comes after the Board of Regents unanimously voted in favor of returning administrative oversight to LSU. If Harris’ bill passes, the transfer process would happen before the fall semester begins, yet few have devoted much brain power into reasoning exactly how LSU would reverse the loss in student enrollment, now at just 6,500, nor how to cover a projected future debt over $30 million.
      
Mostly, though, the legislative discussion has ignored why UNO became successful in the first place. LSU-NO, as the former lakefront military base-turned-university was originally dubbed, enjoyed decades of success in large part due to the quality staff and academic programs and partnerships championed by its founding first chief executive, Dr. Homer Hitt,.  
   
He led UNO from 1958 to 1980, and throughout his tenure as Chancellor, sought to create a university to which students would be drawn for more reasons than easy driving distance from Metairie or Gentilly.
   
Carol Gelderman, later the famed biographer of Henry Ford and Louis Auchincloss, was one of the young junior professors recruited by Chancellor Hitt in the early days of LSU-NO. As a relatively unknown female junior professor, she seemed a risky choice for most academic recruiters. Rarely did single, female professors from out-of-state usually win such posts. However, Hitt saw talent beyond her gender and youth, and students would clamor to win a spot in her class over the decades. In an interview with The Louisiana Weekly prior to her death, Gelderman noted the intellectual atmosphere and sense of excellence which Hitt engendered.
    
Gelderman lamented, “When UNO was taken away from LSU…many of the departments that made it special were gutted.” Yet, she also admitted that that process was underway even before the transfer from LSU, as the school no longer had the leadership it once enjoyed.
   
From the beginning, Hitt put a premium on talent, recruiting other young trendsetting professors like Nick Muller, Maurice Villere, John E. Altazan, Tim Ryan, Ellis Marsalis and, of course, Stephen Ambrose. Under Hitt’s watch, not only would the history department birth Ambrose’s Eisenhower Center, the intellectual forerunner of the National World War II Museum; theatre would spawn Marsalis’ award-winning jazz performance program; and Altazan’s business department would engender a world-renowned economic analysis group under...]]>3240christopher,founders,hy,impact,lafayette,louisiana,lsu,marquis,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,show,tariffs,tidmore,trump,unofalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-tariff-impact--65406029afl-louisiana.com

Most of today’s show, we talk about how high Democratic voter turnout gave a major defeat to Gov. Jeff Landry, and how it might negatively impact Landry’s agenda in looming legislative session, beginning April 14.  Christopher’s column in The Louisiana Weekly explains how…

La. minority voter turnout created ‘Blue Wave’

An interesting phenomenon occurred in the March 29 election. Turnout was so strong in cities, and particularly amongst African Americans, that Louisiana became a “blue state” for one election. 

Not only were the conservative-leaning state constitutional amendments all rejected, but a Democratic candidate also surged in a West Bank Jefferson Parish Council seat – enough so to edge a veteran politician out of the runoff.
     
All four constitutional amendments failed, with approximately 65 percent of the Louisiana electorate opposing. Despite Gov. Jeff Landry’s active support, opposition in GOP parishes tended to trend with the rest of the state. Republican Jefferson Parish shot down Amendment 2 with 66 percent voting against. Uber-Republican St. Tammany Parish only passed Amendment 2 by two percentage points, 51 to 49 percent.  
      
Even Donald Trump Jr.’s active campaigning for the constitutional amendments made little difference. In these two parishes where his father won with 55 percent and 71 percent respectively, and Republicans had carried more than 70 percent of the vote in the gubernatorial contest in the year before, the amendments went down to defeat.
      
However, one could blame the hesitancy of enacting a bad law, if the surge of Democrats versus Republicans had not reflected itself in other races. Anecdotally, the Jefferson Parish 1st District council race was expected to be an all-Republican runoff. The West Bank council seat regularly turns out almost 75 percent for the GOP in statewide and federal elections. However, the total Republican vote added up to 64 percent, with Lafitte Mayor Tim Kerner Jr. earning 36 percent and former Parish Councilman Ricky Templet underperforming at 28 percent.
       
Put another way, Democrat Andrea Manuel had little name recognition, no money, and even less political support. Most prominent Democrats had lined up behind one of the two Republicans. She had no unusual platform ideas which would inspire crossover voters. Manuel stood as an African American and Democrat in a council district hostile to both, yet she massively over-performed.
      
This strong Democratic trend extended across the state. Small towns like Sorrento in Ascension Parish saw Democrats win 57 percent of the vote in councilmanic elections versus Republicans at 43 percent. 
      
Some might argue the state constitutional amendments failed because church groups worried about the taxing potential on nonprofit properties inherent in a provision of Amendment 2, so conservative religious voters turned against them. Still, in “GOP Louisiana’s” 64 parishes, only 11 saw majorities vote “yes” on all amendments. 
      
That does little to explain the other defeats, unless one looks at the disparities of turnout.  Between March 15 and March 22, the early voting period, 99,000 Democrats voted whereas just 66,000 Republicans showed up to the polls. More critically, over 70,000 Black voters cast their ballots ahead of the election. According to pollster John Couvillon, in Orleans Parish, 31 percent of registered voters went to the polls – more than the 27 percent of Orleans voters in October of 2023 when Jeff Landry was elected governor. East Baton Rouge Parish also saw a higher voter turnout than the statewide average, with 26 percent of the parish's voters showing up. In contrast, only 23 percent of the electorate turned out in Jefferson Parish. In Landry’s home parish of St. Martin, only 17 percent of voters showed up at the polls. That contrasts with the 73 percent of the St. Martin electorate who backed Landry in 2023. Moreover, 50 percent of the parish’s voters said “no” to the amendments.
      
Put simply, Democrats came to the polls when Republicans did not. African Americans voted in a greater percentage of their population than Caucasians did. The power of turnout and the willingness to vote swung a critical constitutional vote in Louisiana, and for a day, the red state went blue.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65406029Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:44:57 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher begin by talking about the impact of the Trump tariffs, and end the show highlighting the festivities this week celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the visit of the Marquis de Lafayette to New Orleans.  Many of the events are free...afl-louisiana.com

Most of today’s show, we talk about how high Democratic voter turnout gave a major defeat to Gov. Jeff Landry, and how it might negatively impact Landry’s agenda in looming legislative session, beginning April 14.  Christopher’s column in The Louisiana Weekly explains how…

La. minority voter turnout created ‘Blue Wave’

An interesting phenomenon occurred in the March 29 election. Turnout was so strong in cities, and particularly amongst African Americans, that Louisiana became a “blue state” for one election. 

Not only were the conservative-leaning state constitutional amendments all rejected, but a Democratic candidate also surged in a West Bank Jefferson Parish Council seat – enough so to edge a veteran politician out of the runoff.
     
All four constitutional amendments failed, with approximately 65 percent of the Louisiana electorate opposing. Despite Gov. Jeff Landry’s active support, opposition in GOP parishes tended to trend with the rest of the state. Republican Jefferson Parish shot down Amendment 2 with 66 percent voting against. Uber-Republican St. Tammany Parish only passed Amendment 2 by two percentage points, 51 to 49 percent.  
      
Even Donald Trump Jr.’s active campaigning for the constitutional amendments made little difference. In these two parishes where his father won with 55 percent and 71 percent respectively, and Republicans had carried more than 70 percent of the vote in the gubernatorial contest in the year before, the amendments went down to defeat.
      
However, one could blame the hesitancy of enacting a bad law, if the surge of Democrats versus Republicans had not reflected itself in other races. Anecdotally, the Jefferson Parish 1st District council race was expected to be an all-Republican runoff. The West Bank council seat regularly turns out almost 75 percent for the GOP in statewide and federal elections. However, the total Republican vote added up to 64 percent, with Lafitte Mayor Tim Kerner Jr. earning 36 percent and former Parish Councilman Ricky Templet underperforming at 28 percent.
       
Put another way, Democrat Andrea Manuel had little name recognition, no money, and even less political support. Most prominent Democrats had lined up behind one of the two Republicans. She had no unusual platform ideas which would inspire crossover voters. Manuel stood as an African American and Democrat in a council district hostile to both, yet she massively over-performed.
      
This strong Democratic trend extended across the state. Small towns like Sorrento in Ascension Parish saw Democrats win 57 percent of the vote in councilmanic elections versus Republicans at 43 percent. 
      
Some might argue the state constitutional amendments failed because church groups worried about the taxing potential on nonprofit properties inherent in a provision of Amendment 2, so conservative religious voters turned against them. Still, in “GOP Louisiana’s” 64 parishes, only 11 saw majorities vote “yes” on all amendments. 
      
That does little to explain the other defeats, unless one looks at the disparities of turnout.  Between March 15 and March 22, the early voting period, 99,000 Democrats voted whereas just 66,000 Republicans showed up to the polls. More critically, over 70,000 Black voters cast their ballots ahead of the election. According to pollster John...]]>3240amendments,america,failure,founders,landry,louisiana,new,orleans,politics,show,tariffs,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ib-taxes-love-lost-an-elixir-of-love--65217384
Seven Louisiana schools, including the French Quarter-bound Lycée Francais use the IB, but the internationally-recognized,  integrated educational system has a significantly small presence in Pelican State. Robert Kelty, the North American Head of Outreach and Development for IBO.org joins us to find out why the program may be the key to bettering our schools, and how his foundation is opening a pilot school to provide educational resources in Louisiana—to help acceptance of the IB program.  For the Louisiana born and LSU-educated US & Canada Director of the International Baccalaureate Organization, the issue is deeply personal.

Hy and Christopher then chat with Ned Canty, the director of “Elixir of Love” premiering on April 4 & 6 at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre in the Armstrong Park.  He tells us how a Chinese audience made him reinterpret the Donizetti comic opera into an “Old West” version, and how here in New Orleans, the Opera will take on a Cajun Cowboy theme.  Fiddler and Acadian Country star Amanda Shaw will be appearing in the opera and headlining a Fais Do Do afterwards.  A special date night package is available for $95.00 (for two) at The New Orleans Opera website.

We then mention that Mississippi is phasing out its income tax even faster than anyone expected. The MS legislature was supposed to approve income tax cuts only when revenue increases meet at 85% threshold, thus phasing out the tax over years.  A misprint in the final bill put it at .85%, though, which would mean that Mississippi loses its income tax by 2030–at the latest.  With Texas, Florida, and Tennessee also having no income tax, will Louisiana have phase it out next just to remain competitive?

Hy and Christopher also talk about the legacy of US Rep. Mia Love and the impacts of the Signal scandal.  It suffices to say that our hosts disagree.

Here are both Christopher’s columns in this coming edition of The Louisiana Weekly.

Love When It Counted
By Christopher Tidmore

The first Black woman Republican Congressman passed away last week at the age of 49.  Mia Love began her public life a neighborhood activist who got involved in politics for all of the right reasons, just as she stood up as a voice of integrity against Donald Trump’s hijacking of the moral center of the GOP.

The daughter of Haitian immigrants, she understood—and articulated— the critical importance of those who come to this country seeking a better life.  She took on the President when he denigrated immigrants— in particularly Haitians—who shared the same color of skin as she.  Mia Love fearlessly pointed out the racist underpinnings of some of Donald Trump‘s rhetoric, and she paid a huge political price for her integrity.

Love started out as a community activist in Saratoga Springs, Utah, in an effort to persuade the developer of her neighborhood to spray against flies.  Then, in 2003, she won a seat on the Saratoga Springs City Council. She was the first female Black elected official in Utah County, fixed a massive budget deficit, and went on to become Mayor of the town.  She ran twice for Congress, winning on her second bid in 2014.

When Trump won the presidency, Love very openly questioned his rhetoric and policies.  As a direct consequence of the hostility emanating from the Oval Office, she lost her reelection in 2018 to Salt Lake Democratic Mayor Ben McAdams by just 694 votes or razor thin margin of .258%—due to GOP defections.  Following her defeat, President Trump mocked Love, saying, "Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost."

In her concession speech, Love hit back at Trump, saying that he and others in the Republican Party had not done enough for minority voters, arguing, "This election experience...shines a spotlight on the problems Washington politicians have with minorities and Black Americans — it's transactional. It's not personal. Because Republicans never take minority communities into their home and citizens into their homes and into their hearts, those voters stay with Democrats and bureaucrats in Washington because they do take them home, or at least make them feel like they have a home."

Congresswoman Love observed how far her party had come from Reagan’s “city upon a hill” inspirationalism as well as George W. Bush’s welcoming attitude towards immigrants by embracing MAGA and Trump.  To the dismay of some liberals, she also observed that denigrating decent men like Reagan and the Bushes as ‘fonts of selfishness and malignancy on the republic’ made Democrats seem to be “crying Wolf “ when they used the same arguments  against Donald Trump.  At the historical moment when those warnings were most needed, few swing voters were willing to believe them since they had been so overused and abused by progressives.

Mia Love stood out as one of the only major Black politicians who could make that argument consistently, as both a supporter of both Reagan and Bush as well as a child of minority immigrants herself.  The personification of American exceptionalism, her death at the age of 49 to brain cancer leaves the American body politic far poorer.

Not worthy to text from behind the Resolute Desk

Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush must be rolling in their graves so consistently—in horror to which their party’s national security apparatus has been reduced—that the shades of the former presidents must resemble perpetual motion machines at this point. Maybe that’s Donald Trump’s secret plan to revive the economy, tapping the free centripetal energy from the troubled souls of leaders past.

If any Democratic administration had shared critical intelligence information via a commercially available app, the calls for impeachment as well as termination of senior officials would be deafening from the GOP leadership.  After all, the emails that were downloaded onto Hillary Clinton‘s personal computer constituted such a national security scandal in Donald Trump‘s mind that she deserved “to go to prison”.

Now, Trump will not even fire National Security Advisor Mike Waltz for including the Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg in the group chat discussing the nation’s secrets on an unsecured Text chain…

Read more in the editorial section of The Louisiana Weekly
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65217384Sat, 29 Mar 2025 14:58:14 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Louisiana public schools have made major advances in reading and math, yet still lag behind other states in educational achievement.  Could the International Baccalaureate (IB) program service as the solution? Seven Louisiana schools, including the...
Seven Louisiana schools, including the French Quarter-bound Lycée Francais use the IB, but the internationally-recognized,  integrated educational system has a significantly small presence in Pelican State. Robert Kelty, the North American Head of Outreach and Development for IBO.org joins us to find out why the program may be the key to bettering our schools, and how his foundation is opening a pilot school to provide educational resources in Louisiana—to help acceptance of the IB program.  For the Louisiana born and LSU-educated US & Canada Director of the International Baccalaureate Organization, the issue is deeply personal.

Hy and Christopher then chat with Ned Canty, the director of “Elixir of Love” premiering on April 4 & 6 at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre in the Armstrong Park.  He tells us how a Chinese audience made him reinterpret the Donizetti comic opera into an “Old West” version, and how here in New Orleans, the Opera will take on a Cajun Cowboy theme.  Fiddler and Acadian Country star Amanda Shaw will be appearing in the opera and headlining a Fais Do Do afterwards.  A special date night package is available for $95.00 (for two) at The New Orleans Opera website.

We then mention that Mississippi is phasing out its income tax even faster than anyone expected. The MS legislature was supposed to approve income tax cuts only when revenue increases meet at 85% threshold, thus phasing out the tax over years.  A misprint in the final bill put it at .85%, though, which would mean that Mississippi loses its income tax by 2030–at the latest.  With Texas, Florida, and Tennessee also having no income tax, will Louisiana have phase it out next just to remain competitive?

Hy and Christopher also talk about the legacy of US Rep. Mia Love and the impacts of the Signal scandal.  It suffices to say that our hosts disagree.

Here are both Christopher’s columns in this coming edition of The Louisiana Weekly.

Love When It Counted
By Christopher Tidmore

The first Black woman Republican Congressman passed away last week at the age of 49.  Mia Love began her public life a neighborhood activist who got involved in politics for all of the right reasons, just as she stood up as a voice of integrity against Donald Trump’s hijacking of the moral center of the GOP.

The daughter of Haitian immigrants, she understood—and articulated— the critical importance of those who come to this country seeking a better life.  She took on the President when he denigrated immigrants— in particularly Haitians—who shared the same color of skin as she.  Mia Love fearlessly pointed out the racist underpinnings of some of Donald Trump‘s rhetoric, and she paid a huge political price for her integrity.

Love started out as a community activist in Saratoga Springs, Utah, in an effort to persuade the developer of her neighborhood to spray against flies.  Then, in 2003, she won a seat on the Saratoga Springs City Council. She was the first female Black elected official in Utah County, fixed a massive budget deficit, and went on to become Mayor of the town.  She ran twice for Congress, winning on her second bid in 2014.

When Trump won the presidency, Love very openly questioned his rhetoric and policies.  As a direct consequence of the hostility emanating from the Oval Office, she lost her reelection in 2018 to Salt Lake Democratic Mayor Ben McAdams by just 694 votes or razor thin margin of .258%—due to GOP defections.  Following her defeat, President...]]>3240christopher,founders,hy,ib,louisiana,love,mchenry,new,opera,orleans,politics,scandal,show,signal,taxes,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-end-of-the-clarion-herald-donald-trump-ukraine--65021563Community newspapers unite us. Sometimes they highlight something as consequential as a crime wave or as simple as a pothole, but they emphasize what is best – as well as what is needful – in our neighborhoods.  As national and international coverage pulls us apart, separating us into ideological tribes, local media reminds us what we have in common – for good or for ill. There is no Republican or Democratic way to pick up the trash, after all.  
Local newspapers stand as a key element in the creation of a sense of community, hence the moniker, and with the death of The Clarion Herald, New Orleans becomes slightly less of one. After 63 years of covering everything from high school sports to parish fish fries, the local Roman Catholic newspaper will cease publication in its current form at the end of June.
The move comes after a committee of archdiocesan church clergy voted this past summer to eliminate two main sources of funding for the newspaper, both of which come directly from individual parish coffers: one percent of weekly collections and a $15 fee assessed to each Catholic school family. Collectively, those funding sources constitute roughly half of The Clarion Herald’s $1 million annual budget. Absent those monies, the publication – which has a circulation of 37,000 – can no longer afford to continue as a biweekly newspaper, according to longtime editor Peter Finney Jr.
The Clarion Herald, like The Louisiana Weekly, has often covered stories which could not and would not appear anywhere else. Its print aspect and its wide distribution in Catholic churches and coffee houses made it accessible for those caught iPhone-less in the digital divide.  Despite a valiant effort being undertaken by the archdiocese to resurrect the publication in some quarterly or digital format, the loss of regular reporters covering parish-based or school-based beats cannot be replicated on an occasional schedule. A 2011 report by the Federal Communications Commission found that local newspapers serve as the best medium to provide the sort of public service journalism which shines a light on “the major issues confronting communities and gives residents the information they need to solve their problems.”
The United States has lost one-third of its newspapers and two-thirds of its newspaper journalists since 2005, an average of 2.5 newspapers closed each week in the last two years alone. Put another way, 3,000 newspapers have closed in the last two decades, and 43,000 newspaper journalists have lost their jobs. Some of the closures may have proven inevitable, yet the decision to allow corporate chains to buy out the competition and establish monopoly metropolitan dailies has had a chilling effect on the print advertising market – which has historically supported local newspapers. GE stands as the most famous case of becoming a parent company of news outlets despite many corporate interests which might conflict with unbiased news coverage.
The largest 25 newspaper chains own a third of all newspapers, including two-thirds of the country’s 1,200 dailies. Not surprisingly, the number of independent owners has declined significantly in recent years, as family-owned and community papers have thrown in the towel and sold to “the big guys.” Thanks to a lack of antitrust enforcement and economies of scale, the local advertising market has reached a tipping point where it cannot alone support local media. It is up to hometown stakeholders to subscribe, purchase advertising, and contribute financially to keep community newspapers alive.
This autumn, The Louisiana Weekly, the newspaper which Christopher proudly serves as Associate Editor, will celebrate his 100th anniversary. Nevertheless, our newspaper is not immune to the pressures visited upon our fellows. One of the oldest consistent voices of the African-American community, and for those who often find themselves without coverage in the mainstream media, the continued existence of newspapers like ours takes on a moral imperative. As The Clarion Herald closes its doors, so much parochial and parish news will find itself uncovered and untold, the loss will hollow out a part of New Orleans’ soul, just as it has in other communities dependent upon their unique newspaper source.
Many speculate as to the source of the divisions in our society in recent years, yet our editors postulate that the diminishing outlets for local news have played a large role in our greater social divisions. Keeping community newspapers alive is up to the subscribers and to the myriad of those who care about our neighborhoods and cultures. Losing local newspapers means America as a whole faces becoming more tribal and more divided than even now, even more than we can conceive.
Where is America’s Churchill?
By Christopher Tidmore
Contributing Writer
Once upon a time, a leader of a great nation wished to avoid war at all costs. He thought it was absurd to prepare armies for combat “because of a quarrel in a far away country between people of whom we know nothing.”
As one of the only UK Conservative MPs voicing opposition to his own party’s prime minister, Winston Churchill replied to these words uttered by Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain with a damning indictment: “You were given the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor, and you will have war.”
The Munich Agreement was supposed to render to the English-speaking world what Chamberlain bragged of as “peace in our time.” It sought to satiate an aggressive dictator pursuing what he described as “minor” territorial changes. After all, Bohemia had been part of German-owned lands once upon a time, and all Adolf Hitler wanted were the border territories whose inhabitants spoke the same language as he and his countrymen. Surrendering the Sudetenland would end all danger of war. Less than a year later, however, Czechoslovakia was no more, and Nazi troops poured across the border into Poland.
History may not repeat itself, but it certainly rhymes, of late. Donetsk today and Poland tomorrow? Vladimir Putin makes empty promises to America’s Chamberlain as the Slavic autocrat’s own words in a manifesto published three years ago profess a desire to subsume Ukraine and Poland as historic territories of the Russian empire.
Naively, Donald Trump thought he had the beginnings of a peace agreement after he and Putin spoke on the phone for nearly three hours on Tuesday, March 18.
Read the rest in The Louisiana Weekly

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65021563Tue, 25 Mar 2025 21:00:14 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher lament the loss of another local newspaper, and question if our society had become more crass and divided as local journalism outlets die?  We then turned to Donald Trump and Ukraine. Christopher contends in a column of The...Community newspapers unite us. Sometimes they highlight something as consequential as a crime wave or as simple as a pothole, but they emphasize what is best – as well as what is needful – in our neighborhoods.  As national and international coverage pulls us apart, separating us into ideological tribes, local media reminds us what we have in common – for good or for ill. There is no Republican or Democratic way to pick up the trash, after all.  
Local newspapers stand as a key element in the creation of a sense of community, hence the moniker, and with the death of The Clarion Herald, New Orleans becomes slightly less of one. After 63 years of covering everything from high school sports to parish fish fries, the local Roman Catholic newspaper will cease publication in its current form at the end of June.
The move comes after a committee of archdiocesan church clergy voted this past summer to eliminate two main sources of funding for the newspaper, both of which come directly from individual parish coffers: one percent of weekly collections and a $15 fee assessed to each Catholic school family. Collectively, those funding sources constitute roughly half of The Clarion Herald’s $1 million annual budget. Absent those monies, the publication – which has a circulation of 37,000 – can no longer afford to continue as a biweekly newspaper, according to longtime editor Peter Finney Jr.
The Clarion Herald, like The Louisiana Weekly, has often covered stories which could not and would not appear anywhere else. Its print aspect and its wide distribution in Catholic churches and coffee houses made it accessible for those caught iPhone-less in the digital divide.  Despite a valiant effort being undertaken by the archdiocese to resurrect the publication in some quarterly or digital format, the loss of regular reporters covering parish-based or school-based beats cannot be replicated on an occasional schedule. A 2011 report by the Federal Communications Commission found that local newspapers serve as the best medium to provide the sort of public service journalism which shines a light on “the major issues confronting communities and gives residents the information they need to solve their problems.”
The United States has lost one-third of its newspapers and two-thirds of its newspaper journalists since 2005, an average of 2.5 newspapers closed each week in the last two years alone. Put another way, 3,000 newspapers have closed in the last two decades, and 43,000 newspaper journalists have lost their jobs. Some of the closures may have proven inevitable, yet the decision to allow corporate chains to buy out the competition and establish monopoly metropolitan dailies has had a chilling effect on the print advertising market – which has historically supported local newspapers. GE stands as the most famous case of becoming a parent company of news outlets despite many corporate interests which might conflict with unbiased news coverage.
The largest 25 newspaper chains own a third of all newspapers, including two-thirds of the country’s 1,200 dailies. Not surprisingly, the number of independent owners has declined significantly in recent years, as family-owned and community papers have thrown in the towel and sold to “the big guys.” Thanks to a lack of antitrust enforcement and economies of scale, the local advertising market has reached a tipping point where it cannot alone support local media. It is up to hometown stakeholders to subscribe, purchase advertising, and contribute financially to keep community newspapers alive.
This...]]>3240christopher,clarion,donald,founders,herald,hy,louisiana,mchenry,new,newspaper,orleans,politics,putin,show,tidmore,trump,ukraine,warfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/does-trump-actually-have-a-plan--64904617Jersey Boys at Le Petit Theatre, running Thursday-Sunday through April 6. Joined in the conversation by Sebastian Rohn (Frankie Valli), Knox Van Horn (Nick DeVito and others), and Stephanie Abry (Lorraine and others), we talk about how the story of The Four Seasons particularly lends itself to a musical theater interpretation.

Jersey Boys follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards® and Olivier Awards®, we’ll take you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship that goes from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Tickets are available here.

Hy and Christopher then flashback to a speech that Ronald Reagan gave siding the danger of tariffs. The two hosts debate if Trump has betrayed the conservative revolution? Many of the President’s choices have been spur of the moment. Hy defends the logic behind them, while Christopher notes that it’s not just tariffs that seem so haphazard; it’s extending to appointments as well

The 1st Black bank regulator to be replaced by white GOP insider
By Christopher Tidmore
Maybe it was always too good to be true. For a while, though, it seemed like President Trump had made a surprisingly strong and racially historic appointment for U.S. Comptroller of the Currency, which basically regulates America’s banks.

Rodney E. Hood had already made history in Trump’s first term, becoming the first African American to lead a federal financial regulator – as chairman of the National Credit Union Administration, where he served from 2019 until 2024. That actually constituted his second appointment as an NCUA regulator, also having held that position from 2005 to 2010. 

Both there and throughout his career, Hood has stood as a strong supporter of community banking and perhaps the nation’s loudest Republican advocate for extending credit opportunities to disadvantaged communities. He also maintained a robust opposition to “debanking,” a supposed priority of the Trump administration in its first months back in office.

Therefore, when Hood was named “acting” comptroller on February 10, most observers widely expected that he would eventually be Trump's nominee to lead this critical independent bureau of the U.S. Treasury Department – which supervises all national banks and federal thrift institutions in the United States. Notably, Hood has twice been confirmed by the U.S. Senate without controversy.

But not so fast. Now, the Oval Office is proposing a Caucasian securities lawyer with less experience – yet perhaps possessed of a higher campaign contribution record – for the job.
Donald Trump has often declared that he seeks the best qualified person for each position. “The best people,” as he puts it, and the president certainly seemed satisfied with Hood as chair of the NCUA in his first term. However in a move which has gained little press attention, the Trump White House decided to submit a different candidate to the Senate for confirmation – a politically-connected securities lawyer with only a fraction of Hood’s regulatory experience.

Hood will remain in the job until the upper chamber of Congress accepts or rejects that candidate. 
Considering the comptroller oversees pretty much the entire banking sector, the Senate might wish to consider whether to accept a replacement candidate over one who has better qualifications. After all, that defines the nature of its constitutional “advise and consent” power.

Unless, of course, President Trump has bigger things in mind for Rodney Hood. Currently, not much evidence exists to suggest such a happy outcome, yet these decisions often remain impenetrable to the average voter.

President Trump makes frequent mention that he increased his 2016 share of the Black vote to an historic level last year for a GOP contender. It has been surmised by some that the increase has more to do with Democrats having taken the African-American electorate for granted. Now, perhaps, Trump replicates that same mistake. The president often has predicated his rejection of DEI programs on the notion that the “best qualified” candidate should always get the job. Unless, one might be forgiven for suspecting, if that candidate happens to be the Black guy?
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64904617Sat, 15 Mar 2025 21:04:17 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher kickoff this week show talking about a new production of Jersey Boys at Le Petit Theatre, running Thursday-Sunday through April 6. Joined in the conversation by Sebastian Rohn (Frankie Valli), Knox Van Horn (Nick DeVito and others),...Jersey Boys at Le Petit Theatre, running Thursday-Sunday through April 6. Joined in the conversation by Sebastian Rohn (Frankie Valli), Knox Van Horn (Nick DeVito and others), and Stephanie Abry (Lorraine and others), we talk about how the story of The Four Seasons particularly lends itself to a musical theater interpretation.

Jersey Boys follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards® and Olivier Awards®, we’ll take you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship that goes from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Tickets are available here.

Hy and Christopher then flashback to a speech that Ronald Reagan gave siding the danger of tariffs. The two hosts debate if Trump has betrayed the conservative revolution? Many of the President’s choices have been spur of the moment. Hy defends the logic behind them, while Christopher notes that it’s not just tariffs that seem so haphazard; it’s extending to appointments as well

The 1st Black bank regulator to be replaced by white GOP insider
By Christopher Tidmore
Maybe it was always too good to be true. For a while, though, it seemed like President Trump had made a surprisingly strong and racially historic appointment for U.S. Comptroller of the Currency, which basically regulates America’s banks.

Rodney E. Hood had already made history in Trump’s first term, becoming the first African American to lead a federal financial regulator – as chairman of the National Credit Union Administration, where he served from 2019 until 2024. That actually constituted his second appointment as an NCUA regulator, also having held that position from 2005 to 2010. 

Both there and throughout his career, Hood has stood as a strong supporter of community banking and perhaps the nation’s loudest Republican advocate for extending credit opportunities to disadvantaged communities. He also maintained a robust opposition to “debanking,” a supposed priority of the Trump administration in its first months back in office.

Therefore, when Hood was named “acting” comptroller on February 10, most observers widely expected that he would eventually be Trump's nominee to lead this critical independent bureau of the U.S. Treasury Department – which supervises all national banks and federal thrift institutions in the United States. Notably, Hood has twice been confirmed by the U.S. Senate without controversy.

But not so fast. Now, the Oval Office is proposing a Caucasian securities lawyer with less experience – yet perhaps possessed of a higher campaign contribution record – for the job.
Donald Trump has often declared that he seeks the best qualified person for each position. “The best people,” as he puts it, and the president certainly seemed satisfied with Hood as chair of the NCUA in his first term. However in a move which has gained little press attention, the Trump White House decided to submit a different candidate to the Senate for confirmation – a politically-connected securities lawyer with only a fraction of Hood’s regulatory experience.

Hood will remain in the job until the upper chamber of Congress accepts or rejects that candidate. 
Considering the comptroller oversees pretty much the entire banking sector, the Senate might wish to consider whether to accept a replacement candidate over one who has better qualifications. After all, that defines the nature of its constitutional “advise and consent” power.

Unless, of course, President Trump has bigger things in mind for Rodney Hood....]]>3240boys,christopher,founders,hy,jersey,louisiana,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,president,reagan,show,tariffs,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jefferson-parish-council-district-1-debate--64753662https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64753662Fri, 07 Mar 2025 19:30:49 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)State Rep. Ricky Templet faces off against activist Andrea Manuel in a debate for the (West Bank) District 1 Jefferson Parish Council seat. Hosted by the Crimefighters organization, the March 29 election is to fill the unexpired term of Marion...3240andrea,christopher,council,crimefighters,founders,hy,irv,jefferson,kerner,louisiana,magri,manuel,mchenry,parish,politics,ricky,show,templet,tidmore,timfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-s-carnival-time--64645112https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64645112Sat, 01 Mar 2025 16:07:37 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)It’s Carnival time all the time on this edition of The Founders Show, talking Mardi Gras traditions to the melodies of Armand St. Martin’s original musical compositions, heard exclusively on this week’s broadcast with Hy & Christopher.3240carnival,christopher,founders,gras,hy,mardi,mchenry,music,new,orleans,show,the,tidmore,traditionsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jane-delacour-talks-the-axe-woman-of-bourbon-street--64511727The Axe Woman Of Bourbon Street.

Bourbon Street in New Orleans was a glamorous place with a long-held reputation for a good time. While the rest of America was getting more conservative, Bourbon Street became more salacious. Burlesque dancers filled the stages as live bands played to entice tourists inside the darkened bars. Evangeline the Oyster Girl was already a headling act in 1949, rising seductively out of her oyster shell, her erotic ballet filled the seats. Evangeline's star continued to rise until a new act rolled into town. Divina the Aqua Tease also had a water theme to her act which was now going to take the spotlight off of Evangeline. Divina wanted to be the new headliner, but Evangeline had other plans.

New Orleans' own "Historian Jane" wrote this short read to showcase the amazing women who made Bourbon Street the place to be.

Delacour is a historian, tour guide, researcher, and author living in New Orleans where she shares the bad ass women who made New Orleans the cultural gem it has been for over 300 years.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64511727Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:10:46 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)"Historian Jane" Delacour joins Hy and Christopher on this week’s show to talk about her book The Axe Woman Of Bourbon Street. Bourbon Street in New Orleans was a glamorous place with a long-held reputation for a good time. While the rest of America...The Axe Woman Of Bourbon Street.

Bourbon Street in New Orleans was a glamorous place with a long-held reputation for a good time. While the rest of America was getting more conservative, Bourbon Street became more salacious. Burlesque dancers filled the stages as live bands played to entice tourists inside the darkened bars. Evangeline the Oyster Girl was already a headling act in 1949, rising seductively out of her oyster shell, her erotic ballet filled the seats. Evangeline's star continued to rise until a new act rolled into town. Divina the Aqua Tease also had a water theme to her act which was now going to take the spotlight off of Evangeline. Divina wanted to be the new headliner, but Evangeline had other plans.

New Orleans' own "Historian Jane" wrote this short read to showcase the amazing women who made Bourbon Street the place to be.

Delacour is a historian, tour guide, researcher, and author living in New Orleans where she shares the bad ass women who made New Orleans the cultural gem it has been for over 300 years.]]>3239axe,bourbon,christopher,delacour,founders,hy,jane,louisiana,mchenry,new,of,orleans,show,street,the,tidmore,womanfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/football-frenzy-economic-disappointment-or-4b-economic-ad-and-is-landry-turning-socialist--64391931As the governor stated, "What we've seen with insurance companies is they've enriched shareholders but it's made the American consumer poor," Landry said. "I don't know if it should be against public policy in this country for an insurance company to be publicly controlled. We have to have an honest discussion about it."
But it’s our discussion at the beginning of the show that really captures a question. Is the investment in the Super Bowl worth it?
As Christopher writes this week in his newspaper column: 
There was a weird quiet on Magazine Street the weekend of the Super Bowl. Shops that counted on throngs of tourists often laid empty, not even locals, wanting to brave the chaos – which never came.
The same proved true for bars and eateries downtown, at least those left unrented out for private events. They, too, often sat empty. Wealthy visitors went to private parties or straight to the Superdome from their jets.
America’s powerful and mighty descended upon New Orleans, yet many of the politically unconnected did not benefit from those making their way to the Dome, which seems odd as Armstrong Airport noted 43,188 passengers were processed through their security checkpoint. In contrast, the last day of Taylor Swift's “Eras” tour in New Orleans previously held the record with 32,134 passengers being processed through security on Oct. 27, 2024. An estimated 100,000 people poured into the city for an event expected to generate at least $150 million in profit for the city. National media gushed about the purple-carpeted Bourbon Street and the absence of street crime all weekend, the kind of positive PR for the Crescent City that civic leaders foretell future tourism increases.
The Sports Management Research Institute, a firm that works with sports leagues that include the NFL, issued a press release highlighting the huge economic impact the game delivers to New Orleans and boasting of skyrocketing hotel rates in the New Orleans area – with an average price of $4,625 per night for four-star accommodations and $847 per night for two-star accommodations. A Motel 6 on the West Bank was selling rooms for $750.
Nevertheless, concerns over crime after the January 1 terrorist attack matched with a general inability to board private or public transport out of the barricades littered throughout the French Quarter and CBD entertainment zones left many exterior businesses without customers on Super Bowl weekend. And often even within.
A cursory examination by The Louisiana Weekly on the morning of the game revealed quite a few empty bars and restaurants in the Vieux Carre. Essentially, as one bar owner put it to this newspaper privately, “If you don’t have an event booking out for your place, you were empty…I know my bar was.”
“We had two good nights but it wasn’t busy like we would be for a big convention because it’s hard to compete when the NFL sponsors so many events,” said Dickie Brennan to the daily paper. Nonetheless, he noted the “$4 billion ad campaign for the city of New Orleans.”
“That helps everybody,” Brennan argued. But does it? Only if we capitalize on the publicity to actually lure business to Louisiana, former state Senate and Port of New Orleans President Conrad Appel maintained.
“Pardon my use of an expression from a different sport, but the Superbowl was a homerun! New Orleans was on display and did itself proud as the unchallenged leader in the game of fielding major international events.
“But there is another, much more subtle game at play,” Appel continued, “and it is an open question whether this Superbowl paid off in a way that the major investment by the people should return.”
“On Sunday morning, while near Lakefront airport, I watched dozens of really large private jets come in one after the other; the tarmac at the airport was already crowded with earlier arrivals. Who were these people who could afford to fly to New Orleans just to watch a football game? The answer is simple: New Orleans has attracted some of the most successful entrepreneurs and businesspeople in the world.
“The other game at play is in reality but a major challenge for us. What will it take for us to convince those superstars of American capitalism to not just fly in and fly out, but instead that they see the value of doing business in Louisiana and relocating or growing their businesses in New Orleans and Louisiana.
"For as long as anyone can remember, the facts are that tourists flock here for a visit and then return home to live their lives, to their home where they believe that there is an economy and a quality of life that will support their dreams. Businesspeople attend conventions here, enjoy the city, and then go back to where they locate their businesses in places that they believe will be most profitable.
     
“The big game that we must win has already been won by another major tourist city; theirs is a model of the linkage between business and tourism that we should imitate. Years ago, Las Vegas realized that tourism presented limited opportunities for economic diversity that they knew they would need to sustain a healthy city. Their vision for the future focused on two factors that would allow them to achieve strong diversification, they would enhance their position as a tourist Mecca and at the same time become home to a vibrant corporate business sector. This was a vision of socio/economic growth based on using their current strength to build a new strength, the same thing that our city desperately needs to focus upon.
“They knew that tourists simply liked to come to Las Vegas. Tourists liked the city and its culture and quality of life. So, as the city cultivated its tourist sector, they realized the benefits of a beneficial opportunity. The anti-business, negative political climate of neighboring California was driving businesses out of their state, creating the opening to attract them to Las Vegas. All Las Vegas had to do was to offer a reliable opportunity to displaced business leaders for better profits and unimpeded growth that could not be counted on in California. Flashing forward a few decades, Las Vegas now has a diversified economy, strong growth and attractiveness, and adequate government resources to maintain a great quality of life. They are now known for their tourist industry and as the home to major business institutions, a place that corporations come to invest.
“New Orleans, like Las Vegas, is beloved by tourists from all over the world. That is the first part of a vision that I offer. Cultivate tourism, but at the same time pursue economic diversity. Diversify in much the same way as Las Vegas, take advantage of the outmigration of businesses from big government/high tax cities and states, corporations that cannot expect to make profits or grow under the political climates in their current locations.
“Does our ability to attract business sound unrealistic? To nay-sayers it does, but there is ample proof that if we make the effort, then growth will follow.  Proof? Just look around. During the last few decades cities and states all over the South have restructured their political and economic climates and now demonstrate amazing growth. At the same time New Orleans and Louisiana have clung to the status quo and have seen slow, or even negative growth. Relocation of business from the crushing burdens of big government/high tax states shows no sign of abatement and therefore remains an opportunity for us to tap into.
“So, my vision for long stagnant prosperity for our city and its people is to use New Orleans’ unique stardom to nurture the tourism and convention sector and, at the same time, create a political/economic climate that allows us to join in the New South’s attractiveness. Tap into the proven positive outcomes of offering a business climate that lures corporations that are longing to find a home that allows them to profitably grow. We will have a simple test to determine when our efforts are a success. When we see that Lakefront Airport is not just an entrepôt for visitors, but instead is home to dozens of jets owned by corporations resident to New Orleans and Louisiana we will know.”
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64391931Sat, 15 Feb 2025 13:54:31 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher kick off the second segment of this week's show wondering if Louisiana’s Republican Governor has become a socialist? Facing skyrocketing property insurance rates, Landry is proposing a government intervention more to Bernie Sanders...As the governor stated, "What we've seen with insurance companies is they've enriched shareholders but it's made the American consumer poor," Landry said. "I don't know if it should be against public policy in this country for an insurance company to be publicly controlled. We have to have an honest discussion about it."
But it’s our discussion at the beginning of the show that really captures a question. Is the investment in the Super Bowl worth it?
As Christopher writes this week in his newspaper column: 
There was a weird quiet on Magazine Street the weekend of the Super Bowl. Shops that counted on throngs of tourists often laid empty, not even locals, wanting to brave the chaos – which never came.
The same proved true for bars and eateries downtown, at least those left unrented out for private events. They, too, often sat empty. Wealthy visitors went to private parties or straight to the Superdome from their jets.
America’s powerful and mighty descended upon New Orleans, yet many of the politically unconnected did not benefit from those making their way to the Dome, which seems odd as Armstrong Airport noted 43,188 passengers were processed through their security checkpoint. In contrast, the last day of Taylor Swift's “Eras” tour in New Orleans previously held the record with 32,134 passengers being processed through security on Oct. 27, 2024. An estimated 100,000 people poured into the city for an event expected to generate at least $150 million in profit for the city. National media gushed about the purple-carpeted Bourbon Street and the absence of street crime all weekend, the kind of positive PR for the Crescent City that civic leaders foretell future tourism increases.
The Sports Management Research Institute, a firm that works with sports leagues that include the NFL, issued a press release highlighting the huge economic impact the game delivers to New Orleans and boasting of skyrocketing hotel rates in the New Orleans area – with an average price of $4,625 per night for four-star accommodations and $847 per night for two-star accommodations. A Motel 6 on the West Bank was selling rooms for $750.
Nevertheless, concerns over crime after the January 1 terrorist attack matched with a general inability to board private or public transport out of the barricades littered throughout the French Quarter and CBD entertainment zones left many exterior businesses without customers on Super Bowl weekend. And often even within.
A cursory examination by The Louisiana Weekly on the morning of the game revealed quite a few empty bars and restaurants in the Vieux Carre. Essentially, as one bar owner put it to this newspaper privately, “If you don’t have an event booking out for your place, you were empty…I know my bar was.”
“We had two good nights but it wasn’t busy like we would be for a big convention because it’s hard to compete when the NFL sponsors so many events,” said Dickie Brennan to the daily paper. Nonetheless, he noted the “$4 billion ad campaign for the city of New Orleans.”
“That helps everybody,” Brennan argued. But does it? Only if we capitalize on the publicity to actually lure business to Louisiana, former state Senate and Port of New Orleans President Conrad Appel maintained.
“Pardon my use of an expression from a different sport, but the Superbowl was a homerun! New Orleans was on display and did itself proud as the unchallenged leader in the game of fielding major international events.
“But there is another, much more subtle game at play,” Appel continued, “and it is an open question whether this Superbowl paid off in a way that the major investment by the people...]]>3240bowl,christopher,economic,founders,hy,impact,insurance,landry,mchenry,show,socialism,super,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jefferson-morley-trump-s-order-to-release-the-jfk-assassination-files--64323342
In late January, Trump signed an executive order authorizing the release of the remaining classified records about the 1963 shooting in one of his first acts after returning to the White House.  Hy and Christopher are joined on the program by Jefferson Morley, a former Washington Post Reporter & Editor who is an expert on the assassination as well as vice president of the nonpartisan Mary Ferrell Foundation, the nation's largest source of online records of Kennedy's killing.   He writes on these subjects at jfkfacts.substack.com.

In 2011, Morley sued the U.S. government for more records.  As he explained, "The FBI is finally saying, 'Let's respond to the president's order,' instead of keeping the secrecy going. As the FBI has gone about reviewing about 14,000 pages of documents in response to the order, with a new set of records brought to the White House’s attention on Friday. 
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64323342Tue, 11 Feb 2025 16:47:57 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Donald Trump's plan to release the files tied to the assassination of John F. Kennedy has already unearthed nearly 2,400 new documents which might shed light on the mystery of whether there was indeed a lone shooter, potentially including information...
In late January, Trump signed an executive order authorizing the release of the remaining classified records about the 1963 shooting in one of his first acts after returning to the White House.  Hy and Christopher are joined on the program by Jefferson Morley, a former Washington Post Reporter & Editor who is an expert on the assassination as well as vice president of the nonpartisan Mary Ferrell Foundation, the nation's largest source of online records of Kennedy's killing.   He writes on these subjects at jfkfacts.substack.com.

In 2011, Morley sued the U.S. government for more records.  As he explained, "The FBI is finally saying, 'Let's respond to the president's order,' instead of keeping the secrecy going. As the FBI has gone about reviewing about 14,000 pages of documents in response to the order, with a new set of records brought to the White House’s attention on Friday. 
]]>3240assassination,christopher,founders,hy,jefferson,jfk,louisiana,mchenry,morley,politics,show,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/quin-hillyer-looming-elections-in-orleans-jefferson--64089755His name is well-known in journalism, both locally and nationally. Quin Hillyer has written for National Review, as well as a number of influential publications. His column has run in the T-P for the last two years As of this week, the New Orleans born-and-bred reporter who started his career as a senior staffer for Congressman Bob Livingston in the 1990s, has joined the T-P as a staff editor and writer.
His ‘welcome home’ piece appears in Sunday’s T-P, “Back in Louisiana, where personalities and politics are bigger than life”.
Hy and Christopher question Quin on the challenges Speaker Mike Johnson faces passing a budget, the bitter partisanship of Washington DC, and Louisiana’s incredible influence in the nation’s capital.  Quin observes that with less than 2% of the nation’s population, Louisiana controls many of the senior positions in Congress.
We then turn our attention to the upcoming election elections for Mayor of New Orleans and on multiple levels in Jefferson Parish.  In fact, qualifying happened this week for some of those open seats in the suburban cities. As Christopher writes in this coming week’s edition of The Louisiana Weekly:
Candidates Qualify for 3/29/25 Election
By Christopher Tidmore
Jefferson Parish insiders expressed a degree of shock at the amount of integrity which long-time Gretna Police Chief Arthur Lawson demonstrated in his decision not to seek another term last week. He released a press release before qualifying began on January 29, 2025, thanking the public and announcing his intentions to retire.
Unmentioned but well-known, he hoped that his son Brett Lawson, a seasoned police officer himself, would be his successor. The younger Lawson dutifully qualified last Wednesday upon the opening of registration.  That’s what surprised every insider. Until last Monday, Arthur Larson seemed primed to run for another term, scaring away any opponents, so why not pull a Chehardy?
The famous case of the incumbent Jefferson Parish Assessor—walking into qualifying on the final day with his son, and then watching his son qualify for office unopposed in his place—has constituted a legendary handoff of power to the next generation. At the time, critics called it nepotism at its worst, yet Lawrence Chehardy Jr. remained a popular incumbent who never faced a serious challenge for decades thereafter.
Arthur Larson could have kept his silence until 4:55, walked into the Clerk’s office with his son, and watched Brett sign up for the race unopposed. Instead, he telegraphed his intentions, and gave any candidate to wish to challenge ample time to qualify. Of course, the dilemma of any potential challenger is that campaign dollars may prove scarce this year against the popular Lawson name, which meant that as late as the morning of Friday, Jan. 31 (when this newspaper went to press) Brett Larson had not received a challenger for Police Chief of Gretna.
State Rep. Ricky Templet did, however, in his quest to return to the Jefferson Parish Council.  The Mayor of Jean Lafitte Timothy Kerner Jr. threw his hat in the proverbial ring. This sets up the District 1 race as a ‘Battle of Titans’ from either end of the West Bank seat. A scion of the dynasty from the coastal city text squares off against the principal powerbroker from the main municipality further north. Making this even more complicated for Templet, Kerner’s father serves in the Louisiana House of Representatives with him. Both men are Republicans, but they are joined in the contest by Andrea Manuel, an African-American Democrat.
After losing his reelection to a third term as Westwego Mayor by just 114 votes several years ago, John I. "Johnny" Shaddinger Jr. seeks to return to elective politics in running for the District 1 seat on the Westwego Council. He faces Republican Jason LeBlanc and Democrat Maggie "May" Campbell.
Timothy "Tim" Matherne faces a challenge from Johnny Nobles Jr. in the District 2 contest.  Robert "Bobby" Black runs against Randy Carr (of Carr Drugs fame) for District 4, and Robert "Bobby B" Bonvillian faces Larry Warino for the District 5 seat on the Council. All are Republicans.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64089755Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:43:14 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The newest member of the editorial board of the Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate joins Hy and Christopher to talk about the challenges - and opportunities - for the Crescent City in the upcoming election seasons. His name is well-known in...His name is well-known in journalism, both locally and nationally. Quin Hillyer has written for National Review, as well as a number of influential publications. His column has run in the T-P for the last two years As of this week, the New Orleans born-and-bred reporter who started his career as a senior staffer for Congressman Bob Livingston in the 1990s, has joined the T-P as a staff editor and writer.
His ‘welcome home’ piece appears in Sunday’s T-P, “Back in Louisiana, where personalities and politics are bigger than life”.
Hy and Christopher question Quin on the challenges Speaker Mike Johnson faces passing a budget, the bitter partisanship of Washington DC, and Louisiana’s incredible influence in the nation’s capital.  Quin observes that with less than 2% of the nation’s population, Louisiana controls many of the senior positions in Congress.
We then turn our attention to the upcoming election elections for Mayor of New Orleans and on multiple levels in Jefferson Parish.  In fact, qualifying happened this week for some of those open seats in the suburban cities. As Christopher writes in this coming week’s edition of The Louisiana Weekly:
Candidates Qualify for 3/29/25 Election
By Christopher Tidmore
Jefferson Parish insiders expressed a degree of shock at the amount of integrity which long-time Gretna Police Chief Arthur Lawson demonstrated in his decision not to seek another term last week. He released a press release before qualifying began on January 29, 2025, thanking the public and announcing his intentions to retire.
Unmentioned but well-known, he hoped that his son Brett Lawson, a seasoned police officer himself, would be his successor. The younger Lawson dutifully qualified last Wednesday upon the opening of registration.  That’s what surprised every insider. Until last Monday, Arthur Larson seemed primed to run for another term, scaring away any opponents, so why not pull a Chehardy?
The famous case of the incumbent Jefferson Parish Assessor—walking into qualifying on the final day with his son, and then watching his son qualify for office unopposed in his place—has constituted a legendary handoff of power to the next generation. At the time, critics called it nepotism at its worst, yet Lawrence Chehardy Jr. remained a popular incumbent who never faced a serious challenge for decades thereafter.
Arthur Larson could have kept his silence until 4:55, walked into the Clerk’s office with his son, and watched Brett sign up for the race unopposed. Instead, he telegraphed his intentions, and gave any candidate to wish to challenge ample time to qualify. Of course, the dilemma of any potential challenger is that campaign dollars may prove scarce this year against the popular Lawson name, which meant that as late as the morning of Friday, Jan. 31 (when this newspaper went to press) Brett Larson had not received a challenger for Police Chief of Gretna.
State Rep. Ricky Templet did, however, in his quest to return to the Jefferson Parish Council.  The Mayor of Jean Lafitte Timothy Kerner Jr. threw his hat in the proverbial ring. This sets up the District 1 race as a ‘Battle of Titans’ from either end of the West Bank seat. A scion of the dynasty from the coastal city text squares off against the principal powerbroker from the main municipality further north. Making this even more complicated for Templet, Kerner’s father serves in the Louisiana House of Representatives with him. Both men are Republicans, but they are joined in the contest by Andrea...]]>3240christopher,founders,hillyer,hy,jefferson,louisiana,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,quin,races,show,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sneauxpocalypse-s-message-start-schools-on-august-1--63878836While current Orleans Parish charter school schedules have slowly, year after year, edged earlier, with students often coming to the class on or about the 5th or 6th of August, schools in other parts of the state (and much of the private system) continue in the trend of the last 40 years, starting near the middle of August.
Some claim that one of OPSB’s boost in test scores over the past decade has come about, in part, due to school sessions beginning at an earlier date. Weather was not the original motivation. Part of the reason for the shift to earlier in August by Orleans charter schools tended to deal with a real local problem, many parents had previously not thought that their children needed to be enrolled until after Labor Day. By starting near the beginning of August, that negative tradition has ameliorated somewhat.
Truant September starts might decline even further if schools would commence on about August 1throughout Louisiana. Children missing a whole month of school stands as a delay even the most reticent of parents can’t justify. Moreover, the impact of weather-related events suggests that school sessions should begin as early in August as possible, to make up for the likely loss of days that could become a common occurrence year after year thanks to climate change.
Louisiana school children no longer miss just a day in the classroom because of the weather. Increasingly losing an entire week has become common place – as the Jan. 21-24 snow event demonstrated – and as increasingly intense hurricanes are closing down the state every two to three years for several days. Beginning the school year on August 1 comes with a fiscal cost, undoubtedly, in higher teacher pay and adjustments on union contracts. Still, with a finite number of classroom hours until the all important high stakes testing of LEAP (and the associated advancement exams), students missing a week of education can make all the difference between passage and failure.
Legislators should take action in the April 2025 Regular Session to mandate that weather events will never deny our children the minimum number of school days to succeed.
Hy and Christopher go on to talk about the impact of Trump’s first days in Washington, Mike Johnson’s challenge in passing tax cut extensions, and a new scam plaguing the people of New Orleans.  Men impersonating Orleans Parish sheriff’s officers call, unsuspecting people, and say that there’s a warrant out for their arrest. After an extended period of time on the phone, where they encourage people to come in to the police station to deal with these warrants, they ask for money to be wired for a bail bond.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63878836Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:21:04 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Tuesday’s 9.5 inches of snow not only shut down South Louisiana for most of the week, the blizzard also underlined the fact that increasingly volatile weather occurrences – from hurricanes to tornadoes to floods –have consistently robbed school...While current Orleans Parish charter school schedules have slowly, year after year, edged earlier, with students often coming to the class on or about the 5th or 6th of August, schools in other parts of the state (and much of the private system) continue in the trend of the last 40 years, starting near the middle of August.
Some claim that one of OPSB’s boost in test scores over the past decade has come about, in part, due to school sessions beginning at an earlier date. Weather was not the original motivation. Part of the reason for the shift to earlier in August by Orleans charter schools tended to deal with a real local problem, many parents had previously not thought that their children needed to be enrolled until after Labor Day. By starting near the beginning of August, that negative tradition has ameliorated somewhat.
Truant September starts might decline even further if schools would commence on about August 1throughout Louisiana. Children missing a whole month of school stands as a delay even the most reticent of parents can’t justify. Moreover, the impact of weather-related events suggests that school sessions should begin as early in August as possible, to make up for the likely loss of days that could become a common occurrence year after year thanks to climate change.
Louisiana school children no longer miss just a day in the classroom because of the weather. Increasingly losing an entire week has become common place – as the Jan. 21-24 snow event demonstrated – and as increasingly intense hurricanes are closing down the state every two to three years for several days. Beginning the school year on August 1 comes with a fiscal cost, undoubtedly, in higher teacher pay and adjustments on union contracts. Still, with a finite number of classroom hours until the all important high stakes testing of LEAP (and the associated advancement exams), students missing a week of education can make all the difference between passage and failure.
Legislators should take action in the April 2025 Regular Session to mandate that weather events will never deny our children the minimum number of school days to succeed.
Hy and Christopher go on to talk about the impact of Trump’s first days in Washington, Mike Johnson’s challenge in passing tax cut extensions, and a new scam plaguing the people of New Orleans.  Men impersonating Orleans Parish sheriff’s officers call, unsuspecting people, and say that there’s a warrant out for their arrest. After an extended period of time on the phone, where they encourage people to come in to the police station to deal with these warrants, they ask for money to be wired for a bail bond.
]]>3240christopher,founders,gras,hy,mardi,mchenry,school,show,snow,tidmore,trump,washington,winterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-s-second-inauguration-followed-by-d-c-mardi-gras--63739933
Washington Mardi Gras may have begun 76 years ago as means for homesick Pelican State congressional staffers to throw themselves a Carnival Ball, yet from Thursday, January 23 to Sunday, January 26 the entire Louisiana political establishment will descend upon the Washington Hilton for a series of receptions so grand and well-funded that the main event of the Ball Saturday night almost feels like an afterthought.

Interest groups have good reasons to put on a cavalcade of parties and mixers, one after another, as every elected official in Louisiana is invited each year to the Ball, and as such, a good party allows facetime with a Parish President, Legislator, or member of Congress, all at the same time. Over 2000 Louisianas attend. Interestingly, this year, thanks to Louisiana’s GOP bent, many of the attendees will come for Trump’s inauguration and stay the week, with extends the parties to Wednesday night—where Gov. Jeff Landry will be feted with a major fundraiser.

Still, Washington Mardi Gras is supposed to stand as a non-partisan event.   New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter serves as the 2025 Chairman of the Ball Committee, and the various events welcome politicians and their staffs from both sides of the aisle.   This year’s King is Hispanic (Rico Alvendia, a decorated Iraq War vet, West Point grad, and founder of the Krewe of Mars) and Queen is African-American (Kendall Williams, a college student and noted civic volunteer who also founded the ‘Diversity Club’ at Louise McGehee School).

Even the events betray a non-partisan gist.  Thursday kicks off with the New Orleans Opera Association’s fundraiser/concert at the James Beard-award winning Equinox Restaurant from 11:30-2 pm with a Franco-Creole luncheon and a performance by LA-born Metropolitan Opera star Cadie J. Bryan (NOOA’s Susanna in 2023 Le nozze di Figaro) at $350 per person and honoring Opera-supporter LA PSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta.

That is followed by 'economic development' lunches hosted by “Elevate Louisiana” and “Louisiana Alive”, invitation-only dinners for politicians and their supporters Thursday evening, the Chamber’s luncheon on Friday, then an endless number of private receptions in the Washington Hilton that afternoon, evening, and throughout the day Saturday.  The Ball is Saturday night at the same hotel, and JEDCO underwrites the breakfast-goodbye Sunday morning.

It is not an accident that the bar at the Hilton is draped with a banner reading “Welcome to the 65th Parish”.  It is the center of the political year for interest groups, a series of parties with the purpose of kicking off the legislative session, the state’s priorities in the next Congress, and the simple act of asking every politician necessary for support on a particular issue—when they are assembled in the same place, and unusually pliable after days of libations.

The fact that key political players from other states now clamor to attend the receptions and Ball underpins Louisiana’s growing Congressional power.   Steve Scalise is a long-time member of the Mystic Krewe of Louisianans, and he and Mike Johnson attend multiple events yearly. They draw fellow members of the leadership to the parties.   So does Troy Carter, who often is able to convince his fellow Democrats (sometimes including his one-time fraternity brother Hakeem Jeffries) to come by for a drink, food, or a second-line.   In other words, as the new Trump Administration comes to power, the Pelican State reminds all of Washington that week who is in control at the other side of Pennsylvania Ave.—and our tribunes in DC do it in the most Louisiana way; throw a party.

Modern Mardi Gras was Born Though Opera

Many know New Orleans as “America’s First City of Opera”.  After all, the performance of Sylvain in 1796 constituted the first staged opera in current boundaries of the United States.  Moreover, New Orleans would host the North American premieres works by European master composers such as Verdi, Rossini, and Bellini from 1830 to 1912, with dozens of major operas first presented to US audiences in the Crescent City.

Less well known was that French Opera House –Théâtre de l'Opéra– served as the center of New Orleans Carnival from 1859 until 1919 (when it was destroyed by fire).  Parading Krewes like Comus, Momus, Proteus, and Rex and society balls such as Nereus, Athenians, and Atlanteans all would meet at the French Opera House for their revels—which always included an operatic performance as part of their tableau.

Going to the carnival ball and going to the opera stood as almost synonymous terms, and many of the traditions associated with the formal pageantry of carnival—from the presentation of the king and the court, to the “casting” members— were adapted by New Orleanians from the pageantry of European Royal Court Operas (dating from as early as the 1500s) which they learned about from the opera performers themselves.

At the French Opera House, New Orleanians took the idea of a Carnival Masque Ball and built modern Mardi Gras out of it. That carnival tradition and legacy of 19th Century Grand Opera in the Crescent City have inspired the New Orleans Opera Association since its founding in 1943. NOOA’s H. Lloyd Hawkins Scenic Studio continues to outfit Mardi Gras balls and parades—along with the theatrical sets that it provides to productions in 35 states and three Canadian provinces each year.  This scene shop has now trained four generations of set designers, carpenters, and electricians, who have gone on to become some of the most noted names in New Orleans Carnival design as well as the world of opera staging.

NOOA has also consistently served as the leading presenting organization for opera in the Gulf South with Mario Lanza, Luciano Pavarotti and Beverly Sills all gracing our stage. Placido Domingo began his professional career in New Orleans at the age of 21.  The relatively unknown talent from Mexico sung Arturo in Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” and returned in 2006 for “A Night for New Orleans”,  first opera performance in the Crescent City since Hurricane Katrina. The famed tenor came again with great fanfare in 2012 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his first performance. Dozens of national and international stars commenced their careers in the Crescent City—with DC Mardi Gras’ performer, international Opera star Cadie J. Bryan, serving as a perfect example of the classical talent launched by the New Orleans Opera.

Christopher concludes the show talking about the similarities in the foreign policy of Obama and Trump, and the differences both good and bad that both men have with Joseph Biden.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63739933Sat, 18 Jan 2025 17:00:43 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)This week, while the nation focuses upon the second inaugural of Donald J. Trump on Monday, January 20, 2025 (ironically also the Martin Luther King holiday), the Louisiana political world will be focused on the following four-day weekend in the...
Washington Mardi Gras may have begun 76 years ago as means for homesick Pelican State congressional staffers to throw themselves a Carnival Ball, yet from Thursday, January 23 to Sunday, January 26 the entire Louisiana political establishment will descend upon the Washington Hilton for a series of receptions so grand and well-funded that the main event of the Ball Saturday night almost feels like an afterthought.

Interest groups have good reasons to put on a cavalcade of parties and mixers, one after another, as every elected official in Louisiana is invited each year to the Ball, and as such, a good party allows facetime with a Parish President, Legislator, or member of Congress, all at the same time. Over 2000 Louisianas attend. Interestingly, this year, thanks to Louisiana’s GOP bent, many of the attendees will come for Trump’s inauguration and stay the week, with extends the parties to Wednesday night—where Gov. Jeff Landry will be feted with a major fundraiser.

Still, Washington Mardi Gras is supposed to stand as a non-partisan event.   New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter serves as the 2025 Chairman of the Ball Committee, and the various events welcome politicians and their staffs from both sides of the aisle.   This year’s King is Hispanic (Rico Alvendia, a decorated Iraq War vet, West Point grad, and founder of the Krewe of Mars) and Queen is African-American (Kendall Williams, a college student and noted civic volunteer who also founded the ‘Diversity Club’ at Louise McGehee School).

Even the events betray a non-partisan gist.  Thursday kicks off with the New Orleans Opera Association’s fundraiser/concert at the James Beard-award winning Equinox Restaurant from 11:30-2 pm with a Franco-Creole luncheon and a performance by LA-born Metropolitan Opera star Cadie J. Bryan (NOOA’s Susanna in 2023 Le nozze di Figaro) at $350 per person and honoring Opera-supporter LA PSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta.

That is followed by 'economic development' lunches hosted by “Elevate Louisiana” and “Louisiana Alive”, invitation-only dinners for politicians and their supporters Thursday evening, the Chamber’s luncheon on Friday, then an endless number of private receptions in the Washington Hilton that afternoon, evening, and throughout the day Saturday.  The Ball is Saturday night at the same hotel, and JEDCO underwrites the breakfast-goodbye Sunday morning.

It is not an accident that the bar at the Hilton is draped with a banner reading “Welcome to the 65th Parish”.  It is the center of the political year for interest groups, a series of parties with the purpose of kicking off the legislative session, the state’s priorities in the next Congress, and the simple act of asking every politician necessary for support on a particular issue—when they are assembled in the same place, and unusually pliable after days of libations.

The fact that key political players from other states now clamor to attend the receptions and Ball underpins Louisiana’s growing Congressional power.   Steve Scalise is a long-time member of the Mystic Krewe of Louisianans, and he and Mike Johnson attend multiple events yearly. They draw fellow members of the leadership to the parties.   So does Troy Carter, who often is able to convince his fellow Democrats (sometimes including his one-time fraternity brother Hakeem Jeffries) to come by for a drink, food, or a...]]>3240christopher,dc,founders,gras,hy,inauguration,landry,mardi,mchenry,new,opera,orleans,politics,show,tidmore,trump,washingtonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mlk-s-legacy-lives-louisiana-live-performance-credits-face-extinction--63641659
In the second segment, Hy and Christopher urge our listeners to “ Save the Louisiana Live Performance Tax Credits”. Due to expire in 2025, they constitute almost quarter of the operating revenue of the New Orleans Opera, the LPO, and several other local artistic institutions.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one of the few serendipities was a cavalcade of new economic development ideas.  Few came to fruition, but one, co-originated by Roger Wilson and Christopher Tidmore passed through the legislature through the tireless efforts of Bill Hines and the late David Voelker.  It extended the movie tax credits to live, legitimate theatre.  The idea was to create a live performance nexus in New Orleans and throughout the state in theater and live music, featuring our homegrown talent. Since the tax credit only began with productions of over $100,000 in revenue, it sought to create a large performance market where one effectively barely existed, and 50% of the credits were reserved for nonprofits, so that most of the money stayed at home— a protection that never existed in the creation of the film credits.

By midsummer 2025, these live performance credits are scheduled to expire, and without a major legislative initiative to renew them, the financial damage to storied institutions like the New Orleans Opera and the Louisiana Philharmonic could be catastrophic.

These tax credits are designed to encourage large productions which hire a lot of people, especially “below the line” personnel such as carpenters, electricians, set designers, and others involved in building major staged performances. These are well-paid skilled laborers, mostly in union jobs,   In total cost, the program amounts to only $10 million, a proverbial drop in the bucket of the $35 billion state budget, and each maximum tax credit is limited to $1 million maximum per production, so that one entity cannot claim it all.

The benefits to nonprofit performing arts organizations have been critical in their continued survival. The live performance credits constitute, for example, almost 25% of the revenue of the New Orleans Opera— and they are constructed to support Louisiana jobs and Louisiana-built productions.  For certified Louisiana expenditures, the state offers a 7 percent Tax Credit
between $100,000 and $300,000.  The credit jumps to 14 percent between $300,000 and $1,000,000 and to 18% for certified Louisiana expenditures over $1,000,000.  Not-for-profit organizations are issued credits in the form of a "refund of overpayment" by the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

More importantly, the credits support local jobs.  An additional 7 percent Tax Credit goes to payroll expenditures for Louisiana residents, with even greater incentives for the hiring of students at schools and universities.  The public’s (often mistaken) impression is the performing arts Institutions only employ singers, actors, or musicians, yet these incentives have allowed the Opera’s H. Lloyd Hawkins Scenic Studio to hire more than a half a dozen young people each year and train them in skills they vary from electrical repair to carpentry to technical skills.  The tax credit support a permanent set building staff of 20, who pack up and reconstruct sets for theatrical productions in 35 states and three Canadian provinces each year.   The 30,000 square foot building includes a design studio that has a full carpentry and metal shops, a spacious 80’x80’ paint deck, a stocked prop loft, and a fully equipped sewing room for costumes.

Louisiana always hoped to be exporting content with a film tax credits, but we export made-to-order sets and are are paid to re-construct them on stages in other states, thanks to the live performance credits.  The profits underwrite the Hawkins studio to construct the theatrical sets for schools, like George Washington Carver, effectively at cost, and the tax credits —in general—allow institutions like the Opera to invite hundreds of school children to watch operas for free as part of the “Schools Night Out” program. Other arts institutions like the LPO and the ballet use the credits to help fund educational outreach, at least in part. Revenue from the tax credits also funds master classes with university students and famous opera singers, as occurred last in Gallier Hall in October with the famed Raehann Bryce Davis and students from Xavier, Dillard, Southeastern, Loyola, and Tulane.

Large artistic organizations already lost a key funding resource when Governor Landry‘s 2024 tax reforms repealed the “quality jobs” tax credit.  That constituted almost 20% of the Opera’s operating budget, for example, with a similar impact on the budgets of other large artistic institutions.  Some political insiders view the performance credits as a painless method to cut the budget, not realizing the hundreds of jobs which are at stake.  Plus, the credits have proven very effective in the for-profit theatrical sector as well.  Since the tax credit is refundable or transferable on a one-time basis, productions from “Cirque du Soleil” to Broadway Road shows like the “Addams Family” were able to rehearse and stage their productions first here, hiring many Pelican State performers and production personnel.

However, unlike the film tax credits which were saved through a massive and well funded lobbying effort underwritten by Hollywood, there is no large cache of cash to save them. The live performance credits’ continued existence is dependent on legislators hearing from the general public— and being asked to keep them in place.

New Orleans staged the first Opera in what is now the United States in 1796.  As the city celebrates the 230th anniversary of that achievement, it’s critical that our leaders in Baton Rouge know that the continued existence of these live performances depends on their taking action.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63641659Fri, 10 Jan 2025 19:16:55 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher are joined by the Rev. Byron Clay for the first segment. The famed civil rights leader and former head of the national Southern Christian Leadership Conference will be the keynote speaker for the MLK festivities and march in St....
In the second segment, Hy and Christopher urge our listeners to “ Save the Louisiana Live Performance Tax Credits”. Due to expire in 2025, they constitute almost quarter of the operating revenue of the New Orleans Opera, the LPO, and several other local artistic institutions.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one of the few serendipities was a cavalcade of new economic development ideas.  Few came to fruition, but one, co-originated by Roger Wilson and Christopher Tidmore passed through the legislature through the tireless efforts of Bill Hines and the late David Voelker.  It extended the movie tax credits to live, legitimate theatre.  The idea was to create a live performance nexus in New Orleans and throughout the state in theater and live music, featuring our homegrown talent. Since the tax credit only began with productions of over $100,000 in revenue, it sought to create a large performance market where one effectively barely existed, and 50% of the credits were reserved for nonprofits, so that most of the money stayed at home— a protection that never existed in the creation of the film credits.

By midsummer 2025, these live performance credits are scheduled to expire, and without a major legislative initiative to renew them, the financial damage to storied institutions like the New Orleans Opera and the Louisiana Philharmonic could be catastrophic.

These tax credits are designed to encourage large productions which hire a lot of people, especially “below the line” personnel such as carpenters, electricians, set designers, and others involved in building major staged performances. These are well-paid skilled laborers, mostly in union jobs,   In total cost, the program amounts to only $10 million, a proverbial drop in the bucket of the $35 billion state budget, and each maximum tax credit is limited to $1 million maximum per production, so that one entity cannot claim it all.

The benefits to nonprofit performing arts organizations have been critical in their continued survival. The live performance credits constitute, for example, almost 25% of the revenue of the New Orleans Opera— and they are constructed to support Louisiana jobs and Louisiana-built productions.  For certified Louisiana expenditures, the state offers a 7 percent Tax Credit
between $100,000 and $300,000.  The credit jumps to 14 percent between $300,000 and $1,000,000 and to 18% for certified Louisiana expenditures over $1,000,000.  Not-for-profit organizations are issued credits in the form of a "refund of overpayment" by the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

More importantly, the credits support local jobs.  An additional 7 percent Tax Credit goes to payroll expenditures for Louisiana residents, with even greater incentives for the hiring of students at schools and universities.  The public’s (often mistaken) impression is the performing arts Institutions only employ singers, actors, or musicians, yet these incentives have allowed the Opera’s H. Lloyd Hawkins Scenic Studio to hire more than a half a dozen young people each year and train them in skills they vary from electrical repair to carpentry to technical skills.  The tax credit support a permanent set building staff of 20, who pack up and reconstruct sets for theatrical productions in 35 states and three...]]>3240byron,christian,christopher,clay,conference,day,founders,hy,jr,king,leadership,luther,martin,mchenry,mlk,new,orleans,show,southern,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/errol-laborde-twelfth-night-bourbon-st-terror-attack--63550203Read the inaugural column here!


Speaking of Zulu, we also talk about Lundi Gras and how Zulu came to meet Rex each year on the day before Shrove Tuesday, outlined in Errol Laborde’s new book When Rex Met Zulu and Other Chronicles of the New Orleans Experience, available at The Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania in the historic Rink, (504) 895-2266.

Briefly we mention the events of New Year’s Eve, but reserve that discussion for next week's show, when information is more available However, we do point out an upcoming article by Christopher in The Louisiana Weekly which questions: Why the bollards were replaced all at once?

NOPD Officers Reportedly Asked City Hall to Replace Bollards One-by-One
By Christopher Tidmore
Worries that construction would not be finished by Super Bowl may have enabled terrorist attack, as all bollards remained down at the same time.

A 43 year veteran active duty veteran of the NOPD told The Louisiana Weekly on background that Mayor Latoya Cantrell’s desire to install more attractive, stainless steel bollards in time for the Super Bowl may have left Bourbon Street unprotected from the New Year’s morning Bourbon Street terrorist attack.

NOPD Eighth District officers reportedly objected to the bollards being taken down simultaneously by Hard Rock Construction Co., LLC to replace the old bollards with new removable stainless steel bollards.

The process, which began in November, and was scheduled to end in time for the Super Bowl, many NOPD officers worried, would leave most of the French Quarter defenseless from out of control automobiles. Apparently administration officials at the Mayor’s behest in the Department of Public Works rejected calls to replace the bollards individually, block by block, worried that the work would not be completed by February’s big game.

According to the city’s website, work began on November 18, 2024 on a stretch of Bourbon Street from Canal to St. Ann Streets to replace the current exposed bollard system with “new removable stainless-steel bollards”.

As nola.gov explained, “These can be securely locked behind each crosswalk. Construction will focus on the first 60 feet of each block where the old bollards are. The road will be taken out and replaced to put in the new bollards. Some sidewalk repairs, like fixing missing bricks, will also be done. The removable bollards will help close the street to cars during pedestrian-only times but will be stored away when the street is open to all traffic.”

Personal observation by the author on New Year’s Eve noted that as late as 10:30 PM, many of the existing bollards bordering Bourbon Street remained down. Still, as former PANO President (and current President of the Victims Rights organization Crimefighters) Irv Magri told The Louisiana Weekly that, normally, in such a circumstance where no other substantial barriers exist, two police officers would park their units perpendicular to one another, in order to block traffic. The police cars would act as impromptu bollards. Instead, law-enforcement on the scene utiluzed multiple white and orange plastic barricades and fencing.

The lack of weighty obstruction allowed 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar to drive his white truck down Bourbon Street killing 15 and wounding 35 at 3:15 AM on New Year’s morning. Jabbar, an Army veteran, also had weapons and a potential improvised explosive device in the rented truck, the FBI said. There were other possible IEDs planted nearby in the French Quarter, two of which have been rendered safe. An ISIS flag was reportedly also in the truck.

The FBI is working to determine the suspect’s potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations.

Jabbar served in the Army on active duty as an IT Specialist from 2006 to 2015 and then in the Army Reserve from 2015 to 2020, according to three U.S. defense officials. He had deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and was a staff sergeant when he was honorably discharged in 2020, the officials said.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63550203Thu, 02 Jan 2025 22:34:08 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Errol Laborde, the newest columnist for the Times-Picayune, joins Hy and Christopher for our Twelfth Night/commencement to Carnival program! The New Orleans magazine, editor and producer of WYES’ Informed Sources highlights excerpts from his new...Read the inaugural column here!


Speaking of Zulu, we also talk about Lundi Gras and how Zulu came to meet Rex each year on the day before Shrove Tuesday, outlined in Errol Laborde’s new book When Rex Met Zulu and Other Chronicles of the New Orleans Experience, available at The Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania in the historic Rink, (504) 895-2266.

Briefly we mention the events of New Year’s Eve, but reserve that discussion for next week's show, when information is more available However, we do point out an upcoming article by Christopher in The Louisiana Weekly which questions: Why the bollards were replaced all at once?

NOPD Officers Reportedly Asked City Hall to Replace Bollards One-by-One
By Christopher Tidmore
Worries that construction would not be finished by Super Bowl may have enabled terrorist attack, as all bollards remained down at the same time.

A 43 year veteran active duty veteran of the NOPD told The Louisiana Weekly on background that Mayor Latoya Cantrell’s desire to install more attractive, stainless steel bollards in time for the Super Bowl may have left Bourbon Street unprotected from the New Year’s morning Bourbon Street terrorist attack.

NOPD Eighth District officers reportedly objected to the bollards being taken down simultaneously by Hard Rock Construction Co., LLC to replace the old bollards with new removable stainless steel bollards.

The process, which began in November, and was scheduled to end in time for the Super Bowl, many NOPD officers worried, would leave most of the French Quarter defenseless from out of control automobiles. Apparently administration officials at the Mayor’s behest in the Department of Public Works rejected calls to replace the bollards individually, block by block, worried that the work would not be completed by February’s big game.

According to the city’s website, work began on November 18, 2024 on a stretch of Bourbon Street from Canal to St. Ann Streets to replace the current exposed bollard system with “new removable stainless-steel bollards”.

As nola.gov explained, “These can be securely locked behind each crosswalk. Construction will focus on the first 60 feet of each block where the old bollards are. The road will be taken out and replaced to put in the new bollards. Some sidewalk repairs, like fixing missing bricks, will also be done. The removable bollards will help close the street to cars during pedestrian-only times but will be stored away when the street is open to all traffic.”

Personal observation by the author on New Year’s Eve noted that as late as 10:30 PM, many of the existing bollards bordering Bourbon Street remained down. Still, as former PANO President (and current President of the Victims Rights organization Crimefighters) Irv Magri told The Louisiana Weekly that, normally, in such a circumstance where no other substantial barriers exist, two police officers would park their units perpendicular to one another, in order to block traffic. The police cars would act as impromptu bollards. Instead, law-enforcement on the scene utiluzed multiple white and orange plastic barricades and fencing.

The lack of weighty obstruction...]]>3240attack,bollards,bourbon,carnival,christopher,errol,founders,hy,laborde,mchenry,night,security,show,street,terror,tidmore,twelfthfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-top-stories-and-trends-of-2024--63489843

• The City of St. George in Baton Rouge promises more incorporation to come - will it have a ripple effect across the state?
• Use of schools as a loophole to limit permitless carry.
• The fight over displaying The Ten Commandments in schoolrooms may stretch to other states soon.
• Loss of population brings fears of decline and the elimination of a Louisiana congressional seat.
• Income tax reductions reverse the legacy of Huey Long.
• Racial and demographic changes in Orleans and Jefferson parishes promise very different political futures for each.
• The insurance crisis in Louisiana threatens home ownership.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63489843Fri, 27 Dec 2024 19:45:18 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)In this final show of 2024, Hy and Christopher examine the top stories of the year through the lens of how they reveal the direction where local politics will travel over the coming decade. We have chosen seven different stories that give a glimpse at...

• The City of St. George in Baton Rouge promises more incorporation to come - will it have a ripple effect across the state?
• Use of schools as a loophole to limit permitless carry.
• The fight over displaying The Ten Commandments in schoolrooms may stretch to other states soon.
• Loss of population brings fears of decline and the elimination of a Louisiana congressional seat.
• Income tax reductions reverse the legacy of Huey Long.
• Racial and demographic changes in Orleans and Jefferson parishes promise very different political futures for each.
• The insurance crisis in Louisiana threatens home ownership.

]]>32402024,2025,christopher,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,show,stories,tidmore,top,yearfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-wish-you-a-merry-christmas--63427990https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63427990Sat, 21 Dec 2024 15:28:20 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher welcome you to the Christmas edition of the Founders Show.3240christmas,christopher,founders,holiday,hy,louisiana,mchenry,new,orleans,show,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-the-final-tax-reform-deal-the-end-of-the-battle--63316561
Read more from the Louisiana Weekly:
Final deal for tax reform may not be the end of the battle]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63316561Sat, 14 Dec 2024 15:43:16 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher host Louisiana GOP insider and Trump transition advisor Brian Trascher.  He gives us all the insights on the upcoming 2025 Regular (Fiscal) Session and whether Jeff Landry is going to pursue his tax reform agenda even further.  We...
Read more from the Louisiana Weekly:
Final deal for tax reform may not be the end of the battle]]>32402025,christopher,founders,gop,hy,jeff,landry,louisiana,mchenry,politics,reform,regular,session,show,tax,tidmore,trump,washingtonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/book-launch-with-justin-watson-1919-the-romanov-rising--63192240Book Launch: Justin Watson, 1919: The Romanov Rising
Tues. Dec. 10th, 6PM, Garden District Book Shop, Free and Open to the Public

Both Theodore Roosevelt and Winston Churchill advocated intervention in Russia after WWI.  The Romanov Rising imagines the beginning of the beginning of the campaign to defeat the Bolsheviks and rescue Russia from a dark and terrible path.  

The authors of the Romanov Rising 1919 join Hy & Christopher to talk about this—and the event on Tuesday, Dec 10.

The premier of this second volume of groundbreaking Alternate History imagines the survivors of the imperial family stuck in a little out of the way town, with no road, rail or river connection for most of the year. Thus, already, with the corpses left from their rescue still being collected, Tsarina Tatiana, the First of Her Name, is striking out for better position. A battle must be fought against a seemingly overwhelming force of Bolsheviks, just to hold on to their tiny Tobolsk, in Siberia. Yekaterinburg, rich in precious metals must be taken to fund the war, with only a dozen men available to take it. The beautiful nun and imperial aunt, Grand Duchess Elisabeth Feodorovna, and her companions must be rescued from a vile fate. Also, the lines must be laid out for the various fractious anti-Bolshevik forces to unite under the Imperial Crown. Finally, the two possible successors, Maria Alexandovna and her sister, Anastasia, must be whisked to safety in the United States and the United Kingdom, where one of them will learn love not just of a man, but of his people, his country, and their way of life.

Clever spying, desperate battles, subtle diplomacy, terrorism, counter-terrorism, propaganda, and romance: the campaign to defeat the Bolsheviks and rescue Holy Russia from a dark and terrible fate continues.

Event date: 
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 6:00pm
Event address: 
The Garden District Book Shop
2727 Prytania St
New Orleans, LA 70130]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63192240Sat, 07 Dec 2024 13:09:59 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Book Launch: Justin Watson, 1919: The Romanov Rising Tues. Dec. 10th, 6PM, Garden District Book Shop, Free and Open to the Public Both Theodore Roosevelt and Winston Churchill advocated intervention in Russia after WWI.  The Romanov Rising imagines...Book Launch: Justin Watson, 1919: The Romanov Rising
Tues. Dec. 10th, 6PM, Garden District Book Shop, Free and Open to the Public

Both Theodore Roosevelt and Winston Churchill advocated intervention in Russia after WWI.  The Romanov Rising imagines the beginning of the beginning of the campaign to defeat the Bolsheviks and rescue Russia from a dark and terrible path.  

The authors of the Romanov Rising 1919 join Hy & Christopher to talk about this—and the event on Tuesday, Dec 10.

The premier of this second volume of groundbreaking Alternate History imagines the survivors of the imperial family stuck in a little out of the way town, with no road, rail or river connection for most of the year. Thus, already, with the corpses left from their rescue still being collected, Tsarina Tatiana, the First of Her Name, is striking out for better position. A battle must be fought against a seemingly overwhelming force of Bolsheviks, just to hold on to their tiny Tobolsk, in Siberia. Yekaterinburg, rich in precious metals must be taken to fund the war, with only a dozen men available to take it. The beautiful nun and imperial aunt, Grand Duchess Elisabeth Feodorovna, and her companions must be rescued from a vile fate. Also, the lines must be laid out for the various fractious anti-Bolshevik forces to unite under the Imperial Crown. Finally, the two possible successors, Maria Alexandovna and her sister, Anastasia, must be whisked to safety in the United States and the United Kingdom, where one of them will learn love not just of a man, but of his people, his country, and their way of life.

Clever spying, desperate battles, subtle diplomacy, terrorism, counter-terrorism, propaganda, and romance: the campaign to defeat the Bolsheviks and rescue Holy Russia from a dark and terrible fate continues.

Event date: 
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 6:00pm
Event address: 
The Garden District Book Shop
2727 Prytania St
New Orleans, LA 70130]]>32401919,book,christopher,district,event,founders,free,garden,hy,justin,louisiana,mchenry,open,politics,rising,romanov,shop,show,tidmore,watsonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/louisiana-tax-reform-special-session-trump-s-proposed-tariffs--63034963https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63034963Wed, 27 Nov 2024 21:05:37 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Join Hy McHenry and Christopher Tidmore on this week's edition of The Founders Show as they review the recently concluded Louisiana Tax Reform special session, talk about proposed "Day 1" tariffs from President-elect Donald Trump, and more.3240christopher,founders,hy,landry,louisiana,mchenry,politics,reform,session,show,special,tariffs,tax,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gaetz-drops-out-louisiana-tax-reform-opera-cook-off--62970394      
Knowing that likely they were not enough votes in the U.S. Senate to confirm Gaetz as AG, President-elect Donald Trump had pushed Johnson to put the U.S. House in recess. The Senate was poised to enter recess for a few days as well, and absent Congress-in-session, Trump could appoint Gaetz into the AG position for up to two years without need of confirmation.
      
Instead, Speaker Johnson allowed some of his members to set a schedule to keep the U.S. House in session all the way through Christmas and the inauguration. The North Louisiana Republican leader could have used his influence to convince them to bang the gavel into recess. He opted not to do so, likely remembering the Gaetz tried to eject him from his job as House speaker.
Christopher observes how Johnson could’ve used certain procedural methods, similar to this, to diffuse the entire bathroom controversy.

Delaware elected the first transgender congresswoman, Sarah McBride, and in reply, Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican representative, had introduced a bill to ban transgender people, including congressional members, officers and employees, from using single-sex bathrooms and other facilities on Capitol Hill that correspond to their gender identity.

To thwart a legislative battle over that bill, Speaker Johnson declared the public bathroom access must be according to one’s birth gender, “It is important to note that each member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol. Women deserve women’s only spaces.”

The hosts speculate could Johnson have vocally urged Sarah McBride to use her member’s bathroom, and simply proceeded to ignore the problem?  What if Johnson had taken no action either way? Nancy Mace, a flamethrower, would have pursued her legislation, but the speaker could have quietly killed it in committee. No one would have been the wiser. Or maybe not.

Hy and Christopher then examine the results of the LA legislative session and wonder if raising the sales tax by a penny was the only politically possible alternative to fund an income tax cut.

We conclude the show talking about an exciting new partnership between the New Orleans Opera and SoFAB with guest NOOA General & Artistic Director Lila Palmer.

Dozens of times in the last 200 years, new works of opera have premiered in New Orleans, earning the Crescent City the moniker “The First City of Opera” in the United States.   
 
On December 8, The Cook-Off, a new comic opera in English about the creation of the Mac & Cheese, will premier at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in honor of SoFAB’s 20th Anniversary--and in honor of the retirement of SoFAB’s founder Liz Williams.  
 
The New Orleans Opera Association in cooperation with SoFAB brings a nationally acclaimed cast to put on the new production. They even debate in song whether the “Mac & Cheese” was invented in the Big Easy.
 
With Music by Shawn Okpebholo and Text by Mark Campbell, the new opera features three competitors from the nation’s favorite fictional cooking show, “America Loves Food”, as they battle it out to make the best version of a classic comfort food: macaroni & cheese!
 
The Cook-Off will premier in two back-to-back performances in the SoFAB’s main Museum gallery at 11:30 AM and 2:00 pm. on Sunday, December 8, to the musical accompaniment of members of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, at 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113.
 
The 11:30 AM performance will include a special curated brunch in SoFAB’s restaurant space.   Tickets are available at https://noo-internet.choicecrm.net/dist/#/event-details/S0:E475

The New Orleans Opera’s production of the opera The Cook-Off in the museum is the first of several planned partnerships between the two cultural institutions.  The joint ventures are the brain children of NOOA General & Artistic Director Lila Palmer and SoFAB Director Constance Jackson.  
 
Palmer has previously produced opera with heritage partners including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Boston, London Transport Museum and Museum of London.   Jackson, a New Orleans native, also pioneered artistic partnerships in the UK capitol city as a non-profit executive over the past decade.

NOOA Premier of NEW English language opera The Cook-Off at Southern Food & Beverage Museum In celebration of 20th Anniversary
DATE: Sunday, December 8, 2024 
TIME: 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM 
LOCATION:  Southern Food & Beverage Museum, 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113
Tickets for Brunch & Opera: Call (504) 529-3000 or go online at www.neworleansopera.org]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62970394Fri, 22 Nov 2024 19:54:35 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher weigh in on Matt Gaetz withdrawing his nomination to become U.S. Attorney General, mostly due to a choice that Mike Johnson allowed his backbenchers to make happen.        Knowing that likely they were not enough votes in the U.S....      
Knowing that likely they were not enough votes in the U.S. Senate to confirm Gaetz as AG, President-elect Donald Trump had pushed Johnson to put the U.S. House in recess. The Senate was poised to enter recess for a few days as well, and absent Congress-in-session, Trump could appoint Gaetz into the AG position for up to two years without need of confirmation.
      
Instead, Speaker Johnson allowed some of his members to set a schedule to keep the U.S. House in session all the way through Christmas and the inauguration. The North Louisiana Republican leader could have used his influence to convince them to bang the gavel into recess. He opted not to do so, likely remembering the Gaetz tried to eject him from his job as House speaker.
Christopher observes how Johnson could’ve used certain procedural methods, similar to this, to diffuse the entire bathroom controversy.

Delaware elected the first transgender congresswoman, Sarah McBride, and in reply, Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican representative, had introduced a bill to ban transgender people, including congressional members, officers and employees, from using single-sex bathrooms and other facilities on Capitol Hill that correspond to their gender identity.

To thwart a legislative battle over that bill, Speaker Johnson declared the public bathroom access must be according to one’s birth gender, “It is important to note that each member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol. Women deserve women’s only spaces.”

The hosts speculate could Johnson have vocally urged Sarah McBride to use her member’s bathroom, and simply proceeded to ignore the problem?  What if Johnson had taken no action either way? Nancy Mace, a flamethrower, would have pursued her legislation, but the speaker could have quietly killed it in committee. No one would have been the wiser. Or maybe not.

Hy and Christopher then examine the results of the LA legislative session and wonder if raising the sales tax by a penny was the only politically possible alternative to fund an income tax cut.

We conclude the show talking about an exciting new partnership between the New Orleans Opera and SoFAB with guest NOOA General & Artistic Director Lila Palmer.

Dozens of times in the last 200 years, new works of opera have premiered in New Orleans, earning the Crescent City the moniker “The First City of Opera” in the United States.   
 
On December 8, The Cook-Off, a new comic opera in English about the creation of the Mac & Cheese, will premier at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in honor of SoFAB’s 20th Anniversary--and in honor of the retirement of SoFAB’s founder Liz Williams.  
 
The New Orleans Opera Association in cooperation with SoFAB brings a nationally acclaimed cast to put on the new production. They even debate in song whether the “Mac & Cheese” was invented in the Big Easy.
 
With Music by Shawn Okpebholo and Text by Mark Campbell, the new opera features three competitors from the nation’s favorite fictional cooking show, “America Loves Food”, as they battle it out to make the best version of a classic comfort food: macaroni & cheese!
 
The Cook-Off will premier in two back-to-back performances in the SoFAB’s main Museum gallery at 11:30 AM and 2:00 pm. on Sunday, December 8, to the musical accompaniment of members of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, at 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113.
 
The 11:30 AM performance will include a special curated brunch in SoFAB’s restaurant space.   Tickets are available at https://noo-internet.choicecrm.net/dist/#/event-details/S0:E4753240chris,christopher,founders,gaetz,hy,johnson,louisiana,mchenry,new,opera,orleans,politics,reform,sales,show,tax,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/louisiana-senators-may-redesign-tax-reform-in-potential-deal--62758108
It looks like a compromise may be in the works, according to highly placed sources who spoke to The Louisiana Weekly on the condition of anonymity, but it remains less clear how the Landry administration could plug an additional $500-million hole in the budget.  Retaining those credits would create such a deficit.  Absent other tax changes, the legislature would find it difficult to achieve the governor’s desired three percent flat income tax rate on individuals, 3.5 on corporations, abolition of the state corporate franchise tax, as well as enacting a permanent $2,000 per year pay increase for teachers. In fact, the potential fiscal hole may have grown even larger after the La. House rejected a slew of sales tax hikes on Thursday, November 14, 2024.  That decision alone created the potential of an additional $500 million deficit.
In the Special Session’s first week, a series of tax changes (including a constitutional amendment) comfortably earned better than a 2/3 majority of the Louisiana House of Representatives, but one major piece of legislation failed by one vote.  Many GOP legislators felt deeply uncomfortable instituting several new sales taxes – especially on boat storage. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson maintained in the House Ways & Means Committee a week prior that the package had to pass in its entirety, as written.  He argued that eliminating any element would unbalance the revenue-neutral nature of the entire reform. 
That was also the case that Gov. Jeff Landry made in a private Thursday morning meeting less than 15 hours after he opened the Special Session on Tax Reform on Nov. 6, 2024.  Landry asked several skeptical legislators to support the entire package of bills in the House, both in committee and on the floor.  However, the Governor reportedly added would be willing to reconsider the sunset of several of the more popular credits and exemptions by the time the package of bills reached the La. Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs committee. Nevertheless, Landry’s pleas ended up being insufficient to save HB10 one week later to pass certain sales tax hikes, but pressure from the governor proved enough to convince the House members to sunset some of the most popular tax credits for the arts and historic restoration.  
By better than 80 votes, the La. House voted to abolish the Louisiana Quality Jobs Program which rebates up to 6 percent of annual payroll expenses for up to 10 years and costed $153.3 million in 2023; the Film, Digital, and Live Performance Tax Credits which cost collectively $250 million and provide 25 percent rebate on production costs and 35 percent on labor costs; and the Historic Restoration Credit which covers 20 percent of construction costs at just over $100 million.  
In addition, companion legislation had sought to renew the soon-to-expire .45 cent “temporary” sales tax along with imposing sales taxes on services previously untaxed.  It was the imposition of many of these new sales taxes which ran into trouble.  One of the two bills barely passed, while the other failed.  House Bill 10 crossed the 2/3 finish line by one vote, 71-33.  In fact, to insure passage, the legislation had to be amended to replace the expiring 0.45-cent state sales tax with an 0.4-cent sales tax, a reduction of .05-cents. As a result, the La. Treasury would receive roughly $50 million per year less per year.  After approving another 47 amendments without objection, House members did deft Landry by maintaining some sales tax exemptions—including those for the purchase of diapers and Bibles.
Despite the pressure which the governor put on wavering state representatives exactly seven days before, House Bill 9 (which would have raised sales taxes on may of items listed below) failed by one vote on Thursday, November 15.  Landry vowed to push for another vote.  Interestingly though, the failure of HB9 in the House might provide a pathway for a key Senate committee to also save the Film, Live Performance, and Historic Restoration Tax Credits in the coming week.
Originally, HB9 and HB10 would have placed sales taxes on: 
1 Storage for boats and vessels of less than 50 tons load displacement and trailers along with auto club services and fees; 
2 Car wash services; 
3 Coin-operated machines; 
4 Computer software installation, repair and maintenance; 
5 Condominium timeshare and exchange services; 
6 Dating services and marriage bureaus; 
7 Delivery, shipping, freight and transportation services associated with taxable sale of tangible personal property; 
8 Non-medical diet and weight reduction services; 
9 Immovable property repair, maintenance and installation services (excluding new construction, reconstruction and capital improvements); 
10 Information services such as research publications, financial reports, wire services, and news printing for publications; 
11 Interior decorating and design services; 
12 Intrastate limousine, bus, and van transportation services; 
13 Taxi cab and ride-share services; 
14 Landscaping, lawn care and horticulture services; 
15 Laundry;
16 Linen supply services; 
17 machine or equipment rental; 
18 Mailing services; 
19 Marina services; 
20 Parking;
21 Personal fitness training; 
22 Pet grooming, boarding, sitting, training and obedience services; 
23 Photography and photographic studio services; 
24 Photofinishing and film development services; 
25 Private process server services; 
26 Public opinion and research polling services; 
27 Quilting, embroidery and monogramming services; 
28 Repairs, maintenance and installation of tangible personal property; 
29 Repossession services; 
30 Restroom services; 
31 Security services including locksmith, security/alarm system monitoring, private investigation, and background checks; 
32 Event planning and catering services; 
33 Spa services, massages by massage parlors and steam baths; 
34 Rental spaces for meetings, conventions, entertainment events, weddings, banquets, parties and other short-term business/social events; 
35 Storage space beyond the furnishing of cold storage (which is already taxed); 
36 Tanning services;
37 Tattooing, piercing, scarification and branding; 
38 Travel agents, travel packages and travel clubs; 
39 Cable TV services, direct-to-home satellite services, video programming services and satellite radio; 
40 Extended warranty agreements and service contract services; 
41 Waste collection and disposal services (excluding municipal waste management); 
42 Personal shopping;
43 Photo finishing
44 Repairs of personal property
45 Wrecking and towing services; and
46 Lobbying services.
In short, Louisiana essentially would adopt a Canadian-style “GST” or “Goods and Services Tax” system.   Prescription drug purchases would be excluded, but very little else.  Of course, the combined sales tax rate in Orleans and many other parishes would amount to 9.45 percent rather than the 15 percent in most Canadian provinces. That is unless a deal is cut.           
There are a variety of ways of preserving the aforementioned popular tax credits, along with exempting unpopular sales taxes on boat storage and lobbying.  In fact, Landry and his House allies tried to do just that to corral the necessary 70 votes yet they came up short.  Rather than pass HB9 as planned on Thursday, the House adjourned until Monday, Nov. 18.  Gov.  Landry now hunts for the extra vote.
With the sales tax hikes now in danger, other parts of the plan which have passed the La House, but face an uphill battle in the Senate such ending the five incentive tax credits, now might be reconsidered. One key member of the upper chamber has proposed a slightly higher personal income tax to save the popular credits and sales tax exemptions.
Outside of a slightly higher income tax, many revenue raising proposals, such as a statewide property tax are considered “dead-on-arrival” on arrival in the La. Senate. Unlike the La. House members, Senators could opt to the .45-cent sales tax in full.  In fact, they could raise that additional sales tax to a full penny. That change alone would create an additional $600 million in revenue, yet many representatives of impoverished districts would find such a jump hard on their constituents.   After all, keeping .4-cent sales tax barely passed the House.   
Instead, Sen. Franklin Foil (R-Baton Rouge), the chairman of the Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs committee, has floated the idea of a more modest income tax cut, reducing the top rate from 4.25 to 3.5 rather than Landry’s favored 3 percent.  For each .1 percent increase in the individual income tax rate, the La Treasury would earn an extra $100 million.  Foil suggested that the tax rate could go as high as 3.5 percent, earning an additional $500 million, whilst still cutting taxes and most middle-class Louisianans. 
In addition, Foil also has proposed that extra revenue could save some of the tax credits for film, performance, and developers of historic buildings.  Under his model, Louisiana would levy 3.5 percent on both individuals and corporations.  Louisiana’s top income tax, though, would not achieve Landty’s goal of falling to third lowest in the nation—just ahead of North Dakota and Arizona at 2.5 percent.  Instead, Louisiana would levy a higher top rate than Pennsylvania (3.07) or Indiana (3.05) and tied with Ohio (3.5).   The Pelican State would be tied for fifth.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62758108Fri, 15 Nov 2024 20:22:47 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)On this week’s show, Hy and Christopher wonder if a deal could coming together to preserve the Film, Live Performance, Digital, Quality Jobs and Historic Restoration tax credits? It looks like a compromise may be in the works, according to highly...
It looks like a compromise may be in the works, according to highly placed sources who spoke to The Louisiana Weekly on the condition of anonymity, but it remains less clear how the Landry administration could plug an additional $500-million hole in the budget.  Retaining those credits would create such a deficit.  Absent other tax changes, the legislature would find it difficult to achieve the governor’s desired three percent flat income tax rate on individuals, 3.5 on corporations, abolition of the state corporate franchise tax, as well as enacting a permanent $2,000 per year pay increase for teachers. In fact, the potential fiscal hole may have grown even larger after the La. House rejected a slew of sales tax hikes on Thursday, November 14, 2024.  That decision alone created the potential of an additional $500 million deficit.
In the Special Session’s first week, a series of tax changes (including a constitutional amendment) comfortably earned better than a 2/3 majority of the Louisiana House of Representatives, but one major piece of legislation failed by one vote.  Many GOP legislators felt deeply uncomfortable instituting several new sales taxes – especially on boat storage. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson maintained in the House Ways & Means Committee a week prior that the package had to pass in its entirety, as written.  He argued that eliminating any element would unbalance the revenue-neutral nature of the entire reform. 
That was also the case that Gov. Jeff Landry made in a private Thursday morning meeting less than 15 hours after he opened the Special Session on Tax Reform on Nov. 6, 2024.  Landry asked several skeptical legislators to support the entire package of bills in the House, both in committee and on the floor.  However, the Governor reportedly added would be willing to reconsider the sunset of several of the more popular credits and exemptions by the time the package of bills reached the La. Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs committee. Nevertheless, Landry’s pleas ended up being insufficient to save HB10 one week later to pass certain sales tax hikes, but pressure from the governor proved enough to convince the House members to sunset some of the most popular tax credits for the arts and historic restoration.  
By better than 80 votes, the La. House voted to abolish the Louisiana Quality Jobs Program which rebates up to 6 percent of annual payroll expenses for up to 10 years and costed $153.3 million in 2023; the Film, Digital, and Live Performance Tax Credits which cost collectively $250 million and provide 25 percent rebate on production costs and 35 percent on labor costs; and the Historic Restoration Credit which covers 20 percent of construction costs at just over $100 million.  
In addition, companion legislation had sought to renew the soon-to-expire .45 cent “temporary” sales tax along with imposing sales taxes on services previously untaxed.  It was the imposition of many of these new sales taxes which ran into trouble.  One of the two bills barely passed, while the other failed.  House Bill 10 crossed the 2/3 finish line by one vote, 71-33.  In fact, to insure passage, the legislation had to be amended to replace the expiring 0.45-cent state sales tax with an 0.4-cent sales tax, a reduction of .05-cents. As a result, the La. Treasury would receive roughly $50 million per year less per year.  After approving another 47 amendments without objection, House members did deft Landry by maintaining some sales tax exemptions—including those for the purchase of diapers and Bibles.
Despite the pressure which the governor put on wavering state representatives exactly seven days before, House Bill 9 (which would have raised sales taxes on may of items listed below) failed by one vote...]]>3240chris,christopher,founders,hy,jeff,landry,lawmakers,louisiana,mchenry,money,politics,reform,session,show,special,tax,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/post-election-roundtable-latest-on-louisiana-tax-reform-special-session--62669802ringsidepolitics.com and Curtis Robinson of hunter-gathererspodcast.com to analyze Trump’s unexpected landslide victory.  What are the reasons, and how did his coattails make a difference? Two examples are demonstrated in the second and sixth congressional districts in Louisiana, explained below.

Later in the show, we explore Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform proposal. Answering growing legislative opposition to his tax reform proposals, including the elimination of the film, live performance, historic restoration, quality jobs, and sales tax exemptions on everything from boat storage to wedding planners, Landry appeared before joint session of the legislature, pleading for a repeal of the 1,400-page tax code in favor of a 3% flat tax individuals, 3.5% on corporations, and a broader sales tax on everything but prescription drugs—a tax which would be eliminated.

Carter Re-Elected with 183,897 votes out of 305,019
By Christopher Tidmore
A group of Garden District voters expressed surprise to The Louisiana Weekly on the evening of November 5th that they had found themselves suddenly redrawn into Steve Scalise’s congressional seat. The overwhelming group of Caucasian Democratic voters were perplexed why their “deep blue” precincts ended up in the GOP majority district.
The loss of several key precincts which had long been part of Louisiana’s Second Congressional District, as a side effect of the shifts all across the state to allow the creation of the new minority-majority Sixth Congressional District, could have proven a liability for Rep. Troy Carter.  Some of the incumbent’s most reliable core constituencies were lost just as the sophomore congressman faced a surprisingly well organized challenge from the Left from Democrat Devin Davis.
With new electorates drawn-in to the Second Congressional District by the legislature last year, Carter could have been forced into a runoff.  A perfect storm might have been forming as three Republicans also entered the 2024 contest, drawing away moderate voters.  In the end, these GOP contenders collectively earned 30% of the vote, Devin Lance Graham at 13%, Christy Lynch at 14%, and Shondrell Perrilloux at 3%. This GOP strength on election day proved particularly interesting because the Second District boasts of only 16% Republican registration.  Therefore, such decent turnout on the right matched with a strong Democratic challenge from the left could have cast Carter into a lower turnout December 7 runoff, where any result was possible.
In the end, though, Troy Carter was easily re-elected on November 5 with 60% of the vote in a seat that is 56% Democratic by registration.  The incumbent sophomore congressman campaigned far harder than many observers expected, with extensive television, print, and social media advertising, as well as in-person events.  Carter spent a lot of time and money to win back his office, and it showed.  Devin Davis, his principal progressive Democratic opponent, ended up only getting 11% of the vote, running fourth.
To claim his second full term, Carter managed to win in excess of 70% of the vote in sone of his core Orleans and Westbank Jefferson precincts, offsetting Davis’ campaign efforts in the River Parishes.  Ironically, under the old map, Carter’s margin of victory might have been tighter, but the loss of several Baton Rouge metro precincts to the newly created Sixth District ended up benefiting the New Orleans-based candidate.  Carter over-performed in the areas which once constituted his councilmanic and state senate districts.
The New Orleans Congressman returns to a closely divided US House of Representatives in Washington.  While he serves on the House Homeland Security and Transportation committees, his unofficial role as a conduit of communication between his two long-time personal friends Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has granted him an outsized role.  Carter has played a key role in passing several pieces of legislation.
LA’s Second District Congressman went so far as to create an regular end-of-the-week bipartisan cocktail party in his office for members from all over the country just to keep the lines of communication open between the parties.  As a result, Carter’s almost singular role as ambassador between the factions granted him an outsized influence in the previous Congress—which will likely continue into the next. 

Fields Returns To US House
By Christopher Tidmore
As chairman of the legislative committee charged with creating a new LA majority-minority district, Cleo Fields himself drew the newly reconstituted Sixth Congressional as a seat so stretched across the state that only a candidate with his level of name recognition could win it.   He succeeded—barely.  The LA State Senator will return to the United States Congress after a 28-year absence, yet his victory on November 5, 2024 proved far tighter than any had previously predicted.
Fields won 51% of the vote, avoiding a December 7 runoff by a very close margin.  His principal Republican challenger, former State Senator Elbert Guillory, earned 38% of the vote in a district with only 22% GOP registration.  The 80-year-old former GOP legislator may have been put into the race as a “sacrificial lamb”, yet both Donald Trump‘s coattails and an estimated 25% of Black men who expressed the willingness to cross party lines in this election allowed him to over-perform.  Despite heavily campaigning, Guillory was outspent by Fields almost 10 to 1, yet a runoff almost occurred.   Guillory won 25% of the vote in Fields’ home of East Baton Rouge and 50% of the vote in West Baton Rouge.  In Guillory’s home of St. Landry Parish, he earned 55% of the vote, the same result as he won in Point Coupee and Avoyelles.  In Natchitoches and Rapides, Guillory topped 57%.
While the Republican former state senator over-performed, the same cannot be said for Fields’ three other Democratic challengers.  Quentin Anthony Anderson won 8%, Wilken Jones, Jr. 1%, and Peter Williams 2%.  Guillory had counted upon a division in the Democratic vote to carry him to a December runoff, where a lower turnout might have given the Republican a fighting chance.
However, strong voter loyalty in the more populous cities, a 66% result for Fields in Shreveport’s Caddo and in 62% EBR, proved just enough to carry him into narrow first primary victory.  Odds are he would have won in a runoff regardless, given the Democratic lien of the district.
The question is, though, how long will Cleo Fields keep his current congressional seat before it is drawn away from him?  He lost his congressional career three decades ago when his minority-majority seat was ruled to be to excessively gerrymandered. It could happen again. The United States Supreme Court has agreed to review the constitutionality of the lines of the 6th District.   Plaintiffs claim that the oddly shaped district which runs from Baton Rouge to Shreveport is too geographically distorted—and only constituted on racial grounds.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62669802Fri, 08 Nov 2024 20:01:41 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher are joining in our post-election roundtable with Jeff Crouere of http://www.ringsidepolitics.com and Curtis Robinson of http://hunter-gathererspodcast.com to analyze Trump’s unexpected landslide victory.  What are the reasons, and...ringsidepolitics.com and Curtis Robinson of hunter-gathererspodcast.com to analyze Trump’s unexpected landslide victory.  What are the reasons, and how did his coattails make a difference? Two examples are demonstrated in the second and sixth congressional districts in Louisiana, explained below.

Later in the show, we explore Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform proposal. Answering growing legislative opposition to his tax reform proposals, including the elimination of the film, live performance, historic restoration, quality jobs, and sales tax exemptions on everything from boat storage to wedding planners, Landry appeared before joint session of the legislature, pleading for a repeal of the 1,400-page tax code in favor of a 3% flat tax individuals, 3.5% on corporations, and a broader sales tax on everything but prescription drugs—a tax which would be eliminated.

Carter Re-Elected with 183,897 votes out of 305,019
By Christopher Tidmore
A group of Garden District voters expressed surprise to The Louisiana Weekly on the evening of November 5th that they had found themselves suddenly redrawn into Steve Scalise’s congressional seat. The overwhelming group of Caucasian Democratic voters were perplexed why their “deep blue” precincts ended up in the GOP majority district.
The loss of several key precincts which had long been part of Louisiana’s Second Congressional District, as a side effect of the shifts all across the state to allow the creation of the new minority-majority Sixth Congressional District, could have proven a liability for Rep. Troy Carter.  Some of the incumbent’s most reliable core constituencies were lost just as the sophomore congressman faced a surprisingly well organized challenge from the Left from Democrat Devin Davis.
With new electorates drawn-in to the Second Congressional District by the legislature last year, Carter could have been forced into a runoff.  A perfect storm might have been forming as three Republicans also entered the 2024 contest, drawing away moderate voters.  In the end, these GOP contenders collectively earned 30% of the vote, Devin Lance Graham at 13%, Christy Lynch at 14%, and Shondrell Perrilloux at 3%. This GOP strength on election day proved particularly interesting because the Second District boasts of only 16% Republican registration.  Therefore, such decent turnout on the right matched with a strong Democratic challenge from the left could have cast Carter into a lower turnout December 7 runoff, where any result was possible.
In the end, though, Troy Carter was easily re-elected on November 5 with 60% of the vote in a seat that is 56% Democratic by registration.  The incumbent sophomore congressman campaigned far harder than many observers expected, with extensive television, print, and social media advertising, as well as in-person events.  Carter spent a lot of time and money to win back his office, and it showed.  Devin Davis, his principal progressive Democratic opponent, ended up only getting 11% of the vote, running fourth.
To claim his second full term, Carter managed to win in excess of 70% of the vote in sone of his core Orleans and Westbank Jefferson precincts, offsetting Davis’ campaign efforts in the River Parishes.  Ironically, under the old map, Carter’s margin of victory might have been tighter, but the loss of several Baton Rouge metro precincts to the newly created Sixth District ended up benefiting the New Orleans-based candidate.  Carter over-performed in the areas which once constituted his councilmanic and state senate districts.
The New Orleans Congressman returns to a closely divided US House of...]]>3240christopher,election,founders,hy,landry,louisiana,mchenry,new,orleans,reform,show,tax,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-5-predictions--62584301https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62584301Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:44:48 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher host Republican National Committeeman Roger Villere, who has been on the trail with the Trump Campaign as well as former Aspen Daily News Editor and prominent political columnist Curtis Robinson, who has been reading the pulse in...32402024,christopher,democratic,election,founders,gop,harris,house,hy,kamala,mchenry,party,president,republican,roger,show,tidmore,trump,villere,whitefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/one-week-left-predicting-the-2024-elections--62502864
Guillory joins Hy and Christopher to kick off the show, outlining how he has a chance of victory in a district which should not be friendly for Republicans. Early voting may provide a clue to why he is so upbeat.

In 2020, 986,428 people in Louisiana voted early. As of Thursday evening October 25, 519,304 people in the Pelican State had cast their ballots, which far exceeds the same total at the same point in early voting four years ago.

Deputy Secretary for Communications Joel Watson at the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office told KLFY TV, while 38 percent of total votes came from early voting in 2020, they predict 40 to 45 percent of total votes will come from early voting this year. “Statewide, we are seeing a 10 percent increase in in-person, early voting,” said Watson.

Simultaneously this year, more Republicans than Democrats have cast their ballots early. In 2020, more Democrats voting early exceeded Republicans. “In 2020, those who are registered Democrats accounted for about 45 percent of the electorate through five days of early voting,” Watson said. “This year, we’re seeing that flip, and about 45 percent of the electorate over five days of early voting this year is Republican.”

Watson warned that early voting did not necessarily signal higher overall turnout, but may only indicate a change in voting patterns. “For this year, for instance, we’re seeing a higher in-person early voting number, but we expect turn out to be around about the same as we saw in 2020, which was around 70 percent,” he explained.

Still, some LA GOP candidates see increased early voting as their pathway to victory.  As noted, our guest former Republican state Senator Elbert Guillory seeks an upset in the newly redrawn 6th Congressional District over frontrunner (former Democratic Congressman) Cleo Fields.  “We are seeing tremendous enthusiasm” in early voting, Guillory explained in his interview with Hy and Christopher.

Besides Fields, four other Democrats are running in the 6th District along with the Black Republican from Opelousas. That potentially divides the left-wing electorate, he reasoned. Higher GOP turnout in the November primary than in past years, which Guillory believes is signaled by the early voting numbers, could keep Fields below the 50 percent threshold of victory.  In a consequent December runoff, where historically Republicans have exceeded Democrats in turnout, Guillory maintained that he stands a good chance of upsetting Fields’ bid to return to the US House, even though Guillory runs a Republican contender in this solidly Democratic district. Both candidates represented Black majority districts within the newly drawn congressional seat and actually served together as state senators in the LA Legislative Black Caucus.

Hy and Christopher then switch gears and examine the state of the presidential race with one of the greats of political consulting in modern American history, James Farwell.  We focus upon how tight the election is nationally, and how voting trends show that Donald Trump remains evenly tied with Kamala Harris with just over a week remaining.  It is anyone’s guess what could happen, but Farwell warns that Republican moderates are still up for grabs.

Farwell does note that the GOP possesses a real shot of seizing control of the US Senate, perhaps with as many as 54 seats, thanks to Trump‘s coattails as well as those who might vote for Harris but wish to put a break on her power, but he agrees with Christopher that the chances may not look so good for the GOP to keep possession of the US House.  Harris has coattails of her own in the suburban-held New York and California congressional districts which the GOP relies upon for the party’s congressional majority.

Everyone wonders, however, if the ill partisan feelings of this election cycle will last well beyond election day— no matter which presidential candidate wins. Things get heated in our conversation on this week’s show!
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62502864Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:32:54 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher attempt to forecast the upcoming election’s result with two special guests, GOP congressional candidate Elbert Guillory and famed political consultant James Farwell. Guillory joins Hy and Christopher to kick off the show, outlining...
Guillory joins Hy and Christopher to kick off the show, outlining how he has a chance of victory in a district which should not be friendly for Republicans. Early voting may provide a clue to why he is so upbeat.

In 2020, 986,428 people in Louisiana voted early. As of Thursday evening October 25, 519,304 people in the Pelican State had cast their ballots, which far exceeds the same total at the same point in early voting four years ago.

Deputy Secretary for Communications Joel Watson at the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office told KLFY TV, while 38 percent of total votes came from early voting in 2020, they predict 40 to 45 percent of total votes will come from early voting this year. “Statewide, we are seeing a 10 percent increase in in-person, early voting,” said Watson.

Simultaneously this year, more Republicans than Democrats have cast their ballots early. In 2020, more Democrats voting early exceeded Republicans. “In 2020, those who are registered Democrats accounted for about 45 percent of the electorate through five days of early voting,” Watson said. “This year, we’re seeing that flip, and about 45 percent of the electorate over five days of early voting this year is Republican.”

Watson warned that early voting did not necessarily signal higher overall turnout, but may only indicate a change in voting patterns. “For this year, for instance, we’re seeing a higher in-person early voting number, but we expect turn out to be around about the same as we saw in 2020, which was around 70 percent,” he explained.

Still, some LA GOP candidates see increased early voting as their pathway to victory.  As noted, our guest former Republican state Senator Elbert Guillory seeks an upset in the newly redrawn 6th Congressional District over frontrunner (former Democratic Congressman) Cleo Fields.  “We are seeing tremendous enthusiasm” in early voting, Guillory explained in his interview with Hy and Christopher.

Besides Fields, four other Democrats are running in the 6th District along with the Black Republican from Opelousas. That potentially divides the left-wing electorate, he reasoned. Higher GOP turnout in the November primary than in past years, which Guillory believes is signaled by the early voting numbers, could keep Fields below the 50 percent threshold of victory.  In a consequent December runoff, where historically Republicans have exceeded Democrats in turnout, Guillory maintained that he stands a good chance of upsetting Fields’ bid to return to the US House, even though Guillory runs a Republican contender in this solidly Democratic district. Both candidates represented Black majority districts within the newly drawn congressional seat and actually served together as state senators in the LA Legislative Black Caucus.

Hy and Christopher then switch gears and examine the state of the presidential race with one of the greats of political consulting in modern American history, James Farwell.  We focus upon how tight the election is nationally, and how voting trends show that Donald Trump remains evenly tied with Kamala Harris with just over a week remaining.  It is anyone’s guess what could happen, but Farwell warns that Republican moderates are still up for grabs.

Farwell does note that the GOP possesses a real shot of seizing control of the US Senate, perhaps with as many as 54 seats, thanks to Trump‘s coattails as well as those who might vote for Harris but wish to put a break on her power, but he agrees with Christopher that the chances may not look so good for the GOP to keep possession of the US House.  Harris has coattails of her own in the suburban-held New York and California congressional districts which the GOP relies upon for the...]]>32402024,christopher,cleo,elbert,election,farwell,fields,founders,guillory,harris,hy,james,louisiana,mchenry,show,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-importance-of-voting-special-guest-opera-great-raehann-bryce-davis--62466246Go Vote! They interview Connie Payton, whose mother memorized and flawlessly recited the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution to earn her right to vote before the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1964, which eliminated barriers preventing millions of non-white Americans from voting. In light of the Nov. 5 election, Connie and her mother’s great grandchild, student filmmaker Daryanna Barrett, are sharing a powerful personal story in a four-minute short film, "Make Your Vote Count," now available for free and sharing on YouTube.

Then we turn to culture in this “First City of Opera” with our main guest, Raehann Bryce-Davis. The Award-winning mezzo-soprano comes to New Orleans on Oct 22 and teaches the first-ever opera masterclass of students invited from all local universities and HBCUs at Gallier Hall. An evening concert will follow at 2504 Prytania St. in the garden of Opera Guild Home at 5:30 PM—which is open to the public.

She will return to New Orleans on on November 8 and 10 in her role debut as the famed Biblical seductress in Samson and Delilah at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts. NOOA's upcoming performance of Samson and Delilah celebrates the North American premiere of the Camille Saint-Saëns work in New Orleans just over 130 years ago.

Bryce-Davis shares her expertise and perspectives as one of the world's leading African-American mezzo-sopranos with Hy and Christopher.  She tells her story of how a girl with Jamacian roots who grew up in Mexico became one of the leading lights of opera. On Tuesday, October 22, 2024 to teach some of the most gifted vocal students from several local universities including Xavier, Dillard, Southeastern, UNO, Loyola, and Tulane.  Afterwards her private garden concert for these students as well as patrons of the New Orleans Opera Association at 2504 Prytania St. is also open to the public.  A limited number of tickets remain available at neworleansopera.org or by calling the box office at (504) 529-3000.

Here are the two excerpts which Hy and Christopher play on the show: a classical piece Azucena's aria, Condotta ell'era in ceppi from Verdi's lI Trovatore with pianist Kamal Khan at the National Opera Center, and a modern English language piece “The Beauty in my Blackness”.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62466246Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:19:29 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Early voting for the Nov 5 election began on Oct 18, so Hy and Christopher start the show with the message Go Vote! They interview Connie Payton, whose mother memorized and flawlessly recited the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution to earn her right to...Go Vote! They interview Connie Payton, whose mother memorized and flawlessly recited the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution to earn her right to vote before the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1964, which eliminated barriers preventing millions of non-white Americans from voting. In light of the Nov. 5 election, Connie and her mother’s great grandchild, student filmmaker Daryanna Barrett, are sharing a powerful personal story in a four-minute short film, "Make Your Vote Count," now available for free and sharing on YouTube.

Then we turn to culture in this “First City of Opera” with our main guest, Raehann Bryce-Davis. The Award-winning mezzo-soprano comes to New Orleans on Oct 22 and teaches the first-ever opera masterclass of students invited from all local universities and HBCUs at Gallier Hall. An evening concert will follow at 2504 Prytania St. in the garden of Opera Guild Home at 5:30 PM—which is open to the public.

She will return to New Orleans on on November 8 and 10 in her role debut as the famed Biblical seductress in Samson and Delilah at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts. NOOA's upcoming performance of Samson and Delilah celebrates the North American premiere of the Camille Saint-Saëns work in New Orleans just over 130 years ago.

Bryce-Davis shares her expertise and perspectives as one of the world's leading African-American mezzo-sopranos with Hy and Christopher.  She tells her story of how a girl with Jamacian roots who grew up in Mexico became one of the leading lights of opera. On Tuesday, October 22, 2024 to teach some of the most gifted vocal students from several local universities including Xavier, Dillard, Southeastern, UNO, Loyola, and Tulane.  Afterwards her private garden concert for these students as well as patrons of the New Orleans Opera Association at 2504 Prytania St. is also open to the public.  A limited number of tickets remain available at neworleansopera.org or by calling the box office at (504) 529-3000.

Here are the two excerpts which Hy and Christopher play on the show: a classical piece Azucena's aria, Condotta ell'era in ceppi from Verdi's lI Trovatore with pianist Kamal Khan at the National Opera Center, and a modern English language piece “The Beauty in my Blackness”.
]]>32402024,bryce,christopher,connie,davis,early,election,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,new,opera,orleans,payton,raehann,show,tidmore,vote,votingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/do-government-deficits-elect-harris-or-help-trump-with-poorer-voters--62333609Do Government Deficits Elect Harris? Or Has Trump Gained with Poorer Voters Who Benefited From The Biden Spending Spree?

Hy & Christopher welcome Graham McFarlane, an economic forecaster with a Harvard MBA, who has a particular theory on who is going to win the presidential election. Despite his personal sympathies, he thinks that the level of government spending has widened to encompass almost 50% of the population, and he believes that gives Harris an advantage.

Interestingly, Christopher disagrees based on the data.  Not only are Trump and Harris tied in the swing states, but the rise in Trump’s support has come from poor, formally Democratic Caucasian-majority working class counties—which have been net beneficiaries of increased government spending over the last two decades.  And for the first time, early voting requests from those counties—and voter registration gains within them—have benefited the Republicans.

Christopher notes the example last week of Pennsylvania where for the first time in just over four years (10 statewide elections) that Republicans out-requested Democrats in mail absentees ballots. By midweek, there were 8,299 Republicans requesting mail-in ballots versus 8,079 Democrats. More importantly, many if those mail-in ballot requests came from some of the Keystone State’s most disadvantaged counties. Moreover, while Pennsylvania Democrats still enjoy a voter registration advantage, it has shrunk from 1.2 million in 2008 to just 325,000 today, a rightward shift that has occurred even as government spending has been boosted in some of the same former Democratic counties.  That may indicate that Trump is not viewed as a threat to the government largess by these key constituencies.

Wit large, Vice President Harris and former President Trump are virtually deadlocked in the major swing states that will play a deciding role in the election, according to new polling from The Hill and Emerson College Polling.  Trump narrowly leads Harris, 49 percent to 48 percent, in Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania; while in Arizona he leads 49 percent to 47 percent. Trump’s leads over Harris in these states are within the plus-or-minus three-point margin of error. The two candidates are deadlocked at 49 percent in Michigan and Wisconsin, while in Nevada Harris leads Trump 48 percent to 47 percent. The poll’s margin of error in Michigan is plus or minus 3.1 points and plus or minus three points in Wisconsin. In Nevada, the margin of error is plus or minus 3.2 points.

Interestingly, Harris lost a point in Arizona and North Carolina since the last Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey was conducted three weeks ago, but gained a point in Georgia, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Trump, on the other hand, gained a point in Pennsylvania and North Carolina but lost a point in Georgia and Nevada. Harris’s support remained unchanged in Michigan and Nevada while Trump’s remained unchanged in Arizona and Wisconsin.

McFarlane, Hy, and Christopher go on to talk about the dangerous impact of deficit financing, and how both parties have embraced massive deficits, yet Hy believes that Trump is trying to turn the ship.  Christopher remains skeptical.

We also talk about the impending visit of international opera star Raehann Bryce-Davis on October 22 to the Garden District for a sunset concert.  It’s a singular opportunity to meet an award winning star.  Tickets are available here.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62333609Fri, 11 Oct 2024 16:00:33 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Do Government Deficits Elect Harris? Or Has Trump Gained with Poorer Voters Who Benefited From The Biden Spending Spree? Hy & Christopher welcome Graham McFarlane, an economic forecaster with a Harvard MBA, who has a particular theory on who is...Do Government Deficits Elect Harris? Or Has Trump Gained with Poorer Voters Who Benefited From The Biden Spending Spree?

Hy & Christopher welcome Graham McFarlane, an economic forecaster with a Harvard MBA, who has a particular theory on who is going to win the presidential election. Despite his personal sympathies, he thinks that the level of government spending has widened to encompass almost 50% of the population, and he believes that gives Harris an advantage.

Interestingly, Christopher disagrees based on the data.  Not only are Trump and Harris tied in the swing states, but the rise in Trump’s support has come from poor, formally Democratic Caucasian-majority working class counties—which have been net beneficiaries of increased government spending over the last two decades.  And for the first time, early voting requests from those counties—and voter registration gains within them—have benefited the Republicans.

Christopher notes the example last week of Pennsylvania where for the first time in just over four years (10 statewide elections) that Republicans out-requested Democrats in mail absentees ballots. By midweek, there were 8,299 Republicans requesting mail-in ballots versus 8,079 Democrats. More importantly, many if those mail-in ballot requests came from some of the Keystone State’s most disadvantaged counties. Moreover, while Pennsylvania Democrats still enjoy a voter registration advantage, it has shrunk from 1.2 million in 2008 to just 325,000 today, a rightward shift that has occurred even as government spending has been boosted in some of the same former Democratic counties.  That may indicate that Trump is not viewed as a threat to the government largess by these key constituencies.

Wit large, Vice President Harris and former President Trump are virtually deadlocked in the major swing states that will play a deciding role in the election, according to new polling from The Hill and Emerson College Polling.  Trump narrowly leads Harris, 49 percent to 48 percent, in Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania; while in Arizona he leads 49 percent to 47 percent. Trump’s leads over Harris in these states are within the plus-or-minus three-point margin of error. The two candidates are deadlocked at 49 percent in Michigan and Wisconsin, while in Nevada Harris leads Trump 48 percent to 47 percent. The poll’s margin of error in Michigan is plus or minus 3.1 points and plus or minus three points in Wisconsin. In Nevada, the margin of error is plus or minus 3.2 points.

Interestingly, Harris lost a point in Arizona and North Carolina since the last Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey was conducted three weeks ago, but gained a point in Georgia, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Trump, on the other hand, gained a point in Pennsylvania and North Carolina but lost a point in Georgia and Nevada. Harris’s support remained unchanged in Michigan and Nevada while Trump’s remained unchanged in Arizona and Wisconsin.

McFarlane, Hy, and Christopher go on to talk about the dangerous impact of deficit financing, and how both parties have embraced massive deficits, yet Hy believes that Trump is trying to turn the ship.  Christopher remains skeptical.

We also talk about the impending visit of international opera star Raehann Bryce-Davis on October 22 to the Garden District for a sunset concert.  It’s a singular opportunity to meet an award winning star.  Tickets are available here.]]>32402024,christopher,deficit,elect,election,founders,harris,hy,mchenry,new,opera,orleans,politics,president,show,state,swing,tidmore,trump,usafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/flood-insurance-helene-aftermath-landry-flat-tax-proposal--62236118
Projected increases in flood insurance cost for those outside of hurricane protection defenses under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are endangering the very existence of many coastal communities in Louisiana. Insurance costs are jumping to $20,000 per year for $100,000 home. Acadian towns like Chauvin are becoming depopulated and nobody either in the Biden or the previous Trump administration has cared

Carter has conducted a lonely fight along with Steve Scalise, Garrett Graves, and Mike Johnson to bring attention to this critical problem. Hy and Christopher lament the lack of progress, and ask the audience to get involved.

Our hosts continue to talk about the flooding in Asheville and Western North Carolina. Most people don’t realize that the area bears a striking resemblance to New Orleans in so far is that it is a bowl, and when floodwaters enter, they are very slow to leave. The example also emphasizes the fact that flood insurance is something that can affect everyone, from the coasts to the mountains.

Later in the show, we talk about how LSU has benefited remarkably in the last couple of years from students matriculating from the northeast and from far out of state. Since 2/3 of college graduates tend to live near their campuses, we have to create new jobs to keep these bright minds in Louisiana. Elimination of the film, live performance, digital, music, and quality jobs tax credits could stop that potential job creation cold.

The governor’s proposal for a flat tax eliminates those job creating tax credits. Jeff Landry doubled down on that proposal at the House Ways and Means committee meeting last Thursday, Oct 3, 2024  proposing a 3 percent flat tax on individuals, and a 3.5 percent flat tax on corporations. The administration also proposed elimination of the corporate franchise tax and major modifications to the inventory tax.

Likewise, in order for Louisiana also to cover the loss of the $455 million in revenue produced from .45 percent sales tax expiring next year, Landry hopes to the legislature to eliminate nearly every tax benefit which goes to the cultural economy as well as many areas of industrial economic development— including the quality jobs credit. Could throwing out “the baby with bathwater” be the economic result of the tax reform?

We can include the show talking about the visit of famed Churchill biographer Sonia Purnell to the Garden District Book Shop on Sunday, October 6 at 4 pm.  She is premiering her new book on Pamela Churchill Harriman Kingmaker.  The event is free and open to the public.  For more information call (504) 895-2266 or visit The Garden District Book Shop website.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62236118Fri, 04 Oct 2024 19:02:58 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher begin by recounting the lonely bipartisan struggle that has been carried by Congressman Troy Carter (D-New Orleans). While his Louisiana Republican colleagues have been firmly behind him in his fight to convince DHS Sec. Alejandro...
Projected increases in flood insurance cost for those outside of hurricane protection defenses under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are endangering the very existence of many coastal communities in Louisiana. Insurance costs are jumping to $20,000 per year for $100,000 home. Acadian towns like Chauvin are becoming depopulated and nobody either in the Biden or the previous Trump administration has cared

Carter has conducted a lonely fight along with Steve Scalise, Garrett Graves, and Mike Johnson to bring attention to this critical problem. Hy and Christopher lament the lack of progress, and ask the audience to get involved.

Our hosts continue to talk about the flooding in Asheville and Western North Carolina. Most people don’t realize that the area bears a striking resemblance to New Orleans in so far is that it is a bowl, and when floodwaters enter, they are very slow to leave. The example also emphasizes the fact that flood insurance is something that can affect everyone, from the coasts to the mountains.

Later in the show, we talk about how LSU has benefited remarkably in the last couple of years from students matriculating from the northeast and from far out of state. Since 2/3 of college graduates tend to live near their campuses, we have to create new jobs to keep these bright minds in Louisiana. Elimination of the film, live performance, digital, music, and quality jobs tax credits could stop that potential job creation cold.

The governor’s proposal for a flat tax eliminates those job creating tax credits. Jeff Landry doubled down on that proposal at the House Ways and Means committee meeting last Thursday, Oct 3, 2024  proposing a 3 percent flat tax on individuals, and a 3.5 percent flat tax on corporations. The administration also proposed elimination of the corporate franchise tax and major modifications to the inventory tax.

Likewise, in order for Louisiana also to cover the loss of the $455 million in revenue produced from .45 percent sales tax expiring next year, Landry hopes to the legislature to eliminate nearly every tax benefit which goes to the cultural economy as well as many areas of industrial economic development— including the quality jobs credit. Could throwing out “the baby with bathwater” be the economic result of the tax reform?

We can include the show talking about the visit of famed Churchill biographer Sonia Purnell to the Garden District Book Shop on Sunday, October 6 at 4 pm.  She is premiering her new book on Pamela Churchill Harriman Kingmaker.  The event is free and open to the public.  For more information call (504) 895-2266 or visit The Garden District Book Shop website.
]]>3240cedric,christopher,churchill,fema,flat,flood,founders,helene,hy,insurance,jeff,landry,louisiana,mchenry,proposal,reform,richmond,show,tax,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-could-a-flat-tax-mean-for-louisiana--62131623
We also talk to Gary Mason of the Monumental Task Committee of the recent attempts to clean the Martin Luther King and Rev. Avery Alexander statues, as well as put up a new monument to the First World War soldiers. They are having a fundraiser raffling off Taylor Swift concert tickets— at better odds of winning than everyone else— at their website.

We then move onto discussing the proposed LA Flat Tax. As Christopher Tidmore writes in the Louisiana Weekly:

Quite a few observers were surprised when the governor’s revenue secretary, Richard Nelson, proposed the creation of a Louisiana flat income tax rate of 3.8 percent in the midst of a looming fiscal crisis next year. The increased revenue would allow Louisiana to cover the loss of the $455 million in revenue produced from .45 percent sales tax expiring next year – at least if he also convinces the legislature to eliminate nearly every tax benefit which goes to the cultural economy as well as the “Quality Jobs” program aiding industrial economic development.

Now it appears that Landry’s flat tax proposal also serves a way to ward off an almost equally large income tax cut – instituted by the previous administration. A 2021 state law created a series of conditions, which when met would automatically reduce income tax rates “by multiplying each current rate by the difference between one and the percentage change in individual income tax collections in excess of the individual income tax collections for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 adjusted annually.”

In layman’s terms, existing state law mandates an across-the-board income tax cut of approximately $200-$400 million (depending upon how the formula is calculated), and that would be on top of the automatic sales tax reduction – for an approximate $800-million deficit. This unforeseen tax cut came about because the circumstances which required fully funding the rainy day fund, earning a certain percentage increase in tax revenue, and other specific factors seemed incredibly unlikely to occur in 2021. In other words, the legislature passed a tax cut that they never thought would happen!

However, Louisiana – for just one year – hit all of the unlikely fiscal qualifications requiring an automatic tax cut. Landry has been scrambling to offer another alternative, proposing a tax cut which would not blow a hole in 2025 budgetary revenues. His answer is to create a flat tax, and simultaneously, get rid of every business tax incentive program. In other words, kill the film, music, live performance, digital, economic development and other tax credit benefits as well as the Quality Jobs program—which gives tax subsidies to companies who invest in Louisiana.  Collectively, these programs cost the state about $1 billion a year (but keep our cultural economy alive as well).

Through this method, Landry can cut the overall income tax rate even more than the 2021 law mandates, and at the same time allow the sales tax cut to occur. The cultural economy corporate community, from filmmakers to the music industry (who are not fans of Landry in the first place), pay the brunt of the bill – along with certain elements of the L.A.B.I. corporate/chemical/industrial community (who generally supported his GOP opponent Stephen Waguespack and depend upon the Quality Jobs credit). 

Louisiana’s poorest citizens would do better under Landry’s Flat Income Tax proposal than the across-the-board tax cut, with the first $12,500 of incomes completely eliminated from taxes instead of a fraction cut off from the current 1.85 percent income tax rate. The regressive .45 percent emergency sales tax, which was instituted eight years ago, would be allowed to expire under his plan as well.

The richest Louisianans would see income taxes fall from 4.25 percent to 3.8 percent. Those making between $12,500 and $50,000 would see an increase from 3.5 percent to 3.8 percent. With the elimination of the tax incentives and the increase on the working-class, the Louisiana budget would approach balance, and Pelican State would fall near the bottom of the list in top income tax rates levied on a state-by-state basis, ahead of only Indiana and Pennsylvania. (Neighbors Texas, Florida, and Tennessee as well as Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming levy no state income tax.)

Gov. Landry is expected to call a special session of the Louisiana Legislature in November to deal with tax reform and fiscal matters.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62131623Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:47:35 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Could enacting a flat tax forestall a larger tax cut and avoid a fiscal cliff for Louisiana? That is the apparent behind-the-scenes logic in the recent proposal put forward by the Landry administration last month, which Hy & Christopher explore on...
We also talk to Gary Mason of the Monumental Task Committee of the recent attempts to clean the Martin Luther King and Rev. Avery Alexander statues, as well as put up a new monument to the First World War soldiers. They are having a fundraiser raffling off Taylor Swift concert tickets— at better odds of winning than everyone else— at their website.

We then move onto discussing the proposed LA Flat Tax. As Christopher Tidmore writes in the Louisiana Weekly:

Quite a few observers were surprised when the governor’s revenue secretary, Richard Nelson, proposed the creation of a Louisiana flat income tax rate of 3.8 percent in the midst of a looming fiscal crisis next year. The increased revenue would allow Louisiana to cover the loss of the $455 million in revenue produced from .45 percent sales tax expiring next year – at least if he also convinces the legislature to eliminate nearly every tax benefit which goes to the cultural economy as well as the “Quality Jobs” program aiding industrial economic development.

Now it appears that Landry’s flat tax proposal also serves a way to ward off an almost equally large income tax cut – instituted by the previous administration. A 2021 state law created a series of conditions, which when met would automatically reduce income tax rates “by multiplying each current rate by the difference between one and the percentage change in individual income tax collections in excess of the individual income tax collections for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 adjusted annually.”

In layman’s terms, existing state law mandates an across-the-board income tax cut of approximately $200-$400 million (depending upon how the formula is calculated), and that would be on top of the automatic sales tax reduction – for an approximate $800-million deficit. This unforeseen tax cut came about because the circumstances which required fully funding the rainy day fund, earning a certain percentage increase in tax revenue, and other specific factors seemed incredibly unlikely to occur in 2021. In other words, the legislature passed a tax cut that they never thought would happen!

However, Louisiana – for just one year – hit all of the unlikely fiscal qualifications requiring an automatic tax cut. Landry has been scrambling to offer another alternative, proposing a tax cut which would not blow a hole in 2025 budgetary revenues. His answer is to create a flat tax, and simultaneously, get rid of every business tax incentive program. In other words, kill the film, music, live performance, digital, economic development and other tax credit benefits as well as the Quality Jobs program—which gives tax subsidies to companies who invest in Louisiana.  Collectively, these programs cost the state about $1 billion a year (but keep our cultural economy alive as well).

Through this method, Landry can cut the overall income tax rate even more than the 2021 law mandates, and at the same time allow the sales tax cut to occur. The cultural economy corporate community, from filmmakers to the music industry (who are not fans of Landry in the first place), pay the brunt of the bill – along with certain elements of the L.A.B.I. corporate/chemical/industrial community (who generally supported his GOP opponent Stephen Waguespack and depend upon the Quality Jobs credit). 

Louisiana’s poorest citizens would do better under Landry’s Flat Income Tax proposal than the across-the-board tax cut, with the first $12,500...]]>3240christopher,cliff,cut,fiscal,flat,founders,hy,jeff,landry,louisiana,mchenry,politics,proposal,sales,session,show,special,tax,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/new-orleans-the-first-city-of-opera--62131566Tosca— and how the Crescent City stands as the 1st City of Opera in the US - American opera got its start in New Orleans in 1796.

Tosca is premiering at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts on Friday, September 27 at 7:30 with a matinee performance on Sunday, September 29 at 2:30.  Tickets are available at the box office.

The New Orleans Opera will premiere its next production, Samson and Delilah, on November 8 and 10.  The show’s lead, Raehann Bryce, will also be providing a specially concert at the Opera Guild home in the Garden District on the evening of October 22.  More information at the New Orleans Opera website.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62131566Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:43:55 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The General and Artistic Director of the New Orleans Opera Lila Palmer joins Hy and Christopher to talk Tosca— and how the Crescent City stands as the 1st City of Opera in the US - American opera got its start in New Orleans in 1796. Tosca is...Tosca— and how the Crescent City stands as the 1st City of Opera in the US - American opera got its start in New Orleans in 1796.

Tosca is premiering at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts on Friday, September 27 at 7:30 with a matinee performance on Sunday, September 29 at 2:30.  Tickets are available at the box office.

The New Orleans Opera will premiere its next production, Samson and Delilah, on November 8 and 10.  The show’s lead, Raehann Bryce, will also be providing a specially concert at the Opera Guild home in the Garden District on the evening of October 22.  More information at the New Orleans Opera website.
]]>3240christopher,deliah,founders,hy,lila,mchenry,new,opera,orleans,palmer,samson,show,tidmore,toscafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-we-truly-prepared-for-a-hurricane--61530729
Hy and Christopher point out that since Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana's levees have deteriorated. More importantly, there has been no move to put a floodgate at the Chef Pass and the Rigolets.  In other words, no barrier exists to stop storm surge from flowing into Lake Pontchartrain.  It is long past time for our politicians to examine this problem.

We both acknowledge that the ABC Presidential Debate may actually change fewer opinions than most pundits believe, but Christopher notes that Taylor Swift’s endorsement could. Even if the pop singer does not get her legions of fans to register to vote, other votes could be changed thanks to a legion of concerned women in Louisiana writing postcards to mothers in Pennsylvania, urging them to vote for Kamala Harris.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61530729Sat, 14 Sep 2024 01:28:30 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher both sigh in relief on behalf of the City of New Orleans that Hurricane Francine was not worse. That does not mean that the thousands of homeowners without power or damaged by flooding do not deserve our help and prayers. However,...
Hy and Christopher point out that since Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana's levees have deteriorated. More importantly, there has been no move to put a floodgate at the Chef Pass and the Rigolets.  In other words, no barrier exists to stop storm surge from flowing into Lake Pontchartrain.  It is long past time for our politicians to examine this problem.

We both acknowledge that the ABC Presidential Debate may actually change fewer opinions than most pundits believe, but Christopher notes that Taylor Swift’s endorsement could. Even if the pop singer does not get her legions of fans to register to vote, other votes could be changed thanks to a legion of concerned women in Louisiana writing postcards to mothers in Pennsylvania, urging them to vote for Kamala Harris.]]>32402024,christopher,donald,election,founders,francine,harris,hurricane,hy,kamala,louisiana,mchenry,show,swift,taylor,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-race-for-the-white-house-remains-tight-ahead-of-debate--61294763
We talk about the fact that neither of the major presidential candidates even remotely care about looming deficits, and the Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver seems to be the only one talking about how government spending triggers inflation. We also ask whether pro-life conservatives, particularly in western Pennsylvania, will stay home amidst Donald Trump’s flip-flops on the Florida abortion rights election? That alone could swing the election.

Speaking of flip-flops, we talk about Kamala Harris’ reversals on economic policy, fracking, and particularly the Biden tax increase proposals. Harris wishes to hike capital gains tax to 33% rather than 44%— as Biden proposed. Is that smaller tax increase enough to calm centrist voters, worried that tax increases could tank the economy. In other words, can a smaller tax jump allay enough of the financial fears of suburban swing voters that they will feel comfortable casting their ballots for the Democrats?

Finally, we talk about the legacy of Denise Villere Schimek, philanthropist, businesswoman, and noted violinist & orchestra conductor.   Her funeral is Wednesday, September 11, at noon at Lake Lawn Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61294763Sat, 07 Sep 2024 14:42:29 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher tackle the upcoming presidential debate and an election that is, as Karl Rove calls it, “tight as a tick.” We talk about the fact that neither of the major presidential candidates even remotely care about looming deficits, and the...
We talk about the fact that neither of the major presidential candidates even remotely care about looming deficits, and the Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver seems to be the only one talking about how government spending triggers inflation. We also ask whether pro-life conservatives, particularly in western Pennsylvania, will stay home amidst Donald Trump’s flip-flops on the Florida abortion rights election? That alone could swing the election.

Speaking of flip-flops, we talk about Kamala Harris’ reversals on economic policy, fracking, and particularly the Biden tax increase proposals. Harris wishes to hike capital gains tax to 33% rather than 44%— as Biden proposed. Is that smaller tax increase enough to calm centrist voters, worried that tax increases could tank the economy. In other words, can a smaller tax jump allay enough of the financial fears of suburban swing voters that they will feel comfortable casting their ballots for the Democrats?

Finally, we talk about the legacy of Denise Villere Schimek, philanthropist, businesswoman, and noted violinist & orchestra conductor.   Her funeral is Wednesday, September 11, at noon at Lake Lawn Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.
]]>32402024,christopher,debate,donald,election,founders,harris,house,hy,kamala,louisiana,mchenry,politics,president,show,tidmore,trump,whitefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/christopher-shares-a-secret-for-founders-show-listeners--6122501250% OFF!


ONLY 50% off of best available seats for a single show, or 50% off a season ticket at any tier! Just go to Events and Tickets - New Orleans Opera. Then when you check out, enter promo code PIANO50.

Our guest on today’s show Is Nicholas Meyer. He joins Hy and Christopher to talk about his new book Sherlock Holmes and the Telegraph from Hell.  Meyer is also a famed Hollywood director and for sci-fi fans, he is best known as the director of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, often considered the greatest Star Trek movie ever made.

He tells us the story of that iconic movie’s creation after first discussing Sherlock Holmes lore, and how he started writing about the great detective in his book The Seven Percent Solution, whose movie version Meyer both wrote the screenplay and directed.

You can meet the author in person! Nicholas Meyer is coming to the Garden District Book Shop at 6 PM on Tuesday, September 3. Go to the Garden District Book Shop's website to reserve your space or call the bookstore at (504) 895-2266.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61225012Sat, 31 Aug 2024 16:39:10 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)On this Labor Day weekend, Christopher tells our audience of a secret…sale. For listeners of the Founders Show, New Orleans Opera is offering single or season tickets at 50% OFF! ONLY 50% off of best available seats for a single show, or 50% off a...50% OFF!


ONLY 50% off of best available seats for a single show, or 50% off a season ticket at any tier! Just go to Events and Tickets - New Orleans Opera. Then when you check out, enter promo code PIANO50.

Our guest on today’s show Is Nicholas Meyer. He joins Hy and Christopher to talk about his new book Sherlock Holmes and the Telegraph from Hell.  Meyer is also a famed Hollywood director and for sci-fi fans, he is best known as the director of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, often considered the greatest Star Trek movie ever made.

He tells us the story of that iconic movie’s creation after first discussing Sherlock Holmes lore, and how he started writing about the great detective in his book The Seven Percent Solution, whose movie version Meyer both wrote the screenplay and directed.

You can meet the author in person! Nicholas Meyer is coming to the Garden District Book Shop at 6 PM on Tuesday, September 3. Go to the Garden District Book Shop's website to reserve your space or call the bookstore at (504) 895-2266.
]]>3241christopher,founders,holmes,hy,interview,khan,mchenry,meyer,new,nicholas,opera,orleans,sale,sherlock,show,star,tidmore,trekfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/author-director-nicholas-meyer-joins-the-show--61138192Nicholas Meyer joins Hy and Christopher to talk about his new book Sherlock Holmes and the Telegraph from Hell.

Meyer is also a famed Hollywood director. For sci-fi fans, he is best known as the director of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, often considered the greatest Star Trek movie ever made. He tells us the story of the iconic movie’s creation later in the program.

We begin by talking Sherlock Holmes lore, and how he started writing about the great detective in his book The Seven Percent Solution, whose movie version Meyer both wrote the screenplay and directed.

You can meet the author in person! Nicholas Meyer is coming to the Garden District Book Shop at 6 PM on Tuesday, September 3. Go to GardenDistrictBookshop.com to reserve your space or call the bookstore at (504) 895-2266.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61138192Sat, 24 Aug 2024 15:16:59 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Author http://nicholas-meyer.com joins Hy and Christopher to talk about his new book Sherlock Holmes and the Telegraph from Hell. Meyer is also a famed Hollywood director. For sci-fi fans, he is best known as the director of Star Trek II: The Wrath...Nicholas Meyer joins Hy and Christopher to talk about his new book Sherlock Holmes and the Telegraph from Hell.

Meyer is also a famed Hollywood director. For sci-fi fans, he is best known as the director of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, often considered the greatest Star Trek movie ever made. He tells us the story of the iconic movie’s creation later in the program.

We begin by talking Sherlock Holmes lore, and how he started writing about the great detective in his book The Seven Percent Solution, whose movie version Meyer both wrote the screenplay and directed.

You can meet the author in person! Nicholas Meyer is coming to the Garden District Book Shop at 6 PM on Tuesday, September 3. Go to GardenDistrictBookshop.com to reserve your space or call the bookstore at (504) 895-2266.
]]>3240bookshop,christopher,district,founders,garden,holmes,hy,khan,louisiana,mchenry,meyer,new,nicholas,orleans,sherlock,show,star,tidmore,trek,wrathfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/biden-s-cancer-moonshot-nola-visit-walz-vs-vance-future-of-michoud--61058244
From there, we move on to speak about the vice presidential candidates, and criticisms from the left and the right of their military records. Both Hy and Christopher agree that JD Vance, the current Republican vice presidential nominee, not only volunteered to join the Marine Corps and served for four years in Iraq, but as a military journalist was actually involved in combat situations.  Hy reflects on his experience with several military journalists in Afghanistan— and their valor under fire.

Not surprisingly, the two of us disagree on Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz.  Walz served in the Nebraska and Minnesota National Guards for 24 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2005.  Christopher claims Walz is being “swift-boated” in his decision to retire from the National Guard to run for Congress, as he did not want to have a conflict of interest in remaining in the military, but Hy says that Walz abandoned his men by not finishing the command master sergeant course— and staying in the Guard. We both agree, though, that the critiques of Tim Walz for not being rich enough to run for office are absurd.  (See Christopher’s Louisiana Weekly editorial below on that very topic.)

We then start talking about the future of New Orleans’ participation in the space program. Problems with Boeing's Artemis rocket program raise fears that the Michoud facility in New Orleans East could be shuttered. That would be a terrible blow for both the economy of the Crescent City as well as America’s future in space.

A critical report issued by NASA's Office of Inspector General regarding the 10-year Space Launch System Block 1B development for future Artemis astronaut missions to the Moon and Mars, pointed at least some fingers toward the "lack of a sufficient number of trained and experienced aerospace workers" at Boeing's Michoud Assembly Facility.  The report found that Boeing’s quality management system at Michoud does not adhere to these standards or NASA requirements. NASA states a lack of quality control has led to 71 issues on the project that range from minor to potentially serious.  With the Starliner capsule unable to return to earth, and astronauts waiting on the international space station, some have speculated that Boeing might actually get out of the space business. Hy and Christopher lament how detrimental that would be for both New Orleans and for NASA..

Taking Stock of the Real Investment in America
by Christopher Tidmore
God Forbid if Americans elect a middle-class Vice President, who can understand the trials and tribulations of living paycheck to paycheck.  Imagine the terrible fate of our nation if the electorate decides, for once, to send to Washington a candidate unable to boast of a bank account of millions upon taking office?

The worst criticism levied against Tim Walz—at present—is that he lacks a portfolio of stocks, bonds, and securities. Fox pundit Jesse Watters went so far to contend that not owning a stock certificate means that Governor Walz “has never invested in America!”

Or should Watters have referred to him as Coach Walz? After all, he spent decades guiding young people both as a teacher in the classroom and trainer on the gridiron.  No, perhaps Watters should call him Command Sergeant Major Walz, a title he earned after 24 years serving in the Nebraska and Minnesota Army National Guards— despite pundits retroactively seeking to rob him of his rank.

In fact, he could have kept that last military title and bolstered up his pension even further (perhaps to buy some stocks), but Walz thought it constituted a conflict of interest to serve in a military role and run for Congress at the same time.

Ultimately, Representative Walz spent his entire life in public service work so unremunerative that it took every dime earned by he and his wife just to buy a house and raise a family.  They only sold their home, their only asset, when the newly elected Governor Walz moved into the Governor’s Mansion in Saint Paul.

In other words, the worst criticism made of the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate is that he resembles most of us.  The majority of Americans lack the luxury and financial means to own stocks and bonds, but many invest in America in other ways. They serve in the military; they teach children; or they commit to a life of public service in some capacity.  Tim Walz literally did all of these.

What a slap in the face to Americans Jesse Watters rendered when he took the day-to-day commitments to America, which so many regular people embrace, and implied that the financial cost that they endure in return does not constitute an investment in this nation. Many pay a price in the pocketbook to be patriots, and to imply those painful choices somehow constitute lack of investment compared to calling a broker and buying a stock certificate borders on delusion.

In a speech last week, Tim Walz observed to members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, “The people in this room built the middle class. When unions are strong, America is strong.”  It was a room populated, in large part, by first responders, many of whom do not earn enough even to purchase a house much less buy a stock, yet these public servants put their lives on the line every day to save lives and protect this nation.  Perhaps Mr. Watters wishes to imply lack of investment in America on their parts. After all, all they put on the line is their most precious blood.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61058244Fri, 16 Aug 2024 22:07:00 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher kick off talking about President Biden‘s visit to Tulane as part of the $150 million cancer "moonshot" initiative that aims to cut the cancer death rate in half by 2047. Of course, we mention that it helps that the Bidens' daughter,...
From there, we move on to speak about the vice presidential candidates, and criticisms from the left and the right of their military records. Both Hy and Christopher agree that JD Vance, the current Republican vice presidential nominee, not only volunteered to join the Marine Corps and served for four years in Iraq, but as a military journalist was actually involved in combat situations.  Hy reflects on his experience with several military journalists in Afghanistan— and their valor under fire.

Not surprisingly, the two of us disagree on Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz.  Walz served in the Nebraska and Minnesota National Guards for 24 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2005.  Christopher claims Walz is being “swift-boated” in his decision to retire from the National Guard to run for Congress, as he did not want to have a conflict of interest in remaining in the military, but Hy says that Walz abandoned his men by not finishing the command master sergeant course— and staying in the Guard. We both agree, though, that the critiques of Tim Walz for not being rich enough to run for office are absurd.  (See Christopher’s Louisiana Weekly editorial below on that very topic.)

We then start talking about the future of New Orleans’ participation in the space program. Problems with Boeing's Artemis rocket program raise fears that the Michoud facility in New Orleans East could be shuttered. That would be a terrible blow for both the economy of the Crescent City as well as America’s future in space.

A critical report issued by NASA's Office of Inspector General regarding the 10-year Space Launch System Block 1B development for future Artemis astronaut missions to the Moon and Mars, pointed at least some fingers toward the "lack of a sufficient number of trained and experienced aerospace workers" at Boeing's Michoud Assembly Facility.  The report found that Boeing’s quality management system at Michoud does not adhere to these standards or NASA requirements. NASA states a lack of quality control has led to 71 issues on the project that range from minor to potentially serious.  With the Starliner capsule unable to return to earth, and astronauts waiting on the international space station, some have speculated that Boeing might actually get out of the space business. Hy and Christopher lament how detrimental that would be for both New Orleans and for NASA..

Taking Stock of the Real Investment in America
by Christopher Tidmore
God Forbid if Americans elect a middle-class Vice President, who can understand the trials and tribulations of living paycheck to paycheck.  Imagine the terrible fate of our nation if the electorate decides, for once, to send to Washington a candidate unable to boast of a bank account of millions upon taking office?

The worst criticism levied against Tim Walz—at present—is that he lacks a portfolio of stocks, bonds, and securities. Fox pundit Jesse Watters went so far to contend that not owning a stock certificate means that Governor Walz “has never invested in America!”

Or should Watters have referred to him as Coach Walz? After all, he spent decades guiding young people both as a teacher in the classroom and trainer on the gridiron.  No, perhaps Watters should call him Command Sergeant Major Walz, a title he earned after 24 years serving in the Nebraska and...]]>32402024,biden,cancer,christopher,concern,election,founders,harris,hy,louisiana,mchenry,michoud,nasa,politics,show,tidmore,trump,vance,walz,wealthfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/likability-in-the-race-for-president-swbno-s-latest-struggles--60971360Does Likeability Matter Most? Will the choice of “Minnesota Nice” Gov. Tim Walz double down on Kamala Harris’ pro-positivity strategy against Donald Trump?

Christopher leveled a challenge to Hy last week; sincerely say something nice about Kamala Harris! Unexpectedly, Hy’s response may explain why the Democratic and Republican Presidential candidates are tied in the battleground states. Hy McEnery replied to the question, “She has a nice smile.  I have thought so since I first became aware of her.”  As the socially conservative Baptist minister (who runs a charity working on behalf of troubled Inner City kids in New Orleans) described, he meant his observation as a true compliment—without irony.

However, he's still was voting for Trump, who had Hy's ardent support as a “fighter." Nevertheless, two of us examine whether this positive perception provides a clue as to why national polls have tightened—as swing voters have gotten to know Harris in the weeks after President Biden‘s demurral.

It is never a disadvantage for a presidential candidate to come off as a “Happy Warrior." That was the moniker applied to VP Hubert Humphrey when in 1968 he nearly overcame a grim two-time presidential candidate after his unpopular boss decided not to run for reelection.  Positivity also stands as the main reason in the last few months of the 1980 campaign that Ronald Reagan prevailed over the somewhat gloomy incumbent Jimmy Carter. Undecided swing voters just liked Reagan more. A cheerful personality trumped policy weaknesses.

Three weeks ago, after Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race, veteran Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik remarked to columnist William Kristol that the period until the August Democratic convention would be crucial. Vice President Kamala Harris stood relatively undefined in the minds of many voters. Who would prevail in the fierce race to define her?

As Kristol noted last week, “We’re now halfway through those four weeks, and Harris is winning the race to define. She and her campaign have over-performed in almost every respect while Donald Trump and JD Vance have gotten in their own way—or simply reminded us who they really are.”

“And Harris has gained ground," Kristol continued. "The polling team at UMass Amherst…has Harris leading Trump nationally by three points, 46 percent to 43 percent—compared to a four point lead for Trump over Biden in their January poll."

The important detail came when Kristol noted, “Harris leads Trump on personal characteristics like honesty and likability, but keeps the contest closer than one might have expected on traits that might have been thought big winners for Trump, like strength (only 54 percent to 46 percent) and patriotism (only 52 percent to 48 percent). And by 57 percent to 43 percent, voters think that Harris is more moderate than Trump, an indicator that the effort to define Harris as radical isn’t working—so far.”

Other surveys have seen similarly tightening polls, both nationally and in the battlegrounds. Does Likability trump ALL? Moreover, from the perspective of positivity without disturbing the delicate balance of ideological base politics, Kamala Harris’ Vice Presidential pick of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate makes sense.  His very nickname is “Minnesota Nice”.  He enjoys high approval ratings from his constituents in his critical battleground home state— a trust often credited as the reason Democrats regained control of the state legislature after years out of power.

Unlike his two rivals for the VP slot, Walz holds no ideological heresies for the Left which could divide the Democratic base.  He is not a strong supporter of school vouchers in Pennsylvania or the Israeli campaign in Gaza like Josh Shapiro, nor does he stand hesitant to support a repeal of “Right to Work” like Mark Kelly seemed to indicate when the Arizona Senator refused to sign on as a co-author of the PRO Act.  Waltz actually tightened pro-unionization laws during his time in Minnesota Governor’s office.

Nevertheless, Walz comes off as a very nice, likable, middle-of-the-road type of guy.  He stands attitudinally as the polar opposite of the ideological warrior exemplified by Trump’s choice of JD Vance, and that explains Kamala Harris choice of him better than anything else.  That doesn’t mean he’s the best choice politically. Shapiro and Kelly arguably would’ve had more of an impact in swinging their swing states.

But Walz does no damage, as we discuss on today’s show, along with talking about some potential solutions for the recent boil advisories plaguing the NO S&WB—later in the show.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60971360Fri, 09 Aug 2024 16:42:13 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher take on the question Does Likeability Matter Most? Will the choice of “Minnesota Nice” Gov. Tim Walz double down on Kamala Harris’ pro-positivity strategy against Donald Trump? Christopher leveled a challenge to Hy last week;...Does Likeability Matter Most? Will the choice of “Minnesota Nice” Gov. Tim Walz double down on Kamala Harris’ pro-positivity strategy against Donald Trump?

Christopher leveled a challenge to Hy last week; sincerely say something nice about Kamala Harris! Unexpectedly, Hy’s response may explain why the Democratic and Republican Presidential candidates are tied in the battleground states. Hy McEnery replied to the question, “She has a nice smile.  I have thought so since I first became aware of her.”  As the socially conservative Baptist minister (who runs a charity working on behalf of troubled Inner City kids in New Orleans) described, he meant his observation as a true compliment—without irony.

However, he's still was voting for Trump, who had Hy's ardent support as a “fighter." Nevertheless, two of us examine whether this positive perception provides a clue as to why national polls have tightened—as swing voters have gotten to know Harris in the weeks after President Biden‘s demurral.

It is never a disadvantage for a presidential candidate to come off as a “Happy Warrior." That was the moniker applied to VP Hubert Humphrey when in 1968 he nearly overcame a grim two-time presidential candidate after his unpopular boss decided not to run for reelection.  Positivity also stands as the main reason in the last few months of the 1980 campaign that Ronald Reagan prevailed over the somewhat gloomy incumbent Jimmy Carter. Undecided swing voters just liked Reagan more. A cheerful personality trumped policy weaknesses.

Three weeks ago, after Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race, veteran Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik remarked to columnist William Kristol that the period until the August Democratic convention would be crucial. Vice President Kamala Harris stood relatively undefined in the minds of many voters. Who would prevail in the fierce race to define her?

As Kristol noted last week, “We’re now halfway through those four weeks, and Harris is winning the race to define. She and her campaign have over-performed in almost every respect while Donald Trump and JD Vance have gotten in their own way—or simply reminded us who they really are.”

“And Harris has gained ground," Kristol continued. "The polling team at UMass Amherst…has Harris leading Trump nationally by three points, 46 percent to 43 percent—compared to a four point lead for Trump over Biden in their January poll."

The important detail came when Kristol noted, “Harris leads Trump on personal characteristics like honesty and likability, but keeps the contest closer than one might have expected on traits that might have been thought big winners for Trump, like strength (only 54 percent to 46 percent) and patriotism (only 52 percent to 48 percent). And by 57 percent to 43 percent, voters think that Harris is more moderate than Trump, an indicator that the effort to define Harris as radical isn’t working—so far.”

Other surveys have seen similarly tightening polls, both nationally and in the battlegrounds. Does Likability trump ALL? Moreover, from the perspective of positivity without disturbing the delicate balance of ideological base politics, Kamala Harris’ Vice Presidential pick of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate makes sense.  His very nickname is “Minnesota Nice”.  He enjoys high approval ratings from his constituents in his critical battleground home state— a trust often credited as the reason Democrats regained control of the state legislature after years out of power.

Unlike his two rivals for the VP slot, Walz holds no ideological heresies for the Left which could divide the Democratic base.  He is not a strong supporter of school vouchers in Pennsylvania or the Israeli campaign in Gaza like Josh Shapiro, nor does he stand hesitant to support a repeal of “Right to Work” like Mark Kelly...]]>32402024,board,christopher,founders,harris,hy,louisiana,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,president,race,sewerage,show,the,tidmore,trump,walz,waterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/taking-a-look-at-the-6th-congressional-district-race--60927080
The discussion progresses to Louisiana and this autumn’s 6th Congressional District race. State Senator (and former congressman) Cleo Fields is thought to be a proverbial “shoo-in”, yet could the attacks on him by a fellow Democrat force a runoff? Read more about it in Chris's latest article in The Louisiana Weekly.

We conclude with a Happy 50th Birthday to a true public servant State Rep. Mike Bayham, and then talk about how African-American turnout in Georgia for Kamala Harris could frustrate Donald Trump’s prospects to return to the White House. Will his comments at the Black journalist convention shore up African-American turnout for Harris?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60927080Mon, 05 Aug 2024 15:58:04 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)This week, Christopher broadcasts live from Canada - from the border of Alberta and British Columbia. He and Hy talk Rocky Mountain wildfires, heat, and how the local libertarian-leaning Tory Premier has embraced nuclear power to create both energy...
The discussion progresses to Louisiana and this autumn’s 6th Congressional District race. State Senator (and former congressman) Cleo Fields is thought to be a proverbial “shoo-in”, yet could the attacks on him by a fellow Democrat force a runoff? Read more about it in Chris's latest article in The Louisiana Weekly.

We conclude with a Happy 50th Birthday to a true public servant State Rep. Mike Bayham, and then talk about how African-American turnout in Georgia for Kamala Harris could frustrate Donald Trump’s prospects to return to the White House. Will his comments at the Black journalist convention shore up African-American turnout for Harris?]]>3240christopher,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,politics,show,the,tidmore,usafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/veep-peep-kamala-harris-steps-in-jd-vance-hits-the-trail--60825918
Christopher challenges Hy to say something critical about JD Vance and something nice about Kamala Harris. It’s a struggle for Hy, but he pulls it off! We discuss the implications of the Republicans not taking social conservatives seriously enough, particularly on abortion, and we postulate if the Democrats have transformed themselves into happy warriors? Will Kamala Harris’ positive attitude cause campaign challenges for Trump?

Along the way, we talk about both JD Vance’s and Kamala Harris’ books. Christopher clears up some misconceptions about “Hillbilly Elegy” (in a positive sense), and we talk about “The Truths We Hold” and the importance of grandmothers, soul food, and stepmotherhood.  By the way, both books are available at The Garden District Book Shop.

In the second segment Hy makes a major national announcement: Brexit for Louisiana? Christopher and Hy argue the constitutionality. Do the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments allow, or does the post-Civil War change in the status of citizenship— of the United States rather than of the individual states—legally make such a concept impossible?

Hy concludes the show with the story of one of the greatest missionaries who ever lived in the modern era. Imagine a child of British aristocratic privilege who gave up everything to spread the gospel in China, India, and Africa — the last in his 80s!
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60825918Sat, 27 Jul 2024 14:28:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher take on the state of the Vice Presidential estate in today’s show, examining in depth both the man seeking the number two job under Trump and the current number two seeking the top job— in the wake of President Biden’s exit from the...
Christopher challenges Hy to say something critical about JD Vance and something nice about Kamala Harris. It’s a struggle for Hy, but he pulls it off! We discuss the implications of the Republicans not taking social conservatives seriously enough, particularly on abortion, and we postulate if the Democrats have transformed themselves into happy warriors? Will Kamala Harris’ positive attitude cause campaign challenges for Trump?

Along the way, we talk about both JD Vance’s and Kamala Harris’ books. Christopher clears up some misconceptions about “Hillbilly Elegy” (in a positive sense), and we talk about “The Truths We Hold” and the importance of grandmothers, soul food, and stepmotherhood.  By the way, both books are available at The Garden District Book Shop.

In the second segment Hy makes a major national announcement: Brexit for Louisiana? Christopher and Hy argue the constitutionality. Do the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments allow, or does the post-Civil War change in the status of citizenship— of the United States rather than of the individual states—legally make such a concept impossible?

Hy concludes the show with the story of one of the greatest missionaries who ever lived in the modern era. Imagine a child of British aristocratic privilege who gave up everything to spread the gospel in China, India, and Africa — the last in his 80s!
]]>32402024,brexit,christopher,donald,election,founders,harris,hy,jd,kamala,louisiana,mchenry,politics,president,show,the,tidmore,trump,vance,vicefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/at-the-rnc-with-dr-john-fleming-jon-gegenheimer--60746333
Both men are delegates from Louisiana to the RNC, and they explain how emotions have changed amongst their fellow delegates after the assassination attempt over the course of the subsequent week.

They talk about Louisiana’s unique role in the 2024 convention, and how some of the Pelican State’s late night parties have actually influenced the RNC over the past week.  Fleming, in particular, compares this year’s convention to RNC nominating conventions (which he has attended in the past), and he sees a distinct difference. He smells a winner in 2024 for Donald Trump.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60746333Fri, 19 Jul 2024 22:39:29 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher host Louisiana State Treasurer Dr. John Fleming and Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court Jon Gegenheimer live from Milwaukee and the floor of the Republican National Convention. Both men are delegates from Louisiana to the RNC, and they...
Both men are delegates from Louisiana to the RNC, and they explain how emotions have changed amongst their fellow delegates after the assassination attempt over the course of the subsequent week.

They talk about Louisiana’s unique role in the 2024 convention, and how some of the Pelican State’s late night parties have actually influenced the RNC over the past week.  Fleming, in particular, compares this year’s convention to RNC nominating conventions (which he has attended in the past), and he sees a distinct difference. He smells a winner in 2024 for Donald Trump.]]>32402024,biden,christopher,election,fleming,founders,gegenheimer,hy,john,jon,louisiana,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,rnc,show,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/roger-villere-at-the-republican-national-convention--60683317
Villere serves as national committeeman for the Louisiana Republican Party, and he played an integral role in coming up with the new party platform. He'll give insight on the change - or lack of - in its pro-life plank, as well as the dilemma facing Republican strategists - will they actually run against Joe Biden this November?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60683317Sat, 13 Jul 2024 15:24:16 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)This week, Hy & Christopher are joined by Roger Villere, who is in Milwaukee from the Republican National Convention! Villere serves as national committeeman for the Louisiana Republican Party, and he played an integral role in coming up with the...
Villere serves as national committeeman for the Louisiana Republican Party, and he played an integral role in coming up with the new party platform. He'll give insight on the change - or lack of - in its pro-life plank, as well as the dilemma facing Republican strategists - will they actually run against Joe Biden this November?]]>32402024,biden,christopher,convention,election,founders,hy,lagop,louisiana,mchenry,milwaukee,national,republican,roger,show,tidmore,trump,villerefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fighting-crime-in-louisiana-celebrating-our-independence--60612079
Hy and Christopher speak to Irv Magri, President of Crimefighters of Louisiana as well as the founding president of the PANO, about the rising incidents of crime and what can be done to arrest them. Magri speaks of the successes that he had as President of the LA Pardon Board, and how abandonment of the policies which he had championed have helped drive the rise in homicides. We also speak about how Crimefighters offers free counseling and legal aid to the victims of crime.

To conclude the show, in honor of independence week, Hy speaks on the legacy of Patrick Henry.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60612079Fri, 05 Jul 2024 18:24:41 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Louisiana is ranked 50th in fighting crime, the lowest of the low. Much of that has been driven by homicides in New Orleans, which reached an all-time high in 2022 (though murders have fallen in the last two years). Hy and Christopher speak to Irv...
Hy and Christopher speak to Irv Magri, President of Crimefighters of Louisiana as well as the founding president of the PANO, about the rising incidents of crime and what can be done to arrest them. Magri speaks of the successes that he had as President of the LA Pardon Board, and how abandonment of the policies which he had championed have helped drive the rise in homicides. We also speak about how Crimefighters offers free counseling and legal aid to the victims of crime.

To conclude the show, in honor of independence week, Hy speaks on the legacy of Patrick Henry.
]]>3240america,christopher,crime,crimefighters,day,founders,hy,independence,irv,louisiana,magri,mchenry,politics,show,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-pro-life-ivf-split-whether-amy-coney-barrett-s-textualism-will-sink-louisiana-s-10-commandments-law--60567286
Hy and Christopher debate whether IVF could be the issue that causes the Christian and the pro-life political movement to split.  The pro-life ethics of IVF collide with the desire of people to be fruitful and multiply with their own biological children. Telling a mother she cannot have a biological child of her own— and must instead go through an adoption process of someone else’s child— underpins a GOP weakness going into election day.

 Then we note that the Supreme Court upheld a federal statute criminalizing the possession of firearms by individuals with domestic violence restraining orders against them. Commentators have depicted the ruling in United States v. Rahimi as a “victory” for gun safety and women’s rights, even though it only retained the status quo. But the opinion is important for another reason: It signals what could be the start of a major course correction in the conservative justices’ approach to constitutional interpretation.

Justice Clarence Thomas was the only dissenting vote, due to his commitment to a judicial philosophy called “original intent”, whereas several of his conservative colleagues subscribe to “textualism”.

Originalism holds that judges are to interpret a law based on the meaning of the law’s text at the time it was enacted. In the case of provisions of the Constitution, originalism thus claims to tether judges’ interpretations to the understandings of the Founding generation (or later for the more recent amendments).  Textualists, though, are not as bound by the past, and limit their views to specifically what the constitution says—snd what it does not.

Hy and Christopher note that in a speech last year at Catholic University, Justice Amy Coney Barrett reiterated the point. “We have to be very, very careful in the way that we use history,” she said, adding that deploying historical evidence to advance a legal conclusion can be like “looking over a crowd and picking out your friends.”

Why do we care?  Because the ACLU is suing Gov. Jeff Landry to stop him from posting the 10 Commandments in Louisiana school classrooms, a law passed by the legislature.  “Original intent”, as Hy observes, would protect the bill and allow it to come into force, but if “textualism” (i.e. following the specific written word of the constitution) The predominant philosophy, some of the‘s conservatives might side with the liberals and uphold the 1980 Supreme Court decision preventing the posting at the 10 Commandments.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60567286Mon, 01 Jul 2024 15:49:58 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)One of Joe Biden’s few effective moments in the June 27th Presidential debate was his answer on abortion rights, when he made the comparison that repealing Roe v. Wade was like “turn[ing] civil rights back to the states.” This is a key policy...
Hy and Christopher debate whether IVF could be the issue that causes the Christian and the pro-life political movement to split.  The pro-life ethics of IVF collide with the desire of people to be fruitful and multiply with their own biological children. Telling a mother she cannot have a biological child of her own— and must instead go through an adoption process of someone else’s child— underpins a GOP weakness going into election day.

 Then we note that the Supreme Court upheld a federal statute criminalizing the possession of firearms by individuals with domestic violence restraining orders against them. Commentators have depicted the ruling in United States v. Rahimi as a “victory” for gun safety and women’s rights, even though it only retained the status quo. But the opinion is important for another reason: It signals what could be the start of a major course correction in the conservative justices’ approach to constitutional interpretation.

Justice Clarence Thomas was the only dissenting vote, due to his commitment to a judicial philosophy called “original intent”, whereas several of his conservative colleagues subscribe to “textualism”.

Originalism holds that judges are to interpret a law based on the meaning of the law’s text at the time it was enacted. In the case of provisions of the Constitution, originalism thus claims to tether judges’ interpretations to the understandings of the Founding generation (or later for the more recent amendments).  Textualists, though, are not as bound by the past, and limit their views to specifically what the constitution says—snd what it does not.

Hy and Christopher note that in a speech last year at Catholic University, Justice Amy Coney Barrett reiterated the point. “We have to be very, very careful in the way that we use history,” she said, adding that deploying historical evidence to advance a legal conclusion can be like “looking over a crowd and picking out your friends.”

Why do we care?  Because the ACLU is suing Gov. Jeff Landry to stop him from posting the 10 Commandments in Louisiana school classrooms, a law passed by the legislature.  “Original intent”, as Hy observes, would protect the bill and allow it to come into force, but if “textualism” (i.e. following the specific written word of the constitution) The predominant philosophy, some of the‘s conservatives might side with the liberals and uphold the 1980 Supreme Court decision preventing the posting at the 10 Commandments.
]]>324010,christopher,commandments,founders,hy,ivf,law,louisiana,mchenry,politics,show,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/presidential-debate-cut-tip-tax-raise-tariffs-or-embrace-a-lesson-from-across-the-pond--60464167
We talk tax policy, including Trump’s proposals to eliminate taxes on tips and to replace the income tax with an 85% foreign tariff. What are the economic consequences?  And we propose an idea from Christopher's Louisiana Weekly column this week on how Biden could match this rhetoric on taxes by stealing an idea currently dominating the conversation in the UK parliamentary elections. (More on that below.)

Then the tax conversation turns to Louisiana and a visit by state Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson to the Louisiana House Ways & Means Committee. Could Gov. Jeff  Landry be signaling a deal to legislators by sending his chief tax aide last Tuesday? In other words, is the message: renew the .45% sales tax, due to expire next year, in exchange for a series of income tax cuts?  What about the idea of eliminating income taxes on retirees over the next decade—which would cost about the same as making the sales tax permanent? We end with a look at Juneteenth and how it influenced former Sec. State Condoleezza Rice.

A Taxing Lesson From Across the Pond
By Christopher Tidmore, Louisiana Weekly

Donald Trump continues to rise in the polls, in large part because he is gaining support from voters who earn less than $60,000 per year.  This sector of the electorate has felt the squeeze of inflation most intensely, yet these families tend to qualify for very few government programs to ameliorate the effects of rising prices.  However, an idea that the UK Reform Party has proposed in the current election – to raise the threshold of paying those income taxes – might help Joe Biden hold onto a majority of the working class voters.

Trump has already shown remarkable strength with the working class electorate. In 2020, those households making under $50,000 a year constituted 42 percent of his voter base. Polling seems to suggest that he has only improved his standing with this working class demographic, thanks – in part – to increased strength with Hispanics.

In other words, Biden may be on the tipping point of losing the working class vote in November. However, the British Reform Party (who currently challenges the ruling Conservatives as well as Labour in the upcoming July 4 election) devised a strategy to draw away working class voters from both main parties.   The current untaxed income under the British tax system amounts to £12,570 GBP or $16,148.62 USD.  That is already higher in real terms than the $14,600 (for single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately) which constitutes the standard deduction under the U.S. Income Tax Code.  UK Reform’s electoral platform proposes to raise this minimum threshold free-from-taxation to £20,000 GBP, or $25,446.90 USD.

This change would remove seven million Brits from the tax rolls entirely, and save each family in the nation approximately £1,500 GBP.  Therefore, it stands as a tax cut for all which focuses the largest tax cut on those most in need of it, and not surprisingly, it has helped draw away enough Tory voters that upstart Reform has surpassed the ruling UK Conservative Party in the most recent polling data.

President Biden will spend the next six months hammered by Republicans over his decision not to renew the 2017 Trump tax cuts (at least for higher earners). Cutting taxes at the bottom, though, inoculates him against a typical Democratic political weakness. By justifying the decision to allow the higher tax rates to return to upper income earners as a means to pay for a larger tax cut which disproportionately benefits lower income families (yet positive still affects all taxpayers), Democrats can win the tax argument.  Currently, the standard deduction sits at $29,200 for married couples filing jointly and surviving spouses. If President Biden were to raise the standard deduction for individuals to nearly the same as the proposed British rate, $25,500, that would mean that no married couple making less than $51,000 would pay a dollar in U.S. income tax.  Augmenting child tax credits to the level they were during the pandemic – $3,600 – would translate into no family of four earning less than $58,200 a year would have to write a check to the IRS. (If Congress were to further raise that child credit by an additional $600 per child, President Biden could argue that under $60,000, no family pays tax – if you re-elect him of course!)

The evaporation of the working class vote for Democrats constitutes a major political problem for the president’s re-election chances. If the White House refuses to take the initiative on substantive tax cuts at the lower levels, little doubt exists that Donald Trump will.  After all, it’s only a small step from advocating elimination of taxes on tips to embracing the elimination of taxes for everybody who makes less than $60,000 per year.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60464167Fri, 21 Jun 2024 17:42:10 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)With the impending presidential debate, Hy and Christopher talk about how the polls have narrowed nationally but give Donald Trump a statistical lead and almost every swinging state. We talk tax policy, including Trump’s proposals to eliminate taxes...
We talk tax policy, including Trump’s proposals to eliminate taxes on tips and to replace the income tax with an 85% foreign tariff. What are the economic consequences?  And we propose an idea from Christopher's Louisiana Weekly column this week on how Biden could match this rhetoric on taxes by stealing an idea currently dominating the conversation in the UK parliamentary elections. (More on that below.)

Then the tax conversation turns to Louisiana and a visit by state Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson to the Louisiana House Ways & Means Committee. Could Gov. Jeff  Landry be signaling a deal to legislators by sending his chief tax aide last Tuesday? In other words, is the message: renew the .45% sales tax, due to expire next year, in exchange for a series of income tax cuts?  What about the idea of eliminating income taxes on retirees over the next decade—which would cost about the same as making the sales tax permanent? We end with a look at Juneteenth and how it influenced former Sec. State Condoleezza Rice.

A Taxing Lesson From Across the Pond
By Christopher Tidmore, Louisiana Weekly

Donald Trump continues to rise in the polls, in large part because he is gaining support from voters who earn less than $60,000 per year.  This sector of the electorate has felt the squeeze of inflation most intensely, yet these families tend to qualify for very few government programs to ameliorate the effects of rising prices.  However, an idea that the UK Reform Party has proposed in the current election – to raise the threshold of paying those income taxes – might help Joe Biden hold onto a majority of the working class voters.

Trump has already shown remarkable strength with the working class electorate. In 2020, those households making under $50,000 a year constituted 42 percent of his voter base. Polling seems to suggest that he has only improved his standing with this working class demographic, thanks – in part – to increased strength with Hispanics.

In other words, Biden may be on the tipping point of losing the working class vote in November. However, the British Reform Party (who currently challenges the ruling Conservatives as well as Labour in the upcoming July 4 election) devised a strategy to draw away working class voters from both main parties.   The current untaxed income under the British tax system amounts to £12,570 GBP or $16,148.62 USD.  That is already higher in real terms than the $14,600 (for single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately) which constitutes the standard deduction under the U.S. Income Tax Code.  UK Reform’s electoral platform proposes to raise this minimum threshold free-from-taxation to £20,000 GBP, or $25,446.90 USD.

This change would remove seven million Brits from the tax rolls entirely, and save each family in the nation approximately £1,500 GBP.  Therefore, it stands as a tax cut for all which focuses the largest tax cut on those most in need of it, and not surprisingly, it has helped draw away enough Tory voters that upstart Reform has surpassed the ruling UK Conservative Party in the most recent polling data.

President Biden will spend the next six months hammered by Republicans over his decision not to renew the 2017 Trump tax cuts (at least for higher earners). Cutting taxes at the bottom, though, inoculates him against a typical Democratic political weakness. By justifying the decision to allow the higher tax rates to return to upper income earners as a means to pay for a larger tax cut which disproportionately benefits lower income families (yet...]]>32402024,biden,christopher,debate,election,founders,hy,mchenry,presidential,show,tax,taxes,the,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-the-u-k-snap-election-a-cautionary-tale-for-american-conservatives--60388609
Then, turning to local history, families define a city, so when a document is found in Europe of tremendous historical importance that explains the reason one of those families came to North America (because they aggravated the French king), it is worthy of celebration. Hy and Christopher speak to Pierre Villere, who recently purchased an important diplomatic document from the middle of the 17th century and donated it to the Historic New Orleans Collection. It tells the tale of Leonardo Villere’s departure from the French court while serving as an envoy for the Duke of Milan.

It’s an important clue, now also posted online at villerefamily.com. The website has become a treasure trove of local historical resources, featuring documents and never before posted information covering the founding of New Orleans, the colonial period, the Revolution of 1768, the American Revolution, and the Battle of New Orleans.  Pierre Villere speaks of his work to make this online resource of history available to everyone.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60388609Fri, 14 Jun 2024 18:49:28 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher gaze across the pond to the snap United Kingdom Parliamentary elections and wonder if the divide on the Right could prove a cautionary tale for US conservatives. Currently Nigel Farage’s UK Reform party is poised to pass the ruling...
Then, turning to local history, families define a city, so when a document is found in Europe of tremendous historical importance that explains the reason one of those families came to North America (because they aggravated the French king), it is worthy of celebration. Hy and Christopher speak to Pierre Villere, who recently purchased an important diplomatic document from the middle of the 17th century and donated it to the Historic New Orleans Collection. It tells the tale of Leonardo Villere’s departure from the French court while serving as an envoy for the Duke of Milan.

It’s an important clue, now also posted online at villerefamily.com. The website has become a treasure trove of local historical resources, featuring documents and never before posted information covering the founding of New Orleans, the colonial period, the Revolution of 1768, the American Revolution, and the Battle of New Orleans.  Pierre Villere speaks of his work to make this online resource of history available to everyone.
]]>32402024,christopher,conservatives,election,family,founders,history,hy,mchenry,new,orleans,show,snap,tidmore,uk,us,villerefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-louisiana-took-over-washington-d-c-80th-anniversary-of-d-day--60322539
Curtis is also the co-host (with Christopher) of Hunter Gatherers, The Podcast of Hunter S. Thompson stories. We discuss what the author of “Fear & Loathing on the Campaign Trail ‘72” would have thought of the ‘24 campaign, and the incredible parallels. If you'd like to hear more on that topic, click or tap here!

We then turn our attention to the D-Day Anniversary and the loss of a great hero of Normandy, sponsored to attend the 80th commemoration by the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Robert "Al" Persichitti was 102 years old.  We speak of the legacy of the war and its greatest military leader, Dwight Eisenhower.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60322539Sat, 08 Jun 2024 15:36:54 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher are joined by consummate D.C. insider Curtis Robinson, to explore "How Louisiana took over Washington!" With Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise in charge, everyone looks to the Pelican State for the latest power moves on Capitol Hill....
Curtis is also the co-host (with Christopher) of Hunter Gatherers, The Podcast of Hunter S. Thompson stories. We discuss what the author of “Fear & Loathing on the Campaign Trail ‘72” would have thought of the ‘24 campaign, and the incredible parallels. If you'd like to hear more on that topic, click or tap here!

We then turn our attention to the D-Day Anniversary and the loss of a great hero of Normandy, sponsored to attend the 80th commemoration by the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Robert "Al" Persichitti was 102 years old.  We speak of the legacy of the war and its greatest military leader, Dwight Eisenhower.
]]>32402024,biden,christopher,dc,d-day,election,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,show,the,tidmore,trump,washingtonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-s-conviction-a-debate-opening-for-rfk-esa-expansion-hindered-by-lack-of-letter-grades--60247866
After the break, the conversation moves onto the new school voucher bill just passed in Baton Rouge. The devil is in the details in any piece of legislation, and the expansion of the educational savings accounts by the Louisiana Legislature has been put to the discretion of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) in Senate Bill 313. As the evaluation system outlined in the bill does not conform to BESE’s letter grade system, the body could plead poverty – and refuse to ever expand the private school scholarship program.

By a vote of 67-29, the Louisiana House last week opted not to adapt their own school voucher proposal from earlier in the legislative session, but to adopt the Senate’s proposal for Educational Savings Account implementation. The bill changed two critical elements from the House’s original proposal. Last Tuesday, May 21, legislators rejected Stonewall GOP Rep. Larry Bagley's amendment mandating that private schools who receive ESA money receive letter grades based on students’ test scores (similar to the public-school rating system using the LEAP test), which he said would help hold private schools accountable for student performance.

Grading the schools with differing testing methods was considered an unfair comparison with charter and public schools by the legislative majority, yet this decision may not sit well with BESE, who has based its entire rationale for closing failing schools on the letter grade system, earned by competitive examination. That might make BESE reticent to divert public Minimum Foundation Formula funds to expand scholarships for private and parochial school tuition, and it was its “power of the purse” that constituted the second change from the original House legislation.

The Senate bill does not set the grant amounts or any timeline to expand its scope beyond the current recipients of vouchers – the poorest students in failing school districts. Rather, SB313 charges BESE to determine how much tuition money to give parents and at what point, if ever, to make higher-income families eligible.

“We can implement it faster or slower as needed, as appropriated funds allow,” the House co-author of the bill, GOP Rep. Julie Emerson of Carencro, explained. However, while she undoubtedly meant that the changes enable the Legislature to adjust the program based on available funds, BESE has been rendered the real power in SB313.

The state's school board could direct funds however its members wished, and that is the rub.  It could change many of the standards of qualification or not expand the program at all, especially if future budgets do not increase the base funding.  BESE has long maintained a greater skepticism to ESA impact on the overall school funding formula than legislators, after all.

The Legislature’s fiscal office said the earlier version of the ESA bill would have cost about $258 million in fall 2027, and as much as $500 million when all families will eventually be eligible for tuition grants. Gov. Landry has pledged to reach that ubiquitous threshold, yet under SB313, his power will be limited.  Short of discovering a vast pool of uncommitted revenue, such as the .45 sales tax expiring next year, the Landry administration may just give BESE the power to kill ESA expansion – at least for the near future.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60247866Sat, 01 Jun 2024 15:44:24 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher kick off the show wondering if Donald Trump‘s conviction on 34 counts will boost RFK Jr enough to make the debates. He’s already qualified at 15% in three out of four national polls, and he is about to be listed on enough state...
After the break, the conversation moves onto the new school voucher bill just passed in Baton Rouge. The devil is in the details in any piece of legislation, and the expansion of the educational savings accounts by the Louisiana Legislature has been put to the discretion of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) in Senate Bill 313. As the evaluation system outlined in the bill does not conform to BESE’s letter grade system, the body could plead poverty – and refuse to ever expand the private school scholarship program.

By a vote of 67-29, the Louisiana House last week opted not to adapt their own school voucher proposal from earlier in the legislative session, but to adopt the Senate’s proposal for Educational Savings Account implementation. The bill changed two critical elements from the House’s original proposal. Last Tuesday, May 21, legislators rejected Stonewall GOP Rep. Larry Bagley's amendment mandating that private schools who receive ESA money receive letter grades based on students’ test scores (similar to the public-school rating system using the LEAP test), which he said would help hold private schools accountable for student performance.

Grading the schools with differing testing methods was considered an unfair comparison with charter and public schools by the legislative majority, yet this decision may not sit well with BESE, who has based its entire rationale for closing failing schools on the letter grade system, earned by competitive examination. That might make BESE reticent to divert public Minimum Foundation Formula funds to expand scholarships for private and parochial school tuition, and it was its “power of the purse” that constituted the second change from the original House legislation.

The Senate bill does not set the grant amounts or any timeline to expand its scope beyond the current recipients of vouchers – the poorest students in failing school districts. Rather, SB313 charges BESE to determine how much tuition money to give parents and at what point, if ever, to make higher-income families eligible.

“We can implement it faster or slower as needed, as appropriated funds allow,” the House co-author of the bill, GOP Rep. Julie Emerson of Carencro, explained. However, while she undoubtedly meant that the changes enable the Legislature to adjust the program based on available funds, BESE has been rendered the real power in SB313.

The state's school board could direct funds however its members wished, and that is the rub.  It could change many of the standards of qualification or not expand the program at all, especially if future budgets do not increase the base funding.  BESE has long maintained a greater skepticism to ESA impact on the overall school funding formula than legislators, after all.

The Legislature’s fiscal office said the earlier version of the ESA bill would have cost about $258 million in fall 2027, and as much as $500 million when all families will eventually be eligible for tuition grants. Gov. Landry has pledged to reach that ubiquitous threshold, yet under SB313, his power will be limited.  Short of discovering a vast pool of uncommitted revenue, such as the .45 sales tax expiring next year, the Landry administration may just give BESE the power to kill ESA expansion – at least for the near future.]]>32402024,christopher,founders,hy,landry,mchenry,show,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/graves-endorsed-for-unwinnable-seat-trump-won-t-debate-rfk-jr-and-fly-your-flag--60170917current districts. This includes Garrett Graves, who would have to run in a newly redesigned African-American majority seat which voted for Biden with 56% of the vote Graves boasts of over $4 million in his campaign bank account, but will he run for a congressional district that almost no Republican can win? Villere thinks he might, and, as the incumbent, that he could emerge victorious.

This weekend also has marked the 2024 Libertarian National Convention, where Robert F Kennedy, Jr. has challenged Donald Trump to debate him. While both are speaking to the assemble delegates, no debate has been accepted. The first presidential debate is scheduled for June 27, but RFK Jr. has not been invited to participate. We discuss with Villere just who is keeping RFK Jr. out of these major debates We also talk about the fact that while a Louisiana Constitutional Convention does not look like it’s happening by this coming August, a special session to “clean up” the state constitution might.

Finally, Hy and Christopher talk about honoring Memorial Day with Villere, and about his efforts to provide flowers to the gravesites of veterans. We then welcome retired Alabama state Sen. Hank Erwin who is leading a national campaign to convince Americans to “fly their flags” on the front of their homes on Memorial Day. We also ask about Erwin’s sons, who are the producers of some of the most successful patriotic and religious Hollywood films to grace theaters in years.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60170917Sat, 25 May 2024 15:37:06 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher first welcome Republican National Committee Member and former LAGOP Chair Roger Villere, who discusses the party’s endorsement of all of the current Louisiana GOP Congressmen in their current districts. This includes Garrett Graves,...current districts. This includes Garrett Graves, who would have to run in a newly redesigned African-American majority seat which voted for Biden with 56% of the vote Graves boasts of over $4 million in his campaign bank account, but will he run for a congressional district that almost no Republican can win? Villere thinks he might, and, as the incumbent, that he could emerge victorious.

This weekend also has marked the 2024 Libertarian National Convention, where Robert F Kennedy, Jr. has challenged Donald Trump to debate him. While both are speaking to the assemble delegates, no debate has been accepted. The first presidential debate is scheduled for June 27, but RFK Jr. has not been invited to participate. We discuss with Villere just who is keeping RFK Jr. out of these major debates We also talk about the fact that while a Louisiana Constitutional Convention does not look like it’s happening by this coming August, a special session to “clean up” the state constitution might.

Finally, Hy and Christopher talk about honoring Memorial Day with Villere, and about his efforts to provide flowers to the gravesites of veterans. We then welcome retired Alabama state Sen. Hank Erwin who is leading a national campaign to convince Americans to “fly their flags” on the front of their homes on Memorial Day. We also ask about Erwin’s sons, who are the producers of some of the most successful patriotic and religious Hollywood films to grace theaters in years.
]]>32402024,christopher,day,debate,flag,founders,garrett,gop,graves,hy,louisiana,mchenry,memorial,presidential,rfk,roger,show,tidmore,trump,villerefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/possible-unintended-consequences-of-a-constitutional-convention--60073152
Big political donors could give even more under a bill that is sailing through the state Legislature, but will it matter? House 906 by Rep. Mark Wright would raise contribution limits from $5,000 to $12,000 per donor for candidates running for statewide office and in the four biggest parishes, from $2,500 to $6,000 for candidates running for the state Legislature and in smaller parishes and from $1,000 to $2,000 for many local elections.  Due to the fact that SuperPACs can receive, unlimited contributions, Hy and Christopher speculate whether contribution limit should go up even further to $100,000– BUT equally that disclosure requirements should be almost instantaneous and online. The big flaw in the bill is that it retains the current reporting system, which takes weeks until you know who gave what money to whom.

President Biden and Donald Trump will meet for two debates on June 27 and Sept. 10, and they went around the Commission on Presidential Debates.  Is that because RFK Jr. might have qualified if the debates were in the fall?

Senate Bill 237, sponsored Sen. Thomas Pressly (R-Shreveport), would make it illegal to manufacture or sell products that contain any amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Louisiana unless they are licensed medical marijuana products. The measure would wipe out what some consider an established industry in Louisiana.  Is this ban the right move?  Christopher’s father had a better quality of life in his last months before his death on June 25 of last year because of THC, and the effort by the Louisiana legislature to outlaw it negatively affect many medical patients in their final years.

To conclude, we wax eloquent on the 40th anniversary of the Louisiana World’s Exposition, yet we posed the question why doesn’t Louisiana stage something that big again? Why has not the United States held a World’s Fair since 1984?  And does Louisiana need to plan for another to reap the tourist benefits for four decades? (New Orleans gained 25,000 hotel rooms and the Warehouse District out of the last one.)  Olympic Committee for New Orleans 2084 anyone?

Now, more on that tax swap idea.....

Oil Processing - Income Tax Swap?
By Christopher Tidmore

Unintended consequences of LA constitutional convention could give rise to unorthodox policy ideas

Approval of a potential Louisiana constitutional convention appeared logjammed in the LA House and dead-on-arrival in the State Senate until Gov. Jeff Landry relented on his insistence that it convene in May— and instead occur in August.  That concession allowed House Bill 800 to pass the state House with 75 votes, but it also underpinned the unpredictability of what could occur if a convention ultimately is convened.

The delegates to the 1974 State constitutional convention far exceeded their original legislative mandate. What Gov. Edwin Edwards first envisioned as a simple “cleanup” of the existing document ended up as a massive rewrite.  That truism that ‘no Governor, however powerful, can control a constitutional convention completely’ could prove equally true this year.  It might even provide a way to eliminate the state income tax in a fashion which would make Gov. Jeff Landry’s allies in the Louisiana Chemical Association howl.  Or at least, that is the populist proposal which LA Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell proposes, tax oil processing in order to end income taxes.

The idea underscores the law of unintended consequences if the governor is granted his wish for a constitutional convention.  Landry has argued that the gathering would restrict itself to merely “cleaning-up” the fiscal provisions added by amendment over the last 50 years, which has rendered Articles VII and VIII almost as long as the original document.  The governor has also pledged to protect the $75,000 homestead exemption and the Minimum Foundation Formula for K-12 education. Moreover, by appointing 27 of the 171 delegates to the convention, Landry hopes to maintain an added measure of control.  (The remainder are the members of the state House and Senate.)

However, his proposed delegates are former speakers, senior statesmen, and distinguished Louisiana leaders, who might try to establish the legacy of a document that will affect voters for at least another 50 years.  They could easily exceed their original mandate, and the governor would possess no veto power over their work.  The final document would go straight to the voters, and the need for the electorate to pass the document is what Foster Campbell has predicated his proposal.

The Democrat from Bossier City announced his “challenge” to the looming convention (and the GOP governor) on Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” radio program as well as issuing a news release to that same effect later in the day. Engster noted Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, another Republican, recently endorsed Campbell’s “Foreign Oil Tax” proposal, which would require changes to the Louisiana Constitution.

Under the current state constitution, oil and gas stands only subject to severance taxes, which are levied on natural resources drilled or mined within Louisiana’s borders.   In addition, Campbell suggests the August constitutional convention create a tax on all foreign and offshore oil processed or refined in Louisiana and use the revenue to offset an elimination of the state income tax.

“The oil companies damaged our coast,” Campbell explained. “It’s time for them to pay their fair share in taxes.”

Campbell is an expert in attracting bipartisan support for populist policies in the regulation of utilities companies, pipelines, and energy infrastructure.  As a Democrat, Campbell won a fourth term on the Public Service Commission in 2020 in a North Louisiana district that voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump on the same ballot.  He contends that “Everyone except the petrochemical industry” would support the tax swap and the governor would gain political support as a result.

“Gov. Landry can use the revenue to eliminate the state income tax,” he said. “He’ll be remembered forever if he does this.”

Well-entrenched oil and gas lobbyists repeatedly have beaten back this proposal in the past, yet Campbell said the timing is ripe for such an idea given Landry’s desire to hold a constitutional convention.  No limits exist for the delegates.  Moreover, since at least a third of the delegates will not face the voters for reelection, and therefore never need the campaign contributions of the lobbyist class, unorthodox proposals which might work well at the ballot box might have a chance. After all, the current proposal being floated—to eliminate the income tax by raising property taxes to make up the revenue difference—hardly enjoys much public support.

The processing tax may or may not succeed, yet it is hardly the last revolutionary proposal that the constitutional convention will review— and it will be hard for Landry to stop all of them from making it into the text of the final constitutional draft.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60073152Fri, 17 May 2024 16:21:56 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher take on the possible unintended consequences of a constitutional convention this coming August. For example: there is a move afoot to get rid of the state income tax. Foster Campbell has a tax-swap idea that the powerful Louisiana...
Big political donors could give even more under a bill that is sailing through the state Legislature, but will it matter? House 906 by Rep. Mark Wright would raise contribution limits from $5,000 to $12,000 per donor for candidates running for statewide office and in the four biggest parishes, from $2,500 to $6,000 for candidates running for the state Legislature and in smaller parishes and from $1,000 to $2,000 for many local elections.  Due to the fact that SuperPACs can receive, unlimited contributions, Hy and Christopher speculate whether contribution limit should go up even further to $100,000– BUT equally that disclosure requirements should be almost instantaneous and online. The big flaw in the bill is that it retains the current reporting system, which takes weeks until you know who gave what money to whom.

President Biden and Donald Trump will meet for two debates on June 27 and Sept. 10, and they went around the Commission on Presidential Debates.  Is that because RFK Jr. might have qualified if the debates were in the fall?

Senate Bill 237, sponsored Sen. Thomas Pressly (R-Shreveport), would make it illegal to manufacture or sell products that contain any amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Louisiana unless they are licensed medical marijuana products. The measure would wipe out what some consider an established industry in Louisiana.  Is this ban the right move?  Christopher’s father had a better quality of life in his last months before his death on June 25 of last year because of THC, and the effort by the Louisiana legislature to outlaw it negatively affect many medical patients in their final years.

To conclude, we wax eloquent on the 40th anniversary of the Louisiana World’s Exposition, yet we posed the question why doesn’t Louisiana stage something that big again? Why has not the United States held a World’s Fair since 1984?  And does Louisiana need to plan for another to reap the tourist benefits for four decades? (New Orleans gained 25,000 hotel rooms and the Warehouse District out of the last one.)  Olympic Committee for New Orleans 2084 anyone?

Now, more on that tax swap idea.....

Oil Processing - Income Tax Swap?
By Christopher Tidmore

Unintended consequences of LA constitutional convention could give rise to unorthodox policy ideas

Approval of a potential Louisiana constitutional convention appeared logjammed in the LA House and dead-on-arrival in the State Senate until Gov. Jeff Landry relented on his insistence that it convene in May— and instead occur in August.  That concession allowed House Bill 800 to pass the state House with 75 votes, but it also underpinned the unpredictability of what could occur if a convention ultimately is convened.

The delegates to the 1974 State constitutional convention far exceeded their original legislative mandate. What Gov. Edwin Edwards first envisioned as a simple “cleanup” of the existing document ended up as a massive rewrite.  That truism that ‘no Governor, however powerful, can control a constitutional convention completely’ could prove equally true this year.  It might even provide a way to eliminate the state income tax in a fashion which would make Gov. Jeff Landry’s allies in the Louisiana Chemical Association howl.  Or at least, that is the populist proposal which LA Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell proposes, tax oil processing in order to end income taxes.

The idea underscores the law of unintended consequences if the...]]>32402024,biden,christopher,constitutional,convention,debate,election,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,politics,show,the,tidmore,trumpfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/constitutional-heartache-graves-resurrected--59970200
We also talk about Mike Johnson’s survival as Speaker, and the (surprisingly ) related issue of the second African-American district in Louisiana not passing legal muster. Will the legislature be able to draw a new Black-majority district in two weeks?  And if they can’t, does that mean Garrett Graves has another shot reelection in his safe GOP seat?  And, ironically, could that victory be the only way that Johnson remains US House Speaker after the November elections?

Finally, we broadcast live from the Rocky Mountaineer, the trans-mountain train now traveling regularly from Moab to Denver, and explain how luxury passenger rail service is being reinvented by a private company —just in time for the 250th anniversary of the nation!  Take a look at the train in motion through the snowy Rockies last week on Christopher’s Facebook page!
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59970200Fri, 10 May 2024 19:03:42 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher examine how Gov. Jeff Landry’s potential constitutional convention faces a roadblock in the State Senate. And even if it does pass, in time for an August meeting, what about spending reform?  We have a report from Colorado about...
We also talk about Mike Johnson’s survival as Speaker, and the (surprisingly ) related issue of the second African-American district in Louisiana not passing legal muster. Will the legislature be able to draw a new Black-majority district in two weeks?  And if they can’t, does that mean Garrett Graves has another shot reelection in his safe GOP seat?  And, ironically, could that victory be the only way that Johnson remains US House Speaker after the November elections?

Finally, we broadcast live from the Rocky Mountaineer, the trans-mountain train now traveling regularly from Moab to Denver, and explain how luxury passenger rail service is being reinvented by a private company —just in time for the 250th anniversary of the nation!  Take a look at the train in motion through the snowy Rockies last week on Christopher’s Facebook page!
]]>3240christopher,constitutional,convention,founders,garrett,graves,hy,jeff,johnson,landry,louisiana,mchenry,mike,mountaineer,politics,rocky,show,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/protests-at-tulane-columbia-universities-1968-all-over-again--59815273
We also talk about how the new NOPD headquarters will now cost over $12 million in rent! Hy and Christopher wonder if it would've been easier and cheaper just to buy the skyscraper at 1615 Poydras as the new City Hall office building.

We conclude our discussion speculating whether the new City of St. George in East Baton Rouge Parish will spawn a trend of neighborhoods becoming towns in the New Orleans area. It only takes 5000 people to form a township under the Louisiana state constitution and there’s already a move to form a City of Lakeview in Orleans Parish. Will we see restored cities of Carrollton and Algiers? (After all, Algiers remained a city in Orleans until 1959.)

Finally, Hy talks about the St. George himself!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59815273Sat, 04 May 2024 14:07:47 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher address the recent clearances of pro-Palestinian protesters at Tulane and Columbia universities— and cite the uncanny comparisons to the 1968 Presidential race. Will the upcoming Democratic convention in Chicago have a similar...
We also talk about how the new NOPD headquarters will now cost over $12 million in rent! Hy and Christopher wonder if it would've been easier and cheaper just to buy the skyscraper at 1615 Poydras as the new City Hall office building.

We conclude our discussion speculating whether the new City of St. George in East Baton Rouge Parish will spawn a trend of neighborhoods becoming towns in the New Orleans area. It only takes 5000 people to form a township under the Louisiana state constitution and there’s already a move to form a City of Lakeview in Orleans Parish. Will we see restored cities of Carrollton and Algiers? (After all, Algiers remained a city in Orleans until 1959.)

Finally, Hy talks about the St. George himself!]]>32401968,2024,christopher,columbia,founders,george,hy,israel,mchenry,nopd,palestine,presidential,protests,race,show,st.,the,tidmore,tulane,universityfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/louisiana-s-deteriorating-wetlands--59668810
In the last 20 years, 800 acres of land have returned near Mardi Gras pass 1100 acres at Canaveron. There are a literal forest of Cypress trees where there once was just water.

The state is about to embark on the multi billion dollar mid-Barataria diversion, to restore thousands of more acres, but the ideas controversial with oyster fishermen, who believed the freshwater and silt will destroy their oyster fields.

To explore the desperate need to rebuild our coastline for hurricane protection, Hy and Christopher are joined by Simone Maloz, Campaign Director for Restore the Mississippi River Delta.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59668810Fri, 26 Apr 2024 19:04:22 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher examine Louisiana’s deteriorating wetlands, and the major efforts that are being made to restore them. In the last 20 years, 800 acres of land have returned near Mardi Gras pass 1100 acres at Canaveron. There are a literal forest...
In the last 20 years, 800 acres of land have returned near Mardi Gras pass 1100 acres at Canaveron. There are a literal forest of Cypress trees where there once was just water.

The state is about to embark on the multi billion dollar mid-Barataria diversion, to restore thousands of more acres, but the ideas controversial with oyster fishermen, who believed the freshwater and silt will destroy their oyster fields.

To explore the desperate need to rebuild our coastline for hurricane protection, Hy and Christopher are joined by Simone Maloz, Campaign Director for Restore the Mississippi River Delta.]]>32402024,christopher,founders,hurricane,hy,louisiana,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,protection,show,the,tidmore,wetlandsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/woeful-condition-of-nola-parks-latest-in-israel-iran-conflict--59558609
Israel’s missile strike early Friday morning on Isfahan, Iran was far more measured—and much smaller—than anyone expected. Could it be part of a bigger strategy to untie the IDF’s hands in a coming assault on southern Gaza?

But first, we start the show talking about the New “Big Green Easy” Masterplan.  It seeks to address racial & funding inequities in nola’s Park System.

New Orleans is blessed with a multitude of green spaces; parks which seem to cover so many parts of the city so often sit neglected. Partly, this results from an accident of history as the city’s green spaces were often acquired by an absence of mind.  Donations of land were made for other purposes and ended up as parks – as no one ever proposed another purpose.  As a result, city leaders never drew up a plan of governance for our park system or how to adequately pay for their maintenance.

A new masterplan being proposed to the New Orleans City Council on Monday, April 22, seeks to not only insure that funding remains equitable across the racial fabric of New Orleans, but, as one of the authors of the proposal explained to Hy and Christopher, to actually devote thought to “this green layer of jewels across of our city.” Civic leader Scott Howard and his allies have spent four years devising what they call the “Big Green Easy” masterplan.  As he explains, “The organization that I work with ‘Parks for All,’ has advocated for a better park plan than we've had in the past. We've had other plans, but we've never had a comprehensive plan that really works, in the way that we’ve distributed our resources.”

Howard continued to say, “We do have a lot of parks. You know, a national standard that was kind of introduced by the Trust for Public Land is that dwellers of cities be within a 10-minute walking distance of a park, and we actually satisfy that criterion pretty well. I mean, about 80 percent of our population are within such a park. But the question is, how good is the park and how easy is it to get to the park? I mean, really, the two of the primary focuses of the master plan are ‘access’ and ‘accessibility.’ By that I mean, by ‘accessibility,’ how easy is it to get to the park, and then ‘access’ … is getting to a park that’s worth going to!

“And you know, what we found is that the distribution of quality assets is inequitable, and it expresses itself in the usage of the parks.  To give you a specific statistic. Blacks form 57 percent of the population, but only 26 percent of park usage is by Blacks, whereas with whites it's the opposite, representing 31 percent of the population but 59 percent of park usage. And I don’t think it’s going out on much of a limb to guess that the reason for that is not because ‘Blacks don't like parks,’ but rather because the parks they’re able to access are not as good. And so the park plan thinks deeply about that – and how to address that inequity.”

Some of the answer comes down to money, yet Howard explained that answers exist besides raising taxes.

“We're not a rich city, and we have to be smart about how we expend our resources. One of the issues that the plan addresses is whether [the park governance system] is organized sufficiently that we…utilize our resources as effectively as we can. The [Big Green Easy] Report states that we’re the most fragmented park and recreation system in the country. There are fully 16 separate entities that control green space in the city; SIXTEEN! So the plan raises the question. It doesn't try to propose exactly how we go about changing this, but it encourages the administration of the city to undertake a separate analysis of how the Parks and Recreation entities are structured in order to identify perhaps a more streamlined structure, particularly looking at more at [The Department of] Parks and Parkways. So that we could derive some economic efficiencies out of that and use our limited dollars more effectively.”

Listen for some of the ideas for reforms, planning, and how to link linear parks like the Lafitte Greenway and extensive green links through the neutral ground system.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59558609Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:12:07 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher the address the woeful conditions of New Orleans’ parks, and then turn our attention to the Middle East. Israel’s missile strike early Friday morning on Isfahan, Iran was far more measured—and much smaller—than anyone expected....
Israel’s missile strike early Friday morning on Isfahan, Iran was far more measured—and much smaller—than anyone expected. Could it be part of a bigger strategy to untie the IDF’s hands in a coming assault on southern Gaza?

But first, we start the show talking about the New “Big Green Easy” Masterplan.  It seeks to address racial & funding inequities in nola’s Park System.

New Orleans is blessed with a multitude of green spaces; parks which seem to cover so many parts of the city so often sit neglected. Partly, this results from an accident of history as the city’s green spaces were often acquired by an absence of mind.  Donations of land were made for other purposes and ended up as parks – as no one ever proposed another purpose.  As a result, city leaders never drew up a plan of governance for our park system or how to adequately pay for their maintenance.

A new masterplan being proposed to the New Orleans City Council on Monday, April 22, seeks to not only insure that funding remains equitable across the racial fabric of New Orleans, but, as one of the authors of the proposal explained to Hy and Christopher, to actually devote thought to “this green layer of jewels across of our city.” Civic leader Scott Howard and his allies have spent four years devising what they call the “Big Green Easy” masterplan.  As he explains, “The organization that I work with ‘Parks for All,’ has advocated for a better park plan than we've had in the past. We've had other plans, but we've never had a comprehensive plan that really works, in the way that we’ve distributed our resources.”

Howard continued to say, “We do have a lot of parks. You know, a national standard that was kind of introduced by the Trust for Public Land is that dwellers of cities be within a 10-minute walking distance of a park, and we actually satisfy that criterion pretty well. I mean, about 80 percent of our population are within such a park. But the question is, how good is the park and how easy is it to get to the park? I mean, really, the two of the primary focuses of the master plan are ‘access’ and ‘accessibility.’ By that I mean, by ‘accessibility,’ how easy is it to get to the park, and then ‘access’ … is getting to a park that’s worth going to!

“And you know, what we found is that the distribution of quality assets is inequitable, and it expresses itself in the usage of the parks.  To give you a specific statistic. Blacks form 57 percent of the population, but only 26 percent of park usage is by Blacks, whereas with whites it's the opposite, representing 31 percent of the population but 59 percent of park usage. And I don’t think it’s going out on much of a limb to guess that the reason for that is not because ‘Blacks don't like parks,’ but rather because the parks they’re able to access are not as good. And so the park plan thinks deeply about that – and how to address that inequity.”

Some of the answer comes down to money, yet Howard explained that answers exist besides raising taxes.

“We're not a rich city, and we have to be smart about how we expend our resources. One of the issues that the plan addresses is whether [the park governance system] is organized sufficiently that we…utilize our resources as effectively as we can. The [Big Green Easy] Report states that we’re the most fragmented park and recreation system in the country. There are fully 16 separate entities that control green space in the city; SIXTEEN! So the plan raises the question. It doesn't try to propose exactly how we go about changing this, but it encourages the administration of the city to undertake a separate analysis of how the Parks and Recreation entities are structured in order to identify perhaps a more streamlined structure, particularly looking at more at [The...]]>32412024,christopher,founders,hy,iran,israel,mchenry,new,orleans,parks,politics,show,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/could-landry-s-school-voucher-program-require-a-renewal-of-45-cent-sales-tax--59442240
Then the discussion moves on to Donald Trump‘s plea to leave abortion to the states. Could his stance make pro-lifers abandon him?

And we close with a few words about the 250th anniversary of a great love story of two of The Founders of our nation.

Hy and Christopher begin the show discussing how ESAs would provide scholarships to families of four making $75,000.

MORE:

Monday evenings, early in the Legislative Regular Session, are usually relaxed occasions for conversation and crawfish. On April 8, the tables were set up in the Pentagon Barracks courtyard for just that, mere steps from the Capitol Building. Crawdads, shrimp, vats of lima bean succotash and pastas, strawberry shortcake and extensive libations were waiting by 5 p.m., the time the La. House normally adjourns for the day at that point in the session. Yet, there were no legislators to be found.

By the time that they arrived two hours later, looking beat up and exhausted, a contentiously divided La. House had managed to pass HB745, or the Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program, by a vote of 72-32, but with considerable wounded feelings.

Some Democrats called the legislation “vouchers for the rich,” while others like Black Caucus member and New Orleans Rep. Jason Hughes made impassioned speeches on the bill’s behalf. Hughes argued that his life took a far different course due to the full scholarship to Jesuit High School, which opened opportunities for a young Black man and a kid from the inner city might never have otherwise had.

The comments led fellow New Orleans Democratic Rep. Mandy Landry to note that the restrictiveness of private school entry policies could close the doors on many applicants from similar backgrounds as Hughes.

In contrast, most Republicans and a few Democrats also argued that the “vouchers for the rich” perspective was misleading, noting that the ESAs would direct state funding for school tuition and expenses to families making less than 250 percent of the poverty level, or approximately $75,000 for a family of four. As one put it, it might extend the scholarships into the working middle class, but “nobody thinks a family of four making $75,000 is rich.” It was a point that several legislators repeatedly emphasized – countering press accounts in the daily paper that implied the ESAs were not capped at working-class income levels.

In point of fact, the caps discussion led the debate to a discussion of whether the state could afford the scholarship program. Defenders like GOP Rep. Polly Thomas of Metairie noted that the ESAs would remain limited to the current voucher pool in year one. In year two, needs-based ranking would limit growth. By year three, however, the program would expand to its full potential student base – at least 41,000 students – yet legislative appropriators had the discretion to limit the size of the program based on revenue realities.

Still, how to pay for that increase if offered to all eligible, estimated by the Legislative Fiscal Office at a cost of $258 million, remained the question for which few legislators had answers. In fact, several legislators privately mused at the crawfish boil afterwards, would other revenue sources be required, including the sales tax set to expire next year?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59442240Fri, 12 Apr 2024 19:33:51 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)This week on The Founders Show - could Gov. Jeff Landry’s school voucher program require a renewal of a 45-cent sales tax?  And how could the 10 Commandments legislation actually avoid religious establishment complaints because school vouchers exist?...
Then the discussion moves on to Donald Trump‘s plea to leave abortion to the states. Could his stance make pro-lifers abandon him?

And we close with a few words about the 250th anniversary of a great love story of two of The Founders of our nation.

Hy and Christopher begin the show discussing how ESAs would provide scholarships to families of four making $75,000.

MORE:

Monday evenings, early in the Legislative Regular Session, are usually relaxed occasions for conversation and crawfish. On April 8, the tables were set up in the Pentagon Barracks courtyard for just that, mere steps from the Capitol Building. Crawdads, shrimp, vats of lima bean succotash and pastas, strawberry shortcake and extensive libations were waiting by 5 p.m., the time the La. House normally adjourns for the day at that point in the session. Yet, there were no legislators to be found.

By the time that they arrived two hours later, looking beat up and exhausted, a contentiously divided La. House had managed to pass HB745, or the Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program, by a vote of 72-32, but with considerable wounded feelings.

Some Democrats called the legislation “vouchers for the rich,” while others like Black Caucus member and New Orleans Rep. Jason Hughes made impassioned speeches on the bill’s behalf. Hughes argued that his life took a far different course due to the full scholarship to Jesuit High School, which opened opportunities for a young Black man and a kid from the inner city might never have otherwise had.

The comments led fellow New Orleans Democratic Rep. Mandy Landry to note that the restrictiveness of private school entry policies could close the doors on many applicants from similar backgrounds as Hughes.

In contrast, most Republicans and a few Democrats also argued that the “vouchers for the rich” perspective was misleading, noting that the ESAs would direct state funding for school tuition and expenses to families making less than 250 percent of the poverty level, or approximately $75,000 for a family of four. As one put it, it might extend the scholarships into the working middle class, but “nobody thinks a family of four making $75,000 is rich.” It was a point that several legislators repeatedly emphasized – countering press accounts in the daily paper that implied the ESAs were not capped at working-class income levels.

In point of fact, the caps discussion led the debate to a discussion of whether the state could afford the scholarship program. Defenders like GOP Rep. Polly Thomas of Metairie noted that the ESAs would remain limited to the current voucher pool in year one. In year two, needs-based ranking would limit growth. By year three, however, the program would expand to its full potential student base – at least 41,000 students – yet legislative appropriators had the discretion to limit the size of the program based on revenue realities.

Still, how to pay for that increase if offered to all eligible, estimated by the Legislative Fiscal Office at a cost of $258 million, remained the question for which few legislators had answers. In fact, several legislators privately mused at the crawfish boil afterwards, would other revenue sources be required, including the sales tax set to expire next year?]]>32402024,christoper,founders,hy,jeff,landry,legislative,legislature,louisiana,mchenry,politics,school,session,show,the,tidmore,voucher,vouchersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-we-moving-too-quickly-towards-a-constitutional-convention--59313465
A political cartoon once displayed a man walking into a library and asking, “Do you have a copy of the Louisiana Constitution?” The librarian replied, “I’m sorry, sir; we don’t carry periodicals.”
  
From its enactment in 1974 to the present, the Louisiana State Constitution has grown to over 72,000 words, with voters approving 203 amendments to the original document. By contrast, the U.S. Constitution, which was ratified in 1789, contains 7,500 words and has only been amended twenty-seven times in 235 years.

Perhaps a better parochial example comes from the Massachusetts Constitution, which has been in force since 1780 – yet only been amended 121 times.  In contrast, Louisiana has written 10 constitutions since statehood in 1812, and if Jeff Landry gets his way, this year will mark the 11th.
    
At least, that’s what his critics say.  Defenders of the governor’s proposal to gavel in a constitutional convention argue that Landry simply wishes to remove unnecessary amendments and provisions, enshrining them in statute – as opposed to constitutional articles.  Or at least, that is the stated objective of New Iberia GOP Rep. Beau Beaullieu’s House Bill 800.  His plan, written at the governor’s behest, calls for 171 delegates, comprising all 144 state legislators as well as 27 other people Landry would select, to run the constitution writing process. The convention would convene in the House of Representatives’ chamber, with satellite locations possible as well.   Lawmakers and Landry’s handpicked delegates would meet between May 20 and July 15 to rewrite Louisiana’s Constitution, under the proposal.

Still, Beaullieu’s bill must receive the backing of two-thirds of each legislative chamber before the convention can convene. The governor currently lacks the votes, particularly in the Louisiana Senate, partially due to Senate President Cameron Henry’s skepticism that the convention could occur concurrently with the current Regular Session (due to adjourn on June 3), and an absolute certainty, as Henry has expressed, that no senator wants to stay in Baton Rouge throughout the summer.   The proposed convention would begin two weeks before the end of the current session and run until July 15.

However, some legislative critics also worry that the rushed process would eviscerate some politically popular spending and taxation limitations, while others worry that nothing would change from a fiscal flexibility standpoint.   Gov. Landry has said that he would only seek to put current constitution provisions into statute form, changing nothing in reality save the length of the Pelican State’s unwieldy Basic Law.  Nevertheless, once a constitutional convention gets underway, everything in the fundamental document would be on the proverbial table to be reviewed.     
History suggests that legislators would do little to improve Louisiana’s anti-competitive and still relatively regressive system of tax and spending.

Articles VI (local government) and VII (revenue and finance) set forth the basic structure and operation of Louisiana’s fiscal systems. Broadly speaking, the Louisiana Constitution authorizes both state and local governments to impose and collect certain categories of taxes, including income taxes, sales taxes and property taxes. Yet, the La. Constitution also imposes important limitations on the government's ability to adjust revenue, primarily through mechanisms like numerical caps on the level of taxation and mandatory exemptions, credits and deductions that are available to many categories of individual and corporate taxpayers.

Putting these provisions into statute could allow the Legislature greater fiscal flexibility for changing revenue circumstances. Still, of the 99 amendments to Article VII over the last 50 years, not a single one removed an existing fiscal provision from the Louisiana Constitution. Instead, each amendment has added new fiscal constraints, in the form of new budget rules or dedicated funds. The result is an article which now runs in length nearly as long as the entirety of the original 1974 Louisiana Constitution.

Voters would still have to approve any new constitution the convention delegates write. Should they finish their proposal this summer, the new draft constitutional changes would go before the electorate on the November ballot – taking effect in 2025.  Yet, the rushed atmosphere raises the simple question, why hurray? The governor could just as easily call for a special session in the fall or spring, or the Legislature could follow the example of 1974 and call a true Constitutional Convention.

In such a call, district elections would be held for delegates, who need not be sitting elected officials.  Therefore, legislators would not automatically be named the authors of the Basic Law governing their governance.  Just as importantly, the general public would receive two opportunities to go to the polls – the first to elect delegates who presumably would have to explain precisely how they wished to rewrite the constitution as well as a second vote to enact, or reject, the draft document.

Such a twofold election cycle, featuring popular democratic accountability and potential voices outside of the legislative echo-chamber, might create a more reform-minded constitution upon which the electorate could vote. However, that lack of haste and legislative control would remove much of Gov. Landry’s power over the process.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59313465Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:29:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)On this week’s show, Hy and Chridtopher wonder if a Hasty Constitutional Convention Presents Problems and whether bypassing a delegate electon is a good idea? A political cartoon once displayed a man walking into a library and asking, “Do you have a...
A political cartoon once displayed a man walking into a library and asking, “Do you have a copy of the Louisiana Constitution?” The librarian replied, “I’m sorry, sir; we don’t carry periodicals.”
  
From its enactment in 1974 to the present, the Louisiana State Constitution has grown to over 72,000 words, with voters approving 203 amendments to the original document. By contrast, the U.S. Constitution, which was ratified in 1789, contains 7,500 words and has only been amended twenty-seven times in 235 years.

Perhaps a better parochial example comes from the Massachusetts Constitution, which has been in force since 1780 – yet only been amended 121 times.  In contrast, Louisiana has written 10 constitutions since statehood in 1812, and if Jeff Landry gets his way, this year will mark the 11th.
    
At least, that’s what his critics say.  Defenders of the governor’s proposal to gavel in a constitutional convention argue that Landry simply wishes to remove unnecessary amendments and provisions, enshrining them in statute – as opposed to constitutional articles.  Or at least, that is the stated objective of New Iberia GOP Rep. Beau Beaullieu’s House Bill 800.  His plan, written at the governor’s behest, calls for 171 delegates, comprising all 144 state legislators as well as 27 other people Landry would select, to run the constitution writing process. The convention would convene in the House of Representatives’ chamber, with satellite locations possible as well.   Lawmakers and Landry’s handpicked delegates would meet between May 20 and July 15 to rewrite Louisiana’s Constitution, under the proposal.

Still, Beaullieu’s bill must receive the backing of two-thirds of each legislative chamber before the convention can convene. The governor currently lacks the votes, particularly in the Louisiana Senate, partially due to Senate President Cameron Henry’s skepticism that the convention could occur concurrently with the current Regular Session (due to adjourn on June 3), and an absolute certainty, as Henry has expressed, that no senator wants to stay in Baton Rouge throughout the summer.   The proposed convention would begin two weeks before the end of the current session and run until July 15.

However, some legislative critics also worry that the rushed process would eviscerate some politically popular spending and taxation limitations, while others worry that nothing would change from a fiscal flexibility standpoint.   Gov. Landry has said that he would only seek to put current constitution provisions into statute form, changing nothing in reality save the length of the Pelican State’s unwieldy Basic Law.  Nevertheless, once a constitutional convention gets underway, everything in the fundamental document would be on the proverbial table to be reviewed.     
History suggests that legislators would do little to improve Louisiana’s anti-competitive and still relatively regressive system of tax and spending.

Articles VI (local government) and VII (revenue and finance) set forth the basic structure and operation of Louisiana’s fiscal systems. Broadly speaking, the Louisiana Constitution authorizes both state and local governments to impose and collect certain categories of taxes, including income taxes, sales taxes and property taxes. Yet, the La. Constitution also imposes important limitations on the government's ability to adjust revenue, primarily through mechanisms like numerical caps on the level of taxation and mandatory exemptions, credits and deductions that are available to many categories of individual and corporate taxpayers.

Putting these provisions into statute could allow the Legislature greater fiscal flexibility for changing revenue circumstances. Still, of the 99...]]>3240christopher,constitutional,convention,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,politics,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-new-nopd-hq-s-wb-changes-election-24-easter--59219912
In the second segment, we answer questions debating New Orleans investing in a new NOPD HQ as well as Gov. Jeff Landry’s hope to reduce local representation on the S&WB to just three members.

Concluding with a special Easter segment, we tell the story of Russian Gulag being rebuilt as a church— only to find out that the prayers of the original inmates foretold that destiny decades before.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59219912Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:51:23 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher reflect on the legacy of Joseph Lieberman, ‘No Labels’, and the increasingly bright chances for RFK Jr.— in part due to his new VP running mate. In the second segment, we answer questions debating New Orleans investing in a new...
In the second segment, we answer questions debating New Orleans investing in a new NOPD HQ as well as Gov. Jeff Landry’s hope to reduce local representation on the S&WB to just three members.

Concluding with a special Easter segment, we tell the story of Russian Gulag being rebuilt as a church— only to find out that the prayers of the original inmates foretold that destiny decades before.
]]>32402024,board,christopher,election,founders,hy,joe,labels,lieberman,mchenry,new,no,nopd,orleans,sewerage,show,the,tidmore,waterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/will-the-state-takeover-the-new-orleans-sewerage-water-board--59142468
In our breaking story segment, we unveil the discussions about a possible deal—where a “property service fee” might take the place of the current property tax millage.  Such a swap would mean homeowners pay less but tjhe S&WB raises more money!  How, you ask?  Tulane University, the Feds, and the Catholic Church pay up, of course.

Also, we visit with Swine Krewe (www.swinekrewe.org) and the upcoming Hogs for the Cause.

And then finally, in celebration of Saint Joseph’s Day (besides talking about the altars) Hy and Christopher recount the story of Santa Fe’s Loretto Chapel—and a miracle which may be scientifically proven?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59142468Fri, 22 Mar 2024 21:08:56 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Gov. Jeff Landry has floated the idea of a state takeover of the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board. Hy and Christopher remind the audience that it IS a Louisiana state agency after all, but why isn’t there more local opposition?  We explain. In...
In our breaking story segment, we unveil the discussions about a possible deal—where a “property service fee” might take the place of the current property tax millage.  Such a swap would mean homeowners pay less but tjhe S&WB raises more money!  How, you ask?  Tulane University, the Feds, and the Catholic Church pay up, of course.

Also, we visit with Swine Krewe (www.swinekrewe.org) and the upcoming Hogs for the Cause.

And then finally, in celebration of Saint Joseph’s Day (besides talking about the altars) Hy and Christopher recount the story of Santa Fe’s Loretto Chapel—and a miracle which may be scientifically proven?]]>3240board,cause,christopher,for,founders,hogs,hy,mchenry,new,orleans,sewerage,show,state,takeover,the,tidmore,waterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-churchill-society-of-new-orleans-rats-are-getting-high-bike-lanes-and-more--59069202
MORE INFORMATION: The Churchill Society of New Orleans

Then, Hy and Christopher move on to talk about “high rats” & a new NOPD headquarters, the practicality of bike lanes New Orleans East, the looming third-party challenges in the presidential race, and Chuck Schumer‘s criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu (and how it’s really criticizing the entire Israeli political structure) - yet we also observe that no one really knows what’s gonna happen in 2.3 million homeless Palestinians are crowded on the Gaza beaches with nowhere to go.

We even throw in a miracle at the end that is scientifically proven!
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59069202Sat, 16 Mar 2024 14:59:49 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher are joined by Ben Capshaw of The Churchill Society of New Orleans to talk about teaching about how their 2024 essay contest keeps alive the memory of the great historical leader to high school students. MORE INFORMATION:...
MORE INFORMATION: The Churchill Society of New Orleans

Then, Hy and Christopher move on to talk about “high rats” & a new NOPD headquarters, the practicality of bike lanes New Orleans East, the looming third-party challenges in the presidential race, and Chuck Schumer‘s criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu (and how it’s really criticizing the entire Israeli political structure) - yet we also observe that no one really knows what’s gonna happen in 2.3 million homeless Palestinians are crowded on the Gaza beaches with nowhere to go.

We even throw in a miracle at the end that is scientifically proven!
]]>32402024,christopher,churchill,founders,high,hy,israel,mchenry,miracle,new,orleans,palestine,police,politics,rats,show,society,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/super-tuesday-analysis-regular-session-possibilities-and-more--58975096
Looking at the upcoming Louisiana legislative session, Christopher and Hy discuss the idea of New Orleans area legislators leveraging their votes for a new Mississippi River Bridge in South Baton Rouge in order to extend the Westbank Expressway into LA 3127, and widen that road into a four-lane super highway that goes all the way to Donaldsonville and which also intersects into I-310 and an expanded Earhart expressway that goes all the way to Armstrong Airport.

The Founders Show broadcasts live this week from Colorado Springs and the US Air Force Academy. We share our incredible impression of the upcoming class of cadets, and reflect upom a military hero from the past.

We also talk about the legacy of Zebulon Pike, who played a plays a key role in the history of the Louisiana Purchase and of New Orleans. Inadvertently, Pike may be the reason that the White House is painted white!
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58975096Fri, 08 Mar 2024 21:27:12 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Super Tuesday has passed, Nikki Haley is out, and the presidential race is on. Will Donald Trump be able to unify the Republican party, or will GOP divisions have impacts on downticket U.S. Senate races like Texas? Looking at the upcoming Louisiana...
Looking at the upcoming Louisiana legislative session, Christopher and Hy discuss the idea of New Orleans area legislators leveraging their votes for a new Mississippi River Bridge in South Baton Rouge in order to extend the Westbank Expressway into LA 3127, and widen that road into a four-lane super highway that goes all the way to Donaldsonville and which also intersects into I-310 and an expanded Earhart expressway that goes all the way to Armstrong Airport.

The Founders Show broadcasts live this week from Colorado Springs and the US Air Force Academy. We share our incredible impression of the upcoming class of cadets, and reflect upom a military hero from the past.

We also talk about the legacy of Zebulon Pike, who played a plays a key role in the history of the Louisiana Purchase and of New Orleans. Inadvertently, Pike may be the reason that the White House is painted white!
]]>3240christopher,founders,hy,legislative,louisiana,mchenry,politics,regular,session,show,super,the,tidmore,tuesdayfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/save-our-cemeteries-special-session-on-crime-recap-more--58890932https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58890932Sat, 02 Mar 2024 02:06:40 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy and Christopher talk about Save Our Cemeteries: Run Through History at Metairie Cemetery on March 24 to begin, and then transition into talking about the end of the special legislative session on crime. They conclude talking about the budget deal...3240christopher,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,politics,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/firings-mergers-special-session-on-crime-more--58798950
The question remains whether the consolidation of the “insurance middlemen” in Louisiana is good for the consumer? Critics fear these consolidations — and many others like it—may leave smaller agents with fewer insurance markets to offer to their customers—driving up personal and commercial insurance rates.

We then talk about it crime initiatives in the special session, and whether the death penalty is the “pro-life” position.

Finally, on a related note, we an initiative by the Hungarian government which has cut abortions in half, without outlawing the practice. Basically, a woman had four children, she never pays income tax for the rest of her life. Should that be part of the Louisiana debate on abolishing the state income tax? Federally? Viktor Orban is wrong on many things, but the use of tax incentives bolster family demographics family demographics and reduce abortions?
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58798950Fri, 23 Feb 2024 17:02:45 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)This week, Hy and Christopher explore how Louisiana government is doing nothing about either the Hundreds of American Queen cruise ship personnel who received a termination notice last week, or the announcement that Marsh McLennan, the world’s largest...
The question remains whether the consolidation of the “insurance middlemen” in Louisiana is good for the consumer? Critics fear these consolidations — and many others like it—may leave smaller agents with fewer insurance markets to offer to their customers—driving up personal and commercial insurance rates.

We then talk about it crime initiatives in the special session, and whether the death penalty is the “pro-life” position.

Finally, on a related note, we an initiative by the Hungarian government which has cut abortions in half, without outlawing the practice. Basically, a woman had four children, she never pays income tax for the rest of her life. Should that be part of the Louisiana debate on abolishing the state income tax? Federally? Viktor Orban is wrong on many things, but the use of tax incentives bolster family demographics family demographics and reduce abortions?
]]>3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/author-jon-gegenheimer-asking-if-there-s-too-many-parades-election-2024-more--58716815to an event to premier the book on Feb. 25 at the Garden District Book Shop.

From there, we ask the question if there are too many parades each evening during the last week of Carnival—and whether, the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before Mardi Gras ought to be school holidays.

We conclude by examining the 2024 presidential race through the lens of the loss of two key representative districts in New York and Pennsylvania and cite the fact that African-Americans have closed the employment gap with Caucasians.

We even end talking about the Rex Theme and the life of Lafcadio Hearn!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58716815Sat, 17 Feb 2024 16:33:42 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Hy McEnery & Christopher Tidmore host Jon Gegenheimer, author of the new historical novel “Churchill v. Hitler”. We talk about the psychology of the great rivals which form of our world, and invite our audience...to an event to premier the book on Feb. 25 at the Garden District Book Shop.

From there, we ask the question if there are too many parades each evening during the last week of Carnival—and whether, the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before Mardi Gras ought to be school holidays.

We conclude by examining the 2024 presidential race through the lens of the loss of two key representative districts in New York and Pennsylvania and cite the fact that African-Americans have closed the employment gap with Caucasians.

We even end talking about the Rex Theme and the life of Lafcadio Hearn!]]>32402024,christopher,election,founders,gegenheimer,gras,hy,john,mardi,mchenry,parades,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mardi-gras-traditions--58616341https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58616341Thu, 08 Feb 2024 22:35:18 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)It’s Carnival time all the time on this edition of The Founders Show, talking Mardi Gras traditions to the melodies of Armand St. Martin’s original musical compositions, heard exclusively on this week’s broadcast with Hy & Christopher.3240christopher,founders,gras,hy,mardi,mchenry,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dc-and-nola-mardi-gras-redistricting-and-more--58546946https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58546946Fri, 02 Feb 2024 17:42:03 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)State Rep. Michael Bayham has the unique distinction of being both a freshman legislator, and one of the most experienced legislative hands at the state capitol. He joins Hy and Christopher to talk about DC Mardi Gras, problems with the portNola...3240bayham,christopher,founders,gras,hy,mardi,mchenry,michael,new,orleans,politics,reform,show,tax,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/louisiana-s-new-congressional-district-presidential-election-latest-chris-25th-anniversary--58463273
They reminisce about major stories over the years - including David Duke’s tax dodges and other stories of Louisiana political malfeasance they exposed.

The three also review the special session, the new minority district (and whether it meets constitution muster), and what’s going on in the presidential primary race. Is Nikki Haley going to be a third-party “No Labels“ candidate?

All this and more on this week’s edition of The Founders Show.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58463273Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:06:32 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)It’s Christopher Tidmore’s 25th anniversary as a radio talk show host, and he and Hy are joined by Christopher’s original on-air partner, Jeff Crouere. They reminisce about major stories over the years - including David Duke’s tax dodges and other...
They reminisce about major stories over the years - including David Duke’s tax dodges and other stories of Louisiana political malfeasance they exposed.

The three also review the special session, the new minority district (and whether it meets constitution muster), and what’s going on in the presidential primary race. Is Nikki Haley going to be a third-party “No Labels“ candidate?

All this and more on this week’s edition of The Founders Show.]]>3240chris,christian,christopher,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,new,orleans,politics,show,talk,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-501--58382465https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58382465Sat, 20 Jan 2024 16:36:23 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-500--58280712https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58280712Fri, 12 Jan 2024 18:56:15 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240christopher,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,politics,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-499--58218097https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58218097Sat, 06 Jan 2024 15:46:41 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240christopher,founders,hy,mchenry,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-498--58141320https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58141320Thu, 28 Dec 2023 21:41:36 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240christoper,founders,hy,mchenry,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-497--58104254https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58104254Sat, 23 Dec 2023 15:29:04 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240christopher,founders,hy,mchenry,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-496--58029170https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58029170Sat, 16 Dec 2023 15:07:25 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240christopher,founders,hy,mchenry,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-495--57956265https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57956265Fri, 08 Dec 2023 23:41:36 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240christopher,founders,hy,mchenry,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-494--57881241https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57881241Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:27:57 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240christopher,founders,hy,mchenry,new,orleans,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-493--57771193https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57771193Wed, 22 Nov 2023 20:55:00 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240christopher,founders,hy,mchenry,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-492--57692188https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57692188Fri, 17 Nov 2023 22:15:31 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240christopher,founders,hy,mchenry,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-491--57593016https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57593016Fri, 10 Nov 2023 19:26:53 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-490--57504837]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57504837Fri, 03 Nov 2023 21:05:31 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.]]>3240christopher,founders,hy,mchenry,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-489--57411818]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57411818Fri, 27 Oct 2023 17:36:57 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.]]>3240christopher,founders,hy,louisiana,mchenry,politics,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-488--57335700https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57335700Sat, 21 Oct 2023 14:24:15 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240christopher,founders,hy,mchenry,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/founders-show-487--57227232https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57227232Fri, 13 Oct 2023 19:12:20 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited, and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240christopher,founders,hy,mchenry,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-486--57144852https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57144852Sat, 07 Oct 2023 15:10:37 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited , and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240founders,show,thefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-485--56997283https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56997283Fri, 29 Sep 2023 19:27:18 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)You are invited , and so join us for a CUP of TEA, Hot and Spicy, to Listen to and/or Talk on The Founders' Show, a Politically Incorrect Christian Talk Show, with your host, the Spingiree Baba of New Orleans, Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3240christopher,founders,hy,louisiana,mcenery,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-484--56887695https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56887695Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:01:07 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-483--56887694https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56887694Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:00:53 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-482--56746090https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56746090Sat, 09 Sep 2023 15:08:52 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240founders,show,thefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-481--56663392https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56663392Fri, 01 Sep 2023 19:34:40 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240founders,show,thefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-480--56592450https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56592450Fri, 25 Aug 2023 18:12:59 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240founders,show,thefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-479--56520849https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56520849Sat, 19 Aug 2023 15:16:56 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240founders,show,thefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-478--56441904https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56441904Fri, 11 Aug 2023 16:19:36 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240founders,show,thefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-477--56378157https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56378157Sat, 05 Aug 2023 14:44:41 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240christopher,founders,hy,mchenry,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-476--56265754https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56265754Fri, 28 Jul 2023 17:24:50 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240founders,show,thefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-475--56179165https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56179165Fri, 21 Jul 2023 17:36:33 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Listen to The Founders Show Sunday mornings at 8am on News Talk 99.5 WRNO in New Orleans.3240christopher,founders,hy,mcenery,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-474--56103044https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56103044Fri, 14 Jul 2023 16:27:26 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240founders,show,thefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-473--56030834https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56030834Fri, 07 Jul 2023 20:37:13 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-472--55526875https://api.spreaker.com/episode/55526875Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:40:30 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240founders,show,thefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-471--54841221https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54841221Fri, 23 Jun 2023 19:14:31 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-470--54462713https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54462713Fri, 16 Jun 2023 18:16:32 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-468--54209036https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54209036Sat, 10 Jun 2023 14:29:49 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-469--54077623https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54077623Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:52:34 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-467--54009222https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54009222Fri, 26 May 2023 17:12:22 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-466--53943258https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53943258Sat, 20 May 2023 15:18:28 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-465--53834588https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53834588Fri, 12 May 2023 16:13:38 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-464--53759785https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53759785Sat, 06 May 2023 15:52:11 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-463--53678437https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53678437Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:43:11 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-462--53635299https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53635299Mon, 24 Apr 2023 21:27:21 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-461--53537587https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53537587Fri, 14 Apr 2023 16:17:46 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-460--53474110https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53474110Fri, 07 Apr 2023 20:22:53 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-459--53405883https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53405883Fri, 31 Mar 2023 19:40:31 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)32402023,christopher,founders,hy,mchenry,show,the,tidmorefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-458--53334249https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53334249Sat, 25 Mar 2023 14:51:25 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)32402023,cantrell,founders,gop,louisiana,recall,show,thefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-457--53240615https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53240615Fri, 17 Mar 2023 19:52:12 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-456--53168005https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53168005Sat, 11 Mar 2023 15:52:10 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-455--53088943https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53088943Fri, 03 Mar 2023 23:59:37 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-454--52844736https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52844736Fri, 24 Feb 2023 23:36:36 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-453--52757336https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52757336Thu, 16 Feb 2023 17:50:59 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-452--52703487https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52703487Sat, 11 Feb 2023 16:59:03 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-451--52636590https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52636590Sat, 04 Feb 2023 16:59:32 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-450--52569909https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52569909Sat, 28 Jan 2023 16:52:57 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-449--52497815https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52497815Fri, 20 Jan 2023 19:51:43 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-448--52441441https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52441441Sat, 14 Jan 2023 16:27:58 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-447--52371821https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52371821Fri, 06 Jan 2023 17:17:04 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-446--52362959https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52362959Thu, 05 Jan 2023 17:19:44 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-445--52290311https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52290311Tue, 27 Dec 2022 16:21:23 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-444--52205159https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52205159Fri, 16 Dec 2022 15:42:43 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-443--52141457https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52141457Fri, 09 Dec 2022 17:38:00 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240founders,show,thefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-442--52082034https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52082034Fri, 02 Dec 2022 20:54:47 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-441--51992366https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51992366Wed, 23 Nov 2022 18:15:08 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-440--51951774https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51951774Sat, 19 Nov 2022 16:30:24 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-439--51865146https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51865146Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:36:07 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-438--51788136https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51788136Fri, 04 Nov 2022 17:40:05 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-437--51725520https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51725520Sat, 29 Oct 2022 16:19:47 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-436--51648302https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51648302Fri, 21 Oct 2022 19:21:53 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-435--51575578https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51575578Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:02:34 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-434--51500172https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51500172Fri, 07 Oct 2022 16:01:38 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-433--51430296https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51430296Fri, 30 Sep 2022 17:49:20 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-432--51362710https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51362710Fri, 23 Sep 2022 17:49:30 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-431--51282683https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51282683Fri, 16 Sep 2022 15:49:21 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-430--51189662https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51189662Thu, 08 Sep 2022 18:55:52 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3283falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-429--51189644https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51189644Thu, 08 Sep 2022 18:53:14 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-428--51042490https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51042490Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:02:49 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO 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(WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-417--50155324https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50155324Fri, 10 Jun 2022 14:49:37 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-416--50050926https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50050926Fri, 03 Jun 2022 15:02:29 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-415--49972042https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49972042Fri, 27 May 2022 19:51:47 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-414--49879209https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49879209Fri, 20 May 2022 17:15:51 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-413--49787101https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49787101Fri, 13 May 2022 15:50:41 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-412--49690912https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49690912Fri, 06 May 2022 14:54:18 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-411--49604638https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49604638Sat, 30 Apr 2022 12:50:18 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-410--49520057https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49520057Fri, 22 Apr 2022 20:33:20 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-409--49453364https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49453364Sat, 16 Apr 2022 14:53:08 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-408--49453356https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49453356Sat, 16 Apr 2022 14:51:19 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-3-22--49285076https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49285076Sun, 03 Apr 2022 10:15:01 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-27-22--49200881https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49200881Sun, 27 Mar 2022 10:45:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-20-22--49106124https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49106124Sun, 20 Mar 2022 11:35:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-13-22--49106071https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49106071Fri, 18 Mar 2022 15:34:07 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-6-22--48953684https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48953684Sun, 06 Mar 2022 10:00:03 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO 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(WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-23-21--48393345https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48393345Sun, 23 Jan 2022 12:00:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-16-21--48299954https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48299954Sun, 16 Jan 2022 12:05:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-9-2022--48204408https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48204408Sun, 09 Jan 2022 12:05:01 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-2-22--48087956https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48087956Sun, 02 Jan 2022 12:00:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-26-21--48026287https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48026287Sun, 26 Dec 2021 12:30:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-19-21--47964669https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47964669Sun, 19 Dec 2021 12:15:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-12-21--47855358https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47855358Tue, 14 Dec 2021 18:53:19 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-5-21--47838819https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47838819Wed, 08 Dec 2021 16:33:58 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-28-21--47639143https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47639143Sun, 28 Nov 2021 12:00:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-21-21--47560285https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47560285Sun, 21 Nov 2021 13:15:06 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-7-21--47392221https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47392221Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:18:19 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-31-21--47219042https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47219042Sun, 31 Oct 2021 11:30:19 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-24-21--47084331https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47084331Sun, 24 Oct 2021 11:00:08 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-17-21--46990788https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46990788Sun, 17 Oct 2021 11:30:07 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-10-21--46888912https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46888912Sun, 10 Oct 2021 12:00:03 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-3-21--46776307https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46776307Fri, 01 Oct 2021 15:10:12 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-9-26-21--46670625https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46670625Sun, 26 Sep 2021 11:00:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-9-19-21--46567831https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46567831Sun, 19 Sep 2021 11:00:07 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-8-28-21--46363092https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46363092Fri, 03 Sep 2021 17:27:43 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-8-22-21--46172340https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46172340Sun, 22 Aug 2021 12:05:11 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO 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(WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-12-21--45638732https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45638732Mon, 12 Jul 2021 12:00:12 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-4-21--45550072https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45550072Sun, 04 Jul 2021 12:25:17 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-27-21--45442677https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45442677Sun, 27 Jun 2021 12:15:08 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-20-21--45356004https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45356004Sun, 20 Jun 2021 11:15:03 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-13-21--45264036https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45264036Sun, 13 Jun 2021 12:15:21 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-6-21--45167831https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45167831Sun, 06 Jun 2021 12:15:16 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-30-31--45079237https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45079237Sun, 30 May 2021 12:30:08 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-23-21--44950856https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44950856Sun, 23 May 2021 12:30:18 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/founders-show-5-16-21--44815448https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44815448Sun, 16 May 2021 12:05:12 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-7-21--44682115https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44682115Sun, 09 May 2021 11:15:09 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO 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(WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-21-21--43550053https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43550053Sun, 21 Feb 2021 15:00:06 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-14-21--43436275https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43436275Sun, 14 Feb 2021 16:05:15 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-7-21--43308966https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43308966Sun, 07 Feb 2021 15:05:11 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-31-21--43185840https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43185840Sun, 31 Jan 2021 14:10:10 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-24-21--43069409https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43069409Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:05:11 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-17-21--42952055https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42952055Sun, 17 Jan 2021 12:05:11 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-10-21--42844810https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42844810Sun, 10 Jan 2021 14:05:03 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-3-21--42722680https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42722680Sun, 03 Jan 2021 14:05:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-27-20--42632798https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42632798Sun, 27 Dec 2020 14:05:10 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-20-20--42557101https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42557101Sun, 20 Dec 2020 14:15:20 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-13-20--42421982https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42421982Sun, 13 Dec 2020 14:15:08 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-6-20--42315506https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42315506Sun, 06 Dec 2020 14:15:04 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-29-20--42161170https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42161170Sun, 29 Nov 2020 14:05:11 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-22-20--42093342https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42093342Sun, 22 Nov 2020 14:10:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3271falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-15-20--41975638https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41975638Sun, 15 Nov 2020 14:00:09 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-8-20--41834319https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41834319Sun, 08 Nov 2020 14:15:06 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3241falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-1-20--41722344https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41722344Sun, 01 Nov 2020 15:10:09 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The 2020 election preview.3235falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-25-20--41609020https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41609020Sun, 25 Oct 2020 13:15:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-18-20--41494509https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41494509Sun, 18 Oct 2020 13:15:09 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-11-2020--41424884https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41424884Mon, 12 Oct 2020 18:14:52 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO 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(WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-19-20--39819760https://api.spreaker.com/episode/39819760Fri, 17 Jul 2020 19:29:52 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-12-20--38112818https://api.spreaker.com/episode/38112818Thu, 09 Jul 2020 19:27:56 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-5-20--35719807https://api.spreaker.com/episode/35719807Fri, 03 Jul 2020 16:47:34 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-28-20--33706716https://api.spreaker.com/episode/33706716Fri, 26 Jun 2020 18:07:03 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-21-20--32675997https://api.spreaker.com/episode/32675997Tue, 23 Jun 2020 17:28:17 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-14-20--30459221https://api.spreaker.com/episode/30459221Fri, 12 Jun 2020 18:14:25 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 6/14/203240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-7-20--29444939https://api.spreaker.com/episode/29444939Thu, 04 Jun 2020 20:29:53 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-31-20--28642196https://api.spreaker.com/episode/28642196Fri, 29 May 2020 16:04:20 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-24-20--28082123https://api.spreaker.com/episode/28082123Fri, 22 May 2020 20:14:49 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-17-20--27437031https://api.spreaker.com/episode/27437031Fri, 15 May 2020 18:20:04 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-10-20--27167477https://api.spreaker.com/episode/27167477Tue, 12 May 2020 16:13:19 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-3-20--27167476https://api.spreaker.com/episode/27167476Tue, 12 May 2020 16:13:03 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-26-20--26011463https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011463Fri, 24 Apr 2020 15:28:34 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-19-20--25648698https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25648698Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:56:02 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-12-20--25235774https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25235774Fri, 10 Apr 2020 14:53:26 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-5-20--24790450https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24790450Fri, 03 Apr 2020 20:06:57 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-29-20--24432326https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24432326Fri, 27 Mar 2020 16:23:33 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-22-20--24397386https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24397386Thu, 26 Mar 2020 21:08:37 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-15-20--23831953https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23831953Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:20:22 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 3/15/203239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-8-20--23569309https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23569309Fri, 06 Mar 2020 19:07:21 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 3/8/203239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-1-20--23298421https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23298421Fri, 28 Feb 2020 20:18:41 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-23-20--23042975https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23042975Fri, 21 Feb 2020 20:11:25 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-16-20--22781599https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22781599Fri, 14 Feb 2020 21:00:15 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-9-20--22528546https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22528546Fri, 07 Feb 2020 20:48:28 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)A look at Louisiana politics from Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-2-20--22273494https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22273494Fri, 31 Jan 2020 16:22:06 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)A look at Louisiana politics from Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-26-20--22273493https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22273493Fri, 31 Jan 2020 16:21:44 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)A look at Louisiana politics from Chaplain Hy McEnery and Christopher Tidmore.3239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-19-2020--21784838https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21784838Fri, 17 Jan 2020 15:32:51 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 1/19/20203239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-12-2020--21546882https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21546882Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:55:04 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 1/12/20203239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-5-2020--21546851https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21546851Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:51:58 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 1/5/20203239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-29-19--21113231https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21113231Fri, 27 Dec 2019 15:01:58 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 12/29/193239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-22-2019--20923780https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20923780Fri, 20 Dec 2019 17:07:46 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 12/22/20193238falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-15-19--20685986https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20685986Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:58:07 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 12/15/193240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-8-19--20685989https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20685989Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:57:54 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 12/8/193239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-1-19--20685988https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20685988Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:57:40 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 12/1/193239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-24-19--20685985https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20685985Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:57:24 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 11/24/193239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-17-19--20685987https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20685987Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:57:09 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 11/17/193239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-10-19--20685991https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20685991Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:56:51 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 11/10/193238falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-3-19--20685993https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20685993Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:56:31 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 11/3/193239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-27-19--20685990https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20685990Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:56:15 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 10/27/193240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-20-19--20685984https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20685984Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:55:57 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 10/20/193239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-13-19--20685992https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20685992Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:55:36 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 10/13/193238falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-8-18-19--18834140https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18834140Fri, 16 Aug 2019 11:26:36 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 8/18/193239foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-8-11-19--18772091https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18772091Fri, 09 Aug 2019 11:19:30 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 8/11/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-8-4-19--18705705https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18705705Fri, 02 Aug 2019 12:28:53 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 8/4/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-28-19--18665783https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18665783Mon, 29 Jul 2019 11:11:20 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 7/28/193239foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-21-19--18589621https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18589621Fri, 19 Jul 2019 12:46:31 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 7/21/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-14-19--18534652https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18534652Fri, 12 Jul 2019 16:36:03 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 7/14/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-7-19--18450976https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18450976Wed, 03 Jul 2019 12:33:31 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 7/7/193237foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-30-19--18372793https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18372793Tue, 25 Jun 2019 12:07:30 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 6/30/193237foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-23-19--18336851https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18336851Fri, 21 Jun 2019 12:31:30 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 6/23/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-16-19--18285142https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18285142Sun, 16 Jun 2019 06:04:06 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 6/16/193239foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-9-19--18210582https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18210582Sat, 08 Jun 2019 03:20:15 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 6/9/193240foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-2-19--18132471https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18132471Fri, 31 May 2019 11:13:28 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 6/2/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-26-19--18065617https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18065617Fri, 24 May 2019 16:01:13 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 5/26/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-19-19--17979067https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17979067Fri, 17 May 2019 11:44:50 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 5/19/193239foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-12-19--17891530https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17891530Fri, 10 May 2019 15:47:59 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 5/12/193239foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-5-19--17824410https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17824410Fri, 03 May 2019 11:25:35 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 5/5/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-28-19--17752931https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17752931Fri, 26 Apr 2019 13:23:27 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 4/28/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-21-19--17688942https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17688942Fri, 19 Apr 2019 11:24:38 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 4/21/193237foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-14-19--17613870https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17613870Fri, 12 Apr 2019 12:03:28 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 4/14/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-7-19--17543660https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17543660Fri, 05 Apr 2019 12:09:51 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 4/7/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-31-19--17471870https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17471870Fri, 29 Mar 2019 10:42:34 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 3/31/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-24-19--17403005https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17403005Fri, 22 Mar 2019 12:12:26 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 3/24/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-17-19--17330623https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17330623Fri, 15 Mar 2019 13:14:24 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 3/17/193238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-10-19--17268606https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17268606Fri, 08 Mar 2019 22:56:20 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 3/10/193239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-3-19--17268594https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17268594Fri, 08 Mar 2019 22:52:10 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 3/3/193238falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-24-19--17268572https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17268572Fri, 08 Mar 2019 22:50:55 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 2/24/193239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-17-19--17265758https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17265758Fri, 08 Mar 2019 17:10:45 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)3238falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-10-19--16984887https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16984887Sat, 09 Feb 2019 15:00:18 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 2/10/193237foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-3-19--16909924https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16909924Sun, 03 Feb 2019 15:00:19 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 2/3/193236foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-27-19--16838976https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16838976Sun, 27 Jan 2019 15:00:09 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 1/27/193237foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-20-19--16746403https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16746403Sun, 20 Jan 2019 15:00:13 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 1/20/193237foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-13-19--16686260https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16686260Sun, 13 Jan 2019 15:00:06 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 1/13/193236foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-6-19--16618708https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16618708Sun, 06 Jan 2019 15:00:20 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 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2018 14:00:13 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 10/28/183239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-21-18--15992500https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15992500Sun, 21 Oct 2018 14:00:23 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 10/21/183233foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-14-18--15935698https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15935698Sun, 14 Oct 2018 14:00:36 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 10/14/183237foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/founders-show-10-7-18--15886888https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15886888Sun, 07 Oct 2018 14:00:03 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)Founders Show 10/7/183238foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-9-30-18--15830358https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15830358Sun, 30 Sep 2018 14:00:05 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 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10/29/173063foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-22-17--13084899https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13084899Sun, 22 Oct 2017 14:00:04 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 10/22/173240foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-15-17--13017664https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13017664Sun, 15 Oct 2017 14:00:04 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 10/15/173240foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-8-17--12975139https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12975139Mon, 09 Oct 2017 12:21:25 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 10/8/173235foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-1-17--12917864https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12917864Sun, 01 Oct 2017 14:00:05 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 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27 Aug 2017 14:00:04 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 8/27/173239foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-8-20-17--12601020https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12601020Sun, 20 Aug 2017 14:00:04 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 8/20/173240foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-8-13-17--12552829https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12552829Sun, 13 Aug 2017 14:00:04 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 8/13/173240foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-8-6-17--12516571https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12516571Sun, 06 Aug 2017 20:41:00 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 8/6/173240foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-30-17--12454842https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12454842Sun, 30 Jul 2017 14:00:23 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 7/30/173240foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-23-17--12401936https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12401936Sun, 23 Jul 2017 14:00:08 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 7/23/173240foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-16-17--12352082https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12352082Sun, 16 Jul 2017 14:00:15 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 7/16/173240foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-9-17--12301593https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12301593Sun, 09 Jul 2017 14:00:46 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 7/9/173240foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-2-17--12232725https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12232725Sun, 02 Jul 2017 14:00:42 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show 7/2/173236foundersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-25-17--12183904http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/06/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_6_25_17_0_1498138321.mp3Thu, 22 Jun 2017 13:31:17 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 6/25/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-18-17--12157346http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/06/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_6_18_17_0_1497617726.mp3Sun, 18 Jun 2017 12:08:01 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 6/18/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-11-17--12157351http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/06/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_6_11_17_0_1497013895.mp3Sun, 11 Jun 2017 12:14:41 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 6/11/173233falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-4-17--12157343http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/06/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_6_4_17_0_1496408736.mp3Sun, 04 Jun 2017 12:10:58 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 6/4/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-28-17--12157341http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/05/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_5_28_17_0_1495718316.mp3Sun, 28 May 2017 12:19:05 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 5/28/173238falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-21-17--12157342http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/05/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_5_21_17_0_1495199643.mp3Sun, 21 May 2017 12:15:44 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 5/21/173237falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-14-17--12157347http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/05/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_5_14_17_0_1494847676.mp3Mon, 15 May 2017 10:22:47 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 5/14/173236falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-5-7-17--12157345http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/05/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_5_7_17_0_1493993014.mp3Fri, 05 May 2017 12:55:52 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 5/7/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-30-17--12157344http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/04/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_4_30_17_0_1493384825.mp3Sun, 30 Apr 2017 12:07:38 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 4/30/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-23-17--12157355http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/04/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_4_23_17_0_1492780939.mp3Fri, 21 Apr 2017 12:19:26 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 4/23/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-16-17--12157358http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/04/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_4_16_17_0_1492178907.mp3Sun, 16 Apr 2017 13:09:34 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 4/16/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-9-17--12157354http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/04/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_4_9_17_0_1491571283.mp3Fri, 07 Apr 2017 12:19:55 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 4/9/173239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-4-2-17--12157353http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/03/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_4_2_17_0_1490965889.mp3Fri, 31 Mar 2017 12:09:00 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 4/2/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-26-17--12157357http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/03/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_3_26_17_0_1490354674.mp3Sun, 26 Mar 2017 10:26:33 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 3/26/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-19-17--12157356http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/03/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_3_19_17_0_1489759334.mp3Sun, 19 Mar 2017 13:05:54 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 3/19/173239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-12-17--12157360http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/03/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_1_12_17_0_1489413927.mp3Mon, 13 Mar 2017 13:05:24 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 3/12/173225falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-3-5-17--12157359http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/03/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_2_5_17_0_1488542388.mp3Sun, 05 Mar 2017 12:00:18 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 3/5/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-26-17--12157364http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/02/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_2_26_17_0_1487768049.mp3Sun, 26 Feb 2017 12:54:40 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 2/26/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-19-17--12157366http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/02/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_2_19_17_0_1487254223.mp3Thu, 16 Feb 2017 14:10:36 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 2/19/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-12-17--12157363http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/02/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_2_12_17_0_1486732488.mp3Sun, 12 Feb 2017 13:18:14 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 2/12/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-2-5-17--12157369http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/02/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_2_5_17_0_1486133408.mp3Sun, 05 Feb 2017 14:54:00 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 2/5/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-29-17--12157371http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/01/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_1_29_17_0_1485530436.mp3Sun, 29 Jan 2017 15:24:23 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 1/29/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-22-17--12157368http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/01/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_1_22_17_0_1484930116.mp3Sun, 22 Jan 2017 16:39:19 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 1/22/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-15-17--12157370http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/01/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_1_15_17_0_1484306669.mp3Sun, 15 Jan 2017 11:24:56 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 1/15/173239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-8-17--12157361http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2017/01/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_1_8_17_0_1483977049.mp3Mon, 09 Jan 2017 15:50:21 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 1/8/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-1-1-17--12157373http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/12/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_1_1_17_0_1483016144.mp3Sun, 01 Jan 2017 13:00:12 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 1/1/173240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-25-16--12157374http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/12/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_12_25_16_0_1482414523.mp3Sun, 25 Dec 2016 13:49:24 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 12/25/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-18-16--12157378http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/12/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_12_18_16_0_1481877594.mp3Sun, 18 Dec 2016 13:41:01 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 12/18/163239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-11-16--12157376http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/12/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_12_11_16_0_1481342971.mp3Mon, 12 Dec 2016 04:10:08 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 12/11/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-12-04-16--12157375http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/12/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_12_04_16_0_1480937970.mp3Mon, 05 Dec 2016 11:36:29 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 12/04/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-27-16--12157377http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/11/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_11_27_16_0_1480520552.mp3Sun, 27 Nov 2016 11:39:15 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 11/27/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-27-16--12157381http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/11/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_11_27_16_0_1479900760.mp3Wed, 23 Nov 2016 11:33:52 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 11/27/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-20-16--12157379http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/11/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_11_20_16_0_1479475858.mp3Sat, 19 Nov 2016 13:39:38 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 11/20/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-13-16--12157383http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/11/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_11_13_16_0_1478854957.mp3Sun, 13 Nov 2016 14:03:05 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 11/13/163239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-11-6-16--12157384http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/11/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_11_6_16_0_1478255742.mp3Sun, 06 Nov 2016 15:36:12 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 11/6/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-28-16--12157385http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/10/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_10_28_16_0_1477642541.mp3Sun, 30 Oct 2016 12:16:09 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 10/28/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-23-16--12157386http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/10/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_10_23_16_0_1477040229.mp3Sun, 23 Oct 2016 13:03:31 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 10/23/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-16-16--12157388http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/10/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_10_16_16_0_1476435038.mp3Sun, 16 Oct 2016 12:51:47 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 10/16/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-09-16--12157390http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/10/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_10_09_16_0_1475831529.mp3Sun, 09 Oct 2016 13:07:51 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 10/09/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-10-02-16--12157387http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/09/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_10_02_16_0_1475226825.mp3Sun, 02 Oct 2016 13:10:04 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 10/02/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-9-25-16--12157389http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/09/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_9_25_16_0_1474626725.mp3Sun, 25 Sep 2016 14:29:57 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 9/25/163239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-9-18-16--12157391http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/09/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_9_18_16_0_1474014539.mp3Sun, 18 Sep 2016 12:29:44 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 9/18/163225falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-9-11-16--12157392http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/09/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_9_11_16_0_1473407077.mp3Sun, 11 Sep 2016 11:42:18 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 9/11/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-9-4-16--12157393http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/09/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_9_4_16_0_1472813273.mp3Sun, 04 Sep 2016 14:45:25 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 9/4/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-8-28-16--12157394http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/08/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_8_28_16_0_1472207230.mp3Sun, 28 Aug 2016 14:26:55 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 8/28/163237falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-8-21-16--12157396http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/08/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_8_21_16_0_1471606605.mp3Sun, 21 Aug 2016 15:36:54 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 8/21/163239falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-8-14-16--12157395http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/08/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_8_12_16_0_1471000379.mp3Sun, 14 Aug 2016 15:13:19 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 8/14/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-8-7-16--12157399http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/08/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_8_7_16_0_1470392465.mp3Sun, 07 Aug 2016 14:18:06 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 8/7/163224falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-31-16--12157397http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/07/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_7_31_16_0_1469785493.mp3Sun, 31 Jul 2016 13:42:50 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 7/31/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-10-16--12157398http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/07/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_7_10_16_0_1467976192.mp3Sun, 10 Jul 2016 15:04:42 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 7/10/163240falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-7-3-16--12157401http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/06/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_7_3_16_0_1467283556.mp3Sun, 03 Jul 2016 14:39:36 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 7/3/163232falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-26-16--12157406http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/06/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_6_26_16_0_1467019941.mp3Mon, 27 Jun 2016 13:23:52 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 6/26/163233falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-founders-show-6-19-16--12157405http://media.ccomrcdn.com/media/station_content/3632/2016/06/mp3/default/the_founders_show_-_6_19_16_0_1466159799.mp3Fri, 17 Jun 2016 14:30:58 +0000News Talk 99.5 WRNO (WRNO-FM)The Founders Show - 6/19/163209falsefull