Talk Louisiana

Ronnie Jones (pictured), head of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, on regulating gambling in our state.Moses Evans, Justice of the Peace in East Baton Rouge Parish, on the three year anniversary of the Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage.Princeton Professor Lauren Wright on President Trump’s speaking style.

Former state lawmaker Elbert Guillory, head of minority outreach for the Louisiana GOP, and Rev. Reginald Pitcher (pictured), a Democratic activist, square off on issues from Baton Rouge to the Beltway.Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on the resolution of the budget impasse one week before the fiscal cliff.

Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain discusses passage of the Farm Bill and the implications of a trade war. Tyler Bridges of The Advocate updates the budget impasse at the Capitol. Ronnie Anderson, president of the Louisiana Bureau, comments on his 30th year as head of the 143,000 member group.

Democrat Lamar White and Republican Darrell Glasper (pictured) exchange views on President Trump and Governor Edwards as the special legislative session enters its final week.Capitol Bureau chief Mark Ballard of The Advocate on the action in House committees Thursday to address the fiscal cliff.

LSU Law Professor Phillip Hackney on his New York Times editorial calling for a criminal investigation of President Trump and his tax obligations. (Pictured) LSU Professor Joseph Giame on the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Waver Oberservatory being designated a historic physics site. Singer Phillip Manuel and bass player Bill Grimes on their Thursday performance at the LSU Music School. Advocate reporter Tyler Bridges on the latest developments regarding the special legislative session.

Rose Hudson, President, and CEO of the Louisiana Lottery Corporation, on gaming in Louisiana and the uncertainty over the state budget.Author Serhii Plokhy on his book, “Chernobyl, The History of a Nuclear Catastrophe.”Pictured: Rose Hudson

(Wallis Watkins)Republican Scott Wilfong and Democrat Melissa Flournoy exchange views on the start of the seventh special session at the Louisiana Capitol in 29 months and 17 months of President Trump.Writer Ann Hood on the legacy of Paul McCartney on his 76th birthday. Hood’s book is “She Loves You, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.”

WAFB Morning Show host and Crimestoppers reporter Matt Williams on the record number of murders in Baton Rouge this year and the start of another special session. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser comments on the budget considerations in the special session and Senator John Kennedy’s call for Governor John Bel Edwards to resign. Allen Gannett on his book, “The Creative Curve, How to Develop the Right Idea at the Right Time.”

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore on the spiraling murder rate in Baton Rouge, the Truce program and the move to stop non-unanimous jury verdicts.Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on the start of another special session next week.Pictured: Hillar Moore

Suicide authority Dr. Frank Campbell discusses the increase in suicides by prominentUnknown citizens of the U.S. Veteran anchorman George Sells comments on the final broadcast tonight from WAFB’s Donna Britt, his co-anchor for 24 years.Dr. Adam Cox on his book, “Cracking the Boy Code, How to Understand and Talk with Boys”Pictured: Dr. Frank Campbell

Tom Aswell, publisher of Louisiana Voice, on the seventh special session of the Louisiana Legislature in the past 29 months. Congressional candidate Andie Saizan talks about her challenge of Garret Graves in next year’s 6Th District election. Oenophile Kathleen Bershad discusses her book, “The Wine Lover’s Apprentice.”

NBC Today host Al Roker recalls the historic Johnstown flood of 1889 and the message it provides to contemporary America. Michelle Erenburg, founder of Lift Louisiana, on the status of abortion rights in Louisiana. Fred Parks, GOP State Senator from Parks, on drug pricing legislation and another special session. Garland Goodwin Wilson, artistic director for Of Moving Colors, previews “The Sofa Stories.” (Pictured)

Mike Bertaut, chief health care economist for Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana, comments on the remaining uncertainties about the Affordable Care Act and how the state budget chaos could affect health care services in Louisiana.Journalist Shane Snow discusses his book, “Dream Teams,” Snow analyzes why individuals consistently outperform teams.

Retired LSU Mass Communications Dean Jerry Ceppos comments on the state of journalism in America and the perception about fake news.Writer Ken Jennings on his book “Planet Funny, How Comedy Took Over Our Culture.” Pictured: Jerry Ceppos

Dr. Gene Mills, President of the Louisiana Family Forum since its inception 20 years ago, scores the performances of President Trump, Governor Edwards, and the Louisiana Legislature and reflects on the U.S. Supreme Court decision this week allowing a baker to discriminate by declining to make a wedding cake for a gay couple on religious grounds.Actress Ann Harris and Swine Palace spokesman Vastine Stabler on the production of “Patsy Cline.” (Pictured)

Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard comments on the conclusion of the late night special session and what it means about the state’s budget.Executive Director of the Center for Planning Excellence Camille Manning Broom on watershed management and flood control in Louisiana.

LSU economist, Jim Richardson, who is part of the influential panel that tells the legislature that tells how much money is coming into the state and Council for a Better Louisiana's Barry Erwin on their predictions of what will happen on today's special session. Mississippi native George Mulvaney on his debut book, "Cups Up: How I Organized a Klavern, Plotted a Coup, Survived Prison, Graduated College, Fought Polluters, and Started a Business."

Author David Campt on his appearance in Baton Rouge and BR Area Chamber of Commerce President Adam Knapp. They will talk about the importance of dialogue in addressing divisions along racial lines. Smiley Anders, columnist for The Advocate, reminisces about 39 years of writing his six day per week column.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon on the perils of hurricane season and a large percentage of Louisiana residents without flood insurance.LSU History Professor Alecia Long on the parallels between Huey Long and Donald Trump and their conflict with media coverage. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard comments on the coming collision of wills between the House and Senate over the fiscal cliff. Pictured: Alecia Long

Raegan Carter of Smoke Free EBR on the new anti-smoking ordinance which takes effect on June 1. Singer Rusty Yates on years of performing in smoke-filled rooms. Best-selling health author Nancy Addison on her move to Baton Rouge and the link between diet and diabetes.

University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson on the perils of funding for higher education. Sadie Wilks and Amanda Rabalais on the Manship School Bateman Competition success. Carl Zimmer, NY Times Science writer, on the power of heredity.

Larry Carter, president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, on an LFT survey about teacher pay and collective bargaining.Dan Borne, historian, and former public servant, on the 100thbirthday anniversary of former Louisiana Governor John McKeithen and the 200th birthday of PGT Beauregard.

Former state lawmaker Troy Hebert and Southeastern Louisiana University Professor Dayne Sherman on the continuing impasse on the budget in Louisiana and the first 70 weeks of the presidency of Donald Trump.Public Affairs Research Council Robert Travis Scott on the prospect of yet another Special Session. There have already been six in the 28 months of Gov. John Bel Edwards.Julie Schwam Harris, Co-Chair Legislative Agenda for Women, commented on the implications of the budget impasse at the State Capitol.

Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard of the Advocate on the Special Session budget chaos. Renowned Tailor Manuel Martinez of Baton Rouge on summer fashion. Dr. Jacques Berlinerblau on the complex legacy of writer Philip Roth.

State Representative Julie Stokes on her run for Secretary of State and the special session prognosis. AFL-CIO President Louis Reine on the failure of the Legislature to approve equal pay and minimum wage increase measures. Writer Jessica Hooten Wilson on the enduring popularity of Walker Percy….28 years after the famous author from Louisiana died.

State Representative Steve Carter on the prospect for success in the Legislative Special Session opening today with the fiscal cliff hovering in 40 days. Writer Charles deGravelles on his definitive biography about LSU legend Billy Cannon. The school’s only Heisman Trophy winner died Sunday in Baton Rouge at 80.

Activist and Television talk host Dianne Andrews and Lawyer and Professor Susan Nelson discuss Gov. John Bel Edwards on the brink of another special session and Donald Trump 16 months into his presidency. Advocate Reporter Tyler Bridges on the collapse of the Harrah’s deal. Former LSU Sports Information Director Bud Johnson on the death of Billy Cannon.

Chance McNeely, Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, on the plight of truck drivers in Louisiana. Mark Ballard of the Advocate comments on the final stretch of the Regular Session with lawmakers duking it out in bar rooms over legislative disputes. Tracy Fessenden, professor at Arizona State University, on her book about jazz singer Billie Holiday and her connection to religion in her music.

Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Stephen Handwerk assesses the state of the Democratic Party in Louisiana and nationally.American Gaming Association Spokesperson Kasey Clark responds to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to allow sports gaming outside of Nevada.Singer Chuck Hawthorne previews his performance tonight at the Dyson House.

Stephen Waguespack, President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, comments on his contention that a Constitutional Convention is a necessity for resolving Louisiana’s perennial budget issues. Also Waguespack will detail the LABI position on the fiscal cliff, minimum wage and equal pay.

Baton Rougean Deborah Sternberg on her new role with the Young Entrepreneurs Academy and her former job as Dan Rather’s assistant. Economist Loren Scott on the chemical industry in Louisiana, the fiscal cliff and the Trump tax plan.

Democrat Melissa Flournoy and Republican Scott Wilfong assess the political terrain in Baton Rouge and in the Beltway. Former Grant Parish District Attorney Ed Tarpley on non-unanimous jury verdicts in Louisiana as lawmakers debate changing the state law. Advocate Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on a week at the Capitol as nursing home residents were warned of losing their homes because of budget challenges.Pictured: Melissa Flournoy

Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe on the state of the Democratic Party in the South and his appearance at the True Blue Gala for Louisiana Democrats next week. Malcolm Suber of Take ‘Em Down Nola on his quest to have more monuments removed in New Orleans. Baton Rouge gardening icon Walter Imahara on his profession and his days as a young man in a Japanese Internment Camp.Pictured: Walter Imahara

Political Consultant Roy Fletcher comments on recent news about Gov. Edwards and President Trump. U.S. Senator John Kennedy discusses the Harrah’s bill that lawmakers in Baton Rouge are considering Presidential candidate Andrew Yang on his book, “The War on Normal People.” Yang says he is offering truth about America’s disappearing jobs.

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell on move to hike payday loan rates in Louisiana.Author Rachel Slade on her book, “Into the Raging Sea.” The book details the sinking of the container ship “El Faro” in 2015 in the Bermuda Triangle.

LSU Faculty veteran Kevin Cope on peaks and valleys at the Ole War Skule with budget issues remaining prominent at Louisiana’s flagship university. Author Richard Allen on the legacy of Robert Kennedy who was assassinated nearly 50 years ago in Los Angeles.Pictured: Kevin Cope

Retired Executive Director of the Louisiana ACLU Marjorie Esman on legislation to require unanimous jury verdicts in felony trials in Louisiana. Former Advocate columnist and NPR commentator Ed Cullen on the state of journalism locally and nationally.

Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard analyzes the Regular Session as lawmakers try to finish early to convene for a special session on the budget. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat on the political trail in Baton Rouge and in the Beltway with Tom Schedler resigning as Secretary of State and President Trump paying 130-thousand dollars to Stormy Daniels. Author Catherine Reid on “The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables.”

Former State Senator Elbert Lee Guillory of Opelousas on his role as Director of Minority Outreach for the Louisiana GOP. Guillory comments on the Trump effect on minority outreach by his party and the resignation of Tom Schedler as Secretary of State amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Author and Law Professor David Wienir on one of America’s favorite international destinations, Amsterdam. Wienir’s book is “Amsterdam Exposed, An America’s Journey into the Red Light District.”

Advocate Editor Peter Kovacs on five years of new ownership of the state’s largest newspaper. Businessman John Georges began his reign as Advocate owner on May 1, 2013. Author Elizabeth Partridge discusses her book, “Boots on the Ground, America’s War in Vietnam.”

Investigative Reporter Dan Moldea on the trials and tribulations of President Trump 15 months into his term. Moldea broke stories that torpedoed the political careers of Bob Livingston, Newt Gingrich and David Vitter. Also the latest on calls for resignation of embattled Secretary of State Tom Schedler. Jim Shannon provides insight to Dawn Ross's exclusive interview. Amy Nobile and Trisha Ashworth on their book, “Just When You’re Comfortable in Your Own Skin, It Starts to Sag.”

Sidney Coffee of America’s Wetland Foundation on continuing efforts to thwart coastal erosion. Beau Dantin of the Serenity Center on challenges with opioid addiction. Singer Ivan Griffin on his remarkable career.

Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on the homestretch of the Regular Legislative Session. WAFB Capitol Reporter Kevin Frey on covering the Capitol and his move to Washington D.C. Former New Orleans Jazz President Fred Rosenfeld on the continuing legacy of Pistol Pete Maravich.

Larry Carter, President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, comments on teachers having guns and pay raises for educators.Deanna Wallace, Director of Legal Communications of Americans United for Life, on the federal judicial appointment of Louisiana’s Kyle Duncan, who was approved on a 50-47 vote yesterday by the U.S. Senate. Pulitzer Prize winner Gilbert King on violence, race and justice lost in the Jim Crow Era. King’s latest book is about a 1957 murder in Florida: “Beneath a Ruthless Son.”

LSU-Shreveport Political Scientist Jeff Sadow and former state lawmaker Melissa Flournoy of Shreveport square off on the political turns in Baton Rouge and the Beltway. Senator Sharon Hewitt explains her support for legislation regulating Uber and Lyft in Louisiana. Writer Michael Lennon recaps the contributions to the 60s of the controversial Norman Mailer.

Baton Rouge Actor Louis Herthum on the second season for “Westworld.” Herthum is in the cast for the award winning HBO presentation. Melanie Bronfin of the Child Care Assistance Program on perilous funding for the program for working parents seeking child care and educational assistance. Max Lugavere on genius foods. The health science journalist says we can become smarter, happier and more productive by what we eat.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon on insurance issues as hurricane season approaches. Ellen Meacham, author of “Delta Epiphany,” on Robert Kennedy’s odyssey through Mississippi in 1967. Producer Carol Bidault previews tonight’s showing of “Cut Off’ at the Louisiana International Film Festival.Pictured: Jim Donelon

Michael Henderson of the LSU Public Policy Institute reviews sentiments of Louisiana residents on an array of issues. Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for The Advocate, assesses the Regular Legislative Session. Jason Allen details the offerings at the Louisiana International Film Festival.

Brain Czech, president and executive director of the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy, discusses why he believes global economic growth is contributing to biodiversity loss, climate change and resource wars. Czech is proposing an alternative economic model. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser comments on the death of legendary political consultant Gus Weill and offers his prescription for repairing Louisiana roads. Abigail Gardner of the Value of Water Campaign contends that Americans want federal spending on Water infrastructure. Clint Arthur, public speaking guru, on the importance of communication effectively before an audience.

Dr. Mark Heiman, LSU graduate, who is recognized as one the pioneering researchers about the GI microbiome. Ari Fleischer, former press secretary to President George W. Bush, on his career, his appearance at LSU tonight and his assessment of President Trump’s press secretaries. Maya Washington, filmmaker on her work “Through the Banks of the Red Cedar” about the integration of the Michigan State football team in 1963. Roy Martin, president of a major lumber firm in Alexandria, on his work with the Salvation Army and the Fourth Annual Shield of Hope Gala.