Talk Louisiana

Julie Baxter Payer sits in for Jim Engster today. Guests are Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne on the budget, Mark Ballard of the Advocate on the special session disaster and the forecast for averting the fiscal cliff and author Elaine Weiss on her book “The Woman’s Hour” about the fight for women to vote a century ago.

Craig Stevens of GAIN on the status of the Bayou Bridge Pipeline project. General Ron Richard, former President of the Tiger Athletic Foundation, reflects on the plight of veterans in America. Wallis Watkins, Capitol Access Reporter, on prospects for the regular session after a special collapse. Jamie Setz, Executive Director of the Capital Region Planning Commission, on the benefits of carpooling in Baton Rouge traffic.

Rep. Steve Carter, R-Baton Rouge, comments on the collapse of the special session to address the fiscal cliff. Former Louisiana House Member Raymond Jetson of Baton Rouge reflects on budget battles of the past and addresses the call for more gun regulation and dealing with the mental health of young men most often involved in mass shootings. Daniel Erspamer of the Pelican Institute on the role that U.S. Senator John Kennedy is playing in the net neutrality issue that continues in Congress.

WAFB Capitol Correspondent Kevin Frey on the budget stalemate at the Capitol. Dr. Tina Holland, President of Franciscan University, on the institution’s place in a city populated by major universities. Louisiana Economist Loren Scott and Ray Keating, Chief Economist of the Small Business and Entrepreneur Council, on President Trump’s call for tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church on her work with 486 congregations in the state. Writer Jennifer Moses on her feature about Plaquemines Parish which appeared in last Sunday's New York Times. Film critic John Wirt on the 90th Annual Academy Awards event. Actress Marion Ross on her career spanning more than six decades.

Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard of the Advocate on the current impasse in the House regarding solutions to the fiscal cliff. Tom Aswell of Louisiana Voice and Attorney Mike Wolf on the call from Governor Edwards for Secretary of State Tom Schedler to resign and the politics of guns as President Trump riles the NRA with his comments on Wednesday about gun control.

Former ATF Agent Chuck Hustmyre of Baton Rouge on the raid at Waco 25 years ago today. Hustmyre, a crime writer, was part of the ill-fated mission at the Branch Davidian Compound on Feb. 28, 1993.Former State Lawmaker Troy Hebert and Law Professor and former Louisiana Democratic Party Communications Director Susan Nelson on the move to have teachers carry guns into classrooms and the challenges facing Gov. John Bel Edwards.History Professor Amy Bates on her book about sports and integration in a Maine city, “ONE GOAL, A Coach, A Team and The Game That Brought a Divided Town Together.”

Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott on the second week of the special legislative session to address the looming fiscal cliff on July 1st. Brad Metzler, the political thriller novelist, television show creator and comic book author on his latest work: "I am Harriet Tubman" Author Howard Blum on his investigation into Russian spies during the Cold War.

Republican Political Consultant Scott Wilfong and Democratic blogger and commentator Dayne Sherman on the political consequences of the special legislative session, the challenges of President Trump and new leadership in the Louisiana GOP.

Legendary political activist Daniel Ellsberg on the legacy of the Pentagon Papers and the dangers of nuclear proliferation. Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard comments on the first week of the special legislative session on the budget. Singer Cory Branan on his performance tonight in Baton Rouge. Yale Law Professor Amy Chua on her book, “Political Tribes.” Dr. Chura says America is dislaying destructive political dynamics more typical of developing non-Western countries.

State NAACP President Michael McClanahan and former Louisiana Senator Elbert Guillory, director of minority outreach for the Louisiana Republican Party, discuss controversy in Tangipahoa Parish over a noose being displayed on the Facebook page of a school board member, the tenth-month delay for a decision in the Alton Sterling case from Attorney General Jeff Landry, and the call for gun control in response to last week’s shooting rampage that killed 17 people at a Parkland, Florida school. Film Directors Greg Dicharry and Kevin Hines on their work: “Suicide, The Ripple Effect.” The film premieres in Baton Rouge on Friday. Hines survived jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge.

Writer Jason Berry on the 30th anniversary of Rev. Jimmy Swaggart’s infamous “I Have Sinned” sermon at the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, and Berry on the death of Rev. Billy Graham at age 99. Berry is the writer who broke many of the early stories about sexual abuse by priests in the Catholic Church. Israel Consul General Gilad Katz on his work in the American South and issues related to Israel’s stability. Former UCLA basketball star Ed O’Bannon on his war with the NCAA. Author Peter Levy remembers the racial violence of the 1960s.

Legendary Political Consultant Ray Strother on the politics of gun control and actions Congress will take in light on the tragedy in Florida which left 17 people dead last week. Chrissy Gregg of the WWII Museum in New Orleans on African-American contributions to the War. Former Vanderbilt basketball great Bob Dudley Smith on a memorable fight he had with former LSU Coach Dale Brown 44 years ago in Baton Rouge. Tonight, there will be a reunion at the PMAC.

Baton Rouge Symphony Conductor Tim Muffitt on a major performance this Thursday at the River Center. Former Louisiana Budget Director Steve Winham on the budget chaos at the Capitol with a special legislative session starting today. Author Mark Lipton on his book, “Mean Men.” Lipton says there is a troubling psychology behind some of America’s most famous men.

LSU Law Professor Phillip Hackney on the new tax law’s impact on non-profit organizations. Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard of the Advocate on the upcoming special session. LSU’s most decorated gymnast Susan Jackson and former Tiger gymnast Malia Mathis on the revelation that Dr. Larry Nassar sexually assaulted 250 female gymnasts. Nassar has been sentenced to what amounts to life in prison for his crimes.

Joseph Califano, former U.S. Secretary of Health, on his latest work: “Our Damaged Democracy.” Califano will address what he views as a crisis in American government and discuss Wednesday’s mass shooting at a Florida school that left 17 people dead. Veteran journalist Michael Finkel on his latest target, the last American hermit. Author Anthony Davenport on the importance of being vigilant about credit scores.

Brian Moscona, President of Christo Ray Baton Rouge, on the first Catholic High School to open in Baton Rouge in decades…and Monique Scott-Spaulding, a corporate supporter of Christo Ray. I will make note that the school is a WRKF underwriter. Former state House member Melissa Flournoy and LSU Shreveport Political Scientist Jeff Sadow assess the fates of Gov. John Bel Edwards and President Trump.

Former EBR Councilman Darrell Glasper and commentator Tony Brown on the presidency of Donald Trump and the governorship of John Bel Edwards. President Trump found opposition from both Republican U.S. Senators from Louisiana in last week’s budget vote, and Governor Edwards faces a daunting task getting lawmakers to reach a consensus on the state budget. Legal scholar Bryan Garner on his book about Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died two years ago today. Garner is the author of “Nino and Me: My Unusual Friendship with Justice Antonin Scalia.”

Dr. John Kirwan, Director of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, on groundbreaking research on Diabetes at the Baton Rouge facility. George Judy from Swine Palace on the latest production, “Arcadia,” premiering this week at the Shaver Theatre. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser on the state’s new slogan, “Feed Your Soul,” and the importance of Mardi Gras to tourism in Louisiana. Irish Poet Tom Malmquist on a deeply personal account of loss.

Past President of the Baton Rouge and Louisiana Bar Associations Darrel Papillion discusses the Trump judicial nominees, the investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller and the state of the legal profession in Louisiana with 23-thousand attorneys. World record holding runner Julie Welles Hawkins celebrates her 102nd birthday with us and discusses the release of her memoir; “It’s Been Wondrous.” Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard of the Advocate provides the forecast for a potential special session to address the budget.

Lanny Davis, White House Counsel to President Clinton, on the impact on the 2016 election of former FBI Director James Comey. Davis is the author of “The Unmaking of the President 2016.” Whistleblower Dan Collins on the State Ethics Board dismissing his eight year complaint against former Natural Resources Secretary Scott Angell in connection with a long-running lawsuit over dredging in Bayou Postillion in the Atchafayala Basin.

Dr. Rebekah Gee, Secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals, on the influenza outbreak, the opioid crisis and budget woes for the state’s largest agency. Mary Stein, assistant director of the EBR Library, on the One Book One Community launch and other developments with the library system.

Financial analysts Fred Dent and Andy Anderson on the market downturn and the implications of higher interest rates. Professor Kyle Longley on his book: “LBJ’s 1968, Power, Politics and the Presidency in America’s Year of Upheaval.” Actress Jency Hogan on the upcoming Louisiana International Film Festival.

University of Oklahoma Journalism Professor Jensen Moore on the commercials from Super Bowl 2018. Lawyers Ben Bagert and Mike Wolf spar on the legitimacy of a controversial memo released by Congress.

Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, on the continuing feud between Gov. Edwards and Sen. Kennedy. Is this a prelude to next year’s gubernatorial election? Melba Beals, winner of the Congressional Gold Medal and one of the Little Rock Nine, discusses the integration of Central High School in Little Rock in 1957 and 60 years of Civil Rights challenges since President Eisenhower called in federal troops. Bruce Haynes, author of “Down the Up Staircase,” which tells the story of one Harlem family across three generations.

Florida University Law Professor Mary Ziegler on the to continuing battle over Roe v. Wade 45 years after the landmark Supreme Court decision. WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart on Wrestlemania coming to New Orleans in April. Brook Urich on web sites offering companionship for “Sugar Daddies” seeking “Sugar Babies.”

Blogger Lamar White from the left and Political Consultant Scott Wilfong from the right comment on President Trump’s first State of the Union address.Writer Michael Lennon on the 95th anniversary of the birth of two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Norman Mailer and his Wikes University colleague Jeff Talarigo on his work, “in the Cemetery of the Orange Trees.”

Concordia Sentinel Editor Stanley Nelson of Ferriday on his quest to solve the mystery of several 1960s racially motivated murders in Louisiana and Mississippi.EBR Metro Councilman Matt Watson on the council’s action to thwart human trafficking in Baton Rouge.Veteran Louisiana Political Consultant Roy Fletcher on President Trump’s first State of the Union address and the continuing investigation into possible Russian involvement in the 2016 election.

Pennington Biomedical Research Center Professor and former Director Steven Heymsfield on the medical report about his childhood friend Donald Trump. President Trump weighed in at 239 pounds in his latest physical. Heymsfield discusses the challenges Americans, including the president, are facing with the battle of the bulge.Former LSU and NFL standout Brian Kinchen on the Super Bowl matchup between New England and Philadelphia and the work of Professional Athletes Supporting Students.Chef Don Bergeron and Attorney Stephanie Possa on the Artemis Parade Friday in Baton Rouge. Bergeron and Possa are the King and Queen.

George Morris of the Advocate and famed sportswriter John Ed Bradley, former All-SEC center with LSU, remember the late Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant,” who died 35 years ago today.Dr. Neelima Reddy, a Baton Rouge gastroenterologist, talks about her work providing medical services for babies.Dr. Meghan Sanders of the LSU Manship School discusses issues of diversity which challenge the Oscar competition.

Celebrated writer James Lee Burke recaps his remarkable career featuring 21 books with Louisiana crime solver Dave Robicheaux as the main character. At 81, Burke remains a best-selling novelist. His latest work is “Robicheaux.”Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard of the Advocate on the jockeying for position on the budget by the governor and the legislature and the latest developments regarding a searing legislative audit of the practices of former State Police Commander Mike Edmondson.

Investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger on cold cases from the violent Civil Rights Era of the 1960s being solved and the death of Edgar Ray Killen, convicted of killing three rights workers in Mississippi in 1964.Legendary political consultant Raymond Strother and Faye Williams, chair of the National Congress of Black Women, on the scandal about the president and the porn star from Baton Rouge.Georgeann Mire, president of the GBR Learning Disabilities Coalition, on helping kids with learning disabilities.

Associated Press Capitol Correspondent Melinda Deslatte and Kevin Frey, WAFB, Capitol Reporter respond to Governor Edwards’ budget proposal.Longtime activist Frances Moore Lappe’ on her book, “Daring Democracy, Igniting Power, Meaning and Connection for the American We Want.”Veteran Baton Rouge singer and musician Luther Kent recalls John Fred who was at the top of the Billboard Chart 50 years ago with “Judy in Disguise.”

President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills and Rev. Chris Andrews on the significance of the 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.Franz Sedelmayer talks about his book, “Welcome to Putingrad.” Sedelmayer is believed to be the only person to win a battle in Russia with Vladimir Putin.

Democratic political consultant Trey Ourso and Republican activist Darrell Glasper on the prospective federal government shutdown, Louisiana’s fiscal cliff and allegations that President Trump used an LLC to funnel $130,000 in hush money to adult film Stormy Daniels, the former Stephanie Clifford who grew up in Baton Rouge.Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on today’s deadline set by Gov. John Bel Edwards to receive a GOP budget plan from the Republican dominated Legislature.

Blogger and Southeastern Louisiana University Professor Dayne Sherman opines about the political fortunes of Gov. John Bel Edwards and President Donald Trump.LSU Law Center Dean Thomas Galligan on his career in academia and the standing of the school that is the alma mater for many of Louisiana’s most prominent attorneys and politicians.Author Daniel Pink on his latest work, “WHEN.” Pink believes that timing is essential in all walks of life.

Senior Trooper Bryan Lee of Louisiana State Police on road conditions after a night of ice and historically low temperatures.Matt Bailey, founder of Fair Districts Louisiana on a redistricting summit slated at LSU’s Manship School this Friday.Author Martin Puchner on his book, “The Written World.” Puchner reveals how writing has inspired the rise and fall of empires and nations, the spark of philosophical and political ideas and the birth of religious beliefs.Former Louisiana lawmaker Ron Faucheux previews next year’s governor’s election and assesses the sparring between U.S. Senator John Kennedy and Gov. John Bel Edwards.

Amir Husain, “The Sentient Machine, The Coming Age of Artificial Intelligence.”Ernest Gaines literary award winner Ladee Hubbard on her honor and the writing she does as a professor at Tulane.Peggy Sweeney McDonald on the 2018 Louisiana International Film Festival slated for April 19-22 in Baton Rouge.

(ernestgainescenter.blogspot.com)Legendary Louisiana writer Ernest Gaines joins us on his 85th birthday and showcases his new book, “The Tragedy of Brady Sims.”Author James Swanson discusses his book, “Chasing King’s Killer, The Hunt for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Assassin.” The famous civil rights leader was born on this date 89 years ago.

(elbertguillory.com)Former State Senator Elbert Guillory, Republican from Opelousas, and East Baton Rouge Parish Democratic Party Chair Carolyn Hill on the status of minority voters in Louisiana and the controversy over President Trump’s remarks about Haiti and other countries. Guillory is heading minority outreach efforts for the Louisiana GOP. There are about 22-thousand minority Republicans in Louisiana and over 700-thousand Black Democrats.Professor Lauren Wright of Princeton University on the role of First Lady Melania Trump amid the controversy swirling through the Oval Office.

(EJ Ourso Business School, Louisiana State University / EJ Ourso Business School, Louisiana State University)LSU Economist Jim Richardson, head of the Revenue Estimating Conference, discusses the fiscal cliff that awaits the state on June 30th.Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, talks about legislative maneuvering that is ongoing as lawmakers weigh budget options.Texas Singer-songwriter Adam Carroll reflects on his career. Carroll will be performing in Baton Rouge on Saturday.

(LRN)EBR Councilman Matt Watson on his proposal to boost pay for police officers in the parish by way of an increased property tax.Journalists John Camp, Phil Oakley and Bob Courtney remember the deadly North Boulevard riot in Baton Rouge of Jan. 10, 1972.

(Sue Lincoln)LSU Mass Communication Professor Len Apcar and Michael Henderson, head of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab, report on the friction between President Trump and the media as the president prepares to attack several journalistic outlets this week. Apcar is also a member of the WRKF Board of Directors.Also Dan Moldea, veteran investigative reporter, on the changing of media standards in the age of Trump.

Ara Rubyan, Director of the Jewish Film Festival, discusses this week’s event at the Manship Theatre.Democratic blogger and journalist, Lamar White of Bayou Brief squares off with Republican consultant Ali Akbar, Chairman of the Louisiana Young GOP Federation, on Louisiana politics with Governor Edwards seeking re-election next year and President Trump’s declining approval ratings in Louisiana. The latest survey from Southern Media and Opinion Research has the president at 48 percent approval in Louisiana, down from the 58 percent he received in Louisiana in the 2016 election.

Matt Williams, WAFB morning show host and Crimestoppers reporter, on the most violent year in Baton Rouge and a look ahead to 2018.Penny Nance, President of Concerned Women for America on sexual harassment in the workplace and the legacy of Anita Hill.Dan Borne, public address announcer at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, on the 30th anniversary of the death of Pete Maravich.

EBR District Attorney Hillar Moore on the causes of an alarming spike in murders in Baton Rouge in 2017. The parish reported a record number of homicides last year.George and Roxanne Graham on Cajun cooking. George is the author of Acadiana Table, George Graham’s Stories of Cajun Creole Cooking.

Mark Ballard, Capitol Bureau Chief for the Advocate, joins us to reflect on the top stories of 2017.Rudy Macklin, LSU’s career leading rebounder and second leading scorer, talks about the resurgent Tiger program under first year coach Will Wade and discusses physical fitness in Louisiana. Macklin has headed the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports for 26 years.

Rannah Gray on Redstick Revelry, the annual New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Baton Rouge.Maxine Crump, President and CEO of Dialogue on Race, on the major story of 2017, sexual misconduct. Crump says sexual harassment is often accompanied by racism.

Former LSU and New England Patriots quarterback Rohan Davey comments on the LSU loss to Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl and the national title game between Alabama and Georgia.Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana Economist Mike Bertaut recaps the impact of the tax bill passed by Congress on the Affordable Care Act...What is the future of Obamacare in 2018?

Film and music critic John Wirt details the best performances of 2017.Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders discusses her work 25 years after she was hired by President Clinton. Elders lasted on the job as surgeon general for only 15 months after talking openly about masturbation. She will talk about Baton Rouge and New Orleans ranking first and third in HIV cases in the United States.