Episodes

  • The Louisiana Primary Race Heats Up: Candidates, Controversies, and Endorsements

    The Louisiana Primary Race Heats Up: Candidates, Controversies, and Endorsements
    Feb 16 2026
    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for February 13, 2026. 0:30 The Louisiana U.S. Senate race is no longer simmering—it’s explosive. Jeff Landry, John Fleming, Bill Cassidy, and Trump-endorsed Julia Letlow are trading political haymakers over judges, impeachment votes, and loyalty to Donald Trump. Cassidy defends his institutional conservative record, Fleming claims the mantle of ideological purity, Landry brings the governor into the fray, and Letlow floats above it all with the power of the Trump endorsement. With attacks, counterattacks, and a three-way split forming, this race is shaping up to be one of the most heated and unpredictable Senate battles in Louisiana history.9:30 Plus, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. The Department of Education has opened an investigation into the hiring practices at the Louisiana Board of Regents.The Bossier City Council is considering evicting the Bossier Arts council and ending their partnership.An election has been scheduled to replace State Representative Julie Emmerson.12:30 Get TrimROX from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20.13:00 From medieval Europe to the streets of New Orleans, Mardi Gras is one of the world’s most colorful and storied celebrations. We dive into the history of Fat Tuesday, how French Catholic traditions merged with Caribbean rhythms and Creole culture, and how it evolved into today’s massive parades and family-friendly festivities. We also tackle the controversies—public intoxication, beads and nudity, class perception, and whether the celebration has lost its meaning. Plus, hear how Mardi Gras impacts local communities and tourism, making it more than just a party. Discover the rich layers of Mardi Gras you didn’t know—and why it remains an iconic cultural event.18:30 Qualifying for Louisiana’s May party primaries has wrapped, and the 2026 U.S. Senate race is starting to take shape. We break down the official list of candidates, including Democrats Jamie Davis, Nick Albaris, and Gary Crockett—and highlight who didn’t make the cut, like former Governor John Bel Edwards. On the Republican side, the battle is already shaping up between incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy, Treasurer John Fleming, Trump-endorsed Congresswoman Julia Letlow, and newcomer Mark Spencer. We analyze the key players, the political dynamics, and who’s most likely to make it to the runoff. If you want a clear picture of Louisiana’s hottest Senate showdown, we've got all the details. 23:00 The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has launched a high-profile investigation into the Louisiana Board of Regents, probing whether the state’s master plan for higher education violates federal civil rights law. With allegations that colleges were instructed to prioritize students of all races except white and Asian students, questions about DEI policies and racial discrimination are taking center stage. We unpack the history of the policy, its impact on Asian students, and why critics argue that enforcing racial outcomes undercuts true equal opportunity. If you want to understand the legal, educational, and social implications of race-conscious policies in Louisiana, we're diving in. 26:30 Qualifying for Louisiana’s congressional races is officially complete, and the field is shaping up to be a mix of seasoned incumbents, political newcomers, and a few unexpected names. From Steve Scalise facing Randall Arrington again in the 1st District to Troy Carter cruising in the 2nd, and Clay Higgins and Mike Johnson defending their seats against a range of challengers, the competition is heating up. In the 5th District, a crowded Republican field—including Trump-endorsed Blake Miguez—and multiple Democratic contenders promise an unpredictable race. This episode breaks down each district, highlights the top contenders, and explores what these primaries could mean for Louisiana’s political landscape ahead of May’s elections.32:00 Get Prodovite Plus from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20.32:30 A 34-year-old bank teller manager in Gretna, Louisiana, pulled off a brazen theft—scooping $187,000 from her vault, stuffing $150,000 in a cooler, and driving 250 miles to Florida—only to get caught by police. We break down the shocking crime, question the baffling decisions behind it, and explore the human psychology that can make smart people do unbelievably foolish things. From premeditation to emotional impulses, this is a cautionary tale of greed, risk, and common sense gone out the window.35:30 Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and we’re playing a fun—and slightly outrageous—game: which states have the most expensive roses? From Hawaii topping the charts at $126 a dozen to surprising contenders across red and blue states, we break ...
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    42 mins
  • Carpetbagger Controversy Rocks Fifth Congressional District

    Carpetbagger Controversy Rocks Fifth Congressional District
    Feb 13 2026
    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for February 12, 2026. 0:30 We dive into the heated Republican primary for the 5th Congressional District, where Michael Eccles takes on Trump-endorsed Blake Miguez. Carpetbagger accusations fly, residency controversies heat up, and political strategy meets raw Louisiana rivalry. Plus, we break down the latest shakeups in the Louisiana Senate race and examine the behind-the-scenes drama rocking state leadership.10:00 Plus, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. The New Orleans Police Department has radically revised its immigration enforcement cooperation policies.The city-parish government of Baton Rouge has fired 46 employees.The parking crackdown in New Orleans has started.Last weekend, the city towed 207 vehicles, and placed parking boots on 106 more.12:30 Get Performlyte from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20.13:00 Treasurer John Fleming’s U.S. Senate bid sparks a wildfire, accusing Governor Jeff Landry of a secretive scheme to secure Trump’s endorsement for Congresswoman Julia Letlow. We break down the explosive allegations, backroom drama, campaign finance moves, and how Trump’s endorsement is reshaping the Republican primary. Inside insight on power plays, political strategy, and high-stakes maneuvers in Louisiana’s Senate race—you won’t want to miss it.23:00 Iberia Parish is under the microscope after $325,000 in federal opioid settlement funds have gone unaccounted for. We break down missing records, lack of oversight, and the high-stakes implications for a parish grappling with one of Louisiana’s deadliest public health crises. Who’s responsible—and where did the money go?26:30 Baton Rouge’s Capital Area Transit System scandal sparks calls for full transparency as missing funds and questionable contracts shake public confidence. Mayor-President Sid Edwards invites the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to investigate, promising to open every book and restore trust in local government.32:00 Get Prodovite Plus from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20.32:30 As AI reshapes the job market, older workers face age bias in hiring—and resume experts are advising candidates to hide their career history beyond the last 10 years. But is trimming experience costing professionals—and companies—valuable expertise?39:30 And we end today's episode with a tragic story from New Mexico that shows us what happens when life is devalued. Articles New Orleans police changes immigration policy, opening the door to more coordination with ICEI-TEAM: City-parish says 46 positions eliminated in workforce reduction planHundreds of vehicles towed, booted as New Orleans initiates illegal parking crackdownCaddo tax assessor months behind on submitting 2024 audit to state. Here’s what we know.Follow us: americangroundradio.comFacebook: facebook.com / AmericanGroundRadioInstagram: instagram.com/americangroundradio
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    42 mins
  • Bossier Schools, Dead Checks & Political Coronations

    Bossier Schools, Dead Checks & Political Coronations
    Feb 12 2026
    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for February 11, 2026.

    We tackle two jaw-dropping stories out of Louisiana and Washington, D.C. First, decades after the Civil Rights Act, Bossier Parish schools may still not be fully desegregated—a civil rights lawsuit sheds light on what some are calling a shocking failure to follow the law.

    Then, we pivot to Washington, where billions in federal funds were mistakenly—or fraudulently—sent to the deceased. Senator John Kennedy’s new “Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act,” now signed into law by President Trump, aims to save taxpayers over $1 billion a year. From local school controversies to federal spending scandals, this episode digs deep into the numbers, the policies, and the headlines the mainstream media often overlooks.


    Plus, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know.
    • Qualifying for the party primary elections this May began today.
      That includes candidates for Congress, Senate, State Supreme Court, Public Service Commission, and the BESE Board.
    • The state of Louisiana is expected to spend more than $5 million cleaning up from last month's ice storm.
    • New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno is asking FEMA to keep the money flowing into the Big Easy.
      Get Prodovite Plus from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20.

      We break down the heated debate in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race as Dr. John Fleming challenges the idea of “coronation” versus endorsement. With President Trump’s backing of Congresswoman Julia Letlow at the center, we explore what an endorsement really means, the power it carries in GOP primaries, and why voters are wary of being told a race is already decided. From campaign strategy to political optics, this is an unfiltered look at endorsements, anointments, and the influence of Trump in Louisiana politics.

      Louisiana leads the nation with carbon capture and sequestration projects—but are they really solving the climate crisis? We brek down why environmental groups call these projects a “false solution,” how state policies like Governor Landry’s moratorium play a role, and what it means for energy, industry, and the economy.

      Is Bossier Parish still a segregated school district? We dig deep into the decades-old NAACP lawsuit, examine the latest school demographics, and break down why federal oversight may no longer be necessary. Discover the facts behind the controversy over race, equity, and local control in Louisiana schools.

      Get TrimROX from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20.

      Do schools make the student—or do students make the schools? We dig into the Gator program, parental involvement, and what research—from Chicago lotteries to military base schools—reveals about student success. Race doesn’t determine outcomes; engaged parents do.

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    42 mins
  • From Crime Crackdowns to Campus Carry: Louisiana Pushes Back

    From Crime Crackdowns to Campus Carry: Louisiana Pushes Back
    Feb 11 2026
    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for February 10, 2026. 0:30 A low-turnout special election in rural Louisiana is suddenly getting national attention—and Democrats are calling it the start of a “blue wave.” But is it really? We break down the House District 60 race, why the media narrative doesn’t match the political reality, and what special elections actually do (and don’t) predict about the 2026 midterms. We dig into turnout math, historical voting patterns, and why this Democrat’s victory says more about campaign strategy and family-values messaging than any sweeping ideological shift. Is this a warning sign for Republicans—or proof that special elections are terrible crystal balls?10:00 Plus, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. Governor Jeff Landry has named Julie Emerson as his new Chief of Staff.The Police Chief for New Roads, Louisiana resigned this week after investigations by local TV stations, WAFB and WBRZ.LSU has named Dr. David Guzik the new senior vice chancellor of the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.12:30 Get Performlyte from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20.13:00 Louisiana lawmakers are pushing the gun debate into a new arena: public college campuses. State Rep. Danny McCormick, a driving force behind Louisiana’s constitutional carry law, is now proposing campus carry for law-abiding adults at state-funded universities. Supporters argue the Constitution makes no carve-outs for campuses—and point to data from states like Texas and Utah showing no increase in campus violence, accidental shootings, or crime. Critics raise concerns about safety, while advocates counter that armed citizens deter criminals and reduce response times when police can’t be everywhere. We dig into the constitutional argument, the real-world data, and why the fight over guns, safety, and freedom is heading straight to Louisiana’s college campuses.23:00 New Orleans public schools are facing a hard math problem: fewer kids, too many buildings, and rising costs. Births in the city are down 25% over the last decade, mirroring a national and global population decline that’s already forcing school closures from Baton Rouge to Austin to Denver. But while other districts are consolidating, New Orleans has largely resisted — even as under-enrolled schools drain millions in taxpayer funding. We break down why shrinking enrollment makes consolidation inevitable, how empty classrooms still cost real money, and why emotional attachment to neighborhood schools is colliding with fiscal reality. With school choice programs like GATOR potentially accelerating the trend, the question isn’t whether closures are coming — it’s how long New Orleans can afford to wait.27:00 Louisiana law enforcement is sending a clear message: the days of catch-and-release are over. From Alexandria to New Orleans, sweeping crime crackdowns have led to more than 600 arrests, the seizure of over 200 illegal firearms, and massive quantities of cartel-linked drugs pulled off the streets. Federal, state, and local agencies are coordinating like never before, targeting drug trafficking, violent offenders, and repeat criminals who once counted on getting away with it. At the same time, Attorney General Liz Murrill is expanding Louisiana’s child exploitation task force statewide, responding to a surge in cyber tips and rescues of abused children. We lay out why aggressive law enforcement, real consequences, and visible arrests matter—and why restoring order is the first step toward safer communities, economic growth, and true freedom.32:00 Get Prodovite Plus from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20.32:30 Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race is suddenly wide open, with major shakeups on the Republican side and new political lines being drawn. As candidates drop out, Julia Letlow jumps in with a Trump endorsement, and polling shows growing vulnerability for the incumbent, Senator Bill Cassidy joins us on American Ground Radio to respond directly. Cassidy addresses his slipping numbers, defends his conservative record, and pushes back on claims that he’s out of step with Republican voters—pointing to billions in federal dollars brought home to Louisiana, his pro-life and Second Amendment credentials, and his support for key Trump priorities. The conversation also turns national, as Cassidy explains why he’s sounding the alarm on rising antisemitism and campus safety. Wet break down the evolving Louisiana Senate race, Trump’s influence, and the high-stakes questions facing Republican voters ahead of the primary.39:30 Frustration with Senator Bill Cassidy is boiling over among Republican voters in Louisiana, and it’s not subtle. Long lines of conservatives are eager to vote for anyone but Cassidy, driven by lingering ...
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    42 mins
  • Is Hollywood South Back? : Tax Credit Brings Film Industry to Louisiana

    Is Hollywood South Back? : Tax Credit Brings Film Industry to Louisiana
    Feb 11 2026
    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for February 9, 2026.
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    42 mins
  • Baton Rouge Crime Crisis: Courts Overwhelmed, Prisons Decaying

    Baton Rouge Crime Crisis: Courts Overwhelmed, Prisons Decaying
    Feb 9 2026
    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for February 6, 2026. We break down the explosive showdown between Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and California Governor Gavin Newsom. After Louisiana seeks to extradite out-of-state doctors accused of illegally sending abortion drugs into the state, Newsom responded with a profanity-laced tweet—telling Murrill to “Go F yourself.” We unpack the constitutional battle over states’ rights, the extradition clause, and the full faith and credit clause, exposing how California and New York’s so-called “SHIELD laws” challenge red-state sovereignty.Plus, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. California's Governor Gavin Newsom took to social media in a curse filled rant against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux raised a half a million dollars for his reelection campaign.Voters south of Baton Rouge will choose a new State Representative in District 60 this weekend.We tackle LSU’s controversial plan to funnel students who don’t meet its admission standards into the struggling University of New Orleans—soon to be rebranded as LSU New Orleans. While officials pitch it as “opportunity,” we have to ask: Are students being set up for success—or failure?We explore how low GPAs and lack of preparation can lead to high dropout rates, crippling debt, and missed career opportunities. Instead of funneling underprepared students into a four-year university, maybe community colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeships woud be smarter paths in today’s economy—especially with the trades and AI-driven industries booming.Drew Brees is the first New Orleans Saints player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. From his record-breaking 80,000+ passing yards to 571 career touchdown passes and the highest completion percentage in NFL history, Brees’s career stats speak for themselves.We break down the crisis facing East Baton Rouge’s justice system. Sheriff Sid Gautreaux calls for a new prison as the current facility crumbles, endangering both staff and inmates. Meanwhile, the DA’s office is buried under 177 murder cases, some waiting over five years for trial, highlighting a system where justice is delayed and public safety is at risk. Outdated facilities, a lack of prosecutors, and slow courts are fueling Baton Rouge’s growing backlog and straining the criminal justice system. From prison overcrowding to debates over incarceration rates vs. crime rates, we tackle why Louisiana’s approach to crime and punishment is failing citizens and law enforcement alike.We dig into corruption in the New Orleans Police Department. A recent investigation by Fox 8 revealed that some of the highest-paid NOPD officers were falsifying timesheets, clocking in while staying home instead of patrolling the streets.We break down how this undermines public trust, wastes taxpayer money, and damages the credibility of honest officers, while exploring the broader culture of corruption in local law enforcement.Plus, we have a little fun guessing which cities have hosted the Super Bowl the most times. Play along! ArticlesLiz Murrill X Post: "Bless your heart, @GavinNewsom."Special election underway for Louisiana House District 60 seatLouisiana AG Liz Murrill plans to sue New York, California in battle over abortion pillsFollow us: americangroundradio.comFacebook: facebook.com / AmericanGroundRadioInstagram: instagram.com/americangroundradio
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    42 mins
  • Louisiana vs. California & New York: The Abortion Drug Extradition Battle

    Louisiana vs. California & New York: The Abortion Drug Extradition Battle
    Feb 8 2026
    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for February 5, 2026.

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    42 mins
  • Mandatory Reports, Optional Action: A Deadly Failure at DCFS

    Mandatory Reports, Optional Action: A Deadly Failure at DCFS
    Feb 8 2026
    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Stepehen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for February 4, 2026.
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    42 mins