660. Today we’re joined by writer and cultural historian Brian Fairbanks,
author of “Wizards: David Duke, America’s Wildest Election, and the Rise of the Far Right.”
In this book, Fairbanks delivers a vivid account of David Duke’s 1991
run for governor of Louisiana — a campaign that shocked the country and
revealed how extremist politics could slip into the mainstream. Through
sharp reporting and a storyteller’s eye, he reconstructs the chaos, the
media frenzy, and the deeper social tensions that made that election a
turning point in modern American politics. Fairbanks brings that same
clarity to a very different American saga in “Willie, Waylon, and the Boys: How Nashville Outsiders Changed Country Music.”
Here he traces the rise of the outlaw movement, showing how Willie
Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and their circle pushed back against
Nashville’s rigid studio system and reshaped the sound and soul of
country music. He explores the rebellion, the artistry, and the cultural
moment that allowed these musicians to redefine authenticity and leave a
lasting imprint on American music. Beyond these two major works, Brian
Fairbanks has built a reputation as a writer who connects individual
stories to the larger forces shaping American life.
Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it
as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in
print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today!
This week in the Louisiana Anthology.
Heloise Hulse Cruzat wrote an article on the history of the Ursuline
Nuns in New Orleans.
You have been told in eloquent
periods of the founding of New Orleans, of its subsequent
development, and I am to be the humble interpreter of another
intimate chapter of its history: THE SHARE WOMEN TOOK IN ITS
ESTABLISHMENT.
Can we mention the French colonial
days without recalling the URSULINES, who by their unfaltering
courage and their steady and efficient work, incorporated
their history into that of our fair city.
Bienville realized that New Orleans
would never attain his dream of greatness without education,
and especially such an education of the female youth as would
give worthy wives and mothers to the colonists. With this end
in view, he intrusted to the Jesuit, Father de Beaubois, the
care of choosing these educators. How successfully this
mission was accomplished by his selection of the Ursulines of
Rouen, the two past centuries have demonstrated.
A contract was signed by the Company
of the Indies and the Ursulines, approved by brevet
signed by Louis
XV, and on February 22nd, 1727, Mother St. Augustin,
Tranchepain, with eight professed nuns, a novice and two
postulants sailed on the Gironde from L'Orient.
This week in Louisiana history. January 9, 1877 Both Democrat Francis T. Nicholls and Republican Stephen B. Packard
claim victory in election for governor; both take oath of
office.
This week in New Orleans history. Andrew Jackson arrived on board the steamer “Vicksburg” on January 8, 1840 at ten
o’clock in the morning, landing at the Carrollton wharf, where
an immense throng had assembled to welcome “the most
distinguished citizen of the country.” The specific
reason for his presence was that a cornerstone was to be laid,
commemorating his victories in the Battle of New Orleans, a
quarter of a century before. General Jackson laid the
cornerstone in the Place d’Armes, on January 9, 1840.
It was not until some years later that the monument decided
upon was the one of Jackson, designed by Clark Mills, which
stands in the center of the ancient parade grounds for the
troops. This statue has been called the “center piece of one
of the finest architectural sittings in the world.” (NOPL)
This week in Louisiana.
January 10, 2026.
Fools of Misrule Parade Historic St. John District Covington Marchers will follow
the “Lord of Misrule”
in a medieval-themed procession.
The
January 10,
2026 Route & Key Stops The parade follows a traditional path
through downtown Covington with key festivities:
Start: Seiler
Bar (434 N.
Columbia St.) following the members-only “Feast of Fools.”
Stop 1 (The Crowning): The procession marches to the
Covington Trailhead (419 N.
New Hampshire St.) to crown the “Lord of Misrule.”
Stop 2 (The Carouse): Revelers, flambeaux, and brass bands
march along New Hampshire Street to Boston Street.
Stop 3 (The Watering Holes): The krewe heads north along
Columbia Street, stopping at local restaurants and pubs.
End: The march
concludes back at the Columbia Street Tap Room &
Grill.
Website: foolsofmisrule.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone:
(985) 893-8187
St. John Fools of Misrule
434 N. Columbia St. Suite H20
Covington, LA 70433
Note for Listeners: While public, this march has a
rowdy “pub crawl” atmosphere. Families should aim for the
Trailhead crowning for the best experience with kids.
Postcards from Louisiana. Crescent City Brewhouse.
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