Baton Rouge is facing tough budget decisions, and the Department of Public Works is on the front lines. Fred Raiford joins the show to break down what looming cuts mean for everyday services. With a 12% budget reduction and 40 positions eliminated, residents can expect slower response times, longer delays for repairs, and fewer resources during emergencies. Raiford explains the challenges of prioritizing work, competing for skilled employees, and maintaining public safety amid shrinking funds. From potholes to storm readiness, this candid conversation reveals the real-world impact of budget constraints and why “lean and mean” might not be enough.

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Mayor Ray Bourque of Broussard, who also serves as president of the Louisiana Municipal Association (LMA), is spearheading an initiative to mandate training and continuing education for Louisiana’s 306 municipal mayors. The goal is to raise the bar for local governance by ensuring mayors have essential skills and knowledge to manage their communities effectively. Currently, mayors only complete minimal requirements such as ethics and cybersecurity training. Bourque’s proposed legislative package, set for the upcoming March session, would require orientation for newly elected mayors and annual certification through continuing education.

The program would cover core topics like finance, budgeting, auditing, human resources, economic development, and open meetings law. Specialized training, such as water system management, would be required for municipalities that own water systems, addressing issues like boil advisories and system failures. Bourque emphasizes that proactive education can prevent costly problems and improve long-term infrastructure planning.

The initiative draws inspiration from existing requirements for police chiefs and other municipal roles, such as water operators and zoning board members, who already undergo mandatory training. Bourque stresses that the program will focus on best practices applicable to all municipalities, regardless of size, while allowing flexibility for specialized needs. He also highlights the importance of connecting mayors with state agencies and resources to help them navigate complex regulatory environments.

As LMA approaches its 100th anniversary, Bourque sees this as the perfect time to implement reforms that strengthen leadership and build public trust. By equipping mayors with practical skills and contacts, the program aims to shift the focus from reactive problem-solving to proactive governance, ensuring municipalities succeed and meet the expectations of their residents.

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Central's Mayor Wade Evans joins the show to talk about what it takes to make politicians better at their jobs. From managing multi-million-dollar budgets to navigating political realities, Mayor Evans explains why local leaders need more than popularity—they need education, strategy, and common sense. The discussion dives into the Louisiana Municipal Association’s role in shaping smarter governance, the importance of funding essential services before flashy projects, and why trust between citizens and government matters. Plus, a lighthearted detour into 20-pound turkeys and cowboy hats keeps things fun while tackling serious issues of leadership and accountability.

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This episode kicks off with a lighthearted Thanksgiving debate—turkey, ham, or the elusive turducken? Franz Borghardt and Brian Haldane swap stories of grilling traditions and holiday favorites before diving into a serious legal update. The Louisiana Supreme Court unanimously ruled to keep the courtroom open during Melanie Curtin’s retrial, rejecting the state’s attempt to shield testimony in a high-profile sexual assault case tied to the infamous Livingston “Sweethearts” saga. Franz breaks down the legal implications, plea possibilities, and the challenges of balancing victim protection with public access. From holiday humor to courtroom drama, this episode delivers insight with personality.

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In Baton Rouge, voters recently rejected three propositions tied to renewing millages for the library, Council on Aging, and Mosquito Abatement. The initiative, branded Thrive EBR, aimed to redirect a portion of these revenues to help the city-parish pay down debt and stabilize finances under new leadership. Despite support from some, the measures failed decisively, reflecting broader public skepticism toward government spending.

Former State Senator Rick Ward joins the show to highlight a deeper issue: distrust in government. Ward argued that political campaigns often thrive on messaging that undermines confidence in elected officials—“don’t trust the other guy” or “I’ll fix the swamp.” While effective for winning elections, this rhetoric erodes public trust once candidates take office, making it harder to pass ballot measures or enact reforms. He noted that distrust spans local, state, and federal levels, with voters often conflating the roles of each.

Ward shared anecdotes from his legislative career, recalling colleagues hesitant to support tax reforms because their constituents distrusted the process. He emphasized that rebuilding trust requires tangible results—visible improvements like infrastructure projects—before asking voters for more funding. Yet, finite resources and political competition often stall progress, leaving projects piecemealed and communities dissatisfied.

The conversation also explored whether politics could reward cooperation over self-interest. Ward acknowledged the difficulty, as representatives prioritize their own districts. Still, he suggested that long-term planning and collective buy-in could help. Ultimately, he stressed that leaders must shift campaign strategies away from negativity and toward constructive, positive visions. Only by demonstrating results and fostering confidence can officials break the cycle of distrust and gain public support for necessary changes.

This episode underscores the challenge of governance in an era where skepticism dominates, and trust must be earned through action rather than rhetoric.

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This Giving Tuesday, Baton Rouge is mixing service with flavor. Stuart Gilley joins the show to share how hundreds of volunteers will fan out across local nonprofits, with a special spotlight on Front Yard Bikes. At their newly renovated Government Street location, volunteers will serve up thousands of plates of jambalaya—free to the community, with donations encouraged to support the youth program. Front Yard Bikes, founded by Dustin LaFont, empowers kids through bicycle mechanics, mentorship, and leadership skills, helping them earn bikes and strengthen neighborhoods. It’s a celebration of food, fellowship, and giving back, all at 4385 Government Street in Baton Rouge.

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Janet Simmons from BREC joins the show to unpack a busy season for Baton Rouge’s parks and recreation. While personnel investigations limit what can be shared about recent headlines, Simmons emphasizes strong protocols and leadership continuity. Beyond the news, BREC is rolling out a packed holiday calendar: Zoo Lights, Rain Dog Run, Sensory Santa, Creole Christmas at Magnolia Mound, and the snowy spectacle at Perkins Road. Families can expect camps, art pop-ups, and festive community events all December long. Simmons also reveals plans to sell underused parkland and reassess rec centers, ensuring resources are focused on building better, more vibrant spaces for the future.

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Donnie Miller kicks things off with Thanksgiving staples—dirty rice and fried turkey—before diving into Ascension Parish’s meteoric rise. With population surging past 130,000 and chamber membership nearing 600, the parish is seeing record ribbon cuttings and unprecedented small business momentum. From industrial giants to mom-and-pop shops, Ascension’s chamber is intentionally bridging both sides of the river, aligning leaders, schools, and law enforcement in a unified push for progress. Add in the booming Young Ascension Professionals program and a thriving small business network, and the parish’s future looks nothing short of unstoppable.

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From the Smoothie King Center to the streets of New Orleans, this episode dives into the city’s highs and lows. The Pelicans lit up the scoreboard with a 143–130 win over the Bulls, sparking hope for a playoff run, while fans rave about Todd Graffini’s electric calls—even during the team’s blunders. But the conversation quickly shifts from sports to politics, as Jeff Crouere joins to unpack ICE crackdowns, immigrant fears, and local tensions ahead of the holiday weekend. With crime concerns, state police support, and federal raids looming, New Orleans finds itself balancing celebration and controversy in equal measure.

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Thanksgiving may cost slightly more nationwide this year, but Louisiana families are celebrating with one of the most affordable holiday spreads in the country—just $44.70 for a traditional dinner for ten, nearly $10 below the national average. Avery Davidson of the Louisiana Farm Bureau explains why local staples like sweet potatoes and rice keep costs low, while items like milk remain higher due to long transport distances. Yet behind the numbers lies a sobering truth: farmers only earn about 9 cents of every food dollar, despite soaring equipment and input costs. Davidson reminds us that trusted, hardworking farmers remain essential to keeping our tables full.

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