For generations, the traditional public school has been a bedrock institution in American life. But recent developments suggest that this model is undergoing a stress test like never before, exacerbated by the recent cratering of student achievement. The pandemic accelerated two key trends: a broad societal shift in literacy habits and a structural transformation in K–12 education through the rise of private school choice. Taken together, these two forces raise profound questions for policymakers about the future direction of American education and its role in shaping civic life. Dale Chu, Senior Visiting Fellow at the Fordham Institute, joins Newell to discuss the issue.

Newell talks about the May 7th deadline to acquire a REAL-ID compliant driver's license to board flights and access certain government buildings, and President Trump pausing grants to some Ivy League schools, leading to cuts.

On today's show, Newell has on:

Becky Mowbray, President & CEO of the Bureau of Governmental Research, and Paul Rioux, Senior Research Analyst at the Bureau of Governmental Research, to discuss the confusion surrounding the City of New Orleans finances,

David Melancon, Site Director of the New Orleans ToolBank, to talk about how his organization aims to end the cycle of the unequal distribution of health,

and Acy Cooper, President of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, to explain how Trump's tariffs may affect Louisiana's shrimp industry.

This hour, Newell talks to Acy Cooper, President of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, about how Trump's tariffs may affect Louisiana's shrimp industry. Then, Newell talks about Germany putting a pause on their UN refugee resettlement program, Trump considering issuing a fine for immigrants that have overstayed their VISAs, and more.

Acy Cooper, President of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, joins Newell to talk about how Trump's tariffs may affect Louisiana's shrimp industry.

This hour, Newell speaks with David Melancon, Site Director of the New Orleans ToolBank, about how his organization aims to end the cycle of the unequal distribution of health. Then, Newell talks about bureaucracy run amok and cuts in Medicaid.

The New Orleans ToolBank is designed to empower community initiatives by equipping volunteers with the tools they need to make a meaningful impact. The tools and equipment they provide can serve as a valuable resource, enabling these organizations to collaborate more effectively and achieve their shared mission of fostering a safer and more prosperous New Orleans for all residents. David Melancon, Site Director, New Orleans ToolBank, joins Newell to talk about how his organization aims to end the cycle of the unequal distribution of health.

The recent dispute about a proposed $90 million legal settlement between the City of New Orleans and the Orleans Parish School Board has raised concerns about the City’s financial health. It also revealed troubling disagreements within the administration about the extent of any problems. In a new report, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) links this uncertainty and confusion to financial management practices that are out of step with recommendations by government finance experts. Becky Mowbray, President & CEO of the Bureau of Governmental Research, and Paul Rioux, Senior Research Analyst at the Bureau of Governmental Research, join Newell to talk about it.

On today's show, Newell talks about what can possibly be behind the city's poor money management.

Then, Newell has on:

Adam Tyner, Ph.D., National Research Director at the Fordham Institute,

Dr. William S. Wainwright, President of Southeastern Louisiana University,

Marc Ehrhardt, President of The Ehrhardt Group,

and Guy Williams, President of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust.

(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

This hour, Newell has on Guy Williams, President of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust, to talk about the impact of the "Liberation Day" tariffs, who ultimately benefits from import/export tariffs, cases for and against import/export tariffs, and if we should fear a recession.