Daniel Erspamer, CEO of the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, discusses his organization, which is described as a non-partisan research and educational organization. The think tank was on the front lines of criminal justice reform and is a voice for free markets in Louisiana. Democrat Dayne Sherman, Southeastern Louisiana University Professor, and Republican Scott Wilfong square off on major issues in the governor’s election and President Trump’s decision to call a national emergency to build a wall at the Southern border of the U.S.

Baton Rouge Attorney Phil Preis surveys the fallout of the collapse of the Stanford Financial Group. It was ten years ago that investors lost billions of dollars in retirement funds in a Ponzi scheme led by Allen Stanford. Many retirees of ExxonMobil in Baton Rouge were hardest hit by the failure of the Houston-based firm. Preis is representing hundreds of plaintiffs in legal action against the Stanford Group.

Jim discusses new allegations of hazing at LSU. 

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell on relaxed federal regulations on payday loans and prison phones and his contention that ExxonMobil will never leave Baton Rouge. Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Ballard on reasons why the Legislature has shifted dramatically away from Campbell’s proposed processing tax on oil and gas. Meghan Cox Gurdon of the Wall Street Journal speaks about her book “The Enchanted Hour, The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction.”

Former State Senator Elbert Guillory, Director of Outreach for the Louisiana GOP, and Lamar White, Publisher of the Bayou Brief exchange views on Blackface in Louisiana, the border wall, President Trump and Gov. John Bel Edwards. Architects Chris and Trula Remson of Baton Rouge talk about some of their projects, including the BR High School renovation and addition, the Knock Knock Children’s Museum and The Advocate Building.

Former Louisiana Insurance Commissioner and Secretary of State Jim Brown on the arrest of Roger Stone and the statewide elections eight months from today. Texas Tech Professor Brian Ott on the president’s tweets. His book is “the Twitter Presidency: Donald J. Trump and the Politics of White Rage. Historian and Author Tom Clavin on the fascinating life of Wild Bill Hickok. 

Greg Bowser, President of the Louisiana Chemical Association, comments on the controversial ITEP program and LCA’s support for ExxonMobil. Michael Learned, matriarch of “The Waltons, reflects on the legacy of the number one television program from the 70s and its enduring impact 45 years later. 

Baton Rouge Animal Control and Rescue Center Director Hilton Cole on nearly 40 years of tending to animals on the streets. The motto of the organization is “We Protect the Public and Their Animals.” Cole will discuss sheltering, adoptions, rescue and euthanasia services. Sarah Kracke and Dave Hinson detail the activities of the Baton Rouge Adult Music Club. Peggy Sweeney McDonald of Preserve Louisiana premiere next week’s production at the Old Governor’s Mansion, “Love Letters.” The play features Sweeney-McDonald and Scott Jefferson. They first performed “Love Letters” 25 years ago in New Orleans.

Advocate Reporter Andrea Gallo discusses her series on revelations of widespread sexual misconduct by priests in Baton Rouge. Mark Ballard, Advocate Capitol Bureau Chief, on how political friction in the Beltway has filtered down to the Bayou State Analyst Kali McFadden tells why Baton Rouge and New Orleans are two of the Top Ten states in America in delinquent student loans

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne celebrates his 65th birthday with us and talks about ITEP, the state budget and Revenue Estimating Conference and his hope for LSU Basketball to return to the Parker Coliseum for some games. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon opines about auto insurance rates in Louisiana. Karen Egedy and John Engelsman on the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at LSU.

Len Apcar, professor at the Manship  School and fellow at the Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs, comments on the threat of fake news to democracy. Maxine Crump, president of Dialogue on Race, talks about the controversy enveloping the governor of Virginia and continuing issues of race in America and Louisiana.