Expecting More from Louisiana: Raising the Bar After Decades of Decline

Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show March 13, 2026.In this episode of American Ground Radio, we take a closer look at how public money is being spent in Louisiana—and why transparency matters more than ever.We start with a jaw-dropping report out of LSU, where thousands of taxpayer-funded purchasing cards have been used to rack up hundreds of millions of dollars in spending. From travel and research costs to eye-catching expenses like limousine services and more than $250,000 at Chick-fil-A, the conversation quickly turns to a bigger question: when a public university is spending that kind of money, how much oversight should taxpayers expect? The issue becomes even more urgent as journalists sue the university for records related to direct payments to college athletes, raising major questions about accountability, NIL rules, and the public’s right to know how state funds are used.From there, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. Voters head to the polls in special legislative elections, Lafayette Parish prepares to convert a struggling high school into a workforce innovation academy, and the state’s education leaders push lawmakers to continue funding a $30 million tutoring initiative designed to help students who have fallen behind.We also examine Louisiana’s political and economic momentum following Governor Jeff Landry’s recent State of the State address. Supporters argue the state is beginning to see the payoff from conservative reforms—lower taxes, declining insurance rates, and a renewed focus on economic freedom. The discussion dives into whether Louisiana is finally breaking free from what some describe as a “culture of mediocrity” and raising expectations for what the state can achieve.We dig into the State of the City address in Shreveport, where Mayor Tom Arceneaux highlights falling crime rates, neighborhood revitalization efforts, infrastructure projects, and improved city finances. The conversation explores whether these changes signal a genuine turnaround for the city.We also uncover the shocking details behind a staged crash fraud scheme in New Orleans, where a witness testified that intentionally crashing into 18-wheelers to file lawsuits was “easier than selling drugs.” The case sheds light on how fraud and legal loopholes have driven Louisiana’s insurance rates higher for years—and why reforms may finally begin to change that.Plus, we compare gas prices across the country, revealing a stark red-state vs. blue-state divide, and take a look at housing trends showing New Orleans homeowners are holding onto their properties longer than almost anywhere else in the country.From government transparency and education policy to crime, economics, and the future of Louisiana, this episode covers the stories shaping the state—and what they mean for taxpayers and families across the region.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!Louisiana special legislative general election voter's guideLPSB votes to close Ovey Comeaux High SchoolBESE requests funding for tutoring programsShreveport mayor highlights economic growth, crime reduction