Full Show 5/21/2026: Would taxing Mardi Gras riders help dig New Orleans out of its budget crisis?

On today's show, Dave Cohen speaks with Toni Weiss, Lawrence M.v.D. Schloss Senior Professor of Practice at Tulane University, about the implications of a tax for Mardi Gras riders proposed by the Moreno administration. Then, Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser joins the show to talk about recently returning from the international tourism IPW conference in Florida, this year's Rose Parade, the America 250 celebration, and more. Also, Faye Huggett, 50 Best Director of Community, and Alice Glenn, Executive Vice President of New Orleans & Company, come on to talk about the unveiling of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 rankings list. Finally, Rafael Goyeneche, President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, joins Dave to discuss a Louisiana House Bill authored by Representative Jerome Zeringue that prohibits executive branch state agencies from paying more for lodging, meals, or incidental travel expenses than the standard rates established by the U.S. General Services Administration.