New Mayor, New Tone: New Orleans Breaks From the Cantrell Years

You're listening to American Ground Radio with Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for January 28, 2026. 0:30 Can you arrest your way out of lawlessness? Louisiana says yes—and the numbers back it up. We break down why repeat offenders drive half the crime in America, how Governor Jeff Landry’s law-and-order agenda is changing Louisiana’s justice system, and why an $82 million increase in the state corrections budget is being called money well spent. From ending parole as a revolving door to requiring criminals to serve 85% of their sentences, this conversation tackles crime reduction, prison overcrowding, public safety, and the real cost of leniency versus enforcement. The result? Crime is down, accountability is back, and Louisiana is choosing order over chaos, victims over criminals, and safety over slogans.9:30 Plus, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. Baton Rouge City Councilman Cleve Dunn was indicted on bribery, fraud, malfeasance in office and money laundering charges by a grand jury.ExxonMobile has announced that one of its Louisiana Facilities has begun carbon capture and sequestration operations.Former Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office employee Kenneth Lawson has pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and theft.12:30 Get TrimROX from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20.13:00 Is carbon capture a breakthrough—or a billion-dollar boondoggle? We put carbon capture under a basic free-market test: what’s the product, who’s buying it, and why are taxpayers footing the bill? Framed through the lens of real-world business logic, the conversation dismantles the case for government-subsidized carbon capture in Louisiana, exposing an industry built entirely on federal subsidies, not consumer demand. From Exxon’s proposed carbon injection projects to Europe’s carbon credit schemes, the discussion challenges climate policy, crony capitalism, and Washington’s role in picking winners and losers. The verdict is blunt: if a business only exists because of subsidies, it’s not innovation—it’s a scam.23:00 Nicki Minaj—Trump’s number one fan? We react to the rap megastar’s apparent support for President Donald Trump and what it means for politics, pop culture, and influence. From hip-hop icons like 50 Cent to business-minded artists breaking from woke orthodoxy, the conversation explores why some celebrities are willing to risk backlash to speak up against DEI, cancel culture, and left-wing groupthink. Is Nicki Minaj making a calculated career move—or simply drawing a line in the sand? One thing’s clear: when cultural heavyweights challenge political expectations, the ripple effects reach far beyond music.26:30 Is New Orleans finally getting serious about its finances? We break down the city’s latest budget fight and the early signals coming out of Mayor Elena Moreno’s administration. With an $800 million budget, citywide layoffs, and 22 days of unpaid furloughs—including for the City Council itself—the conversation explores whether this marks a real shift from the Cantrell era or just symbolic belt-tightening. While the move to furlough elected officials is praised as long-overdue leadership, concerns remain over risky revenue assumptions and a looming deficit that could invite a state takeover under Governor Jeff Landry. The verdict: cautious optimism, real warning signs, and a clear change in tone—but New Orleans is far from out of the woods.32:00 Get Prodovite Plus from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20.32:30 The FBI is executing a search warrant at the Fulton County Election Office—and it’s reopening major questions about the 2020 election. We revisit election night in Atlanta, the now-infamous ballot counting after media was sent home, and previously admitted irregularities involving thousands of questionable votes. With Georgia already acknowledging late ballots counted statewide, the discussion turns to election integrity, transparency, and whether paper ballots are the only way to restore public trust. This is a blunt conversation about accountability, investigations, and why asking hard questions doesn’t weaken a republic—it protects it.36:00 Plus, we have a little fun guessing whicht states are expected to pick up seats in the 2030 Census. Play along! 39:30 Should animal abuse be a constitutional right? We react to the St. Landry Parish Council asking Attorney General Liz Murrill for a legal opinion on whether Louisiana’s ban on cockfighting is unconstitutional. As some residents argue cockfighting could boost tourism and revenue, the conversation dismantles claims of “wholesome entertainment,” exposes the reality of organized animal cruelty and illegal gambling, and questions what this says about Louisiana’s priorities. The takeaway is blunt: just because something might make money doesn’t make it moral—and reviving cockfighting would do real damage to the state’s reputation.Articles WBRZ Investigative Unit: Documents say councilman 'abused his elected position' to defraud CATSExxon ramps up low-carbon solutions business on Gulf CoastFormer Orleans Parish Sheriff's employee pleads guilty to stealing federal grant moneyFormer Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Employee and Slidell Resident Guilty of Theft and Bribery Conspiracy Concerning Program Receiving Federal FundsCity of New Orleans estimated to save $6M from new furlough planHow States’ Seats in the U.S. House Could Change After the Next CensusFollow us: americangroundradio.comFacebook: facebook.com / AmericanGroundRadioInstagram: instagram.com/americangroundradio