AGR - Louisiana Edition

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 26, 2026.This episode covers everything from Louisiana politics to the future of the Democratic Party—and the stakes couldn't be higher.We start with Governor Jeff Landry's latest moves to reshape LSU, including new appointments to the Board of Supervisors and what they could mean for free speech, university leadership, and the direction of Louisiana's flagship university. Then we break down this weekend's Louisiana Senate runoff, why the campaign between John Fleming and Julia Letlow turned so ugly, and what voters should expect heading into Election Day.Moon Griffon joins us to explain why he publicly backed John Fleming, what pushed him to speak out, and why he believes outside money transformed the race into one of the nastiest Republican contests Louisiana has seen in years.We also discuss Landry's new executive order aimed at protecting Louisiana ratepayers from rising electricity costs tied to massive AI data centers, the latest developments in St. Tammany Parish's sheriff vacancy, vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool, and why some Democrats are openly questioning whether Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries should remain the party's leaders.Plus, we examine Congressman Brandon Gill's pointed questions about SNAP benefits and corporate influence, reveal which parts of America are seeing the highest birth rates—and what those communities have in common politically—and wrap up with another unbelievable case of pandemic fraud that proves some people will go to extraordinary lengths to steal from taxpayers.All that and more on this episode of American Ground Radio.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 25, 2026.We open with Governor Jeff Landry sending what can only be described as a fiscal message to New Orleans — vetoing more than $12 million in state construction funding tied to city projects, including a new city hall, an early learning center, and Habitat NOLA housing infrastructure. We explain why this isn't punishment so much as accountability — New Orleans is in a continuing cash flow crisis of its own making, burned through one-time COVID money by applying it to permanent programs, and has been fighting the state on policing, courts, and governance since Landry took office. If you can't manage the money you already have, why should the state give you more? We also cover Landry's broader veto list for the week — six bills killed, including one adding the Atlantic tarpon to the state game fish list and several others with no funding attached to them.In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, Landry's other vetoes include bills for economic development districts, fresh food programs in food deserts, and elderly retirement education — plus his earlier veto of the wrongful conviction compensation increase. Then the former police chief of Greenwood, Louisiana — 75-year-old Glenn Mazur, arrested earlier this month on rape and sexual battery charges — was found unresponsive in his jail cell and pronounced dead at the hospital, with an autopsy finding natural causes. And former New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell — the first sitting mayor in New Orleans history to be indicted by a federal grand jury — will be honored at the Essence Festival on the 4th of July alongside Jasmine Crockett, who just lost her Senate primary in Texas. The theme of the event is the power of restoration. We let that sit there for a moment.We sit down with Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry for an update on Saturday's Senate runoff election — where early voting turnout is running below the May primary levels, driven by vacation season, the weather, and the later-in-the-year calendar shift. Nancy explains that Louisiana is ranked fourth in the nation in election integrity, that results typically come in by midnight, and that new voting machines are on track for a pilot program rollout to select parishes in 2027. She also makes a direct appeal to listeners in their 40s and 50s — the state desperately needs poll workers, the average age of current workers is 67, young people aren't stepping up, and you get paid for the day.We revisit the Supreme Court's 6-3 TPS ruling — and connect it to the real-world consequences of the Biden administration's mass placement of Haitian migrants into specific communities like Springfield, Ohio, where 10,000 migrants were brought into a small city that wasn't prepared to absorb them. We make the case that this isn't about race — it's about culture, trust, and what happens when you mass-import people from low-trust societies without any plan for integration.We also cover Graham Plattner — the Maine Democratic Senate candidate with the SS tattoo — who released a video claiming that conservative opposition to men competing in women's sports is actually just a distraction funded by billionaires who don't want a wealth tax. We respond with data: the men's 100-yard dash world record is nearly a full second faster than the women's, the volleyball net is seven inches higher for men than women, and there is exactly one woman in recorded human history who has run the 100 meters in under 10 seconds. There are thousands of men who have. The opposition to men in women's sports has nothing to do with taxes — it's about fairness to women, and any politician who can't acknowledge that is gaslighting his own base.We also talk Hollywood — specifically the new Supergirl movie, which needs $450-500 million worldwide to break even and is projected to open to $40-50 million domestically. We invoke Jerry Seinfeld's rule about comedy — the audience is always right. Wonder Woman succeeded because it was a great movie. The last three Star Wars films failed because the audience said they were awful. Snow White failed because the audience said it was awful. And when Hollywood refuses to learn from this and blames the fans instead, it will keep losing hundreds of millions of dollars on films nobody asked for while The Chosen keeps finding new viewers without a single Hollywood executive. And we close with the observation that the most repeated lie in modern American life is the phrase your call is very important to us — because if it were, they'd be picking up the phone right now.May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 24, 2026.Fresh off our trip to Times Square, we return home with a renewed appreciation for Louisiana after a conversation with a family that recently relocated from Washington, D.C. Their enthusiasm for Shreveport raises a simple question: have we become so focused on our state's problems that we've forgotten what makes it special? We discuss why sometimes it takes an outsider to remind us of the things we take for granted.We also break down the latest developments in Governor Jeff Landry's effort to provide teachers with a one-time stipend, why the plan remains tied up in court, and what it says about Louisiana's ongoing struggle to properly fund education. Plus, Planned Parenthood announces its return to Louisiana, and we examine what services the organization plans to offer and why its arrival is already generating controversy.Later, we discuss the resignation of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith following his guilty plea in an assault case and what leadership accountability should look like when public officials break the law.We also take a closer look at Senator Bill Cassidy's latest clash with President Trump after Cassidy joined Democrats on a War Powers resolution targeting the administration's actions toward Iran. Has Cassidy once again put himself at odds with Louisiana Republicans, or is this simply a constitutional disagreement over executive authority?Then we tackle two very different stories involving faith and public life. First, we react to a Louisiana pastor arrested after allegedly assaulting a neighbor and explain why using scripture to justify bad behavior damages the Christian witness. Then we examine a Texas politician's claim that Christianity is the most violent religion in history and debate whether that argument survives even a basic review of historical facts.Plus, a new election integrity fight emerges as the U.S. Postal Service threatens to withhold mail-in ballot delivery from states that refuse to comply with federal voter verification requirements, and the Department of Justice announces what it calls the largest healthcare fraud crackdown in American history.All that and more on this episode of American Ground Radio.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 23, 2026.Broadcasting from the heart of Times Square, we take a step back from the daily headlines to reflect on what makes America unique as the nation approaches its 250th birthday. Surrounded by people from every corner of the world, we discuss the enduring promise of the American Dream, the power of free markets, and the responsibility each generation has to preserve and improve the freedoms we've inherited.We also break down the latest developments in Louisiana's U.S. Senate race as early voting numbers reveal Republicans dominating turnout while the battle between Julia Letlow and John Fleming grows increasingly bitter. Does low turnout favor one candidate over the other, and has either candidate truly given voters a reason to support them?Later, we examine Governor Jeff Landry's stalled teacher pay proposal, the Caddo Parish Commission's decision to reject a Pride Month resolution, and the failure of a $280 million New Orleans drainage system during Tropical Storm Arthur.We also look at California's latest gun restrictions and ask why lawmakers continue targeting legal gun owners for crimes that are already illegal. Plus, we react to another round of Kamala Harris word salad, discuss Major League Baseball's decision not to punish players for displaying Bible verses during Pride Night events, and explore the growing tension between sports, faith, and politics.And from Times Square itself, we share our observations about America's greatest city, test our knowledge of New York's most iconic landmarks, and celebrate the optimism, opportunity, and freedom that continue to define the American experiment.All that and more on this episode of American Ground Radio.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 19, 2026.We open with Louisiana's ongoing teacher pay raise battle and the growing debate over who should control education funding. Governor Jeff Landry says teachers deserve more money, a judge says the Constitution says otherwise, and local school districts are stepping in where state government has stalled. We break down the legal fight, the politics behind it, and what it means for teachers across Louisiana.We also discuss a startling report from LSU Health Shreveport showing Caddo Parish wastewater contains some of the highest levels of methamphetamine byproducts ever recorded, raising questions about drug abuse, public health, and even a surprising connection to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill's efforts to challenge abortion pill regulations.Later, we look at a WalletHub ranking that claims Louisiana is one of the worst states in America for working fathers and ask whether national rankings miss what really matters about family, fatherhood, and quality of life. Plus, we celebrate Father's Day by discussing the often-overlooked role dads play in shaping families and creating generational success.We also dive into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s latest battle over food dyes, why your favorite M&M colors may be disappearing, and what that says about the growing Make America Healthy Again movement.Then we welcome Douglas Carswell of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy for a fascinating conversation about Mississippi's economic turnaround, why the state's GDP per capita now exceeds that of the United Kingdom, and what America's free-market system still gets right while much of the world moves in the opposite direction.And finally, we examine a poll showing a surprising number of Democrats believe America is worse than average compared to other countries, rank America's favorite holidays, and react to Hunter Biden's challenge to Donald Trump Jr. for a cage fight.All that and more on this episode of American Ground Radio.

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 18, 2026.We open with a creative legal challenge from Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and a coalition of states asking whether the abortion drug mifepristone should be studied under the Safe Drinking Water Act. We break down the argument, the science, and the debate over whether concerns about pharmaceuticals in the environment are being ignored—or overstated.From there, we cover the aftermath of Tropical Storm Arthur in South Louisiana, remember two service members with Louisiana ties who were killed in a California B-52 crash, and discuss 50 Cent's growing investment in Shreveport as he breaks ground on his ambitious G-Dome project.We also dive into Governor Jeff Landry's new "Behind the Counter Protection Act" and ask whether tougher penalties for assaulting retail workers solve a real problem or simply add another law to the books. Plus, Louisiana moves to crack down on Medicaid fraud before Washington comes knocking, and we examine why rooting out waste protects both taxpayers and those who truly need assistance.Later, we discuss a Texas Senate candidate whose financial disclosures raised questions about independence and adulthood, explore a former Clinton adviser’s warning about the growing popularity of socialism among young voters, and examine a new UCLA report showing diversity numbers falling in Hollywood streaming productions. Is Hollywood becoming less diverse—or are audiences simply choosing entertainment over ideology?And we wrap up with another round of criticism from The View aimed at President Trump, the New York Knicks' White House visit, and the ongoing debate over who is really trying to rewrite American history.All that and more on this episode of American Ground Radio.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 17, 2026.We open with Senator Bill Cassidy taking another shot at President Trump, this time over the new Iran peace agreement. Cassidy invokes Ronald Reagan, claiming the former president would be "rolling over in his grave" over the deal. We examine whether that comparison holds up, revisit Reagan's famous "trust but verify" approach to foreign policy, and discuss why Trump supporters argue the Iran negotiations only happened because of military leverage. We also cover breaking Louisiana news, including new questions surrounding the federal prosecutor involved in the indictment of former New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, a major teacher pay raise approved by the Caddo Parish School Board, and a record-setting $1.1 billion verdict in a Louisiana sexual assault case.Later, Richard Nelson, president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, joins us to discuss the growing demand for skilled trades, why technical education is booming, and how Louisiana is preparing workers for billions of dollars in new economic development projects across the state.We dive into the backlash comedian Nate Bargatze faced simply for attending a UFC event at the White House, discuss Vice President J.D. Vance's comments on patriotism and partisan politics, examine an obituary that turned political even in death, and reveal which fast-food chain just ended Chick-fil-A's 11-year reign atop America's customer satisfaction rankings. All that and more on this episode of American Ground Radio. May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 16, 2026.We open with a look at one of Louisiana's most contentious political races as a new Senate runoff poll raises questions about whether it's measuring voter opinion or trying to shape it. We break down the survey, the increasingly bitter battle between Julia Letlow and John Fleming, and why some Republicans are worried that the campaign is creating divisions that could last long after the election is over. We also cover LSU's new partnership with Hyundai Steel as the company prepares to build a $5.8 billion plant in Louisiana, why environmental activists are already protesting the deal, and the arrest of an Australian citizen accused of illegally voting in multiple American elections after allegedly lying about her citizenship status.Then we turn to homeschooling, where a comment from Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services sparked outrage among parents across the state. We discuss the claim that homeschooled children are "often abused," why words matter when government officials speak, and the broader debate over parental rights, educational choice, and government oversight.We also examine Hillary Clinton's latest criticism of Joe Biden's 2024 campaign, revisit how Democrats ultimately selected Kamala Harris without a competitive primary, and ask whether any Democrat could have realistically defeated Donald Trump.Plus, two New York congressional candidates reveal who they're rooting for in the World Cup—and neither picked the United States. We discuss patriotism, national identity, and why voters might reasonably expect candidates seeking federal office to cheer for Team USA.Later, we take a nostalgic trip through the rise of Pizza Hut, why investors are betting billions on bringing back the classic red-roof experience, and what the company's comeback strategy says about American business. We also look at new gas price data showing a sharp divide between red and blue states and what it may reveal about energy policy.And we close with a developing story involving an alleged plot to attack a UFC event at the White House using explosive drones, raising serious questions about domestic extremism, political violence, and the threats facing the country today. May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 15, 2026.We open with a 2028 presidential conversation nobody expected — Louisiana Senator John Kennedy has not ruled out a run for president, and people are approaching his donors about it. We debate whether Kennedy's legendary Senate skills translate to executive leadership, invoke the Peter Principle, compare him to Ronald Reagan's path through the California governorship, and ultimately ask who's pushing him into this race and why they aren't already on board with J.D. Vance or Marco Rubio. We also cover J.D. Vance's CBS interview, in which he says the president brings up 2028 a lot and that he and Usha will sit down after the midterms to decide. We lay out the math — if Vance runs, Rubio doesn't, which means the vice president effectively has first choice of the nomination. And we make the case that a Vance-Rubio sequential ticket could be the most dominant political force America has seen since the 1830s. In our Top 3, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrell filed a joint motion with the Bossier Parish School Board and the U.S. Department of Justice to remove Bossier Parish from a desegregation order dating back to 1964 — arguing the district has fully complied and it is long past time to return power to locally elected representatives. Then the former chief of police for Greenwood, Louisiana was arrested on two counts of first-degree rape and five counts of sexual battery — the investigation coordinated with the Gingerbread House, which typically handles assaults on minors. And a B-52 Stratofortress crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California with as many as eight crew members aboard — military officials said the crash was unsurvivable — and we pause to honor men and women who climb into 70-year-old aircraft and push them to their limits so our military remains the finest fighting force in the world.We sit down with Matt Wolfe, Chief Marketing Officer for Greater New Orleans, Inc., to talk about what's actually happening at the Port of New Orleans and why it matters to the entire state and nation. A new partnership between UTC Transoceanic and the Port of New Orleans is integrating AI — built on Palantir's Foundry platform — into the port's intermodal transportation network, connecting all six Class 1 railroads in North America with real-time routing for massive cargo components. We also learn that the company that built the unmanned drone that rescued the two Apache helicopter pilots shot down over the Strait of Hormuz — Saronic — is based in Louisiana. And we look ahead to the Louisiana International Terminal, which will allow ships three to four times larger than what currently docks in New Orleans to use the port — unlocking a level of commerce the state has never seen.We also discuss Meta's $27 billion investment in Richland Parish — and the staggering result for local teachers, who are receiving year-end bonuses of $50,000, effectively doubling many of their annual salaries. We connect it to the broader story of private investment transforming Louisiana communities — from Amazon's data centers in northwest Louisiana to Hyundai steel in Ascension Parish to manufacturing expansion along I-20 in Monroe.In our Say What segment, J.D. Vance addresses the 2028 question on CBS, and we discuss the historic possibility of a secretary of state becoming president for the first time since Martin Van Buren — a streak that runs through Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and John Quincy Adams. Could Marco Rubio be the sixth?We also cover the tragic death of a 21-year-old woman in Brazil who died bungee jumping when employees threw her off a cliff without attaching the bungee cord — and use it as a serious reflection on what happens when people stop paying attention to the details of the jobs that other people's lives depend on.And we close with the New York Knicks winning their first NBA championship in over 50 years — and the celebrations in Times Square that included a 16-year-old shot in the foot, multiple stabbings, looting, and street-long brawls. We ask what it says that three Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl victories in the 1990s produced exactly zero riots, and we speak directly to the celebrants in question. May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 12, 2026.We open with a controversy that may be a preview of the future of American politics. An AI-generated campaign video has exploded into the Louisiana Senate runoff, drawing condemnation from Governor Jeff Landry, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and others. We examine the difference between creating content and sharing it, whether candidates are responsible for AI-generated material they amplify, and how artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the rules of political campaigning. As AI tools become more powerful and more accessible, we ask a larger question: how will voters separate truth, parody, persuasion, and deception in the elections ahead?In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, Governor Jeff Landry signs legislation designed to protect Louisiana's energy industry from climate-related lawsuits, supporters argue the law will prevent the state from becoming the next target of costly litigation campaigns aimed at oil and gas producers. We also discuss the ongoing effort to close an underutilized Lafayette Parish high school and preview early voting for Louisiana's June runoff elections, where several high-profile races are beginning to heat up.We also take a closer look at the increasingly negative tone of the Louisiana Senate runoff between Congresswoman Julia Letlow and State Treasurer John Fleming. While both candidates are well-known conservatives, the race has become dominated by attacks, accusations, and outside messaging. We discuss why negative campaigning often discourages voter participation and whether candidates would be better served spending more time explaining what they plan to do rather than tearing down their opponents.Later, we examine one of the biggest contradictions in modern American politics. Democrats frequently position themselves as champions of working-class Americans while simultaneously enjoying overwhelming support from many of the nation's wealthiest individuals, corporations, universities, and elite institutions. Using former President Barack Obama's nearly billion-dollar presidential center as a jumping-off point, we discuss the tension between anti-wealth rhetoric and the lifestyles often enjoyed by political leaders who promote it.We also celebrate the uniquely American spirit of innovation and risk-taking. Following a major SpaceX milestone that created a new generation of millionaires, we revisit Elon Musk's vision of making humanity a multi-planetary species and discuss why many of America's greatest achievements—from the Wright brothers to Henry Ford to modern technology pioneers—came not from government programs but from individuals willing to take enormous risks in pursuit of extraordinary goals.Plus, we break down the latest rankings of the world's wealthiest individuals, discuss what separates wealth creation from wealth redistribution, and explore why American prosperity has historically been driven by entrepreneurship, innovation, and private enterprise.And finally, we cover efforts to permanently cut off taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood, as pro-life advocates urge Congress to extend and expand recent restrictions on federal dollars flowing to the nation's largest abortion provider.May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 11, 2026.We open with a local idea that could help solve a national problem. With law enforcement agencies across Louisiana struggling to fill vacancies, officials in Shreveport and Caddo Parish are launching an effort to recruit military police officers leaving Barksdale Air Force Base directly into local law enforcement. We discuss why the concept makes perfect sense, the challenges of competing with police salaries around the country, and how years of anti-police rhetoric have contributed to today's recruitment crisis.In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, we examine the growing controversy surrounding major construction projects in New Orleans' French Quarter as businesses continue to close while roadwork drags on with no clear completion date. We also cover new student discipline policies coming to Natchitoches Parish schools, including tougher restrictions on vaping and cell phone use, and we recognize the life and service of newly elected Abbeville Councilman Neal Richard following his unexpected passing.We also highlight one of Louisiana's fastest-growing communities. New census data shows Carencro leading the state in population growth, and we explore why so many families are choosing smaller communities that offer affordability, stability, and something increasingly rare in modern America—a genuine sense of community.Later, we discuss President Trump's approach to Iran and why his critics continue to misunderstand his negotiating style. While opponents have long portrayed Trump as reckless, recent developments show a strategy built around strength, leverage, and restraint. We examine how demonstrating the willingness to act can often be the key to avoiding larger conflicts.We also dive into the growing controversy surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, whose past statements, extremist views, and Nazi-linked tattoo have sparked criticism from within his own party. We discuss the Democratic Party's struggle to reconcile its own internal factions, the irony of party leaders calling for anti-democratic solutions, and what the controversy reveals about the modern political landscape.Plus, we spotlight First Lady Melania Trump's new initiative to help foster children build financial stability as they transition into adulthood. We discuss why foster youth are often overlooked in public policy debates, the importance of creating opportunities rather than dependency, and how the program reflects a broader commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families.And finally, we compare police salaries across the country, explore what it takes to recruit and retain qualified officers, and ask whether states that pay the most actually offer the best environment for law enforcement professionals.May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 10, 2026.We open with two major election integrity reforms taking effect in Louisiana that supporters say will strengthen confidence in the voting process. One law eliminates provisional ballots for voters who fail to provide proper identification, while another requires voter registration information to be cross-checked with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure only eligible citizens remain on the rolls. We discuss why election confidence matters, the debate over voter ID requirements, and whether critics are still relying on the same tired arguments Americans have been hearing for years.In our Top 3, Governor Jeff Landry signs legislation reducing the number of judges in New Orleans, sparking debate over whether fewer judges will improve efficiency or make existing court backlogs even worse. We also cover a growing infrastructure problem in New Orleans as officials warn that rusted pumping stations could create serious risks during hurricane season, and we examine the Trump administration's push for hospital price transparency as dozens of Louisiana hospitals face potential penalties for failing to disclose healthcare costs.We also highlight a major economic development announcement in northeast Louisiana. An $80 million manufacturing investment in Ouachita Parish is bringing new jobs and expanding the region's role in supporting the growing technology and data center economy. We discuss how large-scale investments create momentum that attracts even more businesses and why economic success tends to build on itself.Later, we're joined by Shannon Johnson of SoundWords and Vision and Ventures to discuss an innovative Louisiana-developed educational curriculum built around aquaponics. Combining agriculture, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the program gives students hands-on experience growing plants and raising fish while learning real-world STEM skills. With schools already adopting the curriculum and interest spreading beyond Louisiana, we explore how practical learning can help prepare students for future careers.We also examine new polling showing that a majority of Americans continue to support deporting immigrants who entered the country illegally, despite years of media narratives attempting to frame the issue differently. We discuss the distinction between legal and illegal immigration, the importance of citizenship, and why public opinion on border enforcement has remained remarkably consistent.In our Digging Deep segment, we react to comments from Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett following the murder conviction of Carmelo Anthony, who stabbed fellow teenager Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet. We discuss the role of race in public discourse, the danger of politicizing tragedy, and why serious conversations about violent crime should focus on facts rather than rhetoric.We also celebrate a life saved through Iowa's Safe Haven law after a newborn baby was safely surrendered and placed on a path toward adoption. We discuss why these laws matter, the alternatives they provide for parents in crisis, and the importance of creating life-affirming options for vulnerable children.Plus, a new study ranks the states with the worst road rage, we break down Peter Schweizer's provocative question about election integrity in California, and we ask whether making questionable election practices legal somehow makes them trustworthy.May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

We open with a Louisiana education funding decision that has a June 23rd deadline — Governor Landry's executive order to redirect $168 million from non-instructional school dollars into one-time stipends for teachers and support staff, preventing a de facto pay cut that kicks in July 1st. We work through the complications — the voters rejected the constitutional amendment that would have funded permanent raises, the legislature has to approve this by a two-thirds vote through an online ballot process, and nobody has yet explained what that $168 million was actually going to be used for before it got redirected. We also take a moment to acknowledge last year's legislative session, which produced insurance reforms that are now showing real results — 40 companies have asked to lower auto insurance rates, and 19 new companies have entered the Louisiana market. That's what impact looks like.In our Top 3, the Louisiana OMV experienced massive computer outages statewide after a software upgrade described as switching from a 1972 Pinto to a 2026 McLaren — problems expected to be resolved by Wednesday. Then the city of Shreveport approved Providence House's expansion in downtown, including a four-story apartment building and four single-family homes for people getting back on their feet after homelessness — with support from neighboring arts organizations. We call it exactly the right way to address the problem — nonprofits, not government programs. And the former mayor of Deridder was sentenced to 90 days in jail after being convicted of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile — two charges that each carried up to 17 years in prison but no minimum sentence. She said at sentencing she had made a lot of promises to put Deridder on the map. Not this way.We also cover a local story that could only happen in Louisiana — or possibly Florida — where a man pulled over on Interstate 310 on suspicion of DWI decided his best option was to leap off an elevated highway into a Louisiana swamp. A gator was waiting. The man survived both the bridge jump and the alligator attack, was eventually apprehended, and we offer this as a public service announcement — in Louisiana, the swamp is not an escape route. It is a food chain. And those odds come with teeth.We dig into Seattle's latest attempt to solve homelessness — a $16,000 tiny home program where residents are not required to be sober, not required to enter addiction treatment, and not required to participate in recovery programs of any kind. We contrast this with Habitat for Humanity, which requires sweat equity and sobriety because they understand basic psychology — people value what they work for and free housing without accountability enables the very addiction that created the homelessness in the first place. We also note that Seattle added a 10% income tax on households earning over $1 million this year, ensuring the people most likely to invest in the city will be the ones most motivated to leave it.We also push back hard on Ann Coulter's claim that the Iran conflict is starting to look exactly like the Iraq War. We run the numbers — 248,000 U.S. troops on the ground in Iraq versus zero in Iran, 139 American military personnel killed in the first phase of the Iraq invasion versus 13 in the first phase of the Iran conflict, and zero casualties since the first 48 hours of the Iran operation compared to steady ongoing losses throughout the Iraq campaign. The goal in Iraq was regime change. The goal in Iran is a negotiated nuclear deal. These two things are not the same, and saying they are is either sloppy or dishonest.We also cover the Carmelo Anthony verdict — guilty of murder in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet — and contrast it with a North Carolina case where the man accused of brutally murdering an innocent Ukrainian immigrant on a train has been found incompetent to stand trial. We ask the question the victims' families are asking — when does the system focus on the people who were killed rather than accommodating the people who killed them?And in a development that genuinely surprised us, Whoopi Goldberg defended President Trump's right to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden — arguing he earned it as a lifelong Knicks fan. We accept the defense while pointing out that the president of the United States doesn't need to have been a fan of the team to attend a sporting event in his own country. He needs a ticket. That's it.

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 8, 2026.We open with a Louisiana law that raises an obvious question: why did it take so long? After the Orleans Parish jailbreak exposed a stunning 10-hour delay in notifying the public that violent inmates had escaped, Governor Jeff Landry signed legislation requiring correctional facilities to immediately alert the public when dangerous inmates are inadvertently released. We discuss why public safety should always come before public relations, why communities deserve timely information, and how the debate over crime, incarceration, and race often ignores the people who suffer most from violent crime.From there, we examine Louisiana's new Streets to Success Act, which would make unauthorized camping on public property a crime while creating the possibility of specialized homelessness courts. We explore the difficult balance between compassion and accountability, why simply allowing permanent homeless encampments is not a humane solution, and whether the state is prepared to provide the addiction treatment and mental health services needed to make the policy work.We also highlight one of Louisiana's biggest success stories. New education data shows dramatic improvements in reading proficiency among young students, continuing a trend that has made Louisiana one of the nation's leaders in post-COVID academic recovery. We break down the numbers, discuss the science-of-reading approach championed by State Superintendent Cade Brumley, and explain why getting children reading proficiently by third grade may be one of the most important investments a state can make.Later, we turn to energy policy and rising gas prices. As President Trump proposes suspending the federal gas tax, we welcome oil and gas expert Jay Young, CEO of King Operating Corporation, to explain what is really driving fuel costs, why events in the Middle East affect prices at American gas pumps, how refinery limitations complicate domestic energy production, and why the global oil market is far more interconnected than most people realize.And finally, we take a lighter turn with a conversation about President Trump's planned appearance at the NBA Finals, the criticism it has generated, and why presidents attending major sporting events has long been part of American culture. Along the way, we celebrate underdog stories, from teachers who invest in their students beyond the classroom to basketball legend Spud Webb, whose determination and perseverance embodied the belief that in America, people can accomplish extraordinary things despite the odds.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 5, 2026.We open with Governor Jeff Landry's first veto of the legislative session — and it's a surprising one. A bill that passed both chambers of the Louisiana legislature unanimously, with zero opposition votes, would have increased compensation for wrongfully convicted and later exonerated citizens from $400,000 to $600,000 and extended the payout period from 10 to 15 years. The governor vetoed it, citing concerns about double recovery and the cost to taxpayers at a time when teacher raises went unfunded. We examine both sides — the legitimate conservative concern about safeguarding taxpayer dollars, and the equally legitimate conservative principle that it is better for a guilty person to go free than an innocent one to rot in prison. We also explain Louisiana's unusual veto override process, and ask whether the legislature will actually show up for a session to override it.In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, the governor vetoed the wrongful conviction compensation increase. Then DeSoto Parish Schools approved a 6.8% pay raise for all full-time employees — making northwest Louisiana suddenly the most interesting real estate market in the state for teachers looking for districts that want to keep them. And a bill sitting on the governor's desk would retroactively wipe out an ethics fine for Democratic state Representative Steven Jackson of Shreveport, who has racked up thousands of dollars in fines for repeatedly failing to file required financial disclosures on time. We suggest the governor decline to sign that one too. We dig into the economic case for data centers in Louisiana — specifically Amazon Web Services building a data center just north of Benton in Bossier Parish that is expected to generate $12 million a year in water revenue alone, with Amazon also agreeing to help fund upgrades to the city's aging infrastructure. We make the case that data centers are the railroads of the 21st century — not because they're glamorous but because they generate enormous private investment in communities that might otherwise be waiting for government bonds and tax hikes. We also address the fear that data centers will take jobs and destroy the economy, and explain why every new technology in history, from the factory to the computer, created more jobs than it displaced.We sit down with Dr. Keith Abloh — author and AI expert — for one of the most important conversations we've had on this show. His central warning: AI is not just a productivity tool. It is gradually coaxing us to deposit ourselves into machines, to stop thinking for ourselves, to outsource our judgment, our direction, our creativity, and eventually our identity to systems that have no soul. He talks about the GPS problem — we don't navigate anymore and we've lost the capacity — and how AI is doing the same thing to our minds at a much larger scale. He says the first signs are already visible in younger people with shorter attention spans and less willingness to think critically. His prescription: get to the gym, get to church, get grounded in something real, because the alternative is evaporating into a chatbot. KeithAbloh.com.The Chicago Bears have voted to move forward with a stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana — just across the Illinois border — after the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois failed to offer meaningful incentives to keep them. Mayor Brandon Johnson says it's not a done deal, but we disagree. We also explain why this is not a football story — it's an economic story about what happens when you run a city in a way that makes businesses want to leave. We also get into the World Cup arriving in the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the first time in history the tournament has been co-hosted by three countries simultaneously. We work through which professional soccer leagues have the most players in this year's cup — English Premier League at 165, Bundesliga at 90, France's Ligue 1 at 79, La Liga at 76, Serie A at 65, and MLS at 44 — and make the case that Major League Soccer has arrived as one of the top six leagues on the planet. The last time the U.S. hosted a World Cup, we didn't even have a professional league.And a freshman Democrat congresswoman from Arizona has called for the 25th Amendment to be invoked against President Trump — because in a video he appeared to have his eyes briefly closed while someone else was speaking at his desk. We ask whether she ever called for the 25th Amendment against Joe Biden. We already know the answer.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 4, 2026.We open with a Louisiana bill sitting on Governor Landry's desk that sounds great on the surface and is actually terrible policy — Senator Beth Mizell's bill to ban retail surcharges on debit card transactions. We explain why this is not a conservative principle, why it will not save consumers a single dollar, and why all it will actually do is raise the price of everything for everyone, hurt the small businesses least able to absorb the cost, and prove once again that Milton Friedman was right — there is no free lunch, there is only a free lunch you can't see the bill for. In our Top 3, Louisiana AG Liz Murrell announced the arrest and indictment of two women — including a state Department of Health employee — for a $156,000 Medicaid and SNAP fraud scheme involving reinstating benefits for someone who had been kicked off the program for lying about her income and marital status. The DOH employee is now a fugitive. Then St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith was arrested for second-degree battery and disturbing the peace after allegedly attacking a frequent critic at a steakhouse in Madisonville — and we say if the allegations are true, he should resign. And the deadline to register for Louisiana's upcoming Senate runoff elections is Saturday online only — so if you haven't registered, go to la.sos.gov or download the GoVote app right now.We also discuss another bill on the governor's desk — the Streets to Success Act — which criminalizes homelessness and allows someone sleeping on a park bench to be arrested and jailed for up to six months. We explain why we have serious problems with this bill, why designating public encampment zones is exactly the policy that turned Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco into disaster zones, why homelessness is fundamentally a mental illness and substance abuse crisis rather than a housing problem, and why a bill with no funding for the programs it creates is not a solution — it's a sentence.We dig into the Louisiana governor's recall petition — Louis was just interviewed about it by a local TV station — and we walk through each of the three stated grounds for the recall. Undermining fair representation? The governor was doing what the Supreme Court ordered him to do. Misaligned priorities? The legislature votes on the budget. Emphasis on punishment over root causes? Crime in Louisiana has gone down in every major city since Landry took office and focused on incarceration. We apply the principle that you don't recall a governor for doing what they were elected to do — you recall them for doing the opposite.We sit down with Sarah Standiford, author of Citizens Pray, whose son was killed when a semi truck driver watching TikTok live — going 68 miles per hour — slammed into the vehicle he was a passenger in. The truck burned for four hours. The driver was not convicted of distracted driving. Sarah took on the trucking company, the state of Arizona, and the legal system — and has written about all of it. We talk about why enforcement of distracted driving laws is nearly impossible, why she believes the accountability has to come from phone carriers and social media platforms themselves, and why a road in Arizona where 500 people died in six years still hasn't been fixed.That conversation leads us into a broader discussion about why no law can substitute for character — why the more people govern their own behavior, the less government they need, and why the inverse is also true. If you want government out of your life, you have to be the kind of person who can be trusted to run it.We also cover an illegal immigrant from Brazil who was driving the wrong way on a Massachusetts highway while allegedly intoxicated, crashed into a state trooper, and was back on the street in two days because of Massachusetts sanctuary state law. And a British Labour Party lawmaker is suing Elon Musk because someone used Grok to generate an AI image of her in a bikini — we discuss why the complaint, if legitimate, is against the person who created the image and not against the platform, and why Britain's hostility toward Musk has far more to do with his criticism of the British government's silence on a recent murder than it does with artificial intelligence.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 3, 2026.We open with a local Caddo Parish controversy that reveals something much larger about modern American politics: the rise of performative government. After a parish commissioner vowed to keep reintroducing a resolution opposing Louisiana's congressional maps "until kingdom come," we examine the growing obsession with symbolic political gestures that accomplish nothing while real problems go unaddressed. From overcrowded jails and neglected infrastructure to endless political posturing, we explore the difference between governing and simply making statements.We also break down the latest legal challenge to Louisiana's congressional maps, a major federal investment in rare earth mineral extraction that could strengthen America's domestic supply chain, and the troubling financial situation in New Orleans as city leaders take on another massive loan while struggling to balance the budget.Then we turn to Louisiana's newly signed Safe Haven awareness law, requiring high schools to display information about legal alternatives available to mothers facing crisis pregnancies. We discuss why simply making people aware of options can save lives and why supporters see the measure as an important pro-life initiative.From there, we shift to a story that illustrates the power of civic pride and visible improvement. Shreveport's renovated water tower isn't just a fresh coat of paint — it's part of a broader conversation about maintenance, infrastructure, community standards, and what cities communicate about themselves through the condition of their public spaces.We also look at Victoria's Secret's dramatic financial turnaround after moving away from the activist-driven branding that alienated many of its traditional customers, sparking a larger discussion about what happens when companies lose sight of the audience they serve.Later, we examine claims surrounding conditions at the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility after a member of Congress toured the center and reported conditions that sharply contradict many of the narratives promoted by activists and political opponents. We discuss the importance of transparency, media scrutiny, and separating facts from political messaging.We also dive into the debate over presidential war powers as Congress considers efforts to limit President Trump's authority regarding Iran, explore how state corporate tax rates are driving business migration across the country, and examine Florida's effort to hold organizers of violent "teen takeovers" accountable alongside the participants themselves.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 2, 2026.We open with a local controversy that reveals a much larger problem in American politics: what happens when elected officials stop seeing themselves as public servants and start seeing themselves as gatekeepers. A Caddo Parish commissioner publicly complained that Speaker Mike Johnson failed to consult him before handing out Spirit of Louisiana Awards honoring citizens who serve their communities. We explore the growing culture of political entitlement, why some officials believe recognition must flow through them, and how public meetings increasingly become stages for personal grievances instead of places where actual governing gets done.We also break down the biggest developments from Louisiana’s recently concluded legislative session. From the elimination of traditional inspection stickers in favor of QR codes, to Governor Jeff Landry’s search for money to fund teacher pay raises, we examine what lawmakers accomplished, what they failed to accomplish, and whether taxpayers got meaningful results for months of legislative debate. Along the way, we discuss school consolidation, underutilized facilities, insurance reforms, economic development incentives, and why some of the state's most pressing problems remain unresolved.Later, we turn to national politics and the ongoing effort by Democrats to rewrite recent history. Jill Biden insists Joe Biden could have defeated Donald Trump had he remained in the 2024 race, while simultaneously admitting she cannot say whether he would have been capable of serving another term. We examine what that contradiction reveals about the years-long effort to shield the public from concerns about Biden’s condition.We also dive into a controversy surrounding a Democratic Senate candidate whose past includes a Nazi tattoo and other troubling allegations. The discussion leads to a broader question: what happens when political victory becomes more important than moral consistency? We explore the dangerous temptation of believing that the ends justify the means and why abandoning standards for the sake of power ultimately undermines the very principles politicians claim to defend.Plus, rising energy costs around the country, surprising state-by-state electricity price increases, Louisiana’s role in a federal marijuana lawsuit, and whether President Trump’s public optimism about negotiations with Iran is strategic leadership, political salesmanship, or something in between.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 1, 2026.We open with a deceptively simple question that turns into something much bigger: why do so many communities tolerate visible decline? A mayoral campaign in Shreveport built around picking up litter sparks a broader conversation about the line between government responsibility and personal responsibility. We examine whether cities should be expected to continuously clean up after chronic littering, why taxpayers eventually resent subsidizing irresponsible behavior, and how the health of a community ultimately reflects the habits of the people who live there. If everyone stopped throwing trash on the ground tomorrow, the problem would disappear without a single new government program. In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, the Louisiana Legislature wraps up its regular session after a busy and often contentious year. We break down last-minute budget changes that eliminated a $43 million expansion of the state's school choice program, the end of traditional vehicle inspection stickers in favor of a QR-code system, and a new law shielding public disclosure of NIL compensation paid to college athletes. We also discuss a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling affirming the legislature's authority to eliminate Orleans Parish's separate criminal clerk of court office and Governor Jeff Landry's signing of the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act following the tragic death of a Southern University student during an off-campus fraternity hazing ritual.We also dive into Louisiana's new balloon-release ban and the larger debate it raises about laws that are difficult to enforce. Are balloon releases simply another form of littering, given the environmental damage, wildlife risks, and power outages they can cause? Or are lawmakers creating rules that exist largely as statements of public values rather than practical tools for enforcement? The discussion becomes a fascinating examination of the difference between changing behavior and policing behavior.Then we revisit our recent interview with Senate candidate and Congresswoman Julia Letlow. We take a closer look at her answers on carbon capture subsidies, whether federal taxpayers should continue funding carbon sequestration projects, and why some voters remain frustrated by politicians who promise more study after already casting votes on major legislation. We also examine the controversy surrounding questions about lobbying, family connections, and where the public should draw the line between legitimate scrutiny and personal attacks during a political campaign.We turn our attention to a growing number of "Pride Houses" being established for international visitors attending the FIFA World Cup in the United States. Supporters say they're intended as welcoming spaces for LGBTQ travelers, but we explore the larger question of how America is perceived abroad and whether the image being presented by some activists bears any resemblance to the reality of life in a country where major corporations, sports leagues, universities, and entertainment companies openly celebrate LGBTQ causes year after year.In Say What?!, we examine the candidacy of a Maine Democrat facing scrutiny over a past Nazi-related tattoo while simultaneously advocating a wealth tax aimed at redistributing private wealth. The conversation quickly expands into a larger debate over economics, government spending, wealth creation, and whether politicians who view private capital as "hoarded" wealth fundamentally misunderstand how investment, business growth, and job creation actually work.We also discuss how the artificial intelligence boom may soon affect something almost every American buys: cars. As technology giants race to build massive AI data centers, automakers are increasingly competing with trillion-dollar tech companies for the same advanced computer chips that power modern vehicles. We explain why that competition could drive up vehicle prices, how the chip shortages during the COVID era offer a preview of what could happen next, and why efforts to expand domestic chip manufacturing may become increasingly important. And we close with a revealing look at corporate migration across America. New data shows corporate headquarters continuing to leave major blue-state cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, and Chicago while relocating to places such as Dallas, Austin, Nashville, Phoenix, and Houston. We explore what these moves tell us about taxes, regulation, business climate, and the growing competition among states to attract jobs, investment, and economic growth.Plus, we return to a theme that runs through the entire episode: whether it's a neighborhood, a city, or even the nation's capital, people tend to care more about places that look cared for. From littered streets to neglected monuments to the restoration of Washington, D.C.'s public spaces, we examine why visible signs of pride and stewardship matter more than many people realize—and what they communicate about the health and confidence of a society.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for May 29, 2026.We open with a conversation about purpose, work, and the mindset that shapes our lives. Is America really a nation working for the weekend, or have we lost sight of the deeper purpose behind what we do every day? We explore the difference between merely surviving the workweek and finding meaning in serving others through our work, drawing on lessons from Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, and the enduring American spirit of ambition and purpose.Then we turn to a major milestone for Louisiana as LSU surpasses $600 million in annual research activity, generating an estimated $1.6 billion in economic impact. We discuss what this means for the state's future, the groundbreaking work being done in agriculture, medicine, energy, and biomedical research, and whether LSU's rise as a national athletic powerhouse plays any role in elevating its academic profile. The debate over athletics, research funding, transparency, and taxpayer accountability sparks one of the show's liveliest discussions.In our Top Three Things You Need to Know Before Tomorrow, we cover a proposed Louisiana constitutional amendment that could permanently limit governors to two terms, the state's legal challenge to federal marijuana reclassification efforts, and the historic appointment of Judge Emily Merkle as the youngest chief judge in Shreveport and Louisiana history.We also examine why Newt Gingrich believes gasoline prices may determine the outcome of the upcoming midterm elections, whether strong economic indicators are pointing toward continued Republican success, and how immigration enforcement, tax policy, and voter confidence are reshaping the political landscape heading into November.Later, we dive into a growing wave of government audits and investigations across the country, from Medicaid fraud to autism-related spending abuses, and discuss whether the push for greater oversight represents a long-overdue cultural shift toward accountability in government.Plus, a look at homelessness in America's largest cities reveals some striking patterns, we discuss why the National Spelling Bee belongs in Washington, D.C., and we close with Hollywood's ongoing struggle to understand why audiences keep rejecting expensive, politically driven entertainment.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for May 28, 2026.We open with a blistering response to Congressman Cleo Fields and the NAACP’s growing push to pressure black student-athletes away from universities in states they label “racist” over congressional redistricting disputes. We break down the Supreme Court ruling on Louisiana’s congressional maps, why the Court said race cannot predominate in redistricting, and why critics say Democrats are weaponizing accusations of racism to preserve political power. We also examine the irony of the Congressional Black Caucus refusing membership to black Republicans like Byron Donalds, Tim Scott, Wesley Hunt, and the late Mia Love — exposing what many argue has always been a political litmus test disguised as racial advocacy.In our Top 3, Louisiana Democrat Nick Albers officially drops out of the U.S. Senate race after narrowly missing the runoff by fewer than 300 votes. Then the Louisiana House sides with lobbyists over local communities in the growing battle over carbon capture projects and eminent domain concerns. And after years of construction headaches, I-20 through Bossier City finally reopens fully to semi-truck traffic as one of the region’s biggest infrastructure projects nears completion.We also discuss Governor Jeff Landry’s role as President Trump’s special envoy to Greenland and why the administration sees the Arctic island as strategically important for national security, energy, and geopolitics. While critics mock the idea of expanding American influence in Greenland, we examine why Trump and Landry believe the move fits into a much larger long-term strategy — and why Louisiana’s recent surge of more than $100 billion in announced capital investment signals a major economic turnaround for the state.In our Digging Deep segment, we expose a bizarre media narrative claiming Bossier City was ranked among America’s safest mid-sized cities — only to discover the actual data placed the city near the bottom 10% nationally. We walk through how local media outlets repeated misleading government press releases without examining the underlying statistics, and why stories like this fuel growing public distrust in both institutions and journalism itself.We also tackle Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass openly suggesting non-citizens should be allowed to vote in local elections. We debate whether voting is a privilege tied to citizenship or simply another public service, why critics say Democrats increasingly view illegal immigration as a long-term electoral strategy, and what happens when the line between citizen and non-citizen participation in American elections begins to disappear.Then we turn to billionaire Jeff Bezos, who surprisingly sounds more like a fiscal conservative than a progressive activist while warning about socialism, political scapegoating, and the dangers of creating “villains” instead of solving problems. Using examples ranging from Zoran Mamdani’s attacks on wealthy New Yorkers to historical political demagogues, we examine why blaming successful people may be effective politics — but rarely fixes the underlying issue.We also dive into a new federal fraud indictment tied to the massive “Feeding Our Future” scandal in Minnesota, where prosecutors allege millions intended to feed children were stolen through fraudulent daycare subsidy schemes. We discuss how scandals like this erode public trust in government safety-net programs and why Americans are increasingly frustrated when generosity is exploited by organized fraud.And in one of the show’s most striking moments, we revisit the NAACP’s call for black athletes to boycott powerhouse SEC schools over redistricting politics — despite those same schools producing more NFL talent than almost anywhere else in the country. We break down the numbers, the hypocrisy, and the broader debate over whether organizations claiming to advance minority opportunity are actually putting politics ahead of the very students they claim to represent.Finally, we close with Jon Stewart accidentally proving the very point conservatives have been making for years about late-night television. While insisting that comedy shows are not consumed by anti-Trump politics, Stewart immediately launches into an emotional monologue fantasizing about the end of the Trump era — highlighting why so many Americans believe late-night television stopped being entertainment and became partisan activism.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for May 20, 2026. We open with the political earthquake unfolding in Louisiana after Senator Bill Cassidy suffered a devastating rejection from President Trump and immediately appeared to abandon the MAGA movement he spent months trying to convince conservatives he supported. Within days, Cassidy reversed course on limiting Trump’s Iran war powers, attacked Trump’s proposed White House ballroom as an insult to taxpayers, and began openly criticizing the administration he had previously insisted he stood beside. We break down why Louisiana voters are especially sensitive to political calculation disguised as conviction, why Cassidy’s sudden pivot may have confirmed every fear conservatives had about him after the impeachment vote, and how his transformation from “Trump ally” to “Trump critic” happened almost overnight once he no longer needed Republican voters.In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office revealed the Department of Child and Family Services has failed to correct major errors in its welfare tracking systems for more than 14 years — including repeated failures to properly document work requirements tied to taxpayer-funded benefits. Then the NAACP announced a boycott campaign urging black athletes not to attend SEC schools in Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas after court rulings against racial gerrymandering led states to redraw congressional maps without race as the dominant factor. And Democrat Diane Schnall is contesting the results of the Kenner mayoral race after losing by nearly 20 points, claiming unspecified “technical issues” affected the outcome.We also dive deep into the Supreme Court ruling that forced Louisiana lawmakers back to the drawing board on congressional maps after the court determined the state’s current map constituted an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. We explain why the fight over Louisiana’s second majority-black congressional district has become a national flashpoint in the debate over race-based representation, whether congressional maps should be drawn to guarantee racial outcomes, and why the constitutional argument against quotas applies just as much to politics as it does to education or employment. The conversation expands into a broader discussion about whether America can truly move beyond racial division while still demanding government systems built explicitly around race.Later, we discuss Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry traveling to Greenland as President Trump’s envoy amid renewed interest in bringing Greenland into the American sphere of influence. What once sounded like an eccentric Trump obsession now looks far more serious after NATO allies restricted aspects of U.S. military operations tied to Iran and tensions with Canada intensified. We explain why Greenland’s strategic position matters enormously for American defense, why Trump has been focused on Greenland since his first term, and whether Landry’s unusual diplomatic mission is part of a much larger geopolitical strategy already underway.The show also explores the growing divide between ideological absolutism and practical cooperation in American politics after businessman Mark Cuban appeared alongside President Trump to support expanding access to lower-cost prescription drugs through Trump-RX and Cost Plus Drugs. We discuss why Cuban’s willingness to work with Trump on one issue despite disagreeing with him on others feels increasingly rare in modern politics, how the Democrat Party has become less tolerant of internal disagreement, and why America’s founders themselves fiercely disagreed while still understanding they shared the same republic.Additional conversations include Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass blaming “bureaucratic barriers” for homelessness despite Democrats controlling the city for decades, Vice President J. D. Vance defending the importance of cultural assimilation in Europe and America, new IRS migration data showing Americans continuing to flee high-tax blue states for red states in large numbers, and a discussion of Salem Radio Network’s new “Faith and Freedom” series featuring Speaker Mike Johnson and other conservative leaders examining why America’s founding principles were inseparable from the idea that rights come from God — not government.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for May 19, 2026.We open with the growing political fight in Louisiana over recall petitions targeting Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill — and we ask a larger question about whether recalls are now being weaponized simply because activists dislike election outcomes. We break down the difference between recalling politicians over corruption or constitutional violations versus trying to remove elected officials for doing exactly what they promised voters they would do. We dive into Landry’s tax cuts, insurance reform efforts, economic development projects, support for President Trump, and Liz Murrill’s aggressive crackdown on crime and online child predators — including Operation Restricted Domain, the major investigation that led to the arrest of 60 registered sex offenders across Louisiana. In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, we cover Congresswoman Julia Letlow receiving the endorsement of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race, Attorney General Liz Murrill’s multi-agency internet crimes operation, and the controversy in St. Landry Parish after school bus drivers staged a sickout following the defeat of proposed tax increases meant to fund employee raises. We then shift into one of the most important emerging issues in modern politics: artificial intelligence and election manipulation. We discuss how AI-generated political ads, deepfakes, misinformation campaigns, and social media targeting are changing elections forever. We debate whether campaign ads should be legally required to disclose AI use, why older Americans may be especially vulnerable to manipulated content, and how the collapse of trust in traditional media has created fertile ground for political misinformation. We also examine the controversy surrounding Congressman Thomas Massie and whether AI is becoming both a legitimate campaign tool and a dangerous weapon for political smears.We also talk about the confirmation of Shreveport Judge Brian Barber as the new United States Marshal for the Western District of Louisiana, and use the story to explore how Senate confirmation delays and political obstruction have slowed key Trump administration appointments across the country. Later in the show, we break down CNN analyst Harry Enten’s remarkable admission that Senator Bill Cassidy’s Louisiana primary defeat may have been the worst showing by an incumbent U.S. senator since World War II. We revisit Cassidy’s impeachment vote against President Trump, examine Trump’s extraordinary endorsement success rate in Republican primaries, and compare Cassidy’s political downfall to other Republicans who voted to convict Trump after January 6th.We also tackle the tragic shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where two teenagers allegedly carried out a deadly attack before taking their own lives. While condemning anti-Muslim violence outright, we question the political inconsistency of progressive leaders who call for increased police protection for mosques while simultaneously supporting anti-police and defund-the-police policies. The conversation broadens into a discussion about mental health, political hypocrisy, anti-Semitism, religious freedom, and public safety in America.And because it’s American Ground Radio, we close with a lighter — but still fascinating — conversation about newly released UFO files and the supposed “four kinds of aliens,” from classic greys and reptilians to Nordics and insectoids, proving once again that absolutely no topic is off limits.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for May 18, 2026.The votes are in, the results are shocking, and Louisiana's political landscape just got reshuffled. This episode of American Ground Radio breaks it all down.Bill Cassidy is out — but the story doesn't end there. We dig into what Cassidy's crushing third-place finish really means, why voters couldn't forgive a betrayal he never acknowledged, and where his 25% of the vote goes in the runoff between Julia Letlow and John Fleming. Is Trump's endorsement enough to carry Letlow over the finish line, or will Cassidy's voters show up just to send the president a message?In the news: Louisiana voters rejected all five constitutional amendments — and not a single one was close. The St. George school system amendment, teacher pay raises, civil service reform, the business inventory tax, local control — all gone. What happened? And New Orleans police officer Jeffrey Vappy's attorneys quit his corruption case because he can't pay the bills — while his alleged sugar mama, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, faces her own charges for the same affair.Going deep: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche drops a bombshell on national television, saying there is substantial evidence the 2020 election was rigged and confirming multiple criminal investigations are underway. Meanwhile, Gavin Newsom hints at a mysterious "break the glass" scenario if Republicans threaten to lock Democrats out of California's governor's race — and the hosts ask the obvious question: what exactly does that mean?Plus: Two U.S. Navy jets collide midair at a Boise air show — and all four pilots eject safely in a miracle escape. Which states have the lowest fertility rates, and what do they all have in common politically? The White House Correspondents' Dinner debate — should political violence ever be allowed to cancel American traditions? And a game where we rank the states that are and aren't making enough babies.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for May 15, 2026.Election Eve in Louisiana, cell phones out of classrooms, and California giving iPads to prisoners — this episode of American Ground Radio has it all.With Louisiana's Senate primary just hours away, we break down the Bill Cassidy question one final time: Are there enough Republicans in Louisiana willing to forgive a senator who campaigned with Trump, then voted to convict him? And does Trump's endorsement of Julia Letlow still carry the force of a political category five hurricane in a deep red state? In the news: Louisiana voters head to the polls on a packed ballot featuring the Senate primary, five constitutional amendments, and local races across the state — including a congressional election calendar shakeup signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry. Plus, the town of Cullen, Louisiana makes headlines for all the wrong reasons: neither of its two police cruisers have gas in them, the city hasn't paid its credit card bills in over a year, and the mayor's response to the local press was two words — "no comment ever."Going deep on Louisiana's five constitutional amendments — we walk through each one and give their take: civil service reform, local control of education for St. George, teacher pay raises, the business inventory tax, and mandatory retirement ages for judges. Which ones deserve a yes vote and why?Plus: New York City bans cell phones in public school classrooms and teachers say the results are remarkable. California buys iPads for prisoners — and the inmates are mostly using them to watch pornography. A high school student goes toe-to-toe with Congressman Jamie Raskin on Capitol Hill over America's Christian founding and wins the argument. And President Trump closes a deal with China's Xi Jinping for 200 Boeing airliners, with the promise of 750 more.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for May 14, 2026.We open with a growing pattern in Louisiana politics that raises a much bigger national question — do elections actually settle anything anymore? After activists launched recall efforts against Governor Jeff Landry and Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards, they now have Attorney General Liz Murrill in their sights as well. We break down why the recall effort against Murrill is not based on corruption, criminal misconduct, or abuse of office, but instead on the fact that she is carrying out the duties required of the attorney general’s office — defending laws passed by the legislature whether activists agree with them or not. We make the argument that recalls were intended for extraordinary misconduct, not as permanent political warfare whenever one side loses an election. And we ask the deeper question underneath all of it — if every conservative victory immediately turns into lawsuits, recalls, and endless attempts to delegitimize the outcome, then what exactly is the point of holding elections in the first place? In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, the Louisiana Senate approved a new congressional redistricting map that would likely produce five Republican-leaning districts and one Democrat-leaning district while dramatically reshaping the controversial New Orleans-to-Baton Rouge district lines. Then the Louisiana House voted to invalidate this year’s congressional party primary elections and temporarily return the state to the jungle primary system because lawmakers are running out of time to implement new election rules before November. And the Louisiana Supreme Court blocked retired Judge Calvin Johnson from taking over as interim Orleans Parish clerk of court after Attorney General Liz Murrill argued the appointment violated the new state law consolidating the office.Later, we highlight one of the more genuinely bipartisan common-sense reforms to come out of Baton Rouge in years — Governor Landry signing legislation eliminating the requirement that 16- and 17-year-olds obtain school-board-issued work permits before taking part-time jobs. Louis and Stephen discuss why America desperately needs to rediscover a culture of work among younger generations, how absurd the old bureaucratic process had become, and why teaching responsibility through work matters far more than drowning teenagers in paperwork before they even earn their first paycheck.Today's show also features a conversation with Christian comedian Mike Williams ahead of his upcoming North Louisiana comedy night benefiting local pregnancy resource centers and pro-life organizations. Mike explains how clean comedy has grown dramatically over the last three decades, why audiences are rediscovering family-friendly humor, and how comedians who can work clean are increasingly outperforming comics dependent on shock value and profanity. The interview turns into a hilarious conversation about comedy, culture, and whether naming your child “Coleman” because you went camping nine months earlier crosses the line.We also dig into the economic philosophy driving the migration from high-tax blue states to places like Florida and Texas after New York politicians floated yet another tax targeting wealthy homeowners. We explain why prosperity is mobile, why businesses and families increasingly relocate to states offering economic freedom and lighter regulation, and why progressive governments continue acting shocked when taxpayers eventually leave.Plus, we cover Cuba rejecting $100 million in American humanitarian aid because it would have been distributed through the Catholic Church, the deeper conflict between communist governments and religious institutions, a ranking of the world’s most powerful ballistic missile nations, and Senator John Kennedy successfully pushing through a Senate rule change that would withhold senators’ pay during future government shutdowns.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for May 13, 2026.We open with Louisiana’s latest congressional redistricting fight after a state Senate committee advanced a proposed 5–1 Republican congressional map featuring one majority-black district instead of two. We explain why this debate never truly ends in Louisiana — because it is not just about maps or census data, but about history, race, constitutional law, and competing visions of what representation in America is supposed to mean. We push back hard against the idea that disagreement over race-based districts automatically equals racism, and we make the argument that the Constitution guarantees equal voting opportunity — not proportional racial outcomes or racial quotas in representation. Stephen goes directly at the old CD6 map, calling it fundamentally un-American because it carved together communities almost entirely on the basis of race. And we ask the uncomfortable question at the center of the entire debate — if Americans are truly equal citizens, why should anyone believe they can only be represented by someone who looks like them? In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, New Orleans officials are now facing possible legal action from Attorney General Liz Murrill after the city attempted to install a new interim Orleans Parish clerk of court despite the legislature already consolidating the offices under the current civil clerk. Then Louisiana State Senator Jay Morris revealed he and his staff received death threats after Democrats falsely accused him of using a racial slur during the congressional map debate — despite recordings showing he never said it. And in Baton Rouge, progressive activists launched a new recall effort against Attorney General Murrill herself, accusing her of “government overreach” for defending laws passed by the Louisiana Legislature — which is literally her job under state law. We dig deep into a bizarre fight inside the Louisiana Legislature after lawmakers quietly passed a major compensation increase for themselves — only for several representatives to suddenly try changing their votes after public backlash erupted. We explain how the proposal would hand legislators an additional $18,000 per year plus monthly housing stipends tied to inflation, why the economics behind the housing provision make absolutely no sense, and why conservatives should be especially skeptical of creating permanent automatic government pay increases. Stephen also points out the obvious comparison — Texas legislators make roughly $7,000 a year, and somehow the republic still survives.Later, we tackle a new poll claiming far-left Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez now leads the Democrat field for 2028 ahead of Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, and Gavin Newsom. We discuss why activists inside the Democratic Party increasingly view “fundamentally transforming America” as the central political mission — and why that rhetoric sounds eerily familiar to the language used by Barack Obama years ago.We also spend time on the increasingly absurd Los Angeles mayor’s race, where union-backed attack ads against Republican candidate Spencer Pratt accuse him of opposing taxpayer-funded housing for homeless individuals, wanting more police officers on the streets, and believing public employee unions have too much power. We play the ad and point out the obvious problem for Democrats — to normal people, every one of those “attacks” sounds like a campaign endorsement.The show also covers the Department of Justice crackdown on the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, including firearms trafficking, fentanyl seizures, and organized criminal activity tied to illegal immigration. We discuss why border enforcement and national sovereignty somehow became controversial in modern American politics — and why no nation can survive indefinitely if it refuses to defend its own borders.Plus, we break down a new report ranking the most and least transparent state governments in America, compare which states openly show taxpayers where the money goes and which states hide it, and explain why transparency should never be a partisan issue. And before the hour wraps up, the conversation goes completely sideways into French President Emmanuel Macron, internet conspiracy theories, and the dangers of believing absolutely everything you read online.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!  

This episode opens with an explosive showdown inside the Louisiana State Capitol as the fight over congressional redistricting turns into a screaming match over race, representation, and the Constitution itself. After the United States Supreme Court ruled Louisiana’s current congressional maps unconstitutional for relying too heavily on racial preferences, lawmakers gathered in Baton Rouge to begin drawing new maps — and tensions immediately boiled over. We break down the heated exchange between State Senators Jay Morris and Gary Carter, the role Congressman Cleo Fields has played in escalating racial rhetoric around the maps, and the larger constitutional question at the center of the debate: should race determine representation in America? We ask the uncomfortable question many politicians refuse to answer — if these districts are truly about race and not party power, why are Black Republicans routinely rejected by the very people demanding “representation”?We also examine the deeper implications of identity politics in modern America, why the Supreme Court’s Calais decision is forcing states to rethink race-based districting, and why so much of the public debate seems disconnected from the actual constitutional standards courts are applying. Louis and Stephen argue that representative government only works if Americans believe elected officials can represent all constituents — regardless of race — and discuss why dividing the country into racial political blocs may be doing more long-term damage than anyone wants to admit.In our Top 3, Louisiana lawmakers officially begin the process of redrawing congressional maps after the Supreme Court ruling, with no final decisions yet reached after a chaotic first hearing. Then the New Orleans Police Department announces sweeping payroll reforms after multiple overtime fraud investigations uncovered officers claiming overtime while allegedly working second jobs — or worse. And Governor Jeff Landry orders flags flown at half-staff across Louisiana in honor of 17-year-old Martha Elizabeth Odom, the innocent bystander killed during a gang-related shooting at the Mall of Louisiana just weeks before her high school graduation and planned enrollment at the University of Tennessee.We also tackle the growing concern over political rhetoric and political violence in America after President Trump accused Democrat leaders of helping create a climate that encourages unstable individuals to justify violence. We discuss Hakeem Jeffries’ “maximum warfare” comments, the broader pattern of inflammatory language in American politics, and the constitutional line between protected speech and unlawful incitement. How many assassination attempts does it take before people start taking rhetoric seriously?Later in the show, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson delivers a powerful National Day of Prayer speech defending faith, prayer, and the idea that America’s rights come not from government, but from God. We talk about why the founders believed faith mattered in public life, why communism and atheistic government systems historically go hand in hand, and why Johnson’s unapologetic defense of religious liberty stands out in modern politics.We also cover Senator Marsha Blackburn’s call for a full investigation into the Secret Service after a string of scandals, misconduct allegations, and security failures connected to agents and personnel within the agency. While acknowledging the difficult work done by the overwhelming majority of agents, we ask whether years of politicization, poor leadership, and lowered standards have damaged one of the most important federal agencies in the country.Plus, a lighter moment with the newly released list of America’s most popular baby names, debate over whether names like Viviana are about to surge in popularity, and a bizarre but serious report involving multiple Disney employees arrested during a federal child exploitation operation — raising difficult questions about vetting employees in organizations centered around children.

We open with a story that cuts to the heart of what it means to be a conservative — Louisiana's carbon capture fight has evolved from an environmental policy debate into a fundamental test of whether Republican elected officials actually believe in private property rights when money is on the table. We break down Governor Landry's new position that no one can take your land for carbon storage, Senator Kennedy's declaration that private property rights are sacrosanct, and why we think the governor is dancing on a political tightrope between the industrial interests he's courted and the landowners in Livingston, Tangipahoe, and St. Helena who are fighting back. We also explain what the blue tag actually is — the carbon equivalent of papal indulgences — why there is no free market for carbon capture, and why the only reason this industry exists in Louisiana is an $80-per-ton federal government subsidy.In our Top 3, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated its own previous ruling that Louisiana's state House and Senate district maps violated the Voting Rights Act — meaning Louisiana keeps its current maps and the Republican supermajorities in both chambers remain intact. Then former Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory pleaded not guilty to malfeasance in office charges stemming from his alleged unauthorized relocation of a spoil bank along the Vermilion River — and we note the unusual nature of one parish bringing criminal charges against the mayor of another. And Bossier Parish Community College is launching a new AI-powered computer programming pilot program in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education — featuring one-to-one tutoring, adaptive exercises, and automated grading.We also dig into Louisiana gas prices — which jumped 22 cents in a single week to $4.02 a gallon, a painful reminder that energy costs ripple through everything from grocery store shelves to diesel-powered delivery trucks to school buses. We make the comparison most people aren't making — Joe Biden drove gas to these levels without a war in Iran, so imagine where we'd be today if Trump hadn't ramped up domestic energy production first.In our Digging Deep segment, following the murder at the Mall of Louisiana, State Senator Alan Sebaugh has proposed expanding Louisiana's capital murder statute to include three new categories — murder committed while on parole in violation of a specific court restriction, murder committed using a firearm by someone already prohibited by law from possessing one, and murder committed in a public place with knowing reckless disregard for three or more bystanders. We walk through each scenario, debate whether capital punishment is actually a deterrent, and make the case that if we're going to have the death penalty, it should at minimum mean something.We also cover the Mexican Army soldiers who stood and watched — doing nothing — as a drug cartel opened fire on a funeral procession in front of them. We explain why this isn't just a crime problem or corruption problem anymore — it's the erosion of state authority itself, and what it looks like when a cartel outguns and outmans the national army.Marco Rubio stepped in as White House press secretary for a day while Caroline Leavitt is on maternity leave — and was asked what his hope for America is. We play the answer in full because it may be one of the most articulate defenses of American exceptionalism delivered by any public figure since Ronald Reagan. Anyone from anywhere can achieve anything. Not get anything. Achieve anything. We unpack every line.Then we turn to Mark Hamill — Luke Skywalker himself — who posted imagery fantasizing about President Trump living just long enough to be politically destroyed, disgraced, imprisoned, and humiliated, with an image of Trump's grave and headstone. We call it what it is — reckless, dangerous, and deeply hypocritical from the same cultural class that has spent years lecturing conservatives about their rhetoric. And we make the case using Star Wars lore — if Luke Skywalker could say there is good in Darth Vader, the most iconic film villain in history, why can't Mark Hamill find it in himself to extend even a fraction of that grace to a real human being?And we close with the Epstein purported suicide note released by a federal judge — which has not been authenticated, may have been written by his cellmate Nicholas Tartaglione who was in prison for murder, and shares a phrase with another confirmed Epstein document. We discuss what the handwriting tells us, what it doesn't, and why no amount of documentation is going to stop the conspiracy theories either way.

We open with a Louisiana legislative story that doesn't get nearly enough attention — House Bill 225 has passed the Louisiana House 74 to 23, proposing a constitutional amendment that would prevent governors from serving more than two terms total, whether consecutive or not. We dig into why this matters, why the Longs and the Edwards represent exactly the kind of concentrated political power the founders never intended, why power causes brain damage regardless of party affiliation, and why the bill's biggest weakness is that the legislature is willing to put term limits on the governor but not on themselves. We also push back on the argument that this is all just about stopping John Bel Edwards — and explain why true principle requires applying the same standard to the people writing the law.We also get former Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Scott Angelle on the phone to talk about May 1st — St. Joseph the Worker Day, a recognition he helped shepherd through the Louisiana legislature in 2021 and which has since been adopted by Wisconsin, with Texas in talks to follow. Scott explains why this isn't a day off but a day on — a day to see the truck driver, the nurse, the teacher, the energy worker, and the restaurant worker, and to say out loud that what they do matters. He talks about dignity, about the P's of St. Joseph — protector, provider, prudent, peaceful, patient, and prayerful — and why a country where more people pull the wagon than ride in it would be a fundamentally better country for everyone.In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, the lawsuit over the closing of Como High School in Lafayette has been dismissed after the school board rescinded their initial closure vote — but the district may try again since the school is operating at less than 40% capacity and must now pay the plaintiffs' legal fees. Then the Southern University System presidential search is running behind schedule, with the search committee missing its May 12th deadline and no new timeline yet announced. And Jefferson Parish schools logged nearly 2,000 incidents in March alone where buses failed to show up for assigned routes — leaving roughly 88 routes uncovered every single day — while the district says it has been losing bus drivers and March was an outlier. The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has approved updated K-12 English Language Arts Standards that bring back cursive writing — and we make the case that this is more important than it sounds. Handwriting forces the brain to slow down, organize thoughts, and engage muscle memory in ways that typing cannot replicate. And if students can't read cursive, they cannot read the Declaration of Independence. You cannot know what America stands for if you cannot read what America was built on.We also play former Congresswoman Katie Porter's new California governor's campaign ad — which features her adult son moving back to her couch because he can't find a job, and her solution is to stand up to Donald Trump and get tough on greedy corporations. We ask the obvious questions. What does Donald Trump have to do with the California high-speed rail that goes nowhere, the homelessness crisis, the Palisades fires, the highest gas taxes in the country, or the regulatory burden that's driving businesses to Texas? None of it. Every problem she named was created by the party she's a member of. And the solution she offers — stepping on toes — is apparently fine when Democrats do it but fascism when Trump does.We dig into Warren Buffett's characterization of sports gambling as a tax on stupidity — specifically his argument that nearly $3 billion in tax revenue generated by sports books in 2025 is ultimately money that working-class Americans are losing instead of saving or investing. We talk about why the house always wins, why the entire system is mathematically designed to extract money from the people who can least afford to lose it, and why President Trump's new IRA savings program is exactly the opposite instinct.We also cover a new Associated Press poll showing that 61% of Americans — six out of ten — are worried that native-born Americans are losing their economic, political, and cultural influence because of immigration. We make the case that this is not a racial concern — it's a cultural one — and explain why there is a meaningful difference between welcoming newcomers and asking them to assimilate into the ideas that make America worth coming to in the first place.And just for fun, we play Orkin's 2026 list of the most mosquito-infested cities in America — and spend an unreasonable amount of time being offended that New Orleans, built in an actual swamp, didn't even make the top 20 while Los Angeles, which has no standing water and no lakes, came in at number one. Washington D.C. made the list. We were not surprised.

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 for May 5, 2026. We open with a deep dive into the Louisiana U.S. Senate debate — the one Bill Cassidy didn't show up for. Moon Griffon hosted Fleming and Letlow on KPAL this morning, and we break down what it revealed about each candidate. We watched the whole thing and came away with a clear observation — when you ask Julia Letlow a direct policy question, she tends to say that's something we need to go study, while John Fleming comes back with the principle, the problem, and the direction. We also note that Fleming needs to stop talking about Governor Landry as much as he has been, and we discuss what it means that the candidate with arguably the best instincts is the one with the smallest campaign infrastructure. Then we get Senator Bill Cassidy on the phone — live, while he's on the road to New Orleans. We ask him directly about the debate he skipped, about President Trump's Truth Social posts calling for Louisiana Republicans to vote him out, about the SAVE Act, and about Julia Letlow's stock trades that look a lot like the kind of trades Nancy Pelosi has been criticized for making. Cassidy makes the case that you don't have to like somebody to deliver for your state — and lists the legislation he has helped pass in Trump's second term, including the Huff-Fentanyl Act and a bill to lower pharmaceutical profits that Trump called one of the most important bills he would sign this year. We press him on whether he thinks all three candidates should debate on television in prime time before the election. He says absolutely — and explains exactly what he wants to say to Letlow on that stage.In our Top 3 Thing You Need to Know, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an expedited ruling requiring Louisiana to immediately redraw its congressional districts — waiving the standard 32-day reconsideration period at the request of both sides — after finding the 6th Congressional District was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander in violation of the 15th Amendment. Governor Landry has already postponed the congressional primaries. Then a recall petition has been filed against Governor Landry — the petitioners now have 180 days to collect nearly 600,000 signatures, which is about 20% of the state's registered voters. We remind listeners that a recall effort against John Bel Edwards after COVID lockdowns couldn't get there. And the Orleans Parish School Board approved a new financial deal with the city of New Orleans to end a long-running lawsuit — including a $6 million settlement now, $2 million annually through 2042, and $4 million a year from Caesars starting in 2030. We also cover Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's claim that President Trump has set a tone in this country where political violence is acceptable — and we systematically dismantle it. If the president is responsible for the tone that leads to violence against him, what exactly has he done that's violent? Mean tweets? And if that's the standard — what does that make the people who spent eight years calling him Hitler, a domestic terrorist, a pedophile, and an existential threat to democracy? We play the Bill Maher clip where he says on his own show that if you watched the White House Correspondents' Dinner assassination attempt and were disappointed the president wasn't killed, you are not a good person. We celebrate Maher for saying it — and ask why it took a liberal comedian to say what no Democrat elected official has been willing to say plainly.We get into Al Sharpton's F around and find out message to Florida Republicans over the new redistricting maps — and walk through what the Florida map actually looks like versus what the media is calling it. We point out that compact, square-block districts that cover the state don't look like the backwards C's and donut-shaped monstrosities of Chicago. We remind listeners that Sharpton's National Action Network led protesters through New York City chanting for dead cops just four days before two officers were ambushed and murdered in their patrol car in Brooklyn. And we make the broader point — if you're going to engage on the redistricting battle as a conservative, get comfortable being called a racist for believing that districts should be compact and that people shouldn't be judged by the color of their skin, because that label is coming whether the charge makes any sense or not.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for May 4, 2026. We open with a fast-moving legal clash in Louisiana that quickly escalates into a broader constitutional debate. A federal judge temporarily blocks a state law eliminating the Orleans Parish criminal clerk of court — only to be overruled within hours by the Fifth Circuit. What might seem like a narrow administrative dispute turns into a much bigger question: when does the legislature’s authority to restructure government collide with the will of voters? The timing of the law, the role of elections, and the limits of judicial intervention all come under scrutiny. From there, we shift to a high-stakes battle over abortion policy and federal power. The U.S. Supreme Court steps in to pause a lower court ruling that would have restricted the distribution of abortion pills across state lines, setting up a looming legal showdown between Louisiana and the FDA. At the heart of the conflict is a fundamental question of federalism — who ultimately decides how these drugs are regulated, and how far federal agencies can go.A major leadership change in law enforcement follows a wave of scandal in New Orleans. A newly sworn-in sheriff takes office as her predecessor faces dozens of criminal charges, raising urgent questions about accountability, competence, and the future of public safety in the city. We dive into a controversial national narrative after a report claims New Orleans may need to be abandoned due to rising sea levels. And we break down the science of subsidence, the role of Mississippi River sediment, and the economic and strategic importance of the region — while challenging the practicality of relocating an entire American city. Finally, a broader philosophical debate takes center stage: is the United States a democracy or a republic, and why does that distinction matter? A media commentary sparks a deeper discussion about the Constitution, the Voting Rights Act, and the protections built into America’s system of government — with implications that reach far beyond the headlines.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for May 1, 2026. We open with a political earthquake in Louisiana: a delayed congressional primary, an “election emergency” declaration, and a surprise escalation from President Trump that turns an already volatile race into a full-blown referendum on Senator Bill Cassidy. What began as a quiet assumption that Trump would stay neutral quickly unravels, as a Truth Social post makes clear—this isn’t just about endorsements, it’s about political survival. The fallout from Cassidy’s impeachment vote resurfaces in a major way, raising the stakes for Republican voters ahead of early voting.From there, we break down the legal chaos surrounding Louisiana’s congressional map after a Supreme Court ruling struck it down. Democrats are now suing to force elections forward using a map already declared unconstitutional, setting up a high-stakes courtroom clash over redistricting, race, and election law. It’s a must-follow moment in the ongoing national battle over gerrymandering and judicial authority.Then we shift to government accountability and corruption, with multiple explosive stories out of New Orleans. A newly elected clerk is suing after his position was eliminated, while an investigation into police overtime fraud reveals widespread abuse within the NOPD. But the most shocking development centers on the Orleans Parish jail escape—where newly released arrest warrants accuse a former sheriff of knowingly ignoring years of warnings about security failures. The result: a brazen jailbreak that investigators say was entirely preventable, raising serious questions about leadership, oversight, and public safety.We also explore national political trends, including a new Harvard-Harris poll shaping early narratives for the 2028 presidential race. With Vice President J.D. Vance leading Republican preferences and Kamala Harris topping a divided Democratic field, the conversation highlights growing uncertainty about the future leadership of both parties.And we unpack a heated exchange over language used by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, diving into the historical and religious context behind the term “Pharisees” and the broader debate over rhetoric, accountability, and accusations of anti-Semitism.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for April 30, 2026.We open with a political moment you almost never see in America — a state hitting pause on a federal election midstream. After the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Louisiana v. Calais, Governor Jeff Landry halts Louisiana’s congressional primaries just days before early voting, freezing campaigns, stopping ballots, and forcing the state to confront a constitutional crisis in real time. What happens when an election is already underway… and the map it’s based on is suddenly illegal? From there, we break down the immediate fallout of the Supreme Court’s decision and what it actually means — not the rhetoric, not the spin. Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act still stands, but the rules have changed. Race can no longer be the dominant factor in redistricting, and that shift is already reshaping elections, strategies, and political power across the country. Louisiana just happens to be ground zero.We also dive into the political ripple effects — including how this disruption could reshape Louisiana’s high-stakes Senate race. With polling showing Senator Bill Cassidy struggling, could a fractured election and lower turnout change the outcome? And is there a path forward outside the traditional primary system?Then, a moment that sparks a broader conversation about history, rhetoric, and responsibility. Congressman Cleo Fields responds to the ruling by invoking Louisiana’s past — but are those claims grounded in fact, or do they distort history in a way that misleads the present? We examine what was said, what’s accurate, and why it matters when elected officials shape public perception.We close with a broader look at free speech and political discourse — as Senator Ted Cruz defends controversial commentary from a late-night host, raising a fundamental question: where is the line between offensive speech and government overreach?Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for April 29, 2026.We open with a landmark ruling from the United States Supreme Court in Louisiana v. Calais — a 6–3 decision that strikes down Louisiana’s congressional map and reshapes how the Voting Rights Act will be applied nationwide. The Court makes clear that while Section 2 remains valid law, it cannot be used to justify drawing districts where race is the predominant factor — reaffirming that the Constitution, and the 15th Amendment, come first. We break down what the ruling actually says, why it overturns decades of lower court precedent, and how it raises the legal bar for challenging redistricting maps going forward. Then we go straight to the source — an in-depth interview with lead plaintiff attorney Paul Hurd, who walks us through how the case unfolded, why it was brought, and what happens next. With elections already underway, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Louisiana be forced to redraw its maps again? Could election timelines be delayed? And who ultimately pays the price when unconstitutional districts collide with real-world voting calendars?In our Top 3 Thing You Need to Know, we cover the immediate implications of the ruling, including the possibility of a third redistricting cycle in Louisiana since 2020. We also break down a major corruption indictment out of Orleans Parish — 30 counts including fraud, obstruction, and malfeasance tied to a sheriff’s office already under scrutiny after the largest jailbreak in state history. And a Louisiana woman detained overseas for more than a year over an empty medical marijuana container is finally back home after diplomatic intervention.Back on the redistricting front, we separate fact from spin. Despite claims from politicians that the Court “gutted” the Voting Rights Act, we explain why that’s not what the ruling does — and what it actually means for minority representation, legal challenges, and the future of congressional maps across the country. We also tackle the deeper argument at the heart of the case: whether representation in America should be based on shared interests or skin color — and what the Constitution requires.Finally, we dig into the real-world chaos this decision could trigger. Candidates running in districts that may no longer exist. Ballots already printed. Elections already in motion. Can courts step in this late and change the rules? Should they? And what happens when the rights of voters collide with the realities of election administration?Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!  

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 for April 28, 2026. We open with a call for something that’s become surprisingly rare in modern politics — transparency. Congressman Clay Higgins is urging Louisiana’s Republican Senate candidates to step onto the same stage for a statewide televised debate, and the question becomes: why wouldn’t they? We break down the growing frustration with candidates picking friendly venues, dodging tough questions, and relying on polished ads instead of direct answers. Because elections are supposed to be about choice — and you can’t have real choice if voters never see the candidates stand side by side and defend what they believe. From there, we turn back to Baton Rouge and the aftermath of the Mall of Louisiana shooting. Increased police presence, K-9 units, and heightened security may reassure shoppers — but does it actually solve the problem? The conversation goes deeper than policy and into culture, family structure, and the alarming divide among young men in America today. Why are some finding faith and purpose, while others are spiraling into violence? And what role do parents, values, and community play in shaping those outcomes?Top 3 Things You Need to KnowA high-profile LIV Golf tournament in New Orleans postponed amid financial uncertainty, leaving millions in state investments in question.Louisiana Tech’s move to the Sun Belt Conference, reshaping college sports rivalries and regional economics.A widening public corruption investigation in Baton Rouge, with subpoenas issued to former officials tied to past administrations.In our Digging Deep-style conversations, we tackle the bigger economic picture — including a potential $300 million Louisiana budget surplus and what it could mean for the future of the state. Should lawmakers spend it, or use it to eliminate the state income tax and compete with places like Texas and Florida? We connect the dots between fiscal policy, population shifts, and the long-term fight for economic growth in the South.We also examine the rhetoric coming out of Washington, including comments from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries about “maximum warfare,” and what that kind of language means in a political climate already marked by rising tension and real-world consequences. At what point does political messaging stop being metaphor — and start being taken literally?And we close on a note closer to home — a major economic win for Louisiana as a manufacturing operation moves from Texas into the state, bringing high-skill jobs and reinforcing a broader push to bring industry back to American soil.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for April 27, 2026. We open with a fight unfolding in Louisiana that goes straight to one of the most serious questions any justice system can face — who can be executed, and under what standard. A new bill would require defendants in death penalty cases to prove intellectual disability with an IQ of 75 or below, tying life-or-death decisions to a single test score. We break down the Supreme Court precedent behind it, the margin of error in IQ testing, and the deeper concern — whether justice can really be reduced to a number. Because when the punishment is final, the standard has to be more than convenient. From there, we turn to the tragic shooting at the Mall of Louisiana — a young life lost, families shattered, and a governor calling it a failure of “common sense.” But what does that actually mean? We draw a hard line between intelligence and judgment, and between knowing right from wrong and choosing to ignore it. The conversation goes where others won’t — into parenting, accountability, and the uncomfortable truth that when responsibility breaks down at home, something else steps in to take its place — and it’s rarely something good.In our Top 3 Things you Need to Know, we look into the sale of CLECO to private equity and what it could mean for your power bill, a massive sewage leak in New Orleans dumping millions of gallons into the Industrial Canal, and yet another collision on the Mardi Gras Amtrak route — raising serious questions about safety after multiple incidents in less than a year. In our Digging Deep segment, we take you inside a closed-door meeting between Louisiana lawmakers and oil and gas executives — where the message was blunt: investment in Louisiana is being delayed because of coastal lawsuits. We connect the dots between litigation, economic growth, and the future of the state, and ask the question — are these lawsuits protecting Louisiana, or costing it its future?We also tackle a unanimous bill expanding faculty free speech on college campuses — a move that sounds like a win for academic freedom, until you look closer. Because when professors already hold all the power — over curriculum, grading, and student outcomes — what happens to the students who disagree? We break down why protecting speech at the front of the classroom may come at the expense of speech everywhere else.And we close by circling back to a conversation that’s only getting louder — the role of rhetoric in a country already on edge. When extreme language becomes normalized, when accusations become routine, and when people start believing the worst about their political opponents, what follows isn’t debate — it’s something far more dangerous.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for April 24, 2026. A controversial proposal in Louisiana is sparking a bigger question: should politicians get a raise—and what does that say about public service?We kick off today's show with a bill moving through the state legislature that would significantly increase salaries for the governor and other statewide officials by tying their pay to university system presidents. Supporters say it’s about attracting qualified leadership. Critics argue it misunderstands the very nature of public service. Is higher pay really the key to better governance—or does it reveal a troubling mindset about why people seek office in the first place? From there, the conversation shifts to a heartbreaking tragedy—a deadly shooting at the Mall of Louisiana that claimed the life of an innocent 17-year-old. The response from leaders is familiar: promises of crackdowns and tougher enforcement. But is that enough? The discussion goes beyond the headlines, examining deeper issues like community breakdown, accountability, prosecutorial decisions, and the limits of law enforcement alone in stopping violence.The focus turns to Caddo Parish’s worsening jail overcrowding crisis. With inmate populations far exceeding capacity, the real issue comes into focus: delays in the justice system. When suspects wait months—or even over a year—for trial, what does that mean for justice, victims, and the accused?The episode also explores Louisiana culture and identity, highlighting the legacy and significance of Jazz Fest, before diving into debates over wildlife policy, including a proposal to expand black bear hunting permits.Throughout the show, a central theme emerges: whether it’s government pay, crime policy, or justice system delays, the real challenge isn’t just policy—it’s priorities, principles, and the values shaping decision-making.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for April 23, 2026. We open with a tragic and all-too-familiar headline out of Baton Rouge — a mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana that leaves one dead and multiple others wounded. But instead of treating every act of violence as the same, we break down what actually happened: a gang-related shootout in broad daylight — and how it differs from the domestic violence tragedy in Shreveport just days earlier. From gang culture to PTSD, from mental health to fatherlessness, we dig into the harder question most won’t ask: what’s really driving the breakdown — and where does accountability begin? We connect the dots between violence and the collapse of the family structure, examining how fatherlessness and a lack of respect for the sanctity of life may be at the root of more than we’re willing to admit. Then we confront an uncomfortable reality — not everyone can be rehabilitated — and what that means for public safety, law enforcement, and the need for a system that actually protects innocent people. In our Top 3 You Need to Know, a major constitutional change in Louisiana falls just short as lawmakers reject a lifetime term limit for governors. In New Orleans, the mayor claims progress in cutting a massive budget deficit — but questions remain about whether the numbers hold up. And in Baton Rouge, police pay raises spark a broader debate about priorities, public safety, and whether cities can afford not to invest in law enforcement. We also take a deep dive into the future of education in Louisiana, as the proposed St. George school district heads toward a statewide vote. What started as a local push for better schools has turned into a larger fight over control, funding, and whether families should have the freedom to choose how their children are educated. We speak directly with local leadership about what’s at stake — not just for students, but for economic growth and the future of entire communities.Then, a powerful reminder of what works: law enforcement stops a potential mass shooting before it happens, thanks to quick action, family intervention, and real-time technology. It’s a story that doesn’t end in tragedy — and proof that prevention matters just as much as response. We examine a Louisiana bill aimed at restoring clarity in the law by replacing the word “gender” with “sex.” Supporters argue it’s about grounding law in biological reality, while critics claim it erases identity. We break down what the bill actually does — and why the battle over language is really a battle over meaning itself. Plus, a look at drought conditions hitting much of the South, a conversation about preparedness and community resilience, and a reminder that solutions don’t start with politics — they start with values.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for April 22, 2026. We open with a stunning legal showdown in Louisiana that goes far beyond “sloppy lawyering.” Attorney General Liz Murrill is calling out attorneys representing sitting judges for filing briefs filled with AI-generated hallucinations—fake case law, misquoted precedent, and citations that simply don’t exist. This isn’t a typo or a technical error; it’s a direct hit on the integrity of the legal system. If the law is built on words, what happens when those words are fabricated?In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, a growing controversy in Caddo Parish raises serious questions about representation and transparency. A lobbyist claimed to speak for the parish in Baton Rouge—without any recorded vote or approval from the commission. That story ties into a larger pattern of unelected voices acting on behalf of the public. Meanwhile, a vetoed downtown development plan in Lafayette exposes a power struggle over control and liability, and a statewide shortage of election workers ahead of critical races puts a spotlight on election readiness.The debate over Louisiana’s TOPS scholarship program brings a deeper philosophical divide into focus. A failed proposal would have required students to repay tuition if they didn’t meet academic standards. At its core, the issue is about accountability versus opportunity—whether failure should come with financial punishment or be treated as part of the learning process.We Dig Deep into a proposed domestic violence offender registry modeled after sex offender databases. The intent is clear: protect potential victims. But the data raises uncomfortable questions about effectiveness, especially when similar registries have not reduced violent crime. Is this a real solution, or just the appearance of one?At the state capitol on Earth Day, an unexpected clash unfolds. Environmental groups push back against carbon capture projects—not out of denial, but over concerns about property rights, pipeline safety, and government overreach. At the same time, thousands of orphan oil wells remain an unresolved issue, prompting a broader conversation about priorities and practical impact.There’s also a surprising bright spot in Louisiana’s economy. Nearly 23,000 new jobs added in a single year, with growth outpacing states like Texas and Florida. The turnaround didn’t happen by accident, and the policies behind it are worth examining.And to close things out, a quick historical challenge: how many vice presidents have actually gone on to become president? The answer is more than most people think.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for April 21, 2026. We open with a deep dive into Louisiana Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot — the proposal to dissolve three education trust funds worth a combined $2 billion in order to pay down teacher retirement debt and fund a $2,250 permanent pay raise for teachers and $1,125 for support staff. We break down why Louisiana's teachers deserve more than what's on the table, why the mechanism being used to get there is unnecessarily convoluted, why our state constitution is a mess of special interest savings accounts that tie the hands of future legislators, and what the real risks are when you dissolve trust funds that currently support early childhood education and academic improvement programs — even when supporters promise those programs will be protected. Then we go live to Washington with Louisiana Senator John Kennedy joining us in studio for an extended conversation that covers everything from budget reconciliation to Iran to the federal judiciary. On reconciliation, Senator Kennedy tells us exactly why 60 days of negotiations with Democrats over funding for the Department of Homeland Security and ICE was a complete waste of time — and why the Senate is now moving forward without a single Democratic vote. On Iran, Kennedy gives us the clearest explanation we've heard from anyone in Congress about why we went in, what we actually accomplished, why regime change was never the goal, and why sending in ground troops would be a quagmire nobody wants. He also explains why negotiating with Iran's leadership is fundamentally different from negotiating with Russia or China — because, in his words, you're dealing with Charles Manson. On Trump's polling numbers, Kennedy tells us exactly how much he pays attention to NBC polls and what he actually thinks is driving the dip. And on the federal judiciary and prosecutors being held up for the Western District of Louisiana, Kennedy gives us a straight answer on when those confirmations are coming and why the backlog exists.In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, the mayor of Winnsboro, Louisiana was arrested for Medicaid fraud — collecting $75,000 in benefits she wasn't eligible for by hiding her income, her marital status, and her employer-provided insurance. Her response on Facebook after the arrest has to be heard to be believed. Then a federal judge ruled that Amazon's proposed data center in West Shreveport can move forward — part of a three-project, $12 billion investment in northwest Louisiana that opponents tried to stop by claiming public health concerns about a facility with zero emissions. And a 56-year-old Shreveport man was arrested by federal officers for providing the weapon used in the murder of eight children over the weekend — a convicted felon who lied to investigators before admitting the gun was under his car seat.We also spend time on the Shreveport mass murder and the broader conversation it demands — about mental health, about the illusion of connection that smartphones create without delivering the real thing, about what happens when family structure breaks down, and about why the very worst thing anyone struggling can do is keep it bottled up inside. If you or someone you know is struggling, Louisiana's mental health crisis line is 988. We mean that.And we close with a reminder that goes back to Genesis — it is not good for man to be alone. We were created for connection. And right now, our culture is working against everything God designed us for.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for April 20, 2026. We open with the devastating tragedy out of Shreveport, where eight innocent children lost their lives in an unthinkable act of violence. As our community grieves, we go beyond the headlines to ask the difficult questions: What went wrong? Could this have been prevented? And what does this say about the state of mental health, domestic violence, and public safety in America today? In our opening segment, we walk through what we know—and what we still don’t—about the case, including conflicting reports, prior warning signs, and the criminal justice decisions that may have played a role. This isn’t about speculation—it’s about understanding how systems meant to protect the vulnerable can fail in the most tragic ways.Then, in Digging Deep, we’re joined in-studio by constitutional attorney Royal Alexander, who helps us unpack the legal, cultural, and moral dimensions of this tragedy. We tackle tough questions about mental health treatment, incarceration, protective orders, and whether our current system is equipped to prevent violence before it happens. Is this a policy failure, a cultural breakdown, or something even deeper?In our “Three Things You Need to Know Before Tomorrow,” we cover:The latest verified updates on the Shreveport case and ongoing investigationA major environmental concern in New Orleans involving raw sewage contaminationA significant legislative move that could reshape how clerk of court offices operate in LouisianaWe also dive into a broader national conversation about mental health policy, tracing its roots back to the 1963 Community Mental Health Act and key court rulings that reshaped institutional care in America. Are we seeing the long-term consequences play out today?Plus, we expose a shocking local case involving an unlicensed medical provider operating for years—and what that means for trust in healthcare systems.And to close things out, we shift gears with a look at positive changes coming to Louisiana education, including renewed focus on phonics, grammar, and cursive writing—practical steps aimed at rebuilding foundational learning for the next generation. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

On this episode of American Ground Radio, we tackle the biggest stories shaping Louisiana, the economy, and the national conversation—cutting through the noise to focus on facts, policy, and real-world impact.We break down a major U.S. Supreme Court decision with significant implications for energy companies, federal authority, and the growing trend of climate-related lawsuits. What does this ruling mean for states like Louisiana, and could it slow down the wave of legal challenges targeting the oil and gas industry? We explore how “lawfare” is being used as a political tool—and what this decision changes.The debate over data centers in Louisiana heats up. Are they a smart economic investment or just another form of corporate welfare? We dig into the facts—job creation, infrastructure, energy usage, and tax incentives—while comparing data centers to traditional industrial projects. Plus, we challenge the narrative around “lost tax revenue” and explain why a lower tax rate on new development might still be a net win for local communities.We take a closer look at tax incentives and economic development, asking the tough question: when do incentives drive growth—and when do they cross the line into government overreach? From oil and gas to film production to tech investment, we compare how different industries are treated and what that means for taxpayers.Is there really a divide within the Republican Party? We examine recent polling data and media narratives surrounding Donald Trump, separating headlines from reality. Are so-called “fractures” real, or are they driven by a loud minority of voices amplified by media coverage?Officials in Caddo Parish are considering a $70 million sports complex. Will it boost tourism and economic growth—or become another costly government project? We explore the risks, the promises, and the track record of similar developments.

On this episode of American Ground Radio, we dive headfirst into a high-stakes debate unfolding in Louisiana politics—one that could reshape the balance of power between elected officials and the people they serve.We break down Senate Bill 425 and its companion legislation, proposals that would allow the Louisiana legislature to remove elected officials through civil action. On the surface, it sounds like accountability—but we ask the deeper question: who defines “gross misconduct,” and what safeguards exist to prevent political abuse? We explore why weakening established impeachment processes could open the door to dangerous overreach and lawfare at the state level.Campaign finance headlines don’t always tell the full story. We cut through the spin surrounding Senate race fundraising numbers, exposing the difference between actual campaign cash and “aligned entity” money. What does this mean for transparency, and are voters getting the full picture?We tackle a heated proposal to criminalize unauthorized public camping in Louisiana. Is this a necessary step to restore order and connect people with services—or does it risk making homelessness even harder to escape? We examine both the intent and the unintended consequences.A massive investment from Meta in northeast Louisiana grows from $10 billion to a staggering $27 billion. We unpack what this means for jobs, infrastructure, and energy—and why the question of who pays matters more than ever for ratepayers.We close with a cultural shift worth watching: growing signs that young men are returning to faith and church life. What’s driving this change, and what could it mean for the future?

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 for April 15, 2026. In this episode of American Ground Radio, we take on big questions about government leadership, public accountability, and the real-world consequences of policy failures.We kick things off with a heated discussion out of the Louisiana legislature: a proposal to dismantle the Department of Children and Family Services. Is breaking up a failing agency the right move—or a risky gamble with vulnerable lives at stake? We explore the tension between legislative authority and executive leadership, and whether major reforms should happen without the governor’s input.We revisit a powerful story about a 91-year-old Louisiana woman who donated her liver, saving a life even after her passing. Thanks to a listener call-in, we correct the record and honor Ms. Broussard’s legacy—reminding us of the impact of family, generosity, and community values.A new proposal, “Streets to Success,” aims to address homelessness by combining enforcement with rehabilitation. We break down the balance between public safety, personal responsibility, and compassionate solutions, and ask the tough question: Can you help someone who refuses help?We dig into a legal battle over Louisiana’s effort to require proof of citizenship for voter registration. When federal agencies push back, it raises a bigger issue: Who really controls elections—the states or Washington bureaucrats?In our Digging Deep segment, we analyze the latest Louisiana Senate race fundraising numbers, comparing major candidates and what their war chests say about momentum, media strategy, and the political landscape. It’s a revealing look at campaign finance, election strategy, and the power of money in politics.We wrap things up with a candid (and humorous) take on political messaging, reacting to comments from national party leadership and asking whether stating the obvious is enough in today’s high-stakes political environment—or if voters deserve more substance.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for April 14, 2026. In this episode of American Ground Radio, we tackle some of the biggest questions facing our country—from government transparency and campaign finance laws to culture, accountability, and the role of government in the arts.We kick things off with a powerful discussion on the balance between freedom, security, and transparency in America. Drawing on the words of the Founding Fathers, we ask a fundamental question: Are we trading too much liberty in the name of safety? It sets the tone for a show focused on truth, accountability, and the consequences of government overreach.At the center of the episode is a controversial Louisiana bill that would hide donor information in campaign finance reports. We break down how this impacts election transparency, political accountability, and voter trust, and why limiting access to donor data could open the door to dark money, fraud, and backroom political influence. Is this about protecting citizens—or protecting politicians?In our Digging Deep segment, we explore whether the government should financially support artists. Is public funding for the arts a cultural necessity, or an overstep of government responsibility? We compare modern expectations to historical patronage and debate how zoning laws, tax policy, and economic barriers impact creative industries.We lighten things up with a fun game breaking down the most common last names in America. What do names like Smith, Johnson, and Garcia say about our nation’s history as a melting pot of cultures and immigration?We wrap up with a mix of compelling and thought-provoking stories—from a remarkable organ donation case involving a 91-year-old donor, to a proposed law that could change Louisiana governor term limits. It’s a reminder of how policy, personal decisions, and human stories all intersect in shaping our future.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for April 13, 2026. On this episode of American Ground Radio, we dig into the real story behind Louisiana’s massive $47 billion state budget—and why the headline number doesn’t tell you what’s actually happening. We break down how years of federal COVID-era funding artificially inflated spending, and why this latest budget represents a quiet but important course correction as lawmakers begin the difficult process of bringing spending back in line with reality. It’s not a dramatic cut, but it is a shift—and we explain why that matters for taxpayers, state agencies, and the future of Louisiana’s economy. Then we sit down with State Representative Raymond Crews to discuss his bold new legislation aimed at protecting employees from being fired over so-called “misgendering.” We get into the language of the bill, the legal and cultural implications, and the broader debate over free speech, workplace liability, and whether government should be enforcing compelled speech. It’s a thoughtful, direct conversation about rights, truth, and where the line should be drawn.In our “Top 3 Things You Need to Know,” we cover a shocking audit revealing Louisiana is spending $92,000 per year per child in the foster care system, a legal battle over the closure of an under-enrolled high school in Lafayette Parish, and an urgent reminder about voter registration deadlines ahead of Louisiana’s upcoming closed primaries.And speaking of those primaries, we go deep into the controversy surrounding Senator Bill Cassidy and reports that he’s encouraging Democrats to switch party affiliation in order to vote in the Republican primary. We break down what he said, what it means for the integrity of party politics, and whether this strategy undermines the very purpose of closed primaries.All that and more as we continue fighting for truth, common sense, and the American way—right here on American Ground Radio.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for April 10, 2026. We kick things off with a bill that has every free speech and religious liberty advocate in Louisiana paying attention — House Bill 1137 would prohibit private employers from firing or disciplining employees who refuse to use pronouns that don't match a colleague's biological sex. We dig into what this bill actually does, why the language of the debate matters as much as the debate itself, and why no employer in Louisiana should ever be able to fire someone for telling the truth.Then we walk you through all five constitutional amendments on the May 16th ballot so you know exactly what you're voting on before you walk into the booth. We break down the $2,250 teacher pay raise funded by constitutional trust funds, the proposal to raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75, the St. George Community School System amendment that would finally give parents in East Baton Rouge Parish control over their own kids' education, the civil service reform amendment that would give state agencies more flexibility to manage poor performers, and the inventory tax amendment that could make Louisiana significantly more competitive for business recruitment. We give you our take on all five. In our Digging Deep segment, three new polls drop in the Louisiana U.S. Senate race and the results are striking — two of the three show Bill Cassidy in third place and potentially not even making the runoff. We break down what Letlow's polls show, what Fleming's poll shows, why the fact that Cassidy's team hasn't released their own poll may be the most telling data point of all, and what the whisper campaign to get Democrats to switch their registration and vote in the Republican primary could mean for the outcome. Plus — even if Cassidy makes the runoff, we explain why his own numbers suggest he loses by double digits every single time.We also get into the QR code inspection sticker debate that's moving through the Louisiana legislature. We make the case that everything the QR code is supposed to do can already be done with a license plate — and we prove it with the story of a Destrehan man who built an elaborate pulley system powered by a car battery to steal copper wiring from the Esplanade Mall, only to get caught because the mall's cameras read his license plate while he was on his lunch break.And we wrap up with the growing national trend of Democrats switching their party registration to Republican so they can influence Republican primaries in red states — it's happening in Ohio, Virginia, and right here in Louisiana. We ask the question: what does it say about a party when its own members have to pretend to be something they're not just to have a seat at the table?Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for April 9, 2026. We open with a story that is far from over — Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrell is taking her fight against the FDA's abortion pill rules to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. We break down why a federal judge who admitted Louisiana is likely to win and is already suffering irreparable harm still refused to block the FDA's mifepristone distribution rules, why that decision makes no legal sense, and why Liz Murrell's appeal to the Fifth Circuit may actually be the faster path to the right outcome. One in ten women who take this pill end up in the emergency room. There is no other drug in America the FDA allows to be dispensed this way. We also dig into the falling U.S. birth rate — 3.6 million births in 2025, down another one percent from the year before, and 22,000 fewer babies than the previous year. We connect the dots between loosened abortion pill restrictions, the cultural pressure on young women to delay marriage and family, and what the data actually says about happiness, fertility, and the consequences of waiting too long.Then we take a deep dive into a story that tells you everything you need to know about where Louisiana is politically right now. The Louisiana GOP released data showing that over the last ten years, Democrats in the state have lost 261,000 registered voters while Republicans have gained 234,000. A gap that was once half a million votes is now down to just 15,000. We talk about what drove that shift, what it means for future elections, and why the National Democrat Party's hard left turn on energy, law enforcement, and social issues is the real engine behind Louisiana's political transformation.In our Digging Deep segment, we break down the debate over Louisiana's minimum wage — a House Labor Committee just killed a bill to raise it to $12 an hour — and we get into exactly why mandating higher wages doesn't help the people it's supposed to help. We use Milton Friedman's economic framework to explain what actually happens when government sets a price floor on labor, and we make the case that workforce training and skills development are the only real path to higher wages that actually stick.We also get into the Louisiana legislature's debate over whether to sanction cheerleading, dance, and lacrosse as official high school sports — and why competitive cheerleading in 2026 has absolutely nothing in common with the sideline squads of the 1950s. Plus, a new bill would require anyone acting as an agent for a student athlete's Name, Image, and Likeness deals to register with the state of Louisiana. We debate whether this is reasonable consumer protection or just another layer of government getting in the way of free enterprise.And we close out with New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani's new racial equity plan — which would tax homeowners in what he explicitly describes as richer and whiter neighborhoods at higher rates. We call it what it is, connect it to the broken promise of free buses, and ask the question nobody in the New York media seems willing to ask.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

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 for April 8, 2026. We open with a big economic development story for Louisiana — state lawmakers are moving fast on a pair of bills designed to lure major aerospace companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin to Louisiana with serious tax incentives. We break down exactly what House Bills 1088 and 1179 offer, why Governor Landry is all in, and whether this is smart economic policy or just states getting into a bidding war with taxpayer money. We also dig into Louisiana's existing role in the Artemis space program and what it would actually mean for jobs, supply chains, and the state's economy if a billion-dollar aerospace giant chose to plant its flag here.Then we get into a gun rights story that should have every Second Amendment supporter in Louisiana paying attention. State Senator Regina Barrow introduced a bill that would have made it a felony — punishable by up to six months in prison — for gun owners to not keep their firearms locked in a safe at all times, even in their own homes, even for self-defense. We walk through exactly why this bill was not just unconstitutional overreach but practically dangerous, and why the Republicans who killed it in committee on a 5-1 vote made exactly the right call.Next, political analyst and host of the Joe Cunningham Show on KPEL in Lafayette joins us live to break down the Louisiana U.S. Senate race with the primary just weeks away. Joe makes the case that John Fleming has the highest ceiling of any candidate in the race but that his own campaign may be its own worst enemy. We also dig into why Julia Letlow's failure to introduce herself to Louisiana voters let Bill Cassidy write her story for her, and why the DEI video from her ULM interview is still doing damage. Joe looks into his crystal ball on who makes the runoff — and the answer may surprise you.We also tackle Louisiana's inactive voter list and the nearly 500,000 names on it, what Secretary of State Nancy Landry is actually saying about whether those voters can still cast a ballot, and why one of our listeners thinks the Secretary of State may be saying something that contradicts state law. We get into provisional ballots, voter roll maintenance, and why keeping Louisiana's elections clean is not voter suppression — it's basic common sense.And we close out with a fun game — which states have the highest and lowest gas prices in America right now, with the national average sitting at $4.16 a gallon? The results are about as predictable as you'd expect, and we walk through the full top and bottom ten so you know exactly which states to thank and which ones to avoid at the pump.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!