Newell Normand

We dive into the economy, including the latest on the war in Iran, the crisis in the bond market, a potential rate hike by the Fed, and a return to simpler times: the mall.

This hour, Newell has on Walt Leger III, President & CEO of New Orleans & Company, to talk about the huge fall season ahead, from Bruno Mars at the Superdome and the James Beard Taste America kickoff to the National Fried Chicken Festival, Yelp’s recognition of New Orleans as America’s #1 Foodie City, and a blockbuster convention calendar bringing visitors and dollars to the city. Then, Sig Greenebaum, founder of NOLAxNOLA & CEO of Sigfest Events, joins the show to preview more than 300 live performances, the historic 106.7 The End radio reunion, and the new $175 “Curated” golden ticket pass.

This hour, Newell has on Michael Hecht of GNO Inc. to discuss Sicona Battery Technologies investing $10.3 million to build its first U.S. facility and headquarters in New Orleans East, national site selectors saying Louisiana's run of megaprojects is changing how corporate scouts view the state, the Downtown Development District starting Canal Street Phase II, and more. Then, Leslie Jacobs, a longtime New Orleans education reformer, joins the show to discuss education data that shows New Orleans public schools have made major gains since 2005: K-8 schools now rank #1 in Louisiana for academic growth, high schools jumped from next-to-last to mid-pack on state tests, and grads earning TOPS scholarships more than doubled.

Leslie Jacobs, a longtime New Orleans education reformer, joins Newell to discuss education data that shows New Orleans public schools have made major gains since 2005: K-8 schools now rank #1 in Louisiana for academic growth, high schools jumped from next-to-last to mid-pack on state tests, and grads earning TOPS scholarships more than doubled.

This hour, Newell speaks with Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodfork about critical jail population management tactics, including expanding summonses for non-violent offenses, speeding up case processing, and bringing on former DOC Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc as a senior advisor for consent decree compliance. Then, Julia Fisher-Cormier, Executive Director of the Port of South Louisiana, joins the show for an inside look at Louisiana’s critical role in global trade, the state’s first-ever strategic investment plan for all 32 ports, and the economic impact of the Lower Mississippi River.

Executive Director of the Port of South Louisiana, sits with Newell to share an inside look at Louisiana’s critical role in global trade, the state’s first-ever strategic investment plan for all 32 ports, and the economic impact of the Lower Mississippi River.

Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodfork joins Newell to talk about critical jail population management tactics, including expanding summonses for non-violent offenses, speeding up case processing, and bringing on former DOC Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc as a senior advisor for consent decree compliance.

On today's show, Dave Cohen speaks with Blaine Fisher, Tulane AI strategist, to unpack what is really happening on the front lines of artificial intelligence, how to navigate the ethical crossroad, what controls need to be put in place, and what ordinary people need to know to stay ahead in an automated world. Then, Brenda Douglas, Dean of the Program of Nursing at the Tulane School of Medicine, joins Dave to discuss how Tulane is using high-fidelity simulation labs to prepare nursing students to address critical shortages in just 16 months. Also, David Courcelle, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, joins the show to break down the exact impact of "Operation Summer Heat 2.0," the multi-agency sweep that took direct aim at the most dangerous street gangs and repeat offenders, and what it means for the safety of your neighborhood. Finally, Valerie Cicero and Sue Stein, co-chairs of My Sunset on the Bucktown Boardwalk, join the show to talk about how the efforts are going to redevelop the prime waterfront in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes and invite you to join an unforgettable evening at the Bucktown Boardwalk for a signature celebration taking place on September 18th.

This hour, Dave Cohen is joined by David Courcelle, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, to break down the exact impact of "Operation Summer Heat 2.0," the multi-agency sweep that took direct aim at the most dangerous street gangs and repeat offenders, and what it means for the safety of your neighborhood. Then, Valerie Cicero and Sue Stein, co-chairs of My Sunset on the Bucktown Boardwalk, join the show to talk about how the efforts are going to redevelop the prime waterfront in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes and invite you to join an unforgettable evening at the Bucktown Boardwalk for a signature celebration taking place on September 18th.

Valerie Cicero and Sue Stein, co-chairs of My Sunset on the Bucktown Boardwalk, join Dave Cohen to talk about how the efforts are going to redevelop the prime waterfront in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes and invite you to join an unforgettable evening at the Bucktown Boardwalk for a signature celebration taking place on September 18th.

The FBI’s New Orleans Field Office has just released the official breakdown of Operation Summer Heat 2.0. The multi-agency sweep took direct aim at the most dangerous street gangs and repeat offenders terrorizing communities across the Eastern District of Louisiana. U.S. Attorney David Courcelle joins Dave to break down the exact impact of this massive federal crackdown and what it means for the safety of your neighborhood.

This hour, Dave Cohen opens the phone lines, and the WWL listeners chime in with their concerns about out-of-control AI. Then, Brenda Douglas, Dean of the Program of Nursing at the Tulane School of Medicine, joins the show to discuss how Tulane is using high-fidelity simulation labs to prepare nursing students to address critical shortages in just 16 months.

Brenda Douglas, Dean of the Program of Nursing at the Tulane School of Medicine, joins Dave Cohen to discuss how Tulane is using high-fidelity simulation labs to prepare nursing students to address critical shortages in just 16 months.

While it sounds like a movie plot, AI companies and industry insiders warn that failing to apply curbs and safety guardrails to artificial intelligence could lead to a loss of human control, autonomous swarms taking over the internet, and existential threats like human extinction. This hour, Dr. Blaine Fisher, Tulane AI strategist, joins Dave Cohen to unpack what is really happening on the front lines of artificial intelligence, how to navigate the ethical crossroad, what controls need to be put in place, and what ordinary people need to know to stay ahead in an automated world.

On today's show, Dave Cohen speaks with media historian Dr. Jared Browsh to look at how we went from three television networks to cable to an endless world of algorithm-driven content and what that media evolution is doing to our culture and our connection to each other. Then, TigerDetails.com columnist Ron Higgins joins Dave to break down LSU’s showdown with Louisiana Tech. What worked? What didn't? And what does their performance indicate about the Tigers' upcoming matchup with Ole Miss? Also, Jeff Nowak, WWL Saints Sideline Reporter & Digital Content Producer, to bring direct insight right off the field to analyze the key turning points and locker room reaction of the fallout from the Saints’ battle against the Detroit Lions and what this performance signals for New Orleans moving forward. Finally, Guy Williams, Chairman & CEO of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust, to discuss the effect the conflict with Iran has on oil and gas prices, how Dolly Parton built an absolute business empire, and more.

This hour, Dave Cohen is joined by Guy Williams, Chairman & CEO of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust, to discuss the effect the conflict with Iran has on oil and gas prices, how Dolly Parton built an absolute business empire, the new legal battlefield taking shape between D.C. and Beijing over tech, tariffs, and trade regulation, the logistical nightmare of how an airline actually winds down operations following Spirit’s shutdown, and the surprisingly bizarre tie-breakers election officials use to declare a winner.

This hour, Dave Cohen has on TigerDetails.com columnist Ron Higgins to break down LSU’s showdown with Louisiana Tech, and what does their performance indicate about the Tigers' upcoming matchup with Ole Miss? Then, Jeff Nowak, WWL Saints Sideline Reporter & Digital Content Producer, joins the show to bring direct insight right off the field to analyze the key turning points and locker room reaction of the fallout from the Saints’ battle against the Detroit Lions and what this performance signals for New Orleans moving forward.

Jeff Nowak joins Dave Cohen to bring direct insight right off the field to analyze the key turning points and locker room reaction of the fallout from the Saints’ battle against the Detroit Lions and what this performance signals for New Orleans moving forward.

TigerDetails.com columnist Ron Higgins joins Dave to break down LSU’s showdown with Louisiana Tech. What worked? What didn't? And what does their performance indicate about the Tigers' upcoming matchup with Ole Miss?

This hour, Dave Cohen speaks with media historian Dr. Jared Browsh to look at how we went from three television networks to cable to an endless world of algorithm-driven content and what that media evolution is doing to our culture and our connection to each other.

From gathering around one TV set to watching personalized streams on our phones, the way we consume television has completely changed. Media historian Dr. Jared Browsh joins Dave Cohen to look at how we went from three networks to cable to an endless world of algorithm-driven content and what that evolution is doing to our culture and our connection to each other.

On today's show, Dave Cohen and the WWL listeners remember September 11th, 2001, 25 years ago. Then, Dave has on Craig Wiles, Tulane Adjunct Professor, to talk about how the landscape of modern terrorism is fundamentally reshaping our global world, Billy Shanks, retired District Chief of the New Orleans Fire Department District, to share his extraordinary firsthand account of traveling to New York, the devastation he witnessed, and the powerful bond between firefighters that crossed state lines in our nation’s darkest hours, Chris Blair, Voice of the LSU Tigers, to preview the Tigers’ battle with Louisiana Tech inside Tiger Stadium, and Mike Hoss, Voice of the New Orleans Saints, to preview the Saints' season opener against the Lions in Detroit.

Mike Hoss, Voice of the New Orleans Saints, joins Dave Cohen to preview the Saints' season opener against the Lions in Detroit.

Dave Cohen has on Chris Blair, Voice of the LSU Tigers, to preview the Tigers’ battle with Louisiana Tech inside Tiger Stadium.

This hour, Dave Cohen opens the phone lines and allows the WWL listeners to chime in with their thoughts and memories of September 11th, 2001, 25 years later.

This hour, Dave Cohen speaks with Craig Wiles, Tulane Adjunct Professor, about how the landscape of modern terrorism is fundamentally reshaping our global world. Then, Billy Shanks, retired District Chief of the New Orleans Fire Department District, joins the show to share his extraordinary firsthand account of traveling to New York, the devastation he witnessed, and the powerful bond between firefighters that crossed state lines in our nation’s darkest hours.

When terror struck on September 11th, four New Orleans firefighters didn't wait for orders; they simply packed their gear and headed straight toward Ground Zero to stand alongside their fallen brothers. Former New Orleans Fire Department District Chief Billy Shanks joins Dave to share his incredible, firsthand account of taking the ultimate leap of solidarity, revealing the haunting memories and quiet heroism he witnessed amidst the ash and devastation.

From the tragic 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie to the world-shifting horrors of 9/11 and the rapidly evolving security threats we face today, the landscape of modern terrorism has fundamentally reshaped our global world. Craig Wiles, Tulane Adjunct Professor, joins Dave Cohen to track this complex, decades-long evolution and discuss how extremist tactics have adapted over the years, what historical intelligence failures taught us, and what immediate, emerging threats security officials are keeping a watchful eye on right now—stay tuned for an insightful discussion you won't want to miss.

On today's show, Newell broadcasts LIVE from East Jefferson YMCA in Metairie for “Healthy Aging Day,” a free event for older adults and caregivers that features wellness workshops from Primary Care Plus, such as group exercise classes, giveaways, breakfast, and lunch. Newell has on Dr. Brent Wallis, Chief Medical Officer for Primary Care Plus, to talk about the keys to staying healthy, active, and independent as we age, and the simple steps older adults can take now to improve their quality of life. Kerri Diaz, Executive Director of the YMCA, to take us inside the free Healthy Aging Day celebration featuring wellness workshops, group exercise classes, giveaways, breakfast, lunch, and plenty of opportunities to connect with the community, Dr. Jospeh Romito of Primary Care Plus family medicine physician to share practical advice for healthy aging and explains why regular preventive care can make such a big difference in helping seniors feel their best and stay on the move, Eva Waites, Senior Activities Coordinator for the YMCA, to explain how staying socially connected and physically active can keep life fun, fulfilling, and healthy at every age, and Lois Shurden, a senior member of the YMCA, to give a member’s perspective of "The Y," hear what keeps her coming back, how the YMCA has become part of her healthy lifestyle, and why staying active is about so much more than exercise, and Gordon Wadge, President & CEO of YMCA New Orleans, and Albert J. Robichaux, Jr. Executive Director & CEO of the Jefferson Council on Aging (JCOA).

Newell broadcasts LIVE from East Jefferson YMCA in Metairie for “Healthy Aging Day,” a free event for older adults and caregivers that features wellness workshops from Primary Care Plus. This hour, Newell has on Lois Shurden, a senior member of the YMCA, to give a member’s perspective of "The Y," hear what keeps her coming back, how the YMCA has become part of her healthy lifestyle, and why staying active is about so much more than exercise, and Gordon Wadge, President & CEO of YMCA New Orleans, and Albert J. Robichaux, Jr. Executive Director & CEO of the Jefferson Council on Aging (JCOA).

Newell broadcasts LIVE from East Jefferson YMCA in Metairie for “Healthy Aging Day,” a free event for older adults and caregivers that features wellness workshops from Primary Care Plus. This hour, Newell has on Dr. Jospeh Romito, Primary Care Plus family medicine physician, to share practical advice for healthy aging and explains why regular preventive care can make such a big difference in helping seniors feel their best and stay on the move, and Eva Waites, Senior Activities Coordinator for the YMCA, to explain how staying socially connected and physically active can keep life fun, fulfilling, and healthy at every age.

Newell broadcasts LIVE from East Jefferson YMCA in Metairie for “Healthy Aging Day,” a free event for older adults and caregivers that features wellness workshops from Primary Care Plus. This hour, Newell has on Dr. Brent Wallis, Chief Medical Officer for Primary Care Plus, to talk about the keys to staying healthy, active, and independent as we age, and the simple steps older adults can take now to improve their quality of life. Keri Diaz, Executive Director of the YMCA, to take us inside the free Healthy Aging Day celebration featuring wellness workshops, group exercise classes, giveaways, breakfast, lunch, and plenty of opportunities to connect with the community.

On today's show, Newell pushes back against a report by The Washington Post that highlights that ICE has arrested more than half a million people since President Trump returned to office, with roughly 40% of those individuals having no prior criminal convictions or pending charges. Then, Newel has on Dr. Brian Fitzpatrick, Fordham’s National Research Manager, to discuss if high school grades are becoming meaningless in the age of AI and endless screen time, Michael Hecht of GNO Inc. to talk about New Orleans students leading the nation in academic growth, Louisiana's economy picking up real speed, and more, Hansel Gill, Director at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, to discuss Michoud’s 65th Anniversary, Stephanie Turner, Senior Vice President of Convention Sales and Strategies for New Orleans & Company, alongside Elaine Williams, Chief Commercial Officer for the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, to break down the fall convention outlook, unpack the fiercely competitive sales landscape, update us on massive developments like the Omni project and convention center renovations, and explain how the "Built to Host" brand is keeping New Orleans at the top of the global event stage.

Stephanie Turner, Senior Vice President of Convention Sales and Strategies for New Orleans & Company, alongside Elaine Williams, Chief Commercial Officer for the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, are fresh off big national wins in Las Vegas where Stephanie was inducted into the 2026 Smart Women in Meetings Hall of Fame and Elaine was named a 2026 Innovator. This hour, Newell is joined by Stephanie and Elaine to break down the fall convention outlook, unpack the fiercely competitive sales landscape, update us on massive developments like the Omni project and convention center renovations, and explain how the "Built to Host" brand is keeping New Orleans at the top of the global event stage.

This hour, Newell has on Michael Hecht of GNO Inc. to talk about New Orleans students leading the nation in academic growth, Louisiana's economy picking up real speed, Gayle Benson acquiring 909 Poydras Street, and more. Then, Hansel Gill, Director at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, joins the show to talk about Michoud’s 65th Anniversary.

Hansel Gill, Director at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, joins Newell to dtalk about Michoud’s 65th Anniversary.

This hour, Newell pushes back against a report by The Washington Post that highlights that ICE has arrested more than half a million people since President Trump returned to office, with roughly 40% of those individuals having no prior criminal convictions or pending charges. Then, Dr. Brian Fitzpatrick, Fordham’s National Research Manager, joins the show to discuss if high school grades are becoming meaningless in the age of AI and endless screen time.

A new nationally representative study from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute reveals that three-quarters of high school students admit to off-task device use every day in class—from social media to online gambling—while AI is increasingly used to skip learning entirely. Even worse, permissive grading policies like unlimited test retakes and partial credit for missing work are driving widespread grade inflation. Dr. Brian Fitzpatrick, Fordham’s National Research Manager and author of the new report High Tech, Low Standards, joins Newell to dissect how rampant digital distraction and lax academic standards are reshaping the American high school experience.

Newell pushes back against a report by The Washington Post that highlights that ICE has arrested more than half a million people since President Trump returned to office, with roughly 40% of those individuals having no prior criminal convictions or pending charges.

On today's show, Newell makes the case that New Orleans should do more to promote, invest in, and get behind Mardi Gras with the same energy as it would investing in Essence Fest and bidding for a Super Bowl. Then, Newell has on Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill to discuss what the high-stakes Jack Pyburn v. NCAA hearing following a major amicus brief filing on behalf of the state means for the future of college athletics and why state leaders are stepping in to protect local teams from being caught between contempt charges and conference sanctions, Arnel Cosey, CEO of Clover, and Charlena Claiborne Crawford, who recently completed the Medical Assistant program with Clover, discuss the organization’s work to provide early childhood education, adult day care, and family support services, Jeff Nowak, WWL Saints Sideline Reporter & Digital Content Producer, to preview the New Orleans Saints clash with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field for the first game of the regular season and say a few words about the passing of Mike Detillier, and Sean Higgins, Research Fellow with Competitive Enterprise Institute, to discuss why weak job growth, shifting tariff policies, and federal government cuts are creating major friction in the labor market, and why policy uncertainty, not AI, remains the biggest threat to your paycheck. Finally, Newell shares his thoughts on the passing of Mike Detillier.

This hour, Newell is joined by Sean Higgins, Research Fellow with Competitive Enterprise Institute, to discuss why weak job growth, shifting tariff policies, and federal government cuts are creating major friction in the labor market, and why policy uncertainty, not AI, remains the biggest threat to your paycheck. Then, Newell shares his thoughts on the passing of Mike Detillier.

Newell shares his thoughts on the passing of Mike Detillier.

Competitive Enterprise Institute Research Fellow Sean Higgins joins Newell to discuss why weak job growth, shifting tariff policies, and federal government cuts are creating major friction in the labor market, and why policy uncertainty, not AI, remains the biggest threat to your paycheck.

This hour, Newell has on Arnel Cosey, CEO of Clover, and Charlena Claiborne Crawford, who recently completed the Medical Assistant program with Clover, to discuss the organization’s work to provide early childhood education, adult day care, and family support services. Then, Jeff Nowak, WWL Saints Sideline Reporter & Digital Content Producer, joins Newell to preview the New Orleans Saints clash with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field for the first game of the regular season and say a few words about the passing of Mike Detillier.

Jeff Nowak, WWL Saints Sideline Reporter & Digital Content Producer, joins Newell to preview the New Olreans Saints clash with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field for the first game of the regular season and say a few words about the passing of Mike Detillier.

Arnel Cosey, CEO of Clover, and Charlena Claiborne Crawford, who recently completed the Medical Assistant program with Clover, join Newell to discuss the organization’s work to provide early childhood education, adult day care, and family support services, and receiving a $50,000 grant from Shell to expand opportunities for young people in Greater New Orleans.

This hour, Newell makes the case that New Orleans should do more to promote, invest in, and get behind Mardi Gras with the same energy as it would investing in Essence Fest and bidding for a Super Bowl. Then, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill joins the show to discuss what the high-stakes Jack Pyburn v. NCAA hearing following a major amicus brief filing on behalf of the state means for the future of college athletics and why state leaders are stepping in to protect local teams from being caught between contempt charges and conference sanctions.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill joins Newell to discuss what the high-stakes Jack Pyburn v. NCAA hearing following a major amicus brief filing on behalf of the state means for the future of college athletics and why state leaders are stepping in to protect local teams from being caught between contempt charges and conference sanctions.

Newell makes the case that New Orleans should do more to promote, invest in, and get behind Mardi Gras with the same energy as it would investing in Essence Fest and bidding for a Super Bowl.

On today's show, Newell opines on the SEC filing a federal lawsuit against LSU, head football coach Lane Kiffin, and athletic director Verge Ausberry over the university's coordinated push to roster former NFL players. Then, Newell has on Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto to discuss the arrest of the mother of the man accused of running a million-dollar Metairie steroid lab and the new tough penalties for marijuana possession in school zones in Louisiana, Dr. George Singletary, Assistant Professor of Addiction Medicine at Tulane University, to take a closer look at kratom, the increasingly popular herbal substance showing up in smoke shops and gas stations, and examine its opioid-like effects, risk of dependence, the growing danger posed by powerful concentrated extracts, and interactions with other drugs, The legendary "Voice of the LSU Tigers," Chris Blair, to preview the massive season opener at Tiger Stadium between the LSU Tigers and the Clemson Tigers, and Mike Hoss, Voice of the New Orleans Saints, to break down the New Orleans Saints' roster, practice squad decisions, injury moves, and how the Black & Gold are shaping up for Week 1 against the Lions in Detroit.