Episodios

  • What Candidates Avoid Says Everything

    What Candidates Avoid Says Everything
    Mar 19 2026
    Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.

    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show March 18, 2026.

    We open today’s show with a simple idea: if you really want to understand a candidate, don’t just listen to what they say—watch what they do… and what they avoid. That brings us straight into Louisiana’s Senate race, where the debate over debates is telling us everything. Who’s willing to show up? Who’s setting conditions? And what does that say about who thinks they’re winning—and who still has something to prove?

    From there, we hit the “Three Things You Need to Know,” including an oil spill that’s shutting down oyster harvesting in parts of the state, new findings on non-citizens showing up on Louisiana’s voter rolls, and a statewide push to celebrate America’s 250th birthday through acts of service and community pride.

    We also spend time on a major shift happening in the workforce. Louisiana lawmakers are starting to recognize what many already see: the future isn’t just white-collar—it’s blue-collar too. So why aren’t we investing more in trade education, apprenticeships, and the jobs that are actually in demand?

    Then we get into something deeper—fatherhood. Not policy. Not programs. Culture. What happens when fathers aren’t in the home, and why throwing money at the problem won’t fix what’s really broken.

    Plus, we cover:
    • The surprising—and deadly—start to the Amtrak Mardi Gras rail line
    • Why Louisiana’s culture and music story is bigger than just New Orleans
    • A breakdown of minimum wage by state—and what the numbers really reveal
    • And a heated conversation about “voter suppression” and whether it actually exists
    It’s one of those episodes where everything connects—politics, culture, responsibility, and the bigger question of where we’re headed as a state and a country.

    Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

    Louisiana shuts down some oyster harvesting areas after oil spill raises contamination fears

    Lafayette launches "250 Acts of Pride or Service"


    Governor Landry releases video about John Fleming on Carbon Capture, loyalty to Trump
    Más Menos
    42 m
  • No Paper Trail, No Trust? Louisiana’s Voting System Challenged

    No Paper Trail, No Trust? Louisiana’s Voting System Challenged
    Mar 19 2026
    Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.

    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show March 17, 2026.

    In this episode of American Ground Radio, we start close to home with a major lawsuit in Louisiana that raises serious questions about election integrity and transparency.

    We break down the challenge to the state’s voting system—one that relies entirely on electronic machines with no paper trail—and ask a fundamental question: if elections are supposed to be public and verifiable, how can voters trust a system they can’t actually see? It’s not about left vs. right—it’s about confidence in the process itself.

    We also cover the top three things you need to know before tomorrow, including billions needed to fix New Orleans’ water system, local governments looking to sell off public parks, and taxpayer dollars being handed to a pro football team—sparking a bigger conversation about priorities and accountability.

    Then we head to Baton Rouge for an inside look at the legislative session, featuring an interview with State Representative Raymond Cruz. From property rights and carbon capture debates to school choice and innovative ideas like gold-backed transactions, we explore the big ideas shaping Louisiana’s future.

    In our Digging Deep segment, we take a closer look at a new Senate race poll—and why every candidate seems to be “winning” depending on who paid for the numbers. We break down what push polling really is, what the data actually tells us, and why the only consistent trend might surprise you.

    We also tackle a tough and thought-provoking issue: whether terminally ill inmates should be granted early release. Is it compassion—or does it undermine justice? It’s a powerful discussion about where accountability ends and mercy begins.

    And in the final stretch, we push back on media narratives surrounding immigration and labor shortages. Are industries really struggling because of visa limits—or is there a bigger story about wages, workforce participation, and enforcing the law?


    Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!
    Más Menos
    42 m
  • A New Louisiana Law About Walking and Phones?

    A New Louisiana Law About Walking and Phones?
    Mar 17 2026
    Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.

    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show March 16, 2026.

    On today’s episode, we start with a simple question that turns into a much bigger conversation about freedom: Do you have the right to be an idiot? It sounds funny, but it leads us straight into a real debate happening in the Louisiana Legislature. Lawmakers are considering a proposal that would fine pedestrians for looking at their phones while crossing the street. We talk about why distracted walking is definitely a bad idea—but also why not every bad decision needs to be turned into a law. In a free society, sometimes the freedom to make mistakes is part of the deal.

    From there we run the issue through the lens of the United States Declaration of Independence and the idea of personal responsibility. When government starts legislating common sense, where does it stop? We explore how the “nanny state” mindset can creep into everyday life—and why consequences, not regulations, are often the best teacher.

    In the Top Three Things You Need to Know Before Tomorrow, we cover a financial crisis in New Orleans that has city leaders asking the sewer and water board to return $14 million in unused funds, the sale of the tallest building in Shreveport after years of financial trouble, and a new $1.4 billion project in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana that aims to turn garbage and crop waste into jet fuel—creating high-paying jobs while pushing new energy technology forward.

    We discuss a serious bill backed by Liz Murrill and Senator Heather Cloud that would criminalize AI-generated child exploitation material. As artificial intelligence evolves faster than the law, we explain why updating the rules may be necessary to keep predators from exploiting new technology.

    In our Digging Deep segment, we break down a proposal from Senator Regina Barrow to raise Louisiana’s minimum wage and why the economics behind minimum wage laws often ignore how businesses actually hire workers—especially those trying to get their very first job.

    We also tackle claims that immigration enforcement under Donald Trump is causing a labor shortage in Louisiana’s crawfish industry. Is that really a crisis—or is the labor market simply adjusting in a way that could benefit American workers?

    And finally, we look at a proposal from Governor Jeff Landry to position Louisiana for the future of nuclear energy as demand for electricity skyrockets.

    From personal freedom and government overreach to jobs, energy, and the future of technology, we cover it all at American Ground Radio.

    Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!

    New Orleans asks SWBNO to return $14M amid cash crunch

    Regions Tower in downtown Shreveport sold to Wilmington Trust for more than $15 million

    $1.4B St. Charles facility plans to make jet fuel from waste materials


    Senate bill proposed to raise state minimum wage
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    42 m
  • Expecting More from Louisiana: Raising the Bar After Decades of Decline

    Expecting More from Louisiana: Raising the Bar After Decades of Decline
    Mar 16 2026
    Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.

    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show March 13, 2026.

    In this episode of American Ground Radio, we take a closer look at how public money is being spent in Louisiana—and why transparency matters more than ever.

    We start with a jaw-dropping report out of LSU, where thousands of taxpayer-funded purchasing cards have been used to rack up hundreds of millions of dollars in spending. From travel and research costs to eye-catching expenses like limousine services and more than $250,000 at Chick-fil-A, the conversation quickly turns to a bigger question: when a public university is spending that kind of money, how much oversight should taxpayers expect? The issue becomes even more urgent as journalists sue the university for records related to direct payments to college athletes, raising major questions about accountability, NIL rules, and the public’s right to know how state funds are used.

    From there, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. Voters head to the polls in special legislative elections, Lafayette Parish prepares to convert a struggling high school into a workforce innovation academy, and the state’s education leaders push lawmakers to continue funding a $30 million tutoring initiative designed to help students who have fallen behind.

    We also examine Louisiana’s political and economic momentum following Governor Jeff Landry’s recent State of the State address. Supporters argue the state is beginning to see the payoff from conservative reforms—lower taxes, declining insurance rates, and a renewed focus on economic freedom. The discussion dives into whether Louisiana is finally breaking free from what some describe as a “culture of mediocrity” and raising expectations for what the state can achieve.

    We dig into the State of the City address in Shreveport, where Mayor Tom Arceneaux highlights falling crime rates, neighborhood revitalization efforts, infrastructure projects, and improved city finances. The conversation explores whether these changes signal a genuine turnaround for the city.

    We also uncover the shocking details behind a staged crash fraud scheme in New Orleans, where a witness testified that intentionally crashing into 18-wheelers to file lawsuits was “easier than selling drugs.” The case sheds light on how fraud and legal loopholes have driven Louisiana’s insurance rates higher for years—and why reforms may finally begin to change that.

    Plus, we compare gas prices across the country, revealing a stark red-state vs. blue-state divide, and take a look at housing trends showing New Orleans homeowners are holding onto their properties longer than almost anywhere else in the country.

    From government transparency and education policy to crime, economics, and the future of Louisiana, this episode covers the stories shaping the state—and what they mean for taxpayers and families across the region.

    Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!


    Louisiana special legislative general election voter's guide

    LPSB votes to close Ovey Comeaux High School

    BESE requests funding for tutoring programs

    Shreveport mayor highlights economic growth, crime reduction
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    42 m
  • Should Louisiana Double Funding for School Choice?

    Should Louisiana Double Funding for School Choice?
    Mar 13 2026
    Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.

    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show March 12, 2026.

    We dive into one of the biggest debates in Louisiana right now: school choice and the future of the LA Gator program. Governor Jeff Landry wants to double funding for the program, expanding opportunities for families to choose private or homeschool options for their kids. Supporters say it empowers parents and helps students escape failing schools. Critics warn the model may not be financially sustainable. So the real question becomes: Is the state ready to prioritize school choice—and how do we pay for it?

    We also examine the political tension surrounding the issue, including why some leaders in the Louisiana Legislature appear reluctant to expand the program and what that says about conservative priorities like education reform and lower taxes. From there, we break down several major stories shaping Louisiana right now:
    • FEMA disaster declarations following the devastating January ice storm across North Louisiana
    • Infrastructure problems in New Orleans, where aging water pipes continue flooding city streets
    • A controversial Louisiana Supreme Court decision allowing a judicial candidate back on the ballot despite questions about unpaid taxes
    The conversation also turns to Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race, where endorsements, political maneuvering, and behind-the-scenes pressure raise questions about whether the field is being cleared for a preferred candidate—and whether voters like feeling that way.

    Later in the show, we explore the changing world of college athletics, where universities like LSU can now directly pay athletes millions under new rules following the House v. NCAA settlement. But if taxpayer-funded universities are paying players, should the public have the right to see exactly where that money is going?

    And because it’s Louisiana, the discussion eventually gets… a little more unusual. From the explosion of specialty license plates lawmakers are debating to a proposal that could open the door to recreational alligator hunting, we take a look at some of the stranger—and surprisingly serious—issues making their way through the legislature.

    It’s a wide-ranging conversation about education, politics, transparency, and the priorities shaping Louisiana’s future—all right here on American Ground Radio.

    Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!
    Más Menos
    42 m
  • AI Panic in Baton Rouge: Lawmakers Rush to Regulate the Future

    AI Panic in Baton Rouge: Lawmakers Rush to Regulate the Future
    Mar 13 2026
    Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.

    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show March 11, 2026.

    We dive into the rapidly growing debate over artificial intelligence—and why lawmakers in Baton Rouge are suddenly pushing dozens of AI-related bills at once. With proposals ranging from regulating AI in political ads to limiting how insurance companies use algorithms in healthcare decisions, the question becomes: how much oversight is too much? And could aggressive state regulation actually cost Louisiana hundreds of millions in federal broadband funding tied to innovation and technology development?

    We also explore how artificial intelligence is already affecting real-world decisions—from health insurance approvals to political messaging—and whether human oversight should always be required when machines are making calls that impact people’s lives.

    Plus, we break down the three big stories you need to know before tomorrow:
    • Why more than 30 auto insurance companies are asking regulators for permission to lower rates for drivers in Louisiana.
    • A new aviation pilot program that could bring futuristic air taxis to the state.
    • And the progress being made to turn the lights back on across New Orleans as city leaders tackle thousands of broken streetlights.
    Later in the show, we debate Governor Jeff Landry’s proposal to replace Louisiana’s traditional vehicle inspection stickers with a modern QR-code system—raising questions about efficiency, enforcement, and privacy in a world where databases already know more about our cars than we might think.

    In our Digging Deep segment, we examine the controversial push for carbon capture projects in Louisiana. Supporters say it could help expand American energy exports and satisfy international climate demands, while critics warn the technology depends heavily on government subsidies and could pose serious risks to nearby communities.

    We also look at rising geopolitical tensions after Kim Jong Un publicly backed the new leadership in Iran, sparking another round of questions about dictators supporting dictators—and what that means for global stability.

    From AI regulation and healthcare decisions to energy policy, technology, and international politics, we're covering the stories shaping the future—and the debates that come with them.

    Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!
    Más Menos
    42 m
  • 287 Chickens and a Goat: Kennedy's Warning About Political Power

    287 Chickens and a Goat: Kennedy's Warning About Political Power
    Mar 12 2026
    Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.

    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show March 10, 2026.

    We start with a line that perfectly captures the moment: “287 chickens and a goat.” Louisiana Senator John Kennedy used that phrase on the Senate floor to describe the kind of country where political leaders threaten businesses simply for working with the current administration. It’s funny on the surface—but the warning behind it is serious. What happens when political power is used to intimidate corporations, silence opposition, and punish the “wrong” political alliances?

    From there we dive into some of the biggest stories shaping Louisiana and the country. Three Baton Rouge judges file a lawsuit over judicial district boundaries, Lafayette schools prepare to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, and a federal program expands efforts to give Louisiana gun owners free gun safes to promote responsible storage.

    We also take a closer look at Governor Jeff Landry’s plan to raise teacher pay without raising taxes—a proposal that focuses on paying down debt in the teachers’ retirement system to create permanent raises instead of one-time stipends. It’s a fiscal strategy that sparks a broader conversation about conservative principles, government priorities, and why opportunities for reform sometimes slip away even when one party controls the legislature.

    Then there’s the never-ending saga of Louisiana infrastructure. A new Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge is now delayed another decade while the state spends millions more studying it. If everyone agrees the bridge is needed, why can’t it actually get built?

    In our Digging Deep segment, we examine the early success of Amtrak’s Mardi Gras route between Mobile and New Orleans—strong ridership numbers that still don’t solve the bigger question: if the trains are nearly full, why are taxpayers still footing the bill?

    We also break down upcoming Louisiana constitutional amendments, new efforts to address homelessness in New Orleans, and surprising new education data showing something few people expected: Mississippi and Louisiana leading the nation in academic improvement.
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    42 m
  • Drone Scare at Barksdale and North Louisiana Earthquakes

    Drone Scare at Barksdale and North Louisiana Earthquakes
    Mar 10 2026
    Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.

    You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show March 9, 2026.

    We start with a moment that got everyone’s attention across north Louisiana—a sudden shelter-in-place order at Barksdale Air Force Base. When a base that houses Air Force Global Strike Command and the 2nd Bomb Wing locks down, it raises serious questions. We break down what happened after a drone was spotted in restricted airspace, why drones have become a real security concern in modern warfare, and why a base that plays a critical role in America’s nuclear deterrent has zero tolerance for anything flying where it shouldn’t.

    From there, we run through the Three Things You Need to Know Before Tomorrow—including the start of the Louisiana legislative session and Jeff Landry outlining his priorities for the state. Lawmakers are facing a packed agenda with more than a thousand bills filed, covering everything from court reform and government waste to changes in vehicle inspection requirements and education policy. We also talk about the ongoing infrastructure struggles in New Orleans, where yet another water main break flooded neighborhoods and triggered a citywide boil-water advisory for the East Bank—raising fresh questions about the future of the city’s water system and who should control it.

    Later in the show, we dig into several proposals coming out of the legislative session, including the debate over expanding the Louisiana GATOR Scholarship Program and whether school choice should operate alongside—or instead of—the current public education funding model. The conversation turns to Medicaid budget gaps, government spending priorities, and how lawmakers should tackle waste, fraud, and abuse in state government.

    We also explore new proposals aimed at public safety and infrastructure—from making extreme speeding a felony offense to requiring stronger, hurricane-resistant roofs on new homes in coastal parishes.

    Plus, we unpack some of the science behind recent earthquakes felt in north Louisiana. Are they natural, or could wastewater injection wells tied to energy production be playing a role? And what does that mean as debates grow over carbon capture projects and property rights?

    Finally, we take a look at a new global ranking from The Heritage Foundation on economic freedom—where countries like Singapore and Switzerland top the list while North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela fall at the bottom. The surprising part? The United States isn’t even in the top 20.

    It’s a wide-ranging episode covering national security, state politics, infrastructure challenges, and the policies shaping the future—right here on American Ground Radio.

    Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!
    Más Menos
    42 m