A Debate About Farm Tariffs • The week began with a visit to New Orleans by President Trump, where he spoke to the American Farm Bureau Federation about tariffs. Dr. Charles Boustany, who has represented south Louisiana in congress for over a decade, was at the event. He has teamed up with a non-partisan campaign called "Tariffs Hurt the Heartland," a movement opposed to the use of tariffs. Dr. Boustany speaks with Andre’ about his concerns for the state farmers. • • What the Government Shutdown Means for Louisiana • The government shutdown has become the longest in U.S. history. Jan Moller of the Louisiana Budget Project, who keeps watch on public policy and how it affects the state’s low to moderate income families, and Marketa Garner Walters from the Department Of Children And Family Services, discuss the impact the shutdown is having on people in Louisiana. • • Layoffs at Georgia-Pacific • Georgia-Pacific’s decision to stop producing office paper at its plant in Port Hudson will mean the layoff of 650 people, and it has experts adding up the losses. An LSU Agriculture Center economic model says the ripple effect could impact more than 2,100 jobs across the state. This calculates to nearly $188 million in labor income. Just over a decade ago, when international paper closed in Bastrop, it cut the heart out of the northeast Louisiana city. Andre’ discusses the current situation with Dr. Jim Richardson, director of public administration at the Ourso College of business at LSU. • •
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A story as familiar to Louisiana as our humidity continues to play out in an area about 30 miles southeast of Baton Rouge. The Spanish Lake sub basin, an ecological jewel, became the workplace of big oil over 80 years ago. One group says that Shell Oil Company drilling has caused salt kills and aquifer contamination. Shell saying it’s not their fault. Andre Moreau talks with Scott Nesbit, Wetland Ecologist, Specialist in the Field and Patrick Courreges, Dept. Of Natural Resources, about the situation. | A report is out this week putting a spotlight on a big number of people in the state who work hard at Low Paying jobs. They have little or no savings and are one emergency from falling into poverty. The ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report details this information. Sarah Berthelot, Head of the Louisiana Association of United Ways, outlines the details and explains why it’s important that every Louisianan understand this news. | Completed in 1939 as part of the new deal’s public works projects, the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport is an architectural jewel built in the ultra-modern style of the time. The museum offers all sorts of fascinating dioramas depicting life in these lands across the centuries. Curator Nita Cole introduces us to many of the museum’s most fascinating exhibits, some of which are not actually dioramas at all.
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Kick off 2019 with a one-on-one comprehensive interview with Governor John Bel Edwards. LPB News Anchor Andre’ Moreau sits down with the Governor as he discusses the Trump Administration’s significant report on climate change and how the state’s coastal restoration experts have, for years, factored in such aspects as sea level rise in the Coastal Master Plan. Plus, the Governor talks about his relationship with the President, the importance of bi-partisanship, the big achievements in healthcare and the economy and challenges ahead. He discusses the Industrial Tax Exemption Program and whether we are seeing any benefits to the reforms that the he ordered. Finally, the Governor discusses his re-election plans and reminisces about how he was brought up, what he learned from his parents and how he carries those lessons with him in his daily life as Louisiana’s Governor.
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Fiscal Cliff, Gun Violence in Schools, Sexual Harassment in State Government, Admissions Exceptions, Blanco Public Policy Center
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Affordable Care Act, Economic Outlook, St. Joseph Cathedral, Governor’s Holiday Decorations | 12/21/18 | Louisiana: The State We're In
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State Department of Health, Climate Change, Sunshine Bridge Update | 12/14/18 | Louisiana: The State We're In
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Governor's Race, Financial Aid, Poverty's Mortal Enemy, Pearl Harbor | 12/07/18 | Louisiana: The State We're In
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State Revenue Forecast, Mental/Addictive Crisis Options, Mary Manhein, Steele Burden
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Governor Edwards talks about Louisiana’s current loss of population during his End of the Year Press Conference.
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A Shreveport native Charlie Cook is the Editor and Publisher of the Cook Political Report, a non-partisan publication that is considered one of the most respected and authoritative newsletters on national and state politics in the country. He spoke at the CABL Annual Meeting. On the heels of the mid-term elections, this is sure to be an interesting, entertaining, and informative program you won’t want to miss.
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What Happened? The 2018 Midterms | Bob Mann | 11/28/18 | Newsmakers
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Louisiana Book Festival Panel Discussion | 11/10/18 | Newsmakers
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Impact of Climate Change on Global Viticulture | Antonio J. Busalacchi, Jr. | 10/31/18 | Newsmakers
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Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Louisiana | Niraj Kumar, Director of Business Engineering
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President Fitts believes students and higher education institutions can set themselves apart in a fast-changing world and ever-shifting economy through the combining of different fields and skills. In his first year at Tulane, he launched task forces to lead the university in deepening its unique strengths for interdisciplinary collaboration.
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J. H. (“Jay”) Campbell, Jr. is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Associated Grocers, Inc. from February 1, 1995, until May 31, 2015, and then was the Executive Chairman, until his retirement in March of 2017. He is currently the Manager of Client Consulting Services, LLC. He began his career at Associated Grocers in 1972 and received a B.S. in Accounting from Louisiana State University (L.S.U.) in 1973, and a Juris Doctor - J.D. from the L.S.U. Law Center in 1976.
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Dr. Shawn Wilson was appointed Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) by Governor John Bel Edwards on January 11, 2016 after more than 10 years of executive service at DOTD. Since his appointment, Dr. Wilson has been a tireless advocate for new revenue, maximizing Federal dollars available to Louisiana, advancing a balanced and comprehensive transportation policy for Louisiana, and ensuring the Department is more collaborative in its work at every level.
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The Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center today examined issues central to the former Louisiana governor’s tenure during its inaugural colloquium. The College of Liberal Arts at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette sponsored. Former U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu moderated. Panelists included Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Dr. Michael Neustrom, Terri Ricks, and Dr. Shawn Wilson.
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Andrew Hundley carries many titles: non-profit organization leader, coalition member, mentor, advocate, college student. But it was not very long ago he also carried the label of being a “juvenile lifer”. This is an informal designation given to the 300 men and women in the Louisiana Department of Corrections who were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for crimes they committed
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With 30 years of healthcare administration experience, Mike McBride joined FMOL Health System in February, 2018 as its President & CEO. FMOL Health System is an integrated health system serving the state of Louisiana. It is a Catholic ministry sponsored by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady and includes $2B of revenue and 14,000 employees.
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Dr. Larissa Littleton-Steib discusses the success of Baton Rouge Community College in the past twenty years.
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The Dinosaur in Your Tree -- An Interesting Look at the Birds that Surround Us
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Dennis Cuneo explains the Disruption in the Auto Industry
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East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore, III, provides an update on the current state of crime in the parish.
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U.S. Senator John Kennedy visits the Baton Rouge Rotary Club
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Coach Ed Orgeron visits to update the beginning of summer camp for the LSU Football Program that begins in Early September.
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Stafford Wood talks about the challenges and issues that come in crisis communication.
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Via Airlines just announced direct flights from Baton Rouge to Austin and Orlando beginning in September. Hear Ami Vizer's answer to the question, "Why are costs less to fly long distances than they are for short flights?"
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Press Conference | Gov. John Bel Edwards | 06/22/2018 | Newsmakers
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Federal Reserve Bank and the Economy | Adrienne Slack | 06/20/18 | Newsmakers
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Jeremy Alford gives an update on the state legislature.
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Lt. General Russel Honoré meets with The Rotatory Club to discuss Safe Drinking Water, its access and issues throughout the country and even within Louisiana
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Congressman Cedric Richmond visits The Rotatory Club after a session in Washington, D.C.
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Governor Edwards Special Session Speech at ULL
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Dr. John Kirwan is Executive Director of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and holds the George A. Bray, Jr. Endowed Super Chair in Nutrition. He also leads the Integrated Physiology and Molecular Metabolism Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical and is the Director/Principal Investigator of the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center.
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Haggai Davis spoke about "Cyber Security: What Can You Do to Protect Yourself and Your Business" at this week's Rotary Club of Baton Rouge meeting.
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Len Apcar came to LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication in 2015 after nearly 40 years as a reporter and editor first for The Wall Street Journal, and later for The New York Times.
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Walter Isaacson delivered the keynote address for the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana in this Newsmakers
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Governor Edwards discussed Louisiana’s economy and the fiscal cliff at the PAR Conference
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Renee Chatelain of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge spoke at this week's Rotary Club of Baton Rouge on "The Deal of the Arts: Baton Rouge's Creative Community."
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“Coca- Cola Journey and Our Road to Diversity” Susanne Hall is the Vice President for the West Region of Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED.
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Anne was born into a middle-class Jewish family in Lodz. She was four years old, with a two-year old younger sister, when the Germans invaded Poland in 1939.
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Governor John Bel Edwards spoke at the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge this week.
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“Strengthening the Trust between BRPD and the Public”
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Chancellor John Pierre spoke at this week's Rotary Club of Baton Rouge about the Southern University Law Center's 70th Anniversary.
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Jim Engster “Louisiana in the Age of President Trump”
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Jim Bernhard ofBernhard Capital Partners spoke at this week's Rotary Club of Baton Rouge on "The Jim Bernhard Story."
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In this week's Newsmakers, Kaylee Hartung speaks on her transition "From Baton Rouge to CNN" at the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge.
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See the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence in this week's Newsmakers.
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Hear about "Louisiana's Redistricting History" in this episode of Newsmakers.
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Attorney General Jeff Landry provided an update in this episode of Newsmakers.
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Sharon Weston Broome, Baton Rouge Mayor-President, delivered her "State of the City-Parish" update.
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Jay Ducote talks about following the path set down by Chef John Folse.
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Jim Bernhard, CEO of Bernhard Capital Partners, addressed the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday, Dec. 10. His topic was infrastructure and what’s next for Baton Rouge.
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Bridge Center Tax Discussion | 12/3/18 | Press Club
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Infrastructure Tax | Mayor Sharon Weston Broome | 11/26/18 | Press Club
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Louisiana Sea Grant | Robert Twilley | 11/19/18 | Press Club
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Larry Carter, head of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, will address the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday, Nov. 12. He will speak about issues surrounding the proposal for a teacher pay raise.
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Political Consultant Roy Fletcher addressed the Press Club. Fletcher, who has done work for four former Louisiana governors and the late presidential candidate John McCain, assessed the significance of votes in the state and across the nation on the eve of the Nov. 6 midterm election. He discussed the current state of voters and their interests, along with the possible Democratic takeover of the House.
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Mike Henderson, director of the LSU Manship School of Communication’s Public Policy Research Lab, spoke about the Cook Political Report-LSU Manship Midterms Poll, which shows that Democrats hold a lead over Republicans in battleground districts that will decide control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Henderson, the lead researcher, discusses the results of the national poll and its impact.
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Johnny Bradberry, chairman of Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), spoke to the Press Club. He discussed the ongoing threat of land loss, current and anticipated revenues to combat the problem, successes achieved to date, and plans for the future by both CPRA and the governor.
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F. King Alexander, LSU president, spoke to the Press Club. He discussed timely and key innovations affecting the university and its ongoing strategic plan as the state’s flagship institution. Alexander also addressed research grants and the need to bring in more students and teachers, continuing to grow the university.
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Five of the candidates seeking the office of Louisiana Secretary of State participated in a candidates forum at the Press Club. Candidates included Kyle Ardoin, Heather Cloud, Rick Edmonds, Renee Fontenot Free and Julie Stokes. They spoke on cyber security, sexual harassment and the State Archives among other issues.
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https://media2.lpb.org/llpc-1438h_ipod.mp4
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Baton Rouge Councilwoman Donna Collins-Lewis spoke to the Press Club, discussing her work with the committee drafting revisions to the plan of government as well as the proposal for a separate council for the city of Baton Rouge.
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Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon spoke on how people can protect themselves and their property as hurricane season hits in full force. He also discussed both homeowners and Car insurance increases over the last decade, as well as the recent issues regarding in health insurance.
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Public Service Commissioner Craig Greene speaks about utility regulation as one of five elected Public Service Commissioners.
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Gene Mills addresses the Louisiana Family Forum Legislative Scorecard, discuss his group’s view of criminal justice reform and assess President Donald Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Press Club with Carolyn McKnight
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Press Club with Ronnie Jones and an Update on Gaming Control within the community
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Tarpley, an advocate for the effort to require unanimous juries in felony convictions, played a key role in pushing the issue at the Capitol and is now working to build attention to the issue before voters decide. He authored a resolution adopted by the Louisiana State Bar Association in June 2016, calling for the Legislature to restore unanimous criminal jury verdicts in Louisiana
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Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul spoke to the Press Club, where he discussed the various programs and strategies underway to improve community policing efforts and help reduce crime.
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State Treasurer John Schroder spoke to the Press Club, where he discussed the state’s fiscal situation, bond rating, and the success of the Unclaimed Property Division.
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Preliminary findings from a new study on the St. George proposal were presented at the Press Club. The study was commissioned by One Baton Rouge, a group of private citizens against the St. George incorporation effort. Speakers included Jim Richardson, LSU economist, and Jared Llorens, director of the LSU Public Administration Institute
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U.S. Congressman Garret Graves spoke at the Press Club, discussing the latest activity by the Louisiana House delegation to provide recovery funding for victims of the August 2016 flood, including the reversal of duplication of benefits policy that is currently hampering Louisiana flood victims from accessing federal recovery funds.
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Trauma Recovery | Jillian Guinta | 06/25/18 | Press Club
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Start of the Special Session | State Rep. Ted James | 06/18/18
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St. George Incorporation Proponents
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Kyle Ardoin delivered an update on the Louisiana Secretary of State's office in this week's Baton Rouge Press Club.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Care Economist | Michael Bertaut
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Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne spoke to the Press Club. He provided an update on the Louisiana Legislative session and discussed the status of the budget.
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Alfred Harrell, the CEO of the Southern University System Foundation, addressed Baton Rouge Press Club, discussing the new Valdry Center for Philanthropy and the new Tony Clayton Championship Plaza, which are currently under construction at Southern University.
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Michael Henderson, director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, which releases the Louisiana Survey each year, spoke to the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday, April 16. The Louisiana Survey has been conducted each year since 2003 to track changes in residents’ assessments of state government services and public opinion on the contemporary policy issues that face the state.
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Southern University President-Chancellor Ray L. Belton spoke to the Baton Rouge Press Club, discussing the need for the Southern University System and its campuses’ impact on local, state, national and international levels.
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Renee Chatelain of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge spoke at this week's Rotary Club of Baton Rouge on "The Deal of the Arts: Baton Rouge's Creative Community."
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Sue Catchings, advocacy co-chair of the Louisiana School-Based Health Alliance, spoke about school-based health centers and accessible health care in Louisiana schools at the Baton Rouge Press Club.
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F. King Alexander, LSU president, spoke to the Press Club on the “hidden” LSU beyond the budget cuts — the many lesser known programs and achievements of the university that contribute to the well-being of Louisiana.
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Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, retired Army general and community activist, spoke at the Press Club on Monday. He discussed the Green Army’s legislative agenda. In particular, he discussed air monitoring and water quality standards, as well as the Southern Hill aquifer.
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Warren Drake, superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, spoke to the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday, March 5. He discussed the importance of the community's continued support for the April 2018 tax renewal. The successful renewal will help the school system build community/neighborhood schools, re-imagine and renovate historic schools, provide state-of-the-art technology, offer whole child, quality programming, and continue to attract and retain quality staff.
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Secretary Jack Montoucet of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries discussed their push for the first overall license fee hike in 15 years, aside from a 2014 increase for saltwater fishing licenses. The license increase will appear as a bill during the 2018 regular legislative session. Also discussed were other ways that the department has been able to efficiently reduce their budget.
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U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, who represents Louisiana’s 5th Congressional district, will be the guest speaker at the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday, Feb. 19. He will provide a Congressional update on the recently passed budget, the military, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicare.
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Barry Erwin, CEO of the Council for A Better Louisiana, spoke at this week's Baton Rouge Press Club.
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Dr. Parham Jaberi, Asst. State Health Officer, spoke at this week's Baton Rouge Press Club on the Flu Outbreak.
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John Kirwan, recently named executive director of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center addressed the Baton Rouge Press Club. Kirwan discussed some of the discoveries being highlighted during the 30th anniversary of Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
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This week, Adam Knapp, CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber spoke to the Baton Rouge Press Club.
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Gov. John Bel Edwards spoke to the Press. He addressed the "fiscal cliff" and ongoing discussions about shoring up the state budget.
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How can viewers distinguish between fact and fake news and is social media blurring the difference? According to the 2018 Louisiana Survey, when it comes to trusting news organizations, more Louisiana residents put their faith in local media than national media outlets. Despite that trust, only 36 percent of the state’s news consumers say local news deals fairly with both sides. So, why is there so much mistrust of the news media? What role has the downsizing of traditional media played in creating a gap in coverage and possibly, community trust? Where are consumers primarily getting their news? And, how can viewers distinguish between fact and fake news and is social media blurring the difference? Louisiana Public Square looks for answers to these questions and more on “News about the News” airing Wednesday, May 23 at 7pm on LPB and in New Orleans on WLAE. (Recording Tuesday, May 22) Our panelists are: • Len Apcar, Wendell Gray Switzer Jr. Endowed Chair in Media Literacy, LSU Manship School • Jarvis DeBerry, Deputy Opinion Editor, New Orleans Times-Picayune • Peter Kovacs, Editor, The Advocate • Lance Porter, Director, LSU Social Media Analysis & Creation Lab LPB CEO, Beth Courtney and journalist and political historian, Bob Mann moderate the discussion. The program features interviews with Michael Henderson, director of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab; Ray Pingree, Associate Professor wth the LSU Manship School of Communication; John DeSantis, Senior Staff Writer for The Houma Times and Judi Terzotis, president of The Advocate. Louisiana Public Square can also be heard on public radio stations WRKF in Baton Rouge; Red River Radio in Shreveport and Alexandria; and WWNO in New Orleans. Check their station websites for schedule.
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What standards should be used for college admissions? This fall, LSU instituted a “holistic admissions” process for incoming students which relies more on essays and recommendations than on College Board test scores and grade point averages. Proponents of the move say it’s a better way to identify strong students while opening up opportunities for families not financially able to afford prep classes for standardized exams. Opponents say the move will increase student attrition and could endanger LSU’s flagship status. Examine the new standards from several different perspectives. Louisiana Public Square looks for answers to these questions and more on “An Eye on Admissions” Wednesday, November 21 at 7pm on LPB and in New Orleans on WLAE. Louisiana Public Square can also be heard on public radio stations WRKF in Baton Rouge; Red River Radio in Shreveport and Alexandria; and WWNO in New Orleans. Check their station websites for schedule.
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What are the programs and initiatives helping our veterans successfully transition to civilian life? Since 2001, 2.6 million service men and women have been deployed to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Twenty-six percent of Louisiana’s veterans fought in these conflicts. The needs for these veterans are plentiful including securing employment and housing, and dealing with the mental rigors of transitioning from military back to civilian life. Louisiana Public Square explores the unique programs and initiatives that are helping our state’s younger veterans successfully overcome these challenges on “Louisiana Veterans Back Home” Wednesday, October 24 at 7 p.m. on LPB and in New Orleans on WLAE. (Recording Thursday, October 18.) Veterans Coming Home is a collaborative, multi-platform public media project between Wisconsin Public Television and Kindling Group in partnership with local stations and other national organizations. Veterans Coming Home is made possible with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Resource Links LPB Louisiana Veteran Stories | Stories highlighting Louisiana veterans. | veterans.lpb.org Bastion: A Community of Resilience | The country’s only intentionally designed neighborhood for veterans with lifelong rehabilitative needs and their families. | Dylan Tete, Founder | http://joinbastion.org Heroes on the Water Southwest Louisiana Chapter | Veteran social group that organizes fishing and kayaking events for veterans. | Josh Droddy | https://heroesonthewater.org/chapters/southwest-louisiana/ Louisiana Armed Forces Foundation | A statewide veterans’ assistance organization founded by post 9/11 veteran, Jaye Townsend. | https://www.facebook.com/Louisiana-Armed-Forces-Foundation-193809554037451/ LSU Innovation Park / Louisiana Veteran Entrepreneurship Program | The Louisiana Veteran Entrepreneurship Program (LVEP) is a statewide entrepreneurship “Boot Camp” program for veterans interested in running their own business. | Charles F. D’Agostino, Executive Director | www.lsu.edu/innovationpark National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Louisiana | An agency under the U.S.D.A. that provides free agricultural advice as well as financial assistance to veterans through the Farm Bill. | Amy Dufour Robertson, State Public Affairs Specialist | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/la/home/ NextOp | NextOp provides employment assistance to post-9/11 veterans. They are currently housed on-site at Bastion in New Orleans. | Ben Armstrong, Louisiana Regional Manager | www.NextOpVets.org Our H.O.M.E. | A Monroe, Louisiana service organization focused on providing service to fellow veterans. | Andrew Yarbrough Jr. President & Founder | https://ourhome.vet/ Women Armed Forces Action Committee | A newly-created Louisiana service organization focused on women veteran issues. | Angella Lawrence | www.wafacvets.com Women Veterans of Louisiana | The oldest Louisiana women veterans group in existence, is comprised of women from all branches of service and those who have served since WWII. | Tanya Whitney | https://www.facebook.com/Louisiana-Women-Veterans-683341718443459/ Wounded War Heroes | A Louisiana civilian created organization that provides hunting and fishing expeditions to veterans having 30% or greater disability assessment. | Emeric Watson, Civilian Founder | https://woundedwarheroes.org/ Veterans Coming Home is a collaborative, multi-platform public media project between Wisconsin Public Television and Kindling Group in partnership with local stations and other national organizations. Veterans Coming Home is made possible with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
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09/18 - Revisiting Reform Are the criminal justice reforms working as intended? In 2017, Louisiana’s legislature passed the Justice Reinvestment Act, which sought to reduce the state’s highest-in-the-nation incarceration rate. The bill was championed by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and received bipartisan support including from community and business leaders. Now, just over a year later, the legislation has become a political football. State Attorney General Jeff Landry and Senator John Kennedy, both Republicans considering a run against Edwards in 2019, suggest that the reform package is a failure. They cite murders committed by two inmates released since the Act’s implementation. Are the criminal justice reforms working as intended? Has the legislation put more residents in harm’s way or are plea deals part of the problem? Louisiana Public Square looks for answers to these questions and more on “Revisiting Reform” Wednesday, September 26 at 7pm on LPB and in New Orleans on WLAE. Our panelists are: • E. Pete Adams, Executive Director, La. District Attorneys Association • Alanah Hebert, ACLU of Louisiana & Justice Reinvestment Task Force • Andrew Hundley, Louisiana Parole Project • Sec. Jimmy LeBlanc, La. Department of Corrections The program features interviews with Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry; Rep. Terry Landry, D- New Iberia, with the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Council; Deputy Assistant Secretary Natalie Laborde, with the Louisiana Department of Corrections; and Stephanie Riegel, editor of the Baton Rouge Business Report. LPB CEO, Beth Courtney and professor Robert Mann with the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication host the show. Louisiana Public Square can also be heard on public radio stations WRKF in Baton Rouge; Red River Radio in Shreveport and Alexandria; and WWNO in New Orleans. Check their station websites for schedule.
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How can we make inroads to improve adult literacy in Louisiana and champion a joy of reading from pre-school into adulthood? The ability to read sets the foundation of who we are and what we can be. Through reading we expand our world, learn new things and increase our base of knowledge. In fact, a parent’s reading level is the greatest factor in a child’s academic success. Children who can’t read proficiently by the third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. In Louisiana, 20 percent of adults are illiterate – five points higher than the national rate. How is Louisiana combatting its illiteracy problem across generational lines? How can we make inroads to improve adult literacy in Louisiana and champion a joy of reading from pre-school into adulthood? Louisiana Public Square: The Power of Reading looks for answers and explores the value of lifelong reading through the lens of the PBS series The Great American Read Wednesday, August 22 at 7pm on LPB and in New Orleans on WLAE. (Recorded Tuesday, August 14 in the Magnolia Performing Arts Pavilion at Baton Rouge Community College.) Our panelists are: - Linda-Marie Barrett, Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) - Rebecca Hamilton, MLIS; Louisiana State Librarian - Danny Heitman; Journalist and Louisiana author - Miranda Restovic, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH). - Gary Robertson; Adult Literacy Advocates The program features interviews with John Cavalier, owner of Cavalier House Books; Gary Robertson, Executive Director of Adult Literacy Advocates; representatives from the LEH PRIME TIME intergenerational reading program, and Superintendent John White with the Louisiana Department of Education. LPB CEO Beth Courtney and Robyn Merrick, Southern University VP of External Affairs, host the show. Louisiana Public Square can also be heard on public radio stations WRKF in Baton Rouge; Red River Radio in Shreveport and Alexandria; and WWNO in New Orleans. Check their station websites for schedule. Major production funding provided by Anne Ray Foundation, A Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropy. Engagement funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Anne Ray Foundation, A Margaret A Cargill Philanthropy.
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How is Louisiana addressing its suicide problem? The recent high-profile deaths of fashion designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain have brought the issue of suicide into the national spotlight. In Louisiana, suicide is the eleventh-leading cause of death and third among its 15 to 34-year-old residents. Sixteen percent of Louisiana’s 677 suicides in 2016 were military veterans. So, how is Louisiana addressing its suicide problem? What signs should friends and family members look for to prevent someone from taking their own life? And how will the state’s newly created Zero Suicide Initiative help individuals from going down that path? Louisiana Public Square looks for answers to these questions and more on “Preventing Suicide” Wednesday, July 25 at 7pm on LPB and in New Orleans on WLAE. (Recording Tuesday, July 24.)
Tweet![Louisiana: Sportsman's Paradise or Problem? | June 2018 | Public Square [ENCORE]](/imager/assets/uploads/images/4814/lps201711sportsman7201_dbe5d52588908570d436bf5c69971864.png)
Is Louisiana a Sportsman’s Paradise or Problem? For decades Louisiana has proclaimed itself as the “Sportsman’s Paradise.” But for today’s hunters, changes to Louisiana’s landscape have caused a decline in the quality of the state’s deer habitat and smaller game. For coastal fishermen, private property rights often unduly restrict access to waters that are considered public in any other state. Louisiana Public Square explores some of the challenges that the state’s hunters and anglers face on “Louisiana: Sportsman’s Paradise or Problem?”
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How can viewers distinguish between fact and fake news and is social media blurring the difference? According to the 2018 Louisiana Survey, when it comes to trusting news organizations, more Louisiana residents put their faith in local media than national media outlets. Despite that trust, only 36 percent of the state’s news consumers say local news deals fairly with both sides. So, why is there so much mistrust of the news media? What role has the downsizing of traditional media played in creating a gap in coverage and possibly, community trust? Where are consumers primarily getting their news? And, how can viewers distinguish between fact and fake news and is social media blurring the difference? Louisiana Public Square looks for answers to these questions and more on “News about the News” airing Wednesday, May 23 at 7pm on LPB and in New Orleans on WLAE. (Recording Tuesday, May 22) Our panelists are: • Len Apcar, Wendell Gray Switzer Jr. Endowed Chair in Media Literacy, LSU Manship School • Jarvis DeBerry, Deputy Opinion Editor, New Orleans Times-Picayune • Peter Kovacs, Editor, The Advocate • Lance Porter, Director, LSU Social Media Analysis & Creation Lab LPB CEO, Beth Courtney and journalist and political historian, Bob Mann moderate the discussion. The program features interviews with Michael Henderson, director of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab; Ray Pingree, Associate Professor wth the LSU Manship School of Communication; John DeSantis, Senior Staff Writer for The Houma Times and Judi Terzotis, president of The Advocate. Louisiana Public Square can also be heard on public radio stations WRKF in Baton Rouge; Red River Radio in Shreveport and Alexandria; and WWNO in New Orleans. Check their station websites for schedule.
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How much does Louisiana spend on nursing homes versus home and community-based care? Nationally, there is a shift towards providing care for the elderly at home and through community-based services rather than at institutions. But analysts say that Louisiana has a bias towards nursing home enrollment both in policies and funding. A series of bills being proposed this legislative session would address what some consider an imbalance in how the state supports care for its aged population. So, how much does Louisiana spend on nursing homes versus home and community-based care? Is the demand for institutional care rising or on the decline? And what options are available to provide the funding and the care that the state’s older residents desire? Louisiana Public Square looks for answers to these questions and more on “Balancing Eldercare” Wednesday, April 25 at 7 pm on LPB and in New Orleans on WLAE. (Recording Tuesday, April 24.) Our panelists are · Jeanne Abadie, The Advocacy Center · Mark Berger, Louisiana Nursing Home Association · Hugh Eley, Former Deputy Sec. of Louisiana Dept. of Health · Senator Jay Luneau, D-Alexandria LPB CEO, Beth Courtney and Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana president, Robert Travis Scott, moderate the discussion.
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Where does Louisiana stand in this national discussion? The school shooting in Broward County Florida that took the lives of 17 people has reignited the debate over how to make our schools safe. Energized students nationwide are calling for restricted access to certain guns. Congress is considering broader background checks and age limits on gun purchases. President Donald Trump is most enthusiastic about training school staff members to carry concealed weapons. Where does Louisiana stand in this national discussion? How would gun control proposals affect the 45% of Louisianans who own guns? What mental health services are available to prevent teenagers from acting out violently? What increased security measures should schools take and how much will they cost? Louisiana Public Square looks for answers to these questions and more on “Making Schools Safe” airing Wednesday, March 28 at 7 p.m. on LPB and WLAE in New Orleans. (Taping Tuesday, March 27.) Our panelists are: • Sheriff Jason Ard, Livingston Parish • Betty Muller, M.D., Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist • Scott Richard, Louisiana School Boards Association • Sen. Neil Riser, R-Columbia The program features interviews with Bossier Parish School Superintendent Scott Smith; Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington; Director of Security for Bossier Parish Schools, Lt. Adam Johnson; and Meagan Medley, Ph.D., a nationally-certified school psychologist and assistant professor at Nicholls State University. LPB CEO, Beth Courtney, and LPB news anchor, Andre’ Moreau, will moderate the discussion. Louisiana Public Square can also be heard on public radio stations WRKF in Baton Rouge; Red River Radio in Shreveport and Alexandria; and WWNO in New Orleans. Check their station websites for schedule.
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How widespread is the problem in our state? Take the survey! Governor John Bel Edward’s deputy chief of staff, Johnny Anderson, resigned in November due to allegations of sexual harassment. A month earlier, celebrity chef John Besh stepped down from his restaurant management group after sexual harassment accusations. Charges of sexual misconduct in the workplace against celebrities and government officials made state and national headlines during the last several months of 2017. How widespread is the problem in our state? Where is the distinction drawn between boorish acts and abusive behavior? Is every circumstance unique or should all offenders be dealt with in the same manner? Louisiana Public Square looks for answers to these questions and more on “Drawing the Line: Sexual Harassment in Louisiana” Wednesday, February 28 at 7 p.m. on LPB and in New Orleans on WLAE. (Recording Tuesday, February 27) Panelists: - Craig Broome; Louisiana Society for Human Resource Management - Sen. Sharon Hewitt, R-Slidell - Allison A. Jones; Downer, Jones, Marino & Wilhite, LLC - Janice Lansing, Governor Edwards’ Task Force on Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Policy LPB CEO, Beth Courtney and Southern University Vice President for External Affairs, Robyn Merrick, host the discussion.
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Should early childhood education be a priority? It’s estimated that issues with early childhood education cost the state economy more than $1 billion per year. Business professionals and politicians agree that there is a severe lack of access to high-quality child care in the state. But with the state facing a $1 billion budget shortfall, can funds be found to make this a priority? Louisiana School Finder, a first-of-its-kind performance guide on early care and education centers is a useful tool for parents seeking care for their children. Can it also be a mechanism to improve performance? Louisiana Public Square looks for answers to these questions and more on “Early Education Matters” January 24th at 7 p.m. on LPB and in New Orleans on WLAE. Our panelists are: · Melanie Bronfin, La. Policy Institute for Children · Rep. Stephen Carter, R-Baton Rouge; Education Committee · Stephen Waguespack, La. Assoc. of Business & Industry · Supt. John White, La. Dept. of Education Barry Erwin, CEO of the Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) moderates the discussion. The program includes interviews with Belinda Creel Davis, Ph.D., with the LSU Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs and co-author of the Losing Ground study of childcare issues and workforce productivity in Louisiana; Melinda George, Child Care Assistance Manager with the La. Dept. of Education; Brigitte Nieland, V.P. for Workforce and Education for the La. Assoc. of Business & Industry: and Shawanda Jefferson, a mother whose improved employment status has put her Child Care Assistance Program benefits in jeopardy.
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