Full Show 7/17/2026: New York State’s Medicaid spending has officially overtaken spending on K-12 education funding

Full Show 7/17/2026: New York State’s Medicaid spending has officially overtaken spending on K-12 education funding

On today's show, Newell addresses New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's recent reports that highlight the state's Medicaid spending has officially surpassed K-12 education funding, driven by surging healthcare costs, massive unverified home care payments, and severe provider shortages in rural areas. Then, Newell has on Jeff Nowak, WWL Saints Sideline Reporter & Digital Content Producer, to breaks down what Kamara’s new contract means for the Saints heading into training camp, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple to share the latest on the flood recovery effort, insurance claims, the property insurance market, and whether recent reforms are beginning to bring relief as hurricane season continues, Susan Bourgeois, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, to discuss Meta expanding its investment in its Richland Parish AI data center to more than $50 billion, making it one of the largest data center projects in history, Ron Faucheux, political analyst & publisher of "Lunchtime Politics", to give his reaction and analysis of President Donald Trump's latest speech, the indictment of Louisiana Attorney General and more, and State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty to discuss her legislation creating the West End Economic Development District, what the redevelopment will look like, and when residents could begin seeing progress.

Hour 3: Did President Trump move the needle on the issues facing the country?

This hour, Newell is joined by Ron Faucheux, political analyst & publisher of "Lunchtime Politics", to give his reaction and analysis of President Donald Trump's latest speech, the indictment of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, and more. Then, State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty joins the show to discuss her legislation creating the West End Economic Development District, what the redevelopment will look like, and when residents could begin seeing progress.

A long-awaited revival may finally be coming to New Orleans’ historic West End

For more than 20 years, New Orleans’ historic West End has sat largely dormant. Now, a bipartisan effort is moving forward to bring restaurants, recreation, and new economic development back to the lakefront. State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty joins Newell to discuss her legislation creating the West End Economic Development District, what the redevelopment will look like, and when residents could begin seeing progress.

President Donald Trump addressed the nation last night; what were the key takeaways from the speech?

Did President Trump move the needle on the issues facing the country, and how will his remarks impact Washington and the political landscape moving forward? Political analyst Ron Faucheux joins us with instant reaction and analysis. Also, in his column, "The next American revolution is already here," Ron argues that the next major historical shift will not be fought with traditional weapons but with artificial intelligence, computer code, models, and automated workflows. Finally, Ron shares his thoughts on the indictment of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Hour 2: What should homeowners know about filing claims, navigating the insurance process, and the state of the property insurance market as hurricane season rolls on?

This hour, Newell has on Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple to share the latest on the flood recovery effort, insurance claims, the property insurance market, and whether recent reforms are beginning to bring relief as hurricane season continues. Then, Susan Bourgeois, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, joins the show to discuss Meta expanding its investment in its Richland Parish AI data center to more than $50 billion, making it one of the largest data center projects in history.