Full Show 6/24/2026: Randy Smith resigns as sheriff of St. Tammany Parish

Full Show 6/24/2026: Randy Smith resigns as sheriff of St. Tammany Parish

On today's show, Newell has on Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodfork to discuss the most recent hiring of an NOPD officer with history, get an update on the consent decree, and get her thoughts on the office she inherited, WWL News Director Dave Cohen to St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith pleading guilty to charges of second-degree battery and disturbing the peace and officially resigning from office, Michael Hecht, to talk about the wins, the unfinished business, and what comes next for the Greater New Orleans economy, and Alice Glenn, Executive Vice President at New Orleans & Company, and Chef Donald Wressell, Team USA Training Operations Director for the Pastry World Cup, to talk about what it means for New Orleans to host this level of international competition, what these chefs have to do under pressure, and why the world’s culinary spotlight keeps finding its way back here.

Hour 3: The 2026 Americas Selection of the Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup returns to New Orleans

The 2026 Americas Selection of the Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup returns to New Orleans July 24 & 25, bringing elite culinary teams from across the Americas to compete for a spot on the world stage in Lyon, France. Newell talks with Alice Glenn Executive, Vice President at New Orleans & Company, and Chef Donald Wressell, Training Operations Director for Club Coupe du Monde Team USA, about what it means for New Orleans to host this level of international competition, what these chefs have to do under pressure, and why the world’s culinary spotlight keeps finding its way back here.

BONUS: Mamdani as kingmaker: Is there a Seismic shift in American politics?

The "Mamdani Effect" was in full force during this week's primaries -- Does it mean a larger shift in American politics? We dive into that and into how American politics have gotten so polarizing.

Hour 2: After 18 years leading Greater New Orleans, Inc., Michael Hecht is moving into an emeritus role

After 18 years leading Greater New Orleans, Inc., Michael Hecht is moving into an emeritus role, marking the end of a defining chapter for one of the region’s most visible economic development voices. Under his leadership, GNO, Inc. says the region saw more than 18,500 jobs created, $52 billion in capital investment, major flood insurance reforms, Super Bowl LIX preparations, the NOLA Coalition, and the return of major projects like Avondale. Michael Hecht joins Newell to talk about the wins, the unfinished business, and what comes next for the Greater New Orleans economy.

Hour 1: What happens to the resigning St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith now since his guilty plea?

This hour, Newell speaks with Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodfork to discuss the most recent hiring of an NOPD officer with history, get an update on the consent decree, and get her thoughts on the office she inherited. Then, WWL News Director Dave Cohen joins the show to discuss St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith pleading guilty to charges of second-degree battery and disturbing the peace and officially resigning from office.