Support for Louisiana.

The state we're in is provided by Entergy.

Louisiana is strengthening our power grid throughout the state.

We're reinforcing infrastructure to prepare for stronger storms, reduce outages, and respond quicker when you do need us.

Because together we power life.

Additional support provided by the Fred B and Ruth B Ziegler Foundation and the Ziegler Art Museum, located in Jennings City Hall.

The museum focuses on emerging Louisiana artists and is an historical and cultural center for Southwest Louisiana.

And the Foundation for Excellence in Louisiana Public Broadcasting.

With support from viewers like you, Louisiana voters are set to vote on a representative for the state's second Majority-Black Congressional District.

But the state's future is still in limbo.

After a decade of delays, Congress could soon vote on changes that would level the playing field for everyone who pays and the Social Security.

We'll sit down with Congressman Garret Graves.

And the big weekend is here for Taylor Swift fans.

We'll look at how small businesses outside of New Orleans hope to cash in on the arrest tour.

And an Louisiana tradition bearer gets a big honor as he works to pass on his musical legacy to the next generation.

I'll introduce you to the.

Louisiana's a rockin Fiddler.

Let's get started.

Let's do it.

Hello, everyone.

I'm Karen LeBlanc, and I'm Dorothea Wilson.

Much more on those top stories in a moment.

On this week's edition of Louisiana, the State we're In.

But first, our beyond the ballot coverage continues this week with a look at Louisiana's newest congressional district.

The sixth district was reworked to more accurately reflect the state's population.

Although voters will elect a candidate this election cycle.

The district's map is still tied up in litigation.

For the first time since the 90s.

Louisiana now has two Majority-Black congressional districts, and soon voters will pick their newest representative.

It's important that we see representation that looks like us in those seats, and we look at an institution that has some time provided barriers to getting that representation that looks like us.

This is a really positive thing for this state.

If a much needed it, because it means that opportunities for people that look like me open up and that's always positive.

In 2020, state lawmakers redrew Louisiana's congressional map, keeping just one majority minority district even though the census found that black people make up about a third of the state's population.

A group of black voters and civil rights groups then sued, arguing the map violated section two of the federal Voting Rights Act.

They say data proved Louisiana needs two majority black congressional districts, giving black voters a chance to elect candidates of their choice.

Lawmakers ultimately gave in, creating the second majority black district.

Former Baton Rouge NAACP President Eugene Collins says the new map was a much needed step in the right direction.

When you look at the the fight for equity, in our community, a lot of times we we don't talk about everywhere.

So what equality.

But to really achieve true equity, you know, certain populations in this country, whether you believe it or not, but systemically a price just arrived on the banks.

So when you look at that, we nee leaders on the issues that look like us, that no exactly what's best for our community and what's best, and the unique barriers that sometimes our community face.

The new map shifts the demographics of the district, from a white Republican district base in South Baton Rouge and surrounding areas to a mostly black district from North Baton Rouge, also touching parts of Lafayette, Alexandria, Natchitoches, and Shreveport.

However, the map might not last beyond this election cycle.

The state is currently facing litigation due to other groups who say the new map violates the 14th Amendment.

They argue that the district amounts to an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.

Attorney Victoria Wagner from the Legal Defense Fund says their fate lies in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court.

But she's hopeful that they'll find a middle ground that is both equitable and fair for both parties.

We're waiting to see if the Supreme Court is going to take up jurisdiction over this Louisiana matter to truly not just for the state of Louisiana, but more for the nation broadly.

Decide what this balance is between the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits racial discrimination, as well as balancing it with section two of the Voting Rights Act, which is also geared at prohibiting racial discrimination, but also provides a framework that does require legislatures to consider race to advance principles of equity and fair representation for a minority group here in Louisiana.

In the meantime, she's grateful for their current victory and believes all of their hard work did not go unnoticed or the purposes of voters going to the polls this year.

What we have is a map with two majority black districts, a map that we believe complies with the Voting Rights Act, and finally honors the spirit of fair representation for black Louisianans and truly for all voters in the state that believe in those principles of fair representation.

Now, the Supreme Court isn't expected to take up the legal challenge over the sixth district until late next year, even if they find it unconstitutional.

New maps wouldn't likely be approved until after the 2026 elections.

So far, nearly 600,000 people have voted early in Louisiana, according to the secretary of state's website.

Republicans have turned out in higher numbers for Democrats, which is the opposite of early voting in the last presidential election.

Experts also noted a decrease in black voters casting their ballots early in this election cycle.

Early voting runs through 6:00 Tuesday night, except on Sunday.

From hashtags to headlines.

Is there anything else trending in Louisiana this week other than Taylor Swift?

And in honor of the Swifties?

We are wearing our prettiest pink.

That's right.

All pretty girls wear pink.

Karen and that.

Here we are.

Now, to answer your question, no, there is nothing better than Taylor Swift and Swifties are counting down until Taylor takes the stage for three sold out shows at the Superdome.

Now take a look at the dome draped in an inflatable friendship bracelet to welcome Taylor and all of her fans.

Okay, so if you're still looking for tickets late yesterday, concert organizers released some more tickets, which seems to have driven down prices for resellers.

Now on StubHub, there are still tickets available, but if you're looking at those, 7 to $800, get your seats behind the stage or with limited visibility.

So those are not the choice seats.

If you want the choice seats, you can pay anywhere from 2 to $3000 a ticket for better visibility.

There is something about Taylor Swift economics.

I mean, wow, okay, $7,800 is crazy not to even see her for real.

Oh my goodness.

Now fans are hoping to beat the concert night crowds could stop by Champions Square to pick up their merch earlier this week.

People have been lining up since the vendors opened on Wednesday, now hoping to pick up t shirts, friendship bracelets and posters.

During the concert, there will be extra vendors set up both in and outside of the dome.

All right, so you have a story coming up later in the show that also talks about merch and how area businesses are selling.

You can't pick it up at the dome.

You can certainly go to some local businesses.

Or can I buy a 12 year old Baton Rouge girl is making national headlines this week.

Kelsey Ferris was diagnosed with a serious form of sickle cell disease when she was born, and she's been in and out of Children's Hospital in New Orleans.

About get this 20 times for treatment.

An anonymous donor and doctor surprised Kelsey with two suite level tickets.

And we know how valuable those are to Taylor's last concert Saturday night.

15 nurses also got tickets to the show, and nurses and Nick handmade Taylor Swift themed costumes for all their tiny little patients.

I love the humanity, the good things that Taylor Swift inspires, and people just really bringing out the best of people.

Yeah.

All right, so here's a fun one.

Check this out.

Llewellyn Burger's well known in New Orleans for her skeleton themed Halloween decorations.

Well, she comes this year display terror Swift that scare us to get it.

Haha.

So there are a lot of skeletons dressed up as Taylor Swift from various eras, and I love this.

One of the decorations is an eight foot tall Travis skull.

Say I love her little play on names.

I cool, we see what you're doing there.

Shout out to you.

And speaking of great things happening while New Orleans is dealing with the Taylor takeover, other areas are also hoping to cash in on the excitement on the North Shore.

Tourism leaders have been working with small businesses to luring Swifties across the lake.

Here's a look at some of the Taylor Swift related events they've got planned.

Local businesses across south Louisiana have been preparing for months to welcome fans from around the globe for an enchanted evening with one of America's sweethearts, Taylor Swift.

We're excited.

We have been having Swifties come in, probably since they heard the concert was coming to New Orleans, an area just 40 minutes north of New Orleans.

Hope to cash in on the Taylor Swift effect and have planned several events to celebrate her arrival, much beyond Swifties wildest dreams.

Starting from Taylor Swift themed yoga drag brunch, we have restaurants getting involved like the Greyhound with theme cocktails, the beautiful southern hotel that we're sitting at right here has their wonderful cocktail menu that's going to be flowing for everyone.

We have Taylor Swift themed trivia at Old Town Pizza Company in Slidell, as well as a Beta brewery, which we are.

We're world famous for that brew company and their renaming some of their beers for Taylor Swift as well.

And then we have, of course, fun for the kiddos or adults to the kids at heart.

And we have Dip it Chocolate who are doing Taylor Swift themed, chocolate friendship bracelet.

They will be decorating and also lots of karaoke options available now.

It doesn't matter the swiftie era that you're in or your own personal style.

The North Shore has rolled out the red carpet and have created their own Taylor Swift love story for every lover of all things Taylor Swift, every store, every slippery girl location is a different Taylor Swift.

Are we here in Mandeville are the Red era, so we have the 22 display in the all too well put in these displays.

So customers can come and take photos and celebrate.

We have ordered extra sparkle dresses, tops, cami set shorts, you name it.

We got it.

Bracelets, headbands.

We have it all.

Taylor Swift has been to 23 cities in the US so far, and Katie Glasgow from North Shore Hospitality and Tourism, says the economic impact that Taylor Swift is bringing to the area will be like a gold rush.

US Travel Association has put out a study that for every hundred dollars you spend on a concert ticket, a person spends on average $300 extra.

So we want to get some of that spending, if at all possible, over here on the North Shore, even though the concerts are not going on on the North Shore at all, with that convenience, you know, maybe we're able to grab some of that impact.

On average, our visitors spend $102 when they're here.

So, you know, $102 versus those Taylor Swift spenders.

We're hoping that we meet somewhere in the middle there and impact our parish.

From dresses that sparkle to shoes that shine the North Shore, Taylor Swift impact is in full effect.

Okay, so we're going to give you one of our favorite.

Oh I mean she sparkles like Taylor.

Yes she does.

And of course we have midnight.

If you're a Midnights fan you can always wear that for concert.

Okay.

And if red is your favorite area we have that in.

Are you going to the concert?

Oh yes, I am, I am going I'm a swiftie.

I have a favorite Taylor Swift song and I'll tell you about it.

Okay.

Just a second.

But do you have one.

I do, I do, shake it off.

It's kind of my daughter's favorite.

She's 14 now, but when she was seven, we did a music video to that song.

And so that one always kind of sticks in my mind.

So if you check out our social media, we've been using some of the song lyrics to kind of pump up, the, the following about this.

It's just been really fun to be able to, you know, share that with people and, you know, whether or not you're a swiftie, you might know spending and this is why we're really doing it.

But it is fun, I love that.

Well, guess what, Taylor Swift, you guys, she has a song called Dorothea.

She 100%.

That is.

That is my favorite.

That is your favorite?

Yes.

That is my favorite Taylor Swift song.

And I secretly say to myself that, you know what?

She wrote that about me.

Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves of the Essex District is making headway on efforts to reform Social Security and eliminate penalties for millions of people working in public service.

In a rare move, Congressman Graves is forcing a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on legislation to eliminate both the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset.

I talked with graves about the prospect of reforming Social Security before he leaves office, and what's next in his political and professional life.

Congressman Garret Graves is here at LPB to give us an update about what's going on in the sixth district.

And I know there is a lot of attention focused on social security reforms.

And you've taken the lead on this.

So let's back up and let's break down what we're trying to do to reform Social Security.

Sure, sure.

So, there is this really antiquated policy that dates back over 40 years ago, and it actually just ruminates against or disincentivize people to choose public service, things like being a police officer or being a firefighter, being a teacher, I would argue those are really important professions, especially now.

And just to give you an example, let's say that you and I both worked as teachers, but we worked at a private school and we got paid the exact same amount.

We worked the same dates, and after 20 years, I quit and I said, I'm going to stop teaching.

And you said, you know what?

I'm going to go work for a public school now.

And you went on to teach for the public school for ten more years.

Whenever you and I go to retire, even though we paid the exact same amount into the Social Security system.

I may get a check for $1,800 a month and my Social Security benefits.

Yours may only be 600.

And so, you know, people are like, wait a minute, you paid the same amount, you worked the same dates and paid into it.

Why are you being discriminated against, especially in a career where folks aren't really overpaid and a critical, service to our community?

And so what our bill does is it it eliminates that discrimination.

It eliminates that penalty.

There's another one that affects widows or spouses of a public servant, a public employee, like, again, a police officer, teacher, firefighter, and others.

And so our bill just eliminates it.

It just says that you're treated the same as anyone else.

You paid into Social Security.

We call this the Social Security Fairness Act.

And the two provisions we're talking about, just to get a little technical is weapon GPO windfall elimination provision and government pension offset.

So in in your efforts to propel the Social Security Fairness Act, you recently had what we call a discharge petition for this legislation.

I think more than 200 signatures.

Tell me about that event, because I understand it's kind of rare.

It is rare.

It's very rare.

In fact, we think this is about the fourth time in the last 30 years that this has happened.

And look, we we had been negotiating and trying to come to consensus, working very cooperatively with Republicans, Democrats, leadership committee and others.

And we just couldn't get there.

And so since we couldn't get there, what we did is we set a debt deadline and we said, look, if by this date, if we don't have an agreement, a compromise, then we're going to have to go this route that forces it, or you have to get a majority of House members, which is 218.

We could have gotten many more, but we got 218 signatures, mostly of our 330 co-sponsors on the bill.

And and so it does force this for a vote.

We expect it to happen in the second week in November.

How realistic is it that we could actually see some action with the Social Security Fairness Act before you leave office?

Sure.

I think that, they have the votes in the Senate.

I know we have the votes in the House.

And so as long as we're given a fair shot, as long as this actually gets scheduled in the United States Senate, I think this could go to the president's desk this year.

We believe that over the last 40 years, somewhere between 6 and $700 billion have been taken from these public servant retirees and put toward other other uses.

6 to 700 billion.

And we're not trying to get all that money back.

All we're trying to do is fix things prospectively.

The Congressional Budget Office released a report, basically in summary, saying, yes, we do have ROI on coastal restoration efforts.

You've been at the forefront of this.

I just wanted to hear your thoughts on that.

The Congressional Budget Office released a report that that says that, in effect, that that you get about $3 in return for every $1 you invest in projects like coastal restoration, hurricane protection or flood control.

I'm glad they did it.

I'm glad they recognize the value.

But I'll also tell you, if you put the right criteria in place, I think you can take that $3 and make it ten and or maybe even higher.

And I think in Louisiana, our state really has been a national and international leader in developing the right criteria to make sure that we're making strategic investments, not political project investments, but strategic investments.

I think that that's great, great ammunition for us that report, for us to continue making the right investments, it shows that what we're doing in Louisiana doesn't just protect our communities, provides a national return on investment by decreasing, disaster recovery dollars like we saw with Hurricane Francine.

11ft of storm surge stopped in its tracks as a result of the investments that we made in Southern Terrible parish, saving taxpayers probably over $1 billion.

Well, Congressman Graves, what's next for you in your career?

Do you plan to stay in politics, and if so, in what way?

Yeah.

You know, candidly, I'm not certain what's what's next yet.

Both my wife and the bank have made clear that the mortgage is due in January, so I do have to figure it out, but, I don't know, you know, being in a job like this and just some of the previous jobs ahead.

There are things that you just.

You kind of can't separate yourself from.

I love the coastal issues and really enjoy working on coastal restoration and and just community protection in south Louisiana.

I love working on energy issues and infrastructure, so I suspect that I will be involved in some of those things.

In some cases.

I would love to see a new bridge get built here in Baton Rouge.

But but I'm not certain on on what's next yet.

What I'm hearing is that your heart remains in public service.

I, I love, you know, like, anybody can go out there, find problems and complain about them being in a position like this and actually being able to fix them.

It's it really is like, I love doing that.

Well, I think it's safe to say that you intend to finish what you started.

No doubt.

Congressman graves, thank you so much for all that you do for us.

And, we will continue to watch and wish you well.

And with great anticipation, look for your next move.

Thank you.

And, Dorothea, I tried to press Congressman Graves on what are his plans in his future?

He is a public servant at heart, and he has a passion for coastal restoration.

So I get a sense we'll be seeing more of him.

Oh, that would be exciting to see.

Yeah, I like that.

He's a great public servant.

Yeah, for sure.

Well, October is Louisiana's 10th annual Folklife Month, with officials celebrating culture bearers who keep the state's traditions alive.

To close out the month, we introduce you to Waylon Thibodeaux, also known as Louisiana's Rockin Fiddler.

I sat down with him to look at how he's passing on his gift to the next generation.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo.

Weyland Thibodeaux is known as Louisiana's rock and fiddler for his toe tapping Cajun tunes.

He performs internationally, sharing Louisiana's Cajun culture and heritage through music and storytelling.

It's our roots music.

It's our culture.

And, you know, you play it a little bit differently.

You got a whole lot of bowling going on and things like that.

And, of course, when you play along with the Cajun accordion, that makes it that much sweeter.

That makes the Cajun sound for sure.

Waylon taught himself to play the fiddle as a teenager growing up in Houma, and today teaches the next generation of fiddlers.

Can I see your instrument?

Have you been practicing?

Remember how to play the rhythm Queen GNC?

One.

Two.

Three four.

Do we need to keep musicians going down here?

Because unfortunately, the younger kids, they're not learning the instruments too much down the bayous here and stuff, you know, the the accordion.

You know, there's no young kids wanting to play those instruments.

So that's why we need to put it in their face and say, hey, would you like to try something really cool and something really different?

And so that's why I'm, I'm really excited about doing the fiddle lesson and stuff is trying to get the young kids involved and, and, make sure that we can hold on to our musical culture for sure.

Whalen created Cajun themed music lessons teaching students how to play the fiddle by ear.

Songs include Mary Had a Little Crawfish and Old Mac Boudreaux had a farm Buggy day, but Don't Leave Laying on Timber.

First time I came in here looked at that melody.

I'm like, what is this?

I'm never going to be able to play that.

I'll show what a rhythm is and how to start in goes on depending on how long it is.

And what would you say to other kids who might be interested in trying out the fiddle?

Do it.

It's fun and practice a lot because practice makes perfect.

It's fun.

And I really like this.

How does it make you feel happy?

The 2024 Louisiana Folklife Ambassador has earned the distinction as a tradition bearer of Cajun fiddling.

It's rooted in a danceable style originating in Nova Scotia in the 1700s.

As Whalen says to his young students.

If you can sing it, you can play it.

And his hope is the next Generation plays on.

I was really honored, really shocked.

You know, I, I, that's a that's a very high achievement for sure.

And, I'm very proud that they, chose me to do that.

I love performing, and I love bringing our story to people, and and, it's just a great blessing from God that, I'm able to do this.

And I've been doing this my whole life.

How about that?

A winner grade story, Karen.

And what a great instrument to pass on to future generations is making Cajun fiddling cool.

And that's the whole point with Folklife Month and tradition bearers is passing on these ancestral traditions.

That's right.

I love that.

Well, coming up on Monday night on LPB, we are taking an in-depth look at Louisiana's obesity epidemic.

Around 40% of adults in our state are obese, and nearly 22% of Louisiana children are considered obese.

On the Louisiana Spotlight, airing Monday night at 8 p.m., we'll explore the causes and the solutions to this health crisis.

Join me for a respectful and honest conversation about the state of weight with medical experts and community stakeholders.

That is Monday night at 8 p.m. here on LPB.

That's our show for this week.

Remember, you can watch anything LPB anytime, wherever you are with our LPB app.

That's right.

And you can catch LPB news and public affairs shows, as well as all of the other Louisiana programs you've come to enjoy over the years.

And please like us on Facebook and Instagram for everyone at Louisiana Public Broadcasting.

I'm carrying the block and I'm Dorothea Wilson.

Until next time.

That's the state we're in.

Support for Louisiana, the state we're in is provided by Entergy.

Louisiana is strengthening our power grid throughout the state.

We're reinforcing infrastructure to prepare for stronger storms, reduce outages, and respond quicker when you do need us.

Because together, we power life.

Additional support provided by the Fred B and Ruth B Ziegler Foundation and the Ziegler Art Museum.

Located in Jennings City Hall, the museum focuses on emerging Louisiana artists and is an historical and cultural center for Southwest Louisiana.

And by Visit Baton Rouge.

And the Foundation for Excellence in Louisiana Public Broadcasting and viewers like you.

Thank you.