696. Audrey Ades

696. How did a 19th-century merchant rebuild his life after the War of 1812 and use his fortune to secretly transform the city of New Orleans? We're joined by author Audrey Ades to talk about her picture book biography, Judah Touro Didn’t Want to Be Famous. We dive into Judah’s quiet legacy of stealth philanthropy, the importance of bringing unsung Jewish historical figures to young readers, and the timeless lesson of helping others without needing acclaim. Ades is a children’s book author with a passion for uncovering overlooked historical figures and bringing meaningful, character-driven stories to young readers. Known for her thoughtful approach to themes of community, social justice, and Jewish history, she specializes in translating complex historical legacies into accessible narratives for children.

1. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today!
2. This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Benjamin Moore Norman. Norman's New Orleans.
   In 1699, eighteen years after La Salle had demonstrated the connection of the Mississippi with the Gulf of Mexico, by passing out at its mouth, Iberville succeeded in entering it from the Gulf. Ascending as far as the junction of Red River, he returned, and proceeded, by way of the Gulf, into Lake Pontchartrain. He formed a settlement and erected a fort, at Biloxi, which he left under the command of his brother Bienville, while he returned to France, to induce others to join the colony. Soon after he left, the new commander ascended the Mississippi as far as the present site of New Orleans. In returning, he met a British vessel of sixteen guns, under the command of Capt. Bard, who enquired the bearings of the great river, intimating that it was his intention to establish a colony upon its banks. Bienville, in reply, directed him to go farther west, and thus induced him to turn about; from which circumstance, the place of their meeting was called “The English Turn,” a name which it retains to this day.
   
3. This week in Louisiana history. September 18, 1799. Sebastian Calvo is appointed governor general of Louisiana. 
4. This week in New Orleans history. September 18, 1947: A major hurricane struck the city, causing the Mississippi River to rise to dangerous levels and flooding parts of the West Bank.
5. This week in Louisiana.
   Alligator Festival
   September 25'28, 2026
   West Bank Bridge Park, 13825 River Rd.
   Luling, LA 70070
   Website: lariverparishes.com
   The Alligator Festival is a long‑running St. Charles Parish tradition held each September at West Bank Bridge Park in Luling. Hosted by the Rotary Club of St. Charles Parish, the festival raises funds for community projects while offering four days of food, music, rides, and family fun along the Mississippi River.
   
• Live Music: A full weekend lineup of local and regional bands on the main stage.
• Food Booths: Classic Louisiana festival fare ' including fried alligator, alligator sauce piquante, and other River Parishes specialties.
• Rides & Games: A midway with carnival rides, games, and children's activities.
• Arts & Crafts: Dozens of vendors selling handmade goods, jewelry, d'cor, and local crafts.
• Community Mission: Proceeds support Rotary scholarships, playgrounds, and local service projects.
6. Postcards from Louisiana. Tycoon on Decatur St.

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