Mornings with Brian Haldane

Congresswoman Julia Letlow joins Brian Haldane to discuss Louisiana’s economic growth, including the Hyundai steel project and workforce development. Letlow also explains proposed protections for utility customers as data centers expand and discusses congressional efforts to combat fraud in programs such as SNAP and Medicaid.

State Senator and congressional candidate Blake Miguez joins Brian Haldane to discuss his campaign for Louisiana’s newly redrawn 6th Congressional District. Miguez talks about the challenges of adjusting to the new district, meeting voters across the region and the issues he says are central to his campaign, including the economy, energy, infrastructure, flooding and federal spending.

J. Hover, organizer of Live After Five, joins Brian Haldane to preview the upcoming fall concert series in downtown Baton Rouge. Hover breaks down the six-week lineup, including Chris LeBlanc and Friends, In Tune, After 8, The Rumble, Michael Foster Project and Rouge Crew. He also shares how the team selects performers, what attendees can expect at the free, family-friendly concerts and how local musicians can submit their bands for consideration.

Will Green, President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, joins Brian Haldane to discuss LABI’s 2026 Legislative Scorecard. Green breaks down the organization’s focus on workforce development, education, insurance reform and energy policy, while highlighting the legislative votes that shaped this year’s results. He also looks ahead to LABI’s priorities for the next legislative session and the challenges facing Louisiana businesses.

Metro Councilman Darryl Hurst joins Brian Haldane to discuss the possibility of deconsolidating Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish government. Hurst explains why he believes the changing makeup of the parish warrants a review, while Haldane raises questions about taxes, funding, services and potential government duplication. The conversation also explores the proposed charter commission and the steps that could shape the future of local government.

Attorney Franz Borghardt joins Brian Haldane for “Legally Served” to discuss the latest developments in the Brave Cave civil rights trial, including a disputed request to delay the proceedings. They also examine upgraded manslaughter charges against former St. Francisville police officer Richard Parsons and explain how grand jury charges can change as evidence develops. The conversation also covers bond reviews, competing court schedules and a separate dispute involving a local pastor.

Congressman Troy Carter honored the memory of Pam Fortner, co-creator of the iconic New Orleans Hand Grenade cocktail. Carter reflected on her impact on local culture and shared how he promotes Louisiana's heritage in Washington, D.C. The discussion also covered Hyundai Steel’s $5.8 billion manufacturing investment in Donaldsonville, boosted by the Inflation Reduction Act. Carter emphasized the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection and local community benefits.

In a recent interview on Talk 107.3, District 1 School Board candidate Megan Garretson outlined her plan to address key educational challenges in East Baton Rouge. Drawing from 15 years as an early childhood educator and business owner, she highlighted the critical need to improve kindergarten readiness, noting that nearly 70% of local students currently enter school unprepared. Garretson emphasized the importance of rebuilding community trust by incorporating parent input directly into board policy decisions before vote finalization. Additionally, she advocated for stronger partnerships between local school systems and emerging industries to provide students with viable long-term career opportunities within Louisiana.

Civic leaders in Baton Rouge are advancing Plan Baton Rouge 3 to connect LSU, downtown, and surrounding natural spaces into a unified, vibrant corridor. The proposal outlines a new sports and entertainment arena alongside a transformed River Center featuring a major hotel and upgraded convention space. Enhanced transit options, such as light rail or streetcars along Nicholson Drive, aim to improve daily mobility and encourage dense, walkable development. By prioritizing long-term public investment in core infrastructure, the city seeks to attract private business and build a thriving, sustainable urban center.

In this discussion, Brian Haldane and political commentator Jeff Crouere analyze the political dynamics leading into the upcoming midterm elections. They examine the Republican strategy of using a Trump-centered convention to energize the conservative base against competitive opposition turnout. The conversation highlights how rising inflation, high gas prices, and economic strain remain the top priorities driving voter decisions over foreign policy. Finally, they critique proposed $5,000 stimulus payouts, raising concerns over fiscal responsibility and the expanding national debt.

Acclaimed actor and director Eriq La Salle has released Laws of Solomon, an intense yet deeply emotional thriller that functions as both a standalone story and the fourth installment in his Martyr Maker series. The narrative centers on a reformed hitman forced out of a peaceful retirement to defend a young boy from a ruthless cartel, sparking an unexpected journey toward redemption. La Salle purposefully constructs his novels with television adaptation in mind, having already mapped out five full seasons of content for potential studio development. Beyond his current series, the multi-talented author is finalizing plans for a Louisiana-set thriller while striving to write, produce, and direct the screen adaptations of his own literary work.

This broadcast discussion covers early-season SEC college football dynamics, evaluating LSU’s performance and Sam Leavitt’s ongoing offensive integration following injury recovery. The conversation transitions into national political debates, criticizing federal debt expansion and direct voter payout proposals in favor of conservative tax cuts. Local election coverage examines delayed campaign spending across Louisiana's redistricted 5th and 6th Congressional Districts as early voting nears. Finally, the segment highlights conservation efforts in the Atchafalaya Basin, addressing how canal silting impacts regional water quality and fisheries.

Renowned city planner Butch Spyridon is consulting on the major redevelopment of the Raising Cane's River Center to revitalise downtown Baton Rouge. By aligning local leadership and establishing clear project priorities, the initiative seeks to turn long-delayed proposals into concrete progress. Proposed plans include replacing the current arena with a 350- to 400-room flagship hotel and expanding exhibit spaces while preserving unobstructed access to the Mississippi Riverfront. With interim management selection underway, initial site activity and developer recruitment are projected to begin within two to three years.

FMOL Health leads the nation in adopting IntelliSep, an FDA-approved diagnostic tool that detects sepsis from white blood cells within ten minutes. By shifting focus from reactive organ failure treatment to early cellular identification, emergency care teams shave up to 70 minutes off critical response times. This rapid process allows clinicians to fast-track high-risk patients directly out of waiting rooms while preventing unnecessary antibiotic overuse in non-septic cases. Ongoing expansions aim to extend this lifesaving diagnostic speed to inpatient hospital units and remote rural healthcare facilities.

Chef and proprietor Jonathan Reynolds of Rougarou Capital Bodega joins Brian Haldane for Foodie Friday to showcase his unique Cajun-Mexican fusion menu. Reynolds discusses the new Spanish Town restaurant, his creative approach to cooking, and signature dishes including gumbo birria tacos, boudin pastor bombs and the popular gumbo smash burger.

Anna Johnson with the Louisiana Department of Energy and Conservation joins Brian Haldane to discuss the state’s review of groundwater regulations, including concerns surrounding increased demand from data centers and industrial projects. Johnson also provides an update on carbon capture and storage applications and explains Louisiana’s ongoing effort to compete for a nuclear innovation lifecycle campus.

Patrick Gremillion, host of The Patty G Show, joins Brian Haldane to discuss Amazon’s Prime Air drone delivery program in Baton Rouge. They explore how the technology works, residents’ concerns about noise and airspace, the role of FAA regulations, and whether drone delivery could eventually expand to other retailers and restaurants. They also wrap up the conversation with a taste test of two new Blue Bell Ice Cream flavors.

Richard Nelson, president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, joins Brian Haldane to discuss how Louisiana’s community and technical colleges are preparing for a surge in workforce demand. Nelson highlights new training partnerships with major employers, the growing need for skilled trades, and the importance of expanding access to career-focused education. He also addresses the challenge of recruiting and retaining qualified instructors as Louisiana’s economy continues to grow.

Kyrin Minor, director of marketing and partner integration for Guaranty Health Solutions, joins Brian Haldane to discuss why organizational culture must be built intentionally. They explore how workplace culture affects employees, communication, operations and ultimately the patient experience. Minor explains Guaranty Health Solutions’ focus on aligning people, processes and patients, the importance of listening to employees, and how organizations can measure whether culture initiatives are making a meaningful difference.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain discussed key agricultural updates, highlighting the ongoing effort to manage invasive species like carp in local waterways. He shared optimistic projections for National Rice Month and the upcoming crawfish season, pointing to successful crop rotations across hundreds of thousands of flooded acres. The discussion addressed economic pressures on local shrimpers caused by high fuel costs and foreign imports, emphasizing regulatory support and federal purchasing power. Finally, Dr. Strain promoted Certified Louisiana products and celebrated the state's rich culinary tradition from game-day tailgates to domestic honey production.

During National Suicide Prevention Month, iCARE specialist Pete Jory discusses crucial strategies for supporting youth mental health across East Baton Rouge Parish schools. The conversation addresses rising suicide rates among young minority populations and examines underlying risk factors like adverse childhood experiences and trauma. Key warning signs include sudden social withdrawal, shifts in mood, and heavy social media reliance. Parents can access immediate support through local school specialists, the 988 helpline, or emergency services.

The high-profile standoff between LSU and the SEC over roster eligibility rules has reached a tense de-escalation, officially removing the threat of LSU's expulsion from the conference. The conflict erupted when LSU attempted to leave roster spots open for players coming out of NFL training camps, prompting the SEC to take aggressive legal action to defend its regulatory authority. This confrontation signals a major transition in college sports, as major conferences move to enforce their own strict standards amidst weakening NCAA control. Although LSU stepped back to avoid further sanctions, significant bitterness and systemic governance questions remain as SEC leadership works to maintain conference unity.

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, former FBI Special Agent Brad Garrett shares his personal experience working in the Washington Field Office during the emergency response. He details the initial chaos and air traffic uncertainty following the strikes on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The discussion highlights how the attacks permanently reshaped American military strategy toward non-state actors and decentralized terror networks. Finally, Garrett evaluates modern intelligence capabilities, noting that while lone-actor threats persist, federal agencies are significantly better equipped to prevent large-scale international conspiracies today.

The Republican Party hosted a historic midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, aimed at energizing voters and framing the upcoming elections as critical to the conservative movement. RNC Representative Ally Triolo outlined how retaining legislative majorities in the House and Senate remains essential for policy implementation. The event featured economic discussions, policy reviews, and tributes to first responders and key party figures. Leaders urged supporters to stay focused on the immediate midterms before turning attention to future presidential election cycles.

Tommy Faucheux of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association discusses how a new Venezuelan oil deal could benefit Louisiana’s refineries, ports and energy workforce. He highlights the state’s refining capacity, the need for continued infrastructure investment and the potential for predictable oil supplies to support future jobs. Faucheux also discusses Louisiana’s broader economic development, including projects such as SpaceX, and how the state’s energy industry has helped build the skilled workforce needed for new industries.

Michael Vincent, a candidate for the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board’s District 7 seat, joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss his background in education and his priorities for the district. Vincent outlines his focus on student achievement, teacher recruitment and retention, school safety and fiscal accountability. He also discusses improving school facilities, supporting STEM and special education teachers, using data to guide resources, and working collaboratively with other school board members.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss the escalating legal battle between LSU and the SEC, including athlete eligibility, the SEC’s federal lawsuit, and the potential financial impact on schools and student-athletes. Murrill explains why she believes the dispute goes beyond LSU and raises broader questions about conference authority and changing college sports rules. She also previews arguments in a separate federal case involving FDA regulations and the dispensing of abortion medication.

Whitney Hoffman Sayal, executive director of Baton Rouge’s Downtown Development District, joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss the future of downtown Baton Rouge. She explores residential growth, the challenges facing downtown retail, incentives for new housing and redevelopment, historic tax credits, and the potential economic impact of riverfront improvements. Hoffman Sayal also highlights Baton Rouge’s rich history and Destination Downtown 2026, emphasizing how preservation, culture, housing and economic development can work together to create a stronger downtown.

Attorney Franz Borghardt joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to break down two major Louisiana legal stories. Franz examines the escalating dispute between LSU and the SEC, including athlete eligibility, NIL and revenue sharing, potential damages, and the legal consequences facing the conference. He also discusses the controversial 90-day sentence given to former DeRidder Mayor Misty Roberts following her statutory rape conviction involving a 16-year-old, explaining the difference between a jury’s role in determining guilt and a judge’s role in sentencing. It’s a fast-moving conversation about sports law, accountability, and how the law applies to the headlines.

Hannah Amoroso, a candidate for East Baton Rouge Parish School Board District 7, joins Brian Haldane to discuss her campaign and priorities for local education. Amoroso talks about expanding early childhood education, improving literacy, recruiting and retaining teachers and addressing school transportation challenges. She also shares her experience as a first-time candidate and what she has heard from residents while campaigning throughout the district.

Kelly Schulz of New Orleans & Company and Sig Greenebaum, co-founder of NOLA x NOLA, join Brian Haldane to discuss New Orleans’ booming food, music and tourism industries. Schulz highlights the city’s recognition as a top foodie destination and a strong convention calendar, while Greenebaum explains how NOLA x NOLA grew from a post-pandemic idea into an annual celebration featuring hundreds of shows across dozens of venues. The guests also discuss free music events, industry conversations and the economic impact of tourism.

Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse joins Brian Haldane to discuss football season security, plans for a stronger police presence downtown and the latest crime trends. Morse shares details on BRPD’s recruiting efforts, new virtual reality training technology and an officer-involved shooting investigation. He also reports that overall crime is down 11% year to date, with declines in armed robberies, burglaries, vehicle crimes and homicides.

David Cresson, President and CEO of the Louisiana Chemical Association, joins Brian Haldane to discuss carbon capture and storage and its potential role in Louisiana’s industrial future. Cresson explains why he believes CCS could help attract investment, support jobs and keep Louisiana manufacturers competitive. He also addresses concerns surrounding the technology and discusses the state’s recent industrial growth, including major projects involving Hyundai and CF Industries.

Jeff Crouere, host of Ringside Politics, joins Brian Haldane to discuss the latest developments in New Orleans. Crouere reflects on  the impact of the National Guard’s departure, NOPD staffing and the city’s ongoing public safety efforts. The conversation also explores the challenges facing downtown New Orleans, including struggling businesses, infrastructure projects and the future of the Central Business District. Crouere highlights recent private investment and the potential for new business development to help revitalize the city.

During a lively radio broadcast, local culinary favorite Rocco introduced his newest menu creation, the "Ruffalotta," which combines signature slow-cooked top round roast beef and rich brown gravy with a fresh, un-toasted Leidenheimer muffuletta bun. The hosts highlighted the distinct flavor upgrade offered by seeded bread and debated the merits of traditional room-temperature presentation versus toasted options. Alongside mouthwatering food commentary, the pair engaged in humorous banter covering local college football eligibility debates and funny personal anecdotes. The special sandwich will be available to local food lovers for a limited two-week run starting Tuesday following the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill provided vital insights into ongoing legal battles surrounding NCAA student-athlete eligibility rules. She argued that late administrative rule changes trap college players in unfair systems without clear career options. The SEC recently launched a federal lawsuit against LSU officials, but Murrill called the filing legally flawed and open to counter-suits. With dozens of similar cases pending across the nation, Louisiana stands firmly at the forefront of collegiate athletic reform.

East Baton Rouge Parish has applied for a competitive $125 million Department of Justice grant to transform public safety through a unified parish-wide initiative. Spearheaded by Chris Csonka and over 15 local agencies, the proposal addresses systemic crime by funding substance abuse services, juvenile diversion programs, and civilian crisis response teams. The strategy also modernizes technology by creating a unified crime data system and expanding real-time crime centers across local jurisdictions. If selected by the end of the year, East Baton Rouge will gain vital resources to hire key judicial staff, eliminate DNA backlogs, and build long-term community solutions.

Brian Haldane and expert Haggai Davis analyzed the converging worlds of financial prediction markets and wearable technology. The pair detailed how high-profile college football boosters utilize platforms like Kalshi to hedge multi-million-dollar coaching bonuses, sparking intense legal debate between federal circuit courts over whether event contracts represent legitimate commodity trading or unregulated gambling. Turning to consumer tech, the discussion highlighted a growing global privacy backlash against camera-equipped smart glasses, with critics demanding camera-free augmented reality alternatives. Ultimately, the segment underscored how modern technology continues to challenge traditional regulatory frameworks across both financial markets and personal privacy.

The Louisiana Office of Workers’ Compensation is actively reforming its enforcement and support systems under the leadership of Assistant Secretary Brian Blackwood. To support Louisiana’s growing workforce, the agency prioritizes vocational rehabilitation to help injured employees safely return to fulfilling jobs. Concurrently, the OWC is launching a major crackdown on employer fraud, preparing around 100 lawsuits against companies using illegal misclassification tactics to avoid paying full insurance premiums. Utilizing modern AI and digital tools, the agency aims to root out deliberate bad actors while ensuring fair, compliant businesses can thrive.

Louisiana’s newly enacted Act 648 restores an employer’s right to initiate formal court discovery in workers' compensation cases, eliminating a long-standing legal bottleneck. The law ensures that businesses can obtain essential medical records and conduct depositions without disrupting ongoing benefits for legitimately injured workers. By closing loopholes that previously extended claim durations, the state aims to combat fraudulent claims and reduce excessive employer costs. Ultimately, this common-sense reform fosters a fairer legal environment, helping attract new economic development and high-paying jobs to Louisiana.

Emeril’s Chop House is officially replacing 18 Steak at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge, bringing a bold culinary upgrade to the local dining scene. Head Chef Brendan Rufty is leading the kitchen, blending USDA Prime steaks with fresh Gulf seafood and signature Southeast Louisiana flavors. The transition includes extensive staff training inspired by iconic destinations like Delmonico Steakhouse in Las Vegas to ensure a top-tier fine-dining experience. Set to open ahead of the LSU vs. Texas A&M game weekend, the venue aims to be Baton Rouge's primary destination for special occasions and game-day crowds.

State officials and legal professionals are aggressively tackling widespread workers' compensation fraud across Louisiana. Under Louisiana Revised Statute 1208, fraudulent acts by employees, employers, or medical providers trigger both civil penalties and criminal charges. However, fraudulent billing and unjust claim denials create a cycle of distrust that drives up insurance rates for local businesses. Ultimately, fixing the system requires transparent communication, fair workplace practices, and a mutual focus on prompt worker recovery.

LWCC stands as Louisiana's largest workers' compensation carrier, serving over 160,000 workers through a purpose-driven mutual insurance model. By prioritizing policyholders over stockholders, the company has returned $1.6 billion in dividends to local businesses since 2003. Through its compassionate "360 Care" claims approach, LWCC ensures injured workers receive dedicated support to successfully navigate recovery and return to work. Recognized 21 times as a top-performing national insurer by Ward's 50, LWCC combines financial strength with a lasting commitment to Louisiana's workforce.

During the LABI Workers’ Compensation Conference, business leaders and industry experts discussed the pivotal role workers' compensation reform plays in sustaining Louisiana's economic momentum. Panelists emphasized that creating a more efficient, user-friendly system is essential to supporting major new commercial investments across the state. The discussion highlighted both the need for statutory updates to combat fraud and the importance of a cultural shift toward returning injured employees to meaningful work. Overall, experts evaluate Louisiana's current system as making solid progress, while noting that continued legislative refinement will further boost statewide workforce participation.

Representative Julia Letlow recently outlined her federal and state priorities during an appearance on DC Current with Brian Haldane. She voiced strong frustration over the lack of transparency surrounding pandemic-era decisions, calling on public officials to remain fully accountable to the American public. Addressing federal fiscal responsibility, Letlow urged Congress to move away from short-term stopgap measures and return to a structured, full-year budgeting process. Finally, she celebrated historic economic investments—including major projects from SpaceX and Meta—that are creating high-paying jobs and securing future opportunities for Louisiana residents.

Many patients struggle to find lasting depression relief through traditional prescription antidepressants due to built-up tolerance and brief initial trial periods. Jourdan Generes of NeuroAdjust highlights Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a non-invasive treatment that rebalances neural activity directly in the brain. Clinical research confirms that two-thirds of TMS patients achieve full remission, maintaining these life-changing results for years without daily medication side effects. Now FDA-approved for teens aged 15 and older, TMS provides adults and adolescents with a safe, long-term solution for depression and anxiety.

In a recent broadcast interview, candidate Winston DeCuir outlined his qualifications and vision for the parish-wide civil seat on the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. Drawing on nearly three decades of civil litigation experience representing major public institutions, DeCuir emphasized the importance of predictability and tech-driven efficiency in resolving disputes. He highlighted his unique background handling complex constitutional, employment, and higher education matters, including early NIL legislation at the Capitol. DeCuir’s campaign focuses on bringing consistent, knowledgeable leadership to one of Louisiana’s most critical judicial dockets ahead of the November election.

Newly elected Chairman Mason Batts takes the helm of the Louisiana Young Republicans with a strategic vision to scale membership to 1,000 and expand active chapters statewide. The organization focuses on unifying conservative youth networks—including College Republicans and Turning Point USA—to maximize grassroots impact during upcoming midterm elections. Key policy discussions among young members center on restoring limited government, defending free-market capitalism, addressing the growing national debt, and reforming entitlement programs for future generations. As political dynamics shift, Batts emphasizes campaign workforce training and supporting state conservative candidates like Julia Letlow.

Former state Representative Mark Wright has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Louisiana’s DOTD Office of Multimodal Commerce. In this role, Wright will direct state efforts to enhance integrated transportation systems, including ports, railways, freight corridors, and aviation. Priority projects include expanding key thoroughfares like Interstate 12 to support heavy cargo traffic and supporting major deep-draft port operations along the Mississippi River. A special election will take place after the holidays to select a new state representative for St. Tammany Parish following Wright's transition.

A landmark Louisiana conviction against an ankle-monitoring employee has sparked intense debate over third-party liability and the limits of electronic supervision in violent crime prevention. Legal experts argue that while GPS tracking hardware provides data, it cannot physically prevent dedicated offenders from committing violent acts when response times lag. The discussion surrounding oversight expands further as Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jefferson Davis Hughes III faces severe judicial misconduct charges for allegedly abusing his office. Together, these legal battles highlight urgent systemic flaws and the necessity for clear statutory reform across both private monitoring agencies and the judiciary.