Louisiana Unfiltered

In this episode Kiran Chawla is joined by Attorney Franz Borghardt and UWK Reporter  Melissa Moore as they break down the indictment of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, including the grand jury charges, the arrest warrant, and the Louisiana Supreme Court’s decision to put the case on hold.  They also review the earlier dispute over letters the AG sent about changes to the Orleans Parish cri...

In this episode Kiran Chawla covers the current details into disappearance of 15-year-old Ja'Derrius Minnieweather from Baton Rouge and the large-scale search efforts involving volunteers, police, and the United Cajun Navy, including a search of a landfill. Kiran also breaks down the early timeline of the investigation and the family’s concerns about his habits and communication as well as the arr...

Five years ago, everything changed in an instant. In June 2020, Kiran Chawla was fired from a television station. Instead of searching for another traditional job, she made a different choice: build something new — something completely unfiltered. What started as late-night investigations shared on social media and YouTube quickly grew into something bigger. On June 9, 2021, Kiran officially launc...

In this powerful episode of Louisiana Unfiltered , Kiran Chawla sits down with Holly Crow, the mother whose relentless advocacy helped pass Jody’s Law — one of the most significant reforms to Louisiana’s hit-and-run statutes in years. On March 29, 2025, Holly’s 20-year-old daughter, Jody Mann, was struck by a vehicle while walking along Reinninger Road in Denham Springs. The driver fled the scene,...

On April 26, 2026 at the Mall of Louisiana, gunfire erupted in the food court. BRPD Sergeant Billy Aime sits down with Kiran Chawla as he describes being the first officer on scene, relaying warnings over radio, and finding victims amid the chaos. Aime also recounts providing basic first aid, assisting with evacuation, and working with other officers and mall staff to clear the building. He discus...

In this episode, Kiran Chawla is joined by Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran as he discusses Central’s hybrid policing model and a the need to possibly move to a full-time department and the funding options that could eventually make the proposal a reality. Timestamps 05:33 Full-Time Cost Estimate 09:21 Crime Division Breakdown 12:45 Funding and Court Revenue 17:21 School Zone Camera’s 31:22 Pol...

In this episode, Kiran Chawla is joined by East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore as he discusses his office facing a serious funding shortfall, with a growing backlog of cases, and staff turnover. DA Moore says the office has lost 36 assistant district attorneys in 20 months, which has increased workloads and made it harder to keep cases moving, forcing the office to file suit aga...

In this episode, Kiran Chawla is joined by Megan Kelly as they reflect on the tragic fire that engulfed the historic Nottoway Plantation in Louisiana exactly one year ago. The fire ignited on May 15th 2025, sending shockwaves through the community as what started as a manageable blaze rapidly escalated into a devastating inferno. Firefighters faced numerous challenges, including a lack of adequate...

In this episode, Kiran Chawla is joined by East Baton Rouge Parish Constable Terrica Williams to discuss her push for a pay raise for the constable's office, coinciding with a historic increase recently approved for the Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD). Constable Williams emphasizes that her support for the BRPD's raise does not diminish the need for her deputies to receive similar recognition...

In this episode, Kiran Chawla is joined by Megan Kelly discuss the recent Mall of Louisiana shooting, exploring the unfolding events, law enforcement response, community impact, and ways to prevent future tragedies.  Timestamps 01:38 Breaking Down the Incident 04:54 The Impact on the Community 20:10 Calls for Change and Accountability 25:59 The Need for Community Resilience 29:42 Addressing Gun Vi...

In this episode, Kiran Chawla sits down with Twanna Sibley as she courageously shares the heartbreaking story of her daughter, Jasmine Newhouse, who was tragically killed by domestic violence at just 18 years old. Tawana opens up about Jasmine’s relationship with her older boyfriend, the warning signs she noticed, and the overwhelming feelings of helplessness she felt as a parent desperately tryin...

In this episode, Kiran speaks with Mayor Dustin Yates of St. George, Louisiana, the fifth largest city in the state, about the community's journey towards establishing its own school district driven by a desire for better education. Yates shares the challenges faced, including legal hurdles and public skepticism. Mayor Yates also discusses the legislative processes involved in achieving autonomy a...

Baton Rouge Police Department Chief T.J. Morse joins Kiran Chawla to discuss a wide variety of topics including the new pay raise proposed for BRPD, the drone technology that is aiding in catching criminals, gun safety statistics and (2) upcoming classes for citizens put on by BRPD. Timestamps 07:52 Recruitment Challenges and Academy Updates 11:33 Community Support for the Pay Raise 15:21 Street R...

Baton Rouge Mayor President Sid Edwards joins Kiran Chawla to discuss a wide variety of topics including the new pay raise proposed by his office for BRPD, the funding issues currently plaguing the District Attorney’s office, the cities public safety issues and more!   Timestamps 05:24 Audit and Financial Transparency 09:41 BRPD Challenges and Staffing Issues 13:13 Addressing Crime and Public Safe...

Kiran Chawla brings you inside the courtroom during the re-trial of Melanie Curtin and has a candid conversation with Juror #4 as he recounts his experience being on the jury for this high profile case in Livingston Parish.   Timestamps 03:49 Journey to Retrial: Legal Battles Unfold 05:34 The 18-Minute Video: Evidence Revealed 09:06 Key Testimony: Victim's Experience and Memory 11:07 Expert Witnes...

Kiran Chawla sits down with Kristie Mascarella as she recounts the unsettling events that transpired when her Dodge Challenger was stolen from her home. Now, the reigning Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana advocates for accessibility and justice, inspiring hope in the face of adversity. Timestamps 01:19 Christy's Journey Begins 16:30 The Search for the Wheelchair 22:09 Struggles with Insurance 24:50 Resilie...

Kiran Chawla sits down with Jim Rathmann as they discuss the impending re-trial for Melanie Curtin in the 21st Judicial Court in Livingston Parish.  Timestamps 04:47 Timeline to the Second Trial 05:56 Jury Misconduct Allegations 08:12 New Legal Representation 10:56 Evidence and Text Messages 14:11 Background on Dennis Perkins 17:20 The Role of Videos 23:05 Courtroom Strategies 35:10 The Importance...

Kiran Chawla recounts the unsettling events that transpired during a Mardi Gras parade in Clinton, Louisiana, where a joyous celebration turned into chaos when gunfire erupted, injuring six individuals, including a young child.  Timestamps 01:36 A Family Parade 12:03 The Scene Turns Chaotic 20:19 Gang Rivalry  32:45 The Photographer's Perspective 39:26 Law Enforcement Response Local Sponsors for t...

Kiran Chawla sits down with Jennifer Richardson as the founder of “Keep Tiger Town Beautiful” looks back at the inception of this program designed to clean up the Baton Rouge community and how much her passion project has grown over the past five years. Timestamps 01:53 A Frustrated Beginning 06:55 From Cleanup to Community 11:53 Sober Living Collaboration 20:58 Family Pride and Support 22:59 A Un...

Kiran Chawla sits down with two esteemed Baton Rouge business owners, Jim Urdiales of Mestizo's Mexican Restaurant and David Belanger of Belanger's Interiors, as they delve deep into the heart of what makes small businesses the backbone of our community. Also up for discussion is the “Best of Baton Rouge Best Businesses Gala” set for February 28th at L'Auberge Casino, inviting both winners and the...

In this episode, Attorney Joe Long joins Kiran to explore a past case at Louisiana State Penitentiary involving Tony Johnson, an inmate at Angola State Penitentiary, who alleges he was sexually assaulted by LSP at Angola lieutenant, Tyler Holliday.  Timestamps 08:23 Understanding Countermeasures 14:51 The Assault Details 17:06 Reporting the Abuse  25:13 The Civil Case Outcome 27:32 The DNA Revelat...

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Kiran Chawla is joined by certified human trafficking expert Dr. Willie Brooks, as they discuss the alarming reality that this issue permeates in our community. Timestamps 08:35 Parent-Child Communication 12:10 Advice for Kids 16:53 The Dangers of the Internet 25:18 Apps for Monitoring Children 32:26 The Impact of Gaming 35:36 The Scale of Human Tr...

In this episode, BRPD Chief T.J. Morse sits down with Kiran Chawla to discuss the budgetary concerns that has led to a shortage of officers in the Baton Rouge Police Department. Timestamps 05:53 Strategic Crime Reduction Approaches 08:17 Youth and Gun Violence 10:15 Crime Statistics for 2025 13:47 Community Engagement and Technology 17:20 Repeat Offenders and Legal Challenges 21:15 Domestic Violen...

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Louisiana State Police Investigator Jordyn Mcdempsey joins Kiran to discuss various topics including the issue of human trafficking in the state of Louisiana and how you can protect yourself and your family. #louisianaunfiltered  #kiranchawla #podcast  #unfilteredwithkiran #news  #louisiana  #louisianastatepolice     Timestamps 01:44 Meet the Investigator 0...

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, WBR District Attorney Tony Clayton joins Kiran to discuss various topics including the pressing issue of juvenile crime in the Baton Rouge area, a recent case prosecuted by his office involving the shipment of an abortion pill across state lines, to the new football coach hired at Southern University.  Timestamps 01:19 Confronting Juvenile Crime  06:07 Comm...