Mornings with Brian Haldane

Louisiana lawmakers are debating two key legal changes during the current session. One proposal would expand compassionate release for terminally ill inmates, increasing the eligibility window from 60 to 120 days. Supporters say it gives the system more time to process releases and allows families to say goodbye. Critics question whether it weakens life sentences and whether it truly saves money....

Artificial intelligence is not just another tech trend. It is on the level of electricity and the microchip. Doug Kelly with the American Edge Project says the country that leads in AI will shape global power for decades. That includes national security, economic strength, and digital influence. The concern is clear. If the United States falls behind, countries like China could set the rules. Thei...

Crime Stoppers is asking for help in several active investigations across the Capital Region. A possible homicide in a Watson McDonald’s parking lot remains under investigation, with multiple suspects believed to be involved. In Livingston Parish, deputies are searching for a second suspect in a lawnmower theft case, with one person already in custody. Baton Rouge Police are also looking for three...

The Baton Rouge Alliance for Students is celebrating five years of impact since launching in 2021. The group has built a network of over 200 community advocates and invested more than $500,000 in local organizations supporting students and families. During that time, Baton Rouge has seen major progress, with 12,000 fewer students in D and F-rated schools, the lowest level in over a decade. The All...

Sen. Bill Cassidy says the SAVE Act, which requires voter ID for federal elections, lacks the 60 votes needed to pass the Senate. He supports the bill as a way to strengthen election integrity while allowing states to control mail-in voting rules. Cassidy also warns that stalled federal funding is leaving TSA and FEMA workers unpaid, raising safety concerns. He adds that upcoming hearings will tar...

Louisiana is investing in a new innovation hub to drive economic growth and attract higher-paying jobs. State leaders highlight more than $90 billion in projects tied to industries like tech and advanced manufacturing. One standout is autonomous shipping. Saronic Technologies plans to build electric, crewless vessels in Franklin. These ships can travel long distances, carry heavy cargo, and cut op...

Congresswoman Julia Letlow says her focus in Washington remains on delivering results for Louisiana while navigating a busy legislative week. She highlighted meetings with local leaders and visiting student groups as key moments that keep her connected to home. Letlow raised concerns about the ongoing DHS funding dispute, calling it a national security issue as TSA workers go unpaid and travel dis...

Nexus Louisiana is relocating its startup incubator to downtown Baton Rouge, marking a major shift under CEO Tony Zanders. The organization will move from a 44,000-square-foot facility to a redesigned 30,000-square-foot space in the Mathern’s building this summer. The new hub will house 15 startups and feature collaborative workspaces, a tech demo theater, and residential units for entrepreneurs.

The Baton Rouge Buddy Walk returns Saturday, March 21, at A.Z. Young Park, bringing together families, advocates, and supporters of the Down Syndrome Awareness Group (DSAG). The event starts at 9 a.m., with the walk at 11 a.m., followed by a full day of activities.

Louisiana’s path to energy dominance faces legal hurdles, regulatory delays, and outside influence, according to a new report from the Pelican Institute. Policy director Daniel Erspamer outlined the findings, pointing to three key barriers shaping the state’s energy future.

Curtin was acquitted in her retrial, likely helped by timing and shifting perception after the Perkins convictions. An attorney faces felony charges for bringing a gun and drugs onto prison property, where context and intent will be key. Rapper Mystical pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, likely to avoid a harsher sentence after years in jail. Bottom line: outcomes come down to strategy, timing, an...

Congressman Troy Carter addressed two major efforts in southeast Louisiana: a new community pool and gun safety funding. He confirmed construction is underway on a $4 million indoor swimming facility in Algiers. The project will provide year-round access to swimming, recreation, and life-saving skills in an area that has long lacked public resources. Carter also announced $1 million in federal fun...

State Representative Kellee Dickerson is pushing House Bill 526 to cap lawsuit damages at $500,000. She says large jury awards are driving up insurance costs and forcing trucking companies and small businesses to leave Louisiana. The cap aligns with nearby states and aims to stabilize the market. She is also working on a Medicaid bill to improve access and reduce wait times, along with new legisla...

As Louisiana’s legislative session moves into week two, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) is closely watching key developments. While not directly advancing legislation, BRAF supports efforts that impact the capital region.