Mornings with Brian Haldane

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry says voters will see a major change in 2026 elections with the introduction of closed party primaries for races such as U.S. House, U.S. Senate, BESE, Public Service Commission, and the Louisiana Supreme Court. Registered Democrats and Republicans will vote in their party’s primary, while “no party” voters can choose which primary to join. Landry also high...

Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says Mardi Gras wrapped up safely despite massive crowds, thanks to hundreds of officers, drones, and traffic control efforts. Police plan to use the same strategy for the upcoming Wearin’ of the Green Parade. Morse also addressed a shots-fired incident near 225 Fest, which left no injuries. He raised concerns about repeat offenders and court delays but noted Ba...

Louisiana lawmakers began the 2026 legislative session Monday with several key policy debates already emerging. Dr. Steven Procopio of the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR) says early signals from the governor’s opening address and filed legislation show lawmakers may take a measured approach this year.

Louisiana political commentator Jeff Crouere, host of Ringside Politics, discussed a range of issues affecting the state and New Orleans during a recent radio appearance. Topics included airport travel delays, law enforcement leadership changes, and priorities emerging ahead of the legislative session.

BREC saw huge demand when summer camp registration opened, with more than 548,000 attempts to secure spots. Officials say the rush shows how valuable the camps are for Baton Rouge families. Parents like Bianca London and Acqueena Grant say the programs help children stay active, social, and engaged. Evante Topp, Director of the BREC Foundation, also highlighted efforts to expand community support...

Louisiana’s 2026 legislative session kicked off Monday with energy and optimism at the State Capitol. Radio host Moon Griffon joined coverage ahead of Governor Jeff Landry’s opening address, describing a positive atmosphere as lawmakers gathered for the start of the session. Griffon noted that opening day carries a unique tone compared to later weeks of debate. Lawmakers arrive focused on prioriti...

Louisiana lawmakers opened the 2026 legislative session with momentum from recent economic gains. Will Green, president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), said policy changes in recent years helped attract new investment and improve business confidence.

The Dreams Come True Golf Tournament returns for its 37th year. The event raises money for Louisiana children with life-threatening illnesses. Founder Becky Prejean says the tournament will continue despite wet conditions on the course. Organizers will skip a few flooded holes so golfers can still play and enjoy the day. Food vendors and a crawfish boil will also be part of the event. Dreams Come...

Stephanie Phares, owner of Zeeland Street Market in Baton Rouge, highlighted the restaurant’s Lenten seafood specials and scratch-made cooking during a “Foodie Friday” segment. Popular dishes include ahi tuna salad, baked lemon butter catfish, and crawfish étouffée. The longtime local restaurant recently earned recognition from The New York Times. Phares also shared that after battling lung cancer...

Louisiana lawmakers return to the Capitol Monday for the 2026 regular legislative session. State Representative Mike Bayham says this session gives many legislators their first real chance to push the ideas they campaigned on.

The Manship Theatre will host its annual Red Carpet Gala on April 16, featuring an intimate performance by Grammy-winning artist LeAnn Rimes. Executive Director Jason Langlois said the fundraiser supports the nonprofit theater’s year-round programming. The event will include a catered reception, open bar, and sponsorship opportunities that provide businesses year-round brand visibility.

Louisiana enters the 2026 legislative session with strong economic development momentum. Business leaders and lawmakers point to several initiatives that aim to attract companies, create jobs, and strengthen the state’s workforce. Anna Johnson says recent economic development programs signal real progress. She highlighted the state’s new FastSite program, which prepares “move-in ready” industrial...

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple plans to push additional reforms during the 2026 legislative session as lawmakers continue efforts to lower insurance costs across the state. Temple said Louisiana has made progress in recent years. However, he believes lawmakers must keep moving forward to make the insurance market more competitive and affordable.

Drivers in Ascension Parish will face a temporary road closure as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) begins critical repairs on Bluff Road.

A federal trial has begun in Louisiana over a long-running scheme that allegedly staged crashes involving 18-wheelers to collect fraudulent insurance payouts. Renee Amar with the Louisiana Motor Transport Association says the operation dates back to around 2011 in New Orleans. Participants reportedly hired drivers to intentionally collide with trucks and then file injury claims. Investigators late...

U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow discussed several major issues in Congress. She supports the president’s authority to carry out targeted military strikes against Iran under the War Powers framework and expects the House to approve the continuation of the operation. Letlow also criticized the shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security, saying national security should not become part of political...

Louisiana State Senator Caleb Kleinpeter plans an aggressive legislative agenda as the 2026 session begins Monday. Kleinpeter filed 24 bills, covering public safety, technology, and tax relief. State leaders expect a member-driven session, meaning lawmakers will push their own priorities instead of following a single statewide agenda. Kleinpeter expects economic development and workforce training...

Baton Rouge Crime Stoppers asks the public for help identifying suspects in two violent crimes. Police search for a shirtless suspect who robbed an 80-year-old woman and stole her car on North 27th Street. Detectives also seek 34-year-old Darren Hudson for attempted second-degree murder after he allegedly shot a man during an argument. Tips remain anonymous through Crime Stoppers.

Louisiana leaders announced a major economic development effort designed to prepare land for large-scale business investment. The Louisiana Economic Development (LED) unveiled 19 project sites across 16 parishes through its new FAST Sites program, the largest coordinated site investment initiative in state history.

Many people hear the term “dark web” and assume it is illegal to visit. Tech expert Haggai Davis says that belief is a myth. The dark web is simply another part of the internet, but it carries serious risks.

Louisiana State Representative Dixon McMakin heads into the 2026 legislative session with a focus on infrastructure, public safety, and economic policy.

Louisiana lawmakers will open the 2026 legislative session Monday with strong momentum and a long list of priorities. State Senator Brach Myers says leadership and better communication across state government have helped align lawmakers on key issues. Myers, who moved from the House to the Senate after a special election last year, says the legislature now shows a stronger sense of direction than...

As the Louisiana legislative session opens Monday, economic leaders across the capital region are watching closely. One of them is Trey Godfrey with the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, commonly known as “The Partnership.” Godfrey says the organization will focus on protecting major economic opportunities while pushing policies that strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline.

A wrong to-go order at LJK Round 2 Café in Baton Rouge escalated into a confrontation that ended in a shooting. Police say Daylin Woods and Savannah Spears returned to the restaurant, acted aggressively, and Woods put a gun on the counter. The owner told staff to hide in a walk-in freezer, told the pair to leave, and gunfire broke out. The owner was shot in the abdomen, and Woods allegedly fired m...

Pastor Joshua Robertson, founder and CEO of Black Pastors United for Education, argues that churches can play a powerful role in fixing America’s education crisis. His organization helps pastors turn unused church spaces into learning hubs, homeschool programs, and hybrid education centers. Robertson pushes for school choice and says families need more options beyond the traditional public school...