Mornings with Brian Haldane

Louisiana Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley highlighted major progress after severe winter weather forced more than 500,000 students out of school across north Louisiana. Districts steadily restored power and reopened campuses, bringing the number of students still out down to roughly 13,000. Brumley emphasized that true learning can only happen face-to-face, especially when families lack electricit...

Washington Mardi Gras wasn’t just about tradition this year — it became a showcase of Louisiana’s growing economic strength. After returning from D.C., Anna Johnson said the week’s events consistently pointed to one theme: economic development. Every reception, breakfast, and panel highlighted bold moves in energy, workforce, and industry growth.

Walt Leger, president and CEO of New Orleans & Company, joined the show to briefly chat about the real business impact of Washington Mardi Gras. He explained how the annual event strengthens economic ties, boosts visibility for Louisiana tourism, and opens doors for long-term partnerships that benefit the city. Walt also highlighted the excitement around Rockin’ 1000 coming to New Orleans and...

District 6 Councilman Cleve Dunn now faces a long list of charges tied to an alleged $50,000 CATS contract scheme, including bribery, money laundering, public contract fraud, illegal split commission of commodities, malfeasance in office, and multiple conspiracy counts. Investigators say he used his position to connect key players, push the contract through, and route more than $33,000 back to Cor...

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Will Green is outlining the priorities he believes will shape Louisiana’s economic future as the 2026 Legislative Session approaches. Green continues to push for pro-growth policies that strengthen the workforce, improve the state’s tax climate, and create a competitive environment for businesses of all sizes.

Washington Mardi Gras delivered fewer political surprises this year as Louisiana’s early primaries pushed candidates into full campaign mode. Conversations focused on strategy instead of announcements, with notable absences—including Blake Miguez—sparking speculation about the final field before qualifying opens next week. Despite heavy snow and difficult travel, the event drew a stronger crowd th...

Brian Haldane was joined by Zachary Kilshaw with Echo Box Communications at Washington Mardi Gras 2026.

Brian Haldane was joined by Brett Gordon & Bailey Morse from LOPA at Washington Mardi Gras 2026.

Brian Haldane was joined by Executive Director of the Pontchartrain Conservancy Kristi Trail at Washington Mardi Gras 2026.

Brian Haldane was joined by Chris Csonka with The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council at Washington Mardi Gras 2026.

Brian Haldane was joined by Adrian Owen Jones from Success Labs at Washington Mardi Gras 2026.

Brian Haldane was joined by Veteran Policy Advisor Paul Sawyer at Washington Mardi Gras 2026.

Joe Carvalho of the LSU Alumni Association celebrated the university’s strong presence during Washington Mardi Gras. Amid snowy streets and busy D.C. traffic, LSU alumni showcased their achievements and networked across politics, business, and government. Carvalho emphasized the Alumni Association’s mission: supporting Tigers from student life to career success, connecting chapters nationwide, and...

Louisiana drivers are starting to see insurance rates move in the right direction. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says more than one million auto policyholders will qualify for lower premiums. These decreases will appear as policies renew over the next six to twelve months. In addition, drivers who shop now may find better pricing sooner. Temple calls the change premium relief. He credits recen...

Susan B. Bourgeois serves as Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, where she leads the state agency focused on job creation and economic growth. In this role, she works to expand opportunity for communities across Louisiana while strengthening the state’s national profile.

New Lab has officially broken ground on its new facility in New Orleans, marking a major step forward for hardware and advanced technology growth in the state. Director of Strategy Cam Poole shared the news during Washington Mardi Gras, noting that the project brings new life to the long-idle Naval base site.

Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA), spent Washington Mardi Gras reinforcing a clear message: Louisiana’s energy industry thrives when policy, workforce, and infrastructure move forward together.

Washington Mardi Gras 2025 delivered a fast-paced and highly productive environment for Baton Rouge leaders. This year’s event felt especially focused, with nonstop meetings and meaningful conversations. Metro Councilwoman Jen Racca used every opportunity to advocate for East Baton Rouge Parish and secure resources that can make a real impact back home.

The Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana stepped into the spotlight at Washington Mardi Gras as Chairwoman Melissa Darden and Councilman Schuylar “Skylar” Hebert joined the conversation to highlight the tribe’s history, growth, and current priorities. The tribe, based in St. Mary Parish on its aboriginal homeland, is Louisiana’s only federally recognized tribe located on its original lands.

Louisiana continues to face one of the most serious coastal land loss crises in the country. Over time, erosion, stronger storms, and rising sea levels have eaten away at wetlands that protect homes, jobs, and wildlife. However, science-based restoration efforts are beginning to slow that loss and protect communities across the state.

Charlton J. Meginley, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, recently joined the program from Washington, D.C. He was in the nation’s capital for Washington Mardi Gras and meetings focused on improving support for Louisiana veterans. Even with record cold and snow, his priority stayed clear: advocating for those who served. Meginley grew up in Alexandria and comes from a family...

Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis phoned in to a live broadcast from the Lake Charles Hospitality Suite to deliver a sobering update on Northeast Louisiana’s recovery after a devastating winter storm. Ellis described the damage as “total devastation,” calling it one of the most destructive natural events the region has ever faced.

Mornings with Brian Haldane rolled on Wednesday as Cade Voisin filled in for Brian. Brian is on his way to Washington, D.C. for Washington Mardi Gras coverage. Before he left, Cade welcomed Chef John Folse and Michaela York to preview the annual Chef John Folse Boucherie and Bourbon event. The event takes place Saturday, February 7 from 8 to 3 at White Oak Estate and Gardens.

The conversation surrounding the shooting of Alex Preddy in Minneapolis continues to grow. The 37-year-old ICU nurse recorded a federal immigration operation on his phone before agents pepper sprayed him, tackled him, and shot him at close range. Witnesses say he never pulled his legally owned firearm. The video shows chaos at full speed, but when slowed down, it looks far more severe. Many descri...

Program Director Cade Voisin welcomed listeners back to Mornings with Brian Haldane and flipped the script. Filling in for Brian, Cade grabbed a few minutes with him before he boarded his flight from Baton Rouge Metro Airport to Washington, D.C., for Washington Mardi Gras. The trip marks two full days of conversations with Louisiana leaders as the state’s political and business circles gather unde...