Mornings with Brian Haldane

Zach Kilshaw joins the show to unpack the fallout from last weekend’s failed Thrive propositions and what comes next for Baton Rouge. He reflects on the close loss, comparing it to a basketball game of missed free throws and turnovers, while noting broader statewide resistance to new taxes. Kilshaw emphasizes that distrust in government and the perception of losing services fueled opposition, even...

David Cresson of the Louisiana Chemical Association warns that Louisiana’s early advantage in carbon injection technology is slipping as Texas gains primacy over Class 1–6 wells. Once a magnet for billions in investment, Louisiana now faces uncertainty due to a state moratorium and rising misinformation campaigns aimed at stalling industrial growth. Cresson stresses that injection wells have a dec...

State Representative Dixon McMaken of District 68 joins the show to unpack the recent failure of three local ballot propositions in Baton Rouge, including the Thrive initiative. McMaken emphasized that messaging and clarity were central problems. Unlike past successful measures such as the MoveBR traffic project, voters this time lacked certainty about where funds would go. He argued that every qu...

Metro Councilman Aaron Moak joins the show to unpack Baton Rouge’s 2026 City-Parish budget in the wake of Thrive EBR’s defeat at the polls. Moak stresses that public distrust in government stems from officials’ infighting, and urges collaboration from the top down. With a 520-page budget now in council’s hands, cuts are inevitable—roughly 200 positions across departments, though police and fire re...

Attorney Franz Borghardt joins the show for Legally Served to dive into the curious indictment of former Louisiana House Speaker Clay Shaksnyder. Accused of stealing a massive cypress artifact valued at over $25,000, Shaksnyder faces felony theft and malfeasance in office charges. But is this truly about missing state property—or political maneuvering? Borghardt questions the unusual path of prose...

Matt Moscona of After Further Review joins the show to break down the fast‑moving “Kiffin Watch 2025.” LSU’s firing of Brian Kelly unexpectedly threw the Tigers into the race for Lane Kiffin, who was already being courted by Florida. Meanwhile, Ole Miss complicated matters by winning far more than expected, finishing 10–1 and securing a playoff berth. Kiffin now faces a dilemma: remain at Ole Miss...

Jeff Crouere dives into one of New Orleans’ most remarkable political stories: Calvin Duncan, a man who spent three decades in Angola prison before his murder conviction was vacated, has now been elected as the city’s chief criminal court record keeper. Winning with 68% of the vote, Duncan defied the political establishment, fueled by grassroots support and his own relentless campaigning. His jour...

Joel White, president of the Council for Affordable Health Coverage, joins the conversation to unpack the health care battles that fueled the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. At the center: Obamacare subsidies versus consumer choice. White argues that the Affordable Care Act drove up premiums, deductibles, and medical inflation while restricting options and funneling taxpayer dollars t...

On Saturday, Baton Rouge voters—only 19% of the electorate—rejected three ballot propositions tied to funding for the library, Council on Aging, and mosquito abatement. Each measure included a small portion redirected to the city-parish budget to help pay down debt, but the defeat leaves the administration scrambling to address financial shortfalls. Mason Batts from the mayor’s office joins the sh...

Congressman Troy Carter joins the show to discuss the charged atmosphere on Capitol Hill as lawmakers prepare to vote on releasing the Epstein files. Carter emphasizes transparency and justice, insisting no one is above the law, while stressing the need to protect victims’ identities. With reports of extensive documents, emails, and even video evidence, the revelations could shake Washington. Mean...

The final public meeting for Plan Baton Rouge Phase 3 marked a pivotal moment in shaping the city’s downtown future. Hosted at the Shaw Center, the event drew a strong turnout, with over 600 attendees across three open houses and more than 3,000 survey responses collected throughout the process. Organizers emphasized collaboration, showcasing past successes from earlier phases such as the Shaw Cen...

On this week’s catch‑up with Moon Griffon, the conversation spans LSU football, politics, and local government. Moon celebrates Frank Wilson’s first Tiger win, reminding listeners that behind the spectacle of SEC football are coaches and players pouring heart and soul into the game. He defends the value of bowl games as vital practice and development opportunities, even if fans dismiss them. Shift...

Former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Francis Rooney, joins to discuss Pope Leo’s early papacy and its global impact. While joking about his Chicago sports loyalties, Rooney highlights the Pope’s serious approach to immigration, inclusivity, and church governance. Known personally to Rooney for decades, Pope Leo is described as judicious, pragmatic, and experienced in managing people and finance...

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) recently hosted its annual “flyback” event, bringing congressional leaders and policy experts to Louisiana for two days of discussion on the state’s economic challenges and opportunities. Jim Patterson of LABI described the gathering as a valuable exchange of information for members, featuring presentations from state and national leaders....

Liz Smith from the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students spotlights the upcoming Education Immersive Experience, a free event at Capitol Park Museum. Attendees will explore two powerful exhibits: a desegregation gallery built from 50 years of court records, photos, and testimony, offering a vivid look at Baton Rouge’s long struggle with school integration; and a life‑sized board game simulating the jo...

On this Medical Monday, Dr. Jason Green breaks down the complexities of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and asthma, highlighting their differences, warning signs, and treatment strategies. ILDs affect lung tissue and can stem from exposures, autoimmune conditions, or unknown causes, while asthma inflames the airways and is often triggered by smoke, chemicals, or allergies. Dr. Green emphasizes t...

On this Foodie Friday, Casey Evans and Justin Burnett from Dearman’s Diner join the show to share the story of one of Baton Rouge’s most beloved staples. Founded in 1958 as a drugstore lunch counter, Dearman’s evolved into a full diner by the late ’90s and has been serving families, students, and locals ever since. Known for its fresh, locally sourced burgers made from Calvin’s special blend and i...

Metro Councilman Dwight Hudson joins the show to break down East Baton Rouge Parish’s proposed budget and the looming vote on the Thrive plan. With cuts across City-Parish departments, Hudson argues the real “fat” lies in dedicated agencies like libraries and mosquito abatement, which hold large reserves while critical services such as drainage and public safety struggle. Thrive proposes trimming...

The recent announcement by the EPA granting Texas “primacy” in carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape. Tommy Faucheux of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association explains that Louisiana had enjoyed a two-year advantage since receiving primacy in 2023, which allowed the state to permit CCS wells directly. This authority attracted nea...

Whitney Hoffman Sayal from the Downtown Development District joins the show to discuss the final Plan Baton Rouge Phase 3 meeting at the Shaw Center for Performing Arts. With over 1,400 responses already, community input has highlighted priorities like stronger riverfront connections, diverse retail options, and evolving restaurant hours to match changing lifestyles. Downtown’s growth is evident w...

The Rockin’ 1000, the largest rock band on earth, is making its long-awaited U.S. debut in New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome. Founded in Italy after a viral Foo Fighters tribute, this global movement brings together 1,000 musicians to perform iconic rock hits from Nirvana, Queen, Green Day, Metallica, and more. Fabio Zaffagnini, the visionary behind the project, joins Walt Leger of New Orleans...

Lieutenant Don Coppola joins the show—despite being stuck in traffic—to spotlight Baton Rouge’s latest crime alerts. From a missing woman in Zachary to a card skimmer at a gas station on Airline Highway, listeners are urged to stay vigilant. A dentist’s office burglary and two suspects in Walker—one sporting an LSU jersey and a sleeve of skull tattoos—round out the wanted list. Don also shares ins...

Chris Matthews joins the show to reflect on his Peace Corps days in Louisiana, the current political gridlock in Washington, and his new book Lessons from Bobby: 10 Reasons Robert F. Kennedy Still Matters. With trademark candor, Matthews critiques Democratic strategy, warns of political miscalculations, and celebrates RFK’s fearless legacy—from civil rights battles to confronting organized crime....

Councilwoman Laurie White Adams joins the show to discuss the city-parish budget and recent council developments. She highlighted the endorsement of concert-related rebates, clarifying that these are not direct tax expenditures, but incentives tied to economic impact. Speculation surrounds major artists potentially performing at Tiger Stadium, with contracts under strict non-disclosure agreements....

Dr. Mike Strain joins the show to discuss the economic state of agriculture in Louisiana and the broader impact of the recent federal government shutdown. He highlighted the importance of the one-year farm bill extension, which reinstates critical agricultural programs and services that had been stalled. Agencies like the Farm Services Agency, EPA, and USDA were closed, delaying essential operatio...