Mornings with Brian Haldane

Baton Rouge Fire Chief Mike Kimble joins the show to celebrate a major milestone: the department has once again earned a Class 1 rating from the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana—an elite designation it’s held continuously since 1980. This top-tier rating means lower insurance premiums for residents and unmatched emergency response standards. Chief Kimble breaks down the rigorous criteri...

Tech Gumbo kicks off its 12th year with a fiery blend of humor and outrage. Haggai Davis joins the show to dive into the jaw-dropping cybersecurity fail at the Louvre—where priceless art was guarded by a six-letter password and a server older than some of the exhibits. They roast the galactic stupidity of outdated tech and weak security, then pivot to brighter news from Down Under: Australia’s sol...

Cheryle Totten joins the show to spotlight Louisiana’s Youth Legislature—a dynamic, hands-on program empowering 6th–8th graders to write, debate, and pass mock legislation. With over 2,000 students from 45+ schools set to participate this February, the program fosters civic engagement, public speaking, and leadership. From anti-bullying bills to wildlife protection, these young voices are tackling...

Attorney Franz Borghardt joins the show for Legally Served to dive into a fiery recusal controversy surrounding Judge Gail Horne Ray in the high-profile Madison Brooks case. With text messages, past rulings, and personal connections swirling, the DA’s motion to recuse raises thorny questions about fairness, timing, and judicial integrity. Franz breaks down Louisiana’s bench trial rules, the danger...

Hockey season is back in Baton Rouge, and new Zydeco head coach Chad Bailey is ready to lead the charge. With a fresh system, returning players, and a growing rivalry with Biloxi, the team is building chemistry and chasing wins. Bailey shares his journey from Arizona to Wyoming to Texas, and now Louisiana—where fans are embracing the sport with Southern flair. From fast-paced offense to defensive...

Lauren Giffin and John Schiller from the LSU Alumni Association join the show to spotlight how the organization is building lifelong connections for Tigers across the country. As a nonprofit separate from campus leadership, the Alumni Association remains a steady force through every headline and transition. From student engagement to post-grad support, their mission is clear: keep alumni connected...

The USS Kidd, a beloved World War II-era destroyer and staple of Baton Rouge’s riverfront, is nearing the end of an extensive restoration project. Les Nicholson, chair of the restoration commission, shared updates on the ship’s journey. After being towed to the Thomas E. Shipyard in Houma, workers discovered severe hull damage caused by decades of electrolysis and wear from its unique cradle setti...

Brendan Buck from Keep Americans Covered joins the show to break down the looming expiration of enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs)—a financial lifeline for millions buying health insurance through the ACA marketplace. With these subsidies set to vanish by year’s end, families could face thousands in added costs or lose coverage entirely. Brendan explains how this crisis is fueling a vicious cycl...

Jeff Crouere joins the show to reflect on the passing of Dick Cheney and the dramatic transformation of the Republican Party since his vice presidency. Once a symbol of conservative power, Cheney’s legacy now stands in stark contrast to the Trump-era GOP. We also explore the rise of Senator John Fetterman, whose post-recovery independence has made him a rare centrist voice in a polarized Democrati...

Moon Griffon joins the studio after being bumped for Governor Jeff Landry, and the conversation dives deep into the political drama surrounding LSU’s leadership shakeup. From SNAP benefits to the university presidency and football coaching decisions, the governor’s influence looms large. The episode unpacks Landry’s role in the departure of AD Scott Woodward, the speculation around Wade Rouse’s ap...

Congressman Troy Carter returns for another candid conversation on the show for DC Current, diving into his bipartisan FEMA Continuity Act—a bill ensuring disaster relief continues even during government shutdowns. Carter explains why this commonsense legislation is long overdue and how political gridlock threatens real lives. The discussion expands into election-season theatrics, the cost of brok...

Shannon Abney from Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana breaks down the powerful impact of the Louisiana School Readiness Tax Credit. This little-known program allows businesses to redirect up to $5,000 in state taxes toward early childhood education, earning a full refund while fueling community growth. The funds support teacher training, classroom makeovers, and vital resources for over...

Jake Polansky from the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership joins the show to discuss the evolving 2026 economic outlook for the Capital Region. Each year, the organization releases an economic report informed by a comprehensive survey targeting business leaders, owners, and executives. The survey gathers insights on expected hiring trends, revenue projections, and key challenges facing busine...

Stephanie Turner, Senior VP of Convention Sales for New Orleans & Company, joins Talk 107.3 to unpack the fierce competition behind the scenes of the convention industry. From battling cities like Nashville, Phoenix, and Louisville to booking over 1,000 meetings annually, New Orleans is hustling hard to stay a top-tier destination. Turner explains how conventions fill hotel rooms year-round, d...

Jim Patterson from the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) joins the show to unpack the state’s leap to #31 in the 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index. Thanks to sweeping reforms—like a 3% flat individual income tax and 5.5% corporate rate—Louisiana is gaining national attention. But challenges remain: the state ranks dead last in sales tax competitiveness due to fragmented loca...

Governor Jeff Landry joins the show to discuss Louisiana’s proactive response to the federal government shutdown and its impact on SNAP benefits. With federal funding stalled, the state stepped in to provide 25% of food stamp benefits to vulnerable populations—children, the elderly, and the disabled—thanks to fiscal discipline and a strong economy. Landry credited the Louisiana Department of Healt...

Dr. Mohammad Al-Efashad joins the show to spotlight Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Once considered a near-certain death sentence, pancreatic cancer now sees improved survival rates—especially with early detection. Dr. Mo breaks down why this aggressive disease often evades early diagnosis, the lack of widespread screening, and the importance of recognizing subtle symptoms. He shares insights o...

Dr. Tim Allerton from Pennington Biomedical Research Center recaps Obesity Week in Atlanta and dives into the science behind America’s weight crisis. From evolutionary mismatches to ultra-processed diets and sedentary lifestyles, he explains why obesity is so complex—and why Pennington is leading the charge in research. We explore the promise and pitfalls of GLP-1 drugs, the importance of sustaina...

Speaker Philip DeVillier joins the show to break down Louisiana’s recent special session, which swiftly pushed back 2024 election dates by 30 days. Why? The state is waiting on the U.S. Supreme Court to provide a clear path for drawing legal congressional maps—after years of costly lawsuits and court rejections. DeVillier explains the stakes, the timeline, and the hope that this time, the process...

ABC News’ Stephen Portnoy joins the show to unpack the chaos in Washington and beyond. From a record-breaking government shutdown now in its 31st day to the ripple effects hitting SNAP benefits, TSA workers, and healthcare premiums, Portnoy explains why the usual rules of D.C. politics no longer apply. Meanwhile, Louisiana scrambles to protect food assistance, and chocolate lovers face a bitter su...

Governor Jeff Landry’s recent press conference, intended to address federal funding gaps, quickly shifted focus after a question about LSU’s football program sparked controversy. The governor criticized the university’s leadership, including the athletic director Scott Woodward, and questioned the ethics of contract negotiations involving agent Trace Armstrong, who represents both Woodward and for...

Chad Parker, Brandon Jones, and Melvin Edwards - members of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office join forces with ICARE to spotlight a powerful partnership reshaping youth outreach and community policing. From tackling bullying and substance abuse in schools to building trust in neighborhoods, deputies share how their boots-on-the-ground approach is bridging gaps and changing perceptions....

Guaranty Health Solutions is changing the game—not in medicine, but in how healthcare feels. Rachael Fricke joins the show to share how this Baton Rouge-born initiative blends hospitality with healthcare, transforming patient experiences from cold and clinical to warm and intentional. From digital scheduling to reputation management, Guaranty Health helps providers deliver care that’s compassionat...

On November 15th, East Baton Rouge Parish voters will face three key propositions that make up the Thrive EBR initiative—though you won’t see “Thrive” on the ballot. Joining the show to discuss this in further detail is Don Luther from the EBR Library Board to break down Proposition #1, which reallocates existing library millage to help the city parish tackle debt and unlock $19 million annually f...

Haggai Davis joins the show for a Cup of Tech Gumbo to dive into everything from off-site Rotary meetups to FBI busts and AI-powered cybersecurity. Hear how NBA players and mobsters allegedly used high-tech contact lenses and Wi-Fi-enabled poker tables to run a multi-million dollar gambling ring. Then, shift gears to the growing risks of AI in cybersecurity and the dangers of careless texting amon...