Mornings with Brian Haldane

Adam Knapp of Leaders for a Better Louisiana says the 2026 legislative session may not have produced major headlines, but it delivered several important workforce and economic development reforms that could shape Louisiana's future. Lawmakers approved the creation of a new state division focused on helping businesses meet workforce needs. The state also consolidated workforce boards to improve coo...

As AI use continues to grow, so does the need for data centers that power the technology behind the scenes. Bryce Chinault of the Abundance Institute joined Talk 107.3 to discuss common concerns surrounding data centers, including water usage, energy demand, and local impacts. Chinault argued that many fears are overstated when viewed in context. He noted that data centers use far less water than...

Jeff Crouere joined Brian Haldane to discuss several political and local issues. The conversation started with controversy surrounding the Los Angeles mayoral race and California's vote-counting process. Crouere criticized extended mail-in ballot deadlines and ballot harvesting, while raising concerns about election integrity. The discussion then shifted to New Orleans PrideFest. Crouere said the...

BREC leaders discussed the June 27 vote on renewing the agency's 3.96-mill property tax, emphasizing that it is a renewal, not a new tax. The funding supports park maintenance, operations, repairs, and programming. Officials also highlighted recent improvements, including updated audits, park upgrades, stronger security measures, and new employee training initiatives. The conversation also touched...

Moon Griffon and Brian Haldane discussed why Louisiana's 2026 legislative session may prove more significant than it appeared at first glance. While there were few major headline-grabbing bills, both agreed lawmakers made progress on workforce development and economic growth by building on reforms from previous years. Moon said continued follow-through is important if the state wants long-term res...

Patrick Robinson with LABI joined Brian Haldane to discuss two major workers’ compensation bills approved during the 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session. Senate Bill 408, sponsored by Senator Brock Myers, addresses Louisiana's outdated workers' compensation medical reimbursement system. Robinson explained that the state's fee schedule is nearly 30 years old, creating problems on both sides. Some do...

Dr. Curtis Chastain joined Medical Monday to discuss the importance of men's health during Men's Health Month. His message was simple: men often take care of everyone else before taking care of themselves, which can allow serious health issues to develop unnoticed. Chastain encouraged men to establish a relationship with a primary care physician and schedule routine checkups, even when they feel h...

Nearly a year after the Smitty's Supply explosion, environmental investigator Scott Smith says concerns remain about contamination in the Tangipahoa River and surrounding areas. He claims runoff from the site continues to enter waterways during rain events, carrying chemicals such as PFAS and dioxins. Smith discussed reports of declining wildlife populations and said testing has traced contaminati...

Ryan Hernandez and Chef Frederick Terluin joined Talk 107.3's Foodie Friday to preview Father's Day specials at Bally's and The Queen. Guests can enjoy a rack of ribs with classic sides at Bally's or a ribeye dinner with loaded mashed potatoes and a draft beer at The Queen. Chef Terluin shared grilling tips for Father's Day cooks. For ribs, he recommends cooking low and slow at around 225 degrees...

State Rep. Joe Orgeron recapped the 2026 Legislative Session, highlighting his work on oyster cultivation, menhaden fishing regulations, and a bill to classify tarpon as a game fish. He also discussed the carbon capture debate, arguing that statewide infrastructure projects require a statewide approach. Orgeron gave the session a "B-plus," praising overall progress while wishing lawmakers had acco...

Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen discussed several workforce bills passed during the 2026 legislative session. She said Louisiana has reached a record high for employment but still needs to improve workforce participation by addressing barriers like childcare, transportation, and skills gaps. Schowen highlighted the new Louisiana Talent Works initiative, which will connect employers with wo...

Patty G joined Brian Haldane to discuss two major topics affecting Baton Rouge and Louisiana: workforce development and the region's growing economy. He highlighted a new law that creates a third pathway to becoming a CPA. Instead of requiring 150 college credit hours, candidates can now earn a bachelor's degree, gain two years of work experience, and pass the CPA exam. Patty said the change remov...

Rep. John Wyble says workforce development, education, and rural economic growth were major wins during the 2026 legislative session. He highlighted a new workforce initiative aimed at connecting more people with jobs and helping businesses fill worker shortages. Wyble also pointed to gains in literacy and early math education, support for rural economic development, and efforts to strengthen loca...

Retired Lieutenant General Russell Honoré says the biggest lesson from Hurricane Katrina is simple: prepare early and evacuate when officials tell you to leave. He urged residents to make a plan, help elderly and disabled neighbors, and keep emergency supplies on hand. Honoré said neighbors often provide the first help after a disaster and reminded listeners that it only takes one storm to make hu...

Crime Stoppers Capital Region explained how anonymous tips work and reassured listeners that tipster identities remain protected. Lt. Don Coppola also discussed the Beyond Bars program, which uses real-life stories to help steer people away from crime. The segment highlighted a suspect accused of using a stolen credit card for about $900 in purchases near the Mall of Louisiana and reminded residen...

EBR Schools Superintendent LaMont Cole discussed two major issues facing the district: graduation disruptions and teacher pay raises. Cole said graduation celebrations have become increasingly disruptive, making it difficult for families to hear graduates' names and forcing schools to manage tight schedules at venues like LSU, Southern University, and the Raising Cane’s River Center. He stressed t...

Haggai Davis joined Brian Haldane to discuss the latest tech headlines, including why people should never respond to scam texts or spam calls. Davis explained that replying confirms your phone number is active, which can lead to even more unwanted messages and calls. He also addressed concerns about AI voice cloning, noting that while scammers can recreate someone's voice with a short audio sample...

Doug Kelly of the American Edge Project says the U.S. is in a close race with China for AI leadership and argues that building more data centers, power infrastructure, and talent pipelines is critical to staying competitive. He pushed back on concerns about data centers driving up electric bills or draining water supplies, saying many facilities use efficient cooling systems and can help fund need...

Louisiana native James Landry Hébert has appeared in some of Hollywood's biggest productions. Now, the actor is earning attention for his role in season three of Euphoria. During a recent interview, Hébert reflected on his Louisiana upbringing and the path that led him to Hollywood.

State Sen. Franklin Foil joined Talk 107.3 to discuss the 2026 legislative session and several bills he helped pass. He highlighted a new law that allows Louisiana to conduct its own environmental impact studies on major transportation projects, which he says could speed up projects like the proposed Mississippi River bridge. Foil also pushed a consumer protection measure requiring towing companie...

Louisiana legal reform advocates saw several bills introduced during the 2026 session, but none made it across the finish line. Supporters say measures involving expert witness testimony and lawsuit settlement funds would have improved transparency and reduced litigation costs. They plan to continue pushing for reforms in future sessions.

Attorney Franz Borghardt and Brian Haldane debated a proposed Louisiana constitutional amendment that would give lawmakers a larger role in investigating and potentially impeaching judges. Supporters say the measure increases accountability and gives citizens another avenue to report judicial misconduct. Critics argue the current system already allows complaints through the Judiciary Commission an...

Congressman Troy Carter joined Talk Louisiana to discuss new federal trade investigations aimed at protecting Louisiana's sugar and seafood industries. Carter said Section 301 investigations would examine whether foreign countries engage in unfair trade practices that harm Louisiana producers. He argued that local sugar growers and shrimpers adhere to strict safety and production standards, while...

State Rep. Paul Sawyer reflected on his first legislative session, highlighting new investments in Louisiana's Fortify Homes Program and flood protection efforts. Lawmakers approved an additional $50 million to help homeowners install fortified roofs, a move Sawyer said could reduce insurance risks over time. He also discussed new funding and planning tools for flood mitigation projects in the Ami...

Several workforce and business reforms moved forward during Louisiana's 2026 legislative session. Business leaders say the changes will help prepare workers, support employers, and strengthen the state's economy. Will Green, president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), said the organization focused on three priorities this year. Those priorities included workforc...