Mornings with Brian Haldane

Louisiana’s newly enacted Act 648 restores an employer’s right to initiate formal court discovery in workers' compensation cases, eliminating a long-standing legal bottleneck. The law ensures that businesses can obtain essential medical records and conduct depositions without disrupting ongoing benefits for legitimately injured workers. By closing loopholes that previously extended claim durations...

Emeril’s Chop House is officially replacing 18 Steak at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge, bringing a bold culinary upgrade to the local dining scene. Head Chef Brendan Rufty is leading the kitchen, blending USDA Prime steaks with fresh Gulf seafood and signature Southeast Louisiana flavors. The transition includes extensive staff training inspired by iconic destinations like Delmonico Stea...

State officials and legal professionals are aggressively tackling widespread workers' compensation fraud across Louisiana. Under Louisiana Revised Statute 1208, fraudulent acts by employees, employers, or medical providers trigger both civil penalties and criminal charges. However, fraudulent billing and unjust claim denials create a cycle of distrust that drives up insurance rates for local busin...

LWCC stands as Louisiana's largest workers' compensation carrier, serving over 160,000 workers through a purpose-driven mutual insurance model. By prioritizing policyholders over stockholders, the company has returned $1.6 billion in dividends to local businesses since 2003. Through its compassionate "360 Care" claims approach, LWCC ensures injured workers receive dedicated support to successfully...

During the LABI Workers’ Compensation Conference, business leaders and industry experts discussed the pivotal role workers' compensation reform plays in sustaining Louisiana's economic momentum. Panelists emphasized that creating a more efficient, user-friendly system is essential to supporting major new commercial investments across the state. The discussion highlighted both the need for statutor...

Representative Julia Letlow recently outlined her federal and state priorities during an appearance on DC Current with Brian Haldane. She voiced strong frustration over the lack of transparency surrounding pandemic-era decisions, calling on public officials to remain fully accountable to the American public. Addressing federal fiscal responsibility, Letlow urged Congress to move away from short-te...

Many patients struggle to find lasting depression relief through traditional prescription antidepressants due to built-up tolerance and brief initial trial periods. Jourdan Generes of NeuroAdjust highlights Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a non-invasive treatment that rebalances neural activity directly in the brain. Clinical research confirms that two-thirds of TMS patients achieve ful...

In a recent broadcast interview, candidate Winston DeCuir outlined his qualifications and vision for the parish-wide civil seat on the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. Drawing on nearly three decades of civil litigation experience representing major public institutions, DeCuir emphasized the importance of predictability and tech-driven efficiency in resolving disputes. He highlighted h...

Newly elected Chairman Mason Batts takes the helm of the Louisiana Young Republicans with a strategic vision to scale membership to 1,000 and expand active chapters statewide. The organization focuses on unifying conservative youth networks—including College Republicans and Turning Point USA—to maximize grassroots impact during upcoming midterm elections. Key policy discussions among young members...

Former state Representative Mark Wright has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Louisiana’s DOTD Office of Multimodal Commerce. In this role, Wright will direct state efforts to enhance integrated transportation systems, including ports, railways, freight corridors, and aviation. Priority projects include expanding key thoroughfares like Interstate 12 to support heavy cargo traffic and suppo...

A landmark Louisiana conviction against an ankle-monitoring employee has sparked intense debate over third-party liability and the limits of electronic supervision in violent crime prevention. Legal experts argue that while GPS tracking hardware provides data, it cannot physically prevent dedicated offenders from committing violent acts when response times lag. The discussion surrounding oversight...

Congressman Troy Carter joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss expanding access to Medicaid resources across Louisiana and helping residents avoid losing benefits because of paperwork issues. Carter also highlights the Second Chance Mental Health Access Act, which would provide mental health services to eligible people transitioning from incarceration. He emphasizes early support, housing, j...

State Senator Valarie Hodges joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss the progress of the Comite Diversion Canal, now 65% complete and fully funded. Hodges explains how the massive flood-control project could eventually lead to lower or eliminated flood insurance costs for thousands of homeowners. She also addresses FEMA delays, the timeline for updated flood maps, and efforts to speed up the...

Paul Arrigo joins Brian Haldane to remember LSU legend and Baton Rouge sports icon Jerry Stovall. Arrigo shares personal stories about Stovall’s character, athletic career, coaching and community impact, including his role in growing Baton Rouge into a destination for major sporting events. The conversation celebrates a remarkable Louisiana life and lasting legacy.

Tim Johnson of the TJC Group joins Brian Haldane to discuss the proposed Hyundai Steel facility in West Ascension Parish, including its upcoming air permit hearing, environmental safeguards and the economic impact of the project. Johnson highlights the local contractors already working on the site, the potential for more than 1,300 direct jobs and how the investment could transform Donaldsonville...

State Senator Rick Edmonds joins Brian Haldane to discuss Louisiana’s unprecedented economic development momentum, including the SpaceX project, major manufacturing investments and the potential impact on local communities. Edmonds also explains how tax reform, education initiatives, workforce development and infrastructure improvements have helped position Louisiana for future growth.

Jeff Crouere, host of Ringside Politics, joins Brian Haldane to discuss the future of downtown New Orleans and the challenges facing the Central Business District. They examine vacant buildings, homelessness, blight, remote work and the loss of downtown businesses, while exploring potential solutions involving healthcare, redevelopment, infrastructure and zoning reform. Crouere also highlights the...

On this episode of Mornings With Brian Haldane, BREC Superintendent Brooks Williams and Assistant Superintendent Katrina Ward discuss the future of City-Brooks, responsible park investments and BREC’s role in improving quality of life across East Baton Rouge Parish. Williams emphasizes using data, community input and accountability to guide decisions, while Ward highlights BREC’s wide range of fal...

Louisiana Works Deputy Secretary Osmar Padilla joins Haggai Davis and Trey Godfrey on Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss the state’s unprecedented economic growth and the workforce needed to support it. Padilla highlights roughly $250 billion in announced investments since 2024, rising labor force participation and opportunities for workers of all ages. He also explains how Louisiana Works pla...

East Baton Rouge Parish School Board member Patrick Martin joins Haggai Davis and Trey Godfrey on Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss student success, teacher staffing, classroom initiatives and workforce preparation. Martin highlights a 40% reduction in teacher vacancies, expanded dual-enrollment opportunities and the Learn and Earn program, which connects students with paid internships. He al...

Former LSU basketball standout and entrepreneur Collis Temple III joins Haggai Davis and Trey Godfrey on Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss the growth of EP Breaux Utility Services, Louisiana’s booming infrastructure needs and the critical shortage of skilled workers. Temple shares how his company trains employees, why electrical careers can provide strong incomes without student debt, and his...

Dr. Willie Smith, chancellor of Baton Rouge Community College, joins Haggai Davis and Trey Godfrey on Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss BRCC’s enrollment growth, expanded dual-enrollment opportunities and career-focused programs. Smith highlights high-demand fields such as nursing, health care, IT, cybersecurity, construction management and process technology, along with industry partnerships...

Trey Godfrey and Jayson Newell of the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership join Haggai Davis on Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss Louisiana’s record-breaking economic development activity. They explore major investments from companies like SpaceX and Amazon, the strong project pipeline in the Capital Region, the potential impact of a new Mississippi River bridge on workforce mobility, and...

Governor Jeff Landry joins Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss Louisiana’s major economic development push, including the new SpaceX project, thousands of potential jobs, coastal restoration, and infrastructure improvements. Landry also highlights Liftoff Louisiana and the state’s growing role in advanced technology, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing.

Glenn Ledet, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, joins Brian Haldane to discuss Liftoff Louisiana, a new advanced air mobility pilot program at Houma-Terrebonne Airport. They explore electric aircraft, autonomous drones, offshore logistics, search and rescue, and how emerging aviation technology could transform transportation and economic development across Lou...