Janet Simmons, the Interim Superintendent of BREC, joins the show to offer updates and insights about Liberty Lagoon, which is set to fully reopen on July 2, with a grand reopening on July 4 featuring free snow cones and complimentary access to the surfing simulator.Simmons emphasized safety as the reason for the park’s delayed opening, citing mechanical and electrical issues.

She expressed excitement about her new role, highlighting the strong team she brought in—Maurice Velasquez and Johanna Landerneau—to help drive progress. In just four weeks, they’ve made significant strides and plan to continue their momentum through her contract ending November 30.She has been actively engaging with the community, visiting parks, meeting maintenance crews, and discovering hidden gems like the Baker Arboretum. Simmons praised the hard work of BREC’s grounds teams and emphasized the importance of maintaining safe, beautiful parks. She also mentioned new initiatives, including a rapid response system for addressing public concerns. Simmons is also forming a task force of seven prominent volunteers to help guide improvements. She’s focused on transparency, quick problem-solving, and repurposing underused facilities.

Plans include converting enclosed recreation centers into open-air spaces and enhancing community gardens like those at Howell Park.She’s scheduled to provide monthly updates and is enthusiastic about the future of BREC, aiming to make it more responsive, inclusive, and community-driven. Her leadership style blends hands-on involvement with strategic planning, aiming to revitalize the park system and strengthen public trust. 

For more information, visit:  http://brec.org / http://libertylagoon.com 

To contact Janet, email her at [email protected]

Jeff Crouere joins the show to discuss the capture of fugitive Antoine Massey, who was apprehended in Hollygrove after a six-week manhunt following a dramatic jailbreak from the Orleans Justice Center. Massey was peacefully taken into custody by U.S. Marshals and transferred to Angola prison. Crouere also covered the local political landscape, highlighting State Senator Royce Duplessis’s entry into the New Orleans mayoral race, signaling a competitive campaign ahead.

Mayor Wade Evans of Central, Louisiana, joins the show to highlight the city’s upcoming “Red, White, and Boom” celebration, set for this Saturday, July 5th. This year’s event holds special significance as it marks the 20th anniversary of the city’s incorporation. The celebration promises a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere with festivities running from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

The event will feature live music, a wide variety of food trucks, and over 60 pop-up vendors as part of the “Shop the Square” market, organized by the Central Chamber of Commerce. Children’s activities and entertainment will be available throughout the evening, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show to close out the night. Mayor Evans emphasized that events like this are central to preserving the city’s small-town charm and fostering community spirit.

As Central continues to grow, Evans sees this celebration as a reflection of the city’s values—community, tradition, and progress. The 20th anniversary is not just a milestone but a moment to look ahead, as the city continues to implement its Mainstreet 2030 Vision Plan and build a future rooted in connection and celebration.

Moon Griffon joins the show to share his excitement for the upcoming 2025 SEC Media Days, set for July 14–17 in Atlanta, and the start of the college football season. He discussed his expectations for LSU and other SEC teams, expressing optimism for a competitive year. Griffon also weighed in on the recent Louisiana legislative session, offering sharp critiques on tax policy and legacy lawsuits, which he believes continue to burden the state’s economy. 

Will Green, President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), joins the show to discuss the “LA Driven” initiative, which focuses on growing businesses and retaining talent in Louisiana. He highlighted the passage of HB507, which establishes the High Impact Jobs Program to boost economic development. Reflecting on the 2025 legislative session, Green gave it a positive grade overall, citing major wins in insurance reform, workforce development, and infrastructure modernization. 

Dr. Meaghan Smith joins the show to promote the upcoming “Baby 101” event hosted by Our Lady of the Lake. This in-person session is designed for new and expecting parents, offering expert guidance on essential newborn care topics such as feeding, sleep routines, vaccinations, car seat safety, and more. Led by pediatricians and children’s health specialists, the event aims to empower families with practical knowledge and confidence as they prepare to welcome their babies.

Senator Patrick McMath joins the show to discuss Louisiana’s growing health concerns and the landmark legislation, Senate Bill 14 (SB14), which was signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry. The bill, co-supported by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is a major step toward improving nutrition in Louisiana schools. SB14 bans over 15 harmful ingredients from school meals and mandates that food products sold in the state disclose the presence of more than 40 specified additives. These disclosures must be accessible via QR codes linking to detailed ingredient information, including FDA safety data.

The bill is part of the broader “Make America Healthy Again” initiative and reflects a national shift toward transparency and healthier food standards. Though the law officially took effect in June 2025, its school meal provisions will be implemented by 2028. McMath emphasized that this legislation is not just about school lunches—it’s about reshaping Louisiana’s long-term public health trajectory. By targeting ultra-processed foods and promoting informed consumer choices, SB14 aims to combat chronic health issues and set a precedent for other states. The collaboration between state leaders and federal advocates signals a unified commitment to a healthier future for Louisiana’s children and communities.

Chef Kevin Foil and Brad Johnson, Director of Food and Beverage at The Queen Baton Rouge and 1717, join the show to share exciting updates about the expansion of The Bell and The Queen. They highlight new culinary offerings and enhanced guest experiences. The duo also expresses enthusiasm for the upcoming Restaurant Week at the end of July, inviting the community to enjoy special menus and celebrate Baton Rouge’s vibrant food scene.

Greg Upton joins the show to explore the economic and geopolitical ramifications of the Israel-Iraq conflict, particularly its impact on global oil markets. He explains how geographical uncertainty in the Middle East—especially near key oil transit routes—can disrupt supply chains and drive up prices. Upton also discusses how this instability affects global investments, market volatility, and energy security. His insights underscore the broader economic risks tied to regional conflict and oil dependency.