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 prosecution, the artifact’s disputed value, and whether charging both theft and malfeasance “smells dirty.” With sharp legal insight, he explores how state property is handled, the rarity of such prosecutions, and whether this case is more about optics than justice.

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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. Meanwhile, Carter highlights progress on the National Flood Insurance Program, noting a short-term extension that prevents disruption for Gulf Coast homeowners but urging a permanent fix. He warns that the Epstein case is consuming political oxygen, delaying critical debates on healthcare and beyond.

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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 show to describe the mood as somber and outlined the difficult path ahead.

With the failure of “Thrive,” city leaders must now scrutinize spending more aggressively. Quality-of-life programs such as parades, festivals, and Live After Five are under review, with private sponsorships likely needed to sustain them. Mardi Gras crews may face higher dues to cover police overtime, potentially leading to shorter parades or consolidated schedules. Batts emphasized that public safety must take priority over entertainment.

The budget crisis also means layoffs. Of 430 positions slated for elimination, about 200 are unfilled but funded, while 230 represent active employees. Departments like transportation and drainage will be hit hard, resulting in slower response times for everyday services such as fixing traffic signals. Batts acknowledged some “right-sizing” may be necessary but lamented the abrupt, large-scale cuts, which amount to roughly one-third of the workforce outside police and fire.

Debt reduction plans are now stalled. Nearly $10 million annually will continue to be diverted from services to cover obligations, while the library faces a dire situation with no recurring revenue after 2026. Unlike the Council on Aging and mosquito abatement, which have a buffer year, the library must move quickly to get a clean millage renewal on the ballot as early as April.

Despite setbacks, Batts stressed resilience. While the defeat of Thrive complicates fiscal planning, he expressed determination that Baton Rouge will adapt, find creative solutions, and continue to serve residents, even through leaner times.

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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 to insurers. He outlines a shift toward health savings accounts (HSAs), giving individuals direct subsidies to buy cheaper plans and cover gaps like prescriptions or out-of-network care. With 61 million Americans already using HSAs, White sees them as the foundation for a more flexible, consumer-driven system.

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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 Center and Hilton Downtown Greenway to inspire confidence in what collective planning can achieve.

A highlight of the evening was the interactive exercise using “PBR 3 bucks.” Each participant received $100 in play money to allocate toward defined downtown areas and projects, effectively prioritizing community preferences. This gamified approach underscored the reality that revitalization requires trade-offs, with potential investments totaling $4–5 billion—though not all projects can be realized simultaneously.

Eric Dexter of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation stressed that successful implementation will depend on balancing public and private investment. Comparisons were drawn to cities like St. Louis, which has invested $8 billion in its downtown since COVID, illustrating the scale of commitment Baton Rouge may need. National planning firm Sasaki has guided the process, offering insights from similar projects in cities such as Denver and Oklahoma City.

Dexter noted that property owners and developers are engaged but cautious, awaiting clearer vision and more favorable economic conditions before committing. The presence of state government offices downtown was discussed as both a constraint and a catalyst—providing daily energy and workforce traffic, but also consuming significant real estate.

Ultimately, Plan Baton Rouge Phase 3 aims to create an environment conducive to investment, blending public resources with private ambition. With community priorities now documented, the next step is translating vision into action, ensuring downtown Baton Rouge continues evolving as a vibrant hub for residents, businesses, and government alike.

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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 journey from jailhouse lawyer to Tulane graduate and community leader captivated voters and symbolized a broader anti-establishment wave in local elections. Crouere also explores ICE’s looming presence in New Orleans and previews his lively “Politics with a Punch” event.

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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 journey of an EBR student, where participants experience both opportunities and obstacles that shape educational outcomes. From missed buses to scholarships, the interactive format reveals systemic challenges and successes, providing a crash course in history and a deeper understanding of today’s schools.

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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. Shifting gears, Moon previews a discussion with Speaker Mike Johnson on government shutdowns and the Epstein files, while also reacting to shocking headlines about local elections. Finally, he tackles Baton Rouge’s tax defeat, low voter turnout, and looming budget cuts.

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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 the importance of early diagnosis, tailored treatment, and preventative care. From inhalers and advanced biologics transforming asthma management to antifibrotic agents and even transplants for severe ILDs, the conversation underscores how modern medicine is helping patients reclaim healthier, fuller lives.

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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 finances from his time leading an order. He blends humanitarian outreach—welcoming marginalized groups—with a conservative stance on doctrine, aiming to avoid past scandals. Globally, he speaks on sovereignty, migration, and conflict, offering a steady voice amid challenges from Gaza to broader geopolitical tensions.

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