Mornings with Brian Haldane

Mike Smith, speaking on behalf of ExxonMobil, joins Brian Haldane to discuss pipeline safety and Louisiana’s Pipeline Emergency Training Program. Smith explains how the free training prepares firefighters to respond to incidents involving crude oil, natural gas and carbon dioxide. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on exercises, helping first responders build the skills and muscle memory needed to protect communities during a pipeline emergency.

Louisiana State Representative Paul Sawyer joins Brian Haldane to discuss energy policy, politics and Louisiana’s growing manufacturing economy. Sawyer explains why he believes the state’s energy strategy has remained resilient across political changes, while addressing debates surrounding carbon capture, data centers and social media misinformation. He also highlights Louisiana’s role as a major manufacturing and exporting state, supplying energy-intensive products to customers around the world.

David Cresson, president of the Louisiana Chemical Association, joins Brian Haldane to discuss Louisiana’s growing energy demands and the infrastructure needed to support new industrial investment. Cresson explains the potential role of microgrids, natural gas, nuclear power and other energy sources while emphasizing the need to protect residential ratepayers. The conversation also explores cooperation among industry, utilities, regulators and lawmakers as Louisiana works to keep pace with economic growth.

Attorney Franz Borghardt joins Brian Haldane for a legal deep dive into the Lindsay Clancy case, discussing shifting defense arguments, insanity defenses, prior trial testimony, and the challenges those strategies can create. The conversation then turns to the developing New Orleans grand jury investigation, including allegations of potential jury tampering, perjury, obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office. Borghardt explains what the investigation could mean for future criminal cases and why the facts—not speculation—will ultimately determine what happens next.

Bipartisan federal legislation is tackling key challenges in disaster preparedness and workforce reintegration. The proposed FEMA Workforce Planning Act mandates structured staffing strategies to accelerate disaster response across the nation. Simultaneously, the TWICE Act helps qualified individuals apply for maritime work credentials before prison release, removing employment delays. Together, these initiatives fill critical labor shortages in high-demand industries while significantly reducing criminal recidivism.

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge guides high school students through the step-by-step process of creating, registering, and launching real companies. Participants earn LSU college credit while working directly with local business mentors to draft financial strategies and polish pitch decks. Students present their ventures at a Community Pitch event to secure real startup capital donated by generous community sponsors. Featuring groundbreaking innovations like AI-powered smart canes for the visually impaired, YEA demonstrates how young leaders drive meaningful economic impact in Louisiana.

Hyundai Posco Louisiana Steel is actively recruiting to fill 1,300 new jobs at its upcoming Donaldsonville facility before opening in 2029. The state-of-the-art facility will operate as the world's only fully integrated steel mill that slashes carbon emissions by 70% while bolstering American manufacturing supply chains. Job openings range from entry-level to experienced roles, featuring unique perks like international travel to partner sites in South Korea and Europe. Through strategic partnerships with LED FastStart and River Parishes Community College, the company provides hands-on technical training to prepare local applicants for long-term career success.

Ascension Parish is seeing massive economic progress through continued industrial investment and proactive regional development. To support this momentum, the Ascension Parish Chamber of Commerce emphasizes relational networking through signature community events like its annual Golf Classic and a new Sporting Clay Shoot at Covey Rise Lodge. Programs like "Opportunity Ascension" offer local businesses structured, forward-thinking sponsorship models to align their brand visibility with regional growth. Together, these initiatives build strong community ties while ensuring local enterprise remains connected and competitive.

Brian Haldane and Ringside Politics host Jeff Crouere analyze the expanding political and legal rift between Louisiana state officials and New Orleans leadership. They review the state Republican Party's public campaign regarding Attorney General Liz Murrill and Councilmember Helena Moreno alongside the fulfillment of recent public records demands. The discussion highlights District Attorney Collin Sims taking over as special prosecutor to ensure objectivity in the ongoing state police investigation. Finally, the conversation touches on upcoming local judicial races and regional political dynamics.

Louisiana is positioning itself at the forefront of the global energy transformation through strategic investments and collaborative state initiatives discussed at Tulane University's annual energy forum. Supported by over $200 million in federal and state funding, the FUEL program drives the commercialization of university research into high-growth energy startups. The state's forward-looking strategy embraces an "all-of-the-above" energy model, integrating traditional oil, gas, and LNG infrastructure with advanced innovations like small modular nuclear reactors. As emerging technologies like artificial intelligence demand massive power grid capacity, Louisiana's infrastructure places it in a prime position to power the next technological revolution and drive long-term economic growth.