Taylor Sharp from ESPN 104.5 joins the show to discuss LSU Baseball’s recent triumph in Omaha, which secured their spot in the College World Series. Sharp highlights the team’s strong performance, key players, and the excitement surrounding their postseason run. The victory marks a significant achievement for LSU, energizing fans and setting high expectations as they prepare to compete for a national championship on college baseball’s biggest stage.

State Representative Mike Melerine joins the show to discuss recent legislative efforts focused on insurance reform in Louisiana. A key achievement was the passage of the "Housley presumption" bill, originally introduced by Richard Nelson in 2021. This law shifts the burden of proof in injury claims back to the plaintiff, reversing a previous Supreme Court decision that had placed the burden on defendants. Melerine emphasized that this change restores fairness by requiring those making allegations to prove them.

The session also saw the passage of several other insurance-related bills, including Rep. Dewitz’s “no pay, no play” bill, Rep. Schamerhorn’s comparative fault reform, and Senator Reese’s medical transparency bill. While these measures represent significant progress—likened to hitting a double in baseball—Melerine noted that they don’t fully resolve the state’s insurance challenges. For example, Reese’s bill doesn’t address issues with cash-pay medical scenarios, prompting a study resolution by Rep. Carlson.

A major concern remains with HB 148, which includes provisions that could potentially expose proprietary insurance rate-setting formulas. This has raised alarms among insurers, who fear losing competitive advantages and possibly exiting the Louisiana market, especially in the commercial auto sector. Melerine stressed the importance of maintaining insurer confidence to avoid undoing recent reforms.

Looking ahead, Melerine anticipates minor legislative tweaks rather than major overhauls, as many reforms won’t take effect until 2026 and their impact may not be fully visible until 2030. He acknowledged the challenge of managing public expectations in the interim, especially amid ongoing high insurance premiums. Nonetheless, he remains hopeful that the groundwork laid this session will lead to long-term improvements in Louisiana’s insurance landscape.

Matt Musso joins the show to express his excitement over LSU baseball’s thrilling victory, which secured the team a spot in the College World Series. He reflects on the game’s highlights and the team’s strong performance, sharing enthusiasm for what lies ahead in Omaha. The segment captures the energy and pride surrounding LSU’s postseason success and the anticipation of competing on college baseball’s biggest stage.

Lieutenant Don Coppola from Capital Region Crimestoppers joins the show to discuss the recent incident involving Sgt. Caleb Eisworth, who was struck intentionally by a pickup truck driven by Gad Black. Coppola also shares the effectiveness of anonymous tips that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of wanted criminals. 

If you have any information and would like to leave an anonymous tip, call 344-7867.

For more, visit: crimestoppers225.com and facebook.com/CS225

Jason DeCuir of Advantus Consulting joins the show to celebrate LSU’s big win in Omaha and reflect on key outcomes from Louisiana’s recent legislative session. He highlights major takeaways from the fiscal and tax-focused discussions, offering insights into how these developments could impact the state’s financial future.

Haggai Davis joins the show for a Cup of Tech Gumbo to celebrate LSU baseball’s trip to the College World Series, Apple’s top five announcements from WWDC—including new tech and software updates—and explores concerns about Meta AI reading and listening to users’ prompts.

Chris Meyer, the new CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF), joins the show to discuss his vision for the city through Plan BR. He emphasized the importance of community pride and the need for strategic reinvestment in Baton Rouge. Meyer highlighted how revitalizing neighborhoods and fostering civic engagement can drive long-term growth and improve quality of life, aiming to build a more vibrant and inclusive future for the region.

Senator Alan Seabaugh joins the show to reflect on the 2025 legislative session, giving it a grade of B-. He discussed ongoing concerns about rising insurance rates and criticized House Bill 178, describing it as “nothing but hostile to the insurance industry.” Seabaugh expressed concern that such legislation could worsen the state’s insurance crisis by discouraging insurers from doing business in Louisiana.

Tommy Faucher of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association discussed the recent legislative session and its impact on carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) in Louisiana. Despite over 30 bills aimed at limiting or halting CCS, most were defeated with support from industry, local chambers, and community groups.

However, some restrictive legislation passed, creating confusion and potentially undermining Louisiana’s competitive advantage in CCS. Faucher emphasized that Louisiana had a unique opportunity to lead in CCS, but recent legislative actions may cause companies to reconsider investing in the state, especially as neighboring states like Texas and Mississippi become more attractive due to clearer regulatory environments. Faucher expressed frustration over the inconsistency in public trust—people support the oil and gas industry’s expertise in traditional operations but question it when it comes to CCS. He warned that duplicative and confusing legislation could deter investment and shift economic opportunities elsewhere. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong, science-based regulatory framework and ensuring that communities understand the economic benefits of CCS projects, including job creation and increased tax revenues.

Looking ahead, Faucher remains cautiously optimistic. He anticipates the issuance of Louisiana’s first Class VI permit soon and expects continued infrastructure development. He stressed the need for policymakers to trust industry experts and for communities to engage with economic impact analyses provided by Louisiana Economic Development. Educational institutions like Southeastern Louisiana University and River Parishes Community College are poised to play key roles in monitoring and workforce development. Ultimately, Faucher believes CCS can unlock economic growth in regions previously untouched by traditional oil and gas investments—if Louisiana can maintain clarity and confidence in its regulatory approach.

Attorney Franz Borghardt joins the show to discuss the legal complexities surrounding Gad Black’s case, where Black is accused of attempting to murder Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Caleb Alsworth by hitting him with a truck. Black, who allegedly harbors deep animosity toward law enforcement, faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, hate crimes, and resisting an officer. His erratic courtroom behavior and claims of being part of a “tribal nation” raised questions about his mental health, though Borghardt emphasized that mental illness is not a legal excuse unless it impairs the ability to distinguish right from wrong.

Black reportedly bragged about the incident on social media, which could serve as an admission of guilt. His history of violence against police and the targeted nature of the attack support the hate crime charge, which carries an additional five-year sentence. Borghardt stressed the importance of law enforcement handling the case strictly by the book to avoid any procedural missteps that could jeopardize prosecution.

Asia Raby, Black’s girlfriend, was also arrested and charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact to attempted first-degree murder. Her involvement included allegedly moving the truck used in the crime and withholding information. While some criticized her arrest and bond amount, Borghardt noted that her actions, though serious, differ significantly from Black’s and may reflect fear or poor judgment rather than criminal intent. He also addressed misinformation spread online, particularly a video falsely claiming Raby was charged with attempted murder.Borghardt highlighted the legal distinctions between the two defendants, the role of mental health in criminal defense, and the importance of accurate public information in high-profile cases.