Vincent Hunt from Salt Pepper Oak joins the show to share insights on his chef-driven barbecue concept, emphasizing creativity, precision, and preparation in crafting high-quality dishes. He discussed the entrepreneurial journey behind launching the restaurant, highlighting the importance of passion, planning, and innovation in the food industry. Hunt’s approach blends traditional barbecue techniques with a modern culinary vision, aiming to elevate the dining experience while staying rooted in authentic flavors. Located at 6721 Exchequer Dr., Baton Rouge. 

For more information, visit: https://www.saltpepperoak.com/

The 2025 Louisiana legislative session was a rigorous 60-day period centered heavily on insurance reform. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple praised lawmakers for maintaining focus and passing several key bills aimed at reducing insurance costs by addressing systemic cost drivers. These include excessive bodily injury claims and high litigation rates, which are significantly above the national average.

One major reform was the passage of a modified comparative fault bill by Emily Chenevert, which prevents individuals more than 51% at fault in an accident from recovering damages. This aims to curb frivolous lawsuits and reduce claim costs. Another significant change was the reform of the “Housley presumption,” which now requires claimants to prove that injuries were caused by the accident, rather than assuming causation.

Additional legislation included a “no pay, no play” bill and a medical transparency bill. The latter, though watered down, still addresses discrepancies between billed and paid medical costs for insured individuals, though it does not cover private pay arrangements—an area believed to represent a large portion of claims.

Despite these reforms, Temple expressed concern over House Bill 148 (now Act 11), which introduces subjectivity into rate-setting by allowing the Insurance Commissioner to retroactively challenge insurer profits without actuarial justification. Temple warned this could create regulatory uncertainty, discouraging insurers from doing business in Louisiana.

While the reforms are promising, Temple noted that insurers typically wait to see real-world impacts before adjusting premiums. Comprehensive reform could prompt quicker industry response, but piecemeal changes may delay rate reductions. The Department of Insurance is working to educate insurers on the new laws and encourage rate adjustments based on anticipated improvements in claims costs.

Executive Director of Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools, Caroline Roemer joins the show to discuss key issues in Louisiana’s public education system, emphasizing the need for improved literacy and better classroom resources. She highlighted the importance of prioritizing teacher salaries to attract and retain quality educators. Roemer also reflected on the rise of charter schools following Hurricane Katrina, noting their role in reshaping the educational landscape and offering alternative options for families seeking better academic outcomes.

Gifford Briggs of the American Petroleum Institute discussed Louisiana’s struggles to capitalize on its early lead in carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). Despite securing federal primacy ahead of Texas and attracting $20–$40 billion in project announcements, Louisiana’s legislature has added regulatory hurdles, creating uncertainty and deterring investment. Briggs warned that inconsistent policies and political resistance—partly due to CCS’s association with federal climate initiatives—could cause Louisiana to lose ground to more business-friendly states like Texas.

ABC News correspondent Jordana Miller joins the show to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. In a major escalation of Middle East tensions, Israel launched a preemptive military strike against Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities, ballistic missile infrastructure, and key military leaders. The operation began around 3:00 AM local time, with sirens sounding across Israel—not to warn of incoming attacks, but to alert citizens of the offensive. Among those reportedly killed were top Iranian military officials, including the head of the Revolutionary Guard, the Air Force chief, and senior nuclear scientists.

Iran responded by launching approximately 100 drones toward Israel. However, due to their slow speed and Israel’s advanced defense systems, most were intercepted before reaching Israeli territory. As of the interview, no sirens had sounded in Israel since the initial strike, but the situation remains tense.

Miller, reporting from Jerusalem, described an eerie atmosphere with empty streets and anxious residents preparing for further conflict. Many have stocked their bomb shelters and are bracing for what Israeli leadership is calling an “existential war” that could last weeks. The strikes are seen as a response to Iran nearing a critical threshold in its nuclear weapons development.
The conflict also raises concerns about regional escalation. While Israel maintains peace or normalization agreements with several neighboring countries, including Jordan, Egypt, and Gulf states, there is uncertainty about whether Iranian-backed groups like the Houthis or Iraqi militias might join the conflict. Syria, under new leadership, is expected to avoid involvement.
The broader geopolitical implications are significant, especially if Iran targets U.S. assets, potentially drawing the U.S. into the conflict. The situation remains fluid, with both sides assessing next steps amid widespread regional and international concern.

Lieutenant Don Coppola from Capital Region Crimestoppers joins the show to discuss the effectiveness of anonymous tips that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of wanted criminals, including the five remaining inmates that are at large from the Orleans Parish Prison. 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 from Advantus Consulting joins the show to discuss the final day of Louisiana’s legislative session, highlighting key developments and political tensions. He also examines the role of CVS Pharmacies and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), as lawmakers clash over a proposal that could reshape how pharmacies operate in the state.