Moon Griffon joins the show to discuss the upcoming Legislative Session, highlighting key issues and legislative priorities. He provides insights into the expected debates and potential impacts on the state. Griffon emphasizes the importance of citizen engagement and staying informed about legislative developments. His discussion aims to prepare listeners for the session and encourage active participation in the legislative process.

Kim Neal shares the touching story of her son David, an organ donor, on the show. Kandi, who received David's liver, joins the conversation to express her gratitude and discuss the impact of organ donation. Together, they highlight the importance of organ donation and how it can save lives, turning a tragic loss into a life-saving gift for others.

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Mary Beth Hughes Derrickson from the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry joins the show to discuss key issues ahead of the legislative session. She emphasizes the need for streamlining the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to address inefficiencies and a $19 billion backlog in projects. Derrickson highlights three major bills aimed at restructuring the DOTD for better efficiency and transparency. She also addresses the importance of prioritizing projects and involving the private sector to expedite progress. Additionally, Derrickson discusses the business case for early childhood education investment, framing it as a workforce development issue. 

She shares insights from a recent conference, noting that other states are ahead in messaging and implementation. Derrickson stresses the importance of community and business involvement in early childhood education to support working parents and prepare children for kindergarten. She highlights the economic impact of workforce retention loss due to inadequate childcare and advocates for creative messaging to legislators and business owners. Overall, Derrickson calls for comprehensive efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and early childhood education, emphasizing the need for collaboration between government, business, and community stakeholders.

Dr. Anni Contreras from Our Lady of the Lake joins the show to discuss measles, explaining how the virus spreads and the available treatment options. She highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks and provides insights into the symptoms and complications of measles. Dr. Contreras also addresses common misconceptions about the disease and emphasizes the need for public awareness and timely medical intervention to manage and control measles effectively.

Jeff Bradley, a state representative from South Carolina joins the show to discuss the increasing presence of AI in various aspects of life, including workplaces, classrooms, and personal lives. He highlights the need for proper guidelines and regulations to ensure AI is used correctly. South Carolina has established an AI committee, chaired by Bradley, to address AI-related issues and promote innovation without excessive government regulation. The state is integrating AI into education, starting from elementary levels up to high school, with programs designed to teach AI concepts and applications.Bradley emphasizes the importance of using AI as a tool to enhance productivity and economic success, particularly in subjects like math. He mentions initiatives such as AI-driven robots for younger students and virtual reality tools for middle schoolers to improve their understanding of algebra.

The goal is to prepare students for future job markets where AI skills will be crucial.On the legislative front, Bradley discusses the challenges of creating laws that balance innovation with control. He notes that South Carolina focuses on addressing criminal activities related to AI, such as election interference, while allowing developers to innovate freely. He stresses the importance of not burdening AI developers with varying regulations across states and highlights the need for legislators to understand AI better before crafting effective laws.Bradley also talks about the use of AI in public services to improve efficiency, cost savings, customer experience, and employee retention.

He mentions the development of domain-specific language models for state agencies to protect proprietary information while leveraging AI for process management.Overall, Bradley advocates for a balanced approach to AI regulation that fosters innovation while addressing potential risks and ensuring that citizens are well-prepared for the evolving technological landscape.

District Attorney Hillar Moore joins the show to discuss the significant 25% reduction in Baton Rouge's crime rate compared to last year. He highlights efforts to replicate Troop NOLA's successful crime-fighting strategies in Baton Rouge. Moore also touches on upcoming initiatives aimed at further improving public safety and community well-being. These efforts reflect a proactive approach to maintaining and enhancing the city's security and resilience.

Whitney Hoffman Sayal, head of the Downtown Development District joins the show to discuss the bustling activities in downtown Baton Rouge, including the ongoing bowling events and the upcoming Blues Fest and Live After 5 concert series. She highlights the positive impact of these events on local businesses and community engagement. Sayal also talks about the importance of public input in the downtown master plan, emphasizing the need for a well-connected riverfront and the revitalization of the River Center. She mentions the significant investments made by casinos moving on land and the potential for new attractions to retain young professionals and enhance the area's appeal. Additionally, Sayal touches on the development of bicycle and pedestrian paths, aiming to improve connectivity and accessibility in downtown Baton Rouge.

Rodney Malley from the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) joins the show to discuss ongoing road closures and road work on the highways of Baton Rouge. He provides updates on current projects, explains the reasons behind the closures, and shares information on expected completion dates. Malley also offers advice for motorists on navigating the affected areas safely and minimizing travel disruptions.

Jim Ryan from ABC News joins the show to discuss the upcoming hurricane season and the importance of preparedness in Louisiana. He emphasizes the need for early planning and shares tips on how residents can protect themselves and their property. Ryan also highlights the state's efforts to improve emergency response and community resilience, aiming to reduce the impact of hurricanes on vulnerable areas.

Dennis Taylor, VP of Occupational Health at Lake Urgent Care joins the show to explore the critical topic of occupational health. He discusses the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, highlighting common workplace hazards and preventive measures. Taylor also shares insights on the latest trends and best practices in occupational health, aiming to educate and empower both employers and employees to prioritize well-being in the workplace.