Ascension Parish Chamber President Donnie Miller discussed new business growth efforts happening across the region, including the launch of the Ascension Business Report in partnership with Business Report. The weekly publication highlights development, restaurants, nonprofits, and business activity across Ascension Parish. Miller also previewed upcoming chamber events, including a June luncheon focused on arts and culture, networking events for young professionals, and the annual Small Business Expo expected to bring in more than 1,000 attendees. He said the chamber’s main focus remains workforce development, infrastructure, small business growth, and improving quality of life as the parish continues expanding.

Rebecca Harris with Louisiana DCFS says the department is making major changes to improve child safety and strengthen support for families. During a recent Senate hearing, Harris explained that the agency is focusing on prevention, accountability, and getting more experienced staff back on the front lines. She said DCFS is working to address issues like burnout, delayed responses, and workforce shortages while expanding community-based resources for mental health, substance abuse, and housing support. Harris also encouraged qualified applicants to apply as the department continues rebuilding its child welfare system.

iCare is expanding its summer prevention programs across East Baton Rouge Parish by offering free presentations for camps, churches, and community groups. Prevention specialist LaTosha Mitchell said the sessions help students stay connected to important life skills while school is out.The program covers topics like vaping prevention, bullying, cyber safety, mindfulness, conflict resolution, and leadership development. Mitchell said vaping remains one of the biggest concerns among students, with many teens unaware of the health risks tied to e-cigarettes.The cyber safety sessions focus on helping students recognize online dangers, including cyberbullying and sharing personal information on social media and gaming platforms. Students also learn emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills through interactive activities and role-playing scenarios.Mitchell said the goal is to give students practical tools they can use in everyday life while building confidence and stronger decision-making skills. The presentations are free for community partners and are designed to extend iCare’s prevention education efforts beyond the classroom during the summer months.

LABI President and CEO Will Green says Louisiana lawmakers made major progress this session on workforce development and business reform.One of the biggest wins is the BayouWorks bill, which creates a framework to help businesses train skilled workers for high-demand jobs tied to billions in economic investment across the state.Green also highlighted Senate Bill 408, which would modernize Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system. Supporters say the changes could lower business costs and make Louisiana more competitive with neighboring states.The workers’ comp bill is still being negotiated in conference committee as lawmakers race to finish the session before the June 1 deadline.

Brian Haldane and Haggai Davis covered several major technology stories, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and its growing role in society. The conversation started with Waymo self-driving vehicles struggling in flooded streets. Davis explained that LIDAR systems can fail when water reflects signals away from the sensors, making it difficult for autonomous vehicles to recognize dangerous flooding conditions. The issue becomes more challenging as companies expand into wetter cities like New Orleans and Miami.The discussion then shifted to Pope Leo XIV and his recent comments on artificial intelligence. Davis explained that the pope is not anti-AI or anti-technology. Instead, he believes AI should remain a tool that helps humanity rather than replacing real human relationships and connection. The pope’s encyclical encouraged people to maintain compassion, morality, and genuine conversations in an increasingly digital world.The Vatican is also embracing technology in practical ways. A new AI-powered translation tool now helps visitors at St. Peter’s Basilica hear Mass translated into their native language in real time.Haldane and Davis also discussed social media addiction, dopamine-driven engagement, bots, and the growing emotional influence of the internet. They stressed that AI and the internet are tools, not replacements for human interaction.The segment wrapped with a conversation about futuristic AI infrastructure projects, including underwater data centers being developed by China and potential space-based data centers tied to SpaceX.

Louisiana’s Teacher Leader Summit brought together nearly 8,000 educators to focus on student achievement, teacher development and school improvement. State Superintendent Cade Brumley praised teachers for driving Louisiana’s education gains and highlighted leadership lessons shared by LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey. Louisiana leaders pointed to national rankings showing the state leading the country in growth, while stressing that attendance remains a major challenge. The summit also covered literacy, foundational math, workforce readiness and the role of AI in education while balancing student screen time concerns. Louisiana plans to continue focusing on proven strategies to improve student outcomes.

Kevin George discussed Louisiana’s continued education growth and the work teachers are doing to improve student outcomes. He highlighted stronger statewide performance in literacy and math, crediting alignment between teachers, school leaders, and state education goals. The conversation also focused on early learning, ambitious academic targets through 2028, and how educators are building momentum for long-term success in Louisiana classrooms.

Louisiana Principal of the Year Justin Wax joined the show to discuss his path to becoming a school leader and what makes strong schools successful. Wax, principal at Denham Springs Junior High in Livingston Parish, said the selection process includes peer nominations, interviews and showcasing student and teacher success. Wax highlighted Denham Springs Junior High’s academic growth and innovative programs, including an aquaponics lab where students take leadership roles through hands-on learning. He said strong teachers, involved parents and community support have helped drive student success. The conversation also focused on leadership challenges. Wax explained that principals often work in isolated roles and need strong support networks to continue helping teachers and students. He stressed that leadership is about building people and creating lasting impact. Wax shared his personal journey into education. Originally pursuing business and ministry, he discovered a passion for teaching and coaching before moving into administration. He said leadership allows educators to make a larger impact on students and communities. The interview wrapped with discussion about the Teacher Leaders Summit and its focus on developing ideas educators can bring back to classrooms. Wax encouraged teachers and leaders to reflect, recharge and focus on meaningful improvements that help students succeed

Louisiana Teacher of the Year Regina Hartley Beard joined the show to discuss how teaching has changed and why curiosity matters in education. Beard, a fifth-grade science and sixth-grade STEM and robotics teacher in the Zachary Community School District, shared how hands-on learning helps students become stronger critical thinkers. She explained how robotics is built into classroom lessons, giving students opportunities to collect data, solve problems and apply science concepts in real-world ways. One example included students using robots and light sensors to study star brightness and distance. Beard also reflected on earning Louisiana Teacher of the Year and how the recognition allowed her to contribute to statewide education discussions and teacher advisory groups. The conversation touched on classroom improvements across Louisiana, including reduced cell phone distractions and efforts focused on letting teachers teach. Beard said collaboration among educators remains key to student success and encouraged teachers to share ideas that help classrooms grow statewide.

New Orleans continues to strengthen its reputation as a major destination for conventions, tourism and large-scale events. Kelly Schultz with New Orleans & Company discussed the collaboration required between hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, security teams and the convention center to create a seamless visitor experience. The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center remains a major driver of economic activity and is currently undergoing a $700 million renovation to improve facilities and maintain competitiveness. Leaders say visitors attending events often support local businesses across the city after meetings end. The conversation also highlighted Sail 250, part of America 250 celebrations honoring the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. New Orleans is serving as the first host city, welcoming tall ships and military vessels from multiple countries. Public tours run through June 1 and are free for families to attend. Schultz also noted recent recognition for New Orleans & Company, including advertising awards and being named one of the nation’s top destination marketing organizations. Upcoming events include major culinary awards, education conferences and large fan conventions, reinforcing New Orleans’ ability to host multiple large events at once.