Jeff Crouere joins the show to discuss the jail break at a Orleans Parish Prison, marking it the worst prison break in Louisiana history. It has recently been released that authorities have now captured four of the ten escapees. The situation has raised serious concerns, with speculation that the escape may have involved internal assistance. The scale and implications of the breakout have sparked widespread attention and calls for accountability and reform.

State Representative Mark Wrightjoins the show to talk about the ongoing Louisiana legislative session and key economic development initiatives. Representative Wright discussed the growing attention around his bill authorizing the Port of New Orleans to pursue public-private partnerships for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor Roadway Project. Initially seen as a procedural measure, the bill has gained momentum due to its potential to support the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) project. This terminal, in development since 2018, aims to address Louisiana’s limited container capacity, which hampers its competitiveness in global shipping. The project is crucial because larger container ships can’t pass under New Orleans’ bridges, necessitating a new terminal downstream. Wright emphasized that the terminal could significantly boost the state’s economy by improving access to rail and highway infrastructure and attracting more cargo traffic. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between ports, discouraging competition between LIT and the Plaquemines Port.

The goal is to ensure Louisiana becomes a more attractive hub for global trade, not to pit ports against each other. On the broader legislative front, Wright noted progress on insurance reform, with five bills advancing from committee. While he couldn’t confirm if they remained intact, he expressed optimism based on feedback from bill sponsors. He also touched on the state budget, praising allocations for the Louisiana Gator program and teacher stipends. Wright acknowledged the challenges of passing constitutional amendments and emphasized the need for better communication to gain public support. Finally, he stressed that long-term economic growth—through projects like LIT and the Hyundai Steel plant in Donaldsonville—is key to solving systemic issues like insurance instability and outmigration. He called for continued focus on infrastructure and job creation to reshape Louisiana’s economic narrative and attract new investment.

Patrick Robinson from the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) joins the show to discuss the urgent need to update Louisiana’s outdated workers’ compensation (comp) medical fee schedule, which hasn’t been revised in 30 years. Louisiana employers currently pay around $1 billion annually in workers’ comp premiums—among the highest in the U.S. Robinson emphasized that aligning premiums with national averages could return $300–$400 million to the business community, boosting wages and lowering costs.

The core issue is the outdated and unclear fee schedule, which leads to confusion, underpayment, and excessive litigation. A proposed solution, Senate Bill 213 by Senator Sebaugh, aimed to modernize the fee schedule starting in 2027. However, the bill faced strong opposition from stakeholders and was not heard in the current session. A similar bill by Representative Michael Echols passed the House but may encounter the same resistance in the Senate.Robinson highlighted that vague reimbursement language—such as percentages of billed charges—creates uncertainty and legal disputes. He noted that over 40 states manage this better, often tying reimbursements to Medicare rates. 

However, some healthcare providers oppose this due to Medicare’s budget-driven fluctuations.The conversation also touched on the “jackpot mentality” in workers’ comp, where some individuals exploit the system for prolonged benefits. This, combined with high premiums, deters businesses from relocating to Louisiana. Robinson stressed the need for cultural change and public education to shift perceptions about workers’ comp’s purpose.Despite legislative setbacks, Robinson remains hopeful. He praised the Louisiana Workforce Commission for its efforts and believes incremental improvements can still be made under current law. Ultimately, he urged continued collaboration to create a fair, efficient system that supports both workers and businesses.

Dr. Catherine O’Neal, former Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of the Lake and now Chief Academic Officer at FMOLHS, shares her experience as a healthcare worker during the COVID-19 pandemic in “Stories of Strength.” She reflects on the emotional and professional challenges faced by medical teams, highlighting their resilience, dedication, and the lasting impact of the pandemic on healthcare workers and systems.

For more information, visit: https://www.fmolhs.org/locations/greater-baton-rouge/stories-of-strength

Jim Ryan from ABC News joins the show to discuss a renewed FBI warning about the dangers of AI-generated deepfakes. He highlights how these realistic fake videos and audio clips can be used to spread misinformation and manipulate public opinion. The conversation explores the growing threat posed by this technology and outlines strategies for identifying and combating deepfakes, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and technological safeguards.

Brandon Day from Day's Smokehouse and Specialty Meats joins the show on this Foodie Friday to highlight the quality and consistency of his family-owned business. He discussed their commitment to traditional methods, premium ingredients, and customer satisfaction. The conversation emphasized the pride and care that go into every product, showcasing why Day’s Smokehouse has earned a loyal following and continues to be a trusted name in specialty meats.

For more information, visit: http://dayssmokehouse.com/

Jason Waggenspack from Film Louisiana appeared on the show to discuss the state’s film industry, highlighting the recent success of the movie Sinners. He explained how Louisiana’s film tax credits work and their impact on attracting productions to the state. Waggenspack emphasized the importance of these incentives in maintaining Louisiana’s competitive edge in the film industry and supporting local economic growth through job creation and increased investment.

T-Bob Hebert joins the show to reflect on his time at Guaranty Media and as host of Off The Bench. He shared memories and expressed gratitude as he prepares for a new chapter. Hebert recently accepted a position with Barstool Sports in Chicago, marking today as his final day with Guaranty Media. His departure signifies both a farewell to a familiar role and the beginning of an exciting new opportunity.