Attorney Franz Borghardt joins the show to unpack the explosive retrial of Melanie Curtin, convicted in the infamous Livingston Parish case tied to Dennis and Cynthia Perkins. With graphic evidence and high-stakes accusations of rape and voyeurism, the state wants the courtroom closed during the victim’s testimony. But Curtin’s defense insists on transparency, claiming new evidence will contradict prior testimony. Borghardt dives into the legal clash between victim protection, press freedom, and the defendant’s constitutional right to a public trial. It's a tense crossroads of justice, privacy, and due process—raising tough questions about how far the system should bend in pursuit of fairness.

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Congressman Troy Carter joins the show for DC Current to discuss the looming government shutdown and its unprecedented implications. Unlike previous shutdowns where federal employees were furloughed and later compensated, this time many face actual layoffs with no guarantee of rehire or back pay. Carter emphasizes the severity of this shift, noting that many Americans live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford such uncertainty.

He criticizes the Trump administration’s apparent intent to force a shutdown, suggesting it’s part of a broader strategy to reduce the federal workforce. Carter argues that the proposed deal is deliberately harmful and designed to be rejected, thereby justifying the shutdown. He stresses that Democrats are present in Washington and ready to negotiate, but their Republican counterparts have yet to engage meaningfully.

Carter also highlights bipartisan frustration, stating that many Republicans feel hostage to the administration’s tactics. He calls for unity beyond party lines to protect constitutional principles and ensure responsible governance.

Key negotiation points include healthcare costs and the expansion of ACA subsidies. Carter refutes claims that undeserving individuals are benefiting from ACA, labeling such arguments as unfounded political talking points. He warns of delayed implementation of harmful policies until after elections, calling it deceptive governance.

On a more positive note, Carter reflects on the Congressional Black Caucus’s recent conference, which featured a powerful retrospective on Hurricane Katrina. The event honored the resilience of New Orleans and its people, showcasing stories of heroism and recovery often overlooked by mainstream media.

Despite his prediction of a shutdown, Carter remains hopeful for a last-minute resolution, reaffirming his commitment to stay in Washington and fight for a fair outcome.

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Pat Mashburn returns to the show with a grim update on the environmental fallout from the Smitty’s explosion along the Tangipahoa River. Now 40 days in, Mashburn describes worsening water conditions, mysterious chemical runoff, and a lack of meaningful response from officials. Despite EPA updates online, locals report no visible cleanup efforts. Airboats stir up oil slicks, and soil samples reveal syrup-like contamination threatening aquifers. Mashburn and fellow residents remain in daily contact, united by frustration and concern. With Smitty’s still operating nearby, questions mount about accountability, transparency, and long-term damage to the river and surrounding communities.

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As Louisiana prepares for massive energy demands from new data centers near Monroe and St. Francisville, Devin Hartman of the R Street Institute joins the show to break down the challenges ahead. Hartman explains how competitive energy markets—like Texas’s—can help manage costs and improve efficiency, while Louisiana’s monopoly model risks passing infrastructure costs onto consumers. He discusses the importance of grid resilience, especially in storm-prone areas, and the need for smarter regulation and cost-benefit analysis. With AI and industrial growth accelerating, this episode explores how Louisiana can modernize its energy strategy without leaving residents to foot the bill.

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Donnie Miller from the Ascension Parish Chamber joins the show for a lively update on upcoming events and initiatives. He previews the Chamber’s 27th annual golf tournament and a member luncheon featuring LSU’s Taylor Jacobs, who will discuss NIL, athlete branding, and its relevance to local entrepreneurs. Miller emphasizes how small businesses and parents can engage with NIL opportunities, even without major sponsorship budgets. The conversation also highlights Ascension’s Leadership Program, now entering its 30th year, and its lasting impact through community service projects. From civic pride to strategic partnerships, this episode showcases Ascension Parish’s dynamic blend of business and leadership.

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Jeff Crouere joins the show to discuss the tragic shooting of Jessica Williams, a 33-year-old innocent bystander celebrating her birthday on Bourbon Street. Her death highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime in New Orleans. Despite recent improvements, public safety remains a pressing issue. Crouere explores the potential deployment of the National Guard to support local law enforcement and restore confidence in the city’s ability to protect its residents and visitors.

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Louisiana’s newly formed Task Force on Energy, Infrastructure, and Modernization recently held its first meeting, marking the beginning of a crucial initiative to address the state’s long-term power needs. With rising energy demands from data centers and large-scale economic projects, the task force aims to ensure Louisiana can meet future requirements without burdening current ratepayers. State Senator Beth Mizell, who chairs the task force, joins the show to discuss its goals and early progress.

The task force was created through legislation by Senate President Cameron Henry, driven by the urgency to prepare for high-energy projects like Meta’s massive data center. Mizell emphasized the importance of balancing industrial energy needs with protecting Louisiana citizens from increased costs. The first meeting served as an introduction, allowing stakeholders—from regulators to utility providers—to outline their roles and begin identifying key challenges.

Mizell highlighted the complexity of coordinating various entities, including lawmakers, regulators, energy providers, and economic development agencies, all while maintaining public trust. She stressed the need to move “at the speed of business,” a pace not traditionally associated with government operations, and sees this task force as a chance to set a new standard.

Drawing inspiration from other states with successful energy models, Mizell believes Louisiana can lead in responsible energy generation and infrastructure planning. She also shared insights from the Energy Council conference in Anchorage, where Louisiana’s oil and gas sector was recognized nationally. With natural gas turbines already in place, Mizell sees potential for increased local power generation.

Ultimately, the task force’s mission is to position Louisiana as a national leader in energy innovation—welcoming industry while safeguarding residents. Mizell remains optimistic that with careful planning and collaboration, the state can rise to meet the challenge.

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Moon Griffon joins the show to reflect on a weekend filled with heartbreak and headlines. He breaks down LSU’s tough loss to Ole Miss and revisits the lingering environmental effects of the Smitty’s explosion in Tangipahoa which took place over a month ago. Moon also weighs in on the tragic shooting at a Mormon church in Michigan, where a gunman opened fire and set the building ablaze, leaving a community shaken and searching for answers.

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Will Green, President of LABI and author of the Nola.com article “When it comes to carbon capture, the choice is clear: lead, or lose,” joins the show to explore Louisiana’s pivotal role in the future of carbon capture. Green argues the state still has a chance to lead the nation in safe, responsible carbon storage and utilization—bringing jobs, investment, and sustainability. It’s a conversation about climate, opportunity, and the urgency to act before it’s too late.

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Josh Margolin from ABC News joins the show to break down the shocking attack at a Church of Latter-Day Saints in Michigan where no motive has yet been found. Authorities say ex-Marine Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, drove a pickup truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, opened fire, and set the building ablaze during a packed Sunday service. Margolin shares the latest on the investigation and the community’s stunned response.

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