Jonathan Brill, ranked the world’s number one futurist by Forbes, helps organizations prepare for radical change. Speaking in Louisiana, he outlined how AI, shifting geopolitics, and evolving supply chains will reshape key industries like energy, food, and transportation.Brill argues leaders must focus less on technology and more on psychology. Teams need safety, trust, and freedom to experiment as AI enhances decision-making and boosts innovation. For Louisiana, he sees opportunity in its greatest asset: the ports. As self-driving vehicles and automation lower logistics costs, supply chains will transform. Businesses that plan ahead, adapt quickly, and empower people to innovate will thrive in this disruptive era.

Early Childhood Education Month is in full swing, and Libbie Sonnier is leading the charge across Louisiana. The governor declared the month to spotlight how early learning strengthens the state’s workforce and economy. Sonnier and the Louisiana Policy Institute are hosting site visits with business leaders and elected officials to promote investment in quality child care.She stresses that early educators are brain architects, not babysitters. With 90% of brain development happening by age four, early investment reduces future costs in remedial education and social services. Louisiana loses $1.3 billion annually due to child care breakdowns. Expanding access supports families, boosts workforce participation, and builds thriving communities.

FUEL, led by Lacy McManus at LSU, is a statewide initiative focused on advancing the future of energy in Louisiana. Backed by up to $160 million from the National Science Foundation and strong support from Louisiana Economic Development, FUEL serves as the state’s innovation engine by connecting higher education institutions, industry leaders, and workforce partners. The initiative builds on Louisiana’s existing energy infrastructure and skilled workforce to drive new innovation, support deep-tech startups, and expand economic growth, particularly in areas such as carbon management. FUEL works to ensure that traditional oil and gas workers can transition into next-generation energy roles by strengthening talent pipelines, workforce development programs, and educational partnerships. Ultimately, FUEL aims to future-proof Louisiana’s energy sector, create high-capacity startup companies, and secure the state’s leadership in emerging energy technologies.

Congressman Troy Carter joined DC Current to outline two major priorities: supporting young people and strengthening federal oversight. He highlighted his new Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus, created with Republican Rob Bresnahan, to help teenagers and young adults facing disconnection from work, school, and community. Carter said the caucus aims to break political silos, teach real listening, and give young people access to government, education, and industry. He also recapped a Democratic field hearing in New Orleans focused on alleged ICE overreach, noting concerns about unlawful searches, excessive force, and weakened training standards. Carter stressed that immigration enforcement must follow the Constitution. He closed with an update on the Insurance Affordability Tour, which brings state and federal leaders together to address rising property and flood insurance costs and find long-term solutions for homeowners and buyers.

State Senator Blake Miguez explained why he left the U.S. Senate race and entered the race for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District. He said President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Congresswoman Julia Letlow for the Senate seat pushed him to reassess his path. Miguez said his mission to back Trump and champion the America First agenda remains the same, and he believes he can deliver that in Congress. He highlighted his long-standing ties to Baton Rouge, his legislative record, and his goal to meet voters across the district in the coming months. Miguez said he plans to earn trust through direct outreach.

BRPD used drones to keep Mardi Gras parades safe and plans to expand the drone program across the city. Officers now train in-house and use new tools like crime cameras, license plate readers, and AI software to respond faster and track suspects. The Real-Time Crime Center pulls all this technology together in real time. BRPD also updated its crime reporting system to follow national standards like LIBRS and NIBRS. Finally, the department is raising money to send more officers to Washington, D.C., for Police Week as Sergeant Caleb Eisworth’s name is added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial.

The Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership used Washington Mardi Gras to highlight how much of the world relies on products tied to the Capital Region. Lori Melancon says the Industry Makes exhibit showed how local workers help create everything from crayons to jet fuel. She also pointed to progress with Hyundai Steel and new training efforts at River Parishes Community College (RPCC) and Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC). The region enters 2026 with a strong project pipeline, new certified sites, and major partnerships driven by Louisiana State University’s work with national labs and the U.S. Army. Melancon says this groundwork positions Baton Rouge for growth in tech, energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Attorney Franz Borghardt joined Mornings With Brian Haldane to go through the legal angles in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. The case continues to draw national attention. Pima County deputies expanded their search over the weekend. They also followed new leads and released another public plea for information.

Medical Monday from Our Lady of the Lake Health turns its focus to Heart Month. Dr. Andrew Smith with the FMOL Health Physician Group says small, consistent habits shape long-term heart health. He points to the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8—nutrition, activity, tobacco use, sleep, weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar—as a simple framework anyone can use. Smith urges people to make realistic changes, monitor their numbers, and treat sleep as a core health practice. He also encourages early preventive checkups, especially for those with a family history of heart disease.

BREC has a new weekly segment on Talk 107.3 called The BREC Room. Interim Superintendent Janet Simmons and Interim CEO Maurice Velasquez joined Brian Haldane to explain what it is and why it matters.