Will Green joins the show to break down LABI’s 2025 Legislative Scorecard, marking its 45th year of evaluating how Louisiana lawmakers vote on key business-related issues. The scorecard analyzes 32 bills—19 from the House and 13 from the Senate—focusing on legislation that impacts the state’s economy, workforce, and business climate. Thirteen legislators earned MVP status for voting 100% in alignment with LABI’s priorities, with notable support from the Baton Rouge area. Civil justice reform was a major theme, with bills aimed at curbing abusive litigation and lowering insurance costs, which Green says currently burden Louisiana families with a “tort tax” of around $600 annually.

Green also highlighted environmental and energy legislation, particularly around carbon capture. He warned that some proposed bills would have added excessive regulation, threatening Louisiana’s competitiveness in attracting global energy investments. Fortunately, those bills were defeated, preserving the state’s appeal to companies seeking carbon-neutral operations.

The scorecard ties into LABI’s broader strategic plan, LA Driven, which aims to position Louisiana as an economic leader by 2030. With nearly 100 measures passed over two years, including workforce initiatives like the “Boot and” program for transitioning military personnel, Green says the state is making strong progress.

Finally, Green emphasized the scorecard’s transparency and utility—not just as a retrospective tool, but as a forward-looking guide for evaluating legislators and shaping future policy. The full scorecard, including bill descriptions and individual lawmaker scores, is available at labi.org

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Jeff Crouere joins the show to reflect on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, sharing personal insights and the lasting impact on New Orleans. He also discusses the Roseland plant explosion and how local media is covering the incident. The episode wraps with updates on the city's mayoral race and a surprising twist—former mayor Ray Nagin breaks his silence, adding new intrigue to the political landscape.

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State Representative Chuck Owen joins the show to share his perspective on carbon capture and sequestration—two hot-button issues in Louisiana’s environmental and energy landscape. Owen breaks down the science, the politics, and the potential impact on local communities. Whether you're for it, against it, or still figuring it out, this episode offers a candid look at the debate from inside the Capitol. 

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Pat Mashburn joins the show to unpack the aftermath of the weekend’s plant explosion in Roseland and its far-reaching impact on Tangipahoa Parish. From emergency response to environmental concerns and community disruption, Mashburn shares insights into how local leaders are managing the crisis and what residents need to know. It’s a sobering look at the real-world consequences of industrial accidents and the resilience of affected communities.

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Central's Mayor Wade Evans joins Brian to discuss the urgent and growing fentanyl crisis affecting communities across Louisiana. The discussion follows Senator Bill Cassidy’s introduction of the HALT Fentanyl Act, an event marked by emotional testimonies from families impacted by addiction and loss. Mayor Evans shares Central’s proactive efforts, including partnerships with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana and the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, aimed at raising awareness and educating youth.

Evans emphasizes the alarming frequency of fentanyl-related incidents in Central—averaging two unresponsive cases per week—and the broader national toll of over 200 deaths daily. He highlights the importance of removing stigma around addiction and fostering open conversations among families. Central’s campaign includes school presentations by “Fentanyl Fathers,” a group of grieving dads who’ve lost children to fentanyl poisoning, aiming to reach every middle and high school in the parish.

The mayor also underscores the deceptive nature of street drugs, often laced with lethal doses of fentanyl, and the role of social media platforms like Snapchat in facilitating access. He calls for a holistic approach: tougher laws for dealers, better education for families, and more support for those struggling with addiction. Evans stresses that addiction doesn’t discriminate—it affects all demographics—and praises the courage of families who speak out to prevent further tragedy.

This episode is a sobering reminder that the fentanyl crisis is not a distant issue—it’s happening in our neighborhoods, schools, and homes. Mayor Evans’ message is clear: awareness, education, and community action are key to saving lives.

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Dr. Mark Laperouse joins the show to share exciting updates on the transformation of Our Lady of the Lake’s emergency department. From cutting-edge renovations to strategic upgrades, he breaks down how these changes will enhance patient care, streamline operations, and prepare the facility for future demands. Tune in for an inside look at the vision driving one of the region’s most vital healthcare hubs into a new era of excellence.

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Jeff Conaway and Stick from Rouj Creole join the show for Foodie Friday, diving into the restaurant’s unique blend of bold flavors and Southern hospitality. They shared the inspiration behind Rouj Creole’s concept, its commitment to fresh ingredients, and the vibrant culture that drives their culinary creativity. The duo emphasized their passion for delivering memorable dining experiences and building community through food, making Rouj Creole a standout in the local scene.

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Dr. Katie Spring from Pennington Biomedical Research Center joins the show to spotlight children’s health during Childhood Obesity Month. She emphasized the importance of early intervention, balanced nutrition, and active lifestyles to combat rising obesity rates. Dr. Spring also discussed Pennington’s ongoing research and community outreach efforts aimed at promoting healthier habits among families. Her message was clear: prevention starts early, and small changes can lead to lifelong health benefits for children.

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Lily Harvey joins the show to discuss the HALT Fentanyl Act and her passionate advocacy through Millie Mattered Overdose & Addiction Advocacy. She highlighted the urgent need for stronger legislation to combat fentanyl-related deaths and shared personal stories that fuel her mission. Harvey emphasized community education, prevention, and support for families affected by addiction, calling for unified action to save lives and bring hope to those battling substance abuse.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/milliemattered

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Vicky Jones joins the show to announce her candidacy for District Court Judge in Louisiana’s 19th Judicial District. With a strong legal background and deep ties to the community, Jones emphasized her commitment to impartiality, justice, and restoring public trust in the court system. Her campaign centers on transparency, accessibility, and ensuring every citizen receives fair treatment under the law. Jones aims to bring both experience and compassion to the bench.

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