Jim Rock joins the show to reflect on the recent LegisGator Conference, a key event fostering collaboration among leaders in Southwest Louisiana. The conference served as a platform for regional unity, policy discussion, and strategic alliances aimed at advancing local interests. Rock highlighted the importance of bipartisan engagement and the momentum gained from bringing together lawmakers, business leaders, and community advocates to address pressing issues and drive meaningful change across the region.

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Senator Bill Cassidy reflected on a powerful event centered around the fentanyl crisis and the recent signing of the HALT Fentanyl Act by President Trump. The gathering was not a typical press conference but a heartfelt assembly of law enforcement, local officials, and grieving families from across Louisiana. Parents held photos of children lost to fentanyl overdoses, and stories were shared that highlighted the devastating reach of the drug, including a young girl mourning her father and a doctor recounting the tragic death of his son from a laced pill.

Cassidy emphasized the bipartisan and multi-level government response to the epidemic, noting past legislative efforts and the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local entities. He praised President Trump’s commitment to combating fentanyl and explained that the HALT Fentanyl Act closes legal loopholes by targeting fentanyl analogs—chemically altered versions designed to evade prosecution.

Law enforcement officials stressed that arrests alone won’t solve the crisis. Cassidy highlighted successful rehabilitation efforts like The Grove, a treatment center with an 85% success rate, and faith-based ministries such as Tanja Miles’ outreach, which offer hope and recovery. The event also promoted the 988 helpline for those struggling with addiction.

The conversation concluded with a message of hope and community resilience. Cassidy underscored the importance of education, prevention, and compassion, urging people to avoid taking pills not prescribed by a doctor or dispensed by a pharmacy. The event served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of fentanyl and the collective effort needed to address it.

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Ryan Hernandez of The Queen Casino and Daniel Hutchinson of Bally’s Casino join the show to unveil their exciting partnership for the upcoming football season. From enhanced fan experiences to exclusive promotions, they’re raising the stakes for game day entertainment. Discover how these two gaming giants are collaborating to bring energy, innovation, and unforgettable moments to football fans across the region.

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Kim Bowman of the Bella Bowman Foundation and Monika Arnold of REV join the show to spotlight an inspiring upcoming event at L’Auberge. They share exciting updates on facility growth, community impact, and how their organizations are collaborating to bring hope and healing to families. 

For more information, visit: https://www.bellabowman.org/

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Lieutenant Don Coppola joins the show to discuss the funeral of Sgt. Caleb Eisworth, which took place this past Saturday at 9 AM at Istrouma Baptist Church. Coppola also stresses the effectiveness of anonymous tips that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of wanted criminals. If you have any information and would like to leave an anonymous tip, call 344-7867.

For more, visit: crimestoppers225.com and facebook.com/CS225

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Liz Smith from the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students joins the show to break down the major changes coming to Louisiana’s education accountability system. As students return to school, early LEAP test results reveal a concerning drop in performance. Parents are urged to review their children’s scores and engage with teachers if students are not on grade level.

The state is entering a transition year with a new accountability formula that will fully take effect next year. For now, schools will receive two performance scores: one based on the current system and another using the new metrics. This shift is expected to result in lower scores, especially for high schools, as the new system raises the bar by only awarding points for students achieving “mastery” or higher—essentially those performing at or above grade level.

Liz emphasizes that while the changes may seem harsh, they offer a more accurate picture of student achievement and school effectiveness. The new formula also places greater weight on student growth, particularly for those starting at the lowest performance levels. This means schools and teachers will be recognized for helping struggling students make meaningful progress.

High schools will see the most dramatic changes. Previously, many were rated highly despite low ACT scores and poor grade-level performance. The new system simplifies the scoring process with 12 clear metrics, replacing the opaque and confusing formulas of the past.

Liz also highlights Louisiana’s national progress, noting that the state now ranks 16th in 4th-grade reading. She credits this improvement to a strong commitment to accountability, which originated from the civil rights movement and has been supported across political lines since 1977.

Ultimately, the new system aims to provide transparency, drive improvement, and ensure every student’s progress is measured and valued.

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Haggai Davis joins the show as the new COO of 180 Pros to discuss the company’s direction. He also shares insights on Australia’s recent ban on social media for children under 15, highlighting its implications. Additionally, the conversation explores the rise of “zero-click” searches, where users get answers directly on search pages without clicking through to websites, and how this trend is reshaping online information access.

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Haley Miller, Community Partners Director at Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS), joins the show to highlight how easy and impactful volunteering can be. With programs like EveryBody Reads and EveryOne Counts, VIPS connects trained volunteers with students needing help in reading and math. Miller emphasizes that even a small time commitment can make a lasting difference in a child’s education, making volunteering accessible and rewarding for everyone.

For more information, visit: http://vipsbr.org

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State Senator Thomas Pressly and Eric England, Director of the Port of Caddo-Bossier, discussed Project Cypress, a major energy initiative aimed at transforming Louisiana’s economy through advanced carbon capture technology. The project is expected to create approximately 2,300 high-paying jobs across Northwest and Southwest Louisiana, with salaries averaging between \$60,000 and \$70,000. It has strong backing from Governor Landry and former President Trump, reflecting bipartisan support for its economic and environmental potential.

Project Cypress centers on direct air capture (DAC) technology, which removes carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere—unlike traditional carbon capture methods that target emissions at their source. The captured CO₂ is then converted into valuable commodities, such as cleaner-burning jet fuel, making the process both environmentally beneficial and economically viable. Companies like United Airlines have already shown interest in partnering with DAC firms like Heirloom.

The Port of Caddo-Bossier, which owns a 5,000-acre industrial site, is an ideal location due to its infrastructure and compatibility with light industrial operations. The project is designed to be non-disruptive, with minimal pollution and visual impact. Additionally, the CO₂ captured can be used in enhanced oil recovery, further increasing its market value.

A second processing facility is planned for Lake Charles, expanding the project’s reach and impact across the state. The initiative is seen as a strategic move to retain high-tech jobs within the U.S. and position Louisiana as a leader in next-generation energy solutions. With infrastructure development underway, implementation is expected within a few years—a relatively short timeline for a project of this scale.

Overall, Project Cypress represents a forward-thinking blend of environmental stewardship, technological innovation, and economic development, with the potential to reshape Louisiana’s industrial landscape.

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Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry joins the show to discuss the state’s push to modernize its voting system. After years of delays and controversy, Louisiana is replacing its outdated machines with a new system that includes a paper audit trail but avoids error-prone hand counting. Pilot testing begins in 2026, starting with smaller parishes. Landry emphasizes transparency, security, and public education as key to restoring trust in the electoral process.

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