Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis phoned in to a live broadcast from the Lake Charles Hospitality Suite to deliver a sobering update on Northeast Louisiana’s recovery after a devastating winter storm. Ellis described the damage as “total devastation,” calling it one of the most destructive natural events the region has ever faced.

Charlton J. Meginley, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, recently joined the program from Washington, D.C. He was in the nation’s capital for Washington Mardi Gras and meetings focused on improving support for Louisiana veterans. Even with record cold and snow, his priority stayed clear: advocating for those who served.Meginley grew up in Alexandria and comes from a family shaped by military service. After earning his degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and completing law school, he joined the U.S. Air Force as a Judge Advocate General. What began as a short commitment turned into more than 20 years of service. His career took his family across the country and overseas.

Louisiana continues to face one of the most serious coastal land loss crises in the country. Over time, erosion, stronger storms, and rising sea levels have eaten away at wetlands that protect homes, jobs, and wildlife. However, science-based restoration efforts are beginning to slow that loss and protect communities across the state.

The Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana stepped into the spotlight at Washington Mardi Gras as Chairwoman Melissa Darden and Councilman Schuylar “Skylar” Hebert joined the conversation to highlight the tribe’s history, growth, and current priorities. The tribe, based in St. Mary Parish on its aboriginal homeland, is Louisiana’s only federally recognized tribe located on its original lands.

Talk 107.3 is gearing up for a big week as Brian Haldane heads to Washington, D.C. for DC Mardi Gras. He will anchor four shows over two days, bringing listeners direct conversations with Louisiana legislators. These talks often spark ideas and policies that shape the year ahead, and listeners will get the first look starting tomorrow at 6 a.m.The station also launches a major programming change on Tuesday. Eric Erickson, a nationally syndicated host with deep Louisiana roots, steps into the afternoon drive slot from 4 to 6 p.m. His show blends straight talk, analysis, and listener insight. Talk 107.3 continues to strengthen its commitment to live, local content.

Program Director Cade Voisin welcomed listeners back to Mornings with Brian Haldane and flipped the script. Filling in for Brian, Cade grabbed a few minutes with him before he boarded his flight from Baton Rouge Metro Airport to Washington, D.C., for Washington Mardi Gras. The trip marks two full days of conversations with Louisiana leaders as the state’s political and business circles gather under one roof.

The conversation surrounding the shooting of Alex Preddy in Minneapolis continues to grow. The 37-year-old ICU nurse recorded a federal immigration operation on his phone before agents pepper sprayed him, tackled him, and shot him at close range. Witnesses say he never pulled his legally owned firearm. The video shows chaos at full speed, but when slowed down, it looks far more severe. Many describe it as looking execution style. The footage sparked outrage and confusion as early statements from federal agents claimed the shooting was justified.

Mornings with Brian Haldane rolled on Wednesday as Cade Voisin filled in for Brian. Brian is on his way to Washington, D.C. for Washington Mardi Gras coverage. Before he left, Cade welcomed Chef John Folse and Michaela York to preview the annual Chef John Folse Boucherie and Bourbon event. The event takes place Saturday, February 7 from 8 to 3 at White Oak Estate and Gardens.

With early voting underway, Brad Daigle is making insurance reform the cornerstone of his campaign for Louisiana House District 60. Speaking on the campaign trail, Daigle says voters are most concerned about rising insurance costs and a legal system he believes has tilted too far toward excessive litigation. Drawing on 35 years of experience in insurance and risk management, Daigle argues the state must address tort reform, nuclear verdicts, and market instability to ease the burden on families and businesses. If elected, he says affordability, infrastructure investment, and economic growth will be his legislative priorities.

Washington Mardi Gras once again serves as a proving ground for Louisiana politics, networking, and momentum-building, and this year carries higher stakes than usual. As political strategist and Ringside Politics host Jeff Crouere noted, the event blends celebration with purpose, creating a space where relationships form and future plans take shape.