EBR Schools Consider Major Teacher Pay Raises While Graduation Celebration Debate Continues

BREC Seeks Renewal Millage as Park Improvements Continue Across East Baton Rouge

BREC leaders discussed the June 27 vote on renewing the agency's 3.96-mill property tax, emphasizing that it is a renewal, not a new tax. The funding supports park maintenance, operations, repairs, and programming. Officials also highlighted recent improvements, including updated audits, park upgrades, stronger security measures, and new employee training initiatives. The conversation also touched on community input for future park master plans and upcoming events at BREC parks and the Baton Rouge Zoo.

Louisiana Legislative Session May Deliver Long-Term Workforce Gains, Moon Griffon Says

Moon Griffon and Brian Haldane discussed why Louisiana's 2026 legislative session may prove more significant than it appeared at first glance. While there were few major headline-grabbing bills, both agreed lawmakers made progress on workforce development and economic growth by building on reforms from previous years. Moon said continued follow-through is important if the state wants long-term results. The conversation also highlighted ongoing concerns about Louisiana's insurance crisis, with both noting that many residents and businesses are still waiting for meaningful relief.

Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Reforms Aim to Improve Care and Reduce Costs

Patrick Robinson with LABI joined Brian Haldane to discuss two major workers’ compensation bills approved during the 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session. Senate Bill 408, sponsored by Senator Brock Myers, addresses Louisiana's outdated workers' compensation medical reimbursement system. Robinson explained that the state's fee schedule is nearly 30 years old, creating problems on both sides. Some doctors receive reimbursement rates that have not kept up with inflation, making them less likely to treat injured workers. At the same time, loopholes have allowed a small number of providers to charge excessive rates. Rather than making immediate changes, the bill establishes a process for collecting data and evaluating reimbursement rates over the next several years. The goal is to keep qualified healthcare providers in the workers' compensation system while reducing abuse and controlling costs. The conversation also covered House Bill 456, sponsored by Representative Emily Chenevert. The bill expands employers' ability to use discovery tools during workers' compensation disputes. Employers will now have greater access to records, depositions, and subpoenas when investigating claims. Robinson said the change gives both employees and employers access to more information, helping all parties make informed decisions. He believes the additional transparency could lead to faster settlements, fewer disputes, and a more efficient claims process.

Men's Health Month: Why Preventive Care Can Save Your Life

Dr. Curtis Chastain joined Medical Monday to discuss the importance of men's health during Men's Health Month. His message was simple: men often take care of everyone else before taking care of themselves, which can allow serious health issues to develop unnoticed. Chastain encouraged men to establish a relationship with a primary care physician and schedule routine checkups, even when they feel healthy. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure often develop slowly and can be treated more effectively when caught early. He also highlighted symptoms men should not ignore, including chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, unusual fatigue, wounds that won't heal, and changes in moles. Many men dismiss these warning signs until a condition becomes serious. Sleep was another major topic. Chastain called sleep deprivation one of the biggest health challenges facing Americans today. He said poor sleep can increase stress and negatively impact overall health. He encouraged men to evaluate habits like late-night screen time, caffeine consumption, and eating heavy meals before bed. The conversation also focused on preventive screenings. Chastain recommended three key screenings for men: * Coronary calcium score to detect heart disease early * Colonoscopy to prevent and detect colon cancer * PSA test and prostate exam to screen for prostate cancer His overall message was clear: healthy habits such as diet and exercise are important, but they do not replace regular medical care. Taking action before symptoms become severe can help men live longer, healthier lives.

Smitty’s Supply Explosion: Questions Remain Nearly One Year Later

Nearly a year after the Smitty's Supply explosion, environmental investigator Scott Smith says concerns remain about contamination in the Tangipahoa River and surrounding areas. He claims runoff from the site continues to enter waterways during rain events, carrying chemicals such as PFAS and dioxins. Smith discussed reports of declining wildlife populations and said testing has traced contamination from the explosion site downstream toward Lake Pontchartrain. However, he also shared positive news regarding drinking water. Recent testing of Roseland's deep aquifer found no significant contamination, and officials believe the water supply remains safe. Additional testing is planned in the coming months. Smith said cleanup efforts are still possible and pointed to several remediation options for affected soil and waterways. He also criticized the response to the incident, arguing that stronger containment measures should have been implemented to prevent ongoing runoff. The conversation focused on the balance between continued environmental concerns and reassuring residents that current drinking water tests show no immediate threat. Officials and investigators plan to keep monitoring conditions as the community approaches the one-year mark since the August 2025 explosion.