The Lead Live Podcast: April 2, 2025 episode

The Lead Live featured discussions on financial markets, federal layoffs, and a Kerrville Police Department hiring event on its April 2 episode.

Sgt. Chuck Bocock and Sgt. Jonathan Lamb of the Kerrville Police Department joined the show and participated in a segment called “Pop Culture Cop Trivia.” The sergeants also promoted a hiring event scheduled for Saturday, April 12, at 9:00 a.m. at the Dietert Center. They detailed the testing process, which includes a 2,000-meter row physical agility test, a written examination, and an online questionnaire assessment. Individuals can RSVP on the Kerrville Police Department Facebook page or at KPDRrecruiting.kerrvilletx.gov. The department aims to hire local individuals.

Andrew Gay from Texas Hill Country Advisors described the current state of the financial markets as being in a “risk off mode,” with risk assets like stocks selling off. Gay attributed this to hotter-than-anticipated inflation data, reminiscent of 2022. He mentioned the expectation of three rate cuts from the Federal Reserve by the end of the year and highlighted upcoming labor market data as important for understanding potential economic slowdown. Gay also discussed the potential impact of tariffs on Texas, emphasizing the vulnerability of the auto and aerospace industries, and noted the disconnect between economic data and public perception.

Host Louis Amestoy reported on federal employee layoffs beginning with the Health and Human Services Department. He expressed concern about the potential local impact, particularly on services like Meals on Wheels and special education funding, and mentioned upcoming cuts to the Veterans Affairs department. Amestoy also discussed sending an email to remind people to add the names of Charles Compa and Private First Class Javier Pedes, two Ingram Tom Moore High School graduates killed in Iraq, to the veterans memorial at the county courthouse.