AGP Executive Report

Immigration Courts vs. ICE: A Louisiana federal judge ordered ICE to immediately release a 77-year-old Palestinian man who has lived in the U.S. for 51 years, after ICE tried to deport him while he was recovering from a heart attack. Elections in Louisiana: Early voting starts Friday for the June 27 Senate election and other races, including GOP and Democratic primaries plus local ballot measures. Local Economy/Industry: Geismar’s Magnolia Ridge Logistics Park is moving into its next phase with 14 shovel-ready lots and strong tenant interest. Louisiana Energy & Food Policy: Gov. Jeff Landry signed a seafood labeling law requiring clearer origin info for commingled seafood, and new limits are coming for fishing in the Atchafalaya Basin. Heat Preparedness: Shreveport reopened five cooling centers as summer temperatures ramp up. Sports (Saints): New Orleans WR Chris Olave remains limited after a blood clot issue, with coach Kellen Moore saying he’s doing plenty of offseason work. Climate Watch: A new study finds rare coastal floods are now about 12 times more likely, with human-caused climate change a major driver.

Public Safety & Crime: Baton Rouge police say a 50-year-old man faces charges after an alleged illicit relationship with a 16-year-old girl tied to the search for a missing 15-year-old. In New Orleans, police arrested a 26-year-old accused of kidnapping a nonverbal teen with a Bryan’s Call alert, and Orleans Parish identified a man killed in a Seabrook-area shooting. Local Government & Housing: New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno launched an Adjudicated Property Task Force aimed at unlocking about 6,500 stalled properties for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. Weather: NOAA officially declared El Niño, with forecasters warning it could become historic and shape U.S. weather through winter. Business & Community: Trader Joe’s set a grand opening for its Uptown New Orleans store Friday; meanwhile, Decatur Street businesses are still feeling the hit from French Quarter water-main construction. Education: ULM announced three new bachelor’s degree programs starting Fall 2026, and Louisiana K-3 reading proficiency rose 16.5 points in 2025-26. Sports: LSU signed four players for 2026-27, and LSU released 2026 kickoff times for Lane Kiffin’s first season.

Education Funding Fight: Louisiana school superintendents are pushing back hard on Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to fund teacher bonuses by cutting public school funding, warning the nearly $170 million reduction could cost programs and jobs—especially in rural districts that rely on state money. FEMA Relief for New Orleans: New Orleans won a two-year FEMA extension to finish Katrina road and drainage work, unlocking about 400 projects worth roughly $500 million and helping the city avoid delays on a major $1.7 billion settlement. Local Economy on Rails: Amtrak’s New Orleans–Mobile Mardi Gras service has carried more than 115,000 riders and pulled in nearly $4 million, with café sales—especially Prosecco and Tito’s—surpassing expectations. Public Safety/Infrastructure: The NTSB says a bridge tender started too late before a swing span opening in June 2024, contributing to a three-barge strike that caused about $2.5 million in damage and shut the span for 110 days. Sports (LSU/Saints): LSU recruiting got a boost as 247Sports upgraded cornerback Markez Davis to four-star status, while the Saints kept the door open for Cameron Jordan’s return and limited key receivers in OTAs. Justice/Immigration: A Georgian man died in ICE custody in Louisiana, with the cause pending an autopsy as the investigation continues.

FEMA Readiness: Louisiana officials are pressing the Trump-era FEMA leadership as hurricane season opens, after reports of staffing cuts and questions about whether the agency can respond fast enough. Public Safety & Courts: A federal case alleges former East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office employees assaulted handcuffed inmates and filed false reports, while an appeals court upheld a fentanyl death conviction tied to a UL Lafayette student. Education & Workforce: LSU President Wade Rousse is pitching higher research rankings as an economic engine, and Louisiana reading gains keep climbing—Lafayette Parish’s K-3 students posted standout improvement. Local Government & Growth: St. Charles Parish named its first Business Engagement Specialist to help small businesses navigate permits and resources. Transportation & Tech: New Orleans City Council discussed a possible Waymo timeline, with testing focused on road conditions and potential new protections for riders. Weather: Late-week heat is building with limited rain and dangerous heat index values. Consumer/Health: Louisiana expanded the Carrot Initiative at Walmart statewide, boosting SNAP benefits for fresh produce. Law Enforcement Change: Louisiana State Police stopped enforcing inspection sticker violations during the transition to QR-code stickers in 2027.

Jefferson Parish Schools: The Jefferson Parish School Board will pick an interim member this week to fill Steven Guitterrez’s District 9 seat, with four candidates—two Democrats and two Republicans—set for public interviews before a vote. New Orleans Port & Rail: Port NOLA and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad are rolling out an AI-powered logistics tool to speed up planning for oversized cargo, aiming to make the port and rails more competitive for big industrial projects. French Quarter Construction Fallout: French Quarter businesses say ongoing water-main work is threatening their survival, after Café Sbisa announced it will close permanently; officials say the project is on track for late-September completion. RTA Streetcar Overhaul: The Regional Transit Authority is using survey results to build a Streetcar Modernization Master Plan, mapping long-term fixes for speed, safety, and accessibility. Gonzales Judge Misconduct: A Louisiana judge faces judicial misconduct charges tied to a 2023 altercation at Swamp Chicken Daiquiris. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide, including Louisiana-area facilities, over missing price transparency. Alligator DWI Case: A Louisiana man bitten by an alligator during a swamp escape after a suspected drunk-driving stop is drawing renewed attention after bodycam details. Energy & Jobs: Meta is bringing AI workforce training to Baton Rouge, while a new Gulf Coast LNG pipeline expansion and other infrastructure moves keep fueling Louisiana’s growth push.

WWE & New Orleans: WWE moved Money in the Bank in NOLA to Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Smoothie King Center, with Ticketmaster sales set for July 10. Public Safety: Louisiana State Police say a DWI suspect fled troopers, jumped into a swamp near I-310, and was attacked by an alligator before being taken to a hospital. Corrections Oversight: Families of people who died in Louisiana custody are pushing for a statewide system to report deaths in custody, saying they’ve learned details through news instead of officials. Health & Crime: New Orleans overdose deaths fell 4% in 2025, but advocates say the city still needs more investment; and NOPD arrested five suspects tied to the 2024 Republic NOLA mass shooting. Local Government: Gov. Jeff Landry signed bills cutting New Orleans judges, including changes to Criminal District Court and juvenile/municipal seats. Tech & Business: Walmart and Wing expanded drone delivery to New Orleans and six other metro areas. Weather: Heat and humidity are expected to keep pushing heat indexes into the low 100s across southeast Louisiana.

Louisiana Justice & Courts: The 40th Judicial District Court secured $54,228 to reopen the Arcuri Center (Cambridge Courthouse) in Laplace, restoring traffic and misdemeanor proceedings after Hurricane Ida, with services set to resume Sept. 21, 2026. Public Safety: New Orleans Recreation Development Commission coaches are pushing back after an Inspector General report flagged missing background-check files and questioned whether some volunteers with criminal histories should be allowed to work with youth. ICE Oversight: A second detainee has died in less than two months at a Louisiana ICE facility, following a recent inspection that cited insanitary conditions, medical care problems, and excessive force. Local Community Support: Popeyes and partners delivered $125,000 in food and personal care items to 400 low-income families in Zachary as part of a summer hunger-fighting “Serving with Love” tour. Education & Culture: UNO is reviving its marching band as it transitions into the LSU system, aiming to build a recruitment pipeline and march in Mardi Gras parades by 2028.

Education Gains: Louisiana says K-3 reading proficiency jumped 16.5 points in 2025-2026, with kindergarten up nearly 40 points, as the state leans on “science of reading” screeners and early support. Health Care Workforce: The Louisiana Department of Health awarded a second round of H.E.R.O. Fund grants—15 projects totaling $4.66 million—aimed at training 541 new health care professionals. Wildlife & Fishing: LDWF set a special black-bellied whistling duck season for Oct. 3-11 and adjusted the 2026 gag grouper season to align state and federal dates. Public Safety: Louisiana is launching a Youth ATV/UTV Safety Task Force after years of injuries and deaths, targeting riders ages 10-14 with education and prevention. Local Justice: The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested a man tied to an alleged Madisonville restaurant attack involving St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith. Business & Jobs: Meta will bring its AI infrastructure workforce training to Baton Rouge, fully funded and paired with job offers through a contractor. Sports: LSU added four-star WR Cade Cooper to its 2027 class.

Gas Prices & Consumer Tips (Lafayette): AAA data is driving a simple question for drivers: what day is best to fill up, with Louisiana’s average regular price cited around the low-$3 range. New Orleans Culture: Tales of the Cocktail keeps growing from a local summer cocktail tour into a global weeklong conference with thousands of attendees and hundreds of brand events. Public Safety (Port Allen Silver Alert): A Silver Alert for 79-year-old Johnny Johnson was canceled after he was found safe. Metairie Liquor Crackdown: A Metairie nightclub’s alcohol permit was suspended for two years after a March shootout involving a security guard. Education & Climate Debate (Ascension Parish): Louisiana eighth graders learned about carbon capture with Exxon’s help, but critics say the program pushes industry talking points. Louisiana Lottery: The Lottery highlighted June 7 results for Pick 3 and Pick 4, plus how winners can claim prizes. Road Work (Shreveport): DOTD plans intermittent lane closures on N. Common (LA 3036) for about two weeks starting June 11. Health Policy & Research Tensions (New Orleans): Police removed researchers from an ADA conference after they distributed an editorial criticizing the Trump administration’s impact on biomedical research.

Election Work Needed: Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry is recruiting poll commissioners for the June 27 party primary and the Nov. 3 U.S. Senate general/open primary, with pay up to $350 and required training and full-day service. Saints Special Teams: New Orleans is betting on punter Ryan Wright, a four-year $14 million signing aimed at fixing a punting slump that left the team near the bottom in net punting. LSU Recruiting: LSU added 2027 commitments, including Frisco RB Brennen Lacey and Georgia EDGE K.J. Green, as Lane Kiffin’s staff keeps stacking the class. Local Business: Sammy’s Grill on Highland Road in Baton Rouge will close June 14, while its Prairieville location stays open. Energy & Prices: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest premium and diesel prices in parts of Louisiana, while national fuel costs remain volatile amid global oil and shipping concerns. Public Safety: Authorities are investigating a deadly Livingston Parish house fire that killed a 74-year-old woman. Health Research (New Orleans): ADA sessions in New Orleans highlighted new obesity and metabolic-health drug data, including once-weekly GLP-1–based therapies and liver-fat results.

Education & Workforce: St. Landry Parish’s school enrollment keeps shrinking while staff grows, leaving districts scrambling as voters reject pay boosts and bus drivers stage sickouts. Courts & Governance: Gov. Jeff Landry’s push is reshaping New Orleans’ justice system, cutting judgeships and assistant district attorney funding, while a court docket cleanup in Orleans’ Section J shows how fast caseloads can swing. Voting Rights & Dark Money: New research says groups backing weakening the Voting Rights Act poured nearly $105M via donor-advised funds tied to the Louisiana v. Callais fight. Public Safety: NOPD is investigating a fatal bus crash that killed a pedestrian in Central City early Sunday. Health & Policy: Louisiana nursing pay lags the national average, even as demand remains high. Diabetes Research in New Orleans: ADA Scientific Sessions highlighted CGM benefits for non-insulin type 2 diabetes and new obesity/diabetes drug trial results. Sports: Troy is headed to the College World Series after sweeping Little Rock in its Super Regional. Local Business Moves: Lakeview Hospital, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and Warren Easton Charter School announced key leadership hires.

Baton Rouge Accountability: A Baton Rouge police officer, Sabrione Reed, was arrested for allegedly driving drunk and speeding over 100 mph; she’s on restricted duty and facing an internal affairs investigation plus criminal penalties. St. Landry Parish Loss: Bill Rodier, longtime executive director of St. Landry Economic Development, died after 13 years leading efforts to spur investment and growth along the I-49 corridor. Public Safety: Louisiana State Police say an unidentified pedestrian was killed after being struck twice on Highway 90 Business in Marrero; impairment wasn’t believed to be a factor, and toxicology samples were taken. Violence in East Baton Rouge: A man was shot to death during a custody exchange on Tiger Bend Road; the boyfriend of the ex-wife, Marcus Jackson, was arrested and faces second-degree murder and weapons charges. Health & Policy: Scientists were removed from an American Diabetes Association conference in New Orleans after distributing journal reprints criticizing the Trump administration; the ADA says they violated conference conduct rules. Sports (Saints): ESPN’s Dan Graziano lists Alvin Kamara as a potential trade candidate, noting New Orleans’ crowded backfield and his career-low production in 2025. Road Conditions: Drivers in West Baton Rouge Parish saw the lowest midgrade gas at $3.99 in the week ending May 30.

Health & Families: A New Orleans OB-GYN says endometriosis may affect far more than the usual “1 in 10” estimate, with diagnosis often taking about a decade and stigma delaying care. Local Economy & Food Access: A new North Baton Rouge grocery, Harvest Fresh at The BLVD at Harding, aims to end a long food desert gap, with plans to open in fall 2027. Energy & Jobs: Delfin Midstream secured $5B to push forward the nation’s first floating LNG export terminal off Louisiana’s coast, targeting major output and reinforcing the state’s LNG boom. State Policy & Daily Life: Gov. Landry signed off on ending Louisiana vehicle safety inspection stickers, replacing them with a QR code at renewal—sparking concerns from small auto shops about costs and safety. Homelessness Law: A Louisiana bill would criminalize overnight camping on public property outside designated campgrounds, moving to the governor after clearing both chambers. New Orleans Recovery: FEMA granted New Orleans a two-year extension to finish Katrina street repairs, now due by June 2, 2028. Sports & Community: Gumball 3000 returns to New Orleans Saturday with a free parade and music festival.

Public Safety & Courts: ICE arrested a Sudanese man in Tennessee with a prior attempted-murder conviction who had evaded deportation, while New Orleans police are investigating an unclassified death found in Lake Pontchartrain near West End. Health & Work Rights: An EMT-paramedic sued the City of Baton Rouge-Parish of East Baton Rouge, alleging pregnancy-related leave and accommodation denials under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Transportation Tragedy: Baton Rouge police arrested Alaja Smith for a wrong-way I-10 crash that killed her front-seat passenger and injured two others; she allegedly had THC and a blood-alcohol level of 0.19%. Environment & Infrastructure: DOTD sued Calcasieu Parish and others over sewage contamination of drinking water at its Lake Charles office, seeking more than $4 million in costs. Energy & Industry: South Korea won a contract for a floating LNG project off Louisiana’s coast, a major offshore build valued at billions. Local Life: Coquette in New Orleans’ Irish Channel will close June 26 after 18 years. Weather: A tropical moisture surge is bringing rain chances and a weekend flooding threat for southeast Louisiana.

Catholic Safeguarding: The U.S. bishops’ annual child-protection report says more than 1,000 child sexual abuse allegations were reported in dioceses during the 2025 fiscal year, with audits and “vigilance” emphasized. Local Law & Justice: Bienville Sheriff John Ballance was named to the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, Class of 2026, after decades in law enforcement. Gov. Landry: Landry vetoed a bill that would have boosted compensation for wrongfully convicted Louisianians, arguing the process still needs stronger safeguards. Big Economic Deal: New reporting says Louisiana and partners offered Hyundai a confidential incentive package worth about $2.6 billion for the Donaldsonville steel plant. Public Records Fight: Ascension Parish agreed to release documents tied to the RiverPlex Mega Park after a judge’s order, with environmental groups challenging denied records. Education & Workforce: River Parishes Community College will add evening process technology classes at Donaldsonville High School starting fall 2026. New Orleans Safety: NOPD canceled an Amber Alert after a missing 4-year-old girl was found safe. Weather: A tropical low is expected to bring heavy rain and rough Gulf conditions through the weekend, with conditions improving early next week.

Flood Protection Fallout: New Orleans levee police chief Joshua Rondeno was placed on administrative leave with pay after lawmakers questioned his contract, as the agency faces ongoing leadership turmoil. Criminal Justice & Courts: Shia LaBeouf pleaded guilty in New Orleans to simple battery counts tied to a Mardi Gras bar brawl and was sentenced to probation and treatment requirements. Public Safety: St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith turned himself in after an LBI case tied to a steakhouse fight; he faces felony battery and misdemeanor disturbing-the-peace charges. State Politics: Caddo Commissioner Gregory Young says he’ll keep reintroducing a resolution opposing Louisiana’s new congressional map after another deadlocked vote. Community & Health: Emergency Dental of America opened a new New Orleans location on Amelia St., bringing same-day and weekend care to southern Louisiana. Local Economy/Events: Sail 250 drove a 31.5% jump in downtown New Orleans visits, with 439,200 visits recorded over the weekend.