AGP Executive Report

Pelicans & NBA: The Memphis Grizzlies waived guard Jordan Hawkins, clearing the way for him to find a new home after a short stint with New Orleans. Louisiana Politics & Policy: U.S. Senate candidates are split on whether to eliminate the filibuster, with Louisiana’s Jamie Davis calling for a data center pause over water concerns while Democrats debate how much the Senate should change if they take control. Local Government & Courts: Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming is seeking review of $12.1M in school spending, including items tied to employee payments and meals. Housing & Consumer Protection: A federal judge paused a deadline that would have cut off housing counseling funds, arguing families could lose real help while a legal fight continues. Energy & Costs: Diesel prices remain a major hit for farmers as supply disruptions and tight markets push fuel costs higher. New Orleans & Culture: A New Orleans landscape architect, René Fransen, is profiled for decades of drainage-first designs that keep gardens thriving for years. Community & Crime: Authorities continue investigating the death of Ken Urker in Louisiana, as details and claims about his relationship with Gypsy Rose Blanchard resurface. Sports: LSU and Louisiana Tech football coverage continues to roll into Week 5, alongside broader NFL and college betting chatter.

Local Crime: New Orleans police are investigating a deadly shooting near City Park on Harrison Avenue; officers found a victim with a gunshot wound shortly before 7 a.m., and EMS confirmed death. Public Safety & Justice: In Raceland, Lafourche authorities say Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s partner Ken Urker, 34, was found dead at his home; Blanchard told People she believes he died from an overdose, while the sheriff’s office says the death is under investigation. Weather: Forecasters warn heavy rain could bring localized flooding across the New Orleans area and Gulf Coast this weekend, with the heaviest risk Saturday afternoon into Sunday. Energy & Environment: New Orleans City Council unanimously approved a $23.6M incentive package to install battery backup systems for about 800 homes and 200+ businesses, funded through an Entergy settlement, as part of a Neighborhood Power Plan. Community & Culture: Covington welcomed Big-D Heavy Industrial’s first Louisiana office, expanding Gulf Coast power and energy infrastructure work.

Water Watch: Jefferson Parish Council approved an LSU New Orleans audit of water meters after residents reported unusually high bills, with officials urging customers to request individual reviews while the audit checks for meter problems and usage trends. Public Safety & Courts: In New Orleans, the suspected gunman in the Dooky Chase Restaurant shooting was found incompetent to stand trial, delaying the case; in Baton Rouge, a man was arrested for attempted murder after a bicycle “mugging” led to a stomach shooting. Health Care Expansion: Ochsner Health doubled operating room capacity at The Grove in Baton Rouge, adding surgeons and radiology services to cut wait times. Local Government Security: Baton Rouge City Hall boosted security with a private firm and bullet-resistant upgrades after threats and incidents involving city employees. Sports: Saints placed RB Travis Etienne on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, sidelining him at least four games; Raiders’ ball-hawking defense and NFL roster moves also kept Louisiana fans glued. Research & Defense: LSU Health Shreveport partnered with the Cyber Innovation Center to expand secure disaster-preparedness research, and LSU was designated a distinguished military college under a Pentagon officer-training initiative.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to Trump’s immigration detention policy, which would keep many immigrants in mandatory detention without bond during deportation proceedings. Abortion “Shield Laws” Fight: Louisiana, Alabama and Arkansas asked the Supreme Court to block abortion shield laws in New York, California and Massachusetts, arguing they interfere with state enforcement of abortion bans. New Orleans Crime Alert: NOPD is asking for help finding Michael Dardar, wanted in connection with multiple burglaries in the Sixth District. Local Public Safety: A Rapides Parish house fire that killed a man is under investigation, and officials say there was no working smoke alarm. Pelicans on TV: The Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network will simulcast 20 Pelicans games on WVUE-Fox 8, expanding free over-the-air coverage. Cruise News for Louisiana: Margaritaville at Sea unveiled its 2028 itineraries, including a return to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and Halloween sailings. Sports (HBCU): Week 5 HBCU football matchups include key SIAC and SWAC games and South Carolina State’s return to Orangeburg.

Energy & Economy: The U.S. Department of Energy awarded Entergy $13.7 million under its SPARK program to strengthen the regional grid across Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, including advanced transmission tech meant to cut congestion and boost reliability. New Orleans Courts & Records: Mayor Helena Moreno’s administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling tied to eliminating the criminal clerk seat held by Calvin Duncan, as the city also weighs major 2027 budget cuts that could hit traffic accident response and body-camera funding. Public Safety in Shreveport: The Downtown Development Authority launched a pilot to reassure residents with armed private security patrols, added cameras, tougher enforcement, and help for about 52 homeless people downtown. Education Leadership: St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Superintendent Frank Jabbia abruptly retired after scrutiny over how two Lyon Elementary leaders handled child abuse allegations. Health & Justice: A Louisiana student alleging rape by an LSU football player says the Title IX process left her without guidance and that the accused remained on campus after an appeal. Local Government Watch: Jefferson Parish approved an audit of water meters after residents reported skyrocketing bills, and Entergy paused tree trimming there while reviewing complaints about canopy “butchering.” Culture & Community: Buc-ee’s set a Nov. 9 groundbreaking for its Lafayette store, and Acadiana’s Festivals Acadiens et Créoles returns Oct. 8-11 with new stages and programming.

Public Safety & Courts: East Baton Rouge deputies say a woman used a stolen identity and counterfeit Louisiana driver’s license to open bank accounts and steal $10,000 from a 67-year-old, then was arrested on multiple fraud and forgery charges. Health & Community: Baton Rouge General is teaming up with the YMCA for free flu shot events across the Capital Area in October. Weather: Forecasters warn Louisiana is heading from a mainly dry stretch into a wetter pattern with rain and thunderstorms through the weekend. Energy & Infrastructure: Entergy says it will receive nearly $14 million in federal funding to improve grid reliability and reduce congestion-related costs. Agriculture: Gov. Jeff Landry’s diesel emergency order is giving sugarcane farmers and loggers relief by suspending penalties for using dyed off-road diesel during harvest operations. State Services: Louisiana’s Office of Motor Vehicles upgraded its driver’s license system, aiming to cut wait times. Local Events: The REACH Center is launching a free 12-week Saturday yoga series, and the Knock Knock Children’s Museum hosts its adults-only “Storybook Soirée” gala Oct. 8.

Space Academy Push: Louisiana’s congressional leaders are urging the U.S. Space Academy to land in southeast Louisiana, pointing to NASA’s Michoud Assembly in New Orleans and the region’s space and tech pipeline. Southern University Power Crisis: Southern University students and parents report repeated campus power outages disrupting classes and Homecoming plans, with leaders citing deferred maintenance and aging infrastructure. Public Safety—Baton Rouge Attack: Police seek a 20-year-old wanted for allegedly beating, stabbing, and raping a woman on Geronimo Street; investigators say he has a prior violent record. Housing & Homelessness: New Orleans officials face a proposed budget cut that could close a low-barrier homeless shelter serving about 300 people. Insurance Dispute (Port Allen): A Port Allen couple says their insurer denied coverage for water damage after a roof repair, arguing the damage stems from construction issues. AI Policy Fight: House Speaker Mike Johnson backs industry-led AI safety over heavy regulation as candidates split on how strict guardrails should be. Road Safety Campaign: Louisiana’s “Buckle Up, Phone Down” push targets teen distracted driving ahead of more fall travel.

LSU & Southern University: LSU has suspended two fraternities—Delta Kappa Epsilon and Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)—after hazing allegations that include claims of waterboarding and forced chugging; LSU says the groups are on interim suspension while it investigates. Southern University is also dealing with campus disruption, with sporadic power outages affecting some buildings ahead of homecoming. Public Safety: Louisiana State Police are searching for a suspect who jumped from a vehicle during a pursuit near Manchac; U.S. 51 was closed during the search. Local Culture & Community: Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre previews its 2026-27 season, and Southern’s Jaguars return to The Bluff for a homecoming matchup vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff. State Policy & Money: Louisiana is adding $20 million to its Fortified homes effort, bringing this year’s total to $100 million. Sports Media: Kelly Crull is leaving Atlanta’s “The Fan” to join the New Orleans Pelicans broadcast team. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Hanna and Tropical Storm Fay are moving in different directions and are not an immediate threat to Louisiana.

SNAP Changes: Louisiana will pay more for SNAP starting Oct. 1 as federal rules raise state administrative costs from 50% to 75%, with the state estimating a $42.3 million hit this year while benefit amounts also rise. Saints Injury Update: New Orleans RB Travis Etienne Jr. is ruled out for Week 4 with a hamstring injury after the Saints’ 35-27 home opener loss to the Raiders. Local Justice & Safety: Louisiana State Police say a Raceland resident was shot and killed by a Terrebonne Parish deputy after a disturbance and fight; investigators say the case is ongoing. Domestic Violence Case: A Hammond officer—son of the city’s police chief—was arrested on domestic battery charges. Law Enforcement Push: U.S. Attorney and FBI announced the GATOR Task Force targeting violent crime and drug trafficking across Northwest Louisiana. Health Care Expansion: Ochsner expanded pediatric and women’s services at The Grove in Baton Rouge, adding new physicians and appointment capacity. New Orleans Records Fight: City officials say they fulfilled AG Liz Murrill’s lawyers’ public records request tied to her short-lived indictment. Sports Spotlight: LSU women’s soccer played Georgia to a 1-1 draw in Baton Rouge.

NFL—Saints vs. Raiders: New Orleans is still stewing over two controversial fumble calls after a 35-27 home loss to Las Vegas, including a Sunday ruling that stood after Tyler Shough was hit as he appeared to be throwing. Space—Starship milestone: SpaceX launched Starship from Texas on a 10-hour test aimed at orbiting Earth six times, with a single-engine setback early on before controllers cleared it for orbit. Louisiana—Air enforcement scrutiny: A new analysis says Louisiana regulators have been slow to respond to most air pollution violations in the Lake Charles area and have issued weak penalties. Tech/Trucking—Safety checks: Kodiak AI partnered with PrePass to route inspection data from roadside screening systems to enforcement agencies, with the bypass process launched in Louisiana and Texas. Legal—Crash settlement: The Chopin Law Firm announced a $2.325M settlement tied to a wheel separation after new tires and rims were installed. Sports—Raiders surge: Brock Bowers returned for Las Vegas and helped it start 3-0 with a win over the Saints. Community—Serve Tour: Northeast Louisiana Baptist groups reported 81 known decisions for Christ during a recent Serve Tour across three parishes.

Saints-Raiders Fallout: The Las Vegas Raiders spoiled New Orleans’ home opener, rallying past the Saints 35-27 as Kirk Cousins threw 3 TDs and the Raiders cashed in on four New Orleans turnovers; Tyler Shough still had 4 TD passes, but late fumbles and a costly interception sealed it. Instant Replay Debate: The NFL’s VP of Instant Replay defended a controversial Shough fumble call, explaining why the league ruled the ball lost control before Shough’s forward motion. Raiders’ Stars: Brock Bowers returned from injury to post a big debut (10 catches, 116 yards, TD), while Tre Tucker added four grabs for 43 yards and Ashton Jeanty logged 19 touches. NFL Week 3 Buzz (Louisiana angle): The Saints’ fourth-quarter collapse kept them at 1-2, while the Raiders improved to 3-0 ahead of a Chiefs showdown. Public Safety: Louisiana State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Chauvin that left one dead and a deputy injured. Community Spotlight: Southern University kicked off homecoming week with a parade in Baton Rouge. Fuel Watch: Diesel prices hit a low of $5.79/gal in Washington Parish for the week ending Sept. 19.

NFL (Louisiana angle): Raiders vs. Saints is the big local Sunday spotlight, with Las Vegas (2-0) visiting New Orleans for the home opener at Caesars Superdome (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+), as Tyler Shough leads a Saints passing attack and the Raiders bring a stout defense; meanwhile, Raiders TE Brock Bowers is expected to play after a knee injury. NFL (international): Cowboys and Ravens meet in Brazil at 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS/Paramount+), with Baltimore favored by 3.5. LSU sports: LSU shuts down No. 23 Texas A&M 35-6 in Baton Rouge, with Sam Leavitt throwing for 312 yards and two TDs. Public safety: Louisiana State Police report a fatal Concordia Parish crash on Hwy. 131 involving a driver ejected from a Corvette. Culture: New Orleans native Jon Batiste narrates the IMAX nature documentary “American Amazon,” hitting theaters in November. Local economy: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in West Baton Rouge Parish at $3.79 (week ending Sept. 19).

LSU Football: No. 10 LSU hosts No. 23 Texas A&M in Baton Rouge after both teams stumbled in their last games, with LSU aiming to rebound in a primetime SEC matchup. Ragin’ Cajuns: Louisiana-Lafayette routed Charlotte 34-7 as QB Winfield rushed and threw for TDs, while the defense held the 49ers to 137 yards. Saints Home Opener: New Orleans welcomes the Las Vegas Raiders in the Superdome, with the Saints favored and both teams coming in with early-season momentum. Dolly Parton Day: New Orleans joined the Dolly Parton Day celebrations with music and tributes, part of a nationwide wave of events. Community Help: The Lenora Chong Foundation delivered 120,000 pounds of food to thousands in New Orleans. Weather: Expect a drier stretch with isolated rain chances through Tuesday, then wetter conditions and storms building later in the week. Sports Calendar: Outdoor and hunting/fishing listings highlight the weekend’s Louisiana activities.

Louisiana Tech: President Jim Henderson announced he’ll retire at the end of the year, thanking students, staff and the Ruston community. New Orleans tourism & culture: The Saints’ home opener is set to bring fans back to the Superdome and boost weekend activity across the city, with Domecoming memories still resonating. Local business growth: Honey’s Marigny café is expanding to Magazine Street in Uptown, opening the first week of October in a “homecoming” space. Community & safety: New Orleans police are investigating a Poland Avenue shooting, while separate reports note ongoing jail contraband issues despite paper bans. Sports in Louisiana: LSU hosts Texas A&M in primetime as both teams look to bounce back, and UL travels to Charlotte for a Week 4 matchup. Weather: A dry, warm stretch is expected to hold through the weekend before a wetter pattern ramps up later next week. Statewide practical info: Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 1 in Louisiana, with clocks falling back one hour.

Saints home opener: Fans are already shopping for Superdome gear ahead of Sunday’s Saints-Raiders matchup, with longtime supporters pointing to New Orleans’ recent “Domecoming” energy. Cancer care: The FDA approved a new oral pill, daraxonrasib (Rasonque), for metastatic pancreatic cancer, offering a new option for patients. Voting rights fight: Sen. Dick Durbin blasted the Supreme Court’s move allowing the Trump administration to proceed with a voter-screening database he calls unreliable and error-prone. New Orleans politics: Councilmember Eugene Green says Gov. Jeff Landry promised help for his district, though details are still unclear. Public safety/legal: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill’s office rearrested a New Orleans man already on pre-trial home incarceration on additional child sexual abuse material counts. Transportation: Louisiana finalized a deal to privatize the Cameron Ferry after more than 60 years under DOTD. Sports/LSU-SEC: The SEC says it’s “deeply disappointed” as LSU and the Louisiana AG push to dismiss the SEC lawsuit as moot. Community: Southwest Louisiana 4-H youth wrote suicide-prevention messages on coffee sleeves to spread hope.

Education & Funding: A new analysis argues “hold harmless” school policies can blunt the link between enrollment and funding, letting districts lose students without losing revenue—reducing pressure to improve outcomes. Public Health: Louisiana health officials report the statewide heat-related death toll has reached 29, including four in Northwest Louisiana, with warnings to protect older adults and anyone without reliable air conditioning. Legal/Second Amendment: A Shreveport firearms distributor is sued in federal court over alleged infringement of forced-reset trigger patents. Immigration Courts: The Trump administration asks the U.S. Supreme Court to halt “third-country” deportations after a Louisiana-linked flight was canceled and lower courts ruled DHS guidance unlawful. Louisiana Politics & Culture: Rep. Mike Bayham plans a Dolly Parton license plate proposal to fund Imagination Library literacy books for kids up to age 5. Sports (Local): Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss credits learning opponents’ “tells” for his elite blitzing—while New Orleans looks ahead to the Raiders. Weather: Lower humidity returns for the weekend in New Orleans, with tropical systems Gonzalo and Fay posing no threat to Louisiana.