AGP Executive Report

Port & Industry: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cleared the Louisiana International Terminal in Violet, a major step that lets Port NOLA move from permitting to construction for a deepwater container gateway designed to handle larger ships. Public Safety & Courts: A New Orleans judge sentenced Kent Brown Jr., 17, to 20 years for his role in the Christmas Eve 2023 killing of Myeisha Marshall during a botched drug deal. Local Crime & Community Impact: A 17-year-old died after falling inside the abandoned Plaza Tower in downtown New Orleans; the city says the owner must secure the property. Sports (New Orleans): Saints-Cowboys joint practice turned chaotic with multiple brawls, including a WWE-style slam involving Brock Rechsteiner. State Outdoors: LDWF opens the recreational alligator hunting lottery Aug. 20, with applications running through Aug. 30. Health & Education: Louisiana colleges place high on Niche’s “party school” list, while Louisiana’s school systems keep pushing to fill paraprofessional roles. Business & Economy: Amazon is adding $6B more to its Northwest Louisiana data center plans, bringing the total planned investment to $18B.

Heat & school safety: Parents in St. Tammany are pushing for air conditioning on school buses as extreme temperatures keep kids on long rides without cooling. Local sports & injuries: Louisiana’s fall camp is underway with multiple injuries, including WR Landon Strother’s collarbone fracture and Braylon Walker’s groin injury, while Brent Gordon Jr. is getting buzz for his versatility in the Cajuns secondary. Pelicans roster move: New Orleans signed undrafted forward Malik Dia to a two-way contract after strong Summer League play. Crime & public safety: New Orleans police are asking for help identifying a suspect in an aggravated assault with a firearm case tied to a Reverend John Raphael Jr Way incident. Community & infrastructure: Baton Rouge closed a stretch of River Road near Oklahoma Street for emergency sewer repair and asphalt restoration. Wildlife management: LDWF opened the recreational alligator harvest lottery, with entries due Aug. 30. LSU game rules: Drones are banned around Tiger Stadium during LSU home games this season. Ongoing investigation: BRPD says crews will keep searching a landfill for Ja’Derrius Minnieweather after human remains were found and sent for testing.

Saints Injury Update: New Orleans rookie WR Jordyn Tyson is expected to miss about two months with a right hamstring injury suffered during the team’s joint practice with the Jaguars. Heat & Safety: Extreme heat continues across Louisiana, with advisories/warnings and only small chances for intense pop-up storms. Local Government Watch: A Carencro audit flags a $3,000 city loan to a festival as a possible constitutional violation, citing missing ordinances and paperwork. Public Health Politics: The American Academy of Pediatrics and dozens of health groups oppose a White House executive order on childhood vaccines, warning it would reduce protection and fuel confusion. Community & Outdoors: Hunters for the Hungry’s “Clean Out Your Freezer Day” is set for Aug. 23, collecting frozen, labeled meat and seafood for Louisiana food banks. Gaming & Events: The Louisiana State Poker Championship returns Aug. 19-30 at Horseshoe Bossier City. Business/Power: A new report says Meta’s data-center expansion fight is heating up in Louisiana as regulators weigh transparency and power needs.

School Accountability: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill says a decades-old federal oversight case tied to the Bienville Parish School Board is officially over, with a joint dismissal filed after 60 years. Public Safety: Two EBR school buses clipped mirrors on Nicholson Drive; no injuries were reported. Health & Care: Louisiana ranks last for nursing home care quality, with advocates pointing to serious problems at a Baton Rouge facility flagged for repeated federal scrutiny. Crime & Courts: A judge rejected a lawsuit challenging Patrick Martin’s EBR school board run over alleged unpaid taxes, after Martin testified his filings were mailed by his wife. Sports: Saints rookie WR Jordyn Tyson is expected to miss about two months with a hamstring injury, putting his early-season availability in doubt. Community & Weather: New Orleans remains under a heat advisory, with officials urging families to limit time outside and stay hydrated. Transportation Tragedy: A Tickfaw man died after a motorized bicycle crash on US 51 at Old Genessee Road; the driver was uninjured.

Heat & Storm Watch: New Orleans is under an Extreme Heat Warning from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with highs in the upper 90s and heat indexes near 115, plus only spotty storm chances through the week. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Louisiana-linked egg recall to a Class I risk after illnesses tied to the eggs; shoppers who bought affected Kroger or Brookshire’s eggs should not eat them and check sell-by dates. Local Education: Iberville Parish School Board approved a $153.9 million 2026-27 operating budget, including state-mandated pay stipends and major security and capital projects. Baton Rouge Schools Leadership: East Baton Rouge school board members say they’re backing LaMont Cole to stay in charge while he fights corruption charges. Road Work: Shreveport-Bossier drivers face lane closures from parish resurfacing and DOTD repairs on I-49, while St. Martin Parish’s LA 92-1 project starts Monday with intermittent closures. Saints Football: New Orleans’ offense finally clicked in a joint practice vs. Jacksonville, setting up more tests against the Cowboys and Rams. Public Safety Campaign: Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office is joining “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” for Labor Day.

Public Safety: Louisiana State Police detectives are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Lake Charles that left 28-year-old Khylin Stevens dead after a barricade and a weapon was produced during negotiations. Health Policy: A new Trump executive order urging parents to split the MMR vaccine into separate shots is drawing pushback from Louisiana pediatricians and experts, who say the separate vaccines aren’t available in the U.S. Local Courts & Justice: A former North Carolina officer accused of plotting a New Orleans festival attack was released after a grand jury declined to indict. ICE & Families: A Sunnyvale woman detained by ICE was released and reunited with her daughter after being held in Louisiana. Weather: Excessive heat warnings remain in effect across the region, with dangerous heat and limited overnight relief, plus a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Washington Parish. Community & Sports: LSU beach volleyball stars Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz won a three-peat at the AVP Manhattan Beach Open; and Southeastern Louisiana was picked fourth in the Southland preseason volleyball poll.

Death Penalty in Louisiana: Sister Helen Prejean, 87, is still pushing against capital punishment, helping adapt “Dead Man Walking” into a graphic novel and writing a new book about death-row inmate Manuel Ortiz. New Orleans Courts: A media rights group says “outrageous” handcuffing of a New Orleans journalist sent a chilling message after deputies detained reporters during a case tied to AG Liz Murrill. Public Safety Tech: The New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation will fund $500,000 for three more emergency-response drones for NOPD, expanding the French Quarter program. Extreme Heat: Sunday brings dangerous heat and humidity in the New Orleans area, with an Extreme Heat Warning and pop-up storms possible. Local Crime: A Baton Rouge man was arrested in Memphis after a traffic stop uncovered the shooting death of a woman whose body was found in his vehicle. Sports (Saints/Jags): New Orleans fell 24-20 to Jacksonville in the preseason opener, with defensive standouts and rookies making cases for more snaps.

Saints-Jaguars Preseason: New Orleans fell 24-20 to Jacksonville at the Superdome, blowing a 20-6 halftime lead as the Jags scored 18 straight; Zach Wilson impressed in relief with a TD and 145 yards, while rookie J’Mari Taylor powered the comeback with 78 yards and the go-ahead score. Local Crash: A 36-year-old Denham Springs man died after a single-vehicle crash in Central, with speed and not wearing a seat belt cited. Disaster Aid Deadline: Lafourche Parish residents have until Oct. 1 to apply for FEMA help after Tropical Storm Arthur. Food Safety Recalls: Walmart-linked Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits were pulled over possible listeria; H-E-B also expanded a Salmonella-linked jalapeño recall. Immigration Update: A U.S. soldier’s wife was removed from a deportation flight and returned to Louisiana after ICE custody. Heat Alert: Excessive heat warnings continue over the weekend, with heat index values pushing into the low-to-mid 110s. Sports Elsewhere: LSU baseball legend Skip Bertman died at 88, and Unrivaled signed two LSU women’s players for its 2026 class.

Heat Watch: An Excessive Heat Warning stays in effect through the weekend in New Orleans, with heat-index values topping around 113 degrees and only a small chance of storms Sunday. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a salmonella egg recall to its highest risk level, covering about 19.1 million eggs distributed in Louisiana and several other states. Saints Gameday Deals: Caesars Superdome is rolling out a Saints 60th anniversary menu, including a $6 value lineup, plus more Louisiana-themed concession partners for the season. Local Politics & Transparency: A Louisiana GOP-led push is keeping key details about the Richland Parish Meta data center under wraps, with the Public Service Commission rejecting orders to release power-use and job metrics. Sports—Preseason Focus: Week 1 of the NFL preseason continues with the Jaguars hosting the Saints, while LSU and other local sports stories keep fans glued to the offseason buzz. Community & Culture: New Orleans officials toured NORD parks after residents complained about deferred maintenance, aiming to speed up repairs at sites like Joe W. Brown Park.

Food Safety Alerts: Walmart shoppers in Louisiana should check for a recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit after Kettle Cuisine flagged possible listeria contamination; no illnesses reported so far. Salmonella Egg Recall: The FDA upgraded a Texas-produced egg recall to the highest-risk level, covering about 1.59 million eggs shipped to Louisiana and other states—look for carton codes P-1950 or 0840962 with specific Julian dates. Extreme Heat Prep: New Orleans and Jefferson Parish are warning residents to prepare for dangerous weekend heat, with shelters and cooling options listed and guidance to avoid leaving kids or pets in cars. Saints Injury Update: New Orleans rookie WR Jordyn Tyson is dealing with a hamstring and could miss time as the team gathers more info on a return timeline. Local Courts: Calvin Duncan is back in federal court seeking to overturn a state law that abolished his New Orleans clerk seat. Public Health: LDH is urging parents and schools to talk to students about vaping risks as youth use remains high. Sports & LSU Legacy: LSU baseball icon Skip Bertman died at 88, leaving a lasting dynasty behind.

Riverfront Revamp: New Orleans’ Goldring Woldenberg Park is moving into its next design phase, with public feedback gathered for a 2.5-acre stretch at the former Esplanade Street wharf and a target opening in the first half of 2029. School Funding Overhaul: Louisiana’s task force has started a high-stakes review of the Minimum Foundation Program, aiming for a more stable way to fund teacher and support staff pay after bonus funding uncertainty. Power Resilience: Entergy Louisiana and Jefferson Parish leaders highlighted a $270M grid-hardening push to replace or reinforce 500+ Veterans Boulevard poles, part of a broader resilience plan. Public Health Alerts: Louisiana-linked egg recall details were updated after a Salmonella Enteritidis recall, and a multistate salmonella outbreak also triggered voluntary recalls of salsas, dips and guacamole sold at major retailers. Sports & Community: LSU baseball legend Skip Bertman died at 88; Saints preseason countdown continues as Tyler Shough is set to deliver the pregame huddle message in a changing-of-the-guard moment. Local Life: New Orleans launches discounted parking for Frenchmen Street musicians, and the last remaining Dollar General in the city is drawing attention after sudden closures.

High School Football Spotlight: Shreveport’s Independence Stadium will host the Stars & Stripes Border Classic Sept. 3-4, with ESPN livestreaming a Friday doubleheader featuring top recruits including LSU commit Peyton “Pop” Houston and Alabama commit Elijah Haven. Local Courts & Public Safety: In the “BRAVE Cave” lawsuit, three former Baton Rouge Police officers received qualified immunity on most claims, but a jury will decide an excessive-force allegation tied to an officer kicking a man. Health & Safety: Louisiana State Police report a deadly four-vehicle crash on I-10 in Ascension Parish, killing two people; toxicology is pending. Retail & Culture: Aritzia opened its first Louisiana store at Lakeside mall with a St. Pizza collaboration, while Tommy Hilfiger is set to open a factory outlet at Elmwood Shopping Center. Politics & Law Enforcement: Scott Illing formally kicked off his St. Tammany Sheriff campaign, joining a crowded field of experienced law-enforcement leaders. Sports Business: The NBA released its 2026-27 national TV schedule, with New Orleans Pelicans getting just two national broadcasts. Weather Watch: Southeast Louisiana faces continued late-summer heat with a heat advisory Friday.

Meta Secrecy Fight: Louisiana regulators voted 3-1 to block a judge’s order forcing Meta to turn over key details about its Richland Parish Hyperion data center, keeping job and power-use projections under wraps as groups push for more transparency. Heat & Dry Forecast: Southern Louisiana is bracing for upper-90s heat and mostly dry conditions, with heat risk building through the weekend into early next week. Vibrio Warning: Health officials say Louisiana has seen nine Vibrio vulnificus cases and five deaths this year, urging people to keep open wounds away from warm coastal water and avoid raw shellfish. Local Safety: A Lafayette house fire sent four children and their grandmother escaping after a mattress ignited, with investigators pointing to a lighter as the likely start. Sports & Community: LSU football practice saw a player accidentally run over a staff member during a drill, while the Pelicans’ quiet offseason leaves big questions heading into 2026-27. Weather Watch (Magnolia): A heat advisory runs through Sunday, with highs near 100 and heat indices around 105, plus unusually dark skies for Perseids viewing.

Public Safety & Tech: New Orleans is rolling out AI to answer some 911 calls, aiming to handle routine volume while humans stay in charge—critics worry the stakes are too high for a bot. Crime & Courts: BRPD arrested an 18-year-old tied to a June apartment shooting that injured five juveniles, and a new suspect was named in the 2022 murder of 3-year-old Devin Page Jr. Local Government & Water: Cullen is moving toward state fiscal administration as it struggles with water problems, overdue audits, and basic-services funding. Utilities & Transparency: Louisiana regulators sided with Meta, blocking a push to force disclosure of how it projected jobs and power demand for a Richland Parish data center expansion. Sports (Louisiana): LSU’s offense is finding rhythm in fall camp with QB Sam Leavitt healthy, while Tulane unveiled its Mardi Gras “City Edition” uniforms. Road Safety: Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash in St. Charles Parish on U.S. 90. Transportation/Infrastructure: DOTD has started a $3.07M roundabout project at Lake Street and Gauthier Road in Lake Charles.

Boil-Water Update (New Orleans): Memorial Park’s Algiers-area boil-water advisory is back in the spotlight after a second round of testing again found bacterial contamination, with S&WB saying more samples are underway before any lift. Vehicle Safety Rules (Westwego/Statewide): Westwego is ending its brake tag program to match other localities and the state’s new approach, while commercial vehicles and school buses still face inspection requirements. Public Health Watch (Heat + Bacteria): Officials are warning Louisiana residents to prepare for a hotter stretch with a heat dome building, as health agencies continue tracking flesh-eating bacteria risks in warming waters. Local Government & Public Safety (NOPD/911): New Orleans is using AI to help triage 911 calls, a move that’s drawing debate over whether it can handle emergency situations accurately. Economic Development (Baton Rouge): Visit Baton Rouge will serve as interim management for the Raising Cane’s River Center as the city-parish searches for a long-term operator tied to redevelopment plans. Sports (LSU/Saints/Jaguars): LSU opens the season ranked No. 13 in the preseason Coaches Poll, while Saints-Jaguars preseason coverage includes a Saints Player of the Day spotlight on a 32-yard TD pass and ongoing roster battles.

Stove Fight in Court: The 5th Circuit struck down a Biden-era rule tightening energy efficiency standards for gas and electric stoves and ovens, saying the Department of Energy skipped proper public comment steps—Louisiana AG Liz Murrill called it protection from “bureaucrats’ overreach.” Public Safety & Health: New Orleans parents and doctors are reacting to Trump’s new childhood vaccine recommendations, but city officials say school-entry requirements haven’t changed. Local Crime: New Orleans police arrested Allen Harris, accused of deliberately setting two men on fire in separate attacks in the Seventh Ward. Wildlife Tragedy: A Kenner woman says a 10-foot alligator grabbed and killed her 6-year-old pit bull during a lakefront walk, despite posted warnings. City Development: Demolition has begun at the long-vacant Mercy Hospital and Lindy Boggs Medical Center site in Mid-City, with leveling expected to take months. Weather Watch: Southwest Louisiana is bracing for a prolonged hot, dry stretch with only isolated showers. Housing Pressure: Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana broke ground on an affordable-home project as local families struggle with rising costs.