AGP Executive Report

Pelicans Hire Mosley: The New Orleans Pelicans made it official Monday, naming former Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley as their new coach on a five-year deal, ending interim James Borrego’s run and bringing a defensive, player-development style after Orlando’s playoff exit to Detroit. Louisiana Politics: In the wake of Louisiana’s May 16 GOP primary upset, Sen. Bill Cassidy says he has “no regrets” about his 2021 Trump impeachment vote, even as he’s headed out after losing to Julia Letlow and John Fleming—who now face off in the runoff. Education & Safety: Ascension Parish will require clear backpacks for the 2026-27 school year, tied to campus weapons-detection plans. Local Governance: Homer’s 2024 audit release highlights long-running financial control failures, including late filings and missed tax payments. Sports & Culture: LSU’s softball season ended in Baton Rouge with a loss to LSU’s regional run, while New Orleans’ Carnival may add a new float-rider fee in 2027 as the city weighs budget shortfalls.

Saints Contract Talks: New Orleans GM Mickey Loomis says the team has made a contract offer to franchise sack leader Cameron Jordan, while the status of Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill remains unclear. Pelicans Coaching Shakeup: Two weeks after the Magic fired him, Jamahl Mosley is now the Pelicans’ head coach on a five-year deal, ending interim coach James Borrego’s run. Louisiana Politics: After voters ousted Sen. Bill Cassidy in the GOP primary, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise quickly endorsed Julia Letlow for the Senate seat; Letlow now faces John Fleming in a June runoff. Teacher Pay Standoff: Gov. Jeff Landry warned lawmakers that if teachers don’t get a permanent raise, no other state employee raises will happen—after Amendment 3 failed at the ballot box. Public Safety: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill announced arrests of 60 registered sex offenders in “Operation Restricted Domain,” targeting illegal online activity in the Baton Rouge area. Education & Community: LDOE named 2026 Students of the Year, and LHSAA partnered with the Sugar Bowl for state championship branding and support.

Louisiana Politics: Sen. Bill Cassidy’s GOP comeback attempt collapsed in the primary—he finished third and is out, while Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming head to a June 27 runoff. Local Elections: Lafourche Parish voters picked Mitch Orgeron as president, and New Orleans-area races also settled mayor and police chief contests. Infrastructure: Baton Rouge is finally seeing real progress on the $115.8M northbound Intracoastal Waterway Bridge project, with construction underway and an estimated 2028 completion. Public Health: The WHO declared an Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. Sports: LSU softball closed its Baton Rouge Regional run with a 7-2 win over Virginia Tech, setting up Super Regionals; LSU baseball and other local sports results filled out the weekend. Culture & Community: TikTok star Keith Lee drew big crowds for his inaugural FamiLee Day festival in New Orleans.

Politics: Trump-backed challengers Julia Letlow and John Fleming advanced to a June 27 runoff after unseating Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana’s GOP primary, a direct hit tied to Cassidy’s 2021 vote to convict Trump. Cassidy conceded with a pointed message about not claiming elections were stolen, while Trump celebrated the loss as “disloyalty” being punished. Elections & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court’s latest voting-rights ruling raises the bar for challenging racially discriminatory maps, with Louisiana’s redistricting fight likely facing tougher odds. Public Safety: New Orleans police say a 16-year-old was shot in Algiers after a teen in a group allegedly pulled a gun and racked the slide; the suspect fled. Local Watch: DOTD plans alternating lane closures on Old Genessee Road May 18–29 for utility relocation ahead of later bridge work. Community & Culture: Prime Time Preschool book boxes are coming to Hammond, and a new expanded pet boarding facility opened in Ponchatoula.

Louisiana GOP Senate shakeup: Incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy got knocked out in Saturday’s Republican primary, setting up a June 27 runoff between Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow (about 45%) and State Treasurer John Fleming (about 28%). Cassidy’s impeachment vote against Trump in 2021 hung over the race, and Trump celebrated the loss online. Constitutional amendments rejected: Voters also struck down all five state constitutional amendments on the ballot, including a teacher-pay plan tied to education trust funds—Amendment 3 failed with about 58% voting NO. Runoff map for the fall: On the Democratic side, Jamie Davis and Nick Albares advanced to a runoff for the Senate nomination. Local politics, too: In the New Orleans area, Kenner re-elected Mayor Michael Glaser, and Orleans Parish elected new judges in civil and criminal court races. Election-day chaos backdrop: The vote came amid Louisiana’s election changes and canceled U.S. House primaries after the Supreme Court redistricting ruling.

Louisiana Politics: President Donald Trump went after Sen. Bill Cassidy again Saturday, calling him “a disloyal disaster” and “sleazebag” as voters decide the GOP Senate primary that could knock out one of the few Republicans who voted to convict Trump after Jan. 6. Cassidy is trying to hold off Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming, with a runoff possible June 27 if no one clears 50%. Elections & Ballot: Louisiana also votes on five constitutional amendments covering civil service, school governance, teacher pay, property taxes, and judicial retirement age. Public Safety: A 16-year-old died and another teen was seriously hurt in an East Feliciana Parish crash Friday, while Baton Rouge police are seeking a man facing multiple felony charges including rape. Sports: LSU baseball looks to avoid a sweep vs. Florida, and Louisiana baseball forces a rubber match with Coastal Carolina after a 6-0 loss in Game 2.

Primary Showdown: Louisiana voters head to the polls Saturday, with U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy fighting for his political life in a GOP primary backed by President Donald Trump—Cassidy faces Julia Letlow and John Fleming, and the race is framed as a test of whether Trump can purge “disloyal” incumbents. Courts & Health: The U.S. Supreme Court extended a pause on a ruling that would curb mifepristone access by mail and telemedicine, keeping the abortion pill available while justices consider the case. Elections & Confusion: Reports of ballot mix-ups and changing polling rules have fueled voter frustration and higher turnout ahead of the Senate race and five constitutional amendments. Public Safety: A new Louisiana bill would limit when officers can stop boats for safety checks, requiring a clearer reason. Environment: New Orleans East has removed more than 60,000 illegally dumped tires over five years, as dumping continues. Sports: LSU baseball was run-ruled by Florida, while LSU softball opened its regional with an 8-0 win over Akron.

Elections in the spotlight: Louisiana voters head to the polls Saturday with a closely watched U.S. Senate primary and several statewide races plus constitutional amendments—while U.S. House contests are canceled for Saturday and pushed to the fall open primary cycle. Courts and power struggle: The Louisiana Supreme Court temporarily blocked retired Judge Calvin Johnson from taking over as interim Orleans Parish clerk, leaving Chelsey Richard Napoleon in place as a lawsuit and special-election plan play out. Local pay boost: Baton Rouge city-parish employees are set to get pay raises June 27 after Metro Council approved the funding plan. Food culture goes IRL: TikTok star Keith Lee is bringing his “Keith Lee effect” to New Orleans with FamiLee Day on May 16, aiming to spotlight local restaurants in person. Energy keeps rolling: Gov. Jeff Landry and Caturus announced a $13B LNG project in Cameron Parish, pushing Louisiana’s two-year industrial investment total past $100B. Sports, quick hits: LSU baseball fell to Florida 11-8; Falcons and Steelers released 2026 schedules, including international games.

Sports & Community: South Louisiana Community College celebrated more than 600 graduates at the Cajundome, with associate degrees, technical certificates, and about 100 GEDs. Local Life & Safety: Baton Rouge saw a sharp rise in identity theft cases, while New Orleans police are still hunting a person of interest in a Chef Menteur Highway homicide. Politics & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling is driving fresh fights over Louisiana’s voting maps and Black representation, as lawmakers push ahead with redistricting changes. Public Services Under Scrutiny: Orleans Parish court consolidation is facing renewed backlash, with critics saying lawmakers are moving too fast without solid analysis. Entertainment & Leisure: Blue Bayou Water Park is set for its grand reopening this weekend, and the NFL schedule drop keeps fans buzzing with major primetime matchups.

Redistricting Clash: Louisiana’s Senate approved a new U.S. House map that would erase one of the state’s two majority-Black districts, voting 27-10 along party lines. The plan keeps the Orleans-based majority-Black District 2 largely intact, while reshaping other districts and sending the bill to the House next. Capitol Guns: A bill on Gov. Jeff Landry’s desk would expand who can carry handguns inside the Louisiana Capitol, adding top statewide officials and letting each designate an armed staffer. Shutdown Pay Fight: Senators also moved to bar their own pay during future government shutdowns, a measure pushed by Sen. John Kennedy. Sports & Culture: LSU opens its final regular-season SEC series vs. Florida in Baton Rouge, while Chance the Rapper’s “Coloring Book 10 Tour” includes a New Orleans stop in September. Public Safety: Louisiana Senate also passed a measure ending vehicle inspection stickers, with changes set to take effect in 2027.

Ukraine Support Push: A New Orleans civic leader, Arnie Fielkow, is launching a six-month effort to boost grassroots U.S. support for Ukraine through Razom for Ukraine. Voting Rights & Maps: Louisiana’s Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v. Callais is still rippling, with lawmakers and activists warning that majority-Black districts are now at risk nationwide. Redistricting Fight: In Georgia, Democrats blasted Gov. Brian Kemp’s move to redraw maps after the ruling, arguing Republicans are trying to “save” elections with new rules. Public Health Policy: A Baton Rouge lawmaker’s resolution would have Louisiana’s health department study whether SNAP can cover grocery delivery fees—aimed at seniors and people with disabilities. International Sports: The NFL’s 2026 international slate is set, with the Saints hosting the Steelers in Paris on Oct. 25. Local Tech Broadband: Nextlink activated Louisiana’s first BEAD-funded tower, bringing gigabit fixed wireless service to unserved homes in northwest Louisiana.

Orleans Clerk Fight Escalates: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill warned New Orleans leaders they could face removal from office over their push to install an interim clerk and schedule a special election, arguing the move violates state “usurper” statutes. Elections Under New Rules: Louisiana voters head to the polls Saturday for primaries with a dead-on-arrival House setup—results won’t be counted for House races as map changes follow the Supreme Court’s Callais ruling. Redistricting Pressure Builds: A Louisiana Senate committee advanced a new congressional map that could reshape Black-majority districts, while lawmakers sparred for hours amid protest and tension. Public Safety: Orleans Parish Sheriff Woodfork’s office ran a major contraband sweep at the Orleans Justice Center. Local Life: Three new Baton Rouge coffee shops are now open, with two more coming. Sports & Culture: The NFL unveiled a record nine international games for 2026, including Saints vs. Steelers in Paris; Tiffany Haddish says the “Girls Trip” sequel is still happening.

Supreme Court Fallout: Louisiana’s congressional map fight just got sharper after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the state’s majority-Black district, putting similar districts at risk nationwide and reigniting a high-stakes redistricting scramble in the Capitol. Orleans Clerk Chaos: In New Orleans, a dispute over who runs the Orleans Parish clerk’s office is headed to court as a special election is set, with critics warning confusion could trigger election challenges. Public Safety: Federal prosecutors charged a Missouri man tied to bomb-making videos allegedly used in the New Orleans New Year’s Day attack—while Louisiana lawmakers also moved to push school-zone safety upgrades after a crossing guard’s death. Weather + Water Worries: A viral cruise-ship “floating above” New Orleans clip is fueling fresh talk about how low the city sits, as broader coverage highlights sinking cities where groundwater vanishes. Sports Spotlight: LSU-Clemson is drawing ESPN College GameDay to Baton Rouge, and the Steelers are reported set to play the Saints in Paris on Oct. 25.

Redistricting Showdown: Louisiana’s congressional map fight is heating up again as a Senate committee is set to vote Tuesday on new U.S. House maps after the Supreme Court struck down the last one, with lawmakers racing a June 1 deadline and protests already flaring over majority-Black districts. Abortion Access: The Supreme Court extended a temporary order letting patients keep getting the abortion pill by mail while justices weigh a broader challenge to mifepristone rules. Health Care Pressure: A new Southern Poverty Law Center report warns 99 rural hospitals across the Deep South—including Louisiana—could be at risk after federal health cuts. Local Fallout: An old Coburns building in downtown Lafayette collapsed, and Topgolf has started companywide layoffs—how many hit Lafayette is still unclear. Sports & Culture: College GameDay is reportedly coming to Baton Rouge for LSU’s Week 1 opener under Lane Kiffin, while HBCS track stars and a new alligator hunting season are putting Louisiana headlines on the move.

Voting chaos in the spotlight: Louisiana voters are raising alarms after Gov. Jeff Landry said early ballots tied to congressional races could be thrown out following the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling, with thousands already returned and election officials facing confusion. Redistricting fight heats up: The fallout is spilling into court and politics nationwide, while Louisiana lawmakers push to redraw maps before the May 16 primary. Local politics: In Shreveport, a petition drive to recall Landry drew a crowd at Government Plaza. Public safety: Two people died in a Claiborne Parish head-on crash on Highway 2. Weather watch: Southeast Louisiana is bracing for more storms and a renewed flash-flood threat along the I-10 corridor. Sports & culture: UNC’s new punter Adam McCann-Gibbs returns home for a debut at Aviva Stadium; and LSU’s simulation lab is training future clinicians with lifelike high-tech mannequins.

Voting Rights Fight: Civil rights groups and the ACLU of Louisiana filed an emergency federal challenge to block Louisiana officials from suspending a congressional election already underway, arguing the move would discard ballots already cast and disenfranchise tens of thousands—especially Black voters—after the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling. Local Governance: New Orleans City Council approved an interim clerk of court and set a special election for a consolidated clerk’s office, even as AG Liz Murrill says the council’s actions are illegal. Public Safety: New Orleans police say a patient stabbed a security guard at an Uptown medical facility during discharge; the guard is expected to survive. Sports: The Cape Coral Rowing Club’s women’s pair won silver at regionals and earned a spot at Youth Nationals; in pro football, Adrian Peterson is set for the Vikings’ Ring of Honor. Weather/Health: Heavy rain continues to drive “fairy ring” mushroom growth in lawns, with LSU AgCenter warning Type III rings can be toxic to pets and people.