AGP Executive Report

Public Health: Louisiana ranks second in flu-season vulnerability nationwide, with low vaccination rates and rising flu activity putting older residents at particular risk. Medical Breakthrough: Alexandria teen Phillip Mullin is the first child in Louisiana functionally cured of sickle cell disease after gene therapy, following more than 100 hospital stays. Coastal Claims: Louisiana and BP reached a settlement over Deepwater Horizon-related claims; coastal-damage terms remain confidential, and one major defendant remains. Energy: The U.S. authorized an emergency exchange of up to 400,000 barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to support crude deliveries to Phillips 66’s Lake Charles refinery. Elections: Early voting continues through Tuesday ahead of Louisiana’s Nov. 3 election. Saints: New Orleans faces Pittsburgh Sunday in Paris in the NFL’s first regular-season game in France, as heightened security concerns grip the city.

Prison Smuggling: Three people were sentenced in a Louisiana case involving drones disguised as crows and loaded with drugs, phones and other contraband for delivery to Pollock federal prison. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved more than $135 million for recovery and hazard-prevention projects across five states, including Louisiana; the state’s share wasn’t specified. Election Watch: Early voting is underway for Louisiana’s Nov. 3 election, with a ballot packed with amendments and races. A reported state election error affected 67,000 voters, adding to concerns about voter access. Public Services: New Orleans leaders are weighing budget cuts that could hit sanitation and the criminal legal system, while the city’s watchdog says lead-pipe replacement needs more urgency. Costs and Jobs: Louisiana approved an average 18% increase in health insurance rates for 2027. Separately, the state is overhauling workforce programs as SpaceX and other projects promise thousands of jobs, even as loggers struggle with rising fuel costs and shrinking markets. Courts: A Shreveport dentist was sentenced to 17 years for domestic violence offenses.

Stormwater Plans: New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno toured a Paris stormwater basin and announced a partnership to share ideas on flood and drainage management. Food & Tourism: Dakar NOLA earned its first Michelin star, while Emeril’s retained two stars and other Louisiana restaurants received new honors. Southern Athletics: Southern University coach and Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk disclosed that he has Parkinson’s disease; he said medication is managing his hand rigidity and tremors. City Finances: Moreno proposed $77 million in budget cuts, while Baton Rouge’s Big Buddy program faced a payroll crisis before Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves pledged $75,000 to help keep it afloat. Saints in Paris: New Orleans bars are preparing for an early start ahead of Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh; the NFL canceled a Steelers fan event amid protests, but the game is still scheduled.

Water Service: A water-main break put most of New Orleans’ Little Woods under a boil-water advisory Thursday; residents should boil water or use bottled water until it’s lifted. Flood Protection: Mayor Helena Moreno secured a Paris-New Orleans collaboration on stormwater management, including sharing expertise and exploring technology to prepare for heavy rain. Election 2026: Early voting is underway, with Black voter turnout higher than usual on the first day — a potentially important sign in a closely watched midterm. City Budget: New Orleans criminal justice leaders warn proposed budget cuts could put the legal system at risk and threaten recent crime reductions. Dining: Four New Orleans restaurants earned Michelin stars, adding to the city’s culinary honors. Campus Safety: LSU plans tougher game-day crowd controls after a brawl following Saturday’s homecoming game, including more patrols and closer monitoring of large gatherings.

New Orleans Dining: Dakar NOLA earned a Michelin star, bringing the city’s total to four starred restaurants. Jobs and Investment: Software firm Copado is moving its global headquarters to New Orleans, with 136 jobs expected, including 59 direct positions averaging $104,000 a year. City Budget: New Orleans officials warn proposed cuts could leave the criminal court unable to meet legal obligations; sanitation layoffs are also under consideration as the city tackles a projected $77 million shortfall. Elections: Early voting is underway through Oct. 27 for the Nov. 3 election. A state election error affected 67,000 voters labeled inactive, while voters face 10 constitutional amendments. Baton Rouge: The Metro Council approved health insurance changes that will raise premiums 15% to 25% for employees who keep their current plans in 2027. Drought: Severe dry conditions have prompted a burn ban across Southwest Louisiana.

Elections: Early voting is underway for Louisiana’s Nov. 3 midterms, with 10 constitutional amendments and key races on the ballot. A state election error also labeled 67,000 voters inactive, raising questions about voter records. State Budget: Louisiana projects a $565 million surplus for the year ended June 30. About half must go to retirement debt and the rainy-day fund; lawmakers can direct the rest to limited one-time uses. Courts: An investigation found Louisiana justices of the peace collected at least $31 million in personal compensation from court fees over a decade, much of it tied to evictions, renewing concerns about tenants’ rights and judicial conflicts. New Orleans: The city is weighing deep sanitation department cuts as workers and council members warn of service impacts. Meanwhile, a software company is moving its headquarters from Chicago to downtown New Orleans. Pelicans: New Orleans picked up contract options on Yves Missi, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, keeping three young players in its plans.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway for Louisiana’s Nov. 3 contests, as officials face questions over an error that labeled 67,000 voters inactive. Road Safety: An allegedly impaired driver has been arrested in the crash that killed LSU student Shane Hirstius and his fiancée, Leah Fonte, near campus; the deaths have renewed calls for safety improvements on Nicholson Drive. SpaceX Plans: The company says its proposed Louisiana launch site could be ready by 2029, while its broader projects are drawing attention to potential economic gains and community concerns. Property Taxes: Treasurer John Fleming is pushing to raise the homestead exemption from $75,000 to $350,000 in home value, a change that would require legislative approval and a voter decision. New Orleans Services: Proposed deep sanitation department cuts have drawn sharp criticism from City Council members, with layoffs and reduced Mardi Gras cleanup among the concerns. Saints in Paris: New Orleans faces Pittsburgh on Sunday in the NFL’s first regular-season game in France; the league says heightened security is planned amid protests and unrest.

Louisiana Elections: Early voting is underway through Oct. 27 for the Nov. 3 election, with voters facing congressional races and 10 proposed constitutional amendments. Baton Rouge Crash: A 20-year-old accused of killing an LSU student and her fiancé in an alleged impaired-driving crash received a $229,000 bond and was ordered to house arrest. Officials are pressing for safer pedestrian crossings on Nicholson Drive. New Orleans Budget: The sanitation department’s proposal could cut staffing by 75% and leave the city without its usual Mardi Gras cleanup. Council members and city workers are pushing back. LSU Accountability: More than 300 sexual-assault cases reported through the university’s Title IX process resulted in just three disciplinary outcomes, prompting renewed questions about how reports are handled. Coastal Protection: Trustees approved restoration work on a natural surge buffer along New Orleans’ edge, aimed at strengthening the coast’s protection against storms.

Child Safety: A 9-year-old New Orleans-area boy suffered burns over 70% of his body after taking part in a dangerous online “fire challenge,” officials say. Campus Accountability: LSU records show just three disciplinary outcomes among more than 300 sexual-assault reports handled through its Title IX process from 2022 to 2025; Louisiana lawmakers are pressing for answers about the system. City Services: New Orleans sanitation workers warned that proposed budget cuts could eliminate 55 jobs and threaten trash collection and Mardi Gras cleanup. Council members say they’ll try to preserve the positions. Road Safety: LSU and state transportation officials are exploring pedestrian-safety changes on Nicholson Drive after an impaired-driving crash killed student Leah Fonte and her fiancé, firefighter Shane Hirstius. Coastal Protection: Trustees approved $265 million for two Louisiana restoration projects, including work on the East Orleans Landbridge, a natural buffer against storm surge. Election Watch: Louisiana early voting for the Nov. 3 primary begins Tuesday; voters will also decide on 10 constitutional amendments.

Public Safety: One person was killed and a child critically injured in a Sunday night crash on Blount Road in Baton Rouge. In a separate crash, an LSU student and her fiancé were killed on Nicholson Drive; a driver was arrested. Elections: Early voting starts Tuesday in Louisiana ahead of the Nov. 3 election, when voters will decide 10 constitutional amendments. Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court will review the 1868 federal ban on home distilling, after the 5th Circuit—based in New Orleans—struck it down. Saints: New Orleans beat the Giants 34-27 to snap a three-game skid and is heading to Paris for Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh, which the NFL says will go ahead despite unrest. LSU: The Tigers shut out Mississippi State 31-0 and rose to No. 18 before Saturday’s game at Auburn. Sports Betting: Louisiana delayed a final decision on DraftKings’ license while studying how the company uses AI. Shreveport: Police secured an arrest warrant for the owner of Sanctuary Apartments over an alleged $145,000 unpaid water bill.

Saints: New Orleans snapped a three-game skid with a 34-27 win over the Giants, powered by Tyler Shough’s four touchdowns. Shough has reportedly been playing with two broken bones in his non-throwing hand. The Saints-Steelers game in Paris next Sunday remains on schedule despite unrest in France. Baton Rouge Tragedy: An LSU student and her fiancé were killed on Nicholson Drive, and a 20-year-old driver was arrested in connection with the crash. LSU Football: The Tigers shut out No. 16 Mississippi State 31-0 and rose to No. 18 in the AP poll. Energy: Federal regulators issued a final environmental impact statement for Cheniere’s proposed Sabine Pass expansion, which could add 19.5 million tons of annual LNG capacity. Health Care: Louisiana Medicaid and Ochsner reached terms to preserve network access for about 70,000 members before Dec. 1. Elections: Early voting for Louisiana’s Nov. 3 election begins Tuesday; voters will decide on 10 constitutional amendments.

LSU Football: No. 22 LSU shut out No. 16 Mississippi State, 31-0, in Baton Rouge as quarterback Sam Leavitt threw four touchdown passes. Saints: Tyler Shough reportedly has two broken bones in his non-throwing left hand but is playing through the injury as New Orleans faces the Giants. Medicaid: Louisiana Healthcare Connections and Ochsner reached terms that appear to preserve in-network access for about 70,000 members; the deal’s details haven’t been made public. Public Safety: NOPD officer Derrick Burmaster turned himself in after authorities accused him of pointing his service weapon at his roommate in Slidell. Child Welfare: Louisiana is using overtime to address a backlog in Baton Rouge’s child protection system. Election 2026: Voters will decide 10 constitutional amendments on Nov. 3, including proposals on property taxes and gubernatorial term limits; early voting starts Tuesday.

LSU Football: LSU shut out No. 16 Mississippi State 31-0 in Baton Rouge, with Sam Leavitt throwing four touchdown passes as the Tigers bounced back from last week’s loss. College Sports: Louisiana-Lafayette routed Troy 33-6 behind 243 rushing yards, while Tulane forced six turnovers in a 31-17 win over Memphis. Southeastern Louisiana edged No. 10 Lamar 34-31; Nicholls fell 56-0 to unbeaten Stephen F. Austin. Property Taxes: Louisiana voters will decide whether parishes and municipalities can offer extra property tax exemptions to eligible homeowners 65 and older. The proposed relief would take effect in 2028 if Amendment 6 passes. State Police Lawsuit: Former Louisiana State Police captain Treone Larvadain alleges the agency’s former colonel discriminated against her and pressured her to resign. The lawsuit was filed Oct. 5. Youth Boxing: A Harahan boxing club displaced by Hurricane Ida now offers free lessons to children, with schoolwork, healthy habits and discipline part of the program.

Public Safety: Louisiana authorities are searching for 13-year-old Mariah Cox, last seen Friday at her Denham Springs home. A 24-year-old Louisiana wildland firefighter also died after being struck by a tree while fighting a fire. On the Ballot: Voters will decide on 10 constitutional amendments Nov. 3. Amendment 5 would let retirement systems direct certain state payments toward unfunded pension liabilities beyond the oldest debts. Schools and City Hall: New Orleans parents are worried about possible school closures, and another charter is under review. City Council President JP Morrell expects a fight over proposed rules for Waymo and other robotaxis. Coast and Sports: Louisiana trustees approved a plan to restore up to 1,700 acres of coastal habitat. Tulane beat Memphis 31-17, forcing six turnovers, while LSU hosts Mississippi State in a ranked homecoming matchup.

Public Safety: A shooting outside Ville Platte High School’s homecoming game left one person reportedly dead and at least two injured. The game was canceled, and authorities have not released details as the investigation continues. Election Security: Louisiana’s Secretary of State’s office was evacuated after a package containing white powder was opened in Baton Rouge. The FBI is investigating similar mail sent to election and congressional offices nationwide. November Ballot: Voters will decide 10 constitutional amendments, including proposals affecting property-tax exemptions for seniors and veterans. New Orleans: City Council President JP Morrell is pushing permit fees, fines and safety rules for robotaxis; Waymo argues state law prevents city regulation. Shreveport: City officials are urging tenants at Sanctuary Apartments to relocate after water service was shut off over the owner’s roughly $145,000 debt. The city is seeking housing and other assistance for residents. Transportation: Federal comments on the proposed I-49 connector through Shreveport could bring the long-planned project closer to a public hearing.

Sports Betting Oversight: Louisiana regulators extended DraftKings’ license through Feb. 19 while investigating claims that AI targeted losing bettors and the company’s handling of gambling risks. Fire Weather: A cold front is bringing gusty winds and dry air; forecasters warn fires could spread quickly across southeast Louisiana and advise against outdoor burning. Shreveport Politics: Mayoral candidates outlined economic development ideas at a forum, but answers offered few specifics. Jail Escape Case: A former New Orleans jail custodian was sentenced to 2½ years for his role in the 2025 escape of 10 inmates. New Orleans Finances: The City Council raised short-term rental fees to $20 a night to help address a budget gap; state funding will also support water-treatment upgrades. State Budget: Officials estimate Louisiana ended the fiscal year with a $565 million surplus, pending formal certification. Data Center Debate: A proposed New Orleans East data center is on hold for at least a year as Louisiana weighs the boom’s economic benefits against infrastructure and energy demands.