AGP Executive Report

Deportation Watch: British far-right provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos was arrested by ICE at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and deported back to the UK after DHS said he overstayed and skipped an immigration hearing; DHS said a judge issued a final removal order July 22. Public Safety: Baton Rouge police arrested Garry Miles in connection with the fatal stabbing of 54-year-old Faun Reese, with another person found injured inside the home. Sportsman’s Paradise: Louisiana’s dove season is set to kick off with a nine-month run of hunting, plus Second Amendment Tax-Free Days for hunting gear (state tax exemption; local taxes may still apply), and Wildlife & Fisheries is offering dove fields in DeRidder and Colfax. Community & Environment: Lafayette’s “Love Our Waterways” campaign launches Sept. 1 to cut litter in rivers and bayous, with a Sept. 13 cleanup event planned. Weather: The Southeast faces a weekend flood threat as storms linger into Monday, with Louisiana included in the risk area.

Space & Jobs: Gov. Jeff Landry says SpaceX’s $100 billion Starbase in Vermilion Parish will bring about 3,000 direct jobs and 8,100 indirect jobs, with operations targeted for 2029 and thousands of launches expected. Aviation Innovation: DOTD and partners officially launched LIFTOff Louisiana, an FAA-backed effort to study electric and autonomous aircraft integration for cargo and personnel flights tied to energy sites. Immigration Enforcement: ICE detained British far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport after he overstayed and missed an immigration hearing; DHS says he’ll remain in custody pending removal. Local Weather: A weak Gulf low keeps rain chances elevated—mainly dry Saturday, then more frequent showers and possible strong storms Sunday into Monday, with isolated street flooding possible. Sports (New Orleans): The Saints closed preseason with a 27-24 win over the Cowboys; Dallas also faces roster pressure after Cowboys edge Marist Liufau is set for surgery on a fractured forearm. Youth Sports: Youth basketball registration opens Sept. 1 for ages 5-15, running November through January with no cap on on-time registrations.

ICE Detention in New Orleans: British far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos was arrested at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and is being held by ICE after allegedly overstaying his visa; DHS says he has a final removal order and will remain in custody pending deportation. Local Public Safety: New Orleans police are investigating after a body was found in New Orleans East near Jourdan Road and Almonaster Avenue. Health & Community: Hollygrove residents say a sewage-filled hole outside a Fig Street home has gone unfixed for months, flooding the street in rain and raising health concerns. Education & EMS: Acadian Ambulance’s National EMS Academy promoted Victoria Ragoonath to EMT instructor in Covington to train new emergency responders. Politics: The Louisiana Republican Party formally endorsed Misti Cordell for Congress in the 5th District. Sports & Local Culture: LSU previewed game-day food at “Taste of Tiger Stadium,” while the Blue Angels visited SOWELA ahead of Thunder Over Louisiana.

SpaceX & Jobs: Louisiana Economic Development says SpaceX’s $100B Starbase plan could bring 3,000 direct jobs over 10 years plus thousands more indirectly, with incentives tied to investment and hiring and a required $25M charitable donation. Local Weather & Safety: Storms downed trees across the state, including a fatal tree-on-camper crash in Maringouin; one train crash near DOW Chemical left one person injured. New Orleans & Community: A New Orleans Catholic church sex-abuse settlement is drawing anger from survivors, while local weather is trending drier for the weekend. Sports (Saints/NFL): The Saints close preseason Friday at Dallas; roster cut-downs hit Sunday, and NFL fines are possible after preseason physical plays. Culture & Religion: Pine Fest returns Sept. 11-12 in Halfway, and church events include a free gospel concert Sept. 4. Justice: Louisiana exonerees are still pushing for more compensation after Gov. Landry vetoes a bill that would have extended the maximum payout period.

New Orleans Infrastructure: SWBNO says it fixed a power glitch that previously knocked drainage pumps offline during heavy weather, after an independent engineering review found newly installed converters were tripping too easily. City Budget Watch: Mayor Helena Moreno is pushing a 34% sanitation fee hike—$24 to $32.25 for residents and $48 to $64.50 for commercial—starting Oct. 1, with a City Council vote set for Sept. 3. Louisiana Politics: The Louisiana GOP reversed course on a Baton Rouge-area congressional endorsement, moving from backing Blake Miguez alone to a dual endorsement with Rick Edmonds. Courts & Elections: The Louisiana Supreme Court disqualified 23rd JDC Judge Steven Tureau from the ballot over missing state tax filings. Public Safety: Progress Elementary in Baton Rouge briefly went into lockdown after shots were reported nearby, and Baton Rouge police are responding to a shooting report on Comish Drive. Space & Economy: SpaceX announced a $100 billion Starship launch site on Pecan Island, with Southwest Louisiana leaders already positioning for spillover jobs and tourism. Health: FDA approved Rasonque for advanced pancreatic cancer, touting a major survival benefit.

Severe Weather: Heavy morning storms are hitting the New Orleans area, with flood advisories in effect for multiple parishes and the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway briefly reopening after a short closure due to high winds and thunderstorms. Local Real Estate: Orleans Parish property transfers for Aug. 17-21 list dozens of home and other sales across multiple districts. Health & Community: The Louisiana Blue Foundation named 2026 Angel Award winners, honoring nine Louisianans expanding support for children’s health statewide. State Government: Louisiana Secretary of State commercial filing fees rise Oct. 1 under Act 921, including higher costs for LLC formation and annual reports. Education Access: The State Library of Louisiana is offering free online tutoring through Homework Louisiana, with live help available seven days a week. Business/Industry: CF Industries and partners broke ground on Blue Point One, a low-carbon ammonia plant in Modeste expected to begin production in 2029. Sports (Louisiana ties): The New Orleans Pelicans agreed to terms with Bennedict Mathurin on a two-year deal.

SpaceX in Louisiana: SpaceX says it will build “Starbase Louisiana,” a roughly $100 billion Starship launch complex on Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish, aiming for construction in 2027 and a first launch in 2029, with thousands of jobs and major fuel, power, and processing facilities planned. Pelicans Move: New Orleans reached a two-year, $16 million deal with wing Bennedict Mathurin, a key offseason addition after his trade from Indiana to the Clippers. Saints Roster Updates: New Orleans signed two defensive backs—Michael Davis and David Long Jr.—after injuries, while the team’s tight ends remain a focal point with Juwan Johnson’s surge and an encouraging Oscar Delp hamstring update. College Sports Eligibility: The NFL is telling clubs that players who return to college after signing pro contracts will be barred from signing with an NFL team this season, as conferences tighten rules following court-driven eligibility chaos. Meta Settlement: Meta agreed to a $12.19 billion settlement over alleged social media addiction features; Louisiana will receive $180 million for education, mental health, and enforcement efforts. Public Safety & Justice: Reward for information in a southern Louisiana bald eagle killing jumped to $20,000, and NOPD linked a 70-year-old man to three cold-case New Orleans rapes via DNA.

SpaceX Mega-Project: SpaceX announced a $100 billion “Starbase Louisiana” on Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish, aiming to support thousands of Starship launches a year, with construction starting in 2027 and the first launch targeted for 2029. Public Safety & Health: An 8-year-old Ruston girl died after contracting the rare, almost always fatal brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, likely after swimming in Lake Claiborne—prompting renewed warnings about warm freshwater exposure. Local Infrastructure: DOTD says a section of Smede Hwy (La. 92-1) near La. 31 will close until 7 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14 for drainage work, with detours posted. Environment & Water Use: St. Martin Parish residents questioned Henderson Lake drawdown plans after LDWF proposed lowering levels slowly to fight invasive plants without causing fish kills. Education & Community: Southeastern Louisiana University Laboratory School will add grades 9-12 starting fall 2027, and Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival returns downtown Aug. 27-30. Weather Watch: Daily storm threats continue, with a higher severe and flooding risk Thursday across southeast Louisiana.

SpaceX Spaceport Push: SpaceX says it will invest $100 billion to build “Starbase Louisiana” in Vermilion Parish, a self-sustaining coastal facility near Pecan Island with 10 launchpads, propellant production, deep-water access, and an airport—aimed at thousands of Starship flights a year and thousands of jobs. Local Concerns: Wildlife groups warn the FAA licensing changes tied to the project could weaken environmental review and threaten coastal habitat and hurricane protection. Big Ten/SEC Eligibility Crackdown: The Big Ten unanimously adopted a rule barring players who declared for the NFL and didn’t withdraw, signed pro contracts, or were on pro rosters from conference football—following similar SEC guidance that also covers the NBA and WNBA. Katrina Anniversary: New Orleans officials and community leaders are preparing for the 21st annual Katrina March and Second Line in the Lower Ninth Ward on Aug. 29. Public Safety Weather: Severe storms are moving through parts of southeast Louisiana, with warnings and outage reports as heat and humidity persist. Crime Update: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill’s LBI arrested a Monroe man on 430 counts of child sexual abuse material and 88 counts of sexual abuse of animals.

Louisiana SpaceX/Data Centers: Louisiana is lining up major AI and data-center investments, including Meta’s Richland Parish expansion (up to $50B), Amazon’s multi-site push, and other planned campuses—bringing jobs and tax talk, but also energy and water concerns. Local Governance & Public Safety Tech: New Orleans’ 911 system may use AI to handle limited repeat crash calls while keeping humans in charge for other emergencies. Education Funding: After voters rejected constitutional amendments for permanent teacher pay, a new Minimum Foundation Program Formula task force is revisiting how Louisiana funds teacher raises without tax increases. Southern University Policy: Board chairman Tony Clayton says he wants a campus-wide dress code across Southern’s five campuses, modeled after other HBCUs. Health & Community: Louisiana’s burn bans expand to 29 parishes, and a rare brain-eating amoeba death in an 8-year-old keeps public health warnings in focus. Food Safety: Shreveport-Bossier restaurants face repeated critical health violations in recent state inspections. Sports (Louisiana ties): LSU’s roster eligibility and college football’s “fifth-year” loophole debate continues as Saints and local college football storylines roll on.

College Football Eligibility Fight: LSU coach Lane Kiffin defended recruiting NFL rookies for a fifth college season after court rulings, saying players will either play for LSU or elsewhere. LSU is set to add former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright if he clears waivers, plus former Saints defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, who says it’s a “business decision.” New Orleans Courts: A Louisiana appeals court disqualified a New Orleans judicial candidate over tax filings, and another ruling disqualified a district judge from the November race. Public Safety & Local Fixes: Sewerage & Water Board crews finally filled a deep Central City hole after neighbors complained for more than a year. SpaceX Watch: Gov. Jeff Landry is expected to announce a SpaceX spaceport deal Tuesday in Vermilion Parish, with residents raising concerns about impacts and fuel storage. Health Alert: An 8-year-old in Ruston died after contracting the rare brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, likely linked to Lake Claiborne. Crime Update: A seventh suspect was arrested in the St. Claude shootout that killed a Marine Corps veteran. Business & Jobs: Saronic Technologies hit a major milestone on a $300 million Louisiana shipyard expansion in Franklin.

Health Alert: An 8-year-old Ruston girl, Lillian Smart, has died after contracting the rare, nearly always fatal brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, believed to have been picked up while swimming in Lake Claiborne. Local Sports: The Saints are adding RB depth by trading veteran LB Deion Jones to the 49ers for Zamir White, a move tied to multiple backfield injuries. College Football: Ex-NFL TE Dae’Quan Wright is headed to LSU after being waived by the Browns, with his return made possible by a Louisiana court order affecting NCAA eligibility. Weather: Another round of strong-to-severe storms is expected Monday afternoon into early evening across southeast Louisiana, with lightning, gusty winds, and heavy rain possible. Public Safety: Louisiana State Police report a fatal crash involving a 56-year-old woman from DeQuincy on LA-109 just across the Sabine River. Road Work: St. Martin Parish will close LA 92-1 for drainage work from Aug. 24 through Sept. 14, with detours and no emergency access. Business & Economy: Louisiana casino revenue rose 7% in July to $212.5 million, led by Lake Charles, while sports betting revenue also climbed.

College Sports Shockwave: Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright has been waived and, if he clears waivers, is expected to return to college football with LSU for the 2026 season—an unusual move that could make him the first NFL preseason player to go back to school. Severe Weather Watch: Southeast Louisiana is bracing for Monday storms, with a Level 2 severe threat and potential for gusty winds, lightning, hail, and heavy rain. Public Health Tragedy: Ruston’s Lillian Smart, 8, died after contracting the rare brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, believed linked to swimming in Lake Claiborne. Local Roads: DOTD is starting a $1.7 million pavement and drainage project on LA 1026/Juban Rd. in Livingston Parish, with alternating nighttime lane closures. Energy Costs: Gas prices remain high nationwide, with the regular-gas average topping $4.10, while Louisiana diesel prices vary by parish. Louisiana Education: South Grant Elementary in Grant Parish saw enrollment drop 1.1% in 2025-26, according to state data. Local Crime/Scams: BBB Scam Tracker shows Morse tied for 45th in Louisiana for July scam reports.

Saints Preseason Fallout: New Orleans got shut out 34-0 by the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi and fell to 0-2, with the biggest red flags coming from turnovers by QB Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler. Countdown to Kickoff: The regular season is 21 days away, and veteran safety Justin Reid will wear No. 21—continuing a long Saints jersey history. Severe Weather Watch: Heat and humidity are fueling daily storm chances across the week, with the threat rising toward late week for gusty winds, small hail, heavy rain, and possible street flooding. Local Governance & Neighborhood Fixes: Mayor Helena Moreno’s blight push is getting hands-on help from groups like Ubuntu Village, targeting cleanup and resident input in parts of New Orleans. Public Safety & Community: New Orleans homicide detectives are solving murders at a faster clip after years of struggle, while local nonprofits and hospitals are adding staff and board members. Sports Business/College Football: LSU’s Lane Kiffin and the broader college football world keep circling roster eligibility and recovery stories as camps ramp up.

Saints-Rams Preseason: The Los Angeles Rams dominated the New Orleans Saints 34-0 at SoFi Stadium, with Stetson Bennett leading four scoring drives in the first half and Alex Cook sealing it with a 100-yard pick-six. New Orleans dropped to 0-2, with Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler both struggling, plus 12 penalties and three turnovers. Injury/Depth Watch: Rams OLB Keir Thomas was ruled out with a groin injury, while the Saints’ backup QB battle again failed to separate. Public Safety—Eunice Shooting: Police identified two victims killed in Saturday’s shooting at Chip’s Daiquiris in Eunice as Davion Fugett and Rico Morgan; a third victim was transferred to ICU in critical condition, and investigators are still working to identify what led to the attack. Traffic/First Responders: A volunteer firefighter, Robert Hughes of Kaplan, died after a single-vehicle crash on La. 14 while responding to an emergency; troopers say impairment isn’t suspected and toxicology samples were taken. Weather: Extreme heat continues across southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi, with only spotty storms expected through the weekend.

Severe Weather & Heat: New Orleans is drying out after Friday’s storms, but the weekend stays brutally hot with a Heat Advisory and feels-like temps near 108; storm chances are low today and only slightly higher Sunday, with more daily thunder chances possible next week as the “ring of fire” pattern sets up. Saints Football: The Saints wrap Week 1 of preseason with a narrow loss to the Jaguars and head to SoFi Stadium for a Rams matchup—plus a Saints Player of the Day look ahead to the season opener. NFL Discipline: The Cowboys and Saints were each fined $500,000 after a brawl-filled joint practice, with the league citing sportsmanship rules for joint workouts. Local Faith Spotlight: Bishop Robert Boxie’s path from law to priesthood to becoming the youngest U.S. bishop is getting national attention. Louisiana Economy/Jobs: Amazon is expanding in the Baton Rouge area with a new operations center at 61 North Logistics Center. Public Health: More than 500 applicants are chasing Louisiana’s new rural health funding pool of about $208 million. Community & Culture: Architectural Digest named Breaux Bridge the prettiest town in Louisiana, highlighting its Cajun culture and crawfish identity.