AGP Executive Report

New Orleans Courts: A judge removed from the bench after Gov. Jeff Landry signed a law cutting Orleans Parish criminal court seats is suing state officials, arguing the Legislature didn’t meet required voting thresholds when the bill’s judge list was changed at the last minute. Drainage & Power Reliability: City Council members grilled Entergy and the Sewerage and Water Board after the new $300 million drainage power complex failed during Tropical Storm Arthur; S&WB now says it will use backup in-house turbines during major storms. Public Safety: Louisiana’s Office of State Fire Marshal is urging safer July 4 fireworks use, warning sparklers and misuse drive thousands of injuries statewide. Health: Louisiana marked a major sickle cell milestone with the first successful cure in the state. Crime: New Orleans police are investigating a Central City death reclassified as homicide after a woman’s body was found wrapped in a blanket. Local Business: Triplet’s Blue Store near Southern University is closing July 4 due to structural issues, with plans to relocate nearby. Sports (Louisiana tie-in): Former Pelicans player Keion Brooks Jr. is set for Pacers Summer League action, and Louisiana native Jean-Paul Bourgeois is competing on Food Network’s “Chopped Castaways.”

U.S. Supreme Court: The court ruled states can count mailed ballots that arrive after Election Day as long as they’re postmarked by then, a win for election rules in more than half the states. Digital Rights & Kids Online: A federal appeals panel ordered Ohio’s parental-consent rule for kids under 16 to be restored, reviving a fight over children’s social media access. Local Governance: Kenner will take over the Pontchartrain Center in-house after Caesars’ operator Legends Global backed out of a long-running contract. Northwest Louisiana Funding: Louisiana’s capital outlay budget sends nearly $200 million to Shreveport and Bossier City for roads, healthcare, and community projects. Public Safety & Courts: Louisiana wildlife agents cited people for illegal fishing and selling recreationally caught fish, including a St. Tammany case involving speckled trout. Trade: Sen. Bill Cassidy introduced a bill to raise duties on imports of shrimp, crawfish, and catfish once quotas are hit. New Orleans Area: A sinkhole in New Orleans East trapped a woman’s car for hours, prompting an investigation into how it happened. Sports & Culture: UNO is preparing to join the LSU system, while UL baseball standout Jonathan Lucroy was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

Teacher Pay Fight: A Baton Rouge judge lifted a temporary block on Gov. Jeff Landry’s $168 million teacher stipend plan, clearing $2,000 stipends for teachers and $1,000 for many support staff starting July 1. Courts & Power in New Orleans: A New Orleans criminal court judge sued the state and Landry over Act 748, arguing lawmakers didn’t hit the required two-thirds vote to cut three Orleans Parish criminal court judgeships. Local Crime: New Orleans police are investigating a short-term rental shooting in Central City that left a man wounded early Sunday; the suspect is still at large. Public Safety & Weather: Heat stays intense with humidity and a returning storm chance late Tuesday through the holiday weekend. Statewide Water Upgrade: Opelousas is getting $17 million to upgrade water mains, wells, and storage tanks, aiming to cut leaks and improve pressure for about 6,500 customers. Sports & Culture: The Saints’ No. 76 jersey spotlight begins as training camp nears, and the Louisiana Staycation push kicks off for summer travel.

Louisiana Senate: U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow won Louisiana’s GOP Senate runoff Saturday, powered by President Trump’s backing and a flood of late campaign spending, setting up a November matchup with Democrat Jamie Davis. Public Transit: New Orleans RTA riders may see big changes soon as the agency searches for a new CEO, with leadership expected to focus on improving reliability for a system many residents depend on. Health & Research: LSU and Pennington Biomedical researchers are studying how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs affect muscle and metabolism—because Louisiana’s obesity rate means more patients will need safer long-term outcomes. Crime & Courts: Investigators are piecing together the last hours of Eddie Tillman Jr., whose remains were found at a Marrero home, with multiple suspects now in custody. Local Economy: Louisiana gaming revenue neared $215 million in May, a 9% jump, signaling a strong stretch for casinos. Weather Watch: A bright fireball lit up south Louisiana early Sunday, captured by cameras across the region.

Louisiana Senate: Rep. Julia Letlow won the GOP runoff for Louisiana’s U.S. Senate seat, beating state Treasurer John Fleming 57% to 43%, setting up a November matchup with Democrat Jamie Davis. Public Safety: Baton Rouge police reported one person killed and four injured in a Saturday shooting on Osceola Street; investigators said a teen argument escalated to gunfire. New Orleans Water: The Sewerage and Water Board canceled a precautionary boil-water advisory for parts of New Orleans East after tests showed the water is safe. Hurricane Watch: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a developing system off Florida’s coast that could bring rain and higher heat indices. State Police Hiring: 49 cadet hopefuls started Louisiana State Police Cadet Class 109, beginning a 24-week academy. Local Higher Ed: Southeastern Louisiana University named Caroline E. Sawyer as head of Communication and Media Studies and added new AI and cybersecurity concentrations. Disaster Recovery: The American Red Cross will open a disaster assistance center in Raceland for residents affected by Tropical Storm Arthur.

Louisiana Senate Runoff: U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow won the GOP nomination for Louisiana’s U.S. Senate seat, beating state Treasurer John Fleming in a runoff and setting up a November matchup with Democrat Jamie Davis—another high-stakes test of how strongly Trump’s endorsements are reshaping Louisiana politics. New Orleans Crime: NOPD says violent crime is at its lowest level since the 1960s, with 38 murders recorded through June 25 and a pace that could keep 2026 near historic lows. New Orleans Public Safety & Courts: A federal trial featured testimony from former boxer Fouad Zeton in a corruption case involving an ex-NOPD officer accused of inflating stolen art values for insurance claims. New Orleans East Redevelopment: Property owners in New Orleans East say they need real help to move redevelopment forward as blight and vacant commercial land remain major obstacles. State Policy Watch: Louisiana lawmakers advanced a bill to revise sentencing for second-degree murder convictions, aiming to give judges clearer options for life sentences in certain cases. Health & Education: Dyslexia advocate Laura Cassidy highlighted Louisiana Key Academy’s mission to get students diagnosed and supported—plus a push for better help for dyslexic learners statewide.

Storm Recovery: Gov. Jeff Landry asked President Trump for a major disaster declaration after Tropical Storm Arthur’s historic rain, flooding, and tornadoes. He’s seeking Individual Assistance for Avoyelles, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Tammany, and Terrebonne, citing “thousand-year” rainfall in Avoyelles and 14 confirmed tornadoes. Water Safety: A boil water advisory was issued for parts of New Orleans East after a water main break dropped pressure; officials say it’s in effect until testing is completed. Politics: Trump made a final push for Rep. Julia Letlow ahead of Louisiana’s GOP Senate runoff against state Treasurer John Fleming, calling her a “great star” and “total winner.” Local Help for Flood Victims: Avoyelles Parish opened the CORE Center, a one-stop site for flood recovery services including SNAP/Medicaid help, insurance assistance, and connections to volunteer mucking and gutting crews. Sports (Louisiana): Ruston’s Ahmad Hudson was named MaxPreps Louisiana Male Athlete of the Year after standout football and basketball seasons, and LSU baseball pitcher Marcos Paz entered the transfer portal after one season in Baton Rouge.

Louisiana Senate Runoff: Louisiana voters head to the polls Saturday in the GOP Senate runoff between Rep. Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming, with the race seen as another test of President Trump’s endorsement power after Sen. Bill Cassidy’s primary loss. New Orleans Sports: In NBA news with local ties, Jose Alvarado is set to return to the New York Knicks on a three-year deal worth $14-plus million after declining his $4.5 million option; Alvarado was acquired from New Orleans during the season. Louisiana Politics & Policy: A separate national spotlight is on social media age-verification laws, with Illinois moving forward on a children’s online safety measure while similar efforts face First Amendment fights in other states. Weather & History: Saturday’s forecast shows mostly clear skies around Baton Rouge and New Orleans, and today marks the anniversary of Hurricane Audrey’s 1957 landfall in coastal Louisiana and Texas.

Data Center Costs: Gov. Jeff Landry says his new executive order is meant to shield Louisiana household utility customers from paying for power-hungry data centers, even as he argues the state should keep courting big projects. New Orleans Flood System Turmoil: A Louisiana AG-commissioned report says the East Bank levee board is “chaotic and dysfunctional,” with allegations of misconduct; the authority fired Levee Police Superintendent Joshua Rondeno. Local Government Overhaul: The Louisiana Supreme Court refused to revisit a law merging New Orleans clerk of court offices, and the city is weighing a U.S. Supreme Court push. Public Safety & Courts: A federal jury convicted former New Orleans police officer Christian Claus on corruption counts tied to a stolen-paintings scheme. State Politics: Louisiana enacted a new congressional map after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the prior one, aiming to help Republicans pick up a seat. Transportation: Kenner repealed its vehicle inspection sticker program, ending brake-tag-style checks for most drivers starting Jan. 1, 2027. Weather Watch: Forecasters warn of a hot, mostly dry weekend with dangerous heat indexes in the 100s.

Louisiana Politics & Courts: A judge in Catahoula/Concordia, John C. Reeves, agreed to an unpaid suspension after a “$100 handshake” case and additional ethics allegations. New Orleans Business Relief: Mayor Helena Moreno announced a Business Stabilization Fund for Decatur Street shops hit by the long-delayed road project, offering $2,500 to $5,000. Health & Science: Louisiana’s first functionally cured sickle cell patient, Daniel Cressy of Metairie, received the CRISPR therapy Casgevy. Public Policy: A federal court struck down SNAP restrictions in multiple states, and Louisiana’s candy/soda/energy drink limits are expected to be affected. Economy & Development: A study warns Louisiana could lose billions in tax revenue tied to Meta’s Richland Parish data center incentives. Sports & Local Talent: LSU’s Ty Benefield is getting major NFL buzz, and LSU continues recruiting momentum with a push for top defensive line target Jalen Brewster. Culture & Community: Grambling State and Southern University Law Center launched a 3+3 accelerated law program to cut time and costs to a law degree.

Data Center Power Costs: Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order requiring large AI data centers to “fully fund” their electricity needs to qualify for Louisiana tax breaks, aiming to protect ratepayers as the state courts major projects. Water Emergency in Abita Springs: Abita Springs declared a water well emergency after damage to its lone source cut pressure, approving $425,000 to start well work while officials warn replacement funding remains uncertain. New Orleans Hotel Deal: The City Council advanced zoning changes for a 1,000-room Omni hotel downtown, while also revising the property-tax break terms tied to jobs and disadvantaged business goals. French Quarter Business Relief: Mayor Helena Moreno announced $200,000 in grants for Decatur Street businesses hit by construction, with applications opening June 29. Public Safety—Cold Case: Baton Rouge police arrested a suspect in a 1987 hotel killing after DNA testing linked a cord used to bind the victim to a man in Alabama. Violence in Gentilly Terrace: NOPD reported a shootout that injured three people, with no arrests yet. Courtroom Drama in Louisiana: Pastor Tony Spell says he acted in self-defense after alleged threats, as he faces battery charges. Sports & Community: SLU named 117 athletes to the Spring academic honor roll, and the Ragin’ Cajuns baseball team earned a spot in the 2027 Bruce Bolt College Classic.

War Powers Clash: U.S. Senate Republicans reversed course and rejected a measure limiting Trump’s war powers against Iran after Trump berated GOP senators, including Louisiana’s Bill Cassidy, in a tense Capitol lunch. Louisiana Runoff Voting: Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry urged voters to show up Saturday for Senate primary runoffs, warning about confusion from the new closed-party primary system and urging people to check sample ballots. Tropical Storm Arthur Fallout: Flooding from Arthur forced polling location changes in Avoyelles and St. Landry parishes, and Lake Claiborne in Claiborne Parish was closed to all boat traffic until further notice. Public Health Alert: Shreveport issued a voluntary boil advisory for parts of the Cherokee Park area after a water main break, pending water quality testing. Local Business Buzz: A Baton Rouge skate shop teamed up with Mary Lee Donuts and Nike for a limited-edition “Donut” Dunk sneaker drop. Sports & Community: The New Orleans Pelicans added Jaron Pierre Jr. in the NBA draft, while Shreveport’s A.C. Steere Park continues to serve inclusive recreation with its boundless playground.

World Cup + New Orleans memory: Haitians gathered at a local watch party as Haiti made its first World Cup appearance in 50 years, and the coverage also marked the 53rd anniversary of the UpStairs Lounge Fire in the French Quarter. Politics (Iran war powers): President Trump’s closed-door lunch with GOP senators turned heated, with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy saying Trump raised his voice and the exchange escalated over a war powers resolution tied to Iran. Education funding: Louisiana lawmakers approved Gov. Jeff Landry’s teacher and support worker stipend plan, but a judge paused it with a temporary restraining order while a court fight plays out. Local courts: A Baton Rouge judge ordered several cities (including St. George, Baker, Central and Zachary) to join a lawsuit over district attorney funding. Public safety + weather: Baton Rouge airport temporarily shut down flights after a small plane landed with landing-gear issues; meanwhile, the New Orleans area faces hot, humid conditions with spotty storms. Economy + jobs: Loop Linen broke ground on a new Avondale laundry facility, a $16.4M construction within a $25.1M Jefferson Parish investment, keeping 125 jobs. Wildlife commission: Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission meets July 1 in Baton Rouge with enforcement and rule updates on the agenda.

French Quarter Relief: New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno is setting up grants to help French Quarter businesses hit by months of Decatur and St. Peter street closures, with the Greater New Orleans Foundation set to administer the money. Local Justice: Two cousins pleaded guilty in the 2024 French Quarter quadruple shooting; sentencing is set for Thursday, while the third alleged gunman faces trial. Courts & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled a Rastafarian inmate can’t sue Louisiana prison officials personally over shaved dreadlocks, tightening limits on religious-rights lawsuits. State Budget Pressure: Louisiana’s oil-and-gas lease revenue on local public lands fell 71.8% in 2025-26, threatening parish funding for schools, infrastructure, and levees. Public Health: LDH reports raw milk sickened 11 people, with 2 hospitalized, as officials investigate. Politics: Louisiana voters head to Senate runoffs, including a Democratic race where Jamie Davis could make history as the first Black finalist since Reconstruction.

Supreme Court, Louisiana: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that a Rastafarian inmate, Damon Landor, can’t sue Louisiana prison guards for money damages after his dreadlocks were forcibly shaved, even as the state acknowledged the treatment violated religious freedom. Coastal Accountability: Gov. Jeff Landry says Louisiana has reached a “final settlement” with Exxon in the state’s coastal pollution and land-loss lawsuits, though settlement details are likely to stay sealed. Public Health: Louisiana health officials are investigating a cluster of illnesses tied to unpasteurized raw milk; 11 people are sick and two are hospitalized. Weather Impact: The National Weather Service confirmed 14 tornadoes from Tropical Storm Arthur’s severe weather across Louisiana and Mississippi. Local Business & Construction: New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno is rolling out a grant program for French Quarter businesses hit by disruptions from a delayed sewer and water infrastructure project. Sports & College: The NCAA approved a new five-years-in-five-seasons eligibility model, ending traditional redshirts for most Division I athletes. NBA: Trae Young agreed to a four-year Wizards extension worth about $212 million, setting up draft-night focus for Washington.

Louisiana Runoff Election: Voters head to the polls Saturday, June 27, for two closed Republican U.S. Senate runoffs—Congresswoman Julia Letlow vs. state Treasurer John Fleming, plus a separate GOP runoff between Bill Cassidy’s rivals. Single-Use Plastics Fight: Seventeen states, including Louisiana, sued California over its single-use plastic law that took effect June 1, arguing it will raise costs and gut the rules. Shrimp Industry Push: Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith introduced a Senate version of the Save Our Shrimpers Act to block international funding for shrimp farming that competes with U.S. producers. New Orleans Court Case: A federal trial heard testimony tying a former NOPD officer to an alleged staged art theft and insurance fraud scheme involving high-end paintings. Saints & NFL Schedule: The NFL made joint practice dates official, including the Rams hosting the Cowboys (Aug. 11) and Saints (Aug. 20) in Los Angeles, while Saints camp countdown hits 83 days to kickoff. Miss Louisiana 2026: Shelby Bordelon was crowned Miss Louisiana 2026 and says she’ll focus on impaired driving prevention after a friend was killed in a crash.