AGP Executive Report

Heat & Humidity: A major heat wave is pushing record highs across 21 states, with heat alerts affecting 105 million people early Friday; humidity is also driving dangerous heat indexes in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Public Health: The CDC is investigating a parasite outbreak causing “explosive” watery diarrhea (cyclospora/cyclosporiasis) in 18 states, including Louisiana, with hundreds of cases reported. Louisiana Courts: New Orleans Criminal District Judge Leon Roche defended the grand jury process behind Attorney General Liz Murrill’s 16-count indictment, while the Louisiana Supreme Court temporarily halted the case, citing concerns about grand jury and courtroom handling. Storm Recovery & Insurance: Louisiana’s Department of Insurance is suspending certain insurance rules in seven parishes hit by Tropical Storm Arthur to give residents more time to pay premiums without cancellation. Boating Safety: LDWF and partners are cracking down on impaired boaters statewide during Operation Dry Water this holiday weekend. Sports (Local): The Saints’ offseason countdown continues, and NBA trade chatter links Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III to the Detroit Pistons. Essence Festival: Coca-Cola announced its 2026 Essence Festival of Culture lineup and programming for July 3-5 in New Orleans.

Louisiana Politics: Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill was indicted by a New Orleans grand jury on intimidation and malfeasance charges tied to her threats against city leaders in the fight over changes to New Orleans courts; Gov. Jeff Landry said he’ll seek a pardon and Murrill called the case retaliatory. Public Safety & Courts: A federal appeals court ruled ICE can’t detain immigrants for more than 90 days without a bond hearing, a decision that could affect cases in Louisiana. Infrastructure & Storm Readiness: The Sewerage & Water Board defended its $300 million power complex after officials said key components wouldn’t be relied on during major storms, calling claims of unreliability “inaccurate.” America 250 Local Events: Louisiana Downs will kick off July 4 America 250 celebrations Friday with kids activities, live music, racing, and fireworks. Community & Health: A Baton Rouge-area restaurant owner says fresh, homemade food helped her recover after stage 3 lung cancer. Sports: Former Saints linebacker Keith Mitchell died at 51. Business: Gem Printing in Metairie marked 108 years, crediting in-house service and customer loyalty for surviving wars and e-commerce.

Courts & Politics: A New Orleans grand jury indicted Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill on felony counts tied to letters she sent to Orleans Parish leaders during a fight over changes to local courts, setting up a major legal clash with Gov. Jeff Landry and city officials. Public Transit: The RTA launched an online survey to improve bus service reliability in New Orleans East, asking riders for input on specific routes and aiming for changes by fall 2027. Education: St. Landry Parish school closures are in the spotlight after state Rep. Dustin Miller warned about the fallout from consolidation tied to budget deficits. Health & Safety: Health officials are tracking a diarrhea-causing parasite surge (cyclosporiasis) reported across 17+ states, including Louisiana, as people head into the Fourth of July weekend. Weather: Southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast face spotty storms and dangerous heat—heat indexes around 105—while fireworks plans are expected to hold. Sports: LSU cut 25 administrative staff positions to boost faculty and research funding, and the MAC-SBC Challenge matchups were set, with Louisiana teams involved in the Nov. 2 opener.

NFIP Flood Costs Transparency: Congressman Cleo Fields and partners introduced the NFIP Premium Transparency Act, pushing FEMA to clearly explain what drives Louisiana’s flood insurance premiums and how policyholders can lower costs. Local Justice Clash: A New Orleans grand jury probe is reportedly examining whether Attorney General Liz Murrill broke laws tied to threats against city leaders, deepening the feud between state and city officials. Child Exploitation Sting: Kenner police arrested a 75-year-old man legally named “Santa Claus,” accused of using a dating app to arrange a meeting with someone he believed was a 15-year-old. Courtroom Update: The 4th Circuit reinstated dozens of video voyeurism charges against a New Orleans man accused of secretly recording unconscious women. Workforce & AI Training: Meta’s Workforce Academy is coming to Baton Rouge, offering free, short-term training with a job promise through a contractor. Sports Agents Rule: Louisiana launched an online registration portal for athlete agents, requiring training, fees, and background checks to protect student-athletes. Public Health Recall: The FDA upgraded a Zapp’s/Dirty chip recall to the highest risk level over possible salmonella contamination.

Athlete Agent Reform: Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill launched the Athlete Agent Registration Portal under Senate Bill 389, requiring registration, a criminal background check, and mandatory training for agents representing Louisiana athletes, including NIL. Public Safety & Health: Health officials are tracking a seasonal spike of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness causing “explosive” diarrhea, with cases reported in 17 states including Louisiana. Local Government Watch: Murrill said she has no confirmation that an Orleans Parish grand jury is investigating her alleged intimidation of city officials, as sources say the probe centers on letters sent during the court clerk consolidation fight. Major Infrastructure: DOTD announced new nighttime lane closures starting July 10 for the Jimmie Davis Bridge project in Bossier City through Aug. 7, with detours provided. Energy & Environment: Air Products is canceling its proposed carbon sequestration project at fragile Lake Maurepas, drawing relief from Tangipahoa leaders. Crime Crackdown: Kenner Police arrested a man legally named “Santa Claus” in an undercover child exploitation sting, charging him with computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Higher Education: UNO officially became LSU New Orleans, returning to the LSU system with a new sign unveiled at a ceremony.

Louisiana Courts: New Orleans asks the Louisiana Supreme Court to appoint an outside judge in the ex-sheriff Susan Hutson public corruption case, after Orleans Parish judges recused themselves and prosecutors pointed to documents tied to last July’s courtroom showdown. Public Safety & Law: A 75-year-old man legally named “Santa Claus” was arrested in Kenner in an undercover sting targeting alleged online child predators, accused of arranging an in-person meeting and sending explicit photos. State Infrastructure: DOTD says nighttime lane closures begin tonight on I-20 in Caddo Parish as a $419,714 striping and reflectorized marker project nears completion. Sports (Local): Southeastern Louisiana’s Haley Crawford is headed to Baylor after signing from the transfer portal, and SLU’s marketing office won graphic design and videography awards. Politics & Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled cellphone location privacy is protected under the Constitution, limiting geofence-style tracking. Culture: Lainey Wilson released “Phone, Keys, Wallet,” featuring John Mayer, continuing her Louisiana-to-national momentum.

Local Leadership: Abbeville swore in Anita Levy as its first Black mayor, promising a shift in city hall culture toward transparency, safer streets, and affordability, alongside firsts on the council including first Asian American member Bang Bui. Emergency Response: Acadian Ambulance will open a regional response headquarters in Broussard, leasing Fire Station #2 and aiming to improve response times with up to six ambulances on standby. Library Plans: Lafayette unveiled designs for a Northeast Regional Library, with community-driven spaces for kids, teens, STEAM/STEM, study rooms, and outdoor areas, targeting an opening by 2028. Public Safety (Fireworks): Louisiana’s fire marshal is urging safer Fourth of July fireworks use, warning sparklers can burn at extreme temperatures and reminding residents to follow label directions and buy only from permitted vendors. Health: Louisiana marked a major sickle cell milestone with the first successful CRISPR cure in the state, offering new hope for patients. Courts & Guns: The U.S. Supreme Court turned away challenges to firearm age limits for 18-to-20-year-olds, while leaving other gun-related rulings in place. Crime: A former LSU football player was arrested after a crash that killed two people in downtown Baton Rouge, with police citing alleged intoxication and red-light violations. Infrastructure Reliability: Sewerage and Water Board officials said backup turbines will run during major storms after a new drainage power complex failed during Tropical Storm Arthur.

Pontchartrain Center Shake-Up: Kenner’s Pontchartrain Center will shift to city management starting July 1 after Caesars Superdome operator Legends Global ended its decades-long contract, with both sides blaming failed talks over fees and the city’s ongoing subsidy. Wildlife Reminder: Louisiana wildlife officials say leave deer fawns alone—don’t handle or try to “help,” because the doe is usually nearby and it’s illegal to capture or possess fawns. Child Exploitation Sting: Kenner Police arrested 75-year-old “Santa Claus” (real name obtained by police) and 10 others in a weekend online child predator operation, alleging computer-aided solicitation and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Local Sports Spotlight: UL Lafayette is joining the Sun Belt July 1, and former UL catcher Jonathan Lucroy was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Community Growth: Leaders unveiled a $22 million Scotlandville development plan targeting new housing and retail near Southern University to bring investment back to the area. Lottery Results: Louisiana Lottery Powerball and Pick 3 results were released for June 29.

Workplace Safety & Pay Reform: Three Louisiana laws aimed at safer workplaces and updated workers’ comp rules take effect in August, including tougher penalties for violence against retail and food workers and a major overhaul process for medical fee schedules that haven’t been updated in 30 years. Local Water Upgrade: Opelousas is getting $17 million to replace aging water mains, wells, and storage tanks, targeting fewer leaks and better pressure for about 6,500 customers. Legal & Courts: The Louisiana Supreme Court cleared a West Monroe man after 27 years on death row, ruling new record shows no rational juror would convict. Politics & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld rules allowing states to count certain mail-in ballots received after Election Day, rejecting a Trump-led challenge. Public Safety: New Orleans police are investigating a short-term rental shooting that left a man wounded early Sunday; Baton Rouge police are investigating a separate deadly shooting near Cadillac Street Park. Tourism Push: Louisiana launched a summer “staycation” campaign running through Labor Day to encourage in-state travel and boost local businesses.

Louisiana Politics: Rep. Julia Letlow rode President Donald Trump’s endorsement to win Louisiana’s GOP U.S. Senate runoff Saturday, setting up a November matchup with Democrat Jamie Davis, who won his runoff. Local Transit: New Orleans RTA leadership is in flux as the agency searches for a new CEO, with riders and reliability concerns front and center. Leadership Change in Economic Development: GNO, Inc. CEO Michael Hecht says he’ll step down at year’s end, moving into a CEO emeritus role as the search begins for his replacement. Space in the Sky: A bright fireball streaked across south Louisiana early Sunday, with multiple camera captures and online buzz from stargazers. Community & Culture: The Strand Theatre in Shreveport hosts a Naturalization Celebration with 34 new citizens taking the oath as part of America 250 festivities. Film Tech in Louisiana: “The Mandalorian” style virtual production is spreading, with Louisiana companies and a university investing in LED stages and related gear. Sports Business: Knicks free-agency planning includes possible interest in veteran centers, while Louisiana’s Pelicans situation remains tied to looming roster decisions.

Louisiana Politics: U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow won the GOP nomination for Louisiana’s U.S. Senate seat, beating state Treasurer John Fleming in the runoff and setting up a November matchup with Democrat Jamie Davis. Public Safety: Baton Rouge police report one person killed and four others hurt in a shooting on Osceola Street. Storm Recovery: The American Red Cross will open a disaster assistance center in Raceland for residents affected by Tropical Storm Arthur. New Orleans Utilities: A Sewerage and Water Board boil water advisory in New Orleans East was canceled after a water main break. Local Government/Infrastructure: NOPD reopened traffic around the Benefit Street/Broad Street exit from I-610. Education & Jobs: Southeastern Louisiana University named new department heads and added new academic concentrations, while also expanding scholarships and media training. Culture & Sports: Essence Fest returns with major headliners at the Superdome, and Joe Horn was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

Louisiana Politics: Rep. Julia Letlow won the GOP U.S. Senate runoff Saturday, defeating state Treasurer John Fleming and setting up a November matchup with Democrat Jamie Davis, after Trump’s endorsement helped carry her through the tight primary. Local Elections: East Baton Rouge voters approved all three parish-wide tax renewals, including continued funding for the library, BREC, and the Council on Aging. Education & Health: Dr. Laura Cassidy is pushing for better dyslexia identification and support in Louisiana, arguing thousands of students may be missing diagnoses and services. Public Safety: Louisiana lawmakers advanced a bill to change sentencing for second-degree murder, allowing life in prison under specific aggravating factors. Sports: The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame wrapped up its 2026 induction week in Natchitoches, honoring a new class of athletes and sports leaders. Weather: The Old Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting a hot start to July with storms later in the month across much of the U.S., including the South.

Disaster Response: Gov. Jeff Landry asked President Trump for a major disaster declaration after Tropical Storm Arthur dumped extreme rain and triggered flooding and tornadoes, including a “thousand-year event” in Avoyelles Parish. Louisiana Politics: Trump made a final push for Rep. Julia Letlow ahead of Saturday’s GOP Senate runoff against state Treasurer John Fleming, framing it as a key “America First” win. Public Safety: Shreveport police arrested Walter Evans, 66, on child sexual abuse charges tied to allegations from when the victim was 9 to 12. Elections & Civic Life: Louisiana voters head to the polls for June 27 Senate runoffs, with the Letlow-Fleming matchup dominating attention. Local News: New Orleans East faced a water main break and a boil-water advisory affecting about 26,000 people while repairs continue. Sports (Local Talent): Ruston High’s Ahmad Hudson was named MaxPreps Louisiana Male Athlete of the Year after standout seasons in football and basketball, including a state title run. College Sports: NCAA urged Division I baseball coaches not to cancel midweek games to protect tournament positioning.

Louisiana Senate Runoff: Trump’s endorsement is back on the ballot Saturday in the GOP Senate primary runoff, with Rep. Julia Letlow facing state Treasurer John Fleming—low turnout could make the race unpredictable. New Orleans Politics & Courts: A recent legal fight over Louisiana’s electoral map is now framed as a direct challenge to the Voting Rights Act, putting Black voters’ representation at the center of the dispute. Baton Rouge Public Safety: Police say a missing Baton Rouge teen’s body is likely in a landfill, as the search narrows after a murder arrest. Health & Community: Louisiana Civics Bee finals are set to bring student civic engagement to LSU Shreveport. Sports (Louisiana ties): The New Orleans Saints’ Travis Etienne is highlighted in the NFL’s Top 100 countdown, and the New Orleans Pelicans’ offseason moves continue to draw attention. Lottery: Louisiana Lottery Mega Millions results for June 26 were released for players checking numbers.

Juneteenth & Community: A new look at Juneteenth’s meaning traces how the June 19, 1865 emancipation news reached enslaved people in Texas weeks after Lincoln’s proclamation—an overdue reminder of why the holiday still matters. Public Safety & Justice: Baton Rouge police say they’ve found strong leads that the body of missing 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather is in the East Baton Rouge Landfill, and investigators are asking the FBI to help narrow the search. Local Government: St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith has resigned, and attention is turning to who will run next. Education: Ben Franklin High School will lease space from the University of New Orleans to expand classrooms and avoid capping admissions. Infrastructure: DOTD plans a four-week right-lane closure on I-20 eastbound over the Mississippi River in Madison Parish for bridge repairs. New Orleans & Culture: Crescent City Auction Gallery’s Important Summer Estates sale July 9-10 includes nearly 700 lots, with major highlights like a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SL and fine art. Defense Innovation: Four Navy commands launched the Gulf Coast Defense Catalyst partnership at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans to speed tech from labs to operations.

Louisiana Economy & Tech: A new analysis says Louisiana could be giving up more than $3.3 billion in tax revenue tied to incentive deals for Meta’s Richland Parish data center, raising questions about who benefits as the project grows. Education & Access: Grambling State and Southern University Law Center launched a 3+3 accelerated law program aimed at cutting the path to a bachelor’s and law degree to six years, with expected tuition savings. Public Health & Safety: A Louisiana man, Daniel Cressy of Metairie, is among the first in the U.S. functionally cured of sickle cell using Casgevy, a CRISPR-based gene therapy. Local Business & Community: A “Queen of Magazine” retail adviser is credited with landing major national brands on New Orleans’ Magazine Street, including multiple deals and leases. Environment & Accountability: Bridgeport received another $116,995 installment from a 3M-linked PFAS class-action settlement, part of a larger effort after contaminated wells. Sports: LSU football transfer Ty Benefield is drawing major offseason praise, with ESPN ranking him among the top defenders for 2026. Politics & Courts: A federal appeals court upheld Michigan’s limits on sharing voter personal data, dealing another blow to the Trump administration’s push for broader access.