AGP Executive Report

MLB Draft (Louisiana picks): The 2026 MLB Draft wrapped with Day 2 selections that put Louisiana talent on the map, including UL’s Sam Larson taken by the Rockies in the 16th round, Nicholls’ Dalton Hill picked by the Royals in the 13th, and UL’s Cody Brasch going to the Giants in the 8th after a breakout Sun Belt season. Local infrastructure: Baton Rouge broke ground Monday on the Perkins Road Overpass project, a $2.5 million effort aimed at safer access and connectivity for pedestrians and nearby businesses. Flooding and drainage: New Orleans’ Sewerage and Water Board said Saturday’s flooding was driven largely by human error, including pump shutdown mistakes at Pump Station 7 and manual restart issues at Pritchert Station. Weather watch: Forecasters warned slow-moving storms could bring heavier rain and localized flash flooding through Tuesday, with Monday the most concerning day. Public safety/transport: The Dularge Bridge on LA 315 was closed to vehicles due to mechanical issues, with marine traffic still allowed. Veterans tech: About 20 legally blind veterans received Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses at the WWII Museum in New Orleans, part of a broader national push to help veterans use the devices. State policy: Louisiana House Bill 150, aimed at lowering flood insurance premiums and easing costs for residents, was highlighted as a first step after Gov. Jeff Landry signed it.

Flood Watch: Southeast Louisiana is bracing for more rounds of heavy rain and possible flooding through Tuesday, with Sunday starting the higher concern and Monday flagged as the day to watch most closely. Local Public Safety: Baker Mayor Darnell Waites announced a new violence-reduction plan after recent shootings near Baker High School and on Daniels Street. Baton Rouge Sports & Community: Southern University’s 4th Annual Athletics Gala is set for Aug. 22 at the Raising Cane’s River Center, with proceeds aimed at scholarships and Jaguar sports upgrades. LSU to the Pros: LSU baseball’s Derek Curiel was selected fifth overall by the Pirates, with Jake Brown and Deven Sheerin also taken on Day 1. Tourism & Culture: Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism launched a statewide “Louisiana Staycation” campaign running through Labor Day. Arts & Local Film: Pat Mire’s St. Landry-set murder mystery “Pointe Noire” streams this week.

Greenland Tension: Denmark’s PM Mette Frederiksen reiterated Greenland “is not for sale” after President Trump renewed U.S. control calls at NATO talks, with Greenland leaders stressing self-determination can’t be negotiated. MLB Draft—LSU Pipeline: LSU’s Jake Brown went No. 65 to Seattle, and LSU reliever Deven Sheerin was picked No. 128 by Philadelphia—another big weekend for Louisiana baseball. MLB Draft—Northwest Louisiana: Northwestern State’s Dylan Marionneaux became the Demons’ first MLB Draft pick in three seasons, selected by the Cubs in the fourth round. Baton Rouge Gun Violence: The mother of 22-year-old Qwaviez Hamilton, shot and killed outside his Baton Rouge apartment, is urging tips as police say they have no new information. New Orleans Flooding: Sewerage & Water Board pump failures at Drange Pump Station 7 and Pritchard Pump Station worsened Saturday flooding in multiple neighborhoods. Heat Safety: Louisiana health officials confirmed the state’s first heat-related death of 2026. Weather Watch: Southeast Louisiana remains under a storm-and-flood risk stretch into Monday, with heavy rain possible.

Fatal Crash in Livingston Parish: Louisiana State Police say a Denham Springs man crossed the centerline on LA 42 in a head-on crash that killed Linda Watts and Joseph Watts; Brandon Koehnke was booked on negligent homicide and improper lane usage, with impairment still under investigation. Weather Watch for Southeast Louisiana: First Alert forecasts more afternoon storms Saturday, then a more active Sunday-to-Monday pattern with a stalled front and Gulf moisture raising the risk of heavy downpours and localized flooding. Public Safety—Construction Injuries: A Baton Rouge-area report highlights how construction-site injuries can involve multiple parties, making investigations and responsibility harder to pin down. Gun Storage Concern: A new ValuePenguin analysis says Louisiana gun owners are more likely than most to store firearms unlocked and loaded, raising household safety questions. New Orleans Event: Thousands took part in the city’s “Running of the Bulls” style San Fermin in Nueva Orleans, with roller-derby “bulls” and proceeds supporting women fighting cancer. Local Business Milestones: Home Bank marked its 118th anniversary and 30 years at its Lafayette headquarters with a community “Acts of Kindness” campaign.

Supreme Court/Tech & Kids: The U.S. Supreme Court refused to block Texas’s app age-verification law, letting the state require proof of age and parental consent for under-18 downloads while lawsuits move through the courts. Drones & Retail Logistics: FAA rule changes could loosen “line of sight” limits and make drone deliveries more scalable, a shift that could reshape how retailers move packages. New Orleans-State Budget Fight: Gov. Jeff Landry and Mayor Helena Moreno traded barbs over New Orleans using the state “as an ATM,” with Moreno pushing for talks as the dispute continues. Louisiana Politics/Legal Process: A legal analyst says preservation letters tied to AG Liz Murrill may signal a closer look at the grand jury process. Public Safety/Crime: New Orleans police report a sharp rise in catalytic converter thefts, with Hondas and Toyotas hit hardest. Local Government/Recovery Funds: Lake Charles redirected federal disaster recovery money to upgrade the Goosport Community Center, citing safety needs for local youth. Health: LDH confirmed the state’s first heat-related death of 2026, involving a man over 65. Sports/Local Interest: Louisiana football’s 2026 non-conference slate was released, including home games vs. Akron and McNeese and a trip to California.

Louisiana Legal Fight: New Orleans Judge Leon T. Roché II defended courtroom secrecy during AG Liz Murrill’s grand jury case, saying deputies cleared journalists to protect grand jurors—after one producer was handcuffed and detained. Public Safety & Health: AAA says gas prices ticked up again as Iran ceasefire uncertainty lingers, while a national survey warns limited access to high-flow oxygen is delaying hospital discharges. Consumer Fraud: Louisiana is set to receive millions from a Cash App settlement tied to scam losses, with the state AG saying companies must do more to protect users. Local Courts & Crime: Former Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson pleaded not guilty to 30 charges tied to last year’s jail escape. Baton Rouge Sports: LSU is represented among top MLB Draft prospects, with Derek Curiel ranked No. 12 overall by MLB.com as the draft begins Saturday. Weather: Southeast Louisiana braces for heat and storms with a flooding threat building into early next week. Business & Growth: A Baton Rouge shopping center continues to buck retail odds after an ownership change, with foot traffic rising year over year.

Louisiana Politics: New Orleans officials are bracing for fallout after Attorney General Liz Murrill’s indictment, with Mayor Helena Moreno pulling a $110 million bond request from the State Bond Commission rather than face rejection, warning of possible state retribution tied to city finances. Courts & Accountability: In the same Murrill fight, attorneys for Murrill sent preservation letters to New Orleans leaders and other officials tied to the grand jury process, while a judge again defended closing a courtroom during the indictment. Local Governance: The City Council approved the Rivana apartment project near the convention center, a 220-unit affordable development that supporters say fills a working-class housing gap, even as critics question long-term property tax impacts. Public Safety & Health: LSU Health Shreveport will award up to six PA students full-tuition scholarships through the LDH H.E.R.O. grant, pairing them with rural hospitals for service commitments. Environment & Outdoor Life: New fishing rules for the Atchafalaya Basin and nearby waters take effect Aug. 1, setting new minimum sizes and daily creel limits for black bass and crappie. Business & Infrastructure: USDOT awarded $136.8 million in BUILD grants to 12 port projects nationwide, including planning and upgrades that could affect Louisiana’s regional shipping network. Community & Culture: WVUE won national journalism awards for its Bourbon Street attack coverage and a major investigation into former Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

LSU & Sports: Derek Curiel’s stock keeps rising ahead of the MLB Draft, with a new mock placing the former LSU star at No. 12 overall to the Angels. Local Business: BankPlus reopened its rebuilt Metairie Veterans Boulevard branch after a fire, with a ribbon-cutting attended by parish leaders and upgraded banking tech. AI for Louisiana Companies: Southeastern Louisiana University will host an Artificial Intelligence Launchpad Aug. 4 in Hammond, offering hands-on faculty coaching for businesses building custom AI solutions. Courts & Politics: The Louisiana Supreme Court appointed retired judge Robert Chaisson to oversee proceedings in the criminal case involving Attorney General Liz Murrill. New Orleans Economy: A longtime Frenchmen Street tattoo shop, Electric Ladyland, quietly closed after three decades as the nightlife corridor keeps shifting. Housing & Cost of Living: Forecasters trimmed home price growth expectations for 2026 as inflation continues to bite. Weather: Forecasters flagged tropical downpours and spotty storms for the weekend into early next week.

Energy & Courts: The 5th Circuit cleared Delfin LNG after dismissing environmental groups’ challenge to the deepwater port license off Louisiana’s coast, saying the plaintiffs lacked standing—setting up fewer legal hurdles for the floating LNG project. Local Economy & Infrastructure: New Orleans French Quarter businesses sued the Sewerage and Water Board over Decatur Street construction, saying months of fencing, access problems, and sewer backups are driving away customers and pushing closures. Politics & Governance: Mayor Helena Moreno said New Orleans is aiming for a “reset” with the state after a New Orleans grand jury indicted Attorney General Liz Murrill, arguing local, state, and federal partners must keep working together. Elections & Voting Rights: DOJ warned states they could face criminal prosecution over noncitizen voting, escalating federal pressure on voter eligibility enforcement. Public Safety: A judge in St. Tammany ordered “tales jurors” after the jury pool was exhausted, a move attorneys called unusual. Education & Community: Lafayette approved naming its Northeast Regional Library for civil rights leader Norman C. Francis, with an expected 2028 opening. Health & Weather: Extreme heat in northwest Louisiana has been linked to roadway buckling and highway disruptions, with DOTD urging drivers to report buckling.

Education Policy: The U.S. Department of Education approved Arkansas’ request for flexibility waivers that cut paperwork and testing burdens for schools, with Louisiana named among the earlier states to get similar approval. Local Libraries & Civic Legacy: Lafayette dedicated the Northeast Regional Library as the Norman C. Francis Library, honoring the educator and civil rights leader tied to Holy Rosary redevelopment. Back-to-School Support: Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor announced a 26th straight school supply drive targeting about 3,200 students, with donation drop-offs at local Associated Grocers stores. Health Coverage Update: Medicaid will cover sickle cell gene therapy under a new CMS access model that pays based on whether the treatment works. Courts & Public Trust: In New Orleans, a judge ruled federal prosecutors can use an alleged gold NOPD ring in the Cantrell fraud case, while limiting other claims. Environment & Revitalization: Louisiana received $4.5 million in EPA Brownfields grants to assess and clean up contaminated sites for redevelopment. Business & Community: Home Bank marked 118 years with a ribbon cutting at its Kaliste Saloom branch in Lafayette. Weather Watch: Southeast Louisiana braces for more afternoon storms with heavy rain and gusty winds possible.

Local Politics: Baton Rouge Democratic state Sen. Larry Selders, 44, died suddenly Tuesday night at his son’s football practice, leaving two sons and his wife; colleagues remembered him as a “gentle giant” and a mental-health advocate. Courts & Health Policy: The 5th Circuit again rejected a challenge to Louisiana’s 340B drug delivery law, keeping the state’s restrictions in place. Public Safety: New Orleans police are investigating a Seventh Ward homicide by shooting Tuesday night. Community & Youth: Courtesy Automotive and UL Lafayette will host Training 4 Life for Acadiana kids Thursday at Blackham Coliseum, continuing the program after its founder, Arlene Hargroder, died recently. Transit: RTA is gathering rider feedback on proposed changes to New Orleans East bus routes and schedules, after riders described long, multi-bus trips to appointments. Environment & Economy: Gulf of America Alliance announced 20 projects, including Louisiana wetland and habitat work, aimed at coastal resilience and environmental education. Events: The Delta Utilities Red River Balloon Rally returns this weekend to Shreveport-Bossier at Louisiana Downs with balloon launches, music, fireworks, and a new Xfinity drone show.

Louisiana Workforce & Population: Louisiana’s labor force participation rose from 57.9% to 58.8%, adding nearly 33,000 people either working or actively job hunting, as Gov. Jeff Landry and Louisiana Economic Development push retention and recruitment. Storm Recovery: FEMA says Louisianans in Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes affected by Tropical Storm Arthur (June 17-18) can apply for possible assistance, with guidance to file insurance claims first. Public Safety—Fatal Crashes: Louisiana State Police reported a fatal I-10 East crash near Jennings involving a three-vehicle collision where the driver was improperly restrained, and a separate fatal single-vehicle crash on LA 686 near Moise Mallet Road where two unrestrained occupants were ejected. Local Economy & Energy: Argent LNG awarded Louisiana-based GIS Engineering a marine, environmental and site engineering contract tied to its Port Fourchon LNG export terminal permitting. Education & Community: St. Charles Parish hit a milestone delivering 250,000 free books to children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Legal/Policy Watch: The House Financial Services Committee advanced the Earned Wage Access Consumer Protection Act, aiming to set federal rules and consumer protections for earned wage access services.

Tropical Storm Arthur recovery: FEMA says Louisiana homeowners and renters in Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne can apply for Individual Assistance for serious needs, displacement, repairs and personal property losses, with flood insurance claims first. Education wins: Ascension Parish Public Schools topped the state on 2025-26 LEAP results for a fourth straight year, with 53% of students at mastery/advanced; statewide Mastery+ rates also hit record highs. Teacher pay plan: Gov. Landry’s $168M stipend program starts July 1 after Amendment 3 failed, sending $2,000 to in-classroom teachers and $1,000 to support staff, drawing pushback from some unions over funding impacts on districts. Baton Rouge crime: Police say a woman accused of carjacking on I-110 fired at motorists, grazing a driver in the head; she faces multiple felonies. Infrastructure: DOTD is replacing three LA 339 bridges in Vermilion Parish with concrete box culverts, with the first phase due in August and the rest by December. Energy industry: Argent LNG awarded marine, environmental and site engineering services to GIS Engineering for its Port Fourchon LNG export terminal permitting work.

Louisiana Courts: The Louisiana Supreme Court recalled an arrest warrant for Attorney General Liz Murrill after an Orleans Parish grand jury indictment, issuing a stay that blocked the state from pursuing her arrest and ordering the warrant removed from law enforcement databases. Education & Schools: LEAP results show Louisiana students improving in most subjects, with English largely flat; locally, Vermilion Parish rose to No. 6 statewide for growth and proficiency, while Bossier Schools ranked among the state’s top performers for student gains. Public Safety: Tangipahoa Parish deputies, using a Highway Safety Commission grant, cited seven people in an underage tobacco and alcohol enforcement push. Immigration: The Trump administration is planning a 528-bed migrant holding facility near Alexandria International Airport to speed deportation flights, drawing concern from advocates about oversight and how long children could be held. Weather: After Sunday storms, Monday looks calmer in the New Orleans area, but daily storm chances continue into the week. Local Crime: Two people were arrested in connection with a 2024 Evangeline Parish homicide involving a Baton Rouge man.

Immigration & Deportations: The Trump administration is moving to open a 528-bed holding facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, aimed at speeding deportations of migrant families and unaccompanied children, with advocates warning kids could be held longer than officials say. Severe Weather: Thunderstorms rolled through southeast Louisiana, knocking out power for thousands of Entergy customers and triggering flash flood warnings across multiple parishes, with more scattered storms expected to continue through the week. Public Safety: Baton Rouge police are investigating a reported shooting on I-110 near Harding Boulevard that left one person injured, with traffic impacts in the area. Missing Kids Law: Louisiana added a new designation to missing person alerts for people with qualifying cognitive disabilities, and a Baton Rouge-area mother says it could help searches start in the right places faster. Local Impact & Economy: Fourth of July travel boosted Ocean Springs businesses, while gas prices continued to fluctuate across Louisiana parishes in the latest GasBuddy reports. Politics: House Speaker Mike Johnson urged Congress to curb birthright citizenship, arguing the system is being abused. Culture: ESSENCE Fest’s second night in New Orleans drew major crowds and standout performances from Patti LaBelle, Babyface, Brandy and Monica.

Louisiana Supreme Court & voting-rights fight: The U.S. Supreme Court’s civil-rights term included a major blow to federal voting-rights protections while preserving birthright citizenship, and Louisiana’s own election-law battles are still heating up as lawmakers push voter ID and citizenship proof measures. AG Liz Murrill legal saga: Louisiana’s top court has paused or recalled parts of Attorney General Liz Murrill’s indictment process, keeping the feud between state and New Orleans officials in the spotlight. Public safety in Baton Rouge area: Shreveport saw a deadly officer-involved shooting after a fight near the Sand Bar; Louisiana State Police took over the investigation. Local courts & representation: Louisiana Supreme Court appointed the first Black judge to the Lafayette City Court, a historic move tied to a judge pro tempore role. Community & culture: New Orleans marked America’s 250th with major events and fireworks, while Tulane’s athletics department posted its best Directors’ Cup finish in 21 years. Weather: Storm chances return Sunday into Monday/Tuesday, with heavy rain and gusty winds possible.