AGP Executive Report

Memorial Day in Baton Rouge: Thousands of flags are set to line the Louisiana State Capitol lawn as volunteers prepare the annual tribute to fallen service members, with organizers saying more than 11,000 flags will honor Americans from the Revolution to today. Public Safety: The Highway Safety Commission’s “Click It or Ticket” crackdown runs over the holiday weekend, with seatbelt fines starting at $50 for first-time offenders. Local Courts & Crime: A St. Tammany Parish jury convicted John Silas Joiner Jr. on 15 counts tied to narcotics, weapons, and resisting arrest, setting up a mandatory life sentence. Tech & Risk: A Baton Rouge architecture firm, Grace Design Studios, is facing a proposed class action after a data breach allegedly led to a ransomware attack. Sports & Community: Liberty punched its ticket to the CUSA semifinals with a 6-0 win over Louisiana Tech, while Lafourche Parish libraries kick off free dinosaur-themed summer programs.

Politics, Washington: House Republicans delayed a vote on a war-powers resolution aimed at limiting Trump’s Iran war actions, pushing lawmakers back to June 2 after GOP opposition and absences left support shaky. Politics, Louisiana: The fallout from Trump’s “kingmaker” style keeps hitting home—Cassidy’s loss in Louisiana’s GOP primary is being framed as another example of loyalty tests reshaping the party. Courts & voting rights: DOJ voter-roll lawsuits took another hit as judges dismissed challenges seeking expanded state voter data, adding to the legal fight over how far federal power can reach. Trade & local economy: Sugar producers are urging USTR to investigate “unfair” over-quota imports, while copper traders are reportedly moving inventory tied to a late-June tariff decision. Public safety & community: Simmesport police arrested a suspect after a search-warrant operation; and Baton Rouge-area families are planning for summer heat with new public pool and splash-pad options. Sports & culture: Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, died at 47, and Baton Rouge readers also got a lighter local beat—pool guides and a new Spanish tapas all-you-can-eat night in New Orleans.

ICE Funding Standoff: Senate Republicans backed away from a vote on a $72 billion immigration enforcement bill after a revolt over President Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and a $1 billion ballroom add-on, pushing the decision to June. Louisiana Redistricting: In Baton Rouge, a House panel advanced a congressional map bill that would erase a majority-Black district, after the Supreme Court’s Callais ruling set off a rush to redraw districts across the South. Voting Rights Fallout: Lawyers are calling out the Supreme Court’s use of made-up election rules, while protesters keep showing up in Washington and beyond. State Budget Moves: Louisiana’s Senate Finance Committee approved changes to the next budget after revenue forecasts came in short, prioritizing roads and debt paydown. Hurricane Prep: NOAA says 2026 is likely below-average, but Louisiana officials stress it only takes one storm. Local Watch: New Orleans is one step closer to Sewerage & Water Board oversight by City Council after the Senate passed a bill.

Fatal Crash in Richland Parish: Louisiana State Police say a Winnsboro man, 28-year-old Courtney Temple, died Thursday evening in a two-vehicle crash at U.S. Highway 80 and Weems Road; investigators allege the Ford made a left turn on a green light while a GMC Sierra driven by 38-year-old Allen Stewart ran a red and struck the Ford, and Stewart was later arrested after being found impaired. Local Courts, Public Records: A judge ordered Ascension Parish to release nondisclosure agreements tied to industrial projects, rejecting the parish’s secrecy claims as environmental groups press for transparency. GOP Power Shift: In national politics, Trump’s endorsement of Texas AG Ken Paxton signals the next front in the party’s purge of the “old guard,” following Bill Cassidy’s ouster and Thomas Massie’s loss. Housing Stress Signals: New data highlights where mortgage delinquency is rising fastest, a warning sign for borrowers and the broader economy. NAACP College-Sports Boycott: The NAACP’s “Out of Bounds” push targets major Southern programs, including LSU, as part of a fight over voting rights after the Callais ruling.

Greenland Push: US envoy Jeff Landry says Washington must “put its footprint back on Greenland,” pointing to Cold War-era bases and plans to expand presence as Trump argues the island is key to security and resources. NBA Spotlight: Pelicans rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen made the All-Rookie Second Team, while Kings center Maxime Raynaud also earned Second Team honors. Local Transit Shakeup: New Orleans RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins resigned and repaid nearly $21K over car allowance issues, setting up a legal fight with the board. Politics & Voting Rights: The NAACP and Congressional Black Caucus are urging Black athletes and fans to boycott major public universities in states accused of weakening Black voting power, including Louisiana. Louisiana Sports/Recruiting: LSU is bringing back former coach Ed Orgeron as a special assistant under Lane Kiffin. Business Growth: Trader Joe’s announced 25 new stores across 14 states. Public Safety: Mississippi ranked 11th for public safety in a new U.S. News report, while Louisiana continues to face scrutiny in voting-rights and redistricting battles.

Algiers Kidnapping Attempt: New Orleans police say a juvenile in the Behrman neighborhood escaped after suspects allegedly put a bag over the child’s head, forced them into a car, then the victim broke a window and ran to safety. Saints Contract Pressure: Alvin Kamara’s future with the Saints is getting tighter as GM Mickey Loomis signals “resource management” could mean a pay cut soon. Trump Coalition Strain: A new AP/NORC poll finds Republicans’ disapproval of Trump’s economy hitting a new high, with gas prices and the Iran war weighing on voters. Local Toll Fight: A bill would create a fund to help end the Belle Chasse Bridge toll contract early or reduce tolls, with a Senate finance hearing pending. Rail Safety Reminder: An Amtrak train hit and killed a woman on tracks near Mobile, continuing a grim streak of incidents on the New Orleans–Mobile route. Voting Rights Backlash: NAACP launches an “Out of Bounds” push urging Black athletes and fans to boycott major Southern public schools over voting-rights complaints. Water Infrastructure Boost: Hut 8 plans a $16M West Feliciana water system expansion tied to its River Bend AI data center campus.

Trump’s GOP purge hits Kentucky: Rep. Thomas Massie was ousted in the Kentucky GOP primary by Trump-backed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, another sign Trump can still flip “friendly” Republicans when they break with him. Louisiana politics fallout: Sen. Bill Cassidy says he has “no regrets” about his 2021 impeachment vote—while Louisiana’s closed primary system is already drawing blame for low turnout, with Lafayette’s clerk citing confusion and a 24% turnout. Local public safety: St. Landry Parish is banning trail rides for the rest of 2026 after shootings tied to a weekend event. Health & community: LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center highlights clinical trials after a patient’s Stage 3 lung cancer went into complete remission. Weather watch: Officials are tracking a heavy-rain setup that could bring flash-flood concerns across the region. Sports: Louisiana baseball rolled past Marshall 11-1 in the Sun Belt tournament opener, moving one win closer to the title.

Land Fight Ignites: A draft bill backed by Sen. Bill Cassidy would transfer about 140,000 acres of Louisiana’s only national forest, Kisatchie, to Grant Parish—and residents are furious, saying they weren’t consulted and fear public access could shrink. Voting Rights Backlash: Across the country, the Supreme Court’s latest Voting Rights Act moves are still rippling—Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson warned the court risks looking partisan after it sped up a Louisiana-related decision. Local Politics Pressure: Louisiana voters also rejected a teacher-pay constitutional amendment, and Gov. Landry is now pushing back hard, while the GOP launches a counter-campaign against recall efforts. Public Safety: A major Greater Baton Rouge internet sex-crimes sweep ended with 60 registered sex offenders arrested. Everyday Life: In Acadiana, drivers are being warned that Louisiana law limits how far you can travel in a turning lane—about 200 feet.

Pelicans Hire: New Orleans has landed Jamahl Mosley as head coach on a five-year deal after he was fired by the Magic following a 3-1 playoff lead. ESPN reports he went 189-221 in Orlando and is known for defensive intensity and player development. Louisiana Politics: The fallout from the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act decision keeps tightening the screws on election maps—Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson warned the Court risks looking political after it let Louisiana move fast on new districts. Teacher Pay Fight: Gov. Jeff Landry is threatening vetoes unless lawmakers deliver a permanent teacher raise after voters rejected Amendment 3. Local Sports: Saints coach Kellen Moore says the team is “getting close” on Alvin Kamara’s status as OTAs approach. Other Notables: UAMS recognized 1,237 health-professional graduates; and a 4-year-old Houston-area wish kid got a VIP Monster Jam trip.

Louisiana Politics: Voters rejected Gov. Jeff Landry’s teacher-pay plan and all four other constitutional amendments on Saturday, dimming lawmakers’ chances of finding money for raises after Amendment 3 failed. Voting Rights & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court avoided a major next step in Voting Rights Act enforcement, sending Mississippi and North Dakota map fights back to lower courts after its Louisiana ruling weakened protections for minority districts. Redistricting Fight: Louisiana’s GOP-backed congressional map cleared the state Senate 27-10, aiming to eliminate a majority-Black district and give Republicans a 5-1 edge—now headed to the House. Cybersecurity: Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Bill Cassidy demanded answers from Instructure after a Canvas breach exposed data tied to about 275 million students, teachers, and families. Health & Safety: A Mississippi man sued Ochsner Medical Center and three emergency physicians over an alleged kidney-stone misdiagnosis. Sports: The Pelicans hired Jamahl Mosley as head coach, and the NBA conference finals tip off Monday with Spurs-Thunder.

Louisiana GOP shakeup: Sen. Bill Cassidy is out after finishing third in the Saturday primary, clearing the way for Rep. Julia Letlow and State Treasurer John Fleming to advance to a June runoff—another sign of President Trump’s tight grip on the party after Cassidy’s 2021 impeachment vote. Runoff math: Letlow led with about 45% and Fleming followed with about 28%, while Cassidy landed around 25%; the runoff is set for June 27. Local politics ripple: The same election cycle also rejected all five Louisiana constitutional amendments, including a teacher-pay plan tied to education trust funds. Sports (Baton Rouge): LSU softball capped its Baton Rouge Regional title run by beating Virginia Tech 7-2, sending the Tigers to the Super Regional. Elsewhere: WHO declared an Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency, as global tensions and conflict risks continue to rise.

Louisiana Politics: Sen. Bill Cassidy’s GOP comeback story ended fast—Trump declared his career “OVER!” after Cassidy lost the Louisiana Senate primary, clearing the way for Rep. Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming to face off in a June 27 runoff. Runoff Stakes: Letlow led the field with 44%, while Cassidy finished third at 25%, after voters rejected the senator who voted to convict Trump in 2021. Voting Rights Backdrop: The upset lands amid fresh national pressure over the Voting Rights Act after a Supreme Court decision tied to Louisiana’s map fight sparked rallies in Selma and Montgomery. Local Culture & Business: In Baton Rouge, Coca-Cola United unveiled Louisiana’s America250 commemorative mini-can at its plant, while Buc-ee’s sued a Georgia convenience store over brand similarities. Sports: Southeastern Louisiana forced a Game 7-style finish in its conference tournament, setting up a Sunday showdown after surviving McNeese.

Teacher Pay Vote Rejected: Louisiana voters shot down Amendment 3, which would have made teacher and support staff pay raises permanent by dissolving education trust funds—unofficial results showed about 58% voting no, and leaders signaled no plan to renew the past three years’ stipends. GOP Senate Shakeup: In the closed Republican primary, Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow and Treasurer John Fleming advanced to a June 27 runoff, ousting Sen. Bill Cassidy; Trump celebrated the loss online, citing Cassidy’s 2021 impeachment vote. All Amendments Falter: Voters also rejected the other four constitutional proposals, including changes to civil service protections, judge retirement age, a new St. George school district, and business inventory tax rules. Local Court Win: In Baton Rouge, family attorney Caulette “Twin” Jackson-Guillard narrowly won the Baton Rouge Family Court seat, 51% to 49%. State Supreme Court Race: Judge Billy Burris won an associate justice seat on the Louisiana Supreme Court, projected at 58%.

Louisiana Politics: Louisiana voters head to the polls Saturday, and the biggest test is the Republican Senate primary where Sen. Bill Cassidy is fighting for his political life against Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow, with State Treasurer John Fleming also in the mix—no clear front-runner, and a runoff looms if nobody hits 50%. Trump’s Revenge Politics: Trump has gone all-in publicly, calling Cassidy “disloyal” and pushing Letlow as the “winner,” turning the race into a direct referendum on whether GOP loyalty beats incumbency. Voting Rights Backdrop: The contest is unfolding after the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act shakeup, which has already scrambled maps and raised fears of reduced Black representation. Statewide Ballot: Voters also decide five constitutional amendments covering civil service, school governance, teacher pay, property taxes, and judicial retirement age, while U.S. House primaries were suspended after a court ruling. Weather: Saturday looks pleasantly mild, but Gulf moisture returns Sunday with scattered storms possible.

Louisiana Election Countdown: Voters head to the polls Saturday for a U.S. Senate primary and five constitutional amendments, with election officials warning about changes and some voters reporting ballot confusion—like one Westbank voter who says her ballot showed only three amendments instead of five. Redistricting Fight: St. Landry Parish leaders are pushing back hard on a new congressional map that splits the parish into three districts, arguing it dilutes their influence, while across the state the recall effort against Gov. Jeff Landry draws big lines in the heat. Abortion Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court kept access to the abortion pill via mail and telehealth while Louisiana’s lawsuit against the FDA continues. Sports: LSU baseball got run-ruled by No. 20 Florida, while LSU softball opened NCAA regional play with an 8-0 mercy-rule win over Akron. Energy & Economy: Commonwealth LNG broke ground in Cameron Parish on a $13B export facility, and RV owners are bracing for higher Memorial Day travel costs as gas prices climb.

Supreme Court Abortion Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court is keeping access to the abortion pill mifepristone via telehealth and mail “for now,” extending a pause on a lower-court order that would have required in-person dispensing—an outcome Louisiana challenged, with Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissenting. Louisiana Ballot Fight: Louisiana voters head to the May 16 election on Amendment 3, which would lock in permanent teacher and staff pay raises—but only by dissolving three education trust funds holding about $2 billion to pay down retirement debt. Local Courts: In New Orleans, a judge recused himself from the criminal case against former Orleans Sheriff Susan Hutson, delaying her arraignment and setting up a reassignment of the case. Energy Watch: Caturus announced a final investment decision for Commonwealth LNG in Cameron Parish, moving a $9.75B project toward full construction. Sports & Culture: The NFL schedule is out, and New Orleans is set for the Asian Heritage Festival this weekend.