AGP Executive Report

Teacher Pay & School Funding: Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order redirecting $168 million to fund $2,000 teacher stipends and $1,000 support-staff stipends for 2026-27, using money from the school funding formula’s administrative slice. Vehicle Inspection Overhaul: Louisiana State Police stopped enforcing expired/missing inspection sticker citations after HB 1085 took effect June 30, with stickers ending for personal vehicles Jan. 1, 2027 and replaced by a $6 QR code. Richland Parish Education Windfall: Meta’s Richland data center construction is driving “13th check” sales-tax bonuses—up to about $50,900 for vested teachers—funded by a rapidly growing local sales tax pot. Local Governance & Growth: Slidell’s council advanced a plan for voters to decide seven charter revision proposals in December. Coastal Flood Risk: A Tulane-led study says 100-year coastal floods now hit about 12 times more often worldwide, underscoring the stakes for Louisiana’s flood protection. Public Safety: Shreveport Police seek a former caregiver accused of identity theft after a fraudulent utility account was opened in a victim’s name. Agriculture Biosecurity: Louisiana is tightening animal movement controls as New World screwworm cases spread in Texas and New Mexico.

Alligator DWI Drama: Louisiana State Police say a Montz man, Victor Rivas, fled a suspected drunk-driving stop and was bitten by an alligator during a swamp escape in St. Charles Parish, after a crash earlier that day in Jefferson Parish. Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide—including multiple in Tennessee—that they must post basic pricing or face penalties up to $2 million annually, with enforcement tied to a 2019 executive order. Redistricting Fight: A new national look at 2026 map changes says Democrats may need a bigger vote margin to win House control as court-backed redistricting shifts seats and calculations. SBC Culture War: Southern Baptist Convention messengers are set to consider an amendment from SBC president Al Mohler aimed at limiting women serving as pastors/elders/overseers, underscoring the denomination’s rightward push. Hurricane Readiness: Louisiana officials are raising alarms about FEMA staffing and leadership stability as the 2026 season begins. Local Courts: Orleans Parish judge Rhonda Goode-Douglas says she’ll run this fall after a law consolidated the criminal court and removed her seat.

Education Funding Fight: Gov. Jeff Landry’s order to cut $168 million from Louisiana’s school funding formula would reduce district aid by about 5% on average, with the money aimed at one-time teacher and staff stipends; the legislature must weigh it June 23. State Police Leadership: Reports say Frank Besson, a Grand Isle native and current Lt. Colonel/assistant superintendent, is expected to be named head of Louisiana State Police as Col. Robert Hodges’ reported step-down looms. Public Assistance Oversight: Louisiana lawmakers’ 2026 changes tighten Medicaid and SNAP eligibility verification and coordination, with officials citing integrity gains as critics warn families face new hurdles. New Orleans Lead Pipes: Sen. Royce Duplessis’ proposal would let federal funds be used to replace lead pipes on privately owned service lines, but voters statewide must approve a constitutional amendment in November. Local Governance: Thibodaux City Council approved resolutions including adopting The Daily Comet as official journal and moving forward on drainage and board appointments. Public Safety: Police seek a man accused of DUI vehicular homicide after a crash on Airline Highway killed a motorcyclist; investigators say the suspect’s blood alcohol was 0.228%. Tech Disruption: OMV offices statewide reported network outages after a Sunday hardware migration, with connectivity issues still being worked to restore full service. National/Global: A drone-boat rescue helped recover the crew of a U.S. Apache shot down by Iran, underscoring growing manned-unmanned military operations.

Planned Parenthood Funding Fight: Students for Life Action is pressuring Congress to extend a Medicaid block that would otherwise expire July 4, 2026, arguing the clock is ticking right before the 2026 midterms. Louisiana Higher Ed & Religion in Classrooms: LSU and other systems are posting Ten Commandments displays after a 2024 state law, with conservative groups supplying the posters. Redistricting Math for Democrats: New GOP congressional maps raise the vote margin Democrats must beat to win House control, tightening the path for 2026. Alabama Execution Legal Battle: A federal appeals court says Alabama’s nitrogen gas executions need more study under the cruel-and-unusual-punishment ban, with a ruling that could shape the next scheduled execution. ICE Deaths in Louisiana: ICE says it will stop reporting deaths that occur after release, as Louisiana’s Winnfield facility logged another detainee death in less than two months. Louisiana Elections Staffing: State and parish officials are urging more residents to serve as election workers as understaffing hits precincts statewide. Local Government: Lafayette names Byron Starks as its next parks director. Public Safety: Body-cam footage shows a DWI suspect attacked by an alligator after fleeing into a swamp.

Election Integrity: Gov. Jeff Landry signed Louisiana’s election integrity and security package, including clearer voter ID standards and steps to tighten voter roll accuracy and protect sensitive voter information. Health Workforce: LDH announced a second round of H.E.R.O. Fund grants, awarding 15 projects totaling $4.66M to train 541 new health care professionals statewide. Public Safety & Justice: A Vatican-ordered probe into Baton Rouge Bishop Michael Duca reportedly included extensive interviews tied to how a sexual abuse complaint was handled. Immigration Detention: ICE reported a second detainee death in less than two months at a Louisiana facility, where a recent inspection flagged conditions and medical care concerns. Elections Ahead of June 27: Secretary of State Nancy Landry reminded voters of key deadlines for absentee requests and early voting hours. Wildlife & Outdoor News: LDWF set Aug. 26 commercial alligator lottery harvests and announced a new statewide black-bellied whistling duck season Oct. 3-11. Courts: A federal appeals court upheld dismissal of Louisiana oystermen’s Bonnet Carre Spillway lawsuit. Local Government: Lafayette named Byron Starks as its new PARC director.

Redistricting Push Spreads Beyond Congress: A national redistricting fight is moving into statehouses and even city councils, with Georgia set for a June 17 special session that could redraw not just congressional seats but also state House and Senate districts—and possibly a utility regulator panel—after recent U.S. Supreme Court shifts weaken minority voting protections. Iberville Deputy Death Lawsuit: The widow of slain Iberville Parish Deputy Charles Riley filed a negligence lawsuit against the sheriff’s office, alleging Capt. Brett Stassi failed to secure his firearm before an interrogation room incident led to Riley’s death. New Orleans Court Scrutiny: A “vos estis” Vatican probe is underway into the Baton Rouge diocese’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations involving Bishop Michael Duca, with investigators dispatched after claims of inadequate response. Local Leadership: DeRidder Mayor Michael D. Harris was sworn in for his first full term after winning a May 16 election. Public Safety Tragedy: Ascension Parish authorities say a 3-year-old drowned after being left unsupervised in a pool for about 20 minutes; the babysitter faces negligent homicide charges. Diabetes Research in New Orleans: ADA Scientific Sessions coverage highlights new findings on CGM for type 2 diabetes patients not using insulin and ongoing weight-loss/diabetes drug research.

Data Center Debate: Meta’s planned Hyperion campus in rural Richland Parish is reigniting questions about power and water use as tech firms race to feed AI demand, with critics warning “green” claims may not match reality. Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to issue major rulings on gun laws, transgender athletes, and drug-user firearm bans—decisions that could ripple into Louisiana policy and civil rights fights. Redistricting Pressure: A national redistricting battle is moving beyond Congress and into statehouses and city councils, with Georgia and others weighing new maps after recent court rulings. Louisiana Courts & Justice: Louisiana’s court system is still in the spotlight as lawmakers and officials reshape Orleans Parish court oversight and face ongoing legal challenges. Local Safety: Two drivers were charged after a fatal St. Landry-area crash, with toxicology results showing impairment. Gas Prices: Louisiana drivers saw mixed relief, including West Baton Rouge regular gas hitting $3.69 and St. Mary premium at $4.89 for the week ending May 30. Church Response: A Louisiana Catholic parish updated prayers after backlash over including a convicted priest’s name, shifting focus to victims of clergy abuse.

Louisiana Elections: Gov. Jeff Landry signed a new congressional map for fall elections even as a federal court challenge is still pending; a June 17 hearing was postponed, leaving plaintiffs to argue the map must follow Supreme Court limits on race while still allowing party advantage. Courts & Voting Rights: The broader redistricting fight is being driven by a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down Louisiana’s majority-Black district as an illegal racial gerrymander, setting off new map-making in other states. Public Safety: A wanted suspect in a deadly Baton Rouge shooting was arrested in Laplace after investigators tracked a stolen vehicle. Jail Security: An Orleans Parish Sheriff’s deputy was arrested and fired after a firearm was found inside an unauthorized bag brought into the Orleans Justice Center. Health & Policy: A major study presented in New Orleans says infections should be treated as a “health hazard” for people with diabetes, with infection risk tied to higher hospitalization and death. Local Politics: Former Caddo Commissioner Michael Williams announced his run for Shreveport mayor, pitching a platform focused on public safety, economic development, infrastructure, and youth retention.

Immigration Courts Under Strain: Lawyers say the Trump administration is quietly fast-tracking deportation and asylum cases by pushing dozens of matters onto specific court days, leaving some judges with caseloads that can double or triple and raising alarms about fair review. Federal Border Policy Fallout: A new Associated Press investigation reports children are being separated again—dozens of kids allegedly re-separated despite a legal settlement meant to reunify families. Louisiana Justice & Courts: A federal grand jury indicted a Mid-City bank robbery suspect accused of threatening a teller with a bomb. Public Safety: Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal Jefferson Parish crash where an unidentified pedestrian was struck twice by vehicles. Health Care Spending: Medicaid claims for vision services in Chalmette rose 9% in 2024, while Jennings saw 9.1% growth in pathology and lab procedures. Local Economy: St. Landry Parish mourns economic development leader Bill Rodier, who led the parish’s development agency for 13 years. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show widely varying prices across parishes, with some of the week’s lowest regular and premium deals in St. Mary, Franklin, and Morehouse.

Homelessness Enforcement: Louisiana lawmakers sent Gov. Jeff Landry a bill that would criminalize overnight camping on public property, with fines up to $500 for first offenses and up to two years in jail for repeat violations, drawing pushback from advocates who say it targets symptoms instead of housing. Wrongful Convictions: Landry vetoed a bipartisan measure that would have increased payouts for people wrongfully convicted, despite support from lawmakers and a GoFundMe set up for exonerated men. Immigration Funding: The U.S. Senate passed a $70B immigration enforcement bill after rejecting moves to permanently block Trump’s settlement fund, setting up a House vote. New Orleans Courts: New Orleans asked the Louisiana Supreme Court for another hearing in the clerk of court dispute tied to Act 15, arguing the ruling undermines voters’ voice. Public Safety & Accountability: St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith remains in office after an alleged restaurant attack and felony battery charge, while voters will weigh a millage renewal tied to sheriff’s office funding. Health & Education: UL Lafayette began installing Ten Commandments posters statewide under state law, and East Baton Rouge school staff could see pay raises under a proposed budget. FDA & Abortion Pill: The FDA launched a safety study of mifepristone, a move that could affect how the abortion pill is distributed.

Federal Immigration Fight: The Senate cleared a $70B immigration enforcement package for ICE and Border Patrol after rejecting efforts to permanently ban Trump’s settlement fund, with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy’s proposed settlement redirection also failing. Surveillance Deadline: The Senate blocked extending FISA Section 702, leaving the warrantless spying program set to expire June 12, with Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy among GOP lawmakers voting no. Abortion Pill Scrutiny: The FDA launched a new safety review of mifepristone, focusing on telehealth and mail-order access as Republicans push for tighter limits. Louisiana Courts & Ethics: A Louisiana judge suspended over a “$100 handshake” faces new ethics counts. Local Justice Shakeup: A former NOPD officer fired after misconduct resigned from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. Education & Money: Louisiana lawmakers passed a tuition law letting colleges raise costs for specific majors up to 10% a year. Health & Oversight: State treasurer seeks an ESA vendor to better track misspending and fraud. Legal Settlements: Jesuit High School agreed to a seven-figure settlement over decades-old child molestation allegations. Business & Crime: Louisiana State Police arrested a Metairie man accused of importing illegal muscle relaxer and allegedly tossing pills from a window during a raid. Military Training: The 116th MBCT arrived in Louisiana for a JRTC rotation at Fort Polk.

Immigration Funding Fight: The U.S. Senate is working overnight to pass a bill funding Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies, as Republicans narrowly beat efforts to permanently kill the $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” settlement fund—while Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy signals he may try again. Abortion Pill Scrutiny: The FDA has launched a safety study of mifepristone, a move that could set up new legal fights over how the abortion pill is distributed, including in states like Louisiana. Louisiana Records Lawsuit: Ascension Parish leaders met in executive session over a judge-ordered records release tied to the RiverPlex Mega Park plan, with environmental groups pushing for public disclosure. Election Administration: Secretary of State Nancy Landry is recruiting poll commissioners for the June 27 primary and the Nov. 3 Senate election. Landry Veto: Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed a bill expanding compensation for wrongfully convicted Louisianians, citing cost and process concerns. Public Safety & Courts: St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith turned himself in on second-degree battery and disturbing-the-peace charges after an alleged steakhouse altercation. Health Care Oversight: CMS data show Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home earned a higher overall rating in Q1 2026, while Ouachita Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center received a one-star rating.

Supreme Court Fight: Democrats are floating major Supreme Court changes if they win in November, while Republicans warn any restructuring could upend the court’s legitimacy. Federal Immigration Clash: In the Senate, GOP leaders are trying to keep alive Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” settlement fund as Democrats push to permanently block it, setting up more votes. Northshore Sheriff Case: St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith turned himself in after an AG investigation into an alleged steakhouse assault; he faces felony second-degree battery and misdemeanor disturbing-the-peace counts, and he apologized after the arrest. ICE Oversight: A DHS watchdog report says a Louisiana ICE detention center failed on sanitation, use-of-force reporting, and medical records, renewing pressure for reforms. Local Roads: Shreveport’s Red River Express private road project is moving toward approval after city action on needed property, with remaining steps still ahead. Election Admin: Louisiana’s voter registration deadline for the June 27 election is approaching. State Policy: New laws expand privacy for hunters and fishers and add protections for wildlife GPS data. Public Safety/Health: Louisiana’s Medicaid and SNAP fraud probe netted a Shreveport woman and named another suspect. Economy/Community: Sail 250 drove a 31% jump in downtown New Orleans visits, according to local data.

Immigration Enforcement Funding: The GOP-led Senate voted 53-46 to start debate on a roughly $70 billion bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol, after forcing the Trump administration to drop a $1.776 billion settlement fund for political allies. Orleans Courts Restructured: Gov. Jeff Landry says he’ll sign a law cutting Orleans Parish Criminal District Court judges from 12 to nine, eliminating seats held by John Fuller, Simone Levine and Rhonda Goode Douglas. Sewerage & Water Board Oversight: New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno is pushing a state-to-city oversight shift for S&WB under House Bill 1243, with a new PUMPS task force to guide implementation. Homelessness Crackdown: Landry’s pending decision on the “Streets to Success Act” would make camping on public property a misdemeanor, routing people into court-supervised housing, treatment and job programs. Sports Gambling Safeguards: UF and the SEC are discussing safeguards as college sports betting expands, raising concerns about integrity and addiction. Local Traffic Project: Thibodaux is moving toward a two-lane roundabout at LA 648 and Acadia Road, aiming to reduce congestion, with construction targeted for 2028. Redistricting Fallout: Supreme Court action in Alabama keeps GOP-favored maps in play, with critics citing racial discrimination and voters set to decide control of Congress. Entertainment & Local Courts: Actor Shia LaBeouf pleaded guilty to simple battery in a Mardi Gras bar fight and received probation plus alcohol treatment.

Orleans Courts Overhaul: Louisiana lawmakers wrapped up a push to reform Orleans Parish courts, cutting three Criminal District Court judges and combining clerks of court under SB 256—while Gov. Jeff Landry says he’ll sign the judge-cut bill and accuses Sen. Gary Carter of “gamesmanship.” Redistricting in Federal Court: A three-judge federal panel will hold a June 17 hearing in Shreveport on Louisiana’s new congressional map after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the prior map for racial gerrymandering. Lead Lines Vote: New Orleans voters will decide this fall whether the Sewerage and Water Board can replace lead pipes on private property, with state law enabling local ordinances and a constitutional amendment to fund it. Education Pay Fight: Landry is pushing teacher and support-staff stipends after the budget left pay raises unresolved, while Caddo Schools weighs a 6% raise plan that could cost up to $22M. Local Governance & Growth: Lafayette paused a Bertrand Drive overlay district after business owners complained about surprise design rules that could affect renovations and property values. Public Safety: A suspected carjacker was shot by Eunice officers, then crashed in Crowley, injuring an unrelated victim; the investigation continues.

U.S. Supreme Court Redistricting Fallout: The court cleared the way for Alabama to use a GOP-favored 2023 congressional map for 2026 elections, pausing a lower-court order that found the plan intentionally diluted Black voting power—sparking fresh backlash over what the ruling means after Louisiana v. Callais. Louisiana Voting Rights Context: The decision is being framed locally as another blow to minority protections and a warning that last-minute map changes may face fewer federal roadblocks. DOJ “Anti-Weaponization” Fund Scrapped: Acting AG Todd Blanche told lawmakers the Trump administration is dropping a proposed $1.8 billion fund tied to claims of government “weaponization,” a move that could affect immigration funding negotiations. Louisiana Criminal Justice Oversight: Louisiana officials are moving toward a task force to review how electronic ankle monitoring impacts public safety, after cases where monitored suspects were blamed in serious crimes. Local Government & Elections: Ascension Parish election details were released ahead of a June 27 closed party primary and municipal general election. Education & Community: Lafayette reopened Comeaux High closure discussions amid ongoing legal and public pressure. Juneteenth in Acadiana: A Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony kicked off Lafayette’s month of events. Nursing Home Ownership Watch: CMS data highlighted ownership and ratings for two Louisiana-area facilities, including Natchitoches Community Care Center and Maison Du Monde Living Center.