AGP Executive Report

New Orleans Court Fight: Mayor Helena Moreno’s administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review Louisiana’s Act 15, arguing voters shouldn’t have their choice erased in the Calvin Duncan criminal clerk case. Public Safety Budget: Moreno’s 2027 budget talks warn of possible cuts to traffic-accident response, emergency management, and police body cameras if property-tax revenue isn’t rolled forward. AG Records Clash: AG Liz Murrill’s attorney said she may sue New Orleans over a public records dispute tied to Murrill’s dismissed indictment. Abortion Pills Lawsuit: Louisiana joined Alabama and Arkansas in a U.S. Supreme Court push against abortion “shield laws,” while also suing 29 defendants over alleged interstate abortion-pill shipping. Military Overhaul: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced major Pentagon changes, including an autonomous warfare command and a new push that elevates LSU’s corps of cadets program. Local Governance & Safety: Shreveport’s Downtown Development Authority launched a pilot with armed private security patrols and added cameras as part of a downtown safety push. Economic Development: Gov. Landry highlighted major projects during a New Orleans-area luncheon, including new industrial investments and the push for a Louisiana Space Academy. Infrastructure & Community Input: Lafayette kicked off public engagement for an 8.5-mile Johnston Street/Louisiana Avenue makeover. Parish Finance Warning: St. Landry Parish approved a six-month debt repayment extension, but auditors warned state intervention if cuts don’t follow.

Diesel Relief for Farmers: Gov. Jeff Landry declared a diesel emergency and suspended penalties on nontaxable dyed off-road fuel for “Farm Use” and “Forest Products” vehicles during harvest, aiming to cut costs for sugarcane and timber operators. Wildlife Enforcement: LDWF agents cited multiple people in separate alligator harvesting cases, including alleged quota violations and unlicensed taking. ICE and Sanctuary Cities: Tom Homan vowed to “surge resources and flood the zone” in sanctuary cities, promising ICE will “not go anywhere.” Elections & Campaign Scrutiny: Lawmakers pressed DHS over reportedly $20M in taxpayer-funded Trump ads, arguing the spending may be improper. Public Safety: Shreveport police arrested a suspect in the shooting that killed a 13-year-old and injured two other juveniles. Education Politics: St. George leaders are exploring a community charter school after a prior public-school plan failed at the ballot. College Sports Policy: Landry urged President Trump to attend an LSU game tied to the Protect College Sports Act as the bill heads to the House. Courts & Records: Holy Cross Neighborhood Association sued state fire officials over a proposed sprinkler system at a New Orleans Port grain project, calling it a code violation.

Space & Industry: Louisiana leaders are pushing to host the proposed U.S. Space Academy after a meeting between GNO Inc. chief Michael Hecht and NASA administrator Jared Isaacman, with Louisiana pitching its Michoud heritage and SpaceX momentum in Vermilion Parish. AI Policy: House Speaker Mike Johnson backs industry-led AI safety over heavy regulation, while Trump touts “self-policing” after a White House meeting with major AI executives—setting up a midterm fight as some candidates call for tougher guardrails. Energy & Data Centers: Two hearings are set to shape Meta’s Richland Parish power buildout, starting Oct. 7 before the Louisiana Public Service Commission over Entergy’s massive plan and who pays. Cybercrime Funding: The DOJ awarded Louisiana’s attorney general’s office a $1 million grant to build a statewide response to technology-facilitated abuse, including sextortion and deepfakes. Local Courts & Permits: A federal judge ordered Iberville Parish to issue permits for an AT&T tower after the parish denied the project; officials say they won’t appeal. Public Safety: More than 60 Louisiana National Guard soldiers deployed to Washington, D.C., to support a joint task force aimed at reducing crime and protecting federal sites. Elections Watch: A new poll shows Louisiana’s Senate race between Jamie Davis and Julia Letlow tightening, with the gap inside the margin of error.

Disaster Housing Funding: Louisiana is adding $20 million to its Fortified Homes effort, bringing this year’s state total to $100 million, with HUD money flowing into the Restore ROOF program to strengthen homes and cut long-term disaster risk. Campaign Finance Clash: Republicans are pushing back on new taxpayer-funded Trump ads, arguing they cross a “red line” by using government money for political messaging. Education Oversight: Louisiana’s top school board agreed to erase a March 2025 vote to take over two low-performing Baker schools after a court said it didn’t properly alert the public. New Orleans School Accountability: Proposed guidelines would hold the city’s traditional public school to the same standards as charters, with possible closure or transfer to a charter operator for low performance. Voter Access: Zachary residents are being reminded of Nov. 3 registration deadlines, including online updates through GeauxVote. Military & Community: A new Army guidebook lays out barracks duties for NCOs, while local military events continue highlighting service members’ roles beyond the base.

Fraud & Consumer Protection: Louisiana’s AG Tim Griffin wrapped day one of a two-day Fraud and Consumer Protection Summit with 800+ registrants, focusing on scams, benefit fraud, robocalls, price gouging, crypto fraud, and AI deepfakes—promising more sessions tomorrow on Medicaid fraud, identity theft, and sexploitation. Public Records Fight: New Orleans said it has fulfilled AG Liz Murrill’s lawyers’ public records request tied to her short-lived indictment, while Murrill’s team argued the city’s response was unlawfully limited. Violent Crime Crackdown: U.S. Attorney Zachary Keller and the FBI announced the GATOR Task Force in Shreveport-Bossier, touting early results since July 9: 65 arrests and eight federal indictments, plus meth seizures and recovered firearms. Courts & Public Deals: A judge halted a controversial Jefferson Parish brewpub project, ruling the parish’s leases unconstitutional. Workplace & Privacy: A gay former Navy worker sued the Navy for alleged anti-gay harassment and retaliation; in Baton Rouge, a man was accused of creating unlawful AI deepfakes of a coworker. Energy & Cost Pressure: GasBuddy reported a low diesel price of $5.59 in Cameron Parish and $4.49 premium gas in Natchitoches Parish, as fuel prices remain volatile statewide.

Election & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court’s fall term begins with a “long conference,” and voting-rights fights are on the docket, with experts warning a ruling could make it harder to challenge gerrymandering and weaken Black representation. Louisiana Ballot Measures: Ahead of Nov. 3, three proposed amendments would reshape homestead exemptions—raising senior income limits, allowing a one-time transfer for surviving disabled veterans, and letting local governments add senior exemptions. Taxpayer-Funded Politics: The White House is airing new taxpayer-paid Trump TV ads, including a “Final Battle” spot that critics say blurs public messaging and campaign-style persuasion. Local Governance: St. George leaders are pivoting from a public school takeover to charter schools, aiming to start “from scratch” with a privately run model. Public Safety: Shreveport police say a search turned up cocaine, marijuana, guns, and counterfeit bills, leading to arrests. Energy & Industry: Cheniere’s Cameron Parish LNG expansion is one step closer to a major property-tax break, and a WEFTEC panel in New Orleans focused on collaborative delivery for water and wastewater projects.

Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show diesel hit a low of $5.79 in Washington Parish and midgrade lows of $4.19 in Livingston and Richland, with Louisiana averages edging up week over week. Public Safety & Justice: The mother of a 15-year-old killed in a Lake Charles shooting spoke out, saying she’ll keep pushing for accountability as the investigation remains active. State & Federal Politics: U.S. Sen. John Kennedy blasted taxpayer-funded pro-Trump White House ads on CBS, arguing there “ought to be a rule” against public money promoting politicians. Food Assistance: A new USDA-based analysis says more than 330,000 Americans lost SNAP access between May and June, including a reported drop of about 173,000 in Louisiana. Local Community: Monroe hosted the Ouachita River Blues Society Challenge, advancing local musicians toward the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Education & Nutrition: Louisiana’s Department of Education is seeking applicants to run the federally funded Child and Adult Care Food Program starting Oct. 1, 2026.

Voting Rights Fight: Louisiana activists are regrouping after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision gutted key protections and helped reshape Black representation ahead of the midterms, with a new “Reignite Louisiana” push focused on turnout, accessible election info, and a new economic message. Diesel Prices & Rural Pressure: GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel in Vermilion Parish hit $5.59 for the week ending Sept. 19, while Louisiana’s statewide diesel average rose to $5.93—fuel costs that keep feeding political pressure on state and federal leaders. Space & Jobs: Coverage continues on Louisiana’s SpaceX push, including the deal-making behind the Starbase effort and the promise of thousands of jobs tied to the spaceport. Local History & Memory: A new LSU Press book spotlights the Louisiana Native Guard and the Black military’s role in the Civil War, adding nuance to how Louisiana’s history is taught and remembered. Education & Work: Louisiana universities are preparing for a narrowing job market as the Board of Regents weighs terminating more programs, raising questions about how schools align training with hiring reality. Culture: YES Theatre unveiled the cast for its upcoming Frozen production, bringing new faces to Elsa and Anna.

Louisiana Supreme Court & AG Liz Murrill: District Attorney Collin Sims says the state’s high court has appointed him to review the grand jury decision to pursue an indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill, focusing on whether the process was proper and whether any criminal or ethical violations occurred. SEC vs. LSU: The SEC says it’s “deeply disappointed” after Murrill filed a motion seeking dismissal of the league’s federal lawsuit tied to LSU’s efforts to add former NFL players, arguing the SEC lacks jurisdiction and the complaint should be thrown out. Diesel & gasoline pressure in Louisiana: GasBuddy price reports for the week ending Sept. 19 show wide parish-by-parish variation, including low regular gas in Webster Parish ($3.77) and low E85 in Tangipahoa ($2.99), underscoring how fuel costs remain a live political issue heading into the midterms. Federal fisheries policy fight: A Trump executive order is being hailed by saltwater angling groups as a major win for recreational fishermen, with Louisiana offshore anglers watching how federal ocean and coastal management rules could shift. Public safety tech debate: A column argues police can protect both privacy and public safety, as communities weigh concerns about surveillance tools and gunshot detection.

SEC vs. LSU: Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill asked a federal judge to toss the SEC’s lawsuit tied to LSU’s attempt to add former NFL players, arguing the league lacks jurisdiction—while the SEC says it’s “deeply disappointed” and signals the fight isn’t over. Election access: Texas’ voter registration backlog and a portal delivery flaw are renewing scrutiny of how hard it is to register in the state ahead of midterms. Homelessness in New Orleans: A proposed $5 million cut to the city’s Low Barrier Shelter could push up to 200 people back onto the streets, including those with pets. State politics & courts: A federal judge held DHS in contempt for deporting a teen asylum seeker to El Salvador despite court orders, ordering his return. Louisiana costs & policy: A new report ties Louisiana’s high auto insurance premiums to the state’s litigation-heavy environment, calling it a “tort tax.” Energy & diesel politics: Gov. Jeff Landry’s diesel export ban idea keeps colliding with industry pushback as diesel prices stay elevated. Local government: New Orleans advanced a backup battery plan to keep power on during outages, using settlement funds.

SEC vs. LSU: Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill asked a federal judge to dismiss the SEC’s lawsuit tied to LSU’s effort to add former NFL players, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction and the complaint fails—while the SEC says it’s “deeply disappointed” and says the dispute isn’t settled. Voting rights fight: Sen. Dick Durbin blasted the Supreme Court’s move allowing a Trump administration voter-screening database to proceed ahead of midterms, calling it unreliable and a threat to eligible voters. New Orleans & state coordination: New Orleans Councilmember Eugene Green says Gov. Jeff Landry committed to helping his district, including “deliverables” involving other agencies and the Port of New Orleans. Immigration enforcement: A report highlights a sharp rise in assaults on ICE officers, as Democrats and critics intensify pressure on federal immigration policy. Public safety & courts: A Denham Springs softball umpire was sentenced to 11+ years for receiving child pornography, and a Louisiana man was sentenced to life for a Texas crash tied to human smuggling that killed four. Local government: East Feliciana’s police jury backed a $90 million nuclear life-cycle innovation campus bid, seeking federal support and jobs.

Immigration & Courts: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to halt “third-country” deportations after a federal appeals court said DHS removal guidance was unlawful; a flight tied to Louisiana was canceled after the court clarified an earlier order no longer applied. Public Safety & Health: A Louisiana oncology nurse in “Cancer Alley” warns proposed AI data centers could worsen pollution exposure for patients and residents, arguing safeguards are being weakened. Energy & Economy: Tulane’s Energy Institute is convening a major Future of Energy Forum in New Orleans focused on data centers, nuclear, batteries, and affordability—reflecting how energy costs are driving political attention. Local Governance: Livingston Parish restricted where Flock cameras/automated license plate readers can be placed on parish roads, keeping existing cameras but blocking new private installs on public right-of-way. State Politics & Culture: A Louisiana lawmaker is planning a Dolly Parton-themed license plate to fund Imagination Library books for children up to age 5. Corrections & Justice: A Shreveport Angola inmate convicted in a 2004 drug-fueled homicide was granted conditional parole with substance-abuse treatment and no-contact conditions.

Diesel Relief for Louisiana Farmers: Gov. Jeff Landry issued an executive order tied to a diesel emergency, extending tax-free use of dyed diesel for harvest-related highway vehicles through Oct. 22, with producers estimating about $8 million in savings. ICE and Sanctuary Rhetoric: DHS says assaults on ICE officials have surged more than 1,600% since Jan. 20, 2025, urging sanctuary politicians to stop “violent” rhetoric. Deportation Fight in the Courts: A federal appeals ruling halted deportations to countries other than their own, triggering a Supreme Court emergency appeal after a flight cancellation involving people from Alexandria, Louisiana. FDA Nominee Under Fire: Sen. Bill Cassidy grilled Dr. Heidi Overton over Trump’s push to split MMR into separate shots and broader vaccine schedule changes, while senators also pressed her on abortion-pill questions. New Orleans Homelessness Budget Warning: A City Council member warned a proposed $5 million shelter cut could push up to 200 people back onto the streets. Southern University Leadership Search: Six semifinalists were named for the system presidency, including Louisiana community college chancellors and a North Louisiana district attorney. Local Law Enforcement on Gun Crime: Agencies met in Lafayette for a summit on illegal firearms and cooperation, citing increased federal gun prosecutions. Gas Prices Roundup: Multiple parishes reported lowest weekly regular or diesel prices in the $3.59–$5.99 range, with Louisiana averages hovering around the low-$3s for regular and about $5.9 for diesel. NBA Loss: LSU announced Bob Pettit, the Hawks’ first MVP, died at 93.

Louisiana Captive Insurance Rules: The state Department of Insurance has issued Regulation 139, laying out a detailed framework for captive insurance companies and risk retention groups under the 2025 CHOICES law, including how applicants must meet with regulators before seeking a license. Local Government & Public Safety: A Mangham ordinance would bar police from using town resources to help with private eviction notices and other civil matters, drawing a sharper line between public policing and landlord-tenant disputes. Election Access: East Baton Rouge Parish libraries are hosting voter registration drives through Sept. 25, with early voting set for Oct. 20-27 ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Federal Health Leadership Watch: The U.S. Senate health committee is set to hold a confirmation hearing for Heidi Overton, Trump’s pick to lead the FDA, as Louisiana’s Sen. Bill Cassidy weighs in amid pressure over vaccines, the abortion pill, and drug approvals. Broadband Fight: The FCC’s proposal to override local broadband rules is drawing nationwide pushback from cities and towns that say it would strip communities of tools to expand service. Congressional Race: Michael Echols has announced his bid for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, pitching lower healthcare and everyday costs and a focus on roads and drainage.

Local Public Safety: Gonzales Police Chief Sherman Jackson warned students and parents against vandalism during the East Ascension vs. St. Amant rivalry, saying extra patrols and arrests followed reports of property damage. New Orleans Budget: Mayor Helena Moreno’s proposed budget would eliminate On Scene Services, a civilian unit that responds to some crash calls, a move critics say may not save money and could slow help for drivers. Missing Persons: West Feliciana Sheriff Brian Spillman is offering up to a $10,000 reward for information on the disappearances of Madison Allen and Stephanie Hevia, tied to an investigation of Thomas Morris. State & Local Governance: Baton Rouge Metro Council shot down a proposal to create a commission to explore splitting city-parish government, with members saying the charter approach isn’t the right vehicle yet. Higher Ed & NIL: LSU leaders including Lane Kiffin and Will Wade drew attention in NIL influence coverage, while LSU basketball roster-building continues amid eligibility questions. Courts & Accountability: A federal jury sided with former Baton Rouge officer Troy Lawrence Jr. in the first “BRAVE Cave” civil excessive-force trial. Investigations: LSU Title IX documents obtained by WAFB say a forcible rape occurred involving an LSU football player, raising questions about whether the matter was referred to law enforcement.

Space Academy Push: Louisiana lawmakers and advocates are pitching the state—especially New Orleans—as the home for a proposed U.S. Space Academy tied to the Space Force, arguing the region’s NASA corridor and SpaceX momentum make it a natural fit. Public Health & Safety: Authorities investigating the deaths of two University of Mississippi students say packaged kratom was found at both scenes and urge people to avoid it while autopsies are scheduled. Education Oversight: Louisiana will appoint a chief operating officer for Bogalusa City Schools after the district missed the state’s 70% spending requirement for instruction and school-level administration for two straight years. Elections & Voting Access: Secretary of State Nancy Landry is kicking off Voter Registration Week, with key deadlines set for Oct. 5 (in person/by mail/OMV), Oct. 13 (online), and Nov. 3 election day. Energy Policy Fight: Gov. Jeff Landry’s proposed 90-day diesel export pause faces pushback from industry, with concerns about storage and supply constraints. Local Governance: East Feliciana’s police jury backed Louisiana’s bid for a federally supported “Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus,” potentially tied to recycling spent fuel. Court & Voting Rights: Alabama AG Steve Marshall urged the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Arizona’s documentary citizenship check and voter purge rules, as related litigation continues. Maritime Recognition: Marine Log named Jennifer Carpenter its 2026 Lifetime Achievement honoree for decades of leadership in the tugboat, towboat and barge industry.