AGP Executive Report

Voting Rights & Redistricting: The U.S. Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision is still rippling through Louisiana politics, with commentary and analysis focused on how the ruling narrowed Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and made it harder to challenge race-based vote dilution—raising fears that Black representation could shrink in future maps. Statehouse Watch: Louisiana’s congressional map fight remains front and center as lawmakers move to lock in new districts after the Court’s shift, with multiple pieces tying the legal change to what comes next for the 2026 midterms. Marijuana Policy: Federal medical marijuana rescheduling is prompting states to plan for what changes—and what doesn’t—while Louisiana officials and businesses wait for clearer guidance on the practical impact. Public Health Debate: A renewed national fluoride controversy is resurfacing, with Louisiana and other states weighing local restrictions and lawmakers revisiting whether to keep or limit fluoride in drinking water. Local Community Care: New Orleans’ Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center marked three years expanding trauma-informed care, highlighting a growing focus on specialized mental health support after traumatic injury. New Orleans Civic Life: The death of Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin—Carnival royalty and a major New Orleans philanthropist—was reported as the city mourns a longtime supporter of the symphony and community causes.

Sail 250 New Orleans: Thousands of sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and international partners poured into the city to kick off the five-day Sail 250 port call tied to the nation’s 250th birthday, with ship tours and community events along the Mississippi River. Hazing crackdown: Gov. Jeff Landry signed the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act into law, requiring annual anti-hazing training for administrators and an online incident database for schools that receive state funds. Drug-free school zone expanded: Landry also signed a measure increasing penalties for smoking or vaping controlled substances on school property or within 2,000 feet, and on school buses, with the new rules taking effect Aug. 1. Marijuana rescheduling fight: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill joined Nebraska and Indiana in asking a federal appeals court to block the Trump administration’s move to reschedule certain medical cannabis products. Redistricting fallout: Landry signed Louisiana’s new congressional map, eliminating one majority-Black district and reshaping St. Landry Parish’s lines. Local justice: Shreveport police announced a DNA-linked arrest in a child sexual assault case, charging Matthew Britton with second-degree rape. AG probe on Northshore sheriff: The Louisiana AG is investigating allegations that St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith attacked a vocal online critic at a steakhouse.

Redistricting: Louisiana lawmakers and Gov. Jeff Landry have enacted a new U.S. House map that eliminates one of the state’s two majority-Black districts, a move Democrats say dilutes Black voting power and could set up more court fights after the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling. Courts & voting access: The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to let states purge voter rolls for noncitizens close to elections, a change voting rights groups warn could disenfranchise eligible voters. Health policy in the courts: The 4th Circuit agreed to rehear challenges to 340B contract pharmacy rules after earlier rulings found similar laws unconstitutional. Public safety & justice: A Texas jury convicted a Catholic priest of sexually abusing women under his spiritual care, with prosecutors citing Louisiana links. State government & housing resilience: Louisiana opened a lottery for 3,000 fortified roof grants up to $10,000 for eligible coastal homeowners as hurricane season approaches. Local politics: Recall organizers for a Gov. Landry recall plan a weekend signature drive in Cenla.

Congressional Redistricting: Louisiana lawmakers sent a new GOP-favored U.S. House map to Gov. Jeff Landry after the Supreme Court struck down the prior map as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, erasing one majority-Black district and leaving Democrats with just one majority-Black seat—prompting sharp criticism from Black lawmakers who called it racist and disenfranchising. Courts & Voting Rights Fallout: The remap follows the broader weakening of Voting Rights Act protections after Louisiana v. Callais, setting up likely legal challenges and intensifying a national midterm redistricting scramble. Education & Workforce: Lawmakers loosened TOPS-Tech eligibility rules to steer more students into technical training, and advanced changes aimed at expanding access. Public Safety & Law: Louisiana approved a ban on intentional outdoor balloon releases starting Aug. 1, with exemptions for certain materials and activities. Local Government: A bill tied judicial meal per diems to federal rates, tightening how judges can spend public money on travel meals. Community Services: Second Harvest announced a major summer feeding expansion across south Louisiana, including a new Amazon home-delivery option for identified children. Aviation Funding: Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport is set to receive nearly $11M in federal grants for terminal and baggage upgrades.

Congressional Redistricting: The Louisiana House passed a new congressional map that eliminates one of the state’s two majority-Black districts, setting up another legal fight as the bill heads back to the Senate and then Gov. Jeff Landry. Voting Rights Backlash: The move follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision weakening the Voting Rights Act, and Democrats say the change dilutes Black voting power while Republicans argue it maximizes GOP strength. Legal Pressure Builds: Plaintiffs tied to the Callais aftermath are pushing courts to require clear timelines for when new maps take effect, while Alabama’s parallel redistricting battles continue to roil the region. Public Records Clash: In Ascension Parish, a judge ordered the release of documents tied to the planned RiverPlex Mega Park, though not during the appeal process. Hurricane Readiness: Gov. Landry signed an expansion of the Fortify Homes fortified roof program, aiming to help more homeowners before the next hurricane season. Prison Labor Suit: A federal judge ruled Louisiana can avoid liability in the Angola “farm line” case if it shows any steps toward remedying potential Eighth Amendment problems.

Louisiana Redistricting: The Louisiana House unveiled a new congressional map version that keeps one Democratic-leaning district tying Black communities from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, while Republicans move to eliminate a second majority-Black district—setting up another fight as the plan heads toward final votes. Governor Term Limits: Lawmakers passed a constitutional amendment that would replace Louisiana’s current two-consecutive-term limit with a lifetime cap, sending the question to voters in November. Teacher Pay: After voters rejected a teacher-pay amendment, Gov. Jeff Landry is pivoting to a new plan using money redirected from the Minimum Foundation Program, though it may mean more stipends than permanent raises. Marijuana Legal Fight: Nebraska, Indiana and Louisiana AGs sued to block the Trump administration’s marijuana reclassification, arguing the change bypassed required rulemaking. Corrections Court Ruling: A federal judge said Louisiana can’t be forced to fix Angola’s “farm line” working conditions under the current legal standard after a recent appeals court shift. Local Public Safety: St. Tammany officials urged residents to plan now for hurricane season, and Covington school administrators were charged under Louisiana’s mandatory reporting law.

SCOTUS Redistricting Fight: Alabama asked the U.S. Supreme Court to let it use a GOP-favoring congressional map for 2026 elections, even after a lower court found the plan intentionally discriminates against Black voters—another test of the Voting Rights Act standard set by Louisiana v. Callais. Hurricane Readiness in Louisiana: FEMA’s acting administrator Bob Fenton says the agency is ready for hurricane season as FEMA faces internal strain and a proposed overhaul of its disaster role—an issue Louisiana officials will be watching closely. Central Louisiana Economic Push: Gov. Jeff Landry and Louisiana Economic Development announced Applied Digital’s $3.6B AI data center campus in Rapides Parish near Boyce, promising hundreds of jobs and major construction activity. Local Public Safety Collaboration: Shreveport City Council approved a coordinated domestic violence response model, with the Caddo Sheriff’s Office as the central contact point. State Health Policy: Louisiana lawmakers advanced a survivor-led sexual assault task force bill to the governor’s desk. Broadband Fallout: An editorial highlights how a stalled fiber rollout in Lake Providence shows how federal rule changes and state-level disputes can leave rural communities waiting on internet access.

New Orleans Courts: Newly elected Criminal District Judge John Fuller took his oath and hit the bench as lawmakers finalize a bill that could downsize New Orleans’ court system and cut judges. State Constitutional Politics: Louisiana voters head to the Nov. 3 ballot on a proposed amendment to limit governors to two total terms, blocking future runs by former Govs. Bobby Jindal and John Bel Edwards. Voting Rules: The Legislature advanced a stricter voter ID law that ends the affidavit option for voters without photo ID, requiring conditional ballots and follow-up ID within two days. Criminal Justice: Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodfork says a man mistakenly released from the Orleans Justice Center is back in custody after a clerical error tied to a new jail system. Elections & Redistricting Fallout: Across the South, Alabama Republicans are racing back to the U.S. Supreme Court to try to use a GOP map struck down as racially discriminatory, citing the Voting Rights Act fight after Louisiana v. Callais. Louisiana Economy & Industry: Lawmakers approved tighter seafood labeling rules to stop comingling imported and domestic shrimp, with steep fines for retailers. Public Safety: A teen was seriously injured in a St. Landry Parish ATV crash after entering a road from a driveway; the crash remains under investigation.

Texas GOP Power Shift: Trump’s late endorsement helped Ken Paxton crush John Cornyn in the GOP Senate runoff, setting up a November matchup with Democrat James Talarico and underscoring how “loyalty” politics keeps reshaping the party. Louisiana Election Reset: Louisiana’s postponed U.S. House races are now set for Nov. 3 under the state’s open primary rules, but the final district map is still in flux as lawmakers debate lines during the regular session. Redistricting Backlash in the South: Courts and state lawmakers kept blocking GOP map moves elsewhere—Alabama’s congressional plan hit another federal roadblock while South Carolina senators rejected Trump-backed changes. Teacher Pay Push: Gov. Jeff Landry’s team is still building a plan to secure permanent teacher raises after voters rejected a constitutional amendment, with task forces and funding options taking center stage. Central Louisiana AI Boom: Officials unveiled a $3.6B AI data center campus in Rapides Parish, promising jobs and growth while residents and watchdogs raise concerns about costs and environmental impacts. Local Justice: A Covington woman tied to elderly theft allegations was sentenced and ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution.

Capitol Watch: Louisiana lawmakers are weighing a constitutional convention in 2028 and governor term limits, including a proposal that would let voters decide whether governors can run again after more than one and a half consecutive terms. Teacher Pay: Gov. Jeff Landry, Senate President Cameron Henry, and House Speaker Philip DeVillier announced a bipartisan MFP Pay Raise Task Force aimed at permanent teacher and support-staff raises without raising taxes. Courts & Voting Rights: Across the country, federal judges blocked Alabama’s GOP-backed congressional map, calling it intentionally discriminatory, while the Congressional Black Caucus is pressing major corporations to oppose efforts to dilute Black voting power after the Voting Rights Act setback in Louisiana v. Callais. Energy & Climate Fight: Georgia AG Chris Carr urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a lawsuit that would let one city dictate national energy policy—Louisiana is among the AGs backing the push. Local Government: A judge sided with West Baton Rouge Parish in a records dispute, ordering a journalist to pay fees and costs. Business & Tech: Landry also announced another AI data center breaking ground in Central Louisiana.

Texas Senate Runoff: President Trump’s endorsement of Ken Paxton over John Cornyn is the latest twist in a runoff that’s been waged mostly on TV ads, with Paxton’s camp betting the boost seals the deal while Cornyn points to Paxton’s scandals and warns the race could flip Texas politics in November. Voting Rights Fight: A fresh wave of outrage is still rippling from the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision, with critics warning it opens the door to racial gerrymandering and could mean the biggest drop in Black representation since Reconstruction. Louisiana Law & Schools: Gov. Jeff Landry signed a new early workforce exposure requirement for K-12, aiming to start career exploration in elementary grades and steer students toward in-demand jobs. Public Health Alert: Louisiana health officials say flea-borne typhus cases are rising, with 17 reported infections in the last 18 months and two deaths. Memorial Day in Louisiana: Across the state, ceremonies honored veterans and Gold Star families—while rainy weather didn’t stop some residents from marking the holiday their way.

Election Courtroom Fight: Kenner candidates Diane Schnell and David Weathersby have sued, arguing Louisiana’s recount process is unconstitutional after alleged polling problems, machine issues, and delays left voters unable to cast ballots. Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to issue a major run of rulings that could reshape elections and presidential power, with immigration cases—like Temporary Protected Status and birthright citizenship—looming large. Louisiana Ethics Under Scrutiny: A Floodlight investigation says state Sen. Jay Morris helped clear the way for Meta’s Hyperion datacenter, then later bought and sold land around it—raising questions about possible ethics violations. Public Safety: Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s deputies marked National Missing Children’s Day with safety tips and a reminder to report immediately. Tragedy on LA-190: An LSU freshman, Courtney Hodge, died in a crash while heading home to Texas after finishing her first year. Local Governance: St. Tammany Parish Council will gain more control over the Mosquito Abatement District budget under a new law taking effect Aug. 1.

Hurricane Watch: Louisiana’s top climatologist says 2026 should be “average” with about 13 named storms, roughly half reaching hurricane strength and three major hurricanes—but warns El Niño could also mean storms intensify fast, so don’t let your guard down. Memorial Day Pressure: AAA reports Louisiana gas is still above $4 a gallon for the third straight week, with the statewide average around $4.05. Louisiana Politics: A new fight over elections and representation keeps heating up after the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act setback—while Kenner candidates are suing over alleged voting-machine problems that they say cost them a runoff. Energy & Jobs: Commonwealth LNG announced its Final Investment Decision for a Cameron Parish export project targeting 2030 operations, touting major construction and permanent employment. Education & Fairness: Alternative Spring Break funding is cut by 30%, raising concerns about who can afford to participate. National Politics: The Trump administration moves to force many green card applicants to apply through U.S. consulates abroad, a change critics say could break up families.

Federal GOP infighting: Sen. Tommy Tuberville says Republicans’ pushback on a $1.776 billion Trump-IRS settlement is personal—pointing to “hard feelings” after Bill Cassidy’s Louisiana primary loss and warning lawmakers aren’t “working for the American people.” Louisiana tragedy: A 19-year-old LSU freshman from Red Oak, Texas, Courtney Hodge, was killed in a rear-end crash on LA-190 near Jennings Road while driving home for break. Another crash, another death: In Youngsville, a 78-year-old woman died after a vehicle crossed the center line on LA-89 near Hopeland Plantation Road; the other driver was taken to a hospital. Local governance: St. John the Baptist Parish Council meets Tuesday with ordinances on gas-line and fiber-optic excavation permits, plus executive-session items tied to ongoing litigation. Weather watch: Memorial Day brings soggy conditions across the East, with flood watches stretching from the Texas coast into southern Louisiana and Mississippi.

Wisner Trust Fight: New Orleans officials are still pushing back on heirs of the Wisner family after a 2-1 appeals court loss, but a dissent argues the family’s contract-based claim could still win—especially since the trust has long supported conservation and public benefits. Education Funding Clash: A voucher plan is getting renewed scrutiny from fiscal conservatives, who say Louisiana could spend about $380 million while most voucher users were already in private schools—raising the question of whether rural districts are being left behind. Free Speech & DOJ Politics: A new “anti-weaponisation” slush-fund pitch is drawing GOP and Democratic backlash, with critics warning it could become a political tool rather than a rule-of-law safeguard. Louisiana Public Safety: Jefferson Parish firefighters mourn veteran Lt. Dennis Casey Jr., killed in a personal watercraft accident near the Chef Pass Bridge. Federal Courts/Maps: The broader redistricting fight keeps churning after Supreme Court rulings that tightened the standard for challenging voting maps.

Alabama Redistricting Showdown: A three-judge federal panel in Birmingham is weighing whether to block Alabama’s 6-1 congressional map and whether the state can still use its 2023 plan after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling—while judges press hard on whether an August 11 special election is even workable on the current timeline. Trump’s Greenland Push: President Trump keeps posting AI-style “Hello, Greenland!” images as the U.S. opens a new consulate and sends a special envoy—sparking fresh protests and a chilly reception from Greenland leaders. GOP Civil War Energy: A separate thread of coverage shows Republicans splintering over Trump’s politically unpopular agenda, with lawmakers scrambling and voting chaos spilling into the midterm fight. Louisiana Health Alert: Louisiana health officials warn of a flea-borne typhus spike—17 cases since 2025, with two deaths—mostly centered in Acadiana/Lafayette. Local Notes: Louisiana also gets a Memorial Day weekend push, including a major FEMA recovery approval affecting Louisiana and more.