AGP Executive Report

New Orleans Budget Watch: Mayor Helena Moreno says the city’s $760 million budget has no cuts planned for key services, with a $100 million gap expected to shrink to $77 million after reimbursements; the budget is slated to be finalized by Dec. 1. ICE Detention Pressure: A rally in support of a Concord, Calif. nurse detained by ICE highlights claims of harsh conditions in a Louisiana detention center, with local officials and advocates calling for her release. Health & Politics: Sen. Bill Cassidy urged President Trump to be “radically honest” on vaccines amid a measles surge, arguing anti-vaccine messaging could lead to more hospitalizations and deaths. Midterm Mobilization: The Congressional Black Caucus Institute launched a “SO VOTE” push to register and mobilize lower-propensity voters, including young and rural communities, across multiple states that could shape House control. Energy & Costs: Louisiana’s Jeff Landry urged a 90-day diesel export ban as farmers face record fuel expenses, while Cassidy and others warn inflation impacts. State/Local Governance: Kenner leaders are pressing the state attorney general to weigh in as they dispute the New Orleans airport board. Public Safety & Courts: A judge allowed a lawsuit involving a New Orleans container terminal to proceed, keeping legal fights over local infrastructure in motion.

Orleans Parish Sheriff Race: Susan Hutson made history by defeating four-term Sheriff Marlin Gusman in a runoff, becoming the first woman sheriff of Orleans Parish and the first Black woman in Louisiana to hold the post, with a platform focused on criminal justice reform including opposing jail expansion and ending a jail health care contract. Local Governance: Kenner officials are asking the state attorney general to weigh in on a dispute over airport board nominations tied to open-meeting and ethics concerns, as residents press for more say over airport infrastructure and drainage after Hurricane Francine. Prosecutor Watch: New Orleans DA Jason Williams is set for a second term unchallenged, aiming to build on falling violent crime while navigating scrutiny from state leaders. State Oversight: St. Landry Parish is facing possible appointment of a fiscal administrator after auditors say it must show improved budget discipline and cuts. Workforce & Industry: Meta is investing $115 million in its America’s Workforce Academy, with Baton Rouge among pilot cities, to train skilled trades for data-center construction. Public Services: The Louisiana Association for the Blind opened a new $4.8 million Assistive Technology Center to expand training and access to new tech for visually impaired residents.

Louisiana Accountability: St. Landry Parish is facing a possible fiscal administrator after state auditors gave officials six months to show improved budget discipline and cuts. Oxford Security & Politics-by-Football: Ole Miss is bracing for a hostile LSU homecoming for Lane Kiffin, with heightened stadium warnings and a major law-enforcement presence as fans boo and mock the former coach. Public Safety: A Stonewall crash on U.S. 171 killed two men after a left turn collision; investigators say impairment isn’t suspected, but toxicology was taken. Law Enforcement: A New Orleans murder suspect wanted by NOPD was arrested in Seattle by SWAT and U.S. Marshals. Health Care Leadership: Baton Rouge native Jodi Conachen was named Regional Vice President for Acadian Ambulance’s Louisiana East region. Local Culture: Elton’s Greater Pine Island Teal Festival drew hunters, music, vendors, and a new partnership with the Coushatta Tribe. Statewide Civic Context: Louisiana voters are set to decide constitutional amendments Nov. 3.

AI Policy Fight: Lawmakers are rolling out dozens of AI bills as top tech voices warn the U.S. may be running out of time to rein in advanced systems. Public Health & Food Costs: A CDC report finds higher-income Americans eat more fresh produce, underscoring how food assistance cuts and pricier dietary guidance can widen gaps. Local Government Finance: St. Landry Parish is facing a potential fiscal administrator after auditors say it must show budget cuts and stronger fiscal control. Port of New Orleans Legal Battle: A judge let a St. Bernard lawsuit challenging Port NOLA’s authority to build a new container terminal proceed to trial. New Orleans Church Bankruptcy: The Archdiocese of New Orleans says it’s meeting bankruptcy settlement requirements after a trustee questioned its transparency. Campus Marijuana Crackdown: Louisiana’s Act 305 expands felony penalties for marijuana use near school property, drawing criticism that it distracts from alcohol risks. Sports & Security: Oxford is bracing for the LSU-Ole Miss “Lane Kiffin return” with heightened law enforcement and major weekend crowds. Caregiver Criminal Case: A Lake Charles caretaker was arrested after police say he poured bleach into a disabled client’s water bottle. Flood Protection for Louisiana: The House advanced a Water Resources bill that includes Corps studies and projects tied to Louisiana flood control and waterways.

College Sports & Security: LSU and Ole Miss gear up for a top-10 “Lane Kiffin return” in Oxford with heightened law enforcement and added campus security as the Week 3 schedule ramps up. Public Safety & Courts: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill seeks recusal of Judge Gail Ray Horne from Baton Rouge corruption cases, arguing bias after comments tied to renewed litigation. Economic Development: The Louisiana Bond Commission approved more than $1.3B in tax-free bonds for an Ascension Hyundai-POSCO steel plant, advancing a major industrial project while key permits remain pending. Education & Civic Life: Louisiana marks Celebrate Freedom Week with civics lessons statewide, including Constitution Day living-history visits for students. Child Safety Accountability: Northshore school principals pleaded guilty for failing to report child abuse, renewing scrutiny of systemic reporting failures. Local Government: Kenner moves up the end of brake-tag inspection stickers to reduce confusion as state law changes take effect. Immigration Enforcement: A York pastor facing deportation was temporarily spared at the last minute after advocates pushed legal challenges. Law Enforcement: Louisiana State Police helped arrest a Franklin Parish man wanted on multiple warrants, booking him into Ouachita Correctional Center.

Immigration & Courts: An Afghan woman deported to the Central African Republic says ICE treated her “like animals” during detention, even as her lawyers sought emergency relief in federal court. Public Safety: Louisiana State Fire Marshal investigators arrested a 20-year-old in Natchitoches on aggravated arson charges after fires were set behind businesses. Local Government: Gov. Jeff Landry reappointed Timothy Williams as Monroe’s fire chief, restoring permanent leadership after litigation. Law & Justice: A Lafayette attorney was disbarred and banned from Walmart after a theft conviction tied to his first day on the job. Elections & Redistricting: A new analysis says partisan redistricting has shifted about 34.8 million Americans into new congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterms. Family Law: Louisiana and Mississippi adopted 50-50 custody as a default divorce guideline, joining a growing list of states. Higher Ed & Policy: The U.S. Senate advanced the Protect College Sports Act, a potential new legal fight for LSU athletics. Environment & Enforcement: The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office received a $9,100 grant for cameras to target illegal dumping. Sports & Legal Fallout: The NFL says two players who tried to regain college eligibility after returning to LSU/Ole Miss are ineligible to join NFL teams this season.

Predatory Lending Settlement: Louisiana Attorney General Griffin joined a multistate $694 million deal with Credit Acceptance Corp., aimed at consumers harmed by loans the company allegedly knew they couldn’t afford, with required stronger disclosures and limits on dealer “packing” unwanted GAP/VSC products. Local Zoning & Transparency: Ascension Parish lawmakers advanced a code amendment for potential data centers and other high-impact facilities, drawing calls for more openness after residents raised concerns about NDAs and behind-closed-doors deals. Public Safety & Courts: A Jefferson Parish jury convicted a woman of negligent homicide in the death of Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano ahead of last year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans; prosecutors said the case involved a broader criminal enterprise. Education & Workforce: BRCC’s Construction Management program received nearly $136,000 from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, and Centenary College opened a Davis C.A.R.E. Center to coordinate student counseling and basic-needs support. Military Community: Shreveport-Bossier hosted a Military Leadership Luncheon celebrating its 2026 Great American Defense Community designation tied to Barksdale Air Force Base. Sports + Eligibility: The NFL said LSU/Ole Miss players Zxavian Harris and Dae’Quan Wright are ineligible to join NFL teams this season after returning to college post-training camp. Crime Crackdown: Washington Parish authorities arrested 10 people tied to a drug network after three overdose deaths, including two charged with second-degree murder.

AI Policy Clash: U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) tried to fast-track an “AI Emergency Button” kill-switch requirement, but the Senate blocked the move as lawmakers spar over how much Congress should mandate before understanding the tech. Energy Costs & Data Centers: The House advanced a bill pushing state utility regulators to consider ways to shield consumers from data-center-driven electricity hikes, a move aimed at midterm backlash over AI power demand. Louisiana Courts & Civil Rights: A federal judge permanently barred the EPA and DOJ from enforcing Title VI disparate-impact rules against Louisiana entities, limiting a key federal tool used in environmental permitting and other actions. Louisiana Ballot Watch: Voters will decide 10 constitutional amendments Nov. 3, including changes tied to property tax homestead transfers, bail rules for certain crimes, and retirement funding. Local Governance: Richland Parish issued a cease-and-desist burn ban for private burning starting Sept. 8, with penalties for violations. Sports & Politics Crossover: LSU’s Lane Kiffin return to Ole Miss continues to draw national attention, including heightened security and fallout from campus controversy.

Health & Vaccines: Sen. Bill Cassidy warned the U.S. measles surge will be a “terrible legacy” for the Trump administration, blasting vaccine misinformation as he opened a Senate hearing on HHS and public health nominees. AI Policy: Sen. John Kennedy’s “kill switch” AI bill failed after a GOP senator objected to moving too fast without more facts, even as the debate over rogue AI models grows. Energy & Data Centers: The House passed a bill aimed at curbing electricity-cost spikes tied to data centers, pushing for a federal standard so grid upgrades and rising power costs don’t land on ratepayers. Elections & Congress: House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled additional Thursday votes, sending lawmakers home earlier ahead of the midterms, while Democrats accused Republicans of avoiding accountability. Courts & Sports: Ole Miss served LSU defensive end Princewill Umanmielen with papers in a $550,000 transfer-related lawsuit days before the LSU-Ole Miss showdown. Public Safety: Louisiana schools rolled out a new online predator-spotting tool, while separate reports highlighted deadly St. Martin Parish crash losses and a Hereford teen accused in swatting threats targeting Louisiana schools and homes. Local Government & Infrastructure: St. Landry Parish announced more than $120M in state funding for roads, health care, and economic development, and Bossier City received a Keep Louisiana Beautiful grant for new beautification work.

SECURITY & COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and local law enforcement are lining up extra help for Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford, with horse-mounted officers and out-of-state support aimed at keeping Saturday’s LSU–Ole Miss top-10 matchup from turning into a headline. ELECTIONS & GOVERNMENT: Louisiana voters will decide ten constitutional amendments Nov. 3, including changes affecting property tax homestead transfers for surviving spouses, bail limits for certain minor-victim offenses, and a governor term-limits fix. IMMIGRATION COURTS: New Orleans’ immigration court is seeing a surge in hearings, with advocates warning that missed appearances can trigger automatic deportation orders. PUBLIC SAFETY: Louisiana confirmed its first rabies case in a dog since 2014, urging quick treatment after animal exposures. LOCAL POLITICS: New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno and other city officials were subpoenaed as Liz Murrill’s indictment fight heads into more testimony and document demands. RURAL INVESTMENT: The state Bond Commission approved a major broadband push, including Caldwell and 21 other parishes, to expand high-speed internet access.

Local Public Safety: Gonzales firefighters say a lightning strike sparked a blaze at a three-story law office on Burnside Avenue, injuring two crews members with non-life-threatening injuries; investigators confirmed the cause. Courts & Crime: In Jefferson Parish’s trial over the death of New Orleans Super Bowl reporter Adan Manzano, a co-conspirator testified the group drugged “tricks” and stole cash, jewelry, phones and cards. Health & Housing: Baton Rouge renters, including students, report mold and bugs in apartments and say they’re stuck paying rent while the city points to water intrusion and maintenance-code enforcement. Public Health & Policy: A year after Louisiana’s kratom ban, families and advocates weigh access versus addiction risks after reports of withdrawal and harm. Agriculture & Antitrust: USDA is collecting farmer accounts as the fertilizer industry faces a “cartel” probe over pricing and consolidation. Religion & Abuse Claims: A court filing accuses the Archdiocese of New Orleans of failing to meet nonmonetary child-protection duties under its bankruptcy settlement. Sports Betting Safety: Five major leagues and players’ groups urge states to permanently bar bettors who threaten or harass athletes and staff. Energy & Cost of Living: Home insurance costs keep climbing, with severe weather risk driving premium spikes in many counties. Louisiana Government Finance: Moody’s reinstated Jefferson Parish’s bond rating after audit delays, easing borrowing again.

Supreme Court & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Trump’s executive order aimed at tightening mail-ballot rules, keeping states’ existing processes in place as Louisiana and other states begin mailing ballots for the November midterms. Public Safety & Crime: FBI New Orleans and Hammond police executed a search warrant at an unoccupied northshore building, while Baton Rouge’s multi-agency “Operation Summer Heat 2.0” wrapped up with dozens of arrests, seized guns, and major drug totals. Health Care & Policy: A new report highlights Louisiana’s Medicaid autism therapy spending surge and the pushback as states crack down on ABA providers; separately, Manning Family Children’s Hospital earned top national recognition in U.S. News rankings. Courts & Legal Battles: A lawsuit seeks to stop ICE agents from being deployed to polling sites, arguing armed federal presence would violate long-standing voter-protection law. Economy & Infrastructure: The FAA announced $1.1 billion in airport upgrades, including an $18.9 million Shreveport Regional Airport expansion. Business & Development: Origin Bancorp said it will move its stock listing from NYSE to the Texas Stock Exchange. Local Incidents: Brusly police arrested a woman accused of felony hit-and-run after a viral SUV crash overturned a golf cart.

Courts & Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked a Trump push to force last-minute, untested vote-by-mail rules, warning the plan would disenfranchise voters. Reproductive Rights: A 5th Circuit panel sounded skeptical of Louisiana’s bid to end nationwide telehealth and mail access for mifepristone, focusing on whether the state has legal standing. AI Policy: Sen. John Kennedy is preparing an AI “kill switch” bill, while Trump dismisses AI safety warnings as a “hoax,” escalating the fight over regulation. Louisiana Child Care: A new survey finds Louisiana child care providers are squeezed by rising costs and staffing issues, with many operating costs outpacing revenue and families waiting years for assistance. Insurance & Business: Gov. Jeff Landry says a new option could move Louisiana Citizens commercial policyholders into Property Insurance Company of America, promising 15% to 40% lower premiums. Public Safety: Tangipahoa investigators are probing a drive-by shooting in Independence that killed one man and injured another. Infrastructure: Shreveport Regional Airport won an $18.9 million FAA grant to help fund a new air traffic control tower and terminal expansion.

Public Safety Modernization: Louisiana awarded a $139 million, 10-year Motorola Solutions contract to unify mobile video, digital evidence management, and command-center tech across six state agencies—aimed at cutting data silos and response times. Education & Attendance: Webster Parish Schools launched “Attend Like a Champion,” a districtwide attendance tournament with a monthly championship belt and school-level incentives to keep students in class. Rural Access to Learning: Natchitoches Parish Library is pushing free Homework Louisiana tutoring and in-person help via Northwestern State University partnerships. Election Politics & Money Promises: President Trump again says $5,000 “dividend” checks are “100%” coming, while House Speaker Mike Johnson says Congress would need to process it—leaving the plan politically alive but legally uncertain. AI Policy Fight: Capitol Hill is hearing fresh AI “catastrophic risk” warnings, but major action appears unlikely before the midterms. Local Governance: Bossier City withdrew a proposed entertainment district after business and resident concerns about timing and planning. Economy Watch: LSU-S economist Douglas White says Northwest Louisiana indicators are the first to make him worry about a slowdown. Courts & Abortion: Louisiana’s abortion-pill legal fight continues in the Fifth Circuit as judges question the state’s standing while mail access remains in place for now. Sports & Culture: LSU’s SEC dispute and eligibility fallout continues to ripple into the season, while 9/11 remembrance events keep showing up across Louisiana schools and communities.

AI Safety Showdown: President Trump brushed off calls from top AI leaders to slow development, arguing the U.S. must stay ahead of China and saying “guardrails” are possible without a moratorium—while House Speaker Mike Johnson said Congress shouldn’t lead AI safety efforts and that industry has “obvious corporate responsibility.” Trump “Dividend” Fight: Trump reiterated a promise of $5,000 payments to every American adult if Republicans keep Congress, but Johnson stressed the plan needs congressional approval, leaving the proposal’s fate uncertain. Louisiana Abortion Legal Battle: A Fifth Circuit panel heard arguments that could shape whether Louisiana can challenge mail access to mifepristone, with judges questioning the state’s standing as the medication remains available by mail. Local Governance & Public Safety: Shreveport is considering a downtown pilot using armed private security patrols that can’t make arrests but will coordinate with police. Economic Development: Gonzales plans to introduce an ordinance creating an economic development district along Veterans Boulevard. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported the lowest regular gas in Beauregard Parish at $3.48 (week ending Sept. 5), with other parish price snapshots showing continued regional variation.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says Trump will send $500 refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Louisiana, after claiming Biden-era Obamacare “user fees” overcharged consumers. Louisiana Courts & Politics: Baton Rouge Rep. Cleo Fields warns redistricting after the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling could sharply reduce Black representation in Congress. LSU/SEC Fallout: A new LSU-related legal fight over eligibility appears to be cooling after SEC discussions, with LSU reportedly avoiding sanctions after a major meeting. Abortion Pills in Court: Louisiana is pressing its challenge to mail-order abortion pill access in the Fifth Circuit as appeals court questions the state’s ability to sue. Tech & Governance: A report warns Louisiana’s rapid tech expansion—especially data centers and AI infrastructure—outpaces the state’s ability to govern it. Campus Safety: LSU Police say theft is the most common crime on campus, with rising incidents prompting safety tips for students and visitors. Public Safety Tragedy: A Houma stabbing spree left four dead and a child in critical condition; police identified a person of interest.