AGP Executive Report

Louisiana Courts: The Louisiana Supreme Court has stayed the criminal case against state Attorney General Liz Murrill, pausing a 16-count indictment tied to alleged threats to New Orleans officials. The court pointed to procedural problems, including concerns about conflicts involving the special prosecutor and reports that a journalist was locked out while covering the grand jury process—leaving the dispute between state Republicans and New Orleans Democrats far from over. New Orleans Politics: City leaders are bracing for what could come next as Murrill and Gov. Jeff Landry have both signaled they’re prepared to fight the case, with Landry promising a pardon. Holiday Weather: Southeast Louisiana is baking through the Fourth of July weekend with heat and humidity, plus scattered storms that could pop up anywhere, then fade before fireworks—while rain chances rise again Sunday and Monday. Local Crime: New Orleans police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run on the Danziger Bridge early Friday morning.

Legal Clash in New Orleans: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill was indicted by an Orleans Parish grand jury on 16 felony counts—8 for malfeasance and 8 for public intimidation—tied to letters sent to Mayor Helena Moreno, DA Jason Williams and city council members during a fight over changes to local court clerk roles; Murrill calls it retaliatory and says she’s seeking an emergency stay, while Gov. Jeff Landry says he’ll order State Police to investigate the grand jury process and has promised a pardon if she’s found guilty. Transportation & Growth: Lafayette officials signed a key environmental document for the long-delayed I-49 Connector, unlocking about $80 million in federal grant applications for early work near the I-49 interchange and East Kaliste Saloom Road. Public Safety Reminder: Louisiana State Police are urging drivers to follow the “move over” law this Fourth of July after a trooper was killed during a traffic stop, warning tickets and tragedy can follow ignored hazards. Local Economy & Culture: Essence Fest preparations are underway at the Morial Convention Center, with organizers and Mayor Moreno touting new attractions as the festival draws major tourism dollars. Sports: LSU landed four-star safety Karnell “Greedy” James after he flipped from Texas, giving the Tigers a major boost for the 2027 class.

Louisiana Politics & Courts: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill says her Medicaid fraud crackdown has produced more than $73 million in restitution orders, though only about $14.5 million has been collected so far, with a new division led by Matt Stafford focused on recovery. Public Safety & Health: A heat-and-storms forecast warns southeast Louisiana could see pop-up thunderstorms this afternoon as heat index climbs near 105 degrees, with holiday weekend conditions to watch. Sportsman News: LDWF says Louisiana’s red snapper limit will rise to five fish per person for the Fourth of July weekend (with the 16-inch minimum size still in place), then drop back to four on Monday. Local Community: Shreveport’s Strand Theatre hosts a free America 250 Naturalization Celebration for 34 new citizens, with the oath at 3 p.m. Local Tragedy: Two Breaux Bridge men died after a single-vehicle crash on LA 686 near Arnaudville; the investigation is ongoing. Independence Day Plans: Parades, fireworks, and community events are set across the region for America’s 250th birthday, including museum free-admission hours in New Orleans.

Child Exploitation Crackdown: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill’s Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested a Hammond man for allegedly posting child sexual abuse materials on Snapchat, as part of a multi-agency undercover operation that has now reached ten arrests. NIL Oversight: A new Louisiana law now requires agents and attorneys for student-athletes to register with the state, pass a background check, and complete training before negotiating NIL deals. Education Funding Fight: Lawmakers approved a plan to cut $168 million from K-12 funding to pay stipends, but the program is still blocked by a lawsuit challenging the move. Public Safety: Louisiana State Police announced a July 3 sobriety checkpoint in Rapides Parish, and also introduced two new K-9 officers for Capitol security. Health Warning: The Louisiana Department of Health warned residents about raw milk after 11 illnesses and two hospitalizations tied to three milking operations. Local Sports: Carencro’s junior class and playmakers are driving state-title hopes, while UL catcher Colt Brown earned D1Baseball Freshman All-America honors. Crime/Justice: A lawsuit claims St. Bernard Parish Hospital waited 41 days to notify a patient after alleged sexual battery by a gastroenterologist.

U.S. Senate showdown: Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy clashed with President Donald Trump during a closed-door GOP meeting, raising concerns about Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict and warning Trump hasn’t been forthcoming with Americans. State politics & courts: Orleans Parish grand jury is examining whether Attorney General Liz Murrill threatened New Orleans officials over a move to merge criminal and civil court clerk roles. Medicaid crackdown: AG Murrill announced a major Medicaid fraud enforcement operation, including 21 arrests tied to alleged false billing, records, and abuse/neglect involving vulnerable people. Energy & industry: Air Products is canceling its Louisiana Clean Energy Complex in Ascension Parish, citing weaker returns and rising costs, after years of local and environmental opposition. Local governance: Caddo Parish and commissioners are still waiting on a judge’s decision on whether the state must pay court costs after an open meetings lawsuit was dismissed. Education funding: Education advocates dropped a lawsuit challenging Gov. Jeff Landry’s teacher stipend funding plan after a judge lifted a temporary block. Higher ed in New Orleans: UNO officially became LSU New Orleans, returning to the LSU system with enrollment goals for fall.

I-12 Traffic Tech: Louisiana DOTD has put an AI queue-detection system into service on I-12 through Denham Springs, aiming to spot slowdowns earlier and give drivers more time before backups get dangerous. Ascension Energy Shakeup: Air Products canceled its $4.5 billion Louisiana Clean Energy Complex in Ascension Parish, citing financial-return criteria; parish leaders split between disappointment and relief. Local Business Pressure: French Quarter businesses sued the Sewerage and Water Board over Decatur Street construction, saying fencing and closures have cost them money and asking for tighter notice and billing relief. Homelessness Relief: LifeShare’s “United We Give” blood drive runs July 1-3, with summer donations typically down about 20%—and Baton Rouge excluded from the t-shirt/gift-card promo. Community & Culture: Donaldsonville is seeing a revival tied to major industrial plans, including a Hyundai Steel mill, alongside new businesses and Korean restaurants. Public Safety: A Metairie woman died after a June 24 shooting; Jefferson Parish authorities charged Kennedy George with second-degree murder.

LSU Baseball: Nathaneal Davis is withdrawing from the MLB Draft and will attend LSU, giving the Tigers a major centerfield-opening opportunity ahead of the 2027 season. Courts & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld counting late-arriving mail ballots postmarked by Election Day, a win for military and overseas voters. Campaign Finance: The Supreme Court struck down Watergate-era limits on coordinated party spending, a potential boost for GOP committees. Louisiana Politics & Transparency: Terrebonne Parish officials faced Sunshine Law questions after private, small-group meetings discussed funding for an African American museum. Public Safety: Former LSU/NFL running back Richard Murphy was booked after a June 14 Baton Rouge-area crash that killed two people; authorities are weighing impairment allegations. Energy & Industry: Air Products scrapped its massive Louisiana clean energy complex, citing returns, while investors cheered the pivot. Outdoor & Community: Louisiana raised the red snapper bag limit to five fish per person for July 2–5 as part of America 250. Weather: Hot, sticky conditions continue with storms returning through the holiday weekend.

Child Safety & Courts: A Sabine Parish man, Yancy Elie Normand, was sentenced to 22 years after investigators said he possessed more than 200 illegal files tied to child sexual abuse material and kept handmade childlike sex dolls—items Louisiana lawmakers banned statewide in 2024. Local Law Enforcement: Kenner Police arrested a man “who has obtained the legal name of Santa Claus” in a child-exploitation sting, alleging he used a dating app to contact what he thought was a 15-year-old and arranged to meet. Marijuana Penalties: Louisiana’s new law boosts penalties for marijuana use within 2,000-foot drug-free zones around schools and college campuses, allowing arrests instead of summonses in many cases. Flood Recovery: Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain met flood-affected farmers in Opelousas, urging detailed documentation to unlock state and federal aid as crop damage climbs into the millions. Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld states’ ability to count mail-in ballots received after Election Day if they’re postmarked on time, a ruling that affects Louisiana’s broader voting landscape. Sports & Community: Louisiana Tech officially joins the Sun Belt July 1, touting ticket momentum and more home Saturdays.

Louisiana Politics: U.S. Senate race is set after Julia Letlow beat John Fleming in the GOP runoff and Jamie Davis won the Democratic nomination—both will face off in November to replace Sen. Bill Cassidy. Local Governance: In Baton Rouge, the state’s America 250 kickoff for the Fourth of July is drawing big crowds, with live Louisiana acts, a rare treaty display at the Old State Capitol, and fireworks over the Mississippi River. Courts & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can count mail ballots received after Election Day if they’re postmarked by then, a win for election systems used across much of the country and a setback to Trump-backed challenges. Public Safety: An East Baton Rouge pastor, Tony Spell, was arrested after a fight outside Life Tabernacle Church. Weather: Heat stays intense in the New Orleans area, with storm chances building late Tuesday through the holiday weekend. Business & Economy: Bally’s Baton Rouge added a hidden bowling lounge inside its dining depot, and Shell Norco named a new VP, Alex Markos, focused on local connections.

Louisiana Senate Runoff: Rep. Julia Letlow and farmer Jamie Davis won their party runoffs Saturday, setting up a November faceoff for Bill Cassidy’s seat—Letlow beat John Fleming (57%) while Davis captured the Democratic nod with 80% turnout reported around 18%. New Orleans Jail Violence: Orleans Parish Jail officials say two inmates were stabbed Sunday, with a special response unit conducting a shakedown after the incident. Public Safety—Central City Shooting: A short-term rental party in Central City turned into a shooting early Sunday, sending at least one person to the hospital. Weather Watch: A heat wave is expected to push heat index near 107 degrees through Tuesday, with a mid-week shift bringing heavy rain and strong storms. Local Spotlight: Lincoln Parish student Charity Boney won first place at the 2026 Braille Challenge Finals in Los Angeles. Baton Rouge Hiring: Louisiana State Police began Cadet Class 109, a 24-week academy training 49 future troopers.

Louisiana Politics: Rep. Julia Letlow won Louisiana’s GOP U.S. Senate nomination in the runoff, defeating state Treasurer John Fleming and setting up a November matchup with Democrat Jamie Davis—another Trump-backed win as Bill Cassidy heads out. Local Crime: New Orleans police are investigating an overnight shooting at a Central City house party that left a man hospitalized; no arrests were reported. Baton Rouge History: A Revolutionary War marker tied to Fort Bute in East Baton Rouge vanished in just three days after being placed for America’s 250th. State & National Policy: House Speaker Mike Johnson said a bipartisan housing affordability bill will be sent to President Trump on Monday, after Trump previously tied it to passage of the “SAVE America Act” voting measure. Public Health: Raw milk access is expanding in Oklahoma even as illness clusters are being reported in multiple states, including Louisiana. Sports & Culture: LSU football chatter continues as Lane Kiffin faces pushback from Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss, while ESSENCE Festival released its full daytime schedule for July 3-5 in New Orleans.

Louisiana Senate Race: Rep. Julia Letlow won the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate, beating state Treasurer John Fleming in the June 27 runoff, setting up a November matchup with Democrat Jamie Davis, after Trump’s endorsement helped define the contest and oust Sen. Bill Cassidy from the path to a third term. Democratic Nomination: Davis, a northeast Louisiana farmer, won the Democratic runoff over Gary Crockett and will face an uphill general election in the state’s heavily Republican environment. Local Politics: Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed $500,000 in state funding for JS Clark Leadership Academy in Opelousas, a move the report says critics link to retaliation over education funding votes. Public Safety: New Orleans police investigated a shooting near the Crescent City Connection that sent a woman to the hospital and caused major traffic disruption before lanes reopened. Statewide Results Watch: Louisiana voters also selected Public Service Commissioner District 1 Republican Stephanie Hilferty, who will face Democrat Connie Norris in November. Sports & Community: Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Week ended with 12 new inductees, including Central Louisiana figures like LSU and Bolton alum Warren Morris.

Water & Public Safety: A New Orleans East water main break shut off water to about 60 homes and triggered a boil water advisory for roughly 26,000 people, with crews working to restore pressure after the cast-iron 12-inch line failed. Health & Science: Louisiana Tech’s Sun Belt basketball outlook and new signings at Louisiana Tech highlight local sports momentum, while in health news Daniel Cressy of Metairie became the Gulf Coast’s first functionally cured sickle cell patient after gene-editing therapy, and his next goal is flying commercial planes. Politics & Elections: Louisiana voters head to the polls for key June 27 runoff races, including the GOP U.S. Senate contest between Julia Letlow and John Fleming, plus state and local runoffs. Weather: Hot, muggy conditions continue with mainly dry skies through the weekend, then rain chances rise early next week. Sports: Saints fans get a look back at Craig Heyward’s game-changing 25-yard run in a classic “Play of the Day” moment.

Louisiana Senate Runoff: President Trump’s preferred pick, U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, faces state Treasurer John Fleming in Saturday’s GOP Senate runoff, with the race framed as a test of loyalty after Trump targeted Sen. Bill Cassidy in the primary. Civics for Students: Louisiana’s Civics Bee state finals are set for LSU Shreveport, bringing middle schoolers from across the state to compete after regional rounds. Local Courts & Public Safety: In Lafayette, enforcement of the new anti-camping law begins Jan. 1, but officials and service providers say key questions remain about where people will go and how “homelessness court” will work. New Orleans Infrastructure: Sewerage & Water Board crews removed fencing along part of Decatur Street after months of water main work, with remaining barriers expected to come down soon. Crime & Sentencing: Two men received 45-year prison terms for roles in a 2024 French Quarter mass shooting that killed Yasmeen Webb and injured three others. Health Care Costs: States are moving to lower drug prices by targeting pharmacy benefit managers that manage prescription coverage for health plans. Energy/Regulation: Bernhard Capital Partners asked New Mexico regulators to un-redact parts of a hearing examiners’ report tied to a major gas utility sale. Sports: Former UL baseball star Jonathan Lucroy is set for induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame on June 27.

U.S. Senate Runoff: Louisiana voters head to the polls Saturday, June 27, in closed party primaries for the Nov. 3 Senate matchup—Republicans choose between Julia Letlow and John Fleming, while Democrats pick Jamie Davis versus Gary Crockett. Bond & Local Funding: State Treasurer Fleming highlighted Louisiana State Bond Commission approvals for Nov. 3 ballot measures, spanning drainage, wastewater, roads/bridges, public safety, and community services across dozens of parishes. Education Fallout: A new national report card flags “significant learning loss,” with 40% of fourth graders lacking basic reading skills and 39% of eighth graders behind in math since COVID-era disruptions. Landry, Data Centers & Ratepayers: Gov. Jeff Landry signed/advanced orders tied to AI data center requirements while also moving to protect utility customers—amid ongoing debate over who pays. Courts & Rights: The Supreme Court issued race- and gun-related rulings that drew sharp barbs from justices, keeping voting and civil-rights fights front and center. Local Life: Baton Rouge-area roller skating is rebounding as a community stress-relief outlet, and a Baton Rouge judge/LSU sports Hall of Fame items continue to draw attention.

Plastics Fight: Seventeen Republican state attorneys general, including Louisiana’s, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise consumer costs and violates the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause. Iran War Powers: The U.S. Senate both rebuked and then reversed itself on Iran war powers, with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy flipping after a White House meeting, underscoring how fast the politics are moving. ICE Oversight: DHS Inspector General launched investigations into rising detainee deaths and ICE use-of-force practices. Prison Drone Bust: Two Mexican citizens face federal charges after a drone smuggling attempt at a Louisiana prison led to a chase and crashes, with meth and other contraband found. AI Data Center Order: Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order aimed at protecting ratepayers from power-hungry data centers, saying companies like Meta should fund needed grid upgrades. Local Public Safety: Shreveport police plan a seat belt checkpoint Monday. Flood Relief: Ouachita Parish Police Jury received $6 million from FEMA for an I-20 drainage project. Sports/Community: Mitchell Robinson brought a championship parade to Chalmette; and Melvin Council Jr. signed with the Pelicans after a Kansas run.