AGP Executive Report

LSU & Baton Rouge Community: The Golden Band from Tigerland marked the 10-year anniversary of the 2016 flood with a new halftime tribute built in less than a week, reflecting how students and rehearsals were disrupted by the disaster. Public Health: The FDA upgraded a salmonella egg recall affecting more than 1.5 million eggs to its highest “Class 1” level, with Louisiana among states where the products were shipped. Local Government & Accountability: News 15 reported on a Louisiana auditor’s concerns about Melville’s finances, including losses in the general fund and utility billing problems. Sports & Local Culture: LSU baseball legend Skip Bertman died at 88, leaving a legacy that former players and coaches say went beyond wins. Weather: An Extreme Heat Warning hit Jefferson Parish with heat index values around 110–115 and cooling sites listed for residents. Legal News: A lawsuit challenges a St. James judge’s ballot candidacy over alleged missing state tax filings. Transportation: I-10 Westbound lanes reopened on the Mississippi River Bridge after a vehicle fire.

LSU Legacy: Nick Saban says Skip Bertman was “100% right” about leaving LSU for the NFL—after Bertman’s death at 88, Baton Rouge and LSU sports communities are reflecting on how Bertman’s leadership reshaped the whole athletics department. Local Education & Policy: Louisiana lawmakers kicked off work to revise the school funding formula, with educators pushing back as districts struggle to cover teacher and support staff bonuses after Gov. Jeff Landry shifted costs. Courts & Accountability: A former LSMSA teacher has sued the school and administrators, alleging harassment and retaliation. Public Safety & Courts: The New Orleans Firefighters Association sued Fire Superintendent Roman Nelson over assignments and pay, after staffing issues left some companies temporarily shut down. Health & Consumer Alerts: The FDA upgraded a large egg recall to the highest risk level, and Walmart recalled tomato soup kits over possible Listeria contamination. Crime: A Shreveport man was indicted on child exploitation, drug, and firearms charges after a multi-agency operation. Sports (Local Interest): The Jaguars open the preseason Friday at the Saints in the Caesars Superdome, with starters ruled out.

School Funding Overhaul: Louisiana lawmakers kicked off work on a restructuring panel aimed at boosting teacher pay through the state’s minimum foundation program without raising taxes, with members weighing how districts spend and whether funds are being missed or misallocated. Public Safety Tech Contract: Baton Rouge lawmakers are set to consider a $54 million no-bid, 10-year Motorola deal for disaster communications and body-worn and dashboard cameras—an issue that’s already drawing scrutiny. Immigration Enforcement in Kenner: Kenner Police’s continued collaboration with ICE, including a 287(g) agreement, is back in the spotlight after a recent detention involving local officers. Food Safety: An avocado oil purity dispute is prompting calls for stronger testing and enforcement, while Louisiana readers are also seeing broader recall and salmonella-related food warnings. Local Crime & Courts: Tangipahoa Parish deputies are investigating rising copper thefts targeting churches, and a Baton Rouge nursing-home case continues to raise questions about neglect and oversight. Space & Business: Elon Musk’s jet was spotted in Lafayette as SpaceX plans for a coastal spaceport in Vermilion Parish near an expected announcement. Sports & Culture: LSU’s Jayden Daniels NIL dispute with the school over the No. 5 jersey is escalating, while Louisiana’s public conversation also includes a new push for ADHD awareness and treatment access.

Local Public Safety: Metro Council approved a Police Support Specialist Program that lets retired officers work part-time on administrative duties for BRPD at $40/hour, with no arrest or ticket power. Health & Environment: Louisiana and Gulf Coast states are warning about a surge in flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus infections, with Louisiana reporting multiple deaths tied to seawater-exposed wounds. Courts & Crime: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill announced LBI arrested a Violet man on 226 counts tied to child sexual abuse material and animal abuse. Public Safety & Justice: A grand jury declined to indict a man accused in a potential New Orleans festival plot, citing jurisdictional issues and vague statements. Sports & LSU: Jayden Daniels’ cease-and-desist over LSU using his No. 5 has sparked pushback as DJ Pickett says he won’t change numbers; LSU’s jersey retirement rules allow some flexibility. Economy & Energy: FUEL committed $800,000 to Louisiana community colleges to expand energy workforce training. Local Economy: Gas prices eased in parts of the state, with East Feliciana reporting the lowest diesel at $5.09 in the week ending Aug. 8.

Utility & Tech Influence: Louisiana regulators voted 3-1 to let Meta keep key Richland Parish data-center details secret, overriding an administrative judge and drawing fresh anger over potential electric-bill impacts. Public Safety & Health: Louisiana is reporting deaths and cases tied to “flesh-eating” Vibrio vulnificus, with officials urging caution around seawater exposure. Local Infrastructure: After a 2016 flood-linked lawsuit, Livingston Parish is set to use settlement funds to modify I-12 median barriers to improve drainage. Law & Privacy: A Louisiana lawmaker is pushing a bill that could ban license plate-reading cameras, arguing they violate 4th Amendment protections; meanwhile, Kenner’s police tout expanded Flock camera use. Housing & Cost of Living: Shreveport lawmakers face pressure to enforce a state law targeting landlords who collect utility payments but don’t pay bills. Community & Culture: The 74th Delcambre Shrimp Festival kicks off for five days of food, music, and parades. Sports: LSU football fall camp continues with freshman Russell Babineaux focusing on earning trust as the season opener nears.

Meta Data Center Transparency Fight: Louisiana regulators overrode a judge and blocked Meta from having to disclose more details on expected jobs and electricity use for its Hyperion data center in Richland Parish, keeping opponents focused on whether Entergy’s power plans could shift costs to residents. Local Parks Governance: A Baton Rouge proposal would create a private nonprofit conservancy to manage City-Brooks Park and University Lakes, aiming to fix “disjointed oversight” and boost long-term planning. Community & Education: Louisiana community and technical colleges president Richard Nelson unveiled a plan to expand access, advising, childcare/transportation, and align programs with workforce needs. Health & Safety: Louisiana’s LDWF set 2026 fall inshore shrimp season opening dates, with rules on tow times and shrimp cargo limits; meanwhile, officials continue monitoring tropical development as Cristobal forms in the Atlantic. Culture & Events: Bywater bars launched “It’s Potty Time,” a self-guided art crawl running through Aug. 29, turning restroom doors into pop-up galleries.

Flood Mitigation: Iberville officials are exploring a regional pumping station near the Bayou Sorrel Locks to relieve a long-running bottleneck that worsens flooding between the Mississippi River, Atchafalaya River, and False River. School Safety & Discipline: EBR Schools addressed a video circulating online showing a fight at Scotlandville High, saying students were disciplined and the district is adding supervision, counseling, and support. Local Policing Model: St. George is rolling out a part-time, volunteer police force to supplement the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, with a focus on traffic and speeding enforcement. Public Health/Water Safety: New Orleans’ Sewerage and Water Board says bacteria levels are improving after a water main break on the West Bank, but a boil water advisory remains for parts of Algiers. Mental Health Support: Baton Rouge parents behind the Matthew Bahlinger Memorial Fund helped LSU expand dedicated mental health counseling for LSU Bands and the College of Music and Dramatic Arts. Legal/Consumer Protection: Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says the 5th Circuit struck down Biden-era stove and oven efficiency rules, siding with states over consumer cost and process concerns. Courts/Settlements: A judge approved a $106 million settlement tied to the 2019 Hard Rock Hotel collapse in New Orleans.

LSU Football: Sam Leavitt says his Lisfranc recovery is “100%” as he heads into his first season at LSU, with Lane Kiffin encouraged by his accuracy and ball security. Saints Injury Update: Cam Jordan’s hamstring could keep him out past the start of the regular season, with coach Kellen Moore saying the team will be patient while evaluating his progress. Local Development: Youth City Lab in Baton Rouge is nearing completion and is set to open later this fall after a $2.3 million investment, bringing together four youth-focused nonprofits under one roof. Downtown Baton Rouge Housing: New data shows the Central Business District is nearly full, with about 95% occupancy, plus plans for more units downtown. Public Health: Louisiana is among states affected by a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled jalapeño products, with health officials urging caution. Campus Safety Law: A new Louisiana rule lets students at public colleges carry self-defense pepper spray on campus, with limits for patient care areas and events with armed security. Food & Community: Baton Rouge and Acadiana dining coverage highlights local favorites, including charbroiled oysters at Drago’s. Sports Community: Shreveport Rugby Football Club hosted the TOLA 7s championship, drawing regional teams for a fast-paced summer tournament.

Child Vaccines Fight: President Trump signed an executive order pushing fewer childhood vaccines and urging separate doctor visits, including splitting the MMR shot—drawing sharp backlash from physicians and Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods expanded a salmonella jalapeño recall hitting major stores like Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s and Kroger, with “best if used by” dates through Aug. 16. Air Quality Watch: A new report says Louisiana’s air monitoring often misses key industrial chemicals and that many monitors sit far from polluters along the Baton Rouge–New Orleans corridor. Local Government & Money: An audit warns the Avoyelles Water Commission may leave customers exposed to costs after alleged fraudulent software and weak controls. Baton Rouge Courts: 19th Judicial District Chief Judge Don Johnson reflects on his career ahead of retirement; an election is set for Nov. 3. Campus Safety Law: A new Louisiana rule lets students at public colleges carry self-defense chemical spray on campus. Tech & AI: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg lays out a “future for everyone” AI vision and new community investment fund.

Immigration & Military Families: Congressional Democrats say they’re investigating the Trump administration’s efforts to deport active-duty service members and their families after reports of dozens of troops’ spouses and parents detained by ICE. Energy Policy: Another offshore wind developer, RWE U.S. Offshore, agreed to end its U.S. offshore wind leases and lawsuits, citing trouble securing permits, while the Trump administration continues buyouts. Public Safety & Water: A boil water advisory for New Orleans’ Venetian Isles has been lifted after testing, though a west bank advisory remains in effect. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño products nationwide, including items sold in Louisiana, after a salmonella outbreak tied to fresh jalapeños. Local Tech & 911: New Orleans is deploying an AI tool to triage some emergency calls, aiming to reduce repetitive calls and ease operator bottlenecks. Crime: NOPD is searching for an additional suspect in a French Quarter-area shootout that wounded two people, including a visiting teacher. Environment & Recreation: Louisiana closed its private recreational red snapper season early under an emergency declaration, with officials reviewing whether it can reopen for Labor Day. Weather: Southeast Louisiana faces spotty storms today, then a hotter, drier pattern may take over midweek.

Local Justice & Safety: A Ponchatoula man was arrested after three thefts (ATV, truck, and trail camera) were tied to him within hours, with items found in the truck he was allegedly driving. Public Safety Watch: Baton Rouge-area crash data shows more fatal or severe pedestrian/bicyclist/motorcycle hits than last year, including a recent death on Old Hammond Highway. DA Race: East Baton Rouge’s Hillar Moore will face challenger Ryan Thompson for the first time in nearly two decades. Sports Injuries: The Saints’ Dillon Radunz tore an ACL in practice, while Cam Jordan missed time with a hamstring issue. Health & Food: Target, Walmart and Whole Foods joined recalls tied to a Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños. Crime Court: Jury selection begins Monday in New Orleans for two men accused in the staged-wrecks case of killing a federal witness. Community & Culture: The Ogden Museum opened Louisiana Contemporary, spotlighting “Ekeko in Custody” and other works from across the state. Statewide Crime: Louisiana State Police reported finding more than 1,200 pounds of suspected marijuana during three traffic stops.

Public Health Alert: Louisiana health officials are warning Gulf Coast beachgoers after a surge in Vibrio vulnificus infections, with 9 cases confirmed in 2026 and 5 deaths; infections are linked to warm coastal waters and can happen when wounds are exposed to brackish or saltwater or from raw/undercooked seafood. Local Sports: Saints training camp took another hit as offensive lineman Dillon Radunz tore an ACL in practice, likely ending his season and forcing the team to lean more on rookie depth. State Politics: U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy said his vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general wasn’t “black or white,” describing it as nearly a “vote no” after concerns about IRS protections tied to Trump. Baton Rouge Business & Community: Prominent Baton Rouge civic leader and auto dealer Matt McKay died Saturday after a years-long Alzheimer’s battle. Louisiana Flood Memory: Ten years after the 2016 Louisiana flood, recovery spending has moved forward, but fear and lingering impacts remain for many families. Local Health Tech: A Baton Rouge company partnered with LDH to ship free at-home immune system testing kits to Louisiana residents. NFL Update: Lions backup QB Teddy Bridgewater is stepping away again, with retirement “likely,” leaving Detroit searching for depth behind Jared Goff.

Louisiana Sports Business: Louisiana Tech is open to a naming-rights deal for the Thomas Assembly Center, but says it’s not in talks yet and would only move with the right partner and plan. Local Safety: Kenner police say an alligator attacked a leashed dog near the lakefront by the Gabriel Pumping Station; Animal Control was contacted. New Orleans Crime: NOPD arrested Allen Harris in connection with two attempted murders, including a Seventh Ward man allegedly set on fire. Community & Culture: Dirty Linen Night kept Royal Street buzzing with open galleries and local shops, with the Red Dress Run crowd adding a splash of color. State Politics: Kamala Harris told Louisiana Democrats they need “ruthlessness” against corruption as she keeps 2028 talk alive. Public Health: Albertsons recalled jalapeño-linked products in Louisiana over possible salmonella contamination. Sports Spotlight: Drew Brees’ Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement drew Saints fans to Canton, with “Who Dat” celebrations and Brees’ emotional speech.

Attorney General Fight in Washington: The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a razor-thin 50-49 vote early Saturday, with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy casting the deciding “yes” while Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted no—prompting immediate backlash from Democrats and a sharp Trump attack on Murkowski. Heat Safety in Louisiana: State health officials confirmed eight heat-related deaths this summer, warning older residents to take precautions and noting risks beyond heat, including Vibrio and Cyclospora. Local Crash Update: Louisiana State Police said a 44-year-old Marrero woman, Joleen Walls, died Friday night in a single-vehicle crash after her SUV left the roadway and overturned; impaired driving and speed are suspected. Gas Prices Watch: The national regular gas average fell to $4.06, while Louisiana reports show some parish-level lows around the high $3s to low $4s. New Orleans Charity Concern: The Red Dress Run drew thousands in the French Quarter, but organizers say unregistered participants reduce funding for local nonprofits.

Public Safety: Louisiana health officials say a flesh-eating Vibrio bacteria surge has killed 5 this year, warning beachgoers and seafood lovers to protect open wounds. Local Politics: New Orleans’ judicial races are set after qualifying closed, following state seat eliminations that reshuffled several Orleans Parish judgeships. Law Enforcement: A New Orleans Police officer faces 350 charges over alleged overtime payroll fraud and was placed on unpaid administrative leave. Health & Courts: A Texas brain-death dispute tied to a hotel pool drowning ended with the 2-year-old dying after being taken off life support. Community & Education: Kamala Harris wrapped up a Louisiana Democrats tour in New Orleans, speaking to students and pushing voting rights as qualifying ends. Infrastructure & Housing: Residents along Baton Rouge’s South Boulevard say I-10 widening construction is pushing noise and traffic into their yards and are asking for buyouts. Church & Justice: New Orleans clergy abuse claimants say archdiocese settlement payments are still dragging on amid bankruptcy proceedings. Sports: Drew Brees’ Pro Football Hall of Fame weekend is set, with Saints tryouts continuing as the team looks for defensive depth.

Attorney General Confirmation: Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy says he’ll vote to confirm Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general, clearing a key hurdle after GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she’ll oppose—setting up a final Senate decision. Voting Rights Protections: Gov. Meyer signed the John Lewis Voting Rights Act in Delaware, part of a growing push for state-level safeguards after the Supreme Court’s Callais v. Louisiana decision. Food Insecurity: Louisiana SNAP participation dropped sharply year over year, with the state now seeing one of the steepest declines in the country amid higher costs and worsening economic signals. Local Politics & Campaigning: Louisiana Democrats wrapped an 18-city tour with stops in New Orleans and a Kamala Harris sneaker ball, aiming to boost turnout for fall midterms. Public Safety & Policy: New Orleans is using AI to help answer 911 calls, especially for accident-related calls that can overwhelm dispatchers. Sports: Saints rookie Brock Rechsteiner was suspended for six regular-season games for violating the NFL-NFLPA performance-enhancing substances policy, though he can still play in preseason.