AGP Executive Report

Saints-Cowboys Joint Practice: New Orleans and Dallas turned chippy into a full-on brawl in Oxnard, with Brock Rechsteiner body-slamming a Cowboys player after punches and facemask grabs, leaving coaches to decide whether to keep practicing. Local Justice & Second Chances: In Baton Rouge, the 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge’s “Not From This House” program marked another milestone, completing an eight-week course for teens and expunging records for nonviolent offenders. Courts & Religion: The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to revisit Texas’s Ten Commandments-in-classrooms law, a case that could reshape church-state lines in public schools. Port Watch in St. Bernard: Neighbors reacted after the U.S. Army Corps approved the Louisiana International Terminal permit, with residents warning about pollution, traffic, and infrastructure strain. NFL Injury Ripple: Saints wideout Jordyn Tyson is expected to miss at least two months with a hamstring injury, prompting the team to work out veterans Chase Claypool and Josh Reynolds. Education Spotlight: Southeastern Louisiana University opened the 2026-27 year with fall convocation honors, including President’s Awards for Excellence and new faculty and scholarship announcements.

Meta Trial Over Kids’ Safety: A coalition of state attorneys general, including Louisiana AG Liz Murrill, is in federal court arguing Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to children while misleading parents about risks, with the trial expected to run weeks. Local Education & School Funding: Louisiana lawmakers approved a teacher pay plan that’s largely a one-time stipend, and the state is also taking applications for the Teacher Leader Summit 2027 Education Expo. Baton Rouge Nonprofit Leadership: 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge installed attorney Michael B. Victorian as its new president, continuing its mentoring work for Black youth. Amazon Data Centers Expand in Northwest Louisiana: Amazon announced a third data center campus in Shreveport, boosting its investment in the region to $18 billion and adding hundreds of jobs. Public Safety & Courts: A judge denied late requests to recuse the judge in a Baton Rouge corruption probe tied to Metro Council member Cleve Dunn. Health Alerts: FDA-linked recalls expanded for Salmonella-tainted jalapeño products, including items sold in Louisiana. Weather: Extreme heat warnings and advisories remain in effect across the New Orleans metro and southeast Louisiana.

Saints Injury Update: New Orleans rookie WR Jordyn Tyson is expected to miss about two months with a right hamstring injury after getting hurt in a joint practice with Jacksonville, putting his early-season availability in doubt. Local Construction & Safety: Nicholson Drive work near LSU’s Tigerland has students and nearby businesses worried about blocked sidewalks and pedestrians being pushed toward tracks or traffic as the semester ramps up. Child Welfare Oversight: Louisiana DCFS is moving toward new requirements tied to a law taking effect Jan. 1, including a statewide law enforcement liaison and a push for faster critical incident reviews after confirmed child deaths. Port Growth: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cleared the Louisiana International Terminal, a deepwater container project on the Lower Mississippi River, as a major new Gulf Coast capacity boost. Data Center Tension: Caddo Parish leaders debated a possible moratorium on data center tax incentives, but legal limits and zoning gaps are complicating any pause. Politics on the Ballot: Louisiana voters will face 10 constitutional amendments in the Nov. 3 election, covering taxes, bonds, and bail-related changes. NIL Clash: LSU is still selling Jayden Daniels No. 5 jerseys despite a cease-and-desist letter challenging the school’s use of his name and likeness. Housing Affordability: A new report says HUD spending hasn’t meaningfully improved affordability, with home prices outpacing incomes across states.

Port & Shipping: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted federal permits for the Louisiana International Terminal in Violet, clearing the way for construction and aiming to keep Port NOLA competitive as bigger container ships can’t safely pass upriver under the Crescent City Connection bridge. Local Economy & Tourism: Butch Spyridon, credited with Nashville’s tourism boom, is returning to Baton Rouge to help modernize the aging River Center, pending a Metro Council vote, with a focus on landing more major events. Energy Security: The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve has fallen to a 40-year low, raising concerns about whether continued drawdowns could threaten the underground salt caverns that store the oil. Public Safety Law: Louisiana’s expanded Move Over Law is now in effect, requiring drivers to move over for disabled vehicles showing hazard or emergency warning lights when it’s safe. Politics & Accountability: Sen. Bill Cassidy is demanding answers from the University of Minnesota over “therapeutic” dolls marketed for children, while Louisiana’s AG fight over wrongful-conviction compensation remains in the spotlight. Health Costs: MOPE Clinic is pushing cash-pay lab price transparency, using an invoice example showing a much lower clinic cash rate than the billed charges. Sports (Louisiana ties): LSU safety Jhase Thomas is emerging as a camp standout as LSU works through depth at safety.

LSU Football: Ed Orgeron is back in Baton Rouge in a support role, working closely with coach Brian Kelly’s staff on recruiting and defense as LSU ramps up fall camp. Road Construction: LA 3132 in Shreveport is set for intermittent closures Monday, with the eastbound Linwood Avenue off-ramp closing Wednesday for about a week. Public Safety: A Louisiana man accused of killing his wife allegedly drove hours across state lines with her body in the passenger seat before his arrest in Memphis. Coastal & Industry: Letters and debate are heating up over a proposed SpaceX launch facility in Vermilion Parish, with critics warning about environmental impacts and lack of public say. Local Government: New Orleans is facing a $110 million budget shortfall and plans town halls so residents can weigh in on 2027 priorities. Energy & Costs: Entergy Arkansas’ rate plan drew pushback at a public hearing, as residents questioned how data-center growth could affect bills. Economic Development: Hyundai Steel’s $5.8B Louisiana mill is reportedly set to break ground Sept. 4 in Ascension Parish. Weather: Extreme heat continues, with cooling centers opening in the metro area as residents look for ways to stay safe.

LSU-to-NFL Spotlight: Former LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier made his NFL preseason debut for the Kansas City Chiefs, going 13-of-19 for 98 yards with two sacks and no turnovers in a 20-12 loss. Local Schools & Industry: Cameron Parish school officials reported fixes to heating and cooling at schools, plus bus repainting, while a Black Bayou LNG storage tax exemption vote looms. Saints Preseason Recap: New Orleans opened preseason with a 24-20 loss to Jacksonville after leading 20-6 at halftime; Zach Wilson impressed in relief with 145 yards and a TD drive, while the Jaguars’ depth and Saints’ second-half slide shaped the “good, bad, ugly.” Jaguars O-Line Woes: Jacksonville’s offensive line injuries worsened early when Chuma Edoga went down, leaving the Saints’ front to rack up sacks and hits. Vaccine Fight in Congress: Sen. Bill Cassidy blasted President Trump’s childhood vaccine overhaul as “stupid policy,” arguing it would mean more shots, more visits, and higher costs without benefits. Sports Betting Buzz: DraftKings is pushing NFL preseason award predictions with sign-up promos available in Louisiana. Gas Watch: Richland Parish hit the week’s lowest premium price at $4.15; St. Martin diesel dipped to $4.64. DeQuincy Football: DeQuincy’s fall scrimmage at Basile was moved to Friday Aug. 21 due to an officials shortage.

Vehicle Privacy & Policing: Flock Safety says it’s cutting license-plate reader retention from 30 days to 7 and adding audit help after Louisiana residents raised privacy concerns about tracking. Local Courts: Calvin Duncan, the elected Orleans Parish clerk, is back in federal court arguing a new state law (Act 15) was designed to block him from taking office. Public Safety Incident: Louisiana State Police confirmed an hours-long Lake Charles SWAT standoff ended in an officer-involved shooting. NFL, New Orleans Focus: The Saints blew a 20-6 halftime lead, losing 24-20 to the Jaguars in their preseason opener; Zach Wilson impressed as a backup candidate, while the defense allowed 18 unanswered points. Baton Rouge Community: Teen Court gave Baton Rouge youth real courtroom roles at the East Baton Rouge Juvenile Courthouse. Back-to-School Help: Southwest Louisiana Credit Union hosted its annual Back to School Resources Fair, distributing free shoes and connecting families to local services.

School Board Legal Fight: A lawsuit challenges Patrick Martin V’s reelection to the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, alleging he failed to file state income taxes for 2024 and 2025; a Monday hearing is set. Crime & Safety: Flock Safety is tightening controls on its police license-plate camera network, including shorter data retention and limits on sharing after privacy backlash and alleged misuse. Immigration & Military Families: A U.S. Army soldier’s wife from Louisiana was removed from a deportation flight to Brazil and later released, with her case still pending. Public Health: A boil-water advisory was issued for parts of Plaquemines Parish after a water main break dropped pressure below safe levels. Local Sports Spotlight: The Jaguars open the preseason at the Saints in the Caesars Superdome Saturday, with Jacksonville starters sitting out and backups getting extended reps. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show mixed local fuel pricing across parishes, with several areas hitting week-ending Aug. 8 lows.

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.