AGP Executive Report

Memorial Day Weather: A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Orleans, St. Bernard, and Jefferson Parishes until 12:30 p.m., with another 1–2 inches possible and localized street flooding. Traffic & Travel: New Orleans drivers face delays on I-610 East after a crash blocked the two right lanes near St. Bernard Avenue. Cybersecurity Watch: Baton Rouge-area coverage spotlights a growing risk from poorly protected multifunction printers—an overlooked entry point for hackers. Space & Science: LSU researchers are testing ways to use moon dust to extract building materials for long-term missions, aiming to cut costly resupply. Local Community: Baton Rouge adults are finding connection through Mahjong clubs, with Mahjong Rouge building a social scene around the game. Politics: Trump’s endorsement push continues to reshape GOP Senate races, with Louisiana’s Julia Letlow advancing to a runoff after unseating Bill Cassidy.

Memorial Day pressure on Louisiana roads and streets: A 19-year-old LSU student from Ellis County was killed in a fatal crash, and police also reported a separate crash in Tickfaw that left a 6-month-old dead and a 5-year-old injured—just as holiday travel ramps up. New Orleans violence: Authorities are investigating a shooting at a business in Avondale, and a woman was found dead from a gunshot in Hollygrove. Flood-risk weather: A flood watch remains in effect through Monday evening, with more rounds of heavy rain and localized flooding possible across Southeast Louisiana. Local business fight: Decatur Street businesses held a block party to push back against months of construction disruptions tied to sewage and water repairs. Politics on the national stage: Rep. Tom Suozzi and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick urged Congress to block the Justice Department’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund,” arguing it bypasses Congress.

Massie vs. Trump fallout: Outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie blasted fellow Republicans and President Trump on “Meet the Press” after losing his Kentucky primary to a Trump-backed challenger, saying his push to release the government’s Epstein files helped get him ousted. Housing stress: New data from ATTOM says “zombie” foreclosures ticked up in Q2, showing abandoned homes still stuck in the foreclosure process across 38 states. Louisiana safety: A deadly head-on crash on Highway 89 in Youngsville killed a 78-year-old woman, while Louisiana State Police again pointed to distracted driving and impairment. Local politics & health: Louisiana lawmakers deferred a maternal mortality resolution that would have forced a deeper statewide review of pregnancy-related deaths and disparities. Sports & culture: The Ragin’ Cajuns swept Texas State to reach the Sun Belt title game, and Saints star Alvin Kamara popped up as a pinch runner for the Savannah Bananas in Tennessee.

Diplomacy Flashpoint: Trump reignited Greenland talk with an AI-posted “Hello, Greenland!” as the U.S. opens a new consulate and sends an envoy to the Arctic territory. Local Tragedy: Louisiana State Police are investigating two separate Tangipahoa Parish crashes that killed a 6-month-old and a 22-year-old within hours. Politics & Power: A new wave of redistricting fights is roiling the South after the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling, with advocates warning it’s a concentrated hit on Black political power. Sports—LSU & Saints: LSU QB Emile Picarella III entered the transfer portal after Lane Kiffin added another QB, while Saints trade chatter keeps circling Alvin Kamara, with Dallas and Kansas City named. New Orleans Culture: Greek Fest drew crowds despite rain, with runners and dancers adapting as weather moved in. Weather: Memorial Day weekend stays stormy, with showers and thunderstorms possible across the region.

LSU Shake-Up: Ed Orgeron is back on Lane Kiffin’s first LSU staff after Brian Kelly’s tenure collapsed fast—Orgeron’s blunt take on Kelly’s “cultural fit” is now part of the story. New Orleans Courtroom: Shia LaBeouf has finally been charged in connection with a Mardi Gras bar brawl, months after his arrest. Weather Watch: Saturday brings a stormy pattern with heavy rain and possible street flooding across the New Orleans area and beyond. Local Traffic/Events: Neutral ground parking in New Orleans is allowed until 7 p.m. Sunday, and officials are warning about debris. Sports (Sun Belt): Louisiana survived Coastal Carolina in an elimination game, setting up the next matchup after a 5-4 win. Politics/Voting Rights: A fiery Senate Judiciary clash over racial gerrymandering and enforcement of the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision is driving fresh national attention. Algiers Update: Olive Branch Café in Algiers is reopening for carryout after a car crashed into the building.

Memorial Day in Baton Rouge: Thousands of flags are set to line the Louisiana State Capitol lawn as volunteers prepare the annual tribute to fallen service members, with organizers saying more than 11,000 flags will honor Americans from the Revolution to today. Public Safety: The Highway Safety Commission’s “Click It or Ticket” crackdown runs over the holiday weekend, with seatbelt fines starting at $50 for first-time offenders. Local Courts & Crime: A St. Tammany Parish jury convicted John Silas Joiner Jr. on 15 counts tied to narcotics, weapons, and resisting arrest, setting up a mandatory life sentence. Tech & Risk: A Baton Rouge architecture firm, Grace Design Studios, is facing a proposed class action after a data breach allegedly led to a ransomware attack. Sports & Community: Liberty punched its ticket to the CUSA semifinals with a 6-0 win over Louisiana Tech, while Lafourche Parish libraries kick off free dinosaur-themed summer programs.

Politics, Washington: House Republicans delayed a vote on a war-powers resolution aimed at limiting Trump’s Iran war actions, pushing lawmakers back to June 2 after GOP opposition and absences left support shaky. Politics, Louisiana: The fallout from Trump’s “kingmaker” style keeps hitting home—Cassidy’s loss in Louisiana’s GOP primary is being framed as another example of loyalty tests reshaping the party. Courts & voting rights: DOJ voter-roll lawsuits took another hit as judges dismissed challenges seeking expanded state voter data, adding to the legal fight over how far federal power can reach. Trade & local economy: Sugar producers are urging USTR to investigate “unfair” over-quota imports, while copper traders are reportedly moving inventory tied to a late-June tariff decision. Public safety & community: Simmesport police arrested a suspect after a search-warrant operation; and Baton Rouge-area families are planning for summer heat with new public pool and splash-pad options. Sports & culture: Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, died at 47, and Baton Rouge readers also got a lighter local beat—pool guides and a new Spanish tapas all-you-can-eat night in New Orleans.

ICE Funding Standoff: Senate Republicans backed away from a vote on a $72 billion immigration enforcement bill after a revolt over President Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and a $1 billion ballroom add-on, pushing the decision to June. Louisiana Redistricting: In Baton Rouge, a House panel advanced a congressional map bill that would erase a majority-Black district, after the Supreme Court’s Callais ruling set off a rush to redraw districts across the South. Voting Rights Fallout: Lawyers are calling out the Supreme Court’s use of made-up election rules, while protesters keep showing up in Washington and beyond. State Budget Moves: Louisiana’s Senate Finance Committee approved changes to the next budget after revenue forecasts came in short, prioritizing roads and debt paydown. Hurricane Prep: NOAA says 2026 is likely below-average, but Louisiana officials stress it only takes one storm. Local Watch: New Orleans is one step closer to Sewerage & Water Board oversight by City Council after the Senate passed a bill.

Fatal Crash in Richland Parish: Louisiana State Police say a Winnsboro man, 28-year-old Courtney Temple, died Thursday evening in a two-vehicle crash at U.S. Highway 80 and Weems Road; investigators allege the Ford made a left turn on a green light while a GMC Sierra driven by 38-year-old Allen Stewart ran a red and struck the Ford, and Stewart was later arrested after being found impaired. Local Courts, Public Records: A judge ordered Ascension Parish to release nondisclosure agreements tied to industrial projects, rejecting the parish’s secrecy claims as environmental groups press for transparency. GOP Power Shift: In national politics, Trump’s endorsement of Texas AG Ken Paxton signals the next front in the party’s purge of the “old guard,” following Bill Cassidy’s ouster and Thomas Massie’s loss. Housing Stress Signals: New data highlights where mortgage delinquency is rising fastest, a warning sign for borrowers and the broader economy. NAACP College-Sports Boycott: The NAACP’s “Out of Bounds” push targets major Southern programs, including LSU, as part of a fight over voting rights after the Callais ruling.

Greenland Push: US envoy Jeff Landry says Washington must “put its footprint back on Greenland,” pointing to Cold War-era bases and plans to expand presence as Trump argues the island is key to security and resources. NBA Spotlight: Pelicans rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen made the All-Rookie Second Team, while Kings center Maxime Raynaud also earned Second Team honors. Local Transit Shakeup: New Orleans RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins resigned and repaid nearly $21K over car allowance issues, setting up a legal fight with the board. Politics & Voting Rights: The NAACP and Congressional Black Caucus are urging Black athletes and fans to boycott major public universities in states accused of weakening Black voting power, including Louisiana. Louisiana Sports/Recruiting: LSU is bringing back former coach Ed Orgeron as a special assistant under Lane Kiffin. Business Growth: Trader Joe’s announced 25 new stores across 14 states. Public Safety: Mississippi ranked 11th for public safety in a new U.S. News report, while Louisiana continues to face scrutiny in voting-rights and redistricting battles.

Algiers Kidnapping Attempt: New Orleans police say a juvenile in the Behrman neighborhood escaped after suspects allegedly put a bag over the child’s head, forced them into a car, then the victim broke a window and ran to safety. Saints Contract Pressure: Alvin Kamara’s future with the Saints is getting tighter as GM Mickey Loomis signals “resource management” could mean a pay cut soon. Trump Coalition Strain: A new AP/NORC poll finds Republicans’ disapproval of Trump’s economy hitting a new high, with gas prices and the Iran war weighing on voters. Local Toll Fight: A bill would create a fund to help end the Belle Chasse Bridge toll contract early or reduce tolls, with a Senate finance hearing pending. Rail Safety Reminder: An Amtrak train hit and killed a woman on tracks near Mobile, continuing a grim streak of incidents on the New Orleans–Mobile route. Voting Rights Backlash: NAACP launches an “Out of Bounds” push urging Black athletes and fans to boycott major Southern public schools over voting-rights complaints. Water Infrastructure Boost: Hut 8 plans a $16M West Feliciana water system expansion tied to its River Bend AI data center campus.

Trump’s GOP purge hits Kentucky: Rep. Thomas Massie was ousted in the Kentucky GOP primary by Trump-backed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, another sign Trump can still flip “friendly” Republicans when they break with him. Louisiana politics fallout: Sen. Bill Cassidy says he has “no regrets” about his 2021 impeachment vote—while Louisiana’s closed primary system is already drawing blame for low turnout, with Lafayette’s clerk citing confusion and a 24% turnout. Local public safety: St. Landry Parish is banning trail rides for the rest of 2026 after shootings tied to a weekend event. Health & community: LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center highlights clinical trials after a patient’s Stage 3 lung cancer went into complete remission. Weather watch: Officials are tracking a heavy-rain setup that could bring flash-flood concerns across the region. Sports: Louisiana baseball rolled past Marshall 11-1 in the Sun Belt tournament opener, moving one win closer to the title.

Land Fight Ignites: A draft bill backed by Sen. Bill Cassidy would transfer about 140,000 acres of Louisiana’s only national forest, Kisatchie, to Grant Parish—and residents are furious, saying they weren’t consulted and fear public access could shrink. Voting Rights Backlash: Across the country, the Supreme Court’s latest Voting Rights Act moves are still rippling—Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson warned the court risks looking partisan after it sped up a Louisiana-related decision. Local Politics Pressure: Louisiana voters also rejected a teacher-pay constitutional amendment, and Gov. Landry is now pushing back hard, while the GOP launches a counter-campaign against recall efforts. Public Safety: A major Greater Baton Rouge internet sex-crimes sweep ended with 60 registered sex offenders arrested. Everyday Life: In Acadiana, drivers are being warned that Louisiana law limits how far you can travel in a turning lane—about 200 feet.

Pelicans Hire: New Orleans has landed Jamahl Mosley as head coach on a five-year deal after he was fired by the Magic following a 3-1 playoff lead. ESPN reports he went 189-221 in Orlando and is known for defensive intensity and player development. Louisiana Politics: The fallout from the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act decision keeps tightening the screws on election maps—Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson warned the Court risks looking political after it let Louisiana move fast on new districts. Teacher Pay Fight: Gov. Jeff Landry is threatening vetoes unless lawmakers deliver a permanent teacher raise after voters rejected Amendment 3. Local Sports: Saints coach Kellen Moore says the team is “getting close” on Alvin Kamara’s status as OTAs approach. Other Notables: UAMS recognized 1,237 health-professional graduates; and a 4-year-old Houston-area wish kid got a VIP Monster Jam trip.

Louisiana Politics: Voters rejected Gov. Jeff Landry’s teacher-pay plan and all four other constitutional amendments on Saturday, dimming lawmakers’ chances of finding money for raises after Amendment 3 failed. Voting Rights & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court avoided a major next step in Voting Rights Act enforcement, sending Mississippi and North Dakota map fights back to lower courts after its Louisiana ruling weakened protections for minority districts. Redistricting Fight: Louisiana’s GOP-backed congressional map cleared the state Senate 27-10, aiming to eliminate a majority-Black district and give Republicans a 5-1 edge—now headed to the House. Cybersecurity: Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Bill Cassidy demanded answers from Instructure after a Canvas breach exposed data tied to about 275 million students, teachers, and families. Health & Safety: A Mississippi man sued Ochsner Medical Center and three emergency physicians over an alleged kidney-stone misdiagnosis. Sports: The Pelicans hired Jamahl Mosley as head coach, and the NBA conference finals tip off Monday with Spurs-Thunder.

Louisiana GOP shakeup: Sen. Bill Cassidy is out after finishing third in the Saturday primary, clearing the way for Rep. Julia Letlow and State Treasurer John Fleming to advance to a June runoff—another sign of President Trump’s tight grip on the party after Cassidy’s 2021 impeachment vote. Runoff math: Letlow led with about 45% and Fleming followed with about 28%, while Cassidy landed around 25%; the runoff is set for June 27. Local politics ripple: The same election cycle also rejected all five Louisiana constitutional amendments, including a teacher-pay plan tied to education trust funds. Sports (Baton Rouge): LSU softball capped its Baton Rouge Regional title run by beating Virginia Tech 7-2, sending the Tigers to the Super Regional. Elsewhere: WHO declared an Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency, as global tensions and conflict risks continue to rise.