Flood Control & Local Government: Iberville Parish officials met with U.S. Army Corps leadership to push a Bayou Sorrel Regional Floodwater Pump Station, aiming to ease drainage bottlenecks that funnel floodwaters from Iberville, Pointe Coupee and West Baton Rouge. Education Leadership: The Iberville Parish School Board set an Aug. 18 deadline to find a new superintendent after Dr. Louis Voiron’s planned retirement, with a $150,000–$190,000 salary range. New Orleans Finances & Pensions: A new audit finds the city’s general fund deficit was smaller than first projected, while still flagging long-running firefighter pension shortfalls. AG Liz Murrill Legal Fight: With prosecution on hold after a Louisiana Supreme Court stay, both sides traded claims of ethical conflicts tied to the special prosecutor and the AG’s office. Criminal Justice: A New Orleans defense attorney accused in a federal wire fraud case is set to change her plea Aug. 27. State Politics: Louisiana mourns the sudden death of State Sen. Larry Selders, 44, a Baton Rouge lawmaker known for work on children and mental health. Immigration & Voting: ICE arrested an Australian woman in Franklinton, accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally voting in federal elections. Public Safety & Courts: A Lafayette DA launched an investigation into alleged falsified UL athletic recruiting expenses. Health Policy: Florida moved to ban high-concentrate kratom, citing safety concerns.