AGP Executive Report

Attorney General Confirmation: The U.S. Senate confirmed Trump’s former personal lawyer Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy casting the deciding support while Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in opposition over concerns tied to the Epstein case and a controversial “anti-weaponization” fund. Civil Rights & Voting Rights: A Legal Defense Fund leader marked the Voting Rights Act’s 61st anniversary by warning that the Trump administration and the Supreme Court are undermining protections for Black voters. Immigration Detention: A new report says ICE force-fed an Afghan hunger striker for nearly six months, with a doctor calling the practice “torture,” as court records show repeated orders for involuntary treatment. Louisiana Education: New Orleans schools are starting the year after five straight years of LEAP gains, even as enrollment declines could mean more closures and budgets remain under state monitoring. Local Politics: Qualifying closed for Louisiana’s redrawn 6th Congressional District, setting up a Nov. 3 primary with multiple GOP and Democratic candidates after the map changes. Louisiana Courts/Transparency: An Orleans grand jury fight continues as AG Liz Murrill pushes for answers about whether political operatives influenced her indictment, while an editorial argues Louisiana officials should be wary of nondisclosure agreements.

U.S. Justice Department Shakeup: The Senate narrowly confirmed Trump ally Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy casting the deciding ballot after Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in opposition; the fight centered on Blanche’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and a controversial “anti-weaponization” plan. Louisiana Politics: Cassidy’s support is already drawing backlash from Democrats and watchdog groups, while the confirmation keeps a close Trump loyalist atop federal law enforcement. Local Law Enforcement: Lafourche Parish deputies responded to a barricaded suspect in Thibodaux, urging the public to avoid the area. State Education Funding Fight: St. Tammany school officials said they’re frustrated with Gov. Jeff Landry’s executive order shifting costs onto districts, as they revise budgets to cover teacher and staff stipends. Democratic Push in New Orleans: Kamala Harris told Louisiana Democrats at a New Orleans gala that the wealth gap is driving economic hardship, framing the election as a fight for voting rights and affordability.

U.S. Justice Department: The U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer Todd Blanche as attorney general in a tight 50-49 vote, with Democrats plus GOP Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voting no; Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy provided the deciding yes after weeks of fights over Blanche’s independence and the controversial “anti-weaponization” IRS settlement. Louisiana Politics: The confirmation lands as Louisiana Democrats press for higher turnout and tougher messaging on voting rights, with Kamala Harris urging Democrats to be “ruthless” against corruption while warning that election rules could be tightened. Local Governance: New Orleans City Council moved to protect an eviction-prevention “right to counsel” legal aid program by introducing an ordinance to restore $750,000 after threatened cuts. Public Safety & Courts: East Baton Rouge’s DA race is set for a two-person contest after qualifying ended, with incumbent Hillar Moore facing challenger Ryan Thompson. Community Watch: Residents in New Orleans East are escalating complaints over overgrown lots, saying code enforcement delays are putting homes and sidewalks at risk.

AG Confirmation Watch: Sen. Bill Cassidy says he’ll vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, a key move that could clear the last Senate hurdle despite GOP opposition from Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins. Homeless Services: A federal judge paused Louisiana’s applications for homeless services funding, putting Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to take over up to $50 million in New Orleans services in limbo. Election Filing Wrap: Qualifying ended for the Nov. 3 ballot, with Lafayette Parish races largely set by unopposed incumbents and other parishes seeing slates finalized after a busy filing period. Local Leadership Changes: Westlake picked a new mayor, and Calcasieu and Beauregard district attorneys were reelected; in the Capital Region, dozens of district judges won unopposed. Judicial Discipline: A DeSoto judge avoided immediate discipline under a deferred agreement after admitting to lewd comments to an attorney and court staff. Energy & Jobs: RWE reached a $1.22 billion deal to exit U.S. offshore wind leases, including Louisiana, and pivot toward LNG investment. Courts & Public Safety: New Orleans criminal judges Leon Roche and Simone Limone qualified for challenges tied to the state’s court restructuring.

Louisiana Politics & Government: Louisiana’s redistricting fight is heating up after a court ruling limits race-based congressional mapmaking, with lawmakers and voting-rights groups pushing for public input on how districts are drawn. Public Safety & Courts: A Slidell man was arrested after a joint FBI and St. Tammany investigation found volatile materials and explosive precursor devices at a duplex; bomb teams removed the hazards safely. Law Enforcement: Louisiana State Police detectives are investigating an officer-involved shooting tied to a pursuit involving a Livingston Parish deputy on I-55. State Policy & Cost of Living: A new housing affordability study finds nearly half of Louisiana renters can’t afford a basic one-bedroom without exceeding 30% of income, underscoring the squeeze on working families. Higher Education: Commentary argues Louisiana should expand affordable pathways to college and training instead of raising tuition, as federal aid pressures mount. Local Politics: Livingston Parish leaders endorse State Sen. Rick Edmonds for Louisiana’s 6th District U.S. House seat. National Politics (with Louisiana tie-in): Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she’ll oppose Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination, putting Bill Cassidy’s vote in the spotlight. Energy & Industry: Meta’s Louisiana data-center push is driving a political fight over who pays for the power—ratepayers or the companies building the load.

Fauci Contempt Fight: A Senate Homeland Security panel voted 8-7 to hold former COVID czar Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt after he repeatedly invoked the Fifth during questioning, escalating a broader push to re-litigate the pandemic. Birthright Citizenship Orders: President Trump signed executive orders aimed at denying citizenship to children born in the U.S. to so-called “birth tourists,” setting up likely legal challenges. New Orleans Courts: A judge approved a $106 million settlement tied to the deadly 2019 Hard Rock Hotel collapse in New Orleans. School Desegregation Ends: Bossier Parish Schools and the federal government agreed to end decades of segregation oversight, removing the district from a long-running compliance order. Local Education Updates: Jefferson Parish Schools reminded families of a classroom cell phone ban, while Bossier Parish kicked off the 2026-27 school year with added campus safety presence. Offshore Wind Buyback: RWE agreed to surrender offshore wind leases in New York, California, and Louisiana in a $1.22 billion deal with the Trump administration, further shifting the energy fight toward fossil fuels. Workforce System Overhaul: The U.S. Department of Labor approved Louisiana’s plan to modernize the state workforce system through a phased move toward a more unified statewide structure. Qualifying & Elections: Qualifying continues for Louisiana congressional races and local contests, with new candidates filing in Northwest Louisiana and the 6th District field growing after redistricting. Public Safety & Courts: Louisiana’s truck parking study targets dangerous shoulder parking after crash data tied to parked commercial vehicles; meanwhile, Sulphur council members moved toward investigating city hiring and termination practices.

LSU Athletics Funding: LSU met with top donors after Gov. Jeff Landry hosted sessions outlining a new, LSU-controlled revenue plan for sports, aimed at covering rising costs since athletes can be paid directly. Education Accountability: Louisiana’s “Teacher Shield” (Act 141) took effect Aug. 1, requiring students who assault teachers or staff to be placed in alternative school settings for at least two semesters. Human Trafficking Grant: The DOJ Office for Victims of Crime awarded $1.6 million to the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention to build a statewide task force with Louisiana State Police. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: Reports of deaths at Delaney Hall detention center renewed pressure as ICE arrests surge nationwide. Courts & Public Records: AG Liz Murrill sued to force Orleans Parish DA Jason Williams and special prosecutor Laurie White to produce more records tied to her dropped indictment. Local Politics/Crime: Baton Rouge-area corruption case moved forward with the indictment of EBR Schools Superintendent LaMont Cole. Voting Rights Backdrop: A new push argues the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act rollback is opening the door to more racial gerrymandering.

Baton Rouge Corruption Case: East Baton Rouge Schools Superintendent LaMont Cole was indicted by a special grand jury on felony corruption charges tied to his Metro Council days, including conspiracy to commit public bribery, money laundering, and malfeasance. New Orleans Courts & Public Safety: The owner of ASAP ankle monitoring says he’s removing clients and preparing to end operations in New Orleans, blaming judge non-responses to alleged violations; separately, a new state law now requires notifications after improper inmate releases. Election Season in Orleans: Qualifying opened Wednesday with 30 judicial candidates filing in New Orleans, with the ballot dominated by races reshaped after Act 748 cut district judgeships. Civil Liberties & Surveillance: State Rep. Danny McCormick is pushing legislation to ban Flock license-plate cameras, calling them mass surveillance. Immigration & Military Families: An AP investigation finds Trump’s administration has detained dozens of active-duty troops’ spouses and parents, raising concerns about readiness and family stability. Human Trafficking Funding: Louisiana’s Human Trafficking Task Force is set to launch with a $1.6 million DOJ grant in partnership with Louisiana State Police. SpaceX & Local Life: Cajun singer Dustin Dale Gaspard warns a proposed SpaceX spaceport in Vermilion Parish could threaten wildlife and residents’ way of life. Gun Law Update: A federal judge ruled parts of the National Firearms Act are unconstitutional, potentially ending suppressor and short-barreled gun registration requirements.

Orleans Courts Election Fallout: New Orleans qualifying for fall judicial races opens Wednesday amid the Legislature’s cuts to Orleans judgeships, raising questions about who will challenge whom on the ballot. Sewerage & Water Board Governance: Mayor Helena Moreno’s team is pushing back on a proposed parcel fee after consultants raised concerns about fairness, with the administration saying no one should pay more than current taxes. State Policy & Courts: Louisiana’s expungement system still requires eligible residents to petition and wait because the 2023 Clean Slate Act isn’t fully implemented, leaving people stuck with old records. Immigration & Military Families: An AP investigation says Trump administration immigration enforcement has detained dozens of parents and spouses of active-duty troops, with experts warning it could hurt readiness. Federal Oversight Push: AG Marty Jackley joined a coalition urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act to expand state authority against beneficiary fraud. Energy & Infrastructure: Louisiana is among finalists for a federal “nuclear lifecycle innovation campus,” with plans that include underwater disposal under Gulf salt domes. Transportation & Costs: Louisiana’s Belle Chasse Bridge tolling problems are being treated as a cautionary tale as the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge moves forward with tolling plans. Tech & Pollution: Sierra Club says Louisiana regulators didn’t properly account for all emissions from Meta’s Richland Parish data center permit revisions.

LSU Law Leadership: LSU Law named Brent Johnson interim law library director while it runs a national search for a permanent leader. Military & Insurance: Louisiana military members can now apply once for a 25% auto insurance discount instead of reapplying yearly. Courts & Governance: The Louisiana Supreme Court declined to rehear a challenge to the law cutting Orleans Parish criminal judgeships, keeping the seat-reduction in place. Public Safety Funding: DOJ awarded $2.8 million to capital-area agencies for tech, gun-violence reduction, body armor, and rape crisis services. New Orleans Water Watch: Sewerage and Water Board letters warned some East Bank residents about a one-hour turbidity exceedance, with officials saying bacteria tests were not indicated. Criminal Justice: LBI arrested a Baton Rouge officer accused of sharing protected law enforcement information with drug dealers. Environment & Industry: Shrimpers argued in federal court against a turtle-excluder rule; separate groups urged LDEQ to strengthen Hyundai Steel’s air permit. Politics & Elections: House and Senate passed a constitutional amendment on redistricting. Transportation Rules: New federal CDL rules will tighten English enforcement and electronic medical certification handling for Louisiana truck drivers. Local Politics: Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux qualified for re-election by petition. Energy & Data Centers: Entergy paused its Cottonwood power-plant acquisition as data-center cost concerns mount. Nolan Wells Case: A new report compiles boat placement and social media claims, urging verification as misinformation spreads. National Guard Cost: A Defense Department estimate puts the extended Washington deployment through 2029 at about $1.4 billion. Abortion Policy Push: Acting AG Todd Blanche advanced toward confirmation after Senate Judiciary moved his nomination, with promises to make Dobbs “permanent in every single state.” Medicaid Fraud: AG Tim Griffin joined a push for the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act to expand fraud investigations beyond providers.

Education & Schools: New Orleans students are starting to return to class this week, with Abramson Sci Academy welcoming its incoming freshmen and district leaders pointing to momentum amid new state grading and funding pressures. National Guard & Coastal Restoration: Louisiana aviators used UH-60 Black Hawks to place recycled Christmas trees in Lake Pontchartrain marsh areas, pairing training with shoreline stabilization. Local Business & Community: A Slidell entrepreneur pitched a new roof-work mobility product after winning regional startup competitions, while Olde Towne Slidell’s White Linen and Lagniappe event spotlights how local shops and artists build foot traffic. Public Safety & Law: A new Louisiana “Behind the Counter” law boosts penalties for assaults and batteries targeting customer-facing workers, following a Baton Rouge restaurant shooting. Governance & Oversight: Jefferson Parish’s inspector general alleges the parish has been accepting building reports from unregistered third-party inspectors, citing fraud and falsified inspections. Economic Development: Shreveport won international Bronze Excellence awards for its Block by Block revitalization and permitting reforms. Energy & Industry: Westlake and Westlake Chemical Partners reported improved quarterly results, while Advantage Renewables acquired early-stage Michigan battery storage projects. Politics & Policy Watch: Louisiana’s AG announced an investigation into Anthony Fauci after high-profile testimony, as other states join probes.

New Orleans Courts: A judge at the center of Orleans Parish court shakeups says he won’t seek another judgeship after the Louisiana Supreme Court upheld a law eliminating three Orleans Criminal District Court seats, clearing the way for Nov. 3 elections. Orleans Governance: Mayor Helena Moreno moves to replace four Sewerage & Water Board members, with City Council confirmation expected Aug. 6 as the city tightens control under new rules. State Politics & Elections: A federal judge blocked a USCIS policy that barred nonpartisan groups from helping new citizens register to vote, finding likely intentional discrimination. Public Safety & Crime: In St. Tammany, former Louisiana State Police Superintendent Robert Hodges announced a run for sheriff; in Lafourche Parish, three men were charged after an ATM theft chase ended with K-9 searches. Health & Law: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill says she won’t reconsider Pornhub’s age-verification law and will increase scrutiny. Economy & Disaster: Tropical Storm Arthur’s flooding left an estimated $112 million in Louisiana agriculture losses, with Avoyelles Parish hit hardest. Housing Market: A Zillow report shows luxury demand rising while starter-home sales soften, a split that could shape Louisiana buyers’ next moves.

Fauci Probe in Louisiana: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill says the state will investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci after he invoked the Fifth Amendment before Congress, joining Alabama and Florida in a widening, state-level push despite a federal pardon. Voting Rules Fight: President Trump’s emergency bid to restrict mail voting is headed to the Supreme Court, setting up a clash over the “Purcell principle” and election-rule changes close to November. Parole Access at LSU Law: Louisiana’s 2024 crime law changes are shrinking parole eligibility and drying up cases for LSU’s Parole and Re-entry Clinic, putting a long-running legal training pipeline at risk. Bossier Bathroom Ordinance: The ACLU of Louisiana is challenging a Bossier Parish Police Jury move that would criminalize transgender people using bathrooms aligned with gender identity, arguing the ordinance process violated Louisiana’s open-meetings rules. Nuclear Waste Deal Talk: The DOE’s new “Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses” plan would require host states like Louisiana to accept out-of-state spent fuel and high-level radioactive waste, raising major policy questions. SNAP Cuts Hit Families: More than 4 million people have already lost SNAP food aid amid sweeping changes, with children among those most affected. Louisiana LNG in Global Supply: QatarEnergy is buying Louisiana LNG to cover disruptions tied to the Iran conflict, underscoring how Louisiana exports are acting as a pressure valve for global gas markets. Redistricting Town Hall: Jefferson Parish West Bank lawmakers will hold a town hall on redistricting and new laws ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.

Fauci Probe Escalates: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill says the state will investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci after his Senate hearing where he invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times, joining Alabama and Florida and citing “contemporaneous records” she says contradict his earlier claims. Public Safety & Courts: The 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Opioid Initiative and DEA FORT teamed up for a multi-agency fentanyl investigation that led to an arrest and extradition process. Sentencing Update: A Ponchatoula man, Trystan C. McMillion, was sentenced to 30 years at hard labor for a Hammond man’s fentanyl overdose death. Local Government/Jobs: St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation named Ginger Cangelosi its new CEO. Education: Northshore Technical Community College announced its Fall 2026 semester starts Aug. 19, with registration open through Aug. 18. Federal Politics: A report says Trump is speaking more often with House Speaker Mike Johnson than Senate Majority Leader John Thune, raising GOP concerns ahead of the November midterms. Tech/Policy: Louisiana’s new laws on debit card surcharges and balloon release restrictions take effect as the state continues tightening consumer and public-safety rules.

Louisiana Law & Courts: A new state law expands Louisiana’s first-degree murder definition to cover killings tied to gang-related violence or shootings in public places, aimed at tougher penalties after the Mall of Louisiana attack. Public Safety & Schools: The Caleb Wilson Anti-Hazing Act took effect Saturday, requiring anti-hazing training for administrators, a public hazing-incident database at state-funded schools, and permanent campus bans for organizations found liable in a hazing death. State Government Transparency: A New York Times-linked critique of Gov. Jeff Landry’s approach to secrecy targets Meta’s Richland Parish data-center deal, arguing nondisclosure agreements block public visibility into economic development terms. Health & Enforcement: Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced her office will investigate former Dr. Anthony Fauci after his Senate testimony included repeated Fifth Amendment invocations. Higher Ed Funding: Louisiana colleges will receive sports-gambling tax money under the SPORT fund, but reporting is limited—raising questions about how the funds will be used and whether spending will be publicly tracked. Local Governance: New Orleans’ Sewerage & Water Board governance reforms are under discussion as city leaders warn changes will take time.

Immigration & Due Process: Johns Hopkins researcher Fatima Ameaka was detained by ICE while boarding a domestic flight despite work authorization and a pending asylum case, then released after days in custody across multiple states—raising fresh questions about how federal immigration rules are applied in Louisiana. Public Safety Leadership: Gov. Jeff Landry appointed Chief Chad Sonnier as Louisiana state fire marshal and promoted Bryan Adams to principal assistant, signaling a shakeup at the Office of State Fire Marshal. Local Government Finances: Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack says New Orleans’ finances are improving, but warns cash flow remains tight and more cost-cutting is still coming. Justice System Scrutiny: A new report highlights emergency housing gaps for Louisiana foster children, including unapproved stays that state records didn’t properly track. Consumer & Business Law: Louisiana’s new law lets users cancel certain unlicensed crypto ATM transactions starting Aug. 1 and demand full refunds, with deadlines and operator obligations spelled out. Food Assistance Pressure: SNAP cuts are hitting Black families hardest, with advocates warning hunger impacts are already underway. Data Center Backlash: A report says Trump-backed data center expansion is facing growing local revolt, including fallout tied to Louisiana officials’ reported secret deal with Meta. HBCU Outcomes: Forbes ranked 20 HBCUs by post-graduation results, spotlighting top performers including Howard, North Carolina A&T, and Spelman. Sports & State Pride: Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns won gold at the FISU America Games, with Alaysha Veal and Mark Daley leading the way.