AGP Executive Report

Nuclear & Energy Policy: Louisiana is pitching a plan to store radioactive nuclear waste underneath the Gulf as part of the federal Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses push; the state was named a finalist alongside Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Idaho, with Gov. Jeff Landry touting jobs and a “nuclear renaissance” tied to data-center-driven power demand. Reproductive Health: Louisiana’s abortion drug access law is raising hemorrhage risk, with doctors saying a 2024 rule forcing misoprostol off hemorrhage carts delays treatment during emergencies. Local Government & Infrastructure: Shreveport’s state-created clean water task force held its first meeting after the city received an “F” grade from the Louisiana Department of Health for a second straight year. Elections & Voting Rights: NAACP-backed plaintiffs are challenging Mississippi’s DeSoto County judicial election changes, arguing a new majority-Black subdistrict is unconstitutional and could disrupt the November vote. Public Safety & Courts: Attorneys general are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Economy & Jobs: A new analysis finds construction employment grew in only a minority of U.S. metros over the past year, but Baton Rouge posted strong gains. Business & Community: Downtown Lafayette Unlimited convened leaders on “Measuring Downtown Momentum,” citing a 33% rise in downtown visits since 2020.

Medicare & Mental Health: Sen. John Kennedy and Sen. Martin Heinrich unveiled the bipartisan “Increasing Mental Health Options Act,” aiming to cut Medicare red tape that requires physician approval for psychologists in some settings—especially in rural and underserved areas. Higher Ed Access: Northwestern State University held a “Registration Rally” at its CENLA campus to help nontraditional students finish enrollment steps in one stop. Public Safety & Courts: Shreveport Police Officers Association sued the city and top officials, alleging mandatory overtime violates Louisiana law and citing chronic understaffing. State Law Enforcement: AG Liz Murrill’s Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested Livingston woman Kelli Gordon Guitrau for allegedly stealing more than $10,000 in Teachers’ Retirement benefits via forgery and identity theft. Local Justice: A Washington Parish jury sentenced Hakheim Young to life without parole for a 2024 shooting that killed a 14-year-old. Disaster Relief: SBA is closing its Slidell office after Tropical Storm Arthur, with remaining offices still taking applications. Elections & Voting Rules: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block a ruling halting its vote-by-mail executive order. Tech & Policy: Louisiana Christian University hosted an AI & education roundtable with local education leaders.

New Orleans School Closures Loom: The Orleans Parish School Board is weighing a policy that could force the superintendent to propose downsizing and possible closures if districtwide enrollment benchmarks aren’t met by October, with a Dec. 15 deadline for a plan. Whooping Crane Milestone: LDWF reports a record 10 whooping crane chicks fledged this nesting season, bringing the state population to 84. Tax Refund Deadline: Louisiana taxpayers have until Sept. 4 to claim unclaimed state income tax refunds—about $17.55 million—before they move to the state treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division. Campaign Finance Rule Push: Lawmakers are seeking a ban on using campaign funds to fight or settle sexual misconduct allegations. Housing Code Enforcement: Shreveport council members are pressing for tougher landlord enforcement over poor living conditions, including issues tied to Section 8. Election Filing Starts: Qualifying for the Nov. 3 election begins Aug. 5 and runs through Aug. 7. Port NOLA Leadership: Port NOLA appoints Brad Guilmino as VP of Finance and Innovative Delivery to lead major capital work, including the Louisiana International Terminal. Data Center Concerns: Iberville officials discuss how large data centers could affect noise and local water, pushing for proactive local rules. Orphan Trains Program: The Old Governor’s Mansion will host a free Orphan Train Museum presentation Aug. 4. Public Safety Tech Critique: A new report argues acoustic gunshot detectors don’t improve public safety and can drain police resources.

Elections & Civic Life: Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry unveiled the 2026 “I Voted” sticker design by New Orleans artist Terrance Osborne, marking the program’s 10-year anniversary and spotlighting Louisiana culture through art. New Orleans Governance: Mayor Helena Moreno rolled out a three-phase Canal Street Renaissance Initiative focused on streetlight repairs, homelessness outreach, and pressure on underused properties, while the City Planning Commission advanced a proposal to permanently ban large data centers and allow smaller ones under tighter rules. Public Safety & Courts: The New Orleans City Council is set to expand oversight of the Sewerage and Water Board, including a five-year capital plan and emergency customer notifications, after recent flooding blamed on human error. Health & Consumer Protection: FDA officials said the U.S. food supply is safe even as a cyclospora outbreak tops 11,000 cases, with regulators urging continued vigilance. Energy & Economic Development: The U.S. Energy Department selected Louisiana as a potential host for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, joining Tennessee, Utah, Oklahoma, and Idaho in a push tied to spent-fuel storage and broader nuclear fuel-cycle work. Law Enforcement: Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested an Eunice man for distributing child sexual abuse material. National Legal Fight: A union sued the EEOC alleging it indefinitely halted federal-sector class complaints, including a case involving Louisiana federal prison employees.

Louisiana Balloon Ban: Louisiana’s outdoor balloon release ban takes effect Aug. 1, targeting intentional releases of mylar and latex helium balloons; indoor releases, accidental releases, scientific/government balloons, and biodegradable options (with conditions) are exempt, and penalties start at a $500 fine plus community service. New Orleans Water Oversight: New Orleans City Council is moving to tighten oversight of the Sewerage & Water Board under a new state law, including budget scrutiny and mayoral power to remove board members. School Discipline Push: State Superintendent Cade Brumley urged schools to “stand firm” on classroom order, warning that habitually disruptive behavior must bring consequences as Aug. 1 automatic expulsions for assaults kick in. Charter School Payroll Probe: Lafayette police arrested Shameka D. Bazile in an alleged payroll fraud case at Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy, following an internal review tied to possible falsified time records and improper payments. Death Row Bite-Mark Case: Jimmie “Chris” Duncan’s murder conviction was overturned after bite-mark science was ruled unreliable, with a judge citing discredited evidence. Tech & Politics: A Texas poll finds most Texans oppose local data centers, while Louisiana continues courting AI investment—fueling a growing political fight over power, water, and incentives. Public Health Watch: Louisiana health officials report rising cyclospora cases (79 total), urging vigilance as the outbreak is linked to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce.

NCAA Eligibility Fight: Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. is suing the NCAA for an extra year of Division I eligibility, seeking damages and an injunction; KU coach Bill Self says the school is aware of the legal effort. Racial Discrimination Lawsuit: Revier Technologies says Tulane and Louisiana economic development officials rejected its funding application because its owner is white, alleging violations of Title VI and Section 1981. Teacher Pay Guidance: Louisiana education officials issued instructions on Landry’s $168M teacher pay shift, requiring at least $2,000 for teachers and $1,000 for support staff in 2026-27. Federal Money for Roads: Speaker Mike Johnson announced nearly $26M in BUILD grants for a Bossier Parish corridor project and a truck parking study tied to I-10/I-12. Workforce Training Boost: Nunez Community College received a $1M Lowe’s Foundation donation to expand HVAC, electrical, construction and related programs. Public Safety: Calcasieu Sheriff’s Office warned residents about a new phone scam claiming the jail is overcrowded and pushing GPS-monitor payments. Search Update: Baton Rouge-area landfill search for Ja’Derrius Minnieweather entered its third week, with heat forcing shorter shifts and slowing progress. Courts & Crime: A Bogalusa teen was sentenced to life without parole for a 2024 high school parking lot shooting. Gov Transparency Concern: A report says more than 100 Landry staffers signed NDAs tied to what they learn in the governor’s office.

Iberville Election Setup: Qualifying for the Nov. 3 races starts Aug. 5, with voters choosing a new district judge and at least five school board seats, plus a U.S. Senate matchup between Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis. Caddo Data Center “Man Camp” Limits: A proposed Caddo plan to regulate temporary worker housing hit a legal wall because the parish lacks the comprehensive master plan required for zoning-style rules. Iberville Battery Storage Pause: The Iberville Parish Council approved a two-year moratorium on industrial battery storage after residents raised fire-safety concerns and questioned developer reliability. East Baton Rouge Courts on the Ballot: New state law reshapes the 19th Judicial District judge races, creating different subdistricts and an at-large seat, meaning voters will see a new kind of ballot this fall. School Board Campaign Season: Incumbents and education reformers are lining up for Baton Rouge school board elections, with new district maps and term limits driving a crowded field. Hurricane Risk Reality Check: Even with El Niño promising a quieter Atlantic season, insurers are recalculating risk as coastal growth and higher property values make losses worse when storms do hit. Louisiana Turkey Case Crosses State Lines: Three North Louisiana hunters face charges tied to alleged turkey limit violations in Nebraska and transporting the birds back to Louisiana. New Orleans Federal Probe: Agents are unraveling a New Orleans-based online network tied to monkey-torture videos, according to federal court reporting. Bocuse d’Or in New Orleans: Top chefs competed at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, with Team USA sweeping gold medals in both categories. Energy, AI, and the Money Trail: A new look at AI data center financing argues sustainability impacts are set earlier than most environmental reviews, with Louisiana’s Hyperion campus cited as part of the buildout. Stock Disclosure Scrutiny: Sen. Alan Armstrong is accused of violating the STOCK Act after hundreds of delayed stock disclosures. El Niño + Insurance: Separate coverage reiterates the same point: fewer storms doesn’t automatically mean lower payouts anymore.

Saudi Nuclear Deal Rift: Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy says he’s “not comfortable” with Trump’s civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, arguing the timing is “not good” while the U.S. is bombing Iran and the region is on a “hair trigger.” Iran War Diplomacy: U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz says a pause in strikes is “giving diplomacy some space,” while warning more military assets are moving into the region. AG Nomination Roadblock: Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund is stalling attorney general nominee Todd Blanche, with GOP senators demanding the deal be renegotiated or nullified. Louisiana Courts & Utilities: A judge recommends denying SLECA’s bid to abandon power service on remaining “Lake Lines,” sending the dispute back to the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Public Safety: Shreveport police arrested two suspects in a downtown hotel homicide, charging them with second-degree murder and attempted armed robbery. Child Exploitation Case: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill’s LBI says it arrested a Bossier City man tied to hundreds of child sex abuse material counts and an alleged illegal child sex doll. Campus Hunger Relief: SLU received a $5,000 Hunger-Free Campus grant to expand Roomie’s Pride Pantry.

New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board Overhaul: A new Aug. 1 law shifts oversight of the Sewerage and Water Board from state legislators to the New Orleans City Council, with council leaders already signaling they want changes at the top after recent flooding, pump failures, and lingering billing/customer-service complaints. Midterms Countdown: With 100 days to the 2026 midterms, new polling and approval tracking show Trump underwater in major battleground states, while Democrats hold a narrow edge in the generic ballot—setting up a tight, geography-driven fight. FEMA Nomination: A Senate committee advanced Trump’s FEMA nominee Cameron Hamilton, a potential win for disaster readiness in Louisiana after earlier controversy over whether FEMA should exist. Eviction Help Funding Gap: New Orleans’ “right to counsel” eviction defense program will get far less than promised this year, leaving tenants’ legal support in limbo amid the city’s budget crunch. Immigration Detention Fight: Across the country, ICE detention capacity is again a flashpoint, with advocates pushing to shut down or limit facilities tied to Trump’s enforcement push. Energy & Prices Watch: U.S. refineries are running near full capacity, raising concerns about equipment failure risk and tighter fuel supplies. Social Media Child Safety Ruling: A divided 5th Circuit panel blocked Texas from enforcing parts of its child online safety law, citing federal limits on liability for third-party content.

Election Integrity Fight: A Biden-appointed majority on the First Circuit kept in place an injunction blocking parts of President Trump’s election-integrity order in 23 states and D.C., including limits on DHS citizenship lists and new USPS mail-ballot requirements. Louisiana Politics: Gov. Jeff Landry and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu traded barbs on social media, escalating a feud over the state’s fight with the city. Consumer Protection: Louisiana’s new debit-card surcharge law takes effect Aug. 1, with officials threatening up to $500 fines and a private right of action after written notice. Courts & Public Officials: In New Orleans, the “it’s not over” fight continues after a special prosecutor dropped felony charges against AG Liz Murrill, keeping the political heat on city-state relations. AI Data Centers: Across the country, communities are pushing back on AI data centers over power, water, noise, and farmland impacts, while Louisiana leaders weigh ratepayer protection pledges. Food Assistance: A new report says more than 1 million children nationwide lost SNAP access after Congress tightened eligibility rules. Local Justice: In Monroe, Quinton Tellis was acquitted of murder but indicted for intimidating a witness tied to the same case.

AI Data Center Ratepayer Fight: President Trump expanded his Ratepayer Protection Pledge at the White House, with Gov. Jeff Landry and Entergy attending, as utilities and tech backers argue data centers shouldn’t spike household power bills—while watchdogs warn pledges may not deliver. Local Housing Policy: A new federal housing law is already drawing attention in Louisiana, with local realtors and builders pointing to incentives and deregulation as a way to speed more affordable homes. Louisiana Justice & Public Safety: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill’s LBI arrested Herald Francisco Huete Vivas in Bossier City on hundreds of child sexual abuse material counts and a child sex doll charge. Courts & Elections: Tennessee’s revised congressional map cleared the courts, keeping a majority-Black Memphis district split in place for the Aug. 6 primary. Crime: Shreveport police seek two armed suspects tied to a downtown hotel shooting and attempted robbery. Federal Funding Deadline: Congress is racing toward a Sept. 30 shutdown deadline as Iran war spending deadlocks Senate Democrats and Republicans.

AI Ratepayer Pledge: The White House expanded President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, adding 200-plus utilities and other partners to push the idea that AI data centers—not households—should pay for power and grid upgrades. Local Governance: Baton Rouge’s mayor and parish council are still sparring over the St. George lawsuit, with a new proposed process aimed at improving how the city-parish, council, and parish attorney coordinate. Courts & Labor: A federal judge in New Orleans certified two classes in a collective wage claim against a Gretna-area restaurant, alleging overtime and tip-pool violations. Education Policy: Senate Bill 14 lets some retired Louisiana teachers return to classrooms while keeping part of their retirement benefits. Public Safety: LDWF cited three hunters in a turkey-hunting case tied to alleged illegal bag limits and interstate transport. Crime: Shreveport police seek two suspects in a downtown hotel homicide and attempted armed robbery. Justice System: Louisiana’s AG Liz Murrill-backed case includes a major child sexual abuse material arrest in Bossier City, with hundreds of counts filed. Immigration & Protest: Alexandria-area authorities plan a crackdown on anti-ICE protests tied to preparations for a new migrant detention camp. Business & Growth: Youngsville’s Mustang World Series brings international youth teams and a local economic boost.

AI Data Center Cost Fight: President Trump expanded a “Ratepayer Protection Pledge,” saying big tech and power providers will cover the electricity build-out so households don’t pay more—while critics call it non-binding. Statehouse Contract Scrutiny: Louisiana lawmakers questioned a $54 million, no-bid Motorola deal for police tech, including bodycams and dashcams, pushing for more public review. New Orleans Courts & Funding: A community forum heard questions about Gov. Jeff Landry’s vetoes and his threat of a special session tied to New Orleans courts. Murrill Fallout: AG Liz Murrill defended her actions after a special prosecutor dropped her indictment, while lawmakers and city officials trade blame over the grand jury dispute. Public Safety Tech & Policy: New Orleans is moving on blight and adjudicated property, but heirs’ property rules remain a major barrier to returning land to families. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana and triggered ongoing preparations and monitoring across the Gulf Coast. Justice System: Prosecutors filed a habitual offender bid that could dramatically increase a sentence in a case tied to a deadly Jefferson Parish police chase.

Planned Parenthood Funding: Planned Parenthood is set to regain access to more than $800 million in federal Medicaid funds after a Trump-signed one-year defunding ban expired, reigniting pro-life pressure on GOP leaders to make the cutoff permanent. New Orleans Courts Fight: Gov. Jeff Landry is floating a special session to reshape New Orleans’ court system after felony charges against AG Liz Murrill were dismissed, escalating the state’s feud with city Democrats. Data Center Ratepayer Pledge: Landry joined Trump’s expanded “Ratepayer Protection Pledge,” aimed at pushing data-center energy upgrade costs onto tech companies and utilities rather than households. Transportation Safety: Louisiana DOTD won a $640,000 federal grant to study truck parking demand on I-10 and I-12 after crashes involving parked commercial vehicles, including fatal ones. Local Governance: Baton Rouge is seeking to intervene in a lawsuit over St. George’s incorporation date, while the mayor-president says the parish attorney overstepped. Public Safety: LSP Troop A is investigating a fatal early-morning East Baton Rouge crash that killed a 19-year-old. School Pay Update: BESE tweaked guidance so districts can use local teacher pay increases to offset state stipend cuts. SNAP Pressure: A new report says SNAP enrollment is dropping sharply in multiple states, with Louisiana among the hardest hit.

Open Meetings Ruling: A Louisiana appeals court says BESE’s attempted takeover of two low-performing Baker schools violated the state open meetings law, potentially forcing more detailed public agendas. Courts & Public Safety: The son of Baton Rouge Judge Gail Horne Ray returned to court seeking to vacate 1997 forcible rape convictions, arguing a prior motion wasn’t ruled on. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha continues to churn across the Gulf and Louisiana, with officials urging residents to stay alert as impacts roll into Acadiana and the New Orleans area. State Government & Infrastructure: Jefferson Parish secured a $20M loan for sewer upgrades after losing its bond rating, using a state-backed path that avoids needing a credit rating. Elections & Voting Rights: Sen. Raphael Warnock is pushing Congress to investigate whether post–Louisiana v. Callais redistricting illegally discriminated against Black voters. Veterans: LDVA praised Sen. Bill Cassidy’s bill to support spouses of veterans lost to suicide with career services. Federal Policy: The U.S. House passed a bill letting the FDA destroy hazardous food and other imports that pose public health risks.

AG vs. New Orleans Courts: Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s special prosecutor dismissed all 16 counts against her, but Murrill and Gov. Jeff Landry say the fight isn’t over and are pressing for further state and federal scrutiny of how the case was built. Redistricting & Elections: From the Politics Desk reports redistricting is pushing incumbents toward the exits, with Louisiana Rep. Cleo Fields among those stepping aside after GOP map changes. Iran War Funding: House Republicans advanced a GOP-only $95 billion package to fund the Iran war, farm aid, and voting-related priorities, teeing up a Senate fight. Public Safety: Hammond police made 30 arrests during weekend enforcement; West Baton Rouge jail warden Trevor McDonald resigned after 10 months. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in St. Bernard as a weakened system; officials warn localized heavy rain and flooding are still possible. Health & Crime: Whooping crane reintroduction hit a record 10 chicks fledged; a Lafayette sex offender was arrested for unlawful use of social media accounts. Policy & Food: SNAP cost-sharing changes are drawing calls to delay implementation, with advocates warning about impacts on low-income families.