AGP Executive Report

NBA Schedule Release: LeBron James’ first season with the 76ers will be heavily televised, with Philadelphia set for 34 national games, including a season-opening matchup at the Knicks on Oct. 20. LSU Baseball Legacy: Legendary LSU coach Skip Bertman has died at 88, remembered for turning the Tigers into a national powerhouse and for his “Hold the Rope” lesson about trust and teamwork. New Orleans Riverfront: Audubon is moving into the next phase of Goldring Woldenberg Park, aiming to add 2.5 acres at the former Esplanade Street wharf and open the expanded riverfront access in the first half of 2029. Power Grid Resilience: Entergy begins a $270M Jefferson Parish grid-hardening push, replacing or reinforcing 500+ Veterans Boulevard poles to better withstand major hurricane winds. Public Health Alerts: Louisiana shoppers are urged to check for recalled salsas, dips and eggs tied to Salmonella, including an FDA update raising the egg recall to the highest risk level. Weather: Dangerous heat is expected to return across South Louisiana, with heat indices possibly topping 110.

Local Courts: Federal judge granted qualified immunity to most former Baton Rouge Police officers in the “BRAVE Cave” lawsuit, but a claim that one officer kicked a detainee in the ribs will go to a jury. Sports & Community: Shreveport’s Independence Stadium will host the Stars & Stripes Border Classic Sept. 3-4, with ESPN livestreaming a Friday doubleheader featuring top Louisiana and national recruits. Weather & Safety: A heat advisory is set for southeast Louisiana Friday, with highs in the upper 90s and heat index values around 105–110; officials warn to hydrate and watch for heat illness. Public Culture: Manship Theater at the Shaw Center added to Louisiana’s “Check Out Louisiana” program, letting library cardholders request free museum-style e-passes. Health & Recalls: Whole Foods recalled select jalapeño-made prepared foods due to salmonella risk, including items sold in Louisiana. Energy Policy: Louisiana’s Public Service Commission postponed a vote on a proposed “nuclear tariff” that would add a 20-cent monthly fee to fund early work on small modular nuclear reactors. Food & Lifestyle: Beau Rivage’s EIGHT75 lounge reopened after a multimillion-dollar renovation, now featuring live music seven nights a week.

Meta Data Center Secrecy Fight: Louisiana regulators voted 3-1 to let Meta keep key details about its planned $50 billion Hyperion AI data center in Richland Parish private, reversing an earlier judge’s order that would have forced more disclosure. Public Safety Tech: New Orleans is rolling out AI to help answer some 911 calls, but critics worry about accuracy and accountability. Health Alert: Vibrio vulnificus “flesh-eating” bacteria continues to raise alarms, with Florida reporting more cases and Louisiana already seeing multiple deaths this year. Local Sports Buzz: LSU QB Jayden Daniels sent a cease-and-desist over jersey number use, while Saints preseason plans include sitting starters. Community Events: Lake Charles is set for the Black Pot Cook-Off in September, and Southwest Louisiana hosts a free Hot Sauce Fest in Sulphur this weekend. Weather: Dangerous heat persists across the Magnolia area through the weekend, with Perseids viewing possible under darker skies.

Staged wrecks trial in New Orleans: A federal case opened with testimony from Cornelius Garrison’s mother after prosecutors said his murder “stopped” an FBI probe into alleged 18-wheeler crash staging. Public safety in Baton Rouge: BRPD arrested an 18-year-old tied to a June apartment shooting that injured five juveniles; police say the suspect was also wanted on an unrelated murder count. Meta data-center fight: Louisiana regulators voted against forcing Meta to turn over records tied to its Richland Parish expansion, a move transparency advocates say could leave ratepayers exposed. Local government shake-up: Cullen is moving toward consenting to state fiscal administration as the town faces water-system problems, overdue audits, and budget shortfalls. Health alerts: Whole Foods expanded a jalapeño recall tied to salmonella risk; no illnesses reported in Louisiana so far. Sports (LSU/Tulane/Saints): LSU’s offense is settling in during fall camp with QB Sam Leavitt healthy; Tulane unveiled Mardi Gras-themed “City Edition” uniforms; Saints plan to sit most starters in their preseason opener. Environment: LDWF released nearly 50,000 giant salvinia weevils into the Saline-Larto Complex to curb the invasive plant.

Public Health: Memorial Park’s boil-water advisory in New Orleans is now in its fifth day after repeat water testing again found bacteria, with S&WB saying more samples are underway before residents can safely stop boiling. Local Government & Safety Tech: New Orleans is using AI to help triage some 911 calls, and the move is drawing sharp debate over whether it could introduce serious mistakes when seconds matter. Law Enforcement Oversight: New Orleans City Council backed an ordinance requiring NOPD to publish quarterly reports on drone flights after critics said earlier policy changes didn’t go far enough. Business & Jobs: QMS2GO, an AI quality-management tool for manufacturers, was selected for Louisiana’s Source Louisiana Accelerator Program, aiming to help small and mid-sized firms become “buyer-ready.” Sports: LSU starts the 2026 season ranked No. 13 in the preseason Coaches Poll. Weather: A heat dome is building across the region, with heat alerts and dangerous heat expected through the week.

Heat & Storms: Baton Rouge-area forecasts show a brief break with isolated pop-up showers fading after Wednesday, then a “heat dome” pushes highs into the upper 90s and heat index near 110 through the weekend and into next week. Public Safety & Health: New Orleans parents and doctors are reacting to a Trump executive order reshaping federal childhood vaccine recommendations, while city officials say school requirements won’t change right away; separately, a Shreveport pediatric leader says the MMR changes “make no sense.” Crime & Community: Baton Rouge bar owners and residents say weekend fights on Third Street are escalating, with police calls and property damage tied to the nightlife crowds. Local Impact: Demolition has begun on the long-vacant Lindy Boggs Medical Center site in New Orleans, with crews aiming to level it by French Quarter Fest 2027. Health Alerts: Louisiana is also seeing warnings tied to flesh-eating bacteria risk in coastal waters as cases and deaths are reported. Business & Housing: Inc. magazine named nearly 20 Capital Region companies among the fastest-growing in America, and Habitat for Humanity in North Louisiana broke ground on new affordable housing amid rising costs. Sports: Saints DE Cam Jordan’s hamstring could linger into the regular season, and the NFL preseason depth chart hints at starter “OR” situations.

Vaccine Policy Fight: President Trump signed an executive order reshaping childhood vaccine guidance, including splitting the MMR shot and spacing vaccines out when possible—prompting sharp criticism from public health experts who warn it could lead to missed shots and added burdens for families. AI and Public Safety: New Orleans is using AI to help answer some 911 calls amid staffing shortages, but the move is raising public concerns about how emergency calls are handled. Housing Gap in New Orleans: A new $31 million “missing middle” apartment complex, Millennium Place, is nearing completion to serve middle-class renters who earn too much for low-income programs but can’t afford market rents. Food Safety Alert: Taylor Farms expanded a salmonella recall tied to jalapeños, pulling a wide range of prepared foods and dips sold in stores including Target, Walmart, Kroger and Trader Joe’s, with “best if used by” dates through Aug. 16. School Transportation Disruption: Zachary students face longer walks to reach bus stops after state bridge weight limits forced route changes, raising safety questions from school board members. Local Leadership: LSU New Orleans has kicked off its chancellor search with a 14-member committee starting candidate reviews Aug. 25.

Food Safety Alerts: Louisiana shoppers and diners are being told to watch for Salmonella-linked recalls tied to jalapeños, including a fresh round from Taylor Farms affecting dips, salsas and guacamole sold nationwide (including at major retailers and restaurants). Public Health: Health officials also continue warning about flesh-eating Vibrio in coastal waters after at least 5 deaths reported in Louisiana, urging caution with raw/undercooked shellfish. Local Water Update: A boil water advisory remains for part of the West Bank after E. coli was found near Memorial Park, though much of the area is now considered safe to drink. Energy & Industry: Delfin Midstream awarded an offshore survey contract for its floating LNG project near the Louisiana coast, with geophysical work starting late August. Politics & Courts: A man accused in the 2022 Rouses Market shootout outside a New Orleans CBD area pleaded guilty to manslaughter; sentencing is set for September. Community & Culture: Phoenix Bar in New Orleans’ Marigny will start accepting credit cards Aug. 24, ending its long cash-only era. Education: State education superintendent Cade Brumley met with northwest Louisiana school leaders in Bossier City, focusing on attendance and teacher pay. Sports: LSU QB transfer Sam Leavitt says he’s healthy and loving Louisiana as fall camp continues.

AI in 911: New Orleans is the first major U.S. city to publicly acknowledge using AI to help triage some 911 calls, aiming to spot duplicate reports so human dispatchers can focus on higher-priority emergencies. Back-to-school safety: Louisiana State Police are reminding drivers that school zones are back in effect and the hands-free law applies everywhere, including around campuses. Health alerts: Taylor Farms is recalling prepared jalapeno products sold at major retailers like Walmart and Target after a salmonella outbreak tied to jalapenos. Local sports: The Saints are dealing with injuries and roster churn, including a season-ending ACL tear for offensive lineman Dillon Radunz, while Deion Jones is set for a homecoming with New Orleans. Weather & tropics: Baton Rouge-area forecasts call for scattered storms before a hotter, drier stretch, with three tropical waves being monitored by the National Hurricane Center. Business: Bowman Consulting Group announced an all-cash deal to be acquired by Bernhard Capital Partners for $43 per share. Public health coverage: Louisiana hospitals are seeing a rise in uninsured patients after ACA marketplace subsidies expired, with enrollment dropping sharply in the state. Little League: Tulsa National beat Louisiana 3-2 in the Southwest Region, moving one win from the Little League World Series.

NFL Shakeup: Detroit Lions backup Teddy Bridgewater has stepped away again and was placed on the reserve/retired list, prompting the team to sign veteran Josh Dobbs to bolster QB depth. Saints Injury Update: New Orleans offensive lineman Dillon Radunz suffered a torn ACL in practice, a major blow as the team reshapes its line. Local Sports Community: Lafayette’s Bayou Women’s Hockey Association is growing women’s hockey with weekly “stick and puck” sessions for first-timers and all skill levels. Public Safety & Utilities: New Orleans’ west bank boil-water advisory mystery continues, with Sewerage and Water Board saying it still lacks enough data to pinpoint what caused the initial water-pressure drop. Health Alert: Louisiana officials are urging Gulf Coast beachgoers to take precautions as flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus cases and deaths continue to be reported. Weather & Tropics: South Louisiana faces scattered storms early in the week, then trends drier and hotter, while forecasters track two tropical waves for possible development. Business/Industry: Saronic Technologies has set up an autonomous-ship test site at the Port of Gulfport to support on-water testing and commissioning.

Education & Community: New Orleans schools start the 2026-27 year with a fifth straight year of LEAP gains, even as enrollment keeps sliding and more closures could be coming. Public Safety & Accountability: A New Orleans police officer faces 350 charges in an alleged overtime fraud scheme, including claims he clocked in while at home. School Safety: Eunice High School is reminding families that threats—jokes, pranks, or social media posts—will be taken seriously under Louisiana’s School Threat Accountability and Safety Act. Health & Access: East Carroll Parish residents are dealing with some of the state’s worst health outcomes, and local programs are pushing nutrition and food access through community workshops and library partnerships. Sports (Local Focus): LSU’s Lane Kiffin’s first fall practices are underway with limited media access, while Saints camp coverage highlights Tyree Wilson’s physical tools and how the team plans to unlock them. Culture: A Mardi Gras parade brought New Orleans-style celebration to D.C.’s Chinatown, showing Louisiana culture traveling beyond the calendar.

Pro Football Hall of Fame: Drew Brees’ enshrinement in Canton turned into a Saints homecoming, with Brees thanking New Orleans for entrusting him with the “soul of the city” during an emotional speech that had fans chanting “DREEEEEEWWWWWW.” Public Safety: A Silver Alert for a missing 64-year-old man in Baton Rouge—Chester Baggett—has been canceled after he was located safe. Food Safety: Albertsons recalled two Roasted Corn Maque Choux Salad items sold in Louisiana due to possible salmonella contamination tied to jalapeños from a Taylor Farms supply chain recall; consumers are urged not to eat and to return for a refund. Health & Education: LSU Health Shreveport held summer commencement for 49 graduates, including dozens of physician assistant and communication disorders master’s degree recipients. Local Sports Business: Louisiana Tech is open to future naming-rights deals for its Thomas Assembly Center, though no formal talks are underway. Community & Culture: Frank Perez, a New Orleans historian and LGBTQ archives founder, has died.

Pro Football Hall of Fame: Drew Brees is set to be enshrined Saturday, with New Orleans leaders and fans spotlighting how he brought more than wins—leadership, hope, and pride to the city. Saints roster moves: The Saints are signing linebacker Deion Jones to a one-year deal, adding a New Orleans native and LSU alum with NFC South experience. NFL offseason buzz: Aaron Donald’s potential Rams return remains undecided, but preseason matchups include a Saints game on Aug. 22. College football business: LSU is reportedly pursuing a nine-figure media-rights deal with private investors, aiming to monetize future TV revenue ahead of major SEC changes. U.S. politics with Louisiana ties: The Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy casting the deciding “yes” after concerns over DOJ independence. Local governance: St. Tammany Parish Council approved controversial zoning changes in Goodbee that would allow more homes, despite residents warning about flooding and traffic. Health & safety: Louisiana officials are warning about heat and Vibrio risk after reported flesh-eating bacteria deaths in seawater.

Heat & Health Alerts: Louisiana LDH says 8 people have died from heat-related illness in 2026 so far, with officials urging residents to protect themselves as dangerous summer conditions continue and other threats like bacteria and parasites circulate. Homeless Services Funding Halt: A federal judge in Rhode Island paused HUD homeless-services grant applications for Louisiana and New Orleans after finding the process wasn’t followed, putting Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to take over up to $50 million in federal funds in limbo. Energy Update: The DeLa Express natural gas pipeline project has been suspended, with the company telling regulators it’s better suited as an intrastate pipeline. Local Public Safety & Community: Central mourns the death of Assistant Police Chief Clifton Ivey, while New Orleans election qualifying reshapes Orleans criminal court races and DA races across the region. Sports & Culture: LSU fall camp continues under Lane Kiffin, the Ragin’ Cajuns keep preparing despite WR Shelton Sampson’s injury, and New Orleans is set to be included in the Michelin Guide for the first time.

Saints Suspension: New Orleans rookie WR Brock Rechsteiner has been suspended by the NFL for the first six regular-season games, with no reason given; he can still practice and play preseason, and the ban starts after the roster is cut to 53 on Aug. 30. Gaza Contract Watch: Trump’s Gaza “Board of Peace” awarded its first construction contract—Louisiana-based Arkel International will build a small military outpost for Moroccan troops tied to a planned stabilization force. Attorney General Fight: Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she’ll oppose Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination, narrowing the path to confirmation and raising new questions about DOJ priorities. Louisiana Education Expansion: Southeastern Louisiana University Laboratory School will add one grade each year starting fall 2027 to become a full K-12 lab school through 12th grade. Local Public Safety: Slidell authorities arrested a man after a joint FBI and St. Tammany investigation found volatile materials and explosive precursor devices at a duplex; hazardous materials were removed safely. Community & Culture: Dirty Linen Night in the French Quarter is pushing for help as long-running Sewerage & Water Board construction has disrupted foot traffic and sales for nearby galleries.

NFL & Saints: Drew Brees is set for Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement in Canton, and he says the weekend is his chance to thank the people and places that shaped his Saints journey. Saints Training Camp: New Orleans could get an early look at Aaron Donald if he returns from retirement, with a joint practice vs. the Rams on Aug. 20. Discipline Update: Rookie WR Brock Rechsteiner was suspended for the first six regular-season games for violating the NFL-NFLPA performance-enhancing substances policy. Local Education: Bossier Parish Schools and the federal government ended a 61-year desegregation oversight case on the first day of classes, ending the long-running compliance order. Politics: Gov. Jeff Landry says he won’t meet with New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno until after an investigation tied to AG Liz Murrill’s grand jury indictment concludes. Public Safety/Health: A major Salmonella egg recall is affecting millions of eggs across six states, including Louisiana, with illnesses and hospitalizations reported. Business/Community: Coolinary dining deals run through Aug. 31, with more than 140 participating New Orleans restaurants.