AGP Executive Report

High School Football & Shreveport’s America 250: The Stars & Stripes Border Classic is set for Sept. 3-4 at Independence Stadium, with ESPN livestreaming a Friday doubleheader featuring top Louisiana talent and two elite quarterbacks. Local Education Numbers: Avoyelles Public Charter School led Avoyelles Parish enrollments in 2025-26 with 706 students, while Concordia Parish’s only district reported white students at 42.3% of enrollment. Sheriff Race Watch: Scott Illing kicked off his St. Tammany Sheriff campaign, arguing his decades in public safety make him the best fit as the race fields four experienced law-enforcement leaders. Community Health Access: Love Impact Coalition is hosting a free Baton Rouge health screening clinic with eye, dental, STD, cholesterol, and other services—no insurance or appointments needed. Culture & Museums: Manship Theater in Baton Rouge joined the Check Out Louisiana Museums & Culture program, letting library cardholders request free passes. New Orleans History: Research says the Lower Girls’ School operated at today’s Lalaurie Mansion in 1870, described as the first desegregated public school in the South. Tech for Students: Tulane is bringing College Track to its downtown campus, starting Sept. 8, to expand college prep and support for students from ninth grade through graduation. Louisiana Lifestyle & Money: A new SmartAsset study estimates what it takes to live comfortably—Alaska tops the list, while the broader takeaway highlights how far incomes must stretch for savings and discretionary life.

Local Immigration & Schools: Kenner Police received $590,020.83 from DHS/ICE for immigration enforcement via the 287(g) program, highlighting how federal priorities can shape local public safety. Community Safety & Activism: In L.A., teachers and activists run “community patrols” to warn families about ICE activity—an example of how educators are adapting to immigration fears. Health & Education Policy: Trump’s childhood vaccine order threatens legal action against states that allow only medical exemptions, raising concerns about misinformation and measles risk. Workforce & Career Ladders: Ochsner Lafayette General and South Louisiana Community College expand an LPN-to-RN pathway with HERO Fund support, aiming to boost nursing enrollment while keeping workers on the job. Culture & Arts: Montclair Jazz Festival brings New Orleans’ Cyril Neville and the Take Me to the River All-Stars for a New Orleans-style benediction. Food & Lifestyle: Patrón is rolling out ingredient transparency advertising across major cities, including New Orleans. Community Spotlight: A Shreveport city marshal race clears out challengers, leaving James Jefferson unopposed. Louisiana Building Trends: Tulane faculty architects are promoting mass timber—“plywood on steroids”—as a growing Louisiana construction option.

Local Elections: Shreveport’s city marshal race is effectively over: incumbent James Jefferson will be reelected unopposed after challengers Anthony Johnson and Councilman Grayson Boucher withdrew. Community & Health: A Dillard’s bra fitting event at the Mall of Louisiana will raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, donating $2 per item sold. Public Safety Tech: Pioneer approved installing Flock license-plate cameras using highway-fund money for a two-year trial, with one councilman dissenting over privacy and constitutionality concerns. Culture & Heritage: Louisiana filmmaker Kyle Crosby received the 2026 Acadian Cultural Heritage Award for Louisiana Dread, a digital history project blending film and local storytelling. Education & Access: LSU athletics revenue-sharing record requests by journalists were dropped after a new state law shielded the information from disclosure. Science & Public Health: President Trump’s push to split measles-mumps-rubella shots into separate appointments is drawing strong backlash from health experts, including Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy. Food & Lifestyle: Chef Yoshi Okai debuts Kira Omakase in New Orleans with a 20-course, $175 tasting menu built around Gulf Coast ingredients and Japanese technique.

Education Funding Shift: The Trump administration is granting more “Returning Education to the States” waivers, letting states like Louisiana consolidate over $109 million in federal education streams and bypass some requirements for local districts. Healthcare Cost Protection: A 5th Circuit appeals court in New Orleans struck down the formula behind the No Surprises Act’s “qualifying payment amount,” a move that could affect how out-of-network bills are calculated. School Board Turnover: Ascension Parish School Board races are set after term limits force multiple seats to open, with several incumbents running unopposed and one contested vice president spot. Local Election Watch: Louisiana’s Nov. 3 ballot is taking shape after Aug. 7 qualifying, including a crowded race for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District and other parish-level contests. Public Health Alert: Calcasieu Parish issued a warning about Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria tied to warm coastal waters, with Louisiana reporting multiple cases and deaths this year. Culture & Community: New Orleans released its 2026 Halloween calendar, including the free Krewe of BOO! parade on Oct. 24 and a full slate of family and ticketed events. Lifestyle & Shopping: Rancher Hat Bar is opening its first Louisiana location in Baton Rouge on Aug. 15, bringing customizable cowboy and trucker hats to the Perkins Road area.

Local Sports Funding: Plain Dealing and Haughton won $5,000 through T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights and could climb to $1 million via regional/division prizes and public voting. Public Safety & Community: Orleans Sheriff Michelle Woodfork marked 100 days with a focus on jail maintenance and security sweeps, reporting weapons and contraband seizures. Health & Policy: A federal appeals court struck down Biden-era gas and electric stove efficiency rules, a win for Louisiana and other GOP-led states. Vaccines & School Rules: New Orleans officials say Trump’s childhood vaccine executive order doesn’t change current school entry requirements, even as parents raise concerns. Culture & Arts: KID smART is expanding arts programming for adults, educators, artists and families, and Jazz & Blues Market New Orleans announced a Sept. 12 benefit to restore and expand its venue. History & Identity: “Searching for Jane Crow” spotlights slavery’s legacy in today’s prison system, while Frank Perez—New Orleans LGBTQ historian and LGBTQ+ Archives founder—has died. Lifestyle & Travel: Lafayette is nominated again for USA Today’s best fall destination; voting runs daily through Sept. 7. Housing: Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana broke ground on affordable homes as costs push many households past safe housing-cost limits.

Childhood Vaccines: President Trump signed an order to space out childhood shots, cut the recommended schedule to 11 immunizations, and split the MMR into separate measles, mumps, and rubella visits—prompting immediate pushback from doctors and lawmakers who warn it could leave kids exposed. AI & Tech Culture: Mark Zuckerberg published a 6,500-word vision for “personal superintelligence,” arguing AI power shouldn’t be concentrated and should be broadly accessible. Local Education Leadership: LSU New Orleans launched a search for its next chancellor, with a 14-member committee starting candidate reviews Aug. 25. Campus Safety Policy: A new Louisiana law lets students at public colleges carry self-defense chemical spray on campus, limiting school bans. Community & Aging: West and East Feliciana Council on Aging shared upcoming activity schedules, including line dancing, bingo, classes, and transportation options. Arts & Heritage: The Louisiana Art and Science Museum announced a George Rodrigue exhibition, “Reflections,” running Aug. 15–25. Lifestyle & Community Events: Zachary’s hot-air balloon festival plans include a “Pack the Trailer” food drive, plus local updates like a recycling schedule change and postponed tailgate event. Health & Care: Louisiana Hospital Association trustees re-elected West Feliciana Hospital CEO Lee J. Chastant III to its board.

Domestic Violence Training: Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Shreveport Police held a leadership session on recognizing violence against women, reducing officer bias, and improving how cases are investigated and survivors are supported. Public Health Alert: Salmonella outbreaks are hitting eggs, jalapeños, and even pets, with recalls and investigations underway as hundreds report illness across multiple states. New Orleans Nightlife Upgrade: Phoenix Bar in the Marigny will start taking credit cards Aug. 24, ending its decades-long cash-only era just in time for Southern Decadence. Back-to-School Focus: Louisiana Education Superintendent Cade Brumley met northwest leaders in Bossier City on attendance, teacher pay, and accountability. Literacy Support: Caldwell Parish School Board approved a dyslexia training program from the Masonic Learning Center of Louisiana, aiming to close reading gaps for students ages 8–17. Local Politics: Grand Isle County State’s Attorney Doug DiSabito faces an Independent challenger—lawyer Joshua Martin—filed for the November race. Civic Learning Grant: New Orleans Public Library received a $25,000 grant to expand teen civic learning through the Urban Libraries Council’s Civic Makers Lab for Youth. Community & Culture: Frank Perez, a New Orleans LGBTQ+ historian and longtime community figure, died at 57. Tech & Privacy: Police drone surveillance is expanding nationwide, raising fresh privacy concerns as autonomous cameras spread. Economic News: Slidell completed the sale of its business campus to Textron Systems for $3.4 million.

Louisiana Politics & Justice: East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore faces his first challenger in nearly 20 years, with criminal defense attorney Ryan Thompson qualifying for the Nov. 3 race. Public Health: Louisiana health officials report a fifth 2026 death from Vibrio vulnificus, warning beachgoers about wound exposure to warm coastal waters and raw/undercooked seafood. Culture & Community: New Orleans LGBTQ+ writer and historian Frank Perez, who documented local queer history through the LGBTQ+ Archives Project of Louisiana, has died at 57. Local Elections: Iberville Parish ballots are finalized for Nov. 3, including a U.S. Senate matchup between Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis and multiple parish and judicial races. Lifestyle & Living: Student housing near LSU is getting pricier and more “luxury,” with high-end complexes near campus reporting 96%+ occupancy and average one-bedroom leases around $1,440. Arts: The Louisiana Contemporary show opens at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, featuring Nathalia Toledo’s “Ekeko in Custody” and a statewide lineup of artists. Education & Kids: A Kids Count report says Louisiana’s child well-being disadvantages have worsened, with the state ranking 49th overall. Historic Preservation: New federal rule changes to the National Historic Preservation Act are drawing backlash from preservationists who fear reduced public input for projects affecting landmarks.

Industrial ripple effects: Ascension Parish touts a $22B project pipeline and 1,472 jobs, arguing big manufacturing investments boost parks, roads, drainage, and even school performance. Education flexibility: Louisiana is among states getting more flexibility with federal education dollars, letting districts consolidate funding and adjust requirements. Immigration detention spotlight: Camp 57 at Angola (“Louisiana Lockup”) keeps drawing federal funding and remains active despite advocates’ concerns. Public health watch: Louisiana health officials warn Gulf Coast beachgoers about Vibrio vulnificus after nine cases this year, with all hospitalized and five deaths. Local health innovation: Baton Rouge company Phenomune and LDH are shipping free at-home immune test kits to residents. Election logistics: Candidate qualifying is complete for Louisiana’s 2026 congressional races after redistricting shifts; early voting runs Oct. 20–27. Culture & music: LA Jazz Festival is canceled before it starts, while Calcasieu tourism hit 7.5M visitors in 2025, supporting restaurants and attractions. Community safety: A trans couple in Benton faces charges after a mob attack tied to restroom use.

Acadian History in Fiction: Louisiana author Marianne Rabalais Sulser’s novel “Like Snow Before Sun” brings the Acadian Expulsion to life through an Acadian and Mi’kmaq heroine, blending romance with brutal war-era survival. Classroom Impact Stories: A Morgan City teacher’s influence echoes for decades, while New Orleans readers share real-life favorites—reminding parents and educators what changes kids’ trajectories. ICE Detention Cruelty: A new report says an Afghan detainee was reportedly force-fed during a hunger strike for months, with a doctor calling it torture—fueling fresh outrage over how immigration jails handle protest. New Orleans Schools Watch: As the 2026-27 year starts, New Orleans public schools tout test gains but face declining enrollment, possible more closures, and budget pressure. Local Culture & Fundraising: French Quarter’s Dirty Linen Night returns with gallery participation and proceeds for the Please Foundation. Community Health in East Carroll: LSU AgCenter and local leaders push food access and nutrition education as East Carroll health outcomes lag. Sports & Local Pride: Marksville’s volleyball program keeps building momentum, and the Louisiana Knights Post-Grad Academy highlights a “no one left behind” culture. Arts & Music Calendar: Chuck Fest 2026 announces its lineup in Lake Charles, and New Orleans’ French Quarter continues to host summer music moments.

Coastal Resilience: A new national assessment finds 84% of U.S. coastal wetlands are getting inundated as sea levels rise, and only 16% are building fast enough to keep up—an urgent reminder for Louisiana’s marsh-and-mangrove culture. Local Health & Community: LSU Health Shreveport held summer commencement for 49 graduates, with a Louisiana-style second line across campus. LGBTQ+ History: Frank Perez, an award-winning historian and founder of the LGBTQ+ Archives Project of Louisiana, has died. New Orleans Traditions: Red Dress Run returned to the French Quarter, but organizers say unpaid/underpaid participation can hurt charity funding. Education & Back-to-School: Shreve Memorial Library is pushing library cards as the go-to tool for tutoring, test prep, Wi-Fi, and homework help. Sports & Saints Pride: Drew Brees was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and New Orleans fans are still celebrating the city connection—down to the free “sliver” shots at Snake & Jake’s. Northshore School Funding: St. Tammany school officials are revising budgets for teacher stipends after frustration over Gov. Landry’s executive order. Outdoor Economy: Monroe’s Reaper Fest drew big crowds and boosted local business. Remembering a Life: Levere “Monty” Montgomery Jr., 97, of Covington, was honored in a local obituary.

Todd Blanche Confirmation: The Senate confirmed Trump’s attorney general pick Todd Blanche in a 50-49 vote, with GOP Sen. Susan Collins and independent Sen. Angus King voting no and Democrats warning about rule-of-law concerns. Local Politics: East Baton Rouge’s DA race is officially set with Hillar Moore facing challenger Ryan Thompson, as both campaigns sharpen their pitches on public safety and office priorities. Public Health: Louisiana health officials are warning beachgoers after Vibrio vulnificus “flesh-eating” bacteria killed five this year—above the state’s usual totals—urging extra caution for open wounds and raw shellfish. Community & Culture: New Orleans & Co. is pushing summer tourism with $100 gift cards for two-night hotel stays, timed for big French Quarter crowds. Sports & Pride: Drew Brees is set for Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement, with New Orleanians reflecting on his leadership beyond the field. Education & Faith: A Texas Ten Commandments classroom fight continues as Houston mothers seek to block displays under state religious freedom and parental rights claims. Family Roots: A Killererin-to-New Orleans reunion highlights generations of Irish migration and family ties.

Back-to-School in New Orleans: Kamala Harris joined InspireNOLA students at a Mahalia Jackson Theatre rally, focusing on education, leadership, and voting. Local Elections: Orleans Parish DA Jason Williams won a second term unopposed, while a new competitive DA race is set in Livingston/St. Helena/Tangipahoa with Brad Cascio vs. Sherman Mack. Baton Rouge Politics: Central’s mayor race is heating up with four qualified candidates for Wade Evans’ open seat. Higher Ed Watch: UNO officially became LSU New Orleans on July 1, signaling a new push for research and workforce development. Culture & Community: LA Jazz Festival was canceled/postponed after rising safety and permitting costs—while Louisiana readers get fresh summer event ideas and book picks. Health & Safety: Louisiana health officials warn beachgoers about rising vibrio vulnificus risk. Retail Buzz: JD Sports is coming to Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie by late 2026. Civic/Legal Notes: A DeSoto judge avoided discipline under a deferred agreement after admitted lewd comments.

Louisiana Politics & Voting Rights: After the Louisiana v. Callais decision, lawmakers are pushing to redraw parts of the region, and a new Gulf States Newsroom podcast episode spotlights Mississippi’s People’s Hearing—community meetings where residents testify on redistricting and voting rights, including discussion of the SHIELD Act and the power of the Black male vote. Education & Community: Southeastern Louisiana University Laboratory School will expand to a full K-12 model starting in fall 2027, adding one grade each year through 12th grade in partnership with Tangipahoa Parish—aimed at strengthening teacher pipelines and research. Higher Ed Affordability: A Louisiana-focused op-ed argues the state needs more affordable pathways to college and high-need careers, warning that tuition hikes will push students and jobs away. Local Government & Campaigns: Livingston Parish leaders endorse State Sen. Rick Edmonds for Louisiana’s 6th District U.S. House seat, citing law enforcement support and victims’ rights work. Public Health Leadership: The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director, with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy backing her after a tense confirmation process. Culture & Music: Tales of the Cocktail returns to New Orleans with seminars, tastings, tours, and industry networking—keeping education and community at the center. Arts & Entertainment: Henry Butler, a New Orleans-born pianist and educator, is featured in a local music conversation about blending jazz, R&B, funk, and classical roots. Environment & Lifestyle: Louisiana cypress trees remain a defining swamp feature—shaping wetlands, wildlife habitat, and the iconic landscape identity.

Education & Equity: Bossier Parish’s decades-old school desegregation case—under federal oversight for 61 years—was closed at the school board’s request, ending the compliance order that governed attendance zones, transfers, hiring, and more. Local Schools: Bossier students kicked off the 2026-27 year with added campus safety presence, while Tangipahoa Parish rallied educators with nationally known teacher Ron Clark as classes begin. Animal Welfare & City Budget: New Orleans City Council sparred with LASPCA leaders over budget cuts, with advocates warning that fewer intake days and reduced services are worsening stray-animal and rescue gaps. Workforce & Visas: Louisiana is among states with high reliance on H-2A/H-2B seasonal workers, highlighting how agriculture and tourism staffing needs keep driving the temporary labor pipeline. Public Health: Salmonella outbreaks tied to recalled eggs and jalapeños—and even backyard pets like chickens and ducks—are sickening people across multiple states, including Louisiana. Culture & Music: Baton Rouge Blues Festival & Foundation named a new executive director, and the inaugural Capital City Music Festival announced a fall lineup headlined by Kenny Neal. Community & Leadership: BPCC student Jailyn Guillory was selected as SkillsUSA Louisiana Postsecondary State President.

New Orleans Music: Dawn Richard is back with “Creole Culture,” her first solo LP in five years, landing Oct. 9 via Merge Records. The album frames New Orleans culture as something progressive and global, with tracks including the earlier single “baby, can we?” and the newly shared “enough.” Local Education & STEM: Livingston Parish’s Walker middle school students are moving into a new $22 million South Fork Junior High campus, with a maker space for engineering, 3D printing, and hands-on science. Faith & Community: Lake Charles native Most Rev. Robert Boxie III, now the youngest Catholic bishop in the U.S., sat down to talk Louisiana food, sports, and how his hometown shapes his faith. Politics & Voting Rights: A new push to replace the Voting Rights Act looms after the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act rollback, with Louisiana named in the fallout over racial gerrymandering. School Safety: Louisiana’s “Teacher Shield” law (Act 141) takes effect Aug. 1, requiring students who assault educators to be placed in alternative school settings for at least two semesters. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: Reports continue to spotlight ICE detention conditions, including deaths tied to a private facility in Newark, as arrests surge nationwide. Arts Calendar: Louisiana’s August arts scene keeps rolling with new listings for the week of Aug. 6.