AGP Executive Report

Louisiana Senate Runoff: Voters head to the polls June 27 for the GOP showdown between Julia Letlow and John Fleming, plus a Democratic runoff between Jamie Davis and Gary Crockett, with Louisiana’s new closed primary rules shaping who can vote. Faith & Public Life: A wave of states—including Louisiana—has moved to make it a crime to disrupt worship services, following a Minnesota church protest and raising free-speech concerns. Trauma-Informed Care: NOLA Detox is spotlighting PTSD Awareness Day with a treatment model that tackles trauma and substance use together across New Orleans and Slidell. Local Culture & Music: Martha Reeves releases her first single in 22 years, teaming Motown with New Orleans jazz via a collaboration with Delfeayo Marsalis. Community Safety Debate: Baton Rouge anti-violence group Stop the Killing Inc. is again in the spotlight after circulating video tied to a deadly police shooting, fueling protests and a federal civil rights investigation. Arts & Travel: Biloxi’s Saenger Theatre reopens with “Jazz on the Coast,” featuring regional talent and a second-line kickoff. Lifestyle/Outdoors: Louisiana gardeners are being urged to use summer heat for solarization to cut soil pests without toxic chemicals.

Louisiana Politics: Trump’s endorsement is back on the ballot Saturday in the GOP Senate primary runoff, with Rep. Julia Letlow facing state Treasurer John Fleming. Letlow won the May 16 primary with about 45% while Fleming took about 28%, and low turnout could make the race unpredictable. Civic & Education: Louisiana State University Shreveport hosts the Civics Bee state finals, bringing middle schoolers from across the state to compete and propose solutions to local issues. Community & Workforce: Providence House is offering free workforce training and certifications in Shreveport, including forklift, phlebotomy, customer service, and food service education, with the next classes set for August. Culture & Pride: Essence Fest is set to feature Missy Elliott leading an Aaliyah tribute, adding to the week’s spotlight on Black women in music. Environment & Local Life: Louisiana’s Marais Pipeline coastal permit is being challenged in court by groups including Louisiana Bucket Brigade and Sierra Club, arguing wetlands impacts weren’t properly analyzed. Sports & Local Talent: Lake Charles offensive guard Albert Simien commits to Notre Dame, continuing the recruiting buzz around Louisiana prospects.

Juneteenth & community culture: A column reflects on why Juneteenth still matters, tying the holiday to education, memory, and everyday life across America. Local food & giving back: Nicholls State’s Chef John Folse Culinary Institute is hosting The Bridge Bakery (June/July) with proceeds supporting the Bridge to Independence Program for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. New Orleans summer culture: Crescent City Auction Gallery’s Important Summer Estates sale (July 9–10) brings nearly 700 lots online and live, including standout art and collectibles. Roads & travel: DOTD warns of a four-week right-lane closure on I-20 eastbound over the Mississippi River in Madison Parish starting June 27 for bridge repairs. Immigration detention fallout: With Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” closed, detainees have been scattered to facilities nationwide, while UN rights leaders call for an independent probe into rising migrant deaths in detention. Louisiana politics & voting: Louisiana enacted new congressional districts aimed at helping Republicans, and Saturday’s Senate runoff will decide who replaces Bill Cassidy. Sports recruiting: Sam Houston’s Albert Simien committed to Notre Dame, a major Louisiana-to-South Bend recruiting win. Navy & innovation: A Gulf Coast Defense Catalyst partnership launched in New Orleans to speed defense innovation by linking naval commands with universities and startups.

LGBTQ+ Community & Inclusion: Ascension Pride’s second annual “Rainbow Carnival” drew 800+ people to Gonzales, adding sensory hours to make the event more accessible. Education & Access: Grambling State University and Southern University Law Center launched a 3+3 accelerated law program, aiming to cut the path to a law degree to six years and save students thousands. Local Health & Workforce: North Oaks Health System in Hammond graduated its first Transitional Year Residency class, expanding graduate medical training to strengthen the northshore physician pipeline. Pets & Summer Safety: All Dogs Unleashed Bossier City rolled out hotter-weather boarding rules—structured hydration, heat-stress monitoring, and adjusted outdoor play times. Community & Culture: A “Queen of Magazine” retail adviser is helping national brands land on New Orleans’ Magazine Street, closing about 16 deals and shaping the corridor’s storefront buzz. Sports & Local Pride: Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame announced the Class of 2026 induction for coaches Mike McConathy and Dewain Strother, with the ceremony set for Saturday in Natchitoches. Civic Life: Louisiana voters head to a Democratic U.S. Senate runoff Saturday between Gary Crockett and Jamie Davis.

Community Food & Tradition: Southern Living spotlighted Lafayette’s Judice Inn and New Orleans’ Port of Call in its “20 Legendary Burger Joints in the South,” celebrating decades of classic, no-fuss burgers. Local Travel & Leisure: Mermentau River Adventures is pitching a “daycation” with cabins, river paddling (including a complimentary kayak), and plans for boat rentals and tours. Arts for Students: Lafon Performing Arts Center in Luling announced an expanded 2026-27 season with touring shows, local productions, and free student matinees plus workshops. Education & People Power: UNC Pembroke counselor educator Jonathan Ricks earned a national Humanistic Counselor Educator/Supervisor Award, recognized for mentoring future counselors. Culture & Music: The New Orleans Suspects keep the city’s party spirit alive with their genre-mix funk/rock/jazz sound, while a Bourdain tribute party is set for June 29 at Snake and Jake’s. Civic Life: Louisiana voters head to the polls Saturday for key runoff races, including the U.S. Senate contest between Julia Letlow and John Fleming. Health Access: Planned Parenthood says it’s returning to Louisiana with a New Orleans clinic and telehealth services (non-abortion care included). Public Safety & Justice: Pastor Tony Spell, arrested for battery, defended his actions by citing scripture. Big Picture Policy: Supreme Court rulings advanced Trump’s immigration agenda, shaping asylum and Temporary Protected Status outcomes.

Louisiana Runoff Watch: Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry is urging voters to show up Saturday for the U.S. Senate primary runoff, even with weather and historically low turnout—reminding people to check sample ballots and use the GoVote tools. Senate Race Tightens: In the GOP runoff, treasurer John Fleming has erased much of Julia Letlow’s earlier lead as Trump steps up support and outside groups flood the airwaves with attack ads. Local Government & Budgets: Lafourche Parish President Mitch Orgeron warns that failing key June 27 tax millages could force building closures, layoffs, and even push the parish toward bankruptcy. Education & Community Growth: Lafayette Parish School System broke ground on a $62 million Paul Breaux K-8 school, combining three older campuses to serve about 1,200 students. Health & Safety in Sports: LSU Health Shreveport researchers won a grant to use AI and sensors to predict heat illness risk for high school football players. Courts & Religious Liberty: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled a Rastafarian inmate whose dreadlocks were cut in Louisiana can’t sue prison officers for money damages under RLUIPA. Culture & Lifestyle: Planned Parenthood is returning to Louisiana with an in-person New Orleans facility, and UL Lafayette alum Donna Moore is funding LGBTQ+ studies and student support through a bequest.

Teacher Pay Fight: Louisiana lawmakers approved Gov. Jeff Landry’s $168M plan for one-year teacher ($2,000) and support worker ($1,000) stipends, but a court temporarily blocked it as a lawsuit challenges whether the governor can redirect K-12 funds. Immigration & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court backed the Trump administration in a green card case, giving border officers broad leeway in removal fights. Religious Liberty in Prison: SCOTUS ruled a Rastafarian inmate can’t sue Louisiana prison officials for forcibly cutting his dreadlocks, tightening limits on religious-rights claims for incarcerated people. Abortion Access Anniversary: Connecticut leaders vowed to protect abortion access on the Dobbs anniversary, highlighting “shield” protections and expanded services. Juneteenth & Community: Celebrations rolled across the region, including Juneteenth events in DeWitt and more local gatherings marking emancipation and freedom. Culture in Louisiana: A new immersive show, “Honey Gold,” brings Louisiana artists’ music and projection-mapped storytelling to the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge (June 25). Radio Emergency Prep: Southwest Louisiana “hams” gear up for ARRL Field Day with hands-on kids’ activities and community emergency communications practice.

Religious Rights in Prison: The U.S. Supreme Court (6-3) shut down a Louisiana Rastafarian inmate’s lawsuit seeking money damages after guards forcibly cut his dreadlocks, ruling prison officials can’t be sued personally under the religious-rights law. Education & Teachers: A court challenge has paused Gov. Jeff Landry’s teacher pay stipend plan, with lawmakers’ mail-in votes on hold while legal questions play out. Abortion Pills Access: Telehealth providers say a ban won’t stop abortion pill access, as patients and clinics adapt to shifting rules. Louisiana Politics: Louisiana’s Democratic U.S. Senate runoff is set for Saturday, with Jamie Davis and Gary Crockett competing for a spot in the general election. Housing & Lawsuits: Trump housing changes are already triggering a new lawsuit that could put Acadiana funding at risk. Summer Plans: Baton Rouge and nearby parishes are rolling out 4th of July events, from fireworks on the river to parades and museum exhibits. Local Justice Update: A former Louisiana/Missouri police chief was convicted on drug trafficking counts while a murder charge was dismissed.

Religious Rights in Court: The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a blow to a Louisiana Rastafarian, ruling that Damon Landor can’t sue prison officials for money damages after guards forcibly shaved his dreadlocks, even while condemning what happened. Education & Policy: A judge temporarily blocked Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to cut public school funding to pay teacher stipends, raising questions about lawmakers’ voting and next steps. New Orleans Development: Tulane signed a purchase-and-sale agreement to take the lead on the long-stalled $500M Charity Hospital redevelopment, aiming for a bioscience/education/innovation hub and a fall construction start. College Sports: The NCAA approved a new “five years to play five seasons” eligibility model, ending traditional redshirts and limiting extensions. Culture & Community Business: CC’s Coffee House named Jeremy Hecht Director of Franchise Development as it pushes growth. Local Agriculture Spotlight: Lafourche Parish’s Emily Steagall won the Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture award. Food Assistance Fight: A federal judge struck down SNAP “unhealthy food” limits in multiple states, saying the USDA lacked authority for the restrictions.

Miss Louisiana 2026: Shelby Bordelon was crowned and plans to push impaired-driving prevention through her nonprofit, Claire’s Promise Inc., after a crash killed her friend Claire Zeller. Baton Rouge Safety: Proposed upgrades aim to modernize multiple railroad crossings, including North 15th Street, with federal funding and active warning improvements. New Orleans Police: NOPD fired a 57-year veteran major after alleged threats toward a supervisor and privacy violations involving sensitive sex-crime documentation. Louisiana Education: A teachers union survey says educators want stipends but oppose Gov. Landry’s plan to fund them by cutting school funding; a judge temporarily blocked the order. Environmental Justice: Sierra Club says LDEQ must redo a full environmental justice review for Hyundai Steel after the company removed parts of an earlier analysis. Public Health/Justice: LBI reports eight arrests statewide in an undercover online operation targeting people soliciting minors. Community & Culture: UL shut down two centers at Lafayette amid restructuring, including the Picard Center for Child Development and the Marine Survival Training Center. Road Safety Tragedy: Two people died in a Claiborne Parish crash after a youth church camp trip.

Budget Travel & Road Trips: A new 2026 study from Dunhill Travel Deals ranks states for budget-friendly summer road trips, pointing to lower costs in the South and Midwest as gas and inflation squeeze vacation plans. Local Business & Culture: Southern Magnolia Gifts celebrates a grand opening in Thibodaux with Cajun-themed goods, live embroidery, and community giveaways. University Closures: UL shuts down two centers—Picard Center for Child Development and Lifelong Learning (with some programs moving) and the Marine Survival Training Center—amid a budget deficit. Health Coverage: A report says Medicaid and ACA enrollment dropped by more than 5 million, tied to policy changes and expiring subsidies. Women’s Health: A study finds abortion bans are causing doctors to delay standard pregnancy care, raising risks—especially for Black patients. Education & Access: New Orleans’ economic development leadership shifts as deputy mayor Jenny Mains moves to an international partnerships role. Community Learning: Southern University’s NourishED K.I.D.S. cooking camp teaches kids hands-on nutrition skills, safe food handling, and basic kitchen technique. Arts & Museums: LSU Museum of Art lands a $25,000 grant to expand community programming tied to its new Folk Art Gallery. Public Safety & Justice: Lafourche Parish arrests follow allegations that a couple’s home contained videos of sexual abuse of a dog. Sports & Local Pride: Cam Jordan’s Saints contract details highlight his bounce-back season with incentives.

Coastal Climate Reality Check: A Tulane-led study in Nature Sustainability says Louisiana’s coast—including New Orleans—may face a “point of no return,” with migration likely within decades, while scientists urge planning and hope over despair. Education & Policy Watch: The Center for Education Reform previews its 2026 National Charter School Law Rankings & Scorecard, set for August 4, spotlighting how state laws shape charter growth and access. Reproductive Rights in the Spotlight: A new report details how abortion pills via telehealth and mail-order rules have reshaped access after Roe’s fall, including a sharp rise in abortions since 2021. Local Civic Life: Shreveport’s second annual Father’s Day Food Festival brought families together with vendors, music, and kids’ activities. Community Learning: Shreveport’s “The Threads That Bind Us” series continues with a women’s history lecture at LSUS, free to attend. Voting Turnout: Early voting in Louisiana dropped across parishes, with analysts pointing to the new closed primary system and summer schedules. Workplace Culture: Louisiana signed a law protecting employees from being forced to use false gender pronouns at work, effective Aug. 1, 2026.

Teacher Stipend Fight: Gov. Jeff Landry and legislative leaders pushed back after school officials warned his plan to fund teacher stipends with school operations money could harm classrooms; a judge has blocked the plan and the Legislative Auditor says many districts can afford it, setting up a high-stakes vote. Arts & Community: The Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans marks its 50th year with “Festival/New/Works,” pairing established and emerging local artists, and introduces its new executive director, Raelle Myrick-Hodges. Coastal Resilience: A major $101 million plan would restore the East Orleans Landbridge—wetlands meant to protect Lake Pontchartrain communities from storm surge and erosion. Local Food & Entrepreneurship: A Harvey aquaponics facility is growing lettuce and “farming farmers,” with plans to expand and partner with schools. Culture Through Sports: Reports say the Pelicans are exploring a trade to pair Zion Williamson with Ja Morant. Public Safety & Health: Louisiana environmental justice activists face pushback as they fight for cleaner air and water. Education & Equity: New data highlights shifting white enrollment shares across several Louisiana parishes’ schools. Immigration & Detention: ICE detailed why it detained Alina Rosales Aguirreurreta, citing an overstay after a tourist visa. Arts/Entertainment: Silent Planet performed in Ukraine, sharing fan-shot video from Kyiv and Lviv.

Coastal Resilience: A proposed $101 million restoration plan would rebuild over 1,300 acres of the East Orleans Landbridge near New Orleans, aiming to slow erosion and protect Lake Pontchartrain communities. Urban Farming & Food Access: In Harvey, the AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence is using aquaponics to grow lettuce and “farm farmers,” with plans to expand and partner with local schools. Education Policy Fight: Louisiana’s teacher pay plan is in legal limbo after a judge blocked Gov. Landry’s move to redirect education funds for stipends, while a Senate panel weighs protecting special education from federal restructuring. Juneteenth Culture: Baton Rouge’s Capitol Park Museum hosted Juneteenth Discovery Day, and Smoke Bayou in Harvey launched an inaugural Juneteenth cook-off celebrating community through jambalaya, crawfish, ribs and fried fish. Local Business Spotlight: A Baton Rouge skate shop is teaming with Nike and Mary Lee Donuts for a limited-edition Dunk inspired by local culture. Sports & Community Buzz: Shreveport’s 50 Cent-backed G-Dome groundbreaking signals a major entertainment push, while a possible Pelicans trade for Ja Morant has fans watching. Remembering Louisiana Educators: Tributes marked the recent passing of longtime New Orleans teachers Sheila Ann Nicholson and Lillian Averna Lescale.

Education & Disability Rights: A Senate panel is weighing a July vote that could block the Trump administration from shifting core special education functions under RFK Jr.’s orbit to HHS—disability advocates warn it could disrupt services, while officials say student protections won’t change. Religion & Sports: The Justice Department is probing MLB after warnings to San Francisco Giants players who wrote Bible verses on Pride Night hats, with the case framed as a religious freedom and civil rights issue. Louisiana Politics: Early voting is underway for Louisiana U.S. Senate runoffs—Julia Letlow vs. John Fleming (GOP) and Jamie Davis vs. Gary Crockett (Dem). Local Culture: Baton Rouge’s Rukus 103 teamed with Nike and Mary Lee Donuts for a limited-edition sneaker celebrating local “103” culture. Health Access: Louisiana expanded telehealth access for weight-loss medications. Education Funding Fight: A judge halted Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to divert $168M from K-12 schools for educator stipends, saying he lacked authority. Juneteenth & Community: New Orleans events drew big crowds for Juneteenth, with organizers emphasizing “We will not be erased.”

Local Culture & Community: Baton Rouge African American Museum reopens downtown on Juneteenth, carrying Sadie Roberts-Joseph’s legacy forward with a bigger space, artifacts, and community rooms. Juneteenth in Louisiana: Louisiana Purchase hosts a Juneteenth block party in North Park, while New Orleans’ Congo Square festival draws crowds with food, vendors, and a second-line parade tied to the fight for Black civil rights. Pageantry & Pride: Miss Louisiana prelims wrap with Port City’s Shelby Bordelon winning health/fitness and evening wear, plus newcomer honors and multiple scholarship awards. Health & Access: Louisiana expands telehealth access for GLP-1 weight-loss meds like Wegovy and Ozempic, aiming to reach more patients amid high obesity rates. Education & Policy: Judge blocks Gov. Landry’s plan to take funds from Louisiana schools to cover teacher stipends, as St. Tammany school board members oppose the executive order. Sports & Local Talent: Wharton Tiger Brandon Sims signs with Louisiana Christian University, and Saints Hall of Fame selections include Terron Armstead and Mark Ingram. Pop Culture: Geek’d Con brings Hollywood-style celebrity meetups to Shreveport Aug. 14-16.