AGP Executive Report

Louisiana Tourism Push: Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism launched a statewide “Staycation” campaign (June 22–Labor Day) encouraging shorter, local trips to parks, festivals, food, and “hidden gems.” Essence Fest Impact: New Orleans is gearing up for Essence Fest July 3–5, with the city expecting major visitor demand and hotel occupancy; organizers are also negotiating a new contract as the current one nears its end. Travel Safety Reminder: Louisiana State Police are urging drivers to follow the “move over” law this Fourth of July after a Pennsylvania trooper was killed during a traffic stop. Outdoor & Family Fun: Shreveport-Bossier will host the 48th annual Sickle Cell Softball Tournament July 10–12, plus a Southern Pickleball state championship Oct. 9–11 at The Picklr. Local History for America 250: A missing Fort Bute historical marker was found, but it won’t be reinstalled in time for July 4. Food Safety Watch: A produce-linked parasite causing “explosive” diarrhea has spread to 17 states, including Louisiana—plan carefully with fresh fruits and veggies.

Food Safety Alert: The CDC is tracking a surge of cyclosporiasis (“explosive” diarrhea) tied to contaminated produce, with 145 confirmed cases and 20 hospitalizations across 17+ states since May 1—Louisiana is among those reporting illness, so travelers should be extra careful with fresh fruit and veggie platters over the Fourth. New Orleans Tourism: New Orleans & Company projects hotel occupancy will top 80% Friday and Saturday as ESSENCE Festival, July 4 holiday travel, and major conventions stack up room nights. ESSENCE Festival Guide: Local coverage highlights where to catch Black culture and what’s happening during the festival, plus restaurant and business prep for visitor crowds. Independence Day at the WWII Museum: The National WWII Museum is rolling out July 4 programming, with Louisiana residents getting half-price admission and The Higgins Hotel offering room promos; fireworks views are part of the plan. Local Travel & Events: Hammond received a $5,000 grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful for litter prevention and recycling education, including reusable tote bags and water bottles. Air Service Update: United restored commercial flights to Natchez after decades, with daily service to Houston starting now.

Food & Health: The CDC is investigating a Cyclospora outbreak causing “explosive” diarrhea, with at least 145 sick across 17 states and 20 hospitalizations; Louisiana is on the list, and officials say many patients report no recent travel. Travel & Tourism: United Airlines is restoring commercial service at Natchez-Adams County Airport with a once-daily Houston route, cutting drive time for locals and boosting tourism connections. New Orleans & Culture: Essence Fest is expected to bring a big weekend lift for local businesses, with New Orleans & Company reporting strong hotel occupancy and some venues offering festival-week deals. Local Life: A judge temporarily blocked St. Landry Parish from closing Krotz Springs Elementary, issuing an order hours before the board vote. Road Safety: Louisiana State Police reported fatal crashes in St. Landry Parish and Acadia Parish, underscoring seat-belt and distraction warnings ahead of holiday travel. Outdoor/Family: A Dry Prong family is seeking support after a teen baseball player was flown to St. Jude for a rare brain tumor.

Public Health: Louisiana is among 17 states tracking a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, with the CDC reporting at least 145 illnesses nationwide and warning the real number is likely higher since many cases go untested; officials say patients became sick after eating U.S. food, but no specific source has been identified yet. Transit & Local Travel: The RTA launched a yearlong New Orleans East Service Improvement Plan, asking residents to weigh in via an online survey (July 1–Aug. 31) and a July 7 kickoff meeting at the New Orleans East Library, as the agency reviews six bus routes for reliability, connectivity, and access to jobs and schools. Road Construction: Louisiana DOTD says intermittent nighttime closures are coming for the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway in Bossier City as crews place girders for the new LA 511 (Jimmie Davis) Bridge, with detours routed via LA 511 and US 71. Community & Tourism Support: A local foundation backed Northwestern State University’s bass fishing team and added a donation to the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, while Louisiana’s presence at the Great American State Fair highlights the state’s push to showcase economic opportunities to visitors. Health Care Access: Ochsner LSU Health is expanding advanced blood cancer treatment in the Ark-La-Tex by offering CAR T cell therapy in Shreveport, aiming to reduce long-distance travel for patients.

Louisiana Staycation Push: Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism launched a statewide “Staycation” campaign encouraging residents to plan trips around Louisiana through Labor Day. Road-Trip Reality Check: DOTD is rolling out AI traffic detection on I-12 near Denham Springs to spot slowdowns earlier and help prevent backups. Holiday Travel Prep: Thibodaux Police will join a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement push July 2–6 ahead of the 4th, with reminders about DWI penalties. Weekend Logistics in Northwest LA: LADOTD scheduled bridge inspection lane closures in Caddo/Bossier, DeSoto, and Red River parishes from July 6–12 (mostly 9 a.m.–3 p.m.). Community & Tourism Tie-In: LifeShare’s “United We Give” blood drive runs July 1–3, and a separate USA 250 blood drive targets 250 units in Slidell on July 10. Local Flavor: Dullboy Restaurant & Bar will represent Jersey City at Tales of the Cocktail 2026 in New Orleans at Maison Perrier’s Beyond the Bar Lounge.

Supreme Court Power Shift: The court’s term ended with a major win for President Trump: a ruling Monday lets him fire leaders of independent federal regulatory agencies at will, reshaping how agencies operate. Immigration & Citizenship: In another high-profile decision, the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, reaffirming the 14th Amendment for kids born in the U.S. Louisiana Travel & Safety: LDWF is investigating a fatal boating incident in Terrebonne Parish after a 73-year-old man’s body was recovered from Rice Bayou; investigators say he was not wearing a personal flotation device. Local Roads: DOTD warns of nighttime lane closures on I-20 in Caddo Parish (July 1-2) for striping and reflectorized marker work. Livingston Parish Watch: Parish President Randy Delatte says a decision on a proposed carbon capture and storage project beneath Lake Maurepas is “welcome news,” reiterating residents don’t want CCS there. Baton Rouge Tragedy: Police say a former LSU football player was arrested after a June crash in downtown Baton Rouge that killed two people; records cite intoxication and running red lights. Road Trip Buzz: Buc-ee’s is nearing completion on a new 74,000-square-foot San Marcos, Texas travel center—another sign of continued growth for the road-trip staple.

Louisiana Staycation Push: Louisiana’s Office of Tourism and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser launched a statewide “Staycation” campaign running June 22 through Labor Day, encouraging residents to explore Louisiana attractions, restaurants, festivals, parks, and small towns—especially with drive-market ads aimed at nearby Mississippi and Texas. French Quarter Relief for Construction Pain: Mayor Helena Moreno announced a $200,000 Business Stabilization Fund to help struggling French Quarter businesses hit by the Sewerage and Water Board project; applications close July 10, with smaller shops eligible for $2,500 and larger ones for $5,000. Flood Aid Paperwork for Farmers: Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain met with flood-affected farmers in Opelousas, urging detailed documentation of crop losses to unlock state and federal assistance after catastrophic flooding in Avoyelles and St. Landry parishes. Road Safety Update: Louisiana State Police reported a fatal hit-and-run crash near New Iberia: a Franklin passenger died after a truck flipped in a roundabout; the Jeanerette driver was arrested. Local Food Spotlight: Donaldsonville native Chef Don Bergeron was named Best Local Chef in the 2026 Best of 225 Awards, with his business also taking Best Caterer for the tenth time. Tourism-Weather Reminder: Heat and hazardous conditions are building across the region, with guidance for travelers to plan smarter and stay safe during extreme temperatures.

Tourism Push: Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism launched a statewide “Staycation” campaign (June 22–Labor Day) urging locals to explore Louisiana’s destinations, food, festivals, and outdoor adventures, with ideas also reaching nearby markets within about 150 miles. Food & Fun in New Orleans: Award-winning chef Telly Justice is bringing a pay-what-you-can collaborative dinner to Dolfy’s on Tuesday, July 7. Gulf Health for Travelers: NOAA expects the Gulf of Mexico’s “dead zone” this summer to be larger than average—about the size of New Jersey—highlighting ongoing efforts to reduce low-oxygen impacts. Real Estate & Visitors: Crescent Sotheby’s International Realty welcomed Muriel Palmgren to its New Orleans network, signaling continued momentum in local property services. Safety & Community: Three men were arrested and indicted in the December 2023 fatal shooting of a Gonzales teen, a major step in an unsolved case. Local Events: Gratis Firefighters Association is working to draw bigger crowds back to its Tuesday bingo nights, running through the summer season.

Film & Tech in Louisiana: “The Mandalorian” popularized virtual production with giant LED screens, and Louisiana companies/universities are investing in similar gear to bring that Hollywood-style workflow closer to home. Leadership & Tourism Economy: GNO, Inc. CEO Michael Hecht is stepping down at year’s end, moving to CEO emeritus as the search begins for his next leader—an economic development shift with big implications for the region’s visitor economy. New Orleans Events: George Clinton and P-Funk’s “Mothership” returns to New Orleans for the 50th anniversary celebration on July 5. Road-Trip Travel Buzz: Buc-ee’s, the viral World Cup stop, is expanding again—more locations are coming, keeping the mega-travel center on travelers’ must-visit lists. Safety for Holiday Travelers: AAA says Fourth of July airfare is up, pushing more people to drive; Louisiana travelers are advised to plan ahead. Local Alerts: NOPD is investigating a shooting outside an Airbnb in the Milan neighborhood, and Baton Rouge police report a fatal Plank Road hit-and-run with the driver still at large.

Louisiana Politics: Republican Julia Letlow defeated John Fleming in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate runoff, setting up the Nov. 3 general election against Democrat Jamie Davis. Housing & Travel Impact: A major bipartisan housing bill aimed at easing the U.S. shortage is in limbo after President Trump declined to sign it, though it could still become law without his signature. New Orleans Safety: NOPD is investigating a shooting outside an Airbnb in the Milan neighborhood early Sunday, with about 20 partygoers present and one man taken to a local hospital. Culture & Tourism: ESSENCE Festival announced its full 2026 daytime schedule (free events July 3-5 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center), with major daytime programming and big-name guests. Food & Local Stops: Nanami Sushi Diner & Onigiri opened on Magazine Street, bringing Japanese-sourced fish and compact bento options to the Garden District. Outdoor Safety: A Louisiana doctor warns that the state’s high child drowning rate means extra water-safety steps are needed, even for strong swimmers. Local Film Buzz: Netflix’s new “Color Book” is tied to New Orleans Film Society’s Southern Producers Lab, highlighting local talent behind the project.

Disaster Relief: Gov. Jeff Landry asked the White House for a major disaster declaration after Tropical Storm Arthur dumped historic rain and triggered flooding and tornadoes across Louisiana, including a “thousand-year event” in Avoyelles Parish. Local Homeless Response: Lafayette is expanding its homelessness response with a new pilot aimed at people with high emergency service use, even as a new anti-camping law looms for Jan. 1, 2027. Infrastructure & Safety Funding: Lafayette Consolidated Government is set to receive $23 million for Johnston Street beautification, downtown and UL Lafayette drainage upgrades, and new police/marshal equipment under the signed state budget. Road & Travel Safety: A Ville Platte man died after his truck hit a fallen tree blocking both lanes on LA 106 in Evangeline Parish. New Orleans Traffic: A shooting on the Crescent City Connection sent a woman to the hospital and shut down eastbound lanes for hours before reopening. Bayou Weekend Ideas: Westwego is being pitched as a quieter base for Bayou Segnette State Park visitors, with quick drives to fishing, kayaking, and the park’s floating cabins. Sports Tourism: Boise State beach volleyball made its first-ever NCAA Tournament trip by winning in New Orleans, setting up Gulf Shores, Alabama, matchups. Arts & Nightlife: Standup comedy returns to the Coast with a show at The Loft featuring Lafayette headliner Caroline Picard.

Disaster Relief: Gov. Jeff Landry asked the White House for a major disaster declaration after Tropical Storm Arthur’s historic rainfall and flooding, requesting Individual Assistance for six parishes including Avoyelles and St. Landry, with officials citing a “thousand-year event” in Avoyelles and 14 tornadoes statewide. Travel & Tourism: With summer travel ramping up, AAA reports gas prices continue to fall, and new data points to big Fourth of July flight jumps to multiple states—useful for Louisiana road-trippers and weekend flyers. Outdoor & Local Adventures: Louisiana’s wetlands keep drawing visitors, and the state’s best hiking trails and top river-cruise picks are getting renewed attention as families plan getaways. Health & Inspiration: Daniel Cressy of Metairie became Louisiana’s first gene therapy patient for sickle cell, with his next goal: flying commercial planes. Sports & Community: Road Scholar is adding 2027 Civil Rights history tours, including a New Orleans-focused “Rhythm of Resistance” trip.

Louisiana Travel & Tourism: Louisiana is ranked No. 3 for summer road trips in a new WalletHub study, praised for lots of attractions (zoos, botanical gardens, amusement parks), strong nightlife, and easy access to scenic byways—good news for travelers planning drives and stops across the state. Local Policy & Homelessness: Lafayette’s new anti-camping law takes effect Jan. 1, with police enforcement starting then; officials say diversion and “homelessness court” options are part of the plan, but questions remain about where people will go and how it will work in practice. Coastal Resilience: Cameron Parish’s disappearing marsh is highlighted as a long-term hurricane-season risk, with experts pointing to how the Calcasieu Ship Channel funnels salt water and weakens the wetlands that help blunt storm surge. Safety on the Road: Louisiana State Police reported a fatal, unrestrained single-vehicle crash in Calcasieu Parish and a separate fatal bicyclist crash on I-10 in St. Charles Parish. Sports & Local Pride: Former UL baseball star Jonathan Lucroy is set for induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame today.

Tourism & Travel Demand: With the July 4 holiday ramping up travel nationwide, AAA expects 45.1 million Americans to drive, fly, or otherwise head out at least 50 miles from home, with added pressure from America’s 250th anniversary celebrations and the FIFA World Cup. Local Roads for Visitors: DOTD says striping begins Monday on a $4M US 190 improvement project in Lacombe (LA 434 to LA 433), a key Northshore corridor carrying about 10,000 vehicles a day. New Orleans Education & Capacity: Ben Franklin High School in New Orleans will lease space from the University of New Orleans, adding classrooms, offices, and a gym to avoid capping admissions. Safety on the Move: Louisiana State Police report a cyclist was killed after being struck by a truck on I-10 in St. Charles Parish; investigators say impairment wasn’t detected. Food & Fun in Acadiana: Lafayette’s Cajun summer grilling guide highlights what locals actually put on the pit, plus where to stock up. Culture on Screen: Louisiana Public Broadcasting premieres “Capturing America: The Carol Highsmith Story” with a free Baton Rouge community screening at the Louisiana Old State Capitol (registration required).

New Orleans Tourism & Hospitality: The New Orleans City Council advanced a major Omni hotel proposal, voting to draft zoning changes for a 27-story, 1,000-room project near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, while also adjusting the PILOT terms to add tax protections, job and contracting requirements, and more support for disadvantaged businesses. Local Business Relief: Mayor Helena Moreno announced $200,000 in grants for Decatur Street businesses hit by last summer’s construction, with applications opening June 29 and checks planned for mid-July. Pet Travel & Health Rules: With New World screwworm detected in parts of Texas and New Mexico, animal travel rules are tightening, and officials warn pet owners to avoid getting blindsided by movement restrictions. Summer Travel Planning: WalletHub’s summer road-trip rankings put Louisiana in the top 10 for best road trips, while also listing Florida as a top attraction state—useful for families mapping Fourth of July getaways. Outdoor Fun in Louisiana: Mermentau River Adventures is pitching “daycation” stays with cabins, river access, and plans for pontoon and fishing rentals—plus a complimentary kayak for overnight guests. Heat-Safe Dog Boarding: All Dogs Unleashed Bossier City rolled out expanded summer boarding protocols, shifting outdoor play to early/late hours and adding hydration and heat-stress monitoring.

Planned Parenthood returns to Louisiana: The group says it will open a New Orleans clinic and offer telehealth across the state for services like contraception, STI care, and screenings (no abortion services), after earlier closures tied to federal funding cuts. Gulf Coast defense push: Four U.S. Navy commands launched the Gulf Coast Defense Catalyst partnership in New Orleans, aiming to connect military tech needs with local businesses, startups, and universities. Road-trip magnet news: Buc-ee’s is plotting 15 more locations nationwide, including a planned Lafayette-area opening, as the chain keeps expanding beyond its home base. New Orleans hotel progress: City Council approved zoning for the $600M Omni headquarters hotel next to the convention center, with an expected 2030 opening. Beach safety update: Rip-current risk along the Gulf Coast is forecast to be low for the upcoming holiday stretch, with standard water-safety reminders. Local culture on stage: A free Keith Frank outdoor Zydeco concert is set for June 27 in Lake Charles. Travel + food buzz: Carnival Cruise Line says its “The Next Course” dining overhaul will roll out new onboard options fleetwide, with Louisiana tied to the preview event in New Orleans.