AGP Executive Report

Miss Louisiana 2026: Shelby Bordelon, an Iberville Parish native and Southeastern grad student, was crowned Miss Louisiana 2026 in Monroe and says she’ll use her platform to push impaired-driving prevention after a 2024 crash killed her friend; she founded Claire’s Promise Inc. and plans to travel the state. Travel Perk for Veterans: TSA will waive the $85 TSA PreCheck fee for qualifying veterans under the VETS Safe Travel Act, making airport screening cheaper for eligible Louisiana travelers. Road-Trip Buzz for Louisiana: WalletHub ranks Louisiana No. 3 for summer road trips, and other reports highlight AAA gas prices easing as families plan Independence Day getaways. New Orleans Food Spotlight: Food Network’s “Top 10” named Commander’s Palace’s cochon de lait eggs benedict No. 1 and Katie’s Restaurant’s crawfish beignet No. 9. Local Tourism & Safety: Jefferson Playground in Jefferson Parish is set for a new $7.8M baseball stadium, with Loyola baseball eyed as a future home. Crime Hits French Quarter Dining: A French Quarter brunch spot tied to Hotel Provincial was burglarized, and police are seeking a suspect after debit-card fraud. Weekend Weather/Outdoors Note: A great white shark tagged by OCEARCH (“Brookes”) was spotted offshore near Long Beach Island, underscoring how active Gulf and coastal wildlife seasons are.

I-20 Upgrade: Louisiana wrapped up a major $128 million Interstate 20 rehabilitation in Caddo and Bossier parishes, rebuilding about 3.5 miles, fixing Red River sections, and adding new lighting, signage, drainage, and safety upgrades—good news for summer drivers heading through Shreveport-Bossier. Vacation Spotlight: Lake Charles got a national boost on NBC’s “Today Show” as a “dupe” for Las Vegas, pitched for resort pools, big-name dining, and casino options with a Cajun Bayou-Creole twist. Safety Watch: A fatal pedestrian crash on U.S. 90 in Jeff Davis Parish killed 49-year-old Kelly Velayas; troopers urged drivers and walkers to stay alert and improve visibility. Local Honors: Iberville native Shelby Bordelon was crowned Miss Louisiana 2026 and plans to push impaired-driving prevention through her nonprofit, Claire’s Promise. Roadside Tragedy: Claiborne Parish mourns a crash that killed two members of Pastor Tim Brady’s family after a Pentecostal youth camp trip.

Tropical Storm Arthur Aftermath: AccuWeather estimates Arthur caused $4–6 billion in damage and economic loss, with Louisiana hit hard by extreme rainfall and widespread flooding, road closures, and power outages. Travel Planning: MSY is urging summer travelers to reserve parking online in advance as outbound travel climbs to more than 1.25 million seats for June and July. Local Safety & Weather: St. Martin Parish warned drivers about high water on multiple routes, while New Orleans police asked for help locating a missing man last seen near Bourbon and St. Ann. Road & Public Safety: Louisiana State Police are seeking the driver in a fatal Bossier Parish hit-and-run on LA Hwy 3. Tourism & Culture: Valcour Records marks 20 years in Eunice, celebrating Louisiana artists and its latest Grammy win. Community Spotlight: Miss Louisiana 2026, Shelby Bordelon of Iberville Parish, was crowned in Monroe with a service-focused platform.

Pedestrian Safety & Hit-and-Run: Louisiana State Police are asking for the public’s help after 43-year-old Jerry Vest Jr. was killed June 20 when he was struck from behind by an unknown vehicle on LA Hwy 3 near Courtney Lane; impairment is suspected and toxicology samples were taken. Local Crime Update: Port Allen police say five people were arrested after an early Sunday shooting on Azalea Street left one person critically injured. Road Disruptions: St. Martin Parish officials warn high water is covering multiple roads and urge drivers to use 511 or the DOTD site for route planning. Flood Relief in the River Parishes: Avoyelles Parish residents were displaced by rapid flooding from Tropical Storm Arthur, with deputies delivering help and evacuating families. Tourism Watch: Carnival Cruise Line is responding to a U.S. government warning for Nassau, advising travelers to avoid jet ski rentals amid safety concerns. Community & Culture: Juneteenth celebrations drew regional crowds in Ruston, with music and performances at Louisiana Tech. Food Tourism: Alexandria’s Mr. Porksteak Make-Em-Shake food truck keeps pulling long lines as it travels Louisiana-style favorites city to city. Outdoor Travel: St. Martin Parish road closures and high-water alerts could affect weekend plans across the area.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Tropical Storm Arthur’s aftermath is still hitting Louisiana, with flash-flood concerns and record-setting rain totals reported across parts of the state, keeping travelers and outdoor plans on alert. Road Safety: Louisiana State Police report a deadly single-vehicle crash on La. Hwy. 9 near Hwy. 518 in Claiborne Parish, killing two teens and injuring three others; impairment isn’t suspected, but the crash remains under investigation. Local Tourism Pressure: Decatur Street business owners say long-running Sewerage & Water Board construction is hurting sales and tourism, with closures and delays dragging on through peak seasons. Community Spotlight (Juneteenth): Ruston’s Juneteenth celebration at Louisiana Tech drew a regional crowd with major gospel performances and a push to build future events. Food & Fun: Alexandria’s viral “Mr. Porksteak Make-Em-Shake” food truck continues to draw lines, serving Louisiana-style favorites as it travels state to state. Pageant & Pride: Shelby Bordelon was crowned Miss Louisiana 2026 and will represent the state at Miss America in Florida this August. Travel Deals & Planning: AAA reports the national gas average slipping below $4 as the Independence Day travel rush approaches. New Orleans Missing Person: Police are asking for help locating a missing man last seen near Bourbon and St. Ann.

Tropical Storm Arthur aftermath: The National Weather Service confirmed eight tornadoes across Louisiana and Mississippi on June 18, with damage surveys still underway and more updates expected Monday. Flooding & heat: Severe storms and extreme heat are disrupting travel across the South, with flood watches lingering in parts of Louisiana and the wider region. Road-trip safety: Louisiana State Police reported a fatal, unrestrained single-vehicle crash in Vermilion Parish on LA 13 near Kristin Road. New Orleans travel culture: New Orleans’ seventh annual Juneteenth Festival drew crowds to Congo Square with food, vendors, and a second-line parade. Local history & tourism: A West Baton Rouge Museum campus walk highlights Louisiana history for visitors. Sports tourism draw: The New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame class of 2026 features Eli and Peyton Manning and Bo McCalebb, with the ceremony at the Superdome. Planning your trip: AAA shared tips on choosing the right holiday tour company, plus a look at what “middle class” income means by state.

Tropical Storm Arthur Aftermath: Louisiana saw historic downpours tied to Arthur, including reports of more than 29 inches in Cottonport, with flood risk easing but still lingering across the region. Disaster Relief for Travelers: U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box use at participating Southeast locations for flood-impacted residents. Juneteenth Across Louisiana: New Orleans’ Juneteenth Festival drew big crowds with food, vendors, and a second-line parade, while Donaldsonville’s River Road African American Museum hosted “Libations and Citations,” featuring retired Chief Justice Bernette Johnson. Road Safety Reminder: Louisiana State Police reported a fatal Vermilion Parish crash on LA 13 where an unrestrained driver died after leaving the roadway and striking a culvert. Heritage Tourism Spotlight: The Old Spanish Trail (OST) Auto Highway tourism summit is set for Sept. 25 in Rayne, with Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Karen LeBlanc as keynote. Local Culture & Nightlife: A New Orleans drag karaoke night on Bourbon Street is drawing attention for giving Monday crowds a fresh, rotating lineup.

Tropical Storm Arthur Impacts Louisiana: The weakened storm still brought life-threatening flash flooding risk across southeast Louisiana, with the NWS warning that just six inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet, plus reports of tornado activity near the New Orleans area. Outdoor & Travel Demand: A new Outdoor Participation Trends report says outdoor recreation hit a record 183.2 million participants in 2025, but outing frequency is down—good news for Louisiana’s parks and trails, with a reminder to keep access affordable and repeatable. Local Tourism Spotlight: The West Baton Rouge Museum in Port Allen is offering history-focused exhibits and events on its campus, including kid-friendly programming and French activities. New Orleans Hospitality & Growth: A Lafayette storefront update shows how quickly vacant spaces are turning over, with a new brunch-and-coffee concept moving into a former Chili’s location. Water Safety Reminder: Ahead of Father’s Day, LDH urged families to plan for pool, lake, and river safety—drowning remains a leading cause of death for Louisiana kids. Music & Culture: Preservation Hall trombonist Ronell Johnson died at 49, a loss felt across New Orleans’ live-music scene. Heads-Up for Travelers: AAA reports the national gas average has dipped below $4 as summer travel ramps up.

America250 Travel Buzz: America’s 250th birthday is driving hotel and flight searches, with Priceline data pointing to big July Fourth interest spikes in several founding-story-linked destinations. Flood Watch for Travelers: Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants are still fueling heavy rain and flash-flood risk across southeast Louisiana, with WDSU calling Friday an Alert Day as conditions could worsen. New Orleans Rail Win: The Amtrak Mardi Gras Line is nearly a year in and already beating ridership projections, with leaders exploring a possible westward extension toward Baton Rouge. Tourism Spotlight: Monroe-West Monroe just released a fresh travel guide highlighting new restaurants and attractions to keep local tourism momentum going. Riverfront Push: A New Orleans “Riverfront for All” push argues Phase 2 is the next step to lock in major events and everyday use that boost hospitality and tourism. Safety Reminder: Officials also flagged dangerous rip-current conditions along Gulf beaches after Arthur-related surf and currents.

Tropical Storm Arthur: The first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic season moved inland after landfall in Texas, then left Louisiana bracing for heavy rain, flash flooding, tornado warnings, and widespread outages—about 39,520 customers reported without power as crews worked to clear debris and lift some road closures. Travel Disruptions: With flood risk still in play across the state, several Louisiana school systems canceled Thursday activities, a sign travelers should expect spotty access and detours. New Orleans Airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport launched a Community Partners Program for regional nonprofits, offering free digital advertising inside the terminal for selected groups starting this summer. Local Real Estate: In the Greater New Orleans area, a Covington luxury home tied to former Saints kicker Wil Lutz sold for $2.42 million, highlighting continued high-end demand. Culture & Tourism: Preservation Hall Jazz Band musician Ronell Johnson died at 49, a loss felt across New Orleans’ live-music scene. Road Trip Reality Check: A dating survey dubbed the “30-minute rule” found most singles won’t travel far for a first date—another reminder that Louisiana travel time matters for plans.

Tropical Storm Arthur & Travel Disruptions: The first named storm of the Atlantic season formed off Texas and quickly weakened, but its moisture is still expected to bring heavy rain and flooding risk across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, with possible isolated tornadoes—plus major flight delays and cancellations hit hubs like Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Atlanta. Local Gulf Coast Reality Check: In Cameron Parish, beachgoers and vacationers reported minimal impacts while officials monitored conditions; in Lake Charles, the National Weather Service warned flooding and heavy rain totals could climb higher if rain bands stall. Sandbag & Storm Prep: Louisiana communities set up sandbag locations and cleared drainage as the storm’s worst impacts were forecast to linger through the week. Tourism & Planning Ideas: For travelers looking ahead, a cruise-port guide spotlights Seattle’s cruise season and terminals, while a “snackpacking” trend story points to bite-sized food crawls—an approach that fits New Orleans-style tourism even when weather is unpredictable. Road Trip Safety: A study ranks the best states for last-minute summer road trips, with Florida topping the list—useful for planning around storm timing.

Tropical Storm Arthur: The first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic season has formed in the Gulf and is expected to move inland across southwestern Louisiana, bringing 5–10 inches of rain (isolated near 20) and a flash-flood risk. A flood watch remains in the Baton Rouge area through Friday morning, and tropical-storm warnings stretch from Sargent, Texas to Morgan City, La. Travel Disruptions: Airlines are issuing weather waivers for affected routes, including major hubs in the Midwest and Gulf region, as heavy rain and thunderstorms threaten travel. New Orleans Health Expansion: LCMC Health broke ground on the first inpatient behavioral health unit at New Orleans East Hospital, aiming to expand access for east New Orleans, Gentilly, and the Lower 9th Ward. Lafayette Roadwork Fight: Local businesses urged Lafayette leaders to pause the Bertrand Drive revitalization project, saying it could hurt restaurants and retail along the corridor while officials say parts of the plan are being reevaluated. Rayne Spotlight: Rayne, the Frog Capital, placed No. 3 in Parade Magazine’s America’s Favorite Small Town contest, highlighting its Cajun culture and frog-themed history. Outdoor Getaway: Burns Point Park in St. Mary Parish is being promoted as a quieter Louisiana camping and fishing stop with waterfront sites, RV hookups, and boat launches.

Tourism & Hospitality: New Orleans’ “Built to Host” playbook is on full display as the city welcomed major visitors for Sail250 and North America’s 50 Best Restaurants, with the DMO and partner hotels rolling out seamless, guest-first experiences. Tropical Weather: Forecasters are watching a Gulf disturbance that could become the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic season, with tropical storm watches stretching from coastal Texas into southwestern Louisiana and heavy rain/flash-flood risk already affecting travel plans. Local Events: Monroe and West Monroe are gearing up for a July 4, 250th-anniversary celebration with a parade, race, hot dog contest, music, drone show and fireworks—aimed at drawing visitors across Northeast Louisiana. Family Fun: If storms keep kids indoors, Lafayette-area options include the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, Surge Entertainment, and mall activities for a low-stress day. Community & Safety: A Grand Isle beach shuttle driver is being praised for rescuing a family of three from a rip current near Elmer’s Island Beach.

Tropical Travel Disruptions: A Potential Tropical Cyclone One system in the western Gulf is expected to become Tropical Storm Arthur, with Tropical Storm Watch coverage from Sargent, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana. Forecasters warn of life-threatening storm surge (2–4 feet) and major flooding rain, with heavy impacts likely for the Louisiana coast and nearby travel corridors. Road Safety for Visitors: Local officials are urging drivers to treat flooded roads as impassable—moving water can sweep cars away fast—plus guidance on safer driving during Gulf downpours. Sandbag Prep: Parishes including St. Charles and St. John the Baptist are opening sandbag sites and asking residents to bring shovels and follow distribution rules. Local Tourism Win: New Orleans chef Serigne Mbaye of Dakar NOLA captured the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: South, adding another headline for the city’s food-and-travel draw. Boating & Fishing Retail: West Marine filed for Chapter 11 and plans to close 59 stores nationwide, a reminder for Louisiana anglers and boaters to check local inventory and online options.

Workforce & Travel Jobs: Meta’s $115M “America’s Workforce Academy” will launch free data-center construction training in Louisiana (plus Ohio, Indiana, Texas) in 2026, aiming to funnel graduates into credentialed careers. Road & Visitor Access: Oak Ridge, Tennessee begins Providence Road paving rehab with closures and limited access, plus no-parking rules and a new sidewalk to keep Outdoor Pool access moving. Safety on the Road: Louisiana State Police report a fatal bicyclist crash in Calcasieu Parish (no helmet; bike lacked reflectors/lights) and a fatal Lafayette-area hit-and-run involving an electric scooter. Gulf Weather Watch: The NHC is monitoring a disturbance that could briefly become Tropical Storm Arthur, but heavy rain is the big concern for Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi—plan for flash-flood risk. Local Culture & Tourism: Donaldsonville’s 31-year Juneteenth Music Festival drew families with music, food, and dancing, while Miss Louisiana Week continues in Monroe. World Cup Travel Buzz (Louisiana tie-in): A German fan “Freddy” went viral documenting his Louisiana stops, including Baton Rouge and LSU/Tiger Stadium.

Severe Weather Alert: Southeast Louisiana is bracing for heavy rain and a flash-flood risk this week, with forecasts calling for repeated storm rounds and totals that could reach 10 inches in worst-case spots—so plan travel with extra caution. Tropical Update: The National Hurricane Center says a short-lived tropical storm could form in the Gulf later this week, but regardless of naming, Gulf Coast areas (including Louisiana) should expect days of downpours. Local Roads & Safety: Baton Rouge police identified two victims killed in a downtown Main Street crash under the I-110 overpass. Travel & Fun Rankings: Orlando is being touted as a top North American party destination, and New Orleans is noted for nightlife density—good news for visitors planning summer outings. Food & Travel Culture: A viral German World Cup traveler is documenting his Louisiana stops, from New Orleans sights to Saints/Pelicans facilities. Tourism Trade: Travel South USA is launching a Nordic travel-agent training push to boost multi-state itineraries across the American South. Community & Leisure: Louisiana’s craft beer scene gets a spotlight with a top-breweries list, and a Louisiana-shaped pond photo is turning heads for anglers and daydreamers alike.