AGP Executive Report

Workforce & Tourism Pipeline: South Louisiana Community College chancellor Vincent June won a national Difference Maker Award for expanding workforce training and industry partnerships, with an economic impact study saying SoLAcc supports 1 in 97 jobs in Acadiana and returns over $13 per $1 invested. Coastal Travel Reality Check: A new study warns Louisiana’s shoreline could shift more than 30 miles inland as warming accelerates sea-level rise, wetland loss, and stronger storms—an adaptation clock that could reshape where people live and visit. Outdoor Access Law: Louisiana’s “Streets to Success Act” would criminalize unauthorized camping on public property, with fines up to $500 and/or jail, plus a court program aimed at rehabilitation. SNAP Rules for Travelers: LDH says SNAP EBT use will be limited to Louisiana and certain adjacent border ZIP codes, with short-term exemptions available for travelers. Local Culture & Events: Cajun Heritage Festival names its 2026 Miss Queen Brynna Theriot and Teen Queen Katie Nguyen, continuing the tradition of young ambassadors promoting South Louisiana culture. Food & Fun Planning: New Orleans Restaurant Week runs June 8–14 with set-price menus—an easy way for visitors to sample local favorites without guessing budgets.

LHSAA Sports & Travel: The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is reshuffling major championship sites for 2026-27, moving boys basketball to the Cajundome in Lafayette, wrestling to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, and powerlifting to West Monroe—big news for families planning March trips. Outdoor Recreation: The Wild Azalea Trail in Kisatchie National Forest is drawing hikers and cyclists as wild azaleas bloom, with the 28-mile continuous route stretching from Woodworth to Valentine Lake. Local Infrastructure & Heritage: Baton Rouge leaders cut the ribbon on the BREC Freedom Heritage Trail, linking Scotlandville, Southern University, and the Boomtown area with safer walking/biking access and Civil Rights history. Coastal Conditions: A Gulf disturbance is expected to bring strong winds and minor coastal flooding risk for parts of the Mississippi and Southeast Louisiana coasts—shrimpers and coastal residents are already adjusting plans. Tourism & Culture: Lake Charles continues to market its “Louisiana-meets-Texas” identity, from architecture to crawfish and zydeco. Food & Hospitality: Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe is rebooting under new ownership, aiming to return to scratch Cajun cooking and a more authentic Louisiana feel.

Hurricane Season Prep: Louisiana’s state climatologist Jay Grymes says even a below-average Atlantic season won’t guarantee safety for Louisiana, so residents should stay ready. Beach Tourism Watch: Gulf Coast beaches are seeing heavy sargassum seaweed wash-ins, and researchers warn conditions could worsen through summer—bad news for swimmers, wildlife, and tourism. New Orleans Travel Disruption: Delta Utilities’ year-long pipeline replacement will bring lane closures and traffic shifts on Tchoupitoulas Street (Notre Dame to Canal) starting Monday. Family-Friendly Sports & Travel: Southeastern Louisiana’s beach volleyball players earned Southland All-Academic honors, a feel-good local sports note for visitors planning around campus events. Road Safety: A wrong-way crash on I-12 near Tangipahoa Parish killed an 18-year-old; impairment is suspected. Local Attractions & Nostalgia: Pizza Hut is rolling out “90s Classic” retro locations in Louisiana, bringing back red cups, checkered tablecloths, and arcade vibes. Big Summer Stop: Buc-ee’s first Louisiana store in Ruston is under construction, with local traffic and taxpayer upgrade costs drawing attention.

Bridge & Road Updates: Nighttime lane closures on the Jimmie Davis Bridge (LA 511) in Caddo/Bossier run Mondays–Saturdays, 6 p.m.–6 a.m., expected to last until about June 20 for bridge painting. Local Tourism & Infrastructure: Minden City Council discussed sports tourism plans for the Minden REC, grant steps for road safety funding, and tough decisions on condemned properties. Public Safety: A fatal crash on I-12 near LA 3158 in Tangipahoa Parish killed an 18-year-old; impairment is suspected and toxicology is pending. Community Cleanliness: DeQuincy received a Keep Louisiana Beautiful trash receptacle grant, with post-install litter scans planned. Interstate Crime Watch: Authorities in Mississippi arrested 59 people and seized 164 fighting roosters in a cockfighting bust that reportedly drew participants and spectators from Louisiana and other states. Travel Industry: U.S. Travel and Brand USA shared strategies aimed at bringing back international visitors.

Hotel & Conventions: Louisiana lawmakers again stalled a major tax incentive for the planned Omni New Orleans hotel tied to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, leaving the $550M project’s timeline in limbo. Homelessness Policy: The Louisiana Senate advanced a bill that would restrict public camping and route some cases into court-supervised treatment or work programs, drawing sharp pushback from advocates. Waterfront & Outdoors: Keep Louisiana Beautiful and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser opened registration for “Love Our Waterways,” a statewide cleanup set for September across rivers, lakes, bayous, beaches, and shorelines. Tourism Safety Prep: With hurricane season underway, FEMA-style tips focus on reviewing insurance, documenting belongings, and getting ready before storms hit. Local Travel Safety: Baton Rouge police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that killed a bicyclist on Winbourne Avenue. Culture for Visitors: UNO archaeologists will join a WWII recovery mission in Italy, with the National WWII Museum in New Orleans also participating. New Orleans Pride Month: New Orleans prepares for a busy Pride Month in June.

Road Safety: A 19-year-old Gonzales motorcyclist, Jacobi Clement, died after a single-vehicle crash on LA 73 near Duplessis Road in Ascension Parish; police say he failed to negotiate a left curve, went off the roadway, and impairment wasn’t suspected. Weather & Travel Disruption: A Flash Flood Warning for Jefferson and St. Charles Parish expired after 1–3 inches of heavy rain; officials urged drivers to avoid flooded and low-lying roads. Local Groceries Access: St. Gabriel bought more than 18 acres for its first supermarket, aiming to cut down residents’ trips to Baton Rouge, Gonzales, or Dutchtown for basic produce and meat. Cruise Watch: Carnival says Louisiana cruise guests may have been affected by a data breach and is offering affected passengers two years of complimentary credit monitoring. Big Easy Food Culture: Miss Shirley’s Chinese Restaurant in New Orleans highlights the longtime matriarch behind the counter, with her weekly lunch-and-dinner tradition drawing regulars for decades. Summer Planning: A Louisiana-focused “2026 Summer Fun Guide” and other seasonal picks are circulating as visitors map out trips and events.

Louisiana Travel Safety & Planning: Carnival says Louisiana cruise guests may have had personal info exposed in a data breach, with affected travelers urged to watch for notifications and offered two years of credit monitoring. New Orleans Culture: Miss Shirley Lee’s decades-long legacy at Miss Shirley’s Chinese Restaurant is getting a spotlight, from her kitchen hustle to her role as a neighborhood matriarch. River & Tourism: Tall ships are set to arrive in New Orleans for America’s 250th birthday, with vessels open for public tours—another big draw for summer visitors. Outdoor Getaway: Cypremort Point State Park is being pitched as a true Louisiana road-trip escape, tucked at the end of La. Hwy 319 for marsh-and-cypress quiet. Local Events: DOTD is preparing Acadiana roads for hurricane evacuations as the season approaches, a reminder for travelers to plan routes and check updates. Family Fun Guide: A 2026 Summer Fun Guide rounds up what to do across the season. Weather Watch: An “omega block” pattern is locking in persistent heat and stormy conditions across parts of the U.S., which could affect travel comfort and timing.

Junk-Fee Crackdown: Louisiana lawmakers passed a bill banning “convenience fees” tacked onto debit-card receipts, giving the attorney general power to investigate and fine violators $500 per offense—credit cards aren’t covered. Southwest Louisiana Spotlight: British travel influencers Josh & Jase are back in Lake Charles for a live show Saturday at L’Auberge Casino Resort, after last year’s crawfish, alligator hunts, and local food stops. New Orleans Travel & Climate Watch: A new study warns New Orleans could lose most remaining wetlands by 2070, raising the odds of the city becoming an “island” as sea levels rise—an urgent backdrop for visitors and locals planning around Sail 250 tall ships and future hurricane seasons. Outdoor Summer Planning: Certified camper sales are rising ahead of summer road trips, with more shoppers leaning toward certified pre-owned RVs for value and inspection support. Health Alert for Gulf Travelers: Vibrio vulnificus cases are increasing in Florida as warm-season conditions ramp up, with infections tied to raw shellfish and open wounds exposed to contaminated water.

Hurricane Prep: DOTD says Acadiana road crews are coordinating year-round so construction zones won’t block evacuations when storms hit. Local Travel & Safety: The state’s approach includes lane changes, equipment tie-downs, and temporary detours if needed. Airport Boost: The FAA awarded $523M nationwide, including $10.9M for Baton Rouge terminal and baggage system replacement—good news for smoother travel. New Orleans Tourism: Sail 250 is bringing historic vessels to the NOLA riverfront, with businesses preparing for extra visitors. Food Scene: Michelin recognition keeps rolling—Ochsner at the Grove adds AI MRI tech locally, while dining headlines include Charles & Julia opening at Hotel Perle and Michelin/50 Best buzz around Louisiana-linked spots. Policy Watch: Louisiana lawmakers approved limits on judicial meal per diems tied to federal rates, a move that could affect travel budgets. Community Notes: New Orleans archaeologists say a backyard “mystery stone” turned out to be a real Roman funerary tablet.

Judicial Travel Rules: Louisiana lawmakers approved a bill tying judges’ meal per diems to the federal rate, cutting the current $118/day figure to as low as $80 for trips like New Orleans—now headed to Gov. Jeff Landry. Port & Logistics Tech: Port NOLA and NOPB are partnering with UTC Transoceanic to bring AI and digital rail tech to move oversized cargo more safely through Louisiana’s rail network. Air Access for Travelers: ALG Vacations is expanding its Exclusive Nonstop Vacation Flights program for 2027, adding nonstop options from New Orleans (MSY) plus other cities to destinations like Cancun and Punta Cana. Pride Month Visitor Boost: New Orleans is gearing up for a busy June Pride calendar, with organizers expecting thousands of visitors across festivals, parades, and nightlife. Local School Sports: Acadiana Christian School is joining the LHSAA this fall for a two-year probation period, aiming to reduce long road trips and boost local competition. Road Trip Fuel Watch: AAA reports national gas prices are down 12 cents to about $4.42, but summer driving demand could keep prices elevated. Food Scene Spotlight: North America’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony in New Orleans highlighted Louisiana’s dining spotlight as multiple regional standouts were recognized.

Sail 250 in New Orleans: Tall ships and Coast Guard vessels are arriving for America’s 250th birthday, with free public tours along the Mississippi River kicking off this week and drawing visitors from across the country. Food & Tourism Spotlight: New Orleans restaurants Dakar NOLA, Emeril’s, and Acamaya landed on North America’s “50 Best Restaurants 2026” list, adding fresh buzz for travelers planning dining-focused trips. Local Travel & Safety: Baton Rouge’s $10M MOVEBR Terrace Ave. project is set to calm speeding and improve crosswalks for pedestrians and cyclists near schools and popular spots. Roadwork Disruption: I-610 in New Orleans will shut down both directions overnight from Friday to early Monday for $9.5M paving and patching work. Family Travel Budget Help: Louisiana SUN Bucks are loading $120 in grocery support onto eligible families’ EBT cards for the summer break period. Community & Culture: JAMNOLA announced three summer nonprofit partnerships supporting youth arts, music education, and LGBTQ+ advocacy across New Orleans.

Tourism Funding: Essence Festival organizers have asked New Orleans for $10M–$12M annually under a “Festival 365” plan as the current city deal expires this September, with the 2026 lineup set for July 3–5 at the Superdome. Local Events & Culture: Lyrica Baroque’s summer concert brings New Orleans baritone Bryan Batt to Christ Church Cathedral Thursday at 7 p.m., plus a Navy “Strike Group” mixed-reality STEM exhibit is coming to Sail 250 in New Orleans May 29–31. Road & Travel Safety: DOTD warns drivers to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” amid heavy rain/flash-flood risk, and Bossier City has nighttime I-20/I-220 ramp closures June 1–3 for striping. Community Tourism Jobs: Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission names Julie Babineaux executive director, aiming to promote Cajun culture and visitors. Bayou Weekend Planning: Calcasieu Parish plans a seatbelt checkpoint as part of “Click It or Ticket,” and Mangham received trash receptacle grant funding to cut litter at a local recreation area.

Hurricane Readiness: FEMA’s acting administrator Bob Fenton says the agency is “ready for hurricane season” as it runs a major pre-season response drill, “Silent Echo,” highlighting how Louisiana’s Gulf risk is being planned for ahead of June 1. Tourism & Events: The Caesars Superdome’s parent agency says cancellations hurt its budget, but new crowd-pullers like the Savannah Bananas and Hondo Rodeo Fest helped keep the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District out of the red. New Orleans Travel Disruptions: DOTD plans a full weekend closure of I-610 in New Orleans (11 p.m. Fri to 5 a.m. Mon) with detours via I-10 for repaving and repairs. Cruise Safety: A New Orleans man pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a 15-year-old passenger aboard a cruise ship departing New Orleans. Local Health Tech: Gov. Jeff Landry’s Rural Tech Catalyst Fund aims to expand rural healthcare services using tech and telehealth, with northeast Louisiana hospitals hoping it means fewer patient trips for care. Outdoor Recreation Politics: A state resolution is filed opposing a proposal to shift Kisatchie National Forest lands to Grant Parish control.

New Orleans Dining & Culture: The Grill Room at The Windsor Court is rolling out new weekly dining experiences, including Wine Wednesday and Thursday oyster/prime rib pairings, adding more reasons to plan a night out in the city. Jazz Fest Season Spotlight: A look back at the Jazz Fest Gala highlights the festival’s music pipeline and education efforts ahead of the big weekends. Food Tourism Buzz: New Orleans heavyweights Dakar NOLA and Emeril’s are in the running again for international honors tied to the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants event in town, keeping the city’s culinary draw front and center. Bayou Weekend Plans: The Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival runs May 29-31 with swamp-side food, music, and kayak options—plus the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival is May 30-31 at the Jazz & Heritage Center with free admission. Travel Practicalities: Louisiana SNAP EBT use is now limited to in-state and approved border ZIPs, with short-term exemptions for travelers. Local Travel Infrastructure: Shreveport-Bossier ramp closures are scheduled for early June nights on I-20/I-220 for striping tied to the interstate rehab. Family-Friendly Summer: St. Charles Parish Library kicks off a summer reading lineup with performances, storytime ballet, STEM, and outdoor-themed activities. Flood Risk Reminder: Moody’s released a flood risk analysis showing Louisiana’s flood exposure is heavily uninsured—an important heads-up for anyone planning summer trips.

Louisiana Supreme Court Scrutiny: The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will “clarify” its New Orleans travel rules after a Legislative Auditor report accused it of “double-dipping” on meal payments—records cited show more than $189,000 in per diems from 2021 to 2025. Local Government Watch: New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno and partners laid out 2026 hurricane-season readiness as the season nears June 1, focusing on shelters, infrastructure, power restoration, and public alerts. Civil Liberties in the Spotlight: An award-winning “Cancer Alley” documentary was blocked from a parish-owned theater screening in St. John the Baptist, with residents and free-speech experts warning about a First Amendment problem. State Policy Shift: Louisiana’s SNAP EBT rules tighten again, limiting most out-of-state purchases to curb fraud. What’s Next: LSU’s ADA lawsuit fight heads to federal court, as the AG argues it belongs there.

Texas Politics: Texas AG Ken Paxton’s personal scandal just collided with the biggest moment of his political life—Trump urged Texans to “Vote for Ken Paxton” in the GOP Senate runoff, even as Paxton’s ex-wife filed for divorce and reports allege two affairs. Courts & Voting Rights: A federal court temporarily blocked Alabama’s new congressional map, keeping a race-blind version in place after judges said the plan was tainted by intentional discrimination—another reminder that redistricting fights are still landing in courtrooms. Louisiana Watch: Louisiana is bracing for an intense mosquito season as heat and rain ramp up health risks like West Nile. Local Life: In Livingston Parish, Troopers are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash on LA 42. Sports: The Cajuns are headed to the NCAA Starkville Regional, with Friday’s opener vs. Cincinnati and weather that could mean delays.