AGP Executive Report

Louisiana Music: Accordion maker Clarence “Junior” Martin, a Rayne native whose handcrafted instruments helped define Cajun and zydeco sound, has died at 85. Film & TV: Louisiana-set horror drama “Killa” is in the works, with Imani Lewis and Tanya Wright starring as the story follows a Louisiana girls’ basketball dreamer pulled in by a mysterious force. Sports Hall of Fame: Former UL catcher Jonathan Lucroy was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, with tributes highlighting his MLB run and his Louisiana roots. Local Sports: Crescent City Sports Prep Summer League is set for its championship after Brother Martin-based K’s for Kids advanced, powered by a no-hitter from Chance Pecoraro. Public Safety: Kenner Police arrested a man using the legal name “Santa Claus” in a child exploitation sting, part of 11 arrests. Law & Policy: A new Louisiana law boosts penalties for marijuana use within 2,000-foot school and college drug-free zones, expanding officers’ ability to arrest and book offenders. Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can count mail ballots arriving after Election Day, as long as they’re postmarked by Election Day.

Louisiana Tourism: The state’s new summer “staycation” push (June 22–Labor Day) is urging locals to road-trip for festivals, museums, parks, and small-town eats—aimed at boosting visitor spending and keeping dollars in Louisiana. New Orleans Arts & Entertainment: Former punk drummer-turned-chef Telly Justice is bringing her pay-what-you-can dinner concept to Dolfy’s on July 7, while comedian Jazmyn W lands for two nights at Sports Drink (July 3–4). Music Spotlight: The Mothership returns to New Orleans for Essence Festival of Culture’s 50-year Parliament-Funkadelic celebration, with George Clinton and Ivan Neville reflecting on the legacy. Local Culture & Community: Arthur Hardy will stay on as an advisor for the Arthur Hardy Mardi Gras Guide’s 2027 edition, as Victor Andrews takes over as senior editor. Sports & Local Pride: Jonathan Lucroy was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (Class of 2026). Public Safety: NOPD is investigating a shooting that wounded a man at a Central City short-term rental party.

Local Arts & Culture: City Park in New Orleans was named Louisiana’s most romantic spot by Travel+Leisure, praising its botanical garden, sculpture garden, and iconic architecture. Film/TV Tech: “The Mandalorian” helped popularize virtual production, and Louisiana is now seeing that LED-screen filmmaking approach take root. Immigration & Community: The Strand Theatre in Shreveport hosts a free Naturalization Oath celebration with 34 new citizens, part of KTBS 3’s Freedom Fest series. Sports & Entertainment: Crescent City Sports Prep Summer League semifinals and finals air live Monday and Tuesday from John Ryan Stadium in Metairie. Music & Nightlife Buzz: Essence Fest 2026 is set to bring major stars to the Superdome, including Cardi B, Michelle Obama, Brandy and Monica. Weather Watch: A bright fireball streaked across the southern U.S., with the clearest footage captured by WAFB’s Sky9 cameras over Baton Rouge. Sports Business/Leadership: GNO, Inc. CEO Michael Hecht is stepping down at year’s end, with a search underway for his successor.

Essence Fest 2026: New Orleans’ biggest cultural weekend kicks off July 3-5, with daytime talks and markets at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and headline concerts at the Caesars Superdome, including Cardi B, Michelle Obama in conversation, Brandy & Monica, Patti LaBelle, Public Enemy, Kehlani and Latto. Local Arts Awards: The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council named winners for its 40th annual Northeast Louisiana Arts Awards, honoring artists, educators and community impact across nine categories. Music Spotlight: John Craigie brings his new album “I Swam Here” to the spotlight, blending intimate folk storytelling with sessions recorded in New Orleans and the Pacific Northwest. Film & Community: New Orleans Film Society’s Southern Producers Lab graduate David Fortune’s Netflix hit “Color Book” is drawing attention for its heartfelt story and disability advocacy. Education in the Arts: Southeastern Louisiana University tapped Caroline E. Sawyer to lead Communication and Media Studies, and awarded a sports media scholarship to incoming freshman Logan McMorris. Sports Hall of Fame: Joe Horn was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026, joining a slate that also includes John Brady, Sylvia Fowles and others. Public Safety Update: A boil water advisory in New Orleans East was canceled after a water main break.

Louisiana Politics: U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow won the GOP Senate nomination in Louisiana’s runoff, defeating state Treasurer John Fleming and cementing another Trump-backed victory as the state heads toward the fall general election. Public Health & Education: Dr. Laura Cassidy is pushing for better dyslexia support in Louisiana, building Louisiana Key Academy into a growing charter network for dyslexic students. Arts & Community Media: Collins The Brand, a Baton Rouge media organization, announced multiple new hires to expand coverage of national issues, civil rights, education, youth culture, and elections. Sports Spotlight: Ruston High standout Ahmad Hudson was named MaxPreps Louisiana Male Athlete of the Year after standout football and basketball seasons. Local Sports Culture: Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Week wrapped up in Natchitoches with the induction of the Class of 2026, celebrating athletes, coaches, and sports leaders. New Orleans Development: Tulane is moving ahead with a major redevelopment plan for the long-abandoned Charity Hospital site, aiming to bring jobs and new public health training space downtown. Summer Safety: Ochsner experts shared tips on sun protection, water safety, and avoiding common summer injuries.

Louisiana Politics: President Trump made a final push for Rep. Julia Letlow in Louisiana’s GOP Senate runoff, calling her a “Great Star” and “TOTAL WINNER” as she faces state Treasurer John Fleming. Local Water Alert: New Orleans East crews responded to a 12-inch water main break near Lake Carmel and Oak Island, leaving about 60 homes without water and triggering a boil-water advisory for roughly 26,000 residents. Sports Spotlight: The Saints marked Chris Olave’s birthday with a touchdown montage as he heads into training camp after a bounce-back 2025 season. Food & Community: Lafayette celebrated National Food Truck Day at Moncus Park with more than a dozen trucks, yard games, and live music. Arts & Entertainment: “The Drama,” starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, is getting buzz as a sharp satire with a psychological edge. College Sports: NCAA reminded Division I baseball coaches not to cancel nonconference midweek games to protect tournament positioning. Athlete Watch: Ruston High’s Ahmad Hudson was named MaxPreps Louisiana Male Athlete of the Year after standout football and basketball seasons.

Louisiana Politics: Trump’s endorsement is back on the line in Saturday’s GOP Senate primary runoff, with Rep. Julia Letlow aiming to turn her May win into a second straight victory over state Treasurer John Fleming—though low turnout could still flip the script. Entertainment & Media: New streaming and music drops include “Project Hail Mary” on MGM+ and Colin Farrell’s “Sugar,” plus Myles Smith’s debut album—good weekend picks for Louisiana audiences. Arts & Culture: “The Outsider” takes a comedic swing at policymakers, while Louisiana’s music scene keeps moving with festival and concert coverage across the state. Sports: NBA offseason chatter continues around Mitchell Robinson’s future and possible Knicks contingency options. Louisiana Sports Spotlight: Former UL baseball star Jonathan Lucroy is set for induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, adding to a busy summer of local sports celebrations. On This Day: Hurricane Audrey hit the Gulf Coast in 1957, a reminder of Louisiana’s weather history.

College Football Recruiting: Sam Houston’s Albert Simien, a top-ranked 2027 interior offensive lineman from Lake Charles, committed to Notre Dame over LSU, Texas A&M, Nebraska and Ole Miss, adding major line power to Marcus Freeman’s fast-rising class. Sports Hall of Fame (New Orleans): Peyton and Eli Manning and Bo McCalebb were inducted into the New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame, with the banquet highlighting Louisiana’s football and basketball legacy. Local Arts & Community: Sunday Chanté returns at the West Baton Rouge Museum in Port Allen, a women-centered monthly singing circle led by Syreeta Neal. Entertainment on Stage: Don Cheadle talks about his Broadway debut in David Auburn’s “Proof,” where he stars alongside Ayo Edebiri. Food & Giving: The Bridge Bakery at Nicholls (benefiting the Bridge to Independence Program) is open Tuesdays–Thursdays in June and July for fresh baked goods. Politics & Power (Louisiana): Louisiana enacted new congressional districts aimed at helping Republicans gain a seat after the Supreme Court struck down the prior map. Human Rights: The UN’s top rights official called for an independent probe into rising migrant deaths in U.S. detention centers.

Arts & Culture Spotlight: “Mārama” director Taratoa Stappard talks Victorian-era Māori horror-revenge and the defiant cultural choices behind the film, now on VOD. Local Pageantry: Miss Louisiana 2026 Shelby Bordelon (Port City) was crowned in Monroe, with Katherine McCullars and Lauryn Vernon taking top runner-up honors. Louisiana Business Watch: South Louisiana leaders share what’s driving the rest of 2026—from leadership transitions to getting clients up to speed on AI. Sports & Entertainment Crossover: ESPN’s defenders list has LSU safety Ty Benefield ranked No. 6 for 2026, fueling expectations for a top-tier Tigers secondary. Community & Events: Bossier City expands All Dogs Unleashed summer boarding with heat-safe protocols, plus more training for public-event readiness. Sports Hall of Fame: Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame welcomes a new class, including coaches and MLB/NFL standouts, with weekend festivities continuing. Big Picture Politics: Senate drama over Iran war powers continues as Cassidy and Paul shift positions after White House pressure.

Arts & Community: Lafon Performing Arts Center in Luling is expanding student-focused programming this fall with five shows plus extra local productions, including touring acts and free Artsperience matinees for public school students. Live Music Picks: New Orleans clubs are packed for the last week of June, with standout local sets like the NOLA Resistance Quintet at Snug Harbor and Zydeco at Rock ‘N’ Bowl, plus more across Frenchmen Street and beyond. Theatre Spotlight: Lyric Theatre’s “Steel Magnolias” leans hard into the iconic salon chaos—hairspray, gossip, and big one-liners—bringing the classic story to life for a new crowd. Festival Buzz: Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Experience kicks off today through Sunday, with major names and multiple venues lighting up Aspen’s music scene. Local Arts/People: The New Orleans Suspects bring their funk-rock-jazz gumbo to the Paul JAS Center as part of the JAS June Experience. Weather & Records: Tropical Storm Arthur pushed Louisiana past its usual June tornado count and set a new 24-hour rainfall record at Cottonport. Wildlife Case: LDWF arrested a Vernon Parish man over alleged cruelty and wildlife violations after a raccoon-killing video circulated online.

Louisiana Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Arthur’s Louisiana impacts are a warning sign, with officials attributing 14 tornadoes across south Louisiana and Mississippi and estimating up to 29 inches of rain in parts of central Louisiana—plus major flooding and evacuations. Local Politics: In the Louisiana Senate race, the Letlow vs. Fleming showdown is down to the wire as Trump ramps up support and outside groups hit Fleming with an attack ad barrage. Arts & Culture: New Orleans rapper Alfred Banks brings local flavor to Athens’ ATHfactor and Volumes hip-hop showcase during AthFest’s club crawl. Music & Festivals: High Sierra Music Festival is headed to the Nevada County Fairgrounds July 2-5 with headliners including Steel Pulse and Dumpstaphunk. Sports (Local Flavor): The Saints’ No. 82 jersey countdown continues with a look at every player who’s worn the number in franchise history. Entertainment: Chi McBride returns to Netflix’s “I Will Find You,” and the latest “For the Record: An Incomplete History of Music” review highlights how big the new music documentary ambition is.

Immersive Arts: Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is getting a new night of sound and light with Honey Gold, a live immersive experience by local artists Sariah Sizemore and Taylor Matherne, performing June 25 in the House Chamber Room. Music & Local Flavor: Counselor George Mentz has released two new hip-hop singles—Living This Life and I Am Victory—continuing his genre-blending, New Orleans-rooted catalog. Sports Culture: The 2026 NBA Draft’s style moment is in focus again, with a look at how No. 1 picks have dressed over the years as AJ Dybantsa went first to the Wizards. Politics & Louisiana: U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy says a tense lunch with President Trump over Iran war powers turned into a shouting match, with Trump telling him to “sit down.” Health & Community: Louisiana’s Department of Insurance is urging flood-damaged residents to document losses to help persuade FEMA to release Tropical Storm Arthur relief funds. Public Safety: Southwest Louisiana “hams” are gearing up for ARRL Field Day this weekend, running emergency-style radio drills to keep communications working when disasters hit.

Louisiana Politics: Teacher pay stipends are stuck in limbo as lawmakers’ votes on Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan get paused by a judge’s temporary restraining order tied to a lawsuit from educators. UFC & Local Interest: Retired Louisiana native Dustin Poirier broke his silence after a Father’s Day arrest at an Atlanta airport, saying alcohol has become a serious problem and that he needs help. Sports & Culture: The 2026 NBA Draft’s first round is complete, led by BYU’s AJ Dybantsa going No. 1, with Louisiana’s own basketball pipeline still buzzing as teams lock in new talent. Community & Arts: New Orleans’ Charity Hospital redevelopment is moving forward, with Tulane planning to repurpose most of the historic site for public health training, research, and new jobs. Coastal Louisiana: Cameron Parish residents warn that another major hurricane could finish what past storms started, as the area’s population and services keep shrinking. National Spotlight: The U.S. Senate approved a war powers resolution targeting Iran, with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy among the Republicans backing it.

College Sports & Rules: The NCAA approved a new “five years to play five seasons” eligibility model, ending traditional redshirts and most extensions—big implications for transfers and playing time. NFL & Local Ties: Former Saints QB Tyler Shough’s long college run is now the kind of path the new rules would block. NBA Draft Day: The 2026 NBA Draft is set for Tuesday at Barclays Center, with live TV/streaming details and celebrity-watch notes. Louisiana Sports Honors: UAPB’s Terron Armstead is headed to the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame class of 2026. Entertainment & Culture: Horror fans get a Louisiana swampland creature feature with “Hungry,” now available at home. Weather & Safety: Tropical Storm Arthur flooding continues to push south, with St. Landry Parish bracing for worst impacts in about 5–6 days. Arts/Community Spotlight: REV earned six Telly Awards for community-focused video and TV campaigns.

Preservation Hall Legacy: A New Orleans second line honored Preservation Hall trombonist Ronell Johnson, with musicians gathering at Tuba Fats Square and unveiling a balcony painting at the Hall. Courtroom Drama: In federal court, a Las Vegas art appraiser testified he inflated values for paintings reported stolen from New Orleans restaurateur Fouad Zeton, with prosecutors alleging the scheme was tied to ex-NOPD officer Christian Claus and an insurance payout. Climate & Community Arts: Director Josh Fox’s documentary The Welcome Table lands in New Orleans as a climate-crisis story built around shared meals, song, and “collective joy.” Louisiana Pageantry: Shelby Bordelon was crowned Miss Louisiana 2026 and says she’ll push impaired-driving prevention through her nonprofit after a friend was killed in a crash. Sports Spotlight: The New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame class of 2026 was announced, featuring Eli and Peyton Manning and Bo McCalebb, with induction tied to the Allstate Sugar Bowl banquet. NBA Draft Buzz: The 2026 NBA Draft starts tonight, with the Knicks holding the 24th pick plus two second-round selections.

Local Arts & Community: The long-awaited Raising Cane’s 9th Ward Stadium broke ground in New Orleans’ Desire neighborhood, with construction expected to finish next summer and a 3,700-seat venue planned for football, soccer, graduations, concerts and festivals. Entertainment & Culture: A movie theater is coming back to New Iberia—B&B Theatres says it will open a two-screen complex in Bayou Landing Shopping Center, bringing heated recliners, a new bar and expanded food options. Fashion & Spotlight: Shelby Bordelon, an Iberville Parish native and Southeastern Louisiana grad student, was crowned Miss Louisiana 2026 in Monroe, winning a $15,000 scholarship and pledging to tackle impaired driving through her nonprofit, Claire’s Promise. Arts Education & Preservation: Centenary College broke ground on the first phase of a multi-million-dollar renovation of the historic Mickle Hall Science Building, including an ADA-compliant entrance and structural upgrades. Kids & Well-Being: Louisiana ranks 48th overall in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count report, with the state still last in economic well-being and 49th for health.