AGP Executive Report

James Beard Awards: New Orleans has three finalists tonight in Chicago, including Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski (Outstanding Restaurateur) and E.J. Lagasse (Emerging Chef), putting local fine dining back in the spotlight. New Orleans Arts & Culture: Crescent City Auction Gallery is expanding with The Bellflower, a new antiques collective opening June 18 at 1400 St. Charles Ave, aiming to bring more brick-and-mortar energy back to the market. Music Loss: Preservation Hall Jazz Band trombonist/tuba player Ronell Johnson has died at 49, with tributes pouring in for his “larger than life” presence. Wearable Art: A New Orleans-set look at “Black Masking” culture highlights masquerade as wearable altar—memory, craft, and community labor stitched into beadwork and spirit. Local Youth & STEM: Anala Beevers credits hands-on STEM programs for her leap from gifted toddler to Howard STEM scholar and future cancer researcher. Sports & Community: Victoria Generals swept the Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators 10-3 at Riverside Stadium. Weather Watch: A tropical system could form near the Louisiana coast by Thursday, with heavy rain and flash-flood risk continuing.

Local Politics: In New Orleans Criminal District Court, Gov. Jeff Landry’s move to shrink judgeships is triggering a high-stakes election scramble, with Judge Rhonda Goode-Douglas naming who she plans to unseat and Judge Simone Levine promising to fight back. Legal/Local Business: The Batture’s owners are locked in a lawsuit that could reshape the Uptown riverside park and even threaten the future of their real estate firm. Arts & Entertainment: Tulane’s annual Women’s Clinic returns July 28 at Yulman Stadium with on-field access, a fashion show, and a silent auction benefiting Green Wave Football. Music/Community: Donaldsonville’s 31st annual Juneteenth Music Festival drew big crowds to Louisiana Square, with organizers and local partners keeping the tradition going. Weather Watch: Forecasters are flagging a week of daily heavy rain and flash-flood risk across Louisiana, with totals potentially climbing in some areas. Entertainment Picks: Modest Mouse’s new album gets a spotlight, plus a streaming roundup featuring “Project Hail Mary” and “Sugar.”

Swamp-Pop Loss: Floyd Brown, a Louisiana legend who blended swamp pop and country and helped build local nightlife, has died at 79 after a long cancer battle. Zydeco Spotlight: Lafayette accordionist Corey Arceneaux and his three sons release “Accordion Man,” marking the first time they’ve recorded together as a family. Festival International at 40: Festival International de Louisiane looks back at four decades of bringing global music and art to Acadiana, and what’s next for the future of festivals. Local Sports & Community: Thrive Academy’s Baton Rouge “June School” program is keeping student-athletes sharp with a mix of classes, workouts, dorm life, and enrichment through the month. Film & Theater: Metairie and Baton Rouge area theaters are screening the new feature “Under the Lights,” a prom story centered on epilepsy and stigma. Debutante Night: Young Ladies of NOLA’s “Diamond Debs” ball welcomed 25 debutantes in Chalmette. Baseball Coaching: Julio Godinez was named the sixth head coach in Lewis baseball history.

New Orleans Pride Parade: The city’s annual Pride Parade rolled into the French Quarter Saturday evening, bringing music, color, costumes and big crowds along Bourbon and Royal Street. Shreveport Tech & Marketing: Shreveport hosted Louisiana’s first social media and digital marketing conference, spotlighting how local businesses and creators are turning viral content into real growth. Utah Athletics Deal: The University of Utah finalized a private equity partnership to create Crimson Brand Partners, a new commercial operator for Utah Athletics’ branding, licensing, sponsorships, ticketing and digital media. Sports Spotlight (Local): McGill-Toolen alum Eric Garror scored for the Louisville Kings in the United Bowl, and Louisiana high school standouts kept stacking honors across cheer, softball and baseball. Weather Watch: A low-pressure area in the Gulf has a 20% chance to develop into a tropical system next week, with any potential impacts expected to stay well west of Florida. Arts & Culture: Krewe of Gemini unveiled “Retro Rewind” as its 1970s-themed Mardi Gras season backdrop.

New Orleans Arts & Culture: The Grateful Dead-themed “Dead on Decatur” is closing with a final sale as a long-running construction project drags on along Decatur Street. Festival Fashion: Bonnaroo-goers are using bold outfits, makeup, and Pride-inspired looks to show identity and community—photos capture the creativity up close. Music Spotlight: New Orleans singer-songwriter Brett Louis Thomas released “Bourbon Street Rain,” a country anthem about keeping the music going through life’s storms. Local Sports Honors: Shreveport sportswriter J.J. Marshall was named a Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame 2026 Distinguished Service Award winner in sports journalism. Louisiana Talent: Slidell swimmer Eric Ring, a Louisiana state record holder, is set to join Drury University for the 2026 season. Tech & Industry (Baton Rouge): US FUSION & Specialty Construction, based in Baton Rouge, announced it will attend Houston’s 2026 Energy Projects Conference & Expo.

World Cup Pop Culture: A viral German fan named Freddy is turning the U.S. into his personal road trip diary, posting about everything from Auburn game-day fireworks to Waffle House and Buc-ee’s—so much so even White House accounts are chiming in. North Baton Rouge Development: Developers say they’re “not a concept” away from breaking ground on a $50M grocery-anchored retail project at BLVD at Harding, with state funds already passed and talks underway for additional financing. Louisiana Music Loss: Baton Rouge swamp-pop/country legend Floyd Brown has died at 79 after a long cancer battle, with tributes pouring in from fellow artists and fans. Arts & Community Calendar: Shreveport’s Geek’d Con returns Aug. 14–16, and Alexandria Museum of Art is set to unveil Jan Beauboeuf’s neon sculpture “Neon Clouds” at a June 23 ribbon-cutting. Local Sports Spotlight: Calvary’s Kynzee Anderson repeats as LSWA Miss Softball after a 30-1 season with 318 strikeouts.

World Cup Buzz: The NFL is taking a breather as the FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America, with U.S. players and coaches leaning into the “real football” moment—plus NFL stars are noticing the switch to mostly natural grass at World Cup stadiums. Local Arts & Entertainment: Alys Stephens Center (UAB) announced its 2026-27 lineup, including zydeco’s Terrance Simien, Step Afrika! and more, kicking off a milestone 30th season. Louisiana Music & Culture: Lucinda Williams returns with a protest-spirited new album and tour, channeling the urgency of her protest-music roots. New Orleans & Pop Culture: OnlyFans spending data shows Louisiana below most states overall, while New Orleans ranks among the top major cities for per-capita spend. Sports (LSU): LSU baseball adds SEC infielder Cade Kurland via the transfer portal, and Steven “Monster” Milam is set to return for 2027. Community & Family Fun: Grand Isle’s International Tarpon Rodeo is set for July 23-25, with fishing, live music, and kid-friendly events.

Local Arts Calendar: Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre kicks off with “Chicago” June 18, while New Orleans stages also spotlight “Being Earnest” and more summer shows—perfect timing for theater lovers looking for what’s next. Music & Community: Louisiana’s free America 250 concert lands July 4 in downtown Baton Rouge at Repentance Park, with Louisiana artists including Grammy winner Wayne Toups plus a fireworks finale. Live Music (Baton Rouge): This week’s Baton Rouge roundup includes sets from George Bell and Friends, Cake Mixx, Catahoula and more across local venues. New Orleans Culture: The Big Easy Thai Food Festival returns Sunday at the Wat Wimuttayaram Buddhist Temple, pairing temple community fundraising with Thai food, music and a welcoming open-house vibe. Sports (LSU Baseball): LSU adds former Florida second baseman Cade Kurland to the 2027 roster, bringing SEC-tested power and infield defense. Cultural Tradition: U.S. Senators marked National Seersucker Day, tying the fabric’s Indian roots to Southern style—and to Louisiana’s New Orleans connection.

Arts & Community Loss: Lafayette Creole-culture journalist Ruth Foote dies after a cancer battle, remembered for documenting desegregation history and championing Acadiana’s stories. Music Spotlight: Conductor Leonard Slatkin (81) and violinist Randall Goosby (29) talk American concert music and Louisiana blues in a GPB interview ahead of their Atlanta performances. Local Arts Education: NSU theatre and dance students are landing professional gigs across 11 states this summer, from major festivals to regional theatres. Festival Buzz: Nederland’s Jazz & Wine Festival returns for its 5th anniversary Aug. 22 with a lineup spanning New Orleans-to-Brazil sounds and Colorado vendors. Sports/Entertainment Calendar: LSU releases 2026 kickoff times under Lane Kiffin, with three straight 6:30 p.m. home/early-season starts. Public Safety & Justice: Natchitoches Parish seeks an Oklahoma man wanted for alleged online exploitation of a child under 12. Health & Local Impact: A new Ehlers-Danlos clinic opens in Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast LNG documentary “GASLIT” spotlights community concerns.

New Orleans World Cup buzz: Fans in Kenner are swapping FIFA stickers in a community pack-opening meet-up, while local shops are cashing in on the tournament fever with branded merchandise and watch-party energy. Local infrastructure worry: The New Orleans City Council is pressing the Sewerage and Water Board to assess rust damage in the city’s pump system ahead of hurricane season, with repairs potentially running up to $15 million. Saints on the field: New Orleans’ voluntary OTA practice drew media attention, with Tyler Shough and Travis Etienne Jr. working while key receivers Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson were limited in 11-on-11 drills. Arts & entertainment: The Jesus and Mary Chain are back in the spotlight with a New Orleans stop, promising less pressure than their last big comeback and leaning into their famously loud, sweet sound. Community events: Louisiana Downs’ Great Louisiana Fair and other ArkLaTex weekend happenings are set to keep families busy. Sports business: Shreveport is moving ahead with state-backed payments tied to Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s downtown film and TV plans.

Sports & Culture Clash: Rep. Jerry Nadler used a Sports Broadcasting Act hearing to jab at Donald Trump over the Knicks’ NBA Finals run, turning a streaming-pricing fight into a very personal sports moment. Local Sports Legal Watch: NC State says it’s investigating potential legal claims against LSU tied to Will Wade’s exit, including whether LSU violated North Carolina law. Hurricane Readiness: Louisiana officials are questioning whether FEMA is staffed and ready for the 2026 hurricane season. Arts & Community Calendar: Red River Revel’s 50th lineup and dates are set for Oct. 8–11 and Oct. 15–18 in Shreveport. Live Music & Festivals: Freaky Deaky NOLA is stepping in for Halloween weekend after Hell’s Gala announced it won’t return in 2026. Louisiana Entertainment Picks: Uncle Sam Jam returns July 3 in Metairie with Wilson Phillips headlining. Statehouse/Everyday Life: Louisiana State Police stopped issuing citations for expired or missing inspection stickers during a transition period. Church Reopening: Holy Savior Catholic Church in Lockport will rededicate June 13 after Hurricane Ida damage. Food & Shopping Buzz: Buc-ee’s is set to open its first Arizona location June 22 in Goodyear. Sports Betting/Legal: NBA player Terry Rozier pleaded not guilty in a federal bribery and gambling scheme case.

Music & Culture: PJ Morton, a New Orleans native and Grammy winner, brings an intimate set to Offbeat Record Store in Jackson Sunday (3–6 p.m.). Live Music Spotlight: The Louisiana Folklife Center at NSU hosts a free blues “music informance” with Grammy bassist Wayne “Blue” Burns on June 20 in Natchitoches. Humanities Funding: LEH and America 250 Louisiana awarded $34,500 in mini-grants across 23 parishes for public history, murals, lectures, and community events. Arts & Theater: Southeastern’s Alpha Psi Omega (APO) held its Vonnies awards at Hammond’s Downtown Historic Columbia Theatre, honoring productions including “The Appliance Department” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” Sports (Local): Loyola University New Orleans officially moves to NCAA Division II in 2027 (Gulf South Conference). Community & Safety: Shreveport police ask for help finding missing 15-year-old Tori Sullivan. Local Hiring: BRCC names Jonathan Parker its new head baseball coach. Entertainment News: WWE’s Money in the Bank is pushed to New Orleans for October.

AI & Jobs: Meta is launching America’s Workforce Academy with a Baton Rouge pilot to train workers for AI data-center infrastructure roles, with paid training and job placement through a contractor. Music & Culture: Chubby Carrier will host a free Zydeco Capital Jam in Opelousas honoring Clifton Chenier’s legacy. Arts & Entertainment: Loyola University New Orleans is returning to NCAA competition—accepted into the Gulf South Conference starting Fall 2027. Local Food & Community: Good Time Sushi is back in Gentilly after about five years away, reopening in a bigger space with hibachi tables. Sports & Louisiana Life: Pelicans add two staffers—David Cosgrave (health/performance) and Joe Sharpe (head athletic trainer). Weekend Picks: Holly Beach Crab Festival runs June 12–14 in Cameron Parish with live music, crab cook-offs, and family events. Public Safety: A man attacked by an alligator during a DWI investigation in St. Charles Parish is recovering after fleeing into the swamp.

Music Spotlight: New Orleans-raised experimental sound-collage artist Vanessa Rossetto’s “The Professional” gets a closer look, with her playful, expectation-bending approach to experimental music. Pride & Community: New Orleans’ Pride parade and Pridefest return to the French Quarter this weekend, with a 5 p.m. parade start and a big block-party lineup nearby. Local Arts & Culture: A new debutante tradition in New Orleans welcomes 48 young women to the season’s presentations and Carnival balls. Food Scene: New Orleans pizzeria St. Pizza earns national buzz, ranking No. 8 on a top-slices list after a viral Portnoy nod and broader local pizza momentum. Sports & Entertainment: The Pelicans hire David Cosgrave and Joe Sharpe to strengthen health/performance and athletic training. Arts Education: Southside Elementary hosts a weeklong fiddle residency, giving students hands-on lessons and a performance for families. Business/Tech: Meta’s AI workforce boot camp pilot lands in Baton Rouge, aiming to train paid workers for data-center infrastructure jobs. Public Safety: NOPD continues a recovery search at Lake Pontchartrain after a possible drowning, with alligator conditions affecting operations.

LSU Football Recruiting: LSU kept rolling in the 2027 class with four-star WR Cade Cooper committing Monday, plus earlier additions including Markez Davis—another sign Lane Kiffin’s staff is stacking talent fast. Loyola University Athletics: Loyola University New Orleans marks a major shift Tuesday, moving from NAIA to NCAA Division II and joining the Gulf South Conference starting fall 2027. WWE in New Orleans: WWE pushed Money in the Bank to Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Smoothie King Center, while Sunday Night’s Main Event lands Sept. 6 in Atlanta—so New Orleans still gets a big wrestling night. New Orleans Music & Nightlife: We Belong Here unveiled its inaugural festival lineup for Nov. 13-15 at Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park, with ODESZA, Carl Cox, Steve Angello and more. Local Arts Spotlight: Five Points Museum celebrates its 10-year anniversary through June 28 with a look back at past exhibitions, including founder Ann Harithas’ art-car legacy. Community & Education: Assumption Parish Schools expands access to 100% online coursework via its Virtual Academy. Health & Safety: A new task force is targeting ATV/UTV risks after Louisiana data shows hundreds of hospitalizations and multiple deaths each year. Sports & Community: Former Olympian Kendrick Farris brings plant-based nutrition and fitness games to Shreveport youth through his FEED initiative. Family Fun: The Great Louisiana Fair continues at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City with rides, shows and fair food through June 14.

Local Arts & Culture: Café Sbisa in the French Quarter is closing permanently after months of construction on lower Decatur Street cut off foot traffic, with owners saying the “dead zone” made it impossible to stay open. New Orleans Entertainment: The Downtown Development District’s “Summer Starts Downtown” campaign spotlights The Barnett, a downtown hotel whose name nods to Max Barnett Furniture and the building’s Art Deco history. What to Do This Week: Gambit’s picks include the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (June 10-13), Rob49’s Vulture Island Experience (June 13), and Loa Bar’s acoustic series featuring Cally Cole (June 10). TV & Pop Culture: AMC’s The Vampire Lestat leans into Lestat’s rock-star origin with a non-linear backstory—plus Easter eggs and a chronologically guided recap for fans catching up. Sports (Saints): New Orleans’ countdown to the 2026 opener continues with a look at No. 98 history, and special teams upgrade talk centers on punter Ryan Wright. Community & Pride: Saints fans rallied at Walk-On’s to meet NFL podcaster Tom Grossi and raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Public Safety: A lawsuit filed by Deputy Charles Riley’s widow alleges negligence in how a firearm was secured before he was killed inside the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office.