AGP Executive Report

Franchise Growth: CC’s Coffee House named Jeremy Hecht Director of Franchise Development, signaling a push to scale the Baton Rouge-rooted brand with new operators and market strategy. Healthcare & Fraud: DOJ announced a sweeping Medicare/Medicaid fraud takedown hitting 455 defendants tied to more than $6.5 billion in false claims, including alleged patient harm. New Orleans Redevelopment: Tulane signed a purchase-and-sale agreement to take the lead on the $500M Charity Hospital transformation, targeting a fall construction start and completion in 2029, with major bioscience, education and innovation space. Local Business Expansion: Loop Linen Service will break ground on a $25.1M Avondale expansion, keeping 125 jobs and adding modern laundry capacity along the U.S. 90 corridor. Energy/Environment: Louisiana is seeking public review of a Bossier Parish industrial waste disposal expansion, with comments due July 23. Policy Watch (Louisiana): A federal judge struck down SNAP “unhealthy food” limits in five states, limiting states’ ability to restrict what recipients can buy. Sports Business: NBA draft and trade fallout continues, including reports that New Orleans won’t pursue Ja Morant.

NBA Draft Countdown: With the 2026 NBA Draft set for Tuesday night, teams are still juggling big-picture decisions, including the Wizards’ reported choice between AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson and the leaguewide ripple effects of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. Pro Basketball Trade Watch: The Timberwolves reportedly sent Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick to the Nets in a three-team deal that moved Nic Claxton to the Bulls and netted Minnesota the No. 33 pick. Energy & Cost of Living: Virginia’s return to RGGI is projected to hit residential ratepayers again, with estimates of more than $500 million annually and household impacts potentially topping $1,500 a year. Louisiana Business & Growth: PRISM named Brooks Crowley VP of Acquisitions to expand its upmarket hotel platform, including properties in New Orleans. Local Economy & Community: A Baton Rouge family is fighting to save a decades-old home from demolition after repeated traffic damage and code disputes. Agriculture: Louisiana Farm Bureau honored Vermilion Parish farmer Laura Hebert as Young Farmer and Ranchers Achievement Award winner after a brutal year for prices, drought and land loss. Public Safety & Environment: After a semitrailer crash in rural Texas near the Louisiana border, millions of honeybees escaped, prompting road closures and an emergency response.

Infrastructure Update: Louisiana leaders marked the completion of the $128 million I-20 rehabilitation in Caddo and Bossier, rebuilding 3.5 miles of lanes and ramps, upgrading Red River sections in Shreveport, and adding safety features like new lighting, signage, barrier walls and glare screens. Rural Health Funding: LDH opened applications for two CMS-funded programs for rural providers—Capital Improvement and Telehealth Infrastructure—aimed at modernizing facilities and expanding telehealth access. Local Business & Jobs: B&B Theatres plans to open a two-screen movie complex in New Iberia’s Bayou Landing Shopping Center, bringing heated recliner seating, a redesigned concessions area and a new bar. Public Safety & Weather: NWS confirmed a 10th tornado from the June 18-19 outbreak, including two tornadoes hitting Eden Isle within a minute, with no reported injuries. Food & Labor: Louisiana lawmakers are pushing a fix for crawfish processing plants still short on H-2B visa workers, with farmers warning the shortage could force reduced production or more imported seafood. Economic Growth Pitch: Rapper 50 Cent’s Shreveport entertainment plans for the G-Dome are moving forward, including early site work and a planned public park as approvals progress. Consumer/Cost Watch: A new study highlights how total abortion bans are delaying standard pregnancy care, raising mortality risks—especially for Black patients.

Storm Recovery: Tropical Storm Arthur is pegged at $4–6 billion in damage and economic losses, with flooding the costliest hit and Louisiana reporting extreme rainfall totals like 31.56 inches in Cottonport and 24.47 inches in Plaucheville. Energy & Power Costs: A letters-to-the-editor debate is heating up over Louisiana electricity prices, with critics pushing back on calls to “do nothing” as rates rise and regulators face pressure to act. Aging & Federal Budget: The Social Security and Medicare Trustees’ report warns Congress must fix funding gaps, noting full benefits are projected only through 2034 before payroll taxes cover about 83% of scheduled benefits. Business & Investment: Fibrebond, a Minden electrical equipment maker, was sold to Eaton and its owners set aside 15% of proceeds—about $240 million—for 540 workers over a five-year retention period. Local Travel: MSY airport is urging travelers to reserve parking ahead of the busy summer season, citing more than 1.25 million outbound seats for June and July. Sports Business: Saints edge Tyree Wilson says his move from the Raiders to New Orleans is a “fresh start,” while the Celtics are reportedly eyeing Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III as a potential offseason pivot.

Workforce & Tech: Meta’s own CTO says worker morale at the social media giant has hit a historic low, as AI-driven restructuring and reassignment ripple through the company, including its Louisiana data-center buildout. Retail & Consumer Costs: Louisiana’s new debit-card surcharge ban takes effect Aug. 1, stopping retailers from adding extra fees at checkout for debit payments. Public Health & Safety: Cities and schools are testing wastewater monitoring for illicit drugs, including sampling tied to major events like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, aiming to flag outbreaks earlier. Sports Contracts: CJ McCollum is staying in Atlanta with a one-year, $21 million Hawks extension, keeping a key playoff contributor off the free-agent market. NBA Trade Watch: The Pelicans are reportedly exploring a potential Ja Morant trade, with talks framed around matching salaries and pairing him with Zion Williamson. Energy & Infrastructure: A Baton Rouge-area waste pilot is exploring semi-underground Subcontain bins as a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional dumpsters. Louisiana Policy & Environment: Environmental justice groups are pushing back as pollution oversight and enforcement priorities shift under the Trump and Landry administrations.

Global Infrastructure & Trade: Korea’s state-backed KIND says it’s pushing airport, smart city and a Tashkent smart bio-cluster in Uzbekistan as it leans harder into public-private partnership models. Federal Education Policy: A Senate panel is weighing a July vote that could block the Trump administration from shifting core special education functions to HHS under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raising alarms among disability advocates. Louisiana Flood & Storm Impact: Tropical Storm Arthur’s aftermath continues across the Gulf, with confirmed tornadoes and major damage estimates (about $4B–$6B), while Louisiana residents face recovery and repair costs. Energy Costs: National gas prices are slipping under $4 ahead of the July 4 travel rush, with demand up and supply down. Local Business & Tourism: Decatur Street business owners press city officials over long-running Sewerage & Water Board construction that’s hurting foot traffic and sales. Entertainment Investment: In Shreveport, 50 Cent’s G-Dome project breaks ground as part of a $124M entertainment push tied to thousands of jobs. Health Spending Watch: Medicaid vision and orthotic-related claims are rising in parts of Louisiana, including Covington and Leesville, reflecting shifting local demand.

Medicaid Spending Watch: In Louisiana, Medicaid billing continues to climb in multiple localities, including Leesville ($483,510 for orthotic procedures in 2024, up 29.7%), Tallulah ($4,959,956 for alcohol and drug abuse treatment, up 21.5%), Marksville ($2,405,197 for alcohol and drug abuse treatment, up 12.2%), Carencro ($63,775 in dental payments, up 38.8%), and Plaquemine ($1,026 for surgery-related services, up 3,700%). Retail Expansion: Dollar General is still pushing growth, planning about 450 new stores in 2026 after 575 in 2025, with a strategy focused on small towns and rural areas. Local Business Spotlight: A Baton Rouge skate shop, Rukus 103, teamed with Nike and Mary Lee Donuts for a limited-edition Nike Dunk tied to local culture. Workforce & AI Infrastructure: Meta is investing $115 million in its America’s Workforce Academy to train workers for AI data-center trade jobs, with tuition and support covered. Severe Weather & Risk: The National Weather Service confirmed eight tornadoes across Louisiana and Mississippi from June 18, with damage surveys still underway.

Storm Recovery & Insurance: Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants left widespread flooding and tornado damage across southeast Louisiana, with thousands still without power and homeowners facing named-storm deductibles that can raise out-of-pocket costs. Port & Logistics Expansion: West Calcasieu Port is adding 172 acres and a new tenant office building in a $5.1 million expansion aimed at supporting barge fleets and just-in-time inventory. Education & State Funding: St. Tammany Parish School Board members oppose Gov. Jeff Landry’s proposed teacher stipend plan, warning it would shift costs onto local districts. Workforce & Skills Gap: A new push highlights the scale of U.S. skilled-trades shortages, underscoring pressure on sectors that rely on electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers and welders. Juneteenth & Local Business: Juneteenth events in New Orleans and North Park spotlight Black-owned vendors and community financial literacy, tying celebration to local economic opportunity. Local Business Closure: Pizza Amore is closing its Carencro location after 15 years, ending a longtime neighborhood gathering spot. Sports Business Angle: The Saints announced 2026 Hall of Fame inductees, including Terron Armstead and Mark Ingram, reinforcing the franchise’s brand value in Louisiana.

Flooding & Public Safety: Avoyelles Parish is reeling after Tropical Storm Arthur dumped 20–30 inches of rain in spots, overwhelming bayou drainage and leaving residents in Simmesport and Lettsworth scrambling as officials warn they’re “not equipped for that much.” Animal Health: Baton Rouge’s Companion Animal Alliance paused dog adoptions and limited intakes after confirming canine distemper cases, with isolation, testing, and sanitation steps underway. Water Utility Oversight: Louisiana regulators approved an extension for Magnolia Water Utility’s rate plan but ordered a new audit after customer complaints about steep bills, service issues, and unclear spending. Food Assistance Watch: SNAP enrollment fell sharply nationwide, with Louisiana among the states seeing one of the biggest declines. Politics & Energy: A tentative U.S.-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and extend talks drew sharp GOP criticism and public uncertainty, including questions about a proposed $300B reconstruction fund. Local Business & Culture: Bruno’s Tavern in New Orleans is set to reopen by late July after an abrupt closure, aiming to revive its college-town role. Sports Business: Cash Money Records and No Limit Records announced a 17-city arena tour with a stop in Indianapolis.

Flood Risk & Insurance: Tropical Storm Arthur’s “ghost” is still driving a major Gulf Coast flooding threat, with Level 4 high-risk rainfall issued for parts of Louisiana and the region; the storm has already caused deaths, evacuations, and widespread power outages, while Moody’s warns the flood insurance gap will squeeze homeowners and local governments as losses mount. Public Safety Funding: Louisiana GOP legislative changes cut about $500,000 in Orleans Parish DA “warrant” funding, a move critics say will mean fewer prosecutors and weaker violent-crime coverage. Energy & Trade: JERA signed charters with MOL and NYK to import Louisiana-produced ammonia to Japan by 2029, signaling new demand for Gulf Coast energy exports. Health & Public Safety Research: LSU Health Shreveport reports Caddo Parish wastewater shows some of the highest meth levels in the world, though officials say drinking water remains safe. Workforce & Business: Meta’s Workforce Academy names Richland Parish as a Louisiana pilot partner, aiming to build skilled-trades talent tied to data center growth. Local Economy: Port of Iberia expansion will bring 137 jobs with a $6.1M project.

Severe Weather & Recovery: The National Weather Service confirmed three EF1 tornadoes tied to Tropical Storm Arthur across southeast Louisiana, including 95 mph winds near Houma and damage in Avondale and the New Orleans area, with injuries reported and thousands without power. Energy & Data Centers: Entergy Louisiana’s proposed $1.8 billion gas plant purchase is drawing scrutiny at the Public Service Commission, with critics saying the deal is driven largely by Meta’s Richland Parish data center—potentially adding about $8 a month to residential bills. LNG & Markets: A new report says LNG expansion is routinely blowing past cost estimates, even as the U.S. pushes more export capacity and the Iran ceasefire framework shifts energy prices. Policy & Tech: Louisiana is asking the 5th Circuit to allow enforcement of its age-verification and parental-consent social media law for minors, arguing it regulates minors’ transactions. Local Business & Growth: Calcasieu regulators approved a 200 MW solar farm with battery storage, and a new Gonzales market plans a July soft opening and Aug. 1 grand opening for local farmers and small businesses.

Energy & Infrastructure: Entergy Louisiana will complete downtown Thibodaux resiliency pole-change work in two phases, with short planned outages limited to Sunday-Wednesday nights. Public Safety & Weather: The American Red Cross Louisiana Region is mobilizing disaster teams as Tropical Storm Arthur’s slow-moving system threatens weeklong heavy rain and flash flooding statewide. Local Economy & Business: Downtown Shreveport launched its first “Lunch & Discover” event to spotlight local restaurants and retailers and drive foot traffic with “Lunch on Us” and “Shop on Us” coupons. Utilities Oversight: Louisiana regulators approved Magnolia Water’s rate plan, but an investigative audit is set to examine billing, customer service and acquisition practices. Trade & Industry: Venture Global and Germany’s EnBW expanded LNG supply with new multi-year contracts, underscoring Europe’s push for energy security. Sports Business: Saints sack legend Cam Jordan agreed to a one-year return for his 16th season. Legal Access: A “Talk Justice” podcast highlights “justice buses” (mobile intake units) bringing legal help to disaster-hit communities, including Louisiana.

Tropical Storm Arthur: The first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic season is moving inland from the Texas-Louisiana border, with warnings from High Island, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana and a major focus on prolonged heavy rain and flash flooding risk across Acadiana into Thursday. Energy & Markets: Oil and gas prices are under pressure as storm impacts could disrupt Gulf Coast refining and slow expected relief from an interim U.S.-Iran deal, while crude stockpiles and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve are hitting low levels. Power Grid: The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved Entergy Louisiana’s nearly $200M Adams Creek-Robert 230kV transmission project, clearing the way for a new 41-mile North Shore line aimed at reliability and future industrial growth. Local Business Climate: Lafayette business owners urged the mayor-president to pause the Bertrand Drive Revitalization project, arguing the streetscape work could hurt existing restaurants and retail; officials say parts are being reevaluated. Steel & Jobs: LSU and Hyundai Steel signed a Master Research Agreement tied to Hyundai’s $5.8B Ascension Parish mill, targeting workforce training and next-gen steelmaking research. Finance Stress: WalletHub data shows Louisiana ranks near the top for debt delinquency, with 12.2% of loans/credit lines delinquent and 12.9% of balances past due. Food Assistance: A ProPublica analysis says more than 770,000 children have lost SNAP benefits after federal changes.

U.S.-Iran Deal Watch: Louisiana’s oil industry is watching closely after a preliminary U.S.-Iran peace framework that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with gas-price drops tied to how fast shipping and market stability follow. LSU x Hyundai Steel: Hyundai Steel signed a master research agreement with LSU tied to a $5.8B Ascension Parish mill, aiming to speed tech development and workforce training across steelmaking and low-carbon energy. Housing & Development: HUD met with Northwest Louisiana stakeholders on housing affordability and Opportunity Zones, urging local streamlining to cut regulatory costs that can add about $90,000 per single-family home. Insurance Prep: Louisiana’s insurance commissioner urged residents in storm zones to review coverage and build evacuation and claims plans ahead of tropical conditions. Education Funding Fight: Lawmakers scrutinized a plan to fund $2,000 teacher stipends while cutting district operating money by 5%, with concerns about reserve gaps and how districts can backfill raises. Local Business Moves: Suncrete bought Little Rock’s ABC Block Co., expanding a regional ready-mix footprint that already serves Louisiana. Sports Business: Cameron Jordan agreed to return to the Saints for a one-year deal, keeping a key New Orleans pass-rush piece in place for 2026.

Saints Contract News: New Orleans is finalizing a one-year, incentive-heavy deal to bring back defensive end Cameron Jordan for a 16th season, ending months of uncertainty after he hit free agency. Local Food & Business: Baton Rouge’s Main Street Market is launching a summer culinary series with chef-led classes and tastings tied to Louisiana farms and fisheries. Real Estate & Housing Risk: New data flags several Louisiana metro parishes—Ouachita and Calcasieu lead the state in “seriously underwater” homes, with East Baton Rouge also among the highest. Economic Development: East Baton Rouge’s Bayou Fountain EDD faces a June 24 Metro Council decision on a long-term public-finance agreement, but a majority landowner says it never consented. Public Health Incentives: Louisiana’s Carrot Initiative is now available statewide at Walmart, letting SNAP recipients earn bonus benefits for fresh produce. Weather & Risk: A tropical storm watch is in effect for parts of Texas and Louisiana as a Gulf system threatens days of heavy rain and flash flooding. Energy & Industry: A new deep-sea mining effort is weighing greater New Orleans sites for a critical-mineral refining facility tied to polymetallic nodules. Telecom Deal: Ritter Communications is merging with Great Plains Communications to form Rightfiber, expanding a 20-state fiber network. Sports & Culture: Cash Money and No Limit Records announced a multi-city fall tour with a New Orleans stop.

AI Workforce Push: Meta says it will invest $115 million in free data-center construction and operations training through “America’s Workforce Academy,” with Louisiana pilot sites slated for 2026. Education Budget Crunch: St. Landry Parish schools are weighing possible consolidations as a projected $18 million deficit and a failed millage leave only $10 million in the general fund. Local Economy & Infrastructure: West Monroe voters will decide on a one-cent sales tax renewal to fund roads, sewer, and water/wastewater projects. Public Finance Relief: Sterlington has paid off three bonds early, including an Economic Development District bond that will cut its sales tax rate by 1% starting July 1. Business & Courts: GeneDx is trying to move a Lafayette-area genetic testing lawsuit to federal court, arguing diversity jurisdiction. Hurricane-Season Risk: A major flood threat is building across Texas and parts of the Gulf, including Lake Charles, with multi-day heavy rain and possible tropical development. Food Scene: Dakar NOLA in New Orleans won a James Beard Best Chef: South award, adding to its 2024 Best New Restaurant honor. Health Care Workplace: Ochsner Health was named to Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Workplaces.” Sports Business: Saints edge closer to a potential deal with Cam Jordan as contract talks continue ahead of mandatory minicamp.