In this episode, we dive into a criminal charge in Indiana, check in on major consolidators like SCI and Carriage, look into shifting cremation rates in the Jewish community, and weigh the pros and cons of the NFDA’s new AI-powered social media hub.
Links and summaries
Indiana Man Charged Under Historic Cemetery Law
Franklin L. Haas was arrested on June 30, 2026, for several offenses, including “cemetery mischief” related to the desecration of a grave marker. This arrest occurred just hours before Indiana’s specific cemetery mischief statute was sunsetted and integrated into a broader criminal vandalism category. Because of the timing, Haas is expected to be among the last individuals prosecuted under this dedicated historical law. A judge set his bond at $1,000 following the investigation. Source: A Last-Minute Charge: Indiana Man Nabbed in Final Hours of Historic Cemetery Law
Carriage Services Stock Analysis
A Seeking Alpha analyst recommends Carriage as a “Buy.” The analysis suggests Carriage’s defensive business model remains insulated from economic downturns and offers significant growth potential through its M&A-driven expansion strategy. Operational improvements are also expected from the rollout of the Trinity ERP system. Despite trading near a one-year low, the company’s resilient metrics and forward EV/EBITDA multiple present a favorable risk-reward profile. Carriage’s Stock Is Down but Unlikely To Stay That Way
Conservation Cemeteries and Green Burials
Heartwood Preserve, a 41-acre conservation cemetery in Florida, is highlighted as an ideal way of protecting the land from development. Burial fees at the preserve directly support the protection of endangered local ecosystems like longleaf pine flatwoods. Also, Higher Ground Conservation Burial in Vermont recently celebrated its grand opening. These green burial options provide a way for individuals to reduce their carbon footprint and leave a living legacy that protects the planet for future generations. Green Burials and Save Wild Spaces, and Vice-Versa
NFDA Launches Social Media Hub
The National Funeral Directors Association launched a subscription-based Social Media Hub to assist funeral homes in managing their digital presence. Powered by Cloud Campaign, the platform provides a library of pre-made posts covering topics such as grief support and advance planning. The service is available to NFDA members for $75 per month. NFDA Launches Social Media Hub Powered by Cloud Campaign
St. Louis Jewish Burial Foundation
Rabbi Ze’ev Smason established the St. Louis Jewish Burial Foundation to address reports of rising cremation rates among American Jews. This volunteer nonprofit focuses on educating families about traditional Jewish burial practices and the importance of early end-of-life planning. The foundation emphasizes that traditional customs are naturally aligned with modern “green burial” preferences. St. Louis Rabbi Launches Foundation to Address Rising Cremation Rates
AI Trends and SCI’s Index Removal
Service Corporation International was recently removed from the Russell 1000 Dynamic Index, a move attributed to technical, rules-based adjustments rather than financial trouble. The shift occurred because the baseline for the index was driven upward by high-growth AI and tech companies. This development raises concerns regarding the inflated valuations of AI companies compared to more stable, traditional sectors like deathcare. The AI Wave Pushes Deathcare Aside (For Now)
