LNG Export Push at Port Fourchon: Argent LNG formally submitted a waterway suitability assessment to the U.S. Coast Guard for its proposed 25 million tpy LNG terminal, a key step alongside its FERC and DOE approvals. New Orleans Budget Crunch: Mayor Helena Moreno’s team is moving to plug a $110 million cash gap by delaying $35 million in infrastructure work, tapping emergency funds, and accelerating reimbursements—aimed at avoiding a rapid depletion of city cash. Gaming Deal in Shreveport: Bally’s closed its acquisition of Sam’s Town Shreveport from Boyd Gaming, expanding the company’s Louisiana footprint as the property heads toward rebranding. Energy Storage Expansion: Advantage Renewables bought three early-stage transmission-level battery storage projects in Michigan from 5 Rivers Energy, signaling continued grid-resilience investment. Corporate Earnings Watch: Westlake Chemical Partners and Westlake Corporation both reported second-quarter results, with Westlake highlighting improved profitability and cash flow. Local Economic Wins: Shreveport earned international recognition for its Block by Block revitalization and permitting modernization. Tourism & Concessions: Steak ’n Shake opened its only Louisiana location inside New Orleans’ Fair Grounds Race Course, bringing a national brand to the venue’s concession lineup. Fraud Enforcement: Louisiana-related federal action highlighted a bribery scheme that enabled fraudulent commercial driver’s licenses, with guilty pleas tied to OMV and training operations.