AGP Executive Report

Wood Pellet Push: Louisiana lawmakers fast-tracked incentives for wood pellet mills, despite lawmakers admitting they don’t know much about the industry’s pollution impacts—raising concerns for air quality and permitting. Defense Manufacturing: Textron Systems restarted production of Mobile Strike Force Vehicles at its Louisiana facility for deliveries to Ukraine under a $163.4 million contract, with 65 vehicles and spare parts. Gulf LNG Investment: Delfin Midstream reached a $5 billion final investment decision for a first floating LNG vessel in the U.S. Gulf, targeting first LNG in 2030 and advancing vessels two and three through 2026. Workforce & Data Centers: Meta’s $115M workforce training push is positioning Louisiana as an AI/data-center hiring hub, with bonuses and trade training tied to construction needs. Local Business & Community: Festival International de Louisiane marked its 40th year, highlighting its economic impact and plans for the future of festivals in Acadiana. Public Transit Relief: Coast Transit Authority’s “Try Transit Day” invites riders to test bus service for free amid rising gas prices, with a shift toward propane to cut operating costs. Food Safety: FDA classified a voluntary recall of Alfredo sauce as Class I after potential salmonella contamination, affecting food service across 41 states.

Energy & Supply: The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is nearing a historic low, with 365.1 million barrels reported as of May 22—down more than 50 million since the Iran conflict began, and at the lowest level since April 2024. Louisiana Infrastructure & Recovery: FEMA approved more than $69.3 million for post-disaster work across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, including repairs to critical infrastructure and hazard mitigation. Louisiana Business & Jobs: Meta is set to expand its Louisiana AI workforce training push for data center jobs, with rural teachers among those slated for $50K bonuses tied to the effort. Food Safety: The FDA issued a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce sold in 41 states after a supplier recalled a dry milk powder ingredient over potential salmonella contamination. Local Economy & Community: New Orleans Pride weekend is set to draw major crowds, including a Pride parade and Pridefest—good news for French Quarter and Marigny-area businesses. Sports Business (New Orleans): Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III is drawing trade interest, with Indiana and Detroit among the teams reportedly inquiring.

Energy & Markets: The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to 365.1 million barrels, the lowest since April 2024, as drawdowns tied to the Iran conflict continue—raising fresh questions about how quickly Louisiana and Gulf Coast storage capacity could be tested. LNG Exports: U.S. LNG developers say Europe is backing away from long-term contracts, leaving new export projects harder to finance and increasing Europe’s exposure to price swings. Household Strain: A new United Way “ALICE” snapshot finds nearly half of Southeast Louisiana households live below the basic-cost threshold, underscoring how hurricane season hits families already living paycheck to paycheck. Local Business & Construction: A French Quarter “Deadhead” shop is closing as a long Decatur Street infrastructure project drags on, a reminder of how construction delays can squeeze small retailers. Workforce & Training: Meta’s data-center push is tied to Louisiana workforce training and bonuses for teachers, while a Baton Rouge-area Meta workforce academy rollout is drawing scrutiny from local officials. Housing & Public Services: HUD moved against the Guste Homes complex, ordering New Orleans housing authority to halt payments—adding pressure to local housing operations. Sports & Economy: LSU baseball keeps stacking its transfer class with second baseman Cade Kurland, signaling continued spending to chase postseason results.

Energy & Markets: The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is nearing a historic low, with EIA reporting 365.1 million barrels as of May 22—down more than 50 million since the Iran conflict began, and at the lowest level since April 2024. Louisiana Politics & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Louisiana’s congressional map creating a second majority-Black district was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, drawing sharp backlash from civil rights leaders. Workforce & Business Climate: A new analysis of job openings since 2020 shows Louisiana’s hiring demand up 4.4%, a modest gain compared with stronger rebounds in states like Idaho and Mississippi. Local Housing & Accountability: Tenants at New Orleans East’s The Willows must move out as new owners plan major renovation after years of reported code and living-condition problems. Education & Growth: Louisiana Tech is seeking increased state funding to expand resources, improve facilities, and support students—aiming to boost enrollment and graduation outcomes. Community & Commerce: The Greater Shreveport Chamber highlighted minority business leaders at its Minority Business Opportunity Awards Dinner, spotlighting local finance, mentorship, and public service.

Utility Relief in Mandeville: The City Council capped residential sewerage charges at $83.25 per month for one year, after residents complained about bills tied to water use rather than actual sewerage consumption. New Orleans Water-Rate Review: Mayor Helena Moreno’s Sewerage & Water Board advisory group is set to recommend water-rate studies and budget audits, with officials warning aging infrastructure needs more funding. Retail Expansion in New Orleans: Trader Joe’s opened its Uptown location, drawing a line of nearly 200 shoppers at Napoleon Ave. and Freret St., adding to the metro’s growing grocery footprint. Workforce + Data Center Ripple Effects: Meta’s $115M “America’s Workforce Academy” is bringing data-center construction training to Louisiana, while a Richland Parish sales-tax surge tied to Meta’s Hyperion project is funding teacher bonuses that could top $50,000. Energy + Climate Legal Shift: Gov. Jeff Landry signed the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, aiming to limit climate-change-related lawsuits against energy producers in state court. Local Housing/Infrastructure Progress: New Orleans says demolition of the vacant Lindy Boggs Hospital is “imminent,” with plans for stormwater mitigation and mixed-use development. Education Funding Vote: East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s tax continuation heads back to voters June 27, seeking approval of 9.5 mills for 10 years.

Healthcare Cost Transparency: The Trump administration is warning more than 500 hospitals nationwide that they’re not posting required pricing information, with penalties up to $2 million annually for noncompliance—an effort aimed at lowering surprise medical bills. Louisiana Seafood Rules: Gov. Jeff Landry signed a law requiring clearer labeling when seafood is commingled (mixed domestic and imported), and expanding penalties for businesses marketing it as Louisiana product. Northwest Louisiana Jobs: C&C Forest Products will invest over $21 million to rebuild its Coushatta sawmill after a 2025 fire, targeting 77 direct jobs and boosting regional capacity. Education & Budgets: East Baton Rouge schoolteachers are set for major pay raises averaging $8,500 a year, while Lafayette Parish voted to close Ovey Comeaux High School and repurpose the campus for career and accelerated programs. Local Economy & Tourism: Louisiana swamp tours are leaning harder into wildlife viewing and wetland education as a driver of visitor spending and conservation awareness. Workforce Training: Meta and partners are pushing skilled-trades training tied to data center growth, with Louisiana highlighted as a hub.

Skilled Trades & Jobs: Meta and ABC are teaming up on a $115M America’s Workforce Academy to train data-center construction workers, with Louisiana among the launch states and graduates set up with job offers on Meta projects. Northwest Louisiana Economic Development: C&C Forest Products will invest $21M to rebuild its Coushatta sawmill after a 2025 fire, targeting 77 new direct jobs and up to 333 total job opportunities as the operation shifts toward specialty lumber/timber. Workforce & Education Funding: UL Lafayette received $9M for FY2027 operations after requesting $15M, as the university continues efforts to close a prior deficit and stabilize enrollment and costs. Small Business Leadership: The SBA named Rachel Perez Milam as District Director for the Louisiana District Office, overseeing programs and counseling across all 64 parishes. Healthcare Costs Policy: Louisiana lawmakers advanced a package aimed at lowering prescription drug costs, including potential generic-drug coverage requirements and tighter rules for pharmacy benefit managers, pending Gov. Jeff Landry’s signature. Energy & Agriculture Markets: U.S. fertilizer prices, including New Orleans urea, have fallen back toward pre-conflict levels, though drought risk and El Niño could still pressure food inflation.

Energy & Commodities: U.S. emergency oil reserves are headed to their lowest level in decades as the Iran conflict keeps draining the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, while Agriculture: urea fertilizer prices in New Orleans have fallen sharply back toward pre-conflict levels—good news for farmers even as drought risk lingers. Transportation & Ports: The NTSB says a Louisiana bridge strike in 2024 happened after a bridge tender started too late, sidelining the span for months and costing about $2.5 million. AI, Data Centers & Power: A new study finds “data heat island” effects around AI data centers, and Louisiana’s AI buildout keeps moving—Meta is training workers for data center jobs and local partners are funding community efforts in Northwest Louisiana. Retail & Consumer Tech: Walmart and Wing are rolling out drone delivery to New Orleans, joining other major metros. Public Finance & Health: Louisiana expanded the Louisiana Carrot Initiative to all Walmart stores statewide for SNAP shoppers, and Shreveport relaunched its Financial Empowerment Center to offer free counseling. Local Business & Community: Stack Infrastructure is putting $100,000 into an Amazon-backed community fund in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Sports Business: The Saints still have a contract offer out for Cameron Jordan, keeping a key local brand story alive.

AI Data Centers & Jobs: Meta is rolling out a $115 million “America’s Workforce Academy” to train skilled trades for data center construction, with Louisiana included among the first sites and contractors expected to hire graduates. Local Education Impact: Richland Parish teachers are set to receive large “13th check” bonuses funded by sales tax tied to Meta’s $27 billion Richland data center buildout. Energy Infrastructure: Sempra Infrastructure has brought its 72-mile Port Arthur Louisiana Connector natural gas pipeline online ahead of schedule to feed the Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project. School Budget Pressure: St. Landry Parish faces possible school closures and cuts after an $18 million shortfall and failed ballot measures, with ESSER funding no longer available. Public Safety & Health: Louisiana is tightening livestock movement rules as New World screwworm cases spread in Texas and New Mexico, while Shreveport police seek a caregiver accused of identity theft. Tech & Mobility: New Orleans is moving toward rules for driverless ride-hailing, with a likely timeline pushing public availability to at least 2027. Business & Markets: Urea fertilizer prices in New Orleans have fallen sharply back toward pre-conflict levels, though drought risk remains a concern for farmers.

Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide—including multiple in the region—that they must post basic pricing or face penalties up to $2 million annually, with enforcement expected to tighten. Energy Infrastructure: Sempra Infrastructure began operating the Port Arthur Louisiana Connector pipeline, adding a 2-billion-cubic-feet-per-day corridor feeding the Port Arthur LNG export terminal under construction in Texas. Skilled Trades & Data Centers: Meta launched America’s Workforce Academy with a $115 million first-year push, including pilot training in Louisiana aimed at filling construction craft jobs tied to AI data center build-outs. Louisiana Business Growth: One Acadiana announced a $74 million Acadiana Regional Airport hangar expansion for Aviation Exteriors Louisiana, targeting 845 new jobs. Public Safety: Shreveport police warned of rising deadly pedestrian crashes, urging safer crossings and better visibility at night. Local News: Lafayette and Louisiana State Police ran a hostage-response SWAT training exercise after a prior fatal incident. Sports Business: PCMA named Las Vegas and New Orleans as host cities for its 2028 and 2029 Convening Leaders events.

Skilled-Trades Push: Meta is rolling out its $115M America’s Workforce Academy, a free, job-guarantee training program for data center construction workers, with Louisiana set to host the first cohort and pilots also in Indiana, Ohio and Texas. Drone Delivery Expansion: Walmart and Wing are adding seven metro areas—including New Orleans—to expand drone delivery, aiming to reach 40 million Americans by 2027. Education Funding Fight: Louisiana education officials say Gov. Jeff Landry’s order to cut $168M from the school funding formula would reduce district aid by about 5% on average, with lawmakers deciding June 23. Insurance Watch: Louisiana’s insurance commissioner says more personal auto rate decreases are coming as competition grows. Local Government: Thibodaux Council approved insurance renewal and sign ordinances, while also addressing feral cat concerns. Energy Costs: Gas prices remain volatile; one West Baton Rouge station hit $4.29 for premium in the week ending May 30. Public Health: Target recalled certain Up & Up baby wipes sold in Louisiana after FDA testing found harmful bacteria. Business & Economy: Freedom Intermodal expands New Orleans logistics hub, while Louisiana’s workforce overhaul could reshape Shreveport jobs.

Meta Skilled Trades Push in Louisiana: Meta is rolling out its $115 million America’s Workforce Academy with free, five-week training and job guarantees for graduates, with Louisiana pilot sites among the first locations. Local Business Tech: 1 Percent Lists is giving franchisees 90 days of free “Agentic Tools for Real Estate” from One Click SEO, aiming to boost local search visibility and lead conversion. Food Security in Baton Rouge Area: Popeyes Foundation, Feed the Children and the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank delivered $125,000 in food and personal care items to 400 families in Zachary as summer hunger ramps up. Education Policy Fallout: Louisiana higher ed systems say they’re posting Ten Commandments posters in classrooms under state law. Agriculture Risk Watch: Louisiana issued import restrictions on Texas cattle after confirmation of the New World screwworm, a potential threat to livestock and farm economics. Energy & Jobs: NovaSpark plans hydrogen generator production in Louisiana, with LED projecting 300 direct jobs tied to new plants in Ouachita and Terrebonne parishes. Health & Markets: ADA 2026 coverage highlights new obesity drug competition, including Structure Therapeutics’ GLP-1 pill aleniglipron showing strong weight-loss results in a phase 2 trial.

Snake River Search: Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office says it’s now in the fifth day of searching for 54-year-old John Green of Baton Rouge, swept away near Broadway Bridge in Idaho Falls; officials urge people to stay clear of operations. LSU Recruiting: Four-star WR Cade Cooper committed to LSU’s 2027 class, adding momentum for Lane Kiffin’s staff. Loyola Move to NCAA D-II: Loyola University New Orleans will leave the NAIA for NCAA Division II and join the Gulf South Conference in fall 2027, a major athletics and institutional shift. Energy & Infrastructure: SWEPCO marked a milestone at its Hallsville site with a major turbine foundation concrete pour, advancing a new 450-megawatt plant plan. Defense Manufacturing: HII says Bayou Metals in Slidell launched a dedicated manufacturing line to speed ROMULUS unmanned surface vessel production. Legal/Business Impact: A federal appeals court upheld dismissal of Louisiana oystermen’s Bonnet Carre Spillway lawsuit seeking damages. Local Economy Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Union Parish at $4.39 (week ending May 30). Public Safety/Operations: DOTD scheduled a one-day closure of US 71 southbound in downtown Shreveport for railroad track repairs. WWE Scheduling: WWE pushed Money in the Bank to Oct. 10 and adjusted Sunday Night’s Main Event plans, with New Orleans still hosting the PLE.

Immigration Funding: The Senate voted 52-47 to fund ICE and other immigration enforcement agencies for the rest of President Trump’s term, after GOP senators held up the bill for weeks. FISA Fight: The Senate also blocked a key extension of warrantless surveillance under FISA Section 702, with Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) among the Republicans voting to stop it. DOTD Road Work: Louisiana drivers in Shreveport should expect intermittent lane closures on LA 3036 (N. Common) for about two weeks starting June 11, part of a broader $1.6 million pavement repair push. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data show several Louisiana facilities’ Q1 2026 performance varies widely, including Heritage Manor South (4-star overall) and Rosewood Nursing Center (2-star) plus reported fines/penalties at some sites. Local Business Impact: French Quarter fine-dining spot Café Sbisa is closing permanently after months of construction on Decatur Street hurt foot traffic. Energy & LNG: Cheniere’s Sabine Pass LNG first-phase engineering, procurement and construction contract with Bechtel is valued at $4.69 billion, underscoring Louisiana’s LNG momentum. Public Safety: NOPD and Coast Guard divers searched Lake Pontchartrain after a reported drowning near LSU New Orleans.

AI & Power Demand: A new wave of criticism is hitting data centers as consumers focus on their power and water use, with reports saying the U.S. is driving a surge in gas-fired generation tied to AI growth—raising emissions concerns even as companies market “green” plans. Local Public Safety: Idaho authorities identified a Baton Rouge man, John Green, swept away in the Snake River near Broadway Bridge, with search efforts continuing. Health & Biotech: At ADA 2026 in New Orleans, Boehringer Ingelheim reported Phase III results for survodutide, including targeted visceral and liver fat reductions, while Antag Therapeutics shared early data on AT7687 for obesity. Food Access: Second Harvest’s Makin’ Groceries Mobile Market returns to Houma June 10 with fresh produce and accepts SNAP/EBT. U.S. Policy Watch: The Supreme Court is poised to rule on gun laws and transgender athletes, with major implications for states and civil rights. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data shows Louisiana fuel prices staying volatile, with multiple parish “lowest” reports for regular, midgrade and diesel. Business Growth: Carencro’s rapid growth is drawing new commercial interest, and Walk-On’s plans a Carencro opening this summer.

Obesity Drug Race: Eli Lilly’s next-gen retatrutide posted Phase 3 results tied to a 60.6% drop in moderate-to-severe sleep apnea severity, plus major knee pain relief and continued weight loss—another signal that obesity meds are expanding into broader health markets. Diabetes Care Tech: At ADA in New Orleans, researchers highlighted ketone monitoring guidance aimed at earlier DKA prevention, while Senseonics pushed new real-world performance data for its one-year implantable CGM, Eversense 365. Local Health & Compliance: CMS ownership and ratings updates show Resthaven Nursing & Rehab Center in Calcasieu County under one-star performance in Q1 2026, while Our Lady of Wisdom Community Care Center in Orleans County held a four-star rating. Public Safety: NOPD is investigating a fatal bus-pedestrian crash in Central City on South Claiborne Avenue. Economic Development: A north Lafayette distribution center sold for $15 million after Republic National Distributing was acquired by Reyes Beverage Group, expanding the company’s Louisiana footprint. Politics & Business Climate: Former Caddo Commissioner Michael Williams announced a Shreveport mayor run focused on public safety and economic development.