AGP Executive Report

Converse Backlash: The Nike-owned brand pulled a sneaker ad after online backlash tied its imagery to KKK hood and lynching comparisons, apologizing and saying it removed the ad everywhere it appeared. Local Business & Growth: St. George is moving ahead with an indoor sports facility and proposing a new Economic Development District to fund it, while Baton Rouge’s River Road Levee Trail extension links riverfront housing to the Downtown Greenway. Energy & Costs: Gov. Jeff Landry renewed calls for a 90-day diesel export ban to lower prices, drawing pushback from Louisiana oil industry leaders. Housing & Community Impact: Louisiana’s Fortified Roof program added $20 million to reach $100 million total, aiming to cut insurance costs, and SNAP benefit increases are set to arrive Oct. 1. Public Services: A Donaldsonville free clinic served 600+ people with dental and vision care, and COAST’s northshore resource fair targets older adults and caregivers. Business Climate: Bank of America says Americans are dining out more, even as restaurants keep expanding branded grocery products.

Debanking Debate: A House Financial Services report says federal bank examiners used “reputational risk” to push politically targeted firms—including digital asset businesses, gun shops, low-dollar lenders and vape shops—out of banking, arguing the real fix is less government intrusion, not new bans. Community & Jobs: Weyerhaeuser will invest $1 million over several years in Drayton Valley, Alberta, through its Thrive program, with local partners shaping priorities. Louisiana Poverty & Work: Louisiana leads the nation in poverty, with leaders pointing to workforce participation and employer retention as the path to lower rates. Local Courts & Schools: Lafayette Parish DA will investigate a fraud complaint alleging the school superintendent improperly paid staff for days not worked. Housing vs. Insurance Tradeoff: Louisiana redirected $20 million of affordable housing funds to fortified roof upgrades, aiming to cut insurance premiums as the Fortified Roof effort hits $100 million. State Finance Oversight: Shreveport’s audit flags recurring weaknesses in tracking and collecting property standards bills, with about $10M owed at end of 2025. Energy & Markets: Qatar LNG projects face disruption after strikes, while buyers look elsewhere as deals worth about $60B were discussed at Gastech. Consumer Finance: A multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance Corporation totals $694M, including $28.19M in relief for Georgians. Tech & Tax Admin: IRS wrapped up five 2026 Tax Forums with nearly 13,000 attendees, including case help and sessions on AI and digital assets.

Driverless trucking push in Louisiana: PrePass and Kodiak AI say they’ve built an automated “enhanced inspection” bypass that connects Kodiak’s autonomous-truck checks to state roadside enforcement, with initial rollout in Texas and Louisiana. Education finance in Baton Rouge: East Baton Rouge Parish schools approved an outcomes-based “high dosage” tutoring model where 40% of vendor pay hinges on student growth, and hired Eisner Advisory Group for a five-year financial forecast ahead of a 2028 education sales-tax renewal. Local development watch: A riverfront tract near downtown Baton Rouge’s Queen casino is being marketed for freight logistics or a youth sports complex, with access via a railroad underpass seen as a key advantage. Public safety and health: Louisiana residents in Winnfield are questioning utility billing after a second meter check reportedly lowered charges, while Livingston Parish is using opioid-settlement funds to run jail-based prevention sessions. Business & tech: Spectrum’s south Louisiana expansion follows its $34.5 billion deal, and the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe launched a Kalshi-powered prediction market app to diversify revenue.

Energy & Industry: A paid brief argues Louisiana refineries, petrochemicals and pipelines are central to U.S. energy security amid geopolitical and supply-chain shocks. Nuclear Development: West Virginia and the U.S. Department of Energy signed a 7-page memorandum outlining a potential Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus; Louisiana is listed among other state finalists, keeping the door open for a broader nuclear-fuel ecosystem. Local Economy & Housing: Zillow data shows Grant Parish’s typical home value rose 7.1% to $168,604 in August 2026, while Lafourche Parish fell 2.1% to $185,729. Business & Finance: Charles Schwab Bank partnered with The DEC Network to open a new entrepreneur hub in Fort Worth, expanding mentorship and financial education. Public Policy & Health: Sen. Bill Cassidy urged President Trump to be “radically honest” on vaccines as measles cases climb, warning against discouraging immunization. Environment & Fisheries: More than 50,000 hatchery-raised red drum were released into Calcasieu Lake as Louisiana’s first redfish restocking program.

Skilled-Trades Push: Meta is pouring $115M into its America’s Workforce Academy to train electricians, welders and construction workers for data-center buildouts, with Baton Rouge among pilot cities and guaranteed job offers tied to construction partners. Healthcare Cost Pressure: A national report warns Medicaid “medically tailored meal” programs could face cuts and policy uncertainty, threatening cost-saving care models. Local Governance Watch: St. Landry Parish is under state scrutiny, with auditors weighing a fiscal administrator if budget fixes don’t land. Community Relief in NOLA: In the Lower Ninth Ward, an empty Katrina-era building is now a free store offering clothing and household goods, reflecting ongoing demand for mutual-aid support. Energy & Cyber Risk: A Louisiana-loaded LNG cargo was diverted after a suspected cyberattack disrupted ship safety and control systems. Business & Workforce Growth: Cohab opened a new entrepreneur hub in Highland, expanding support for north Louisiana startups. Tech/AI Policy: Black lawmakers are pressing for stronger AI rules focused on bias, privacy, and data-center impacts on communities.

Local Governance: St. Landry Parish is facing state oversight after Louisiana State Auditors gave the parish six months to show fiscal fixes and budget cuts before a fiscal administrator takes over decision-making. Business & Growth: Spectrum is taking over cable and internet service across south Louisiana after its $34.5 billion deal, reshaping competition for households and local businesses. Economic Development: The State Bond Commission approved $1.3B in tax-free bonds for Ascension Hyundai Steel, a major manufacturing investment. Real Estate: Zillow data shows Assumption Parish typical home values rose 3.4% to $181,323 in August 2026, while Concordia Parish climbed 8.5% to $118,207. Energy/Industry: Louisiana fishers sued Venture Global, alleging terminal dredging buried traps and muddied oysters. Community & Health: Acadian Ambulance named Jodi Conachen regional vice president for Louisiana East, expanding partnerships across Bayou, Capital, Northshore and Orleans. Public Safety/Justice: Two men were sentenced for stealing $362,844 in Walmart merchandise across 11 states, including Louisiana.

Advanced Manufacturing: Sicona Battery Technologies plans a $10.3M New Orleans East headquarters and manufacturing operation for silicon-carbon anode materials, targeting 32 jobs and supported by Louisiana incentives. Semiconductor Supply Chain: Air Products says it’s signing a long-term high-purity gases deal with a chipmaker, a second semiconductor win that underscores growing demand tied to U.S. chip expansion. Local Government Finance: New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno scales back a proposed property tax millage push to $26M and signals department cuts to close a budget gap. Port & Trade: A judge lets a St. Bernard Parish lawsuit challenging Port of New Orleans jurisdiction over a proposed Violet container terminal move toward trial. Telecom Competition: Cox’s statewide rebrand to Spectrum follows Charter’s $34.5B acquisition, with Louisiana customers told pricing may stay Cox-like short term. Energy & Infrastructure: State Bond Commission approved $1.3B in tax-free bonds for an Ascension Hyundai steel plant. Business Climate: Louisiana business applications fell, but less sharply than neighboring states, suggesting uneven demand for new ventures.

Bonding & Manufacturing: Louisiana’s State Bond Commission approved more than $1 billion in tax-free bonds for the planned Hyundai-POSCO steel plant in Ascension Parish, clearing a major financing step even as key permits (including air and Army Corps dock approvals) remain. Energy & Grid Impact: A Tangipahoa homeowner is pushing back on an Entergy transmission project approved by the Louisiana Public Service Commission, saying the line route will clear 175 feet of trees near his backyard with little notice. Workforce Development: SWEPCO honored 18 journeyman lineworkers after completing a U.S. Department of Labor-accredited apprenticeship, reinforcing the pipeline for grid maintenance across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. Higher Ed Funding & Food Insecurity: Louisiana’s Higher Education Commissioner says public universities are still more than $850 million underfunded and highlights campus food insecurity affecting 38% of four-year and nearly half of two-year students. Local Real Estate: New Orleans tourism leaders backed the Omni Hotel bond approval, while VPG Holdings bought the 200 Carondelet high-rise for about $27.2 million to continue mixed-income housing. Public Health & Seafood Safety: Louisiana and Florida reported deaths tied to flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus linked to oysters, with Louisiana tracking 17 cases and six deaths this year. Community & Grants: Adolesco Preparatory Academy received a $6,520 Keep Louisiana Beautiful grant for ADA-compliant water bottle filling stations.

Teacher Pay & Turnover: A WalletHub study ranks Ohio No. 35 for teacher-friendliness, with Washington best and New Mexico worst, while Ohio still posts the nation’s third-lowest projected teacher turnover. LSU Campus Construction: LSU’s new $200M residential hall is disrupting commuter routes and parking, with completion targeted for fall 2027. Shreveport Air Travel: Shreveport Regional says winter flight cuts tied to rising jet fuel costs are unlikely, pointing to added nonstop service to Chicago and Allegiant’s Orlando return. Medicaid Contract Extensions: Louisiana health officials propose larger 2027 contract extensions for four remaining private Medicaid plans, totaling $16.1B, as two insurers exit and up to 580,000 enrollees shift. Hyundai Steel Financing: Ascension Parish’s Hyundai-POSCO steel mill cleared key state tax-free bond financing up to $1.3B despite pollution and jobs concerns. Maritime Expansion: Saronic’s expansion in St. Mary Parish moves ahead with a final structural beam placed, targeting 300,000+ square feet and autonomous vessel production. Mobile Driver’s Licenses: Regulators cleared banks and credit unions to accept mobile driver’s licenses for identity checks if systems can verify authenticity. New Orleans Levee Study: A near-final hurdle cleared for a $3M, three-year study to strengthen the regional levee system and reduce flood risk for the New Orleans area. Student Loan Nonpayment: Shreveport-Bossier schools are among the nation’s highest for federal student loan nonpayment rates, raising pressure on institutions to improve repayment readiness. Super Bowl Reporter Case: A Louisiana jury convicted Danette Colbert of negligent homicide in the death of Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano, with racketeering also found.

Hyundai Steel Fight in Ascension: Louisiana Bond Commission approved more than $1.3B in bonds for Hyundai’s planned steel mill in Ascension Parish, but residents and activists say the decision was rushed and could disrupt communities; a meeting is set for Sept. 28. Workforce & Training: Baton Rouge Community College’s Construction Management Program received nearly $136,000 from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, continuing 11 straight years of support. Tourism Boost: New Orleans tourism leaders backed the State Bond Commission’s approval of the 1,000-room Omni Hotel at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, calling it key for major events and tax revenue. Consumer Finance Crackdown: Louisiana AG Griffin joined a $694M multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, including cash and debt relief plus new consumer protections. Energy & Industry: Cabot will invest $125M to expand advanced battery materials in Franklin, La., supported by a $50M DOE grant, targeting operations by end of 2028. Local Public Safety: Washington Parish authorities arrested 10 people tied to a drug distribution network after three overdose deaths, including two charged with second-degree murder.

AI Policy in Washington: Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy’s push to require an emergency “kill switch” for advanced AI cleared the spotlight but failed to move forward after Sen. Rand Paul objected, arguing lawmakers need a better grasp of the tech before imposing broad rules. Energy & Data Centers: The U.S. House passed a bipartisan bill urging state regulators to shield consumers from data-center electricity cost hikes, a move aimed at easing midterm backlash over AI-driven power demand. Louisiana Courts/Environment: A federal judge permanently barred the EPA and DOJ from enforcing certain Title VI “disparate impact” rules against Louisiana entities, limiting a key civil-rights tool in environmental permitting. LNG Expansion: Caturus says it will nearly double Commonwealth LNG capacity in Cameron Parish with a five-train expansion, targeting early-2030s service. Local Governance: In Rayville, a newly elected mayor ordered an alderman to leave a meeting after he raised ethics-fine concerns tied to a local consultant role. Community & Workforce: Traction Rec unveiled “Fresh” for YMCA program registration, while LSU students can get free professional headshots via a campus event.

Amazon Antitrust Suit: The FTC, Florida and 21 other states sued Amazon over alleged hidden surcharges that turned “second-price” ad auctions into effectively “first-price” pricing, raising costs for advertisers and families. Louisiana Energy & Industry: Sicona Battery Technologies plans a U.S. headquarters in New Orleans East, targeting 30 six-figure jobs, while Caturus is nearly doubling Commonwealth LNG capacity to 17.25 Mtpa with an expansion aimed at early-2030s service. Local Infrastructure Funding: St. Landry Parish is set to receive more than $120M in state funding for roads, health care and economic development. Port & Environment: Louisiana DEQ approved an air permit for Project Dynamo, a rare-earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton, fast-tracked amid environmental watchdog concerns. Business Costs: Rising diesel prices are squeezing Baton Rouge-area trucking, with fuel surcharges jumping above 40%. Public Health & Policy: Sen. Bill Cassidy criticized the administration’s measles approach as a “terrible legacy,” as cases hit the highest level in decades. Tech & Workforce: Louisiana Tech’s cybersecurity training/credential program is expanding to help address understaffing in the field. Consumer/Everyday Life: A $1M Powerball ticket sold in Baton Rouge remains unclaimed and expires Oct. 26.

Louisiana Real Estate: A downtown Shreveport apartment landmark, the 1911-era Standard at 509 Market Street, sold for $6.5 million and is set for upgrades including new commercial space, interior refreshes, and exterior improvements. Local Immigration & Public Safety: New Orleans’ immigration court is seeing a surge in hearings, with court watchers describing dockets swelling into the hundreds and many cases tied to address checks that can still trigger deportation orders if people miss appearances. Agriculture & Research: LSU AgCenter plant pathologists won a $1.5 million NSF grant to untangle hidden links among crop diseases in the Cercospora family, aiming to improve control strategies for Louisiana farmers. Energy & Carbon Capture: ExxonMobil secured regulatory approval for its Rose CCS project in Texas, clearing the way for large-scale CO2 injection tied to a broader CO2 pipeline plan that has faced opposition in Louisiana and Texas. School Funding: Louisiana lawmakers and BESE are moving in parallel on how to overhaul the state’s school funding formula, with one effort pushing a top-to-bottom review and another focused on targeted tweaks. Healthcare & Workforce: Louisiana’s rural health startup push is getting fresh momentum as states use federal rural health transformation funds to back new tech aimed at improving access.

Energy & Industry: Aptamus Carbon Solutions is eyeing a Jones Act tug-barge that could haul methanol and liquefied CO2 at the same time, tied to a proposed biomethanol plant with CO2 capture moving from Florida to Texas or Louisiana for sequestration or enhanced oil recovery. Manufacturing Jobs: Frymaster (Welbilt) is expanding in Shreveport after buying a 300,000-square-foot facility, with plans to modernize space over five years and potentially relocate Merco operations. Local Business Growth: A Baton Rouge developer is buying lots to build 67 homes in south Lafayette’s Gray’s Landing area. Transportation & Infrastructure: The Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission is set to revisit a “loop” concept, focusing on a western section that could help traffic tied to Elon Musk’s nearby SpaceX plans. Public Finance: Jefferson Parish’s bond rating is back after Moody’s reinstated it at Aa2, easing borrowing after audit delays. AI & Education: Louisiana Christian University hosted a student-led AI discussion on how the tech is reshaping learning and mental health concerns. Community & Nonprofit: The Louisiana Association for the Blind cut the ribbon on a nearly $4.8 million Shreveport assistive technology center expansion. Legal & Consumer: New Orleans venue Howlin’ Wolf sued StubHub in federal court over alleged deceptive ticketing practices.

AI & Data Centers: A new report highlights how Louisiana’s push to lure Meta’s data center has collided with public backlash over secrecy and power-line impacts, as citizens in Richland Parish challenge utility plans tied to the project. Insurance Market: Louisiana’s insurer of last resort, Citizens, approved a Mississippi company to assume nearly all of its commercial policies, a move Gov. Jeff Landry says could lower reinsurance costs and help stabilize property insurance rates. Energy & Environment: Carbon sequestration in Southwest Louisiana is moving forward despite Landry’s moratorium, with residents in Calcasieu voicing fears about impacts to the Chicot Aquifer. Local Governance & Growth: New Orleans East residents urged Mayor Helena Moreno’s 2027 budget to do more on blight, commerce and youth programs, while Iberville Parish residents are invited to shape the “One Iberville” master plan. Banking: A local entrepreneur opened Nola Bank in New Orleans, aiming to serve minority communities amid a wave of bank consolidations. Workforce/Community: Nicholls State’s Bridge to Independence program helped secure state funding for transition programs statewide.

Sports & Local Economy: Taj Gibson, a 17-year NBA veteran and former Bulls fan favorite, announced his retirement and is joining Chicago’s coaching staff as an assistant under new head coach Tiago Splitter—an NBA personnel move that keeps Louisiana’s pro-sports footprint in the spotlight. New Orleans Downtown Development: The Downtown Development District has started Phase II of Canal Street enhancements, including repairs to Molly Marine Plaza sidewalks, drainage upgrades, ADA curb landing improvements, and new public lighting groundwork. Maritime & Logistics: Turn Services completed its acquisition of St. John Fleeting, adding fleeting capacity for up to 300 barges near Reserve and expanding operations across the Lower Mississippi River and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Energy & Environment: A UCLA satellite-based study flags a Shreveport-area Energy Transfer gas processing site as a major methane “super emitter,” renewing pressure on emissions monitoring and enforcement. Agriculture Enforcement: Louisiana agriculture agents arrested a Vernon Parish man in a Rapides Parish timber theft case tied to more than $22,000 in alleged unreported or unpaid proceeds. Business Tech: Filmore launched an early-access Copilot agent for Microsoft Teams to bring construction equipment demand data into sales workflows.