AGP Executive Report

Energy & Jobs: RWE struck a $1.22 billion deal with the U.S. to exit offshore wind leases, including projects off Louisiana, and shift money toward LNG and gas peaker plants—another sign of how federal policy is reshaping Gulf Coast energy investment. Legal & Local Economy: A New Orleans judge approved a $106 million settlement tied to the 2019 Hard Rock Hotel construction collapse, ending years of litigation for nearly 500 claimants. Public Health: LDH is urging Louisiana families to protect older adults and young children as extreme heat continues, citing eight heat-related deaths in 2026 so far. Food Safety: National outbreaks linked to recalled lettuce (cyclospora) and jalapeños (salmonella) are expanding, with officials warning consumers to check recalls and handle produce carefully. Higher Ed: UNO officially became LSU New Orleans on July 1, marking a new chapter for research and workforce development in the region. Business Growth: Oceans Healthcare opened a new Kenner behavioral health campus, expanding its Greater New Orleans footprint. Civic Watch: New Orleans City Council approved changes to Sewerage & Water Board oversight and budget rules. Politics & Governance: Sen. Bill Cassidy says he’ll vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, a key step in the nomination fight.

Louisiana Politics: Livingston Parish’s top leaders have endorsed State Sen. Rick Edmonds for Louisiana’s 6th District U.S. House seat, pitching him as a proven local voice for law enforcement and victims’ rights. New Orleans Economy: French Quarter businesses say Dirty Linen Night could be hit by a year-plus Sewerage & Water Board construction slowdown that has cut foot traffic and sales for nearby galleries. Energy & Deals: The Trump administration is paying German firm RWE $1.22 billion to end offshore wind leases, including off Louisiana’s coast, with RWE shifting toward LNG and gas-linked projects. Housing Affordability: A new study finds nearly half of Louisiana renters can’t afford basic market rents—requiring about $18.35 an hour for a one-bedroom. Food Safety & Consumer Impact: S&W Foods’ Hammond distribution facility earned its highest AIB inspection score to date, while a multi-state salmonella egg recall continues to ripple through households and hospitals. Public Safety/Local Crime: Tangipahoa authorities are seeking suspects in a Ponchatoula-area market burglary caught on surveillance. Business & Regulation: Louisiana’s Public Service Commission is at the center of the Meta data-center power debate, with politicians arguing over how to protect ratepayers.

Economic Development: One Acadiana and Henderson officials announced a certified 143-acre site, “Henderson I-10,” near Grand Point Highway off I-10, aiming to pull new business investment into the region. Public Works & Governance: New Orleans City Council approved ordinances to put the Sewerage and Water Board under city control, including oversight of budgeting and board appointments, as employees raise concerns about the takeover. Legal & Risk: A judge approved a $106 million settlement tied to the 2019 Hard Rock Hotel collapse in New Orleans, ending a yearslong fight involving hundreds of plaintiffs. Workforce Policy: The U.S. Department of Labor approved Louisiana’s plan to modernize and unify the state workforce system through June 30, 2028, shifting toward more consistent standards and training-focused funding. Energy & Jobs: German energy giant RWE reached a $1.22 billion deal with the Trump administration to surrender offshore wind leases in New York, California and Louisiana and redirect capital to LNG and gas projects. Food Safety: A multistate Salmonella egg recall linked to Midwest Poultry Services covers more than 19 million eggs across six states, including Louisiana, with sell-by dates through Aug. 17. Local Business Climate: Louisiana fire districts earned improved protection ratings, which could translate into lower homeowners insurance premiums in 18 districts. Tech & Services: New Orleans confirmed AI is answering some 911 calls for repeat crash reports, handling certain incidents since 2023.

Nuclear Policy & Economic Development: The DOE says it signed memorandums with Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Idaho to explore “nuclear lifecycle” campuses, pitching up to $50B in capital and 25,000 jobs—while critics warn “disposition” of spent fuel details remain murky. Climate & Energy Liability: A new wrongful-death lawsuit in Washington state is moving toward trial, arguing oil majors helped fuel extreme heat that killed a woman in 2021, as courts signal climate accountability cases may gain traction. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: Two more deaths at New Jersey’s Delaney Hall detention center are renewing calls to close the facility as ICE arrests surge. Local Business & Retail Growth: Lamar Advertising reported stronger Q2 results and raised full-year guidance; Targa Resources posted record Q2 financials; Arhaus also beat expectations. Louisiana Courts & Politics: Louisiana’s first day of qualifying for congressional races left a key question open over whether Sen. Blake Miguez will run after redistricting. Education & Community: Livingston Parish opened a $22M Walker middle school campus, adding STEM-focused maker space and new facilities. Sports & Culture: LSU wrapped donor meetings on a proposed athletics revenue plan, while Drew Brees heads to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board Overhaul: City Council is set to approve a reform package that would give the council more oversight of the Sewerage and Water Board, with officials also asking the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to review finances as Mayor Helena Moreno’s administration continues to wrestle with cash-flow strain. Budget Pressure in New Orleans: Moreno’s team warned of “definite” cuts next year to avoid a projected $125 million deficit, citing limits on one-time fixes and ongoing revenue gaps. Baton Rouge Education Corruption Case: East Baton Rouge school superintendent LaMont Cole was indicted on felony corruption charges tied to a bribery scheme involving contractors, while board leaders say operations will continue and emphasize due process. Louisiana SNAP Drop: Federal food-aid recipients in Louisiana fell nearly 21% year over year, and state data suggests the decline isn’t driven by citizenship checks or work requirements. Data Center Transparency Fight: Advocates are pressing Meta and Entergy Louisiana for more public information about a massive Northeast Louisiana data center buildout and its power needs, arguing secrecy has limited community input. Entergy Power Plant Plan Paused: Entergy Louisiana dropped a proposed Texas gas-plant purchase after concerns about ratepayer costs tied to the data-center boom. Shrimp Season Decision: The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force recommended opening the statewide white shrimp season Aug. 18, with Terrebonne Parish starting later, as fishermen and industry debate whether waiting will improve prices. Economic Development Push: Louisiana Economic Development approved $1.4 million to make Lafourche’s McLeod Business Park “shovel-ready,” aiming to speed up expansions and relocations. Plaquemines Parish vs. Chevron: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill said arguments in Plaquemines Parish’s case focused on whether it stays in federal court and what happens to the state judgment, as the dispute centers on alleged coastal damage. THC Drink Rule Threatens Jobs: Senators backed a one-month delay to a federal THC-per-serving limit that could squeeze sales for THC beverage makers, including businesses in the region.

Meta Data Center Fight: Sierra Club says Louisiana’s permit changes for Meta’s Hyperion AI facility in Richland Parish don’t account for all emissions and should have required a stricter major-source review. Local Government & Fees: New Orleans officials argue a proposed parcel fee for Sewerage and Water Board drainage/road work should be structured so property owners don’t pay more than current taxes, after a consultant raised “fairness” questions. Transportation Costs: Louisiana is moving forward on the $2.3B I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge toll plan, while lawmakers point to Belle Chasse Bridge toll malfunctions and fee bills up to $7,000 as a cautionary tale. Energy & Offshore Tech: ExxonMobil selected Sercel’s Marlin software suite for its Whiptail project in Guyana, highlighting continued demand for offshore logistics and safety tools. Housing Pressure from AI: A report on Meta’s Richland Parish buildout describes steep rent spikes and evictions tied to temporary worker demand, raising concerns for long-time renters on fixed incomes. State Policy: Louisiana’s new law bans debit card surcharges, effective Aug. 1. Business Watch: Louisiana-Pacific posted Q2 earnings of $26M, missing Wall Street expectations, with revenue at $664M. Sports Business: LSU’s sold-out season-ticket demand is driving steep single-game prices for marquee home matchups this fall.

Energy & Utilities: Entergy Louisiana hit pause on its $1.8 billion Cottonwood power-plant acquisition after investor/regulator questions, saying it’s working on ways to reduce the upfront cost impact on residents. Local Governance: New Orleans leaders are moving to overhaul the Sewerage and Water Board, with Mayor Helena Moreno’s nominees headed to City Council confirmation and a broader reform package expected to expand long-term oversight and budget powers. Tech & Real Estate: AI data centers are drawing “pitchforks” as site-selection deals face mounting local pushback and scrutiny over land use and who pays the bill; Entergy’s Meta-linked data center debate remains a flashpoint. Higher Ed & Housing: Xavier University is building an $81 million, seven-story residence village for more than 800 students, aiming to open in August 2027 after earlier housing crunches. Research & Workforce: LSU Health Shreveport and Louisiana Tech signed a formal research partnership to boost joint projects, shared labs, and grant development. Public Safety & Compliance: New federal CDL rules starting in 2026 will tighten English-language enforcement and require electronic medical certification submissions—changes that could affect Louisiana truck drivers. Business & Courts: LSU’s reported “new business model” is under scrutiny as it reportedly explores an LSU-controlled investment structure rather than a traditional private equity deal. Fraud & Accountability: The Justice Department announced major fraud enforcement actions across the Southeast tied to federal-state partnerships, including cases involving SNAP, SBA loans, housing benefits, and tax fraud. Health Care Crime: A former Lafayette-area clinic employee, Brooke Miller Duck, was sentenced to 22 months in federal prison for embezzling more than $500,000. Sports Business: LSU Athletics’ long-term media/revenue strategy continues to raise questions about outside control as details emerge.

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.

New Orleans Housing: Redfin’s mid-year look shows the metro’s median sale price at $295,601 (+2.5% YoY) with 1,011 homes sold (+5.1% YoY), signaling a steadier market heading into the second half. Public Safety Staffing: The New Orleans Fire Department temporarily took multiple companies out of service after a shortage of qualified firefighters, with union leaders citing gaps in specialized training. Gaming & Hospitality Jobs: New Orleans & Company will host a free Hospitality & Tourism Job Fest Aug. 13 at the Joy Theater, aiming to match job seekers with major local employers. Insurance Recovery: Greater New Orleans Inc. says homeowners insurance is improving after 2024-25 reforms, with slower premium growth, more carriers entering, and rising home sales. Medicaid Fraud Push: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill backed federal legislation to expand states’ ability to pursue Medicaid beneficiary fraud, not just provider fraud. Pornhub Age-Verification: Murrill rejected Pornhub’s request to reconsider Louisiana’s age-verification law and said her office will increase scrutiny. Tropical Storm Arthur Losses: LSU AgCenter and the state estimate $112M in agriculture damage from Arthur, led by Avoyelles Parish. SpaceX Louisiana: Reports say SpaceX is nearing a deal tied to ExxonMobil land in coastal Vermilion Parish, with potential launch-site plans and restoration provisions. Nuclear Waste Talks: Gov. Bill Lee says it’s too early to name nuclear waste sites as Tennessee weighs a DOE campus; Louisiana is among the states in the nonbinding agreement. Local Courts Oversight: A recall effort targeting East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards fell short after organizers missed required signatures. Crime: Three Lafayette-area men were arrested after an ATM theft and chase in Lafourche Parish.

Louisiana Whooping Crane Recovery: White Lake Wetlands in Vermilion Parish hit a milestone as a record 10 chicks fledged, pushing the state’s resident whooping crane population to 82 and underscoring the long-running comeback effort. Local Business & Growth: Donaldsonville’s Cane Sugar Toffee Company is set to expand after a historic 1895 building at 122 Railroad Ave. was sold, with plans to add space for more commerce. Energy & Trade: QatarEnergy is buying Louisiana spot LNG to cover Asian contract needs after Middle East disruptions, highlighting how Gulf exports can stabilize global gas flows. Insurance & Housing: South Louisiana home sales picked up in early 2026 as premiums ease and more carriers file for rate decreases, offering a partial reprieve from the post-hurricane crisis. Workforce & Media: Delta Media promoted Raymond Partsch III and Dawson Eiserloh to leadership roles across its ESPN Southwest Louisiana stations, effective Aug. 3. Sports Business: The Dallas Mavericks locked in Naji Marshall with a fully guaranteed three-year, $52.2 million extension. Food Security: SNAP participation is dropping fast, with more than 4 million people estimated to have already lost benefits amid sweeping program changes.

Workforce & Education: Northshore Technical Community College says its Fall 2026 semester starts Wednesday, Aug. 19, with open registration still running through Aug. 18. Public Finance: Lafourche Parish taxpayers have until Sept. 4 to claim unclaimed state tax refunds totaling about $17.6 million, or the money moves to the state treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division. Health & Safety: Louisiana egg recall updates continue as the state urges residents to discard or return recalled eggs after Salmonella illnesses. Local Business & Consumer Protection: Louisiana’s debit card surcharge ban takes effect, targeting extra fees at restaurants and retailers. Sports Business & Local Economy: The Saints placed WR Ja’Lynn Polk on the reserve/retired list after retiring at 24, while defensive tackle Bryan Bresee is set for season-ending ACL surgery—both changes reshape New Orleans’ on-field plans heading into the season.

NFL Contracts & Health: Baker Mayfield’s Tampa extension talks stalled, leaving him to play out his deal while Patrick Mahomes is trending toward a Week 1 return after being cleared for camp drills. Saints Watch: New Orleans’ early camp buzz includes Chris Olave’s $132M, four-year deal and a roller-coaster first week as pads and contract questions loom. Gov. Landry & Secrecy: A New York Times-linked look at Louisiana’s Meta data center highlights Gov. Jeff Landry’s push for nondisclosure deals, raising fresh questions about transparency in economic development. College Sports Funding: Louisiana’s new sports gambling tax revenue for athletics programs is set to flow to schools, but the law offers little public reporting on how money is spent. Toxic Air Accountability: A Louisiana Illuminator investigation says residents along the Baton Rouge–New Orleans corridor face weak monitoring and limited testing, with industry influence shaping what gets measured. Local Business Pressure: New Orleans chef Eric Cook says declining foot traffic, street closures, permit hikes and rising costs forced the permanent closure of Gris-Gris. Workforce & Education: JS Clark Leadership Academy opened a new 54,000-square-foot campus in Opelousas with allied health and media training aimed at high-demand careers.

Data-Center Backlash: A Politico report says Trump-backed AI data-center expansion is still sparking revolt, with Louisiana officials’ alleged secret deal with Meta cited as fueling local distrust. Corporate Watchdogs: Kahn Swick & Foti says it has launched investigations into Microsoft and Skyworks over alleged disclosures and internal-control issues. New Orleans Finances: The Louisiana Legislative Auditor says the city’s crisis is improving, but cash-flow strain remains. State Government: Gov. Jeff Landry appointed Chief Chad Sonnier as state fire marshal and promoted Bryan Adams to principal assistant. Food Safety: LDH reported Salmonella illnesses tied to recalled eggs sold in Louisiana. Consumer Relief: State Farm will send $136 million in dividends to Louisiana auto policyholders, averaging $138 per vehicle. Workforce Pipeline: Meta’s Workforce Academy is recruiting in Louisiana and other states for paid training tied to data-center construction jobs. Local Business & Community: A free Baton Rouge back-to-school basketball clinic aims to build skills beyond the court.

Sports Business: The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a four-year extension with WR Chris Olave worth up to $132 million, including $90 million guaranteed, keeping him under contract through 2030 after nearly a year of talks. Public Finance & Health Policy: Louisiana disability providers warn that conflicting Medicaid deadlines could delay a promised home- and community-based services rate increase, potentially pushing full funding to the 2028 budget. Consumer & Labor Enforcement: Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced a $1 million settlement with Walmart over alleged misrepresentations in its Spark Driver delivery program, including how base pay and tips are handled. Energy & Defense Contracting: The U.S. Navy awarded a $40 million contract for long-endurance unmanned ocean mapping, including Chance Technologies in Lafayette, supporting seabed charting for NAVOCEANO. Local Economy: A north Baton Rouge club, Lil Blue House, was shut down after a code violation tied to alcohol service under its occupancy classification. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak linked to a Texas egg recall has reached Louisiana, with health officials urging residents to discard or return affected eggs.

Sports & Local Economy: The New Orleans Saints agreed to a four-year extension for WR Chris Olave worth up to $132 million, ending his hold-in and keeping him under contract through 2030. Gaming & Downtown Shreveport: Sam’s Town Shreveport will temporarily close Friday night as Boyd Gaming transfers ownership to Bally’s, setting up a unified Bally’s Shreveport North brand. Insurance Relief for Drivers: State Farm will send about $136 million in dividends to Louisiana auto policyholders this week, with an average payout of $138 per eligible vehicle. Food Safety: LDH is urging Louisianans to discard or return recalled shell eggs tied to a Salmonella outbreak, with seven sick in the state and three hospitalizations. Meta Data-Center Scrutiny: A Louisiana Public Service Commission judge declined to reconsider her order, pushing Meta’s subpoena fight over data-center costs and power needs to the full commission. Public Safety Leadership: Gov. Jeff Landry named Scott Fire Chief Chad Sonnier as Louisiana State Fire Marshal, promoting Bryan Adams to a new public safety leadership role. Fraud Crackdown: Ten people were indicted in Shreveport federal court over alleged fraudulent COVID-era business loans, including Paycheck Protection Program and disaster loans. THC Drinks Policy Fight: Louisiana hemp beverage makers launched a new association to push back on a federal consumable THC ban scheduled for November.

Hemp/THC Crackdown: A federal ban on hemp-derived THC products could wipe out Louisiana retailers’ inventory, with Baton Rouge shop Rad Dad Alternative Wellness warning that most THC seltzers and other items will be treated like Schedule I drugs starting Nov. 12. Tax Relief Deadline: Louisiana taxpayers have until Sept. 4 to claim more than $17.5 million in unclaimed state tax refunds before the money is moved to the state’s unclaimed property program. Insurance Payouts: State Farm says Louisiana drivers with eligible auto policies will receive about $136 million in dividend payments in early August through early September. Energy & Growth: FAA rule changes would let aerospace projects bypass major environmental laws, raising concerns for south Louisiana coastal areas tied to potential rocket launch activity. Local Development: Demolition has begun on Shreveport’s former Libbey Glass site as the owner works to remediate and certify a “clean” brownfield for future use. Tourism & Jobs: Angola Prison Rodeo returns in October for its 60th anniversary, expected to boost West Feliciana Parish tourism and local spending. Retail Expansion: Buc-ee’s is hiring for select roles as construction ramps up on Louisiana’s first location in Ruston, targeting a mid-2027 opening. Public Safety/Crime: East Baton Rouge authorities say they used an auto shop front to infiltrate a meth-and-fentanyl operation, seizing drugs and arresting two suspects. Sports Business: LSU plans donor meetings at the Governor’s Mansion to discuss an “alternative revenue” idea that could reshape college athletics economics. Water/Infrastructure: New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board oversight is moving toward reforms as the city council advances changes to governance.