AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Energy Push: The U.S. Department of Energy picked Tennessee, Louisiana, Utah, Oklahoma and Idaho as potential hosts for “Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses,” a plan that could spur major investment and jobs while supporting the full nuclear fuel cycle, including possible used-fuel disposition. New Orleans Public Safety: Mayor Helena Moreno said police are seeking a second suspect after a Saturday Canal Street-area shooting that wounded a bystander; arrest warrants are out for both men, with one still hospitalized. Health & Food Safety: Federal regulators say the U.S. food supply remains safe as cyclospora cases hit record levels and a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled shell eggs continues to spread. Louisiana Business & Energy Deals: A new report highlights Louisiana’s active energy M&A, including Mitsubishi’s $7.5 billion Haynesville Shale acquisition that expands upstream gas supply for LNG. State Policy Watch: Louisiana attorneys general are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Local Economy: Shreveport officials celebrated progress on the Petro Tower Lofts redevelopment, a $30 million plan to convert a vacant tower into 117 apartments plus ground-floor commercial space.

AI Data Centers & Power Costs: Meta’s Louisiana AI buildout keeps expanding fast, with reporting that its Richland Parish project has grown from a $10B plan to a $50B effort and could top $250B, while local contracts and infrastructure upgrades follow. Climate & Corporate Promises: Meta also reportedly quit RE100 after backing gas plants to power AI data centers, raising fresh questions about “clean energy” commitments. LNG & Industrial Growth: Baker Hughes won a technology order tied to Venture Global’s CP2 LNG expansion in Louisiana, adding liquefaction blocks and compression trains. Local Banking Expansion: Community Bank of Louisiana plans a new South Shreveport two-story banking center on the Southern Loop, targeting a 2027 opening. New Orleans Utility Oversight: The New Orleans City Council is moving to tighten governance and budget scrutiny of the Sewerage & Water Board under a new state law taking effect Aug. 1. Education & Public Funds: Lafayette Police arrested a former Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy administrative assistant on alleged payroll fraud, theft and forgery. Public Health Watch: Louisiana health officials say cyclospora cases are rising, now at 79 total, with multiple hospitalizations. Infrastructure Funding: Bossier Parish is set to receive a $25M federal grant for an east-west corridor project. Consumer/Tech Legal Risk: Apple faces a federal lawsuit over fake Bitcoin wallet apps allegedly sold through the App Store.

Workforce & Education Funding: Louisiana education officials issued guidance on Gov. Jeff Landry’s $168 million teacher-pay shift, requiring at least $2,000 in added compensation for teachers and $1,000 for support staff in 2026-27. Workforce Training Investments: Nunez Community College in Chalmette received a $1 million Lowe’s Foundation donation to expand electrical, construction and HVAC training, including new capacity for a Plaquemines Parish site. Higher Ed Outcomes: ITI Technical College earned Carnegie/ACE “Opportunity College and University” recognition for strong student access and graduate earnings. Energy & LNG: Argent LNG won DOE authorization to export up to 25 million metric tons annually from Port Fourchon in Lafourche Parish. Local Business Growth: Community Bank of Louisiana broke ground on a new Southern Loop location in Shreveport. Public Safety & Utilities: DOE granted emergency power measures for parts of 17 states, including Louisiana, to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat. New Orleans Nightlife Safety: The city launched free SAFE Bar Network training for nightlife businesses, offering de-escalation and bystander intervention instruction. Local Economy & Real Estate: Ryan Companies completed two Louisiana charter school projects in Covington and Maurice, with more construction planned. Health & Community: Ochsner LSU Health’s free Health Fest in Shreveport (Aug. 1) will offer screenings and connect residents with providers.

Private Equity & Industrial Growth: Bernhard Capital Partners is selling the parent of Epic Piping, a Livingston Parish industrial pipe fabricator, underscoring how Gulf Coast infrastructure, energy, LNG and data centers are pulling more deals into south Louisiana. AI Power & Finance: A new look at who funds the AI buildout says sustainability impacts are being locked in at the term-sheet stage, with hyperscalers’ massive capex driving demand for power and reshaping what gets built. Energy Reliability: The U.S. Energy Department ordered the Southwest Power Pool to tap idle generation across a 17-state region, aiming to prevent heat-wave blackouts as reserves tighten. LNG Exports: DOE granted Argent LNG long-term authorization to export LNG from Port Fourchon in Lafourche Parish for 20 years. Food Safety: Nearly 1.6 million dozen cage-free eggs were recalled over possible Salmonella, with illnesses reported across multiple states including Louisiana. Local Politics: Incumbents and educators are lining up for Baton Rouge school board elections, with new district maps and a potentially shifting racial balance in play. Public Safety: Gunfire in New Orleans’ Central Business District injured an innocent bystander during a verbal altercation. Education & Storm Resilience: Tulane’s stormwater project uses underground storage to manage runoff during heavy rain, blending campus life with flood protection. Retail Footprint: Tractor Supply plans to shutter about 75 Petsense locations, including several in Louisiana. Elections & Rights: NAACP announced a $20 million voter registration push ahead of midterms.

AI Data Centers & Power Costs: Entergy signed the White House Ratepayer Protection Pledge, joining a push to keep electricity-bill hikes from AI data center buildouts from landing on customers, with Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Meta leadership at the event. Public Utilities: New Orleans lifted a West Bank boil-water advisory after tests showed water was safe, following low-pressure issues tied to maintenance at the Algiers Water Plant. Food Safety: The FDA announced a recall of nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs from Texas producer Midwest Poultry Services due to possible Salmonella contamination, with affected cartons sold under multiple brands including Kroger and Brookshire’s in Louisiana and other Southern states. Local Business Growth: Culver’s construction is underway in Trussville, while Raising Cane’s is building at a former Pet Supplies Plus site—another sign of continued fast-casual expansion. Politics & National Security: Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy said he’s not comfortable with a Trump Saudi civilian nuclear deal, arguing the timing is “not good” amid Middle East instability. Community & Education: Webster Parish’s “Pack the Bus” drive collected school supplies and donations for students ahead of the school year.

Housing & City Budget: New Orleans’ “right to counsel” eviction-defense program will get only $575,000 this year—about 44% of its $1.3 million budget allocation—amid the city’s cash crunch, raising uncertainty for tenants and advocates. Local Governance & Utilities: Starting Aug. 1, the New Orleans City Council will oversee the Sewerage and Water Board, with council leaders already pushing for top-level changes after flooding, pump failures, and lingering billing/customer-service complaints. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA says a multistate Salmonella outbreak sickened 98 people in 17 states, tied to recalled eggs from Midwest Poultry Services; about 19 million eggs were pulled, with more investigation ongoing. Community & Economic Relief: InspireNOLA handed out 4,000 school backpacks at Xavier’s school fest, and a Treme giveaway drew hundreds of families for free supplies, food, and activities. Business Climate & Consumer Costs: A new analysis finds states are shifting tax burdens from high earners toward sales and everyday purchases—an angle that matters as Louisiana businesses and households feel cost pressure. NBA & Local Sports Business: LeBron James’ move to the 76ers reshapes title odds, while the Pelicans’ Trey Murphy trade price reportedly remains too steep for the Warriors. Energy & Operations: U.S. refineries are running near full capacity, a setup that could raise the risk of disruptions and fuel price spikes.

AI Data Centers & Power Strain: Concerns are mounting nationwide that the AI data-center boom is swallowing farmland and stressing power and water systems, with new estimates pointing to far higher energy needs than traditional software. ESPN Fallout in Louisiana: Former LSU analyst Ryan Clark says ESPN fired him and that he “couldn’t be too black,” reigniting debate over workplace culture and media economics. Louisiana Consumer Protection: Gov. Jeff Landry’s new law banning debit-card surcharges takes effect Aug. 1, with penalties and a private right of action for shoppers. Food Safety: The FDA links a salmonella outbreak in 17 states to recalled eggs from Midwest Poultry Services, including Louisiana retailers; officials urge consumers to check and return affected cartons. Local Finance Growth: Keesler Federal Credit Union marks a decade under CEO Andy Swoger, highlighting asset and membership growth plus major expansion into New Orleans. NBA Business Buzz: LeBron James’ move to the 76ers shifts title odds, keeping Oklahoma City and San Antonio as top contenders. Energy Costs: The national gas average jumped to $4.09 as crude prices stay volatile.

AI Data Centers & Ratepayer Costs: Trump expanded his Ratepayer Protection Pledge at the EPA, saying AI data centers and big tech will cover power and grid upgrades so bills don’t spike; Gov. Jeff Landry and Entergy leaders attended, but watchdogs warn pledges may not protect Louisiana customers. Energy/Environment Backlash: A new EPA proposal would let states decide whether the public gets a say on certain air permits tied to data centers, drawing criticism that it cuts community input. Meta’s Louisiana Footprint: Meta is also leaving the RE100 clean-energy pledge while ramping gas-backed power deals for data centers, including Louisiana projects. Public Health: Midwest Poultry Services recalled nearly 19 million eggs over possible salmonella; the outbreak now totals at least 98 sick across 17 states including Louisiana. Local Business & Growth: Kenner’s Laketown plan is moving toward a $19M concert amphitheater that could draw up to 15,000 attendees. Small Business Support: New Orleans’ Downtown Development District is taking applications for grants to fill vacant storefronts, aiming to help downtown restaurants and shops open faster.

Ratepayer Protection Push: The Trump administration is touting a new wave of signatories to its pledge aimed at keeping AI data-center power costs off regular utility bills, but the plan still isn’t law and critics question whether savings will hold. Louisiana Education & Workforce: Lafayette’s Pugh Family Foundation is adding $3.1 million to expand the ACE school turnaround model through 2028-29, while Louisiana Community and Technical College System President Richard Nelson says LCTCS wants more students earning credentials through workforce-focused pathways. Food Safety: Federal health officials say a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people across 17 states; Kroger and Brookshire stores in Louisiana received the affected cartons. Port & Local Growth: Grand Isle Port Commission won a $2.7 million HUD grant for dock infrastructure upgrades supporting the seafood industry. Business Climate: A Baton Rouge commercial real estate report says the market cooled again in June as sales volume and activity fell. Public Health Watch: CDC expanded its cyclosporiasis investigation to more states, including Illinois, after lettuce-linked cases.

Energy & AI Power Costs: President Trump expanded the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, saying data center operators will fund the electricity and infrastructure they need so households don’t get stuck with higher bills; the pledge now covers 80% of U.S. power delivered to homes and businesses, with utility sign-ons and consumer-savings claims highlighted by the White House. Louisiana Public Policy: Louisiana lawmakers are questioning a $54 million, no-bid Motorola police-technology contract (bodycams, dashcams, radios), with calls for a special hearing and more public scrutiny before the state locks in a 10-year sole-source deal. New Orleans Real Estate: Mayor Helena Moreno’s new blight task force targets adjudicated properties, but the bigger fight is succession and heirs’ property—where families can get trapped out of land and redemption. Food Safety: The FDA says Midwest Poultry Services is recalling nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs from Texas over possible Salmonella Enteritidis; products reached retailers including Kroger and Brookshire in Louisiana and several other states. Local Economy & Events: New Orleans’ Mardi Gras Advisory Council is debating permit-fee increases for the first time in decades as the city faces budget pressure and rising security and overtime costs. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana and is shifting toward Texas, while a separate flooding-rain threat grows for the East Coast.

AI Power Costs & Louisiana: President Trump expanded his “Ratepayer Protection Pledge,” saying tech firms and utilities will cover new electricity infrastructure for AI data centers so households don’t pay more; Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Entergy CEO Drew Marsh were among attendees as Meta’s Richland Parish build-out keeps the spotlight on power bills. Local Economy & Finance: JD Bancshares reported Q2 2026 results, with net income rising to $3.33 million for the quarter; Business First Bancshares also posted Q2 earnings and declared a preferred dividend. Real Estate & Hospitality: Omni Royal Orleans opened its renovated La Riviera rooftop pool and bar as part of a broader French Quarter renovation slated to finish in early 2027; Marcus & Millichap brokered the sale of a Broussard industrial property leased to Drilling Tools International. Business Climate & Community: Lafayette’s economic development districts each topped $2 million in balances for most boards, while UL coaches praised interim AD Trey Frazier after Bryan Maggard’s departure. Public Safety & Local Rules: New Orleans approved stricter Carnival parade rules, including harness requirements for float riders and tighter limits on throws. Food Safety: Midwest Poultry Services recalled about 1.6 million dozen eggs from Texas over possible Salmonella, sold across multiple states including Louisiana.

Construction & Housing: Gibbs Construction’s second-generation CEO Lauren Gibbs says the Elmwood firm is on track to grow about 5% this year, with projected revenue near $100M, as it leads the $100M Clearview City Center redevelopment and the $64M Rivana Apartments in the River District. Food Safety: The FDA says Midwest Poultry Services is recalling nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs from Texas farms over potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination; the eggs were sold at Kroger in Texas and Louisiana and at Brookshire Grocery in several states, with no illnesses reported yet. Disaster Preparedness: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in St. Bernard Parish and is moving west along the Gulf Coast, with warnings stretching toward the upper Texas coast and flood risk continuing for Louisiana and beyond. Local Infrastructure Finance: Jefferson Parish secured a $20M state-backed bond/loan workaround to fund sewer upgrades after credit agencies withdrew its bond rating over late audits, including lift station and wastewater treatment improvements. Energy & Reliability: Entergy New Orleans told a city council committee it can’t determine the cause of the July 4 French Quarter transformer explosion and fire because damage was too severe, despite routine inspections showing no prior issues. Public Finance & Markets: Louisiana’s $16.3B state employees’ retirement system increased its Strategy (MSTR) stake to 21,300 shares, boosting indirect exposure to Bitcoin. Gaming: Louisiana land-based and riverboat casinos posted June gaming revenue of $190.2M, up 5% year over year.

Hurricane Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in St. Bernard Parish and is expected to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding risk across southeast Louisiana before weakening inland. Local Business & Community: Planters Bank launched the Planters Impact Fund, a nonprofit affiliate aimed at expanding small-business lending, affordable housing efforts, and scholarships in Mississippi and Louisiana plus surrounding states. Tech & Regulation: Meta is facing a Tennessee AG trial over Instagram’s alleged harm to young users, while Louisiana regulators are also pressing Meta for details tied to its $50B data center plans. Public Health & Food Safety: Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce recall remains in effect amid a cyclospora outbreak, after FDA said an earlier positive test was a false positive. Workforce & Small Business: SBA announced a $6M competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, including Louisiana, with proposals due Aug. 10. Politics: Michel Mays withdrew from the Shreveport mayor’s race to run for Louisiana House District 3.

Hurricane Readiness: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in southeast Louisiana with up to 3 feet of storm surge and 60 mph winds, with officials warning about coastal flooding and urging residents to review insurance and secure property. Local Energy & Infrastructure: SWEPCO’s Hallsville power plant project hit a major milestone as massive generation equipment arrived on site, signaling progress on a new 450-megawatt facility. Politics & Campaign Cash: Louisiana’s congressional races are heating up—Sen. Rick Edmonds is the only major declared candidate in the new 6th District so far, while Jamie Davis touts $1.6 million raised and Julia Letlow maintains a big fundraising edge. Business Growth: Walk-On’s opened a new Carencro location, expanding its Acadiana footprint. Community & Safety: FEMA approved more than $76.3 million in disaster funding for projects across Louisiana and neighboring states. Sports Business: UL is set to begin a national search for athletic director after Bryan Maggard’s departure to Missouri. Consumer Watch: Louisiana’s sports betting rose 25% in June, reaching $306.1 million. Local Governance: Bossier City ended its investigation into a $280,000 parking lot project and launched a public spending portal.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Quality Companies, an Acadiana fabrication firm, announced a $7 million expansion across Youngsville and Jeanerette that’s expected to add nearly 350 jobs, including 125 direct roles in Iberia Parish. Food Safety & Consumer Impact: The FDA says a cyclospora-linked iceberg lettuce recall tied to Taylor Farms remains in play even after a “false positive” lab result; the outbreak has sickened thousands and is hitting multiple states, including Louisiana. Public Safety & Local Government: An ankle monitoring company threatening to pull out of New Orleans says it will meet with the city’s deputy mayor of public safety to determine whether it can keep operating under its software requirements. Banking & Regional Finance: Century Next Financial Corporation reported record second-quarter 2026 results, with net income after tax rising to $4.14 million and assets up to $916.7 million. Small Business Support: The SBA launched a $6 million Women’s Business Center modernization competition, with Louisiana among the states eligible for new grant funding. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha continues toward the Gulf Coast, raising concerns for heavy rain, storm surge, and flooding risk from Louisiana into the region.

Workforce & Training: Northshore Technical Community College launched an inaugural Patient Navigator Summit to build a unified, data-driven healthcare navigation network and a regional workforce pipeline. Education Policy: Louisiana school districts still await state criteria on when they can skip $2,000 teacher stipends, leaving leaders stressed as guidance is finalized. Student Debt: Student loan defaults hit record levels nationwide as repayment resumes and protections end, with about 1 in 5 federal borrowers now in default. Local Economy Data: Grow NELA unveiled NELAGrowth.com, turning sales-tax data into a public dashboard to show where Northeast Louisiana economic activity is rising. Housing & Public Funds: Mansfield’s independent audit found recurring internal control and budget-law issues, while Shreveport Fairmont Apartments residents question a $21M renovation after reporting ongoing living-condition problems. Consumer & Regulation: Louisiana bans debit card surcharge fees starting Aug. 1, and the Taylor Farms cyclospora recall story continues as FDA says a prior positive test was a false positive. Business & Tech: Meta faces a lawsuit alleging AI was used to target disabled workers and those on medical leave in layoffs.