AGP Executive Report

Industrial Growth: Crest Industries’ Mid-State Supply opened a 10,500-square-foot warehouse in Geismar to bring electrical and industrial supplies closer to customers amid Louisiana’s industrial boom. Transportation Investment: The state is lending $1 million toward a $7 million Port of Columbia rail spur linking the site to Union Pacific’s mainline, with officials expecting it to support jobs and investment. Storm Watch: Hurricane Isaias threatened Gulf Coast shipping, but most refineries were expected to avoid a direct hit; port closures and shipping delays could still affect regional trade. Workforce Pipeline: A hands-on program at Tioga High School introduced students to skilled careers in manufacturing, construction, energy and transportation as employers seek workers. Digital Infrastructure: Louisiana’s BEAD-funded fiber expansion is advancing in East Baton Rouge Parish, while SpaceX’s plans for a Louisiana spaceport and coastal infrastructure point to potential future investment.

Gulf Energy Risks: Hurricane Isaias strengthened to Category 3 and is forecast to hit Florida’s Panhandle, raising concerns about storm damage and disruptions to Gulf energy production. LNG Dispute: An international tribunal found a Venture Global unit breached its contract with Galp over deliveries from Louisiana’s Calcasieu Pass facility. Data Center Power: AI’s surging electricity needs are driving interest in natural gas and solar, while Louisiana’s proposed Meta data-center expansion faces questions about grid costs and new transmission lines. Broadband Expansion: REV Fiber and the federal BEAD program are launching a high-speed internet build in East Baton Rouge Parish. North Louisiana Development: The North Louisiana Economic Partnership marked a milestone in redeveloping the I-20 legacy site.

Storm Risk: Hurricane Isaias is disrupting Gulf energy operations, with producers cutting output as the storm threatens oil assets and refining capacity. Broadband Expansion: REV Fiber is building a federally funded network expected to bring high-speed internet to more than 2,800 East Baton Rouge Parish homes and businesses. Haynesville Investment: Shale deals have reached $7.8 billion this year, surpassing the Permian Basin’s reported total and signaling strong interest in northwest Louisiana’s gas sector. Film Industry: Louisiana’s film-production impact has fallen from an estimated $1 billion a year to $185 million, prompting calls for stronger promotion and faster tax-credit reimbursements. Rural Health Workforce: The state is committing up to $37.7 million to train and recruit health workers for rural communities. Data Center Debate: Entergy is making the case for expanded power service to Meta’s Louisiana data center as landowners and other critics question the project’s costs and effects.

Energy & Storm Risk: Hurricane Isaias has shut in about 25% of Gulf oil production and 16% of natural gas output, threatening supplies as U.S. refineries run hard to offset overseas disruptions. Data Center Buildout: Entergy says Meta’s planned north Louisiana expansion would use 4,500 megawatts—about four times New Orleans’ power demand. The utility wants approval for billions in new plants and grid upgrades; critics are pressing over costs and ratepayer protections. Jobs & Investment: Data centers, LNG and SpaceX projects are forecast to help create 55,000 Louisiana jobs over two years. Shreveport firms are also being urged to prepare for SpaceX contracts, while a state initiative aims to help 150 small businesses enter defense and commercial markets. New Orleans Offices: A family-owned group says its three Poydras Street towers now total nearly 1.5 million square feet, with its original building more than 80% occupied after starting below 50%.

Energy and Jobs: Louisiana’s growth outlook increasingly hinges on data centers, LNG and SpaceX, with one forecast projecting 55,000 jobs over two years. Entergy’s CEO disclosed Meta’s Richland Parish data center could draw 4,500 megawatts—about four times New Orleans’ peak demand. SpaceX Deal: Vermilion Parish’s agreement requires SpaceX to report jobs and allows penalties if it falls short of its 3,000-job, 10-year target, while giving the company flexibility to extend deadlines or buy out. Infrastructure: A $50 million grant package will advance a redesigned Lafayette intersection tied to the $2 billion I-49 Connector; a federal decision is expected in early 2027. Workforce Training: Lafayette’s school board is set to consider $14 million in interim funding for a new workforce academy, after dropping a planned bond issue amid borrowing costs and audit concerns. Storm Preparations: Isaias could disrupt Gulf energy operations as New Orleans braces for a packed weekend of events; Entergy is preparing crews and urging customers to plan for outages. Local Business: A South Louisiana pepper mash company that ships Tabasco’s signature heat is targeting $100 million in revenue.

Storm Risk: Tropical Storm Isaias could strengthen into a hurricane before reaching the northern Gulf Coast, putting Louisiana communities and energy operations on alert. Household Economy: Louisiana SNAP enrollment fell by about 170,000 people, or 21%, after federal rule changes, even as food prices rose nearly 3%. Baton Rouge also ranked among U.S. cities where groceries take a relatively large share of household income. Energy and Infrastructure: Landowners questioned Entergy’s proposed 500-kilovolt transmission line, which would help supply power to a new data center. The debate comes as data centers, LNG and SpaceX projects are forecast to add 55,000 Louisiana jobs over two years. Louisiana Business: New Orleans-based pepper mash producer McIlhenny is targeting $100 million in revenue as it ships Tabasco’s key ingredient. Rare-earths developer Aclara is also expanding plans for its Louisiana separation project to include materials used in power generation, aerospace and AI infrastructure. AI and Natural Gas: Industry leaders will discuss how AI could reshape natural gas operations at the Gulf Coast Energy Forum in New Orleans on Oct. 15.

Diesel Relief Push: President Trump signed an executive order temporarily easing rules on red-dyed diesel for on-road use, aiming to cut costs for farmers and truckers—an issue Louisiana businesses have been watching closely as diesel prices stay volatile. Energy & Weather Watch: Forecasters say a developing Gulf system could strengthen into Tropical Storm Isaias and bring heavy rain and gusty winds toward the northern Gulf Coast, including Louisiana. Food Safety: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in five states, including Louisiana, after undeclared milk was found. New Orleans Short-Term Rental Fight: New Orleans co-owners sued the city after repeated denials of short-term rental permits, arguing the process is arbitrary and unlawfully blocks property value. Space & Manufacturing: SpaceX is proposing a cargo facility in Vermilion Parish, while Louisiana manufacturers are being urged to get “bid-ready” for the broader SpaceX-driven spending. Public School Spending Scrutiny: Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming called for more transparency after audit findings flagged unsupported spending and discrepancies in K-12 financial records. Restaurant Shakeup: Oprah-backed True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 and abruptly closed 12 restaurants, leaving 34 locations operating. Local Business/Community: Keep Louisiana Beautiful set its Dec. 7–9 Baton Rouge State Conference, and a Rosepine mayoral race is underway with candidates focused on growth and school traffic.

Hospitality & Jobs: Louisiana Hospitality Group named Jason Amato general manager for its St. Francisville hotels, tasking him with operations, team training and expansion. Tech & Workforce: Southeastern Louisiana University hosted an Industry Connect lecture on building a technical career in the “intelligence age,” with Nexus Louisiana CEO Tony Zanders. AI in Media: SLU student journalists and faculty ran a hands-on AI session on responsible prompting and what tools can (and can’t) do for modern reporting. Public Safety & Health: A Zachary man, paraplegic after a hunting accident, is raising $100,000 for stem cell treatment aimed at restoring leg movement. Business & Infrastructure: Uniti Fiber announced a connectivity partnership with the New Orleans Saints to support critical gameday and business operations at Caesars Superdome. Local Economy: Amazon’s “Built Together” program will invest more than $1 billion over five years in Shreveport-Bossier, including education, modular training and local priorities. Consumer Alerts: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in multiple states, including Louisiana, due to undeclared milk; a separate frozen-berry recall expanded over potential E. coli contamination. Sports & Business Spotlight: Falcons’ Bijan Robinson powered a 45-24 win over the Saints in Monday Night Football, a rivalry moment that also boosts local tourism and spending.

Bankruptcy Watch: True Food Kitchen’s New Orleans location has closed for good as the Oprah-backed chain files Chapter 11, with 34 sites still operating and the company saying it has $20 million in financing lined up. Food Safety: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas because some packages may not declare milk, raising allergy risk for consumers with milk sensitivity. Local Economy & Workforce: Southern University won a $1.275 million, three-year federal grant to launch a Louisiana Innovation for Thriving Rural Business Center aimed at boosting rural firms, contracting access and advanced manufacturing capacity. City Operations: New Orleans Public Works is leaning on bond funding to add positions, while East Baton Rouge is scheduling cleanup work on an overgrown LSU-area drainage canal after a report. Legal & Public Safety: A Baton Rouge City Hall employee assault case led to the arrest of Alfred Richardson, 67, on charges including second-degree rape and simple robbery. Energy Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether energy companies can be sued over alleged climate-change harms, a decision that could reshape liability nationwide. Sports Business: Monday Night Football’s Falcons-Saints showdown in the Superdome is also driving a wave of local tourism and betting promotions.

Student Debt Watch: SAVE’s end is pushing millions back toward higher payments, and Louisiana is flagged as the riskiest state for delinquency (22.6%). Healthcare & Consumer Relief: Louisiana residents may be eligible for money from the Sandoz generic drug price-fixing settlement; claims run through March 8, 2027. Local Courts: Three Northshore attorneys are vying to lead East St. Tammany’s City Court, with a residency dispute already shaping the race. Business & Tech: Moyae is partnering with Advanced Data Systems to deliver an end-to-end EHR plus practice management and revenue cycle platform for vision-care practices. Industry & Environment: Iberville Parish is floating an industrial zone concept modeled on Ascension’s RiverPlex MegaPark, as carbon-capture expansion continues to stir local opposition. Public Policy & Costs: A Public Citizen filing argues climate-driven shocks are a major driver of property and casualty insurance premium spikes. Food & Retail: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states due to unlabeled yellow dyes. Trade & Agriculture: A first Belarus potash shipment is set to arrive at the Port of New Orleans Oct. 14 after sanctions easing. Cybersecurity: An international crackdown led to the arrest of a suspected ransomware operator tied to KillSec.

Energy & Industry: Caturus says it will expand the Cameron Parish Commonwealth LNG export facility, doubling capacity to about 17.25 Mtpa, with service targeted for the early 2030s. Infrastructure & Privatization: The Louisiana Transportation Authority approved privatizing operations and maintenance of the Cameron Ferry, with New Orleans-based LabMar Ferry Services taking over after a 60-day transition. Local Business & Community: Baton Rouge’s Rally Cap Brewing hosted Barktoberfest, a fundraiser and adoption event for the Capital Area Animal Welfare Society. Public Policy & Cost of Living: Sen. John Kennedy warned Republicans not to downplay affordability concerns ahead of midterms, saying cost-of-living worries will dominate voters. Education & Growth: Southern University highlighted a campus renaissance, including a new Welcome Center and other academic, residential and safety upgrades tied to enrollment growth. Food & Consumer Safety: Trader Joe’s and Walmart expanded a frozen-berry E. coli recall to additional lots sold in Louisiana and many other states.

New Orleans school fight: NOLA Public Schools is weighing more closures as enrollment drops, and alumni and parents are mobilizing to keep L. B. Landry High School open after Algiers Charter Schools said it will stop running the school. Congressional redistricting fallout: A Black community in Louisiana’s orbit, Scotlandville in Baton Rouge, is again being reshaped by congressional maps after a Voting Rights Act ruling, leaving residents facing a future without a champion in Congress. Legal pressure on finance: Republican state AGs, including Louisiana’s Liz Murrill, are pushing the SEC to scrutinize Moody’s, Fitch and S&P over how climate assumptions and ESG factors affect credit ratings. Local business moves: Hurwitz Mintz Furniture is closing after more than a century, while New Orleans and Baton Rouge saw new hotel and museum leadership announcements. Infrastructure update: U.S. 90B East in New Orleans reopened after a major crash delay, with lanes reopening nearly 12 hours later. Energy/space ambition: A SpaceX Starship launch in Texas is being framed as a preview of what’s coming to Louisiana as Musk’s spaceport plans move forward.

Banking & M&A: Gibsland Bancshares says it completed its Oct. 1 acquisition of Marion State Bank, creating a combined institution with about $859M in assets and a bigger footprint across northern Louisiana. Workforce & Economic Development: Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation won the IEDC 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award for its workforce support program, with the conference in New Orleans later this month. Education & Training: Delgado Community College reports 8.6% enrollment growth for Fall 2026 to about 14,000 students, citing expanded workforce programs like diesel tech, CT/MRI, maritime management and process technology. Policy & Schools: Proposed federal scholarship tax-credit rules would limit how Louisiana can restrict eligible expenses or school types, while allowing scholarship groups to fund public-school tutoring. Local Business Closure: Hurwitz Mintz Furniture in Metairie is closing after more than a century, with remaining inventory sold as-is and no returns. Energy Costs: G7 nations agreed to release 100M barrels of oil and fuel products over four months, with early diesel releases aimed at easing tight global supplies that are pushing U.S. farm costs higher.

Diesel Relief for Farmers: A Farm Bureau analysis links record-high diesel prices to global supply disruptions, warning harvest costs are rising fast for corn and soy growers. State Budget Watch: Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming is seeking review of $12.1M in school spending, including employee payments and items categorized as lobbying or political. Housing Stability: A federal judge paused HUD’s move to withhold $56M in housing counseling funds, keeping foreclosure- and eviction-prevention services alive while a lawsuit plays out. Insurance & Home Hardening: Louisiana’s fortified-roof program may lose discounts after 15 years, raising new long-term costs for homeowners relying on insurance breaks. Local Business: Hurwitz Mintz Furniture will close after 102 years, ending a longtime Metairie staple. Energy Infrastructure: Entergy’s proposed 500kV transmission line is drawing pushback from landowners in central Louisiana. Data Centers & Community Impact: Amazon says it will invest $1B over five years in communities around data centers, as opposition over electricity and water use continues. Defense Contract: Metal Shark won a U.S. contract to build 13 patrol boats for Vietnam at its Jeanerette, Louisiana facility.

LNG Dealmaking: ConocoPhillips agreed to a 20-year LNG purchase with Venture Global for 1 million tonnes per year starting in 2030, adding another long-term buyer to Louisiana’s growing export pipeline. Data Centers & Local Impact: Amazon Web Services says it will invest more than $1 billion over five years in communities with data centers, including in Louisiana, while pledging help on electricity and water concerns. Affordable Housing Financing: Developers closed financing for Rivana Apartments, a $111 million, 220-unit project in New Orleans’ River District, setting up construction to begin later this month near the Shell regional HQ. Energy Costs & Diesel Policy: States moved to curb diesel and gasoline prices as harvest fuel bills climb, with attention on expanding use of red-dyed diesel and other temporary relief steps. Immigration Enforcement in Louisiana: ICE may begin taking families and unaccompanied minors at a new Alexandria facility within the next week or two, raising fresh local debate over detention capacity. Local Business & Growth: Smalls Sliders is testing a new campus dining-room format with a UCF location, building on its Baton Rouge roots as it looks for franchise expansion. Community Tensions: Baton Rouge residents in Broadmoor criticized Amazon drone deliveries, urging changes to noise, altitude and frequency. Public Safety/Legal: Authorities failed to carry out Tennessee’s execution of Christa Pike, leaving her in critical condition and prompting an independent review.

Energy & Infrastructure: New Orleans City Council approved a $26.6 million backup battery “virtual power plant” plan, funded by Entergy settlement proceeds, with an implementation timeline aimed for late March 2027. Local Business Climate: French Quarter businesses are still questioning how long they can stay open as SWBNO’s water main replacement drags on, citing delays, access issues, and financial strain. Food Security: Second Harvest partnered with Phillips 66 to send more than 300 students home with food bags, targeting Louisiana’s high child food-insecurity rate. Fuel Costs & Small Business: Central Louisiana diesel prices are pushing a Pineville food truck owner to raise menu prices to cover higher operating costs. LNG Deal Watch: Venture Global and ConocoPhillips announced a 20-year LNG sales and purchase agreement for 1.0 million tonnes per year starting in 2030. Banking: Business First Bancshares/b1BANK set its Q3 2026 earnings release for Oct. 26. Economic Development: K&B Industries was named a 2026 Bayou Region Champion by COLAB.