AGP Executive Report

Insurance & Courts: A federal murder-for-hire trial in New Orleans has started for disbarred attorney Sean Alfortish and alleged hitman Leon “Chunky” Parker, tied to an FBI-exposed staged-crash insurance fraud scheme and a witness killing. Energy Policy: Louisiana’s Public Service Commission postponed a vote on a proposed “nuclear tariff” that would add a 20-cent monthly fee to Entergy Louisiana, Cleco and SWEPCO bills to fund early work on small modular reactors. Tech & Power Demand: Louisiana regulators voted 3-1 to block nonprofits from forcing Meta to turn over details tied to a Richland Parish data-center plan, even after an administrative judge sided with the groups. Public Safety & Privacy: Flock Safety says it’s changing its camera platform after backlash over license-plate reader misuse, as New Orleans also faces scrutiny over surveillance practices. Local Governance: New Orleans opened a code enforcement case on a blighted I-10-area property after Fox 8 raised concerns, while the city’s firefighters union sued over assignments and pay tied to training/qualification disputes. Business & Growth: Elon Musk’s jet landed in Lafayette as reports swirl about a potential SpaceX spaceport deal in coastal Vermilion Parish. Food Safety: Whole Foods expanded salmonella-related recalls tied to jalapeños, and a separate pet food recall pulled 639 bags of frozen raw dog food over salmonella risk. Community Investment: NORD distributed nearly $294,000 in stipends to 670 New Orleans teens through summer career and sports programs.

Louisiana Hemp Policy: A Cygnal survey for the Louisiana Hemp Beverage Coalition finds 70% of likely voters back regulating hemp beverages rather than banning them, with 60% opposing a federal ban on products already regulated by the state. Food Safety & Retail Impact: Whole Foods expanded a salmonella recall tied to jalapeños, now affecting products sold in 27 states, including Louisiana; the recall follows earlier Taylor Farms actions and centers on prepared dips, salsas and guacamole. Energy & Jobs: The EIA forecasts U.S. marketed natural gas production will hit a record 122.5 Bcf/d in 2026, with growth concentrated in the Permian and the Haynesville region that includes Louisiana. Local Business & Construction: New Orleans City Council approved a Sewerage & Water Board oversight and budget framework, while the River District’s Rivana Apartments cleared a PILOT path for 220 affordable units. Banking/Tech & Regulation: Louisiana regulators sided with Meta in a secrecy fight over Hyperion data center details, keeping key information from disclosure as the power debate grows. Hospitality: Summit Hotel Properties reported stronger Q2 performance, with RevPAR and hotel EBITDA gains driven by rate growth and cost controls. Local Economy & Community: Hunters For The Hungry Louisiana will hold its annual “Clean Out Your Freezer Day” Aug. 23, collecting game and fish donations for food banks statewide. Business Risk Watch: Tsunami Sushi’s Baton Rouge Highland location has closed amid the company’s federal bankruptcy filing.

Energy & Markets: The U.S. is on track for record natural gas output in 2026, with EIA forecasting 122.5 Bcf/d for the year, helped by growth in the Permian and Louisiana’s Haynesville. Offshore Oil & Gas: The federal BBG3 Gulf lease auction pulled in $82.7 million in high bids across 59 tracts, keeping Gulf energy development in the spotlight. Louisiana Data Centers: Louisiana regulators declined to force Meta to disclose energy use and job numbers tied to its $50 billion Hyperion project, a move consumer groups say limits transparency. Local Economy & Growth: Baton Rouge broke ground on a $28 million Nicholson Drive lane expansion to ease traffic near LSU. Coastal Restoration: One year after Louisiana restored 1,170 acres of wetlands in the Barataria Basin, NOAA says shrimp, crabs and red drum are returning. Business & Courts: A Louisiana man sued Pepperidge Farm over a distributorship buyout, alleging bad faith on the “fair” value. Public Safety & Health: Whole Foods expanded a jalapeño-linked salmonella recall affecting multiple states, including Louisiana. Community Watch: Shreveport arrested a pastor again for contractor fraud, alleging more than $310,000 taken for an unfinished home. Tech & Education: Georgetown University ranked ITI Technical College #1 in Louisiana for 10-year return on investment.

River Center Shake-Up: Visit Baton Rouge will serve as interim manager while the city-parish searches for a new operator to run day-to-day business and support redevelopment of the Raising Cane’s River Center. Ascension Schools Turnover: Term limits are forcing new leadership on the Ascension Parish School Board, with several seats unopposed and one remaining race headed to the fall. Baton Rouge Retail Growth: Rancher Hat Bar is opening its first Louisiana store in Baton Rouge, bringing customizable western and trucker hats to a Perkins Road shopping center near LSU. New Orleans Hospitality Reuse: A long-vacant Magazine Street sno-ball stand is being converted into an all-day cafe with indoor/outdoor seating, keeping the site’s distinctive sno-ball design. Hard Rock Fallout: A judge approved a $106 million settlement tied to the 2019 Hard Rock Hotel collapse in New Orleans, ending a yearslong fight. Cybersecurity Watch: Credit unions are pushing back in a data breach case involving Snowflake, as a judge let key claims move into discovery. Flood Planning: Iberville officials are exploring a regional floodwater pumping station concept near Bayou Sorrel Locks to reduce bottleneck flooding risks. Local Food & Community: Glass Half Full, founded by Tulane students, is turning discarded bottles into sand to test for Louisiana wetland restoration.

Meta & Louisiana Utilities: The Louisiana Public Service Commission will decide Wednesday whether Meta can keep details secret about its Hyperion AI data center expansion in Richland Parish, as consumer and environmental groups push for firmer power-cost and job figures and worry ratepayers could get stuck with bills. Public Health Fight: President Trump signed an executive order narrowing the “gold standard” childhood vaccine list to 11 core immunizations and directing DOJ action against states that conflict with parental and religious exemptions, drawing sharp criticism from public health experts. Housing & Real Estate: New Orleans-area home sales showed early-2026 momentum, with closed sales up 6.6% in the 10-parish market, though buyers appear concentrated at the higher end. Nursing Home Oversight: A Baton Rouge nursing home was labeled a Special Focus Facility by federal regulators, triggering required improvements after allegations of delayed care and serious harm. Economic Development Watch: Demolition has started on the former Mercy Hospital complex in New Orleans, clearing the way for redevelopment and a stormwater retention system aimed at reducing flooding. Business & Consumer Safety: Authorities arrested a Lake Charles gas station owner accused of selling illegal THC products and Kratom to minors, seizing firearms and tens of pounds of THC. Local Business Growth: Buc-ee’s got a building permit for its Lafayette store, a $72.05 million project with construction now set to begin. Food Safety: Taylor Farms’ jalapeño-linked salmonella recall continues to widen, with downstream product alerts reaching more states and retailers.

Pharma & Jobs: Keenova Therapeutics reported Q2 2026 results, highlighting stronger-than-expected Acthar Gel growth and progress on its XIAFLEX pipeline, while tightening guidance and moving toward planned late-2026 filings. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded a jalapeño-linked salmonella recall across major retailers, including Louisiana stores, urging consumers to check “best if used by” dates and stop eating affected products. Energy & Infrastructure: Williams agreed to buy Momentum Midstream in a $5.5 billion Haynesville growth deal that adds thousands of miles of gas gathering and transmission feeding Gulf Coast LNG and power demand, including southwest Louisiana hubs. Local Economy & Housing: A $31 million New Orleans apartment complex near the Mississippi River is nearing completion to fill the “missing middle” gap for middle-income renters, with partial state and federal support. Higher Ed Leadership: LSU New Orleans named a 14-member search committee to find the next chancellor, with candidate review starting Aug. 25 and a finalist recommendation by December. Public Works: La. 1 upgrades through White Castle are nearing completion, including drainage, concrete repairs and restriping—work tied to the broader timeline for the Hyundai Steel plant. Governance & Risk: A Louisiana Legislative Auditor review of the Town of Melville found multiple financial-control deficiencies, including payroll tax remittance and utility billing practices.

Food Safety & Recalls: Taylor Farms and its parent, Taylor Fresh Foods, are recalling 20 jalapeño-containing products after a Salmonella outbreak tied to Mexican-grown jalapeños has sickened more than 340 people across 27 states, with major retailers including Walmart, Target, Kroger, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods named. Banking Regulation: Regulators including the FDIC and Louisiana’s Office of Financial Institutions ordered First Guaranty Bank to restrict lending to certain borrowers as it works through credit-quality problems; the bank reported $6.2 million profit in the first half of 2026 and is also completing a branch sale that could strengthen capital. Local Government & Courts: A St. Tammany judge ruled the parish can’t dodge Justice Center security costs, setting up how much the sheriff’s office gets paid for deputies; in Lafayette, an audit details alleged embezzlement by a city marshal’s employee involving unauthorized transfers and debit-card use. Public Works & Development: New Orleans says demolition of the long-vacant Lindy Boggs Medical Center is set to begin Tuesday, with the project expected to take months. Business & Growth: Landstar appointed Vallie Dugas as VP, General Counsel and Secretary, adding leadership depth to the transportation-management firm. Community: United Way of Central Louisiana kicked off its 2026 campaign with “The Art of Community,” and the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe announced its Healing Tribal Strong 5K to benefit the Mary Bird Perkins Foundation.

Health Care & Insurance: Louisiana hospitals are seeing a sharp rise in uninsured patients after Affordable Care Act subsidies expired, with enrollment down about 26% in the state—raising pressure ahead of the Nov. 3 elections. Food Safety: Taylor Farms issued a salmonella recall tied to potentially contaminated jalapeños, with major retailers including Walmart, Target and Whole Foods affected; regulators also flagged additional recalled jalapeño-linked prepared foods. Energy & Utilities: Entergy says it has spent more than $900M hardening Louisiana’s grid since Ida, pointing to fewer outages during severe weather as new poles and lines prove out. Local Real Estate: Off-campus student housing near LSU is booming and getting pricier, with luxury complexes near campus driving a big share of Baton Rouge multifamily sales. Business & Tech: One Click SEO rolled out AI appointment scheduling for its real estate CRM, aiming to automate booking and calendar syncing. Legal & Public Policy: A Louisiana case highlights the fight over compensation for the wrongly imprisoned—while the AG argues claimants are still guilty. Energy Markets: Seadrill reported stronger results and added backlog via new Gulf and Malaysia contracts.

Public Health: Louisiana health officials are warning Gulf Coast beachgoers about a surge in deadly Vibrio vulnificus infections, with nine cases and five deaths reported this year. Water & Infrastructure: New Orleans’ Sewerage and Water Board still can’t pinpoint what caused the Algiers water pressure drop that triggered a west bank boil water advisory, saying it lacks enough data to reach a definitive conclusion. Energy & Trade: A major interstate natural gas project, DeLa Express, has been suspended/canceled in its original form, with developers shifting to a Texas-only intrastate plan. Port & Industry: Saronic Technologies is setting up an autonomous ship test site at the Port of Gulfport to support on-water testing and commissioning of its vessels. Local Economy: Calcasieu Parish tourism hit 7.5 million visitors in 2025, generating about $900 million in spending. Business & Community: Demolition of the long-blighted Lindy Boggs Medical Center in New Orleans is set to begin this week.

Port NOLA: The port hired a new VP to shepherd the Violet terminal, signaling continued investment in New Orleans’ cargo infrastructure. Business Appointments: Jones Walker added special counsel Emma Moppert; Port of New Orleans finance leader Brad Guilmino was named VP of finance and innovative delivery; and the Ella Project expanded its board with Travis Henry and Petr Verner. Education & Logistics: Zachary school bus routes are being disrupted by state bridge weight-limit reclassifications, forcing longer walks and reroutes for students. Public Health & Food Safety: Albertsons recalled jalapeño-linked products sold in Louisiana after possible salmonella contamination tied to a broader supplier recall. Energy & Policy: A new analysis argues the Iran war underscores the economic costs of fossil-fuel reliance and calls for ending the Jones Act, which it says raises shipping costs. Local Economy & Events: The Red Dress Run returned to the French Quarter, raising funds for nonprofits and boosting visitor traffic.

Food Safety Recall: Albertsons is recalling four jalapeño-containing salsa and salad items from Taylor Farms after possible Salmonella contamination, including products sold at Albertsons, Randalls and Tom Thumb in Louisiana; consumers should not eat them and can return for refunds. Public Health & Utilities: New Orleans’ Sewerage and Water Board issued a precautionary boil water advisory for the entire West Bank after a contractor damaged a main near General DeGaulle Avenue and Indiana Street, dropping pressure below 20 psi. Federal/Legal: The U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy providing the deciding support amid criticism over Blanche’s past DOJ actions. Politics & Economy: Kamala Harris told a Louisiana Democrats gala in New Orleans that the wealth gap and rising costs are driving economic inequality, using examples from the South. Education Funding: St. Tammany school officials are revising budgets after Gov. Jeff Landry’s executive order shifted teacher stipend costs to districts, leaving some employee categories excluded. Local Business/Community: Louisiana Tech is open to future naming-rights deals for its Thomas Assembly Center if the right partner comes forward, while ULM announced a b1BANK naming partnership for its arena and athletics bank. Energy/Industry: A new permanent beach debuts in Monroe at Reaper Fest, highlighting local tourism and vendor activity tied to the Ouachita River.

DOJ Leadership Shakeup: Todd Blanche, a former Trump defense lawyer, was confirmed as U.S. attorney general in a tight 50-49 Senate vote after Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy switched to support him; two GOP holdouts, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted no over concerns including a proposed “anti-weaponization” fund and DOJ politicization. New Orleans Infrastructure: A damaged water main has triggered another west-bank boil-water advisory for New Orleans customers, with SWBNO saying pressure dropped after contractor damage and samples must clear the state health lab. Local Business & Consumer Trust: A Lake Charles woman alleges a Kia dealership removed parts from her vehicle after a tire repair request, sparking an online dispute over “borrowed” components and warranty coverage. City Services & Property Costs: Residents are pushing back on New Orleans’ slow cleanup of overgrown lots, arguing the city isn’t enforcing codes fast enough amid budget strain. Energy Policy Watch: Greenland warned about a Trump-linked oil drilling plan proceeding without local authorization, adding to the week’s broader energy-policy churn.

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.