AGP Executive Report

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.

Energy & Environment: Sierra Club says Louisiana’s LDEQ must do deeper economic and public-trust analysis before issuing an air permit for Hyundai Steel’s proposed facility, including verifying job claims, weighing community impacts, and considering alternative sites. State Finance & Pensions: LASERS will name Travis McIlwain executive director on Nov. 1, replacing Trey Boudreaux; the system manages about $17.2B in assets as of June 2025. Water Infrastructure: Opelousas faces a main-line repair that may bring low pressure and discoloration; Abbeville issued a system-wide boil-water advisory; St. Martinville shut off water for a valve repair with boil-water guidance for affected customers. Workforce & Trucking: FMCSA expands its Military Skills Test Waiver for veterans, extending eligibility to two years after active duty; the move is tied to the Trump “Freedom Haulers” push. Fraud Enforcement: U.S. attorneys in Louisiana highlight recent fraud prosecutions under DOJ’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. Local Governance: New Orleans City Council advanced measures to expand oversight of the Sewerage & Water Board, with council budget authority set to begin Aug. 1. Insurance: State Farm Louisiana policyholders can expect dividends averaging $138 per vehicle, with payments rolling out through the rest of the year. Business Growth: Shipley Donuts reports strong first-half momentum, adding franchise agreements and expanding catering and new menu items in Louisiana and beyond.

Construction Hiring Watch: The Associated General Contractors warns construction employment is “stagnant or declining” in more than half of U.S. metro areas, but Baton Rouge still added about 10,200 jobs (+22%) over the past year. Student Finance: LendKey and Member Student Lending awarded 10 $2,000 scholarships to credit union members, including a New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union student. Louisiana Tax Shift: A new report finds states are raising sales taxes far more often than they cut income taxes, pushing more costs onto lower-income households. Nuclear + Data Centers: Louisiana is a DOE Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus finalist and pitched storing radioactive waste under the Gulf, tying the plan to next-gen nuclear growth and data-center power demand. Tech Spending Pressure: Meta reported record revenue but weak free cash flow and a cautious outlook as AI spending spooks investors, while Microsoft’s AI-driven momentum helped results. Public Safety + Health: Attorneys general urged stronger “Know Your Customer” rules to curb robocall scams, and a CDC study suggests invasive mold infections may be far more deadly and common than previously thought. Local Business Growth: Downtown Lafayette Unlimited says downtown visits are up 33% since 2020, signaling momentum for the urban core. Water Woes: Boil water advisories and water disruptions hit parts of Acadiana, including Abbeville and Opelousas.

Data Center & Jobs: Meta narrowed its 2026 capex forecast to $130B-$145B as it pushes deeper into AI data centers, with Louisiana’s Richland Parish project already drawing local business activity. Energy Reliability: Another heat advisory hit Acadiana, while the Southwest Power Pool got a federal emergency order to keep the grid stable as demand spikes. Small Business Relief: The SBA is closing its Slidell office after Tropical Storm Arthur, with remaining help limited to select parishes and applications shifting online. Housing Costs: A new study ranks Iowa as the cheapest state to buy a house, underscoring how buyers are hunting for affordability as prices stay high. Legal/Policy: Louisiana’s Supreme Court chief justice responded to a recusal fight tied to a major Blue Cross/Blue Shield case and judicial pay disputes. Local Business & Community: Catholic Charities of North Louisiana is gearing up for its Bingo on the Bayou fundraiser to support financial education and immigration legal services. Deadline Alert: Louisiana taxpayers have until Sept. 4 to claim more than $17.5M in unclaimed tax refunds.

Data Center Finance Watch: Meta is paying about 7.5% to borrow $12.5B for a new AI data center campus in El Paso, with BlackRock-backed funds holding 80% and Meta taking a 20% stake—keeping the debt off its balance sheet via a lease-and-ownership structure. Local Governance & Growth: New Orleans-area leaders are debating how to regulate big data centers, with Iberville officials flagging not just decibel noise but also high-frequency impacts on livestock and pets. Energy & Jobs: The U.S. Department of Energy named Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Idaho as potential Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus states, setting up a new push for the nuclear fuel cycle and related investment. Trade & Housing Costs: Canadian wildfires and proposed tariffs on wood products are pushing up softwood lumber prices, raising the odds of higher housing costs. Port of New Orleans: Port NOLA tapped Brad Guilmino as VP of Finance and Innovative Delivery to lead major capital work, including the Louisiana International Terminal. Community & Housing: The Willows apartments in New Orleans East are starting a privately funded redevelopment, with residents facing relocation as security upgrades begin. Agriculture & Policy: House Speaker Mike Johnson met Louisiana farmers to discuss trade pressures and economic struggles, warning more farms could close without regulatory relief. Business Recognition: Ruston software firm QMS2GO won a 2026 Hermes Creative Awards Gold for its AI-native quality management platform.

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.