AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Fuel Talks: The U.S. Department of Energy picked Louisiana for talks on a potential nuclear lifecycle innovation campus, joining Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah and Idaho—an effort aimed at fuel processing and recycling that could mean billions in investment and high-tech jobs. Data Center Growth & Local Business: Meta’s massive Richland Parish data center build is already boosting hiring and sales for local suppliers and service firms as construction ramps up. Grid Strain & Heat Risk: Another heat advisory hit Acadiana, while the DOE issued an emergency order for the Southwest Power Pool to keep reliability steady as demand spikes. Industrial Materials Reuse: A South Louisiana firm is turning retired offshore drilling risers into lighter recycled construction aggregate for roads, parking and marine projects, cutting landfill waste and hauling weight. Workforce Pipeline: unCommon Construction is expanding a paid Baton Rouge construction apprenticeship model for ages 16–20, pairing students with industry jobs and scholarships. Manufacturing Expansion: NPK Access Solutions plans a $40M expansion in Carencro, adding 38 jobs and boosting production capacity. Education & Training: ITI Technical College earned ACCSC “School of Excellence” status for the second straight cycle, citing strong student outcomes and compliance. Infrastructure Advocacy: The Transportation Construction Coalition is pushing Congress for long-term surface transportation funding, using Louisiana’s I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge replacement as a case study on freight delays and costs.

AI Infrastructure Finance: Meta is paying about 7.5% to borrow $12.5B for a roughly one-gigawatt El Paso data center campus, with BlackRock-backed funds owning 80% and Meta taking a 20% stake while leasing the capacity. Local Governance & Growth: Iberville Parish is paving the way for road upgrades, with a servitude deal for Jesse Romig Drive and progress on La. 995 (Avondale Road) nearing completion. Data Centers, But Make It Local: At a national NaCO conference, Louisiana officials flagged concerns beyond economics—especially noise impacts on livestock and pets and pressure on local water supplies—pushing for smarter ordinances. Energy & Climate Costs: Louisiana HVAC pros warn extreme heat is stressing AC systems and driving up bills, urging routine maintenance and filter changes. Solar Payback Shrinks: Across the U.S., states are cutting rooftop solar credits, and Louisiana’s lower-value net metering makes payback harder. Agriculture & Trade: House Speaker Mike Johnson met Louisiana farmers to discuss fuel, fertilizer, and import competition squeezing commodities like rice, sugarcane, beef, and timber. Nuclear Fuel Cycle: DOE named Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho as potential host states for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, setting up major workforce and investment talks. Construction Materials Watch: Canadian wildfires and proposed tariffs are pushing up wood-product prices, raising the odds of higher housing costs. Manufacturing Software Win: Ruston-based QMS2GO won Hermes Creative Awards Gold for its AI-native ISO 9001 quality management platform.

Nuclear Fuel Push: The U.S. Department of Energy named Tennessee, Louisiana, Utah, Oklahoma and Idaho as potential host states for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, aiming to modernize the full nuclear fuel cycle and potentially spur up to $50B in investment and tens of thousands of jobs. Food Safety Watch: FDA officials told New Orleans food-safety experts the U.S. food supply is safe even as cyclospora cases hit record levels and a multistate salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs continues to grow. Local Energy & Industry: Shreveport leaders celebrated progress on the Petro Tower Lofts redevelopment, a $30M plan to convert the historic Petroleum Tower into 117 apartments plus retail. Public Safety Operations: Baton Rouge police say the landfill search for Ja’Derrius Minnieweather is still ongoing with no end date, reporting expanded daily processing and more than 1,000 tons handled so far. Workforce & Agriculture: USDA is making $35M available for partnerships to respond to feral swine, including Louisiana, with projects aimed at protecting farms, landscapes and livestock health.

Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy placed Louisiana and 16 other states under an emergency order to let the Southwest Power Pool dispatch extra power and avoid heat-driven blackouts as temperatures spike. LNG & Industrial Tech: Baker Hughes won a major liquefaction technology order for Venture Global’s CP2 LNG expansion in Louisiana, adding six liquefaction blocks and related compression trains. AI Data Centers & Power Politics: Meta’s Louisiana AI buildout is drawing fresh scrutiny after the company left the RE100 clean-energy pledge, backing gas plants to power data centers while still claiming it will match electricity use with renewables. Local Infrastructure: Bossier Parish is set to receive a $25 million federal grant for an east-west corridor project extending Winfield Road, aiming to improve safety and connectivity. Food Safety: In Shreveport–Bossier, five restaurants logged three or more critical health violations in inspections from July 13–19, with the state noting inspections are a snapshot and posted with a delay. Community & Preservation: New Orleans awarded $97,500 to French Quarter businesses affected by Sewerage and Water Board construction, while a dispute over restoring Madame John’s Legacy in the French Quarter remains unresolved.

Workforce & Education: Cornerstone Chemical honored 13 Louisiana students with scholarships and STEM leadership support, while Nunez Community College received a $1 million Lowe’s Foundation gift to expand electrical, construction and HVAC training capacity. Skilled Trades & School Construction: Ryan Companies finished Louisiana charter school projects in Covington and Maurice, with more expansions planned statewide. Energy Reliability: The U.S. DOE issued an emergency power order covering 17 states, including Louisiana, authorizing Southwest Power Pool to tap backup generation ahead of extreme heat and blackout risk. Louisiana LNG: Argent LNG won key DOE export approval for up to 25MMtpa from Port Fourchon, strengthening Louisiana’s role in allied LNG supply. Public Health & Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled Midwest Poultry Services eggs has sickened 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, including Louisiana. Local Business Growth: Community Bank of Louisiana broke ground on a new Shreveport location, and Budatan Asian Cuisine announced a Lake Charles expansion. Culinary Spotlight: New Orleans was selected as the kickoff city for the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America series.

LNG Exports: Argent LNG won a 20-year U.S. Department of Energy green light to export up to ~25 million tons per year from Port Fourchon in Lafourche, covering FTA countries and future agreements. Energy Reliability: The U.S. Energy Department issued an emergency order letting the Southwest Power Pool tap idle generation across a 17-state region stretching to Louisiana to prevent heat-wave blackouts. AI Power Debate: Meta exited the RE100 clean-energy pact as its gas-powered data center buildout accelerates, while separate coverage highlights how financing choices are shaping the environmental footprint of the AI buildout. Industrial Dealmaking: Bernhard Capital Partners is selling the parent of Epic Piping, a Livingston Parish pipe fabricator, as more south Louisiana firms draw private equity amid Gulf Coast infrastructure, energy, LNG, and advanced manufacturing demand. Food Safety: FDA and partners issued a recall of nearly 1.6 million dozen cage-free eggs tied to potential Salmonella contamination, with distribution reaching Louisiana retailers. Agriculture: LSU AgCenter sugarcane producers are facing a big harvest outlook tempered by the arrival of the invasive pasture mealybug. Local Infrastructure & Resilience: Tulane is building major stormwater storage underground on campus, including chambers holding 440,000 gallons to ease drainage pressure during heavy rain. Workforce/Business Growth: American Safety, a Belle Chasse industrial safety and transport firm, expanded into multiple services and now supports major Louisiana institutions and events.

Food Safety Recall: The FDA is warning shoppers to check fridges after Midwest Poultry Services pulled nearly 1.6 million cartons of eggs tied to a Salmonella enteritidis risk, with illnesses reported across 17 states; the recall includes Kroger and Brookshire’s-branded eggs sold in Louisiana and other southern states, with sell-by dates running July 20–Aug. 17. Energy & Industry Costs: Entergy signed the White House Ratepayer Protection Pledge, aiming to keep AI data-center power costs from driving up bills; the company says its “Fair Share Plus” plan would add safeguards and penalties, and the event highlighted Meta’s large Louisiana project in Richland Parish. Local Construction Watch: Culver’s and Raising Cane’s are both moving forward on new builds in the region, signaling continued fast-casual expansion tied to existing retail sites. Public Safety: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill’s Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested a Bossier City man on 582 felony counts tied to child sexual abuse material and an illegal child sex doll, after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Public Utilities Oversight Shift: New Orleans’ Sewerage and Water Board oversight moves to the City Council Aug. 1, with council leaders already pushing for management and financial changes after recent flooding, pump failures, and long-running billing/customer-service complaints. Food Safety & Supply Chain: The FDA says a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people in 17 states, with about 19 million eggs pulled; investigators say shell eggs from Midwest Poultry Services are a likely source, while they keep looking for other links. Energy & Refining Pressure: U.S. refineries are running near full capacity, raising concerns that sustained high utilization could increase equipment-failure risk and tighten fuel supplies. Healthcare Research: Ochsner Baton Rouge highlights expanding clinical research aimed at faster recovery and better outcomes, including orthopedic studies using advanced testing. Workforce/Community Access: A New Orleans nonprofit is tackling “summer melt” by helping students clear enrollment hurdles and meet deadlines so more accepted students actually start college. Business Moves: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana promotes Sabrina Hogan; Kean Miller adds Allison Colón; and New Orleans-area legal and architecture leadership updates signal continued growth in local professional services.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA says a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people in 17 states, with 26 hospitalizations; investigators point to Midwest Poultry Services shell eggs sold at Kroger in Texas and Louisiana and at Brookshire Grocery stores across several southern states, prompting consumers to check cartons and return or throw them out. Consumer Protection: Louisiana’s new debit card surcharge law (Act 751) kicks in Aug. 1, banning hidden fees on debit transactions and allowing cardholders to sue after written notice and a chance for businesses to cure. Energy & Industry: Meta’s data-center push is again in the spotlight as the company leaves the RE100 clean-energy pledge while continuing to rely on new gas power deals, including for its Louisiana facilities. Local Business & Finance: Keesler Federal Credit Union marked CEO Andy Swoger’s 10-year run with growth in branches, assets, membership, and sponsorships that include New Orleans sports teams. Louisiana Economy & Policy: A coalition urges faster Army Corps permitting and more use of dredged sediment for coastal restoration, arguing bureaucracy can delay storm protection.

AI Data Centers & Power Costs: Trump expanded his Ratepayer Protection Pledge at the EPA, saying AI data centers and big tech must “pay their own way,” with Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Entergy at the White House; a utility watchdog says pledges won’t stop higher bills. Energy/Corporate Climate: Meta quit the RE100 clean-energy pledge amid its gas-powered AI buildout, including Louisiana power deals. Food Safety: FDA and CDC linked a Salmonella outbreak to recalled eggs from Midwest Poultry Services; 98 illnesses in 17 states (including Louisiana) and about 1.6M dozen eggs recalled sold at Kroger and Brookshire. Public Health/Produce: Taylor Farms issued a new statement amid the Cyclospora investigation, saying it broadened recalls and suspended central Mexico iceberg lettuce sourcing. Housing & Growth: A new bipartisan housing law in Richland/Monroe area aims to boost affordable supply, with builders citing Meta-driven demand. Local Development: Kenner’s Laketown is moving toward a $19M concert amphitheater on Lake Pontchartrain. Community/Quality of Life: New Orleans’ Cut-Off splash pad opened after nearly $1M in funding. Law Enforcement: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill’s LBI arrested a Bossier City man on hundreds of child sexual abuse material counts and a child sex doll charge.

Port & Seafood Infrastructure: Grand Isle Port Commission won a $2.7 million HUD grant to upgrade the Oak Lane Dock and Shrimp Dock facilities, aiming to strengthen commercial seafood operations and local resilience. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people across 17 states; Kroger and Brookshire stores in Louisiana received the implicated Texas-farmed eggs, with FDA urging shoppers to check sell-by dates and return or discard. Public Health: CDC expanded its cyclosporiasis investigation to nine states, including Louisiana, tied to recalled iceberg lettuce linked to Taco Bell exposure; officials note earlier testing confusion and keep guidance on the specific recalled product. Energy & Utilities: The Trump administration’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge is expanding, with Louisiana utilities and major data center players arguing companies should pay for power and grid upgrades; consumer advocates warn the non-binding plan may not prevent higher bills. Local Transportation: New Orleans secured bond money to repair the closed South Broad Street on-ramp, with an estimated $3.5 million project and a target reopening window in 2027. Agriculture Recovery: USDA announced disaster assistance options for Louisiana producers hit by recent flooding, including livestock and feed loss support programs. Business & Industry: Argent LNG received DOE approval to export up to 25 MTPA of LNG from its proposed Louisiana terminal for 20 years to free-trade agreement countries.

AI Power Cost Fight: President Trump expanded his Ratepayer Protection Pledge, saying major tech firms will “build, bring, or buy” the power and grid upgrades for AI data centers so households don’t eat the bill; critics call it voluntary, but Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry says Meta’s Louisiana deal covers transmission upgrades and could save ratepayers $2.6B. Louisiana Energy & Industry: SWEPCO also signed the pledge, promising not to raise bills tied to AI data center growth in its service area (northwest Louisiana included). Food Safety: FDA reports Midwest Poultry Services is recalling nearly 1.6M dozen eggs from Texas over possible Salmonella Enteritidis; products reached retailers including Kroger and Brookshire in Texas and Louisiana, with no illnesses reported. Local Infrastructure: New Orleans secured bond funding to repair the Broad Street on-ramp, closed since 2024; repairs are pegged at $3.5M with construction targeted for 2027. Business & Labor: USDA announced $80M in guaranteed loans to expand timber processing in Nevada and Oregon, aiming to boost domestic production and reduce wildfire risk.

AI Power Costs & Data Centers: President Trump expanded his non-binding “Ratepayer Protection Pledge,” saying tech and utilities will cover new electricity infrastructure costs as AI data centers surge, with Gov. Jeff Landry and Entergy among signatories. Food Safety: Midwest Poultry Services recalled about 1.6 million dozen eggs across Texas, Louisiana and other states after possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination; shoppers are urged to check carton codes and return for refunds. Local Business & Hospitality: Omni Royal Orleans opened its renovated La Riviera Rooftop & Pool Bar in the French Quarter, with a new pool, expanded deck seating and cabanas, and more hotel renovations slated through early 2027. Energy & Exports: Argent LNG signed an agreement to explore supplying LNG from a planned Lafourche Parish export terminal to Ukraine’s Naftogaz, targeting up to 25 million metric tons annually. Local Governance: St. Landry Parish reversed course on ending animal control services after public outcry and nonprofit offers to help cover shelter costs. Real Estate/Industry: Marcus & Millichap brokered the sale of a fully leased 35,840-square-foot Broussard industrial facility tied to Drilling Tools International. Food Assistance: SNAP enrollment fell sharply in multiple states, with Louisiana cited at about a 21% decline since July 2025. Courts: A New Orleans hotel owner sued over the city’s claim that the property must maintain 24/7 on-site staffing under current rules.

Construction & Growth: Lauren Gibbs took over Gibbs Construction in 2019 and is steering the Elmwood firm toward $100M in revenue, with major work including the $100M Clearview City Center redevelopment and the $64M Rivana Apartments. Food Safety & Trade: The U.S. House passed the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act, which would let FDA destroy refused foreign food, drugs, devices, and other products tied to significant public health risks—reintroduced by Louisiana lawmakers Clay Higgins and Troy Carter. Public Health & Costs: A new report says restaurant expenses in the U.S. jumped 36% since 2019, with higher labor and wholesale food prices pushing menu costs up. Infrastructure Funding Pressure: Louisiana’s roads and bridges remain a public-safety risk, with calls for Congress to pass a new multi-year transportation bill before Sept. 30. Local Governance & Antitrust: Baton Rouge is exploring an antitrust lawsuit tied to fire truck manufacturers amid rising equipment costs and long delivery waits. Energy & Markets: Louisiana’s pension system increased its indirect Bitcoin exposure by adding 700 shares of Strategy (MSTR).

Hurricane Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in St. Bernard Parish and is expected to move along Louisiana’s coast before weakening inland, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding risks for the Gulf energy and refining corridor. Data Center Policy: Louisiana’s utility regulators are pressing Meta to disclose electricity needs and job creation for its AI data center, with Meta fighting a subpoena—another flashpoint over transparency and costs for residents. Food Safety: The FDA says a Taylor Farms lettuce recall tied to cyclospora remains in effect after a false-positive lab result briefly muddied the story; the outbreak has sickened at least 1,644 people across 27 states, including Louisiana. Workforce & Construction Training: Meta’s push to train craft workers is getting praise from construction education leaders as AI infrastructure ramps up demand for electricians, welders, plumbers, and fiber installers. Local Industry & Skills: Nunez Community College announced fall 2026 heavy equipment certification options, aiming to feed Louisiana’s construction and industrial trades. Consumer & Retail Expansion: A new Cheba Hut is under construction in Baton Rouge’s St. George area, signaling continued growth in local franchise retail.

Energy & Utilities: SWEPCO’s new Hallsville power plant hit a major milestone as massive generation equipment arrived on site, signaling progress on a 450-megawatt natural gas facility. Power Resilience: As grid warnings mount, Buckeye Power Systems urged Louisiana homes and businesses to prep for outages. Industrial Construction: Demolition has begun at Shreveport’s former Libbey Glass site, a 54-acre brownfield effort aimed at creating a “clean,” shovel-ready industrial location. Housing & Development: A Southern University graduate is investing $1M in new Scotlandville student housing, while Louisiana lawmakers also move toward housing supply changes. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved more than $76.3M in post-disaster aid that includes Louisiana projects for debris removal and infrastructure repairs. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to make landfall in Louisiana late Wednesday, with heavy rain and localized flooding the main threat. Food Safety: Louisiana health officials reported cyclosporiasis cases tied to contaminated lettuce, prompting recalls and travel-related warnings. Healthcare Fraud: A foreign national was arrested in a Medicare genetic-testing scheme alleged to top $547M.