$1.6B gas bet: Lafayette-based Black Bayou Energy Hub is planning a $1.6 billion expansion of natural gas storage and pipeline infrastructure in southwest Louisiana, backed by Mercuria. The project will add storage capacity for 34.7 billion cubic feet of gas near the state’s growing LNG corridor. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with operations targeted for 2028 and more than 1,000 workers employed at peak construction. The Center Square has the full story.
Recalled lettuce off the market: The largest U.S. cyclospora outbreak on record has ended, with nearly 13,000 cases linked to recalled iceberg lettuce across 21 states. Federal officials say the recalled lettuce is off the market, though investigators have not determined exactly how the parasite contaminated the food. The outbreak was linked to lettuce from Taylor Farms grown in Mexico and exposed concerns about declining U.S. inspections of imported produce. The Associated Press has the full story.
Washington’s red ink: The U.S. budget deficit reached nearly $1.97 trillion through the first 11 months of fiscal 2026, with spending and revenues both up about 3% from the same period last year. Rising interest costs are a major pressure, with the government paying about $1 trillion in net interest, more than it spends on defense. The deficit is adding to concerns about rising federal debt, which is projected to reach historically high levels in the coming years. Bloomberg has the full story.
Fed's next meeting
