Meet the economic developers who are shaping the state’s growth

A quiet transformation is redefining economic development in Louisiana, as regional organizations assume a more hands-on role in shaping outcomes, Business Report writes in...

Big LNG agreements are ahead for Louisiana facilities

Louisiana is positioned to play a key role in Saudi Aramco’s next U.S. LNG push, with the company expected to sign supply agreements tied...

The turmoil deepens as FEMA’s controversial top leader quits

Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson has resigned after a turbulent six months leading the nation’s disaster-response agency, The Washington Post reports.  The departure deepens uncertainty...

Could this be a sign of economic instability?

More people are falling behind on paying their bills to keep the lights on and heat their homes, according to a new analysis of...

Why Louisiana’s growing budget is deemed ‘unsustainable’ by analysts

Louisiana’s budget has ballooned over the past decade, growing 71% as federal dollars—especially Medicaid funds—boosted overall spending far beyond inflation. A new Center Square analysis...

How one US metropolis is tackling the lack of affordable housing 

Los Angeles is testing a bold bet: Cut red tape, accelerate approvals and watch affordable housing finally pencil out, The Wall Street Journal writes.  Under...

Roundup: New solar farm / Flight restrictions lifted / Memory chip shortage 

Powering up: A new 100-megawatt solar farm near Monroe is complete, with electricity expected to reach the Ouachita Parish grid by year’s end. The...

Landry’s higher ed task force calls for switching to a conservative accreditor

Louisiana could soon shift to a new conservative-led accrediting body, Louisiana Illuminator writes.  The shift comes under recommendations from Gov. Jeff Landry’s higher education task...

Roundup: Plank Road / Food tariff reductions / Retirement plans

Economic district on hold: A proposal to create the Delmont Economic Development District along Plank Road was deferred by the Metro Council, amid mixed...

Planning Commission to hear revised plans for Baker subdivision

The Planning Commission will review plans for a subdivision with more than 165 homes on a roughly 90-acre tract along Comite Drive in Baker...

Private equity firm in talks to acquire Topgolf for roughly $1B

Topgolf Callaway Brands is exploring a sale of its Topgolf division, with private equity firm Leonard Green in advanced talks to acquire the business,...

University of Louisiana System planning to restructure

The University of Louisiana System is launching a sweeping restructuring study as several campuses grapple with multimillion-dollar budget crises, Louisiana Illuminator writes. The system’s board...

Local shop is seeing a surge of interest in handmade gifting

Needlepoint is emerging as a go-to holiday gift strategy as more consumers opt for handmade presents over traditional retail spending, 225 writes.  Local shop The...

Ethics board clears sportsbooks to make political donations

Louisiana’s long-standing ban on political donations from casino companies doesn’t extend to the fast-growing sports betting industry, according to a new Louisiana Board of...

Roundup: Oil inventories / Fleur de Lis Pizza / Fallen deputy

Above forecasts: U.S. crude inventories jumped 6.4 million barrels last week—far above forecasts—as domestic production hit a record 13.9 million barrels per day and...

What companies think the job market will look like for college grads in 2026

The job market for the Class of 2026 is shaping up to be the weakest in years, as employers brace for economic uncertainty and...

What Chevron’s CEO is saying about future LNG supply and demand

Chevron is forecasting steady global growth in LNG demand but warns the market could face lower prices later this decade as a wave of...

Argent LNG unveils plans for a new export terminal at Port Fourchon

Argent LNG is proposing a new multibillion-dollar export terminal in Port Fourchon.  The 25 million-ton-per-year facility, announced Wednesday, would position the company among the largest...

More American workers are turning to side gigs due to job insecurity

As workers face frozen salaries, inflation and fear of layoffs, some have decided to branch out from their traditional careers. They’re taking on side...

State subsidies for data centers are often concealed

A new Good Jobs First report warns that most states offering data center incentives conceal which companies benefit, limiting public oversight, Louisiana Illuminator writes.  The...