Here’s the plan: Cheniere plans to expand its liquefied natural gas empire, adding two additional production units in Corpus Christi, Texas, and partnering with a smaller Houston-based LNG company to build new projects in Louisiana. FuelFix.com reports the company has filed paperwork seeking federal approval to build two more liquefaction trains near its proposed LNG export terminal in Corpus Christi, where construction has started on two of the five proposed trains. Cheniere also agreed to team up with Parallax Enterprises to complete two mid-scale projects already under development in places close to pipelines and deep water access. The company unveiled Live Oak LNG on the Calcasieu Ship Channel in southwestern Louisiana earlier this year and in April, acquired Louisiana LNG on the Mississippi River south of New Orleans. Read the full story.
Under oath: Gayle Benson, the former interior decorator who is now first in line to inherit New Orleans’ NFL and NBA franchises, was called Wednesday to testify in a trial examining husband Tom Benson’s mental competency. Benson chose his wife as his primary successor and disowned relatives who’d previously been in line to take over his business empire. Tom Benson’s daughter, Renee Benson, and her children, Rita and Ryan LeBlanc, allege that Gayle Benson has isolated the 87-year-old New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner from family and—with help from key team executives—manipulated him while he was in a weakened mental state. The Associated Press reports that following about 4½ hours of testimony in a closed courtroom, Gayle Benson helped her husband, who was walking with a cane, into the back of their Mercedes-Benz, and said, “My baby’s tough,” to which Tom Benson added, “She made me tough.” Read the full story.
Wading through it: State officials are sending recovery teams to rural northwest Louisiana to assess flood damage from the Red River as homes and farmland remain under water. Kevin Davis of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness announced this morning that the teams will gather information in support of possible federal assistance. Officials will request a federal disaster declaration. Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives are expected in the Shreveport-Bossier City area next week, The Associated Press reports. Damage has been spreading as floodwaters from storms in neighboring Oklahoma and Texas overwhelm the river. Firm numbers on homes and businesses affected weren’t available, but the recovery teams hope to get that data. The National Weather Service says river levels will remain high for the next several weeks. The river is expected to crest in areas south of Shreveport during the next several days. The Shreveport Times has further coverage on flooding in the area.
