Modernization project: The U.S. Energy Department is awarding Entergy $13.7 million to modernize power delivery across Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi and support growing demand from industrial, manufacturing and data center development. The four-year project will deploy dynamic line rating technology and other upgrades across 1,125 miles of transmission lines, potentially increasing power capacity by 29% to 61%. The upgrades are designed to reduce congestion, defer costly transmission investments and improve grid reliability while supporting regional economic growth.
GDP growth revised up: The U.S. economy grew at a revised 2.2% annual pace in the second quarter—up from the previous 1.5% estimate—helped by stronger consumer spending and a 9% increase in business investment. Consumer spending rose 3.8%, while imports, boosted by shipments of AI-related equipment, cut nearly 1.7 percentage points from growth. The economy’s underlying strength grew 4.6%, though economists noted its increasing reliance on AI investment and wealth effects among higher-income households. The Associated Press has the full story.
Imports up 5.5%: The U.S. merchandise trade deficit widened 11.5% in August to $132.6 billion, the largest gap since early 2025 and well above economists’ $115 billion estimate. Imports rose 5.5%, led by a 16.6% increase in industrial supplies and higher imports of computers, semiconductors and telecommunications equipment, while exports increased 1.9%. The wider deficit could weigh on third-quarter GDP growth, as trade and inventories data are used in the government’s upcoming economic estimate. Bloomberg has the full story.
