New political director: LABI has hired Jordan Riggs as political director to lead its statewide election and political action committee efforts ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Riggs brings more than a decade of experience in political campaigns, public affairs and strategic communications, including work on Louisiana congressional, gubernatorial and legislative races, and will oversee LABI’s four regional PACs. He will work with LABI members, candidates and elected officials to support pro-business leaders and policies aimed at strengthening Louisiana’s business climate, attracting investment and expanding economic opportunity.
AI-powered business builder: Huntington National Bank has developed The 1866 Studio, an AI-powered business operating system built using Google Cloud’s Gemini platform to help entrepreneurs start, manage and grow their businesses. The platform’s initial capabilities include AI-guided business launch plans, marketing and social media content creation, funding-source identification and loan-readiness assistance, combining automated workflows with financial expertise and business guidance. Small business owners and entrepreneurs, including those who are not Huntington customers, can sign up for early access beginning Oct. 19.
14-year low: U.S. homebuilder confidence fell three points to 29 this month, its lowest level since June 2012, as mortgage rates above 7%, labor shortages and high construction costs weigh on the housing market. Weak buyer demand and elevated new-home inventory are pushing builders to offer discounts and incentives, with 43% cutting prices and about two-thirds offering incentives to attract customers. Bloomberg has the full story.
