Spending lacks clarity: Louisiana allocated $3.2 billion to nonprofits from fiscal 2021-22 through 2024-25, with annual spending rising to $942 million, according to the state Legislative Auditor’s office. The Department of Education accounted for $1.9 billion, primarily for charter schools, private school services and education programs. A state law aimed at improving transparency has fallen short due to inconsistent agency reporting, prompting the auditor to recommend legislative changes. Louisiana Illuminator has the full story.
Williams expanding: Williams Cos. will acquire Momentum Midstream for $5.5 billion in cash, debt and stock, strengthening its natural gas pipeline network and position in the Haynesville shale region of Louisiana and east Texas. Momentum operates 4,000 miles of pipelines connecting the region to Gulf Coast liquefied natural gas export terminals, power plants and industrial customers. Williams also announced a $1.5 billion Transco pipeline expansion and another Louisiana pipeline project as U.S. LNG exports are expected to grow significantly by 2030. Energy Now has the full story.
Tech tensions escalate: China criticized a U.S. ban on DeepSeek artificial intelligence products across federal civilian agencies, which cites concerns that Chinese authorities could access sensitive U.S. data. The restrictions prohibit agencies from using or purchasing DeepSeek products and related third-party services, escalating tensions between the two countries in the global AI race. The dispute comes ahead of a planned November meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with AI expected to be among the topics discussed. The Associated Press has the full story.
