New investment frontiers: Louisiana received federal approval for all 156 nominated census tracts as its next generation of Opportunity Zones, including 82 rural and 74 nonrural areas across the state’s eight regions. Taking effect Jan. 1, the designations will last 10 years and offer federal tax benefits to qualifying investments aimed at encouraging private capital, business growth and job creation. The state selected the tracts through a regional process involving economic development organizations, business leaders and community stakeholders.
Sundays at City Park: BREC will launch its first Sundays at City Park event on Nov. 29, allowing visitors to walk the historic golf course while preserving its nine-hole layout. The trial will help BREC evaluate visitor use, course conditions and community feedback before potentially introducing monthly Sunday afternoon events beginning in February, while also considering additional improvements to park amenities and golf facilities. Separately, BREC plans to invest $1 million in parishwide golf course improvements in 2027 and is seeking $22.4 million in state funding for a new recreation and aquatic center at Brooks Park in Old South Baton Rouge.
Gaming license clash: Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced that a state judge has issued a temporary restraining order barring Kalshi, Polymarket, Coinbase, Robinhood and other prediction-market operators from continuing to operate in Louisiana without a gaming license. Murrill argues that prediction markets constitute illegal gambling under state law and that operators cannot avoid licensing, regulatory oversight or taxes by labeling their activities differently. She warned that unlicensed gambling is a crime punishable by jail time and significant financial penalties.
What poses the biggest risk to Louisiana’s next wave of LNG investment?
