Hard Rock Hotel settlement: A judge approved a $106 million settlement ending litigation over the 2019 Hard Rock Hotel collapse in New Orleans that killed three people, with funds to be distributed by a special master. Energy policy: Louisiana won in the 5th Circuit as Biden-era efficiency rules for gas and electric stoves and ovens were set aside, with the court saying the Department of Energy bypassed required public process. Flood resilience: Iberville Parish officials are exploring a regional floodwater pumping station near Bayou Sorrel Locks to address a bottleneck between the Mississippi River and Atchafalaya River system affecting multiple parishes. Local innovation: New Orleans students are turning discarded glass bottles into sand to help rebuild Louisiana’s sinking wetlands. Construction/roads: DOTD is set to start a $9.2 million Colquitt Road repair project in south Caddo Parish, with work expected to run into late spring 2027. Business growth: Louisiana companies landed on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing businesses, including Reliant Mortgage, FabWorks, and multiple Baton Rouge and New Orleans firms. Health & food safety: A widening salmonella recall tied to jalapeños continues to ripple through retail supply chains.