LNG & Port Fourchon: Argent LNG formally submitted its waterway suitability assessment to the U.S. Coast Guard for its proposed 25 million tpy LNG export terminal at Port Fourchon, a key step alongside its FERC and DOE actions. Energy & Grid Politics: Entergy Louisiana’s plan to build gas plants tied to Meta’s AI data center drew pushback from utility watchdogs and advocates, who urged regulators to slow down and demanded more public information. Workforce & Training: SOWELA Technical Community College in Oakdale opened a new multipurpose training space and STEM energy showcase projects funded by ExxonMobil, expanding hands-on capacity for local learners and educators. Education Infrastructure: Pointe Coupee Parish replaced long-used temporary school buildings with new classrooms, added STEM learning spaces, and is rolling out a STAR Academy program plus a new welding shop. Sports NIL Oversight: Louisiana now requires athlete-agent and attorney registration for NIL representation, including background checks and mandatory training, with the law taking effect Aug. 1. Local Business & Permitting: Shreveport’s “Block by Block” revitalization and permitting reforms won international Bronze Excellence awards from the International Economic Development Council. Food Safety: In Shreveport–Bossier, six restaurants had three or more critical health violations in July 20–26 inspections, according to the state’s retail food dashboard. Industry Finance: Westlake and Westlake Chemical Partners reported improved second-quarter results, including higher net income/EBITDA and ongoing distribution coverage. Agriculture & Livestock: Louisiana’s 50th annual racehorse auction at Coushatta generated more than $6.2M in sales, with 329 quarter horses sold.