Water & Infrastructure: Opelousas residents are pressing the city council over water billing and drinkability concerns as the mayoral race heats up; the city’s CPI-linked rate hikes tied to a $20M loan are colliding with frustration over aging infrastructure and communication. College Sports Legacy: LSU baseball icon Skip Bertman, who built a dynasty with five national titles, died at 88. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a multistate egg recall to its highest risk level after a Salmonella outbreak, with more than 38 million eggs affected; separate pet-food recalls also cite Salmonella risk. Energy & Gulf Leasing: Oil companies bid about $82.6M for Gulf of Mexico drilling rights in the latest lease sale, continuing a rapid pace of auctions. Maritime & Shipbuilding: The U.S. awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards to boost equipment and workforce training. AI & Research: LSU scientists are joining a federal “Genesis Mission” push that pairs particle accelerators and nuclear research with AI. Local Economy & Jobs: A Monroe luncheon highlighted major infrastructure progress and touted Meta’s data center impact on jobs and households. Public Works Disruptions: DOTD plans I-49 lane closures in Shreveport due to heat-buckled concrete repairs. Agriculture Support: Smith Family Farms donated 500 pounds of beef to the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana. Governance & Schools: Baton Rouge school board elections could reshape power on a board with a long GOP and White majority. Data Centers Debate: A guest column argues data centers can be a net plus for Louisiana if energy and policy roadblocks are cleared.