American politician and attorney, governor of Louisiana since 2024
Trump-backed Julia Letlow has won the Louisiana Senate runoff, consolidating support for his slate in Republican primaries. The race highlights Trump’s continued influence while Democratic challengers eye a path to regain control of Congress.
The Louisiana attorney general has been indicted on 16 counts related to alleged intimidation and malfeasance as part of a clash over a law that eliminates the Orleans Parish criminal court clerk’s post. The state supreme court has paused proceedings for now, citing procedural defects, while Governor Landry vows a swift pardon if warranted.
Meta has expanded its Hyperion AI data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana to at least 5 gigawatts of compute capacity at a cost surpassing $50 billion. The project, already a major AI infrastructure push, is expected to create over 1,000 jobs and bring billions in local contracts and infrastructure investments.
The Sunshine Protection Act has passed the House to make daylight saving time permanent in most of the United States. Senate consideration is uncertain and health experts warn permanent DST could disrupt sleep, while some communities push for permanent standard time. The decision hinges on balancing public health, regional impacts, and the logistics of time-zone alignment.
The Louisiana Supreme Court has paused the July 2 indictment against Attorney General Jeff Murrill, citing procedural flaws by the local court and the special prosecutor. A federal-style response from state authorities includes calls for pardons and ongoing political tensions between Republicans and New Orleans Democrats. The case is ordered closed while further review occurs.
Greenland Energy plans to drill in Jameson Land amid warnings from Greenlandic regulators. The government says landings require mineral resources approval, while a drilling effort linked to US interests faces political pressure as local authorities weigh conservation commitments against potential oil reserves.
SpaceX has pledged $100 billion to build a 125,000‑acre Starbase in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, that it says will support thousands of Starship launches a year, add about 3,000 direct jobs and include propellant production, power generation and deep‑water shipping. Construction is scheduled to start in 2027; SpaceX targets initial launches by 2029 while state officials give a 2030 timeline.
An eight-year-old girl from Ruston, Louisiana, has died after contracting Naegleria fowleri, a rare brain-eating amoeba found in warm freshwater. Officials say exposure most likely occurred at Lake Claiborne during summer; the infection is nearly always fatal. Authorities stress caution for swimmers and nose-clipping to reduce risk.
SpaceX has announced a $100 billion plan to develop a 125,000-acre Starbase Louisiana on Pecan Island, expanding beyond Texas and Florida. The site will host methane production, power generation, deep-water shipping, vehicle processing, and potentially an on-site airport. Construction starts next year, with the first launch expected in 2029, creating more than 3,000 jobs.
The SEC has filed a federal lawsuit against LSU, Lane Kiffin, and university leaders to enforce rules barring former professional athletes from returning to college rosters. A Louisiana state court had previously issued an injunction, creating a legal clash that could affect LSU’s season opener against Clemson. Wright and Harris, two former LSU players, are at the center of the dispute.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged a €200 million partnership package to Greenland during a visit to Nuuk, funding connectivity, clean energy and critical-minerals projects over 2026–27 and signalling closer EU engagement as Arctic security becomes more contested.
The SEC has discussed potential action against LSU in a federal lawsuit surrounding Lane Kiffin’s bid to roster former NFL players. LSU has finalized its 2026 roster without Wright or Harris, deeming the issue moot. The clash now centers on conference rules and leadership’s response as a Thursday meeting considers possible sanctions or dissolution.