COVID-19

Covid-era economy in La. ranked worst

With a June jobless rate of 9.7% and a five-year annualized employment growth rate of negative 2.3%, the Louisiana economy finished worst in a new ranking by the website 24/7 Wall St.

State’s downturn worst since the 1980s

Louisiana will suffer a 5.3% job loss in the first half of this year — 104,400 jobs — due to the impact of COVID-19, according the 2021-22 Louisiana Economic Outlook.

St. Landry Parish students to return to schools

The St. Landry Parish School Board voted to send students in pre-kindergarten to fourth-grade back to school full-time and fifth through 12th grades in a hybrid schedule.

LSU researchers to test campus wastewater for COVID-19 cases

For the last several months, researchers from the LSU College of Engineering and School of Veterinary Medicine have tested wastewater in various areas around East Baton Rouge Parish to track cases of coronavirus.

Free COVID-19 testing offered at LSUE

LSU Eunice, in partnership with the Louisiana National Guard, will host free COVID-19 testing on select days through Sept. 23.

Main Street grants can be paid to additional small businesses

State Treasurer John Schroder announced Thursday all qualifying small businesses now can receive a grant from the Main Street Recovery Program, even if they got prior federal assistance such as a Paycheck Protection Program loan.

COVID-19 batters Acadian Baptist Center

There was reason for celebration at the Acadian Baptist Center where a new worship center was completed in May, but then coronavirus pandemic hit.

Pollution linked to virus transmission

For more than 20 years, LSU Chemical Engineering Professor Kalliat T. Valsaraj’s research has focused on atmospheric aerosols and environmental behavior, including investigating issues like India’s poor air quality for more than 10 years.