173 stories in our archive · page 7 of 8.
Private equity firms are increasingly taking over Louisiana utility systems, including water and sewer operations, leading to significant rate increases for residents. Local ratepayers like Cindy Case-Brown and Connie Norris are challenging these changes through regulatory processes.
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A 19.91-acre site in St. Martin Parish called the Five Sisters Site has been certified for development through One Acadiana's Site Development Program in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development. The property is situated above the 100-year floodplain and is suitable for commercial development.
Read moreJarrod Breaux, a third-generation farmer from the Acadiana area, has been named 2026 Farmer of the Year by the International Rice Festival. The honor recognizes Breaux's independent agricultural operation and contributions to Louisiana's rice farming industry.
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Meta announced a major expansion of its North Louisiana data center, increasing computing capacity to 5 gigawatts and investing over $50 billion in the project. This significant investment represents a substantial commitment to the state's technology infrastructure and economic development.
Read moreAcadiana's sugarcane farmers and researchers are conducting critical monitoring and testing during the summer months to prepare for the upcoming harvest season. The article explores the months of preparation and various factors that farmers and researchers track to ensure a successful crop.
Read moreSouthwest Louisiana, particularly Calcasieu Parish, is reversing a seven-year population and job decline that followed major weather events. According to an economist, the region has turned a corner over the past two years with positive trends in both population retention and job growth.
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Opelousas has secured a $17 million revolving drinking water loan from the Louisiana Department of Health to replace aging galvanized water lines throughout the city's water distribution system. This infrastructure investment will improve water quality and system reliability for residents.
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Louisiana residents are struggling with significant car loan debt, ranking fourth in the nation with an average auto loan burden of $22,730 per person, according to a new WalletHub study. The state's residents carry a debt-to-income ratio of 42%, indicating that car payments consume a substantial portion of household income for many Louisiana families.
Read moreNorth Lafayette is experiencing significant revitalization with new businesses opening and infrastructure improvements transforming the area. The Northside is seeing vacant buildings converted into thriving commercial spaces as investment continues to reshape the neighborhood. These developments represent growing economic momentum and community reinvestment in the Lafayette area.
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Ochsner Behavioral Health Acadiana officially opened its doors to patients, expanding access to inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services for adolescents, adults, and older adults across southwest Louisiana. The new hospital marks the official transition of Oceans Behavioral Hospital Broussard to Ochsner Behavioral Health Acadiana - Broussard, strengthening mental health services in the region.
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A WalletHub study reveals Louisiana's economic challenges, ranking the state 42nd nationally in average income for the top 5% of earners, 47th in median annual income, and dead last at 50th in average income for the bottom 20%. The findings highlight significant income inequality and lower overall earning potential across Louisiana's population compared to other states.
Read moreThe U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the availability of disaster loans for people affected by Tropical Storm Arthur across multiple Louisiana parishes. Eligible parishes include Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany, and Terrebonne, which are in and around the Acadiana region. These loans are designed to help local businesses and individuals recover from storm-related damages.
Read moreReal estate broker Jim Keaty of Keaty Real Estate has been researching potential SpaceX operations in Vermilion Parish and believes there is credible evidence to take the rumors seriously. The article explores the possible economic impacts such a development could have on the local Acadiana region. Keaty's analysis suggests significant potential benefits for the parish's economy and real estate market.
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Air Products has cancelled its planned $4.5 billion carbon capture project in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. The facility was expected to be a major economic development for the region. The cancellation represents a significant loss for the state's efforts to attract large-scale industrial investment in clean energy technology.
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The City of Opelousas has secured $17 million in state funding through the Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund program to upgrade its water system infrastructure. These improvements will enhance water quality for approximately 6,500 local customers in the area. The investment represents a significant commitment to modernizing the city's drinking water infrastructure.
Read moreThree development sites along Chemin Metairie have been certified as ready for development through One Acadiana's Site Development Program. The certifications mean these properties are shovel-ready for potential investors looking to develop in the area.
Read moreThe USDA is reminding agricultural producers in Louisiana about available disaster loss programs to help farmers and livestock producers recover from adverse weather events. The federal agency offers both technical and financial assistance to support local agricultural recovery efforts.
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U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy has introduced the Home Market Restoration Act of 2026 to protect Louisiana's crawfish, shrimp, rice, catfish and other producers from unfair foreign competition. The legislation aims to safeguard the state's vital seafood and agricultural industries, which have been negatively impacted by imported products. The bill represents an effort to support Louisiana's economically important food production sectors.
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Three sites in Youngsville have earned certification for development through One Acadiana's Site Development Program. The certification will enable long-term business leases and funding for facility improvements at these locations. This initiative is designed to attract and support economic growth in the Youngsville area.
Read moreA letter to the editor discusses Louisiana's aerospace industry and the importance of workforce investment in supporting its growth. The author notes that aerospace discussions are not new to the state, suggesting this is part of an ongoing economic development conversation for Louisiana.
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U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has introduced the Home Market Restoration Act of 2026 to protect Louisiana's agriculture industry from foreign competition. The bill would establish tariff-rate quotas on imported food and agricultural products, particularly benefiting Louisiana's crawfish, shrimp, rice, and catfish producers. This measure aims to shield local producers from unfair foreign competition in key state industries.
Read moreWoodside Energy has announced a $5 million donation to support restoration efforts at a Southwest Louisiana state park damaged by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. The gift will fund restoration work across more than 800 acres and five key habitats within the park, helping the region recover from recent hurricane damage.
Read moreLafayette Fiber has been working to change Louisiana's Local Government Fair Competition Act to reduce regulatory barriers that could hamper its expansion efforts. The company unsuccessfully lobbied the state Legislature this year for these legislative modifications. The push reflects ongoing efforts by the fiber provider to streamline its operations and growth within the state.
Read moreSouthwest Louisiana projects to receive $120 million in Priority 1 state funding, with Calcasieu Parish capturing 95% of the allocation. Key projects set to benefit from this funding include a new I-10 bridge, McNeese State University, and the Port of Lake Charles.
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