News roundup: Gerard’s Furniture closing after 66 years of business in Baton Rouge … Medical school breaks ground at ULM … Tougher laws on pipeline protests tested in Atchafalaya swamp  

It’s closing time: With 70 years in the furniture business, 87-year-old Gerard Ruth says he is not ready to leave, but all the furniture has to go as he prepares to close down Gerard's Furniture on …