$20M in limbo: Louisiana Economic Development’s $20 million Rural Tech Catalyst Fund remains under review, delaying the expected announcement of its first recipients as the state awaits federal approval. The program will provide eligible startups up to $3 million to develop technologies addressing rural health care access and chronic disease management. Federal guidance calls for the first round of funding to be allocated by Oct. 30, with a second application round expected to open soon. Technical.ly has the full story.
Construction fuels growth: Louisiana added 36,000 payroll jobs over the year through September, reaching a record 2.02 million, with construction accounting for 18,800 of the gain. Professional and business services added 8,000 jobs, while private education and health services gained 7,200; Baton Rouge led metropolitan areas with 13,700 new jobs. The state’s unemployment rate fell to 4% in September, down from 4.2% a month earlier and a year earlier, though the preliminary figures do not specify which construction projects drove hiring or how many jobs may be temporary. The Center Square has the full story.
Trick-or-treat cutbacks: U.S. Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared with the same period last year, as the high cost of living, including expensive chocolate, squeezes household budgets. Candy prices have climbed 44% over five years, driven largely by cocoa supply disruptions, while consumers increasingly favor smaller bags and more frequent, targeted grocery trips. Despite the sluggish start, industry analysts say shoppers may buy closer to Halloween, and the National Confectioners Association remains optimistic about sales during the holiday’s peak period. The Associated Press has the full story.
