According to Market Watch, mortgage rates dropped to their lowest level since mid- February in a report issued July 8. The article said the decline was an indication of dwindling optimism among investors about the robustness of the recovery from the pandemic.

Evidence of a flourishing writers’ community abounds in the literary entries for Critical Mass 9, a project of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) that fosters critical artistic dialogue. The variety and daring of this year’s submissions bespeak an arts council and a literary scene open to many genres, styles and forms.

I saw a billboard on a trip to Texas to see my grandchildren with the word “freedom” beside a picture of someone taking off their mask. It certainly is a thought shared by many. However, the most accurate picture depicting freedom in this pandemic is a picture of someone receiving the vaccine.

Unfortunately, to hold a wedding with all the bells and whistles, couples will most likely have to postpone until at least next fall. But, you wouldn’t be alone in putting off the big day. Over half of respondents (66%) to the Brides American Wedding Study said they chose to defer their 2020 nuptials.

By now, the acronym COVID, which stands for coronavirus disease, is a seemingly normal part of daily conversation of almost anyone that has any connection to the modern world. However, few seem to really know much about one of the most critical healthcare professionals on the front lines of fighting the pandemic.

Nearly 30 million children in the United States rely on school meals for a significant portion of their daily nutrition. Since the start of the pandemic, the number of food-insecure children has increased 20% to 1 in 4. Although many schools are operating remote or hybrid models, most are still open full-time for feeding students.

The COVID virus has changed everyone’s world. Many grieve over the loss of friends and loved ones. Many have suffered great personal loss. Health and careers have been impacted. Many have experienced the crush of change from mental, spiritual and other health concerns in caring for children and aging parents.

For the first time, United Way kicked off our annual campaign on Oct. 1 without the aid of a large fundraising event. In past years, we would host the Annual Campaign Kickoff event as a rally to start the fundraising season.