In this episode, host Julie O’Donoghue talks to Jim Richardson, an economics and public administration professor from LSU, about the effect of coronavirus on Louisiana’s economy. The episode also features:
- A discussion of Louisiana’s three biggest industries: oil and gas, petrochemical facilities and tourism
- A comparison of the expected coronavirus recovery and the economic recovery after Hurricane Katrina
- Talk of the impact of the pandemic on New Orleans restaurant industry
IN THIS EPISODE

James A. Richardson
LSU
Jim Richardson is the John Rhea Alumni Professor of Economics and Director of the Public Administration Institute in the E. J. Ourso College of Business Administration at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dr. Richardson has also served as Chairman of the Department of Economics, Acting Dean of the College of Business Administration, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Louisiana State University.

Julie O'Donoghue
Louisiana Illuminator
Julie O’Donoghue is a senior reporter for the Louisiana Illuminator and producer of the Louisiana Illuminator podcast. She’s received awards from the Virginia Press Association and Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press. Julie covered state government and politics for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune for six years. She’s also covered government and politics in Missouri, Virginia and Washington D.C. Julie is a proud D.C. native and Washington Capitals hockey fan. She and her partner, Jed, live in Baton Rouge. She has two stepchildren, Quinn and Steven.