Tagged: economy

Despite uncertainty surrounding federal farm legislation, agricultural economists are optimistic about the market outlook for rice and soybeans with higher prices and more varieties expected.

The American Press reports that was the message given to more than 50 Southwest Louisiana rice and soybean growers attending an agriculture forum last week in Welsh, La.

First-time claims for unemployment insurance in Louisiana for the week ending Dec. 29 fell from the previous week's total, mainly because the Christmas holidays cut a day from the work week.

The state labor department figures released Friday show the initial claims decreased to 2,505 from the previous week's total of 3,495.

The four-week moving average, which is a less volatile measure of claims, fell to 3,262 from the previous week's total of 3,648.

Listen to live special coverage from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. of talks between President Obama and congressional leaders regarding impending automatic spending cuts and tax increases.

With much of the nation focusing on Black Friday shopping at big box stores, one Louisiana lawmaker is suggesting another option.