The state labor department figures released Friday show the initial claims decreased to 3,306 from the previous week's total of 3,386. For the comparable week a year earlier, there were 4,177 initial claims.
New figures show that Louisiana's economy grew by 1.5 percent in 2012, leaving it ranked 30th among the 50 states.
A Baton Rouge-based company has agreed to pay more than $67,000 in back wages and other compensation to 52 masonry workers following a Labor Department probe.
Build-your-own burrito franchise comes to Winnwood Shopping Center this fall.

Lafayette’s first Hardee’s is well under way on Kaliste Saloom Road next to Pizzeria Venti.
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