Will help farmers affected by drought and rain: Most of Louisiana falls under a federal disaster declaration that allows for farmers affected by early season drought and heavy rains later in the year to seek emergency loans or other aid. The designation announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday affects every parish in the state except for Terrebonne Parish. It also allows for farmers in more than two-dozen neighboring counties, in Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas, to apply for assistance. It covers much of the planting and production year, April through October.
‘Tis the season: Nearly 90% of Americans say they plan to donate to charity during the holidays. The American Red Cross survey of just over 1,000 adults finds that 62% of people plan to donate $25 or more this holiday season. Charities that help the poor are the most popular, 83% of the people who plan to give say they will help the needy, while 58% say they plan to give to groups that help members of the armed forces.
