$16.3M investment: Robinson Carbon will invest $16.3 million in a biochar manufacturing facility at England Airpark in Rapides Parish, creating 42 direct jobs. The facility will convert southern yellow pine wood residuals into biochar for agricultural and environmental uses, with the potential to generate 40,000 carbon removal certificates annually. Construction is expected to begin this month, with production targeted for the second quarter of 2027. The project includes a $550,000 state grant for site and infrastructure improvements.
Stepping aside: House Speaker Mike Johnson will step aside from Republican leadership and remain a rank-and-file member of Congress after Republicans lost control of the House in the midterm elections. Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, the current House majority leader, is expected to seek the top GOP leadership position, setting up a potential contest with Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan. Democrats are preparing to nominate Hakeem Jeffries as speaker when the new Congress convenes Jan. 3, 2027. The Associated Press has the full story.
86K positions added: U.S. private sector employers added 86,000 jobs in October, matching September’s revised total and slightly exceeding economists’ expectations, according to ADP. Hiring was led by trade, transportation and utilities, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality, while professional and business services lost 27,000 jobs. Annual pay growth reached 3.2% for all workers, while job-changers saw wages rise 4.8%. CNBC has the full story.
In the wake of Tuesday’s election, which federal policy issue do you think will have the biggest impact on Louisiana businesses over the next two years?
