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  • Crime tops concerns across Louisiana, WBRZ poll finds Play Video

    August 24, 2023 1:10 PM

    BATON ROUGE - Louisiana voters name crime and violence as their top concern, with education close behind. That's according to a new WBRZ News 2 poll. When asked to identify the most important problem facing the state, 18 percent of respondents listed crime and violence. Another 16 percent named... more »
  • Inflation takes a holiday? New figures suggest a slowdown

    December 13, 2022 12:31 PM

    BATON ROUGE - New figures show inflation may be cooling -- both nationwide and in the southern U.S. -- and that sparked a Wall Street rally on Tuesday. The Consumer Price Index for November rose just one-tenth of one percent both nationally and in the southern region, according to... more »
  • Federal Reserve hikes interest rate again in effort to control inflation

    July 27, 2022 2:59 PM

    WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Reserve increased its benchmark interest rate .75% Wednesday as it attempts to control inflation. The Fed is trying to navigate skyrocketing inflation but avoid a recession. The .75% increase in July mimics one instituted in June, ABC News reported. The back-to-back hikes are... more »
  • Already-decreasing gas prices to go down even more Play Video

    March 31, 2022 6:48 PM

    PLAQUEMINE - Drivers filling up their tanks at the Circle K in Plaquemine on Thursday noticed the price of gas going down since its recent spike, but they say it's still too high. "Last week it was $4.20 here, but still terrible," driver Paul Plaster said. "I only... more »
  • Southeastern Grocers will donate $250,000, vodka proceeds to Ukrainian relief efforts

    February 26, 2022 6:01 PM

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Southeastern Grocers Inc. announced Saturday they will be donating $250,000 to support relief efforts in Ukraine, as well as 100 percent of proceeds from its Ukrainian vodka sales. Southeastern Grocers Inc., the parent company of supermarket chains such as Winn-Dixie, will donate the funds to the... more »
  • Baton Rouge Zoo notices attendance boost while facing upgrade delays Play Video

    February 13, 2022 5:28 PM

    BATON ROUGE - Supply-chain problems are slowing down the Baton Rouge Zoo’s facelift, but they aren't slowing down the zoo’s attendance. Ava Blackwell, 9, is a Baton Rouge Zoo visitor and dreams of working with zoo animals one day. “I got a vet book, and my mom got... more »
  • Flower shops dealing with high demand and minor shortages for Valentine's Day Play Video

    February 13, 2022 3:37 PM

    BATON ROUGE - Flower shops are preparing for their busiest day of the year. At Billy Heroman's, florists have been trimming and stuffing, working hard to keep up with the high demand of bouquet orders that's been piling in. With a higher demand comes the growing issue of... more »
  • Bitcoin prices fall to lowest in months

    January 7, 2022 8:46 AM

    As of Friday morning, Bitcoin prices have dropped to their lowest in months. This comes after the public was made aware of comments from the US Federal Reserve regarding the possibility of raising interest rates. According to BBC News , the crypto-currency declined in value from $47,000 earlier this... more »
  • Report indicates gas prices may flirt with $4 a gallon by Memorial Day

    December 28, 2021 7:25 AM

    In late November, President Biden announced the release of 50 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help reduce the cost of gasoline. According to AAA , the national average at the pump fell to $3.29 a gallon on Monday, which is a 13 cent... more »
  • Dow tumbles more than 300 points Friday morning

    December 17, 2021 11:48 AM

    Stocks are falling Friday morning as concerns about the omicron variant and worries about tighter monetary policy increase ahead of the holidays. CNN reports that the Dow fell more than 600 points Friday morning before recovering some of its lost ground. By late morning, the Dow was down... more »
  • Early morning shoppers line up for Black Friday sales Play Video

    November 26, 2021 7:50 AM

    BATON ROUGE - Long before Bath and Body Works doors were opened at 5 a.m., eager customers were lined up outside of the capital area store. WBRZ's Dana DiPiazza, on-site to capture the mood during the biggest shopping day of the year, noted that the 'smell of retail was... more »
  • $4.5 billion clean energy complex slated for Ascension Parish Play Video

    October 14, 2021 10:58 AM

    BATON ROUGE - Amid a push to clean energy, Air Products announced a $4.5 billion clean energy complex will be built in Ascension Parish. "[The plant] will make the state a leader in the United States' clean energy transition," the company said in a statement. Air Products produces... more »
  • Bitcoin plummets after China intensifies cryptocurrency crackdown

    September 24, 2021 9:04 AM

    China has toughened its stance on cryptocurrencies with the People’s Bank of China announcing Friday, that services offering trading, order matching, token issuance, and derivatives for virtual currencies are now strictly prohibited. The bank vowed to take measures to stamp out illicit activities involving digital currencies. One such... more »
  • Hackers target multi-billion dollar firm in ransomware attack

    August 12, 2021 8:19 AM

    DUBLIN, Ireland - One of the world's wealthiest companies has been targeted by cybercriminals in a ransomware attack, CNN reports. An Irish-based multinational company called Accenture that's worth about $44.33 billion confirmed Wednesday that it is dealing with a cybersecurity incident. A group of criminals known as the... more »
  • Report: Inflation, triggered by pandemic, continues to drive consumer prices up

    August 11, 2021 9:24 AM

    According to a report released Wednesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the cost of everyday goods and services is still rising amid pandemic-induced inflation, CNN reports. The news outlet says inflation did slow a bit during July, but showed no signs of disappearing. With the exception... more »
  • More U.S. restaurants, businesses requiring proof of vaccination

    August 6, 2021 1:46 PM

    Businesses and restaurants in some of the U.S.'s busiest cities are requiring patrons to provide proof of COVID vaccination before entering. Cities like Philadelphia, Seattle, and Atlanta are seeing a trend in certain businesses and restaurants exercising their legal right to require that everyone who enters the premises be... more »
  • Spirit Airlines moves into day three of cancelled flights, disruptions

    August 3, 2021 1:50 PM

    MIRAMAR, Florida - Spirit Airlines, one of the United States' most popular low-cost airline carriers, is moving into day three of a rough patch. We are experiencing operational challenges in some areas of our network. Before going to the airport, check your email and current flight status here:... more »
  • As Amazon Prime Day begins, BBB issues warning regarding online shopping scams

    June 21, 2021 9:35 AM

    Amazon's biggest sale event of the year is in full swing Monday, as Amazon Prime Day 2021 kicks off. Online shoppers are invited to scour the website to find savings on thousands of products from top brands from Monday, June 21 until Tuesday, June 22. But as consumers... more »
  • Tax refund delays may be due to pandemic-related problems within IRS

    May 26, 2021 8:52 AM

    After wading one's way through the time-consuming paperwork necessary to file 2020 taxes, those who are in line for a refund are understandably eager to receive the money. But this tax season, many Americans find themselves frustrated as they wait weeks, or even months, for refunds that they were... more »
  • State filing, payment deadlines extended for taxpayers affected by February winter storm

    March 18, 2021 2:13 PM

    BATON ROUGE - State officials issued a Thursday (March 18) afternoon bulletin stating that state filing and payment deadlines in Louisiana have been extended for taxpayers impacted by February's winter storm. The notice came from the Louisiana Department of Revenue, saying it has granted automatic filing and payment extensions... more »
  • ExxonMobil reports its first annual loss since its merger

    February 2, 2021 11:49 AM

    ExxonMobil lost $22.4 billion in 2020, its first annual loss since the 1999 merger that created the nation's largest oil company, CNN reports. It's the latest company to announce its worst year on record during the novel coronavirus pandemic. The fossil fuel industry continues to feel the impact... more »
  • Stocks soar, with DOW topping 30,000 for first time ever

    November 24, 2020 11:59 AM

    NEW YORK - With hopes of several promising COVID vaccines on the horizon and a new administration preparing to occupy the Oval Office, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has been propelled to above 30,000 for the first time ever on Tuesday. According to CNN , t he Dow was... more »
  • Shanghai Stock Exchange suspends Ant Group listing following contention with its billionaire owner

    November 3, 2020 9:28 AM

    According to CNN , on Tuesday Ant Group's much anticipated IPO was abruptly suspended after a meeting between the company's billionaire co-founder Jack Ma and China regulators. The Shanghai Stock Exchange said in a statement on Tuesday that it decided to postpone the company's listing, which was originally set... more »
  • New report reveals unemployment claims have fallen to 751,000

    October 29, 2020 9:22 AM

    Some 751,000 Americans filed first-time unemployment benefits last week, the Department of Labor said Thursday in its final report before the presidential election . CNN reports that the new figures reveal a 40,000 fall from last week's numbers and apparently reflect seasonal adjustments. Unemployment claims have been trending... more »
  • Fed Chair: US must maintain grip on COVID to avoid economic tragedy

    October 6, 2020 12:25 PM

    During the 2020 National Association for Business Economics meeting, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned that should a spike in COVID-19 cases within the United States be mishandled, the economic fallout would be detrimental, CNN reports. During the annual meeting, which was held virtually Tuesday morning, Powell explained that... more »
  • 'Trash' workers sign meant in jest but points to stress level of many workers

    September 24, 2020 12:41 PM

    BATON ROUGE – A restaurant manager said a sign chastising employees who did not show up for their shift was meant as a joke to help disgruntled customers understand why food orders were taking so long. “Please be patient with us today. There will be a wait. Most of... more »
  • Carnival to part ways with 18 ships as U.S. cruises remain banned amid pandemic

    September 18, 2020 6:25 AM

    Businesses across the world are scrambling to recover from financial hits that find their root cause with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the cruise industry is no different. Amid efforts to remain financially afloat, Carnival Corporation has decided to part ways with 18 of its ships, the Miami Herald reports.... more »
  • Coca-cola to cut thousands of jobs, offer buyouts to workers

    August 28, 2020 12:16 PM

    One of the most popular beverage companies in the world has decided to cut thousands of jobs and reduce its number of business units as a result of declining sales, CNN reports. Coca-Cola announced Friday that some of its staff will face voluntary and involuntary reductions . The... more »
  • BR Mayor announces new $1 Million microgrant program for small business

    August 13, 2020 6:12 AM

    BATON ROUGE - A new small business recovery program is now available to Baton Rouge business owners. During a Thursday morning press conference, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and program partners announced a $1 million microgrant program for small businesses in East Baton Rouge Parish called The Resilient Restart EBR... more »
  • Major Hollywood production companies lay off hundreds

    August 11, 2020 6:52 AM

    Hollywood, like every major industry impacted by the novel coronavirus, is adapting to the changing economic conditions. But for many production companies, 'adapting' means lay offs. According to Variety , hundreds of employees at WarnerMedia were let go Monday as part of a company-wide restructuring.. Impacted staffers... more »
  • Senator Bill Cassidy addresses question of second stimulus check Play Video

    August 10, 2020 7:32 AM

    BATON ROUGE - Citizens in Louisiana, like many across the nation, continue to wonder if they're in line for a second stimulus check due to the resurgence in COVID-19 cases and its ensuing effect on the economy. Senator Bill Cassidy appeared on WBRZ's morning show, 2une In, on Monday... more »
  • State rental assistance program temporarily suspended due to overwhelming number of applicants Play Video

    July 16, 2020 4:02 PM

    BATON ROUGE - Days after Governor John Bel Edwards announced a state program to provide assistance to renters struggling through the coronavirus outbreak, the program was temporarily suspended due to an overwhelming response. The Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance program was meant to provide about $24 million to help renters... more »
  • EBR mayor hosts Wednesday morning financial literacy workshop

    June 17, 2020 6:24 AM

    BATON ROUGE - For many residents, Louisiana's gradual reopening from the state-wide closure caused by the spread of COVID-19 is happening alongside their gradual rebuilding of personal financial security. During the pandemic, countless Louisianians suffered job loss or a drastic reduction in wages. C ommunity leaders have responded by... more »
  • Businesses bouncing back slowly in "Phase One" reopening Play Video

    May 17, 2020 12:17 AM

    BATON ROUGE - Some business operators say the first weekend of the first phase in the re-opening of Louisiana's economy is showing signs of a recovery. "Today was better than yesterday. We never got to 25 percent capacity in the restaurant," Fred Simonson said, manager of Louise's Cafe near... more »
  • WBRZ partners with area media companies in huge effort to help businesses

    May 15, 2020 12:10 PM

    BATON ROUGE – WBRZ announced Friday, its advertising platforms have partnered with the MESH agency and 32 other partners to help businesses announce reopenings in phase 1. Television, radio, print, billboard and digital media companies have agreed to be part of the campaign that will provide $250,000 in advertising... more »
  • Stocks fall due to concern over virus fallout

    May 4, 2020 10:17 AM

    Stocks fell Monday morning amid increasing anxiety triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. As the U.S. economy continues to stagger under the blow delivered by the virus outbreak, the White House Trump shifts the focus to China and the role it allegedly played in the pandemic. On Sunday, Secretary... more »
  • Wall Street pulls back as dismal economic data piles higher

    April 30, 2020 2:17 PM

    Stocks are falling on Wall Street Thursday after more reports made clear the worldwide devastation the coronavirus outbreak is causing for the economy. The dour figures helped drive most U.S. stocks to losses, and the S&P 500 was down 1.2% in afternoon trading. Treasury yields also sank, while European... more »
  • Treasury Dept and IRS carry massive workload with limited staff, leadership

    April 17, 2020 10:53 AM

    WASHINGTON - While local businesses face their own pandemic-induced financial hurdles, one of Washington's most pivotal departments is also facing a shortage in staffing and leadership. According to ABC News , the US Treasury Department is in the throes of a staffing shortage as it scrambles to issue millions... more »
  • EBR city-parish to freeze hiring but has sizable rainy day fund to operate during pandemic

    April 15, 2020 12:20 PM

    BATON ROUGE – City-parish departments funded through the mayor’s yearly budget plan have been ordered to freeze hiring for open positions as East Baton Rouge works to save as much money as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Only essential or “justifiable” positions will be filled, the mayor’s office said... more »
  • Baton Rouge businesses interested in PPP loans can apply beginning April 3 Play Video

    April 1, 2020 10:54 AM

    BATON ROUGE - The U.S. Treasury issued guidance for business owners interested in assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), on Monday. Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) is encouraging businesses to fill out the application now, in preparation for submission to an SBA-approved lender starting April 3. “Businesses... more »
  • Walmart will begin limiting number of shoppers in stores Saturday

    March 31, 2020 3:27 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Walmart will begin limiting the number of customers in its stores this weekend. The company said starting Saturday, April 4, stores will only allow shoppers equal to 20 percent of a store’s capacity. Customers will be admitted into the store on a “1-out-1-in basis,” meaning as... more »
  • Ascension plant shutting down amid economic 'fallout' from coronavirus

    March 31, 2020 11:13 AM

    SORRENTO - In what appears to be the first major layoff warning involving a production facility and COVID-19, plant bosses at LALumina announced most of its 302 employees would be laid off. A letter to employees suggested the layoffs may be temporary. "We are notifying you that in... more »
  • Groups serving meals to kids every day amid virus outbreak and school closures Play Video

    March 28, 2020 11:08 PM

    BATON ROUGE - Many young kids and their parents lined up at McKinnley Middle School to receive lunch and breakfast on Saturday. The event is hosted by the Three O' Clock Project, a non-profit organization focused on providing meals to kids after school ends at 3 p.m. The... more »
  • ExxonMobil alerts contractors: Moving toward minimum staffing amid COVID-19 spread

    March 20, 2020 5:45 PM

    BATON ROUGE – One of the nation’s largest refineries is moving to a more critical staffing level and limiting contractors and vendors on-site. ExxonMobil Baton Rouge is adjusting staffing to limit possible exposure and the spread of COVID-19. Companies nation-wide are limiting the number of employees working in traditional... more »
  • WBRZ Business Directory: Store hours, open locations

    March 20, 2020 5:29 PM

    WBRZ announces the WBRZ Business Directory with real-time updates! Click HERE to see who is open, hours and other information about locally-owned businesses. Feel free to share your information with our team. Follow the links in the list. more »
  • Strawberry Festival postponed from rescheduled date; New details coming in May

    March 13, 2020 7:40 PM

    PONCHATOULA - The annual Strawberry Festival in Tangipahoa Parish was once again rescheduled amid the COVID-19 situation, though this time, organizers did not reveal a date for the festival. Originally scheduled for the first weekend of April, the festival was moved to May in the early days of the... more »
  • Shoppers hit stores for Black Friday bargains Thursday evening Play Video

    November 28, 2019 6:30 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Thursday saw a trifecta of activity as Thanksgiving ushered in the beginning of the holiday shopping blitz. People eager for deals had to time dinner with family right – or skip it, as some did to get in line early – and decide whether to follow... more »
  • LSU Lakes restoration project to begin early 2020 Play Video

    November 12, 2019 5:09 PM

    BATON ROUGE – LSU and the state government are pumping roughly $50 million into efforts to revitalize the Lakes adjacent to the university's campus. Governor John Bel Edwards announced the funding alongside Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome Wednesday. The money is said the coming from LSU, the LSU Athletics Foundation,... more »
  • ON YOUR SIDE Warning: Your boss may accidentally give scammers your paycheck

    June 14, 2019 4:28 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Near-convincing phishing emails are targeting automatic deposits for employee’s salaries and if a payroll department is not careful, the con may work. The IRS warned in December of the direct deposit scam where email accounts are created to mimic an actual employee. Thieves create free email... more »
  • Oh, Olinde's, we'll miss you; Iconic furniture store closing after sale

    June 4, 2019 11:56 AM

    BATON ROUGE – The Olinde furniture showrooms in Baton Rouge and Lafayette will be closed and rebranded as Ashley stores between now and September, company sources told WBRZ Tuesday. The changes come amid an advertised going out of business sale at Olinde’s and months after news broke that the... more »
  • Mayor's office to consider 20% budget cut in preparation of successful St. George effort Play Video

    May 8, 2019 10:47 AM

    BATON ROUGE – In a quiet email Wednesday, the mayor’s office issued a news release warning of a significant revenue reduction to the city-parish budget should the proposed City of St. George successfully carve out a new municipality in East Baton Rouge Parish. The mayor’s office said St. George... more »
  • The Advocate newspaper buys historic New Orleans newspaper

    May 2, 2019 4:36 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Owners of The Advocate, the Baton Rouge-based newspaper chain which covers all of the I-10 corridor in Louisiana, announced they purchased the historic Times-Picayune newspaper in New Orleans and its popular companion website, NOLA.com. The announcement was made Thursday afternoon. The Advocate owners John and... more »
  • Flaring, possible rumbles likely as new plant fires up

    May 1, 2019 5:54 PM

    PLAQUEMINE – Shintech will need to light the flare pilot to its new ethylene production plant and warned residents of Iberville Parish that a large flare will be seen from its plant and there may be vibrations and rumblings in the coming days as crews get the new facility online.... more »
  • Large Conn's warehouse planned for budding shipping development in West Baton Rouge

    April 29, 2019 4:34 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Conn’s will build a giant, 250,000-square-foot warehouse along I-10 in West Baton Rouge as part of the company’s expansion in Louisiana. The announcement of the distribution center came Monday afternoon. Company officials said the facility will serve multiple states in Conn’s HomePlus growing furniture, appliance... more »
  • Richards Honda leaves 50-year Florida Blvd. location for fresh development off I-12

    March 31, 2019 8:45 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Richards Honda is the latest car dealership to open a new showroom recently. Baton Rouge area car dealers have been expanding and building new sales centers in a wave of growth. Richards adds to that when its shiny new showroom along I-12 opens Monday. The... more »
  • Job fair announced for laid-off Georgia-Pacific employees

    January 24, 2019 4:32 PM

    ZACHARY – A job fair for laid-off Georgia-Pacific workers has been scheduled for Saturday, February 9. Companies interested in participating should register HERE . The job fair will be held at the Zachary High School gym. The event will feature employers who are hiring skilled workers as... more »
  • Company behind iconic Baton Rouge TV commercial sells business Play Video

    January 10, 2019 5:55 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Olinde’s, a Baton Rouge staple known by many for its catchy commercial jingle, sold its operations. Olinde’s was purchased by a furniture showroom operator based in Memphis. The new company has a footprint in ten states. “Everything has it’s day and there’s always a... more »
  • J. Crew closing Perkins Rowe location

    January 10, 2019 3:50 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Clothier J. Crew is closing its Perkins Rowe location in the coming weeks. The store will shutdown for good on Sunday, January 27. The Business Report noted it was one of the first tenants in the development when Perkins Rowe opened in 2007. A... more »
  • Entergy begins meter automation upgrades, fee added to bills

    January 7, 2019 5:45 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Entergy customers will notice an additional fee on bills as the company rolls out a new meter system. Automated meters will allow the company to collect usage data electronically, eliminating the need for employees to visit a meter attached to a structure and record usage. Meter... more »
  • Funding, other difficulties force closure of child abuse safety net Play Video

    December 20, 2018 2:46 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Citing an unsettling revelation about the difficulties associated with their cause, advocates against child abuse announced in an email Thursday they were shutting down the Louisiana non-profit that worked to build awareness and promote safer lives for youngsters. “Primary prevention is pretty intangible, and we’ve struggled... more »
  • Rooftop restaurant and bar coming to Perkins Road area

    December 5, 2018 3:49 PM

    BATON ROUGE – A rooftop restaurant and bar will add to the busy dining and cocktail scene along the Merchant strip area early next year. Bumsteers will replace the Crispy Catch on Perkins Road near the overpass. Developers created a Facebook page to promote the business recently. ... more »
  • For-profit Virginia College immediately closing campuses nationwide, BR students shocked Play Video

    December 5, 2018 2:20 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Students and staff at the for-profit Virginia College near the Cortana Mall were shocked with news from school chiefs Wednesday that the college was closing. And, it’s not just the Baton Rouge campus. In an email obtained by WBRZ, officials warned employees the entire Virginia College... more »
  • Customers report lost packages tied to Baton Rouge Amazon warehouse Play Video

    November 21, 2018 2:09 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Area Amazon customers have reported issues with the online retailer this week, WBRZ has learned. Amazon recently opened a warehouse in Baton Rouge and has added a fleet of exclusive delivery vans to get packages to customers. The vans have been seen lined up at the... more »
  • Sears closing Hammond location

    August 22, 2018 5:53 PM

    HAMMOND – A staple of the bustling interstate interchange here will close in a few months. Sears announced the Hammond, Louisiana, location is among 46 Sears or Kmart stores that will close by November. It is the only store of either line closing in Louisiana. Sears and Kmart... more »
  • Brian Harris opens new dealership this week

    August 18, 2018 11:08 AM

    BATON ROUGE – Brian Harris is the latest car dealer to open an all-new facility. Brian Harris BMW unveiled its new Airline Highway headquarters this week. A classic BMW car show featured Mike the Tiger at the opening. Musical guests also entertained the crowd that gathered to see... more »
  • Randall Gay's Baton Rouge mansion is for sale

    July 23, 2018 6:12 PM

    BATON ROUGE – The mansion once owned by LSU and Saints star Randall Gay is up for sale. The mansion in the Mallard Lakes neighborhood off Hoo Shoo Too Road is listed at $1.7 million. The new owners said they are listing the house as "for sale by owner."... more »
  • Morganza malt shop raises over $3k in fundraising Play Video

    July 4, 2018 5:52 PM

    MORGANZA – There’s an effort underway to restore the local icon here: a malt shop from bygone times. Right now, it’s unsightly: A falling overhang, broken windows, and decades-old tile. But, a business owner hopes to revitalize the former restaurant. “The hamburgers, the malts, [people loved] the soft... more »

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