WBRZ - Baton Rouge

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• AAA: 31M drivers to take Memorial Day road trip

  May 22, 2013 9:59 AM

  NEW YORK - It's going to be another busy Memorial Day weekend on the nation's highways. During Thursday and Monday, 31.2 million Americans will drive 50 miles or more to a beach, campground or other getaway, according to car lobbying group AAA. That's a small increase from last... more »

• La. hurricane sales tax holiday this weekend

  May 20, 2013 7:52 AM

  LAFAYETTE - Shoppers can prepare for the hurricane season while saving some pennies during the state's Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. The 2013 sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. May 25 and ends at 11:59 p.m. May 26. Louisiana law spares those shopping for hurricane-related purchases from... more »

• US tourist faces trial in Turkey

  April 17, 2013 9:00 AM

  ANKARA, Turkey- An American tourist who collected stones during a beach holiday with his wife was briefly detained in Turkey and faces trial for attempting to smuggle historical artifacts. Jason Dement told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he was taken into custody by security officials at an airport near... more »

• State offices close for Good Friday holiday

  March 29, 2013 9:09 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Most Louisiana state offices are shut down for the Good Friday holiday. The Friday holiday is a legal day of rest in state law. Some legislative employees may be working, however, since Friday is the final day for bills to be pre-filed for the regular... more »

• MLK events around the area

  January 17, 2013 3:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Here are a list of local MLK events going on around the area. If you'd like your event listed, submit it on our Community Calendar or email News@WBRZ.com. Jan. 21: The West Baton Rouge Museum will be open in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.... more »

• US economy adds 155K jobs, rate stays at 7.8 pct.

  January 4, 2013 3:13 PM

  WASHINGTON - The U.S. job market proved resilient in December despite fears that the economy would tumble over the fiscal cliff. The Labor Department reports employers added 155,000 jobs, roughly matching the solid but unspectacular monthly pace of the past two years. The gains were not enough to reduce unemployment... more »

• Weekly unemployment insurance claims drop

  January 4, 2013 3:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - 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... more »

• Report: Online holiday sales up 14 percent

  January 3, 2013 4:25 PM

  RESTON, Va. - A report released Thursday says holiday shoppers spent $42.3 billion online in November and December, 14 percent more than in the same months a year ago. ComScore found that shoppers started the holiday season strong in November but a dip in consumer confidence hurt early December sales.... more »

• Driver mows down decorations at holiday party

  January 3, 2013 12:18 PM

  KENNER, La. - There were no reports of serious injuries, but a vehicle was damaged and several holiday decorations were mowed down in the front yard of a Kenner home when a disturbance broke out at a New Year's Eve house party. Kenner police said it happened around 2 a.m.... more »

• Holiday storms have limited impact on US drought

  January 3, 2013 10:13 AM

  ST. LOUIS - Holiday storms that pounded much of the nation with snow and rain did little to ease the overall grip of the worst U.S. drought in decades. The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday shows that about 61 percent of the continental U.S. remained in some form... more »

• Shoppers disappoint retailers this holiday season

  December 26, 2012 6:15 AM

  WASHINGTON - U.S. shoppers spent cautiously this holiday season, a disappointment for retailers who slashed prices to lure people into stores and now must hope for a post-Christmas burst of spending. Sales of electronics, clothing, jewelry and home goods in the two months before Christmas increased 0.7 percent compared... more »

• Jamie Wax's one-man Christmas show back at BRLT Play Video

  December 19, 2012 12:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Performer and Baton Rouge native Jamie Wax returns this weekend to the stage he first performed his original one-man Christmas show, "A Gift for Lyman Bourke." Wax premiered the show 20 years ago at the Baton Rouge Little Theater, and now brings the holiday comedy back... more »

• Boehner: Differences remain in fiscal cliff talks

  December 12, 2012 1:41 PM

  WASHINGTON - Talks between the White House and House Speaker John Boehner on a deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff" continue out of the public eye. But public statements from lawmakers suggest a deal is not close. Boehner himself says "serious differences" remain between him and President Barack Obama. The... more »

• Police: 3 dead, including gunman, in Ore. mall shooting

  December 11, 2012 6:18 PM

  PORTLAND, Ore. - Authorities say three people are dead, including the shooter, after a mass shooting at a packed Oregon mall. The shooting happened at the Clackamas Town Center, which was packed with holiday shoppers according to law enforcement. Officers have been going store-to-store at the Clackamas Town Center... more »

• BR Crisis Intervention hotline number

  December 5, 2012 4:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Workers at the Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center say despite the stress, pressure brought and other strong emotions brought on the holidays, they don't get more calls than usual during this time of year. Medical experts say there's no data to support the idea of the... more »

• Angola inmates on Santa's payroll

  December 3, 2012 4:06 PM

  ANGOLA- Inmates at the state's maximum security prison are working overtime to fill all the orders on Santa's list before Christmas. It's a tradition every year that gets inmates working on their down time to make toys and fix bikes for needy children. "They are elves," said Tom... more »

• Tracking system ensures donations go where needed Play Video

  November 30, 2012 5:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - In addition to providing free meals and clothes, St. Vincent de Paul helps pay for utilities, rent and even prescription drugs, but only for those truly in need. "There's only so much dollars for helping to prevent homelessness or to avoid eviction," says Micheal Acaldo, St.... more »

• Busy homeowners hire help for Christmas decorations Play Video

  November 29, 2012 5:14 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Some people too busy to decorate are finding more holiday cheer by hiring help to spruce up their home for the holidays. For around $300 you can kick back and sip cocoa as workers set up your lights. Some are college students looking for extra cash, while others... more »

• Central plans "show of force" to combat holiday tomfoolery

  November 27, 2012 9:41 PM

  CENTRAL- People can expect to see an extra show-of-force this holiday season. Tuesday night, Police Chief Doug Browning update city leaders on his annual plan to hire off duty officers from area departments to police the streets during the busy holiday shopping season. A mix of paid on-duty... more »

• Holiday tips to keep your family safe Play Video

  November 27, 2012 5:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A Christmas tree can bust into flames within seconds, if safety precautions are not taken this holiday season. Real or fake, homes around the country catch fire every year because of dry trees or electrical problems in a home. This holiday season, be sure to... more »

• Holiday shoppers head online in droves to pick up Cyber Monday deals

  November 26, 2012 2:17 PM

  NEW YORK - Cyber Monday appears on track to becoming the biggest online shopping day ever, and web traffic isn't expected to peak for another several hours. IBM Benchmark says, as of noon Eastern time, sales were up more than 24 percent compared with last year. And ComScore says nearly... more »

• WBRZ recognizes area's best holiday displays

  November 26, 2012 10:14 AM

  BATON ROUGE - WBRZ News 2 Louisiana will kick off the 2012 holiday season in the Baton Rouge area with its annual "Lights Before Christmas" Contest. "Lights Before Christmas" recognizes the area's most spirited and decorative homes of the season.Viewers can nominate homes beginning Monday, November 26th through Wednesday,... more »

• Fewer holiday catalogs but still plenty in mail

  November 22, 2012 8:35 PM

  PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Despite the flood around the holidays, annual catalog circulation by retailers has actually dipped substantially because of a postage increase, a weak economy and more shoppers making purchases online. Marketers say nearly a third fewer catalogs are mailed than four years ago. L.L. Bean is among... more »

• Friday is state government holiday, Acadian Day

  November 22, 2012 11:13 AM

  BATON ROUGE- State government employees are getting a long Thanksgiving weekend, with offices closed Friday in a holiday that commemorates Louisiana's Cajun heritage. Gov. Bobby Jindal has continued the annual tradition of designating Friday as Acadian Day, which remembers the arrival in Louisiana of the Acadians, many of whom settled... more »

• Hunt for deals begins with first line at area store

  November 21, 2012 9:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Still more than 24 hours before sales were available, a small group of people gathered outside an electronics store to be the first to get the deals. A few were outside the Best Buy near the Mall of Louisiana. The store doesn't open until midnight Friday morning.... more »

• Oysters available for holiday tables

  November 20, 2012 4:03 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Grocers and a leading oyster processor in Louisiana say supplies for holiday tables appear to be ample this year, but the news is not all good. The state Wildlife and Fisheries Department said late Tuesday that commercial oyster harvests east of the Mississippi River are at historic... more »

• Holiday recipes from the La. Culinary Institute Play Video

  November 19, 2012 5:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - If you're looking for some great desserts for the holidays, here's a couple of easy ones you can try. Chef Christine at the Louisiana Culinary Institute showed News 2's Rosa Flores how to make Pecan Coconut Macaroons, and Pecan Delight Cake Squares. You can find out... more »

• Chef KD's Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole Play Video

  October 30, 2012 5:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Today on News 2 at 4, Chef KD stopped by for another edition of Tasty Tuesday. He showed us how to make a delicious sweet potato casserole, just in time for the holiday season. If you want the full recipe or have any questions about... more »

• Hurricane sales tax holiday set for May 26-27

  May 7, 2012 6:15 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Stocking up on flashlights, batteries and other items to get ready for hurricane season this summer? You might want to wait until May 26 and 27, when the state holds a sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness items. That weekend, Louisiana residents won't have to pay the... more »

• Easter ignites crawfish craze

  April 6, 2012 10:04 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Crawfish lovers are flocking to seafood stores searching for their favorite Easter treat, Louisiana mudbugs. The crimson crustacean is an Easter tradition for many people observing the weekend with family. Retailers say this weekend is one of the busiest for crawfish. Look for more... more »

• Saints RB Thomas fined for TD celebration

  December 30, 2011 4:11 PM

  METAIRIE - Saints running back Pierre Thomas has been fined $12,500 for a uniform violation and a touchdown celebration in which he placed a bow on a football and gave it to a fan. The fine for the celebration is $7,500. Thomas also violated NFL policies by wearing Christmas-themed green... more »

• Police to crackdown on drunk driving during holidays Play Video

  December 23, 2011 5:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Police say holiday partygoers who are planning on drinking this weekend, better choose a designated driver or they'll be arrested for drinking and driving. Police are increasing patrols Saturday and Sunday to make DWI arrests and prevent accidents. Last year, there were 67 deadly crashes... more »

• How to avoid holiday shopping debt Play Video

  December 14, 2011 5:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A recent consumer report says two out of three shoppers will end up in debt because of holiday spending. But experts say making a plan and sticking to it can keep you out of that statistic. Certified financial planner, Chad Olivier, says shoppers need to set... more »

• Zachary robber strikes during busy weekend Play Video

  November 28, 2011 5:53 PM

  ZACHARY- Zachary Police are looking for a man who robbed the Payless Shoe Store on Main Street Saturday. The crime was caught by a surveillance camera. Witnesses say the suspect held up his jacket and showed the employee a gun in his waistband. The say he left the store... more »

• Folks pack River Center for holiday meal Play Video

  November 24, 2011 5:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - 1,500 hungry folks packed the River Center Thursday morning for the Thanksgiving meal, provided by Holiday Helpers. That's the highest number the organization has seen since it first began serving lunch in 1987. 25 years later, and the meal is still the same: turkey, ham, cornbread... more »

• La. National Guard returns home before holiday Play Video

  November 22, 2011 2:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. - Approximately 120 Louisiana National Guard Soldiers from the 415th Military Intelligence Battalion are scheduled to return home from a 365-day deployment to the Gillis W. Long Center in Carville on Wednesday. The soldiers, headquartered in Carville, were deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring... more »

• Sales tax holiday set for August

  July 18, 2011 3:05 AM

  BATON ROUGE- Louisiana's annual sales tax holiday is scheduled for Aug. 5-6. During those two days, the first $2,500 of the purchase price of eligible items is exempt from the 4 percent sales tax. The items are largely for personal, non-business use. Vehicle purchases aren't covered by the holiday. Neither... more »

• Hurricane Supply Tax Holiday

  May 23, 2011 7:03 AM

  The 2011 Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will be May 28 and May 29. In this two-day period, state sales tax will not be collected on the first $1,500 of storm supplies. For a list of the items that qualify, visit the Louisiana Department of Revenue's website . more »

• Relatives: Child in house when parents shot

  January 18, 2011 3:30 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Relatives of an eastern New Orleans couple shot to death over the holiday weekend say their 5-year-old son was in the house when it happened. The parents have been identified as 36-year-old Kenan Breaud and 32-year-old Felicia Hughes. Police said drugs were found in the home where... more »

• State agencies plan DWI crackdown for 2011

  December 30, 2010 10:45 PM

  LIVINGSTON - If you're hitting the road after hitting the bar this holiday weekend, be sure to have a designated driver. State law enforcement agencies have more resources to stop drunk drivers this year. In the first wave of their holiday enforcement Thursday night, Livingston Parish deputies arrested at least... more »

• Wintry weather setting back holiday travel plans

  December 25, 2010 9:30 AM

  NASHVILLE, Tenn. - With a rare Christmas snowfall descending on the Southeast and likely headed for the Mid-Atlantic, airlines canceled hundreds of flights and urged travelers to rethink their plans, while travel authorities warned of potentially dangerous roads. After blanketing parts of the Midwest and hampering motorists there on Christmas... more »

• Holiday shoppers sprint to end; retail revenues up

  December 22, 2010 2:21 PM

  CHICAGO - Holiday shoppers are racing to the end of the season at a more feverish pace this year, with retail revenue up 5.5 percent during the last weekend before Christmas. The figure, released by ShopperTrak on Wednesday, is a drastic improvement from a year ago, when revenue dropped 6.2... more »

• Law enforcement attacking holiday crime from the sky

  December 16, 2010 5:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Law enforcement in the Capitol City has new airborne weapons to fight holiday crimes. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office rolls out a surveillance tower to different popular holiday shopping areas across the parish every night. The Baton Rouge Police Department has been putting its... more »

• LSP: Fewer people killed on La. highways during holiday

  November 29, 2010 2:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE – People choosing not to use seat belts or driving while impaired were common factors in six fatal crashes across the state during the holiday weekend, according to State Police. That number is down from last Thanksgiving, when State Police worked eight fatal crashes the resulted in 16... more »

• Mall security: Use caution shopping this holiday

  November 28, 2010 7:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE- As the busy shopping season gets underway, more people are hitting the malls to pick up presents for Christmas, which means more criminals are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. The folks at Cortana Mall beefed up security patrols and offered tips to customers to keep them... more »

• Higher gas prices won't slot most holiday shoppers

  November 27, 2010 1:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Many Americans are determined not to let higher gas be the Grinch that spoils their holiday spending plans. Gas prices on average have risen about 17 cents since Labor Day to $2.86 per gallon because of rising oil prices. By one analyst's estimate, that means Americans are... more »

• Shoppers buying for themselves as well as for others

  November 27, 2010 1:33 PM

  NEW YORK - Retailers are calling it an encouraging sign for the holiday shopping season. They say many customers are not just buying gifts for family and friends, they're buying things for themselves too. While there aren't many sales figures yet for Black Friday, crowds were large. Meanwhile, shoppers who... more »

• Holiday money mistakes to avoid

  November 25, 2010 12:27 PM

  CHICAGO - Experts say Black Friday shoppers should remember their budgets before they head out the door with their credit cards and holiday lists. Consumers Reports say shoppers can end up taking a year to pay for all the spending. It says more than 13 million people are still paying... more »

• Security protest could disrupt Thanksgiving travel

  November 19, 2010 5:47 PM

  CHICAGO - As if air travel over the Thanksgiving holiday isn't tough enough, it could be even worse this year: Airports might see even more disruptions because of a loosely organized Internet boycott of full-body scans. Even if only a small percentage of passengers participate, experts say it could mean... more »

• Livingston Parish families torn between trick-or-treat days

  October 29, 2010 9:52 PM

  Some families in Livingston Parish are trying to decide what day to take children trick-or-treating. The parish, and some cities in it, have split on when to hold the holiday since it falls on Sunday. Children News 2 talked to said they are excited to get three days of... more »

• BREC may have to end holiday, summer camps

  August 24, 2010 7:15 PM

  BREC may have to end its holiday and summer camps. BREC received a letter from the State of Louisiana’s Office of Children and Family Services’ Licensing Section demanding it end operation of the Tiny Tots program for four to five-year-old children and the Rec Time program for six to 10-year-old... more »

• Tax holiday set for weekend

  May 28, 2010 9:34 AM

  The 2010 Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday starts tomorrow and ends Sunday. Louisianians can get a tax break when buying emergency supplies, including self-powered light sources like flashlights and candles; portable self-powered radios; two-way radios and weather-band radios; tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting. Other state-tax exempt items include... more »

• Sales tax holiday for hurricane supplies

  May 12, 2010 5:23 AM

  Louisiana residents can get a tax break when buying emergency supplies on May 29 and 30. The tax holiday exempts the 4 percent state sales tax on the first $1,500 on the items' cost. Local sales taxes still apply. Hurricane season starts June 1. For a list of the... more »

• Holiday shopping extended

  December 26, 2009 7:22 PM

  Thousands flocked to the malls Saturday to take advantage of some major post holiday sales. Some stores offered discounts as deep as 75 percent off. "Retailers are wanting to get rid of the excess merchandise," said shopper Nicole Baker, "and after a day with family you want to go... more »

• Holiday recipes by Holly Clegg

  December 21, 2009 1:54 PM

  Creamy Squash Casserole with Pecan Crumble Butter Pecan Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry Apple, Brie and Brown Sugar Pizza-for breakfast Creamy Squash Casserole with Pecan Crumble from The New Holly Clegg trim&TERRIFIC TM Cookbook A family recipe that makes our holiday table every year. If you don't like squash, this... more »

• Holly Clegg holiday recipes

  December 7, 2009 1:47 PM

  12/7 Party time: Sweet Cheese Ball Glazed Brie Sweet Cheese Ball from The New Holly Clegg trim&TERRIFIC TM Cookbook The seasoned cream cheese mixed with the dried fruit makes this an unforgettable cheese ball. Serve with sweet crackers, gingersnaps, or apple slices. This makes a big ball, so divide... more »

• Streamlining commission recommends furloughs

  December 1, 2009 5:20 PM

  The Louisiana Commission on Streamlining Government Commission approved a plan asking state agencies to consider more furloughs. Commission members say thousands of state employees often take days off before or after a holiday. State Representative Jim Morris says that can cost the state $16 million dollars a day. He... more »

• Turducken is a hit in Louisiana

  November 25, 2009 4:29 PM

  Several folks in Louisiana are opting out of the traditional Thanksgiving meal and looking forward to the Southern favorite called Turducken. The triple stuffed bird, usually made of a chicken stuffed in a duck stuffed in a turkey, has specialty stores working overtime to crank out enough for waiting... more »

• Christmas trees go up around the area

  November 23, 2009 5:22 PM

  Crews at LSU have begun setting up the Christmas tree in front of Memorial Tower. The tree features LED lights, which are meant to save energy, and purple and gold ornaments. In Walker, a 33-foot Norman Fir sits at the corner of Florida and Walker South. The lighting is... more »

• Chef of the Month - Key Lime Pie

  November 18, 2009 5:21 AM

  Key Lime Pie 6 Egg Yolks 14 ounce Condensed Milk 2/3 cup Key Lime Juice Green food coloring (opt) Whip egg yolks in mixer until light in color. Add condensed milk and combine well. Pour in Key Lime juice and a drop of food coloring if desired. Pour into... more »

• Twin Living Trees coming soon

  November 16, 2009 6:31 AM

  The Twin Living Trees come to life during the month of December. Randy Rice and Alan Shoumaker joined John Pastorek with a preview of this year's big show. Friday, December 4 7:00 pm Saturday, December 5 3:00 and 7:00 pm Sunday, December 6 3:00 pm Friday, December 11 7:00... more »

• Second Amendment sales tax holiday

  September 4, 2009 4:40 AM

  The state second amendment sales tax holiday starts today. People buying guns, bullets, and other items will not pay any taxes through Sunday. That saves about nine-cents for every dollar spent depending on where you shop. It applies to any item that could be used for hunting or fishing, including... more »