Department of Energy awards nearly $5M to LSU-led consortium

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded an LSU-led consortium a $4.9 million project to see if it is feasible to build a carbon removal hub in Louisiana, LSU announced this week. 
Blue Cross

Opponents celebrate as Blue Cross sale hearing pushed back

A public hearing to discuss the possible sale of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana to an out-of-state for-profit company has been pushed back from next week to October amid public criticism.
solar industry

Will the PSC unplug Louisiana utilities from components made by foreign adversaries? 

It’s either a rushed but genuine attempt to solve a legitimate issue, or part of a larger political strategy to oppose Louisiana’s transition to renewable energy.

CVS on Government set to close next month

A Mid City CVS pharmacy on Government Street is set to shut down in September as the company closes locations nationwide, WBRZ-TV reports. According to...

H&E accuses former employee of stealing trade secrets, violating noncompete agreement

Baton Rouge-based H&E Equipment Services is accusing a former employee of using the company’s private information to compete on behalf of his new employer, costing H&E millions. 

First half of 2023 has 401(k) savers counting their gains

A resilient stock market helped boost gains for savers with retirement accounts through the first half of this year.

New owners rebrand Bin Q Liquor and add tasting room, wine club  

If you’ve been around Baton Rouge long enough, you might still refer to Bin Q on Perkins Road by its longtime name, Cuban Liquor....

Average long-term US mortgage rate hits highest level in more than 20 years 

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed this week to its highest level in more than 20 years, grim news for would-be homebuyers already challenged by a housing market that remains competitive due to a dearth of homes for sale.

Construction underway at site of former Reggie’s bar

Construction is underway at the site of the former Reggie’s, the shuttered Tigerland bar that lost its liquor license following the death of LSU student Madison Brooks earlier this year. 

BRAF’s Chris Meyer talks new direction on Strictly Business

Chris Meyer says he’s focused on helping the Baton Rouge Area Foundation reach the next level of impact in the Baton Rouge community.

What new lending regulations mean for small business owners 

The U.S. Small Business Administration and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau each issued new rules earlier this year that aim to expand funding access for small-business owners, especially those in underserved communities.

US unemployment claims fall as labor market continues to show resiliency 

The U.S. labor market continues to flex its muscle as applications for jobless claims fell again last week and remain at healthy levels in the face of high interest rates and inflation.

Rising prices: Louisiana’s heat wave could elevate costs for beef, soybean and sugar

The ongoing heatwave could lead to increased costs and a reduced yield in Louisiana's crop and livestock production, warns LSU AgCenter. Higher fertilizer prices, rising diesel fuel consumption, and the imperative for irrigation to combat the drought have all contributed to the anticipated hike in prices for this year's harvests, including soybeans, rice, cotton, and sugarcane. 

What we know about the mayor’s plan to upgrade Baton Rouge roads

Mayor Sharon Weston Broome announced this afternoon an action plan to repave and restripe dozens of roads throughout the parish. 

Aldi to buy 400 Winn-Dixie, Harveys supermarkets in the South 

Discount grocer Aldi, which has three Baton Rouge-area stores under construction, announced today it plans to buy 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys supermarkets in Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. 

Is the Federal Reserve planning more rate hikes? 

Most Federal Reserve officials last month still regarded high inflation as an ongoing threat that could require further interest rate increases, according to the minutes of their July 25-26 meeting released this afternoon.

Urban Daiquiris expands with a location in Prairieville

Urban Daiquiris, originally established on Juban Road in Denham Springs about two years ago, has opened a second location on Airline Highway in Prairieville. 

Louisiana’s gas tax rate is second lowest among states

Louisiana has the second-lowest gas tax rate in the nation, behind only Alaska, the Tax Foundation reports based on July data. 

Why more businesses are nearshoring their supply chains

The share of companies making moves to nearshore their production nearly tripled this year, according to McKinsey's annual survey of supply chain leaders, Axios...

Speedy Eats expands automated vending plans with Pressed Juicery partnership

Baton Rouge startup Speedy Eats is partnering with California-based juice brand Pressed Juicery to carry their products in its 25 existing indoor fridge units as well as its upcoming automatic vending concept.