Tagged News

• Details emerge of a potential Iran deal as U.S. cites progress Play Video

  May 24, 2026 9:48 AM

  CAIRO (AP) — The United States is close to reaching a deal with Iran that would end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and see Iran give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, with the details and timelines to be worked out later, regional officials told The Associated... more »

• Iran responds to ceasefire proposal as drones target Gulf nations Play Video

  May 10, 2026 11:48 AM

  DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has sent its response to the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal via Pakistani mediators and wants negotiations to focus on permanently ending the war, Iran’s state-run media said Sunday. Pakistan confirmed receiving it. Iran seeks to end the war on all fronts,... more »

• Supreme Court says Plaquemines Parish lawsuit over erosion must be heard in federal court Play Video

  April 17, 2026 11:59 AM

  WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court handed a win Friday to oil and gas companies fighting lawsuits over coastal land loss and environmental degradation in Louisiana. The unanimous procedural decision gives the companies a new day in federal court after a state jury ordered Chevron to pay upward of $740... more »

• Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz, but Trump says blockade on Iranian ships and ports will stay in force Play Video

  April 17, 2026 9:32 AM

  BEIRUT (AP) — Iran said Friday it fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels, but President Donald Trump said the American blockade on Iranian ships and ports “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with the U.S., including on its nuclear program. Iranian Foreign... more »

• Less than a day after a ceasefire, Iran closes Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks on Lebanon Play Video

  April 8, 2026 1:14 PM

  TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The United States and Iran both claimed victory Wednesday after the two countries and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire that halted more than a month of war, and world leaders expressed relief, even as more drones and missiles hit the Islamic Republic and Gulf Arab... more »

• Trump warns a 'whole civilization' could die but adds Iran still has time to capitulate Play Video

  April 7, 2026 8:32 AM

  TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Airstrikes hit two bridges and a train station in Iran on Tuesday, and Iranian officials urged young people to form human chains to protect power plants, as U.S. President Donald Trump warned that a “whole civilization will die tonight” if Tehran does not meet his latest... more »

• Judge won't block meeting that could exempt Gulf drilling from Endangered Species Act

  March 27, 2026 1:04 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — A judge ruled Friday that the Trump administration can convene a meeting next week to seek an exemption from the Endangered Species Act on the basis of national security for expanded oil and gas drilling in the Gulf. District of Columbia District Judge Rudolph Contreras rejected... more »

• Rising gas prices could affect your own One Tank Trips Play Video

  March 19, 2026 3:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gas prices are climbing across Louisiana, and even short “One Tank Trips” are starting to cost more, according to AAA and local drivers. Every week, WBRZ highlights destinations that can be reached on a single tank of gas, from swamp tours and goat yoga to... more »

• Gasoline costs go up in Louisiana as oil prices rise due to tensions in Middle East Play Video

  March 12, 2026 6:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Rising tensions involving Iran are beginning to affect drivers in Louisiana as oil prices surge and gas costs climb. After Iran’s new supreme leader vowed to continue fighting, the price of crude oil spiked above $100 per barrel. The increase is already being felt at the... more »

• Oil surges to its highest price since 2023, and stocks drop after a weak update on the US job market Play Video

  March 6, 2026 4:22 PM

  NEW YORK (AP) — Oil shot to its highest price since 2023 after surging again Friday because of the Iran war, and a weak update on the U.S. job market knocked stocks lower to cap Wall Street’s worst week since October. The S&P 500 dropped 1.3% after a report... more »

• Gov. Jeff Landry: Oil spill near Port Fourchon caused by cargo transfer hose transfer Play Video

  March 6, 2026 9:48 AM

  PORT FOURCHON — The Marine Safety Unit Houma responded to a crude oil leak at the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port facility near Grand Isle on Feb. 26. The oil leak was caused by a material failure in a cargo transfer hose, causing the release of 750 oil barrels, according... more »

• More than 10,000 gallons of crude oil spill into Gulf near Port Fourchon, LOOP says

  March 4, 2026 3:34 PM

  PORT FOURCHON — The Louisiana Offshore Oil Port said Wednesday that thousands of gallons of crude oil leaked into the Gulf last week near Port Fourchon. According to a report from WWL , one of its had reached out to the station after the Audubon Aquarium Rescue postponed a... more »

• Thanks but no thanks: Trump and Landry's hospital ship plan provokes defense of Greenland health care system Play Video

  February 22, 2026 4:18 PM

  (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump said he would deploy a hospital ship to Greenland, alleging that many people there are sick and not receiving care, even though both of the U.S. Navy’s hospital ships are currently docked at a shipyard in Alabama. Trump’s announcement prompted a defense on... more »

• SCOTUS hears oral arguments in Louisiana coastal case; industry organizations react Play Video

  January 12, 2026 2:16 PM

  WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday heard opening arguments in Chevron v. Plaquemines , a court case stemming from allegations that oil and gas companies, including Chevron, caused damage to Louisiana's coast. In April 2025, Chevron was ordered to pay $740 million to repair Louisiana's coastline after... more »

• Records reveal federal criminal search warrant served at Smittys Supply Play Video

  January 12, 2026 1:24 PM

  ROSELAND ( La. Illuminator ) — Federal law enforcement agents served a search warrant at the Smitty’s Supply plant in November, records show, signaling a rare criminal investigation could be underway into last year’s fire and oil spill disaster at a Tangipahoa Parish petroleum products supply plant. The U.S.... more »

• President Donald Trump cancels second wave of attacks on Venezuela following release of political prisoners Play Video

  January 9, 2026 12:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE — President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he cancelled a second wave of attacks on Venezuela, following the nation's release of political prisoners as a sign of "Seeking Peace." According to a social media post by the president, the U.S. and Venezuela are working together to... more »

• Trump says US to get 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela at market price Play Video

  January 6, 2026 7:08 PM

  CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — President Donald Trump said Tuesday on his social media site that “Interim Authorities” in Venezuela would be selling 30 million to 50 million barrels of “High Quality” oil to the U.S. at its market price. “I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this... more »

• Houston oil company faces nearly $10 million fine for 2023 oil spill off Louisiana coast Play Video

  January 6, 2026 4:31 PM

  WASHINGTON — A Houston-based oil company is facing what the Trump administration says is the largest civil fine ever for a 2023 oil spill off the Louisiana coast. The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Monday that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration notified Panther Operating Co. on Dec.... more »

• Venezuela's oil future uncertain after Maduro's capture; Louisiana likely to see limited impact Play Video

  January 5, 2026 6:14 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Venezuela holds the largest oil reserves in the world, but years of political turmoil and economic crisis have left its oil industry in disarray. The recent capture of Nicolás Maduro has added a new layer of uncertainty about the country’s ability to restore production and attract... more »

• Coast Guard is pursuing another tanker helping Venezuela skirt sanctions, US official says Play Video

  December 21, 2025 1:41 PM

  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard on Sunday was pursuing another sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea as the Trump administration appeared to be intensifying its targeting of such vessels connected to Venezuelan government. The pursuit of the tanker, which was confirmed by a... more »

• Oil glut brings relief at the pump, raises questions about Louisiana jobs Play Video

  December 19, 2025 6:43 PM

  PORT ALLEN - A worldwide glut in oil production has caused prices to drop, bringing relief to drivers at the gas pump but raising concerns about the long-term impact on Louisiana’s energy industry. Gas prices are projected to fall to around $2.80 a gallon, the lowest level since 2020,... more »

• Nearly $300 million in Gulf drilling bids could bring more jobs to Louisiana, industry supporters say Play Video

  December 12, 2025 7:18 PM

  NEW ORLEANS — Oil companies offered nearly $300 million for offshore drilling rights in the Gulf this week, as the Trump administration looks to ramp up domestic oil production. Thirty companies submitted over 200 bids for tracts off the coast in the Gulf, with a large portion of those... more »

• Federal judge says Biden went too far with indefinite stoppage of offshore oil and gas leases

  October 7, 2025 7:16 PM

  LAKE CHARLES — A federal judge says President Joe Biden went too far when he declared parts of the Outer Continental Shelf off-limits to potential oil and gas leasing for an indefinite period. One of his Jan. 6, 2025, orders concerned leasing off the coast of Alaska while a... more »

• Gov. Landry, EPA give update on cleanup efforts more than a month after Smitty's Supply explosion Play Video

  October 1, 2025 12:37 PM

  AMITE — State and federal officials said Wednesday they have cleaned up more than 4 million gallons of oil more than a month after explosions at Smitty's Supply polluted the area with an oily chemical residue, but they are still just three-quarters of the way finished. WATCH THE PRESS... more »

• WATCH: NEW footage shows oil reaching 30 miles downriver from Roseland plant explosion Play Video

  September 30, 2025 1:39 PM

  LEE'S LANDING — Drone footage from Lee's Landing south of Ponchatoula shows that oil contamination from August's explosion at the Smitty's Supply plant in Roseland has reached 30 miles downriver. The contamination from the Aug. 22 has made its way down the Tangipahoa River. The chemical contamination is now... more »

• 2 Your Town Morgan City: How oil became a billion-dollar industry in Morgan City dates back to the '40s Play Video

  August 28, 2025 8:00 AM

  MORGAN CITY — Oil has been the main moneymaker in Morgan City for nearly 80 years. Roger Beaudean, the executive director of the Atchafalaya Intracoastal Coalition, said it all started in 1947. "In 1947, the first offshore oil well was drilled by Kerr McGee, and it was actually... more »

• Smitty's Supply employee recounts fast evacuation of facility Play Video

  August 26, 2025 4:51 PM

  ROSELAND - One of the employees who first saw the fire at Smitty's Supply on Friday said he worked quickly to help his coworkers evacuate. For 11 years, Jessie Hughes has worked around flammable products, blending oil at the facility in Roseland. That's what he was doing when he... more »

• Daughter of Smitty's Supply executive says no one is to blame for fire in Roseland at plant Play Video

  August 26, 2025 7:34 AM

  ROSELAND — As of Tuesday morning, Smitty's Supply has not released a statement on the explosion that sent ash across Roseland and the surrounding areas on Friday. One of the executives' daughters, Bethany Tate, however, has taken to Facebook to ask for prayers for her family. She said... more »

• Roseland residents return after Smitty's Supply fire, facing soot, oil, and health concerns Play Video

  August 25, 2025 5:51 PM

  ROSELAND – Residents who were forced to evacuate Friday night after the fire at Smitty’s Supply are finally back in their homes, but many say what they’ve returned to is worse than they expected. A one-mile evacuation zone was ordered after flames broke out at the chemical distributor. The... more »

• Former Smitty's employee 'not surprised' by explosion Play Video

  August 25, 2025 5:19 PM

  ROSELAND — While the public waits for an explanation into what caused a massive explosion at Smitty's in Roseland, a former employee tells the WBRZ Investigative Unit it was only a matter of time. The employee, whom we will refer to by her last name, 'Padilla,' worked as an... more »

• Fire still burning after Friday explosion at Smitty's Supply; see updates from officials Play Video

  August 23, 2025 8:12 AM

  ROSELAND — Explosions through the nighttime hours prolonged an environmental emergency at a Tangipahoa Parish oils and lubricants company. An evacuation order for a community of about 1,000 people remained in place as Saturday dawned. As of Saturday afternoon, more than 24 hours after the initial blast, Louisiana State... more »

• Over 2,300 shrimpers, seafood businesses sue over 2022 oil spill on opening day of shrimping season Play Video

  August 12, 2025 6:51 PM

  HOUSTON — Over 2,300 shrimpers, boat owners and seafood business owners from across the Gulf Coast filed a lawsuit in Houston against two companies over an oil spill in Louisiana's Terrebonne Bay that happened on the opening day of the 2022 shrimping season. Around 200 of the 2,328 listed... more »

• Trump announces 25% tariff on India and unspecified penalties for buying Russian oil Play Video

  July 30, 2025 2:04 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States will impose a 25% tariff on goods from India, plus an additional import tax because of India’s purchasing of Russian oil, President Donald Trump said Wednesday. India “is our friend,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform, but its tariffs “are far too... more »

• Friday's Health Report: Which oil is the healthiest to cook with? Play Video

  July 18, 2025 7:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE — There is olive oil, seed oil, vegetable oil and beef tallow, all of which can be used to cook foods, but which is the healthiest? Animal fats and globs of butter, that's how food traditionally has been cooked over generations. That's until these methods were linked... more »

• Deputy hit by car while directing traffic around Livonia oil tank fire scene; US 190 re-opened Play Video

  March 31, 2025 1:44 PM

  LIVONIA - A deputy who was helping to direct traffic around the scene of a large-scale oil tank fire on Monday was hit by a car and critically injured. The deputy was helping direct traffic to allow a fire official's pickup truck to leave the tank fire when he... more »

• Biden issues ban on offshore oil and gas drilling in most federal waters as Trump vows to undo it

  January 6, 2025 10:36 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is moving to ban new offshore oil and gas drilling in most U.S. coastal waters, a last-minute effort to block possible action by the incoming Trump administration to expand offshore drilling. Biden, whose term expires in two weeks, said he is using authority... more »

• Sean 'Diddy' Combs to make first appearance before trial judge in sex trafficking case

  October 10, 2024 7:13 AM

  NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to make his first appearance before the judge who is expected to preside over the hip-hop powerbroker’s trial on sex trafficking charges. Combs will be brought to Manhattan federal court from a Brooklyn jail for a Thursday afternoon appearance before... more »

• Generator maintenance encouraged following Hurricane Francine Play Video

  September 25, 2024 5:36 PM

  NAPOLEONVILLE — Generator owners know to change their appliances' gas, but some may not realize it is just as important to change their oil. Justin Bourdreax with Boudreaux's Electrical Services told WBRZ you can keep generators from not only breaking down but also allowing the generator ready for emergencies... more »

• People call attention to garbage trucks dropping fluids on neighborhood streets Play Video

  October 24, 2022 4:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The streets in Azalea Lakes are spotted with what looks like oil spots. Barry Boudreaux pointed them out in front of his driveway, next door and down the street from his house on Lake Iris Avenue. "It's either oil or transmission fluid, you can drive all... more »

• Gas pump mix-up has victim fighting for insurance money to fix car Play Video

  August 29, 2022 3:07 PM

  PLAQUEMINE - In June, a woman pulled up to the pump to fuel up her car, and unbeknownst to her, the oil company servicing Plaquemine Truck Stop accidentally put diesel in the regular tank. Ever since, it's been a battle for Elia Anthony trying to get reimbursed for the... more »

• Person airlifted after 18-wheeler flipped, blocked highway in Central for hours

  May 21, 2022 5:50 PM

  CENTRAL - A person was taken to a hospital by helicopter after an 18-wheeler flipped Saturday morning and shut down a highway for hours. The crash, which involved at least one other vehicle, happened around 9 a.m. on Wax Road at Banway Drive. First responders had to free the... 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 »

• As some states mull gas tax suspension, La. expert warns of mixed results Play Video

  March 10, 2022 11:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As the cost to fill up your tank continues to rise, more and more states are considering suspending state gas taxes aimed at providing drivers some relief. Louisiana, though, is not among them. Maryland became the latest state Thursday to take action, moving to suspend... more »

• State expected to see hundreds of millions more in revenue as oil prices skyrocket Play Video

  March 9, 2022 11:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The high cost of oil is likely to bring in hundreds of millions more in revenue than previously forecast for Louisiana during the upcoming fiscal year. For decades, oil and gas production has been Louisiana's bread and butter, especially when it comes to the state budget.... more »

• Gas prices hit new all-time high in Baton Rouge; Louisiana reports record-high average statewide

  March 9, 2022 9:10 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The average cost of gas in the Baton Rouge area has eclipsed the record previously set nearly 14 years ago. On Wednesday, AAA reported the average fuel price in the capital area — and across Louisiana — is now higher than it was in 2008, when... more »

• La. oil producers warn that increasing domestic production won't be an instant fix Play Video

  March 8, 2022 11:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Calls for a ban on Russian energy imports were replaced Tuesday with calls for increased energy independence as another spike in rapidly rising fuel costs is imminent. "We could probably get fairly close to being energy independent again on our continent," Mike Moncla, president of the... more »

• No end in sight as fuel prices continue to skyrocket Play Video

  March 7, 2022 6:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Many people were stunned on Monday when they saw that gas had risen to almost $4 a gallon at a Shell station on Evangeline Street. "Something needs to be done immediately, because you got to decide if you want to eat or if you want to drive.... more »

• Ukraine crisis not entirely to blame for steeper fuel prices Play Video

  March 3, 2022 11:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The price for a gallon of gas in the capital city continues its daily climb. According to AAA, the average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded gas Thursday in East Baton Rouge parish was $3.53, above the statewide average of $3.48. Thursday's Baton Rouge average... more »

• 'Top Priority': Biden aims to get gas prices, other costs under control Play Video

  March 1, 2022 11:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As filling up your tank continues to get more expensive, President Joe Biden said it was his "top priority" to get prices under control during Tuesday's State of the Union. Several gas stations across Baton Rouge Tuesday advertised $3.39 per gallon for regular unleaded gas. A... more »

• Louisiana to see increasing gas prices, other economic effects from crisis in Ukraine Play Video

  February 24, 2022 6:23 PM

  The crisis in Ukraine is halfway across the globe, but financial experts say we will feel the effects here. It all starts at the gas pump and spreads from there. On Thursday, the national average gas price was $3.54 per gallon -- $0.01 higher than Wednesday. The cost of... more »

• City-Parish, Housing Authority partner to improve EBR's wastewater system

  November 29, 2021 5:54 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Officials in East Baton Rouge (EBR) are collaborating to encourage residents to actively protect the local environment. They're even planning to give some residents environmentally-friendly tools. The program that will make such tools and related sustainability education available to residents will be announced Monday morning... more »

• Interior Department releases review of federal oil and gas leasing program

  November 26, 2021 2:11 PM

  The Department of Interior on Friday released a report on oil and gas drilling on federal land that promotes an increase in leasing fees and consideration of climate change in leasing decisions. According to CNN , the report seems to sidestep climate concerns and does not recommend a halt... more »

• Birds found with oil on them following Hurricane Ida are rehabilitated and released

  September 17, 2021 1:11 PM

  Two birds who were found covered in oil following Hurricane Ida have been rehabilitated and released by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. They are among dozens found at a Belle Chasse refinery in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. The birds were released at the Bayou... more »

• Hurricane Ida's impact on gas prices in Louisiana

  September 7, 2021 6:57 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Experts say Hurricane Ida's upset to the oil and refining industry last week was relatively swift and slight. According to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy , a decrease in gas prices may be just around the corner. De Haan said, "With... more »

• ExxonMobil Refinery to make major reinvestment in Baton Rouge

  June 9, 2021 10:18 AM

  BATON ROUGE - On Wednesday, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery Manager David Oldreive announced the company’s final investment decision for more than $240 million in capital improvements at the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery. The suite of projects will improve processing capability, increase flexibility for meeting market demand, advance overall site... more »

• Several people hurt after explosion at gas well along Louisiana coast

  May 25, 2021 5:01 PM

  MORGAN CITY - Several workers were hurt after a natural gas well near the coast of Louisiana erupted into flames. Texas Petroleum Investment Company said the incident happened at a well in the Belle Isle Field. The company said the situation first began Sunday while workers were attempting to... more »

• As Colonial Pipeline remains offline, 'spotted' fuel outages possible at La. gas pumps Play Video

  May 10, 2021 10:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - By the afternoon commute Monday, 'No Gas' signs or bagged fuel pumps appeared sporadically at gas stations across the capital area, four days after a ransomware attack has shut down the Colonial Pipeline . "We're starting to see spotted outages, and that's going to continue to... more »

• Massive container ship blocking Suez Canal for nearly one week finally dislodged

  March 29, 2021 6:01 AM

  The massive container ship that was blocking the Suez Canal for nearly a week has been fully dislodged, Egyptian officials told CNN on the afternoon (local time) of Monday, March 29. Late Monday morning, tugs were working to free the bow of the ship after dislodging the stern earlier... more »