Tagged News

• Animal rescue group pleads with public to spay, neuter pets

  May 24, 2023 4:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Companion Animal Alliance of Baton Rouge on Wednesday issued a plea to area residents, asking them to spay and neuter their pets and to adopt when looking to add a pet to their home. The group said that it's up against troubling math, as demonstrated... more »

• Former CATS employee sues bus system over termination, leaked drug test debacle Play Video

  December 29, 2022 5:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Former Capital Area Transit System Comptroller John Cutrone filed a lawsuit against the bus system alleging he was retaliated against and fired after notifying CATS administration about several instances involving potential waste and mismanagement. In January, Cutrone was given a random drug test and failed. His... more »

• IRS sends CATS half-million-dollar seizure notice, some board members unaware Play Video

  September 6, 2022 5:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Documents obtained by the WBRZ Investigative Unit show the IRS sent the Capital Area Transit System a $515,859.50 seizure notice for unpaid employer shared responsibility payments for the tax period ending in 2017. Watch live newscasts here A spokeswoman for CATS told WBRZ, the bus system... more »

• Amid unpaid bills and multiple bus fires this year, bus system downplays problems Play Video

  July 21, 2022 5:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - For the first time in months, the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) addressed stories that have cast the public bus system in a negative light—downplaying multiple bills that were not paid on time and multiple bus fires. Thursday morning, another CATS bus had to be towed... more »

• CATS health account frozen after bus system falls behind on bills again Play Video

  July 20, 2022 5:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Employees working at the Capital Area Transit System learned that their health reimbursement accounts were frozen because the public bus system did not pay its bills. Watch live newscasts here This is the second time that has happened. WBRZ exposed in April that employees' health... more »

• Nakamoto: Despite reporting issues, driver told to keep driving CATS bus before it erupted into flames Play Video

  June 27, 2022 5:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Audio recordings obtained by the WBRZ Investigative Unit show a CATS bus driver notified dispatchers about problems on her bus one hour before it went up in flames but was told to keep driving. The audio obtained through a public records request is between a CATS driver... more »

• CATS bus erupts into flames near mall Friday Play Video

  June 10, 2022 5:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A public transit bus erupted into flames near the Mall of Louisiana Friday. No one was hurt when the CATS bus burst into flames. It was not immediately clear what sparked the fire. Video shared with WBRZ showed flames were burning from underneath and... more »

• Photos: Firefighters rescue kittens trapped in car engine

  May 24, 2022 2:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Firefighters saved five kittens that were stuck inside a car's engine block. The St. George Fire Department shared photos of the rescue. The department said the crew was able to get all five felines out without damaging the vehicle. more »

• CATS will discuss firing demoted CEO who appears to have retained $191,000 salary Play Video

  May 17, 2022 10:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Capital Area Transit System will discuss possibly firing embattled bus boss Bill Deville Wednesday. The CATS board scheduled an emergency meeting to determine Deville's future after he was removed as CEO following a WBRZ Investigative Unit report earlier this year. Dwana Williams was appointed... more »

• Former CATS CEO who pushed for bus tax: 'The public has been grossly ripped off' Play Video

  April 12, 2022 5:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Former CATS CEO Brian Marshall, who helped push for a tax to fund the public bus system more than ten years ago, is stunned by the ongoing mismanagement at the bus company featured in numerous WBRZ Investigative Unit reports . Stream WBRZ newscasts online here Monday... more »

• CATS mum on what former bus boss will do after being stripped of CEO title, though he keeps his big salary Play Video

  April 8, 2022 5:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The board overseeing the city bus company voted Monday to de-frock the CEO from his position, though he will get to stay on at the department and keep his six-figure pay. As of Monday night, the Capital Area Transit System couldn't tell WBRZ what role Bill... more »

• Nakamoto: New CATS manager was fired from previous government job, facing sexual harassment lawsuit Play Video

  April 6, 2022 5:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) is again making questionable decisions with who leads the agency. Stream WBRZ newscasts here Board members tell WBRZ, CATS hired Keith Cunningham as the agency's interim CAO days ago. Cunningham most recently worked for the Louisiana Housing Corporation where he... more »

• Nakamoto investigation questions CATS' tardiness in paying healthcare premiums for employees Play Video

  April 5, 2022 5:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - CATS employees' health insurance may have lapsed for two days after the bus company was late paying its bills, an email obtained by WBRZ shows. The latest issue comes amid a series of WBRZ Investigative Unit and Chris Nakamoto reports on the bus system, which have... more »

• Confidence in CATS leadership fading as selective enforcement of drug policies exposed by WBRZ Play Video

  March 25, 2022 6:31 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Confidence is waning in the leadership at the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) following a story by the WBRZ Investigative Unit that showed the man in charge of finances at the agency tested positive for meth. The failed drug test WBRZ obtained showed John Cutrone... more »

• Bus system says drug policy applies to drivers, not bosses, after Nakamoto exposes exec with positive meth test Play Video

  March 24, 2022 5:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) is calling on the Baton Rouge bus system to rehire any employee who was terminated for a failed drug test. The demand comes 24-hours after the WBRZ Investigative Unit exposed the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) is once again selectively enforcing its zero-tolerance... more »

• Bus system fires leader who was recorded talking about millions in missing money Play Video

  January 6, 2022 5:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) parted ways with Chief Administrative Officer Pearlina Thomas in a brief, three-sentence letter this week. Sources provided that letter to the WBRZ Investigative Unit. It was written and signed by CEO Bill Deville. "Thank you for your services. Effective immediately,... more »

• CATS property tax renewal approved by voters Saturday

  November 13, 2021 9:02 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A ten-year tax renewal funding the public transit system here was approved by voters Saturday. Voters in the city of Baton Rouge and Baker backed the CATS property tax renewal, which costs about $100 for each $100,000 of a home's assessed value. The average homeowner may... more »

• Bus system CEO accepts large car allowance one year after agency canceled them Play Video

  October 27, 2021 5:40 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) CEO Bill Deville accepted thousands of dollars in a car and phone allowance last year, despite the agency canceling car allowances for 13 of its highest paid employees the year before. Deville earns nearly $191,000 per year, and his gross... more »

• Controversy at CATS, leaked audio hints at millions in missing dollars Play Video

  October 20, 2021 6:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Leaked audio that surfaced this week between the second-in-command at the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) and a former employee raises questions about whether millions of dollars are missing. The conversation was so concerning, East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Dwight Hudson forwarded it to District Attorney... more »

• CATS parts with employee who was the focus of WBRZ report Play Video

  October 18, 2021 5:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) parted ways with an employee who was the focus of a WBRZ Investigative Unit report after he failed a pre-employment drug screen. Following WBRZ's story, sources told the WBRZ Investigative Unit, Garrick Rose showed up to work with a blood-alcohol... more »

• Police: Man was driving nearly double the speed limit when he caused deadly crash on Florida Boulevard

  October 13, 2021 6:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A man was arrested Wednesday and booked on charges relating to a deadly car accident in the middle of June. Baton Rouge Police Department said 42-year-old Leroy Fields was driving over the speed limit on Florida Boulevard when he hit another car at the North 19th... more »

• Bus Rapid Transit moves forward with final authorization of $15M federal grant

  September 22, 2021 12:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Mayor's Office announced Wednesday that the revitalization of Plank Road has taken another step forward this week with a request for final Metro Council acceptance of a highly competitive $15 million federal grant awarded to Baton Rouge for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.... more »

• LSU SVM: Ensuring your pet's safety during summertime heat, holiday activities

  June 30, 2021 8:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE - With summertime underway, road trips and outdoor outings become occasions to enjoy time with beloved pets. But our favorite furry friends may also have a few special needs during summer. A recent news release from LSU's School of Veterinary Medicine touched on what some of these... more »

• Rescue dogs flown out of La. to ease stress on shelters during hurricane season

  June 23, 2021 4:24 PM

  GRAND RAPIDS - A plane carrying over 150 Louisiana shelter dogs landed in Michigan Wednesday afternoon. Dogs were moved out of Louisiana to relieve animal shelters during hurricane season. The BISSELL Pet Foundation flew shelter pets to West Michigan Regional Airport, where they will be shared between six shelters... more »

• CATS to become more COVID safe with contactless bus fare payment system

  January 20, 2021 6:53 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) in Baton Rouge has received $337,500.00 in federal funding to support a technology upgrade that will make it more COVID safe. Officials say CATS will receive funding to support the integration of contactless bus fare payments through smart card technology... more »

• CATS: Changes to Route 11 result in seven canceled stops Wednesday

  October 21, 2020 11:01 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) in Baton Rouge announced Wednesday that a change will be made to Bus Route 11. The organization says its Northside Circulator outbound will have a Wednesday detour until 6 p.m. and as a result, the stops listed below will be... more »

• LSU Vets: How to keep your pets safe during Hurricane Delta

  October 8, 2020 7:18 AM

  BATON ROUGE - As Delta rolls on a path towards Louisiana, residents are making swift preparations to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Many residents have furry members of the family and their needs are also important during hurricanes. Louisiana State University's School of Veterinary Medicine (LSU SVM)... more »

• CATS workers plan Tuesday afternoon protest, citing ' mismanagement of millage'

  September 22, 2020 11:15 AM

  Baton Rouge – A local Baton Rouge union announced Tuesday that as CATS management goes to the full CATS Board to ask for a millage increase, it will lead a protest outside of the board meeting. According to ATU Local 1546 -Baton Rouge, LA's press release, the group feels... more »

• Capital Area Transit System (CATS) reminds riders to wear masks

  July 7, 2020 11:02 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Residents in the Capital City have been diligent when it comes to wearing masks, according to Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome during a Tuesday morning interview with WBRZ. Later that morning, Capital Area Transit System (CATS) reminded residents that just as they must wear masks while frequenting... more »

• Capital Area Transit System to receive over $3 million for new vehicles

  June 2, 2020 11:37 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Capital Area Transit System will receive $3,872,089 in federal funds to purchase new electric buses. The new vehicles will replace older models that have reached their maximum use and are no longer best-suited to current infrastructure needs. The funds were made possible by a... more »

• Animal shelter in Baton Rouge in need of donations

  May 29, 2020 5:56 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Capital Area Animal Welfare Society (CAAWS), a non-profit that cares for Baton Rouge's homeless animal population, is asking the public for donations to help them provide for the many dogs and cats temporarily housed in their shelter. In mid-May, CAAWS representatives took to Facebook with... more »

• New study suggests cats can catch COVID-19, but experts say this is no cause for concern

  April 3, 2020 11:55 AM

  According to CNN , a recent study out of China revealed that cats may be susceptible to contracting COVID-19. And, the study also indicated that cats can transfer the illness to each other. While ferrets joined the ranks of their feline cousins in susceptibility to COVID-19, dogs, pigs,... more »

• CATS to temporarily waive fares during COVID-19 pandemic

  March 19, 2020 8:09 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Capital Area Transit System (CATS) has announced that as a result of the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, the bus systems is waiving fares for all customers. This goes into effect Thursday, March 19 and will continue until further notice. CATS also asks all customers to... more »

• Emails obtained by WBRZ show CATS exec on warpath, crazed hunt for leaks amid Nakamoto reports on bus system Play Video

  September 3, 2019 6:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A string of emails obtained by the WBRZ Investigative Unit following lengthy investigations into problems at the Capital Area Transit System shows the lengths CEO Bill Deville went to prevent the public from getting information. Before Investigative Unit reports this summer, Deville knew stories on the bus... more »

• INVESTIGATIVE UNIT: CATS supervisor fails drug test, hired anyway

  June 4, 2019 5:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Unlike the near-dozen people who failed a drug test and lost employment at CATS, the public bus system in Baton Rouge, a recruited supervisor was allowed to retake a failed drug test to secure a job at the company. CATS fired or chose not to hire... more »

• INVESTIGATIVE UNIT: CATS supervisor fails drug test, hired anyway Play Video

  June 4, 2019 4:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Despite the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) claiming it has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs, the WBRZ Investigative Unit uncovered a supervisor at the bus system failed a drug test and was hired anyway. The favoritism shown for Garrick Rose is especially concerning because, over the... more »

• CATS cancels car allowances for highest paid employees after WBRZ report Play Video

  May 14, 2019 6:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) canceled car allowances for 13 of its highest-paid employees just weeks after the WBRZ Investigative Unit exposed them. The public bus system was spending nearly $45,000 per year for those in chief, manager and director positions to stay off the bus. Antoinette... more »

• Privileges for a chosen few, 13 highest paid CATS employees receive car allowances Play Video

  April 24, 2019 5:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Capital Area Transit System is reviewing car allowance policies to see if changes are necessary, as the WBRZ Investigative Unit found 13 of the public agency's highest-paid employees are receiving the allowance. The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) provides transportation for those who need it the most,... more »

• Local animal shelter struggling with over capacity

  February 2, 2019 10:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Companion Animal Allience Shelter is filling up quickly and they need your help to get their furry friends a home. “Currently we have 199 dogs and 99 cats it’s been a high influx of dogs and a lull in adoptions,” said Development Director Emily Jackson. Jackson... more »

• City trying to figure out how to deal with stopped buses on a two-lane Government Street

  February 1, 2018 6:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE – There are no designs on paper to allow buses to pull off of Government Street once the highway is trimmed from four lanes to one travel lane in each direction, though officials are hoping to fix an issue that could lead to annoying congestion and frustrated drivers.... more »

• CATS to purchase Baton Rouge's first ever electric buses

  November 20, 2017 4:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The CATS Board of Commissioners announced on Thursday the approval of purchasing three electric Proterra buses. The buses will be used to enhanced planned Bus Rapid Transit service launching in 2018. The board says the buses will cost approximately $2.8 million, which will be funded through... more »

• CATS suspends Saturday night, Sunday morning service over Nate concerns

  October 6, 2017 1:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE – CATS will suspend public transportation service at 6:30 p.m. Saturday due to concern over Nate. Public buses will not run between 6:30 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday. Bus service will resume Sunday at noon, the agency said in a news release. Click HERE for the... more »

• City wants parking permit back from convicted thief Play Video

  July 18, 2017 6:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The problems continue to grow tonight for the former CATS Board Member Montrell McCaleb who stole money to pay his cable bill and was featured in a WBRZ Investigative Unit report last month for creating non-profits with no track records of helping the community. When The Investigative Unit... more »

• CATS bus involved in crash on Airline Highway Friday

  July 14, 2017 12:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Authorities responded to a crash involving a CATS bus Friday morning. Dispatchers warned medical crews there could be as many as six patients. Police, fire and EMS were sent to the crash scene around 11 o'clock. The wreck happened at the corner of Airline Highway... more »

• Man charged with threatening, cyber stalking estranged wife

  December 1, 2016 4:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Police say a Baton Rouge man was arrested after he allegedly stalked and threatened his estranged wife in September. Baton Rouge Police charged 41-year-old Letrois Danvet Watson with simple assault and cyber stalking Thursday. According to arrest documents, Watson’s wife, a CATS bus driver, was... more »

• WEB EXTRA: Bus rider moves so he won't have to ride CATS anymore

  September 29, 2016 3:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A former bus rider said Thursday he became so frustrated with spotty service on the taxpayer funded CATS, he moved. In the inner circles of the often-criticized management team of Capital Area Transit System leaders, Frank Lanasa might be widely disliked. Routinely, Lanasa sends emails to... more »

• CATS cancels Touchdown Express Service for remainder of LSU football season

  September 28, 2016 4:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE – CATS is canceling its Touchdown Express for the remaining LSU football games, the agency announced Wednesday. CATS said that it will focus on maintaining its regular service with as little interruption as possible while continuing to recover from last month's flood. "The decision to cancel... more »

• CATS board names Bill Deville permanent CEO

  September 20, 2016 10:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE - William "Bill" Deville, who has served as CATS interim CEO, was voted by the board to the permanent position Tuesday night. Deville has acted as interim CEO for the past several months and has worked in transportation for over 32 years. He spent over 22 years... more »

• CATS will shutter riderless Garden District route

  September 19, 2016 4:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Tuesday, the board overseeing the public bus company agreed to shut down its Garden District trolley service. CATS created the route through the historic neighborhood about 18 months ago. Combustion engine buses built to look like trolleys run the route that drives through Downtown Baton Rouge,... more »

• CATS recommends interim CEO to serve as permanent CEO

  September 14, 2016 1:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The committee in charge of the search for the new CATS CEO recommends hiring interim CEO William 'Bill' Deville for the position, the agency announced Wednesday. Deville took over the role as interim CEO earlier this year and has more than 32 years of experience in... more »

• Man cited after gun fires on CATS bus Tuesday

  September 13, 2016 5:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A wheelchair-bound man was issued a court summons after his gun accidentally fired inside a CATS bus Tuesday. Police identified the man as Belin Milton, 63. Investigators said Milton was exiting a CATS bus near the intersection of Picardy and Flanders when the gun he was... more »

• Post-flood, frustrated riders could wait up to an hour for a bus

  September 9, 2016 4:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Numerous cancellations frustrated Capital Area Transit System riders Friday as the bus system asked for patience in the system's ongoing effort to restore service with a tattered fleet and tested drivers. Earlier this week, CATS announced it was not offering its bus service to fans attending... more »

• CATS not offering Touchdown Express Service for LSU football games in September

  September 7, 2016 2:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The Capital Area Transit System will not offer its Touchdown Express service for LSU football games this month. CATS says that it is still working to restore full service on all of its line following last month's flooding. CATS says that it has restored most of... more »

• Thursday CATS bus routes with limited service

  August 18, 2016 9:25 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Capital Area Transit System says limited service to most of its lines is back on Thursday. Service has been restored to most routes, but trips are limited and buses are not running as regularly as they normally do. Riders should consult RouteMatch or the Cats... more »

• Some CATS routes remain in limited services

  August 17, 2016 8:59 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Capital Area Transit System says Wednesday will see limited service to most of its lines in the city on Wednesday. Flooding limited access to many routes. CATS buses were also used in rescue and evacuation efforts. Service has been restored to most routes as... more »

• Some CATS bus routes remain in limited service

  August 16, 2016 10:52 AM

  BATON ROUGE - CATS say it is continuing to support rescue and evacuation operations, but more buses will return to regular service than in the days prior on Tuesday. Service has been restored to most routes, but trips are limited and buses are not running as regularly as they... more »

• CATS: Some routes to return to service Monday

  August 15, 2016 8:58 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Capital Area Transit System reports that it will re-establish a limited number of lines on Monday following this past weekend’s historic flooding. CATS says it is evaluating road conditions and staffing levels as it decides which routes to operate at this time. CATS has been... more »

• Eleven selected as finalists for top bus system job

  August 5, 2016 11:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Eleven people are scheduled to be interviewed next week by the search committee looking for the next CEO of the Capital Area Transit System. The former CEO resigned earlier this year, in protest of constant negativity about the bus system from the public. Bob Mirabito wrote... more »

• Minor league baseball team urges fans to bring cats to the game

  July 8, 2016 12:21 PM

  LAKEWOOD, N.J. - A minor league baseball team in New Jersey affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies is so confident that furballs and flyballs go together that they are inviting fans to bring their cats to this weekend's game. Saturday is CATurday when the BlueClaws play the West Virginia Power... more »