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• Senate defers gun bill ban on federal oversight

  May 21, 2013 5:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Senators have delayed a vote on a controversial bill that would prohibit enforcement in Louisiana of any federal bans on assault weapons. Postponement Tuesday came after opponents repeatedly called the measure unconstitutional. Following a barrage of questions about the effort to usurp federal laws and several attempts... more »

• Control towers at small airports to stay open

  May 10, 2013 2:28 PM

  WASHINGTON- The Transportation Departments says 149 control towers at small airports that were set to close will remain open at least through Sept. 30. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has determined there is enough extra money, under a bill passed by Congress last month, to keep the towers open through the... more »

• Obama "comfortable" with FDA approach on Plan B

  May 2, 2013 5:36 PM

  MEXICO CITY - President Barack Obama says he's comfortable with his administration's decision to allow over-the-counter purchases of a morning-after pill for anyone 15 and older. The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday had lowered the age at which people can buy the Plan B One-Step morning-after pill without a... more »

• Leaders plan to push tax increase again

  April 25, 2013 9:06 PM

  LIVINGSTON - Just one year later, leaders want to push a property tax increase to fund Livingston Parish mosquito control again. It was voted-down last year, but since about a third of residents still skip-out on paying the fee, Mosquito and Abatement believes the tax is necessary. Without... more »

• Obama slams senators who opposed gun measure

  April 17, 2013 4:59 PM

  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama says the Senate's opposition to a bill that would have expanded background checks for gun buyers marks a "shameful day" in Washington. He says a minority of senators decided "it wasn't worth it" to protect the nation's children. Obama spoke in the Rose Garden shortly... more »

• Pro-gun bills approved by La. House committee Play Video

  April 17, 2013 4:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana lawmakers are advancing a batch of bills they say are aimed at pre-empting any stricter gun laws that could make it out of Congress. In heated exchanges over five hours of debate, the House Criminal Justice Committee approved Wednesday an array of "state's rights" gun regulations.... more »

• Gun control bill clears first hurdle in Senate

  April 11, 2013 10:42 AM

  WASHINGTON - Gun control supporters have won the first Senate showdown over restricting firearms, rejecting an effort by conservatives to derail a package of gun curbs before debate could even begin. The 68-31 vote gave an initial burst of momentum to efforts by President Barack Obama and lawmakers, mostly Democrats,... more »

• Dem, GOP senators reach background check deal

  April 10, 2013 10:21 AM

  WASHINGTON - Two pivotal senators have announced a bipartisan deal on expanding background checks to more gun buyers. The agreement could build support for President Barack Obama's drive to curb firearms violence. Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Republican Sen. Patrick Toomey of Pennsylvania said their agreement would... more »

• Biden: Threats to block gun bill 'embarrassing'

  April 9, 2013 2:51 PM

  WASHINGTON - Vice President Joe Biden says he refuses to believe a small group of senators will block a vote on gun legislation. The vice president says it would be "embarrassing" if a filibuster would be the climax of a national tragedy like the shooting at Connecticut's Sandy Hook Elementary... more »

• Conn. governor signs sweeping gun limits into law

  April 4, 2013 12:22 PM

  HARTFORD, Conn. - Connecticut's governor has signed into law some of the country's tightest gun restrictions in response to December's shooting massacre at a Newtown school. The measure adds more than 100 firearms to the state's assault weapons ban and outlaws the sale of large-capacity ammunition magazines similar to the... more »

• Some Colo. sheriffs oppose more gun control

  April 3, 2013 10:21 AM

  DENVER - Some Colorado sheriffs are speaking out against any more gun control measures as President Barack Obama visits the state. Sixteen sheriffs, including Larimer County's Justin Smith and John Cooke of Weld County, plan to hold a news conference Wednesday in Denver. They'll gather in a park near where... more »

• Biden says a shotgun will scare off intruders

  February 19, 2013 3:43 PM

  WASHINGTON - Vice President Joe Biden says Americans don't need semi-automatic weapons to protect their homes because a couple of blasts from a shotgun will scare off intruders. The vice president encouraged those worried about defending themselves to buy a shotgun. He was speaking Tuesday in an online video as... more »

• Gun background checks drop by 10 percent in Jan.

  February 5, 2013 8:44 AM

  WASHINGTON - The number of federal background checks for firearm sales declined unexpectedly last month following a surge toward the end of the year as Washington considered new gun control measures. An Associated Press analysis of new FBI data published early Tuesday shows the National Instant Criminal Background Check system... more »

• Obama to campaign for gun proposals in Minnesota

  February 4, 2013 7:38 AM

  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is seeking to rally support from the public and the law enforcement community for his calls to ban assault weapons and require universal background checks for gun buyers. Obama is pitching his anti-gun violence agenda Monday in Minnesota, a Democratic-leaning state where officials have been... more »

• Police push for background checks on gun purchases

  January 29, 2013 7:06 AM

  WASHINGTON - Law enforcement leaders who met with President Barack Obama are urging him to improve the mental health system and strengthen background checks, but did not unify on more controversial gun control measures. Leaders of the Major County Sheriffs' Association said they told the president Monday to focus on... more »

• Bill filed in Miss. seeks to nullify federal laws

  January 25, 2013 6:17 AM

  JACKSON, Miss. - In a state that defied the union during the Civil War and Civil Rights era, two lawmakers want Mississippi to block some current and future federal laws. Republican state Reps. Gary Chism and Jeff Smith have filed a bill to form the Joint Legislative Committee on... more »

• Biden: Limit on magazine rounds a bigger priority

  January 25, 2013 6:14 AM

  WASHINGTON - Vice President Joe Biden says he's more concerned about limiting the number of rounds in a gun magazine than about banning assault weapons that account for a small percentage of gun deaths. The vice president participated in an online chat Thursday on Google Plus. He says... more »

• Biden to promote gun control in pro-gun Virginia

  January 23, 2013 3:58 PM

  WASHINGTON - Vice President Joe Biden is launching a White House campaign of road trips to promote gun control with a visit to the heart of avidly pro-gun Virginia. The White House announced Wednesday that Biden would travel to Richmond on Friday along with other Obama administration officials and Democratic... more »

• Experts back NYC's link of gun laws, lower crime

  January 23, 2013 1:02 PM

  NEW YORK - Mayor Michael Bloomberg is an outspoken advocate for gun control. He touts historic crime lows in New York City as an outcome of strict gun laws that are strictly enforced. And criminologists say for the most part he's right. As proof, they cite the all-time low number... more »

• Obama taking 23 actions aimed at gun violence

  January 16, 2013 11:18 AM

  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is taking 23 executive actions aimed at curbing gun violence that don't require congressional action, including measures to encourage schools to hire police officers, increase research on gun violence and improve efforts to prosecute gun crime. The executive actions are part of an overarching... more »

• Bryant: Miss. should resist federal limits on guns

  January 16, 2013 11:09 AM

  JACKSON, Miss. - Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said Wednesday that he wants the state to resist any presidential order that might restrict gun rights. Republican Bryant made the call shortly before President Barack Obama issued 23 executive orders designed to curb gun violence. "I am asking that you immediately pass... more »

• Obama unveils $500 million gun violence package

  January 16, 2013 11:03 AM

  WASHINGTON - Even as he uses his executive powers to enact 23 measures that don't require the approval of Congress, President Barack Obama says there's only so much he can do to reduce gun violence unless lawmakers act. He says that's what it will take to make a "real and... more »

• Newtown families invited to Obama gun control event

  January 16, 2013 10:20 AM

  WASHINGTON - Families of the victims of last month's shooting attack at a Connecticut elementary school have been invited to the White House today to see President Barack Obama outline an effort aimed at reducing gun violence. Obama's ideas include bans on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines --... more »

• Govt appeals judge's contraceptive mandate ruling

  January 15, 2013 4:30 PM

  WASHINGTON - The Obama administration is appealing a judge's order that is temporarily preventing the government from forcing a Christian publishing company to provide its employees with certain contraceptives under the new health care law. In November, U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton granted a preliminary injunction sought by Tyndale House... more »

• Obama to outline action against gun violence tomorrow

  January 15, 2013 1:05 PM

  WASHINGTON - Just a little more than a month since the Connecticut school massacre, President Barack Obama tomorrow will be unveiling his proposals to fight gun violence. The White House says he and Vice President Joe Biden will be joined by children who wrote the president letters after the Newtown... more »

• New York about to pass tough gun law

  January 15, 2013 10:38 AM

  ALBANY, N.Y. - Legislation that would give New York state the toughest gun restrictions in the nation is expected to easily pass today in the state Assembly. It's already won approval in the state Senate, where the Republican leader says it is "well-balanced" and "protects the Second Amendment." It provides... more »

• 54,000 Mexicans sign petition for US gun control

  January 14, 2013 2:40 PM

  MEXICO CITY - More than 54,000 Mexicans have signed a petition calling on the United States to take further steps to combat weapons trafficking. Mexico says the majority of guns used by the country's violent drug cartels are smuggled over the border from the United States. Mexico's best-known anti-violence activist... more »

• Obama: Gun control specifics to come within days

  January 14, 2013 12:20 PM

  WASHINGTON - He's acknowledging an uphill fight in Congress -- so President Barack Obama says he's looking at actions he can take on his own to confront gun violence. He told reporters today that he will present a plan within days. Obama says the ideas that are on the table... more »

• Biden says consensus emerging on gun safety

  January 10, 2013 11:52 AM

  WASHINGTON - Vice President Joe Biden says he will deliver recommendations to President Barack Obama on steps to curb violence by Tuesday. Biden says a consensus is emerging over proposals such as tightening background checks and banning high-capacity ammunition magazines. Biden told a group of sportsmen and wildlife interest groups... more »

• ATC agents abuse state-issued cell phones Play Video

  December 19, 2012 6:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Several Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control agents are in trouble for allegedly abusing their state-issued cell phones. An audit by the ATC uncovered records of agents using their state-issued phones for personal business while on the clock. During October, one agent used the phone... more »

• NRA promises to help prevent school shootings

  December 18, 2012 4:21 PM

  WASHINGTON - The National Rifle Association is breaking its silence four days after a school shooting in Newtown, Conn., where 26 were killed, including 20 children. The nation's largest gun rights organization made its first public statements Tuesday after a self-imposed media blackout that left many wondering how it would... more »

• Dozens arrested in bar raid south of LSU campus

  November 16, 2012 3:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Police and Alcoholic Beverage Control agents arrested more then two dozen people in a compliance check last night at a popular bar near the LSU campus. Cpl. L'Jean McKneely said they made the arrests at Shady's Bar on East Boyd. They said undercover officers inside the... more »

• Catholic bishops stay course on gay marriage fight

  November 12, 2012 2:41 PM

  BALTIMORE - The nation's Roman Catholic bishops say they won't change their strategy on gay marriage or birth control coverage despite the outcome of the election. Bishops have been in the forefront of opposing same-sex marriage. But voters decided ballot questions in four states last week in favor of gay... more »

• St. Helena school to stay under state control

  July 31, 2012 10:09 AM

  GREENBURG - A federal district judge says he has the authority to transfer the state-run St. Helena Central Middle School back into local school board control but he's not going to do so right now. The Advocate reports St. Helena Parish school system officials argued that the district's dramatic improvement... more »

• Leaders say no, but some Democrats want tougher gun limits

  July 24, 2012 3:34 PM

  WASHINGTON - A handful of Democrats are calling for a ban on high-capacity ammunition clips after the movie theater shooting rampage in Colorado, but House and Senate leaders of both parties have no plans to touch the issue this election year. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch... more »

• Dozens of animals seized from suspected hoarder

  June 11, 2012 10:23 AM

  BATON ROUGE- The East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control is investigating a hoarder case. This morning, 43 animals were seized by investigators from a house of an alledged hoarder. News 2's Adrian Pittman gets answers on what kind of conditions the animals were found in, and what will... more »

• Painter released after federal court hearing

  June 5, 2012 10:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A federal judge released former Alcohol and Tobacco Control commissioner Murphy Painter on his own recognizance after a hearing over several indictments this morning. On May 23, a federal grand jury handed up an indictment against Painter for charges of computer fraud, making false statements and... more »

• Mich. wildfire stabilizes, rain aids control work

  May 27, 2012 12:01 PM

  NEWBERRY, Mich.- Rain is lending a hand to crew members who are battling a wildfire that has consumed 31.6 square miles of forest in the eastern port of Michigan's sparsely populated Upper Peninsula. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said Sunday that the fire near Newberry is about 47 percent... more »

• Increase in concealed carry permits seen in La.

  April 23, 2012 2:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Thousands of residents in Louisiana are arming themselves to stay safe. Approximately 44,000 people have concealed carry permits in the state. Coming up at six, News 2's Chris Nakamoto takes a look at a recent shooting in Baton Rouge where the victims had concealed carry permits and... more »

• Trend: Teen suicide increasing

  March 5, 2012 3:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE - According the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the third leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults, and the trend is on the rise. The CDC says 149,000 young people will attempt suicide in a year, and 44,000 will carry the act to completion.... more »

• First vote looms on Obama birth control policy

  March 1, 2012 4:08 AM

  WASHINGTON - The Senate is debating Republican legislation aimed at taking a bite out of President Barack Obama's health care law. The measure, sponsored by Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt, would allow insurers and employers to opt out of any requirements to which they object on moral or religious grounds. That... more »

• Packaging error leads to birth control recall

  February 28, 2012 11:13 AM

  NEW YORK- Drugmaker Glenmark Generics says it is recalling seven lots of birth control pills because in some packages, the pills were in the wrong order. Glenmark announced a voluntary recall of seven lots of its Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP, 0.18 mg/0.035 mg, 0.215 mg/0.035 mg, 0.25... more »

• Catholics still questioning birth control policy Play Video

  February 10, 2012 5:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE- After changing a controversial policy mandating religious organizations offer birth control to it's employees through insurance, the Obama administration is still getting concern from Catholics. The President announced today that companies would not have to offer contraceptives to employees if it was against their beliefs, and instead... more »

• Obama: Insurance companies will pay for contraceptives

  February 10, 2012 11:39 AM

  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama introduced a revamped birth control policy Friday morning that he says will protect both religious liberties and women's access to contraception. Speaking at the White House, Obama announced changes that religious employers will not have to cover birth control for their employees. Instead,... more »

• Biden 'determined' to work out birth control issue

  February 9, 2012 4:04 PM

  WASHINGTON - Vice President Joe Biden says he believes the Obama administration can address concerns raised by the Catholic church and religious groups about a new birth control policy that says church-affiliated employers must provide contraceptive coverage for their employees. Biden tells a Cincinnati radio station Thursday that he's "determined... more »

• Neighbor fed up by barking dog

  August 30, 2011 5:31 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Carl Moore isn't an insomniac, but he believes the dogs next door that keep him awake night after night may be. What's more, he has the paperwork to prove it. Moore says they bark all night, and he's kept pages and pages of logs to show... more »

• Mosquitoes hatching after days of wet weather

  July 19, 2011 6:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Mosquitoes are hatching after several days of wet weather and East Baton Rouge Mosquito Control is working to eliminate the pesky insects. Inspector Marcus Goss visits a dozen or more homes a day. He looks for standing water where mosquito larvae thrive and also fogs the area... more »

• 2 new weapons in arsenal against armadillos

  June 26, 2011 12:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Those pesky armadillos that fight rural Louisiana homeowners for dominance of gardens and yards may not be having their way as much. Under a state law enacted last year, it's legal to shoot armadillos at night with the aid of artificial lighting. Louisiana State University wildlife specialist... more »

• Workers find "greener" solutions to fighting mosquitos

  April 1, 2011 5:01 PM

  ASCENSION - Mosquito control crews are gearing up to fight the bite of those pesky bugs we all grow to hate. This year, Ascension Parish workers are also trying to fight them cheap... and green. Teams in the parish are searching ditches and waterways for minnows that like to... more »

• Court finds Painter in violation of restraining order

  February 24, 2011 10:34 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A Baton Rouge judge found former Alcohol and Tobacco Control Commissioner Murphy Painter in violation of his restraining order against Kelli Suire after Painter attended a funeral for Suire's aunt. Painter was initially fined $500 for the infraction but the judge suspended that and placed him... more »

• Volunteers help increase adoptions at EBR animal shelter

  February 22, 2011 5:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE - More volunteers means fewer animals killed each year, according to workers at the East Baton Rouge Animal Control and Rescue center. Last year more than 6,000 animals were euthanized, which is 2,500 fewer than the previous year. In additions, dog and cat adoptions increased nearly 15%... more »

• Hundreds of animals saved each year at "no kill" shelter

  February 21, 2011 5:23 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - Hundreds of animals are saved every year at a "no kill" animal shelter in Denham Springs. However, over-population is a daily struggle because the city pays for animal control and rescue, but Livingston Parish does not. "We do get animals dropped off at the gate, left... more »

• Industry leader: Abolish Baton Rouge ABC board

  February 7, 2011 11:46 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The head of a Baton Rouge restaurant group says he supports a proposal before the Metro Council to abolish the Alcoholic Beverage Control board. Andy Blouin, president of the Baton Rouge chapter of the Louisiana Restaurant Association, tells The Advocate that eliminating the board would save money... more »

• Louisiana seeing most cases of "bath salt" abuse

  December 21, 2010 4:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE – 84 people have been hospitalized since September after using a new drug being marketed as bath salts, according to state health officials. According to the Department of Health and Hospitals, Louisiana has seen more hospitalizations over the new drug than any other state. The state Poison Center... more »

• Sheep picked up grazing near LSU

  December 20, 2010 5:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Thirteen sheep are grazing at an East Baton Rouge Animal Control paddock, after they were spotted nibbling grass alongside a parking lot in Baton Rouge. The sheep were noticed by passers-by along Nicholson Drive near the Brightside extension this afternoon. Several animal control agents were sent... more »

• Owner of seized horses arrested

  December 1, 2010 4:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The owner of several horses seized for being malnourished and emaciated has been arrested, according to Baton Rouge Police. 46-year-old Farrow Jerome Carney was arrested Tuesday evening after coming by the East Baton Rouge Animal Control Center, according to director Hilton Cole. Cole said they had seized... more »

• Horses seized after animal cruelty complaint

  November 30, 2010 3:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Animal control officers seized several horses today in an animal cruelty investigation in Baton Rouge, and want to bring charges against their owner. Animal Control Director Hilton Cole said today that his office had received complaints about the horses being malnourished, which were pastured on property... more »

• GOP takes control of La. house with Hines switch

  November 12, 2010 2:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Republicans will have the majority in Louisiana's House of Representatives for the first time since Reconstruction, with the party switch of a New Orleans lawmaker. Democratic Rep. Walker Hines announced Friday he is switching to the GOP. Hines' move gives Republicans 51, with Democrats having... more »

• Pinnacle receives approval to change plan for BR casino

  October 21, 2010 6:04 PM

  Pinnacle Entertainment received approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to change the design plan for its Baton Rouge casino. As News 2’s Michael Shingleton found out, crews have been working non-stop at the Pinnacle site on River Road for the past two months, making sure they meet their deadline.... more »

• Library board votes to build new library in downtown Baton Rouge

  September 16, 2010 8:28 PM

  After two years of research and debate, people in downtown Baton Rouge are closer to seeing a new library. The Library Control Board voted 5-2 tonight to recommend building a new, 57,000 square foot library to replace the current one. Members Stan Bardwell and Don Browning were the only... more »

• Experts show how to identify, prevent bed bugs

  September 7, 2010 5:01 PM

  Pest control experts said anyone can fall victim to bed bugs, but there are steps you can take to identify the problem early or even prevent the pests. First, cover your mattress with a mattress cover completely. Expert Matt Kimbrough suggested using a cover without a zipper, which can... more »

• Animal shelter under investigation in north LA

  September 6, 2010 12:20 PM

  The Franklin Parish District Attorney's Office says a grand jury will consider allegations that Winnsboro's animal shelter kept dogs in illegal conditions. Prosecutors got a report in July from Louisiana State Police, who were asked to investigate by the sheriff's office because city police run the shelter. The District Attorney's... more »

• Allen Parish considers Mosquito control tax

  July 12, 2010 6:15 AM

  A mosquito control proposition will be on the Oct. 2 ballot in Allen Parish. The 10-year, 8-mill property tax renewal will purchase, maintain and operate equipment and materials necessary in the eradication of mosquitoes. The mosquito control tax was first approved in 2002, and brings in an estimated $592,000 a... more »

• WBR strengthens animal control ordinance

  April 9, 2010 5:41 PM

  West Baton Rouge Parish Council voted 7-2 Thursday to strengthen its animal control ordinance. The new ordinance does not specifically list dog breeds, instead it focuses on dog behavior. "We had an instance here in Brusly where a young girl was attacked by some animals and what really... more »

• Man busted for animal cruelty in Baker

  January 13, 2010 7:42 PM

  A man faces animal cruelty charges after police received complaints that he was not caring for his horses. Police surveyed the property on Don Avenue in Baker. After noticing multiple horses, East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control was called to the scene. The man was leasing the land... more »