Tagged News

• East Baton Rouge Parish Library closes the book on late fees and fines

  August 1, 2023 9:21 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Starting Tuesday, the EBRPL will be doing away with late fees and fines, lowering the barrier for teens and adults that need to access the library's amenities. Children's materials and items checked out by senior citizens were already fine-free, but the library is extending that policy... more »

• DA says state is rushing clemency requests for the 'worst of the worst' on death row Play Video

  July 12, 2023 7:40 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge District Attorney says a recent movement to commute the sentences of more than 50 death row inmates in Louisiana — and to expedite the process before the end of Governor John Bel Edwards' term — is needlessly putting prosecutors across the state in... more »

• WBRZ's Fireworks on the Mississippi: How to watch

  June 30, 2022 3:15 PM

  WBRZ's annual fireworks show above the Mississippi River will return Monday, July 4, 2022 for a 53rd year. Fireworks will rocket into the sky at 9 p.m. on July 4 and WBRZ will produce a live telecast of the fireworks on WBRZ Plus, the region’s only local streaming and... more »

• CATS buses resuming Touchdown Express service for first LSU home game

  September 7, 2021 3:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - CATS buses will be running routes to transport fans to and from Tiger Stadium on Saturday. Buses will be picking up and dropping off people at L'Auberge Casino & Hotel, the Interstate 110 Underpass at Florida in downtown, and the Hotel Indigo. Touchdown Express tickets... more »

• FEMA will reimburse storm victims for generators, chainsaws

  September 6, 2021 12:43 PM

  Those with post-storm expenses tied to Hurricane Ida may be eligible for compensation from the federal government. FEMA has approved funds for those who spent money on items like generators and chainsaws in the wake of the storm. Congressman Garret Graves said the program will cover generator expenses up... more »

• Baton Rouge providing stations where residents can charge phones, get essentials

  September 1, 2021 12:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The city of Baton Rouge will open two locations Wednesday, September 1st, where residents can charge their devices and pick up food and water. The mayor's office said community recharge stations will open at MLK Community Center and the Leo S Butler Community Center. Each station... more »

• Winn-Dixie offering up to $20 in grocery vouchers to those who get vaccinated

  August 23, 2021 3:27 PM

  Southeastern Grocers is offering up to $20 in grocery vouchers at Winn-Dixie and its other stores for customers who get a vaccine at those locations. Customers can make an appointment online or walk into any in-store pharmacy to get a flu vaccine and/or COVID-19 vaccine to receive their $10... more »

• A new local program attempts to combat food insecurity for children

  August 14, 2021 5:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Each week, a team of people packs vans with boxes of ready-to-eat meals in the back lot of Focus Foods in Baton Rouge. The meal boxes help many busy moms like Jennifer Beehler feed their kids every week. "It's been super helpful. I don't have to... more »

• Judge allowing offenders to get COVID vaccine in place of community service hours Play Video

  July 27, 2021 12:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - At least one judge in East Baton Rouge is offering some people on probation the option to get the coronavirus vaccine in place of some of their court-mandated service hours. Court records obtained by WBRZ show Judge Fred T. Crifasi allowed at least two different people... more »

• Drawdown of False River scheduled to begin in September

  July 20, 2021 6:21 PM

  POINTE COUPEE - Officials will begin lowering water levels in False River in a little over a month. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, False River Watershed Council, and Pointe Coupee Parish Government plans to begin lowering the water after Labor Day, Sept. 6, 2021. The department said... more »

• As vaccine numbers slide, Louisiana may offer incentives for getting COVID shot

  May 20, 2021 5:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards said Louisiana is looking at ways to encourage residents who've yet to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to get the shot. Governor Edwards said during a news conference that the state is considering some form of "incentive" to push those still hesitant to... more »

• Two caught selling fake Louisiana vehicle inspection stickers on Facebook

  May 13, 2021 4:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two people were arrested Thursday for allegedly running a scheme that centered around selling phony Louisiana vehicle inspection stickers and temporary license plates on social media. Louisiana State Police reported 30-year-old Louvenia Allen of Baton Rouge and 34-year-old Yakevia Hicks of New Orleans were both taken... more »

• Get a vaccine at Alex Box Stadium, get a free LSU Baseball ticket

  May 7, 2021 12:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Next week, LSU's Alex Box Stadium will play host to LA Tech, Alabama and plenty of health workers looking to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. LSU Athletics announced state officials and Our Lady of the Lake are teaming up for a vaccination clinic outside the stadium for... more »

• YMCA offering free Moderna vaccines to residents of West Baton Rouge

  April 26, 2021 11:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The DOW Westside YMCA, West Baton Rouge Fire Department and State Fire Marshal's Office have teamed up to offer free COVID-19 vaccine shots to residents of West Baton Rouge this week. The community vaccination event will be held Monday, April 26, and Wednesday, April 28 from... more »

• City buses will resume charging fares in May

  April 22, 2021 11:37 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Capital Area Transit System will begin collecting fares for the first time in over a year. CATS announced Thursday that the free rides around the area will come to an end starting May 16. The usual fare for most trips is $1.75. The service... more »

• Some Baton Rouge bars giving out free drinks with vaccine appointments Play Video

  April 21, 2021 3:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Several bars in the capital area will be giving out free drinks this week to those who get a COVID vaccine. Healthcare company Relief said it's partnering with bars throughout Baton Rouge for its "Shots for Shots" campaign. Those who register and get their first dose... more »

• Mass vaccination site set to open in Baton Rouge Friday Play Video

  April 15, 2021 8:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Starting Friday, a parking lot along Florida Boulevard will be packed with people getting a COVID vaccine. "The Bon Carre Business Center lies directly within the center of our community, making it easier for residents to access regardless of their location," Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome said.... more »

• East Baton Rouge offering free rides to vaccine appointments, announces pop-up clinic initiative

  March 31, 2021 1:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE - City-parish officials announced programs Wednesday that will make it easier for East Baton Rouge residents to get a COVID vaccine. Mayor Sharon Weston Broome said her office and HealthyBR are partnering with Uber and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation to provide up to... more »

• Texas police chief says violating businesses' mask rules can still lead to arrests

  March 10, 2021 3:34 PM

  HOUSTON - Officials in Texas say patrons can still face charges for violating individual businesses' rules regarding face coverings despite the state lifting its statewide mask mandate. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo told CNBC that business property rights mean Texans still need to follow private business owners' rules for... more »

• Gayle Benson pays off hundreds of Walmart layaway orders at Louisiana, Alabama stores

  December 16, 2020 6:12 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Gayle Benson, owner of the Saints and Pelicans, is doing her part to spread some much-needed holiday cheer in a difficult year. NOLA.com reports Benson paid off roughly 300 layaway orders at three Walmart locations in Louisiana and Alabama. The donations benefited 122 families in the... more »

• Business teams up with local officials to hand out 800 Thanksgiving turkeys Play Video

  November 24, 2020 6:25 PM

  ZACHARY – On Tuesday, 800 turkeys were given away at the Miller and Daughter Mortuary. This is the third year the workers have put on the event, and it’s grown each time. At the first giveaway, 300 turkeys were handed out. This year, others stepped in and helped that... more »

• Mayor Broome will distribute free masks at local church on Sunday

  July 10, 2020 3:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The public is welcomed to pickup a mask on Sunday, July 12. Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome will distribute masks at World Shakers Church International located at 851 N 48th St. The even will start at 10:30 a.m. Masks will be distributed on a first come,... more »

• BR church to host free COVID-19 testing Friday

  June 25, 2020 3:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Faith City International Ministries will service free COVID-19 testing on Friday, June 26. Both walk-up and drive-thru testing will be available to the public from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. at 3680 Plank Rd. A photo ID is required, however, a doctor's order is not.... more »

• Juneteenth celebration in Capital City Play Video

  June 21, 2020 12:24 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Several Juneteenth events were held over the weekend in Baton Rouge, including the first city caravan and first downtown family festival. "The black lives movement, George Floyd after that, the black conscience is really starting to rise up" Juneteenth Festival Organizer, Geno McLaughlin said.... more »

• Councilwoman Erika Green will host free mask distribution

  May 1, 2020 12:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Councilwoman Erika L. Green is hosting a mask distribution for District 5 residents next week. On Monday, May 4, 2020 Councilwoman Green will begin the mask distribution at 10 a.m. and will end once all supplies are gone. The function will be held at the... more »

• Small Port Allen church makes big contribution to community during virus pandemic Play Video

  April 25, 2020 11:43 PM

  PORT ALLEN - Faith Street Ministries is a small church on the outskirts of Port Allen next to a sugar cane field. During the coronavirus pandemic, this ministry has been feeding hundreds of people from the community. "In The past two weeks, we've given out to the West Baton... more »

• Groups serving meals to kids every day amid virus outbreak and school closures Play Video

  March 28, 2020 11:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Many young kids and their parents lined up at McKinnley Middle School to receive lunch and breakfast on Saturday. The event is hosted by the Three O' Clock Project, a non-profit organization focused on providing meals to kids after school ends at 3 p.m. The... more »

• Diocese of Baton Rouge offering free meals to students

  March 19, 2020 3:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Diocese of Baton Rouge Child Nutrition Program will hand out free breakfast and lunch starting Thursday, March 19. The pickup service is for all students in Baton Rouge, Prairieville and Independence. This service includes all students 18 years old & younger regardless of school enrollment.... more »

• Crawfish Tracker: Prices plummet to new lows in capital area Play Video

  March 19, 2020 2:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Life has taken a strange turn in recent weeks, but at least it's cheaper than ever to find comfort in boiled crawfish. According to WBRZ's Crawfish Price Index , the price of boiled crawdads in the Baton Rouge area has hit a season-low this week. ... more »

• Raising Cane's celebrating LSU with free coleslaw Thursday

  January 8, 2020 3:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Raising Cane's is capitalizing on LSU's national championship hype with a unique promotion: free coleslaw. The Louisiana-based restaurant chain announced Wednesday that all of its locations within the state will be handing out the signature side for free on Thursday. “We can’t think of a... more »

• Volunteers work tirelessly to provide Thanksgiving feast for those in need Play Video

  November 27, 2019 7:02 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Glazing hams, making sandwiches and icing cakes, it's all in preparation for Holiday Helpers and St. Vincent De Paul's annual Thanksgiving feast. "They say I should go to culinary school. Probably not going down that path though," high school student Khoa Dang said. He's spending... more »

• Free pop-up clinic coming to Baton Rouge Play Video

  March 14, 2019 7:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana Healthcare Connections is sponsoring a two-day free clinic for the public Friday and Saturday. It will be held from 7am to 7pm and will provide dental, vision, basic health care and educational services on a first-come, first-serve basis. It will be held at the new... more »

• Register by noon for a free ride home from the parade Saturday

  March 15, 2018 1:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Attorney group Dudley DeBosier is offering free rides home from the Wearin' of the Green parade route Saturday. The 33rd annual parade rolls at 10 o'clock through its traditional Baton Rouge route Saturday. From 11 to 3, Dudley DeBosier will pay for Uber rides home for... more »

• Free flu shots available today Play Video

  January 30, 2018 11:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE – No cost flu shots will be available to the more than 55 parish health units in Louisiana. The shots will be available today from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The vaccine is available to anyone who has not received a vaccine this flu season, the state... more »

• WATCH: Matthew McConaughey helps hand out thousands of turkeys for Thanksgiving Play Video

  November 7, 2017 4:16 PM

  LAWRENCEBURG, KY - Actor and Texas native Matthew McConaughey celebrated his 48th birthday this weekend. But instead of partying, he spent it by giving back to thousands of families. Over the weekend announced he had partnered with the Wild Turkey bourbon distillery and Butterball to hand out 4,500 frozen... more »

• 2nd Amendment Sales Tax Holiday occurs this weekend

  September 1, 2017 1:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - This weekend, hunters are getting a sales tax discount when shopping for firearms or other hunting supplies. From September 1 through September 3, purchases connected to the 2nd Amendment will be fully exempt from local sales taxes and subject to only three percent sales tax instead... more »

• Registration begins Monday for free school supplies, backpacks

  July 10, 2017 1:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Sign-ups for free school supplies and backpacks from Salvation Army begin on Monday. Sign-ups will run from July 10 through Wednesday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The Salvation Army Worship and Community Center... more »

• Military offered free admission to WBR Museum, La. Art & Science Museum through Labor Day

  May 29, 2017 4:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Art & Science Museum along with the West Baton Rouge Museum in Port Allen is offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families on Memorial Day through Labor Day. Along with members of the military, members of the National Guard and... more »

• Goodwood library to offer free restoration services for flood-damaged photos

  April 19, 2017 1:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The East Baton Rouge Library is offering photo restoration services for residents whose photos were damaged in the August flood. The library is partnering with Operation Photo Rescue to offer services for two days to those who wish to recover their photos. The two-day event will... more »

• Huge turnout at tax-help event leaves many flood victims empty-handed Play Video

  February 3, 2017 2:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE –So many flood victims showed up to have their income taxes filed at an event organized by the United Way that many families had to leave empty-handed. The Capital Area United Way offered a free tax-help event Saturday for those who needed assistance preparing their taxes. The... more »

• SU law center to host free title-clearing event for flood survivors

  January 24, 2017 12:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The Southern University Law Center will host a free title-clearing event for flood survivors. The legal aid session is open to flood survivors to provide services regarding title issues affecting flood-damaged property in East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Ascension parishes. The event is being held at... more »

• NOLA bakery offering free king cake for a year for info on stolen truck

  January 19, 2017 1:13 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Haydel's Bakery in New Orleans is offering one free King Cake per week for a full year to anyone who has information about a truck stolen from the bakery early Thursday morning. The bakery posted on Facebook about the incident looking for information about a man... more »

• BRPD offering free self-defense classes for women

  January 10, 2017 1:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The Baton Rouge Police Department is offering free self-defense classes for women later this month. The classes will be held at the Baton Rouge Department Training Academy located at 9000 Airline Highway. The class sessions are as follows: Session 1 Tuesday, Jan. 31 ... more »

• Central residents receive free Thanksgiving meals Play Video

  November 22, 2016 6:36 PM

  CENTRAL – Residents impacted by the August flood received free Thanksgiving meals Tuesday. Sherri Hedges received a dinner and said she is thankful for the meal she received at the food bank since she was not sure about what her family was going to have a holiday meal. ... more »

• Red Stick Store extended third time for flood victims to shop for free

  November 18, 2016 11:18 AM

  BATON ROUGE – Flood survivors will get another chance to shot for free clothes and items at the Red Stick Store in Cortana Mall. The program, organized by K.I.D.S/Fashion Delivers, State Representative "Ted" James and the Urban League of Louisiana, allows for flood victims to shop for free clothes... more »

• Red Stick Store extended for flood victims to pick free clothes, items Play Video

  November 3, 2016 6:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Flood survivors will get the opportunity to shop for free clothes again tomorrow at the Red Stick Store in Cortana Mall. The program, organized by K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, State Representative "Ted" James and the Urban League of Louisiana, allows for flood victims to shop for free clothes and... more »

• Albany church giving out free items for flood victims Thursday

  August 25, 2016 12:04 PM

  ALBANY – Volunteers and church officials of the Blood River Baptist Church in Albany will be assisting flood victims on Thursday afternoon. Volunteers will be giving out basic need items such as all household essentials, clothes, food and water. Items will be placed in boxes for those receiving them... more »

• 'Res-Que' team to give out free BBQ meals to flood victims, first responders

  August 19, 2016 6:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Members of Fleur de Que , Hog Dat Nation, March of the Pigs, Hogs for the Cause and Bacon Rouge are coming together to feed the Baton Rouge community following the recent flooding and severe weather. The group, dubbed as Hogs Res-Que Team, will be cooking barbecue... more »

• Free supplies available at Baker Schools event next week

  July 29, 2016 4:46 PM

  BAKER - Students in need will have a chance to receive some free supplies for the school year ahead at an event scheduled for next Saturday in Baker. The giveaway will take place at the Baker School System Office on Saturday, Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon. The... more »

• Free lunch for law enforcement after ambush shooting Play Video

  July 20, 2016 7:53 PM

  LIVINGSTON- One restaurant is going the extra mile with its gratitude for law enforcement. Wayne's Hickory Pit Bar-B-Que in Livingston is offering free meals to all cops this week. It's a response to Sundays shooting of three Baton Rouge law enforcement officers. "You see such tragic losses amongst... more »

• JetBlue offering free flights to families of Orlando shooting victims

  June 13, 2016 5:24 PM

  ORLANDO - JetBlue airline company is providing free seats on flights to and from Orlando for those impacted by a mass shooting that took place on Sunday at a Florida nightclub that left at least 49 dead and another 53 injured. The free flights are available for immediate family... more »

• Free summer program offered for teens in high-crime areas Play Video

  May 31, 2016 7:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A free summer program is now being offered to those located in high-crime communities. Louisiana State University has been working with the city to help fight off crime under a federal grant and one of the things the city is implementing is a free summer program that has... more »

• Judges accused of wrongdoing face discipline at Supreme Court Play Video

  May 3, 2016 12:08 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Two judges from the west side of the river face serious sanctions because of their behavior. Judges Robin Free and James Best will appear before the Supreme Court Tuesday. Judge Robin Free made a mad dash away from our cameras there a year and a half... more »

• Free options for revelers who need a safe New Year's ride Play Video

  December 31, 2015 12:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Several groups offered alternatives on New Year's Eve for drivers who want to get home safe after they've had too much to drink. Mockler Beverage's "Safe Ride Home" program is in its 15th year for 2015. It pays for towing services and taxi companies to provide... more »

• Pro Bono Project attorneys to offer free legal advice Thursday

  December 1, 2015 3:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Residents in need of legal advice will have an opportunity to have their queries quashed this Thursday thanks to attorneys from the Baton Rouge Bar Foundation’s Pro Bono Project. The Dec. 3 event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will be held at the... more »

• CATS offering free rides for young passengers in December

  November 18, 2015 11:24 AM

  BATON ROUGE – The Capital Area Transit System announced Wednesday that passengers aged 17 or younger will be able to ride CATS for free in December. To get the free bus rides, younger passengers will have to provide identification proving they meet the age requirement. CATS said bus drivers... more »