Content Tagged As government
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US inflation cooled in May in a sign that price pressures may be easing
June 12, 2024 10:36 AM
WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation in the United States eased in May for a second straight month, a hopeful sign that a pickup in prices that occurred early this year may have passed. The trend, if it holds, could move the Federal Reserve closer to cutting its benchmark interest rate from... more » -
Gov. Edwards delivers farewell address Wednesday evening
January 3, 2024 4:03 PM
BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards delivered his farewell address Wednesday evening in Amite as Governor-Elect Jeff Landry will be inaugurated in the coming week. The Governor's speech Wednesday celebrated the changes he's made during his eight years in office. Edwards said the state is in a... more » -
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 » -
Another high-ranking member of Mayor Broome's administration leaving
November 30, 2022 2:12 PM
BATON ROUGE - A second high-ranking city-parish official is leaving Mayor Sharon Weston Broome's administration. Broome announced Wednesday that Darryl Gissel was leaving his post as chief administrative officer. The city named its new CAO Wednesday afternoon, Maj. Gen. Glenn Curtis, former commander of the Louisiana National Guard... more » -
Metro Council unanimously votes to kill stormwater fee, blocks introduction of item threatening parish attorney's job Play Video
October 26, 2022 7:44 PM
BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Metro Council met Wednesday to attempt to untangle the stormwater fee debacle amid numerous reports from WBRZ showing government misinformation campaigns in an attempt to levy a fee on property. The council unanimously voted to delete the Mayor's proposal for the Stormwater... more » -
Stormwater fee-estimating map incomplete days before vote, parish reveals as government sells property charge
October 17, 2022 1:14 PM
BATON ROUGE – An estimating tool launched by the East Baton Rouge Parish government showing what property owners could pay if an upcoming fee is approved to fund flood control is incomplete less than two weeks before Metro Council is set to vote on the measure, WBRZ has learned. ... more » -
Businesses distributing 'Live like Allie' bracelets in memory of slain LSU student
September 26, 2022 4:03 PM
BATON ROUGE - Businesses throughout the capital area are handing out bracelets honoring LSU student Allie Rice as police continue to search for her killer . Family and friends launched the campaign "Live Like Allie" in remembrance of the 21-year-old LSU senior. The group's Facebook page said the yellow... more » -
Governor calls special session to redraw controversial congressional maps
June 6, 2022 5:46 PM
BATON ROUGE – Legislators are heading into a special session over controversial congressional maps, the Governor said Tuesday. In his notice to legislators, Governor Edwards said the maps must provide an additional majority Black district. Monday, a federal judge has told lawmakers they must re-draw the maps after... more » -
Man wanted in federal child sex-trafficking case captured in Baton Rouge
May 20, 2022 2:06 PM
BATON ROUGE - A Guatemalan national who entered the country illegally was arrested in the capital area Friday on charges tied to an out-of-state human-trafficking investigation. A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Belter Manolo Arana Bautista, 36, was arrested by federal agents in Baton Rouge. ... 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 » -
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 » -
EBR online property tax payment portal now working after holiday outage
January 1, 2022 1:07 PM
BATON ROUGE - A power outage caused a ripple effect of issues to the East Baton Rouge Parish online property tax payment portal, shutting the system down as taxes were due. There will not be any penalties for property tax payments made Monday, authorities said. Although, the issue... more » -
Stopgap bill signed by President a temporary fix to US debt limit issues
October 1, 2021 8:57 AM
A government shutdown that would have happened at midnight was officially prevented Thursday when President Joe Biden signed Congress' stopgap funding bill to extend government funding through December 3, CNN reports . The stopgap bill the President signed will also provide funding to help process and resettle Afghan refugees... more » -
More than 50k have applied for Blue Roof program after Ida; find out how to apply here Play Video
September 1, 2021 4:20 PM
DENHAM SPRINGS - Homeowners in the capital area now qualify for a so-called Blue Roof, a federally-backed program that provides the infamous blue tarps to roofs of storm-damaged homes. Homes in parishes that sustained hurricane-force winds qualify. The federal government expanded the program Thursday to include more parishes... more » -
Mayor used campaign funds to pay for part of daughter's wedding
July 10, 2021 7:37 PM
ROMULUS Mich. - A mayor has defended himself after being investigated for using campaign funds to pay for some of his daughter's wedding, saying it doubled as a campaign event. Romulus Mayor LeRoy Burcroff said he used $4,500 from campaign funds to cover the tab for an open bar,... more » -
Could there be a development moratorium in EBR? Parish official wants to plan for "if"
June 4, 2021 6:30 PM
BATON ROUGE – Seeing the fight over a proposed development moratorium in Ascension Parish, government officials in East Baton Rouge will start discussing whether such a proposal could be possible in EBR and, if so, how it would be implemented. Councilwoman Chauna Banks will lead a discussion at an... more » -
BRPD union official quits job at department, calls agency 'hostile'
June 1, 2021 11:04 AM
BATON ROUGE - A high-ranking officer within the Baton Rouge Police Union resigned from the department Tuesday, writing to supervisors that the department is a hostile place to work. Siya Creel, who was fired and successfully fought to get his job back, resigned "effective immediately," writing a memo to... more » -
Man takes on major DIY project, cleans out Dawson Creek himself Play Video
May 24, 2021 6:33 PM
BATON ROUGE - It's not the do-it-yourself job anyone would want, but it's the one that's most likely to get things done. A man who is frustrated with flooding from clogged canals in Baton Rouge is taking it upon himself to clear them out. Stanley Livingston lives on Honeysuckle... more » -
Bill would mandate La. colleges fire employees who fail to report sexual misconduct
April 1, 2021 7:44 PM
BATON ROUGE - Following LSU's Title IX scandal , a legislative proposal seeks to increase transparency and tighten sexual violence accountability in colleges statewide. The bill , filed by Rep. Aimee Freeman, says colleges must fire employees who fail to comply with reporting requirements for sexual misconduct involving students.... more » -
Julia Letlow wins 5th Congressional District seat replacing late husband, Luke Letlow
March 20, 2021 9:09 PM
Julia Letlow wins the U.S. House seat for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District. Letlow, a Republican from Richland Parish, will be taking up the torch her late husband left behind after results came in on Saturday that she won the 5th congressional district seat. The seat was open after... more » -
Man allegedly killed 4, including child, after argument over stimulus check
March 16, 2021 2:55 PM
INDIANAPOLIS - A man is accused of gunning down four people, including a 7-year-old, after arguing with his girlfriend because he wanted some of her stimulus payment. Police arrested Malik Halfacre on Tuesday after the victims were found dead in an Indianapolis home over the weekend. ABC News... more » -
President approves La. disaster request for ice storm
February 17, 2021 10:00 PM
BATON ROUGE - As severe winter weather continues to impact the state, Governor John Bel Edwards requested a presidential emergency declaration from President Biden in a letter Wednesday evening. Thursday, the president approved the disaster request. Approving the request allows FEMA to identify, mobilize, and provide at its... more » -
Tangled in red tape, city's citations haven't touched tenants operating industrial business out of home Play Video
February 4, 2021 6:37 PM
BATON ROUGE- Despite being cited for running an illegal business at a residence, nothing seems to be able to stop the violators in the 2600 block of Jackson Avenue. A number of neighbors tell WBRZ, they first tried to talk to the tenants there about the loud work they... more » -
President Biden to meet with Senator Cassidy, other Republican senators Monday
January 31, 2021 9:49 PM
BATON ROUGE — President Joe Biden is set to meet Senator Bill Cassidy and other Republican senators to the White House for a "full exchange of views" on Monday. The White House says President Biden and VP Harris will meet with the Republican senators in the Oval Office... more » -
As LSU sets up presidential search process, Galligan and Dardenne appear interested
October 14, 2020 1:58 PM
BATON ROUGE – A search committee has been formed to hire the next president of LSU and its first order of business is crafting a job description and qualifications for perspective candidates. It’s been no secret Jay Dardenne is interested in the job. Dardenne, an attorney and the state’s... more » -
State Capitol beams red for week-long honor of fallen firefighters
September 29, 2020 5:47 PM
BATON ROUGE – A vibrant, red glow from the beacon at the top of the State Capitol will be seen through Sunday. Observant frequenters of downtown have noticed the hue, which has become steadily more bright as capitol crews honed-in on the right color. The red beacon is meant... more » -
Here's what appears on your election ballot
September 28, 2020 11:06 AM
BATON ROUGE - The start of October brings the initial deadlines for some voting regulations in Louisiana. An online deadline to register to vote or change voter registration is October 13. Early voting for the November election is Oct. 16-27. The deadline to receive mailed ballots for... more » -
Watch: President holds Monday afternoon news conference
September 7, 2020 1:19 PM
Watch the news conference below or on the WBRZ Facebook page by clicking here . more » -
Two car insurance companies expected to reduce rates in La.
August 17, 2020 4:16 PM
BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Department of Insurance announced two auto insurance companies have agreed to lower rates for many customers in Louisiana. Progressive submitted a rate filing for a decrease of 2.3% on new business effective August 21 and renewal business effective September 18, the agency said. ... more » -
See election results for races in multiple parishes here
August 15, 2020 10:18 PM
BATON ROUGE - A number of parishes voted in municipal elections and made decisions about taxes Saturday. Click HERE to see election results. Navigate to the "parishes" tab and select a specific parish to see election results. more » -
Ascension tax proposals approved by voters Saturday
August 15, 2020 10:14 PM
GONZALES - Parish-wide tax items were approved by voters in Ascension Parish Saturday. Three were parish-wide tax decisions related to libraries, schools and mental health. Two others were for drainage and fire protection. All five passed with 67% to 87% of the vote. COMING IN... more » -
List of candidates qualifying for November election
July 22, 2020 4:35 PM
BATON ROUGE - Find candidates qualified to run for elected office in the November election. Qualifying dates: Wednesday, July 22, - Friday, July, 24. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of qualified candidates maintained by the Secretary of State. IMPORTANT: Select 11/03/2020 from the election date drop-down tab... more » -
Hazard pay application back up after state website experienced technical issues Wednesday Play Video
July 10, 2020 8:05 PM
UPDATE: The governor announced the state is expected to reach its limit on applications by July 18. Read more here: https://www.wbrz.com/news/state-expected-to-hit-limit-on-coronavirus-hazard-pay-applications-by-saturday ***** BATON ROUGE - Workers eligible for COVID-19 hazard pay have had trouble accessing the state's online application Wednesday, hours after the application went live. The... more » -
Traveling OMV worker tests positive for COVID-19, state shutters multiple locations
July 6, 2020 3:38 PM
CLINTON – The OMV in Clinton is one of a handful either remaining closed or newly shut down because of coronavirus concerns, the state said in an announcement Monday afternoon. Four locations were closed Monday and added to a list of nearly a dozen others that have already been... more » -
Central, Zachary mayors say masks not required in their city limits
July 1, 2020 6:04 PM
CENTRAL – Hours after the mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish announced a mask mandate for those out and about across the parish, mayors of Central and Zachary said the requirement does not apply within their city boundaries. ““The mandatory mask order issued by Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome today... more » -
Mask requirement for East Baton Rouge begins Friday; mayor clarifies guidelines Play Video
July 1, 2020 12:31 PM
BATON ROUGE - EBR Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome signed an order Wednesday requiring masks in the parish, particularly inside businesses. The mask mandate applies to businesses in the city limits of Baton Rouge and the unincorporated areas. Thursday, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office said it would respond... more » -
Baton Rouge's downtown library hosts soft opening Friday morning Play Video
June 17, 2020 1:58 PM
BATON ROUGE - After a chaotic two-year stretch rife with construction issues and legal battles , the River Center Branch Library in downtown is nearly ready for its first visitors. On Wednesday, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library system shared photos of the finished interior at its newest location... more » -
EBR Sheriff: Department policies reviewed, changes being made for law enforcement accountability
June 9, 2020 4:37 PM
BATON ROUGE – The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office outlined its policies Tuesday amid a nationwide wave of calls for stricter policies related to agencies’ diversity and use of force. Public outcry came after the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. In Baton Rouge, the police department... more » -
Baton Rouge Police to hold Tuesday news conference to discuss ongoing dept. reforms Play Video
June 8, 2020 12:09 PM
BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge Police will hold a news conference Tuesday to discuss reforms within the department amid a nationwide call for police policy reviews. Police Chief Murphy Paul will talk about "building trust and legitimacy with the Baton Rouge Police Department," the agency said in a scheduling... more » -
President Trump approves request for federal assistance amid Cristobal
June 7, 2020 1:30 PM
LOUISIANA - Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on Sunday that President Donald Trump has approved his request for federal assistance related to Tropical Storm Cristobal. This approval followed after President Trump's decision to grant Louisiana an emergency declaration. Gov. Edwards submitted the pre-landfall emergency declaration to the President... more » -
Louisiana unemployment rate increases to 14.5%
May 22, 2020 1:52 PM
BATON ROUGE - Gov. John Bel Edwards issued out a statement on Friday about Louisiana's increase in the unemployment rate for April 2020. Louisiana's unemployment rate for April is 14.5% with the national rate being 14.7%. Since the novel coronavirus pandemic the state's unemployment rate has increased 7.8 percentage... more » -
La. governor extends stay-at-home order through May 15 Play Video
April 19, 2020 6:36 PM
BATON ROUGE – The governor has extended many aspects of the stay at home order until May 15, adding fifteen days to some restrictions set to expire Friday. The governor said there were still areas of Louisiana where hospitalizations and coronavirus rates had not dropped to comfortable levels eyed... more »