Tagged News

• 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 »

• 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 »

• 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 »

• 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 »

• Sheriff's office reviewing policies after woman wrongfully arrested for EBR warrant on honeymoon Play Video

  February 12, 2020 5:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The sheriff’s office is considering ways to prevent future, wrongful arrests after a woman was mistakenly arrested after a honeymoon cruise this month. A woman from Hammond was detained at the cruise ship terminal in New Orleans following a cruise after an arrest warrant was filed... more »

• New proposal would eliminate death penalty in Louisiana

  February 6, 2020 2:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE - State Representative Kyle M. Green Jr. has prefiled a bill in the latest push to eliminate capital punishment in Louisiana. House Bill 38 would get rid of the death sentence as a form of punishment. Anyone who commits first-degree murder, first degree rape, and treason would... more »

• Judge shutters aquadam fight between Iberville, EBR for now

  July 15, 2019 9:04 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A judge tossed a restraining order that would block Iberville Parish from setting up aquadams to block rising water in the event of a flood. At a hearing Monday, a federal judge vacated the order filed by East Baton Rouge in a spat over Iberville Parish... more »

• Police, fire departments in Baton Rouge now diverse enough for federal government

  June 4, 2019 4:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Nearly 40 years after the federal government had to amend how Baton Rouge hires police and firefighters, the city said Tuesday it was removed from a long-standing consent decree. After finding discriminatory hiring practices, federal authorities monitored the hiring process in the city for four decades.... more »

• Lawsuit expected in fight for parish-wide St. George vote Play Video

  May 9, 2019 1:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A state law proposal that would overhaul who votes in an election to determine if a new municipality should be created faces an uncertain future at the State Capitol. The measure, which was essentially created to widen and garner nay votes throughout East Baton Rouge to... more »

• Mayor's office to consider 20% budget cut in preparation of successful St. George effort Play Video

  May 8, 2019 10:47 AM

  BATON ROUGE – In a quiet email Wednesday, the mayor’s office issued a news release warning of a significant revenue reduction to the city-parish budget should the proposed City of St. George successfully carve out a new municipality in East Baton Rouge Parish. The mayor’s office said St. George... more »

• Baton Rouge Police publicly confront social media image amid blackface controversy

  February 11, 2019 6:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE – In a rare attempt to confront potential controversy head-on, the Baton Rouge Police Department clarified a social media post that circulated over the weekend showing officers dressed in plain clothes and wearing dark face paint 26 years ago. The image was taken of undercover officers conducting... more »

• President Trump to visit New Orleans Monday

  January 9, 2019 5:21 PM

  NEW ORLEANS – President Donald Trump will be in New Orleans Monday. The president will speak at the National Farm Bureau Federation’s convention, WWL and The New Orleans Advocate reported Wednesday. The convention is at the city’s large convention center along the riverfront. The president spoke at the... more »

• Justice of the peace gives up dead womans inheritance, wont face charges

  December 19, 2018 12:14 PM

  TICKFAW – Charges were recently dismissed against a Tangipahoa Parish justice of the peace indicted last year related to allegations she and another woman tried to illegally block an elderly woman's family from their inheritance upon the woman's death. In all, Terri Crosby, the justice of the peace in... more »

• Sex, lies and now a lawsuit over district attorneys scandal

  December 18, 2018 6:57 PM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE – Small town scandal became dirtier in the last few days when the ex-wife of the West Feliciana district attorney filed suit against her former divorce attorney in a fight over airing dirty laundry . In court filings obtained by WBRZ, Kelly Ballard, the now ex-wife of... more »

• Mayor's office outlines plan to collect new road tax starting April of 2019 Play Video

  December 8, 2018 9:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The mayor's office has outlined their plan to collect the new road tax. Voters approved the sales tax to fund some 70 road projects in East Baton Rouge Parish in Saturday's election. The mayor announced that they would begin to collect the tax funds on... more »

• After controversial months, BREC head to retire and leave Baton Rouge Play Video

  August 13, 2018 1:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The head of the public parks system in East Baton Rouge made a surprise announcement Monday – she’s leaving her $157,000 a year job and Louisiana altogether. Carolyn McKnight said she will retire from her position as superintendent of BREC. McKnight’s announcement comes months after... more »

• City's blight battle littered with bureaucracy Play Video

  April 10, 2018 7:14 PM

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• After lengthy discussion, BREC unanimously agrees to keep Baton Rouge Zoo in current location Play Video

  March 22, 2018 7:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE – After almost 3 hours of public discussion for and against the proposal to relocate the Baton Rouge Zoo, the BREC board voted unanimously to keep it in its current location. As consultants spoke about their findings supporting a move for the zoo, those against held signs... more »

• Councilwoman calls for BREC leader's resignation after secretly-recorded conversation leaked ahead of zoo vote Play Video

  March 22, 2018 12:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Hours ahead of a vote by public park commissioners on moving the zoo, Metro Councilwoman Chauna Banks called for the resignation of the system's leader Carolyn McKnight. “I think it's time for her to resign,” Banks told WBRZ Thursday morning. “She's not operating in reality.” ... more »

• In final hours, lobbying from both sides of zoo move looks like a real political fight

  March 21, 2018 3:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Like politicians rushing to get voters to the polls ahead of a major election, those for and against a plan to move the zoo are unleashing a flurry of political firestorms in the last 24 hours before BREC commissioners make their controversial decision. A “Save Santa... more »

• Mayor has interviewed 3 of 5 chief candidates, will meet with all by week's end

  December 13, 2017 12:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The mayor has interviewed three of the five candidates vying to be the city's next police chief and interviews with the remaining two are scheduled for later this week, WBRZ learned Wednesday. Myron Daniels, Darryl Honore and Robert McGarner have met with the mayor. Between now... more »

• WBRZ to travel with governor, La. group to Puerto Rico Monday

  October 27, 2017 6:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The governor will lead a group from Louisiana to storm-ravaged Puerto Rico next week. WBRZ will be among those traveling with the delegation to capture the stories of Louisianans assisting in the recovery effort. The team will arrive on Puerto Rico Monday. Gov. John... more »

• State Police releases punishment for 4 troopers who took side trip last year

  October 2, 2017 6:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Four state troopers have been disciplined for a questionable road trip in 2016. Previous reports highlighted a trip to a law enforcement conference in San Diego included a lengthy side excursion to the Grand Canyon and a Las Vegas resort and casino. The drive cost the... more »

• In scandal over chartered flights, Thomas Price resigns from federal post

  September 29, 2017 4:42 PM

  WASHINGTON, D.C. - Amid a scandal over expensive, private flights, Health and Human Services Thomas Price resigned from his position in the Trump White House. “...Price offered his resignation earlier today and the President accepted,” the White House said in a statement emailed to media around 4 o'clock Baton... more »

• Investigative Unit: Officers on leave allowed to work extra duty Play Video

  September 28, 2017 6:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Baton Rouge Police Department changed its policy on who could be assigned extra duty after the WBRZ Investigative Unit found officers on administrative leave were still collecting payment from extra duty. Among those was Blane Salamoni, the officer who is tied to the shooting death of... more »

• Group against moving Baton Rouge zoo will take issue to court

  August 4, 2017 5:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Opponents of moving the zoo from its North Baton Rouge location said at a news conference late Friday, they are taking the matter to court to collect documents tied to meetings and correspondence. An anti-move group spearheaded by Metro Councilwoman Chauna Banks-Daniel has fought BREC over... more »

• EBR sheriff highlights trying year during association gathering

  August 4, 2017 1:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Sheriff Sid Gautreaux reflected on the trying year as he handed over the reigns of the Louisiana Sheriff's Association recently. Gautreaux was the 71st president of the organization and completed his tenure as the head of the group – serving during a year of tragedy and... more »

• BRAVE contracts tied to mayor's administration suspended Play Video

  August 1, 2017 3:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Nine contracts associated with the BRAVE program have been suspended, WBRZ Chief Investigator Chris Nakamoto has learned. The contracts in question are tied to controversial deals made with Mayor Sharon Weston Broome's administration. The contracts are part of a group that have been questioned since contract... more »

• City official wants EBR Council on Aging removed from spending tax money

  May 18, 2017 3:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Metro Councilman Dwight Hudson will ask his colleagues for strict oversight of the recently-passed property tax that will fund elderly affairs operations through the EBR Council on Aging. Hudson told WBRZ's Chief Investigator, Chris Nakamoto, Thursday, he filed an agenda item for an upcoming meeting that... more »

• Out-of-town reporters try to show Baton Rouge 'on edge'

  May 2, 2017 11:45 AM

  BATON ROUGE – For the fourth time in less than a year, this usually unassuming city along the Mississippi has the attention of the nation. National news outlets and media from New Orleans are zeroing in on the atmosphere here, as speculation continues on when the Justice Department will... more »

• Former Central official accused of forgery turns self in, bonds out of jail Play Video

  April 18, 2017 7:46 PM

  CENTRAL - T he former c hief administrative officer of Central has bonded out out of jail after he turned himself in for forgery and false public records charges Wednesday. Barrow turned himself in after the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office obtained a warrant for his arrest Tuesday in... more »

• Council on Aging gives vague response to demand for an inquiry after WBRZ reports

  April 18, 2017 3:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The board of directors of the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging promises stricter oversight following numerous reports by the WBRZ News 2 Investigative Unit. WBRZ was first to report issues at the Council on Aging surrounding a deceased woman naming Council on Aging employees in... more »

• Video shows use of force by officers; Internal Affairs investigation underway Play Video

  April 13, 2017 5:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE – There is an internal investigation following Baton Rouge Police using force to subdue someone in custody outside a South Baton Rouge convenience store this week. The WBRZ Investigative Unit confirmed through police there is an investigation underway, though, police said there have been no complaints filed... more »

• Controversial councilman quits, moves away after flood

  March 28, 2017 9:55 AM

  DENHAM SPRINGS – Councilman Chris Davis resigned from his seat on the city's governing body. Davis resigned, he said in a letter, because damage to his family's home after the August flood was too great. Davis lived on Oakwood Drive, off Range south of I-12. The are was inundated... more »

• Edwards says wetlands needs priority over roads in request to federal government

  March 8, 2017 10:34 AM

  BATON ROUGE – One of the governor's five priority projects for coastal protection he's asked the president to consider under an executive order is a project to re-establish natural freshwater in Maurepas Swamp. The swamp project could cost as much as $187 million. It'd divert freshwater through a diversion... more »

• Getting EBR public schools back to normal will be expensive

  February 16, 2017 6:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Parish School System is working to get as many schools as possible back to some sort of normal following the August flood. At a school board meeting Thursday evening, members were scheduled to be briefed on the first stages of six projects.... more »

• Front doors of capitol still closed due to failing facade

  January 5, 2017 4:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The State Capitol's front doors will remain closed will into the summer since work to repair falling masonry above won't start until after lawmakers end their annual meeting in June. WBRZ's political reporter, Mark Armstrong , tweeted Thursday the front steps and entrance remain closed months... more »

• FBI raids Hammond Police, local sheriff's office Thursday Play Video

  December 15, 2016 12:59 PM

  HAMMOND – Federal agents with the FBI raided the Hammond Police Department and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office Thursday afternoon. According to Jeffrey Sallet, agents conducted "multiple court-authorized searches" inside the two offices around 12:20 p.m. Thursday. Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Justice were also... more »

• WBRZ hosts first live TV debate for EBR Mayor-President Play Video

  November 29, 2016 7:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE – WBRZ hosted an hour-long mayoral debate Tuesday. The two candidates vying for the seat, State Senator Bodi White and former State Senator Sharon Weston Broome, fielded questions ranging from the shooting death of Alton Sterling to dealing with traffic and the long recovery following the August... more »

• Grand jury hearing involving Ascension president postponed until Friday

  November 14, 2016 4:56 PM

  GONZALES - The Louisiana Attorney General's Office will take over a bribery investigation involving Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa. Ascension Parish District Attorney Ricky Babin told Chris Nakamoto , the chief investigator of WBRZ's Investigative Unit , the A.G. will handle the case going forward because Babin's office has... more »

• Click here for election results

  November 8, 2016 12:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE - WBRZ is covering around seventy races as the country votes for president and regional elections are decided. State-wide, voters are electing a U.S. Senator and members of the U.S. House of Representatives along with constitutional amendments. Locally, voters are making decisions on city and parish leaders... more »

• Council agrees naming rights for 'Raising Cane's River Center' Play Video

  October 26, 2016 6:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The city's downtown performing arts, entertainment and convention space will likely be known - officially - as the Raising Cane's River Center following a vote by the Metro Council Wednesday afternoon. The mayor's office and River Center managers told the council at a meeting a group... more »

• There is a shortage of FEMA trailers in La. Play Video

  October 14, 2016 12:46 PM

  CENTRAL - State and Louisiana-elected federal leaders are frustrated with word that FEMA is scrambling to find more Mobile Housing Units; the common house trailers that have been towed to flood victims across the region. Central Mayor Jr. Shelton told WBRZ Friday, a n early-morning meeting with FEMA is... more »

• Jay Dardenne hospitalized following chest pains this weekend Play Video

  October 10, 2016 11:39 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The state's budget czar was hospitalized with chest pains this weekend, WBRZ learned Monday. Jay Dardenne, the Commissioner of Administration, said in a statement he was taken to the hospital Saturday. Doctors found he had blockages. Dardenne said when he woke up Saturday, he felt... more »

• $146 million paid so far in ongoing flood recovery

  October 3, 2016 12:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana has received $146 million in disaster assistance from FEMA, the federal government announced Monday. The funds are for the state to use to reimburse local entities for expenses related to response and recovery efforts as a result of August’s severe storms and floods. The... 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 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 »

• Walker hires attorneys in planned lawsuit over flooding

  September 19, 2016 3:23 PM

  WALKER - The city announced Monday, it hired attorneys for a planned lawsuit over the August flood. The city said Michael C. Palmintier, APLC and John Neale deGravelles, LLC of Baton Rouge will handle a possible lawsuit against state and federal government agencies related to the flood. Days after... more »

• Edwards, other officials meet in D.C. to talk flood aid

  September 7, 2016 3:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and other high-ranking state elected leaders traveled to Washington, D.C., Thursday to lobby for additional flood relief. The group is scheduled to be in D.C. Thursday and Friday. Traveling with Edwards will be Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain and Lt. Governor Billy... more »

• Jailer fired over sexual harassment complaint

  September 6, 2016 1:51 PM

  PORT ALLEN - A West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office jailer was fired following a sexual harassment complaint, WBRZ learned Tuesday. The department declined to release the former employee's name, but said an internal investigation was conducted and the jailer was released from their employment. The jailer touched another... more »

• Q & A: Do I need to elevate my home? Play Video

  September 1, 2016 5:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The unnamed storm that swept through our area last month will go down as the fourth most expensive flood in the National Flood Insurance Program's history, according to Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon. A group of lawmakers gathered at the Capitol today to discuss flood recovery and response. ... more »

• Post flood 'normal' means more traffic in BR; Road repairs underway

  August 25, 2016 4:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE – State road engineers are busy checking highways and bridges as water recedes from areas inundated by the flood last week. More than 1,400 bridges have been checked and every highway that was flooded has also been scrutinized by experts, Shawn Wilson, the head of the state... more »

• All state offices to reopen Monday

  August 20, 2016 4:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE – State officials announced Saturday that all state offices in Louisiana will re-open Monday. According to a release from Commissioner Jay Dardenne’s office Saturday afternoon, state offices in all parishes will re-open on Aug. 22. “I thank the many state workers who have worked diligently during... more »

• Power cut to Plaquemine overnight Thursday for repairs Play Video

  August 3, 2016 1:15 PM

  PLAQUEMINE - The entire city will be without power overnight Thursday. Power will be cut to repair a switch on a substation that feeds all of Plaquemine. The outage is due to repairs being made by Entergy, the city said in a news release, trying to avoid blame for... more »

• New Roads mayor focus of theft, malfeasance grand jury probe Play Video

  July 29, 2016 12:18 PM

  NEW ROADS - The mayor of New Roads received a grand jury target letter , the WBRZ Investigative Unit learned. Mayor Robert Myer has been the focus of an Inspector General investigation into charges on a city credit card. The Investigative Unit found in a series of reports, at... more »