Tagged News

• Advocates for Louisiana's homeless population rally at the State Capitol Play Video

  April 8, 2026 7:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Dozens of advocates for Louisiana's homeless population rallied outside the State Capitol on Wednesday. One supporter, David Larsen, knows all too well what it's like to live without somewhere to call home. "I spent seven years on the streets in New Orleans," said Larsen. ... more »

• Dem. backed bills aimed at protecting voters' rights fail in committee

  April 8, 2026 6:40 PM

  BATON ROUGE - In front of a crowd so large that it spilled over into three rooms, two bills aimed at protecting voters failed to make it through a Senate and Governmental Affairs committee hearing on Wednesday. Some Louisiana lawmakers wanted to criminalize actions that intentionally suppress voters, as... more »

• Bill to criminalize improper firearm storage to protect minors fails

  April 8, 2026 12:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A bill proposed by Sen. Regina Ashford Barrow that would have criminalized unsecured firearm storage with knowledge that a minor or prohibited person could gain access to the weapons failed Tuesday in the Senate Judiciary C Committee. Sen. Blake Miguez, R-New Iberia, who is running for... more »

• 2une In Previews: Black Maternal Health Advocacy Day aims to create healthier state for Black mothers Play Video

  April 8, 2026 7:38 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana has one of the highest maternal death rates in the country, with Black mothers particularly at greater risk. According to a study by Tulane University, Black mothers made up only 37% of births in 2020, but 62% of maternal deaths were among Black women. ... more »

• Prison-reimbursement rates, drunk driving bills advance Play Video

  April 8, 2026 7:08 AM

  BATON ROUGE – A bill to raise the daily reimbursement rate for housing state inmates advanced with broad bipartisan support Tuesday, as Louisiana lawmakers seek to ease financial pressure on local correctional facilities while acknowledging the increase still falls short of covering true costs. The House Appropriations Committee also... more »

• Bill that would require monthly bank statements from several EBR agencies gets pushback from CATS Play Video

  April 7, 2026 11:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Capital Area Transit System is pushing back against a bill that its author says calls for more financial transparency. House Bill 204 's author, Representative Dixon McMakin, R-Baton Rouge, says the legislation would require CATS, BREC, and the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging to... more »

• Proposed bill would create tougher penalties for repeat drunk drivers Play Video

  April 7, 2026 6:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana consistently ranks in the top fifteen states with the most alcohol-impaired driving fatalities. Now, some at the Capitol are calling for even tougher penalties for those who drink and drive, especially repeat offenders. In Louisiana, a person who is already convicted of vehicular homicide and... more »

• Trump warns a 'whole civilization' could die but adds Iran still has time to capitulate Play Video

  April 7, 2026 8:32 AM

  TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Airstrikes hit two bridges and a train station in Iran on Tuesday, and Iranian officials urged young people to form human chains to protect power plants, as U.S. President Donald Trump warned that a “whole civilization will die tonight” if Tehran does not meet his latest... more »

• Campaign ads are flooding Louisiana, and the money behind them tells a story Play Video

  April 6, 2026 6:40 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana residents have been seeing more and more political advertisements lately, as candidates for Louisiana's U.S. Senate race have just a couple of weeks left to make strong impressions on voters. Experts note that campaign spending before an election can indicate a candidate’s confidence in winning.... more »

• Hello Kitty Cafe Truck to visit the Mall of Louisiana Play Video

  April 6, 2026 5:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will be passing through Louisiana in April. The truck plans to make two stops in the state. The cafe will be open at the Lakeside Shopping Center in New Orleans on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and at... more »

• Monday PM Forecast: A chilly night in store, just ahead of another spring warmup Play Video

  April 6, 2026 4:38 PM

  Returning sunshine and comfortable temperatures are making for a pleasant start to the week. However, expect a gradual return to a more typical spring feel as the week wears on. Tonight & Tomorrow: As skies clear out, temperatures will drop rather quickly throughout the night. With temperatures falling into... more »

• Louisiana man arrested in Alabama after mother and grandmother killed in Easter Sunday shooting Play Video

  April 6, 2026 3:58 PM

  CHALMETTE — A Louisiana man was arrested in Alabama after he allegedly killed his mother and grandmother on Easter Sunday. The St Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office said that around 7:45 p.m., deputies arrived at a residence on Centanni Drive in St. Bernard to find two female victims suffering from... more »

• ICE arrests newlywed soldier's wife at Louisiana military base, report says

  April 6, 2026 2:30 PM

  FORT POLK — ICE agents detained the newlywed spouse of a U.S. Army staff sergeant at Fort Polk in Louisiana, according to a report by The New Republic . According to the outlet, 22-year-old Annie Ramos came to the U.S. from Honduras as a toddler before her marriage to... more »

• Sunday PM Forecast: Starting the week with jackets, ending with a familiar spring feel Play Video

  April 5, 2026 5:36 PM

  After a dreary Easter Sunday, the new week will kick off with a cooler and crisp feel under a mixture of clouds and sun. That said, the signature Louisiana warmth and humidity are lurking and will return before the week is up. Tonight & Tomorrow: Clouds will stick around... more »

• Protesters call for school closure six months after Smitty's explosion Play Video

  April 4, 2026 7:22 PM

  ROSELAND — Protesters are calling for the immediate closure of a school near the site of the August 2025 Smitty's Supply explosion. Demonstrators walked to City Hall demanding protection for children who attend Roseland Montessori School. Allie Ponvelle with the Blue Shirt Justice League said she worries for those... more »

• Louisiana could soon let officials seize seafood that breaks labeling laws Play Video

  April 3, 2026 6:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana restaurants claiming to sell local seafood could soon face more than fines. Louisiana lawmakers are considering a proposal that would allow the state's agriculture commissioner to seize, hold or destroy seafood that violates the law. While Louisiana ranks sixth in the nation for seafood... more »

• Mayor Sid Edwards to honor LSU women's basketball star Flau'jae Johnson over weekend at City Hall Play Video

  April 3, 2026 12:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE — LSU women's basketball star and rapper Flau'jae Johnson is being honored by East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards this weekend. Edwards is set to honor Johnson with a "special recognition" ceremony at Baton Rouge City Hall on Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. ... more »

• State senator proposes pregnancy help signs for Louisiana school health centers Play Video

  April 2, 2026 6:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE - For the third time in three years, Louisiana lawmakers are proposing the addition of another sign to college and high school campuses, this time to help women locate resources during pregnancy. If passed, this bill by State Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Ville Platte , would require schools... more »

• Closure, replacement of La. 76 bridge over Bayou Chaplin postponed; new start date not yet set Play Video

  April 1, 2026 11:51 AM

  PORT ALLEN — The closure and replacement of the La. 76 bridge over Bayou Chaplin that was scheduled to begin next week has been postponed, state transportation officials said. According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the closure was originally set to be finished in the summer... more »

• Bill could hold parents liable for a child's school threat Play Video

  April 1, 2026 7:34 AM

  BATON ROUGE – The House advanced a bill Monday that would hold parents liable for fines of up to $5,000 for threats called into schools by their children. House Bill 137, authored by Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Pineville, passed 71-26 amid vigorous debate. Children under the age of 14 convicted... more »

• Louisiana could become second state with domestic violence offender registry under proposed bills Play Video

  March 31, 2026 6:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Nearly half of all Louisianans have reported experiencing domestic violence, according to a survey conducted by Tulane University, and lawmakers want communities to know when a person convicted of domestic abuse is in a community. Two bills moving through the state capitol could create a database... more »

• Trooper previously not prosecuted on domestic violence charge arrested for second time by AG's office Play Video

  March 31, 2026 2:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A Louisiana State Police trooper who allegedly covered up evidence and coerced a domestic violence victim to repeatedly lie to law enforcement investigating him was arrested Tuesday. Trooper James Jefferson III, 41, was taken into custody by the attorney general's office. According to new documents... more »

• Lawmakers urge caution before further lowering state income tax Play Video

  March 31, 2026 7:33 AM

  BATON ROUGE – Efforts to eliminate or significantly reduce Louisiana’s state income tax appear to be on hold this legislative session, as lawmakers have signaled a more cautious approach following recent tax reductions. House Bill 253 by Rep. Danny McCormick, R-Oil City, and House Bill 411 by Rep. John... more »

• Louisiana lawmakers propose tax cuts to battle blight Play Video

  March 30, 2026 7:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Experts say vacant lots and blighted property leave communities vulnerable to crime, but Louisiana voters could decide to cut property taxes for people who clean up abandoned buildings. State Rep. Chance Henry, R-Crowley, is acting on these concerns. He wants to give tax breaks to those... more »

• Monday PM Forecast: Dodging pop-up storms all the way through Easter Weekend Play Video

  March 30, 2026 4:00 PM

  A wetter weather pattern has returned, offering the chance to see showers and thunderstorms just about every day. The rain is needed, but it may be less than ideal ahead of the Easter holiday. Tonight & Tomorrow: Remaining showers will quickly taper after dark, leading to a few hours... more »

• Quake occurs far offshore Sunday night, likely unfelt given distance from land; see the shake map Play Video

  March 30, 2026 3:59 PM

  NEW ORLEANS — The U.S. Geological Survey says an earthquake of magnitude 3.9 occurred late Sunday at a point about 175 miles south-southeast of New Orleans. The temblor occurred about 2 weeks after a series of earthquakes in northern Louisiana . Scientists speculated that high-pressure injection wells may have... more »

• Secretary of State encourages voters to check party registration as closed primaries near Play Video

  March 30, 2026 10:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE – The Secretary of State’s office is encouraging Louisiana voters to check their registration as the state prepares for a change that will limit their choices in some elections. Louisiana is preparing to implement a new closed-primary system for statewide elections, a shift that will limit choices... more »

• Sunday PM Forecast: Grab an umbrella, daily rain chances through Easter Weekend Play Video

  March 29, 2026 7:30 PM

  Go ahead and tuck jackets back into the closet for now, but be sure to keep an umbrella by the door. A warmer and muggier pattern is taking over again, but this time bringing near-daily shower and thunderstorm chances that will persist all the way through Easter Sunday. Tonight... more »

• DOTD provides update on Bluff Road construction in Ascension Parish Play Video

  March 28, 2026 8:07 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development provided an update on the construction on Bluff Road in Ascension Parish. A section of Bluff Road was closed for several weeks beginning on March 9 between Serenity Lake Lane and Alligator Bayou Road in Ascension Parish to replace failing... more »

• Louisiana Legislature considers new laws aimed at regulating imported seafood

  March 28, 2026 2:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Several new bills introduced to the Louisiana Legislature are aimed at regulating imported seafood, according to a report by The Advocate . House Bill 121, sponsored by Rep. Jessica Domagnue, hopes to give the commissioner of agriculture and forestry the ability to seize, hold or destroy... more »

• Several Louisiana firefighters honored at the Annual Louisiana Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service Play Video

  March 28, 2026 12:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Several Louisiana firefighters were honored at the Annual Louisiana Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service in Baton Rouge on Saturday. The service, held outside the State Fire Marshal's Office, honored 11 firefighters from across the state who died in the line of duty. The names of firefighters... more »

• 'I can't go to jail today:' Hundreds of warrants resolved, lives changed Play Video

  March 27, 2026 7:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE - In a day about forgiveness, a line of people filled with anxiety and relief wrapped around the Baton Rouge City Court building, waiting for their chance at a fresh start. Hundreds of warrants were resolved Friday in East Baton Rouge Parish, including traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and... more »

• One Tank Trips: McGee's Swamp Tours Play Video

  March 26, 2026 7:45 PM

  HENDERSON — On this week's One Tank Trip, WBRZ's Angelica Butine went down the bayou to McGee's Swamp Tours. Follow along to see what Louisiana's swamps have to offer. more »

• Blue Bayou says tickets for summer season go on sale Thursday; several upgrades coming to reopened park Play Video

  March 26, 2026 9:18 AM

  ST. GEORGE - After nearly a year of being closed, Blue Bayou Waterpark announced that single-day tickets go on sale Thursday for the 2026 summer season. The summer season starts on May 16 and will run through Labor Day weekend, a news release from the park's new management said.... more »

• Missing child alert canceled after authorities find 10-year-old Monroe boy safe

  March 26, 2026 6:21 AM

  MONROE - Louisiana State Police canceled a Level II Missing Child Advisory for a 10-year-old in Ouachita Parish after he was found safe. The boy was last seen around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday at his family's home in Monroe, according to the State Police alert. By 8:45 a.m. the... more »

• Louisiana lawmakers consider tougher hit-and-run penalties after mothers testify at capitol Play Video

  March 25, 2026 6:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Parents scarred by their children's deaths joined forces at the State Capitol, asking for stiffer penalties for hit-and-run drivers. After lawmakers heard desperate pleas from parents, they advanced a bill to increase penalties and require hearings before a suspect's bail is set. The proposed bill would... more »

• Wednesday PM Forecast: Peak warmth almost here, refreshing change into the weekend Play Video

  March 25, 2026 5:26 PM

  The routine of foggy starts and very warm afternoons is set to continue as this spring warmth reaches its peak in the next 48 hours. A weekend front will seek to provide a little more comfort before another shift in pattern pushes both temperatures and rain chances up next week.... more »

• Medicaid cuts could reduce health care access for many of the states Native Americans

  March 25, 2026 11:04 AM

  BATON ROUGE – New Medicaid rules requiring recipients to work and reverify coverage every six months will disproportionately affect the 85% of Native Americans living in Louisiana, tribal leaders and Indigenous experts say. While the 4,000 Native Americans belonging to four tribes officially recognized by the federal government under... more »

• Proposed bill would ban gamblers who threaten athletes, coaches or referees Play Video

  March 24, 2026 6:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A bill moving through the Louisiana Legislature would ban sports bettors who threaten athletes from using online gambling platforms. Senate Bill 325 is sponsored by Senator Mike Reese of Vernon Parish, who said the goal is to make sure everyone involved in sports events is safe.... more »

• 'Geaux Far Day' at state capitol connects lawmakers with early childhood development experts Play Video

  March 24, 2026 6:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Geaux Far Louisiana held its "Geaux Far Day" at the state capitol on Tuesday, connecting lawmakers with early childhood development experts. The day included a morning meeting and a luncheon where representatives from Geaux Far pushed lawmakers to strengthen early childhood education. "So we know... more »

• Millions in Louisiana infrastructure funds remain unspent as projects stall Play Video

  March 24, 2026 6:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - State lawmakers have allocated millions of dollars over the years to improve infrastructure around the state, but state leaders say many projects haven't even started, leaving money sitting unspent. Red tape has held back construction work, and while money is available for local governments to spend,... more »

• Bill calls for transparency from DOC after 18 'unexpected deaths' at EHCC in 2025 Play Video

  March 24, 2026 6:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A state lawmaker aims to compel the Department of Corrections and other prison facilities to be more transparent about inmate deaths. It comes amid last year's 18 'unexpected deaths' at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. De'Troit Draper, 30, was one of them. "The Department of Corrections,... more »

• 5th Circuit says Ten Commandments law to remain in effect while ACLU appeals to US Supreme Court Play Video

  March 24, 2026 5:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A federal appeals court said Tuesday that a law ordering Louisiana's public schools and universities to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom will remain in effect while the ACLU takes a challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in... more »

• Louisiana looks to expand nuclear power infrastructure with strategic framework, federal funding renewal Play Video

  March 24, 2026 8:22 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Under the state's first Nuclear Strategic Framework and with a $45 million federal funding renewal, Louisiana officials are preparing for large-scale investment in the future of the state's energy industry. The investment, a three-year renewal, and nuclear framework were announced at the energy industry conference CERAWeek... more »

• State foster-child secretary pushes for 50% increase in living-expense rates Play Video

  March 23, 2026 7:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Department of Children and Family Services officials are working to improve Louisiana’s foster care system by advocating for a 50% increase in largely unchanged living-expense rates to help foster families cover basic necessities, DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris said in a Senate committee meeting Monday. The... more »

• Monday PM Forecast: Dry and plenty warm, morning fog stealing the focus later this week Play Video

  March 23, 2026 5:37 PM

  Spring warmth is here to stay in the Storm Station forecast, and for now, rain remains tough to find. However, morning fog will be easier to find as the week rolls on, making it the next weather impact. Tonight & Tomorrow: Expect nothing more than a few passing clouds... more »

• Louisiana House passes bill to name proposed Mississippi River bridge after President Donald Trump Play Video

  March 23, 2026 5:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana House passed a bill that would name a new Mississippi River bridge after President Donald Trump. The bill passed 68 to 26 and now moves to the Senate. An amendment added language requiring substantial federal funding by Jan. 20, 2029, before the name... more »

• Sunday PM Forecast: Little to no rain in sight as temperatures soar Play Video

  March 22, 2026 7:13 PM

  Aside from the chance of morning fog, sunshine and spring warmth will make for a generally stress-free week for outdoor activities. Since rain remains scarce, consider pulling out the garden hose to keep lawns happy. Tonight & Tomorrow: While much of the night will remain mostly clear, sufficient moisture... more »

• Baton Rouge Fire Department extinguishes equipment room fire at the Department of Public Safety and Corrections

  March 21, 2026 11:53 AM

  BATON ROUGE — The Baton Rouge Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at the Department of Public Safety and Corrections off Independence Boulevard on Friday morning. According to the department, a small battery fire broke out in the equipment room around 6:30 a.m. before being quickly extinguished. ... more »

• Louisiana lawmakers look to ban lab-grown meat Play Video

  March 20, 2026 6:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - It’s pasture versus lab in the state legislature as lawmakers join other states in a push to ban lab-grown meat for human consumption. State Sen. Mike Fesi leads the food fight with a bill to ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cell-cultured food products. ... more »

• Veterans could serve as park wardens under proposed Louisiana bill Play Video

  March 20, 2026 6:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana lawmakers are considering a new approach to improving safety in public parks by putting veterans back to work. House Bill 436, authored by Kellee Hennessy Dickerson, would allow honorably discharged veterans to serve as wardens in state parks and, in some cases, take on law... more »

• Kentucky man arrested for kidnapping Zachary teen booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Play Video

  March 20, 2026 12:04 PM

  ZACHARY — As of Friday morning, a Kentucky man who was arrested after allegedly kidnapping a 17-year-old from Zachary was formally booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Detectives with the Zachary Police Department were notified about the missing teen on Tuesday, and later learned that the teenager... more »

• 'Multiple waves' of unauthorized drones recently spotted over Louisiana US Air Force base Play Video

  March 20, 2026 11:41 AM

  BOSSIER CITY (ABC News) — A drone sighting that temporarily raised alarms at one of the United States Air Force’s largest and most strategic airfields earlier this month was more extensive, and potentially more dangerous, than first reported, according to a confidential internal briefing document reviewed by ABC News. ... more »

• Secretary of State's Office warns of fraudulent OMV text scam Play Video

  March 19, 2026 2:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Secretary of State's Office issued a warning about an ongoing text scam in which scammers pretend to be from the Office of Motor Vehicles. According to state officials, Louisiana residents may receive a text from someone claiming to be with the OMV. This text... more »

• House panel advances bill to criminalize deepfake images of minors Play Video

  March 19, 2026 1:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Rep. Bryan Fontenot, R-Thibodaux, proposed a bill on Wednesday making it a felony to possess, sell and distribute artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor. The bill received unanimous support from the House Criminal Justice Committee, and it now advances to the House floor. House Bill... more »

• Louisiana Senate committee advances $15M tutoring expansion to keep K-8 students on track Play Video

  March 19, 2026 1:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE (LSU Manship News Service) — A bill to expand Louisiana’s high-dosage tutoring program advanced in a Senate committee Wednesday even as a broader debate is shaping up over state funding for K-12 education. Sen. Patrick McMath, R-Mandeville, proposed spending an additional $15 million a year to provide... more »

• State Sen. Regina Barrow continues legislative push to abolish DCFS during town hall Play Video

  March 19, 2026 7:21 AM

  BATON ROUGE — State Sen. Regina Barrow answered questions about her legislative priorities during the 2026 session at a community meeting Wednesday night. Barrow filed a bill to abolish the Department of Children and Family Services after the department had a series of missteps and oversights over the... more »

• Wednesday PM Forecast: Conquering the cold, warmup arrives just in time for spring Play Video

  March 18, 2026 4:17 PM

  A warming trend is officially underway. With zero rain in the forecast, it's all systems geaux for car washes, gardening, or a trip to the ballpark this weekend. Tonight & Tomorrow: Plants are no longer in danger from a frost or freeze. Still take a jacket in the morning,... more »

• A great shift in the Pacific is likely to impact the upcoming hurricane season

  March 18, 2026 2:20 PM

  The Pacific Ocean is heating up, and El Niño appears ready to take the driver’s seat as the peak of hurricane season kicks into high gear. If this pattern develops fully, it may pump the brakes on the number and intensity of hurricanes in the Atlantic during the upcoming season.... more »

• WATCH: Governor's office presents findings from Louisiana Task Force on Fatherhood Engagement Play Video

  March 18, 2026 10:29 AM

  BATON ROUGE — On Wednesday, Gov. Jeff Landry and other officials shared findings from the Louisiana Task Force on Fatherhood Engagement. The task force, which was created during the 2025 Louisiana Legislative Session, spent seven months "engaging with hundreds of fathers across the state and with leaders of state... more »

• Smart glasses could be restricted with proposed law Play Video

  March 16, 2026 7:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Technology is infiltrating face-to-face interactions, as smart glasses gain popularity and become more discreet. One Louisiana lawmaker wants to ensure that everyone involved in recorded conversations is aware. As the market for wearable technology expands, State Rep. Laurie Schlegel, R-Metairie, says she’s concerned about the invasion... more »

• Monday PM Forecast: Protect tender plants, FREEZE WARNING in place Tuesday morning Play Video

  March 16, 2026 4:45 PM

  A FREEZE WARNING has been issued for East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Assumption, Iberville, East Feliciana, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. James, Tangipahoa, and West Feliciana Parishes, as well as Amite and Wilkinson Counties from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday. With spring already starting to show... more »

• Silver Alert: 63-year-old man from Kenner missing, state police say

  March 16, 2026 6:39 AM

  KENNER — State Police issued a Silver Alert late Sunday night for a missing Kenner man. Albert James Lee, 63, was last seen near the intersection of West Esplanade Avenue and Loyola Drive around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, LSP said. He was wearing a gray sweatshirt, red sweatpants, red... more »

• ALL CLEAR from severe weather; big-time cooldown underway Play Video

  March 15, 2026 7:27 PM

  The Tornado Watch was cancelled a few hours early for all parishes/counties in the Storm Station coverage area. There is no longer any threat of severe weather locally. As overnight storms continue pulling away, a brisk northwest wind has already started ushering in a significant cooldown for the Gulf... more »