WBRZ - Baton Rouge

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• Renewed push to hire reserve BRPD officers Play Video

  May 15, 2013 5:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE - There's a renewed effort to add reserve officers back to the Baton Rouge Police force. The police department is currently in talks with the Metro Council to secure money for training. Plans are in the works to hire 15 reserve officers next year, and increase that... more »

• Metro Council approves Costco Wholesale plans Play Video

  May 8, 2013 5:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Mega-store Costco Wholesale could open in Baton Rouge a year from now, after the East Baton Rouge Metro Council approved an economic development plan to pay for infrastructure and road improvements in the area. The retailer is investing $38 million into its 144,000-square-foot warehouse at the... more »

• Leaders scheduled to discuss Costco deal

  May 7, 2013 10:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE- City leaders will discuss the planned Costco store during Wednesday's Metro Council meeting. The wholesaler is planning a location at the intersection of I-12 and Airline Highway. Two items on the agenda deal with the future of the store. One creates an economic development district in... more »

• Metro Council to vote on Costco deal

  May 6, 2013 7:39 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Costco Wholesale could open in Baton Rouge in a year if the Metro Council approves the creation of an economic development district Wednesday to pay for infrastructure improvements in the area. The superstore is planning a $38 million capital investment into its 150,000-square-foot warehouse on Dawnadele Avenue... more »

• Leaders talk about law dealing with chained dogs Play Video

  April 24, 2013 10:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE - For years, animal activists have called tethering dogs cruelty, and Wednesday East Baton Rouge council members introduced an ordinance that would make it illegal. "That dog is a natural social animal that wants to get out, and when you keep it on that tether, it doesn't... more »

• City leaders in BR to talk about vehicle take-home policy

  March 26, 2013 10:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE- City leaders could begin discussing making changes to the take-home vehicle policy Wednesday. Metro Councilwoman C. Denise Marcelle is proposing making changes to the policy, including removing the 24 mile exception and limiting personal usage of city-owned vehicles. "We pay for the fuel and I think... more »

• Council quits discussion about electing police chief

  March 13, 2013 10:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE- City leaders decided not to discuss electing the police chief Wednesday. During the Metro Council meeting, an agenda item to talk about changing how the chief is selected was deleted. The mayor appoints the chief, but after Mayor Kip Holden's controversial decision to fire former Chief... more »

• 24/7 alcohol sales, elected chief up for discussion Wednesday

  March 12, 2013 9:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Wednesday, city leaders could make a historic change and allow 24-hour liquor sales. The sales would only be allowed on riverboat casinos, if Metro Council approves the change. Currently, city laws don't allow sales after 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and midnight Sunday. Among other... more »

• Council starts discussion on electing BR police chief Play Video

  February 27, 2013 10:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE- City leaders tabled discussion about electing the police chief during Wednesday night's Metro Council meeting. But, there was no shortage of opinions from citizens who voiced their concerns. "Let me say that Baton Rouge can no longer accept an appointed police chief. And, we can no... more »

• 24/7 alcohol sales law introduced

  February 27, 2013 8:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A law change was introduced at the city's Metro Council meeting Wednesday, to allow alcohol sales 24/7 at some establishments. The ordinance would allow riverboat casinos to get a special license to sell after other bars are required to close. The item will eventually be available... more »

• BR casinos could get okay to sell alcohol 24/7

  February 27, 2013 3:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A few months after changing city law and allowing more alcohol sales on Sunday, city leaders will discuss the possibility of allowing some Baton Rouge establishments to sell alcohol at all hours of the day. Discussions begin at Wednesday night's Metro Council on a special, 24/7 liquor... more »

• NEXT HOUR: Leaders tackle chief issue, red light cameras

  February 13, 2013 3:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE- City leaders are set to have a potentially heated discussion about taking appointment power from the mayor and having voters elect a chief of police. That is one of two discussions planned for Wednesday's Metro Council meeting. Last week, the Mayor's office fired Chief Dewayne White after... more »

• BRPD chief fired shortly after public appearance Play Video

  February 6, 2013 1:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Police Chief Dewayne White was fired from his position as the city's top police officer Wednesday. White told News 2 he received a letter around noon from city Chief Administrative Officer William Daniel that there was a "substantial disagreement with the direction of the Baton Rouge Police... more »

• Buyout deal reached

  January 23, 2013 11:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE- City leaders approved a buyout plan for a neighborhood on the northern end of the city near a wastewater treatment plant. People who live in University Heights have been asking for a buyout for years. They complain the treatment plant stinks and has ruined their quality of... more »

• Metro Council to study law enforcement merger Play Video

  January 23, 2013 10:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Metro Council members were assigned to a committee that will review a police/sheriff merger. The group's members include: one East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's deputy, a Baton Rouge Police officer and council members Joel Boe', Tara Wicker and John Delgado. "This committee will get together and... more »

• Buyout deferred, no decision by Metro Council

  January 9, 2013 9:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Another delay in the decision about buying out a group of homes near a wastewater treatment plant off Scenic Highway. The Baton Rouge Metro Council deferred the $6 million buyout Wednesday night. People who live near the plant have said it stinks and is ruining their... more »

• Metro Council to talk about neighborhood buyout again

  January 8, 2013 10:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE- City leaders will discuss a possible buyout for people who live near a wastewater plant in the northern part of Baton Rouge Wednesday. People in University Heights, a neighborhood near Scenic Highway, have said the plant stinks and has ruined their quality of life. The Baton... more »

• Deal dies for people living near sewer Play Video

  December 12, 2012 10:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - People who live near a sewer plant in the north part of the city won't get a reprieve from a smell they've been complaining about for the last 15 years. Wednesday night, Metro Council voted not to move forward with a plan to buy-out the neighborhood.... more »

• Metro Council to meet for the last time with current members tonight

  December 12, 2012 2:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Four of the twelve elected members of Metro Council will be making their last decisions of their council career tonight. Wednesday's meeting is also the last regular council meeting of the year. "Bones" Addison, Mike Walker, Alison Gary, and "Smokie" Bourgeois won't return to the council next... more »

• Animal shelter director out

  December 4, 2012 9:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The director of the animal shelter is out of a job. WBRZ News 2 confirmed Kimberly Sherlaw is no longer with the shelter. The shelter has been in the midst of controversy over how it is operated. Numerous complaints have been filed against the organization in... more »

• Metro Council reviews animal shelter report Play Video

  November 14, 2012 10:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Leaders of a non-profit running the animal shelter told Metro Council there's nothing awry at the facility. City leaders asked Companion Animal Alliance to talk about issues others have reported about the shelter. Allegations include neglect and mistreatment of animals and bad management. A report by... more »

• Animal shelter, alcohol, and neighborhood buyout on tap for city leaders

  November 13, 2012 9:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE- City leaders want the group in charge of day-to-day operations at the Animal Shelter to answer questions and allegations about mistreatment at the shelter. Wednesday, Companion Animal Alliance has been asked to present a report to Metro Council about the operations and the facility. The agenda... more »

• Two EBR Metro Council races headed for runoff Play Video

  November 7, 2012 4:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Four Metro Council Members were re-elected Tuesday, while two districts will have runoff elections. One of those runoffs involves an incumbent. Chauna Banks-Daniel believes she has what it takes to lead District 2. "No part of the district will be neglected," Banks-Daniel said. "If we will... more »

• Changes to "Blue Laws" approved Play Video

  October 24, 2012 10:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Metro council members approved an ordinance Wednesday night allowing bars to stay open from 11 a.m. until midnight on Sundays. The ordinance passed 8-3, with council members Ronnie Edwards, Tara Wicker and Mike Walker voting against it. Council members Trae Welch, Ulysses Addison, Chandler Loupe,... more »

• Council approves letting EBR bars open on Sundays

  October 24, 2012 5:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Metro council members approved an ordinance tonight allowing bars to stay open from 11 a.m. until midnight on Sundays. The ordinance passed 8-3, with Council members Ronnie Edwards, Tara Wicker and Mike Walker voting against it. Council members Trae Welch, Ulysses Addison, Chandler Loupe, Scott Wilson,... more »

• Bar hours ordinance pulled at Metro Council

  October 24, 2012 5:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Tonight's Metro Council meeting in East Baton Rouge Parish opened with a council member pulling his ordinance to extend bar hours to 4 a.m. Ulysses "Bones" Addison said the parish attorney's office had asked him to delete the item, which had drawn a number of public... more »

• Councilman: Permit to 'level playing field'

  October 22, 2012 9:13 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A Baton Rouge councilman says the only reason he sponsored a proposal to extend bar hours to 4 a.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays is to create permit fees necessary to fund additional enforcement personnel in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Office. Ulysses Addison says the ABC board has... more »

• EBR Metro Council to vote next week on bar hours

  October 19, 2012 10:24 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Bar owners who wish to stay open until 4 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays would have to pay a $40,000 fee under a proposal being considered by the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council. Some bar owners say the proposed annual fee to stay open... more »

• No decision on Sunday alcohol sales in Baton Rouge

  October 10, 2012 10:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Metro Council did not make a decision on changing the Sunday alcohol sales law. After debating for more than an hour, city leaders decided to push the discussion back to the next meeting- in two weeks. Councilwoman Alison Gary proposes easing regulations on Sundays, making that... more »

• Ordinance for Sunday alcohol sales worries some Play Video

  October 4, 2012 5:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Sunday could be just like any other day, when it comes to the sale of wine, beer and liquor in East Baton Rouge Parish. A proposal to remove restrictions on all Sunday alcohol sales has some residents worrying. "I think it would just be an... more »

• City committee has no opinion on changing Sunday alcohol law

  October 3, 2012 10:14 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A committee of members of the Metro Council did not make a recommendation on a change to the Sunday alcohol sales law. There's a change being pushed to allow sales on Sundays and let bars open. Before a final decision by the entire council, it must... more »

• Council set to decide on permit for sales people

  August 21, 2012 10:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE- City leaders will discuss a crackdown on door-to-door sales people later Wednesday. If the ordinance is approved, it would require people who knock on doors and sell items to have a special permit. Councilman "Smokie" Bourgeios says people have complained about pushy salespeople. "You don't... more »

• Metro Council to consider library contract

  May 21, 2012 8:39 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The $19 million Baton Rouge downtown library faces yet another hurdle when the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council meets this week. The Advocate reports the council is set to consider on Wednesday whether to approve a contract for the project's architect. The library project won council... more »

• Deal for crime "interceptors" gets backing from BR Metro Council

  April 25, 2012 9:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE- City leaders decided to fund the development of a new crime fighting tactic called "Cease Fire." Metro Council signed-off on the plan Wednesday night. The project pays people to step into troubling situations hopefully to stop violence before anything bad happens. more »

• Metro Council likely to cut CATS funding in 2013 Play Video

  April 23, 2012 5:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The majority of the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council said it will pull funding from the Capital Area Transit System starting in 2013. CATS CEO Brian Marshall said the annual operating budget for the transit system is roughly $12 million, and $3 million of that... more »

• Food truck regulation effort in BR fails

  April 11, 2012 9:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Proposed parking regulations for food trucks in East Baton Rouge Parish were deleted from the Metro Council agenda Wednesday, when no one would support Councilman Smokie's Bourgeois push to approve the changes. Arguments before the ordinance died came from food truck vendors, customers, restaurant owners and the... more »

• EBR Metro Council debates possibility of 24/7 jail Play Video

  April 11, 2012 6:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - After success last year which generated around $191,000 in fines, city leaders want to keep the city jail running 24 hours a day. Councilman Mike Walker will ask the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council to grant $50,000 for another misdemeanor jail trial run to show... more »

• Council to consider another BR city jail trial run

  April 11, 2012 10:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE - After success last year which generated around $191,000 in fines, city leaders want to keep the city jail running 24 hours a day. Councilman Mike Walker will ask the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council to grant $50,000 for another misdemeanor jail trial run to show... more »

• Food truck operators concerned about ordinance regulating parking

  March 28, 2012 8:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Food truck operators are concerned about an attempt by a Metro Councilman to regulate where and how they park. Smokie Bourgeois is pushing for parking regulations for the area's food truck industry to keep patrons safe and protect properties from being abused. Bourgeois, who is also... more »

• Ordinance regulating food truck parking introduced at Metro Council

  March 28, 2012 6:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A Metro Councilman is pushing for parking regulations for the area's food truck industry to keep patrons safe and protect properties from being abused. Smokie Bourgeois introduced the ordinance to Metro Council Wednesday, following complaints from business owners about the trucks parking on their properties without permission... more »

• EBR Sheriff's Office moving to airport

  March 15, 2012 11:26 AM

  BATON ROUGE- The East Baton Rouge Metro Council has unanimously approved a deal that will move the Sheriff's Office headquarters from its downtown location to a larger facility at Metro Airport. Sheriff Sid Gautreaux called it a win-win for everyone. Gautreaux said his staff will immediately begin making preparation for... more »

• Council urged to settle school worker suit

  February 16, 2012 8:42 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Metro Council's Finance and Executive Committee has recommended that the full council settle with a former elementary school employee who sued the city-parish seven years ago over toxic-mold issues at the school. The Advocate reports Richard Brown, a former custodian at LaBelle Aire... more »

• Murder victim's family calls for crime cameras Play Video

  February 1, 2012 4:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The family of one teen killed Tuesday morning in a double murder in the Glen Oaks neighborhood wants to see crime cameras in their neighborhood. A ShotSpotter alerted deputies that Irise Blakes, 19 and Carlton Smith, 18, were gunned down just before 2:00 Tuesday morning. Investigators... more »

• BRPD Chief critical of crime camera system, working on changes

  January 18, 2012 10:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Baton Rouge Police Chief Dewayne White says the city-parish crime camera system is ineffective, as is, but he's trying to change that. Metro Council will be considering next week whether to extend the current contract for maintenance on the technology, temporarily, until members can review other potential... more »

• EBR council, mayor talk about continuing feud

  December 14, 2011 10:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Lots of talk around Baton Rouge Wednesday followed Tuesday night's continued feud between Mayor Kip Holden and the Metro Council. The back-and-forth battles have persisted all year involving budgets, the fourth attempt at a bond proposal and projects to grow downtown Baton Rouge, among other topics. The... more »

• EBR Metro Council rips mayor's budget apart Play Video

  December 13, 2011 10:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The East Baton Rouge Metro Council approved a $745 million spending plan for 2012, but not without making several changes that put city-parish administrators on edge. The council gave pay raises to Mosquito Control workers and Constables using department surpluses and the city-parish's reserve fund. Members also... more »

• Baton Rouge bus system needs financial help

  November 30, 2011 10:57 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The frequently cash-strapped bus system for East Baton Rouge Parish does not anticipate finding a revenue source to fill its projected $2.1 million budget gap next year. Capital Area Transit System board member Jared Loftus told the East Baton Rouge Metro Council Tuesday night they will... more »

• Metro Council votes to investigate spending

  November 9, 2011 5:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Metro Council members voted to investigate spending by the Mayor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in connection with an ongoing dispute over federal grant money in East Baton Rouge Parish. Council members held a special meeting this afternoon to go through documents detailing how... more »

• CATS requests budget talks with council

  November 7, 2011 10:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Capital Area Transit System reached out to the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council Monday to talk numbers. The bus system wants to discuss with members, "the CATS budget realities for 2012." The proposed budget leaves the system's bottom line at almost $3 million. It... more »

• Metro Councilman wants investigation into MOHSEP

  November 4, 2011 5:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Metro Council Member Chandler Loupe says he wants information on millions of dollars in federal grants issued to the Mayor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. To make sure that happens, he wants an official investigation by the Council. The investigation is now on the agenda... more »

• Fallout continues over grant money in EBR

  November 3, 2011 6:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE - There's more fallout over control of federal grant money for East Baton Rouge Parish. Mayor-President Kip Holden and Metro Council members are at odds over a familiar topic: communication between their offices. The council members claim they're not being given the information they need concerning... more »

• EBR council approves 3 percent health care hike

  October 27, 2011 9:27 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La.- East Baton Rouge city-parish employees will pay an additional 3 percent in health insurance premiums next year after the Metro Council approved the increase. The council appeared deadlocked on the issue with about half of the members agreeing that the premium increases should pass, and the... more »

• Metro Council deciding on bars opening Sundays

  October 12, 2011 4:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Councilwoman C. Denise Marcelle wants to lower the food sales requirements of bars and restaurants in order to stay open on Sundays. Currently food sales must meet 60 percent of a restaurants total monthly sales. Marcelle wants to lower that number to 55 percent in the... more »

• New downtown library plan stays in place

  October 4, 2011 10:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The East Baton Rouge Metro Council voted Wednesday night to leave the rebuild plans for the River Center Branch Library in place. It took two hours to come to the 8-2 decision. The council was revisiting the issue following a summer where attitudes about the new... more »

• Metro Council schedules special meeting

  September 29, 2011 4:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Metro Council scheduled a special meeting for next Tuesday to continue work left unfinished by a lack of a quorum during last night's meeting. The special meeting will be held Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The... more »

• Metro Council walk out on meeting, several big items left undecided

  September 28, 2011 7:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Metro Council members walked out Wednesday afternoon, two hours into their meeting, forcing an adjournment because there wasn't a quorum. It came in the middle of discussion about a concert venue for downtown Baton Rouge. A vote was scheduled on the Galvez Plaza canopy. It was deferred at... more »

• Operation changes led to shelter leader's resignation

  September 27, 2011 10:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Companion Animal Alliance says new changes to operations at the East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Shelter, which includes more euthanasia, is why the executive director quit Tuesday. Christel Slaughter, chairwoman of the organization, says Laura Hinze turned in her resignation the day before she was set... more »

• Metro Council members plan to change new downtown library plan to renovation

  September 15, 2011 10:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Metro Council members are telling the Library Board to change its plans for the River Center Branch Library. The board recently began backing off talking about building a new library because of heat from city leaders. The $19 million project was approved in December. It got a lot... more »

• EBR Metro Council delays vote on EATEL

  September 14, 2011 6:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Metro Council members chose tonight to delay a vote on allowing a new cable provider in East Baton Rouge Parish. EATEL wants to expand their fiber-optic network into the capitol area. They're currently the leading cable, phone and internet service provider in Ascension Parish. EATEL... more »

• Library Board leaves downtown library plans in place

  August 18, 2011 9:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE- No decision Thursday night on shelving a plan for a controversial, new library in Downtown Baton Rouge. The Library Board of Control voted to hold off on any new decisions about the project for 30 days, and spend that time getting on the same page with Metro... more »

• New downtown library project in limbo, again

  August 11, 2011 10:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A new downtown library could be off the table next week, due to flack about the project. The Library Board will vote on whether to put the work on hold, a complete 180-degrees after weeks of arguing over it last year. The project costs nearly $20... more »

• Mayor's tax plan goes back to Metro Council

  August 9, 2011 5:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE- People in East Baton Rouge Parish may never get the chance to vote on Mayor-President Kip Holden's $748 million tax plan. Tomorrow night Metro Council could vote to keep it off the ballot in November. The Metro Council voted 9-3 to keep the proposal off the agenda... more »

• Tax package back on EBR Metro Council agenda

  August 3, 2011 3:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Mayor-President Kip Holden's package of tax increases are back on the East Baton Rouge Metro Council's agenda, after it was flatly rejected at their last meeting. Scott Dyer, the mayor's spokesperson, told News 2 the plan would be "basically the same", raising $748 million to pay... more »

• Tax plan latest victim in Mayor-Metro Council spat

  July 27, 2011 10:31 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The East Baton Rouge Metro Council refused Wednesday to put Mayor Kip Holden's tax plan in motion toward a ballot in the fall. It was Holden's third attempt to fund projects across the parish. It would have increased sales and property taxes to raise $740 million. ... more »

• Metro Council nixes Mayor's tax increases

  July 27, 2011 5:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Metro Council has voted not to introduce Mayor-President Kip Holden's proposed tax increases, ending the measure before it reached the voters. Council members voted 9 to 3 not to introduce the measure at tonight's meeting, which means it will not be on the Nov. 19... more »

• EBR to consider moratorium on liquor permits, zoning

  July 26, 2011 10:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Some people claim alcohol causes crime. Now, there's a grassroots push to better regulate neighborhood stores that sell alcohol in Baton Rouge. It started with a temporary ban on liquor licenses just in South Baton Rouge. But other Metro Council members wanted in, so starting Wednesday, the... more »

• News 2 Investigation into private plane continues

  July 5, 2011 10:14 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Baton Rouge Metro Council wants a state senator and local attorney to pay-up for using a city-owned airplane hangar. A paper-trail shows their plane parked in the hangar at Metro Airport multiple times even though the owners were told they could only use it temporarily. ... more »

• Mayor Holden: New Tax Plan likely to go to Council next week

  June 22, 2011 5:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Mayor-President Kip Holden said he plans to give the newest tax plan to Metro Council Members next week. Voters turned down two previous tax plans in as many years. The Council will have to approve the new plan before it can go on the ballot in... more »

• EBR Neighborhoods get speed limit power

  May 25, 2011 10:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE- In East Baton Rouge Parish, beware angry homeowners. The Baton Rouge Metro Council is giving neighborhoods the power to set their own speed limits. People complain about lead-footed drivers, but when cops start shooting radar, they slow down. So now, people can lower the speed... more »

• Longer curfew considered for kids in EBR

  May 3, 2011 10:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Keeping teens off the streets of Baton Rouge and out of trouble could be supported by a tougher curfew. City leaders say that would give businesses and police more power over groups of troublesome teens. But others argue the government shouldn't be parenting kids or parents. ... more »

• Metro Council considers fire protection, ramp meters, bridge rebuild, etc.

  April 27, 2011 10:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Baton Rouge Metro Council had a busy Wednesday meeting. A resolution to expand fire coverage in East Baton Rouge Parish was approved. The move suggests St. George Fire District take over an area in the south part of the parish where there's no protection now. That... more »

• Efficiency of EBR gunshot detectors questioned

  March 10, 2011 5:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Metro council member Bones Addison wants more information shared between law enforcement agencies, especially when it comes to the parish's crime cameras and shot spotters. In Wednesday night's metro council meeting, Addison said local law enforcement is not as seamless as they say. He says Baton... more »

• ABC Board survives Metro Council vote

  February 9, 2011 10:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Baton Rouge Metro Council voted to keep a board intact that regulates alcohol in the city. Councilman Smokie Bourgeois proposed eliminating the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board because he said it was an unnecessary extra step in the process of getting a liquor license, or receiving fines for... more »

• Former CATS CEO reacts to transit system dilemma

  January 27, 2011 6:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE- No magic bullet has emerged in the effort to save the Baton Rouge transit system, as time ticks toward its end in nine months. CATS is short more than $1 million to operate in 2011. It wanted to cut routes, including weekend service, and raise rates to make... more »

• Metro Council votes down CATS rate, route changes

  January 26, 2011 7:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Metro Council members in Baton Rouge voted against proposed rate hikes and route changes meant to close a budget gap and keep the program funded for the rest of the year. The Council voted 7-to-5 to not approve the changes, which would have cut weekend bus... more »

• Ordinance establishes mandatory minimum sentence for prostitutes and "Johns"

  January 19, 2011 9:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Since Thanksgiving, Baton Rouge police have picked up about 50 people on prostitution charges. But one Metro Council Member wants to make sure if charges become convictions, that consequences follow and they won't be the typical type. Tara Wicker is fed-up with "slap on the wrist" justice... more »

• CATS bus riders counting on new proposal

  January 17, 2011 5:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE - People who normally take the bus may be left at the station if CATS doesn't come up with a new plan to fill a $1 million budget hole. The Capitol Area Transit Board meets Tuesday to discuss a new plan to give to Metro Council next... more »

• Metro Council puts off CATS vote, asks for more options

  January 12, 2011 10:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The East Baton Rouge Metro Council told Baton Rouge transit leaders they want to hear new ideas to fix the bus system. CATS has two weeks to come up with alternatives to cutting services and raising fares. The department's budget deficit is more than $1 million. A... more »

• Mayor, Council members at odds over bridges

  December 15, 2010 4:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE- East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden is at odds with some members of the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council over ways to improve infrastructure. Holden said at least 34 bridges in the parish received a dangerous rating from parish engineers. According to Holden, some of the... more »

• Debate over money shifted for juvenile services

  December 10, 2010 5:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden is accusing some metro council members of grandstanding. He says the council voted to shift $150,000 to the city parish juvenile detention center and juvenile services. He calls that, "chump change." He says more than $20 million dollars is needed for a... more »