WBRZ - Baton Rouge

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• Lawmakers pass measure to limit money to Planned Parenthood Play Video

  May 21, 2013 5:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A committee of lawmakers passed a measure that would block some government money from going to Planned Parenthood. It now heads to the full House. The measure sparked emotional testimony from people supporting. It comes as Planned Parenthood is the subject of two federal lawsuits over alleged... more »

• No new funds needed for Okla. tornado recovery

  May 21, 2013 3:05 PM

  WASHINGTON - Top lawmakers and officials say the federal government has plenty of money on hand to pay for recovery efforts in the devastating tornado that struck Oklahoma. The government has more than $11 billion in its main disaster relief fund. Recovery costs in Moore, Okla., are expected to be... more »

• $1 million ticket sold in Baton Rouge Play Video

  May 20, 2013 5:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE - One Powerball player winner is holding on to a $1 million ticket sold in Baton Rouge from this weekend's drawing. Louisiana Lottery officials said the million-dollar ticket was sold at Matherne's Supermarket on Bluebonnet and matched all five white numbers while missing the Powerball. "We're... more »

• News 2 Investigates: Accident Payouts

  May 20, 2013 10:45 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The roads in Baton Rouge are designed to be shared, but a News 2 investigation revealed when city-parish vehicles are in wrecks the costs from them are shared as well. Whenever an accident lawsuit involving a city-parish vehicle is settled, the money comes from taxpayer dollars.... more »

• Local schools owed $30M because of court ruling

  May 15, 2013 1:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Superintendent of Education John White says the state owes local school districts $30 million because the Louisiana Supreme Court threw out this year's public school funding formula. The Supreme Court ruled that lawmakers couldn't fund a voucher program to send children to private school through the formula... more »

• IRS targeting draws ire from local political groups Play Video

  May 13, 2013 6:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A report showing agents at the IRS targeted conservative groups who applied for tax exemptions drew the ire of local political groups. The IRS didn't target the Tea Party of Louisiana, but the group still believes it's a violation of their freedom of speech. "When you... more »

• NCAA gives ex-Wingate coach 2-year show-cause

  May 8, 2013 12:37 PM

  WINGATE, N.C. - The NCAA has given former Wingate women's basketball coach Barbara Nelson a two-year show-cause penalty for providing players with money and prescription drugs. The school on Wednesday also was given one year of probation and vacated all 24 victories from 2011-12. Nelson was not named in the... more »

• Senate backs breakaway school district in Baton Rouge

  May 7, 2013 5:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Two proposed laws that would create a new, public school district in East Baton Rouge Parish cleared the Senate Tuesday. Both organizations connected to the push- one for and another against- posted the news on Facebook, alerting followers to the developments. People posted congratulatory comments on... more »

• Senate committee backs Medicaid expansion model

  April 30, 2013 6:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A proposal for Louisiana to tap into the federal health overhaul money available for expanding Medicaid has won approval from the state Senate's health committee, despite opposition from Gov. Bobby Jindal. The committee voted 4-3 Tuesday to send a modified Medicaid expansion bill to the full Senate... more »

• Budget maneuvering continues in House

  April 30, 2013 4:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Lawmakers in the House have refused to accept a procedural move by their leaders that would have given most of the decision-making on next year's budget to the Senate. House Speaker Chuck Kleckley and Appropriations Chairman Jim Fannin sought to remove $490 million in patchwork funding from... more »

• Breakaway school district clears first hurdle Play Video

  April 29, 2013 6:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A proposed breakaway school district cleared an important hurdle after the Senate Finance Committee voted favorably for it to reach the Senate floor. The bill, authored by Senator Bodi White of Baton Rouge, would create a new school district in East Baton Rouge Parish between I-10... more »

• $420K in unclaimed property returned at drive

  April 29, 2013 3:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The state Department of Treasury has returned a record $420,000 in unclaimed money to hundreds of New Orleans area residents at an Unclaimed Property Awareness Day over the weekend. In an effort to increase awareness about the Unclaimed Property Program and help citizens claim their money, the Treasury... more »

• Czechs help to rebuild West, Texas after blast

  April 24, 2013 8:01 PM

  PRAGUE- To honor thousands of Czechs who settled in Texas more than a hundred years ago, the Czech Republic will donate about $200,000 to help rebuild the town of West, Texas after a fertilizer plant explosion nearly leveled the town. The government says a significant number of people in the... more »

• LA incarcerated highest per capita in nation Play Video

  April 19, 2013 5:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The number of people in prisons in Louisiana is the highest per capita in the nation. It's costing taxpayers a lot of money, and today, state and local leaders met to address the problems this poses. Education and time spent in prison was the main... more »

• Audit: Students missed out on financial aid Play Video

  April 15, 2013 5:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Students at Capital Area Technical College missed out on financial aid, according to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. The reports says 693 students attending CATC did not receive academic excellence and operational fee waivers totalling $58,635, although they were later identified as being eligible. Almost 3,500... more »

• Man admits to role in post-Katrina kickback scheme

  April 5, 2013 8:51 AM

  NEW ORLEANS- A New Orleans-area businessman has admitted to receiving at least $32,500 in kickbacks related to a debris pickup contract after Hurricane Katrina. The Times-Picayune reports 51-year-old Anthony Penn pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States as part of a plea deal. He will... more »

• Tax plan targets services Play Video

  March 14, 2013 5:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Governor Bobby Jindal's plan to reform the state's tax system and eliminate the individual income tax would also need to add taxes on some services for the first time. Traditionally, services like haircuts, landscaping, pet grooming and cable TV aren't taxed, but Jindal's plan would add the... more »

• BP: costs rising from spill settlement

  March 8, 2013 11:09 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - BP is warning investors that the price tag will be higher than initially estimated for its multibillion-dollar settlement with businesses and residents who claim the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico cost them money. The oil giant estimated last year it would spend roughly $7.8... more »

• News 2 Investigates: Altered records, misspent money Play Video

  March 6, 2013 4:24 PM

  WALKER - A winding country road in Livingston Parish is at the heart of controversy. Parish council members discussed evaluating work for Duff Road near Walker. Then, official records were altered and tens of thousands of dollars unknowingly spent on design and a route survey, all without council approval. Tonight,... more »

• Parish spends $100,000 for Alligator Bayou drainage already in 2013 Play Video

  March 4, 2013 5:31 PM

  ASCENSION PARISH - Twice this year, Ascension Parish put in temporary pumps to flush out water from Alligator Bayou into Manchac Bayou, and on Monday, permanent pumps were at it again. "It is about time they did it, and if it's something that will make the water go out... more »

• Thousands of dollars returned to asphalt scam victims

  February 22, 2013 10:19 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's attorney general said his office is delivering checks totaling $184,800 to 18 victims of a driveway asphalting scam. Many of the victims are elderly, and all overpaid for driveway repairs which AG Buddy Caldwell said involved shoddy work and poor materials. At least one victim... more »

• Area lawmaker: there was no meeting with mayor Play Video

  February 21, 2013 11:58 PM

  PORT ALLEN- A state lawmaker set the record straight after she was mentioned as having conversations with the mayor about city business while in Washington, D.C. for the president's inauguration. "There was no meeting," Rep. Pat Smith (D-Baton Rouge) told WBRZ News 2 Thursday evening. "This was a reception,... more »

• Landrieu announces $6M in FEMA grants

  February 21, 2013 7:31 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Sen. Mary L. Landrieu says $6 million in disaster recovery grants related to Hurricanes Isaac and Katrina are heading to Louisiana. Landrieu says the funds are provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance Program. Landrieu said Wednesday that $3.7 million will go to the... more »

• Bill would force online retailers to charge you tax Play Video

  February 20, 2013 5:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Marketplace Fairness Act, which is co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), would allow states to force online retailers to collect sales taxes on Internet purchases. The bill is intended to help small businesses that often lose out to online retailers who don't have to charge... more »

• Brandywine residents in power struggle Play Video

  February 15, 2013 6:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Residents at Brandywine Apartments may be in for a cold weekend after power was cut off to several units. It's because they didn't pay rent, but resident argue they shouldn't have to because management hasn't paid more than $100,000 in utilities payments. Now the water company... more »

• School district prepares for funding uncertainties

  February 15, 2013 9:48 AM

  GREENSBURG - The St. Helena Parish School Board has approved a reduction in force policy for 2013-14 in case declines in state funding and federal and local grants require the district to cut employees. Superintendent Kelli Joseph says school officials are not certain that a reduction in force would be... more »

• Port Allen CFO reinstated Play Video

  February 14, 2013 5:54 PM

  PORT ALLEN - Chief Financial Officer Audrey McCain is back on the job after Mayor "Deedy" Slaughter fired her on Monday. Slaughter said McCain needed to be fired after clerical errors turned up on the city's financial audit. "I asked the auditor, I said, did this happen on... more »

• State accepting school voucher applications

  February 13, 2013 10:58 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Applications are available for the Louisiana Scholarship Program for the 2013 - 2014 school year. Last year, more than 10,000 students applied for the controversial program. State Superintendent John White says they were only able to accommodate nearly 5,000 of those students and "that means we... more »

• Obama signs bill averting government default

  February 5, 2013 7:30 AM

  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill raising the government's borrowing limit, averting a default and delaying the next clash over the nation's debt until later this year. The legislation temporarily suspends the $16.4 trillion limit on federal borrowing. Experts say that will allow the government... more »

• Stocks slide following Dow's rally to 14,000

  February 4, 2013 11:00 AM

  Stocks are falling on Wall Street after the Dow Jones industrial average hit its highest level since the financial crisis last week. The Dow was off 118 points at 13,891 shortly before noon Eastern time. Travelers and Merck fell the most of the 30 stocks in the index. The Standard... more »

• Poor quality fake money found at Angola

  February 1, 2013 5:05 PM

  ANGOLA- Four inmates at the State Penitentiary were busted for printing fake 100, 20, and 10-dollar bills. Sources tell WBRZ News 2 that the group was using a printer in the metal fabrication plant to make the phonies, which were "very poor quality." Federal authorities, including the U.S.... more »

• Gasoline prices get early start on spring surge

  February 1, 2013 5:40 AM

  NEW YORK - Gasoline prices are getting an early start on their annual spring march higher. The average retail price rose 13 cents over the past two weeks to $3.42 per gallon, and within a few days it will likely set a record for this time of year. ... more »

• Attorney General investigating Powerhouse Gym Play Video

  January 31, 2013 5:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Attorney General's office confirmed to News 2 that it is investigating the failed Powerhouse Gym. The owners of the gym, Ronnie and Connie Olah, were evicted through a court order last week. Now customers are trying to figure out how they'll get their money back.... more »

• Former Baker DARE officer arrested Play Video

  January 31, 2013 5:46 PM

  BAKER- A former Baker Police Department DARE officer has been arrested as part of Louisiana State Police investigation, accused of taking money from students. Baker Police Chief Mike Knaps says Jason Doyle resigned last summer because of department policy issues. Knaps says when a new officer took over the... more »

• Dow edges lower, still headed for stellar January

  January 31, 2013 11:05 AM

  NEW YORK- The Dow drifted lower Thursday, but stayed on track for its best start to the year in more than two decades. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 23 points to 13,887 as of 11:51 a.m. The index has gained 6 percent so far this month, putting it in... more »

• Senate to clear debt limit increase for Obama

  January 31, 2013 6:32 AM

  WASHINGTON - The Senate is poised to permit the government to borrow hundreds of billions of dollars more to meet its obligations, putting off one Washington showdown even as others loom in coming weeks. The measure would suspend the $16.4 trillion limit on federal borrowing through May 18, allowing an... more »

• White House: Sandy to blame for lack of growth

  January 30, 2013 10:37 AM

  WASHINGTON - The White House says Superstorm Sandy is partially to blame for the unexpected contraction of the U.S. economy. Top White House economist Alan Krueger says the storm, which battered the East Coast, disrupted economic activity and destroyed $44 billion in fixed capital. Krueger also says federal defense spending... more »

• Next in BP spill saga: civil trial worth billions

  January 30, 2013 6:38 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - Now that the U.S. Justice Department's criminal probe of BP PLC is resolved, the company faces billions of dollars more in civil penalties for its role in the 2010 massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. On Tuesday, a federal judge agreed to let the London-based... more »

• Stocks edge higher, pushing Dow toward 14,000

  January 29, 2013 10:52 AM

  NEW YORK- Stocks edged higher on Wall Street, pushing the Dow toward 14,000, as investors digested the latest round of earnings and economic reports. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 57 points to 13,939 points. The Standard and Poor's 500 rose 4 points to 1,505 points. The Nasdaq composite dropped... more »

• Powerhouse Gym owners evicted Play Video

  January 25, 2013 6:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Powerhouse Gym owners Ronnie and Connie Olah were evicted from the property on Sherwood Forest Boulevard in court this morning. An attorney for the gym's landlord told News 2, "they've handed over the keys." John Kovalcik created signs for the gym in 2011, but was never... more »

• St. Helena considers road-revenue plan

  January 24, 2013 10:57 AM

  GREENSBURG- The St. Helena Parish Police Jury wants to rededicate two sources of tax revenue to road improvements, which all jurors agreed is an immediate necessity. On a 4-2 vote, the jury decided this week to seek advice from bond attorneys about possibly rededicating a 5-mill ad valorem tax that... more »

• State budget cuts block anti-truancy effort

  January 24, 2013 10:56 AM

  BATON ROUGE- State budget cuts and a directive from Gov. Bobby Jindal's office effectively ended LSU's involvement with statewide truancy programs for at-risk youths. The LSU Office of Social Service Research Development said Wednesday that it will end its 16-year partnership with the Truancy Assessment and Service Center on July... more »

• DHH: Hospice program to stay open, get reforms Play Video

  January 23, 2013 4:40 PM

  BATON ROUGE - State health officials announced late this afternoon that the Medicaid Hospice Program would not end on Feb. 1 as scheduled. Secretary Bruce Greenstein with the Dept. Of Health and Hospitals said enough money from existing grants had been found to keep the program going until reforms... more »

• House GOP seeks to defuse debt crisis

  January 23, 2013 6:56 AM

  WASHINGTON - House Republicans are moving to try to defuse a potential debt crisis with legislation to prevent an economy-rattling fiscal crisis for at least three months. The GOP legislation marks a tactical retreat by House GOP leaders, eager to avoid a potential first-ever default on U.S. payment and debt... more »

• State budget deficit growing into billions Play Video

  January 18, 2013 6:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Lawmakers met at the capitol this morning, where they discussed the state budget and its growth. Members of the joint budget committee are optimistic because the state took in more money than expected last month. The state is short $1.2 billion though, and many lawmakers are... more »

• GOP official: House to vote on delaying debt limit

  January 18, 2013 12:04 PM

  WASHINGTON - A Republican official says the GOP-controlled House will vote next week to permit the government to borrow more money to meets its obligations. Full details aren't settled yet, but the move is aimed at giving the government about three more months of borrowing authority beyond a deadline expected... more »

• Will Obama's order lead to surge in gun research?

  January 17, 2013 3:46 PM

  MILWAUKEE - Researchers say that President Barack Obama's order to encourage use of federal money to study gun violence may help lead to more knowledge about how to prevent firearm injuries and deaths. About 30,000 Americans die from gun violence each year, nearly the same number as from car crashes.... more »

• La. AG's oil spill tab nears $24M

  January 14, 2013 2:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's attorney general has spent nearly $24 million building the state's legal case against BP over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. And records show much of the money has gone to outside law firms that have contributed to his campaigns. The $15.4 million that Attorney... more »

• La. to get more Isaac recovery funds

  January 9, 2013 6:58 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - The Federal Emergency Management Agency is sending $7.4 million to Louisiana in Hurricane Isaac recovery funds to help impacted families with additional household and education needs and more. The FEMA dollars are going to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services for a Disaster Case... more »

• Conn. grants $500K for lost business in Newtown

  January 8, 2013 12:41 PM

  HARTFORD, Conn. - The state of Connecticut is giving $500,000 to businesses in Newtown that say they lost money because of the fallout from the school shooting there last month. The grant will help businesses that were hurt by road closings and entrances blocked by traffic, parked vehicles and crowds... more »

• La. buys wetlands with oil spill settlement funds

  January 8, 2013 10:28 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The state has acquired more than 11,000 acres of wetlands in Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes as part of a conservation project funded by a settlement over the Deepwater Horizon disaster. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana said Monday that the $6.7 million purchase of the... more »

• Troubled Powerhouse Gym opens after several delays Play Video

  January 3, 2013 5:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE- After more than a year Powerhouse Gym on Sherwood Forest is opened for business. The gym received approval to open it's doors to customers on December 27th, but can only use a small temporary portion of the gym until the rest of the build-out is complete. ... more »

• Report: Online holiday sales up 14 percent

  January 3, 2013 4:25 PM

  RESTON, Va. - A report released Thursday says holiday shoppers spent $42.3 billion online in November and December, 14 percent more than in the same months a year ago. ComScore found that shoppers started the holiday season strong in November but a dip in consumer confidence hurt early December sales.... more »

• La. to see millions from Transocean settlement

  January 3, 2013 3:47 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana lawmakers trumpeted the fact that the state will see hundreds of millions of dollars as part of the federal government's $1.4 billion settlement with Transocean today over the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The final terms of the settlement require Transocean, which owned the drilling rig... more »

• Fiscal cliff averted but taxes rise for all Play Video

  January 2, 2013 5:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Lawmakers reached a deal last night in Washington, averting the fiscal cliff, which included tax hikes for the middle class. The deal did not include an extension of the payroll tax cut. Beginning January 1st, one tax went up for everyone. It's a two percent increase... more »

• Developments in Juban Crossing project

  December 19, 2012 9:30 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS- Parish leaders in Livingston Parish are expected to move forward with business items that might secure the future of the Juban Crossing Development. Thursday night, the parish council could make decisions about cooperative endeavor agreements between agencies and project planners. The huge development is set to... more »

• St. Helena budget has surplus

  December 19, 2012 10:26 AM

  GREENSBURG - The St. Helena Parish Police Jury has adopted a budget for 2013 that would keep expenditures below projected revenue and add money back to the parish's fund balance for only the second time in four years. The Advocate reports general and special fund revenue for 2013 are projected... more »

• Jindal administration makes cuts across agencies Play Video

  December 14, 2012 12:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal is using a mix of cuts, one-time patches and hiring freeze savings to close a nearly $166 million budget gap. Cuts are planned to doctors and hospitals that care for Medicaid patients. Programs that provide hospice care for the poor and disabled and dental... more »

• Fiscal cliff threatens federal aid for home heat

  December 12, 2012 1:37 PM

  PORTLAND, Maine - Poor and elderly Americans who rely on aid from the federal government to heat their homes stand to get less help this year if Congress and the White House fail to figure out a way to avoid the combination of tax increases and automatic spending cuts known... more »

• Lieberman urges compromise in final Senate speech

  December 12, 2012 1:34 PM

  WASHINGTON - Retiring Sen. Joe Lieberman in his final Senate floor speech is urging Congress to put partisan rancor aside and reach across party lines to break Washington's gridlock. The Democrat-turned-independent from Connecticut said Wednesday that strong bipartisan leadership is needed to solve the nation's most pressing problems such as... more »

• Judge sets date to rule on BP plea deal over spill

  December 11, 2012 4:48 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - A federal judge says she will decide next month whether to accept a plea deal that calls for BP PLC to pay a record $4.5 billion in penalties for its role in a deadly 2010 rig explosion and the massive oil spill it triggered in the Gulf... more »

• Fiscal cliff stalemate spurs anxiety in states

  December 10, 2012 12:35 PM

  JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A potential plunge over the federal "fiscal cliff" is causing anxiety for many state officials - not only because of prospective federal funding cuts, but because of the confusion surrounding the ongoing stalemate in Washington. The longer the White House and Congress remain at odds, the... more »

• Merck Foundation stops giving to Boy Scouts

  December 10, 2012 12:34 PM

  WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. - Merck's charitable foundation has stopped giving money to the Boy Scouts of America. The Merck Foundation says the Boy Scouts' exclusion of gays from its ranks and leadership positions conflicts with giving guidelines and the company's nondiscrimination policy. The foundation says it will reconsider giving money... more »

• Congressional aides: Obama asks $60.4B Sandy aid

  December 7, 2012 4:20 PM

  WASHINGTON - Congressional aides say President Barack Obama is asking Congress to approve $60.4 billion in federal aid for New York, New Jersey and other states hit by Super Storm Sandy in late October. The formal paperwork is expected to be sent to Congress later today or early next week.... more »

• Corporate money to help pay for Obama inauguration

  December 7, 2012 12:44 PM

  WASHINGTON - In a reversal from four years ago, President Barack Obama will accept unlimited sums of corporate money to pay for his inauguration. A spokeswoman for the Presidential Inaugural Committee said Friday that it will accept cash from companies and individuals to underwrite the costs of a weekend of... more »

• Stocks mixed as investors work through jobs report

  December 7, 2012 11:52 AM

  NEW YORK - Stocks are trading mixed on Wall Street as investors work through the government's latest jobs report. It turns out Superstorm Sandy didn't have as much of an impact on the employment picture last month as economists had expected. The government says the storm played only a minimal... more »

• Three arrested in Baker narcotics investigation

  December 6, 2012 3:50 PM

  BAKER - Narcotics agents in Baker arrested three people after they said an investigation and traffic stop turned up hundreds of pills and thousands in cash. Agents arrested John McKneely, Keirsten McKneely and Tiawanga McKneely of Baker earlier this week. Bake Police Chief Mike Knaps said the agents... more »

• Oil down with Cushing inventory nearly flat

  December 5, 2012 11:34 AM

  NEW YORK - Oil prices are lower Wednesday after the government reported that stocks of crude are still running much higher than usual for this time of year. Benchmark crude fell 24 cents to $88.26 in midday trading. Oil prices were higher earlier in the day. But the weekly report... more »

• Feds funnel millions into Gulf Coast

  December 5, 2012 7:29 AM

  HOUSTON - A report released to The Associated Press says one federal agency has already committed more than a half-billion dollars to the Gulf Coast in the past two years, nearly one-fifth of it on projects directly linked to recovery from the 2010 oil spill. The U.S. Department of... more »

• Senate passes $631 billion defense bill

  December 4, 2012 4:51 PM

  WASHINGTON - The Senate has voted for a sweeping, $631 billion defense bill that calls for accelerating the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan and tightens sanctions on Iran. The vote was 98-0. The legislation would authorize money for weapons, aircraft and ships and provide a 1.7 percent pay raise... more »

• $5B in government recoveries on false claims cases

  December 4, 2012 11:55 AM

  WASHINGTON - The Justice Department has recovered a record $5 billion in the past year from companies that filed false claims against the government. Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West said Tuesday that the federal False Claims Act is the most powerful tool the government has for protecting the integrity... more »

• Coupon site Bigtip.com shocking local businesses Play Video

  December 3, 2012 6:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A coupon site may be taking your money and creating problems for local business owners. Bigtip.com is a national coupon site based out of Seattle, Wash. They charge people a subscription fee to receive coupons for local restaurants and stores in Baton Rouge, including Mellow Mushroom,... more »

• Woman pleads guilty in SS theft case

  December 3, 2012 4:50 PM

  SLIDELL - A woman accused of helping stuff the body of her roommate's dead father into an ice chest and stealing almost $34,000 of his Social Security checks has pleaded guilty. The Times-Picayune reports Heidi Todd, 45, pleaded guilty to unlawful disposal of human remains, mutilating or disinterring human remains... more »

• White House rejects GOP fiscal cliff counteroffer

  December 3, 2012 4:47 PM

  WASHINGTON - The White House is rejecting a Republican counteroffer aimed at averting the "fiscal cliff," saying it does not meet what the White House calls "the test of balance." White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer says the GOP proposal would lower tax rates for the wealthy and stick the... more »

• Dollar coins could save country billions Play Video

  November 30, 2012 5:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE- An idea to exchange dollar bills for dollar coins is resurfacing as the country debates how to trim the budget. While the coins would cost more to mint than bills, they would last decades longer than paper money. The switch could save the federal government nearly $4.4... more »

• Ruling expected this afternoon in voucher lawsuit

  November 30, 2012 10:48 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Closing arguments ended a short time ago in the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Gov. Bobby Jindal's new school voucher program. Judge Tim Kelley recessed the court until 2 p.m., at which time he plans to give his ruling. Teacher unions and school boards say... more »

• Obama to paint Republicans as obstacles to a deal

  November 30, 2012 7:47 AM

  WASHINGTON - During his visit to the Philadelphia area today, President Barack Obama is planning on insisting on higher taxes for the top two percent of earners. That's according to White House officials, who say Obama will cast Republicans as an obstacle to a deal that would avoid the "fiscal... more »

• Report: Extending jobless benefits creates jobs

  November 29, 2012 3:46 PM

  WASHINGTON - The Congressional Budget Office says extending the current level of long-term unemployment benefits for another year would add 300,000 jobs to the economy. A report from the nonpartisan office estimates that preserving jobless benefits would cost the government $30 billion. But it would also lead to more spending... more »

• Deputies investigating bank robbery in Baton Rouge

  November 29, 2012 3:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Authorities released surveillance photos of a man who robbed an East Baton Rouge bank this afternoon. It happened at the Chase Bank located at 7171 Corporate Blvd before 3 p.m. A sheriff's office spokesperson said a white male came into the bank wearing a dark-colored... more »

• Republicans accused Democrats of moving closer to the 'cliff'

  November 29, 2012 1:28 PM

  WASHINGTON - Republican congressional leaders are accusing Democrats of moving the nation closer to the "fiscal cliff," by refusing to outline possible spending cuts. After a meeting with Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner today, House Speaker John Boehner said there'd been "no substantive progress" -- and no "specific plan for cutting... more »

• Calmes given 30 months in jail for money laundering

  November 29, 2012 11:00 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A federal judge sentenced Denham Springs businessman Kevin Calmes to 30 months in prison and a $25,000 fine today after his conviction on money laundering charges, according to the U. S. Attorney's Office. In August, a federal jury found Calmes guilty on five of the eight... more »

• Foundation to invest $25M in NO charter schools

  November 29, 2012 8:06 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - The Texas-based Laura and John Arnold Foundation will invest $25 million to help create and expand high-performing charter schools in New Orleans. The foundation focuses its investments across the country in the areas of education, criminal justice, public accountability and research integrity. Caprice Young, vice... more »

• Powerball money will help kids Play Video

  November 28, 2012 5:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Every dollar spent on lottery tickets in Louisiana will benefit students in public schools, according to lottery officials. "In Louisiana 35 cents of every dollar sold for tickets, including Powerball tickets, is transferred to the state treasury to help fund K-12 public education," said Kelly Spell, Louisiana... more »

• Clinton awarded quarter-million for public safety

  November 28, 2012 12:23 PM

  CLINTON - The town of Clinton received more than a quarter-million dollars in grant money this week to make public safety improvements. One grant worth $200,000 will be used to pay off the loan used to buy the town's first new fire truck in 15 years. Fire Chief Doug... more »

• Powerball jackpot swells to $550 million

  November 28, 2012 11:21 AM

  DES MOINES, Iowa - The record Powerball jackpot just keeps rising. It now stands at $550 million after officials say brisk sales keep driving up the payout amount. The jackpot was boosted to $500 million on Tuesday and raised again Wednesday morning to $550 million. A winner taking the cash... more »

• Unclaimed property a more likely payout than the lotto Play Video

  November 27, 2012 5:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The state has more than $500 million in unclaimed property waiting for its rightful owner. The state treasury collects the money from businesses who can't find the owner. "Some of this gets lost and if a business can't find you and has your money it can't... more »

• Record Powerball result of changes to boost sales

  November 27, 2012 11:00 AM

  DES MOINES, Iowa - The historic $425 million Powerball jackpot was all part of a plan lottery officials put in place early this year to build jackpots faster, drive sales and generate more money for states that play the game. Their plan appears to be working. Powerball tickets doubled in... more »

• Congress returns, effort to avert tax hikes and spending cuts resumes

  November 26, 2012 5:05 PM

  WASHINGTON - Efforts to avoid the "fiscal cliff" have resumed in Washington following the long holiday weekend. Congress and President Barack Obama have until the end of the year to avoid tax increases and automatic spending cuts. White House and congressional aides say Obama spoke separately over the weekend with... more »

• Oil prices fall as Israel-Hamas truce holds

  November 26, 2012 3:07 PM

  NEW YORK - Oil is back below $88 per barrel after a slow day of trading. Analysts are giving two reasons for the decline. One is that the truce between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip appears to be holding. The second is that traders are worried that negotiations... more »