Tagged News

• Trump administration says it needs to fight SNAP fraud, but the extent of the problem is unclear

  December 15, 2025 4:18 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration is talking tough about SNAP, saying the government’s biggest food aid program is riddled with fraud that must be stopped. His appointees are looking at Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from an enforcement perspective, seeing fraud as a major and expensive problem, perpetrated... more »

• Judge dismisses Comey, James indictments after finding that prosecutor was illegally appointed Play Video

  November 24, 2025 1:06 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge has dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, concluding that the prosecutor who brought the charges at President Donald Trump’s urging was illegally appointed by the Justice Department. The rulings from U.S. District... more »

• Respect and remembrance for Cheney from Bush, Biden and past vice presidents as Trump is excluded

  November 20, 2025 4:04 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — They gathered at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday — former presidents, vice presidents, sworn political foes and newfound friends — in a show of respect and remembrance for Dick Cheney, the consequential and polarizing vice president who became an acidic scold of President Donald Trump. ... more »

• Save My Louisiana sues state, claims carbon capture laws violate state constitution Play Video

  November 20, 2025 2:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Nonprofit organization Save My Louisiana filed suit against the state over carbon capture laws it says are unconstitutional, alleging they give private companies the power to take private property from residents. The lawsuit targets a series of laws passed by the Louisiana legislature in 2020. It... more »

• Former La. Speaker of the House arrested on felony charges filed last week Play Video

  November 17, 2025 4:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Former Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder was arrested Monday on felony charges filed last week related to the disappearance of an ancient cypress board that is considered a state artifact. The board was last seen in his Gonzales legislative office. He was booked into the East... more »

• THC gummies and drinks face ban under provision in government spending bill Play Video

  November 14, 2025 2:13 PM

  A little-noticed provision tucked into the federal spending bill signed by President Trump could upend a booming industry -- by banning many THC-infused products, like gummies, drinks, topical pain relief and vapes, now found everywhere from gas stations to wellness shops. Hemp, a derivative of the cannabis plant, was... more »

• Trump unveils deal to expand coverage and lower costs on obesity drugs Play Video

  November 6, 2025 5:26 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump unveiled a deal Thursday with drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to expand coverage and reduce prices for the popular obesity treatments Zepbound and Wegovy. Known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, the drugs have soared in popularity in recent years but patient access has... more »

• Mayor-President Sid Edwards names permanent Chief Administrative Officer Play Video

  November 6, 2025 5:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Mayor-President Sid Edwards named Christel Slaughter as the permanent Chief Administrative Officer for East Baton Rouge Parish, the first woman to hold the position in four decades. Slaughter had previously been serving as the interim CAO. “Christel Slaughter is a proven leader who understands the... more »

• Government shutdown threatens to delay home heating aid for millions of low-income families

  November 2, 2025 1:05 PM

  HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Jacqueline Chapman is a retired school aide who relies on a $630 monthly Social Security check to get by. She was navigating the loss of her federal food aid benefits when she learned the assistance she receives for heating her Philadelphia apartment may also be at... more »

• How a 1920s child actor's case could influence change to Louisiana's high school NIL laws Play Video

  October 28, 2025 7:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana NIL Task Force met Monday to propose several changes to rules governing Name, Image, and Likeness agreements for high school and college athletes. The NIL Task Force's goal is to bring together athletic directors, NIL Specialists, legislators and student athletes from around the state.... more »

• Mass mobilization takes place at the capitol for maintaining the current congressional map Play Video

  October 27, 2025 6:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A large demonstration took place at the State Capitol on Monday during the Legislature's special session to urge lawmakers to maintain the current congressional map. The demonstration is due to concerns that lawmakers could potentially change the current map, which has two majority black districts following... more »

• Gov. Jeff Landry hopes to have National Guard deployed in Louisiana by November Play Video

  October 15, 2025 6:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Gov. Jeff Landry said he wants the National Guard to be deployed in Louisiana cities in less than a month. "I'm hoping that we get them in by November," Landry said. In September, Landry officially requested the deployment of 1,000 Guardsmen in a letter to... more »

• The Latest: Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from firing workers during shutdown

  October 15, 2025 2:49 PM

  President Donald Trump’s administration for now must stop firing workers during the government shutdown, a federal judge in San Francisco ordered on Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston issued the emergency order after federal agencies on Friday started issuing layoff notices aimed at reducing the size of the federal... more »

• Former Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, says he will not run for US Senate Play Video

  October 13, 2025 7:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — After much speculation, John Bel Edwards — a Democrat who defied near-universal predictions by being elected governor twice in the reliably red state of Louisiana — announced on Monday that he will not run for the U.S. Senate. The announcement ended months of guessing... more »

• Government shutdown could be the longest ever, House Speaker Johnson warns Play Video

  October 13, 2025 7:52 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson predicted Monday the federal government shutdown may become the longest in history, saying he “won't negotiate” with Democrats until they hit pause on their health care demands and reopen. Standing alone at the Capitol on the 13th day of the shutdown,... more »

• Firings of federal workers begin as White House seeks to pressure Democrats in government shutdown Play Video

  October 10, 2025 12:57 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House budget office said Friday that mass firings of federal workers have started in an attempt to exert more pressure on Democratic lawmakers as the government shutdown continues. Russ Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, said on the social media... more »

• Some students and community members concerned with LSU presidential search Play Video

  October 8, 2025 6:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Some LSU students and community members are worried about a lack of transparency and public input in LSU's search for its next president. Last week, Gabriela Juarez and other students were arrested for protesting during the presidential selection meeting. Juarez said being removed from the meeting... more »

• St. Tammany Parish Councilwoman announces U.S. Senate bid, will challenge Bill Cassidy Play Video

  October 8, 2025 6:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE — St. Tammany Parish Councilwoman Kathy Seiden announced that she will challenge Sen. Bill Cassidy for his U.S. Senate seat next year. In her announcement video, Seiden criticized Cassidy's vote to convict President Donald Trump during his second impeachment in 2021 and pitched herself as an "outsider."... more »

• CDC stops recommending COVID-19 shots for all, leaves decision to patients

  October 6, 2025 5:06 PM

  NEW YORK (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adopted recommendations by a new group of vaccine advisers, and stopped recommending COVID-19 shots for anyone — leaving the choice up to patients. The government health agency on Monday announced it had adopted recommendations made last month by... more »

• ACLU says ICE is unlawfully punishing immigrants at a notorious Louisiana detention center Play Video

  October 6, 2025 3:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The immigration detainees sent to a notorious Louisiana prison last month are being punished for crimes for which they have already served time, the American Civil Liberties Union said Monday in a lawsuit challenging the government’s decision to hold what it calls the “worst of... more »

• Legal setbacks mount for Trump's birthright order before likely Supreme Court review

  October 4, 2025 10:26 AM

  BOSTON (AP) — Over a span of a month this summer, four separate federal courts rejected President Donald Trump’s executive order ending automatic citizenship for the children of people in the country illegally or temporarily. On Friday, one more court weighed in, and the result was no different. ... more »

• Retired Lieutenant General Russel Honore weighs in on looming National Guard deployment to Louisiana Play Video

  September 30, 2025 8:12 PM

  Baton Rouge - Retired Lieutenant General Russel Honoré, whose mission during his Army service was to train and deploy the National Guard, spoke with WBRZ on Tuesday about what he expects if Gov. Jeff Landry's request for a National Guard deployment in three of Louisiana's biggest cities is granted. ... more »

• Baton Rouge city leaders weigh in on National Guard deployment in the city Play Video

  September 30, 2025 3:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge city leaders weighed in Tuesday after Gov. Jeff Landry requested the National Guard be deployed in the city. Landry submitted a request for 1,000 Louisiana National Guardsmen to the U.S. Department of War on Monday night to address "ongoing public safety concerns regarding high... more »

• Addis replaces Mayor's Court system with new Magistrate Court Play Video

  September 22, 2025 7:06 PM

  ADDIS - The City of Addis is making a major change to its justice system. Instead of the mayor presiding over cases, a newly created magistrate court will now take over. Mayor’s courts are common in small towns across Louisiana, but officials in Addis say the system has been... more »

• White House says $100K H-1B visa fee won't apply to existing holders as Trump move stirs anxiety Play Video

  September 22, 2025 6:57 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s plan to overhaul the American immigration system has left some immigrant workers confused, forcing the White House on Saturday to scramble to clarify that a new $100,000 fee on visas for skilled tech workers only applies to new applicants and not to current visa... more »

• Thousands, including Gov. Jeff Landry, attend Charlie Kirk memorial in Arizona Play Video

  September 21, 2025 1:24 PM

  GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — President Donald Trump praised Charlie Kirk as a “great American hero” and “martyr” for freedom as he and other prominent conservatives, like Governor Jeff Landry, gathered Sunday evening to honor the slain conservative political activist whose work they say they must now advance. The memorial... more »

• After cuts to food stamps, Trump administration ends government's annual report on hunger in America Play Video

  September 21, 2025 11:02 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is ending the federal government's annual report on hunger in America, stating that it had become “overly politicized” and “rife with inaccuracies.” The decision comes two and a half months after President Donald Trump signed legislation sharply reducing food aid to the poor.... more »

• Emerging TikTok deal with China ensures US control of board and crucial algorithm, White House says Play Video

  September 20, 2025 2:37 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — An emerging TikTok deal with China will ensure that U.S. companies control the algorithm that powers the app's video feed and Americans will hold a majority of seats on a board overseeing U.S. operations, the White House said Saturday. A central question to the tug of... more »

• Utah governor says the motive in Kirk shooting is not yet certain but the suspect was on the left Play Video

  September 14, 2025 2:59 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — Family and friends of the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk described his politics as veering left in recent years as he spent large amounts of time scrolling the “dark corners of the internet,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Sunday. Investigators were still... more »

• What to know about the aftermath of Charlie Kirks assassination Play Video

  September 14, 2025 12:06 PM

  Authorities are still trying to learn more about what motivated the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college in Utah, as the conservative activist's family plans a memorial next week to his life and legacy. Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated... more »

• What to know about the trial of the man accused of trying to assassinate Trump in Florida

  September 6, 2025 2:10 PM

  FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — A federal trial is scheduled to begin Monday for a man charged with trying to assassinate Donald Trump as he played golf in Florida in September 2024. Jury selection is expected to take three days, with attorneys questioning three sets of 60 prospective jurors.... more »

• A Chinese student was questioned for hours in the US, then sent back even as Trump policies shift

  August 31, 2025 11:17 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The 22-year-old philosophy student from China did not expect any problems after his 29-hour flight arrived at a Texas airport this month as he was on his way to study at the University of Houston. His paperwork was in order. He was going to study humanities... more »

• Louisiana lawmakers could return for special session as AG questions district maps Play Video

  August 29, 2025 5:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE - While California and Texas continue going back and forth amid a fresh redistricting battle, a Louisiana one has been going on for years. For the past couple of years, Louisiana lawmakers have had to draw and redraw the congressional maps, determining whether they follow the Voting... more »

• What states are doing in the battle for partisan advantage in US House redistricting maps

  August 29, 2025 4:03 PM

  A battle between Texas Republicans and California Democrats to bolster their party's advantage in the U.S. House has led politicians in other states to consider ways they, too, could leverage partisan power to rack up more victories in the 2026 congressional elections. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed... more »

• Mayor Sid Edwards undecided on potential EMS-Fire merger after paramedics raise concerns Play Video

  August 26, 2025 8:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE — East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards' plan of potentially merging East Baton Rouge EMS and the Baton Rouge Fire Department took a step forward Monday. This came after the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board voted Monday to expand Baton Rouge Fire Chief Michael Kimble's job... more »

• Officials showcase new voting machines at Old Governor's Mansion Play Video

  August 26, 2025 6:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Secretary of State Nancy Landry hosted a public demonstration at the Old Governor's Mansion Tuesday for one of a few new voting systems that will soon be tested for certification. The new system is part of Landry's efforts to modernize Louisiana's voting machines and infrastructure. ... more »

• AG weighs in on speed cameras, threatens investigation in letter to Mayor Cantrell Play Video

  August 18, 2025 4:21 PM

  NEW ORLEANS — In a recent letter to New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill emphasized that automated traffic enforcement cameras are illegal in school zones if a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement was not in place, which it is not. Murill also demanded that tickets from the cameras... more »

• Former Louisiana Speaker of the House passes away Play Video

  August 16, 2025 3:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Former Louisiana Speaker of the House Joe Reese Salter died at 82 years old on Saturday. Salter served in public office for 22 years. He spent the last four years of his career, from 2004-2008, as Speaker. He was inducted into the Louisiana Politics Hall... more »

• Louisiana ATC commissioner resigns, will pursue opportunities outside government Play Video

  August 8, 2025 3:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The commissioner of the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, Ernest Legier Jr., submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday, he confirmed to WBRZ. Legier said that he plans to pursue other opportunities outside state government. He told WBRZ he will stay on as Deputy... more »

• The FCC approves Paramount's $8B deal with Skydance after months of chaos and political intrigue Play Video

  July 25, 2025 8:21 AM

  NEW YORK (AP) — Federal regulators on Thursday approved Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance, clearing the way to close a deal that combined Hollywood glitz with political intrigue. The stamp of approval from the Federal Communications Commission comes after months of turmoil revolving around President Donald Trump’s legal... more »

• Trump administration backtracks on Harvard foreign student policy

  May 29, 2025 10:55 AM

  Ahead of a federal hearing over Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, the acting director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a letter Thursday giving the school 30 days to challenge the administration's revocation of that certification. The letter formally notifies the school that its Student... more »

• LSU President Tate to step down, take job in New Jersey Play Video

  May 19, 2025 11:11 AM

  BATON ROUGE - LSU President William Tate is stepping down from his post at the university. LSU announced Tate's departure in an email Monday. His last day of presidency will be June 30 and he will accept the presidential position at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Tate said... more »

• Bill to dissolve West Feliciana Port Commission sails through committee, called 'irresponsible' Play Video

  May 6, 2025 4:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A bill that would dissolve the West Feliciana Port Commission sailed through the Transportation Committee on Tuesday with no objection. State Representative Jeremy Lacombe (R) authored HB 94, which will also give the responsibilities of the port commission to the parish government. "The name says... more »

• Trump's address to Congress showed the country's stark partisan divide; Louisiana politicians react

  March 5, 2025 1:42 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — A president’s speech to Congress — even without the formal gloss of a State of the Union address — is typically a time for a call to national unity and predictable claims about the country being strong. But that wasn’t President Donald Trump’s plan. His speech... more »

• Trump signs order Friday designating English as the official language of the US

  February 28, 2025 10:51 AM

  more »

• Trump appoints Landry, nine others to Council of Governors Play Video

  February 20, 2025 8:25 AM

  WASHINGTON, D.C. - Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced his appointments to the Council of Governors, one of whom being Louisiana governor Jeff Landry. The Council of Governors is a bipartisan group designed to strengthen relationships between the federal and the state governments. Landry, along with nine other governors... more »

• Baton Rouge among cities across the US to host protests against Trump, Project 2025 Play Video

  February 5, 2025 12:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A movement to oppose the early actions of President Donald Trump’s administration is taking off online, with plans to protest across the U.S. on Wednesday. One of the protests happened in Baton Rouge where several protestors carried picket signs on the steps of the State Capitol.... more »

• LSU law professor under investigation from university files suit for temporary restraining order Play Video

  January 29, 2025 4:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A tenured LSU law school professor who was removed for political comments made during class filed a suit seeking a temporary restraining order and injunctive relief, according to his attorney. Ken Levy was teaching a class Jan. 14 about police and public interactions when, according to... more »

• St. Mary Parish votes yea on renewing property tax to fund recreational facilities Play Video

  November 4, 2024 11:46 AM

  FRANKLIN — St. Mary Parish voters Tuesday approved a 10-year renewal of a 3-mill property tax to fund improvements to the parish's recreational facilities. Returns posted by the Secretary of State’s office showed the proposal passed by a 3-2 margin. The property tax is expected to generate $163,900... more »

• Mayor-president race tightens significantly, according to recent poll; who leads now, if anyone? Play Video

  October 21, 2024 4:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A political poll conducted a week ahead of the early voting period showed the race for East Baton Rouge mayor-president has tightened considerably between the two Democrats in the contest. Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and challenger Ted James were essentially tied in polling done Oct. 12-13.... more »

• WBRZ will broadcast and moderate a rescheduled mayoral forum tonight

  October 1, 2024 1:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE - WBRZ will be partnering with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber to host a mayoral forum tonight. Sharon Weston-Broome, Ted James, Sid Edwards and Steve Myers are participating candidates, which were selected based on poll numbers from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. Doors will open at... more »

• Tuesday's Health Report: Social media, political conversations can increase stress during election cycle Play Video

  September 24, 2024 5:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE — With local and federal elections quickly approaching, there are many opportunities to get stressed out by politics. Some coping skills may be needed. "As humans, we have a natural tendency to want to feel in control, and the elections can undermine that feeling of control.... more »

• 8 challenge Sharon Weston Broome in Baton Rouge mayor's race; qualifying period closes Play Video

  July 19, 2024 11:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Two Republican and two Independent candidates joined the race for East Baton Rouge Parish mayor-president on Friday, giving voters nine choices for the city's leadership when voters visit polls in November. Four Metro Council members, all of them Republicans, ended the filing unopposed, and five seats... more »

• Sen. Bob Menendez convicted of all charges, including accepting bribes paid in cash, gold and a car

  July 16, 2024 2:11 PM

  NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez was convicted on Tuesday of all the counts he faced at his corruption trial, including accepting bribes of gold and cash from three New Jersey businessmen and acting as a foreign agent for the Egyptian government. The jury’s verdict followed a... more »

• St. George schedules swearing in for Transition District; to vote on tapping revenue earmarked for parish Play Video

  June 21, 2024 12:12 PM

  ST. GEORGE — Additional members of St. George's initial government will be sworn in Monday night at its temporary City Hall on Airline Highway, then take up a proposal to transfer revenue raised under a 2 percent sales tax from East Baton Rouge Parish to the new city. The... more »

• In wide-ranging interview, Graves discusses decision against re-election; no plans to run for mayor Play Video

  June 19, 2024 5:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Congressman Garret Graves is speaking candidly about his decision not to seek re-election in the district he's represented for nine years. Another term could have possibly netted him the top post on the House Transportation Committee. "Look, this isn't what I wanted. I'll be really clear.... more »

• Rep. Clay Higgins calls for arrest of EPA head

  April 10, 2024 6:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A United States congressman took to social media Monday to say that the head of the Environmental Protection Agency should be arrested whenever he visits Louisiana. "This EPA criminal should be arrested the next time he sets foot in Louisiana. Charge his a** with extortion. LARS... more »

• Graves says he'll run again for his current seat

  March 4, 2024 9:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Congressman Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge, said Monday that he intends to run for reelection in his current district. Graves said he believes the court will throw out the redrawn district maps. The Congressional district lines are the subject of a federal lawsuit demanding a second... more »

• EBR councilman says Aztek Cove proposal 'reeks' of politics, calls for peers to oppose it

  October 9, 2023 2:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - An ongoing political spat over a controversial mixed-use development near the Country Club of Louisiana intensified Monday as the Metro Council is just days out from voting on a proposal to give its developer a tax break. The Aztek Cove development is already cleared to go... more »

• See who passed the test to become BRPD's next chief; list of candidates narrowed slightly Play Video

  October 6, 2023 12:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The list of candidates vying to become BRPD's next chief of police was whittled down to 21 viable options on Friday. The Baton Rouge Civil Service Board shared the scores of 22 applicants who took the civil service test. Two candidates who expressed interest in the... more »

• Poll gauges popularity of Edwards, Biden, Trump across Louisiana

  August 23, 2023 2:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. John Bel Edwards is winding down his two terms in office with support from a majority of voters, according to a new statewide poll sponsored by WBRZ and other Louisiana organizations. President Joe Biden, another Democrat, fares far worse. Edwards, who is unable to... more »

• Civil rights groups seek swift action on La. redistricting after Supreme Court ruling

  June 9, 2023 4:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A coalition of civil rights organizations on Friday filed a motion to lift a court-ordered hold on a lawsuit seeking to throw out the current congressional map for the state in favor of a new one. The move comes one day after the U.S. Supreme Court... more »

• Governor calls special session to redraw controversial congressional maps

  June 6, 2022 5:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Legislators are heading into a special session over controversial congressional maps, the Governor said Tuesday. In his notice to legislators, Governor Edwards said the maps must provide an additional majority Black district. Monday, a federal judge has told lawmakers they must re-draw the maps after... more »

• Police called when housing authority boss shows up to work after being suspended over spending

  March 28, 2022 2:43 PM

  NEW ROADS - A two-year-old financial audit inquiry led to police being called to the Housing Authority in New Roads Monday amid a feud involving the agency boss, city government and what auditors found in a routine check of records. Amid COVID lockdowns, auditors questioned the agency's spending, specifically... more »