Tagged News

• 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 »

• La. absentee ballot showing vote for President Trump found stolen, opened and dumped in TX trash Play Video

  October 30, 2020 10:45 AM

  BATON ROUGE – Federal mail investigators are trying to track down a Louisiana absentee voter in Texas whose mail-in ballot was found opened and left in the trash, presumably stolen from a mail facility in Houston. “Postal Inspectors are working to identify [the voter] and will work swiftly with... more »

• Baker voters re-elect mayor, police chief Saturday

  July 11, 2020 8:35 PM

  BAKER - Voters here had to decide ballot items related to city officials, including mayor and police chief. Incumbent mayor Darnell Waites and chief of police Carl Dunn were running for reelection. In the mayoral election, Darnell Waites secured re-election, winning about 52% of the vote. In... more »

• Baton Rouge Police to hold Tuesday news conference to discuss ongoing dept. reforms Play Video

  June 8, 2020 12:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge Police will hold a news conference Tuesday to discuss reforms within the department amid a nationwide call for police policy reviews. Police Chief Murphy Paul will talk about "building trust and legitimacy with the Baton Rouge Police Department," the agency said in a scheduling... more »

• Former embattled judge to challenge Sheriff Mike Cazes in surprise political twist

  August 8, 2019 5:59 PM

  PORT ALLEN – Two years after resigning from a westside judgeship amid turmoil, Robin Free has decided to challenge incumbent Mike Cazes for sheriff. Free was suspended in 2016 then quit the following year after being accused by the Judiciary Commission of inappropriate actions involving individuals that appeared before... more »

• St. George issue likely appearing on October ballot Play Video

  March 8, 2019 5:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE – An election to create the proposed city of St. George will effectively end up on a ballot this fall because the governor’s office was not able to set a vote for May by the deadline to do so – Monday. Friday, the governor’s office said it... more »

• Other parishes welcome ExxonMobil amid company's spat with EBR Play Video

  January 23, 2019 6:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE - With ExxonMobil threatening to stop its expansion in East Baton Rouge, other parishes are voicing their amenability. "If East Baton Rouge School Board doesn't want Exxon in East Baton Rouge Parish, we will take them in Ascension," Ascension Parish councilman Aaron Lawler said after learning about... more »

• Council on Aging says it can't afford taxing any less, will fight possible tax coup

  January 10, 2019 4:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging is entering 2019 trying to head off an attempt at throttling its property tax collection. In a letter sent to benefactors and supporters this week, the head of the board overseeing the Council on Aging blasted an idea floated... more »

• As area braces for Thursday rain, FEMA stops issuing flood insurance because of shutdown Play Video

  December 27, 2018 3:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Ironically, as the area dealt with torrential rain and street flooding this week, FEMA revealed it has stopped issuing new policies because of the federal government shutdown. Industry reports also indicated renewals were not going through. Bloomberg, a financial news agency, reported the issue is... more »

• ESPN issues apology for James Carville's comments alleging conspiracy

  November 3, 2018 6:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE- ESPN has issued an apology after political commentator James Carville alleged that there was a conspiracy that SEC is helping Alabama. Carville the commentator and LSU Alum did not hold back when asked about the Tigers linebacker Devin White's suspension. He went on to list other... more »

• BR Democrats crawfish on threat about late councilman's seat Play Video

  July 10, 2018 9:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Councilman LaMont Cole seemed to crawfish on his and his colleague’s plan to attempt to railroad the likely appointment of the late Councilman Buddy Amoroso’s wife to his seat temporarily. Hours after a council clerk released a statement that Cole and council members Chauna Banks, Erika... more »

• NEW: Downtown library mess now considered 'litigation' Play Video

  July 6, 2018 1:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The parish attorney’s office said it now considers the infamous downtown library debacle “litigation” and the city will no longer be making public comments about the situation. Tedrick Knightshead, a city attorney, released a statement to WBRZ after lunch Friday following a report by channel 2... more »

• Area mayors set to denounce plans for zoo move Play Video

  March 19, 2018 4:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The mayor-president is expected to add her voice to the controversial conversation about moving the zoo from its home in Greenwood Park in North Baton Rouge to a large plot of land in southern East Baton Rouge. The mayor's office said it will hold a news... more »

• Tax to fund Baton Rouge Police salaries canceled Play Video

  January 10, 2018 5:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE – City leaders canceled a proposal to add a property tax to fund raises for police officers, it appears. WBRZ political reporter Mark Armstrong tweeted Wednesday, momentum for the measure slowed and Councilman Matt Watson, who initially brought the idea to the council, removed it from the... more »

• BRPD Deputy Chief reassigned days before new selection

  December 25, 2017 10:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Baton Rouge Police Department's deputy chief of police has been reassigned at the end of a three-year stint in that job. David Hamilton was appointed deputy chief in 2014, for what was established as a three-year term. Hamilton will return to rank of sergeant. The incoming... more »

• President Trump nominates former EBR prosecutor to local US Attorney post

  November 1, 2017 10:30 AM

  BATON ROUGE – President Donald Trump has nominated Brandon Fremin to the post of US Attorney for the Baton Rouge area. Fremin will need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy released a statement about Trump's nomination of Fremin: “Brandon Fremin is an... more »

• In Puerto Rico, La. soldiers cheer for LSU and help island rebuild Play Video

  October 30, 2017 12:46 PM

  SAN JUAN, Puertro Rico - A Louisiana delegation is checking on state National Guard soldiers and assisting with local government operations in a quick trip to this battered island territory this week. WBRZ is traveling with the group, which includes Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. A team of... more »

• Metro Council to address WBRZ report on officers' extra duty while on department leave

  October 4, 2017 1:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Calls for oversight of the Baton Rouge Police Department grew Wednesday, nearly a week after a WBRZ Investigative Unit report found officers on leave were able to accrue extra duty pay. Typically, officers on leave for some reason are not allowed to work as a police... more »

• After first canceling National Anthem, Central High to sing it at Friday pep rally Play Video

  September 28, 2017 10:19 AM

  CENTRAL – Central High School will have the national anthem play at its homecoming pep rally Friday, after outraged families responded to an announcement that the school planned to skip the song. Sandy Davis, the assistant superintendent, said the original decision to not perform the anthem was made "amid... more »

• Here are the names of the applicants for Baton Rouge Police Chief

  August 31, 2017 4:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Twelve people have applied to be the next police chief. WBRZ obtained the names of the applicants through a public records request this week. The names were released Thursday. The names are of those who applied and are not vetted or necessarily eligible for the position,... more »

• Trump visits Saturday; First stop in Houston then Lake Charles

  August 31, 2017 3:52 PM

  LAKE CHARLES – Southwest Louisiana is expected to be one of the places the president will visit on a weekend trip to storm-ravaged areas. President Donald Trump will travel with wife Melania Saturday. The Trumps will also be in Texas. Trump also pledged $1 million of his own... more »

• Mayor schedules meetings to sell EBR voters on tax to pay for roads

  August 4, 2017 4:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The mayor's office announced a series of meetings aimed at selling a property tax proposal to voters. Earlier, the mayor announced plans for a property tax that would raise about $500 million to be used on roads throughout the parish. WBRZ.com previously highlighted which roadways would... more »

• After outrageous remarks about officers' deaths, mayor parts ways with activist Play Video

  July 27, 2017 11:04 AM

  BATON ROUGE – The mayor has parted ways with crime activist “Silky Slim” after he made controversial comments at Wednesday's Metro Council meeting. First questioned by The Advocate newspaper, “Silky Slim” remarked that justice came after Alton Sterling's death when a gunman opened fire on law enforcement, killing three... more »

• BR Police Chief Carl Dabadie steps down Play Video

  July 24, 2017 11:07 AM

  BATON ROUGE – Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie is leaving the helm of the Baton Rouge Police department, WBRZ Chief Investigator Chris Nakamoto has learned. EBR Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome had been looking to hire a new chief since she was elected last year. Dabadie submitted a... more »

• Small, but loud group, disrupts council meeting Wednesday

  May 10, 2017 6:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A handful of people were removed from the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council meeting Wednesday afternoon when they tried to forcibly sway the conversation away from city business and toward a political discussion about Alton Sterling and the Baton Rouge Police Department. According to council... more »

• Judge Trudy White apologizes about controversial jumpsuit video in letter to WBRZ

  March 10, 2017 12:40 PM

  BATON ROUGE – In an unusual letter sent via certified mail to WBRZ Friday, Judge Trudy White apologized for the use of a character in a 2014 re-election campaign video that many people interpreted as Judge White pandering to criminals with a message she'd help them get off. The... more »

• Congressman: People might need to choose either healthcare or an iPhone

  March 7, 2017 11:34 AM

  WASHINGTON, D.C. - The fight over healthcare took a powerful turn Tuesday morning when a high-ranking Republican in the U.S. House likened people's decision about healthcare to purchasing the latest gadgets. “A mericans have choices and they've got to make a choice. So maybe rather than getting that new... more »

• Report: Judge banned from eatery over racial exchange with woman at bar Play Video

  February 8, 2017 2:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A popular Baton Rouge eatery banned a state district judge from dining at the establishment after a tiff over racial slurs. The Advocate reported Wednesday afternoon, Judge Mike Erwin was banned from Sammy's Grill. Erwin's accused of spouting off a word most people find offensive... more »

• President Trump talks exclusively with ABC News today, Watch on WBRZ all day

  January 25, 2017 12:17 PM

  WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Trump talked for the first time with ABC News about his first few days in office. The first, exclusive interview with Trump happened Wednesday morning. ABC News' David Muir discussed many topics with the president. Watch clips of the interview during all WBRZ News... more »

• John Kennedy wins election to U.S. Senate

  December 10, 2016 9:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE – John Kennedy defeated Foster Campbell in the race for Louisiana's open U.S. Senate seat Saturday. Kennedy, a Republican, had about 63% of the vote compared to Campbell, who is a Democrat, who has about 37%. Based on early polling, WBRZ predicted Kennedy would win the race... more »

• Polls have closed; Get election returns here

  December 10, 2016 8:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Polls have closed for the runoff election featuring decisions on federal and local political races. Saturday's election also decided tax propositions and liquor laws in some areas. Click HERE for a list of all races in the area and the latest election returns. Watch... more »

• LSU president encourages unity after presidential election

  November 15, 2016 11:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE - LSU President F. King Alexander is trying to unite the campus ahead of any political divide following the 2016 Presidential Election. "You are part of the LSU family. Just like in your own family, you likely have ideological, political, and social differences. But you take care... more »

• Jindal could return to politics as member of Trump's cabinet

  November 9, 2016 5:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Former Governor and presidential hopeful Bobby Jindal's name is being tossed around as a possible Health and Human Services secretary under Donald Trump's cabinet. Jindal ran Louisiana's health department under Governor Mike Foster. Jindal was just 26 when he was appointed. The Wall Street Journal... more »

• Presidential candidates voted Tuesday morning

  November 8, 2016 12:07 PM

  NEW YORK - Both presidential candidates have voted in Tuesday's election. Republican hopeful Donald Trump cast his ballot in New York City. About forty miles away, Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton cast her ballot. Clinton voted in Chappaqua, New York. Both Clinton and Trump will have election parties in... more »

• Long lines but only minor issues on Election Day in La.

  November 8, 2016 8:00 AM

  BATON ROUGE- After a lengthy campaign season, polls have closed signaling an end to a contentious presidential election but the beginning of runoff elections in the state. Polls closed at 8 p.m. though anyone in line before the closing time will be allowed to vote. Polls opened at 6... more »

• Voting machine only for VIPs confiscated by La. Secretary of State

  October 28, 2016 4:43 PM

  ELMWOOD - The Secretary of State's office has taken custody of a voting machine that was being used to allow select people to vote in a private conference room inside a Jefferson Parish governmental office. The machine was located in the office area of the Jefferson Parish registrar of... more »

• Mayor-President forum produces few surprises

  October 17, 2016 5:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Five people vying to be the next mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish were dealt a round of questions at the Baton Rouge Press Club Monday, with some - but not striking differences - emerging from the candidates. Common themes such as traffic, crime, and early... more »

• Congress praised for early flood aid package, but leaders say more is needed

  September 22, 2016 2:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards praised Congress for its effort to secure up to $500 million for flood relief Thursday, but stressed the need for additional money to help people in flood-ravaged south Louisiana rebuild. The money is made available in a federal, short-term continuing resolution item.... more »

• U.S. Attorney General to hold civil rights meeting in Baton Rouge Friday

  July 26, 2016 6:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Attorney General Loretta Lynch will spend the night in Baton Rouge Thursday to meet with U.S. Attorney Walt Green Friday. The Department of Justice released details about the trip late Tuesday afternoon. Lynch was originally scheduled to attend a community memorial service for three slain law enforcement... more »

• NEW: FBI monitoring New Black Panther Party; Group in Baton Rouge

  July 18, 2016 8:32 AM

  BATON ROUGE – The FBI is closely monitoring the New Black Panther Party – an organization that recently formed a local chapter in the wake of the shooting death of Alton Sterling. WBRZ was first to report about the newly-formed group when they gathered Saturday in the parking lot... more »

• City leaders in email spat over chairs at health care meeting

  May 31, 2016 4:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE - City leaders became caught in a petty email thread Tuesday over chairs for a meeting that's become a controversial and complicated debate over politics, health care and business. In messages circulated to officials and the media, Metro Council member Chauna Banks accuse d the mayor's office... more »

• Denham Springs fires police chief Play Video

  April 6, 2016 6:51 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - The city council approved the mayor's request to fire Police Chief Scott Jones. The firing came during a heavily-attended special council meeting Thursday afternoon. WBRZ reporter Brett Buffington reported from inside the standing-room only council room where Jones was fired shortly after 5 p.m. Jones... more »

• Public defender's office warns it's too poor to represent the poor

  April 6, 2016 1:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The public defender's office in East Baton Rouge started warning judges of its inability to represent poor defendants in the criminal justice system. The letter, which was obtained by the WBRZ Investigative Unit Wednesday, cites budget issues and warns of layoffs at the office beginning next... more »

• Public record at center of Nakamoto arrest released Play Video

  March 24, 2016 2:27 PM

  WHITE CASTLE - The third part of a public records request that was not filled and lead to the arrest of WBRZ Chief Investigator Chris Nakamoto Wednesday was released to the station's news department Thursday morning. Just received part 3 of @ChrisNakamoto 's public records request. The part... more »

• In live WBRZ interview, congressman calls for progress dealing with I-10 traffic Play Video

  March 21, 2016 7:24 PM

  B ATON ROUGE - Congressman Garret Graves argued there needs to be more solid communication among traffic engineers and state lawmakers about planning construction projects in I-10 through Baton Rouge. Graves, the newly-elected member of the U.S. House of Representatives, appeared on WBRZ's morning news program, 2une-In , Monday... more »

• Settlement reached over state's multi-million dollar melting ice whistle-blower case Play Video

  March 7, 2016 7:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A fired state worker will settle his whistle-blower lawsuit. Bruce Ellis believed he was fired from his job at the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness after speaking up about what he thought was waste in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac. Ellis said the... more »

• More than 600,000 registered Democrats & Republicans voted Saturday

  March 6, 2016 12:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Registered democrats and republicans cast votes for the Louisiana Presidential Primary Saturday. Hillary Clinton ended the night the presidential primary leader for democrats. Donald Trump edged out Ted Cruz as the primary leader for republicans. Fewer than 11,000 votes separated Trump and Cruz. A total... more »

• Dawn Collins elected to EBR school board Saturday

  March 6, 2016 12:36 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Voters elected a new representative to the school board Saturday. Dawn Collins, a democrat, was elected to fill the seat left vacant when former school board member Tarvald Smith was elected to the Baton Rouge City Court last year. Collins will serve for two years,... more »

• Voters approve tax renewal for Albany fire district

  March 5, 2016 10:41 PM

  ALBANY - Voters in part of Livingston Parish approved a tax renewal to fund the District 1 Fire Department. District 1 covers around 10,000 people in the town of Albany and surrounding area. The tax has been on the books for nearly 20 years. Officials were worried leading... more »

• Carson suspends presidential campaign

  March 4, 2016 5:49 PM

  WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ben Carson confirmed what many assumed would happen: he has officially left the race for president. Carson first said earlier this week he saw no "path forward" following primary elections in multiple states Tuesday. Then, he said he would release specific information about his political future... more »

• Audit sounds the alarm on serious code violations at Southern

  February 22, 2016 12:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Infrastructure issues abound in a state audit that highlights a growing problem at Southern University. Among the most serious problems found in the audit made public Monday morning, are a lack of fire alarm systems at two buildings on campus: John B. Cade Library and laboratory... more »

• La. foster care caseworker facing charges; says she had to get things done 'no matter what'

  February 15, 2016 1:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A state foster care caseworker alludes to being told to lie about visiting children in the state's care to meet outrageous goals set by the Department of Children and Family Services. In an arrest warrant, Kimberly Lee said she created false reports about home visits to... more »

• Expert: TOPS situation shows need for other scholarships; tips for students here

  February 12, 2016 6:14 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Educators advise high school students to take a serious look at how they will pay for college outside of state assistance since TOPS funding could be suspended or decreased. In a 24-hour window this week, TOPS officials caused panic among students and parents of college-aged children when... more »

• Baton Rouge gets ready to welcome Donald Trump Play Video

  February 11, 2016 9:14 AM

  BATON ROUGE- Presidential candidate Donald Trump is in town today for a campaign event at the Baton Rouge River Center. The event will open to the public at 5 p.m., with Trump expected to take the stage at 7 p.m. Admission to the event is free, but guests... more »

• Plans for reopening Istrouma to be released Wednesday

  February 8, 2016 4:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Future plans for Istrouma High School will be discussed at a community meeting Wednesday. The East Baton Rouge Parish School System is working to re-open the shuttered high school. After being taken over by the state, it was closed and the campus was recently given back... more »

• Orleans government official wants to rework marijuana laws

  January 25, 2016 10:32 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - City councilwoman Susan Guidry will try to change how police deal with marijuana possession cases, WWL TV reported Monday. Guidry will ask police be able to issue court summons for subsequent offenses instead of just first-offense. Currently, a summons can be issued for first-time possession offenses.... more »