Tagged News

• Severe Weather Awareness Week: Lightning Play Video

  March 7, 2024 7:42 AM

  Lightning is a severe weather threat that can occur in any storm. From a pop-up summer storm to a category 5 Hurricane, lightning is a very intense and life threatening weather phenomena. It's important to remember that thunder is a RESULT of lightning, and if you hear thunder roar, head... more »

• BRPD offers tips for a safe Halloween

  October 30, 2023 4:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Police Department is sharing some tips to help keep trick-or-treaters, pets and others safe this Halloween. Costume Safety: -Ensure costumes are made of flame-resistant materials. -Make sure costumes fit well to prevent tripping or falling. -Use reflective tape or stickers... more »

• Balin Rogers- Meteorologist

  August 17, 2023 6:18 PM

  Balin Rogers grew up in Denham Springs, Louisiana, where he became very accustomed to the wild Louisiana weather. He has always loved the weather ever since he was a kid. One of his earliest memories was looking out of a window as Hurricane Katrina passed. This passion for weather led... more »

• Inside The Weather: Sun Safety and the U.V. Index Play Video

  May 2, 2023 5:22 PM

  We know that ultraviolet rays from the sun increase the risk for skin cancer, but how quickly, and what about cloudy days? Storm Station Chief Meteorologist Dr. Josh Eachus takes a look in the associated video. For more Inside The Weather, CLICK HERE . Your weather updates can be... more »

• Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins retiring after 13 years in NFL

  March 30, 2022 10:08 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - Malcolm Jenkins, who won Super Bowl titles with two different teams after being drafted by the Saints in 2009, is leaving the NFL after 13 seasons. Jenkins made the announcement during an interview with ESPN's Ryan Clark, which debuted Wednesday morning. 2 time Super... more »

• Tuesday's Health Report Play Video

  February 15, 2022 7:10 PM

  Watch the 2 Your Health report for Tuesday, Feb. 15. more »

• LSU professor hit and killed near campus; some say it's a dangerous place to bike Play Video

  November 22, 2021 6:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Bicyclists are a common sight along Stanford Avenue near LSU's campus. One of those regular bike riders was Norimoto Murai, a veteran LSU professor. But he was struck by a vehicle and killed just before 11 a.m. Saturday morning, not far from his home. Luke... more »

• Impaired driving prevention included in recently passed infrastructure bill Play Video

  November 11, 2021 11:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The bipartisan infrastructure package passed by Congress and due to be signed into law includes requirements for automakers to curb impaired driving. In 2019 , Louisiana reported 220 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, accounting for 30% of all driving deaths statewide. Nationwide, traffic fatalities, including those that... more »

• After summer of rescues and drownings, Livingston Parish outlines ordinance for river safety Play Video

  September 21, 2021 11:24 PM

  LIVINGSTON PARISH - As the season for Tiki Tubing along the Amite River winds down, discussion and potential action on how better to protect those using that waterway and others in the parish is ramping up. "In the future, everybody understands what hazards exist, so when they get in... more »

• BRPD looking for missing 12-year-old

  June 24, 2021 7:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Police are looking for a 12-year-old girl who was reported missing. The Baton Rouge Police Department said Aaronique Leblanc was last seen Wednesday in the 6000 block of Beechwood Drive. Police said she was wearing a white shirt and a white bonnet. Anyone with information... more »

• Business owner working with public officials to address Baton Rouge crime problem Play Video

  June 21, 2021 8:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE - One crime scene hit too close to home for a business owner along Perkins Road. After a road rage shooting brought crime to his door, Benny's Car Wash owner Justin Alford wants to try and do something about escalating violence in the city. "It's obviously... more »

• DOTD: It costs nearly $2k to repair a damaged interstate cable barrier, but it's worth the cost and weekly work Play Video

  June 3, 2021 5:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Cable barriers in the middle of the interstate are meant to keep out-of-control vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic, yet, some are damaged and state work crews are trying to make repairs. The barriers are used on highways across the country. "They do work, we... more »

• Ice storm keeps St. Franscisville businesses closed for two days Play Video

  February 16, 2021 10:20 PM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE - Children in a St. Francisville neighborhood spent the day playing in a rare icy snowfall on the coldest Fat Tuesday in history, while the ice storm kept the town in its grip. "They woke up saying it's snowing y'all! It's snowing wake up, wake up very... more »

• LSU limiting Alex Box attendance to 25 percent, extends tailgating ban to baseball games

  January 21, 2021 4:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE - LSU will continue to ban tailgating on its campus whenever the 2021 baseball season begins. According to an email sent to season ticket holders Thursday, LSU will continue to prohibit on-campus tailgates for home baseball games as it did during football season. Fan capacity at Alex... more »

• La. retirement system warned it may have been target of Russian hack; Cox also investigating

  December 18, 2020 1:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE – At least one state agency and a large area cable system were targeted in a high-profile Russian hack, the WBRZ Investigative Unit confirmed Friday. Both LASERS – the state employees’ retirement system – and Cox were found to be suspected victims, though there are likely others.... more »

• FEMA: How to help children cope during and after a disaster

  November 25, 2020 7:20 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Life, for most communities across the nation, has shifted to a tremendous degree during 2020. As novel coronavirus impacts the financial, health, and social aspects of daily life, numerous US citizens have also had to steer their way through a series of wildfires, devastating hurricanes/tropical storms,... more »

• Restaurant owners benefiting from families staying home for Thanksgiving Play Video

  November 19, 2020 6:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A week before Thanksgiving, the CDC is recommending against traveling for the holiday. The agency says staying at home with immediate family is the best way to stay safe as coronavirus cases are rising. The change in tradition is actually helping the restaurant industry. “In... more »

• Officials encourage carbon monoxide safety awareness as cold weather approaches

  November 19, 2020 9:45 AM

  BATON ROUGE - This hurricane season, Louisiana residents heard a lot about the dangers of carbon monoxide and the use of portable generators during power outages. But the State Fire Marshal's Office (SFM) issued a Thursday morning notice regarding carbon monoxide awareness in relation to heating one's home. According... more »

• LSU outfits football helmets with face shields

  July 31, 2020 11:10 AM

  BATON ROUGE - LSU Football helmets appear to be outfitted with a face shield ahead of a coronavirus-altered season. An account for the team's equipment managers posted a message on social media with a picture of an upgraded helmet: "Adapt. Adjust. Splash shields ready to go." The shield... more »

• Livingston superintendent explains parents can opt on 100% virtual classrooms for students

  July 23, 2020 10:29 AM

  LIVINGSTON PARISH - Livingston Parish Schools Superintendent Joe Murphy reiterated Thursday that parents who are fearful of sending their children to in-person classes amid the coroanvirus health crisis have the option of enrolling their children in a completely virtual instruction plan. In a Thursday morning email, Murphy provided additional... more »

• EBR schools delay start of classes, will stay virtual until at least Labor Day Play Video

  July 21, 2020 3:22 PM

  Watch the news conference on WBRZ Plus, which is always streaming online here, around 10 a.m. BATON ROUGE – The East Baton Rouge Parish School System will delay the start of in-person classes on campus by a few weeks. Teachers received messages from principals by Wednesday morning, alerting... more »

• Livingston Parish subdivision installs state of the art technology aimed at preventing crime Play Video

  March 2, 2020 10:20 PM

  WALKER - At the three entrances of the Spring Lake subdivision, drivers may or may not know that new devices are keeping track of who comes and goes. "They're motion-activated cameras," Spring Lake resident, Greg Bunch said. "They work day or night and basically anything moving through these entrances... more »

• Study ranks Baton Rouge as one of the least safe cities in the country Play Video

  December 3, 2019 11:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE – A new study claims Baton Rouge is one of the most unsafe cities in the country. In a list of the safest U.S. cities, Baton Rouge was ranked 178 out of 182, only four spots away from being the most dangerous city in the nation. ... more »

• LSU Jacoby Stevens named SEC defensive player of the week for second time

  October 28, 2019 6:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE - For the second consecutive week, LSU safety Jacoby Stevens has been named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week according to the league office. Stevens lead the Tigers with 10 tackles in Saturday's 23-20 win over #9 Auburn. It was LSU's third win over a top... more »

• Two weeks before school, area district facing cyber attack

  July 29, 2019 4:07 PM

  AMITE – The public school system here hopes it may be able to thwart an attempted attack on its IT infrastructure by shutting down email and phone lines Monday. Sunday night, a potential cybersecurity issue was discovered on Tangipahoa Parish School System computer servers, the district reported. The... more »

• Louisiana's new enhanced child safety seat law taking effect August 1 Play Video

  June 27, 2019 8:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A law adjusting the age requirements for children in car seats and boosters goes into effect August 1. When State Police Sgt. Melissa Matey says she hopes it will save lives, she is speaking as a trooper and as a mother of four. “It's very difficult... more »

• Sheriff warns ATV riders to stay off roads, sidewalks in Ascension

  May 14, 2019 6:10 PM

  GONZALES – The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office sent a warning to recreational, all-terrain vehicle operators Tuesday: stay off sidewalks and neighborhood streets. ATVs “should not operate… on subdivision roadways and sidewalks,” Sheriff Bobby Webre wrote in a message posted on the agency’s Facebook page. People caught riding them... more »

• Four toddlers 'escape' daycare, license revoked Play Video

  April 5, 2019 1:53 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE – The license of an Ascension Parish daycare was revoked amid reports of children being able to leave the facility. The Louisiana Department of Education said it took the license for the Color Wheel Learning Center. The revocation came after a group of toddlers were able to... more »

• Innocent woman killed, others shot in melee on Bourbon St. overnight

  February 24, 2019 9:58 AM

  NEW ORLEANS – A man being removed from a Bourbon Street eatery grabbed a security guard’s gun and opened fire – killing a woman and injuring the guard and another person. The shooting happened in the 400 block of Bourbon Street just after 3 Sunday morning. WWL TV... more »

• Parents concerned about condition of elementary school, calling on district for help Play Video

  September 5, 2018 7:16 PM

  SLAUGHTER - A group of parents say the school where their children attend is falling apart. They've formed a group to help promote action and awareness at Slaughter Elementary School. The newly-formed parent-teacher organization is focused on a number of safety concerns at the elementary school in East Feliciana... more »

• LSU installs metal detectors for the first home game of the season Play Video

  September 5, 2018 3:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE - LSU installed 15 metal detectors in Tiger Stadium by Saturday. It's part of a plan to have the security measures at every entrance to the stadium by next year. The metal detectors were at Gates 23-28 Saturday. Keys, coins, belts, watches and jewelry can stay... more »

• Here's where your inspection sticker money is going Play Video

  July 3, 2018 6:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A lot of people get an inspection sticker every year for their vehicle because it's the law. Inspectors look at the condition of tires, windshields, windows and test brakes, lights, turn signals. In return, a sticker is placed in the lower left-hand corner of the front... more »

• Baker High teacher calling for more safety measures after getting a concussion at school Play Video

  April 18, 2018 6:41 PM

  BAKER- A Baker High School teacher is pressing the system to make changes following an encounter with a student that ultimately left him on medical leave. Austin Trusclair said he had taken his class outside for an activity when 17-year old Jacobe Rogers assaulted him. Rogers was arrested and charged... more »

• Report of gunshot prompts school lockdown Thursday

  October 5, 2017 11:12 AM

  BATON ROUGE – Sounds similar to a gunshot heard in woods near a school caused a scare Thursday morning. The Runnels School was on lockdown at the main campus after a sound was heard in woods near the school. The sheriff's office was called to investigate, the school said... more »

• Federal government announces new 'strike force', other initiatives to combat crime in BR Play Video

  October 2, 2017 3:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Federal authorities have announced new measures to address violent crime in Baton Rouge. At press conference Thursday, U.S. Attorney Corey Amundson detailed a number of steps the Department of Justice is taking to combat crime, including a new "strike force" force to target violent criminals. ... more »

• Expect strict security plan at upcoming music festival here Play Video

  October 2, 2017 1:25 PM

  GONZALES – Authorities announced a coordinated safety plan for an upcoming country music festival scheduled for this weekend at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center. Festival promoters and Ascension Parish officials met Monday morning following the mass shooting at a music festival in Las Vegas. More than fifty people were... more »

• WBRZ suggests stronger safety measures on I-10, La. DOTD agrees to consider more signage Play Video

  September 27, 2017 4:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE – In an afternoon conference call with the WBRZ Investigative Unit, the state's traffic czar agreed to look into new ways to warn drivers of gridlock on I-10 approaching Baton Rouge. The call with La. Dept. of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson came a day after a handful... more »

• After WBRZ tell-all, state making changes to inmate work release program Play Video

  September 5, 2017 1:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A week after a WBRZ report where an escaped work release inmate spoke about how easy it was to break free from the state's program, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections announced it's working to improve oversight and supervision of offenders. In a series... more »

• DOTD warns drivers ahead of solar eclipse: Don't forget you're driving a vehicle

  August 18, 2017 2:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Ahead of Monday's solar eclipse, state highway leaders reminded drivers it's illegal to use the shoulders for anything other than pulling over during an emergency. It's likely people will want to pull over to see the event around midday but DOTD asked drivers not to. In... more »

• Free child safety seat check event in Baton Rouge

  August 16, 2017 9:30 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Child Passenger Safety Task Force, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, University Medical Center and Louisiana State Police are conducting a free child passenger safety seat check-up event on August 18 from 10:00 am. to 1:00 p.m. The event will take place at the East... more »

• LDAF constructing new mobile pet shelter for 2017 hurricane season

  May 30, 2017 3:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is set to begin construction on a second mobile pet shelter to be used in emergencies. The shelter is to be used for "no-notice events" when pet sheltering facilities are not available. LDAF says the shelter should be completed... more »

• Schools, library comment on plans following Sterling reports

  May 2, 2017 11:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Groups gathered at least two locations Tuesday upon hearing reports the federal government will not charge two Baton Rouge Police officers with the shooting death of Alton Sterling last year. The decision was not confirmed by the Department of Justice, which has been handling the inquiry... more »

• Construction to begin in months on Gardere sidewalks Play Video

  March 31, 2017 6:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Many people who use Gardere Lane on a daily basis say they're anxiously waiting for a sidewalk project to get started. There are no sidewalks along Gardere Lane in South Baton Rouge. It's a state highway many people walk along between Nicholson and Burbank. Over the... more »

• Abandoned next-door property keeps flood victim from returning home Play Video

  March 25, 2017 11:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A bent and broken chain link fence is the only thing separating one woman's home of 21 years and the blighted property next door. "It needs to be a safe neighborhood, and it's not safe right now, not with the doors wide open and abondoned. That's... more »

• What you should know: lightning Play Video

  March 8, 2017 9:49 AM

  Lightning kills every year, averaging 49 deaths annually in the United States. Few areas see more lightning than Louisiana and because it happens so often, locals have a tendency to take it lightly. 4 people were killed by lightning in Louisiana last year—one in Baton Rouge. All four were outside.... more »

• What you should know: tornadoes Play Video

  March 8, 2017 9:19 AM

  A Tornado Warning is issued when the National Weather Service detects a rotating thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado, or storm spotters confirm that one is on the ground. A tornado emergency is declared when populated areas are in the path of a confirmed tornado on the ground. ... more »

• What you should know: severe thunderstorms Play Video

  March 6, 2017 12:09 PM

  A Severe Thunderstorm warning is issued when the National Weather Service detects a thunderstorm that is capable of producing wind gusts of in excess of 58 miles per hour or hail that is over one-inch in diameter. Severe Thunderstorms can even produce flash flooding and tornadoes. While lightning is certainly... more »

• Police presence will remain unchanged for weekend downtown events

  February 17, 2017 10:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The parades will roll on this weekend in Baton Rouge without an increased police presence, despite a violent week across the city. Thousands of people will be downtown this weekend as huge parades roll through the streets. Downtown business owners said they are not concerned, because they... more »

• State Fire Marshal finds common bond following three fatal blazes

  February 1, 2017 8:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The State Fire Marshal says there's a common bond in three fatal fires that happened since Saturday; none of the homes had working smoke alarms. The State Fire Marshal's office says they are is still investigating three blazes. All were detrmined to be accidental in nature... more »

• Chemical leak in Ascension Parish contained Play Video

  January 18, 2017 10:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Hazmart crews have contained a hydrochloric acid leak in Ascension Parish, and emergency responders have been working to neutralize the chemical. A hazmat team was called to the scene on Ashland Road near Highway 30. Someone working along the railroad reported the leak coming from a... more »

• Day care owner worried about traffic, safety of children Play Video

  December 15, 2016 5:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Increased traffic over the years on Jefferson Highway may be putting children at one day care at risk. The owner of Guardian Angel Day Care is asking for help to slow the traffic down. "I just feel like they're all my children and I don't want... more »

• Suspect arrested in LSU rape case Play Video

  November 15, 2016 11:44 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A 19-year-old faces felony rape charges following an April 2016 incident at LSU. Eseoghene Ovuede was booked into jail this week after a lengthy investigation. Ovuede is accused of following a female LSU student to her East Campus Apartment; an LSU student housing complex on the... more »

• Survey finds high percentage of female runners harassed Play Video

  October 27, 2016 3:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE - It's not uncommon to see a person running or jogging, especially on a beautiful day. Many people, both men and women don't think twice about venturing out alone. But when three women were murdered while running over the course of nine days earlier this year, discussion... more »

• Family moves out of flooded apartment complex, management says they owe Play Video

  October 4, 2016 6:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A family is at odds with their landlord since they don't feel it's safe to live in their second floor apartment after the ones below flooded. Right now, the Ole London Town Apartments off O'Neal near I-12 is holding the family to the lease agreement, which... more »

• How to mark yourself SAFE on Facebook

  August 15, 2016 2:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Facebook users living in areas affected by the severe flooding can now let their loved ones know that they are safe. The feature is only activated in serious events with possible loss of life. The safety check was activated during the Paris terror attacks as well... more »

• 45 deputies sworn in to work in EBR; More Tuesday

  July 18, 2016 6:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Forty-five sheriff's deputies from area parishes were sworn in to work in East Baton Rouge Monday evening. The deputies will work patrols on the streets, helping to ease the stress the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office is feeling. A deputy was shot and killed in... more »

• Workers' hands taped during BR eatery robbery

  July 13, 2016 6:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Three employees were inside an area restaurant when robbers tied them up and stole the store's cash, WBRZ has learned. The heist happened Monday night before midnight at the Olive Garden on Siegen Lane. Authorities said the workers' hands were taped by the crooks. Little... more »

• Central Fire Department addresses recent injuries in rivers Play Video

  July 1, 2016 11:23 PM

  CENTRAL - The Central Fire Department is warning residents to practice safety around rivers, after two separate diving injuries during the week. Since the beginning of the year, there have been five reported injuries involving people jumping or diving into the Amite and Comite Rivers. One of those resulted in... more »

• Police to increase patrols for July 4th weekend

  July 1, 2016 11:48 AM

  BATON ROUGE – State Troopers and law enforcement are reminding residents and visitors to be safe while traveling on the road for the fourth of July weekend. In 2015, celebrations during the weekend turned tragic for six families after fatal crashes that took the lives of their loved ones. Other... more »

• Residents urged to use caution due to heat levels

  June 16, 2016 11:47 AM

  BATON ROUGE – Due to the dangerous heat levels in the state, a heat advisory has been issued for the Baton Rouge area until Friday at 7 p.m. According to WBRZ Meteorologist Josh Eachus, Thursday and Friday will have afternoon heat values from 105 to 110. The National... more »

• Officials caution safety for boaters during Memorial Day weekend Play Video

  May 27, 2016 7:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Coast Guard along with Wild Life and Fisheries officials are have warned boaters of the dangers of boating under the influence as Memorial Day weekend begins. In every state, it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Coast... more »

• Red Cross gives safety tips after storms

  May 20, 2016 1:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Red Cross disaster workers across south Louisiana are assisting residents whose homes have been damaged by Thursday night’s storms. Disaster workers are also coordinating with parish officials and emergency management leaders to assist in the recovery efforts. Residents in need of assistance because of storm-related damage, can call... more »

• State Fire Marshal releases e-cigarette safety warning Play Video

  May 5, 2016 12:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The State Fire Marshal's Office has issued a warning about the safety of the lithium-ion batteries used to power increasingly popular electronic cigarettes. The State Fire Marshal says that while it is uncertain whether or not “vaping” represents a healthier alternative to traditional smoking, he says... more »

• CATS to hold town hall meeting on Friday

  April 8, 2016 9:55 AM

  BATON ROUGE- Capitol Area Transit System (CATS) will hold a town hall meeting on Friday night. The meeting is for concerned community leaders and citizens to discuss safety and other issues surrounding the CATS System. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King Community... more »

• Southeastern follows LSU's lead in on-campus hoverboard ban

  January 7, 2016 2:28 PM

  HAMMOND - Southeastern Louisiana University has joined LSU in instituting an on-campus ban of “hoverboards.” The university extended the prohibition to the possession, storage, charging and use of “electronic skateboards” from all university buildings and grounds Thursday. Electronic skateboards is the inclusive term used by university officials to cover... more »

• State Fire Marshal's Office releases candlelight service safety advisory

  December 22, 2015 12:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As Christmas looms just around the corner and organizers finalize preparations for holiday events, the State Fire Marshal’s Office has put out its annual safety guidelines for event organizers who intend to use candles as part of their celebrations. Officials say candles have been used for... more »

• State sells 'Road Diet' for Government Street Play Video

  December 17, 2015 8:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development made its "Road Diet" pitch to the public Thursday evening. The state hopes to sell the idea of a three-lane Government Street. It's an idea that will have two travel lanes - one in each direction - and a... more »

• WATCH: The cost of trailing the governor out of town Play Video

  November 17, 2015 12:13 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The state has spent millions on sending a team of State Troopers with the governor when he travels outside of Louisiana. In the last few years, there has been an increased amount of travel as Bobby Jindal built a platform to run for president. He traveled... more »

• New push for mandatory seat belts on school buses

  November 10, 2015 5:55 AM

  BATON ROUGE- The Federal Traffic Safety Administration is considering making seat belts mandatory on school buses. Safety administrators say school districts need to work with bus manufacturers and the government to implement the safety belts. But, school leaders say some of the details still need to be finalized. "I don't... more »