Tagged News

• Lane closures set for I-10 in Baton Rouge and for the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge

  December 3, 2023 5:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Lane closures that were scheduled for last week will happen Sunday evening for a stretch of I-10 feeding into downtown Baton Rouge. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that the westbound I-10 lane closures scheduled for last Thursday -- part of the I-10... more »

• Mother, stepfather charged after child taken to hospital in critical condition

  December 1, 2023 2:42 PM

  CLINTON - A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of child abuse after an 8-year-old girl was taken to the hospital with critical injuries. The East Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office said it was called to an address on Highway 10 in Jackson earlier this week, finding... more »

• Judge rejects motion from former trooper being sued after shooting man in the back

  November 30, 2023 12:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A federal Court has rejected a move by a fired LSP trooper seeking summary judgment on a lawsuit that accuses her of using excessive force when she shot a 19-year-old man in the back, paralyzing him. Kasha Domingue would eventually plead guilty to a misdemeanor count... more »

• WATCH: NASA conducts test of massive moon rocket engine Play Video

  November 29, 2023 5:47 PM

  STENNIS SPACE CENTER - NASA on Wednesday conducted the latest "hot fire" test of its RS-25 engines -- the muscle it plans to use to send astronauts back to the moon, and beyond. The test at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi included an 11-minute-long burn, during which operators... more »

• Restaurant owner alleges discrimination by member of City-Parish Council Play Video

  November 28, 2023 10:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The owner of Boil & Roux restaurant is accusing a member of the parish Council of discrimination and intimidation. Maurice Walker told WBRZ News 2 that his problems have been ongoing for four years. His business has been cited for violations involving alcohol consumption and zoning... more »

• Parole board denies clemency for Todd Wessinger, death row inmate condemned for 1995 double murder

  November 27, 2023 9:29 AM

  UPDATE: The pardons and parole board has voted to deny clemency for Todd Wessinger. BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole on Monday will hear the pleas for clemency from five death row inmates, including a man who was convicted in the 1995 murders of... more »

• Council removes, replaces entire West Ascension Hospital Board Play Video

  November 21, 2023 9:19 PM

  GONZALES - The Ascension Parish Council on Tuesday night voted 8-0 to oust the entire board that manages the only parish hospital on the west bank of the river. The vote -- with three Council members absent -- may not, however, be the final say on the matter. ... more »

• Louisiana State Police pledge to be 'active' during holiday travel rush

  November 17, 2023 5:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana troopers will be working extra while most others will be taking time off over the next week. State police on Friday said troopers will be on the lookout for aggressive and impaired drivers, as well as unrestrained motorists and passengers -- including children who are... more »

• Man wanted for kidnapping in Ascension Parish arrested in Mississippi

  November 16, 2023 2:26 PM

  NATCHEZ, Miss. - Deputies in Adams County, Miss., have arrested a Baton Rouge man wanted in connection with the kidnapping of an infant in Ascension Parish. Inmate booking records show that Johnathan White, 29, is being held on a fugitive warrant, as of Thursday. The Adams County Sheriff's... more »

• New lawsuit filed against BRPD; case centers on incident that prompted arrest of Troy Lawrence, Jr.

  November 6, 2023 12:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A lawsuit filed in federal court late last week accuses a former Baton Rouge police officer of using unnecessary force when he deployed a Taser on a man in August. The incident at the center of the lawsuit is the same one that led to the... more »

• Former LSU athletics department executive wins court fight to compel testimony from university president

  November 3, 2023 7:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A former LSU Athletics Department executive who is suing the university has won a round in federal court and may proceed with the deposition of school president William F. Tate, IV. Sharon Lewis -- a former associate athletics director -- claims she was subjected to discrimination... more »

• ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd to play Cajundome in April

  October 30, 2023 12:47 PM

  LAFAYETTE - Classic rockers ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd have announced a spring tour date that will bring the bands' co-headlining tour to Lafayette. “The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour” is set to visit the Cajundome April 19, 2024, with special guest Black Stone Cherry. Tickets go on... more »

• Funeral services Saturday for Plaquemine woman killed in I-55 pile-up

  October 26, 2023 1:27 PM

  PLAQUEMINE - Friends and family will gather this weekend to remember and lay to rest a young Plaquemine woman killed in a massive chain-reaction crash on I-55 on Monday. Corinne Anna Hebert, 21, was among the 8 people who died when 168 vehicles smashed into each other in heavy... more »

• Congressman faces misdemeanor charge stemming from fire alarm incident

  October 25, 2023 5:46 PM

  WASHINGTON - Rep. Jamaal Bowman has been charged with falsely pulling the fire alarm at a congressional office building before the House of Representatives voted on a stopgap spending bill to fund the government last month, according to court records. Court documents say Bowman, D-N.Y., knowingly pulled the fire... more »

• DOTD provides update on repairs to I-55 southbound; no timeline on reopening for northbound side Play Video

  October 25, 2023 3:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Department of Transportation and Development on Friday said repairs to the southbound lanes of I-55 would continue for up to two weeks before the roadway could open entirely. The southbound lanes of I-55 reopened Thursday morning, but the roadway tapered to one lane near the... more »

• Group gathers outside City Court to show support for Israel

  October 24, 2023 1:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A group of about 20 people gathered during the noon hour at City Court in downtown Baton Rouge to stand in solidarity with Israel. The gathering was organized by local attorney Yigal Bander, who told those assembled that the United States plays a crucial role by... more »

• Ascension Parish Schools narrows options for redistricting, says decision could come Nov. 7

  October 20, 2023 11:36 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - Leaders with Ascension Parish Schools say they have narrowed the options for redistricting from three plans down to two "refined" options and are closing in on an announcement -- which could come in just over two weeks. The school system is reworking boundaries in advance of the... more »

• Pointe Coupee officials advising caution after reports of injured bear

  October 15, 2023 12:56 PM

  POINTE COUPEE PARISH - The sheriff's office is advising those living in one neighborhood to be aware of an injured bear that may be nearby. Pointe Coupée officials said the reports come from the Parlange Lane area, near Blue Bayou. They say injured bears can become aggressive and... more »

• Cassidy headed to Israel on bipartisan trip; will meet with Netanyahu

  October 13, 2023 8:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy will be part of a bipartisan Congressional delegation headed to Israel to meet with that nation's leadership, the senator's office announced late Friday. Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, recently joined Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and several other senators -- including Sen. John... more »

• Police seeking man in connection with Sept. road rage shooting

  October 12, 2023 4:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A 27-year-old man is wanted in connection with a shooting that stemmed from a road rage incident last month. Richard Marin is described as Hispanic/Latino, 5-foot-10 weighing 190 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes and was last known to reside in the 4600 block... more »

• WBRZ journalists nominated for Suncoast Emmy Awards

  October 9, 2023 9:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Entries from WBRZ News 2 received four nominations in the 2023 Suncoast Emmy Awards. The chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced nominees on Monday. For Crime and Justice coverage, the Investigative Unit entry "Rape Victim Ordered to Pay Child Support"... more »

• Vote on animal shelter land purchase pulled from Ascension Parish Council agenda; entire meeting later canceled

  October 5, 2023 2:07 PM

  DONALDSONVILLE - A decision on whether to spend $840,000 to buy a 9-acre parcel to host a future animal shelter was pulled from Thursday's Ascension Parish Council agenda -- and then, the entire meeting was called off. The item is likely to be considered in two weeks, when the... more »

• LSU president, coaches, athletic director on list of potential witnesses in federal lawsuit

  October 4, 2023 3:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A settlement conference has been ordered in a lawsuit pitting a former LSU Athletics Department executive against the university, but if that case does go to trial, we now know who could be called as witnesses. On Tuesday, court records show, a federal judge ordered attorneys... more »

• MLB Wild Card series airing this week on WBRZ Plus

  October 2, 2023 7:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Texas Rangers take on the Tampa Bay Rays in a best-of-three Wild Card series, as the 2023 Major League Baseball postseason gets under way. The Rangers and Rays playoff series will air this week on WBRZ Plus. Games are set for 2 p.m. local time... more »

• National alert system test will ping millions of phones Wednesday

  October 2, 2023 1:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A nationwide test will send emergency alerts to tens of millions of phones this week. FEMA and the FCC will conduct the test of "IPAWS" -- the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System. Officials say as long as your phone is on and receiving a... more »

• Luxury RV resort opens adjacent to L'Auberge Play Video

  September 28, 2023 5:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A 220-site luxury RV resort hopes to draw a different sort of visitor to the place where L'Auberge Casino and Hotel has established an entertainment foothold. Tiger's Trail RV Resort held its grand opening on Thursday. The property is located in the 15000 block of... more »

• State DEQ secretary visits Ascension Parish industrial site linked to red dust clouds

  September 19, 2023 8:53 PM

  GONZALES - The Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality on Tuesday visited the source of a recurring "red dust cloud" that has led to near-daily complaints lately from nearby residents. Officials told WBRZ that Roger Gingles and several members of his staff visited the former Lalumina LLC... more »

• Lafayette Parish teacher takes a spin on Wednesday's Wheel of Fortune

  September 13, 2023 12:19 PM

  LAFAYETTE - A teacher form Milton Elementary School in Lafayette Parish is one of three contestants putting their puzzle skills to the test on Wednesday's episode of "Wheel of Fortune." Lacie Soileau teaches third grade. She told KATC TV , in Lafayette, that she applied to be a... more »

• LSU's Reese, Dunne featured on cover of Sports Illustrated

  September 13, 2023 11:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Two of the biggest names in LSU sports are also two of the biggest moneymakers in collegiate athletics -- and are the focal point of a new cover story by Sports Illustrated. Basketball star Angel Reese and gymnast Olivia Dunne are noted by the magazine as... more »

• Firefighters put out flames on burning garbage truck

  September 5, 2023 6:02 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Firefighters extinguished flames that were shooting from a Republic Services trash truck making its rounds Tuesday afternoon. The Baton Rouge Fire Department said it got the call to North Acadian Thruway and Washington Ave. about 3:30 p.m. Crews were able to get the fire under... more »

• Incoming insurance commissioner: State regulations need a hard look Play Video

  August 30, 2023 12:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's next insurance commissioner said he will focus his attention on making sure Louisiana is competitive with neighboring states as he addresses a shortage of companies providing coverage. Appearing Wednesday on "2une In," Tim Temple said that will require a hard look at the role of... more »

• Chaos erupted outside Baton Rouge AMC after car ran over water bottle; sound mistaken for gunfire

  August 28, 2023 12:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Mall of Louisiana AMC was shut down early Sunday night due to a misunderstanding that caused a chaotic scene. Witnesses said they cleared the theater, and several units remained on the scene throughout the night, turning away anyone who arrived. Deputies also said a fight... more »

• Boil water advisory for Walker rescinded Saturday morning

  August 24, 2023 5:27 PM

  UPDATE: The boil water advisory for the city of Walker was rescinded Saturday. Read the original story below. _____________________________________________________________________________ WALKER - The City of Walker has issued the following advisory: The City of Walker Water System has experienced problems with our water supply system. Earlier today... more »

• Crime tops concerns across Louisiana, WBRZ poll finds Play Video

  August 24, 2023 1:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana voters name crime and violence as their top concern, with education close behind. That's according to a new WBRZ News 2 poll. When asked to identify the most important problem facing the state, 18 percent of respondents listed crime and violence. Another 16 percent named... 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 »

• Poll: Landry, Wilson likely to advance, but one of them is 'best positioned' to become governor Play Video

  August 22, 2023 4:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The frontrunners at the start of the 2023 campaign for Louisiana governor are the frontrunners today, according to a new statewide poll—but it is Republican Jeff Landry who is "best positioned to win" the race this fall. WBRZ and several partner organizations commissioned the poll, which... more »

• New cameras, signage in place at Plaquemine parks following 2022 vandalism

  August 18, 2023 3:24 PM

  PLAQUEMINE - New cameras and signage touting rules and regulations are in place at City of Plaquemine parks following a destructive vandalism spree last fall . The mayor called for the changes after two teenagers were arrested for setting vehicles on fire and tearing down signs at one area... more »

• Former LSU standout Ja'Marr Chase files for restraining order against woman

  August 17, 2023 6:00 PM

  LOS ANGELES - Former LSU standout Ja'Marr Chase, who now plays for the Cincinnati Bengals, has filed for a restraining order after he claims a woman harassed him and his mother. Numerous media outlets report that Chase took his concerns to the courts in Southern California on Wednesday. The... more »

• Democrat drops out of insurance commissioner race; Temple to assume post

  August 16, 2023 2:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - One of two candidates who filed to become the next Commissioner of Insurance in Louisiana has withdrawn from the race, allowing Republican Tim Temple to assume the position unopposed. Temple, of Baton Rouge, was considered by many analysts to be the heavy favorite to win election... more »

• Denham Springs High School given all-clear after bomb threat; school board releases statement Play Video

  August 11, 2023 8:25 AM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - A Livingston Parish high school was put into lockdown after a reported bomb threat was made to campus on the first day of school. The Livingston Parish Superintendent said the school board contacted law enforcement after a bomb threat. Students were let into the school Friday... more »

• Local races take shape as candidate filing period closes

  August 10, 2023 8:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The filing period for the October 2023 election in Louisiana has closed, providing clarity on the races that will -- and won't -- be taking place this fall. In the Capital Area, many high profile officials drew opponents. Races of particular note include: EAST BATON... more »

• ESPN gaming deal will bring change to L'Auberge

  August 8, 2023 6:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Just months after it opened under the "Barstool" brand, the sportsbook at L'Auberge in Baton Rouge will be rebranding under one of the biggest names in broadcasting: ESPN. On Tuesday, the network and PENN Entertainment -- which owns L'Auberge -- announced an agreement to launch "ESPN... more »

• Louisiana seeks trial on redistricting, says 'plenty of time' before 2024 vote

  July 11, 2023 5:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The plaintiffs in a federal case that could force congressional re-districting in Louisiana want the matter to play out next at the appellate court level, but Louisiana officials hope it will return to district court -- and insist that there's time for a trial there in advance... more »

• Citing 'devastating' effects on public, Edwards puts line item veto to work

  June 29, 2023 6:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. John Bel Edwards used his line item veto powers on Thursday to strike what he called "painful" cuts from the budget given to him by the state legislature. In his letter to the leaders of the House and Senate, Edwards said he signed "House Bill... more »

• Filed: Potential class action lawsuit targets company at center of La. OMV breach

  June 21, 2023 8:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The company behind the data system at the center of a massive breach is now the target of a potential class action lawsuit. Plaintiffs on Tuesday filed what appears to be the first such case focused on the MOVEit attack , which compromised the private information... more »

• NAACP seeking travel advisory for Louisiana, citing 'concerning' policies

  June 7, 2023 6:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The state branch of the NAACP is asking its parent organization to issue a "national travel advisory" for Louisiana because of legislative policies and actions that it believes target and marginalize certain groups, including African Americans. The Louisiana State Conference cited about a dozen "potentially damaging... more »

• Lawsuit over Clinton mental health facility lands in federal court

  June 5, 2023 12:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A legal battle initially slated for state court has landed in the federal system, which may now determine the fate of a planned mental health care facility in Clinton. Harmony Behavioral Health filed its lawsuit in March after running into what it claims were unfair steps... more »

• Narcisse advances in Broward County Schools superintendent search Play Video

  May 30, 2023 10:55 AM

  FORT LAUDERDALE - East Baton Rouge Schools Superintendent Dr. Sito Narcisse moved one step closer to securing a new position leading the nation's sixth-largest school district, as he was named a finalist Tuesday morning for the superintendent's post in Broward County, Florida. The school board there voted to advance... more »

• WBRZ honored with regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Investigative Reporting

  May 18, 2023 1:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - An in-depth series of reports focused on misconduct within Louisiana State Police has been recognized with a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Investigative Reporting and will now advance to the national level of that competition. The entry, "Holding Louisiana State Police Accountable," focused on issues... more »

• Community rolling up sleeves to help Denham Springs officer

  May 12, 2023 11:04 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Donors began showing up early at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, rolling up their sleeves to support a Denham Springs officer who was critically wounded a day earlier. The blood drive benefitting Cpl. Shawn Kelly began at 8 a.m. and will run through the day.... more »

• La. lawsuit over insulin prices moved to federal court

  April 20, 2023 8:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A lawsuit pitting Louisiana against major manufacturers of insulin is headed to federal court. The case -- filed in March at the state level by Attorney General Jeff Landry -- will now be heard in US District Court in Baton Rouge. It focuses on what... more »

• Landry maintains strong cash advantage in governor's race

  April 18, 2023 1:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - An early entry into the race, strong fundraising base and statewide name recognition are helping keep the perceived frontrunner at the top of the contest for Louisiana governor -- at least when it comes to campaign financing. Attorney General Jeff Landry disclosed about $6.3 million in... more »

• Daughters of the American Revolution chapter turning bottle caps into benches for La. veterans Play Video

  April 9, 2023 5:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A truck loaded with discarded plastic will leave Baton Rouge on Monday, headed for Indiana. What Louisiana will get back will be a gift to those who have served. The Louisiana Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution organized the effort to collect bottle caps... more »

• Tiger fans snapping up championship gear Play Video

  April 3, 2023 10:54 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The rush began before the team had even left the arena. Tiger fans began showing up at Baton Rouge-area sporting goods stores to snag the first batches of apparel celebrating the women's basketball team's first-ever national championship. Dick's Sporting Goods near the Mall of Louisiana... more »

• LAGOP jumps to Trump's defense following indictment

  March 30, 2023 10:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's state Republican Party on Thursday decried the indictment of former Pres. Donald Trump by a Manhattan grand jury, declaring the reported count against him a "false charge." Hours earlier, the first reports of the indictment began to circulate. Numerous news organizations cited official sources as... more »

• Gonzales Council will vote on measure to ban sale of kratom

  March 20, 2023 4:02 PM

  ASCENSION PARISH - The Gonzales Council on Monday is expected to consider an amendment to the Code of Ordinances that would prohibit the sale of kratom within the city. If approved, the measure would subject anyone in violation to a fine of up to $500 and a jail term... more »

• Legislation would add suicide prevention helpline number to La. driver's licences

  March 17, 2023 5:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A bill filed in advance of the April legislative session would add the "Suicide Lifeline" number to driver's licenses and personal identification cards issued by the State of Louisiana. Sen. Louie Bernard this week pre-filed SB34 . It would place the National Suicide Prevention Hotline... more »

• Judge dismisses former Pointe Coupee captain's lawsuit against ex-sheriff

  March 15, 2023 6:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A US District Court judge has dismissed a civil rights claim against a former Pointe Coupee sheriff. Judge John deGravelles on Tuesday dismissed, with prejudice, the case filed by Adrian Slaughter against Beauregard "Bud" Torres III. Slaughter sued in 2018, claiming he had been targeted... more »

• Bill would rework state ordinance on school vaccine exemptions

  February 24, 2023 1:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A bill filed in advance of this year's legislative session would make changes to the existing law regarding student vaccinations, including a requirement that schools notify parents of exemption opportunities. State Rep. Kathy Edmonston (R-Gonzales) pre-filed HB 42 on Friday. It would amend existing code to... more »

• Livingston Parish sheriff, school board ordered to answer lawsuit claims

  February 7, 2023 5:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A woman arrested late last year after she sent a listening device to school on her daughter's wheelchair has sued the school district and the Livingston Parish sheriff, claiming violations of her rights, violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and negligence by the defendants. Amanda... more »

• Report: Louisiana tops in sales taxes for 2023

  February 7, 2023 2:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana taxes its goods and services at a rate higher than any other state, according to a study by a nonprofit group that tracks national taxation data. The Tax Foundation's 2023 report shows Louisiana's combined state and local sales tax rates are highest in the nation.... more »

• Report: Louisiana tops in taxes for 2023

  February 7, 2023 2:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana taxes its goods and services at a rate higher than any other state, according to a study by a nonprofit group that tracks national taxation data. The Tax Foundation's 2023 report shows Louisiana's combined state and local sales tax rates are highest in the nation.... more »

• Suspect in Madi Brooks case booked in separate rape investigation; bond set at $250K

  January 27, 2023 11:50 PM

  UPDATE: The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office announced Friday that Washington's bond was set at $250,000. ----- LIVINGSTON PARISH - A man accused of raping Madison Brooks the night she died in a traffic accident is back in jail, accused of raping a girl in Livingston Parish when he... more »

• Refunds coming to Entergy customers after agency ruling

  December 28, 2022 3:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Entergy customers across Louisiana will be receiving refunds from the utility following a ruling by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which found problems with accounting practices involving the Grand Gulf nuclear power plant. The agency determined that Entergy had been overbilling consumers for years. The... more »

• Tuesday's Health Report Play Video

  February 9, 2021 6:34 PM

  Watch the 2 Your Health report for Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. more »

• EBR works to mitigate flood risks, spraying drainage canals with herbicide Play Video

  August 12, 2020 10:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Three times a year, 277 miles worth of herbicide is sprayed on plants in drainage canals through East Baton Rouge Parish. The project covers 778 canal segments like ditches, earthen canals, lined canals, lined ditches, and subdivision ditches. Director of Transportation and Drainage Fred Raiford... more »

• La. will have contact tracers ready for May 15 - targeted partial reopening date; Apply for a job here Play Video

  May 8, 2020 4:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE - In an initial wave, some 250 contact tracers will be hired to locate and warn people who may have interacted with a COVID-19 patient as Louisiana moves toward re-opening. In a news conference Friday, the state asked for people interested in working as a contact tracer... more »