Tagged News

• Livingston Parish President says 'wet soil conditions' delaying Burgess Road Bridge project

  June 4, 2026 2:03 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS — Livingston Parish President Randy Delatte pointed to recent rainy conditions as a reason for delays in a Thursday update on the Burgess Road Bridge project, but said officials are working to accelerate construction. Delatte said the parish's main focus has been on the south side bridge... more »

• DOTD recognizes National Work Zone Awareness Week, urges drivers to slow down Play Video

  April 20, 2026 3:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana transportation officials are reminding drivers to slow down and stay alert in work zones as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development held a press conference to recognize the week, which runs April 20-24. This year's theme is... more »

• Man arrested in connection to trafficking of 15-year-old girl in Baton Rouge Play Video

  January 11, 2026 11:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE — A man arrested in connection with the trafficking of a 15-year-old girl in Baton Rouge was arrested in New Orleans on Thursday, according to authorities. The New Orleans Police Department, along with multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies, arrested four suspects as part of an... more »

• Stores helping Hispanic communities by delivering care packages to their door Play Video

  December 17, 2025 7:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Several organizations helping Latino and Hispanic communities in Baton Rouge said that many people are afraid to go to work or even go outside while border patrol operations are ongoing. That's why several organizations and restaurants are creating care packages and delivering them to the homes... more »

• Marvin Braud boatway closed in Ascension Parish as crews conduct work in New River

  October 20, 2025 8:49 AM

  SORRENTO — The Marvin Braud boatway is closed, Ascension Parish officials said Monday. The boatway was closed to allow work to be done in New River. "We will be holding a lower water level inside the structure to allow crews and equipment to safely perform work within New... more »

• Gonzales mayor implements 4-day work week for city employees Play Video

  July 25, 2025 3:31 PM

  GONZALES — Every weekend will be a 3-day weekend for City of Gonzales employees, Mayor Timothy Riley announced in a statement. Starting Aug. 4, city employees will work Monday-Thursday with City Hall operating from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mayor Riley said in the statement that he believes... more »

• TEAM 2 TRAFFIC: I-10 eastbound reopened near Lobdell after crews clear stalled semi in median

  May 3, 2025 10:55 AM

  LOBDELL — Deputies temporarily closed one lane of Interstate 10 going eastbound between Lobdell and La. 1 as crews worked to clear a stalled semi-truck in the median Saturday morning. The left lane of the interstate was closed around 9:45 a.m. as recovery efforts got underway for the truck... more »

• DOTD announces overnight lane closures on I-12 eastbound between split, Essen Lane

  April 26, 2025 12:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE — On Saturday and Sunday night, multiple lanes on Interstate 12 eastbound will be closed between the I-10/I-12 split to Essen Lane as crews remove temporary barriers, the state Department of Transportation and Development announced. From Saturday at 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday, the leftmost lane... more »

• Officials in Watson issue boil water advisory as pipes are repaired Play Video

  April 10, 2025 8:33 AM

  WATSON — The Ward Two Water District in Watson is repairing a water line on Cecil Drive and a boil water advisory has been issued for the area. While repairs are being made, the water pressure will drop below the Louisiana Department of Health minimum standard. Louisiana Department of... more »

• St. Mary Parish work release inmate reported missing in Berwick returned to custody Play Video

  April 3, 2025 2:32 PM

  BERWICK — St. Mary Parish deputies brought an escaped work release inmate back into custody shortly after he was reported missing in Berwick on Thursday morning. Chad Toups, 49, was reported missing by supervisors at his work release job. Shortly after, a notice to be on the lookout was... more »

• Addis Police searching for man accused of residential contract fraud

  March 18, 2025 10:59 AM

  ADDIS — Police have issued a warrant for a man accused of contractor fraud in Addis. Police say that Ryan Blanco, 37, is wanted for residential contractor fraud after he allegedly stopped work on a project he had entered a contract with property owners to complete. The Baton... more »

• Landry expresses intent to sign order requiring state employees to return to the office Play Video

  March 12, 2025 11:51 AM

  COVINGTON — Gov. Jeff Landry is preparing an executive order requiring state employees working remotely to return to the office, The Advocate reported Wednesday. Landry briefly mentioned that he would sign the order in the next 30 days, telling the attendees of a keynote address to the PAC that... more »

• Man accused of stealing $5,000 worth of shingles, building materials from Gonzales work sites Play Video

  March 10, 2025 12:34 PM

  GONZALES — A man accused of stealing $5,000 worth of shingles and other materials from two construction sites in Gonzales was arrested. David Williams, 62, was arrested by Ascension Parish deputies on Feb. 28 for the thefts. Deputies said that Williams allegedly stole the materials at two under-construction... more »

• Neighbors dub Jefferson Highway lane change 'Suicide Lane,' ask for reconfiguration improvement Play Video

  February 26, 2025 4:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Crews are about halfway through a project reconstructing Jefferson Highway from Drusilla Lane to Airline Highway. Drivers making left-hand turns in and out of neighborhoods there say it's been difficult navigating the cone configurations, so much so they're calling it "Suicide Lane." Yvette Robinson and Lulu... more »

• LED launching campaign during LSU-USC game to recruit Louisiana natives back to state for work Play Video

  August 26, 2024 3:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana Economic Development is using the national audience of Sunday's LSU season opener game on ABC to launch a campaign encouraging Louisiana natives working in other states to return home, LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois announced Monday. The campaign called "Come Home Louisiana" will begin its roll-out... more »

• DOTD gives update on LA 1 bridge replacement project Play Video

  August 20, 2024 11:27 AM

  PORT ALLEN — Louisiana Department of Transportation officials say construction on the new bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway is nearing completion after settlement issues caused multiple delays last year. Contractors are expected to complete the bridge by early 2025. They are now focused on placing the bridge deck onto... more »

• Friday's Health Report: Aging expert says the key to start exercising is to do something you enjoy Play Video

  August 9, 2024 5:02 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Starting a workout program or being physically active takes motivation and commitment. The key is to start slowly and do something you take pleasure in. "If you hate swimming, don't try to start to become a swimmer. But (if) you enjoy dancing or other activities, (such... more »

• Work-release escapes near Plank and Hooper roads; crews searching on ground and from the air Play Video

  June 18, 2024 6:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A state prison inmate serving time for first-degree robbery escaped from a work-release van on Tuesday, triggering a search on the ground and from the sky. Shawn Simien, 34, jumped from the van while he was on an assignment in East Baton Rouge Parish, law officers... more »

• Property owners still searching for answers after being rattled by Donaldsonville pump station project Play Video

  March 4, 2024 4:53 PM

  DONALDSONVILLE - Work on a pump station in Ascension Parish has shifted gears from pile driving , but people living and working there are still asking what to do about their damaged properties. People have reported gas leaks, foundation troubles, and cracks in their swimming pools. As the construction... more »

• DOTD starts series of road closures tied to I-10 widening project Play Video

  September 29, 2023 3:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The state has announced a series of road closures related to the I-10 widening project which will affect traffic along the 10/12 corridor throughout Baton Rouge. The closures will not impact the interstate itself, but visible work will be going on in the shoulders of I-10,... more »

• Fight between city workers led to dangerous shootout in Baker; 2 facing criminal charges Play Video

  August 28, 2023 6:26 PM

  BAKER - New details surfaced Thursday in a shootout that stemmed from an argument between workers at a city workshop in Baker. An arrest warrant obtained by WBRZ says the shooting started Monday after the accused aggressor, Trenton Brown, got into a fight at the public works building on... more »

• Lane closures next week on US 190 bridge as railroad repairs continue

  August 9, 2023 11:53 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A lane will close on both sides of the old Mississippi River bridge for much of next week as workers make repairs to the adjacent railroad. The maintenance work will last from Aug. 15 to Aug. 19 and will keep the inside lanes on the eastbound... more »

• Ascension Parish names new transportation chief

  August 1, 2023 5:25 PM

  Ascension Parish has installed a new public official to spearhead its transportation projects. On Tuesday, Parish President Clint Cointment announced the hiring of Daniel B. Helms as the parish's new Chief Transportation Engineer. Helms, who has 20 years experience managing transportation projects in the public and private sectors, officially... more »

• DOTD planning overnight lane closures on I-10 in Gonzales this weekend

  August 1, 2023 4:44 PM

  GONZALES - Starting Wednesday, nightly roadwork along I-10 is expected to slow traffic in Ascension Parish. DOTD says it plans to close the left lane of I-10 West at the LA 30 overpass from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Wednesday. The closure will happen again at that same... more »

• Feds investigating death of plant worker in LaPlace

  July 14, 2023 2:34 PM

  LAPLACE - A plant worker in St. John the Baptist Parish died Thursday after an incident involving a train, though law enforcement says they initially received a different explanation for what triggered the emergency response. A representative with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration told WBRZ on Friday that... more »

• Days after WBRZ report, powerful elected officials bring neighbors relief from noisy railroad work Play Video

  September 2, 2022 5:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Days after the WBRZ Investigative Unit exposed a contractor was in violation of the city-parish's noise ordinance , elected officials are making sure the ordinance is followed. Despite East Baton Rouge Parish having a noise ordinance on the books prohibiting construction work from happening after sunset... more »

• LWC offers 'earn while you learn' program for aspiring truck drivers Play Video

  February 3, 2022 8:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Workforce Commission is launching a new program to help combat the nationwide truck driver shortage. The "Drive Your Future" training grant offers those who qualify an opportunity to participate in a five-week apprenticeship that, if completed, will result in the student obtaining a... more »

• Baton Rouge opens hotline for businesses impacted by new road projects

  October 20, 2021 12:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE - East Baton Rouge has opened a phone line for businesses that may be disrupted by several projects getting underway in the capital area. The city-parish said the MOVEBR Rapid Response team will handle calls from local businesses impacted by projects that are part of the MOVEBR... more »

• New rules at Supreme Court demonstrate larger struggle to end gender bias in U.S. workplaces

  October 14, 2021 7:59 AM

  Gender bias in the workplace is often such a controversial topic that it can only be discussed in the light of related research and statistics. Otherwise, isolated personal accounts from employees who claim they are consistently interrupted, overlooked, or not treated with the same respect accorded to colleagues of the... more »

• State workers could adopt 4-day work week to alleviate traffic during I-10 widening Play Video

  October 4, 2021 2:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The state may temporarily shorten the work week for government workers in the capital area to help lighten traffic while crews widen I-10 through much of Baton Rouge. Construction on the long-awaited I-10 expansion, which will add a lane to both directions of I-10, will have... more »

• Initial unemployment claims take double-digit drop as restaurants see some bright spots in hiring Play Video

  June 25, 2021 10:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Restaurateur Stephen Hightower says he's seen a significant improvement recently in what had been a Herculean effort to find workers. "We've been able to bring in some great talent over the past couple [of] weeks," Hightower said. "It's a sign of hope." That hope may... more »

• Senators pushing for Louisiana to reduce unemployment aid Play Video

  May 11, 2021 6:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE – More governors across the nation have decided to opt out of pandemic unemployment aid Tuesday, and John Bel Edwards is not one of them. His office, along with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, says there’s been no talk about it yet. Pressure to do so is building... more »

• Businesses desperate to hire more workers as summer nears Play Video

  April 30, 2021 7:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE - There may be more "help wanted" signs in front of businesses than people wanting to work. From water parks to restaurants, the hiring signs are out but help's hard to find. There's so much help needed that some companies are now boosting pay. Some workers believe... more »

• Unemployment at its lowest point since start of pandemic

  April 16, 2021 9:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Unemployment rates are at the lowest point since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Louisiana Workforce Commission released information Friday suggesting more people are going back to work. During the week of April 11, 2020, 79,653 new unemployment claims were filed. This year, only 9,809... more »

• I-10 widening in BR gets federal approval, expected to begin construction in 2023 Play Video

  February 25, 2021 11:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The expansion of I-10 through much of the capital city is set to begin in 2023 after the project received federal approval. On Thursday, the Department of Transportation announced the project to widen portions of I-10 between LA 415 and the 10/12 split past College Drive... more »

• Complaints fill On Your Side inbox as unemployment office hires more people to return calls Play Video

  January 13, 2021 6:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE - For the last few months, 2 On Your Side has been receiving multiple calls and emails every day from people caught up in a delay at the unemployment office. So far this week, 2 On Your Side has forwarded requests for help from 26 people. Many of... more »

• More than 522,000 Louisianians have received unemployment benefits since pandemic started Play Video

  June 5, 2020 6:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The U.S. jobless rate dropped to 13.3 percent in May, down from a record high in April. As the state moves into Phase Two of reopening, the Louisiana Workforce Commission says the unemployment numbers are also down in Louisiana, but new claims are still being made. ... more »

• Here is the White House plan to reopen American economy

  April 16, 2020 5:42 PM

  President Donald Trump laid out his administration's plan to reopen the United States economy in a video conference with the nation's governors Thursday. Click HERE for the latest virus cases in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards participated in the call. Friday, a day after the call, the governor... more »

• Additional assistance for workers affected by COVID-19 arriving soon from feds Play Video

  April 7, 2020 10:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The month of March saw 155,000 unemployment claims filed in Louisiana. Many of those came as a result of business closures due to COVID-19. Moving into April, that number is only growing. "I will tell you, and it should surprise no one, the numbers have gone... more »

• Unemployment benefits expanded to more people Play Video

  March 31, 2020 6:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE - More people are now eligible to apply for unemployment. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES ACT) expanded the scope of individuals who are eligible for unemployment benefits to furloughed, self-employed, or gig workers. The Louisiana Workforce Commission encourages anyone who might have been... more »

• Lane closures on Perkins Rd. near EBR-Ascension Parish line next week

  January 24, 2020 4:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Drivers can expect delays on Perkins Road near the East Baton Rouge Parish line throughout much of next week. According to DOTD, there will be intermittent lane closures on Perkins Road at the Bayou Manchac Bridge from Jan. 27 thought Jan. 31 to allow for bridge... more »

• Weekend work announced for Intracoastal Bridge

  April 12, 2019 9:30 AM

  BATON ROUGE- DOTD announced that next week there will be alternating lane closures on the Southbound Intracoastal Bridge. The closures will begin on Monday, April 15th, and end on Saturday, April 20th between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m. The steel plates with rubberized mats will be used DOTD... more »

• Medicaid work requirement debate gets compromise Play Video

  April 1, 2019 10:44 PM

  MONROE - Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a pilot program Monday at Louisiana Delta Community College that offers free training in high demand fields for able-bodied Medicaid recipients without dependents. The Democrat governor is no longer pushing for work requirements after years of Republican criticism about the program he... more »

• Contractor crew damages property, homeowner waiting for repairs Play Video

  December 31, 2018 5:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE - For the last month, a homeowner along Old Hammond Highway says a crew has been working to install a cell tower and in the process, it's torn up her front yard. Brenda Pearson says heavy machinery parked near the front of her property added to the... more »

• Restore Louisiana steps in to fix contractor's work following 2 OYS story Play Video

  May 16, 2018 6:52 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - A homeowner who was at his wit's end is getting results following a 2 On Your Side story. Last week, Donnie Morgan said a contractor hired to fix up his flood-damaged home through the Restore Louisiana Program cut a few corners to get the job done.... more »

• Homeowner blames Restore LA contractor for shoddy work Play Video

  May 10, 2018 7:44 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - A homeowner says he's been left with quite a mess and blames contractors hired through the Restore Louisiana Program for the shoddy work on his home. Donnie Morgan lives on S. Point Drive in Denham Springs. He was awarded money by the program and opted to... more »

• Central announces road projects Play Video

  February 21, 2018 10:46 PM

  CENTRAL - Mayor Junior Shelton's administration announced the following road projects on its Facebook page Wednesday: FROM THE DESK OF MAYOR JR. SHELTON One of the largest expenditures that can be made by a municipality is for roads. Planning, building, and maintaining roads can become an enormous cost.... more »

• Homeowner says independent contractors created life-threatening issues in her home Play Video

  September 21, 2017 6:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A homeowner has a warning for others tonight after she says independent contractors did shoddy work in her home and it's now preventing her from moving back in following the August 2016 flood. At first glance, Angela Clapper's renovated home may look beautiful. But if you... more »

• EBRSO Sgt. Bruce Simmons to return to work soon following 2016 ambush

  July 18, 2017 1:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A deputy who was injured last year during an ambush on law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge, is returning to work. East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office Sergeant Bruce Simmons was shot while responding to reports of a man with a rifle at the B-Quik... more »

• Woman recalls terrifying encounter with WBR work release inmate Play Video

  June 29, 2017 11:36 AM

  PLAQUEMINE- A West Baton Rouge Parish work release inmate is under arrest Thursday morning in Iberville Parish, after investigators say he broke into a house and beat up a woman. The incident occurred around 9 a.m., according to Plaquemine Police Chief Kenny Payne. Investigators said... more »

• Unlicensed contractor accused of swindling flood victim

  June 24, 2017 12:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A contractor was arrested after he allegedly took money from an August flood victim and failed to complete work on his home. The affidavit says Jason Rushing met with a man about fixing his home after taking damage from last year's flood. Rushing reportedly told the... more »

• Man accused of failing to complete repairs on home after paid $36,000

  April 13, 2017 5:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office arrested a man after a woman says that he never completed repairs on her home that was damaged by a fire when he was paid $36,000 to do so. Deputies arrested 40-year-old Leonel Alexander Carbajal for charges of residential contractor... more »

• Contractor hired in good faith had no license, but does now Play Video

  April 7, 2017 6:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A contractor facing fraud charges in Baton Rouge has bonded out of jail. A homeowner who filed charges against Sargent Pitcher is worried he'll wreak havoc in another's home. Rick Bueche says he hired Pitcher in good faith and had two criteria to meet. "You... more »

• Work Zone Awareness Week 2017 to be held April 3-7

  March 30, 2017 5:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is recognizing April 3-7 as Work Zone Awareness Week. The year's theme is "Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands," which focuses on the message that drivers should be alert and prepared for unexpected changes in and around work... more »

• Man accused of not completing construction work on home

  March 28, 2017 1:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Police say a man has been arrested for not completing construction work on a home that he was paid more than $1,000 to do. The Baton Rouge Police Department arrested 48-year-old Andrew Darian on charges on home improvement fraud, felony theft and misapplication of payment. ... more »

• BR deputy constables buy man bicycle to get to work

  March 17, 2017 7:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Two Baton Rouge deputy constables gave a man a bicycle who had been walking to and from work. Deputies initially stopped the man after he was issued a warrant last week. The man told deputies that he had the money to pay his outstanding warrant but... more »

• Deadline extended to apply for BR youth work program

  March 2, 2017 12:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced that the deadline has extended to apply for the EmployBR Young Adult Services Out-of-School Youth Program. The deadline has been extended until Mar. 3 at 5 p.m. The program, Making a Positive Step, runs for eight weeks starting March 13... more »

• West Baton Rouge work release inmate captured in Oklahoma

  March 1, 2017 12:22 PM

  UPDATE: U.S. Marshals confirmed that David Graham was captured in Oklahoma Friday morning, two days after he escaped from West Baton Rouge Parish. BATON ROUGE- The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office is searching for another work release inmate that apparently walked off of a job site this... more »

• Entergy work to cause outages in Plaquemine

  January 31, 2017 5:25 PM

  PLAQUEMINE – Entergy will be performing work that will cause outages on Wednesday and Thursday in Plaquemine. The work will cause outages to all Plaquemine City Light & Water electrical customers. Electrical power will be turned off at 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1 for 20 minutes and again... more »

• Man arrested for going to work drunk, threatening arresting deputy

  January 31, 2017 1:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A man was arrested for showing up to his workplace drunk and threatening the deputy that arrested him. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office arrested 38-year-old Jason Hayes for charges of disturbing the peace and remaining at a place after forbidden. The incident occurred on... more »

• Taxes to fund road work, transportation projects on December ballot Play Video

  November 29, 2016 3:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE – On the December ballot, East Baton Rouge voters will get a chance to vote on two taxes that will fund road work and transportation projects. The city wants voters to vote for the re-purposing of the existing tax and to add a 5-mill property tax. ... more »

• Hiring illegal contractors has its risks Play Video

  September 1, 2016 5:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Paying workers under the table for home repairs may be the quickest option for flood victims but it can be costly in the long run. Louisiana requires contractors be certified to protect customers from shaddy work or outright theft. The state keeps a list of qualified contractors... more »

• Deadline for disaster unemployment assistance extended

  September 1, 2016 11:20 AM

  BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Workforce Commission is extending the disaster unemployment assistance application period to Oct. 14 for those who have been affected by the recent historic flooding. Parishes included in the application period are: Acadia, Ascension, Avoyelles, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis,... more »