Tagged News

• Addis native 'American Idol' contestant in Top 3 returning home for WBR parade, Plaquemine concert Play Video

  May 12, 2025 10:15 PM

  ADDIS - "American Idol" contestant John Foster is coming home to West Baton Rouge Parish after advancing to the Top 3 and will be met with a parade in his hometown. The Brusly High graduate advanced to the final three during Monday night's show where he sang "The Bare... more »

• Trump appoints former East Baton Rouge Parish prosecutor Kurt Wall to serve as US Attorney Play Video

  May 8, 2025 12:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE — President Donald Trump has nominated former East Baton Rouge Parish prosecutor Kurt Wall to serve as the top federal prosecutor for the Middle District of Louisiana. Wall, who currently serves as the Second Vice President of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, will succeed Ronald C. Gathe... more »

• Ministry of Life Church opens site for homeless people to shower, get gently-used clothes Play Video

  May 2, 2025 4:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The "Soul Spot," a place for homeless people to take a hot shower and pick up gently-used clothing, had its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. The facility, located at Ministry of New Life Church on Eddie Robinson Drive, is a place of encouragement, Pastor Elvin Augustus said.... more »

• WBRZ FLASHBACK: St. George officially incorporates Play Video

  May 1, 2025 6:14 PM

  ST. GEORGE — This week in WBRZ history, the City of St. George officially incorporated after years of legal battles. On April 26, 2024, the Louisiana Supreme Court cleared the way for the incorporation of St. George as its own entity, joining Zachary, Central and Baker as East Baton... more »

• Boxes of orange soda spill on major Baton Rouge intersection Play Video

  April 30, 2025 1:14 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A truck lost its cargo Wednesday while crossing through a major Baton Rouge intersection, causing a sticky situation for drivers. Pictures and videos shared with WBRZ show boxes of orange soda spilled in the intersection of Coursey Boulevard and Airline Highway. The Baton Rouge Police... more »

• Baton Rouge tutoring business owner to be featured on 'The Oprah Podcast' Play Video

  April 30, 2025 12:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A Baton Rouge tutoring company owner will be featured on Oprah Winfrey's podcast next week. Stephanie Crawford, founder of Best in Class Tutoring, will be featured in the May 6 episode of "The Oprah Podcast." Crawford will be joined by bestselling author Mel Robbins on the... more »

• Baton Rouge Police searching for suspect in killing of 68-year-old woman in home Play Video

  April 24, 2025 4:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge Police are searching for a man accused of killing a 68-year-old woman last week . Richard Stinson, 68, is accused of killing Rose Davillier at her White Sands Drive home on April 14. He is 6'2" tall and weighs 170 pounds, police noted. ... more »

• Woman accused of threatening Baton Rouge Police after fatal shooting on Sunday arrested Play Video

  April 24, 2025 3:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A woman was arrested after allegedly threatening Baton Rouge Police following an officer-involved shooting that left a man dead on Sunday. Yushika Vallian, 31, is accused of making a series of threats on social media, via email and over the phone after the fatal Gwenadele Avenue... more »

• Power outages reported in Baton Rouge off Tiger Bend Road

  April 24, 2025 8:47 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Over a thousand people were without power in Baton Rouge. DEMCO reported outages near the Shenandoah area off Tiger Bend Road. As of 11:30 a.m., only 122 customers were without power. more »

• Catholics walk the stations of the cross through downtown Baton Rouge Play Video

  April 18, 2025 6:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE — In downtown Baton Rouge, Bishop Michael Duca led parishioners in the annual Way of the Cross on Friday. The procession was hosted by the Catholic Charities of the Diocese and began at the St. Joseph Cathedral. Those in attendance traveled a 14-station route through the... more »

• WBRZ RETRO WEEK: Pat Shingleton looks back on legacy at Channel 2, work in Baton Rouge community Play Video

  April 18, 2025 12:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Chief forecaster Pat Shingleton worked at WBRZ for four decades, covering weather events like Hurricane Katrina and giving back to the community. Shingleton’s legacy in Baton Rouge is vast, hosting firehouse cookouts, starting a game show and putting his name behind multiple causes he believed in,... more »

• Mayor-president's office asking Baton Rouge residents for input in community development plan Play Video

  April 16, 2025 12:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Mayor’s Office of Community Development is asking for feedback as it decides on the city's housing and community development plan for the next five years. The 2025-2029 HUD Consolidated Plan will guide the investment of federal housing and community development funds to address local needs... more »

• Advocates, Gov. Landry support legislative proposal to tighten regulations on distracted driving Play Video

  April 15, 2025 6:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Distracted driving advocates joined Gov. Jeff Landry and other officials to re-introduce the Hands-Free Law to the legislature after multiple failed attempts. Louisiana already has a law in place that criminalizes distracted driving, but the new law would provide stricter guidelines, such as specific limits on... more »

• Baton Rouge students launch trackers to see where litter that ends up in the river goes Play Video

  April 15, 2025 6:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE - East Baton Rouge Parish students are turning trash into tech and sending it down the Mississippi River one tracker at a time. "It’s a big problem that needs to be solved," one student said about the frequent trash on the roads and in the rivers across... more »

• WBRZ RETRO WEEK: The man known as the 'Walter Cronkite' of Baton Rouge Play Video

  April 15, 2025 12:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Seventy years ago this week, WBRZ went on the air, and over the last years there have been many men and women who sat at the anchor desk, but one of them was the face of Channel 2 for 20 years. John Mahaffey anchored at WBRZ... more »

• Charges upgraded for man accused of killing 5-year-old daughter Play Video

  April 14, 2025 9:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A man accused of killing his 5-year-old daughter three years ago now faces more severe charges. Aaron Hawkins, 26, was previously charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to a juvenile charges in the death of his daughter. Now, he is charged with first-degree murder. ... more »

• Last of Baton Rouge drug traffickers who operated out of University Lake home pleads guilty Play Video

  April 9, 2025 6:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A Prairieville man part of a drug ring that operated out of a home on University Lake and did deals in the parking lot of Mall of Louisiana pleaded guilty to a federal charge Tuesday. Clarence Corey Anderson was initially arrested alongside five others after a... more »

• Deteriorated roads cost Baton Rouge drivers more annually than any other city in Louisiana, study shows Play Video

  April 9, 2025 11:28 AM

  BATON ROUGE—Deteriorated roads across the state, specifically in Baton Rouge, annually cost drivers more than any other city in Louisiana in wasted fuel, additional operating costs, and crashes, a report by a Washington, D.C.-based research firm released Wednesday said. Transportation Research Informatics Platform's “Keeping Louisiana Mobile” report says that... more »

• West Feliciana Parish teen starts organization providing accessible Narcan to combat overdoses Play Video

  April 7, 2025 6:36 PM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE - A teenager in West Feliciana Parish is taking the battle against opioid addiction into her own hands. Leila Ramos, a 16-year-old senior at West Feliciana High School, is looking to make an impact in her community by making Narcan, an anti-opioid overdose drug, more readily available.... more »

• Mayor-President Sid Edwards joins city-parish employees in cleanup day ahead of Love the Boot Play Video

  April 4, 2025 2:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana's annual Love the Boot Week kicked off in Baton Rouge on Friday with a City-Parish Employees Cleanup Day. Mayor-President Sid Edwards was joined by employees from East Baton Rouge Parish's various departments across the parish. Baton Rouge Police were among the groups that participated... more »

• Metro Councilwoman hosting community event at MLK Community Center next Saturday

  April 3, 2025 5:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge Metro Councilwoman Twahna P. Harris is hosting a Community Festival at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center next weekend. The festival is being held at the Gus Young Avenue community center and aims to gather people together for a day of fun during the... more »

• Annual Baton Rouge Blues Festival returns this weekend Play Video

  April 1, 2025 6:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Music lovers throughout the capital region can sing and dance along to great music at the Baton Rouge Blues Fest this weekend. This free event is happening downtown and attendees are welcome to jam out to music, eat food and enjoy the day with family and... more »

• Vacant Scotland Avenue home destroyed in Wednesday morning fire Play Video

  March 26, 2025 2:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A vacant Scotland Avenue house was destroyed Wednesday after it caught fire. Baton Rouge Fire officials said that the home caught fire around 9:55 a.m. and it was put out within 40 minutes. Officials said that flames were visible from the roof of the building.... more »

• Seven people taken to hospital carbon monoxide exposure; BRFD warns of gas' dangers Play Video

  March 21, 2025 11:02 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Seven people were rushed to the hospital Friday morning after a carbon monoxide exposure at their home. Emergency officials say it’s a warning for everyone. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless — it's known as the "invisible killer." Friday morning, Baton Rouge EMS... more »

• Rapper connected to Bleedas gang visits Baton Rouge school; Louisiana's AG, school district weigh in Play Video

  March 19, 2025 6:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A rapper with connections to the Bleedas gang visited his Baton Rouge alma mater and recorded a video with students imitating gunfire this week. He was on the campus of Park Forest Middle School to make a donation, a source close to the school said. ... more »

• Businesses along Wearin' of the Green route reflect on economic impact ahead of 40th parade rolling Play Video

  March 14, 2025 5:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana is known for its many parades in New Orleans, though when St. Patrick's Day rolls around, Baton Rouge gets an influx of business for the annual Wearin’ of the Green Parade. The economic impact of this parade, which rolls for the 40th time on Sunday,... more »

• Police arrest four people accused of stealing packages in Baton Rouge

  March 14, 2025 1:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Four people were arrested for their alleged involvement in a string of package thefts across Baton Rouge. Officers arrested Mikel Wenger, 21; Ladarius Williams, 23; Jaymi Holland, 23; and Devonta James, 22. Police said that on March 11, they received an anonymous tip to investigate... more »

• Southern breaks ground on new $68 million STEM complex; expected to be complete by spring 2027 Play Video

  March 11, 2025 5:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Southern University broke ground Tuesday morning on a new "state-of-the-art" STEM facility. The three-story building will enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics education at the university and be a hub for collaboration with industrial partners. The $68 million facility was funded by appropriations from the... more »

• City-parish unveils new funding plan appeasing mayor's office, library following reallocation concerns Play Video

  March 11, 2025 3:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Mayor-President Sid Edwards and the parish library system announced Tuesday that they came to a compromise after weeks of concern over a portion of the library's budget possibly being reallocated to other sources. "I am very happy to say, that after much deliberation in many meetings... more »

• Larry Selders sworn in as state senator representing Baton Rouge's 14th District Play Video

  March 11, 2025 1:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE — State Sen. Larry Selders was officially sworn in at the State Capitol on Tuesday after winning Rep. Cleo Fields' former seat. Selders, a Democrat, now represents Baton Rouge in Louisiana's 14th District after winning a special election for Fields' former seat on Feb. 15. District... more »

• East Baton Rouge Parish Library hosts public informational meetings on millage, future of library Play Video

  March 5, 2025 5:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is hosting public informational meetings on the library system and its future as the mayor-president's plan to reallocate funds away from the library to other services. The meetings take place on these following days and at these locations: Main... more »

• First Black student to walk the halls of Baton Rouge High dies at 78

  March 5, 2025 1:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE — One of the first Black student to walk the halls of Baton Rouge High School has died at 78, The Advocate reports. Aurelius Paul Martinez died in Los Angeles on Feb. 11. The retired respiratory therapist was among the first Black students to attend the... more »

• Baton Rouge Bus Boycott in 1953 inspired key activists during Civil Rights Movement Play Video

  February 25, 2025 6:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Over 70 years ago, the Baton Rouge Bus Boycott paved the way for later boycotts like the famed Montgomery Bus Boycott which played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement. Florence Porter was turning 12 the summer the boycott took place in 1953. She said... more »

• Five students from the capital area finalists for 2025 Louisiana Students of the Year Play Video

  February 25, 2025 5:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Five students in the capital area were among 24 finalists for Louisiana Students of the Year, the Department of Education announced Tuesday. Zoey Jenkins from Parkview Elementary School in East Baton Rouge Parish, Kai Ava-Jrew Butler from Brusly Upper Elementary School in West Baton Rouge Parish... more »

• Baton Rouge pastor set to retire after nearly 50 years of service

  February 25, 2025 1:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE — After serving as pastor at both New Hope Baptist Church and Second Baptist Church for nearly 50 years, Rev. Leo D. Cyrus Sr. is officially retiring. The reverend served as pastor at New Hope for 48 years and at Second Baptist for 41 years. Cyrus... more »

• 2une In Previews: Celebrating the capital region with 225 Fest Play Video

  February 25, 2025 6:51 AM

  BATON ROUGE - On Feb. 25, 2/25, communities can come together to celebrate everything the capital region has to offer. This morning, 2une In's Abigail Whitam spoke with a representative from the baton Rouge Area Chamber about how local residents and businesses can celebrate 225Fest. " As key... more »

• Highland Road near Staring Lane to be closed nightly for sewer work starting Monday Play Video

  February 24, 2025 12:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A stretch of Highland Road will be closed nightly for sewer work starting Monday. Highland Road will be completely closed from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Monday through Thursday east of the Highland intersection with Magnolia Wood Avenue near Staring Lane. Traffic in both... more »

• Downtown oyster spot closes, will reopen under new name Play Video

  February 21, 2025 12:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Have no fear, oyster fans; the old Jolie Pearl spot downtown will reopen soon under new ownership. The restaurant will have more of an oyster focus, under the new name Bayes Oyster Bar. Rick Volland recently gobbled up the spot and plans to get busy working... more »

• West Baton Rouge Fire Department looking for recruits as they face staff shortages seen nationwide Play Video

  February 20, 2025 10:05 PM

  PORT ALLEN - The West Baton Rouge Fire Department is looking for recruits as they face staff shortage trends seen nationwide. "Fire departments all over the state of Louisiana are struggling to find people who want to continue the call of this high-intensive labor job," West Baton Rouge Fire... more »

• Group of Baton Rouge pastors say the entire parish should not be voting on library funding reallocation Play Video

  February 20, 2025 9:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A group of south Baton Rouge pastors said that the city-parish should not be voting on a motion that would move a portion of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System’s budget to a general fund for use by police and other programs. The Prophetic Voices... more »

• Mayor-President Sid Edwards says city crime situation 'better' under his leadership Play Video

  February 20, 2025 6:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Halfway through his first 100 days in office, Mayor-President Sid Edwards says he is still learning the ropes. "The biggest adjustment for me is the slow pace — the slow pace of government. As a coach, I like to rock and roll. I like to go,"... more »

• Four council races unopposed after candidate for St. George's District 2 drops out of race Play Video

  February 18, 2025 6:17 PM

  ST. GEORGE — Four St. George Council races are unopposed after a candidate for the District 2 council seat dropped out of the race. According to the Secretary of State's Office, William "Bill" Brigman, an independent, dropped out of the race, leaving Republican Steve "Chilli" Monachello unopposed for the... more »

• Community organizations announce design firm spearheading revitalization of downtown Baton Rouge Play Video

  February 18, 2025 1:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A firm has been selected to spearhead an initiative aimed at revitalizing downtown Baton Rouge, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and other groups announced Tuesday. Plan Baton Rouge III will be led by the planning group Sasaki, a 70-year-old firm that specializes in planning and civil... more »

• New York doc wanted in Louisiana abortion pill case fined by Texas authorities in similar case Play Video

  February 17, 2025 12:10 PM

  ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A Texas judge on Thursday ordered a New York doctor to pay more than $100,000 in penalties for prescribing abortion pills to a woman near Dallas, a ruling that could test “shield laws” in Democratic-controlled states where abortion is legal. The ruling was handed down... more »

• Old Governor's Mansion, Baton Rouge museums offering free admission on the first Sunday of every month

  February 14, 2025 3:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Old Governor's Mansion is one of multiple museums across Baton Rouge offering free admissions on the first Sunday of every month starting in March. The Free First Sunday initiative kicks off on March 2 and will allow visitors to experience the museum free of charge.... more »

• New senior-friendly community coming to north Baton Rouge Play Video

  February 14, 2025 10:46 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A new senior community is coming to Baton Rouge in a prime location with tons of walking space. The Banyan Foundation and Partners Southeast are hosting the grand opening of Hollywood Heights and Acres, a new 90-home neighborhood with spacious homes for seniors 55 and older.... more »

• 17 Baton Rouge High students selected as candidates for prestigious national honor

  February 12, 2025 8:57 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Nearly 20 Baton Rouge Magnet High School students were selected as candidates for a presidential honor. The 17 students selected as Presidential Scholar candidates by the U.S. Department of Education are: - Nicole Baumgartner - Emily Chen - Owen Dong - Ryan Feng - Varun... more »

• Mayor-President Edwards, East Baton Rouge Parish officials announce two crime initiatives Play Video

  February 10, 2025 10:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Mayor-President Sid Edwards and other city-parish officials on Tuesday announced a pair of new anti-crime initiatives they say will make East Baton Rouge Parish safer. The first initiative is the implementation of a law passed last year that would allow retired police officers to return to... more »

• EBRSO: 16-year-old brings gun to Tara High, weapon found during random search Play Video

  February 10, 2025 3:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A 16-year-old Tara High School student was arrested Monday morning when staff did a random search and found a loaded gun in his school bag. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office said the student told deputies he didn't know it was in his backpack. ... more »

• Southern male nursing students, others to be honored at Super Bowl festivities in New Orleans Play Video

  February 7, 2025 4:34 PM

  NEW ORLEANS — A group of Southern University's male nursing students will be honored in New Orleans this weekend as part of a multi-day Southern presence at Super Bowl LIX. More than 35 male nursing students will be honored at a Saturday breakfast event in New Orleans. The school... more »

• Man sent father child porn while in jail; father said 'keep them coming'

  February 7, 2025 11:10 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A father-son duo was sentenced to federal prison after sending each other child porn; the son did so while in jail for a prior offense. Bobby Wall Jr., 46, of Parchman, Mississippi, admitted during the trial that he used Facebook Messenger to send his father, Bobby... more »

• Police searching for three people who burglarized multiple vehicles along Southlawn Drive

  February 6, 2025 1:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge Police are searching for three people who burglarized several cars along Southlawn Drive. The burglaries happened on Jan. 26 and police provided surveillance photos of the three burglars showing them inside a convenience store. Anyone with information regarding the identity of these individuals... more »

• Sports legends attending 'Huddle for Hope' event in Baton Rouge to raise awareness for mental health Play Video

  February 5, 2025 9:47 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A powerful event aimed at addressing mental health awareness and the dangers of fentanyl and drug overdoses is happening Wednesday evening at the Renaissance Hotel. The Huddle Up for Hope event will feature CBS' The NFL Today sportscaster James "JB" Brown as its host. Over... more »

• Baton Rouge General to provide free monthly vein screenings starting this month Play Video

  February 3, 2025 5:26 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Starting this month, Baton Rouge General Medical Center will offer free once-a-month vein screenings. The screenings include a brief exam with an ultrasound to look at superficial leg veins. Conditions that indicate a person may need vein screening include swelling, ulcers, varicose veins, spider veins,... more »

• Grammy-nominated Lainey Wilson returns to Louisiana as world tour makes its way to Baton Rouge

  January 31, 2025 6:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Lainey Wilson is coming to Baton Rouge as one of the stops on her newly announced world tour that kicks off in March. Wilson, a Louisiana native, will bring her "Whirlwind World Tour" to the Raising Cane's River Center on Sept. 11. During her Baton Rouge... more »

• St. George interim mayor facing opposition in city's first election as qualifying period ends Play Video

  January 31, 2025 2:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The March 29 Municipal Primary Election's ballot has been set with the end of the three-day qualifying period on Friday. The City of St. George will be holding its first election and voters will elect its first elected government after its council and administrative roles were... more »