Tagged News

• 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 »

• WBR Parish students staying in the classroom despite statewide increase in absenteeism Play Video

  January 28, 2025 6:32 PM

  PORT ALLEN — While chronic absenteeism among Louisiana students rose during the 2023-2024 school year, it lowered in West Baton Rouge Parish. According to data from the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), nearly one in four students in the state was chronically absent from school. West Baton Rouge Parish... more »

• Customers urged to shop, eat local after snow causes days-long closures Play Video

  January 24, 2025 6:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - After a snowstorm briefly hit the pause button on daily life in South Louisiana, businesses are opening back up. Most locally owned restaurants and shops have been closed for at least two days after the second-coldest day and second-highest snowfall on record, which led to lost... more »

• Suspect in January shooting death of woman in hotel room arrested by BRPD Play Video

  January 24, 2025 5:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A man accused of murdering a woman in a hotel room earlier in January was arrested Friday. Donald Ray Walker, 31, was arrested in front of the Lake Towers Apartment Complex on North 9th Street. He is suspected of killing 56-year-old Linda Mayes in the Regency... more »

• Trash collection to resume in Baton Rouge metro area, surrounding parishes on Friday following freeze Play Video

  January 23, 2025 5:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Trash collection in the capital region will resume on Friday for those whose garbage service is provided by WM, the company said following Tuesday's record snowfall and freezing temperatures. Customers will be serviced on the next regularly scheduled collection day in the Baton Rouge Metro area... more »

• WBRZ's Balin Rogers captures stunning drone footage of Baton Rouge blanketed in snow Play Video

  January 23, 2025 2:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The capital region saw the most snow it's seen in over 100 years earlier this week. WBRZ Meteorologist Balin Rogers sent his drone into the sky above Baton Rouge and captured the historic event. Baton Rouge landmarks like the Mississippi River Bridge, Tiger Stadium and... more »

• WBR among parishes asking residents to only drip faucets at night to maintain water pressure Play Video

  January 23, 2025 11:32 AM

  PORT ALLEN — Officials in multiple parishes asked residents to drip their faucets only at night while temperatures continue to remain below freezing. West Baton Rouge Parish officials notified residents with multiple emergency alert system messages asking them not to drip their faucets during the day to conserve water... more »

• WATCH: Mississippi River bridge closes for snow, couple takes a stroll until police stop them Play Video

  January 22, 2025 4:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Long-distance truck drivers and local commuters weren't using the bridge carrying Interstate 10 over the Mississippi River during a snowstorm, so a local couple did. "It was quite chilly," Adam Penton said, "but this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so we had to take it." At... more »

• Who's a good boy? This weather is for the dogs - quite literally

  January 21, 2025 8:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Tuesday's winter storm is the first snow for many dogs in south Louisiana. Check out these good boys (and girls) as they enjoy the cold weather. Share your photos with us at news@wbrz.com , even the ones without dogs in them. more »

• Winter storm sweeps across Baton Rouge area; WBRZ viewers share images Play Video

  January 21, 2025 7:44 AM

  BATON ROUGE — WBRZ viewers awoke to the beginnings of a winter storm Tuesday and shared what they saw out their front doors. more »

• Flights departing New Orleans, Baton Rouge canceled ahead of impending winter weather Play Video

  January 20, 2025 3:30 PM

  Many flights scheduled to depart from Louisiana's airports on Tuesday have been canceled as airport officials monitor the frigid weather conditions and impending snowfall. Some flights leaving the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport have been canceled some flights departing from the airport. United Airlines has temporarily suspended flights departing... more »

• Capital region hospitals announce operating decisions ahead of freezing weather, snowfall Play Video

  January 20, 2025 1:40 PM

  BATON ROUGE — All Baton Rouge General hospital campuses will stay open on Tuesday and Wednesday as temperatures continue to drop below freezing and snowfall is expected. Baton Rouge General locations on Bluebonnet Boulevard, in Mid City and in Ascension Parish will all continue to serve patients. Baton... more »

• BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo names new jaguar cub after Southern's mascot Play Video

  January 17, 2025 1:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE — After months of searching for a name, BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo on Friday named its new jaguar cub after Southern University's mascot. The cub will be named Lacumba III after Southern's jaguar mascot. "Lacumba III honors Louisiana’s heritage while symbolizing hope for this near-threatened species,"... more »

• Belle of Baton Rouge riverboat towed to Terrebonne Parish as Baton Rouge casino eyes 2025 revitalization Play Video

  January 14, 2025 11:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A fixture in downtown Baton Rouge was being sent off Tuesday to Terrebonne Parish. The riverboat segment of the Belle of Baton Rouge, a combination casino and hotel, was towed from Baton Rouge to Gibson. With the riverboat out of the way, the Belle's new... more »

• Mayor Sid Edwards told the Rotary Club he plans on unifying city by tackling crime, blight Play Video

  January 8, 2025 6:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Mayor-President Sid Edwards set forth his vision of a better Baton Rouge at the Rotary Club on Wednesday afternoon. Edwards said there are several hurdles the city must overcome. These range from crime to divisiveness. He said he has a plan to tackle crime, starting... more »

• 2025 Parade schedule for Mardi Gras celebrations in and around the capital area Play Video

  January 3, 2025 4:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Carnival is longer than usual this year, running eight weeks and two days. By tradition, king cake sales begin on Epiphany, Jan. 6, and run through Mardi Gras, which is March 4 this year (and the knife stays in the box). Heading... more »

• East Baton Rouge Metro Council members sworn in with 2 new members; council names new mayor pro-tem Play Video

  January 2, 2025 5:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Two new members of the East Baton Rouge Metro Council were sworn in Thursday, along with 10 returning members. Anthony Kenney and Twahna P. Harris joined the panel after being elected last year. Kenney represents an area extending from Scotlandville to north of Zachary, while Harris... more »

• Capital area law enforcement agencies share where fireworks can, cannot be shot off

  December 31, 2024 1:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE — As much fun as fireworks on New Year's Eve may be, it's important to remember where they are legally allowed to be shot off in the capital area. WBRZ reached out to law enforcement agencies in multiple parishes to find out where fireworks are allowed to... more »

• Iberville Parish President supports Gov. Landry's tax plan to borrow money from new bridge project Play Video

  December 9, 2024 6:17 PM

  PLAQUEMINE - Despite Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle claiming that $40 million allocated for the Baton Rouge regional bridge project is being postponed for two years, he added Monday that there’s no reason to panic. The funds, which were originally designated for the new Mississippi River Bridge, are being... more »

• West Baton Rouge Parish deputies searching for two people who stole $1,000 in merchandise from Walmart

  December 9, 2024 4:19 PM

  PORT ALLEN — West Baton Rouge Parish deputies are searching for two people accused of stealing from the Port Allen Walmart. Deputies said that the pair stole $1,000 worth of merchandise from the store on Nov. 21. Anyone with information on the pair is asked to call detectives... more »

• Detectives searching for suspect in theft from Perkins Road business Play Video

  December 3, 2024 12:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Officers are searching for a suspect in a theft from a business on Perkins Road that happened in October. Investigators with the Baton Rouge Police Department said the person pictured above is believed to be connected to a theft from a clothing store on Perkins Road... more »