Tagged News

• 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 »

• Laissez les bon temp rouler! 2025 Parade schedule for Mardi Gras celebrations in and around the capital area

  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 into Mardi Gras, here... 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 »

• East Baton Rouge voters accounted for 40% of state's early voting numbers ahead of Dec. 7 election Play Video

  December 2, 2024 1:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE — East Baton Rouge Parish voters cast around 40% of the state's early ballots, more than any other parish in the state, ahead of the Dec. 7 election, Secretary of State data released Monday shows. Of 93,893 early votes cast, 37,251 — 39.67% — came from East... more »

• Woman who pleaded guilty to embezzling $1.7 million from BR company sentenced to five years in prison

  November 13, 2024 2:40 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A Georgia woman convicted of wire fraud and unlawful transactions was sentenced to more than five years in prison and to pay nearly $1.7 million in restitution for fraud she committed in Baton Rouge. Thanh Hoa Thi Bui, 42, will also serve three years of supervised... more »

• 2une In Previews: Commemorating the United States Marine Corps' 249th birthday in the capital area Play Video

  November 7, 2024 8:12 AM

  BATON ROUGE — This weekend is the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and local Marines are celebrating. The Choctaw Detachment of the Marine Corps League in Baton Rouge has organized several events to celebrate. "It's an honor because we're celebrating it with our brothers and... more »

• Greater Baton Rouge State Fair closed Friday; second night in a row fair was closed due to weather

  November 1, 2024 3:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair will be closed for a second night in a row on Friday due to weather, the fair announced on social media. A Facebook post says the fair is closed due to weather and the chance of lightning. The fair was... more »

• Study looking at BRPD-EBRSO merger says move would be feasible and would save taxpayer money Play Video

  October 30, 2024 2:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A report prepared for a coalition of 450 individuals, businesses and non-profit groups suggested Wednesday that the region could see improved public safety programs if it merged the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office with the Baton Rouge Police Department. Safe BR hired 21CP Solutions to prepare... more »

• Greater Baton Rouge State Fair opens gates for weekend of fun at fairgrounds off Airline Highway Play Video

  October 24, 2024 6:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair kicked off a weekend of fun on Thursday at the fairgrounds off Airline Highway. The fair starts at 5 p.m. and tickets for Thursday night only are $10. The price increases to $15 for the rest of the weekend. You... more »

• Greater Baton Rouge State Fair kicks off Thursday, runs through weekend Play Video

  October 23, 2024 5:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair opens its gates on Thursday at the fairgrounds off Airline Highway. The fair starts operation at 5 p.m. and tickets start at $15, but for Thursday night only, tickets will be $10. There will be plenty of rides, food,... more »

• WBR deputies searching for woman connected to burglary investigation

  October 16, 2024 11:54 AM

  PORT ALLEN — West Baton Rouge Parish deputies are attempting to identify a woman connected to a burglary. Deputies released a picture of the woman who was involved in a Thursday burglary that is still being investigated. If you recognize the individual or have any information regarding her... more »

• Baton Rouge mayor candidates address key issues in effort to win over undecided voters at Press Club Play Video

  October 14, 2024 6:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Four candidates for East Baton Rouge Parish mayor-president went to the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday to win over undecided voters. Mayoral candidates Ted James, Nathaniel Hearn, Steve Myers and incumbent Sharon Weston Broome answered some remaining questions as the campaign winds down. ... more »

• Atlanta man accused of dealing cocaine, codeine in Baton Rouge arrested after traffic stop Play Video

  October 14, 2024 5:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A suspected drug dealer was arrested by deputies after being stopped in a traffic violation over the weekend. Patrick Dallas, 36, was arrested Sunday on possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and promethazine with codeine charges. Dallas was pulled over by officers in a... more »

• 'Callin' Baton Rouge' singer Garth Brooks issues statement amid sexual assault allegations Play Video

  October 3, 2024 5:25 PM

  LOS ANGELES (AP) — A woman who says she worked as a hair-and-makeup stylist for Garth Brooks alleged in a lawsuit filed Thursday that he raped her in a Los Angeles hotel in 2019. The woman does not use her name and goes by Jane Roe in the lawsuit... more »

• Motorcyclist killed after he was struck by car at South Boulevard, Nicholson Drive intersection Play Video

  October 2, 2024 12:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A man is dead from injuries he sustained when his motorcycle crashed into a car on South Boulevard, Baton Rouge Police said. Logan Oubre, 26, died after the Monday evening crash at the intersection of South Boulevard and Nicholson Drive. Around 9:44 p.m., Oubre and... more »

• New Orleans carjacking suspect, juvenile escapee captured by US Marshals in Baton Rouge, report says Play Video

  September 26, 2024 2:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A New Orleans carjacker sought since Monday has been captured in Baton Rouge, according to WWL. Carlos Taylor, 17, has been on the run since escaping the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center. He is accused of carjacking a 72-year-old woman on Monday. According to the New... more »

• Deputies searching for man who robbed Hooper Road convenience store at gunpoint

  September 23, 2024 4:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Deputies are searching for the suspect in an armed robbery at a gas station's convenience store on Hooper Road. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office said that they are searching for a masked man who walked in brandishing a gun and demanded money from the... more »

• East Baton Rouge Parish mayor-president candidates go head-to-head this week for debates Play Video

  September 23, 2024 11:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE - With less than two months until the Nov. 5 election, two East Baton Rouge Parish mayoral debates are happening this week. According to the latest poll, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome is leading the race with 29 percent of the votes while Sid Edwards and Ted James... more »

• EBR officials break ground on 'Restoring Plank Road' project set to begin in October Play Video

  September 18, 2024 6:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE — East Baton Rouge Parish officials broke ground Wednesday on their "Restoring Plank Road" project. It is the largest project in the MOVEBR's Bus Rapid Transit Project and will stretch from Interstate 110 to Airline Highway. Ever since launching in 2019, MOVEBR has been working on... more »

• Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative in Baton Rouge call on future president for action Play Video

  September 18, 2024 8:26 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Representatives from 30 cities along the Mississippi River met in Baton Rouge this week to encourage greater business and community connections. The Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative is an association of "local governments from across the Mississippi River Valley that came together in 2012 to... more »

• Days after Hurricane Francine, West Baton Rouge Parish's sugarcane harvest begins on Monday

  September 13, 2024 12:36 PM

  PORT ALLEN — As the sugarcane harvest begins on Monday, the West Baton Rouge Parish sheriff is advising drivers to use caution on the roads as farmers transport the harvest to the mill. Sheriff Jeff Bergeron said that people driving on West Baton Rouge roads should exercise caution and... more »

• Closures and cancellations due to Hurricane Francine

  September 10, 2024 12:31 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The following businesses and government agencies have announced closures or cancellations related to Francine: Wednesday: 19th Judicial District Court 21st Judicial District Court Ascension Parish Government Baker City Court Baton Rouge General’s outpatient wound care and outpatient therapy (CLOSES AT NOON) Belle of Baton Rouge BREC... more »

• WBRZ's East Baton Rouge Mayoral Candidate Forum postponed ahead of Francine's landfall Play Video

  September 9, 2024 2:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The 2024 East Baton Rouge Mayoral Candidate Forum originally set to air on Wednesday on WBRZ has been postponed due to inclement weather expected following Francine's expected landfall on Wednesday. A new date for the event has not yet been set. The event will be... more »

• Baton Rouge native and Sports Illustrated model Brooks Nader joins cast of Dancing with the Stars

  September 4, 2024 6:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge native and model Brooks Nader is joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, ABC announced Wednesday. Nader gained a permanent spot in Sports Illustrated magazine in 2019 after participating in an open-call competition. Nader left Tulane University for the try-outs in New... more »

• DOTD: Intracoastal bridge project won't be done until 2028 Play Video

  August 29, 2024 5:47 PM

  PORT ALLEN - The daily commute will continue to be a struggle for drivers on the west side of the river for a few more years. According to DOTD, a major shift is coming in about six months when the new southbound Intracoastal Canal Bridge is complete. That's when... more »

• United States Army visits capital area high schools during Army Career Week Play Video

  August 26, 2024 11:39 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The United States Army is making its way around local high schools for Army Career Week beginning on Monday. New immersive technology exhibits are being used to give students hands-on experience "to help spread awareness about all the different career and job opportunities the Army offers,... more »

• State trooper on leave for DWI charge arrested again on another drunk driving charge Play Video

  August 26, 2024 11:38 AM

  BATON ROUGE — A suspended Louisiana State Police trooper was arrested for drunk driving early Monday morning. Isaiah Gilbert, 28, was arrested and booked on improper lane usage, driving while intoxicated, driving under suspension and simple damage to property. This was Gilbert's second DWI this year, previously being arrested... more »

• Baton Rouge reproductive rights activist speaking at opening night of Democratic National Convention Play Video

  August 19, 2024 12:37 PM

  CHICAGO — A Baton Rouge reproductive rights activist is set to take the stage Monday evening as the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago less than 80 days before a presidential election where issues like abortion will be key talking points for both candidates. Kaitlyn Joshua is one... more »

• 'Showdown on the Bluff' football jamboree at A.W. Mumford stadium to take place August 29-30 Play Video

  August 16, 2024 3:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A football jamboree called "Showdown on the Bluff" featuring East Baton Rouge high schools will take place at Southern University's A.W. Mumford Stadium on August 29 and 30, according to EBR Schools. The release called it "the start of a historic athletic partnership" between EBR Schools... more »

• Luther Kent, blues musician and WBRH radio host, dies at age 76 Play Video

  August 16, 2024 3:05 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS — Luther Kent, who began singing the blues as a teenager and most recently hosted a popular radio program on Baton Rouge High School's WBRH radio station, died at his home Friday of congestive heart failure. He was 76. Music promoter Johnny Palazzotto said Friday no formal... more »

• West Baton Rouge School System employees get four percent raise

  August 9, 2024 3:53 PM

  PORT ALLEN - West Baton Rouge School System staff received a four percent raise to begin the school year, according to a statement from the superintendent. The raise had been approved by the WBR School Board during its June meeting. The pay raise amounts to which amounts to $2,000... more »

• Man sentenced to 7 years in prison for beating death outside of Splash Nightclub Play Video

  August 7, 2024 5:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A man was sentenced to seven years in prison two years after beating another person to death outside of an LSU-area nightclub. Court documents say that Edmond Revelle pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the killing of Hayes Sellers in May 2022 and was sentenced Tuesday. ... more »

• Central Community Schools welcome 1,550 students back on Thursday Play Video

  August 7, 2024 11:38 AM

  CENTRAL - The first day of school is almost here and Central High School expects 1,550 students to walk through the front doors Thursday. Superintendent Jason Fountain says they're focusing not only on keeping their students safe but having them enjoy their years in the school system. "People say... more »

• Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge, Exxon Mobil help repair, renovate homes across city Play Video

  August 2, 2024 5:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Community revitalization group Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge has teamed with Exxon Mobil to help repair and renovate one local home a month. On Friday, a Baton Rouge homeowner is thankful for their help building a wheelchair ramp and repairing his kitchen and bathroom. Exxon Mobil... more »

• Detectives trying to identify person who used stolen bank card at store

  July 31, 2024 6:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Detectives with the Baton Rouge Police are trying to identify someone suspected of using a stolen bank card at a store. According to detectives, the person used a stolen bank card to complete fraudulent transactions at Dick's Sporting Goods. Anyone with information is urged to... more »

• Off-duty State Police lieutenant retires after DWI arrest Play Video

  July 19, 2024 12:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE — An off-duty Louisiana State Police lieutenant retired Monday after he was arrested for drunk driving late Thursday night. Prentiss "Trey" Bellue, 51, was arrested for a first-offense DWI after he crashed his personal car while driving on I-10 near Perkins Road around 11:30 p.m. that night.... more »

• See everyone running for public office across Louisiana as qualifying period opens Play Video

  July 17, 2024 10:16 AM

  BATON ROUGE — The race for mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish began to take shape for real Wednesday when incumbent Sharon Weston Broome and former Biden Administration official Ted James filed paperwork to enter the contest. Qualifying for local, state and federal offices opened Wednesday across Louisiana, and... more »

• BRFD responds to early morning fire on Saint Katherine Avenue

  July 12, 2024 10:36 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge Fire responded to a house fire on Saint Katherine Avenue near Airline Highway early Friday morning, officials said. Firefighters received a call about the fire around 2:09 a.m. and found the home with fire and smoke coming from the front room of the house.... more »

• More than 30 Louisiana athletes are competing at the Olympics in Paris; see who's representing the capital area Play Video

  July 3, 2024 3:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Competing in the Olympics is every athlete's dream but only some get the opportunity. This year 31 current and former LSU athletes—and one future coach—have punched their tickets to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, as well as two athletes from across the state. LSU is... more »

• Local emergency services advise safety first with fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July holiday Play Video

  July 3, 2024 1:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Many events are happening in and around Baton Rouge to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you are celebrating outside or at home, you should be mindful of safety measures. One of the main things to remember is that fireworks are illegal within the city limits of Baton... more »

• Grand Marshal, Resident of the Year announced for 52nd annual Kenilworth Parade for Independence Day Play Video

  July 3, 2024 12:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Kenilworth neighborhood is hosting its 52nd annual Independence Day parade at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on Boone Avenue, with this year's theme being "We the People." This year's Grand Marshal is Jennifer Richardson, founder of Keep Tiger Town Beautiful. The Kenilworth Resident of the Year is... more »

• Zachary native, Super Bowl-winning quarterback Doug Williams honored in local hall of fame Play Video

  June 25, 2024 2:40 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A Super Bowl-winning quarterback who went to a local high school was finally honored as a member of the inaugural class of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System Athletic Hall of Fame after not being able to attend the May ceremony. Doug Williams was honored... more »

• Pierre to take over as Southern University's chancellor; plans to expand educational programs Play Video

  June 24, 2024 6:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Change is coming to Southern University's leadership. John K. Pierre will no longer be chancellor of the law center. Starting July 1, Pierre will serve as chancellor of the university’s entire campus. This is the first time since 2015 that the role of president-chancellor will be... more »