Tagged News

• Teen previously accused of robbing woman while holding her children at gunpoint arrested for murder Play Video

  June 5, 2026 8:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A teenager who was previously wanted on armed robbery charges after he and his mother robbed a woman while holding her children at gunpoint was arrested for first-degree murder. According to arrest records, 17-year-old Markell Rogers and his mother, Briauna Rogers, gave another woman a ride... more »

• Swim instructor from Fishys Aquatics shares pool safety tips as families take to the water for summer Play Video

  May 24, 2026 4:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14, according to the CDC, with the Louisiana Department of Health saying that one of the best ways to prevent drowning is to teach your child how to swim. Autumn Percival,... more »

• Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre's Youth Ballet returns with free performances for the summer season Play Video

  May 24, 2026 12:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre's Youth Ballet is back for another exciting summer season, featuring three performances for audiences across the Baton Rouge area. This year's production, Ballet Soiree, features a mix of classical ballets, including excerpts from Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Cinderella. Jonna... more »

• Nearly 200 early childhood educators honored at celebration in Baton Rouge Play Video

  May 23, 2026 7:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The East Baton Rouge Parish School System recognized 171 early childhood educators at a celebration at the Baton Rouge Marriott on Saturday. Honorees, which included 51 EBR pre-K teachers and 120 educators from partner childcare centers, charter schools and private providers, earned an "excellent" rating from... more »

• West Feliciana DA steps in after judge removes no-contact order for man charged with rape of child Play Video

  May 12, 2026 5:25 PM

  WEST FELICIANA — The West Feliciana District Attorney's office has stepped into a custody case that became a criminal matter involving allegations of sexual abuse against a father. District Attorney Sam D'Aquilla filed a motion to reinstate bond conditions for Jacob Mansell and remove children from his home,... more »

• New report says Louisiana's system for funding public schools is outdated, proposes changes Play Video

  May 11, 2026 1:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana's system for funding public schools is outdated, according to a report by Louisiana Kids Matter. The report includes changes to the current funding system, Louisiana's Minimum Foundation Program, that would send money to schools based on students' needs. The current system determines how much... more »

• Funeral held in Shreveport for 8 children killed in mass shooting Play Video

  May 9, 2026 3:55 PM

  SHREVEPORT — A funeral for the eight children killed by Shamar Elkins on April 19 was held in Shreveport on Saturday. Elkins allegedly shot a woman at a home before going to a house a few blocks away and shooting the children, according to authorities. His wife, who... more »

• Shreveport man arrested after gunmen who killed eight children allegedly fled to his house Play Video

  April 24, 2026 9:58 PM

  SHREVEPORT — A Shreveport man was arrested for illegally possessing firearms on Thursday after Shamar Elkins , who killed eight children, allegedly fled to his house. According to the United States Attorney's Office, 54-year-old Michael Mayence was charged with illegally possessing a firearm while being subject to a domestic... more »

• Louisiana officials urge residents to seek emotional support after Shreveport shooting Play Video

  April 20, 2026 2:27 PM

  SHREVEPORT — Several entities are offering mental health support to people affected by the mass shooting in Shreveport. Louisiana 988 is available for emergency emotional support by calling or texting 988 or chatting online at Louisiana988.org. The service connects people to specialists who provide free, confidential support 24/7. ... more »

• Police looking for Baker mother who left six children alone in home with rat feces, warrant says Play Video

  April 15, 2026 6:02 PM

  BAKER - Police are searching for a mother who allegedly left her six children at home alone, without food or a working toilet in a house full of rat feces. According to an arrest warrant, Baker Police officers were called to 31-year-old Brianna Carpenter's home along Wilson Street on... more »

• Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to launch new customer service number Play Video

  April 13, 2026 11:39 AM

  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services will launch a new customer service number Wednesday. According to DCFS, the new number is designed to make it easier for Louisiana residents to reach the department for assistance. Residents can now call 877-7LA-DCFS (877-752-3237) for child... more »

• Man claiming to work for Roblox facing 195 new charges for child sex abuse material Play Video

  April 2, 2026 3:25 PM

  NEW ORLEANS — A man claiming to be a Roblox programmer was booked for 195 new counts of child sexual abuse material under the age of 13 following his prior arrest for possession of child pornography. Officers said on February 25, Jamie Borne, 30, admitted to purchasing a child... more »

• Woman arrested for allegedly pressuring her boyfriend to kill the father of her children Play Video

  March 30, 2026 3:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A woman was arrested for allegedly pressuring her boyfriend into killing the father of her children. Hope Jackson was arrested and booked for principal to second-degree murder in the shooting death of Anthony Wesley Jr. An arrest affidavit said Jackson's boyfriend, Riddick Franklin, waited in... more »

• State foster-child secretary pushes for 50% increase in living-expense rates Play Video

  March 23, 2026 7:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Department of Children and Family Services officials are working to improve Louisiana’s foster care system by advocating for a 50% increase in largely unchanged living-expense rates to help foster families cover basic necessities, DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris said in a Senate committee meeting Monday. The... more »

• Man claiming to work for Roblox arrested for possession of child sex doll along with child pornography

  March 20, 2026 2:57 PM

  NEW ORLEANS — A man claiming to be a Roblox programmer was arrested for the possession of child pornography along with the possession of a child sex doll, the Attorney General's Office announced on Friday. According to arrest documents, on Feb. 25, probation and parole officers discovered a child-sized... more »

• Over 100 children have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, Lebanese Health Ministry says

  March 13, 2026 4:01 PM

  LEBANON — Israeli strikes killed over 100 Lebanese children since the start of the war, according to a toll released Friday by Lebanon’s Health Ministry. It says a total of 773 people have been killed during the latest conflict. Sixty-two women are among those killed, and over 1,900 people... more »

• Judge clears courtroom as rape retrial opens in Livingston; state says tape shows immobilized victim Play Video

  March 11, 2026 3:40 PM

  LIVINGSTON — A special agent with the Louisiana attorney general's office told a jury Wednesday that a woman accused of rape was an active participant in the 2014 assault and not a victim herself, as a defense attorney has claimed. Melanie Curtin, whose retrial opened this week in the... more »

• Proposed bill seeks to abolish the Department of Children and Family Services Play Video

  February 27, 2026 5:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Sen. Regina Barrow proposed a bill on Friday that would abolish the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Senate Bill 265 would not only abolish the department but also move services, programs, and contracts handled by the department to Louisiana Works and the Louisiana Department... more »

• Knock Knock Children's Museum invites kids to celebrate carnival season Play Video

  February 16, 2026 1:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Knock Knock Children's Museum held its own Mardi Gras Celebration on Lundi Gras. On Monday, the museum invited visitors to celebrate carnival season at its annual Mardi Gras at the Museum featuring special Mardi Gras activities including arts and crafts, mini king cake decorating, crawfish... more »

• Gonzales Council votes to split use of baseball fields between travel, recreational team after striking out twice Play Video

  February 9, 2026 5:58 PM

  GONZALES - America's favorite pastime was back on the City of Gonzales agenda on Monday after an agreement failed to pass at the last two council meetings. The council, on Monday night, voted 3-2 to split the use of the city's eight baseball and softball fields between the Ascension... more »

• Man arrested for multiple alleged sex crimes involving a juvenile Play Video

  February 1, 2026 2:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A man was arrested for multiple alleged sex crimes involving a juvenile on Friday. According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office, the investigation began on Jan. 20 when deputies were contacted regarding a sex crime investigation involving three juvenile victims. During the investigation, deputies... more »

• Judge orders 5-year-old and his dad released from ICE detention Play Video

  January 31, 2026 5:16 PM

  AP — A 5-year-old boy and his father must be released by Tuesday from the Texas center where they’ve been held after being detained by immigration officers in Minnesota, a federal judge ordered Saturday in a ruling that harshly criticized President Donald Trump's administration’s approach to enforcement. Images of... more »

• Dancing for Big Buddy hosts Star Dancer Mentor Day ahead of fundraiser Play Video

  January 30, 2026 11:49 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Big Buddy Mentoring Baton Rouge hosted its Star Dancer Mentor Day on Friday, featuring WBRZ's own April Davis ahead of the 18th Annual Dancing for Big Buddy fundraising event. Each year, Dancing for Big Buddy hosts star dancers from across the capital city’s community to raise... more »

• BREC announces 10% of employees will be let go as it works toward 'more efficient organization' Play Video

  January 16, 2026 11:12 AM

  BATON ROUGE — BREC announced on Friday that 10% of its workforce would be losing their jobs as it works towards becoming a "more efficient organization." According to BREC, the initiative is designed to ensure taxpayer dollars are utilized in the most effective way possible. Following a review... more »

• 17-year-old killed in Saturday night shooting on Wood Street, BRPD says Play Video

  January 11, 2026 2:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Detectives with the Baton Rouge Police Department are investigating a Saturday night shooting on Wood Street that left a 17-year-old dead and another person injured. According to the department, police arrived around 5 p.m. to find E'myrie Walker, 17, suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers said... more »

• Doctors say changes to U.S. vaccine recommendations are confusing parents and could harm kids Play Video

  January 11, 2026 12:02 PM

  (AP) — Dr. Molly O’Shea has noticed growing skepticism about vaccines at both of her Michigan pediatric offices and says this week's unprecedented and confusing changes to federal vaccine guidance will only make things worse. One of her offices is in a Democratic area, where more of the parents... more »

• State Police cancels missing child advisory for Lafayette children

  January 5, 2026 9:03 PM

  LAFAYETTE - Louisiana State Police canceled a missing child advisory for two Lafayette children. Anyone with information should immediately contact the Lafayette Police Department at 337-291-5612 or call 911. more »

• US drops the number of vaccines it recommends for every child Play Video

  January 5, 2026 2:46 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. took the unprecedented step Monday of dropping the number of vaccines it recommends for every child — leaving other immunizations, such as flu shots, open to families to choose but without clear guidance. Officials said the overhaul to the federal vaccine schedule won’t result... more »

• Disney to pay $10 million to settle alleged violations of child privacy laws Play Video

  December 30, 2025 2:39 PM

  LOS ANGELES — Disney agreed to pay $10 million in civil penalties as part of a settlement to resolve allegations that it violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday. According to the DOJ , Disney allegedly failed to designate YouTube content as... more »

• Councilwoman Twahna Harris hosts community Breakfast with Santa event at Capitol Elementary Play Video

  December 22, 2025 12:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Councilwoman Twahna Harris hosted a community Breakfast with Santa event at Capitol Elementary School on Monday. The event invited the children of District 7 and their families to enjoy a warm breakfast and seasonal activities, like meeting the big man himself. Children also received a... more »

• Pain-relieving ointment sold at Walmart and Target recalled

  December 21, 2025 1:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A pain-relieving ointment sold at Walmart and Target was recalled on Thursday, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Mamisan Pain Relieving Topical Ointment, containing lidocaine, was recalled due to the packaging not being child-resistant as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. ... more »

• Children gather at the Dr. Leo S Butler Community Center for District 10's Toy Giveaway Play Video

  December 20, 2025 8:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Over 600 children gathered at the Dr. Leo S Butler Community Center on Saturday for District 10's Toy Giveaway. Guests enjoyed food, music, photos with Santa and horse riding while celebrating the holiday season. "It's nothing like seeing a little kid with a toy and... more »

• Pointe Coupee 5th grader gifts hundreds of Christmas presents to children in the parish Play Video

  December 19, 2025 6:51 PM

  MORGANZA - Hundreds of children in Pointe Coupee Parish will have an extra present under the tree this year. That's because of Stem Magnet Academy of Pointe Coupee fifth grader Ellie Dabadie. "I created a toy drive so that every Head Start through 1st-grade student in the public schools... more »

• Kim Mulkey joins Miracle Children's Foundation to donate iPads to OLOL Children's Hospital Play Video

  December 17, 2025 4:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - LSU Coach Kim Mulkey brought joy and laughter to patients at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital alongside Miracle Children's Foundation's creator, Bryce Newman, as they handed out iPads to children while giving them hope for the future. "I want them to understand that this... more »

• Port Allen man arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography Play Video

  December 14, 2025 10:29 AM

  PORT ALLEN - The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office announced on Sunday that a Port Allen man was arrested following an investigation by detectives with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. According to the sheriff's office, detectives opened an investigation following a tip they received from the... more »

• Baton Rouge woman arrested for allegedly abandoning two young children at a motel Play Video

  December 5, 2025 12:35 PM

  PORT ALLEN - A woman was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly abandoning her two young children in a motel room, according to the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to a local motel after two young children, a 4-year-old and an 11-month-old, were found alone inside a... more »

• Investigators plead for tips after 3 children, 1 adult killed in shooting at child's birthday party Play Video

  November 30, 2025 10:07 PM

  STOCKTON, Calif. (AP) — Authorities in California appealed to the public for tips, cellphone video, witness accounts and even rumors as they searched Sunday for a suspect in the killing of three children and an adult during a mass shooting at a child's birthday party. Someone opened fire at... more »

• DCFS employees share concerns over child safety, call center priorities Play Video

  November 19, 2025 5:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Sweeping changes are happening behind the scenes at the Department of Children and Family Services, prompting some workers to submit their resignations. Melanie Mann is one of those employees and fears that changes at DCFS are putting children's lives at risk. Mann, who has worked at... more »

• Capital region organizations, restaurants stepping up to fill gap left by SNAP benefit suspension Play Video

  November 3, 2025 10:22 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Several restaurants and organizations across Baton Rouge are stepping up to help the community this November as Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits continue to be disrupted by the government shutdown. Jabby's Pizza and Albina's Catering are launching their "No Kids Go Hungry Week" campaign on Nov.... more »

• Judges order the Trump administration to use contingency funds for SNAP payments during the shutdown Play Video

  October 31, 2025 1:47 PM

  BOSTON (AP) — Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration must continue to fund SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown. The judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island gave the administration leeway on whether to fund... more »

• Knock Knock Children's Museum hosts Halloween event

  October 24, 2025 2:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Knock Knock Children's Museum is hosting its "Knock Knock! Boo's There?" event on Friday in Baton Rouge. Families can enjoy pumpkin painting, trick-or-treating for knick-knacks, a cardboard corn maze, face painting and creating spooky treats in the Cauldron Cafe. All of the Learning Zones will... more »

• Deputies searching for man accused of selling marijuana gummies to teenagers Play Video

  September 10, 2025 12:47 PM

  HAMMOND — The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help finding a man accused of selling marijuana gummies to teenagers. Deputies say 24-year-old Damontay Watkins provided marijuana gummies to three teenagers, which led to one of them being hospitalized from the effects. Watkins also has three... more »

• Wednesday's Health Report: Recognizing signs of emotional distress in kids and how to help Play Video

  August 20, 2025 7:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Experts say it's normal for kids to not want to leave for school from time to time. However, when it becomes a pattern, there may be an underlying issue. "Maybe it's that they're not fitting in at school, they're experiencing bullying or just nervous about socializing,... more »

• BRPD: No arrests will be made after children jumped fence at Howell Community Park Play Video

  August 7, 2025 11:24 AM

  BATON ROUGE — No arrests will be made after four juveniles snuck into Howell Community Park's pool after hours in July, Baton Rouge Police officials said Thursday. According to a BRPD spokesperson, the group of 8- to 12-year-olds who jumped the fence at the park on July 20 will... more »

• Thursday's Health Report: American Heart Association shares three ways to stay healthy this summer Play Video

  June 26, 2025 4:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Summertime often means different routines, especially if you have school-age children. The American Heart Association is encouraging families to stay safe at home and on vacation. The AHA is sharing three easy ways to support your family's wellbeing during summer break. First, with kids... more »

• Volunteers make sandwiches to 'Fill the Fridge' on Government Street Play Video

  June 6, 2025 11:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A group of volunteers gathered at the community fridge on Government Street on Friday to make sure people have something to eat this summer. The volunteers were helping the Red Shoes Organization load the fridge with sandwiches as part of their "Fill the Fridge" campaign.... more »

• 9-year-old says trip to BR Zoo during event for medically vulnerable kids was best day of his life Play Video

  June 6, 2025 10:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE - On Friday, hundreds passed through BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo as part of Dreamnight, a global initiative where zoos open their gates to medically vulnerable children for a special event. Nine-year-old Xavier Chew said Friday was the best day of his life. "Let me say something.... more »

• Child struck by car while getting ice cream, mother calls for drivers to practice safety Play Video

  June 4, 2025 10:50 PM

  HAMMOND - A mother is calling for drivers to prioritize safety this summer after her child was struck by a car while getting ice cream. Kateria Wells said her 11-year-old daughter Malai Dickens likes to spend time outdoors. "A little kid is happy to get ice cream, she... more »

• Tuesday's Health Report: Sleep experts say bedtimes are still important for kids during summer break Play Video

  June 3, 2025 6:02 PM

  BATON ROUGE — With school out for the summer, some parents may adjust bedtimes to allow kids to stay up later. Sleep experts say that may not be a good idea. "I think a little relaxation in the summer is totally fine and warranted for all the hard... more »

• 2 children, 3 adults taken to hospital after multi-car pileup on I-10 near Siegen Lane Play Video

  May 29, 2025 12:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Three adults and two children were taken to a hospital after a multi-vehicle pileup along Interstate 10 at Siegen Lane on Thursday. DoTD said the crash happened around 11 a.m. and eastbound lanes were shutdown shortly after. Officials said of the five people transported, one... more »

• EBR Schools program offering free meals during summer starts Tuesday Play Video

  May 27, 2025 4:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The East Baton Rouge Parish School System's free summer meals program started Tuesday. Meals will be served at more than 80 sites across the parish through July 31. Registration for the program can be done here. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to... more »

• Diocese of Baton Rouge offering free summer meals as part of Child Nutrition Program Play Video

  May 27, 2025 3:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Diocese of Baton Rouge will be offering free summer meals to all children under the age of 18 during its Child Nutrition Program. The meals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at 10 drive-through church sites in the diocese throughout June. While... more »

• Tuesday's Health Report: The dangers of lead poisoning and how to prevent it Play Video

  May 13, 2025 5:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Lead can be found in the air, the soil and even the water, and exposure to it is harmful to everyone, especially children. "There is no safe amount of lead,” neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta said. Gupta says that lead does leave the body after exposure,... more »

• Thursday's Health Report: New tool in the works to help speed up autism diagnosis in children Play Video

  April 24, 2025 5:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE — April is Autism Acceptance Month and many families still have to wait months before they can get their child into a specialist to be diagnosed. “On average, parents suspect something is wrong with their child's development at about a year of age. However, the diagnosis is... more »

• Missing Lafayette children found safe; endangerment alert canceled Play Video

  April 15, 2025 4:33 AM

  LAFAYETTE - Louisiana State Police canceled an endangered/missing child advisory two missing boys were found safe. Both children were discovered missing from their home on Bridgeway Drive in Lafayette around 8:30 p.m. Monday. They were found safe shortly before 8 a.m. Tuesday. more »

• Berwick parents who let children drive golfcarts and ATVs will now be ticketed, police say Play Video

  March 25, 2025 6:31 PM

  BERWICK — Parents who let their children drive golf carts and ATVs throughout Berwick without a license will now receive a traffic ticket, police say. The Berwick Police Department said Tuesday that they have noticed children once again operating golf carts and ATVs throughout the Berwick area. Officers... more »

• Capitol Elementary launches early education center for infants, toddlers with YWCA Play Video

  March 20, 2025 4:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Capitol Elementary School introduced a new program set to increase learning and development in young children. The early years of childhood are the most crucial to brain development and setting kids up for success in grade school. Capitol Elementary introduced its new early learning program... more »

• Police arrest Addis parents accused of having 7 children in home with maggots on food, drugs in open

  March 11, 2025 12:27 PM

  ADDIS — Two Addis parents were arrested for allegedly having their seven children in a home with drugs lying out, a strong smell of feces, countertops overflowing with trash and maggots covering their food. According to Addis Police, Daniel Hopkins and his wife Samantha Gordon's home was the subject... more »

• 70-year-old man arrested on child porn, sexual abuse of animals charges

  December 5, 2024 1:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Attorney General's Office said Thursday that a Gonzales man was arrested for child pornography and sexual abuse of an animal. Steve Gautreau, 70, was arrested Wednesday on six counts of pornography involving juveniles and seven counts of sexual abuse of an animal. Gautreau's arrest... more »

• Dad questioning why deputy still has job after accidentally using stun gun on 13-year-old girl Play Video

  October 31, 2024 5:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The father of a Baton Rouge middle schooler is questioning why a school resource officer still has a job after accidentally deploying his stun gun and hitting his daughter in the face. It happened Tuesday at the school bus transfer site on Sherwood Forest Boulevard. According... more »

• EBR Schools raising awareness for childhood obesity during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Play Video

  September 17, 2024 11:51 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Centers for Disease Control sponsors National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month every September. According to the CDC, one in every five children is obese, which is calculated by body mass index. Twenty percent of Louisiana's children are obese, topping the nation's average of 15%. ... more »

• Anti-drug abuse advocates seeing an increase in childhood overdoses Play Video

  August 19, 2024 6:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE — East Baton Rouge Parish leaders said they have seen an increase in young children overdosing on drugs, specifically fentanyl, over the last couple of months. Mental health and drug abuse expert Tonja Myles said she had never seen anything like this before. “When we start... more »