Tagged News

• As rumors swirl that the Zydeco are leaving town, River Center says it's worked to keep team in Baton Rouge

  May 7, 2026 8:49 AM

  BATON ROUGE — As rumors swirl that hockey is leaving Baton Rouge, the Raising Cane's River Center told WBRZ they have worked hard to keep the Baton Rouge Zydeco downtown. "We have made every effort to renew a lease with the team’s ownership and are incredibly dedicated to keeping... more »

• 2 injured, 4 arrested after shots fired into downtown Hammond crowd Play Video

  May 6, 2026 3:58 PM

  HAMMOND — Two people were hurt and four were arrested after shots were fired into a crowd in downtown Hammond on Tuesday night, the Hammond Police Department said. Hammond Police said officers were assisting with crowd control downtown when shots rang out near North Cate Street just before midnight,... more »

• 1 person hospitalized with serious injuries after shooting along 3rd Street in downtown Baton Rouge Play Video

  April 27, 2026 9:15 AM

  BATON ROUGE — One person was hurt after a shooting along 3rd Street in downtown Baton Rouge over the weekend. First responders, including Baton Rouge Police, were called to the scene of the early Sunday morning shooting around 2:40 a.m. Officials told WBRZ that shooting happened in front of... more »

• Baton Rouge businesses see boost as Viola Davis thriller films downtown Play Video

  April 23, 2026 9:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A new thriller starring Viola Davis is filming driving scenes in downtown Baton Rouge this week. Amazon MGM Studios is producing "Ally Clark" and has closed streets between Lafayette, Convention, North Seventh, and Main Street for two nights. Jeff Herman owns O'Hara's Irish Pub on... more »

• Sunday Journal: Capital Area Heart Walk Play Video

  April 15, 2026 8:53 AM

  BATON ROUGE — The Capital Area Heart Walk is being hosted by the American Heart Association later this month. According to the AHA, 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital die, with most of those cases not seeing CPR performed by a bystander. ... more »

• Bally's Hotel and Casino celebrates 1-year anniversary in downtown Baton Rouge Play Video

  April 13, 2026 8:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Bally's Hotel and Casino celebrated the 1-year anniversary of its downtown Baton Rouge location on Monday. The downtown area's first land-based casino was gifted new artwork by local artist Jacob Zumo to commemorate the occasion. Zumo said the artwork represents what makes the downtown community... more »

• 19-year-old arrested after allegedly raping 16-year-old at Baton Rouge apartment complex Play Video

  April 13, 2026 2:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A 19-year-old wanted by the Baton Rouge Police Department for the alleged rape of a 16-year-old was arrested on Monday. According to officers, Sean Patrick St. Cyr met the teen girl over Snapchat on Feb. 28 before driving the teen from her home in another parish... more »

• Hundreds gather for 'No Kings' protest in Downtown Baton Rouge Play Video

  March 28, 2026 7:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Hundreds of people rallied in Downtown Baton Rouge, joining more than 3,000 other protests in cities across America as part of the nationwide "No Kings" movement. They gathered at A.Z. Young Park, protesting what they call the Trump administration's authoritarian policies. Organizer Lisa King said the... more »

• 2une In Previews: East Baton Rouge Parish courts participating in community warrant resolution clinic Play Video

  March 25, 2026 7:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Courts across East Baton Rouge Parish are participating in a community warrant resolution clinic this weekend. On Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Baton Rouge, the 19th JDC, East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court, East Baton Rouge Parish Family Court, Baton Rouge City... more »

• Construction for MOVEBR Bus Rapid Transit project moves to downtown Baton Rouge Play Video

  February 27, 2026 12:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE —Construction on the MOVEBR Bus Rapid Transit project began in downtown Baton Rouge on Friday. Crews, who previously installed bus landings at intersections along Nicholson Drive , will begin constructing platforms for bus stations starting at St. Ferdinand and France Street. Crews plan to build eight... more »

• Festival International De Louisiane announces music lineup for 40th anniversary Play Video

  February 18, 2026 3:54 PM

  LAFAYETTE - Festival International De Louisiane announced its music lineup for its upcoming 40th anniversary festival in April. The cultural celebration will span five days in Downtown Lafayette. The festival will showcase music from around the world with a lineup that ranges from dozens of countries, allowing audiences to... more »

• Mariner's Inn Restaurant and Bar shuts its doors after more than four decades of business Play Video

  February 14, 2026 11:00 AM

  HAMMOND — A popular restaurant in downtown Hammond announced that it will permanently close its doors on Wednesday. Mariner's Inn Restaurant and Bar announced on Saturday that after more than four decades of business, it will be shutting down and selling decor from the restaurant in an estate sale... more »

• Sistars of Empowerment hosts Louisiana Cultural Music and Arts Festival Play Video

  December 7, 2025 3:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Sistars of Empowerment hosted its inaugural Louisiana Cultural Music and Arts Festival on Sunday in downtown Baton Rouge. The festival featured over 20 live performances across three stages, showcasing a mix of music, dancers, poets, and cultural storytellers celebrating the soul of the bayou state.... more »

• 2 Your Town St. Francisville: Speakeasy, pizzeria part of downtown's recent local focus Play Video

  October 10, 2025 1:28 PM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE - Downtown St. Francisville has been expanding and becoming more focused on local business owners throughout the years, with one business doubling as a pizza restaurant and speakeasy. One of these businesses is Big River Pizza Company, which opened last April. Big River serves more than... more »

• 2une In Previews: Sharpe Family Singers bringing Broadway hits, contemporary pop to Manship Theatre Play Video

  September 9, 2025 10:28 AM

  BATON ROUGE — The Sharpe Family Singers are bringing wholesome entertainment for the whole family to Baton Rouge. The group, including Broadway-star parents, Ron & Barbra, with their equally talented kids Samantha, Logan, and twins Aidan and Connor, is coming to the Manship Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 14, at... more »

• 2une In Previews: Plan Baton Rouge III community survey Play Video

  August 25, 2025 8:23 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Plan Baton Rouge III is the culmination of a 27-year project aimed at reviving downtown Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Area Foundation's Eric Dexter said Monday on 2une In. "Over 20 or so years, we've had nearly $3 billion in investments, both public and private dollars, take... more »

• Downtown Baton Rouge enters phase 3 of development plan - Find out more here Play Video

  August 6, 2025 10:06 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Downtown Baton Rouge has seen billions in investments for infrastructure and upgrades. Wednesday morning, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation spoke on 2une In about the upgrades and how residents can keep track of which stage the development plan is in. You can learn more by... more »

• Memorial Day weekend ceremonies and events in the Baton Rouge area Play Video

  May 22, 2025 8:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives serving the United States. This year, Memorial Day is Monday, May 26. Multiple events are scheduled around the Baton Rouge area to observe Memorial Day. Friday, May 23... more »

• Downtown Development District shows downtown revitalization plan Play Video

  April 30, 2025 11:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Area Foundation is unveiling the next phase of the master plan to revitalize the downtown area Wednesday night. The Downtown Development District presented the plan at an open house at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum. more »

• Annual antique festival held in downtown Denham Springs Play Video

  April 26, 2025 6:35 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS — Families and vendors took over downtown Denham Springs on Saturday for the town’s annual antique festival. Alongside antique stores, the festival offered rides, food, live music and art exhibits. "We've got everything from A to Z," Denham Springs Grant Administrator Donna Jennings said about the... more »

• Bally's in Baton Rouge is officially open as of Wednesday Play Video

  April 23, 2025 1:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The hotel in downtown Baton Rouge formerly known as The Belle has been rebranded and reopened as of Wednesday. The 10-story hotel, now a Bally's branch, has been fully renovated and refurbished. A grand opening ceremony was held Wednesday to celebrate the business returning to... more »

• Police searching for man who stole downtown clubgoer's car, tried to use stolen credit cards

  March 24, 2025 4:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Police are searching for a person who stole a car from a downtown Baton Rouge nightclub patron earlier in March. Baton Rouge Police said that the thief stole a purse from a patron of a Third Street nightclub on March 14. The thief then drove off... more »

• Downtown fountains remain inoperable, interim plan to beautify area in works Play Video

  March 19, 2025 5:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - For at least a year, fountains across from The Raising Canes River Center have been turned off. Inside the large basins, trash and debris have accumulated. It's an area that Denise Hatcher used to visit. "Especially sitting around this area listening to the waterfalls and watching... 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 »

• 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 »

• Veterans honored as downtown plaza is transformed into Valentine's Day display Play Video

  February 12, 2025 8:36 AM

  BATON ROUGE — A downtown plaza was filled with hundred of hearts bearing the names of veterans Wednesday morning as part of a Valentine's Day memorial event. The Hearts for Heroes event is "a visual representation of our community's respect and appreciation for those who have served our nation,"... more »

• Mother's Lounge employee lost to gun violence: 'The soul of this space' Play Video

  January 16, 2025 3:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A downtown bar is holding a fundraiser over the weekend to raise funds for an employee who was shot and killed Monday. Tyesha Branaugh, 30, worked at Mother's Lounge on 3rd Street in Baton Rouge. "If you’ve ever walked through our doors, chances are Tyesha... more »

• Three teens sought in shooting after Christmas parade; two previously accused in murder Play Video

  January 7, 2025 5:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Arrest warrants have been issued for three teenagers in the Dec. 14 shooting on the levee after a Baton Rouge Christmas parade. Two of the teens had spent months in jail accused of the first murder of 2024, but were apparently released after a grand jury... more »

• BRPD searching for person who brought sword to downtown building, made 'disturbed statements' Play Video

  December 12, 2024 3:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge Police officers are searching for a person who went into a North Street building with a 40-inch sword and made "disturbed" comments. Police said the person, who was caught on surveillance cameras Oct. 17, walked into a building on North Street between River Road... more »

• Parking ticket resurfaces after driver thought it had been dismissed, wants answers from City Court Play Video

  November 21, 2024 4:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A parking ticket has resurfaced for a man who thought he had it taken care of already. The court has no record of Joseph Saucier showing up for his court date in October and issued him a bench warrant for failure to appear. Saucier received a... more »

• Events tailored to all ages hope to draw in more visitors to downtown Baton Rouge Play Video

  August 30, 2024 6:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Friday evenings in Baton Rouge bring exciting opportunities for the downtown district. For folks 21 and up, the Tunnel speakeasy in the Hilton Hotel is holding a special celebration in honor of the late Huey P. Long's birthday. At the Louisiana Art and Science Museum,... more »

• One Tank Trips: St. Francisville's small town charm Play Video

  August 28, 2024 5:52 PM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE — A quaint little town bursting with southern charm is one way to describe St. Francisville. With a population of just 1,531 people—per the 2022 census—it's a small town with big things to offer. The tourism industry is flourishing and the town's natural beauty attracts visitors from... more »

• LSU Police respond to road rage incident where driver pistol-whipped another near Tiger Stadium

  August 8, 2024 6:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A driver struck another driver with a pistol after the two got into a confrontation near LSU's campus, LSU Police said. The road rage incident happened Wednesday around 9:40 p.m. at the intersection of Nicholson Drive and North Stadium Road steps away from Tiger Stadium. According... more »

• Baton Rouge Symphony Week concerts resume Sunday, Monday, Tuesday around city Play Video

  August 4, 2024 10:07 AM

  BATON ROUGE — The Baton Rouge Symphony this week is holding a number of events to kick off its 2024-25 season. Free concerts are scheduled for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at various locations across town. The pop-up concerts, featuring small ensembles, are designed to introduce the symphony to new... more »

• Downtown casino withdraws application to demolish historic building to make way for parking lot Play Video

  July 24, 2024 6:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Belle of Baton Rouge casino has withdrawn its application to demolish downtown's historic 'Catfish Town' building to make way for a parking lot. Executives for the Downtown Development District and Historic Preservation Commission opposed the proposition, saying the 100-year-old building is too much of an... more »

• Downtown parking enforcement to begin, patrolled by BRPD Play Video

  March 28, 2024 3:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE - If you work in or visit downtown Baton Rouge, chances are you have experienced parking. It's not always easy, and has taken the City-Parish many years to transition from coin-fed machines to card-reading kiosks and pay-by-app. Alas, parking kiosks were installed downtown in the fall of... more »

• More electric vehicle charging stations coming to Baton Rouge Play Video

  January 27, 2023 4:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - More people are driving electric vehicles in the capital area, like Glen Dupas, who got his on Thursday. "I love my Tesla. I can honestly say that," Dupas said. On Friday, he was at the Perkins Road charging station charging his new ride. He says... more »

• Downtown BR's new parking kiosks still not working; city explains why Play Video

  January 26, 2023 4:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The new parking kiosks in downtown Baton Rouge were installed October, but they haven't been activated yet. The tall, black boxes are sturdy, weatherproof and tamper-resistant. The city-parish had to make sure the 100 solar-powered kiosks were positioned the right way so that the panels would... more »

• Businesses distributing 'Live like Allie' bracelets in memory of slain LSU student

  September 26, 2022 4:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Businesses throughout the capital area are handing out bracelets honoring LSU student Allie Rice as police continue to search for her killer . Family and friends launched the campaign "Live Like Allie" in remembrance of the 21-year-old LSU senior. The group's Facebook page said the yellow... more »

• Baton Rouge firefighters work to keep their past alive Play Video

  July 12, 2022 12:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Firefighters are coming together to overhaul and restore the Robert A. Bogan Fire Museum in downtown Baton Rouge. It was built on Laurel Street in the early 1920s. The museum's oldest piece dates back to the 1850s. A record book was recently recovered during work... more »

• Valentine's day rush helps local restaurant feel 'back to normal' Play Video

  February 14, 2022 10:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Valentine's day brought an influx of customers into restaurants and a heart-warming sense of normalcy to the Kalurah Street Grill. Like most businesses, the eatery has dealt with distribution shortages and supply chain issues from the pandemic, but general manager Gillian Sunderhaus said the restaurant was... more »

• Excitement stirring up as Disney crews start filming in downtown Baton Rouge Play Video

  February 11, 2022 11:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Lights, cameras, and a lot of action are coming to the capital area for the next few months. Disney production crews started filming downtown today for the new "National Treasure" TV series. "And now to have it right in our home in Baton Rouge... That's... more »

• Police seeking person of interest after Baton Rouge man's killing in French Quarter

  January 11, 2022 1:34 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Police are seeking a person of interest in a shooting that left a man from the capital area dead in the French Quarter over the weekend. The shooting happened late Sunday night near Burgundy and Conti streets. Russell Ricou, 41, of Baton Rouge was gunned down... more »

• One dead after triple-shooting in Mid-City New Orleans early Sunday

  September 19, 2021 5:24 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - One person died, and two others were shot minutes after midnight in Mid-City New Orleans. New Orleans Police Department said two males and one female were shot around 12:10 a.m. Sunday on Tulane Avenue. Officers said the males were suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, but... more »

• Longtime Louisiana broadcaster Jim Engster robbed at gunpoint Play Video

  February 11, 2021 7:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A routine evening stroll turned dangerous for Louisiana Radio Network Owner Jim Engster. "It all happened so fast. There wasn't any time to get nervous or anxious. It just happened," Engster said. He recalls the moments leading up to the frightening robbery Wednesday. Engster says... more »

• BRPD arrests suspect for allegedly stabbing man to death near Choctaw Drive

  January 23, 2021 10:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge Detectives are investigating the death of a man who was stabbed to death Saturday evening. Around 6:30 p.m. the Baton Rouge Police Department responded to the 2600 block of Larkspur Ave near Choctaw Drive and the ExxonMobil Refinery. When authorities arrived on scene... more »

• EBR library system to resume some services Monday, still no opening date for River Center Branch Play Video

  May 13, 2020 2:40 PM

  BATON ROUGE - While the digital library has remained open during the stay-at-home order, the Baton Rouge library system is looking forward to seeing patrons again soon. There is still no scheduled opening date for the River Center Branch Library downtown. The library system says it is still... more »

• Downtown library final change order completed, working through punch list Play Video

  April 8, 2020 4:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Believe it or not, there is still work to do at the River Center Branch Library downtown Baton Rouge. Before the coronavirus stay-at-home order the library was scheduled to open this week, but the date has been pushed back a little further. Inside the library, books... more »

• Power restored after underground transformer caught fire Play Video

  February 8, 2020 2:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Entergy has restored power to Downtown Baton Rouge after an underground transformer caught fire, causing the electrical company to cut off power to the area. According to the Baton Rouge Fire Department, the fire occurred on Florida St. between Third St. and Lafayette. Smoke was seen... more »

• Huge crowd expected to ring in 2020 downtown Play Video

  December 30, 2019 9:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE - On the second to last day of 2019, Downtown Baton Rouge is quiet. Soon enough Town Square will be packed with families for the 7th Annual Red Stick Revelry. "I think this is the biggest New Year's Eve celebration outside of New Orleans," Visit Baton Rouge... more »

• Police arrest man accused of defacing week-old sculpture in downtown

  December 11, 2019 4:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Not a week since city leaders unveiled a shiny art installation along the Mississippi River in downtown , public works crews were assigned to remove graffiti painted on the object overnight. By sunup Wednesday, the graffiti was evident: Someone used spray paint to “tag” the concrete... more »

• Local crochet mural inciting curiosity and conversation Play Video

  April 27, 2019 9:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE- If you've ventured into downtown Baton Rouge in the past month, chances are you've seen a little something extra at the intersection of Louisiana Avenue and St Ferdinand Street. “There's a lot of activity here. So pedestrian traffic and vehicular traffic and I particularly love seeing people... more »

• Baton Rouge mayor seeking new management for city parking Play Video

  March 12, 2019 7:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The mayor-president's office wants city-parish parking garages, underground parking and surface lots in the downtown area under new management. It's part of a larger initiative to improve parking in a part of the city where it's often difficult to find an open spot. The mayor-president will... more »

• New parking meters and higher rates coming to Baton Rouge Play Video

  February 21, 2019 11:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE - If you want free parking in downtown, then just leave your vehicle in a loading zone and don't worry about getting a ticket says one annoyed business owner on 3rd street. "No one wrote any tickets today," said Bradley Bates, owner of men's clothing store Bates... more »

• Downtown library officials: no progress in nine months Play Video

  January 17, 2019 11:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - It was April last year when workers fled the downtown library, still under construction, fearing it could collapse. Nine months later, a rough plan to fix the structure remains on hold as the city-parish fights with contractors over who will pay the added cost. The East... more »

• Power restored to downtown Baton Rouge, other areas after Friday morning outage

  December 28, 2018 10:55 AM

  BATON ROUGE – A large part of downtown was without power Friday morning. An outage was reported before 10 a.m. There was an additional outage around the same time near Istrouma. Entergy did not release details about what caused the outage. Power was restored shortly after 10... more »

• Despite minimal updates on downtown library, EBR Library Board to discuss 2019 budget

  July 26, 2018 7:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Another week has passed without any major developments on Baton Rouge's downtown library. The only real item on the agenda for Thursday's EBR Library Board meeting will be the proposed library budget for 2019. It's hard to say what that budget will look like with the... more »

• After yet another meeting, still no update on downtown library Play Video

  July 19, 2018 11:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Another month, another board meeting, and another lack of answers about the downtown library. Members of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Board were hoping for an update at their meeting Thursday but didn't seem surprised there was not one. "We are still waiting on information... more »