Tagged News

• Port Allen Mayor-Elect discusses goals for first term, plans to 'restructure the office' Play Video

  December 11, 2024 6:17 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Port Allen will have a new mayor in January. Terecita Pollard Pattan defeated Clyde Robertson Sr. in November and will succeed current Mayor Richard Lee. Mayor-elect Pattan has worked for the city of Port Allen since 2005, and as she puts it, has worn many... more »

• Election round-up: Less than 24 hours until votes are cast Play Video

  December 6, 2024 9:58 AM

  BATON ROUGE - There are less than 24 hours until the election day for the December ballot. Several runoffs along with propositions covering education, public safety and government are on the ballot. One proposition on the ballot drawing attention is the 2-percent sales tax transfer for the City of... more »

• Governor asks LSU to discipline law professor perceived criticizing Trump-supporting students

  November 26, 2024 12:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Gov. Jeff Landry on Tuesday called for LSU and the university's Board of Supervisors to punish an LSU law professor who was perceived as being critical of his students who voted for President-elect Donald Trump. In a lecture the day after the general election, Professor Nicholas... more »

• Special counsel moves to dismiss election interference, classified documents cases against Trump

  November 25, 2024 1:44 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith asked a federal judge on Monday to dismiss the case accusing President-elect Donald Trump of plotting to overturn the 2020 election, citing longstanding Justice Department policy shielding presidents from prosecution while in office. The move announced in court papers marks the end... more »

• Ted James, No. 3 in mayoral race, endorses incumbent Sharon Weston Broome ahead of runoff Play Video

  November 21, 2024 10:18 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Ted James announced Thursday he would be endorsing the incumbent Baton Rouge mayor, Sharon Weston Broome, ahead of the runoff election. Early voting begins Friday for the runoff election that will see another showdown between Sid Edwards and Sharon Weston Broome. The endorsement comes after... more »

• Biden addresses nation in first appearance on camera following Trump's victory over Harris Play Video

  November 7, 2024 11:36 AM

  WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday addressed the nation in his first appearance on camera following Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris. He says he spoke with Donald Trump and assured him that he would direct his administration to ensure a “peaceful and orderly transition,”... more »

• Historic mayoral runoff will elect first Black mayor in Gonzales Play Video

  November 6, 2024 6:53 PM

  GONZALES — For the first time in its history, two candidates are headed into a runoff to become Gonzales' first Black mayor. Timothy "Tim" Riley and Kemlyn Bailey Lomas, both Democrats, will face off in the December election, both hoping to inspire voter turnout and make history in the... more »

• Deadline to register for the Dec. 7 general election approaches

  November 6, 2024 4:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE — As the Dec. 7 General Election approaches, it is important to remember the deadlines for registration in the election, the Secretary of State's Office said. The deadline to register in person, by mail or at the OMV Office is Wednesday, while registration through the GeauxVote Online... more »

• Biden calls to congratulate President-elect Trump on win

  November 6, 2024 3:27 PM

  WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — President Joe Biden has called President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his election victory and to invite him to the White House to discuss the transition. The White House said staff would coordinate a date “in the near future.” Biden plans to address the nation... more »

• Republicans take Senate majority and eye unified power with Trump Play Video

  November 6, 2024 7:39 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have taken control of the U.S. Senate and are fighting to keep their majority in the U.S. House, which would produce a full sweep of GOP power in Congress alongside President-elect Donald Trump in the White House. A unified Republican grip on Washington would set... more »

• Rep. Steve Scalise wins re-election in state's 1st Congressional District Play Video

  November 5, 2024 8:31 PM

  METAIRIE — Rep. Steve Scalise (R) won reelection Tuesday night in the state's 1st Congressional District. Scalise, the majority leader of the House, beat Randall Arrington (R), J. "Frankie" Hyers (NP), Mel Manuel (D) and Ross Shales (R) by a margin of 2-1. Scalise has been in Congress... more »

• Louisianians cast ballots on Election Day

  November 5, 2024 11:26 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — Louisiana voters will decide which presidential candidates will receive their eight electoral votes in the Nov. 5 election. Also on the ballot are races for the U.S. House and a pair of statewide ballot measures. The state has been reliably Republican in presidential contests since 2000,... more »

• Get to know who and what is on the ballot in federal, state, local races for the 2024 election Play Video

  November 4, 2024 6:31 PM

  Before going to your polling site and casting your vote, it's important to know who — and what — is on the ballot. The most publicized race is undoubtedly the presidential election. The frontrunners are Vice President Kamala Harris (D) and former President Donald Trump (R). Across the... more »

• 'I have been in the shadows of life:' Future state justice-elect speaks on goals at BR Press Club Play Video

  November 4, 2024 6:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana Supreme Court Justice-elect John Michael Guidry spoke to Press Club on Monday, detailing his goals for the State Supreme Court seat. Guidry is set to be sworn in in January. "As a poor boy from the bottoms of South Baton Rouge, raised most of... more »

• Toni Menard elected to new seat in 23rd JDC by Ascension, Assumption, St. James parishes Play Video

  November 4, 2024 2:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Republican Toni Menard was elected to a new district judge seat in the 23rd Judicial District Court by voters in Ascension, Assumption and St. James parishes on Tuesday. Menard won the election by more than a 2-1 margin and will serve in Division F of the... more »

• Matthew Belser elected to new seat in 21st JDC by Tangipahoa, Livingston, St. Helena parishes Play Video

  November 4, 2024 2:14 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Matthew Belser (R) was elected to a newly created district judge seat in the 21st Judicial District Court by voters in Tangipahoa, Livingston and St. Helena parishes on Tuesday. Belser led by 2,800 votes with only one precinct not reporting. He will serve in Division L... more »

• State voters pass amendment to see federal renewable energy revenue funneled into coastal restoration fund Play Video

  November 4, 2024 12:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana voters approved a proposed amendment to the state constitution that will see federal revenue from coastal renewable energy production be placed into a coastal protection and restoration fund as opposed to the state's general fund. Under the current law, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority... more »

• St. Mary Parish votes yea on renewing property tax to fund recreational facilities Play Video

  November 4, 2024 11:46 AM

  FRANKLIN — St. Mary Parish voters Tuesday approved a 10-year renewal of a 3-mill property tax to fund improvements to the parish's recreational facilities. Returns posted by the Secretary of State’s office showed the proposal passed by a 3-2 margin. The property tax is expected to generate $163,900... more »

• Florida teen with machete arrested for voter intimidation at polling place

  October 31, 2024 7:40 AM

  NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. (ABC NEWS) — An 18-year-old was arrested outside a Florida polling location Tuesday after police said he wielded a machete to intimidate voters. Caleb James Williams faces charges of aggravated assault on a person 65 years of age or older and improper exhibition of a firearm... more »

• Tuesday's Health Report: How to fight "Electsomnia" Play Video

  October 29, 2024 5:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Regardless of political preference, the anticipation of the presidential election is causing many to feel heightened emotions that can severely impact sleep. This phenomenon even has its own name, but there are ways to help manage the symptoms. Michelle Drerup, a sleep specialist with the... more »

• Trump accused of groping former model in 1990s while Jeffrey Epstein watched

  October 25, 2024 2:04 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Sports Illustrated model Stacey Williams alleged Thursday that former President Donald Trump groped her at Trump Tower in early 1993 as disgraced hedge fund manager Jeffrey Epstein watched. The former model made the allegation during a video chat of sexual violence survivors supporting Vice President... more »

• Secretary of State recommends eligible voters register to vote on final day of registration Play Video

  October 15, 2024 4:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Tuesday is the last day to register to vote online for the Nov. 5 election. Secretary of State Nancy Landry said that historically, Louisiana has had a high voter registration rate, adding that it hovers around 90% of eligible voters. "We always have new voters... more »

• Select Grosse Tete residents to vote at temporary polling location as bridge closure continues

  October 14, 2024 2:34 PM

  GROSSE TETE — A temporary polling location has been set up for certain Grosse Tete residents due to the ongoing closure of the Grosse Tete Bridge. Part of Precinct 26 — voters in the Crescent School Precinct — will now vote at the Intercoastal Road Fire Station in the... more »

• As election day approaches, so does the deadline to register online Play Video

  October 8, 2024 5:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE — As the Nov. 5 election approaches, so too does the deadline to register online to vote. The last day to register online is Oct. 15. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State's Office said that the office usually sees an increase in registrations around presidential... more »

• Gonzales hosting mayoral candidates' forum Wednesday after Barney Arceneaux stepped down

  September 25, 2024 1:48 PM

  GONZALES — A Gonzales mayoral candidates' forum is happening Wednesday night ahead of the election in November. The event, hosted by the Ascension Chamber of Commerce, is open to the public and will be a chance for constituents to hear from the candidates. Terance Irvin, Kemlyn Lomas, Timothy Riley... 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 »

• What the Fed's rate cut could mean for you

  September 19, 2024 9:05 AM

  NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark interest rate from its 23-year high, with consequences for debt, savings, auto loans, mortgages and other forms of borrowing by consumers and businesses. On Wednesday, the Fed announced that it reduced its key rate by an unusually large... more »

• Voter Registration Week begins in East Baton Rouge; click here for the schedule Play Video

  September 16, 2024 5:47 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Registrar of Voters Office and the Secretary of State are hosting a week full of registration events at libraries all across the capital region. This is part of the 2024 Voter Registration Week. This voter registration week looks different than previous... more »

• Special counsel urges appeals court to reinstate classified documents case against Trump

  August 26, 2024 3:45 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith asked a federal appeals court Monday to reinstate the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump after it was dismissed by a judge last month. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon threw out the case, one of four prosecutions of Trump, after... more »

• RFK Jr. to speak Friday amid speculation he'll drop independent presidential bid and support Trump

  August 21, 2024 4:11 PM

  PHOENIX (AP) — Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak Friday “about the present historical moment and his path forward,” his campaign announced Wednesday, fueling growing speculation that Kennedy could drop out and support Republican nominee Donald Trump. Kennedy’s running mate openly discussed the possibility on a... more »

• Kaitlyn Joshua advocates for expanded abortion access at DNC, Louisiana anti-abortion activists respond

  August 21, 2024 1:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE— Louisiana anti-abortion activists responded to Kaitlyn Joshua's speech at the Democratic National Convention, arguing she misinterpreted the state's current abortion ban. Joshua is one of three women participating in Vice President Kamala Harris' nationwide Reproductive Rights Tour. She appeared alongside Amanda Zurawski and Hadley Duvall during day... more »

• Democrats open their convention transformed by Harris ascendance but facing lingering questions Play Video

  August 19, 2024 8:23 AM

  CHICAGO (AP) — A refreshed Democratic Party reintroduces itself to a divided nation this week, having been transformed by the money, momentum, relief and even joy that followed Vice President Kamala Harris ' rise to the top of its ticket. The whiplash of the last month culminates in a... more »

• Louisiana Supreme Court settles challenges involving 2 Port Allen city government races Play Video

  August 15, 2024 2:51 PM

  PORT ALLEN — The Louisiana Supreme Court on Thursday upheld lower court rulings that said candidates for Port Allen mayor and a city council seat cannot seek those offices because they failed to meet residency guidelines. West Baton Rouge Parish judges had removed City Administrator Lance Joseph from the... more »

• Vice President Kamala Harris picks Governor Tim Walz as her running mate Play Video

  August 6, 2024 9:03 AM

  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, looking to strengthen the Democratic ticket in Midwestern states, AP sources say. She will introduce Walz at a rally Tuesday evening in Philadelphia . Harris was the only candidate eligible to... more »

• Two incumbent EBR council members running unopposed after opponents are disqualified for not paying taxes

  August 2, 2024 4:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Judges this week ordered the names of two East Baton Rouge Metro Council candidates stricken from the Nov. 5 ballot, finding they didn't fully meet the qualifications. The decisions mean half of the Metro Council's 12 districts are already decided for next year. District 6 member... more »

• Tammy Cook, a Republican running for EBR Mayor-President, drops out of race; leaves 7 candidates

  August 2, 2024 4:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Tambra "Tammy" Cook, who was running as a Republican for East Baton Rouge Parish mayor-president, dropped out of the race Thursday, leaving seven candidates in the running for parish leadership. Cook, a Prairieville-based real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty, qualified on July 18. Cook's... more »

• Port Allen city administrator seeks mayor's post but tax records list his residence as Plaquemine

  July 23, 2024 2:36 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Port Allen City Administrator Lance Joseph has filed papers to run for mayor, but Iberville Parish tax documents show that he enjoys a tax break on property he owns in Plaquemine, 14 miles away. Residency there would make him ineligible to seek the mayor's post. State... more »

• Harris campaign possibly circling former Louisiana Congressman as running-mate Play Video

  July 23, 2024 12:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Kamala Harris may be circling former Louisiana congressman Cedric Richmond as her running-mate as the vice president kicks off her presidential campaign after President Joe Biden's historic withdrawal from the race, USA Today reported Tuesday. Richmond, a New Orleans native who served in the U.S. House... more »

• Secret Service director steps down after assassination attempt against ex-President Trump at rally Play Video

  July 23, 2024 10:43 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The director of the Secret Service is stepping down from her job, according to an email she sent to staff, following the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump that unleashed an intensifying outcry about how the agency tasked with protecting current and former presidents could fail... more »

• Harris has support of enough Democratic delegates to become party's presidential nominee

  July 23, 2024 8:27 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her party’s nominee against Republican Donald Trump, according to an Associated Press survey , as top Democrats rallied to her in the aftermath of President Joe Biden’s decision to drop his bid for... more »

• 4 Metro Council members unopposed; who else has no competition at end if filing season?

  July 19, 2024 7:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Four East Baton Rouge Metro Council members — all of them Republicans — were unopposed at the end of Louisiana's three-day campaign filing season Wednesday. A number of local political candidates in outlying areas also were unopposed. The complete list: Ascension Parish: Erin Wiley... more »

• 3 more qualify for Baton Rouge mayor's race; who else is running in November election? Play Video

  July 18, 2024 3:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The second day of qualifying for this fall's political campaigns closed Thursday with three more candidates in the race for Baton Rouge mayor-president and an incumbent member of Congress whose district is expanding into Baton southeastern Louisiana. Tammy Cook, a Prairieville-based real estate agent with Keller... more »

• President Joe Biden tests positive for COVID-19 while campaigning in Las Vegas

  July 17, 2024 6:23 PM

  LAS VEGAS (AP) — President Joe Biden has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a speaker at the UnidosUS annual conference broadcast on the White House’s YouTube channel. Biden was slated to speak at the event in Las Vegas Wednesday afternoon as part of an effort to rally... more »

• Former LSU quarterback among candidates qualifying for District 5 Metro Council seat

  July 17, 2024 3:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A former LSU quarterback qualified Wednesday to run for a seat in the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council. Marcus Randall, the quarterback who threw the game-winning touchdown pass for LSU's "Bluegrass Miracle" against Kentucky in 2002, is set to run for the District 5 seat... 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 »

• How many signatures are needed in proposed recall of EBR school board members? Details here Play Video

  July 15, 2024 5:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The people seeking to recall five members of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board now know how many signatures they'll need to place an election on the ballot. A group of parents and teachers filed recall petitions Friday, the day after the board failed to... more »

• Carter stands behind Biden amid calls for new Democratic candidate after poor performance Play Video

  July 9, 2024 1:04 PM

  WASHINGTON — Rep. Troy Carter said he stands with President Joe Biden as Democrats across the nation question whether he should remain as his party's presidential nominee following last month's lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump. Carter spoke confidently about the president after a closed-door meeting Biden... more »

• U.K. sees first change in government in 14 years after Labour Party defeat Tories in landslide victory Play Video

  July 5, 2024 1:05 PM

  LONDON (AP) — The U.K. has its first change in government in 14 years after the Labour Party won a landslide victory early Friday in a general election that saw the Conservative Party suffer its biggest defeat ever. The new government faces huge challenges, including fixing the country’s sluggish... more »

• Biden vows to keep running after his disastrous debate. 'No one is pushing me out,' he says

  July 3, 2024 2:09 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden defiantly vowed on Wednesday to keep running for reelection, rejecting growing pressure from within his Democratic Party to withdraw after a disastrous debate performance raised questions about his readiness. He said he would not be forced from the race. “I am running. I... more »

• Judge delays Trumps sentencing in hush money case to eye high court ruling on presidential immunity

  July 2, 2024 3:16 PM

  Former President Donald Trump’s sentencing in his hush money case has been postponed to September after the judge agreed Tuesday to weigh the possible impact of a new Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity . Trump had been scheduled to face sentencing July 11 on his New York conviction... more »

• Trump seeks to set aside his New York hush money guilty verdict after Supreme Court immunity ruling

  July 2, 2024 8:49 AM

  NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump’s lawyers have asked the New York judge who presided over his hush money trial to set aside his conviction and delay his sentencing, scheduled for next week. The letter to Judge Juan M. Merchan cited the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling earlier... more »

• SCOTUS: Trump, other former presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution for official acts

  July 1, 2024 10:43 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday extended the delay in the Washington criminal case against Donald Trump on charges he plotted to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss, all but ending prospects the former president could be tried before the November election. In a historic 6-3 ruling,... more »

• Louisiana's RNC delegates speak on upcoming convention, give Trump running mate picks Play Video

  June 25, 2024 5:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Next month's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a big question surrounding it: Who will Donald Trump choose as his running mate on the Republican ticket? In Baton Rouge, Louisiana's delegates to the RNC spoke to a room of supporters at the Café Americain on... more »

• Biden calls Trump's response to criminal conviction 'reckless,' 'irresponsible' Play Video

  May 31, 2024 2:38 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden noted pointedly Friday that Donald Trump was found guilty by a unanimous jury, and he slammed the former president's attempts to cast the case against him as politically motivated as "reckless," "dangerous" and "irresponsible." Reacting a day after the conclusion of Trump's criminal... more »