83 posts
Two resolutions tonight would change fire chief role to part-time consultant, but documents reveal additional undisclosed taxpayer benefits UPDATE 5:00 PM: The West Baton Rouge Parish Council will meet tonight at 5:00 PM to vote on these resolutions. This story will be updated with results following the vote.
August 28, 2025
Building on our previous reporting about civil service violations in WBR's fire chief hiring, new evidence reveals the full scope of why parish officials were willing to bypass legal requirements for Butch Browning. The Bigger Picture As WBR Independent previously reported, Parish President Riley "Peewee" Berthelot
August 27, 2025
Parish bypassed eligible candidates, ignored State Examiner warnings, proposes part-time "fix" Bottom Line Up Front: West Baton Rouge Parish has used a contractor arrangement for Fire Chief duties for over three years, ignoring Louisiana civil service law requirements. An emergency Fire Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August
August 25, 2025
Multi-parish investigation recovers 11 firearms, leads to charges against teenagers WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH — Four suspects, including three juveniles, face burglary charges after a string of vehicle break-ins Thursday morning yielded at least 15 stolen firearms and prompted a round-the-clock investigation spanning multiple parishes. Sheriff Jeff Bergeron announced the arrests
August 23, 2025
Bottom Line Up Front: Governor Jeff Landry highlighted confirmed improvements in Louisiana's national rankings at Tuesday's West Baton Rouge Chamber event, including a jump from 31st to 18th in economic outlook and from 49th to 32nd in education, while outlining infrastructure financing strategies to business leaders.
August 21, 2025
Three fatalities in 15 months, two tied to suspected contraband, prompt policy changes PORT ALLEN — The West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office has announced security reforms after three inmate deaths in 15 months, with two occurring in just six months, raised serious questions about contraband entering the detention center.
August 19, 2025
Port Allen partnership with United Riders creates successful inaugural cycling event PORT ALLEN – Dozens of cyclists gathered at Cohn Elementary School Saturday evening for the first community bike ride organized through a partnership between the City of Port Allen and United Riders Bike Club of Baton Rouge. The August 2nd
August 19, 2025
Criminal investigation underway after 30-year-old found unresponsive during suspected medical emergency PORT ALLEN — The West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of an inmate at the parish detention center following a medical emergency Wednesday evening that affected three inmates in the same housing unit. Jeremy Paul,
August 14, 2025
West Baton Rouge Parish residents endure daily gridlock, but officials have tools to act now rather than wait for slow state process By John Summers | WBR Independent West Baton Rouge Parish commuters face a choice every evening: sit in traffic for 45 minutes or take back roads that weren'
July 31, 2025