The WBR Parish Council approved a homebuyer bond program with taxpayer protections, fined a hotel for operating without a permit, and moved forward on a new senior center in Erwinville. The council meets again tonight with a trash ordinance public hearing on the agenda.
August 27, 2026
A jury awarded Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jeff Hughes $300,000 after finding The Advocate defamed him in a 2019 editorial. The jury was initially split 6-6 and deliberated 45 minutes. Hughes had asked for $10 million.
August 27, 2026
Ashlee Bergeron built the Full Moon Market from a photography studio in Plaquemine. After a year and a half and more than 40 vendors, she's bringing the monthly artisan market to Brusly's St. James Park starting Aug. 28.
August 26, 2026
The WBR School Board honored longtime teacher and coach Henry Knox, heard from the district's new bus manager after back-to-back incidents, adopted a budget with a $574,000 surplus, and heard a parent's plea about special education and charter school transfers.
August 25, 2026Get WBR Independent delivered to your inbox. Local government, public safety, and community news for West Baton Rouge Parish.
The Addis Town Council heard its 2025 audit came back clean for the fourth straight year, with a $2.1 million surplus. The town also closed on a $50,000 property purchase next to town hall and authorized the mayor to solicit demolition bids for two adjacent properties.
August 20, 2026
A Louisiana Supreme Court justice is suing The Advocate over a 2019 editorial in a trial underway in Iberville Parish. DA Tony Clayton returned as plaintiff's counsel. The defense accused Hughes of coaching a witness during a break.
August 19, 2026
The Port Allen City Council declined to introduce an ordinance that would have let the city marshal's office keep operating in Ward 3. A motion by Councilman Hubble got no second. Without the ordinance, required under House Bill 1038, the marshal's deputies lose police authority.
August 18, 2026
The WBR School Board extended the governor's teacher stipend to all employees and approved a budget showing nearly $2 million in charter school transfers. Sales tax is down, but new industrial projects could boost revenue.
August 17, 2026Get WBR Independent delivered to your inbox. Local government, public safety, and community news for West Baton Rouge Parish.
