Andrew Epperson
Verified- Assistant News Director, Louisiana First News
- Evening Anchor, WGMB-TV (Baton Rouge, LA )
- Evening Anchor, WVLA-TV (Baton Rouge, LA)
Baton Rouge
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Articles by Andrew Epperson
Steve Scalise joins race for GOP minority leader Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — In a letter to colleagues, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) announced Wednesday he is joining the race for minority leader next year. Scalise said Tuesday night’s midterm elections were “far worse than any of us expected.” “We fought hard and left it all on the field, but clearly we were unable to defy history,” Scalise said.
Louisiana First News earns 2026 Suncoast Emmy nomination
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana First News has been nominated for a 2026 Suncoast Emmy Award.
Louisiana First News earns 2026 Suncoast Emmy nomination
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana First News has been nominated for a 2026 Suncoast Emmy Award.
REPORT: Rep. Julia Letlow traded Meta stock after signing NDA with the company Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.) has had to answer questions about her stock trading since first announcing her candidacy for the U.S. Senate race. Now, some new reporting from Gulf States Newsroom indicates she traded Meta stock after signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the company.
REPORT: Rep. Julia Letlow traded Meta stock after signing NDA with the company
REPORT: Rep. Julia Letlow traded Meta stock after signing NDA with the company Thu, August 13, 2026 at 5:29 PM EDT REPORT: Rep. Julia Letlow traded Meta stock after signing NDA with the company BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.) has had to answer questions about her stock trading since first announcing her candidacy for the U.S. Senate race.
Fort Polk soldier pushes for wife to be released from ICE custody: ‘We need her here’
LEESVILLE, La. (Louisiana First) — A soldier stationed at Fort Polk in Leesville has served in the Army for more than a decade with plans to serve another. Now, he is asking the United States government to release his wife from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody before she is deported. Staff Sgt. Alexis Jaramillo was recently stationed at Fort Polk after formerly living in Alabama.
Fort Polk soldier pushes for wife to be released from ICE custody: ‘We need her here’
LEESVILLE, La. (Louisiana First) — A soldier stationed at Fort Polk in Leesville has served in the Army for more than a decade with plans to serve another. Now, he is asking the United States government to release his wife from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody before she is deported. Staff Sgt. Alexis Jaramillo was recently stationed at Fort Polk after formerly living in Alabama.
REPORT: Landry administration ramps up NDA requirement for state employees Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Big tech projects continue to be announced across Louisiana. Amid growing questions about their impact, Gov. Jeff Landry’s administration is requiring more state employees to sign strict non-disclosure agreements (NDA) to prevent them from publicly speaking about what they learned, according to a new report from Gulf States Newsroom.
‘They’re going to float around like icebergs out here’: Louisianans say more needs to be done to remove abandoned boats from waterways
DES ALLEMANDS, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana’s waterways are filled with abandoned and neglected boats. Some people who live and work in these areas said more needs to be done, and one lawmaker hopes her legislation leads to change. State Rep. Jessica Domangue (R) said around 900 boats have been abandoned in Terrebonne Parish since Hurricane Ida. She sponsored legislation that doubles fines for people responsible for leaving marine debris in the water.
‘They’re going to float around like icebergs out here’: Louisianans say more needs to be done to remove abandoned boats from waterways
DES ALLEMANDS, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana’s waterways are filled with abandoned and neglected boats. Some people who live and work in these areas said more needs to be done, and one lawmaker hopes her legislation leads to change. State Rep. Jessica Domangue (R) said around 900 boats have been abandoned in Terrebonne Parish since Hurricane Ida. She sponsored legislation that doubles fines for people responsible for leaving marine debris in the water.
Bill would fine Louisianans for abandoned boats in state waterways
DES ALLEMANDS, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana’s waterways are filled with abandoned and neglected boats. Some people who live and work in these areas said more needs to be done about them, and one lawmaker hopes her legislation leads to change. State Rep. Jessica Domangue (R-Houma) said around 900 boats have been abandoned in Terrebonne Parish alone since Hurricane Ida. She sponsored legislation that doubles fines for people responsible for leaving marine debris in the water.
Trump, Netanyahu meet as Americans are split on Iran objectives Original
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Louisiana First) — President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Tuesday at the White House. This marks their first in-person meeting since launching the joint war against Iran. The Associated Press reported both face pressure in their respective countries. For Trump, higher prices and questions about the U.S.’s involvement are concerns, and Netanyahu is reportedly working to shore up a rocky relationship with Trump.
‘They’re going to float around like icebergs out here’: Louisianans say more needs to be done to remove abandoned boats from waterways
DES ALLEMANDS, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana’s waterways are filled with abandoned and neglected boats. Some people who live and work in these areas said more needs to be done, and one lawmaker hopes her legislation leads to change. State Rep. Jessica Domangue (R) said around 900 boats have been abandoned in Terrebonne Parish since Hurricane Ida. She sponsored legislation that doubles fines for people responsible for leaving marine debris in the water.
Is ‘problem gambling’ rising in Louisiana as sports betting, prediction markets grow popular?
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Studies show sports betting and prediction market gambling have become more common in Louisiana amid a wider social acceptance. The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and credit companies report that this has led to a higher rate of negative outcomes, including gambling disorders and financial disasters.
Is ‘problem gambling’ rising in Louisiana as sports betting, prediction markets grow popular? Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Studies show sports betting and prediction market gambling have become more common in Louisiana amid a wider social acceptance. The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and credit companies report that this has led to a higher rate of negative outcomes, including gambling disorders and financial disasters.
Teen fatally shot in Baton Rouge, family seeks justice
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The family of an 18-year-old is seeking answers after he was shot and killed outside his home on Sunday afternoon. The shooting happened on Boulevard de Province in Baton Rouge. Police reported that no suspects have been identified in the shooting. Jeffari Kaglear, a recent high school graduate, had aspirations of becoming a welder. His mother, Latisha Kaglear, was with him in his final moments and has vowed to find those responsible for her son’s death.
Tenant accuses Baton Rouge apartment complex of neglecting to address falling roof, mold Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A Baton Rouge apartment complex is receiving criticism from a tenant who accuses management of neglecting to address a falling roof, mold and general problems in her unit. The complex is one that prompted a city council member to push for stronger local codes to hold property managers accountable. Rachel Thomas said she fears becoming homeless for exposing the problems in her Spanish Arms Apartment unit. The complex is located on Denham Street in Baton Rouge.
Tenant accuses Baton Rouge apartment complex of neglecting to address falling roof, mold
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A Baton Rouge apartment complex is receiving criticism from a tenant who accuses management of neglecting to address a falling roof, mold and general problems in her unit. The complex is one that prompted a city council member to push for stronger local codes to hold property managers accountable. Rachel Thomas said she fears becoming homeless for exposing the problems in her Spanish Arms Apartment unit. The complex is located on Denham Street in Baton Rouge.
New Baton Rouge billboard urges Louisiana to eliminate nitrogen gas executions: ‘Thou shalt not suffocate’ Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A new billboard in Baton Rouge has a simple message with a big goal: eliminate a controversial execution method from the state’s resources. Nitrogen hypoxia has been used to execute eight death row inmates across two states: Alabama and Louisiana.
New testing reveals prevalence of Baton Rouge restaurants mixing farm-raised and wild-caught seafood Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — New testing conducted by SeaD Consulting reveals many restaurants across the state are either ignoring mislabeling laws or skirting them through a process called commingling. Commingling involves mixing wild-caught and farm-raised seafood to still adhere to labeling laws, which require a place to publicly display a sign if its seafood is not locally sourced.
New testing reveals prevalence of Baton Rouge restaurants mixing farm-raised and wild-caught seafood
Fri, May 29, 2026 at 8:39 PM UTC BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — New testing conducted by SeaD Consulting reveals many restaurants across the state are either ignoring mislabeling laws or skirting them through a process called commingling. Commingling involves mixing wild-caught and farm-raised seafood to still adhere to labeling laws, which require a place to publicly display a sign if its seafood is not locally sourced.
Metro Council moves to condemn troubled Baton Rouge apartment property
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The East Baton Rouge Metro Council voted to advance the condemnation process for an apartment property on Burbank Drive. The decision was made at Wednesday’s meeting, following a period of scrutiny over the property. Concerns about the property were first reported nearly a year ago when a Baton Rouge doctor, whose clinic is next door, voiced worries about multiple law enforcement raids occurring there.
⚠️ WARNING ⚠️ More sarcasm is coming today KPNX-TV | 12News Today in AZ. Happy to announce that I’m officially the new Traffic Anchor! Thrilled to be in this new role and continue to report and… | Troy Lynch
⚠️ WARNING ⚠️ More sarcasm is coming today KPNX-TV | 12News Today in AZ. Happy to announce that I’m officially the new Traffic Anchor! Thrilled to be in this new role and continue to report and bring you around the state with more hiking on Rediscover Arizona 🏜️ All glory to God!
Marine veteran receives state honor 57 years after carrying Army soldier through Vietnam battle
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A Vietnam War veteran was honored at the Louisiana State Capitol on Wednesday for an act of heroism he displayed more than half a century ago overseas. Cpl. Lane “Frenchie” Boudreaux of Walker was in a Marine unit known as Mobile Training Team II, along with Sgt. David Carpenter, Cpl. H.T. Berry Hill, Cpl. James T. Polich, Lane Cpl. Marvin Biegler, Cpl. Gary Cote, Cpl. Steve O’Conner, Staff Sgt. Bill Oxley and Sgt. John Shribner.
EBR Mayor-President Sid Edwards visits homeless camp, Brookstown to promote transparency Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana First News followed East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards through an entire workday this week to document his handling of certain situations. He said he wanted the process to show he is completely transparent with the public and local news publications. “It’s a snapshot not so much into the life of me, but into the life of the city,” Edwards said. During the full day on Monday, Edwards visited a local radio show before going to breakfast.
Money tips to get through economic challenges prompted by Iran war, inflation Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Prices continue to stay high in Louisiana, particularly on the gas and oil side, as the United States continues to deal with the ongoing Iran war and subsequent ceasefire negotiations. A popular financial publication has information on how to save money and spend less to counter the extra costs.
Meta, Entergy wants to build more power plants in Louisiana; affordable energy group pushes back
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Meta and Entergy are moving closer to building seven new gas power plants in North Louisiana, intended to fuel a second data center. The Public Service Commission voted to clear a path for a December vote on the application for these plants. Entergy states these power plants would benefit the state’s economy and help ease concerns over energy rate increases. The company explains that the new plants would, in theory, offset demand on the energy grid.
Nearly a sixth of Louisiana voters may unknowingly be ‘inactive’ Original
ZACHARY, La. (Louisiana First) — People across the state report discovering they have been moved to the inactive list on voter rolls. The Secretary of State’s office confirms nearly 500,000 Louisiana voters are in that category. The Secretary of State’s office reports 455,519 voters were on the inactive list after the 2025 annual canvas. The year’s canvas yielded 319,217 inactive voters.
Audit: Livingston ex-official allegedly misused public funds
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A former Livingston official may have violated state law twice by allegedly using more than $7,600 in taxpayer funds for personal expenses, according to a government audit report released Monday. The report identifies Patrick Bell as the official under scrutiny for incidents that occurred in 2024. The audit alleges Bell, the former director of public works, misused public funds to purchase vehicle parts for his private company and to settle a personal debt.
REPORT: Government non-disclosure agreements becoming more common Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Riverplex Megapark in Ascension Parish is one of several major projects across the state being touted for their potential economic impact. Some groups accuse the processes of being shrouded in mystery, and reporting from a Louisiana First News radio partner indicates more government non-disclosure agreements are being signed under Gov. Jeff Landry’s administration. Drew Hawkins is an investigative reporter for Gulf States Newsroom in New Orleans.
EXCLUSIVE: Julia Letlow discusses Trump endorsement, MAHA support and SAVE Act in wide-ranging interview
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — U.S. Senate candidate Congresswoman Julia Letlow sat down for a wide-ranging interview Friday at Louisiana First News. She discussed President Donald Trump’s endorsement, the incumbent she hopes to replace, support from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement and more. Letlow said she did not consider running for the Senate until Trump encouraged her to do so.
Louisiana bill seeking tougher penalties for disrupting church services advances Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Lawmakers in a House committee advanced a bill that would enhance criminal penalties for people who interrupt church services. The Administration of Criminal Justice Committee took up House Bill 68 on Wednesday, which would slap a 30-day minimum jail sentence on someone who purposely interrupts a house of worship. It aims to amend the disturbing the peace charge to make it more serious if a church is involved. The bill’s author, State Rep.
Industrial park in Ascension Parish sparks debate Original
ASCENSION PARISH, La. (Louisiana First) — Ascension Parish is moving forward with a 17,000-acre industrial zone known as the RiverPlex MegaPark, which will be home to numerous corporate factories. Around a year ago, officials touted the opportunities the zone presented. Now, one group’s director said answers have been hard to come by. “The parish doesn’t want to give us a single document about it,” said Anne Rolfes, director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade.
Louisiana Senate committee advances bill aiming to regulate AI in medical provider decisions Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A bill that aims to regulate artificial intelligence in medical provider decision-making advanced through a Louisiana Senate committee Wednesday. The bill’s sponsor said the goal is to keep AI from taking precedence over human beings in such situations. State Sen. Jay Luneau (D-Alexandria) said AI can be a “good tool,” but the increasing usage across society presents challenges for humans.
House committee advances bill to name new Louisiana bridge after President Trump Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Louisiana House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee nearly unanimously advanced a bill to name a new bridge after President Donald Trump. The “President Donald J. Trump Expressway” and accompanying signage would be applied to a proposed bridge connecting Highway 1 and Highway 30 over the Mississippi River. The exact location has not been decided yet. State Rep.
Louisiana lawsuit could reshape abortion access through telehealth nationwide Original
LAFAYETTE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana’s abortion restrictions are some of the tightest in the country. A case going through the federal courts could have a major impact on other states. Late last month, a Louisiana lawsuit went up for a district court hearing. The state requested a preliminary injunction to force a national ban on doctors prescribing mifepristone through telehealth.
‘This fraud is rampant’: IRS agent says tax season ruined by criminals in Louisiana Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Tax season is now underway, and while people prepare to file their yearly taxes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reports fraud is commonplace in Louisiana and across the country. “This fraud is rampant, and we’re very adept, and our agents are very adept at going after it and recovering that money for the American taxpayer,” said Kristen A. Yukness, a Special Agent in Charge at the IRS Atlanta Field Office’s Criminal Investigation Division.
Persistence pays off for Baton Rouge man who requested street lamps Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — East Baton Rouge elected officials continue to push for improved street lighting across the parish. A North Baton Rouge man showed how it can be achieved through persistence and patience. Henry Smith has lived on St. Gerard Avenue since 2005, and he said the street spent nearly two decades in the dark. For a while, that was not much of a problem. “When I moved over here, it was nice,” Smith said.
Resident calls for more speed bumps after multiple crashes outside home in Baton Rouge Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — In North Baton Rouge, one Lanier Drive home stands out for its colors on the outside and calm on the inside. The homeowner said the frequent wrecks that happen on that street make the area unsafe. Joyce Turner Keller showed Louisiana First Investigates numerous pictures and videos of crashes and accidents that happen on Lanier Drive in front of her home.
Update: Scotlandville woman says apartment complex will move her from mold-infested unit Original
SCOTLANDVILLE, La. (Louisiana First) — In a Louisiana First Investigates special report this week, a Scotlandville woman accused her apartment complex of neglecting to adequately address a mold problem in her unit. The woman’s lawyer said a Bayou Ridge Apartments manager contacted his client to offer a way out. Lawyer Harrece Gassery said Tyquincia Jones was offered a mold-free unit at the complex, one in Lake Charles or one in Texas.
Scotlandville woman accuses apartment complex of not fully addressing mold Original
SCOTLANDVILLE, La. (Louisiana First) — A Scotlandville woman said she’s been living in a mold-infested unit at Bayou Ridge Apartments for months. A lawyer said he plans to file a lawsuit against the complex for knowing about the problem but refusing to move the woman. Tyquincia Jones said she was homeless before a church friend referred her to the Bayou Ridge Apartments, which operates on income-based rent.
Baton Rouge doctor says new federal vaccine recommendations confuse patients Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine recommendations announced this week have rankled the broader medical community while prompting responses from lawmakers in both political parties. One Baton Rouge doctor said changes are worth discussing, but this one is causing confusion for patients. “Things are going to change,” said Dr. Byron Jasper, who founded the Byja Clinic.
EBR Mayor-President highlights blight and crime victories, blames 'politics' for tax reallocation rejection in end-of-year interview Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The man who leads East Baton Rouge still speaks like he’s on a sideline a year into his term, but in a wide-ranging interview, Mayor-President Sid Edwards said voters will see more of his executive side going into year two. “Baton Rouge is better today than it was a year ago,” Edwards said. “I can tell you that.” Edwards claimed victories over crime and blight.
Louisiana First Investigates: Looking at the biggest stories from 2025 Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The start of 2026 brings a close to the most important year for Louisiana First Investigates—one filled with stories and change for the team. Andrew Epperson took over as Chief Investigator in February, and Stephen Goodale joined as Producer/Photographer in May. Statistics are important to Louisiana First Investigates’ work, and the numbers tell the story. The Louisiana First Investigates journalists reported more than 50 stories on air and online in 2025.
Santa Claus and NORAD: 70 years of Christmas cheer delivery Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — ‘Tis the season! Toys have been made and the list has been checked, TWICE! Santa is getting ready for his yearly voyage to deliver presents to millions of children worldwide. From Latvia to Lithuania — to Luxembourg and Louisiana — Saint Nick and his reindeer pals will soon have their eyes on the skies. Christmas magic does the trick for them. But to know where they are requires a little more.
‘I’m anxious all the time’: Zachary homeowner says D.R. Horton construction practices led to uncontrollable mold Original
ZACHARY, La. (Louisiana First) — Ebony Walker said she’s dreamed of building and owning a home. A Google search led to D.R. Horton, and it seemed the dream was coming true. She said the dream has turned into a nightmare because of mold and a lack of help from the company. “It’s very depressing,” Walker said. “It’s overwhelming. I’m anxious all the time.” Walker testified against D.R. Horton earlier this month in an ongoing lawsuit against the company.
Louisiana's sinking land threatens environment and economy
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana faces a critical threat as scientists report the state is sinking, with over 2,000 square miles of land lost since the 1930s. The land loss crisis in Louisiana is driven by rising sea levels and climate change, impacting both the environment and local communities. The U.S. Geological Survey has documented the extensive land loss using satellite imagery, highlighting the urgent need for action.
‘There’s still a lot of ground to make up’: Louisiana economist praises $12B farmer aid package, says more help needed Original
ERWINVILLE, La. (Louisiana First) — President Trump announced a $12 billion aid package for farmers impacted by global economic conditions, including tariffs, who struggle to sell their crops. A Louisiana economist said it could represent a good start to addressing the needs farmers have, but more help is needed in terms of a social safety net.
Artificial intelligence sex bot, pornography information found on Louisiana DOTD website Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Documents related to artificial intelligence sex bots and pornography were uploaded and removed from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) website, Louisiana First Investigates has learned. The content has been removed, and a spokesperson said efforts are underway to prevent another breach. A Google search screenshot still shows links to the lewd content.
EBR district attorney responds to claims systemic failures led to death of Baton Rouge woman Original
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Social media is full of posts calling out the criminal justice system following a Baton Rouge woman’s murder Nov. 14. The East Baton Rouge district attorney said some of their claims were justified, but he said his office acted appropriately in the short time before the woman’s death. Officers responded to a stabbing in the 12000 block of Old Hammond Highway after 2 a.m. Nov. 13.
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