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Articles by Sarah Gray Barr
Louisiana Amendment 6 could expand property tax relief for some homeowners 65 and older
BATON ROUGE — Louisiana voters could grant extra property tax relief for seniors over 65 if they approve Constitutional Amendment 6 on the Nov. 3 ballot. Under current Louisiana law, homeowners 65 and older who qualify for a homestead exemption can freeze their property’s assessed value if their gross annual income does not exceed $100,000 (an amount adjusted annually for inflation). This freeze protects homeowners from future property tax hikes.
Louisiana Amendment Five could change which retirement debts get state surplus money
BATON ROUGE — This fall, voters will decide on 10 different amendments to change Louisiana's constitution, one of which impacts how excess money will pay off debt within the state's retirement system. On Nov.
Fall constitutional amendments include post-conviction bail changes and governor term limits
BATON ROUGE - Ahead of election day, WBRZ is breaking down the constitutional amendments voters will encounter on the November ballot, two of which include stricter measures regarding post-conviction bail and also term limits for governors. As previously reported, Amendment One involved special homestead exemption transfers for surviving spouses of disabled veterans. If approved by voters, Amendment Two would allow taxing bodies more flexibility when raising and lowering property taxes.
Louisiana Amendment Two would give local taxing bodies more flexibility over tax rates
BATON ROUGE - Voters in the November election will cast their votes on proposed constitutional amendment, including one that would change taxing bodies' timelines on raising and lowering taxes. As previously reported, the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, or PAR, released a guide to the 2026 Fall Constitutional Amendments last week.
How the fall election could impact Louisiana's surviving veteran spouses
BATON ROUGE - On the Nov. ballot, voters will decide on 10 different constitutional amendments. On Wednesday, the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, or PAR, released its guide for the Fall 2026 constitutional amendments. Ahead of election day, WBRZ is following a multitude of key races as well as explaining what is on the ballot statewide. On Wednesday, WBRZ sat down with PAR President Steven Procopio to discuss the proposed amendments.
'A very strange case': Search continues for missing Texas woman after Atchafalaya Basin Bridge crash
BATON ROUGE — Wednesday marks one week since 22-year-old Texas woman Christin Munn-Holliday vanished from a Louisiana bridge, prompting an ongoing multi-agency search. Louisiana State Police say Munn-Holliday was last seen early Wednesday morning following a two-car crash on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge near the Whiskey Bay exit. When state troopers and Iberville Parish deputies arrived, they found one occupied vehicle and a second empty car belonging to Munn-Holliday.
Candidates for 2nd Congressional District talk about goals if elected during Monday forum
BATON ROUGE - Candidates vying for Louisiana's redrawn 2nd Congressional District seat met Monday at a forum hosted by the Baton Rouge Press Club to share their goals should voters elect them to office. Press Club invited all five candidates to the event. Peter Williams, a Republican, Libertarian Lisa Ballay and No Party candidates Walter "Rocky" Beach and Renada "Honey" Collins all attended. Incumbent Democrat Rep. Troy Carter was the only no-show.
Law enforcement looking for Texas woman last seen after crash on Atchafalaya Basin Bridge
PLAQUEMINE - The Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office and Louisiana State Police are investigating the disappearance of Texas woman Christina Munn Holliday. WBRZ spoke with Munn Holliday's parents, who called the circumstances surrounding their daughter's disappearance "suspicious." In the early hours of Wednesday, Sept. 30, the family said Munn Holliday was involved in a car accident on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, near the Whiskey Bay exit.
New state task force addresses utility assistance
BATON ROUGE — A new state task force dedicated to coordinating utility assistance held its inaugural meeting at the Capitol on Wednesday. Created under Senate Resolution No. 148, authored by State Sen. Regina Barrow, the task force brings together lawmakers, state and regional agencies, and major energy providers. Members include Barrow, State Sen.
Despite high costs and unwanted insects, sugarcane farmer optimistic for harvest season
IBERVILLE PARISH - Dust kicked up by farm equipment greeted sugarcane farmers in southeast Louisiana on Monday as they headed to the fields for harvest season. For the next four months, farmer Troy Canella and his brothers will spend their days in the sugarcane fields with their crews. "Sugar's been really good. Everything's going our way," Canella said, optimistic for the season. Earlier this year, sugarcane farmers faced a fight against the pasture mealybug, which threatened their crop.
Ascension Parish releases a dozen NDAs involving Hyundai Steel mill
DONALDSONVILLE - The Ascension Parish Government released documents on Tuesday, including a dozen NDAs involving the Hyundai Steel mill, which broke ground earlier this month. Two different types of NDAs were shared with the public, one involving Ascension Parish officials or employees and Hyundai Steel, the other involving elected officials and Louisiana Economic Development.
'It's been very humbling:' Hammond hardware store recovering after truck ran into building
HAMMOND - A hardware store in Hammond opened to the public on Sunday, one day after a truck crashed through the walls of the facility over the weekend. The owners of Pennington True Value told WBRZ they did not expect a truck to crash through the front of the building in the early hours of Saturday morning. "I didn't think it would be inside-inside the building. I was just thinking they had hit the building," Co-owner Marie Pennington said.
Appellate court reaffirms 19th JDC decision in athletes' fight for 5th year of NCAA eligibility
BATON ROUGE — A Louisiana appellate court has sided with several athletes fighting for a fifth year of college eligibility, reaffirming a decision made in Baton Rouge court earlier in September. The First Court of Appeals' decision, issued Monday, denies the SEC and Commissioner Greg Sankey's applications for appeal. "An order or judgment relating to a preliminary injunction shall not be suspended during the pendency of an appeal unless the court in its discretion so orders," the decision says.
'Everybody involved is at fault,' says Brusly police on golf cart SUV hit-and-run
BRUSLY - Brusly Police say multiple people could face charges in Saturday's golf cart crash involving two juveniles. "Everybody involved is at fault," Capt. Keegan Allen, a Brusly Police Department detective, said on Monday. On Saturday, police said a silver Mercedes SUV tried to pass a golf cart on West St. Francis Road while the driver of the golf cart attempted to turn onto Elaine Street.
Bronco Snow at Zachary High teaches teamwork, records and customer service
ZACHARY — A student-run snowball stand has opened on the campus of Zachary High School, giving students hands-on experience running a real business. The stand, called Bronco Snow, is the newest student-run business at the school. "It's really hot, it's really humid, so we thought, what better way to combat that than with snowballs?" said Erica Mayes, a Zachary High senior.
2 Your Town Port Allen: 'Something so beautiful,' WBR school officials share progress on new school construction
PORT ALLEN — A $25 million renovation project is transforming Cohn Elementary into an intermediate school on the site where Cohn High School, the first high school in the parish for Black students before integration, once stood. "A lot of our community has gone through Cohn in their childhood; they're getting to see new Cohn and what that's going to do for future generations," Superintendent Dr. Chandler Smith said. Smith shared that phase one of the project was recently completed.
Jaguar Plaza residents react to officer-involved shooting
BATON ROUGE - Residents at Jaguar Plaza, an apartment building off Harding Boulevard, said Sunday night's officer-involved shooting stemmed from a dispute between neighbors. According to BRPD Chief TJ Morse, officers were called to the complex after reports that a man was threatening people with a rifle just before 6 p.m. on Sunday. Morse said the man also threatened officers, which led to officers firing shots. "Officers were dispatched here to an apartment complex.
St. Helena strip club owners say weekend raid was illegal and closure will not last
AMITE - Area residents celebrated the shutdown of a strip club after the St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Office raided the site over the weekend. The establishment's owners insist the closure is not permanent. Deputies and agents from multiple law enforcement groups raided The Mansion Gentlemen’s Club, also called Butler's Bar and Grill, in the early hours of Sunday, Aug. 30, after 14 months of investigation.
Fire hydrant tests stirred up sediment in Livingston Parish water lines, utility company says
INDEPENDENCE - Some residents in Independence reported brown water flowing from their taps over the weekend. The water company points to recent fire hydrant tests as the cause. Residents told WBRZ, however, the water issues span decades. The Fourth Ward Water Association said the recent water discoloration impacted between 300 and 400 customers, and the water company started receiving reports on Thursday.
'Get out of that situation,' families facing homelessness plead for community's help
BATON ROUGE - Evicted families in the capital area say their story shows just how easy it is to become homeless, and how difficult it is to rebuild a life. This comes as federal data reports the first reduction in homelessness in almost a decade. Last Friday evening, people in multiple units at an apartment on Tigerland Avenue found themselves evicted. 2 On Your Side previously covered the apartment complex when the site was deemed a nuisance by a judge.
Elon Musk: SpaceX's Starbase Louisiana will be 'biggest launch site on Earth'
ABBEVILLE — After months of speculation, SpaceX officially announced Tuesday that it is building a Starship launch pad in Vermilion Parish. State officials from across Louisiana, including Economic Secretary Susan Bourgeois and Gov. Jeff Landry, joined the company at Abbeville’s Magdalen Place to announce the $100 billion investment, which SpaceX says is the largest capital investment project in Louisiana history.
It's official: SpaceX announces plans for $100 billion Louisiana launch pad; construction starts in 2027
ABBEVILLE — After months of speculation, SpaceX officially announced Tuesday that it is building a Starship launch pad in Vermilion Parish. State officials from across Louisiana, including Economic Secretary Susan Bourgeois and Gov. Jeff Landry, joined the company at Abbeville’s Magdalen Place to announce the $100 billion investment, which SpaceX says is the largest capital investment project in Louisiana history.
Vermilion Parish residents to learn if SpaceX will build launch pad near Pecan Island
PECAN ISLAND - Vermilion Parish residents will find out Tuesday if billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX will build its next launch pad around Pecan Island. Pecan Island residents say the area is one where neighbors live next door to nature. “It’s quiet, it’s quiet. You don’t have all the traffic, the noise. But, it sounds like that might be fixing to change,” Warren Winch, a Pecan Island resident, said.
Baton Rouge parents report EBR Schools buses repeatedly failing to pick up students
BATON ROUGE - Some Baton Rouge parents are concerned after the EBR Schools bus failed to pick up their students multiple times since the start of the school year, school leaders say they are working to get students to school. For the second time this week, Frances Young drove her son to Westdale Middle School. "They're not able to catch their bus at their bus stop," she said. Young said her son's bus number kept changing and the bus failed to show up multiple times this month to pick up students.
Baton Rouge counselor brings full-time mental health support to LSU music students
BATON ROUGE — A new counselor starts her first full school year serving members of the LSU Tiger Marching Band and students within the College of Music and Dramatic Arts. Sharae Vicknair, the embedded clinician, says the counseling position provides accessible mental health and wellness services. Vicknair initially began serving some band members partway into the 2025-2026 school year. "This is my first August," Vicknair said.
'It's going to become more common:' Free dementia training helps first responders
BATON ROUGE — A free online training program offered by the Alzheimer's Association could help Louisiana first responders better prepare to handle calls involving people living with dementia. State Fire Marshal Chad Sonnier says there was a time during his career when that kind of specialized training was not readily available. "They were, you know, didn't really understand, not comprehending what we were asking of them.
"If you don't have a witness," advocate pushes for protection for witnesses
BATON ROUGE — East Baton Rouge deputies continue to investigate the Corlett Drive shooting which injured one person set to be a witness in an upcoming murder trial. The family of a decades-old murder case victim points to the need for more protections for witnesses. In the Corlett Drive shooting, the witness was expected to testify in the 2023 murder trial involving Christopher Davis. Davis was arrested in 2023 for the death of Deandre Duncan.
'The strongest parks are the ones neighbors take pride in,' BREC addressing drug use at park
BATON ROUGE - Despite a sign prohibiting drugs and alcohol at BREC parks, on Tuesday, needles, syringe caps and melted plastic bottles littered the lawn and playground around Boulevard de Province Park. WBRZ learned of the possible open drug use at the park after a viewer reached out, sharing a photo of a park table with a message scribbled on it, stating, "Do your drugs at the back table.
Watson couple helped hundreds escape 2016 flood and are still using those lessons today
WATSON — One Watson family helped hundreds of neighbors escape their homes during the Flood of 2016 and said the lessons learned in that disaster are still being utilized a decade later. Over the years, Jodi and Dana Rushing found that, for them, it is better to give than to receive. "We're used to being the ones who help others," Jodi said.
New audit reveals state agency did not collect millions in potential oversize truck penalty fees
BATON ROUGE — Between 2023 and 2025, the state missed out on millions of dollars worth of penalty fees for oversized and overweight trucks on major roadways, according to an audit that dropped Monday from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. The audit found that many trucks drive around weigh stations in the state.
'It's more common than you think:' Pedestrian deaths, injuries on the rise in capital region
BATON ROUGE — The total number of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists involved in fatal or severe crashes so far in 2026 year is higher than at the same point during the previous year, data from LSU's Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety shows.
A Denham Springs billboard is giving overdose victims' families a place to remember their loved ones
DENHAM SPRINGS - A billboard in Denham Springs is raising awareness around the dangers of drug poisonings and offering victims' families a place to honor their loved ones. Beth White is one of those family members. Her son, Brandon Reeves, died from a fentanyl overdose at the age of 24. Reeves once served in the Army National Guard, but White says a crash with a semi-truck changed all that. "He was leaving work one afternoon, when he was hit by an 18-wheeler broadside," White said.
LSP: Suspect who was shot by Livingston deputy after stealing taser dies
INDEPENDENCE — A 50-year-old man died Monday after being shot by a Livingston Parish Sheriff's deputy along I-55 southbound in Tangipahoa Parish. Louisiana State Police say the suspect stole a taser from the deputy and fired it at him. I-55 southbound was closed between mile markers 39 and 40 after the law enforcement chase that started in Albany ended with a crash and shots fired near Independence. The closure was first reported around 6:57 a.m. on Monday. By 9:30 a.m., the roadway reopened.
'Want them to come forward:' Hit-and-run victim's family pleads for answers
BATON ROUGE - The family of Saturday's hit-and-run victim is calling for the driver who killed their loved one to come forward. On Saturday night, Baton Rouge Police responded to Greenwell Springs Road, a stretch of the road that crosses over Airline Highway. That's where officers found 39-year-old John Le Nguyen, struck by a vehicle. The driver who struck him was nowhere to be found. "John embodies the meaning of love," Julie Nguyen, John Nguyen's sister, said.
'Miracles happen every day:' More utility assistance events planned in East Baton Rouge Parish
BATON ROUGE — East Baton Rouge Parish residents who need help paying their utility bills have a chance to apply for assistance through the Office of Social Services, which has around $3 million to distribute this year. The money comes from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The Office of Social Services told WBRZ if residents don't apply for it, the funds go back to the federal government.
"Remain vigilant at all times," boaters urge caution after Amite River triple boat crash
PRAIRIEVILLE - The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is still investigating a triple boat crash that sent four people to the hospital. Three people hurt in the crash were taken to the hospital by ambulance, while another was taken by Acadian Air Med. On Monday, people on the Amite River told WBRZ the crash is a reminder to exercise caution on Louisiana's waterways. "Remain vigilant at all times," said Samuel Freeman, a personal watercraft operator.
'A resolution is coming:' One Hammond neighborhood's internet restored after copper-theft outage
HAMMOND - After a week without internet services due to copper thieves, one Hammond neighborhood is seeing work on its copper cables on Wednesday following a WBRZ report. JC Watts lives off North Coburn Road in Hammond, right off Highway 190. WBRZ spoke to Watts on Tuesday about his frustrations. "It seems like after your story aired, we started getting progress," Watts said.
'Eight days straight without internet,' Tangipahoa residents blame copper thieves for internet outages
KENTWOOD - A series of copper thefts has law enforcement on high alert, with the Tangipahoa Sheriff's Office arresting five people since the start of the month. In the town of Kentwood, AT&T crews stayed parked on the sides of Highway 51, a remnant from Saturday's internet outage. “It’s about 880 feet of line fiber and copper that was taken off the pole, it’s a pretty big undertaking for someone to do that,” Kentwood Police Chief Michael Kazerooni said.
'It's getting ridiculous:' Community reacts to Mirage Villa Apartments shooting
BATON ROUGE - Another shooting in the region has both residents and social work researchers urging more attention focused on violence prevention. On Wednesday, the talk at Essential Fadez Barbershop included the recent shooting the evening before. "Some people are scared to come to the barbershop, they're just scared," Martin More, an employee, said. More told WBRZ, the shooting left him sad. "I guess they don't want to fight anymore, they want to shoot and it's getting ridiculous," More said.
'These people went through a lot:' Capital area groups gather 2016 flood firsthand accounts
BATON ROUGE - Archivists and documentarians in the capital region are currently working to record accounts of the Flood of 2016 before the memories are forgotten. Groups like the East Baton Rouge Public Library and Louisiana Public Broadcasting are among several organizations working to get firsthand accounts of the once-in-a-generation storm.
'HIV is going to shoot through the roof:' Agencies react to LDH ending condom distribution contracts
BATON ROUGE - Some health providers will kill existing sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV prevention programming after the Louisiana Department of Health terminated their contracts to provide those services. According to a 2025 report from LDH, Louisiana ranks fourth highest in the nation in diagnosis rates, with 13.7 new diagnoses per 100,000 people in 2023.
'They wouldn't have shot their mom or dad,' advocates speak against teen violence
BATON ROUGE — After learning of the shooting death of 49-year-old Randall Holmes, another Baton Rouge family is stepping forward to share how their family endured a similar situation and offer support to the grieving family. This past weekend, Holmes died after Baton Rouge Police said an argument between a group of teenagers escalated into a shooting.
'Burn up to live here,' Baton Rouge cancer patient suffering from A/C issues
BATON ROUGE — One Baton Rouge cancer patient says efforts to fix her apartment's air conditioning have failed, and the broken system puts her health at risk, forcing her to move. 60-year-old Stephanie Franklin moved into Sea Holly Grande Apartments in Nov. 2024. She told WBRZ that new management took over at the beginning of the year. Under the management of Rampart Multifamily Management, she says her problems began. The biggest? In April, Franklin reported her air conditioning unit started failing.
Man killed in Saturday shooting was breaking up fight between teens, family says
BATON ROUGE - The family of 49-year-old Randall Holmes, the man killed Saturday afternoon after a fight between teens escalated to violence, shared with WBRZ that Holmes attempted to intervene in the fight that ultimately led to his death. "He was a gentle giant, a humble person," Nadia Holmes, Randall Holmes' wife, said.
Political analyst expects tight race for Senate runoff
BATON ROUGE — On Saturday, voters in Louisiana will decide who will represent the Republican and Democratic parties in the November general election. Ahead of Saturday, WBRZ spoke with political analyst James Hartman about the candidates and the seat currently held by Republican Bill Cassidy. "There's a lot of polls showing this to be a very close race," Hartman said.
'A department that people could be proud of:' Proposition in Killian could help police department
KILLIAN - Voters in Killian will decide on a proposition that could help rebuild the town's small police department. Back in Aug. 2025, Killian's Board of Aldermen voted to suspend the entire police department. Under Louisiana's Lawrason Act, the town must have a police chief even if it does not actually have a police department. Appointed in November, Killian Police Chief Vicki Corkern serves a department that's been largely dissolved.
Killian Mayor: Water system has been working 'great' since May installation of new filtration system
in News Source: WBRZ KILLIAN — After years of consistent issues, Killian's water system has been working "great" since a new filter was installed last month, the town's mayor told WBRZ on Tuesday. Killian Mayor Caleb Atwell said that the system has been functioning properly since it went online on May 13. He said he has seen clear water flowing from faucets across town.
La. Department of Conservation and Energy 'surprised' by auditor's findings
BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Legislator's Office surprised officials at the state Department of Conservation and Energy with a report Monday alleging that a former assistant commissioner may have broken state law when handling an agreement between a state agency and a group brought in to plug orphaned or abandoned oil wells.
Employees, patrons bid farewell to Sammy's Grill Highland Road location
BATON ROUGE - On Monday, dozens of diners visited Sammy's Grill, bidding farewell to the Baton Rouge restaurant staple. The restaurant is expected to permanently close its Highland Road location on Sunday, June 14. Those running the restaurant say they wanted to stay, but the site's property owner did not renew their lease. "They had gotten an offer on the place, knowing our lease was coming up. They asked us to match it or do something similar to it.
2 Your Town Clinton: Feliciana Flower Farmer Friends
CLINTON - In East Feliciana Parish, a group of flower farmers share gardening skills and knowledge, helping each other's love of flowers bloom into something more. Seven different flower farmers, all located roughly within twenty miles of each other, sow the seeds of friendship and community. The group calls themselves the Feliciana Flower Farmer Friends. "We've been helping one another, each of us a little bit different," Roberta McKowen, a member of the group said.
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