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Parish Council blocks industrial rezoning near River Road daycare, approves equipment yard on Highway 1
Meeting Coverage

Parish Council blocks industrial rezoning near River Road daycare, approves equipment yard on Highway 1

The West Baton Rouge Parish Council voted unanimously in May to block a proposed industrial rezoning near River Road Daycare and limit a Highway 1 equipment yard to two acres. The council also authorized a federal grant application to replace aging gas lines in the northern parish.

John Summers June 02, 2026
After the firing, the students were left behind.
News

After the firing, the students were left behind.

When West Baton Rouge fired special education teacher Melissa Durham in March, her students were left without a certified instructor for the rest of the school year, according to a federal lawsuit. The district strongly disputes the allegations.

John Summers June 01, 2026
Addis Makes Golf Carts Street Legal — Here's What You Need to Know
Meeting Coverage

Addis Makes Golf Carts Street Legal — Here's What You Need to Know

The Addis Town Council voted unanimously to allow golf carts and utility terrain vehicles on town streets. Councilwomen Rhonda Kelley and Bliss Bernard led the effort and put together a nine-step registration guide for residents.

John Summers May 28, 2026
Port Allen's robotics team just made WBR history
Community

Port Allen's robotics team just made WBR history

Port Allen High's Catahoula Blue Dogs became the first robotics team from West Baton Rouge Parish to compete at the FIRST Robotics World Championship — in only their second year. FRC Team 10217 finished 11th in Louisiana out of 40 teams.

John Summers May 27, 2026
Secret recordings could cost you in court under a Louisiana bill unless you're catching corruption

Secret recordings could cost you in court under a Louisiana bill unless you're catching corruption

A bill moving through the Louisiana Legislature would require anyone recording a private, in-person conversation to notify all participants first. The Senate added protections for documenting public corruption before sending HB 410 to the full chamber for a final vote.

John Summers May 26, 2026
WBR Independent Appeals Ruling in Public Records Lawsuit
Announcements

WBR Independent Appeals Ruling in Public Records Lawsuit

A judge has ruled in favor of the West Baton Rouge Parish Government and Fire Protection District No. 1 in an ongoing public records lawsuit. WBR Independent and its attorneys vigorously disagree and will be appealing to a higher court.

John Summers May 26, 2026
Louisiana native returns to West Baton Rouge to share story rooted in Jim Crow
Community

Louisiana native returns to West Baton Rouge to share story rooted in Jim Crow

Author Linda Lowe Erley returned to West Baton Rouge for a reading and book signing of her debut novel, a historical fiction inspired by the woman who raised her during Jim Crow.

John Summers May 25, 2026
Remembering Those Who Gave Everything

Remembering Those Who Gave Everything

Memorial Day isn't about barbecues or a day off. It's about the men and women who gave everything so the rest of us could have both.

John Summers May 25, 2026
Police investigating homicide on Jefferson Avenue in Port Allen

Police investigating homicide on Jefferson Avenue in Port Allen

Port Allen Police are investigating a potential homicide in the 500 block of Oaks Avenue near Jefferson Avenue. This is a developing story.

John Summers May 22, 2026

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© 2025 WBR Independent. Published by West River Solutions LLC. Port Allen, Louisiana. Principle, not politics.

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