FEMA’s Methodology for Estimating Damage Questioned

On Wednesday, FEMA released two lists of houses in Central — a list of “substantially damaged” properties that may have to be elevated, and a list of properties that did not receive substantial damage. Some Central residents have complained that FEMA’s damage estimates are deeply flawed and completely unreliable because of the methodology used. FEMA […]

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Don’s Seafood: Future Still Undecided

Don’s Seafood, the Baton Rouge landmark located at 6823 Airline Highway, was flooded in August and badly damaged.  After the water receded, the building stood idle and was not gutted, which led some to conclude that the Landry family had no intention to reopen. However, Mike Landry said Wednesday no decision has been made.  “The […]

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North Baton Rouge of 1960’s Is Gone Forever

When Standard Oil Company opened its refinery just north of Baton Rouge in 1909 and began hiring workers for its petrochemical operations, families moved here from the Florida parishes of Louisiana and southern Mississippi. Istrouma High School opened its doors in 1917 and by the 1920’s a distinct community called North Baton Rouge had been […]

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North Baton Rouge Neighborhoods Devastated with Little Progress Eight Weeks After Flood

Riding through North Baton Rouge neighborhoods near the intersection of North Foster Drive and Winbourne Avenue can be disconcerting.  The area looks like a war zone, and in fact it has been at war with record floodwaters and now with the possibility that many, perhaps most, houses will not be rebuilt. But at night, things […]

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GOP Backs Slate for Mayor, Council; Dems Make No Endorsements So Far

The Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish has endorsed Sen. Bodi White for Mayor-President and candidates for Metro Council in all eight districts where Republicans are running. In addition to Sen. White, the party endorsed: •    Metro Council Dist. 3 – Chandler Loupe •    Metro Council Dist. 4 – Scott Wilson •    Metro Council […]

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Bodi White Is Solid Choice for Mayor-President

In choosing a Mayor-President,  our newspaper is looking for the candidate who can give confidence to our citizens that East Baton Rouge Parish has a future — that we will not become another New Orleans or Detroit.  We want a Mayor-President who will end the exodus of hard-working, middle income families to surrounding parishes and […]

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Three Republicans Seek to Succeed Ryan Heck

Three Republican candidates are running for the Metro Council in District 11, a seat currently held by Councilman Ryan Heck.  The district includes parts of the Mid City area and extends southeast to include parts of what would be the City of St. George. The three candidates discussed their philosophy during the Ronald Reagan Newsmaker […]

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Three Strong Candidates Vie In District 2

Incumbent Metro Council member Chauna Banks is running for reelection in District 2. She is opposed by Bones Addison, who held the seat for 12 years, and Greg Handy. Addison said he opposes any tax increase without a vote of the people and that he will fight special interests downtown. Banks said she has created […]

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NBR’s Quiet Devastation

In August 2016, the capital area experienced a 1,000-year flood that inundated more than 59,000 homes in East Baton Rouge Parish. Most of the news coverage of the event focused on the devastation in Central and in Livingston and Ascension parishes. Getting far less attention was the historic flooding which also hit areas of North […]

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Water, Water Everywhere

The City of Baton Rouge has released maps defining the full breadth of the recent flooding in East Baton Rouge Parish. In the parish, the Estimated Flood Inundation Area was 227.53 square miles, or 48.5 percent, of the 469.5 square miles in East Baton Rouge Parish In the City of Central, the Estimated Flood Inundation […]

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