Lee Zurik

As the city of New Orleans's most honored investigative reporter, Lee Zurik has been uncovering and reporting impactful stories on WVUE since 2009. Following up his tenacious inquiries with detailed analysis and powerful storytelling, Lee delivers unprecedented accountability of government officials, private citizens and corporations.

Recent Articles by Lee

Former State Senator Wesley Bishop pleads guilty to federal charge, resigns from SUNO

Bishop was in Federal Court Tuesday where he changed his plea

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published January 21, 2020 at 10:30 AM

Costly Care: Medicare charged hundreds more than drug’s cost at cash value

A man noticed his insurance paid all of one medication, but then he discovered the federal government was billed hundreds more than market value.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published January 13, 2020 at 11:02 AM

Recognizing Hate: FBI begins counting its own hate crime cases in federal data, inaccurate numbers remain

After years of breaking the law, the FBI has finally and quietly released its own hate crime statistics. As InvestigateTV uncovered in Measure of Hate, while the FBI published annual hate crime statistics, the agency failed to release its own numbers.

Jamie Grey and Lee Zurik

Published January 1, 2020 at 9:41 PM

Zurik: Father questions whether withheld video, judge’s text messages impacted ‘Stand Your Ground’ case

A father has new questions surrounding the trial for the man who killed his son and claimed self-defense. Fouad Zeton questions whether video not shown during the trial for James Nero would have rendered a verdict other than acquittal based on the state’s 'Stand Your Ground’ Law.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published December 17, 2019 at 10:00 PM

Zurik: Worker at Hard Rock Hotel site describes warning signs ahead of collapse, calls job ‘rushed’

A person who worked on the Hard Rock Hotel construction site in New Orleans, said the job was ‘rushed’ and there were warning signs ahead of the collapse on October 12 that killed three men and injured several more people.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published December 4, 2019 at 10:00 PM

Medical Waste: Medicare charged hundreds more than drug’s cost at cash value

Two Louisiana men -- one a patient, and the other a pharmacist -- said they found medical waste that is costing every taxpayer in the country.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published November 27, 2019 at 11:11 AM

Preying on patriotism: Sham veterans and first-responder charities ousted for deception, their professional fundraisers largely left unscathed

Sham veterans and first-responder charities have been put out of business for misusing donations but their third-party, for-profit fundraisers remain in business.

Jill Riepenhoff, Tess Rowland and Lee Zurik

Published November 25, 2019 at 8:09 PM

Cashing in on Charity: Donations meant to help sick children, wounded veterans, abused animals instead benefit for-profit fundraisers

Professional fundraisers are for-profit companies that contract with charities to solicit donations by telephone or through the mail. The industry is loosely regulated and can keep as much as 100% of donated dollars.

Jill Riepenhoff and Lee Zurik

Published November 21, 2019 at 10:00 PM

Zurik: JP Councilmember charges taxpayers for thousands in out-of-state travel

A Jefferson Parish Councilmember’s taxpayer-funded out-of-state travel seems to stand out when compared to his colleagues.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published November 13, 2019 at 9:55 PM

State Sen. Wesley Bishop on paid leave from SUNO following federal charge

State Senator Wesley Bishop is on paid leave from his position at Southern University at New Orleans following a charge filed against him in federal court.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published November 12, 2019 at 12:22 PM

Zurik: Claims made by Field of Dreams Board refuted by NFL, School Board

Board members of the 9th Ward Field of Dreams tried to explain to alumni how nearly a million dollars was spent by the group with no field to show for it. However, the claims made by the board don’t line up with responses by the National Football League and Orleans Parish School Board.

Lee Zurik, Cody Lillich and Jeff Duncan

Published November 8, 2019 at 9:55 PM

State Senator Wesley Bishop charged with making a false statement to federal agency

State Senator Wesley Bishop has been charged by federal authorities for making a false statement to a federal agency.According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bishop made a false statement to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published November 8, 2019 at 2:26 PM

Missed Opportunity: Federal initiative meant to help poor neighborhoods benefits the rich

Neighborhoods with an average income of about six-figures are labeled “distressed” by the federal government.

Megan Luther and Lee Zurik

Published November 4, 2019 at 11:13 AM

Alumni gather seeking answers from Field of Dreams Board, leave with few answers

Alumni of George Washington Carver High School gathered in New Orleans demanding answers to what happened to nearly a million dollars that was supposed to be used to build the school its own football stadium. In a series of reports entitled, Empty Field of Dreams, FOX 8 and The Athletic revealed the

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published October 31, 2019 at 10:00 PM

Empty Field of Dreams: Fmr. Executive Director alleges reports are ‘lies’, donors from across the country want answers

The former Executive Director of the 9th Ward Field of Dreams continues to refuse to answer questions from WVUE-TV and The Athletic in response to our joint investigation, Empty Field of Dreams. Betty Washington, is, however, sounding off on social media calling the reports ‘lies.'

Lee Zurik, Cody Lillich and Jeff Duncan

Published October 29, 2019 at 7:01 AM

Fake Filters? Made-up addresses, strange receipts and copycat websites reveal knock-offs on the market

After several strange clues, a Michigan father questions whether his water filters are authentic. Experts say counterfeit filters are a growing problem in the United States.

Jamie Grey and Lee Zurik

Published October 14, 2019 at 9:09 AM

Empty Field of Dreams: Vendors still waiting for payment from field’s contractor

Tens of thousands of dollars are still owed to several companies who did work in the planning stages of the 9th Ward Field of Dreams, a football stadium proposed for the 9th Ward of New Orleans. To date, little to no visible work has been done on the stadium’s proposed site.

Lee Zurik, Cody Lillich and Jeff Duncan

Published October 9, 2019 at 10:58 PM

Zurik: Formal charges filed against former court clerk following FOX 8 Investigation

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel with the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board filed formal charges against Timothy David Ray for three possible violations of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct, a set of rules that govern how attorneys should practice.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published September 4, 2019 at 4:55 PM

Zurik: Subpoena shows focus of federal investigation into retiring-State Sen. Wesley Bishop

A subpoena obtained by FOX 8 shows the focus of a federal corruption investigation into State Senator Wesley Bishop, D-New Orleans, and his payroll records during his primary job as Vice-Chancellor at Southern University at New Orleans.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published August 30, 2019 at 3:28 PM

Zurik: State Senator Wesley Bishop under federal investigation

State Senator Wesley Bishop, who announced Aug. 3 he will not seek re-election, is the subject of a federal investigation, FOX 8 has confirmed.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published August 13, 2019 at 4:56 PM

Measure of Hate documentary explores the undercounting of crimes in America

InvestigateTV shows issues with undercounting hate crimes, including the FBI failing to meet a federal mandate to report. After months of reporting on this issue, this documentary also highlights results of the investigation, including police departments amending their records.

Lee Zurik and Jamie Grey

Published August 9, 2019 at 1:19 PM

Zurik: Louisianians frustrated with hours-long delays at motor vehicles facilities

State records obtained by FOX 8 News show that while staffing has remained largely unchanged at the Office of Motor Vehicles, wait times have been steadily increasing at facilities across the state.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published July 30, 2019 at 10:00 PM

Cracking the Code: Two blood tests, hundreds of dollars difference

A Louisiana woman is puzzled how a bill for basic blood tests can be hundreds of dollars more than a co-worker who had the same tests performed. Kim Christina, of Hammond, said her doctor sent her to North Oaks Hospital for a routine blood test and a month later she received an ‘exorbitant bill.’

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published July 25, 2019 at 11:00 PM

Fake Filters? Companies falsely claim to have prestigious water safety certification

With water quality and safety concerns across the country, many families are turning to water filters. But there are counterfeit filters and filters carrying fake certification marks.

Jamie Grey and Lee Zurik

Published July 22, 2019 at 1:29 PM

Cracking the Code: Senator’s bill looks to stop surprise medical bills

A bill in the U.S. Senate could help stop the surprise medical bills that cost Americans thousands each year.Senator Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, helped write the Stop Surprise Bills Act of 2019. A bill that has 27 co-sponsors, more than a quarter of the U.S. Senate.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published July 18, 2019 at 9:00 PM

Untested Waters: Feds take small steps toward inspecting more seafood

The FDA has a new strategy for imported food safety, and Congress has increased seafood inspection funds. But the U.S. still lags behind some other countries when it comes to inspections and regulations.

Jamie Grey and Lee Zurik

Published July 15, 2019 at 11:33 AM

Zurik: Are a lawmaker’s actions helping his employer or constituents?

New questions surface over a New Orleans-area lawmaker who already had to cut the state a $20,000 check for working in two places at the same time.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published June 27, 2019 at 10:00 PM

Cost of Choice: State Department of Education possibly breaking rules set up for voucher schools

The Louisiana Department of Education has allowed at least seven 'for-profit' schools into the state's scholarship program despite a rule saying that state and federal money cannot go to 'for-profit' schools.

Lee Zurik and Cody Lillich

Published June 25, 2019 at 10:25 PM

The Cost of Choice: Governor to push for changes to Louisiana Scholarship Program

Governor John Bel Edwards plans on pushing for more changes to the state’s program that allows children at poor-performing public schools to attend certain private schools on a voucher or scholarship.