Baton Rouge news

• Denham Springs adds second resource officer to watch its schools

  22-06-2018 19:55 via wbrz.com
  DENHAM SPRINGS - Susan Edwards is the only resource officer patrolling all six schools in Denham Springs, but another one will soon join her."The community is growing, It's coming back from the flood, so it's important to have another officer there," said Amber Fairburn with Denham Springs Police.The second officer is being hired after the city council and school board decided to pay the $80,000 needed to hire a second officer."It's a start," said Rachelle Ledoux who has a 13-year-old at Denham
  
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• Regions Bank employee indicted for embezzlement of $250,000 from Plank Road branch

  16-04-2024 17:15 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A Plaquemine man was indicted Tuesday on bank fraud after embezzling more than $250,000 from the Regions Bank he worked at.Eric Schouest, 53, pleaded not guilty to embezzling funds from customer accounts at the Regions Bank Plank Road branch he was a branch manager at. He deposited the money into his personal bank accounts from 2020 to April 2021. He used the money to make loan payments on personal items, including a house and a car.Schouest, who worked at Regions from 2
  
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• Ponchatoula man arrested for estranged wife's homicide

  16-04-2024 16:19 via wbrz.com
  
  PONCHATOULA — A Ponchatoula man was arrested for the March killing of his estranged wife.David Hernandez, 49, was booked Monday on second degree murder and obstruction of justice charges for the March 20 homicide of his wife, Lisa Hernandez, 45. The couple had been separated for a year when David Hernandez began stalking Lisa Hernandez, randomly showing up her workplace, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office deputies said. David Hernandez reportedly sent Lisa Hernandez a bouquet
  
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• Gov. Jeff Landry signs emergency declaration to assist in severe weather, tornado relief

  16-04-2024 15:59 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Gov. Jeff Landry signed an emergency declaration Tuesday afternoon that permits the use of state resources to assist in the recovery process in areas affected by last week's severe weather and tornados. Landry's order allows the state to provide debris removal assistance and emergency protective measures in Pointe Coupee, West Feliciana, St. Landry and St. Tammany parishes.St. Tammany Parish, specifically Slidell, will also receive shelter assistance to assist t
  
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• Hammond man killed after woman runs red light, crashes into vehicle

  16-04-2024 14:53 via wbrz.com
  
  HAMMOND - A man died in a hospital on Monday afternoon following a crash along US 190 in Tangipahoa Parish. State Police said 45-year-old Eric Cook of Hammond was headed north when he pulled up to the traffic light at US 190 and South Baptist Road around 5:15 p.m. Cook had a green light and went through the intersection. Troopers said Cook's vehicle was hit by 24-year-old Victoria Reid, who was headed eastbound at the same intersection and ran a red light. Cook was ta
  
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• FEMA approves new disaster mitigation plan to assist state through 2029

  16-04-2024 14:31 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — FEMA approved a new hazard mitigation plan for Louisiana that will help the state qualify for federal aid and grants until 2029, the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness announced Tuesday.The Louisiana State Hazard Mitigation Plan went into effect March 21 and will be in place until March 20, 2029. GOHSEP led the effort to establish the new plan."Having a strong state hazard mitigation plan is critical to help Louisiana communities prepare an
  
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• Man sentenced to 7 years for spraying mace at, robbing postal worker

  16-04-2024 14:03 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A Texas man convicted of robbing a mail carrier at gunpoint in 2021 was sentenced to 7½ years in prison Tuesday.Tarek Sonnier, 26, pleaded guilty to robbing the mail carrier and spraying her with mace on Oct. 6, 2021. The USPS worker was delivering mail near the intersection of North 8th Street and North Street in Spanish Town when Sonnier approached her with a letter.The mail carrier asked if he was looking to mail the letter and Sonnier said "yes," before ho
  
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• Motorcyclist killed in St. John the Baptist Parish crash

  16-04-2024 13:57 via wbrz.com
  
  GARYVILLE - A 32-year-old man died in a crash on LA-44 Monday night. State police were called to the scene of LA-44 where it meets LA-54 shortly after 8 p.m.. Troopers found that a tractor trailer failed to yield to the oncoming motorcyclist, 32-year-old Frankie Credidio of Paulina. Credidio hit the trailer and died from his injuries on scene. Credidio was reportedly not wearing a DOT-approved helmet, and troopers stressed the importance of doing so. It is also important to do
  
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• Recall petition filed to remove St. Tammany Parish coroner accused of sexual assault

  16-04-2024 13:51 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A petition to remove St. Tammany Parish's coroner was filed Tuesday after allegations that he sexually assault a 7-year-old girl in New Mexico in 2002 were brought to light.The recall petition to remove Christopher Tape was filed with the Secretary of State's Office by organizers Cheryl Martinez and Jean Cefalu. Under state law, the petition to hold a recall election for Tape requires valid signatures from 20 percent of voters in St. Tammany Parish. As of Tuesday, the Se
  
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• 51st annual Bayou Classic tickets now available

  16-04-2024 13:16 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS - Tickets for the 51st annual Bayou Classic are on sale now, and for this year's matchup, Southern and Grambling will be meeting in the iconic Caesars Superdome. The game will take place on Nov. 30th, but the Battle of the Bands and the Greek Show will happen the day before at the dome. Tickets for the Bayou Classic are available on every seating level in the Superdome and will range from $20 to $199 for early purchases. VIP endzone tickets will also be on sale for
  
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• 51st annual Bayou Classic tickets go on sale Friday

  16-04-2024 13:16 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS - Tickets for the 51st annual Bayou Classic will go on sale Friday.Southern and Grambling's football teams will play in the Caesers Superdome on Nov. 30th, but the Battle of the Bands and the Greek Show will happen the day before at the dome. Tickets for the Bayou Classic are available on every seating level in the Superdome and will range from $20 to $199 for early purchases. VIP endzone tickets will also be on sale for $150 and will grant access to premier seating, an exc
  
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• Man arrested for arson after allegedly setting fire that damaged home off Winbourne Avenue

  16-04-2024 13:04 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A man was arrested Tuesday morning after an investigation found he was allegedly connected to a house fire that happened in February. The Baton Rouge Fire Department said Donte Francis, 27, was arrested for one count of simple arson Tuesday. Francis was accused of setting fire to a small pile of trash and leaves near a home on Topaz Drive off Winbourne on Feb. 13. The fire damaged the home's attic as well as the fence separating it from the neighboring property.&
  
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• Man accused of setting fire that damaged home off Winbourne Avenue in February

  16-04-2024 13:04 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A man was arrested Tuesday morning and accused of setting a house fire in February.The Baton Rouge Fire Department said Donte Francis, 27, was arrested for one count of simple arson Tuesday. Francis was accused of setting fire to a small pile of trash and leaves near a home on Topaz Drive off Winbourne Avenue on Feb. 13. The fire damaged the home's attic as well as the fence separating it from the neighboring property. "We take incidents of arson very seriously,
  
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• Man who robbed two Dollar Generals in 2019 pleads guilty

  16-04-2024 12:12 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A Baton Rouge man arrested in 2019 for the armed robberies of two Dollar General stores pleaded guilty Tuesday.Tyler Dunn, 23, pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery for the two armed robberies in November 2019. According to court records, Dunn was one of four masked and armed men who held up Prescott Drive and Scenic Highway Dollar General stores on Nov. 17 and Nov. 21, respectively.In the Nov. 17 robbery, Dunn forced an employee at gunpoint to move fro
  
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• 2une In Previews: Youth Peace Olympics

  16-04-2024 12:00 via wbrz.com
  
  The Youth Peace Olympics is this weekend and it is open to the public. YPO is a program meant to lead positive change in communities starting with its youngest members. The Olympics opening will feature vendors, food, live music. The opening will take place at BREC's Hartley Vey Park on April 20. Permalink| Comments
  
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• 2une In Previews: Parole Project's Second Chance Week

  16-04-2024 09:34 via wbrz.com
  
  Parole Project is helping formerly incarcerated people meet their needs through Second Chance Week, a week-long way to make people aware of the resources available to them and how others can help them become the best version of themselves. Watch the interview above for more information, or visit the Parole Project's website here.  Permalink| Comments
  
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• 2une In Previews: LA Parole Project's Second Chance Week

  16-04-2024 09:34 via wbrz.com
  
  The Louisiana Parole Project is helping formerly incarcerated people meet their needs through Second Chance Week, a week-long way to make people aware of the resources available to them and how others can help them become the best version of themselves. Watch the interview above for more information, or visit the Parole Project's website here.  Permalink| Comments
  
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• BRAC releases new statistics - how has the capital region grown in recent years?

  16-04-2024 08:10 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - In the years post-pandemic, economic and social growth may have been a topic of some skepticism — but the recent report from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber's Economic Metrics Dashboard shows the capital region has seen its fair share of growth. The dashboard tracks various aspects of life in and around the capital city to keep tabs on the quality of life of its residents. Things like commute time, average income, job opportunities, and test scores are all monitore
  
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• Home ruled total loss after electrical malfunction sparks early-morning fire

  16-04-2024 06:36 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A fire off Greenwell Springs Road left three people displaced Tuesday morning. The baton Rouge Fire Department said the fire started at a home on Redwood Drive off Monterrey Boulevard near Greenwell Springs. The fire started in the second-story extension of the home and was caused by an electrical malfunction. No civilian injuries were reported, but a firefighter received minor burns to his shoulder while working the fire. The home was considered a total
  
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• Early-morning fire leaves three adults displaced - no injuries reported

  16-04-2024 06:36 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A fire off Greenwell Springs Road left three people displaced Tuesday morning. The baton Rouge Fire Department said the fire started at a home on Redwood Drive off Monterrey Boulevard near Greenwell Springs. The fire started in the second-story extension of the home. No injuries were reported. Fire investigators were on the scene trying to determine what started the blaze. Permalink| Comments
  
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• LSU invention may revolutionize stem cell research

  15-04-2024 21:42 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Researchers at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine have made a breakthrough in stem cell testing through a new invention.Dr. Mandi Lopez, the Director of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s Laboratory for Equine and Comparative Orthopedic Research, worked with LSU engineering students to create a booster physicians and veterinarians need to treat tendon injuries more effectively.“We created a kind of one-stop-shop device,” Lopez said.Dr. Lopez s
  
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• Two killed at Airline Highway motel

  15-04-2024 20:32 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Two people were shot to death at an Airline Highway motel on Monday night. Emergency officials said the shooting happened just after 8 p.m. at the Fountain Motel along Airline, close to Goodwood Boulevard. WBRZ is headed to the scene. This is a developing story. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Angel Reese selected 7th overall in WNBA draft

  15-04-2024 18:14 via wbrz.com
  
  BROOKLYN, New York - LSU's 'Bayou Barbie' Angel Reese was selected seventh overall to the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA draft.From Baltimore to the Bayou to wherever you go next in the @WNBA....Keep being you @Reese10Angel
  ?? @seimoneaugustus pic.twitter.com/VUqAyc6mXU— LSU Women's Basketball (@LSUwbkb) April 15, 2024Permalink| Comments
  
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• Livingston Parish Schools moves assistant superintendent to top spot

  15-04-2024 18:08 via wbrz.com
  
  LIVINGSTON PARISH - The Livingston Parish School Board voted Monday evening to move the assistant superintendent of schools into the top spot.The school board voted 7-2 to promote Jody Purvis to superintendent, effective in July. Two of the board members cast votes for Bruce Chaffin, who also works as an assistant superintendent. Longtime educator and current Superintendent Joe Murphy announced in February that he was retiring after 3o years of service to the school system. Pe
  
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• Slidell motorcycle officer hurt, ran into State Police unit while escorting Governor touring storm damage

  15-04-2024 17:31 via wbrz.com
  
  SLIDELL - A Slidell motorcycle officer was taken to a hospital Monday after he crashed into a Louisiana State Police unit while escorting Governor Jeff Landry through areas damaged by storms. The Slidell Police Department said the crash happened shortly after 1 p.m. near the corner of West Howze Beach Road and Rio Street. Landry and other officials were in Slidell and West Feliciana Parish to see areas hit by storms and a tornado that rolled through parts of southeast Louisiana last we
  
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• Work Zone Awareness Week kicks off as major projects make progress around Baton Rouge

  15-04-2024 17:21 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - While construction zones are a common sight throughout most of the capitol area, LaDOTD is reminding drivers to proceed with caution.The week of April 15 through April 19 is National Work Zone Awareness Week where transportation agencies on all levels highlight the importance of Work zone safety to the motoring public. This year's theme is 'Work zones are temporary, actions behind the wheel can last forever.'"Construction workers on our roads, our bridges and our highways face som
  
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• Gov. Jeff Landry to declare State of Emergency to allocate resources to areas damaged by severe weather

  15-04-2024 17:20 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Gov. Jeff Landry is expected to issue an executive order that would a State of Emergency for parishes impacted by recent severe weather and tornados, the governor's office announced Monday.Landry's call to expedite the use of state resources to aid in response efforts came just hours after he returned to Baton Rouge after visiting West Feliciana and St. Tammany parishes to survey the damage from tornadoes, hurricane force winds, hail and flooding that hit the state last
  
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• Randal Gaines defeats Katie Bernhardt to become new chair of Louisiana Democratic Party

  15-04-2024 16:47 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The Louisiana Democratic Party has new leadership.Randal Gaines, a former state representative, was selected Saturday as the political group’s new chair after a set of procedural moves ended with him being the only candidate nominated for the position. His selection ousted Katie Bernhardt, who had been chair for the past four years, The Advocate reported.“It is critical that we use this unifying, watershed moment to rebuild, refocus, and rec
  
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• UPS truck overturns along Pointe Coupee road

  15-04-2024 16:29 via wbrz.com
  
  POINTE COUPEE PARISH - A UPS truck overturned along Joe Beaud Road in Pointe Coupee Parish on Monday. The Pointe Coupee Fire Dist. 2 responded to the single-vehicle wreck. Firefighters said the driver was able to get out on his own and only suffered minor injuries. The road was blocked while crews worked the scene, but is back open. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Dumping further troubles street already closed for repairs

  15-04-2024 15:02 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Piles of trash are accumulating along Greenwell Street under I-110 in Baton Rouge and some fed-up homeowners called 2 On Your Side.It's an area of the city that Savannah Perry says is being taken advantage of by illegal dumpers. It could be that the people dumping are lazy or that they can't afford to do it the right way. Whatever the reason, Perry says she doesn't want it in her neighborhood."It's like where do we go, what do we do," Perry said.Each time she sees a new pile of tr
  
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