Baton Rouge news

• Officials: Whales, after deadly year, could become extinct

  10-12-2017 12:47 via wbrz.com
  PORTLAND, Maine - Science officials with the federal government say it's time to consider the possibility that endangered right whales could become extinct unless new steps are taken to protect them.  North Atlantic right whales are among the rarest marine mammals in the world, and they have endured a deadly year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there are only about 450 of the whales left and 17 of them have died so far in 2017.  The
  
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• Baton Rouge Blues Fest starts today; here's what to expect

  19-04-2024 09:26 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — This weekend marks the 43rd annual Baton Rouge Blues Fest. All weekend, there will be a variety of artists playing throughout the day starting Friday. This swamp blues celebration is held in the heart of Downtown Baton Rouge each year. It is one of the oldest festivals of its kind in America. To keep the momentum going, Lauren Lambert-Tompkins, the executive director for this year's festival, says that there are some new additions to this year's festivi
  
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• House leaders toil to advance Ukraine and Israel aid. But threats to oust speaker grow

  19-04-2024 09:17 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — House congressional leaders were toiling Thursday on a delicate, bipartisan push toward weekend votes to approve a $95 billion package of foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, as well as several other national security policies at a critical moment at home and abroad.Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson this week set in motion a plan to advance the package, which has been held up since October by GOP lawmakers resistant to approving more funding for Ukraine&am
  
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• Police warns parents of vape pens that hold carts and function as writing pens

  18-04-2024 18:34 via wbrz.com
  
  CENTRAL - The Central Police Department warned parents of a vape pen that is shaped and can write being distributed within schools.According to the Facebook post from the police, the "Penjamin Cart Pens" advertise that they are "super discreet," "rechargeable," "writes with ink" and "increases rizz.""It is an actual pen that works as a pen should but also has a vape cartridge to inhale," Central Police Department said in the post. "Some highlighters and Sharpies do the same thing."Permalink| Co
  
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• WATCH: LSU gymnastics discusses finishing first in semifinals, advancing to finals

  18-04-2024 18:03 via wbrz.com
  
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• Assumption High senior touches hearts with custom autism acceptance prom suit

  18-04-2024 17:45 via wbrz.com
  
  DONALDSONVILLE - Quintin Martin, a student at Assumption High School wore a custom suit to his senior prom that went viral on social media for its message, touching thousands of hearts."I'm speechless, that's all I can say I'm just speechless.” Said Martin’s mother, Keila James. “We didn't know it was going to go this big."Martin helps to care for one cousin who was diagnosed with autism earlier this month. He thought of his cousin when picking out his prom suit.&a
  
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• Driver faces suspended license, late fee after canceling card for fraudulent activity

  18-04-2024 15:44 via wbrz.com
  
  PONCHATOULA - One woman says her husband's license is suspended over a late fee that occurred while paying off an installment plan with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.Maddison Aikman says their trouble started when they noticed fraudulent charges on their debit card in January 2023. It was the same debit cart being used to pay off a balance owed to the OMV for lapsed insurance. After canceling the card, the OMV attempted to debit their account a ever since then, it's been a battle to ge
  
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• Baton Rouge man arrested after police, feds' raid yields fentanyl, cocaine, stolen guns

  18-04-2024 15:35 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A Baton Rouge man was arrested Thursday by Baton Rouge Police and federal agents after a raid that yielded multiple guns, cash and narcotics.Donnie Aucoin, 56, was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on two counts each of distribution of fentanyl and possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance. Aucoin is also being charged with possession of heroin, cocaine, hydrocodone and a stolen gun.Baton Rouge Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, F
  
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• LSU Gymnastics looks to shine in NCAA Semifinals

  18-04-2024 14:14 via wbrz.com
  
  FORT WORTH, Texas - The No. 2 LSU Gymnastics team is set to compete in the first session of the semifinals at the NCAA Championships on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in Dickies Arena. This is the program's 33rd appearance in the NCAA Championships.LSU will face No. 3 California, No. 12 Arkansas and Stanford in session one of the NCAA Semifinals. No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 4 Florida, No. 5 Utah and No. 8 Alabama will compete in the second session on Thursday at 8 p.m..The top two teams from each sessi
  
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• LSU Gymnastics headed to National Finals after placing first in semifinals

  18-04-2024 14:14 via wbrz.com
  
  FORT WORTH, Texas - The No. 2 LSU Gymnastics team finished in first place at the semifinals at the NCAA Championships on Thursday.LSU finished with a score of 198.1125, with No. 3 California following behind at 197.7125. Both will advance to the finals; this will be the Tigers' second straight appearance there and 10th overall.This is the program's 33rd appearance in the NCAA Championships.The NCAA Championship Final will air Saturday at 3 p.m. on WBRZ. Permalink| Comments
  
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• LSU Gymnastics headed to National Finals after placing first at semifinals

  18-04-2024 14:14 via wbrz.com
  
  FORT WORTH, Texas - The No. 2 LSU Gymnastics team finished in first place at the semifinals at the NCAA Championships on Thursday.LSU finished with a score of 198.1125, with No. 3 California following behind at 197.7125. Both will advance to the finals; this will be the Tigers' second straight appearance there and 10th overall.This is the program's 33rd appearance in the NCAA Championships.The NCAA Championship Final will air Saturday at 3 p.m. on WBRZ. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Police arrest one for first-degree murder months after shooting that left one dead, one injured

  18-04-2024 14:13 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Months after a shooting that left one person dead and one injured, police have arrested a man for multiple murder counts. The Baton Rouge Police Department said officers arrested 30-year-old Tremal Baker after he allegedly shot and killed Tamine Richardson, 24, in December.Officers said Baker was arrested Wednesday night after police tried to make a proactive traffic stop after seeing a vehicle drive by with no headlights. Once stopped, the driver, Baker, immediately fled
  
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• Dickey Betts, influential Allman Brothers Band singer, songwriter and guitarist, dead at 80

  18-04-2024 14:06 via wbrz.com
  
  OSPREY, Fl. (ABC NEWS) — Dickey Betts, the influential singer, songwriter and guitarist for Southern rock legends the Allman Brothers Band, has died at age 80."It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announce the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard 'Dickey' Betts (December 12, 1943 - April 18, 2024) at the age of 80 years old," reads a statement posted on Betts' official Instagram page. "The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader and family patriarch pa
  
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• Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80

  18-04-2024 14:06 via wbrz.com
  
  OSPREY, Fl. — Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, “Ramblin’ Man,” has died. He was 80.The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer died at his home in Osprey, Florida, David Spero, Betts’ manager of 20 years, confirmed. Betts had been battling cancer for more than a year and had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Spero said.“He was surrounded by his whole family and he passed peacef
  
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• Did NBA Youngboy's Louisiana accent help break major drug case against rapper in Utah?

  18-04-2024 13:57 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A federal judge voided NBA Youngboy's house arrest Thursday after Utah law officers booked the Baton Rouge rapper this week and accused him of leading a large-scale prescription fraud drug ring.The rapper, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, was arrested Tuesday on 63 counts including identity fraud, forgery and obtaining or attempting to obtain prescription drugs illegally. A Utah detective says that while others helped him, Gaulden impersonated a real doctor to illega
  
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• Baton Rouge Ballet showcasing Cinderella production

  18-04-2024 13:39 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Coming this weekend, the Baton Rouge Ballet will showcase it's sixth production of "Cinderella". The show features local dancers from across capital area high schools and colleges. However, Cinderella will be played by Leigh Anne Albrechta from Louisville, Kentucky. Albrechta trains with Louisville Ballet, but she's excited to be in Baton Rouge."Everyone has been really inviting. I've gotten to try crawfish for the first time and I've gotten to explore downtown but mostly just spe
  
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• Judge takes a do-over: Former BRPD officer cleared of malfeasance after alleged sexual assault

  18-04-2024 13:21 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A judge acquitted a former Baton Rouge police officer on a malfeasance charge Thursday, a month after finding him guilty.Donald Steele's lawyer had questioned whether 19th Judicial District Judge Eboni Johnson Rose could find Steele guilty of malfeasance if she didn't find him guilty of any underlying charges. In a do-over, Rose on Thursday opted to find Steele not guilty of everything.Prosecutors vowed to appeal, although second criminal trials are not allowed under dou
  
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• Baton Rouge Zydeco re-signs two players, reiterates plans for 2024-25 season

  18-04-2024 13:00 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — The Baton Rouge Zydeco announced plans for their sophomore season at a press conference Thursday morning. Headlining the announcements was the news that the team would be re-signing two players from its record-breaking inaugural season.Forward Scott Shorrock and right winger Bradley Richardson will return for the 2024-25 season, head coach Everett Thompson announced. Thompson was announced as head coach back in February.Richardson is a legacy Baton Rouge hockey player, w
  
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• Man pleads guilty to 2016 murder of his child's mother

  18-04-2024 12:45 via wbrz.com
  
  A Sorrento man faces 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of his child's mother in 2016. The Advocate reported 33-year-old Jarvis McNair pleaded guilty to manslaughter Tuesday. He admitted to shooting and killing Shondrica Dejoie just feet away from their then-10-month old child. Following the shooting, McNair was originally arrested and booked for second-degree murder and aggravated assault. Second-degree murder would carry a mandatory life sentence, but McN
  
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• Dancing for Big Buddy: Vote for Storm Station Meteorologist Emma Kate!

  18-04-2024 12:11 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The countdown is on for Dancing for Big Buddy, a night of festivities and fun as local celebrities dance for charity. Storm Station Meteorologist Emma Kate Cowan will be one of the star dancers! You can vote for her, see the list of every dancer participating, and purchase tickets for the event here. Big Buddy pairs community leaders and local celebrities with professional dancers to show off their dancing skills. The event packs the LSU PMAC every year to raise
  
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• Officials respond to crash on Airline Highway at Coursey Boulevard

  18-04-2024 08:54 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Law enforcement and emergency officials responded to a reported car crash on Airline Highway at Coursey. Pictures from the scene showed at least two vehicles involved in the crash. A van appeared to have run off the road and crashed into an embankment and another car was left in the road. At least one person was taken to the hospital, but the severity of their injuries was not specified. Airline Highway was briefly closed but has since been reopened. Per
  
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• Bogalusa mayor pressing charges against city councilwoman for threats of gun violence during meeting

  18-04-2024 07:22 via wbrz.com
  
  BOGALUSA - A city mayor is pressing charges against one of his councilwomen for reportedly threatening gun violence during a city meeting to discuss budget, according to WWL-TV. "I have a double barrel shotgun, and both barrels are loaded," said councilwoman Penny Douglas during what was supposed to be a meeting to discuss a temporary budget freeze for the city. Douglas was later escorted out of the meeting. Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong said he would be pressing charges, and th
  
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• BREC considering big changes for Memorial Stadium, including potential baseball, soccer teams

  18-04-2024 07:03 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Officials are reportedly moving forward with a redevelopment plan for Baton Rouge's Memorial Stadium to add a new facility that can accommodate potential professional soccer and baseball teams. The Advocate reports that the Memorial Stadium project is largely obscure at this time, as financing and the timeline are unknown, but planning is in progress. The biggest piece of the project is a 110,000 square-foot fitness facility is planned to be added to the field gr
  
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• One person shot in Zion City neighborhood

  17-04-2024 20:24 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - One person was hurt in a shooting along Stearns Street on Wednesday night. Emergency officials said the shooting happened near the corner of Stearns and Velie streets in the Zion City neighborhood. One person was taken to a hospital in stable condition. No more information was immediately available. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Man arrested in first-degree rape, allegedly assaulted victim while wielding axe

  17-04-2024 20:21 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Joseph Hayes, 24, swore that police had arrested the wrong person as he was being put into a police car and taken to the Parish Prison to be booked with first-degree rape. "Y'all got the wrong dude," Hayes said. "They're looking for another dude ... I didn't do that, I swear to God—and I don't swear on Jesus name no more."Hayes was arrested by Baton Rouge Police officers Wednesday after a rash of break-ins at an apartment complex along Boulevard de Province prom
  
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• Driver killed after three-vehicle crash in Houma

  17-04-2024 18:41 via wbrz.com
  
  HOUMA - One person died in a three-vehicle crash in Houma Tuesday night, according to Louisiana State Police.Police say the driver, who remains unidentified pending notification of next of kin, crossed the centerline while traveling north on LA Highway 659 before crossing the centerline, side-swiping one vehicle heading south, and hitting another car head-on.The driver died on the scene, while one other person sustained minor injuries. The driver was unrestrained while driving.Permalink| Commen
  
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• Former Baton Rouge smelter and refinery added to EPA National Priorities List

  17-04-2024 17:30 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The former site of Exide Baton Rouge, which was demolished in 2014, was added to the EPA's National Priorities list for investigation and cleanup.Exide ceased operations in 2009, and after demolition, high concentrations of antimony, arsenic, lead, manganese and zinc were found in the groundwater and soils on site.  Due to the challenges of the Exide Baton Rouge site, the state of Louisiana referred it to the EPA to avoid any interruption in the continued operati
  
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• Disagreement over housing 17-year-old offenders creates confusion as new law looms

  17-04-2024 17:16 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A law going into effect Friday has put city-parish officials and the sheriff's office at odds on how to house 17-year-old criminal suspects.City-parish wants the 17-year-olds moved to Parish Prison when state law dictates that they can be. That's Friday. The sheriff's office says federal rules make it impossible to house 17-year-olds in an adult jail without upgrades that city-parish would have to fund.After meetings to discuss next steps, the mayor and the sheriff exchanged lette
  
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• Metro Council honors Zydeco as hockey team prepares to announce plan for 2024-25 season

  17-04-2024 17:15 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — The Metro Council on Wednesday honored members of the Baton Rouge Zydeco, who in their first season set an attendance record for the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The ceremony came one day before a Zydeco news conference to announce its plan for 2024-25.City-parish government said it didn't know what the team will announce. It already has a lease in place: the city and Zydeco agreed to a three-year deal last April.Metro Councilman Darryl Hurst said the team contribute
  
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• Man convicted of August arson that set ex-girlfriend's car ablaze

  17-04-2024 15:52 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Richard Head, a man previously arrested for setting his ex-girlfriend's car ablaze in August, was formally charged Wednesday.Head, 35, was charged with one count of simple arson for the Aug. 12 incident.The Baton Rouge Fire Department arrested Head after he set the car on fire while it was parked in on 72nd Avenue near Plank Road. The owner of the vehicle was Head's ex-girlfriend. During an investigation, it was learned he called her, admitted to lighting the car on fire
  
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