Louisiana news

• Study: New Orleans tourism records: 10.45M tourists, $7.4B

  25-03-2017 13:34 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS - A new study says New Orleans has broken a tourism record set before Hurricane Katrina, with nearly 10.5 million visitors in 2016. The record had stood at 10.1 million since 2004, the year before the hurricane struck.University of New Orleans' Hospitality Research Center says last year's visitors spent $7.41 billion dollars. That's 51 percent more than the amount spent in 2004, and 5.1 percent above the spending record set in 2015.The study, made for the New Orleans Convention and V
  
  Read more

• LSU's Jayden Daniels, two wide receivers expected to go first round in 2024 NFL Draft

  24-04-2024 15:09 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - LSU's explosive offensive weapons from 2023 that include a Heisman winner, Biletnikoff runner-up and the nation's leader in receiving touchdowns project to hear their name called in Thursday's NFL Draft.Jayden Daniels, who finished with 5,061 total yards of offense, 50 total touchdowns, and the Heisman Trophy, is heavily projected to go second overall to the Washington Commanders. ESPN's Matt Miller projected him there in his mock draft, saying "Daniels would be a great fit with t
  
  Read more

• Police searching for two people suspected of stealing over $4,000 of merchandise this month

  24-04-2024 14:57 via wbrz.com
  
  LIVINGSTON PARISH - The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office is searching for two people suspected of shoplifting over $4,000 worth of merchandise from local stores.According to the LPSO, the two suspects targeted businesses operating within Livingston Parish this month.Anyone with information is encouraged to call LPSO at 225-686-2241 x1.Permalink| Comments
  
  Read more

• EBR School Board to consider resolution opposing plan that could create new St. George district

  24-04-2024 14:55 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Four East Baton Rouge School Board members have drafted a resolution opposing a proposed constitutional amendment that would make it easier to create new public school districts, such as the one suggested in the St. George area of the parish.The school board, consisting of nine members, is set to consider the resolution at its Wednesday meeting. Mike Gaudet, Dadrius Lanus, Cliff Lewis and Shashonnie Steward developed the resolution; none represent the area that would bec
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Six 'Motion Boys' gang members booked for drug, gun charges; two still at large

  24-04-2024 14:24 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Six men with connections to the "Motion Boys" gang were arrested on drug and gun charges after East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office deputies raided multiple locations suspected to be used to distribute narcotics.On Tuesday, the EBRSO Gang Intelligence and Enforcement Unit booked the following on various gang-related charges, along with gun and drug possession charges:   - Stanley "Head" Wilson, 22   - Tyquan Holliday, 22  &nb
  
  Read more

• Central Police to driver who caused big rig crash: 'You may want to turn yourself in'

  24-04-2024 13:38 via wbrz.com
  
  CENTRAL - Days after a crash that caused the most complicated rescue effort in decades, police are calling out to the driver who caused the crash, encouraging them to turn themselves in. The Central Police Department responded to a crash on April 19 that left an 18-wheeler overturned with the driver trapped inside. After being stuck for three hours, police and fire departments were able to rescue them. Though the cause of the crash was not immediately known, further investigat
  
  Read more

• Former New Orleans Saint Reggie Bush reinstated as 2005 Heisman Trophy winner

  24-04-2024 09:56 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California returned the award following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans, the Heisman Trust announced Wednesday.Bush forfeited his Heisman Trophy in 2010. He was playing for the New Orleans Saints at the time.“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recogn
  
  Read more

• $7,000 of construction equipment stolen from Denham Springs; officers seeking person of interest

  24-04-2024 09:03 via wbrz.com
  
  DENHAM SPRINGS - Officers are searching for a potential suspect after multiple burglaries left $7,000 worth of construction equipment missing. The Denham Springs Police Department said the equipment was reportedly stolen from the area of the Hampton Inn Hotel after multiple burglaries. Officers were seeking a person of interest and the vehicle he may be driving. Anyone with information is asked to contact DSPD at (225) 335-7606.Permalink| Comments
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Donaldsonville residents may get a peek at famous actor as he shoots film in Ascension Parish

  24-04-2024 08:27 via wbrz.com
  
  DONALDSONVILLE - If you're out and about in Ascension Parish, you might see a famous actor. Michael B. Jordan is officially in town for the filming of a new movie called "Grilled Cheese."When the film crew spoke with mayor Leroy Sullivan, they told him the location was perfect for what they needed: the town has a "historic look" that's fitting for the movie's 1930s setting. The crew will be shooting in Donaldsonville between April 24 and 26.Permalink| Comments
  
  Read more

• Crews respond to early-morning house fire off Antioch Boulevard

  24-04-2024 05:08 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The St. George Fire department responded to a house fire on Antioch Boulevard early Wednesday morning. The fire started around 3:30 a.m.. SGFD has not released further information. It was unclear how the fire started, but officials said there were no injuries. This is a developing story.Permalink| Comments
  
  Read more

• LSU softball suffers first non-conference loss of the season to UL-Lafayette

  23-04-2024 20:58 via wbrz.com
  
  LAFAYETTE - The LSU softball team lost their first non-conference game of the season Tuesday evening.After posting a 24-0 record out of the SEC this Spring, the LSU softball team fell on the road to Louisiana-Lafayette Tuesday, 9-4.Raelin Chaffin started the game for the Tigers but did not get a single out before allowing five Rajin' Cajun runs. UL-L took a 6-2 lead after the first inning and cruised to the victory.Karli Petty was the only LSU player with two hits in the game.
  
  Read more

• New federal rule would bar 'noncompete' agreements for most employees

  23-04-2024 20:47 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. companies would no longer be able to bar employees from taking jobs with competitors under a rule approved by a federal agency Tuesday, though the rule is sure to be challenged in court.The Federal Trade Commission voted Tuesday 3-2 to ban measures known as noncompete agreements, which bar workers from jumping to or starting competing companies for a prescribed period of time. According to the FTC, 30 million people — roughly one in five workers &m
  
  Read more

• LSU gymnastics team flips routine, works shift at Raising Cane's

  23-04-2024 17:39 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Coming off of a national championship title win, the LSU gymnastics team kicked off the celebration with a shift at the original Raising Cane's location.Upon arriving on Tuesday morning, the team was greeted by fans with pompoms, who were lined up outside of the restaurant waiting to be served. The team started their shift by signing autographs and taking photos with fans and each other, then sat down with Cane's founder, Todd Graves, for a chat. "I left my purse at Cane'
  
  Read more

• LSU baseball welcomes Nicholls to Baton Rouge for midweek matchup

  23-04-2024 17:04 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The LSU baseball team is back in action Tuesday night against Nicholls.The Tigers, who are 20-3 in non-conference play this season, host the Colonels at 6:30 p.m.Nicholls is 27-14 overall and 10-5 in the Southland Conference this season. LSU (25-16) is coming off their first SEC series win of the season over the weekend at Missouri.LSU coach Jay Johnson did not announce a starting pitcher at Monday's press conference.Permalink| Comments
  
  Read more

• LSU baseball beats Nicholls 9-0 during midweek matchup

  23-04-2024 17:04 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The LSU baseball team was back in action Tuesday night and beat Nicholls 9-0.Before the game, The Tigers were 20-3 in non-conference play.Permalink| Comments
  
  Read more

• Howell Community Park to receive $12M for children's 'Inspiration Center'

  23-04-2024 17:03 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge leaders and business owners announced Tuesday that a children's "Inspiration Center," is planned to be built at Howell Community Center.The Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation hopes that the center will decrease crime in Baton Rouge. Leaders say the purpose of the center is to provide resources and opportunities to children to stop the crime before it starts. They believe that children turn to crime when they don't have a healthy environment, such
  
  Read more

• Baton Rouge artist dies suddenly, parents hope work inspires others

  23-04-2024 15:53 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Local artist Raymond Marmillion III died from a heart attack on Saturday.The artist, whose work signed RMIII can be found around Baton Rouge and New Orleans, was 42 years old.His parents, Gwen and Raymond Marmillion Jr., are proud of their son, recalling his work painted on the side of restaurants, hung inside galleries, homes and gifted to many."As I'm standing there looking at his work people were passing by honking their horn and waiving because it's an inspiration of hope," Gw
  
  Read more

• Former Ascension Parish Deputy Assessor arrested, accused of changing tax values for his property

  23-04-2024 15:51 via wbrz.com
  
  GONZALES - The former deputy of the Ascension Parish Assessor's Office was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly changed tax values for his personal property. Jail records said 44-year-old Justin Champlin was booked for two counts of computer tampering, two counts of injuring public records and one count malfeasance in office. The Gonzales Police Department said Champlin has been working at the assessor's office since 2012 and the issue happened while he was working as the deput
  
  Read more

• Livingston Parish declares emergency for Village of Killian over water failure

  23-04-2024 15:10 via wbrz.com
  
  KILLIAN - The Livingston Parish President's Office declared a state of emergency for the Village of Killian due to a water system failure. The declaration of emergency says immediate assistance of the state is requested to minimize the effects of a disaster event. According to the document, the water system failed Monday. It is unclear what happened to prompt the declaration. In 2023, Killian received one of the state's lowest scores on the drinking water grading system.&n
  
  Read more

• Which LSU gymnasts will speak at championship celebration? Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday

  23-04-2024 14:58 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — LSU's parade celebrating its women's gymnastic team's national championship, and the public is invited to join the party. Schedule:  The celebration will start at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Music Building on Dalrymple Drive.  From there, the parade will roll to the traffic circle outside the Journalism Building and then down the hill to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.   A celebration will follow inside the PMAC at a
  
  Read more

• WATCH: LSU gymnasts hawk chicken ahead of championship celebration set for Wednesday evening

  23-04-2024 14:58 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — LSU's parade celebrating its women's gymnastic team's national championship will be held Wednesday afternoon, and the public is invited to join the party. Tuesday, team members worked behind the counter at Raising Cane's just north of campus. WBRZ's Falon Brown was there and captured the team outside of its natural habitat. Here are the details for Wednesday's party:Schedule:  The celebration will start at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Music Buildi
  
  Read more

• Ponchatoula High School, Martha Vineyard Elementary School put on lockdown following shooting threat

  23-04-2024 14:58 via wbrz.com
  
  PONCHATOULA — Ponchatoula High School and Martha Vinyard Elementary School were put on lockdown Tuesday morning after Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's deputies were alerted to a potential shooter.Deputies responded to an anonymous tip that claimed someone was on their way to the high school with a gun around 11:30 a.m. The school went on immediate lockdown and deputies from across the parish responded. They have been on the campus since. Out of precaution, Martha Vinyard Elementary School
  
  Read more

• LSU releases parade map for gymnastics celebration; festivities start at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday

  23-04-2024 14:58 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — LSU's parade celebrating its women's gymnastic team's national championship will start at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Music Building on Dalrymple Drive.From there, the parade will roll to the traffic circle outside the Journalism Building and then down the hill to the Assembly Center.A celebration center will follow inside the PMAC at about 7 p.m.LSU on Saturday defeated Utah, California and Florida to win its first national championship in gymnastics.Permalink| Comments
  
  Read more

• Castration for man convicted of rape won't be mandatory until one week prior to end of his 50-year sentence

  23-04-2024 14:52 via wbrz.com
  
  LIVINGSTON - A man from Springfield was sentenced to 50 years in prison and physical castration after pleading guilty to raping a 14-year-old girl multiple times. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux's Office said 54-year-od Glenn Sullivan Sr. pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree rape on Wednesday. The DA's office said in July of 2022, a young woman went to law enforcement and told them that Sullivan raped her multiple times when she was 14 and impregnated her as a tee
  
  Read more

• Amite Police searching for man connected to multiple thefts at Walmart

  23-04-2024 14:42 via wbrz.com
  
  AMITE — The Amite City Police Department is searching for a man connected to two thefts at a Walmart in Amite.On March 26, the suspect was seen on security cameras entering the store and grabbing several bottles of liquor from the shelf and concealing them on his person. He then exit the store without paying for them.The same man seemingly did the same thing on April 17. After both thefts, the suspect can be seen leaving in a light blue sedan with a temporary license plate.An
  
  Read more

• Former City Councilman, State Representative Carl Crane dead at 84

  23-04-2024 14:41 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Former city council member and state representative Carl Crane passed away at age 84, according to an obituary released by the Advocate. Crane was a Ponchatoula native and a Baton Rouge resident. He served on the city council from 1977 to 1982 when he was elected to serve as a state representative. While on the legislature, Crane worked his way up to be the Chairman of the House Education Committee, a position he held from 2000 to 2007, and co-authored the TOPS C
  
  Read more

• Baton Rouge woman shedding light on Infertility through her own struggles

  23-04-2024 14:13 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - According to the Center of Disease Control, 1 in every 5 women under 49 are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying. A Baton Rouge woman, Adrienne Allen, is opening up about her journey to raise awareness about infertility during National Infertility month."I was walking through a season of infertility a few years ago and I was feeling so many different emotions," Allen said. "Anger, disappointment, discouragement, envy."To cope with these emotions, Allen started journalin
  
  Read more

• Melanie Curtin, convicted in Dennis Perkins-related case, will get a new trial, justices say

  23-04-2024 14:01 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled unanimously Tuesday that a woman convicted of rape in a case involving disgraced former-Livingston Parish Deputy Dennis Perkins is entitled to a new trial.Melanie Curtin had successfully argued that prosecutors unfairly stacked the deck against her during her 2021 trial. The 1st Circuit Court of Appeal ruled last year that evidence admitted in her trial "unfairly prejudiced" Curtin, including videos showing sex in a dressing room and a p
  
  Read more

• Pretrial hearing date set for NBA YoungBoy after prescription fraud ring arrest

  23-04-2024 13:56 via wbrz.com
  
  LOGAN, Utah - Baton Rouge rapper NBA YoungBoy had his pretrial court date agreed upon Tuesday. Following his arrest in alleged connection to a prescription drug fraud ring, with which he was identified as a possible suspect due to his Louisiana accent, the musician —whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden — will attend a pretrial hearing on April 29. This decision comes after an order was signed to have him return to Louisiana due to the Utah arrest. P
  
  Read more

• NBA YoungBoy faces hearing next week after prescription fraud ring arrest in Utah

  23-04-2024 13:56 via wbrz.com
  
  LOGAN, Utah — Baton Rouge rapper NBA YoungBoy will appear in court Monday amid attempts by Louisiana officials to rescind his release ahead of a trial on gun and weapons charges.Kentrell Gaulden, 24, was arrested April 23 on 63 counts alleging he ran a prescription drug fraud ring in Utah, where he is being held on home detention. His lawyers had argued to a Louisiana federal judge that placing him in Utah would "keep YoungBoy out of trouble."If a Utah judge releases Gaulden on the ne
  
  Read more

Follow @NewsLouisiana_ on Twitter!