Baton Rouge news

• John Bel Edwards' tax package still lacking specifics

  15-02-2016 23:55
  
  A debate of Gov. John Bel Edwards' tax proposals was expected to be the heart of a three-week special session of the Legislature to fix the state's budget crisis.  But on the second day of the session Monday (Feb. 15),...
  
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• Large hail, thunderstorms in Baton Rouge, north shore Monday afternoon

  15-02-2016 23:10
  
  Widespread reports of pea to marble-sized hail have been received by the National Weather Service, along with minor wind damage in several locations.
  
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• Grambling suspends search for new athletic director in light of looming cuts

  15-02-2016 21:58
  
  Has not had permanent AD since July 2014.
  
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• Grambling suspends search for new athletic director in light looming cuts

  15-02-2016 21:58
  
  Has not had permanent AD since July 2014.
  
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• Les Miles reaches out to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe in cancer battle

  15-02-2016 20:47
  
  Called her "5 or 6 times" since announcing her diagnosis.
  
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• Pedestrian hit by car, killed in Ascension parish

  15-02-2016 19:37
  
  GONZALES - State Police say a pedestrian was killed in Ascension Parish Monday when he walked into the path of a moving car Monday afternoon.According to troopers, Brad Nickens, 34, was walking across LA-934 near LA-44 when he was hit by a vehicle driven by a 20-year-old driver.Nickens was transported to the hospital where he died. Investigators don't believe alcohol was a factor in the crash, but took a toxicology sample from Nickens and the driver of the other car.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Gov. Edwards' honesty problem isn't helping solve Louisiana's budget crisis: JR Ball

  15-02-2016 19:34
  
  Let's see if we can sum up Gov. John Bel Edward's first month in office: 1) He admits to either a) fibbing or b) having clue zero about the dismal state of the state budget when he told would-be voters...
  
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• Second officer injured in weekend shootout released from hospital

  15-02-2016 18:17
  
  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Police Department reports that the second officer injured in a shootout over the weekend has been released from the hospital. The suspect in the shooting died Saturday evening.The first officer injured during the shootout was released over the weekend.The shooting happened in the 5600 block of Fairfields Avenue at around 6 a.m. Saturday. BRPD said two officers and the suspect engaged in a firefight. Both officers were shot, but were able to return fire and
  
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• Car crashes into telephone pole, closing Scenic Hwy in both directions

  15-02-2016 18:02
  
  BATON ROUGE - Scenic Highway at Kaufman is closed in both directions due to crash involving a vehicle and a telephone pole.Lines are down as a result of the wreck. The Highway 61 North exit to cross the Huey P. Long Bridge is also closed as a result.There is no word yet on injuries in connection with the crash. A quick check of power outage maps indicated that there was no impact on electrical service as a result of the downed pole.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Obama faces political puzzle in naming Scalia successor

  15-02-2016 17:35
  
  WASHINGTON - For most presidents, choosing a Supreme Court nominee is a puzzle. For President Barack Obama, the chance to pick a successor to Justice Antonin Scalia is even more complicated.As the White House carries out a rare election-year search for a nominee, the president's lawyers and top advisers are sorting through a tangled web of political factors.A smart pick and nomination strategy could determine whether Obama gets to reshape the highest court for the next generation. The wrong pick
  
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• Tornado watch for Baton Rouge, north shore, River Parishes to 6 p.m.

  15-02-2016 17:15
  
  A tornado watch is in effect until 6:00 p.m. Monday for areas north and west of Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, including the north shore, Baton Rouge and the River Parishes, according to the National Weather Service. A band of thunderstorms has formed...
  
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• State Police release new information about Monday afternoon murder near Innis

  15-02-2016 17:14
  
  INNIS - A man has been arrested on a manslaughter charge after allegedly killing a man deputies had gone to a home to arrest, State Police said.The Pointe Coupee Sheriff's Office said a deputy was at the house on LA 418 near LA 1 Monday to arrest a man around 4 p.m. when the shooting happened. A second man, who is not a deputy, shot that man deputies were seeking, State Police spokesman Bryan Lee said.The victim - the person deputies came to arrest - was later identified as 40-year-old Mario Cel
  
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• Budget cuts might close special needs day care

  15-02-2016 16:50
  
  BATON ROUGE - A special needs day care might have to close their doors if the state cuts the budget.Pediatria employees care for special needs children with ventilators and feeding tubes on a daily basis. "This is one of the jewels that we truly have," State Rep. Kevin Pearson. "People dont see this. they dont see the children with feeding tubes, I mean these are little infants. It's so critical to take care of them."Pearson said these centers need to be prioritized during the special s
  
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• Old Livingston Parish school gym set to become storm shelter

  15-02-2016 15:57
  
  WATSON - The gymnasium at the old Live Oak High School campus in the Watson area will be renovated and upgraded into a Red Cross worthy storm shelter.The work, with an estimated cost of $1.9 million, will be funded 75 percent by FEMA with the rest coming from the Livingston Parish school system. Right now work is underway to turn the old high school campus into a new junior high. Some residents say a new storm shelter would be great for Watson."I'm happy because we need one in the community, bec
  
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• Strong storms blow roof off Alexandria car wash and onto nearby Pizza Hut

  15-02-2016 15:56
  
  ALEXANDRIA - Strong storms rolled through Central Louisiana early Monday afternoon, blowing the roof of a car wash off and onto the roof of a nearby Pizza Hut in Alexandria.Alexandria Police said two Pizza Hut employees were taken to an area hospital where they were treated for minor injuries prior to being released. Several customers rode the storm out inside of the restaurant, but no injuries were reported among those individuals. The incident happened on Lee Street, a relatively highly traffi
  
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• BRPD: Man attempting suicide by cop wielded pellet gun

  15-02-2016 14:55
  
  BATON ROUGE - Police say they arrested a man accused of assaulting BRPD officers with what police described as a “black assault weapon” Monday morning.The Baton Rouge Police Department reports that a uniformed officer, driving a marked police car, saw a vehicle driving recklessly in the 4200 block of Prescott Road. As the officer was observing the vehicle, he saw it drive over a curb and into a fence located at 4201 Prescott. The officer then saw 28-year-old Joshua Parker exi
  
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• Woman looking for more Valentine's affection booked for domestic abuse

  15-02-2016 14:36
  
  BATON ROUGE - Deputies arrested a woman Sunday morning after she was accused of hitting her boyfriend in the head with a mug because she wanted him to “show her more affection on Valentine’s Day.”24-year-old Allison Lopez was booked on charges of aggravated battery and domestic abuse battery after she was taken into custody by EBRSO deputies at around 11 Sunday morning.Sheriff’s deputies said they were dispatched to an apartment complex on Coy Avenue after
  
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• Man accused of having sex with 14-year-old in car parked at EBR school

  15-02-2016 14:17
  
  BATON ROUGE - Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 17-year-old in the parking lot of a local school after he was found to be engaging in a sexual act with a 14-year-old inside of a parked vehicle.Kenneth Morris was booked on charges of indecent behavior with juveniles and criminal trespassing following his arrest at 3:30 p.m. Friday.Deputies said they received reports of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of an East Baton Rouge Parish school, and when they responded to the scene, they di
  
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• Livingston Parish train traffic to triple in wake of spillway fire

  15-02-2016 13:52
  
  GONZALES - Emergency officials in Livingston Parish say they’re expecting an overall increase in train traffic through the parish due to a fire on the Bonnet Carré Spillway.Trains are being rerouted through Livingston Parish into Baton Rouge from New Orleans as the railroad trestle that caught fire will remain out of service for a week or perhaps longer.Usually, parish officials say two trains pass through the parish on the average day, but with the spillway closure that num
  
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• La. foster care caseworker facing charges; says she had to get things done 'no matter what'

  15-02-2016 13:44
  
  BATON ROUGE - A state foster care caseworker alludes to being told to lie about visiting children in the state's care to meet outrageous goals set by the Department of Children and Family Services.In an arrest warrant, Kimberly Lee said she created false reports about home visits to children and their foster families in an effort "to getting things done no matter what." Lee told investigators she was told to use buzz words to handle her work load and pressures placed on her by supervisors.Lee is
  
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• Dept. of Corrections: No drugs on hand for scheduled March execution

  15-02-2016 13:36
  
  GONZALES - The Department of Safety & Corrections say they don’t have the execution drugs on hand necessary to carry out an execution scheduled for next month.Serial killer Daniel Blank was scheduled to have his death sentence carried out on Mar. 14 in Ascension Parish.The department says they have protocol in place for such a situation, and they’ll carry that protocol out until legal actions dictate otherwise.Blank received his death sentence in connection with the first
  
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• Governor's tax proposals presented to House lawmakers

  15-02-2016 13:24
  
  BATON ROUGE - Gov. John Bel Edwards' revenue secretary has outlined the tax hikes the governor is proposing in a special legislative session to help stabilize Louisiana's finances.Kimberly Robinson presented the list Monday to the House Ways and Means Committee, kicking off tax negotiations with lawmakers who have a short time to vet the ideas. The special session can last only 25 days.Edwards is recommending increases to the state sales tax, to taxes charged on alcohol and cigarettes and to bus
  
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• Massive $20 million diamond unearthed in Africa

  15-02-2016 13:22
  
  ANGOLA - An Australian mining company struck paydirt in Southern Africa as they uncovered a diamond worth more than $20 million.The 404-carat diamond was mined at Lucapa Diamond Company’s Lulo Diamond project in Angola’s Lunda Norte province. It’s the biggest diamond ever found in the country.Lucapa chairman Miles Kennedy said the “spectacular” white diamond is considered to be of excellent quality, and estimates it could be valued at more than $
  
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• Initial police report indicates other officers rescued injured BRPD patrolman after shootout

  15-02-2016 13:21
  
  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge Police released the criminal history of the man who shot two police officers in a shootout Saturday.Calvin Smith, 22, died from injuries he received when the two officers he shot returned fire. He was taken to a hospital where he died a day after the shooting.Monday, police said Smith was at the tail end of probation for a conviction. Smith's criminal history consisted of arrests for drugs, illegally carrying of a weapon, DWI, sexual battery, contributing to the delinqu
  
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• Judge says she changed her mind on Scalia autopsy, decided it wasn't needed

  15-02-2016 13:15
  
  MARFA, Texas - A Texas judge says she initially determined that an autopsy should be conducted on Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.But Judge Cinderela Guevara says she changed her mind after speaking with Scalia's doctor -- who confirmed that the justice had a history of heart trouble and other illnesses. The judge says that medical history, and a lack of any signs of foul play, meant the justice likely died of natural causes and that no autopsy would be necessary.Scalia was found dead in hi
  
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• Railroad will be out at least a week after trestle fire

  15-02-2016 13:12
  
  NORCO - A Canadian National railroad trestle west of New Orleans will be out of service for at least this week and maybe longer following a fire.Canadian National spokesman Patrick Waldron says crews are demolishing and rebuilding a span of roughly 800 feet over the Bonnet Carren Spillway.Amtrak is providing buses between New Orleans and Jackson, Mississippi, for passengers on its City of New Orleans train. Buses are making intervening stops in Hammond, Louisiana, and in the Mississippi towns of
  
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• Best case budget scenario could see Nicholls close temporarily

  15-02-2016 13:09
  
  BATON ROUGE - Nicholls State University would be forced to close at least temporarily this year even if the best-case scenario presented to the Louisiana Legislature prevails.A plan from the University of Louisiana System says the Thibodaux-based school could close for 12 days in the face of budget cuts.Lawmakers continue to grapple with a midyear budget hole that exceeds $900 million. Even in the best case scenario, higher educations will take a $70 million hit.Nicholls State is part of the Uni
  
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• Ohio gas station glitch lets drivers fill up for pennies

  15-02-2016 13:01
  
  TOLEDO, Ohio - A computer glitch led to a brief price war between two gas stations in northwest Ohio, allowing some drivers to fill their tanks for pennies per gallon.WTOL-TV reports that a computer malfunction dropped prices at one north Toledo gas station, and another across the street lowered its prices to stay competitive early Sunday.Customer Taylor Kline told the station he filled his empty tank for just 26 cents. The extra-low pricing lasted at least three hours before returning to normal
  
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• Treasurer: State revenues increased 3 percent for January

  15-02-2016 12:43
  
  BATON ROUGE - The State Department of the Treasury says reports indicate total revenue for January 2016 saw a three percent increase over December of last year.Sales tax, severance tax and corporation/franchise tax receipts are down from last year in the 2015-16 fiscal year, but individual income tax revenue is up slightly.December saw total state revenue down by 15 percent, while state revenues improved three percent.You can click here to dive into the numbers for yourself in the full report.Pe
  
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• BRPD investigating West Johnson Street burglary

  15-02-2016 12:07
  
  BATON ROUGE - Detectives are looking to identify a suspect wanted in connection with a burglary that happened at a house in the 600 block of West Johnson Street late last month.Baton Rouge Police say the suspect forced his way into the residence on Jan. 27 and obtained an undisclosed amount of items. The homeowner was not home at the time of the burglary, according to detectives.Anyone able to identify the suspect is urged to contact the BRPD Burglary Division at (225) 389-3824.Permalink| Commen
  
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• Audit: Louisiana borrowing maneuvers increased state debt

  15-02-2016 11:56
  
  BATON ROUGE - A new audit says Louisiana's borrowing practices during former Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration will cost the state millions in extra interest payments over decades.
  Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera's office says in its report, released Monday, the debt payment maneuvers used since 2011 helped get quick cash for the state budget but came with a larger price tag for Louisiana.
  In addition, auditors say the short-term maneuvers pushed Louisiana closer to its debt ceiling and will
  
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• While 'affluenza' teen went free, similar case led to prison

  15-02-2016 11:46
  
  HUNTSVILLE - One 16-year-old drove drunk, ran a red light and crashed into a pregnant woman's car, killing her and her unborn child.
  Another drunken teenager rammed a pickup truck into a crowd of people assisting a stranded driver, killing four.
  Jaime Arellano went to prison. Ethan Couch went free.
  The stories of the two Texas teens illustrate how prosecutors' decisions in similar cases can lead to wildly different outcomes. The poor immigrant from Mexico has been behind bars for almost a decade
  
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• 1 hospitalized following shooting at Brandywine Apartments

  15-02-2016 11:45
  
  BATON ROUGE - Police reported one man was hospitalized following a shooting Monday morning at Baton Rouge’s Brandywine Apartments.EMS responded to the scene at 6 a.m. Monday at the apartment complex situated at 10950 Darryl Dr.Police said the victim was shot in the leg, but is currently in stable condition at an area hospital.Further details from police were not available, but updates are expected.Permalink| Comments
  
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• BRFD: Arson caused 2 early morning house fires

  15-02-2016 11:00
  
  BATON ROUGE- Authorities are looking for the person responsible for setting a house on fire early Monday morning.Firefighters say they responded to a call about a house on fire in the 2200 block of Thomas H. Delpit Drive. Firefighters weren't able to contain the blaze before it spread to the house next door.  It took firefighters about 30 minutes to get the fires under control. The first house that caught on fire suffered serious fire damage and was considered a total loss. The second f
  
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• BRPD releases names of officers involved in shootout

  15-02-2016 09:30
  
  BATON ROUGE- The Baton Rouge Police Department has released the names of the two officers injured in shootout over the weekend. They mortally wounded the man who was shooting at them.According to a Baton Rouge Police spokesperson, Theodore Smith III and Sean Garic were taken to the hospital after being injured in a shootout with a man who had fled from them in a car.The alleged gunman, Calvin Smith, 22, died over the weekend after being shot during the exchange.The shootout happened early Saturd
  
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• Producer says Grammys doesn't have Oscars diversity issue

  15-02-2016 08:41
  
  LOS ANGELES- A veteran Grammys executive producer says his awards show does not have a diversity issue like the Oscars and that it is not fair to compare the two programs.
      
  Ahead of Monday's show, news outlets reported that the Grammys could be under fire since it planned to pay tribute to white performers such as David Bowie and The Eagles' Glenn Frey with live performances, though the legacy of black acts such as Natalie Cole and Maurice White of Earth, Wind &
  
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• Crews beginning work on LA-447, I-12 interchange in Livingston Parish

  15-02-2016 07:31
  
  WALKER- Residents in Livingston Parish will be dealing with some traffic headaches today due to a new road project.
  Construction is set to begin at the LA 447 and I-12 interchange. According to the State Department of Transportation, drivers should expect intermittent delays and possible nightly closures in the area. Lane closures will be necessary while workers construct new roundabouts at the end of the I-12 exit ramps.
  Traffic officials are encouraging drivers to avoid the area by taking Juba
  
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• February 15, 2016 Morning News Pop

  15-02-2016 06:49
  
  Here are today's top stories:BRPD officer released from hospital after Saturday shootout Edwards addresses lawmakers as special session begins Works starts on Walker roundabouts MondayShowers and storms through Monday afternoonUpdates all day, every day:FACEBOOK | TWITTERPermalink| Comments
  
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• Into the mosh pit: Republican campaign talk getting nastier

  15-02-2016 06:14
  
  WASHINGTON- The 2016 Republican presidential race is becoming a rhetorical mosh pit, with a profanity-laced Donald Trump leading the way and some of his rivals answering coarsely in kind.
      
  In recent days, Trump has publicly lip-synced the F-bomb, blurted out the S-word more than once, hurled an offensive term for coward at rival Ted Cruz and fired a steady string of put-downs at other candidates whom he labels pathetic, liars, losers, nasty and evil.
   &
  
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• Josh Abbott wears Leonard Fournette jersey in concert to settle bet

  15-02-2016 04:49
  
  Pays off on bet from Texas Bowl.
  
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• 'The Revenant' named best picture at BAFTAs

  15-02-2016 03:34
  
  LONDON- Endurance epic "The Revenant" has been named best picture at the British Academy Film Awards, while its star Leonardo DiCaprio won the best actor prize.
      
  Alejandro G. Inarritu took the best director trophy on Sunday for the saga of a fur trapper fighting for his life in a pitiless 19th-century U.S. West.
      
  Brie Larson won the best actress prize for "Room."
      
  The British awards, known as BAFTAs, are
  
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• John Bel Edwards' special session speech -- What did and didn't get applause

  15-02-2016 03:13
  
  Here's a rundown of Gov. John Bel Edwards' speech topics that generated a good reaction from legislators -- as well as those that didn't.
  
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• TOPS scholarship would require a 28 ACT next year under worse-case scenario

  15-02-2016 02:03
  
  More than 37,000 people who currently qualify for TOPS would no longer
  
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• TOPS scholarship would require a 28 ACT next year if all cuts go through

  15-02-2016 02:03
  
  More than 37,000 people who currently qualify for TOPS would no longer
  
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• Every girl at Utah high school gets a Valentine's Day flower

  15-02-2016 01:29
  
  Seventeen-year-old Hayden Godfrey spent $450 on 900 carnations
  
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• Strong thunderstorms possible in New Orleans, north shore Monday afternoon

  15-02-2016 00:11
  
  Expect a slight chance of severe weather in the New Orleans area and in St. Tammany Parish on Monday afternoon, officials said.
  
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