Baton Rouge news

• Here's how much TOPS students will be paying in tuition next semester

  14-11-2016 23:00
  
  TOPS students will have to pay 58 percent of their tuition bills during the spring semester.
  
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• Rudy Giuliani the favorite to be Trump's secretary of state

  14-11-2016 20:07
  
  WASHINGTON - Rudy Giuliani is the favorite to be secretary of state in Donald Trump's administration.That's according to a senior Trump official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the source isn't authorized to speak on the record.The official says there's no real competition for the job and that it's the former New York mayor's if he wants it.Giuliani said at a Wall Street Journal CEO Council event in Washington that he won't be attorney general in Trump's administration.That's one
  
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• ICC prosecutor: US forces may have tortured in Afghanistan

  14-11-2016 20:05
  
  THE HAGUE, Netherlands - International Criminal Court prosecutors say that a preliminary probe indicates that members of the United States armed forces and the CIA may have committed war crimes by torturing detainees in Afghanistan.The prosecution office said in a report issued late Monday that U.S. armed forces personnel "appear to have subjected at least 61 detained persons to torture" in Afghanistan, mainly in 2003-2004.The report adds that CIA operatives may have tortured at least 27 detaine
  
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• USDA: August storm disasters in Bossier, Caddo, Concordia

  14-11-2016 20:02
  
  NEW ORLEANS - The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Bossier, Caddo and Concordia parishes have been declared primary natural disaster areas due to damage and losses caused by storms and flooding in August.Monday's announcement in a USDA news release says farmers and ranchers in those parishes can apply for disaster aid. Also eligible to apply are those in parishes or counties in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas that share a common border with Bossier, Caddo or Concordia.Qualified far
  
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• Firefighters responding to fire at apartment complex on Old Hammond Hwy

  14-11-2016 19:50
  
  BATON ROUGE - Fire officials were called to the Spires of Sherwood apartment complex on Old Hammond Hwy in reference to a fire in the complex Monday evening.Firefighters are working to extinguish the flames. EMS was contacted to check out an infant for possible smoke inhalation, but the infant is believed to be fine, according to officials.Red Cross officials have also been called to the scene.More information will be added to this story as it becomes available.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Firefighters extinguish flame at apartment complex on Old Hammond Hwy

  14-11-2016 19:50
  
  BATON ROUGE - Fire officials were called to the Spires of Sherwood apartment complex on Old Hammond Hwy in reference to a fire in the complex Monday evening.Firefighters were able extinguish the flames. EMS was contacted to check out an infant for possible smoke inhalation, but the infant is believed to be fine, according to officials.BRFD said the fire was caused by a pot left on the stove. While firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the flame, the apartment received heavy smoked damage.
  
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• Rebuilding in question following elevation warnings

  14-11-2016 17:34
  
  BATON ROUGE - There's confusion over whether to rebuild or wait in one subdivision.Residents began getting the green light and the permits needed for construction last month. Now, some of their neighbors are receiving emailed letters saying their homes will have to be raised, first.Most homes in the Old Jefferson Subdivision received feet of water during the August flood. David Marmillion is anxious to start rebuilding after his home took on five feet of water. It's gutted and he's ready to star
  
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• Two men wanted for vehicle burglary, posed as Walmart employees

  14-11-2016 17:02
  
  HAMMOND – The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in identifying two men accused of a vehicle burglary after attempting to pose as Walmart employees in separate incidents. The burglary took place on Oct. 28 at a home on Nicole Drive in Hammond. Around 12:30 a.m., the resident in the home heard a knock on the door. While looking through a bedroom window , the resident saw two men, one short wearing a t-shirt and grey pants and the other describ
  
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• Edwards' $315 million deficit-closing plan to be unveiled

  14-11-2016 16:40
  
  BATON ROUGE - Gov. John Bel Edwards' chief budget adviser will unveil the administration's proposal for closing a $315 million deficit to lawmakers on Friday.Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne will outline the recommendations to the joint House and Senate budget committee, seeking to close a budget hole left from the fiscal year that ended June 30.It wasn't clear if the proposal would rely solely on cuts to close the gap, or if the Edwards administration has found any pots of money to o
  
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• Day before grand jury hearing, Ascension DA recuses office from Matassa probe

  14-11-2016 15:56
  
  GONZALES - The Louisiana Attorney General's Office will take over a bribery investigation involving Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa.Ascension Parish District Attorney Ricky Babin told Chris Nakamoto, the chief investigator of WBRZ's Investigative Unit, the A.G. will handle the case going forward because Babin's office has a conflict. Babin said he learned Monday, some members of his office donated to Matassa's campaign.     > The Pelican Post, an on-lin
  
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• Councilman John Delgado endorses Bodi White for EBR Mayor-President

  14-11-2016 15:31
  
  BATON ROUGE – Metro Councilman John Delgado has formally endorsed Bodi White for East Baton Rouge Mayor-President weeks before the runoff election.Delgado, a former candidate in the election, announced his endorsement Monday afternoon on the steps of City Hall." We're taking steps to unite this parish," White said following the announcement. BREAKING: @JohnDelgadoBR formally endorses Bodi White for EBR Mayor-President weeks before run-off election @WBRZ pic.twitter.com/ZTc0Add
  
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• Obama says Trump likely to send signal of unity

  14-11-2016 14:42
  
  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama says he thinks Donald Trump will seek to "send some signals of unity" to people alienated by his ferocious campaign.In a White House news conference Monday, Obama said he advised Trump "to reach out to minority groups or women or others that were concerned about the tenor of the campaign" and "that's something that he will want to do." But Obama added that Trump is trying to balance commitments he made to "supporters that helped to get him here."On the campaig
  
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• Edwards promotes awareness of 'move over' law for safety

  14-11-2016 14:38
  
  BATON ROUGE - Gov. John Bel Edwards, highway officials and law enforcement agencies are promoting Louisiana's "move over" law.The law requires motorists to change lanes, if possible, when approaching emergency or police vehicles on the shoulder of a highway, or to at least slow down. The law is aimed at keeping emergency responders safe from injury. Violators can face a fine up to $200.State officials Monday held a press conference aimed at reminding drivers about the law, as part of Traffic Inc
  
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• PBS journalist Gwen Ifill dies of cancer

  14-11-2016 14:31
  
  NEW YORK - PBS says Gwen Ifill, the veteran journalist and co-anchor of the network's "NewsHour" with Judy Woodruff, died today of cancer. She was 61.A former newspaper reporter, Ifill switched to television and worked for NBC News and PBS. She moderated two vice presidential debates.She took a leave from her nightly show for health reasons earlier this year, never making public her illness. A week ago, she went out on leave again, taking her away from election night coverage.Sara Just, PBS "New
  
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• Georgia father guilty of murder in hot car death

  14-11-2016 14:24
  
  BRUNSWICK, Ga. - A Georgia father has been found guilty of murder in the 2014 death of his toddler son who perished after being left in a hot car.A jury reached its verdict Monday in the trial of Justin Ross Harris. The former Home Depot web developer's 22-month-old son, Cooper, died after Harris left the boy in his SUV while he was at work June 18, 2014.Harris was charged with malice murder after investigators concluded he left his child to die on purpose. They also charged him with felony murd
  
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• Bike event held for children with special needs

  14-11-2016 13:20
  
  BATON ROUGE – Over the weekend, The McMains Children's Developmental Center set up a race track for children with special needs to test out bikes specifically fitted to meet their needs.The event took place at Istrouma Baptist Church on Saturday, Nov. 12 and was open to children with disabilities ages 3-21.Organizers said that the event is a great way for children to get exercise while coming together with their families."Our families of the children with special needs are alw
  
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• Police in Baton Rouge work 3 shootings in 5 hours Monday

  14-11-2016 13:15
  
  BATON ROUGE – Police worked as many as three shootings Monday.At 4 p.m., police were called to Brady Street where a shooting victim was located.  A woman was shot and taken to a hospital in serious condition after being found in the 3200 block.  Before lunch, a man was injured after a shooting on Gus Young Avenue near North 44th Street.  Police said the victim, a male, was shot in the leg and suffered nonlife-threatening injuries.  
  
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• Man shot in leg on Gus Young Avenue

  14-11-2016 13:15
  
  BATON ROUGE – A man has been injured following a shooting on Gus Young Avenue near North 44th Street Monday morning.According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, the shooting happened around 11 a.m.BRPD says that one man was struck in the leg during the shooting. Officials say that his injuries are non-life threatening at the time of this post and that he is in stable condition.The incident is being investigated by BRPD. This story will be updated as more details become available. Pe
  
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• Brady St. shooting victim dies, Police in Baton Rouge work 3 shootings in 5 hours Monday

  14-11-2016 13:15
  
  BATON ROUGE - Police worked as many as three shootings Monday.At 4 p.m., police were called to Brady Street where a shooting victim was located. A woman was shot and taken to a hospital in serious condition after being found in the 3200 block.The victim, Wykenda Brown, 21, died at a local hospital from injuries sustained from gunshot wounds, according to officials.Officials said that investigators believe Brown was shot during an exchange of gunfire by unknown individuals following an altercatio
  
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• WATCH LIVE: LSU returns home to play postponed game against Florida

  14-11-2016 12:43
  
  BATON ROUGE – After their 38-10 win against the Razorbacks, LSU returns home to makeup the game against Florida that was originally scheduled last month.The game, initially scheduled in Florida, was postponed due to Hurricane Matthew. The game is now scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19 at noon in Tiger Stadium. The game is the final home game of the season.With the victory over Arkansas, the Tigers moved up in the football polls on Sunday. The Tigers are now No. 14 in the Amway Coaches Pol
  
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• LSU returns home to play postponed game against Florida

  14-11-2016 12:43
  
  BATON ROUGE – After their 38-10 win against the Razorbacks, LSU returns home to makeup the game against Florida that was originally scheduled last month.The game, initially scheduled in Florida, was postponed due to Hurricane Matthew. The game is now scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19 at noon in Tiger Stadium. The game is the final home game of the season.With the victory over Arkansas, the Tigers moved up in the football polls on Sunday. The Tigers are now No. 14 in the Amway Coaches Pol
  
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• Man pleads not guilty in fatal Kenner Raising Cane's stabbing

  14-11-2016 12:06
  
  GRETNA - A 23-year-man accused of fatally stabbing a 21-year-old manager during a robbery at a Raising Cane's in Kenner has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.Joshua Every, of LaPlace, also pleaded not guilty Monday to armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and three other charges in Jefferson Parish commissioner's court.Every is accused of stabbing Taylor Frilioux to death after he and co-defendant, 18-year-old Gregory Donald, of Kenner, ambushed employees taking out
  
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• City: Flood debris removed from Old Jefferson, Shenandoah

  14-11-2016 11:52
  
  BATON ROUGE - The city-parish has completed its final flood debris collection in Old Jefferson and Shenandoah.Monday, the mayor's office said debris removal was complete in the 70817 zip code and final passes were starting in zip codes 70815, 70816, and 70819.Debris removal crews began their final pass efforts on November 7, which involve the collection of all flood debris currently placed curbside across flood-affected zip codes in city-limits and unincorporated areas of East Baton Rouge Parish
  
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• A warning to displaced residents ahead of Thanksgiving

  14-11-2016 11:43
  
  BATON ROUGE - Thanksgiving is right around the corner and safety officials want to make sure people are preparing for a safe and responsible holiday in the wake of a turbulent summer in Baton Rouge.Baton Rouge firefighters are asking families that were displaced by the flood be aware of their temporary cooking conditions. Authorities caution families to think about safety before preparing a Thanksgiving feast.The Brady family, living in a camper outside their home, is preparing a little differen
  
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• Free disaster crisis counseling available to flood survivors

  14-11-2016 11:41
  
  BATON ROUGE – Officials say that survivors who are still coping with the effects of the August flood and severe weather can take advantage of free disaster crisis counseling available through FEMA and the state of Louisiana.The purpose of the Crisis Counseling Program is to provide survivors with free, local counseling services that promote resilience, empowerment and recovery.Disaster-related distress is a serious threat to any individual affected by a major disaster. It can be in the
  
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• Iberville Parish Schools consider updated security system

  14-11-2016 11:32
  
  PLAQUEMINE- Iberville Parish School Board members considered updating the cameras and related equipment at all district campuses Monday. Officials say the current system is years overdue for an upgrade."The resolution is poor so if you had to pull video it would be hard to make out a person, if that was what you were looking for," said Eon Simon, an IT employee for the district.Administrators use the cameras to clarify discipline issues with students or criminal activity outside the schools.Offi
  
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• The Pledge of Allegiance: Math, Science, and Arts Academy West

  14-11-2016 11:02
  
  BATON ROUGE- Today's Pledge of Allegiance comes from the 5th grade at the Math, Science, and Arts Academy West.Be sure to watch The Daily Pledge every weekday on 2une In at 5:58 a.m. to see if your child's school is featured!Permalink| Comments
  
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• Tickfaw State Park will reopen December 1

  14-11-2016 09:16
  
  SPRINGFIELD - The state expects to reopen flood-damaged Tickfaw State Park by December 1st.Starting in December, the park will be open for day use - meaning playground, rental pavilions, restrooms and the Nature Center will be available for visitors.  Canoe rentals will also resume and some hiking trails will be opened.  Though, repairs are still being made to many areas.The low-lying park, about 7 miles southwest of Springfield in Livingston Parish, occasionally serves as a de
  
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• Tickfaw State Park undergoing repairs from Aug. flooding

  14-11-2016 09:16
  
  SPRINGFIELD - From its cypress and tupelo swamp to its bottomland hardwood forest, Tickfaw State Park is no stranger to water.The low-lying park, about 7 miles southwest of Springfield in Livingston Parish, occasionally serves as a detention pond for rainfall that overflows the Tickfaw River's steep banks.But the August flood ran deeper and farther than any flooding the park had experienced in recent history.Park Manager Cody Westmoreland said there were spots that held water that had never held
  
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• Audit prompts 'complete internal review' of fisheries agency

  14-11-2016 09:04
  
  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's wildlife and fisheries secretary says he's ordered a "complete internal review" of his agency's operations.The move comes after auditors found questionable spending, missing state-owned property and shoddy management of finances in the past leadership of the department.Charlie Melancon, who took over the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in January, described the changes in his response to an audit released Monday. Draft findings had been previously reported by The A
  
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• Chili's manager takes away vet's free meal on Veterans Day

  14-11-2016 08:33
  
  CEDAR HILL, Texas - The parent company of Chili's says it wants to make things right after a veteran had his free meal taken away on Veterans Day.Ernest Walker posted a video to Facebook on Friday of a manager taking away his meal at a Chili's in the Dallas suburb of Cedar Hill. The Army vet writes that the meal was taken away after another diner raised questions about the uniform Walker was wearing. Walker says the manager took his meal even after he showed him his military ID and discharge pap
  
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• Washington bishop calls for unity after pro-Trump vandalism

  14-11-2016 08:31
  
  SILVER SPRING, Md. - The head of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington is calling on President-elect Donald Trump and his supporters "to separate themselves from acts of violence and hate."On Saturday night, a banner advertising a Spanish-language service at an Episcopal church in Silver Spring, Maryland, was slashed and the words "Trump nation. Whites only" were written on the back.Permalink| Comments
  
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• 2016 on track for hottest year on record

  14-11-2016 08:29
  
  MARRAKECH, Morocco - The U.N. weather agency says 2016 is set to break the record for the hottest year since measurements began in the 19th century.The World Meteorological Organization says preliminary data through October shows global average temperatures this year are 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial levels.The global climate agreement adopted in Paris last year calls for limiting the temperature rise since the industrial revolution to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit or even 2.7 degrees F.P
  
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• Greeks prepare security measures ahead of Obama visit

  14-11-2016 08:27
  
  ATHENS, Greece - Greek authorities are preparing draconian security measures ahead of a two-day visit by US President Barack Obama, including the deployment of thousands of police, road closures and restrictions on protests.Obama is due in Athens Tuesday, before heading to Berlin Wednesday as part of his last major trip abroad.Greek police today announced a ban on public gatherings in central Athens as well as a southern suburb where one of the city's luxury hotels is located, effective several
  
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• John Oliver slams Trump, calls presidency 'not normal'

  14-11-2016 08:25
  
  NEW YORK - John Oliver has used nearly the entire season finale of his HBO show to criticize President-elect Donald Trump.A highly-animated Oliver took issue with news pundits calling for the public to give the Republican a chance. Oliver says that "optimism is nice," but warned that such attitudes could "feed into the normalization of Donald Trump."Oliver says giving Trump "a chance in the sense of not speaking out immediately against the policies he's proposed is dangerous, because some of the
  
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• Oil billionaire considered to lead Energy Dept.

  14-11-2016 08:24
  
  WASHINGTON - President-elect Donald Trump is considering oil billionaire Harold Hamm and North Dakota Rep. Kevin Cramer to lead the Department of Energy.Trump is also considering venture capitalist Robert Grady for the top energy job, according to a transition planning document obtained by The Associated Press. Grady, who worked in President George H.W. Bush's administration, is also listed on the document as a possible pick to lead the Interior Department.The planning document includes several
  
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• Priebus defends Bannon pick

  14-11-2016 08:22
  
  WASHINGTON - Donald Trump's pick as White House chief of staff is defending Trump's pick as chief strategist and senior counselor.Reince Priebus tells NBC's "Today" show that Breitbart News executive Stephen Bannon has exhibited none of the racist, sexist or other qualities attributed to him and the Brietbart website.The site specializes in button-pushing, traffic-trolling headlines, including one that called conservative commentator Bill Kristol a "Republican spoiler, renegade Jew."Permalink| C
  
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• Suspect in deputy's killing arrested

  14-11-2016 06:54
  
  HUGHSON, Calif. - Authorities in California say they didn't recognize a suspect in a sheriff's deputy's murder until after he was taken into custody for an attempted purse snatching.Authorities in Stanislaus County say that 36-year-old David Machado shot a sheriff's deputy twice in the head Sunday as the deputy was checking a reported stolen van.Authorities say Machado then carjacked another vehicle and committed an armed robbery before the alleged purse snatching attempt, which led to his arres
  
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• Trump protests continue

  14-11-2016 06:52
  
  NEW YORK - Protesters continue to speak out against the election of Donald Trump as the next president. On Sunday, thousands demonstrated for another day in cities like Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In Philadelphia, several hundred people marched around City Hall and then down Market Street to Independence Mall. A protest that began in the afternoon in Manhattan extended into the evening.Trump also told his own supporters to stop the harrassment.  "President-ele
  
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• Trump talks with China's president

  14-11-2016 06:44
  
  WASHINGTON - President-elect Donald Trump's office says that Trump has spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping and thanked him for his well-wishes on the election.A statement from Trump's office says "the leaders established a clear sense of mutual respect for one another and President-elect Trump stated that he believes the two leaders will have one of the strongest relationships for both countries moving forward."Permalink| Comments
  
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• Miss Transgender crowned in Indonesia

  14-11-2016 06:41
  
  JAKARTA, Indonesia - Transgender people and gay activists from across Indonesia have defied a wave of hatred against sexual minorities to crown a Miss Transgender at a national pageant held in absolute secrecy. A handful of journalists were notified just a few hours in advance, to thwart attempts by Islamic hard-liners to shut down the pageant. A 28-year-old from Jakarta bested more than 30 other contestants.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Accident blocks lane on I-10 WB on MS River Bridge

  14-11-2016 05:30
  
  BATON ROUGE - Commuters may want to take an alternate route Monday morning as the right lane is blocked on I-10 westbound at the top of the Mississippi River Bridge due to an accident.The delay from this incident is approaching Perkins Road on I-10 westbound.News 2's Ashley Fruge is monitoring the roadways during 2une In. We will have updates on WBRZ.com and Twitter.Permalink| Comments
  
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