Baton Rouge news

• Congressman Higgins NFL boycott video viewed 6M times

  26-09-2017 21:52
  WASHINGTON, D.C. -  The video Congressman Clay Higgins posted on Facebook more than a week ago criticizing NFL players for protesting during the national anthem has been viewed more than six million times.Higgins, R-Port Barre, posted his video before President Donald Trump's comments in Alabama that galvanized opposition to professional football players refusing to stand for the National Anthem before games.Some players who want to direct attention to racial and judicial inju
  
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• FEMA head says more ships and troops headed to Puerto Rico

  26-09-2017 20:28
  WASHINGTON - The Trump administration said Tuesday it was sending a flotilla of ships and thousands more military personnel to Puerto Rico to address the growing humanitarian crisis caused by Hurricane Maria.  The administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Brock Long, said the devastation wrought by the Category 4 storm presented logistical challenges, with badly damaged airports and seaports making it difficult to get aid and personnel to the stricken island.&a
  
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• Saudi Arabia to allow women to drive for 1st time next year

  26-09-2017 20:27
  RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Women will be allowed to drive for the first time next summer in Saudi Arabia, the ultra-conservative kingdom announced Tuesday, marking a significant expansion of women's rights in the only the country that barred them from getting behind the wheel.  While women in other Muslim countries drove freely, the kingdom's blanket ban attracted negative publicity for years. Neither Islamic law nor Saudi traffic law explicitly prohibited women from driving, but
  
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• 4 arrested for damage at Christmas tree farm

  26-09-2017 19:47
  COVINGTON, La. - Four teens are accused of damaging or destroying 62 Christmas trees at a Louisiana farm.  The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office says two 16-year-olds, one from Carriere, Mississippi, and one from Pearl River, Louisiana, face a felony charge of criminal damage to property worth more than $1,000; misdemeanor criminal damage to property under $1,000 and two counts of criminal trespass.  Facing those charges, plus contributing to juvenile delin
  
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• Woman arrested in 27-year-old Florida killer clown case

  26-09-2017 19:34
  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Police in Florida say they've arrested a woman accused of dressing up like a clown 27 years ago and fatally shooting the wife of her future husband.  A Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office news release says 54-year-old Sheila Keen Warren was arrested Tuesday in Virginia. A Florida grand jury recently indicted her on a first-degree murder charge.  Authorities say Marlene Warren was shot at her Wellington home in May 1990. Sheila Keen was
  
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• Louisiana Lt. governor won't attend NFL games amid protests

  26-09-2017 19:19
  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says he's boycotting New Orleans Saints games and NFL events after several players refused to stand during the national anthem.  Nungesser, Louisiana's top tourism official, told news outlets Tuesday he finds players kneeling or sitting during the anthem "un-American" and "disgraceful."  Nungesser will be in London on Sunday when the Saints face off with the Miami Dolphins, part of a trip to promote travel from
  
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• Scam targeting job seeker costs woman thousands

  26-09-2017 18:22
  BATON ROUGE - There's another scam to be aware of, this one targeting job hunters. A woman in Baton Rouge says she was victim to this and is out about $2,500 after depositing a check that turned out to be fraudulent.Sheena Daniels doesn't want anyone else to go through what she did."It just ended up being what I didn't respect," she said.A couple weeks ago, Daniels went looking online for a job searching Craigslist and ZipRecruiter. She responded to an ad for an administrative assistant positio
  
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• Report: Truck spills nails on I-10, causes massive traffic jam in New Orleans

  26-09-2017 15:33
  NEW ORLEANS - Several unhappy motorists were stuck on I-10 after a truck carrying thousands of nails spilled buckets of them all over the roadway. According to a report from WWL, the incident occurred near the I-10/610 split Tuesday.Traffic headed toward New Orleans from Metairie was backed up for several miles as the three lanes of traffic headed toward I-610 were being forced to merge with the three lanes of traffic on I-10.Clean up crews were trying to sweep the nails off to the sid
  
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• No vote this week on GOP health care bill

  26-09-2017 14:51
  WASHINGTON - Senate Republicans will not vote this week on the latest, last-ditch effort to repeal and replace Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act.  That's the word from senators as they emerged from a closed-door meeting on Tuesday. Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona shook his head and said "no" when asked about plans for a vote.  The setback marks the end for the latest drive to overturn the law, a promise the GOP has made to voters for seven years. &nb
  
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• GOP concedes defeat on health care overhaul

  26-09-2017 14:51
  WASHINGTON - Senate Republicans have conceded defeat on their last-ditch effort to repeal and replace "Obamacare."  The bill's authors acknowledge they don't have the votes ahead of a critical deadline at the end of this week.  President Donald Trump is slamming 'certain so-called Republicans' and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the focus will now turn to tax reform.  Sen. Lindsey Graham, a sponsor of the latest, last-ditch effort, says
  
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• Trump plans to slash US refugee admissions

  26-09-2017 14:46
  WASHINGTON - A U.S. official says the Trump administration is planning to slash refugee admissions in the upcoming fiscal year to what could be the lowest level in more than a decade.  The official said Tuesday that President Donald Trump this week is expected to announce a cap of 45,000 refugees to be admitted in fiscal year 2018, which begins Sunday.  It is not clear if the administration intends to reach that cap. Even that number would be the lowest numbe
  
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• Louisiana election: Voters to decide 3 constitution changes

  26-09-2017 14:43
  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana voters have a lighter load this fall, with only three constitutional changes up for consideration. The amendments to be decided in the Oct. 14 election deal with property taxes and transportation spending.  Amendment 1 would create a property tax break for plants, companies and houses when they are under construction, before other tax breaks kick in after building is complete.  Amendment 2 would expand a property tax exemption for the
  
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• President Trump notes progress after Cowboys kneel before, stand for anthem

  26-09-2017 14:25
  After Monday night's pre-game display, President Donald Trump says progress is being made in the ongoing controversy concerning the NFL and protests during the national anthem.During Monday Night Football, the entire Cowboy's team, including owner Jerry Jones, made a statement by kneeling before the national anthem and then rising to their feet and locking arms for the actual performance. This differed from some other demonstrations across the NFL, which entailed players taking a knee
  
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• Jury finds clerk of Louisiana town guilty of theft

  26-09-2017 14:17
  ARCADIA- A jury has convicted a former Arcadia town clerk, who currently serves on the town's council, for stealing cash from residents paying their water bills.The jury last week convicted Councilwoman Patricia C. Hampton of felony theft for taking more than $39,000 from 2007 to 2010. Hampton denied stealing the money.News outlets report Assistant District Attorney Russell Davis says the six-person jury returned the verdict at 10:15 p.m. Thursday after a four-day trial before state District Ju
  
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• EBRSO: Man charged with DWI, negligent homicide after running over brother

  26-09-2017 14:16
  GREENWELL SPRINGS - Authorities say a man has been arrested after he allegedly ran over and killed his brother with his vehicle early Tuesday morning.According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office, 30-year-old Stephen Hebert is charged with negligent homicide and DWI after the incident was reported in the 37000 block of Greenwell Springs Road around 3:40 a.m.State Police arrived on the scene to find Hebert semi-conscious in the driver's seat of his Dodge
  
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• James Carville returns to LSU, joins Manship School faculty

  26-09-2017 14:13
  BATON ROUGE - James Carville will make his return to LSU in January as he joins the Manship School of Mass Communication as a teacher.The successful political consultant will teach multiple courses, including a seminar in contemporary political issues and a class for seniors that deeply examines one significant issue, such as the erosion of the Louisiana coastline.Carville, who was born in Carville, La., is an LSU and LSU Law Center graduate. He has
  
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• Firefighters respond to house fire on Edgewood Drive

  26-09-2017 13:11
  BATON ROUGE - Firefighters responded to a large house fire on Edgewood Drive late Tuesday night.The fire started sometime after 10:30 p.m. in the 2400 block of Edgewood Drive.At least one woman was inside when the fire started, according to a News 2 crew at the scene. She was able to make it out safely. The fire has since been put under control, according to the Baton Rouge Fire Department. One resident was displaced from the home as a result of the fire, according to
  
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• WATCH LIVE: Livingston sheriff outlines 'major developments' in current cases

  26-09-2017 12:49
  LIVINGSTON – The sheriff's office will announce “major developments” in cases, authorities said in an alert about a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday.The sheriff's office did not elaborate on what will be discussed.A spokesperson only said Sheriff Jason Ard will outline developments in “ongoing investigations.”Click HERE to watch the news conference live. A repeat of a recent newscast will be seen until the news conference begins.Che
  
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• Ten arrested in massive string of vehicle burglaries

  26-09-2017 12:49
  DENHAM SPRINGS – The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office says it has made arrests in 94 cases of vehicle burglary that occurred in Denham Springs over the last few months.Sheriff Jason Ard said the burglaries occurred between July and late September and carried out by two groups of individuals. Ard said 10 people were arrested in total, seven adults and three juveniles. The ages of the suspects ranged from 15 to 20 years old.The following individuals
  
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• WBRZ to broadcast rare LSU Sunday night season opener in 2018

  26-09-2017 12:42
  BATON ROUGE – WBRZ will show LSU Football's 2018 season opener.LSU will face Miami in a rare Sunday night game on September 2 at 6:30 p.m. The game was originally scheduled for Saturday, September 1, but moved back a day as part of a five-day college kickoff weekend showcase on ABC and ESPN.WBRZ is the ABC affiliate for the Baton Rouge area.The game is scheduled for AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.The 2018 opener for the Hurricanes and Tigers will mark the first regular season me
  
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• Dunford says North Korea military posture unchanged amid tension

  26-09-2017 12:31
  WASHINGTON- The nation's top military officer says there's been no change in the posture of North Korea's military forces despite the "charged political environment" between Washington and Pyongyang.The comments Tuesday from Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, come amid escalating rhetoric between the U.S. and North Korea.Dunford says, "we haven't seen military activity that would be reflective of the charged political environment that we're seeing."Trump tw
  
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• LSU dorm assault under investigation

  26-09-2017 12:28
  BATON ROUGE – LSU Police are investigating a dorm room sexual assault, WBRZ learned Tuesday.Saturday, a woman reported being assaulted in a dorm room early in the morning. The woman said she wasn't sure who her attacker was.While LSU would not release specifics, it appears the attack was not random.The case is under investigation, LSU said. There have been no arrests as of this post.*****************Follow the publisher of this post on Twitter: @treyschmaltzPermalink| Comments
  
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• Two suspects sought in casino armed robbery

  26-09-2017 12:16
  ST. MARTINVILLE - Two suspects are wanted in connection with a casino robbery that took place Tuesday afternoon.According to the St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office, shortly after 5:00 p.m., deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery at a casino in the 1100 block of Clover Hill Road.Investigators learned that two white males, each with a handgun, robbed the casino of an undetermined amount of cash.Suspect number one is a white male, 6'3", medium build, according to the Sheriff's Office.
  
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• Inmate accused of plotting to kill two officials

  26-09-2017 12:07
  ASSUMPTION- A man already in jail was booked again Monday for criminal conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.Deputies from the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office say Christopher Campbell allegedly conspired with another or other individuals to murder two officials involved in the day-to-day operations of the criminal justice system.In late August, detectives received information that Campbell, who was already incarnated for unrelated charges, was plotting to kill t
  
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• NCAA basketball coaches among 10 charged with fraud and corruption

  26-09-2017 09:41
  NEW YORK-Four college basketball coaches were among 10 people charged in a New York City federal court for fraud and corruption that was found in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Chuck Person of Auburn University, Emanuel Richardson of the University of Arizona, Tony Bland of the University of Southern California and Lamont Evans of Oklahoma State are facing federal charges.Others charged include managers, financial advisers and representatives of a major
  
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• Grease fire temporarily closes local chicken joint

  26-09-2017 08:57
  BATON ROUGE- Firefighters from the Baton Rouge Fire Department responded to a early morning fire at a local Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen.The call came in at 7:51 a.m for a fire at 10706 Florida Boulevard. Firefighters arrived at the scene to find a fire in the kitchen.The grease fire was quickly put out before it could spread to other areas in the building. Authorities say, the business will be closed until repairs to the hood system can be made.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Authorities looking for man who failed to register as a sex offender

  26-09-2017 08:44
  ASCENSION- Deputies from the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office are currently looking for a man who failed to register as a Tier I  sex offender.James Baloney, 38,  was last seen around the Donaldsonville area. He is 5'11'' and weighs 270 pounds.Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Baloney,  are encouraged to call 225-621-4626.Permalink| Comments
  
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• La State Rep. requests discussion of Saints' budget during JLCB meeting

  26-09-2017 08:36
  BATON ROUGE- State Representative Valarie Hodges sent a formal request for the New Orleans Saints' budget to be included on the agenda of the next  Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget meeting.The request comes after several Saints players sat in protest during the national anthem during their most recent game.In a release Hodges said:“I am for First Amendment rights, but there is a time and a place to protest.  We will not tolerate blatant disregard fo
  
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• LIVE UPDATES: Tuesday commute

  26-09-2017 07:59
  Tweets by WBRZtrafficPermalink| Comments
  
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• Teenager arrested for using stun gun on 7-year-old boy

  26-09-2017 07:40
  KENNER- Authorities in the New Orleans area say a teenager has been arrested after he used a stun gun on a 7-year-old boy, causing burns and blisters to the boy's back.News outlets report 19-year-old Kevin Alexis is accused of zapping the boy Friday. Alexis told police he was "playing around" when he grabbed a stun gun from his kitchen window and began chasing neighborhood children around with the device. Authorities say he would turn on the stun gun to scare the children.Kenner police Lt. Bria
  
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• Man arrested for inappropriately touching teens on carnival ride

  26-09-2017 07:05
  LAFOURCHE- A man was arrested after inappropriately touching two teenage girls at a fair over the weekend.On Sunday, deputies from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office said two girls reported to being touched inappropriately in separate incidents by a carnival ride worker. The worker was identified as Cody Johnson, 20, of Illinois. Authorities say, Johnson was employed by an amusement contractor providing rides and games at the Cut Off Youth Center fair.The victims said they
  
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• Early morning fire destroys home on Fig Street

  26-09-2017 06:45
  BATON ROUGE- Firefighters from the Baton Rouge Fire Department battled the blaze of a house fire early this morning.The fire took place at 1263 Fig Street. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find the home engulfed in flames.Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent homes. Authorities say the house was abandoned and no injuries have been reported at this time. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Authorities identify body found under truck on Greenwell Springs

  26-09-2017 05:54
  BATON ROUGE- Multiple agencies are on the scene of an incident where a body was found under a truck.The incident took place at 37323 Greenwell Springs Road early Tuesday morning. Authorities have identified the victim as 32-year-old Kirk Hebert. An autopsy is still pending.Details are very limited at this time.Authorities have not said how the incident occurred, or released the identity of the victim. The East Baton Rouge Coroner is also on scene. This is a d
  
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