Baton Rouge news

• Mississippi to resume teaching 'To Kill A Mockingbird'

  25-10-2017 21:37
  BILOXI, Miss. - A Mississippi school district will resume teaching "To Kill A Mockingbird" after the book was pulled from a junior high reading list.
   The Sun Herald reports that Biloxi School District administrators removed the novel from the 8th-grade curriculum earlier this month after the district received complaints that some of the book's language "makes people uncomfortable."
   School officials say they'll begin teaching it again in class starting Monday. Students, howev
  
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• BikeShare program approved at EBR Metro Council

  25-10-2017 20:25
  BATON ROUGE - Plans for a BikeShare program within Baton Rouge will roll forward following an approval by the Metro Council Wednesday.According to a memo directed towards Metro Council members, the BikeShare program would "provide an affordable, healthy, and environmental addition to Baton Rouge's transportation options."Phase 1 of the program would include 51 bike sharing stations serving the downtown area, LSU, and Southern University. MidCity and the Health District would be included in futu
  
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• Metro Council raises flood-proofing requirements for future developments

  25-10-2017 20:18
  BATON ROUGE - Developers will soon need to meet higher standards when it comes to flood-proofing subdivisions and other developments.On Wednesday, the East Baton Rouge Metro Council voted to increase the standard for flood prevention requirements, meaning developments will have to be able to withstand both 10-year and 25-year flood events(meaning a flood with a one-in-25 chance of being matched in a given year). Developments were previously held to a 10-year flood standard, but recent&
  
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• EBR Metro Council approves higher fines for blight

  25-10-2017 18:01
  BATON ROUGE - Those contributing to the blight problem in East Baton Rouge Parish may soon be facing stiffer fines. The East Baton Rouge Metro Council voted in favor of allowing judges to impose higher fines for the owners of blighted properties. Judges may now impose fines of up to $1,000 for the first offense, $3,000 for the second offense and up to $5,000 for the third and any subsequent offenses. Each day following the third offense will count as an additional offense.The
  
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• The Latest: Grambling increasing security after shooting

  25-10-2017 17:45
  GRAMBLING- The Latest on a deadly shooting at Grambling State University.Grambling State University's president says the Louisiana college will have "increased police and security" on campus this week after a shooting that killed a student and his friend.But the school's president, Richard Gallot Jr., said in a statement Wednesday that Grambling State will proceed with a normal academic schedule and isn't canceling homecoming events this week.Authorities were searching Wednesday for a suspect i
  
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• BRPD: Baby hospitalized after fight between parents, grandmother

  25-10-2017 17:22
  BATON ROUGE - Three people were arrested Tuesday after an argument between parents left an infant with a sprained arm.According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, 48-year-old Charlette Green, 30-year-old Antonio Green, and 19-year-old Marneisha Winning were arrested in connection with the incident. Officers responded to the 600 block of N. Ardenwood Drive Tuesday night after an argument between the child's parents and paternal grandmother turned p
  
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• LSP identifies victim in deadly crash on Hwy. 68 in East Feliciana Parish

  25-10-2017 16:52
  EAST FELICIANA PARISH - One person is dead after a multi-vehicle crash involving a log truck on LA 68 Wednesday afternoon.Louisiana State Police identified the victim in the crash as 19-year-old Kentara Brown of Baker.The crash was reported around 2 p.m. Wednesday on Highway 68 near Highway 964. According to Louisiana State Police, the crash involved three vehicles, including an overturned log truck.Investigators say Brown was traveling eastbound on LA 68 when she crossed the
  
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• Trick-or-treating times announced for East Baton Rouge

  25-10-2017 16:46
  BATON ROUGE - Officials have announced trick-or-treat times for residents for Halloween.The following are the times for trick-or-treating on Tuesday, Oct. 31.:*Parishes are bolded, and municipalities are in plain text
  East Baton Rouge Parish- 6 to 8pmBaker- 6 to 8pmCentral- 6 to 8pmZachary- 6 to 8pmPermalink| Comments
  
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• US Marshals warn of jury duty phone scam

  25-10-2017 16:10
  BATON ROUGE– The U.S. Marshals Service for the Middle District of Louisiana is warning the public of an ongoing jury duty phone scam.Authorities say the caller poses as a U.S. Marshal, Deputy Marshal, or other law enforcement officer. The caller will tell the victim that he or she has missed federal jury duty, but can avoid arrest by paying a fine immediately.Then, the caller will provide information such as titles and badge numbers of a legitimate law enforcement officer or court off
  
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• Biden on 2020: I'm 'not going to decide not to run'

  25-10-2017 15:55
  NEW YORK- Former Vice President Joe Biden hasn't decided to run for president in 2020. But he's decided that he's "not going to decide not to run."Got it?The 74-year-old Democrat offered the somewhat confusing take on his political future in a series of new interviews ahead of the release of his memoir. But one thing is clear: Biden thinks he's the right man to lead the nation.Biden tells InStyle magazine that "this moment in American history sort of fits into my wheelhouse and the strengths I
  
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• Cop helps buy gym membership for teen who kept sneaking in

  25-10-2017 14:53
  SKOKIE, Il. - A teen who repeatedly snuck into a gym to use its basketball court thought he was in trouble when the management called police. Instead, the officer who responded to the call gave him a helping hand.According to a report from WLS, the officer gave Vincent Gonzales $150 to put toward a membership to the gym. "I thought it was really nice. I texted him and I said 'thank you,'" Gonzales said. "That meant a lot."Gonzales' membership had lapsed. The court was a popula
  
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• Police: Over $40K worth of mojo recovered in Zachary drug bust

  25-10-2017 14:17
  ZACHARY - A domestic violence call Tuesday night led police to discover more than 13 pounds of synthetic drugs in a Zachary home.The incident took place in the 2000 block of Highway 19 Tuesday night. When officers arrived on the scene, they could hear shuffling and running back and forth in the trailer.Officers began a security sweep of the the home and found narcotics. Officers then pulled the individuals out of the home and took them into custody.After obtaining a search warrant, off
  
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• Woman charged with murder, boyfriend dead from stab wounds

  25-10-2017 14:16
  NEW ORLEANS- A woman who authorities say stabbed her boyfriend in New Orleans is charged with second-degree murder after he died at a hospital.News outlets report that 32-year-old Valencia Kelly is accused of stabbing 35-year-old Travis Thomas multiple times in his legs on Oct. 13.The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office says Thomas died on Sunday from "sharp force injuries."New Orleans police Detective Rayell Johnson said in an arrest warrant that surveillance footage showed Kelly lunging to cut Th
  
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• Man posts 'Good Bye, Cruel World!' to Facebook before disappearing

  25-10-2017 14:16
  NEW ORLEANS- Police are searching for a man who posted an odd Facebook status then later disappeared.According to a report from WWL, 30-year-old Craig Magraff posted to Facebook "Good Bye, Cruel World!" on Oct. 19th. Family and friends have not been able to get in touch with Magraff since the post was made, and he has not been active on Facebook. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Seventh District detectives at (504) 658-6070
  
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• Man posts 'Good Bye, Cruel Word!' to Facebook before disappearing

  25-10-2017 14:16
  NEW ORLEANS- Police are searching for a man who posted an odd Facebook status then later disappeared.According to a report from WWL, 30-year-old Craig Magraff posted to Facebook "Good Bye, Cruel World!" on Oct. 19th. Family and friends have not been able to get in touch with Magraff since the post was made, and he has not been active on Facebook. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Seventh District detectives at (504) 658-6070
  
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• Two area men arrested for 8th DWI offense in October

  25-10-2017 13:52
  LIVINGSTON PARISH - Police say they have arrested two area men in the month of October for committing their eighth DWI offense.According to Louisiana State Police, 34-year-old Kevin Clark was pulled over after a trooper spotted him making multiple lane violations in a 2015 Toyota Tacoma.The trooper conducted a traffic stop after noticing signs of impairment. Clark tested over three times the legal limit for chemical intoxication. He was arrested and booked into the Livingston Parish Jail for ei
  
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• Second arrest made by Louisiana State Police in October for 8th Offense DWI

  25-10-2017 13:52
  LIVINGSTON PARISH - A man was charged with his eighth DWI Tuesday after police spotted him driving erratically on LA 22.According to Louisiana State Police, 34-year-old Kevin Clark was pulled over after a trooper spotted him making multiple lane violations in a 2015 Toyota Tacoma.The trooper conducted a traffic stop after noticing signs of impairment. Clark tested over three times the legal limit for chemical intoxication. He was arrested and booked into the Livingston Parish Jail for 8th Offen
  
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• Brother of Las Vegas shooter arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of possessing child porn

  25-10-2017 13:27
  LOS ANGELES- Authorities say the brother of Las Vegas shooter Stephen Paddock has been arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of possessing child pornography.  The arrest Wednesday of Bruce Paddock was confirmed by a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation but not authorized to discuss it publicly.  Bruce Paddock is not considered a suspect in the Las Vegas shooting. The official says the child porn case predates the shooting.  It wasn't
  
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• Our Lady of the Lake announces opening of new emergency room

  25-10-2017 13:08
  BATON ROUGE- Our Lady of the Lake has announced an opening date for its new emergency room.Doors for the OLOL North Emergency Room will open to patients on November 15 at 1 p.m.“This project would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Governor Edwards, our legislative delegation, our local officials and the North Baton Rouge community,” said K. Scott Wester, president and CEO of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.The emergency&a
  
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• Port Allen Police Dept are searching for a 31-year-old male, missing since Friday

  25-10-2017 12:54
  PORT ALLEN- The Port Allen Police Department are investigating a missing persons case.Jeremy Lindig, 31, was last seen on the morning of Oct. 20th at 1590 Court Street in his gray 2012 Nissan Sentra.He is approximately 5'10, weighs around 175, and has brown eyes.He was reported missing on Oct. 22nd after his family continuously tried and failed to contact him. They told police he'd missed work and a family event he had previously committed to attending.Jeremy's phone and car were found
  
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• False River drawdown to be suspended

  25-10-2017 12:49
  BATON ROUGE- The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will be suspending the False River drawdown.The drawdown began last month and was scheduled to end in January. Its purpose is to improve water quality, reduce sediment and improve fishing.The False River Civic Association listed the current lake level Wednesday at 17.4 feet, which the association says is slightly higher than expected due to rain water still draining into the lake.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Kenner man indicted for arson and possession of a destructive device

  25-10-2017 12:43
  NEW ORLEANS- A Kenner man accused of arson and possession of a destructive device has been indicted in federal court, according to a news release.Ryan Scott, 39, is charged with arson and possessing a destructive device, the release said.He is accused of setting a fire at a building in LaPlace on Aug. 13 and having a "destructive device" the same day, the release said.He could face 30 years in prison and more than $250,000 in fines, the release said.Permalink| Comments
  
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• BRPD responding to fatal shooting on Ralph Street

  25-10-2017 12:35
  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge Police Department officials are investigating a fatal shooting Wednesday.According to BRPD officials, the shooting occurred in the 2300 block of Ralph Street around Barksdale Street around 10 p.m.One victim was found deceased on the scene, according to investigators.WBRZ has a crew on scene.This is a developing story. Check back for details.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Update: Death of fire chief's wife still under FBI investigation

  25-10-2017 12:18
  COVINGTON- The July death of Fire Chief Stephen Kentrel's wife is still under investigation.The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office announced today that the investigation into the death of Nanette Krentel continues, and investigators want to provide the public with an update on where the investigation stands at this point.  Deputies say the nature and circumstances surrounding Mrs. Krentel’s death, including the intensity of the fire, are&a
  
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• Live in Ascension or Livingston? Ubering to Baton Rouge may start costing you more

  25-10-2017 09:47
  BATON ROUGE- Uber announced on Tuesday that they will start charging riders an extra fee if it takes drivers more than eight minutes to pick them up. The fee will typically go into effect between eight and 11 minutes, but is subject to change according to the market.Uber provided an example of a user who was charged an additional $5.77 after a driver had to travel 4.2 miles (an 11-minute trip) to pick them up.The move is meant to better compensate drivers who have to travel lo
  
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• Mayor voices support for third-party permit reviewers

  25-10-2017 09:01
  BATON ROUGE- Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome has continued to voice her support for third-party reviewers to supplement the services City-Parish's Department of Permits and Inspections. The initiative was a recommendation from the mayor's transition committee for the Department of Development. South Central Planning and Development Commission will provide expedited building plan reviews for the City-Parish department, pending contract approval by the Metro Council Wednesd
  
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• Shooting victim arrives at BRG-Mid City

  25-10-2017 08:44
  BATON ROUGE- A person with non- threatening gunshot injuries arrived at an area hospital early this morning.Authorities say, the victim showed up at the Baton Rouge General Mid City.At this time, authorities are unsure of the location of where the shooting took place. Details are limited at this time.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Not at home? Amazon wants to come in and drop off packages

  25-10-2017 08:36
  NEW YORK- Would you let a stranger in your house to drop off a package? Amazon hopes so.The online retailer will launch a service next month called Amazon Key that would allow delivery people walk into your home to drop off a box when you're not there.Those that want the service would first have to buy a camera and a Wi-Fi connected lock from the Seattle company that starts at $250. Shoppers can then select in-home delivery on the Amazon app. When the delivery person shows up, the camera starts
  
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• Authorities looking for persons of interest in auto theft case

  25-10-2017 08:07
  LIVINGSTON PARISH- Deputies from the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office are asking for help in identifying three persons of interest in an ongoing investigation.Deputies are looking for two males and a female in reference to an auto theft from a Watson convenience store on October 21.Anyone with information is encouraged to call the sheriff's office at 225-686-2241 or Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Trump says he's victim in dossier brouhaha

  25-10-2017 07:41
  WASHINGTON- President Donald Trump says he's the victim.That's his take on reporting that says Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee helped pay for political research that ultimately produced a dossier of allegations about Trump's ties to Russia.That confirmation comes from a person familiar with the matter, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity in order to discuss confidential client matters.Trump has posted a quote on Twitter that
  
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• Emirates starts new screening for US-bound passengers

  25-10-2017 07:25
  DUBAI, United Arab Emirates- Long-haul carrier Emirates says it is starting new screening procedures for U.S.-bound passengers following it receiving "new security guidelines" from American authorities.Emirates said in a statement Wednesday that it would begin doing "pre-screening interviews" at its check-in counters for passengers flying out of Dubai and at boarding gates for transit and transfer fliers.The airline said that comes on top of other security measures it conducts.The new procedure
  
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• Woman found shot to death in her bed

  25-10-2017 06:35
  FRANKLINTON - Authorities say a Louisiana woman was found shot to death in her bed.News outlets report 40-year-old Donna Arceneaux was found in her bed Tuesday.The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office said in a news release that two of the victim's friends were not able to contact her and went to her residence. When they arrived, they found Arceneaux with a shotgun wound to the chest.Authorities say the fatality is being treated as an unclassified death. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday morn
  
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• Twitter to disclose info on political ads amid scrutiny

  25-10-2017 06:32
  NEW YORK- Twitter says it will provide more information about political ads on its service, including who is funding them and how they are targeted.The move follows similar steps by Facebook and the introduction of a bill that seeks to bring more transparency to online political ads in an attempt to lessen the influence of Russia and other foreign entities on U.S. elections. The bill would require social media companies like Facebook and Twitter to keep public records on election ads and meet t
  
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