Baton Rouge news

• No. 10 LSU softball beats McNeese 5-2

  22-04-2025 21:44
  
  BATON ROUGE - No. 10 LSU softball defeated McNeese 5-2 at home Tuesday night.LSU trailed 2-0 through the first two innings, but gained a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the third and never lost the lead.The Tigers face No. 8 Florida on Saturday at 1 p.m.Permalink| Comments
  
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• EMT reinstated after being terminated for nearly a year

  22-04-2025 21:26
  
  BATON ROUGE — A Baton Rouge EMT fired nearly a year ago was reinstated Tuesday by the City-Parish personnel board.Kasie Tadlock-Ball represented herself at the hearing, and the board voted 3-1 to reverse her firing. She was accused of policy violations – including abandoning patients, one of whom died."What they were accusing me of, they were not able to prove," Tadlock-Ball said.Supervisors who testified in the hearing said some of the policy violations, like not properly t
  
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• Fire set at vacant gymnasium on Louisiana New School Academy; cause undetermined

  22-04-2025 21:21
  
  BATON ROUGE - A vacant gymnasium on the campus of Louisiana New School Academy on North Boulevard caught fire Tuesday evening, Baton Rouge Fire Department officials said.Officials said smoke was coming from the vacant gymnasium and discovered a rubbish fire in one corner of the building before being extinguished. Investigators are working to determine a cause for the fire.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Southern University students, alumni and faculty gather at Capitol for 2025 SU Day

  22-04-2025 21:04
  
  BATON ROUGE - Southern University students, faculty and teachers gathered at the Louisiana State Capitol building Tuesday for the 2025 SU Day.School leaders showed off the work, research and innovations taking place at the school and asked state lawmakers to continue their support to the state.Afterward, the annual reception banquet, hosted by the Southern Alumni Association, celebrated 145 years of educating people.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Two injured after shooting on Nicholson Drive

  22-04-2025 20:33
  
  BATON ROUGE - Two people were injured in a shooting on Nicholson Drive, officials said.The shooting happened at the 2500 block of Nicholson Drive. Officials said one person was taken to the hospital in stable condition and the other went to the hospital by themself.Baton Rouge Police officials say they are investigating.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Lawmaker trying to curb teen nicotine use by increasing taxes on vapes

  22-04-2025 19:06
  
  BATON ROUGE - Two bills aimed to curb smoking and vaping in Louisiana; both intended to increase taxes, but only one of them made it out of committee.Nearly one in three high school students in Louisiana use e-cigarettes. Paige McCrory is an eighth grade teacher in Rapides Parish, and she says teenagers she works with are already addicted to using vape products, as early as 13 years old."Vaping has reached a crisis level," McCrory said. "They're not even getting real vapes. Some are getting pod
  
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• Family wants BR hairdresser charged after she attempts to cut off a child's braids in payment dispute

  22-04-2025 18:44
  
  BATON ROUGE - The family of an 11-year-old girl says a former hairdresser at Draft Picks Barbershop on O'Neal Lane tried to cut newly-styled braids off the girl's head after the girl's mother did not pay a late fee.Conchota Singleton, the grandmother of the 11-year-old, said they feel they are not getting the justice they deserve after the altercation a week ago."One, you canceled the initial appointment. Two, you picked up scissors to a child's head, regardless of the intent. You picked scisso
  
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• Drivers optimistic new College Drive exits will improve traffic

  22-04-2025 17:47
  
  BATON ROUGE — The new College Drive exit ramps opening Wednesday at 5 a.m. are going to be safer and more efficient for drivers."It's going to be safer and it's also going to really help the congestion during the peak hours," Rodney Mallett DOTD spokesman said.College Drive is less than one mile from the I-10/12 split and some drivers were forced to change lanes three times in that space to get to the exit. Now, there will be a dedicated exit for both I-10 and I-12 going westbound to
  
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• Legislator proposes bill that would separate Central parks from BREC

  22-04-2025 17:46
  
  CENTRAL — A bill proposed during the 2025 legislative session would see the city of Central break from BREC and manage its own parks. Rep. Lauren Ventrella's proposal — HB 649 — would create the Central Recreation District as a governing body distinct from BREC and East Baton Rouge Parish. If passed, the proposed law would give the Central Recreation District the authority to levy a tax of up to 12 mills to fund the "acquisition, construction, improvement,
  
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• LSU baseball start pushed back due to lightning in the area

  22-04-2025 17:45
  
  BATON ROUGE –  The LSU-Northwestern State baseball game Tuesday night will start at 7 p.m. due to lightning in the Baton Rouge area.The game was schedule for a 6:30 p.m. start but that's been moved to later in the evening. The game will be broadcast on the LSU Sports Radio Network and streamed on SEC Network +.Permalink| Comments
  
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• LSU AgCenter using genetic engineering to bring success to Louisiana sugarcane industry

  22-04-2025 17:38
  
  ST. GABRIEL - Part of the success of Louisiana's $4 billion sugarcane industry is the work of the LSU AgCenter and the possibilities it creates through genetic engineering."Sugarcane is the number one valued grown crop in Louisiana," LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Specialist Kenneth Gravois said.By its nature, sugarcane is a tropical crop. It originated in the western Pacific islands and was brought to Louisiana, a sub-tropical climate, in the 18th century.That's why the AgCenter is using science to br
  
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• Deputies searching for two women accused of stealing from multiple Ascension Parish stores

  22-04-2025 16:56
  
  GONZALES — Detectives are searching for two women connected to several retail thefts across Ascension Parish.The two women, Ascension Parish deputies said, stole from multiple stores over the past several weeks.Anyone with information that can help detectives identify or locate these women is urged to call the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office anonymously at 225-621-4636 or by texting 847411.Permalink| Comments
  
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• YMCA on South Foster Drive to re-open Monday after redevelopment

  22-04-2025 16:54
  
  BATON ROUGE - The YMCA on South Foster Drive will re-open Monday at the same location, according to the organization.Following a $30 million investment in Mid-City, the YMCA at 350 South Foster Drive shares the property with The Point at Mid-City, a brand-new four-story apartment complex with 100 units.The facility includes a a chilled and heated pool, gymnasium, teen center, kid zone, sauna, steam room, hot tub, indoor walking track, strength and cardio equipment.The hours of operatio
  
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• William Carey University's Corporate Boulevard nursing campus opens with advanced simulation tech

  22-04-2025 16:23
  
  BATON ROUGE — William Carey University celebrated a big accomplishment Tuesday as it showed off its new nursing school located on Corporate Boulevard in Baton Rouge.WCU rooms were filled with students practicing their nursing skills using simulation dolls. But these simulation dolls were upgraded with new technology that allowed them to have a heart beat, cough or even scream. It was all directed through a pad that the instructors could control.Undergraduate Director of WCU Roselyn Gi
  
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• Man pleads guilty after shoplifting arrest led to authorities uncovering heavy equipment theft ring

  22-04-2025 15:58
  
  DENHAM SPRINGS - A man whose shoplifting arrest at Juban Crossing Shopping Mall in February 2022 led to officials uncovering a theft ring targeting heavy equipment across several parishes pleaded guilty to multiple charges, the Department of Justice said.Christopher Byerley, 45, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport a stolen motor vehicle, possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, conspiracy to trafficking a firearm and receipt of a trafficked firearm, possession of an unre
  
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• Kentwood Police arrest third suspect in January gas station shooting that left one dead

  22-04-2025 15:48
  
  KENTWOOD — On Tuesday, Kentwood Police arrested a man suspected to be responsible for a January fatal shooting.Police say that 19-year-old Traviun Walton was arrested for second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and the illegal use of a dangerous weapon after a shooting left 24-year-old ZyKerien Bickham dead on Jan. 29. Walton was identified by police as a suspect on Monday.Bickham and his girlfriend were both shot while they were at Five Star Gas Station on Third Street.
  
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• St. Mary Parish crews working to clear debris from boat ramp caused by river flooding

  22-04-2025 14:44
  
  BERWICK - Crews in St. Mary Parish are working to keep boat landings clear of debris after logs, tree branches and leaves were pushed in from the Atchafalaya River. Parish government said that crews have been out to Jessie Fontenot Memorial Landing in Berwick several times and are trying to keep the area clear, but the situation is ongoing due to flooding from the Mississippi River. Officials said because of that, there is no final cleanup date,  and they are continui
  
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• Tuesday's Health Report: Prescription Drug Take Back Day to be held Saturday at BRPD headquarters

  22-04-2025 14:39
  
  BATON ROUGE - The annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place at the Baton Rouge Police Department headquarters on Saturday.The event, which is hosted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, allows volunteers to collect prescription drugs and over the counter medicine.According to the DEA, the program has removed nearly 19.2 million pounds of unneeded medications from communities across the United States.DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of
  
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• Tuesday's Health Report: Annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day to be held Saturday at BRPD headquarters

  22-04-2025 14:39
  
  BATON ROUGE - The annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place at the Baton Rouge Police Department headquarters on Saturday.The event, which is hosted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, allows volunteers to collect prescription drugs and over the counter medicine.According to the DEA, the program has removed nearly 19.2 million pounds of unneeded medications from communities across the United States.DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of
  
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• Annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day to be held Saturday at BRPD headquarters

  22-04-2025 14:39
  
  BATON ROUGE - The annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place at the Baton Rouge Police Department headquarters on April 26, according to officials.The event, which is hosted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, allows volunteers to collect prescription drugs and over the counter medicine.According to the DEA, the take back has removed nearly 19.2 million pounds of unneeded medications from communities across the United States.DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, p
  
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• LSU women's basketball guard in the transfer portal, roster narrows

  22-04-2025 14:11
  
  BATON ROUGE - Another LSU women's basketball player has entered the transfer portal just as the window is set to close leaving only four remaining players from the 2024-25 roster back for the upcoming season.Mjracle Sheppard is the fifth Tiger to enter the portal leaving only Flau'Jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams, Kailyn Gilbert and Jada Richard returning from LSU's Elite 8 run in the NCAA Tournament.BREAKING: LSU’s Mjracle Sheppard has entered the transfer portal, sources told @On3spor
  
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• Police investigating homicide after woman found dead in Baton Rouge apartment

  22-04-2025 13:44
  
  BATON ROUGE - Police are investigating a homicide after a woman was found dead in her apartment Monday morning. The Baton Rouge Police Department said it was investigating the death of 34-year-old Shaquinnta Scott. Scott was found in her apartment on Monet Drive on Monday around 10 a.m.Officers said an autopsy was conducted and her death was ruled to be a homicide. No further information was provided. Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact
  
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• Police investigating homicide after woman found dead in apartment

  22-04-2025 13:44
  
  BATON ROUGE - Police are investigating a homicide after a woman was found dead in her apartment Monday morning. The Baton Rouge Police Department said it was investigating the death of 34-year-old Shaquinnta Scott. Scott was found in her apartment on Monet Drive Monday morning around 10 a.m.. Officers said an autopsy was conducted and her death was ruled to be a homicide. No further information was provided. Anyone with information about the investigation is
  
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• Police investigating homicide after homeless woman found decomposing in Baton Rouge apartment

  22-04-2025 13:44
  
  BATON ROUGE - Police are investigating the death of a homeless woman as a homicide after she was found decomposing in a boarded up apartment Monday morning. The Baton Rouge Police Department said 34-year-old Shaquinnta Scott was found by a worker boarding up vacant apartment units at a building on Monet Drive around 10 a.m. Monday morning.A BRPD spokesman said that the woman was likely dead at the scene for quite some time as her body began to decompose.Officers said an autopsy was con
  
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• River Bend nuclear plant moves away from sirens with modernized emergency warning system

  22-04-2025 13:40
  
  ST. FRANCISVILLE — An Entergy nuclear power plant in St. Francisville's emergency notification process will be upgraded to directly push information to residents' phones as early as Wednesday, making sirens obsolete.Entergy is in the process of installing the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System at the River Bend Station. The IPAWS is similar to how people get storm warnings through electronic devices, Entergy said.The system has been used across the country for years and is cur
  
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• Coroner identifies 64-year-old man killed in Zachary house fire

  22-04-2025 13:24
  
  ZACHARY — A 64-year-old man was killed in a Zachary house fire along Lemon Road on Monday night.The Chaneyville Fire Department said that the man, identified by the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner as Kenneth Holliday, died after his house caught fire Monday evening. Firefighters were called out to the area just after 5:30 p.m. and the fire was under control before 6:30 p.m. Fire officials said firefighters knew someone was still inside the house so they called for reinforceme
  
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• 64-year-old man killed in Zachary house fire

  22-04-2025 13:24
  
  ZACHARY — A 64-year-old man was killed in a Zachary house fire along Lemon Road on Monday night.The Chaneyville Fire Department said that the man, whose identity was not immediately released, died after his house caught fire Monday evening. Firefighters were called out to the area just after 5:30 p.m. and the fire was under control before 6:30 p.m. Fire officials said firefighters knew someone was still inside the house so they called for reinforcements. They found his body i
  
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• Baker district, BESE tussle over campus where local board has placed K-5 students

  22-04-2025 13:07
  
  BAKER — The Baker School District says the state board that oversees public education took too long to review plans to improve academic performance among its younger students and cannot now let the Recovery School District lay claim to a facility where children from kindergarten to fifth grade go to school.The district says it submitted improvement plans to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education last fall, but that by Feb. 12 it had heard nothing back. The system's board then
  
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• Large incinerator unveiled in Iberville Parish, reducing future waste

  22-04-2025 13:04
  
  PLAQUEMINE - The Iberville Parish government and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality cut the ribbon on a new environmentally-friendly incinerator Tuesday.The S330 is a portable FireBox invented by Air Burners and has made its home at a debris collection site in Plaquemine off of Enterprise Boulevard. According to the company website, it's the "most economical and environmentally sound method of eliminating wood and vegetative waste."Iberville Parish isn't the first parish to purchase
  
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• Tangipahoa deputies assisting State Police, other agencies in raid along La. 51 in Tickfaw

  22-04-2025 12:50
  
  TICKFAW — Drivers on La. 51 can expect a heavy law enforcement presence as the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and other agencies execute a warrant."The activity is focused further onto the property in the 51000 block and not considered a danger to neighboring properties or any highway traffic," a spokesperson said. "However, it is advised to avoid the area."Tangipahoa deputies are assisting Louisiana State Police and other agencies in the investigation, but they are not the invest
  
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• Tangipahoa deputies assist State Police, other agencies in raid along La. 51 in Tickfaw

  22-04-2025 12:50
  
  TICKFAW — The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and other agencies executed a warrant along La. 51 on Tuesday morning."The activity is focused further onto the property in the 51000 block and not considered a danger to neighboring properties or any highway traffic," a spokesperson said.Tangipahoa deputies are assisting Louisiana State Police and other agencies in the investigation, but they are not the investigating agency. WBRZ will update this story as we get more informat
  
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• Tangipahoa deputies assist State Police, other agencies in raid along Highway 51 in Tickfaw

  22-04-2025 12:50
  
  TICKFAW — The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and Louisiana State Police executed a warrant along U.S. 51 on Tuesday morning."The activity is focused further onto the property in the 51000 block and not considered a danger to neighboring properties or any highway traffic," a TPSO spokesperson said, noting that State Police are leading the investigation.The scene has since cleared and a State Police spokesperson said it will release more details about the raid involving a barricaded
  
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• US health officials seek to phase out artificial dyes from the food supply

  22-04-2025 12:40
  WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials on Tuesday said they would urge food makers to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors in the nation’s food supply, but stopped short of promising a formal ban and offered few specifics on how they intended to achieve the sweeping change.Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said at a news conference that the agency would take steps to eliminate the synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, largely by re
  
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• Denham Springs High robotics team makes history as first Louisiana team to win world championship

  22-04-2025 12:16
  
  DENHAM SPRINGS — The Denham Springs High School robotics team made history over the weekend when they became the first Louisiana team to win a division title at the FIRST Robotics World Championships.FIRST — For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology — is the world’s largest robotics competition held in Houston, Texas, from April 16 to 19. The Denham Springs team — the Denham Venom — was one of 600 teams selected from a
  
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• Denham Springs High robotics makes history as first Louisiana team to win division title at championship

  22-04-2025 12:16
  
  DENHAM SPRINGS — The Denham Springs High School robotics team made history over the weekend when they became the first Louisiana team to win a division title at the FIRST Robotics World Championships.FIRST — For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology — is the world’s largest robotics competition held in Houston, Texas, from April 16 to 19. The Denham Springs team — the Denham Venom — was one of 600 teams selected from a
  
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• 2une In Previews: Denham Springs Antique Festival

  22-04-2025 12:09
  
  DENHAM SPRINGS - This Saturday, celebrate the coming of spring in the downtown Denham Springs antique district!April 26 is the Spring Festival in Denham Springs. Come by to enjoy food, games, rides, stage entertainment, culture and history. Festival attendees can walk through the historic downtown district and enjoy everything the city has to offer, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..Permalink| Comments
  
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• Pope Francis' funeral to be held Saturday, with public viewing starting Wednesday

  22-04-2025 09:43
  
  VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis will be laid to rest Saturday after lying in state for three days in St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful are expected to flock to pay their respects to history’s first Latin American pontiff.The cardinals met Tuesday in the Vatican’s synod hall to chart the next steps before a conclave begins to choose Francis’ successor, as condolences poured in from around the world. According to current norms, the conclav
  
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• Congressman Cleo Fields calls for review of visa revocations from Southern students

  22-04-2025 09:31
  
  BATON ROUGE - Rep. Cleo Fields has called upon federal officials to immediately review the visa revocations affecting international students at Southern University. Fields has issued a formal request to the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for an immediate review of the visa revocations. “The sudden termination of these students’ legal status without clear justificatio
  
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• 2une In Previews: 2025 Baton Rouge Improv Festival

  22-04-2025 08:57
  
  BATON ROUGE - This weekend, head to LSU's campus for some much-needed laughs with the Baton Rouge Improv Festival. The festival is being held on April 25 and 26 and will host several shows, events and workshops. For more information, you can visit the festival's website here. Organizers spoke with April Davis on 2une In Tuesday morning to preview what attendees can expect. Permalink| Comments
  
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• 70 for 70: Skip Bertman

  22-04-2025 07:47
  
  WBRZ's 70 for 70 will profile some of the personalities who have been on Channel 2's air since it went to broadcast 70 years ago. This week on 70 for 70, relive some of LSU Baseball's glory days with Skip Bertman. You can see the full 70 for 70 list here. Permalink| Comments
  
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