Baton Rouge news

• Metro Council approves plan to give St. George more agency over city works

  23-04-2025 21:52
  
  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Metro Council signed off on Mayor Sid Edwards' plan outlining the hand off of tax revenue and oversight of services from the city parish to the city of St. George.The agreement passed in a 10-2 vote, with Darryl Hurst and Cleve Dunn voting against it. It included a transfer of services and tax revenue, but the two against it said it was incomplete.Before the measure can go into effect, the City of St. George will have to approve the agreement at their next cou
  
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• 2 Your Health: Importance of organ donation highlighted by liver health

  23-04-2025 21:32
  
  BATON ROUGE - April is National Donate Life Month, which aims to bring awareness about the importance of organ donation.Around four and a half Americans are diagnosed with chronic liver disease each year. A transplant may be needed when the liver can no longer function.The liver is the largest internal organ of the body. It is essential for metabolism, digesting food and ridding the body of toxic substances.Liver failure can happen quickly, or over time."Once liver disease advances, the only wa
  
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• State senate bill aims to address gaps in child safety, handling of child sexual abuse cases

  23-04-2025 21:10
  
  BATON ROUGE - A Louisiana senate bill to address gaps in child safety and oversight in early learning centers, especially when it comes to child sexual abuse cases, was brought before the Senate Health and Welfare Committee.The author of the bill, State Sen. Regina Barrow (D-Baton Rouge), says Louisiana has gaps in its systems for handling child sexual abuse investigations."It started out as a resolution looking at child sexual abuse, trying to ensure who would be the proper persons to ensure t
  
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• LSU Day at Capitol gives students, faculty opportunity to showcase successes to lawmakers

  23-04-2025 20:49
  
  BATON ROUGE - Leaders, faculty, staff and students from across LSU's system celebrated LSU Day at the Louisiana State Capitol.$543 million dollars in combined research activity across all campuses is one of many achievements highlighted by student and faculty as they interacted with lawmakers.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Saints general manager Mickey Loomis meets with media on NFL Draft eve

  23-04-2025 18:56
  
  NEW ORLEANS - Saints general manager Mickey Loomis met with the media on Wednesday afternoon in advance of the NFL Draft starting on Thursday.Loomis was brief when discussing the status of his quarterback Derek Carr and his shoulder injury and how it might impact the direction that the Saints go in the upcoming draft.“He does have an issue with his shoulder,” Loomis said. “We're hoping to get a resolution and clarity on that in the near future. When we do, I'll rep
  
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• Two men accused of shipping fentanyl from California to Baton Rouge

  23-04-2025 18:52
  
  BATON ROUGE - Two men are accused of shipping Fentanyl from California into Baton Rouge, recently filed court documents show.An affidavit from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security says that Decorey London and Kenterrius Kelly paid $300 for a seven-pound package to be shipped through the UPS from a town in California that is seventeen miles from the Mexican border to an address on Royalwood Drive in Baton Rouge. Officials said the package, which was addressed to James Johnson, stopp
  
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• Two men accused of shipping fentanyl disguised as protein powder from California to Baton Rouge

  23-04-2025 18:52
  
  BATON ROUGE - Two men are accused of shipping Fentanyl from California into Baton Rouge, recently filed court documents show.An affidavit from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security says that Decorey London and Kenterrius Kelly paid $300 for a seven-pound package to be shipped through the UPS from a town in California that is seventeen miles from the Mexican border to an address on Royalwood Drive in Baton Rouge. Officials said the package, which was addressed to James Johnson, stopp
  
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• WBRZ RETRO WEEK: Former Station Manager John Spain looks back on his time at WBRZ

  23-04-2025 18:14
  
  BATON ROUGE - John Spain wore many hats during his tenure at WBRZ, moving from weatherman to reporter and then manager of the station. In 1973, he started doing the weather on the weekends and reporting three days during the week. He said it was the only job that was open when he applied but it helped him get his foot in the door. "I said I didn't know anything about weather, [the news director] didn't care. So, it started out and I did weekend weather for Saturday and Sunday
  
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• Two Louisiana men killed in Port Arthur boat explosion

  23-04-2025 17:22
  
  PORT ARTHUR, Texas - One man from Abbeville and another from Houma died Wednesday when the work boat they were on exploded in Port Arthur, Texas, officials said. WWL reported that the explosion happened around 7 a.m. near a boat launch at the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area. There was a four-man crew, but one person left the boat to get something from his truck when the explosion happened. The two Louisianians and another man were taken to a hospital, where the two were pronounc
  
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• House fire on Fox Run Avenue displaces two; no connection so far to Friday fire on same street

  23-04-2025 17:10
  BATON ROUGE - Two people were displaced after a house fire on Fox Run Avenue, Baton Rouge Fire Department officials said.No injuries resulted from the fire and the fire is out, officials said. Another fire took place on the same street April 18, although officials say there is no connection between the fires thus far.The fire is under investigation.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Bright Lights Awards presented for contributions to understanding Louisiana history

  23-04-2025 16:08
  BATON ROUGE - The 40th annual Bright Lights Awards will be presented by Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser at Capitol Park Museum.The ceremony will happen around 7 p.m. The Bright Lights Award is presented to people who are recognized for "significant contributions to the understanding of Louisiana's history and culture in the humanities field."Recipients include former Xavier University of Louisiana President Dr. Norman Francis and Louisiana Center for the Book and Louisiana Book Festival exe
  
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• Tangipahoa school leaders say only 1 topic remains before district leaves court supervision

  23-04-2025 16:02
  AMITE — The Tangipahoa Parish School Board said Wednesday that it is close to resolving a 60-year-old discrimination lawsuit after a federal judge approved agreements between the district and plaintiffs over how staff, teachers and students are assigned.The sole item left to settle covers facilities, the school board said in a statement.Superintendent Melissa Stilley said that, in her seven years, she has sought "unitary" status for the parishwide school system. The change would give
  
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• Student organizations host Take Back the Night Event in front of Memorial Tower

  23-04-2025 15:41
  BATON ROUGE - LSU Feminist in Action and Students Against Sexual Assault hosted "Take Back the Night" for survivors of interpersonal violence to speak in front of Memorial Tower on Wednesday.The event took place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.Permalink| Comments
  
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• LSU Police hosts Take Back the Night Event in front of Memorial Tower

  23-04-2025 15:41
  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Police Department will host "Take Back the Night" for survivors of interpersonal violence to speak in front of Memorial Tower Wednesday.The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Assumption Parish man arrested, named fifth suspect in aggravated burglary and theft of firearms

  23-04-2025 15:35
  BELLE ROSE — An Assumption Parish man was arrested Monday and identified as the fifth suspect in an aggravated burglary of firearms.Deandre McBride, 21, turned himself in to the Assumption Parish Detention Center on Monday and was booked on the charges of aggravated burglary and three counts of theft of firearms. Arrione Davis, Calvin Patterson, Jr., Sintrell Franklin and Alexius McBride were previously arrested for the same charges.The arrest came two weeks after deputies re
  
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• YMCA of the Capital Area announces Sean Elliott as new president and CEO

  23-04-2025 15:24
  BATON ROUGE - The YMCA of the Capital Area announced Sean Elliott as the new president and CEO on Wednesday. Elliott will be taking the position left behind by Christian Engle, who accepted a CEO position with Suncoast YMCA. The organizations said Elliott has YMCA experience in Philadelphia and Green Bay during his 25-year career with the Y. His official start date is May 27, 2025. Permalink| Comments
  
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• One dead after Kentwood shooting Wednesday morning

  23-04-2025 15:20
  KENTWOOD - One person died in a shooting Wednesday morning, the Kentwood Police Department said.Police said they were dispatched to a shooting around 10:30 a.m. to the 700 block of Ida Temple Street. A male victim suffering from gunshot wounds was declared dead on the scene. The victim's name was not given as the family has not yet been notified.Police are still determining a motive. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kentwood Police Department at (985) 229-6305.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Former DCFS employee indicted in 2022 malfeasance in office case

  23-04-2025 14:57
  BATON ROUGE - A former Department of Children and Family Services employee was indicted Wednesday for malfeasance in office dating back to a 2022 complaint. The indictment says that Eddriene Sylvester committed computer tampering and malfeasance in office on June 14, 2022, while she was employed at DCFS. District Attorney Hillar Moore's office said that Sylvester deleted important DCFS files while she was employed there. According to a 2022 records request from WBRZ, Sylvester was susp
  
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• Deputies searching for information after neighborhood homes filled with bullet holes

  23-04-2025 14:54
  
  SORRELL - Detectives are trying to find more information after multiple homes were riddled with bullet holes. The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office said the investigation started Wednesday morning when multiple homes around Desonier Road were found to be filled with bullet holes. The road was shut down while deputies began the investigation. The roadway has since been reopened, and detectives found that no one was hurt amid the apparent gunfire. Anyone with information
  
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• Bally's in Baton Rouge is officially open as of Wednesday

  23-04-2025 14:34
  BATON ROUGE - The casino in downtown Baton Rouge formerly known as The Belle has been rebranded and reopened as of Wednesday. The casino and 10-story hotel, now a Bally's branch, has been fully renovated and refurbished. A grand opening ceremony was held Wednesday to celebrate the business returning to the capital city. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Man arrested after stolen motorcycles from Gonzales found in New Orleans

  23-04-2025 14:33
  GONZALES - A man was arrested after multiple motorcycles stolen from Gonzales were found in New Orleans, the Gonzales Police Department said.Officials said three separate thefts happened beginning on April 16 at a Gonzales apartment complex. A suspect was linked to a New Orleans address, and thanks to help from multiple agencies, officials located the suspect vehicle and the trailer believed to be used in the thefts.Stolen motorcycles were recovered at a North Galvez Street residence and a Wern
  
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• DOTD public meeting Monday about new traffic signals in Livingston Parish

  23-04-2025 14:27
  
  LIVINGSTON - Livingston Parish residents are getting new traffic signals and the Department of Transportation and Development is holding a public meeting to make sure drivers know what they mean. DoTD said they are upgrading traffic signals throughout the parish and will include new flashing yellow arrow signals to replace a solid green light for drivers making left turns. The public meeting will be Monday, April 28 from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Livingston Parish Council
  
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• BRFD hosts 'urgent' blood drive to replenish stores used to help two public servants

  23-04-2025 14:26
  
  BATON ROUGE - Fire officials are hosting an "urgent" blood drive to help a Baker Fire Chief fighting leukemia and a Pointe Coupee deputy who was hit by a car. The blood drive will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the Baton Rouge Fire Department Headquarters. All eligible donors are encouraged to come out and give the gift of life!Permalink| Comments
  
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• Former Louisiana Speaker of the House, E.L. 'Bubba' Henry dies Wednesday

  23-04-2025 14:17
  
  BATON ROUGE - The former House Speaker who oversaw the writing of the new Louisiana Constitution, E.L. "Bubba" Henry, died Wednesday, The Advocate reported. He was 89.Henry was elected into the House of Representatives in 1968 and was the Speaker from 1972 until 1980. Henry was the leader of the "Young Turks," a group of younger state representatives who pushed for reducing the number of state employees and wanted government spending cuts. He ran for governor in 1979 but lost to Dave Treen. He
  
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• Gov. Landry creates committee to establish memorial for victims of New Orleans terrorist attack

  23-04-2025 13:52
  
  NEW ORLEANS - Gov. Jeff Landry has established a committee tasked with creating a memorial for the victims of the New Year's Eve terrorist attack in New Orleans. This dedicated body will be tasked with finding a place for a permanent memorial of the 15 victims who were killed and the dozens more injured when a truck ran through a crowd of people celebrating the new year on Bourbon Street. “This senseless act of violence has shattered lives and shaken our State. We gr
  
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• Deputy warden from Dixon to head Elayn Hunt

  23-04-2025 13:50
  BATON ROUGE - A deputy warden from Dixon Correctional Institute has been promoted to head the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections announced the promotion of Keithe Turner and the official retirement of former Warden Tim Hopper on Wednesday. Turner graduated from Jackson High School in 1988 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served until retiring as a Sergeant First Class E7 in 2012. DOC said that Turner started his car
  
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• Housekeepers find child unattended at Baton Rouge hotel, police searching for parents

  23-04-2025 13:36
  BATON ROUGE - Police are searching for the parents of an unidentified child who was found alone at a hotel on Wednesday. The Baton Rouge Police Department said housekeepers at the American Inn Motel found a child who is about a year old shortly before 12 p.m.BRPD said that the parents have yet to be identified and officers are investigating the incident. A photo of the child was not provided.Anyone with information can call (225) 398-2000. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Man repeatedly called false fire alarms to gain access to ex-girlfriend's gated apartment complex

  23-04-2025 13:30
  
  ST. GEORGE - A man was arrested after he allegedly called false fire alarms into his ex-girlfriend's apartment in an attempt to enter her gated apartment complex. Officials arrested Cedrick Merrick Jr., 25, on April 14 for four counts of calling in false fire alarms and one count of terrorizing. On March 31, the St. George Fire Department responded four times to Cedar Grove Townhomes for separate calls of a fire. They never found any signs of a fire on any of the calls.&nb
  
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• Man arrested for allegedly extorting porn from young girls faces additional charges

  23-04-2025 13:14
  
  LABADIEVILLE - A man is facing more charges relating to child pornography after he allegedly extorted young women from Florida and Washington.The Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office collaborated with a sheriff's office in Florida for the investigation. David Arvizu, 27, of Labadieville was found to be using social media to get inappropriate content from young girls.Arvizu was also allegedly extorting the victims into providing additional content as well as having live chats with him.Arvizu was o
  
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• 2une In Previews: Jazz & Heritage Festival

  23-04-2025 12:47
  
  NEW ORLEANS - The Jazz & Heritage Festival is back for a week straight of good music and good fun in the Big Easy!The festival runs from April 24 to May 4 with several different concerts, activities and events throughout its run. Festival organizers spoke to 2une In live from New Orleans Wednesday morning to preview what attendees can expect from this jam-packed week of music and culture. Permalink| Comments
  
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• 3 Pointe Coupee jail employees on leave without pay amid investigation into inmate escape

  23-04-2025 12:17
  NEW ROADS - Three Pointe Coupee Sheriff's Office employees were placed on leave without pay amid an investigation into how an inmate escaped the parish detention center. Crystal Palermo, 42, was arrested for drug charges but escaped from the detention center following her arrest on April 13. She was only reportedly on the run for a couple of hours before she was taken back into custody. Sheriff Rene Thibodaux said that as of Wednesday, the investigation into Palermo's escape w
  
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• Baton Rouge man arrested in Easter shooting that had children in line of fire

  23-04-2025 12:00
  
  RAYNE - A Baton Rouge man was arrested in Rayne for his alleged involvement in a shooting that put children in danger on Easter Sunday, and officers are searching for a second suspect. The Rayne Police Department said officers were called to a home where an 18-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man were shot in the head. Despite their injuries, they were taken to the hospital and were reported to be in stable condition. Tuesday, 22-year-old Demond Tenner was arrested in the capi
  
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• 2026 Strawberry Festival will have adjusted hours to address security concerns

  23-04-2025 07:52
  
  PONCHATOULA - After multiple shootings caused the Strawberry Festival to shut down early in its 2025 year, festival officials and law enforcement made the decision to adjust the festival hours for next year. The new hours for the 2026 Strawberry Festival will be:Friday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.The decision comes after two shootings at the festival this year caused the grounds to shut down early. Multiple arrests were made in those investigat
  
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• LSU baseball run-ruled in historical loss to Northwestern St. late Tuesday night

  23-04-2025 07:05
  
  BATON ROUGE –  The LSU Tiger baseball team made history in the worst kind of way late Tuesday night with a seven-inning run-rule loss to Northwestern State 13-3 at Alex Box Stadium.The ten-run differential was the first time that LSU has lost by run-rule to a non-conference opponent at home in Alex Box Stadium in program history.The Tigers started the game in control with a first-pitch home run from Derek Curiel and LSU would lead 2-0 when a lengthy weather delay set in.When
  
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• Brittany's Book Drive kicks off Wednesday morning

  23-04-2025 07:02
  
  BATON ROUGE - Wednesday morning, Essential Credit Union will be partnering with WBRZ for Brittany's Book Drive, a way to collect books for young readers in the capital area. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Essential Credit Union operations building in Towne Center will host a drive-thru drop-off for donators in a hurry. If you're not in a hurry, there are book collection boxes at all Essential Credit Union locations in the Greater Baton Rouge area. You can also
  
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• Outage maps show almost 5,000 people without power in East Baton Rouge

  23-04-2025 05:58
  
  BATON ROUGE - Almost 5,000 people woke up Wednesday morning without power, according to Entergy's outage map. The outage largely affected customers in the Shenandoah and Old Jefferson areas. There was no clear reason immediately given for the outage. As of 5:56 a.m., Entergy reported 4,995 customers were without power. WBRZ has reached out to Entergy officials for more information. Permalink| Comments
  
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