Baton Rouge news

• West Feliciana High School holds Class of 2020 graduation ceremony

  10-07-2020 12:38 via wbrz.com
  
  WEST FELICIANA - On Friday (July 10) morning, West Feliciana High School's Class of 2020 celebrated a memorable moment as they accepted their diplomas and became official graduates of high school.Their walk across a makeshift stage amid cheers of family and friends was a significant accomplishment considering the challenges they've faced in the past four months. Along those lines, the threat of COVID-19 was still a factor. So, with social distancing procedures and masks in place, the g
  
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• Federal judges order lawmakers to draw new congressional map again

  07-05-2024 15:07 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A federal three-judge panel has asked the Louisiana Legislature to draw another congressional map Tuesday, according to the Shreveport Times.The court ruled that the map previously drawn in January was ruled unconstitutional due to “an impermissible racial gerrymander” used to create a second majority Black district among the state's six congressional seats. The court also did not order a second majority Black district be included in a new map.The court also di
  
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• Two indicted for allegedly murdering a federal witness in staged accident scam case

  07-05-2024 14:54 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS — Authorities have indicted two people for the murder of a witness in a federal investigation into more than 100 truck accidents staged for insurance fraud that netted millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains, WWL-TV reports.Ryan Harris and Jovanna Gardner were indicted Monday for witness tampering through murder and conspiracy to retaliate against a witness through murder. They also allegedly participated in the staged wrecks through mail and wire fraud, WWL-TV reports.Doz
  
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• Berwick man arrested after allegedly firing shotgun at officers in standoff

  07-05-2024 14:24 via wbrz.com
  
  BERWICK — A man was arrested on attempted murder charges in Berwick after allegedly threatening to kill and firing a shot at police officers.Aydan Rhodes, 18, was booked Monday by the Berwick Police Department on three counts of attempted first degree murder and illegal use of weapons.According to police, officers initially responded to a call of a suicidal man at a house on Ehrlich Street around 9:45 a.m. When they entered the house, police were reportedly met by a shotgun pointed at
  
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• Boy Scouts of America changing name to more inclusive Scouting America after years of woes

  07-05-2024 12:41 via wbrz.com
  
  IRVING, Texas (AP) — The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It’s a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.The organization steeped in tradition has made seismic changes after decades of turmoil, from finally allowing gay youth to welcoming girls throughout its ranks. With an eye on increasing flag
  
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• Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week kicks off 13th annual event for old, new entrepreneurs

  07-05-2024 09:40 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Nexus Louisiana has kicked off its 13th annual Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week.The event, which runs from Tuesday to Thursday, is designed to give old and new entrepreneurs the tools and the networks they need to best succeed in Baton Rouge and beyond.In addition to various networking events, Nexus is hearing pitches over the week for a prize of $100,000. The winner of the pitch competition will later be given the opportunity to compete for $1 million in October.BREW i
  
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• Baton Rouge native scores game-winning goal in the Stanley Cup playoffs as rookie defenseman

  07-05-2024 08:32 via wbrz.com
  
  SUNRISE, Fla. - A Baton Rouge native became the fourth NHL rookie defenseman to score a game-winning goal for the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup playoffs Monday night. Mason Lohrei, 23, is the first rookie defenseman to score a game-winning goal since 2020. He started playing with the Boston Bruins in 2023 and is in his first NHL season. His father, David, was the head coach of the Baton Rouge Kingfish. Mason Lohrei became the first rookie defenseman to score a game
  
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• Angel Reese a slam dunk at Met Gala 2024 for birthday celebration

  07-05-2024 05:58 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW YORK, N.Y. - Louisiana's Bayou Barbie celebrated her birthday in style at the Met Gala in New York City. Angel Reese celebrated her 22nd birthday Monday night by attending the Met Gala, dressed in a light blue dress with a feathered skirt. Wow! God is so good! Being able to play the game I love & live my dream in the fashion world all on my 22nd birthday is a blessing. ??????— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) May 7, 2024Reese was recently drafted to the Chicago Sh
  
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• Burning incense causes overnight house fire off N. Foster Drive

  07-05-2024 02:18 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Firefighters responded to an overnight house fire after burning incense sparked a fire on Osborne Ave.The Baton Rouge Fire Department says the call came in around 12:35 a.m. on Tuesday off of N. Foster DriveHeavy smoke and fire were reported coming out of the house's front window and door. The resident was safe outside, but the house sustained smoke and water damage. After speaking to the resident, it's believed they left burning incense too close to combustible material. When the
  
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• Burning incense causes overnight house fire

  07-05-2024 02:18 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Firefighters responded to an overnight house fire after burning incense sparked a fire on Osborne Ave.The Baton Rouge Fire Department says the call came in around 12:35 a.m. on Tuesday off of N. Foster Dr.Heavy smoke and fire were reported coming out of the house's front window and door. The resident was safe outside, but the house sustained smoke and water damage. After speaking to the resident, it's believed they left burning incense too close to combustible material. When the m
  
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• Photos: Car caught fire while in ATM lane, bank building saved by firefighters

  06-05-2024 20:07 via wbrz.com
  
  NAPOLEONVILLE - A car caught on fire while in the ATM lane at a Napoleonville bank on Monday. The Napoleonville Fire Department said fire crews quickly got over to the Capital One and extinguished the fire, preventing the flames from spreading to the building. Firefighters said the heat melted the vinyl above the car. No injuries were reported. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Head of PAR Louisiana warns of changes to Ethics Board, discusses constitutional convention

  06-05-2024 19:16 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — The head of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says it might be appropriate for the state to draft a new constitution.Speaking at the Baton Rouge Press Club on Monday, Steven Procopio said the current constitution, adopted 50 years ago, gets deep into the weeds when it should just set guidelines for how the state should operate."We're doing it wrong," Procopio said. "A constitution should be a fundamental document that guides the policy-making process. It s
  
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• Federal judges want Louisiana to explore how quickly lawmakers could draw new congressional map

  06-05-2024 18:36 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Federal judges who threw out a congressional election map giving Louisiana a second mostly Black district told state lawyers Monday to determine whether the Legislature could draw up a new map in time for this year's elections.The order was spelled out in a federal court entry following a meeting of judges and attorneys involved in complex litigation over the racial makeup of the state's congressional delegation.The state currently has five white Republican House me
  
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• Person in critical condition after shooting on Clayton Drive

  06-05-2024 18:21 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - One person was critically injured in a shooting along Clayton Drive on Monday afternoon.Emergency officials said the shooting happened near the corner of Clayton Drive and Plank Road. No more information about the shooting has been released. Permalink| Comments
  
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• BRPD: Victim identified after reportedly being shot, killed by juveniles following argument

  06-05-2024 18:21 via wbrz.com
  
  UPDATE: The Baton Rouge Police Department identified the victim as 46-year-old Sherderick Jones. Jones died from his injuries overnight. This is a breaking update. Read WBRZ'S original story below. ----BATON ROUGE - A man is in critical condition after being shot by a teenager Monday afternoon, officials said. The Baton Rouge Police Department said the teenager and the victim were in the middle of an argument around 5:30 p.m. at a home on Clayton Drive near Plank Road
  
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• Killian well system functioning, but water is still not drinkable

  06-05-2024 18:09 via wbrz.com
  
  KILLIAN - Nearly two weeks after a water system failure in Killian, residents are still waiting for clean water to come through their pipes. On Monday, Livingston Parish Councilman Dean Coates said the water has been turned back on but it's not drinkable. The town is still under a boil advisory. Councilman Coates said town leaders received information about the water system and well tests Monday. Over the weekend, residents were told that an update would be provided Monday. Co
  
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• Killian leaders share plan on restoring water to town, whole project could take months

  06-05-2024 18:09 via wbrz.com
  
  KILLIAN - Nearly two weeks after a water system failure in Killian, residents are still waiting for clean water to come through their pipes. On Monday, Livingston Parish Councilman Dean Coates said the water has been turned back on but it's not drinkable. The town is still under a boil advisory. The following update was shared by the town Monday evening:We are working closely with Parish President Randy Delatte, and engineers to get a resolution on the well. Samples were broug
  
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• Livingston Parish deputy fired, arrested after allegedly hitting an inmate

  06-05-2024 17:26 via wbrz.com
  
  LIVINGSTON — A Livingston Parish deputy was fired Monday after he was arrested for allegedly hitting an inmate at the parish jail.Michael Williams, 40, was booked with simple battery and malfeasance in office after the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office received a complaint last week that a deputy hit an inmate at the Livingston Parish Detention Center."During our investigation, evidence led to an arrest & charges on one of our deputies for striking an inmate in our custody," the
  
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• Report: EBR judge rejects plea deal, schedules trial for man accused of shooting into crowd at SU fraternity party

  06-05-2024 17:18 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A 19th JDC judge rejected a plea deal proposed by lawyers, asking for a reduced charges and punishments for a man who was arrested in 2022 after allegedly shooting into a crowd and hurting 11 people. Lawyers for 24-year-old Jaicedric Williams met in court with Judge Brad Myers and an assistant district attorney on Monday. According to The Advocate, Williams' lawyers proposed that he would plead guilty to five counts of accessory after the fact to attempted murder in excha
  
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• Baton Rouge police officer who delivered baby on side of the road reunited with mother, newborn

  06-05-2024 16:49 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - What started as a normal Saturday at work for police officer Cpl. Jason Lee quickly changed when he was flagged down on Greenwell Springs Road.Destiny Allen, 19, was in labor when she and her mother needed an escort to the nearest hospital. However, they didn't make it far before the action began."I opened her door and I saw spandex and his head was popping out. I was like 'oh, man this is it. This is prime time,'" Lee said.Allen said she was afraid when she realized she wasn't go
  
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• Ponchatoula police chief weighing disciplinary options for officers who went on strike

  06-05-2024 16:26 via wbrz.com
  
  PONCHATOULA - The Ponchatoula police chief is consulting the city's legal team about disciplinary options for officers who went on strike Friday. "The city's attorney has to find out if I can do anything. I've never had this happen before, he's a new issue. I don't know if legally we can take disciplinary action against employees that have called in sick," Chief Bry Layrisson said. Chief Layrisson spoke with WBRZ Friday and said officers planned a sick-out due to low wages.&am
  
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• Suspected cocaine, meth dealer arrested after weekend raids

  06-05-2024 15:25 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A suspected cocaine trafficker was arrested by East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's narcotics agents after two raids over the weekend.Bobby Mack, 52, was booked Sunday for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and meth, among other drug charges.Narcotics agents reportedly found 1.4 pounds of cocaine, six doses of methamphetamine pills and a THC vape cartridge after they raided two houses on Cannon Street and Longfellow Drive.The arrest comes after a two month inv
  
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• Woman's porch rebuilt with donations following police chase crash

  06-05-2024 15:01 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - After Connie Bailey's home was hit by a teen driver at the end of a police pursuit, the city determined that it was not responsible. She wasn't sure where to turn until a neighbor contacted 2 On Your Side.Nearly two months after the incident, Bailey is finally able to sit safely on her front porch once again thanks to the help of the community."This is my sanctuary, I get my joy out of sitting on my porch," Bailey said.Her front porch looks better than ever, it's screened in with
  
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• Hammond Popeyes catches fire Sunday evening

  06-05-2024 14:50 via wbrz.com
  
  HAMMOND — A Hammond Popeyes caught fire Sunday evening.The Hammond Fire Department responded to the fire at the South Morrison Boulevard Popeyes around 6:45 p.m. Firefighters said that when they arrived, flames were coming from the restaurant's roof. It was quickly extinguished and contained to the roof.No injuries were reported and the fire's cause is still under investigation, the fire department said.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Suspect fired one shot at police during standoff in St. Mary Parish

  06-05-2024 14:42 via wbrz.com
  
  BERWICK - A suspect reportedly fired one shot at officers during a standoff Monday morning. The Berwick Police Department said officers responded to an "armed, suicidal suspect" in a home on Erhlich Street Monday morning. Officers arrived, and one shot was fired toward them from inside the residence. The individual was disarmed and taken into custody without incident. No injuries were reported. Berwick Elementary School was briefly placed on "cautionary status" due to
  
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• EBRSO searching for man who robbed car, attempted to use stolen debit card

  06-05-2024 14:35 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office is investigating a vehicle burglary on O'Neal Lane near North Li Rocchi Drive.Deputies said they are searching for a man who broke into a woman's car at around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday and stole her wallet. The woman received a notification about a declined purchase at a nearby store, deputies added.Video footage from the store depicts a Black man wearing black clothes white, black and blue shoes, deputies said in a release.Anyone with
  
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• Coalition of LSU, Tulane professors propose third congressional map as deadline looms

  06-05-2024 14:35 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A collection of four LSU and Tulane professors suggested a new congressional district map Monday that would serve as a compromise between a map created in 2022 and the proposed map that would give the state a second majority-Black district.According to a court filing, the LSU-Tulane coalition's map would remedy multiple problems the proposed map has. The coalition's map — titled Amicus — includes two crossover districts based in New Orleans and Baton
  
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• Crews investigate house fire off Plank Road

  06-05-2024 14:29 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Crews are investigating a fire at a vacant house Monday afternoon. The Baton Rouge Fire Department said the fire happened on North 23rd Street. The house was vacant at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. There was no known cause. Fire investigators were on the scene shortly after noon Monday. Permalink| Comments
  
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• State details plans, qualifications for summer feeding program set to begin in June

  06-05-2024 13:40 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Benefits for the Summer EBT Program will begin to be distributed in June, the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Service announced Monday.The program, also known as SUN Bucks, provides grocery-buying benefits to low-income families with school-aged children when schools are closed for the summer.Each eligible child will receive a single payment of $120 for the summer, with benefits being issued in multiple phases beginning June 4. Most eligible families will g
  
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• DOTD attempts to recover pig on Government Street I-10 off-ramp

  06-05-2024 12:47 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A pig appeared to be loose on the Government Street I-10 off-ramp Monday morning.According to traffic cameras, LaDOTD arrived at the scene around 10:30 a.m. and began assisting in recovering the swine.No other information is available at this time.Permalink| Comments
  
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