Louisiana news

• Man receives additional theft charges after reportedly stealing kitchen equipment from Central Las Palmas

  08-05-2024 14:04 via wbrz.com
  
  CENTRAL - A man is facing an additional theft charge after it was found he was allegedly connected to the theft of kitchen equipment from a Las Palmas. The Central Police Department said officers were investigating a theft that happened on March 31 of kitchen equipment and a floor mat from the Las Palmas on Wax Road. Through their investigations, officers connected the suspect to other burglaries in the East Baton Rouge area that happened on the same day. Christopher Ritter of
  
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• BRPD releases body camera video of fights at mayor's Summer of Hope kickoff event

  31-05-2024 15:05 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Police Department released new body camera video of multiple fights that broke out during Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome's Summer of Hope kickoff event at Liberty Lagoon.According to the police, the department is investigating the arrest of an adult female during the event held at Lobdell Avenue. BRPD says that in the video, a female officer attempted to detain an individual following a brief scuffle, but was unable to do so due to large crowd interf
  
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• Identity wanted for person involved in downtown Baton Rouge altercation

  31-05-2024 14:48 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Detectives are attempting to identify a person involved in a physical altercation in downtown Baton Rouge.Detectives with the Baton Rouge Police Department believe this individual was the aggressor in a physical altercation that occurred on May 19, 2024, in the 300 Block of North Boulevard.Anyone with information should contact 344-STOP (344-7867).Permalink| Comments
  
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• EBR school system seeks input on whether district should fence students in at some campuses

  31-05-2024 14:47 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — The East Baton Rouge Parish School District is looking into whether it should build fences around some of its campuses and is asking parish residents to weigh in with their thoughts.Through a form on the district's web site, administrators pose 12 questions including whether aesthetics or safety should be a primary concern if fences go up.The district web site does not say which schools it has in mind for possible fencing.The poll is available at https://bit.ly/EBRfencin
  
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• $$$ Best Bets: Postseason basketball, baseball and hockey, oh my! $$$

  31-05-2024 14:23 via wbrz.com
  
  Hunter McCann has the best bets for NBA playoffs, college baseball, MLB and Stanley Cup Playoffs!NBA Finals:The Celtics win the series against the Mavericks in 6 games (+470)FridayNHL:Oilers @ Stars: Stars MLMLB:Cardinals @ Phillies: Phillies -1.5Diamondbacks @ Mets: Diamondbacks MLAthletics @ Braves: Braves -1.5College Baseball:VCU @ Wake Forest: Wake Forest -3.5Texas @ ULL: ULL +1.5Illinois @ Indiana: Illinois MLSaturdayNHL:Florida Panthers @ New York Rangers: Panthers MLMLB:Athletics @ Brave
  
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• Donaldsonville man sentenced for 25 years for rape of two juveniles

  31-05-2024 14:18 via wbrz.com
  
  DONALDSONVILLE - A man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of rape Friday.Layne Barras, 28, pled guilty to two counts of third-degree rape as a result of a plea agreement with prosecutors. In July 2021, Assumption Parish Sheriff's detectives received information indicating that Layne Barras had committed sexual acts with two juvenile victims. Upon receiving this information, detectives initiated an investigation into the allegations, and during
  
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• BRPD arrests two suspects for robbery after chasing down stolen vehicle

  31-05-2024 14:11 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Following a chase involving a stolen vehicle, officers arrested two people for robbery. Monday, officers starting chasing after a car on Main Street. The car had been reported stolen. The pursuit led to the arrest of the driver, 41-year-old Billy Moore, and the passenger, 36-year-old Christera Holton. It was found that Moore and Holton were suspects in a robbery that happened the day before. The two were arrested and booked into the parish prison for fli
  
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• Deputies searching for owner of supposedly kidnapped rooster

  31-05-2024 13:59 via wbrz.com
  
  PATTERSON - Deputies had a burning question for parish residents Friday morning: "Is anyone missing a rooster?"The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office said Friday morning deputies were called to find a runaway child. "So, it all started when a youngster decided to embark on an adventure, leaving home in search of a new life," deputies said. "We've all been there."The SMPSO found the child quickly, but quickly discovered the child hadn't run away from home alone. In his backpack was a rooster&m
  
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• Biden calls Trump's response to criminal conviction 'reckless,' 'irresponsible'

  31-05-2024 13:38 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden noted pointedly Friday that Donald Trump was found guilty by a unanimous jury, and he slammed the former president's attempts to cast the case against him as politically motivated as "reckless," "dangerous" and "irresponsible."Reacting a day after the conclusion of Trump's criminal trial in New York, when Biden's opponent in November's election was convicted on all 34 felony charges in a hush money case stemming from the 2016 election, Biden said
  
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• Fallen Denham Springs officer, others remembered at FBI event

  31-05-2024 13:22 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS — The FBI on Friday paid tribute to four Louisiana law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty during 2023, including Corp. Shawn Kelly of the Denham Springs Police Department.Kelly died last May after responding to a disturbance in a shopping center parking lot. Officers were summoned to the shopping center after being told about an argument between a man and a woman. Justin Roberts, 30, started shooting when police arrived, and struck Kelly.Roberts was later sh
  
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• Biden says Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out another major attack against Israel

  31-05-2024 13:15 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Friday that Hamas is “no longer capable” of carrying out another large-scale attack on Israel as he urged Israelis and Hamas to come to a deal to release remaining hostages for an extended cease-fire.Biden addressed the nearly 8-month-old Israel-Hamas war as the Israeli military confirmed on Friday that its forces are now operating in central parts of Rafah in its expanding offensive in the southern Gaza city.“Th
  
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• Biden: Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out another major attack against Israel

  31-05-2024 13:15 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Friday that Hamas is “no longer capable” of carrying out another large-scale attack on Israel as he urged Israelis and Hamas to come to a deal to release remaining hostages for an extended cease-fire.Biden addressed the nearly 8-month-old Israel-Hamas war as the Israeli military confirmed on Friday that its forces are now operating in central parts of Rafah in its expanding offensive in the southern Gaza city.“Th
  
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• Man accused of Ascension Parish carjacking and separate rape arrested in Houston

  31-05-2024 12:21 via wbrz.com
  
  HOUSTON — A man who was wanted in Ascension Parish crimes including a rape and separate kidnapping and carjacking has been captured in Houston, arrest records show.Zachary Alphonse Hendricks, 30, was arrested there Tuesday in two burglaries and for allegedly evading arrest. After that arrest, authorities discovered the outstanding warrants from Ascension Parish. He was then held as a fugitive.Hendricks has waived extradition back to Louisiana, Texas court records show.According to an
  
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• Agents seize 164 sacks of oysters from Houma woman cited for harvesting violations

  31-05-2024 09:47 via wbrz.com
  
  FOUR LEAGUE BAY - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents recovered 164 sacks of oysters that were improperly harvested. Santa Carbajal, 55, of Houma was cited for oyster harvesting violations after being stopped in Four League Bay. Agents found the sacks on board her vessel in a nonfunctional fridge, and officials said an average sack of oysters weights around 105 pounds. Carbajal also reportedly failed to fill out the oyster harvesting logbook. Violati
  
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• Downed tree crushes house, 2 cars, brings down power line

  31-05-2024 08:06 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The resident of a home had to crawl out of their house after a tree fell on it, crushing two cars and bringing down a powerline in the process. The tree fell sometime overnight on Tecumseh Street off of Chippewa Street. Officials on scene told WBRZ the resident of the home hidden under the tree had to crawl out to escape. The Baton Rouge Fire Department is on scene due to a scent of gas in the area, and Entergy is on the way because of a downed line. Thi
  
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• Fire investigators arrest man for arson of home utility room

  31-05-2024 07:49 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A man was arrested for arson after he allegedly set fire to a home on Laurel Street. The Baton Rouge Fire Department was called to a home on Laurel Street on the morning of May 17. Crews found the home's utility room on fire and estimated the damages to be around $5,000. Investigators found the fire was intentionally set. After over a week of investigating, officials took Lionel Coleman, 41, into custody for one count of simple arson. Permalink| Comments
  
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• St. Vincent de Paul to host prayer session ahead of above-average hurricane season

  31-05-2024 07:27 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Hurricane season starts on June 1, and the National Weather Service says it is projected to have an above-average amount of activity. That's why Bishop Michael Duca with St. Vincent de Paul is hosting a prayer session ahead of the official start of the season. JP spoke with Duca Friday morning on 2une In. Permalink| Comments
  
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• WBRSO officer indicted for malfeasance, illegal use of weapon after shooting into car

  30-05-2024 21:10 via wbrz.com
  
  PORT ALLEN - A West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office reserve deputy who livestreamed himself shooting rounds into a car on I-10 in August 2023 was indicted for malfeasance in office and illegal use of weapon charges Thursday.An SUV had been stolen from former Port Allen Police Chief Esdron Brown's residence on June 15, 2022. A deputy and a reserve deputy patrolling I-10 found the car heading west on the interstate near the LA 415 exit. After noticing the car did not have a license plate, they initi
  
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• WBRSO deputy indicted for malfeasance, illegal use of weapon after shooting into car

  30-05-2024 21:10 via wbrz.com
  
  PORT ALLEN - A West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office reserve deputy who livestreamed himself shooting rounds into a car on I-10 in August 2023 was indicted for malfeasance in office and illegal use of weapon charges Thursday.An SUV had been stolen from former Port Allen Police Chief Esdron Brown's residence on June 15, 2022. A deputy and a reserve deputy patrolling I-10 found the car heading west on the interstate near the LA 415 exit. After noticing the car did not have a license plate, they initi
  
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• EBR interim superintendent proposes new pay raises for all staff on teacher salary schedule

  30-05-2024 20:07 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge School System proposed a pay raise for all staff on the teacher salary schedule, according to a statement on Thursday.According to the statement, Interim Superintendent Adam Smith proposes a permanent raise of $2,200 for all staff on the teacher salary schedule, increasing the starting salary for beginning teachers from $47,800 to $50,000. Additionally, a raise of $1,500 is proposed for all principals and assistant principals, and $1,300 for all other staff.Pe
  
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• YWCA Greater Baton Rouge's Early Head State Program holds graduation for young children

  30-05-2024 17:58 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Thursday, 75 three and four-year-old children dressed in graduation caps and gowns took the first steps today to a life of serving and impacting their community. These kids are part of YWCA Greater Baton Rouge's Early Head State Program.The program helps pregnant mothers get ready to be caregivers and gives kids aged six months to three years old a head start on success inside and outside of the classroom.YWCA Greater Baton Rouge CEO Dianna Payton says by starting young, these kid
  
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• YWCA Greater Baton Rouge's Early Head Start Program holds graduation for young children

  30-05-2024 17:58 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Thursday, 75 three and four-year-old children dressed in graduation caps and gowns took the first steps today to a life of serving and impacting their community. These kids are part of YWCA Greater Baton Rouge's Early Head Start Program.The program helps pregnant mothers get ready to be caregivers and gives kids aged six months to three years old a head start on success inside and outside of the classroom.YWCA Greater Baton Rouge CEO Dianna Payton says by starting young, these kid
  
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• 'A total disgrace:' Louisiana Republicans criticize New York's conviction of ex-president Trump

  30-05-2024 16:47 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Former president Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 counts against him in his New York hush money trial Thursday.The reactions to the landmark jury verdict from Louisiana politicians were largely predictable, with many in Trump's camp decrying the guilty verdict as a "disgrace," as well as calling the trial rigged.Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, called the trial a "perversion of justice" and declared that Trump will "win on appeal and again in November."The New York tr
  
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• 'A total disgrace:' Louisiana lawmakers weigh in on New York's conviction of ex-president Trump

  30-05-2024 16:47 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Former president Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 counts against him in his New York hush money trial Thursday. Louisiana is a historically red state during presidential elections. After the historic decision, experts say some voters may view the 2024 election differently.LSU Political Science professor Robert Hogan weighed in on how the conviction could impact Louisiana voters in the November election. "This was an unprecedented verdict today, and
  
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• NY jury convicts Trump in fraud case stemming from sex scandal involving porn star from Baton Rouge

  30-05-2024 16:14 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW YORK — Donald Trump has been convicted on all 34 counts against him in his New York hush money trial, a landmark jury verdict making him the first former American president to be found guilty of felony crimes in the nation’s nearly 250-year history.The jury’s judgment Thursday caps a trial centered on lurid claims of sex involving a porn star from Baton Rouge, along with financial coverups. It also exposes Trump to prison time.The verdict represents a stunning
  
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• Louisiana lawmakers OK plan to have state taxpayers pay students' private school tuition

  30-05-2024 16:10 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana lawmakers on Thursday gave final approval to a bill that would let parents of children educated in private and parochial schools direct taxpayer money to advance their education.The Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise bill, also known as LA GATOR, is headed to Gov. Jeff Landry's desk. He is expected to sign it.The funding will be part of education scholarship accounts for K-12 students. Landry's office has billed it as a way to empower parents to scho
  
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• 17-year-old arrested for murder after April shooting on Florida Street

  30-05-2024 14:54 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A 17-year-old was arrested for murder after an April shooting on Florida Street, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department.BRPD said Micah Bell, 17, was arrested for his involvement in the shooting death of Tedrick Davis.Bell was booked for second-degree murder and illegal use of a weapon.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Louisiana health department shares tips on how to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses this summer

  30-05-2024 14:47 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Health issued a statement on Thursday reminding the public to take precautions against mosquito bites that can expose people to West Nile virus and dengue virus.In Louisiana, there is typically more mosquito activity in the warmer summer months, increasing the risk for mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile and dengue, LDH said. LDH advised wearing EPA-registered mosquito repellent on exposed skin when outside and always foll
  
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• BRPD: One dies in hit-and-run on Nicholson Drive Wednesday night

  30-05-2024 14:47 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Police are seeking information after one person died in a hit-and-run on Nicholson Drive around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department.BRPD says Shelton Morgan, 42, was standing in the raised median at the 3000 block of Nicholson Drive between the north and southbound lanes of travel. Morgan stepped onto the southbound lane and was struck by a vehicle, leading to him being transported to a local hospital and dying.Police do not know the identity of the
  
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• Tangipahoa temporarily lowers jail head count while addressing recent escapes

  30-05-2024 14:45 via wbrz.com
  
  HAMMOND — The sheriff-elect of Tangipahoa Parish said Thursday that the inmate population at the parish jail has been reduced temporarily as guards deal with the aftermath of two escapes.Four prisoners broke out in separate incidents last weekend. Two were apprehended within a day, but two others were still at-large Thursday. "We have a fair number of incarcerated individuals that are being housed outside the parish, simply because we do not have enough room for them," Sherif
  
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