Louisiana news

• Millions stick to Thanksgiving travel plans despite warnings

  23-11-2020 14:01 via wbrz.com
  
  About 1 million Americans a day packed airports and planes over the weekend even as coronavirus deaths surged across the U.S. and public health experts begged people to stay home and avoid big Thanksgiving gatherings.And the crowds are only expected to grow. Next Sunday is likely to be the busiest day of the holiday period.To be sure, the number of people flying for Thanksgiving is down by more than half from last year because of the rapidly worsening outbreak. However, the 3 million who went t
  
  Read more

• AG accuses EPA of attacking La. oil and gas companies through nationwide pollution standards updates

  08-05-2024 21:47 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Attorney General Liz Murrill accused the EPA of attacking Louisiana oil and gas industries during an address on Wednesday. Murril was speaking at the annual legislative conference of the Louisiana Chemical Association. She is leading an effort to sue the Biden administration over multiple EPA regulations which aim to reduce pollution in low income areas. Murrill claims that the new rules will do more harm than good to Louisiana corporations."These policies have a
  
  Read more

• Juvenile homicide numbers in Baton Rouge already surpassed last year's numbers

  08-05-2024 20:30 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Since the beginning of the year, the number of juvenile homicides in Baton Rouge have surpassed the total number in 2023. Last year, Baton Rouge Police reported nine juveniles were suspected of homicide. Five months into 2024, the city has reported nine homicides by juveniles.City leaders and community activists say the uptick in killings by teens is startling, and they’re working towards community-centered solutions.The first killing of the year happened on New Year's d
  
  Read more

• BRPD looking for man who robbed bank along Airline Highway on Wednesday

  08-05-2024 20:10 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Officers are investigating a bank robbery that happened Wednesday afternoon along Airline Highway. The Baton Rouge Police Department said a man walked into the Chase Bank at the corner of Airline Highway and Greenwell Street around 4 p.m. and handed a bank employee a note demanding money. Police said the employee handed over cash and the man ran away. No more information was immediately available. Permalink| Comments
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Ponchatoula police chief, mayor blame each other for prompting impromptu strike

  08-05-2024 18:16 via wbrz.com
  
  PONCHATOULA — The police chief and mayor on Wednesday agreed on who's responsible for last week's impromptu strike by much of the city's police force: It's the other guy's fault.Chief Bry Layrisson says his officers aren't paid enough and that the city needs to provide more money to his agency. Mayor Bob Zabbia says the blame lies with Layrisson, and that that the chief is not spending the money properly."Once the budget is passed, adopted and then sent to the chief, he administers it
  
  Read more

• Killian residents uneasy from waiting on more results

  08-05-2024 17:49 via wbrz.com
  
  KILLIAN - Residents in Killian have had weeks of water woes, with more likely to come.They’ve had silty water, no water and now have water with a boil advisory. As much as they want water they can use, they also want answers.Despite repeated assurances that residents would be informed of test results, officials have not released the findings of the engineering company that examined the town’s only water well and haven’t provided the results of water quality testing
  
  Read more

• Electric vehicle battery company Element 25 to set up refinery in Ascension Parish

  08-05-2024 17:18 via wbrz.com
  
  ASCENSION PARISH - Electric vehicle battery company Element 25 reached an agreement to build a high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate refinery in Ascension Parish.The 35-acre site is in Burnside. It is a key development in the company's agreement with General Motors, one of their partners.GM has committed $85M in senior secured debt funding to the Burnside project.Permalink| Comments
  
  Read more

• Louisiana's Mike Johnson survives bid to oust him as House Speaker moments after Greene launches it

  08-05-2024 16:58 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON — The House shot down an effort by hardline Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to oust Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana.Greene had stood before her colleagues and read a long list of “transgressions” she said Johnson had committed as speaker. Colleagues booed in protest, and then the members voted 359-43 to table her motion, essentially killing it. Seven members voted "present."The Georgia Republican had vowed she would force a vote on the motion to vacate the
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Baton Rouge Police Department holds fundraiser for officer who suffered brain aneurysm

  08-05-2024 16:05 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Police Department held a plate lunch fundraiser Wednesday for Sirtelli Dorsey, an officer who suffered a brain aneurysm in April.Dorsey, a father of three, still remembers that day vividly."I just know my body. Everyone gets a headache or migraine but I knew something was wrong," Dorsey said.Dorsey was on the clock when he began experiencing extreme neck and head pains. He reported this to his supervisor Josh Ellis, who recognized the symptoms immediately and told
  
  Read more

• Former LSU pitcher and No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes to debut for Pittsburgh on Saturday

  08-05-2024 15:44 via wbrz.com
  
  PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Former LSU pitcher and 2023 first overall pick in the MLB Draft, pitcher Paul Skenes, will make his debut Saturday.The Pittsburgh Pirates posted a hype video for his debut with the date on Twitter.5.11.24 pic.twitter.com/fPh1beCkwn— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 8, 2024The Pirates play the Chicago Cubs Saturday at 3:05 p.m.Permalink| Comments
  
  Read more

• While judges let Louisiana draw a third congressional map, intervenors ask Supreme Court to step in now

  08-05-2024 15:42 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS — Voting rights advocates on Wednesday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to keep the latest Louisiana congressional map in place for this year’s elections, even though a three-judge panel has given the state Legislature until June 3 to develop a third set of boundaries.The three-judge panel ruled April 30 that the new map, passed by lawmakers in January, was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Wednesday’s Supreme Court filing seeks to block that ruling,
  
  Read more

• EBR Schools to hold third and final superintendent search community meeting

  08-05-2024 15:21 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge School Board is holding its third and final meeting with the public to determine what the public wants from the next superintendent.The meeting is at Glen Oaks Magnet High School from 5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Wednesday night.This will be the last meeting before the committee meets Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.Anyone who cannot go can join the Zoom link here for the meeting.Permalink| Comments
  
  Read more

• 18-wheeler, train collide near Scenic Highway between Scotlandville and Zachary

  08-05-2024 15:00 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — An 18-wheeler and a Kansas City Southern train collided Wednesday afternoon at a crossing near Scenic Highway between Scotlandville and Zachary. No injuries were reported.The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office said the 18-wheeler tipped over and spilled a load of coal on the roadway near where Barge Canal Road meets Scenic Highway. Hazardous material cleanup crews were called to deal with the mess.The sheriff's office said the driver of the 18-wheeler was
  
  Read more

• Police put out warrant for convicted sex offender for first-degree rape of a child

  08-05-2024 14:52 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Police Department is searching for a convicted sex offender after he allegedly raped a child.Police say Christopher Ryan Francis, 51, is wanted for first-degree rape of a victim under thirteen and indecent behavior with juveniles. The arrest warrant states that Francis told his victim to "keep it a secret" before Francis sexually assaulted the child. The victim disclosed the information to police, which began the investigation.Francis also is a registered
  
  Read more

• Convicted sex offender wanted in new child rape case

  08-05-2024 14:52 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Police Department is searching for a convicted sex offender accused of raping a child.Police say Christopher Ryan Francis, 51, is wanted for first-degree rape and indecent behavior with a juvenile. The arrest warrant states that Francis told his victim to "keep it a secret" before Francis sexually assaulted the child. The victim reported the crime to police, according to Francis' arrest warrant.Francis also is a registered sex offender who was convicted in
  
  Read more

• LSU softball walks it off after 14 innings in first round of SEC Tournament

  08-05-2024 14:27 via wbrz.com
  
  KNOXVILLE, TN- The Tigers got the win over Alabama in walk-off fashion after 14 innings in the first round of the SEC tournament. Taylor Pleasants singled to center field to drive in Sierra Daniel to defeat the Crimson Tide.LSU found themselves down 2-0 after the first inning, but 13 scoreless innings from pitcher Sydney Berzon kept Alabama in check. Berzon pitched a complete game with five strikeouts on 208 pitches.Wednesday's game was the longest game by innings in SEC Tournament his
  
  Read more

• Springfield man previously arrested for sex crimes now facing additional charges

  08-05-2024 14:25 via wbrz.com
  
  SPRINGFIELD - A man arrested for sex crimes in December is now facing several dozen new charges. In December, the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office arrested Michael Sharp, 24, for four counts each of pornography involving juveniles and sexual abuse of an animal. Sharp this month had dozens of additional charges filed against him after further investigation. An evaluation of Sharp's devices revealed more criminal conduct, the sheriff's office said, and he is now facin
  
  Read more

• 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
  
  Read more

• Man facing additional theft charges after reportedly stealing 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
  
  Read more

• Neighbor complains about city's property mess, city responds

  08-05-2024 13:12 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A property owner contacted 2 On Your Side about the mess that's next door to her. It's an abandoned structure owned by the City of Baton Rouge on Pocasset Street near Mohican Street. Rita Green says it's been the state it's in now for two years. The windows are broken, it's missing a front door, the cabinets are pulled from the wall, the ceiling torn open, overgrown grass, and littered with garbage."The kids vandalized it and it's been this way for at least two years," sa
  
  Read more

• BRPD officer recognized for preventing person from jumping off of bridge

  08-05-2024 12:06 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Police Department spotlighted an officer who prevented someone from jumping off a bridge on Monday.According to BRPD, officer Jakiya Jones was dispatched during the evening hours of May 6 to the interstate where someone was attempted to take their own life by jumping off a bridge.BRPD said Jones was able to prevent the person from jumping by establishing a rapport with them, approaching slowly, and grabbing the suspect over the guardrail.BRPD made a Facebook post t
  
  Read more

• I-12 near I-10/I-12 split set to close Friday, detour drivers as College Drive Flyover project continues

  08-05-2024 09:40 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — I-12 eastbound near the I-10/I-12 split will be closed Friday night into early Saturday morning as part of the College Drive Flyover project's demolition of the I-10 westbound overpass.The closure will be in effect from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday.Drivers wishing to take I-12 eastbound will continue on the I-10 eastbound and take exit 160 at Essen Lane, proceeding north and continuing to the I-12 eastbound ramp.According to LaDOTD, a new overpass will accommodate a
  
  Read more

• Iberville Parish boat launch to receive $2.5 million in state funds for upgrades to infrastructure

  08-05-2024 09:21 via wbrz.com
  
  PLAQUEMINE — The Bayou Pigeon Boat Landing in Iberville Parish is receiving $2.5 million in state funds to upgrade the dock's infrastructure and expand public recreational use of the facility.The expansion, funded by the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, was announced May 1 on the Iberville Parish government's Facebook page. The upgrades will include better docking, improved parking, handicap access, a pavilion and doubling the amount of ramps, the post said.The
  
  Read more

• Local chef selected to compete in state seafood cook-off

  08-05-2024 09:13 via wbrz.com
  
  MONROE - Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has selected 12 chefs from around the state to compete in the 17th annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off, one of whom may be a familiar face. Among the 12 chefs competing is Baton Rouge's Frederic Terluin from Rouj Creole. Terluin will be competing against chefs from New Orleans, Monroe, Nachitoches, and other locations around the state. The winner of the competition will be chosen to represent Louisiana in the Great American S
  
  Read more

• St. Vincent de Paul to start construction on new chapel in heart of campus

  08-05-2024 07:45 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Leaders with St. Vincent de Paul will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the newest addition to the camps. The new chapel, the St. Louise de Marillac Chapel, will be in the heart of the SVDP campus. More than 500 people visit the campus daily, said President Michael Acaldo, and most of them are "at the lowest point in their lives.""If just one person, in a moment of desperation, receives strength or comfort in our chapel, then this project is a success," Acaldo aid.&n
  
  Read more

• LSU defeats Northwestern State 6-5 in tight game

  07-05-2024 21:39 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - LSU narrowly escaped with a 6-5 victory over Northwestern State Tuesday night after a back-and-forth game.LSU trailed by one going into the bottom of the eight inning, but a Jared Jones 2 RBI home run gave the Tigers the lead to close out the game.LSU faces Alabama in Tuscaloosa Friday at 6 p.m.Permalink| Comments
  
  Read more

• Five-month-old child dies after alleged cruelty by mother, coroner declares death homicide

  07-05-2024 20:27 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A five-month-old child died after his mother brought him to the hospital in critical condition, where police arrested their mother for cruelty to a juvenile afterward.Shalyn Ewing, 30, was arrested on second-degree cruelty to a juvenile after bringing her son Domonique Griffin to Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital on April 29. Griffin was unresponsive and had a dangerously low body temperature, according to police records. Hospital staff determined the baby had bleeding on t
  
  Read more

• Louisiana leads nation in afterschool program attendance

  07-05-2024 18:07 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Leaders say Louisiana had the highest increase in after-school program attendance in the country.Louisiana's attendance stood at 85%, compared to the national average of 46%. This attendance also positively affected grade outcomes, as grade point averages for participants jumped 77% as opposed to the national average of 50%.Additionally, teacher reported engagement in learning was up 87% in grades one through five compared to the national average of 69%. Participants also had a 79
  
  Read more

• Governor Jeff Landry signs 4 insurance-related bills in hopes of lowering homeowner insurance

  07-05-2024 18:05 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Governor Jeff Landry said the four bills he signed today are in efforts to get the state out of an insurance crisis, which has caused homeowners insurance rates to skyrocket.State Insurance Commissioner, Tim Temple, was in attendance at the signing in support of the bills."Our hope is that this package of bills will start to create more balance in the law and in the market so that we can drive the cost of property insurance down and m ore affordable for our citizens," Landry said.
  
  Read more

• BRFD: More than 60 house fires so far this year; not an unusual trend

  07-05-2024 17:40 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - After several vacant house fires this year, including two within two days on the same street, the Baton Rouge Fire Department says it's not a cause for concern at this time. Within the first three months of the year, the Baton Rouge Fire Department has worked 52 structure fires. In April, firefighters put out another 10 fires. BRFD spokesman, Curt Monte, says it's not the worst they've seen. "We've had less than what we had in 2022, a little more than wh
  
  Read more

Follow @NewsLouisiana_ on Twitter!