Louisiana news

• US deaths top 1,000 as $2.2 trillion in virus aid approved

  26-03-2020 05:04 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. deaths from the coronavirus pandemic topped 1,000 in another grim milestone for a global outbreak that is taking lives and wreaking havoc on economies and the established routines of ordinary life.In a recognition of the scale of the threat, the U.S. Senate late Wednesday passed an unparalleled $2.2 trillion economic rescue package steering aid to businesses, workers and health care systems.The unanimous vote came despite misgivings on both sides about whether it
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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.
  
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• 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
  
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• State House votes to hold constitutional convention in August

  07-05-2024 17:18 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Wednesday in favor of a constitutional convention in August.House members approved the plan in a 75-27 vote. The measure now goes to the Senate.It calls for committees to meet in June or July and the convention will run from Aug. 1 to 15.Permalink| Comments
  
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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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• Public meetings gives community voice for expectations of next EBR superintendent

  07-05-2024 12:05 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - As East Baton Rouge searches for its new superintendent, parents and teachers are getting involved through a series of public meetings.Tuesday night at Liberty High School, the EBR community laid foundation for what folks expect with the next hire.At the end of January former superintendent Sito Narcisse stepped down. Then the temporary replacement Adam Smith stepped up.Parents say the next leader should be student focused and consistent.School board president Carla Powell Lewis a
  
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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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• Man shot by juvenile during argument dies from injuries

  07-05-2024 08:52 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A man died from his injuries after being reportedly shot by a juvenile during an argument. Police identified the victim as 46-year-old Sharderick Jones. On Monday, Jones reportedly got into an argument with a 14-year-old around 5:30 p.m. at a home on Clayton Drive near Plank Road. During the argument, the juvenile obtained a gun and shot Jones. Jones was taken to a hospital where he later died. The juvenile was taken into custody when officers a
  
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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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• Iberville Parish bait, tackle store burns in early-morning fire; investigators say cause was electrical

  07-05-2024 06:35 via wbrz.com
  
  MARINGOUIN - L&L Bait and Tackle Store was severely damaged in an early-morning fire Tuesday. Video from Facebook showed the building burning, with pictures showing heavy smoke and strong flames pouring from the sides and top of the building. "So many good memories and times we had at this place," wrote Linda Dees on Facebook. The Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office said there were no injuries, and the cause of the fire was ruled to be electrical.Permalink| Comments
  
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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 prison.Michael Williams, 40, was booked and charged 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
  
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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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