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• Baton Rouge receives $5 million award to fund Plank Road Masterplan

  26-10-2020 06:04 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Build Baton Rouge, the redevelopment authority of East Baton Rouge Parish, will be using funds from a $5 million award to fund the Plank Road Masterplan's initiative to eliminate blight, grow small businesses, and preserve housing affordability in North Baton Rouge.The capital city earned the money after winning JPMorgan Chase’s 2020 AdvancingCities Challenge, which is a $500 million five-year initiative to drive inclusive growth and greater economic opportunity in citie
  
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• Addis residents react to heavy rains

  24-04-2025 21:50 via wbrz.com
  ADDIS - Residents in Addis are cleaning up after storms on Thursday left several with flood damage.Addis resident Hannah Smith said she saw water begin to rise around 7 a.m. She said she was able to get her three children out of their townhome."Couple minutes after that, the water started rushing in the front door. Then, it was rushing in the back door. Then, it was rushing underneath the windows. I don't even know how it was coming underneath the windows. It was just all of the sudden, I was t
  
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• Deputies searching for skid steer and trailer stolen from Independence area

  24-04-2025 19:11 via wbrz.com
  
  INDEPENDENCE — The Tangipahoa Sheriff's Office is searching for a skid steer and trailer stolen from a property along West Fontana Road.Deputies say, the 2024 John Deere Compact Skid Steer and the 2024 black Iron Bull trailer were last seen on the owner's property along West Fontana Road off Highway 40 on March 19. The total value of the equipment and trailer exceeds $86,000.If anyone has any information about the theft, those responsible or the whereabouts of the skid steer
  
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• LSU baseball readies for top-ten showdown with Tennessee

  24-04-2025 19:02 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - LSU baseball dropped a tough game to Northwestern on Tuesday night, but with a top-ten showdown with Tennessee on deck head coach Jay Johnson knows his team needs to turn their attention to being at their best.“We’ve moved on to what’s ahead of us. In baseball, you have to master the ability to move forward. In my position as the leader of the program, I analyze everything. The good thing about young people is that they have an ability to move forward
  
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• Kratom supplement could be banned by lawmakers

  24-04-2025 18:51 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - State lawmakers are at odds over what to do about a substance some say is a safe alternative to painkillers, but as one woman detailed, kratom left her with unexpected health issues.Kratom is banned in Ascension and Tangipahoa Parishes, but it can be purchased at many smoke shops, herbal stores or gas stations.That's where Nicole Scroggins says she picked Kratom up for the first time. Scroggins is a hairstylist. Years of standing for hours on end and cutting hair strained her join
  
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• Livvy Dunne talks life after LSU

  24-04-2025 18:20 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE:  Livvy Dunne is the highest earning female athlete in NIL history and now she's flipping into a new chapter post-grad with Raising Cane's.The recent LSU graduate is trading the mat for her degree and using a new endorsement deal with the fried chicken chain to create more opportunities for young women."I've said no to so many opportunities because of gymnastics throughout the years, so my plan after college is to do everything," Dunne said. Things like skydiving &
  
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• Saints solidify offensive line with 9th pick in the NFL Draft

  24-04-2025 18:09 via wbrz.com
  
  GREEN BAY, Wis.- With the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr.Banks is 6-foot-5, 315-pound and won both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Trophy as the best lineman in college football last season.He started at left tackle for the Longhorns for three seasons and allowed just one sack in each of his last two seasons.Many analysts project that Banks has the necessary attributes to step right into the Saints' offensive line and make an i
  
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• Three Democrats vying for vacant District 67 House seat

  24-04-2025 17:43 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Early voting has started for the May 3 election and a seat in the legislature is on the ballot for Baton Rouge voters.District 67 is home to more than 40,000 residents, and three Democrats are vying to fill the State Representative seat that was left vacant by Larry Selders after he won Cleo Fields' former senate seat.The three candidates are Terry Landry Jr., Sonny Marchbanks and Malcolm Myer, all Democrats.Landry said his experience as an attorney and advocacy work mak
  
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• Tracking the Tigers in the 2025 NFL Draft

  24-04-2025 17:37 via wbrz.com
  
  GREEN BAY, Wis. - In the 2025 NFL Draft, LSU has multiple draftees who hope to hear their name called this weekend. The Tigers have 11 draft-eligible players: OT Will Campbell, DE Bradyn Swinson, TE Mason Taylor, CB Zy Alexander, OG Miles Frazier, OT Emery Jones Jr., DE Sai'vion Jones, OG Garrett Dellinger, DE Paris Shand, RB John Emery Jr. and RB Josh Williams. The draft began on Thursday at 7 p.m. with the first round, and on Friday at 6 p.m., rounds two and three will unfol
  
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• Deputies: Drive-by shooting in Robert was allegedly orchestrated by Tangipahoa Parish Jail inmate

  24-04-2025 17:27 via wbrz.com
  
  ROBERT — A March drive-by shooting in Robert that riddled a house and car with bullets was allegedly ordered by a Tangipahoa Parish Jail inmate.In total, five people were arrested in the shooting investigators say was orchestrated by 21-year-old Larry Turner Jr. while he was still in jail. Clydarious McGee, 19, Donovan Perkins, 18, and Jaylon Turner, 19, were in the car when the shooting happened on March 25, deputies said.McGee, Perkins and Jaylon Turner are accused of firing more th
  
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• This week in history: 2010 BP Oil Spill

  24-04-2025 17:02 via wbrz.com
  
  On April 20, 2010, about 40 miles off the coast of Louisiana a massive fire and explosion happened on the Deepwater Horizon.More than 100 crew members evacuated into the dark of night and eleven people died in the fire. Over the next 87 days, upwards of 3 million barrels of oil spewed into the gulf. It was the largest marine oil spill in U.S. history. WBRZ covered the impact into the fishing industry, the cleanup process and the lawsuits after. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Former LSU OT Will Campbell drafted 4th overall to the New England Patriots

  24-04-2025 16:48 via wbrz.com
  
  GREEN BAY, Wis.- With the fourth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots fortified their offensive line by drafting former LSU Tiger Will Campbell.Campbell is the first LSU offensive lineman drafted in the first round since Alan Faneca was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1998. Campbell, one of the most decorated offensive linemen in LSU history, performed well at the NFL Combine with year. He posted a 4.98 time in the 40-yard dash, a 32'' vertical jump and the second
  
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• Entergy admits it let customers down in neighborhood with repeat outages

  24-04-2025 15:42 via wbrz.com
  CENTRAL - A cavalry of Entergy trucks is working in a neighborhood that has been plagued with power outages. Dozens of linemen are making upgrades to a system that had failed nearly 200 households in Morgan Place West.Teresa Golden moved to the Central neighborhood last year."We should not be without power once a week," said Golden.Other neighbors have reached out to 2 On Your Side about their troubles with the power outages. They are tired of taking cold showers, losing refrigerated items, doi
  
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• The Saints look to make a splash in the 2025 NFL Draft on WBRZ

  24-04-2025 15:32 via wbrz.com
  
  GREEN BAY, Wis - The New Orleans Saints are trying to get back in contention after a losing season in 2024, and it all starts with the 2025 NFL Draft. The Saints finished dead last in the NFL South with a 5-12 record last season after firing Dennis Allen as head coach. Entering the first draft round on Thursday night, the Saints hold nine total picks, including the 9th overall pick. In head coach Kellen Moore's first season at the helm, the team is facing uncertainties and que
  
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• Two Ascension Parish deputies receive life saving award for rescuing motorcyclist after crash

  24-04-2025 15:27 via wbrz.com
  
  GONZALES - Two Ascension Parish deputies were given life saving awards for their quick actions following a fiery motorcycle crash. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office said Sergeant Brandon Bethany saw the crash and immediately started rendering aid and called for help. Sergeant Matt Johnson quickly arrived at the scene and the two applied three tourniquets to the person and stopped his bleeding until paramedics arrived.The motorcyclist lost his leg, but doctors said the man could hav
  
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• Baton Rouge Police searching for suspect in killing of 68-year-old woman in home

  24-04-2025 15:16 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge Police are searching for a man accused of killing a 68-year-old woman last week.Richard Stinson, 68, is accused of killing Rose Davallier at her White Sands Drive home on April 14. He is 6'2" tall and weighs 170 pounds, police noted.Stinson faces charges of first-degree murder and home invasion. According to BRPD, Davillier was found dead in her home after officers were requested for a welfare check. Her body was found battered, a spokesperson added.
  
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• One lane open on I-10 eastbound near Lobdell after trailer catches fire on road's shoulder

  24-04-2025 14:34 via wbrz.com
  
  LOBDELL — Only the left lane of Interstate 10 eastbound is open Thursday afternoon near Lobdell after a trailer caught fire along the road's shoulder.The fire broke out around mile marker 147 near the La. 415 exit around 2 p.m.The West Baton Rouge Parish Fire Department is responding to the blaze.Permalink| Comments
  
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• I-10 eastbound reopens near Lobdell after trailer catches fire on road's shoulder

  24-04-2025 14:34 via wbrz.com
  LOBDELL — Interstate 10 eastbound has reopened near Lobdell after a trailer caught fire along the road's shoulder Thursday afternoon.The fire broke out around mile marker 147 near the La. 415 exit around 2 p.m. The left lane re-opened around 2:40 p.m. and the road was reopened by 4:30 p.m.The West Baton Rouge Parish Fire Department responded to the fire.Permalink| Comments
  
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• I-10 eastbound closed near Lobdell after trailer catches fire on road's shoulder

  24-04-2025 14:34 via wbrz.com
  
  LOBDELL — Interstate 10 eastbound is closed Thursday afternoon near Lobdell after a trailer caught fire along the road's shoulder.The fire broke out around mile marker 147 near the La. 415 exit around 2 p.m.The West Baton Rouge Parish Fire Department is responding to the blaze.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Woman accused of threatening Baton Rouge Police after fatal shooting on Sunday arrested

  24-04-2025 14:30 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A woman was arrested after allegedly threatening Baton Rouge Police following an officer-involved shooting that left a man dead on Sunday.Yushika Vallian, 31, is accused of making a series of threats on social media, via email and over the phone after the fatal Gwenadele Avenue shooting.The shooting happened around 3 p.m. in the parking lot of Super 6 Inn & Suites. Officers say Vallian and other suspects forced their way into the motel's office and assaulted the mana
  
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• EBR School Board member accused of violating nepotism law says investigation is 'frivolous attack'

  24-04-2025 14:18 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — East Baton Rouge Parish School Board member Dadrius Lanus has been accused of violating state nepotism laws because, during his tenure on the board, his sister worked as a clerk at a Baton Rouge school.The Louisiana Board of Ethics voted on March 6 to charge Lanus with violating nepotism laws barring elected officials from employing immediate family while they hold office. The charge Lanus faces comes with a fine of up to $10,000 and potential removal from office.Lanus'
  
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• 'Mardi Gras' rail service resumes this summer between New Orleans and Mobile; no timetable for Baton Rouge

  24-04-2025 14:00 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS — Amtrak said Thursday it will begin service this summer between New Orleans and Mobile on a route called "Mardi Gras Service."The twice-daily runs will connect two cities with long histories of Mardi Gras celebrations. The trains will also stop in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula in Mississippi.Separately, the Southern Rail Commission hopes to develop service between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. No timetable has been set for when it might resume. The last tr
  
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• Coroner identifies man killed in fiery interstate crash near Satsuma

  24-04-2025 13:49 via wbrz.com
  
  SATSUMA — The Livingston Parish Coroner's Office on Thursday identified a man killed in a fiery crash on Interstate 12 near Satsuma over the weekend.The coroner said 23-year-old Roy Craft was killed after the crash on I-12 eastbound. The crash caused a fire to erupt.WBRZ has reached out to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office for more information about what caused the crash.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Tickfaw's Italian Festival will have increased police presence after Strawberry Festival shootings

  24-04-2025 13:47 via wbrz.com
  
  TICKFAW — This weekend's Italian Festival in Tickfaw will have stricter security measures.According to Tickfaw Police Chief Frank DiBenedetto, they are anticipating a safe festival thanks to enhanced security including metal detectors.DiBenedetto said that visitors should also expect an increased police presence in the aftermath of multiple shootings at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival.No ice chests, backpacks or weapons will be allowed, the chief added.The festival starts Friday a
  
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• Tickfaw's Italian Festival will have enhanced security in response to Strawberry Festival shootings

  24-04-2025 13:47 via wbrz.com
  
  TICKFAW — This weekend's Italian Festival in Tickfaw will have stricter security measures in the aftermath of multiple shootings at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival.According to Tickfaw Police Chief Frank DiBenedetto, they are anticipating a safe festival thanks to enhanced security including metal detectors and an increased police presence.No ice chests, backpacks or weapons will be allowed, the chief said.The festival starts Friday and runs through Sunday in downtown Tickfaw. The
  
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• LSU Police searching for 2 suspected burglars

  24-04-2025 13:42 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — The LSU Police Department is working to identify two people believed to be connected to a string of burglaries.Detectives say these two men are responsible for several vehicle burglaries on LSU's campus.Anyone who can identify them can contact Crime Stoppers.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Venezuelan man pleaded guilty to federal sex trafficking in Baton Rouge

  24-04-2025 12:25 via wbrz.com
  BATON ROUGE — A man from Venezuela faces deportation after he admitted guilt to federal sex trafficking charges.Josmar Jesus Zambrano-Chirinos pleaded guilty to sex trafficking in a deal with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.Court documents say Zambrano-Chirinos and his female associate arranged for two women from outside the U.S. to enter the country illegally in 2024, and then forced them to work as prostitutes to pay off made-up debts.Prosecutors say
  
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• Missing person search ends in tragedy after man takes own life after police find him

  24-04-2025 12:15 via wbrz.com
  
  ZACHARY — After a two-day search, Zachary Police said that they found a missing person before he took his own life after dozens of law enforcement units responded to his home.Zachary officers said that Rohn Ashley, 56, went missing on Tuesday after police received reports of a domestic disturbance at a home in Zachary. This prompted a search using drones, helicopters, dogs and multiple agencies, including the Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge Parish Sherriff's Office, We
  
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• District Attorney Hillar Moore discusses proposed tax on the ballot in May

  24-04-2025 12:06 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore stopped by 2une In on Thursday to discuss a proposed tax on the May 3 ballot. Moore is asking voters to approve a new property tax that would charge taxpayers an additional four mills over the next 20 years. A mill is $1 of tax on every $1,000 of assessed property.Moore says this will address budget issues for his office."It's been chronically underfunded and understaffed for years, decades really, compared
  
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• Continued funding for EBR resource program I CARE on May 3rd Ballot

  24-04-2025 12:04 via wbrz.com
  BATON ROUGE - Voters in East Baton Rouge Parish will decide several tax propositions on the May 3rd ballot, including a program that for decades has supported students during difficult times. The five propositions are tax renewals, totaling 19.81 Mills in property taxes.I Care began in 1986, and voters have renewed it three times. And for a 200,000$ house with a homestead exemption, the program costs nine dollars a year."It is needed in our community. Kids, they need our support, they need our
  
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