Baton Rouge news

• Government funding plan collapses as Trump makes new demands days before shutdown

  19-12-2024 08:13 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump abruptly rejected a bipartisan plan Wednesday to prevent a Christmastime government shutdown, instead telling House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republicans to essentially renegotiate — days before a deadline when federal funding runs out.Trump’s sudden entrance into the debate and new demands sent Congress spiraling as lawmakers are trying to wrap up work and head home for the holidays. It left Johnson scrambling late int
  
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• It's beginning to look like another record for holiday travel

  20-12-2024 09:04 via wbrz.com
  
  Drivers and airline passengers without reindeer and sleighs better make a dash for it: it’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel in the U.S.The auto club AAA predicts that more than 119 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday and New Year’s Day, which would top the previous holiday-season high set in 2019. The two weekends on either side of Christmas look to be some of the most crowded times on the road and at airports.Trad
  
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• Volunteers will spend Saturday morning wrapping donated presents to give to families in need

  20-12-2024 07:42 via wbrz.com
  
  ZACHARY - It's not too late to get into the gifting spirit. Saturday morning, the Zachary Police Department will be opening its doors for volunteers to help wrap donated gifts before they're distributed. The event will be held at the new ZPD headquarters at 5160 Old Slaughter Road. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., volunteers will spend the morning wrapping donated gifts that have been collected for the past few weeks and prepare them to be gifted to local families.Wrapping supplies will be prov
  
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• House rejects Trump-backed plan on government shutdown, leaving next steps uncertain

  20-12-2024 06:07 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — A day before a potential government shutdown, the House resoundingly rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s new plan Thursday to fund operations and suspend the debt ceiling, as Democrats and dozens of Republicans refused to accommodate his sudden demands.In a hastily convened evening vote punctuated by angry outbursts over the self-made crisis, the lawmakers failed to reach the two-thirds threshold needed for passage — but House Speaker Mike Joh
  
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• Starbucks workers plan strikes that could spread to hundreds of US stores by Christmas Eve

  20-12-2024 06:05 via wbrz.com
  
  Workers at Starbucks stores plan to go on a five-day strike starting Friday to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations with the company.The strikes are scheduled to begin in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle and could spread to hundreds of stores across the country by Christmas Eve.Starbucks Workers United, the union that has organized workers at 535 company-owned U.S. stores since 2021, said Starbucks has failed to honor a commitment made in February to reach a labor agreement this ye
  
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• TEAM 2 TRAFFIC: Friday Morning Commute

  20-12-2024 05:20 via wbrz.com
  
  Welcome to your Team 2 Traffic commute guide. This story will be updated as traffic occurs in and around the capital area to help you know what to expect on the roads each dayPermalink| Comments
  
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• Law enforcement, community groups meet for community walk to address violent crime

  19-12-2024 21:31 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - As the city wraps up the year, law enforcement reflected on the homicide statistics from 2024 during a community walk through the Howell Park community Thursday, preparing for the opening of the INSPIRE Community Center at Howell Community Park.The group consisted of the Baton Rouge Police Department, Louisiana State Police, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and other community groups.Cathy Toliver doesn’t stop. Two years ago, her grandson Devin Page Jr. w
  
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• Man accused in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing faces federal charge thats eligible for death penalty

  19-12-2024 21:06 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO was whisked back to New York by plane and helicopter Thursday to face new federal charges of stalking and murder, which could bring the death penalty if he’s convicted.Luigi Mangione was held without bail following a Manhattan federal court appearance, capping a whirlwind day that began in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested last week in the Dec. 4 attack on Brian
  
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• Thursday's Health Report: Parental mental health

  19-12-2024 19:43 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — The U.S. Surgeon General has released an advisory on parental mental health. Parents report higher stress levels than other adults, with 48% saying they feel completely overwhelmed on most days. Loneliness is also a major concern, with 65% of parents saying they feel isolated. Stress can negatively impact both parents' and children's mental health. However, there are simple ways to help parents thrive. If you know a parent who
  
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• Livingston Parish Library Board of Control members approve 2025 budget, cut several funds

  19-12-2024 18:18 via wbrz.com
  
  LIVINGSTON — Livingston Parish Library Board of Control members approved a 2025 budget on Tuesday with substantial reductions to several programs.The budget slashes funding for the book festival, comic con and security. Spending on E-books also took a significant hit. The budget for E-books dropped from $115,000 to $90,000 and funding for electronically available videos, music, and magazines was also eliminated.Overall, there was a 36% decrease in E-content — a $101,500 cut.
  
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• 'Everything we can do to improve literacy:' New book vending machine goes up in Donaldsonville

  19-12-2024 17:36 via wbrz.com
  
  DONALDSONVILLE - A new book vending machine put up by the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office encourages literacy and good citizenship in Donaldsonville.Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre said he believes education sets children up for success."Everything we can do to improve literacy, especially amongst our kids, we want to be a part of that," Webre said.The vending machine is in the Hickley M. Waguespack Center and Study Commons. Sheriff Webre hopes the books inspire children and lead them in
  
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• Friends mourn loss of Merganzer Avenue shooting victim

  19-12-2024 17:30 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Sedrick Davis was shot to death on Merganzer Avenue Monday night. He was 36.Travis Guidry had been his friend for more than two decades. He was devastated when he learned Davis had been killed.“That brought tears to my eyes. I haven’t cried in a while but it’s tough,” he said.Police said an alert from ShotSpotter, the system for detecting and locating gunfire using sound, drew officers to the area of Merganzer and Woodpecker Street
  
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• One Tank Trips: Ice Skating on the River

  19-12-2024 15:49 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - With the arrival of winter, doesn't always mean cold weather here in south Louisiana. But, one thing you can count on this time of year is the opportunity to ice skate at the Raising Cane's River Center. For nearly the last three decades, Ice Skating on the River has been a cherished tradition in Baton Rouge during the holiday season. Our WBRZ archives contain videos from one of the first years the event was held back in 1995!Like many of the years past, the River Center
  
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• Man who pleaded guilty in 2020 killing of toddler receives 40 year sentence

  19-12-2024 15:33 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A man who pleaded guilty in the killing of a two-year-old in 2020 was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Kendrick Myles was 41 when he was arrested after a violent rampage that left multiple people hurt. WBRZ previously reported that Myles broke into a home, shot someone inside, kidnapped a 9-year-old and then shot and killed 2-year-old Azariah Thomas. Myles pleaded guilty to manslaughter and six counts of attempted murder. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison.&a
  
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• ACLU warns Louisiana school districts not to display Ten Commandments to avoid litigation

  19-12-2024 15:09 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The ACLU issued a letter to Louisiana school districts and superintendents saying they should not implement Louisiana's law to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms to avoid litigation.The letter, sent by four organizations including the ACLU and the ACLU of Louisiana, says public schools whose districts may not be parties in the lawsuit and isn't subject to the district court's injunction that prevents the parties involved in the lawsuit from displaying the commandments coul
  
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• Good 2 Eat: Spinach Dip Christmas Trees

  19-12-2024 13:40 via wbrz.com
  
  Welcome to Good 2 Eat, where every Thursday 2une In will be cooking with Chef Kevin Belton to show you a new and delicious recipe to try at home!Spinach Dip Christmas Trees12 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  6 oz. cream cheese, softened
  2 garlic cloves, minced
  1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  1/2 tsp. onion powder
  1/4 tsp. chili powder
  1/4 tsp. pepper
  1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
  1 pkg. puff pastry, defrosted
  1 egg, beat
  
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• Lauren Pourciau shows the Spirit of Christmas through continuing her grandmother's traditions

  19-12-2024 13:36 via wbrz.com
  
  WAKEFIELD - West Feliciana Parish resident Lauren Pourciau has been celebrating Christmas in the country for years with her family. She's continuing traditions that were made generations before her."My grandparents moved to St. Francisville in the 80s. My grandmother was a drama teacher and loved costumes and loved to dress up. When she got up here she found different ways to get involved and she took on Mrs. Claus," Lauren Pourciau said. Pictures of Lauren's Mimi, Shirley Pourciau, sh
  
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• Law enforcement still waiting on identification of burned body found in Addis sugarcane field

  19-12-2024 12:59 via wbrz.com
  
  ADDIS - Officials in West Baton Rouge Parish say a burned body that was found in a fiery field of sugarcane Wednesday belongs to a black male, but they have not yet released the identity because they are waiting on an autopsy report from the coroner.Sources tell the WBRZ Investigative Unit the victim had a gunshot wound.WBRZ previously spoke with Troy Canella, the farmer who first saw the fire and then found the body in the field. He said it all happened just before 3 p.m. West Baton Rouge Pari
  
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• Coroner: Burned body in sugarcane field is missing teen from Plaquemine

  19-12-2024 12:59 via wbrz.com
  
  ADDIS - A body that was badly burned in an Addis sugarcane field belongs to a an 18-year-old who has been missing from Plaquemine for six days. Sahajda Doc Willis with the West Baton Rouge Coroner's Office said dental records matched Ja’Morius Mitchell, who went missing Dec. 12.Mitchell's body was found in a fiery field of sugarcane on Sid Richardson Road. Sources tell the WBRZ Investigative Unit the victim had a gunshot wound.WBRZ previously spoke with Troy Canella, the farm
  
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• Workforce Commission announces changes coming to unemployment insurance benefits

  19-12-2024 12:30 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Workforce Commission announced changes would be coming to its unemployment insurance benefits starting in late 2024 and early 2025. The key changes claimants should be aware of are the shorter time to receive benefits, extra help while receiving professional training, and stronger penalties being put into place for unemployment fraud. “These changes to Louisiana's unemployment insurance laws are critical to ensuring a sus
  
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• State Fire Marshal distributes alarms to local departments, offers home heating safety tips ahead of holidays

  19-12-2024 12:14 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Thursday morning, the State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams distributed fire alarms to local departments so they could be installed for homeowners who don't have one. Adams also spoke to the media about home heating safety tips with the holidays right around the corner. Improper or unsafe heating can lead to devastating fires, and without a working fire alarm, it could be too late before you're aware of the danger. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Family of teenager killed in police chase introduces new Pursuit Alert System

  19-12-2024 11:33 via wbrz.com
  
  BRUSLY - Jason Gill, the father of Caroline Gill who was killed inadvertently in a police chase at the beginning of 2023, held a press conference Thursday to introduce the new Pursuit Alert System that aims to keep bystanders safe. Caroline Gill and Maggie Dunn were both cheerleaders at Brusly High. The two were killed when their vehicle was hit by a police officer's car as he was involved in a high-speed pursuit. Dunn's brother, Liam, was also in the car and was severely injured.&
  
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• State police arrest driver going twice the speed limit down Airline Highway before crashing in front of business

  19-12-2024 11:13 via wbrz.com
  
  PRAIRIEVILLE - Troopers arrested a driver who was going 114 miles per hour down Airline Highway before crashing in front of a business. Pictures showed a vehicle crashed in front of the O'Reilly Auto Parts on Airline Highway in Prairieville with state police vehicles parked around it. Officials said the driver did not stop for law enforcement before crashing. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Suspect wanted for murder after 18-year-old killed, burned body found in sugarcane field

  19-12-2024 11:12 via wbrz.com
  
  ADDIS - An 18-year-old man is wanted for second-degree murder of another 18-year-old after a burned body was found with gunshot wounds in an Addis sugarcane field, according to deputies.Tyler Dante Davis, 18, is wanted for second-degree murder and obstruction of justice for the murder of Ja’Morius Mitchell out of Plaquemine, who was reported missing Dec. 12.Mitchell's body was found in burning sugarcane along Sid Richardson Road in Addis on Wednesday afternoon. Sources told WBRZ the v
  
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• Multi-agency narcotics investigation ends with largest fentanyl seizure in Livingston Parish

  19-12-2024 09:41 via wbrz.com
  
  LIVINGSTON PARISH - Four people were arrested and over 100,000 doses of fentanyl were seized in the largest multi-agency fentanyl bust in Livingston Parish history. The investigation started with the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office looking into the drug trafficking ring being run by Tyrone Broadway. Undercover agents made several purchases from the ring and seized approximately 36,000 pressed fentanyl pills. Two residences in Tickfaw and Hammond were also searched as part o
  
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• 2une In Previews: Christmas Toy Giveaway with Councilwoman Carolyn Coleman

  19-12-2024 07:33 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Another toy giveaway is being hosted this Friday to help children in need this holiday season. Councilwoman Carolyn Coleman as well as employees from the city-parish, Republic Services, Jacob's Engineering, the Baton Rouge Airport, and Metro Health are hosting the giveaway on Friday starting at 3 p.m.. The giveaway will be held at the Dr. Leo S. Butler Community Center at 950 Lorri Burgess Avenue. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Teamsters say Amazon workers will strike at multiple facilities as union seeks labor contract

  19-12-2024 06:35 via wbrz.com
  
  The International Brotherhood of Teamsters said workers at seven Amazon facilities will begin a strike on Thursday morning, an effort by the union to pressure the e-commerce company for a labor agreement during a key shopping period.The Teamsters say the workers, who authorized strikes in the past few days, are joining the picket line after Amazon ignored a Dec. 15 deadline the union set for contract negotiations. Amazon says it doesn’t expect an impact on its operations during what t
  
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• Amazon workers strike at multiple facilities as Teamsters seek labor contract

  19-12-2024 06:35 via wbrz.com
  
  The International Brotherhood of Teamsters said workers at seven Amazon facilities will begin a strike on Thursday morning, an effort by the union to pressure the e-commerce company for a labor agreement during a key shopping period.The Teamsters say the workers, who authorized strikes in the past few days, are joining the picket line after Amazon ignored a Dec. 15 deadline the union set for contract negotiations. Amazon says it doesn’t expect an impact on its operations during what t
  
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• TEAM 2 TRAFFIC: Thursday Morning Commute

  19-12-2024 05:18 via wbrz.com
  
  Welcome to your Team 2 Traffic commute guide. This story will be updated as traffic occurs in and around the capital area to help you know what to expect on the roads each dayPermalink| Comments
  
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• U.S. Senate sets final vote before end of week to vote on Social Security Fairness Act

  18-12-2024 20:57 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate is set to do a final vote before the end of the week to remove restrictions limiting or eliminating Social Security benefits for teachers, police, firefighters, and other public workers paying into the system, The Advocate reported.Both Louisiana's senators, Bill Cassidy and John N. Kennedy voted in favor of invoking cloture, which means the bill move to a final vote. Cassidy previously told the Associated Press that he believed the bill would pass.The new law
  
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