Baton Rouge news

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• Several Ascension Parish Schools experience weather-related power outages

  18-11-2021 08:01 via wbrz.com
  
  ASCENSION PARISH SCHOOLS - Several schools in Ascension Parish are experiencing weather-related outages Thursday morning. According to a Facebook post on Ascension Parish Schools' official account, power is out at Dutchtown Primary, Dutchtown Middle, and Dutchtown High School campuses, which means phone service has also been interrupted. The school systems says, "We are planning for a normal school day with appropriate adjustments until power can be restored. Fortunately, brea
  
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• Third suspect arrested year and a half after vehicle, ATM theft

  07-04-2025 13:34 via wbrz.com
  NAPOLEONVILLE - A year and a half after a car theft and an ATM burglary, deputies arrested a third suspect in both incidents.The Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office responded to reports of an ATM burglary on Crossfield Lane in Carencro in November of 2023. A vehicle stolen from a nearby home was tied to the burglary, and deputies identified two possible suspects, who have both since been arrested.A third suspect was later identified as 27-year-old Deja Cohn. Cohn was arrested in Texas in March a
  
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• Trump threatens more tariffs on China as global markets plunge

  07-04-2025 13:16 via wbrz.com
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump threatened additional tariffs on China on Monday, raising fresh concerns that his drive to rebalance the global economy could lead to a trade war.Trump’s threat, which he delivered on social media, came after China said it would retaliate against U.S. tariffs announced last week.“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impos
  
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• Woman accused of killing 22-year-old, injuring three others in Plank Road hit-and-run arrested

  07-04-2025 13:00 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A woman accused of killing one woman and severely injuring another in a hit-and-run crash along Plank Road is now in police custody.Taquencya Harris, 34, was arrested Monday for allegedly killing 22-year-old LaDerica Stewart and injuring Stewart's cousin Di'Arbonee Smith in a hit-and-run that happened along Plank Road early March 30. Two other people were hurt in the crash.According to an affidavit, an SUV was driving 12 mph over the speed limit along Plank Road when she
  
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• Police identify victim of reported shooting Sunday night

  07-04-2025 12:25 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Police responded to a fatal shooting that happened Sunday evening. The Baton Rouge Police Department was called to a home on Geronimo Street on Sunday shortly before 7 p.m.. When officers arrived, they found a man, 40-year-old Kelvin Dale Evans, dead in his home with multiple gunshot wounds. Some of Evans' friends went to his home to do a wellness check when his friends found him dead. The BRPD said the investigation into the shooting is ongoing and that
  
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• Swollen rivers flood towns in US South after dayslong deluge of rain

  07-04-2025 09:59 via wbrz.com
  
  FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Days of unrelenting heavy rain and storms that killed at least 18 people worsened flooding as some rivers rose to near-record levels and inundated towns across an already saturated U.S. South and parts of the Midwest.Cities ordered evacuations and rescue crews in inflatable boats checked on residents in Kentucky and Tennessee, while utilities shut off power and gas in a region stretching from Texas to Ohio.You can find the latest local weather forecast from your
  
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• Local author channels grief through her book, 'Blackbird'

  07-04-2025 09:44 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - An author who grew up in the capital city decided to channel her grief by writing a book. Betsy Stephenson lost her son, her mother-in-law and her dog within a six-week period. To cope with her grief, she wrote a book exploring her feelings and hoping to help others experiencing a difficult time. Stephenson's book Blackbird is available anywhere books are sold or online. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Monday marks one month from the deadline to get a Real ID for domestic flights

  07-04-2025 09:12 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Monday, Apr. 7 marks one month from the deadline for citizens to acquire a REAL ID, a new standardization of identification through the federal government. REAL IDs will be required to board planes on domestic and international flights - state driver's licenses will no longer be enough past May 7, 2025. The REAL ID Act was passed in Congress in 2005 as a recommendation for the standardization of ID issuance. For more information on REAL IDs and what they
  
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• Events scheduled all week long to beautify the capital city with Love the Boot Week

  07-04-2025 04:38 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's largest litter removal and beautification effort is officially underway after it began on Saturday.Parishes around the state are hosting their own clean-up events until Apr. 13.2une In's Abigail Whitam is joining Jennifer Richardson with Keep Tiger Town Beautiful this morning.KTTB schedule:April 7 - Hi Nabor; 9620 Florida BlvdApril 8 - Walmart; 3132 College DriveApril 9 - Allied Systems; 11680 S Harrells FerryApril 10  - Ivar's; 2954 Perkins RoadApril 11 - Sur
  
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• PHOTOS: Crews put out house fire in Addis

  06-04-2025 21:26 via wbrz.com
  
  ADDIS - Firefighters put out a house fire along Gladys Drive in Addis on Sunday night. West Baton Rouge Fire Chief Butch Browning said that all of the occupants of the home were safe and there were no injuries to firefighters. Investigators are still working to determine what sparked the fire. Permalink| Comments
  
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• BRPD places second in State Police Crisis Negotiation Competition

  06-04-2025 21:13 via wbrz.com
  
  ALEXANDRIA - Louisiana State Police hosted their inaugural Crisis Negotiation Competition on Friday and the Baton Rouge Police Department's team earned second place. The competition was held in Camp Beauregard in Pineville. Teams had to use their negotiation skills in real-world scenarios during the six-hour contest. Organizers said there were no breaks during the simulation to make it as close to real life as possible. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office walked away with th
  
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• Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's holding free Easter photo sessions

  06-04-2025 20:40 via wbrz.com
  
  DENHAM SPRINGS - Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's is offering a free photo with the Easter Bunny through the holiday season. Families will receive one free photo and an Easter egg with a prize inside. The photo sessions are available during the following times: Saturday, April 5: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  Sunday, April 6: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  Saturday, April 12: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  Sunday, April 13: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  Monday, April 14 – Thur
  
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• Professional pickleball tour gives amateurs chance to play with the pros

  06-04-2025 20:24 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The Professional Pickleball Association made a stop in Baton Rouge on Sunday as a part of their Challenger Series tour. The tour aims to grow the sport of pickleball, encouraging participation from amateur players and nurturing emerging talent. Organizers say the tour gives amateurs chance to play with the pros.For more information, click here. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Autism awareness group hosts 'Ball 4 A Cause' fundraiser

  06-04-2025 20:14 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - An Autism awareness group held a basketball tournament on Sunday to raise money for an inclusive basketball camp for children who have Autism. Nonprofit Steppin' 4 Autism hosted the event. Organizer Deon Farr said it's one of the ways her organization gives back to the community."Any kid with autism can attend a free basketball camp. We're giving away free basketballs to each kid in attendance. We have free lunch," she said. For more information about the program
  
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• 2025 Rock the Country attendees give thoughts on their experience

  06-04-2025 18:33 via wbrz.com
  
  LIVINGSTON - The Rock the Country festival returned to the capital region this weekend, albeit in a different parish.In 2024, the festival was held at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. This year, the event was hosted in Livingston at the parish fairgrounds. Sunday morning after the festival wrapped up, the last of the attendees were leaving the party.Because of rain in the capital region late Saturday and early Sunday, getting the RVs out was a muddy endeavor. Star and Angie Raffield bro
  
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• 'Everything from scratch:' Owner of Iverstine Butcher talks about upcoming feature on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

  06-04-2025 18:24 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - From coast to coast, Guy Fieri has been highlighting some of the best local eats on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, and a family-run butcher shop in the capital area caught the attention of Flavortown's mayor.Guy and his Triple D crew stopped into a few local eateries, including Iverstine Butcher."One of the diners that was here for the shooting heard him say, 'Man, I'm stuffed.' So you know it's somebody who eats a lot of food. If they're going back for second and third bites you're
  
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• TEAM 2 TRAFFIC: Southbound lanes of I-110 blocked at North 22nd Street exit

  06-04-2025 17:28 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Traffic in the southbound lanes of Interstate 110 is blocked at North 22nd Street, leaving congestion past the Chippewa exit. Drivers are encouraged to get off the interstate before the North 22nd exit due to the shutdown. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Fatal crash shuts down Interstate 110 on Sunday

  06-04-2025 17:28 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - One person died in a wreck along Southbound Interstate 110 on Sunday. The Baton Rouge Police Department said a vehicle went off the roadway around 4:30 p.m. and traffic homicide detectives were called out. Traffic in the area was restricted until a tow truck could pull the vehicle out. That process was finished around 6:45 p.m. and the road was reopened. The identity of the person who died has not been released.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Coroner identifies victim of fatal crash that shut down I-110

  06-04-2025 17:28 via wbrz.com
  BATON ROUGE - The parish coroner's office identified the man who died in a wreck on Interstate 110 on Sunday. The Baton Rouge Police Department said a vehicle went off the roadway around 4:30 p.m. and traffic homicide detectives were called out. The driver, 28-year-old Gemico Ruffin, died on the scene. Traffic in the area was restricted until a tow truck could pull the vehicle out. That process was finished around 6:45 p.m. and the road was reopened. Permalin
  
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• Man jailed in California after allegedly killing parents in Amite facing new charges on West Coast

  06-04-2025 17:22 via wbrz.com
  
  LOS ANGELES - A man who was taken into custody in Los Angeles after his parents were found dead at their Tangipahoa Parish home is facing additional charges in California.The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office said that 34-year-old Joshua Brocato was arrested in Marina Del Rey, Calif., Friday, April 4 in the Louisiana murder but is now facing gun charges.WBRZ previously reported that Brocato is accused of murdering his parents, Marc and Priscilla Brocato.  Deputies said Priscilla's bod
  
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• Residents of Iberville Parish gathered for the 15th annual Swamp Life Expo on Saturday

  06-04-2025 14:44 via wbrz.com
  
  GROSSE TETE — Residents gathered for the 15th annual Iberville Parish Swamp Life Expo Saturday to celebrate their heritage and history.The event was free and allowed the community to explore the traditions and heritage of Iberville Parish while highlighting the Atchafalaya River and Basin. Attendees enjoyed a day filled with food, music and interactive activities from hand-carved wooden paddles to canoes and painting. "Everything out here is free. That's the other im
  
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• Residents of Iberville Parish gathered for the 15th annual Swamp Fest on Saturday

  06-04-2025 14:44 via wbrz.com
  
  GROSSE TETE — Residents gathered for the 15th annual Iberville Parish Swamp Life Expo Saturday to celebrate their heritage and history.The event was free and allowed the community to explore the traditions and heritage of Iberville Parish while highlighting the Atchafalaya River and Basin. Attendees enjoyed a day filled with food, music and interactive activities from hand-carved wooden paddles to canoes and painting. "Everything out here is free. That's the other im
  
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• Second child died from measles-related causes in West Texas, where cases are nearing 500

  06-04-2025 14:23 via wbrz.com
  
  LUBBOCK — A second unvaccinated school-aged child in West Texas died from a measles-related illness, a hospital spokesman confirmed Sunday, as the outbreak continues to swell.Aaron Davis, a spokesperson for UMC Health System in Lubbock, Texas, said that the child was “receiving treatment for complications of measles while hospitalized” and did not have underlying health conditions. The hospital declined to say which day the child died.Neither the U.S. Centers for D
  
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• Baton Rouge man accused of armed robbery, selling stolen car on Facebook arrested

  06-04-2025 14:12 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A Baton Rouge man was arrested after he allegedly robbed an acquaintance at gunpoint and later sold the stolen vehicle on Facebook Marketplace, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department.Detectives say Darius Gaines, 24, and the victim were together in a hotel room at Extended Stay America on Corporate Boulevard when Gaines allegedly pulled out a gun and took the victim's car keys and cell phone. Gaines left the scene driving the victim's vehicle and never r
  
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• Tangipahoa road work could cause delays in the upcoming days

  06-04-2025 13:47 via wbrz.com
  
  HAMMOND — The Phase 2025 overlay program will be working on multiple road construction projects that could cause delays during the week of April 7.From patching operations to asphalt paving, Barriere Construction is continuing to progress on multiple operations on the spring overlay program. Crews are scheduled to work in many different areas, and motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes. The following areas will be affected if weather permits:Permalink| Com
  
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• Would a cashless festival in Baton Rouge work? Blues Fest attendees say they don't mind

  06-04-2025 13:11 via wbrz.com
  BATON ROUGE - After the historic French Quarter Fest in New Orleans went completely cashless this year, WBRZ asked attendees at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival if they would mind leaving the green at home. "I think that's an awesome way to keep account of yourself. I've had experience in the past with other big festivals in New Orleans that has gone cashless and it works well," vendor Keisha Deverney said."So many people don't carry cash anymore, so I think it's just going to make it ea
  
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• Large fire burns through roof of Central home

  06-04-2025 12:51 via wbrz.com
  
  CENTRAL — Firefighters worked a large fire that burned through the roof of a home in Central early Sunday morning. The fire began around 3:30 a.m. at a home on Virgil Jackson Ave., according to the Central Fire Department.When crews arrived, the fire had already burned through the roof and smoke and flames were coming from the back side of the house.The flames were quickly brought under control by the fire department. No injuries were reported, and no one was at home
  
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• Pope makes surprise appearance at St. Peters Square, 2 weeks after leaving hospital

  06-04-2025 09:55 via wbrz.com
  
  VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis made a surprise entrance to St. Peter’s Square during a special Jubilee Mass for the sick and health workers on Sunday, marking his first public appearance at the Vatican since leaving t he hospital two weeks ago after a life-threatening bout with pneumonia.The pontiff waved at the crowd of faithful that stood and applauded as he was pushed in a wheelchair unannounced to the front of the altar in the square. Some exclaimed, "I see the pope!''
  
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• Left lane closed on I-12 eastbound due to flipped car

  06-04-2025 09:51 via wbrz.com
  
  ALBANY — The left lane of I-12 eastbound near the Holden exit is blocked due to a flipped vehicle.Officials say congestion is minimal. It is unknown at this time if there are any injuries.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Left lane back open on I-12 eastbound after car flipped

  06-04-2025 09:51 via wbrz.com
  
  ALBANY — The left lane of I-12 eastbound near the Holden exit is back open after a vehicle flipped early Sunday morning. It is unknown at this time if there were any injuries.Permalink| Comments
  
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