Louisiana news

• 230-year-old live oak in Watson split after Hurricane Francine

  12-09-2024 16:08 via wbrz.com
  
  WATSON - A tree older than 230 years old split after Hurricane Francine split in half after Hurricane Francine, according to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office.Images show the tree split in half and fallen to the ground by the homeowner.LPSO says the tree served as "the backdrop for many family gatherings, dance pictures and true Livingston Parish scenic beauty."Permalink| Comments
  
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• Airline Highway north between Coursey, Dawnadale closed due to accident; southbound left lane also closed

  08-11-2024 06:57 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Airline Highway northbound is closed between Coursey Boulevard and Dawnadale Avenue after an accident.The left lane is also blocked going south, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development said.Northbound traffic on Airline is being diverted at Coursey. Emergency vehicles are on the scene blocking traffic. Expect major delays.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Trump makes history by naming campaign manager as first woman to serve as White House chief of staff

  08-11-2024 05:33 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — With her selection as President-elect Donald Trump‘s incoming White House chief of staff, veteran Florida political strategist Susie Wiles moves from a largely behind-the-scenes role of campaign co-chair to the high-profile position of the president’s closest adviser and counsel.She’s been in political circles for years. But who is Wiles, the operative set to be the first woman to step into the powerful role of White House chief of staff
  
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• Racist texts referencing slavery raise alarms in Louisiana, other states, prompt investigations

  08-11-2024 05:05 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Racist text messages invoking slavery raised alarm across the country this week after they were sent to Black men, women and students, including middle schoolers, prompting inquiries by the FBI and other agencies.The messages, sent anonymously, were reported in several states, including New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. They generally used a similar tone but varied in wording. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said her office has a
  
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• Towing company taking advantage on game days in Baton Rouge

  07-11-2024 21:16 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Several towing companies around the Baton Rouge area make a lot of money, but one has a reputation for keeping busy on game day weekends.Watch the full story here.Permalink| Comments
  
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• One Tank Trips: Global Wildlife Center

  07-11-2024 20:08 via wbrz.com
  
  FOLSOM - Did you know there's an authentic safari experience waiting for you, just an hour outside of the capital area? At Global Wildlife Center (GWC), you can get up close and personal with zebras, giraffes, and so much more!With over 2,000 animals of more than 30 different species, it's an adventure beyond your wildest dreams. These animals are free-roaming on a plot of 900 acres; interacting with each other just as they would in their homelands. “We have endangered animal
  
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• Check out these Veterans Day 2024 celebrations in, near Baton Rouge

  07-11-2024 18:47 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE—Veterans Day is Monday, Nov. 11, and there are many events to honor veterans in or around the Baton Rouge area.Check out some of the events and times below.Friday, Nov. 8
  - Veterans Day Breakfast hosted by Mayor-President Sharon Weston-Broome from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Independence Park Library (7711 Goodwood Boulevard, Baton Rouge). According to the event's website seating is limited so registration is required for all attendees.
  - Drum, Drum Girl! Drum! A BRCVPA first
  
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• St. Helena Fire District Four not operational after insurance policy runs out

  07-11-2024 18:33 via wbrz.com
  
  ST. HELENA PARISH - On Tuesday, signs went up at all three St. Helena Parish Fire District Four stations, letting people know the department was no longer taking calls for service. Fire officials said the department actually stopped taking calls on Oct. 23 when the insurance policy ran out.“Seeing these signs, it makes me sick to my stomach. Not being able to… hearing the tone go off and hearing them having to page another district… is nauseating,” St.
  
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• Political analyst gives input after Edwards gets more votes than Broome, James in EBR race

  07-11-2024 18:18 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE -- The race for East Baton Rouge Mayor-President is headed for a runoff between incumbent Sharon Weston-Broome and Republican challenger Sid Edwards. Political analysts were surprised when Edwards received more votes than Broome or Democratic challenger Ted James. Just six percentage points separated the three, with Edwards getting 34 percent of the vote, Broome getting 31, and James having 28 percent. "It was a bit of a surprise that Coach Edwards polled as well a
  
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• Neighbors concerned after arson fire at abandoned house on Brady Street

  07-11-2024 17:09 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — An early morning fire at an abandoned home on Brady Street off North Acadian Thruway is being investigated as arson, leaving residents worried about ongoing safety concerns.Neighbor Kenyatta Drake said she believes a homeless person might have broken into the house, and started the fire.“I really truly would say that they probably did set something on fire in there and didn’t even know that they left something on or something,” said Drake.Sh
  
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• Argentine prosecutors charge 3 people linked to the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne

  07-11-2024 17:09 via wbrz.com
  
  BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Three people have been charged in connection with the death of Liam Payne, a former member of musical group One Direction who died after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires last month, Argentine prosecutors said Thursday.Prosecutor Andrés Madrea charged the three suspects, whose identities were not revealed, with the crimes of “abandonment of a person followed by death” and “supplying and faci
  
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• BRPD: Armed robbery call leads to drug arrest of convicted felon

  07-11-2024 16:58 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Police Department announced a drug arrest that resulted from an armed robbery call Tuesday.According to police, Steven McGee, 34, was arrested for manufacturing and distributing both schedule one and schedule two drugs alongside illegal carrying of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance.BRPD uniformed officers confiscated 383 grams of marijuana, 240 fentanyl pills and a handgun. McGee is a convicted felon.Image credit to BRPD.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Fire officials investigating fire at Hammond Big Lots

  07-11-2024 16:14 via wbrz.com
  
  HAMMOND - Fire officials are investigating a commercial fire that took place inside a Hammond Big Lots Thursday afternoon.Officials say the fire took place in one of the isles of the store on West Thomas Street. It was extinguished and no injuries were reported.The fire is under investigation by the Hammond Fire Department and State Fire Marshals Office.Image provided by Hammond Fire Department.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Independence man arrested for 20 counts of child pornography

  07-11-2024 15:55 via wbrz.com
  
  INDEPENDENCE - A 23-year-old man was arrested for child pornography, according to the attorney general's Cyber Crime Unit.Michael L. Strahan was arrested for 20 counts of child pornography.Strahan was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center. His bond information is unknown at this time.The investigation is ongoing.Image provided by Cyber Crime Unit.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Ambulance involved in multi-vehicle crash at Lovett Road and Joor Road

  07-11-2024 15:28 via wbrz.com
  
  CENTRAL - An ambulance was a part of a multi-vehicle crash at Lovett Road and Joor Road Thursday afternoon, officials confirmed.One person was transported as a result of the crash.Drivers in the area should expect delays. No other information is available.Permalink| Comments
  
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• TPSO: Help needed in locating suspects in multiple burglaries at mini storage unit

  07-11-2024 14:35 via wbrz.com
  
  HAMMOND - Deputies are seeking help in identifying suspects involved in several burglaries at a Mini Storage.The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office says suspects cut locks at the Tycer Mini Storage on Sept. 14 and Oct. 17 and stole thousands of dollars of items.Detectives have identified an older model Blue Chevrolet Tahoe with a white decal on the back window as the suspect vehicle. It was captured on surveillance pictures, attached below, with at least three suspects visible inside.Anyone wit
  
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• Fed cuts key interest rate again in response to steady decline in inflation

  07-11-2024 13:54 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate Thursday by a quarter-point in response to the steady decline in the once-high inflation that had angered Americans and helped drive Donald Trump’s presidential election victory this week.The rate cut follows a larger half-point reduction in September, and it reflects the Fed’s renewed focus on supporting the job market as well as fighting inflation, which now barely exceeds the central bank’s 2%
  
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• LDH hosting event training people in opioid overdose treatment, Narcan in Hammond

  07-11-2024 13:48 via wbrz.com
  
  HAMMOND — An event training people in how to spot and respond to an opioid overdose with Narcan that is being hosted by the Louisiana Department of Health is coming up in Hammond.The "Grab & Go Narcan" event, which will be held on Nov. 12 at the Tangipahoa Parish Health Unit on West Club Deluxe Road, seeks to teach people how to use Narcan, a live-saving medicine that can reverse an overdose. The free event from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. does not require registration."Just stop by
  
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• Ponchatoula Police searching for man connected to convenience store theft

  07-11-2024 13:36 via wbrz.com
  
  PONCHATOULA — Police are searching for a man accused of stealing from a Ponchatoula convenience store.The man suspected of stealing from the store was seen on security footage from Oct. 30 and police are searching for him for questioning.Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Lee at (985) 386-6548.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Bomb scare in Hundred Oaks deemed false alarm after bomb squad finds Christmas lights in box

  07-11-2024 13:30 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A bomb scare at the corner of in the Hundred Oaks area was nothing to be concerned about after a bomb disposal officer found wired Christmas lights when investigating a mysterious container.Baton Rouge Police Cpl. Dustin McGinnis was called to the scene of the bomb scare on the corner of Park Blvd and Hundred Oaks on Wednesday. Police said that after putting on his bomb suit, McGinnis found the lights in a package on the back of a bike."BRPD officers go above and beyond
  
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• Baton Rouge rapper Boosie asks President-elect Trump to pardon him in ongoing gun trial

  07-11-2024 13:12 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Following Donald Trump's victory in Tuesday's election, Baton Rouge rapper Torence "Boosie" Hatch has asked the president-elect to pardon him in an active federal gun case.Hatch, also known as "Boosie BadAzz and Lil Boosie," was arrested in San Diego in June 2023 on a felon in possession of a firearm charge following a traffic stop. He was five miles away from the Phantom Lounge, where he was set to perform when police allegedly found two handguns in his car.Hatch's felo
  
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• LSU to bring live tiger into Tiger Stadium for Alabama game, report says

  07-11-2024 13:08 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Illuminator reported Thursday that a live tiger will attend the LSU-Alabama football game Saturday in Baton Rouge, but it won’t be its resident mascot, Mike VII.The report could not be immediately confirmed. State Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, a veterinarian; the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine; and the LSU public relations department did not return multiple calls throughout the day Thursday seeking details.State Sen. Bill Wheat, R-Ponchatoula,
  
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• Bengal tiger named Omar Bradley on way to Baton Rouge to attend LSU-Alabama game, owner's office says

  07-11-2024 13:08 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A Bengal tiger named Omar Bradley was on its way to Baton Rouge on Thursday for an appearance at this weekend's LSU-Alabama game, according to its owner's office in Florida.Omar Bradley is about 1.5 years old, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said. PETA opposes the tiger's appearance before 102,000 people Saturday night, saying that subjecting the animal to an extremely raucous crowd is cruel.The tiger belongs to Mitchel Kalmanson, who wasn't available Thu
  
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• Livvy Dunne, Paul Skenes joining College Football Gameday panel as guest pickers for LSU-Alabama game

  07-11-2024 13:03 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne and former LSU baseball player Paul Skenes will be the guest pickers on ESPN's College Football Gameday when it comes to Baton Rouge for the LSU-Alabama football game on Saturday, On3 Sports reports.Dunne and Skenes, who are dating, will join Nick Saban, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee on the show in LSU's Quad before the game. This is the first time LSU has hosted the show since the 2019 season.Skenes, who pitches for th
  
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• East Baton Rouge Parish unveils new mobile units to provide tools, resources to underserved communities

  07-11-2024 12:34 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — On Thursday at Hartley/Vey Park, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and the East Baton Rouge Parish Division of Human Development and Services unveiled new mobile units for the first time.The department will bring services right to communities through these units parish-wide to provide on-site access to a range of resources and programs.Services like assistance in paying rent or utilities, as well as Head Start registration, pro bono legal services and Employ BR assist
  
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• Southern University Ag Week continues with produce giveaway

  07-11-2024 12:07 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Southern University's Ag Week continued Thursday with their produce giveaway.Students and volunteers handed out bags of fresh produce outside the Immaculate Conception Church near campus.The Ag Center works with farmers in the capitol area to provide for community members who may not have access to locally grown produce.Permalink| Comments
  
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• 19-year-old arrested for murder in fatal October shooting on Snipe Street

  07-11-2024 12:03 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — A teenager was arrested for the October murder of a man on Snipe Street.Deziron King, 19, was arrested for the fatal shooting of Ron Clark Jr., 28, that happened on Oct. 19. Police say that Clark died at the scene.King was booked Saturday into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for second-degree murder and the illegal use of a weapon. According to booking records, King lives in the same block of Snipe Street where the killing occurred.King has been arre
  
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• Storm Station meteorologist Balin Rogers among experts at Denham Springs Junior High STEAM Night

  07-11-2024 12:01 via wbrz.com
  
  DENHAM SPRINGS - Students at Denham Springs Junior High got the chance to hear from experts in science, tech and engineering as a part of their annual STEAM night.One of those experts participating was Storm Station Meteorologist Balin Rogers. This events allows parents and students to learn from people making a career in STEAM.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Livingston Parish trusty briefly escapes custody before deputies, police return him to parish jail

  07-11-2024 11:50 via wbrz.com
  
  LIVINGSTON — A Livingston Parish Detention Center trusty incarcerated on drug and theft charges briefly escaped deputies Thursday morning before being apprehended by deputies.Jason Easley, 26, will face more charges after he escaped custody for less than 15 minutes, Sheriff Jason Ard said.Ard said Easley made his way out of the parish jail when a gate opened. "When he took off running, he made it not even a quarter mile...before deputies and Livingston Police (were) able to c
  
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• Biden addresses nation in first appearance on camera following Trump's victory over Harris

  07-11-2024 11:36 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday addressed the nation in his first appearance on camera following Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris.He says he spoke with Donald Trump and assured him that he would direct his administration to ensure a “peaceful and orderly transition,” because that’s what the people deserve."In a democracy, the will of the people always prevails," Biden said. He added that the ele
  
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