Louisiana news

• Deputies recover 4-year-old's body from water behind Vinton Welcome Center; mother arrested

  09-07-2024 13:12 via wbrz.com
  
  VINTON — Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's deputies recovered the body of a 4-year-old in the water behind a welcome center on I-10 near the Texas border and arrested the boy's mother for failing to report the missing child, KATC reports.Deputies say someone found the body floating in the water behind the Vinton Welcome Center around 3:00 p.m. on Monday. CPSO's Marine Division was able to recover the body. After this, his body was brought to Beaumont for an autopsy, Sheriff Stitch Guillory s
  
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• Teacher unions in EBR cancel planned sickout after superintendent decision

  26-07-2024 07:25 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Two teachers unions that were planning a sickout on the first day of school to protest Adam Smith's removal from the superintendent ballot have canceled those plans. The sickout was initially planned as a way to push for interim superintendent Adam Smith to be properly appointed to the position and as a method of protest after his name was pulled from the ballot. However, after Metro Council member LaMont Cole was unanimously selected to serve as the new superint
  
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• Two arrested after person shot, robbed during sale in Port Allen

  25-07-2024 20:25 via wbrz.com
  
  PORT ALLEN - Two people were arrested after a person was shot and robbed during an attempt to sell an item, according to the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office.Deputies say the shooting took place Tuesday, July 23 in the Rebelle Lane area of Port Allen. The victim, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, reported that he had attempted to sell an item through an online marketplace when the suspect brandished a handgun, robbed him, and shot him in the leg.Police learned that the suspect
  
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• Three officers injured, one officer killed in Jeanerette standoff

  25-07-2024 18:09 via wbrz.com
  
  JEANERETTE - One Lafayette Police officer died and three were injured after a standoff in Jeanerette, according to the Lafayette Police Department.The shooting took place on Hubertville Road near Martin Luther King Drive in Jeanerette. According to KATC, at around 9:00 a.m., officials received information that a person, who is now identified as 31-year-old Nyjal Hurst, was inside of a residence located in the 2500 Block of Martin Luther King Drive.Two individuals came out of the residence and c
  
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• REPORT: Three officers injured, one officer killed in Jeanerette standoff

  25-07-2024 18:09 via wbrz.com
  
  JEANERETTE - One Lafayette Police officer died and three were injured after a standoff in Jeanerette, according to KATC.The shooting took place on Hubertville Road near Martin Luther King Drive in Jeanerette. At around 9:00 a.m., officials received information that a person, who is now identified as 31-year-old Nyjal Hurst, was inside of a residence located in the 2500 Block of Martin Luther King Drive.Two individuals came out of the residence and confirmed that Hurst was inside. Hurst then bar
  
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• Louisiana State Police investigating officer-involved shooting in Jeanerette

  25-07-2024 18:09 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana State Police detectives are investigating an officer-involved shooting involving multiple law enforcement agencies.The shooting took place on Hubertville Road near Martin Luther King Drive in Jeanerette.Investigators are working to gather information, and the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab is responding to process the scene. This is an active investigation; additional information will be released when it becomes available.Permalink| Comments
  
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• One transported in critical condition after shooting off Hollywood Street

  25-07-2024 17:43 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Officials are responding to a shooting off Hollywood Street Thursday.One patient was transported in critical condition, according to officials.No other information is available at this time.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Iberville Parish officials, school system hears public concerns about transportation ahead of school year

  25-07-2024 17:17 via wbrz.com
  
  GROSSE TETE - The Iberville Parish Government and school system are hosting a community meeting Thursday evening to hear public concerns about transportation ahead of the start of school on Aug. 8. Parish President, Chris Daigle, says despite the closure of the main Grosse Tete bridge complicating the route to school for students, the school system is well-prepared for the first day back. "We're putting additional staff in place to make sure that the kids are safe. This new ve
  
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• Thursday's Health Report: Infectious disease experts provide answers to questions about bird flu

  25-07-2024 17:12 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — There have been a lot of recent reports about bird flu, raising a lot of questions about its impact on humans.“Right now there is a low risk, because it is seen mainly seen in birds, but there's been rare cases, so we need to remain vigilant. there is no documented human-to-human transmission at this point, so it is in the community but still at a lower risk,” infectious disease doctor Lysette Cardona said.While rare, bird flu is contracted when a per
  
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• One critically injured after shooting on Gus Young Avenue and North 35th Street

  25-07-2024 16:46 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - One person was transported after a shooting on Gus Young Avenue and North 35th Street Thursday, according to officials.The person being transported is critically injured.No other information is available at this time.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Capital region is hosting a variety of back to school supply drives; click to see where you can donate

  25-07-2024 16:10 via wbrz.com
  
  If you missed WBRZ's Stuff the Bus event and still have school supplies to donate, there are plenty of opportunities across the capital region to help students prepare for school!Here are events across the capital region's parishes:Ascension Parish
  CareSouth Back to School Drive Thru
  July 26 (10 a.m.- 1 p.m.); CareSouth Medical and Dental (904 Catalpa St.), DonaldsonvilleThis event will be hosted in three different locations of which school supplies will be given through the drive thru to help
  
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• Amateur beekeeper studies, collects bees in hopes of starting research study at his university

  25-07-2024 15:55 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — An amateur beekeeper from Baton Rouge is collecting and studying bees in hopes of starting a research study at his university.Gabriel Marable began studying and researching bees in December. It was after this that he proposed bee research to administrators at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, which was approved in February.He said there were a few setbacks along the way. but he collected bees and started an independent study over the summer.Marable said he
  
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• Port Allen man arrested on 450 counts of child pornography, bond set for $1 million

  25-07-2024 15:51 via wbrz.com
  
  PORT ALLEN - A Port Allen man was arrested Friday on 450 counts of child pornography, according to the West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office.Calvin Collins, 37, was apprehended on an active warrant obtained by the Louisiana Office of the Attorney General Cyber Crime Unit.Collins' bond is set at $1 million.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Gregory Taylor, an Independent running for EBR Mayor-President, drops out of race; leaves 8 candidates

  25-07-2024 15:49 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Gregory Taylor, who was running as an independent for East Baton Rouge Parish mayor-president, dropped out of the race Thursday, leaving eight candidates in the running for parish leadership.Taylor, a heavy equipment mechanic with dual citizenship in the U.S. and Canada, qualified for the mayor-president's race on July 18.Taylor's withdrawal from the race leaves seven candidates challenging current Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. They are Republican Tambra "Tammy"
  
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• Trashed house boarded up, homeowner's family steps in following 2 On Your Side reports

  25-07-2024 15:43 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - This month, 2 On Your Side has been following a story about a house that's been trashed and is attracting the homeless.Monday morning, neighbors reported to Brittany Weiss that the property was being boarded up and cleaned of debris.The house is in a neighborhood off of Bluebonnet Boulevard near I-10. The property owner, Austin Duszynski, appeared before Blight Court Thursday to answer to a judge about junk, trash, and debris violations.In a surprise twist, Duszynski's mother was
  
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• More victims found after Denham Springs man arrested for child porn, received additional charges

  25-07-2024 15:23 via wbrz.com
  
  DENHAM SPRINGS - Deputies uncovered new information on a man arrested back in December 2023 for possession of child pornography, leading to more charges.Damien Gilpin, who was arrested back in December 2023 and received more charges in May from the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office, was booked with additional charges Thursday after more victims were found.Gilpin received ten counts of possession of pornography involving a juvenile, one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile and computer ai
  
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• Pro Wrestling 225 slides into Denham Springs with Bases Loaded Event on Saturday

  25-07-2024 14:54 via wbrz.com
  
  DENHAM SPRINGS - On Saturday, Pro Wrestling 225 brings “Bases Loaded” to the LM Lockhart Gym.The pro wrestling event features three high-stakes championship matches and the clash of two brothers in a brutal bull rope match.In addition to providing premier wrestling entertainment, the “Bases Loaded” event will serve as a fundraiser for the Ripzz Baseball Academy, supporting local youth baseball players.Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by
  
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• Pro Wrestling 225 Slides Into Denham Springs with Bases Loaded Event July 27

  25-07-2024 14:54 via wbrz.com
  
  Denham Springs - This Saturday, July 27th 2024, Pro Wrestling 225 brings “Bases Loaded” to the LM Lockhart Gym. The pro wrestling event features three high-stakes championship matches and the clash of two brothers in a brutal bullrope match.In addition to providing premier wrestling entertainment, the “Bases Loaded” event will serve as a fundraiser for the Ripzz Baseball Academy, supporting local youth baseball players.Tickets can be purchased at the door
  
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• Iberville, Ascension parishes and Zachary School District teachers finalists for New Teacher of the Year

  25-07-2024 14:35 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Teachers from Iberville Parish, Ascension Parish and the Zachary Community School District are amongst the finalists for Louisiana's New Teacher of the Year.Ashlie Duplessis, an English teacher at Bluff Ridge Primary, Olivia Landry, a social studies teacher at MSA West Academy and Baxton Michel, a math teacher at Zachary High School, all finished as finalists for the Louisiana New Teacher of the Year award.The winner will be named this Saturday. Here's the full list of names provi
  
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• Inmate at Tangipahoa Parish Jail dies after experiencing possible medical emergency

  25-07-2024 14:05 via wbrz.com
  
  AMITE - Investigators are looking into the cause of death of an inmate at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail Thursday morning. Inmate Christopher Woodard, 47, reported not feeling well shortly before 6 a.m. Thursday. Before he could be transferred to the medical wing, deputies with the parish sheriff's office said he became unresponsive. Woodard was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. The cause of Woodard's death was not immediately clear. He had been in
  
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• Louisiana legislative leaders opt against special session to tackle tax reform

  25-07-2024 14:04 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana lawmakers will not return to Baton Rouge for a special session to address tax reform this year, legislattive leaders said Thursday.Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier said in a joint statement that the issues were too complex to be addressed now and that lawmakers will meet with interested parties and the public to narrow the list of topics to be addressed.“Since adjourning in June, talks have continued with Revenue Secr
  
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• Three arrested for allegedly conspiring to kill Southern student after body was found in Mississippi

  25-07-2024 14:02 via wbrz.com
  
  ST. FRANCISVILLE — West Feliciana Parish deputies said Thursday that they arrested three suspects for allegedly conspiring to kill a former Southern University sophomore whose body was found shot in a body of water in western Mississippi.Derek Terrell Hollins Jr., 21, Calajia Jack, 20, and Allyah Martin, 21, were all arrested on conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Hollins was also charged with the possession of a machine gun, deputies said. They are also under investigation in W
  
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• Ex-girlfriend, two others arrested for conspiracy to kill Southern student found shot dead in Mississippi

  25-07-2024 14:02 via wbrz.com
  
  ST. FRANCISVILLE — Steven Harris, a former Southern University sophomore who was found shot dead in western Mississippi, was allegedly killed by his ex-girlfriend and two others, the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff said Thursday when deputies arrested three suspects for conspiring to kill him.Derek Terrell Hollins Jr., 21, Calajia Jack, 20, and Allyah Martin, 21, were all arrested on conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Hollins was also charged with the possession of a machine gun,
  
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• LDWF investigating fatal boating crash in St. Mary Parish that left one man dead

  25-07-2024 13:41 via wbrz.com
  
  BAYOU CHENE — Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents are leading the investigating of a boating accident in St. Mary Parish that left one dead.The body of Bayou L'Ourse man Jimmy Ruff Sr., 62, was turned over to the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office after he was involved in a fatal boating incident on Bayou Chene, LDWF said.Agents received a call around 4 a.m. on July 23 about the incident. The operator of the vessel told agents that he and Ruff were returning
  
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• Gonzales one of ten areas in Louisiana to receive community development grant

  25-07-2024 13:02 via wbrz.com
  
  GONZALES - The city of Gonzales is one of ten recipients of a $10,000 grant from the center for Louisiana Economic Development. The community will use the money to update its municipal website and develop new marketing materials. “The City of Gonzales is delighted to be selected for this award from Louisiana Economic Development," said Mayor Ryland Percy. "We have already seen great benefits for following the Development Ready Community process with the assistance of
  
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• West Feliciana investigators share how they made made three arrests in the death of Southern student

  25-07-2024 12:10 via wbrz.com
  
  WEST FELICIANA - Deputies in West Feliciana arrested three suspects Thursday in connection to the disappearance and death of Southern University student Steven Harris. Harris was reported missing on July 17 by his parents.The three people in custody are being charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Their names are Derek Terrell Hollins Jr., Allyah Martin, and Calajia Jack. Martin is Harris’ ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child.Earlier this week Steven Harris&rs
  
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• Woman arrested, son wanted for alleged misappropriation of funds, fraud at Ponchatoula cemetery

  25-07-2024 12:00 via wbrz.com
  
  PONCHATOULA — A Ponchatoula woman was arrested after Tangipahoa Parish deputies investigated financial discrepancies and unauthorized check signings associated with managing a local cemetery. Deputies are still searching for her son, who also allegedly participated in the crimes.Carla Wittie, 62, was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on 13 counts of principal to forgery. Her son, Christopher Wittie, 35, has a warrant for the same 13 counts and warrants for other unrelated charges
  
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• Appointments still available for SGFD car seat check-up

  25-07-2024 09:24 via wbrz.com
  
  ST. GEORGE - There are still appointments available for car seat education and installation from the St. George Fire Department. Friday, the fire department is hosting appointments from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to have car seats installed and to provide education on their proper use. If you can't make it Friday or if you see car seats in your future in the next few months, SGFD will also have appointments available in September and October. You can register for an appointment
  
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• Woman arrested for distributing meth amid parish-wide narcotics investigation

  25-07-2024 09:13 via wbrz.com
  
  BAYOU L'OURSE - A woman was arrested Monday amid a parish-wide narcotics investigation after allegedly dealing meth around Assumption. The Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office arrested Madison Cobb, 20, on Monday after obtaining an arrest warrant alleging she was distributing methamphetamine. Cobb was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center for the distribution charges on a $12,500 bond. The sheriff's office did not provide further details regarding the parish-wide in
  
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• School system hosts press conference Thursday morning to introduce new superintendent

  25-07-2024 07:52 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - After a tumultuous selection process, the East Baton Rouge School Board has finally chosen its new leader: Metro Council member LaMont Cole. For those unfamiliar with Cole and his work, the school board hosted a press conference Thursday morning to introduce the new superintendent and answer some questions about what comes next for the school system, as well as the now-vacant seat on the Metro Council itself. The full conference can be watched here. Perm
  
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