05-08-2024 09:54 via wbrz.com
BATON ROUGE— A 99-year-old Holocaust survivor will travel to Baton Rouge next week to share his story. Next Thursday, Mr. Saul Dreir will speak at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center off Constitution Avenue. Rabbi Peretz Kazen joined 2une In's John Pastorek to talk about the event. Permalink| Comments
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One injured in shooting at Michigan Avenue in Port Allen
09-08-2024 18:58 via wbrz.com
PORT ALLEN - One person was injured in a shooting on Michigan Avenue Friday evening, according to the Port Allen Police Department.Police say the shooting took place at 4:48 p.m. An adult male was transported to the hospital with non-fatal injuries.The investigation is ongoing.Permalink| Comments
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Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions not civilly liable in Stanford Trust Ponzi scheme
09-08-2024 18:36 via wbrz.com
BATON ROUGE - A jury found the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions not civilly liable in the Stanford Trust Ponzi scheme in an 11-1 decision Friday.The jury did say that the OFI owed a duty to the plaintiffs, but did not engage in reckless conduct.Allen Stanford and the Stanford Trust Company operated a Ponzi scheme that bilked investors out of nearly a billion dollars; Stanford is serving a life sentence after the Security Exchange Commission caught on to Allen's antics and in 2009, US
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Jury finds Louisiana OFI not civilly liable in Stanford Trust Ponzi scheme
09-08-2024 18:36 via wbrz.com
BATON ROUGE - A jury found the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions not civilly liable in the Stanford Trust Ponzi scheme in an 11-1 decision Friday.The jury did say that the OFI owed a duty to the plaintiffs, but did not engage in reckless conduct.Allen Stanford and the Stanford Trust Company operated a Ponzi scheme that bilked investors out of nearly a billion dollars; Stanford is serving a life sentence after the Security Exchange Commission caught on to Allen's antics and in 2009, US
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LSU Wildlife Hospital releases seventh rehabilitated bald eagle this year; sets new record for hospital
09-08-2024 17:28 via wbrz.com
BATON ROUGE — A young bald eagle was sent back to the wild Friday morning thanks to the efforts of LSU's School of Veterinary Medicine's Wildlife Hospital.Hospital members and students of the school let the bird go back into the wild after two and a half months of rehabilitation."This was a juvenile eagle. This bird would've been born this past season so it's less than half a year old. And she was found down and basically very wet. They weren't sure where her nest was, but she was dow
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Masked 'Peeping Tom' in BR Garden District also possibly spotted in Spanish Town
09-08-2024 17:18 via wbrz.com
BATON ROUGE - A masked man caught looking into windows of homes on Rittiner Drive may have also been spotted by residents in Spanish Town.The alleged "Peeping Tom," who has yet to be identified by police, was seen lurking around homes in the Baton Rouge Garden District several times since the beginning of July. After a handful of home surveillance cameras recorded the suspect, one victim went to the police. "They are waiting for an opportunity to commit a crime," the victim told 2 On Y
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WBRZ Investigative Unit: See how the Supreme Court booted Eboni Johnson Rose from Baton Rouge bench
09-08-2024 17:08 via wbrz.com
NEW ORLEANS — A Baton Rouge judge was removed from the bench this week after members of the state Supreme Court reviewed stories by WBRZ and other media outlining numerous violations of various judicial guidelines, documents obtained by WBRZ on Friday show.Justices on Tuesday ordered the temporary suspension of 19th Judicial District Judge Eboni Johnson Rose, acting upon a request by the state Judiciary Commission. Former appellate court judge Mike McDonald was named Friday to sit in
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Questions raised after teen was found dead on the side of a street during a school day
09-08-2024 16:33 via wbrz.com
BATON ROUGE — A 14-year-old was found shot dead in a ditch on Dayton Street near Interstate 110, Thursday afternoon.Around 12:49 p.m., gunshots were reported in the area Thursday, officials said. The teenager's body was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was later identified as Travez Washington. A motive and suspect aren't known."It's always hard to tell who's involved in what, especially when it comes to these young juveniles or young people in general," Baton Rouge Police spoke
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$$$ Best Bets: USA! USA! USA! $$$
09-08-2024 16:15 via wbrz.com
Hunter McCann has this weekend's best bets for the Paris 2024 Olympics and the MLB! FridayMLB:Athletics @ Blue Jays: Blue Jays MLAstros @ Red Sox: Astros MLCubs @ White Sox: Cubs MLBraves @ Rockies: Braves -1.5Pirates @ Dodgers: Dodgers -1.5Tigers @ Giants: Giants -1.5SaturdayOlympics:Women's Soccer: Brazil vs. USA: USA Wins in 90 MinutesWomen's Volleyball: Brazil vs Turkey: Brazil -9.5 pointsMen's Basketball: France vs USA: USA -13.5MLB:Padres @ Marlins: Marlins +1.5Cardinals @ Royals
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Man arrested twice for violent sexual assault in two parishes had multiple restraining orders against him
09-08-2024 16:03 via wbrz.com
LIVINGSTON - An alleged serial rapist is behind bars in East Baton Rouge, and he faces more sexual assault accusations in Livingston Parish.After WBRZ reported on David Blake Coutee’s arrest in June, Livingston deputies say another victim came forward. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says there may be even more victims out there.The earliest reports on Coutee are from 2021 when he was arrested in Livingston on second-degree rape. At the time he was not charged with rape, but he pl
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Correctional sergeant, former prison employee both arrested for having sex with St. Gabriel prison inmates
09-08-2024 15:39 via wbrz.com
ST. GABRIEL — Two women, a correctional sergeant and a former state prison employee, were arrested for having sex with inmates at a St. Gabriel prison, arrest records show.Arraneisha Valentine and Ja'camry Davis, both 22, were each arrested for malfeasance in office, sexual conduct with a person in a correctional institution by the Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office.Davis was also arrested on three counts of smuggling contraband into a prison.Valentine was arrested on Wednesday. Accord
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LSU journalism students return from two-week study abroad trip covering Olympics in Paris
09-08-2024 15:05 via wbrz.com
BATON ROUGE — A group of LSU journalism students has returned from their time covering the Summer Olympics in Paris, hosting a welcome-back event at the Journalism Building on LSU’s campus on Friday.The students from the Manship School of Mass Communication were there as a part of a study abroad program being able to attend multiple story events and create written and video content.The students, who came from the school’s journalism, digital advertising, public rel
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West Baton Rouge School System employees get four percent raise
09-08-2024 14:53 via wbrz.com
PORT ALLEN - West Baton Rouge School System staff received a four percent raise to begin the school year, according to a statement from the superintendent.The raise had been approved by the WBR School Board during its June meeting. The pay raise amounts to which amounts to $2,000 to $2,500 per year for teachers and $1,000 to $1,500 for support staff.Additionally, school system employees will also receive a stipend this year approved by the Louisiana Legislature in the Spring 2024 session. Certi
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LSU Olympians: Sha'Carri Richardson, Team USA wins gold in the 100 meter relay
09-08-2024 14:46 via wbrz.com
PARIS — Sha’Carri Richardson won her second medal — this one gold — at the Paris Olympics, anchoring Team USA as they won the 4 x 100-meter relay final on Friday.The former LSU Tiger ran her leg of the relay in 10.09 seconds. Team USA clocked a season-best time of 41.78 seconds.Great Britain and Germany won silver and bronze, respectively. Richardson's gold medal brings the United States' medal count to 105, with 31 gold medals.On Saturday, Richa
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LSU Olympians: Sha'Carri Richardson, Team USA win gold in the 100-meter relay in Paris
09-08-2024 14:46 via wbrz.com
PARIS — Sha’Carri Richardson won her second medal—this one gold—at the Paris Olympics, anchoring Team USA as they won the women's 4 x 100-meter relay final on Friday.The former LSU Tiger ran her leg of the relay in 10.09 seconds. Team USA clocked a season-best time of 41.78 seconds.Great Britain and Germany won silver and bronze, respectively. Richardson's gold medal brings the United States' medal count to 105, with 31 gold medals.On Saturday, R
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Police arrest man accused of counterfeiting vehicle inspection stickers, dealing heroin and fentanyl
09-08-2024 14:28 via wbrz.com
HAMMOND — A Hammond man was arrested for dealing heroin, fentanyl and prescription pills, as well as possessing nearly 30 counterfeit vehicle inspection stickers, Hammond Police said.David "Chad" Blount, 39, was arrested and booked Wednesday for distribution of heroin and fentanyl charges, as well as multiple counts of possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I, II and III drugs. He was also booked for the counterfeiting of 27 inspection stickers and the illegal carrying of w
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Police seeking help in identifying dead pedestrian after single-vehicle crash in Bogalusa
09-08-2024 14:25 via wbrz.com
BOGALUSA - One person died in a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 21 in Washington Parish, according to Louisiana State Police.According to police, a pedestrian was walking in the southbound lane of LA Hwy 21 when a Buick struck the pedestrian. The pedestrian was pronounced dead on the scene, while the driver was uninjured.The pedestrian was unable to be identified, and thus the LSU Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (FACES) laboratory created images. Anyone who may
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Witness in ongoing investigation missing, believed to be endangered
09-08-2024 14:08 via wbrz.com
LAPLACE - Detectives are searching for a missing woman who is a witness in an ongoing investigation. Jovan Johnson, 40, is a witness in an ongoing investigation in St. John Parish. The investigation was scheduled to go to trial on Monday.Johnson was last seen leaving her workplace in LaPlace at 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday. She was wearing a pair of maroon nurse scrubs. Deputies with the parish sheriff's office believed Johnson may be in danger. Anyone with information reg
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President, First Lady to visit New Orleans next week
09-08-2024 13:29 via wbrz.com
NEW ORLEANS - President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are set to visit the Big Easy next week. A press release said the two would be in New Orleans for a Biden Cancer Moonshot event, a joint initiative between the two and the administration to further the efforts to cure and prevent cancer. The event will take place on Tuesday. Additional details were forthcoming, the press release said. Permalink| Comments
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Retired judge named temporary replacement for 19th JDC judge removed over 'serious harm to the public'
09-08-2024 13:17 via wbrz.com
BATON ROUGE — A retired judge has been appointed to temporarily take over former 19th Judicial District Judge Eboni Johnson Rose's seat following her removal from the bench for misconduct by the state Supreme Court, the 19th JDC said Friday.J. Michael McDonald will take over Rose's responsibilities as a judge in the 19th JDC starting Monday. He will sit on the bench through Sept. 30, a filing with the 19th JDC said.McDonald plans to visit the 19th JDC on Friday to review the docket th
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Snake hunters will wrangle invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades during Florida's 10-day challenge
09-08-2024 12:36 via wbrz.com
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Friday marked the start of the annual Florida Python Challenge, where hunters head into the Everglades to track down invasive Burmese pythons in hopes of grabbing a share of $30,000 in prizes.The annual 10-day hunt, which started more than a decade ago, promotes public awareness of issues with invasive species in Florida while engaging the public in Everglades conversation, said Sarah Funck, the wildlife impact management section leader with Florida Fish a
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Second suspect turns self in to detectives for 2022 murder
09-08-2024 09:48 via wbrz.com
BATON ROUGE - A second suspect turned himself in to police Wednesday for his reported involvement in the 2022 shooting death of a 66-year-old man. The original shooting happened in July 2022 and left 66-year-old Leslie Riley Jr. dead. One suspect in the shooting was arrested in December of 2023, but a second suspect, 20-year-old Bryce Collins, was arrested Wednesday after turning himself in. Collins was booked for first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree mur
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Two displaced after house fire Friday morning
09-08-2024 09:37 via wbrz.com
BATON ROUGE - Two people were displaced after a house fire that started Friday morning. The Baton Rouge Fire Department said the fire started at a house on Iroquois Street. Two people were inside when the fire started, but were not injured. Investigators were on scene to determine a cause. The Red Cross was called to assist the two displaced residents. Permalink| Comments
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Zachary's Really Hot Air Balloon fest happening this weekend
09-08-2024 09:25 via wbrz.com
ZACHARY - The second Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival is happening Saturday at BREC's Zachary Community Park."When I walked out here and saw the thousands of people I was amazed. The hard work they did, the committee, the Zachary farmers market group put together a good thing here. We got over 55 other vendors coming here also and a great band is coming out here tomorrow night. It's gonna be awesome," Zachary Mayor David McDavid said.Festivities kick off at 6 a.m. with a morning flight b
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Months-long DCFS investigation leads to arrest of two adults, two juveniles
09-08-2024 05:45 via wbrz.com
ZACHARY - Four arrests were made Tuesday at the culmination of a months-long investigation and multiple investigations through the Department of Children and Family Services. Zachary police arrested two adults and two juveniles Tuesday morning. Together, the four were booked for 28 criminal charges. Dekisha Gibson, 36, was arrested for eight counts of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, eight counts of indecent behavior with juveniles, and one count of carnal knowled
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GET 2 MOVING: Baton Rouge Physical Therapy
09-08-2024 05:39 via wbrz.com
GONZALES - Physical pain or limited mobility happens to the best of anyone. Whether it's an Olympian, someone who works out casually to stay fit, or even a grandparent wanting to go on a walk with their grandchildren, injuries and problems can happen to the body. Physical therapy is a great option to either circumvent injuries or provide relief from chronic pain due to overuse. Emma Goldman, a physical therapist at Baton Rouge Physical Therapy, says BRPT's goal is "j
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Suspect in custody hangs himself in Zachary Police holding cell
09-08-2024 04:05 via wbrz.com
ZACHARY - Zachary Police say a suspect died by suicide just hours after being arrested Thursday night. Zachary Police Chief Darryl Lawrence says the man had been arrested after a child came into the police department around 8 p.m., complaining the suspect and a woman were arguing in the parking lot outside. When officers went to investigate, the man ran away. After chasing him down, the suspect was escorted back to the station and placed in a holding cell.At some point before 10 p.m.,
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Suspect in custody found dead in holding cell
09-08-2024 04:05 via wbrz.com
ZACHARY - Officials say a suspect committed suicide just hours after being arrested Thursday night. Zachary Police Chief Darryl Lawrence says the man had been arrested after a child came into the police department at approximately 8 p.m., complaining the suspect and a woman were arguing in the parking lot outside. When officers went to investigate, the man ran away. After chasing him down, the suspect was escorted back to the station and placed in a holding cell.After securing the man,
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Attorney weighs on potential lawsuit on former deputy after no-warrant raid at Hammond home
08-08-2024 21:48 via wbrz.com
HAMMOND — The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff, Gerald Stickler, said Wednesday that he fired a deputy after seeing a video of a raid conducted at a local home without a search warrant.Randall Kelley had been placed on administrative leave, but following an investigation, Sticker fired him. Criminal charges could be filed against the former officer later.Video recorded from a home on Monday — and broadcast first by WBRZ — shows Kelley walking inside the house and then lat
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LPSO: 11 people arrested after seizing methamphetamine
08-08-2024 21:25 via wbrz.com
DENHAM SPRINGS - 11 people were arrested after police executed a search warrant on a residence and found drugs including methamphetamine, according to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office.LPSO says detectives came into contact with 13 individuals and six of them possessed active warrants for their arrest. Detectives also located various articles of drug paraphernalia on the individuals and information relating to a fugitive possibly hiding in the attic. Methamphetamine, marijuana & paraph
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