Ready to renew your US passport? You can now apply online - Baton Rouge news - NewsLocker (2024)

WASHINGTON (AP) — There’s an easier way to renew your passport — online.The State Department has opened a trial run allowing a limited number of people to apply for their updated travel documents with a few clicks. You can’t just start anytime — windows will open at midday Eastern time each day and then close once the system has reached its daily limit.The department says it’s taking it slow so it can monitor how the

Livingston officials close La. 441 south of I-12 at Holden after crash blocks roadway

HOLDEN — Livingston Parish officials say they have closed La. 441 south of Interstate 12 because of a traffic accident.In a Facebook post, the Livingston Parish Fire Protection No. 2 says a two-vehicle accident has blocked the roadway between I-12 and La. 42. Online traffic maps place the location about 1½ miles south of the interstate and about a mile north of La. 42. Permalink| Comments

INVESTIGATIVE UNIT: Madison Brooks rape case goes before Baton Rouge judge again. Tune to WBRZ now.

BATON ROUGE — A Baton Rouge judge ruled Tuesday that the state must turn over more evidence to a defense lawyer representing a man indicted in the rape of Madison Brooks, an LSU student struck by a car and killed along Burbank Drive in early 2023.Over the state's objections, Judge Gail Ray said lawyer Joseph Long was entitled to see more of the evidence gathered against Casen Carver, one of four men to leave a Tigerland bar with Brooks early on Jan. 15, 2023. Three men were accused of

INVESTIGATIVE UNIT: Madison Brooks rape case goes before Baton Rouge judge again

BATON ROUGE — A Baton Rouge judge ruled Tuesday that the state must turn over more evidence to a defense lawyer representing a man indicted in the rape of Madison Brooks, an LSU student struck by a car and killed along Burbank Drive in early 2023.Over the state's objections, Judge Gail Ray said lawyer Joseph Long was entitled to see more of the evidence gathered against Casen Carver, one of four men to leave a Tigerland bar with Brooks early on Jan. 15, 2023. Three men were accused of

Advertisem*nt

2-year-old from Central to have picture on Times Square jumbotron by Down Syndrome organization

CENTRAL — The National Down Syndrome Society will present five hundred photos of individuals with Down Syndrome on multiple jumbotrons in Times Square in September. One of those photos will be of a 2-year-old from Central.Cade Forbes has had a big smile on his face ever since he was born."Cade was born Sept. 9, 2021, he's almost three. We did not know he had Down syndrome while I was pregnant with him, we found out when he was born," his mother Casey said.When Cade was born, the Forbe

Emergency officials warn of heat-related illness ahead of Fourth of July holiday

BATON ROUGE - For the Fourth of July holiday, you'll catch families and friends at the pool, grilling and popping fireworks outside, but southeast Louisiana is hitting triple-digit temperatures and is in an excessive heat warning.Brad Harris with Baton Rouge EMS says to take precautions when being outside too long. "People don't necessarily pay attention to the heat when they're outside enjoying the company of others, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on everyone in your group," Harri

Fourth man arrested in May killing of Zachary High student

NEW ROADS — A fourth man was arrested Tuesday for the killing of a 16-year-old Zachary High School student in May, New Roads Police said.ZayQuin Joseph, 19, was arrested and charged with one count of second-degree murder. The Marksville man was booked into the Pointe Coupee Detention Center. On June 24, 21-year-old Michael Anderson of Baker, 22-year-old Brandon Bell and 19-year-old Dylan Bell of Ventress were also arrested for second-degree murder in the killing of Jonathan J

Tenant evicted after moving out, eviction preventing him from moving into new place

BATON ROUGE - One man was evicted after he moved out of his apartment and now months later the landlord is hitting him up for rent and late fees.The East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority tells 2 On Your Side that because Kentrell Valentine did not put in writing that he'd be moving out of his apartment, his apartment manager went ahead and filed an eviction after he had cleaned up and left.It's something that has cost Valentine his independence."I mopped and swept and cleaned everything out

Advertisem*nt

Police arrest man accused of attempted rape, robbery of Gonzales supermarket employee

GONZALES — A man was arrested for the attempted rape and robbery of a female employee behind Lamendola’s Supermarket, Gonzales Police said.Samuel Lane, 40, was arrested Monday on attempted first-degree robbery, attempted first-degree rape and second-degree battery for the incident at Lamendola’s on West Ascension Street.Around 4 a.m. on Friday, a female employee at the supermarket was assaulted while she was feeding some cats outside the store. According to police,

Houma man arrested after deputies found drugs during traffic stop

HOUMA— A Houma man faces multiple drug charges after Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Deputies found illegal narcotics during a traffic stop.Deputies say they pulled over 43-year-old Aaron Anthony Lampton Thursday evening on Roy Street. During the stop, he tried to get rid of the illegal drugs in his car but was caught and immediately arrested. He was already under investigation by deputies for suspected drug activity in the Village East Neighborhood.After obtaining a search warra

Man surrenders, arrested for negligent homicide in months-long Central crash investigation

CENTRAL — A Slaughter man turned himself in Tuesday for the negligent homicide of a man in November 2023, Central Police said.Dakota Naquin, 21, was arrested after a months-long investigation by Central Police, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office and the Baton Rouge Police Department's Traffic Homicide Unit into the death of 50-year-old Charles Lepisto on Joor Road after the Nov. 3 crash. His cause of death was blunt force trauma, police said.Police said Naquin was driving so

Judge delays Trumps sentencing in hush money case to eye high court ruling on presidential immunity

Former President Donald Trump’s sentencing in his hush money case has been postponed to September after the judge agreed Tuesday to weigh the possible impact of a new Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity.Trump had been scheduled to face sentencing July 11 on his New York conviction on felony charges of falsifying business records. He denies any wrongdoing.The postponement sets the sentencing for Sept. 18, well after the Republican National Convention, where Trump is

Gas line broken during construction work on Bluebonnet Boulevard

BATON ROUGE - Crews are working a hazmat scene after a gas line was damaged due to construction work. The St. George Fire Department said crews were working the scene on Bluebonnet between Jefferson and Airline Highways. There were no road closures, but officials asked residents to stay back and keep a safe perimeter. Permalink| Comments

Northeast High Alumni hosting event to provide scholarships for graduating seniors

PRIDE - The Northeast High Alumni has an event planned to raise money for its graduating seniors and to honor students and faculty who are no longer part of the alumni family. Next weekend, the inaugural alumni celebration will be held on the Northeast High School grounds. Over 1,000 alumni came together over a year ago to plan the event and decide how to gather thousands of alumni together starting with the inaugural class of 1982 while also honoring the school's newest gradu

WATCH: Two women caught on camera stealing puppies in Loranger

LORANGER— Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Deputies are searching for two women caught on video stealing three puppies from a home in Loranger Saturday evening.In surveillance video provided by deputies, the women can be seen stealing three German Shepard puppies from the backyard. They can be seen looking at the camera before they carried the puppies to their car and driving off.Anyone with information about the theft can call the Sheriff's Office. Permalink| Comments

Child killed in Albany murder-suicide was nephew of woman who killed 8-year-old, husband, herself

ALBANY — An 8-year-old found dead in an Albany murder-suicide on Monday was the nephew of the woman who killed her husband, the child and herself, the Livingston Parish coroner said.The child, Jiovanni Dahl, was in the custody of his mother's sister Jenny Williamson, 49. Dahl's mother was a heroin addict, court records show.According to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office, Jenny Williamson shot her husband Steven Williamson, 49, and Dahl before killing herself at some point over th

Child killed in Albany murder-suicide lived with his great aunt, who killed him, her husband and herself

ALBANY — The 8-year-old killed in an Albany murder-suicide was the great-nephew of the woman who killed him and her husband before killing herself.Jenny Williamson, 49, had custody of the child, Jiovanni Dahl, who was identified by the coroner's office Tuesday.According to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office, Jenny Williamson shot her husband Steven Williamson, 49, and Dahl before killing herself at some point over the weekend. Deputies were called to the West Bates Road home aroun

State Police implement program allowing anonymous tracking of sexual assault kits

BATON ROUGE — Sexual assault survivors can now anonymously track the location and status of their sexual assault kit through a web-based program run by State Police.The Sexual Assault Kit Tracking Program was launched Monday by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. The program allows survivors to track their sexual assault kits from the time of collection, through forensic testing and back to law enforcement, State Police said. During this process, no identifiable information is colle

State Police implement program allowing anonymous tracking of sexual assault kit

BATON ROUGE — Sexual assault survivors can now anonymously track the location and status of their sexual assault kit through a web-based program run by State Police.The Sexual Assault Kit Tracking Program was launched Monday by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. The program allows survivors to track their sexual assault kits from the time of collection, through forensic testing and back to law enforcement, State Police said. During this process, no identifiable information is colle

2une In Previews: Hurricane Preparedness Research Fair

BATON ROUGE - Be prepared for severe weather - it only takes one storm. Next Thursday, Councilman Darryl Hurst and Congressman Troy Carter will host a hurricane preparedness fair to help you be prepared for what is shaping up to be an active storm season. Come prepared to ask questions and engage with officials from FEMA, the National Weather Service, BRPD, and more. The event will be held at the Charles R. Kelly Community Center next Thursday, July 11, from 5 p.m. to

Portion of Calcasieu Parish under shelter in place order due to warehouse fire; I-10 closed in area

WESTLAKE - A portion of Calcasieu Parish was placed under a shelter-in-place order due to a fire at a chemical facility. The affected area extended to about a quarter-mile south of the BioLab facility in Westlake. BioLab is a chemical engineering facility off I-10, closing the interstate.According to Louisiana State Police, the interstate is closed for about 10 miles and the fire is about 90% contained.In a statement, a BioLab spokesperson says there were no injuries and they are now i

Portion of Calcasieu Parish under shelter in place order due to warehouse fire

WESTLAKE - A portion of Calcasieu Parish was placed under a shelter in place order due to a fire at a chemical facility. The affected area extended to about a quarter-mile south of the BioLab facility in Westlake. BioLab is a chemical engineering facility. It was not immediately clear what caused the fire or if there were any injuries. Calcasieu Parish officials said people affected by the shelter in place should go inside, shut doors and windows, turn off A/C, and wa

Calcasieu Parish no longer under shelter in place order after warehouse fire

WESTLAKE - A portion of Calcasieu Parish was placed under a shelter-in-place order Tuesday after a fire at a chemical facility. The order has since been lifted.The affected area extended to about a quarter-mile south of the BioLab facility in Westlake. BioLab is a chemical engineering facility off I-10.According to Louisiana State Police, the interstate was closed for about 10 miles.In a statement, a BioLab spokesperson says there were no injuries and they are now investigating the origin of th

Napoleonville man arrested after fleeing from Assumption Parish Sheriff's deputies at speeds over 100 mph

PAINCOURTVILLE— The Assumption Parish Sheriff's arrested a man suspected of fleeing from deputies at speeds over 115 miles per hour.20-year-old Murphy Lee Wesley is accused of speeding away from deputies after an attempted traffic stop along LA 308 in Napoleonville. Wesley drove towards the Belle Rose community at speeds over 100 mph.Deputies say he crashed his vehicle and tried to run away, but was quickly arrested. Wesley was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Cent

Napoleonville man arrested after fleeing from Assumption Parish deputies at speeds over 100 mph

PAINCOURTVILLE— The Assumption Parish Sheriff's arrested a man suspected of fleeing from deputies at speeds over 115 miles per hour.20-year-old Murphy Lee Wesley is accused of speeding away from deputies after an attempted traffic stop along LA 308 in Napoleonville. Wesley drove towards the Belle Rose community at speeds over 100 mph.Deputies say he crashed his vehicle and tried to run away, but was quickly arrested. Wesley was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Cent

WBRZ's Fireworks on the Mississippi, Red White and Blues Festival expected to bring heavy crowds

BATON ROUGE - WBRZ's Fireworks on the Mississippi, the state's largest firework show, is a Fourth of July tradition for downtown Baton Rouge.According to Visit Baton Rouge, the event brings in around 10,000 people annually.However, they say that's not the only thing bringing in heavy crowds this year."Not only do we have the largest Fourth of July celebration but also added this year we have a new festival to celebrate," Laura Cating with Visit Baton Rouge said.The Red White and Blues Festival

Trump seeks to set aside his New York hush money guilty verdict after Supreme Court immunity ruling

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump’s lawyers have asked the New York judge who presided over his hush money trial to set aside his conviction and delay his sentencing, scheduled for next week.The letter to Judge Juan M. Merchan cited the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling earlier Monday on presidential immunity and asked the judge to delay Trump’s sentencing while he weighs the high court’s decision and ho

Livingston schools will see major construction projects over the summer

LIVINGSTON - Three schools in Livingston Parish will see major construction projects started this summer to be finished for the 2025-26 school year. Albany Upper and Lower Elementary Schools will see a new cafeteria, allowing for greater seating for both schools, and a new classroom wing with four new classrooms.Live Oak Junior High will be receiving a new gym facility after its original one burned in 2022. The new gym will have a regulation court, team lockers, and a concession area.&

I-10 eastbound reopened in Gramercy after 6-vehicle crash, overturned 18-wheeler

GRAMERCY - I-10 eastbound was closed due to a six-vehicle crash involving an overturned 18-wheeler. Traffic officials said I-10 was closed at the LA-641 Gramercy exit. Vehicle recovery was underway as of 6 a.m. and was complete just after 7 a.m.. Officials said the truck was carrying nitrogen, but there was no leak, which is why recovery had to be such a careful process.Drivers must take exit 641 and take Airline Highway to get to Laplace. There was no immediate information on

I-10 eastbound closed in Gramercy due to 6-vehicle crash, overturned 18-wheeler

GRAMERCY - I-10 eastbound is closed due to a six-vehicle crash involving an overturned 18-wheeler. Traffic officials said I-10 was closed at the LA-641 Gramercy exit. Vehicle recovery was underway as of 6 a.m..Drivers must take exit 641 and take Airline Highway to get to Laplace. There was no immediate information on whether anyone was injured. This is a developing story. Permalink| Comments