Baton Rouge News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

St. George is launching a new volunteer reserve officer program this year, deploying marked Tahoes and trained part-timers to bolster public safety without the cost of a full police force. While the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office remains primary responders, these reserves will assist during major events or emergencies, with funding nearing $300K to outfit vehicles, uniforms, and supplies. Two to three units aim for end-of-year readiness, and the city already has two officers sworn in—with plans to grow to eight or ten within years. Reserve officers will support sheriff’s deputies during high-demand situations like road closur...

Ten years after the catastrophic 2016 flood, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library is hosting a free, community-driven week of events to honor survivors, reflect on resilience, and prepare for the future. From personal oral histories being archived to expert-led sessions on stormwater management, tree safety, and psychological recovery, the library brings together meteorologists, LSU psychologists, and local leaders to decode the science, infrastructure, and human spirit behind rebuilding. It’s a powerful blend of memory, learning, and preparedness — turning tragedy into a blueprint for strength.

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Ckelby Givens, a dominant defensive force from Southern University and 2022 high school grad, might get a fifth year of eligibility thanks to a Colorado court ruling that nullified the NCAA’s age rule for his class — and since he didn’t sign a pro contract, he’s now eligible to return. Already a SWAC Defensive Player of the Year and Second Team All-American with 198 tackles, 71.5 TFLs, 32 sacks, and 10 forced fumbles, Givens is already coaching the Jaguars’ defensive line as a graduate assistant — proving his commitment whether on the field or in the classroom. Southern’s defensive coordinator calls him phenomenal and...

Louisiana lawmakers are eyeing a $54 million tech contract with Motorola to unify state law enforcement with one integrated system — including body cams, dashboard cams, and radios — promising $40 to $70 million in savings over ten years. The deal would cover major agencies from the Governor’s Office to Corrections and Juvenile Justice, aiming to eliminate fragmented systems and boost evidence reliability with smart features like auto-activation when radios or nearby cameras are in use. Though bypassing standard bidding, State Police spent nine months vetting options before choosing Motorola — already managing the state’s emergency wireless network — signaling a major tech shift after ending...

A fight at Scotlandville High has sparked serious action from the district, who’ve disciplined students per school policy and made it clear violence won’t be tolerated. To prevent future incidents, they’re ramping up support with more staff, counselors, and resources to foster a safer, more positive environment. Tensions stemming from summer drama are being addressed head-on through collaboration with students, staff, and leadership — all aimed at keeping Scotlandville a place where everyone feels safe and supported.

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A 20-year-old correctional deputy in St. James Parish, Amaiya Fobb, was arrested and fired after allegedly sending inappropriate messages to an inmate via a jail TV—leading to charges of malfeasance and sexual conduct with someone in custody. The case erupted during a routine sweep when deputies discovered the inmate accessing a website through the TV, revealing the illicit exchanges. Fobb, who had only been on the job since January, was charged on August 11th, and the Sheriff emphasized that no one is above the law, praising his team for a thorough investigation as the probe continues.

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A tragic loss has sparked a powerful movement: Matthew Bahlinger, a former LSU Tiger Marching Band member who died by suicide at 24, is now remembered through a groundbreaking mental health initiative. His family’s grief has transformed into action—LSU now offers free, on-campus and teletherapy counseling specifically for music and band students, with trained counselors like Sharea Vicknair also teaching life-saving QPR suicide prevention to section leaders. The Matthew Bahlinger Memorial Fund continues accepting donations to sustain these vital services, ensuring his legacy lives on by giving students the immediate support they need to thrive.

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Louisiana’s “Clean Out Your Freezer Day” on August 23rd is a freezer-to-table mission: hunters and anglers are invited to donate extra frozen food—game, fish, or anything labeled and dated—to local food banks. With record-breaking donations last year (nearly 18,500 lbs), this late-August event perfectly aligns with seasonal cleanup while feeding hungry neighbors. Drop-offs span the state from Alexandria to Youngsville, mostly 1–4 PM—but check your local spot. A simple freezer purge can turn leftovers into lifesaving meals.

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Central’s future is up for grabs before Election Day—with four mayoral and three police chief candidates battling for your vote. Incumbent Roger Corcoran, with 40 years on the force, faces off against retired federal agent Paul Kimball, who promises stronger community ties, and Larry “Lew” Walters, Jr., focused on departmental structure. In the mayoral race, Geno Guercio champions infrastructure and local business, Lon Vicknair brings faith and growth, Councilwoman D’Ann Wells vows to preserve Central’s small-town charm while boosting the economy, and EBR Metro Councilman Aaron Moak returns to his roots with a community-first message. With Election Day...

Drew Brees, already a Pro Football Hall of Fame legend, is set to be honored in the New Orleans Saints’ Ring of Honor during halftime of their October 11th game against the Vikings — a tribute befitting the man who became the soul of the franchise for 15 seasons, especially after Hurricane Katrina, and whose leadership and heart defined not just the team but the entire city.

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Baton Rouge’s Third Street is turning into a hotspot for chaos, with viral bar brawls and rising crime making weekends dangerous for residents and business owners alike. As police data reveals a troubling uptick in property damage, theft, and officer resistance, locals say the streets are overrun with crowds and cars — fueling violence. Bar owners, some even recording fights on camera, are under immense pressure to keep their doors open while managing escalating threats. The Alcohol Beverage Control Board is now stepping in, reminding operators they’re accountable for crowd control — and that how they respond matters. With downtown...

Baton Rouge is deploying solar-powered license plate cameras that are already helping solve murders, recover stolen trucks with children inside, and nab suspects in high-stakes chases — all while sparking heated debates over privacy, surveillance, and the growing role of private tech in policing.

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When an 11-year-old girl named Katie battles a rare, terminal brain cancer, her family’s fight becomes a beacon of hope after a social media hero steps in. After meeting Katie’s mom, Breann, in a grocery store, Jimmy Darts—who’s known for doing good deeds—was moved to action. He launched a GoFundMe and then stunned everyone by donating $300,000 just six days later, plus a brand-new vehicle. The Tantons, who’d even slept in a tent to afford treatment, now have a lifeline—and proof that one person’s generosity can change everything.

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The Comite Diversion Canal in Louisiana is roaring ahead at 67% completion, set to finish by end of 2028 and handle water volumes rivaling the Arkansas River. Priced at $819 million, the project has cleared major hurdles — all utility lines relocated, contracts signed, and five bridges under construction (including the completed McHugh Road bridge, still closed). The 12-mile, 300-foot-wide canal will be anchored by critical crossings like the partially open LA Hwy 19 bridge. Land acquisition, once a bottleneck at just 40% in 2018, is now fully secured, keeping momentum strong as crews push toward full operational status.

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Baton Rouge’s Boulevard de Province Park is facing a troubling public safety issue: needles, syringes, and trash littering playgrounds despite “no drugs or alcohol” signs — even with a note urging users to move to the back table for kids’ sake. BREC is responding with enhanced surveillance, AI-powered cameras, 24/7 monitoring, and tighter staff deployment — but experts stress this isn’t just a park problem; it’s a community challenge requiring collaboration with law enforcement and social services to address root causes and offer real support.

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A shocking scandal has erupted in St. James Parish after 20-year-old correctional deputy Amaiya Fobb was arrested on charges of malfeasance in office and sexual conduct with an inmate. The investigation began when deputies discovered evidence of explicit communication between Fobb and an inmate during a routine search of the facility. Sheriff Claude J. Louis Jr. swiftly condemned the incident, stressing that Fobb’s actions do not reflect the department as a whole, and confirmed her termination the same day she was arrested. With the case still under active investigation, authorities are withholding further details — but this developing story is a...

Franklin Fire Department and St. Mary Parish are locked in tense negotiations over fire protection funding for District 5, with the department warning they may pull services unless a deal is reached. The dispute centers on a 1987 agreement the city says has long been outdated — claiming over $1.5 million in owed funds due to population and housing growth. They’re not asking for more per capita, just updated numbers to reflect current needs. While tensions run high, the fire chief remains committed to finding a solution and is actively exploring options — keeping the public informed as talks continue.

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Baton Rouge braces for a brutal heat wave with “feels like” temps soaring past 105°F through next week, as rain vanishes and humidity climbs — turning this into the nation’s deadliest weather threat. With no relief in sight and heat exhaustion already claiming lives, experts urge you to hydrate, seek shade, and check on neighbors — because your body can’t handle this heat alone.

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A high school football player in Maumelle, Arkansas, nearly had a venomous surprise when a two-foot cottonmouth snake was discovered chilling inside his helmet—so much so that cops had to douse it with water to dislodge it. Thankfully, the player escaped unharmed, swapped helmets, and kept playing while animal control safely relocated the snake. The coach later reminded the team to always inspect gear before use—a wild, nature-in-the-unexpected moment that could’ve turned deadly.

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Port Allen’s police chief is kicking off a long-term plan to launch a new traffic division, starting with a proposal to buy a motorcycle — the first step toward dedicated traffic enforcement. But don’t expect it to hit the streets anytime soon: two officers need to be trained and certified, plus additional prep work, before the division can even begin operations. The goal? Better traffic safety and more focused enforcement. The council’s vote on the motorcycle purchase will decide if this vision takes off — and if so, full rollout won’t happen until late 2026 or early 2027.

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After 27 years on death row for a toddler’s murder, Jimmie Chris Duncan is finally free — thanks to new evidence that shattered the shaky case against him. Forensic proof vanished, the bite-mark theory crumbled, and the court now suspects the child may have drowned accidentally during a seizure. Released June 29th, Duncan’s fighting to rebuild his life with a GoFundMe campaign already at 44% of its $15K goal — justice delayed, but not denied.

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Third Street in Baton Rouge is heating up again after another brawl this weekend, sparking a fiery debate between bar owners over safety and responsibility. Daniel Unda of Somewhere Neighborhood Bar says he’s been fighting for over a year to keep his staff, customers, and business safe — even considering changing hours. Meanwhile, David Facey of DVT Entertainment, which owns Violet, defends his venue’s heavy security investment — including $50K spent on police, nightly officers, and a 12-person security team — arguing the issue is systemic, not isolated. As local officials remain silent, the community watches closely to see if authoritie...

A true legend has left us: Nolan “Coach Gill,” who passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, leaving behind an indelible mark on Glen Oaks High School and its community. For 33 years, he was the heartbeat of the Panthers’ football program — especially during his 25 seasons as head coach — transforming the team into a regional powerhouse. Before coaching, he was a standout athlete himself, earning letters in every sport and playing tight end at Southeastern Louisiana University. His legacy lives on through the renamed fieldhouse and the countless lives he shaped as a mentor and leader. He is survived by...

PitStop Car Wash is rallying the Gulf Coast for a powerful cause: raising $10,000 for Team Gleason Foundation by donating $2 from every car wash until Friday. Named after former Saints player Steve Gleason, the foundation supports ALS families with life-changing tech, wheelchairs, and care—helping them navigate the devastating disease that affects 30,000 Americans. For Missy Gore, general manager at Addis PitStop, this isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s personal. Her mom was diagnosed with ALS in 2022, and Team Gleason became her family’s lifeline, enabling communication through voice banking and connecting them with vital resources. Inspired by their support, Missy reac...

East Feliciana Parish schools are caught in a financial crisis, forced to cover over $400,000 in unpaid teacher bonuses after the state pulled funding — money they must now pull from their already strained operations fund. With a history of budget deficits fueled by pension costs and a four-day school week that didn’t deliver promised savings, the district is barely holding on. They’re not alone: five other Louisiana districts face the same crunch, risking consolidation or downsizing if they can’t turn things around. The state is collecting data and forming a task force to find solutions — but for now, these...

Capital Region businesses are crushing it on the national stage—nearly 20 local companies made Inc.’s fastest-growing list, led by Omega Foundation Services with a jaw-dropping 2,000% revenue surge and a 145 national ranking. Independent Offshore Services followed with 1,100% growth at 290, while Attracct Advisors rounded out the top three locally with 500% growth and a 637 spot. From construction to finance, legal to healthcare, this diverse wave of success proves innovation is booming across industries—and Louisiana’s 53 total spots on the list? That’s a major win for the region, fueling jobs, investment, and hometown pride.

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Meta’s massive AI data center in Louisiana is sparking a fierce battle over transparency and cost — as environmental groups demand full disclosure of job and investment promises, while Entergy seeks approval to build new power plants. A judge sided with the advocates, forcing Meta to reveal trade-secret documents, but Meta’s appealing. Meanwhile, state officials, including the governor, have signed secret deals behind closed doors. The Public Service Commission faces a critical vote on whether to greenlight seven new turbines for Meta — and also weighs a controversial 20-cent monthly fee for big utility users to fund nuclear energy studies...

Ten years after a catastrophic flood turned Central, Louisiana into a giant lake, the city is now using data from that disaster to build a smarter, faster flood warning system. The 2016 event—caused by record rainfall and river surges—left thousands stranded and inspired local leaders like Wade Evans to act. As mayor, Evans invested millions in drainage upgrades and helped create EarlyFlows, a real-time forecasting tool that predicts flood spread with up to 48 hours’ notice. The result? Lower insurance rates and a city better prepared to face the next storm.

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Scattered storms today and tomorrow offer brief relief from scorching temps, but don’t expect widespread cool-down—highs still hit the mid-90s with heavy downpours and lightning. By Thursday, a high-pressure system locks in over the Gulf Coast, slashing rain chances to 10% or less through the weekend with clear skies and temps climbing into the upper 90s. Heat feels like 110° with rising humidity—heat is the top weather killer in the U.S., and Louisiana’s already seen eight heat-related deaths this year. Stay hydrated, seek shade, and watch out. Meanwhile, a tropical wave in the Atlantic has a 70% cha...

Darryl Boyd allegedly threatened to torch his ex-partner’s home, then later kicked in her door, laughed, and fled—yelling they’d have to kill him. Police arrested him during a traffic stop after he denied the claims, insisting he was invited in. Charged with unauthorized entry and false arson threats, this volatile confrontation shows how fast arguments can spiral into legal trouble.

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Eight hundred pounds of methamphetamine hidden in an 18-wheeler trailer—seized by deputies on I-12—points to a massive trafficking operation involving Russian national Anton Vitalyevich Rakov, now in ICE custody. Authorities are probing for a wider network as this case unfolds.

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Downtown Baton Rouge has seen a staggering $3.08 billion in development since 1987, with soaring property values, near-full residential and Class A office occupancy, and massive hotel investments—all fueled by a thriving community vibe, like the Spanish Town Mardi Gras parade that drew over 114,000 attendees. But challenges persist: violent incidents and recurring fights on Third Street threaten the momentum, forcing stakeholders to balance growth with safety to keep the district vibrant for all.

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North Oaks Health just dropped a game-changer for their staff: a brand-new Resilience Room at the medical center, designed to help healthcare workers unwind and recharge during breaks or before/after shifts. Equipped with massage chairs, yoga mats, and soothing nature sounds, this space offers a much-needed escape from the daily grind. HR chief Jeff Jarreau emphasized that frontline workers face immense pressure—and even a few quiet minutes in this calming zone can make a real difference. As burnout continues to plague the healthcare industry, this initiative is a powerful step toward prioritizing mental well-being and recognizing the em...

A massive meth bust on I-12 eastbound nets over 358 kilograms—thanks to a K9 unit’s sniff—and leads to the arrest of Anton Vitalyevich Rakov, a Russian nationalist flagged for deportation. This isn’t just another drug haul—it’s a major disruption in a high-stakes trafficking operation, spotlighting the relentless fight against narcotics moving through our highways.

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Drew Brees is officially stepping into the Saints’ Ring of Honor on Sunday, October 11th, during halftime against the Vikings — making him the ninth legend ever honored. This follows his recent Pro Football Hall of Fame induction and celebrates his 15-year Saints career, where he shattered passing records, led them to their only Super Bowl win in 2010, and became a beloved icon of New Orleans. His legacy? Unmatched.

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A Baton Rouge nursing home, White Oak Post Acute Care, is now under federal scrutiny as the only Special Focus Facility in Louisiana — slapped with 81 deficiencies since last August, over half a million dollars in fines, and top-tier citations for nurse staffing failures and preventable accidents. One resident’s family broke silence after he lost his leg following an 11-day delay in care after a scooter injury — his niece said critical updates were withheld until it was too late. This isn’t their first rodeo: lawsuits loom, and a new Louisiana law now forces these facilities to notify residents they can...

A record-breaking 790-pound meth bust on I-12 in Louisiana stunned authorities—led by a K9 unit and targeting Russian national Anton Rakov, whose immigration status triggered the stop but the massive haul turned it into one of the state’s largest drug seizures ever. Now in ICE custody, Rakov is just the tip of the iceberg as investigators dig deeper into a sprawling trafficking network. This high-stakes takedown underscores law enforcement’s relentless fight against drugs coursing through America’s highways.

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A 27-year-old man, Darryl Boyd, got arrested in Baton Rouge after allegedly threatening to burn down a woman’s house during a heated argument — then showing up uninvited hours later and sneaking inside her home. Police say he faces felony charges for making false arson threats and unauthorized entry. The woman, who says they don’t live together, claims he laughed, ran out, and cursed as he left — all while she was asleep. Boyd denies the threats and insists the door was open and she invited him in, but he was still booked and jailed.

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A Circle K on Hooper Road in Central suffered heavy damage after someone smashed its glass door around 1 a.m. on July 31—no small break, cops say. Authorities are urgently seeking the public’s help to identify the suspect behind this brutal act of vandalism, which hit a store usually just trying to serve the community. If you recognize the person—or know anything—call Central Police. The investigation is still active.

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Louisiana DOT is launching a $6.4 million drainage upgrade on I-12, targeting 13 miles across East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes to prevent flooding during heavy rains—construction starts late September, wrapping up by late 2027 or early 2028, with safety barriers preserved while improving water flow across medians.

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