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Student loan policy is in legal limbo as a federal court blocks the Department of Education’s attempt to narrow what qualifies as a “professional” degree — temporarily restoring higher loan limits for programs like nursing and speech-language pathology. Students and schools now face uncertainty: if the government wins its case, borrowers could see loan caps slashed mid-degree. The department insis...

A soldier from Fort Polk and his wife have been arrested for allegedly neglecting and abusing multiple dogs and snakes at their Beauregard Parish home, prompting a shocking animal welfare investigation after neighbors reported a foul odor and distressed animals. Authorities found severely underweight dogs and several deceased animals during a welfare check, leading to 16 counts of aggravated cruel...

The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board is set to vote on relocating the Northdale Superintendent Academy to the newly upgraded Belfair Montessori Magnet building—transformed with $3 million in modern safety, infrastructure, and learning-ready classrooms—to give 112 students a safer, brighter future. The move, scheduled for 5 PM at district headquarters, could mark a major upgrade for Northdale’s...

Bonnie Tyler, the powerhouse voice behind the global anthem “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” has died at 75 after an unexpected hospital stay in Portugal. Once inducted into the music hall of fame with her signature husky tone — shaped by throat surgery in the 70s — Tyler rose from a soul band to chart-topping stardom, with her 1983 hit amassing over a billion streams and becoming a cultural phenomen...

Louisiana’s attorney general and 49 other top legal leaders are demanding the FCC shut down scammers’ new tactic: buying real phone numbers instead of just spoofing them. Since 2021, when this issue first surfaced, they’re now pushing for stricter rules on number resellers — requiring tighter vetting, better data sharing with law enforcement, and ending “number cycling” that lets criminals evade d...

A former Olympic canoeist is facing felony charges for allegedly damaging the newly restored Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool—damage valued at over a thousand dollars. Though he pleaded not guilty, his defense paints him as a respected community member and argues the charges are a waste of resources, even joking that touching water isn’t illegal. The prosecution is pushing for swift evidence excha...

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is under criminal indictment for public intimidation and malfeasance after sending letters to city leaders warning they could be removed from office under state law—prompting the Louisiana Supreme Court to appoint retired Judge Robert Chaisson to oversee the case in Orleans Parish, halting proceedings for now as the legal drama unfolds. Listen in comfort: Get...

The Donaldsonville courthouse has shut its doors after severe roof damage, despite a major restoration effort that began over a year ago. Cracks in the historic 1889 building had been reported before, hinting at deeper structural issues. While the Donaldsonville location is closed, the Gonzales office remains open for court services. Community members hope the landmark can be restored and reopen s...

The Pelicans’ Summer League debut is heating up in Vegas, with big absences creating room for breakout stars like Micah Peavy, Jaron Pierre Jr., and Kobe Bufkin to prove they belong. Peavy’s defense and shooting need, Pierre’s local roots and three-point prowess, and Bufkin’s injury-riddled comeback story all converge in a high-stakes week. First game? Thursday vs. Minnesota at 2:30 PM — don’t mis...

The Ascension Parish Courthouse in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, is closed due to serious roof damage sustained on July 9th, but residents can still get help at the Gonzales office on East Worthy Street, open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary ba...

District Six Councilman Cleve Dunn’s arraignment keeps getting delayed—this time due to a courthouse power outage—amid a major corruption probe into CATS contracts. Facing multiple felony charges including bribery and fraud, Dunn has missed two prior hearings, one due to a missed notice. He’s one of five indicted in the Attorney General’s investigation, alongside former CATS officials and business...

Baton Rouge’s 19th Judicial District Courthouse shut down abruptly Thursday due to a power outage, halting all court proceedings for the day — including a critical arraignment for Cleve Dunn in a high-profile corruption case. Chief Judge Donald Johnson issued the shutdown order, forcing rescheduling of dozens of cases and adding to an already strained legal calendar. Officials urge patience as sta...

Kids are learning to ride bikes in school gyms—yes, really! All Kids Bike is bringing bike skills to kindergarteners across Louisiana, building confidence, boosting activity, and planting lifelong habits. Launched in 2018 with a simple mission: every kid in America should learn to ride a bike at school. The program provides everything—bikes, helmets, teacher training, curriculum, and storage—so sc...

Baton Rouge’s Front Door Refresh Program is rolling out grants up to $10,000 to revitalize storefronts along Plank Road between North 22nd Street and Clayton Street, helping businesses upgrade facades, signs, awnings, and landscaping to boost curb appeal and community vibe. This initiative, led by Build Baton Rouge, targets 7–10 local spots in the first round, with applications due by September 30...

American Eagle is bringing its biggest, most loaded store yet to Perkins Rowe — 13,000 square feet and packed with Aerie and OFFLINE gear, set to open this year. Taking over the former Z Gallerie space across from Altar’d State, this new location will be the go-to spot for all things AE in Baton Rouge, eliminating the need to drive to Metairie. Local retailers are thrilled — this is a major upgrad...

Maternal Health Matters in Ponchatoula | Baton Rouge News

Early Thursday morning, a fire erupted in a detached garage on Laurel Street in Baton Rouge — but firefighters responded swiftly, extinguishing the blaze in just 20 minutes and preventing any damage to the house or neighbors. Thankfully, no one was home, so no injuries occurred. Investigators are now on the scene to determine the cause — a stark reminder of how quickly danger can strike, and why r...

American Eagle is making a major splash in Baton Rouge with three new stores — American Eagle, Aerie, and OFFLINE by Aerie — set to open at Perkins Rowe later this year, taking over 13,000 square feet right across from Altar’d State. This bold move brings more casual wear options to the city, expands accessibility beyond the Mall of Louisiana, and signals Perkins Rowe’s commitment to staying fresh...

A giant rig stalled on I-10 Eastbound near Perkins Road around 6:12 AM, snarling traffic for hours and backing up to the Mississippi River Bridge—just as another vehicle stalled on the westbound side moments later, creating a double whammy of gridlock. Drivers in Baton Rouge faced a brutal Thursday morning commute, stuck behind massive trucks and frustrated by delays that stretched well past 8:15...

Courthouse Dark, Hearings On Hold | Baton Rouge News

Southern University students, rejoice—The Grove, a brand-new girls-only residence, opens Thursday just steps from campus, tackling the housing shortage and revitalizing the Scotlandville neighborhood with secure, modern rooms designed for student life. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated,...

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill faces serious charges including public intimidation and malfeasance after a months-long feud with New Orleans city leaders. The conflict erupted in May when city officials passed resolutions Murrill claimed violated state law, prompting her to threaten removal of their jobs — a move that led to her indictment. Now, all 12 criminal court judges in Orleans Pari...

Step into Louisiana’s political past this Thursday as the Old Governor’s Mansion hosts a free historical lecture titled “After Huey: The Elusive Road to Reform,” exploring the governors who followed the legendary Kingfish. Discover the protégés, reformers, and power players who shaped the state after Long’s era — all while mingling at a post-talk reception. No cost. No excuses. Just history. Liste...

Get ready to savor a flavor-packed masterpiece: Roasted Zucchini and Eggplant Puttanesca Pasta. Chef Kevin Belton walks you through every step—from salting and roasting veggies for perfect texture to simmering a bold sauce with anchovies, olives, capers, and red pepper. Toss it all with al dente penne and fresh parsley for a dish that’s vibrant, savory, and effortlessly satisfying. Simple ingredie...

This summer, the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” campaign is making it easier than ever to adopt a furry friend—with slashed fees at shelters nationwide from July 5th to 26th. Perfect timing as shelters face summer surges, this initiative has already helped find homes for over 400,000 pets since 2016. In Baton Rouge, the Companion Animal Alliance joins the effort July 11–13. If you’v...