By KELLY P. KISSEL | State news editor Storms this past weekend challenged Baton Rouge's drainage system, but didn't appear to overwhelm it. The city-parish has been clearing waterways in the past couple years in an effort to avoid a repeat of a May 2021 swamping. There were a handful of problems after the 7-inch rainfall, but things weren't nearly as bad as they could have been if crews had done nothing. And be mindful that more storms are expected Thursday. Forecasters are talking about rainfall totals in the 1- to 2-inch range, with perhaps some locally heavier amounts. With the ground saturated after rains last weekend and last week, the ground won't be able to absorb much. Beyonce has announced plans to wrap up her "Renaissance" tour in a familiar arena. Tickets aren't on sale yet for the Sept. 27 show, but will be "soon." A Denham Springs cop who pleaded guilty after being accused of having sex with a juvenile in the back seat of a marked police car won't go to prison. According to a press release, the Honorable Brenda R. Ricks sentenced Joseph "Reid" Copeland to a total of 15 years, but suspended the prison terms and imposed probation instead for carnal knowledge of a juvenile and malfeasance. |