Daily
Baton Rouge
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Louisiana Department of Health released its 2025 baby name report, showing Noah as the top boy name with 214 counts and Amelia as the top girl name with 191 counts — a snapshot of local new birth trends. WVLA
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Grand Gallery furniture store — an Ethan Allen retailer on Perkins Road — closed after 91 years as the family retired from the furniture industry. Founded in 1934, the store served generations of Baton Rouge residents. WBRZ
- ➤ Multiple businesses opened in the Capital Region during November and December 2025, including the expanded Modern Munchkin Co. toy shop (which tripled its space) and new restaurants Legend Pot and Homasake sushi bar. Locals now have fresh dining and shopping options on Government and Lee. 225 Magazine
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Baton Rouge will host its 13th annual Mardi Gras Festival in February. A pre-party with live music and a buffet is set for Feb. 12 at Henry Turner Jr.'s Listening Room; the free main event on Feb. 14 at North Boulevard Town Square features continuous music, vendors, and food. WVLA
- ➤ Louisiana's 2025 review covered viral moments and achievements that captured community spirit + highlighted memorable events that had residents talking throughout the year. WAFB 9
- ➤ The January 2026 issue spotlights Baton Rouge’s rich basketball legacy—featuring profiles of LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson and local champions, along with fresh Home and Thrive sections—now available on newsstands around the Capital Region. 225 Magazine
- ➤ The Louisiana Department of Health released its top baby names for 2025 on New Year's Eve, with Noah and Amelia leading in provisional birth data. Baton Rouge General's top picks include boys Elijah, John, Henry, Walker, Eric and girls Olivia, Nora, Evelyn, Ivy, Kennedi (showing local trends). The Advocate
- ➤ Sinella Aghasi previewed the Three Decades of Change exhibit on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at the Old Governor's Mansion (a venue that highlights our community's evolving story). WAFB 9
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Burning cane fields in West Baton Rouge Parish sent ash drifting across the Mississippi River into Baton Rouge on Wednesday. Local fire departments advised residents with respiratory sensitivities to keep windows closed and limit outdoor activity as the ash began to disperse later in the day. The Advocate
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ LSU veterinarians saved Astra, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois who served in Secret Service and in Iraq bomb detection missions, after she was airlifted from Fort Polk on Dec. 10 to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (Baton Rouge). Astra was discharged on Dec. 12 and is expected to fully recover. WBRZ
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ LSU football will welcome running back Harlem Berry for the 2026 season, as reports confirmed his return. The New Orleans freshman recorded 104 carries for 491 yards and two touchdowns this fall, while Kevin Smith will take over as running backs coach. WBRZ
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Surreal In The Stacks Craft Event
4:30-7:30 p.m. — East Baton Rouge Parish Library — Free entry — Get creative and craft your own surreal costume at this imaginative community event.
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The Louisiana Marathon
8 AM – 1 PM — A. Z. Young Park — $25-$170 — Celebrate 15 years of Louisiana spirit with a vibrant marathon experience featuring various race categories.
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Louisiana Marathon 2026
7 a.m. — Louisiana Marathon — Check for registration fees — Experience the thrill of running in the heart of Baton Rouge.
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La Zenda Norteña Concert
9 p.m. — Avanti Night Club — Ticket prices available — Experience a high-energy live performance by La Zenda Norteña De Mario Madrigal in a vibrant setting.
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11th Home & Remodeling Show with Ralph's Market Food Fest
10 AM - 5 PM — Lamar Dixon Expo Center — $6 admission, free for kids under 13 — Discover home innovations and savor delicious food samples from Ralph's Market.
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Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. LSU Tigers Basketball
6-8 p.m. — Pete Maravich Assembly Center — Tickets starting at $3 — Catch the thrilling college basketball matchup between the Bulldogs and the Tigers.
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Honey Gold: Immersive Audiovisual Experience
5:30-7:30 p.m. — City Club of Baton Rouge — Light snacks and mocktails available — Experience a transformative audiovisual journey designed to foster meditation and creativity.
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Medical Records Supervisor (Release of Information)
The Medical Records Supervisor is responsible for the day to day operations the medical records department and supervising staff. Must be able to work within an electronic medical records system, interpret and enforce release of information laws, and ensure collection on invoices for records.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you seek is seeking you.
~ Rumi
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