Daily
Baton Rouge
Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Animal shelters in Baton Rouge report an increase in pet surrenders post-holidays as families return pets due to unexpected costs and care challenges. Shelter staff advise that pet adoption is a long-term commitment and suggest planning carefully (consider fostering if unsure). WVLA
- ➤ Residents are urged to keep the Capital Region clean by picking up litter and reporting problem areas via hotline 855-La-Litter as Director Keep Tiger Town Beautiful challenges every resident to spend sixty seconds cleaning; libraries lend supplies through the state's Get Down and Clean Up initiative. WBRZ
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is offering free databases and business trainings for budding entrepreneurs (with a library card) to help them launch or grow their ideas. The service is available to both nonprofit and for-profit business owners today. The Advocate
- ➤ Grand Gallery Inc., a family-owned Ethan Allen store on Perkins Road that has operated for 91 years, is closing as the Grand family retires from the furniture business & the store remains closed for the holidays until Jan. 7. The Advocate
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana gears up for record-breaking Mardi Gras 2026 as thousands of first-time revelers will enjoy a colorful parade celebrating local pride, food, and community. Local officials say newcomers can expect an extended celebration of tradition across the state. WVLA
- ➤ The 18th annual Surreal Salon art exhibition opened Friday at Baton Rouge Gallery, featuring pop-surrealist and lowbrow works. The free exhibit runs Tuesdays through Sundays until Jan. 25, and a Soiree on Jan. 24 from 7 to 11 p.m. offers live music, DJ sets and food trucks. WBRZ
- ➤ Jim Fleshman and Jennifer Shields announced that Krewe de Zoo will kick off its celebration today at the Baton Rouge Zoo. The event will bring a festive atmosphere to local visitors. WAFB 9
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Former LSU head coach Brian Kelly is selling his gated lakefront mansion on East Lakeshore Drive for $3.5 million; the estate features a main house with four bedrooms, a separate guest house, and outdoor amenities in walking distance of campus. WAFB 9
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Several Ole Miss coaches set to join LSU in the fall may shift roles as the transfer portal opens. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. will coach the Fiesta Bowl while other assistants return to Baton Rouge to help the Tigers prepare for hosting prospects this weekend + decisions pending. WBRZ
- ➤ LSU owed Lane Kiffin an additional $500,000 on Jan. 1 after the Ole Miss Rebels beat the University of Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. WAFB 9
- ➤ LSU owed Lane Kiffin a $500,000 bonus after Ole Miss’ win in the Sugar Bowl and will pay him up to $1 million if his former team wins a national title, though his deal requires liquidated damages if he departs before Dec. 31, 2026 (from $7M down to $1.5M). WBRZ
- ➤ LSU is set to host Cincinnati transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby, a top portal prospect (who threw for more than 5,000 yards and rushed for 1,000 yards over two seasons) as the team looks to add depth after Garret Nussmeier's injury. WBRZ
- ➤ Former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, ESPN’s top-ranked transfer portal player, is scheduled to visit Texas Tech today before heading to Baton Rouge as LSU — under new coach Lane Kiffin — seeks stability at quarterback. WAFB 9
- ➤ The LSU women’s hoops team lost its first game of the season, falling 80+78 to Kentucky in Baton Rouge. Mikaylah Williams scored 26 points and the team will travel to face Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon. WJBO
- ➤ LSU linebacker Whit Weeks announced he will return next fall after missing much of last season due to injury (he broke his ankle in the loss to Ole Miss). WJBO
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
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