Daily
Baton Rouge
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Price Leblanc marked its 70th anniversary by donating $70,000 to HOPE Ministries on January 7 (the group was chosen by a community vote and works to prevent homelessness and promote self-sufficiency). WBRZ
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Uncle Earl's Bar, known for its lively parties + sports watching events, will close on Jan. 15 as owner Jordan Piazza plans to debut a new venue at the same location. WAFB 9
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mike Wattigny announced that Mardi Gras Mambo will return to Baton Rouge soon. The event will offer live music and festive celebrations for the community. WAFB 9
- ➤ Local band Universal Language will celebrate its 10th anniversary Friday night at L'Auberge Hotel & Casino, hosted by WBRZ's Mia Monet. The band, known for soulful classics, has performed at major local events such as Southern University’s Athletics Gala and National Chicken Fest. WBRZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ LSU AgCenter received $1 million in federal funds to launch the Mississippi River Invasive Species Consortium that will research and manage nonnative plants and animals in local ecosystems. Local congressional members helped secure the funding to protect agricultural and natural resources in the area. WVLA
- ➤ State air monitors reported that New Year’s fireworks on Dec. 31-Jan. 1 caused a temporary spike in fine particle levels in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, prompting nine air quality warnings including red alerts for those with respiratory issues. The Advocate
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ More than 17,000 capital area residents are receiving notices that some or all of their outstanding medical debt is being erased thanks to a partnership among local nonprofits + the program will remove nearly $22 million in debt for qualifying residents across multiple parishes starting this week. WBRZ
- ➤ Beginning Feb. 18, Louisiana will ban using SNAP benefits to buy candy, soda, and energy drinks to promote healthier eating habits. Gov. Landry and health officials said the change does not affect benefit amounts or eligibility. WAFB 9
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After a 10-4 loss to Little Rock on Sunday, LSU baseball will host an elimination game tonight in the Baton Rouge Regional to try to keep its season alive (the Tigers stand at 45-15). 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.
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CHERUB Concert
8-11 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Tickets available through Ticketmaster — Experience the unique sounds of CHERUB in Baton Rouge.
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
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Baton Rouge
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