Daily
Baton Rouge
Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Residents shaped Baton Rouge’s redevelopment plans as Build EBR hosted a town hall on Thursday, Jan. 8, inviting input on future transportation upgrades and new economic initiatives. Their feedback will guide the strategic plan moving forward. WBRZ
- ➤ Residents in North Baton Rouge oppose a proposal for a permanent liquor license for a local business along Plank Road (neighbors question the impact on community standards). WAFB 9
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The city gave the abandoned OYO Hotel on Sherwood Forest Boulevard a 60-day cleanup deadline but conditions worsened and it still lists online. After a visitor found trashed rooms, Hotels.com refunded his booking and removed the listing while officials plan to board it up (costly project). WBRZ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Manship Theatre is hosting a $5 Movies series of classic films through May, plus science themed screenings starting in Feb for Hidden Figures and a live podcast with Mark Mangini on Jan 24 — private movie parties are available for $350 for up to 60 tickets. WBRZ
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana purchased over 1,700 acres in Ascension Parish for $91 million on Dec. 31 to support Hyundai’s planned $5.8B steel mill slated for 2030 near Donaldsonville (formerly Germania Plantation). The project is expected to create more than 1,300 jobs and spur further public investments. The Advocate
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hunters took 16 Louisiana black bears during a season run from Dec. 6 to Dec. 21, 2025 — 10 male and six female bears were harvested across designated bear areas statewide. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said the record figures reflect strong conservation efforts. WBRZ
- ➤ Residents in Baton Rouge have seen more frequent coyote sightings, and wildlife officials advise securing pet food and cleaning up scraps to reduce attraction. Experts note that coyotes adapt to urban neighborhoods by denning along canals and creeks (reminding residents to stay calm if encountered). WBRZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Caleb Wilson's parents met with state leaders after his hazing death at Southern University prompted the Legislature to form a task force for campus safety. The task force will work on hazing prevention training as lawmakers plan to present recommendations in March. WBRZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, the Louisiana Department of Health said one child died from the flu in Baton Rouge. Officials did not give more details to protect the family's privacy. WBRZ
- ➤ Starting Feb. 18, SNAP benefits cannot be used for candy, soft drinks, or energy drinks as new rules seek to promote healthier eating habits. Gov. Jeff Landry supports the change (to help reduce obesity and diabetes) without cutting overall benefits. WJBO
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ LSU women's basketball beat Georgia 80-59 in Athens to earn their first SEC win. The team will return to Baton Rouge on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Maravich Center (ESPN will televise the game) to face No. 2 Texas. WBRZ
- ➤ LSU baseball holds the No. 1 rank in the Perfect Game Baseball preseason poll + the Tigers will begin play on Feb. 13 at Alex Box Stadium against Milwaukee with 7 returning players + 20 newcomers. WBRZ
- ➤ Southern defensive back Herman Brister III announced his return to the Bluff for the 2026 season via social media on Thursday, Jan. 8. The 2025 Jaguars leader — with 59 solo tackles and 105 total tackles — aims to boost the team's defense. 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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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.
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