Thursday, May 7th, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A petition in Denham Springs has gathered over 500 signatures to lower the 45 mph speed limit to 25 mph in the school zone outside Gray's Creek Elementary following the April 30 death of crossing guard Katy Wells, and organizers call for improved signage and stricter enforcement during school hours. WBRZ
- ➤ The East Baton Rouge Parish Library's Bookmobile program now brings books, DVDs, and audiobooks directly to community centers, preschools, and senior homes across the parish. The service runs daily with three buses and three vans (featuring themed vehicles) to ensure all residents have library access. 225 Magazine
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Donnie Miller and Lee Melancon announced Ascension Small Business Week will return soon to boost local commerce and offer new opportunities for businesses. WAFB 9
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The LSU Textile & Costume Museum launched Stitches in Time: Quilts & Fashion on Sunday, May 3, showcasing over a dozen quilts and 30 garments that pair historic patterns with high-end fashion pieces including designs by Louisiana native Geoffrey Beene donated by Sylvia R. Karasu. The exhibit highlights quilting as a creative design tool. 225 Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Principal Kathie Johnson, who beat cancer, was honored on Wednesday at Villa Del Rey Creative Sciences and Arts Magnet School when students dressed in green and Belaire High School's band led a surprise parade — a warm welcome for her return after treatment. WBRZ
- ➤ LSU Cybersecurity Clinic has received a $1 million grant from Google.org to expand free cybersecurity education and evaluation services for local businesses and government clients (including protections for critical infrastructure like water treatment facilities and oil wells) across the state. WBRZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana officials have warned residents about a potential fish kill in inland waterways and nearshore waters due to storms, cloudy skies, and rising temperatures. They ask anyone who sees a fish kill to report it to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (800-442-2511) for investigation. WAFB 9
- ➤ A Tulane University study warns coastal Louisiana must begin long-term planning for inevitable land loss as rising seas and sinking land may eventually push the Gulf inland (changes are not expected in the next 10 years). WAFB 9
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ GOHSEP leaders are urging residents to download the Get A Game Plan app during Hurricane Preparedness Week to help create emergency plans for natural disasters. The push comes as the Louisiana Emergency Management Conference takes place in Lake Charles. WBRZ
- ➤ LaHouse advised residents at LSU’s campus to secure roofs and pack emergency bags as Hurricane Preparedness Week gets underway before hurricane season begins on June 1. The guidance from state and local officials aims to help protect homes during severe weather. WBRZ
- ➤ On Tuesday, five youths left the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program in Carville and local law enforcement quickly helped locate them — the teens were found Wednesday after running away during early in-processing, officials said. WBRZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ State officials released 2025 scores for over 900 community water systems, showing improvements in water quality and infrastructure for Baton Rouge residents and neighboring areas. The grades are based on federal and state compliance + customer satisfaction, marking continued progress for local water providers. WAFB 9
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ LSU improved its record to 29-21 after beating Tulane 13-6 in Baton Rouge on Thursday as Cade Arrambide and John Pearson homered and Steven Milam drove in four runs — the Tigers will travel to face Georgia in a three-game series starting Friday evening. WJBO
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156/Silence Concert
7-11 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night with 156/Silence and Fox Lake in Baton Rouge.
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Dance With The Dead & Magic Sword
7-11 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — $ — Enjoy an unforgettable night of synthwave sounds as both bands deliver epic performances.
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Vincent Herring's Something Else Jazz Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Starting at $56 — Experience the high-energy soul jazz sounds from acclaimed alto saxophonist Vincent Herring and his supergroup, Something Else!
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Gonzales Jambalaya Festival
May 21-24 — Lamar Dixon Expo Center — Cost varies — Experience four days of wood-fired Louisiana heritage featuring delicious jambalaya and lively festivities.
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Post Malone & Jelly Roll Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Tiger Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience genre-bending performances from Post Malone and Jelly Roll in an electrifying show.
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OAL Annual Convention - Baton Rouge
All day — Crowne Plaza Executive Center — Registration required — Engage in valuable discussions and networking during this annual convention for the Optometry Association of Louisiana.
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Capital City Blues Extravaganza featuring Tucka
7:30-9 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket information TBA — An unforgettable night of blues and soul awaits in Baton Rouge.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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