Daily
Baton Rouge
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The East Baton Rouge Parish Library asked the public for feedback on proposed Baker Library renovations; two design plans were shown at a Monday evening open house and featured more handicapped parking, a new roof, and spaces for teens and children. WBRZ
- ➤ After $15 million in repairs, the historic USS Kidd is ready to return to its riverfront berth when the Mississippi River near the city reaches 32 feet — though it remains anchored in Houma Navigation Canal until rising water levels allow a safe journey home. The Advocate
- ➤ Truth in Nature Ministry will open a new chapter in Baton Rouge to offer boys positive role models, life skills, and hands-on experiences, Pastor Devin O'Neal said (the ministry expects to foster community growth). WAFB 9
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Pass the Torch luncheon celebrated the 2026 scholarship winners and applicants from Scotlandville High and Baker High at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company on Monday, May 11. Leaders, educators and students gathered to honor academic achievement. WBRZ
- ➤ The East Baton Rouge Parish School System announced today that Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts and Forest Heights Academy of Excellence earned the Arts Schools Network's Exemplary Schools designation for 2026-2031, making them the first K-5 schools in Louisiana to receive the honor. WBRZ
- ➤ A report by Louisiana Kids Matter says that the public school funding system is outdated and recommends a switch to a weighted formula that directs more funds based on student need, including raising the base per-pupil amount from $4,015 (which could cost an extra $330 million) for the 2026-2027 school year. WBRZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission announced that bear tags will increase from 26 to 42 this season so more hunters can join during the hunt set from Dec. 6 to Dec. 20 — each hunter remains limited to one bear. WJBO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana legislators unanimously approved an amendment to name the stretch of La. 16 near Seventh Ward Elementary School after crossing guard Katy Wells (who died last month after being struck by a car). The measure now goes to the House for a vote. WBRZ
- ➤ Baton Rouge state legislators are voting on bills to boost mental health care today, with proposals to name May as Mental Health Awareness Month, launch a psychedelic therapy initiative, regulate AI chatbots, and expand support in public schools statewide. WBRZ
- ➤ City leaders will present Plan Baton Rouge III at a Downtown Development District meeting today at The Residences at Rivermark, where officials seek public comment on a 10-year vision that includes 5,000 new residential units, 7,000+ new downtown residents, and more than $1.5 billion in investment. WAFB 9
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ochsner Health athletic trainer Corey Elvir visited 2une In Monday to advise parents on preventing youth baseball injuries. He stressed proper warm-ups, stretching, and gradual throwing to help avoid overuse injuries, muscle strains, and ligament sprains. WBRZ
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Neuty, a cherished pet nutria rescued by Bucktown residents Denny and Myra Lacoste, died peacefully Saturday after battling cancer, leaving behind fond memories as he grew from a rescued roadside find to a beloved local legend. The Advocate
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ LSU softball will host a double-elimination regional and face Akron on Friday night - the tournament also features Virginia Tech and South Alabama as the Tigers aim for their first Women’s College World Series appearance since 2017. WJBO
- ➤ LSU baseball lost to Georgia 12-1 in Athens in a seven-inning mercy rule contest that dropped them to a 29-24 overall record and 9-18 in conference play. The Tigers will host Florida for a three-game series on Thursday night. WJBO
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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.
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
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