Daily
Baton Rouge
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Baton Rouge Zoo welcomed two Nubian ibex twins (Luke and Leia, born May 4) and a healthy American bison calf this spring. Zoo Director Jim Fleshman said the births reinforce the zoo’s role in conservation and education, inviting guests to observe these animals grow. WBRZ
- ➤ Blue Bayou water park is set to open on May 16 as it focuses on safe, clean and family-friendly attractions in Baton Rouge. The park, closed last summer, aims to rebuild trust and spark generational memories with its classic rides. WBRZ
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Oxbow Rum Distillery in downtown Baton Rouge reported double-digit growth despite a shrinking national rum market. The family-owned operation produces agricole-style rums using sugar cane grown at Alma Plantation (dating to 1789) and relies on local sales for nearly 90% of its business. The Advocate
- ➤ Louisiana’s casino revenues grew 10.4 percent to $3.05 billion in 2025 as riverboat casinos moved onshore and major upgrades at Caesars New Orleans and a new casino in Bossier City boosted business & increased local economic activity. The Advocate
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Hot Art Cool Nights returns to Mid City today after a rain delay. The festival runs from 6-10 p.m. and brings art, food, and live entertainment from local merchants. WAFB 9
- ➤ Filmmakers with Dinosaur Rumblings Entertainment are holding auditions in Baton Rouge for three short films to be shot in July. Actors of all experience levels may audition on May 16 and May 17 (2 p.m. to 6 p.m.) at 8966 Interline Ave., Suite C. The Advocate
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Last Thursday, the Southern University Board approved financing for a $77 million dorm hall able to house 502 students at the university. The new facility, which includes on-site dining, is slated to open by fall 2027 — a key step in expanding student housing. WBRZ
- ➤ Six Baton Rouge schools will change start times and grade configurations next school year under the Realignment 2.0 plan, with elementary schools splitting into separate campuses (two serving prekindergarten to second grade and two for third to fifth) and middle/high schools starting later. The district will adjust transportation schedules. WBRZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Groom Road in Baker remains closed until May 27 to allow crews to replace cross drain pipes and reduce flooding risks. A detour provides access to local businesses via Plank Road (detour maps show access for residents past Clermont Street). WBRZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Love Impact Coalition will host a free clinic soon, with Rory Denicola and Evelyn Foster offering health services for Baton Rouge residents. More details on dates and location are expected to be announced. WAFB 9
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ LSU softball pitcher Paytn Monticelli will join Team Great Britain for the softball World Cup group stage in July in Peru after finishing her senior season — she was born on a Royal Air Force base and has played for collegiate teams including Wisconsin and Oklahoma. WBRZ
- ➤ LSU baseball will host Florida tonight in Baton Rouge for a three-game SEC series. The Tigers come in at 29-24 overall and 9-18 against SEC competition. WJBO
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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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Balmora Concert Featuring Contention, Holder, and Azshara
3 AM – 8 PM — Mid City Ballroom — Ticket prices vary — Experience an exciting lineup with Balmora and special guests in Baton Rouge.
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