Daily
Baton Rouge
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ WAFB is holding its annual Fall Food Drive with Regions Bank this week—an event aimed at gathering food donations from local residents. WAFB 9
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ University leaders and students from around Louisiana met Tuesday morning at Pennington Biomedical Research Center to talk about how to stop hazing after the deaths of Southern University student Caleb Wilson and LSU student Max Gruver. University officials said parents, teachers, and legal groups must work together to keep students safe — this meeting marks a strong push to change campus culture. WBRZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Bayou Region is losing land quickly as research shows over 2,000 square miles have vanished since the 1930s — a football field sinks every 100 minutes — and rising flood insurance costs force locals to face more frequent flooding. WVLA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and the Federal Railroad Administration reported 89 train and vehicle collisions last year and urged Baton Rouge drivers to stay safe during See Tracks? Think Train week—sharing that collisions from 2015 to 2024 resulted in 53 deaths and 442 injuries. The campaign aims to boost driver awareness and reduce future incidents. WBRZ
- ➤ LSU Interim President Matt Lee gave a State of the University Address on September 17 — he reviewed achievements and set future plans for all eight LSU campuses. The event was streamed live on YouTube and Facebook. WBRZ
- ➤ Yesterday, Assistant District Attorney Brad Cascio from the 21st Judicial District announced his bid for district attorney after DA Scott Perrilloux said he would not run for reelection—Cascio has prosecuted over 4,000 cases since 2013 and serves as city prosecutor for Denham Springs and French Settlement while holding local board positions. WVLA
- ➤ Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois said today the $6 billion Hyundai steel mill near Donaldsonville will break ground next fall after officials complete plans for road, rail, and worker training improvements. Local environmental advocates remain concerned about emissions — even as Hyundai and state teams confirm the project is on track. The Advocate
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ NFL veteran Emmitt Smith visited LSU on Wednesday for his third year with the Ready to Rescue initiative that fights opioid overdose stigma—he and Release Recovery Founder Zac Clark demonstrated how to use NARCAN with the Lay, Spray, Stay method. WBRZ
- ➤ Louisiana’s ‘Be the Reason Kids Greaux Healthy’ conference will be held October 2-3 at the C.B. Pennington Jr. Conference Center to bring together educators, health professionals, and community leaders to fight childhood obesity—Melissa Martin noted that the event will include an interactive workshop, panel discussions, and training in motivational interviewing. WVLA
- ➤ The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed five deaths from Vibrio vulnificus after 26 cases required hospitalization this year—a significant rise from past records that has led officials to urge caution for those with open wounds and when eating raw seafood. WVLA
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A local developer bought a 12-acre tract near Highland Road and Pecue Lane for $4.2 million last week and plans to expand the Majestic Oaks subdivision into 31 luxury lots with homes starting at $2 million. Road permits for the expansion will be submitted to the East Baton Rouge Planning Commission in early October—development of the lots is expected to begin next summer. The Advocate
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2nd Annual Luncheon & Kitchen Tour
10 AM – 1 PM — Acadian House Design + Renovation — Cost not listed — Enjoy a delightful luncheon and inspiring kitchen tours, all while supporting the Bella Bowman Foundation.
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Blueprint for OASIS Accuracy Workshop
09:00 AM-06:00 PM — L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge — Check Official Website — Enhance your home health care skills and explore OASIS accuracy and emergency preparedness strategies.
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Farm Fête
6-9 p.m. — Red Stick Farmers Market — Fundraiser — An evening of local flavors with farmers and chefs supporting community outreach.
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Brew at the Zoo
Evening event — BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo — Fundraising for the zoo — Enjoy a variety of beers in a unique atmosphere while supporting local wildlife.
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The Buddy Ride
11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. — 15001 River Rd, Baton Rouge — Donations welcome — Participate in the 7th Annual Buddy Ride to support Keep Tiger Town Beautiful and help clean up Baton Rouge.
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Unknown Mortal Orchestra Concert
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Tickets available — Experience the unique sound of Unknown Mortal Orchestra live in Baton Rouge.
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Ruthie Foster Performance
7:30-9 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of Ruthie Foster, influenced by her gospel roots and vibrant musical journey.
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Bachtoberfest
Evening — EBRPL - Main Library — Family-friendly event — Enjoy a cozy outdoor concert featuring beer, brats, and Bach melodies.
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Fall Fest 2025
9 AM - 2 PM — Baton Roots Community Farm — Free entry — Experience hands-on urban farming and seasonal arts while connecting with the community this fall.
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Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra Performance
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of Red Hot Latin Jazz from the son of the legendary Tito Puente.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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