Daily
Baton Rouge
Friday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Jude Bourque and Joy Hammatt from the Kiwanis Club of Baton Rouge said the club will host an upcoming pancake festival — details like the exact date are still to be announced. WAFB 9
- ➤ Through Nov. 2, donations to Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank will be tripled when an anonymous donor matches gifts up to $50,000 — with one local business already giving over $10,000. Gov. Landry declared an emergency on SNAP funds amid a federal shutdown — and First Lady Sharon Landry’s foundation will donate $200,000 to help food banks serve 11 parishes. WVLA
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Boots on the Bayou is a country music festival at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Ascension Parish that features national and local stars including Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton and Riley Green—promising an exciting honky tonk Halloween experience. The tailgate party starts at 10 a.m. and the main event begins at noon today—tickets for single-day general admission, two-day passes and VIP upgrades are still available. WVLA
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ LSU officials have narrowed their search for a new president to three finalists—Wade Rousse, James Dalton, and Robert Robbins—after excluding the interim president; the decision follows former LSU president William Tate's resignation in May when he left to lead Rutgers. This move sets the stage for the university to appoint a permanent leader soon. WJBO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Representative Dixon McMakin sent a letter asking the state's Attorney General and State Treasurer to stop funding for Tulane and Loyola until the schools protect students' free speech after they reportedly blocked Turning Point USA chapters. Both schools defended their process+ Loyola said the decision followed rules set by the student government. WVLA
- ➤ DOTD, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and the Louisiana State Police joined with Destination Zero Deaths on Thursday to urge drivers to buckle up and put their phones down — a move that aims to reduce distracted driving after such behavior contributed to 25% of crash fatalities in 2024. High school students and local residents took part in Buckle Up, Phone Down Day, and the public can still sign the pledge online to support safer roads. WBRZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Open Enrollment for 2026 health insurance begins Nov. 1, letting Louisiana residents choose or change their plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Louisiana Department of Insurance said those enrolling by Dec. 15 will have coverage starting Jan. 1 while residents with UnitedHealthcare plans in certain areas (Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, or St. Charles) must switch carriers. WVLA
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Jeff Landry on Thursday criticized LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward for a potential conflict of interest and said he will not pick the next head coach, warning that taxpayers might face a $53 million bill if private funds do not cover a coach’s payout—he urged the LSU Board of Supervisors to review Woodward’s role in the process. The Advocate
- ➤ On Halloween night 1959, Billy Cannon broke eight tackles and rushed 89 yards—helping the Tigers take a 7-3 lead against No. 3 Ole Miss and setting the stage for his Heisman Trophy win. WBRZ
- ➤ St. Amant quarterback Cooper Babin led his team to a 55-52 win against Live Oak last Friday—bouncing back from a recent rivalry loss to East Ascension—by passing for 250 yards, running for 220 and scoring six total touchdowns. WAFB 9
- ➤ LSU women's basketball ended its exhibition season with a 121–41 win over Langston on October 30—senior forward Amiya Joyner scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the team set the stage for its home opener against Houston Christian on November 4. WBRZ
- ➤ LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward left LSU today, and Verge Ausberry was named interim director. Ausberry will lead the search for a new head football coach—he aims to move the athletic department forward. WBRZ
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Louisiana Book Festival
09:00 AM-06:00 PM — State Library of Louisiana — Check Official Website — Celebrate literature with engaging activities, book signings, and discussions for readers of all ages.
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Blippi: Join the Band Tour
2-3:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a family-friendly live music experience with Blippi and friends.
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Merry Market
9 AM - 5 PM — Rev Center — Free entry — Explore local vendors showcasing handmade goods, artwork, and culinary delights.
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The Fall Round Up
8 AM - 3 PM — Hollingsworth Richards Ford — $30 — Celebrate Mustang and Ford-powered vehicles with jambalaya, silent auctions, and fun for a good cause.
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Aloha Baton Rouge Showdown 2025
7:00-8:30 a.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Competitors vie for coveted Summit bids in this exciting cheerleading showdown.
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UCA Baton Rouge Regional Cheerleading Competition
7-10 a.m. — 275 S River Rd, Baton Rouge — In-person event — Witness local cheer teams showcase their skills at this exciting competition.
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Military and Veteran Caregivers Summit
4-8 p.m. — 151 S Wooddale Blvd, Baton Rouge — Free entry — Celebrate and empower caregivers of veterans with expert-led panels and networking opportunities.
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A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticketed event — Experience the beloved Peanuts holiday special brought to life in a live performance.
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ZZ Top Live Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary rock band ZZ Top live in Baton Rouge.
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Miss M Presents Mike West
7:30-10 p.m. — Mid City Ballroom — Cost not specified — Experience Mike West's blend of hillbilly country, bluegrass, and rock’n’roll with captivating storytelling.
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