Baton Rouge News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

A high-speed motorcycle chase erupted in Tangipahoa Parish and raced into Walker, ending with the suspect ditching his bike at a Dollar General on Walker North Road. Hammond PD led the pursuit, with Walker officers joining as the chase crossed into their territory. Multiple police units and even a helicopter were on scene as the rider was finally apprehended. Details remain scarce—officials haven’...

Rise and Glaze is set to open soon in Scotlandville, right by Southern University, bringing fresh doughnuts, great coffee, and a laid-back vibe to the neighborhood. Taking over a vacant spot on Scenic Highway, this new spot is officially confirmed by Councilman Anthony Kenney’s office. Owner Layhuoy Chea is excited to become a community staple, and locals are thrilled to see new energy and investm...

Four inmates at West Baton Rouge Parish Jail overdosed after sharing a synthetic drug called mojo—sprayed on paper and ingested—following its illicit entry despite security scans. One inmate, reportedly high during work release, concealed the drug in his body and distributed it to three others in a holding area. All four were found unresponsive and rushed to the hospital. The incident comes just t...

Sweet treats and strong coffee are on the way to Scotlandville as Rise & Glaze prepares to open its doors, turning an empty space into a vibrant community hub. Owner Kelly Chea is thrilled to bring handcrafted doughnuts and coffee to locals and visitors alike, fueling neighborhood connection and economic momentum in the area. With new investments rolling in, the excitement is building — though exa...

At 4:40 AM, police arrived to find a 2019 F-250 truck violently ripped an ATM from its foundation—cash vanished, truck possibly stolen. Investigators are unraveling how this audacious heist was planned and executed, reviewing security footage and urging witnesses to come forward as they chase down those behind the brazen smash-and-grab. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://so...

Get ready, Plank Road business owners — a big cash infusion is coming your way! The Front Door Refresh Facade Improvement Program, funded by JPMorgan Chase, is rolling out to help you spruce up storefronts, paint buildings, install new signs and awnings, and boost curb appeal. Focused on businesses between North 22nd and Clayton Streets, this initiative isn’t just handing out grants — it’s offerin...

Ever dream of that first Mercedes-Benz? It’s not just a car—it’s instant luxury that becomes your new normal. The silence, the control, the tech that anticipates you… it’s so seamless, you forget what “regular” driving feels like. And when you switch to something else? You’re instantly nostalgic. That’s the “Best or Nothing” mindset: you don’t settle for less—you demand the best, and once you’ve t...

LSU and Our Lady of the Lake just dropped $1.6 million on seven groundbreaking health research projects aimed squarely at Louisiana’s biggest challenges—cancer, heart and lung disease, trauma, and sports medicine. From preventing heatstroke in young athletes to decoding how fat and the liver talk in obesity, this collaboration is turning lab science into real-life solutions. They’re even testing s...

Colorado State University just slashed its hurricane forecast again—now predicting just nine named storms, four hurricanes, and one major hurricane, down from their earlier 11-storm call. The big reason? A looming El Niño, which is expected to crank up upper-level winds over the Atlantic, making storm formation and intensification tougher. Ocean temps are mixed, but El Niño’s influence is the key...

Governor Jeff Landry’s push to slash $168 million in teacher stipends from school districts has sparked outrage, as he simultaneously criticizes school boards for waste while ignoring his own state’s $47 billion budget. Critics call his stance hypocritical, especially after he vetoed a bill that would have increased compensation for wrongfully convicted individuals — a move seen as cold-hearted am...

LSU just pulled the plug on a major restructuring, firing its CFO and key DEI staff as part of a bold cost-cutting push to save $3.7 million—redirecting funds to hire more professors and boost research. President Wade Rousse is driving a sweeping overhaul to streamline operations and position LSU as a top-50 research university, currently ranked 83rd nationally. Former CFO Tommy Smith, earning $39...

Six states are cracking down on chronic school absenteeism with new laws—ranging from mandatory parent notifications and fines to misdemeanor threats—aimed at getting kids back in classrooms after pandemic-driven declines. Utah, Vermont, Tennessee, Mississippi, and New Jersey are leading the charge with targeted policies, from tracking systems to dedicated attendance officers, as nationwide effort...

Health insurance premiums on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace are set to rise again next year, with a proposed median increase of 14% for 2027 — following a similar jump this year. Insurers across 16 states and D.C. are requesting hikes, mostly between 10–20%, though 20 insurers are pushing for over 20% increases — none are proposing cuts. The spike stems from expired subsidies, rising healthca...

A jail inmate allegedly smuggled in deadly synthetic marijuana “Mojo,” leading to a chaotic night where four inmates overdosed—requiring Narcan and ambulances. Despite being searched, the drug slipped through undetected, hidden on paper, and the inmate was later found intoxicated at work. Authorities are ramping up security and the suspect now faces serious charges, as this grim incident underscor...

Louisiana State Senator Larry Selders, a beloved “gentle giant” and tireless advocate for his community, passed away at 44 after a sudden heart attack during his sons’ football practice. Elected in 2020, Selders was praised for his bipartisan spirit, compassion, and unwavering commitment to progress in Baton Rouge and across the state. Leaders from Governor Jeff Landry to the NAACP hailed him as a...

A massive carbon sequestration project near Sorrento Primary School in Louisiana has been officially canceled by Air Products, sparking community relief and raising questions about corporate environmental commitments. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on p...

Louisiana’s LEAP test scores are soaring this year, with 36% of students passing across all grades — a two-point jump and the highest ever recorded. Reading and math are rebounding faster than most states after pandemic setbacks, though reading scores are leveling off at 43% for grades 3–8, and math remains a challenge with two-thirds of students still behind. New Orleans leads the state with a 31...

A 15-year-old boy vanished in Baton Rouge back in June—and now, investigators believe his body may be buried deep at the North Landfill. A massive, high-stakes search is set to begin July 13th, where the sheer size and harsh conditions make this one of the most challenging recoveries in recent memory. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise...

A new coffee and doughnut spot, Rise & Glaze, is set to open near Southern University, bringing fresh energy and economic buzz to the Scotlandville corridor. Owner Layhuoy Chea is excited to create a welcoming neighborhood hub, and local officials see this as part of a larger revitalization effort. Grand opening details are coming soon — get ready to grab your favorite treat in a new favorite spot...

Build East Baton Rouge is launching the Front Door Refresh Facade Improvement Program, offering up to $10,000 upfront grants to small businesses and property owners along Plank Road between North Twenty-Second and Clayton Streets to upgrade storefronts, boost curb appeal, and revitalize the local economy. Funded by JPMorgan Chase and aligned with the Reimagine Plank Road Master Plan, this initiati...

State Senator Larry Selders, a 44-year-old “gentle giant” and beloved public servant from Louisiana’s 14th District, passed away suddenly, just months after major heart surgery. Tributes poured in from Governor Jeff Landry, Attorney General Liz Murrill, and fellow lawmakers like Troy Carter and Cleo Fields, who praised his integrity, dedication, and refusal to play political games. Colleagues and...

Wesley United Methodist Church is hosting a powerful weekend of justice, healing, and unity this July, inviting the community to reflect on what true patriotism means as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. Join the Saturday community forum and Sunday’s Social Justice Sunday service—both starting at 10 AM at 544 Government St. in Baton Rouge—to spark meaningful dialogue and build connectio...

Parish Biscuit Company is expanding from Lafayette to Baton Rouge with a late August to early September launch on West Lee Drive — bringing their legendary biscuit artistry, savory-sweet creations, and full brunch menu to a new city. Owner Steven Laborde’s team is finalizing construction and inspections, while fans are already drooling over signature biscuits like the Allen Parish (fried pork, bac...

A DoorDash driver got bitten by a loose dog in Zachary on July 7, sustaining a hip wound during a delivery. Animal control arrived shortly after the owner secured the mixed-breed pup. The driver was checked by EMS, though hospitalization isn’t confirmed. The dog is now quarantined for 10 days at the Companion Animal Alliance for rabies monitoring, while the owner faces all associated fees and fine...

Parents in District Seven are getting a major boost as Councilwoman Twahna P. Harris kicks off her annual “Pack the Sack” event this Saturday, July 18th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Families will walk away with free backpacks loaded with essential school supplies, plus free haircuts to help kids look fresh for the first day—and access to mental health res...