Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Need the OMV today? Here’s why you may be turned away

Coming up: Christmas Day on the Baton Rouge Patch calendar

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
Friday December 19th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Morning Baton Rouge! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Need the OMV today? Here’s why you may be turned away
  • Why this new Bluebonnet crossing could change your daily walk
  • How a Saints and Cane’s duo just invested in Baton Rouge kids

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Baton Rougefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Sunny, cooler and less humid, with a high of 64 and low of 42 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, nice and warm, temps: high: 76, low: 61.
  • Sunday: A morning shower or two, with a high of 75 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Network outage disrupts state agencies across Louisiana (wafb.com) — If you need to visit an OMV office in Baton Rouge or anywhere in Louisiana today, expect major delays or an inability to complete your transaction. A statewide network outage is downing systems at all OMV customer service centers, and officials haven’t said when service will be restored or whether other agencies are affected.
   

Find out what's happening in Baton Rougefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Pedestrian hybrid beacon now open on Bluebonnet Boulevard to improve safety (louisianafirstnews.com) — Drivers and walkers on Bluebonnet Boulevard now have a new pedestrian hybrid beacon at Springpark Avenue, making it safer to cross one of Baton Rouge’s busiest four‑lane roads. Funded through the voter‑approved MOVEBR program, this first beacon in East Baton Rouge Parish connects nearby neighborhoods to recreation spots and signals more pedestrian safety upgrades to come.
   

3. Benson and Graves Inspire Community Giving in Baton Rouge (dallasweekly.com) — A major holiday giving event at the A.C. Lewis YMCA brought Saints owner Gayle Benson and Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves to Baton Rouge to support local youth. Their donations funded a renovated locker room and new bikes and helmets, highlighting a broader push for year-round philanthropy that strengthens families and youth programs across Greater Baton Rouge and the Gulf Coast.
   

4. Louisiana extends UnitedHealthcare Medicaid contract for 90 days after lawmakers raise concerns (wgno.com) — State leaders in Baton Rouge have granted UnitedHealthcare a 90-day extension on its Medicaid contract, keeping more than 300,000 Louisiana recipients on their current plans into early 2026. The move follows lawmakers’ concerns about a rushed transition and ongoing disputes over transparency and performance, while officials review documents and weigh long-term changes that could reshape how Medicaid insurers are held accountable statewide.
   

5. lynn whitfield net worth (sohh.com) — A well-known film and television actress who was born and raised in Baton Rouge and still lives here has built a multimillion-dollar career over several decades. The piece tracks her rise from local roots to award-winning roles, highlighting how steady work in TV movies and major films has grown her net worth to several million dollars by 2025.
   

📸 Around Baton Rouge

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: SHE HAS BEEN FOUND!!
    Thank you! Last dog. Her name is Norah. She got out near Decatur Drive in Shenandoah Estates. Please call or text 386-365-0136 or 319-594-0741 if… (Nextdoor Shenandoah Estates)
  • UPDATE: OWNER found and pup is home safe!!
    This dog wondered ito our back yard on Stonewall Dr. in Shenandoah neighborhood. We have her safe in the back yard. She is super sweet if this is… (Nextdoor Old Jefferson)
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Department or Assistant Manager in Baton Rouge. Apply here.
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Maintenance Clerk in Baton Rouge. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Baton Rouge here.

Ok Baton Rouge! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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