Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Grand Gallery (located at 10300 Perkins Rd.) will hold a retirement sale soon before closing in 2026 after 91 years in business and 51 years as an Ethan Allen store, with three generations of family leadership as Todd retires.

Baton Rouge’s Ambrosia Bakery now ships its Louisiana king cakes nationwide for the Mardi Gras season; customers must order online and choose from UPS Next Day Air (faster) or UPS Ground (affordable) as the cakes are packaged undecorated with icing and sugars shipped separately.

The Baton Rouge area prepares for Mardi Gras 2026 with parades and parties starting Jan.

3 in Donaldsonville and running through Tuesday, Feb. 17 with the Lion’s Club New Roads Mardi Gras Parade. Events across downtown Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, and nearby communities promise lively celebrations.

The West Baton Rouge Museum hosted its monthly Kafé Kréyol-la event Saturday, featuring activities to teach French & Creole customs and heritage.

Organizers hope more community members join future events to keep the unique language alive.

Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse urged locals to consider a law enforcement career as the department seeks to fill open positions.

Dunham junior quarterback Elijah Haven was named Mr. Football for the 2025 season after his record-setting efforts led the Tigers to a 34-17 state title win at the Caesars Superdome on Dec.

11. He broke state records with 62 passing and 73 total touchdowns (a season of historic numbers).

According to multiple reports, starting running back Caden Durnham and true freshman JT Lindsey will enter the NCAA transfer portal, leaving LSU with fewer running back options next season.

LSU men's basketball lost 75-72 to Texas A&M on Saturday in their SEC opener.

The Tigers missed star guard Dedan Thomas Jr. due to a leg injury and are 12-2; they will play South Carolina at home on Tuesday at the Maravich Center.

LSU's top running back, Caden Durham, announced on Jan.

3 via social media his decision to enter the transfer portal. LSU now faces the challenge of adding depth at running back as Durham becomes the 23rd player to leave.

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff hosted transfer prospects on Saturday as the portal opens Jan.2-16.

Edge rusher Chaz Coleman (a four-star recruit) and running back Carter Vargas visited, and more prospects including a top quarterback are scheduled to visit soon.

LSU (playing without injured point guard Dedan Thomas) lost 75-72 to Texas A&M on Saturday in College Station; coach McMahon said (Thomas’s lower leg injury remains day-to-day), and treatment will continue in Baton Rouge.

LSU quarterback Michael Van Buren entered the transfer portal Saturday, leaving the team with no scholarship quarterbacks after he played in seven games this season with 1,010 passing yards and eight touchdowns.

The Tigers plan to host a top portal prospect in the off season.

The Southern men’s basketball team won its SWAC opener on Saturday, Jan.

3 after defeating Texas Southern 84-73. Michael Jacobs (27 points, six rebounds, six assists) led the Jaguars who now stand 5-9 overall and 1-0 in the conference with Prairie View A&M set to host Monday night.

LSU quarterback Michael Van Buren will enter the NCAA transfer portal as the team prepares to reshape its roster ahead of the upcoming season (he has thrown for 2,896 yards and 19 touchdowns in his college career).

Surreal In The Stacks Craft Event

4:30-7:30 p.m. — East Baton Rouge Parish Library — Free entry — Get creative and craft your own surreal costume at this imaginative community event.

The Louisiana Marathon

8 AM – 1 PM — A. Z. Young Park — $25-$170 — Celebrate 15 years of Louisiana spirit with a vibrant marathon experience featuring various race categories.

Louisiana Marathon 2026

7 a.m. — Louisiana Marathon — Check for registration fees — Experience the thrill of running in the heart of Baton Rouge.

La Zenda Norteña Concert

9 p.m. — Avanti Night Club — Ticket prices available — Experience a high-energy live performance by La Zenda Norteña De Mario Madrigal in a vibrant setting.

11th Home & Remodeling Show with Ralph's Market Food Fest

10 AM - 5 PM — Lamar Dixon Expo Center — $6 admission, free for kids under 13 — Discover home innovations and savor delicious food samples from Ralph's Market.

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. LSU Tigers Basketball

6-8 p.m. — Pete Maravich Assembly Center — Tickets starting at $3 — Catch the thrilling college basketball matchup between the Bulldogs and the Tigers.

Honey Gold: Immersive Audiovisual Experience

5:30-7:30 p.m. — City Club of Baton Rouge — Light snacks and mocktails available — Experience a transformative audiovisual journey designed to foster meditation and creativity.

CHERUB Concert

8-11 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Tickets available through Ticketmaster — Experience the unique sounds of CHERUB in Baton Rouge.