Daily
Baton Rouge
Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Capital area groups are commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with community events this weekend. In East Baton Rouge, a service event runs today (Jan. 17) at the Jewel J. Newman Community Center (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), and additional clean-ups and remembrances are planned for Monday in other parishes. WBRZ
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Federal charges have been filed against 20 individuals (including former LSU player Antonio Blakeney) for allegedly fixing college basketball games involving more than a dozen D1 teams, including schools like New Orleans, Northwestern State and Tulane. WJBO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mike Weary discussed the 'Great Reunion' exhibit at the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center, which highlights African American migration and cultural heritage. The exhibit draws attention to local history and community contributions * underscoring a shared cultural narrative. WAFB 9
- ➤ Baton Rouge songwriter Cyril Vetter regained U.S. rights to his 1963 hit 'Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)' after a ruling by the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday; the decision could change how music rights are negotiated. WBRZ
- ➤ Mid City Gras returns for 2026 and will bring lively parades and local traditions to the streets soon. Organizers, including Leslie Gilliland, say details about routes and times will be shared as the event nears. WAFB 9
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, Rep. Cleo Fields visited three East Baton Rouge Parish schools as part of his Congress-to-Classroom initiative, meeting with students to boost civic engagement and highlight education's role in our community. His year-long tour will visit 52 schools across Louisiana's Sixth District. WBRZ
- ➤ The East Baton Rouge School Board approved a $500,000 upgrade package for five high schools, including new theater lighting, sound systems, and bleachers, at Arlington Prep, Baton Rouge, Broadmoor, Northeast, and Scotlandville. The projects will take three to six months to complete in Baton Rouge. The Advocate
- ➤ Students across the parish gathered at the second annual Young Techie and Gifted Expo Friday, where the Instructional Technology Department hosted projects in technology, engineering, digital media, and computer science (STEAM-focused) for elementary to high school students. WBRZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The EPA released a report detailing hazardous mismanagement at Smitty's Supply before its Aug. 2025 fire (highlighting over 25 storage issues) and now orders the cleanup of spills and secured container storage within 60 days. WBRZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Corporate representatives and the health department inspected the Wendy's in Gonzales after shift managers reported leaks and mold, finding a blocked drain and issues with building walls. The health department will follow up in the next seven days. WBRZ
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Monday, the BLVD at Harding will break ground at Howell Place for a $50 million grocery and retail project in North Baton Rouge. Anchored by Harvest Fresh, the 42,000-45,000 sqft campus is set to open by fall 2027 — developers expect it to add 250 jobs. The Advocate
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Pickleball is growing at Court 2 Table on Burbank Drive as partner Destin Thibodeaux explains that the game (a mix of tennis and ping pong on a small court) offers a fun workout to burn off post-holiday weight while welcoming beginners. WBRZ
- ➤ LSU secured a commitment from Faheem Delane (brother of former Tiger cornerback Mansoor) on Friday when the transfer portal closed. On3 rated him as a 4-star recruit and a top-100 prospect. WBRZ
- ➤ LSU women's basketball team (SEC) will face Oklahoma on Sunday afternoon in a key SEC matchup; the team is ranked sixth with a 16-2 record and is led by Flau'jae Johnson, who averages 14.5 points per game. WJBO
- ➤ Former Silliman Institute star Shannon Dawson will coach in the College Football Playoff National Championship game Monday night with the Miami Hurricanes, highlighting his local legacy as family members now attend his alma mater (he has served as the team’s quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator). WAFB 9
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Louisiana Marathon 2026
7 a.m. — Louisiana Marathon — Check for registration fees — Experience the thrill of running in the heart of Baton Rouge.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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CHERUB Concert
8-11 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Tickets available through Ticketmaster — Experience the unique sounds of CHERUB in Baton Rouge.
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It's Carnival Time Celebration
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Louisiana Art & Science Museum — Cost info not provided — Celebrate the vibrant culture of Louisiana with a musical and visual concert experience in the planetarium.
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Annual Spanish Town Block Party
10 AM - 4 PM — City Club of Baton Rouge — Adults $120, Ages 6-20 $45, Free for Ages 5 and Under — Celebrate with a family-friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and an open bar at one of the most colorful Mardi Gras parades.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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