Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Mid City Gras Parade held its Mardi Gras Ball Saturday (Squirrel Olympics) to raise funds against rising security costs as extra officer detail hours now cost about $50 per hour.

Organizers report that similar challenges have led some parades to consider moving events outside the city.

Local groups are hosting MLK Day events today (starting as early as 8 a.m. at Hartley/Vey Park) with additional service projects and celebrations in Baton Rouge, Baker and Denham Springs, including cleanups, resource fairs and family-friendly block parties that honor Dr. King's legacy.

Triplets Blue Store Chicken opened its new Dutchtown location on Friday, drawing local diners and guests from as far as Napoleonville.

The family-owned restaurant celebrated its grand opening (reflecting a strong community spirit) as a fresh spot for reliable, home-cooked fare.

The West Baton Rouge Museum hosted its monthly Cajun Jam with the Cajun French Music Association at Port Allen on Sunday afternoon, where musicians played fiddles, accordions and washboards.

The free event takes place on the third Sunday of every month from 3 to 5 p.m.

The inaugural Mardi Gras parade in Zachary is set to debut in 2026, inviting local residents to enjoy a festive celebration along the town’s streets.

Local donors have installed a new historical marker dedicated to Ernest Gaines and a 400-year-old oak on LA-416 in Pointe Coupee Parish after the original was stolen.

The marker was placed a day before Martin Luther King Jr. Day to honor both legacies (the tree inspired Gaines’ writing).

Former lawmaker Richard Nelson (appointed Jan.

1) assumed the presidency of the Community and Technical College System and will tour 12 campuses over the next two weeks to assess funding needs as upcoming projects promise tens of thousands of new jobs.

Laika, the LSU PD's four-legged officer, retired on Friday, Jan.

16 after more than a decade of service. She worked closely with Lt. Shows (earning Top Dog honors in 2023 and 2024) and supported community events at LSU and local outreach sites.

LSU's Tiger Girls dance team returned home with two awards after finishing second at the national UDA College and Dance Team Championships held Sunday in Orlando.

LSU women's basketball beat Oklahoma 91-72 Sunday afternoon to win its second straight top-15 SEC game.

Flau'jae Johnson scored 23 points and Jada Richard scored 21 in a career game, and LSU will face Texas A&M on Thursday at 8 p.m.

The Louisiana Marathon broke participation records with 9,100 runners from all 50 states and 15 countries — a milestone for the 15th annual race held in Baton Rouge.

Organizers noted the event highlighted the city's growing appeal for fitness.

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.

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.

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.