Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Jan. 31, 17 teams competed in the 14th Bird & Sausage Gumbo Cook-off at the Livingston Parish Fairgrounds despite frigid weather; the event, which saw 33 teams registered, will benefit Honor Flight Louisiana & Baton Rouge Soldier Outreach & Books for Boots. The Advocate
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ LSU alumna Sarah Picard won major awards at the Take XI Student Film Festival in May and her short film 'When A Doveweed Blooms' played at festivals from Baton Rouge to New York. She now freelances and is planning a feature film in a 'Love Actually' style. LSU Reveille
- ➤ A local bakery in Baton Rouge is offering weekly King Cake classes during Mardi Gras season. Owner Madelyn Burr invites residents to learn the tradition while playing Bingo (a fun, hands-on way to share a local custom). LSU Reveille
- ➤ Eighteen Louisiana dogs competed at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York on Tuesday, where local expert Carl Grotton showcased early training techniques plus highlighted the new Danish-Swedish farmdog breed. WBRZ
- ➤ Southern University is hosting free Black History Month events throughout February & offering screenings, discussions, and courses at campus venues to honor Black American contributions. Highlights include 'Unchained Voices' on Feb. 2 and multiple sessions through Feb. 27. WBRZ
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Utility bills will rise in the coming months as extended cold weather boosts natural gas use and prices, utility spokespeople said. Delta Utilities and Entergy plan to spread the higher costs over future months + regulators expect these measures to help manage bill spikes. The Advocate
- ➤ Livingston Parish pipe fabricator Shaw Group is set to double its workforce at its Walker facility by hiring 209 new jobs with an average salary of $62,831 while retaining 165 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will create 288 indirect roles, offering up to 497 opportunities in the area. WBRZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents cheered on Monday evening when the St. George Planning and Zoning Commission (facing drainage and traffic concerns from past floods) voted to deny The Haven subdivision, a proposal for 87 new homes between Antioch Boulevard and Old Jefferson Highway. WBRZ
- ➤ District Councilmember Cleve Dunn stands trial over a dispute with ex-neighbors who claim his pool cabana caused flooding and more than $57,000 in home repairs. Court proceedings in downtown Baton Rouge continue with the second day of testimony set for Tuesday. The Advocate
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local dessert makers are showcasing classic beignets from Coffee Call, now celebrating 50 years, and inventive pastries from new artisans like Nannette Mayhall (featuring modern dessert boards) in a feature that invites Baton Rouge residents to savor both tradition and creative twists this season. 225 Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Distance runner Peyton Pirie from West Feliciana High signed with Northwestern State University in January. Her move sets the stage for a collegiate career + connects her high school success with future opportunities. The Advocate
- ➤ Transfer junior guard Brandon Hardy, a Zachary High alumnus, added 4 points off the bench as Southern University defeated Mississippi Valley State 80-69 on Jan. 28. The Advocate
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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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Paul Thorn Band Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Starting at $72.24 — Experience a night of music and humor with Paul Thorn and special guest Gina Forsyth.
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Candlelight Concert: The Best of Hans Zimmer
7-8 p.m. — LSU Student Union Theater — Tickets required — Experience the mesmerizing music of Hans Zimmer performed by a string quartet in a unique candlelit setting.
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Seeds of Hope Speaker Event
6-7 p.m. — Pete Maravich Assembly Center — Free entry — Experience uplifting talks from Ryan Clark and Clyde Edwards-Helaire at this inspirational event.
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SPE North America Student Symposium 2026
Symposium — Feb 26-28 — Louisiana State University — Registration required — Empowering the next generation in oil and gas through networking and learning.
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Dartmouth Big Green vs. LSU Tigers Baseball
6:30–9:30 p.m. — Alex Box Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of LSU baseball at one of the nation's top college venues.
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Morgan James Live Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Tickets from $40 — Experience the powerful voice of Morgan James as she reinterprets classic hits with a feminist twist.
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